"STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ" UNDERCARD PRESS TOUR QUOTES

"STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ" UNDERCARD PRESS TOUR QUOTES. Star-Studded Fight Card Completed With Addition Of Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse and Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez ERIK MORALES, Five-Time and Three Division World Champion

"When we were first talking about this fight, we were talking about an opponent who wasn't easy, but not as difficult as Lucas Matthysse.

"I have seen a lot of comments on Facebook...people saying I am crazy, and I want to confirm that I am crazy. I am crazy about what I do.

"This is a sport that I participate in with a lot of love and a lot of heart. People question me, but I know that I love to fight and I want to fight. I will be ready September 17. The Mexicans can have a great party and celebrate when I am victorious.

"This is my second fight in the United States since I came back and I am going to win.

"I am very excited to be here and to be boxing again. I was away for two and a half years, but I had a lot of desire to do great things again.

"In April I had a tough fight against Marcos Maidana. A lot of reporters doubted me, but I made it very clear that I am back and can still accomplish great things.

"Everyone can see how I have advanced in the last year. Little by little I am back at the level at which I expected to be. I am very happy with where I am and where I need to be for this fight.

"I am going to do whatever I have to do to win.

"This fight is going to be for the fans and a lot of my fans will be traveling from Tijuana to Las Vegas.

"We're going to be ready on September 17. I'll fight for the Mexican people and be champion again."

JESSIE VARGAS, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender

"I am definitely excited and will take full advantage of this opportunity. It's a pleasure and an honor to be on the same card as Floyd Mayweather and Erik Morales.

"I feel that I am ready for this big stage. I had two quick knockouts in my last two fights, but the preparation was there. I was ready for 10 rounds.

"I have a new trainer and I'm very happy with the work we have put in. There will be a difference in my style for the better.

"I expect a great fight from Lopez. We could definitely steal the show. We are both coming to fight.

"Watching Floyd [Mayweather] train is something to be admired. He trains like a fighter who is just coming up. The fact that I have been able to be in the gym with him has helped me because I want to train like that. I am not as slick as him, but I have definitely added some of his tools to my belt.

"This is a great opportunity that has been given to me at 22 years of age and I'm going to take advantage of it. I will definitely come to fight."

JOSESITO LOPEZ, #8 Rated WBC Super Lightweight Contender

"I am thrilled, ready and focused for my fight against Jesse Vargas.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent on HBO Pay Per View.

"Vargas is a good fighter, but I know that I am the better fighter with more drive. Come fight night, everyone will know it.

"Whenever you put fighters like me and Jessie in the ring, you are going to have a great fight on your hands because it will be two fighters at the top of our game getting it on.

"I have to prove once again that I am ready to be at the top of my weight class. It's a tough position to be in, but if you are mentally strong, it can be the best position to be in."

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

"I have been around boxing for 30 years and I cannot remember a card that is as tremendous as this one. From top to bottom, this card is stacked with great fights.

"I think the fans are truly in for a great night of boxing.

"Behind every great young fighter there is someone who has been with them from day one and for Jessie Vargas that has been his father Jose.

"In our [Mayweather Promotions'] eyes, Jessie Vargas is the best young fighter in all of boxing. September 17 will be his coming out party.

"Jessie has been part of the Mayweather Promotions family every since he was a young kid. We have taken him under our wing for a number of years.

"I am personally very proud of him for his accomplishments thus far. Come September 17, all of you will see what Jessie Vargas is capable of."

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

"Today we are here to announce the two fights that will round out this amazing card. Two young prospects in Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez and of course one of the most famous Mexican fighters in the history of the sport, the legendary Erik Morales who will face Lucas Matthysse. Matthysse is as hungry to bring that belt back to his homeland of Argentina just as Erik Morales is to take it back to Mexico.

"Erik Morales does not take and does not need to take any hand outs.

"When Barrios was not available and Lucas Matthysse became available, I think that it became evident that this was never about Morales getting a title handed to him. It was about earning his titles and if someone has earned his titles the hard way, it is Erik Morales.

"Erik Morales is truly the definition of a modern day gladiator.

"Morales' resume is second to none. He will become the first Mexican to win a world championship in four weight divisions and make history.

"When the fight is over on September 17, we will have a new world champion and it is going to be Erik 'El Terrible' Morales.

"September 17 is going to be the Super Bowl, the World Series, game seven of the NBA Finals, the last lap of the Indianapolis 500, whatever sport that can help you put this into perspective, that is what September 17 is for boxing.

"The fact is, this is as good as it gets."

CARLOS MERA, Director of Box Latino Promotions (Morales' Promotional Company)

"As a company we are proud to be working with Golden Boy Promotions on this event.

"Morales is going for a championship in a fourth weight class.

"This is going to be a great event and a great fight."

KEN THOMPSON, President of Thompson Boxing Promotions (Lopez' Co-Promoter)

"This is overall best fight card I have seen in years.

"It's an opportunity for sports fans everywhere to get together with their families and friends and enjoy a great night of fights.

"This card features eight of the greatest fighters in the sport today.

"Josesito Lopez is one of the youngest, sharpest, fastest, most exciting fighters in the world."

ROBERT ALCAZAR, Vargas' Trainer

"I want to thank the people who made this fight possible and I want to thank the fighters' families.

"Jose Lopez is a good fighter. He is considered one of the top fighters in the weight class by most of the sanctioning bodies, but Jessie is ready. Jessie is an excellent fighter. In my opinion, that is what is going to be the difference in this fight...a good fighter against an excellent fighter.

"In my opinion, Jessie Vargas is going to be the big champion we are waiting for in boxing. This fight will open doors for him.

"I have big expectations for this kid. I believe in him. I believe in his family. I believe we are going to have a great fight."

"STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and is 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. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.



♔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.

STAR BOXING RETURNS TO THE TROPICANA SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH

(Photo of Shamone Alvarez by; Keisha Morrisey)

On Saturday, August 27th, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing returns to the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, with an exciting six bout card in the Tropicana's beautiful Ballroom, featuring the always exciting heavyweight fan-favorite, Vinny Maddalone (33-7, 24KO's) and Atlantic City's own, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (21-4, 12KO's) in separate bouts.

"We are really looking forward to returning to the Tropicana, and putting together another great night of exciting fights," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing. "The Tropicana has such a great venue for boxing, and the atmosphere in the Casino, especially during the summer-time is just so electric. When you combine that electricity with the fireworks that Vinny and Shamone are sure to produce, you just know you are in for one exciting night of entertainment.


Maddalone, a major attraction on the east coast, due to his never say die, warrior-like style, last fought at the Tropicana in March of last year, when he handed out a vicious beating to Dominque Alexander, dropping his opponent multiple times, before eventually scoring a 5th round TKO. Never in a dull fight, Maddalone has fought some of the top names in the Heavyweight division, including former undisputed heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield and current top ten contenders, Tomasz Adamek, Dennis Boytsov and Jean-Marc Mormeck. Maddalone is scheduled to square off against Mike Sheppard (19-12-1 9KO's) in a ten round heavyweight showdown.

The former, WBO NABO welterweight champion Alvarez also was in action at the Tropicana at the Star Boxing promoted show in March of last year. In his fight, Alvarez scored a brutal one-punch knockout over Alexis Camacho. Alvarez is set to meet the always tough and game Chris "Kid Kayo" Fernandez (19-13-1, 12KO's) in an eight round welterweight match-up. Fernandez has been in with former world champions, Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi.



"♔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.

RODRIGUEZ TO WOLAK "WE HAVE BUSINESS TO FINISH"

On July 15th, Delvin Rodriguez (pictured right above and below) and Pawel Wolak engaged in a ten round war on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" that has many boxing insiders calling it the leading candidate for the fight of the year. In an excellent battle of will, determination, and pure guts, Rodriguez and Wolak went toe-to-toe for their entire ten round jr. middleweight showdown before a sold-out crowd on Star Boxing's show at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Wolak started the better of the two, but Rodriguez, who was coming off a year lay-off, picked up the pace in the middle rounds, and landed the much cleaner and harder punches down the stretch of the fight which in turn caused grotesque swelling of Wolak's right eye. In the end, judge Tom Schreck scored the fight 97-93 for Rodriguez, but was overruled by judges Julie Lederman and Steve Weisfield, who both scored the fight 95-95, resulting in a majority draw. The war was an instant classic, so much so that ESPN re-aired the fight the following week, the firstever non-regularly scheduled reair for ESPN's Friday Night Fights. Fans around the world have been clamoring and wondering when the rematch will take place and while Rodriguez, the warrior he is, expected and wanted the fight to take place immediately, Wolak has been singing a different tune.

"I am reading all these different reports that Wolak has signed with a new manager (Wolak dropped long-time manager Ivan Edwards following the fight and signed with Cameron Dunkin), and he is speaking about other fighters and fights, but I really haven't heard him say anything about our rematch. This guy was supposed to be one of the roughest toughest guys in the sport, and we have a fight of the year like we did and it ends in a draw and now he doesn't want to have a rematch? Everyone has been asking when the rematch will take place, but by the looks of it, he doesn't want it. I even read one report that said he ultimately decided to fire his manager because his manager suggested he take the rematch with me and Pawel was "annoyed that he would even bring that up". I had a lot of respect for Pawel before we fought, and him continuing the way he did in our fight with his eye like that I had even more respect for him, not a lot of people would have fought through that. But now, he seems to be avoiding me. If he is the real warrior he says he is, and all about pleasing the fans, then let's make this rematch happen. The other fights can wait, we have business to finish."

♔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-Finals; Josh Barnett vs Sergei Kharitonov & Antonio Silva vs Daniel Cormier, Saturday, Sept. 10

Rockstar Presents STRIKEFORCE World Grand Prix Semi-Finals Saturday, Sept. 10
US Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH Featuring
STRIKEFORCE World Grand Prix Semi-Finals
Josh Barnett vs Sergei Kharitonov & Antonio Silva vs Daniel Cormier Plus
STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Championship
Jacare Souza vs Luke Rockhold LIVE ON SHOWTIME 11 PM ET/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.

FC 135 Jones vs Rampage, Saturday, September 24

UFC 135 Jones vs Rampage
Presented by Gears of War 3
Saturday, September 24 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO

UFC® light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones is undoubtedly the fastest-rising star in the sport of mixed martial arts. Since bursting onto the scene in 2008, the 23-year-old New Yorker has steamrolled through the UFC’s talented 205-pound division, finishing opponents with his unmatched blend of unorthodox striking and vice-grip-like submissions. On Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo., Jones’ meteoric rise faces imminent danger, as “Bones” will makes his first title defense against former UFC and PRIDE® champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
UFC HALL OF FAMER MATT HUGHES BATTLES THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® SEASON ONE WINNER DIEGO SANCHEZ

ALSO:
TRAVIS BROWNE vs. ROB BROUGHTON
NATE DIAZ vs. TAKANORI GOMI

Jones, Jackson and UFC President Dana White will be in Denver on Tuesday, July 19 to discuss this epic card at a press conference to be held at the former BRAUNS Bar & Grill building at 1055 Auraria Pkwy at 10 a.m. MT. This event will be open to the public.

“Many people think that Jon Jones should be considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world, but I wouldn’t make that claim too fast,” UFC President Dana White said. “The 205-pound division is and always has been the most stacked division in MMA. Rampage Jackson has been one of the top five light heavyweights in the world since 2003. A win over Rampage Jackson will definitely put Jon Jones on the right track for becoming the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.”

PUBLIC PRESS CONFERENCE IN DENVER ON TUESDAY, JULY 19 - 10 a.m. MT
http://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-135-jones-vs-rampage-in-denver-press-release-071411

After capturing the UFC light heavyweight crown by stopping Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in March, Jon Jones (fighting out of Endicott, N.Y.) makes his first title defense in Denver when he meets Rampage Jackson. At 13-1, the 23-year-old Team Jackson fighter owns wins over the likes of Stephan Bonnar, Vladimir Matyushenko and Ryan Bader. Despite his impressive resume, “Bones” believes a win over Jackson would truly cement his place as one of the world’s most dominant fighters.

“Fighting Rampage Jackson is an awesome opportunity and a win is definitely something that could add to my legacy as champion,” Jones said. “I think he’s re-motivated and that makes him dangerous. He’s driving me to a different level of training right now. I’m training like a champion so that I can go in there on Sept. 24 and perform like a champion.”

With his bone-crushing power and seek-and-destroy mentality, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (fighting out of Irvine, Calif.) owns victories over some of the sport’s all-time greats, including Wanderlei Silva, Dan Henderson and Chuck Liddell. While his opponent on Sept. 24 appears to be heading toward a similarly historic career, Jackson (32-8) looks to end Jones’ surge when the two battle for the title at Pepsi Center. Simply put, Jackson believes it’s his time to once again reign over arguably the most stacked division in the UFC.

“I am planning on bringing the belt back to where it belongs,” Jackson said. “That belt is very serious and very dear to me. That belt should never have been taken off of me, and it’s been a long time coming to get my chance to get my belt back. The proudest thing I’ve done in my career is unify that title with the PRIDE FC title, and in the next fight it was taken off me despite me winning the fight. I’ve had to wait since 2008 to get my chance to get my belt back, but anything that comes easy isn’t worth having in the first place.”

♔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.

BERNARD HOPKINS TO APPEAR IN INTERNATIONAL NEW PRADA "LINEA ROSSA" EYEWEAR CAMPAIGN

Two-Division and current light heavyweight world champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins can add another title to his resume...eyewear model. The future Hall of Famer who at 46-years-old is the oldest champion in boxing history, is appearing in a new Prada eyewear ad campaign that can be found in the Italian and international press beginning this month.

Hopkins was photographed by Brigitte Lacombe, one of the best world-class portrait photographers, as he showcased the new Prada "Linea Rossa" eyewear collection, named after the "sweet science": Prada Upper Cut, Prada Jab, Prada Barnburner.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this campaign," said Hopkins. "Prada is known throughout the world as a top luxury brand and as a world champion, it is great to represent the sport in ads that will be seen around the globe. People are already familiar with the way I work my upper cut and jab in the ring, now they can see me wearing them in my Prada ads."

Hopkins is joined by fellow pugilists super lightweight world champion Amir Khan of the UK and 2008 Olympic super heavyweight champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy, who appear in separate ad layouts.

Prada stated that all three boxers were chosen, "Not just thanks to their prestigious track record, but also because of their strong personalities and their sporting talent and determination."

♔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.

Pacquiao: I'm SICK of Waiting for Floyd Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao wants a judge to declare him the winner in his ongoing legal war with Floyd Mayweather -- claiming the Pretty Boy has been LYING HIS FACE OFF to get out of being deposed by Manny's lawyers.

Manny filed the papers today in Nevada as part of his defamation suit against Mayweather -- in which he claimed Floyd falsely accused Manny of using steroids.

According to the documents, Manny's camp offered up 24 dates for Floyd to be deposed -- but Mayweather kept coming up with excuses as to why he couldn't show up for any of them.

Manny claims Floyd often blamed his intense boxing training for the scheduling issues -- but says it's all BS ... because on many of the days Floyd said he was training, he was seen partying at various nightclubs in Vegas and Atlanta.

Point is -- Manny says he's SICK AND TIRED of waiting around for Floyd and wants the judge to issue a default judgment in his favor, making Manny the winner ... and entitling him to damages.

No word on how much $$$ Manny is looking to pocket from the lawsuit.

♔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.

WORLD RANKED CRUISERWEIGHT CONTENDER BJ FLORES TARGETS LATEEF KAYODE

World Ranked Cruiserweight, BJ Flores wants to make a statement and he has pinpointed the man that will not only make a fan friendly fight with, but be a fight of importance.

Fresh off his 5th round TKO victory of highly rated Nick Iannuzz on July 23rd, Flores wants world rated and undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode next. Flores has a date in Springfield, Missouri in October and is more than willing to bring in the highly rated rugged Nigerian as his next opponent.

Flores is 25-1 with sixteen knockouts.

Kayode, 17-0 with fourteen knockouts is ranked Number one by the WBA; Number three by the WBO; number four the WBC; and Number five by the IBF.

"I wanted Kaydoe after the fight he had with Iannuzzi. For whatever reason, they went in another direction. Now I have another date in Springfield, Missouri at the end of October and Lateef is on the top of my list! I contacted his promoter today and still waiting for a response. I want to clear up any confusion about who the top US cruiserweight contender is. This is a new phase in my career”, said Flores

"We had a wonderful turnout at the O’Rielly Center and had over 2100 people at the event! The guys at the O’Rielly are very excited to do another show as are we! I will be fighting here every 3 months until I get a shot at a title! If Lateef Kayode will take the fight then he will be the next victim. If not that, I will fight another highly rated US contender."

“Kayode is rated higher than me and I'm willing to prove in the ring that I can beat him. It’s nothing personal but he has something I want and that’s a number-one ranking by the WBA and top five rating by all three other sanctioning bodies. He stands in my way of returning to a title fight and I want to set the record straight that I will fight any cruiserweight that is in my way of a title shot"!

VIDEO LINK TO HIGHLIGHTS OF FLORES KO OVER IANNUZZI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4el80ZHPNYM

♔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.

Massachusetts native Chris Traetti to square off with unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez the main event of Broadway Boxing on Aug 20 in Worcester, Mass.

It will be a battle for home state supremacy on August 20 when Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez puts his unbeaten record on the line in the main event of Broadway Boxing from Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs), a Worcester native, will battle another local favorite, Chris Traetti (10-2, 6 KOs), who hails from just down the road in Quincy.

Traetti certainly won’t be scared by anything the unbeaten Rodriguez throws his way when they square off in the ring. Traetti is an active member of the US Air Force Reserves, who was stationed in Iraq from December, 2004 through May, 2005. Even now, Traetti spends his weekdays stationed at an Air Force base in Chicopee, Mass. before hitting the gym at night to prepare for Rodriguez.

“When I was deployed, there were days when I didn’t want to be there. I was in the worst place in the world, working 12 to 14 hour days, sleeping in a tent, and I had no home to go to,” said Traetti. “It puts things in perspective. Some days I don’t want to go to the gym, but then I think to myself ‘if that is the worst thing I have to do today, I am pretty lucky.’”

Since last June, when Rodriguez last stepped into the ring in his hometown, he has hit the road to score the two biggest wins of his career, a ninth round stoppage of James McGirt, Jr. to capture the WBC USNBC super middleweight title last November and a ten round decision over top-10 ranked super middleweight Aaron Pryor, Jr. in January. Traetti believes that those wins add weight on Rodriguez’s shoulders to perform that may pave the way to an upset.

“There is definitely going to be a big crew coming from Quincy, but it is still his homecoming” said Traetti. “If I lose, I go from 10-2 to 10-3 and I’ll get another fight because I promote my own shows. If he loses, there goes the world title shot. All the pressure is on him, and that is pretty liberating for me as a fighter.”


♔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.

Calling all champs Lundy predicts win over Diaz on ESPN; aims for title shot in 2011

Lundy returns to ESPN Aug. 19th‏

He’s won 10 of his last 11 fights since 2008, captured two lightweight titles, fought in front of a worldwide audience four times in 16 months and is now ranked among the Top 20 in two major sanctioning bodies, yet Philadelphia’s “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy still hasn’t gotten the call to fight for a world title.

“I’m knocking at the door,” said Lundy, who’s promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports. “I’ll fight anybody they put in front of me. What more do I have to do to show these guys I’m one of the top fighters in the world?”

The answer might come Friday, Aug. 19th, 2011 when Lundy defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight title against former world champion David Diaz in the 10-round co-feature of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” telecast at The Venue At Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., presented by Hitz Entertainment in association with Banner Promotions.

This will be Lundy’s first title defense since capturing the belt in a win over Patrick Lopez on April 1st and his fifth consecutive bout on “Friday Night Fights” since April of 2010. A win over Diaz (36-3-1, 17 KOs), whose resume includes victories against former five-time world champion Erik Morales and former World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion Ener Julio in addition to a grueling battle against pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, would boost Lundy (20-1-1, 10 KOs) in the lightweight rankings and possibly lead to a major title shot by the end of the year.

“[World Boxing Association and WBO interim lightweight champion] Robert Guerrero, [WBA and WBO lightweight super champion] Juan Manuel Marquez – I can beat those guys,” Lundy said. “If they will give me a shot and let me prove my talent, I guarantee I will wipe them out with no problem.”

Until then, Lundy must deal with Diaz, who’s in the midst of his second comeback following a 10-month layoff. Diaz returned to the ring in January with a majority-decision win over Robert Frankel. The 35-year-old Chicago native originally left boxing for more than a year following his knockout loss to Pacquiao in 2008, which, at the time, earned Pacquiao his fifth world title in five different weight classes (he’s since accomplished the feat in eight separate weight classes).

Lundy is seeking his third consecutive win since losing his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title to John Molina Jr. in July of 2009. He rebounded from that loss with a win over Omri Lowther two months later on ESPN and then captured the vacant NABF title with a hard-fought win over Lopez, a two-time Olympian (2000 and 2004) for the Venezuelan national team.



“I feel like Patrick Lopez was the toughest fight I ever had and I handled him well,” said Lundy, who won the fight by scores of 99-91, 97-92 and 95-94. “I’m not sleeping on Diaz, but he’s 35 years old, has no knockout punch and no defense.

“When he fought Pacquiao, he got hit with everything except the kitchen sink. He comes right at you, but it’s not like I’m going to go in there and brawl with him. I’m a smart, intelligent fighter with youth on my side. I’m going to break him down. He’s a southpaw, and I plan on fighting southpaw because the one thing I’ve noticed about southpaws is they don’t like to deal with other southpaws.”

Lundy is ranked 15th in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), 29th in the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and 16th in the World Boxing Council (WBC), while Diaz is 21st in the WBC, 7th in the WBO and 4th in the IBO. Diaz held the WBC lightweight title from 2006 to 2008 before losing to Pacquiao and then failed in his attempt to recapture the belt in a unanimous-decision loss to Humberto Soto (56-7-2, 32 KOs) in March of 2010 – just six months after he beat former world champion Jesus Chavez in Chicago.

“My southpaw side is my natural side, and when I hit him he’s going to feel it,” Lundy said. “I’m going to stick to the game plan and do what I need to do. I know Diaz will try to wear me down. That’s what these fighters do today. They let you take the early rounds and try to wear you down, but everyone who’s faced me knows I’m in great shape, so I won’t be worn down.

“Everyone I’ve fought, I’ve exposed. Even in the loss to Molina, I beat myself. That’s why he’s running from me. Molina is scared of me. If you look at the scorecards, I was beating him every round, and what people don’t know is I was sick as a dog and I still fought anyway. That’s the heart of a champion. That fight made me even more dangerous. These other champions know it and that’s why they won’t step in the ring with me.”

Lundy’s title defense against Diaz is part of a dynamic card featuring the 12-round main event rematch between light welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (19-1, 13 KOs) and Mauricio Herrera (18-7, 7 KOs) of Lake Elsinore, Calif., who also fought in the main event of ESPN’s first telecast of the season with Herrera pulling off the upset.

♔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.

Victor Lupo stalks Phil Lo Greco for Canadian Bragging Rights & more

Victor Lupo from his last fight punching former world champion Junior Witter. Photo Credit: Durell Wambolt/The Boxing Examiner

For the past year, rugged Romanian welterweight Victor Lupo has unsuccessfully stalked undefeated World Boxing Council (“WBC”) International Welterweight Champion Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco. His persistence will soon pay-off, though, as the WBC recently ordered promoters Hennessy Sports (Lupo) and OPI 2000 (Lo Greco) to negotiate an agreement or Lo Greco-Lupo will go to purse bid next month.

Lupo’simpressive victory 10-round decision for the vacant WBC International Silver title this past February, against former world champion Junior Witter (37-3-2), set the stage for a showdown between Lupo (19-1-2, 9 KOs) and Lo Greco (22-0,12 KOs).

It’s a natural fight because Lupo lives in Toronto and Lo Greco was born there. Much more than Toronto bragging rights will be on the line, however, including a potential world title shot for the winner. Lo Greco is rated No. 13 by the WBC, while Lupo’s ranked No. 22.

Lupo believes Lo Greco has been avoiding him. “The Italian Sensation” obviously hasn’t lived-up to his nickname, fighting only a pair of six-round bouts in Italy, since he captured the WBC International crown June 18, 2010 via a ninth-round knockout of Slawomir Ziemiewicz.

“This will be a crossroads fight for both guys with the winner positioned for a world title fight next year,” promoter Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) commented. “Victor is convinced that Lo Greco is scared of him, which explains why making it happen has been so difficult. A fight like this will certainly draw the attention of the Canadian media, especially where both fighters are from Toronto. OPI 2000 (Italian promoters Salvatore and Christian Cherchi) hasn’t responded to our proposals but, if the fight goes to purse bid, we are committed to making a good offer to promote the show.”

♔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.

Pound-for-Pound Boxing Queen Holly Holm Preparing to establish ‘World Dominance’ Dec. 2 showdown vs. Anne Sophie Mathis

Pound-for-Pound Boxing Queen Holly Holm Preparing to establish ‘World Dominance’ Dec. 2 showdown vs. Anne Sophie Mathis at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque

Boxing’s Pound-for-Pound Queen, Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, has thoroughly exhausted the list of leading North American challengers, so her promoter, Lenny Fresquez (Fresquez Productions) looked across the Atlantic Ocean to challenge Europe’s premier boxer, French superstarAnne Sophie Mathis. Holm-Mathis will headline the “World Dominance” card on December 2 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.

“My fight with Ann Sophie is going to be very tough,” Holly remarked. “She’s a tall fighter who uses her range. A fight like this definitely helps women’s boxing. I don’t want to be a paper champ and boxing fans don’t want to see one. On December 2nd they’ll see the top two rated women boxers in the world. My pride will be on the line because I’ve always believed you need to beat the best in order to be the best. I’ve never wanted easy fights. Winning a challenge like this makes it an even sweeter victory.”

Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) will be gunning to regain her IBA Welterweight title and WBAN Championship Belt in the 10-round main event against Mathis (23-1, 20 KOs), the WBO European Welterweight Champion. “World Dominance,” presented by Fresquez Productions, is a modern day match-up of contrasting female prizefighters, showcasing a consummate boxer (southpaw Holm) versus a knockout specialist (Mathis).

A multiple world champion in three different divisions (light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight), Holly has defeated virtually all of the significant names of the past decade in women’s boxing from the 140 through 154-pound classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice). Holm is riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak, dating back to her only pro loss in 2004, when a serious cut under her eye prevented her from continuing to fight.

The 29-year-old Holm sports an amazing 20-0-1 (6 KOs) record in world title fights, in addition to a 14-0-1 mark versus world champions.

“There will always be somebody out there good to fight, maybe an up-and-comer or somebody overlooked” Holm said, “but I believe I’ve fought the best here but two European fighters (Mathis and Cecilia Braekhus) are good options for me. I haven’t fought either one, yet, and they’re both very good.

“Women are constantly trying to prove themselves to boxing fans. We put our heart into fighting each time we step in the ring. The top women fights are better than a lot of men’s fight on TV.”

Mathis, who will be fighting outside of Europe for the first time, is currently on a 22-fight, 16-year win skein, since she suffered her only pro loss in her second fight. She’s a two-time world light welterweight champion and Dec. 2 will mark the fifth anniversary of her first world title victory, in which she stopped previously unbeaten Myriam Lamare (13-0) for the WBA crown and vacant EBU championship. Ann Sophie’s victims also include world champions Couch, Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro.

Holm is expected to fight WBC/WBA/WBO welterweight champion Cecilia ‘First Lady”Braekhus (18-0, 4 KOs) next year.

♔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 vs. Mares: The Bantamweight Tournament Final & Final & Undercard- SHOWTIME Boxing Saturday, Aug. 13 at 10pm

As the countdown begins for The Bantamweight Tournament Final, meet the two boxers who fought their way to the top of the class: Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares. Saturday August 13th at 10pm ET/PT The highly anticipated 12-round world title matchup between New York-based Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, and Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs) of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was originally scheduled for April 23, but was postponed when Agbeko was injured moments after arrival at Los Angeles International Airport during fight week.

Agbeko vs. Mares: The Bantamweight Tournament Final Video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GONVP2jZww

Tournament Final & Undercard

Undefeated lightweight rising star Luis Ramos Jr., (19-0, 8 KO’s), of Santa Ana, Calif., and

“Dangerous” David Rodela (15-4-4, 6 KO’s), of Oxnard, Calif., also participated in Thursday’s workout in preparation for their 10-round lightweight bout on the Aug. 13 non-televised undercard. Undefeated and heralded prospect Carlos Molina (14-0, 7 KO’s) of Norwalk, Calif., participated in the workout and will face an opponent to be named in an eight round junior welterweight bout.
The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All will take 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. The event is promoted by Don King Productions 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.

Ten Boxers Claim U.S. Olympic Team Trials Titles in Mobile

A full week of boxing culminated in final round competition on Friday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Men’s Boxing in Mobile, Ala. The champions bracket winners faced off with the challengers bracket victors in 10 bouts of action. The challengers bracket winners were looking to stay alive in the tournament with a victory while the winners bracket athletes hoped to seal their Olympic Trials titles on Friday night.

Eros Correa (San Jose, Calif.) won the first title of the night in his bout with challengers bracket winner Santos Vasquez (Sparks, Nev.). The bout was closely contested throughout with Correa holding a slim 14-12 edge with one round of boxing remaining. He doubled his lead over the final three minutes to win a 22-18 decision and the light flyweight title.

Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) became the first boxer to win three straight U.S. Olympic Team Trials titles on Friday night. Warren defeated a game Shawn Simpson (Chicago, Ill.) by a 31-18 margin in their second match-up of the week. Warren led by only two points after the first round but began to build on his lead as both boxers looked for openings in their opponent’s defense. Warren led 14-9 after the second, but both boxers’ hands really began to fly in the final stanza. Despite Simpson’s best efforts, he couldn’t impact Warren’s date with history and the two-time Olympian moved one step closer to becoming the first U.S. boxer ever to compete in three Olympic Games.

The champions bracket winning streak continued in the bantamweight division as Joseph Diaz, Jr. (El Monte, Calif.) punched his ticket for Azerbaijan with a close 17-14 victory over O’Shanique Foster (Orange, Texas). The two were tied at nine with one round remaining and Diaz outscored Foster by a three-point margin in the last round to win the final decision and the bantamweight crown.

Jose Ramirez (Avenal, Calif.) joined the first three winners bracket champions in earning a victory on Friday night. Ramirez defeated 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) in their lightweight showdown to advance to take the gold medal. He led by a small one-point margin after the opening stanza and pushed his lead to six after two. Ramirez held on over the final three minutes to take a 21-16 victory and the lightweight title.

In the light welterweight division, one of the biggest surprises of the tournament claimed an Olympic Trials title. The United States Marine Corps’ Jamel Herring (Coram, N.Y.) won the gold medal with a 15-10 decision over Pedro Sosa (Bronx, N.Y.). After a close first round, Herring moved out to an 11-7 lead after two rounds. Sosa couldn’t overcome his deficit and Herring won a 17-14 final to claim the light welterweight title.

Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas) won the sixth title of the night in his bout with Amir Imam (Albany, N.Y.). Spence grabbed a three-point advantage after one and extended it to a 17-12 lead with one round of boxing remaining. He held on to his five-point edge over the final three minutes to win a 24-19 decision and win the welterweight gold medal.

Middleweight Jesse Hart (Philadelphia, Pa.) won the most convincing bout of the evening action in his rematch of the 2010 National Championships finals with Luis Arias (Milwaukee, Wis.). Hart came flying out of the gate before Arias could find his rhythm and took a 16-3 lead after two rounds. He didn’t leave any room for doubt, extending his lead over the final three minutes to win a 21-6 decision and the middleweight title.

The champions bracket continued to roll in the light heavyweight division with Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.) winning his showdown with Siju Shabazz (Las Cruces, N.M.). The trend of close first rounds returned in the light heavyweight class. Browne took a small one point advantage after the opening round and fully grabbed the momentum in the second, enjoying a 12-7 lead with one round remaining. Shabazz made it interesting in the third, pulling to within two but he couldn’t take the lead and Browne won a 14-12 final decision.

Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) won his second straight U.S. Olympic Team Trials championship in convincing fashion in his bout with Joseph Williams (Bronx, N.Y.). Hunter wasted no time getting on the score board, scoring 13 points in the first round to take a commanding 13-3 lead. He held a 21-10 advantage after the second round and went on to win a 28-17 final decision to claim his second straight Olympic Team Trials.

Lenroy Thompson (Lenexa, Kansas) made the night a clean sweep for the champions bracket with a victory over Laron Mitchell (San Francisco, Calif.). Mitchell kept the bout interesting, applying pressure to the moving Thompson. Thompson held a 15-6 lead after the second round and pushed it to a 21-9 final decision to win the super heavyweight championship.

All of tonight’s winners must qualify internationally through the 2011 AIBA World Championships, September 22-October 10 in Baku, Azerbaijan in order to compete in London. The light flyweight through light heavyweight division boxers will need to finish in the top ten while the heavyweight and super heavyweight athletes will have to finish in the top six to officially punch their tickets for London. As all of the champions bracket winners won tonight’s bout, there won’t be any bouts on Saturday.

USA Boxing President Harold Adonis announced Joe Zanders as the Olympic Team Head Coach earlier this week and Zanders enjoyed the chance to meet his team first hand in Mobile.

♔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 Final Round Results

U.S. Olympic Team Trials Final Round Results
108 lbs: Erros Correa, San Jose, Calif., dec. Santos Vasquez, Sparks, Nev., 22-18

114 lbs: Rau'shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio, dec. Shawn Simpson, Chicago Ill., 31-18

123 lbs: Joseph Diaz Jr., El Monte, Calif., dec. O'Shanique Foster, Orange, Texas, 17-14

132 lbs: Jose Ramirez, AvenaI, Calif.., dec. Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, 21-16

141 lbs: Jamel Herring, Coram, N.Y., dec. Pedro Sosa, Bronx, N.Y., 15-10

152 lbs: Errol Spence, Desoto, Texas dec. Amir Imam, Albany, N.Y., 24-19

165 lbs: Jesse Hart, Philadelphia, Pa., dec. Luis Arias, Milwaukee, Wis., 21-6

178 lbs: Marcus Browne, Staten Island, N.Y., dec. Siju Shabazz, Las Cruces, N.M., 14-12

201 lbs: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev., dec. Joseph Williams, Queens, N.Y., 28-17

201+ lbs: Lenroy Thompson, Lenexa, Kansas, dec. Laron Mitchell, San Francisco, Calif., 21-9

♔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.

Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva is featured in Sister 2 Sister Magazine (August Issue)

Get your copy of Sister 2 Sister Magazine (August Issue) today. Keisher McLeod- Wells aka "Fire", The Boxing Diva is featured on pages 56 & 57 with full story in the, "Who Do She Think She Is?" section. I feel very honored to be recognized in such an established and wonderful magazine, that mostly cover Afro American celebrities. Special thanks to Craig Spruill who reached out to me and conducted the interview (in which he did not get credit for), he believed and recognized my talent and what I had to offer to the sport of Woman's Boxing. He is wonderful.

Just as I share my success with my friends, family, and fans, I would like to share the stumbles I come across also in my career too. I did not win my fight this past Saturday for the NY State Championship. I lost to a very close split decision to a re-match against Melissa McMorrow (defending champion). We are now 1-1 with one another and the final re-match is in negotiation now. Thanks to everyone who has been very supportive of my career. I wanted to share this quote with everyone. "It's not how many times I fall down in life that define me, it's how many times I get up that do”.

♔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.

"PUNCHIN AT THE PARADISE" RETURNS FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH FEATURING MICHAEL PEREZ LIVE ON TELEFUTURA'S "SÓLO BOXEO TECATE"

"PUNCHIN AT THE PARADISE" RETURNS FRIDAY AUGUST 19TH FEATURING MICHAEL PEREZ LIVE ON TELEFUTURA'S "SÓLO BOXEO TECATE" THE BRONX'S FAST RISING UNDEFEATED PROSPECT EDDIE GOMEZ TO SEE ACTION IN TELEVISED CO-FEATURED BOUT

On Friday August 19, Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will team up to present the latest installment of the "Punchin at the Paradise" fight series. The card, which will feature a number of both Golden Boy and Star Boxing prospects, will be broadcast live on TeleFutura's "Sólo Boxeo Tecate." Headlining the event will be Newark's fast-rising Puerto Rican prospect Michael "The Artist" Perez (13-0, 7KO's) squaring off against an opponent to be determined in a ten round lightweight match-up.

Michael Perez photo by; Keisha Morrisey

Also featured will be undefeated Bronx prospect Eddie Gomez (5-0, 4 KO's) who will see action in a six round bout against an opponent to be determined in the co-main event on "Sólo Boxeo Tecate."

"We are excited to return to the Bronx to co-promote the August 19 'Sólo Boxeo Tecate' show with Star Boxing for the great boxing fans of New York," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "In the main event, we have a very talented, young, undefeated fighter in Michael Perez, who always attracts his loyal New York-area fan base to see his thrilling all-action boxing style. We are also proud to bring Bronx prospect Eddie Gomez home to fight in front of his hometown fans for the first time in his professional career."

♔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.

Massachusetts native Chris Traetti to square off with unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez the main event of Broadway Boxing on August 20

Massachusetts native Chris Traetti to square off with unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez the main event of Broadway Boxing on August 20 from Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass.

It will be a battle for home state supremacy on August 20 when Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez puts his unbeaten record on the line in the main event of Broadway Boxing from Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. Rodriguez (18-0, 13 KOs), a Worcester native, will battle another local favorite, Chris Traetti (10-2, 6 KOs), who hails from just down the road in Quincy.

Traetti certainly won’t be scared by anything the unbeaten Rodriguez throws his way when they square off in the ring. Traetti is an active member of the US Air Force Reserves, who was stationed in Iraq from December, 2004 through May, 2005. Even now, Traetti spends his weekdays stationed at an Air Force base in Chicopee, Mass. before hitting the gym at night to prepare for Rodriguez.

“When I was deployed, there were days when I didn’t want to be there. I was in the worst place in the world, working 12 to 14 hour days, sleeping in a tent, and I had no home to go to,” said Traetti. “It puts things in perspective. Some days I don’t want to go to the gym, but then I think to myself ‘if that is the worst thing I have to do today, I am pretty lucky.’”

Since last June, when Rodriguez last stepped into the ring in his hometown, he has hit the road to score the two biggest wins of his career, a ninth round stoppage of James McGirt, Jr. to capture the WBC USNBC super middleweight title last November and a ten round decision over top-10 ranked super middleweight Aaron Pryor, Jr. in January. Traetti believes that those wins add weight on Rodriguez’s shoulders to perform that may pave the way to an upset.

“There is definitely going to be a big crew coming from Quincy, but it is still his homecoming” said Traetti. “If I lose, I go from 10-2 to 10-3 and I’ll get another fight because I promote my own shows. If he loses, there goes the world title shot. All the pressure is on him, and that is pretty liberating for me as a fighter.”

♔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.

Wach KOs Mcbride, Ayala wins title‏

Wach KOs Mcbride, Ayala wins title‏;
By Michael Natalino
All photos by Keisha Morrisey

Friday evening, June 29th, 2011, Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports lived up to its commitment of “keeping the class in boxing” with an old-school fight card that showcased a wide variety of gifted fighters. All of the combatants lived up to their potential, producing a night of theatre that left boxing fans in awe.

Undefeated Heavyweight Mariusz Wach (25-0, 13 KOs) of Bergen, NJ, lived up to his reputation as one of the most viable forces in the Heavyweight division, with his fourth-round destruction of Kevin McBride (35-10-1, 29 KOs) of Brockton, MA, that earned him the vacant WBC International Title. Wach, calm, cool, and collected from the opening bell, consistently hit McBride with left jabs and right hands to the body. The only demonstration of offense from McBride that seemed to impact Wach was a right-hand followed by an elbow that caused blood to spew out of Wach’s ear. This injury only seemed to anger Wach, who retaliated with a vicious over-hand right that knocked McBride unconscious at 2:25 of the fourth round. This knockout kept McBride on the canvas for minutes after the fight, forcing him to be carried out of the arena on a stretcher.

In the final bout of the evening, New Haven, Connecticut’s Elvin Ayala (24-5-1, 11 KOs) continued his winning streak with a masterful display of ring generalship against Darrick Fendley (18-6, 11 KOs) of Gary, Indiana. Early on, the allusive Ayala never allowed the durable Fendley to get close enough to land punches of any significance. In the later stages of the fight, where it seemed as if Findley was beginning to find range, Ayala opened a cut over his opponent’s eye, and began to pour on blistering over-hand rights and combinations keeping Findley even further at bay. For his efforts, Ayala picked up a unanimous ten-round decision, along with the WBC USNBC Title.

In opening action, Worcester, Massachusetts’s Jose Torres stepped in the ring to make his pro-debut against last minute replacement Josh Harris (8- 5, 6 KOs) of Akron, Ohio. From the opening the bell, Torres initiated the action, peppering Harris with stiff jabs, followed by several crushing right hooks and a vicious body attack. Torres continued this non-stop onslaught the majority of the four rounds, continuously wobbling Harris throughout the bout. In the end, Harris’s methodical pressure and experience turned out to be too much for the green Torres to handle. Harris landed a massive hook at the end of the fourth, which instantly floored Torres, forcing the referee to bring the fight to a halt at 2:23 of the round.

In Welterweight action, Jonathan Vazquez (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of New Bedford, MA, and Agustine Mauras (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Lawrence, MA, had the opportunity to resume their amateur rivalry in a Rock em’, Sock em’, Somebody’s 0 must go battle. Mauras put the pressure on early, swarming Vazquez with consecutive punches to the body, along with left-hooks to the head. Vazquez countered effectively with upper-cuts and body shots of his own. Midway through the fight, just when it looked as if Mauras’ pressure was about to take control, Vazquez responded with straight right hands that snapped Mauras’ head back. The conclusion would be two fighters standing toe-to-toe, with the ending result a majority four-round draw with scores of 39-37, 38-38, and 38-38.

Edwin Soto (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of New Haven, CT, kept his undefeated streak intact with an impressive TKO victory over Michael Denby (3-11-4, 2 KOs) of Felton, DE. Soto assumed control from the beginning, landing numerous punches to the body and head, until the final blow, a crunching left hook to the liver, forced the halt at 2:26 of the third round.

Super Middleweight Greg McCoy (3-3, 1 KO) of New Haven, CT, ended his losing streak with a hard fought unanimous decision over Ralph Johnson (0-2) of Worcester, MA. Johnson’s awkward style confused McCoy in the early stages of the fight, even staggering him at times. Midway through the third, McCoy began to find success with right-hand body shots that stopped Johnson in his tracks. These shots allowed McCoy to rally in the fourth, assuring a unanimous four-round victory.

Also in Super Middleweight action, Keith Kozlin (6-2-1, 4 KOs) of Warwick, RI, and Reynaldo Rodgriguez (5-2-1, 2 KOs) of Woonsocket, RI, squared off in a match that was a candidate for “fight of the night”. The first two rounds resembled a game of chess, with each fighter trying to set up the other. The action began to heat up in round number three, with both fighters landing precise left hooks. The action would ignite even further in the fourth, when both fighters hit the canvas within twenty-seconds of each other, but managed to regroup, standing toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring before the bell sounded. The intensity of this fight, along with the strong will these fighters demonstrated, brought the crowd to its feet, but left the judges confused. The result...a six-round majority draw, with scores of 40-36, Kozlin, and 38-38 from the two other judges. This decision left the fans and fighters craving a rematch.

As we moved on to the Middleweight division, Thomas Falowo (4-0, 4KOs) of Pawtucket, RI, made short work of Russ Niggemeyer (2-3, 2 KOs) of Hilliard, Ohio. Falowo boxed aggressively in round one, forcing Niggemeyer to bob-and-weave, never able to mount any offense. In round two, Falowo would close the gap early, knocking Niggemeyer to the canvas in the opening of the round. As Niggemeyer tried to get back to feet, he stumbled back down to the canvas, forcing the referee to stop the fight forty seconds in.




The flashy pride of Poland, heavyweight Artur Szpilka (7-0, 5 KOs) of Wielczka, Poland, showed a dazzling display of speed and power, dismantling David Williams (6-5-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, at 1:53 of the first round. The Polish fans in attendance went wild as they saw their native son knock his foe to the canvas. There is no doubt that this young, knock-out sensation has a bright future in boxing ahead of him.

In a special attraction, former multi-world champion, Jose Antonio Rivera (41-6-1) of Worcester, MA, used his cagey veteran skills to out-box and out-class the game Paul Mpendo (7-8-4, 3 KOs) of Portland, Oregon, in battle of Light Middleweights. Rivera started off slow, allowing Mpendo to appear to be in the fight, but by round six, it was apparent that he was in complete control, as his body-shots and over-hand rights landed with precision and power. Rivera walked away with a unanimous eight-round decision, earning scores of 79-73 and 80-72.

It is unforgettable nights of boxing such as these that keep a century-old profession alive and well in today’s fast changing world.

♔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.