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Monday, April 16, 2012

Boxing Ring Kings Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto Face Off on the Big Screen

This Cinco de Mayo, boxing superstar and seven-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather will take on current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto in the big screen event, Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live on Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Broadcast in high definition to nearly 440 movie theaters nationwide from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the highly anticipated match-up will give fans a ringside seat as Mayweathersteps up in weight to challenge Cotto for the super welterweight championship. Also featured on this blockbuster card, will be young superstar Canelo Alvarez facing six-time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley.

Tickets for Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and O'Reilly Auto Parts, Rings Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live is the latest boxing event to be broadcast live in select movie theaters across the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions first teamed up in September of 2009 to bring the highly successful presentation of Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez fight to theaters. Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy also presented live boxing on the big screen in 2010 and 2011 including Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortizlast Mexican Independence Day weekend.

"I love the fact that people can see my fights in movie theaters across the country," said Mayweather. "Everyone knows when I fight it is nothing but lights, camera, action. Seeing it on the big screen is going to give fans a great experience. I say buy some popcorn, candy and a soda and enjoy the show because they are definitely going to get their money's worth."

Mayweather (42-0, 26 KO's) is recognized worldwide as one of the best fighters of this generation and is always a major attraction when he steps in to the ring. In his last ring appearance, Mayweather took on the younger Victor Ortiz and showcased his boxing skills, taking Ortiz to school in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth. Throughout his extraordinary career, Mayweather has faced boxing's best including Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Sugar Shane Mosley, yet remains an undefeated, seven-time world champion in five weight classes.

"This is the first time one of my fights will be shown in movie theaters in the United States. We have done it in Puerto Rico in the past, with great success," said Cotto. "This gives my fans across the country a new way to watch me in the ring. It is exciting. Now there is no way to miss this great fight."

Cotto (37-2, 30 KO's) is Puerto Rico's most exciting fighter, one of its greatest of all time and defined by his warrior spirit. He has held a world title every year since 2004 and has won 16 of the 18 world championships bouts in which he has fought. Capturing the WBA Super Welterweight title in June of 2010, Cotto took on then undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman at Yankee Stadium, handing him his first defeat. He is coming off of the second defense of his title, which he defended with a spectacular tenth-round knockout of Antonio Margarito. With this knockout, he also avenged his July 2008 loss to Margarito.

"This fight card is going to be so electrifying with the action from both Mayweather vs. Cotto and Alvarez vs. Mosley that anyone watching it on the big screen in movie theaters across the country will have a fantastic experience on Cinco de Mayo weekend," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. "We are pleased to have NCM Fathom as partners in this event and thank them for bringing championship boxing to the big screen for an unparalleled level of entertainment."

With his ferocious and fan-friendly style in the ring, at just 21 years of age Alvarez (39-0-1, 29 KO's) is Mexico's latest boxing superhero. After turning pro at just 15 years old, Alvarez tore through the local competition in Mexico and to date has only one blemish on his record - a four round draw with Jorge Juarez (which took place in 2006). Since then no one has come close to beating him. Alvarez took home his first world championship in 2011 and defended it with knockouts of Ryan Rhodes, Alfonzo Gomez and Kermit Cintron respectively later in the year. On May 5, he faces his most significant opponent to date in Sugar Shane Mosley.

Having defined the word "fighter" for nearly two decades, Mosley is one of the most revered boxers of this era. A stellar amateur that just missed out on the 1992 Olympics, Mosley has gone on to strike gold as a professional. With his stunning defeat of Oscar de la Hoya in 2000, Mosley jumped to the top of the list of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. He held that position until losing his belt to Vernon Forrest in 2002 but has since climbed back to the top by being a regular in boxing's biggest super fights from 2005-2011. With this fight against Alvarez, Mosley looks to win his seventh world title at 40 years old.

"Over the past few years, boxing fans have filled movie theaters across the country to see Mayweather take on the best fighters in the world," said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. "This bout promises to be as exciting as the first time Mayweather appeared on the big screen in 2009 as he now moves up in weight to challenge Cotto for the super welterweight championship."

♔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.

Championship Doubleheader headlines “CageSport XIX”!‏

Halquist Productions returns to the Emerald Queen Casino for “CageSport XIX” Saturday, April 28.

Tickets for this action-packed card start at $35 and are available at the Emerald Queen Box Office or on ticketmaster.com.

In the main event of the evening, unbeaten lightweight and submission specialist Julian Erosa of Yakima, WA puts his 6-0 record on the line when he battles grizzled Spokane, WA based veteran Ryan Mulvihill in a five round bout for the vacant CageSport Lightweight title. Both Erosa and Mulvihill scored impressive submission victories on the last CageSport card in February, but will have to take their game to the next level to claim the championship.

Co-headlining is the CageSport Bantamweight Championship fight between Aberdeen, WA’s favorite son Jeff Hatton, 6-0, and former Fight Night champion Omar Avelar of Olympia, WA. Hatton, a top-notch prospect, scored first round submissions in five of his bouts, while Avelar’s been victorious in his last two appearances on CageSport cards.

The Hatton-Avelar contest is also scheduled for five rounds.

“This title doubleheader is going to be something special,” said promoter Brian Halquist, CEO of Halquist Productions. “We’ve got some great fighters on this card and every ticketholder will get more than their money’s worth!”

Undefeated prospects Harrison Bevens and Austin Springer see action in separate bouts, while heavyweights Richard Foster and Mike Riddell are set to slug it out. Three additional undercard bouts featuring local talent will also take place.

Doors for “CageSport XIX” open at 6 pm and the first match takes place at 7 pm.

Jersey’s Top Middleweights Take Action April 18 in Newark

Two of New Jersey’s top middleweight prospects will be stepping between the ropes at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark on April 18.

Paterson native Richard Pierson (9-2, 7 KO) will be headlining this card stacked full of local and up-and-coming talent against an opponent to be named, and Newark’s own and undefeated rising star John Thompson (6-0, 2 KO) will be looking to extend his unblemished record to 7-0 as he goes to battle against Jamond Bourgeois.

Both fighters are coming off wins February 17 at Nutley High School, in impressive fashion. In his first appearance back in the ring following a near 20-month layoff, Pierson landed a devastating right hand to Anibal Acevedo’s ribs which ended the fighter’s night early.

On the same card Thompson picked Laureano Laracuente apart for the first three rounds of the fight before the fighter was unable to come out for the fourth and final round.

Recently the middleweight prospects both signed with First Round Promotions, and are eager to move forward with their careers in 2012.

If they continue to progress and rise through the ranks of their respected divisions, both potentially have a chance to fight for a belt by the end of the year.

To complete the action packed fight card, also stepping between the ropes April 18 are:

· Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad (6-0, 5 KO) vs. Steven Johnson (7-4, 4 KO)

· Featherweight Joseliz Cepeda (5-2) vs. Antton Slaughter (3-1-1, 1 KO)

· Light Welterweight Mike Concepcion will make his pro debut vs. Gerald Fisher (1-3)

· Welterweight Tommy Rainone (17-4, 4 KO) vs. TBD

· Heavyweight Aaron Kich (2-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Clyde Daniels

· Super Middleweight Leandro Acevedo will be making his pro debut vs. Marcus Clay (0-1)

Super Middleweight Joel De La Paz (6-0, 4 KO) vs. TBD

Sunday, April 15, 2012

“Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border”

Abner Mares, Eric Morel and Anselmo Moreno will be participating in the upcoming SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast on Saturday, April 21, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, will participate in a national media conference call.

Unbeaten former Bantamweight World Champion Abner Mares (23-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will return to the 122-pound division for the first time since 2006 to face former Two-Time World Champion Eric “Little Hands of Steel” Morel (46-2, 23 KO’s), of Madison, Wis. by way of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight World Championship in the 12-round main event.

In a second world title fight, World Boxing Association (WBA) Bantamweight Super World Champion Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno (32-2-1, 11 KO’s), of Panama City, Panama, will risk his crown for a 10th time when he faces Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico’s David “Morita” de la Mora (24-1, 17 KO’s).

“Mares vs. Morel: Battle on the Border” is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship set for Saturday, April 21 at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. The co-featured fight will see Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno vs. David de la Mora in a 12-round fight for Moreno’s WBA Bantamweight Super Championship. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME Championship Boxing tripleheader airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Just prior to the action on SHOWTIME, preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Friday:

Do you consider yourself the best bantamweight in the world?
MORENO: “I wouldn’t consider myself the best, but I am considered one of the best and I’m training and working hard to become the best. Right now I want work hard and have fans be the judge.”

Is there anyone you want to fight after this and are you going to stay at 118 or are you going to be moving up to 122 pounds?
MORENO: “I think right now my biggest opponent would be the daily workouts in the gym – the heavy bag, the speed bag, working the mitts with my trainer. That would be the toughest because we work very, very hard. As far as opponents, I’m ready to fight the best and I’ve shown that in the past. I’m staying at 118 maybe for one more fight and them I’m ready to jump to 122 to fight the biggest names out there.”

Did you expect a more competitive fight from Vic Darchinyan?
MORENO: “There was a lot of talk from people that it was a dangerous fight, that I was in over my head and that he was going to run me over, but I was never worried about that. I was always very confident about my skills. Once I stepped in the ring, I was very comfortable and I was very confident that I could outbox him and beat him clearly.”

People have compared you to Pernell Whitaker. What do you think of that comparison?
MORENO: “I’ve been told that, not only Whitaker, but also many past fighters from Panama. I’m proud and honored, but this is a style that I was born with. I was born in the streets and fought in the streets and I learned there.”

Is your style appreciated?
MORENO: “Definitely. You have to remember that the fight against Darchinyan was my first fight in the United States, so I was a little more reserved. Now I’m very excited to be fighting in the United States again and you’ll see a little bit of difference. I’m going to be the same boxer style-wise, but you’ll see a little bit more. I’m very anxious to get in the ring, please the crowd and defend my title again.”

Would you like to fight Nonito Donaire?
MORENO: “That is a dream of mine. I’ve been dreaming about it, thinking about it and that is something I look forward to. Work my way up to 122 pounds and fighting Nonito Donaire is definitely something that I have on my mind.”

Do you see yourself moving up to 122 and fighting the winner of Mares-Morel?
MORENO: “I don’t pick opponents. Everybody that knows me knows I don’t pick opponents. I let my promoter, my management and my team pick the opponents and I just fight. To go up to 122 to fight Morel, to fight Mares and fight the best out there, that’s my goal and that’s what I’ll do.”

MARES: “I’m happy to be on SHOWTIME again and to give another great fight. I can’t wait to be a world champion in a different weight class.”

You’re 37 years old now. What can you show Mares that he hasn’t already seen?
MOREL: “Mares is a great fighter, but my age is nothing but a number. I’m in great shape, my speed is there and I have more power. I feel like nothing is going to stop me. I can guarantee you that age isn’t catching up to me.”

Abner, you’ve been through the gauntlet in your last few fights. What have those fights given you in terms of facing a guy like Morel?
MARES: “I’m not worried and I’m not training any different because he’s 37 years old. I’m not training less because he has more fights. I’m just training like I always train for any opponent. I just look at this fight like another fight. Another opponent, another fight. I’ve fought top opposition and I’ve been able to adjust to every fighter. That’s just because of the way I train and the way I set myself mentally. I’m not concerned with my age, younger, older. I know he trains hard and I do expect a tough fight. None of that crosses my mind.”

Do you know what you’re getting yourself into with Eric and can you access his abilities?
MARES: “I do know what I’m getting myself into because I’ve been in the same position he has. I’ve been there where nobody knew about me. It’s a big step-up fight for him and he’s trying to get his name out there again. He’s basically trying to make a comeback and I get that. I’ve been there. When I first fought Yohnny Perez nobody knew about me. I definitely know what he’s thinking, I definitely know what I’m getting myself into. I know it’s going to be a tough fight. I know he’s going to train hard. I know he’s trying to prove to everybody that he’s ready, but, again, I train hard too. I’m ready for him and I hope that it turns out to be a great fight for the fans.”

Do you think it helped you that you had to go the full 12-round distance for all four of your last fights?
MARES: “Yes, we all know that at times it’s better going the full 12 rounds. It’s better to have way more experience than to be knocking guys out in the first or second round and then you get this fight that goes the full 12 rounds and you don’t know what to do. I’ve seen it all already and I’m blessed that I went 12 rounds in my last four fights.”

MOREL: “It’s going to be a great fight like I said before. Mares is not going to bring anything to the table that I haven’t seen before. I’m a veteran, I’ve been doing this for a while and I’ve got to prove myself. Therefore, I’ve been training extremely hard and I’m not looking past this fight. It’s going to be a great fight. It’s do or die for me.”

How are you feeling at 122 pounds?
MOREL: “The fight is going to be a catch weight at 120 pounds. I’ve been fighting at 120 for the past three or four fights. It’s going to be an advantage, I think, because I won’t have to make 118. I’m not saying I have problems making 118 but I can come into the ring a little stronger.”

What do you think about the rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico?
MARES: “I really don’t focus on that. When I go inside the ring it’s just Abner vs. whoever. I don’t look to see if he’s from Puerto Rico, Canada or Europe. At the end of the day, it’s just another fight. It’s fun and it’s great that people like the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry because they know that Mexico and Puerto Rico always brings great fighters and I’m thrilled this is another Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry. It’s going to be a great fight.”

MOREL: “Puerto Rico and Mexico have been going at it for a very long time and lately we’ve been doing bad, but on April 21 I’m going to change that.”

Why did you make the move up to 122?
MARES: “It was obviously a team decision. Why not? I think 122 is really interesting right now. Big names are there. I’ve fought everybody at 118 and 122 has great names and I can face all these guys back-to-back and I’d love to. I’m blessed and thrilled that this next fight is for a 122-pound title.”

Who would you like to fight at 122 pounds?
MARES: “I’m going to name like five and all of them would be great fights from bottom to top: Victor Terrazas, Fernando Montiel, Rafael Marquez, Wilfredo Vasquez Jr., Jorge Arce and the big name that is up there is, no doubt, Nonito Donaire. If all those fights can be made I’m more than willing to take those fights.”

Can you guys talk about your Olympic experience and how much it meant to you?
MARES: “It was great. It was short, but it was great. I lost in my first fight but it was something that no one can take away from me. It was great to go in 2004 and represent my country [Mexico]. It was, without a doubt, my best accomplishment. The whole journey – going to different parts of the world, meeting different people – to this day I still have contact with those people that I met on that journey. It was just a great experience and something that has helped me now as a professional fighter.”

MARES: “Mine was short as well because I lost to the Gold Medalist in my first round, but it was a great experience. I got to meet all kinds of athletes from all over the world. It was one of the goals that I had when I was growing up and I achieved that. To represent the U.S. in the biggest game was great and something that I will never forget.”

This is a compelling fight because of the contrast of styles with one guy being a boxer-puncher and one guy being a counter-puncher. Can you guys talk about that?
MOREL: “This is a great matchup and the best man’s going to win. The hungrier man is going to win, the one that comes in more prepared. Mares is a very complete fighter and I know what I’m getting into. It’s going to be great.”

MARES: “I agree that it’s going to be a great fight. Eric brings to the ring experience and a great style. He’s a good boxer and I’m going to adjust to his style. It’s going to be fun and interesting to go into the ring and try to figure out the style. I do go in there with a plan, but it always turns out that I figure out the opponent in the ring and I make a plan there. It’s going to be interesting figuring out his style. It’s going to be a great matchup.”

Are you excited for this opportunity?
MOREL: “I’m extremely thankful to SHOWTIME. Without them, none of this would be possible. It’s a great opportunity that SHOWTIME, Golden Boy and Team Mares has given me. I want to make sure the fans leave the place happy.”

MARES: “No doubt my life has changed tremendously after my first four fights on SHOWTIME. I’ll never forget the opportunity they’ve given me to showcase my style and showcase Abner Mares, not only inside the ring but outside the ring. It’s been great. It’s changed to the point where now I’m on TV and people recognize me, but I’m still going to stay the same. Going back to Hawaiian Gardens where I grew up, I’m the same guy, but it’s just great that people know me now.”

♔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.

ISLAND ASSAULT 4 : THE BATTLE Brian Viloria vs. Omar Nino Romero III WBO Flyweight Championship Manila, Philippines ● Saturday, May 12, Live on PPV

The "Island Assault 4: The Battle" pay-per-view-event, featuring a trilogy showdown between three-time world champion Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria (30-3, 16 KOs) and former two-time world champion Omar Nino Romero (30-42, 12 KOs), has been rescheduled from its original March 31 date to Saturday night, May 12, live from Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Viloria will defend his World Boxing Organization ("WBO") title belt against Romero in the 12-round main event. Viloria was a 2000 U.S. Olympian who won his first 20 pro fights, until he lost the World Boxing Council ("WBC") light flyweight championship to Romero by way of a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006. Three months later, their rematch ended in a draw and was later changed to a "no contest" when Romero failed the post-fight drug test.

The completion of the Viloria-Romero trilogy will have to wait a little longer as the Nevada State Athletic Commission prevented the WBO from sanctioning the fight due to unpaid penalties on Romero's part. From 2006, Romero has amassed a total of $11,500 in penalties which he needs to pay before the fight is sanctioned.

The fight will now be held May 12 and will still be staged at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

"Island Assault 4:The Battle," presented by Solar Sports, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9:00 PM/ET - 6:00 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVNfor a suggested retail price of only $29.95. "Island Assault 4: The Battle" will also be available via on-line PPV on Ustream.tv at http://www.ustream.tv/integratedsportsppv.

Fernando Guerrero vs. Chris Fitzpatrick to Open April 20 ShoBox: The New Generation Telecast‏

Fernando Guerrero vs. Chris Fitzpatrick to Open April 20 ShoBox: The New Generation Telecast‏. Jermain Taylor Meets Caleb Truax in Main Event; Erislandy Lara vs. Ronald Hearns in Co-Feature From Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss.

Dominican southpaw Fernando Guerrero (23-1, 18 KO’s) of Salisbury, Md., will make his fifth appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation when he faces Chris “The Irish Ghost’’ Fitzpatrick (15-1, 6 KO’s) of Las Vegas, Nev., in a 10-round super middleweight fight on Friday, April 20, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss.

The Guerrero vs. Fitzpatrick bout will open a telecast headlined by a 10-round middleweight fight between former undisputed 160-pound world champion Jermain Taylor (29-4-1, 18 KO’s) and undefeated Caleb "Golden" Truax (18-0-1, 10 KO’s). The 10-round co-feature will pit former Cuban amateur standout Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KO’s) against Ronald Hearns (26-2, 20 KO’s).

The 5-foot-9, 25-year-old Guerrero is coming off of a fourth-round knockout over Jason Naugler last Feb. 18 in Cancun, Mexico. It was the second consecutive victory for Guerrero, who was dealt his first professional loss in 22 fights by veteran Grady Brewer on June 17, 2011 in a fight that Guerrero dropped down in weight to a career-low of 152 pounds.

In his last outing on ShoBox, Guerrero overcame an eighth-round knockdown to score a unanimous 10-round decision win over Ishe Smith on July 16, 2010. His other ShoBox victories came against Michael Walker (TKO 2) on April 16, 2010, Jessie Nicklow (TKO 4) on Dec. 18, 2009 and Tyrone Watson (UD 8) on Oct. 3, 2008.

Before turning pro on Dec. 8, 2007, Guerrero was a stand-out amateur, capturing the 2007 United States amateur middleweight championship while winning the vast majority of his 140 bouts, including two triumphs over 2008 U.S. Olympic alternate Shawn Porter.

Fitzpatrick will be making his ShoBox debut and second start in 2012. A 24-year-old who has campaigned almost exclusively in the South, Fitzpatrick is coming off of a sixth-round technical knockout win over Kenneth Dunham in his most recent effort on Feb. 4 in Chapin, S.C.

A native of Cleveland, Fitzpatrick turned pro in February 2008 and was victorious in his first 14 fights before losing a 10-round decision to Jose Medina on Oct. 28, 2011, in Albany, N.Y.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

First Look 24/7: Cotto Camp

First Look

24/7: Cotto Camp

"We share everything. For one purpose. For the victory." Get an inside look at Miguel Cotto's training camp.

24/7 First Look: Cotto Camp

24/7 Mayweather/Cotto Tonight at 9:45PM ET/PT

Step inside their lives before they step into the ring. 24/7 debuts tomorrow at 9:45PM ET/PT, only on HBO®.

24/7 Mayweather/Cotto Promo

Richard Abril vs. Brandon Rios, Saturday, April 14

BOXING TONITE; Defending interim WBA lightweight world champion Richard Abril vs. heavy-hitting Oxnard brawler Brandon Rios, Saturday, April 14

Friday, April 13, 2012

Tony Luis named Goodwill Ambassador by World Boxing Council!

Rising junior welterweight star Tony “The Lightning” Luis of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada has been named an Ambassador of Goodwill by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

The current WBC Continental Americas champion at 140 lbs, Luis is 13-0 with 5 knockouts, building a great reputation both in and out of the ring. Luis, who was recently profiled by Yahoo Voices as a young fighter to look out for, has a college degree and is a full-time social worker in Cornwall.

Upon noticing many of the youngsters were angry and needed direction, Luis helped create a boxing program, which quickly became a successful outlet for the struggling youths. After leaving his first job and receiving an outstanding reference letter from his employer, Luis accepted a job working in an alcohol and substance abuse treatment center for young aboriginals.

Although he had initial worries of not being accepted since he is not of native descent, he connected well with the youths and put his full efforts into assisting them.

“Tony Luis is the kind of young man boxing needs,” said Jill Diamond, Chairwoman of the WBC Cares Program. “He is a champion in the ring and an inspiration to young people outside of it. We are proud to make him a Goodwill Ambassador for WBC Cares.”

The humble 24-year old was both thrilled and honored that the WBC chose to name him an ambassador.

“Being named a Goodwill Ambassador means the world to me,” exclaimed Luis. “It’s in my nature to help those in need and I’ll continue to do so for years to come. I appreciate the WBC for recognizing me and I hope to further represent them by winning more of their titles in the near future.”

Luis returns to the ring Saturday evening when he faces veteran Ferenc Szabo at the Claude-Robillard Center in Montreal.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Great championship boxing on April 14th: Kaliesha West v. Claudia Andrea Lopez!

The pride of California, Kaliesha "Wild Wild" West (14-1-3, 4-KOs), the current WBO Bantamweight Champion will be defending her well earned title against Argentina's ownClaudia Andrea “La Chica 10” Lopez (18-5-0, 4-KOs) at the Ernesto Ruffo Appel Municipal Gymnasium, located in Rosarito B.C. Mexico.

For those with access to Televisa, the 10-round, championship take-no-prisoners bout will air as part of their weekly boxing series “Sabados de Corona.” The fight card is presented by Box Latino, and is slated to be led by seven-time world champion, Mexico's Erik “El Terrible” Morales.

West first won the WBO Bantamweight title in September of 2010 and will be offering her third WBO title defence. Her last fight was in August 2011 when she won handily over Jessica Villafranca by unanimous decision. This will be West's third fight in Mexico - a place she is beginning to call home especially as there are excellent boxing opportunities for her there.

West's opponent, Claudia Andrea Lopez has the reputation as a fierce competitor and is taking this fight after winning four straight bouts. A champion in her own right, she is the current WBC Latino Super Bantamweight champion,however, her title will not be on the line in her fight on April 14th,

Boxing Returns to The Cordon Bleu on April 21

New Legend Boxing and Old World Boxing are fast building great reputation and a stable of fine young talented boxers many of whom will appear on their next exciting show at The Cordon Bleu, located at 96-01 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven, Queens, on the April 21 ^st .

One of the best to join them is new addition Juan Dominguez from the Dominican Republic. Juan is undefeated at 10-0 (7 KOs) and will face tough journeyman Jonathan Arias on the show.“I am happy with all the upcoming fights that I have scheduled,” said Juan. “I’m going to give 100% and show the fans what I’m all about.” In his last fight he did just that, winning the USA New York State Bantamweight title at the Cordon Bleu back in June of 2011. He had opponent, Arturo Santiago, on the canvas in the final round while taking home a unanimous decision victory.

Also on the show, and co-promoted by New Legend and Old World, is a tall, rangy light-middleweight who is a second generation pro, Frank Galarza Jr. whose dad Frank Sr. had a short career back in the 80’s. This Frank Galarza, 5-0 (2 KO), intends to make his career a lot longer. He trains at New Legend Gym, and is happy to be a member of the family. He believed that his career wasn’t moving along quickly enough, but with the team that he is on now he is confident that things will pick up.

“My career so far has been a little slow,” said the personable young man. “Which is fine; everyone has a bit of a slow start in boxing. I’m happy now that I’ve signed with New Legend and Old World Boxing. That was the best move that I could have made. I am comfortableworking with Felipe Gomez, and Kevin O’Sullivan of New Legend, and Jim Foley of Old World, and the whole team.” Frank is excited about fighting on April 21 ^st . “I’m looking forward to the show in April,” added Frank. “I want to show the world who Frank Galarza is.

”Hard hitting Angel Garcia is an undefeated junior-lightweight southpaw who has been perfect so far; two fights, two knockouts. He will be on the hot Cordon Bleu show too and as most young fighters, he is confident and ready to go. “I had 53 amateur fights and my record was 43-10, so I’m more experienced than just two wins.” Garcia started out as a baseball player. He even had a baseball scholarship, but things worked out differently than he expected. “My father sent me to Dolphin Fitness Gym on 24 ^th Avenue and 86 Street (in Brooklyn) to put on muscle, and I met (boxing trainer, Greg Ardon), there about eight years ago. I hated boxing at first then it got to me. I started liking fighting and I’m pretty good at it now.” He certainly is, having destroyed opponent Alan Beeman in two easy rounds at The Aviator in Brooklyn on the undercard of Judah-Paris recently. He is happy to see his career growing under the New Legend and Old World banner.

Also on the show will be a man on a mission, Rafael Vazquez, 6-0 (4 KOs). His daughter, Chastity who is now four years old, has autism and she gives him the motivation to box when he sees her struggling to speak and do other things that people take for granted. He is involved with raising awareness and money for research and care for people with autism. “I will be trying to help the special school that she attends by fighting on April 21. April is Autism Awareness Month and I will donate half my purse and have a raffle to raise money. I will sign and donate my ring outfit, and raffle it off. I also run a gym called Gym X in Brooklyn and I will include a three month membership and they can be trained by Junior Jones, John Meekens, or me.” Vazquez is a fighter who fights with heart; and has a heart.

Joe Smith Jr. is exciting to watch and he has been added to the already great lineup of fights on the show. He started his career with six straight knockouts and only a broken jaw in a fight with one, Eddie Caminero in 2010 at the Aviator in Brooklyn, could keep Joe from making it seven in a row. Smith took eleven months off to mend his jaw and has since registered two additional knockout victories. His record stands at an impressive 8-1 (8 KOs).

Jarrell Miller is a big heavyweight with a big punch. He too has been added to the April show and promises that his 2-0 record with two KOs will be shown to be for real when he steps into the ring.

Another addition to the card is light-welterweight Ray Velez who won his first two outings, one by TKO, but lost a hard fought close one last time out. He is poised to get back on track with a win when he steps into the ring at the Cordon Bleu.

ABOUT NEW LEGEND AND OLD WORLD BOXING

When two companies have similar missions it is often a good idea for them to work together for the greater good. Such is the case with New Legend and Old World Promotions. They have the same goals and mindset; to not only promote fine boxing, but to allow their fighters to get the exposure and opportunity for the success that they crave.

Jim Foley started Old World Boxing three years ago, “So far we have worked with New Legend on all of our promotions,” explained Foley. “And I’m trying to find some Irish fighters to promote being Irish myself.”

To that end Foley, who is a former amateur boxer and boxes in the Masters, has a couple youngsters in Ireland that he hopes to bring here in the next few years. So far he has co-promoted shows at the Cordon Bleu with New Legend and they both traveled down to the Dominican Republic to work with promoters there and put on successful shows in that country.

New Legend is a company that has evolved from a boxing gym, to a managerial company, to what it is today, a highly progressive and unusual boxing promotions company that cares. They do something that is all too often overlooked, they give a damn about the young men and women who walk through the door of their headquarters in Ozone Park, Queens where New Legend Gym is a part of the community is serves.

Felipe Gomez, a retired New York City police sergeant, and amateur boxer, along with his partner, retired police lieutenant, Kevin O’Sullivan, run New Legend with the hope that they can develop a star. To that end they have been running shows, mostly at the Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, Queens, with great success.

Discovering boxing has been the most important event in his life for Gomez, “Back in the day it kept me off of the street. I was lucky enough to stay off the streets and become an accomplished amateur,”

explained Gomez, a youthful 40 year old who envisions their gym and the opportunities that it can provide to other young men, as something that can lead to a better life as another gym, years ago, did for him.

“We want to teach young people who come into the gym that there are other things in life that they can do,” said Gomez. “A lot of these kids have the talent to become somebody so we try to build the kids up and try to keep them in the gym and at the same time help the talented fighters.”

When New Legend was managing instead of promoting fighters they discovered that it was very difficult to get their fighters on promoter’s shows because they usually used their own talent. This gave them the idea to switch their direction from managing to promoting, and they are now able to showcase their fighters and so far so good as their shows have been sellouts.

Joey Hernandez, Bermane Stiverne Ready to Headline Casino Miami Jai-Alai Boxing Event In Miami On Saturday Night

Joey Hernandez, Bermane Stiverne
Ready to Headline
Casino Miami Jai-Alai
Boxing Event In Miami On Saturday Night; First Boxing Card At Historic Boxing Venue After $87-Million

Casino ExpansionDon King hosted the final press conference today before Saturday’s first boxing card at the new and improved Casino Miami Jai-Alai that will feature WBC United States super welterweight champion Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (20-1-1, 11 KOs) against Shakir “The Assassin” Ashanti (16-12, 4 KOs), from New Bern, S.C.

“It’s great to be fighting in my hometown on Saturday,” Hernandez said. “I grew up watching and attending fights here at Miami Jai-Alai. I was always a big fan of boxing and never more than here in Miami.”

Ashanti says he is up to the challenge against Hernandez.

“I’m a former Marine and war veteran, so I come to fight,” Ashanti said. “I was born in blood, pain and struggle. I am a warrior.”

An important heavyweight fight was added to the card with WBC No. 1-ranked contender Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne (21-1-1, 20 KOs), from Miami, facing Willie Herring (13-10-3, 4 KOs), from Orlando.

“I have fought in Florida before but never in Miami,” said the WBC’s top-ranked heavyweight. “I grew up here and my brother played football at University of Miami. It’s really great to be having my friends and family come see me fight.”

Brazilian light heavyweight knockout artist Marcus “Happy” Oliveira (22-1-1, 22 KOs), from Sao Paulo, will face hard-punching spoiler Adam “Atom Bomb” Collins (11-5, 8 KOs), from Portsmouth, Ohio, while another light heavyweight, Azea “Haitian Hitman” Augustama (12-1, 7 KOs), from Miami, will take on 23-year-old Grover Young (6-6-1, 3 KOs), from Memphis, Tenn.

“I am happy to be fighting in the United States,” Oliveira said. “I am from Brazil and have fought there and in other places, but this is the best country in the world. South Florida has very large Brazilian population and they will all be out to support me.”

“I want to show that I am one of the best and I want to become a world champion.”

Augustama, like Stiverne, is a Haitian fighting out of Miami.

“My Haitian fans are looking forward to being here at Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday night to see me fight. I always come to fight and I’m excited after signing with Don King. I will impress him and my fans.”

Raw Fighter Quotes

Joey Hernandez (20-1-1, 11 KOs. Fighting Shakir Ashanti): It’s great to be fighting in my hometown on Saturday. I grew up watching and attending fights here at Miami Jai-Alai. I was always a big fan of boxing and never more than here in Miami.

I like to put on a good show. You can’t get up and get a drink of water when I fight because you never know what’s going to happen. I look forward to defeating Shakir Ashanti on Saturday and pleasing all my South Florida fans.”

Shakir Ashanti: (16-12, 4 KOs. Fighting Joey Hernandez): “I only know one way to approach anything I do. I work hard and give it all I’ve got. I’m a former Marine and war veteran, so I come to fight. I was born in blood, pain and struggle. I am a warrior.”

Bermane Stiverne: (21-1-1, 20 KOs. WBC No. 1 contender fighting Willie Herring): “I have fought in Florida before but never in Miami. I grew up here and my brother played football at University of Miami. It’s really great to be having my friends and family come see me fight. Many have never seen me fight in person. They will be an inspiration for a big win.

Marcus Oliveira: “I am happy to be fighting in the United States. I am from Brazil and have fought there and in other places, but this is the best country in the world. South Florida has very large Brazilian population and they will all be out to support me.

I want to show that I am one of the best and I want to become a world champion.”

Azea Augustama: “My Haitian fans are looking forward to being here at Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday night to see me fight. I always come to fight and I’m excited after signing with Don King. I will impress him and my fans.”

Sunday, April 8, 2012

"Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" Behind-The-Scenes Press Tour Video Hits The Web‏

Boxing fans can now go behind the scenes of the "Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" press tour as a three-part video series produced chronicles each stop of the three-city tour. The tour, which made stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico, New York City and Los Angeles between February 27 and March 1, officially announced the May 5 mega-fight between undefeated Seven-Time World Champion Floyd Mayweather and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto.

Find out what really goes on before, during and after the press conferences and hear from the fighters, the fans and the crew as they embark on this one-of-a-kind promotional journey."Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" will take place Saturday, May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Puerto Rico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grdgwUjy5ec

New York City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkq6igkAu1Q

Los Angeles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LknSgeJoPl8

"Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The 12-round WBA Super Welterweight World Championship fight will take place Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Canelo vs. Mosley is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions.

HBO's Emmy®-Award-winning all-access series "24/7" premieres an all-new edition when "24/7 Mayweather/Cotto" debuts Saturday, April 14 at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The four-part series will air for three consecutive Saturday nights before the finale airs the night before the super welterweight championship showdown in Las Vegas.

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