Daniel Santos to Defend WBA Crown Against Interim Champion Sergio Martinez; Smashing HBO-Televised Tripleheader on Feb. 14

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla.—Daniel Santos will make his first defense of the World Boxing Association super welterweight championship he won in July when he faces interim World Boxing Council super welterweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez on Feb. 14.

Daniel Santos (L)

The addition of the Santos-Martinez world championship to the previously announced HBO-televised card promoted by Don King Productions makes for a smashing tripleheader. The event already features World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) opposing his IBF No. 1-Ranked mandatory challenger Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka as well as another intriguing 154-pound pairing of former three-time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga (28-7-1, 22 KOs) and undefeated WBC No. 3-ranked Alfredo “Perro” Angulo squaring off in a World Boxing Council elimination bout to determine the No. 1 ranking and become mandatory challenger.

On Monday, Santos (32-3-1, 23 KOs) was offered the opportunity to step in to replace Joe Greene, who had been scheduled to face Martinez (44-1-1, 24 KOs) in the HBO-televised co-feature being presented on Jan. 17 with Andre Berto vs. Luis Collazo in the main event from Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss. Greene pulled out due to a kidney stone ailment.

Santos’s attorney Gabriel Penagaricano advised Don King Productions that 10 days was not enough time for Santos to adequately train and prepare to make a Jan. 17 appearance.

“I couldn’t have agreed more with Gabriel for not taking that fight on such short notice,” King said, “but I had an obligation to run it by him. Danny has worked hard to gain another world title, and even though Gabriel had just corresponded with me to advise of Danny’s desire to return to the ring, 10 days of preparation was not adequate. I am delighted we can move the same fight to Feb. 14 in order to give Danny the time he needs to be ready.”

Boxing fans can rejoice in knowing they’ll have the opportunity to see the return of crowd favorite Nate Campbell risking both of his lightweight world championships in a unification match and also a decisive night in the 154-pound division with a world championship and an elimination bout.

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

SecondsOut Radio: Andre Berto

SecondsOut Radio: Andre Berto On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the WBC welterweight champion, Andre Berto (23-0, 19 KOs). He will be facing what could be the toughest test of his young career, ashe fights the former WBA welterweight champion, Luis Collazo (29-3, 14KOs), Saturday, January 17, at the Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino inBiloxi, Mississippi. This fight will be televised in the U.S. on HBO. In a lengthy interview, we discussed what to expect in this fight, how Andre plans to deal with his more experienced southpaw foe, how it was growing up in a family where participation in the combat sports was the norm, what his plans for the future are, his response to some criticisms directed his way, and more. 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.

Thanks, Eddie Goldmanhttp://eddiegoldman.com

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

BERNARD HOPKINS HIRED BY ESPN AS

Bristol, CT- Future Hall of Fame middleweight and light heavyweight great Bernard Hopkins has been hired by ESPN as a "boxing analyst" for the 2009 season of ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. Hopkins, who will make a series of regular appearances on the show, will handle his first assignment tonight alongside ESPN longtime host Brian Kenny for the FNF season debut featuring Cuban rising stars Yuriorkis Gamboa, Odlanier Solis and Erislandy Lara from Terrible's Primm Valley Casino Resorts in Primm, Nevada.

Hopkins will make regular appearances on the show and is excited to work with Kenny to hone his broadcasting skills.

"We anticipate that Bernard will add an entertaining and knowledgeable element to our Friday Night Fights coverage," said Matt Sandulli, ESPN senior coordinating producer for Friday Night Fights.

"This is an area I have wanted to get in to for some time as everyone knows I like to talk, and definitely have an opinion," Hopkins said shyly. "I will train as hard for this job as I do for my fights and hope to deliver the same championship results that have been part of my career. I appreciate ESPN giving me the opportunity and look forward to working with Brian Kenny, who is one of the best broadcasters in the business, to hone my skills and develop my broadcasting talent."

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WELTERWEIGHT BOUT AT BEAU RIVAGE RESORT AND CASINO IN BILOXI, MS;WBC 147 Andre Berto-Luis Collazo on HBO’s Boxing After Dark

BILOXI, Miss.– DiBella Entertainment is starting 2009 in style with a great world championship matchup, featuring hard-charging WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto making his second title defense versus number-one rated challenger and former WBA world champion Luis Collazo, to be seen on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, on Saturday, January 17 at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss.

Andre Berto


With his dominant TKO victory over Miguel Angel Rodriguez this past June to claim the vacant WBC welterweight crown, Andre Berto (23-0, 19 KOs) established himself as one of boxings most feared champions. Just 25 years old, Winter Haven, Florida’s Berto has already defeated proven veterans such as Cosme Rivera, Michael Trabant and Steve Forbes. Berto will need to draw on all of this valuable experience when he takes on mandatory challenger Luis Collazo (29-3, 14 KOs). Crafty southpaw Collazo, from New York City, is poised to win his second world championship – having already reigned as WBA welterweight king.

“Berto-Collazo has all the makings of a spectacular match up. Andre’s punch volume and non-stop pressure combined with Collazo’s poise and big-fight pedigree, make this the first ‘can’t miss” fight of 2009. Let’s not forget Luis has already gone 24 competitive rounds with Ricky Hatton and Shane Mosley. This is a great opportunity for Andre to show the world the champion that he is,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

"January 17 represents the hallmark of the Boxing After Dark franchise, featuring rising stars along with up and coming fighters and providing them a great showcase to demonstrate their talent,” said Luis Barragan, director of programming, HBO Sports. “Each fighter on the card is in a position to make a statement very early in 2009.”

In addition, fans in the live audience on January 17 at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino will get the opportunity to see local Light Heavyweight favorite Will McIntyre in an eight round bout, New York Heavyweight prospect Tor Hamer in a 4 round bout, undefeated Super Middleweight and top prospect Edwin Rodriguez from Worcester, MA in an eight round bout and Jonathan Nelson from Little Rock, Arkansas in a 6 round Super Middleweight bout.

Tor Hamer


“Beau Rivage is happy to be partnering with DiBella Entertainment and HBO Sports to bring world championship boxing back to Biloxi,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi resorts, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi, and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. “The headliner of Andre Berto vs. Luis Collazo is a competitive match and the undercard bouts are bona fide prospects to watch.”

Doors open at 3 p.m. and preliminary bouts begin at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $45, $100 and $150 plus tax and service charge and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Box Office or by calling 888.566.7469. Beau Rivage room reservations can be made by calling 888.567.6667 or visiting www.beaurivage.com.

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Former Boxer Mitchell Rose Releases Barack Obama Sneakers

January 20th 2009 will go down as an important day in American history where Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the country’s first African American President. Former pro boxer Mitchell Rose not only voted for Obama but strongly supports him. “Like me, Barack Obama is a fighter who supports change” said Rose, who will be in D.C. for the inauguration.

Shortly after President George W Bush was almost literarily hit with a shoe in Iraq, Rose plans to hit the market with his own pair. Rose will be selling Barack Obama sneakers which were created for fans to honor our new President. The sneakers are available in black and white as well have the number 44 on the tongue in honor of our 44th President. The sneakers also have his smiling face on the ankle and “Obama” written on the heel. “Obama’s smiling face can literarily be seen a city block away because my sneaker glows in the dark “mentioned Rose, who first gained fame after knocking out popular boxer Butterbean.

Rose’s ultimate goal is to change the sneaker business as a lot of Americans, specifically minorities wear Nikes. Rose however is upset that he has never heard about Nike doing something positive for the urban community. “I have never heard of them building a recreation facility or anything like that”, exclaimed Rose. “I say lets change the sneaker industry with the Obamas".

Ten percent of the total proceeds from the Barack Obama sneakers will go to the National Action Network, a nonprofit civil rights organization in which Al Sharpton is involved with. Their motto is “No Peace No Justice”. “Al Sharpton is one of the few leaders who hast fought for minority rights for over two decades”, said Rose. “He is one of the only people who have the courage to stand up to the police when they are violent toward minorities. We also share the same lawyer Sanford Rubenstein”, continued Rose.

Rose also wrote a book called “Mike Tyson Tried to Kill My Daddy to raise awareness of the problems people who are from the streets face on a daily basis. His book also discusses Surveilivision and the James Davis Reward Fund which are two programs he will make official soon that will help financial and criminal problems in the urban communities. “These are great projects I’m working on that can help out the community in a short amount of time” said Rose, who also sells sneakers as well as playing cards of boxing legend Mike Tyson.

The sneakers are currently being sold for $59.99. Those who can’t afford or are not interested in the sneakers can still help out by donating $1, $5, $10 or any other amount, which would be greatly appreciated. The sneakers can be ordered by sending a check or money order to Rose Knockout Products Inc PO Box 691 Valley Stream, NY 11582, calling 917-861-0021 and going to InagurationObamaSneakers.Com or Amazon.Com. All Questions can be sent to presidentbarackobamasneakers@yahoo.com.

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Andy Murray targeting boxing’s Grand Slam

Brian Peters believes that the name Andy Murray is going to become very familiar to sports fans this year – and he’s not talking about the Tennis player. Irish boxing has it’s own rising star in Cavan’s Andy Murray and having just signed a managerial deal with Peters his new manager believes he can be Ireland’s next big boxing hero.

The 3 time Irish Senior amateur champ turned professional in 2005 and remains undefeated having so far racked up 16 straight wins while hardly losing a round and claiming Irish titles at both lightweight and light welterweight.

However he’s also had to endure frustrating periods of inactivity but Peters is promising to keep him busy as he guides him towards a European and even World titles.

“Andy’s an exceptionally talented fighter but he has all the other attributes as well to make it to the very top,” enthused Peters. “He’s very marketable, he’s level headed, he has a great work ethic and he’s very focused on what he wants to achieve in boxing.

“His career has been a slow burning one to date but I believe he will really take off this year. His last win for the Irish lightweight title was very impressive. He won every round in that fight and McDonagh has gone on to have a couple of good wins since then.”

On turning pro Murray had signed with London based manager Michael Helliet but a lack of opportunities on the U.K. scene led Murray to return home. Peters said, “Mickey is a good boxing man but things just didn’t work out for Andy in England and with the pro scene buzzing here at the moment it makes sense for him to be based here.

“He’ll train up in Belfast at John Breen’s gym and that gym is really on a high with guys like Paul McCloskey, Martin Rogan and Stephen Haughian having had such a good 2008.”

Murray is delighted to have signed terms with Peters and believes it will prove the key to him fulfilling his undoubted potential.

“It was a very easy decision to make signing with Brian,” said Murray. “You only have to look at what he’s done for professional boxing in Ireland in the last few years and the job he’s done with people like Bernard Dunne, Paul McCloskey and others. Even last year when I wasn’t under contract with him he kept me busy with fights and it was great to get some TV exposure as well.”

While Peters begins working on the medium and long term goals of European and World titles Murray is happy to take it one fight at a time. “I just want to keep stepping up each and every time until I’m ready for those big fights. I know I’m not the finished article yet and you want to learn from each and every fight but I’ve no doubt Brian will deliver those fights for me and then when the chance at a major title comes along I’ll be ready for it.

Murray’s first outing under the new arrangement will come on February 7th when he features on Stephen Haughian: The Homecoming card at the Craigavon Leisure Centre with Peters planning on keeping him busy throughout 2009 and delivering some significant opportunities.

“Andy’s fight on February 7th should shake off any ring rust he’ll have and allow him to get an understanding with his new trainers, John Breen and Eamonn Magee. After that we’ll be looking to step up the level of competition and start directing him towards the European title. I have no doubt that Andy is capable of becoming European champion and once he’s at that level the world’s his oyster.”

Andy Murray’s professional record: http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=300933&cat=boxer

Vote for our 2008 Awards and get the latest news and video on our website: brianpeterspromotions.com

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

GUS JOHNSON JOINS SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AS HOST AND PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER;Longtime Host Steve Albert Will Have a Continuing Role on the Series

NEW YORK- Dynamic play-by-play broadcast veteran Gus Johnson of CBS Sports signed with Showtime Networks Inc. to host and call the action on the premium network’s flagship sports series SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, it was announced today by Ken Hershman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Showtime Sports & Event Programming.

Johnson replaces Steve Albert, who has served as the play-by-play voice of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING since 1987. Johnson will work alongside color analyst Al Bernstein on the monthly series.

"SHOWTIME has been on fire for several years—televising some of the most important and evenly matched world title fights in boxing, breaking ground by televising mixed martial arts and adding INSIDE THE NFL to the line up," said Johnson, who has called boxing for CBS Sports and Madison Square Garden Network. "I am thrilled to join the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING team. And as a division of CBS, my work with SHOWTIME will be complementary to that of CBS Sports.”

Johnson will make his SHOWTIME debut on the first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast of 2009 – live on Feb. 7 (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) – when the hard-hitting and outspoken Super Flyweight World Champion Vic Darchinyan faces dangerous Mexican champion Jorge Arce, in what is expected to be a thrilling, all-action title fight.
“Gus brings incredible energy and a fresh approach to every broadcast,” said Hershman. “He has the ability to match the intensity of the moment and there are few moments in sports more intense than a hard-fought boxing match. Gus and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING are the perfect match.”

Albert, who will remain with SHOWTIME Sports and fill in for Johnson when his CBS Sports schedule conflicts, said: “I never imagined that when I called my first fight on SHOWTIME back in 1987 that I‘d still be announcing boxing today. But after 21 years at SHOWTIME, 25 years all told in the sport, I thought it was finally time to pull back. I am happy to remain a part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and also excited to be in the process of pursuing other interests.”

Johnson has served CBS Sports as play-by-play announcer for its coverage of the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship since 1995, the National Football League since 1998 and CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS in 2008, among others. He will continue as an active member of the CBS Sports broadcast team.

Johnson is a practicing mixed martial artist who studies Shing Yi Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing.

“Having worked with the likes of Gil Clancy, Tony Paige and Steve Farhood, calling the New York City Golden Gloves and the Broadway Boxing series has prepared me for this tremendous opportunity with SHOWTIME,” said Johnson. “And to work alongside Al Bernstein will be a tremendous honor. I have admired Al’s work for so many years dating back to his time at ESPN. He is a boxing historian, a boxing purist and a true fan. Above all, he is a great broadcaster. I think I will learn a lot working with Al.”

“We welcome Gus to the SHOWTIME family,” said David Dinkins Jr., executive producer, SHOWTIME Sports. “When I first worked with him at the 1998 Olympics Games, I was immediately impressed with his talent and unabashed enthusiasm. He brings those same skills to every event he broadcasts. Gus is a longtime fan of combat sports which adds to his presentation of boxing and MMA.”

GUS JOHNSON

Johnson's credits at CBS Sports also include play-by-play for college football, track and field, the Hambletonian, and bobsled and luge at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games. He serves as host of AT THE HALF®, CBS Sports' college basketball halftime studio show, and SPORTSDESK, CBS Sports' wraparound studio show.

Johnson also is the radio voice of the NBA's New York Knicks and has provided play-by-play for the Madison Square Garden Network's coverage of the WNBA's New York Liberty. He has provided commentary for MSGN’s coverage of the New York City Golden Gloves Tournament.

Johnson also calls college basketball games on the Big 10 Network and has called play-by-play for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, Big East Basketball on the Big East Network, college basketball on ESPN and the Canadian Football League on ESPN2. Prior to joining MSGN, he hosted "Black College Sports Today" on ESPN and was the weekend anchor for WTTG-TV Washington, D.C. (1991-92).

Johnson has a degree in political science from Howard University where he played four years of Division I baseball as a catcher and outfielder. He lives in New York and has one son.

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Homecoming for Haughian

Stephen Haughian believes he’s ready to start chasing down major titles in 2009. The Co. Armagh boxer will look to take his career to the next level when he headlines a first ever pro fight night at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on Saturday, February 7th.

The Lurgan welterweight who trains out of John Breen’s Gym in Belfast is hoping to enjoy the same success in 2009 that gym mates Paul McCloskey and Martin Rogan enjoyed last year. Both ended 2008 on a high with McCloskey claiming the British Light Welterweight title and Rogan ending any remaining World title aspirations that Audley Harrison might have had.

“They say success breeds success and I certainly think that’s the case in the gym at the minute,” said Haughian. “Paul had a terrific win over Colin Lynes at short notice and I always fancied Martin to beat Harrison because of his attitude.

“He just loves a challenge and everyone in the gym is the same. The two lads are proof that is you put the work in the rewards can come your way so they’ve definitely been an inspiration to me.”

Haughian has compiled an impressive record of 16 wins from his 17 outings since turning professional in 2005. The sole blemish on his record remains a controversial points defeat to Giammario Grassellini for the IBF Intercontinental title at the Kings Hall in Belfast just over a year ago.

Haughian however reversed that result last time out by outpointing his Italian rival decisively on a Bernard Dunne undercard in November. Despite only recently turning 24Haughian now feels he’s ready for the best in Britian.


“I’d like to think this year will be a big one for me. Obviously it’s getting off to the best possible start with me headlining my own show and after that I’ll be looking for an Irish or Celtic title. After that I’d love a crack at either the British or Commonwealth titles.”

Haughian’s promoter Brian Peters is confident of delivering those opportunities. “Stephen’s the mandatory challenger for the Celtic title so hopefully we can make that happen in the next few months. I’ve made repeated attempts to get Billy Walsh to defend his Irish welterweight title against Stephen but he’s obviously not interested. He’s been talking ridiculous money for an Irish title fight but I think he’s pricing himself out of the fight deliberately because he knows Stephen would be far too much for him.”

“Obviously the Irish title is something that Stephen would love to win but if we can’t make that fight then we’ll move on to the Celtic title and hopefully a British or Commonwealth title opportunity later in the year.”

Haughian’s trainer John Breen believes that his charge is more than capable of matching the achievements of his gym mates. “I’ve been saying for a long time that Stephen’s my secret weapon. He goes about his business quietly but I see him in the gym day in and day out and I believe he has the potential to be as good a fighter as I’ve ever worked with. I don’t see anyone out there in Britain to trouble him.”

Haughian’s February 7th date is essentially a hometown appearance for the Lurgan native and he says all his sacrifices over Christmas will be worthwhile for the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his own supporters.

“I only live a few miles from the venue so it will be as good as having the fight in my back garden. I’ve been training hard all over Christmas and there’s already a bit of a buzz around the place about it. Everyone’s really looking forward to it. The love their boxing here and when I fought in Lurgan a few years back the venue was too small and they actually had to turn people away at the door.

“My Dad runs the Phoenix amateur boxing club here and his shows are always packed as well so I think there going to be a great atmosphere next month. People can’t get enough of boxing here.
An action packed undercard will feature a host of Irish boxing’s finest talent. Former World title challenger and British Champion, Neil Sinclair will be looking to showcase his feared punching power while unbeaten Michael Kelly will be returning after a break of almost 3 years.

Undefeated in 6 pro starts the former Irish amateur champ says he’s hungrier than ever and wants to emulate the pro success of former amateur rival, Paul McCloskey.

Another man hungry for titles is Belfast’s Kevin O’Hara. By his own admission O’Hara’s career has yet to live up to expectations but with 14 wins from his 18 starts “Sweet Pea” knows that he has solid foundations to launch a fresh bid for titles in 2009.

Also on the card is popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart. The Tyrone man has been mentored by the county’s All Ireland winning football manager, Mickey Harte since turning pro just over a year ago and he’s hoping 2009 will be a massive year in his fledgling pro career.

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Lauzon headlines “UFC Fight Night” Feb. 7 vs. Franca on national television

E. BRIDGEWATER, Mass.– UFC lightweight sensation Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon fights once again in the main event February 7, headlining “UFC Fight Night” on Spike TV against fellow Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Hermes Franca, live from the Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.

Lauzon (17-4, 5 KOs, 12 submissions), star of The Ultimate Fighter 5 television reality show, last headlined April 2, 2008 Joe in disappointing loss by second-round TKO to fellow Massachusetts fighter Kenny Florian on UFC Fight Night 13 in Denver. “J-Lau” bounced right back this past September, registering an impressive second-round stoppage of Kyle Bradley (13-6) on UFC Fight Night 15 in Omaha, Nebraska.

“It’s kind of weird,” Lauzon said, “but I’ve gone from undercard to main event, back to undercard, and now main event again. I’m not complaining at all. This is a huge fight for me, second only to my main event in Denver, which was more personal with both of us (Lauzon and Florian) from Massachusetts.”

Former UFC lightweight title challenger Franca (20-7), fighting out of Juniper, Florida by way of his native Brazil, is a former WEC and AFC champion. His most notable victories to date include a knockout of former UFC lightweight title challenger Caol Uno five years ago and third round submission (arm-bar) Jamie Varner in 2006. In his UFC championship fight in 2007 against Sean Sherck, Franca lost a 5-round decision on UFC 73 - Stacked. In his last action (July 19, 2008), Hermes won a 3-round decision versus Frankie Edgar on UFC Fight Night 14.

“This fight will be different than the one against Florian,” Lauzon promised. “I’m going to push the pace, be more aggressive. He’s a counter-puncher who likes his opponents to come to him. He’s a good defensive fighter, very good in every way. We’re both dangerous. It’s going to be fast-paced, a real dog fight.”

In addition to starring on The Ultimate Fighter 5, Lauzon caught the attention of MMA fans around the world, when as a 7-1 underdog in his UFC debut (September 23, 2006 in UFC 63), he shockingly stopped former UFC champion Jens “Little Evil” Pulver (21-7-1) at 43 seconds of the opening round.

For more information about Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon, who has a Bachelor’s degree in computer networking from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, go online and visit www.joelauzon.com or myspace.com/lauzonrsd

See you at the Fights.
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, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved