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Monday, April 14, 2008

TARVER CALLS OUT DAWSON AFTER BOTH ARE VICTORIOUS

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME


TAMPA, Fla. Antonio Tarver registered a unanimous 12-round decision over defending champion Clinton Woods to capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight crown and World Boxing Council (WBC) 175-pound kingpin Chad Dawson remained undefeated with a thrilling, hard-fought 12-round decision over hard-luck Glen Johnson Saturday on SHOWTIME.

Former undisputed light heavy champ Antonio Tarver had his way against defending champion Clinton Woods, winning a lopsided 12-round decision and the IBF 175-pound title.

The world championship doubleheader, billed as “TNT: Title Night in Tampa,” took place at the St. Pete Times Forum and was promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and AT Entertainment in association with Fight Academy. A crowd-pleasing event aired on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tampa’s Tarver (27-4, 19 KOs), a former undisputed light heavy champion and reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) titleholder, mostly dominated en route to winning by the scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112. There were no knockdowns.



“It’s all about the belts; I’m looking for all the belt-holders,’’ Tarver said. “He was a tough, gritty fighter but I came into this in great shape. I took some and got some (punches) but the best man won tonight. I’m not surprised by anything that went on in there.

“A lot of credit for my performance goes to my trainer, Jimmy Williams, who never let me give up or get down on myself. Jimmy is one of the all-time great teachers and absolutely definitely should be in the Hall of Fame."

Tarver, who called out Dawson at the post-fight press conference – Shaw said a unification world title fight could take place in the fall -- wasn’t impressed with Dawson’s performance in the telecast’s opening bout.

“Chad Dawson would be easy pickings now,’’ Tarver said. “He’s not the fighter now that he was before his fight. He’s a wounded duck.

“Dawson took a lot of hard hits against Johnson, but there is a difference between getting hit by Glen Johnson and getting hit by me.’’

There was an electric atmosphere inside the jam-packed room where the weigh-in took place.



Woods (41-4-1, 24 KOs), of Sheffield, England, could not find his range or rhythm for much of the 36 minutes.

Tarver and Woods Weigh In


“I fought the best light heavyweight in the world tonight,’’ said Woods, who was making the fifth defense of the crown he won in March 2005. “I don’t know if it is my time to retire or not."

Dawson (26-0, 17 KOs), of New Haven, Conn., wanted a tough test and he got it.

In a tremendous slugfest that featured non-stop, two-way action, Chad Dawson remained unbeaten and retained his WBC light heavyweight title with a close, hard-fought unanimous 12-round decision over Glen Johnson Saturday on SHOWTIME.


“Johnson is a warrior and we trained for that,’’ Dawson said after winning the fight of the night by the scores of 116-112 on all the scorecards. “We worked on stepping around and boxing him in training and we did that, too.



“I executed my game plan and landed more punches. Glen is a great fighter. He caught me with some good shots but I did my job and took them."

There were no knockdowns in a non-stop slugfest with constant two-way action, but both boxers were rocked on several occasions.

Johnson (47-12-2, 37 KOs), of Miami, by way of Jamaica, owns wins over Tarver, Woods and Roy Jones Jr., but almost is as well known for coming up on the wrong end of close, unpopular decisions.

Tarver and Woods Weigh In


Such was the case again Saturday. “The decision was total bull,’’ Johnson said. “Dawson is a good, young fighter with a great future, but I really worked hard for this fight and definitely feel I won it.

Dawson vs Johnson Weigh In


‘I can’t afford to keep losing these kinds of fights at this stage of my career. I wish I knew why these kinds of bad decision keep going against me.

“This loss hurts me more than any other in my career. I would love a rematch.’’

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING’s Steve Albert and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Karyn Bryant serving as special correspondent. The executive producer of the SHOWTIME telecast was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING fight card will re-air as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Tuesday, April 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME TOO

Wednesday, April 16, 10 p.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME


For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.

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

Kimbo Slice, who headlines the EliteXC mixed martial arts fight card on Saturday, May 31, on CBS, and WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest, who looks to defend his title against Sergio Mora on Saturday, June 7, on SHOWTIME, pose together at Saturday night’s light heavyweight world championship doubleheader in Tampa.

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME



The always entertaining Kimbo was interviewed by Al Bernstein during Saturday’s telecast. You can catch the interview during a replay of the thrilling SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, which featured a war between WBC Champ” Bad" Chad Dawson and Glen Johnson as well as a flashy performance by the always entertaining Antonio Tarver against IBF champion Clinton Woods.

Replay schedule:
Tuesday, April 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME TOO;
Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

The telecast is also available On Demand starting this Tuesday and ending on Monday, May 12 where available.

MMA AND BOXING SHOW LOOKS TO BREAK NEW GROUND HOPING TO PUSH MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CLOSER TO THE MAINSTREAM Airs Monday Nights LIVE on TheStream.TV

In February 2008, The Yac & J’s MMA and BOXING SHOW launched as a part of a line-up of new Internet TV Programming on interactive, fledgling network, THESTREAM.TV. The series is co-hosted by ProElite.com Correspondent/Commentator ‘The Yacman’ Ron Yacovetti, Pundit and Practitioner Randy Johnson, (aka Randy J) and MMA.TV’s Underground Queen Miss RaRa.

Amongst a handful of quality MMA television shows, The Yac & J Show offers the unique characteristic of being fully interactive while broadcasting LIVE. During the webcasts, airing on four to five online syndicates, viewers can instant message into the show or chime in via the chat functions that accompany the video players. Each episode is immediately available to view the following Tuesday morning.

Preparing them for this venue, Ron Yacovetti and Randy Johnson tout full time careers in stand-up comedy, having toured nationally, appearing in major comedy club chains such as THE IMPROV, CATCH A RISING STAR and DANGERFIELD’S in NYC. This unique background in the comedy world is something that Yac & J did not want to exclude from their MMA endeavors. Instead, it provided them an avenue to produce a show in a manner unlike anything else in MMA or BOXING. The recipe is one part comedy, one part combat sports.

In addition to their comedic efforts, The Yacman and Randy J have always been involved in the fight world in one way or another. Both have trained in various fighting disciplines over the years. And Yacovetti also wrote and produced for a couple of syndicated boxing shows, as well as penning an online column for BoxingInsider.com.

Miss RaRa (whose real name is Tamara) was drawn into MMA by her close friend Drea who had become acquainted with one of the most celebrated Jiu-Jitsu experts around, Eddie Bravo. Once she took one step into the world of the cage fighter, Miss RaRa never looked back and the MMA community online embraced her. Tamara also put herself in a position to give back to the sport of MMA in an amazing way within a very brief time frame, as she is one of the organizers of the annual North American Mixed Martial Arts Expo – known as NAMMAE.

Their collective reason to do this show, besides a shared passion for the sport, may surprise you. The vision Yac and J’s MMA and BOXING SHOW has for itself, is to help push both sports, though mostly MMA, further into the mainstream. The Yacman says you need not look far to see the blueprint for such a thing, already producing that result in another venue.

Ron Yacovetti, of ProElite.com, says, “All you need to do is look at how unappealing politics were a number of years back, both with young and middle-aged people, and how informed and involved those generations are regarding it now. Why the change in this arena? I’d undoubtedly say in large part thanks to ‘The Daily Show’ and ‘The Colbert Report’ on Comedy Central -- and HBO’s ‘Real Time with Bill Mahr’. These are comedic based shows that entertain, lampoon and still get the word out mainstream. If we can successfully build our own brand, from this type of model within the combat sports world, it could help make MMA far more digestible to the masses. Nothing would make us happier than to make a difference that way.”

Yac and J’s MMA and BOXING SHOW is currently sponsored by ProElite.com, Melee Fight Gear and it airs LIVE every Monday Night 10pm PT / 1am ET, with archives available the next morning, on TheStream.TV.

Archives of each new show available the following Tuesday morning

Contact:
Ron Yacovetti, Randy Johnson
Yacandjshow


Miss RaRa
missrara@nammae.com

ShoBox April 11 Results: James “Buddy” McGirt vs. Carlos DeLeon and Edgar Sanatana vs. Josesito Lopez, live from the Miccosukee Resort in Miami

The sons of great former welterweight champion James “Buddy” McGirt and a great cruiserweight champion Carlos DeLeon were shared the stage at the Miccosukee Resort in Miami.

Super middleweight prospect Carlos DeLeon, Jr. (20-2, 13 KOs) came off the canvas in the sixth round to knockout James McGirt, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs) in the seventh round of a scheduled 10-round contest.

James McGirt, Jr (Photo By: Emily Harney)


In the co-feature: Edgar Santana (24-3, 15 KOs) survived two knockdowns in the eighth round to win a close majority decision against Josesito Lopez (22-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout.

Edgar Santana


©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved

Hunky Dorys Fight Night - Bernard Dunne and Felix Machado Weigh In‏

Hunky Dorys Fight Night - Bernard Dunne and Felix Machado



Bernard Dunne V Felix Machado - Super Bantamweight (10 Rounds)
Andrew Murray V Wellington De Jesus - Light Welterweight (10 Rounds)
Mike Perez V Howard Daley - Heavyweight (4 Rounds)
Michael Sweeney V Ronald Horvath - Cruiserweight (6 Rounds)
Adnan Amar V Artur Jashkul - Welterweight (6 Rounds)
Keith Cresham V Andrei Tolstihs - Light Heavyweight (4 Rounds)
Jamie Power V Leonid Dmitrichenko - Crusierweight (4 Rounds)
Grzegorz Proksa V Jairo Alvarez - Middleweight (6 Rounds)
Doors open at the Breaffy House Resort at 6pm with the first contest of the 8 bout card beginning at 6.30.

Live coverage of the Hunky Dorys Fight Night begins on RTÉ TWO at 9pm on Saturday. Coverage is also available online on www.rte.ie and on RTÉ Radio.

Bernard Dunne, former World Champion Felix Machado, promoter Brian Peters and David Byrne of the Lynch Hotel Group pose for the cameras ahead of tomorrow nights Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Breaffy House Resort.

(Credit: Aidan Walsh)


The chief support bout features Irish Light Welterweight Champion Andrew Murray
(137.5 lbs) putting his undefeated record on the card against Brazil's Wellington De Jesus (138.5 lbs).

HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, 8 COUNT PRODUCTIONS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008 FULL CARD-RESULTS

HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING; 8 COUNT PRODUCTIONS, FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008
"THE ODEUM RUMBLE", ODEUM SPORTS AND EXPO CENTER

Carlos Molina, 10-4-1 (4KO's) UD8 Luciano Perez, 15-8-1 (13KO's)
(80-72, 78-74, 77-75)
Luciano Perez, 156.5 vs. Carlos Molina, 156, eight rounds

Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15KO's) KO2 (2:16) Ernesto Zamora, 15-14 (11KO's)
Yusaf Mack, 176 vs. Ernesto Zamora, 176, eight rounds

Yusaf Mack (L) and Team Mack member.


David Torres, 20-0 (13KO's) , KO5 (1:20) Oscar Leon, 27-8 (18KO's)
David Torres, 137 vs. Oscar Leon, 138, eight rounds

Andrzej Fonfara, 10-1 (3KO's) WDQ2 (1:20) Manny Castillo, 13-16-3 (5KO's)
Andrzej Fonfara, 158 vs. Manny Castillo, 159, six rounds

Ivan Popoca, 6-0-1 (5KO's) MD4 Trenton Titsworth, 2-1-1 (2KO's)
(38-38, 39-37 twice)
Ivan Popoca, 143 vs. Trenton Titsworth, 143, five rounds

Terry Martin, 1-0 (1KO) KO1 (:37) Ricardo Upchurch, 0-2
Terry Martin, 200 vs. Ricardo Upchurch, 197, four rounds

Ikem Orji, 2-0 (1KO) SD4 Juan Gonzalez, 0-1
(39-37 twice, 37-39)
Ikem Orji, 133.5 vs. Juan Gonzalez, 135, four rounds

Records have been updated.

Thanks

Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com

April 11 Results: YAMMA


YAMMA PIT FIGHTING EVENT TO HOLD inaugural MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENT AT TRUMP TAJ MAHAL For the first time in over a decade, MMA returned to its origins by reviving the hugely popular tournament format, in which fighters participated in multiple fights in an attempt to capture the title of YAMMA Heavyweight Champion. Travis “The Diesel” Wiuff was crowned the first YAMMA Heavyweight Champion, outlasting seven other competitors. The event was comprised of an eight-man tournament and two ‘Masters Superfights,’ in which Pat Smith defeated Eric “Butterbean” Esch and Oleg “The Russian Bear” Taktarov defeated Mark Kerr.

Top Rank Boxing Results April 11, Jesus Soto Karass, Henry Bruseles, Jason Cintron, Luis Del Valle, Jeremy Bryan, and Luis Castro; "FOTY" & WBC, TKO's

In the Main Event of a Top Rank Boxing live televised production, Jesus Soto- Karass now (20-4-3, 14 KO's) of Los Mochis, Mexico, battled with Chris Smith who now drops to (21-5-1, 13 KO's) of the West Indies Jamacai, in a 10 rounds Super Lightweight bout. Jesus Soto- Karass won the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title. Jesus Soto- Karass father Jose Luis Soto-Karass is a former world champion, and currently works in his sons corner.

Jesus Soto- Karass enters the ring to face Chris Smith


Aaron Davis and Chris Smith after his loss to Jesus Soto-Karass


Jesus Soto- Karass after the defeat of Chris Smith in what has been coined by on media notable as candidate for the "Fight of the Year" nomination.


Henry Bruseles now (27-3-1, 15 KO's) of Gorabo, Puerto Rico won a split decision over Ben Tackie who now drops to (29-10-1, 17 KO's) of California, in a 10 round Super Lightweight bout. The referee for the bout was Eddie Cotton.

Henry Bruseles


Ben Tackie after his loss to Henry Bruseles


Jason Cintron now (8-1 KO) of Reading Pennsylvania, TKO'd in 1:37 seconds of the round 3, Gustavo Mejia who now drops to (2-2-1, 2 KO's) of Lawrence Kansas, in a Super Lightweight bout scheduled for 6 rounds.


Joey Gamache cornerman and Jason Cintron. Jason's older brother is Kermit Cintron, a professional fighter as well.


Luis Del Valle now (1-W/by KO) of Bayamon Puerto Rico, in his pro debut TKO'd, Ray Rivera who now drop to (1-1) of Morovis Puerto Rico, in round 3, 2:38 seconds of a scheduled 4 rounds Featherweight bout.

Luis Del Valle enters the ring in his pro debut to face Ray Rivera.


Ray Rivera after the defeat by Luis Del Valle


Luis Del Valle in the ring after the win over Ray Rivera


The legendary, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti and Luis Del Valle after his TKO of Ray Rivera


Jeremy Bryan now (4-0, 1 KO) of Paterson New Jersey stopped Gerardo Prieto who drops to (5-5-1) of Provo Utah. Referee Harvey Dock stopped the 4 round Super Lightweight bout in round 3, 2:18 seconds into the bout.

Jeremy Bryan


Jorge Diaz now (4-0, 3 KO's) of Jersey City New Jersey defeated Juan Guerrero who drops to (2-3, 2 KO's) of Maimi Florida in a 4 round Batamweight bout.

Jorge Diaz after his defeat of Juan Guerrero


Bantamweight female fighter Noriko Kariya (8-2-1, 2 KO's) attends the Top Rank Boxing Night, Friday April 11, 2008 live from the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City New Jersey.

Noriko Kariya


Super Bantamweight Tracey Harris Paterson (63-(43 KO's) 8-2, 1 KO) attends the Top Rank Boxing Night, Friday April 11, 2008 live from the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City New Jersey. Patersons record speaks for itself.

Tracey Harris Paterson


©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved

Saturday, April 12, 2008

ESPN CLASSIC TO BROADCAST LIVE ADAMEK-BELL IN IBF CRUISERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR APRIL 19 IN KATOWICE, POLAND

TOTOWA, NJ– On Saturday, April 19, 2008, ESPN Classic will broadcast live the 12 round IBF Cruiserweight Eliminator between Tomasz Adamek (IBF #3) and O’ Neil Bell (IBF #7), it was jointly announced today by Main Events, Ziggy Promotions, Seminole Warriors Boxing, and KnockOut Promotion. The winner of this highly-anticipated cruiserweight showdown at the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland will earn the IBF’s #1 mandatory position. ESPN Classic’s broadcast of the bout will begin at 6:00 pm ET.

Adamek (33-1, 22 KO’s) has stopped 15 opponents within the first three rounds. The 31-year-old Zywiec, Poland native captured the vacant WBC light heavyweight championship on May 21, 2005, when he decisioned Paul Briggs (W 12). He defended the title twice before losing to Chad Dawson on Feb 3, 2007 (L 12). Since moving to cruiserweight he is 2-0, 1 KO. Adamek is also recognized as the IBO Cruiserweight Champion.

Bell (26-2, 24 KO’s) is the former undisputed cruiserweight champion. The 33-year-old Atlanta, Georgian by way of Jamaica captured the undisputed crown on January 7, 2006, when he stopped defending champion Jean-Marc Mormeck (KO 10). Bell surrendered the undisputed title in his last bout on March 17, 2007, when he lost a decision in the rematch against Mormeck (L 12). Prior to the loss Bell had won 25 consecutive bouts.

“I am very excited about returning to my Polish homeland for this fight against Bell,” said Adamek. “Bell is a very good fighter, but I need to win this bout to get another title shot. I won’t let anyone stand in my way.”

“I look forward to this fight being the first step for me in recapturing the belts that rightfully are mine,” said Bell."

As an added bonus for fight fans, on April 19 at 12:00 am ET, ESPN Classic will air the May 20, 2005, vacant IBF Cruiserweight Championship bout between O’ Neil Bell and Dale Brown. Bell won the bout, and the title, by unanimous decision (W 12).

STRONG NUMBERS FOR DKP'S FIRST WEBCAST‏; Don King's first live Internet webcasting drew 400,000 page views, Spinks vs. Phillips/Alexander vs. Callist


DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla.— Don King’s illustrious promotional career ventured into cyberspace with his first-ever live webcast of a boxing event on DonKingTV.com on March 27.

As usual, his presence was felt when 400,000 total page views and 200,000 unique page views were recorded for his championship doubleheader featuring Cory Spinks vs. Verno Phillips and Devon Alexander “The Great” vs. Miguel Callist from Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

“I am delighted with the super-sensational response to my first webcast at DonKingTV.com,” King said. “I felt the timing was right for me to begin providing boxing matches on the Internet and the public’s response with more than 200,000 individual visitors logging on in 94 countries has confirmed that. It’s definitely the wave of the future and Don King Productions will be on the leading edge.”

© 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved

German education for Matt Godfrey‏

German education for Matt Godfrey



PROVIDENCE– NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) has been boxing professionally for four years, after a lengthy amateur career, but his ring education reached another level last month in Germany, albeit in defeat.

As the No. 1 rated contender in the World Boxing Council, Godfrey was matched against No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj in a 12-round WBC Title Eliminator to determine the WBC’s mandatory challenger to title-holder David Haye. Kraj won a unanimous 12-round decision by scores of 117-111, 116-113, and 115-113.

Fighters react differently to adversity, especially a first loss; they generally come back stronger than ever because of the experience or fold-up and end-up nothing more than a club fighter. The 27-year-old Godfrey says he’s learned valuable lessons about himself and boxing that will help make him a world champion in the not too distant future.

“I went overseas to fight Kraj in his backyard,” Godfrey said. “I got through a difficult fight and learned a lot that I hadn’t experienced in my first 16 pro fights. I proved that I can dig down and go 12 hard rounds. I also learned that I have to become a lot meaner and more aggressive. I can’t just rely on my boxing ability, being ‘Too Smooth,’ and just looking good in the ring. I need to bite down, push forward and take the fight away from my opponent – like Vinny Paz did – instead of just boxing around in the ring.”

“The loss wasn’t devastating to his career,” Godfrey’s manager Bret Hallenback explained, “as long as he’s learned and that depends on how he comes back. It’s too early to say right now, but it’s no more than one loss, and I strongly believe he learned a lot. One thing he learned is that he’s not invincible, which will put pressure on him in future fights. It was a huge eye-opener for him. Matt has to be aggressive and use the skills and power he definitely has. It was an education. He took a loss, not a beating, and I have no doubt that he learned a valuable lesson. We need to get him into a big fight to prove his last fight wasn’t the norm, but more of a fluke, and an education for him.”

Godfrey was second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, compiling a 194-23 amateur record, including six national championships -- four open tournaments highlighted by the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge).

His most notable wins as a pro were devastating stoppages of highly-touted prospects Shaun George and Felix Cora, Jr. on national television of. Matt was riding high until he fought Czech Republic native Kraj in Germany.

“I was terribly disappointed with my first loss, but now I realize that all champions (not named Floyd Mayweather or Joe Calzaghe) lose at some point. It isn’t the end of the world, as long as you learn from a loss, and I’ve learned a lot. I know what I’m capable of and I just have to put it all together. I still believe I’m the best cruiserweight in the world. I can’t wait to fight again. I went back into the gym right away and I’ve been working as hard as if I was preparing for a fight. I want to fight the top guys, on television, and get back to where I belong.”

Once rated No. 1, Godfrey dropped to No. 7 after his loss, which surprised Godfrey’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.). “I don’t understand why he’s rated any lower than No. 3,” Burchfield noted. “He lost a close 12-round decision to the No. 2 guy and dropped all of the way to No. 7? I don’t get it. Matt won the championship rounds. He took over the fight but started off too slow and ended-up finishing just a little short. There’s no question that this experience is going to make him an even better fighter.”

Bob Trieger: Full Court Press

Friday, April 11, 2008

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES ANTONIO TARVER & CLINTON WOODS, CHAD DAWSON & GLEN JOHNSON

IBO champion and former undisputed light heavyweight kingpin Antonio Tarver (26-4, 19 KOs), of Tampa, Fla., will challenge IBF 175-pound titleholder Clinton Woods (41-3-1, 24 KOs), of Sheffield, England, and undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (25-0, 17 KOs), of New Haven, Conn., will defend against former world champion Glen Johnson (47-11-2, 37 KOs) of Miami, by way of Jamaica, this Saturday, April 12, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME

Tarver, Dawson, Johnson and Woods --


Antonio Tarver (left) and Clinton Woods couldn't resist showing off their upper bodies during Thursday's final press conference at Tampa, Fla. Tarver and Woods will collide in one of two light heavyweight world title fights Saturday at the St. Pete's Forum on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).


Tickets for a doubleheader promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and AT Entertainment in association with Fight Academy are on sale at the McDonald's Box Office at the St Pete Times Forum and all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (813) 287-8844 or 727-898-2100 or online at ticketmaster.com. They are priced at $27.75, $52.75, $102.75, $202.75, $302.75.

Limited ringside seats are available at $602.75. Limited VIP Packages are available at $1002.75. Prices do not include service charges. For dinner reservations, the night of the event, call 813-301-6926 or log on to ticketmaster.com. Parking passes are available at ticketmaster.com.

ANTONIO TARVER

“I’m glad to be here. If anyone has any doubt who’s the best light heavyweight, I will show them once again on Saturday night. I am delighted that Woods is here and sounds ready to fight.

“But like so many that fought me before him, his dreams and hopes will be dashed.


“This is a tremendous fight card, but my fight is the main event and if you want me to dissect all the reasons why and all the fighters on this card I will.


“There is only one true light heavyweight champion and that’s me. Everybody wants to see me fight Chad Dawson. He is a good fighter but he still has aways to go. I don’t think he’s looked so hot in his last couple fights.

“I’m strong as ever and ready to go. If you can’t be here live in Tampa, watch on SHOWTIME. This is going to be a great night for me, and a great night for boxing.’’


CLINTON WOODS

“I want to thank all involved for making this fight happen. I am very excited to be fighting a great champion like Antonio Tarver. It is a dream come.

“My conditioning is excellent. I’ve been in Florida training for 10 days and spent eight weeks in the gym in Sheffield before that, so I am ready for a war.

“For four of the top light heavyweights in the world to be on the same card makes for an historic event. I am proud to be part of it.

“Tarver can win the war of the words until he talks himself hoarse, but, come Saturday, when the real fight starts, my hands will do all the talking.

“I can’t see our fight going the distance, but I do see me definitely winning and retaining the IBF title and taking it back home to Sheffield.’’

CHAD DAWSON

“I have never been more anxious or ready for a fight. I am determined to make a statement and prove to everybody that I am the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world.

“I have done all that’s been asked, but I definitely feel I’m being underrated and not getting the respect I deserve. Some polls are flat out wrong for having some of the guys ranked ahead of me like they do. As far as I’m concerned all those polls are a farce.

“I have a lot of respect for Glen Johnson. He truly is a warrior and I know he is coming to win the world title again. I expect him to give it everything he has. I am prepared for an onslaught. But he is 39 and I’m just 25.

“Tarver has some nerve saying bad things about my fights. What he said riled me up and there’s nothing hardly that ever riles me up. I guess he hasn’t watched tapes of his last two fights.

“I want to express my gratitude to everybody for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents. I definitely feel this is the fight card of the year.’’

Unbeaten WBC 175-pound champion Chad Dawson (left) and Glen Johnson square off after the presser.


GLEN JOHNSON

“I have been in a lot of world title fights, but this is my first in Florida and I plan to make it a memorable one for all concerned.

“I appreciate Chad Dawson giving me the opportunity. Most fighters, especially world champs, avoid me.

“I am ready for a great, tough fight that in my mind will be the most exciting of the night.

“I am in tremendous shape. I am ready to bring it like you won’t believe.’’

Thursday, April 10, 2008

TWO WORLD TITLES AT STAKE…MIGUEL COTTO vs. ALFONSO GOMEZ and KERMIT CINTRON vs. ANTONIO MARGARITO ON APRIL 12 AT BOARDWALK HALL



Final Press conference in New York for this World Championship Double Header which will take place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and broadcast on HBO’s World Championship Boxing.

Bob Arum


Undefeated world champion Miguel Cotto defends his WBA welterweight belt on April 12 against Contenders’ star Alfonso Gomez. Cotto has beaten a quartet of former world champions in his last five fights – Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi and Carlos Quintana – which has made him the most dangerous welterweight in the world. Gomez, in the biggest fight of his career on July 14, 2007, stopped Arturo Gatti in the seventh round and ultimately sent him into retirement.

Cotto-Gomez


Also featured on the card is IBF Welterweight Champion Kermit Cintron defending his title against former world champion Antonio Margarito. This will be Cintron’s chance to avenge his only professional loss which took place against Margarito at Caesars Palace on April 23, 2005.

Cintron-Margarito


Tickets, priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, tickets are available at the Boardwalk.



Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.


© 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved

Best of both worlds" Boxing and MMA; Christy Martin returns vs Bonnie Mann April 12, live at the Richmond Coliseum



What's New on The Boxing Standard‏

What's New on The Boxing Standard We have a pair of new threads on our online journal of boxing, TheBoxing Standard (http://boxingstandard.com/), about this coming Saturday's double dose of title doubleheaders on HBO and Showtime. On HBO, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, two welterweight title fights will be featured. The undefeated WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (31-0, 25 KOs) will defend his title against the popular Alfonso Gomez (18-3-2, 8 KOs). Also, IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (29-1, 27 KOs) will try to avenge the only defeat of his professional career when he fights Antonio Margarito (35-5, 25 KOs). Also on April 12, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, twolight heavyweight title fights will be featured on Showtime. The former undisputed light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver (26-4, 19KOs) will try to win another belt when he faces IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods (41-3-1, 24 KOs). Also, one of the rising stars in boxing, WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson (25-0, 17 KOs),will face former world champion Glen Johnson (47-11-2, 32 KOs). Here are the titles of our most recent articles: Are You Watching the Fight Saturday Night?(http://boxingstandard.blogspot.com/2008/04/are-you-watching-fight-saturday-night.html) April 12: Good, But Not The Best(http://boxingstandard.blogspot.com/2008/04/april-12-good-but-not-best.html) Intelligent comments, no matter how short or long, are more thanwelcome, so stop on by and join the discussion! Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews© 2007, 2008 All photos by "El Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved

FOUR OF PHILLY’S BIGGEST SPORTS TALKERS TO GUEST RING ANNOUNCE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

PHILADELPHIA— In what is already shaping up to be a great night of boxing at The Legendary Blue Horizon, Four men who talk sports for a living, including two former NFL stars will join Philly’s number-one ring announcer, Larry Tornambe as guest ring announcers this Friday night.

Former Philadelphia Eagle and currant sports anchor of NBC-10 Vai Sikahema, Former Eagle and currant NFL Analyst for FOX Sports Brian Baldinger, ESPN ace-reporter Sal Paolantonio and former voice of Drexel Basketball Tom Mezza will fulfill lifetime dreams and entertain the crowd.

The card, promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc. will be headlined by a Heavyweight bout that turned into a grudge match between Joey Abell and Philly’s Maurice Wheeler.

Wheeler upped the ante on Thursday as at a press conference as Wheeler tried to get under Abell’s skin by mocking the knockout artist from Minnesota. Wheeler then gave Abell a box that was filled with some products that only woman use once a month.

Abell shot back and said he will do all the talking with his two fists on Friday night.

The ten-bout card will feature Philly favorites, Gee Culmer taking on Mustapha Johnson. Steve Chambers, Simon “One Punch” Carr and Swedish import Anders Holmberg will be featured on a packed undercard.

The card will begin at 7:30 pm and will be broadcasted all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM
The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA


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

Unbeaten Super middleweight James McGirt, Jr.'s fight Friday night against Carlos DeLeon, Jr. on ShoBox, in battle between sons of former world champs

VERO BEACH, Florida– The marketing of unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) spikes Friday night when the son of former world champion James “Buddy” McGirt fights in his first scheduled 10-round bout against the offspring another ex-world title holder, Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature on ShoBox, airing live from Miccosukee Resort in Miami.

Photo:credit Emily Harney


“I had an excellent training camp, about two months long, and I’m ready to go,” James said. “All of the hard work has been done. My dad (and head trainer) watched tapes of DeLeon. He’s told me what to do and what to watch out for. That’s the way we always do it. Nobody breaks down tapes and analyzes opponents better than my father. I don’t watch tapes; I just do what he teaches me. Working with Glen Johnson has been great for me. He brings a lot of experience to the table and a lot of pressure. I really liked the work.”

The fathers of McGirt and DeLeon were world champions at the same time in 1988. McGirt, Sr., who had a 73-6-1 (48 KOs) record as a pro, was a 2-time world champion in two weight classes (IBF light welterweight 1988, WBC welterweight 1991-93). Carlos “Sugar” DeLeon, Sr., 52-8-1 (32 KOs) as a pro, was a 4-time WBC cruiserweight champion (1980-82, 1983-85, 1986-88, 1989).

“Training has been good, no complaints,” Buddy McGirt remarked. “The best part was working with Glen Johnson. No matter who we fight, they can’t put pressure on like Glen Johnson. They offered to pay James to spar with Glen, but we did it for the experience. DeLeon is a good fighter. His specialty is a double left hook. The key is to nullify it.

“James’ strength and conditioning program has helped him a great deal. You can see the difference in his body, especially his legs. Plus, he’s maturing. I’ve put him in the gym with the best to test him, and James has gained a lot of valuable experience that way.”

McGirt, rated No. 26 by the WBC, is a southpaw originally from Brentwood, New York, now living and fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida. DeLeon, rated No. 29 by the WBC, is the reigning USNBC champion from Puerto Rico.

“Friday night is where we wanted to be (ShoBox in first 10-round fight),” McGirt’s manager Dennis Witherow explained. “We did this like a business plan with long range plans. We knew that it was going to take time to get there. A win in this fight will be a big leap towards where we want to get. Ideally, we’ll get a look at a top 15 or bigger name opponent. One different thing about James now is that outside of the ring he understands boxing is a business. He’s not a trash talker like other guys, preferring to let his hands do the talking, but he realizes he has to market himself. He’s been talking to kids in school, attending charity events, and he’ll be doing more things he really enjoys like that.

“James is proud of who he is. He is a true student of the art of boxing. He’s been educated in boxing his entire life. Not only has he learned how to be a good boxer, he knows when to box and throw certain punches, not just throwing ‘em at random. His strength is going to be the biggest surprise. His conditioning has always been great, but the conditioning and weights program he’s been on has made a huge difference.”

Part of McGirt’s marketing campaign includes a mission statement to become the first family in boxing to feature father-son world champions with the former working his natural son’s corner as head trainer when the latter captures a major world title. The McGirts want to make boxing history together and the next chapter starts Friday night on ShoBox.

NO HOLDS BARRED: YAMMA, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Kermit Cintron, Alfonso Gomez, Bob Arum, Emanuel Steward, Miguel Diaz‏

NO HOLDS BARRED: YAMMA, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Kermit Cintron, Alfonso Gomez, Bob Arum, Emanuel Steward, Miguel Diaz On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman previews the big combat sports weekend coming up Atlantic City, New Jersey. On Friday, April 11, at the Trump Taj Mahal, YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts makes its much-anticipated debut. There will be two Masters' Superfights and a one-night, eight-man single elimination heavyweight tournament. This card will be shown live on pay-per-view. The next night, Saturday, April 12, at Boardwalk Hall, a boxing card is headlined by two welterweight title fights. WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (31-0, 25 KOs) will defend his belt against Alfonso Gomez (18-3-2, 8 KOs), and IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (29-1, 27 KOs) will try to avenge the only defeat of hisprofessional career when he fights Antonio Margarito (35-5, 25 KOs).This card will be shown in the U.S. on HBO and in the U.K. on SkySports. At a New York news conference Wednesday afternoon, we spoke with the four main fighters on this card: Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito,Kermit Cintron, and Alfonso Gomez. We also got comments from promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, Cintron's trainer Emanuel Steward, and Cotto's cornerman and cutman, Miguel Diaz. To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link below and just press theplay button on the player: http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-04-09T20_23_03-07_00 You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking onthe download link (right-click to save it). You can also listen to it through the NO HOLDS BARRED blog, athttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com, and MySpace page, at http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews,also by pressing the play button on the player. Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download. The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician IanCarpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/). NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by: YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwide leaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixedmartial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law. IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world'sfirst professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check outtheir regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your locallistings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, athttp://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html. Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up themixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year.For more news and info, check out their web site,GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/). BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more. Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well aslifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. GladiatorMagazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com(http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/). FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews,and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martialarts. Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews

Monday, April 7, 2008

TWO WORLD TITLES AT STAKE; MIGUEL COTTO vs. ALFONSO GOMEZ and KERMIT CINTRON vs. ANTONIO MARGARITO ON APRIL 12 in Atlantic City on HBO’s WCB



World Championship Double Header which will take place at Boardwalk Hall Undefeated world champion Miguel Cotto defends his WBA welterweight belt on April 12 against Contenders’ star Alfonso Gomez.

Undefeated WBA Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto and Alfonso Gomez face- off at the New York City Press conference.

Cotto has beaten a quartet of former world champions in his last five fights – Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi and Carlos Quintana – which has made him the most dangerous welterweight in the world.

Miguel Cotto

Gomez, in the biggest fight of his career on July 14, 2007, stopped Arturo Gatti in the seventh round and ultimately sent him into retirement.

Alfonso Gomez


Also featured on the card is IBF Welterweight Champion Kermit Cintron defending his title against former world champion Antonio Margarito.

IBF Welterweight Champion, Kermit Cintron

This will be Cintron’s chance to avenge his only professional loss which took place against Margarito at Caesars Palace on April 23, 2005.

Antonio Margarito