“Holiday Hits”; RESULTS FROM NEW YORK CITY

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Marcellus Brown (26-17-1, 21 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WDQ2 (2:40) Nagy Aguilera (10-1, 6 KOs), Newburgh, NY, (referee halted bout when Brown was unable to continue due to an intentional head butt by Aguilera)

Marcellus Brown


Marcellus Brown


Tor Hamer (2-0, 2 KO), New York, NY WTKO1 (2:17) Royal Bryant (1-2-1, 1 KO), North Platte, NE

Tor Hamer


LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Daniel Judah (23-3-3, 10 KOs), Brooklyn, NY WDEC12 (120-108, 117-111, 116-112) Jaffa Ballogou (46-7, 40 KOs), Manhattan, NY (Judah won IBF International Light Heavyweight Championship)

Daniel Judah




Will Rosinsky (3-0, 3 KOs), Queens, NY WTKO1 (2:18) Amador Acevedo (2-4-1, 2 KOs), Moca, Puerto Rico

Will Rosinsky (Bottom, R)


MIDDLEWEIGHTS
George Walton (19-3, 12 KOs), Harlem, NY WDEC6 (58-54, 58-54, 58-54) Clarence Taylor (13-19-3, 6 KOs), Wilmington, DE

LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Lambrose Karaolides (1-0, 1 KO), Island of Cyprus WTKO1 (2:09) James Justice (0-2), Portsmouth, VA

Ken Dunham (5-6, 3KOs), Charlotte, NC WTKO1 (2:30) Luis Ruiz (3-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY

WELTERWEIGHTS

Eluid Torres (1-0-1, 1 KO), Allentown, PA WTKO1 (2:18) Romain Oliveri (0-1, 0 KOs), Brooklyn, NY

Eluid Torres


LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS

Christian Martinez (1-0, 1 KO), Bronx, NY WTKO1 (2:14) Murray Cunningham (1-1, 0 KOs), Rochester, NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Aldo Valtierra (25-10, 13 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico WDEC10 (96-94,95-94, 95-95) Jorge Luis Teron (22-1-1, 15 KOs), Bronx, NY

Aldo Valtierra


Jorge Luis Teron


SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Eddie Hyland (11-1, 3 KOs), Dublin, Ireland WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55) Gustavo Dailey (2-4, 0 KOs), Philadelphia, PA

Eddie Hyland


FEATHERWEIGHTS

Robert Semidei (3-0, 0 KOs), Brooklyn, NY WDEC4 (37-37, 38-36, 38-36) Soumana Abdoulaye (0-4), New York, NY

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS

Emmanuel Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO), Bronx, NY WTKO1 (2:14) Jean Ramos (0-3), Rochester, NY

Emmanuel Gonzalez


See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

LUIS CARLOS ABREGU & DAVID ESTRADA, TRAVIS KAUFFMAN & MALACHY FARRELL FINAL QUOTES

Undefeated, world-ranked but virtually untested welterweight Luis Carlos Abregu (24-0, 21 KOs) of Argentina faces what will be by far his sternest challenge in his career when he takes on the vastly more experienced David Estrada (22-5, 13 KOs) of Chicago in the 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Dec. 5, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. E/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In the ShoBox co-feature at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., undefeated Travis “GW Hope’’ Kauffman (13-0, 10 KOs) of Reading, Pa., will face once-beaten Malachy “The Seventh Son’’ Farrell (16-1, 12 KO’s) of Chicago in a solid eight-round heavyweight bout.

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.

What the fighters said Thursday:

LUIS CARLOS ABREGU
“This is definitely a legit fight and a real test. He’s a tough guy and has a lot of experience, but he is the kind of fighter that will bring out the best in me. He want to fight and will bring it to me, and those are the kinds of guys I like.

“Estrada has fought bigger-named fighters in tough fights so I know he has a lot left and I have to be aware of him. But it’s hard to say if it’ll be my toughest fight right now. Wait until after the fight to ask me. But I do expect it to be my toughest.

“I know for sure Estrada will be my toughest fight since coming to the United States. I fought two guys in Southern American title fights in Argentina that were definitely tougher than the last two guys I fought in the U.S. But Estrada is at another level.

“Winning this fight is very important to me. I want to prove I can fight at this level. I disappointed myself in my last fight. Fans should know that was not the real me. It was just a little stumbling block. I’m confident things will work out. The key is always for me to be relaxed. When I am, I can do what I want in the ring.’’



DAVID ESTRADA
“There’s no question that this will be the best fight of the weekend. Both of us come to fight. There is no boxer and puncher here -- just two fighters coming to work and put on a show.

“I can’t say it will be the best true welterweight fight of the weekend, but only because I am going to beat him down like you wouldn’t believe. He may be undefeated, but he’s so one dimensional. It’ll be simple.

“He’s a strong kid but all he has is a right hand. I am very well prepared and have a good game plan. He’s been knocking everybody out; let’s see how he does when I take him into deep waters.

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION: ABREGU, ESTRADA, KAUFFMAN, FARRELL FINAL QUOTES

“It is not insulting, but one of these days promoters are going to learn to stop putting their undefeated fighters up against me. They still haven’t learned. Maybe, after this one, I will get the respect. I want to out-everything him – out-jab, out-punch, out-everything. I want to make him look like an amateur.

“I feel I’m where I need to be. After this fight I’ll be back in the top 10 and getting a shot at the title. I really want a rematch with (Andre) Berto. We have unfinished business. That last stoppage against me was total bull. I felt I was winning and he was about to quit. I still don’t understand why the referee stopped it.’’

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN
“I’m really excited about fighting on ShoBox and I hope there are many more opportunities to come. I feel really good, especially considering I weighed 310 pounds about a year ago. At 221, this will be the lightest I have been in my career.

“All fighters are tough, and this will be my toughest fight. He also is most definitely the most awkward fighter I have fought. He throws punches from his back pocket. But I have been training really well for the last 5½ weeks and had great sparring against all kinds of fighters with different styles.

“I beat him in the amateurs, but what I remember is how I kept hitting him and he kept coming forward. I can box or bang but this time I plan to outbox him. They say I am slick with a good chin, but I have heart and pride, too.’’



MALACHY FARRELL
“I want to get him out of there early. I am fighting for my career. I can’t afford another loss.

“I really felt won I won the fight I lost, but it was my fault for leaving it in the judges’ hands. I had the guy out twice but didn’t finish him.

“I’m as ready as I can be for training for about six weeks. I really want to see if he can handle my power.’’

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

"HOLT-TORRES – UNPREDICTABLE": SHOWTIME TO REPLAY THE PAIR’S FIRST TWO FIGHTS AND PRESENT AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT UPCOMING RUBBER MATCH

“Holt-Torres – Unpredictable’’ Premieres Monday, Dec. 8, on SHO2 at 10 P.M. ET/PT

NEW YORK– The initial two action-packed encounters between Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres were rife with controversy, questionable officiating, punches after the bell and head butts. They resolved little and spawned a nasty rivalry. SHOWTIME will present “Holt Torres – Unpredictable,” a 90-minute telecast that will replay in their entirety the two hotly contested fights and preview their impending third.

The first two fights ended in knockouts—Torres took the first inside 11, Holt won the second in round 1, the leading candidate for Round of the Year—but left many unanswered questions. The most obvious of which: Who is the better 140-pound world champion, Holt (24-2, 13 KOs), the current holder of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight title, or Torres (32-2, 28 KOs), the former WBO champ?

To settle matters once and for all, Holt, of Paterson, N.J., will defend against Columbia’s Torres in a must-see rubber match in the main event of a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on Saturday, Dec. 13, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

“Holt-Torres – Unpredictable” will premiere on SHOWTIME 2 on Monday, Dec. 8, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. It will re-air at the same time on SHO2 on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 11, before airing on Dec. 13 at 5:15 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. ShoBox announcers Nick Charles and Steve Farhood will host the program.

“Holt-Torres – Unpredictable” is a perfect precursor to what analysts are predicting will be a superb third meeting between the two proud fighters. Fans will not want to miss it.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com.

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

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SecondsOut Radio: Thomas Hauser Previews De La Hoya-Pacquiao

On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the award-winning boxing writer and author, Thomas Hauser of SecondsOut.com (http://www.secondsout.com/). We focus on previewing the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight, which takes place Saturday, December 6, in Las Vegas, and will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. Pacquiao, who has fought at featherweight and super featherweight in recent years, and just moved up to lightweight in June, will be fighting the much larger De La Hoya at welterweight. In a lengthy interview, we discuss how the problems surrounding this fight are symptomatic of the many problems in boxing, and in particular of the way in which HBO has been running their boxing programming. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

USBA MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION, LAJUAN SIMON TO BATTLE JOSE SPEARMAN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

PHILADELPHIA— This Friday night, USBA Middleweight champion, Lajuan Simon will make his sixth appearance when he takes on veteran Jose Spearman in an eight round bout that will be part of one of the biggest nights in Philadelphia Boxing in recent memory at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Simon, twenty-nine years old of Philadelphia will bring in an undefeated record of 20-0-2 with eleven knockouts will fight in front of the hometown fans for the first time in almost two-years.

“I am just waiting to get a back shot” said Simon

“I want to fight one of the big names in the middleweight division and I am ready to step it up to the next level.”

Simon is coming off a sixth round stoppage over Emanuel Gonzalez this Past October 29th in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

Spearman of Indianapolis, Indiana has fought some of the bigger names in the sport and has had some success when coming up against undefeated fighters

Spearman’s experience (27-14-5, 11 KO’s) will provide a test for Simon as he has fought the likes of Anthony Hanshaw, Mads Larson, currant IBF Super Middleweight champion Lucien Bute, Joey Spina, Curtis Stevens, former world chmpaion Bronco McKart.

Spearman is coming off a draw with Wayne Cooper on February 29th.

In the main event, Israeli knockout sensation, Ran Nakash (15-0, 11 KO’s) takes on Harvey Jolly in an eight round cruiserweight affair.

Also on the card will see Steve Upsher Chambers (18-1-1, 5 KO’s) take on an opponent to be announced in a eight round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jules Blackwell (8-1-1, 2 KO’s) of Phoenixville, Pa. will see action in a six round Featherweight affair against Darrell Martin

Lenny DeVictoria (11-12, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Ricardo Medina (31-32-4, 17 KO’s) in a Jr. Welterweight rematch

Earlier in the evening, DeVictoria will receive The Briscoe Award from John DiSanto of www.phillyboxinghistory.com for his 2007 Fight of The Year with Elad Shmouel

There will be 10 bouts in all

This card will be broadcasted all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

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

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

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

There will be a press gathering on Wednesday, December 3rd at the Legendary Blue Horizon at 2pm

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG IN 08; Can Christmas Come Early for the Native-American Owned Boxing Company?

SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS LOOKS TO FINISH STRONG IN 08; Can Christmas Come Early for the Native-American Owned Boxing Company?

SAN DIEGO, Calif.– For various reasons, the end of the year is typically a slow period for the boxing industry. Television networks and promotional companies are closing in on their budgets and boxers typically like to enjoy the holiday season away from the ring.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions is bucking that trend by placing three of its boxers into meaningful, “late season” fights. Former world champions Joan Guzman and Carlos Baldomir are in title eliminator bouts, while their newest charge, welterweight Carlos Abregu of Argentina, is fighting for the first time on SHOWTIME this Friday.

Abregu (24-0, 21 KOs), a hard-hitting undefeated prospect who is co-promoted by Gary Shaw, faces his toughest challenge of his career when he meets David Estrada of Chicago (22-5, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, Dec. 5, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. E/PT, delayed on the west coast).

"Carlos Abregu will get tested against David Estrada,” said Sean Gibbons, matchmaker and vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “Estrada has fought Shane Mosley, Andre Berto and Kermit Cintron. All of these guys are either current or former world champions.

“We feel Abregu has what it takes to challenge for a world title, but he has to move past the prospect label first. A strong outing on Friday and Abregu will show everyone that he is the real deal.”


Baldomir (44-11-6, 13 KOs), a former WBC welterweight champion and close friend of Abregu (both are from Argentina), is inching closer to a title shot when he faces Jackson Bonsu (29-2, 23 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator from Belgium.

“Baldomir is looking great right now,” Gibbons said. “He has that bounce in his step. He wants the distinction of becoming a two-time WBC welterweight champion. We know Baldy can do it. He’ll prove it on Dec. 20.”

Guzman (28-0, 17 KOs), a former two-division champion, is in a 12-round WBA lightweight title eliminator.

Guzman travels to his native Dominican Republic to take on WBA Fedelatin lightweight champion Ameth Diaz (25-7, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, from El Palacio de los Deportes in Guzman’s hometown of Santo Domingo.

“We’ve had big plans for Guzman since the very beginning,” Gibbons said. “With a win against Diaz, Guzman is back in the lightweight picture.”

“We’re aiming for three victories in December: one for Abregu, one for Baldomir and one for Guzman. We hope Christmas comes a little early this year.”

ABOUT SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS

Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including undefeated and 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 welterweight prospect Carlos Abregu, undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk and once-beaten, super middleweight prospect Henry Buchanan.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Scott Woodworth, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Sean Gibbons, vice president/matchmaker.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Oisin Fagan - I Khan do it!‏

Oisin Fagan - I Khan do it!

Oisin Fagan is planning to give himself an early Christmas present by grabbing the chance of a lifetime with both hands. The Dubliner faces Amir Khan in London on December 6th with Khan looking to bounce back from his sensational first round knockout defeat to Breidis Prescott.

A second successive defeat for Khan would all but end the grand plans made for the Bolton native since he turned professional following his Olympic Silver medal in 2004. Fagan believes that pressure will play into his hands in London next month.

“I’m coming to London to win, no doubt about that,” insisted Fagan. “I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t think I could win it. Of course I’m going to be the underdog but that’s ok, I’m well used to that and I kind of like that ‘me against the world mentality’, it’s helps to fire me up.

“There's no doubt I'm being overlooked by Khan his team, they obviously see me as a soft touch but they'll be in for a shock if they think I'm just going to fall over. This is a huge opportunity for me and I intend to grab it with both hands.”

Fagan, who graduated with a degree in Political Journalism following a soccer scholarship in the U.S. returned home to Ireland earlier this year and says that the timing of the Khan fight couldn’t have been any better.

“This fight has come at the perfect time for me. I came back home to Dublin in the summer after being in the States for a good few years and I’ve come back to a terrible economy. I was a schoolteacher in Oklahoma but I was finding it hard to get a job at home since coming back so the Khan fight came along at just the right time for me. I know a win over Amir can catapult me into the European and World title picture.”

Fagan has based himself at John Breen’s gym in Belfast in training for the fight and he says that Khan’s main weakness is no secret. “I do think he’s chinny but let’s face it that’s hardly breaking news, everybody knows he is, the facts speak for themselves.

“He’s been down numerous times even before he was knocked out last time. He was floored heavily in the amateurs and since he’s turned pro he’s been down against guys who aren’t known to be punchers and of course the Prescott fight proved it beyond doubt. That doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s a great fighter. He's great ability and he's lighting fast but he’s a great fighter with a serious, serious flaw, his chin.”

The Dubliner is refusing to make any predictions but he’s promising Khan one thing. “He’s going to be in for a real fight. I might not be able to match him for skill but I don’t think he’s going to be able to match me for heart, pride and desire. I've a heart that's second to none I’m a very proud Irish man and every time I step into that ring I feel like I’m representing my country as well as myself and that really drives me on in there because I want people to be proud of me."

View exclusive video highlights and the latest news on our website: brianpeterspromotions.com

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

DE LA HOYA HONORED AT STAPLE CENTER WITH 14' BRONZE STATUE; ICONIC FIGHTER JOINS JOHNSON AND GRETZKY AS RECOGNIZED LOS ANGELES SPORTS GREATS

LOS ANGELES- Olympic gold medalist and 10-time world champion Oscar de la Hoya was honored yesterday during a special ceremony at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles with the unveiling of a 14' bronze statue of his likeness in acknowledgement of his role as being one of the City's most influential sports figures.
Six Division and Ten-Time World Champion Oscar de la Hoya poses next to a bronze statue in his likeness at STAPLES Center Star Plaza Walk Of Fame in Los Angeles on December 1, 2008 at the statue's unveiling where De La Hoya joined NBA superstar Magic Johnson and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky as the only athletes who have received such an honor from AEG and STAPLES Center. Immediately following the unveiling, De La Hoya departed for Las Vegas, Nevada where he will fight Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound-For-Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, December 6, 2008 in a bout which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
PHOTO CREDIT: Gene Blevins - Hoganphotos.

The statue of the iconic fighter will be permantly display at STAPLES Center Walk of Fame, along side the likenesses of NBA great Magic Johnson who famously led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships from 1979-1991 and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, who drew an unprecendented fan base to the sport of hockey during his eight year stint with the Los Angeles Kings.

"I have been fortunate to have received many accolades throughout my career, but receiving this statue is one of the proudest moments of my life. It is humbling to be placed alongside Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky, two great sports legends who mean so much to Los Angeles and its sports history. I am extremely grateful to AEG and STAPLES Center for honoring me in such a way."

AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke, who was joined by De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions CEO and De La Hoya business partner Richard Schaefer, made the presentation to the fighter at an outdoor ceremony, which was emceed by longtime, much-heralded Los Angeles sportscaster Jim Hill, at STAPLES Center Star Plaza, in front of a throng of media, special guests and fans .

"Oscar is the third athlete to receive a statue on the Walk of Fame but the first native Angelino to receive the honor as an acknowledgement of his stature as one of the most important and influential sports figure to the City of Los Angeles," said Leiweke. "It is his history at STAPLES Center and his direct relationship to the area that marks this occasion as a truly memorable event."

"All of us are immensely proud of Oscar's achievements and the statue very much signifies that with hard work and determination dreams can come true," said Schaefer. "this statue is her to motivate others to reach for the stars and make a difference in whatever field you are in."

The fighter, who grew up in East Los Angeles and solidifed his place in STAPLES Center history when he took on Shane Mosley in the first boxing match ever held in the arena, has been a professional fighter for 17 years and is undoubtably the biggest pay-per-view attraction in the history of the sport. The son of Mexican immigrant parents who settled in the Los Angeles area to raise him and his two siblings, De La Hoya has made it a priority to never forget the community that made it possible for him to achieve success. His most notable efforts include creating the Cecilia de la Hoya Cancer Center for Women at White Memorial Medical Center in 2000, in honor of his mother who passed away from breast cancer when De La Hoya was 17, and establishing the Oscar de la Hoya Charter School in 2003, now educating more than 500 students from grades nine to 12. His annual golf tournament and fundraising Oscar de la Hoya Foundation dinner, raises substantial monies for these and many other causes.

De La Hoya continued, "To think it all started from humble beginnings in East Los Angeles and now this statue. This is such a wonderful tribute for myself and my family but this is also for all of the people in the Los Angeles community in general and East Los Angeles in particular, who have believed in and supported me throughout my career.

De La Hoya, departed immediately following the ceremony for Las Vegas, Nevada, where he meets pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao in "The Dream Match" Saturday night at the MGM Grand and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

McCloskey out to prove he has the X Factor against Lynes

Paul McCloskey is determined to prove he has the X Factor by taking the British Light Welterweight title on Friday night in Dagenham. McCloskey, a cousin of X Factor semi finalist Eoghan Quigg has been handed a surprise shot at the title following the withdrawal of David Barnes over the weekend. The champion’s withdrawal handed McCloskey the opportunity to face former European champ Lynes for the vacant title and he didn’t need to be asked twice.

The Dungiven southpaw was scheduled to fight in an 8 round contest on the undercard of the Matchroom Sports promotion which is being televised live by Sky Sports. Despite the late promotion to headline status McCloskey says he’s more than ready for twelve hard championship rounds with Lynes. “It’s a chance that has come a bit out of the blue but it’s one I’m ready for”, declared the undefeated 29-year-old. “I’ve sparred over 100 rounds and my weight is perfect. I always give it 100% in training for each and every fight so I’m in excellent shape.

“To be honest I’ve felt for a long time that I’m ready for these kind of fights. I feel I’m at my peak as an athlete so from that point of view the timing of this has been perfect. At the start of the year I set a goal for myself of ending the year as either British or European champion so this is my chance to make that happen.”

Lynes will have home advantage for the bout at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre and the Hornchurch native will be confident of reclaiming the British title he vacated last year. McCloskey though has other ideas and having watching Lynes defend his European title from ringside earlier this year he didn’t see too much to worry him. “I watched Colin outpoint Juho Tolppola back in January and he’s a decent fighter, he’s proved he’s above British level having won the European title but I believe I’m the better fighter and am very confident of beating him.

“I've also just watched his European title defeat to Gianluca Branco and while he’s technically very good I think he probably left the title behind him in Italy because if he’d been a bit more adventurous I believe he’d have beaten Branco. I’m not sure how he’ll feel about fighting me, he was preparing to fight a southpaw anyway with Barnes so maybe the change won’t affect him too much. I’m sure the bookies will probably have him favourite and if he’s underestimating me then that’s fine as well.

"I’ve answered every question asked of me in my pro career to date and this is just another test I have to pass. The fact that the fight will be in his own back garden only makes it all the more special. I’m buzzing about this opportunity, I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m confident of delivering the goods on Friday night."

The John Breen trained stylist improved his perfect record to 17 straight wins this year courtesy of wins over Mexican dangerman, Manuel Garnica, former World Champ, Cesar Bazan and leading British contender Nigel Wright. His promoter Brian Peters believes he’s ready to add the scalp of Lynes to that list on Friday night. “Paul has been pretty much flawless to date in his pro career and I believe he’s capable of winning British, European and World titles. He’s been something of a well kept secret from British fight fans until now but I think they’ll all find out just how good he is on Friday night.”

Tickets for Friday night's fight cost £30 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available by calling Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

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