Full Card Announced For This Saturday's Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse Showdown From Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City‏

KEY SHOWDOWN BETWEEN

SHAWN PORTER AND PHIL LO GRECO TO BE

FEATURED ON SHOWTIME EXTREME^® ON MAY 18

LAMONT PETERSON VS. LUCAS MATTHYSSE UNDERCARD

FROM BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

 ANTHONY PETERSON, 2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST

ANTHONY OGOGO, HAROON KHAN AND 2012 U.S. OLYMPIANS

RAU'SHEE WARREN AND JAMEL HERRING ALSO IN ACTION

The explosive May 18 match-up between unbeaten contendersShawn Porter and Phil Lo Greco at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey will air as part of the event's SHOWTIME EXTREME^® telecast live at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo will also participate one of the featured undercard bouts. 

With both Porter and Lo Greco currently ranked in the top 15 (Porter #5 by the WBO and Lo Greco #12 by the WBA and #13 by the WBO), the stakes have never been higher for these fighters who will look to not only ignite the crowd at Boardwalk Hall, but also move further up the welterweight ladder to challenge the division's elite as they square off in a 10-round 150 lb. catch-weight bout.

The evening of fights is headlined by IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson facing Argentinian power-puncher and WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse and IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defending his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdyof England.  The undercard will also feature Lamont Peterson's brother and lightweight contender Anthony Peterson, Washington, D.C. rising star Thomas Williams, Puerto Rico'sCesar Seda, Amir Khan's younger brother Haroon Khan, 2012 U.S. Olympians Rau'shee Warren and Jamel Herring as well as undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr.

Akron, Ohio's Shawn "Showtime" Porter (20-0-1, 14 KO's), one of the United States' top amateurs for years, is on his way to even greater success as a professional.  Unbeaten in 21 bouts, the aggressive 25-year-old scored the biggest win of his career last July when he defeated Alfonso Gomez for the NABO welterweight title.  After battling to an exciting draw against Julio Diaz last December, he will look to turn back fellow undefeated contender Lo Greco and move a step closer to his first world title shot.

An international star that is now making a name for himself in the United States, Toronto's Phil "The Italian Sensation" LoGreco (25-0, 14 KO's) made his return to the ring after nearly a year off in 2012, thrilling fans in Atlantic City and Las Vegas with his victories over Hector Orozco, Brandon Hoskins and Daniel Sostre.  On May 18, Lo Greco will make his Boardwalk Hall return in pursuit of victory against Shawn Porter.

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME opening bout, Lowestoft, England's Anthony Ogogo (1-0, 1 KO) makes his Untied States debut in a six-round middleweight bout against Edgar Perez (5-4, 3 KO's) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.  The 24-year-old Ogogo took home a Bronze Medal in the 2012 London Olympics and on April 27 he made a spectacular pro debut, stopping Kieron Gray in two rounds on the Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz undercard in Sheffield, England.  Perez will look to regain his winning ways after losing on points on April 27 to hot prospect Boyd Melson at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 22-year-old Bolton, England native Haroon Khan (1-0) will meet Riverside, California's Vicente Medellin (0-5) in a four-round bantamweight bout which will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME, time permitting.  The brother of British superstar Amir Khan, Haroon is a former amateur star who got his pro career off to a rousing start on April 27 when he won a four- round decision over Brett Fidoe on his big brother's undercard in Sheffield.

Competing in an intriguing 10-round light heavyweight bout will be Washington, D.C. prospect Thomas Williams (13-0, 10 KO's) and veteran Otis Griffin (24-12-2, 10 KO's) of Sacramento, California.  The 25-year-old Williams is already 2-0 in 2013, stopping 8-1 Jason Smith and 20-7 Kevin Engel in three rounds each.  The winner of the reality program "The Next Great Champ," Griffin is a former USBA Light Heavyweight Champion looking to get back on track after some tough recent outings.

 The blockbuster undercard will also see the return of Anthony Peterson (31-1, 20 KO's) after a 17-month layoff.  The talented Washington, D.C. product, who owns wins over Javier Jauregui, Daniel Attah, and Luis Arceo, with his only loss a controversial disqualification against Brandon Rios, will meet Rialto, California's Dominic Salcido (18-4, 9 KO's) in a 10-round lightweight contest.  A slick boxer who isn't afraid of standing toe-to-toe and trading punches, the flashy Salcido always puts on a show when he steps between the ropes.

Fresh off of their stint at the 2012 Olympics, United States team members Rau'shee Warren (3-0, 1 KO) of Cincinnati and Jamel Herring (2-0, 1 KO) of Rockville Centre, New York continue their pro careers in Atlantic City this weekend.  Bantamweight Warren will face Chicago's Angel Carvajal (2-1) and lightweight Herring meets San Juan's Victor Galindo (1-1), both in bouts scheduled for four rounds.

In an eight-round bantamweight fight, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico's Cesar Seda (24-1, 17 KO's) will face off against Ciudad Obregon's Miguel Tamayo (13-5-2, 11 KO's) with the undercard being rounded out by a four-round lightweight match between Toledo, Ohio's Robert Easter Jr.(3-0, 3 KO's) against Antoine Knight (2-3) of Merrillville, Ind. 

ABOUT "PETERSON VS. MATTHYSSE":

Peterson vs. Matthysse, a 12-round 141 pound catch-weight fight, will take place Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on

SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) immediately following ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. GUERRERO Epilogue.  In the co-main event, IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defends his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME 

^® 

 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). 

♔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, 2012, 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.

Maidana vs. Lopez & Angulo vs. Lara Press Conference Quotes For June 8 Fights At The Home Depot Center, Live On Showtime‏

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME  CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.  Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara.SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

MARCOS MAIDANA

"I know Josesito is a great fighter. I know he likes to stand and trade and fight. That's what I do and that's why it's going to be such an exciting fight.

"My plan is to go toe-to-toe. I don't know what Josesito is going to do, but that's what I plan to do. Pressure is the key to the fight.

"I'm feeling great. I've been in Oxnard, California for over a month already. I love training there. The weather is great and it's where my coach (Robert Garcia) is. It's going to be a great fight and I'm going to defend the honor of Argentina.

"The 147-pound division is where I feel best. I didn't feel that way at 140. Now I'm free and I can eat more. My body is different and you can see the definition."

JOSESITO LOPEZ

"When you're fighting a heavy puncher like Maidana, you have to be smart. The move up to 154 pounds helped me now that I'm back at 147. Now I feel I'm a true welterweight. I feel great in the gym; stronger and faster.

"I'm so excited about this fight and I'm the one receiving the punches. I can only imagine how excited the fans are. Years ago before I was at this level I thought, 'Man, this would be an exciting fight. I would love to get in there and bang with him.' Now we're here. It's a hell of a match-up. It could be the fight of the year.

"This is a fight I have to win. It's a fight that keeps me on the map. This is where I want to be and I'm working my ass off

"He's a strong puncher and I like to think I have a little punch myself. In the ring I just have to be smart whether it's defense on the inside or boxing on the outside. I have to be the smarter fighter and whatever works that's what I'm going to have to do

"We have to be smart and shoot our jab. We have to pick our spots and not let him. He's an inside fighter and he likes to bang. Well, I like to bang too. I've got to be in a position where I want to be, not where he wants me to be."

ALFREDO "EL PERRO" ANGULO

"This is my third fight after my time off and conditioning-wise I'm feeling like my old self, feeling like I used to feel. There's no doubt I'll be in better condition than I was for my last two fights. There was just too much time off. Now, I'm in a rhythm

"It's going to be a very good fight, the bull versus the matador. I have a lot of respect for Lara. He's a really good fighter and he wants to show he's the best, but he's going to have to come out and fight.

"He may think he's just going to box, but he's going to fight."

ERISLANDY LARA

"There's always a lot at stake when I fight, so I know I can't look ahead or take Angulo for granted. He is my total focus now. After I win on June 8; I can start thinking about a world title shot again.

"Angulo is a good fighter. I give him a lot of credit. He always comes to fight. I've worked very hard and am preparing for the best Angulo possible.

"The fact that I'm favored to win means nothing. Once the bell rings, it doesn't matter what the odds are. It's what you do in the ring that counts.

"Style-wise this is a perfect fight for me because Angulo likes to come forward. It's the classic boxer versus the puncher. I expect to put on a boxing clinic, so you can expect a smart fight from me.

"Obviously, the most important thing is for me to win, but I want to put on a great show for all the fans."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA

"We should have called this 'High Stakes' because you have the welterweight division where you have Floyd Mayweather. The winner between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez automatically puts himself in line and at the front door knocking to fight the very best.

"This is how important this event is. This is high stakes here for everyone on this card. Saturday, June 8 will be explosive, that's for sure.

"What's most exciting for Alfredo Angulo's team is that he's just now putting everything together and really learning the craft of boxing under Virgil Hunter. It's going to be very exciting to see him fight such an incredible fighter like Erislandy Lara

"Stephen Espinoza (Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME SPORTS) has now taken SHOWTIME to a whole new level. This is the home of boxing and it will continue to be the home of boxing for many years to come."

KEN THOMPSON, Josesito's Lopez' Co-Promoter

"Here we go again...one more time in L.A. and in every city thanks to SHOWTIME. We have the best fighter in the world in Josesito Lopez, the 'Riverside Rocky.'

"When Josesito and Marcos Maidana enter the ring for the main event on June 8, no judges will be needed. This fight will end with one great fighter laying in the middle of the ring, while the other great fighter will be standing and getting his hand raised in victory and that fighter is the 'Riverside Rocky,' Josesito Lopez.''

LUIS DECUBAS JR., Erislandy Lara's Manager

"This is going to be a great fight. We're happy to be on such a great card. Erislandy is ready. He knows he is in with a very tough, aggressive fighter.

"Angulo is a hungry and determined fighter, but so is Erislandy. We're excited about fighting on June 8."

ROBERT GARCIA, Marcos Maidana's Trainer

"We're training hard for this fight and we know what type of fight we have in front of us. We cannot take this fight lightly.

"We've gotten some great sparring in for this fight and I know Josesito and his coach have done the same. We're actually pretty good friends with Henry (Ramirez). We just know this is a fight that fans are really going to enjoy.

"We know both fighters' styles and we know this could turn out to be one of the best fights of the year. As everyone who has seen the last few of Maidana's fights knows, he is starting to use his jab a little more and using a little more footwork, in and out, so we're going to fight smart. I know this will be end up in a war and whoever is the best conditioned has the best chance to win

"I fought most of my fights on SHOWTIME so I'm just so happy to be part of SHOWTIME again.''

HENRY RAMIREZ, Josesito Lopez's Trainer

"Josesito has been living with me at my place the last few weeks. He wanted to do it and it was his idea. This way there are no distractions. Just eat, sleep and think boxing. It's been working out great.

"The return to 147 pounds will do him a lot of good. I think the time off will do him a lot of good, too, but we didn't really plan to be off this long.

"This fight, Josesito and Maidana, is a Fight of the Year candidate. Robert Garcia and I are good friends, but this is a sport and I know he has been preparing Maidana like I've been preparing Josesito.

"This will be a terrific fight."

VIRGIL HUNTER, Alfredo Angulo's Trainer

"I want to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy. This is going to be a great fight. We have great respect for Lara, who's a great Cuban fighter, but we know what a big chance this is for us.

"I believe Angulo has been judged a little harshly; after all, he has only had two fights after spending nine months in detention. That's tough for a fighter to be away that long. His first comeback fight lasted a minute. The last fight, he went 12 strong rounds and closed the show. He'll be even better on June 8.

"I don't think the styles will make a difference. The winner will be who wants it more. I expect Alfredo to hit another level. He's prepared and excited to fight Lara.

"Don't miss it. Tell a friend."

♔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, 2012, 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.

Takinawa’s Illness Stalls Commencement of Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament‏

Takinawa’s Illness Stalls Commencement of Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament

It has been released to the media earlier today that the prolonging of the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament as of recent is due to the ongoing illness suffered by the President of the Tournament, Sadahura Takinawa. 

The Committee released the following via newswire this morning:

“We have kept President Takinawa’s illness under the radar over the past several weeks as we did not want to draw away from the attention we have been receiving regarding the tournament, from competitors and fans around the world.  We have discussed in lengths how best we could proceed; Takinawa advised that we appoint an interim President to allow the Tournament to get underway, but we rejected that idea.  This is not like any other fighting competition in the world.  We pride ourselves on the honor of our people, the sportsmanship of our competitors, and the unrelenting loyalty and respect of our fans.  Takinawa founded this Tournament, and to host it while he is bedridden and ill would be an injustice to the Tournament and to martial arts in general.  So we thank our competitors and fans for their continued patience as we work to getting the Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament underway, and will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

Since last summer the Committee has been anxious to get the tournament underway, but has been forced to acknowledge various problems surrounding the fighters involved. 

The annual Japanese Grand Prix freestyle fighting tournament contains the top fighters in their discipline across the world.  Competing this year are Japan’s acclaimed sumo champion Harumafuji, America’s Bare Knuckle Boxing Champion Gunn, Muay Thai specialist Aaron Seamans and Argentina’s Bosch, amongst several other top combatants. 

This unique tournament is one of a kind, as it encompasses all of the diversified martial arts and boxing disciplines across the world, and brings the most elite fighters in each discipline together to compete in a winner take all, single elimination tournament with the grand prize being the purse of $1 million and eligibility to fight in any tournament worldwide.

♔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, 2012, 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 middleweight king Anderson Silva takes on undefeated challenger Chris Weidman for the 185-pound title on Fourth of July weekend in Vegas!

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva defends the title against Chris Weidman on Saturday, July 6th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas!

♔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, 2012, 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.

Boxing News: Weights: Holm 139.2, McGee 137

Holly Holm 139.2 lbs. Mary McGee 137 lbs. WHAT: “Mayhem” Professional Boxing IBA & WBF WOMEN’S LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS MAIN EVENT (10) HOLLY HOLM (32-2-3, 9 KOs), Champion, Albuquerque, NM 139.2 lbs. vs. MARY McGEE (20-1, 11 KOs), Challenger, Gary, IN 137 lbs.

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ee you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter

Holly Holm-Mary McGee Final Press Conference -

The final press conference was held today at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque for Saturday night’s Fresquez Productions-presented “Mayhem” show there, featuring IBA and WBF light welterweight champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs) defending against former NABC World lightweight title-holder “Merciless” Mary McGee (20-1, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Press Conference Quotes

Holly Holm: “I have lots of emotion surrounding this fight. Even though there’s been lots of negativity around, I know I want to try a new path. I’m very proud and honored to share this with you (Mary McGee).”

Mary McGee: “I am very happy to have this opportunity and I want to thank everyone here in New Mexico. People have always been very welcoming to me.”

Fighting on the “Mayhem” undercard is a group of New Mexico’s most promising prospects, showcasing Albuquerque lightweight Matthew Baca (2-1, 2 KO’s) vs. Armando Gonzales (2-2, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. Also in action in four round matches are welterweight Rocky “El Torito” Romero (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. 11-fight veteran Michael Coca Gallegos, light middleweight Cris Leyva (1-0) vs. Manuel Eastman (1-3), lightweights making their professional debuts, Gabe Gabaldon vs. Brandon Salazar, and cruiserweights making their pro debuts, Manny Rocha vs. Floyd Olguin, Jr. All fights and fighters are subject to change.


♔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, 2012, 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.

SHOWTIME WILL AIR BOTH MAY DAY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTS: FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. ROBERT GUERRERO & DANIEL PONCE DE LEON vs. ABNER MARES ON SATURDAY, MAY 11 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT‏

 

"Mayweather painted a boxing masterpiece only he could produce.'' - Associated Press

   

"... the multi-division champion put on a bravura boxing clinic.'' - Wall Street Journal

This past Saturday, undefeated boxing superstar and undisputed No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world Floyd "Money" Mayweather produced a magnificent performance en route to winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero on SHOWTIME PPV^® before nearly 16,000 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

  

This Saturday, May 11, SHOWTIME will air the fight, along with unbeaten Abner Mares' exciting ninth-round technical knockout victory over defending WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in the co-featured bout at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

 

Making his first start in a year, a dominant Mayweather (44-0, 26 KO's) showed no signs of ring rust while displaying the trademark speed and quickness, ring generalship, accuracy, intelligence and defensive mastery that he's been known for since his pro debut 17 years ago.

 

"Money" received rave reviews.  Here's a sampling 

  

From Tim Dahlberg of Associated Press, "On the canvas where he does his best work, Mayweather painted a boxing masterpiece only he could produce." 

 

"...once he found his groove, the multi-division champion put on a bravura boxing clinic.  By the end of the night, no one could have any doubts that the pugilist from Grand Rapids, Mich., is the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet," wrote Gordon Marino in the Wall Street Journal.

  

Said Greg Bishop of the New York Times, "When it ended, Mayweather hardly celebrated.  He thumped his chest and hugged his father... He made it look easy, and it had been.  He had landed a staggering 60 percent of his power punches."

 

"The countdown to the end of Floyd Mayweather legendary career began with a brilliant performance in a victory over Robert Guerrero.  Mayweather rolled his record to 44-0 and kept alive a dream to end his career with a perfect mark," wrote Kevin Iole on Yahoo! Sports.

 

"MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero," a 12-round fight for Mayweather's WBC Welterweight World Championship and the vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight World Championship, was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Star Trek Into Darkness and Valvoline.  The mega-event took place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and was produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV^®.  Also featured was WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon taking on Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares in a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon's WBC Featherweight World Championship.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 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.

106 & Park - Captain of the Money Team - Floyd Mayweather

The champion, Floyd Mayweather , stops by 106 to talk about his most recent fight, future fights, "30 Days In May" and more. Season 2013 (05/08/2013)


♔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, 2012, 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.

LAMONT PETERSON, ANTHONY PETERSON AND UNDERCARD FIGHTERS WASHINGTON, D.C. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES‏

Fighters Preparing For Respective May 18 Bouts At Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Doubleheader Headlined By Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse To Be Televised Live on SHOWTIME®

IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson held an open workout in Washington, D.C. in preparation for his May 18 fight against WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®. Lightweight contender and Lamont’s brother Anthony Peterson as well as Three-Time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren and lightweight prospects Robert Easter and Jamel Herring joined Lamont at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center as they finalize preparations for their non-televised undercard bouts.

Here’s what the fighters and Lamont and Anthony’s trainer Barry Hunter had to say on Wendesday.

LAMONT PETERSON, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion

“I’m not worried about Matthysse. I’ve known him for a while. He’s a strong guy. He’s going to bring it all night. Pretty much the way I like it to be and it’s going to be a great fight.

“Everyone keeps asking me about his [Matthysse] punching power. I know what I signed up for. I realize I’m going to get hit in the face, but I will be hitting him back. I’m not worried about taking a few punches. I’m prepared to go 12 rounds.

“I believe I’m at the top level, but at this point a win over Lucas [Matthysse] solidifies me as a top guy not only in the weight class, but a top 15 pound-for-pound guy in the game. It would lead to bigger fights. That’s where I want to land. If I were climbing a ladder, a win over Matthysse would be a big jump up to the top.

“I’ll feel my way through the fight in the first few rounds. We have game plans and will work through all of them, pick the best one and go from there.

“There is a lot of energy in the gym. The intensity is high. Everyday we train; everyone is encouraging each other inside and outside of the ring. We’re pushing each other and having fun at the same time. It’s always good to have fun while you’re working.

“I definitely wanted to get right back in the ring and capitalize on the performance I had in February. I’ve had a three-month layoff. I didn’t take too much contact in the Kendall Holt fight, so at I can’t wait to get out there and give a great performance.

“I think it will be a hard fought fight. We’re both going to be matching each other punch for punch. I’m not going to let him get an inch on me. I’m sure he is thinking the same thing.

“At the end of the day, I’m preparing for a hard fought 12 round fight. I’ll be there every step of the way. May the best man win, but I have more to my game and more strategies to work with.”

ANTHONY PETERSON, Lightweight Contender & Lamont’s Brother

“I’m preparing for a championship. That’s the ultimate goal.   I want to be one of the top 10 in my division.

“I never want to fight my brother. There is always competition between us, but brotherly competition.

“I’ve been fighting forever. A long layoff isn’t a problem for me. I’m in the gym everyday preparing for this.

“I haven’t fought in 17 months and I’m itching to get back in the ring, but I’m not going to rush it. I’m not going to go in there looking for the knockout. I’m going to go in there and take my time.

RAU’SHEE WARREN, Three-Time U.S. Olympian

“I’ve been thinking about training with these guys since I found out I was fighting on a card with Lamont. This is like family. We are all training with each other. We’re all pushing each other and we’re going to give the crowd a show from the beginning to the end.

“This is going to be a crazy show. I know I’ve got the best outfit for my ring walk, but everyone else here is telling me they have something in mind and that’s how we do it here. Friendly competition all day.

“This training camp has been looser and different. The talent here isn’t half stepping it. We’re pushing each other to the next level and I’m loving it. I can’t wait for fight night.

ROBERT EASTER, Lightweight Prospect

“Training with Lamont is great motivation because he’s a real champion. It motivates me and makes me train harder so I can get to where he is.

“I’ve been focusing on a lot of cardio to build stamina and strength. I need to get stronger in my weight division.

“My coaches [Mike Stafford and Barry Hunter] have been helping me a lot with my strength.

“I think it is going to be a quick fight because I have been preparing really well for this one. It should be a good fight for me.”

JAMEL HERRING, Lightweight Prospect

“The last time I fought in Atlantic City, I opened the show so I’m getting used to it. I just want to get everyone hyped up and start the night off right.

“Working along side Barry Hunter and Lamont Peterson has been so intense, but we’ve had fun overall.

“This camp has been a chance for me to learn and get great advice. Barry’s a great trainer and Lamont is a world champion. I’ve gotten a lot of experience in this camp. It’s a great atmosphere.”

BARRY HUNTER, Lamont & Anthony Petersons’ Trainer

“Lamont is a fighter that can make all kinds of adjustments in the ring. There are a lot of fighters that can’t go toe to toe [like he can].

“Lamont is a little more versatile than other fighters that I have seen and definitely more versatile than other fighters Matthysse has faced in the past.

“This fight ends with us raising our hands and going on to the next one.

“We’re approaching this fight differently than fights in the past. If you look around in the gym, there are a lot of people that Lamont has been sparring with – junior middleweights, middleweights and even light heavyweights.

“This isn’t anything that we can’t handle.

“All of Lamont’s other fights leading up to this point have been very good fights, some of them even great fights, but I believe this is the fight that can totally take him over the top and put him in the lotto for a fight with someone like a Floyd Mayweather.

“Lamont has had to deal with pressure his whole life. This fight, as opposed to some of the things he’s gone through as a kid, won’t get to him or shake his confidence.”

Peterson vs. Matthysse, a 12-round 141 pound catch-weight fight, will take place Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)  immediately following ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. GUERRERO Epilogue.  In the co-main event, IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defends his title against  IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

♔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, 2012, 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.

Jean Pascal wants to fight on May 25 despite Lucian Bute withdrawal

The highly-anticipated duel between Canadian prizefighters Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal, dubbed the greatest fight in Canada's storied history, has been postponed. Following on from the official announcement by InterBox earlier, co-promoter Yvon Michel accepted the decision, claiming it is an unfortunate part of the sport of boxing.

♔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, 2012, 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.

DIERRY JEAN AND MOOKIE PENDARVIS FIGHT FOR TOP SPOT IN IBF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

Dierry Jean 139.6 lbs. vs. Cleotis Pendarvis 139.8 lbs.

John Thompson 153.8 lbs. vs. Giovany Rodriguez 155.8 lbs.

Ahmad Cheiko 150.4 lbs. vs. Shad Howard 148.2 lbs.

Cecil McCalla 146.6 lbs. vs. Abel Perry 148.6 lbs.

Antoine Douglas 158.8 lbs. vs. Coy Witt 158.6 lbs.

Chris Plaitis 137.8 lbs. vs. Octavio Garay (NA)

♔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, 2012, 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.

RAY MERCER AND FIND A DREAM ANNOUNCE RELOCATION OF HEADQUARTERS TO LOS ANGELES

Find A Dream—a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that reaches out to community children and provides them a healthy channel to find and work towards fulfilling a dream—has recently announced that within the month they will be relocating their headquarters to the Los Angeles area.

What makes Find A Dream unique is the majority of their Board includes former boxing champions and future Hall-of-Famers,  including US Olympic Gold medalist and former heavyweight champion Ray Mercer, 3-time world cruiserweight champion Bobby Czyz, 4-time world heavyweight champion Michael Moorer, former champion and renowned trainer Buddy McGirt, Hector Camacho Jr. and more

“Everything has been moving along so great with Find a Dream,” said Board Member Ray Mercer.  “We are still kicking on strong in Myrtle Beach, and this will give us a chance to bring to California what we did to the East Coast.  Our goal is to continue to expand so we maximize our efforts in reaching the greatest amount of children.  I am so honored to be such a proactive foundation in benefiting the lives of children.”

Founded in 2010, the organization has prominently expanded on an international level as they have opened up two facilities in the United States, and have participated in various speaking engagements through Europe to spread awareness of the importance of providing children with a healthy outlet to allow them to work towards their goals in life and have a structure to follow.

“We have continued to progress over the past three years, and the move to California makes the most sense,” said Rod Ricciardi, founder of Find A Dream.  “We need to be right in the mix of the Mecca of the entertainment, sports and social world, and I have no doubts we will find much success on the west coast.  Find A Dream’s impact is felt every time an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.”

Last year Find A Dream opened up a facility in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and their ongoing plans for 2013 include opening up another facility in the LA area and organizing several fundraisers to promote the foundation’s efforts.

“We would like to give a special thanks to Pete Guthrie and One Punch Fitness in Myrtle Beach who opened up their facility to Find A Dream last year,” Ricciardi continued.  “It is the ongoing support from people like Pete who allow us to thrive and offer a place for kids to go to train.  One Punch Fitness is the area’s premier workout facility and boxing training club, and Find A Dream is more than honored to be associated with them.”

Find A Dream is a nonprofit organization unlike any other. They have partnered with professionals to deliver on their promise of positive change in young lives.

♔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, 2012, 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.

World-Ranked Contenders Jean & Pendarvis Battle For IBF 140-Pound Top Spot Friday on ShoBox on SHOWTIME‏

Dierry Jean & Cleotis Pendarvis are on weight & ready to put on a good show tomorrow (Friday) at 11p ET/PT!

WHO’S NO. 1? WORLD-RANKED CONTENDERS

DIERRY JEAN AND MOOKIE PENDARVIS FIGHT FOR
TOP SPOT IN IBF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION;

CLASH OF UNBEATEN MIDDLEWEIGHTS IN CO-FEATURE

In what will be a hard-fought, high-stakes matchup for the No. 1 spot in the IBF’s 140-pound division, undefeated Dierry “Dougy Style” Jean (24-0, 16 KOs), of Quebec, Canada, will face southpaw Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (17-3-1, 6 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif., in the 10-round main event this Friday, May 10, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME^® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). Jean and Pendarvis are ranked No. 3 and No. 7, respectively, in the IBF.

Unbeaten middleweights John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson (11-0, 4 KOs) of Newark, N.J., and  left-hander Geovanni “Tarantula” Rodriguez (8-0, 5 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, clash in the eight-round co-feature from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla. This will be the toughest fight for both of them.

All four boxers will be making their ShoBox debuts; more importantly all of them will have an opportunity to make a name for themselves. Due to the significance of the fight and the exposure they’ll be getting on SHOWTIME, this is especially true for the main events.

“The main event is a little bit different because it features two prospects who are fighting for a guaranteed shot at the IBF world title,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “Dierry Jean is undefeated but untested at the highest level. Pendarvis has three losses, but has more impressive wins than Jean does.

“This is a good style matchup; Jean is a fast-handed counter-puncher, Pendarvis an awkward boxer- puncher. I’m looking forward to it.’’

As for the co-feature, Farhood said, “This is a typical ShoBox contest featuring two undefeated prospects. We don’t know how good they are, but we’re going to find out on Friday night.’’

The 5-foot-7, 31-year-old Jean, who was born in Haiti, will be making his second start in the United States. All his other fights took place in Canada, 23 of them in Montreal. His lone U.S. outing came in January 2008 in Hollywood, Fla. In his most recent fight, he registered two knockdowns en route to retaining his NABF title with a second-round TKO over Juan Rivera on Feb. 16 in Gatineau, Canada.

A solid amateur before turning pro at the age of 26 in December 2006, Jean is an excellent boxer who likes to work the body. His two most significant victories came in back-to-back fights in 2012, a dominant TKO 11 over Ivan Cano on Oct. 26 and a lopsided 12-round decision over Lanardo Tyner on May 19.

“Except for the one week I took off after my last fight, I’ve been in the gym training for this fight,’’ Jean said. “I've been sparring with a few left-handed fighters.  I don't like fighting lefthanders, but I'm pretty comfortable with them. I’ve fought two or three of them as a pro. My first fight was against a lefthander.

“Pendarvis is a pretty good fighter. He's quick, but he makes many mistakes. I'll make him pay for every mistake he makes.’’

Jean has lived in Canada since he left Haiti with his brother, aunt and grandparents when he was 10. His parents had died three years earlier. He didn’t take boxing seriously until he was 18. “Before that, I played basketball, soccer and did martial arts,’’ said Jean, who speaks French, English and Creole.

Regarding his nickname, Jean said, "I got it from another boxer, Matthew Jerman, who liked the way I fought and said I fought like him. So he gave me ‘Dougy Style’’ because I can do everything in the ring. I can move forward and put pressure on you, I can move away and box and I can just brawl.’’

Pendarvis is a 5-foot-7, 26-year-old, eight-year pro who has won six consecutive fights and 12 of his last 14 dating to December 2006. Both defeats came on points in tight fights; one on an eight-round majority decision to then-unbeaten Mauricio Herrera (12-0) in October 2009 and the other on an eight-round split nod to veteran Terrance Cauthen in June 2010.

A resident of Long Beach, Calif., Pendarvis won the USBA junior welterweight title two outings ago and retained it in his last start with a sixth-round TKO over Michael Clark on Dec. 21, 2012. Mookie scored two knockdowns in the third, rocked Clark several times and eventually wore him down with body punches.

A top amateur before turning pro in October 2004, Pendarvis is primed to take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his pro career.

“I’m ready,’’ he said. “This is my chance and I will go out and perform. It's going to be entertainment, and the world will know who I am. I stay in the gym. I've been preparing for this fight for almost two months.

“To be honest, they've been disrespecting me with some of the articles they've been putting out. So I don't really think much of Jean or his team. I just want to go out, prove myself and do what I've got to do.

“I will beat him. I know I'm going to beat him. That's what I do – go out and upset fighters. I get stronger and better every day. I'm just ready for war. That's all I think about every day, going to war. I want to say thanks to SHOWTIME for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents and to let the world see me.

Mookie won his toughest fight long ago. “I was born in Inglewood, Calif., and I have three brothers and one sister,’’ he said. “My mom has been paralyzed since a car accident in 2010. I’ve been through a lot. I went through the foster-care system. I experienced the streets. It was rough, but it made me who I am today.

“I just want to send a message out to all the kids that are out there looking for something to do with their lives in the belief that there’s no tomorrow. All I want to say to them is that there is a tomorrow, that there’s always a brighter day. You just have to work hard and stay focused.’’

Doug Fischer, the editor at RingTV.com (Ring Magazine online) has known Mookie for years and has always been impressed with his talent.

“I used to watch him train when he was still a kid at the Broadway gym in the Watts area where he grew up,’’ Fischer said. “Besides having the best name in boxing -- Cleotis ‘Mookie’ Pendarvis – he has always had a lot of natural talent. “He was a good amateur, and made it to the Western Olympic Trials in 2004.

“Mookie's problem in the pro ranks was that he never had a real promoter behind him, thus he always lacked consistency. However, he has been a part of many world-class training camps and has helped top fighters such as Shane Mosley, Amir Khan and Antonio Margarito get ready for explosive southpaws such as Zab Judah and Manny Pacquiao.

“Now that he has a solid management team behind, he's finally strung some wins together and has remained in training for more than a year. I think this consistency along with his natural ability makes him a threat in the 140-pound division. I think he will beat Dierry Jean on Friday.’’

Thompson is a 6-foot-1, 24-year-old who is trained by former world champion Buddy McGirt and trains out of McGirt’s new gym in Nutley, N.J. A bronze medalist at the 2007 National Golden Gloves Championships, Thompson scored several impressive victories during an accomplished 111-fight amateur career, including two over 2008/2012 Mexican Olympian Oscar Molina and Detroit prospect Domonique Dolton.

The up-and-coming, well-conditioned youngster has been kept busy since going pro in June 2011. He fought three times that year, seven times in 2012 and once so far in 2013 (TKO 5 over Blake Grayson on Feb. 9). He actually had two fights scheduled after Grayson but both fell though.

“I’ve been working with Buddy going on a year now, and it is the best thing that ever happened to me,’’ Thompson said. “Buddy brings a lot of things to the table. He just opened up a new gym in Nutley. I started working with him after my fight in June last year. The December fight was my first with him.

“I'm a boxer. I'm very fast, so I use my speed to my advantage. Some people are fast or strong. Me being fast and having the smarts and the ability to adapt to people has helped me a lot. I'm just ready to fight, and am very excited to be fighting Friday on ShoBox.’’

Offers McGirt: “This kid has a lot of talent; he’s progressing all the time. We’re just adding some polish to what’s already there. He has a lot of confidence and he thinks he’s good, but he really doesn’t know how good he can be. But that will come; he’ll find himself. It’s been really great working with him and his father. No problems at all.’’

Thompson, whose father, John Thompson III, started training him when he was four and will be in his corner on Friday, works part-time at the Newark Liberty Airport in the baggage department. He’s also an accomplished artist/painter and has an art business. Little wonder he pictures himself as a future champion.

Rodriguez is a 24-year-old, 5-feet-11 southpaw who’s making his 2013 debut. Like Thompson, he was also an outstanding amateur, winning silver medals at both the 2009 Jose “Cheo” Aponte Tournament and the 2007 Puerto Rican National Championships. He made his pro debut in October 2009.

While he hasn’t been as busy as Thompson – this is Rodriguez’ first start in eight months, and he only fought twice in 2012 and one time in 2011, the latest in the line of promising, Puerto Rican prospects is fit, determined and confident of a victory on Friday.

“I've been preparing very hard for this fight and I'm ready to make a good impression,’’ said Thompson, who recorded a fifth-round TKO over Daniel Rodriguez (no relation) last Sept. 12. “I’ve trained almost two months, at two different gyms. I know absolutely nothing about the guy I'm fighting.

“I'm an aggressive southpaw, a strong, hard puncher. You’ll see what I can do on Friday.’’

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

♔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, 2012, 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.