NeuLion Packs a Punch with the IFL‏

Plainview, NY & New York – IPTV service provider NeuLion and the International Fight League (IFL) announce today a new partnership to deliver The IFL Network to fans worldwide. The International Fight League is one of the world’s premier Mixed Martial Arts fighting organizations, currently in its second year of operation. The new IFL Network brings fans closer to the action and is the next best thing to being ringside. The IFL Network is free to viewers and has already attracted many top advertisers. Through its iPTV service, NeuLion will also provide the IFL with complete billing services to support pay-per-view, registration, and future subscriptions. The IFL will be able to offer live events and video on demand showing the preparation fighters endure before going inside the ring. This announcement follows the successful launch of NeuLion iPTV networks for the National Hockey League, New York Knicks, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Toronto Maple Leafs regional sports network, New York Dragons, Cuban Baseball and others. “NeuLion Sport Networks continue to grow. We are excited to have the IFL as a new network and partner. It gives fans the opportunity to watch the best IFL content as never seen before. Consumers prefer to have a choice in watching sports on either the TV or the PC and that is something we specialize in, since our platform can deliver to either device,” said Chris Wagner, executive vice president and co-founder of NeuLion. “We have had some of our greatest success, both internationally and domestically, on the television and digital platforms, and partnering with an industry trailblazer such as NeuLion gives us another piece to the new media puzzle that others don’t have,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “The future of MMA lies in growing the sport and telling the stories of our young and dynamic athletes and coaches, and this will be a great stage to further reach that goal.” The IFL Network is now live and can be accessed by visiting http://www.ifl.tv/Video.html. Viewers can watch high quality video right from their web browser and have the option of sharing videos through NeuLion’s syndication features. Other social networking IFL opportunities for online chat, text messaging, and Fantasy Fighters will be added to the service in the future. Leveraging NeuLion’s iPTV platform to broadcast content, the IFL Network is user friendly and can be accessed anywhere, anytime. The IFL Network features elements such as: What’s New, Behind the Ropes, Live Events, IFL on TV, Championship bouts and much more. The IFL is currently televised in the United States on Fox Sports Net and HDNet and in over 70 countries worldwide. This exciting video player caters to the growing fan base and gives consumers one central place to access all things IFL and watch the latest content not available anywhere else. To access the IFL Network please visit http://www.ifl.tv/Video.html and a complete media kit can be found at http://www.neulion.com/IFL. Log-on, put on your gloves and step inside the ring today. About NeuLion:NeuLion is an IPTV service provider that builds broadcasting networks operating over the Internet. By using the public Internet, content can reach viewers anywhere in the world. NeuLion customers are interested in reaching specific markets with a broadcast television and video streaming service or are broadband providers looking for new applications. NeuLion offers an end-to-end service that delivers content directly to the TV, PC or a variety of other consumer devices. Programming carried by NeuLion includes sports, religious networks, broadcast television from international providers and others. The technology used by NeuLion allows streaming video to be delivered at lower bandwidths than cable and satellite television signals without sacrificing picture quality. NeuLion’s service also allows Customers to have their own network. To learn more visit www.neulion.com 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. "But you know he’ll always keep movin’You know he’s never gonna stop movin’Cause he’s rollin’, he’s the rollin’ stone.And when you wake up it’s a new morning The sun is shining, it’s a new morningBut you’re going, you’re going home."- Gerry Rafferty, 'Baker Street' www.ifl.tv * Catch the IFL on FSN Saturdays at midnight and LIVE on HDNet on May 16

Ivan Popoca will return to the ring at THE ODEUM RUMBLE, a seven bout action packed card of world class professional boxing set for Friday, April 11th

Popoca, a native of Guerrero, Mexico, will be featured in a five round bout against fellow undefeated prospect Trenton Titsworth, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Tickets for THE ODEUM RUMBLE may be purchased in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions box office at 312-226-5800. Doors will open on the night of the fight at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

The stay busy Popoca, 5-0-1 (5KO’s), who has fast become a Chicago crowd favorite with his all action fighting style, will be making his third appearance in 2008. In his last bout Popoca scored a stunning fifth round knockout of Guadalupe Diaz on February 15th at Cicero Stadium. This followed his devastating second round knockout of Richard Baldo on January 25th also at Cicero Stadium.

Titsworth, 2-0-1 (2KO’s) is coming off a four round decision against James Ventry on February 29th in Lemoore, California. The 24 year old Omaha native made his pro debut by knocking out Sean Wilson on November 3, 2007.

Speaking following a recent workout at JABB Boxing Gym in Chicago, the 26 year old Popoca said, “I’ve been in the gym training since shortly after my last fight in February. This is my year to make a move and I need to stay in solid shape at all times. I want to fight as often as possible.”

About fighting in Chicago, Ivan said, “The fans here are terrific and I’m very happy that they have come out to support me. I’m looking to put on a great performance next Friday night.”

Said Pesoli, “Ivan’s getting better with each fight. He’s been working diligently in his training and that’s paid off in his results. Titsworth is a tough undefeated kid that I’m sure will take the fight right to Ivan.” Popoca is a frequent training partner of WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz.

The seven bout event is headlined by a terrific junior middleweight clash between Chicago based veterans Luciano Perez and Carlos Molina. The cross-town showdown between the Mexican natives is scheduled for eight rounds.

The complete bout card for THE ODEUM RUMBLE is

Luciano Perez vs. Carlos Molina, eight rounds, junior middleweights

Yusaf Mack vs. Oscar Leon, eight rounds, light heavyweights

David Torres vs. Ernesto Zamora, eight rounds, lightweights

Andrzej Fonfara vs. Manny Castillo, six rounds, middleweights

Ivan Popoca vs. Trenton Titsworth, five rounds, welterweights

Terry Martin vs. Ricardo Upchurch, four rounds, cruiserweights,

Ikem Orji vs. Juan Gonzalez, four rounds, lightweights

Along with 8 Count Productions, THE ODEUM RUMBLE is presented by Miller Lite, TCF Bank and AeroMexico, the premier travel source in Mexico.

The Master of Ceremonies for THE ODEUM RUMBLE will be ring announcer Thomas Treiber.

The Odeum Sports and Expo Center is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Chicago at 1033 N. Villa Avenue in Villa Park and is easily accessible from the Eisenhower expressway in addition to toll roads 355 and 294. Specific directions and further information can be found on their website at www.odeumexpo.com

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998
Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions

www.8countproductions.com

Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Bazan predicts McCloskey’s downfall

Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Bazan predicts McCloskey’s downfall



Former World Champion Cesar Bazan arrived in Letterkenny this week promising to wreck Paul McCloskey’s unbeaten record. The two men meet in the top of the bill on this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Letterkenny Leisure Complex and Bazan is brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.

The Mexican arrived in Letterkenny on Sunday to acclimatise after a gruelling 6 week training camp in the mountains near his native Mexico City.

“Everything has been great since I arrived in Ireland, the people have been very nice and it is a beautiful country. I have trained long and hard for this fight and I am in great shape. I had 4 fights in France earlier in my career so fighting and winning in Europe is nothing new to me.”

Bazan admits to knowing little about McCloskey or caring for his ever-growing reputation as one of the light welterweight division’s hottest prospects. “I never heard of Paul McCloskey until I was asked to fight him and I don’t think I’ll be hearing any more about him after this weekend either. I am only concerned with myself and my preparations.”

Now 33 Bazan captured the WBC Lightweight title in 1998 by beating Stevie Johnson. He made 2 successful defences before losing to Johnson in a rematch on a split decision but Bazan believes he’s still capable of recapturing his world title winning form.

His current record stands at 46 wins and 9 defeats but he disputes all but 2 of those losses. “Except for my losses to Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo all my losses have been controversial. Just look at my record and see how many split decisions have gone against me and in the other guys hometown. What does that tell you?

“I just hope I get a fair deal in Ireland but I don’t think there will be any doubt about the winner of this fight. I know I have the power to knock out McCloskey. I wish Paul McCloskey well in his career but he is not in my league. I have fought the best and beaten the best, McCloskey hasn’t beaten anyone so far.”

McCloskey insists that he’s undaunted by Bazan’s reputation. “His record is certainly impressive,” admitted the Dungiven southpaw. “He’s a puncher and has twice as many KO’s as I’ve had fights so you have to respect that. He’s also very durable and has only been stopped by big names like Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo. But having said all that I’ve been ready for fights like this for some time now so I’m looking to go in there and do an impressive job on this guy.”

The undercard will feature former World title challenger and British Champion Neil Sinclair. The power punching Belfast man is desperate to get back in to title contention but first he will need to get past durable Spaniard Juan Martinez Bas in Letterkenny.

Also on the undercard are a pair of reigning Irish Champions, Light Welterweight title holder, Andrew Murray and Light Middleweight kingpin Ciaran Healy. Murray has stepped in for the injured Stephen Haughian in what will be a quick return to action following a stoppage win on the Macklin – Campas undercard in Dublin last weekend.

Healy will be out for revenge in his 8 round contest with Pavel Lotah. The Latvian outpointed him over 6 rounds in Limerick last month so Healy will be looking to even the score in Letterkenny.

Also on the bill is undefeated Omagh prospect Damian Taggart and new pro Luke Wilton who will be making his first start in the paid ranks.

Cuban heavyweight Mike Perez has also been forced off the card with an injury suffered in last weekend's win at the National Stadium.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

Unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt Jr. fighting on ShoBox April 11 vs. Carlos DeLeon, Jr.

VERO BEACH, Florida– Unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) squares-off with another son of a former world champion, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), April 11 in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox, live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami.

“Fighting on ShoBox means everything to me,” McGirt said. “It’s a stepping stone for my career and I’m very excited. I fought on ShoBox one other time, when I defeated Aaron Pryor’s son, Stephan. Every fight is a new chapter in my career, each one the biggest of my life. I know DeLeon is going to bring his ‘A’ game. I’ve got to be better than him, smarter than him in the ring. I know my father will be telling me to keep my right hand up.

“I’ve been working very hard, so going the distance (in his first scheduled 10 round fight) won’t be a problem, if I need to. It’s his first 10-round fight, too. My weight is right on and I’ve never been this close to the contracted weight so far out from a fight. I’ve been in the gym for so long, waiting for a fight since October, working regularly since right before New Years. For the past 2 ½ months I’ve been on a strength program, lifting weights, and I’ve bulked up a little. I’ve found a home at super middleweight.”

The fathers of McGirt and DeLeon were world champions at the same time in 1988. James “Buddy” McGirt, St., who had a 73-6-1 (48 KOs) record as a pro, was a 2-time world champion in two weight classes (IBF light welterweight 1988, WBC welterweight 1991-93). Carlos “Sugar” DeLeon, Sr., 52-8-1 (32 KOs) as a pro, was a 4-time WBC cruiserweight champion (1980-82, 1983-85, 1986-88, 1989).

“James is ready to take it to the next level,” McGirt's manager, Dennis Witherow, remarked. “We’ve had him on a strength-and-conditioning program. We saw a small difference in his last fight against (Jason) Naugler, but he had only been on the program for 30 days. This fight we expect to see a substantial difference. I think some people are going to be surprised by James’ strength. His boxing skills continue to get better, too. ‘Buddy’ knows boxing so well that he can even pick-out James’ natural skills and still make them better. He’s constantly on James to improve.

“We’re all excited about James fighting again on ShoBox. A win can get James a top 10 fighter next. He’s willing and deserves that, too. You can count on one hand the number of rounds James has lost. He wants to prove that he’s a premier fighter making a name for himself, not the son of a great fighter being protected. As James’ opponents are better, he gets better.”

McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No. 31 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto Rico.

The McGirts are on a mission to become the first family in boxing to feature father-son world champions with the former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer when the latter captures a major world title.

ABELL STARTCHES DRASKOVIC IN TWO; PAVES THE WAY FOR TUSSLE WITH WHEELER

ABELL STARTCHES DRASKOVIC IN TWO; PAVES THE WAY FOR TUSSLE WITH WHEELER

Heavyweights headline at The Legendary Blue Horizon on Friday Night April 11th to be aired live on www.gofightlive.tv

PHILADELPHIA— after a one bout power outage, Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell got back in the knockout column with a destructive second round knockout over Ratko Draskovic in less then two rounds on Thursday March 27 in Gothenburg, Sweden which now clears the path for Abell to return to his home away from home when he takes on Maurice Wheeler on Friday April 11 at The Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.

This great night of action is promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc.

Abell dropped Draskovic at the end of round one and ended matters with a thudding jab that put Draskovic down and out at the beginning of round two.

Abell, 19-1 with eighteen knockouts will look for his eighth knockouts in nine Legendary Blue Horizon appearances when he takes on the crafty and experienced southpaw Wheeler.

Wheeler, 10-11-1 with one knockout will be making his sixth Legendary Blue Horizon appearance (3-2) and will have the hometown advantage as the Philadelphia native will attempt to the spring the upset.

This fight along with a packed undercard can be seen live all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

The co-feature will be a Middleweight battle between Gee Culmer (13-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia and Anthony Little (7-10-1, 1 KO ) of Akron, Ohio in a eight round affair.

This is a ten bout card that features Steve Chambers (15-1, 4 KO’s), the Legnedary Blue Horizon debut of Simon “One Punch” Carr (4-1-1, 3 KO’s) and the pro debut of Sweden’s Anders Holmberg

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

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

For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com

Edgar Santana will be appearing on the ShoBox series televised by Showtime on April 11th from Miami, Florida

Santana headed to Showtime in April!


Edgar Santana will be appearing on the ShoBox series televised by Showtime on April 11th from Miami, Florida. He will be facing Joseito Lopez 22-2 (13KO) of Riverside, CA in a 10 round Main Event.

© 2007, 2008 Keisha Morrisey all rights reserved

YUSEF MACK ADDED TO APRIL 11TH CHICAGO CARD‏

CHICAGO- Super middleweight contender Yusef Mack has been added to THE ODEUM RUMBLE, an evening of world class professional boxing set for Friday, April 11th, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

The 28 year old Mack, a native of Philadelphia, PA, will square off against Mexican veteran Ernesto Zamora in a scheduled eight round bout. Both fighters will be making their first appearances in Chicago.

Mack, 23-2-2 with fourteen knockouts, is coming off a terrific battle with world title challenger Librado Andrade on October 7, 2006 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In an all-action fight Mack drilled Andrade with a devastating left hook in the first round, sending the granite chinned Mexican down hard and fast. Andrade recovered and was able to earn a stoppage in the seventh round with repeated body shots in a fight that Mack was winning on all three scorecards.

Sonora, Mexico native Zamora brings a record of 15-13 with eleven knockouts into the bout with Mack.

Said Pesoli, “Mack is a world class, highly skilled boxer. In his last fight he showed the courage of a lion and boxed beautifully after knocking Andrade down in the first round. We’re thrilled to bring him to Chicago for our fans."

The seven bout event is headlined by a terrific junior middleweight clash between Chicago based veterans Luciano Perez and Carlos Molina. The cross-town showdown between the Mexican natives is scheduled for eight rounds.

The full bout card for THE ODEUM RUMBLE is

Luciano Perez vs. Carlos Molina, eight rounds, junior middleweights

Yusef Mack vs. Ernesto Zamora, eight rounds, light heavyweights

David Torres vs. TBA, eight rounds, lightweights

Andrzej Fonfara vs. Manny Castillo, six rounds, middleweights

Ivan Popoca vs. TBA, five rounds, welterweights

Terry Martin vs. Ricardo Upchurch, four rounds, cruiserweights,

Ikem Orji vs. Juan Gonzalez, four rounds, lightweights

Along with 8 Count Productions, THE ODEUM RUMBLE is presented by Miller Lite, TCF Bank and AeroMexico, the premier travel source in Mexico.

The Master of Ceremonies for THE ODEUM RUMBLE will be ring announcer Thomas Treiber.

The Odeum Sports and Expo Center is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Chicago at 1033 N. Villa Avenue in Villa Park and is easily accessible from the Eisenhower expressway in addition to toll roads 355 and 294. Specific directions and further information can be found on their website at www.odeumexpo.com

Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions box office at 312-226-5800. Doors will open on the night of the fight at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998
Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com

THE TRUTH IS REVEALED ABOUT ONE OF SPORTS’ MOST DISPICABLE ACTS

BOXING’S MOST SHAMEFUL CRIME FULLY EXPOSED AT LAST; BOXER’S KNUCKLES WERE CAST IN PLASTER PADDING REMOVED FROM GLOVES, Truth Revealed Behind Assault of “Irish” Billy Collins Jr. Luis Resto Comes Clean After 25 Years Motion Filed Against State of New York.



New York City- Details will be revealed regarding the filing of a motion to reopen the case of the Collins-Resto boxing scandal with the Federal Court of Claims against the State of New York.

As the 25th anniversary of the incident approaches that forever changed the lives of boxers “Irish” Billy Collins Jr. and the Bronx’ Luis Resto, new evidence has been uncovered during the making of the film Cornered—which exposes the true nature of the crime to be much worse than previously reported.

Will justice finally be served for the Collins family and estate? Will the sport of boxing finally gain closure of this open wound?

The date of June 16, 1983, forever will taint the history of New York sports and the world of boxing. That evening at Madison Square Garden, a shameful chain of events ended a promising young boxer’s career and changed the lives of many associated with the tragic scandal.



Nashville, Tennessee’s 'Irish' Billy Collins Jr. was an undefeated welterweight and fulfilling every boxer’s dream of fighting in the world’s most famous arena. Collins’opponent, Luis Resto, had his own aspirations by playing the spoiler role as the Bronx underdog who rose to the occasion in front of the hometown fans. What transpired in the Collins-Resto fight was so heinous it led to Resto’s conviction, incarceration and lifetime ban from boxing.

Now, as the 25th anniversary of the incident approaches, new evidence has been uncovered during the making of the film Cornered—which exposes the true nature of the tragic crime to be much worse than previously reported or known.

“New revelations may lead to revived litigation,” said Marc R. Thompson of Manhattan’s Pulvers, Pulvers and Thompson, the attorney for Andrea Collins-Nile, widow of late the Billy Collins Jr.

Now, 25 years later, it’s asked: Will justice finally be served for the Collins family and estate? Will the sport of boxing finally gain closure of this open wound? The answers start coming forth Thursday, April 3.



News Conference - announcing plans to re-open the case of the Collins-Resto scandal
Reenactment of the crime - never-before-seen demonstration, Official Motion Being Filed Against New York State. Plus, a surprise witness to the crime. The film Cornered exposes the whole truth behind what really happened that June evening in the world’s most famous arena. Cornered reveals the lurid chain of events that allowed a boxer to endure a 30-minute assault. What transpired before and during the Collins-Resto fight was so heinous it led to Resto’s conviction, incarceration and lifetime ban from boxing. The brutally-beaten Collins quickly fell into a tragic downward spiral.



Cornered picks up with the lives of those people still affected by the crime 25 years later and answers many unanswered questions such as why was this despicable act carried out for the Collins-Resto fight in particular? And, how did the perpetrators manage to get the tampered gloves past New York State Athletic Commission officials? The film helps boxing gain closure to an open wound, but will justice finally be served for the Collins family estate?



http://www.lsetv.com
See Exclusive live video footage of all of the details above, from the Press Conference at Demsey in New York http://www.youtube:com/ElEmpress1

© 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications and Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved

“HEAVY HITTERS; RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER‏Twin River Events Center, Lincoln, RI

“Heavy Hitters”

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jason Estrada (12-1, 2 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC10 (98-92, 98-92, 97-93) Lance Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KOs), Van Nuys, CA

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Aaron Williams (17-0-1, 12 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WTKO2 (2:50) Andre Purlette (40-3, 35 KOs), Miami, FL

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Joey Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC6 (58-56, 57-56, 56-57) David Whittom (10-6-1, 6 KOs), Lac Beauport, Canada

Henry Mayes (7-5-1, 4 KOs) WDEC6 (58-56, 57-56, 57-56) Joey McCreedy (7-2, 5 KOs), Lowell, MA

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Andre Nevsky (5-0, 3 KOs), Worcester, MA WDEC4 (4035, 40-35, 40-35) Fitzgerald Johnson (1-4, 1 KO), Ashboro, NC

FLYWEIGHTS
Isander Beauchamp (5-0, 2 KOs), Lynn, MA WTKO2 (2:14)) Rob Bell (0-1, 0 KOs), Flint, MI

Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc
Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis