Legendary Boxing Promoter Don "Only in America" King, To Accept "Pioneer Award"

International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Don “Only in America” King will be in Las Vegas on Friday to accept a Sam Lacy Pioneer Award from the Sports Task Force of the National Association of Black Journalists at their 32^nd Annual Convention being held at Bally’s.

The task force is comprised of black print and broadcast sports journalist from across the country. The Pioneer Award is the organization’s highest honor, and King will share the stage at the awards ceremony with fellow recipients that have special Nevada ties including boxing referee Richard Steele; Sacramento Kings head coach and former UNLV star Reggie Theus; ESPN NBA analyst and former UNLV standout Greg Anthony; UNLV women’s basketball coach Regina Miller; and former University of Nevada-Reno women’s athletics administrator Dr. Angela Taylor.

“This is a truly great honor for me to be recognized with a Pioneer Award by the august members of the National Association of Black Journalists Sports Task Force while they are convening at their 32nd annual convention,” King said. “These are people I respect and admire. I look forward to joining them and the other Pioneer Award recipients at this celebration of the human spirit.”

The festivities are part of the NABJ task force’s convention, taking place for the first time in Las Vegas, which is ongoing through Aug. 12.

King will also take part in a special workshop earlier in the day on Friday beginning at 4 p.m. titled Is Boxing Down for the Count?

The promotional legend will be joined on a star-studded panel consisting of President of HBO Sports Ross Greenburg; Senior Vice President/General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports Events Programming Ken Hershman; Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum; undefeated six-time world champion in five separate weight divisions “Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather Jr.; and New York Daily News sports columnist and longtime boxing scribe Tim Smith.

New York Post sports columnist George Willis coordinated the workshop, and USA Today boxing writer Chuck Johnson will serve as moderator during the 90-minute discussion beginning at 4 p।m.

NABJ is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals.

DON KING: 'Only in America'

Don King coined the phrase, "Only in America." He lives it. He breathes it. He believes it. It's part of his soul.

"Only in America can a Don King happen," explains Don. "America is the greatest country in the world—I love America. What I've accomplished could not have been done anywhere else."

Indeed, the odds have always been long for King. A product of the hard-core Cleveland ghetto, he beat the system to become the world's greatest promoter. His shocking hairstyle, infectious smile, booming laugh and inimitable vocabulary have made Don King universally recognizable. He has been featured on the covers of Time, Sports Illustrated, Ebony, Jet, and countless other magazines. He has appeared in movies, television shows and on numerous television and radio talk shows. There was even an award-winning unauthorized movie loosely based on his life and numerous other attempts by Hollywood to depict his larger-than-life personality.

Don's promotions have entertained billions around the globe. His life has been devoted to staging the best in world-championship boxing as well as always giving something back to the people. Don King-promoted events have given the sports and entertainment world some of its most thrilling and memorable moments.

Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997, King was the only boxing promoter named to Sports Illustrated's list of the "40 Most Influential Sports Figures of the Past 40 Years." The New York Times published a list that included Don King among 100 African Americans who have helped shape this country's history during the last century. When asked recently in a private meeting with Mandalay Bay hotel executives in Las Vegas about what he would like on his epitaph, King quickly responded, "He worked for the day when all people would be clothed in dignity."

This statement belies the belief that King is merely a boxing promoter. At heart, he is, foremost, a civil rights activist.

"Nothing makes me happier than to promote a fight card with boxers from 10 different countries: the fighters, the corner men, the media, the business people-all of them," King said. "The thrill comes when these people, who would never normally come into contact with one another, work together on an event. They learn that no matter what color, race, religion or whatever you are, underneath the skin we are all the same on the inside." King added, poignantly, "I must take the splinter out of my eye before I can ask you take the two-by-four out of yours."

King's career as a promoter spans three decades and includes more than 500 world-championship fights, but it began as a humble plea to help save a Cleveland hospital in 1972. Facing a severe shortage of funds, Forest City Hospital was prepared to shut down. King knew the hospital served a vital function to a poor, working-class community. He sought out heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and asked him to come and support a fundraising benefit to help turn around the hospital. The two men hit it off, and a new era began in boxing.

King inked a fight between Ali and George Foreman in 1974 that promised both fighters more than $5 million each, which was unheard of at the time. When his financial backers lost faith and pulled out and everyone else turned their backs on Don, he held the fight together on his own and took it to Zaire. He proved the doubters and critics wrong by staging one of the greatest fights in history with The Rumble in the Jungle.

King has gone on to set new high-water marks in the boxing promotion business. Nearly 100 individual boxers have earned $1 million, or more, under Don King Productions-promoted events. The first Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield fight shattered all previous viewing records for a boxing event, seen in more than 100 countries by more than two billion people.

Holyfield-Tyson II created even more attention, attracting 1.99 million domestic households in addition to a massive global audience. The live gate sold out in days as a crowd of 16,279 paid a record $14.2 million to see the fight in person.

Don made a commitment to provide quality fight cards, and in 1993 he staged a fight in Mexico headlined by Julio Cesar Chavez that featured four world championship bouts on one night. The public responded as 136,274 fans flocked to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, and established a paid live-gate record of more than 132,000 that is still listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Not just once, but twice, he has promoted fight cards with six world-title fights. In 1994 he staged a record 47 world-championship bouts. In 1981 King was the first promoter in history to guarantee $1 million paydays to non-heavyweights when featherweights Salvador Sanchez and Wilfredo Gomez clashed. That same year he became the first promoter to guarantee one fighter (Sugar Ray Leonard) a $10 million purse in the first Leonard vs. Roberto Duran fight.

But for every successful boxing event Don promotes, he makes it a personal rule to give back far more than he ever receives. King's tireless and continuous philanthropic efforts are rarely chronicled, but, as he says, "If you do something just to get noticed, then it is not a truly charitable gesture."

He established the Don King Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to worthy causes and organizations. As a self-reminder of the economic hardship he endured growing up, King has gone into neighborhoods every holiday season and personally handed out turkeys to needy families. Don's "Turkey Tour" has given away hundreds of thousands of turkey dinners over the years in cities across the country during the holiday season.

King is a longtime supporter of the National Organization for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, National Hispanic Scholarship Fund, National Coalition of Title 1/Chapter 1 Parents, Wheelchair Charities, Our Children's Foundation among other organizations, charities, colleges and hospitals that has made him one of the world's leading philanthropists.

When the Deerfield Beach Fire Department in Florida badly needed a new fire engine, Don stepped forward with the necessary funds.

Don has been bestowed with many honors, including the Black Achievement Award and being named Man of the Year by the Black United Fund and Brotherhood Crusade. Among his proudest moments was when he received the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's women's membership in 1987. Cities including Newark, N.J., have declared "Don King Day" and presented him with official proclamations for "behind-the-scenes" contributions he's made towards community projects.

The NAACP recognized Don with its highest honor, the President's Award, and he received Lifetime Achievement accolades from Grambling State University. Shaw University, the oldest black college in the South, bestowed Don with an honorary doctorate degree and named him to its prestigious Board of Trustees. He also recently received the prestigious “Legacy Award” for Outstanding Community Service from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY. All three major boxing organizations, the IBF, WBA and WBC, have proclaimed Don King the "Greatest Promoter in History."

He got together with Felix Trinidad, Sr. and Felix “Tito” Trinidad to donate a much needed Fire Truck to Ladder Company 30 in New York’s Harlem.

Together with many celebrity friends such as Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover, Don helped raise enough money to pay off the $5,000,000.00 mortgage at Ms. Dorothy Height’s building in Washington, D.C.

On Dec. 13, 2003, he promoted a sold-out event in Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. featuring a record-breaking eight world championship fights. He broke his own record of six world championship bouts on one card.

Don is always supportive of our Armed Forces both here and around the globe. He has visited various military bases and has pledged to help them with their projects. He most recently visited Fort Campbell in Kentucky, the home of the “Screaming Eagles” – 101st Airborne. Don was made an Honorary “Screaming Eagle” by Lt. General David Petraeus for all his contributions and support.

A true patriot, he spent much of last year helping to re-elect President George W. Bush. “I believe in him,” King says. “He says what he means and means what he says. I like the way he stands up. He also put two blacks in very important posts in his cabinet, and that speaks volumes for the man.”

At age 75 (he was born on Aug. 20, 1931) King has no plans to slow down. He gives full credit for his rise from the Cleveland projects to his mother, Hattie, who taught him the difference between right and wrong. Don and his lovely wife Henrietta spend time at their homes in Ohio and South Florida. Their family includes sons, Carl and Eric; a daughter, Debbie; and five grandchildren.

Don King

Fact Sheet


World-renowned promoter of boxing luminaries including Muhammad Ali, “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, “Big” George Foreman, Larry ‘The Easton Assassin” Holmes, “Iron” Mike Tyson, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, Ricardo “Finito” Lopez, Salvador Sanchez and Wilfredo Gomez, to name a few.

· Promoter of over 500 world championship fights—so far. Nearly 100 boxers have earned $1 million or more in Don King Productions-promoted fights—so far.

· Don King Productions holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995; and Bruno vs. Tyson, 1.4 million buys, March 1996.

· Don King Productions holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in history.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995; and De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, paid attendance: 11,184, gross: $12,949,500, date: Sept. 18, 1999. (Second-most pay-per-view buys for non-heavyweight fight, 1.4 million.)

· His first boxing promotion is staged on Aug. 28, 1972, a charity event featuring Muhammad Ali for Forest City Hospital in his hometown of Cleveland, becomes the second-largest gross in history for a boxing exhibition ($80,000).

· First to guarantee the then unprecedented amount of $10 million, split between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman to participate in the classic Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire, Africa, on Oct. 30, 1974. This prizefight also holds the distinction of being the first television boxing event to be viewed by one billion people worldwide.

· First to receive $1 million to deliver a prime-time network television match for Muhammad Ali vs. Ron Lyle on May 16, 1975.

· Promoted the classic third and final epic battle between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier known as the Thrilla in Manila viewed by over one billion people worldwide on Oct. 1, 1975.

· First promoter to sell a fight for $2 million to a network featuring heavyweight contenders when Ken Norton faced Jimmy Young on ABC at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 5, 1977.

· First promoter to sell Home Box Office a heavyweight world-title fight telecast for I Love New York featuring Larry Holmes vs. Mike Weaver at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 22, 1979. He declined an $800,000 bid from ABC in favor of HBO for $125,000.

· Promoter of The Last Hurrah featuring Larry Holmes vs. Muhammad Ali, which produced the then-largest live gate in history, $6 million, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 2, 1980.

· First promoter to guarantee a boxer $10 million when he paid that amount to Sugar Ray Leonard to face Roberto Duran at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Canada, on June 20, 1980.

· First promoter to guarantee $1 million fight purses to featherweights when Salvador Sanchez met Wilfredo Gomez at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 21, 1981. It took 13 years for another boxing promoter to match this feat.


· Promoter of The Pride and the Glory featuring Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney, which produced the then-largest live gate in history, $8 million, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on June 11, 1982. This event also holds the distinction for the then-highest amount paid for a tape-delayed re-broadcast of a boxing match, $3 million, by ABC.

· Promoted an unprecedented 13 world champions, exclusively, and was the first promoter to stage 23 world championship fights in the same year—1982.

· First promoter to sell Home Box Office a fight for $2 million for Michael “Dynamite” Dokes vs. Mike Weaver at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 10, 1982.

· First promoter to establish his own television network, the Don King Sports and Entertainment Network, in 1982.

· First and only promoter to place two world-heavyweight title bouts on the same card during The Crown Affair, which pitted Larry Holmes against Tim Witherspoon for the World Boxing Council title as well as the second clash between Michael Dokes and Mike Weaver for the World Boxing Association championship in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 20, 1983. First promoter to sell a package to these three television entities: closed circuit, pay television and network television.

· Promoter of the Jackson Five’s Jacksons Victory Tour in 1984. This worldwide mega-event grossed $150 million. Don King then brokered an enormous product-endorsement deal on behalf of Michael Jackson to appear in a series of television commercials for Pepsi-Cola.

· Sold Home Box Office a $26 million heavyweight elimination series in 1986, which resulted in Mike Tyson being crowned the fist undisputed heavyweight champion since Muhammad Ali.

· First promoter to stage 25 world-title bouts in one year, 1986, breaking his record of 23 set in 1982. Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1986.

· Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1987.

· Promoter of Once and for All featuring Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks, which became the then-highest-grossing event in history exceeding $13 million at the Trump Plaza Convention Center in Atlantic City, N.J., on June 27, 1988. The fight also held the distinction for the then-largest single payday in history with Mike Tyson receiving an estimated $22 million and Leon Spinks $13.5 million.

· Promoter of Ultimate Glory between legendary Mexican champion Julio Cesar Chavez and Hector “Macho” Camacho, which became the then-highest-grossing non-heavyweight fight in history and fastest sellout in the history of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 12, 1992.

· Promoter of the Grand Slam of Boxing featuring four world championship bouts headlined by Julio Cesar Chavez facing Greg Haugen, which holds the record for largest in-person paid attendance in boxing history with 132,274 people packed into Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on Feb 20, 1993. (This broke the previous record held by Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney for their fight in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 23, 1926.)

· Promoter of The Fight between Pernell Whitaker and Julio Cesar Chavez attended by 59,995 (the second-highest attendance ever for an indoor bout) at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex., on Sept. 10, 1993, which becomes the then-highest-grossing non-heavyweight match in history—breaking his own record for the third time in less than a year. Pay-per-view audience tops 1 million buys.

· Co-promoted Judgment Day between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank for Benn’s WBC super middleweight title, which set the record for highest attendance for a British boxing match, 47,000, on the grounds of the Manchester United Club at Old Trafford Stadium on Oct. 9, 1993.

· Promoter of Explosive Fury: Battle in Puebla featuring Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Andy Holligan, which draws 45,000 people in Puebla, Mexico, on Dec. 18, 1993.

· Promoted, for the second time in his career, more than 20 world-title fights in one calendar year: 22 in 1993. Named Promoter of the Century by the World Boxing Association for 1993.

· First and only promoter to put five world championships on one card—and he did it not once but four times in just over one year: Global Warfare II in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on March 18, 1994; Revenge… The Rematches in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 7, 1994 (Frankie Randall v Julio Cesar Chavez II; Gerald McClellan v Julian Jackson II; Simon Brown v Terry Norris II & Azumah Nelson v Jessie James Leija II); The Real Thing in the Bull Ring at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico City on Nov. 12, 1994; and Burden of Proof at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 8, 1995.

· First and only promoter to ever hold six world-title fights on the same card—and he did it twice in one year: Judgment Day in Monterrey on Dec. 10, 1994, in Mexico and Unfinished Business on Sept. 17, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nev.

· Promoted an incredible 47 world championship fights in 1994—shattering his previous record of 25 title bouts in 1986. Named Greatest Promoter of All Time by the World Boxing Council in 1994. Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1994.

· Only boxing promoter named to Sports Illustrated’s 40 Most Influential Sports Figures of the Last 40 Years in 1994.

· Promoter of He’s Back featuring Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley, which became the then-highest-grossing event in history, $13,965,500, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 19, 1995. Also marked the first time a boxer (Mike Tyson) received $25 million for a 10-round fight.

· Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1995.

· First promoter to pay $30 million to a boxer when Mike Tyson received that amount to face World Boxing Council champion Frank Bruno in The Championship Part 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on March 16, 1996.

· Promoter of Finally featuring Mike Tyson vs. Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, which became the then-highest-grossing event, $14,150,700, in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 9, 1996. It also became the then-most-watched pay-per-view event in history with 1.6 million buys. The match was seen around the world in more than 100 countries—shattering all previous boxing-event viewership records.

· Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1996.

· Named Promoter of the Decade by the International Boxing Federation in 1996.

· Paid Mike Tyson more than any other athlete in history—$120 million—during the 15 months between Aug. 19, 1995, and Nov. 9, 1996, to face the following opponents: Peter McNeeley, $25 million, Las Vegas, Nev., Aug. 19, 1995; Buster Mathis Jr., $10 million, Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 16, 1995; Frank Bruno, $30 million, Las Vegas, Nev., March 16, 1996; Bruce Seldon, $25 million, Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 7, 1996; and Evander Holyfield, $30 million, Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 9, 1996.



· Promoter of The Sound and the Fury featuring the second pairing of Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and Mike Tyson, which grossed more than its predecessor to become the then-highest-grossing event in history, $14,277,200, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on June 28, 1997. This event also eclipsed its predecessor to become the most-watched pay-per-view event in history with 1.95 million buys.

· First promoter inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y., in 1997. Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1997.

· Named Promoter of the Year by the World Boxing Association for 1998.

· Three streets in Newark, N.J., Irvington, N.J., and Orange, N.J. re-named Don King Plaza in September 1998 in recognition of King’s decades-long business and philanthropic efforts in the state of New Jersey.

· Promoter of Kings’ Crowning Glory… The Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship between Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, which holds the record highest-grossing event ever in Madison Square Garden history and New York state history at $11,425,494 on March 13, 1999. It also holds the record for the fastest sellout for a boxing event in MSG history.

· Co-promoted the Fight of the Millennium between Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad Jr., which holds the record for highest-grossing non-heavyweight fight, $12,949,500, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 18, 1999. This match also holds the record for most-watched non-heavyweight pay-per-view event in history at 1.4 million buys.

· Promoted Unfinished Business… Search for the Truth re-match between Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, which holds the record for largest gross in history at, $16,860,300—the event sold out in 90 minutes—at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 13, 1999.

· Named Promoter of the Millennium by the World Boxing Association in 1999.

· Named Promoter of the Year for the year 1999 by www.SecondsOut.com

· First promoter to host a boxing card at the AmericanAirlines Arena with Glory & Adventure: A Tale of Two Cities featuring Felix “Tito” Trinidad vs. Mammadou Thiam on July 22, 2000. The 12,506 paid spectators contributed to a gross of over $1.2 million.
(More…)

· Promoted Forces of Destruction featuring Felix “Tito” Trinidad vs. “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Dec. 2, 2000. An epic battle that included six knockdowns, Trinidad emerged victorious with a knockout in the final round, which garnered him Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year honors. Holds record for eighth-largest live-gate gross in the history of the state of Nevada.

· Promoted The Middleweight World Championship Series to determine the first undisputed 160-pound champion since Marvelous Marvin Hagler held that distinction from 1980 through 1987. Longtime International Boxing Federation middleweight champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins outpointed World Boxing Council middleweight champion Keith Holmes in The Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 14, 2001, to advance to the championship round. WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad left his 154-pound titles behind to enter the 160-pound fray and defeated two-time World Boxing Association middleweight champion William Joppy by technical knockout in front of 18,235 fans that comprised the fourth-largest live-gate gross in Madison Square Garden boxing history on May 12, 2001. In the MWCS finale, Hopkins dominated the previously undefeated Trinidad and won the tournament with a dramatic final-round TKO in front of 19,075 fans that comprised the second-largest live-gate gross in Madison Square Garden boxing history on Sept. 29, 2001.

· Promoted Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah II: Arch Rivals… Meet Me in St. Louis, which boasted the second-largest attendance for a boxing match at an indoor arena in history when 22,370 patrons sold out the Savvis Center in advance to witness Zab Judah knock out Cory Spinks in the ninth round to become the undisputed world welterweight champion on Feb. 5, 2005.

· Block of Mississippi Ave. in Atlantic City, N.J., where it meets the famed Boardwalk (adjacent to the former Atlantic City Convention Center know known as Boardwalk Hall), is re-named Don King Plaza on March 13, 2006. King was recognized “for his tireless commitment to establish Atlantic City as one of the great resort destinations of the world.” Unveiling ceremony attended by Don King, Atlantic City Mayor Robert Levy and New Jersey Athletic Commissioner Larry Hazzard. Bally’s President Ken Condon served as Master of Ceremonies.

Facts and biography provided by DKP PR and Press Release NABJ, photos KMPR
For more information contact:
Alan Hopper or Bob Goodman
Don King Productions Public Relations
National Association of Black Journalist

UNDISPUTED AND UNDEFEATED WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION JERMAIN "BAD INTENTIONS" TAYLOR TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST UNBEATEN NO. 1 CONTENDER KELLY PAVLIK

New York City, Press Conference Jermain Taylor vs Kelly Pavlik, Tavern on the Green @67th St CPW, Tuesday July 31

Undisputed and Undefeated World Middleweight Champion Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor will make the fifth defense of his two-year title reign when he faces the stiff test of number 1 contender (WBC, WBO) Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik on Saturday night, September 29, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

"Taylor/Pavlik is a classic middleweight showdown, a true throwback fight," said DiBella. "The tickets are reasonably priced and are already in high demand with a significant casino presale. Any fight fan wanting to see this historic battle should act fast and purchase their tickets as soon as possible."

"This is going to be a terrific fight, something that boxing really needs. The eyes of the sporting world will be watching these two great fighters in Atlantic City on Sept. 29," said Bob Arum, CEO, Top Rank.

Taylor, the favorite son of Arkansas, has successfully defended his middleweight crown against legendary Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright, Kassim Ouma, and Cory Spinks since first taking the title from Hopkins in 2005.

HBO Sports World Championship Boxing will televise the world championship bout live at 10:15 p.m. ET/ 7:15 p।m. PT. Kery Davis, senior vice president, HBO Sports.

Taylor (27-0-1, 17 KO's) has yet to taste defeat since turning professional in 2000. Pavlik, likewise undefeated, gets his first chance at a championship on the heels of a spectacular knockout victory over Edison Miranda. No. 1 rated by both the WBC and WBO, Youngstown, Ohio's undefeated Pavlik is a bona fide knockout artist, registering 28 KO's in 31 career triumphs as a professional.

Taylor first captured the undisputed middleweight championship against the legendary Bernard Hopkins on July 17, 2005 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, with a 12 round split decision triumph, and defended the title for the first time against Hopkins on December 3, 2005 at Mandalay Bay in Vegas with a unanimous decision victory. Taylor has since defended his title twice in 2006, first in Memphis in a controversial draw against Winky Wright on June 9, and last December 9 defeating former champion Kassim Ouma in Little Rock. Cory Spinks was next on the Taylor checklist, and Jermain was up to the challenge once again with a unanimous decision triumph in Memphis on May 19.

Malignaggi Counters Chavez

Malignaggi counters Chavez

BROOKLYN (August 2007) – IBF light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs), still savoring his masterful title-winning performance against Lovemore N’dou, is home in Brooklyn fuming about Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (33-0-1, 26 KOs) and his team openly challenging him.

Not only has Malignaggi accepted their challenge, “The Magic Man” promises to embarrass the Mexican fighter and his entire family in the process, offering the Mecca of Boxing – Madison Square Garden – as the ideal venue to settle the issue.

“All Chavez has is his last name,” Malignaggi spewed. “He’s gotten more press for beating nobodies than anybody in boxing history. All he’s ever fought are cab drivers and busboys. He’s nobody! I was a better prospect before my first pro fight than he is after 33 pro fights. I will embarrass him, his father, his entire family, and ruin his blood line.

“I have tremendous respect for his father, probably the greatest Mexican fighter of all-time, but his son can’t live off of his father’s great name forever. If Chavez and his team are stupid enough to call out a world champion like Paulie Malignaggi – he’s never fought anybody like me -- I’ll oblige them and we can do it at Madison Square Garden, where his father had two great wins in 1986 against my friend, Juan LaPorte, and Rufugio Rojas. I didn’t even waste my time watching Chavez fight last Saturday night. Hey, I’m no Louis Brown. I’ll fight him at 147, no problem. I say, don’t talk about it, JC Junior, let’s just do it.”

Malignaggi concluded by saying Chavez’ promoter, Top Rank, can make it happen by contacting his promoter, Lou DiBella.

-PM-

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press,

Demi "Hard 2 Handle" Nguyen's, Next Fight Night- "Under the Lights" Friday August 10th

Under the Lights- Fight Night at Raley Field:
(Demi "Hard 2 Handle" Nguyen)


Demi "Hard 2 Handle" Nguyen [3(1 ko)-1] vs. Leslie "Feuer Frei" Lubaczewski
[pro debut, West Virginia]

Where:
Raley Field
400 Ballpark Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95691

When:
Friday, August 10th

Ticket Pricing:
$45 - $125 Ringside
www.raleyfield.net
www.ticketmaster.com

Special Guest:
World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, "Smokin" Joe Frazier

Comedy Club Event in New Jersey, Friday August 4th, Hosted by the Retired Boxers Foundation

“VENGEANCE! / LA VENGANZA!”
MARQUEZ vs. VAZQUEZ II
CABALLERO vs. LACIERVA
WBC and WBA Super Bantamweight Championships
Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007
From The Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas

VAZQUEZ EVENS THE SCORE;
MARQUEZ LOOKING FOR THE RUBBER MATCH

NEW YORK (August 5, 2007) – La Venganza! It was vengeance, vindication and redemption for a jubilant Israel Vazquez Saturday night on SHOWTIME. Vazquez stopped Rafael Marquez in a rematch to regain the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight world title that he lost to Marquez earlier this year at 1:16 of the sixth round in an old-school, classic and bloody slugfest.

The main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas had everything: tremendous offensive technique; non-stop, two-way action; a touch of controversy; and the contemplation of a third fight.

In Saturday’s co-feature, a World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Bantamweight world championship, Celestino Caballero retained his belt by unanimous decision over Jorge Lacierva in another action-packed battle (116-110, 116-111 and 115-112).

Marquez and Vazquez picked up where they left off in their first fight on March 3, 2007, which saw Marquez rally from an early knockdown to dethrone Vazquez at the end of round seven.

That fight, a Fight of the Year candidate, seemed to pale in comparison as “Round Eight” began Saturday with the Mexican warriors going toe-to-toe from the start. Both fighters thrilled the fans in attendance and viewers across the country with blazing speed, devastating power and an ability to take advantage of each others defensive openings.

In the third round, a Round of the Year candidate, Vazquez landed vicious left hooks to the body and head of Marquez, swelling and cutting his right eye. But Marquez fired right back with powerful overhand rights and uppercuts to open cuts near both eyes of his opponent. As combinations from one fighter landed, the other seemingly loaded up with a barrage of his own.

“One of those old-time fights,” bellowed announcer Steve Albert during third-round action.

Early in the sixth, with blood flowing steadily from a deep gash over his left eye, Vazquez landed another devastating hook that sent Marquez to the canvas. A weary Marquez rose, shook off the sting and immediately engaged Vazquez. With the fighters trading punches along the ropes, referee Guadalupe Garcia stepped in to stop the fight.
(more)

2-2-2

“I don’t understand,” complained Marquez, who lost the first of his 10 career title fights. “I was throwing punches. I was able to fight. I don’t know why the referee didn’t see his eyes and think that he was hurt too.”

Said SHOWTIME analyst Al Bernstein: “I am loath to criticize an official. My whole career I have been loath to criticize officials. However, I feel that this stoppage was premature. Israel Vazquez was superb tonight and may very well have knocked out Marquez later in that round—no question. However, I do feel that the Garcia stopped this fight too quickly.”

“It was only a matter of time,” said Vazquez (42-4 32 KO’s) who now has six KO’s in seven world championship fights. “I couldn’t finish him earlier because he is a great fighter, but if not (stopped) then, I would have finished him in the next round. I knew he was in trouble.”

Marquez lost his first fight in seven years and drops to 37-4 with 33 knockouts.

“After the first fight, man-to-man, we told him we’d give him a rematch,” said Marquez, 32, a two-time world champ. “And now, man-to-man, we want him to know we want the third fight.”

“It was an easy decision for me to stop this fight,” said Garcia. “Marquez was in bad shape. He got knocked down, got up and was taking more punches. In this sport, the interest of the fighters is the best thing.”


In the WBA title fight, referee Laurence Cole had his hands full for an awkward and tangled, albeit exciting, 12 rounds.

The feisty—and much smaller—Lacierva (5’ 6”) of Mexico City, took it to the champion Caballero early winning most of the first six rounds. But Caballero, dubbed “The Towering Inferno” because he stands nearly six feet tall, was able to use his significant reach advantage to control the latter half of the fight.

Despite repeated warnings from Cole, both fighters scraped aggressively and pummeled each other round after round with blatant disregard for the rules and the bell. Elbows, forearms, heads and fists were flying as Lacierva kept machine-like pressure on his opponent throughout.

Caballero, of Panama, improved to 27-2 (18 KO’s) in his second successful title defense while Lacierva dropped to 32-7-6 (22 KO’s).


In between fights, fellow former world champions “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga, who are scheduled to settle a bitter personal dispute on Sept 8 (SHOWTIME® PPV), were interviewed by ringside reporter Jim Gray via three-way remote (taped) from Los Angeles and Miami respectively. Both fighters were given the chance to discuss what set off a press conference brawl on July 11 at STAPLES Center in L.A., and their impending scrap.

It is clear that tempers have not settled and both fighters are anxiously awaiting their next meeting Sept. 8, dubbed The Brawl by co-promoters Main Events and Don King Productions.
(more)

3-3-3

Catch the replay of tonight’s explosive fights and the compelling interview with Vargas and Mayorga, on Tuesday, August 7, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (SHO Too) and Wednesday, August 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (SHO) or when available at SHOWTIME On Demand.

Albert and Bernstein called the action from ringside with Jim Gray and Karyn Bryant reporting from the arena. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.





HIDALGO, Tex. (Aug. 5, 2007) – Sycuan Ringside Promotions went three-for-three Saturday at the Dodge Arena, highlighted by Israel Vazquez’s sensational sixth-round knockout of Rafael Marquez to regain the World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight title.

In a serious candidate for Fight of the Year, which included an incredibly exciting, brutal third stanza that could turn out to be the Round of the Year, a carved and bloody but indomitable Vazquez (42-4, 32 KOs), who is co-promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, registered the fight’s lone knockdown when he dropped Marquez in the sixth.

Moments later, the referee stepped in and stopped the exciting, give-and-take slugfest at 1:16. Vazquez, who turned the tables on Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs) after losing last March 7, was ahead by the scores of 48-47 on the three scorecards after five completed rounds.

“We hit the trifecta and it can’t get any better than that,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of the San Diego, Calif.-based boxing group. “Tonight was a tremendous night for Sycuan Ringside Promotions and I am very proud of everyone involved.

“Israel’s fight with Rafael was tremendous. The third round was like Hagler-Hearns only 38 pounds lighter.’’

Said Scott Woodworth, Vice-President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions, “I have been in boxing a long time, but, seriously, this was the greatest fight I have ever seen. The third round was more than any fan possibly could ask for. The entire fight was just breathtakingly unreal.

“Vazquez and Marquez are, indeed, true warriors – ultimate warriors. Both were cut and bloodied but never quit throwing punches or giving 100 percent.

“This was a great night for boxing and I am already looking forward to their third fight.’’

The rubber match, both Woodworth and promoter Gary Shaw announced afterward, would take place in early 2008.
Vazquez, who was cut around both eyes, was quick to credit his cornermen. “My cutman, Joe Sanchez, did an unbelievable job,” he said. “I knew the cuts were bad but I was never worried they were going to stop the fight because I could see.

“I can’t say enough about my new trainer, Rudy Perez, either. He was fabulous from day one of our training camp. He had me in excellent shape and our game plan worked to perfection.

“A lot of people questioned me for taking this fight so soon because of the nose injury I suffered in our first fight. But it was never a factor or a problem tonight.

“I told everyone the real Israel Vazquez would show up this time around. It wasn’t easy, of course. Rafael Marquez is a great champion. But I do feel a little satisfaction proving so many people wrong. I am very happy to have won my title back and brought it back to Sycuan.’’

In a tough, hard-fought encounter immediately preceding Vazquez-Marquez on SHOWTIME, Celestino Caballero, co-promoted by Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Seminole Warriors Boxing, retained his World Boxing Association (WBA) 122-pound crown with a unanimous 12-round decision over Jorge Lacierva.

“The best is yet to come,’’ said Panama’s Caballero (27-2, 16 KOs), who overcame a slow start to triumph by the scores of 116-110, 116-111 and 115-11. “I wanted to look better, but it is hard to look good against a guy who fights as dirty as Lacierva (32-7-6, 22 KOs).

Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ promising young junior welterweight Jorge Paez Jr. (16-1, 10 KOs) got the night off to an excellent start by pitching a six-round shutout over Jaime Orrantia. Paez won by 60-54 on all the cards.

About Sycuan Ringside Promotions

Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego is considered to be the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Sycuan Ringside Promotions made its promotional debut during 2004, but already has or had six current or former world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including Vazquez, Caballero and Paez, International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion Julio Diaz, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, former WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir and undefeated cruiserweight prospect Shawn Hawk.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions is led by Glenn Quiroga, president; Willie Tucker, executive vice president; and Scott Woodworth, vice president।
Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME

The four fighters competing in the 122-pound world title fights Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) made weight easily Friday.
Former WBC champion Israel Vazquez (left) and defending WBC super bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez each weighed in at 121 pounds.
Jorge Lacierva tipped scale at 121 pounds, while reigning WBA 122-pound titleholder Celestino Caballero weighed 121 1/2.

In an eagerly awaited rematch, Marquez defends against Vazquez and Caballero risks his belt against Lacierva in the top fights of a six-bout card Saturday at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Tex.

The fight card is presented by Gary Shaw Productions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

The main principals for Saturday's SHOWTIME show (left-to-right): Rafael Marquez' manager Jaime Quintana, promoter Gary Shaw, Marquez, Israel Vazquez, Executive Vice President Sycuan Ringside Promotions Willie Tucker, Vazquez' manager Frank Espinoza and Vice President Sycuan Ringside Promotions Scott Woodworth pose after Thursday's final press conference at Hidalgo, Tex.

WBC super bantamweight champion Marquez (and former WBC 122-pound titleholder Vazquez sit in front of their respective posters during the press conference. In Saturday's main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Marquez defends against Vazquez in a highly anticipated rematch of their Fight of the Year candidate last March on SHOWTIME.

WBA 122-pound champion Celestino Caballero defends against Jorge Lacierva in the co-feature Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007,

Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas

In a rematch of a leading candidate for Fight of the Year, Rafael Marquez will defend his WBC super bantamweight title against former champion Israel Vazquez this Saturday, Aug. 4, on SHOWTIME at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Tex.

In the first half of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast), Vazquez’ Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ stablemate, WBA 122-pound titleholder Celestino Caballero, will defend against Jorge Lacierva.

The world championship doubleheader is presented by Gary Shaw Productions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

“Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga New York Media Press Conference

VARGAS vs. MAYORGA: "THE BRAWL"

“Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga New York Media Press Conference took place at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel - Grand Ballroom in Midtown. Vargas and Mayorga presented themselves in front of the New York media.
(Vargas, (above) Mayorga, (below))




“El Feroz” Fernando Vargas (26-4-22 Ko's) of Oxnard, California and Ricardo "El Matador" Mayorga (27-6-1-22 Ko's) of Managua, Nicaragua traveling road show made a stop in the Big Apple on Wednesday July 25 with a noon press conference at the Affinia Manhattan (formerly Southgate Towers Hotel) in anticipation of their September 8 " The Brawl" at STAPLES Center, in Los Angeles and on pay per view.

Mayorga will be joined by his promoter Don King from Don King Productions.

Vargas will be joined by his promoter Kathy Duva from Main Events.
Two-time world champion “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and three-time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga barely made it through their promoters’ announcement of their upcoming match at STAPLES Center on Sept 8. during the first press conference for the event held at the downtown Los Angeles venue (on July 11), before taunting erupted into a street fight that resulted in punches being thrown and landed—and some blood from a cut under Mayorga’s right eye. The New York Press conference appeared to be pretty much the same with a lot of name calling between the two brawlers, it was almost impossible to photograph the two together, until Mayorga requested that the two meet at the media dais, dressed with a plexi-glass two separate the two fighters and mediocre security.
(Vargas and Mayorga at New York Press Conference)



Kermit Cintron (28-1-26 Ko's) of Reading, Pa. (Puerto Rico)the IBF Welterweight Champion will be on the under card of “THE BRAWL”.
(Kermit Cintron (L) and Joey Gamache (R), team Cintron, also see (JULY 14 POST) Gotti vs Gomez Cintron vs Matthysse)

(Maureen Shea and Team Shea Luigi, attend New York Press Conference Vargas vs Mayorga)


If you have not been able to attend either of the highly spirited press conferences promoting "The Brawl" featuring "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas vs. Ricardo "El Matador" Mayorga from STAPLES Center and on pay per view Sept. 8, check out the excellent video link, below, made after the Los Angeles press conference that captures the flavor of the event:

http://www.donking.com/videos/brawl/brawl.html

Also, attached and pasted below please find quotes from yesterday's New York City press conference. I have also attached and pasted the quotes from the Los Angeles presser as well.

Alan Hopper
DKP
www.donking.com

The following conversations with “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas and Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga took place at their Wednesday, July 25 press conference inside Affinia Manhattan’s Grand Ballroom in New York. This followed their July 11 press conference at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in which a brawl broke out. Mayorga and Vargas charged each other from opposite sides of the room at the New York conference but were restrained before they could reach one another. At the end of the conference, Mayorga persuaded Vargas to join him, briefly, for the traditional fighter pose for photographers. The event press release follows the conversations.

Fernando Vargas in response to the first press conference…

That’s what happens when cats do stuff like that at a press conference. Did you think I was just going to sit there and take that? I was prepared for it. He’s a bully and that’s the way bullies act, when it is convenient for them to act like that. But I knew it was coming, so I took my glasses off. If I had them on when he tried to hit me, they would have gone to the side of my face and I would not have been able to react and everyone would have grabbed us and it would have been over. And it would have looked like he got the best of me. All of my fans would have been saying, “look at Fernando, he just got smacked silly by Mayorga.”

But it didn’t work out that way. Look at Mayorga, as dark as he is, and he’s darker than me, he turned completely white when I fought back. He felt my power…and I got him.

I am a professional, but if someone acts unprofessional towards me, I will act unprofessional right back. He felt the difference when someone is not going to take that. He knows that and I went and got him. The first overhand right missed, but then I got him with two good uppercuts.

And look at the plexiglass over there (set up for the face-off to keep the fighters clear from each other), he’ll go up there to the glass and act all crazy. He’s a cat that likes to put on a show. But you know what? My buddy saw Mayorga before the L.A. press conference in the hotel lobby. Mayorga then saw me coming then jumped, not walked, jumped into the elevator and started to push the buttons in a panic to shut the elevator before I got there.

But that is just the beginning. That was round one. Mayorga is a stupid fighter and I am an intelligent fighter and I’m going to pick my spots. I am going to knock him out. He already felt my power once. And it’s going to be great to do that at the STAPLES Center in front of a lot of crazy Mexicans. All of my fans will be going ape. This fight is for pride and I will look good doing it.

When it’s over? Remember after he fought Oscar and he was hugging and kissing him after Oscar knocked him out? He’s going to do the same to me. That’s his nature.

Ricardo Mayorga, after a rant against Vargas…

I am sorry if I have offended anyone. I have a great team with me for this fight. If you want to put money on the fight, I would bet two or three rounds. I predict I will knock him out in two rounds.

I had a dream last night that I threw a rotten orange at Fernando Vargas and hit him in the chin. And he went down. And he didn’t get back up. That’s what is going to happen on September 8th.

Fernando knows that this is his last fight and the reason he says that is because he knows he will lose. Lose in the worst way.

Roberto Duran’s son is in my camp helping me prepare to destroy Vargas. Therefore, I dedicate this fight, and this win, to the great Roberto Duran.

Additional Press from DKP
WWW.DonKing.com

Punches were thrown and landed at the intial press conference announcing Vargas vs. Mayorga at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles today. Attached please find a brief synopsis of the events followed by quotes from Mayorga and Vargas.


Brief Synopsis and Quotes
Initial Press Conference Announcing Vargas vs. Mayorga;
Chick Hearn Press Room at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles;
Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Don King from Don King Productions and Kathy Duva from Main Events formally announced the showdown between two-time world champion “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas and three-time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga in the Chick Hearn Press Room at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles today.

The room was packed with media, and all went well until the trash-talking Mayorga approached the podium and Vargas immediately removed his sunglasses. Vargas initially maintained his composure while Mayorga repeatedly referred to him as “fatty” as well as other terms not normally deemed acceptable in public company.

Vargas grabbed his crotch and gestured to Mayorga and said, “Here’s your fatty.”

The breaking point came when Mayorga said he was going to do Vargas’s family a favor by retiring him and not allow his family to suffer every time he steps in the ring.

Vargas and members of his camp stood up and went after Mayorga, and a melee ensued. Order was restored when Mayorga left the press conference and Vargas was allowed to address the media.

RICARDO MAYORGA: “I’m very dedicated and focused. Believe it or not, I want everyone to know in this moment even if nobody believes me I have already been training for two months. I have the same hunger and strength I had when I won my first world title. Take a look at my two first world title fights—that’s the Mayorga you’re going to see on Sept. 8.

I’m going to finish you [Vargas] but you’re finished already.

“I’m going to give Vargas the chance to cash his last pension check. I would like to say publicly that ‘fatty’ over here [Vargas] has always feared me. When I was crowned junior middleweight world champion most recently against Michele Piccirillo, Vargas tried to have the World Boxing Council strip me of the title so it could be handed to him.

“I conceded to take this fight at 162 pounds because fatty couldn’t lose any more weight. After this fight I’m going back to 147. I want Mayweather, Mosley, all of them.

“I will do Vargas a favor by retiring him in this fight so his family doesn’t have to suffer every time he steps in the ring. I’m going to do your wife a favor and not let her cry anymore after I disfigure you. [while translator is repeating Mayorga’s comments in English press conference fight begins after Mayorga slaps Vargas, and Vargas lands two blows before order can be restored.]”

FERNANDO VARGAS: “This will be my last fight for one reason only. It’s for pride. I can’t leave my career after a loss.

“I called [longtime trainer and mentor] Eduardo Garcia and asked him if we would train me for one last fight. He said with a chuckle, ‘You still want to fight?’ I said told him just one more, Garcia. It’s for pride.

“Mayorga can disrespect me all he wants but not my queens [his mother, wife and daughter]. He says he’s been training for this fight for two months. I’ve been training since January. I’m already down to 183.

“We should have sold tickets to this press conference. We had a little fireworks here today. There will definitely be fireworks in the ring at Staples Center on September 8.”

And Still the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World... Bernard Hopkins, the Golden Boy claims supremacy

On Saturday July 21 2007 HBO live- ppv presented Bernard Hopkins(48-4-1-32 Ko's) of Philadelphia Pennsylvania defeat of Ronald "Winky Wright" (50-4-1-25 Ko's) of St. Petersburg Florida, one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport. The two elite fighter combined experience displayed both skill and talent, that will stand out among the finest of this generation. Bernard Hopkins one of the best fighters in the era, had retired following the Antonio Tarver fight, on June 10 2006, but came back to continue on his track of greatness. Hopkins, 42, fought Wright for the 170- pound Ring Magazine belt.

The event was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Winy Promotions and sponsored by Southwest Airlines, Tecate beer, and Rockstar Energy Drink, and held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

(Bernard Hopkins and John David Jackson, trainer at New York Press conference)




(Chris Lighty, Ronald "Winky" Wright and trainer at New York Press conference)

WBO/WBA Lightweight Titleholder Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz has been deputized as a Volunteer Voter Registrar in his hometown of Houston

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: The League of Women Voters of the Houston Area

CONTACTS: Linda Cohn (linda@thecohns.net)
Ann Wood (lwv.voter@earthlink.net)
Co-chairs, Voter Registration

The League of Women Voters of Houston the Houston Area and Voter Registrar Paul Bettencourt, the Harris County (Texas) Tax Assessor/Collector, are pleased to announce that WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Diaz has been deputized as a Volunteer Voter Registrar.

Mr. Diaz, Twenty-three-year-old unified lightweight champion completed the prescribed training program at the Harris County Tax Office and received his Certificate of Appointment on July 18, 2007, His first registration was for his mother.

Mr. Diaz may now accept voter registration applications in an official capacity on behalf of Harris County (Texas).

His first voter registration duties will be discharged in connection with a Naturalization Ceremony on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. This ceremony will take place at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas. Two thousand five hundred petitioners will be sworn in as American citizens by the Honorable Sim Lake, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. Each new citizen is immediately eligible to register to vote. To that end, the League of Women Voters has organized a corps of Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrars, and Mr. Diaz will be part of that group.

It is expected that Mr. Diaz’s first registered voter will be a new American citizen by the name of Mrs. Olivia Diaz. Mrs. Diaz was born in Mexico, is a long-time resident of Houston and, not incidentally, is Juan Diaz’s beloved mother.

Alan Hopper
Don King Productions
www.donking.com

Political News; SPOILING THE SPOILER?

PRESS RELEASE
JULY 20, 2007 Contact: Raphael

SPOILING THE SPOILER?

In an oblique reference to Rev. Al Sharpton's proposed national campaign against Mayor Giuliani, should he gain the GOP presidential nod, author and political activist Gary James aims a political shot at Sharpton's bow.

James said, "If Giuliani gets the GOP nomination for president, I will campaign in target communities around the country to bring about his victory. And in the process of the national political exercise I plan to get in fighting shape in order to change the political paradigm in the Black American community."

James made these comments during a workshop in Brooklyn which discussed the political implications of his newly released book entitled "ERACISM." The workshop was sponsored by Voters Anonymous Political Education & Research Organization which has launched a voter education prison initiative.

Jabar, a retired Corrections Officer who was assigned to Riker's Island for more than twenty (20) years and the CEO of Voters Anonymous said, "Prison culture has a great influence on street culture. Therefore, while inmates are a captive audience we will provide them with voter education material, and relevant books for their enlightenment and growth." Referencing the Voters Anonymous brochure, Jabar continued, "We are disseminated this brochure and voter education lectures to inmates free of charge and are in the process of establishing Advisory Committee's in target areas in order to help inmates with the challenges associated with returning to their communities. We are pleased to announce that Gary's book ERACISM is included in the free mailing as it provides an overview of local and national politics for the past forty (40) years."

Keisha Morrisey the Harlem Voters Anonymous Coordinator and former candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 70 AD and candidate for the City Council in the 9th CD, also known as El Boxing Empress in the world of boxing said, "I am discussing the Voters Anonymous Prison Inmate initiative with some boxers who expressed an interest in playing a support role on a community level, and with people like Don King who has a reputation of positive social action at the community level."

(Keisha at Simms vs Alcine, "Fistic Fights" World Championship Boxing and Don King)



James believes that Mayor Rudy Giuliani will most likely win his party nomination and the current Democratic Party's underdog former Senator John Edwards is his predicted winner of the Democratic Party nomination. Relative to front runners Senators Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama, James offers the following.

"I suspect that ultimately Senator Clinton will be defeated by the white male syndrome that remains in control of the party's presidential primary electorate, but her bid will be historic. The rock star celebrity of Senator Obama is very fascinating. He has eclipsed the conventional agenda of the national civil rights leadership, and simultaneously engaged a new generation of electoral participation. Obama will most likely lose the vote of the civil rights orthodoxy to Senator Clinton, wife of the 'first black' president of the United States.

Apart from the down side of both Senators Clinton and Obama as it relates to their prospects for success in their party's primary, there is another political hurdle. In the unlikely event that either of them prevails, they would be hard pressed to formulate the required southern strategy to prevail in the general election. Consequently John Edwards is my bet to win the nomination and assemble the strongest general election coalition that gives his party the best possibility to regain the White House, James said.

"The abounding speculation about Mayor Bloomberg resigning his Republican Party status to enter the presidential fray as an independent is way off the mark. The Mayor has very skillfully and tactfully positioned himself to seek the GOP line if necessary to contest for Governor in 2010," according to James.

James has a book signing event at Harlem's Hue-Man Bookstore and Café at 6:00 PM on Friday July 27, 2007. For more information access, www.votersanonymous.org and www.garyjames.info.com

Meet Author Bill Farrell with special guest appearances by champion boxers

Meet Author Bill Farrell of Cradle of Champions, the forward of the book is by Bert Randolph Sugar, the event expects special appearances by champion boxers that will include newly crowned IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi, former world champion Vito Antuofermo, heavyweight contenders Lou Savarese and Derrick Rossy and two time Golden Gloves champion Domenic Monaco. Thursday July 26, from 2pm to 5pm at Portobello Pizzeria Restaurant 83 Murray Street in Tribeca.

(Paulie Malignaggi, IBF welterweight champion and Team Malignaggi)


Malignaggi speaks out

BROOKLYN (July 10, 2007) – IBF light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs), coming off of his masterful title-winning performance against Lovemore N’dou, is back home in Brooklyn and the outspoken, colorful boxer with a flair for controversy recently offered his views on everything from what it’s like to be a world title-holder at 26 to whom he has in his crosshairs.

Being world champion…..
“It feels great. This is what I’ve been working so hard for. I’m being treated much differently. My friends always respected me, but, in general, I’m getting more respect in the street and boxing. Added pressure? When you’re the best it comes with the territory.”

Who’s next on his dance card…..
“I want to fight Hatton in the United States; Madison Square Garden or Atlantic City. I want to make this happen. He’s saying I have his belt? It’s my belt. I fought the real fighter of the two. Castillo was shot. Hatton’s the best in the light welterweight division and one of the top two or three most popular fighters in the world. People are mesmerized by him. He has a lot of flaws I’ll expose. Louie (Collazo) exposed him. He’s a solid fighter who sent Hatton back to junior welterweight. If he wants to fight the best in his weight class, he should fight me, and he hasn’t fought a sharp shooter like Paulie Malignaggi. He also cuts easily. I’ve proven to be a good, tough fighter. Not only will have his hands full with me, he’ll get his first loss.

“Hatton keeps trying to brainwash people saying his two best fights were against the two best fighters he fought, Tszyu and Castillo, but they were shells of what they used to be when they fought Hatton. Luis Collazo was the best fighter Hatton fought and Luis really won that fight. Hatton’s made a career fighting guys past their prime. He fought one young lion, Luis Colazzo, and he doesn’t want to fight another one like me.

“If he stays in the junior welterweight division, we’re the two hottest fighters at 140, and the other top junior welterweights are busy. He shouldn’t talk about it; it should be about it. Mayweather isn’t going to fight him and Cotto’s going to fight the Margarito-Williams winner. It’s the same way he’s been with Junior Witter. Hatton fears guys like me and Whitter because we have movement and quick hands. Hatton avoids fighters like us. He’s been babied his first 43 fights. I’m his perfect contender on the East Coast – New York City or Atlantic City – and Witter’s the perfect contender for him at Wembley.”

If not Hatton, who else….
“I want the biggest fight out there – maybe, Casamayor. Paulie Malignaggi and Dmitriy Salita (27-0-1) is a big fight in New York City. We’ve been friends a long time but this is a huge fight in New York City. It would be a very interesting matchup.”

Italy…..
“I definitely want to defend my world title in Italy, preferably Sicily, because I’m Sicilian. I have a big fan base in Italy. They deserve to see one of their own –a world champion -- fight there. I want to give them a treat. Maybe, my second fight (as world champion) will be in Italy.”

Splitting up with his manager…..
“It was an amicable split. I appreciate all Sal (LoNano) did for me. We’ll always have memories of capturing the world title together. We have a lot of history.”

Sal LoNano: “I was with the kid 1 ½ years and we did what we had to do to win a world title. We made an agreement that his last fight would be our last together. Between the people on his payroll and taxes, it just wasn’t feasible anymore. It was a mutual agreement. We accomplished what we set out to do and it feels great. Paulie will always be family. He had the broken hand, which reminded me of Micky Ward. I wish him nothing but the best and to win another world championship. He’s with Lou DiBella and Paulie knows the business of boxing as much as any fighter. Now it’s time for him to take over. I’ll still be involved in boxing as Frankie Figueroa’s new manager.”

Team Malignaggi

-PM-
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
978.207.0165
bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Amateur Boxer; Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington Jr. Boxing's Prodigy Child

The Future of Boxing

I've known amateur boxer Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington Jr. (8 fights 4 wins 4 loses) for almost a year now, I was introduced to him by his parents, at a Di Bella Entertainment "Broadway Boxing" event last year. "Shu Shu" was there cheering on Curtis "Showtime" Stevens. Shu Shu ringside in the boxing world can be visually seen locally on the "Broadway Boxing" scene and on national television, HBO or Showtime Boxing rooting for his favorite fighters or stable mates. Shu Shu while attending fights will call fight codes as loud as he can, and will demonstrate and shout the moves, effectively enough, to see all over his face he can't wait to make his professional fight debut or to become an Olympic prospect like stablemate Danny Jacobs.



"I was very pleased to meet Tichina Arnold at the Zab Judah Miguel Cotto Fight at Madison Square Garden. I think she is a very nice lady. I always watch the show "Everybody hates Chris" and my mother has the martin show on DVD."



The Game Plan

Shu Shu a balanced boxing prodigy, is 10 years old child celebrity from Brooklyn, and is among the elite as for being privy to attend major events and professional fights, even on school nights along with his parents Bruce Carrington, Sr and Kelly Simpkins, whom support Amateur Boxing and Professional Fights in support of many of the fighters that are their personal friends and their son's boxing stable mates in particular. Watched closely Shu Shu is allowed to photograph with celebrities and local fighters sign autographs and thank all of his supporters humbly. Shu Shu always makes his way to Lou DiBella, to say hello and to say hello and thank the media. Shu Shu has no problem when it's time for light camera and action, as for he appears and knows where to be, and does not mind being photographed. Shu Shu once asked a photographer, "will you take a picture of me and Buddy McGirt, Sr.".


The Profile

Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington Jr. (8 fights 4 wins 4 loses)

SBS: On Boxing in general
Shu Shu: I admire Floyd Mayweather boxing style because he has tremendous speed his work out is very outstanding.my favorite old school boxer is Muhammad Ali is is the best of the best if I could meet one boxer it would be Muhammad Ali.

SBS: On Celebrity status
Shu Shu: Boxing has been a great experience for me I get to travel and get to meet new people, a lot of my friends and many people in my neighborhood recognized me sitting next to Tichina Arnold at the Zab Judah fight, so that me me popular.The way I deal with my celebrity status is by remembering that it's not me that my gift comes from, its the most high. My mom says she loves being a "celebrity mom" she said that "I always was her celebrity before boxing" and now I am with the stars. My parents are show business parents and stop every thing that they are doing to support my career and my sister Alexis, she is 7 she comes to the fights sometimes, she's a dancer and her god parents are boxing writers. I like to interviews about my career, so far I have been featured on boxing scene and heavy hitters websites and now your website.

SBS: On His Daily Routine
Shu Shu: I attend school and train in Brooklyn, New York.I have been in the gifted program since preschool, my school routine remains the same I get up every morning eat breakfast with my family and head out to school, my coaches names are Greg Dyer, Victor Rountree and Pitt, they all help me master the sweet science, my family is always there for me they all so train as well, I have 3 brothers and 2 sister, my parents are also involved in the arts with my siblings. I have to do homework and we have dinner and play or study.

SBS: On Favorite Boxers Male and Female
Shu Shu: My favorite male boxers are to name a few Curtis Steven ,Jaidon Codrington, Gary Starks, Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin, Joe Green, Dmitriy Salita, Edgar Santana, Zab Judah, Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi, Louie Collazo, Danny Jacobs,and last but not least Saddam Ali. My favorite fighter from Brooklyn is Mike Tyson. My favorite female fighter is Laila Ali

SBS: On Future goals and plans
Shu Shu: I am only 10 years old, I am still in development, once I master the sweet science it won't be no more loses.My amateur fight plans will be to win the golden gloves tournaments and my professional fight plan is to become the world champion. My future educational plans for high school is to attend the best high school and the best college.



SBS: On Hobbies
Shu Shu: My hobbies are playing video games, dancing, singing, and also I like to play basketball. I like rap r&b and gospel music. I listen to rap and r&b music when I work out. I like a lot of artist's and listen to what ever is hot at the time. I enjoy reading and one of my favorite books is Charlie Wonka and the Chocolate factory. I like to watch cartoons and the Disney channel, Everybody hates Chris and Nickelodeon.

SBS: On Favorite Subjects
Shu Shu: Boxing Math and Reading

SBS: Final Words
Shu Shu: Thanks to all my family my parents and friends, my coaches and everybody for just believing and supporting me, thank you SBS for the interview. I will never forget god for blessing me with this talent, thank you Shu Shu signing out........

Shu Shu is also featured on www.photofalcinelli.com in the Boxing Gallery, Check him out and look forward to a bright future for a lil shining star, destined for superstar dome.

US amateur boxing star Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade regarding the upcoming Pan-Am Games

Bob Trieger
Full Court Press


Andrade seeking gold at Pan-Am games

PROVIDENCE (July 18, 2007) – Team USA boxing star Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade is in beautiful Rio de Janerio, not for the hot nightlife and gorgeous Brazilian women, rather to strike gold at the Pan-American Games.

Andrade, the No. 1 rated welterweight in the U.S., is the two-time U.S. National Championships and National Golden Gloves champion. The 19-year-old southpaw realizes that it’s not easy winning on the road, but that it’s something he needs to experience and overcome, looking ahead to next year’s Olympics in China.

The Pan-Am Games serves as a prelude, at least in this hemisphere, for the following Olympic Games. Andrade’s main rival at the Pan-Am Games, as well as in the Olympics, figures to be Cuban favorite Erislandi Lara, who beat “Boo Boo” in their only match to date, 9-4. The world’s other top 152-pound boxers are Russians Khairov and Andrey Balanov, who of course will not be competing in the Pan-Am Games.

“I’m proud to be representing my country at the Pan-Am Games and I’m looking forward to bringing the gold medal back home to Rhode Island,” Andrade said. “But things happen overseas that make it difficult for Americans to win gold medals. We’re fighting in South America and they score high for their own. I’ll beat some of the same guys I’ll probably face in the Olympics, but I won’t show it all to them at the Pan-Am Games. They’ll have to wait to see it all at the Olympics. I’ve been thinking about the Olympics since I was 10; it’s always been my goal.”

The draw to determine who boxes whom is scheduled for Friday. Andrade, if he advances, is scheduled to box on ESPN Deportes on the following days and times: first round, Saturday, July 21 (2 PM/ET); quarterfinals, Sunday, July 22 (7 PM/ET); semifinals, July 24 (7 PM/ET); championship final, Friday, July 27 (8 PM/ET).


-DA-

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press

Andre Berto vs Cosme Rivera Chazz Witherspoon signs w/ DiBella Entertainment

***Undefeated Andre Berto squares off against Cosme Rivera in a main event, and in a co Feature newly signed Chazz Witherspoon hopes to delve into Thoroughbred Industry in horse country in Saratoga Springs New York***

New York, July 17--Undefeated heavyweight prospect Chazz Witherspoon takes to the national stage when he takes on Talmadge Griffis (24-6-3, 16 KOs) next Friday, July 27, on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights at Saratoga Springs City Center in Saratoga. The DiBella Entertainment heavy hitter hopes to follow the same path as his cousin -- former heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon -- on a road which leads to a title belt.

Undefeated Chazz Witherspoon is following in his cousin Tim's, On The Road To a Heavyweight Title. Witherspoon was a 2004 Olympic alternate and National Golden Gloves winner. He has also impressed in his pro career, remaining undefeated in 18 fights and stopping his last five opponents. In his well-traveled, 9-year career, Griffis from Colorado Springs, CO has faced heavyweight stars David Tua and Clifford Etienne.

"Im happy to have the opportunity to be on the national stage again with ESPN2. This will allow me to come out and show the world what Ive been doing and how I am progressing," says the Philadelphia native, who will appear in the co-feature of the Andre Berto vs. Cosme Rivera main event presented by Pugnacious Promotions and DBE which will be televised nationally. "I will be able to show people that I am getting better with each fight and I am putting in the time to be a top contender. I appreciate Lou DiBella giving me this opportunity and I thank ESPN2 as well."

Witherspoon is also thrilled to be in thoroughbred country as the Saratoga Racecourse starts its renowned race meet, as he hopes to enter the equine industry down the line.

"I am very interested in horses and the breeding of horses. I would like to learn more about the thoroughbred racing game and what it takes to own and raise a championship caliber horse," says Witherspoon. "Getting involved in the racing game is something I might like to do when I am done with boxing.

Tickets and more information are available from Pugnacious Promotions, www.pugnaciouspromotions.com or 518-326-9756. Call or visit for more information. Tickets are $125 for Golden Ringside and $75 for Ringside. General Admission open seats are $40.

Paul Wiliams defeats Antonio Margarita in WBO title bout

Paul The Punisher Williams (33-0-24 Ko's) commemorated the holiday of Bastille Day by defeating and ending the reign of terror of WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio "The Tijuana Tornado" Margarito (34-5,1 NC,24 Ko's), the undefeated and World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1 welterweight contender

Billed as "Pride N Punishment", the long-awaited, highly anticipated 12-round confrontation between arguably the hardest-punching, most bitter rivals in the 147-pound division was presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and televised on HBO World Championship Boxing, in an outdoor tennis stadium at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

The winner of this fight is the preeminent welterweight in the world -- and that includes (Miguel) Cotto or anyone else in the 147-pound division, the events promoter, Dan Goossen, said.

ANTONIO MARGARITO

"The time is here for me to continue keeping my title।Everything has been great. I have had no injuries. I am 100 percent ready for any type of fight. This is not going to be a great fight, I know that Williams is a great fighter who throws a lot of punches. I am hoping that Williams throws a lot of punches because it is going to be a great fight. I am not looking at this fight to go the distance. I will finish Williams in the seventh round."

PAUL WILLIAMS

"I am going to punish Margarito. I am ready to get it on. I guess I will knock Margarito out in the seventh round.I am going to prove on Saturday that I am the best. That is why I am fighting the best. On July 14, you are going to see something that you have never seen before in the ring.Every time I get into the ring, I am 100 percent. I am always ready to go to war."

Experts favor Margarito

Franklin McNeil, The Star-Ledger Newark, N.J., (Williams): Williams made a lot of noise when he called out Margarito. He seems to have little to say now that the fight's been made -- maybe it's concentration, maybe not. If Williams isn't having second thoughts, he will win. His size and punching power will prove too much for Margarito, who is only holding the WBO welterweight title today because Joshua Clottey's hands failed him in December. Williams wins a decision.

Zachary Levin, Boxing News UK, (Margarito): Paul Williams is way over hyped. Who has he fought? What has he proven? As usual, Margarito is getting paid short shrift going into a big fight. All Tony does is win. Don't people get this? He may give up some early rounds, even the first five. But, eventually, he will start getting to Williams and the difference between the two will tell, just as it did against Clottey. Margarito retains his WBO belt by clear-cut decision or late stoppage.

Jacqui Snow, Myspace Boxing Group, groups.myspace.com/boxing, (Margarito): This will be a tough fight for Williams. Margarito, who's rumored to walk around at about 170, is taller and bigger than any of Williams' previous opponents. He's also fought a better level of opposition. Margarito's relentless pressure attacks will be too much for Williams, who will succumb late in the fight. Margarito wins by TKO 10.