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Friday, August 9, 2013

UNDEFEATED DEONTAY WILDER FACES FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SERGEI LIAKHOVICH IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENT THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 9, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

UNDEFEATED DEONTAY WILDER FACES

FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SERGEI LIAKHOVICH IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENT THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 9, LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

FROM FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN INDIO, CALIF.

Tripleheader Features Two Outstanding 10-Round Co-Featured Fights -

Francisco Vargas vs. Brandon Bennett and Jermall Charlo vs. Antwone Smith

(Photo Showtime Boxing)

Telecast Begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Undefeated heavyweight Deontay Wilder, most would agree, is a work in progress. He's not your typical work in progress, however -- unless you consider his record of 28-0 with 28 knockouts run of the mill.

Still, the question on most everyone's mind: Does the former amateur standout and the last male American to medal in the Olympic Games possess the skills and talent to one day became a world champion?

The 6-foot-7, 27-year-old Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will try to extend his winning and knockout streaks when he faces former world heavyweight champion Sergei "White Wolf" Liakhovich (25-5, 16 KO's), of Scottsdale, Ariz., by way of Vitebsk, Belarus, in the 10-round main event of a tripleheader this Friday, Aug. 9,on ShoBox: The New Generation live onSHOWTIME^® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In two excellent 10-round co-featured scraps, Francisco "El Bandito" Vargas (16-0-1, 13 KO's), of Tijuana, Mexico, takes on southpaw Brandon "The Untouchable" Bennett (16-0, 7 KO's), of Cincinnati, Ohio, in a clash of unbeaten junior lightweights with almost identical resumes, while up-and-coming unbeaten junior middleweight Jermall "The Hitman" Charlo(14-0, 10 KO's), of Houston, Texas, gets tested for class when he opposes world-ranked Antwone Smith (23-4-1, 12 KO's), of Miami, Fla.

ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood is looking forward to Friday's triple treat, particularly the two televised fights that will precede the heavyweight bout.

"The jury is still out, of course, on Wilder, who is taking at least a baby step up by fighting a former world champion,'' Farhood said. "The other two fights are really good, solid matchups, with the two unbeatens fighting their toughest opponents to date.

"Vargas is clearly taking a step up in class. He turned pro at 25, which is obviously much older than the usual Mexican prospect, but he is very exciting and throws a lot of punches. Bennett is a lefty who's been brought along carefully. This is definitely a step up for him, too. But both guys are highly schooled and have looked very good in their fights. This is a prototypical ShoBoxmatchup.

"Jermall Charlo is beginning to emerge from his twin brother, Jermell's shadow. It is inevitable that they are going to be compared because they fight in the same division. This is a big step up for Jermall, facing a fighter who has made a career of beating unbeaten prospects This should be a supreme test for Charlo, who has never gone past six rounds while Smith has been six rounds or more 13 times.''

Wilder, who didn't start to box until he was 21, only had 30-35 fights in the amateurs but earnedthe bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He was the least experienced member on the U.S. team yet was the only one to medal.

Since turning pro in November 2008, Wilder has feasted on his foes, mostly demolishing each and every one of them. He has not gone four full rounds in a fight. Sixteen of his fights have ended in the first round, including a 70-second destruction of 2000 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Audley Harrison in his last start on April 27. Six of his fights were over in the second, three were done in the third and three were finished in the fourth.

Currently ranked No. 6 in the WBA and WBO, No. 15 in the IBF and No. 30 in the WBC, Wilder has had one scheduled 12-round fight and three scheduled 10-rounders. This will be his third start in 2013 after fighting six times in 2010, 2011 and 2012. To his credit, he doesn't take long layoffs between outings.

"I honestly don't have any time off,'' he said. "I'm always up in the gym. When people call somebody a 'gym rat,' I am definitely that. This is my job and I take it seriously whether I'm outside the ring or inside. The only way to get better is to train and practice hard. The most time I'm off after a fight is maybe a week. After that, I'm training and waiting on the next fight. When I go to camp, I don't go to camp to get in shape. I go to camp to put shape on top of shape. I'm never out of shape.''

Wilder has been trained since the outset of his pro career by Mark Breland, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist and former two-time WBA welterweight world champion.

"Deontay is great to work with, he does what I tell him to and he's willing to try anything I say, which is all I can ask,'' Breland said. "He's sparring 10 rounds and we're coming off a great camp. He's really improved a lot since we started. Honestly, we did not anticipate the knockouts; in fact, we are trying to get him to box and move more, which he's beginning to do. He's got good power in his right hand and a great 1-2 punch. So we're trying to develop his jab. But his power his just overwhelming right now.

"Two greats thing about Deontay are his willingness to learn and his work ethic. He knows he's still learning and has the right attitude. He's hungry and works hard in the gym. His shoulders are too tight when he boxes; once he relaxes a little and is able to loosen his shoulders, he will be even more dangerous. It's all about relaxing, but that comes with experience.

"This is another stepping stone, but there's no way we take Liakhovich lightly. There are still little things he can do that Deontay's never seen. Deontay knows he has to be at the top of his game every fight."

Wilder, who went pro at age 23 in November 2008, will be making his ShoBox debut. He won the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title with an eye-opening third-round knockout over previously undefeated Kelvin Prince last Dec. 15 on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

"I'm excited to be in the main event on ShoBox on SHOWTIME,'' Wilder said. "I was on the (network) when I broke Price's jaw. We're just trying to reach our goal. I'm glad to have a great opponent. I can't wait to perform on Aug. 9. It's the Bomb Squad!''

Liakhovich won the WBO heavyweight title with a 12-round decision over Lamon Brewsteron April 1, 2006, and lost it on a 12^th-round TKO to Shannon Briggs the following Nov. 4. He's fought only five times since and is coming off a ninth-round TKO loss to Bryant Jenningson March 24, 2012.

The 6-foot-4, 37-year-old Liakhovich, who'll be making his first start for trainer and former WBA super welterweight, WBA middleweight and WBC light heavyweight world championMike "The Body Snatcher" McCallum, didn't perform well against Jennings. But the usually tough and durable 14-year-pro is confident he still has what it takes and has enough left to score what would be a major upset.

"I've been working with Mike McCallum in Las Vegas for over two months,'' said Liakhovich, who's counting on his vast advantage in experience and natural athletic ability to take Wilder into unchartered waters. "My main sparring partner is a tall guy like Wilder. I've fought a lot of tall guys - (6-foot-6½-inch unbeaten Robert) Helenius, (7-foot-tall, former WBA heavyweight champion Nicolay) Valuev. You need to find the key how to do certain things for this kind of opponent, but it's not so difficult.

"Wilder is a good fighter, his record speaks for itself. But I'm not looking over him, I'm looking forward. On Aug. 9, I will put everything on the line, and I'm coming to win."

Vargas and Bennett will be making their ShoBox debuts. Both have similarities besides their records. They are close in age (Vargas is 28, Bennett is 25), both were terrific amateurs (Vargas was a 2008 Olympian for Mexico, Vargas won the majority of his 300 bouts), both have about the same amount of experience as professionals, both are stepping up in class and both need to win this kind of fight, by far their toughest to date, to take the next step in making the transition from prospect to contender.

One major difference between the fighters: Vargas is known more for his punching prowess, Bennett for his boxing ability.

The 5-foot-9 Vargas didn't turn pro until he was 25. But the three-year pro has been kept busy, fighting four times in 2010, five times in 2011, six times in 2012 and twice this year. Three of his fights were aired on SHOWTIME EXTREME, the most recent last Jan. 26 when he knocked out Ira Terry in the second round. Vargas, the WBC's No. 25-ranked contender, scored three knockdowns en route to a third-round TKO over Christian Arrazola in his last outing on May 17.

"Francisco usually comes to L.A. to train, but he trained in Mexico for this fight,'' manager Joel De La Hoya said. "It's always complicated fighting a southpaw, but hopefully everything comes out all right. I think Bennett's going to be a little slicker than the last guy Francisco fought, but I don't think Bennett has faced anyone like Vargas. It will be a great fight for both kids."

Said Vargas, an eight-time Mexican national amateur champion, "I like to dominate the ring. I plateaued a bit after my pro debut, but we're making up time, ready to take that place we seek. We are on track. I love Mexico, but work is in the United States. I will not waste more time. I'm ready for success."

The 5-foot-6 Bennett is a stablemate and lifelong friend of Adrien Broner and Rau'shee Warren. All are co-managed by Al Haymon and Mike Stafford, and trained by Stafford. This will be his third outing in 2013 after one fight in 2011 and 2012. Bennett's been triumphant via points in his last four starts, including a unanimous six-round decision over Arturo Santiagothis past July 5.

Bennett, a natural right-hander who turned pro at the age of 20 in May 2008, describes his style "like Pernell Whitaker mixed with a little Sugar Ray Leonard.'' He's always felt his style was better suited for the pros. "I felt like I would be a better pro than amateur because I'm a counterpuncher,'' he said. "When a person makes a mistake, I counter off of it. I just feel like it was a better style for the pros.''

Bennett is hopeful 2013 is his breakout year. "I've been in camp a long time, this whole year, and haven't had a break,'' he said. "I went right back to work after my last fight. I've had two fights this year, and I'm with Adrien when he's in training camp. I'm real excited to get on SHOWTIME. I'm ready.''

Regarding his opponent, Bennett says, "I've seen Vargas fight. He just tries to bring the pressure. I know that's what he's going to try to do. We've got a game plan for that. He's going to bring the pressure, but I'm going to bring the pressure back to him.

Charlo, who is one minute older than Jermell, has won eight consecutive fights by knockout. The virtually untested 6-foot-tall, 23-year-old will be making his ShoBox debut after two appearances on SHOWTIME EXTREME. This is his first scheduled 10-round match.

A top amateur before going pro at 18 in November 2008, Charlo dropped Luis Hernandeztwo times in the first round and won by second-round TKO in his last fight on June 1.

"I didn't take any time off after my last fight,'' Charlo said. "I've been sparring with my brother, too, this camp. We haven't sparred in a long time - probably five years. We don't spar much because it gets kind of intense and a little bit over-the-top, so (trainer) Ronnie (Shields) doesn't let us spar that often. I've probably done 30 rounds with Jermell; we've been getting it on. It was real good work.''

Shields is delighted with the brothers' progress. "They're absolutely great to work with, and they're both doing great,'' he said. "I'm very happy with their progress. Jermall is making a name for himself, which is good, and with him going with Al Haymon only makes it better. They're totally different fighters. Jermall is more of a puncher than a boxer. But both are very focused.''

The trainer acknowledges that Smith, a solid veteran, will likely present Jermall with his toughest test but that these are the kinds of fights all young up-and-comers have to take at some point. "Antwone Smith is a tough fighter but we have to fight tough fights to get to the upper echelon,'' Shields said. "This is the latest step for Jermall, a stepping stone that we have to go through.''

Charlo is looking forward to the challenge. "I think Antwone's full of experience,'' he said, "but everything is an experience to me. He has a lot of tricks and stuff, so I'm going to fight him off of how I've been training and keep the game plan with Ronnie. I'll go at him.''

The 5-foot-8 Smith, 26, is the IBF's No. 9-ranked junior middleweight. The seven-year pro has won two fights in a row, including a 10-round decision over former two-time WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo last Feb. 1. In his outing before last, Smith scored one of his career-best victories, a 10-round decision over previously undefeated, hometown favoriteRonald Cruz on Sept. 21, 2012.

Smith is 2-1 on ShoBox, winning a 10-round decision over Richard Gutierrez and by ninth-round TKO over previously undefeated Henry Crawford in May and November 2009, respectively. He lost via TKO 9 to Lanardo Tyner in July 2010.

Unlike other young fighters, Smith came up the hard way -- an underdog matched tough, and he only reached his current level by winning a number of fights he was expected to lose (he defeated Aaron Torres, 2004 Colombian Olympian Juan Novoa, previously undefeated former Mexican national amateur champion Norberto Gonzalez and Gutierrez to name a few).

"I've added a strength program to my training since I moved up from 147,'' Smith said. "This time, it's been my whole camp. I'm real pumped-up to see how I feel and how my power and stamina increases. I feel like I've been born again. I'm more alive. I haven't felt this good, mentally and physically, in years. I'm focused and ready. Charlo is taller than me, but everybody is taller than me. That's not a factor.

"Charlo's a little arrogant, but I love that. I'm here to give him a reality test. He thinks everything comes easy. Basically, he's been fighting a bunch of cab drivers, a bunch of bus drivers. He thinks he's done something. He's talking big noise, but he's never been past six rounds, and they're worried about that.

"He's looking to go in, get in a couple of hard shots and get the guy out of there. But you hit a guy with experience and he doesn't go anywhere, you've got a problem and the rounds keep going on and on. You're in water you've never been in. When the water gets deep, we're going to see if he can swim.

"I'm just hyped up with his arrogance. He's got a video on YouTube - 'Oh, I'm fighting Antwone Smith. He's ranked number 10 in the world, but I'm going to take that.' Well, I didn't get here easily and he won't take it from me easily. Every day I walk in the gym, I watch that video. It pumps me up for my training session. It motivates me. He ain't been in what I been in.''

Those in attendance will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with Three-Division World Champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley, who will meet and greet ticket holders, sign autographs and take pictures from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve 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.

TEON KENNEDY TO TAKE ON JOSELITO COLLADO ON SATURDAY AUGUST 24TH ON PANDAFEED.TV‏

On Saturday night August 24^th, former world title challenger Teon “The Technician” Kennedy returns to the ring when he takes on upset minded Joselito Collado in a ten round Super Featherweight bout that will originate from Ballys Atlantic City and will be streamed LIVE all over the world on www.pandafeed.tv

Kennedy of Philadelphia has a record of 18-2-2 with seven knockouts and will be looking for his 2^nd consecutive win after falling short in his bid to win the WBA Super Bantamweight title against Guillermo Rigindeaux.

The 27 year-old Kennedy went 17-0-1 in his first 18 bouts with wins over undefeated Thomas Snow, Andre Wilson (11-1-1), Francisco Rodriguez (14-2-to capture the USBA Super Bantamweight title) and Jorge Diaz (15-0).

Kennedy is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Carlos Vinan on June 1^st.

Collado of Queens, New York 13-2 with three and knockouts and he won his first 12 bouts.

He has wins over Jules Blackwell and Rafael Lora and is coming off a eight round unanimous decision to then undefeated Jerry Belmontes (16-0) on September 8^th.

In the eight round co-feature, rising Jr. Middleweight prospect DeCarlo Perez will squaring off with once-beaten Jamar Freeman.

The twenty-two year old Perez has a record of 10-2-1 with four knockouts.

The Atlantic City native has won four in a row as he has greatly stepped up the competition with wins over Shamone Alvarez (21-5); Dante Moore (8-0-2) and his bout when he stopped the granite chinned Julius Kennedy in five round on April 19^th in Chester, PA.

This will be Perez’s sixth bout in Atlantic City.

Freeman of Wilson, NC has a record of 9-1-2 with five knockouts and is looking ti get back in the win column after tenth round stoppage defeated to highly regarded Samuel Rogers that took place on December 16^th, 2011 in a bout that was contested for the WBCFecarbox Jr. Middleweight championship.

Freeman has two wins over tough Omar Sims.

The eight bout card features some of the top prospects in the area:

Jose Javier Calderon (4-2, 4 KO’s) of Puerto Rico fights Rafael Montalvo (2-4, 2 KO’s) of Puerto Rico in a six round Welterweight bout. Montalvo has a knockout win over DeCarlo Perez.

Undefeated Ismael Garcia (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

In a four round Welterweight bout featuring pro debuter’s, Nathaniel Rivas of Berlin, NJ takes on Julio Rivera of Springfield, MA.

Undefeated Super Featherweight prospect Anthony Burgin (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Jose Del Valle (1-2-2) of Corozal, Puerto Rico in a four round bout.

The big boys will get it on as undefeated Heavyweight Mark Rideout (3-0) of Philadelphia fights Jon Bolden (6-6, 5 KO’s) of New York in a four round bout.

Undefeated Cruiserweight Dan Valykeo (2-0) of Neptune, NJ boxes Brian Donahue (2-4-1) of Philadelphia in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

The Card is promoted by Peltz Boxing.

Said Pandafeed.tv co-founder and Blow by Blow announcer, Marc Abrams, “This is a terrific card and Peltz Boxing always puts on tremendous shows. We are excited about this main event, both guys need wins and Teon Kennedy is a heck of a fighter who is always in action fights. DeCarlo Perez has looked great lately and I know his team wants big fights, so he has to look good on August 24^th to make that happen.”

Tor Hamer vs. Kertson Manswell Wednesday, August 14; BB Kings Time Square

On Wednesday August 14, Tor will be fighting Trinidad native Kertson Manswell (23-7) in an 8 round bout. Tor is coming off a knock out win from May, now posting a 20-2 record. (Photograph by Keisha Morrisey)

Thursday, August 8, 2013

GH3 PROMOTIONS SIGNS FORMER AMATUER STANDOUT AND UNDEFEATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT JERRY ODOM‏

Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated Light Heavyweight prospect Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom to a promotional contract.

Odom of Washington, D.C was a prized amateur where he competed in the 2012 Olympic trials, 2012 Golden Gloves champion and 2012 National PAL tournament runner-up.

Since turning professional, Odom is 4-0 with all of his wins coming via first round knockout.

“I am very happy to sign with GH3”, said Odom.

“I am looking forward to getting my career on the move. I am expecting the best to come”

Odom has completed one semester of collage at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida where he majored in Media Communications.

“I will continue to go to school so after boxing I have something to fall back on”

Said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki “Jerry is a terrific prospect and at age 20 years old, he has shown tremendous power already and we expect to be a world champion”.

Odom will make his debut under the GH3 Promotions Banner on September 13^th at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.

IBF Middleweight Champion, Daniel "Real Deal" Geale (29-1, 15 KOs) and Darren "Dazzling" Barker (25-1, 16 KOs) will host a media workout for their upcoming world title clash taking place at the Revel Casino-Hotel, Atlantic City's newest and largest casino resort. The bout will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Rampage Jackson-Tito Ortiz Bellator Press Conference and PPV

He was in attendance at Monday's Bellator MMA news conference at the Bellator offices in Newport Beach, California, to announce their debut pay-per-view on November 2 featuring a fight between MMA veterans Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Tito Ortiz, with more fights to be announced. We discussed what happened there, and issues related to this fight, the pay-per-view, and Bellator's approach to MMA.

Both fighters had a lot to say at this news conference, insisting that they are not through as fighters. They praised the "positive environment" at Bellator, contrasting it to their rocky relations, especially in recent years, with UFC management.

"Actually, I really believe that this is the beginning of a possible change in labor relations in MMA, because that's basically what Rampage and Tito talked about the majority of the time," Raul Ramirez said in our interview, which was recorded by phone Tuesday.

"Hopefully other fighters, if they're feeling taken advantage of, so they also come out and speak up, and follow Rampage and Tito's examples."

We also play an excerpt from the media conference call part of this press conference, with questions for Rampage, Tito, and Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE TO TAKE ON VANES MARTIROSYAN ON SEPTEMBER 7TH FOR WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE LIVE ON HBO Title fight to be co-feature to Chavez Jr. – Vera from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

On Saturday September 7^th, former U.S. Olympian and undefeated Demetrius Andrade will vie for his first world championship, when he takes on fellow former U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyan in a twelve round bout from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The bout, which will be televised live on HBO Championship Boxing, will be the co-feature to the Super Middleweight clash between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Bryan Vera.

Demetrius Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island was a former world amateur champion and has a perfect professional mark of 19-0 with thirteen knockouts and is currently the number two contender for the WBO belt.

Vanes Martiroysan of Glendale, California is 33-0-1 with 21 knockouts.

Andrade, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Star Boxing, was scheduled to contend for the belt on July 6^th but an injury to then-champion Zaurbek Baysangurov forced the title to become vacant, thus setting up this showdown of undefeated former Olympians.

“I am looking forward to this fight and have been waiting for this fight ever since I walked into the gym at age 7”, said Andrade.

“I always wanted to be champion of the world and on September 7^th I will be crowned champion. I wanted to win an Olympic gold medal and since they took that from me, I am going to take this world title.”

“I was a 2008 Olympian and he made it in 2004. I will show him that if I was around in 2003 and 2004, he would not have made the team”, finished Andrade.

“This will be an outstanding fight and we worked hard on getting this fight on HBO”, said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“We feel that Demetrius has all the talent to become a star in this sport and only needed the opportunity on this kind of stage and on September 7^thhe will get that chance. I want to thank my partner Joe DeGuardia, HBO, Top Rank and the WBO for making this great fight. I have a feeling that after September 7^th,not only will Demetrius be a world champion but he will be a household name and in line for even bigger fights.”

Banner Promotions, Inc.

SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY TO ATTEND FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 SHOBOX EVENT AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO

Sugar Shane Mosley, a future Hall of Fame boxer who has forged a legacy as one of the sport's most accomplished fighters of this era, will greet fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. prior to the August 9 ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader featuring one of the hottest heavyweights in the game, unbeaten knockout artist Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME®.

A local favorite who first made his name on the Southern California fight scene (including a 1996 fight at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino), Pomona's Mosley got his big break when he faced IBF Lightweight World Champion Philip Holiday on August 2, 1997. Sugar Shane won the bout by unanimous decision showing off his dazzling speed and power that he later used to clean out the lightweight division. With lightweight conquered, Mosley moved up two divisions to the welterweight and eventually defeated WBC Welterweight World Champion Oscar De La Hoya. In subsequent years, Mosley would win a third divisional title at 154 pounds and continue to fight the best in the game, including Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Antonio Margarito, Fernando Vargas and Miguel Cotto. In his most recent bout on May 18, Mosley defeated Mexican star Pablo Cesar Cano.

Mosley will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet and greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the fights.

The event, featuring 2008 Olympic Heavyweight Bronze Medalist Deontay Wilder putting his perfect 28-0 record on the line against former Heavyweight World Champion Sergei Liakhovich in a 10-round main event, unbeaten lightweights Francisco Vargas of Mexico and Cincinnati's Brandon Bennett meeting in a 10-round match-up and Houston's undefeated Jermall Charlo risking his unblemished record against Miami veteran Antwone Smith in a 10-round junior middleweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions sponsored by Corona. . TheShoBox: The New Generation telecast airs live on SHOWTIME at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first bell sounding at 5:15 p.m. PT.

BRAGGING RIGHTS ON THE LINE IN BROOKLYN BRAWL ON THURSDAY AUGUST 22ND

Dmitry Salita’s Star of David Promotions, New York City’s newest boxing series returns to the Fight Factory Arena on Thursday night, August 22^nd for an exciting night of professional boxing.

The "Bragging Rights" show is stacked with local talent and cross town rivalries between New York’s toughest contenders.

“We want to bring an old school feel to our shows”, said Salita.

“This is a grassroots series the way boxing used to be back in the day where fighters from all the different Burroughs of New York City would fight each other. Those types of neighborhood rivalries always bring an extra excitement to the show and we have a card that is just that”

Scheduled to appear In the main event will be Rajiv Bhattacharya in an eight round bout that will be for the New York State Welterweight title.

Rajiv is the latest product of Brooklyn’s Starrett City Boxing Gym.

Bahattacharya of the United Kingdom and now residing in Stamford, Connecticut has a perfect record of 9-0 with six knockouts.

In a six round Cruiserweight bout, Brooklyn cruiser-weight Miron Kadirov (3-2, 2 KO’s) will fight Armin Markonovic (6-2, 3 KO’s) of Queens, NY. Both are looking to climb up contender status and put on an impressive performance for New York City Fans.

Scheduled to appear will be Dinmukhamed Niyazov (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Staten Island will see action in a six round Jr. Welterweight.

Fan favorite Angel Garcia (5-2, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn will see action in a six sound Super Featherweight bout.

In a four round Super Featherweight bout, Glenford Nickey (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn battles Joshua Nieves (2-2, 2 KO’s) of Bronx, New York

In a four round Middleweight bout, Peter Reyes (2-0, 1 KO) of New York will tussle with Juan Zapata (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY

Also jumping into the ring will be four-time Detroit Golden Gloves champion and Kronk boxing gym product Anthony Barnes (1-0, 1 KO) who’s looking to extend his undefeated streak in his New York City debut when he takes on Bakari (0-3) of Bridgeport, CT in a four round Light Heavyweight bout

In a four round Middleweight bout, Orin George (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Guyana takes on veteran Borngod Washington (3-15, 1 KO) of Queens, New York.

It will be Brooklyn against the Bronx as pro debuter’s Mack Budd takes on Jovan Sosa in a Welterweight bout

The Bragging Rights show will also feature a special musical performance by upcoming pop Sensation Describe who will look to entertain fight fans with a vibrant, energy-driven and rhythmic vibe through his pulsating and inspiring music.David Diamante, known as "The Voice of the Nets" will serve as the fight announcer. Fight Fans will have a chance to enjoy an exciting night of boxing see contenders of today and champions of tomorrow in the exciting Brooklyn Brawl Bragging Rights, to take place Thursday August 22^nd
For more information and tickets call 646 -401-5657 or visit www.Dsalita.com or www.fightfactoryny.com.

Fight Factory Arena is located at 24 Cobek court, Brooklyn, New York 11235

ABOUT “Brooklyn Brawl"
Star of David Promotion and Fight Factory gym team up to create New York cities newest boxing series.
The goal of this series is to help fighters build a fan base at the grass roots level, and for fans, community leaders, and sponsors to have an opportunity to connect with the stars of today and champions of tomorrow.

Like the beautiful borough of Brooklyn, boxing is a multi cultured sport that attracts boxers from different backgrounds. The diversity of the fighters is a reflection of their origin, background and lifestyle.

In addition all shows will have live performances by a popular artists and include ringside celebrities, radio/TV personalities and politicians to create an exciting one of a kind fight night experience.

No Holds Barred: Ahati Kilindi Iyi and the African Fighting Sciences

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with Ahati Kilindi Iyi, a martial arts legend and the head instructor and technical advisor of the TaMerrian Institute (http://www.tamerrian.com).

Although as a youth he had a background in both wrestling and amateur boxing - his father was a boxer - Kilindi Iyi soon became attracted to the martial arts. This coincided with the rise of the Black Power movement, and growing up in the oft-rebellious Detroit area, he began to study the origins of the martial arts. He learned that the best evidence we have today shows that the martial arts originated in Africa, so he began to devote himself not only to preserving that history, but also spreading interest in what he calls the African fighting sciences.

"No one actually knows where martial arts started. It could have been St. Louis, Missouri, for all we know. But as far as the recorded evidence that we have today, because somebody may come along tomorrow and find out some other recorded evidence, the oldest fighting systems that we have come from the African continent," he said in this interview, which was recorded by phone Monday.

Since "the oldest records of human beings are located, in bone and in stone," in Africa, he concluded that we can then glean that "the oldest systems that we have record of now are the African fighting sciences."

He also understood that the martial arts require "well-rounded" training, in striking, grappling, and weapons. He has traveled to Africa many times, and studied everything from Senegalese wrestling and the numerous styles of wrestling in Africa, to the warrior societies such as of the Maasai in Tanzania, and just about everything in-between.

As for MMA, he coached Tai Bowden at UFC 9 in May 1996 in Detroit, well before the current rules were in place. He said that many of the elite fighters from the traditional martial arts did not participate in those early UFCs. We discussed the experience of those early UFCs, and also MMA today.

For Kilindi Iyi, however, the main thing about martial arts is not who wins or loses a fight. Key for the practitioners are "the reasons why you fight, and the reasons why you don't fight." Martial arts to him aim to teach people "how you live your life," and not simply fighting techniques.

We also discussed how the martial arts have actually been hurt by getting included in the Olympics or trying to get included; the long decline of Detroit and the roots of its present declaration of financial bankruptcy; how many martial arts today are still racially segregated; what we should and should not conclude about the life of Bruce Lee; sometimes-forgotten Jeet Kune Do fighters such as Carlton James and Larry Hartsell; why young people seeking training in martial arts should choose a school which emphasizes character and etiquette rather than choosing mainly on style; and much more.

In addition, we also discussed the Warrior Retreat, which will be held August 30-September 1 in Williamstown, New Jersey, where he will be one of the many instructors

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER LANDS AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN INDIO, CALIFORNIA ON AUGUST 9‏

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER LANDS AT

FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN INDIO, CALIFORNIA ON AUGUST 9

FEATURING UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT KNOCKOUT
ARTIST DEONTAY WILDER AGAINST FORMER

WORLD CHAMPION SERGEI LIAKHOVICH

ALSO, UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECTS FRANCISCO VARGAS AND BRANDON BENNETT SET FOR BATTLE AND HIGHLY

TOUTED PROSPECT JERMALL CHARLO TO SQUARE OFF

AGAINST VETERAN ANTWONE SMITH

In the midst of a sizzling summer season of boxing, Golden Boy Promotions will turn up the heat at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California on Friday, August 9 with a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader featuring one of the hottest heavyweights in the game, unbeaten knockout artist Deontay Wilder live on SHOWTIME^®(10:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a 10-round main event, Alabama's Wilder puts his perfect 28-0 record on the line against former Heavyweight World Champion Sergei Liakhovich. In the co-featured bouts, unbeaten lightweights Francisco Vargas of Mexico and Cincinnati's Brandon Bennett meet in a 10-round match-up and Houston's undefeated Jermall Charlo risks his unblemished record against Miami veteran Antwone Smith in a 10-round junior middleweight bout.

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast airs live on SHOWTIME at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first bell sounding at 5:30 p.m. PT.

In addition to the exciting night of fistic action taking place in the ring, Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley will be on hand as a special VIP guest to meet and greet fans. Mosley, who is the current WBC International Welterweight Champion, will meet ticket holders, sign autographs and take pictures from 6:30 p.m. PT to 7:30 p.m. PT inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center.

The only member of the 2008 United States Olympic boxing team to win a medal at the Beijing Games, Bronze Medalist Deontay Wilder (28-0, 28 KO's) has soared up the heavyweight ladder since turning pro, not letting any of his opponents hear the final bell. His devastating power punching attack has made him a must-see for fight fans. After his 70 second destruction of British star Audley Harrison in April, he's more than ready for a step up against former World Champion Liakhovich.

A native of Belarus now making his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sergei Liakhovich (25-5, 16 KO's) has been one of the most respected heavyweights in the world for years, with his win over Lamon Brewster in 2006 earning him the WBO Heavyweight World Championship. Since losing the belt to Shannon Briggs later that year, the 37-year-old has done battle with Nikolay Valuev, Evans Quinn, Robert Helenius and Bryant Jennings. On August 9, he'll step between the ropes in an attempt to stop Wilder's meteoric rise.

2008 Mexican Olympian Francisco Vargas (16-0-1, 13 KO's) may have gotten off to a late start as a pro, but he's made up for lost time in impressive fashion, particularly with a 2012 campaign that saw him go 6-0 with five knockouts. 2013 has gotten off to a fast start as well, with the 28-year-old Mexico City native having already stopped Ira Terry and Cristian Arrazola in January and May respectively.

A decorated amateur with several medals in prestigious competitions such as the National Silver Gloves and National Junior Olympics, Brandon "Untouchable" Bennett (15-0, 7 KO's) is the latest standout from Cincinnati to make his mark in the pro game, and at 25-years-old, the talented southpaw is ready to make his move on the top guns at 130 pounds beginning with Vargas.

Long considered one of the top prospects at 154 pounds, Houston's Jermall Charlo (14-0, 10 KO's) has picked up the pace considerably in 2013, clearly living up to all that potential. 4-0 with four knockouts thus far this year, the 23-year-old has ripped through everyone placed in front of him and he expects to do the same against Smith on August 9.

Coming off of two big wins over unbeaten Ronald Cruz and former World Champion Jose Luis Castillo, Miami's Antwone "The Truth" Smith (23-4-1, 12 KO's) is starting to hit his stride as a legitimate junior middleweight threat. A pro since 2006, the 26-year-old has been in the ring with former World Champion Kermit Cintron, Henry Crawford and Richard Gutierrez, clearly making him Charlo's toughest test yet.

BRIAN “THE WARRIOR” VERA READY FOR CHAVEZ JR. SHOWDOWN

On Saturday September 7^th at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Brian Vera will step into the ring with former WBC Middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. in what will be the biggest test of Vera’s career.

The fight is promoted by Top Rank, Banner Promotions and Zanfer Promotions and will be televised live on

HBO Championship Boxing.

Brian Vera (23-6, 14 KO’s) is currently ranked number-one by the WBO in the middleweight division. Vera is currently on a four fight win streak with victories over former world champions Sergiy Dziznriuk (37-2-1, 24 KO) and Sergio Mora (24-3-2, 7 KO).

This fight had been in the works since May and due to the fight being close to finalized a few times, Vera has been training for weeks in Houston, Texas.

“I will be fully prepared. I have never had this much time to train and prepare”, said Vera.

“I feel like I already have a head start and I am going to make everyone proud. I am going to win”

The fight will be contested at 168 pounds, which Vera has no problem with.

“I have actually fought three times at that weight and Chavez hasn’t. I know the weight will not affect me and I will be strong at the weight”

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (46-1-1, 32 KO’s) is coming off his first defeat in his much anticipated showdown last September against Sergio Martinez. Vera believes he is set up in the right spot to pull the upset.

“He is probably taking me lightly but it doesn’t matter. I will be 110% on fight night”.

Chavez Jr. like his father, is a darling among the Los Angeles sports fans, as this will be his 3^rd appearance at the STAPLES Center. (Chavez Jr. won his world title in the arena versus Sebastien Zbik) but Vera sees a silver lining going into the hostile environment.

“Fighting in Los Angeles is better than fighting him in Mexico City”.

Vera knows that a win will only bring him the biggest fights in the Middleweight division.

“A win will turn my whole career around and it will change my life”.

Chavez Jr. who tested positive for a banned substance after the Martinez fight and sat out the subsequent nine month suspension has had his share of outside the ring negatives and Vera knows that it could factor in as the fight draws near.

“He is only human like everyone else. Of course the suspension, the fines and some of the other stuff that has been said about him will play on his mind.”

“I just want to thank my trainer Ronnie Shields and the people at Plex Performance as well as my manager David Watson, my promoter Banner Promotions and the rest of my team. I will make them proud on September 7^th”.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING PRESIDENT RAY SEFO TAKES TEMPORARY LEAVE TO CONCENTRATE ON UPCOMING FIGHT Sefo Makes 100th Career Appearance at Aug. 10 World Series of Fighting 4 Event in Ontario, Calif.

With a return to active competition on the near horizon, World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo has officially elected to take a temporary leave from his executive role.

"I'm looking forward to another chance to step into the cage, but before I do, I felt taking a temporary leave from my executive duties was the right thing to do," Sefo said. "I'm fortunate to have an outstanding team at World Series of Fighting which I know will handle our operations while I'm gone. And after my fight, I'll step back into my role as World Series of Fighting President."

Sefo returns to the cage on Aug. 10, where he meets Dave Huckaba (20-5) of Sacramento, Calif., on the NBC Sports Network-televised main card of World Series of Fighting 4, which takes place at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Sefo, an 18-year veteran of combat sports, is best-known as a six-time Muay Thai world champion and eight-time K-1 World Grand Prix participant. However, he’s also a longtime trainer at the famed Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas and has competed three times under mixed martial arts rules.

In fact, between his kickboxing, boxing and MMA experience, Sefo boasts 99 total combat-sports appearances. His most recent outing was a kickboxing bout during March, 2012, against respected veteran Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, and Sefo has since maintained hope that he would have a chance to compete just one more time.

"Even though I took on an executive role at World Series of Fighting, I never actually retired from active competition," Sefo said. "About three years ago, I set a personal goal of reaching the century mark, 100 fights, and then calling it quits. Now I'm excited to say, I have a chance to do that.

"But I knew I couldn't be the president of World Series of Fighting and fight for the company at the same time. To try and do so would have been a disservice to all of our fighters and my team at WSOF, not to mention me as an athlete and to all of the fans who will be watching me in action again. I'm fortunate to work with an outstanding group at World Series of Fighting, and I have total confidence their work will allow the success we've enjoyed so far to continue."

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

See Floyd Mayweather "Up Close" on the premiere of SKEE Live this Tuesday, July 30th, at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on AXS TV.

See Floyd Mayweather "Up Close" on the premiere of SKEE Live this Tuesday, July 30th, at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on AXS TV.
SKEE Live airs every Tuesday. Find AXS TV on your provider here: http://axstv.viewerlink.tv/ Visit SKEELive.com for more info on the show.

Jhonatan Romero vs. Kiko Martinez IBF Jr. Featherweight Title Bout Saturday, August 17 Revel Casino-Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ Live on HBO

Jhonatan Romero vs. Kiko Martinez IBF Jr. Featherweight Title Bout
Saturday, August 17 Revel Casino-Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ
Live on HBO

Gary Shaw Productions in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions are proud to announce Jhonatan Romero (23-0, 12 KOs) vs. Kiko Martinez (28-4, 20 KOs) for the IBF junior featherweight title as the co-feature attraction to Daniel Geale (29-1, 15KOs) vs. Darren Barker (25-1, 16KOs) live on HBO Boxing After Dark®.

The 12-round championship bout will take place at the Revel Casino-Hotel, Atlantic City's newest and largest casino resort. Tickets prices start at $30 and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, and by calling 800-745-3000. The HBO Boxing After Dark Telecast will begin at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Romero, who hails from Colombia, recently captured the vacant IBF super bantamweight title when he traveled to Mexico and defeated Alejandro Lopez on his home turf.

"I'm very thankful to my promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing for getting me this fight on HBO," said Romero. "In my last fight I accomplished my dream of becoming a world champion and now it's time to defend it. I know Martinez is a big puncher but I believe my boxing skills will prevail in this fight. I'm coming to win and win impressively."

Martinez who represents his country of Spain, is rated #15 by the IBF and won the vacant WBC Latino super bantamweight title in his last fight by way of knockout against Damian David Marchiano of Argentina. Martinez, known for his heavy hands, dropped Marchiano in rounds one and two before the referee stopped the bout. He's looking to do the same against Romero.

"Romero is a very good fighter but he has never faced a powerful puncher like me," Martinez said. "Once he feels my power he'll know he's in for a short night. My goal is get the knockout one way or another. The fans watching will witness an explosive fight from my end."

"Jhonatan is a very talented fighter that brings a lot of excitement to the ring with his active style," said Shaw. "I believe he's the best super bantamweight in the world today and I'm pleased that HBO will be televising his fight. He's in a tough fight but I believe he'll come out on top."

"We are excited that Jhonatan 'Momo' Romero will be able to showcase his talent on HBO and make his first IBF title defense in front of a large U.S. audience," said Alex Camponovo, executive Vice President of Thompson Boxing Promotions. "Since winning the world title Romero has become a star in Colombia and we want him to make the crossover. We know Kiko Martinez will be a rigorous test for Romero but we can't cut any corners at this level. It will be a great match because both men are ready to shine and more than willing to show their ability."

About Revel Casino-Hotel

Revel Casino-Hotel: Gamblers Wanted. Revel offers casino players the newest and most expansive casino resort in the history of Atlantic City. Located along the city's world-famous boardwalk, and designed to offer endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, the casino offers 130,000 square feet of gaming space, the largest contiguous smoking casino in Atlantic City, 2,400 slots - none more than a year old, 130 table games, the high-limit Pearl Slot Lounge and high-limit table game Ultra Lounge. Revel features 1,399 ocean view rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, lounges, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 14 restaurants serving world-class cuisine and down-home favorites, a collection of boutiques, nightclubs, a dayclub and live entertainment on its stages at The Social and Ovation Hall.