★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Sunday, April 21, 2013

STOP PRESS Chris Goodwin Vs. Oisin Fagan Title Fight Added To April 27th York Hall Event‏

Back in December last year Chester’s Chris Goodwin was due to travel to Cork in Ireland to face ‘homeboy’ Oisin ‘Gael Force’ Fagan, for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Inter-Continental Lightweight crown. However fate stepped in and the fight never got to go ahead.

Some four months later the pair finally go toe to toe for the WBF title, as they have been added to the upcoming Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 27^th April 2013.

Goodwin, the reigning World Boxing Foundation Lightweight World Champion, switches allegiance to the more meaningful World Boxing Federation in his quest to add further silverware to his trophy cabinet, where he aims to not only include the WBF Inter-Continental but ultimately the WBF World Championship belt to his collection, that already includes the aforementioned World Boxing Foundation World Lightweight and both the International Masters Lightweight and Welterweight belts.

He is mightily unlucky not to also include the Lonsdale Belt to his collection, after losing, by a really close split points decision, to Carl Johanneson in their sensational BBBofC Lightweight Title eliminator back in March last year.

As stated previously Goodwin is keen to add the World Boxing Federation crown to his collection, but before he gets the chance he must first deal with the highly experienced championship campaigner Oisin Fagan.

Back in December Goodwin stated, “I know I am in for a tough night.

Fagan has been in with the likes of Paul Spadafora and Amir Khan, and he is an Irish hero.

He has a lot of experience. This is a real fight and I am getting excited about it already.”

You can be sure Goodwin’s thoughts haven’t changed over the past few months, especially since Fagan is an experienced championship campaigner himself, during his career the Dubliner has been crowned USA Oklahoma State Lightweight, Oklahoma State Lightweight and Irish Light Welterweight King.

In addition Fagan had also fought Verquan Kimbrough for the USBA Lightweight title, which he lost by a close split points decision.

Amir ‘King’ Khan then stopped the tough Irishman in the second round to lift the WBA International Lightweight crown in December 2008.

Then in 2009 Dublin’s Eddie Hyland had his hands full when they battled for the IBF Super Featherweight belt, Hyland winning by unanimous points decision after twelve sensational all action rounds of boxing.

Fagan’s last Championship outing was in 2010, when he unsuccessfully challenged Irish Lightweight Champion Andy Murray for his crown.

Main support sees Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne takes on Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris, for the International Masters Welterweight title

Byrne’s sensational performance against former USBA Welterweight Champion Carson Jones back in December surely makes the plucky Irishman favourite to lift his first domestic crown.

However you just can’t write off Morris though, as the former British Masters Light Welterweight Champion is about as tough as they come.

Making his professional debut on the show is 2010 Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold Medalist and European Silver Medalist Iain Weaver.

2009 ABA Champion Weaver was a pivotal member of Team GB Podium squad for almost four and half years, including the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, where he was pipped at the post for selection by eventual Gold Medalist Luke Campbell.

Peckham’s Diego Burton makes a welcome return to York Hall, where he has previously won twice, as well as scored a credible draw on his debut.

Woolwich’s Marianne Marston, the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier and two time Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, makes her well overdue debut, against Latvia’s Aleksandra Jasjukevica.

Marston, who is now trained by Barry Smith at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, is a big punching Southpaw that originally learned her craft in the fighting City of Philadelphia, USA, under the highly experienced eyes of the aforementioned greats Frazier and Cunningham.

Bermondsey based Nigerian battler Ideh Ockuko will be looking to put his last fight, against unbeaten prospect Adam Dingsdale, behind him.

It was a fantastic Battle Royale that could have gone either way, most present thought the match a draw, however the man that matters, the referee, gave the decision to Dingsdale by a very close 38-39 points margin.

21 year old Chris Rackley from Slough in Berkshire will be keen to impress when he returns to York Hall, the scene of his hard fought draw against the highly experienced Liam Griffiths back in February.

West Drayton’s unbeaten Welterweight Scrappa Smith makes his first visit to York Hall and will also be looking to build on his two great wins to date.

Last but not least Wokingham’s Mark Douglas makes his long awaited return to the ring, following a long, forced, sabbatical after he dislocated his shoulder whilst battling with Lee Purdy for the Southern Area strap back in 2009.

Oisin Fagan versus Chris Goodwin, for the WBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title, headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27^th April 2013.

♔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, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Perez vs Jimenez; Tuff-N-Uff Hustler Rooftop

Tuff-N-Uff at Larry Flynt's Hustler Club Las Vegas!
From THE ROOFTOP overlooking the Las Vegas Skyline!
Perez vs Jimenez, April 26th! Doors open at 6pm!
OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY IMMEDIATELY TO FOLLOW!

Just when you thought you had seen it all, "Tuff-N-Uff: The Future Stars of Mixed Martial Arts" is ready to bring its legendary production to a whole new level – namely, the roof.

The nation's premier amateur MMA organization returns to action on Friday, April 26, and for one night only, the Tuff-N-Uff cage will visit the rooftop of Larry Flynt's Hustler Club, where the promotion will feature a full lineup of action-packed contests set under the backdrop of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Hustler's resident DJs spin live music throughout the night, and the beautiful Hustler Honeys will also be on hand.

"We are very excited about presenting this unique event," Tuff-N-Uff exec Chris Irwin said. "By now, I think Tuff-N-Uff fans know the type of quality events we're committed to produce, and this special event will be no exception. Great fights in a unique, outdoor setting with the neon lights of Sin City in the background. It's going to be an amazing night."

The Tuff-N-Uff pre-party starts this Friday at 6 p.m., and the first fight starts shortly after. This limited, VIP experience is open to just 600 lucky fans, so don't wait to secure your ticket.

The night's featured matchups include two championship matchups. In the headliner, New Mexico's Daniel "Pretty Boi Nightmare" Jimenez (3-3) faces Epic Training Center product Mikey "Pretty Boy" Perez (6-4) in a 180-pound title affair, while the co-feature sees Excel's Mike "the Jersey Devel" Florio (7-1) meet Syndicate MMA's Cory Hendricks (4-1) in a light-heavyweight title fight.

Additionally John Hackleman Jr. (4-2), son of legendary MMA trainer and Hawaiian Kempo specialist John Hackleman, is scheduled to compete in a featured attraction.

"As always, we've got a fantastic lineup of some of the sport's brightest young talent," Tuff-N-Uff president Barry Meyer said. "And for one night only, we're going to hold those fights in a truly unique setting that should provide an incredibly memorable experience."

In addition to the night's featured contests, a full lineup of aspiring amateur fighters from some of the world's top academies – including camps from Las Vegas, New Mexico, California and more – are slated to compete.

The full fight card is available for viewing at TuffNUff.com.

Come see the future stars of mixed martial arts.

Amateur Star Iain Weaver To Pro Debut On Apr 27th York Hall Event

2010 Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold Medalist and European Silver Medalist Iain Weaver has been added to the Dave Murphy promoted ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event, headlined by Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne versus Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris International Masters Welterweight title clash, at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 27^th April.

Weaver, who was a pivotal member of Team GB Podium squad in the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, sensationally became the 2009 ABA Champion, with a 19-14 points win over Blain Younis, on his first Senior outing.

The following year Weaver won gold at the Commonwealth Boxing Championships in New Delhi.

On his way to the Gold Medal position, Weaver beat Olympic bronze medalist Bruno Julie, India’s Akhil Kumar and in the final Sri Lanka’s MDK Wanniarachchi.

With the Commonwealth Gold secured next up was the European Championships, which in 2010 were held in Moscow.

Weaver defeated the Spaniard Rodrigues Molina 11-3 in the 1st round, then beat Sweden's Bashir Hassan-Salad 8-3 in the second and then Frenchman Oualid Belaoura in the quarter finals.

He then went on to beat Ireland's Tyrone McCullagh in the semi-final to earn the right to face Germany's Denis Makarov in the final.

The first round was an edgy affair, neither Weaver nor Makarov seemed to want to give anything away. There was more action in the second round, after which Weaver was mightily unlucky to be trailing 3-2.

In the final round, Weaver fought hard in his attempt to overcome the deficit, however the judges continued to score points only for the German. At the end of the contest the scorecard read 7-2, in favour of Makarov.

There was little surprise, that with Commonwealth Boxing Championships Gold and European Silver firmly in his possession, that Weaver was selected, ahead of London 2012 Gold Medalist Luke Campbell, to contest the mainCommonwealth Games in 2010, which were again held in Delhi.

In the first round Weaver defeated Vusie Simelane of Swaziland 10-1, to set up a quarter final clash against home town favourite Kumar. Some good old fashioned ‘home cooking’ proved to much for the Englishman to overcome, leaving eventual Gold Medalist Kumar the 11-6 winner in front of the highly vocal home crowd.

After failing to be selected for the London 2012 Olympics Weaver announced his intention to turn professional.

Weaver will be making his debut, against a yet to be named opponent, on the undercard of the Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne versus Jay ‘IOW Assassin’ Morris International Masters Welterweight Championship clash that headlines Dave Murphy’s Thunderdrome Promotions ‘Thunder & Lightning’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on the 27^thApril 2013.

♔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, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Carson Jones to Devon Alexander: Step up to the plate!‏; Jones responds to Kevin Cunningham!‏

In an age where fighters build their records up by partaking in gross mismatches, Oklahoma City based welterweight contender “Mr.” Carson Jones is a boxing rarity.

The youthful but experienced 26-year-old began his career without true direction, taking a number of early losses against world class opposition. Since March 2009, Jones has an excellent 18-2-1 record with 13 wins by knockout. Along the way, Jones, whose overall professional ledger is 34-9-3 (24 KO’s), steamrolled previously unbeaten knockout king Tyrone Brunson, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams, welterweight contender Said Ouali and former title challenger Michael Clark.

In July 2012, Jones lost a hotly contested majority decision in the hometown of Kell Brook in one of the best fights during that calendar year. Dubbed as “Special K” due to his diverse talents, Brook dominated all 27 of his opponents up to that point. Against Jones, a bruised and bloodied Brook survived a number of rough moments and never considered a rematch.

Fast forward to 2013, where Brook found himself pitted against IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander; or so we thought. The two were scheduled to fight on multiple occasions, with each man pulling out of the fight due to an injury. On Saturday, May 18, Brook-Alexander was finally scheduled to take place on Showtime, but Brook suffered another injury that forced him to withdraw, leaving the champion without an opponent.

“I know a lot of guys are calling out Alexander and I can’t blame them,” said Jones, the IBF’s 7^thrated contender. “But how many of them have been through hell in a gasoline suit? Which one of them went overseas and got the short end of a decision against a fighter that is considered one of boxing’s next bright stars? Can anybody else out there vying for this fight claim to have faced the level of opposition I have? The answer is no.”

Jones also believes that his fan-friendly style would make for a great fight and a bout with Alexander would produce two winners; Carson Jones and the spectators.

“After Alexander’s sleep-induced fight with Randall Bailey, I think the boxing world needs an exciting fight. I do not run from my opponents. Unlike Bailey, I will cut the ring off and force him to fight my fight just like Tim Bradley did. Alexander’s known as Devon “The Great” but does his name mean anything? If he’s true to his moniker and wants to show how great he his, all Team Alexander has to do send me a contract and see me in the ring on May 18!”

Jones is currently in training with the hopes of facing Alexander or another top welterweight in the immediate future.

Jones responds to Kevin Cunningham!‏

Earlier today, Kevin Cunningham, trainer of IBF welterweight titlist Devon Alexander, took a shot at contender Carson Jones. Less than 24 hours ago, Jones, the IBF’s 7th rated contender and a former USBA champion, offered to face Alexander May 18 after his original opponent Kell Brook withdrew for a second time due to an injury. Jones, who has a deceptive record 34-9-3 with 24kos since he took many fights earlier in his career as an opponent, was abruptly rejected by Cunningham.

Jones, who said he respected Cunningham as a trainer before he hurled insults in his directions, believes that he only said that to keep his fighter away from a tough bout.

"These guys claim to be tough and from the streets of St. Louis, but how tough are they? The truth is that boxing wise, Devon’s anything but tough. Aside from quitting against Bradley, he’s been protected by his promoters and the premium cable networks. They want to talk about my 9 losses but forget what tough really is.

"I lost a few controversial fights and the only time Devon’s had any controversy, he received gift decisions in hometown. Cunningham and Alexander know deep down that records are overrated and there are plenty of 25-0 guys who can’t fight a lick. I earned my way up the rankings by knocking out quality fighters when my back was against the wall and that is something they can’t dispute no matter how hard they try."

Jones also views his close loss to the aforementioned Kell Brook as a reason of why he’s more than worthy for the title shot.

"I went into Brook’s hometown, gave him hell and lost a very close decision. From what I’ve heard, Brook offered good money to face him in England but Team Alexander was too scared. I proved that I am a real fighter time and time again by facing whoever, wherever and whenever. Can Devon do the same or are you guys into playing the matchmaking game and pretending all the people in boxing are idiots and actually believe these undefeated stiffs can fight. They call him Devon “The Great” Alexander, but he’s acting like a coward. Man up and take the challenge. I’m ready to go!"

"BEAUTIFUL BOXER": BEAUTIFUL STORY, BEAUTIFUL MOVIE

Note: The issue of transsexual athletes in the combat sports is still being debated, especially among their most backwards sector, North American MMA circles. This controversy has been covered in depth on No Holds Barred, with recent interviews with transsexual athletes Fallon Fox, Alaina Hardie, Ryka Aoki, and Donna Rose, as well as a commentary supporting Fallon Fox's right to fight in women's MMA.

But this issue is neither new for combat sports nor for my coverage of them. Back in 2005, for the now-defunct and dearly departed BoxingRanks.com site, I reviewed the movie "Beautiful Boxer", about transsexual muay Thai fighter Parinya Charoenphol, also known as Nong Toom. Since that site has totally closed down, I actually had to use the Internet Archive to retrieve it, here.

And since that time, the entire film "Beautiful Boxer" has been uploaded on YouTube, at http://youtu.be/ibZMW6AKe4o.

Take the time to watch it, and you will feel rewarded.

Below is the text of the original article I wrote in 2005 on the film "Beautiful Boxer", minus the links at the end to sites about the movie since they seem outdated as well. Just remember that it was originally written for the audience of what was then a major boxing web site, and that the article also received praise and appreciation from those involved in that site.

"BEAUTIFUL BOXER": BEAUTIFUL STORY, BEAUTIFUL MOVIE
by Eddie Goldman (March 6, 2005)

The fight game is once again emerging as the undisputed champion of cinematic drama. The Clint Eastwood film "Million Dollar Baby" made a big haul at the 2005 Academy Awards, winning four Oscars. The highly-acclaimed documentary "Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story" will debut on the USA Network on Wed., April 20, after a run at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Another boxing movie called "Black Cloud" is set for its national debut on March 11.

And now from Thailand comes "Beautiful Boxer," a very different kind of story about a different kind of fighting and a different kind of fighter.

If you are expecting "Raging Bull," "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (my personal favorite), "Rocky," or any other of the traditional boxing films, this one is something quite different.

"Beautiful Boxer" is a dramatization of the story of Thai kickboxer Parinya Charoenphol, also affectionately known as Nong Toom. Thai boxing, or muay Thai as it is known internationally, is a brutal form of kickboxing that combines punches, kicks, elbows, fighting while clinching, and even some throws to the mat. And that's just the legal stuff. "Beautiful Boxer" is partially subtitled in English with most of the dialogue in Thai and some in English as well. Once you get past all that, you will find a very human story that will be hard to forget.

The reason is that Parinya Charoenphol, or Nong Toom, was a champion Thai boxer, and a transvestite who eventually had surgery to become a woman.

The film starts with the telling of Nong Toom's life story through flashbacks. Nong Toom is played by Asanee Suwan, himself a champion muay Thai fighter.

As a young boy Nong Toom was brought up to face a very hard life with dirt poor parents. Yet even then he was attracted to girls' clothing.

In an array of seeming contradictions, at least to prevailing stereotypes about gender, he ends up going to a fighting camp to learn muay Thai, and does very well. As his career develops, he starts to fight competitively and win almost all of his fights. An exception is a hometown decision given to a fighter whom he sliced and diced in the ring. Yes, corruption in boxing knows no bounds either of country or style of fighting.

While building a reputation as a top fighter in this brutal combat sport, he also remains gentle on the inside. This film is filled with his strikingly sensitive and haunting observations, with statements made in an increasingly feminine-sounding voice like, "I don't like to hurt strangers. But in the ring you have no choice." If you don't react to these types of statements, and the way they are delivered in this film, then you have a smaller heart than the tin man in "The Wizard of Oz."

Soon it is made clear that Nong Toom's main motivation for fighting as a professional is to earn enough money to pay for what is clinically known as sexual reassignment surgery, or more popularly as a sex change operation.

By this time Nong Toom is taking female hormones and openly appearing at his fights as a transvestite. He comes into the ring wearing women's makeup. This only adds drama to the matches, and many regard this, incorrectly, as simply a gimmick to add heat to the matches.

In the film, the underlying contrast of his success at this seemingly male and brutal style of fighting and his increasingly female appearance and psyche is highlighted, all the while decking and staggering preconceived notions about the nature of masculinity, femininity, and gender as effectively as Nong Toom's punches and kicks are stopping his opponents in the ring.

Eventually Nong Toom's success earns him a fight in Bangkok's famed Lumpinee Stadium, the Madison Square Garden of muay Thai. Despite his growing success as a fighter, he never loses sight of his main goal: To earn enough money for a sex change operation.

Nong Toom continues to take female hormones as part of that transition, while also continuing to fight. Yet the female hormones begin to transform his body and sap his muscle power. Now, as he is growing breasts and has to wear a bra into the ring, he starts losing fights to male opponents.

Women are banned from this style of fighting in Thailand. Even before his surgery, Nong Toom is shown the door from the muay Thai ring.

Yet he still needs cash for his surgery. So he goes to Japan in 1988 to participate in what is essentially a freak show match to face female pro wrestler Kyoko Inoue in the Tokyo Dome. The movie portrays their encounter as a real fight involving mixed styles. In the film, Kyoko Inoue plays herself, and performs various moves from the fake pro wrestling that are not known to work in real fights. In both the film and in the real fight, however, Nong Toom wins by a TKO as Inoue is cut and bleeding from his many blows. According to Tadashi Tanaka of Japan and Dave Meltzer of the U.S., both expert journalists in pro wrestling and the mixed martial arts, this was indeed a real fight and not a fake or staged one, even if it was very strange.

A key scene in the film takes place after this fight. A cute female groupie camps out by Nong Toom's hotel room awaiting him. When he arrives, she tells him that she believes that all this transvestite stuff is merely a gimmick, like some fictional pro wrestling persona. In his room she begins to disrobe and throw herself at him. He tries to be polite, but looks distraught and is obviously not sexually interested in her. At no time in the film do we see Nong Toom having sex or expressing sexual interest in anyone, male or female, but this scene touchingly makes clear that the direction he is heading in is as real as real can be.

Eventually Nong Toom has the sex change operation and becomes a woman. The real Parinya Charoenphol, who is now a successful model and actress in Thailand, makes a cameo appearance as a makeup artist in the film, as a sort of a visual endorsement of the authenticity of this dramatization.

In the U.S., "Beautiful Boxer" has made the rounds at some gay film festivals as well as some independent movie theaters. The fact that it is not an easy movie to pigeonhole, as a gay movie or a martial arts movie or what, led a reviewer in the Village Voice to complain that "some fences just can't be painlessly straddled."

Yet "Beautiful Boxer" is beautiful precisely because of its universality. It transcends all those social barriers that segregate transgender people from everyone else. Nong Toom could be the kid next door, or the fighter on the card you just watched, or anyone else. And that is precisely its point, that it is as natural for transgender people to be who they are as is the grass that grows underneath all our feet.

You will undoubtedly root for Nong Toom as you watch this film. Hopefully it will instruct you, if you didn't already realize it, that the issue of gender needs to be approached with reason, science, logic, history, and compassion, and not superstition, fear, ignorance, prejudice, and hatred.

Do you want a parallel? Look at how Black people were characterized just a century ago, as documented in "Unforgivable Blackness." Race and gender, of course, have very different histories and natures. For one thing, we know that race is not even a scientific category. For another, slavery, apartheid, segregation, and racial discrimination have a different social significance and history from gender discrimination. But the ideological prejudices are similar. The justifications of the persecution and oppression of all these groups use similar religious fundamentalist texts, which support the buying and selling of slaves, and the suppression of anything other than heterosexual relations.

This beautiful movie, "Beautiful Boxer," begins to break down these barriers with this dramatization of this real-life story. It is but one of countless real-life stories which demonstrate that the path taken by Nong Toom is not some "lifestyle," and not a mere "choice," but as natural as the sun that shines above us all.

Only the most heartless, the most prejudiced and bigoted, and the most empty- headed religious fanatics will fail to empathize with the very human dilemma which faced Nong Toom. And only the densest and most closed minds will fail to notice the contradiction between Nong Toom's brutal profession and his gentle and pacific nature.

It will indeed be a shame if this movie gets labeled as simply a gay movie. It is a movie for everyone -- everyone that is compassionate and open-minded, that is. Bigots can stay home and hate themselves as well as everyone else.

♔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, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

UFC 159: Jones vs Sonnen‏ Saturday April 27

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Middleweight superstar Sergio Martinez headlines the HBO Boxing triple-header: SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. MARTIN MURRAY, LUIS CARLOS ABREGU VS. ANTONIN DECARIE AND CHRIS ARREOLA VS. BERMANE STIVERNE on SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Middleweight superstar Sergio Martinez headlines the HBO Boxing triple-header: SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. MARTIN MURRAY, LUIS CARLOS ABREGU VS. ANTONIN DECARIE AND CHRIS ARREOLA VS. BERMANE STIVERNE on SATURDAY, APRIL 27 at 8:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Buenos Aries, Argentina and Ontario, Cal. exclusively on HBO.

Other HBO playdates: April 28 (8:45 a.m.) and 29 (12:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: April 28 (4:00 p.m.) and 30 (11:30 p.m.)

♔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, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Henderson vs. Melendez, Mir vs. Cormier, and Diaz vs. Thomson all take the stage at UFC on FOX this Saturday in San Jose.

Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez on UFC ON FOX SAT. APR. 20 LIVE FROM SAN JOSE

Benson Henderson will put his lightweight title on the line once again at UFC on Fox 7, where he will appear in the main event against former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez.

Mike Tyson on his criminal past, new stage show, and going vegan

“I love Mike Tyson because he did it his way.” –Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Today, Mike Tyson finds happiness in simplicity. During our visit to his home in suburban Las Vegas, the former heavyweight champion was a bit reserved until he got the opportunity to show off his beloved pigeon coop.

Tyson explains the nuances and habits of his pigeons just like an accomplished trainer would break down the fundamentals of boxing. Once Tyson allowed his pigeons to fly, he pointed out how the tumbler pigeons would roll over backward during flight. Some pigeons would do so at speeds so fast that they would often kill themselves or come close to death because they didn’t have time to land correctly.

In a sense, the tumbler pigeons mirror Tyson’s life during his younger days. Living fast and reckless only to narrowly escape death or destruction.

Growing up poor in Brooklyn, N.Y., during the 1980s could have that type of effect. Tyson became another soul consumed by the tragedies created by poverty.

“All of my friends were animals,” Tyson revealed while reminiscing about his turbulent childhood.

“We would rob guys. I grew up in a dysfunctional situation where drugs and violence were normal. I would’ve been a drug dealer. When I was starting my pro career and only making like $500 per fight, I used to always hook my boys up with money for crack to sell. But my whole life changed when they killed my friend over a drug deal gone bad. From then on, I never went back to hustling and I stayed focused on boxing.”

Tyson’s gift for obliterating opponents in the boxing ring rescued him from the poverty and criminal activity that gripped most of his peers. Under the guidance of legendary trainer Cus D’Amato (who died in 1985), Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champ in history at the age of 20.

Indeed, Tyson found a way to escape poverty, but he couldn’t escape the allure that comes with money and fame. He slept with countless numbers of women, purchased dozens of exotic cars, threw wild parties, and delved into drug use.

One prison stint, a controversial biting of Evander Holyfield’s ear and two divorces later, Tyson lost nearly $400 million of the money he earned throughout his career.

“When I was younger, all I thought about was fame, fortune, girls, sex and drugs,” Tyson says. “When my career was over, I left a massive wreckage in my past. I realized I won a lot of superficial victories such as sex and money. I’m now trying to make amends. I love moral victories more. And that’s real love when you care more about morals than anything else.”

By the late 2000s, Tyson found himself attempting to walk the straight and narrow for the first time in his life. However, the tragic death of his 4-year-old daughter, Exodus, in 2009 caused Tyson to briefly relapse. She was killed in the family home after playing with a faulty treadmill.

“Where I come from, people aren’t happy, so they get hooked on drugs,” Tyson says. “People get drunk, snort cocaine, smoke marijuana and use syringes because they can’t stop [the] pain. They’re trying to kill pain. Drug use won’t stop until someone can stop the hurt. We’re in pain out here.”

Tyson walked away from drugs and alcohol and has been sober for three years. He’s a devout Muslim and has adopted a strict vegan diet for the past 12 months. The diet allowed Tyson to flush many of the impurities out of his system and he eventually lost 100 pounds.

Tyson now looks back on his past hardships and realizes that they made him stronger and led him to approach life differently.

“I’m glad I went through those experiences because I survived them, and look at where I’m at now,” he says. “Nothing’s perfect in life and I love who I am and who I’m becoming. I’m establishing a relationship with my wife and staying committed. I’m really enjoying this stage of my life.”

This stage of Tyson’s life actually has him on stage. Nearly two years ago, Tyson sat down with his wife, Kiki Tyson, and the two found an interesting way for him to tell his story to the masses. They came up with the one-man stage show, Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth.

The nearly two-hour show, directed by Spike Lee, features an unfiltered Tyson divulging stories on fi ghting Don King; time in prison; his mother’s drinking issues; his sexual conquests and how he once caught Brad Pitt making out with his ex-wife, Robin Givens.

“There’s not much of a difference in preparing for boxing and preparing for the stage,” he says. “Everything must be precise. You just have to possess a great deal of confidence and understanding of where to go and how to maintain energy.”

♔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, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

RECENT WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER AJOSE OLUSEGUN RETURNS TO ACTION THIS SATURDAY IN INDIANA

This Saturday night at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, WBC #3-rated junior welterweight Ajose Olusegun (30-1, 18KO's) will return to action for the first time since suffering his first pro defeat to Lucas Matthysse in a bout for the interim WBC title in September of last year. Olusegun will take on veteran

Rynell Griffin in an eight-round bout. The fight is promoted by Hitz Entertainment, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

"I am so glad that I'm getting back in the ring," said Olusegun. "This is going to be my first fight after my loss to Matthysse and I can't wait to do my thing."

Olusegun participated for his native Nigeria in the 2000 Olympics before successfully turning pro in May 2001 with a first-round TKO over Tony Montana.

He won the junior welterweight Commonwealth title in 2007 and defended the belt four times before picking up the British junior welterweight title in 2009.

With all of his professional bouts, up to that point, taking place in the U.K., Olusegun decided to relocate to the U.S. and signed with DiBella Entertainment (DBE). In his first fight under the DBE banner, Olusegun won a dominant near shut-out 12-round unanimous decision over Ali Chebah (35-1). The bout, which took place on Showtime®, was an official WBC light welterweight title eliminator.

The win earned Olusegun his shot at the title against Matthysse. In a grueling and entertaining slugfest, Olusegun was stopped in the 10^th-round of their scheduled 12-round championship bout. Olusegun admitted after that bout that he fought the wrong fight, but he took the loss as a learning experience. He is hoping to work his way back into another world title opportunity soon and has even offered up his services to IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander, who was scheduled to fight Kell Brook May 18, before Brook had to pull out after suffering an injury during training.

"I know that Devon is currently looking for an opponent and I would love to get in the ring against him. This is a great opportunity for me to share a ring with the champ and I am willing and able to step in. I am sure boxing fans around the world will like this matchup, so I'm ready to give everyone an exciting fight. I'm here, let's make it happen."

♔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, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. AUSTIN TROUT AND UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES; Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin "No Doubt" Trout Official Weights‏; ALAMODOME SOLD OUT FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE NIGHT OF BOXING IN SAN ANTONIO HEADLINED BY CANELO ALVAREZ VS. AUSTIN TROUT

CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

"I want to thank everyone for their support...all of the media and everyone that's helped me get here.

"I'm very happy to be here and I wish the fight was here already.

"I think words mean very little. On April 20^th, we will fight and the best fighter will win.

"To be honest, I don't feel any pressure. I believe that if you're scared or anxious it's because you're not ready. I'm ready. I'm confident about this fight. As a matter of fact, I've never felt this ready in my life.

"I'm the kind of fighter that knows how to adapt. I can adapt to my opponent's style anytime.

"On Saturday, expect to see two champions fighting with everything they have. I'll be fighting with everything I've got.

"Knockouts are unpredictable. I can't say that I'm going to knock Trout out, but I also can't say I won't.

"I'm always trying to better myself. I've been training very hard, and God willing, I'll come out victorious on Saturday. I'll show my fans what I'm made of.

"This fight is a great test for me, but it's a difficult one. Trout is a complicated fighter with a complicated style, but I like challenges. I enjoy challenges and that's why I've accepted this fight, because it's a big challenge.

"I feel good. I feel as good as I've ever felt. I'm ready.

"I feel the adrenaline. I'm eager to walk into the ring and hear that bell."

AUSTIN TROUT, WBA Super Welterweight World Champion

"I want to thank Canelo Alvarez for being a hungry fighter, making his demands known and putting his foot down to make this happen. I'm a hungry fighter and I want to fight the best.

"I'm not worried about the officials or the judging. I'm not worried about being in a hostile territory. All I can worry about is the opponent that I have in the ring.

"We've worked hard in this camp because we know who we're going up against. It's not going to be a walk in the park, but we never asked for easy. We want these challenges to prove our worth to the boxing world and that I'm the best 154-pound champion. On Saturday, we're going to let our fists do the talking and I have no doubt that my hand will be raised.

"It's all about the experience. He may have more fights, but I feel like I have more experience than he does between my amateur career and the opponents that I've faced. My last fights, aside from Miguel Cotto, everybody has been bigger. I've fought some middleweights and super middleweights.

"This is something that I've been dreaming about, literally, for the last two months. I wake myself up boxing him, throwing punches and what not. I'm a very visual person so it's been something that I've been visualizing and now we get to see it come to real life. I believe it's going to play out the way I've been seeing it in my head.

"Trout Nation is a lot bigger than they [Team Canelo] thought. We have a lot of fans that are here and excited about me fighting in San Antonio. The love is very heartfelt and I'm just soaking it all in.

"I'm expecting to see a win in my favor. I'm expecting to see a good fight, I'm expecting nothing but the best from Canelo. We're just excited to go in there and get this WBC title that we've been looking for.

"He's never fought anybody my size. The fighters he's faced have been welterweights and even junior welterweights. He's done what he's supposed to do with everyone that they've put in front of him, so I give credit to him for that, but, at the same time, I'm not cut from the same cloth as those guys."

OMAR FIGUEROA JR., Top Lightweight Contender

"This is a great fight card. I think the main event will be the best fight of 2013. I'm as excited for the main event as I am for my own fight. I'm not going to say I'm going to win my fight, I'm not going to say I'm going to lose my fight, the only thing I can promise is that I'm going to fight with the heart and the passion that I always fight with, and hopefully, we come out on top.

"I don't think he [Abner Cotto] will be the toughest opponent I've faced. I think Michael Perez was the most formidable opponent I've had and we all know how I came out in that one. We're hoping for the same result in this one.

"Being able to fight in front of this many fans is an honor, but being able to do it in your own home state is a blessing.

"We worked hard for this fight and it's hard to believe it happened. I used to be in that back row [on the dais] and now I'm sitting in the front with the champions. It's just a dream come true.

"I'm looking forward to a good fight. I want the best for the fans. They're what make this sport happen, so I just want to give them my best."

ABNER COTTO, WBC FECARBOX Lightweight Champion

"I can tell you that I'm ready for this fight. This is biggest fight of my career.

"We know our opponent Omar Figueroa Jr. very well. We know that he's a very strong fighter, but I'm ready for this fight and will bring the victory home to Puerto Rico.

"We love challenges and Saturday is going to be a prime example.

"I want to thank my team, all the fans that bought tickets and everyone watching on television. It's going to be a great fight."

JERMALL CHARLO, Top Super Welterweight Prospect

"Saturday is going to be crazy with 40 thousand people in the stands. I'm part of the future of boxing. Everyone needs to tune in."

JULIAN WILLIAMS, Top Middleweight Prospect

"I'm really excited to be on this card. It's a blessing. I want to fight one of these guys someday [pointing to Canelo and Trout].

TERRELL GAUSHA, 2012 United States Olympian

"I'm blessed to have the opportunity be on this big stage around so many great fighters. I want to put on a great performance.

"One day I'm going to be sitting in one of these front seats [pointing to Canelo and Trout]."

RAUL MARTINEZ, Top Bantamweight Prospect

"It's a great feeling to be in the presence of fighters like Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya and to be trained by Jesse James Leija.

"Being on a card with Canelo and Trout, both great champions, is what boxers dream of. It's so motivating for me. I'm in the gym everyday training hard and it's paying off.

"I want to welcome everyone to the Alamodome. Get there early and watch me get a great knockout."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotion

"Neither one of these guys [Alvarez or Trout] had to take this fight. This is great for the sport that we love dearly.

"Austin Trout is willing to take on any comers. It goes to show you Austin Trout's character. He isn't afraid to go into his opponents' backyards. He's a fighter that went into Miguel Cotto's backyard in New York City and had a tremendous victory against a tremendous champion.

"You don't see fights like the one you're going to see Saturday night [often]. Fighters are usually too afraid to take on the best in their division, but not these two.

"[On Omar Figueroa vs. Abner Cotto] This is the type of fight we look forward to...young, undefeated guys that aren't afraid to take a risk.

"If you're going to go out there and take a risk and fight hard, then there is no loser. Win or lose, great fighters will be back for more. This is what makes boxing the sport that it is. These fighters are going to come out and fight with their hearts.

"[On Canelo vs. Trout] When you put two young hungry fighters together, you get the best. The fans will be the winners because they know they will see a great fight.

"We call Canelo the total package, not only for his abilities, but because he wants to face the best.

"This is a testament to Canelo's confidence in his skills. We are truly excited to be working with Canelo."

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Former World Champion and Texas Boxing Legend

"The history of the Alamodome and boxing goes back 20 years, since 1993 when Julio Cesar Chavez fought Pernell Whitaker. Don King had six months to get that fight together. We had about six weeks.

"We have 40 thousand people coming and that is because of these amazing fighters and the fight card on Saturday night.

"Mike Battah and I have been working very hard to make sure everyone comes out and acknowledges that we have two great fighters and one great night."

MIKE BATTAH, President of Leija and Battah Promotions

"We're building boxing again in Texas in a big way and it's happening this Saturday night.

"We're very happy, proud and honored that fans support us here. This is what boxing is about.

"I want fans to keep coming to the fights and I will work until I die to make this sport the best."

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports

"Events like this are a pleasure to work because of the excitement and visibility they generates by themselves.

"I'd like to thank Leijah and Battah Promotions. SHOWTIME has a long relationship with Jesse James Leija going back to some of his biggest fights and it's a pleasure to be working with you again. Most of all, I'd like to thank these two young superstars that we're going to see on Saturday night.

"Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout are two of the biggest young stars in boxing today and they didn't have to fight each other. These are two champions at the prime of their careers and they deserve credit for taking a difficult fight

"This is one of the most highly anticipated fights on SHOWTIME since the days of Mike Tyson. I can't tell you how much attention, how many calls, how many ticket requests I've received. Nothing else compares to it since the Mike Tyson's fights."

NICHOLAS LANGELLA, Alamodome General Manager

"Oscar De La Hoya is an institution here in San Antonio. The Alamodome is very excited to be bringing this highly coveted match-up to our city.

"San Antonio has long been a host to many championship events. Saturday night continues that long tradition. Welcome to San Antonio. We are going to have a great time on Saturday night."

JOSE "CHEPO" REYNOSO, Canelo's Manager

"At this time, there's not much to say. I don't have many words. All I can say is that on Saturday, Canelo will come out victorious and we'll be dedicating this win to Rigoberto [Canelo's brother]."

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo's Trainer

"We have a our work cut out for us as always. We're very focused on our work. We're ready for battle.

"A champion that is at this level made it here because of a lot of hard work and dedication.

"We've worked really hard to show that Canelo is the best 154-pound fighter in the world and that he's ready for the fight.

BOB SPAGNOLA, Trout's Manager

"I just want to give thanks to Greg Cohen and

Al Haymon. I want to thank Austin Trout and his trainer Louie Burke, who I include in Austin's small circle of family.

"We've traveled all around the world trying to find opponents for Austin. It's a tough business, but we're here now."

HECTOR SOTO, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions

"Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions have a very important alliance. Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto have great names in boxing and we've joined forces to make the best fights in boxing.

"Abner Cotto is hungry and he's ready for this fight on Saturday. He'll become champion someday.

JOSE SULAIMAN, President of the WBC

"I have a special place in my heart for San Antonio. I lived here about a year, my first year at Trinity University.

"I haven't been traveling much because I've had some health problems, but I had to come to this fight.

Canelo Alvarez is the number one champion in the world and the biggest Mexican superstar."

Canelo vs. Trout Super Welterweight World Championship Unification Fight

Saturday, April 20, LIVE on SHOWTIME^® from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas

WBC, WBA & VACANT RING MAGAZINE SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLES - 12 ROUNDS

CANELO ALVAREZ – 153 ½ Pounds

AUSTIN TROUT – 153 ¼ Pounds

OMAR FIGUEROA – 134 ½ Pounds

ABNER COTTO – 133 ½ Pounds

SHOWTIME EXTREME:

JERMALL CHARLO – 154 ¼ Pounds

ORLANDO LORA – 154 ¼ Pounds

JULIAN WILLIAMS – 156 ¾ Pounds

DASHON JOHNSON – 156 ¾ Pounds

ABOUT "CANELO VS. TROUT":

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo’s WBC title, Trout’s WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

ALAMODOME SOLD OUT FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE NIGHT OF BOXING
IN SAN ANTONIO HEADLINED BY CANELO ALVAREZ VS. AUSTIN TROUT

TOP TALENT TO STEP INTO THE RING
IN FRONT OF 38,000 FANS

SATURDAY'S BOUTS INCLUDE OMAR FIGUEROA JR. VS. ABNER COTTO,

JERMALL CHARLO VS. ORLANDO LORA, JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. DAHSON JOHNSON AND TERRELL GAUSHA VS. WILLIAM WATERS

The 38,000 fans in the sold out Alamodome tomorrow night are in for non-stop action as the undercard for the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez and WBA Super Welterweight Austin "No Doubt" Trout showdown is now complete. Unbeaten prospects Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams will be joined by 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the SHOWTIME EXTREME bouts that will lead into the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast featuring undefeated lightweights Omar Figueroa Jr. and Abner Cottofollowed by the highly anticipated Canelo vs. Trout 12-round Super Welterweight Title Unification bout.

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME headliner, Houston's Charlo, twin brother of top contender Jermell, puts his perfect 12-0 (8 KO's) record on the line when he battles veteran Mexican contender Orlando Lora (29-3-2, 19 KO's) in a super welterweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Plus, an eight-round middleweight contest between Philadelphia phenom Williams (11-0-1, 6 KO's) and Escondido, California's Dashon Johnson (14-10-3, 5 KO's) and in a four round middleweight swing bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha (3-0, 2 KO's) of Cleveland meets up with Valley, Alabama's William Waters (2-3, 2 KO's).

In an eight-round flyweight contest, unbeaten Ivan Morales (20-0, 13 KO's), the brother of legendary Erik Morales, will continue to make a name for himself when he faces Chihuahua, Mexico's Raul Hidalgo (17-7, 13 KO's).

The vacant WBC Silver Super Bantamweight title will be up for grabs as well when Queretaro, Mexico's Andres Gutierrez (25-0-1, 21 KO's) faces countryman Salvador"Sal II" Sanchez (30-5-3, 18 KO's), the nephew of the late Salvador Sanchez.

Local San Antonio hero Raul Martinez (29-2, 17 KOs) continues his comeback in bantamweight action, as he takes on Omar Gonzales (5-8, 1 KO) in a four-round battle. In the four-round junior lightweight opener, unbeaten Houstonite Miguel Flores(10-0, 6 KO's) meets Weslaco's Guadalupe De Leon (8-13, 4 KO's).

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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Just when you thought you had seen it all, "Tuff-N-Uff: The Future Stars of Mixed Martial Arts" is ready to bring its legendary production to a whole new level – namely, the roof.

Jones responds to Kevin Cunningham!‏

Saturday, April 20, 2013

“I love Mike Tyson because he did it his way.” –Floyd Mayweather Jr.