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Friday, March 1, 2013

Paulie Malignaggi: I WILL Be Fighting In Abu Dhabi, Against Either Chaves or Soto


With the news breaking, that the negotiations between promoter Johnny Eames’ Showtime Sports Events (SSE) promotional outfit and WBA Interim Welterweight Champion Diego Chaves’ camp have been terminated, it seemed inevitable that the proposed title clash between the Argentinian and WBA Welterweight King, Brooklyn, New York’s Paulie ‘Magic Man’ Malignaggi would no longer take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE in May. (Photo By; Keisha Morrisey)
However, following various transatlantic phone calls over the past thirty six hours, between SSE’s Managing Director, Gianluca Di Caro, and Paulie Malignaggi’s lawyer, Steven Bash, the mouthwatering clash, between the WBA’s top ranked Welterweight pairing remains a possibility for the Gulf state's inaugural World Championship event.
The deal clincher came after Gianluca Di Caro agreed to SSE continuing their pursuit of Chaves, by participating in the March 11th WBA ordered purse bids.
In return Paulie Malignaggi agreed that should their quest be unsuccessful, that he would be just as happy to fight four weight World Champion, Tijuana, Mexico’s Humberto Soto in an equally mouthwatering WBF/WBA unification battle on May 18th.
On his arrival in Las Vegas, where on Saturday evening he will be color commentating on WBA Lightweight World Champion Richard ‘El Tigre’ Abril’s first defense of his Crown against Sharif ‘The Lion’ Bogere at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Paulie Malignaggi stated.
“The opportunity to fight in Abu Dhabi excites me. 
I am a fighter always searching for new challenges and goals and winning the WBF welterweight title along with defending my WBA welterweight title in a historic place like Abu Dhabi would be a huge feather in my hat. 
I feel like boxing could have a new city to hold mega fights and events and if by me fighting there I could be a part of that, well that is just the kind of situation I look for and it motivates me to strive to continue to be the best. 
Whether the opportunity comes from Showtime Sports Events winning the purse bid or from possibly an opponent change to Humberto Soto it still remains an exciting situation for me as both of those guys are warriors and would be worthy opponents.”

Paulie ‘Magic Man’ Malignaggi, against either Diego Chaves or Humberto Soto, for the WBF and WBA World Welterweight Championships, will headline a World Class evening of professional boxing at the Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 18th.
Co-headlining sees IBF Flyweight World Champion, South Africa’s Moruti ‘Babyface’ Mthalane competing against Filipino super star Sonny Boy Jaro for the vacant WBF Flyweight title.
Supporting the exciting double header sees at least two further World Championship bouts, including WBF Light Welterweight Champion Zolani Marali defending his coveted Crown against mandatory challenger, WBF Interim title holder, Tijuana, Mexico’s Antonio ‘Cañitas’ Lozada Jr.
At least one further World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Championship bout is expected to announced shortly.
The final Championship bout of the night features former British and IBO World Champion Colin Lynes battling it out with Poland’s EBU-EU Champion Rafal Jackiewicz for the vacant WBF Inter-Continental Welterweight title, as well as earn the right to challenge the winner of Malignaggi – Chaves or Soto for the World title later in the year.
Supporting the sensational feature Championship bouts will see four future World Champions in action - two time Lithuanian National Amateur Heavyweight Champion Paulius Kasiulevicius, exciting Turkish Light Heavyweight Onder Ozgu, Albanian Middleweight Festim Lama and sensational London, UK based Saudi Light Welterweight Zouhair Siddiq, a highly exciting young prospect who was not only selected for the Beijing Olympics (unable to compete due to injury) but also won the prestigious London ABAs.


♔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.

FULL UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 2 SHOWTIME® EVENT AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS JORGE MELENDEZ-RYAN DAVIS & THOMAS WILLIAMS- KEVIN ENGEL HEAD UP SHOWTIME EXTREME® ACTION


FULL UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 2 SHOWTIME® EVENT
AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS JORGE MELENDEZ-RYAN DAVIS & THOMAS WILLIAMS- KEVIN ENGEL HEAD UP SHOWTIME EXTREME® ACTION 



Puerto Rican power puncher Jorge Melendez squares off against Granite City, Illinois' Ryan Davis and unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Thomas Williams of Fort Washington, Maryland puts his unbeaten record on the line in an eight round battle against St. Louis' Kevin Engel on Saturday, March 2 on SHOWTIME EXTREME just before the SHOWTIME® Boxing-Special Edition telecast from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas featuring the lightweight world title fight between Richar Abril and Sharif Bogere and the featherweight battle between Gary Russell Jr. and Vyacheslav Gusev.

Abril vs. Bogere, a 12-round fight for Abril's WBA Lightweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, March 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round featherweight bout between undefeated phenom Gary Russell Jr. and Russia's Vyacheslav Gusev.

Twenty-four-year-old Jorge Melendez (25-2-1, 24 KO's) is bringing a 12-fight winning streak into his Las Vegas debut this Saturday and you can expect that he will be looking to add another victory and knockout to his record.  The winner of 17 bouts by stoppage in three rounds or less, the Manati, Puerto Rico knockout artist is on the fast track to big things in the coming years.  Hoping to slow Melendez' progress is 34-year-old "Dangerous" Ryan Davis (24-9-3, 9 KO's), a veteran of over 13 years in the sport.  Unbeaten in five of his last six bouts, the Illinois native once took Zab Judah the 12-round distance and is looking forward to scoring the upset this weekend.

Maryland's Thomas Williams Jr. (12-0, 9 KO's) earned rave reviews for a 2012 campaign in which he went 5-0 with four knockouts (three in the first round) and he got 2013 off to an equally impressive start in January with a third round technical knockout over fellow prospect Jason Smith.  On Saturday, the 25-year-old meets Missouri's Kevin "Hitman" Engel (20-7, 16 KO's), a hard-hitting 32-year-old who has won two of his last three heading into this pivotal matchup.

In other undercard action...
Unbeaten Jeffrey Fontanez (10-0, 9 KO's) of Caguas, Puerto Rico faces longtime standout Daniel Attah (27-13-1, 10 KO's) of Washington, DC by way of Calabar, Nigeria, in a six round lightweight bout.

Las Vegas super middleweight Luis Arias (3-0, 2 KO's) who fights under the Mayweather Promotions banner meets Mexicali, Mexico's Arsenio Terraza (9-3, 8 KO's) in a six round matchup and in the four round welterweight opener, Monongahela, Pennsylvania's Sammy Vasquez (6-0, 4 KO's) takes on Fort Lauderdale's Leandro Albornoz (15-2-1, 5 KO's).


♔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.

OMAR FIGUEROA VS. HENRY AURAD

  FULL CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 2 FOX SPORTS NETWORKS,
FOX DEPORTES & FUEL TV TELEVISED TRIPLE-HEADER AT
OUR LADY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY WELLNESS & ACTIVITIES CENTER
IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

OMAR FIGUEROA VS. HENRY AURAD, JERMALL CHARLO VS. GILBERT VENEGAS & ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. LUIS TORRES TO BE FEATURED
 Texas' finest boxers will be out in full force on Saturday, March 2, when Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions bring world-class fight action to the Our Lady of the Lake University Wellness & Activities Center in San Antonio, Texas, featuring unbeaten Lone Star State rising stars Omar Figueroa Jr., Jermall Charlo and Errol Spence Jr.

In the eight-round junior welterweight main event, which will be televised live on FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes, Weslaco's Omar "Panterita" Figueroa Jr. (19-0-1, 15 KO's) battles Miami veteran Henry Aurad (14-6-1, 11 KO's).  In the co-featured fights, Houston's Jermall Charlo (11-0, 7 KO's) takes on East Moline, Illinois' Gilbert Venegas(12-8-3, 8 KO's) in an eight-round junior middleweight fight and in a four round welterweight contest, 2012 United States Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (3-0, 3 KO's) of DeSoto takes on San Antonio's Luis Torres (4-2-3, 1 KO).

That's not all as there is a stacked undercard for fans on-site.  In an eight round light heavyweight battle, hometown favorite Emanuel Ledezma (11-1, 2 KO's) takes on Mercedes'Felix Piedra (9-1-1).  Also featured will be a junior welterweight matchup between two San Antonio newcomers, 1-0 Jairo Castaneda and debuting Christian Santibanez

Plus, San Antonio's Felipe Castaneda (7-4-1, 3 KO's) meets Mission's Gabriel Rangel (7-8-4, 3 KO's) in a six round bantamweight bout, Austin middleweight prospectKurtiss Colvin (6-1, 5 KO's) battles Chicago's Darius Shorter (1-6, 1 KO) in a four round fight and another San Antonian, Joseph Rodriguez (1-0), takes on Plainview's Elio Ruiz (1-1) in junior lightweight action scheduled for four rounds.

Opening the event will be a four round middleweight bout pitting Austin's Kenton Sippio-Cook (1-0, 1 KO) against Dallas' Carlos Dixon.

Figueroa vs. Aurad is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. PT.  The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes bi-lingual simulcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT.  FUEL TV will rebroadcast the fight on May 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.


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

The Black Kungfu Experience Trailer - Watch Video - ITVS

The Black Kungfu Experience Trailer - Watch Video - ITVS

♔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.

Argie Bargey – Malignaggi-Chaves Negotiations Fail, Scuppering Abu Dhabi Flagship Event.

Showtime Sports Events (SSE) today announced that all negotiations for WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie Malignaggi to defend his crown against interim Champion, Argentina’s Diego Chaves, at their inaugural event at Zayed Sports City, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 18th have been terminated.
 
The Showtime team first entered negotiations with Malignaggi on the 23rd January, with the intention that Brooklyn, USA based Malignaggi facing WBF Welterweight King, Tijuana, Mexico’s Humberto Soto, however the following day the WBA ordered Malignaggi to face mandatory challenger Chaves.
 
After some nifty negotiations by Malignaggi’s lawyer, Steven Bash, the SSE team agreed to a switch of opponent and immediately made a substantial offer to Diego Chaves’ management.
 
However, whilst Malignaggi was firmly on board in January, it was not until the 14th February, some three days after the deadline set by SSE for acceptance of the offer, that the Argentinian’s promoter, Osvaldo Rivero, actually began negotiations.
 
With the clock ticking, SSE’s matchmaker, Olaf Schroeder, and lawyer, Tony Wyatt, set to work in an attempt to secure Chaves’ signature.
 
With no further correspondence being received from Mr. Rivero by February 21st, just a few short days before both the WBA and proposed PPV provider’s deadline of February 24th, Showtime Sports Events Managing Director, Gianluca Di Caro intervened, by personally writing to Mr. Rivero.
 
Neither Mr. Rivero or the Argentinian’s camp responded, leaving no viable option but for SSE to terminate all discussions, regarding Chaves, and focus on other options available.
 
 
With the news breaking earlier today, that the WBA have now called for purse bids on March 11th for Malignaggi-Chaves, these options seem rather limited.
 
Even so, Showtime Sports Events promoter, Johnny Eames, remains relatively sanguine about the whole affair, saying,
 
“As much as we tried to get the Malignaggi-Chaves fight on, it seems this is now a non-starter.
 
It’s a month since we had Paulie Malignaggi agree to the fight, but for some reason Chaves’ people have decided they don’t want the fight on our show, even though the offer we made is much higher than Chaves has had for his previous fights.
 
It’s so disappointing, Chaves is the #1 contender to challenge for Paulie Malignaggi’s WBA title.
 
The WBA were happy for us to put it on, Golden Boy were happy for us to put it on, but it seems someone, probably not Chaves but someone in his camp, was holding out for more money because it’s in Abu Dhabi.
 
Either that or they had no intention of signing and were holding out for the WBA to order purse bids, so they can have the fight on home turf.
 
Either way, so it goes, they didn’t sign by yesterday and now we’re going to have to look elsewhere, hopefully though with Paulie Malignaggi still top of the bill, possibly against WBF World Champion Humberto Soto.
 
If it doesn’t work out that way, so be it and we’ll put Paulie on another of our shows later in the year, because he has been so easy to deal with and we don’t want him losing out on the big purse we offered him.”



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

Official weigh-in for the March 1st ESPN Friday Night Fights at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods

Official weigh-in for the March 1st ESPN Friday Night Fights at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods

Earlier tonight IBF Featherweight Champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-1-1NC, 21KO's) and undefeated Russian Challenger Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8KO's) both made weight for their championship bout tomorrow night at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods.  Both Dib and Gradovich looked to be in tremendous shape, with each fighter tipping the scales at 125 lbs. 

The event tomorrow is promoted by 50 Cent's SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by SMS Audio.  The championship bout will be televised live tomorrow night on ESPN's Friday Night Fights.  Below are the complete weights for the entire card.

IBF Featherweight Championship (12)

Billy Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21 KOs), Champion, Sydney, Australia  125 LBS.

Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8 KOs), Challenger, Igrim, Russia   125 LBS.

NABF Super Welterweight Championship (10)

Willie Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs), Champion, Cleveland, OH   152 LBS.

Michael Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs), Challenger, Los Angeles, CA   154 LBS.

Junior Lightweights (8)

Ryan Kielczweski (15-0, 3 KOs), Quincy, MA   127 LBS.

Gil Garcia (5-3-1, 1 KO), Houston, TX   129 LBS.

Super Bantamweights (8)

Luis Rosa Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT   124 LBS.

Jhovany Collado (4-6-2, 1 KO), Jamaica, NY   123 LBS.

Junior Welterweights (4)

Luis Oliveras (pro debut), Glendale, AZ   140 LBS.

Rafael Munoz (1-1), Houston, TX   140 LBS.

Female Junior Featherweights (6)

Shelly Vincent (7-0), Providence, RI   124 LBS.

Mikayla Nevel (0-3), Columbus, OH   122 LBS.

Welterweights (4)

Jimmy Williams (1-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT   146 LBS.

Raynard Younger (0-1), Alpharetta, GA   147 LBS.
 
The 12-round main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights features International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight Champion Billy Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21 KOs), who is promoted by 50 Cent, defending against undefeated Russian challenger Evgeny Gradovich.  NABF Super Welterweight Champion Willie Nelson defends his title against Michael Medina in the 10-round co-feature.     

The ESPN Friday Night Fights card, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and 50 Cent's SMS Promotions, will air live at 9 p.m. ET. The Nelson-Medina bout is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions.  The event is sponsored by SMS Audio.

♔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.

Hopkins, Cloud, and King‏ Teleconference



BERNARD HOPKINS
He opened up by saying, “I’m excited. It’s my first time fighting at the Barclay Center, and I believe it’s HBO’s first time broadcasting, so thank you everybody.”
When Hopkins was asked him what drives him, he responded, “I’m not satisfied, even though I know I’ve done a lot to be grateful for – and I am! Trust me, I am, God knows I am. But I’m the kind of person that when I’m not satisfied I keep driving. I should be the one to dictate when I go, because if I listened to most people I wouldn’t have made history in a lot of things.
“So I’m not satisfied and I know there are a lot of other things to accomplish. Maybe not in the ring, because it must stop soon, everybody has to recognize that. There are young fighters under the Golden Boy banner that need our help – mine, Oscar’s, Richard’s – so a lot of things keep me going.”
Hopkins took the fight when his name was mentioned among fighters he wanted to call out. Things progressed from there, and now the fight is on. With regard to his age, he reminded us that he has been hearing ‘old’ since he beat Trinidad, and he was 35 at the time.
What makes Bernard think that he will pull off the upset yet again? “I’m the better fighter and the better conditioned fighter. I believe when I go in that ring and Cloud is thinking something else he’s going to be very, very surprised. It’s natural. He’s fighting someone almost double his age, so that is the reality. But when he steps in there, that’s when I know that he’s gonna have to adjust mentally as well as physically, and that’s when the fight really begins. I can say one thing that I’ve never said in my whole career when I step in the ring – I’m 100% healthy. You’ll see a healthy Bernard Hopkins. It’s gonna be a masterful performance!”
“I know I’m not fighting his promoter, but I’m glad to be able to reunite and be able to get rid of the last guy that he has. I’m not being smart or vindictive, I’m just saying, what other horse does King have to ride on?” Hopkins continued. “He does have a thoroughbred (in Cloud). But let’s see how the cowboy rides the bull.”
Bernard made it clear that he will not feel guilty to be the one to put King out of business. “Who ever thought that it would be Bernard Hopkins – not the mob, not his street people, not the fighters who’ve threatened him over the years, not the promoters – who ever thought that it would me that would shut him down? It’s an honor for me to put the last nail in his coffin.”
Nathan Cleverly is looking to fight Hopkins in a unification fight for the light heavyweight championship, and Bernard is all for that.
“To me, I think every division should have one king,” Hopkins said. “If you’re a champion and you have a title in the light heavyweight division, why wouldn’t you want to be the undisputed champion? I don’t want to walk around and three other people wear the title of a light heavyweight champion. To me it’s an embarrassment. If I’m in a room and two other guys are in the room, and we’re all light heavyweights, then you have three champions in one room. To me, I think every division should have one king. I’m glad that Nathan Cleverly is thinking on the same lines as I’m thinking and that’s the way it should be.
“I’m from the old school but living in a new world. I understand that. I respect the guy that wants to do what needs to be done in boxing in all of the divisions.” I’m very aware of him (Cleverly) but right now it’s Tavoris Cloud and that’s what’s on my mind right now.
“After the fight they have another press conference and his name might come up or his name might not come up. But I’m sure it will come up on our end. At the end of the day he can be next because I’m all about unifying the championship.
“He makes more money with me than he makes with Cloud and anybody that fights in the light heavyweight division makes more money with me, fighting a Hall of Famer. Cleverly understands that, and that’s good.”
TAVORIS CLOUD
Cloud opened up by saying that he’s had a great training camp. They are heading to New York next week, and they are just ready to fight.
It was mentioned that Hopkins looked worse in his last fight than he had in 10 years, and did he think he was ripe for the picking?
“He could be, but he is the most dangerous fighter in the world. We’ll see when he gets hit a couple of times. I’ve done everything I could possibly do to get a knockout victory. Nobody can guarantee a knockout, but I will guarantee a victory. He’s not gonna beat me; he believes all the stuff in his own head. I’ll let him be until March 9.”
Cloud was asked if he had to train any differently for this fight than his other fights. “Well, I’m at the top of the mountain. I’m doing road work at 7000 feet, so that’s one thing. I feel by doing that it took me to another level physically. I know I’m a better conditioned fighter since I’ve been with Abel Sanchez up in Big Bear.
“It was a decision on my part to switch trainers and find somebody that I could grow even more with, and someone who was a little more open-minded. Abel Sanchez was the guy I decided to go with. The switch was made a little bit before Christmas. The decision came after years going back and forth. Al (Bonanni) is still a good trainer.”
Cloud also switched from manager Jerry Attardi (who is also Bonanni’s uncle) to James Prince.
Tavoris revealed his plan for the fight. “I’m just gonna fight my fight. I’m gonna make him adjust to what I’m doing. I’m gonna set the pace and not let him set the pace, and then win the fight round by round. I’m not gonna crowd my mind with what he’s gonna do. I’m gonna make him do what I want him to do.
“I learned from my last fight that I wasn’t as well prepared as I am now. When I beat Bernard Hopkins I’m calling out all of the fighters in my division. I’ll fight whoever’s next, but I’ll leave that to my manager.”
When asked if he felt Hopkins was no longer able to fight at the top level, he replied, “I don’t think any fighter can stay young forever, no matter how hard they try. It’s evident that he’s slowed down the last couple of years; yes he’s definitely slowed down.
DON KING
Interestingly, King made no attempt to answer back or engage in any of the negativity that was enlisted by Hopkins. Instead, he killed him with kindness.
“I love Bernard,” King said. “He’s done a good job of promoting, and he’s not a nemesis to me, he’s a wonderful fighter, a great fighter. Bernard has raised himself above the fray. At 48 years old he demands respect with his physique, being in such good physical condition, and with his 27 years of experience in this sport, and that is a crowning achievement in itself. I look at this fight with joy and appreciation.
The world is going to see a physically fit 48-year-old man in Hopkins. With Tavoris, who throws punches in bunches, I think this is going to be great for both of them. These guys are going back to the beginning and doing things with good old hard work – no enhancements. It’s dedication, perseverance and commitment. The winner of this fight will be the public.
“Tavoris is fighting a giant that night,” King continued. “And that’s what’s gonna make Cloud so good. He’s come from the streets to the suites. Bernard is gonna try to physiologically try to outsmart Tavoris. When he fights this giant and he takes this giant out, it will give him more prominence, and more stature and esteem, because Bernard is nothing to sneeze at. Everybody knows that, otherwise we wouldn’t be fighting at the Barclay Center.
“This ranks up there as one of the best fights I’ve promoted. People will see just what Tavoris Cloud is; a tough individual dedicated and committed to excellence. Hopkins will
stand in front of him bringing an illustrious career. When Bernard falls he won’t fall with disgrace. He did his job; he came, he saw, he conquered, and now he is being conquered.”
ABEL SANCHEZ
Sanchez said that when he first came on board what he saw was a fighter who just got complacent. He has a lot of talent but he got complacent, looking for one shot, looking to knock everybody’s head off. Inactivity could cause that as well, Sanchez said.
“We tried to go back to just moving his hands a bit more, just be a little bit more active and lighter on his feet. We tried to get him to enjoy what he’s doing. He seemed to be doing it as a job instead of something he enjoyed to do. It’s only been about six weeks now and we’re accomplishing that.”
Abel was asked what problems Cloud presented for Hopkins. “I think styles make fights. Bernard will present some problems because he is Bernard and he is a cagey veteran. But at 48 years old he’s talking about trying to set some records. That’s gonna motivate him to be well prepared and come to fight. We’re looking for the toughest Bernard Hopkins on March 9. Hopefully he does, and if so it will be a great fight for the fans, as Don keeps repeating.
“I tell my fighters to be the best they can be and have everybody else adjust to them. Tavoris is gonna come and take it to Bernard, he’s gonna be in great shape, he’s be busy, and if Bernard can handle the heat then it’ll go 12. If not, then it’s gonna be a short night for him.”


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

Thursday, February 28, 2013

No Holds Barred: Kevin Jackson on Iowa State Going To NCAAs and Big 12s, Saving Olympic Wrestling, and King Mo



 On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again speaks with Coach Kevin Jackson (http://www.twitter.com/CoachKJ_ISU), the Olympic gold medalist and two-time world champion freestyle wrestler, who is the head wrestling coach for the legendary Iowa State Cyclones (http://www.cyclones.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10700&SPID=4248&SPSID=46632).

After a slow start to the 2012-13 college wrestling season, Iowa State reeled off eight wins in their final nine dual meets, with the team now ranked 20th in the nation. Several wrestlers are also individually ranked in the top 20, including redshirt sophomore Kyven Gadson, who is ranked seventh at 197 pounds.

"Were happy with the last few months," said Coach Jackson in this interview, which was recorded by phone Wednesday. "It's just the way our guys are competing. The wins are coming. The dominating performances are coming. The major decisions, the falls, the tech falls are all falling into place."

This all comes at the right time for Iowa State. The regular season is now over, with the Big 12 Duals and Championships slated for March 8-9 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the NCAA Div. I National Championships March 21-23 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Coach Jackson added, "We're still a young team. We have four sophomores and three freshman starting in our lineup. So we're really excited about our future. But also we think for a lot of these guys the future is now, and that there are great opportunities for them at the Big 12s next week, and then at the NCAA tournament a few weeks later."

While college wrestling in the U.S. prepares for these championship tournaments, the entire worlds of wrestling and sports were rocked by the recent decision of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee to drop wrestling from the program of the 2020 Olympics. We also discussed this with Coach Jackson.

"I don't know exactly what went wrong, besides I think our leadership within our international governing body [FILA] was flawed, and we weren't staying ahead of the game," he said. "We weren't staying ahead of what we needed to do to show the IOC that we were worthy of being in the Olympic Games, and the great things that we have done throughout the history of the Olympic Games, and how we are an integral part of those Games. And I don't think our international governing body did that."

Besides going over what changes international wrestling needs to make and what we can do to help save Olympic wrestling, we also discussed the recent loss in the Bellator MMA organization by "King" Mo Lawal, who had trained for years in freestyle wrestling with Coach Jackson at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Coach Jackson was also a professional MMA fighter in the 1990s in both UFC and Battlecade Extreme Fighting, so he offered some friendly advice to "King" Mo.♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter
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Victor Ortiz will take the dance floor on season 16 of “Dancing With the Stars.

The new cast of ABC’s hit show was revealed today, exclusively on “Good Morning America,” and the headliners include country music legend Wynonna Judd, former “Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler, reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump and NFL star Jacoby Jones.
Jones isn’t the only athlete on the show. Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, professional boxer Victor Ortiz, and figure skating legend Dorothy Hamill will compete this season. Comedians D.L. Hughley and Andy Dick, as well as “General Hospital” star Ingo Rademacher, and Disney star Zendaya Coleman round out the star-studded pack.

The new season kicks off with a two-hour premiere on Monday, March 18 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC. The couple with the lowest combined judges’ scores and public votes for their performance will be sent home in the season premiere of “Dancing With the Stars: The Results 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.

Alantez Fox Steps Back in the Ring March 2

Undefeated junior middleweight Alantez "Sly as A" Fox (9-0-1 4KOs) will be making his second appearance of 2013 as he steps in the ring with Greg Hackett (2-9) in a 6 round fight. The Maryland born prospect will be on a card that is being held in his backyard of Fort Washington, Maryland at the Rosecroft Raceway venue on Saturday, March 2nd.

Fox is happy to have a quick turnaround and would like to continue fighting on a consistent basis. Aside from his skills and physical attributes, Fox is a student of the game and enjoys learning from his performances. However, Fox finds it equally important to fight in front of his home town crowds in an effort to give them the performances he feels they deserve.

"I'm always excited to have a fight scheduled and the feeling intensifies as the fight gets closer," Fox said. "Every fighter brings something different to the table and by fighting more I get the opportunity to see a variety of challenges. It makes it even better when I get to accomplish my goals in front of my fans from my home town or my home state. I'll be looking to treat my fans to an entertaining night. Boxing 360 is doing a great job with my career."

Boxing 360's Mario Yagobi feels confident that Fox is on the right path and working towards making him a viable contender with a strong fan base.

"Fox is willing and able to take on the fighters we put in front of him, he knows that this is the part of his career where he has to make the right moves and I have all the confidence in him getting the job done. It's a process that all fighters find themselves in at one point in their career, Fox is handling all of the obstacles and when he's ready to take the next step I know he'll handle that too," Yagobi said.

♔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.

Prizefighter: Heavyweights III to Air Thursday on WealthTV The popular eight fighter one night box-off series comes to the USA airwaves

WealthTV is set to air Prizefighter: Heavyweights III on Thursday February 28th at 10PM ET. The event features a unique eight fighter, three round single elimination tournament format.  It will be the third edition of the box-off to air on WealthTV.
This installment of the series will showcase many familiar faces.  Americans Travis Walker (39-9, 31 KO) and Derric Rossy (28-6, 14 KO) are in the tournament field. The United Kingdom is represented by three fighters, Audley Harrison (31-6, 23 KO) Martin Rogan (16-4, 8 KO) and Ian Lewison (7-2, 4 KO.)  Claus Bertino (15-5, 8 KO), Albert Sosnowski (47-6, 28 KO), and TimoHoffmann (40-8, 23 KO) fill out the rest of the bracket and hail from Denmark, Poland, and Germany respectively.
“This Prizefighter has the best competition of any edition before.” Said WealthTV director of live events Tommy Morris. “There are  world title challengers in action; Harrison & Sosnowski. We will also see regional title winners Walker, Rossy, Hoffmann and Rogan.  Rogan has won the Prizefighter event in the past.  The three round format creates high action fights which is somethingboxing fans always look forward to.”
♔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.

Acquinity Sports inks Hylon Williams Jr‏

Fast-rising promotional company, Acquinity Sports, has signed 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team alternate Hylon "Lil' Ced" Williams, Jr. to an exclusive contract.
Williams (16-1, 3 KOs), a native of Las Vegas, was a standout U.S. amateur boxer who compiled an impressive 145-20 record, highlighted by gold medal performances at the 2007 National Golden Gloves and 2006 National PAL tournaments.
Williams' co-managers, Luis DeCubas, Jr. and Alex Bornote, reached out to promoter Henry Rivalta, Acquinity Sports Vice President of Operations. Negotiations took place and the parties came to a mutually beneficial agreement.
"I'm very happy to have signed a promotional contract with Acquinity Sports," Williams said. "I'm anxious to get back into the ring and eager to prove that I'm one of the top 126-pounders in the world. I'd like to thank Luis, Alex and Henry for putting this deal together. I want to fight all of the top dogs."
Williams has campaigned for most if his professional career as a lightweight, however, he has committed to fighting as a featherweight. Acquinity Sports now has a terrific trio of featherweights with Williams joining undefeated stable-mates Claudio Marrero (14-0, 11 KOs), rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and Alexei "The Hurricane" Collado (15-0, 14 KOs).
"We are very pleased to add a talent like Hylon to our growing roster of future champions," Rivala commented. "My partner, Gary Jonas, and I feel that Hylon is a talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. He's a slick boxer and legitimate threat for anybody in the featherweight division. I have no doubt in my mind Hylon can become world champion. He's young and hungry, works hard, and has a great attitude."
Williams made his pro debut April 19, 2008, winning a four-round decision over Marcos Mendias, on the Bernard Hopkins-Joe Calzaghe undercard, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The 22-year-old Williams won his first 15 pro fights before losing an eight-round decision to former Cuban National Champion Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (14-0). In his last fight this past October, Williams shutout John Willoughby en route to a six-round decision.

 ♔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.

ELVIR MURIQI TO TAKE ON PAUL VASQUEZ ON MARCH 15TH IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY Thompson, Douglas, Nickey, Young & Wright put undefeated records on the line plus Heavyweight slugfest between Patrick Farrell and John Lennox


On Friday night, March 15th Light Heavyweight contender Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi returns to the ring when he takes on Paul Vazquez in a scheduled eight round bout at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey.
That bout plus a full undercard is promoted by Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.
The thirty-three year old Muriqi has a record of 39-5 with 24 knockouts and is looking to make another run to the top of the Heavyweight rankings.
The native of New York City won 30 of his first 31 bouts with his lone blemish being a controversial disqualification defeat. In that streak Muriqi had quality wins over Joseph Harris, Sammy Ahmad, James Crawford and Tony Menefee. After dropping two of three, Muriqi went on a three fight winning streak that set up a showdown with former undisputed Light Heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver.
Muriqi fought a valiant fight for which some ringsiders thought he may have pulled off the upset. In the end it was Tarver who took the majority decision in their Showtime televised bout on June 9, 2007.
Muriqi rebounded with a 4th round stoppage over Jameel Wilson which set him up for an IBF elimination bout against former world champion Clinton Woods.
Once again Muriqi put on a great performance before dropping a unanimous decision in front of Woods hometown crowd in England.
Muriqi is currently riding a four fight winning streak with wins over Daniel Judah and his most recent win over Chris Grays on December 10, 2011.
Vazquez, 34 years old of Martinez, California has a respectable record of 9-2-1 with three knockouts.  He has won three in a row with the latest being a third round stoppage over Brett Urban on May 19, 2011.  Vazquez also has a draw with former world title challenger Pat Lawlor.
In the six round co-feature, John Thompson (10-0, 3 KO’s) will take on Calvin Odom in a Jr. Middleweight bout. 
Thompson) of Newark, NJ has been stepping up the competition with each fight. The twenty-three year old has quality wins over Jermond Bourgeois (TKO 2), John Mackey (UD) and his last bout when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Elie Augustama on December 1st at Madison Square Garden as part of the Austin Trout – Miguel Cotto championship fight card.
Odom of Inglewood, CA has a record of 15-13 with 11 wins by knockout. Odom has faced top competition and has defeated the likes of undefeated Juan Gil, Jose Luis Zertuche, and Srrgio Rios and has also faced Grady Brewer (twice), Roberto Garcia, former world title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio, Sebastian Valdez, Jose Antonio Ojeda, Walter Wright, Luciano Perez, Charles Hatley, Wale Omotoso, Tony Harrison and his last bout he dropped an eight round decision to Joe Greene on January 10th
In what figure to be a six round Heavyweight slugfest, it will be the battle of New Jersey when Patrick Farrell (8-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City takes on John Lennox (10-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret.
In four round bouts, Danny Gonzalez (1-0) of Queens, NY will square off with Carlos Nieves (0-1) of New York in a Jr. Welterweight bout.
In a four round Jr. Lightweight bout, Glenford Nickey (1-0-1) of New York, NY battles Anolan Rigal (1-3-1, 1 KO) of Johnson City, NY
Anthony “Juice”Young (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City will fight an opponent to be named in a Welterweight bout.
In a heavyweight bout, Tyrell Wright (1-0) Bayonne, NJ takes on Lamont Capers (1-1) of Hawley, PA
Popular Vinny O’Brien (3-2, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ returns to the ring when he takes on Anthony Smith (1-1) of Brooklyn in a Jr. Welterweight bout
Rounding out the card will be the pro debut of Ricky Edwards boxing Moses Molina (1-3,  1 KO) of Bridgeton, NJ in a Lightweight bout.

♔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.

Mike Tyson appears on THE LATE LATE SHOW with CRAIG FERGUSON.


Tonight, legendary boxer Mike Tyson appears on THE LATE LATE SHOW with CRAIG FERGUSON.
 
During the interview, Craig asks Tyson if he is still crazy, and he responds “Absolutely, out of my mind!” Tyson also discusses keeping his anger under control now. Here is a sneak preview of his interview



 

♔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.