LOS ANGELES– Former lightweight world champion Julio “Kidd” Diaz (34-4, 25 KOs) will face unbeaten David “El Torrito” Torres (20-0, 13 KOs) in a 10 round bout on Wednesday, June 25, from the world famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif. (ESPN2 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT).
Diaz, coming off a tough ninth round TKO loss against former lightweight kingpin Juan Diaz, is looking to get back into championship contention with a solid performance over the undefeated Torres.
“It’s all about looking and feeling good,” Diaz said. “I need to settle into my comfort zone early and build momentum from there. I expect to dominate the fight from start to finish.”
Newly signed to Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Henry “Sugar Poo” Buchanan (16-1, 11 KOs) will display his super middleweight skills on national television against Brian Norman (16-7, 4 KOs) in an 8 round fight that precedes Diaz-Torres.
“Fighting on national TV is a big step up for me,” said Buchanan, who is an uncle to San Diego Chargers All-Pro linebacker Shawn Merriman. “There is more pressure to perform well when you’re on ESPN. Fans at home can pick apart your game and give opinions. I want to be able to leave a good impression on the viewers and the fans in attendance.”
Sycuan Ringside Promotions (SRP) of San Diego, Calif. will promote the evening of boxing aptly titled, “Tribal Pride at the Playboy Mansion.”
MEDIAZONE "GETS YOU IN"
Want to get into the Mansion and watch the fight like a VIP? Enter the MediaZone "Gets YOU In" contest for your chance to win a trip to the Playboy Mansion and see all the action live and in person.
Winners will receive roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles and hotel accommodations for two as well as VIP passes to the event and after party.
To sign up for your chance to win, visit http://mediazonegetsyouin.com/playboyfightnight.php
ABOUT SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including undefeated former World Boxing Organization junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, World Boxing Council super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz, lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr., undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk and once-beaten, super middleweight prospect Henry Buchanan.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Glenn Quiroga, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Scott Woodworth, vice president.
ABOUT MEDIAZONE.COM
MediaZone.com, Inc. creates and operates a set of leading targeted social media destinations centered on passionate audience interests that incorporate a rich set of video, audio, text, community and interactive user controls.
The MediaZone customer experience is a one-stop destination with broadband content targeted around the subject matter of sports, entertainment, and international programming.
MediaZone offers a combination of advertising-supported media, subscription, on-demand, and pay-per-view programming to a substantial and fast-growing customer base. MediaZone has a proven expertise in hosting complex and highly trafficked live online sporting events,including: Wimbledon, the Rugby World Cup, and FIBA, to name but a few. The company is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in China and the UK. MediaZone is a division of MIH Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Naspers.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Meet & mingle with Special V.I.P Guests including: Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi, Iran Barklay, and Emile Griffith
Meet & mingle with Special V.I.P Guests including: Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi, Iran Barklay, and Emile Griffith. Throughout the night, watch these boxing icons in action in a full-sized projection as we view the highlights of their careers.
Please support by attending. It will be a lot of fun!!!
"Fire"
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 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
Updated MMA/CBS Ratings: Kimbo-Thompson Main Event Delivers 6.5 Million Viewers
THE FINAL 20 MINUTES OF "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS," FEATURING THE MAIN EVENT OF KIMBO SLICE VS. JAMES THOMPSON DELIVERS AN AUDIENCE OF 6.51 MILLION VIEWERS
CBS's Inaugural Mixed Martial Arts Broadcast Dominates Its Time Period In All Key Young Men And Young Adult Demographics With Steady Gains Throughout The Telecast
Key Men Demos Soar in Final 21 Minutes: 4.1 in Men 18-34, 4.0 in Men 18-49,
4.3 in Men 25-54
Ratings for the final 51 minutes of CBS's inaugural CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS mixed martial arts broadcast (11:00-11:51 PM, ET/PT), which were unavailable Sunday, delivered an average audience of 6.12 million viewers, according to updated Nielsen live plus same day ratings for Saturday, May 31.
The audience peaked at 6.51 million viewers from 11:30-11:51 PM which featured the night's main event—Kimbo Slice's victory over James Thompson.
Among key men demographics, the broadcast peaked from 11:30-11:51 PM with a 4.1 rating in men 18-34, 4.0 rating in men 18-49 and 4.3 rating in men 25-54.
The addition of the final 51 minutes lifted ratings for the entire broadcast. CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS (S) (9:00-11:51 PM) delivered a 3.0/06 with 4.85m viewers, 2.2/07 in both adults 25-54 and adults 18-49, 2.3/09 in adults 18-34, 3.1/09in men 25-54, 3.0/10 in men 18-49 and 3.2/12 in men 18-34. In the 9:00-11:00 PM time slot, CBS was first in the adults and men demographics, second in both households and viewers.
Compared to CBS's 9:00-11:00 PM regularly scheduled programming on Saturday during the 2007-08 season, CBS was up +16% in adults 25-54 (from 1.9/05), +57% in adults 18-49 (from 1.4/04), +156% in adults 18-34 (from 0.9/03), +121% in men 25-54 (from 1.4/04), +173% in men 18-49 (from 1.1/03) and +357% in men 18-34 (from 0.7/03).
CBS also saw half-hour gains in viewers, adult and men demographics throughout the broadcast:
Adults Men Adults Men Adults Men Viewers
25-54 25-54 18-49 18-49 18-34 18-34
9 PM 1.4 1.9 1.4 1.9 1.5 2.1 3.38m
9:30 PM 1.6 2.2 1.6 2.2 1.7 2.4 3.66m
10 PM 2.2 3.0 2.1 2.6 2.1 3.0 4.68m
10:30 PM 2.6 3.6 2.5 3.5 2.7 3.8 5.53m
11 PM 2.8 3.8 2.6 3.6 2.7 3.8 5.84m
11:30 PM 3.1 4.3 3.0 4.0 3.1 4.1 6.51m
SHOWTIME will rebroadcast the event on Friday, June 13 (11:00 PM, ET/PT).
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 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
Duddy returns June 28th in Boston Headlining “Hassle In The Castle”
NEW YORK– Undefeated world middleweight contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy returns to the ring June 28 with a new head trainer in his corner, Pat Burns, in the 10-round main event against Charles Howe, headlining “Hassle In The Castle” at The Castle in Boston.
Duddy (24-0, 17 KOs), a native of County Derry in N. Ireland, lives and fights out of Queens, New York. He is rated No. 2 by the WBC and No. 3 by the WBO, as well as No. 5 by the WBA and No. 10 by the IBF. Burns trained Jermain Taylor to the world middleweight title. Howe (17-4-2, 9 KOs), fighting out of Ohio, is coming off of the only loss in his last 14 fights, dating back nearly eight years, to WBC USNBC champion Joey Gilbert in their title fight last September.
“We’re returning to Boston out of appreciation to all of his fans there,” Irish Ropes Promotions president Eddie McLoughlin said. “John has a lot of friends in Boston and he sold out The Castle 2 ½ years ago when he beat Julio Jean. There are a lot of Irish and Irish-Americans living there and we’ve received countless requests to return. We’re excited to be coming back on June 28 and John will be fighting for the first time with Pat Burns as his head trainer.”
South Boston middleweight Donald Orr (12-0, 5 KOs), 2000 Canadian Olympian, is scheduled to fight in the 8-round co-feature. On the undercard against opponents to be determined are Worcester (MA) middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs), 2-time U.S. National amateur champion, faces his stiffest test to date in Marcus Upshaw (8-1, 3 KOs); Boston by way of Clare, Ireland cruiserweight Mark Clancy (7-0-1, 1 KO), 4-time Irish National amateur finalist; Lynn (MA) junior welterweight Simeon Dunwell (7-0, 2 KOs) and Philadelphia super featherweight Frank Trader (1-0, 0 KOs). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $50.00 $75.00 and $100.00 and are available at The Kells (Jerry Quinn – 617.733.4535) in Allston, Porter Belly’s (Sean McCormack and Past O’Sullivan – 617.254.3300) in Brighton, Shenanigans Bar & Grill (Shay Harris – 617.269.9509) in South Boston, and The Banshee Pub (617.436.9747). Tickets are also available at the usual Irish Ropes outlets in New York City and by going on line at www.irishropes.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
No Holds Barred: Tom Atencio on Affliction and Donald Trump, Kid Peligro on Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Vernon Forrest
No Holds Barred: Tom Atencio on Affliction and Donald Trump, Kid Peligro on Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Vernon Forrest
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-05T18_46_51-07_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins by discussing the changed business climate for mixed martial arts following the ratings success of last Saturday’s EliteXC show on CBS.
In light of this, we covered the news conference Thursday in New York, where it was announced that the Affliction mixed martial arts promotion (http://www.afflictionclothing.com/banned/) and real estate mogul Donald Trump had entered into a partnership, with Trump buying an equity stake in Affliction. The inaugural Affliction show takes place Saturday, July 19, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and will be shown in the U.S. on pay-per-view.
We got a brief comment from Trump about why he chose to invest in Affliction, and spoke with Tom Atencio, vice president of Affliction, about the company's business plans, as well as their intention of creating unified MMA championships by working with the new sanctioning body, WAMMA (http://www.gowamma.com/).
This Saturday night, June 7, WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) will defend his title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) from "The Contender" series. This fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. We spoke with Vernon Forrest Thursday afternoon at a New York news conference about this fight and what to expect in it.
Also this busy weekend, the 2008 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, better known as the Mundials, take place beginning Thursday, June 5, and running through Sunday, June 8, at the Walter Pyramid on the campus of California State University Long Beach in Long Beach, California. This event is organized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (http://ibjjf.org/).
To preview the Mundials, we spoke with our colleague Kid Peligro, a senior editor of the ADCC News (http://adcombat.com/) and a correspondent on our show. In a lengthy discussion, Kid offered his picks for the favorites in the weight classes in the men's and women's black belt divisions, as well as the absolutes. We also discussed the critical role of grappling in the mixed martial arts.
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 weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we preview two major title fights taking place this coming Saturday, June 7. On that date, WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) from "The Contender" series. This fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. We spoke with both Vernon Forrest and Sergio Mora on a media teleconference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Vernon Forrest also discussed his role as a promoter, and offered a highly critical appraisal of the fighters who have come from "The Contender". Also on June 7, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, will defend his title against mandatory challenger Gary Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs) of Cwbran, Wales. This fight takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO. At the kickoff news conference, we spoke with both Kelly Pavlik and Gary Lockett about this fight. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.
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:
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/
The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-05T18_46_51-07_00
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins by discussing the changed business climate for mixed martial arts following the ratings success of last Saturday’s EliteXC show on CBS.
In light of this, we covered the news conference Thursday in New York, where it was announced that the Affliction mixed martial arts promotion (http://www.afflictionclothing.com/banned/) and real estate mogul Donald Trump had entered into a partnership, with Trump buying an equity stake in Affliction. The inaugural Affliction show takes place Saturday, July 19, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and will be shown in the U.S. on pay-per-view.
We got a brief comment from Trump about why he chose to invest in Affliction, and spoke with Tom Atencio, vice president of Affliction, about the company's business plans, as well as their intention of creating unified MMA championships by working with the new sanctioning body, WAMMA (http://www.gowamma.com/).
This Saturday night, June 7, WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) will defend his title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) from "The Contender" series. This fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. We spoke with Vernon Forrest Thursday afternoon at a New York news conference about this fight and what to expect in it.
Also this busy weekend, the 2008 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, better known as the Mundials, take place beginning Thursday, June 5, and running through Sunday, June 8, at the Walter Pyramid on the campus of California State University Long Beach in Long Beach, California. This event is organized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (http://ibjjf.org/).
To preview the Mundials, we spoke with our colleague Kid Peligro, a senior editor of the ADCC News (http://adcombat.com/) and a correspondent on our show. In a lengthy discussion, Kid offered his picks for the favorites in the weight classes in the men's and women's black belt divisions, as well as the absolutes. We also discussed the critical role of grappling in the mixed martial arts.
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 weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we preview two major title fights taking place this coming Saturday, June 7. On that date, WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) from "The Contender" series. This fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. We spoke with both Vernon Forrest and Sergio Mora on a media teleconference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Vernon Forrest also discussed his role as a promoter, and offered a highly critical appraisal of the fighters who have come from "The Contender". Also on June 7, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio, will defend his title against mandatory challenger Gary Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs) of Cwbran, Wales. This fight takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO. At the kickoff news conference, we spoke with both Kelly Pavlik and Gary Lockett about this fight. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.
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:
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/
The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
DAVID DIAZ QUIETLY CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO
CHICAGO, IL- World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz will quietly celebrate his 32nd birthday on Saturday as he prepares for his title defense against boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.
Said Diaz, "It will probably be just a late lunch out with my wife and
two boys. Usually my extended family and my friends get together and we have a larger party but this year its different because of my training and preparation for the fight. God willing, if all goes well, we can have a larger celebration after the fight June 28th in Las Vegas."
Diaz is currently training in Chicago for his world title defense against THE MEXICUTIONER set for Saturday, June 28th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
Diaz regularly updates his blog with the Chicago Sun-Times with more information on the fight and his training. The blog can be viewed at www.sun-times/com/sports/boxing.
Additional information can also be viewed at his website www.diazboxing.com and at www.toprank.com
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
MONTELL GRIFFIN FIGHTS IN CHICAGO ON JUNE 20TH
CHICAGO, IL- “Nine years is a long time to be fighting out of town, I’m thrilled to be fighting at home on June 20th” said former world champion,
Montell “ICE” Griffin after a training session in his native Chicago.
‘I’ve been on the road for while and it’s nice that my kids and family can come see me fight in Chicago,” continued Griffin who was tutored by the legendary Eddie Futch.
Griffin, 48-7 with 30 knockouts over his illustrious 15 year career, will battle Baltimore native Corey Cummings, 16-2 (12KO’s) in a ten round light heavyweight bout at FEARLESS, an evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s Productions, 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, on Friday, June 20th at the Aragon Ballroom.
Tickets for FEARLESS are on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster) and the 8 Count Production offices at 312-226-5800. The Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.
About the current status of his career, Griffin was candid, “I know the deal at this point. I want to get to 50 wins and another shot at the world title. I’m training for Cummings like I would for a world title fight, there is absolutely no way I’m going into this fight at anything less than 100%. Hopefully a win here puts me in line for a bigger fight”, said the 1992 US Olympian.
In regards to the some of his biggest battles of his career including the DQ win over Roy Jones Jr., the wins over James Toney and controversial Rico Hoye decision loss Griffin said, “I never got the credit for the win over Roy because he got DQ’ed. The scores were close at the time of the stoppage and I believe I would have won if the fight had gone 12.
When I fought Toney in 1995 he was coming off the loss to Roy Jones. I beat him and folks said it was a fluke, so I beat him again the following year.
Against Rico Hoye everyone who watched that fight on Showtime saw what happened. It was a waste of time having to fight him and then not get the title shot against Clinton Woods.”
Said promoter Dominic Pesoli about Griffin, ‘I’m proud to have him on our card on June 20th. He’s been a great fighter for many years and Chicago fight fans are in for a real treat in seeing him fight.”
Headlining FEARLESS is an outstanding bantamweight clash as world ranked Alex Valdez, 20-2-1 (15KO’s), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico battles Accra, Ghana native Anyetei Laryea, 17-4 (8KO’s) over ten rounds. Valdez is currently ranked # 4 by the WBC, #7 by the WBO, # 10 by the IBF and # 15 by WBA.
In the co-main event, Salinas, California super bantamweight Alejandro Perez, 12-0-1 (7KO’s) squares off against Mexico City’s Adolfo Landeros, 17-10-1 (8KO’s) in a scheduled eight rounder.
On the outstanding under card, Chicago favorite Ivan Popoca, 6-0-1 (5KO’s) will face Khristian Geraci, 3-2-1 (2KO’s) in a six round welterweight bout. Also on the undercard, Michigan native Frederico Flores Jr. 4-2 (2KO’s) faces Chicagoan Gustavo Palacios, 2-3 (1KO’s) over four rounds.
Rounding out the card is a four round junior lightweight battle between Chicago native Juan Bailon, 2-0 (1KO) and Mexico’s Gerardo Alarcon, 0-1.
Along with Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, FEARLESS is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico’s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.
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
For more information on Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, please visit
www.toprank.com
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
“Pito” Cardona out of fight, going in CES Ring of Honor
HARTFOR– Hartford’s popular boxer Israel “Pito” Cardona injured his elbow, forcing him to withdraw from his scheduled June 13th fight against Jason Pires, but promoter Jimmy Burchfield has announced that Cardona will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony mid-way through the “Connecticut Conquest” pro boxing card at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade. The last inductee was the late, great Rocky Marciano.
“Connecticut Conquest,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES) will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 8 PM/ET on CN8,The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.
WBC World Youth featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of nearby Manchester and recently named the NABF Top Prospect of the Year, headlines in his first title defense versus Mexican challenger Jose Magallon in the 10-round main event.
“He is one of the most exciting fighters in modern New England boxing history,” Burchfield spoke about Cardona. “Coming up, ‘Pito’ was a very entertaining television fighter. He has been a tremendous role model to Latinos in the Hartford area, He could also knockout an opponent at anytime, whether he was winning or losing. ‘Pito’ Cardona very much deserves to be in the CES Ring of Honor.”
Cardona (36-9, 28 KOs) most significant victory was a third-round stoppage of “Mighty” Ivan Robinson (23-1) for the USBA lightweight championship. In his previous bout, Robinson had lost the IBF welterweight belt to Philip Holiday and three fights after his loss to Cardona, Ivan beat Arturo “Thunder” Gatti for the first of two times in their 1998 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.
“Pito,” who also captured the IBO super featherweight and light welterweight titles, as well as the NABF lightweight crown, lost his only major world title fight to undefeated Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora (26-0) won a 12-round decision for the vacant IBF lightweight championship.
“It’s a great honor to be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor and to be considered in the same class as great fighters like Vinny Paz, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Ray Oliveria and all of the others,” Cardona commented. I wish I was fighting but my left is my weapon and I injured my left elbow. I’m still going to have fun on June 13th and I’ll be supporting by CES teammates in my hometown. I go way back with Jimmy and I thank him for this honor. I hope all of my friends, family and fans will be there supporting me.”
Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight Tony “TNT” Grano (13-0-1, 11 KOs), 2005 U.S. Nationals champion, is in the 8-round co-feature against an opponent to be announced. Former USBA super bantamweight title-holder Pires (20-3, 9 KOs), now a fulltime New Bedford (MA) police officer, returns to the ring in a 6-round junior welterweight bout after a five-year absence.
The newest member of the CES stable, former world middleweight title challenger Kingsley “Sharp Knuckle” Ikeke (23-3, 13 KOs), makes his CES debut in a six-round super middleweight clash. Ikeke is a former NABF, NABO, NBA and WBC FECARBOX middleweight champion.
Others fighting on the undercard include Hartford favorite and prison guard, junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (4-2, 2 KOs), coming off a very close loss by decision in Germany, undefeated, top super middleweight prospect Brian Macy (3-0, 1 KO), of Ledyard (CT), the 2000 National PAL amateur champion and University of Connecticut graduate vs. Adrian Redmond (3-5-1, 3 KOs).
Tickets are on sale now. The $150.00, $100.00 and $55.00 tickets have been sold out. Limited $35.00 (VIP Bronze) and $80.00 (VIP Gold) tickets are still available. To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Willy’s Gym (860.614.2281), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800).
For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout 7 PM/ET.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade. The last inductee was the late, great Rocky Marciano.
“Connecticut Conquest,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES) will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 8 PM/ET on CN8,The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.
WBC World Youth featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of nearby Manchester and recently named the NABF Top Prospect of the Year, headlines in his first title defense versus Mexican challenger Jose Magallon in the 10-round main event.
“He is one of the most exciting fighters in modern New England boxing history,” Burchfield spoke about Cardona. “Coming up, ‘Pito’ was a very entertaining television fighter. He has been a tremendous role model to Latinos in the Hartford area, He could also knockout an opponent at anytime, whether he was winning or losing. ‘Pito’ Cardona very much deserves to be in the CES Ring of Honor.”
Cardona (36-9, 28 KOs) most significant victory was a third-round stoppage of “Mighty” Ivan Robinson (23-1) for the USBA lightweight championship. In his previous bout, Robinson had lost the IBF welterweight belt to Philip Holiday and three fights after his loss to Cardona, Ivan beat Arturo “Thunder” Gatti for the first of two times in their 1998 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.
“Pito,” who also captured the IBO super featherweight and light welterweight titles, as well as the NABF lightweight crown, lost his only major world title fight to undefeated Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora (26-0) won a 12-round decision for the vacant IBF lightweight championship.
“It’s a great honor to be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor and to be considered in the same class as great fighters like Vinny Paz, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Ray Oliveria and all of the others,” Cardona commented. I wish I was fighting but my left is my weapon and I injured my left elbow. I’m still going to have fun on June 13th and I’ll be supporting by CES teammates in my hometown. I go way back with Jimmy and I thank him for this honor. I hope all of my friends, family and fans will be there supporting me.”
Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight Tony “TNT” Grano (13-0-1, 11 KOs), 2005 U.S. Nationals champion, is in the 8-round co-feature against an opponent to be announced. Former USBA super bantamweight title-holder Pires (20-3, 9 KOs), now a fulltime New Bedford (MA) police officer, returns to the ring in a 6-round junior welterweight bout after a five-year absence.
The newest member of the CES stable, former world middleweight title challenger Kingsley “Sharp Knuckle” Ikeke (23-3, 13 KOs), makes his CES debut in a six-round super middleweight clash. Ikeke is a former NABF, NABO, NBA and WBC FECARBOX middleweight champion.
Others fighting on the undercard include Hartford favorite and prison guard, junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (4-2, 2 KOs), coming off a very close loss by decision in Germany, undefeated, top super middleweight prospect Brian Macy (3-0, 1 KO), of Ledyard (CT), the 2000 National PAL amateur champion and University of Connecticut graduate vs. Adrian Redmond (3-5-1, 3 KOs).
Tickets are on sale now. The $150.00, $100.00 and $55.00 tickets have been sold out. Limited $35.00 (VIP Bronze) and $80.00 (VIP Gold) tickets are still available. To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Willy’s Gym (860.614.2281), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800).
For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout 7 PM/ET.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 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
Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Tony “TNT” Grano in toughest test vs. Leroy Childs
(Larry Johnson and Tony Grano)
HARTFORD– Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight prospect Tony “TNT’ Grano, one of New England’s most popular fighters, steps up in class June 13th when he takes on Missouri knockout artist Leroy Childs in the 8-round co-feature on “Connecticut Conquest” at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
NABF Top Prospect of the Year, WBC World Youth featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of nearby Manchester, headlines in his first title defense versus Mexican challenger Jose Magallon in the 10-round main event.
“Connecticut Conquest,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES) will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 8 PM/ET on CN8,The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.
Grano (13-0-1, 11 KOs), 2005 U.S. Nationals champion, faces his toughest test in Childs (13-1, 12 KOs), who has stopped 12 of his 13 career victims.
“Childs can really hurt people,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield noted. “This will be Tony’s toughest fight of his career and you have to give him and his team a lot of credit for accepting the challenge to fight Childs. Team Grano wants to make an impact in the heavyweight division, starting with his June 13th fight against Childs. What better way to do it than fighting a very tough opponent at home in front of his family, friends and fans? I know they can’t help him in the ring, but Tony will take care of that himself.”
Hartford’s popular boxer Israel “Pito” Cardona injured his elbow, forcing him to withdraw from his scheduled June 13th fight against Jason Pires, but former world title challenger Cardona will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony. Former USBA super bantamweight title-holder Pires (20-3, 9 KOs), now a fulltime New Bedford (MA) police officer, returns to the ring in a 6-round junior welterweight bout after a five-year absence.
The newest member of the CES stable, former world middleweight title challenger Kingsley “Sharp Knuckle” Ikeke (23-3, 13 KOs), makes his CES debut in a six-round super middleweight clash. Ikeke is a former NABF, NABO, NBA and WBC FECARBOX middleweight champion.
Others fighting on the undercard include Hartford favorite and prison guard, junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (4-2, 2 KOs), coming off a very close loss by decision in Germany, undefeated, top super middleweight prospect Brian Macy (3-0, 1 KO), of Ledyard (CT), the 2000 National PAL amateur champion and University of Connecticut graduate vs. Adrian Redmond (3-5-1, 3 KOs).
Tickets are on sale now. The $150.00, $100.00 and $55.00 tickets have been sold out. Limited $35.00 (VIP Bronze) and $80.00 (VIP Gold) tickets are still available. To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Willy’s Gym (860.614.2281), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800).
For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout 7 PM/ET.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 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
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