Q & A With UBO Title-Challenger Anthony Dirrell; Dante Craig Steps In To Face Dirrell

In the following Q & A, Dirrell speaks, among other things, about his upcoming fight, new promotional company Team Dirrell Promotions and about beating cancer. And would he ever consider the possibility of one day fighting his brother, Super Six participant Andre?

On July 2nd at Atwood Stadium in Flint, Michigan, local boxing star Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (21-0, 18 KOs) will take on Dante Craig for the vacant Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Inter-Continental Super Middleweight title.

Dante Craig
Anthony Dirrell has a new opponent for Saturdays Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Inter-Continental Super Middleweight title fight at the Atwood Stadium in Flint, Michigan. Original foe Michi Munoz won’t be able to fight after being arrested, and in steps 2000 Olympian Dante “Inferno” Craig (18-9-1, 13 KOs).

32-year-old Craig turned professional in 2001, beating undefeated Darren Fallen at “The Mecca of Boxing”, Madison Square Garden in New York.

But already in his third professional fight he came up short when another undefeated opponent, Sherwin Davis, stopped him in the third round.

Since being derailed by Davis, Craig has operated with mixed results. His best victory came in 2006 when he stopped former WBA World Champion Carl Daniels, but that triumph was followed by s string of defeats to the likes of Olympic Bronze medalist Terrence Cauthen and undefeated prospects Michael Walker and Aaron Pryor Jr.

The UBO Inter-Continental title fight against Anthony Dirrell is a massive opportunity for Dante Craig to fulfill some of the promise he showed as an amateur and in parts of his professional career.

Taking the fight on short notice certainly proves he is a game and true professional fighter

In the following Q & A, Dirrell speaks, among other things, about his upcoming fight, new promotional company Team Dirrell Promotions and about beating cancer. And would he ever consider the possibility of one day fighting his brother, Super Six participant Andre?

Anthony, It is well known that your brother Andre won an Olympic Bronze medal, but you were also a very good amateur yourself. Please tell me a bit about your own amateur career, and how it came about that you turned professional in 2005?

I had a good amateur career and my record was 170-23. I have won many amateur titles, and also, I was injured but still competed in the 2004 Olympic trials and got 3rd place. Turning pro for me was a big transition, I enjoyed the move to the pros but early on I was cautious about fighting without headgear.

You are fighting Dante Craig for the UBO Inter-Continental Super Middleweight title on July 2nd. He has fought some big names, is a former NABC champion and has been in several title fights while this will be your first championship fight. Do you feel a lot of pressure ahead of this fight, and how do you expect to handle the challenge that is Michi Munoz?

I don't feel any pressure fighting Dante Craig. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to step up and fight an opponent with a lot of experience. I expect to handle fighting Craig well, and I'm working hard in the gym for this fight.

Tell me about Dirrell Promotions?

Other fighters like Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones, Oscar De La Hoya & Floyd Mayweather Jr. have started their own promotional companies. Team Dirrell felt it was a good opportunity for us as well. We want to give back to our hometown Flint, Michigan. We want the fans and our city to get behind us and our new boxing promotion company.

Anthony "The Dog" Dirrell
The Craig fight will be your biggest fight so far inside the ring, a title fight in your hometown, but I take it your biggest fight outside the ring was when you were diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2007. Thankfully you beat the disease, but how did it change your life, and did you ever fear that it would end you boxing career?

Cancer was definitely the biggest challenge in my life. With the support of my fans, friends and family I was able to beat cancer and get back in the boxing ring.

The disease did cause for you to be out of the ring for almost two years, but you have won nine straight fights since coming back in late 2008. Do you feel as if your boxing career has a greater purpose now, than just becoming a champion and getting big fights?

Boxing is what I love to do, I'm happy to be fighting for my first pro boxing title and I work hard to provide for my family. Having cancer has definitely made me look different at my life.

The Klitschko brothers have stated many times that they would never fight each other. You and Andre box in the same weight class, but would the two of you ever fight each other if the circumstances were right? Perhaps if both of you become world champions and it’s the biggest and most lucrative fight out there for you?

We spar together, but under no circumstances would my brother Andre and I ever fight each other in a real fight.

Please describe how a typical day for you looks when you are preparing for a fight?

A typical day for me when I'm training for a fight is getting up at 6am for breakfast, 8am going for my daily run, then go home to relax, 1pm going to the gym and train. I usually spar 3 times a week, I also make sure I eat healthy and maintain my weight as I prepare for a fight.

What kind of show can the fans expect from you and Dirrell Promotions on July 2nd at Atwood Stadium?

The fans can expect a good boxing show, and we also have a fireworks show for the fans. This is a big event for Team Dirrell Promotions and our city. Flint has gone thru a lot of changes with factories closing and a lack of jobs. Team Dirrell Promotions wants to lift up our city and inspire our community.

Anything you would like to say in closing?

I want the fans to know that Anthony Dirrell is on the rise in the sport of boxing. I'm looking for a world title fight in the near future. I want to thank my fans for their support. I want all my fans to come out and support Team Dirrell Promotions and my fight against Dante Craig on July 2 at Atwell Stadium.



UBO Inter-Continental super middleweight title weigh in

Anthony Dirrell 166.2 lbs vs Dante Craig 167.7 lbs
Venue: Atwood Stadium, Flint Michigan
Promoter: Team Dirrell Promotions

Video courtesy of Eric Woodyard Flint Journal

http://video-embed.mlive.com/services/player/bcpid619299298001?bctid=1034479101001

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

SKIP "STRICTLY BUSINESS" SCOTT Comments on July 2nd Heavyweight Championship fight between Klitschko vs Haye

Are you excited about the up coming fight between Klitschko and Haye?

I am excited. It is a very interesting fight and has been talked about for three years.

What were your thoughts when you saw the fight was finally made?

Exactly that, finally! But I do know it is a business and Haye did an incredible job promoting the fight and talking it up, so he not only has European fans interested but actually the World is going to be watching this fight. We haven't had that kind of excitement in the Heavyweight division in years.
Who do you think is happier that the fight is finally made Klitschko or Haye?

That is easy, Haye! He gets a chance to be the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World and his biggest pay day he has ever had. Not bad. Not bad at all!

Who do you think will win the fight and how will that fighter win?

Ouch...that is a million dollar question! I believe it will not go into round 7. You have two hard punchers with questionable chins. Both fighters have been knocked out. At the same time Klitschko's defense and the ability to avoid big punches has improved incredibly well with Emanuel Stewart working with him. Haye has fought tall fighters but none of them are the same as the jab and right hand he will face with Klitschko. I think you will see some interesting movement from both in the first three rounds......then we will see a dogfight...Haye's speed could be an advantage in a slugfest in close.

Do you think the outcome of fight will affect the Heavyweight division and why?

Only if Haye wins. Everyone is ready for a change in the Heavyweight division. It will open a lot of doors and bring some talking back to the division.

If you had to choose which guy you would rather fight?

I would love to fight either, especially Klitschko. He has been champion for the last few years and I think my style would give him problems. I can outjab him because I have a longer reach. He has more experience than me but my heart and desire to win would prevail. He is a great champion but it's getting close to my time to shine. America needs a heavyweight they can be proud of that can box and slug....I'm that guy.

So what if Haye wins would you fight him?

In a New York minute. Yes, he is fast and quick and packs a punch but so do I. I am just as fast as Haye if not faster. My speed is very deceptive because of my size. Not only can I fight at a distance but I can fight in close and when he tries to get close to me he will get hit with jaw breaking uppercuts. So yes I would love to fight Haye, and I wish him the best of luck against Klitschko cause win, lose or draw one of those guys will have to fight me if not both and I am up for the challenge.

Recently...in fact...this past weekend HBO featured a heavyweight fight.

What were your thoughts about the Stiverne vs Austin fight?

If anyone can bring the heavyweights back into the picture is Don King knows that arena well. Stiverne is a new upcoming prospect with a little 'pop' in his punches. Austin still has good experience. I would love to fight either one and sincerely believe I would stop both earlier than the 10th round.

Looking at your record you haven't fought an eight round fight yet.

Are you ready for 8 to 10 rounders?

Absolutely! I train and spar 10-12 rounds. Look ...I've taken my time to do this right so I can be the best heavyweight America can produce. I'm throwing 60 punches a round...every round. I'm jabbing like a heavyweight should. I am a fierce body puncher. I'm ready for television. My agent/promoter, Kerry Daigle, has two to three more fights lined up this year for me. From there...As Mills Lane would say, "Let's get it on"!!

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

ShoBox: The New Generation Celebrates a Decade of Matching Prospects Tough‏

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MATCHING PROSPECTS TOUGH FOR THE LAST DECADE 10th Anniversary Highlights, Stats and Facts Undefeated Junior Lightweight Diego Magdaleno Faces Alejandro Perez, Casey Ramos Meets Joselito Collado In Battle Of Undefeated 130-pounders, Friday, July 15, Texas Station Gambling Hall & Casino, Las Vegas, Live at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®

In the realm of boxing series, none sticks to its mission statement as closely as the popular ShoBox: The New Generation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 15, at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Texas Station Gambling Hall & Casino in Las Vegas. The Top Rank-promoted doubleheader will feature a night of junior lightweight action with undefeated Diego Magdaleno (19-0, 7 KOs) squaring off against Alejandro Perez (15-2-1, 10 KOs) and Casey Ramos (13-0, 4 KOs) taking on Joselito Collado (12-0, 3 KOs) in a battle of unbeatens.

10th Anniversary Highlights, Stats and Facts …

ShoBox: The New Generation – The Mission

Televise a boxing series to serve as a proving ground for hungry, willing prospects. Thrust young up-and-comers from the anonymity of undercards to the glare of the national spotlight. Match each fighter against his toughest opponent to date and, in the process, expose untested hopefuls – but more importantly – build future champions.

For the last decade, ShoBox has garnered critical acclaim and industry respect by adhering to its central purpose: featuring prospects in pivotal fights where padding the win column stops and their true road to contender status begins. The series is so well defined that it has been added to the boxing lexicon. As characterized by Wikipedia, a “ShoBox fighter” refers to a “quality prospect primed for tougher competition.”

SHOWTIME implemented this decidedly boutique approach with the overall picture in mind.

“Creating a platform for young fighters is something that is not only important to SHOWTIME, but to the sport of boxing generally,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “With ShoBox, we seek out prospects that are willing to challenge themselves with high-risk bouts in exchange for national exposure. It’s a win-win for all involved, including our subscribers who get the entertainment of competitive fights and an introduction to the new generation of future champions.”

A staggering 87 fighters who fought on ShoBox moved on to challenge for a world title, with 42 of those fighters becoming world champions. The first future champ to emerge from ShoBox dates back to the series’ initial telecast on July 21, 2001. Leonard Dorin scored a ninth-round TKO over fellow unbeaten Martin O’Malley. Two fights later, Dorin was a world champion. With 157 ShoBox telecasts and 42 eventual world titlists, ShoBox enjoys a rough average of featuring a future champion every fourth show.

ShoBox – By the Numbers

42 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title. Notables include:

Andre Ward
Diego Corrales
Nonito Donaire
Chad Dawson
Timothy Bradley
Paul Williams
Juan Manuel Lopez
Robert Guerrero
Carl Froch
Kermit Cintron
Kendall Holt
Paulie Malignaggi
Kelly Pavlik
Andre Berto
Victor Ortiz

89 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to challenge for a world title

52 – Matches between undefeated fighters

89 – Fighters who suffered the first loss of their pro careers

6 – Fighters who won a world title after losing on ShoBox:

Luis Collazo
Robert Guerrero
Eric Aiken
David Diaz
Isaac Hlatshwayo
Cornelius Bundrage

157 – Telecasts

321 – Fights

58 – Cities that hosted a ShoBox event

5 – Most appearances on ShoBox

Andre Ward
Ishe Smith
Robert Guerrero
Sechew Powell
Kendall Holt
Mike Arnaoutis
Chris Avalos

ShoBox – Behind the Numbers

For Openers: Gary Russell Jr. is the only boxer to make his pro debut on ShoBox.

Quickest Out Of The Gate:

· T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (15 seconds) on Oct. 19, 2007

· Allan Green KO 1 Jaidon Codrington (18 seconds) on Nov. 4, 2005

· Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage (22 seconds) on May 6, 2005

Rematches: There have been only two rematches in the history of ShoBox. Each time, the loser in the first fight won the second by knockout.

T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (Oct. 19, 2007); Walker KO 2 Wilson (Feb. 28, 2008)
Gamaliel Diaz W 10 Robert Guerrero (Dec. 2, 2005); Guerrero KO 6 Diaz (June 23, 2006)

The Hall Recall – Executive Producer Gordon Hall’s Quintessential ShoBox Fights:

Juan Urango (13-0) vs. Mike Arnaoutis (10-0-1) – D 12 – Aug. 5, 2004
The Hall Recall: “This fight was an all-out war that ended in a draw and is a classic example of two undefeated, talented fighters facing each other early in their careers on ShoBox.”

Robert Guerrero (16-0-1) vs. Gamaliel Diaz (19-5-2) – Diaz SD 12 Guerrero – Dec. 2, 2005
The Hall Recall: “A perfect example of a ShoBox fight where the young fighter is tested by the more seasoned fighter who had experience going into the later rounds and could move. Robert lost the fight in a split decision, but more importantly, he learned from the defeat, went on to avenge the loss on ShoBox and later won a world title.’’

Tim Bradley (21-0) vs. Junior Witter (36-1-3) – Bradley SD 12 Witter – May 10, 2008
The Hall Recall: “Before challenging for the junior welterweight title in Witter’s U.K. backyard, Bradley had never fought outside of California and was coming off the longest layoff of his career. Bradley’s knockdown of Witter in the sixth round was the turning point in the fight and he went on to win a split decision. Bradley developed in his three previous ShoBox appearances, which helped put him in position for this fight – where he became the first ShoBox fighter to win his title on ShoBox.’’

Marcus Johnson (20-0) vs. Dyah Davis (18-2-1) – Davis UD 10 Johnson;
Danny O’Connor (14-0) vs. Gabriel Bracero (14-0) – Bracero UD 8 O’Connor;
Willie Nelson (16-0-1) vs. Vincent Arroyo (10-1) – Arroyo MD 8 Nelson – April 8, 2011

The Hall Recall: “Three talented and touted prospects walked into the ring undefeated and walked out with a loss. And all on the same night… now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Ringside Analyst Steve Farhood’s Memorable Moments

The face of Ebo Elder after he rallied with a 12th-round TKO over Courtney Burton
(Dec. 17, 2004)
The 12th-round drama of Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade I
(Oct. 24, 2008)
Ricky Hatton's ring entrances to "Blue Moon"
(Oct. 27, 2001, Dec. 15, 2001, Sept. 28, 2002)

Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fighters

o Tim Bradley

o Lucian Bute

o Diego Corrales

o Chad Dawson

o Nonito Donaire

o Robert Guerrero

o Joan Guzman

o Ricky Hatton

o Andre Ward

o Paul Williams

Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fights

o Kendall Holt KO 1 Ricardo Torres

(July 5, 2008)

o Carlos Abregu KO 4 Irving Garcia

(May 1, 2009)

o Juan Urango D 12 Mike Arnaoutis

(Aug. 5, 2004)

o Ebo Elder KO 12 Courtney Burton

(Dec. 17, 2004)

o Lucian Bute W 12 Librado Andrade

(Oct. 24, 2008)

o Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage

(May 6, 2005)

o Mike Oliver W 12 Gary Stark

(Feb. 16, 2007)

o Kuvanych Toygonbayev W 10 Andrey Tsurkan

(May 22, 2003)

o Stevie Murray W 10 Martin Watson

(April 1, 2004)

o Orlando Cruz KO 5 Leonilo Miranda

(Jan. 16, 2009)

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Boxing 360 inks 19-0 welterweight Prospect Vitaliy Demyanenko

Boxing 360 has announced today that it has signed unbeaten welterweight prospect Vitaliy “Demyan”Demyanenko (19-0, 12 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

“We’re looking forward to introducing Vitaliy to a big Kazak community in New York City, in addition to Russian boxing fans living there,” Boxing 360 Founder/CEO Mario Yagobi announced. “This is a great overall signing for our company. Vitaliy was an accomplished amateur boxer whose father was a Olympic silver medalist. Vitaliy is undefeated as a pro and was rated No. 8 by the WBO in May, but he was dropped due to inactivity. We want to get him in a fight, back in the rankings, and on his way to becoming world champion.”

Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Demyanenko had more than 150 amateur fights, capturing the Kazakhstan National Championship in 1999, as well as a gold medal in the Junior Olympics.

Vitali was born to box. Representing the USSR, his father Viktor Demyanenko was the 1980 Olympic Silver Medalist, as well as the 1979 European lightweight champion. His son, Vitali, however, didn’t start boxing until he was 13, after competing three years in Judo.

Demyanenko is a college graduate who speaks Russian, English, Kajak and is learning Spanish. “I heard a lot of good things about Boxing 360,” he said yesterday on his 28th birthday. “They’ve been good to me and will get me a world title fight. I’m ready to fight anybody in the welterweight division. I want to join my fellow countrymen, (light heavyweight) Beibut Shumenov and (middleweight) Gennady Golovkin, as world champion.

“I have so many tapes of different fighters that I watch to learn from. I’m a boxer who can brawl. I have a good punch but, against good fighters, I need to move around and break them down before mixing it up.”

Now living and fighting out of Los Angeles, Demyanenko is the reigning WBO Asia Pacific and PABA welterweight champion. His most notable victories have been against world title challenger Paul Delgado (DEC12), Anderson Clayton (DEC12), Jorge Daniel Miranda (DEC12) and Walter Sergio Gomez (TKO2).”

“The signing of Vitaliy Demyanenko strengthens the Boxing 360 stable even more,” noted Bob Duffy, Director of Boxing for Boxing 360. “We also have one of the top super bantamweights in the world, Leon Moore, former world champion Alejandro Berrio, new NABA featherweight champ Amanda Serrano, undefeated super middleweight prospect Lennox Allen, and so many other talented boxers.”

A southpaw, Vitaliy sparred two weeks with Lucas Matthysse, who was getting ready for his HBO main event last Saturdaynight against Devon Alexander.

“Boxing 360 is on the rise as one of the hottest, new promoters in boxing,” Demayanenko’s manager Adolfo Perez added.“We’re hoping to get some big fights and win a world title under Boxing 360.”

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include WBC #4 super bantamweight Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, USBA heavyweight champion Maurice “Sugar Moe”Harris, WBC Caribbean & NY State super middleweight champion Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, Dominican lightweight champion Eudy “AK47” Bernardo, KO king Tyrone Brunson, heavyweight Mike Mollo, unbeaten NABA featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrrano, Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal, middleweight prospect DonYil Livingston, Emad Ali, “King” David Estrada and Angel “Toro”Hernandez.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

DOMINGUEZ SHINES OVER SANTIAGO TO CLAIM NEW YORK STATE TITLE—FIGHTS TO BE STREAMED ON DEMAND ON WWW.GFL.TV

DOMINGUEZ SHINES OVER SANTIAGO TO CLAIM NEW YORK STATE TITLE—FIGHTS TO BE STREAMED ON DEMAND ON WWW.GFL.TV; Cuba – Duran fight to crowd pleasing and controversial draw; McMorrow defeats Olszewski in upset to win Ladies Lightweight state title

This past Friday night at The Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, New York, New Legend Boxing Promotions and Old World Boxing presented a memorable night of championship boxing that saw Juan Dominguez capture the New York State Bantamweight title; Melissa McMorrow win the ladies Flyweight State title and a controversial draw between Jonathan Cuba and Ariel Duran for the New York State Bantamweight.

The fights were taped to be streamed all over the world on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 by clicking:
http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Old_WorldNew_Legend_Presents_Friday_Night_Fights/1101

Dominguez and Arturo Santiago engaged in a terrific fight that Dominguez fought well and Santiago should incredible courage and kept coming back every time that it seemed Dominguez would be in control.

Dominguez closed the show in style by dropping Santiago in the final moment to secure the victory and remain perfect at 8-0.

In the co-feature, Melissa McMorrow trekked across the country to win the New York State Lightweight title with a split decision over Eileen Olszewski in a ladies Flyweight bout.

It was a good close fight with McMorrow bobbing and weaving herself inside while Olszewski tried to control the fight from range.

McMorrow was able to win a lot of the little inside battles and worked the body to gain the narrow victory.

In what was the most intense and controversial fight of the night, Ariel Duran and Jonathan Cuba battled a spirited bout for the New York State Lightweight crown

The two waged war with Duran landing some nice lead rights and scoring a knockdown on Cuba. Cuba picked up the pace and stalked hurt Duran in the last round.

Most at ringside thought Duran deserved the victory and the title and talk quickly pointed towards a rematch

Other Winners on the card included Michael Brooks, Edward Valdez, Martin Wright, Tommy Rainone and Bryan Abraham, who scored a shocking third round stoppage over Scottie Burrell

FULL RESULTS

8 ROUNDS-NEW YORK STATE BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE—Juan Dominguez (8-0) 117 ½ lbs of Brooklyn, NY U DEC (80-70; 79-73; 79-73) over Arturo Santiago (7-3-1) 117 lbs of Puerto Rico

8 Rounds—New York State Female Flyweight Title—Melissa McMorrow (5-2-3) 111 lbs of San Francisco, CA S DEC (79-73; 78-74; 74-78) over Eileen Olszewski (7-3-2) 110 ½ lbs of New York, NY

8 Rounds—New York State Lightweight Title—Ariel Duran (7-2-1) 135 lbs of Brooklyn, NY DRAW with Jonathan Cuba (5-3-1) 134 lbs of Brooklyn, NY (scores were 78-73 Duran; 76-74 Cuba and 75-75)

6 Rounds—Welterweights—Tommy Rainone (15-4) 149 lbs of Plainview, NY U DEC (59-54 on all cards) over Norman Allen (6-5) 145 ½ lbs of Laurel, MD

6 Rounds—Welterweight—Martin Wright (10-1-2, 5 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY KO 6 (:32) over Carlos Cisneros (9-18-1) 148 lbs of Philadelphia, PA

4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Edward Valdez (5-8-2) 133 ½ lbs of Brooklyn, NY U DEC (40-36 on all cards) over George Santiago (1-5) 137 lbs of Brooklyn, NY

4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Michael Brooks (4-0) 138 ½ lbs of Long Island, NY U DEC (40-36; 40-35 on 2 cards) over Matteo Acosta (0-3-1) 137 lbs of Puerto Rico

4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Bryan Abraham (4-6-2, 4 KO’s) 138 lbs of Schenectady, NY KO 3 (2:23) over Scott Burrell (3-1) 138 lbs of Bronx, NY


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Macklin hoping Haye isn't KO'd by the scorecards

Macklin hoping Haye isn't KO'd by the scorecards

Matthew Macklin hopes that the uproar surrounding his controversial points defeat to WBA World Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm in Germany at the weekend will decrease the chances of David Haye suffering a similar fate against Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg this Saturday.

Macklin appeared to have done more than enough to rip Sturm's title away in front of a sell out crowd of almost 20,000 at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne only for two of the three scoring judges to deny him his World title dream.

The decision baffled many of those in attendance and the millions watching worldwide on SAT.1 in Germany, Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on Epix in the U.S. A viewers poll on the SAT.1 website spoke volumes with 76% of German's polled believing that Macklin had won the fight as opposed to just 24% for Sturm.

The German media were equally outraged with headlines since the fight such as, "A Sturm of Indignation", "German Boxing Disgrace", "Miscarriage of Justice" and "Fluke Victory".

Macklin hopes that the uproar will benefit David Haye should his clash with Klitschko be decided on the scorecards. "I think David has the power and speed to knock Klitschko out anyway and take it out of the judges hands but if it goes to the scorecards then I think the spotlight will really be on the judges after my fight and hopefully David will get a fair shake," said Macklin.

"I got back from Germany yesterday but the fan's over there were coming up to me and apologising for the decision. I think they have been very embarrassed by it and the German media reports on the fight have reflected that. One of the papers even reported that Felix needed to have TV make up applied so that he would look a little better at the post fight press conference!

"I believe I was the better man on the night and it seems to me that almost everyone aside from those two judges who scored for Sturm saw it the same way. It was a tough fight but I thought I was a clear winner.

"After the fight I asked him for a rematch and he told me 'I'm a man, I will give you a rematch'.

He knows I beat him and he's embarrassed by that decision so if he's the fighter I think he is I'm sure he will want to put it right but if not then I won't lose any sleep over it and I will move on. In our hearts we both know that I won that fight hands down. I proved that I belong at the highest level and this has only made me more determined than ever to succeed."

Macklin's manager Brian Peters says that the support from the boxing community worldwide has been heartening. "A lot of very respected people within the sport have spoken out on the decision and it's been great to receive that kind of support. Thomas Hauser and Dan Rafael are among two of the most widely read commentators on the sport and they both had Matthew winning by scores of 117 - 111 and Lennox Lewis said it was 'highway robbery' and one of the worst decisions he'd seen. The former World Heavyweight title challenger Axel Schulz was commentating for German TV and he had Matthew winning by three rounds.

"We've been inundated with emails from German fans expressing their disgust at the decision and Felix's own Facebook page has been flooded with negative comments as well from Germans so that tells it's own story."

Team Macklin's views have been supported by some heavy hitters in the boxing world from those inside and outside the ropes via Twitter and other outlets. A selection of those include:

Lennox Lewis - Former undisputed World Heavyweight Champion

"Highway Robbery! One of the worst decisions I've seen. Macklin won that fight hands down."

Lou DiBella - Promoter of WBC Middleweight Champion, Sergio Martinez

"GREAT JOB Matthew Macklin. Team Martinez respects your performance and your heart, CHAMP. Sergio Martinez will not go to Germany for Sturm!"

Thomas Hauser - Muhammad Ali's biographer and award winning boxing writer

From Hauser's column on The Sweet Science: http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles-frontpage/12838-boxing-pure-vs-phony

"Sturm fought Matthew Macklin in the "champion's" hometown of Cologne, Germany. The bout was televised in the United States live on Epix. It was understood going in that, if there was an outrageous decision, it would be in Sturm's favor. Felix might be a better boxer than Matthew. But on Saturday, Macklin fought a better fight. He clearly won eight of the twelve rounds. Two more were close.

I scored the fight 117-111 for Macklin. Judge Levi Martinez scored it 115-113 for Matthew, which was a bit of a stretch in Sturm's favour.

Then came the obscenity. Judges Roberto Ramirez and Jose Ignacio Martinez each scored the bout for Sturm by a 116-112 margin.

The decision was unfair to Macklin, who has made every sacrifice necessary to get to the point in his career where he was positioned to win a belt."

Dan Rafael - ESPN.com boxing writer and television commentator

"Terrific fight too but bad decision. Macklin robbed. I had it 117-111 for Matthew on the EPIX broadcast.

Rafael's ESPN.com Fight Report excerpt: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=6708031

"Of course, Macklin was on Sturm's turf, and Germany is notorious for hometown decisions. This was one of them. Although Sturm said he thought he won in his postfight interview, he seemed almost embarrassed and offered Macklin a rematch. Macklin, who showed class after the outrageous decision, simply outfought Sturm the entire fight, and it did not even seem all that close. He should have won and can at least know that he made a big impression in his first major fight on the world stage. He made it exciting and proved he is one of the world's best middleweights, with or without an alphabet belt around his waist."

Carl Froch - Current WBC Super Middleweight champion and upcoming super six finalist

"Just got home & watched Macklin beat Sturm 116-112 at least. Jim WATT was you watching?!"

Joe Calzaghe - Former World Super Middleweight Champion

"Thought Macklin won! But not surprised he didn't get decision. Predictable home town decision!"

Chris Mannix - Sports Illustrated's Boxing Writer

"Welcome to boxing, everyone. 2 judges gave 8 rounds to Sturm, an absolutely disgusting scoring - home turf decision."

"Feel bad for Macklin. Worked hard for that opportunity. Hope the rematch is with better judges on EpixHD."

"This is why Felix Sturm rarely fights outside of Germany. How two judges can have that big a gap in the scoring is mind boggling. Matthew Macklin was the aggressor, landed cleaner shots and did phenomenal body work. Fought the best fight he possibly could. Sturm was sluggish and didn’t get it going until the later rounds. In any other country, this fight is a clear decision for Matthew Macklin."

Al Bernstein - Veteran Boxing analyst for Showtime in the US

"Just watched Sturm - Macklin on Epix. One of worst decisions I have ever seen - maybe THE worst."

"Macklin threw twice as many punches, landed at least twice as many and pushed Sturm back whole fight."

Jean-Marcel Nartz - Germany's European Boxing Union Council member

"The decision was a blatant miscarriage of justice."

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Mayweather vs. Ortiz Press Tour Begins Tuesday, June 28 in NYC at the Hudson Theatre, Millennium Broadway‏

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND BOXING'S NEWEST STAR "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ TO HOLD NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER 17 WELTERWEIGHT TITLE MEGA-FIGHT TUESDAY, JUNE 28 (ALL PHOTOS BY; KEISHA MORRISEY)

Boxing superstar Floyd "Money" Mayweather and WBC Welterweight World Champion "Vicious" Victor Ortiz will hit the road to officially announce their Mexican Independence Day welterweight mega-fight taking place September 17. The tour will begin Tuesday, June 28, so please mark your calendars to see boxing's biggest star and boxing's brightest star in advance of their championship matchup.



WBC Welterweight World Champion "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ



















Mayweather vs. Ortiz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The 12-round welterweight mega-bout will take place Saturday, September 17. Additional fight details will be announced shortly.








Floyd "Money" Mayweather, getting the HBO plugs in














WBC Welterweight World Champion "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ and Six-Time and Five Division World Champion FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER and his Children

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

No Holds Barred: Floyd Mayweather, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey

No Holds Barred: Floyd Mayweather, Richard Schaefer, Keisha Morrisey

On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses some of the latest downs and ups in the world of boxing, and reports from the Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz news conference in New York, which took place Tuesday, June 28.



After a 16-month hiatus from the ring, the unbeaten Mayweather will
return on September 17 against the WBC welterweight champion Ortiz in
a fight in Las Vegas and on HBO Pay-Per-View. Both fighters have also
agreed to undergo Olympic-style drug-testing administered by the U.S.
Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), including random, unannounced blood and
urine testing.

We spoke with Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, about
the issue of drug-testing and the importance of this fight. We also got
some comments from Floyd Mayweather on drug-testing, which may
surprise some people, as well as on this fight.

After the news conference, we sat down with our correspondent and
colleague Keisha Morrisey, who also covered the news conference, to
discuss the Mayweather-Ortiz fight, the problems in the marketing of
boxing, the latest hometown decisions in boxing, and more.

You can play or download No Holds Barred at
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2011-06-28T17_41_54-07_00.

(All photos by; Keisha Morrisey)

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

FLOYD "MONEY"MAYWEATHER RETURNS TO FACE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ IN SENSATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AND BIGGEST NIGHT OF BOXING

BOXING'S BIGGEST STAR FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER AND BOXING'S NEWEST STAR "VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ TO HOLD NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER 17 WELTERWEIGHT TITLE MEGA-FIGHT TUESDAY, JUNE 28 AT 12:00 P.M. ET Hudson Theatre, Millennium Broadway

"I am ready to return to the ring and give my fans a fantastic night of boxing by fighting the best out there and for me, that is Victor Ortiz," said Mayweather. "He is the current champion and an extremely talented fighter who showed amazing skills, and heart, in his last performance against Andre Berto. At this stage of my career, these are the challenges I look for, a young, strong, rising star looking to make his mark in boxing by beating me. Like the rest of my opponents, he is going to try to prove that he can beat me. I commend him for accepting the fight, but on September 17, Ortiz is just going to be another casualty, the 42nd one who tried and failed. Trust me, I will be ready."

EL Boxing Empress & Andre Berto

"I respect Mayweather because he has been a champion for many years and I know he will be ready, but so will I," said Ortiz. "I'm a strong fighter and I have worked really hard to silence my critics. I'm a world champion for a reason and I am not going to let go of my title any time soon. This is going to be a great fight, but I will remain a world champion for many years to come."

EL Boxing Empress & Victor Ortiz

Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO's) remains boxing's biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring. In his last ring appearance on May 1, 2010, Mayweather dismantled Sugar Shane Mosley in a lopsided unanimous decision victory. Mayweather is no stranger to fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend either, as prior to his sensational win over Mosley, he took on Mexican boxing star Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, 2009, beating his opponent in spectacular fashion. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

El Boxing Empress & "Money" Floyd Mayweather

Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO's) is on fire. He is riding a six-fight undefeated streak including his sensational win over Andre Berto on April 16 of this year. The hard-punching southpaw proved himself throughout their 12-round battle when he survived a knock down in the sixth round and came back to drop Berto at the end of the sixth round in one of the most exciting fights in boxing this year. Ortiz, who was already known as one of the most powerful young fighters in the sport but was questioned in the past for his desire, showed the world that his heart matches his hands of steel when faced with the best in boxing.

"When Floyd fights, everyone stops to watch and this is an exciting time for boxing as it always is when Floyd steps into the ring," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "There is no better showman than Floyd and he backs up his legacy with amazing, one-of-a-kind skills. Victor Ortiz has shown us that he is a great fighter too and for the two of them to meet makes for a gigantic night for fans all over the world. It's always a thrill to see Floyd fight and it's even better when he faces the best out there such as a true champion like Ortiz. This is going to be a fight to remember. Sports fans have a lot to look forward to on September 17."

"There is no doubt that September 17 will again be this year's biggest night of boxing worldwide," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "When Floyd Mayweather fights, it is an event which brings fight fans, sports fans and the general public together to see this truly gifted athlete perform. Every year Floyd sets the bar and standard for most pay-per-view buys and this year will be no different. In Victor Ortiz, he is facing a young, strong and highly motivated world champion who knows that a win over the pound for pound champion will catapult him into superstardom. The stage is set and I can't wait for the showdown of the year."

Mayweather vs. Ortiz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. A nationwide press tour is being planned for the week of June 20 with additional details about it and the fight to be announced shortly.


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Brenneman Replaces Marquardt at UFC Live 4; Cheick Kongo and Pat Barry go toe-to-toe - live tonight at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT on Versus

Nate Marquardt’s loss was Charlie Brenneman’s gain.
by Brian Knapp (bknapp@sherdog.com)

Brenneman will replace Marquardt in a welterweight bout against Rick Story at UFC Live 4 on Sunday at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. Marquardt, who was set to make his first UFC appearance at 170 pounds, was scratched from the lineup on Saturday, a little more than 24 hours before the event. Marquardt was not cleared to fight, though the specific reasons behind his exit were not immediately known.

Spawned by the AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, Brenneman (13-2, 2-1 UFC) last appeared at UFC “Fight for the Troops 2” in January, when he outpointed Amilcar Alves en route to a unanimous decision at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. The 30-year-old Hollidaysburg, Pa., native has won eight of his last nine fights. Brenneman made his UFC debut in March 2010 with a unanimous decision victory over 2009 Dream welterweight grand prix finalist Jason High.

Story (13-3, 6-1 UFC) has rattled off six consecutive wins, including a unanimous nod over Thiago Alves at UFC 130 less than a month ago.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson; WINS IN GEORGIA‏

Last night, former heavyweight title challenger, Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson, added another win to his record, scoring a first round knockout over Harold Sconiers in the main event at the Elder Entertainment Center in Decatur, Georgia.

It was the third consecutive win, and second by knockout, since Johnson's decision loss in his first heavyweight championship opportunity against Vitali Klitschko. Johnson who has vowed to return to championship form, is slowly working his way back into the title contention, as he is now ranked #15 in the WBC. Look for Kingpin, who improved to 25-1-1, 11KO's with the win, to be back in action very soon, as he looks to stay active and work his way back into the title picture.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin Return Bout Set for July 9!‏

Junior middleweight rising star Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin will return to the squared circle Saturday, July 9 when he battles an opponent to be named at Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk Hall.

The bout will be his first since a shocking defeat against cement fisted spoiler Doel Carrasquillo in February. Since his lone setback, Douglin, 12-1 (8 KO’s), has spent countless hours in the gym honing his craft to become a better overall fighter.

“This sport is my life and I know another loss will destroy me” said Douglin, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion. “I was overconfident in my last fight and I won’t let that happen again. I’m treating this fight like it’s a world title bout and that I have to shine.”

Tickets to the card, which is headlined by the Paul Williams-Erislandy Lara bout and also includes two world title fights, start at $50 and are available at ticketmaster.com. Douglin’s opponent will be announced shortly.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

TYSON JEFFRIES VS. ARTHUR GUSEINOV OFFICIAL FOR M-1 CHALLENGE: BENNETT VS GARNER - LIVE ON SHOWTIME(R)‏

M-1 GLOBAL announces the addition of 2010 M-1 Selection Americas middleweight tournament winner Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries (7-5) versus feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov (7-2) at the mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner. The bouts from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California will air LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

The July 8th event is headlined with the rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2) and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3).

“Tyson Jeffries is a fighter with incredible heart and a determination to consistently improve his game; he adds depth and excitement to every card and he’s a welcome addition on M-1’s second televised event on SHOWTIME,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “The European fighters who participated in the March card set an extremely high bar this time out. Guseinov has been very vocal about making this an entertaining battle.”

Tyson Jeffries: Eager for SHOWTIME’s Familiar Spotlights

After enduring a round-and-a-half of pure punishment from newly crowned Middleweight Champion Magomed Sultanakhmedov, Oregon native and Team Quest fighter Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries has done all he can to prepare himself this time out. When the bell rings to start the action from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, Jeffries will look to draw first blood against feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov.

Coming from a team known for producing impeccable fighters with sound wrestling foundations, Coach Matt Lindland has placed high expectations on his protégé to execute hard-fought, exciting tilts. As a Sport Fight veteran, Jeffries has built a 7-5 record and possesses the qualities and skills necessary to be a successful professional fighter; being exposed to the Team Quest mentality is certainly aiding his development, “I train with the some of the best fighters in the world ... I owe lots of appreciation to my coaches and friends,” says Jeffries.

Known for his relentless, never-say-die fighting style, Jeffries is a fighter that simply doesn’t quit; he would rather have his arm broken than to ever admit an opponent has broken his will. Although putting forth a valiant effort against Sultanakhmedov, the sturdy American scrapper is covering all bases to ensure he stands with his arm raised on July 8th, calling in some favours to train with Rampage in Las Vegas and at the Wolfslair MMA Academy in England.

2010 was an exceptional year for Jeffries, winning the M-1 Selections Americas tournament middleweight brackets with a solid combination of submission skills and striking abilities. Facing Mike Johnson in his opening round bout, Jeffries systematically dismantled Johnson’s striking with a steadfast defense and effective counter-punching.

Facing the wild striking of Plinio Cruz in his semi-finals bout, Jeffries maintained an impenetrable defesce as he stalked and cut off Cruz’s position inside the ring. Although standing within Cruz’s striking range on occasion which allowed Cruz to score much needed points, Jeffries was able to withstand the barrages and go on to win a razor-thin split decision and berth in the Finals.

Watching Jeffries from the beginning of the tournament, it is easy to conclude that his Finals bout was where he matured as a fighter. The middleweight finals battle with Team Bombsquad’s Mike Geurin took the night’s ‘fight of the night’ honours, is regarded as the highlight bout of the tournament and is also cemented as M-1 Global’s #3 fight of 2010. When Jeffries’ miraculous triangle is tied into the equation, it’s no wonder why this fight also captured the night’s ‘submission of the night’ award as well. Jeffries vs. Geurin exemplified the exciting MMA action that the M-1 Selection tournament was designed to produce.

Jeffries is a patient fighter capable of sitting back and effectively countering while always maintaining an offensive ring position to compliment his takedown threat; he also exhibits a veteran’s composure when timing his opponent’s offensives allowing him to set up his magnificent overhand right. Adding to his versatility, Jeffries is comfortable fighting off his back and has a repertoire of submissions as evident by the elbow-snapping armbar which he transitioned into the bout-ending triangle, a truly miraculous, 11th hour, highlight reel finish.

In the fight game, you’re only as good as your last trip to the mat and Jeffries needs a win to rebound off the one-sided beating issued by Sultanakhmedov, marking this fight as a turning point for Jeffries’ career; kicking off a string of wins will reposition him in the queue for another future title shot while a loss marks him as a +500 journeyman fighter to be used as a stepping stone for other rising prospects.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

An Inside Look at Pat Bennett vs. Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner, 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Touranment Finals Rematch‏; LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8

Standing under the headline bout spotlights at M-1 Challenge XXVI opposite decorated American wrestler, Pat Bennett, is none other than self-marketing machine, Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner; with Garner getting the best of Bennett nearly a year ago in their M-1 Selection Americas tournament final, the New Jersey native and Team Bombsquad fighter will need to deliver a career performance to stop the heavy-striking freight train headed directly in his path. The action goes down from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).


As a key member of the Team Bombsquad contingent, Bennett’s manager, Ryan Ciotoli, has nothing but praise for the heavyweight’s performances to date. “Pat’s a three time All-American wrestler, so he possesses a great base and he’s an electrifying striker; hence the reason for his five first round wins. I definitely consider Bennett to be the top contender in the heavyweight division.”

Love to hate him or hate to love him, the Port St. Lucie, Florida and American Top Team fighter, Kenny Garner is making a name for himself in the State of Florida, who has him ranked as the #9 heavyweight. With an affliction for the camera, Garner is surprising fans, media and executives at every turn and his ‘in your face’ personality has critics split between whether he’s the ‘real deal’ or just flash in the pan; but his convincing wins – with two having him marked as a huge underdog – the Deuce is proving to be a force to reckon with.

Both men declare they are not the same fighters who entered the ring to faceoff in September but what’s improved their games and how do these men actually stack up against each other?

Bennett states it’s his striking that’s drastically improved since last facing Garner; “I’ve really focussed on my stand up. I’ve worked on improving this aspect to round out my skillset. I’m not the same fighter Kenny is expecting to see. I’ve wanted to fight him again ever since last year and I can GUARANTEE a much different result this time out.”

Conversely, Garner doesn’t seem to care what his opponent as improved; “I will end this fight faster than the last time I beat him, trust me. I’m stronger, faster and more technical. There’s no way he’s stopping my striking. He’s not making it out the first round. Pat’s got no chance.” Garner last faced Bennett in the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament finals and won a convincing first-round TKO; clearly Deuce feels he’ll produce the same results this time out.

Prior to starting the 2010 Selections tournament, Garner’s manager, UFC veteran, Din Thomas, didn’t hold back when discussing his two early losses; “He took a couple bad fights on short notice and when you take a fight without preparation – as a heavyweight – you pay the price.” Garner’s losses came at the hands of Chris Barnett and Tony Johnson Jr; both by way of TKO in the late rounds which may have been attributed to questionable conditioning according to Thomas. In comparison, Deuce has shown exceptional performances when prepared as all six of victories have been total dominations.

Garner opened the Heavyweight brackets of the Selections tournament with a dominating victory over Matt Hopkins; from here, Garner was next slated to fight the imposing Russian favourite, Andre Kapilou, in a semi finals bout he fighter wasn’t even given a ‘fighter’s chance’ of winning and put on a grappling clinic to win a hard-fought decision.

In the Finals, Garner neutralized Bennett’s wrestling skills, stuffed every takedown and put Bennett in a world of hurt, winning via TKO in the opening frame and proving why he should be considered one of the most-feared strikers in M-1’s heavyweight division.

Bennett has his work cut out for him on July 8th. Sporting an established 7-2 combined amateur and professional record heavily weighted in the ‘win’ column with five first-round TKO’s, Bennett is aptly known for his proud wrestling pedigree but has also proven to be a multidimensional fighter able to transition his skills to whatever is set in front of him.


Bennett had recently set his wrestling on the back burner in favour of striking throughout his 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament run, displaying a wide array of talents. Opening up the brackets against Nick Smiley, the mild-mannered monster needed a total of 37 seconds to destroy Smiley by TKO. His semi-final bout was a marathon war with Mehdi Hassan where he earned a unanimous decision victory. But the run was halted in the finals by Garner’s lead left hook.

At 6’ 3”, 240 pounds, Bennett has the heavy hands to match Garner’s striking prowess but his advantage comes on the canvass, IF he can secure the takedown. He’ll need to push the pace as he sees fit while being cautiously aware of Garner’s lethal bombs. If Bennett can’t take this fight to the mat, he’s going to wish he had head gear as Garner will look to implant his right hand in Bennett’s face.

Garner has shown time and time again that his defense is steadfast and should Bennett score the single or double-leg, he is well versed in submissions and fight effectively off his back or in top position. Garner’s plan is without a doubt to keep this fight standing and dismantle Bennett from his feet; he’s done it before and knows he can do it again.

This headline bout carries serious implications in both men’s quest for the M-1 Heavyweight strap.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Interview with “Relentless” Lamon Brewster; www.Fightingconnection.com, will revolutionize not just "Boxing but all full contact sports!"

By Pattee Mak on June 18, 2011

Pattee: Hello Mr. Brewster! Currently you are retired from boxing. Your last fight was January 30, 2010 against Robert Helenius in Germany. He won by TKO in the 8th. Can you tell me what happened in that match?

BREWSTER: That particular night was a tragedy because when we got to the venue we arrived at about 7:00 pm and I was suppose to go on at 9:00 pm and so when we got there we walked pasted my opponent’s room and went to my room and I didn’t have a room. They put me in a room with 10 of other guys. But I understand that because I was the opponent.

Now when a fighter wraps his hands he wraps it an hour to an hour and a half before the fight. Normally that is what a fighter does. Because if you wrap it too soon the wraps gets soft. So we sat around for 30 minutes and we waited to wrap my hands and they told us don’t worry about it just wrap your hands. What do you mean don’t worry about it. They said that because Helenius already wrapped his hands. I’ve never been to a fight or anywhere were I wasn’t allowed to watch someone wrap their hands. So basically they said if I didn’t fight they were gonna sue me. So I came to fight that’s who I am, I’m a fighter. So I’m fighting this guy and I just remembered when I got to the 6th round at the beginning of every round I was seeing white and I couldn’t see into the first 30 seconds of each round. I thought maybe he had something in his gloves. I didn’t know what to make of it. During the 6th round in the first 30 seconds he landed a punch and I was blinded in both my eyes and was seeing white. At the 8th round after I was blinded he kept throwing punches and I couldn’t see so the referee stopped the fight. I never did get a chance to inspect his gloves after the fight. So after that I went back to Los Angeles that same night and I had a whole lot of cuts across my eyelids as if you took a razor across my eyelids. I never experienced anything like this because those types of cuts are never like that for a fighter. Even my doctor couldn’t understand it either as it isn’t conclusive to boxing. Afterwards I thought I could have died in the ring.

Pattee: How are you feeling now?

BREWSTER: I had 4 surgeries last year and I have another surgery next month and hopefully this surgery will repair my vision for my left eye. The Doctor said I have a slit across my iris and cornea. Whatever was on his glove cut it and once it started to heal, it infused my eyelid together. They have to give me a cornea transplant. Being a man of faith I believe God closes one door and opens another.

Pattee: OMG! That is awful.

Pattee: What titles did you hold as a professional boxer?

BREWSTER: NABA heavyweight title, WBO heavyweight title, WBO NABO heavyweight title and the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.

Pattee: Currently you are involved in a new adventure you are putting together which is an up and coming website called www.fightingconnection.com. How did this come about?

BREWSTER: It’s going to launch this August. I came up with this because a lot of times when I was getting ready to go to camp my trainer would say this is a fight and we would have to find sparring partners to train me for this particular fight and so I always ask someone if they know someone so I can get them to my training camp. Well that is such a headache because lets say I do find someone and you find that person, well say he gets hurts then you need to find someone else or someone to fight a certain way. It’s really hard and I got frustrated and I knew there has to be a better way. So I was talking with a few people and we were brainstorming and I said I was going to have a search engine built. For instance, if I was going to fight a guy who’s 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds and he’s a right hand fighter and a boxer who moves to his left, I would go to my website and put all the information in and let it bring up everyone around the world with those same criterias. I personally asked myself the questions to build this site. Nobody knows better than me when they go to camp. I been in camp with guys that I couldn’t open up 100 percent because if I did, I was afraid to hurt them because then I’d have to look again for someone to train with. A lot of times I’d leave my wife on vacation and want to work out. Man let me try to find a gym. So I’d look in the yellow pages or phone book. Now you go to my website, type in the country, zip code, providence etc etc and you click what you are looking for, boxing, mma, mauy thia and press enter and it’ll bring up everything in that region. I believe the cut man is very important to me because when you go to a fight you only get 2 tickets one for you and the other for your trainer. So what me and my trainer would do is once we registered in we would always find someone who was walking around with a bucket and give them $50.00 to work my corner. 9 times out of 10 they would say yes. Although this worked, I got frustrated at that. So now I made it easier for everyone. You’d just type in I’m looking for a cut man, when, where and hit search and the site will bring up all cut men available. I even added a star rating next to the cut man so everyone can vote and see their ratings.

Pattee: Who is Sam Simon and how was he involved with the show “The Simpsons”?

BREWSTER: Well “The Simpsons” was a show that was created by my former manger. He actually created Bart Simpson. He helped me and went beyond the call of being a manager. He is considered to be family. He was instructing me to fight for the world title.

Pattee: On 4-10-2004 you fought Wladimir Klitschko at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and won the vacant WBO heavyweight title by TKO in the 5th round. On 7-7-2007 there was a rematch in Germany for the IBF heavyweight title and the IBO heavyweight title. You lost that fight due to your trainer stopping the fight in the 6th round. Can you compare these two fights?

BREWSTER: Let me tell you about that fight. Everyone knows I suffered a detached retina. During that time, I was lying faced down for almost 6 months. It took me a year and a half to recover fully. When the word got out I was coming back to boxing because of my recovery, Klitschko’s people approached me to fight and I said no problem and I want to have a tune up fight beforehand because I’ve been out a year and a half. Well they said no and we’ll pay you extra not to have a tune up fight. So they paid me more than I’ve ever made, even when I had the title. In the 6th round my eye started to swell up and I was very rusty in the fight. So they were worried and thinking something will happen to my eye.

Pattee: Your prediction on the Klitschko-Haye fight coming up?

BREWSTER: I think it’ll be a tricky one to predict because of the fact you can’t count out Haye because he’s proven to be a smart and crafty fighter but at the same time I myself know first hand what it means to be a heavyweight champion and not wanting to give up your title. Klitschko is fighting for legacy whereas Haye is fighting for glory. You got two different mindsets coming into a fight. I think the one that has the best strategy and the most determination will win and no one can go in and say so and so will win but as a fan it could go anyway. Both are proven to have great skill.

Pattee: Out of all your 41 fights, which one was the most difficult?

BREWSTER: Hmmm… was when I lost my title to Siarhei Liakhovich because I was blind and fought 12 rounds and lost. I was in so much pain. I could only breathe through one nostril. I had a one-piece mouthpiece and I couldn’t open my mouth. I had previously broken my nostril in camp. They gave the fight of the decade to someone I know I could have knocked out. Even if I couldn’t see I could have knocked him out but I couldn’t see.

Pattee: From your professional debut on 11-8-1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada through your 23rd fight you never lost a bout. Then on 5-6-2000 you fought Clifford Etienne in Pennsylvania and that all came to an end. What happened?

BREWSTER: I lost my cool because I trained to box him and then when I arrived to fight him I was like this is my first time on HBO, I’m “Relentless” Lamon Brewster and I said he’s been in prison so I’m going to go in there and knock him out. Well you can only practice what you preach and in boxing camp you are trained to box and then when I got to the ring I let the crowd overwhelm me and I let it get the best of me. I never came to the ring with game plan. I was throwing bad punches and I missed. He practiced to brawl and I came to box. My football coach had a quote: “Do it right, do it light. Do it wrong, do it long”.

Pattee: You started fighting at the young age of 7. Usually a typical 7 year old would be playing with GI Joes. How did you get into boxing?

BREWSTER: My mother said I had too much energy because I would tear up all the toys she purchased me. There was a community center down the street from me but didn’t offer anything for a 7 year old but the coach liked my mother so they allowed me to start training for boxing.

Pattee: You have an impressive amateur record of 70-10. Tell me about the 1995 US heavyweight championship as an amateur?

BREWSTER: It was a great career and run. I should have went to the Olympics. I was picked to go but at the same time I went through a divorce and when that happened it was the worse thing that could have happened to me. I was the team caption. I traveled the world with Floyd Mayweather, Antonio Tarver and David Reed who one the gold medal.

Pattee: Are you currently still do any type of boxing training? If so where and who is training you?

BREWSTER: No I haven’t been able to do anything because of the eye surgery. There is so much pressure. If I stand for a long period of time I get a headache because of the eye surgery.

Pattee: Which boxer did you admire the most while growing up?

BREWSTER: Marvin Hagler. He was a man’s man. I admired the fact that he was a man’s man. He didn’t care to be glamorous. He came to fight. He didn’t have the entourage, fancy cars or the big jewelry. He was a warrior and came to fight. Every time he went to the ring he came to fight. I also admire Julio Chavez because he was a beast and a great fighter and best fighter of all time.

Pattee: Is there anyone you would have liked to fight?

BREWSTER: I just wished I would have fought Wladimir Klitschko when I was right. He knows and I know he can’t beat me. I regret I didn’t get to tune up. I wish I could have had a rematch and a 3rd fight. Even in the 2nd fight he only hit me with a jab and run and no big shots and then I swelled up. He knows and I know he can’t beat me.

You can follow Lamon Brewster on facebook and sign up on www.FightingConnection. Com. He hopes that people see him for what he stands for and people see him as being successful. He wants people to see him as a role model and a role model of faith. No one gave him a chance and he overcame everything through his faith and determination and he wants to set an example that you can do anything you set your mind to do.

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Post-Fight Ring Quotes; "SHOW ME SOMETHING GREAT" Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse

A great night of professional prizefighting in St. Charles in front of a raucous and noisy crowd of 6,238 fans at The Family Arena.

Post-Fight Ring Quotes

Devon Alexander: “Matthysse is a rough and tough fighter. I brought the fight out in me because people had their doubts about my abilities as a boxer.

“The knockdown [first of his career] was a flash knockdown [in the fourth round]. I had to pull it out. I was having flashbacks from my last fight with Bradley, and I wasn’t going to lose two fights in a row. As a matter of fact, I’m never going to lose again.”

Kevin Cunningham: (trainer and manager of Devon Alexander) “I didn’t enjoy watching a rugged, tough guy like Matthysse in there with my fighter. I knew it was gonna be tough. I didn’t want to see my fighter trading with a puncher like Matthysse, but because of all the criticism he took after the Bradley fight, he felt he had something to prove in his hometown.

“I think when Devon reviews the tape of the fight, he’ll see that he was at his most effective when he was using his boxing skills to the fullest.”

Lucas Matthysse: “I gave it my all. It was a tough fight but I thought I won. Once again, I was robbed. He’s lucky he won the fight. I thought when I put him down, I’d finish him off but I couldn’t.”

Tavoris Cloud: “Yusaf Mack is a good fighter. I can’t take nothing away from him. I just caught him with some good shots.

“If you noticed, he was tiring down. I heard him breathing hard during the last three rounds. I was telling him, ‘You’re tired, aren’t you?’

“The whole game plan was to go to the body. He wasn’t hurting me. I knew he was a bouncy-bouncy guy, an in-and-out guy. I wore him down with body shots and took him out.

“Jean Pascal is here tonight. If he’s ready, I’m ready. I’m ready for anybody.”

Yusaf Mack: “He kept clipping me on the top of the head. I kept telling the ref about it but he only warned him once. The ref told me to stop holding him.

“I thought my plan was working well.

“The first shot in the corner dazed me but it was on the top of the head. The final punch was on top of the head also.”

Bermane Stiverne: “I knew he was going to try and box me but he often drops his right hand. I kept listening to his corner. Whatever they said, he did. So I started anticipating that. It became a big advantage for me.

“I was a little too lax but I felt good tonight. I was looking for the perfect shot instead of establishing my jab. The perfect shot did come in the 10th round. It was a short shot, a half-hook right hand that did him in.”

I’m on my way to my first world championship. I can feel it. I still have a lot to learn and I can get better.”

Ray Austin: “I was waiting ‘til he [the referee] reached eight [in his count during the 10th round]. In the dressing room before the fight, he told me as long as I am up by nine it would be OK. Then I got up and bounced around to let him know I was ready. So I got up at eight and bounced around on my feet to let him know I was ready and he stopped the fight. How many rounds do you think I won? [Austin was winning on two cards at the time of the stoppage.]

Ryan Coyne: “There was a reason David McNemar had never been defeated before tonight. He’s a good fighter, tough opponent, tough guy.

“It was very hard to adjust to his style on such short notice after preparing all camp for Guillermo Jones [WBA cruiserweight champion, who was injured the week before the fight].

“Thanks to all my loyal fans who showed up to support me tonight. I will be in my first world championship fight very soon.”

David McNemar: [McNemar was in his locker room after the fight, face down and bawling. After a few minutes, he composed himself.] “Fuckin pussy! Tell me how I lost that fight. Did he outwork me? I came to St Louis on six days’ notice. I sparred twice. I won that fight.

“To be so close to having them give me those belts so I could have taken it home to Parkersburg, West Virginia.

“What big shots [from Coyne]? He doesn't hit hard. I want to fight him again [This was McNemar’s first fight since 2007).]

Cornelius Bundrage: “I was happy with my performance but I felt I could have done better. Sechew is a good fighter. He’s rated higher than me in Ring Magazine. It was a hard fight but I refuse to lose. I grinded him out. All credit to god.”

Sechew Powell: “It was a god fight. He fought just like we thought he would. I didn’t follow the game plan. I should have thrown more combinations.”

Cory Spinks: “I was a little rusty but I had a good time out there tonight. Shakir Ashanti gave me some good work and it was great to be fighting in my hometown.

“This whole week has been inspirational for me. I think I can win another world championship, and the road started tonight.”

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Revenge: The Rematch, Cotto-Margarito II looms for Madison Square Garden Dec. 3

Resurgent Miguel Cotto looks to Madison Square Garden for Dec. 3‏
Michael Marley, Boxing Examiner
There was something missing from the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend this year in New York.

The huge ethnic celebration did have two Boricua-flavored, club boxing shows put on by Lou DiBella at Roseland Ballroom but, unlike several years past, there was no big fight in the city featuring the island nation’s biggest ring star, Miguel Angel Cotto.

Now I’m hearing that Cotto, who has a 36-2, 29 Kos record as he nears his 31stbirthday in October, may grace the ring at historic Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Dec. 3.

“We’re looking at the Garden,” a member of the Cotto camp told me Saturday night. “They’ve been closed all summer for phase one of a three year, three phase renovation of the arena but they reopen soon with the Knicks and the Rangers returning in the fall.”

That’s the favored site for Cotto’s first bout since his resounding TKO 12 over Nicaragua’s zany Ricardo Mayorga on March 12 in Las Vegas.

Less certain is Cotto’s opposition at 154 pounds.

“We’re looking at all the champions,” the Cotto adviser said. “We’d prefer the revenge rematch with (Antonio) Margarito but it looks like he won’t fight until 2012.”

It’s obvious that Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum hopes to shine up Cotto for a possible second shot at the Pinoy Idol next year.

Cotto made a tradition of fighting in New York in midsummer, beating Yuri Foreman in 2010 at Yankee Stadium and whipping Joshua Clottey at MSG the year before.

Cotto also defeated Brooklyn’s Zab Judah in June of 2007 at “the World’s Most Famous Arena” and also posted June victories over Paulie Malignaggi and Muhammad Abdulaaev in Garden bouts going back to 2006 and to 2005 respectively.

The old song asks, “What street compares with Mott Street in July?” but boxing fans in New York definitely noticed that we just had a Puerto Rican Parade Weekend sans the traditional Cotto bout.

(mlcarley@aol.com)

EL Boxing Empress See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved