Figueroa following in path of Ward & Malignaggi

LAS VEGAS– Veteran boxing manager Sal LoNano has brought his fighter, NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa (20-2, 13 KOs), in from his Bronx home to the Boston area for a five-week training program at the famed Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Winchester, Massachusetts.

LoNano is having Figueroa follow in the same path two of his better known fighters, “Irish” Micky Ward and former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi, also traveled with tremendous results.

“In Frankie’s last few fights I noticed something wrong on his right side,” LoNano explained. “He was switching around to the right side (Figueroa is a southpaw) because he was in some pain I brought Micky and Paulie to Boyle’s because it’s the best finding physical weaknesses of pro athletes. A physical therapist evaluated Frankie and found the problem – intertwined cartilage in his right knee and a weak back. I knew something was wrong and it’s great they found out what I knew was wrong from watching him in fights and the gym.

“Boyle’s is the place to go for any athlete trying to get back on the right track. ‘Gato’ will work there and get strong, just like Micky and Paulie did, developing muscles not normally used in the fight game. For example, when Frankie threw a jab it didn’t have any power behind it because of his knee and back. He’ll work with his trainer at Boyle’s to correct the problem. Frankie will be back 100-percent, not 80 or 90 percent, and be ready to go to training camp in Vero Beach (FL) for four weeks prior to his next fight.”

Figueroa will workout at Boyle’s three days a week, two hours a day, for five weeks. After each session he is massaged-out and off days Frankie does light boxing-related workouts at a nearby gym.

“After one day of testing I realized that they’re very serious professionals,” Frankie said. “I was surprised because I thought the testing would be a lot of jumping and pulling. I’m expecting a big improvement and increases in my power, balance and speed. I’m for any edge that will help me reach my goal of becoming the undisputed light welterweight champion of the world. I take life as it comes; I’m humble but confident. I’ve won three titles (NABF & New York State light welterweight and WBC Intercontinental welterweight) but my job won’t be complete until I’m world champion. This strength-and-conditioning program is going to help me get there.”

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, Frankie is now promoted by Roy Jones. Jr’s Square Ring.

The 30-year-old Figueroa, a Puerto Rican-American born in Spanish Harlem, was 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. A U.S. Army veteran rated No. 5 by the IBF, as well as No. 10 by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBA. Figueroa hopes to be matched in April against former world champion Randall Bailey in an IBF light welterweight title eliminator.

Figueroa, coming off of an 8-round decision last November against veteran Emmanuel Augustus, has won his last 12 fights and is unbeaten for the past four-plus years.

Frankie Figueroa and Emmanuel Augustus


For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com.

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©®™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

Newly-crowned IBF Cruiserweight Champion Tomasz “Goral” Adamek of Jersey City and Golwice, Poland returns to Newark’s Prudential Center on Friday, February 27th to make the first defense of his world title against Detroit’s undefeated Johnathon Banks when Main Events and Ziggy Promotions, in association with K2 Promotions, bring boxing back to “The Rock.” The inaugural event of Main Events’ “Brick City Boxing Series” at the Prudential Center also will be aired on Showtime as part of its ShoBox boxing series.

Just a month ago, Adamek (36-1, 24 KO’s) thrilled thousands of cheering fans as he electrified Newark’s state-of-the art arena, scoring three knockdowns over defending champion Steve Cunningham, to earn a blistering 12-round win in a fight that many boxing scribes have dubbed “The Fight of the Year.” Also the former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Adamek is no stranger to “Fight of the Year” consideration. Making his first-ever US appearance, the former Polish national amateur standout traveled to Chicago in May of 2005 and defeated Number One Contender Paul Briggs in a brutal 12-round slugfest hailed as a candidate for “Fight of the Year” honors.

Rated number 8 in the world by the IBF and number 1 by WBO, Banks (20-0, 14 KO’s) is a product of Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym, where he is managed by Motor City boxing legend, Emmanuel Steward. A Hall of Fame trainer/manager/color commentator, Steward has helmed the careers of numerous notable world champions, including Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, former Heavyweight Champions Michael Moorer and Lennox Lewis and current World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko, to name a few. Banks has had the benefit of training side by side with Lewis and Klitschko throughout his career and is associated with the Klitschko brothers’ promotional arm, K2.

Noted Boxing writer Tim Smith said of the Adamek - Cunningham battle , “Fight Of The Year: My pick is Tomasz Adamek - Steve Cunningham for the IBF Cruiserweight title….I saw it live at the Prudential Center in Newark….(The fans) were treated to a rousing display of courage and guts. Adamek had Cunningham on the canvas three times in the fight, and twice he had him down and hurt. But Cunningham kept bouncing back up and firing at Adamek, who has a granite chin….How either man stayed upright for 12 rounds is beyond me.”



“Sometimes, when a fighter with an exciting style, like Tomasz Adamek, gets the chance to perform in front of a huge, enthusiastic crowd of supporters, the level of excitement rises to the point where magic happens,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “Tomasz’ appearance at the Prudential Center last month was one of the most exhilarating nights of boxing that I have experienced in a long time. I can’t wait to get back there on February 27th to watch Tomasz make the magic happen again with Johnathon Banks. I have no doubt that everyone who was lucky enough to be there in person last month feels the same way.”

“We are looking forward to this fight for Johnathon,” said Tom Loeffler, managing director of K2 Promotions. “Adamek is considered the #1 Cruiserweight in the world, but Emanuel has been working with Banks his entire career to get him ready for a fight like this. Johnathon has sparred numerous rounds with Wladimir over the last few years, and he hits a lot harder than Adamek. It is a tough fight, but we believe that Banks will beat Adamek to become champion and join Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko as Champions for K2 Promotions.”

“Boxing is back in Brick City and Prudential Center is proud to usher in a new era of championship fighting with Main Events”, said Brian Gale, director of marketing and booking at the arena. “We are excited to welcome back Adamek and hope to give boxing fans quality fights for years to come at Prudential Center.”

An exciting seven-bout undercard featuring local fan favorites is being finalized and will be announced shortly. The first bout starts at 8:30 p.m. and doors open at 8 p.m.

See you at the Fights.
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©®™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

Haughian confident despite “Pazmanian Devil” backing for Walsh

Billy Walsh and Stephen Haughian will finally get it on for the Irish Welterweight title at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on February 7th. Haughian has been eyeing a crack at the undefeated Corkman’s title ever since he won it 12 months ago and now he’s got his wish.

“To be fighting so close to home is a dream come true and to fight for the Irish title is the icing on the cake,” said the Lurgan man. Haughian’s only up close and personal look at Walsh came when he appeared on the Leesider’s undercard in Cork two years ago and he says he saw enough night to know he can win.

“He’s the kind of guy that just comes out swinging,” said Haughian. “He doesn’t take a backward step so it should be a good fight. He’s a decent right hand and a good left hook and I’m sure he’ll start fast but I’m confident and my preparations couldn’t have gone any better so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”


Stephen Haughian


Walsh is also quietly confident ahead of the first defence of his title and former two weight World Champ Vinny Pazienza has already made it known that he’s a fan of the Cork man.

Pazienza, who was known as the “Pazmanian Devil” during his fighting days is familiar with Walsh from his time in the U.S. The Rhode Island native enjoyed a glorious career that included an amazing comeback from a broken neck suffered in a car accident.

Since retiring in 2004 Pazienza has concentrated on TV work and he likes what he’s seen of Walsh. “I like Billy, he's just a naturally tough guy who comes out banging. He's got some boxing skills but he's a tough SOB to go with it.

“He looks really good, has tons of ability and has a lot of amateur experience too. He’s known as ‘Billy Boy’ but I think they should change his nickname to ‘Hammerin’ Billy Walsh because he throws tons of punches and is heavy handed.”

One welterweight who won’t be on the card is Neil Sinclair. The Belfast puncher has suffered a recurrence of a niggling back injury that also caused him some problems last year and has been forced to withdraw from the Craigavon card.

Two weight Irish champ, Andy Murray from Cavan heads the undercard as he looks to stretch his unbeaten professional run to 14 straight fights

Belfast’s Kevin “Sweet Pea” O’Hara is also in action along with unbeaten light welterweight Michael Kelly and popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart.

See you at the Fights.
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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

‘USS’ Cunningham Hopes Scuppered As Maccarinelli Chooses Ramirez For WBO Title Fight

Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s hopes of facing Enzo Maccarinelli in Manchester, England on the 14th March were dashed when promoter, Frank Warren, wrote in his weekly column in the British newspaper, The Sun, that Maccarinelli will now face interim-champion, Victor Ramirez, for the vacant WBO title. On being told the news ‘USS’ Cunningham, the former IBF cruiserweight champion who recently lost his title to Thomas ‘Goral’ Adamek in one ofthe greatest fights of 2008, said: “Man, I thought this would be a greattime to fight Enzo. We tried to put that fight together last summer, butit never happened. I’m ready to dust of my passport, but that’ll have to wait for now. Oh man, It’s a shame. I think it would have been a seriously great fight and I’ve wanted to fight in Britain for a long time. Shoot, I don’t luck getting it on with British fighters. Haye moved to the heavyweights last year and now this chance to face Enzo is shot. You know,one day I will get to fight in Britain or face Enzo. I’m sure it’ll happen. I wish Enzo and Victor Ramirez the best. I’m sure it’ll be a great fight.I didn’t get to see Victor beat Alexander Alexeev, but heard it was agood fight. I’m sure it’ll be a banger, they’re both heavy hitters.” Hopefully it will not be too long before Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham finds his next opponent so that boxing fans will get the chance to watch one of the world’s most exciting boxers in action again. www.usscunningham.com

See you at the Fights.
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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

No Holds Barred: Jacqui Snow on Social Media, Computer and Internet Security, and the Combat Sports

No Holds Barred: Jacqui Snow on Social Media, Computer and Internet Security, and the Combat Sports

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-24T11_25_40-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Jacqui Snow, our correspondent and the technical consultant for No Holds Barred. She is also a moderator of the very popular MySpace Boxing Forum (http://groups.myspace.com/boxing), which has over eight thousand members.

For almost two weeks, No Holds Barred was unable to be produced because of an attack by viruses and adware gotten from a pop-up ad on a sleazy boxing web site.

In a lengthy and animated interview, we discuss just what happened with this virus and adware attack, what steps can be taken to avoid and prevent such attacks, and why certain web sites stoop to trying to make money by such predatory practices.

We also discuss the growing importance of social media sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, and how they are transforming the way fans of the combat sports get information and communicate with each other. We also comment on the continuing, pathetic ignorance of and resistance to social media by most of the boxing establishment, along with many other issues.

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/).

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

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/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
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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: The Life and Legacy of Jose Torres, with Paul Johnson‏

Jose Torres and Ramona his loving wife

SecondsOut Radio: The Life and Legacy of Jose Torres, with Paul Johnson On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldmanpresents a tribute to the late former light heavyweight champion and Hall of Fame fighter, Jose "Chegui" Torres, who passed away January19. He was 72. Jose Torres retired in 1969 with a record of 41-3-1 with 29 KO's after fighting in 45 fights and 300 rounds. He won the world light heavyweight championship in 1965 by stopping Willie Pastrano in the ninth round in Madison Square Garden. After three successful defenses,he lost that title to Dick Tiger in 1966 by decision, also in Madison Square Garden. He was also known as an author and writer, a former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, and a fighter for social justice and many causes, including the movement for boxers to form a union. To remember and honor Jose Torres, we spoke with his long-time colleague and friend, Paul Johnson, the chairman of the Boxers Organizers Committee (http://www.boxers.org/). He attended the funeral for Jose Torres held this past week in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We spoke about Jose's life, his legacy, and a project in which he was involved, to call a conference of the major players in boxing,including the fighters, to create some unified structure for the sport. It is free to listen to or download 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.
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Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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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

GEORGE vs. BALLOGOU LAUNCHES DBE’s “BROADWAY BOXING” 2009, FEBURARY 25th

***NYC’s Premiere Boxing Series Returns with World-Rated Light Heavyweight Shaun George vs. Jaffa Ballogou, plus Undefeated Prospects Tor Hamer and Philip Jackson Benson, at BB King’s Blues Club***

New York- DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series makes its anticipated 2009 debut, on Wednesday, February 25, with WBC # 6 rated light heavyweight and Brooklyn’s own Shaun George taking on former IBF Continental African cruiserweight titlist Jaffa “African Assassin” Ballogou, at the intimate BB King Blues Club & Grill, located in New York City’s Times Square.

Tor Hamer


In addition to the George-Ballogou ten-round light heavyweight main event, fans won’t want to miss 2008’s number-one rated amateur super heavyweight and undefeated pro, Tor Hamer, from Harlem and middleweight prospect Philip Jackson Benson from Brooklyn, New York.

Philip Jackson Benson


“This coming April marks the five-year anniversary of ‘Broadway Boxing’ and what a great way to start off 2009 then with a high-stakes light heavyweight main event between two world-class, New York-based fighters in Shaun George and Jaffa Ballogou. Shaun is one of boxing’s most avoided men…his ‘anyone...anytime...anywhere’ attitude is why he’s willing to risk his world rankings against Ballogou, a more experienced contender who can end every fight with one punch,” commented DBE president Lou DiBella.

A winner of four straight, Shaun George (17-2-2, 8 KOs) put the boxing world on notice this past May with a brilliant, one-sided TKO victory over former two-time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd, in a nationally televised bout seen on ESPN2. Since his unexpected dramatic triumph over Byrd, few fighters have shown interest in challenging Brooklyn’s George – currently rated WBC #6, IBF #10 and WBA #11 at 175 lbs.

Fighting out of New York City, Ballogou (46-7, 40 KOs) is a southpaw of Tongan descent, who has held the IBF Continental African 200 lbs. belt as well as the WBC International super middleweight title during a stellar 20 year professional career.

Registering victories on the Berto-Collazo undercard was the aforementioned Hamer (3-0, 3 KOs), a Penn State graduate and two-time NY Golden Gloves/Empire State Games champion; and 2008 US Olympian Sadam Ali (1-0, 1 KO), himself, a two-time NY Golden Gloves titlist, who stopped Ricky Thompson in one round on Jan. 17. Both Hamer and Ali will be in four round action at BB Kings’ on February 25.

2008 US Olympian Sadam Ali


Rounding out an outstanding “Broadway Boxing” undercard of up-and-coming local talent is middleweight Philip Jackson-Benson (1-0, 1 KO), a two-time NY Golden Gloves champion from Brooklyn; four-time NY Golden Gloves titlist and Queens own undefeated light heavyweight Will Rosinsky (4-0, 4 KOs); and making his pro debut at middleweight, is Denis Douglin, a 2008 National Golden Gloves champion from Morganville, NJ.

Will Rosinsky


Tickets for Broadway Boxing priced at $150 (ringside tables, ringside seats), $100 (floor tables, floor seats, stage seats), $55 (general admission) are currently on sale. They are available by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577. For more information on Broadway Boxing, please visit DiBella entertainment on the web at www.dbe1.com.

BB King Blues Club & Grill is located at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42 Street in New York City.

See you at the Fights.
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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

Bobby Harris going into CES Ring of Honor “February Frenzy,” Feb. 6 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE- Former 4-time U.S. national amateur champion Bobby Harris will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor, Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. president Jimmy Burchfield announced, during a special “February Frenzy” card ceremony February 6 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

The 8-round main event features Providence’s former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental champion light heavyweight Joey “The KO Kid” Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs), rated No. 14 by the WBO and No. 15 by the WBC.

In the 8-round co-feature, Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-2, 2 KOs) meets “Irish” Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), in a rematch of a draw they fought to last year, for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association (EBA) super middleweight title.

Harris reached the 1992 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs and captured a gold medal at the 1993 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The Worcester (MA) resident went on to a 20-2-1 (13) pro record as a heavyweight and last fought in 1999.

Burchfield established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special achievements and contributions to New England boxing. CES Ring of Honor inductees include Rocky Marciano, Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Marlon Starling, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully Ray Oliveira, Gary Balletto and Demetrius Andrade.

“Bobby Harris stands for everything good about New England boxing,” Burchfield said. “He was a great amateur prospect who lost only two of 23 pro fights. We excited about signing his brother, Adam, who will be making his CES debut on February 7. There’s no better setting to honor Bobby than on the same night as his brother’s CES debut.”

Worcester’s unbeaten cruiserweight Adam “The Hitman” Harris (10-0, 7 KOs), will have his brother, Bobby, in his corner for the first time as a second in a 6-round fight against Philadelphia boxer David Williams (5-2-1, 2 KOs).

Undefeated Pawtucket fighter Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (10-0, 4 KOs) face another Lowell native, Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO), who will have his uncle and head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward, in his corner for their 6-round bout for the EBA New England lightweight belt.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are U. of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA; Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Olade “One Shot” Thomas (1-3, 0 KOs); Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Daren Graham (1-4, 1 KO); Worcester heavyweight Rashad Minor (1-0, 1 KO) in his CES debut vs. Shawn McLean (2-4, 1 KO); Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland making his pro debut vs. Kevin Varnadore (0-4).

Tickets for “February Frenzy” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5::30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “February Frenzy.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

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©®™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

Middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez passes another test in Biloxi

WORCESTER, Mass– Unbeaten middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez received a B+ grade from his head trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr., for the 2-time national amateur champion’s performance last Saturday night against veteran “Bad Ass” Brad Austin (8-6, 2 KOs) at the Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In his first scheduled 8-round bout, Rodriguez floored Austin four times en route to a third-round stoppage of Austin on the off-televised portion of the HBO card, headlined by the Andre Berto-Luis Collazo WBC welterweight title fight.

“I was happy with my performance but I feel I could have done better,” Rodriguez said. “I hurt him in the first round and felt I should have stopped him then. But I got antsy trying to take him out. I went back to using the short punches that had hurt him. I just got caught up in the moment. I hurt him a few more times and I knew the knockout was coming. I just had to stop looking for it. I made a mistake but learned from it and that’s important. I was really excited to fight after working so hard for four months. All of the hard worked paid-off; I was able to perform the way I’m supposed to.”

The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), had taken four months off to concentrate on training and his imporvements showed in the ring. “He accomplished a lot of things that we worked on,” Manfredo said. “He’s really becoming a good pro fighter, switching over from a good amateur. He used his jab well, not only to set-up combinations, but to keep his opponent off balance. Austin had a good amateur background, eight wins as a pro, and his losses were to some good fighters. But he could never muster a threat against Edwin. He tried to take away Edwin’s jab in the second round by throwing wide right hooks, but Edwin adjusted with some good check-hooks. He fought a very good fight. Defensively, he was much better, not pulling away standing straight up. I give him a B+. I was extremely pleased with the outcome and what he did in the ring.”

Rodriguez’ manager, Larry Army, agreed 100-percent with Manfredo’s assessment. “Edwin looked great,” he commented. “Everything he worked on for those four months, he put together. I had seen streaks of brilliance and loads of potential from Edwin, but he had never put it all together in one fight until last Saturday night. He showed everybody a glimmer of what he can do in the future. This was the right show for us against a tough opponent. It was a great opportunity for Edwin, who picked apart Austin from the start. We’re hoping Edwin will be back in action at the end of February.”

Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about the 23-year-old Rodriguez.

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

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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