KELLY PAVLIK and JERMAIN TAYLOR II; Announcement/ Birth and LUNCHEON NEWS CONFERENCE

"Two of boxing's best pound-for-pound brawlers“ undefeated world middleweight champion Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik and once-beaten former world champion Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor luncheon news conference was held at BB King's Blues Club Restaurant in New York on December 10 2007 to announce the resumption of their ring-war hostilities, this time at 166 pounds.

Promoted by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment, the 12-round Pavlik-Taylor battle It all takes place SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008 at MGM GRAND and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST.



Kelly Pavlik attends the New York City Press conference at BB King's Blues Club Restaurant in New York on December 10 2007 for Pavlik vs Taylor II.


Jermain Taylor unable to attend the Pavlik vs. Taylor II announcement at BB Kings Blues Club Restaurant in New York due to the birth of an 8 lb. daughter (Laila), the day before, with his wife Erica Taylor, former WNBA player. Taylor was able to briefly call in from the hospital in Las Vegas, and talk with the media at the press conference, but not without expressing "Every one's support at this time means so much to me and my family". "I wish that I could be there, but I'm sure "Kelly" being a family man understands."

Go to Starlite Boxing's Talk- TV at www.youtube/ElEmpress1 for more on Ozell Nelson at BB Kings Blues Club Restaurant, audio at the press conference and to listen to or view other boxing entertainment events footage (live tales of the tape).
Ozell Nelson,(Far right) trainer for Jermain Taylor and spokesperson for Taylor at the Dec. 10th news conference for Pavlik vs Taylor II.


Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs), from Youngstown, Ohio, and Taylor (27-1-1, 17 KOs), from Little Rock, Arkansas, boast a combined record of 59-1-1 (46 KOs) a winning percentage approaching 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 78%! Their first fight, on September 29, was not only hailed as the "Fight of the Year" but literally rejuvenated the sport internationally. It is a rivalry that is being compared to the great middleweights of previous eras, including Graziano-Zale, Robinson-Basilo-Fullmer, and Benvenuti-Griffith.

Kelly Pavlik at the New York City Press conference at BB Kings Blues Club Restaurant Dec 10 2007.

NYC’s Rising Stars Showcased on “Holiday Hits”, "Mean" Joe Greene, Peter Quillin, Jorge Teron and Nagy Aguilera

NYC’s Rising Stars Showcased on “Holiday Hits”, "Mean" Joe Greene, Peter Quillin, Jorge Teron and Nagy Aguilera

"Holiday Hits" co-promoted by Ring Promotions and Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing was showcased Dec. 13, at The Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.

“New York City has some of the best, young talent in the world,” promoter Bob Duffy said. “The future of boxing will be on display December 13 in ‘Holiday Hits.’ Where else are you going to watch rising stars like Greene, Teron and Quillin with a combined record of 49-0 and 35 knockouts? They’re going to celebrate the holiday with a bang!”.

“Such a terrific card would not be complete without one female fight,” co-promoter Cedric Kushner added, “and we’ll have Canadian bantamweight Noriko Kariya in action.”



Headlining “Holiday Hits” in a 8-round, non-title bout was the NABA middleweight champion “Mean” Joe Greene now (17-0, 12 KOs), born in the Bronx and now fighting out of Queens, won by a unanimous decision over the veteran Patrick Thompson now
(12-12-1,5 KO's) of Lincoln Nebraska, the WBA No. 9 rated middleweight challenger. Greene, the 2004 National Golden Gloves Tournament champion, is rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Organization.

"Mean" Joe Greene enters the ring to face-off with the "Cagey Veterean" Patrick Thompson.


Patrick Thompson enters the ring to face off with "Mean" Joe Greene.


"Mean" Joe Greene after the win over Patrick Thompson.


The headliner "Mean" Joe Greene attended the Ibragimov vs Holyfield Press conference earlier this year, held at the Hardrock Cafe in New York City. "Mean" Joe Greene in a meek tone introduced me to his family friends and promoters, as I inquired about his next fight. "Mean" Joe Greene then turned to his mom and said, "Ma all the blog post on her blog site and I am not on there." I was shocked that, he "Mean" Joe Greene was even interested or even noticed. I then took a couple of solo shots of "Mean" Joe Greene on the spot and thanked him for his time, assuring him ("Mean" Joe Greene) that I would cover his next fight. "Mean" Joe Greene then said, "Hey get this picture, you know him, "Saddam Ali", he is on the 2008 Olympic team." I met Saddam Ali two years prior while he was competing during the Golden Glove tournaments, I photographed Saddam Ali after his victory. (Hear more from "Mean" Joe Greene after the victory at "Starlite's Boxing's Sweetscience" TV-videos www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1)

"Mean" Joe Greene and Saddam Ali (middle) and guest at Holyfield vs Ibragimov Press conference in New York.


Popular Brooklyn middleweight prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin now (16-0, 12 KOs) remains undefeated stopping in 32 seconds of round 2, the tough Minnesota import Troy “TNT” Lowry, a former WBF title challenger, who now drops to (27-8, 16 KOs) in the second in a Special Attraction. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin rated by the NABA No. 17, closed out a perfect year with his eighth fight of 2007 on December 13.(Hear more from Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin after his victory at "Starlite's Boxing's Sweetscience" TV-videos www.youttube.cm/ELEmpress1)

Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin


The very active Quillin now (16-0, 13 KOs), rated No. 17 by the NABF, is 7-0 with five knockouts since February 22. Former WBF light middleweight title challenger Lowry has been in against Hector Camacho, Sr., Yuri Foreman, Anthony Bonsante, Santiago Samaniego and Steve Roberts.

“I’ve prepared to bring my top game,” Quillin said about his fight against Lowry. “I’m sure he’s coming to win, but I’ll have to change his plans. I give him credit for taking this fight and letting me display my talent in front of my New York City fans once again. I always love fighting here. It’s been a great place for me to start my career. I give people what they want. I’m a high-energyfighter who is an entertaining person…..I’m cool! There’s a glow around me that attracts fans like a moth to light. They want their Chocolate.

“I’m a boxer-puncher who can hurt people with either hand. My left is a tornado, my right a hurricane – just don’t get caught in the storm. 2008 is going to be a huge year for me, my manager, John Seip, promoter, Cedric Kushner, and especially my trainer, Colin Morgan. I have big plans. I want big things to happen for us in 2008. It’s going to be the Year of the Chocolate Bar.

Jorge Teron wins the New York State Lightweight Championship

Unbeaten Bronx prospect Jorge “The Truth” Teron now (19-0-1, 12 KOs), 134 LBS.
WBC No. 20 rated lightweight and 3-time New York Golden Gloves champion, battled for the vacant title and the TKO came 2:28 into round 8, victor over the dangerous Mexican knockout specialist Adrian “Canon” Navarette now (16-5-1, 13 KOs) 134 LBS., and the former Intercontinental Mundo Hispano title-holder. The co-feature was scheduled for 10-round and not too far from Jorge Teron's Bronx home. The referee for the bout was Sparkle Lee.

Jorge Teron after his win with the "New York State Lightweight Championship" belt.


Jorge “The Truth” Teron will used his long reach and height advantage (4-inches, 6’ 0” to 5’ 8”) to box the power-punching Navarette (former Intercontinental Mundo Hispano title-holder. Teron is coming off of impressive back-to-back victories against Jefferson Auraad Rodriguez (20-10) by first-round TKO and an eight-round unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 79-73) and near shutout in his last action (September 5, 2007) versus Mike Gonzalez (10-1-1).

Jorge Teron after his victory over and cornerman Steve and trainer the legendary Mark Breland, team "Teron".


Professional referee Sparkle Lee and Legendary Referee Frankie Martinez, both memebers of USA Metro- boxing, view a boxing bout from outside the square ring.


“It’s always exciting to fight at home because my family and friends watching makes me happy,” Teron said. “I’m also excited to be fighting in the co-feature for the first time. It’s a progression of my career and I want to show everybody what I can do. I’ll be headlining my own show soon. In 2008, I plan on fighting one or two 10-rounders and then I’ll be ready to take on the top lightweights in the world. I’m ready for the top level; no more swing bouts or 8-rounders. I’m fighting 10-rounders and eventually 12-rounders. I feel great for this fight.”

Jorge Teron


Jorge Teron supports his younger brother, an amateur boxer with USA metro boxing.


Joe Antonacci, the ring announcer for the "Holiday Hits" show and Jill Diamond of the WBC.


Dominican-born Heavyweight prospect Nagy Aguilera now (5-0, 2 KOs),
defeated Darryl Holley now (6-6, 1 KO), of Brigantine New Jersey. The referee stopped the contest 2 minutes into round 3 of a scheduled 6-round bout. Nagy Aguilera is a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Aguilera raised in Puerto Rico is now fighting out of Newburgh, New York.

Nagy Aguilera


“I first came across Nagy when I was looking for a sparring partner about two months before my fight with (Evander) Holyfield,” Nagy’s advisor and former world heavyweight contender “Big” Lou Savarese said. “I was told about a good heavyweight in Newburgh, which is about 1 ½ hours north of New York City. It’s a beautiful place, right on the Hudson River, but a rough suburb. I was taken back after sparring with Nagy and wondered why I hadn’t heard of him. He was only 20 at the time (Aguilera is now 21) and said he only had about 30-40 amateur fights. But he seemed more seasoned than that.

“Nagy is so fundamentally sound, but he was doing it working on a shoe-string budget, without the benefit of a strength-and-conditioning coach or eating properly. I introduced him to John Silverman, who is now his manager, and today Nagy has those edges. Nagy has great physical attributes (6-3, 230 pounds) and -- it’s odd to say about a 21 year old -- but he doesn’t really do anything wrong because he’s so technically solid. Nagy later told me he had 137 amateur bouts having started boxing very young in Puerto Rico before moving to the Bronx about five years ago. Mentally, I’ve never see a fighter so relaxed before a fight – he sleeps in the locker-room! His timing is starting to come around; two fights ago he knocked out (right out of the ring) a guy (Tyrone Smith) who had never been stopped and in his last fight, he floored an opponent (Elfair McKnight) who had never been down before. Nagy almost knocked him out, too.”

The "Holiday Hits" Under card

Heavyweight Darrel Madison now (8-1, 3 KOs) of Islip, New York won by unanimous decision over Sam Commings now (4-5, 3 KOs) of Lansing Michigan, in a 4 round bout.

Darrel Madison after the victory over Sam Commings


Canadian bantamweight Noriko Kariya now (8-2-1, 1 KO) Salina Jordan now (2-3, 1 KOs), of Denver. The referee Sparkle Lee stopped the contest in round 2 of a scheduled 4 round bout.

Also fighting on the undercard in a 4 round match were Paterson New Nersey 142 ½ LBS. light welterweight Jeremy Bryan now (2-0) who won by decision over 137 ½ LBS. and tough Broderick Antoine now (2-4, 1 KO), of Troy New York.

Jeremy "Hollywood" Bryan enters the ring to fight Broderick Antoine.


Broderick Antoine exits the ring after the loss to Jeremy Bryan.


In a pro debut Super featherweights Raphael Luna, of Albany, Joe Arroyo, of the Bronx, record remains the same as for the decision by the judges was a draw.

The celebrity sitings at "Holiday Hits"

Danny Jacobs, fresh off his professional debut win, on the under card of the Mayweather vs. Hatton "Undefeated" and former "The Contenders" boxing series, star Jerson Ravello.


Sechew Powell attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.


Heavyweight Monte Barrett and Tanya "Showbiz Mom" Rozier, mother of Curtis "Showtime" Stevens attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.


Female Fighter Cindy Serrano, trainer Jordan and Adrian Serrano attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.


Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.


Henry Crawford attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.


Nettles Nasir Junior Jones and Jerson Ravello attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.


Mitchell Rose author and former boxer and Lou Savarese attend, "Holiday Hits" at the Roseland Ballroom.
(Hear more from the author, Mitchell Rose at "Starlite's Boxing's Sweetscience" TV-videos www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1)

CHRISTMAS WITH PATTI LABELLE & FRIENDS LIVE IN NYC! SATURDAY DECEMBER 22, 2007 @ UTOPIA'S PARADISE THEATER

STATIK ENT. INVITES YOU TO A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENT FEATURING LEGENDARY R&B/SOUL VOCALIST PATTI LABELLE. PATTI LABELLE IS THE ORIGINAL DIVA OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS. WITH A STRONG AND SOULFUL VOICE, SHE HAS BEEN A RECOGNIZABLE FIGURE IN THE MUSIC WORLD FOR OVER FORTY YEARS. THE TWO TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER IS TAKING HER FOUR OCTAVE VOICE ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND SHE IS A TRUE TESTAMENT TO THE LEAPS AND BOUNDS THE WORLD OF RHYTHM AND BLUES HAS MADE SINCE HER START IN THE 1960'S. SHE HAS RELEASED MORE THAN TWO DOZEN ALBUMS AND SOLD MILLIONS OF RECORDS WORLDWIDE AND IS DEEMED ONE OF THE GREATEST VOCALISTS IN THE HISTORY OF MUSIC.
SOUL DIVA PATTI LABELLE ENJOYED ONE OF THE LONGEST-LIVED CAREERS IN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC, NOTCHING HITS IN A VARIETY OF SOUNDS RANGING FROM GIRL GROUP POP TO SPACE AGE FUNK TO LUSH BALLADS. BORN PATRICIA HOLT IN PHILADELPHIA IN 1944, SHE GREW UP SINGING IN A LOCAL BAPTIST CHOIR, AND IN 1960 FORMED A GROUP CALLED THE ORDETTES. A YEAR LATER, FOLLOWING THE ADDITIONS OF VOCALISTS NONA HENDRYX AND SARAH DASH, THE GROUP WAS RECHRISTENED THE BLUE BELLES AND SCORED A TOP 20 POP AND R&B HIT IN 1962 WITH THE SINGLE "I SOLD MY HEART TO THE JUNKMAN," SUBSEQUENTLY HITTING THE CHARTS IN 1964 WITH RENDITIONS OF "DANNY BOY" AND "YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE." BY 1973, LABELLE HAD GONE GLAM, TAKING THE STAGE IN WILDLY THEATRICAL, FUTURISTIC COSTUMES; A YEAR LATER HER GROUP BECAME THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN ACT EVER TO APPEAR AT NEW YORK'S METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE, A LANDMARK PERFORMANCE THAT ALSO INTRODUCED THEIR LONE CHART-TOPPING SINGLE, THE FAMOUS CLASSIC "LADY MARMALADE." AFTER TWO MORE ALBUMS, LABELLE MOUNTED A SOLO CAREER, ISSUING HER EPONYMOUS DEBUT IN 1977.
PATTI WENT ON TO SCORE NUMBER ONE R&B HITS IN 1983 AND ALSO REACHED THE POP TOP 20 WITH HER BEVERLY HILLS COP SOUNDTRACK CONTRIBUTION "NEW ATTITUDE." HER 1986'S "THE WINNER IN YOU" WENT PLATINUM AND SHE FOLLOWED IT UP WITH 1989'S BE YOURSELF WORKING ALONGSIDE ROCK LEGEND, PRINCE. LABELLE'S CAREER EVOLVED IN THE NEXT MILLENIUM AS SHE RECORDED DUETS WITH MARY J. BLIGE, ELTON JOHN, AND RELEASED NUMEROUS WORKS AS WELL AS BOOKS. PATTI LABELLE IS KNOWN FOR A VOICE THAT PRACTICALLY DEFINES THE R&B GENRE. LONG RECOGNIZED FOR HER GOSPEL-FLAVORED SOUL, SHE IS NOW OUT ON THE ROAD PERFORMING THE HITS THAT MADE HER A LEGEND. PATTI LABELLE CONCERT TICKETS ARE A GREAT GET FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES R&B AND SOUL, AND MS. LABELLE IS KNOWN TO NEVER DISAPPOINT HER AUDIENCE WITH HER ENERGETIC AND ENGAGING PERFORMANCES. LABELLE HAS BEEN PLAYING TO HER LOYAL LEGION OF FANS FOR OVER 40 YEARS, AND PATTI LABELLE TICKETS WILL BE A LIVING TRIBUTE TO HER MUSICAL LONGEVITY. SHE'S PERFORMED LIVE AT THE WHITE HOUSE, CARNEGIE HALL, AND JUST ABOUT EVERY WORLD-CLASS VENUE ONE CAN NAME. NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AND FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, EVERYONE'S FAVORITE R&B LEGEND IS COMING TO THE BIG APPLE! SO, GET READY FOR A NIGHT PACKED WITH EXCITEMENT AND SURPRISES AS THIS SOUL DIVA TAKES TO THE STAGE LIVE AT THE BRONX IN UTOPIA'S PARADISE THEATER! V.I.P. - $100 ORCHESTRA - $85 MEZZANINE - $75, $65


UTOPIA'S PARADISE THEATER
http://www.ticketmaster.com/

OBAMA: POLITICAL JUGGERNAUT?

OBAMA: POLITICAL JUGGERNAUT?

The emergence of Senator Obama as the front runner in next months Iowa caucus has ignited a percolating political conversation among Black Americans and raises practical questions relative to the “inevitability” of Senator Clinton’s nomination for President. The Iowa poll was released on the heels of Obama’s appearance to a packed and energetic house at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater, home turf of Hilary Clinton, the junior Senator from New York, Thursday November 29, 2007.

While Senator Clinton was responding to the hostage incident that occurred on Friday November 30, 2007 at her New Hampshire campaign office, Senator Obama was doing lunch with the honorable Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York, a quintessential independent vote getter. The First term Senator Obama was also endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, unquestionably one of the most powerful and influential women in America. Ms. Oprah Winfrey will also appear on the campaign trail with the presidential aspirant.

News of Obama’s surge in Iowa, New Hampshire and in the south has stimulated the political dialogue in New York, highlighting the racial and civil rights dimension among Black voters. The success of the Obama campaign during the homestretch of the Iowa caucuses has all but eliminated the burning question of whether a Black American can be elected to the highest office in the country.

“The time is now” said candidate Obama and that refrain has energized a recessed visceral sensibility in many Black voters.

According to Alton Chase, a longtime political activist and community leader, “The question of whether a woman can be elected President of the United States is equally as relevant as the question of whether an African American can get elected. Therefore, the notion that Senator Clinton’s nomination as inevitable was purely hyperbolic. The Democratic Party primary is obviously a horse race and my bet is on the future. Obama.”

Intense conversations on the popular Sunday Black talk radio shows regarding the Clinton vs. Obama political dichotomy indicates a split New York Black vote. While the split seems generic, there is a general political fault line between the traditional civil rights leadership verses disillusioned and emerging Black voters. The Black civil rights leadership is supporting Senator Clinton while others support Obama.

Political activist and analyst Gary James said, “Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson are engaging in political doubletalk as they claim to challenge Obama on the relevant issues. In fact both Jackson and Sharpton are carrying the political water for Senator Clinton and the civil rights leadership orthodoxy. All Black Democrats should vote for Obama in the primary to solidify their strength and prove their elevated level of electoral sophistication and potential power in the general election.”

James said, “The advent of Senator Obama’s campaign and the success that he was greeted with is a worse case scenario for conventional Black leadership because he (Obama) did not kiss their political ring. Obama is an organic leader of the post civil rights generation, and the traditional Black leadership has not embraced his campaign because their leadership is in questionable. This is typically how the conventional Black political leadership deals with emerging leaders. Consequently, the traditional Black leadership may have played themselves out of position by not being able to tell the political time of day. Their spineless equivocation thwarts a primary election opportunity, is self defeating and only serves their paternal masters will.”

Rev. Alfred Sharpton closed his Sunday night December 2, 2007 talk show with the words, “The question is not who we are with… But who is with us,” Sharpton’s words were an oblique reference to his earlier comments that he (Sharpton) hadn’t made his mind up yet who he will endorse. Interestingly enough, Sharpton and Obama met days earlier and broke bread at Harlem’s famed Sylvia’s Restaurant.
Keisha and Rev. Al Sharpton


Harlem State Senator Bill Perkins an Obama supporter and member of his (Obama’s) New York host committee appeared on the popular late night “Week in Review” radio talk show and he was abruptly put on the defensive by vociferous Sharpton supporters. Journalist Peter Noel, a staunched Sharpton advocate admonished Senator Perkins that Sharpton was a legitimate “power broker” and therefore Obama should “kiss the kings ring” for his support.

On the contrary, the “Cut Man” another member of the four man panel format took serious issue with Noel’s notion of Sharpton as a legitimate political power broker. The Cut Man referenced Sharpton’s underwhelming run for President and lack of effectiveness on issues of substance. Perkins was an effective advocate for Senator Obama and read the names of local Black political leaders on Obama’s New York campaign team.

The New York Democratic Party primary is heating up among Black voters in particular in an unprecedented way. Apparently, the diminishing political returns of the civil rights leadership and their lack of vision for the future of the Black community is in store for a serious organic challenge. Some astute Black political analysts are suggesting that the Black civil rights leadership may be left in the dust if they don’t get on board, with the emerging new political dispensation.

Keisha Morrisey, a former candidate for the New York State Assembly in the 70th AD, and Harlem organizer for Voters Anonymous, political education and research organization said, “There is a groundswell of support for the Obama for president campaign particularly among the hip-hop generation because we are thoroughly disillusioned by the conventional political leadership. If Obama wins in Iowa and comes in 2nd or 3rd in New Hampshire we may se an Obama juggernaut.”
Keisha Morrisey


Rev. Conrad Tillard (hip-hop minister) called the popular Sunday morning talk show yesterday a lauded Oprah Winfrey in a Biblical context for her courage and vision in supporting “the one” (Obama). Rev. Tillard admonished the Black community to support Obama on February 5, 2008.
Rev. Conrad Tillard

***Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. Arrives Ready to Fight at Cancun Night of Champions***

SON OF A LEGEND READY TO SHINE IN CANCUN

***Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. Arrives Ready to Fight at Cancun Night of Champions***


Cancun, Mexico (December 13)— Young Puerto Rican featherweight sensation Wilfredo “WV2” Vazquez Jr. (9-0, 8 KO’s) arrived in Cancun Wednesday afternoon. The son of bantamweight legend Wilfredo Vazquez is ready to fight as he highlights the undercard of the Cancun Night of Champions this Saturday at the Plaza de Toros in beautiful Cancun, Mexico LIVE on DirecTV, Dish Network, In Demand, and TVN Pay-Per-View (Suggested Retail Price $29.95) with coverage beginning at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT.

(Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. photo credit to Periodico Quequi)



The undefeated 23 year old will take on 25 year old Mexican Jorge Cardenas (9-4-3, 6 KO’s) in what will be an action packed 8 round featherweight special attraction. Legendary Wilfredo Vazquez (56-9-2, 41 KO’s) whose career spanned 21 years will be by his son’s side as the week progresses leading up to the biggest opportunity of WV2’s short career. Vazquez will showcase himself to a LIVE PPV audience full of avid boxing fans waiting to lay their eye’s the sport’s next great star.

The main event Saturday night features undefeated WBA Super Featherweight Champion Edwin “Dinamita” Valero (22-0, 22 KO’s) as he defends his belt against Zaid “El Exterminador” Zavaleta (17-2-2, 9 KO’s).

The night’s co-feature bout will be an explosive battle between 22 year old undefeated WBC Featherweight Champion Jorge “Golden Boy” Linares (24-0, 15 KO’s) defending his title against Mexican WBC number one contender Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz (22-6-2, 9 KO’s).

TRINIDAD VS. JONES TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR JANUARY 19 2008 at Madison Square Garden

One of the Most Anticipated Fights Ever Scheduled for January 19th



TRINIDAD VS. JONES TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR JANUARY 19 2008 at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY – Tickets for the highly anticipated match between Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Roy Jones Jr. will go on sale Monday, December 10, Madison Square Garden announced today. The much sought after first row ringside seats will be available for fans to purchase via a special Ticketmaster online auction, beginning on December 10th.

"Felix" Tito Trinidad, Don King and Roy Jones, Jr. at the New York City Press conference.


Arguably the two top fighters of the past decade, Trinidad and Jones will step into the Madison Square Garden boxing ring on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 for a featured 12-round match up. Tickets for the premier boxing event range from $15,000 to $100.00 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster beginning at 12 noon on Monday.

The general public will have the rare opportunity to participate in an online auction to purchase ultimate ringside seats to one of the sport’s biggest attractions. Bidders can log onto Ticketmaster.com beginning at 12 noon on Monday to bid on tickets at the four top-level prices. Bids will be accepted until the auction closes at 12 noon on Monday, December 17th. In addition to the auction, Official Platinum Ringside seats will be available through Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange. Tickets for all other price levels will be available via Ticketmaster retail locations and the Madison Square Garden box office also beginning at 12 noon on Monday, December 10th.

"We expect this fight to be one of the hottest boxing matchups of all time," said Joel Fisher, senior vice president, MSG Sports Properties. “We're excited to bring this fight to New York area boxing fans, and via this unique partnership with Ticketmaster, the very best seats in the house will be available to anyone visiting Ticketmaster Auction or Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange."

Jones is an eight-time world champion, winning belts in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a world heavyweight crown in over 100 years.

Roy Jones, Jr. atttends the New York City Press conference.


Trinidad is a five-time world champion with a stunning career knockout ratio of 80 percent that has won titles in the welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight classes. He also holds the distinction of having defeated three Olympic Games gold medalists: Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and David Reid.

Tito Trinidad attends the New York City Press conference.


The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Madison Square Garden.

MSG Sports Properties is part of Madison Square Garden, L.P., owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, which includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); MSG Entertainment, which includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the Beacon Theatre; MSG Media, which is comprised of MSG and FSN New York; and the Madison Square Garden arena complex, located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area.

2K Sports Announces Don King Presents: Prizefighter' video game

2K Sports has announced the spring 2008 release of the 'Don King Presents: Prizefighter' video game. See full press release attached and pasted below.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter brings an innovative feature set and story line to set the standard in boxing video games

New York, NY – 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced the spring 2008 release of Don King Presents: Prizefighter, the most realistic boxing video game simulation, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo’s Wii™ home video game console and Nintendo’s DS™ portable system. This in-depth, documentary-style title will provide the deepest, most authentic and entertaining experience ever seen in a boxing video game.

Don King


“The combination of real-life fight scenarios, story-driven gameplay and photo-realistic graphics will set this title apart from the competition,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “Our goal has always been to deliver the most engaging and realistic titles, and Don King Presents: Prizefighter will exceed these expectations. Based on the game’s innovative features and high-profile fighters, this title will be a ‘must have’ for any sports gamer.”

Don King


'In all my years working in professional boxing, I have never seen anything come as close to recreating the thrill, the intensity, the courage and the spectacle of the sport,' said legendary boxing promoter Don King. 'Don King Presents: Prizefighter is more than a game -- it is a glimpse at what life is like in and out of the ring for these incredible athletes.'

Developed by Venom Games, the 2K studio that brought Rocky and Rocky Legends to the Xbox and PlayStation 2, Don King Presents: Prizefighter will bring the realism of live action match-ups and the true tactics of the sweet science together for the first time. More than just a night at the fights - players will be responsible for building a career by overcoming adversity, avoiding temptation, and balancing their commitments to train and promote, all while focusing on the goal of ultimately winning and defending the title belt. The story will be told by a revolutionary sports documentary-style narrative never before seen in a video game.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter will be available in spring 2008 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo’s Wii™ home video game console and Nintendo’s DS portable system, leveraging the unique hardware features of each platform.

Don King


For more information, log onto www.2ksports.com/prizefighter.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.

For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

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Malignaggi plays “The Name Game”/ Malignaggi’s IBF Junior Welterweight Title on January 5, 2008

VERO BEACH, Florida– International Boxing Federation light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi took a break from his Vero Beach training camp, where he’s preparing for his first title defense January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 contender Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City, to play boxing’s version of “The Name Game.”


The outspoken Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, commented on some of the top welterweights and light welterweights in the world:

Paul Malignaggi


Floyd Mayweather: “The best pound-for-pound in boxing today, maybe ever. He dominates and is definitely the smartest boxer.”
Floyd Mayweather


Ricky Hatton: “Workmanlike but a little overrated. He’s not great but is a good fighter who is tough and a worker. He’s overrated in that some believe he’s the best.”
Ricky Hatton


Miguel Cotto: “One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today -- very powerful, strong, hungry and determined.”
Miguel Cotto


Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.: “I didn’t see his last fight but he surprised me by beating (Ray) Sanchez, who I know from the amateurs. Chavez came back from being down on two cards to stop Sanchez. Maybe, he has gotten a little better.”

Herman Ngoudjo: “Another workmanlike fighter but not the same as Gavin Rees because he doesn’t throw as many punches. What you see is what you get with him. He’s a former Olympian and I expect him to come into our fight at 100-percent. He’s never been given anything and has come up the hard way. I’m looking forward to fighting him.”


Junior Witter: “Probably the most dangerous, underrated, unappreciated fighter in boxing. I’d love to meet him in the ring but that’s up to the networks. Witter is definitely the best light welterweight in England.”
Demetrious Hopkins: “Good family pedigree and a solid fighter. He’ll lose his first pro fight in 2008 when he meets Paulie Malignaggi.”

Lovemore N’dou: “The biggest clown in boxing today. He’s like Barnum & Bailey, you see the same show. His recent words and actions make him look even more stupid to the media and fans.”


Paul Malignaggi and trainer Buddy McGirt prepare for Mailignaggi's bout with Ndou.


Gavin Rees: “I’ve watched some clips of his fights and he seems like a rugged fighter who throws a lot of punches. Another workmanlike fighter, but he won’t last too long as a title holder.”

Ricardo Torres: “A strong fighter who can’t fight a lick.”

Timothy Bradley: “I know him from the amateurs. He’s a darkhorse junior welterweight right now and he’ll eventually become a contender in this division.”

Jose Luis Castillo: “Past his prime; a legend in his day.”

Vivian Harris: “Another underappreciated fighter who has been mismanaged. It’s a shame that his loss to Witter has hurt his career so much. It shouldn’t have.”

Kendall Holt: “A solid fighter who could become world champion. He’s had a couple of bad breaks. It’s all up to him. He has all of the physical tools but, mentally, he has to overcome negativity and setbacks. If he can overcome that he can be world champion.”

CONTACT: Bob Trieger Full Court Press