Don King Will Join Panel Discussion; ‘Overcoming Hurdles through Sports’ Legendary Boxing Promoter Invited to Speak at International Peace Conference

Deerfield Beach, Florida— Legendary boxing promoter Don King will be speaking at an international peace conference organized by Peres Center for Peace, an international non-profit organization that promotes peace and reconciliation in the Middle East, on October 27th at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Mr. King will participate as a panelist and share his thoughts on the unique ability of sports to transcend barriers in language, politics, religion, and gender and how sports have been used as a powerful peacemaking tool.

Joining Mr. King in the discussion will be Joseph Blatter, President of FIFA; Ramon Calderon, President, Real Madrid Football Club; Alex Gilady, Founder and President of Keshet and Senior Vice President, NBC Sports and Olympics; Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Vice-Chair, Laureus World Sport Academy and Paralympic Gold Medalist; Edwin Moses, Chair, Laureus World Sport Academy and Olympic Gold Medalist; and Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Federation.

“Since the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974 featuring Muhammad Ali and George Foreman and the following year with the Thrilla in Manila where Ali faced Joe Frazier for the third and final time, I have experienced first hand how sports can make a difference in bringing people from different countries, races and religions together to achieve things many once felt were unachieveable,” King said.

“Sports speak a universal language that offers powerful tools to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding between people. Sports have the unique ability to bring people who would not normally join together to cross the lines of religion, gender, race, and geography. I am convinced the value of sports, if better recognized and utilized, could contribute to a more equal, just, fair, and peaceful world.”

The panel discussion will take place on Monday, October 27th and is part of a three-day seminar beginning on Sunday, October 26th. The annual seminar commemorates the formation of the Peres Center for Peace in Israel.

The Peres Center for Peace is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization founded in 1996 by Mr. Shimon Peres, President of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, with the aim of furthering his vision in which people of the Middle East region can work together to build peace through socio-economic cooperation and development, and people-to-people interaction. The first Director General of the Peres Center was Ambassador Uri Savir who, together with Mr. Peres, established the organization and currently serves as President. For more information please visit www.peres-center.org.

Few personalities have transformed an entire industry the way Don King has affected boxing and event promotions. He has promoted over 500 world-championship matches to date, and holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history—the biggest of which featured the legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson.

He has promoted or co-promoted 12 of the top 20 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five

Mr. King is a six-time World Boxing Association (WBA) “Promoter of the Year” and also was named “Promoter of the Century” and “Promoter of the Millennium” by the WBA. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) named him “Promoter of the Decade” in 1996 and the World Boxing Council (WBC) deemed him the “Greatest Promoter of All Time” in 1994.

He was the only promoter named to Sports Illustrated’s “40 Most Influential Sports Figures of the Last 40 Years” in 1994; was the first boxing promoter to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997; and was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame in Las Vegas on Sept. 16.

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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

Top rated light welterweight contender Frankie Figueroa signs with Square Ring; Fighting Gavin Rees Nov. 8 on Jones-Calzaghe in Madison Square Garden

LAS VEGAS– NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa has signed a promotional contract with Roy Jones, Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions and the Bronx fighter has been added to the November 8 Jones-Calzaghe HBO PPV card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Figueroa (19-2, 13 KOs) has been in Las Vegas training for his Nov. 8th 10-round fight against former WBA light welterweight Gavin “The Rock” Rees (27-1, 13 KOs). “Fighting Rees is a phenomenal first step for me by my new promoter,” Figueroa said. “Square Ring is doing its job and I’m doing mine by focusing to fight my best. To be fighting on the Jones-Calzaghe card will catapult me to a different level….the big-time! I want to thank Team Rees for allow me to fight Gavin. It’s a great opportunity for me as well as Gavin. Beating a former world champion would show my great heart and chin and for him a win would be good coming off of his first loss. Millions of fans will be watching me take a step toward a world title.”

Figueroa, a Puerto-Rican-American born in Spanish Harlem, not too long ago was counseling rebellious teens in New York City. He was a 2-time New York City high school wrestler, 14-0 as a senior, who didn’t start boxing until eight years ago after taking advice from a friend.

Now 30 and in his sixth year fighting as a pro, “El Gato” is one of the top rated light welterweights in the world: WBC #4, IBF #5 and WBA #15. His last fight on May 5 was a win by 12-round decision against Luis Rodriquez (22-1), extending Frankie’s win streak to 11, dating back to March of 2005.

Welch-born Rees, who has never fought outside of the United Kingdom as a pro, captured the WBA title in 2007, winning a 12-round decision from Souleymane M’baye (35-1-1). This past March, though, Rees suffered his first loss when Andriy Kotelnik (28-2-1) stopped him in the 12th round for the WBA crown.

“A good win against Rees should position me for a title shot against Kotelnik, or a fight against any of the other top 140-pounders win the world, in 2009,” the U.S. Army veteran Figueroa commented. “I see a lot of myself in Rees, but I’m a little quicker, a lot stronger, and a better thinker. I haven’t fought too often at home in New York City lately and this fight is going to be colossal. It’s going to be crazy like the last time I fight in Madison Square Garden (November 11, 2006), when I beat Joey Rios (14-0) on the Klitschko-Brock card for the New York State title (WDEC10). Rios was ‘King Kong’ in the Bronx at that time but people in New York City knew what I could do.

“I’m training in Las Vegas because my trainer, Buddy McGirt, is there working with Paulie Malignaggi (for his Nov. 22 fight against Ricky Hatton). I go where my trainer is. I love it. I’m training at Bones Adams’ gym and there’s a lot of good sparring there.”

Figueroa is nicknamed “El Gato” – The Cat – because he was the only one quick enough to catch a cat that was a mascot at his original gym in the Bronx. This cat is now a fan-friendly, southpaw slugger who is coming out of the bag on Nov. 8 at home in the Big Apple.

“At this stage of my career,” Frankie concluded, “Rees is my biggest fight and I’m getting a great opportunity to knock down the doors for a world title fight. I’ve had good fights in the past but nothing came out of it. Things are going to be different after this fight.”

For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com, where you can enter a sweepstakes to win what he’s wearing in the ring Nov. 8 as well as a cash prize by simply filling out the mailing list form on the home page.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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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

NIECE OF LEGENDARY PRODUCERS PUBLISHES HIPHOP NOVEL‏

LEGEND OF HIPHOP PUBLISHES NOVEL

HIP-HOP BEFORE THE BLING, written by Darlene Lewis, is an historical journey through the eyes of a young female producer/writer who lived simultaneously in the Bronx and Harlem , New York . This talented artist was deeply influenced by music and film. With family members being legends in the music industry(Clarence Fats Lewis - managed and produced Gladys Knight and the Pips, along with Bobby Robinson (Fury Record/Enjoy Records), and having friends (Pebblee Poo, first solo female rapper, DJ Red Alert, Doug E Fresh, Spoonie Gee, Donald Dee, Reggie Wells, DJ HollyWood) who are some of the legends and pioneers of HIPHOP AND FUNK prior and during their fame. Darlene felt it was time to give credit to the pioneers who have been overlooked in the music industry. Behind the scenes execs that put Sean Puffy Combs, KRS 1-, etc., on the map, are listed, as well as Darlene’s personal take on the level of abuse and degradation the culture has witnessed in the last twenty years. Hiphop Before the Bling will take you to the streets of Harlem, to the clubs in the Bronx and Manhattan, to the restaurants and to the public access studio that allowed Darlene to promote the legends of the culture, prior to MTV Raps and BET Rap City. This is a must read. The Book ends with photos of legendary artists and producers.

To learn more about producer/writer feel free to go to her other website where she promotes the legends of Hip-Hop http://www.myspace.com/celebrityshowcase. Try to watch online every Wednesday Night at 630pm http://www.mnn.org, the show Celebrity Showcase click on TV56. Also airing at the same time on RCN CABLE CHANNEL 84 AND TIME WARNER CABLE CHANNEL 56. See clips of tv program at http://celebrityshowcase.blip.tv. Catch a preview of the book here www.lulu.com/DarleneLewis.

Darlene Lewis, writer/producer
www.lulu.com/darlenelewis You can buy my book here

Contact Emerald Greene

www.futurenetworkproductions.com

646 548 – 9508

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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

Cunningham-Adamek at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ‏

The last time a world championship boxing match was hosted in Newark, N.J., was in 1948 when Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano met in the rubber match of their epic three-fight trilogy.

World-championship boxing will return to Newark for the first time in 60 years when International Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (21-1, 11 KOs) defends his title against Polish-born former world champion Tomasz Adamek (35-1, 24 KOs) at the sparkling-new Prudential Center on Thursday, Dec 11.

Tickets, priced at $303, $153, $78, $53, $38, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 201-507-8900.

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: Steve Nelson and Oct. 24 Shark Fight Promotions MMA Card in Amarillo, Texas

No Holds Barred: Steve Nelson and Oct. 24 Shark Fight Promotions MMA Card in Amarillo, Texas

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-20T11_35_41-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Steve Nelson, who fought in and ran the Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation (USWF) in the 1990's in Amarillo, Texas.

Our focus on this show is the debut mixed martial arts card being held Friday, October 24, in Amarillo, of Shark Fight Promotions (http://sharkfights.com).

This card, which will take place at the Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Exposition grounds right near Interstate 40, will also be available on an Internet pay-per-view. Steve will be the lead commentator for this Internet pay-per-view.

Besides the fight card, there will also be a tribute on this show to Amarillo native, the late Evan Tanner. One dollar of every pay-per-view purchase will be donated to the Evan Tanner Scholarship Fund.

In a lengthy interview, we discuss the debut of Shark Fight Promotions in Amarillo, this fight card and which fighters to watch most closely, mixed martial arts and wrestling in Amarillo and Texas, and more.

We also open the show with some comments on the masterful performance of Bernard Hopkins this past Saturday night, Oct. 18, in defeating Kelly Pavlik by a lopsided unanimous decision.

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 discuss the masterful performance by Bernard Hopkins (49-5-1, 32 KOs) in taking a lopsided unanimous decision this past Saturday night against previously-unbeaten Kelly Pavlik (34-1, 30 KOs) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We hear postfight comments from the master himself, the 43-year-old Hopkins, about what he did to win this fight. We hear from his trainer, Naazim Richardson, about why Hopkins was able to fight so energetically against Pavlik for 12 rounds. And we also discuss some problems in the way in which boxing is run which have prevented Hopkins from becoming as popular a star as his talent warrants. 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.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
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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

The Boxing Standard Hopkins-Pavlik

There's a lot to be said both culturally and generationally about last night's fight. Two things jump out at me. The first is that Bernard Hopkins is never going to be snookered into a loss. You've got to really know how to fight in order to beat him. He's a terrible choice as an opponent for someone on the verge of stardom who hasn't been entirely tested. The second thing (and I think it's a very sophisticated point regarding a fighter's development) is that Kelly Pavlik's fate was probably sealed before the fight by the kind of "blue collar hero" marketing that was done on his behalf (to say nothing of Bob Arum's vast overestimation of him.) This type of pigeonholing (which made it necessary for Kelly to stick with an amateur trainer when he could have had a pro) forced Kelly Pavlik to be one kind of fighter. He's capable of learning (witness the vast improvement between his first and second Taylor fights), but can't do that if he's supposed to fight in a specific manner.

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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

Reality TV show winner Otis Griffin fighting for legitimacy in Germany; IBF middleweight Abraham-Marquez title fight headlines Saturday’s PPV in U.S.

HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 29, 2008) – Former NABO champion Otis “Triple OG” Griffin has traveled halfway around the world, from his California home to Germany for Saturday’s (October 4) fight against Enad Licina, in order to prove that “The Next Great Champ” winner is much more than a reality television fighter.

Nothing has come easy for Alabama-native Griffin (19-3-2, 7 KOs), who battles Licina (14-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight title in the 12-round co-feature on a special pay-per-view card, headlined by unbeaten International Boxing Federation middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham defending his belt against former world champion Raul “El Diamente” Marquez, live from Bamberg, Germany.

Abraham-Marquez is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland, presented by Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing. The broadcast is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV, DISH Network, Viewer’s Choice Canada, and Bell ExpressVue, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A replay will be shown that same night starting at 9 PM/ET. Al Bernstein and Nick Charles will call the action.

Griffin, fighting out of Sacramento, lost his pro debut to Jimmy Mince by four-round split decision in the preliminary round of the 2004 Oscar De La Hoya-sponsored reality television series on Fox, “The Next Great Champ.” When one of the fighters suddenly quit the show, Griffin was brought back and he took full advantage of his second chance, defeating Mohamad Elmahmoud (DEC4), Mince (DEC4 in semifinals) in a rematch and David Pareja (DEC6) in the championship final. The winner was supposed to fight in a sanctioned WBO title fight, but it never materialized and Griffin eventually built-up his pro record to 16-1-2, setting the stage in 2007 for an NABO light heavyweight championship bout against unbeaten Mike Nevitt (14-0), who Otis stopped in the seventh round.

Yugoslavian cruiserweight Licina (14-1, 8 KOs), rated No. 13 by the European Boxing Union and European Boxing Association, now fights out of Germany, where he’ll take on Griffin in Saturday’s co-feature.

Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs), rated No. 2 by The Ring and ESPN, captured the IBF middleweight title early three years ago by way of a fifth-round knockout of Kingsley Ikeke (23-1). Seven successful title defenses have followed against Edison Miranda, Shannon Taylor, Kofi Jantuah, Sebastian Demers, Khoren Gevor, Wayne Elcock and Elvin Ayala.


The 1992 U.S. Olympian Marquez (41-3-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 by the IBF as well as No. 8 by The Ring and ESPN, earned his title shot against Abraham by defeating previously undefeated No. 1 contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0) in their June 21st IBF title eliminator.

For more information about the Abraham-Marguez PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com or www.warriorsboxing.com

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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

Jim Gray Interview with Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson

Gray: Antonio you have said that Chad is the future and you’re the now. What gives you the indication that he’s not the ‘now’ and the future as well?

Tarver: Well, I feel like I’m at the top of my game. I just took the IBF title from Clinton Woods. I’m here. I’m the unified champion, four-time light heavyweight champion, twice undisputed. I’ve done it all. I’ve beaten everybody so why wouldn’t I feel like I’m the now and he can be the future?

Gray: Chad do you feel Antonio is way past his prime?

Chad Dawson: Yes, definitely past his prime. Look at his last three performances. They speak for themselves. Just look at Clinton Woods. He can’t even beat a ‘paycheck.’ Clinton Woods didn’t put up a fight…. He came to collect a paycheck.

Gray: By that same token, you didn’t have your best night against Glen Johnson and Antonio didn’t have a problem.

Dawson: Like I said, Glen Johnson came to fight, Chad Dawson came to fight. We had a hell of a fight. I’m here, I’m the future and I’m the now. On October 11, I will prove that point to the whole world.

Gray: How do you think you’ll be able to do that?

Dawson: I am in tremendous shape like I always am. I come into every fight in tremendous shape. There’s nothing that Antonio Tarver does that can throw me off my game plan. He’s slow, he’s old. Come on, look at my last three performances and look at his and tell me who the better fighter is.

Gray: Antonio you’re response to what you’re hearing here from Chad Dawson?

Tarver: I’m listening to a guy that is very naïve, a guy that is very young, obviously, mentally and he’s sadly mistaking. (Many) have come and tried to conquer and have tried to take me out. It has never been done before and it won’t get done on Oct. 11. All this guy is hoping for is that I show up less then prepared. They are looking to roll the dice and get lucky. That’s it, bottom line. But I’m here to tell you, I’m here to put the world on notice that it won’t happen. I’ll have my best performance against Chad Dawson. He’s right about the prediction. It won’t go the distance.

Gray: Antonio, he raises an interesting point. You haven’t looked your best in your last three fights. It looks like there has been a struggle and it looks like age now has affected you. What have you done in the interceding time to change that trend?

Tarver: Do me a favor. Put the camera up close. This is a fighter that has been in this sport for 20 years. Now do the same with Chad Dawson. He’s ten years my youth. The bottom line is I got the secret to the success. I’ve been here. I’m not going anywhere. You will see a display of the sweet science when I technically annihilate Chad Dawson on the 11th.

Gray: Chad, a lot of people say possibly you don’t have the chin and you’ve addressed that in the past. What about your chin and what about taking the big punch from him?

Dawson: I’ve never been knocked out. That’s what I have to say to that. I’ve been down but never been knocked out.

Gray: Do you respect not only what he’s (Tarver) done in the past but where he is now as a fighter?

Dawson: I respect what he’s done in the past but where he is right now as a fighter, you can’t compare that to me. I’m young, I’m fast, I’m strong, I’m in the best shape of my life. Every fight I come in on weight. I never have trouble making weight. Never. I mean that’s a true champion right there. I never have to struggle to make weight because I come in to camp on weight, every camp.

Gray: Why do you feel you’re an underdog and there’s this lack of respect, Antonio?

Tarver: They just don’t understand my game. All I do is win and all I do is be successful but they can’t understand my game. I was underestimated coming out of the Olympics. They never thought I would reach this plateau. As long as we have critics it gives me something to shoot for.

Gray: Chad, when you hear all this, what is your reaction?

Dawson: I believe in my abilities and he believes in his abilities. But, like he said, October 11, somebody is going home with hell, and it’s not going to be me.

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

Manfredo training in comfort zone for IBO world title fight vs. Bika Nov. 13 Center in Providence, live on Versus, headlining “Tough & Tested”

PROVIDENCE – Two-time world title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, finds himself training at home in a comfort zone as he prepares for his IBO super middleweight title fight November 13 against Sakio “The Scorpian” Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Tough & Tested,” co-promoted by the Tournament of Contenders and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out’ (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, “The Pride of Providence” sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo’s five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.

“I’m a family man, blue collar guy who goes to the gym (Manfredo’s Gym in nearby Pawtucket) and takes care of business. I’m a fighter, not a reality star, who is going to become world champion November 13th fighting in front of his family and friends in Providence. All of my best fights have been in Rhode Island, especially at The Dunk, and being in a comfort zone is the main reason. I never really loved boxing or training until now. You know I hated going to the gym in California. Freddie Roach is a great trainer, but I missed being home with my family. I made amends with my father and now live in the gym, do my work, and go home everyday to my family. You may not have your fans in the ring with you, but you know that there in the arena. It’s much better sleeping in my own bed, eating food I like, and being with my family and friends. I’m in a comfort zone!

“Bika’s a guy ranked higher than me who has fought two world champions. He may have lost but he’s game. His style is made for me. I wanted him and got him for a world title fight. Bika reminds me of (Joey) Spina, but he’s more disciplined and stronger in the mind than Joey. They’re both big, strong and wide shots. They have similar styles and I’m very confident. I’m not a trash talker, but I took out Spina in 2 1/2 rounds, so, I guess, it’ll take me 4 ½ or 5 rounds to stop Bika.”

IBF Pan Pacific super middleweight title-holder Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs), a 2000 Cameroon Olympian now fighting out of Australia, won The Contender III with a dramatic eighth round stoppage of Bridgeport, Connecticut native Jaidon Codrington in the finale in Boston. Bika, rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights.

“I like this style of match-ups,” explained Peter’s father and head trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr. “Bika is strong and durable but wide. If you just stand in front of him, he can punch you out. You either stay on the outside controlling the fight with jabs or go inside and use uppercuts. I know that I’m in for a fight. He’s a legitimate fighter, ranked in the top 10 by Ring. He fought two world champions, (Joe) Calzaghe and (Markus) Beyer. Bika almost had Calzaghe out at the end of the 12th round with a hook. He can punch, but I like Peter’s odds because of his speed. It’s going to be exciting; good action with both guys going for it.”

In the 10-round co-feature, Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), winner of Season Two of The Contender, meets fan favorite in Season Two of The Contender, IBF No. 13 rated Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator. Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs), runner-up in Season Three of The Contender, also is fighting on the card in a super middleweight Special Attraction against an opponent to be determined.

Some of New England’s most talented and popular fighters are scheduled to fight on the undercard including WBC World Youth and USNBC featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (15-0, 8 KOs), super flyweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0, 2 KOs), Providence light welterweight Jesus Caro (2-0, 2 KOs), and Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Periera (1-0, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com, at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000, as well as Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (401.723.1359), 401 Gym in Cranston (401.261.9800), Balletto’s Gym in Providence (401.641.9994), Elite Mixed Martial Arts (401.728.1356) and Ultimate Fitness in Bristol (401.253.3539). Each paid ticket holder will receive a complimentary Dave & Buster’s $10.00 Power Card ($12 value) upon entry.

For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout 6:30 PM/ET.

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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