BOXING LEGEND ERIK "EL TERRIBLE" MORALES, TOP CONTENDERS JESSIE VARGAS & JOSESITO LOPEZ SEPTEMBER 17 "STAR POWER" UNDERCARD

ERIK "EL TERRIBLE" MORALES, JESSIE VARGAS and JOSESITO LOPEZ held a press conference in Los Angeles to officially announce Morales' battle with former World Champion Jorge Barrios for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight title and Vargas vs. Lopez which will be part of the "STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

"STAR POWER" is a mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz will face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Also live in Las Vegas, will be Erik Morales vs. Jorge Barrios in a 12 round fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas against top contender Josesito Lopez. The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions. "Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 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.

Photo Credit: Tom Casino / SHOWTIME

From left to right: Joseph King Kong Agbeko and Abner Mares pose together at their announcement press conference in Las Vegas.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight Champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko and undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver 118-pound Champion Abner Mares participated in a media conference call on Tuesday to discuss The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All taking place on Saturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, will defend his IBF title against the fast-rising, Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in the tournament final. Mares’ WBC Silver bantamweight belt will also be on the line.

The world championship fight is promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Corona.

JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO:

“I would like to thank SHOWTIME for the new date which is Aug. 13 due to my injury. I thank my promoters too at Don King Productions for waiting for me to heal and to get ready for this fight. I’m so looking forward to this fight and thanks to God for it is finally coming off and I’m ready for it.

“This is a very big fight. Everyone is watching and people will know after you win this fight that you are the best in the world. That’s what I strive to achieve in my career: to be the best in the world at this weight class and then move on to the next one.”

What was the difference in the first time you fought Yonnhy Perez and the second?

“Well, in the first fight I don’t think I had a lot of time to prepare for the fight. I came into the ring slow and started out that way. That first fight just did not go well for me due to a few issues. So I came back and was able to do better the next fight.”

Did you fear after suffering your sciatic injury that your career might be finished?

“When I had the injury the only thing that I was worried about was the fight that I had coming up. I knew definitely that it wouldn’t affect my career. My main concern was disappointing every one because I knew I couldn’t fight. I knew everyone was counting on me. All my fans and family in Ghana were depending on me. I didn’t want to let anyone down.”

Was there ever any indication on why you had the sciatic injury you suffered?

“Yeah, they said it could really happen to anyone because of the time that the flight was delayed at the airport and the time I spent not moving on the plane for the six hours from New York to L.A. It doesn’t happen every day but the people at the hospital knew because they are so close to the airport. It does happen to people sitting on a plan for a long time.”

Did it affect your preparation for this fight?

“Yes, I think since I had to start all over again. I took some time off but then I was able to come back and I’ve been working on my speed and everything else for this fight.

“I’ve been on conference calls for SHOWTIME before and this is definitely the most relaxed one because I wasn’t asked a lot of questions. So I was very relaxed because I didn’t have to answer a lot of questions. This fight has been very hyped and I’m hoping to come out the winner on Aug. 13.”

ABNER MARES:

“We are getting close to this fight that I’ve been waiting for for quite some time. The fight got cancelled back in April and now we’re less than 13 days away. I’m ready to do this.”

What’s more important in this fight, winning the tournament or winning the world title?

“I think they are both important. For me it would be my first title so it has big significance but the SHOWTIME Tournament is also important because you have faced two of the greatest bantamweights out there so for me winning this tournament it means you’ve only beaten the best. You can take pride in knowing you beat only the elite fighters in their prime in your weight class.”

How do you compare Agbeko and Yonnhy Perez?

“Well, Agbeko and Yonnhy have two different styles. I had a draw against Yonnhy in a fight a lot of people thought I won. He was the world champion at the time. If anything I won in that fight because I learned a whole lot. And I was able to show that in my next fight against Vic Darchinyan. They are both such different fighters. The only similar thing is that I was fighting for the IBF title against Yonnhy and now I’m doing it again. So I definitely don’t want to lose or have a draw in this fight.”

What was your reaction when the April fight was called off?

“At the moment I heard that the fight might be cancelled and that there might be another opponent I was happy, but I was not mentally happy. I was getting ready for a world title fight and whoever stepped in it would not be for a world title. Just another 12-round fight. Yeah, I was ready and yeah it might make sense and I could have gone the 10 or 12 rounds with whoever they put in there but I was kind of mentally disappointed. So I didn’t want to take that risk. I had more to lose than to win so saying that, the whole camp just decided to wait for Agbeko. He made it to the finals and it’s only right to fight him for the SHOWTIME Bantamweight title.”

Are you aware of the fact that you have the chance to become Golden Boy’s first homegrown fighter to start your career with them and win a world title? What does that mean to you?

“It means a whole lot to me. I’ve said this before: Golden Boy is not just my promoter but also my family. I get along with everyone so well. From Monica (Sears) to David (Itskowitch), the entire staff. We go out to lunch and outside the ring everyone is so nice and just like family. So winning this fight I’ll be the first Golden Boy fighter to start from scratch and become world champion so that would mean a whole lot for me. And I know it would mean a whole lot to Golden Boy Promotions. We’re a big happy family and we would all win that night.”

Have you had to change much in your preparation since the fight was called off to now?

“I’ve had to change everything, even sparring partners and the place we were training. Once the fight was cancelled I said let’s move on. I took three weeks off and didn’t think about boxing at all. Then I got right back in the gym and the first thing we did was to plan a trip to Guadalajara and we trained out there for three weeks. It was something different. I wanted a whole new environment. Just changed everything. I didn’t want the whole team over again for another three months. That helped a lot. Now we are in a different gym here in Santa Fe Springs which is really nice. The people and the atmosphere are great. I’ve actually had fans come over here to watch me train and talk to me and I’ve never had that before. We changed everything and I’m very happy it went so quick.”

If you win this fight, will you be the best in the division?

“This tournament is made up of the best bantamweights. A lot of fighters had the opportunity to get in it and some chose not to for whatever reasons. We definitely deserve to be called the best bantamweight out there. There are a lot of great and top pound-for-pound bantamweights out there. After this fight we should be called the best then after this, other fights can be made. Let’s do it. But I think myself and Agbeko have proven that we are here and we will fight anyone and we should be recognized as the best.”

Did you change your approach or game plan since the cancellation?

“No, not really. Same game plan. I had a lot of people ask me since he got injured, am I going to do it differently now? No. If I did that that would only make me think he was not fully healthy and that he wasn’t going to perform the same. I know he had the back problem and it’s all cured and I think mentally he knows it’s cured so I don’t want to think about it again.”

How do you stay motivated after such a let down as the cancellation was?

“As a fighter in my young career I’ve already been through so many ups and downs that maybe a veteran hasn’t even gone through yet with my detached retina, with this fight being cancelled and with me getting a draw in my first world title. But, you know, it only makes me stronger. It only motivates me more. Things happen for a reason. When I saw Agbeko at the podium the next day and he was limping I was actually thinking it was such a freak thing that I was glad it hadn’t happened to me. Things happen. It happened. I took off with my family for vacation for three weeks and I’ve come back stronger. I was able to go back to Guadalajara where I’m from and I had a great camp and it went by so quick. The preparation I’ve had for this fight was just fun and the same emotion and focus and will to become a world champion.”

Was your camp better than it was for the April fight?

“I’m honestly going to say, yes, it was.”

What was your initial reaction to the cancellation?

“I just felt bad. My parents always taught me not to feel sorry for the guy on the boxing side but I generally felt bad on the human side. He just looked like an old guy limping with the cane. I thought, man, this could be the end of his career. It was like me with my detached retina and when they told me my career could possibly be over. Plus, I have some family members who have had the same injury and they told me it was really painful so I just felt bad for Agbeko. That’s why we gave him a second chance and we thank God he’s better and that he can continue what he loves doing and that’s boxing.”

♔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.

T h e N a t i o n a l G o v e r n i n g B o d y f o r O l y m p i c - S t y l e B o x The Winners Bracket Finalists Stake Their Claim in Mobile‏

Two exciting bouts in the lightweight division highlighted a strong night of boxing on Monday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing in Mobile, Ala. Two-time National Champion Jose Ramirez (Avenal, Calif.) was pushed to the limit in his bout while 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) came back from a deficit in his bout with 2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Toka Kahn Clary (Providence, R.I.)

Ramirez took on 2011 USA Boxing National Championships bronze medalist Kenneth Sims, Jr. (Chicago, Ill.) in his second bout of the tournament. The bout was close from the opening bell to the final second, but only one boxer could emerge victorious. Ramirez pulled out a 23-22 decision over Sims to advance to a final round match-up with Williams. The 2008 Olympian advanced to his second straight winners bracket final with a 30-25 win over Kahn Clary.

Shawn Simpson (Chicago, Ill.) and Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) will face in the flyweight winners bracket final following victories by both boxers. Simpson won a 16-12 decision over Oscar Cantu (Kingsville, Texas) while Warren took a 29-18 victory over Stephon Young (St. Louis, Mo.).

Amir Imam (Albany, N.Y.) officially announced his intentions in his new welterweight division with a commanding 40-10 victory over Arturo Trujillo (Easton, Pa.) in the winners bracket semifinal. Three-time national champion Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas) will face Imam on Wednesday following his 13-5 victory over Bryant Perrella (Lehigh Acres, Fla.).

In light heavyweight action, Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.) claimed an 11-8 decision over 2010 National Champion Jeffery Spencer (Fort Carson, Colo.) to join 2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Jerry Odom (Bowie, Md.) in the light heavyweight winners bracket championship bout.

Lenroy Thompson (Lenexa, Kansas) took down the towering Dominic Breazale (Alhambra, Calif.) in their super heavyweight match-up. Thompson took a 16-7 decision over Breazale and will look for his third straight victory in a match-up with Andrew Shepherd (Fort Carson, Colo.).

All of the winners brackets boxers will be off on Tuesday with the challengers bracket competing in 20 bouts on Tuesday evening.

Monday Evening Results
114 lbs/challengers bracket: John Franklin, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Gabriel Montoya, Cheyenne, Wyo., 28-14

114 lbs/challengers bracket: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., dec. Adam Lopez, San Antonio, Texas, 30-23

114 lbs/winners bracket: Shawn Simpson, Chicago, Ill., dec. Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas, 16-12

114 lbs/winners bracket: Rau'shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio, dec. Stephon Young, St. Louis, Mo., 29-18

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Louis Cruz, Bronx, N.Y., dec. Damon Allen, Philadelphia, Pa., 12-11

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Erick DeLeon, Lincoln Park, Mich., dec. Toribio Ramirez, Bowling Green, Fla., 20-14

132 lbs/winners bracket: Jose Ramirez, Avenal, Calif., dec. Kenneth Sims Jr., Chicago Ill., 23-22

132 lbs/winners bracket: Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, dec. Toka Kahn Clary, Providence, R.I., 30-25

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Regis Prograis, Houston, Texas 26-10

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Willie Jones, Charlotte, N.C., dec. Luis Olivares, Glendale, Ariz., 11-9

152 lbs/winners bracket: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas, dec. Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla., 13-5

152 lbs/winners bracket: Amir Imam, Albany, N.Y., dec. Arturo Trujillo, Easton, Pa., 40-10

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Shaborn Ryals, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Robert Brant, Oakdale, Minn., 20-10

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Caleb Plant, Ashland City, Tenn., dec. Sean Bettencourt, Stoughton, Mass., 18-14

178 lbs/winners bracket: Jerry Odom, Bowie, Md., dec. Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., 32-19

178 lbs/winners bracket: Marcus Brown, Staten Island, N.Y. dec. Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo., 11-8

201+ lbs/challengers bracket: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., dec. Donovan Dennis, Davenport, Iowa, 16-16 (84-79)

201+ lbs/challengers bracket: Jonathan Hamm, St. Paul, Minn., stopped O'Jayland Brown, Sacramento, Calif., RSC-1 (1:17)

201+ lbs/winners bracket: Andrew Shepherd, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Brett Rather, Las Vegas, Nev., 25-15

201+ lbs/winners bracket: Lenroy Thompson, Lenexa, Kan., dec. Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif., 16-7


Tuesday Bout Sheet

108 lbs/challengers bracket: Gregory Outlaw, Glendarden, Md., vs. David Carlton, Cincinnati, Ohio

108 lbs/challengers bracket: Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev., vs. Marco Rangel, Scottsdale, Ariz.

114 lbs/challengers bracket: Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas vs. John Franklin, Fort Carson, Colo.

114 lbs/challengers bracket: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., vs. Stephon Young, St. Louis, Mo.

123 lbs/challengers bracket: Tramaine Williams, New Haven, Conn., vs. Joe Perez, Fountain, Colo.

123 lbs/challengers bracket: Joet Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif., vs. Luis Feliciano, Milwaukee, Wis.

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Toka Kahn Clary, Providence, R.I., vs. Erick DeLeon, Lincoln Park, Mich.

132 lbs/challengers bracket: Luis Cruz, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Kenneth Sims, Jr., Chicago, Ill.

141 lbs/challengers bracket: Michael Reed, Waldorf, Md., vs. George Rincon, Carrollton, Texas

141 lbs/challengers bracket: Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont., vs. Semajay Thomas, Chicago, Ill.

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Arturo Trujillo, Easton, Pa., vs. Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo.

152 lbs/challengers bracket: Willie Jones, Charlotte, N.C., vs. Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla.

165 lbs/challengers bracket: Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis., vs. Chris Pearson, Trotwood, Ohio

165 lbs/challengers bracket: Edgar Alvarado, Jr., San Bernadino, Calif., vs. D’Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, Md.

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., vs. Caleb Plant, Ashland City, Tenn.

178 lbs/challengers bracket: Shaborn Ryals, Capitol Heights, Md., vs. Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo.

201 lbs/challengers bracket: Steve Geffrard, Boca Raton, Fla., vs. Robert Jekabson, Chicago, Ill.

201 lbs/challengers bracket: Andrew Tabiti, Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Joseph Williams, Bronx, N.Y.

201+ lbs: Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif., vs. Jonathan Hamm, St. Paul, Minn.

201+ lbs: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., vs. Brett Rather, Las Vegas, Nev.

Athlete Quotes

Jose Ramirez

“In comparison to last night’s fight I felt the same, I take every fight seriously. I knew this fight with Kenneth Sims Jr. was going to be a good fight, but I didn’t know how close.”

“I’m going to try and take advantage of the extra day off I get from winning and get my rest.

Errol Spence

“This was my third time facing Bryant Perella, so I already knew what I had to do to win. It was really important to win this one and keep the pressure off, now they have to beat me twice to eliminate me.”

“Tonight I used my ring generalship skills; I was a moving target and he couldn’t catch my rhythm.”

Jerry Odom

“The anticipation for this bout was extra motivation because we had fought before in the National PAL Championship and it was close - 7-6.”

“I was there mentally and that allowed me to beat Shabazz.”

“I’m so close to an Olympic spot, I’m expecting the best from my next opponents.”

“A victory like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’ve only been boxing four years ago, a lot of these guys have been working for this their whole life.”

Lenroy Thompson

“My performance could always get better, I’m going to go to the gym and work on a few things before my next fight.”

“It was a more physical fight then it had to be, but I had the confidence going in because I’ve been working with the Headbangers boxing club in Washington, D.C. and they’ve helped me a lot.”

“Having an extra day of rest will be nice, I’ve never had a day off before in a tournament.”

“In order to pull off these two wins to qualify I have to work hard, not make any mistakes, and be smart.” ♔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.

Twenty Athletes Live to Box Another Day Following Victories in Challengers Bracket Action at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing‏

The third day of action at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing showcased 20 challengers on Tuesday night at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Ala. The 40 boxers competing in the evening’s action were all fighting for tournament lives with 20 boxers going home on Tuesday. Several bouts were decided by close margins as the contestants left everything they had in the ring with numerous bouts coming down to tiebreakers.

2011 USA Boxing National Championships silver medalist Toka Kahn Clary (Providence, R.I.) and three-time National Golden Gloves champion Erick DeLeon (Lincoln Park, Mich.) faced off in one of the best bouts of the evening in their challengers bracket contest. DeLeon took the first lead and held on to a slim advantage throughout the bout, going into the final round up one. Yet Kahn Clary didn’t give up, giving DeLeon a standing eight count in the final seconds of the bout to win a 20-19 final decision.

George Rincon (Carrollton, Texas) defeated another reigning National Golden Gloves titlist in his light welterweight contest with Michael Reed (Waldorf, Md.). Once again, the bout was close throughout but Rincon held a slim one-point lead as the contest moved into the last three minutes of action. When the final bell sounded, the two boxers were deadlocked at 15 and Rincon claimed the win on his 83-81 total punch count advantage.

The last two middleweight national champions faced off on Tuesday night with 2011 titlist Chris Pearson (Trotwood, Ohio) and 2010 gold medalist Luis Arias (Milwaukee, Wis.) competing for one spot. It was Arias claiming a two-point lead and extending it to a still tenuous three-point advantage after two. Pearson came flying back in the third, tying the bout in the final seconds. Yet Arias won the 16-16 tiebreaker on his 87-78 total punch count edge.

Following what seemed to be the theme of the night, the light heavyweight showdown between 2010 National Champion Jeffery Spencer (Fort Carson, Colo.) and Last Chance Qualifier titlist Shaborn Ryals (Capitol Heights, Md.) went down to the wire. Yet Spencer remained alive in the tournament with a 12-11 decision over Ryals.

2010 USA Boxing Athlete of the Year Steve Geffrard (Boca Raton, Fla.) survived Tuesday’s action as well, winning a 23-20 decision over Last Chance Qualifier champion Robert Jekabson (Chicago, Ill.).

In a battle of two familiar foes, 2011 USA Boxing National Champion Jonathan Hamm (St. Paul, Minn.) took on Dominic Breazale (Alhambra, Calif.) in the final bout of the evening. The towering boxers went toe-to-toe but Breazale won the bout on a 20-10 decision.

The winners bracket will return to action on Wednesday with all of the boxers competing for a spot in the tournament final bout while the challenger bracket takes part in third day competition.

The 2011 Junior Olympic National Championships opened their tournament on Tuesday with first round bouts taking place in the morning session at the Mobile Civic Center. The full results from the first day of junior action can be found below.

Wednesday’s Olympic Trials Bout Sheets

Winners Bracket
108 lbs: Louie Byrd, Denver, Colo., vs. Eros Correa, San Jose, Calif.
114 lbs: Rau’shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio vs. Shawn Simpson, Chicago, Ill.
123 lbs: Joseph Diaz, Jr., El Monte, Calif., vs. O’Shanique Foster, Orange, Texas
132 lbs: Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio vs. Jose Ramirez, Avenal, Calif.
141 lbs: Pedro Sosa, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Jamel Herring, Coram, N.Y.
152 lbs: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas vs. Amir Imam, Albany, N.Y.
165 lbs: Jesse Hart, Philadelphia, Pa., vs. Antoine Douglas, Burke, Va.
178 lbs: Jerry Odom, Bowie, Md., vs. Marcus Browne, Staten Island, N.Y.
201 lbs: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Jordan Shimmell, Staten Island, N.Y.
201+ lbs: Lenroy Thompson, Lenexa, Kansas vs. Andrew Shepherd, Fort Carson, Colo.

Challengers Bracket
108 lbs: David Carlton, Cincinnati, Ohio vs. Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev.
114 lbs: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., vs. Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas
123 lbs: Tramaine Williams, New Haven, Conn., vs. Luis Feliciano, Milwaukee, Wis.
132 lbs: Kenneth Sims, Jr., Chicago, Ill., vs. Toka Kahn Clary, Providence, R.I.
141 lbs: Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont., vs. George Rincon, Carrollton, Texas
152 lbs: Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla., vs. Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo.
165 lbs: Luis Aris, Milwaukee, Wis., vs. Edgar Alvarado, Jr., San Bernadino, Calif.
178 lbs: Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo., vs. Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M.
201 lbs: Steve Geffrard, Boca Raton, Fla., vs. Joseph Williams, Bronx, N.Y.
201+ lbs: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., vs. Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif.

Edgar Alvarado
“I was down a point and tried to pick it up the last round and throw small combinations.” When the official took a point away it made me more anxious to win.”

“Going into the fight, my coach told me to use my jab and keep my distance.”

Luis Feliciano
“Being in the challengers bracket it’s do or die, win or go home. I’m willing to do anything to get this Olympic spot.”

“I tried to use my distance in this fight, and I’m pretty sure I won the fight in the last thirty seconds.”

“Going into the last round and knowing it was close, I tried to keep my composure and I had a lot of experience to help me with that.

“Against Tramaine Williams, I’m going to have to apply pressure.”


Luis Arias
“I knew Chris Pearson was coming hard and ready, it was whoever wanted it the most that was going to win.”

“I tired a little at the end, my body more so then my lungs. I just had to dig deep.”

“I knew I was just as strong and fast as my opponent, and I had a good game plan and we stuck to it.”

“Edgar Alvarado and I had a good fight in the first round and expect another.”

Steve Geffrard

“Tonight I felt great, I was landing the cleaner blows and using my jab from the outside.”

“I knew I couldn’t stand in front of Robert Jekabson, because I knew he had power.”

“I think I can definitely beat Joseph Williams in the next round, it’s going to be a chess match.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Michael Hunter in the finals, but I got to take it one day at a time.”

Junior Olympic Results
101 lbs/male: Elijah Shabazz, Woodstick, Ga., dec. Saul Cano, Oswego, Ill., 14-10
101 lbs/male: Dequandra Steward, Shreveport, La., dec. Ray Lee Cudrado, Worcester, Mass., 9-9 (53-50)
101 lbs/male: Pablo Ramirez, Weslaco, Texas, dec. Nathaniel Pacheco, Lakewood, Colo., 21-8
101 lbs/male: Isaias Perez, Kansas City, Kan., dec. Eric Marrero, Philadelphia, Pa., 13-9
106 lbs/male: Matthew Espinoza, Crestview, Fla., dec. Ariel Vega, Miami, Fla., 20-14
106 lbs/male: Matthew Espinoza, Crestview, Fla., dec. Ariel Vega, Miami, Fla., 20-14
110 lbs/male: James Taylor, Ann Arbor, Mich., dec. Lawrence Newton, Deerfield, Fla., 11-9
114 lbs/male: Efren Lopez, Fresno, Calif., dec. Jesus Rivera, Apple Valley, Minn., 5-0
114 lbs/male: Ja'Rico O'Quinn, Detroit, Mich., dec. Kenneth Davis, Reno, Nev., 29-27
114 lbs/male: Luis Santiago, Springfield, Ma., dec. Santiago Arroyo, Winter Haven, Fla., 14-5
114 lbs/male: Donovan Estrella, Arvada, Colo., dec. Marc Torrez, Pasadena, Texas, 10-10 (61-55)
114 lbs/male: Gary Russell, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Marco Ojeda, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 24-11
119 lbs/male: D'Andres Hockerson, Rochester, N.Y., dec. Christopher Murphy, Deerfield Beach, Fla., 19-
11
119 lbs/male: Justly Laquihon, Honolulu, Hawaii, dec. Carlos Carrillo, Denver, Colo., 12-7
119 lbs/male: Gary Salazar, Fresno, Calif., dec. Jousce Gonzales, Glendora, Calif., 17-7
119 lbs/male: Isidro Flores Jr., Fort Wayne, Kan., dec. Hector Rendon, Tacoma, Wash., 28-24
119 lbs/male: Roberto Tamez, Houston, Texas, dec. Adan Rodriguez, Wichita, Kan., 20-16
119 lbs/male: Joshua McKoy, Lauel, Md., dec. E'Kearn Perro, Carencro, La., 16-8
125 lbs/male: Gervonta Davis, Baltimore, Md., dec. Jason Sanchez, Albuquerque, N.M., 15-10
125 lbs/male: Cresencio Ramos Jr., San Antonio, Texas, dec. Eder Carrillo, Woodland, Calif., 15-7
125 lbs/male: Kevin Salgado, Chicago, Ill., dec. Francisco Esparza, Las Vegas, Nev., 16-8
125 lbs/male: Mason Cornelio, Honolulu, Hawaii, dec. Quanatavious Green, Shreveport, La., 18-16
125 lbs/male: Efrain Estrada, Hillsboro, Ore., dec. abram Martinez, Rock Springs, Wyo., 10-6
132 lbs/female: Isabella Nieves, Kenosha, Wis., dec. Nakarri Jones, Tampa, Fla., 17-15
132 lbs/female: Rashida Ellis, St. Lynn, Ma., dec. Dezaree Negrete, Calumet City, Ill., 30-6
132 lbs/male: Alexis Del Bosque, Garland, Texas, Cris Marraro, Saugus, Miss., 18-8
132 lbs/male: Austin Dulay, Hendersonville, Tenn., dec. Luis Chavez, Salinas, Calif., 15-12
132 lbs/male: Jeremaul Jones, Fort Wayne, Ind., dec. Henry Gomez, Los Angeles, Calif., 19-15
132 lbs/male: Erickson Lubin, Kissimnee, Fla., dec. Jahmell Jett II, 20-3
138 lbs/male: Nicholas Torrance, Evans, Ga., dec. Jamontay Clark, Cincinnati, Ohio, 14-14 (78-62)
138 lbs/male: Adrain Gutierrez, Chula Vista, Calif., dec. Rae Jon Higginbottam, Clinton, Miss., 27-6
145 lbs/male: Jelame Garcia, Lynn, Mass., dec. Chase Calloway, St. Joseph, Mo. 14-9
145 lbs/male: DeAndre Woods, Jackson, Tenn., dec. Nyck Price, Columbus, Ohio, 15-15 (86-62)
154 lbs/male: Moses Taylor, Detroit, Mich., dec. Tywaski Hendrix, Hot Springs, Ark., 10-5
154 lbs/male: Flavio Becerra, White Bear Lake, Minn., wins on walkover over Cameron Grady, Mandan, N.D., W/O
154 lbs/male: Jazavian Palmer, Lubbock, Texas, dec. Kendall Breaux, Carencro, La., 14-11
165 lbs/male: Anthony Sims Jr., Ypsilanti, Mich., John Luna, Milwaukee, Wis., 19-9
165 lbs/male: Alex Rincon, Carrollton, Texas, dec. Richard Johnson, Plainfield, N.J., 18-8
165 lbs/male: Jonathan Esquivel, Anaheim, Calif., stopped Anthony Hernandez, Fountain, Colo., RSC-1 (1:29)
176 lbs/male: Joel Galvan, Grafton, N.D., stopped Clayton Crutchfield, Sheridan, Ark., RSC-2 (1:59)
176 lbs/male: Edel Gomez, Fremont, N.E., won on walkover over Pedro Cervantes, Denver, Colo., W/O
176 lbs/male: Hakin Lopez, Lithonia, Ga., dec. Victor Serna, Fresno, Calif., 16-8
165 lbs/male: Daquan Johnson, Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Demarkus Manter, Akron, Ohio, 23-21

♔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.

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Challengers Bout Results‏

Please find the full results from tonight's challengers bracket bouts from the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men's Boxing attached as an addendum to the earlier release.

108 lbs: David Carlton, Cincinnati, Ohio, dec. Gregory Outlaw, Glenarden, Md., 15-11
108 lbs: Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev., won on disqualification over Marco Rangel, Scottsdale, Ariz., DQ
114 lbs: Emilio Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif., dec. Stephon Young, St. Louis, Mo., 23-22
114 lbs: Oscar Cantu, Kingsville, Texas, dec. John Franklin, Fort Carson, Colo., 15-15 (78-73)
123 lbs: Luis Feliciano, Milwaukee, Wis., dec. Joet Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif., 14-12
123 lbs: Tramaine Williams, New Haven, Conn., dec. Joe Perez, Fountain, Colo., 15-8
132 lbs: Kenneth Sims Jr., Chicago Ill., dec. Louis Cruz, Bronx, N.Y., 31-16
132 lbs: Toka Khan Clary, Providence, R.I., dec. Erick DeLeon, 20-19
141 lbs: Duran Caferro, Helena, Mont., won on disqualification over Semajay Thomas, Chicago, Ill., DQ
141 lbs: George Rincon, Carrollton, Texas, dec. Michael Reed, Waldorf, Md., 23-23 (110-108)
152 lbs: Bryant Perrella, Lehigh Acres, Fla., dec. Willie Jones, Charlotte, N.C., 10-11
152 lbs: Samuel Vasquez, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Arturo Trujillo, Easton, Pa., 19-10
165 lbs: Edgar Alvarado, San Bernadino, Calif., dec. D'Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, Md., 26-24
165 lbs: Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis., dec. Chris Pearson, Trotwood, Ohio, 16-16 (83-78)
178 lbs: Jeffery Spencer, Fort Carson, Colo., dec. Shaborn Ryals, Capitol Heights, Md., 12-11
178 lbs: Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., dec. Caleb Plant, Ashland City, Tenn., 15-15 (87-80)
201 lbs: Steve Geffrard, Boca Raton, Fla., dec. Robert Jekabson, Chicago, Ill., 23-20
201 lbs: Joseph Williams, Bronx, N.Y., dec. Andrew Tabiti, Las Vegas, Nev., 26-14
201+ lbs: Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., won on disqualification over Brett Rather, Las Vegas, Nev., DQ
201+ lbs: Dominic Breazale, Alhambra, Calif., dec. Jonathan Hamm, St. Paul, Minn., 20-10

♔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.

Rockstar Presents STRIKEFORCE World Grand Prix Semi-FinalsJosh Barnett battles Sergei Kharitonov, live Saturday, September 10

The Strikeforce World Grand Prix Continues, Plus The Middleweight Title.

Josh Barnett battles Sergei Kharitonov, and Antonio Silva takes on Daniel Cormier in the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Grand Prix - plus Jacare Souza defends the Strikeforce middleweight championship against Luke Rockhold - live Saturday, September 10 at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio - UFC Fight Club presale starts Thursday at 10am ET

♔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.

Shields vs Ellenberger; UFC Fight Night Live: Battle on the Bayou Saturday, September 17

Jake Shields and Jake Ellenberger go toe-to-toe in a welterweight battle, plus TUF11 winner Court McGee battles Dongi Yang - live on Saturday, September 17 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans - UFC Fight Club presale starts Thursday at 10am CT


Main Card

Shields vs Ellenberger

McGee vs Yang

Brookins vs Koch

Belcher vs MacDonald

Prelims

McKenzie vs Rocha

Dunham vs Bailey

Riddle vs Benoist

♔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.

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. ALFONSO GOMEZ IS ADDED TO CREATE TWO-SITE, STAR-STUDDED SEPTEMBER 17 BOXING EXTRAVAGANZA PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" just got propelled into another galaxy, as it was announced today that rising Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will defend his WBC super welterweight championship against Alfonso Gomez on the televised undercard of the September 17 pay-per-view extravaganza featuring the WBC welterweight world championship mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz.

Making this announcement more significant and unique is the fact that Alvarez and Gomez will face each other at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, while Mayweather and Ortiz will battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, creating a mega-event from two world-class cities.

Fans in attendance at each arena will be able to see the fight live from the other arena, making this a first-time split-site boxing experience taking place on Mexican Independence Day boxing weekend.

Both bouts will be will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Following the showing of Mayweather vs. Ortiz at STAPLES Center, fans in attendance will see two special post-fight concerts performed by Los Tucanes de Tijuana and El Gran Silencio.

"'STAR POWER' is living up to its name as a mega-event with the addition of Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. "To have this event emanate from two separate locations like STAPLES Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena is a testament to the size and magnitude of the event and what it will deliver to the fans in the arenas and those watching at home on pay-per-view. Floyd is absolutely thrilled that Alvarez vs. Gomez will be a part of this show from Los Angeles."

"This is a historic and unprecedented night for boxing and Golden Boy Promotions as we showcase the extraordinary talents of Mayweather, Ortiz, Alvarez and Gomez from two iconic and world-renowned venues in STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the capitol of sports and entertainment and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, truly the boxing mega-center of the world," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "This show is now even more loaded with stars, and to have Alvarez vs. Gomez join the magnificent boxing match-up of the year between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is exactly why we named the fight 'STAR POWER,' which is expected to set attendance and viewership records in one night."

"September 17 at STAPLES Center will be a night to remember for boxing fans in Los Angeles as it will mark the first time the arena will host a boxing match, a pay-per-view viewing and a post-fight concert all on the same day," Lee Zeidman, STAPLES Center General Manager. "We are looking forward to what will no doubt be an incredible action-packed night of boxing and live entertainment."

"The MGM Resorts family is very excited to welcome the return of Floyd Mayweather to the MGM Grand on September 17," said Richard Sturm, president of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. "This championship event marks Mayweather's first fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in more than 15 months and continues our tradition as the leader in the sports and entertainment industry."

"With the anticipation and star power of Mayweather-Ortiz from MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the addition of Alvarez vs. Gomez live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and the celebration of Mexican Independence Day, viewers are in for a fantastic night of boxing on September 17," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View.

Already Mexico's brightest young star, 21-year-old Canelo Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KO's) of Guadalajara is quickly becoming an international sensation with fans around the world taking noting of his power and prowess in the ring and his charm and charisma outside of the ring. Following wins over former World Champions Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore N'Dou in 2010, Alvarez kicked off 2011 with a March victory over Matthew Hatton that earned him the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Three months later, Alvarez returned to Guadalajara for a homecoming title defense and victory over Ryan Rhodes that captivated a nation. With his American fan base growing at a meteoric pace, Alvarez will hold court in the City of Angels as he defends his title from STAPLES Center and fights for the Mexican people against ultra-tough Alfonso Gomez.

"I'm happy to come back to fight in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center for another Mexican Independence Day weekend," said Alvarez. "Alfonso Gomez is a good fighter and also from Guadalajara, Mexico. I hope the fight will be explosive because that is what the fans will be looking for between two Mexican warriors like us, but I feel confident I am going to win the fight."

A fan favorite who was present in American living rooms every week when he competed on "The Contender" reality show, Alfonso Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KO's) has proven that he has what it takes to battle it out with the elite in the years since his stint on national television. The owner of wins over Arturo Gatti, Ben Tackie, and Jesse Brinkley, the 30-year old Los Angeles resident (who originally hails from Guadalajara) has also faced current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and Peter Manfredo Jr., but he is currently showing the best form of his 10-year career thanks to a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo. Now, he prepares for his second world title shot as he takes on Canelo Alvarez on September 17.

"Canelo's popularity is great for him and for boxing," said Gomez. "I know Canelo's team thinks I'm just another notch on his belt, but it's not the first time a popular fighter made the same mistake. I've fought and beaten much better competition and I'm coming to win the world title. Canelo and I come from the same place and we are both Mexican warriors. I heard there's another fight happening in Las Vegas on September 17, but as far as I'm concerned, the best fight on that day will be at STAPLES Center. I can think of no better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend...Viva Mexico!"

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-round mega-fight, which will be contested for Ortiz's WBC Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.

"STAR POWER LOS ANGELES: Alvarez vs. Gomez" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. The 12-roundfight, which will be contested for Alvarez's WBC Super Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

♔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.

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT THOMAS “CORNFLAKE” LAMANNA SIGNS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH MHP (MAXIMUM HUMAN PERFORMANCE)‏

Undefeated Welterweight prospect, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna has signed an endorsement contract with MHP (Maximum Human Performance)

MHP is a supplement company that helps athletes build their bodies with different products such as Fat Burners, Creatine, Amino Acids and Multi Vitamins.

“I can already see changes in my body”, said LaManna

LaManna has a record of 4-0 with three knockouts will be making his next ring appearance on Wednesday September 14th at The Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.

LaManna has been taking Probolic-SR & Isofast 50 for Protein and a multi vitamin called Activate Sport

“Because of the changes and signing with this company, you will see a different “Cornflake” on September 14th.”

MHP is the creation of former top-level bodybuilder Gerard Dente. When he was competing, Gerard constantly researched the best training techniques, diet strategies and other performance enhancement methods needed to gain a competitive edge. Yet it was his genius with supplementation that fueled him to be one of the biggest and strongest competitors of his day. In fact, Gerard was using ingredients like high doses of leucine, KIC, tribulus and arginine long before they became popular. He was convinced that athletes deserved better and decided to take some action by founding MHP.

Since its inception, MHP’s corporate mission has been to develop premier science-based, research-driven sports supplements to help athletes achieve their greatest physical potential. Over the years, MHP has introduced many innovations and breakthroughs in sports nutrition. For instance, MHP was the first company to introduce arginine for nitric oxide production to the bodybuilding world way back in early 1999 (via ADNO – arginine derived nitric oxide), when the company launched the creatine/NO product TRAC. In addition, the patented 12-hour sustained release protein formula in Probolic-SR has been an unmatched industry standard since it was released in 2004. MHP was the first company to introduce the incredible blood-boosting power of EPO in 2008 with Dark Rage. And with new highly advanced GlycoCarn/KNO3 Nitrite-NO Technology now available in NO-BOMB, MHP continues to provide new and exclusive innovations in performance enhancing supplementation.

Because of its dedicated research and development, innovative formulations, clinically researched ingredients and cutting edge products, MHP has become the most trusted brand and industry leader among world-class athletes, pro bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen and fitness enthusiasts alike. The numerous world records that MHP athletes hold in powerlifting and strongman, plus the many top titles in bodybuilding, fitness and figure, signify how much our supplements are capable of helping athletes achieve. In addition, countless top lifting coaches and trainers also use and recommend MHP products.

“All of the elite athletes I work with use nutritional supplements,” says Joe Carini, a former powerlifting champion who trains many top NFL stars and strongmen at Carini’s House of Iron. “Because of my years of experience as a competitive powerlifter and supplement user, I recommend only MHP products to my athletes.”

MHP products are used by the world’s elite athletes. Find out how they can help you and learn what MHP is all about.

♔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.

The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All grand finale will take place on Saturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME®

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Champion Joseph Agbeko and undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Bantamweight Champion Abner Mares.
Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, will defend his IBF title against the fast-rising, Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in the tournament final. Mares’ WBC Silver bantamweight belt will also be on the line.

The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All set to take place on Saturday, August 13, 2011 live from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. and to be televised live on SHOWTIME. The event is promoted by Don King Production and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

♔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.

Kimbo Slice to Make Boxing Debut *For Real* on August 13 in Miami, Oklahoma

Well, we can all stop holding our breath wondering when Kimbo Slice will get back to crushing cans.

Slice, AKA Kevin Ferguson is finally making his boxing debut and, under the watchful eye of former EliteXC vice president Jared Shaw, he will likely have a decent run of beating up overmatched opponents while restocking his breadbox with boxing dollars.

Here’s the lead-in from the hyped-up press release Shaw sent out today:

“Forget the kicking and wrestling, Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson will soon be where he should have been all along… busting heads in a boxing ring.

On Saturday, August 13, legendary street brawler Kimbo Slice will make his long-awaited professional boxing debut in the four-round main event of a Gary Shaw Productions and Tony Holden Promotions boxing extravaganza at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

Slice became the Internet’s first street-certified action hero by smashing down a series of opponents in brutal backyard fist fights. The announcement is good news for fight fans, as he will surely administer a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the American heavyweight scene.”

I’m not sure Kimbo will inject anything into the heavyweight boxing scene, but there will be those who watch if not simply for the freakshow factor the backyard brawler will bring.

His first bout under the Gary Shaw Productions banner will be on August 13 in Miami, Oklahoma against a yet-to-be-named victim.

Here’s what the promoter formerly known as $kala, whose new title according to today’s release is “Team Kimbo Promotional Advisor,” had to say about Kimbo’s future in the boxing ring:

“Kimbo was always meant to be in the ring. He’s one of the hardest punchers in the world and on August 13, his journey to becoming America’s heavyweight begins. The first stop will be Oklahoma in what will become the Kimbo Slice Express.”

Slice’s longtime manager “Icey” Mike Imber, said that in spite of Gary Shaw’s earlier assertions that his charge isn’t putting in the effort necessary to succeed in the sport, Kimbo has been training hard for his debut with boxing coach Randy Khatami and that he has also spent some time in top-rated contender Alfredo Angulo’s camp working with his trainer Clemente Medina.

“He’s completely focused on his boxing career and excited to showcase his talents inside the squared circle. Kimbo Slice is hungry and when that man wants his bread, he’s scary. Even in his losses, ‘Kimbo’ brought a level of excitement that few fighters can generate,” Shaw said. “He is a genuine personality with unbelievable strength and character, and we’re excited about his prospects in boxing.The minute he steps in the ring, he’ll be one of the most recognizable and talked-about fighters in the sport, and his fans around the world will once again feel the excitement.”

If only his performance inside the ring or cage was as impressive as the buzz surrounding Slice, he may have some longevity in combat sports.

♔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.

BREAKING NEWS: AIBA PRESIDENT LAUNCHES AIBA PROFESSIONAL BOXING PROGRAM

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu today made an historic announcement that signals the International Boxing Association's move into professional boxing.

A new program, entitled AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) is to be launched and will feature both individual and national team bouts at national, continental and world levels.

♔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.

Purebred Films and The Downtown Independent presents; BORN AND BRED

This potent story of a new generation of young boxers in East Los Angeles, the capital of American boxing, chronicles (in a raw verité style) the lives of three teenage boys - the fierce 12 year old, Victor Pasillas, and the 15 year old twins Oscar and Javier Molina, their trainers, their families and their years in the tough ranks of amateur boxing-where boys are made into men and Olympic dreams are made and broken. Shot over a period of four years and amid the immigration protests of 2006, the film tells a definitive story of immigration in a city where the new Latino population is surging. BORN AND BRED illustrates how the sport of sports-boxing-can lift the persistent few out of poverty as it did for so many other American ethnic groups. But, the stakes are high and these young champions know it. Says Paisllas, who has not lost a fight in three years, "When I get in that ring, I look across it to see if my opponent has any heart. If he doesn't, I take him out right away. If he does...I take it away from him. I make sure he has no heart."

http://www.bornandbredmovie.com/trailer.html

♔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.

Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez returns home to Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 20 for a special edition of Broadway Boxing‏

DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series travels to Worcester, MA, for the third time in as many years on Saturday, August 20, 2011, with a spectacular night of fights to be held at the beautiful converted opera hall, Mechanics Hall. The main event features unbeaten hometown hero Edwin Rodriguez, returning to the ring after a seven month layoff.

Headlining the undercard is former WBA junior middleweight champion Joachim Alcine (32-2, 19 KOs), along with a heavyweight bout between unbeaten prospect Kelvin Price (10-0, 6 KO) taking on Worcester native Rashad Minor (4-1, 3 KOs) Also seeing action are a slew of local favorites: junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski (10-0, 2 KOs), female heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis (5-0, 1 KO), super bantamweight Luis Rosa (7-0, 5 KOs), junior welterweight Gabriel Duluc (1-0, 1 KO) and heavyweight Keith Bianchini (2-1, 1 KO).

Worcester’s own super middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs), 26, comes home in his return to the ring, ending a seven-month hiatus while he recovered from an injury he incurred in his last fight. Rodriguez is an exciting power-puncher, who is currently highly ranked by all the major sanctioning organizations, at #8 by the IBF and IBO, #11 by the WBA, and #13 by the WBC and WBO. His two biggest pro victories have come in his last two fights.

Appearing on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” on January 14, Rodriguez won a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision over Aaron Pryor Jr., at Mallory Square in Key West, FL, in which he had to overcome a shoulder injury, having suffered a torn rotator cuff as early as the second round. Two months earlier, Rodriguez dominated James McGirt Jr. over nine rounds before forcing the stoppage, in a bout televised by Showtime. The victory earned Rodriguez the WBC USNBC belt.

Former WBA junior middleweight champion Joachim Alcine, is a Haitian-born Canadian who is a technical boxer with a crowd-pleasing style. When he steps back into the ring on August 20, he’ll be ending a 13-month layoff, following a first round stoppage defeat to Alfredo Angulo, on July 17, 2010. After eight years as an amateur in which he acquired a record of 42-6, Alcine turned pro on May 28, 1999, with a TKO1 over Louis Bouchard in Montreal. He quickly gained a following by fighting on the undercard of popular Canadian stars and with local television airing his early fights; and in his 13th bout on May 25, 2002, Alcine was featured on Showtime’s “ShoBox: The New Generation,” outboxing the experienced Marcos Primera over 12 rounds for the IBA belt. He would go on to win several other fringe titles including the Canadian title, WBA Fedelatin, NABA, WBC International, and WBA Fedecentro belts, while defeating the likes of Stephan Ouellet, Carlos Bojorquez and Carl Daniels. On July 7, 2007, Alcine became the first to defeat the crafty Travis Simms to garner the WBA 154lb. crown. He defended it once with a 12th-round TKO over Alfonso Mosquera before losing it to Daniel Santos. Alcine had two comeback victories, winning decisions over Eric Mitchell in 10, and Christophe Canclaux in 12, prior to the Angulo defeat.

Sonya Lamonakis,a native of Greece, is a sixth-grade teacher at Harlem’s Family Academy, who trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym. A four-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Sonya turned pro with a TKO2 over Kasondra Hardnette at Mechanics Hall, on June 24 of last year. Lamonakis is an all-action fighter who attracts a lot of fans. Last time out, Sonya chopped down the towering Gigi Jackson to earn a four-round unanimous decision, on April 16 at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

Ryan Kielczewski, known as the “Polish Prince,” a junior lightweight from Quincy, MA, was a runner-up at the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament in the 125-pound division, and has since built a passionate following in the New England area since turning pro on August 6 of that year. After winning a unanimous six-round decision over Willshaun Boxley on a Broadway Boxing card at BB King Blues Club on February 9, Kielczewski last fought on April 16, winning an eight-round decision over Robert DaLuz at the National Guard Armory in Dorchester, MA.

Junior featherweight Luis Rosa,of New Haven, CT, is coming off a six-round majority decision win over Shawn Nichol, on June 18. His previous victory on April 16 was impressive as he stopped Joseliz Cepeda, a former amateur champion, in five rounds on the Berto-Ortiz undercard.

Heavyweight prospect Kelvin “Price is Right” Price, of Iberia, LA, turned pro, after a brief amateur campaign, in 2007, under the tutelage of Roy Jones Sr. Standing at 6’7”, Price is a powerful puncher, with five of his six knockouts coming in the first round. On May 15, 2010, Price scored his most noteworthy win, earning a six-round split decision over previously undefeated local favorite Tor Hamer, at Madison Square Garden. In his most recent bout, on April 8, Price decisioned Ija Flappingeagle in Laredeo, TX. On this card, he’ll take on Worcester’s Rashad Minor, who last fought at Mechanics Hall on June 24, 2011, winning a four-round decision.

Talented junior welterweight Gabriel DuLuc, of Worcester, will be looking to build on his last victory when he turned pro on a Broadway Boxing card on March 29, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Joel Alarcon, at BB King Blues Club.

Popular Worcester heavyweight Keith Bianchini, 2-1 (1 KO), is a corrections officer at Walpole state prison. He will attempt to rebound from a decision loss he suffered in July.

♔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.

KELLY PAVLIK SHOWTIME® CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

Former World Middleweight Champion KELLY “The Ghost” PAVLIK, his trainer JACK LOEW and Top Rank president TODD DUBOEF participated in an international media conference call to discuss Pavlik’s upcoming homecoming fight on ShoBox: The New Generation on Saturday, Aug. 6, LIVE on SHOWTIME®.

Pavlik (37-2, 32 KOs), of Youngstown, OH, will headline a hometown fight card for the first time in nearly two years when he takes on DARRYL CUNNINGHAM (23-2, 10 KOs), of Detroit, at the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio, in a 10-round super middleweight bout. Cunningham is riding a three-year, 16-bout winning streak.

The special Saturday edition of ShoBox: The New Generation is promoted by Top Rank and will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Have you adjusted to super middleweight? Do you feel stronger at this weight?

PAVLIK: “I really do. Making 160 was just impossible anymore. I’m never going to be able to see 160 again. In this new class we’re not killing ourselves to make weight. Now, as we’re getting ready, we can prepare more on boxing and more on the opponent and worry about that stuff rather than how we’re going to lose weight. I’m really happy with this weight class.”

Kelly, can you talk a little bit about your last fight. Did you feel the difference in the weight class?

PAVLIK: “You know, I really didn’t notice the weight. That wasn’t a factor in the fight. Timing was. I knew when he was going to punch before he did and I just had a hard time with the timing of that. That’s why we wanted to come back right after that fight just to make sure the timing was sharp. As far as the weight, no, I don’t think that played a big factor at all. You got to remember I was coming down from 195 walking into camp so I was probably walking around heavier than Lopez was.”

In that fight you got hit more than you did in a lot of your fights. Was that because of your timing?

PAVLIK: “I think so. It was hard to pick up on the punches. I went back and watched the film and I looked a little jittery in there. I was punching a little bit too much, even more than I had against a power puncher like (Edison) Miranda. There were a lot of things that we’ve been studying. But we got through it after a 13-month layoff.”

Is it common for you to watch tape of yourself?

PAVLIK: You know, I never really did do that. But at this stage in my career I think it’s important that we did start doing it. You can learn a lot more that way, too.”

Jack, how important was it for you to look at the tape from the Lopez fight to point out to Kelly the things he did right and the things he did wrong

LOEW: “I think it’s very important. I’ve done it all the way through. Kelly wasn’t a big film watcher but I’ve always watched our previous fights and then come back to Kelly and tell him what I thought he did wrong and what he should correct. It was very important – we got to move forward, we can’t move back.”

Can you talk about Cunningham’s strengths and weaknesses?

PAVLIK: “If you give him momentum or you let him come forward, he likes to throw a lot of punches, big shots. If you put pressure on him, he likes to go backwards – he goes straight backwards. We’ve seen a lot of that. I think our game plan for this fight is to fight like we always had earlier on. Put the pressure on him and not come straight, not head first but side to side angles, keep the punches moving and land some of the big shots.”

Is this a dangerous fight for you and how do you expect it to go?

PAVLIK: “You know what? Any fight is a dangerous fight, especially if you don’t take it seriously. If you’re looking past him that can be a dangerous fight. At this point in his career this could be his last big name. He is 36 years old so I think he’s going to come in hungry and wanting to win more than anything. So any fight like that is a dangerous fight. I think I’ve faced a lot more dangerous fighters in my career though.”

Jack, do you have any problems or worries about it?

LOEW: “I have all the confidence in the world in Kelly. But like Kelly said, anytime you go in there with another professional fighter there’s always danger. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose so he’s going to go all out. This is an opportunity for him to make a name for himself. We picked a left hander because we’re looking at things past this and what people have been mentioning but we’re not looking past Darryl Cunningham.”

Is the upcoming potential fight against southpaw Lucian Bute the reason you guys decided to face a southpaw in this fight?

LOEW: “Absolutely. It wasn’t so much a southpaw that looked like Bute, we just needed a southpaw. Being off 13 months if we hadn’t taken a fight like this it would be almost another six months before we took a fight like Bute. I didn’t think that was good. We’re looking at the big picture down the road but we’ve done nothing but concentrate on Darryl Cunningham.”

What is your opinion of Lucian Bute? Have you watched much of him?

LOEW: “Absolutely. I already have film on him. I’ve been watching it. He’s the whole package – he goes upstairs, he goes downstairs. He can move from side to side. But his chin is questionable. Obviously Librado Andrade should have won that first fight. How is he going to react when a big super middleweight like Kelly hits him on his chin? We’ll see what happens and we’re going to have to be 110 percent prepared for a guy like that.”

Is that (Bute) the fight you’re looking at in the fall if you get pact Cunningham on Aug. 6?

PAVLIK: That’s the big name and we want to fight big names. Whether it’s Bute, Froch, whatever the big name is. Big fights are key for me. I don’t want to finish my career off fighting meaningless fights. I want to go in there and get a chance to get the title back and defend it a couple of times.”

Do you have any thoughts on Bute?

PAVLK: “I think he’s a very good fighter. Obviously he is. There are some things questionable about him. I think he’s probably one of the best body punchers in the sport today by far, but I think he has pretty good boxing ability too. I don’t think he’s as talented overall as (Sergio) Martinez as far as movement and slickness. He’s got the whole package but I think everyone will see when I go into that fight that it’s going to be a different Kelly Pavlik. I’m hungry. I want the title back.”

How do you expect the hometown fans to support you this time?

PAVLIK: “You know what, I’m not sure. I’m hoping they are. Word is it’s going pretty good right now. There’s a lot of people still saying they’re going to get their tickets. Mainly, you expect a walkup crowd in Youngstown, that’s one of the big things, too. I’m going to do my thing, I’m going to put on a great show, I’m going to fight as hard as I can. Whatever happens as far as that part comes, my true fans, and I’m sure there’s a lot, they’ll be in for a real treat.”

Kelly, are you excited about coming back home and fighting?

PAVLIK: “Actually, I am. It’s always good to fight back home. Who knows when the next time will be so you make the best out if it when you get the chance.”

Kelly, a lot of fighters mention how much pressure there is to fight at home. Can you talk about the plusses and minuses about that?

PAVLIK: “Earlier in my career, there was a lot of pressure. I think with all the experiences I’ve had and all the stadiums I’ve fought in against the opponents I’ve fought, I have the experience now. I’ve been there and done that so the pressure doesn’t really get to me. The fans can sometimes act as your second wind and give you more motivation to go out and put on a better show. Not to try and go out for a kill, but you fight a smart game plan and you just have a little more drive in you.”

How are you recapturing the old Kelly Pavlik?

LOEW: “I think the training regimen, the brutal training regimen where you go in there to get that natural strength and cardio and everything else, that’s something that we’re going to get back to and that’s going to be a key.”

How much of the old Kelly Pavlik are you seeing in training and can he bring that same ferocity at that level as a super middleweight?

LOEW: “He’s going to have to. It’s not a matter of can he do it; he’s going to have to. That’s what got him the middleweight championship of the world – his relentless worth ethic, he’s relentless in the ring, coming forward, throwing punches. He has to come forward and he has to come forward with angles and he has the throw punches. He has to get that hunger back. I’ve seen a lot of it so far. We’ve put this together in kind of a short amount of time so I’m expecting a very good Kelly Pavlik on the 6th and I expect him to knock this kid down and if not knock this kid down I expect him to back him up and I expect him to stop him. That’s what I’m looking for. I want to take a week or so off after this fight and I want get right back into it and get ready for what’s next. I think it’s very important for us to get back to the way we used to do things for the Taylors, the Mirandas. I think it’s very important for the type of fighters he wants to fight in the super middleweight division.”

Is Kelly punching harder than he was?

LOEW: “I don’t think that’s possible, but he’s punching hard.”

Kelly had a nice left hook in the Lopez fight. Was that something you worked on or added?

LOEW: “He’s left handed so he’s always had a great left hand. But everybody that he touched with his right hand he knocked out so we never really had to come back with the left hook too much. But I think that’s a very important part of it. Instead of just worrying about that big one-two bomb we can always come back with something or even lead off with it. I think it’s always been there, it’s just a matter of finally putting it all together.”

Are you guys going to have to box more now that you’re moving up in weight?

PAVLK: “I don’t think so. With my size and my height I’d be a good size light heavyweight. As far as super middleweights, there’s not too many big powerful punchers at super middleweight. You have some guys that are strong and have some pop in their punch but not any that are knocking guys out a lot.”

What about Bute saying, “I can beat this guy”?

PAVLIK: “He’s a slick fighter, first of all. That gives me more of a motivation because people always pounded it and they still do, ‘Oh, he can’t fight a guy side-to-side.’ I want to prove them wrong. Second of all, he’s a great fighter. I want the big names. I want to win the world title. I want to fight the best and be the best.”

♔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.

Agbeko-Mares Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All

Just steps away from where all the action will take place one month from now at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Joseph King Kong Agbeko and Abner Mares took part in a spirited press conference Thursday at Muse Hall.

The press conference was well attended by a group of Las Vegas’ finest boxing media who heard from both fighters and their camps and promoters, including the legendary Don King, who waved flags for both Ghana and Mexico while heaping praise on Agbeko.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion Agbeko takes on undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver 118-pound titleholder Mares in The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All on Saturday, Aug. 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

“With the type of fight this will be, it's proper for this fight to be at a place called Hard Rock,” King said.

Here are what the fighters and their promoters had to say on Thursday:

Joseph King Kong Agbeko:

“I had my first fight in Vegas at Hard Rock and won by KO. I'm happy to be back.

“I want to thank Abner Mares and his team for their patience. It's going to be a great fight.

“I thank SHOWTIME for this tournament. It will make me the best 118-pounder in the world when I win on Aug. 13.

“My prediction is that the announcer will say "And STILL IBF bantamweight champion of the world...

“I love fighting boxers over fighters because boxers use their brain. This will be a good fight.

“I know that we have both fought Vic (Darchinyan) and Yonnhy (Perez). He survived that but he will not survive me.

Abner Mares:

“I expect nothing but tough fights at this point in my career. It helps me prepare better. Against Vic (Darchinyan), I fought a war. I'll do whatever I need to do.

“In December, I had to change my plan because of the cut (on my head). Depending on how the fight goes over the first few rounds, I'll adjust. I plan to box more this time but you never know.

“It would mean everything to get the IBF world title. Knowing you're the world champ, that's everything.

“It was frustrating at the time the first fight was called off. I was at the peak of my training and I can't lie, I'm human and I was very frustrated. It destroyed me a little bit, but then I regrouped and the more mature Abner prevailed. It's Joseph's health and that's serious. I'm glad he's better. I saw him at the press conference before the fight in April and he was weak and limping. I felt bad and realized that could have been me.

“I took three weeks off after the fight was called off and took my family vacation but I went right back to the gym when I got home and now I feel just as ready as last time, ready to be a world champ.

“Never in my short life did I think that I'd be sharing the stage with Don King. This is incredible.

“I want to be Mexico's 20th world champion. I made my dream come true when I went to the Olympics in 2004 and now I will make my dream come true of becoming a world champion.

“Thanks to SHOWTIME for showcasing me. Many people know who I am because my last two fights were on SHOWTIME.”

Don King, Agbeko’s Promoter:

“It's always a pleasure to be in Las Vegas. Thanks to Ken Hershman who chose to endure and conquer. This is more than a fight. It will be dedicated to W.E.B. DuBois. He died in '93 in Ghana and now the mantle has fallen on Joseph Agbeko. DuBois said in the 20th century color line is the biggest problem in America and now, King Kong will come down and beat on his chest and the elephants will come running. Mares will be Poncho Villa and Agbeko will win for his Ghanaian people. This is a fight for unity, solidarity and togetherness.

“I like Mares but it's going to be a day for Joseph. You've got to be there on the scene. If you can't, check it out on the screen. This fight is a statement. We're part of history, and sorry Abner, to be a part of history, one must be sacrificed.

“Not only did Agbeko defeat something I can't pronounce (Sciatica) but he will defeat Abner Mares this August 13 and we'll be going on to better things.

“This is a great tournament. SHOWTIME has been a vanguard for fighting for what is right.”

David Itskowitch, Golden Boy Promotions COO and Mares’ Promoter:

“I'm excited about this event, the Final of The Bantamweight Tournament.

“The first round was a great one and Saturday, Aug. 13, live on SHOWTIME at The Joint, we'll have a great ending. Tickets are very reasonable, starting at $25. You can get tickets at the Hard Rock box office and Ticketmaster.com.

“When Abner wins this fight on Aug. 13, he will be the first fighter to have his pro debut all the way through winning a world championship with Golden Boy. It's been quite a journey. I'm proud to know him. He is a family man and an example for all athletes. He got here by winning a great knock-down, drag-out fight against Vic Darchinyan and the Final should be just as exciting.

“The Joint is a great place to see a fight. It's a fun spot. There’s not a bad seat in the house.

“This fight would not be happening without SHOWTIME. I want to thank Ken Hershman. We hit a bump in the road with this tournament but Ken stuck with it. He has a lot of experience in persevering like he has in the Super Six. Thanks to Gordon Hall, David Dinkins (Jr.), Chris DeBlasio and the entire team that kept everything together.”

♔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.

Tito's Back - Evans vs Ortiz At UFC 133‏

UFC 133 Evans vs Ortiz on Pay-Per-View - Sat. August 6

Main Card

Evans vs Ortiz

Belfort vs Akiyama

Hallman vs Ebersole

Rivera vs Philippou

MacDonald vs Pyle

Prelims

Hamill vs Gustafsson

Mendes vs Yahya

Menjivar vs Pace

Hendricks vs Pierce

Brown vs Phan

Natal vs Bradley

♔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.

Coyle comes home for Royal Rumble in Castlebar

County Mayo's Henry "The Western Warrior" Coyle returns home next month when he challenges for the WBF Light Middleweight title against Italy's Elio Cotena at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Friday, August 12th.

The Chicago based Geesala native will headline a bill which also features Dublin's undefeated Patrick "The Punisher" Hyland and a host of local talent on the undercard including an Irish title tilt for unbeaten Westport native Finbarr Eade and an eagerly anticipated all Mayo duel between John Waldron and Michael Sweeney.

Coyle says he's determined to make it a night to remember for his home fans and a night to forget for Cotena. "I've been part of a couple of big nights of boxing already here in Castlebar on the undercard to Bernard Dunne and Andy Murray so it's great now to headline a bill at home and in a world title fight.

"The Royal Theatre is a fantastic venue and it's brought some of the worlds biggest entertainers to Mayo and hopefully this will be a night for the people of Mayo to savour as well. I've been training hard in Chicago because I was hoping that something big like this would come up.

"My last fight was in May but after that it was straight back in the gym. I've had to break training camp to come back home for the press conference but it will be straight back to business again in Chicago when I get back and then the countdown will really be on to fight night."

The tagline for the event is "The Night the West will be won" but Cotena is promising to spoil the party by taking the WBF title back to Italy and it's hard to argue with his bloodlines. His grandfather, also Elio Cotena represented Italy at the 1968 Olympics before going on to win the European Featherweight title as a professional and his grandson is determined to emulate his namesake's success.

"He's got fighting pedigree in his blood so you have to respect that and his achievements to date," admitted Coyle. "He recently won the IBF Mediterranean title up at Middleweight and I've watched that fight but I will let my trainer, Sam Colonna and my Dad study it in a bit more detail and I'm sure they will come up with the right game plan for the fight to make sure that the WBF title gets a new home in Mayo."

Father and manager Gerry is hopeful that next months bout could be the start of some big nights of boxing in Mayo. "This will be a huge night for Geesala and Mayo," said Coyle Senior. "We're very confident that it will sell out quickly. The interest already has been phenomenal and the support we've had locally has been unbelievable. The fight will be on the same weekend as the Geesala Festival and there will be a huge crowd of people home for that from the US and the UK and they have always been great supporters of Henry right from his amateur days. There is a terrific undercard as well with some of the best in the west in action so hopefully it will be a famous night for Mayo and the first of many more.

"We are determined to build on this and we have already had talks with some of the big name world champions from the US and they have indicated that they would come to Ireland to fight Henry so that's what we're looking at for down the road. That's all for the future though, the only thing Henry is looking at now is winning that WBF world title against Cotena and that will open the doors to even bigger fights and bigger nights."

Another man looking ahead to bigger fights and bigger nights is unbeaten Dublin featherweight Patrick "The Punisher" Hyland who will be bidding to extend his perfect record to 24 and 0 in Castlebar with an international opponent expected to be confirmed shortly. The Tallaght native is fresh from wining the WBF Featherweight title in Dublin last month with an impressive shutout points win over Frenchman Philippe Frenois.

"I was delighted with my performance against Frenois and it was great to get 12 rounds in the bag against a good, tough opponent," said Hyland. "He had only been beaten before by some good names but I found it quite comfortable in there against him and he admitted to me afterward that I hurt him with both hands and said that in the end he was just happy to last the distance so I took that as a nice compliment. I know I belong at European and World level and that's what I want to prove from here on in."

A second Mayo man getting a title opportunity on the undercard will be Westport's Finbarr "The Rock" Eade who takes on Mickey Coveney in an Irish Super Featherweight title fight. Eade is unbeaten in six pro fights but will be taking on by far his toughest challenge to date when he takes on London based southpaw, Coveney.

"It will be a big step up for me but I've nothing to lose and it's a huge opportunity to get to fight for an Irish title so close to home," said Eade. "Coveney is an excellent fighter, he's not a typical southpaw, he's short and aggressive and likes to stand there and have a fight so I'm sure it should make for a great fight. He put in a great effort against Patrick Hyland when he challenged for the featherweight title but he's been up at super featherweight since then so maybe he feels more comfortable there. My goal this year was to get an Irish title fight so I'm delighted now that my chance has come and I know I'll have great support on the night."

Another clash featuring plenty of local interest on the undercard will be an all Mayo affair with Michael Sweeney and John Waldron meeting in an eagerly awaited Light Heavyweight bout. Both are coming off Irish title defeats with Sweeney having lost out on a close points decision for the Irish Cruiserweight title in March while Waldron was stopped by Ciaran Healy in the first defence of his Irish Light Heavyweight title in Castlebar last November.

"This is a fight that's been talked about in Mayo for years now," said Sweeney "It was supposed to happen a few times in the amateurs and then when we went professional but for whatever reason it's never actually happened so I'm delighted it's happening now. It's a fight I've always wanted and it's a great fight for Mayo and the West in general because although we're both Mayo men originally I'm based in Galway and John lives in Roscommon now so I'm sure there will a huge interest across Connaught in the fight."

The winner will force themselves to the head of a queue for a shot at the Irish Light Heavyweight title and Waldron is determined that Sweeney will prove a stepping stone en route to regaining his old belt. "I'm desperate to make up for my last performance in Castlebar, everyone that knows me knows that wasn't the real me in the ring that night.

"If I'm honest I took the fight lightly and I ended up losing the weight too quickly on the last week and it left me drained in the ring. Winning the Irish title maybe made me a little complacent but that's gone now and if Michael Sweeney thinks he's getting in the ring with the same John Waldron who lost the Irish title then he's in for a big shock. Once I win this fight then I want to get Healy back in the ring and reverse that result and get the Irish title back."

♔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.