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Monday, April 13, 2009

No Holds Barred: Dr. Margaret Goodman on Doping, Fighter Health and Safety, and What Must Be Done

No Holds Barred: Dr. Margaret Goodman on Doping, Fighter Health and Safety, and What Must Be Done

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-13T09_56_52-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Dr. Margaret Goodman, a neurologist and former chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Dr. Goodman is now also the medical correspondent for No Holds Barred, and we are very proud to be associated with her.

This lengthy interview, conducted March 12, first was posted on SecondsOut Radio (http://www.secondsout.com/radio/) in two parts. Here we have it in its entirety.

The topics include why certain substances such as steroids and marijuana are dangerous to the health of fighters and are thus banned in the combat sports. We also discuss many other issues related to the health and safety of fighters, especially what can be done to improve the health and safety measures in the combat sports, and what role a national boxing commission in the U.S. should play.

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 fourth-round knockout victory by heavyweight Chris Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs) over the veteran former title challenger, Jameel McCline (39-10-3, 23 KOs), Saturday, April 11, in Las Vegas, Nevada. We examine Arreola's career, the potential for him to get a title shot against WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, how he might fare, how he has strong support from the boxing establishment, but also how he may be blowing the opportunity of a lifetime by not training properly and continuing to come into the ring carrying too much weight. In addition, we critique some of the historical analysis in the HBO documentary on the Ali-Frazier 3 "Thrilla in Manila" fight. It is free to listen to or download 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:

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/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

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.

Fair Deal for Atlantic City Dealers (http://fairdealforacdealers.org/), a campaign organized by an alliance of casino workers and unions in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to fight for justice in the gaming industry and achieve a fair deal for all casino workers.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/badge.gifSee you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

IBF junior welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi will face Chris Fernandez on April 25 on the under card Carl Froch vs. Jermain Taylor


IBF junior welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi will face Chris Fernandez on April 25 on the under card of the WBC super middleweight title bout between champion Carl Froch vs. Jermain Taylor at the Foxwood Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. The “Magic Man” (25-2 5KO’s) from Brooklyn, New York has been defeated twice, in June 2006 he lost a unanimous decision to Miguel Cotto and his most recent loss to Ricky Hatton last November.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

STAR BOXING AND RUSSO'S ON THE BAY: VIP BOXING ON APRIL 28TH

On April 28th Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will present an exciting night of boxing at the elegant Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, NY. The show will be the first installment of Star Boxing's new series, "VIP Boxing."

Headlining the show will be Queen's own heavyweight fan favorite Vinny Maddalone (31-5, 22KO). Maddalone, with his all-action style, has been exciting crowds since he first turned pro in 1999. Maddalone carries dynamite in both his hands and is always looking to exchange heavy blows in close quarters, which is sure to make for an extremely exciting main event.

The co-feature bout of the evening features former WBO/NABO lightweight champion, Jorge "The Truth" Teron (22-1-1, 15KO), of the Bronx, NY. Teron has lightning quick hands and devastating power. Nine of his last eleven wins have come by way of knockout and at six feet tall he certainly looks like he is going to be a true force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division in the years to come.

The show will kick off at 7PM sharp with an hour long cocktail reception. Immediately following the reception a four course elegant dinner will start being served, at which time the first bout will go on. There will be cocktail service throughout, with an open bar running for the remainder of the evenings fights.

"We are very excited about our new series, VIP Boxing," stated Star Boxing President and CEO Joe DeGuardia. "I truly feel Russo's On The Bay is one of the premier banquet halls in the entire nation and we couldn't be more excited about teaming up with them to put together this show. Vinny and Jorge are two very exciting fighters that you know are always going to put on an exciting show, so we are really looking forward to this event on the 28th."

Russos
"We are very pleased to have the opportunity of hosting Star Boxing's first installment of VIP Boxing at Russo's On The Bay. It's great to have one of the premier promoters in the industry, Star Boxing, staging this high-end event at Russo's on April 28th. We really feel it's going to be a fantastic night all around," stated Frank Russo III.

About Russo's On The Bay:
Opened in the fall of 1987 by Frank Russo Jr., Russo's On The Bay has always strived for excellence. As a recipient of the New York City's prestigious "Golden Apple Award" Russo's serves the finest quality of foods for all type affairs. Russo's also was awarded 2008 Best of Weddings by "the knot" Bride. With two kitchens and in-house bakery, you are guaranteed the freshest foods along with superb quality.

About Star Boxing:
Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 rights reserved

Former Champ , Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, Returns To The Fray In May‏

Former Champ, Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, Returns To The Fray In May

Hackney, London based Jamaican Cruiserweight, Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, (27
(18 KOs) wins - 9 (4 KOs) losses) , returns to the ring, on the 19th May
2009 at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, after a three year
sabbatical from the sport.

The former British, Commonwealth and WBU International Cruiserweight
Champion is in training, under the watchful eyes of eminent coach, John
Rooney Jnr. at Gleason’s Gym near Tower Bridge, in preparation for the
upcoming Cruiserweight knockout tournament which is part of the highly
acclaimed Prizefighter series.

After a grueling training session Scott spoke of his return and his future
Championship aspirations “I’ve been training hard for the Prizefighter
series. It’s an exciting format. Barry (Hearn) has made it a huge success.
It’s good for the fighters and the fans. I want to win it then go for the
British title again.”

Beaming at the thought Scott went on to say “Yeah, I want the British
title. Rob Martin (the current British champion) didn’t want to fight me
when I was champion so it would be great to get a match with him after I
win the Prizefighter. I’ll make this a great victory and have a lot more
coming. Maybe this could be the greatest comeback in British boxing
history. ”

Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott will be in action at the York Hall in Bethnal
Green, London on 19th May 2009 in the highly acclaimed Prizefighter
knockout tournament promoted by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sports
organisation and aired on Sky Sports.

PHOTO CREDIT Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro


As an amateur Scott had an impressive record of 57 fights, suffering only
four losses. ‘Lionheart’ won a silver medal in Caribbean competition and
became the Jamaican Light Heavyweight Champion. During this time Scott
represented Jamaica three times and was bestowed with the honour of being
named the captain of his national team.

At just 20 years old Scott, a product of the now defunct Dragon gym in
Montego Bay, left the balmy climes of his Caribbean home for the much
cooler temperatures of London, England in his quest to become a World
Champion.

Scott, who turned pro in 1991, gained his first professional championship,
the BBBofC Southern Area Cruiserweight Title, on the 21st April 1998 when
he stopped Dominic Nequs in the ninth round.

Five months later ‘Lionheart’ beat Darren Corbett to add the vacant BBBofC
British and the Commonwealth (British Empire) Cruiserweight belts to his
collection.

On 15th May 1999, Scott traveled to Sheffield to challenge WBO
Cruiserweight Champion, Johnny ‘The Entertainer’ Nelson, for his title.
After twelve hard fought rounds the judges unanimously that ‘The
Entertainer’ had retained his belt.

Just two months later, on the 17th July 1999, ‘Lionheart’ flew to
Dusseldorf, Germany to battle with the WBC champion, Juan Carlos ‘Black
Panther’ Gomez from Cuba. Just 15 seconds from the end of the sixth round
his dream again ended when the referee, Daniel Van de Wiele, stopped the
fight following a barrage of punches that had Bruce reeling.

Scott regained the BBBofC British cruiserweight title with a stunning
sixth round knockout of John Keaton at the Sheffield Arena on the 16th
December 2000. He then went on to secure the coveted Commonwealth (British
Empire) crown again after Garry Delaney quit at the end of the third round
at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on the 10th March 2001.

With both the British and Commonwealth titles firmly in his grip once
again Scott focused on securing another shot at a World title. His first
step in this quest was to secure the vacant WBU International title by
convincingly beating René Janvier at the Wembley Conference Centre on the
28th July 2001.

This magnificent victory earned Scott the right to face Welshman Enzo ‘Big
Mac’ Maccarinelli for the vacant WBU title at the Cardiff International
Arena, Cardiff, Wales, on the 28th June 2003. Things started well for
‘Lionheart’ as he sent ‘Big Mac’ to the canvas in the first round. The
Welshman got his revenge though by sending Scott to the deck three rounds
later with a barrage of punches. Scott’s World Championship dreams were
ended just 11 seconds from the end of the fourth round when veteran
referee Mickey Vann stepped in to stop the fight.

Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott retired in March 2006 after losing to Zimbabwean
Hastings Rasani in Newport, Gwent. Scott had only taken the fight to help
prepare for his upcoming challenge for the IBO Cruiserweight World Title
against Carl ‘The Cat’ Thompson.

The Prizefighter series is a knock out boxing tournament created by boxing
promoter Barry Hearn and aired on Sky Sports. The format has an initial 8
fighters compete in four quarter-finals with the chance of fighting their
way into a final fight for a chance to win a main prize of £25000. All
contests take place on the same evening and consist of 3 x 3 minute
rounds.

The Cruiserweight Prizefighter Tournament will be the seventh in the
series following on from the successes of:

Prizefighter 1: The Heavyweights, which took place at The York Hall in
April 2008 and was won by Martin Rogan.

Prizefighter 2: The Heavyweights 2, which was held at Telewest Arena in
Newcastle in September 2008 and was won by Norwich Heavyweight Sam Sexton.

Prizefighter 3: The Welterweights, took place at the York Hall in October
2008, amongst those taking part in this tournament were were former
European champion Ted Bami; English champions Nigel Wright and Ross
Minter; Former ABA champion Michael Lomax and Former IBO light
middleweight champion Steve Conway. At the end of the night it was the
former Amateur champ, Michael Lomax, that reigned supreme.

Prizefighter 4: The Middleweights, one month later in November 2008, again
at the York Hall in Bethnal Green and featured as part of the Sky Box
Office show featuring the Ricky Hatton fight with Paulie Malignaggi as the
main event, tournament favourite Martin Murray claimed the £25,000 prize.

Prizefighter 5: The Light Heavyweights, took place on the 20th February
2009 and former British champion Tony Oakley took the spoils of victory in
the final over Darren Stubbs.

Prizefighter 6: The Lightweights, took place at the Kelvin Hall in
Scotland on the 24th March 2009. Local boy Ryan Brawley emerged the winner
with victories over Ben Murphy, Paul Holborn and in the final Stephen
Burke.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 rights reserved

SecondsOut Radio: Can Chris Arreola Become Heavyweight Champion of the World?

SecondsOut Radio: Can Chris Arreola Become Heavyweight Champion of the
World?

On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman
discusses the fourth-round knockout victory by heavyweight Chris
Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs) over the veteran former title challenger,
Jameel McCline (39-10-3, 23 KOs), Saturday, April 11, in Las Vegas,
Nevada.

We examine Arreola's career, the potential for him to get a title shot
against WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, how he might fare, how he has
strong support from the boxing establishment, but also how he may be
blowing the opportunity of a lifetime by not training properly and
continuing to come into the ring carrying too much weight.

In addition, we critique some of the historical analysis in the HBO
documentary on the Ali-Frazier 3 "Thrilla in Manila" fight.

It is free to listen to or download SecondsOut Radio, but you must
register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,
and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 rights reserved

Lauzon recovery report‏; UFC lightweight prospect Joe Lauzon successfully rehabbing after ACL surgery

E. BRIDGEWATER, Mass.– More than five weeks after knee surgery, UFC lightweight prospect Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon (18-4, 5 KOs, 13 submissions is rehabilitating his leg, and recovery is ahead of schedule.

Lauzon had ACL surgery and his meniscus repaired on his right knee March 6. “Everything went as scheduled,” he reported. “My meniscus was repaired and the ACL cadaver grafting was successful. My doctor was very happy and optimistic that my knee will be strong. Right now, I’m walking around like a normal person; no training but I’m doing some light jogging, leg presses and squats. I’m going to lose muscle in the leg. Range of motion is the key right now. I can completely straighten my leg. I can bend it 135 degrees and 150 is normal.”

“J-Lau” goes for a follow-up exam next Thursday, which will change his rehabilitation process, but he can’t fight until the grafting is fully healed, which probably won’t be until the spring of 2010. The 24-year-old Lauzon is not about to rush his recovery, despite his competitive drive, and desire to be fighting again.

“All that was protecting my knee was muscle and now that’s gone,” he noted. “It‘s going to take time to build-up. I’ll probably be back on the mat in six months, but just doing light stuff, no live action. ACL surgery rehab is notorious for having people rush back too soon, resulting in more ACL surgery, and I’m not risking that.”

Lauzon, star of The Ultimate Fighter 5 television reality show, feels great and has been completely overwhelmed by the responses he’s received from his fans. “It’s been awesome,” Joe described all of the well wishers. “A bunch of people have emailed me and some have had ACL surgery, too. We correspond, week to week, and I’ve received a lot of good advice and pointers about a lot of things like different ways to ice my knee or stretch out. One kid had ACL surgery the same day as me and we compare notes all the time. I’m coming back better than ever.”

For more information about Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon, or to send him get well wishes, go online and visit www.joelauzon.com.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Intense body work for prospect Danny O’Connor

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.– Promising prospect Danny O’Connor recently spent 10 days working out at the famed Athletes’ Performance Institute in Tempe, Arizona.

Athletes’ Performance, where Boston Red Sox stars Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury trained during the off-season, is home base for numerous athletes in several sports. O’Connor arrived there right after a slew of college football players, including potential top pick Matthew Stafford (U. of Georgia quarterback), preparing for the NFL combine had departed, which afforded Danny extra time and special attention.

“One of my best friends went to school for sports medicine and he has a good job there (Athletes’ Performance),” Danny said. “He talked to the people who run the facility and I did 10 days of legitimate training there. I was very impressed. I got educated about my body, nutrition, recovery work, and not getting injured. It was like going to school to learn how to be an athlete. It was way better than going to the gym and punching the heavy bag. I had a little time off after my last fight. I could have taken a vacation, or taken a vacation in Arizona and training at Athletes’ Performance. I learned a lot of new stuff. I was like a sponge; taking in as much knowledge as possible to make me a better athlete.”

2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate O’Connor (5-0, 2 KOs) is coming off his first-round TKO of Charles Wade before 300 of his passionate fans 3 ½ weeks ago in Boston. “The place was jam-packed,” Danny noted. “They kept me until the last fight. I didn’t watch any of the other fights so I could concentrate on mine, but when I went out there everybody – family, friends and fans – were standing and it was so loud. I was really taken back to think they were all there to see me. It was a good feeling.”

The 23-year-old O’Connor, who defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, last May in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet, is gradually dropping down from light welterweight (140) to lightweight (135). His connections at Athletes’ Performance set him up with a strength and conditioning coach, Eric Cressey, in Hudson (MA).

“Eric is a well known strength coach who worked a lot with (former Red Sox star) Curt Schilling,” O’Connor added. “He has me doing a lot of ply-metrics, similar to workouts we did with the Olympic Team – interval and explosive training. I feel good about my fights. I’m getting stronger and better each fight. I’m not the type to ever get out of shape, but I’m on a mission to be world champion and everyday, I wake up thinking of what I can do to make that happen. Mornings, I work with Eric, and nights I’m at the gym in Providence training with my coach, David Keefe.

“I’m coming down in weight, little by little, to 135. The morning of my last fight I weighed 137+ but when I learned my opponent wasn’t coming in close to 140, I ate more and weighed in at 141. With proper nutrition, I want to be a strong 135, not weak making it. I’m on a great diet plan and when I’m comfortable at 135, I’m going to be a monster.”

Danny’s head trainer and co-manager, David Keefe, believes the move to make his prize pupil a lightweight is a major step in the right direction. “Our goal is to drop weight gradually until he hits 135 in about six months,” Keefe explained. “Eventually, Danny will be the champion of the world in the division that suits him best - lightweight. He’s going to be a big lightweight. I’ve always told Danny that he had the weight to lose. Hooking-up with Eric Cressey will help him drop weight and make him stronger at the same time, something Rob Valle (O’Connor’s other co-manager) and I are excited about.”

O’Connor, promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing, is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined April 25 on Showtime’s Carl Froch-Jermain Taylor card at MGM Grand Foxwoods. “That’s another big card where I can showcase my talents to a lot of different people,” Danny concluded. “It’s a great fight card and Foxwoods is close to home, so I know a lot of my fans will be there (Ledyard, Connecticut).”

For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 rights reserved

FIGHTIN’ WORDS FROM THE 4/24 MAIN EVENT BOXING SERIES UNDERCARD

“I don't care who I fight. I just want to fight and fight top men and regain my world championship. I want to prove to everyone that I'm still as good as I was when I won the junior middleweight belt in 2004.” -Kassim Ouma

“Me and trainer Billy Briscoe talked about this fight for weeks before we signed the papers. Billy and I feel I have all the tools to win the right and I'm dedicating myself one hundred percent to winning.” - Gabriel Rosado


"We know each other very well from our amateur days. Our aggressive styles should make for a brutal fight. In addition, this bout will have a significant effect on both of our pro careers." -Jimmy Lubash

“I plan to crush Lubash !!!!!” -Przemyslaw (Patrick) Majewski


On YouTube: “He’s (Cintron) not on my level, he’s nowhere in the same league as me. This fight, I guarantee in 3 rounds it’ll be over. He’ll have to crawl before he can walk. I think they made a big mistake by choosing to take this fight. On his resume he’s never fought an undefeated fighter that was hungry.”- Henry Lundy

“I thought about what Lundy said on YouTube about me. A lot was untrue. As an amateur fighter I wasn't serious about boxing. I had a full ride to play football in college and that’s what I was concentrating on, not boxing. I don't even know the guy. All I know is that he has a good record, fought okay guys. With his strong feelings towards the sport of boxing and my new found passion for boxing neither of us are going to let up in the ring. This is going to be a great fight for the people to watch.” – Jason Cintron

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Saturday, April 11, 2009

MIGUEL COTTO vs. JOSHUA CLOTTEY WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP



World Boxing Organization welterweight champion MIGUEL COTTO, from Puerto Rico, and International Boxing Federation welterweight champion JOSHUA CLOTTEY, from Ghana, will hold a news conference to announce their world championship rumble. Cotto vs. Clottey takes place Saturday, June 13, at Madison Square Garden and will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:35 P.M. ET / 7:35 P.M. PT.



Top Rank presents the Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey rumble for the World Welterweight Championship on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. It’s a winner-take-all brawl, headlining an exciting card at the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden!



See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

"Extreme Breakdown" Results‏; Schmidt & Tribolet capture SNMMA Titles

SAN CARLOS, Arizona- Former Arizona high school wrestler Jamie “The Headhunter” Schmidt (8-2-0) captured the first SNMMA featherweight title, submitting Yaotzin Meza (11-5-0) in the opening round, last night in the main event at Apache Gold Casino in San Carlos, Arizona.

Schmidt, now fighting out of Denver and representing N.E.S.T., went right to the ground and locked Meza, another former Arizona high school wrestler, into a bone-crunching arm bar that resulted in a tap-out at 1:59 of the first round.

Despite an 84–pound weight disadvantage, late replacement Beau Tribolet (2-1-0) won the first SNMMA super heavyweight (266-pounds+) title in the co-feature, using a rear naked choke to submit the 335-pound New Zealand-native Brice Ritani-Coe (2-1-0) at 4:02 of the opening round.

In a classic match-up between a striker, former 2-time world boxing champion Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (3-0-0), and karate kicker, Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (7-3-0), Reid’s heavy hands prevailed in an exciting special female 112-pound catch-weight attraction fight.
Reid remained unbeaten in MMA action by second-round technical knockout, after dropping the game Waterson for the sixth time via clean strikes, immediately followed by several well-placed punches on her fallen opponent.

MAIN EVENT

Jamie Schmidt (8-2-0), Denver, CO WSUB1 (1:59 – Arm Bar) Yaotzin Meza (11-5-0), Phoenix, AZ

( Schmidt wins SNMMA Featherweight Title)

CO-FEATURE

Beau Tribolet (2-1-0), Tucson, AZ WSUB1 (4:02 – Rear Naked Choke) Bruce Ritani-Coe (2-1-0), Las Vegas, NV

(Tribolet wins SNMMA Super Heavyweight Title)

SPECIAL FEMALE 112-POUND CATCH-WEIGHT ATTRACTION

Elena Reid (3-0-0), Phoenix, AZ WTKO2 (1:50 – Punches) Michelle Waterson (7-3-0), Albuquerque, NM

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Chris Tuchscherer (17-1-0), Fargo, ND WTKO1 (1:50 – Punches) Jamie Klair (7-1-0), Red Wing, MN

Jason Karpel (3-0), Phoenix, AZ WSUB1 (1:30 – Rear Naked Choke) Seth Harrison (2-1-0), Fort Yates, ND

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Jesse Forbes (9-3-0), Phoenix, AZ WTKO1 (1:34 – Punches) Shane De Zee (7-4-0), Minneapolis, MN.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Ray Steinbeiss (12-5-0), Phoenix, AZ WTKO1 (2:19 – Reverse Triangle) Chris Hugh (6-3-0), Bismarck, ND

Jeremy Larsen (4-1-0), Phoenix, AZ WTKO1 (4:44 – Punches) Jeff Horlatcher (6-17-0), Globe, AZ

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Chris Gruetzemacher (1-2-0), Phoenix, AZ WDEC3 (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Josh Gaskins (7-3-0), Phoenix, AZ

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Jesse Moreng (9-1-0), Phoenix, AZ WTKO2 (0.20 – Strikes) Brandon Miller (3-4-0), Fresno, CA

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Friday, April 10, 2009

THRILLA IN MANILA!a new documentary chronicling the greatest rivalry in boxing history


On September 30, 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier faced off in the boxing ring for the third and final time. What unfolded in the oppressive heat of the Philippines remains one of the most incredible fights in history--with an ending so dramatic it defies belief and continues to provoke controversy. HBO revisits that epic fight in this documentary that pulls back the veil on a story of betrayal, resentment and revenge stoked by the racial politics of 1970s America. Analysis of the fight is punctuated by interviews with several figures, most noteworthy Frazier himself, who comments poignantly before watching a replay of this classic bout. Other interviews include Marvis Frazier, Tommy Frazier, Butch Lewis, Dave Wolf, Larry Holmes, Joe Hand, Abdul Rahaman, Denise Menz, and more.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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

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

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

Ranked WBO #1, WBC #2, IBF #4, WBA #7, The Ring #10 at 147 pounds, NABO welterweight champion


At the age of 25, Paul is a six-year pro. A tall and lanky naturally lefthanded prospect at 147 pounds, he has stepped up in class of opposition somewhat in recent fights and given impressive performances. He is coming off a win in his last fight against previously undefeated but unproven prospect Walter Matthysse.

Paul took his first significant step up in class of opposition in April, 2005, and won a near shutout 10-round decision against 1996 Olympic bronze medalist Terrance Cauthen. Cauthen's rush-and-grab strategy, however, made it a very sloppy fight.

Sharmba Mitchell, even at almost 36 years of age, will be Paul's most significant step up yet, the biggest "name" and most accomplished opponent, by far, that he has fought. A win in this fight would establish Paul as a legitimate contender.

Paul had very little amateur experience and was developed slowly against limited opposition over his first four years as a pro. His ring education has also included working in gyms and training camps with a number of world champions and contenders.

Manager-trainer George Peterson said, "I have my own gym by the name of Final Round, right in Aiken, South Carolina, [note: population 25,337] right outside of Augusta, Georgia. It's very hard to get sparring there, so I wanted Paul to get different looks.

"We're up in the Poconos. We've been up here now about three weeks. [note: interview on July 26] We've been up here before. Paul's working with Sechew Powell. Another one of our fighters he's working with is Terry Cade, I just turned him pro a few months ago.

"Matter of fact, we spent our first three weeks in D.C., then we came here for three weeks, and then we're going to go back and train in D.C. for another week. We weren't too particular about training in D.C. because Sharmba is from that area, and a lot of times we'd cross each others' paths. We didn't want to be there this time.

"I'm from D.C. I worked on three police departments there for over 20 years. I did some amateur coaching. The police department would detail a police officer to the Police Boys Club. After I was detailed to the Police Boys Club for about three and a half years, I worked the boxing room there. And working the boxing room there, several guys, after their little amateur careers, wanted to turn pro and they didn't want nobody else to work with them but me. That's basically how I got into boxing. I boxed as an amateur myself.

"You get your best training and quality sparring in D.C. We always wind up going there. Paul's been in the ring with 10 world champions. He worked with Joppy, Travis Simms, he worked with O'Neil Bell, he worked with Robert Allen, he worked with Collazo, he worked with Lou Del Valle, Glen Johnson. He worked with, shooks, how many do you have there? I'm going to name them all, it's been 10 of them. He even worked with Tony Thompson, that's a heavyweight, and Teddy Reid.

"But he never sparred with Sharmba Mitchell. We knew that he was going to be one of our adversaries. We knew that we would eventually have to fight him, we knew that from the jump.

"Paul isn't going to have any trouble with nobody that step on that scale at 147. We want to put emphasis to the highest degree on that point. We have absolutely no reservations about that. In addition to that, Sharmba is not big enough for this young man. He's coming in there five-seven, five-eight, Paul's standing six-two. He can stand across the street and hit you. Paul comes in, he apply a lot of pressure. The last fight, we knew that you couldn't let this guy rest, you had to break him down. You had to make him spend what energy he had, and then get him on out of there. That was the game plan.

"Sharmba's a runner, he's going to run a lot. But he can only run for so long and after while, he's got to decide that he's got to put some points on the scorecard. He's got to come in and when he come in, he's coming into danger. It's hot up in there. It's real hot, you know what I'm saying? That's going to be the key to that."

Paul said, "I done been in the ring with so many champions, what Mr. Peterson was trying to do with me, he took me around to different training camps and stuff. He started that from day one, when I first started boxing. He was like, 'I'm going to take you every gym I can possibly take you to, and let you spar with every champion there is that you can spar with, to get a different look. You going to need this when you get in the ring with different guys.' We done been in the ring with nine or 10 champions, and I handled my own with every last one of them. And they gave me props while I was doing it. They was like, 'You hit us with nice shots, and we hit you with nice shots. I give you your props.'

"Sparring with all them different champions has just made me much better. Say I get in there with some of these guys like amateurs and stuff, I be getting hit more, 'cause I'll play down to they level. When I get in the ring with somebody that got they skill level up, my skill level jump up much higher. They all tell me little certain stuff to do and all that, and how to control my breathing, and I just take it and put my own little twist on it.

"Not to be bragging or nothing, but they're like, 'He handling his own in the ring, he don't get hit.' I'm more on point, and I'm focused a lot. Throw my jab, a sharp, crisp jab, and power shots with them.

"These guys are champions. They'll make you be on point, 'cause if you make a mistake, they going to make you pay for that mistake. So I know if I get in there and fight for a title, I know I can handle my own in there. It don't matter who they bring in the ring with me."

Paul showed in his some of his early fights that he can box, move, and be elusive - that he can be successful in the "Just win today, you can look good tomorrow" style. But he's shown another side of himself in recent fights. Having matured physically - he made his debut a week before his 19th birthday, and just turned 25 about three weeks ago - and with six years of experience in the ring and various training camps, Paul's confidence has grown and his style has become much more aggressive. Even his interviews are now more assertive. The shy kid from a small southern town of a couple of years ago - "As long as I listen to my corner, I come out with the 'W' " - is now ready to punish the best in the world.

He said, "I've changed, because now I throw a lot of punches and stuff, and I got a lot more energy. That's the way I train, I work hard. I guess the big thing I got now that's going on with me is I can throw a lot of punches and be in great shape doing it, and I can take some punches. I don't like to take punches, I guess I take a lot of punches because I be throwing a lot of punches. My offense is my defense, my hands be out a lot.

"I go in there to punish him. I feel like when you get in a fight, you come to fight. Boxing is a fight. When a guy is hitting me and stuff, they going to have to bring it. I'm going to hit them back four or five times, and I want to get the best shots. In that last fight, I felt the punches, but it wasn't to the point where I was going to fall or go to sleep. It was like, 'OK, he got some good shots in, now I got to get my good shots back in.'

"Me and Sharmba, I tell you like this. I'm not being big-headed saying I'm all that, but I'm going to win, and I'm going to knock him out. I know he going to be on the run and try to do all that little slick movement, but that's OK. I'm just going to keep pressing him, keep pressing him, throw a lot of punches and make him spend his little energy, and if he close, I'm going to rough him up in there. I'm going to put my weight on him, I'm going to make him fight. He going to have to fight.

"To me, fighting a lefthander is just like fighting a righthanded person. I do them all the same, I keep that pressure on them and keep that punching going. It doesn't matter if they lefthanded or righthanded, they could be both-handed. I love to fight, that's why I'm in this business. I like it. The main thing is to hit them hard enough and give them enough pain to make them quit. "I'm not looking past Sharmba Mitchell, but after I get past Sharmba Mitchell, I'm definitely looking forward to Margarito. And if Margarito keeps on ducking me, I wouldn't mind taking Baldomir or any of them guys guys that got them belts at 147. 'Cause they know I'm the truth, and I'm going to bring it to them. I'm ready to go. "The fans, they deserve a real good fight. They don't want to see no guy up there take four rounds to throw a punch. I'd turn the TV off. I want to see some action and stuff. That's what I like to give them.

"When them guys at HBO say they want to see Zab fight this guy, they want to see Margarito fight that guy, tell them to throw The Punisher's name up in there. I want them to call my name out there right along with them."

Regarding his nickname, he said, "When we were just starting out, we went down to Atlanta and sparred down there. And we was coming back and my manager had stopped at a waffle house, and he said I had to find a name. We were just going over all kind of stuff, and I said, "The Punisher.' It just sounded good."

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

MMA is Back!‏


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

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

©®™2007, 2008 all rights reserved

Haughian on scouting mission in London

Newly crowned Irish Welterweight champ Stephen Haughian takes to the ring at the York Hall in London this weekend on the undercard to the Commonwealth title clash between Craig Watson and John O’Donnell.

The Lurgan man takes on Drew Cambell on the Hennessy Sports promotion which is being televised on ITV4 from 7:45. Should he come through his own fight unscathed Haughian will be a very interested spectator for the main event as he looks to press his claims for a shot at the winner.

Haughian claimed the Irish title in February with an impressive third round stoppage win over defending champ Billy Walsh and his trainer John Breen believes he’s ready for the winner of tomorrow nights fight.

“Stephen’s improving and maturing with every fight and I think he’s proved in his last couple of fights that he’s ready for a shot at the Commonwealth title,” said Breen.

Prior to defeating Walsh Haughian had avenged the only defeat of his 18 fight pro career when he comprehensively outpointed Giammario Grassellini to banish the memory of his controversial split decision points loss to the Italian for his IBF Inter Continental title in December of 2007.

Breen is tipping the Galway born O’Donnell to take the title from Watson in tomorrow night’s main event and set up an all Irish showdown with Haughian later in the year.

“John and Stephen have fought on the same card over here on three occasions, in Dublin, Limerick and Castlebar so they have both seen plenty of each other. O’Donnell’s a good boxer with fast hands and good movement but I believe Stephen would have too much for him.”

Get the latest news and video on our website: brianpeterspromotions.com

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

New York NORML benefit -tickets on sale‏

Windows Live Hotmail

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

PACQUAIO-HATTON 24/7;Step into their lives before they step into the ring.


Don't miss the debut of HBO Sports' four-part behind-the-scenes series PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7, debuting Saturday at 9:30 pm.

See you at the Fights.
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Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

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

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

Ronald Wright


On July 30, 1992, Ronald Wright, an undefeated junior middleweight out of St. Petersburg, Florida, knocked out one Carlos Santana in the second round of a scheduled eight-rounder at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in nearby Tampa. For that, his 16th victory, he earned $800, which was $200 short of his largest purse. The ring announcer called him Winky Wright.

Five months and three days later, after several months of negotiations with the Don Kings of France, the Acaries brothers, Michel and Louis, Wright knocked out one Darryl Lattimore in one round in Differdange, Luxembourg. Little changed. Wright was still undefeated and underpaid. Sure, the language was different. The pay was in francs, but they still only added up to a couple of thousand dollars. And the ring announcer called him Roland, a first name that would stick for the all-world junior middleweight champion's International Period, a 5 1/2-year span of 20 fights in seven countries and three continents.

The bridge from Tampa to Europe for Wright was erected by Dan Birmingham, who, except for a street fight with another teenager in Youngstown, Ohio, might never have wound up in St. Pete teaching young men how to throw and block a hook.

"All I will say about that fight," said Birmingham, "is that I did not win it. I decided if I was going to fight, I had better learn how."

After moving to Florida in 1977 to operate a construction business, Birmingham opened his now famous gym in St. Petersburg, a higher institution of milling that, besides Wright, has produced Jeff Lacy, the undefeated IBF super middleweight champion. Wright walked into Birmingham's gym when he was 16; he's never left.

Birmingham's method of training is simple: it's hands on, no-frills, discipline and execution. "I'm not some rah-rah guy looking for the spotlight. When they walk in the door for the first time I tell them what I will do and what I expect, and that is what they get. No sugar coating, no empty promises."

After Wright had knocked out Santana for his 16th victory, Birmingham knew he had an undefeated slick 5-10 l/2-foot tall southpaw that was flying under every major promoter's radar screen. He called Don King. He called Bob Arum. He called Lou Duva. He called every major player he could think of. He called all of them twice, some of them three and four times. Nobody called him back. Then he got lucky.

He called Art Mayorga, who had trained him as an amateur back in Ohio. Mayorga said he knew some people in France and would he and Wink consider talking with them. A few weeks later, Wright and Birmingham were on a plane to France to meet with the Arcaries brothers. A deal was struck; for his European debut, Wright would exchange the warm climate of Florida for the cold wintery season of Luxembourg.

The first trip was a bitterly frigid nightmare. Birmingham and Wright flew to France, then rode a hard-benched train for six hours to Luxembourg. From there, it was another hour by car through the mountains in a snow storm to reach their lodgings in Differdange. Their rooms were inexpensive and Spartan. That's where they spent Christmas and New Year's Eve. A few days before the Lattimore fight, Wright came down with the flu.

The late Arye Fain, who had signed on as Wright's agent, suggested a remembered remedy of honey and onions.

"You take a whole cup of honey and a whole onion and you leave the onion in the honey for a whole day," said Birmingham. "An hour before the fight you remove the onion and drink all of the honey. I'll tell you, it really works. It only lasts for an hour or an hour and a half, but while it is working, it dries up and makes you feel great."

Wright dropped Lattimore three times, stopped him in the first round. It was better than onions and honey.

Still fighting six- and eight-rounders, Wright went on a tear, ripping off eight straight victories in places like Levallois, France; Philipshalle, Dusseldorf, Germany; and a sporting club in Monte Carlo; with a brief stop (KO 1) in Punta Gorda, Florida. He was undefeated in 25 fights; his highest purse had been $5,000. There still were no calls from King, Arum or Duva.

Looking back, Wright has to laugh. "I was fighting in places I had never heard of; that I could not even pronounce."

Then the Acaries brothers offered him $50,000 to fight WBA super welterweight champion Julio Cesar Vasquez on Aug. 21, 1994, in another place Wright could not pronounce, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France. The undefeated Wright had yet to fight a main event, had not gone more than eight rounds, and that far only twice. He had never even been in a scheduled 10-rounder. Vasquez was 50-1 and had fought just five less championship rounds (74) than Wright had fought in his whole career.

"Where do we sign?" asked Wright.

"In France they do not have screens for the windows," said Birmingham. "It was hot and the mosquitoes feasted on Winky. The food was bad; the training facility was terrible. I kept wondering what else could go wrong."

Vasquez knocked Winky down in the second, seventh, ninth and twice in the last round, or so claimed Enzo Montero, one of the WBA's more-favored referees.

"The first three were slips," said Birmingham. "Winky was wearing new shoes and he was slipping all over the place."

"The first knockdown in the last round was legitimate," said Wright. "He caught me good. The last knockdown was a push; I was so tired my daughter could have pushed me down."

Despite the controversial knockdowns, Vasquez won by just three points on one card (Marcial Vargas 113-110), by four on one (Ove Ovesen 114-110) and by five on the third (Marcos A Torres 115-110).

Undaunted, Wright went back into some of boxing's more unheralded trenches: Tucuman, Argentina; Beziers, France; thrice to Levallois, France; St. Jean de Luz, France; Le Cannet, France. with brief appearances in the States in Inglewood and Norfolk. All were victories, raising his record to 34-1.

His 35th fight, against Andrew Council in Norfolk in March of 1996, was on the USA Network's "Tuesday Night Fights" series. Six months earlier, Council had gained prominence with a decisive victory over former WBC welterweight champion Buddy McGirt. That was McGirt, this was Wright; Council (25-3-3) had no chance; Wright barely broke a sweat as he swept all three cards 118-109, 116-111, 116-112 in his second defense of the NABF super welterweight title. (His first two North American Boxing Federation championship happened in France. He took the title from Tony Marshall in February of 1995 in Beziers, and defended it against Anthony Ivory three months later in Levallois, a mere three metro stops from Paris.)

The door that Wright had been banging on for so long opened slightly for him after the Council fight. April of 1996 found him in Monroe, Michigan, the hometown of newly crowned WBO junior middleweight champion Bronco McKart, where he picked up $50,000 and McKart's title with a split decision in an ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast.

"Well, at least I could pronounce Monroe," Wright joked.

King, Arum and Duva failed to return calls. The Acaries brothers switched Wright's base of operations to England, where he earned a small but welcome fortune defending his WBO title against a trio of Brits -- Ensley Bingham (Manchester,W12), Steve Foster (Manchester,TKO6) and Adrian Dodson (London.TKO6). For the three fights, he made approximately $300,000, which was about what most American champions were taking down as expense money.

With his contract with the Acaries running out, Wright agreed to defend his title against South African Harry Simon for $300,000 at the Carousel Casino in Hammanskraal, South Africa in August of 1998.

"Do they have mosquitoes in South Africa?" Wright asked Birmingham.

"They have screens," responded the trainer.

"How do you pronounce this place?" asked Wright.

"South Africa," said the trainer.

They both laughed.

South Africa to the WBO is what the government calls a Favored Nation. It is a natural phenomenon of the place, like the Kapama Private Game Preserve and the Vrdefort Dome, that controversial decisions never go to the guy with a passport in his back pocket. Now when Wright fought him, Simon, a Nambian by birth, was 16 and 0, if you want to count the victories over such folks as Kasi Kaihau and Petros Twala and Thabiso Diamini and Tandi Boyane. Wright was only Simon's second 10-round (plus) bout. In his first, he knocked out someone named Kasi Kaihau in Sheffield, England.

No matter. When it was over, and Wright had played professor to Simon's unwilling student, the three WBO judges decided that it was a majority draw, which meant that Wright had retained his title. A few minutes later, while Wright was sitting in his dressing room unwrapping his hands, an official came in to tell him that there had been an error in the scoring, he had lost by a majority decision.

Boom!

Then they released the new scoring: Aubrey Erasmus 117-113 for Simon. Julie Lederman 115-113 for Simon. Manuel Oliver Palomo 114-114. No one explained how there had to be at least a three-point swing in one of the judge's scoring to change the decision.

There is an old South African proverb: "The three-toed blue-horned frog watches cautiously from the lily pad."

His contract with the Acaries expired, Wright returned home, to St. Petersburg, where he lives with his high school sweetheart, Tammye Ryan, and their two children, Raven, 12, and Roemello, 9. When not training, he plays golf (shoots in the 90s, but has dipped into the high 80s), bowls (a 180 average) and plays basketball in all the charity tournaments in Florida.

"We were not unhappy with the Acaries," Birmingham said. "Far from it. They did everything they said they would do and more. Winky was just tired of all the travel. They understood and wished us well. In fact, I speak with them even today."

Once resettled, Wright began Phase Three of his career, "Winky Does the United States."

He opened by knocking out Derrick Graham in three in Miami in March of 1999. In December of that year, he stepped out of character and went toe-to-toe with ferocious Fernando Vargas, the undefeated IBF jr. middleweight champion, only to be saddled with another controversial loss by majority decision. One judge scored it a draw, the other two leaned to Vargas, though the media and fans at ringside thought Winky had won.

Undaunted -- "People keep waiting for me go away; it ain't gonna happen" --Wright scored his second decision over McKart for the NABF and USBA titles. Three months later, he successfully defended his USBA title, this time against former world champion Keith Mullings.

When Felix Trinidad moved up to middleweight, he left an opening at the top of the IBF junior middleweight division. Wright, the mandatory challenger, stepped in and filled the void in October of 2001 by scoring a unanimous decision over highly regarded Robert Frazier. The judges said it was no contest: Pat Russell scored it 119-108; judge Jose Cobian scored it 119-108; judge Lou Moret thought Wright pitched a shutout 120-107.

In his first defense, Wright stopped Jason Papillion in the 5th round; that out of the way, he then turned to his old friend and mandatory challenger, Bronco McKart, for a second rematch, this one for the championship.

They fought on Sept 7, 2002 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. On his way to his third loss to Wright, McKart's frustration boiled over. After referee Michael Fischer had penalized him five points for low blows, he was disqualified in the 8th round.

"One more low blow and I would have auditioned for 'The Sopranos,' " cracked Wright at the post-fight press conference.

After all the years of fighting in places like Lincoln City, Nebraska and Beziers, France, the lights of Las Vegas finally blinked welcome to Winky Wright. In his Vegas debut, he was a little tight in scoring a decision over Juan Carlos Candelo. That was in March of 2003.

When he signed to fight Angel Hernandez in Vegas eight months later, he promised a better performance. "This time I will be a little bit more adapted and give the fans more of what they like," Wright said at the signing. "The first time it was awkward."

Hernandez was a blowout: judge Valerie Dorsett 119-109; judge Adalaide Byrd 118-110; judge Chuck Giampa 117-111.

Then to Wright's astonishment and delight, up stepped Sugar Shane Mosley, whose management problems kept him out in the cold much of his early career. Mosley owned two victories over Oscar De La Hoya, but was having trouble nailing down a big money fight. With a $10 million dollar fight with Trinidad in the wings, Mosley offered a junior middleweight unification fight to Wright.

He did not want another fight with De La Hoya. He also liked that Wright agreed to take only $750,000 out of the purse. That left $2.1 million for Mosley.

Using a jab honed in far away places, Wright stayed on top of the bemused champion all night, never allowing him to use his speed. Mosley rallied in a furious final three-minute burst, but it was too little, too late against a guy who had found the brass ring and was not going to let go. Wright won 117-111 on two cards, 116-112 on the third, becoming the division's first undisputed champion in 29 years, and the first man to ever hold all three major belts simultaneously.

"I've chased the big guys my whole career. Shane is the only one who would step up. We will do this again," Wright said. "Just show me the money."

They showed him $1.6 million and he said "yes." They did it again on November 11, 2004. It was a better fight, with Mosley spurred by the memory of that first loss. As in many of the really good fights, the last round-one that truly ebbed and flowed---decided it. One judge called it a draw, two others scored it for Wright, 115-113.

Later that night, an exhausted Wright said: "If it wasn't for Shane, I'd still be fighting on ESPN, probably in West Virginia somewhere."

Not one to rest on his laurels, Winky moved up to middleweight and challenged WBC/WBA No.1 middleweight contender Felix Trinidad, a world champion in three different weight divisions, May 14, 2005. The pay-per-view fight, which was purchased by 500,000 viewers -- the biggest boxing PPV in 2005 -- proved to be Winky's best yet. Most ringside media, and one judge, had Winky winning all 12 rounds, while the two remaining judges gave Winky 11 of the 12 -- perhaps the most dominating performance by a fighter ever. Winky, already the WBC and WBA No. 1 middleweight contender, followed that victory with a thrilling 12-round unanimous decision over Sam Soliman, the IBF’s top-rated middleweight contender, December 10, 2005, further solidifying his mandatory challenger status to the middleweight title as the undisputed No. 1 contender.
See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

WRIGHT VS. WILLIAMS


Battle-tested veteran Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-4-1, 25 KOs), the most-avoided fighter of the last decade, is a former junior middleweight champion who has scored back-to-back wins against Shane Mosley, as well as defeating Felix Trinidad. A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., he is one of boxing's elite defensive specialists, with a precise jab that picks apart opponents. Although he suffered a decision loss to future Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins in 2007, the 37-year-old Wright will make younger fighters earn their spot among boxing's best.

Two time welterweight champ Paul Williams (36-1, 27 KOs) of Augusta, Ga. is one of the most-feared fighters in boxing. Now on the cusp of stardom, the 27-year-old's height, agility and raw power have made foes think twice about even entering the ring with him. Williams has defeated Antonio Margarito, among others, and now looks to raise his profile in this 12-round contest.

The opening bout features ambitious, hard-charging young Cristobal Arreola (26-0, 23 KOs) and dangerous vet Jameel McCline (39-9-3, 23 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight clash. Arreola, of Riverside, Cal., can deliver thunderous blows and is riding a string of 13 consecutive fights in which he has sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Next, he looks to prove himself the most serious threat to titleholders in the division.

Jameel McCline, from West Palm Beach, Fla., has fought the best the division has to offer, amassing 51 professional bouts against the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Chris Byrd and Samuel Peter. An imposing 6'5" and 270 pounds, McCline's experience, ring generalship and hard hitting should provide a formidable challenge for Arreola.


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©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

Dunne named World Boxing Association’s Boxer of the Month

Newly crowned WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Bernard Dunne has been named the boxer of the month for March by the World Boxing Association. The Dubliner was awarded the accolade after his sensational title winning performance against Ricardo Cordoba at The O2 in Dublin last month.

Their six knockdown back and forth battle is already being put forward as a candidate for fight of the year on both sides of the Atlantic with Dunne who was a heavy betting underdog, emerging victorious with an eleventh round stoppage of the defending champion.

The news of the award came at the end of week that saw the new World Champion invited to Aras an Uachtaráin to meet with Irish President Mary McAleese at her official residence.

The President had extended the invitation to Dunne in a phone call to congratulate him on the night of the fight. President McAleese extended her congratulations to Bernard saying, “Bernard Dunne showed courage, skill and determination in winning like a true champion. This is a wonderful night for him and his family – one in which all of us can share.”

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See you at the Fights.
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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 Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved