Showtime Fighters Wear Lakers, Celtics Jerseys at N.Y. Press Conf.‏

Sergio Mora (left) of Los Angeles and Vernon Forrest (right) of Atlanta, make their pro basketball allegiances known Thursday during a press conference at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City. Forrest (donning the No. 24 Lakers away jersey) will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora (sporting the No. 5 Celtics home jersey) this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.


For the record, both fighters predict that the series will “go the distance” and end in seven games. Mora likes his hometown team, the Lakers, while Forrest, believes that the Celtics will take home pro basketball’s ultimate trophy.

“The Celtics have more star players and a better bench,” Forrest said.

“Both teams have a tradition of greatness and rivalry,” Mora said. “However, the Lakers have youth, a hot bench and are destined to win.”

(From left) Carlos Quintana, Sergio Mora, Vernon Forrest and Paul Williams pose during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City. To kick off the world championship doubleheader this Saturday on SHOWTIME, Quintana will attempt to retain his WBO welterweight belt against Williams, the boxer he dethroned in February.


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CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER VERNON FORREST vs. SERGIO MORA and CARLOS QUINTANA vs. PAUL WILLIAMS II; June 7, 2008 ● LIVE ON SHOWTIME ● Mohegan Sun

On Saturday, June 7, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present a world championship doubleheader as Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), while Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs) live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

VERNON FORREST

“The fight is what it is. I’m going to put up a great fight, and it will be a great night. I will see you all there.”

Vernon Forrest shares his thoughts with the media at the podium Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House as promoter Jeff Wald and Sergio Mora (far left) listen in.


“Jeff [Wald] stated today that he didn’t like me. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me, so he wouldn’t have the knowledge to make that statement. I don’t even know what he means by that. He liked me, and now he doesn’t. I don’t know what that means.”

“I’m a heterosexual. This is no high school sweetheart thing. I’m like a jilted boyfriend. Whether Wald likes me or not, his fighter has got to fight me. All he has to do that night is pull out his pom pons because his fighter will be the one fighting.”

SERGIO MORA

“All of these fights are going to be exciting. As for me and Forrest, we don’t know how to lose. We’re both prideful, and we don’t back up.”

“I come to box, fight, bleed, whatever it takes to win. I don’t back down.”

“I’m excited about where I am, but I would have gotten here with or without ‘The Contender.’ God blessed me to be on that show and it gave me a head start. Because of it, I got here [world title opportunity] a little faster. But, I would have been here eventually.

Sergio Mora addresses the media during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York, while promoter Gary Shaw and Vernon Forrest (far right) look on. Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.


“Forrest is a hell of a fighter. I know that I have to prove myself. I will prove myself.”

“I see the fight going the distance. I’ve never been down, and I don’t plan on going down. It’s going to the late rounds. We’re both arrogant fighters.”

(When asked about Forrest’s power and knockout history): “Power doesn’t matter. I worry about his right hand, but I’m the biggest guy he’s ever fought. I’m smarter than the others. I’m younger. These are the things that will be what changes the fight.”

CARLOS QUINTANA

“I want to thank SHOWTIME and all of the promoters. I prepared myself better this time around. Williams is good, he throws a lot of punches, but I am better prepared and I will win on Saturday.”

“I will be here with my belt for a long time. Williams said he wasn’t really himself for our last fight on February 6, but, this time, I am so prepared that even if he brought his best game, I can handle it.”

PAUL WILLIAMS

“I had an off night [during the first fight against Quintana]. I want to get back in the ring on Saturday night and get my title back.”

“My confidence level is through the roof. I can’t wait to get out there Saturday. I will show up. In February after they said I lost, I didn’t think about it anymore. I left it behind. That wasn’t me. The real Paul Williams will show up, and when he does, he will punish Carlos Quintana.”

Paul Williams (left) and Carlos Quintana (right) stare each other down at Gallagher’s Steak House while promoter Gary Shaw (middle back) observes the festivities.



GEORGE PATTERSON (Williams’ Manager/Trainer)

“We had fun in this training camp. We were more relaxed. It was different from the last camp. We have worked hard, done a good job, and we plan to get our title back.”

LOU DIBELLA (Promoter)

“I want to especially thank Ken Hershman and SHOWTIME for making this fight. I respect Paul Williams. Everyone was afraid to fight him. Quintana wasn’t afraid for the first fight and he’s not afraid of Williams this time.

JEFF WALD (Promoter)

“I can guarantee that Mora will not run. He has never run from anybody. He would rather die than run.”

“This is a hell of a night of boxing, and it is great for television. Forrest and Mora always bring it.”

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Pavlik / Lockett / De Leon / Lopez NY News Conference

NEW YORK, NY- “ Undefeated world middleweight champion KELLY "The Ghost" PAVLIK and No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger GARY "The Rocket" LOCKETT, their respective trainers, Jack Loew and Enzo Calzaghe,
WBO junior featherweight champion DANIEL PONCE DE LEON, undefeated No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ and Hall of Fame promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren (who gets inducted on Sunday, June 8) will host a news conference luncheon in New York before heading to Atlantic City for their world middleweight title fight. It all takes place Next Wednesday! June 4, at Gallagher's Steak House (228 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019), at 11:30 A.M. ET.


Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), from Youngstown, Ohio, returns to ring for his first world championship defense after back-to-back victories over former world champion Jermain Taylor.


Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs), from Cwbran, Wales, has promised to mete out a "mandatory sentence" to the defending champion. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warrens Sports Network and Caesars Atlantic City, the 12-round Pavlik-Lockett world middleweight championship fight will take place Saturday, June 7, at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, and will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:05 p.m. EDT / 7:05 p.m. PDT. The broadcast will open with De Leon (34-1, 30 KOs), from Huntington Park, Calif., making the seventh defense of his title against Lopez (21-0, 19 KOs), from Puerto Rico. Combined, this quartet of sluggers boasts an incredible record of 118-2 (99 KOs), a winning percentage exceeding 98% and a victory by knockout ratio of 84%!



Marty Rosengarten
www.RingsidePhotos.com

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Legendary fighter Sugar Ray Leonard recently shared his thoughts about Sergio Mora and the challenger’s upcoming bout against Vernon Forrest Saturday

Legendary fighter Sugar Ray Leonard recently shared his thoughts about Sergio Mora and the challenger’s upcoming bout against Vernon Forrest Saturday on SHOWTIME.

Mora will face his biggest test when he takes on Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) for his WBC super welterweight title Saturday, June 7, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).

Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), of Los Angeles, won “The Contender” television series on Oct. 15, 2005, with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.

As part of a world championship doubleheader on SHOWTIME, the evening will kick off when Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs). The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008.

The fights, which will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions.

Sugar Ray Leonard:

“For Sergio, it’s do or die. It’s a fight to determine his last hurrah.”

“Mora has so much natural talent, speed and power in his punches. He just needs to put it all together.”

“Mora is getting in the ring with a guy who has tons of experience and can certainly punch.”

“This is a great chance for Mora and excellent exposure. He needs to capitalize on it.”

“Stylistically, this will be a good fight. Sergio can box and Vernon can punch. I think it will be an action-filled fight.”

“Whoever loses goes to the back of the line. And at their age, it could be over.”

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

2K Sports’ Don King Presents: Prizefighter Has Gone Gold and is Ready to Rumble on June 10th

June 3, 2008 – 2K Sports announced today that Don King Presents: Prizefighter, the first documentary-style boxing extravaganza, has officially gone gold and is now ready for production for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by Venom Games, a 2K studio, Don King Presents: Prizefighter is equal parts sports simulation and true boxing drama that takes place both inside and outside the ring.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter casts players in the role of a talented, unknown boxer fighting his way out of obscurity and into the international spotlight while attempting to claim the world championship title. The immersive storyline challenges players to balance their rigorous training regimen with the temptations of wealth and stardom and unfolds in a unique, live-action sports documentary style that features real-life legends and current stars from the world of boxing including Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Andrew Golota, Joe Calzaghe and many others. Heather Vandeven, the reigning 2007 Penthouse Pet of the Year, and popular video vixen Bria Myles also star in the documentary and act as temptations for boxers throughout their careers.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter is rated T for Teen and will be available June 10, 2008 for Xbox 360, and this fall for Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and Nintendo DS™. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/prizefighter/.

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ADAMEK RETURNS TO CHICAGO ON JULY 11, ESPN2 “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” TO BROADCAST

CHICAGO, IL– IBF #1 ranked mandatory challenger Tomasz Adamek will return to the Windy City on July 11 when he headlines an exciting fight card at the Aragon Ballroom against veteran brawler Gary Gomez, it was jointly announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva and 8 Count Productions President Dominic Pesoli. ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” broadcast begins at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT.

“It was very important to Tomasz to fight once more prior to his showdown against Steve Cunningham,” said Duva. “What better place for him to fight than in Chicago where he was warmly welcomed by his Polish brethren the last two times he fought here?”

“We're very happy to once again work with Kathy Duva and the Main Events team to co-promote this event,” said Pesoli. “Chicago fight fans will be thrilled to see former world champion Tomasz Adamek once again after his two ‘Fight of the Year’ wars he won over Paul Briggs in the last few years in Chicago."


Adamek (34-1, 23 KO’s) earned the IBF’s #1 mandatory position in his last bout on April 19, 2008, when he schooled former undisputed world cruiserweight champion O’ Neal Bell for seven rounds before forcing Bell to retire on his stool prior to round eight (TKO 7). The 31-year-old Zywiec, Poland native has stopped 15 opponents within the first three rounds. He captured the vacant WBC light heavyweight championship on May 21, 2005, when he decisioned Paul Briggs (W 12). He defended the title twice before losing to Chad Dawson on Feb 3, 2007 (L 12). Since moving to cruiserweight he is 3-0, 2 KOs.

Gomez (18-9, 7 KO’s) lost a split decision to Jeremy Williams in his last bout on August 18, 2007, (L 8). Prior to the bout the 33-year-old Salt Lake City, UT native had gone 4-1-1 in his last six bouts. On July 21, 2005, Gomez lost a decision to Charles Davis in an unsuccessful attempt to win WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight championship (L 10). Gomez has never been stopped in his career.

Popular Polish middleweight Andrzej Fonfara, who now resides in Chicago, will compete in the eight round televised co-feature bout against an opponent to be determined shortly. Fonfara is 10-1, 3 KO’s.

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"LETHAL COMBINATION"; Saturday, June 28, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - HBO PPV

"LETHAL COMBINATION"; Saturday, June 28, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas - HBO PPV

12 Rds., WBC Lightweight Championship
Champion DAVID DIAZ, 34-1-1, 17 KOs, Chicago
vs. MANNY PACQUIAO, 46-3-2, 34 KOs, General Santos, Philippines

12 Rds., WBO Featherweight Championship
Champion STEVEN LUEVANO, 35-1, 15 KOs, LaPuente, Ca.
Vs. MARIO SANTIAGO, 19-1, 14 KOs, Ponce, Puerto Rico

10 Rds., Heayweights
TYE FIELDS, 40-1, 35 KOs, Las Vegas
vs. MONTE BARRETT, 33-6, 19 KOs, Queen, N.Y.

12 Rds., Jr Lightweights
HUMBERTO SOTO, 43-6-2, 27 KOs, Los Mochis, Mexico
vs. TBA

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ISRAEL VAZQUEZ HOSTS KIDS BOXING CLINIC ON WEDNESDAY IN SANTA ANA‏

LOS ANGELES, CA- World Boxing Council Super Bantamweight Champion Israel Vazquez will host a youth boxing clinic at the TKO Boxing Club in Santa Ana on Wednesday, June 4th at 4pm. The club is located at 726 S. Center St. in Santa Ana, California.

Vazquez will speak to the kids about his career in boxing and demonstrate some training techniques that have made him one of the sport’s elite fighters.

“Luis Ramos is a training partner of mine, he and Hector Lopez who runs the gym asked me to come and spend some time with the kids in the boxing camps” said Vazquez.

Said manager Frank Espinoza, “Israel is taking a nice break from the rigors of training for a fight, he’s got some friends who run TKO and he was happy when they asked him to come to the club and speak to the kids.”

Vazquez is coming off a legendary three fight trilogy with Rafael Marquez that saw “MAGNIFICO” demonstrate the highest levels of skills and heart, culminating in their third bout on March 1, 2008, won by Vazquez when he scored a knock down in the final brutal round.

After losing the first bout on March 3, 2007, Vazquez won the second matchup in spectacular fashion on August 4th with a devastating sixth round knockout in a bout that was named 2007 “FIGHT OF THE YEAR” by Ring Magazine.

The trilogy has become amongst the most talked about series of bouts in the annals of the sport with each fighter winning one by stoppage and Vazquez winning the third bout by decision.

Continued Espinoza, “It’s only been three months since the grueling last fight with Marquez. Izzy’s enjoying the time off with his family. When the time is right, he’ll get back to training and prepare once again to give boxing fans his finest performance.”

In addition to holding the WBC title, Vazquez is also rated on the “Pound for Pound lists; # 6 with Ring Magazine and Yahoo Sports and #8 by ESPN.

In a final word to his fans, the classy Vaszquez said, “Please don’t forget about me, I’m just taking a little bit of time off to spend with my family. I’m looking for big fights and great things in the future and as always thanks very much for your continued support.”

For more information on Israel Vazquez, please his website at www.israel-vazquez.com and the Espinoza Boxing Club website at www.espinozaboxingclub.com.

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Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore ready to rumble on June 4 on ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights

Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, weighed in at a slim and ready 154 pounds for his eight round bout against hard-punching Gabriel Rosado, 152 ½, of Philadelphia. The two will open the show on the June 4 installment of ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights from the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, NY. Moore is 15-0 (10 KOS), while Rosado boasts a record of 9-2 (6 KOS).

In the main event Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15 KOS), of Philadelphia takes on Daniel Judah, 22-2-3 (10 KOS), of Brooklyn. At stake will be the vacant NABA light heavyweight title. The show is being promoted by Winky Wright Promotions, in association with Thomas Gallagher Productions. Wright was in attendance for the weigh-in and will also be at the show.

Mack and Judah weighed in first. Both came in on weight, but Judah and his chief cheerleader, a character named Crocodile who used to tell anyone within earshot how tough Mike Tyson was in Tyson’s waning days, began cursing loudly at Mack. There was a lot of profanity and name calling that began with the word mother. At one point Mack challenged Judah to a winner take all bout.

Moore and Rosado patiently waited to get on the scales, then politely shook hands and wished each other well. “You want hear any of that from me,” said Moore. Rosado couldn’t have agreed more.

What they did disagree on was the outcome of their own fight. Both realize how important a victory on ESPN 2 is to their careers, and both looked locked, loaded and ready to go.

“It’s his hometown, so I know everyone will be cheering for him and booing me,” said the 22-year-old Rosado. “But once I get in the ring, I get in my zone and nothing bothers me. I think the booing will just fuel me up.

“Moore has a basic style,” he continued. “It’s one, two, hook to the body. I’ll just use my faster feet and hands and take away whatever he has. This is an eight-rounder on ESPN. If I win, a lot of doors will open.”

“I really don’t know much about him, other than he is very strong, tough and aggressive,” said Moore. “This fight is as important to him as it is to me, so I expect him to be at his best. He will come out blazing, so I’ll have to be at my best. I’m in good shape, so I’m ready for anything.”

“We’re not taking this guy for granted but those two losses means he knows how to lose already,” said Harry Keitt, Moore’s trainer. “We’re going to introduce him to one more loss on Wednesday night.”

The Aviator Sports Complex is located on Flatbush Avenue, just south of the Belt Parkway, Exit 11S, Brooklyn, NY 11234. Doors will open at 7:00 P.M. and the first bout will be at 8:00 P.M.

For tickets call Gleason’s Gym at 718-797-2872. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities contact Tommy Gallagher at 917-774-3517.

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved