Share SBS w/Family or Friends

Monday, November 3, 2008

Hope or hype: Harlem prepares for Decision ’08; How a historic election resonates in America’s first capital of black culture


By Vidya Rao

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27477898/

“We’ll see how much our country has grown up on Tuesday night,” said acclaimed poet and longtime Harlem resident Maya Angelou. “In Harlem, to have a black president I would expect the same sort of hallelujah good times celebration as occurred in the ’30s and ’40s when boxer Joe Louis fought and won the title."

It’s one evening late last week, and four men are sitting at the corner of the bar at Londel’s Supper Club in central Harlem, transfixed on its flat-screen TV. The bartender has stopped mixing drinks, her eyes glued to the tube.

As patrons watch a recap of campaign events on the evening news, the bar is quiet but for plates rattling in the kitchen and jazz playing in the background.

Then someone shouts, “There’s no way McCain will win,” and the patrons — who are all black, as is the bartender — are off, onto a raucous discussion of all things political, from Joe Biden to Joe the Plumber. On some issues they disagree, but one thing is clear: They are all Barack Obama supporters.

From Harlem’s bars to its barbershops, its churches to its community centers, America's first black cultural capital is electrified with anticipation of the election, and the possibility of a person of color’s becoming president. Many Harlemites are quick to say that Democratic candidate Barack Obama has changed the face of politics, encouraging people in the community who were apathetic to become part of the process.

Others say this election is something they’ve waited for their whole lives. “I’m on cloud nine,” said 86-year-old Lettice Graham, a Harlem resident since 1947 who has voted in 17 presidential elections. “I’m just glad it happened in my lifetime, that I can have the experience to vote for a black president. I will be at the poll at 6 a.m. to beat the rush!"

Nationally, nearly 90 percent of the black vote went to Democratic presidential candidates in the past two elections. In a poll conducted by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies last month, 90 percent of blacks have a favorable opinion of Barack Obama, while 22.8 percent have a favorable opinion of John McCain. Eighty-four percent said they want Obama to win the presidency.

In Harlem, where the population is 67 percent black, hopes for this historic election are high.

‘Obama, Obama, Obama!’
State Sen. Bill Perkins, who represents Harlem, was New York’s first elected official to endorse Obama for president (in May 2007). He says he’s never seen the kind of political passion among his constituents that he has in this election.

“This election is transformative,” he said. “Those who were turned off by the process are enthusiastically turned on. We just have to keep reminding them, though, that this momentum is not the victory — it’s the vote that is the victory.”

Chet Whye, director of Harlem for Obama, works out of an office at 133rd Street and 8th Avenue, his desk invisible under a mass of paper and files. He says his office has registered more than 3,000 people to vote since September 13.

“This election means something big for this community,” he said. Pointing to a life-size cardboard cutout of Obama in the window, Whye added, “We’ve had a lot grown men come by and they look at that image of Sen. Obama. If they stand there and look at it for more than a minute, we’ll see tears come down.”

Throughout Harlem, residents agree that community morale is up and the level of political engagement has no precedent in decades. Neighborhood vendors sell merchandise emblazoned with images of Barack and Michelle Obama: buttons, hats, T-shirts, umbrellas, shoes. Some see Obama as the personification of the American dream.

“Everywhere, every corner store, deli, barbershop, all you hear is, ‘Obama, Obama, Obama!’ ” said construction worker Karim Solomon, 30, adding that he will also vote for the Democrat.

“He isn’t Martin Luther King Jr., but he has the ability to uplift the community, and that is how many of our members feel,” said Reverend Dino Woodard of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. The first black Baptist church in New York played a vital role during the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights era. “Our church has fought to end discrimination, and for those of us who were around during the Civil Rights movement, this is the ultimate milestone,” the Rev. Woodard said.

Still, some caution against characterizing the excitement about Obama as being race-based, saying that would imply he’s ahead in the polls because of his color, not his qualifications. “I have voted for many white candidates and never had a problem with it,” said John Phillips, 72, who works in pharmaceuticals and is black. “I’m voting for Obama because he’s the right man for the job; he’s a Democrat who will steer this country in the right direction.

“Nobody asks white people if they are voting for a candidate because he’s white, so why should I be asked if I’m voting for a candidate because he’s black?”

The significance of Harlem

The neighborhood of Harlem extends from 110th Street to 158th Street, at the top of the island of Manhattan. To its north are Washington Heights and the Bronx; to the south, Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Central Park. Between 1920 and 1930, black Americans migrated here from the South, searching for jobs and opportunity, until more than 70 percent of the population was black.

Those demographics helped usher in the Harlem Renaissance, when poets like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay and novelists like Zora Neale Hurston and Richard Wright made the community the nexus of African-American culture. The Apollo Theater on 125th Street, one of few New York venues that allowed African-American performers and patrons, launched the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and many others, still remains a Harlem landmark.

“Harlem created a vibrant culture that it shared with the world, not just New Yorkers,” said Keith Mayes, associate professor of African American Studies at the University of Minnesota. “People still see it as having the roots of the first black mecca, being the home of black arts and culture.”

By 1950, 98 percent of Harlemites were black. Through the next three decades, New York City suffered an economic decline, and the black community struggled. Infested with drugs and violence, Harlem became a symbol of urban decay.

Today the community is changing; though blacks are still in the majority, whites, Asians and Latinos are moving in. Gentrification has improved many blocks, but housing costs are rising, pushing out many black residents whose families have lived here for decades. Columbia University plans to expand through 17 acres of the area, leading many residents to feel they are losing their neighborhood.

“Harlem is in recovery,” said acclaimed poet Maya Angelou, who first visited Harlem in 1952 and has owned a house here for the past 10 years. “It is still the political hubbub and hub — whatever happens in Harlem is going to be repeated in Los Angeles and Seattle, in the black areas around the country.”

Angelou says that Harlem and other communities are desperate for change — and says Obama can make that happen.

“We’ll see how much our country has grown up on Tuesday night,” she said. “In Harlem, to have a black president, I would expect the same sort of hallelujah good times celebration as occurred in the ’30s and ’40s when boxer Joe Louis fought and won the title.”

Still, some are skeptical about Obama’s message of change. “I believe Mr. Obama has the intention of making things better, but he’s not the messiah,” said rapper Immortal Technique, né Felipe Coronel, 30, a Latino of Afro-Peruvian descent. “He can’t undo Bush’s policies over the past eight years.”

The political rapper, who was raised in Harlem and currently lives here, also questions how much direct effect a President Obama would have on the community. “Will Obama stop the expansion of Columbia University? Will he stop luxury buildings from taking over the area?”



Black doesn’t mean backing Obama



In fact, not all African-Americans or Harlemites support Obama, though they are by far the minority. Keisha Morrisey, 38, who has been in Harlem her whole life, says she doesn't leave her house without wearing her campaign hat and buttons — her McCain-Palin hat and buttons.

“I’ve always been going for McCain, and I’m loyal to my party,” said the lifelong Republican. “People say to me, ‘Why not Obama?’ So because I’m black I’m supposed to vote for Obama? I say, ‘If a black man comes to my door, I’m not going to just let him in because he’s black, then ask him who he is afterwards.’ The bottom line is, I don't know Obama.”

Morrisey, who is in the process of developing a Harlem Women Republican Club, has harsh words for her fellow Harlemites. “This Obama thing is clearly a lot of hype,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people know why they are voting for him. It’s just because he’s black.”

The event planner and publicist blasts people for voting for Obama based on race, but also says that her support for McCain grew stronger when he chose Sarah Palin for vice president — because she’s a woman.

“Young black women should think twice — the Democrats didn’t choose a woman, and Palin and McCain balance each other out well.”


Khalil Figueroa, 38, a Latino and co-owner of Fig’s Barber Shop, gets heckled by patrons and barbers when he says that he will vote for McCain, and proudly asserts that he voted for George W. Bush in the last election.

“It’s a national security issue, and McCain is going to protect the country,” he said. “I’m not leaving my kids on a train, and have the train blow up because Obama wants to run around shaking hands.”

But acupuncturist Andre C. Jones, who is black, was a lifelong Republican and a McCain supporter, yet says he will be voting for Obama.

“I don’t agree with Sarah Palin as a choice for vice president; she certainly doesn’t have the qualifications,” Jones said, adding that Obama’s oratorical charisma, intelligence and message of hope helped sway him.

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

DON KING MAKES PLEA FOR OBAMA‏


Don "Only in America" King took time out from promoting the first world-championship boxing card in Chengdu, China (on Friday) to write down his thoughts on Barack Obama and George W. Bush on the eve of America's Presidential General Election (which we will watch from China).

He asked me to transcribe his handwritten pages and send them to you. The first attachment is his tribute to George W. Bush's accomplishments, and the second attachment is an endorsement of Barack Obama.

Alan Hopper
DKP
China Boxing Event Page:http://www.donking.com/events/chengdu_11708/index.php

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

New York-based Irishman James Moore heads to Los Angeles to train for December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman

New York-based Irishman James Moore heads to Los Angeles to train for December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman on Showtime.

The extremely popular James Moore, 16-1 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will depart for Los Angeles on November 5 to train for his December 13 challenge of NABF junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The 10 round-bout will open the ShoBox: The New Generation broadcast that that will be headlined by the rubber match between WBO lightweight champion Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres. Top Rank, Inc. is promoting the show.

The 30-year-old Moore is looking forward to this tremendous crossroads bout between two foreign-born, New York-based fighters. The 28-year-old Foreman, 26-0 (8 KOS), was born in Belarus but began boxing in Israel.

Moore will train at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, where plenty of sparring is available. Moore is also looking forward to reuniting with professional middleweight Craig McEwan, 13-0 (7 KOS), a native of Scotland who now lives and trains in Los Angeles. He and Moore were amateur rivals who have become good friends. The southpaw McEwan is scheduled to fight unbeaten sensation Alfredo Angulo on November 22 in Las Vegas.

“I should be able to get a lot of work with Craig, as well as all of the other speedy fighters in L.A.,” said Moore. “In order to beat Yuri, you have to chase him down and take away his legs. There are lots of fighters at the Wild Card who can emulate his style.”

Since an injured hand has completely healed, Moore says that he is physically, mentally and emotionally ready for the tough challenge ahead.

“Fighting an unbeaten boxer on ShoBox is just what I need for my career right now,” said Moore. “Somebody has to be the first man to beat Yuri, so it might as well be me. I’ve been looking to move my career to the next level for quite some time now. This is a very big step in the right direction, and I aim to fully take advantage of it.”

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

Anxious Harlem Braces For Election; On Brink Of Potentially Historic Vote, Nation's Symbolic Capital Of Black Culture Remains Tense

Chet Whye has reason to be confident.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/03/national/main4565819.shtml

Harlem4Obama, the grassroots organization he directs, has recruited more than 1,000 volunteers and registered 3,000 voters. It has opened field offices in Pennsylvania and Virginia. And, perhaps most promising, Barack Obama maintains a lead over John McCain in the majority of national polls.


Despite all the favorable signs - and the cake on his desk for his 53rd birthday - Whye is hardly celebrating.

"We’re scared," he says. "It’s really more intense right now."

Traditionally the backyard of Hillary and Bill Clinton, Harlem is now abuzz with Obama fever - and Obama himself has singled out community efforts here as a source for his policy positions. Still, even as the United States may be poised to elect its first African American president, the nation’s epicenter of black culture remains anxious about Obama’s prospects.

The tense mood is palpable in Harlem4Obama’s donated office on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 133rd Street. Whye takes a flurry of calls on his cell phone while coordinating campaign strategy from his laptop. Volunteers phone voters to urge patience at the polling sites. And a hand-written sign hangs in the corner serving as the ultimate cautionary tale: "I Was In New Hampshire."

The sign refers to Obama’s primary defeat to Hillary Clinton. Back in January, the Illinois senator enjoyed a double-digit lead in the polls before losing a narrow vote to the New York senator. Whye and volunteer Alima Berkoun recalled a long and dismal drive from New Hampshire back to Harlem.

"That was a wake-up call," said Berkoun, who has lived in Harlem for 13 years. "The next day I was out on 125th Street working even though I was sick."

Perhaps one reason Obama has inspired volunteers in the community is that the Illinois senator has credited Harlem for inspiring one of his presidential platforms. Last year, he singled out the Harlem’s Children Zone, an ambitious and successful anti-poverty effort, as a model for his policy to address the plight of urban America.

"There's no reason this program should stop at the end of those blocks in Harlem. It's time to change the odds for neighborhoods all across America," Obama declared last July. "When I'm President, the first part of my plan to combat urban poverty will be to replicate the Harlem Children's Zone in 20 cities across the country."

Harlem was not always safe ground for Obama. Once Hillary Clinton’s turf and the home of her husband’s office, the community's support was fractured between the senators from New York and Illinois. Indeed, Hillary Clinton received twice as many votes as Obama in Harlem’s district during the New York Democratic primary in February.

But ten months later, after a lengthy and bitter Democratic race, Harlem’s political leaders and Clinton backers have slowly gotten on board with the Illinois senator. Obama signs now adorn nearly every street corner and many Harlem businesses, including Karrot, an organic health food store on 117th Street.

The store is a hub of passionate political discussion among locals and its owner, Carlos Aguila, is not afraid to display his views. Outside his shop is a chalkboard sign that reads: "The coming retirement of the GOP brand." Inside his store, you can buy his top-selling drink "The Obama" - a concoction of almond milk, peanut butter, chocolate and bananas.

Aguila, 49, says he is emotionally invested in this election for the first time in his life and he believes 99 percent of Harlem will vote for Obama. He cites the nation’s evolving racial makeup (what he calls "the browning of America") as the main reason to be hopeful. Still, Aguila concedes that anxiety and uncertainty hang over Harlem.

"The whole neighborhood feels it. We’re talking about a black man," Aguila says. "If he’s so good, why is [the race] so close?"

Although Harlem has produced iconic black political figures (Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell, to name two), many residents say they do not dwell on race in politics. Whye says that a recent survey mailed out to voters revealed the number one issue among Harlemites is not housing or education or health care - it is political conduct. Accordingly, says Whye, the community's residents not only praise Obama's demeanor and intellect but they also have an emotional attachment to his family.

Even one of the rarest of sights in Harlem - a McCain supporter - agrees. Keisha Morrisey, who unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for New York City Council in 2002, acknowledges she's a fan of the Obama clan. "I love the family. I love Michelle and the daughters."


In the final hours before the election, Whye is trying to translate that love into logistics. His office is focused on stationing volunteers at the nearly 200 polling sites in Harlem's 15th district. Meanwhile, volunteers are calling on-the-fence voters in battleground states right up until Tuesday. His biggest priority is preaching patience to the overwhelming number of first-time voters - the ones "Barack pushed through the door," as Whye puts it. He worries some will get intimidated by polling red tape and frustrated by long lines. But Whye is blunt when it comes to local residents waiting to cast a vote for Obama.

"Most people from Harlem - their ancestors made it through slavery," he says. "So you can wait."

© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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

Sunday, November 2, 2008

SecondsOut Radio: Vic Darchinyan-Cristian Mijares Review, Joe Calzaghe-Roy Jones Jr. Preview, Angelo Dundee, Dmitriy Salita

On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman beginswith a review of the knockout victory by Vic Darchinyan (31-1-1, 25KOs), now the IBF, WBA, and WBC super flyweight champion, over Cristian Mijares (35-4-2, 13 KOs), in a one-sided fight this past Saturday, November 1, in Carson, Calif. This coming Saturday, November 8, two future Hall of Famers, light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe and former champion Roy Jones Jr.,will meet at Madison Square Garden in New York. This fight will be telecast live in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. We comment on some of the problems in the marketing of this fight, aswell as hear some prefight comments by both Calzaghe and Jones. We also hear from junior welterweight Dmitriy Salita, who fights on the undercard. It was also announced this past week that legendary trainer Angelo Dundee will be assisting the Oscar De La Hoya camp for the December 6fight against Manny Pacquiao. We hear some comments from Angelo Dundee himself from a media conference call. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy. Thanks, Eddie Goldmanhttp://eddiegoldman.comStarlite 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

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Book Signing Party in celebration of what would be Bumpy Johnson's 103rd Birthday!!!!!



You're invited . . . . . .to join us for a Book Signing Party in celebration of what would be Bumpy Johnson's 103rd Birthday!!!!!

Harlem Godfather:

The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson

The first and only biography of the legendary Harlem gangster, Bumpy Johnson!

Hosted by:

Mrs. Mayme Hatcher Johnson (Bumpy’s 94-year-old widow)

When: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 - 1-3 p.m.

Where: The Lenox Lounge - 288 Lenox Avenue (near 125th St.) Harlem, NYC
(free autographed copy of book and cocktail with admission price)

Karen E. Quinones Miller
Essence Bestselling Author of
Passin' (Grand Central Books - Feb '08)

Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (Oshun Publishing - Feb '08)

Satin Nights (Warner Books, 2006)
Ida B. (retitled Uptown Dreams) (Simon & Schuster, 2004)
Using What You Got (Simon & Schuster, 2003)
I'm Telling (Simon & Schuster, 2002)
Satin Doll (Simon & Schuster, 2001)

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

Tommy Brooks now working Pawel Wolak’s corner; Duddy & Teron in action Nov. 21 at Roseland Ballroom in NYC

NEW YORK – Polish power puncher Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak has added veteran trainer Tommy Brooks to his team as they prepare for his November 21st fight against Christian Lloyd Joseph on “The Grande Event” card, promoted by Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, at the famed Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.

Born in Poland and now residing in Brooklyn, the New York State middleweight and Polish National light middleweight champion Wolak (22-1, 15 KOs) is a graduate of Berkley College of Manhattan with a degree in business.

A ferocious fighter with a large, passionate Polish following, Wolak bounced back from his lone defeat last August to Ishe Smith (10-round decision) with stopping Chad Greenleaf in the third round of their September match.

“I’ve changed some things since the Smith fight,” Wolak explained. “I’m smarter and use the right punches coming in. I haven’t really changed my style, just added a few things like coming behind my jab, throwing the right punches, and moving my head even more.”

Brooks has helped train Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Pernell Whitaker, Hasim Rahman, Mike McCallum, Junior Jones and many other world champions.

“We’ been working on some small things, breaking old habits by moving more and using angles,” Pawel continued. “Tommy has me throwing more body punches and slipping more punches. I always come into a fight in my best shape. Now, I’m training, resting and eating better. Working with Tommy has been great. Ishe never hurt me and I would have won if I had changed some small things. I have a new bag of tricks. I’ve always been good, physically and mentally, and now we’re fine tuning everything.”

Joseph’s 12-7-3 (5 KOs) pro record is somewhat mid-leading. He extended present IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey the full 10 rounds in a losing effort, fought current IBF light middleweight Verno Phillips, upset 18-1 Jeffrey Hill and 13-1 Keith Mullings, and fought draws with 27-2 Emmett Linton and 12-1 Aaron Mitchell.

“I know he’s a strong, tough kid that took one of the best fighters in the world the distance, Joshua Clottey,” Wolak concluded. “And he’s left-handed, too.”

The main event pits “Ireland’s” John Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), fighting out Queens (NY) by way of Derry, Northern Ireland, against veteran Sam “The Punching Policeman” Hill (17-9-1, 10 KOs). Duddy is rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, No. 4 by the World Boxing Council, and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation.

NABO lightweight champion Jorge Luis Teron (22-0-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx and rated No. 4 by the WBO, fights Aldo “El Pato” Valtierra (24-10, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Teron is trained by former Olympic gold medalist and world champion Mark Breland.

Also scheduled to fight in separate four-round bouts are Queens light middleweight Lambrose “Lionheart” Karaolides (1-0) vs. TBA, Bronx super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Eric Clinton (0-4-1), Brooklyn welterweight Luis “El Mero Mero” Ruiz (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Asanti “Volcano” Hendrickson (1-2, 0 KOs), Brooklyn light middleweight Romain Oliveri pro debuting vs. Eluid Torres (0-0-1), and light welterweight Jonathan Gonzalez, a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian makes his pro debut.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $80.00, $100.00, $150.00 and $200.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Gotham Boxing (212.755.1944), any TicketMaster outlet, or at the Roseland Ballroom box office. Doors will open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

For more information call Gotham Boxing or go on line to www.gothamboxing.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

No Holds Barred: Turi Altavilla on Demise of EliteXC

No Holds Barred: Turi Altavilla on Demise of EliteXC

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-01T00_27_55-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Turi Altavilla (http://www.myspace.com/Turi_A), a vice president of EliteXC until the very recent demise of that mixed martial arts company. Turi also was formerly a vice president of the Pride Fighting Championships.

In a lengthy interview, we get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how EliteXC operated, and discuss what led to EliteXC closing its operations, the controversy stemming from the Kimbo Slice-Seth Petruzelli fight, what direction mixed martial arts should take, what his plans are now, and much, much more.

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 discuss the present and past of boxing, and its present and past champions. This coming Saturday, November 1, there will be a title unification bout in one of boxing's most exciting and talented weight classes, the super flyweight division (115 pounds). WBA and WBC champion Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs), of Gomez Palacio, Mexico, will face IBF champion Vic Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. This fight will be telecast live on Showtime in the U.S. We spoke with both Cristian Mijares and Vic Darchinyan on a media conference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Boxing is also a sport in which you can live simultaneously in the present and the past, and sanely, too. A new book by veteran boxing writer George Kimball transports us back into the past by tracing the intertwined careers of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. The book is entitled Four Kings: Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Duran and the Last Great Era of Boxing. We spoke with George Kimball about his book and the past, present, and future of boxing, right before the Oct. 18 Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik fight in Atlantic City, and after he had participated in a forum on the book with trainer Emanuel Steward, promoter Bob Arum, and announcer Larry Merchant. 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.

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

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/).

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

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif

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

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Figueroa takes on veteran Augustus Nov. 8 on Jones-Calzaghe PPV in Madison Square Garden

LAS VEGAS– NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa, recently signed to a promotional contract by Roy Jones, Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions, will now take on the unofficial gatekeeper of the light welterweight division, veteran Emanuel “Drunken Master” Augustus, in the opening bout on the November 8th Jones-Calzaghe HBO PPV card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Figueroa (19-2, 13 KOs) had been in Las Vegas training to fight his original opponent, former WBA light welterweight champion Gavin “The Rock” Rees, who pulled out of the fight with a broken nose.

Nicknamed “El Gato” – The Cat – because he was the only one quick enough to catch a cat that was a mascot at his original gym in the Bronx, Frankie is now matched against the unorthodox Augustus, who participated in ESPN’s Fight of the Decade against Micky Ward, in a 8/10-round non-title fight.

“I’m very happy to be fighting Emanuel Augustus,” Figueroa said. “We were having a tough time finding a good opponent. He stepped up and I’m not afraid to fight anybody. He’s an entertaining fighter and together we’ll give fans what they really want to see. The change of opponent doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ll be fully focused on Augustus, execute my plan, and come out victorious.”

The 30-year-old Figueroa, a Puerto Rican-American born in Spanish Harlem, not too long ago was counseling rebellious teens in New York City. He was a 2-time New York City high school wrestler, 14-0 as a senior, who didn’t start boxing until eight years ago after taking advice from a friend. A U.S. Army veteran rated No. 4 by the WBC, No. 5 by the IBF and No. 15 by the WBA, Figueroa’s coming off of a by 12-round decision against Luis Rodriquez (22-1) last May, extending Frankie’s win streak to 11 that dates back to March of 2005.

Augustus’ misleading 38-29-6 (20 KOs) record includes many fights against a virtual Who’s Who of the light welterweight division. He has been stopped only three times in 73 pro fights, the last time in 2000 against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. During his 14-year pro career, Augustus has upset “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Alex Trujillo, fought a draw with the late Leavender Johnson, and been in against, among the more notables in addition to Mayweather and Ward, the likes of Herman Ngoudjo, David Diaz, Antonio Diaz, John John Molina, Ivan Robinson, Diosbelys Hurtado and Leonard Dorin.

For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com, where you can enter a sweepstakes to win what he’s wearing in the ring Nov. 8 as well as a cash prize by simply filling out the mailing list form on the home page.

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: Haulin Cass of Gotham Girls Roller Derby, NHB Mailbag on Dumb MMA

No Holds Barred: Haulin Cass of Gotham Girls Roller Derby, NHB Mailbag on Dumb MMA

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-29T05_17_42-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman continues our discussions about the fastest-growing sport in America, roller derby, and the dumbest sport in America, mixed martial arts, and their interrelationship.

This past Saturday, October 25, the Gotham Girls Roller Derby (http://www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com/) held their 2008 season championship bout at Hunter College in New York. In an upset and a surprising rout, the former league champions, the Queens of Pain, toppled the defending champions, the Bronx Gridlock, by a score of 161-113.

After the game, we spoke with Haulin' Cass (http://www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com/girls/profile.php?player=haulincass), a blocker for Queens, about their victory, and what is coming up in the post-season.

The Gotham Girls All-Stars are ranked number one in the East by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) (http://www.wftda.com/), and will be competing in the 2008 WFTDA Championship Tournament, November 14-16, in Portland, Oregon (http://www.northwestknockdown.com/).

Next, we discuss some of the e-mails we received regarding our last show, which was entitled, "Has Mixed Martial Arts Become the Dumbest Sport in America?" We answered in the affirmative, and we got an overwhelmingly positive response from many people who have grown disgusted with the present direction of MMA in general, and UFC in particular.

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 discuss the present and past of boxing, and its present and past champions. This coming Saturday, November 1, there will be a title unification bout in one of boxing's most exciting and talented weight classes, the super flyweight division (115 pounds). WBA and WBC champion Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs), of Gomez Palacio, Mexico, will face IBF champion Vic Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. This fight will be telecast live on Showtime in the U.S. We spoke with both Cristian Mijares and Vic Darchinyan on a media conference call this past week about what to expect in this fight. Boxing is also a sport in which you can live simultaneously in the present and the past, and sanely, too. A new book by veteran boxing writer George Kimball transports us back into the past by tracing the intertwined careers of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. The book is entitled Four Kings: Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Duran and the Last Great Era of Boxing. We spoke with George Kimball about his book and the past, present, and future of boxing, right before the Oct. 18 Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik fight in Atlantic City, and after he had participated in a forum on the book with trainer Emanuel Steward, promoter Bob Arum, and announcer Larry Merchant. 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.

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

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/).

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

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
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gif

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

“King Arthur” suggests Marquez look for new job Abraham-Marquez world title fight on PPV live Nov. 8 from Germany

HOBOKEN, N.J.– In response to Raul “El Diamente” Marquez’ recent claims to shock the boxing world November 8 when he fights unbeaten IBF middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham at Jako Arena in Bamberg, Germany, unbeaten International Boxing Federation middleweight champion “King” Arthur Abraham suggests that the challenger start looking for a new job.

Abraham-Marquez is promoted by Wilfried Sauerland, presented by Sauerland Event and its Managing Director, Christian Meyer, in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing. The broadcast is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports for live viewing in English and Spanish at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DISH Network, Viewer’s Choice Canada, and Bell ExpressVue, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. iN Demand will show a replay the following day (Sunday, Nov. 9) at 2 PM/ET. Al Bernstein and Nick Charles will call the action.

Abraham believes there is no reason for Marquez to be worried about the IBF middleweight champion´s weight. The two fighters will clash in Bamberg on November 8, five weeks later than originally planned after Abraham was flattened by the flu on the day of the fight.

Earlier this week, Marquez said in a statement: “Maybe he was sick but, if he really was, it was because of what he had to do to make weight. If he really was sick it would have taken him two weeks to get back to where he was. Four weeks isn’t going to help him if he’s having trouble making 160 pounds.”

“I want to thank Marquez for his medical diagnosis,” Abraham sarcastically said. “Maybe he can work as a doctor once I have defeated him. I know for a fact that he will not be the new IBF middleweight champion, so it might be wise to think of an alternative career. I know he has worked as a TV commentator, but if he likes to share his thoughts on weight problems, he should try and land a job with Weight Watchers!”

Abraham vows to be in top shape come Nov. 8. “I was unfortunate to get sick but there is nothing you can do about it,” he added. “It just happens. I have fully recovered and quickly returned to practice. Everything has been going fine and I will be in great form next week.”

Abraham (27-0, 22 KOs), rated No. 2 by The Ring and ESPN, captured the IBF middleweight title nearly three years ago by way of a fifth-round knockout of Kingsley Ikeke (23-1). Seven successful title defenses have followed against Miranda, Shannon Taylor, Kofi Jantuah, Sebastian Demers, Khoren Gevor, Wayne Elcock and Elvin Ayala.

“King Arthur” also stressed that he is not looking past Marquez to Kelley Pavlik, Felix Sturm or anybody else. “From day one it has been my goal to become super-champion and unify the titles,” King Arthur said. “But I am well aware that I will only get the chance if I beat Marquez on November 8. That is why my full focus is on him.

The 37-year-old Marquez (41-3-1, 29 KOs), rated No. 2 (No. 1 unrated) by the IBF as well as No. 8 by The Ring and No. 9 by ESPN, earned his title shot against Abraham by defeating previously unbeaten No. 1 contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0) in their June 21st IBF title eliminator. Marquez, fighting out of Houston, was a 1992 U.S. Olympian who was the IBF junior middleweight title-holder in 1997.

The 10-round co-feature on the PPV show from Germany finds former NABO champion and “The Next Great Champ” reality television winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (19-3-2, 7 KOs), of Sacramento, fighting Yugoslavian-born Enad Licina (14-1, 8 KOs), now living in Germany, for the vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight belt.

For more information about the Abraham-Marguez PPV go to www.integratedsportsnet.com or www.warriorsboxing.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

Bika wants unification fight or Hopkins after Manfredo “Tough & Tested” Nov. 13 at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, live on Versus



PROVIDENCE– The Contender, Season Three winner Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika plans to cash in after an impressive win November 13 against two-time world title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, for the vacant IBO super middleweight title in the 12-round main event headlining “Tough & Tested” at the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Tough & Tested,” promoted by the Tournament of Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out’ (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.

IBF Pan Pacific super middleweight title-holder Bika (26-3-2. 16 KOs), a 2000 Cameroon Olympian now fighting out of Australia, won The Contender III with a dramatic eighth round stoppage of Bridgeport, Connecticut native Jaidon Codrington in the finale a year ago in Boston. Bika, rated No. 4 by the IBF and No. 8 by The Ring magazine, hasn’t been stopped in 31 pro fights. In his two past world title fight shots, Sakio forced (at that time) IBF and WBO champion Joe Calgazhe the full distance, hurting the Welchman badly in the 12th round, and Bika’s WBC title-fight against defending champ Markus Beyer ended in a fourth round technical draw after Beyer suffered a cut under his right eye from an accidental head butt.

“It will be good fighting back in the states again,” Bika said. “I feel very happy to have another world title shot. This year has not been great for me in the boxing ring. My wife had a baby in June and hence I wanted to enjoy my time with my new son, Jordan. Hopefully, next year will be a lot busier for me after I win this title.

“New England brings back fond memories of one of my greatest boxing successes. I hope to continue that success against Manfredo in New England, in November, which is the same month I won The Contender last year.”

Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, “The Pride of Providence” sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo’s five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.

“Almost every time I fight, it is in the other guy’s hometown,” Bika added. “I am used to that and it doesn’t intimidate me in anyway. Maybe one day I will get to fight in my own backyard, Australia or Cameroon.

“I think Manfredo is a good boxer and a good mover. Our boxing styles will make for a great fight. Manfredo doesn’t remind me of anybody I have previously fought. Every opponent is different and I will find out what he’s like in the ring. The winner of this fight will be in great position to negotiate with one of the other world title belt holders for a unification bout (WBA Mikkel Kessler, IBF Lucian Bute, WBO Denis Inkin). My next fight…..I would like to fight the legend, Bernard Hopkins.”

In the 10-round co-feature, Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer (23-11, 13 KOs), winner of Season Two of The Contender, takes on The Contender, Season Two fan favorite, IBF No. 13 rated Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (28-3, 16 KOs), in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator. Codrington (18-2, 14 KOs), runner-up in Season Three of The Contender, also is fighting on the card in a super middleweight Special Attraction against an opponent to be determined.

Some of New England’s most talented and popular fighters are scheduled to fight on the undercard including WBC World Youth and USNBC featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (15-0, 8 KOs), super flyweight Isander “Peachy” Beauchamp (5-0, 2 KOs), Providence light welterweight Jesus Caro (2-0, 2 KOs), and Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Periera (1-0, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com. Tickets will also be on sale through www.Ticketmaster.com, at all local Ticketmaster outlets by calling Ticketmaster direct at 401.331.2211 or 617.931.2000, as well as Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (401.723.1359), 401

Gym in Cranston (401.261.9800), Balletto’s Gym in Providence (401.641.9994), Elite Mixed (Martial Arts (401.728.1356), and Ultimate Fitness in Bristol (401.253.3539). Each paid ticket holder will receive a complimentary Dave & Buster’s $10.00 Power Card ($12 value) upon entry.

For more information call 401.724.2253/2254 or go online to www.cesboxing.com, www.tournamentofcontenders.com or www.dunkindonutscenter.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout 6:30 PM/ET.

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

AMAZING GOLOTA PANDA PIX FROM CHINA!‏


The greatest Polish heavyweight boxer in history, Andrew Golota, arrived in Chengdu, China, on Wednesday at 12:30 a.m. and notified his team when he awakened from a brief sleep, "I want to go see the Great Panda Bears."

He and three members of his team arrived at the nearby Great Panda Research Base in the early afternoon where he advised park officials that he wanted to meet Shan Ping, the rare one-year-old Great Panda Bear his promoter Don King was allowed to hold during an official visit in August.

Golota is in China to face Ray Austin in the main event of the first world championship boxing card ever staged in Chengdu at Sichuan Gymnasium on Friday, Nov. 7.


See the amazing pictures of Golota holding Shan Ping, below and attached.

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

EDDIE CHAMBERS: THE ONLY LOGICAL CANDIDATE TO FIGHT WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO ON DECEMBER 13TH

PHILADELPHIA- On the heels of the recent foot injury suffered to IBF #1 ranked mandatory contender, Alexander Povetkin, number-seven ranked "Fast" Eddie Chambers is ready, willing & able to step in and bring the IBF & WBO Heavyweight titles back to the City of Brotherly Love.

"I feel that I am the most deserving available Heavyweight out there. I have fought everyone and lost a close fight to Povetkin in a fight I was dominating. Since then I have comeback to score a couple knockouts so that should put me back in the thick of things."

A couple years ago, Chambers & Klitschko sparred together as the currant champion prepared for a big fight.

"Wladimir had me in camp and he knows how competitive those sessions were and I will just leave it at that."

"After Povetkin's injury,. I think everyone knows that I am the most worthy contender that is available."

"Our whole team including my promoter Goossen-Tutor, Score America & my manager Rob Murray are unilaterally behind this push for me to get this opportunity."

Murray, who is Chambers longtime manager also believes that his man is the only logical choice to be Klitschko's December 13th dance partner.

"Eddie should be the choice for a number of reasons. He is the closest thing to Povetkin as he was once the number-one contender. I know there there has been a lot of backlash from the fans since this has happened about some of the names being bandied about, but when it comes right down to it, Eddie is the only one has has not been recycled over and over."

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

HOW THEY PICK ‘EM: MOST EXPERTS THINK MIJARES IS CLEAR FAVORITE TO DEFEAT DARCHINYAN AND UNIFY TITLE

SHOWTIME Media Prediction Poll: Mijares Is The Clear Choice Over Darchinyan‏ On SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES, Calif– Both WBA and WBC super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares and IBF 115-pound kingpin Vic Darchinyan will look to add to their belt collection when they square off in a highly anticipated world title unification fight in the main event this Saturday, Nov. 1, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

So who is going to triumph? The experts think Mijares is too skilled a boxer to let the power-punching Darchinyan beat him.

Of the 32 boxing media members who participated in a SHOWTIME Prediction Poll, 26 picked Mijares and six liked Darchinyan.

Here’s how they see the Mijares-Darchinyan world title unification fight:

Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News/Long Beach Press Telegram (Mijares): “Mijares is a more technically sound fighter. He is going to frustrate the wild-swinging Darchinyan. Mijares will wind up hurting him late with counter shots. Not sure he will stop Darchinyan, but he might.”

Kevin Iole, Yahoosports.com (Mijares): “Mijares is a brilliant boxer. Darchinyan throws wide punches and Mijares will have no problem seeing them and getting out of the way of them. It should be a boxing clinic by one of the game's best-kept secrets. Mijares wins by decision in 12 rounds.”

J. Michael Falgoust, USA Today (Mijares): “Mijares is a terrific boxer, but Darchinyan's boxing skills leave much to be desired. Darchinyan has a puncher's chance, of course, because Mijares sometimes nullifies his height. He is often found bending over at the waist which obviously gives up his height advantage, and other times he stands too tall and in range of an opponent. That said, Darchinyan is not without a chance, but Mijares wins a decision.”

Steve Kim, MaxBoxing.com, (Mijares): “Not only do I think that Mijares is a master boxer, he's also the natural 115-pounder. Mijares will outpoint the puncher (Darchinyan).”

Tim Smith, New York Daily News (Mijares): “Darchinyan is a good fighter but the thing I don't like about him is the thing that makes him good: his fool-hardy aggressiveness. Mijares will take advantage and win by seventh-round TKO.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com (Mijares): “This could be a lot like Mijares' fight against another hard-puncher, Jorge Arce. Darchinyan is an exciting, aggressive guy but Mijares is more skillful, faster and knows how to avoid punches. Simply, he is a much better overall fighter. Mijares wins a lopsided decision in what probably will still be an exciting fight to watch.”

Steve Farhood, SHOWTIME (Mijares): “Mijares wins all 12 rounds. It's about time American fans came to realize just how good this guy is.”

Chris Cozzone, Fightnews.com (Mijares): “Darchinyan has already shown flaws against a superior boxer. I believe Mijares has the chin to check anything Darchinyan throws at him. Mijares by decision.”

Michael David Smith, AOL (Mijares): “Darchinyan has good punching power for a man his size. I wouldn't be surprised if he sends Mijares to the canvas. But Mijares is the best boxer under 120 pounds in the world and he will wear Darchinyan down over 12 rounds and win a decision.”

Paul Upham, SecondsOut.com (Darchinyan): “Mijares should be the favorite going in, but Darchinyan’s aggressive nature and punching power have been irresistible on all occasions which is one of the reasons why SHOWTIME has taken such a liking to the Raging Bull from Armenia. Mijares’ skills and toughness should give Darchinyan some problems, but if Vic detonates one of his power shots, the Mexican will need to be strong to resist the KO. Darchinyan wins a close points decision.”

Ramon Aranda, 411mania.com (Mijares): “This one could go either way especially with Darchinyan's awkward style and punishing bombs. Vic could very well stun Mijares early in the fight but with Mijares' increasingly proficient boxing skills, he'll weather Darchinyan's storm and outbox him for the remainder of the bout. Mijares will win by a comfortable margin.”

Darius Ortiz, ESPN.com (Darchinyan): “If Cristian Mijares thinks he'll handle Vic Darchinyan the same way he did Jorge Arce, he has a whole other thing coming. Darchinyan throws punches from angles and positions that no Mijares sparring partner can possibly replicate. I say the Armenian pit bull sinks his teeth into Mijares by the middle rounds and takes him down in the ninth.”

Jake Donovan, Boxingscene.com (Mijares): “Not to take anything away from Darchinyan, who still remains one of the best fighters in the lower weight classes, but Mijares is in another league and enjoying a Fighter of the Year campaign. He should prove to be far too resourceful for Vic. This will be a more competitive version of Mijares-Arce, but still a clear-cut win for Mijares. Mijares by unanimous decision.”

Michael Swann, 15 Rounds.com (Mijares): “Cristian Mijares is a talented stylist who is in his prime at 27. Vic Darchinyan is all offense and can end it with one punch but, at age 32, will he be able to avoid the shots before he delivers? Mijares scores a unanimous decision.”

Phil Woolever, TheSweetScience.com (Darchinyan): “While it's no stretch of the imagination to foresee Mijares pitching a southpaw shutout, I think that being derailed and defeated strengthened Darchinyan's resolve to the point he'll be able to work his way in effectively enough to win.”

Scott Swerbinsky, TheClevelandFan.com (Mijares): “This is potentially the fight of the year.

Speed and counter punching will be the difference. Mijares by a close, hard-fought decision.”

Daxx Kahn, Saddoboxing.com ((Mijares): “In his bout with Nonito Donaire, Darchinyan was exposed on his ability to deal with a clever boxer that has solid whiskers. While Mijares is not a big puncher, he has a solid chin and counters well. Look for Mijares to fight smart and land counter punches, using Darchinyan's jerky style to his advantage. Mijares wins a unanimous decision.”

Rob Scott, Doghouseboxing.com (Darchinyan): “Mijares has the boxing ability much like (Nonito) Donaire, but he also has to have his mental stability as well. He will be hit harder than he probably ever has. Once hit, Mijares must not fold, but stay with the game plan of chipping away at Darchinyan's armor. It's Mijares' fight to win or lose because a good boxer can beat a good puncher. Mijares will step up his game, but it's Darchinyan's great punching power that will prevail. Darchinyan wins by decision – or possible late stoppage.”

Neil Fletcher, British-Weekly.com (Mijares): “Mijares is a good boxer with excellent movement. Darchinyan is a power punching southpaw who must chase his opponent down and land his left to be effective. Too close to call with any certainty, but the call is Mijares by decision.”

Lyle Fitzsimmons, Sportsnetwork.com (Mijares): “Darchinyan is clearly the puncher and is more likely to record a highlight-reel victory, but absent of that, I can see Mijares simply confusing and out-skilling him. If he avoids the fireworks early, look for him to spread the margin in the homestretch. Mijares records a decision.”

Jason Jackson, Boxingconfidential.com (Mijares): “Mijares will use his superior defensive skills to neutralize Darchinyan’s powerful left hand and take a unanimous decision.

Elisa Harrison, Braggingrightscorner.com (Mijares): It's hard to pick a winner because both men are talented and each has a specific forté. So, do you pick the boxer or the puncher? SHOWTIME is showing what the fights fans want to see and this one should not disappoint. Mijares wins a hard-fought decision.’’

Ernest Gabion, BoxingScene.com (Mijares): “Vic has something to prove, but instead of it being an asset it will be a hindrance as he will try and press a supreme boxer. Mijares will take Vic’s aggression and nullify most of it with countering. Mijares wins by unanimous decision.”

Hesiquio Balderas, El Tuxtepecano (Mijares): “Mijares is going to win because he is a smart boxer who creates angles and openings and can put his combinations together. He is a very smart, technical fighter and also his timing is perfect as he showed against hard punchers such as Alex Muñoz and Jorge Arce. Mijares registers a 12-round decision.”

Dan Hernandez, RingSideReport.com (Darchinyan): “With the heavyweights in such a dismal state, it’s good to see the lower divisions doing their best to be the standard bearers for boxing. Darchinyan’s power, determination and skill level will prevail. A knockout victory would not be a surprise.”

Phil Santos, Overhandright.com (Mijares): “Vic has the punching power but he does not possess the technical skills to outbox Mijares or penetrate his stellar defense. The match will unfold much like Mijares-Arce with Cristian controlling the action and decisively outclassing the ever-aggressive Darchinyan. Mijares unifies the belts by unanimous decision or late stoppage.”

Rusty Rubin, Ringsports.com (Darchinyan): “Darchinyan has been through the wars and will have to work hard to win this tough battle with Mijares. It’s tough action fight and probably will have some blood flowing. I’ll take Darchinyan by a late stoppage.”

Ace Freeman, FightFan.com (Mijares): “This is a classic boxer vs. puncher matchup between two exciting fighters. Mijares is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to pound-for-pound discussions, but he will soundly outbox Vic and catch him with some big counter punches en route to a late stoppage.”

Carlos Rivera, Cox3 News (Mijares): “Styles and personalities aside, Mijares will retain his WBC/WBA belts (and capture the IBF) in a decision.”

Diane Bennett, DiamondBoxing.com (Mijares): “It should be an exciting 12 rounds with Mijares bringing his tool box of skills, which include speed, defense and counter punching abilities to the ring to offset the Darchinyan power. Mijares will box his way to a decision victory and keep his six-year unbeaten streak in tack.”

Henry Bedoy, Boxingstars.net (Mijares): “Mijares is simply too fast and crafty for the vulnerable Vic Darchinyan. Mijares by late TKO.”

Michael Amakor, FightKings.com (Mijares): “I will pick the southpaw boxer every day over a banger like Darchinyan. Mijares is younger and appears calmer too. Mijares will win.”

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

ARNAOUTIS - ANKAH ; MADDALONE - NELSON TO HIGHLIGHT A BIG NIGHT OF LIVE BOXING ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV TOMORROW NIGHT!!!

NEW YORK- On Wednesday night October 28th, World ranked Jr. Welterweight, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis takes one step towards another title shot as his scheduled ten round bout with Ben Ankah highlights a big night of boxing to be captured live on www.gofightlive.tv at 7:30 pm eastern time.

The card, emanating from The Roseland Ballroom in New York City will have an exciting co-feature that will pit popular heavyweight Vinny Maddalone battling Terrell Nelson in a slugfest scheduled for eight rounds.

Arnaoutis, 20-2-2 with ten knockouts is coming off an explosive performance on September fifth when he scored a devastating one-punch knockout over Nasser Athumnai at Ballys in Atlantic City which was the Greek Warrior's last appearance on www.gofightlive.tv.

Ankah, 11-7 with three knockouts is another in the long line of tough fighters from Ghana will be making his American debut.

Maddalone, 30-4 with twenty-one knockouts is on a three fight winning streak since dropping a fight to the legendary Evander Holyfield. In his last bout, the Queens, New York native scored a first round knockout over Joe Stofle in New York City.

Nelson, 8-6 with five knockouts is currently on a two bout losing streak so he is itching to get back in the win column. In his last bout he lost a close unanimous decision to Bernard Brown on September 5th in a bout that was broadcasted by www.gofightlive.tv

A full undercard will be broadcasted at 7:30 pm eastern time featuring Bryant Pappas (6-0, 6 KO's) taking on Chris Morton (1-2) in a middleweight bout; Eddie Irizarry (3-0, 1 KO) battling debuting Jose Zamora in a Featherweight bout; Jose Amaro Guzman (4-0, 3 KO's) taking on Luis Angel Lopez (2-7-1, 1 KO) in a Lightweight bout as well as Ahmed Samir (3-0) and Tyrone Smith (5-5-2, 2 KO's) in a cruiserweight bout.

"This is a great event that features two of the most popular fighters" said David Klarman of www.gofightlive.tv "We have broadcasted a lot of Arnaoutis and Maddalone's fioghts and we know when they fight there is always excitement. Doing this show in New York City always enhances the atmosphere both for the spectator and the viewer at home who will get a full night of boxing for free.".

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

OLEG MASKAEV…"I'LL REPLACE POVETKIN & FIGHT KLITSCHKO, WINNER TAKE ALL !!

I have lost only one fight in the last 6 years. The bizarre and strange circumstances surrounding the Peter bout, including the possibility of criminal activity, will all be coming out when we appear before the Court of Sports Arbitration.

If Klitschko selects Rahman as his opponent, then Klitschko is facing the loser, not the winner. I have stopped Rahman not once, but twice, the last time winning the WBC Heavyweight Championship from him. What has Rahman done since I stopped him? He quit against Toney and then had a life and death against my sparring partner, Zuri Lawrence.

Styles make fights, and Klitschko's style is made to order for me. I stopped Vitali as an amature and I will stop Vladimir as a pro. I know how to rough him up. I will knock him out.

Talk is cheap; I'll put my money where my mouth is. As far as the purse, let us fight, winner take all. If you are not interested in another mis-match Vlad, have Shelly Finkel call my promoter, Dennis Rappaport. I'm prepared to fight you in the U.S., in Russia, in Germany, and even in your own living room. Let's get it on !!"

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

ATLANTIC CITY TRILOGY…KENDALL HOLT & RICARDO TORRES TO SETTLE THE SCORE; HOLT WILL DEFEND WORLD JR. WELTERWEIGHT TITLEAT BOARDWALK HALL DEC. 13

ATLANTIC CITY- The third fight in the trilogy of Kendall Holt (24-2, 13 KOs) vs. Ricardo Torres (32-2, 28 KOs) for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight Championship will take place in the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday, December 13. Holt-Torres III will be promoted by Top Rank and hosted by Caesars Atlantic City.

Tickets for Holt-Torres, promoted by Top Rank and hosted by Caesars Atlantic City, are priced at $200, $100 and $50 and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-736-1420, or at any Ticketmaster outlet nationwide. Tickets can also be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office. Doors will open at 8:00 pm and the main event is scheduled for 11:00 p.m.

Their first bout, on September 1, 2007 in Torres’ hometown of Barranquilla , Columbia , ended in a TKO in round eleven when Holt was knocked down near his corner. The raucous crowd had been throwing debris (beer, ice and water) into the ring and the slipping and sliding Holt was unable to regain his footing and was counted out by the referee. Holt, the Paterson , NJ native, was ahead on two of the judges scorecards at the time of the controversial stoppage.

The rematch took place on July 5, 2008 and the short and brutal bout lasted only sixty-one seconds. Holt was knocked down twice in the first thirty seconds. When Holt returned to his feet following the second knockdown, Torres moved in to finish him off when Holt landed a crushing overhand right that send Torres to his knee, held up only by the ropes. Torres, who suffered a concussion, took several minutes to return to his feet before being whisked off to a local hospital for further tests. Holt, the newly crowned champion, also headed to the hospital for stitches over his right eye.

Torres captured the vacant WBO title with a split decision over Mike Arnaoutis, another Atlantic City fan favorite, on November 18, 2006.

Tickets Go On Sale Monday, October 27 at 12 Noon

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

DARCHINYAN, DIRRELL & OGANOV OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

Long Beach, Calif- International Boxing Federation (IBF) 115-pound champion Vic Darchinyan, undefeated, world-ranked super middleweight Andre Dirrell and once-beaten, world-ranked 168-pound contender Victor Oganov participated in an open media Tuesday in Long Beach, Calif.,

Darchinyan (30-1-1, 24 KOs) will face World Boxing Association (WBA)/World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (35-3-2, 13 KOs) in an eagerly awaited 115-pound world title unification showdown this Saturday, Nov. 1, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Dirrell (16-0, 11 KOs) meets Oganov (28-1, 28 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Tickets, priced at $25 to $250, are on sale at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10 a.m-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone (213-480-3232). The Home Depot Box Office will open at 10 a.m. the day of the event.

The fight card is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions and KO Entertainment.

What the fights said Tuesday:

VIC DARCHINYAN

“He is a very good fighter, but when he feels my punches he will feel different. He’s fought some tough guys, but no one like me.

“I know when I’m talking that I will deliver. I’m going to be too much for him. He’s overrated.

“I’ve fought southpaws before. It’s no different for me.

“I’m going to do some boxing. You’re going to see how fast and smart I am on Saturday.

“I’m going to put on a show for my Armenian fans at The Home Depot Center.

“I’m very confident and ready for this fight. I’m ready to fight anyone.

“I think I am the best fighter he has ever, and will ever, fight. His style is an amateur style. I will deliver.

“I want to become the undisputed world champion after this fight.

“On Saturday, you’re going to see a different Vic Darchinyan. I won’t try to take him out with just one punch. You’re going to see a much smarter Vic on Saturday night.

“Mijares is a very good fighter, but that’s OK when you fight someone that doesn’t have the power that I have. He’s fought guys that don’t have my power.

“The Mexican fans are going to support me because they are going to see a warrior. They like to see warriors and they will see it in me on Saturday.

“People pay the money and they want to see exciting fights. I’ll give it to them on Saturday.

“In my one loss my opponent didn’t beat me, I beat myself. You won’t see any of that against Mijares. I’m going to prove that I am focused to be the undisputed world champion.

“All I’m thinking about is this fight. I haven’t been this excited and dedicated since my first world title fight.

“The only fight I wanted was Mijares. I want to fight who everyone thinks is the best so I can prove that I’m the best.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“I’m well prepared for this fight. I know he is a knockout artist, so I’ve been training with guys who can knock me out. I am mentally and physically prepared.

“I’m in tip-top shape. All I have to do is use what I’ve been working on in training camp and show the viewers on SHOWTIME and the fans at The Home Depot Center that I am an exciting fighter.

“There’s a saying in boxing that goes ‘You can’t knockout everyone.’ I’m not going to take him lightly, but I’m ready.

“Right after this fight I’m looking for a world title. I’m looking to go up the ladder as fast as possible.

“I just want to become the best as soon as possible. I need a big win on Saturday to do that, so you better believe I’m ready.

“Look out. I’m on the map now and I’m going to become No. 1 soon.

VICTOR OGANOV

“He is a good technical boxer and he will be smart in the ring, but I have the muscle and the power. Muscle and power will beat techniques and smarts.

“This is the first time in my career that I have had a great training camp. I’ve been training with Vic (Darchinyan) and it has been going great. I’m very fortunate to be training with Vic. He is a big man with a big heart.

“I know that Saturday night is a big opportunity for me on SHOWTIME. I have not taken this fight lightly.

“I’m going to do the best that I can. I think it’s going to be a good fight.
“We have a good game plan and we will use it.”

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