★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Mexican American, Mauricio "El Maestro" Herrera in a special edition of Friday Fight Night on ESPN2 - Thursday, May 2nd. kicking off the Cinco De Mayo weekend. Also, their will be a replay on Friday May 3rd at 6pm EST

On Thursday night May 2nd, Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions will present a special night of boxing that will originate from The Omega Products International, located at 1681 California Avenue in Corona, California and will be televised as a special edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

In the ten round main event, Mauricio Herrera will take on the exciting

Ji-Hoon Kim in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Herrera of Riverside, California has a record of 18-3 with 7 knockouts and has some solid wins on his resume. The thirty-two year old won his first eleven bouts which included wins over Alan Velasco (8-1-2); Daniel Cervantes (10-0-1); Santiago Perez (10-1-2); Pavel Miranda (16-2) before winning the WBC USNBC Jr. Welterweight title with a 10 round unanimous decision over Luis Alfredo Lugo. He made one defense of that crown, as well as a win over current world ranked Cleotis Pendarvis before suffering his first loss to former world champion Mike Anchondo. Herrera went on to win five in a row which included a split decision over previously undefeated and world ranked Ruslan Provodnikov. Herrera is looking to get back in the win column after losing a ten round unanimous decision to undefeated Karim Mayfield on October 27th, 2012 on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Kim, of Goyang City, South Korea, has a record of 24-8 with 18 knockouts and is currently ranked 14th by the IBF at Lightweight. He began his career at the age of 17 in 2004 and had his first eighteen fights staged in South Korea. While in South Korea, Kim captured The South Korean and PABA Featherweight titles. Kim made a huge splash in his American debut as he stopped former world title challenger Kobo Gogaladze in one round on May 16th, 2008. Kim then split his time between South Korea and the United States before winning an IBF Lightweight elimination bout against Ameth Diaz. The win set up a world title opportunity, as he fought a terrific fight before dropping a unanimous decision to Miguel Vazquez for the vacant IBF Lightweight world title.

Kim has seen his popularity grow due to his all action style, has been featured on ESPN’s Friday Night Fight’s and has appeared in many “Fight of the Year” candidates. Kim has picked quality wins over Yakubu Amidu (20-2-1) and previously undefeated Alisher Rahimov (23-0). Kim is coming off a ten round unanimous decision defeat to world ranked Ray Beltran on December 6th, 2012 in a bout where Kim knocked Beltran down in round one.

In the co-feature, former world Lightweight champion Miguel Acosta will take on Miguel Gonzalez in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Acosta of Caracas, Venezuela has a record of 29-6-2 with 23 knockouts. Acosta won the WBA Interim Lightweight title with a 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated Urbano Antillon (26-0) on July 25th, 2009. He won the full title when he stopped Paulus Moses (25-0) in Moses’ home country of Namibia on May 29, 2010. Acosta performed well before being stopped in 10 rounds to eventual world champion Brandon Rios. Acosta got another crack at the WBA interim title but lost a twelve round unanimous decision to Richar Abril. Acosta is coming off a ten round split decision defeat to then undefeated Art Hovhannisyan (14-0-2) on July 20, 2012.

Gonzalez of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 20-3 with 15 knockouts. The twenty-seven year old Gonzalez is a rising prospect as he continues to step up the competition and has quality wins over the likes of Tyrone Harris (24-7) and Humberto Toledo (39-6). He is coming off a ten round unanimous decision defeat to highly regarded Mike Dallas Jr. on February 17th, 2012.

“This will be an exciting doubleheader on May 2nd”, said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“Herrera and Kim can get right back in the title mix with a win and the opening bout features Acosta who is a former world champion taking on Gonzalez, who with a win can throw his name in the middle of the Lightweight title picture”.

“We’re excited to host this special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights Boxing on a Thursday night. We’re especially enthused to feature our very own, Riverside’s junior welterweight slugger Mauricio Herrera in a tough competition against South Korea’s Ji-Hoon Kim. I have no doubt that these two warriors will leave it all in the ring and give the viewing fights fans everything they expect to see and even more! The entire fight card will be an exciting one so the local boxing aficionados that will be in attendance are in for a turbulent treat!” said Ken Thompson of Thompson Boxing.

Other exciting fights featuring fighters from the local area and will complete the card, including Hector Serrano of Perris, California Xavier Montelongo Jr., Christian Navarro, Richard Contreras and Joshua Conley.

♔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.

Monday, April 22, 2013

GENNADY "GGG' GOLOVKIN VS MATTHEW MACKLIN WBA AND IBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO Live on HBO®‏

WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin and former world title challenger Matthew "Mack The Knife" Macklin highly anticipated clash set for SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The Golovkin/Macklin bout is presented by K2 Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will be televised on HBO.

"Kid Chocolate" has dedicated his world title fight this Saturday

Charismatic world champion prizefighter Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (28-0, 20 KOs) is holding his World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight title belt hostage, as he prepares to make his first defense this Saturday evening (April 27) against challenger Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KOs) on Showtime Championship Boxing, airing live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The 29-year-old Quillin, fighting back at home once again in New York City, captured the WBO championship this past October 20 at Barclays Center, dropping defending champion and previously unbeaten Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam (27-0) six times en route to a overwhelming 12-round unanimous (115-107 three times) decision.

"I earned my belt and I don't plan on giving it back until I retire," Quillin said. "I'm going towin a few more belts for my collection, if any of the other world champions want to fight me on in a unification fight. My goal is to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world but, first, I have to take care of business Saturday night against a hungry challenger.

"The big difference between me and Guerrero, though, is he wants to be famous and I just want to be the best middleweight in the world. Boxing is a struggle, like my well documented life, coming from such a negative environment. He's a lot different than anybody I've fought, a different challenge I want to get past. I take nothing away from him but, he knows what it feels like to lose. I'm 28-0, never been beaten, and I've challenged myself to stay unbeaten."

♔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.

"The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz live on BoxNation (Sky Channel 437 or Virgin Channel 546) at 7:00 p.m. BST

ABOUT "THE RETURN OF THE KING: KHAN VS. DIAZ":

"The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" is a 12 round 143 pound catch-weight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by JD Sport, Maxi Muscle, Pasha and Hollywood Milkshakes.

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch "The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" live on BoxNation (Sky Channel 437 or Virgin Channel 546) at 7:00 p.m. BST. To subscribe, visitwww.boxnation.com.

Fans in the United States can watch "The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" on tape delay on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition immediately following the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING broadcast of Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah. Highlights of 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo's professional debut will also be shown during the telecast.

Danny "Swift" Garcia vs. Zab Judah live on SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

ABOUT "GARCIA VS. JUDAH":

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia's Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona and AT&T. In the co-featured attraction, WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin puts his title on the line against hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero in a 12-round fight. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).

Sunday, April 21, 2013

BOXING'S SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF WITH MARCOS MAIDANA VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ, ALFREDO ANGULO VS. ERISLANDY LARA & SAKIO BIKA VS. MARCO ANTONI‏

BOXING'S SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF ON JUNE 8 AT

THE HOME DEPOT CENTER IN

CARSON, CALIF. LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

MARCOS MAIDANA VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ

ALFREDO ANGULO VS. ERISLANDY LARA

SAKIO BIKA VS. MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN

HIGHLIGHT NIGHT OF BOXING UNDER THE STARS

The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. will be the site of one of the most intriguing clashes of boxing's summer season, as Argentinean knockout artist Marcos Maidana faces off against Southern California favorite Josesito Lopez in a 12 round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Championship in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader set for Saturday, June 8.

The tripleheader will also feature a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a clash for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship between number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio "The Scorpion" Bika and Mexico's Marco Antonio Periban, the number four rated WBC super middleweight contender.

"If you're a fan of action fights, there is no better card to see than this one on June 8th,"said President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. "All three high-stakes bouts have the potential to be the main event and the winners who walk out of the Home Depot Center with their hands raised will know they've been in a fight."

"Like all of our recent fights, the fight between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez is a matchup in which there is no clear-cut favorite,'' said Stephen Espinoza, Executive General Manager and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. "You can make a legitimate argument for either fighter. Maidana is one of the most exciting fighters in any division, and he's facing an opponent, Josesito Lopez, who scored the biggest upset of 2012 and is now back in his most natural weight class.

"Top to bottom, this card is filled with fan-friendly, all-action fights. There is no question that Maidana vs. Lopez will be one of the most entertaining, hard-fought matchups of the year, and the Angulo-Lara and Bika-Periban are sure to be hotly contested and action-packed as well.''

"Outdoor boxing cards at The Home Depot Center's intimate 8,000-seat outdoor stadium continue to be annual highlights on the southern California sports calendar," said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of The Home Depot Center. "With Golden Boy Promotions lining up this championship card, our fans are truly in for another great night of boxing."

"Josesito Lopez is a tough challenge, but I'm ready for everything he will bring to the ring on June 8th," Maidana said. "Beating him is the next step to getting a world title shot and I know I'll get the victory."

"I fight my best at home, and with the fans in my corner on June 8^th, Maidana doesn't have a chance," said Lopez. "He's going to push me hard from start to finish, but that's when I truly shine. I promise this will be a great fight for the fans."

"Lara is one of Cuba's greatest talents, but I'll have the California fans on my side and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to win," said Angulo. "This is the most important fight of my career and I will perform like it when the bell rings."

"Angulo hits hard and is a tough fighter making this a classic boxer vs. puncher match up," said Lara. "I'm really excited for this fight. Come June 8^th, I'm going to put on a boxing display and finally get the 'W' over a top fighter that has been taken from me in my past fights."

"I'm thankful to Golden Boy Promotions and the WBC for giving me this opportunity and I will make the most of it," said Bika. "Ever since I turned pro, my only goal was to win a world championship and on June 8th, Marco Antonio Periban won't be able to stop me from getting that belt."

"I've trained hard, I've made many sacrifices and I feel that my time is now to become Mexico's next world champion," said Periban. "Sakio Bika will be my toughest challenge, but I have the skills, determination and heart to beat him. I'll beat him and become the first Mexican super middleweight world champion and make history for all of Mexico."

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Also featured will be a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship between number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika and number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)

2012 was a busy year for former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana (33-3, 30 KO's) as he began his quest for another world title, this one seven pounds north in the welterweight division. After a rough outing in his 147-pound debut against current IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander in February, the Argentinean knockout artist bounced back with an exciting, Fight of the Year candidate eighth round technical knockout win over rugged contender Jesus Soto Karass before finishing things off in December by defending his WBA Intercontinental Championship with a third round knockout over Angel Martinez in his native Buenos Aires. On June 8, the 29-year-old returns to fight in California for the first time since his breakthrough 2009 stoppage over former World Champion Victor Ortiz.

One of the toughest fighters in the fight game today, Riverside, California's Josesito Lopez (30-5, 18 KO's) has made a career out of beating the odds and he's not about to stop now. The winner of several regional titles since turning professional in 2003, Lopez stunned unbeaten rising star Mike Dallas Jr. in 2011, stopping the highly touted prospect in seven rounds. Two fights later, Lopez stepped in on short notice to face former World Champion Victor Ortiz in June of 2012 at STAPLES Center and scored a huge upset win, spoiling Ortiz' chance at a fight with Canelo Alvarez by halting him in nine rounds. The victory set up a bout between Lopez and Alvarez last September. Although he was giving up size and strength advantages to the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, Lopez's gutsy effort in defeat earned him praise from both fans and media alike. On June 8, Lopez returns to 147 pounds to take on Maidana.

One of boxing's most popular warriors, Mexicali's Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo (22-2, 18 KO's) thrilled his avid followers in 2012, knocking out Raul Casarez and decisioning Jorge Silva in his first bouts after a year out of the ring due to immigration issues. Now back in the ring and eager to take on all comers, the 30-year-old knockout artist will face his toughest puzzle to date in Cuba's dynamic Erislandy Lara.

A product of the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program, Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KO's) garnered a host of amateur titles and accolades before defecting and beginning his quest for gold as a professional. Now living in Miami, Florida, the 29-year-old Lara rebounded from a highly controversial decision loss to former World Champion Paul Williams in 2011 to knock out Ronald Hearns and outpoint Freddy Hernandez, only to battle to a disputed draw with Vanes Martirosyan last November. On June 8, Lara vows to keep the judges out of matters against Angulo.

A respected veteran who has earned his stellar reputation with a hard-nosed attitude and exciting fights, 2000 Cameroon Olympian Sakio Bika (31-5-2, 21 KO's) believes that after tough world championship bouts with Markus Beyer, Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward, his fourth shot at the belt on June 8 will be the one he capitalizes on. The winner of three straight, stopping Alfredo Contreras and Dyah Davis and scoring a punishing decision win over Nikola Sjekloca, the 33-year-old "Scorpion" is ready to sting Periban and capture his first world championship.

Mexico City's Marco Antonio Periban (20-0, 13 KO's) has impressed fight game insiders and boxing fans ever since his pro debut in 2008 and less than five years later, he's on the verge of becoming a world champion and adding to his country's championship heritage. The 28-year-old Periban went 4-0 in 2012 and got 2013 off to a sizzling start on March 16 with a second round knockout over Colombia's Samuel Miller to win the NABF Super Middleweight Championship. Now he will look to add the WBC belt to his collection on June 8.

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.

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!"

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