IFL's Stark Selects Wines that "Pack a Punch" for Mother's Day‏

NEW YORK and PORTLAND, Ore.,– As a professional mixed martial arts fighter and manager of Colene Clemens Vineyard (Ore.), Aaron Stark of Portland knows a thing or two about wines with a little bit of punch that are perfect for Mother’s Day.
• Didier Dagenau – this Sauvignon Blanc is the Featherweight of the bunch, very light and perfect for this time of year, and often preferred by women, especially moms • Beaux Freres – a Pino Noir from an Oregon vineyard with floral characteristics. It’s the lightweight of wines, more feminine and fun

• Soter Vineyards Sparkling Wine – The Jiu-Jitsu of wines, it may look tame but look out for this deceptive vintage that packs a serious sting if you’re not careful

• JJ Prum – a German Riesling, Mom will enjoy grappling with this exceptionally sweet wine which is still serious and complex About the IFLInternational Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas.

For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv. -- IFL -- ---"I think it would be fun to run a newspaper."- Charles Foster Kane, Citizen Kane, 1941

WORLD CHAMPION DAVID DIAZ BLOGGING FOR THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES‏

CHICAGO, IL World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz and The Chicago Sun-Times have partnered to bring fight fans worldwide a unique opportunity for a behind the scenes look as he prepares to defend his title against boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao on June 28th at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Diaz will be updating his Chicago Sun-Times blog on a regular basis until fight time. The blog can be viewed on the Chicago Sun-Times website at www.suntimes.com/sports/boxing

Said Diaz, "It's a very busy time preparing for this fight but I wanted to share
the experience over the next two months with fight fans, not only in Chicago, but all over the world."


Tickets for Pacquiao vs.Diaz, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, go on sale This Saturday! April 19, at 10 a.m., at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Dubbed "Republica Enemy No. 1," Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, has blitzed through the best fighters Mexico has had to offer since 2003including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W 12, D 12), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). Pacquiao was named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine for his two spectacular knockout victories of Mexican icon and three-division champion Morales, as well as his dominating 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Larios. The hard-hitting southpaw has won 22 of his last 23 bouts including 2007 victories over Barrera and Solis. Pacquiao’s 12-round split decision victory over Marquez earlier this year not only avenged a disputed draw from their 2004 battle, it also made Pacman a four-division world champion.

Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs), from Chicago, will be making the second defense of his title. He successfully defended it against the three-division world champion Morales last summer winning a hard-fought unanimous decision over the future Hall of Famer. Although behind on the scorecards early, Diaz remained cool and rallied before the raucous hometown Chicago crowd of 10,000 to capture the decision. He swept the championship rounds and won the decision by scores of 114-113, 115-113 and 115-112. With the victory, Diaz cemented his place among the best lightweights in the sport and one of the most popular and respected athletes in the sports-crazy town of Chicago. A member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Diaz, with 12 years of experience as a professional, is more than prepared to handle the pressures that come with battling boxing’s pound-for-pound most exciting fighter.

The Pacquiao vs. Diaz pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Diaz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Joel "Love Child" Julio

Rafael's remark: Facing a skilled opponent in former "Contender" participant Smith in the "Wednesday Night Fights" main event, Julio showed that he is much more than just a big puncher. In fact, now that he is at junior middleweight his power doesn't seem as frightful as it was at welterweight. But Julio has improving boxing skills, good defense, good counterpunching ability and an underrated body attack. This was an impressive victory for the 23-year-old Colombian and former ESPN.com prospect of the year. He started fast, dominated the first half of the fight against a seemingly gun-shy Smith and pressed the action throughout. Eventually, Smith came on and won some of the late rounds, but it was not enough to get past Julio in what was an entertaining and important fight. For Julio, it was his sixth consecutive victory following a decision loss to future welterweight titleholder Carlos Quintana in June 2006. Finally, Julio seems ready to move back into an HBO-level fight against a quality opponent off this win. Given the lack of depth and starpower at 154 pounds, Julio can make some serious noise in the division. Smith, 29, is at a crossroads in his career after losing his second of three fights. Where does he go from here?

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

THE CONTENDERS' MACHO MIGUEL HERNANDEZ FIGHTS IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY NIGHT‏

CHICAGO, IL Long time Chicago fan favorite, middleweight MACHO Miguel Hernandez returns to Chicago as he takes on SUPERMAN Derrick Findley in the main event at BATTLE FOR PRIDE, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing set for this Friday night, May 9th at Cicero Stadium.

Presented by Dominic Pesoli’ 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, tickets for BATTLE FOR PRIDE may be purchased in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions box office at 312-226-5800.

“I’ve got the Kryptonite I’m bringing for SUPERMAN on Friday night, joked the Cicero Police Officer Hernandez. “Seriously, training has been terrific, working with Freddie Cuevas and San Colonna. My sparring has been great and I’m learning new things each day from both of them,” said the 33 year old Puerto Rican who sports a record of 20-7 (10KO’s).

“I’m no kid at this point, although I’ve only been a pro for six years, I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. I started fighting as an amateur when I was 27 and only had 9 fights.”

“Findley, (10-2, 6KO’s) is a tough kid, he’s only 24. I know he’s going to be coming to fight and has a lot of heart. I’m sure he’s thinking it would be nice to have my name on his record with a W, but I intend to make that very difficult for him.”

“I know his style; we’ve both seen each other fight numerous times. Neither one of us will have to look for the other. We’ll both be in the pocket from the opening bell which should make it a great fight for the fans.”

About fighting in his hometown, Hernandez said, “It feels terrific to fight in Chicago; since I started the fans been very supportive of. I’ve had to leave home to fight the bigger names like former world champions Raul Marquez and Yory Boy Campas but there’s nothing like the rush of the Chicago fight fans as I walk to the ring with my team and my boys.”

Sons Josh, age 12, Jiovanni, 8 and Justin, 7 have been constant companions of Miguel’s during his career. Said the proud father, “Josh is a terrific amateur boxer and all three are Golden Honor Role students.”

About his experience on The Contender, Hernandez said, “It was an outstanding experience and it’s been great to watch the success some of the guys have had like Brian Vera in his win over Andy Lee. Vera was in great shape and took advantage of the opportunity.”

Discussing his working relationship with 8 Count Productions, Hernandez said, ‘Dominic has been great to me. His matchmaker Jerry Alfano and him put on terrific events with all action fights and top to bottom this is another very solid card."

The co-main event at BATTLE FOR PRIDE features Chicago bantamweight Francisco “EL NINO AZTECA” Rodriguez, 11-2 (7KO’s) as he takes on Columbian veteran Angel Priolo, 30-6 (20KO’s) in an eight round bout.

The 23 year old Rodriguez is looking to rebound after the second round stoppage loss of his most recent bout with Andre Wilson on February 15th at Cicero Stadium. Prior to that fight the Chicago fan favorite had won four in a row.

In a special feature attraction bout, hard hitting, Chicago based Irishman Henry “THE WESTERN WARRIOR” Coyle, 6-1 (6KO’s) will face veteran Ben Aragon, 7-9-2 (5KO’s) of Billings, Montana in an eight round junior middleweight scrap.

In his last Chicago fight, Coyle thrilled the packed Cicero Stadium with a first round knockout of Guy Packer on November 16, 2007. Since then “THE WESTERN WARRIOR” has been on the road knocking out two additional opponents.

The undercard will feature popular Chicago prospects as super bantamweight Eric Estrada, 3-0 (1KO) faces Ronnie Howell, 1-1 of Cincinnati and lightweight Gadiel Andaluz, 2-0 (KO’s) battles fellow undefeated prospect Jose Mandujano 2-0 (1KO) of Detroit, Michigan, each in four round bouts.

Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 7:00pm with the first bell at 8:00pm.

The weigh-in for the BATTLE FOR PRIDE event will take place on Thursday, May 8th at 7pm at Team Doctors Chiropractic Treatment and Training Center of Champions located at 6432 S. Pulaski on the South Side of Chicago. Further information can be obtained at www.teamdoctors.org.

Along with 8 Count Productions, BATTLE FOR PRIDE is presented by Octavius James’ One In A Million, Inc. of Merrillville, Indiana, along with Miller Lite, TCF Bank and AeroMexico, the premier travel source to Mexico.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998

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

NEW YORK WELCOMES ITALIAN EXHIBIT ABOUT ROCKY MARCIANO

Having already achieved great success in Italy, the exhibition “From Rocco Marchegiano to Rocky Marciano” will come to the United States beginning September 21, 2008. Promoted by Francesca Mancini, with the support of the Province of Chieti, the exhibit focuses on the life of the late undefeated heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, who hailed from Brockton, Massachusetts. Although he was born in the United States, Marciano’s father was from Ripa Teatina, a small town close to Chieti in Central Italy.



From April 20-27, Ms. Mancini was in New York scouting locations for the exhibit. She was joined by Umberto Aimola, the vice president of the Province of Chieti; Riccardo De Girolami, the general secretary of the Italian Boxing Commission; Claudio Certosini, the executive of the Italian Olympic Commission; businesswoman Valeria De Cecco; and renowned international journalist Luca De Franco whose connections with the New York boxing community were instrumental in making things happen.



Ms. Francesca signed a contract to rent the fabled Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, beginning on September 21, which was the day of Marciano’s final fight. On September 23, a major press conference will be held at Gleason’s with a very special surprise guest.

“I cannot divulge his name now, but he is so famous that his presence will bring journalists from major newspapers, radios and TV networks,” said Ms. Francesca, who added that from September 24 to October 13 the full show will be hosted by a major art gallery. In addition, in August, the exhibit will join the Italian boxing team during the Olympic Games in Bejing, China.

Between April 2007 and March 2008, the exhibit has been promoted with great success in four Italian cities: Ripa Teatina (Abruzzi), Siena (Tuscany), Pescara (Abruzzi), and Roseto(Abruzzi).



Ms. Francesca expects the exhibit to be as successful in the United States as it was in Italy. “I’ve been in New York, Baltimore and Brockton, and I met some great people who will guarantee the success of the exhibit,” she said. “The Italian Consul in Baltimore was really enthusiastic and will welcome the show there. In Brockton, I met Marciano’s family lawyer, who was more than willing to cooperate. In New York, Luca De Franco introduced me to Mr. Steven Acunto who has an impressive amount of memorabilia about Rocky Marciano. I was also glad to meet promoter Joe De Guardia, who came up with many great ideas about how to promote the exhibit. Rocky is a very popular figure in the United States. I have no doubt that the exhibit will be well received, not only by boxing fans but also by those interested in their Italian heritage. Everywhere we went, the support was tremendous.”


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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

Ruiz on call and ready to rock

Ruiz on call and ready to rock

LAS VEGAS– Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz has announced that he’s prepared to replace WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev to fight another former WBA title-holder, Nikolay Valuev, for the WBA belt.

Chagaev pulled out of his scheduled mandatory defense against Valuev in May, reportedly due to a cold that forced him to break training, but Ruslan hasn’t made his initial mandatory defense since capturing the WBA belt on April 14, 2007 via a 12-round majority decision versus Valuev. His only title defense was a voluntary fight this past January in a 12-round decision against Matt Skelton. WBA champions are required to make a mandatory defense within a year of winning the belt and/or last mandatory defense. Chagaev is officially over the deadline and seeking further delays.

“We have to respect mandatory defenses and if Chagaev isn’t willing or able to fulfill his obligation as champion,” WBA No. 2 rated Ruiz said, “he should step aside so the WBA can move forward instead of standing still. There’s so much speculation about Chagaev. First there was Hepatitis B and now another viral infection – it must have moved from his intestines to his throat – and nobody really knows when or if he’ll be able to fight again. We will be filing a letter of petition with the WBA to strip Chagaev and order a fight between me and Valuev for the WBA title.”

Ruiz is also rated No. 3 by the WBC, No. 6 by the IBF, No. 10 by The Ring magazine, and No. 12 by the WBO.

“The heavyweight division drives boxing,” Ruiz added. “Fans are waiting for things to explode, but it seems like the heavyweight champions are holding the title belts hostage. They’re all tied up and don’t want to fight the best heavyweights. No wonder fans criticize heavyweights. I’m ready to clean-up the division and willing to fight any of the world champs or top contenders. How long do I have to wait for my title shot?”

Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – as well as top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.

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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

No Holds Barred: Bas Rutten, Junior Witter, Timothy Bradley

No Holds Barred: Bas Rutten, Junior Witter, Timothy Bradley

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-07T17_29_32-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with mixed martial arts legend and former King of Pancrase and UFC heavyweight champion, Bas Rutten (http://www.basrutten.tv/).

Amongst his numerous duties in many areas of MMA, Bas is training Kimbo Slice, AKA Kevin Ferguson, at his gym in Thousand Oaks, Calif., for Kimbo's May 31 fight against James Thompson on the EliteXC card at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This show will be broadcast on CBS, the first live, prime time MMA telecast on a major American broadcast network.

In a lengthy interview, Bas discusses his evaluation of Kimbo as a fighter, where Kimbo stands in only his third professional fight, and what his potential is. He also answers some of the critics of Kimbo. In addition, Bas fills us in on some of his other activities in his increasingly busy schedule.

Plus, we offer a preview of the fight between WBC super lightweight champion Junior Witter (36-1-1, 21 KOs) and top contender Timothy Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), which takes place this Saturday, May 10, at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England. This fight will be telecast in the U.S. on Showtime on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation.

We spoke with both Junior Witter and Timothy Bradley on a media conference call.

To listen to No Holds Barred, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).

Make sure to check out my regular weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by reviewing the expectedly lopsided decision victory by Oscar De La Hoya Saturday night over Steve Forbes, and explains what it was really all about. Almost 25 years ago, on June 16, 1983, one of boxing's most notorious scandals took place. On that date in Madison Square Garden, Luis Resto originally upset previously-unbeaten Billy Collins by unanimous decision. It was soon discovered, however, that the stuffing had been removed from Resto's gloves. The outcome of the fight was changed to a no contest, but Collins had been severely battered during this fight and suffered from blurred vision because of it. Nine months after it, while intoxicated, Collins died in a car crash. Now new information has been revealed that makes this case even more sickening. At a recent New York new conference, Resto has now not only admitted that he knew about the stuffing being taken out of his gloves, but also that his hand wraps had been soaked in plaster of Paris. This meant that these loaded wraps were landing almost directly on Collins's head. Filmmaker Eric Drath is working on a new documentary about the Collins-Resto tragedy, called "Cornered". At this news conference, we spoke with him about these new revelations and his upcoming film. We also spoke with Randy Gordon, former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, who took office several years after the Collins-Resto fight, about the significance of this, and his subsequent dealings with Resto. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.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 mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law.

ProElite.com (http://www.proelite.com/?utm_source=NHBRadio&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=GeneralPE), an MMA website built by and for the fans and fighters of this great sport. Watch action-packed fights, connect with others, and get exclusive MMA coverage all in one place. It's "All Combat All the Time" at ProElite.com!

IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.

Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed 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 as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman

No Holds Barred blog
http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/

No Holds Barred podcast
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/

The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/

No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!

For more live video footage from the "Cornered" the movie premiere Press conference, in New York City go to Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION MARTIN CASTILLO RETIRES‏

,LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Former super flyweight world champion Martin "EL GALLO" Castillo has retired from boxing, it was announced today by his longtime manager Frank Espinoza.

"We've talked numerous times over the last couple of weeks and Martin has concluded that this is the end of the line for him. He didn't feel like himself during the Montiel fight and is happy with what he has accomplished in the sport. As he put it 'I owe everything to boxing and I don't want to fight anymore if I can't go at a world class level.' "

"The fans have always been very supportive of Martin and he wants to thank them for all their years of terrific support, it's meant so much to him. Bob Arum and the whole Top Rank family have been great to work with and he also wishes to thank them for the opportunities they gave him, said Espinoza.

Castillo was stopped by Fernando Montiel in the fourth round on February 16, 2008 in a super flyweight title bout in which Montiel was defending his World Boxing Organization belt.

The 31 year old Castillo, a native of Mexico City, finishes his career with a record of 33-2 with seventeen knockouts. He won the WBA super flyweight by defeating Alexander Munoz on December 3, 2004 in Laredo,Texas.

Long a popular fan favorite with boxing fans in the United States, Castillo also fought three times in Japan, his only loss there coming when his war with Nobuo Nashiro was stopped on cuts in the tenth round. Prior to that stoppage loss, Castillo had defended his title three times including a rematch with Munoz and a win over 1996 US Olympian Eric Morel.

Castillo made his pro debut on July 27, 1998 after an outstanding amateur career that featured his participating in the 1996 Olympics representing Mexico. He also defeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the amateur ranks.

WORLD CHAMPION DAVID DIAZ LANDS IN SAN ANTONIO ON CINCO DE MAYO‏

WORLD CHAMPION DAVID DIAZ LANDS IN SAN ANTONIO TO MEET FANS AND MEDIA

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS- World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz arrived in San Antonio, Texas on Monday night in advance of his meeting with the fans and local media on Tuesday at 11:30am at Mi Tierra Café, 218 Produce Row in San Antonio.


Diaz is visiting San Antonio for the first time in fifteen years. “I’m thrilled to be here, the fans were terrific to me when I fought here as amateur in 1993 and I look forward to meeting many of them on Tuesday. San Antonio has a great history in boxing so this is a perfect place to start our press tour.”

Diaz is training in Chicago in preparation for his June 28th showdown with boxing superstar, THE MEXICUTIONER, Manny Pacquiao.

Dubbed "Republica Enemy No. 1," Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, has blitzed through the best fighters Mexico has had to offer since 2003 including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W 12, D 12), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). Pacquiao was named 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring magazine for his two spectacular knockout victories of Mexican icon and three-division champion Morales, as well as his dominating 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Larios. The hard-hitting southpaw has won 22 of his last 23 bouts including 2007 victories over Barrera and Solis. Pacquiao’s 12-round split decision victory over Marquez earlier this year not only avenged a disputed draw from their 2004 battle, it also made Pacman a four-division world champion.

Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs), from Chicago, will be making the second defense of his title. He successfully defended it against the three-division world champion Morales last summer winning a hard-fought unanimous decision over the future Hall of Famer. Although behind on the scorecards early, Diaz remained cool and rallied before the raucous hometown Chicago crowd of 10,000 to capture the decision. He swept the championship rounds and won the decision by scores of 114-113, 115-113 and 115-112. With the victory, Diaz cemented his place among the best lightweights in the sport and one of the most popular and respected athletes in the sports-crazy town of Chicago. A member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Diaz, with 12 years of experience as a professional, is more than prepared to handle the pressures that come with battling boxing’s pound-for-pound most exciting fighter.

The Pacquiao vs. Diaz pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Diaz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs.Diaz, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay .com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

ANDRE WARD vs.JERSON RAVELO;CAYMAN KNOCKOUT: CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ON SHOBOX THE NEW GENERATION, The Cayman Islands Showcases Its Beautiful Shores

NEW YORK- Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward looks to take the next step toward a world title shot when Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism presents “Cayman Knockout: Championship Boxing” from the Caribbean on Friday, June 20, 2008, live on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox: The New Generation (11 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).

Originating from the beautiful outdoor Truman Bodden Sports Complex in the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman, the SHOWTIME telecast will feature a 12-round North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight championship bout between undefeated Ward (15-0, 10 KOs) and former Olympian Jerson Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs). In another featured bout, once-beaten heavyweight Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs) will take on hard-hitting, six-foot-four-inch, 260-pound knockout artist, Raphael Butler (30-4, 23 KOs) in a 12-round United States Boxing (USBA) heavyweight championship contest.

What the fighters and promoters had to say at today’s press conference:

ANDRE WARD

"I want to be the best fighter in my era. I will achieve that with class and integrity. I want to change the negative image that boxing has."

"Both Ravelo and I represent ourselves differently from other fighters. We have respect for the sport of boxing and for each other."

Andre Ward (Left)


"I watched Ravello at Gleason's gym. I know who he is and I respect him."

"A victory over Ravelo could put me up in the top 10 for the WBO super middleweight title."

"I am a Christian. God has a plan for my team. I'm not on my own timetable. I'm on his time table. There is a process. My time will come. Working hard for the NABO national title is part of the plan. The stakes are high."

Former United States Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward (right) squares off against former Dominican Republic Olympian Jerson Ravelo (left), Wednesday during a press conference at The Palm Restaurant in New York.
The pair will battle for the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight title Friday, June 20, on ShoBox: The New Generation (live on SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).

JERSON RAVELO

"It is going to be about preparation for this fight. Ward is a good fighter, and so am I. He is fast, and so am I.”

“I have broken my right hand and had it injured for four years without truly healing. Now, it is completely healed and it feels good and ready to fight."

JERSON RAVELO


"I supported Ward in the Olympics. I made the Olympics in 2000, and it was a dream of mine to win. I achieved my goal, and now I will achieve my goal for a championship title on June 20."

"I'm not saying I am going to knock Ward out. I'm just going to win. I'm ready to go the full 12 rounds."

DAN GOOSSEN (Promoter Goossen Tutor)

"It's seldom when you can sit in front of everyone and tell them that along with the spectacular fight they will witness, they will take in a beautiful venue as the Cayman Islands."

"Sitting ringside outdoor in any arena located near the waves, the beach.... This is one of the most gorgeous prolific sites to have any event at."

DAN GOOSSEN



"Ward overcame all the odds by fighting a bigger man in the Olympics... All the experts thought he wouldn't take the gold medal"

"Ward faces his toughest test on June 20 against Ravelo."

"If I was going to build a fighter, it would be Ward. He is a skilled fighter with natural talent and a class act."

"On June 20, Ward and Ravelo will do all of their trash talking with their fists."

CHARLES CLIFFORD (Cayman Islands Minister)

"It's an honor to host a class act event such as Ward vs. Ravelo".

"We (Cayman Islands) fully embrace this event and are proud of our partnership with Goossen Tutor Promotions and SHOWTIME. We are proud of the talent that will display their skills."

CHARLES CLIFFORD


"The Truman Bodden Sports Complex has been refurbished. We have invested more than one million in the upgrades. We made substantial investments against the back drop of beautiful scenery."

"Our objective is to make this at the very least an annual event."

GORDON HALL (Executive Producer of ShoBox)

“On behalf of SHOWTIME, we’re extremely excited to be included in this fight card from Grand Cayman at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. It will be the first televised boxing event in the history of the island.

“ShoBox: The New Generation is a series that showcases hopefully the youngest, brightest and most talented fighters that we can find. The one criterion is that they’re willing to be matched tough. I certainly think we have that with these two Olympians: Andre Ward and Jerson Ravelo.



“We’d like to have fighters appear, and hopefully reappear, on ShoBox and turn from prospects into contenders and go on to win world titles.

“Both Andre and Jerson have been on ShoBox before. It’s an extremely important fight at this point in their careers. Hopefully the winner will eventually go on and win a world title and become the 25th fighter that has fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title.

“I care about the match-ups and making the best fights we possibly can, staying true to our definition of what ShoBox: The New Generation is all about.”

“Certainly this is a fight that epitomizes what ShoBox: The New Generation is all about and we’re extremely excited to be in Grand Gayman.”

“We’re looking forward to having the opportunity in the broadcast to showcase part of the island. We’ll certainly try to give the folks at home a little idea of what a beautiful spot this is.”

“At the end of the day, we look to have an extremely competitive fight and one that would continue to help the tradition of what we have tried to establish on ShoBox: matching young kids tough.”

Eddie Chambers


Six-foot-four-inch, 260-pound knockout artist, Raphael Butler (left) will take on once-beaten heavyweight Eddie Chambers (right) for the United States Boxing (USBA) heavyweight championship prior to the Ward-Ravelo battle.


Raphael Butler


STEVE FARHOOD (ShoBox Expert Analyst)

“I get excited about the match-ups on ShoBox, and this match-up between these two guys is as exciting for me as any we have this year.”

“There are a lot of contrasts: we have east coast, west coast; we have 2004 Olympics, 2000 Olympics; we have undefeated prospect/young contender in Andre, and Jerson is already a young veteran who wants what Andre has.”

“Gordon said we look to showcase young fighters in tough fights. I’d go a step further. I like to see young fighters matched tougher than they’ve ever been matched before. I think this is certainly the case with Andre Ward in this fight. Jerson Ravelo is young veteran and I think he’s definitely the toughest opponent of Andre’s young career.”

“I can’t wait to go. It’s just a little bit difficult to work when you are in a setting like Grand Cayman, but I’ll struggle through it.”

For live video coverage from the New York City Press conference go to;
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

Remillard defends WBC Youth title in Hartford‏; Headlining “Connecticut Conquest” June 13 at the Connecticut Convention Center

HARTFORD– WBC Youth featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard makes his title defense June 13 against Mexican challenger Jose Magallon in the 10-round main event headlining “Connecticut Conquest” at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

“Connecticut Conquest,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 7 PM/ET on CN8/The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.

Remillard (13-0, 7 KOs), who hails from nearby Manchester, captured the WBC Youth crown this past January with a convincing 10-round decision versus Manuel Perez (11-3), ending Matt’s 16-months inactive stretch due to a wrist injury that twice required surgery. Remillard won a stay-busy fight March 21 with a win by four-round against veteran Jesus Salvador Perez. Mexican-native Magallon (8-4, 2 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, has won two in a row.

In the eight-round co-feature, unbeaten Connecticut heavyweight Tony “TNT” Grano (13-0-1, 11 KOs), 2005 U.S. Nationals champion, takes on the stiffest test of his young career, Thomas Hayes (26-2, 18 KOs), of Chicago.

Tony “TNT” Grano


“Boxing is alive in Connecticut and six of the fighters on this card are from Connecticut,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “This is a Connecticut show and we’re very excited about this card and being back in this beautiful building. The Connecticut Convention Center really wants to have boxing here.”

A six-round Special Welterweight Attraction pits Hartford’s Israel “Pito” Cardona (36-9, 26 KOs) against New Bedford (MA) police officer Jason “School Boy” Pires (20-3, 9 KOs) in an intriguing match-up of former champions. Cardona, who unsuccessfully fought Paul Spadafora for the IBF lightweight championship nearly nine years ago, once held the IBO super featherweight and light welterweight belts, as well as the USBA and NABF lightweight crowns. “Pito” announced that this will be his last fight. Former USBA super bantamweight title-holder Pires has not fought in more than five years during which time he attended college and became a police officer.

Others scheduled to fight June 13 against opponents to be determined include Hartford favorite, junior welterweight and prison guard Addy Irizarry (4-1, 2 KOs); Ledyard (CT) super middleweight Brian Macy (3-0, 1 KO), 2000 National PAL amateur champion and University of Connecticut graduate; Hartford super middleweight Tylon Burris (1-0, 1 KO).

Addy Irizarry


Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, May 2) and priced at $35.00 (VIP Bronze), $55.00 (VIP Silver), $80.00 (VIP Gold), $100.00 (Diamond) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club VIP). To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Willy’s Gym (860.614.2281), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800).

For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout 7 PM/ET.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Matt Remillard: “September, 2006 I fought for my first title (WBC Youth super featherweight) in Hartford. I was here (CCC) here then and I’m proud again to be fighting here June 13. But I fractured my wrist in that fight. I’m fighting Jose Magallon, a very tough Mexican, who is a very exciting fighter. With my style it’s going to be head-to-head. I’m looking forward to hurting people again. I believe I have heavy hands. I’m looking forward to bringing Hartford the best fight it’s every seen. This will be my first time headlining in the main event. I’m moving at the right pace. I’m only 21, 13-0, and there’s no rush. I’m looking forward to moving up in the ratings. I’m very excited to be fighting on this card with ‘Pito’ in his last fight. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest fighters ever to come out of Hartford. I want to pack the house June 13th.”

Tony Grano: “Only four fighters to win the National Championships have been from Connecticut in the lat 81 years and I’m proud to be the only heavyweight. This fight will be against my toughest opponent. He’s 26-2 with 18 knockouts. I’m looking forward to fighting on the same card with Matt Remillard, ‘Pito’ Cardona, Ty Burris, Addy and Brian Macy. It’s going to be a great night and I’m going to put on a great show.”

Israel Cardona: “I’ve been here before but this fight is important for me and not just because it’s here. No excuses, no complaints; I’ve done everything I can. I’ve gotten some new fans in the last three years, but I’m retiring after this fight. Things haven’t gone my way and I don’t see pursuing my career at my age because of the politics of the game. I tried to get back to the top, but the odds were against me. I don’t know why Jason is taking this fight. I know him, we’ve sparred together, but he’s making a big mistake doing this. This is my last hurrah and then I’ll pass the torch to Remillard, (Mike) Oliver and Grano. They’ll take over the local scene. I’ll still be involved in boxing somehow. I got to No. 1 in the world pretty much on my own. I have nothing to complain about.”

Addy Irizarry: “I’m really looking forward to fighting in the Connecticut Convention Center with so many good fighters on this card. I’ve trained hard for this fight. It’s going to be an exciting night of boxing.”



Brian Macy: “I started as an amateur a long time ago in Hartford, but this venue is a lot nicer. Hartford’s a great fight town. The great Willie Pep was from here. I hope to continue the (boxing) legacy. I’m very happy to be fighting here.

Ty Burris: “I want to thank John Scully for taking me on as my head trainer. There’s going to be a lot of great boxing on June 13th.”

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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey' http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

Jeannine Garside vs Chevell Hallback co-feature June 13 on PPV‏; Holm-Sanders headlines “Finally” PPV card at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE– The much touted Fight of the Night candidate on the June 13th “Finally” pay-per-view event, airing live (10 PM/ET-8 PM/MT) from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, is the 10-round co-feature for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) lightweight championship between WIBA featherweight champion Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs) and WIBA & IBA junior lightweight title-holder Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs).



The Fresquez Productions, Inc.-promoted “Finally” will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States and Canada (10 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, Shaw Communications, DirecTV and StarChoice for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

“‘Finally” features the greatest collection of women boxers on one show with all eight independently rated among the world’s top 3 by divisions, including five No. 1 rated females, battling in four world title bouts. The headliner matches the top two women boxers in the world today, Albuquerque favorite Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), recognized as the No. 1 welterweight in the world, against the world’s No. 1 middleweight, Detroit icon Mary Jo Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs), in the 10-round main event for the vacant IFBA junior middleweight crown as well as universal pound-for-pound supremacy in female boxing.

WIBA champion Garside, the world’s No. 1 rated featherweight from Ontario, agrees that hershowdown against the No. 1 ranked lightweight, WIBA and IBA title-holder Hallback, of Tampa, could very well steal the “Finally” PPV show. “I’ve heard that and it’s because of what both of us bring to the table,” Jeannie explained. “When things get slow in a fight, I pump-up the pace to get the crowd into it. That’s my style; I feel the crowd and love to hear them. I’m so grateful to be part of the best women’s boxing card ever. Every single bout is exciting with eight women coming to fight. The passion in us makes our fights so exciting, especially on a show of this level taking women’s boxing to another level. I’ve sparred with Mary Jo. We’re close and I’m excited to be fighting on the same card as her.

Jeannine Garside

Below and attached please find a Fresquez Productions media release about the
“I’ve known Chevelle since I turned pro and we both fought once on the same card. She is one of the best fighters out there. I believe I’ve been underestimated in the past, but she’s not going to underestimate me. We’re getting an opportunity to put a fire under the butts of everybody watching our fight. It has all of the makings of a great fight….the Fight of the Night!”

Garside was a highly-decorated Canadian amateur boxer who started boxing after watching Christy Martin fight on a Mike Tyson undercard in1996, quickly developing into the 1998 & 1999 British Columbia champion and 1998 British Columbia Fighter of the Year. She earned a spot on the Canadian National Women’s Boxing Team and won a gold medal in the 2000 Canadian National Championships.

Her boxing career suffered a set-back when she tore an ACL in her knee during a touch football game in 2000, which required reconstructive surgery, but a year later Jeannine reached the semifinals of the AIBA World Amateur Championships and she won her fourth straight national title in 2002. Garside finished her amateur career with a 40-5 record. She made her pro debut on December 4, 2004, taking a four-round decision from Heather Percival in Tacoma, Washington, captured the WIBA super bantamweight title in only her fourth pro fight, and the WIBA featherweight title in her seventh.

In her fourth pro fight, the aggressive southpaw Garside easily won a 10-round decision (99-90, 98-90, 98-91) against Lisa Brown (12-1-2) for her WIBA super bantamweight crown. Last November, Jeannine added the WIBA featherweight title belt to her collection, dominating an exciting 10-round decision (100-87, 99-89, 98-90) against Laura Serrano (16-2-2).

“When I won my first world title in only my fourth pro fight,” Garside remarked, “there were some naysayers. Now, though, I have credibility because they know I have the skill and talent of a true champion. My best experience was fighting Europeans in the amateurs, when I developed my ring generalship and mind set I need to fight. I’m proud of my amateur career, but most women don’t spend a lot of time as amateurs. Hopefully, women’s boxing will be added to the Olympics. and more women will get into amateur boxing.”

Also on PPV, IBA junior featherweight champion Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, takes on WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas by way of (Van Buren) Arkansas, in a 10-round vacant IBA strawweight title fight; WBC 2007 Fighter of the Year, WBC mininumweight champ Carina “La Reina” Moreno (11-1, 5 KOs), of Watsonville (CA), faces WIBA flyweighttitle-holder Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0-1), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, in a 10-round title fight for the IFBA junior flyweight crown. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, go on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

USA vs China and Brazil; USA Amateur Boxing-the Olympic Invitational comes to Bridgeport, Friday May 9th‏

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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

From Street to Elite to "E:60" again Tuesday, May 6, on ESPN, at 7 p.m; Mixed Martial Arts superstar, Kimbo Slice

The excellent "E:60" feature on EliteXC's incredibly popular, legendary street-fighting YouTube sensation and Mixed Martial Arts superstar, Kimbo Slice, will be repeated this Tuesday, May 6, on ESPN. The multi-subject newsmagazine show starts at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

(Photos Property of CBS, Tom Casino/Showtime)


Kimbo will headline the first-ever MMA primetime broadcast on network television when "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS'' premieres with a five-fight card Saturday, May 31, on the CBS Television Network (9 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/PT). The event will originate from the Prudential Center at Newark, N.J.



The "E:60" segment on Kimbo originally aired in December.


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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

MOHEGAN SUN TO HOST WOMEN'S DOUBLE BILL; Alicia Ashley vs. Lisa Brown and Elena Reid vs. Anastasia Toktaulova, June 12, 2008 on Fox Sports Net’s

International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) title action heads East on Thursday, June 12, 2008 for a show airing on Fox Sports Net’s Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. IFBA junior featherweight champion Lisa “Bad News” Brown (14-3-3, 4 KOs) defends her title belt against Alicia “Slick” Ashley (14-7-1, 1 KO) in the ten-round main event.

Female fighter Jody Weller, Comedian Macio and Alicia "Slick" Ashley


IFBA flyweight champion Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (19-4-5, 5 KOs) puts her crown on the line versus Anastasia Toktaulova (12-8, 2 KOs) in the ten-round co-feature.

Elena “Baby Doll” Reid


Three-time world champion Brown, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, now fights out of Toronto, Canada. She captured the IFBA crown 13-months ago with a 10-round decision against Jackie Chavez and successfully defended it February 7 via a 10-round decision versus Jeri “Fists of Fury” Stizes.

Ashley, born in Jamaica and living in Westbury, New York, is a 3-time world champion in three different divisions. Her most notable wins have been against previously unbeaten Alesia Graf, Reid, Bonnie Canino and Leona Brown.

Female Fighters and Alicia "Slick" Ashley (far right)



Las Vegas-based Reid, born in Phoenix, captured her IFBA flyweight title by 10-round decision last July against Shin-Hee Choi. “Baby Doll” also fought a 10-round draw three years ago with the great Regina Halmich in Germany.

Toktaulova comes from Moscow, where she was the European super flyweight and bantamweight champion, as well as Russian super flyweight title-holder.

Las Vegas’ unbeaten star Melinda Cooper (18-0, 10 KOs) returns on the undercard after nearly 1 1/2 years of inactivity to take on knockout specialist Donna “Nature Girl” Biggers (19-7-1, 16 KOs) in a special six-round junior featherweight bout. Cooper has had difficulty finding opponents, which accounts for her recent inactivity and only two fights in almost three years, while South Carolina-based Biggers, conversely, has fought some of the best including Layla McCarter, Jelena Mrdjenovich, and Mia St. John.

Stizes (14-7-1, 6 KOs), of Springfield, Missouri, is matched in a six-round bout on the June 12th card against Ela “Bam Bam” Nunez (6-3, 2 KOs), fighting out of Jamestown, New York. Another six-round bout will soon be announced.

Go to www.ifba.com for more information. The undercard will start a 7 PM/ET, followed by the first of three scheduled televised bouts beginning at 8 PM/ET.

“We're delighted to bring our IFBA Championship Boxing series East to beautiful Mohegan Sun,” IFBA president Judy Kulis said. “Many of the world’s top women fighters are on this card and all of the matches promise to be very competitive and exciting. We’re especially happy to have Melinda Cooper’s much-anticipated comeback on this show.”

IFBA

Since its inception in 1997, the IFBA has sanctioned more than 100 women’s title bouts and was the first to sanction all-women’s cards on cable and broadcast television, including ESPN2, USA Network, Pay-Per-View, Fox Sports International and on SBS, MBC and MBC-ESPN in Korea. With the help of various State Boxing Commissions, the IFBA established many of the rules used in the sport today. The IFBA is sanctioning four championship bouts on June 13th, featuring a showdown between Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm and Mary Jo Sanders for the vacant IFBA World junior middleweight title and pound-for-pound supremacy, live on pay-per-view television from Albuquerque.

Elena "Baby Doll" Reid interview with SBS go to;
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey' http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

Vernon Forrest vs. Sergio Mora and Carlos Quintana vs. Paul Williams II; World Championship Doubleheader, June 7 at 9:00 pm on Showtime

Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight title against Mora and Quintana will look to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Williams. The event, will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Vernon Forrest and Team Forrest


In his last start, Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs), of Atlanta, Ga., continued his rebirth atop the 154-pound division when he successfully defended the WBC belt against Michele Piccirillo with an 11th round TKO on SHOWTIME on Dec. 1, 2007. Forrest, a former three-time welterweight champion, won the vacant crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Baldomir on July 28, 2007.

(Photo courtesy of CBS, Showtime-Tom Casino)Vernon Forrest and Kimbo Slice


Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif., won The Contender television series on Oct. 15, 2005 with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.

The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008. Williams, who came into the fight confident -- perhaps looking past Quintana, an 8-1 underdog -- lost a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113.

Quintana, of Puerto Rico, is 25-1 with 19 knockouts. The only blemish on his record came in a hard-fought bout to Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight title on Dec. 2, 2006 on SHOWTIME.

Williams (33-1, 24 KOs), of Augusta, Ga, captured the belt with a close decision over Antonio Margarito, who had made seven successful defenses, on July 14, 2007.
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®.

©®™ 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

KELLY PAVLIK vs GARY LOCKETT WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 7th 2008, LIVE ON HBO SPORTS

NEW YORK, NY- Undefeated world middleweight champion KELLY The Ghost PAVLIK and No. 1contender and mandatory challenger, Welshman GARY The Rocket LOCKETT will host a news conference luncheon in New York announcing their world middleweight title fight.

Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), from Youngstown, Ohio, returns to ring for his first world championship defense after back-to-back victories over former world champion Jermain Taylor. Pavlik and Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs), from Cwbran, Wales, boast a combined record of 63-1 (50 KOs) “ a winning percentage exceeding 98% and a victory by knockout ratio of 79%!
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warrens Sports Network and Caesars Atlantic City, the 12-round Pavlik-Lockett world middleweight championship fight will take place Saturday, June 7, at Atlantic Citys Boardwalk Hall, and will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 9:35 p.m. EDT / 6:35 p.m. PDT.

The broadcast will open with Daniel Ponce De Leon (34-1, 30 KOs), from Mexico, defending his WBO junior featherweight title against undefeated No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger Juan Manuel Lopez (21-0, 19 KOs), from Puerto Rico.

For more live interviews video coverage and photos from the New York City Press conference go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

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

No Holds Barred: Gary Shaw, EliteXC, Ryan Schultz, Ryan McGivern, Vazquez-Marquez Trilogy, De La Hoya-Forbes‏

No Holds Barred: Gary Shaw, EliteXC, Ryan Schultz, Ryan McGivern, Vazquez-Marquez Trilogy, De La Hoya-Forbes

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-05-02T02_32_36-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman begins by commenting on what is really behind the Oscar De La Hoya-Steve Forbes fight this Saturday, May 3, and why fight fans should not miss the replay of the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez trilogy on Showtime, also this Saturday, which were the best boxing matches of the past two years. We also discuss the comments by CBS chairman Sumner Redstone that it was not "socially responsible" for CBS to decide to air the May 31 EliteXC mixed martial arts show on that broadcast network.



On our show, we spoke with Gary Shaw, the president of EliteXC's Live Events division, and president and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions, his boxing promotional company.

In a lengthy discussion, we talked about the mixed martial arts and boxing events in which he is involved. We previewed the EliteXC show coming Saturday, May 31, to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, which will be telecast in the U.S. live on CBS beginning at 9 PM EDT, the first major mixed martial arts show on a major American broadcast network in prime time. We discussed the amazing trilogy between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, which he promoted, and the possibility of a fourth fight; the Kimbo Slice phenomenon and why he is in the EliteXC May 31 main event; the rest of the May 31 card including EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith and the return of Gina Carano; the inclusion on the May 31 undercard of Carlton Haselrig, the only six-time NCAA college wrestling champion and a star lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets; his May 17 boxing card featuring unbeaten rising stars James Kirkland, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Alfredo Angulo, in Primm, Nevada, and on HBO; and the June 7 boxing card featuring Vernon Forrest vs. Sergio Mora and the rematch between Carlos Quintana and Paul Williams, from Mohegan Sun and on Showtime.

We also spoke with IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz and IFL middleweight champion Ryan McGivern about their upcoming title defenses Friday, May 16, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. In a dangerous fight, Schultz faces submission specialist Deividas Taurosevicius, while McGivern, in his first title defense, fights the tough Dan Miller.

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Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com.

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Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

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Thanks, Eddie Goldman

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

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

OSCAR RETURNS! DE LA HOYA VS. FORBES, SATURDAY MAY 3RD

The Golden Boy is coming home to HBO. For the first time in years, Oscar De La Hoya will fight live on HBO against former champ Steve Forbes. Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT.

(photo courtesy/ property of HBO)


Headlining the inaugural boxing event at The Home Depot Center's 27,000-seat soccer stadium, Los Angeles native Oscar De La Hoya (38-5, 30 KOs) will fight live on HBO's flagship boxing series for the first time since 2001. Coming off the highest-grossing fight in history - his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May 2007 - the former six-division world champion will be making his 31st appearance on HBO, hoping to thrill the fans who have supported him since his amateur days in East Los Angeles. The fight also marks the return of Floyd Mayweather Sr. to the De La Hoya corner as head trainer.



Steve Forbes (33-5, 9 KOs), from Las Vegas by way of Portland, Ore., is coming off a split-decision victory over the highly touted Francisco Bojado last October. A former super featherweight champion and finalist on "The Contender," who has never been knocked down in 11 years as a professional, Forbes will be making his HBO debut under the tutelage of Mayweather Sr.'s brother, Jeff Mayweather.



Steve Forbes

Steve Forbes was born with a fighter's heart. Born several months early and tipping the scales at a mere two pounds, the doctors told Steve's family that their baby would probably never survive. But for the first of many times, Steve Forbes beat the odds, and proved that "heart is everything".

Using his childhood as motivation, Steve entered the physically demanding and often dangerous sport of boxing. As an amateur, he compiled a record of 57-10 and was a five-time Washington and Oregon Golden Gloves Champion. By 1997, Forbes knew it was time to turn pro, so he moved to Las Vegas to further pursue his Championship dreams. Steve ran off fifteen consecutive wins to begin his career, before challenging and losing his first title shot for the IBA Lightweight Title.

On September 17, 2000, Forbes fought his way into the IBF's No.2 spot by capturing the United States Boxing Association (USBA) 130-pound title on a 12-round decision over David Santos. In his first title defense, Steve beat the then 22-7-0 John Brown; however, his inability to make the 130 pound weight limit caused the IBF to strip him of his title.

Considered by many to be the most talented boxer ever to enter the Contender Tournament, Steve Forbes was the fighter nobody wanted to face. In the opening round of the tournament, Steve showed everyone why he was the man to beat by earning a unanimous decision against Freddy Curiel ultimately becoming the first fighter to advance to the "fabulous four".

In front of more than 12,000 enthusiastic fans at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Steve Forbes entered the Contender Championship with redemption on his mind. Forbes and Grady Brewer went head to head for 10 rounds. After the final round, featuring a flurry of punches that brought the crowd to their feet, Brewer went onto be crowned the Contender Season 2 Champion by way of split decision.

Since the Contender Finale, Steve has returned to his ideal fighting weight of 140lbs. to re-establish his place in the junior welterweight division. On March 17th 2007, Steve took on USBA Champion Demetrius Hopkins in a 12 round battle. In the end, the judges gave Demetrius the win by unanimous decision which was met by both the crowd and press with much disbelief. Never detoured, Forbes handled the situation with pure professionalism and turned it into inspiration in his quest to become the best.

In October 2007, Forbes was matched against the younger Francisco Bojado for a bout set to go ten rounds. Each round would feature Bojado attacking Forbes from the start only to tire a short time later. On the other hand, Forbes remained consistent and was able to land many uppercuts eventually taking the fight by split decision.

See more on Oscar De La Hoya vs. Steve Forbes at the New York City Press Conference, go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey' http://www.keishamorrisey.com

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