Eileen Olszewski; The new WIBA Women's Flyweight World Champion, The Story: By David Pambianchi

Everyone has a right to test their courage and skills, to face an opponent, a challenge, whether in space flight, a game of chess or a sports competition. The need for accomplishment and gratification, a few extra pounds lifted at the gym, a few seconds cut on race time, we all have our little victories that make us feel good about ourselves, and sometimes, we dream big, of that special moment, and hope to make it as grand as possible..

Other times, we simply recognize accomplishments, hard work and dedication in others. As women’s boxing expands its place in the arena, we all get to share the experience and excitement. That “giving it everything you got,” you hear a lot in boxing, and no sex, race, sport or other activity in life has a monopoly on Heart.

The match up: Two personal fitness trainers, albeit two highly proficient professional boxers, Eileen Olszewski and Stefania Bianchini destined to fight for a boxing title.

Setting out two oceans away, Eileen’s journey carries her from Hawaii to New York to Italy, pineapples to hot dogs to espresso.

On the surface, she brings merely 4 undefeated professional bouts.

Yet, consider this:

3 time National Golden Gloves Champion

3 times Daily News, New York Golden Gloves Champion, placing her in the company of boxers like Sugar Ray Robinson, Riddick Bowe and Emile Griffith.

Eileen and Iran Barkley


40 amateur fights with 10 knock outs (including an upset against a 49-0 opponent)

Never knocked down

Eileen fought her recent August match in the Bronx with a severe cold, but kept it from her manager, David Selwyn, for fear of worrying him and canceling that match.

“She fought her heart out that night against a very determined fighter,” he comments.

After just 6 months, David Selwyn’s initiative and perseverance landed Eileen a title bout on Sept. 14, 2007, in Rovigo, Veneto, Italy, bringing to mind Venice, gondolas and Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square).

But business first, Eileen prepares, “Fighting for the WBC Title is a dream come true. They are the most recognized and respected professional sanctioning boxing organization. Stephania is a true champion, strong body and heart, and I look forward to our fight. I want to make an impression on the European fight fans that appreciate women’s boxing.”

Female Fighters Jill Emery (L) and Eileen (R)

Stephania’s straight shot for a title with no amateur background, and her ability to deliver a tough performance against champion, Regina Halmich, demonstrates fortitude and bravery. Now, 16 fights later, 14-2, her experience and honed skills distinguish her as a formidable Title defender. Stephania studied Eileen’s “You-tube” Beacon Theatre fight in May, and noted that Eileen was a skilled boxer, which is beautiful to see and compete against.

Sweet Hawaiian pineapple or Italian gelato, the menu includes two talented boxers that promises up to 10 intense grueling rounds of action, fighting to attain that special moment, and live the dream. Both compete with pride, one, to emerge victorious.

Eileen Olszewski wins the WIBA Women's Flyweight World Champion February 28, 2008 defeating Elena "Baby Doll" Reid in a 10 round decision.

Maskaev vs Peter and Diaz vs Campbell History in Cancun world championship twinbill on March 8 featuring televised live in America on HBOPeter

CANCUN, Mexico—The first world heavyweight championship ever staged in Mexico will take place in Cancun’s Plaza de Torros on Saturday, March 8 when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev makes the second defense of his title against WBC interim heavyweight champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to determine the sole WBC heavyweight champion.

The two had been scheduled to meet in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 6, but a back injury forced Maskaev to pull out of the fight on Sept. 21.

The WBC Board of Governors convened on Sept. 24 and voted Peter its interim heavyweight champion. Peter chose to make a title defense on Oct. 6, winning a unanimous decision over Jameel “Big Time” McCline.

A tremendous co-featured main event will showcase a second world championship when undefeated World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz (33-0, 17 KOs), from Houston, Tex., takes on IBF No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (31-5-1, 25 KOs), from Jacksonville, Fla.

Tickets priced at $1,000, 500, $300, $150, $100, $70, $50 and $10 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets including http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or by calling Ticketmaster in Mexico at +5255 5325 9000.

Both fights will be televised live in America on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. “History in Cancun” is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Duva Boxing and Pepe Gomez Promotions.

Two domestically non-televised matches have been added to the card including former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (42-7-1, 29 KOs), from Chelsea, Mass., squaring off against New York native Jameel “Big Time” McCline (38-8-3, 23 KOs), and former two-time WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo (56-8-1, 48 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico will meet undefeated Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), from Palm Springs, Calif.

Maskaev (34-5, 26 KOs), from Kazakhstan and a U.S. citizen since 2004 with homes in Staten Island, N.Y., and West Sacramento, Calif., is riding a 12-fight winning streak that includes a 12th-round technical knockout over Hasim “The Rock” Rahman to win the WBC heavyweight crown in Las Vegas on Aug. 12, 2006.

The Russian-American won many fans that night with a dramatic and gritty final-round stoppage in a fight that was up for grabs. It has been said it takes heart to win the big ones, and Maskaev proved he had the heart of a champion. He landed a devastating left hook that sent Rahman down midway through the final stanza and shortly thereafter finished him off with an unanswered barrage that caused the referee to step in and halt the action during the last minute of the contest.

Perseverance has been a model for Maskaev in his career. A Russian amateur star who stopped Vitali Klitschko in the first round, Maskaev turned pro in 1993 but was matched too soon with the likes of Oliver “The Atomic Bull” McCall and David Tua.

He ran his record to a respectable 20-2 before stumbling against Kirk Johnson in 2000, Lance “Mount” Whitaker in 2001 and Corey Sanders in 2002. Many thought it was time for Maskaev to throw in the towel, but he took a year off and came back with a new team and vision, and he hasn’t lost a match in over five years.

Maskaev will again face the type of young lion in Peter (29-1, 22 KOs) that has caused him so much trouble in the past. The 26-year-old from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, now living in Las Vegas, is on the precipice of achieving the success many boxing experts and fans have predicted would come for this heavy-handed knockout artist.

Promoter Don King has been telling everyone within earshot that Peter could be the next Tyson (King co-promotes Peter with Duva Boxing), and the Nigerian’s 75-percent knockout percentage backs the claim. His lone loss came by decision in 2005 against Wladimir Klitschko after Peter had knocked him down three times.

Peter has now honed his boxing skills to the extent he beat Old School boxing master James “Lights Out” Toney in back-to-back appearances on Sept. 2, 2006, and Jan. 6, 2007—both on 12-round decisions. Those victories made Peter the WBC No. 1-ranked heavyweight and the mandatory challenger to Maskaev.

Peter survived a scare from McCline, who agreed to face the Nigerian just two weeks prior to their Oct. 6 meeting. McCline has a history of being dangerous early, having knocked out heavyweight contender Michael Grant in just 43 seconds and dropped then International Boxing Federation champion Chris Byrd early in the second round when they met in 2004.

Juan Diaz became the second-youngest fighter to win a world title in the history of the sport in 2004 when, at just age 20, he won the WBA lightweight championship. In the last year, he stopped both Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz to gain the WBO and IBF belts.

A relentless, punishing boxer that burrows forward throwing punches in bunches at all times, Diaz has become one of the most exciting boxers in the sport. When not in the ring, Diaz is a senior at the University of Houston-Downtown who would like to go on to law school someday.

In contrast, Nate Campbell didn’t participate in his first professional fight until he was almost 28 years old. A gifted athlete, Campbell learned the tricks of the trade inside the ring. His efforts have resulted in him being named IBF mandatory challenger to Diaz.

Campbell has unusually long arms, and it will be interesting to see if his reach advantage can help him find a way to do what nobody has been able to do before him: slow down and defeat the ever-charging Baby Bull. A true working man-boxer, this high-profile fight has afforded Campbell the opportunity to have a sequestered training camp in Miami. At age 35, he wants to make the most of his second world-title appearance.

●

Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.

DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Dino Duva, the president of Duva Boxing, has promoted great fighters and great fights during four decades in boxing. Growing up in a renowned boxing family, the Duva name has become synonymous with excellence in the fight game as the “First Family in Boxing.” Working closely with his Hall of Fame father, Lou, and his late, great brother Dan, Duva has been involved in the promotion of over 100 world championship fights including such titlists as Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Arturo Gatti, and Mark Breland. Duva is presently the promoter of Samuel Peter, regarded by many as the top young heavyweight contender in boxing.

LEGENDARY KEN SHAMROCK MAKES ELITEXC DEBUT MARCH 8 ON HISTORIC NIGHT ON SHOWTIME

NEW YORK – On Saturday, March 8, SHOWTIME will present an unprecidented night of unarmed combat action with back-to-back sports telecasts featuring boxing and mixed martial arts. The evening begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT with live world championship boxing followed by an explosive MMA event from global partner EliteXC. Both exciting events will take place in London and air back-to-back on SHOWTIME.

Widely recognized as the leader in premium sports television, SHOWTIME made history on Feb. 10, 2007, when it became the first premium network to televise mixed martial arts (MMA). Now, fans will witness the classic power of boxing followed by the fresh, raw excitement of mixed martial arts—two major events on one special night.

“I have always believed that boxing and MMA are the perfect complement to one another,” said Ken Hershman, the Showtime executive behind MMA’s move to premium television. “We have seen strong crossover appeal to the core demographic for both boxing and MMA. March 8 is the prefect way to build on that success.”

Talk about a one-two punch! At 9 p.m. ET/PT, live from the O2 Arena (delayed on the West Coast), SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present WBO cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli against fellow world champion David Haye (WBA and WBC) in a highly anticipated unification bout between the British compatriots. It’s an important night for the division and, with an expected live crowd of 20,000, a fight fan’s dream match-up of offensive-minded brawling Brits.

In the second-half of the televised twinbill, legendary Ken “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Shamrock returns to the cage to face Britain’s Robert “Buzz” Berry in the main event of EliteXC Presents: Cage Rage 25 at Wembley Arena. The EliteXC telecast will air on a same-day delay immediately following the boxing telecast.
Shamrock, one of the true MMA legends, is looking forward to displaying his skills on SHOWTIME.
“I’m totally committed to getting back into the cage injury free and anxious about fighting in England and on SHOWTIME for the first time,” Shamrock said. “Fight fans in England are a special breed and they are going to be treated to a very special show. Give me a fight or two and I will be ready to fight anybody.”
Shamrock, one of the most popular heavyweights on the planet, has defeated the likes of such MMA greats as Bas Rutten, Maurice Smith, Dan “The Beast” Severn and Kimo.
An exciting night of EliteXC fights will include a featherweight title clash between Jean Silva and Masakazu Imanari, UK heavyweight contender Gary Turner versus Mustapha Alturk and Pierre Guillet against Tom “Kong” Watson in a middleweight match.
In a non-televised fight March 8, Shamrock’s son, Ryan, will take on Giorgio Andrews.
“It is very exciting for both Ryan and me,” the older Shamrock said. “We will be making MMA history by being the first father and son to ever fight on the same card. This is a great opportunity we are getting with EliteXC and SHOWTIME.’’
For more information on this event, EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit our website http://www.SHO.com/Sports.

# # #

About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM


About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Nate Campbell: ‘Juan Diaz Is Not a Demigod’, Nate Campbell's upcoming challenge of undefeated, unified lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz

Nate Campbell's upcoming challenge of undefeated, unified lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz, IBF No. 1-Ranked Lightweight Thinks Juan Diaz Can Be Defeated;
Says He Will Teach Diaz ‘Things He Doesn’t Want to Know’.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—International Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked lightweight and mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell is confident going into his match against undefeated unified lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on March 8 at Plaza de Torros in Cancun, Mexico.

“I don’t want to sound conceited or overconfident but Juan Diaz is not a demigod,” Campbell said. “A demigod is half mortal, half god and I just don’t see that. Unless my team and I have been in this sport too long—or not long enough—we are seeing a lot of hype.”

Campbell (31-5-1, 25 KOs), who is co-promoted by Don King Productions and One Punch Productions, made his comments about Diaz (33-0, 17 KOs) recently while visiting King’s South Florida headquarters.

“Take a good look at who this man has fought and ask yourself, ‘Who has he fought?’ There are lots of fighters out there who throw a lot of punches. I’m going to teach things to Juan that he doesn’t want to know. I can stop this man and I don’t believe he can beat me.”

Campbell thinks he has been underestimated throughout his career, and he looks forward to utilizing a six inch reach advantage over Diaz.

“Nobody thinks I can punch,” he said, “but there’s something about the way I punch that makes guys change their mind when they get in the ring with me. Juan Diaz will ask himself after the first punch I land that makes clean contact, ‘What part of the game is this?’

“Joel Casamayor has fought Jose Luis Castillo, Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and me. When a reporter asked him who hits the hardest, he said, ‘Nate Cambell.’ On top of that, I heard Casamayor predicted that I’m going to win against Diaz.”

Campbell’s fight is part of the History in Cancun event that will include the first world heavyweight championship ever decided in Mexico when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev faces WBC interim champion Sameul “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter. Both Diaz vs. Campell and Maskaev vs.
Peter will be televised live in America on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Duva Boxing, Pepe Gomez Promotions and One Punch Productions.

Tickets priced at $1,000, 500, $300, $150, $100, $70, $50 and $10 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster in Mexico at +5255 5325 9000.

Campbell said his preparation for the fight has been going well while splitting training time in West Palm Beach and Pembroke Pines in South Florida.

“I hate it when fighters say, ‘I’m in the best shape of my life,’” Campbell said. “I’m always in great shape. I will say though that this is the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to focus only on my training and no other outside stuff like relationships or family problems.

“I have stayed away from everything and everyone that could distract me from winning these titles. My promoters Don King and Terry Trekas have taken good care of me. My trainer John David Jackson and his assistant Noel Carbajal and all my gym mates have been great as usual.”

Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.

DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Dino Duva, the president of Duva Boxing, has promoted great fighters and great fights during four decades in boxing. Growing up in a renowned boxing family, the Duva name has become synonymous with excellence in the fight game as the “First Family in Boxing.” Working closely with his Hall of Fame father, Lou, and his late, great brother Dan, Duva has been involved in the promotion of over 100 world championship fights including such titlists as Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Arturo Gatti, and Mark Breland. Duva is presently the promoter of Samuel Peter, regarded by many as the top young heavyweight contender in boxing.

Alan Hopper, Don King Prouctions
EVENT PAGE LINK: http://www.kevincalero.com/donking/event%5F3808/

ROBERT GUERRERO RETAINS IBF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WITH SCINTILLATING EIGHTH-ROUND KO OVER JASON LITZAU, TRAVIS WALKER GETS REVENGE, STOPS T.J. WILSON

LEMOORE, Calif. Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero produced perhaps the finest performance of his career Friday when he successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title with an exciting eighth-round knockout over Jason “The American Boy’’ Litzau in a thrilling one-sided war in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

Robert Guerrero lands a left uppercut en route to knocking out Jason Litzau in the eighth round and retaining his IBF featherweight title Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

Photos: Daisy Rosas/For Showtime





Afterward, a triumphant Guerrero poses with his wife, Casey. This was his second fight since Casey, who is now in remission, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007.


In the co-feature, promising once-beaten Travis “Freight Train” Walker got back on track by registering a second-round knockout over the only boxer to defeat him, T.J. Wilson, in a non-stop action heavyweight fight.

In a thrilling heavyweight brawl for as long as it lasted, Travis Walker registered a second-round knockout over T.J. Wilson in a rematch of a fight Wilson won by controversial first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007 on ShoBox.








The crowd-pleasing doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, took place in front of a sellout crowd at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. It aired live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Fans anxiously awaiting the highly anticipated rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez today/Saturday, March 1, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) got more than an appetizer. They got two marvelous main courses rolled into one.

So what else is new? After all, this is ShoBox and exhilarating, compelling matchups has been the norm since the popular pugilistic series debuted in July 2001.

Southpaw Guerrero (22-1-1, 1 ND, 15 KOs), of nearby Gilroy, Calif., fairly dominated Litzau (23-2, 19 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., before dropping him twice in the eighth round. After the second knockdown, the referee stopped the contest at 2:25.

Making the second defense in his second stint as IBF 126-pound kingpin, Guerrero floored the challenger the first time with two left hands approximately 40 seconds into the session. A three-punch combination ended the evening for Litzau.

“It went how I expected it to go,’’ Guerrero said. “A lot of fans came here and a whole lot more were watching on SHOWTIME to see me put on a good show and I think I did. The support I get is just incredible and I really appreciate the fans that come to see me fight or watch on television.

“I expended a lot of energy at the beginning throwing a lot of power punches. A lot landed, but some missed, too. Between rounds, my corner told me to just go out and relax and box more and let the knockout come and sure enough they were right and it did.

“I’ll fight anybody next. There are a lot of big fights out there. If the winner of Vazquez-Marquez wants to move up, I would fight either of them. I am ready to fight now.’’

Litzau started slowly and seemed reluctant to let his fists go. Once he picked up the pace, however, he landed some solid shots, but rarely in combination. Guerrero also made him miss, at one point avoiding six consecutive punches.

“I have nothing but respect for Guerrero. He is a great champion,’’ said Litzau, who’s three fight-winning streak ended. “He came in and did his job. He got a little dirty at times and got me with some good headbutts, but you will not hear any excuses from me.

“I worked my butt off in the gym and trained hard. I was as ready as I could be, but this was his night. I know I did my part to make this a very entertaining fight, but I’m just 24 and I will be back.’’

In the telecast’s opening bout, Walker (27-1-1, 21 KOs) of Houston, Tex., exacted sweet revenge on Wilson (12-2, eight KOs) of Miami, Fla. Walker won by knockout at 1:50 of the second round.

This was a rematch of a fight Wilson won on a controversial 15-second, first-round KO on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox.

Both boxers came out aggressively and connected with solid shots in a fast-paced opening round. The second frame picked up where the first left off until Wilson ran into a Walker right uppercut. Walker continued to connect with unanswered right and left hands and had Wilson out on his feet when the referee stepped in and waved off the proceedings.

“I have never been motivated for any fight before and this is total vindication and exactly the kind of fight I wanted,’’ Walker said. “I did what I was supposed to do in our first fight. I knew he wasn’t in my league and I couldn’t wait to show the world that.

“He hit me with the same kind of punches this time as he did in our first fight, but this time the referee let it go on. The guy lost a lot of weight and came in shape (at 264, Wilson weighed 18 pounds lighter than he did four months ago), but it didn’t matter.

“Maybe the loss was a good thing. It made me smarter. I do know the real Travis Walker got to show what he was about tonight. I would love to fight any of the top heavyweights.’’

If Wilson has his way, he and Wilson will have a third encounter.

“There’s a rematch clause in my contract, so, yes, we will fight again,’’ Wilson said. “I have no idea why the referee stopped the fight. I could have gone on. I wanted to go on. Walker got his rematch with me. Now he has to give me a rematch with him.’’

Nick Charles called the action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing.

Friday’s stirring bouts will re-air this week as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Saturday, March 1, at 3 a.m. ET/PT SHOTOO

Monday, March 3, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Tuesday, March 4, at Midnight ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Thursday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHOTOO

Four world-class boxers with a combined record of 93-0 will headline a “Special Edition” of ShoBox on Saturday, March 29, (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) in England. In the main event, the World Boxing Council’s (WBC’s) No. 1 and No. 2 super middleweight contenders, respectively, Carl Froch (22-0) and Dennis Inkin (32-0), collide in a 168-pound elimination bout. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger to WBC titleholder Joe Calzaghe. In the co-feature, John Murray (23-0) faces John “Fireball” Fewkes (16-0) in a junior welterweight bout.

The ShoBox telecast will follow an excellent EliteXC Mixed Martial Arts event on SHOWTIME (9 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) that features the legendary Frank Shamrock against Cung Le.

For more information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi and Paul Williams.
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SCHULTZ, NELSON DEFEND BELTS, MC GIVERN WINS IFL TITLE IN LAS VEGAS World Class Fight Center, Team Quest Take Camp Victories

LAS VEGAS– Lightweight Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) and heavyweight Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) defended their respective International Fight League titles and middleweight Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) won his first belt before 3,931 at the IFL event tonight at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Schultz ground out a unanimous decision over John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.) to retain his title, maintaining strong position throughout the match. Most of the bout was contested on the ground, with both fighters escaping potential chokes in the final two rounds. Nelson earned a first-round TKO victory over Fabiano Scherner (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) to defend his heavyweight crown. Nelson took Scherner down midway through the round and used a flurry of right hands to secure the stoppage at 3:20. In what many felt was the best bout of the night, McGivern topped defending champion Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) by unanimous decision in a battle in which both fighters had strong moments. Horwich nearly secured an armbar at the end of the second round, when McGivern was likely saved by the bell. In the closing seconds of the fourth round, McGivern delivered a series of strikes that staggered the former champion, but the champion held on until the bell. In the camp vs. camp matchups which preceded the Championship bouts, World Class Fight Center and Lion’s Den/Team Quest were victorious. Rafael Dias (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) starting things off well for Mario Sperry’s WCFC in its win over Team Tompkins with a victory at 145 lbs. over Santino Defranco (Tempe, Ariz.) by way of rear naked choke submission two minutes into the first round. At 185 lbs., hometown favorite Josh Haynes (Las Vegas) defeated Leopoldo Serao (San Francisco) via unanimous decision to even the camps at one win apiece. WCFC took two out of three bouts when Alexandre Ferreira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) recorded a rear naked choke over Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.), just 0:20 into the first round. Jake Ellenberger (Omaha, Neb.), representing Team Quest, decisioned Pat Healy (St. Louis) to open his camp’s matchup with Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den. Schultz’s win over Gunderson secured the triumph for Team Quest, while Nelson’s win provided the final 2-1 margin. Prior to the team matchups, Ian Loveland (Portland, Ore.) submitted Dennis Davis (Las Vegas) via guillotine choke in the second round of their featherweight contest. IFL Las VegasFriday, February 29, 2008 Preliminary Bout145 lbs.: Ian Loveland (Portland, Ore.) def. Dennis Davis (Las Vegas) via submission (guillotine), 2nd, 0:58 Team Tompkins vs. World Class Fight Center (Mario Sperry)145 lbs.: Rafael Dias (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), WCFC, def. Santino Defranco (Tempe, Ariz.) via submission (rear naked choke), 1st, 2:03185 lbs.: Josh Haynes (Las Vegas), Team Tompkins, def. Leopoldo Serao (San Francisco) via decision (unanimous) after three rounds205 lbs.: Alexandre Ferreira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), WCFC, def. Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.) via submission (standing guillotine choke), 1st, 0:20 Team Quest (Matt Lindland) vs. Lion’s Den (Ken Shamrock)170 lbs.: Jake Ellenberger (Omaha, Neb.), Team Quest, def. Pat Healy (St. Louis) via decision (unanimous), after three rounds *155 lbs.: **Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.), Team Quest, def. John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.) via decision (unanimous), after five rounds*265 lbs.: **Roy Nelson (Las Vegas), Lion’s Den def. Fabiano Scherner (Portland, Ore.) via TKO (strikes) 1st, 3:20, Championship Bout*185 lbs.: Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) def. **Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) via decision (unanimous), after five rounds *Championship Bout**Defending Champion About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Too Smooth” Godfrey heads to Germany for March 8th WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj

“PROVIDENCE – Undefeated WBC No. 1 cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs) broke his Hartford-based training camp on Tuesday and departed for Germany to acclimate himself for his March 8 WBC title elimination showdown against unbeaten No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) in Krefeld.

“I’ve been training for this fight since Christmas,” the 27-year-old NABF champion Godfrey explained, “but I really started training camp around the first week of September for a fight (versus Jeremy Williams) that fell out right before Thanksgiving. So, I’m ready for this fight, and I want to go in and let everybody see what all of this hard work and training has done for me. People are going to see the Matt Godfrey who was so explosive against (Shaun) George and (Felix) Cora (Jr), in addition to seeing some different stuff that comes from new conditioning training that allows me to do a lot more in the ring. Click on the results of March 8 and see Godfrey as the decisive victor.”

The winner of Godfrey-Kraj not only will become the WBC’s mandatory challenger, it also has additional implications because WBC/WBA title-holder David Haye fights WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli on March 8 in London. A Haye victory reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or interim title-holder.

“We had the DVD player going every day and we’ve noticed some different things about Kraj that we’ve worked on,” Godfrey spoke about his 2000 Olympic silver medal winning opponent, Kraj. “He’s a solid opponent with good strength and size. He’s the real deal and it’s going to be a great fight.

“I’m not concerned about fighting him in Germany. We’re going over there early to get acclimated to the weather and time. We’ll have ample time to adjust. The winner could be the new world champion or interim title holder. The worst that can happen is the winner is the mandatory contender, and that’s why I’m looking at this as a world title fight, whether it is or isn’t.”

Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).

CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
Photo Courtesy of Ed Rosa

Howard Schatz photographs the Klitschko fight from ringside for Sports Illustrated

Howard Schatz photographed the Klitschko fight from ringside for Sports Illustrated at MSG last weekend. SI published a double-paged spread as well as an image for their feature. This is an extraordinary amount of national coverage and a unique win for boxing.
(Photo Courtesy Of: Howard Schatz and Claire Skowronek)
Claire Skowronek, Producer
Schatz/Ornstein Studio
claire@howardschatz.com
Our newly launched website:
http://www.howardschatz.com/
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Gotham Boxing and Bash Boxing promotion presented “The Russians Are Coming” at Roseland Ballroom, Thursday February 28, here are the results

Gotham Boxing and Bash Boxing promotion presented “The Russians Are Coming”, at the Roseland Ballroom, Thursday February 28, here are the results.


Headliner IBF junior bantamweight world champion Dimitri Kirilov improves to(30-3, 9 KO's) in his first title defense against Cecilio "Boga" Santos, who drops (22-9-2, 12KO's) in the main event.

Dimitri Kirilov and Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita


Returning to the ring of ever popular Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita remains undefeated (28-0-1, 15 KO's), in the co-feature, stopping Fabian "El Lobo" Luque who drops to (21-7-5, 12 KO's) of Mexico.


New York State champ and Undefeated Bronx and Puerto Rican star Jorge "The Truth" Teron improves to (20-0-1, 11 KO's) stopping Sandro Marcos, who drops to (27-17-2, 23 KO's) of Mazatlan, Mexico winning the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship.

Team Teron Mark Breland and Steve.






WIBA Women's Flyweight World Champion Elena "Baby Doll" Reid dropped to (19-4-5, 5 KO's) the three time Golden Gloves champion, puts her belt on the line against Eileen "Hawaiian Mongoose" Olszewski, who improves to (5-0-1).



Flag-waving patriots saluted U.S. Marine Jon Schneider when the Yonkers, NY native faced, Boston's Tyrone Smith (5-5-2, 2 KO's) in a six round Heavyweight attraction, which ended in a draw.
Jon Schneider


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