Trinidad-Jones Featured Pay-Per-View Matches Destined to Produce Slugfests

Trinidad-Jones Featured Pay-Per-View Matches Destined to Produce Slugfests


NEW YORK—Two of the greatest boxers in history, Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Roy Jones Jr., will face each other in a battle boxing fans have been waiting for years to see at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. The event has been dubbed “Bring on the Titans” and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

But before Trinidad and Jones square off, there will also be three bouts featured at the Garden and live on the pay-per-view telecast including heavyweight Andrew Golota taking on the emerging Chicago heavyweight “Merciless” Mike Mollo; former 154-pound champion Roman “Made in Hell” Karmazin squaring of with Alex “The Technician” Bunema; and undefeated super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great”—Don King’s top young prospect—will face his toughest opponent yet in former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley.


In a match where two titles will be on the line, Golota (40-6-1, 33 KOs) of Chicago by way of Warsaw, Poland, the current International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American champion will face the young and hungry World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin titlist Mollo (19-1, 12 KOs) in a Chicagoland showdown.

Preceding Golota-Mollo, Karmazin (36-2-1, 23 KOs), from St. Petersburg, Russia, now living in Los Angeles, will defend his WBA Intercontinental super welterweight title against Bunema (26-9-2, 14 KOs), from Kinshasa, Zaire, now living in Atlanta.

The opening of the telecast will showcase the 20-year-old phenom Alexander (13-0, 9 KOs), from St. Louis, Mo., taking on Washington, D.C., veteran and former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 140-pound titlist Corley, who has stepped into the ring with the likes of “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather, Zab “Super” Judah, Miguel Cotto, Junior Witter and Jose Alfaro.

Golota, the greatest Polish heavyweight ever and one of the best heavyweights to have never won a world title, has won his last two contests via technical knockout and continues on his quest to win an elusive world crown. His most memorable fights came against some of the best heavyweights of his era including former world champions Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Chris Byrd and John Ruiz.

His last ring appearance was against Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride at the Garden on Oct. 6, 2007. Golota can often be a slow starter, so McBride took a page out of Lamon Brewster’s and Tyson’s scouting report on the Pole and rocked him early in the match.

Golota used his veteran skills to weather the storm and maintain his composure, buying time to establish a rhythm in what turned to be a highly entertaining brawl that saw the Garden crowd on its feet during much of the contest.

Golota opened a nasty gash over McBride’s left eye in round five and finished him off with just 18 seconds to go in the sixth when referee Arthur Mercante Jr. halted the contest.

Mollo, 27, is still building his reputation as a legitimate heavyweight contender. A win over Golota would help catapult him into the upper echelons of heavyweight contenders seeking a world-title shot.

Mollo needed only two rounds to knock out Art “The Polish Warrior” Binkowski in his last outing on Oct. 13, 2007, in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Mollo turned in a dominating performance, battering the former Canadian Olympian from pillar to post. He dropped Binkowski three times in the second round before the referee stopped the carnage.

When asked how he felt after the fight, Mollo exclaimed, “Unbelievable, super-aggressive like a pit bull. Now I want Golota.”

Look for the young Mollo to come out swinging early, and the proverbial chips—or possibly the fighters in this case—will fall where they may.

Karmazin is coming off a sterling third-round knockout over former two-time 154-pound world champion Alejandro “Terra” Garcia on Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Karmazin, 35, proved why he has always been considered one of the best junior middleweights in the world in an absolute destruction of Garcia where the Russian looked fantastic.

He lived up to his Made in Hell moniker when he dropped Garcia with a devastating body shot in the opening round. The assault continued until Karmazin disposed of the Mexican with a four-punch combination punctuated by a stinging left hook to the body in the third round that earned him a knockout.

“I knew the fight was going to end early after the first round,” Karmazin said. “I’m a boxer, I’m a thinking fighter, and I knew I was faster and punched harder.”

Bunema is also coming into this fight with plenty of momentum. In his last appearance, the 32-year-old dispatched veteran Steve Walker with a second round TKO on Nov. 10, 2007, in Ridgefield, Wash.

The Zaire native managed another nifty victory nearly two months earlier. Bunema delivered a fourth-round knockout against the young and tough Farid Shahid on Sept. 21, 2007, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alexander is scorching hot, having scored an opening-round TKO over Cory Peterson on Oct. 13, 2007, at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Fighting out of the Cory Spinks camp under the tutelage of trainer Kevin Cunningham, his promoter Don King thinks it’s time to show Alexander’s skills to a wider audience.

“I insisted on putting Alexander The Great on the Jones-Trinidad pay-per-view because he is emerging and ready to become the top welterweight in the world,” King said. “Now is Devon’s time and I want everyone to see this young talent display his skills.”

Standing in the way of Alexander’s quest for glory is the always dangerous Corley. Now 33, Corley has a vast experience advantage over his young opponent and would like nothing more than to spoil Alexander’s first appearance in a televised pay-per-view match.

The Trinidad vs. Jones domestic pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is being produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View, available in more than 61 million pay-per-view homes.

This domestic telecast will be available in HDTV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your Trinidad vs. Jones fight week updates, log on to http://www.hbo.com/.

The event will be distributed internationally by KingVision, available through DK International Sales, a division of Don King Productions, Inc.

The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Madison Square Garden.

JERMAIN TAYLOR KICKS OFF NEW YEAR WITH TRAINING CAMP IN LAS VEGAS FOR REMATCH

JERMAIN TAYLOR KICKS OFF NEW YEAR WITH TRAINING CAMP IN LAS VEGAS FOR REMATCH AGAINST
KELLY PAVLIK THE EPIC BATTLE CONTINUES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH AT MGM GRAND / LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW


LAS VEGAS– During every New Years celebration, the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new,” as well as “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Neither could be more true concerning the mindset of Jermain Taylor as he starts the New Year with training camp in Las Vegas for his rematch with Kelly Pavlik, billed as "The Epic Battle Continues."

"Actually training camp started in December in Little Rock, but officially it started with the New Year in Las Vegas. Ozell Nelson put me through a mini-training camp prior to coming to Las Vegas and we have gone back to the basics working on better conditioning and technique", said Taylor.

Much has changed for Taylor over the last 12 months- a new daughter, personnel changes within his camp. Out is trainer Emanuel Steward who is being replaced with "new" head trainer and his original coach Ozell Nelson who has been with Jermain since he was 13 years old. “Nothing against Emanuel, he's a Hall of Fame trainer and a friend of mine, but what was clicking in training, wasn't clicking in the ring come fight time. Sometimes chemistry works that way", said Taylor.


The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc. The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.


“No excuses, Kelly beat me fair and square last time, but I know what I have to do this time around, and I promise you things will be different", said Taylor. Admittedly, a win at super Middleweight will not regain Taylor his belts. “But it will gain me revenge,” quips Taylor. “Any fighter will tell you that they can't look past their upcoming opponent, this case is no different. I will definitely campaign as a Super Middleweight from here on, but I can't even think about that until I get Pavlik out of the way. I'm expecting a lot of fireworks in the rematch, just like the first fight between us."

Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith's Food
and Drug Centers, Macy's West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at
702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at http://www.mgmgrand.com/ or http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Last Two Chances to See “Magic Man” Documentary before Malignaggi/Ngoudjo Fight Saturday Night on SHOWTIME

***Documentary depicts life of DBE Junior Welterweight Champion***
NEW YORK, – Film fans and fight fans only have two more opportunities to see “Magic Man” before the subject of the film defends his title Saturday night. The film’s last two showings will be on Thursday January 3 at 10:00PM ET SHOWTIME 2® and on Friday January 4 at 11:40PM ET on SHO Extreme®.
The documentary film chronicles the ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi, a scrawny kid from a broken home who, in quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing one big upset away from proving everyone wrong. It’s a story of disappointment, determination, of stamina and salvation.(Photo courtesy of Eddie Goldman)

The film produced by Lou DiBella and Brave St. Productions, traces Malignaggi’s difficult upbringing as the child of Italian immigrants struggling to find his path in life in America.
The story follows his start in amateur boxing from his time at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his first world championship bout against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and the ecstasy of winning his first title one year later.
The film provides an original and poignant illustration of the literal blood, sweat and tears in the life of a boxer.
“Magic Man” first premiered at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New Jersey, where a rough cut of the film won the 2007 Audience Award. The documentary will give fans a good lead up to Malignaggi’s next title fight, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
REMAINING SCHEDULE FOR “MAGIC MAN” ON SHOWTIME
SHO 2 January 3 10:00PM

SHO Extreme January 4 11:40PM

Contact: Mike Moriarty, DiBella Entertainment

Shaun George Wants Adrian Diaconu Showdow

Shaun George Wants Adrian Diaconu Showdow

Light-Heavyweight contender Shaun George wants what every self-respecting pugilist craves: The most challenging assignments available. With Chad Dawson preoccupied with Glen Johnson, Adrian Diaconu has no engagements booked in the meantime. Shaun George says, "Why not give the people something to remember?"
George, 16-2-2 (7 KO), wants to fight Diaconu to show who the best young light-heavyweight fighter is. "He has nothing coming up, so let's make it happen. He doesn't dodge anyone and neither do I. I believe I am the best young light heavyweight and I want to show it to the world. I know I can beat him."

The Brooklyn-native, who is promoted by Hall of Fame Promotions, is coming off of a dominant decision victory over late-replacement Thomas Reid. Reid stepped in when Eric Harding pulled out a week before the fight, disappointing the peaking George. "It was a fight that I didn't want. It was a big letdown after Eric Harding pulled out, but I did what I had to do to get the job done." George won every round, but was denied the opportunity to show the fans what he was really about.

Diaconu, an undefeated, fan-friendly banger from Canada, hasn't made a big splash in America despite his number one ranking by the WBC. "Nobody knows who he is. Why sit around and wait to fight Chad Dawson? That could be in 2009. If you really believe you are the best, then you should test yourself."

A Diaconu-George fight is the kind of style clash that would answer all of the questions of these two young warriors in a definitive manner. Shaun George wants to satisfy all of those inquiries. "Let's fight, let's make it happen. We're both in the hurt business. This fight is made for TV. This style match up is beautiful for boxing."

George believes that top ten-ranked fighters ducking dangerous challenges while waiting for title shots is ruining boxing. "(Undefeated contender) Chris Henry's manager said, 'We don't want to fight anyone like Shaun, we want to take easy fights and wait for our title shot.' That is the kind of mindset that deprives the fans of what makes boxing special. The best need to fight the best, end of story."

ANY PRESS OR INTERVIEW INQUIRIES (Photo courtesy of Knockout Publicity)
CONTACT KNOCKOUT PUBLICITY
knockoutpublicity@yahoo.com

Women’s World Title Fight Headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” Pro-Am Boxing Show

Women’s World Title Fight Headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” Pro-Am Boxing Show Jan. 26 at Mansfield SportsPlex

MANSFIELD, Mass.- A female world title match featuring two-time champion Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino headlines “The Ultimate Showdown II” pro-am boxing show, presented by Peter Manfredo, Sr., in association with Bash For Cash, at the Mansfield SportsPlex in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Fiorentino (16-1, 6 KOs), reigning NABF super featherweight title-holder, takes on rugged Ela “Bam Bam” Nunez (5-2, 1 KO) in the 10-round main event for the vacant IWBF super featherweight title. Fiorentino, a graduate of Roger Williams College in law enforcement, is a Rhode Island Sheriff. The non-stop action fighter from Cranston (RI) is a former IWBF champion in two divisions, lightweight and featherweight. Puerto Rico-native Nunez, fighting out of Jamestown (NY), is a single mother of four who works fulltime to support her family.

Three of New England’s brightest pro prospects are also on the card: New Hampshire cruiserweight Rich Gingras, Whitman (MA) super middleweight Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs), and Worcester (MA) middleweight Edwin Rodriguez making his pro debut.

“We’re going to have real fights on this card, competitive matches that will more than just satisfy the paying public,” promoter Peter Manfredo, Sr. said. “We’re into putting on the best fights possible, not building up fighters against weak opponents. We’re not interested in signing fighters or getting fighters into position to fight for belts. Our goal is to have fans asking when our next show is going to be as they leave the Mansfield SportsPlex on January 26.

“It’s going to be great for Mansfield to host a world championship fight. Missy Fiorentino is one of New England’s most exciting fighters – male or female – because of the way she attacks her opponent. Nothing can stop her from coming forward. She’s going to get hit and probably will get cut and bruised, but nobody’s going to stop her. She always gives fans what they want – real fights! Her opponent, Ela Nunez, is tough, too. It’s going to be an all out brawl. We also have some of the top New England prospects in action – Gingras, DeLuca and Rodriguez – and six entertaining amateur matches.”

Gingras (7-0, 4 KOs), of Claremont (NH), was the 2006 Ringside World heavyweight championship before turning professional a year ago. DeLuca (3-0, 2 KOs) was a much-decorated amateur, including top honors in the 2004 National Silver Gloves Championship as part of his pugilistic portfolio.

The 22-year old Rodriguez, born in the Dominican Republic, is making his much-anticipated pro debut after winning 89 of 93 amateur matches, highlighted by gold-medal performances in the 2006 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2005 United States Championship.

Seven amateur matches also are on tap, featuring a battle between Foxboro police officer David Fascaldo vs. Mass. Department of Corrections officer Eric Flaherty. Three other Master boxers in action include “Easy” Ed Nelson, of Brockton; Retired U.S. Navy Seals Captain Tony “The Tiger” O’Brien, of Brockton; Foxboro police officer Frank Acevedo. Other amateurs on the card are Pawtucket 20-year-old heavyweight Maurice Cole, as well as 15-year-olds James Perella, of Mansfield, and Toka Kahn, of Pawtucket.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project assisting U.S. armed forces men and women severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places around the world.

Tickets priced at $25.00 (general admission), $50.00 (open seating), $75.00 (ringside) and $175.00 (pre and post fight private parties including an open bar and food). Call 401.723.1359, 508.509.3236 or go to www.bashforcashllc.com to purchase tickets or for additional information.

-PM-

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press

Lou DelValle, Elvir Muriqi returns and Female fighter Ronica Jeffrey's pro-debut as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off Punchin' at the Paradise"

Bronx, NY; The fists will be flying once again in New York as Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing kicks off the New Year with a bang with the 8th installment of the phenomenal boxing series "Punchin' at the Paradise" on Thursday, January 31st 7:30pm at the Utopia Paradise Theatre in the Bronx, NY. Star Boxing has made a commitment to provide a high level of entertainment and excitement whenever they bring fights to the Paradise Theatre, and this year promises to be no exception.

Those in attendance on the 31st will be treated to a classic New York intra- borough rivalry when Bronx's former World Champion Lou "Honey Boy" DelValle (35- 5-1, 22KO's) squares off against fellow Bronx resident Newton "The Butcher" Kidd (6-6-1, 4KO's) in a 10-round co-featured main event. DelValle, the former light heavyweight champion of the world is credited with being the first fighter to knock down the legendary Roy Jones Jr, and like Roy Jones, is promising that he will regain his title in 2008 . His opponent, Newton Kidd is a 2-time Golden Gloves champion who brings it every time he steps in the ring stopping most of his victims in fewer than four rounds.

"The Kosovo Kid" Elvir Muriqi (34-4, 21 KO's) returns fresh off his inspiring performance with light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver, in a co-featured10-round bout that is certain to excite his enthusiastic fans.

"The Kosovo Kid" Elvir Muriqi attends Antonio Tarvers last fight at Foxwoods.

(Hear more from Elvir Muriqi at Antonio Tarver's last fight by going to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience TV-video at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1)

Also scheduled to let their leather fly is Puerto Rican light welterweight Joel Torres (8-0, 5KO's), making their pro-debuts are featherweights Ronica Jeffrey and Eddie Irizarry.

Ronica Jeffrey attends stablemate, Keisher "Fire" McLeod-Wells wedding at Gleasons Gym.


Returning to the Paradise Theater for a fourth time is fan favorite cruiserweight Jon "The Fighting Marine" Schneider (6-1, 4KO's).

Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing extends an invitation to its valued loyal fans to purchase exclusive VIP tables for what promises to be a night of electrifying fights. The VIP tables are the always the talk of the night; and provide complimentary food and beverages.

Consistent with Star Boxing's commitment to providing our loyal fans with the best seats in the house, we have reserved the best seats in every price category ($100, $50 and $30) for our mailing list members. Star Boxing is holding these prime seats exclusively for our mailing list members until December 28, 2007 before we release them to the general public. Do not wait to reserve your seats!!!!

Tickets are at the fan friendly price of $100, $50 and $30, and can be purchased at Utopia's Paradise Theater box office (718) 220-6143, 6143, all Ticketmaster outlets ticketmaster.com, and by calling Star Boxing 718- 823-2000 or visiting our web site www.starboxing.com.

Star Boxing

About Star Boxing
Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing's stable features world- class athletes and has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.

To Read More About Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing Visit: http://www.starboxing.com

NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy,

NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy, Trace Adkins, Leo Khorolinsky, IFL Grand Prix
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2007-12-31T06_14_38-08_00
On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman reviews the Dec. 29 IFL Grand Prix Finals, which was held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
We spoke with five of the IFL individual champions about their victorious fights and what their plans are: lightweight (155 lbs.) champion Ryan Schultz, featherweight (145 lbs.) champion Wagnney Fabiano, welterweight (170 lbs.) champion Jay Hieron, middleweight (185 lbs.) champion Matt Horwich, and light heavyweight (205 lbs.) champion Vladimir Matyushenko (http://vladthejanitor.com/). We also spoke with middleweight Tim Kennedy (http://rangerup.com/timkennedy.html), who was victorious on this card.
At this event, we once again spoke with "The Natural," Randy Couture (http://thenatural.tv/), the now-former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion who recently resigned from that promotion. Randy told us which former wrestling champion has said that he would like to compete against him in a grappling match. He also updated us on what his other plans were and the latest in his dispute with the UFC promoters.
We spoke with mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock (http://kenshamrock.com/) at this event. He discussed his plans for next year as a coach in the IFL, commented on the historical role of the original Lion’s Den in MMA, told us about his coaching a victorious MMA team in Manila, revealed whom he may fight next in MMA, and explained the need for non-exclusive contracts and a fighters' union in MMA.
We also spoke with Guy Mezger, president and matchmaker for the HDNet Fights promotion (http://hdnetfights.com/). HDNet telecast the IFL Grand Prix live in the U.S. on their television network. We discussed with Guy when and where the next HDNet Fights show is likely to take place, who might fight on it, how HDNet Fights is working with other promotions as partners, how HDNet Fights has become the primary sporting event on HDNet, and how HDNet Fights differs from the UFC.
In addition, we spoke with country music star Trace Adkins (http://www.traceadkins.com/), who attended this event. And we spoke with Leo Khorolinsky, the manager of former UFC heavyweight champion and current top contender Andrei Arlovski (http://arlovski.tv/) about what is next for his fighter.
To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.
You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).
Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes at http://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 Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).
Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com/ and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com/.
NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Art of War (http://www.artofwarlive.com/), the undisputed arena fighting championship, promoted by SUN Sports and Entertainment, producing world class mixed martial arts events. For more information, check out their web site, ArtOfWarLive.com (http://www.artofwarlive.com/).
IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their 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, at http://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. Gladiator Magazine 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 blog http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!

“Magic Man” Starring Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi to Air Exclusively on SHOWTIME Dec. 30 – Jan. 4

***Documentary depicts life of DBE Junior Welterweight Champion***

NEW YORK, – DiBella Entertainment and Brave St. Productions are proud to announce the television premiere of “Magic Man” as it will air exclusively on SHOWTIME, Dec. 30 – Jan. 4. The documentary film chronicles the ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi, a scrawny kid from a broken home who, in quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing (where is this) one big upset away from proving everyone wrong. It’s a story of disappointment, determination, of stamina and salvation.

The film produced by Lou DiBella and Brave St. Productions, traces Malignaggi’s difficult upbringing as the child of Italian immigrants struggling to find his path in life in America. The story follows his start in amateur boxing from his time at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his first world championship bout against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and the ecstasy of winning his first title one year later. The film provides an original and poignant illustration of the literal blood, sweat and tears in the life of a boxer.

“Magic Man” first premiered at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New Jersey, where a rough cut of the film won the 2007 Audience Award. The film will be televised for the first time when it airs at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 30 on SHOWTIME 2®. The documentary will continue to air leading up to Malignaggi’s next title fight, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Paulie Malignaggi


“I am very happy SHOWTIME will be airing ‘Magic Man’ as it will allow fight and movie fans to see the type or person Paulie is both inside and outside the ring,” said Lou DiBella. “The multiple airings throughout the first week of the year will be the perfect lead-in for Paulie’s title defense on Saturday night, January 5.”

Lou DiBella


Russell Best, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions adds, “I’m so proud that Showtime thought enough of our freshman feature doc to air it and allow everyone everywhere to be able to see this fascinating person, this beautiful and poignant "real life Rocky" story unfold.” “Anyone who watches Magic Man will have a new perspective on Paulie and realize the sheer and brutal tenacity that it took for him to overcome major life obstacles and fulfill his dreams of becoming a champion,” said Tammy Leech, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions.

Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) will defend his title against Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City on January 5. The fight is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel. Tickets priced at $250 and $125 are now on sale and can be purchased at the Bally’s Box Office, by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

SCHEDULE FOR “MAGIC MAN” ON SHOWTIME
SHO 2 December 30 8:15 PM
SHO Extreme December 31 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 1 10:00PM
SHO 2 January 2 11:00PM
SHO 2 January 3 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 4 11:40PM

Paulie Malignaggi and fellow fighters Curtis Jackson and Jamie Kang


Paulie talks to the press.


Contact: Mike Moriarty, DiBella Entertainment

Roy Jones Jr. attends New York Knicks Practice at Madison Square Garden Training Center

TARRYTOWN, N.Y.— Eight-time boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr. planned to visit with New York Knicks players after they finished practice at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, N.Y., today but was surprised when Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas waved him over to take part in a full-court, three-man weave drill with the team.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks,” Jones, who once played in the professional United States Basketball League, said. “I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.”

Thomas joked that his players may have avoided contact with Jones.

“The shot was a little suspect but nobody got close enough to him,” Thomas said. “I don’t think anybody wanted to challenge him for fear that he may punch him.”

Knicks guard and fan-favorite Nate Robinson was chided by fellow players when Jones donned a Knicks practice jersey sporting Robinson’s number. They further antagonized their teammate by suggesting that gloves Jones was planning to autograph were really there for sparring between Jones and Robinson.

Jones assured him it was only a message to his Jan. 19 opponent at Madison Square Garden, Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Jones reiterated his oft-repeated slogan, “Tito must go in fo’. That’s why I’ve got the number four on my jersey.”



Robinson declared, “There’s no way I’m stepping into the ring with that man. He can wear whatever number he wants.”

After practice Robinson commented on what it meant to him to have Jones at the Knicks practice.

“Roy Jones is a boxing great and it was fun to have him practice with us. That shows a lot of love on his part to join us today. It provided us with some inspiration. He didn’t have to come out here with us but that just goes to show what kind of guy he is.”

Robinson quipped, “He may be one of the smaller guys out here today, but I’ll bet he could beat up all of us.”

Jones was gratified to have the opportunity to play with the team.

“It was inspiring for me too,” Jones said. “I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Full Quotes and Camp Notes from Roy Jones Jr.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks. I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.

“It was inspiring for me too. I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Jones was told by a friend about a training facility near Pittsburgh, in California, Penn. He has been training there since the beginning of December with longtime trainer Alton Merkerson. His six-day-a-week training schedule often starts with a three-to-five mile run around 6 a.m.,“depending on how I feel each day,” followed by breakfast usually consisting of only fruit. After a nap, Jones is up at noon followed by a three-hour gym workout around 4 p.m.

“It’s working out really well at the training camp. I need to be focused for this fight and this camp out in the country is a good place to be focused.

“The rooster is back in Roy Jones. I used to strut and entertain people. Somehow I lost that for a time. I started to focus more on my opponents than on simply going out and entertaining my fans. Now I’m back to doing what I do best.

“Tito and his people think it’s going to hurt me to have to go all the way down to 170 pounds—and it is a smart move on their part—but it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. I’ve had more than enough time to get down to weight so I’m not going to have to kill myself getting there.

“The big question is can Tito bring his punch and take my punches at 170 pounds. Tito must go in fo’. That’s what everybody’s waiting to see on January 19.”