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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

AMIR "KING" KHAN & ZAB "SUPER" JUDAH TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS JULY 23 WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION FIGHT

Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Khan Promotions and Super Judah Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

So Dave, I’d like to turn the call over to you for opening introductions.

K. Duva Hi. I’m here on behalf of Main Events and Super Judah Promotions. I am also here with Bill Halkias who is our partner in these promotions, and really, there isn’t much to say. The fight is nearing—every day getting closer, and we’re very excited. This is the fight Zab wants. This is the fight we want, and we can’t wait for it to get started.

D. Itskowich Kathy, you want to have Pernell and Zab make opening statements?

K. Duva Zab, do you want to speak.

Z. Judah No.

K. Duva Well, why don’t you just say a few words anyway?

Z. Judah ....

K. Duva Come on. How do you feel now that the fight is only a week away?

Z. Judah I’m the champion. Why do I have to go first?

K. Duva Oh. Okay. Well, we’re going to have to figure out a way to sort this out now. It’s true. You went first at the press conference, so maybe it’s Amir’s turn to go first.

D. Itskowich So nothing from Zab? Okay. Just to say a few words before I have Freddy and Amir say their few words, I want to introduce Asif Vali of Khan Promotions to say a few words. Asif?

A. Vali Yes. Good evening everybody. Good evening to the U.K., good morning there in America. It’s a big fight, and there’s a lot of press coverage here. Everybody’s looking forward to the fight. It’s around the corner now. Next week is going to be explosive. The U.K. viewers ....

I know Amir trained well and hard out there in America with Freddy, and time will tell on the 23rd. We’ll be able to come away with the IBF Super-Lightweight World Championship Belt as well as the WBA belt. .... We’re 110% focused, and we’re ready to go. So, look forward to seeing you there—everybody next week—and wish everybody all the best of luck.

D. Itskowich Thanks, Asif. I understand that, actually, Freddy may not be on the call, so I’m going to just jump right to Amir and have him make his opening statements. Like I said, he’s one of the rising stars in the sport. He is the current WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion from Bolton, England with a record of 25 and 1 with seventeen KO’s, Amir King Khan.

A. Khan Hi guys. I just want to thank everyone for calling on to the conference call. You know not long now to the fight. Training has gone really well. Preparation is up to where we want it to be. Like I said, we’re not too far now. We’re just tapering down from all the hard work. All the hard work’s been done now. So no looking back. And I’m happy the way training comes from, being with Alex Ariza and Freddy Roach on technique and tactics to beat Zab. We know it’s going to be a tough fight. We’ve been training really hard, and we’re going to be conditioned for this fight. Even if it goes first round or the twelfth round, we know we’re going to be in front of Zab all the way through the fight, and we’re going to be ready.

We’ve been watching a lot of tapes and stuff to see what mistakes he makes and what things he does right and how we need to beat him. And everything’s been going okay, so now we’re going to transition. We finished sparring on Monday. So hopefully got all the timing and everything right, and then we’ll be more than ready for the 23rd of July.

D. Itskowich Alright. Thank you, Amir. I guess now we can turn it over to questions from the media for everyone that’s on the call.

K. Duva Freddy did just get on the line as well.

D. Itskowich Freddy is on. Okay.

M. Sears So is Purnell.

W Hold one moment for Freddy, please.

F. Roach Hello?

D. Itskowich Freddy. Hi. It’s Dave from Golden Boy. Just wanted you to say a couple of opening remarks about the fight.

F. Roach Amir is in great shape. I think this was the best training camp we’ve ever had. We had some great southpaw sparring, and I think ... on Saturday, and I think Zab bit off more than he can chew for this one.

D. Itskowich Thank you, Fred.

K. Duva Dave Pernell is on the line, so let’s give him a chance too. P, you got something to say? Apparently not. Okay. Sorry about that, Dave. Sorry for interrupting.

D. Itskowich Okay, let’s turn it over to the media for questions.

Moderator Our first question comes from Steve Carp with Las Vegas Review.

S. Carp Good morning guys. Amir, you were just saying how you watched a lot of tape of Zab. Is this out of the ordinary for you, or is this part of your normal preparation? If it isn’t, why did you go to such lengths to be ready for Zab?

Z. Judah No, we’d normally watch a lot of tape of the fighters we got coming up, and the reason is so we know what we’re expecting when we go into the fight. We can’t focus too much on a tape because styles make different fights. So we’ve just been watching a few things that he does and where he makes a mistake and stuff, so I’ll know when I do go into the fight, I know exactly what his style’s like.

I’m not really a big fan of just sitting there watching hours and hours of your opponents tapes. I normally watch maybe a few rounds and then leave it to my trainer, Freddy, who comes up with a game plan.

S. Carp With Zab, you always have to worry about the unexpected. So how do you prepare for that? And maybe, Freddy, you could weight in on this as well because he’s been known to do some unorthodox things in the ring over his career.

F. Roach He’s a smart fighter. He has experience. We know he sets traps and we’ve got most of his traps down, and you can see how he sets his traps and lures guys into punches.

Of course, when he was losing to Mayweather, he fouled him of course, on purpose, to try to get him out of his game plan, and the fight broke up.

But we’re ready for all that, and it’s nothing new. It’s part of fighting, and we’re well prepared for it.

S. Carp Thanks guys—appreciate it. See you in Vegas next week.

M. Sears Pernell Whitaker is now on the call.

Moderator The next question comes from Dan Rafael from ESPN.

D. Rafael Zab, the last time you had a unification fight in the 140-pound weight class in Las Vegas, it did not go your way. That was the Kostya Tszyu fight. Can you imagine that here we are, I believe it’s now maybe 11 years later, or maybe 10 years later, that you’re back in another very big fight in this weight class in Las Vegas? Can you take me back to that time in all those years ago and what’s changed for you since then? Because it’s been a lot of ups and downs.



Z. Judah Yes. A lot. First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity of being back in this position. I want to than thank him for that. And a lot of things have been changed ..., and I’m pretty pleased with Freddy and Amir Khan watching my old tapes, so they're learning something about the old Zab Judah.

The new Zab Judah coming to the ring on July 23rd is a monster. He’s 150% prepared for Amir Khan, and we’re going to have a lot of fun come Saturday night.

D. Rafael Could you have imagined though that 10 years after the fact that you would still be one of the best guys in the weight class? That you would still have a title? That you would be involved in another really big fight?

It’s been such a long time.

Z. Judah I really have nothing to do with it Dave. That’s God’s work. That’s the work of God. Just when a person counts you out and says that you’re finished—never listen to man. Never let man dictate your peace. This is something that—one of the messages that we will be coming with on Saturday night. The Lord has the final saying of when a person’s done and when a person starts.

D. Rafael You’re the veteran in this fight, of course. Amir is still a young fighter, still on the rise. Do you view this as you along with all the experience that Pernell brings to your corner—like the veteran teacher going to look to take the young kid to school?

Z. Judah One thing about it, we definitely going to take him to school. I think after Saturday night, he’ll figure out that Golden Boy and his trainer, Freddy Roach, set him up as a pawn. For people that play chess, they know what that is. They set him up for a pawn and put him in a position that he shouldn’t have been in.

And yet, I think he’s a great fighter. I think that it’s a little premature—before his time. Years down the line, he’ll have an opportunity to tell other fighters about the experience he learned in 2011 on July 23rd.

D. Rafael Thanks, Zab. Amir, are you there?

A. Khan Yes.

D. Rafael Amir, when you hear Zab talk like that about maybe it’s a little too soon for you to be in this kind of fight in your career because you’re still young, or do you feel like you were by far ready for a fight like this because of what you’ve accomplished in the last couple of years?

A. Khan I know we’re ready for this fight. That’s why we’re taking this fight on. We committed to this fight as favorites. I’m going to go out and try to take the two titles away. I’ve been training very hard for this fight. And he can say what he wants and he’ll see when the time comes. I know I’m more than ready for this fight, and I’m going to be prepared, and I know exactly what to do. He ... capable, I’ll have answers for him.

D. Rafael Was it at all hard for you to get over the fact that ... turned you down, and Zab, who was essentially the second choice, is now your opponent, or did it just water off your back—no big deal?

A. Khan Things happen for a reason, and I really think this fight ends up as a fight that .... A tougher fight is all. In my eyes, I see the bigger fight. Things happen for a reason, and maybe it was for the best.

Moderator Our next question comes from Jamie Jackson with the Guardian News.

J. Jackson Hi, Amir. Just two questions please. First of all, will Zab be your hardest opponent so far of your professional career? And looking beyond this fight—obviously you hope to win—you’re only 24. I’m wondering how many different weight classes do you expect to fight in by the time you finish? Amir, please.

A. Khan First of all, I think he is up there with one of the best fighters I’ll be facing .... Also, we’ve been training very hard, and I’m .... So you know, we’re going to be ready for him and whatever he brings on the table. And I love challenges. You give me a good challenge, that’s actually .... Maybe I could go up to 147 or maybe up ....

But maybe all in good time. ... to see how my body grows and how it feels. I’m still 24. As time goes on, maybe I’ll go up to—I’ll finish off my career at 154. I’ve just really got to have my body naturally just grow.

J. Jackson Zab, I believe you said, if I heard you rightly there on the line, that compared to the fight of 10 to 11 years ago against Tszyu, you’re now a monster and 150% better. Can you explain why, please?

K. Duva I think I’m going to have to speak now, and I need to explain something. In our negotiations, we were told that Zab would not be entitled to any revenue from the U.K. And we felt that while that was insulting—because we feel he is certainly half the equation here. That was what we were told we would have to live with.

And so, Zab took the fight with that understanding—that Amir would keep all the money that came from the U.K. even though they’re both world champions and even though we’ve agreed on a split of the money. So no offense to the British press, but Zab will not be answering questions until the fight is over to the British.

D. Itskowich I guess that means all you British media out there work on your American accents.

J. Jackson Okay. You want me to ask it in an American accent?

A. Vali ... as you know two fighters need to promote the fight. HBO ought to pay ... so they can, and Zab can disrespect where the fight is going out to—U.K. press, or any of the press in the world. I think that he should be involved in this, and it’s a promotion. And what he ... fans in the U.K. as well. And if he’s got fans in the U.K., he’s obviously disrespecting all his fans.

So British press, or wherever they are all over the world, whatever fighter it is, I think it’s wrong for Zab just to put that to one side. And the British are very sportish—one of the biggest fights in the U.K. for a very long time in this weight division. So he should be involved in it, and he should be answering any questions.

K. Duva Well, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, and we respect that, and he means no disrespect to anyone. We feel he was disrespected in the negotiations, so this is something that we’ve decided has to be—we just cannot do anything to help.

We were basically told that Khan was such a big star in the U.K., it didn’t matter who he fought, and therefore, Zab was kind of insignificant there. So if that’s the case, fine. And again, we’ll be happy to have a press conference with the U.K. press the morning after the fight. We love all you guys. We’ve known many of you going all the way back to the ….

A. Vali I’m glad he’ll be having a press conference after that fight when he’s in defeat. I’ll hold you to that. So we’ll ... hold you to that. So when he’s been defeated, he’ll have a press conference with the British press. So we can ... so thank you very much for that, Kathy.

K. Duva You’re welcome. He’ll also have it when he wins.

J. Jackson Can I just jump back in and ask Asif one more question? This is Jamie Jackson again from the Guardian. On this point Asif, how would you describe your feelings about his refusal to speak? Are you angry about this? Are you furious?

A. Vali Well, I think it’s wrong for him not to be involved in any media work. Amir Khan is one of them guys who gets involved. He’s been on the forums. He’s promoting the fight. Today he announced it, and today we were discussing things and doing every single interview, U.K., China, Japan, wherever it was. He’s done all the interviews all over the world. Why Zab couldn’t get involved, I’ve no idea. Why he refuses , I have no idea. I haven’t got a clue why he refused it.

It’s not about being angry, it’s about getting involved in a promotion. A promotion is from two sides, not just one. And with all due respect Kathy, they need to promote the fight. It’s not a one-way promotion; it’s a two-way promotion. Amir did everything. He’s got four conference calls so far. He’s been on the radio three times a week throughout the last six weeks, and he’s been doing so much stuff, unbelievable, to promote the fight.

We’re very grateful to HBO for giving us the opportunity. We’re very grateful for Primetime for showing it live in the U.K. and the worldwide people and the rest of the world. But I’m a little bit disappointed—I’m very disappointed from Kathy’s point of view. I’m very disappointed in Zab. And they should promote the fight. Have you ever heard of a fighter not getting involved in a promotion like you have today? Disappointed.

K. Duva Well again, you’re entitled to your opinion. He is involved in the promotion. He’s on the phones today. He’s not involved in the promotion in England because he’s not involved in the revenue from England, so that is what we found to be wrong. And again, you got your way.

Moderator And our next question comes from George Cotton with Fox Sports.

G. Cotton Hi. What’s going on guys? This first question is for Amir. Amir, what do you think, if any, are some of the weaknesses you’ll be able to exploit against Zab in the ring when you guys lace up.

A. Khan I don’t think he’ll be able to take the pressure of the speed and power, really. I think he fought the likes of Mabuza and them guys there, and they’ve totaled him. And we’ll see how he copes with this. I really think he’s taken the wrong fight. And he can say what he wants, but he knows deep down he’s taken the wrong fight, and we’ll see .... We’ll see .... I hope he ... Zab Judah, he’s ....

G. Cotton Okay. And Zab, what do you think you’ll be able to show the world when you guys meet? I know you’re thinking that maybe that the guy took the fight a little too early. What do you think you’ll be able to show the world when you guys meet in the ring?

Z. Judah I would just like to show the world that I’m one of the best pound for pound greatest fighters out there. Amir Khan knows what he got himself into. He knows that this is a fight that his trainer, Freddy Roach, wanted to take, but it was a fight that he was pushed into because of the situation. You know what I mean? Every dog has their day. July 23rd it’s coming. We’re going to have some fun.

G. Cotton Can we get a prediction?

Z. Judah Zab Judah will be the one. Zab Judah will be the one.

G. Cotton Spectacular.

Z. Judah I promise you. I promise you. I don’t know who this guy’s looking at as far as when they speak about speed and power, but evidently they’re watching the wrong tapes. They’re going to be in for a world of surprises. I understand the people over there are misleading the young guy over there and telling him this and telling him that. But I think when the bell rings, after the first round he’ll come back to the corner and go, “Wait a minute. This is not what we prepared for guys. You told me it was going to be a different kind of Judah in there.

G. Cotton And the last question for Amir. Amir, this go-around, you’re dealing with a southpaw that had power. What are some of the things you guys worked on to deal with Zab’s speed and power?

A. Khan We were really quite lucky enough to be sparring with Manny Pacquiao in the previous camps and Alex Ariza, training with him. You know talking about power, I think he’s probably the most powerful southpaw in our division, and that was great help for me. We’ve had some great sparring partners who worked on techniques. We’re going to be ready for whatever he brings to the table. Training has gone really well with the game plan that we’ve got for the fight. It’s a great game plan, and you can say what you want about the first round. Maybe we come back in the first round, and the fight is over.

Because the way we can be ready for this fight, who knows, the fight might finish in the first round or the twelfth round. We’re going to be ready for him, and we will see if he’s still there. We just hope Zab is ready for this fight, and he can say what he wants.

Z. Judah Exactly. The way his sparring ‘s been going guys—like he said—the fight might be over in one round. I know everything, trust me.

Moderator Our next question comes form Gabriel Montoya with MaxBoxing.com.

G. Montoya My question is for Amir. The press recently, there’s been a lot of talk about you versus Floyd Mayweather, you’re going to get him next after Ortiz. Is that you looking forward, or is that just a bunch of internet writers coming to you and asking you about Floyd Mayweather and then printing you answers. Are you looking ahead, or no?

A. Khan I think everyone knows I’ve got a big task in front of me. I’ve got Zab Judah’s ... offer. Every fight, I have goals, and my goals are to take the best out there and the likes of Floyd Mayweather one day. At the moment, I want to take things a step at a time. And I think it’s pretty blown out more than anything, but I just want to make things straight up. I’ve got this to deal with, and then hopefully then I’m going to sit down with my team and plan out where my future is.

G. Montoya There was a big to-do about you and Alex Ariza not working together for a fight—a lot of back and forth there. Now you guys are working together, as I understand it. Why is that? why did you guys get back together.

A. Khan I really think he’s probably one of the best ... conditioners out there. And we’ve got a winning team, and I don’t think we should break a winning team. He’s good at what he does, and if he wants to get you in shape and get you stronger, he’s the best man to do it. So that’s the reason I got back with him, because I know her pushes me hard, and he’s not afraid to tell me what to do and what not to do. So I thought that’s who I need for this fight—someone who’s going to get me prepared and get me in the best condition.

G. Montoya Was part of it to do with the way the McCloskey fight went? You won, obviously, but it was not one of your prettier wins. You seemed to have a little bit of trouble with him. Was that his style, or was that the—

A. Khan ... fight. He had one of them styles—he just did not want to fight and didn’t want to get involved, and he made it a boring fight. I was doing all the circling. I was doing all the pressure fighting. I was doing everything. But then, I thought to myself the way the training camp went, I was conditioned well. I was still fit and everything because I really pushed myself. I really thought I think I should ... the way things were. I was happy the way things were before, so that’s the reason we got back with everything.

G. Montoya How long do you plan on playing at this weight class? If you win this, and ... doesn’t seem like he wanted to fight you, do you give up the 147, or do you stay here.

A. Khan I’ll probably move up to 147 for bigger challenges. And like I said, I think it’s a great time for me to move up to different divisions and fight these big names. There’s a lot of big names out there. And it’s a .... That’s the reason I cannot afford to get beat. I have to ... because there’s some huge fight that’s on me. I want to get through this fight and then go to the bigger fights.

G. Montoya I have a question for Pernell Whitaker if he’s still on the line. This is your second training camp with Zab. What are your thoughts and impressions? Was it easier or harder than the first time?

P. Whitaker Hello. Can you hear me?

G. Montoya Hi, Pernell. It’s Gabe Montoya at Max Boxing.

P. Whitaker Can you all hear me? Can you hear me.

G. Montoya I can hear you. This is your second training camp with Zab. How did it go in comparison to the first? Was it easier or harder.

P. Whitaker It was much easier. The first time is always—it was the learning experiences that it was my first time working with him. So it was a learning experience for both of us. He’s not a freshman fighter. He’s an experienced, professional fighter. But this time, it’s been a lot of fun. His preparation has been a lot of fun. I’m not going to give no strategies up. I’m not going to tell you what I’m planning on doing to this young man, but he’ll be okay. We’ll take good care of him—make sure he make it back to the U.K.

G. Montoya Thank you very much. One of our other writers is covering Zab, so Zab, I’ll just wish you good luck in the fight. Amir, good luck in the fight. And thank you all.

Moderator Our next question comes from Eddie Goldman with No Holds Barred.

E. Goldman Hello everybody. I was born in Brooklyn, so I guess I can ask Zab a question. Zab, can you explain a little bit more—you talked about the new Zab Judah, and you obviously seem to have rejuvenated your career and moving down from ’47 to ’40. Could you explain a little bit about how you’re different than you were a few years ago, and why you’re different.

Z. Judah I have a different mental .... A whole different mentality of .... I’m just more focused in on my career now. I’m focused in on my family and the morals of life, as a young man should be. I just think that I’m at a great place in life right now, and I’m fully prepared for this situation.

E. Goldman How much has Pernell Whitaker made a difference? Did that training with him give you a chance to sharpen up on your technique and your fundamentals?

Z. Judah Yes. Pernell Whitaker brought back a lot from my games, and he tapped into my memory status and has made me remember a lot of good things and just showed me what it is to be a scientific boxer. I added that to my style. And we have a complete full-version Zab Judah the way that the world knows him to be. This is the guy that you people love and the guy that you wanted to see ..., is the guy you will get to see July 23rd.

E. Goldman And a question for Amir. How are you going to prepare, since obviously you both have very, very strong amateur backgrounds and credential, but Zab is coming in—he’s older, but he also has more professional experience. How are you going to prepare for a more mature version of Zab Judah than existed a few years ago?

A. Khan The preparation is over for the fight, and the way things have gone in the training camp, I’m very, very happy with. The sparring was great, and conditioning-wise, I’m ready for him. But like I said, he can bring whatever he wants to the table because we’re going to be more than ready for it.

And we’ve got a game plan that we’re going to stick to, and I know that that game plan’s going to work. We’ve got a plan A and a plan B, but to be honest with you, I don’t think he is going to get through plan A. So .... We’re going to, like I said, ... and go in there and do what I do best.

E. Goldman How do you think he rates in terms of the opponents that you fought? You fought people like Barrera, but Barrera was at the very end of his career. How do you think he rates compared to Maidana and some of the other people that you’ve fought, at the time you’ve fought them?

A. Khan Physically, maybe he is on the same level as them. Maybe experience-wise, he’s ahead of them. These are the fights I need to make me get to the top, and I think it’s a great fight for me because it’s going to make me train harder, and it’s going to push me.

Throughout training camp, I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I can’t stop feeling I’m the one who knocked on his door and said, “Listen, we’ll take this fight on.” Between me and ... I turn the page over and I though Zab Judah was a good name to have because I know he’s beatable. I know what style to beat him and look good against him. I know he’s very awkward and everything, but we just love a challenge.

Moderator Our next question comes from Bob Bellin with USA Today.

B. Bellin Hi, Zab. These questions are for you. Do you look at this as a must-win fight in your career, and why or why not?


Z. Judah Yes. Every fight going forward today is a must-win fight. This is ... are going to put me right back to where I need to be at in the boxing game. I’m happy to be back on HBO again and happy to be fighting in the big fight, and I’m just 100% fully prepared.


B. Bellin Do you plan to stay at 140 pounds, or would you like to move up again? Where do you see the weight class for you in the future.

Z. Judah I make 140 pounds very well, very easy. This is the weight that I should’ve stayed at my whole career. And a lot people sometimes, when they start getting a little bit too big for the—when they can’t make the weight, they look at moving up in weight classes and things that’d be better. But for me, it wasn’t better. I was fighting much, much bigger guys and stronger guys. At 140 pounds, I’m dominant here. I’m dominant, and next Saturday, I’ll prove to the world that this was one of the reasons why I belong at 140.

B. Bellin So that being said, you don’t see Mayweather again in your future do you?

Z. Judah I can’t speak about the future. I don’t know. I don’t know what’s out there, what’s on the horizon, what God should put before me. But you know, I know that anything that God puts in front of me, I’m fully prepared for.

Moderator Our next question comes from Raj Pamar with 3 More Rounds.

R. Pamar Hi, Zab. How you doing. Just a quick question. Amir said a little earlier that he is the favorite, and in my personal opinion, you’re a very live underdog. Amir has Freddy Roach and Alex Ariza behind him, and Dave, in a very successful tandem-training fighters. Does that add any concern, any additional concern for you, or do you feel that won’t be a big factor for the fight?

Z. Judah Number one, with the favorites in the fight, that’s a man-made decision. A man made those odds up. A man made those numbers up. Like I say, if you’re into sports betting, they had Miami Heat to beat the Dallas Mavericks. And Dallas Mavericks came and smashed the odd-makers and beat the Miami Heat and won the championship. So that doesn’t mean anything, more or less, for the fight.

More or less for his trainers, Amir Khan, Freddy Roach and Alex Ariza, I have Pernell Whitaker. My trainer is—I think he’s an underestimated trainer. He was one of the best defensive fighters in the world, a six time champion of the world. He was a great fighter at his days, and great fighters make great coaches.

July 23rd I will be campaigning for my trainer to be trainer of the year. I think that after this is done, I will get fighter of the year and he will get trainer of the year.

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Solid undercard announced by KZ Event Productions for ‘Fire & Fury: Shumenov-Santiago’ ‘Fire & Fury’ on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” telecast

A solid undercard has been announced for the “Fire & Fury” pro boxing card, featuring World Boxing Association/International Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov in his third title defense, July 29 against two-time world title challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago, on TeleFutura’s“Sólo Boxeo Tecate” broadcast live from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Fire& Fury” is promoted by KZ Event Productions (Shumenov and his brother, Chingis, own and operate the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions) in association with Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions, Guilty Boxing and South Point Hotel Casino and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. Doors open at 5:30 PM PT, the first bout at 6:00 PM PT and the TeleFutura broadcast begins at 11:30 PM ET / PT (10:30 PM CT).

Other fights scheduled to complete the “Fire & Fury” card are a pair of WBA title bouts, in addition to an entertaining co-feature and two other competitive matches.

Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who is now fighting out of Las Vegas, set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when (Jan. 10, 2010) he won a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. Shumenov has successfully defended his WBA/IBA titles twice against No. 1 mandatory challenger Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12) and three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6) last January in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. In his 11 pro fights, Beibut has defeated four world champions (Campillo, Joppy, Byron Mitchell and Montell Griffin) and two world title challengers (Uzelkov and Epifanio Mendoza).

WBA #15 ranked Santiago (31-4-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of Ocala, Florida, is a two-time world title challenger. His most significant victory was a fourth-round technical knockout of Elvir Muriqi (30-1). Santiago was also featured on the third season of The Contender reality television series.

The co-feature between popular Las Vegas super featherweight Lonnie Smith (13-2-2, 9 KOs) and Minnesota-invader Wilton “Pretty Warrior” Hilario (12-2, 9 KOs) is also scheduled to be shown on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate”broadcast. Smith, rated No. 13 by the USBA, is riding an eight-fight win streak, while Hilario’s only two losses have been by decisions to Mario Honorio in their NABO title fight and undefeated Cuban Olympian Luis Franco.

Highly-regarded, unbeaten WBA FEDALATIN Welterweight Champion Ravshan Hudaynazarov (14-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 9 by the WBA, defends his title in a 10-round bout against veteran Hector “The Hurricane” Munoz(19-5-1, 12 KOs), the former USNBC titlist.

Undefeated, WBA No. 2-rated light heavyweight contender Gayrat Ahmedov (16-0-1, 12 KOs) defends his WBA International belt against veteran Max “The Fireman” Heyman (24-11-4, 14 KOs) in another 10-rounder.

Hudaynazarov and Ahmedov fight under the KZ Event Productions banner along with Beibut.

Las Vegas fan favorite Ramon Montano(17-9-2, 2 KOs) faces welterweight Juan Suazo (7-4-3, 5 KOs) in a six-round match. Also on the card against an opponent to be determined is Freddie Roach-trained, unbeaten super featherweight prospect Joel Diaz(4-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

♔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.

Heavyweight boxer Monte Barrett is gearing up for his 8/13 Rematch with David Tua, but is a career as a pro wrestler in his future?

By Ryan Songalia
Monte Barrett and Ryan Photo by; Keisha Morrisey

At age 40, Monte Barrett is in the final stage of his professional boxing career. He's never won "The Big One," but he's usually been around the top of the division, giving hell to everyone just short of the elite level.

His career hasn't been unlike that of his next opponent David Tua, who Barrett will be facing on August 13 at the TelstraClear Pacific in Manukau City, New Zealand, in a rematch of their controversial draw a year ago. The show is called "Redemption," but Barrett wonders who stands to be redeemed more.

"I think it's more for me than him," said Barrett, 34-9-2 (20 KO), who grew up in Queens, N.Y., but has lived in Bayonne, N.J., for the past two years.

"Tua and I have unfinished business. That's why the rematch is something I wanted and he wanted as well."

After a shaky beginning to their first fight, Barrett found his rhythm in the middle rounds, peppering Tua with punches as the Samoan fan favorite started to slow down. Barrett scored the first legitimate knockdown of the anvil-chinned Tua in the 12th and final round, which some felt was enough to earn Barrett the decision.

Should he emerge victorious in the rematch, Barrett says Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith has promised a victory parade through the Hudson County city.

Prior to the first Tua fight, Barrett had one foot in the sport and one out of it as he eyed a position with HBO Sports. Barrett says that HBO Senior Vice President of Sports Programming Kery Davis reached out to him last year and offered him a position similar to the late Arthur Curry's, as a liaison between the fighters, executives and the community.

"I was asked by Kery Davis, 'Would be willing to give up boxing for this position?' I said, 'Yes, you can't serve two masters.'

"I felt like I could have longevity at HBO. I've reaped the fruits of my labor and this would be my reward, being able to do something for boxing on the executive end. That's why I thought that would be my last fight."

Barrett said the job fell through when AOL Time Warner, which owns HBO, put a freeze on new hires at HBO some time after Davis' right hand man, Luis Barragan, left the company to enlist in the military.

It's unclear how the recent resignation of HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg will affect future hires.

"So the position hasn't opened up yet; it's supposed to open up some time this year. In the meantime, Kery gave me his blessings to do what I want to do. That's what I'm doing," Barrett said.

An email to Davis on Friday seeking comment wasn't returned by Tuesday evening.

With HBO on hold, Barrett's options were simple; continue boxing and seek fights with re-emerging heavyweight Cris Arreola or a rematch with former champ David Haye, or pursue a passion that he has grappled with for most of his life.

He is considering going to pro wrestling school.

Barrett's friend John Cena - who just lost the WWE championship at this past weekend's pay-per-view event - has encouraged the 6-foot-3, 220 pound Barrett to give it a try in another sort of ring. Cena has offered to have Barrett train at WWE's developmental program Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Fla., the city where Cena calls home.

Wrestling and boxing have often crossed paths throughout history. Most recently, Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a foray into sports entertainment, "knocking out" The Big Show, a wrestler named Paul Wight, who can frequently be spotted at boxing events in Florida.

Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson and others have been a part of wrestling events in the past, as competitors, special guest referees and "special enforcers."

"I've always been a big wrestling fan since 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka back in the '70s and '80s. You never know, you might turn around and I might hang up the boxing gloves and have some tight [wrestler CM] Punk panties on," said Barrett, eliciting a laugh.

Then, rethinking his prior statement, Barrett reconsiders his wrestling attire: "I don't know about the Speedos; we'll figure it out. Maybe I'll do the John Cena thing and wear the jean shorts."

Barrett had stopped following wrestling for a number of years, picking it up again when his son - one of Barrett's six children - started becoming an avid follower. Barrett, who had met Cena through a mutual friend named "Rock" (Not "The Rock," Dwayne Johnson) who helps Cena with his music career, became his son's hero anew when he revealed that he was friends with Cena.

"My son said, 'Dad, I love God and I love wrestling. That's how much I love wrestling.' He knows all the wrestlers, all the moves."

Barrett, whose best weapon throughout his boxing career has been his overhand right, sometimes winged from the side, would need a more aesthetically pleasing finisher, and it's something that he's already given thought to.

"I thought about bringing the Cobra Clutch back, I love that by Sgt. Slaughter," said Barrett. "I love the figure four leg-lock by Greg Valentine and Ric Flair. I love the cross-faced chicken wing by Bob Backlund. Those are my favorite moves. I'm not gonna be a Jimmy Snuka jumping off the top rope. I love the energy of the Ultimate Warrior and 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndoff."

WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Johnny Rodz runs "Johnny Rodz School of Wrestling" out of the famed boxing academy Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rodz boasts former WWE and ECW stars The Dudley Boyz, Tazz and Tommy Dreamer among his students.

Rodz, whose real name is Johnny Rodriguez, says that a professional athlete like Barrett coming from another sport could successfully make the transition to pro wrestling, even at the age of 40. It all depends on how much Barrett is willing to commit to the training.

"If he's been a good athlete at 40, he's still a baby," said Rodz. "A 21-year-old can't do nothing if he's a bum. You have guys who are 21 but look like they're 40. If he's a good athlete, then he has ten years of action left in him."

"If he has any love for wrestling, then I would say he has a hell of a chance to do something with it. In life, everything you do is something you're a fan of or something you love to be in. That’s why I did it so many years.

"There is no answer until they take him in and train him. If he doesn't have it, then they're wasting their time and he's wasting his time."

Barrett isn't committing to a decision, however.

"I've given it a lot of thought but I'm undecided yet. Just like John said, 'Focus on winning this fight. Win, lose or draw, you still could do a lot in wrestling, but with a win, it's a better storyline.'

"My whole thing always was to have options, so the only thing I'm focusing on is this fight at this point in time. After this fight, and I come home then I can clear my head and think about my next move."

The conversation switched over to the similarities between boxing and wrestling, which Barrett felt there was none. I asked whether he felt boxing could take a few lessons from wrestling and how it's marketed, and whether borrowing from the "script" could put people in boxing event seats.

He didn't seem optimistic.

"The biggest thing that wrestling has is that they have committed, dedicated fans. The boxing world doesn't have that. Boxing fans are bandwagon fans; they're going with who's hottest. Wrestling, they love wrestling as a whole. Boxing fans, they love the boxers like Mayweather, Bernard [Hopkins]. They love certain fighters.

"That's why on such a broad worldwide level, everybody loves wrestling. In boxing, we don't have that. The fans are not loyal fans."

For now, the only ring Barrett is concerned about is the boxing ring.

"After I beat David Tua and come back, then I'll start weighing my options," he said.

Ryan Songalia is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and contributes to GMA News and the Filipino Reporter newspaper in New York City. He can be reached at ryan@ryansongalia.com . An archive of his work can be found at www.ryansongalia.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ryansongalia.

♔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.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

MMA: Is Hector Lombard the Mike Tyson of MMA? By Michael Evans (Featured Columnist)


(PHOTO BY: KEISHA MORRSEY)

By now everyone knows Hector Lombard.

Lombard has gone unbeaten in his last 23 bouts and is the Bellator Fighting Championships middleweight champion.

He has 14 knockouts during the streak, including a one-punch knockout in his last bout, a win over tough veteran Falaniko Vitale.

After crashing a punch to his face, Lombard stood and watched as Vitale tried to stand up and fell down again. He had been knocked completely senseless in third round.

Lombard won with a one-punch knockout in Round 3.

It was a pretty awesome sight.

Then it hit me. I felt like I had deja vu: It was almost as if I had seen this before.

After sitting there for a second, I realized that I was thinking of the November 1986 fight between Mike Tyson and Trevor Berbick, in which Tyson knocked Trevor so silly that he kept falling down and trying to get up in vain.

Tyson and Lombard are also similar in their respective dominant streaks.

Tyson began his boxing career with an incredible string of wins, culminating in his winning all three heavyweight titles and defending them.

His knockouts were destructive; he was short and powerful.

Lombard has a similar body type and fighting style.

If mixed martial arts has one fighter who is like "Iron" Mike in his heyday, then "Lightning" Lombard is that man.

Lombard looks for his 24th consecutive fight without a loss in Australia this August, when he takes on Ultimate Fighter alumnus Jesse Taylor. Although Lombard's opponent is most likely overmatched, it should be an entertaining fight.

Lombard is a legitimate top-10 middleweight in the world, and for the time being, he seems to have a chokehold on the Bellator 185 division.

I think it is possible that in the next year or so he could make a move to the UFC, especially if his streak continues.

Is Lombard the Mike Tyson of MMA?

It is hard to say really, but we know for sure that Hector "Lightning" Lombard is trouble for nearly any man in the world at 185 pounds.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/772797-mma-is-hector-lombard-the-mike-tyson-of-mma


♔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.

Q & A with Amir Khan and Zab Judah

Read What Khan & Judah Have To Say About Camp Just Two Weeks Before
Their July 23 Super Lightweight World Championship Unification Fight Taking
Place At Mandalay Bay In Las Vegas And Being Televised Live on HBO

myboxingfans.com

Amir “King” Khan” – WBA Super Lightweight World Champion

Q: How has this camp been? Has it been better than the past three camps which involved traveling with trainer Freddie Roach (Philippines, Vancouver, Dallas, etc.)?

A: “This camp has been very smooth. We arrived in Los Angeles before the fight with Zab Judah was officially announced because we knew that the July 23 date was set in stone for my fight. When Timothy Bradley declined our last offer, we made a deal with Judah and we’ve been focusing on him since early June.”

“Obviously not traveling to the Philippines, Dallas or even Vancouver has made this an easier camp. There’s obviously less distractions this time. Although going to the Philippines to train with Manny was a terrific experience; any chance to train with one of the best fighters in the world is always an opportunity worth taking.”

Q: How is it working again with Alex Ariza? Can you describe his help in preparing you for the fight with Zab Judah?

A: “I’m glad to be back with Alex, he’s a very important member of the team. My conditioning for this fight is top notch as he continues to challenge me with various morning workouts and other strength and conditioning routines. He’s got terrific ideas and I appreciate the variety of what we do on a daily basis.”

Q: How do you feel about the talk coming from Zab Judah during the training camp? Does it feel like he’s trying to get you off edge?

A: “At first I was a little taken back, but that’s how Zab is. I don’t take much of it personally. He’s a terrific fighter with a wealth of experience. He tried to get under my skin at the press conference and on Twitter, but come July 23 I’ll be able to show the world who is better and that’s all that matters.”

Q: Can you discuss how it feels to return to Mandalay Bay, the site of your 2010 “Fight of the Year” performance against Marcos Maidana?

A: “I’m truly thrilled to be fighting again at Mandalay Bay. It’s a beautiful casino and resort for the fans and the arena is a perfect place to come and see the fight. My fight with Maidana was a classic and I look forward to putting on another sensational performance.”

Q: This is your third fight in the United States, do you feel that fight fans and media are giving you more attention and respect?

A: “Fans in the U.S. are very much ‘show me what you got’ type fans, which I like. I’ve had great responses from fans after my wins against Malignaggi and Maidana and I look forward to continuing to earn their respect. Same with the [American] boxing writers, they’ve been very fair to me. That’s all I can ask.”

Q: Generally speaking, what do you think will be your keys to a victory over Zab Judah?

A: “My keys to beating Zab are to stay focused and listen to Freddie’s plan. Freddie does a great job analyzing my opponents and putting together great plans towards victory. I’m fully confident that we’re putting the work in with our preparations that will lead to a victory on July 23.”

Freddie Roach, Khan’s Trainer

Q: How do you feel training camp is going?

A: “We had our best day of sparring on Friday (July 8). Everything is on schedule. We’ll be cutting down on sparring now; he peaked at 10 rounds. Now we’re down to eight, six and then four rounds sessions.”

Q: When will you break camp to head to Las Vegas?

A: “We will travel to Las Vegas after training on Monday (July 18).”

Zab “Super” Judah – IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion

Q: How is training camp progressing for July 23?

A: “Training camp is going well for me. We have a lot of fun in camp. We’re very relaxed, but very focused too. It’s great. I really have never felt better. My weight is great. It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication and we are ready to go.”

Q: How are you mentally preparing for this fight?

A: “July 23 is about this: What can you bring as far as your skills? What can you bring as far as your brains? What can you bring as far as your knowledge of boxing? What do you [Amir Khan] do when you look across that ring and there’s a hungry lion named Zab ‘Super’ Judah looking you dead in the eye, anxious for the bell to go bing? You either fold or you play cards. Me? I’m going to play to win!”

Q: What is the key to your strategy to beat Khan?

A: “You’re not going to get me to speak about strategy. We don’t talk about the specifics of what we do; you just need to know that everything we do, we do it hard and we do it well. It’s all about preparation and we are prepared. Come see for yourself on July 23, it’s going to be a spectacular performance!”

Pernell Whitaker, Judah’s Trainer & Former Five-Time World Champion

Q: How do you feel training camp is going?

A: “Up to now camp has been wonderful. There’s still 10 days to go and it can only get better. He’s [Judah] got finesse, speed and power, and we’re putting all three of those things together into one. I feel great about it. There’s no negativity in the camp.”

Q: What is your specific strategy to win this fight?

A: “You know we’re not going to talk specific strategies, but everything’s been positive. Zab is looking real good, real good.”

Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Khan Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

♔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.

Ayala, Cardona trade barbs in anticipation of title bout‏

Title town; Vacant belt up for grabs in Ayala-egan SunCardona showdown at Mohegan Sun

Elvin Ayala – known affectionately as “The Pride of New Haven” – plans on beating crosstown rival Israel “Pito” Cardona of Hartford, Conn., so convincingly that Cardona’s fans might reconsider their allegiance.

“People from Hartford are going to want to move to New Haven,” Ayala quipped.

Truth is, there’s more than just hometown pride on the line when Ayala and Cardona lock horns Friday, July 29th, 2011 in the co-main event of “Heat Wave,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville; the two are fighting for the vacant World Boxing Council U.S. National Boxing Council (WBC USNBC) middleweight title, a championship formerly held by some of boxing’s elite fighters in various divisions, most notably former two-time world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams (39-2, 27 KOs), who won the WBC USNBC welterweight title in 2006 and went on to capture the World Boxing Organization’s welterweight and light middleweight titles in 2007 and 2008, respectively; and former WBO light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson (28-1-1, 14 KOs), who also won the WBC USNBC light welterweight title in ’06. The list of former and current WBC USNBC champions also includes Worcester, Mass., super middleweight Edwin Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs), Providence, R.I., light heavyweight Joey “K.O. Kid” Spina (26-1-2, 18 KOs), and current North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion and No. 7-ranked lightweight John Molina Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs).

“I’m taking the belt home,” said Cardona, who hasn’t fought since losing to Hector Camacho Jr. in 2009.

“There’s no way he’s beating me. He’s going to have to kill me. I don’t talk [trash]. I don’t even know who he is. He could be a great guy, but when that bell rings it’s a different story.”

Neither fighter in next month’s co-main event is a stranger to boxing’s biggest stage; Ayala (23-5-1, 11 KOs) fought current World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham for a world title in 2008 while the 36-year-old Cardona (36-10, 28 KOs) is a former two-time world champion in the super featherweight and light welterweight divisions, winning the International Boxing Organization (IBO) super featherweight title in 1995 with a unanimous-decision victory over Jeff Mayweather, and then capturing the organization’s light welterweight belt two years later by knocking out Steve Larrimore in Connecticut.

“I feel like it’s, ‘Here we go again!’” Ayala said. “I’ve been in this position before, but now it’s time for me to prove myself. I know [Cardona] is an older guy, but he’s well experienced. He’s been a world champion, so I know he has a lot of experience. I don’t want to make any mistakes. I’ve been looking better with each fight so far, so I want to do even better this time.”

While Ayala, 30, is in the midst of what could be his final run at another world-title opportunity, Cardona is taking what will surely be his last shot at adding a fifth title to his own resume; in addition to the two world championships he won in the ‘90s, Cardona is also a former United States Boxing Association (USBA) and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion.

Though the records show Cardona lost a unanimous decision to Paul Spadafora in 1999 for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight title, Cardona maintains he’s never lost a world-title bout on a level playing field, pointing to Spadafora’s arrest in 2003 for shooting his pregnant girlfriend as proof that his opponent “was on something” at the time of the fight. Two years later, Spadafora plead guilty to drug use charges and served additional jail time, though no link has ever been made between his drug use outside of the ring and his career inside the squared circle.

“When you mess around with drugs … you do stupid [things],” Cardona said.

Cardona also questioned the integrity of the IBF, which absorbed a serious blow in 1999 when former president Bob Lee resigned in the wake of racketeering and bribery charges, and claims he was “robbed” of a potential third world title.

“That’s another story for another time,” Cardona said. “Right now, I’m getting another title shot and it’s made me 10 times more motivated. I don’t lose title fights. You want me to fight for a title? Hell yeah! I’m soaking wet right now; I just worked out. I’m very excited. This is going to be a war.

“Guess what? My experience is definitely going to be a factor. I’ve been there. I’ve been with the best. I’ve been where he hasn’t gone. Nothing he brings will be a surprise to me. It’s going to be a fight, and it’ll come down to whoever wants it more.”

These days, facing Ayala is no easy task regardless of age. Since signing a promotional contract with CES, Ayala is 3-0 in 2011, including back-to-back knockout wins over Joe Gardner (April 1) and George Armenta (May 6). Working with newly-hired trainer Peter Manfredo Sr. has had a positive impact on Ayala’s preparation for this upcoming bout as he looks to continue his climb to the top of the rankings in the middleweight division.

“Not only is he saying the right thing, but with the way I feel when he speaks to me, I absorb everything a lot better than if it were coming from the average Joe,” Ayala said. “I trust a lot of what he’s saying. I could literally go in there with a blindfold on and have him tell me what to do and I would still win the fight.”

Cardona’s recent record is somewhat deceiving; while he’s lost his last four fights, he’s done so against elite competition, including a knockout loss to red-hot welterweight prospect Mike Jones (25-0, 19 KOs) and a unanimous-decision loss to Camacho Jr. (53-4-1, 28 KOs) for the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation title. Ayala is ignoring the numbers and heeding the advice of his peers.

“I few people I spoke to who have sparred against him say you can hit him with everything and he keeps coming forward,” Ayala said. “I’m not looking for a knockout; I’m just going to finesse it and put my skills on display. I’ve got OK pop, but my main thing is boxing. The goal is to hit him and not get hit.”

The undercard of “Heat Wave” features undefeated Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach (24-0, 12 KOs) starring in the second half of the co-main event, along with Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (3-0, 3 KOs) facing Russ Niggemyer (2-2, 2 KOs) of Hilliard, Ohio; New Haven welterweight Edwin Soto (6-0-1, 2 KOs) battling Jose Duran (6-5-2, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla.; undefeated heavyweight Artur Spzilka of Poland (5-0, 3 KOs) facing Tobias Rice (3-3, 2 KOs) of Macon, Ga., and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Johnathan Vazquez (4-0, 3 KOs) taking on Augustine Maurus of Lawrence, Mass., in Maurus’ debut. Cruiserweight Jose Torres of Worcester, Mass., will also make his debut, and super middleweight Keith Kozlin (6-2, 4 KOs) of Warwick, R.I., will face Woonsocket’s Reynaldo Rodriguez (5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round intrastate showdown. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

♔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.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Zab Judah Media Workout Photos H.I.T. Factory Boxing Gym, Las Vegas, NV


In preparation for his July 23rd world championship unification match against Amir "King" Khan on July 23rd at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas , Zab "Super" Judah hosted a media workout at H.I.T. Factory Boxing Gym in Las Vegas Nevada.

The champ looked fit, focused and relaxed as he worked out with his trainer, Pernell "Sweetpea" Whitaker.


Judah Works Out as Whitaker Looks On

Judah vs. Khan, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Super Judah Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T.


The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m.



Photo credit @chris cozzone / cozzone.com

♔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.

HANKS MEETS ESCALERA FOR IBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY JULY 23RD ON KNOCK OUT CANCER BOXING BENEFIT AT THE HUNTS POINT PRODUCE MARK

On Saturday July 23rd, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will team up with the American Cancer Society to host a benefit at the Hunts Point Produce Market to "Knock Out Cancer". All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The show will feature a number of up and coming fighters, and exciting fights, including the headliner, which see's American Heavyweight prospect, Joe "The Future" Hanks (16-0, 11KO's) look to capture what some believe to be the first of many Heavyweight Titles, when he takes on former, "Contender 4" participant, Alfredo Escalera Jr. (18-3-1, 12KO's) for the IBA Heavyweight Championship.

Hanks, who recently signed an exclusive long-term promotional deal with Star Boxing, was last in action in April, when he scored a brutal fourth round TKO over Terrell Nelson. Hanks controlled the action from the outset, dropping Nelson once in the second round and battering him for much of the fight. Nelson didn't answer the bell to sound round five, thus giving Hanks the 4th TKO.

Still young (28-years-old), especially for a heavyweight, Hanks gained valuable experience during his amateur days, sparring with such fighters as Heavyweight Champion, Wladamir Klitschko, Chris Byrd, Jameel McCline, and Larry Donald. As an amateur Hanks was a three-time Golden Gloves Champion, and was a National Golden Gloves semi-finalist in 2007. After the Nationals, Hanks promptly turned pro, scoring a 2nd round TKO over Joseph Rabotte.

Escalera is the son of former world champion, Alfredo Escalera. After spending the majority of his career fighting at cruiserweight, the 31-years-old, Puerto Rican native, is now looking to make some noise in the heavyweight division, and he knows a win over a prospect like Hanks, put him right into the mix.



♔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.

Business is boomin’ Unbeaten prospect Falowo putting in long hours both in and outside the ring

Pain reliever by day, pain administrator by night.

Working double duty as a pharmacy technician for CVS and a professional boxer for Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, 22-year-old middleweight prospect Thomas Falowo (3-0, 3 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., is quickly becoming a household name among New England’s most loyal fans, many of whom have been following the sport religiously since the glory days of Vinny Paz and Peter Manfredo Jr.

Quiet by nature, but raucous inside the ring, the 6-foot-1 Falowo already has three knockout victories since making his professional debut in November of 2010, and will put his perfect record on the line against Russ Niggemyer (2-2, 2 KOs) of Ohio in a four-round bout July 29th, 2011 at the Mohegan Sun Arena on the undercard of “Heat Wave,” presented by CES in association with Global Boxing Promotions.

Falowo’s two-day trip to Mohegan Sun will be a welcomed reprieve from his usual hectic schedule, which includes work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CVS five days a week, followed by training at Peter Manfredo Sr.’s gym in Pawtucket from 5:30 to 7:30; on four of those five days, Falowo squeezes out another hour and a half of running before finally heading home at 9 o’clock – a routine that keeps him in impeccable shape, but leaves little time for a social life.

“Work, train and then watch Netflix or surf Facebook – it’s a busy schedule, but it works,” Falowo said.

Though he doesn’t plan on leaving his job at CVS anytime soon, boxing is Falowo’s true passion. His uncle introduced him to the sport as a teenager when he took Falowo to an amateur boxing show at Balletto’s Gym in Johnston, R.I., that featured Demetrius Andrade of Providence, who went on to star in the 2008 Olympics.

“I was immediately hooked,” Falowo said.

Falowo eventually joined Manfredo’s Gym, which is within walking distance from where he grew up in Pawtucket, and began working under the tutelage of Manfredo Sr., who guided Falowo through 60 amateur bouts and helped him earn runner-up honors at the New England Golden Gloves and USA Boxing New England tournaments. While Falowo was just beginning his amateur career at 15, other Rhode Island-based fighters such as Jason Estrada and Matt Godfrey were putting in long hours at Manfredo’s in anticipation of their pro debuts, so Falowo always had plenty of guidance along the way.

“That was a blessing,” he said. “You see first-hand how a fighter progresses through life and you learn right away what it takes to be a professional.”

As for his full-time job as a pharmacy technician, that happened by accident.

“I basically just went with someone to take the test so they wouldn’t be alone,” he said. “I ended up passing. She didn’t.”

Shortly thereafter, Falowo landed a job at CVS’ Customer Care Center in Woonsocket, R.I., where his responsibilities include sending requests to doctors, answering phone calls for the pharmacy and providing assistance with prescription refills. The Customer Care Center in Woonsocket services stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and New Jersey, and CVS is the second-largest pharmacy chain in the United States behind Walgreens.

Having a full-time job outside of boxing has provided Falowo with some much-needed stability; after graduating in 2006 from Shea High School in Pawtucket, where he played football and ran track, Falowo changed jobs – and majors – several times over the next three years. He spent two and a half years at Rhode Island College, first studying to become a nurse before pursuing a career in physical education. He also worked at McDonald’s and the Nike store at the Wrentham Village Outlets in Massachusetts to help save money. Through it all, his ultimately dream was to become a professional boxer, something he realized as far back as his high-school days.

“I always liked contact sports,” Falowo said. “When I found boxing, it was the perfect fit.

“When I played football, I wasn’t the greatest, but I just loved the physical aspect of it – even playing special teams, where I could run down the field at full speed and hit somebody.”

The dream of boxing professionally has now become a reality. After just three fights, Falowo linked up with Burchfield and signed a multi-year promotional agreement in hopes of becoming Rhode Island’s next world champion. July 29th will be Falowo’s first official fight under the CES umbrella.


“Only time will tell how great he can be,” Manfredo Sr. said. “He’s always well-conditioned. The more he fights, the better he gets. Can he win the big one? We don’t know that right now. We’ll have to wait and see how he develops as a pro.

“He’s a good student and a fast learner, and he’s still working on a lot of stuff. I want to see him win a world title eventually, but I also want to take my time with him because he’s so young. He throws a million punches per round – that’s what I like most about him. He’s always in great shape and has a strong chin; he just keeps getting better.”

Any setbacks suffered along the way won’t be for a lack of effort; Falowo’s work ethic is as good as it gets – so good, in fact, that it even made a believer out of his father, a Nigerian immigrant, who originally wanted his son to pursue a different career.

“As an amateur, he was against me boxing,” Falowo said. “He would always ask me when I was going to quit. When I turned pro, he realized I was more serious. He lives across the street from me now, so he sees me when I come home late from running. He sees the work I put into it, so it makes him more comfortable.”

The next step is making a believer out of his mother, who has attended only one fight – Falowo’s debut win over Odias Dumezil at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. – since her son turned professional six months ago.

“She had a hard time watching,” Falowo laughed. “She went to the casino to play slots and told me to call her when it was over.”

The rest of the boxing world has caught on, captivated by Falowo’s extraordinary volume of punches and overwhelming range, which helps him dish out punishment without taking too much abuse in return. Since his first fight in November, he’s learned to box more on the outside without sacrificing his output, a deadly combination that makes him one of New England’s most feared middleweights.

“My greatest strengths are my endurance and my heart,” he said. “When I fight, you can see how hungry I am. Ever since I was young, I always had a lot of energy, and back in my pre-teen football days, I was always known for being in shape, but a lot of it is mental.

“Even if I’m tired – and I’ve been tired in fights – I know the opponent is just as tired as I am, if not more, so it helps push me. So much of what we do is mental. Putting all those hours into the gym mentally prepares you. You’re thinking, ‘I’ve put in all this work and ran all these miles before, so I know I can do it again.’”

Falowo’s days of working overtime probably won’t last forever – “When boxing gets to the point where it demands more time from me, I won’t be able to work full-time,” he said – but until he reaches the next level, his job at CVS continues to provide stability while serving as a constant reminder of what he hopes to achieve in professional boxing.

“I know I want to be a world champion,” he said. “How I get there remains to be seen.”

“Heat Wave” features two championship bouts – a 12-round showdown between Kevin McBride (35-9-1, 29 KOs) and Mariusz Wach (24-0, 12 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International heavyweight title, and a 10-round intrastate battle between Elvin Ayala (23-5-1, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., and rival Israel “Pito” Cardona (36-10, 28 KOs) of Hartford for the vacant WBC United States National Boxing Council (USNBC) middleweight title.

The undercard includes New Haven welterweight Edwin Soto (6-0-1, 2 KOs) battling Michael Denby (3-10-4, 2 KOs) of Felton, Del.; undefeated heavyweight Artur Spzilka of Poland (5-0, 3 KOs) facing Philadelphia’s David Williams (6-4-1, 2 KOs), and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Johnathan Vazquez (4-0, 3 KOs) taking on Agustine Maurus (1-0, 1 KO) of Lawrence, Mass.

Cruiserweight Jose Torres of Springfield, Mass., will make his debut against fellow newcomer Pedro Rivera of Southbridge, Mass.; super middleweight Greg McCoy (2-3-1, 1 KO) of New Haven will fight in a separate four-round bout against Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (0-1); and super middleweight Keith Kozlin (6-2, 4 KOs) of Warwick, R.I., will face Woonsocket’s Reynaldo Rodriguez (5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round intrastate showdown. Also, former “The Contender” reality television star Jeff Fraza (17-3, 10 KOs) of Haverhill, Mass., will face Pawtucket, R.I., light middleweight Eddie Soto (12-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout. The special attraction on July 29th will be an eight-round light middleweight bout featuring Worcester, Mass., veteran and former three-time world champion Jose Antonio Rivera (40-6-1, 24 KOs). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

♔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.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Danny Green VS Antonio Tarver on for July 20

Danny Green VS Antonio Tarver on for July 20
by Scott Christ on in Boxing News Analysis

Danny Green will finally get his chance to face Antonio Tarver. The two fighters, who were scheduled for a December 2007 showdown that did not materialize and ultimately led to a brief retirement from Green, will square off on July 20 in Sydney.

Tarver, now 42, will be making his cruiserweight debut against the 38-year-old Green. Both are really light heavyweights, but age doesn't allow them to get down to 175 pounds anymore. Tarver flirted with a heavyweight career last October, when he fought Nagy Aguilera on Showtime. It was a waste, really; a listless Tarver's skills were too much for Aguilera, but Tarver was far from impressive as a heavyweight. A step down to cruiserweight is the right idea, if the "right idea" means fighting, anyway.

The Aussie press isn't totally sold on the fight, and it's hard to blame them given some of Green's recent stinkers, including wins over Manny Siaca and Paul Briggs, the latter of which was a pure disgrace. The Australian even has this headline: "Danny to defend title against 'Rocky' fighter." Not exactly a headline befitting a big fight.

Green (31-3, 27 KO) gained his highest level of fame with a first round stoppage of the faded Roy Jones Jr. in December 2009, and since then has gone 3-0, with only one of those wins (BJ Flores) having much credibility, but it was a good win. Tarver, of course, is the man who ended the prime of Jones definitively back in 2004 with his second round knockout of the legend.

Actually, does Roy Jones get some kind of finder's fee for this fight? He should. Both of these guys are stars mostly because of him.

♔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.

Salita Promotions presents "Brighton Shore Fights"The first installment will take place on Wednesday, July 20th

Salita Promotions presents "Brighton Shore Fights". New York City's newest monthly boxing series is going to take place in Brooklyn at the Oceana Theater in the Oceanside neighborhood of Brighton Beach. "As a New Yorker, Boxer, Promoter and a fan of boxing, I feel it's important to establish a monthly series that will allow fans to follow the progress of the boxers. It is equally important for boxers to have an opportunity to stay busy and build a relationship with fans," said Dmitriy Salita, Founder and President of Salita Promotions.

The first installment will take place on Wednesday, July 20th and will feature undefeated light heavyweight prospect and four-time Golden Gloves Champion Will Rosinsky (13-0). The co-feature will showcase US Olympic Alternate, four-time Army Champion and Jr. Middleweight prospect Boyd Melson (4-0). Boyd is coming off impressive knockout wins and is looking to keep the KO streak alive as he makes his Brighton Shore debut. The undercard will feature American Heavyweight Jarrell Miller and other NYC boxing stars.

July 20th show will have special musical performance by hip hop star Big Frank.

"Brighton Shore Fights" from Oceana will be based around top professional boxers. The feature fighters include many Golden Gloves champions and established professionals, fighting for a shot at a world title. All fighters have a significant fan-base and bring different flavors reflected in their native origin, background and lifestyle. All shows will have live performances by a popular artist and include ringside celebrities, radio/TV personalities and politicians to create an exciting fight night experience.

♔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.

Against all odds Former three-time champion Jose Antonio Rivera continues improbable comeback July 29th

Ex-champ Rivera joins lineup at Mohegan‏; After winning close to 40 fights in 15 years and capturing three world titles, Jose Antonio Rivera suddenly reached a point in his career he never thought he’d see three decades ago when he first put on a pair of gloves at 8 years old.

“Boxing wasn’t fun anymore,” said the former three-time world champion from Worcester, Mass.

Weighed down by personal problems outside of the ring, Rivera hit the wall in 2007 when he lost his World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title to Travis Simms. He announced his retirement shortly thereafter, only to attempt a brief comeback 10 months later that left him with an injured hand.

This time, it appeared Rivera (40-6-1, 24 KOs) was done for good, but the former welterweight and light middleweight title-holder proved you can’t keep a champion down for long, making his second comeback in May with a unanimous decision win over Luis Maysonet at the Palladium in Worcester.

Only three months removed from his 38th birthday, Rivera now has his sights set on a much bigger prize as he prepares to continue his comeback Friday, July 29th, 2011 on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Heat Wave” show at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Rivera will fight in a special eight-round light middleweight attraction on a show that features two championship bouts – a 12-round showdown between Kevin McBride (35-9-1, 29 KOs) and Mariusz Wach (24-0, 12 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International heavyweight title, and a 10-round intrastate battle between Elvin Ayala (23-5-1, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., and rival Israel “Pito” Cardona (36-10, 28 KOs) of Hartford for the vacant WBC United States National Boxing Council (USNBC) middleweight title.

“I’m trying to push myself and test myself to see how much I have left in the tank,” said Rivera, who was born in Philadelphia and also lived in Puerto Rico before moving to Worcester as a teenager. “My goal is to get back into world-championship form.

“I want to ease my way into a couple of fights this year and by next year hopefully I’ll be knocking on the door of another big fight. … You’re only as old as you feel.”

Asked how old he feels, Rivera said, “Twenty-eight, both mentally and physically.”

How he feels mentally is arguably more important right now than how Rivera feels physically, especially considering the internal problems that derailed his career four years ago. His first comeback attempt in 2008 ended with a win over Clarence Taylor, but Rivera admits he still would’ve walked away again even without the subsequent hand injury because his “mind wasn’t right.”

“The injury was just the icing on the cake,” he said. “That gave me a more convenient excuse to retire, but the truth is I was still dealing with a lot of personal stuff, too.”

The idea of returning to the ring a second time was always in the back of his mind during his retirement phase, but Rivera didn’t pull the trigger until he knew he was mentally ready.

“I had to type up all the loose ends in my life,” he said. “As soon as everything was good, I said to myself, ‘OK, now is the time.’ Being mentally prepared is the key. I don’t care how strong you are. You could be a beast in that ring, but if you’re not mentally ready, then it all goes out the window.

“That’s what got me to take some time off. Everything going on in my life was affecting my performance and my career.”

On May 20th at the Palladium, Rivera proved he made the right decision with a convincing win over Maysonet, a Hartford native who entered the bout with 32 wins, including 25 by knockout. The former world champion struggled early, but settled into a groove later in the fight after solving Maysonet’s game plan. Rivera captured an eight-round unanimous decision, 79-73, on all three scorecards.

“I didn’t expect him to try to outbox me,” Rivera said. “He seemed hesitant to move inside. We trained for a brawl, and I had to adjust midway through the fight. His style kind of threw me off a little. By the time I warmed up in the sixth, seventh and eighth rounds, I was unloading on him.

“To tell you the truth, it went by so quickly. When I went back to my corner after the eighth round, the referee came to me and said the fight was over. I asked if he had quit and the referee said, ‘No, that’s eight rounds!’”

Rivera’s next bout on July 29th will go a long way toward determining whether his dream of winning a fourth world title – he captured the WBA light middleweight and welterweight titles, in addition to the International Boxing Organization (IBO) welterweight title – is a realistic premise or an improbable fantasy. One thing that’s certain is Rivera views his age as an advantage, not a roadblock, as he aims to follow in the footsteps of legends George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins, who beat the odds to win world titles at the ages of 45 and 46, respectively (Hopkins accomplished the feat by beating Jean Pascal the night after Rivera’s comeback win over Maysonet).

“A lot of people knock it, and that’s fine because it just gives me more motivation, but the great thing about being an older fighter is I bring a lot of experience to the ring,” Rivera said. “I know my body. Conditioning has always been the key to my success, and it’s one of the main reasons I became champion, but some of my losses were a result of overtraining when I was younger; I left it all in the gym. The things I took for granted back then are things I no longer take for granted anymore. That’s what makes it enjoyable.”

Rivera’s having fun again, and that could be bad news for the elite fighters in the 154-pound division.

“I just want another chance at a title fight, whether it’s the WBC, WBA or IBO – any of them,” Rivera said. “This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m excited to be on this card. I’ve always wanted to fight at Mohegan Sun and now I’ll have that chance. I’m just thankful Burchfield was able to make it happen.”

The undercard of “Heat Wave” features Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (3-0, 3 KOs) facing Russ Niggemyer (2-2, 2 KOs) of Hilliard, Ohio; New Haven welterweight Edwin Soto (6-0-1, 2 KOs) battling Jose Duran (6-5-2, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla.; undefeated heavyweight Artur Spzilka of Poland (5-0, 3 KOs) facing Philadelphia’s David Williams (6-4-1, 2 KOs), and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Johnathan Vazquez (4-0, 3 KOs) taking on Agustine Maurus of Lawrence, Mass., in Maurus’ debut. Cruiserweight Jose Torres of Springfield, Mass., will make his debut; super middleweight Greg McCoy (2-3-1, 1 KO) of New Haven will fight in a separate four-round bout; and super middleweight Keith Kozlin (6-2, 4 KOs) of Warwick, R.I., will face Woonsocket’s Reynaldo Rodriguez (5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round intrastate showdown. Also, former “The Contender” reality television star Jeff Fraza (17-3, 10 KOs) of Haverhill, Mass., will face Pawtucket, R.I., light middleweight Eddie Soto (12-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

♔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 returns on Channel 5 Al Bernstein calling ‘The Big Brawl’ action July 23

Boxing’s back on terrestrial television in the United Kingdom, starting July 23 with the worldwide broadcast of “The Big Brawl” event, which will be anchored by award-winning boxing announcer Al Bernstein, Channel 5 and promoter Hennessy Sports announced today.

British and Commonwealth heavyweight Champion Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs) puts his belts on the line Saturday night, July 23 against undefeated challenger Tyson Fury (14-0, 10 KOs) in the 12-round main event at Wembley Arena in London.

“The Big Brawl" will air live in the UK on Channel 5, the UK’s premier terrestrial network. “Boxing is a new venture for Channel Five and we want to create the very best impression,” said Mark Sharman, Executive Producer, S3 Media Ltd. “Fury v Chisora is a great match-up between two unbeaten heavyweights with world title aspirations, so we want a world-class expert to call the fight. They don’t come any bigger than Al Bernstein and I know the viewers will enjoy the benefits of his insight and expertise.”

Sports fans in United States will also be able to watch the “The Big Brawl” event on PPV, distributed in the U.S. by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, and Avail-TVN, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. (Check with your PPV provider for same day replay times.) The telecast is also available in Canada to all Super Channel network subscribers.

Bernstein, a highly respected boxing authority for more than three decades, will join blow-by-blow announcer Mark Pougatch at ringside for “The Big Brawl” call. He was a boxing analyst for ESPN from 1980 to 2003, covered boxing for NBC during the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, and has been a popular boxing announcer since 2003 for Showtime Championship Boxing.

“"While this fight certainly resonates for British boxing fans,” Bernstein commented, “it now has wider implications and interest. The winner has an excellent chance of fighting for the heavyweight title. But, that aside, perhaps the most salient part of this match is that it will very likely be an exciting shootout – something we don't often see in the heavyweight division. A lot is at stake and the styles of these two fighters should make it an entertaining match."

The headliner showcases a pair of undefeated heavyweights, sporting nearly identical professional records, fighting in hopes of rising from prospect to contender, especially with world title shot implications for the winner of this clash to settle it all.

Zimbabwe-native Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 12 by the World Boxing Organization, fights out of London. He has twice had scheduled World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) title fights cancelled against champion Wladimir Klitschko, who will be at ringside for “The Big Brawl.” “Del Boy” has twice stopped Sam Sexton, winner of “The Prizefighter Heavyweight Tournament,” as well as Mike Tyson-conqueror Danny Williams.

Fury is a 6’ 9” 260-pound Irishman born in Manchester and lives in Cheshire, England. His rapidly growing fan-base is spreading across the Atlantic to America. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the World Boxing Council’s No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender Andy Lee. In his last action this past February, the mammoth 261-pound Fury knocked out previously unbeaten Narcelo Luiz Nascimento (13-0) in the fifth round. Other notable United Kingdom heavyweights defeated by Tyson include John McDermott and Scott Belshaw. Fury, only 22, has dedicated his fight against Chisora to the memory of former world heavyweight title challenger and European champion, Sir Henry Cooper.

The 12-round co-feature showcases British Boxing Board of Control (“BBB of C”) Light Welterweight Champion Ashley “Treasure” Theophane in his first title defense against Welsh champion Jason “The Power” Cook.

Theophane (29-4-1, 7 KOs), rated No. 14 by the International Boxing Federation, captured the BBB of C light welterweight championship in his last fight by winning a unanimous 12-round decision against Lenny Daws (21-1-2) this past February in London. Ashley’s most significant victories to date have been versus Delvin Rodriguez (DEC10) and former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (DEC8).

The 5’ 9” Cook (28-3-1, 14 KOs), a former International Boxing Organization and European lightweight champion, has lost only three times in 32 pro fights, the last in 2009 to former World Boxing Association champion Gavin Rees by three-round decision in the semi-finals of “Prizefighter” tournament.♔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.