BAD BOYS BOXING GYM, PHARR, TX - Jerry Belmontes and Odlanier Solis held their final workouts in preparation for their fights this coming Saturday. Lightweight Jerry Belmontes, 15-0, 5 KOs, takes on 8 rounds against Dominican Ramesis Gil, 7-3-5, 5 KOs, in the main event to be televised internationally by TeleFutura on their Solo Boxeo Tecate series. The telecast begins 10:00PM ET..

Belmontes said, "Can't thank Main Events enough for this opportunity. No fighter plans to be out of the ring for 11 months but sometimes that's the nature of the business." He added, "It feels great to be back... I know I have a tough opponent (Gil) in front of me but he picked the wrong fight. I'm hungry to be the top guy in the 130 division. I'm looking forward to entering the ring Saturday, getting a big win and begin my reign as one of the elite at 130."

Heavyweight Odlanier Solis, 17-1, 12 KOs, will face Konstantin Airich, 23-5-2, 17 KOs, in a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight title.

Solis spoke of his return to the ring, "I am thrilled to get this opportunity to face Airich for his title and feel I am well prepared. Being the champion, I am sure that Airich will come well prepared and do everything possible to keep his title. I am sure he will give me his best in the ring on Saturday night. But I also plan on bringing my best to the ring and have had an excellent training camp with Pedro Diaz, who just happens to train Miguel Cotto as well."

The Belmontes - Gil fight will be broadcast internationally, and time permitting, highlights of the Solis - Airich fight will be shown on TeleFutura's Solo Boxeo Tecate. Super featherweight Oscar Tovar of Alton, TX takes on Gilberto Cancino of Brownsville, TX in the televised 4-round opener. Mission, Texan Raul Tovar faces DeShaun Williams of Galveston, TX, in a 4-round welterweight bout.

In the non-televised portion of the show, lightweight Angel Hernandez, McAllen, TX, fights Ramiro Torres, San Antonio, in a 4-rounder, and Felix Piedra of Mercedes, TX, and Juan Ruiz, of San Juan, TX clash in a 6-round light heavyweight bout. Tha card is promoted by Main Events, Cavazos Boxing Promotions and Arena Promotions.

FIGHT VENUE AND TICKET INFO: Pharr Events Center - 281 Eastside Frontage, between Nolana and Sioux Rd, Pharr, TX. Tickets are stll available, $25 (GA), VIP TABLES (for 10) $950, $550 and can be purchased at: Pharr Events Center Box Office, 956-475-3434;Ticketmaster Outlets; and ticketmaster.com.

Audley Harrison Finishes Training Camp

Former Olympic champion Audley A Force Harrison finished training camp today and announced himself ready for his final assault on the heavyweight division.

Audley leaves for England tomorrow, confident and focused for his bout with Ali Adams at the Brentwood Center, Essex, on Saturday 26th May..

Audley sparred today with undefeated heavyweights Malik Scott (33-0) & Joe Hanks (20-0), and looked like the A Force of old, with speed, confidence and power on show as he went through his rounds.

‘This training camp has tested my resolve to remain a prizefighter, as every injury I’ve ever had has come back to plague me in this camp, but I found that N.E.G.U (never, ever, give, up) spirit and kept it moving and turned back the clock; I feel great’.

Audley commented, ‘ I know its dangerous to look past an opponent, especially when their hungry and motivated like Ali Adams, but let’s be honest, I’m in a different league…taking charge of my training camp again, allowed me to reignite the passion, hunger and desire needed to succeed and I’m back to loving my boxing’.

After I give Ali Adams a lesson in the sweet science, I’m looking for a challenge with one of the upcoming heavyweights. I’m throwing my name into the hat with David Price, Tyson Fury, Jonathan Banks or Seth Mitchell.

‘I want to be honest about why I took the fight with David Haye. It was the first time in my career that I took a fight and it was not about the glory and it showed in my mentality and confidence on fight night.

My doctors told me after the Sprott fight, your pec has already torn; another operation is likely not to be successful. I told them operate anyway; I refuse to retire now. I was forced to give up my European title and was told stay away from any contact for at least 12 months and see what happens.

I was in rehab when the fight offer from Hayemaker came through. I deliberated for days about whether to take it and I spoke with many people, but the final decision was mine’, commented Harrison.

With the money that was on the table, plus the chance to be involved in a world heavyweight title fight against my protégé, was too much to turn down. I thought you’ve got the shot you have always wanted, but your not going to be physically ready to fight. F..k it, you got to take it…

It hasn’t helped my legacy, but I can live with that. In 2011, I found a way to create some goodwill with my appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and I made my body heal’.

No excuses, ready to put in not one, but a succession of Olympic type performances to finish my career on a high and go out as a British bad boy, done good; who turned his life around and did himself, his family and his Country proud.

Through my trials and tribulations, people will come to understand the power of never ever giving up and rising up each time life knocks you down.

Israel "Cachito" Perez Signs With Maravilla Box & Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz

Argentinean lightweight contender Israel "Cachito" Perez (23-2-1, 13 KOs) has signed a managerial agreement with middleweight champion Sergio Martinez's Maravilla Box and a long-term promotional agreement with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. 33-year-old Perez, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a former WBA Fedelatin Super Featherweight Champion, and as an amateur, represented Argentina at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Perez is currently undefeated in 15 fights..

Perez, as a new member of the Maravilla Box stable, which in addition to Sergio Martinez also includes world-ranked fighters such as Javier Fortuna, Alexander Brand, Hector Saldivia and uncrowned light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo, will now be trained by super trainer Pablo Sarmiento.

"Israel has had long periods of inactivity and we're going to fix that," said Lewkowicz. "We've got him at the right weight now where he is very strong and ready to make his mark in the lightweight division. The difference in his technique and ability will be noticeable right away now that he's working with Pablo as well.

McAllister Junior To Top Bill For First Time

Lee McAllister’s name will be heading up another Aberdeen bill next Friday – but this time he won’t be the one doing the fighting.

Instead, the Commonwealth light-welterweight champion – still recovering from the elbow injury which cost him European title glory against Denis Shafikov in February – is continuing his hand at promoting under his Granite City Banner.

Topping the bill at the Beach Ballroom on May 25th will be his younger brother, Matthew.

Unbeaten welterweight Matthew has racked up four straight wins since turning professional last September, including an impressive three round stoppage of Wiltshire’s Aaron Fox at the St Andrew’s Sporting Club in Glasgow last month.

Tommy Gilmour – who manages both McAllisters – said: “Lee’s still being treated for his elbow injury and it will be later in the year before we know exactly when he’ll be able to return to the ring.

Lee’s keen to remain as active as possible in boxing while injured and has decided to promote younger brother Matthew to the main event.

“Lee has built up a huge following in Aberdeen over the years and has packed out the Beach Ballroom on numerous occasions, and now he’s determined to help Matthew build his own support.

“Matthew has certainly impressed everyone in his four fights so far and some pundits have even tipped him to be better than Lee.

“I don’t think Lee’s quite ready to admit that yet, but he’s certainly determined to give Matthew the best possible opportunity to build a successful career and get himself into title contention.”

Unbeaten Aberdeen super-featherweight Darren Traynor – a former US Golden Gloves winner with two KOs in his two pro fights so far – provides the main support.

And lightweight Arran McKelvie from Dundee, who has lost just one of his five fights, is also in action. Arran, a former amateur star, is keen to get back to winning form and put himself into contention for a Scottish Title challenge.

Making up the 4 fight bill is unbeaten Glasgow middleweight Gary McCallum. McCallum who recently won in Inverness is developing into one of the most exciting young prospects on the Scottish scene after only 4 fights. This is the 21 year olds 2nd fight outside of Glasgow and shows his enthusiasm to do well and not be known only as a home town fighter.

This will be an exciting evening of boxing at the Beach Ballroom and will live up to its reputation as one of Scotlands most exciting venues.

Gilmour added: “Scottish boxing is in its healthiest state for years and the North East is a real hotbed for stars of the future, so it will be good for all of these up and comers to showcase themselves in front of partisan crowds.”

For tickets please contact Yvonne Cruickshank at PandaRosa Metals on 01224 632 218

Solis vs. Airich On Saturday

This Saturday (May 19th) Cuban heavyweight sensation Odlanier Solis (17-1) will return to the ring after a 14 months layoff due to the bad knee injury he suffered when challenging WBC world champion Vitali Klitschko in Cologne (Germany) in March 2011. Ain Pharr (Texas) "La Sombra“ challenges IBF intercontinental champion Konstantin Airich (23-5-2).

"This is a very tough fight for a comeback after such a long layoff“, says promoter Ahmet Oner. „Airich is a true powerhouse with great stamina and two of the hardest fists out there. Solis has to be very careful and he cannot go into the fight at anything less than 100 percent.“

IBF #12 and WBO #11 rated Airich, a 33-year old German who was born in Kazakhstan, is coming off two impressive KO-wins over Varol Vekiloglu (19-4-1) and Ondrej Pala (30-3) which earned him the IBF i/c and the WBO European championship.

"I know Konstantin from my times in Germany“, states Solis. "We have done sparring a couple of times. He is a tough guy and he is always coming to fight and win. But I don’t care who I step in the ring with. I want to prove that I am the best boxer in the world so I will beat whoever crosses my way.“

One of the most important questions will be how Solis handled the long break and how his right knee has recovered from the injury and the following three surgeries.

„To be honest“, says trainer Pedro Luis Diaz Benitez who most recently led Miguel Cotto to his excellent performance against Floyd Mayweather jr. „His knee is better than ever before. I would even say that his right knee is better than the left one now. We will have no problems. We worked very hard for this comeback. Solis has been in training camp for almost three months. He is in great shape because we know that we have to be in shape against a strong opponent like Airich.“

Since Solis, a multiple time world amateur champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist, turned pro in 2007 the Cuban defector has been criticized for carrying too much weight.

"His weight is not an issue“, adds the coach. „People should judge Solis from his performance in the ring. See how fast he is, see how he moves in the ring. Who cares about the scale and five pounds more or less as long as the fighter knows how to use his body to wear down his opponents?“

The "Fight Night in Pharr“ which is promoted by Main Events, Cavazos Boxing Promotions and ARENA Sports-Promotion also features the return of unbeaten lightweight prospect Jerry Belmontes (15-0) taking on Dominican Remesis Gil (7-3-5). The bouts will be broadcasted on TeleFutura’s "Solo Boxeo Tecate“.

Melson Returns 14!

New York, NY (May 18, 2012) – Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will make his return to the ring Thursday, June 14 when he battles rugged veteran Enrique Gallegos in a six round junior middleweight bout at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom.

On March 7, Melson battled unbeaten Delen Parsley in a bout that renowned broadcaster Steve Farhood called one of the best in Broadway Boxing history. In the eight-round slugfest with Parsley, Melson, 8-1 (4 KO’s), was credited with two hard knockdowns but ultimately dropped a hotly-contested decision.

With a deceptive professional ledger of 6-5 with 1 knockout, Gallegos battled 2004 Olympian Donnie Orr, K.J. Noons, Sammy Gonzalez and contender Derek Ennis. The Medford, OR native, who fought most of his bouts in his opponents’ hometowns, holds victories over Miguel Pasillas (7-2) and Joe Mills (3-1).

“I’m expecting another tough fight and I plan to fight with my heart's passion for both me and my supporters,” said Melson, who continues to donate his entire purse Justadollarplease.org in association with a Clinical Trial taking place in the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. “I was hoping for my second consecutive 8 round bout, but there was not enough room on this card. Enrique’s been in with quality fighters and he keeps coming. I know he’s not coming to New York to lie down. He has a tremendous chin and the ability to recover extremely quickly. He is going to make me fight hard for each of the 6 rounds.”

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and tickets are available by going to Teamfighttowalk.com. All tickets purchased on Teamfighttowalk.com can be picked up at the Roseland Ballroom's will call window on fight night under the credit card holder's name.

In association with Justadollarplease.org, Melson created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.

World Champion Beibut Shumenov Developing International Star Appeal



LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2012) - Unable to secure a unification title fight against the other 175-pound world champions, World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov returns on June 2 to make his fourth title defense against former super middleweight world title challenger Enrique Ornelas (33-7, 21 KO's) at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. in a fight that will be televised live on FOX Sports Net and FIX Deportes and will be televised on a delayed basis on FUEL TV.

Shumenov vs. Ornelas is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and KZ Event Productions and sponsored by Corona and DeWalt Tools. The FOX Sports Net and FOX Deportes bilingual simulcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. FUEL TV will rebroadcast the fight on Sunday, July 1, at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $100, $60, $30, $25, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

"I'm looking forward to defending my world title belt, especially on a nationally televised show once again," Shumenov said from his Las Vegas home."

A unique boxing world champion, at least in terms of his background, Shumenov has growing international appeal. The chiseled 2008 Kazakhstan Olympian is a lawyer and boxing promoter who, along with his brother Chingis Shumenov, owns and operates KZ Event Productions out of Las Vegas.

Two-and-a-half years ago, also at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Shumenov captured the WBA World Title in just his 10th professional bout with a 12-round unanimous decision victory over former World Champion Gabriel Campillo. The win established a new record for a fighter winning a major light heavyweight world championship in the fewest professional fights.

Shumenov was scheduled for a unification fight on Jan. 8, 2011 against World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Champion Juergen Braehmer in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, but Braehner pulled out of the fight just a few days prior to the scheduled event. To avoid cancelling the show in the capital city of his native country, Shumenov fought former World Champion William Joppy, who was slated to face another fighter on the same card.

Since capturing his WBA World title belt, Shumenov has successfully defended against undefeated, mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (DEC 12), Joppy (KO 6) and most recently Danny Santiago (TKO 9) this past July. The 28-year-old Shumenov has defeated four world champions - Campillo, Byron Mitchell, Joppy and Montell Griffin - as well as former world title challengers Epifanio Mendoza, Uzelkov and Santiago in only 13 professional bouts.

"My goal has always been and remains to fight the best and unify the world light heavyweight title." Shumenov noted. "To do that I need to keep practicing and improving with each and every fight. Someday, I hope one of the other world champions will put his belt on the line against mine. Until then, though, I am only focused on defending my world title belt against the toughest possible challengers like Ornelas."

Some present and former world champions have made overtures about fighting Shumenov, but they have demanded that the fight be held in their respective hometowns. To his credit, Shumenov hasn't made a Kazakhstan showdown a mandatory demand, despite attracting more than 30,000 fans there for a fight against Griffin in 2008.

"All fighters dream of fighting in the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas," Shumenov remarked. "I'd love to fight again in Kazakhstan and intend to do that again someday, but Las Vegas is a perfect, neutral site."

Hall of Fame promoter Don Chargin, who serves as Shumenov's advisor, has been frustrated by biased media reports about major fights for Shumenov. "I had discussions with representatives for a title fight with (Jean) Pascal and unification with (Nathan) Cleverly," Chargin explained. "They wanted to fight in Canada and England, but we preferred Las Vegas or Kazakhstan. Beibut's the world champion and I didn't believe those options to fight in Canada or England were in his best interest. Discussions never got any further because neither of them were really serious about fighting us. Meanwhile, time had passed. Beibut's layoff was no fault of his own; he wanted to fight all along and patiently waited. Making either of those fights, though, was out of his control. If things go right June 2, we'll try again to make a unification fight."

Shumenov understands that, first, he has to get past a tough, hungry challenger in Guanajuato, Mexico's Ornelas, who has moved up to the light heavyweight division after an impressive run at 168 pounds, where he owned the NABF title and proved to be a strong challenger for Robert Stieglitz' WBO title in 2010.

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

For more information on KZ Event Productions and Shumenov, visit www.kzeventproductions.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KZEventProductions.

Weights From Delware

Franklin Lawrence 236 – Mike Mollo 230
(NABA Heavyweight Title)
Ronica Jeffrey 126 – Jackie Trivilino 126
(NABF Featherweight Title)

Venue: Dover Downs
1st Bell: 7:30
TV: Wealth TV & GFL.TV

Golden Boy Promotions Signs Champion Johan Perez & Former Amateur Star Julian Ramirez

LOS ANGELES, May 17 - The best roster in boxing added to its luster this week with Golden Boy Promotions' signing of current WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Johan Perez and unbeaten former amateur standout Julian Ramirez to multi-year promotional agreements.

"This is a big day for us and I'm proud to have these two boxers fighting for us now," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Boxing will never grow if we don't keep cultivating new talent and in Johan and Julian, we've signed two fighters that you're going to be hearing a lot about in the months and years to come."

A 28-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela, Johan Perez (15-0-1, 12 KO's) turned professional in 2005 and rang up five consecutive knockout victories. Following a two-year layoff resulting from the lack of professional boxing events being promoted in Venezuela, he returned in 2009 and steam-rolled through all comers, with the only blemish on his record being a 2011 draw with 16-0 fellow prospect Alberto Mosquera. Along the way, Perez fought anyone, anywhere, with stops in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, England and Mexico garnering him a solid fanbase and the WBA Fedecentro and WBA Fedelatin super lightweight titles. In October of 2011, he stunned highly-regarded Kenny Galarza with a fourth round technical knockout victory and less than two months later, he won the WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Championship with a fourth round stoppage of Fernando Castaneda, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable future.

19-year-old Julian Ramirez (2-0, 2 KO's) hails from Alhambra, Calif. and, as the nephew of the late, great Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez, this talented teenager undoubtedly has boxing in his blood. A long-time amateur standout, Ramirez compiled a record of 73-5 en route to racking up 10 tournament titles including four World Desert Showdown titles, four National PAL titles, one Junior Olympics Championship and the 2011 Mexico Games Championship. In February of this year, he made his professional debut with a first round knockout win over Javier Damien. Two months later, Salvador Cifuentes suffered the same fate, lasting just 80 seconds with the hard-hitting Ramirez, who has 'star' written all over him.

Both fighters' first fights under the Golden Boy Promotions banner will be announced at a later date.

Jones-Bailey, Rigondeaux-Kennedy On Pacquiao vs. Bradley Undercard On June 9th

Philadelphia, PA—In perhaps the biggest night-ever for Philadelphia fighters, three of them will appear as part of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley championship card on June 9 at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Mike Jones and Teon Kennedy will challenge for world titles, while amateur star Jesse Hart, son of former Philadelphia middleweight legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, will make his pro debut.

Jones (26-0, 19 KOs), the undefeated No.1 welterweight contender, will meet former two-time world champion and current No. 2 contender Randall “The Knockout King” Bailey (42-7, 36 KOs), of Miami, FL, for the vacant IBF welterweight title in a scheduled 12-round contest.

“This is a dream come true to be fighting for the title,” said Jones (right). “I’ve thought about this ever since I started boxing. I’ll do whatever I have to do to win the title.
“He (Bailey) has to watch out for my big shots, too,” the 29-year-old Jones said of Bailey’s well-known power. “He’s shown he can be knocked out as well. He has his weak points; he doesn’t have a real good jab and he doesn’t put combinations together well. His thing is just trying to bomb you out with one punch, but it’s hard to hit a moving target and that’s what I’ll be.”

Kennedy (17-1-2, 7 KOs) will square off against defending WBA super bantamweight titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux, of Cuba, also over 12 rounds. Rigondeaux is 9-0, 7 K0s, and had an extensive amateur career which included Gold Medals at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.

“I can’t let him (Rigondeaux) fight his fight and let him get comfortable,” said the 25-year-old Kennedy (below). “I have to force him to make mistakes and take it to him in the first few rounds to show him that I’m there to fight. I believe that I can win a decision. I’m ready mentally and I’m in shape physically. I can’t wait for the fight. It’s a special night to have all of us Philly guys on the same show.”

Hart, a storied Philly amateur star who won the 2011 National Golden Gloves at 165 pounds and the 2011 USA National Championships at 178, will fight as a middleweight or super middleweight. He recently signed a lucrative pro contract with Top Rank. He is trained by his father, who was 30-9-1, 28 K0s, as a pro in the 1970s--a knockout artist who fought in-and-around Philadelphia his entire career.

Father and son are thrilled that Jesse’s pro debut will be in Las Vegas.

“It’s big, real big, to be fighting my pro debut on the Manny Pacquiao show in Las Vegas,” said the 22-year-old Hart. “For all the years my dad fought, he never fought in Las Vegas, so it’s a big thrill for both of us to be in Vegas. This is dad’s dream. It will make for a great show to have us Philly fighters out there. You can’t go wrong.”

One interesting note about the three Philadelphia fighters is that they are managed by Doc Nowicki, who handles Jones with Jim Williams, Kennedy with Williams and Joe Hand, Hart with David Price.

“I’m going to get a segway so I can get from the fighters’ locker rooms to ringside and then back to the locker rooms to celebrate and then do it all over again for my next fighter,” Nowicki said. “It’s going to be a hectic, but tremendous night.”

Sergio Martinez Waits To Face The Winner Of Chavez-Lee

New York, NY (5/17/12) - It has been exactly two months since Middleweight kingpin Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez defended his crown against Matthew Macklin on St. Patrick's Day, scoring a thrilling 11th-round TKO over the Irishman before a raucous sold-out crowd at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in easily one of the most entertaining fights shown live on HBO in 2012. Martinez now awaits the upcoming World Boxing Council (WBC) Middleweight Championship bout between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andy Lee, which will take place on June 16, in Laredo, TX, to see who he will face next. While he waits, Martinez has kept himself extremely busy, especially in his native country of Argentina, where his popularity continues to soar to super stardom levels. Most recently, Martinez was asked to participate in the upcoming season of Bailando por un Sueño, which is Argentina's version of "Dancing with the Stars" and considered the most popular television program in the entire country. Last year, Mike Tyson was one of the contestants on the show.

When Martinez was recently interviewed by renowned television host Alejandro Fantino on "Animales Sueltos," the show received a monster 6.7 rating. Martinez discussed a number of topics during the roughly 40-minute long interview (to watch the video, click here).

Next up for the charismatic Martinez was an appearance on the stand-up comedy show, Duro de Domar, hosted by Daniel Tognetti. (Click here to view Sergio's stand-up performance). Martinez showed a side of himself with which not many outside of his inner circle are familiar. From the reaction of performance though, you can be assured that it will not be the last time anyone has seen "Maravilla" the comedian.

Martinez was also recently named an honorary member of Arengtina's premier soccer club River Plate (to watch video Click Here). The stadium in which River Plate plays is commonly referred to as El Monumental and is considered to be the national stadium of Argentina. Political officials from Argentina have expressed serious interest in staging one of Martinez' future fights in the stadium.

"Its very humbling to be appreciated by my fellow countrymen and to be recognized after so many hard years of hard work and dedicating myself to the sport of boxing," said Martinez. "Hopefully with my new found fame I can continue to bring awareness to those in need and the less fortunate."

"Five years ago I knew that I had found something very special," said Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Martinez. "I knew that I had an exciting new fighter for HBO and a fighter that could make sound waves throughout the boxing industry. Sergio has become the superstar that I knew he would, and the magnitude of the response during his welcome home tour proves that. Sergio is not only hands down the most popular fighter, but one of the most well-known and recognizable sport figures in the entire country of Argentina."

"With his recent performances in and out of the ring, Sergio is quickly becoming a phenomenon in Argentina," said promoter Lou DiBella. "As more and more people get to know him, his popularity will continue to spread not just in his home country of Argentina and his adopted home of the U.S. but begin reaching worldwide magnitude.

Pacquiao To Receive A Diamond Ring By The WBO

World Boxing Organization (WBO) president, Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announces today that this entity will gift WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao with an exclusive diamond ring before his fourth title defense on June 9 against WBO junior welterweight king Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are going to gift Manny Pacquiao with a diamond ring, an exclusive ring, for him as a super champion. The ring is specially designed for Pacquiao. There are just two in the World, this for Pacquiao, and the other one we gave to Oscar de la Hoya in 1995. This ring is for elite boxers”, Valcarcel said.

Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) will receive his ring the week of his fight versus Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs).

Remember the 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election to be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from October 22 to October 26, 2012. For reservations at the Seminole HardRock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida you can call 1 800 937-0010 or access www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. More information at www.wboboxing.com.

Video: 24/7 Road To Pacquiao/Bradley: First Look-Pacquiao



Video: 24/7 Road To Pacquiao/Bradley: First Look-Bradley



24/7: Road To Pacquiao/Bradley Debuts Saturday Night On HBO



HBO Sports, known for its innovative, award-winning productions, sets the stage for the June pay-per-view showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley when the documentary special 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY debuts SATURDAY, MAY 19 (10:15-10:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Other HBO playdates: May 19 (2:00 a.m.), 20 (10:30 a.m.), 21 (7:30 p.m., 1:35 a.m.), 22 (9:30 p.m.), 23 (10:30 a.m.), 24 (7:00 p.m., 2:35 a.m.), 25 (12:30 a.m.) and 26 (10:15 a.m.), and June 8 (6:30 p.m.) and 9 (9:30 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: May 20 (11:50 p.m.) and 23 (10:30 p.m.), and June 8 (12:05 a.m.), 9 (5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT) and 10 (9:20 a.m.)

HBO On Demand® availability begins: May 23

The special will also be available on HBO GO®.

24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY introduces fans to the career and back story of undefeated Palm Springs, Cal. native Timothy Bradley Jr. (28-0, 12 KOs), who is challenging welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) of the Philippines in Las Vegas June 9. The documentary also offers a glimpse of international boxing icon Pacquiao outside the ring prior to the start of training camp, revealing a side of his life that is rarely captured by TV cameras.

A week after the debut of 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY, the latest installment of HBO Sports’ Emmy®-winning “24/7” reality franchise kicks off when “24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley” debuts Saturday, May 26 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT).

“Pacquiao vs. Bradley” takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT, and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

The executive producer of 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Bentley Weiner; producers, George Jakovic and Harley Glantz; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

BoxAcademy Event Switched From Oldham Leisure Centre To Bowlers Exhibition Centre

The debut BoxAcademy show this Friday (18th May), promoted by Queensberry Promotions in association with VIP Promotions, will now take place at Bowlers Exhibition Centre at Trafford Park, Manchester, after a late and unavoidable change from the Oldham Leisure Centre.

This is due to a problem encountered by the Oldham Leisure Centre and the license granted to them by the local authority.

The fight card will remain the same with exciting unbeaten prospects Joe Selkirk, Rocky Fielding, Paul Butler and Calum Johnson all in action.

Steve Wood's prospects Tommy Flannigan, Tommy Coyle, Shayne Singleton, Marvyn Greaves, Sam Omidi and Alex Rutter also feature on the undercard, with Terry Flannigan challenging Dougie Curran for the Vacant English Super-Featherweight Championship.

Tickets purchased for the Oldham Leisure Centre will be valid for the Bowlers Exhibition Centre event. Doors will open at 5.30pm.

The debut of BoxAcademy will be broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) this Friday starting at 7.30pm.

Theophane vs. Hamilton On Saturday

ASHLEY THEOPHANE will now risk his British light-welterweight title against Darren Hamilton this weekend, after turning down a defence against Adil Anwar. Hamilton, 33, has stepped in at four days’ notice to challenge Theophane (11-2), who was left without an opponent when Steve Williams pulled out on Monday.

Theophane (31-4-1) will win a Lonsdale belt outright if he defeats Hamilton at Aintree racecourse.

Their fight is the chief support when David Price (12-0) and Sam Sexton (15-2) clash for the vacant British and Commonwealth heavyweight title.

Promoter Frank Maloney wanted to match Theophane against Adil Anwar who boxes on the bill, but the champion refused.

Maloney said: “I wanted to make Ashley against Adil, which would have been a tremendous fight.

“Unfortunately Ashley didn’t want it and although that is disappointing I cannot force him into a fight.

“He will fight Darren who won’t make it easy in his quest to win a Lonsdale belt and I am sure fans will see a good contest.

“Darren was in training for a Southern Area title defence, and deserves a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate.”

In a third major title fight Liverpool rivals Paul Edwards (9-1) and Kevin Satchell square off for the vacant Commonwealth flyweight crown.

Classy Leeds boxer Anwar (16-1) meets Dave Ryan (13-5) in a vacant English title and eliminator for Theophane’s crown.

Other fights include: John Donnelly (13-2) v Mike Robinson (5-4-3) (English super-flyweight title), Bob Ajisafe (9-2) v Travis Dickinson (12-0) English light-heavyweight crown.

Tickets are selling fast. The are some available priced at £95 (ringside), £75 (main floor) and £55 (floor) from www.frankmaloney.com/www.ticketmaster.com

Green: Kessler Isn't The Same Fighter Since He Fought Calzaghe

Allan Green (31-1, 21 KOs) continued his war of words with Mikkel Kessler (44-2, 33 KOs) today at the final press conference in Copenhagen. Three days ahead of their World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Heavyweight World Championship (Silver) clash at Denmark´s famous PARKEN Stadium, Green claimed that the Viking Warrior was a long way past his prime. “He used to be a joy to watch, a great fighter, but that was before he fought Calzaghe,” the 32-year-old American stated. “He has not been the same fighter since. I don´t know if it is mental or physical wear, but he´s just not been on the same level any more. Mikkel will not be worth a nickel when he will be in the ring with me. I will break his a** into two halves. I want him to be at his best on Saturday night, the best he can possibly be, and for his sake it better be enough!”

The Viking Warrior said he will be happy to prove that he can still deliver at the highest level – a level Green has never fought at. “Green just talks a lot,” Kessler said. “This is nothing unusual before a fight. He seems to be confident, which is good for him. He will need all his confidence on Saturday night. I´m in fantastic shape, I am ready to put on a great show. I know I can hurt Green and once I have hurt him, I will go for the KO. But I am not making any predictions about the outcome. I just know that I am going to win.”

Promoter Kalle Sauerland is looking forward to a great night at PARKEN, with Michael Buffer calling both fighters into the ring and the Champions League Final being shown on four jumbotron TV screens. “It´s going to be great event for sports fans,” Sauerland said. “A top undercard, the Champions League Final and then Kessler versus Green. It can hardly get any better. Kessler-Green is a high-risk fight. At light heavyweight, Green can do a lot of damage, he has a lot of power, but so has Mikkel, who is the better boxer. This is going to be very exciting. I am sure Mikkel will win.”

And Jimmy Montoya, Kessler´s coach, added: “Green, I respect you as a fighter, you are a good fighter, but a much better talker. Mikkel will beat you on Saturday night.”

Anthony Wilson, Green´s coach, believes Kessler is already confused: “In the past weeks, Kessler first said he was the better boxer and Green the bigger puncher who will come at him to slug it out. Then Kessler changed his mind and said he himself had a bigger punch than Green. Kessler has got no clue what he is talking about. And he has got no clue what Allan Green will bring to the table come Saturday night.”

In the co-featured main event, Patrick Nielsen (14-0, 8 KOs) will take on Gaetano Nespro (19-8-1, 3 KOs). Polish KO machine Mateusz “The Master” Masternak (26-0, 20 KOs) comes face-to-face with Hari Miles. Torben Keller faces Yuri Pompilio, Erik Skoglund meets Pablo Sosa and Simeen Smaadal clashes with Srdjan Mihailovic.

Undefeated Junior Welterweights Serrano & Mayfield On ESPN's Friday Night Fights

Undefeated Junior Welterweights Serrano & Mayfield on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights

Undefeated Junior Welterweights Raymond “Tito” Serrano (18-0, 8 KOs) and Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (15-0-1, 9 KOs) will meet in the 10-round main event May 18 on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra. Friday’s show will air at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3 from Albany, N.Y. The card is presented by Star Boxing.

Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside for ESPN2 HD and ESPN3 at the Times Union Center describing the action, while studio host Bernardo Osuna will present the latest boxing news and highlights. On ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights), Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call the fights with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio.

Both shows will include Osuna’s interview earlier this week with Manny Pacquiao. Both shows will also discuss the U.S. Olympic boxing team as it prepares for the 2012 Summer Games in London. ESPN Deportes will discuss U.S. Olympic boxer Jose Ramirez and female boxer Marlen Esparza. Esparza of Texas, moved to the third round at the women's world boxing championships Sunday.

Main Event:
California’s Mayfield is trained by Virgil Hunter, who also trains Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward, and enters Friday’s fight having defeated former Junior Lightweight titlist Steve Forbes. Mayfield won a 10-round decision over two-time Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez in his last fight.

Serrano of Philadelphia is coming off a February 10-round decision win over Kenny Abril.

“I've seen a few of Mayfield's fights,” Serrano said. “I think both of us are going to try to see who lands first. I think he's going to come out strong, but I've got a good game plan. I'm ready to go to war.”

Co-Feature:

Undefeated Middleweight Jason “Monstruo” Escalera (12-0, 11 KOs) will meet Nick “The Machine Gun” Brinson (9-1-1, 5 KOs) in the co-feature. Both fighters are coming off wins over Marcus Brooks--New Jersey’s Escalera with a fourth-round TKO and New York’s Brinson with an eight-round decision.

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like on Facebook.

Zeferino Entertainment And Camacho Jr. Joins Forces To Pursuit World Title

Zeferino Entertainment and Camacho Jr. Joins Forces to Pursuit World Title Zeferino Ramirez of Zeferino Entertainment announces that Hector Camacho Jr. has entered into an exclusive promotional agreement for a final pursuit at World Title.

Hector "Machito" Camacho Jr.(53-4-28KO) has had his fair share of injuries, missed opportunities and simple bad luck throughout his career. In 2001 Jr. was a #1 World rated fighter and faced Former World Champion Jessie James Leila, which to date has been the highlight of his career. After suffering an accidental head butt, Jr.’s vision was impaired, ultimately ending the fight in a no contest. The bout gave the boxing world some uncertainly for the young Camacho. Since then Camacho Jr. has had some good wins over top contenders like Freddy Curiel, Phillip Holiday, Isreal Cardona and Luis Ramon Campos and is now looking for a pursuit toward a World title.

Promoter Zeferino Ramirez commented; “I am excited to join forces with Camacho Jr. and see how serious he is. He is definitely a slick, seasoned southpaw that deserves a fight with one of the top contenders of today. Hector has a fight scheduled in San Antonio, Texas June 23rd and then we are looking for a significant fight with one of the top 5. The fighter that comes to mind would be a Canelo Alvarez. Hector and I have had many conversations about the young Alvarez. We believe Jr. would easily outbox and outclass the young undefeated star. We are not certain if Alvarez is up for the challenge. If that fight does not materialize, we would love a fight one of the best like a Cotto, Chavez Jr, Shane Mosley or Antonio Margarito.”

Boxing Public Wants To See Haye vs. Chisora Bout

A massive 71 per cent of the public would pay to watch David Haye's big heavyweight showdown with Dereck Chisora, a poll held on the Daily Mail online revealed. The bitter rivals meet in the ring on Saturday 14th July at West Ham's Boleyn Ground at Upton Park in one of boxing’s biggest ever grudge fights.

And only 29 per cent didn't want to watch the fight which has become a hot talking point.

Since the pair met last week head-to-head for the first time to announce their fight, tickets have been selling fast with over 20,000 sold already.

The fight will be televised live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

Hatton Impressed With Theophane

RICKY HATTON has heaped praise on Hatton Promotions world class light-welterweight Ashley ‘The Treasure’ Theophane. The Londoner will now defend his British light-welterweight title against Darren Hamilton at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool on Saturday (19th May) hoping to win a Lonsdale belt for keeps.

Theophane, 31, was due to face Steve Williams but he pulled out early on Monday because of illness – leaving Ashley in the lurch for the second successive fight.

He encountered a similar problem in December when Nigel Wright was forced out of their contest forcing Theophane to box Ben Murphy who he stopped in 11 rounds.

Hatton Promotions CEO Ricky Hatton said: “Ashley is an example to all boxers, and just wants to train and fight all comers.

“As soon as Williams pulled out he never once thought about not fighting because the British title and owning a Lonsdale belt means so much to him.

“I have nothing but admiration for him.”

Hatton hopes that Theophane will move into the world title picture later this year having dominated the British scene since winning the title against Lenny Daws in February 2011.

He added: “I am so lucky to promote so many top class fighters who are also dedicated to the sport.

“Ashley has done it his way and flown around the world solo just to benefit from top class sparring and experience in the best gyms.

“He has served his dues and a world title fight is no more than he deserves, but Hamilton is still there to give him a test.”

Antonio Tarver, Winky Wright Workout Quotes

TAMPA, Fla. (May 15, 2012) – Less than three weeks before Antonio Tarver steps into the ring to continue his campaign at cruiserweight by taking on the unbeaten power puncher Lateef Kayode, the “Magic Man” held an open workout on Tuesday before a packed house of his hometown media at Calta’s 24/7 Fitness.

Tarver vs. Kayode will headline “Four Warned,” a stacked night of boxing on SHOWTIME® featuring four high-stakes prizefights. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will air live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on Saturday, June 2 from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Joining Tarver at the workout on Tuesday was his good friend Ronald “Winky” Wright, who will fight in the co-main event, making his return to the ring against rising star “Kid Chocolate” Peter Quillin.

After a storied career at light heavyweight, Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s), of Tampa, Fla., made an emphatic debut in the cruiserweight division last summer. The Magic Man headed to Sydney, Australia and stopped hometown favorite Danny Green (RTD 9) on July 20, 2011 to capture the IBO cruiserweight title. Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s), of St. Petersburg, Fla., will return to the ring for the first time since April 11, 2009. He faces Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s), who will risk his unblemished record.

Kayode (18-0, 14 KO’s), who is trained by the acclaimed Freddie Roach, is not only taking the biggest leap in competition in his career, but he is also facing a man who knows him very well. Tarver has been ringside providing expert analysis for all five of the Nigerian-born Kayode’s appearances on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Here’s what Tarver and Wright had to say on Tuesday:

ANTONIO TARVER:

“This guy is predicting he’ll knock me out in the fifth round. If Kayode comes in with that type of recklessness, he can be out before that because he has never been hit by someone who can punch as hard as me. And not just punching hard, I’m a sharpshooter. I punch organs. I target organs: liver, kidney, heart. I don’t just punch mass, I punch organs and I punch that chin. Remember that the chin is not a muscle so you can have all the muscles surrounding your neck and body, chest and abs, because if I touch that chin the right way, it’s lights out, baby.

“There are no more guys like myself. Shane Mosley lost. Bernard Hopkins lost. I’m the last Mohican. I’m the last guy who is 40-plus.

“We have a storyline here: A young guy who took offense to what I was saying as a commentator. I was just doing my job. I think the youth, the inexperience got the best of him. He’s got his handlers saying that he’s ready to roll the dice. But you’ve got to respect his position. He’s a young fighter coming up that has nothing to lose. So Kayode is in a beautiful position and if he loses to me, what has it done? It’s going to set him back a little bit but he can regroup. I can’t regroup if I lose to Lateef Kayode. There would be an asterisk and a question mark by my name and we can’t have that.

“He’s only got two hands and he can’t throw them but one at a time. We’re going to simplify it. I’ve fought a lot of strong guys that didn’t get lucky, that couldn’t hit me, couldn’t find me. So he’s coming in here trying to get lucky. I’m coming in here to rely on my skills, my experience and my conditioning to win this fight. I’ll take Kayode places he’s never been. And that’s in deep waters. He’s never been in there with a fighter like me and I’m going to show him what it’s all about.

“This is what sparring is all about. I’ve got young guys in here. I don’t have any old punching bags in here. Because if I can’t get it done in the gym, I can’t get it done June 2.

“We’re putting everyone on notice. Expect the unexpected. Kayode said the fight is going to end, that he’s going to knock me out in the fifth round. He might have a good prediction in the fifth round but I think he’s got the storyline a little twisted.

“We’re in a phone booth in camp. That’s definitely what we think the fight will represent, a phone booth. We like it in close quarters. I’m too old to run.

“I had a chance to commentate a few of his fights and he didn’t like the things I was saying. But as a young fighter, you can’t always feed them cake and ice cream. Sometimes you’ve got to put something in the back of his head so he could say, ‘You know what? Maybe there is something I can go back and work on.

“It’s about skill and I got it. We’re not going to wait for anyone to tell us how great we are because if you wait for someone to give you a compliment, you’ll be waiting forever and a day. We know who we are and we are going to continue to display it. We’re going to kill our critics with success. We got the skill, us throwback fighters. And I’m a throwback fighter because I’m older now, I’m sitting down [on my punches] more and I’m a fan friendly fighter.

“What keeps the fire burning? Critics, naysayers and my own personal achievement. People can laugh now when I tell them I’m going to become heavyweight champion. They don’t want to buy into it but they will because at 210 pounds, I’m elusive. I’m powerful. I’m strong and they can’t hit what they can’t see. I’m not a big, robotic fighter that can’t move. So those are they’re advantages. The only hope they got is to hit me on the chin and knock me out. And that’s never been done before. .

“I’m going to get that heavyweight title. Wladimir Klitschko, here I come. I’m going to get that heavyweight title. That’s coming back to America, baby. Trust it. Stamp it. Write it down.”

WINKY WRIGHT:

On making his return to the ring on a card with friend and fellow Floridian Antonio Tarver:

“It feels good. It makes it easy. To have your homeboy on the same card, we go out there and kick some butt. You know me.

When discussing the bravado displayed by Kayode and Quillin at the kickoff press conference:

“Young guys, young guys. Inexperience and all of that. The nervousness is getting to them and they want to prove this and prove that. The only time you’ve got to prove something is in the ring.

“Fans cans expect a great fight. They can come to see Winky Wright knock Kid Chocolate’s head off – not knock him out – knock his head off. He thinks I’m going to run? We’ll see. I’m going to show him a fight.”

“Four Warned” features former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s) facing unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO’s) in a 12-round cruiserweight fight, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) returning to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) in a middleweight bout, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO’s) risking his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO’s) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO's) facing IBF number five rated contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO’s) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title. All four bouts will be telecast on Saturday, June 2, live on SHOWTIME® (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. “Four Warned” is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions with Trout vs. Rodriguez being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T.

Tickets for “Four Warned” are available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at AXS.com or by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425

George Warren Discusses BoxAcademy Debut

With the debut of BoxAcademy this Friday night at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester, George Warren, from Queensberry Promotions talks to boxing writer Glynn Evans about the exciting new concept show to be televised live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

Hot unbeaten prospects Joe Selkirk, Rocky Fielding, Paul Butler and Calum Johnson all feature along with VIP Promotions boxers Terry Flannigan, Tommy Coyle, Shayne Singleton, Marvyn Greaves, Sam Omidi and Alex Rutter.

The debut of BoxAcademy will be broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) this Friday starting at 7.30pm.

Where did the BoxAcademy concept originate?

From conversations between myself, Andy and Francis. We’re working with a dedicated boxing channel and have a roster some of the most talented young fighter’s in the country and some are being overshadowed by main events. BoxAcademy is a way of getting these guys noticed and building their profiles. Dad had previously run with the Fight Skool on Sky Sports and ShoBox on Showtime which helped the likes Ricky Hatton, Kevin Mitchell and Matthew Macklin to break through to the big time. Obviously it’s a punt, running on TV without a title fight but it’s a risk we’re prepared to take if it gets people talking about the quality prospects we have in our team. The beauty is that many of the Boxers we will feature have large personal fan bases so the absence of the traditional main event’ won’t stop them coming.

We’ve countless talents - ex Olympians and ABA champions - who are craving to get out regularly in decent match-ups. BoxAcademy is going to allow these prospects to be the focal points of the show, featuring live on BoxNation as opposed to being lost and perhaps not even exposed at all down the undercard of major championship shows. At this stage of his career, many of the guys on these shows wouldn’t be able to feature as headline attractions in their hometowns but with this series, they’ll get great TV exposure on a regular basis.

A lot of great fights happen on undercards and don’t get shown so this will develop the next stars. It looks like Sky are turning their back on the small hall circuit in favour of big events which I feel is short-sighted. Without an acorn you can’t get an Oak Tree. Did the likes of Benn, Eubank, Hatton or Naz start off in main events with huge crowds? Of course not.

You’ve encountered several hiccups prior to bringing the vision to fruition. You must be relieved that you’re finally set to launch.

That’s right. Initially we wanted to go with Tony Conquest against Steve Simmons at the York Hall in April, with Michael Walsh also featuring. Conquest-Simmons would have been a fantastic fight, one we still intend to make, but unfortunately Tony got injured and will be out until September. Michael Walsh wasn’t able to box and we didn’t want to launch it half-cocked so we pulled it. Hopefully, Steve will get a chance against former ABA champion Chris Keane in the summer and we should have news on this in a week or so.

Next, we had Steve O’Meara pitched with Bradley Pryce at The Troxy on May 3rd but Steve rightly pulled out with just 24 hours to go because of breathing problems that made him unfit to fight. Originally, Friday’s bill was set to lead with a super fight between Liam Smith with Ronnie Heffron, a match that surprised the industry but showed our intent. Ronnie’s picked up a hand injury after knocking out over 300 tickets. I feel very bad for the boxers when we’ve pulled shows but it’s important to get the 1st few of these shows right. You can deal with late pull-outs but I’ve never known a run like this before. Liam and Ronnie will meet, there’s no doubt about that and I see it happening sooner rather than later.

Clearly you’re not afraid to match some of your own investments against each other.

Absolutely. That’s what this is about isn’t it? If we are going to invest in careers we need to know the investment is sound. We are not interested in easy fights to pad bank accounts and records, the public want action and so do we. No one is better than our team at guiding and building a fighter to the top and making the right fights but we don’t want to get them to them there without a solid foundation. It’s very unfortunate that some of the attraction fights we’ve intended have fallen out of bed but that’s purely through bad luck and, trust me, these fights are going to happen. Touch wood, Paul Butler comes through on Friday and it’s our intention to match him against Ashley Sexton in some form of eliminator. Both parties are keen for that to happen.

When our guys come together, the one who wins can be quickly advanced for a title and the one who loses, provided they gave a good performance, can dust themselves off and we’ll bring them back. Too often, a loss is overindulged. We’re not looking to pad records. We’re looking to test our guys.

In what ways will BoxAcademy differ from Frank’s Fight Skool or Mick Hennessy’s Real Class of 2002? What fresh innovations will you be bringing?

Well, we’ll be trialling certain things as we go through but we’ll have a young cast of presenters, headed in Manchester by (ex England amateur captain and Coronation Street actor) Stevie Bell. Sarah Stone, formerly of Manchester United TV, will be BoxNation’s ringside reporter.

We’ll be looking to deliver an all round slicker event. A few things that we’d planned for the launch at The Troxy have had to be scrapped due to lack of time – we were having DJ Alex P performing – but we’ll be hoping to re-introduce them down the line.

We’ll be encouraging fans to arrive at the arena early and for BoxNation viewers to tune in from the start and watch all the fights. Too often, fans watch their favourite, or just the main event then leave. We intend on featuring consistent, decent level fights, for real trade fans.

Also, by providing a substantial cash prize for what a three man BoxNation panel deems to be The Fight of the Night, we’re providing a significant incentive to fighters to come and. If they know that they can take home an extra bit of cash for putting in a good performance, I’m sure they will come to fight and to entertain the fans.

What do you see your roster of fighters gaining from the concept?

Foremost, they’ll get exposure. Where, previously, a young prospect may have been restricted to having just their ‘highlights’ broadcast or not even received TV coverage at all, BoxNation is dedicated to showcasing every fight live. No other channel does that. It’s a gilt edged opening to build a fan base.

While there’ll obviously be an attraction fight, over longer rounds, we don’t really see it as being a ‘top of the bill.’ As every fight shall be broadcast live, everyone gets an equal opportunity to showcase their talent and make an impression.

BoxAcademy is dedicated to these prospects. All of a sudden, these hungry young fighters, who’d previously have made up our undercards, become catapulted into the main attractions. Those who really stand out and deliver great performances will be kept more active, can progress to bigger shows and, ultimately, to major championship level.

And the BoxNation viewers?

Mid-week boxing involving the best prospects in the country. Though this week’s event at Bowlers has to be on a Friday night (the show is being co-promoted with Steve Wood), we’ll usually be scheduling for Thursdays which is something different. Not enough televised boxing in this country is broadcast midweek because of all the football, darts, snooker etc but that’s an avenue we’re hoping to explore.

With BoxNation, we want to make the evenings extremely fan friendly and interactive and we covet feedback on opponent’s performances etc. In time, as the channel and the concept mature, I’d like to have a voting system in place whereby the fans determine the Fight of the Night.

BoxAcademy is for all boxing fans but if we’re able to attract a younger audience, new people to the sport, by the way we dress the presentation and by using younger fighters coming through, then that can only be a good thing.

Do you envisage a similar ‘feel’ to Matchroom’s Prizefighter events?

Absolutely not! This will be very different. Very few of the fighters on those shows have the amateur pedigree of the prospects that we intend on showcasing. Often you have to sit through a load of low grade, dull fights before reaching the final outcome. We intend for all of ours to be testing fights, featuring top quality fighters. We have an idea for the future that will blow Prizefighter away so watch this space!

What are your expectations for Friday?

For it to actually happen, for the promotion not to fall on it’s arse! I’m hoping our prospects not only win, but take full advantage of the live exposure on BoxNation to deliver exciting performances in competitive fights that can fast track their careers.

I’m hoping the house fighters can put on a real show for their fans and all the opponents come to have a proper fight. That way we’ll generate a great atmosphere.

How do you see it developing, longer term?

To make the events as regular as possible. Initially, we intend to run ten a year, pretty much one a month. But, at the end of this year, hopefully we can sit down with Simon Green (CEO at BoxNation) and discuss the potential for even more shows, perhaps expanding to two shows a month. I see BoxAcademy as a great outlet for both our company and BoxNation.

Finally, which fighters on your roster do you expect to come to the fore from the process, this year?

I believe BoxAcademy is going to provide a real opportunity for young cruiserweights to make a point and manoeuvre themselves into a title challenging position very quickly. Presently, it’s not the strongest division and I expect the survivor of Tony Conquest, Chris Keane and Steve Simmons to be challenging sooner rather than later.

I think Joey Selkirk is already very close to breaking through. Clearly he’s very talented, very exciting to watch and, if we can get him a bit of momentum after Friday, I think he’s possibly only one or two appearances away from a title fight. I love to put him in a rematch with Steve O’Meara, with the winner to advance straight to a title shot.

Hitz Adds Three More Fights To Mammoth Horseshoe Event On May 25

Promoter Bobby Hitz and Hitz Boxing have added three more fights to the lineup for their Friday, May 25 "Fight Night at the Horseshoe" event at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana.

In addition to the 10-round WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight Championship main event between "Fast" Fres Oquendo (33-7, 21 KOs) and Joey "Minnesota Ice" Abell (28-5, 27 KOs), no less than 9 big fights are now scheduled, including an intriguing eight-round all-Chicago middleweight match-up between Donatas Bondorovas (14-3-1, 3 KOs) and Ramon Valenzuela (7-0, 1 KO).

Also added to the schedule are undefeated middleweight Meegal Harper (5-0, 5 KOs) of Chicago Heights taking on Traverse City, Michigan's more experienced Chris Grays in a four-rounder and pro-debuting welterweight Nick Ramirez of Rockford, Illinois, facing off against Lorenzo Wilson (1-1-1) of Indianapolis in a four-round fight.

The opponent for light welterweight Genaro Mendez's (4-1-1, 3 KOS) six-round fight will be David Laque of Bloomington, Minnesota.

The full lineup:

Genaro Mendez (Chicago) vs. David Laque (Bloomington, MN)
David "Diesel" Latoria (Chicago) vs. Stanley Allen (Gary, IN)
Mike "Hollywood" Jimenez (Chicago) vs. Adrian Hermann (Everett, WA) David Martin III (Hobart, IN) vs. Tim Washington (Toledo, OH)
Phillip Triantafillo (Chesterton, IN) vs. Emerson Chasing Bear (Rapid City, SD)
Terry Martin (Chicago) vs. Donta Woods (Atlanta, GA)
Donatas Bondorovas (Chicago) vs.Ramon Valenzuela (Chicago)
Meegal Harper (Chicago Heights, IL) vs. Chris Grays (Traverse City, MI)
and pro-debut Nick Ramirez (Rockford) vs. Lorenzo Wilson (Indianapolis, IN)

"Fast" Fres Oquendo (Chicago) vs. Joey Abell (Coon Rapids, MN)

Fedelatin Heavyweight Title

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Warriors, Bluewave, And Newhouse Sign Mark "Too Sharp" Davis!

Warriors Boxing, Bluewave Boxing and Newhouse Promotions are proud to announce the signing of 2005 and 2006 United States Amateur Champion and undefeated super featherweight Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (16-0, 5 KOs) to an exclusive promotional agreement.

25-year-old Davis is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and now lives in Cleveland, Ohio. During his 200 amateur bouts, he competed at the 2005 World championships and won the Eastern Olympic trials for the 2008 Olympics. Davis also won gold medals at the 2002 US Junior Olympics, the 2002 US National Silver Gloves, and the 2002 Police Athletic League (PAL) tournament as a junior. He won a silver medal at the 2003 PAL and won a gold medal for the USA at the 2003 Under-19 Sweden Cup.

Lightning quick and masterful on defense, as a professional, Davis has already beaten some well-thought-of opposition, including Guillermo Sanchez (13-3) in his latest fight and Ramesis Gil (then 6-1) before that.

"We're all very excited to be working with Mark," said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. "He was a terrific amateur and he's proven to be a blue-chip prospect as a professional. I predict big things for him."

"He's a future world champion," said Bluewave's Luis DeCubas. "Mark is at a level of skill already that puts him in an elite class. It's going to be a pleasure to work with him and help get him where he wants to go in professional boxing."

Newhouse Promotions, a Cleveland-based company, is also very pleased with the signing: "I feel Mark is on track to become the best fighter in the world," said lifelong friend and Newhouse's Tim VanNewhouse. "Working with strategic men like Luis DeCubas and Leon Margules, I know he will get the opportunity to compete on some of the highest levels the sport can offer."

Alvarez-Hawk June 8 In Montreal

'Storm' brewing June 8 in Montreal

Alvarez defends NABO light heavyweight title against Hawk

Lemieux returns to action

MONTREAL (May 18, 2012) - Undefeated North American Boxing Organization ("NABO") Light Heavyweight Champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (8-0, 5 KOs) makes his first title defense on Friday, June 8 against Native American challenger Shawn "The Sioux Warrior" Hawk (23-1, 19 KOs), headlining the fifth and final edition of this year's popular GYM Fast & Furious Boxing Series, at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.

Alvarez, a 28-year-old Colombian native who lives in Montreal, is on the fast track to stardom in the 175-pound division. The 2008 Colombian Olympian captured the NABO title belt last December, stopping Emiliano Cayetano (21-3) in the opening round. Alvarez, who is rated No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization ("WBO"), won all eight rounds in his most recent fight against Rayco Saunders (22-15-2) this past April.

"On June 8," Alvarez said about his 10-round main event, "it will be my first fight as the main event of the GYM series and I'm very proud. In the ring, I intend to justify the confidence they have placed in me, and put on a good show for the Quebec public. Shawn Hawk is a fiery young boxer who has determined to win, but I am sure that I have what it takes to keep my belt in my adopted country."

The 27-year-old Hawk, fighting out of Atlantic City (NJ), is riding a five-fight win streak, his last four coming since he dropped down in weight to compete in the light heavyweight division. Hawk's victims at 175 pounds have included Henry Buchanan (20-2), Otis Griffin (23-8-2) and Rubin Williams (29-10-1) for the Sovereign Nations title.

Exciting Montreal middleweight David Lemieux (25-2, 24 KOs) is a caged lion after being sidelined with a right hand injury he sufferedlast December in his fight against Joachim Alcine (33-2-1, 19 KOs). The 23-year-old Lemieux, ranked No. 23 by the World Boxing Council ("WBC"), takes on tough Mexican-American Jaudiel "Negro" Zepeda (12-5-1, 9 KOs), who gave Renan St-Juste (23-3-1, 15 KOs) all he could handle in his last fight.

"With this fight," Lemieux predicted, "I restart my career. I know I have disappointed many of my supporters but I recently learned a lot and have matured. I cannot wait to reconnect with the action. Without looking too far ahead, of course, I dream of fighting rematches against (Marco Antonio) Rubio and Alcine in the near future."

Fighting on a stacked undercard are a trio of talented, unbeaten heavyweights -- Oscar "Kaboom" Rivas (10-0, 6 KOs), Eric Barrack (7-0, 6 KOs) and Didier Bence (4-0, 2 KOs). Rivas's opponent will be announced shortly.

Barrack was spectacular on April 20 in his victory by second-round knockout of rugged Sandy Pembroke, fighting out of British Columbia. This time around Barrack faces another former Canadian Olympic boxing champion, Sheldon Hinton (11-8-1, 4 KO), of Alberta, in a six-round bout. Barrack intends to make a powerful statement as one of the best, young heavyweight Canadian boxers with another spectacular knockout.

Bence, who has been out of the ring since last December due to a facial injury, is rapidly developing. His battle-tested opponent, Stéphane "Brutus" Tessier (3-28-1, 1KO), of Longueuil, promises to push young Bence in their six-round match.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is exciting middleweight Ahmad Cheikho (6-4-2, 5K), also fighting out of Montreal, who is a protégé of Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management). One additional fight will soon be announced.

The GYM Fast and Furious Boxing Series is an innovative and unique event at the Bell Centre, featuring seats and close to the action. These events are also available to watch on PPV in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.

TICKETS ON SALE: Please note that tickets will be available at the Bell Centre box office, evenko.ca or at GYM (383.0666), starting at $60.00.

Whyte Refuses To Spar With Chisora And Haye

DILLIAN ‘THE VILLAIN’ WHYTE has delivered a knockout punch to David Haye and Dereck Chisora by refusing to spar with both fighters. The exciting London heavyweight prospect has sparred with them in the past, and when their summer grudge match was announced the rivals turned to unbeaten Whyte for help.

But Whyte (5-0) who meets fellow KO specialist Noureddine Meddoune (4-1) at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday refused.

Whyte, 24, explained: “They have both asked me to spar ahead of their clash, and that leaves me in a difficult situation.

“I have thought about it and I am not going to spar with either of them because they are both friends.

“David and Dereck have helped me in my career so I don’t want to spar with one and create bad feeling with the other.

Whyte who beat British Olympic hope Anthony Joshua during a brief amateur career has also sparred with David Price and Tyson Fury.

Price (12-0) heads Saturday’s bumper bill when he meets Sam Sexton for the vacant British and Commonwealth heavyweight title.

Whyte added: “I am a tough guy and when I go to spar I bring it. A lot of guys go to spar and lay down after a couple of rounds – that is not me.”

The chief support sees Ashley Theophane (31-4-1) defends his British light-welterweight crown against a selected opponent after Steve Williams pulled out on Monday.

In a third major title fight Liverpool rivals Paul Edwards (9-1) and Kevin Satchell square off for the vacant Commonwealth flyweight crown.

In a special attraction classy Leeds boxer Adil Anwar (16-1) meets Dave Ryan (13-5) in a vacant English title and eliminator for Theophane’s crown.

Other fights include: John Donnelly (13-2) v Mike Robinson (5-4-3) (English super-flyweight title), Bob Ajisafe (9-2) v Travis Dickinson (12-0) English light-heavyweight crown.

Tickets are selling fast. The are some available priced at £95 (ringside), £75 (main floor) and £55 (floor) from www.frankmaloney.com/www.ticketmaster.com

Heayweight Mike Mollo Sees Big Opportunity This Friday Against Lawrence

CHICAGO, IL (May 14, 2012)—This Friday night two Heavyweights will slug it out in Dover, Delaware will slug it out as Franklin “Yah Yah” Lawrence (17-2-2, 12 KO’s) takes on Mike Mollo (20-3-1, 12 KO’s) for the vacant NABA title.

The bout can be seen over the world on www.gfl.tv ($9.99) by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Friday_Night_Fights/1487

Mollo has been training hard for this bout as the Chicago native knows the importance of the bout.

“Not only am I going to win but I will win in spectacular fashion. I have been putting in the hard work and have been in training camp for ten weeks”, said Mollo from his training camp in Chicago.

Mollo does not put much stock in the five fight knockout streak that Lawrence is on that has catapulted to the number-twelve ranking by the WBC.

“He beat an out shape Jason Gavern and Jason Estrada. He has gotten off easy in those fights and if he wants to live off that then he is fooling himself”

Mollo is most remembered for gallant effort against Andrew Golota as part of the Roy Jones – Felix Trinidad HBO PPV undercard on January 19, 2008 and knows what the win will do for his career.

“This fight will get me back in the spotlight and I am not looking to squeak by with a decision”

Mollo, who hasn’t fought since August 6, 2010 has been training hard to make sure he is primed and ready for Lawrence.

“I spar like it is a real fight and this long layoff doesn’t mean anything because I am always in the gym. I was training for a fight last summer with Seth Mitchell on HBO and the fight got called off due to Robert Guerrero getting hurt and I would like to fight him if it’s the right situation. I am a fighter”

“This fight with Lawrence begins my road to redemption. I am in great shape and I am ready to fight”

The action begins on www.gfl.tv at 7:30 pm with Mike Mittman calling the action with analysts Legendary Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and Marc Abrams.

Amateur Star Toka Kahn-Clary Signs With Top Rank

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (May 15, 2012) – Top Rank announced today the signing of amateur sensation TOKA KAHN-CLARY, from Providence, Rhode Island. Kahn-Clary, 20, who boasts speed, power and a “pro style of fighting” is trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. and managed by Mike Criscio, who discovered and managed light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson. Kahn-Cary will make his pro debut, as a junior lightweight, on Friday, June 8, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, on a card headlined by the Kelly Pavlik vs. Scott Sigmon super middleweight bout.

"Everyone at Top Rank is excited and what a great way for Toka to start, fighting on the Kelly Pavlik card at the Hard Rock," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

"Toka is a top prospect who is the real deal. He throws a lot of punches and hits hard," said Bruce Trampler, Top Rank's Hall of Fame matchmaker.

Manfredo added, "Toka is the best I've seen at our gym in 35 years - and I've seen a lot of fighters. He has speed, skill, tremendous combinations and a big heart.”

A native of Liberia, Kahn-Cary moved to Philadelphia when he was six, where he was soon orphaned, losing his father in a shooting that same year. He made his way to Pawtucket, RI, where life was not any easier, but eventually he was taken under the wings of Andrea Watson, her husband Ron Clary and Manfredo. Those three and boxing proved to be Kahn-Clary’s salvation. As an amateur, Toka was a Gold medalist at the National Golden Gloves (2010), a Silver medalist at the U.S. Championships (2011), and a Bronze medalist at the U.S. National Championships (2012, 2010.)

Odlanier Solis vs. Konstantin Airich On Saturday

International Boxing Federation (IBF) #12, WBO #11 rated heavyweight Konstantin Airich arrived in the United States yesterday to adjust to time and weather conditions for his IBF intercontinental championship bout against Odlanier Solis this Saturday (May 19th) at the Convention Center in Pharr (Texas).

Airich and his trainer, former German national coach Hans-Juergen Witte, flew from Germany to Miami where they conclude their preparation for the Solis fight with a couple of lighter training sessions before heading to McAllen International airport on Thursday.

Airich (23-5-2, 17 KOs) is the big underdog against 2004 Olympic gold medalist and multiple times world amateur champion Odlanier Solis (17-1, 12 KOs).

"I know that Solis is an excellent fighter", says Airich. "But I also know what I’m capable of. I have surely not come to the United States just to hand over my belt to him. I know that there is always a chance and I am willing to take it."

When working out in Miami Airich wore a t-shirt stating "Nothing is impossible" which might as well be his motto for this fight. "Anything can happen in a boxing ring", adds Airich. "Especially in the heavyweight division one single punch can decide a fight at any time. I consider Solis one of the best fighters in the world today but being the best fighter doesn’t help you when you lie flat on the ground."

The German "Sandman" himself is considered to be one of the hardest punchers in the world. He is a regular sparring partner for both Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and is coming off two impressive KO wins over Varol Vekiloglu and Ondrej Pala.

"Being the underdog makes things even easier for Konstantin", says his coach Witte. "Nobody expected him to beat Pala – but he did. Now nobody expects him to beat Solis. So he can enter this fight without any pressure. But one thing is for certain: Solis is a complete boxer. With all his amateur merits, his technical and tactical abilities we are surely not here to outbox him and win by decision. Konstantin knows what he has to do: We will go for the knockout."

For Solis the fight against Airich will be his comeback after a 14 months layoff due to the bad knee injury he suffered when challenging WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko for the world title in March 2011 in Cologne, Germany. The Miami based Cuban suffered a cruciate ligament rupture at the end of the first round in which Solis had landed more clean shots on Klitschko than the champion had to take in all his other fights combined since coming out of retirement in 2008.

"In this first two and a half minutes against Klitschko Solis proved that he is probably the only fighter out there who can actually beat both Klitschko brothers", states promoter Ahmet Oner. "Solis is an exceptional talent and as long as he stays healthy he will surely become world heavyweight champion. But as we all know styles make fights. And Airich is a hard puncher, has a great work ethic and strong willpower. He has worked very hard to get to where he is right now. This will clearly be no walk in the park for Solis. I am looking forward to an exciting fight."

Kell Brook: Carson Jones Won't Make It To The 12th

July 7 show set to sizzle after duo clash at press conference

Kell Brook’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight clash with Carson Jones on July 7 at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield promises fireworks after the pair clashed at today’s press conference at the venue.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the pair as IBF number three ranked Jones travels from his Oklahoma home to Sheffield to face hometown star Brook who is ranked two places below him at five.

With the vacant title to be decided by a June meeting between number one ranked Mike Jones and number two Randall Bailey, the winner of Brook and Jones’ clash is likely to be given mandatory challenger status when the belt is decided, and Brook admitted he was riled by the American who bragged that he would stop the unbeaten Ingle Gym product in front of his home fans.

“He’s very brash and has a lot to say, and he’s got under my skin if I’m honest,” said Brook. “Talk is cheap though and I’m not interested in what he claims he’s going to do to me in front of my fans. I can assure you though that he is not coming to my town to beat me up and he better get some sightseeing in as he will need some good memories to take back to the States as I’m going to be a nightmare for him on July 7.

“It’s not going to go 12 rounds. I was too nice against Matthew Hatton and this time you are going to see the nasty side of Kell Brook. He’s the final step towards a World title and he’s not going to get in my way.”

Jones – a year younger than Brook at 25 – has won his last eight fights inside the distance and vowed to silence Brook’s hometown fans and stretch that record to nine.

“Inviting me to come over here to fight Brook is a big mistake,” said Jones. “He may have 9,000 fans on the night against five for me, but when we get in the ring it’s just me and him – he might think he’s a beast but I am a monster.”

Before the main event there is a stacked undercard led by two European title rematches. Gavin Rees defends his lightweight title against Derry Mathews 10 months after their original clash in Newport ended in a technical draw after Mathews broke his nose in a head clash. Since then, both men have recorded impressive wins on the road, with Rees defending the belt with an impressive seventh round stoppage of Anthony Mezaache in Paris, before Mathews ripped the British title away from Anthony Crolla in Oldham, stopping ‘Million Dollar’ in the sixth.

“Everyone was disappointed by the first fight as it was brewing up nicely – he started well and I was getting into it before the head clash,” said Rees. “But now the fight is probably much bigger after we’ve both had good wins in our last fights. Derry boxed brilliantly against Anthony, I really didn’t think he was going to win but it was comprehensive and he hurt him on so many occasions, which suggests he can bang at this weight. For me, this is probably my last domestic and European hurdle before getting back to World title level and for Derry he wants to prove he can step up – so the stakes are high for us both.”

“I know what I’ve got to do to beat Gavin,” said Mathews. “I was the underdog the first time we fought and I’ll be the underdog again – but I was the underdog against Crolla and I outclassed him so I don’t pay attention to the odds. Gavin is a different level to Anthony Crolla, he’s proved that he is World class and I’m sure that he wants to get there again, but so do I. He was outstanding in Paris when he beat Mezaache so we’re both on a high, and I think that it’ll be a cracking fight for the fans on a great card.”

Kerry Hope defends the European middleweight title against Greg Proksa in a rematch at the venue where Hope stunned the Surrey-based Pole to take the title on points in a bloody encounter in March. The Welshman is determined to hold onto the belt while Proksa will be gunning to retain it, with show promoter Eddie Hearn dangling a possible autumn date with former champ and World title challenger Darren Barker in front of the winner.

“I was really confident of upsetting Proksa last time and I’m even more confident that I can keep hold of the belt,” said Hope. “Some people have said that he might have taken me lightly and that he’ll be training extra hard to win the title back, but I will be training like I’m the underdog in order to keep hold of it, and with someone like Barker there to fight down the line, I’m sure it will be an even better fight than the first one.”

Matchroom Sport’s latest signing Kal Yafai will make his debut on the undercard, and the 22 year old amateur star is said he is delighted to be kicking off life in the pro ranks on such a star-studded bill.

“It’s a massive honour to be handed your debut fight on a card with so much quality,” said Yafai. “But I knew when I signed with Eddie that these were they types of shows that I would be involved in and that was why I put pen to paper – and I intend to show people that I am worth the hype.”

Tickets for Kell Brook vs. Carson Jones featuring European title rematches between Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews (lightweight) and Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa (middleweight) and Kal Yafai’s debut are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

Saturday's Battle Of The Badges 4 Being Streamed Live

MASHANTUCKET, CT (May 15, 2012) - "Battle of the Badges 4" spokesman Dennis Marrese announced today that Saturday night's amateur boxing show, featuring the nationally-acclaimed New York City Fire Department Boxing Team ("FDNY") against a New England Law Enforcement ("Team N.E.") squad, will air on GoFightLive.tv live from Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

"Battle of the Badges 4" ("BOB4") is presented by National Public Safety Athletic League ("NPSAL") in association with the FDNY Boxing Bravest, Mass Corrections Officers Federated Union Boxing Team (MCOFU) and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Defending champion Team N.E. trails FDNY in the series, 2-1.

Viewers may watch by going online to:

http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Battle_Of_The_Badges_4_FDNY_vs_New_England/1507

Hermis Yannis Hawks Media), a popular radio show host in Worcester (MA), will handle the blow-by-blow action from ringside. Providing color commentary is "Iceman" John Scully, the former IBF and IBO world light heavyweight title challenger, who as is chief second for WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion "Bad" Chad Dawson.

"We wanted to give people who are unable to attend the event for whatever reason an opportunity to watch the action and root for their family members, friends, favorite team and causes," Marrese said. "All profits will go towards the worthy charities this unique and entertaining event is supporting."

A Who's Who list of entertainment and sports celebrities are scheduled to be on hand supporting the fundraiser, including former world champion boxers John "The Quietman" Ruiz, Tony "The Pride of Fleet" Street" DeMarco, Vito Antuofermo Jose Antonio "El Gallo" Rivera, and Peter Manfredo, Jr.

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi, who owns three Super Bowl rings, will be in the house with his family. He has three brothers that are members of the FDNY who responded to the 9/11/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Joe is a cancer survivor who established the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

Also making BOB4 appearances are comedian Lenny Clarke, singer James Massone, who competed in the television show, "The Voice," as well as WCVB (#5) newscaster in Boston, Michelle McPhee. The world renowned FDNY bagpipers will also be involved in festivities.

Proceeds from Saturday's charitable event will benefit Work Vessels For Veterans, NPSAL and FDNY Boxing Bravest Team. More than a dozen matches are scheduled pitting FDNY against Team New England, which is primarily comprised of MCOFU boxers.

Tickets, priced at $30.00 (general admission), $50.00 (reserved seating) and $100.00 (VIP/Ringside), are available to purchase at the Foxwoods Box Office, on line at www.foxwoods.com or www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-855-660-6606 04 1-800.200.2882, or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET with the first match scheduled to start at 7:30 PM/ET.

Go to www.BattleoftheBadges.info or www.foxwoods.com for additional information.

NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY ATHLETIC LEAGUE: "NPSAL" is committed to fundraising and promoting efficient techniques to promote recreation and sport/physical activities for youths and adults for the purpose of maintaining a healthy and positive lifestyle.

FDNY BRAVEST BOXING TEAM:The organization donates all funds after expenses and has already donated more than $100,000 to various charities includes The Wounded Warrior Project and Building Homes For Heroes.

WORK VESSELS FOR VETERANS: "WVFV" assists veterans returning to the United States as they being their civilian careers or continue their educational pursuits by donating to them the necessary start-up tools (laptops, vehicles, machinery, tools, commercial vessels, etc.). The organization was started in 2008 with the donation of a commercial fishing boat to a returning veteran and to date has helped more than 500 veterans in their transitions. www.wvfv.org

Video: HBO Boxing: 24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley Promo




Golovkin Destroys Fuchigami!

KIEV, UKRAINE (May 12, 2012) Middleweight Champion Gennady Golovkin defended his WBA and IBO Middleweight titles on Saturday night with a brutal third round stoppage of OPBF Champion Makoto Fuchigami at the Ice Palace “Terminal” in Kiev, Ukraine.

With heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko looking on; Golovkin cut Fuchigami above the right eye in the first round from a huge right cross.

Dropping the southpaw hard in the second round from another overhand right and again in the third, Golovkin battered the Japanese champion at will displaying an array of crushing power shots.

Although the game Fuchigami rose after the second knockdown, Golovkin’s continuous attack forced referee Jose Ignacio Martinez to halt the bout at the 1:43 mark of the third stanza.

With the win Golovkin’s record stayed unblemished at 23-0-0 with 20 knockouts while Fuchigami’s nine bout winning streak was stopped bringing his record to 19-7-0 (10KO’s).

A happy Golovkin was pleased with his performance and looked towards a WBA enforced mandatory showdown with WBA “Super” Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm in addition to his plans for fighting in the United States. The WBA has mandated that Sturm must fight Golovkin by September 30, 2012.

“We had a great camp in Big Bear and my punches felt strong early on. I knew Fuchigami was hurt after the first knockdown so I let my hands go in the second round. Abel (trainer Abel Sanchez) and I worked on staying patient and studying my opponent and it worked tonight,” said Golovkin.

“I want to fight Sturm finally and then later this year I would like to fight in the United States, preferably at Madison Square Garden in New York City. I was at Sergio Martinez’s fight there in March of this year and would be very interested in fighting him there.”

Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions echoed the plans for Golovkin, “We’re very happy with the victory tonight over Fuchigami, he was the best middleweight from Japan and one of the few fighters willing to face Gennady.”

“Our immediate plan is to face Sturm and then have Gennady fight in America. Madison Square Garden has shown great interest in having his US debut there and we have had good discussions with HBO, Showtime and EPIX about broadcasting his fights.”

“Gennady is truly fearless, he’ll fight any champion from 154 to 168, anywhere in the world.

The Golovkin/Fuchigami bout will be broadcast on EPIX on a tape delay, the exact date will be announced shortly.

Other fights on the card:

Vyacheslav Uzelkov UD 8 Ravshanbek Jabbarov
Viktor Plotnykov UD 8 Nugzar Margvelashvili
Dmytro Nikulin UD 8 George Ungiadze
Andriy Rudenko TKO 4 Paata Berikashvili
Isa Akberbayev RTD 3 Mauro Adrian Ordiales
Zaurbek Baysangurov UD 12 Michel Soro .

Mayweather vs. Cotto: Generates 1.5 Million Buys

Below is the BBBC’s official statement:

CHISORA v HAYE

It has come to the attention of the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control that the Luxembourg Boxing Federation is considering putting on a promotion within the jurisdiction of the Board between Dereck Chisora and David Haye. The Stewards condemn any attempt by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation to do so.

Dereck Chisora has recently had his licence withdrawn by the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control on the ground that he is not a fit and proper person to hold a boxer’s licence. David Haye does not hold a boxer’s licence with the British Boxing Board of Control. If he applied for a licence his fitness to hold a licence would have to be considered, particularly in light of the part he played in what occurred at the press conference held subsequent to the Vitali Klitschko v Dereck Chisora contest.

Those behind this proposal are not concerned with the interests of the sport of professional boxing. Any member who participates in such a promotion would bring the sport of boxing into disrepute and would wholly undermine the authority of the British Boxing Board of Control, of which he/she is a member, as the regulatory body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom. This is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent the decision of the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control, in respect of Dereck Chisora, for monetary gain. Dereck Chisora’s proper remedy is by way of appeal to the Independent Stewards of Appeal, which is due to take place on the 2nd July 2012.

British Boxing Board of Control has controlled and regulated professional boxing in the United Kingdom since 1929. Its primary concern is the safety of the boxer and its regulations have been developed and implemented accordingly. It has also ensured that the rules of boxing are enforced to the highest standard. Its reputation as a regulatory body is second to none within the wider boxing world. It can only act effectively with the consent and support of its members.

The Articles of Association (the “Constitution”) of the British Boxing Board of Control, to which every member has agreed to be bound, make it perfectly clear that the object of the British Boxing Board of Control is to control and regulate boxing in the United Kingdom. Any member of the British Boxing Board of Control who participates in any way in a promotion such as that referred to above would thereby evince an intention not to be bound by the Constitution of the British Boxing Board of Control and would act in a manner wholly incompatible therewith. In such circumstances the British Boxing Board of Control would accept that member’s repudiation of the Constitution as terminating his/her membership of the British Boxing Board of Control and his/her licence.

The British Boxing Board of Control has made its position clear to the Luxembourg Boxing Federation, the European Boxing Union and World Sanctioning Organisations and has already received strong support for its stance. As stated above, the British Boxing Board of Control does not approve of such a promotion taking place within its jurisdiction and will not supply any of its officials to officiate at such a promotion. For the avoidance of doubt, any member of the British Boxing Board of Control who participates in any way in such a promotion will be deemed to have terminated his/her membership of the British Boxing Board of Control and his/her licence therewith, for the reasons stated above.

Further, the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control make it clear that the British Boxing Board of Control will assume no responsibility in respect of any aspect of such promotion and any participation therein would not be covered by any insurance policy taken out by the Board.

Participation includes taking any steps directly or indirectly, to arrange, advertise, broadcast, facilitate, officiate or take part in any way in such a promotion.

R. W. SMITH
General Secretary

Statement From The Team Of Lamont Peterson

IBF and WBA Light Welterweight Champion Lamont Peterson’s team issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of the Peterson vs. Khan II rematch:

Team Peterson is very disappointed and distraught by the decision to cancel the May 19th rematch against Amir Khan. This is an extremely difficult decision to accept. We have always taken the position of providing factual information rather than responding emotionally to rumors and innuendoes. We did everything that was asked of us in efforts to comply. To support our stance we provided the Nevada State Athletic Commission with a significant amount of factual medical data in response to these allegations. Lamont did a battery of tests this week and saw a number of independent board certified physicians. They all had the exact same conclusion as the doctor that initially treated and diagnosed Lamont’s medical condition. It began as a confidential medical matter between a patient and his physician; unfortunately, it has now become a public issue in efforts to clear the name and reputation of this young man.

As a condition for this rematch Lamont demanded that Olympic style random drug testing be implemented. He has been a true advocate for making boxing drug free and fair. In his 18 year career (10 amateur and 8 professional) Lamont Peterson has never failed a drug test and has always complied with the rules beyond this isolated and explainable occurrence. We still stand behind the fact that he did nothing wrong and he was more than ready to go through with the May 19th fight. He is a man of tremendous character and will. His work ethic is second to none and in every sense of the word he is a true Champion, in life, as well as in the ring.

We will vigorously pursue the truth with regards to this matter and continue to fight to protect this young man’s character, credibility and all he has accomplished. Once all the facts have been reviewed we have no doubt that he will be vindicated.

Amir Khan Statement For Fight Fans

Dear Fans, No one was more shocked and upset by the cancellation of next week's fight than me. I had been training hard for almost eight weeks and was ready to put on a dazzling performance and win my belts back. I know many of you purchased tickets for the fight and had planned to make the trip to Las Vegas next weekend. For any inconvenience or hardship this cancellation has caused, I am truly sorry.. We're working hard to schedule my next fight for some time during the early summer in the States and hope that you can find a way to reschedule your arrangements and come out support me with the enthusiasm that you always do. As you know, I always perform at my best when my fans are rooting me on. Thanks as always for your support.

-Amir Khan

Ticket refunds for “Peterson vs. Khan II” will be available at your point of purchase

Randall Bailey's Bombs Still Explode Next Drop June 9 vs. Mike Jones


Photo: Sumio Yamada

For the past few years, two-time world champion Randall "The Knockout King" Bailey has been one of the most avoided boxers in the world, largely due to his awesome punching power, which has put 36 of his 42 victims to sleep. The ageless Floridian gets an overdue opportunity on June 9 to capture his third world title as he takes on Mike Jones for the vacant International Boxing Federation ("IBF") Welterweight Championship, in the 12-round co-feature on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley pay-per-view card, live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas..

"I just kept my fingers crossed and left things to my manager (Si Stern) and promoter (Lou DiBella)," remarked the highly respected Bailey while speaking about being avoided. "Guys claimed that they were fighting me but when it came time to sign a contract, they turned down fights. I feel that nobody wants to take a chance fighting me. I have to keep winning the right fights like this one and eventually the really big fights will happen."

IBF #1 contender Jones (26-0, 19 KOs) passed on one opportunity to fight IBF #2 Bailey (42-7, 36 KOs), who earned his way into a mandatory title fight by stopping Jackson Osei Bonsu in the first round of their March 19, 2010, IBF title eliminator in Belgium.

"We went down the list for that eliminator," Bailey explained, "and Jones was ranked ahead of Bonsu but he (Jones) turned down the fight. Now, he's in a position where he doesn't have a choice but to fight me.

"In my head, he's a dangerous puncher, and that's how I'm training, like he's the toughest guy I've ever fought. By doing that, I'll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring. I'm working the hardest I can for what he's bringing on June 9th. There won't be any surprises."

Randall won his first 21 pro fights, all by knockout, including his World Boxing Organization ("WBO") light welterweight title-winning performance against Carlos Gonzalez in 1999. Two successful title defenses followed for Randall against Hector Lopez and Rocky Martinez. Bailey stopped Demetrio Ceballos in the third round to become the Interim World Boxing Association ("WBA") Light Welterweight Champion in 2002.

"I never hit (in terms of mainstream popularity) when I was world champion," Randall promised, "and I will have that same attitude but, first, I need to beat Mike Jones."

Arguably the most powerful pound-for-pound puncher in the world, in addition to Bonsu, Martinez, Ceballos and Lopez, Bailey has also stopped Juan Polo Perez, Harrison Cuello, Frankie Figueroa, Santos Pakau, Anthony Mora and Juan Polo Perez.

"I most definitely know when I hit my opponent right," Bailey remarked. "I didn't really have to do too much earlier in my career because I was fighting at 140 pounds and weighted 146 walking around. I'd get calls to fight, only two weeks in advance, and take it because I wouldn't have trouble losing weight. I was young with energy to spare. Knockouts came a lot easier for me back then. I was like a bull back then, going forward throwing bombs and looking to knock out guys. Now, I'm more patient, letting my opponents make mistakes and then capitalizing. That's what patience is all about; they run into my bomb. When I hit somebody right, I pretty much know what the outcome will be. I believe I have the power to put anybody's lights out if I hit them clean."

Viloria: 'This Is Personal'

The final press conference for Saturday night's "Island Assault 4: The Battle" pay-per-view-event, featuring Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria vs. Omar Nino Romero III, live from Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. "Island Assault 4:The Battle," presented by Solar Sports, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9:00 PM/ET - 6:00 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVN for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.. "Island Assault 4: The Battle" will also be available in Canada to Super Channel subscribers. For on-line PPV viewers go to Ustream.tv at http://www.ustream.tv/integratedsportsppv.



Three-time world champion Viloria (30-3, 16 KOs), a 2000 U.S. Olympian, defends his "WBO" title belt against two-time world title-holder Romero (31-4-2, 13 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Viloria won his first 20 pro fights, until he lost the World Boxing Council ("WBC") light flyweight championship to Romero by way of a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006. Three months later, their rematch ended in a draw that was later changed to a "no contest" when Romero failed a post-fight drug test.

The 10-round co-feature matches a pair of former world champions, Julio Cesar "Pingo" Miranda (37-6-1, 29 KOs) and Rodel "Kid Rapido" Mayol (30-5-2, 22 KOs), in a 10-round bout with future world flyweight title fight implications. Miranda, rated No. 3 by the WBO and No. 4 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"), is a Mexican knockout specialist who dropped his WBO title fight last year to Viloria. WBC No. 9 and IBF #12 Mayol, a Filipino now living in Los Angeles, lost his WBC Light Flyweight crown, ironically, to Romero in 2010.

Filling out the PPV card is the next wave of Filipino prospects: Robert "Battlin' Bert" Udtuhan (17-1-1, 13 KOs) faces Alvin Makiling (9-4-1, 2 KOs) in a 12-round match for the Interim WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight Championship; undefeated featherweight Jun "Chainsaw" Doliguez (11-0, & KOs) fights veteran Jonel "Mulawin" Alibio (16-13-2, 8 KOs) in a special 10-round Featherweight Attraction.

Press Conference Quotes

(Taken from excerpts in The Philippine Star, Manila Standard Today and Pang-Masa.)

Brian Viloria: "There'll be no single boring round."

"I just have to put the combinations together."

"I can weigh in right now and make the weight."

I've trained harder than before and it's going to show Sunday. Expect fireworks."

I really, really trained myself very hard for this fight. This is personal on my part. I want to five fans a good fight."

"This is it. This third fight is happening because it gives me an opportunity to bounce back from the first two fights."


Omar Nino Romero: "He has turned into a great fighter."

For more information about the "Island Assault 4: The Battle" PPV event go to www.integratedsportsnet.com. Follow Integrated Sports Media on Twitter @IntegratedPPV.

Kell Brook To Face IBF #3 Carson Jones On July 7

Winner set for IBF shot in the fall – tickets on sale 9am -- Kell Brook will face highly ranked Carson Jones at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on July 7 as an IBF World title shot draws a step closer. Jones is ranked at number three by the IBF – two spots above Brook – and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the victor would move into pole position to fight for the title in the fall, which is being contested by current number one Mike Jones and number two ranked Randall Bailey on June 9 in Las Vegas..

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday May 11 priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com. VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport for £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com.

The Sheffield star thrilled a packed home crowd in the Arena in March when he dismantled Matthew Hatton in a master class that drew record viewing figures on Sky Sports for non-pay-per-view boxing.

The 25 year old from Oklahoma has won his last eight fights inside the distance, and currently holds the USBA welterweight title, which he defended for the second time in April with a seventh round stoppage over Allen Conyers in his hometown, the 34th win and the 24th by KO.

“It’s a step-up in class again and one that I’m truly ready for,” said Brook. “Jones is experienced for his age and has been avoided, but I want a World title shot and in order to get it, I need to go through him.

“The Hatton night just blew my mind. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever fought in front of and they were all there for me. That’s a very special feeling and I cannot wait to experience it again.”

“Basically Kell Brook is the last person standing in my way to fight for a World title,” said Jones. “He will have to kill me to beat me because I have worked too hard to let anyone stop me from reaching my dream.

“It does not matter if the fight is here, there or in Zimbabwe. I have made a living going to other people’s hometowns and knocking them out and this will be no exception. Kell Brook needs to be afraid, very afraid, because his fans are going to see him put to sleep on July 7.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Carson and one he personally asked for,” said Bobby Dobbs, Jones’ promoter. “Carson is often overlooked because of his earlier career mismanagement, but I always knew he was an exceptional talent and he has finally begun to hit his stride. He has won eight in a row all by stoppage with some very tough fighters in that cycle. We respect Brook and his team, but we are coming to win and move on to the next level.”

Brook’s showdown with Jones tops a great bill for British boxing as Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews meet again for Rees’ European title with Mathews putting the British belt on the line too. Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa face a rematch for the European middleweight title Hope wrestled from Proksa on the Brook vs. Hatton undercard.

Lee Purdy will defend his English welterweight title against Lancastrian Chris Johnson and Ryan Aston will fight for the Midlands Area middleweight belt, and there will also be another outing for Team GB star Scotty Cardle.

“Brook vs. Jones is a fantastic contest and one I’m delighted to have signed,” said Hearn. “Kell is in one of the toughest divisions and to manoeuvre a World title shot isn’t easy. Victory against Carson will put us in line for a shot at the Jones-Bailey winner and that’s a fight I want to bring to the UK in October.

“This will be our first show of the new season and in terms of the card, it’s a statement of intent of where we want to take the sport – bigger fights, bigger nights and packed out arenas.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday May 11 priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

Jesus Soto Karass To Headline "Firepower II" On May 26th

TUCSON, Ariz. (May 10, 2012) – Worthy of its name, FIREPOWER II will make an explosion over Tucson’s desert sky later this month, when it loads 8 fights into the boxing ring of CASINO DEL SOL RESORT, southern Arizona’s premier resort and casino. Showdown Promotions, in association with Top Rank Inc, is thrilled to announce its next fight card televised by TV AZTECA. The event will be taking place at the Casino Del Sol AVA Amptheatre Saturday, May 26th, and will feature in its main event, Mexican strongman Jesus Soto Karass (24-7, 16 KOs) from Los Mochis, Sinaloa.. The always crowd pleasing fighter be facing 10-1-1 Said “The Messenger” El Harrak.

Supporting Soto Karass will be undefeated and highly ranked prospect, Hanzel “El Tornadito” Martinez (17-0, 14 KOs). The brother-in-law of the former three- time world champion, Antonio Margarito, will be taking the next step in his career, inching closer to what every fighter strives for, becoming a world champion. But first, El Tornadito will have to face an experienced and tough German Cruz (21-6-1; 16 KOs). Martinez and German will be fighting for one of the WBC’s regional titles.

And putting an exclamation point to this huge boxing card will be the much-anticipated return of Jose Benavidez Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs). Jose is returning to the ring after a six month layoff due to a hand injury that needed surgery. Jose is excited to show the boxing world that he is back!

Also on the card will be undefeated Arizona fighters, Abel Ramos (3-0, 2 KOs) from Case Grande and Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (3-0-1) from Phoenix.

Doors to the AVA AMPHITHEATER at CASINO DEL SOL RESORT will open at 5:30 PM, with first bell scheduled to ring at 6:00.

TICKETS AVAILABLE at www.casinodelsol.com

Jimmy Lange Suffers Training Injury; June 23rd Card Postponed

Jimmy Lange suffered a leg injury during training camp that is preventing him from training for his bout scheduled for June 23, 2012. As a result, Jimmy Lange Boxing officials announced that the June 23rd event at the Patriot Center has been postponed. Officials hope to return to the Patriot Center later this year. Ticketholders can receive a refund from their point of purchase with online purchases automatically refunded.

Statement from Jimmy Lange

“I want to thank all of my fans for their past, present and continued support. I promise to be back in action at the Patriot Center as soon as my physical condition allows. This injury will not affect my performance when I return. Thank you again and I’ll see you in the fall.”

Christensen Returns Against Leonardi May 26

Former WBC, WBA, WIBF, WIBA & GBU World Bantamweight Champion Anita Christensen (24-1-1, 8 KOs) of Denmark is set to return to the ring on May 26 after more than two years out, when she takes on reigning French Champion Isabelle Leonardi (8-9-2, 3 KOs) at Skyline Arena in hometown Randers.

In Christensen’s last bout, in March 2010, she drew with current WBO World Champion Kaliesha West, and has since been on the sidelines while getting her motivation back for another run at a World title. Despite the mediocre record of the Paris-boxer, Christensen will not be facing a pushover in Leonardi, who defended her French national title only last month.

Also on the show promoted by Euro Event will be Light Welterweights Kasper Bruun (13-0-1, 3 KOs) and Kim Poulsen (20-1, 6 KOs), as well as rookie Middleweights Abdul Khattab (1-0, 1 KO) and Stephan Alms (1-0, 1 KO), against opponents to be announced.

Completing the evening’s action, Denmark’s amateur national team will square off against Estonia. Tickets are on sale via www.billetlugen.dk and by phone (0045) 70 263 267.

Gennady Golovkin Arrives In Kiev; Ready To Defend His Title

WBA and IBO Middleweight Champion Gennady Golovkin and his noted trainer Abel Sanchez have arrived in Kiev, Ukraine where Golovkin will defend his world title on Saturday, May 12th against Japanese champion Makoto Fuchigami at the Ice Palace “Terminal”. Known for his devastating knockouts and fan friendly style, the undefeated Golovkin sports a record of 22-0-0 with nineteen stoppages while the southpaw Fuchigami, 19-6-0 (10KO’s), enters the twelve round clash with a nine bout-winning streak, eight by knockout..

A native of Kazakhstan and living in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin returns to action following a brutal first round knockout of Philadelphia based contender Lajuan Simon on December 9th in Dusseldorf, Germany. Simon had not been previously stopped over his eight-year career, including a twelve round war with then world champion Arthur Abraham and going the distance with Sebastian Sylvester, both in 2009.

Fuchigami, ranked #9 by the WBA, is coming off a tenth round stoppage of Kyung –Suk Kwak on April 9th in Tokyo. Prior to that he won the OPBF Middleweight Title on December 12, 2011 with a ninth round knockout of Koji Sato in Tokyo, his career best victory. He is the highest rated middleweight from Japan.

While focused on the heavy handed Fuchigami, Golovkin also has his sights set on any of the world title holders from junior middleweight to super middleweight. “I feel comfortable at 160 but I’m willing to go down to 154 or up to 168 to fight the best in the world. There are many big names in all three weight classes and I’m willing to travel anywhere to fight these other champions.”

The World Boxing Association has ordered that current “Super Champion” Felix Sturm and Golovkin must fight by September 30, 2012.

Golovkin won the WBA World Middleweight Title on December 16, 2010 with a third round stoppage of Nilson Julio Tapia in Astana, Kazakhstan. His first defense came in Panama City, Panama against former world champion Kassim Ouma on June 17, 2011 with a tenth round technical knockout.

Also featured on the Saturday, May 12th event is a WBO Junior Middleweight Title bout between Zaurbek Baysangurov and Michel Soro.

Ali Adams: " I Am Doing This Fight With Audley In Memory Of My Father"

Ali Adams today finishes his four days of sparring with leading German heavyweight Francesco Pianeta. Pianeta ranked 30th in the world was chosen by promoter Steve Goodwin as the ideal sparring partner for Adams being a 6 foot 5 southpaw.

Ali has spent the last four days with trainer Don Charles in Germany and wants to leave nothing to chance for his date with destiny..

“My preparations could not have gone better. I have trained for 11 weeks on a full time basis and have never been fitter, never been stronger and never been more mentally prepared. My sparring with Pianeta could not have gone better.”

Ali added “This fight is Rocky Balboa v Apollo Creed” I am the guy with nothing who has been taken out of nowhere by my promoter to have this opportunity against a multi-millionaire who has everything financially. 26th May 2011 my father died. He was my inspiration in life and I have still not got over it. I know he will be in the right with me 12 months to the date he died. When Audley postponed the first fight and the date was moved I know this was meant to be.”

Tickets for Harrison v Adams plus 12 fight undercard are available at www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk

Team USA's Jose Ramirez And Terrell Gausha Qualify For The 2012 U.S. Olympic Games With WIns In Rio de Janeiro

The United States moved their total number of qualified boxers to seven with quarterfinal victories by lightweight Jose Ramirez (Avenal, Calif.) and middleweight Terrell Gausha (Cleveland, Ohio) on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro. Super heavyweight Dominic Breazale (Alhambra, Calif.) moved one step closer to qualifying his spot with a win in his quarterfinal bout as well..

In typical Ramirez style, the American lightweight kept the punch count high and pressured his Canadian opponent throughout the three round bout. He held a 6-3 lead after one round despite his domination of the opening three minutes. Ramirez continued to throw combinations throughout the second round, even giving Rynn a rare standing eight count with a body shot late in the round and enjoyed a 14-6 edge as the final round began. He opened the third round with several strong and sharp punches, giving Rynn a second standing eight count in the first minute of the third round. Yet he didn’t rest on his lead over the final two minutes, continuing to pepper Rynn with shots to cause a third standing eight count with 48 seconds remaining in the bout. The 19-year-old clinched a lightweight spot in London with a 23-11 final decision to bring the United States’ qualified count to six.

“I feel great. It’s been a long year for me. I feel amazing and I’m blessed to be in the position that I’m in right now,” Ramirez said. “I’m very excited to represent the U.S., myself, my family and the team in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Now, it’s time to go for the gold and be the Americas champion.”

Gausha pushed Team USA’s winning streak to 10 straight with a 16-5 victory over Puerto Rico’s Enrique Collazo in their middleweight quarterfinal showdown. The American boxer had control from the opening bell, landing sharp, crisp punches while Collazo looked to hold to evade Gausha’s shots. Gausha held a 5-1 lead after one round and it was more of the same in the second round. Collazo didn’t have an answer for Gausha’s skills and precision and faced a 10-3 deficit with one round remaining. He didn’t take his foot of the gas, landing razor-sharp right hands at will over the final three minutes. He went on to win a 16-5 final decision and claim the middleweight spot on the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team.

“All the pressure I endured and hard work that I put in has paid off and God is great,” Gausha said. “Dreams really do come true. I grew a lot over the last year and I saw what it took to get to this point so the timing was right for me.”

Breazale competed in the final bout of the night, facing off with home nation boxer Gidelson Silva of Brazil. The two battled to a 4-4 tie after one round with both boxers landing strong shots in the opening stanza. Yet, the second round featured huge momentum swings with Silva winning the early portion of the round and Breazale taking over late, giving Silva a standing eight count in the final minute of the round. He pushed his lead to a six-point margin in the final round to win an 18-12 decision and advance to the semifinals. Breazale can guarantee his spot in London with a win in Friday’s semifinals.

Ramirez has dominated the lightweight division in the United States over the past three years, claiming victories at the USA Boxing National Championships three straight years. The former Starbucks barista continued his run at the U.S. Olympic Trials, defeating a talented group of lightweights including 2008 Olympian Raynell Williams to take the gold medal. Ramirez drew reigning Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomanchenko in his first bout of the 2011 World Championships and failed to qualify after losing a closely-contested match-up to the Ukrainian. He is trained by Armando Mancinas at the Avenal Kings Boxing Club in Avenal, Calif.

Ramirez is the third Olympic Trials winner to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games at the Americas Qualifier, joining light welterweight Jamel Herring (Coram, N.Y.) and light heavyweight Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.).

Gausha is the first of the American boxers to qualify in London that did not also win the Olympic Trials. After winning the 2009 USA Boxing National Championships, Gausha took a break from the national scene but participated in the World Series of Boxing for the Memphis Force and Los Angeles Matadors. He returned to the USA Boxing National Championships in 2012, defeating Olympic Trials winner Jesse Hart (Philadelphia, Pa.) on a double tiebreaker in the finals to win the gold medal. The victory earned Gausha a spot on the Americas Qualifier team and he took advantage of his moment, clinching a berth on the Olympic Team with two straight double-digit wins in Rio de Janeiro. Gausha is a product of the MLK Premiere Boxing Gym and his trained by Renard Safo in Cleveland, Ohio and is a proud father to four-year-old daughter Ty’era.

Thursday will be an off day for all of the competitors with semifinal action being contested on Friday.

Team USA's Marcus Browne Qualifies For The 2012 Olympic Games With A Quaterfinal Win In Brazil

Light heavyweight Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.) officially qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games with a quarterfinal victory at the Americas Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Tuesday afternoon. Browne is the first American boxer to qualify at the event, which features the top boxers from north, central and south America. The 21-year-old took on the Dominican Republic’s Felix Valera in the light heavyweight quarterfinal contest. Knowing the high stakes, Browne grabbed control of the bout early and enjoyed a 7-2 lead after the first round. The pace slowed over the next two rounds with Browne taking a 9-3 advantage into the last three points. He held on to his lead in the final round to win a 12-6 final decision and a light heavyweight berth in the 2012 Olympic Games in London

Browne, who began boxing at the age of 13 after following a friend to the boxing gym, was one of the three Olympic Trials winners competing in the Americas Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro. He fell just short of qualifying internationally at the 2011 World Championships, but stayed focused on his Olympic dream despite the obstacle.

“Well it’s been a long road, but I finally got to where I wanted to with sacrifice and hard work,” Browne said. “I just want to thank all of the people who stood behind me through thick and thin. I can’t wait to get home and get focused on winning the gold in London.”

A product of the Atlas Cops N Kids gym in Staten Island, N.Y., and trained by Gary Stark, Sr., Browne is a two-time National PAL Champion the 2012 USA Boxing National Champion. A southpaw noted for his strong punching power, Browne recorded first round stoppages in his opening bouts at both the 2011 World Championships in Azerbaijan and his Americas Qualifier first round contest in Brazil.

He will represent the United States in the same weight class as the most recent U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Andre Ward, when he takes the ring in London. In 2008, the United States did not have a light heavyweight representative as Christopher Downs failed to qualify.

With Browne’s win, the United States has four boxers qualified for London with the light heavyweight joining flyweight Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio), bantamweight Joseph Diaz, Jr. (S. El Monte, Calif.) and welterweight Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas).

Light welterweight Jamel Herring (Coram, N.Y.) will look to bring the total to five when he takes the ring against Yoelvis Hernandez of Venezuela at approximately 6:45 p.m. ET.

El-Amin Wins USBO Super Middleweight Title

LOWELL, MA (May 9, 2012) - Shujaa El-Amin - aka Dion Savage (12-3, 6 KOs) - spoiled tonight's "Homecoming" for popular brawler "Irish" Joey McCreedy (13-6-2, 6 KOs), who was fighting in front of his hometown fans for the first time as a professional boxer..

El-Amin, however, dominated the action from the opening round against the game McCreedy, capturing the vacant United States Boxing Organization ("USBO") super middleweight title in the main event at Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

The Flint, Michigan-invader won nine of 10 rounds on two judges' scorecards and swept all 10 on the other.

"I fight for oppressed people all over the world, not myself," El-Amin commented after the fight. "I come from a poor place and want to build-up my city. I'm fighting for my father who has been imprisoned in Illinois for 15 years for a crime he's innocent. We have proof. It's an injustice. His name is Dion Savage, Sr."

"Homecoming" - presented by Chicago Fight Clubs Promotion ("CFC Promotion") -- was the first professional boxing show held in seven years in Lowell, a well-known hotbed for amateur boxing, annually hosting the New England Championships. Lowell is best known as the home of "Irish" Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund, the principal subjects in the award-winning movie, "The Fighter." They worked the corners for McCreedy and his CFC Promotion stable-mate, Sean Eklund (10-4, 2 KOs), who is the nephew of Micky and Dicky.

In the co-feature, Ward-trained light welterweight Sean Eklund (11-4, 2 KOs), also fighting at home in Lowell for the first time as a pro, won a unanimous decision in his first eight-round bout from 22-fight veteran James Ventry.

"I could hear the fans and it was inspirational," the 28-year-old Eklund said after the fight, "but I had to stay within myself. I got wild a few times. I hurt him in the first round and loaded up trying to knock him out. He's a tough kid who has been stopped only twice. I didn't have much amateur experience, so I'm gaining experience now, and have gotten better in each of my last three fights."

Chicago light welterweight Antonio "Aztec God of War" Canas (6-0-1) overcame two third-round knockdowns to remain unbeaten in a six-round majority draw in an entertaining fight with Tyrone Chatman (9-1-2, 6 KOs).

US Marine Jimmy Smith, who did two tours in Iraq, decked Rafael Jusino in the opening round but soon the fight was halted after a cut opened over Jusino's eye from and accidental head-butt. The match was ruled a no contest.

New Jersey middleweight Anthony Jones (1-0-1) won his first pro fight with a unanimous four-round decision over pro-debuting Bernie Ongewe.

Khan Tweets: The Only Person To Blame Is Peterson; Looking For A Opponent To Fight June 30th

Amirk Khan tweeted out through his official twitter page. Saying the only person to blame for the fight not taking place is Lamont Peterson, and  he is looking for an oppoent to face on June 30th. Though the date is not hundred percent confirmed. Click here, to go to Khan's twitter page.

Khan's tweets:

"The fight is off! sorry everyone the only person to is @kingpete I'll be looking for a opponent to fight June 30th."

"June 30th is not 100% confirmed, will let you guys know the exact date one I find out"

Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan II Cancelled



LOS ANGELES, May 9 - A failed pre-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), coupled with the Nevada State Athletic Commission's (NSAC) legal inability to hold a formal hearing on the matter of licensing Lamont Peterson for his Saturday, May 19 rematch against Amir Khan until Tuesday, May 15, has forced the cancellation of the event..

Ticket refunds for "Peterson vs. Khan II" will be available at your point of purchase. Ticketmaster may be reached at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Event ticket refunds for fans traveling from the United Kingdom are available at www.sportscorporation.comor by calling +44 (0)845 163 0845.

Vicente Escobedo Looking To Keep His Momentum Going This Saturday Against Ruiz

LOS ANGELES, May 9 - After making his hometown debut in March with a blistering first round knockout win over Lonnie Smith, top junior lightweight contender Vicente Escobedo will look to keep that momentum going in the same venue on Saturday, May 12 as he takes on Santa Clarita's Juan Ruiz in the 10 round "Sólo Boxeo Tecate" main event at the Woodland Community Center in Woodland, California..´

Escobedo vs. Ruiz headlines a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Don Chargin Productions in association with Paco Presents and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. and the TeleFutura broadcast begins at 12:00 a.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Advanced purchase tickets are priced at $80 (VIP), $60 (Floor) and $45 (Bleachers). If purchased at the door, ticket prices increase to $90 (VIP), $70 (Floor) and $55 (Bleachers). Tickets are available for purchase at Paco's Restaurant (530) 669-7946, F&F Multiprint (530) 666-3102, USA Tires (530) 662-4145 and online at www.pacopresentsboxing.com.

2004 United States Olympian Vicente Escobedo (25-3, 15 KO's) has been in with some of boxing's toughest fighters including former World Champions Robert Guerrero, Michael Katsidis, Kevin Kelley and Carlos Hernandez, . Currently ranked number one in the world by the WBO, the 30-year-old Escobedo knows that he needs to beat Ruiz and extend his current winning streak to four to keep his title hopes and a discussed summer clash against WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner alive.

Upset-minded Juan Ruiz (23-9, 7 KO's) is at his best when he's tested against tough competition. The 33-year-old from Santa Clarita proved this with a shoscking technical knockout victory over former World Champion Wayne McCullough in 2008. A former NABF featherweight champion, the granite chinned Ruiz will look to spoil Escobedo's homecoming on May 12.

Austin "No Doubt" Trout In Heavy Training For June 2 Title Defense

WBA World Junior Middleweight Champion Austin "No Doubt" Trout (24-0, 14 KOs) sounds tired. And he should.

Trout is in heavy training for his third title defense, against free-swinging junior middleweight contender Delvin "EL Peligro" Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KOs), on Saturday, June 2, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

The 12-round Trout vs. Rodriguez clash will be part of a scheduled Quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME® that also includes former light heavyweight champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (29-6, 20 KOs) taking on unbeaten power puncher Lateef "Power" Kayode (18-0, 14 KO's); Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO's) vs. Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (26-0, 20 KO's); and Vusi "Marvelous" Malinga (20-3, 12 KO's) going against undefeated Leo "Terremoto" Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO's) for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will air live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME® with preliminary bouts airing live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

"Training is going good. I'm tired, so it's doing its job," said Trout. "I'm excited. I can't wait for June 2 to come. I'm working so hard right now and it's all going good. I'm more excited now than I've ever been. In fact, I'm trying to curb it back because it's making my days go real slow."

26-year-old Trout lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he, long-time trainer Louie Burke, and strength and conditioning coach Siju Shabazz have been putting in the work. "I run in the morning and do sprints, about four miles. Then we go to the gym for sparring and skills and drills, do about 20 rounds. Then my strength coach takes over and we get into calisthenics and biometric workout after that. It's rough."

Trout says he respects Rodriguez, but says this fight will be a wonderful chance to showcase his skills.

"He's a good fighter. I'm glad to be able to have a fight like this on this stage against an exciting guy like him, but honestly, I don't feel like he's on my level. It'll be a good fight. He's a warrior and he brings a hard fight for all 12 rounds, but I think I can get him out of there in the late rounds. It might be closer early, but I'll pull away in the later rounds for sure."

Trout says he's still the same guy he always was since winning the title, but has taken on more of a public role in his hometown, going around to schools and talking about bullying and how to prevent it. In the past year, he has visited over 10 schools and talked to more than 4000 kids.

"I'm hoping to get the Kardashian sisters to be his guests of honor at the fight," laughs the good-natured champion. "I saw Floyd had Justin Bieber in his corner. I want to be able to say 'forget Bieber. I got the Kardshians!"

The event is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T with Trout vs. Rodriguez being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia'sStar Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz being presented in association with Branco Sports Productions.

Tickets for the June 2 event are on sale now for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at AXS.com or by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

Team Nelson Planning An Upset

I like fighting Southpaws. I'm real comfortable against Southpaws. Is he (Jhonson) ready for a 6' 3" right hander that can box and bang?? Willie Nelson

Cleveland's Willie "The Great" Nelson (17-1-1, 11 KOs) may have come up a little short in his ShoBox: The New Generation debut against Vincent Arroyo last April, but he's planning on doing what all great fighters can do: come back stronger than ever.

Nelson and his training team and promoters, Rumble Time Promotions, are focused on making the second time the charm when he faces Cuba's Yudel Jhonson (12-0, 8 KOs) this Friday, May 11, in the 10-round junior middleweight main event of the ShoBox: The New Generation telecast (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) presented by Warriors Boxing, entitled "Shootout at Texas Station", from the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas.

The eight-round co-featured battle of undefeated super middleweights Badou Jack "The Ripper" (10-0, 8 KOs) of Sweden and Colombia's power-punching Alexander Brand (17-0, 15 KOs) will go on as scheduled.

Original opponent Jhonson opponent Freddy Hernandez was forced to pull out with an injury and Nelson stepped in on 11 days' notice. "We were training for a six-round tune-up fight a week later, so I've been working very hard and I'm in great shape," said Nelson of his decision to take this important fight on short notice. "When this opportunity came to showcase my talents and progress on Showtime, I could not turn it down. We were hoping for a big TV fight this summer, so when this opportunity came up it was very exciting. I have been there before and this time, I'll be ready!"

25-year-old Nelson says his only reservation about fighting Jhonson was weight. "Weight was a big consideration. We were just deciding to leave the welterweight division and it was important to agree on a catch weight of 152 pounds because it just would not be smart to step right in and fight a guy at 156-157 pounds on short notice. My instinct is to jump in and fight anybody, but my team helped me make smart decisions."

A former USA and European amateur champion, Nelson says he has great respect for his opponent Jhonson. "He comes from a great line of Cuban fighters, and like me, he had an extensive and successful amateur career. As a pro, he has had only 12 fights and none against anyone that can do the things I can do. I respect Yudel, but I look forward to beating him."

"I'm excited to have my 6' 3" beast back on Showtime!" exclaimed Nelson's much less reserved promoter, Steven Smith of Rumble Time Promotions. "He had a rough outing last time he was on ShoBox! He had some personal things going on in his life and wasn't fully focused! He back and ready to destroy! I'm anxious to let Willie expose this overrated Cuban fighter! Willie has all the tools to shatter Jhonson's dream. He's tall, fast and can punch with a great amateur and pro background. I think Willie knocks him out in round six!"

Nelson has switched trainers since the close decision loss to Arroyo. He is now working with Jack Loew, of Kelly Pavlik fame. Losing to Arroyo, he says, was a learning experience. "After losing that fight, I had to go back and work on some defense and use some of my advantages better. I switched trainers. I had a long experience with my old trainer, dating way back to my amateur success. He is a fantastic trainer, but sometimes you need a change to shake you up and improve on things that you hadn't done in the past. I think my current style reflects that. Since I joined (trainer) Jack Loew and the rest of my team in Youngstown, we have been working so hard to prepare me to showcase my skills."

Tickets for "Shootout at Texas Station" are on sale now, priced at $27 and $52 and are available at Ticketmaster, any Texas Station rewards center or at SCLV.COM/CONCERTS. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $102 can be purchased by calling (954) 985-1155.

On fight night, doors open at 6:30 and the action starts at 7:00 pm.

Station Bucks may be used to purchase tickets. All ages welcome. Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over. Show subject to change without notice. Management reserves all rights. Digital Photography and video prohibited. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Boarding Pass Rewards Center, The Fiesta's, by logging onto stationcasinos.com/concerts or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel is located at 2101 Texas Star Lane in North Las Vegas. Telephone: (702) 631-1000 or (800) 654-8888.

Video: Fight Camp 360 Ortiz Berto: Episode 1-Marathon & Rehab



Showtime Sports Announces Fight Camp 360: Ortiz vs. Berto II



FIGHT CAMP 360°, the acclaimed documentary series, which launched during the Super Six World Boxing Classic, returns ahead of the highly anticipated June 23 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING featuring Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto. SHOWTIME Sports® will produce three episodes of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II, shining its unique spotlight into the lives and personalities of both of these compelling young fighters as they prepare for the rematch of the 2011 Fight of the Year (USA Today, The Ring magazine). The first episode will premiere on Wednesday, June 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

The series-which has been called "gritty" and "outstanding" by ESPN and "the most groundbreaking concept the sport has seen in years" by MaxBoxing-will again give fight fans unfiltered access behind the scenes of the sweet science. Episode one will highlight the lives of Ortiz and Berto over the last four months, including Berto's rehabilitation for the torn left biceps injury that postponed the bout. Episode two, premiering Wednesday, June 20, at 10 p.m. on SHOWTIME, will bring fight fans the intensity of the final preparations for this career-defining fight.

In addition to the two 30-minute preview episodes in anticipation of Ortiz vs. Berto II, SHOWTIME Sports will produce a 15-minute wrap-up episode to premiere one week following the fight on Saturday, June 30, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME..

Installments one and two of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II will replay on CBS Sports Network, SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME (full schedule listed below). Additionally, the episodes will be available on SHOWTIME On Demand.

In April 2011, Ortiz and Berto engaged in one of the most thrilling fights of the year, with both men hitting the canvas twice before Ortiz rallied to victory and captured Berto's World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight World Championship. On Saturday, June 23, these rugged and determined fighters will meet once again, this time at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., in a highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer: "At This Point, Peterson Is Not Licensed To Fight In Nevada"



“At this point, Peterson is not licensed to fight in Nevada,” Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer told the Las Vegas Review Journal. “We have not received his medicals or paperwork, which is not that unusual as a lot of fighters wait until the week of the fight. But given the circumstances, I have no plans to license him at this time.” According to various sources, Peterson has admittedly taken “testosterone pellets” last year. The Peterson camp has submitted an explanation to the NSAC, who will make a decision on the status of the fight. If Peterson is scratched, it’s unclear whether Golden Boy will be able to find a suitable replacement opponent for Khan acceptable to HBO in less than two weeks or if the entire event will be scrapped. Peterson’s WBA and IBF world titles would likely become vacant.

Bute Gets Green Light To Resume Training

IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute received the green light to resume his training from the foot specialist in Florida. So Lucian will continue his preparation for the 10 th defense of his IBF title in Nottingham on May 26 th vs. Hometown hero Carl Froch. Bute, trainer Stephan Larouche and promoter Jean Bedard will meet with the media on Friday in Montreal, then Lucian and his Team will fly to England this weekend.

ESPN Friday Nigh Fight's "Crossroads", Set For Friday, July 13th At The UIC Pavilion In Chicago

Two European title rematches top undercard for July 7 Sheffield show

Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews meet again for the European lightweight belt on the undercard of Kell Brook’s July 7 show in Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, which features another European title rematch in Kerry Hope vs. Greg Proksa, live on Sky Sports..

Rees and Mathews fought for the Welshman’s European lightweight title in Newport in October but the bout was cut short when the Liverpool challenger broke his nose in the fourth round after an accidental head clash.

Since then, both men have recorded impressive wins, with Rees travelling to Paris in March to defend his title in style with a seventh round stoppage of Anthony Mezaache, while Mathews upset the odds in Oldham last month with a sixth round stoppage of Anthony Crolla to win the British title.

That was the venue where Hope stunned Proksa in a brutal and bloody battle for the Surrey-based Pole’s European middleweight title, with Merthyr Tydfil’s Hope putting in the best performance of his career to inflict the first defeat of the hotly-fancied 27 year old.

Sheffield’s unbeaten welterweight star Brook will announce his opponent for July 7 live on Sky Sports boxing magazine show Ringside on Thursday at 6pm, and show promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted be putting on these two mouth-watering rematches.

“These are two fantastic rematches that will provide huge entertainment on July 7,” said show promoter Eddie Hearn. “The Rees vs. Mathews fight in Wales was warming up nicely when Derry got injured, and I’m glad they are getting the chance to get it on again. Gavin was fantastic in France when he beat Mezaache and Derry’s performance against Crolla was very impressive and he certainly deserves a second crack at the title.

“Kerry Hope’s win over Greg Proksa was a real shock to everyone – apart from Kerry and his team. They were convinced he had the goods to beat Greg and so it proved, he was terrific and it was a gruelling and gripping contest. Greg will have revenge on his mind while Kerry won’t want to let that title out of his hands, so I expect the rematch to top the ferocious intensity of the first fight.”

Two Euro Title Rematches Rees vs. Matthews & Hope vs. Proska Meet On Brook Bill

Two European title rematches top undercard for July 7 Sheffield show

Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews meet again for the European lightweight belt on the undercard of Kell Brook’s July 7 show in Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, which features another European title rematch in Kerry Hope vs. Greg Proksa, live on Sky Sports..

Rees and Mathews fought for the Welshman’s European lightweight title in Newport in October but the bout was cut short when the Liverpool challenger broke his nose in the fourth round after an accidental head clash.

Since then, both men have recorded impressive wins, with Rees travelling to Paris in March to defend his title in style with a seventh round stoppage of Anthony Mezaache, while Mathews upset the odds in Oldham last month with a sixth round stoppage of Anthony Crolla to win the British title.

That was the venue where Hope stunned Proksa in a brutal and bloody battle for the Surrey-based Pole’s European middleweight title, with Merthyr Tydfil’s Hope putting in the best performance of his career to inflict the first defeat of the hotly-fancied 27 year old.

Sheffield’s unbeaten welterweight star Brook will announce his opponent for July 7 live on Sky Sports boxing magazine show Ringside on Thursday at 6pm, and show promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted be putting on these two mouth-watering rematches.

“These are two fantastic rematches that will provide huge entertainment on July 7,” said show promoter Eddie Hearn. “The Rees vs. Mathews fight in Wales was warming up nicely when Derry got injured, and I’m glad they are getting the chance to get it on again. Gavin was fantastic in France when he beat Mezaache and Derry’s performance against Crolla was very impressive and he certainly deserves a second crack at the title.

“Kerry Hope’s win over Greg Proksa was a real shock to everyone – apart from Kerry and his team. They were convinced he had the goods to beat Greg and so it proved, he was terrific and it was a gruelling and gripping contest. Greg will have revenge on his mind while Kerry won’t want to let that title out of his hands, so I expect the rematch to top the ferocious intensity of the first fight.”

Ricky Hatton Fires Back At Dave Coldwell

RICKY HATTON has fired back at Dave Coldwell, trainer of Hatton Promotions light-middleweight star Ryan Rhodes.

Coldwell claims that Hatton Promotions are not acting in the boxer’s best interests after 'The Hitman' started training his big fight rival Sergey Rabchenko..
Sheffield’s Rhodes attempts to regain the European crown when he meets Hatton Promotions stable mate Rabchenko for the vacant title on the ‘Road To Glory’ bill at Manchester Velodrome on Saturday 16th June.

Ricky finds himself in the position where two of his world class fighters being matched by the European Boxing Union, and Coldwell is upset that the former two-weight world champion is training the Belarussian puncher.

Hatton explained: “I am in an awkward and horrible position now as I'm a trainer and promoter.

“I think the world of Ryan and all my boxers.

“Ryan and his trainer Dave Coldwell have known me long enough to know I have all my boxers’ best interests at heart.

“It is a strange situation but I'd have thought of all people that Coldwell who is also a promoter and a trainer would have understood the predicament I now face.

“Since Hatton Promotions started promoting Ryan we have secured him a world title challenge, and this will be the second time we have made a European title shot for Ryan.

“For Coldwell to insinuate that we would possibly be stitching Ryan up and not acting in his best interests has hurt me personally.

“These are unfair comments from Coldwell and shows what a fickle sport boxing is. He seems to forget what I have done for Ryan since we signed him.”

Hatton agreed to train unbeaten Rabchenko before the vacant championship contest against Rhodes was mandated by the EBU.

They were due to meet in March, and then Hatton told Rabchenko to stay with his current trainer until he’d boxed Rhodes.

When Rhodes pulled out of that date, Hatton worked Rabchenko’s corner when the Belarusian fought replacement Ronny Gabel in a non-title fight.

Hatton added: “I did the honourable thing and spoke to Ryan explaining that I was now working with Sergey after he pulled out.

“I tweeted just over a week ago that Sergey had landed in Manchester and was in the gym training.

“Coldwell tweeted back that Ryan didn't know I was training him said that as Ryan's promoter I was trying to get him beat.

“It goes without saying I'm training Sergey to win but as a promoter it doesn't change anything.

“As the promoter of the winner I will bend over backwards for them to secure a world title and it goes without saying that I will be there to help the loser re-build their career.”

The ‘Road To Glory’ bill also features a vacant WBA interim super-bantamweight title fight between Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe, Martin Murray in championship action and Rhodes’ fellow steel city fighter Richard Towers facing Michael Wallisch for the vacant EU heavyweight crown.

There will be a talent stacked undercard that will include former British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Craig Watson (20-5), unbeaten hopefuls Adam Etches (7-0), Scott Jenkins (4-0), Ryan Doyle (1-0), Jimmy Kelly (1-0).

Ticket prices are now on sale priced £125 (VIP Inner Ringside + exclusive cash bar), £100 Ringside, £55, £35 and £30. You can purchase tickets by calling Hatton Promotions hotline 01925 755 222/www.ticketmaster.co.uk/0844 847 2500/www.ticketline.co.uk/0844 888 4402/www.hmv.com

Barthelemy vs. Osiobe Added To The Undercard Of This Friday's ShoBox: The New Generation Telecast

Another intriguing fight has been added to the undercard of this Friday's ShoBox: The New Generation telecast (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) presented by Warriors Boxing, entitled "Shootout at Texas Station", from the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas, as undefeated Cuban American Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (15-0, 11 KOs) will now face Denmark, via Nigeria's Robert "Super" Osiobe (11-4, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight battle.

"Shootout at Texas Station" will be headlined by a 10-round junior middleweight main event between Cuba's Yudel Jhonson (12-0, 8 KOs) and Cleveland's Willie "The Great" Nelson (17-1-1, 11 KOs). The eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated super middleweights Badou Jack "The Ripper" (10-0, 8 KOs) of Sweden and Colombia's power-punching Alexander Brand (17-0, 15 KOs).

Barthelemy had originally been scheduled to face Mexico's Aalan Martinez, but an injury forced his withdrawal and the removal of the fight from the televised portion of the show.

The addition of the capable Osiobe, however, makes that fact unfortunate for the television audience.

"That's a great fight," said event promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. "You really have to hand it to Rances to be taken off TV, but still want to go in against a tough opponent. He's a true fighter and we're very proud of him."

Osiobe's four losses have come against three undefeated fighters and one former world title challenger, in a fight for the European championship.

"Rances was sensational in his last fight against Hylon Williams, so we're confident in his abilities, but this fight is by no means a gimme. Osiobe is competitive with just about any super featherweight in the world."

Tickets for "Shootout at Texas Station" are on sale now, priced at $27 and $52 and are available at Ticketmaster, any Texas Station rewards center or at SCLV.COM/CONCERTS. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $102 can be purchased by calling (954) 985-1155.

On fight night, doors open at 6:30 and the action starts at 7:00 pm.

Station Bucks may be used to purchase tickets. All ages welcome. Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over. Show subject to change without notice. Management reserves all rights. Digital Photography and video prohibited. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Boarding Pass Rewards Center, The Fiesta's, by logging onto stationcasinos.com/concerts or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel is located at 2101 Texas Star Lane in North Las Vegas. Telephone: (702) 631-1000 or (800) 654-8888.

Weights From Lowell

LOWELL, MA (May 8, 2012) -- All of the participants for tomorrow night's "Homecoming" professional boxing card, at Lowell Memorial Hall, weighed-in tonight at the nearby Hookslide Kelley's Sports Bar & Grill.


Photo: Daniel Militz

Homecoming weigh in

Main Event -- USBO Super Middleweight Championship (10)

Joey McCreedy (13-5-2, 6 KOs), Lowell, MA 166 LBS.

Shujaa El-Amin (7-13-1, 4 KOs), Flint, MI 168 LBS.

Co-Feature - Light Welterweights (8-0)

Sean Eklund (10-4, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA 142 1/2 LBS.

James Ventry (7-13-1, 4 KOs), Miagra Falls, NY 139. 1/2 LBS.

Light Welterweights (6)

Antonio Canas (6-0, 3 KOs), Chicago, IL 141 1/2 LBS.

Tyrone Chatman (9-1-1, 6 KOs), St. Louis, MO 143 LBS.

Welterweights (4)

Rafael Jusino (0-6), Lawrence, MA 144 LBS.

Jimmy Smith (pro debut), Portland, ME 146 1/2 LBS.

Middleweights (4)

Bernie Ongewe (pro debut), Dracut, MA 158 1/2 LBS.

Anthony Jones (0-0-1), Newark, NJ 160 LBS.

WHAT: "Homecoming" Professional Boxing

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9, 2012

WHERE: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA

PROMOTER: Chicago Fight Clubs Promotions

TICKETS: $25.00, $40.00 and $75.00, available to purchase by calling 978.761.8374 or at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office

INFORMATION:www.cfcpromotion.com or www.irishjoemccreedy.com

DOORS OPEN: 6:00 PM / ET

FIRST BOUT: 7:00 PM / ET

Jamel Herring Punches His Ticket For The 2012 Olympic Games In London While Michael Hunter Advances

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO) –Team USA added a fifth member to their Olympic boxing team on Tuesday evening as light welterweight Jamel Herring (Coram, N.Y.) qualified his spot in London. Herring won his third bout in four days to qualify the light welterweight division for the United States squad. Heavyweight Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) notched his second win of the tournament to advance to the semifinal round but has not officially qualified his spot yet.

The United States Marine Corps Sergeant faced off with Yoelvis Hernandez of Venezuela in light welterweight quarterfinal action with the winner earning a berth in London and the loser going home empty handed. The bout was a close contest throughout the nine minutes of action with Herring taking the critical first round lead by a 5-3 margin. Hernandez pulled it to a 7-6 margin with only the final round remaining, but Herring refused to give up his lead and his Olympic dream. He staved off a late comeback, winning a 12-10 final decision and a berth on the 2012 Olympic Team.

“I can actually say that hard work pays off,” Herring said after his bout. “I turned a dream into a reality, especially since about a year ago, not too many people gave me a chance.”

Hunter recorded his second straight convincing victory of the tournament, defeating Figueroa by a 25-7 margin. Once again, Hunter enjoyed a big first round, taking a 10-4 lead after one. He continued to pour on the points in the second, claiming an 18-6 advantage as the final round begin. Hunter went on to win the bout 25-7 to join Herring and Browne in the semifinals. As his weight division requires a top three finish, he is not qualified for the Olympic Games with Tuesday’s victory.

Herring is the second of three Olympic Trials winners to qualify his spot at the Americas Qualifier after falling short at the 2011 World Championships, the first international qualifying tournament for the 2012 Olympics. Herring earned his spot at the Americas Qualifier by winning the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships in the deepest weight class in the tournament. A two-time Armed Forces National Champion, Herring won a silver medal for the United States at the 2010 World Military Championships.

He is a member of the Marine Corps boxing team led by Head Coach Jesse Revelo, and has served two tours of duty in service to the United States. The United States has never failed to qualify the light welterweight division with the most recent Olympic medal in the weight class coming at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney with a silver medal performance by Ricardo Williams.

Team USA now has five qualified athletes with Herring joining flyweight Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio), bantamweight Joseph Diaz, Jr. (S. El Monte, Calif.), welterweight Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas) and light heavyweight Marcus Browne (Staten Island, N.Y.).

Lightweight Jose Ramirez (Avenal, Calif.) and middleweight Terrell Gausha (Cleveland, Ohio) will look to join them when they take the ring for their qualifying bouts on Wednesday. Ramirez will take on Alejandro Rynn of Canada while Gausha battles Puerto Rico’s Enrique Collazo. Super heavyweight Dominic Breazale (Alhambra, Calif.) will compete in Wednesday’s action as well, facing home nation boxer Gidelson Silva of Brazil. As Breazale must place in the top three with Hunter, Wednesday’s bout will not be his qualifying contest.

U.S. Results

141 lbs: Jamel Herring, Coram, N.Y./USA dec. Yoelvis Hernandez, VEN, 12-10

201 lbs: Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) dec. Marcio Figueroa, VEN, 25-7

USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

The NSAC Will Rule If Peterson-Khan Rematch Will Take Place On May 19th



Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer held a conference call today to discuss Lamont Peterson's failed drug test. Schaefer would say Dr. Margaret Goodman’s VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) informed the Nevada Commission that WBA super lightweight champion Peterson has tested positive for a substance consistent with a steroid. Both A and B samples failed the test. Peterson was randomly tested on April 12 and the VADA conducted the A Sample test on April 13. Peterson and the Nevada Commission were informed, but Golden Boy and Team Khan were not. The B Sample wasn’t tested until April 30.

According to Schaefer, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) will review statements from Team Peterson on the reasoning for Peterson's failed test. Peterson's attorneys and legal representation will be submitting paperwork today to the NSAC explaining why there was a substance. The NSAC will then rule if the fight can take place on May 19th.

Face Off With Max Kellerman: Pacquiao/Bradley Premieres Saturday May 12 On HBO



May 8, 2012 - Fight fans eager for a unique inside look at the June 9th HBO Pay-Per-View® welterweight world championship showdown between international icon Manny Pacquiao and fast-rising star Timothy Bradley Jr. should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of "Face Off," starring the prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Pacquiao/Bradley” debuts Saturday, May 12 at 12:30 a.m. ET/PT on HBO.

Moderated by Max Kellerman, "Face Off" is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman's questions. The fighters also get the chance to address each other and their fans in this engaging format.

The Pacquiao-Bradley extended version of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2 (schedule below). “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

HBO air times include: May 13 (noon), 14 (11:00 p.m.), 15 (5:30 p.m.), 18 (8:00 p.m., 2:35 a.m.), 21 (8:45 a.m.), 26 (10:00 a.m.) and 30 (3:15 p.m.) and June 1 (6:30 p.m.), 4 (5:15 p.m., 4:30 a.m.), 6(1:25 a.m.), 8 (5:45 p.m., 12:30 a.m.) and 14 (8:45 p.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: May 13 (9:45 p.m., 5:40 a.m.), 16 (9:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m.), 19 (3:50 p.m.), 22 (7:40 a.m.), 25 (11:40 a.m., 11:45 p.m.) and 30 (10:15 p.m.) and June 4 (11:30 a.m.), 7 (5:00 p.m., 2:45 a.m.) and 9 (7:00 p.m. ET/ 4:00 p.m. PT).

All times are ET/PT, unless otherwise specified.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley takes place Saturday, June 9 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

CNN Broadcasts HBO Reality Series 24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley Beginning Sat, May 19



HBO’s Emmy-Award®-winning reality series ‘24/7’ is returning to CNN, which will air replays of the all-new, all-access series 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY, beginning Saturday, May 19 at midnight ET/PT. In the lead-up to the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast on June 9 in Las Vegas when world welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao meets undefeated challenger Timothy Bradley Jr., CNN will present four consecutive weeks of original 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY programming, beginning Saturday, May 19 (12 midnight ET/PT) with 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY, an all-new 30-minute documentary special that focuses on the fighters’ personal stories..

New episodes of 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY will air on CNN on subsequent Saturdays – May 26 (12 midnight ET/PT) and June 2 (12 midnight ET/PT). The 24/7 finale will air on CNN on Friday, June 8 (12 midnight ET/PT), less than 24 hours before the 147-pound title showdown in Las Vegas.

33-year-old Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) is an international boxing star making his sixth appearance on the 24/7 series. He is the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines. A native of Palm Springs, CA, Bradley, 28, (28-0, 12 KOs) has steadily built his professional career and is determined to showcase his formidable skills under the bright Las Vegas spotlight. This marks Bradley’s 24/7 debut.

In the past five years, HBO’s 24/7 franchise has earned 16 Sports Emmys® for production excellence. Narrated by Liev Schreiber, the fast-moving, documentary-styled production focuses on the training, commitment and sacrifices that prizefighters make in order to realize their dreams. The turnaround time is among the quickest in television as the series follows the fighters and their teams both at camp and at home as excitement and anxiety builds for the big fight.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

Klitschko-Thompson Presser Pics & Quotes



WBA/IBF/IBO/WBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko and his IBF mandatory challenger Tony Thompson held a media conference in Bern, Switzerland, today. The two will face off at Stade de Suisse on July 7.

Tony Thompson: [The first defeat] was a valuable lesson for me. This can be a disadvantage for Wladimir. I will be the first heavyweight boxer over 40 years of age to become a world champion [for the first time].”

Haye An Early Favorite To Beat Chisora On July 14th

THANKS A MILLION, MR HAYE? Bookmakers William Hill are hoping that David Haye’s comeback to the ring in a controversial fight against Dereck Chisora will rival their seven figure betting turnover on the Haye- Audley Harrison showdown. ‘This could be the biggest ever betting turnover for a fight between two British heavyweights if it captures the public imagination like Haye-Harrison. We took over a million on that one and we’re optimistic that this fight could rival that amount’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe. ‘It remains to be seen which of the boxers the public will get behind, but Harrison’s defeat by Haye was very good news for us financially.’

Hills have installed Haye as 4/11 favourite to win the fight, with Chisora 2/1 underdog and the draw a 33/1 chance.

Haye vs. Chisora, Povetkin vs. Rahman On July 14th In London



London will play host to the boxing event of the year. Upton Park is the chosen venue for two spectacular heavyweight encounters on July 14 presented by Frank Warren and Sauerland Event. Former world champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KOs) will face off with fellow Englishman Dereck Chisora (15-3, 9 KOs), while current WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) will defend his title against mandatory challenger Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KOs) the very same night.



The official announcement of these two fights was made today at the home ground of the English Football Club West Ham United, the very same place where the bouts will actually take place in front of an estimated 40.000 strong crowd.



Not too long ago, a fight between Chisora and Haye seemed impossible. After showing great spirit during a fight against the current WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko, “Del Boy” failed to show the same class outside of the ring. The post-fight press conference was attended by David Haye, who verbally provoked Chisora, who then lost his temper. The following confrontation ended in chaos. Therefore, boxing fans around the world will be looking forward to seeing this feud being settled inside the ring. “I just don’t like him,” said Chisora. David Haye replied in cool fashion: “That is exactly why he is the perfect opponent for me. He will get a slow, concussive beating..”



“I am expecting it to be one of the most discussed and exciting fights of all time,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “Combined with the bout for the WBA Heavyweight Title between Alexander Povetkin and Hasim Rahman it is going to be an amazing show – and all this inside a great venue. A packed football stadium during night time and two great heavyweight highlights – this guarantees a great atmosphere and a lot of drama.”

The second fight of the night also promises to be a highlight. Current WBA Champion Alexander Povetkin, who won the belt last August against former title holder Ruslan Chagaev in Erfurt, will face off with former WBC and IBF Heavyweight Champion of the world Hasim Rahman, in his 3rd title defense. Back in April 2001, Rahman took the belts of boxing legend Lennox Lewis after knocking him out in round five but lost it after the rematch. Since losing a title shot against Wladimir Klitschko in December 2008, the American has won all his following five fights by way of knockout and hence once again received the status as mandatory challenger for the WBA crown. “Rahman has fought well for the right to challenge me,” said Povetkin, who did not attend the press conference. “But he won’t win anything against me. I will keep the world championship. That’s why I am very much looking forward to travelling to London.”

Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event, added: “It is quite possible that the two winners of the night will face each other in the future.”

Tickets are now availabe at www.eventim.co.uk.

Kid Chocolate Quillin Simmering & Positioning



LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2012) - America's No. 1 middleweight contender, undefeated Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (26-0, 20 KOs), fully understands that an impressive victory June 2 over four-time world light middleweight champion Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-5-1, 25 KOs) should get him much closer to his dream of fighting for a world title.

Quillin-Wright is the 10-round Showtime co-feature at Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Wright has never been stopped in 57 pro bouts, fighting world-class opponents such as Felix Trinidad (WDEC12), Shane Mosley (DEC12 twice), Bernard Hopkins (LDEC12), Paul Williams (LDEC12), Fernando Vargas (LDEC12) and Jermain Taylor (D12). All of Wright's five losses have been to world champions.



"This is my first fight on Showtime and it's a great opportunity for me to showcase my talents," Quillin said. "The reason I make so many sacrifices and work so hard is to be world middleweight champion. Defeating 'Winky' will get me closer and becoming the first to knock him out is motivating. I also want revenge for 'Winky' beating one of my favorite fighters, Felix Trinidad."

At risk for Quillin is a future title shot against one of the current world champions - Felix Sturm (WBA Super), Gennady Golovkin (WBA Regular), Daniel Geale (IBF), Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (WBC) and Dmitry Pirog (WBO) - and ultimately the coveted showdown with the universally recognized 160-pound champion, Sergio Martinez.

Quillin, the IBF #6 rated middleweight, could also be in line to fight one of the other top contenders such as Mathew Macklin or Andy Lee - a fight in NYC would be huge for Manhattan resident "Kid Chocolate" vs. either Irishman - or possibly former world champion Jermain Taylor. Lee, who passed on an opportunity to fight Quillin back on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) at The Theater in Madison Square Garden, challenges Chavez on June 9.

None of the aforementioned potential fights will happen, of course, unless Quilln gets past the ageless Wright, whose peek-a-boo defensive style has caused nightmares for many opponents.

"I go to Wild Card Gym to work and with my strength-and-conditioning coach, Brad Bose, at his Anatomi Gym," Quillin spoke about being a professional boxer on the brink of a world title fight. "That's all I do when I'm training for a fight. I don't really do too much more between fights because boxing is my job, my career. My father, Pedro, and little brother, Cedric, have been here with me in LA giving me added motivation. My time is coming!"

Quillin has a powerful team behind him: promoter Golden Boy Promotions, co-managers John Seip and Jim McDevitt, new advisor Al Haymon, and trainers Freddie Roach and Eric Brown. They can get him to the Promised Land in boxing, but all of the rest is squarely up to "Kid Chocolate," starting June 2nd with "Winky."

For more information about Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin go online to www.TheKidChocolate.com or follow him on Twitter @/Kid Chocolate.

Oscar Gonzalez Ready To Go Home, Faces Caro On May 19th

Motivated and ready to return home to Tepic, Mexico, on Saturday, May 19th, super bantamweight Oscar “Fantasma” Gonzalez (27-1, 24KOs) is in Tijuana, Mexico, preparing with his trainer Fernando Fernandez for his next challenge in the form of the experienced Giovanni “Ruso” Caro (23-10-4, 18KOs). The twelve round bout will be for Gonzalez’s WBC USNBC 122lbs. title and will be broadcast live in Mexico by Televisa’s “Sabados de Corona” boxing series. The fight card will be held at Tepic’s Monumental bull ring and presented by Erik Morales’ Box Latino along with Corona.

Gonzalez, who has not fought in his hometown of Tepic since defending his WBC Youth super bantamweight title versus Hugo Morales near the end of ’09, stated that his match up versus Caro, a fighter who has fought versus elite level competition, is an opportunity for him to reach a new stage in his career. “I am happy that the fight will be in Tepic. I feel even more motivated and I know that the fans will be satisfied because it is a good fight. A fight that is going to open up doors for my career. I feel good, I feel prepared. I am ready for anything and ready to face him.”

Concentrated in Tijuana since April and working out at the Jose “Olivaritos” Morales Gym located in the Zona Norte of the border city, Gonzalez mentioned that he knows what he needs to be careful of against his next opponent.

“I have to look out for his power,” González clearly said. “They say that he can hit hard and I have to be careful of his right hand, which is the only thing I have to look out for.”
Caro from Mexico City has faced a number of international rivals like American Chris Avalos and South African’s Takalani Ndlovu and Simpiwe Vetyeka. “El Ruso” has also owned the super bantamweight WBC International and FECARBOX titles.

Undefeated junior flyweight NABF champion Pedro “Pedrin” Guevara (17-0-1, 13KOs) will also be featured on the card as well as up and coming local fighters from Tepic.

Pierson To Battle Gary Jones For WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight Title On June 13th

London will play host to the boxing event of the year. Upton Park is the chosen venue for two spectacular heavyweight encounters on July 14 presented by Frank Warren and Sauerland Event. Former world champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KOs) will face off with fellow Englishman Dereck Chisora (15-3, 9 KOs), while current WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) will defend his title against mandatory challenger Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KOs) the very same night.

The official announcement of these two fights was made today at the home ground of the English Football Club West Ham United, the very same place where the bouts will actually take place in front of an estimated 40.000 strong crowd.

Not too long ago, a fight between Chisora and Haye seemed impossible. After showing great spirit during a fight against the current WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko, “Del Boy” failed to show the same class outside of the ring. The post-fight press conference was attended by David Haye, who verbally provoked Chisora, who then lost his temper. The following confrontation ended in chaos. Therefore, boxing fans around the world will be looking forward to seeing this feud being settled inside the ring. “I just don’t like him,” said Chisora. David Haye replied in cool fashion: “That is exactly why he is the perfect opponent for me. He will get a slow, concussive beating..”

“I am expecting it to be one of the most discussed and exciting fights of all time,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “Combined with the bout for the WBA Heavyweight Title between Alexander Povetkin and Hasim Rahman it is going to be an amazing show – and all this inside a great venue. A packed football stadium during night time and two great heavyweight highlights – this guarantees a great atmosphere and a lot of drama.”

The second fight of the night also promises to be a highlight. Current WBA Champion Alexander Povetkin, who won the belt last August against former title holder Ruslan Chagaev in Erfurt, will face off with former WBC and IBF Heavyweight Champion of the world Hasim Rahman, in his 3rd title defense. Back in April 2001, Rahman took the belts of boxing legend Lennox Lewis after knocking him out in round five but lost it after the rematch. Since losing a title shot against Wladimir Klitschko in December 2008, the American has won all his following five fights by way of knockout and hence once again received the status as mandatory challenger for the WBA crown. “Rahman has fought well for the right to challenge me,” said Povetkin, who did not attend the press conference. “But he won’t win anything against me. I will keep the world championship. That’s why I am very much looking forward to travelling to London.”

Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event, added: “It is quite possible that the two winners of the night will face each other in the future.”

Tickets are now availabe at www.eventim.co.uk.

Oliveira Set To Battle Idol Freitas June 2



MIAMI (May 8, 2012) - Undefeated Michael "The Brazilian Rocky" Oliveira (17-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 12 by the World Boxing Council ("WBC"), is set to battle Brazilian living legend and four-time world champion, Acelino "Popo" Freitas(38-2, 32 KOs), June 2 at Conrad Punta Del Este and Resort Casino in Uruguay.

The 10-round Freitas-Oliveira main event headlines the "History In The Making" card, presented by MO Productions, which will air live on TV Global in Brazil and Uruguay television.


Photo: Jade Matarazzo

"I'm looking at him as just another opponent, despite him being a four-time world champion, as well as one of my idols," a confident Oliveira said from his Miami training camp. "I prepare for every fight like I'm fighting Roy Jones, Mayweather, Ali or Mike Tyson. I give 100-percent in training for every fight. Come fight night, he will be just another fighter I'll have to go through. He may be favored by the public, but any of my haters will love me after I've beaten him."

"The 36-year-old Freitas, a state legislature in a country he's revered as a national sports hero, has been retired for five years, last fighting April 28, 2007. He's coming out of retirement, taking on the popular 22-year-old Oliveira nearly 20 pounds heavier than he's ever fought.

The 5' 6" "Popo' captured the World Boxing Organization ("WBO") lightweight title, in addition to becoming two-time WBO and World Boxing Association ("WBA") Super Featherweight Champion. Between 1995 and 2007, Freitas defeated Joel Casamayor, Daniel Attah, Juan Carlos Ramirez, Jorge Rodrigo Barrios and Artur Grigorian. Acelino's only two losses were to the late Diego Corrales and Juan Diaz in his last fight.

"His experience is cancelled by one of the greatest, most experience trainers who'll be in my corner, Orlando Cuellar," Oliveira countered. "I'm preparing to hurt him; I'd be a ballet instead of a boxing if I didn't feel this way."

Oliveira has fought three times in his native Brazil in an effort to establish himself as Freitas' successor in Brazilian boxing circles. Born in Sao Paulo, he moved to Miami when he was only two weeks old and, ironically, he's preparing to fight his country's second-greatest boxer to only Hall of Famer Eder Jofre. Freitas, in fact, attended Oliveira's second Brazilian fight to show his support for his boxing successor.

The 5' 9" Oliveira is the reigning WBC South American Middleweight Champion. During the last year he has gradually dropped weight, originally fighting as a super middleweight, until his last two fights at middleweight. Under the direction of head trainer Cueller and strength-and-conditioning coach, Steve Arintok, the goal has been for Michael to fight at his natural weight of 154, which he'll be doing for the first time against Freitas.

Freitas-Oliveira has been in the works for the past 10 months. "I never, ever in my life, thought that I'd fight Acelino Freitas," Oliveira admitted. "My old trainer gave us the idea. He sent me a message saying he'd train 'Popp' to beat me for free. He gave us the idea to challenge 'Popo' and we're making it happen. He must be kicking himself now.

"We found out that 'Popo' was going to have one last fight, for his son, and win or lose, he's done and out of boxing forever. I challenged him and he accepted. May the best man win."

Go to www.MichaelOliveira.com for more information.

WBO Announces Referee And Judges For This Saturday, May 12, World Title Bout In Ukraine

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- World Boxing Organization (WBO), by president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referee and judges who will work on the world title bout between the Junior Middleweight champion Zauerbek Baysangurov against Michel Soro to be held this Saturday, May 12, at the Ice Palace "Terminal", Brovari, Ukraine in a K2 Promotions presentation.

Valcarcel reported that for the Baysangurov's (26-1, 20 KOs) first title defense versus Soro (18-0, 11 KOs), the fifth WBO ranked in the 154 pounds division, the referee will be Mickey Vann, from United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the judges for the Baysangurov-Soro bout are Jose Ignacio Martinez, from Spain, Zbigniew Lagosz, from Poland, and Mikael Hook, from Sweeden. WBO supervisor for this bout will be Artur Ellensohn, from Germany.

Remember the 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election to be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from October 22 to October 26, 2012. For reservations at the Seminole HardRock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida you can call 1 800 937-0010 or access www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. More information at www.wboboxing.com.

DiBella Congratulates Quintana & Corley On KO Victories

This past Saturday, two of DiBella Entertainment's former world champions, Carlos "El Indio" Quintana and DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, both traveled to their opponent's hometown to score impressive upset knockout victories. Ironically, in both bouts, all four boxers were southpaws..

Ending a near 15-month layoff, Moca, Puerto Rico's Quintana, 35, faced Las Vegas resident and former world title challenger DeAndre Latimore in the opening bout of the HBO PPV televised undercard to Mayweather-Cotto, staged at the MGM Grand. Quintana, who held the WBO welterweight title in 2008, knocked out Latimore in the sixth round.

The 37-year-old Corley, of Washington, D.C., flew to Belfast, Northern Ireland, taking on hometown favorite and former European champion Paul McCloskey, in the main event of a card promoted by Matchroom Sport. Entering the ring as a 7-1 underdog, Corley, the former WBO junior welterweight titlist from 2001-'03, stopped McCloskey in the 10th round. The bout was shown live on Sky TV.

Promoter Lou DiBella was obviously very pleased with the outcome from both fights.

"Older champions are always dangerous. There is a reason that they were champions," said DiBella. "Carlos Quintana and DeMarcus Corley both proved that they still have championship mettle and a lot left in the tank. They represent challenges to all comers."

Quintana improved to 29-3, 23KO's, while Corley's record now stands at 39-19-1, 23KO's. Look for both to be back in the ring in significant fights soon.

Due To Peterson Failing A Drug Test; Peterson- Khan Rematch OFF


Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan's May 19th rematch fight could possibly be off. According to the "Sun Newspaper" the fight is being called off, but doesn't state in their article the reason why. A source close to Khan's camp had this to say " “Everything is up in the air and Amir is just hoping it can be resolved as he knew he was going to regain his belts in spectacular fashion." To read entire article click, here.

In another report from ESPN.com the reason the fight could be called off, is due to Peterson failing a drug test. According to Peterson's attorney he tested positivie for a "banned substance". Peterson's camp requested in their rematch with Khan to undergo random blood and urine testing, they contracted with the Las Vegas VADA (Voluntary Ant-Doping Assocation). Peterson is said to have tested positive for "Synthetic Testosterone".

Andre Johnson, a spokesperson for the Peterson camp had this to say:

“We have tremendous respect for VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) and its mission. Lamont, Barry and the entire team emphatically support random drug testing in the most comprehensive manner possible. We are working expeditiously with a team of pathologists and other medical specialists to confirm the origin of the test result and in full compliance with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“Lamont has never had a positive drug test either before or after this isolated occurrence and we plan to submit the medical findings by close of business Tuesday reflecting the actual facts in support of Lamont’s good faith intentions and the requirements of the commission.”

Stay tuned with R&D Boxing Blog for further updates...

Pacquiao Starts His Training At The Wildcard Boxing Club

Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank



Superstar Manny Pacquiao opens his US training camp at the Wildcard Boxing Club Monday in preparation for his upcoming world welterweight title mega-fight against undefeated Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy “The Desert Storm” Bradley Jr. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Bradley will take place, Saturday, June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on HBO Pay Per View.











Harris: "There's No Doubt About It I Was Robbed This Weekend"

May 7, 2012 - This past weekend in Germany, heavyweight contender Maurice Harris (25-16-2, 11 KOs) who hails from East Orange, NJ, dropped a disputed decision to undefeated local favorite and hometown hero, Edmund Gerber (19-0, 13 KOs). Everyone who watched felt Harris was robbed. The scorecards read 78-74 and 79-73 twice, all in favor or Gerber..

"There's no doubt about it I was robbed this weekend," the hard-luck Harris said. "Gerber landed maybe five punches the entire fight. I was too slick for him and he couldn't touch me. I landed more punches and everyone who saw the fight knew I should have won. Like everyone says, if you fight overseas, you better get the knockout, because the judges are going to favor the hometown guy. I would love to fight Gerber here in America, but I don't think it will happen because he knows deep down inside his mind that he lost to me already. I'll be back soon."

Said promoter Mario Yagobi, "Edmund Gerber was outclassed this weekend by Harris. There's no way Gerber should have gotten the decision, as he literally only landed a hand full of punches on Maurice throughout the whole fight. I will be talking to the IBF in regards to Maurice's ranking. He should still remain in the top 10."

Lucian Bute Prescribed Antibiotics To Treat Foot Infection

Boucherville, Monday, May 7th 2012 – Lucian Bute has been bothered by an infection in his foot since last Saturday. However, the condition is improving and InterBox and Lucian Bute are confident that Lucian will be able to fight according to schedule. A specialist/doctor has prescribed antibiotics to Lucian Bute to treat the infection. He will meet with doctors again later this week to ensure that the foot is healing according to schedule..

Mayweather vs. Cotto & Alvarez vs. Mosley Replay Saturday, May 12 On HBO

It’s a special edition of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING when HBO Sports presents FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ VS. SHANE MOSLEY, the exclusive replay of two compelling world title fights, SATURDAY, MAY 12 at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live coverage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, calls all the action, available in HDTV..

Other HBO playdates: May 13 (10:00 a.m.) and 14 (11:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: May 13 (4:45 p.m.) and 15 (12:05 a.m.)

Mayweather, one of the sport’s most celebrated superstars, and Cotto, a reigning super welterweight titleholder, matched up Saturday, May 5 in boxing’s first mega-fight of the year, carried live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. In a rousing showdown that had fans in the arena on their feet, Mayweather scored a unanimous decision victory.

Leading off the telecast is the exclusive replay of the intriguing super welterweight title fight between rising star Canelo Alvarez and future Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley. Alvarez successfully defended his 154-pound title for the fourth time in this bruising matchup, also carried live on HBO Pay-Per-View that evening.

The boxing studio show “The Fight Game with Jim Lampley” makes its series debut immediately following the replay (midnight ET/PT).

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registeredservice mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Pacquiao-Bradley HBO PPV Undercard

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (May 7, 2012) – If the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley, Jr. World Welterweight Championship pay-per-view undercard was a poker hand it would be two pairs of world title fighters, Arce High! Six gladiators will be going mano a mano in two world championship rumbles and a 10-round junior featherweight brawl..



The three-bout pay-per-view undercard will feature undefeated No. 1 welterweight contender MIKE “MJ” JONES battling two-time world champion and current No. 2 contender RANDALL “The Knockout King” BAILEY for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight title; undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion GUILLERMO “El Chacal” RIGONDEAUX defending his title against world-rated TEON “The Technician” KENNEDY; and five-division world champion and Méxican icon JORGE “Travieso” ARCE, in his first fight in a Las Vegas ring in over one year, taking on Puerto Rican knockout artist JESUS ROJAS in a 10-round junior featherweight fight.

These six warriors boast a combined record of 171-15-5 (128 KOs) – a winning percentage of 90% and a victory by knockout ratio of 75%.

The Pacquiao vs. Bradley World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship event will take place Saturday, June 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT,

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, remaining tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley are priced at $1,200, $900, $600, $400, and $200. Ticket sales at $1,200, $900, $600 and $400 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $200 are limited to two (2) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

"The fight card on June 9 will be a treat for all boxing fans,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “These will be great high-action fights as will be our main event with world champions Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley."

Jones (26-0, 19 KOs), of Philadelphia, Pa., will be making his first world title challenge in a professional career that began with a second-round TKO of Jason Thompson on December 16, 2005 in Philadelphia. The 5’11 Jones, 29, has collected NABA and NABO welterweight titles en route to his ascent to the top of the welterweight ratings, which has included victories over Henry Bruseles, Jesus Soto- Karass (twice), Irving Garcia and Hector Muñoz. Jones, who is co-promoted by Hall of Fame inductee Russell Peltz, returns to the ring after winning a dominating 12-round unanimous decision over Sebastian Lujan in an IBF title elimination bout, at Madison Square Garden on December 3.

Bailey (41-7, 36 KOs), of Miami, Fla., is no stranger to world championship fights having won world titles twice, so far, in his 16-year professional career. He captured his first world title, the WBO junior welterweight championship, in 1999, via a first-round knockout of defending champion Carlos Gonzalez. Bailey successfully defended the title twice, both by knockout, against Hector Lopez and Ray Martinez before losing it via split decision to Ener Julio in 2000 in a very exciting fight. In 2002 Bailey captured the WBA interim super lightweight belt with a third-round knockout of Demetrio Ceballos. Bailey, now trained by two-division world champion John David Jackson, earned his latest title shot with a first-round knockout of Jackson Osei-Bonsu, in an IBF title elimination bout in 2010.

Rigondeaux (9-0, 7 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time Cuban National Champion, lives in Miami, Fla. The Cuban southpaw, who made his professional debut in 2009, won the WBA interim super bantamweight title the following year, in only his seventh pro outing, on November 13, 2010, winning a split decision over former world champion Ricardo Cordoba. After successfully defending the title with a first-round knockout of undefeated former European super bantamweight champion Willie Casey on March 11, 2011, he dethroned the previously undefeated WBA super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos in the sixth round of their January 20 title fight. This will be Rigondeaux’s first defense of his world title.

Kennedy (17-1-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia, Pa., was an amateur standout, winning gold at the 2004 National Golden Gloves Championships and the U.S. National Under 19 Championships and the 2001 Pan American Cadet Championships. His five-year professional boasts a USBA junior featherweight title reign, which we won in 2009 by knocking out Francisco Rodriguez in the 10th round. He successfully defended that title twice with 12-round unanimous decisions over Jose Beranza and previously undefeated Jorge Diaz in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Kennedy also captured the NABA super bantamweight title in 2010, knocking out Alejandro Becerra in the 10th round. In his last fight, Kennedy was awarded a disputed draw with Chris Martin, on January 13, a fight most ringside observers thought was won by Kennedy.

Arce (60-6-2, 46 KOs), from Los Mochis, México, is one of boxing’s most exciting and popular fighters. The all-action warrior has won world championships or interim world titles in all five divisions between 108 and 122 pounds. A future first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee, Arce enters this fight riding a two-year, nine bout unbeaten streak which includes victories over Angky Angkota for the WBO junior bantamweight title, Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. for the WBO junior featherweight belt and Angkota again, this time for the WBO bantamweight crown, the title Arce currently holds.

Rojas (18-1-1, 13 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, enters this fight riding a two-year, six-bout unbeaten streak. Known for his aggressive style, good punching power in both hands, impressive skills and movement and a strong amateur background with close to 200 amateur fights, Rojas, 25, is ready to take the next step in going toe-to-toe with the great Arce.

The Pacquiao-Bradley world championship telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

Viloria vs. Romero III PPV Saturday Night

HOBOKEN, NJ (May 7, 2012) - Four of the leading flyweight boxers in the world will be in action Saturday on the "Island Assault 4: The Battle" pay-per-view-event, featuring Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria vs. Omar Nino Romero III, live from Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines..

"Island Assault 4:The Battle," presented by Solar Sports, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9:00 PM/ET - 6:00 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVN for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. "Island Assault 4: The Battle" will also be available in Canada to Super Channel subscribers. For on-line PPV viewers go to Ustream.tv at http://www.ustream.tv/integratedsportsppv.

In addition to Viloria-Romero III, the co-feature showcases former world champions Julio Cesar "Pingo" Miranda (37-6-1, 29 KOs) and Rodel "Kid Rapido" Mayol (30-5-2, 22 KOs), in a 10-round bout with future world flyweight title fight implications.

The completion of the Viloria-Romero trilogy, originally slated for March 31, was temporarily delayed because the Nevada State Athletic Commission prevented the World Boxing Organization ("WBO") from sanctioning the fight due to unpaid penalties on Romero's part. From 2006, Romero has amassed a total of $11,500 in penalties which he needed to pay before the fight is sanctioned.

Three-time world champion Viloria (30-3, 16 KOs), a 2000 U.S. Olympian, defends his "WBO" title belt against two-time world title-holder Romero (31-4-2, 13 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Viloria won his first 20 pro fights, until he lost the World Boxing Council ("WBC") light flyweight championship to Romero in 2006, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision. Three months later, their rematch ended in a draw that was later changed to a "no contest" when Romero failed a post-fight drug test.

"I want to clean the slate this fight," Viloria said. "We've had a loss and draw, changed to a no contest, and that was my first loss. I feel like there'd be unfinished business if I left it like that. The trilogy gives me a chance to put that chapter behind me. Romero is deceivingly quick and a little awkward at times. He goes in-and-out fairly well and throws a lot of combinations."

Presently rated No. 2 by The Ring Magazine, Viloria has beaten many of the best smaller-weight fighters in the world, including Giovanni Segura (TKO8), Julio Cesar Miranda (DEC12), Omar Soto (DEC10), Ulises Solis (KO11), Eric Ortiz (KO1), Jose Antonio Aguirre (DEC12) and Angel Antonio Priolo (KO7).

In addition to defeating Viloria, Romero has beaten Mayol (DEC12), Jorge Arce (TKO1), Sammy Gutierrez (DEC10) and Ronald Barrera (RTD4), among the more notables.

A Mexican knockout specialist who lost a WBO title fight last year to Viloria, Miranda is rated No. 3 by the WBO and No. 4 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"). WBC No. 9 and IBF No. 12 Mayol, a Filipino now living in Los Angeles, lost his WBC Light Flyweight crown, ironically, to Romero in 2010.

The remainder of Saturday's PPV card features the next wave of Filipino prospects. Robert "Battlin' Bert" Udtuhan (17-1-1, 13 KOs) faces Alvin Makiling (9-4-1, 2 KOs) in a 12-round match for the Interim WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight Championship, while undefeated featherweight Jun "Chainsaw" Doligues (11-0, 7 KOs) meets veteran Jonel "Mulawin" Alibio (16-13-2, 8 KOs) in a special 10-round Featherweight Attraction. All fighters and fights are subject to change.

For more information about the "Island Assault 4: The Battle" PPV event go to www.integratedsportsnet.com. Follow Integrated Sports Media on Twitter @IntegratedPPV.

Eberto Median Steps In Against Jamall Davis In May 19th Rematch

Atlantic City, NJ—Two junior middleweights who have compiled deceiving records against first-class opposition meet again when Jamaal Davis, of Philadelphia, PA, boxes Eberto Medina, of Newark, NJ, in the scheduled 10-round main event on Saturday evening, May 19, in the Grand Ballroom of Bally’s Atlantic City.

This will be the second meeting between Davis and Medina. In their first fight July 15, 2011, in the same ring, they boxed a six-round draw in the Fight of the Night.

Davis, 30, has been inactive since then. Originally, he was scheduled to box Harry Joe Yorgey, of Bridgeport, PA, on May 19, but Yorgey withdrew last week with a torn rotator cuff.

Medina, 28, has been busier. After losing a six-round decision to another Philadelphian, Julian Williams, last September in the winner’s backyard—also the Fight of the Night--Medina rebounded to score the biggest victory of his seven-year career when he upset previously unbeaten Przemyslaw Opalach on March 31 in Hamilton Township, NJ. Medina handed the Polish boxer his first setback in 10 pro fights via six-round decision.

Another big win for Medina (left) came early in his career when he upset another Polish fighter, Andrzej Fonfara, in Cicero, IL. Fonfara is now 21-2, 12 K0s.

Four of Medina’s losses have come against unbeaten fighters: Williams, Glen Tapia, of Passaic, NJ; Delen Parsley, of Brooklyn, NY; Ray Robinson, of Philadelphia. Overall, he is 6-7-1, 1 K0, and has been stopped once.

Davis, 30, has had chances to crack the world rankings but has come up short each time. A pro since 2003, Davis is 12-8-1, 6 K0s, also against tough competition. He has lost to world-rated fighters such as Gabriel Rosado, of Philadelphia, PA; Joel Julio, of Colombia; Peter Quillen, of New York.

His 2011 loss to Rosado, in which he was stopped in the 12th and final round, was a see-saw affair at the time and one of the best fights at Bally’s Atlantic City in recent years.

Davis has beaten Josh Onyango, of Trenton, NJ; Clarence Taylor, of Wilmington, DE; Mustafah Johnson, of Indianapolis, IN.

Six additional bouts complete the card, including an eight-round light-heavyweight contest featuring Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ, and Bill Bailey, of Bakersfield, CA.

Future Champ Acevedo Back In Action At Texas Station On Friday

Puerto Rican super middleweight prospect Roberto Jose Acevedo (3-0, 2 KOs) says his upcoming opponent, Martinez Sharod Porter (1-1) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had better be prepared for battle this Friday... because he is.

Acevedo and Porter will meet in a four-round non-televised preliminary bout on the undercard of the ShoBox: The New Generation telecast presented by Warriors Boxing, entitled "Shootout at Texas Station", scheduled for Friday, May 11 (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas.

The night will be headlined by Cleveland's once-beaten Willie "The Great" Nelson (17-1-1, 11 KOs) stepping in to face Cuba's Yudel Jhonson (12-0, 8 KOs) in the 10-round junior middleweight main event, plus an eight-round co-featured battle of undefeated super middleweights Badou Jack "The Ripper" (10-0, 8 KOs) of Sweden and Colombia's power-punching Alexander Brand (17-0, 15 KOs).

25-year-old Acevedo stands 6' 2" and has an almost 80-inch reach. He was born in Miami, but grew up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. As an amateur, Acevedo was 50-1, 20 KOs, qualified for the Puerto Rico National Olympic team and was a three-time Puerto Rican Regional and two-time Puerto Rican National champion.

What are your impressions of professional boxing now that you've had a few fights? Is it a difficult transition from amateur to pro?

More dedication and sacrifice are required in the pros, but for me pro fighting hasn't been all that different from amateur fighting because I've always had a professional style, even in the amateurs.

What do you know about your opponent Martinez Porter?

Other than his name and record, nothing. All I know is that come May 11, he needs to be prepared, because I know I am.

You're young and fairly big for a super middleweight, will we ever see you take a jump up in weight?

I'm not really considering going up in weight for now. I've always been comfortable doing 165 lbs or less. My height is something I like to use to my advantage.

Describe yourself as a fighter. Style? Best Punch? Biggest Strength as a fighter?

I would say I'm a complex fighter. I never count on using only one style, one technique or one punch. I try to keep myself from being predictable. Me and my team take care of that by studying and taking on new techniques and fixing my flaws. Best punch? I'd say watch out for my uppercuts. My biggest strength? My desire and dedication.

How did you start in boxing?

Truth is the fight has always been in me. When I was a teenager, I went to juvenile detention for fighting. So as soon as I got out, I thought that the best ways to straighten my ways and do what I loved without getting in trouble was boxing (laughs). Even though my father was against it, my uncle went and bought me all the gear. So, here I am. Since then, throughout the years my reasons for boxing have changed, but the passion that I feel for it only grows.

You were born in Miami and moved to Puerto Rico. Why?

Even though I was born in Miami both of my parents are Puerto Rican. Eventually my father and mother divorced and my father decided to move back to Puerto Rico along with me and my brothers. It's in my blood!! I'll always say I'm a Boricua even if I had I been born on the moon!

Why did you turn professional when you did?

Even though I had a great amateur career, I had to fight people way bigger in weight classes to get fights. After making the Puerto Rico Olympic team for the Mayagüez 2010 - XXI Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe, my fiancée was pregnant and we needed the money and I was made a great offer to jump to the pro boxing. It never happened due to poor management and it wasn't till I spoke with my older brother and actual manager, Jose Alberto Acevedo. They helped me go pro and make my dream come true.

Tell me about your home life in Bayamon.

I live a normal life. I'm a boxer and a barber, but above all, a father and a husband, a brother and a son. My life is very family oriented. Everything I do, I do for my family. I have been living in the same town since I first moved to Puerto Rico, and everyone follows my career. I have great support from my people in Bayamon.

What is your dream in boxing?

My biggest dream in boxing would have to be to achieve a place among the best. I'd like to win titles and defend them. I'll prove I'm worth them.

Tickets for "Shootout at Texas Station" are on sale now, priced at $27 and $52 and are available at Ticketmaster, any Texas Station rewards center or at SCLV.COM/CONCERTS. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $102 can be purchased by calling (954) 985-1155.

On fight night, doors open at 6:30 and the action starts at 7:00 pm.

Station Bucks may be used to purchase tickets. All ages welcome. Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over. Show subject to change without notice. Management reserves all rights. Digital Photography and video prohibited. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Boarding Pass Rewards Center, The Fiesta's, by logging onto stationcasinos.com/concerts or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel is located at 2101 Texas Star Lane in North Las Vegas. Telephone: (702) 631-1000 or (800) 654-8888.

Mathis vs. Holm II June 15 Potential Fight Of The Year

Mayweather-Cotto Post Fight Quotes

Mayweather Escapes Cotto, Alvarez Defeats Mosley, Results From Las Vegas

 coverage.



Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs), boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines, will begin his four-week U.S. training camp, on Monday, May 7, at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif. Pacman will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship crown against undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif.

The Pacquiao vs. Bradley welterweight championship collision will take place Saturday, June 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nev., and will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, remaining tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley are priced at $1,200, $900, $600, $400, and $200. Ticket sales at $1,200, $900, $600 and $400 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $200 are limited to two (2) per person. To charge by phone

McCreedy & Dion Headlines May 9 "Homecoming" In Lowell


(L-R) Trainer Dicky Eklund and "Irish" Joey McCreedy

Paul McCloskey 141 vs. ‘Chop Chop’ Corley 138.25
Martin Lindsay 131.25 vs. Mickey Coveney 130.5

All-Irish Prizefighter Middleweights line up and weights:
Eamonn O’Kane 160.75 vs. Anthony Fitzgerald 161.25
Ciaran Healy 161.5 vs. Ryan Greene 158.75
Darren Cruise 160.5 vs. JJ McDonagh 160.75
Simon O’Donnell 160.75 vs. Joe Rea 161.5

Venue: King’s Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Promoter: Matchroo

Weights From Mohegan Sun

Demetrius Andrade 157.75 vs. Rudy Cisneros 158
Addy Irizarry 144.75 vs. Victoria Cisneros 141.5
Reinaldo Graceski 171.5 vs. Borngood Washington 176.25
Joseph Perez 131 vs. Juan Jaramillo 129.5
Tylon Burris 174 vs. Robert Jackson 172.25
Chris Gilbert 148 vs. Keuntray Henson 147

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
Promoter: Star Boxing
TV: ESPN2

Mayweather-Cotto Weights

Floyd Mayweather Jr 151 vs. Miguel Cotto 154
(WBA super welterweight championship)

LOS ANGELES (May 2, 2012) – Pacquiao Nation Unite!

Boxing’s Commander-In Chief, Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, arrives in the U.S. This Saturday! May 5. Pacquiao, Hall of Fame-elect trainer, World-Famous FREDDIE ROACH and the rest of Team Pacquiao are scheduled to land at LAX International on Philippine Airlines Flight 102 at 8:05 p.m. PT.

Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs), boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines, will begin his four-week U.S. training camp, on Monday, May 7, at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif. Pacman will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship crown against undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif.

The Pacquiao vs. Bradley welterweight championship collision will take place Saturday, June 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nev., and will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, AT&T and MGM Grand, remaining tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley are priced at $1,200, $900, $600, $400, and $200. Ticket sales at $1,200, $900, $600 and $400 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $200 are limited to two (2) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For Pacquiao-Bradley fight week updates, log on to www.toprank.com and www.hbo.com

"Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" Collection Of PR Materials



Las Vegas (May 2)... As "Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" fight week continues, the event's public relations team has assembled documents to support your fight week coverage as the week unfolds.

Please see below for a list of the documents included in the folder:

- Floyd Mayweather Conference Call Transcript

- Miguel Cotto Conference Call Transcript

- Canelo Alvarez & Sugar Shane Mosley Media Day Quotes And Conference Call Transcript

- Mayweather vs. Cotto: Rulers Of The Ring And The Statistics To Prove It - Press Press Release

- Mayweather vs. Cotto: Who's Really King? - Infographic

- Miguel Cotto Looks To Solidify His Mark Among The Long List Of Great Champions That Hail From Puerto Rico - Press Release

- Mexico's Alvarez Heir Apparent To Mexican Holiday Boxing Weekend - Press Release

- Mexican Superstar Jaime Camil Will Sing Mexican National Anthem For the May 5 "Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" Megafight - Press Release

- PueblaCinco De Mayo Ties Into "Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" By Securing Sponsorship For May 5 Mega Fight - Press Release

-"Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto" Camp Notes

Video assets:

- 24/7 Mayweather/Cotto: Cotto Greatest Hits - http:/youtu.be/3f_AMAzRPb4

- 24/7 Mayweather/Cotto: Mayweather Greatest Hits - http://youtu.be/r3CYgOK7n1k

- HBO Boxing: Canelo Alvarez Greatest Hits - http://youtu.be/79dPlBzRcdI

- Mayweather vs. Cotto: Fighters Face Off - http://youtu.be/x1shZ-LoqMY

- HBO Sports: Ring Life - Miguel Cotto - http://youtu.be/4Q_oz5d8MsE

- HBO Sports: Portrait of a Fighter - Canelo Alvarez - http://youtu.be/UFqNfopQ9VU

- HBO Sports: Portrait of a Fighter - Floyd Mayweather - http://youtu.be/cCt796Nu5NA

- 24/7 Mayweather/Cotto: Episode 1 - http://youtu.be/r9CTxYaRQuc

HBO Sports - Floyd Mayweather: Speaking Out - http://youtu.be/gz5LxyUpxSA

Tarver: Cotto Is Going To Have To Be Perfect To Beat Mayweather

TAMPA, FL, May 2 – With the training camp for his June 2nd SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event against unbeaten Lateef Kayode heating up, former light heavyweight champion and current IBO Cruiserweight champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver took time out from his busy schedule to check in with his thoughts on another high-profile matchup – the May 5th meeting between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto.

“I think that Mayweather’s coming in with all the natural God-given ability and talent, and Cotto comes in with the physical game,” said Tarver, who also doubles as a ringside analyst for SHOWTIME. “But we’ve seen Cotto beat, and beaten bad on two occasions. He was outclassed against (Manny) Pacquiao, and he took a beating against (Antonio) Margarito. We haven’t seen that with Floyd Mayweather yet. I think he (Mayweather) is at the top of the game right now, and he’s gonna have more options to do the things that he does in the ring.”

Yet despite the odds, Tarver doesn’t count the 154-pound world champion from Puerto Rico out against the unbeaten “Money” Mayweather, even though he believes Cotto will have to throw the boxing equivalent of a perfect game in Las Vegas.

“Cotto’s gonna have to be perfect,” said Tarver, who upset 5 to 1 odds in his most recent bout, knocking out Danny Green in the ninth round last July. “Cotto’s gonna have to be physical, have his defense intact, and he’s gonna have to match Floyd. When Floyd opens up, he’s gonna have to punch with him. That’s how you negate speed, and that’s a big risk, but his reward is so gigantic that’s he’s gonna have to be willing to lay it all on the line and if has to go out on his shield, go out trying to get that victory.”

As for Mayweather, Tarver is looking forward to seeing what his teammate on the 1996 United States Olympic boxing team has in store, not just on May 5th, but in the future.

“Floyd’s gonna have to keep doing what he’s doing, and in two or three more fights, he can ride out into the sunset,” he said. “Hopefully Pacquiao’s in the scheme of things and we can see that fight eventually. That would be great if he could pull that off. If he beats Pacquiao, he’s one of the greatest of all-time and not too many people can say that.”

The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calf., hosts a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING quadruple header on Saturday, June 2 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Current IBO Cruiserweight Champion and former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio "Magic Man'' Tarver (29-6, 20 KO's) faces unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO's) in a

12-round cruiserweight fight. In the co-feature, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO's) returns to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO's) in

a middleweight bout. In two world championship fights on the telecast, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO's) risks his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO's) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO's) faces top Golden Boy Promotions prospect and IBF number five rated contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO's) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title.

Tickets for the June 2 bout are on sale now and are available as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849, as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

This night of world class professional boxing is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Trout vs. Rodriguez is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz presented in association with Branco Sports Productions.

Jorge "Machito" Maysonet Jr. Wants To Surprise All Fans On May 11

May 2, 2012 - The solid hitter from Cataño, Puerto Rico, Jorge "Machito" Maysonet Jr. ( 6-0 5KO's - 135lbs ) will be in charge of the co-feature bout for the event "Night of Future Champions," taking place on May 11 at the Miriam "Betty" Segarra Coliseum in Peñuelas, PR and will be televised live starting at 8:00pm by The Puerto Rico Sports Network (6.2 and 3.1) and can also be seen as a repeat on the same day in its entirety on channel 6 (PRTV) starting at 11:00pm.

"Machito's" rival will be experienced Gabriel Diaz ( 5-6-1, 1KO ) from Guayama,PR.

"Diaz may be more experienced than I, but my amateur experience has helped me greatly and professionally you have to make some changes. However, we will have no problem in beating our opponent." said Maysonet Jr., who had a stellar amateur career, racking up 140 victories with only 10 defeats, with 40 wins coming by way of knockout.

In his amateur boxing timeline, Maysonet won various local tournaments like the ones named after "Isaac Barientos" and "José "Cheo" Aponte". He also had two notable victories over Abner Cotto.

In the professional arena, the only Maysonet fight that has lasted more than one round was against former undefeated prospect Farkhaed Shainov (3-1 1ko), who was defeated by unanimous decision in a bout celebrated in Palm Bay, Florida.

"Machito's" father/trainer Jorge Maysonet commented, "Our training is at a level where "Machito" will be in his best condition for the week of the fight. I would be pleased if the fight ended in he first round, as we would take the least damage possible, but we are ready to go the distance because that is why we train this hard."

"I have been training very hard. We are very close to the weight and you can expect a lot of action from me on that day because I want to surprise all of the fans." said Jorge "Machito" Maysonet, a member of "Team Puerto Rico" and is represented by "Warrior's Boxing", "Gary Shaw Productions" and "Universal Promotions."

The event "Night of Future Champions" will be headlined by Superlightweight Joshua "El Macho" Santiago ( 7-0, 6KO's ) facing off against the always complicated fighter Samuel "Sammito" Santana ( 4-6-2 ) in the 140 pound weight class.

As an amateur, Santiago won the Golden Gloves in two occasions in Massachusetts ( 2009,2010 ) and was a regional champion in the south in Puerto Rico.

Also in action will be Angel Acosta, the talented gold medalist from the last Central American and Caribbean Games held in Mayaguez. He will be making his professional debut in the 110 pound weight class.

Other fighters seeing action will be Miguel "El Gallo" Marrero, Usiel Velez, Jonathan Garcia, Angel López, Julio "Tun Tun" Irizarry, among others.

This event is promoted by Universal Promotions.

For tickets please call (787) 848 4242.

Jennings Breaks Down Mayweather-Cotto

On Saturday evening at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Puerto Rican national treasure Miguel Angel Cotto faces the ominous task of trying to snap the 42 fight unbeaten streak of the sports ‘pound for pound’ leader Floyd Mayweather (The fight shall be broadcast live and exclusive in the UK on BoxNation, Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546)

The Brit best equipped to assess Cotto’s chances is Chorley’s Michael Jennings, the former English, British and WBU welter king who shared five very painful rounds with the Puerto Rican when debating the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) welter strap at Madison Square Garden, New York in February 2009.

Now back in light training with Joe Gallagher at Amir Khan’s Gloves gym in Bolton following a 20 month hiatus due to an ongoing shoulder complaint, the 34 year old Lancastrian offers this assessment.

“The reason that Floyd Mayweather is ‘pound for pound’ is because he’s got everything. For a start, he doesn’t look 35. He’s super fit and does everything right; really lives the life.

People go on about his speed, and it is scary, but he can also dig. He’s so confident and elusive, so hard to catch, so relaxed. He does carry his hands very low which might lure his opponents, give them a bit of confidence but his reflexes have been so good.

I know he’s getting older but I still don’t think the inactivity is going to harm him. He’s had long breaks before and returned without any deterioration. His preparation is impeccable. You can guarantee he’ll have got in the best sparring on the planet.

Cotto was a million miles above anything I’d fought previously. At the weigh-in, I was bigger than Miguel but his frame changed remarkably between the scales and getting into the ring. He was absolutely massive.

But what really distinguishes him as a brilliant fighter is his accuracy. I’ve never been hit before like he hit me. Though he’s not southpaw, he’s a natural left hander. His first jab landed straight on my nose and really made my eyes water. That hadn’t happened since the first time I sparred when I was a little kid. He had easily the heaviest hands of anyone I’ve been inside a ring with.

Miguel never wastes anything and they all hurt! Every time, he’d land right under the front ribcage. Having been caught once, I was really mindful of defending against those shots, tucking up tight yet still he’d be able to find the exact spot, time after time.

Whenever I’d throw a shot, he’d slide away and make you miss by an inch....then make you pay. I thought I had fast hands but he was faster, far faster than he appears when on TV. His speed’s deceptive.

On the downside, it’s not impossible to tag him with the straight right hand. We’d identified that in our camp and I did catch him with a few. If Mayweather sees an opening, he’ll catch him.

While Cotto’s a very good boxer, Mayweather’s the master class in that department and I can’t see any way that Cotto could stand off and outbox him. To get any level of success, Cotto will need to attack clever, apply controlled pressure then, if he can get inside, stick to the ‘Pretty Boy’ like Velcro. There’s no point just letting ones or twos go, he’ll need to bang in those body shot combinations. But it’s a hard task.

I’ve been watching those 24/7s on BoxNation and I’d like Cotto to win. He seems a really sound guy, down to earth. Floyd can come across as arrogant but I guess he’s plenty to be arrogant about.

I expect Mayweather will just sit off, take no risks, force Cotto to rush him. Then he’ll look to pick him off. Though Cotto’s too good for it to be totally one sided, I think Mayweather will probably outpoint him pretty comfortably. A good boxer usually beats a good fighter.”


Mayweather v Cotto is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) this Saturday. Join at www.boxnation.com

BoxNation is the first dedicated subscription boxing TV channel in the UK to bring together the biggest names in amateur, domestic and international boxing with an unbeatable schedule of matches from across the globe.

For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.com and hit the “Subscribe Now” button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Saul Alvarez vs. Shane Mosley On Saturday



Saul Alvarez is widely expected to become a Mexican legend, but the flame haired kid insists he’s in no hurry for greatness. He makes the fourth defence of his World Boxing Council (WBC) light-middleweight title against three-weight world champion Shane Mosley on Saturday’s colossal ‘Ring Kings’ card in Las Vegas.

The bill which can be seen live on BoxNation is headed by the biggest fight in the world this year, when Miguel Cotto risks his World Boxing Association (WBA) light-middleweight crown against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Alvarez, 21, has been linked with a clash against Mayweather, but says: “I have a big career ahead of me.

“There are a lot of good fights to be made and a lot of good fighters out there and some good young fighters coming up.

“We were going to make a deal to fight Mayweather, but it didn’t happen. I hope we will meet someday. But for now I am only thinking about Shane Mosley.”

Alvarez who is undefeated in 40 fights won the title when he outpointed Manchester’s Matthew Hatton in March 2011 and stopped another Englishman Ryan Rhodes in his first defence.

He added: “I think Shane Mosley is a very seasoned fighter and I am preparing for him at his best.

“He still has power, but I don’t think he has anything to beat me although I know I have to dominate and look good winning.”

Mayweather v Cotto is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) this Saturday. Join at www.boxnation.com

BoxNation is the first dedicated subscription boxing TV channel in the UK to bring together the biggest names in amateur, domestic and international boxing with an unbeatable schedule of matches from across the globe.

For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.com and hit the “Subscribe Now” button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Jason Estrada vs. Alex Gonzales On June 29th

PROVIDENCE, RI (May 2, 2012) - Jason "Big Six" Estrada (18-4, 5 KOs) looks to continue his rise to the top of the heavyweight division on Friday, June 29th when he takes on Alex Gonzales (20-6, 6 KOs) in the eight round main event of "Take Over," presented by Big Six Entertainment at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI.

Jason Estrada looks to build momentum following his devastating 2nd round TKO victory over Dominique Alexander (22-13-1) on March 9th. Coming off of two consecutive knockout wins, Alex Gonzales should be a stiff test for Estrada. Gonzales is a former world title challenger and went the distance with the powerful Calvin Brock (31-2, 23KOs). This will be Estrada's 3rd fight since December as he continues to be active, working his way back up in the world ratings to number 20 in the IBO. Another impressive performance by Estrada should put him in line for a big fight in the near future. Estrada, "I see all these heavyweights out there getting opportunities and getting paid. I just want to let them know that I'm still here. I'm young, I've acquired all types of experience, I'm hungrier than ever, and now I have my promotional company behind me that is keeping me busy. I am now on track to fulfill my destiny and become heavyweight champion of the world."

The co-feature has the return to the ring for Providence's own former world title challenger, Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey (20-3, 10 KOs). Godfrey is undefeated in his home state and will be fighting in front of his hometown fans for the first time since 2007. Godfrey will be in a six round cruiserweight bout against an opponent TBA.

In a six round light heavyweight special attraction, the hard hitting, crowd pleasing, Brian "The Bull" Barbosa (30-6, 22 KOs) will battle John Johnson (13-2, 10 KOs). Barbosa and Johnson were scheduled to square off on March 9th, but their bout got postponed due to an injury to Johnson the week of the show.

"Take Over" has a stacked undercard featuring some of New England's most exciting fighters in big six round bouts. Providence's female sensation Kali "Mequinanoag" Reis (4-1-1, 2 KOs) will be in a six round bout vs. TBA. Warwick's Keith Kozlin (6-3-1, 4 KOs) will enter in a six round light heavyweight slugfest against Seattle's Adrian Hermann (3-3-1). Johnston's Joe Gardner (8-4-1, 1 KO) will be in a six round middleweight bout vs. TBA. Fall River's fan favorite Dustin Reinhold (5-2, 2 KOs) will be in a six round bout vs. TBA.

Also featured on the undercard, two Cape Cod boxers will see action in separate four round bouts, Barnstable's heavyweight Jesse Barboza (4-1-1, 3 KOs) and Hyannis's light heavyweight Paul Gonsalves (3-2, 3 KOs). Providence's Rameil Shelton will take on Springfield's Jose Angel Ortiz in a four round bout.

Tickets for "Take Over" are priced at $35, $45 and $75. Tickets go on sale Monday May 7th and will be available by calling 401-241-3490 (RI) or 617-312-5059 (MA), online at ticketmaster.com, and at the Rhode Island Convention Center box office.

Doors open at 6pm, first bout scheduled for 7pm.

Huck vs. Afolabi On Saturday

Normally at a press conference only the fighters of the main event are in the spotlight. But this was not the case on Wednesday afternoon in Erfurt. The spectators of the big fight night on May 5 are also keen to find out which coach comes up with the better strategy for the world championship bout between the cruiserweights Marco Huck and Ola Afolabi.

Hence the two coaching legends of German boxing, Ulli Wegner and Fritz Sdunek, did not hold back at the conference. But before they got started, the WBO champion himself had a few things to say. “Ola Afolabi is a really tough guy. But mentally I am very strong. Therefore he won´t get my title,” said Huck. This is the second time that the 27-year-old will be boxing at the Messehalle in Erfurt and he is extremely happy to do so. His first fight here, back in August 2010, ended with a KO victory over the American Matt Godfrey. “The fans here are extremely enthusiastic about boxing so it is amazing that they will get to witness such a great show.”

But of course Ola Afolabi has a very different view and already sees himself as the new WBO cruiserweight champion. “My experience is now so big, due to the professional surroundings of Fritz Sdunek and K2 promotions, that it is not possible for me to walk out of the ring as the loser. I will give Marco a boxing lesson and if he tries anything crazy I will knock him out”, said the Brit.

Fritz Sdunek, Afolabi`s coach, is looking forward to his third encounter with his rival Ulli Wegner. Back in 2000, he won the first battle with Wegner when Vitali Klitschko fought off Timo Hoffmann. In August 2007, Wegner then got one back on Sdunek as his prodigy Arthur Abraham knocked out Khoren Gevor in round eleven who back then was coached by Sdunek. “I am very excited to once again see Ulli in the opposite corner,” said Sdunek. And he is not surprised by the optimism of his own fighter Afolabi. “Ola lives in Hollywood. They do talk very fondly of themselves over there. Also Marco´s break after the Povetkin encounter at the heavyweight division was quite short. That must have taken its toll and it might be too early for him to take on one of my fighters. On Saturday we will leave the arena victorious and I will be in the lead with 2:1 against Ulli.”

But Wegner, who just turned 70 last Thursday, was not just going to take this little tease quietly. “The challenges in the cruiserweight division are much bigger than the heavyweights,” according to the nine-time coach-of-the-year. “And it is a pleasant coincidence that the coach of Marco`s challenger is my old friend Fritz.” Wegner continued: “Both men have grown since their last encounter back in 2009. Not too long ago, I have been praising Marco for sticking to the tactics during his fights. If he manages to do the same again on Saturday he will win once again.”

Super-Middleweight Robert Stieglitz is also planning to leave the ring victorious. The WBO champion will face off with the Australian Nader Hamdan. The winner of the bout will then have to face Arthur Abraham, the mandatory challenger, in the next fight.

“Right know I am not even thinking about facing Arthur,“ said Stieglitz. “I am only concentrating on the next fight. As soon as I have won the bout on Saturday night, we can start talking about Arthur Abraham.”

But his opponent Nader Hamdan is planning to grab his chance with both hands. “I didn’t think twice about accepting the fight as I have nothing to lose.”

The third part of the main event, the fight for the vacant European Heavyweight Title, also promises to be very exciting. Kubrat Pulev, the prodigy of coach Otto Ramin, also knows that it will be a thrilling encounter. “I don´t want to say too much about the fight. The only thing I will say though is that I will win,” said the 30-year-old.

The former heavyweight champion of Europe, Alexander Dimitrenko, was very optimistic himself. “I have been in this business for quite a while now and I am not even in my thirties yet. I have been through ups and downs. Therefore experience-wise I am in front and it will show on Saturday.”

Nielsen vs. Nespro On May 19th On Kessler-Green Undercard

Rising middleweight star Patrick Nielsen (14-0, 8 KOs) will return to the ring in Copenhagen on May 19, facing Gaetano Nespro (19-8-1, 3 KOs) on the undercard of the World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Heavyweight World Championship (Silver) clash between Mikkel Kessler and Allan Green. The 21-year-old Dane comes off a dramatic tenth-round KO victory over Gaston Vega at the Nordic Fight Night in Frederikshavn. As the newly-crowned WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Champion, the future is bright for him. “It was great to win the title and knock out Vega,” Nielsen said. “I will continue where I left it when I step into the ring at PARKEN in front of my home fans. I am already very excited about May 19. Nespro is an experienced guy who has been in the ring with a lot of good fighters. But everybody who wants to beat me will get punished.”

Nielsen´s last fight in Copenhagen – a flash KO over Jozsef Matolcsi in February – took only 11 seconds. “On the one hand it was great to beat him so quickly but on the other hand I would have loved to give my fans a longer fight,” he stated. “Let´s see what the fight with Nespro will be like.”

Also in action will be Patrick´s brother Micki Nielsen (3-0, 3 KOs), former Danish amateur star Torben Keller (3-0, 1 KO), Swedish light heavyweight talent Erik Skoglund (9-0, 5 KOs), Polish KO machine Mateusz Masternak (26-0, 20 KOs) and Norwegian newcomer Simeen Smaadal, who will take on opponents to be announced shortly. “May 19 is going to be an historic night,” promoter Nisse Sauerland said. “Kessler versus Green at light heavyweight, Patrick seeking his 15th victory, an exciting undercard featuring the very best of Nordic boxing plus public viewing of the Champions League final on giant TV screens. This is as good as it gets for sports fans.”

Tickets for the big night are available at www.billetlugen.dk.

Years Of Frustration For Randall Bailey Coming To Head June 9 vs. Mike Jones


Photo: Sumio Yamada

MIAMI, FL (May 2, 2012) - Two-time world champion Randall "The Knock-out King" Bailey, arguably the biggest pound-for-pound single puncher in boxing, finally gets an opportunity to exorcise years of demon-like frustrations on June 9, when he takes on unbeaten Mike Jones for the vacant International Boxing Federation ("IBF") Welterweight Championship, in the 12-round co-feature on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley pay-per-view card, live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

For years, Bailey (42-7, 36 KOs) has been considered too much of a risk for some of today's brightest stars. Awesome, one-punch knockout ability will do just that to a fighter's reputation like Bailey's. Ask Jackson Isei Bonsu and Frankie Figueroa, two of Bailey's 36 knockout victims, who were literally out cold before they hit the mat, after getting chin-checked by a powerful Randall right.

"Randall Bailey has been frustrated most of his career," his longtime manager Si Stern said. "He is unquestionably the strongest puncher in the world today and, I know this may sound crazy to some, maybe in boxing history. Just look at his knockout record. He's been shunned by a lot of top fighters out there today. Why? They know Randall can take them out with one punch. History tells us that dangerous punchers like Randall have always been avoided.

"Jones (IBF #1) didn't want to fight Randall (IBF #2), either. The IBF pushed the issue and said that Jones had to fight Randall or he'd lose his world title shot. Once he wins the world title again - he was too young when he was world champion - he knows the money will follow and that's what has kept Randall going. He has no fear of Mayweather, Pacquiao or any of the other top welterweights. Randall knows that he can knock out any of them because of his power. Mayweather doesn't want to fight Randall, who loves stand-up fighters like Pacquiao. His past problems have been against opponents who hit and run. Guys who stand and fight have never been a problem for Randall."

The 37-year-old Bailey, now promoted by DiBella Entertainment, made his pro debut in 1996, when Jones was sweet sixteen. Randall won his first 21 pro fights, all by knockouts, including his World Boxing Organization ("WBO") light welterweight title-winning performance against Carlos Gonzalez in 1999, followed by two successful title defenses against Hector Lopez and Rocky Martinez. In 2002, Bailey stopped Demetrio Ceballos in the third round to become the Interim World Boxing Association ("WBA") Light Welterweight Champion.

After losing his IBF 140-pound title shot in 2009 to Juan Urango, Bailey moved up in weight to welterweight, and he is unbeaten in four fights in that division with three victories, including the Bonsu knockout in their IBF title eliminator, and a no decision.

"I pleaded with him to get out of the 140-pound division," Stern note. "He walks around at 154 pounds, so making weight is no longer a struggle for him at welterweight. I bet he's within a few pounds of making weight for the Jones fight right now, working out in Florida with his trainer, John David Jackson. Jones has never fought anybody like Randall Bailey; he will knock out Jones."

Five of Bailey's seven career losses have been to world champions: Urango, Miguel Cotto, Ener Julio, and Diosbelys Hurtado. Randall has defeated three world champions: Gonzalez, Corley, and Juan Polo Perez.

Like fine wine, Randall Bailey keeps getting better with age, something Stern believes Jones will discover June 9, probably at the end of single, concussive punch.

Andrade & Cisneros On ESPN Boxing: FNF Special Edition On May 5th

On Saturday May 5, the evening of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Miguel Cotto title bout, undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Junior Middleweight contender Demetrius Andrade (16-0, 11 KOs) will meet The Contender, Season Two participant Rudy Cisneros (12-3, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event in an ESPN Boxing: FNF Special Edition presented by Corona Extra. Saturday’s card will air at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3 from Uncasville, Conn. The card is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

On ESPN2 Peter Manfredo Jr., filling in for Teddy Atlas, will be ringside with Joe Tessitore at Mohegan Sun describing the action. On ESPN Deportes, Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call the fights with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio.

Christy Martin vs. Mia St. John II Postponed Until August 14th

FRESNO, CA - Due to the emotional strain of having to relive the domestic violence victimization of being stabbed twice and then shot by her ex-husband, female boxing icon Christy Martin has asked promoter Roy Englebrecht if her World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Welterweight World Championship fight against Mia St John could be postponed while she recuperates from the stress and trauma of the trial, conviction and sentencing of the ex-husband who tried to kill her. Both Englebrecht and Table Mountain Casino, which was to host the June 19th Final Victory show have understandably agreed to the postponement and have set Tuesday, August 14th as the new date for this championship show.

"I certainly understand the tremendous pressure and stress that Christy has been under, what with the national publicity from the trial, and having to testify and be in the courtroom with the man that wanted to kill her," said Englebrecht. "Christy really wants to win her 50th fight, so after discussions with her trainer Miguel Diaz; they thought it best to take some time off to get her head cleared and then get back in training."

Statement from Christy Martin:

"As the trial grew closer my anxiety rose daily if not hourly as the fear for my safety mounted. Jim Martin is a monster and had always told me he would kill me or have someone else do it. Due to these threats, and his previous actions, as the trial date grew closer, I knew this was a real possibility and was literally paralyzed with fear. After having endured a nearly fatal attack and not sure I would ever walk again, this was overwhelming. I felt as before, boxing would heal me but this was different. I love this sport and am equally excited to return to the ring for my 50th victory, but I am mentally and physically exhausted and need to heal. Due to my love for this sport, I want to give all my fans, Roy Englebrecht, and Table Mountain Casino, the show they deserve. Thank you for your support during the most difficult period of my entire life." "I am terribly disappointed, said St John, but my focus is to beat her on August 14th. I've waited nine years for this fight, so I can wait two months more."

Tickets for the August 14th Final Victory show will still go on sale Monday, May 7th at www.tmcasino.com or at Table Mountain Casino.

Ricky Hatton Hoping Cotto Beats Mayweather On Saturday

RICKY HATTON will be roaring for Miguel Cotto in Saturday’s epic battle against Floyd Mayweather Jr, but reckons he’s backing a loser. ‘The Hitman’ will be tuned in to BoxNation watching the legends clash in front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand Garden, Las Vegas.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton, fought Mayweather in the same ring back in December 2007, losing in ten rounds.

And like many pundits he is expecting Puerto Rican Cotto not to surrender his WBA Super world light-middleweight crown without a titanic effort.

Hatton, 33, said: “I would rather watch Cotto than Mayweather every day, but you have to give credit where it is due.

“Cotto is a wonderful fighter, but although I don’t really see eye-to-eye with Mayweather he is an absolute boxing genius.

“I do think fighters like myself and Cotto bring the best out of Mayweather so people in Las Vegas and watching on BoxNation will see a good fight.

“I think it could have a similar pattern to my fight against Mayweather

“It will be hairy scary for a few rounds, but I think Mayweather will take the sting out of him and come through on a late stoppage or points.

“I hope Cotto wins, but having shared a ring with Mayweather I can tell you he is different class even to some of the very best. "

More than 30,000 fans travelled to Las Vegas to watch Hatton’s brave effort against Mayweather and despite their differences the Mancunian says the American was his best ever opponent

Hatton didn’t confirm his retirement until last summer, but his final contest was when got knocked out in two rounds by Manny Pacquiao three years ago this week.

He added: “I didn’t get a chance to find out how good Pacquiao was, but Floyd was really, really good.

“Fair play to Manny for what he did to me, but having seen what Floyd can do for plenty of rounds I have to side with him and say he is the best I faced.”

Mayweather v Cotto is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) this Saturday. Join at www.boxnation.com

BoxNation is the first dedicated subscription boxing TV channel in the UK to bring together the biggest names in amateur, domestic and international boxing with an unbeatable schedule of matches from across the globe.

For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.com and hit the “Subscribe Now” button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Oquendo vs. Abell On May 25th

The promoter of long-time heavyweight contender "Fast" Fres Oquendo (33-7, 21 KOs) commends Oquendo's next opponent, Minnesota's Joey "Minnesota Ice" Abell (28-5, 27 KOs), for agreeing to fight.

Oquendo and Abell will meet for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin Heavyweight Championship in the 10-round main event of Hitz Boxing's latest "Fight Night at the Horseshoe" event on Friday, May 25, 2012, at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. The bout is presented by Hitz Boxing in conjunction with Roy Jones Jr.'s Square Ring Promotions.

"We sent challenges out to a bunch of guys," said promoter Bobby Hitz. "Chris Arreola, Bryant Jennings, Seth Mitchell, the list goes on, and none of them are willing to fight him. Abell was the only one with the balls to step up."

Similar to fellow Chicagoan Carlos Molina, the majority of Oquendo's losses have been of a questionable nature. He dropped horrid decisions to Jean-Marc Mormeck and Oliver McCall in two of his last three fights.

Hitz says Oquendo losing two of his last three should have been a flashing green light for up-and-coming heavyweights to try and add a notable opponent to their resume, but such was not the case.

"It makes you wonder about the future of the sport and especially the heavyweight division when not one young contender is willing to accept a challenge."

Hitz also gives credit to his fighter for taking such a potentially dangerous fight off-TV, just to stay busy. "Joey Abell has 27 knockouts in 28 wins. He can crack. You have to admire a guy like Fres who would choose a puncher like this as his opponent for a non-televised show in front of his hometown fans."

The high-class atmosphere and luxurious surroundings the Horseshoe has to offer make their boxing shows a Las Vegas-style night of boxing that Chicago-area fans don't have to get on a plane to enjoy.

The Horseshoe Casino has an intimate, comfortable venue with luxurious seats, a spectacular gaming area, free parking, exquisite food and all the amenities -- and is just 20 minutes from Downtown Chicago.

Tickets for "Fight Night at the Horseshoe" are on sale now, starting at a fan appreciation price of $10, and are available atthe "Venue" box office, ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Michael Grant Looking For One More Shot!

American Heavyweight Michael Grant is looking for a world title opportunity from anyone in 2012, and has the tools to get the job done. Grant (48-4-0 36KO's) is up there with the best in the United States and held the NABA, NABF, IBC and most recently knocked out former world title challenger Frans Botha in South Africa to win the WBF world title. Grant has won ten of his last eleven fights most recently had two highlight knock out wins in a row against Ty Fields (45-2-0) in Las Vegas and Frans Botha (48-5-3) in South Africa.

At the moment Michael Grant is looking to get the attention of any of the four major governing bodies, and is determined to prove he belongs and get the shot he believes he deserves.
"I have proved to the world that I am ready," said Grant. "The Klitschko brothers, Povetkin, Mitchell and Areola need a challenge and I am the guy that can give it to them. I am 6"7' and 250lbs and have enough power to knock out everybody. All I need is an opportunity. I have put in the work and performed well in the ring. Now it is my time to shine. I am the only American out there right now that matches up size and athleticism with the Klitschko brothers. They know it and I know it."

Boxing unfortunately is not all about what you do in the ring but also about the team of people that you have around you. For that reason Grant has acquired the assistance of the young Georgia Hall of Fame promoter Shea Bailey, owner of Shea Bailey Promotions Inc, on in an advisory role. "Shea and I have been friends for years and have spoken on several occasions about what it will take to get the shot that I need. He also has a working history with the K2 promotions that goes back to 2008 when Irving Garcia fought Yuriy Nuzhnenko for the WBA welterweight title. I think together with the rest of the team we can pull this off and give the U.S.A a heavyweight champion.

Grant has also added the upcoming trainer Jason Jorgensen. Jorgensen has trained the likes of former world title contenders Alex Baba, Homer Gibbins, and current WBF Americas champion Tyrese Hendrix. "Jason and I have really done well together. We mesh well and we have had two big knock out wins in a row. I like the direction that our relationship is headed in." says Grant.

Also in the fray will be Jim Thomas Grant's long time attorney and adviser. Jim has been a fixture in Grant's career over the last thirteen years.

Shea Bailey was brimming with confidence when speaking about Michael Grant and what he is looking to accomplish. "Mike deserves a shot. I don't understand how with his last performances he is not even in the conversation. He is going to surprise a whole lot of people, and has the gifts to get that elusive title shot that he deserves. Hopefully Mike can get a world title fight in 2012. He is a role model in and out of the ring and someone that all of his fans can look up to. He deserves a chance to fight the big boys and I will break my neck to make sure he gets it."

Gary Shaw Sadden By The Passing Of His Mother

Promoter Gary Shaw is grieving today with the loss of him mother, Iris Shaw, who passed away this morning in Boca Raton, Florida. She was 90 years old, lived a wonderful life and left behind 2 children, Gary and Cheryl, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

"My mother was a very strong woman who was always there for us. She was a charismatic person who always put a smile on our faces. She was a fight fan, whose first date with my late father 70 years ago, was at a live fight. I know she's in a better place now but I will always remember the fun times we shared as a family. Words can't describe how much I loved her. I will miss her dearly." - Gary Shaw

"A Puno Limpo" Presents Special Program This Friday, May 4, Miguel Cotto's Beginning Fights On WAPA America

The successful series “A Puño Limpio” will present this Friday, May 4, a special program with some fights of the beginning in professional boxing of the World Boxing Association (WBA) Junior Middleweight champion Miguel Cotto, in a PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) production, to be televised on WAPA America from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., the day before Cotto’s bout against unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The program will shown Cotto’s debut vesus Jason Doucet, his second professional fight versus Jacob Godinez, his “Pay Per View” debut versus Arturo Rodriguez and his great performance against former world champion Carlos Maussa.

The series “A Puño Limpio”, with live bouts, will return on Friday, June 1, 2012 in a location to be announced.

Mayweather/Cotto HBO Roadbloack Airs Saturday

For the first time, HBO transforms two channels into fight-day boxing destinations with a sensational five-hour block of Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto fight-related programming just hours before their pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. MAYWEATHER/COTTO HBO ROADBLOCK happens SATURDAY, MAY 5 (4:00-9:00 p.m. ET/1:00-6:00 p.m. PT).

The first four hours of the Roadblock air on HBO2, while “Fight Day Now!,” the final hour, airs on HBO. Presented from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, “Fight Day Now!” gives all the latest news and insights as the main event approaches. Jim Lampley, who will be ringside to call the blow-by-blow action on the pay-per-view telecast later that evening, hosts the Roadblock.

MAYWEATHER/COTTO HBO ROADBLOCK includes:

4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT: “Face Off with Max Kellerman: Mayweather/Cotto” (HBO2)

4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT: “Portrait of a Fighter: Canelo Alvarez” (HBO2)

4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT: “Floyd Mayweather: Speaking Out” (HBO2)

5:00 p.m. ET/ 2:00 p.m. PT: “24/7 Mayweather/Cotto” episode #1 (HBO2)

5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT: “24/7 Mayweather/Cotto” episode #2 (HBO2)

6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT: “24/7 Mayweather/Cotto” episode #3 (HBO2)

6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT: “24/7 Mayweather/Cotto” episode #4 (HBO2)

7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT: “Mayweather/Cotto: In & Out of the Ring” (HBO2)

7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT: “Weigh-In Live: Mayweather/Cotto” replay (HBO2)

8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT: “Fight Day Now!,” hosted by Jim Lampley (HBO)

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

“Mayweather vs. Cotto” takes place Saturday, May 5 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT).

The executive producer of MAYWEATHER/COTTO HBO ROADBLOCK is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Bill McCullough.

Hatton Talks About Split With Sky

RICKY HATTON has vowed to give his talent stacked stable a new television home after Hatton Promotions split from Sky Sports. The boxing world was shocked when the television network decided not to give the European Promoters of the Year any further dates after their Manchester Velodrome super show on Saturday June 16.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton has played a huge part in Sky’s success story in the last decade earning them millions and breaking British television pay-per-view records.

But Hatton who has produced many champions in less than three years as a promoter believes it is a new beginning for his mushrooming brand that includes a member’s gym, a clothing range and a TV network.

The Hitman said: “The news came as a blow and I feel we have been unfairly treated, but there are meetings already set up with other TV channels.

“Next season I am very confident that my fighters will have a big television platform to perform on.

“I have a great stable of fighters, many champions and a hard working team. TV companies have contacted me – not me them which is encouraging.

“It shows the great promotions I have staged for Sky hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Last month I promoted a potential Fight of the Year between Anthony Crolla and Derry Mathews for Sky and we’re staging the ‘Road to Glory’ card next month which will be our final Sky date.

“When I started promoting three years ago my plan was to build a successful stable and produce champions.

“I have done that, producing many British, Commonwealth, European and International champions, and world title challengers.

“Just as Hatton Promotions were making their mark, Sky Sports have told me we haven’t got any more dates after the June 16 card.”

Hatton Promotions were told that their contract was not being renewed in a short e-mail from Sky’s Head of Sport, Barney Francis almost two weeks ago.

He added: “The most disappointing aspect of it all is the relationship I had with Sky until almost two weeks ago.

“It isn’t rocket science to work out how well I did for Sky Sports as a boxer and a promoter.

“I was their first world champion to come through without terrestrial TV, gave them their biggest Box Office successes ever and helped make them millions of pounds.

“They repaid me by telling me I had no more dates by e-mail. There was no phone call to me or anything like that and even the e-mail was sent to my Director of Boxing, Richard Poxon – not me.

“If you finish with a girlfriend by e-mail all your mates would be calling you some right names. I obviously have better morals than they do.

“Since the news broke it is amazing the amount of support shown towards Hatton Promotions from fans, journalists and even rival promoters.

“Hatton Promotions isn’t going anywhere and we will be back on TV in the new season delivering high class shows for a new broadcast partner.”

Hatton Promotions final Sky bill on June 16 is their biggest ever and proof of the quality in their stable.

LINE UP: Scott Quigg v Rendall Munroe (vacant WBA interim super-bantamweight title), Ryan Rhodes v Sergey Rabchenko (vacant European light-middleweight title), Martin Murray v S/O (Title to be announced), Richard Towers v Michael Wallisch (vacant EU heavyweight title), Craig Watson v S/O, Adam Etches v S/O, Scott Jenkins v S/O, Ryan Doyle v S/O, Jimmy Kelly v S/O.

Ticket prices are now on sale priced £125 (VIP Inner Ringside + exclusive cash bar), £100 Ringside, £55, £35 and £30. You can purchase tickets by calling Hatton Promotions hotline 01925 755 222/www.ticketmaster.co.uk/0844 847 2500/www.ticketline.co.uk/0844 888 4402/www.hmv.com

For all the latest updates please follow the Twitter account dedicated to fight @quiggvmunroe

Debut BoxAcademy Shos Postponed Due To O'Meara Withdrawal

Due to the withdrawal of Steve O’Meara, who was scheduled to appear in the main attraction fight of the first instalment of BoxAcademy this Thursday night at The Troxy, Queensberry Promotions have been given no option but to postpone the show.

O’Meara had complained of a breathing problem early this week and sought out further expert medical advice. Despite his best efforts the problem would not have subsided in time before his contest with Bradley Pryce on Thursday.

Further updates concerning the upcoming schedule will be made later this week.

Queensberry Promotions apologizes to the 1,500 supporters who bought tickets and ask that they go to their point of purchase to receive a full refund.

For further information please contact Ben Murphy at benmurphy@frankwarren.com

Terrance Cauthen vs. The New Ray Robinson On May 12th

Newtown, PA—It’s official: State Championship Boxing is coming to the Newtown Athletic Club. Terrance The Heat Cauthen and The New Ray Robinson will battle for 10 rounds, or less, for the vacant Pennsylvania Welterweight Title on Saturday evening, May 12, at the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC), 120 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA.

Cauthen (36-7, 9 K0s), who has held the NABF junior welterweight title, NABA junior welterweight title and USBA junior middleweight title, won a bronze medal for the United States at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

By contrast, Robinson (13-2, 5 K0s) has never fought for a title and has been waiting for this opportunity since he turned pro in 2006.

“I am ready for this; it is going to be a good fight, said Robinson. “It is time for Cauthen to pass the torch; it is my time to shine.”

To get here, it’s been a long and winding road for Cauthen, who first went to Joe Frazier’s Gym and later represented Philadelphia at the 1996 Olympic Games. His Philadelphia teammates included Gold Medalist David Reid and Zahir Raheem. Since then, only Rock Allen has been able to represent Philadelphia at the Olympics, doing it in 2004.

Others on that well-known 1996 US Olympic team were Floyd Mayweather, David Diaz, Fernando Vargas and Antonio Tarver. All four professional boxing championships.
Though he lives in Trenton, NJ, Cauthen was adopted by Philadelphia, the same as old-timers like former NABF light-heavyweight champ Richie Kates, of Millville, NJ, and current heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers, of Pittsburgh, PA.

Cauthen has already been in Robinson’s shoes and he knows his role in the fight game. He understands the hunger Robinson has and the skills that go along with it.

Though Robinson did not box on the Olympic team, he was on the US national team which traveled internationally to compete. He has boxed in Russia, Italy, and Turkey among others. Cauthen may be the more experience fighter, but that is only because of his age. Robinson is more experienced than many fighters at his age due to his amateur and professional background.
This bout will determine not only the PA Welterweight Champion, but also who is the best local southpaw at 147 pounds.

ABOUT MAY 12

The Robinson-Cauthen fight tops an eight-bout card at the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC). First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets priced at $50, $75, and $100 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), www.peltzboxing.com and at the Newtown Athletic Club. The card is being promoted by Bam Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with the NAC.

Please visit our site www.bamboxingpromotions.com and sign up for our mailing list to find out about our future events!

Seth Mitchell & Bernard Hopkins Deliver Impressive Performances

Los Angeles, CA (April 30) - Though they left Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Saturday night with different results, both future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and heavyweight contender Seth Mitchell made statements that their careers are going strong and continuing after delivering compelling performances to a packed house in New Jersey and to homes across the country on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

In the main event, "The Executioner" may have come up on the short end of a 12-round majority decision to Chad Dawson, but without question, Hopkins' performance in the closely-contested bout showed that even at 47, there is plenty of fight left in the fighting pride of Philadelphia.

Dawson praised Hopkins at the post-fight press conference for his skill and guile in the ring and exclaimed, "He can still beat anyone else in our division."

While the longtime middleweight king made history for becoming the oldest man to ever a win a major boxing title when he defeated Jean Pascal in 2011, now Hopkins has his sights on besting his own record by winning yet another title later in 2012.

"I fought hard Saturday night and feel the fight was closer than two of the scores reflected," said Hopkins. "Regardless of the result, I will continue my career and challenge any champion in my division. I might be older, but I don't feel a decline in my skills or abilities in the ring. I love to fight and am still competing at a level where boxing cannot deny me the opportunity to succeed."

Kicking off the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast in style was unbeaten Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell, who may have singlehandedly renewed boxing fans' faith in the heavyweight division with his thrilling third round technical knockout win over of Chazz Witherspoon.

Showing off a warrior's heart and huge chin in the first round when he survived Witherspoon's initial attack despite being momentarily dazed, the 29-year old Mitchell kept his composure and rallied in the second round with a punishing body attack. That tactic eventually opened Witherspoon up for a massive left hook to the jaw in the third round that sent him to the canvas. Mitchell then finished the job with a series of powerful shots that forced referee Randy Neumann to stop the bout at the 2:31 mark, giving Mitchell the official title of NABO heavyweight champion and the unofficial crown of America's next great heavyweight. Expect the soft-spoken but heavy-handed Mitchell to wear both titles proudly on his quest to win the heavyweight world championship.

"Every experience I have in the ring allows me to improve my learning curve in the sport as I continue to climb the heavyweight division," said Mitchell. "I know I have the heart, which the fans saw Saturday night. I am very proud of my victory over Chazz and look forward to my next challenge. There is only one dream for me and that is to be the bona fide heavyweight champion of the world."

Box Latino Presents Gonzalez-Caro On May 19th On Televisa

With three hugely successful boxing events under their belt so far in 2012, Erik "Terrible" Morales' promotional outfit Box Latino is gearing up to go outside of Baja California and present a mega card on Saturday, May 19th, in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico where hometown favorite and WBC USNBC super bantamweight champion Oscar "Fantasma" Gonzalez (27-1, 24KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired versus elite level challenger Giovanni "Ruso" Caro (23-10-4, 18KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico, in a scheduled twelve round bout. Televisa, as part of their weekly "Sabados de Corona" boxing series, will broadcast the contest live in Mexico.

The Gonzalez-Caro firework-filled match up pits a young hungry lion versus a seasoned veteran looking for another world title opportunity. Gonzalez has not performed in his hometown since late '09 when he defeated Hugo Morales to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth super bantamweight title. Caro, who makes his home in nearby Guadalajara, Mexico, is sure to have a number of supporters pleading his case the night of the fight.

The #13 WBC ranked Gonzalez is on an international tear since last year including a win in the Televisa broadcast "Reto de Campeones WBC (WBC Champion's Challenge)" reality boxing tournament in which he defeated Thailand's Vacharakrit Senahan and Panama's Roberto "La Araña" Vazquez to reach the final and stop Caril Herrera of Uruguay in seven rounds to crown himself the king of the tourney. Earlier this year, Gonzalez captured the title he will be defending by stopping world traveled Gerardo "Locomotora" Espinoza in five rounds and in a stay busy fight Manuel Aguilar last month in two rounds.

Despite his busy schedule against world-class opposition, Gonzalez will perhaps face his toughest and most experienced rival in Caro. In a seven-year old career, the twenty-eight year old Caro has faced the much tougher opponents in the likes of Victor Terrazas, Olivier Lontchi and Chris Avalos. Caro owns wins over Francisco "Frankie" Leal, Ricardo "Piolo" Castillo and Genaro Camargo. Late last year, Caro challenged IBF 122 pounder Takalani Ndlovu for his title and came up short with a close split decision loss and is coming off a 1st round KO of Julio Cesar Torres in a comeback fight.

Also featured on the fight card will be undefeated NABF junior flyweight champion Pedro "Pedrin" Guevara (17-0-1, 13KOs) of Mazatlan, Mexico, defending his title versus La Paz, Mexico's Raul "Pay" Castañeda (14-2, 8KOs) in a twelve round tilt.

The night will also mark the return of super featherweight Omar "Dinamita" Estrella (15-4-2, 10KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. In his last bout, Estrella battled former super bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce de Leon for the vacant WBC USNBC 126 lbs. title. Despite a valiant effort in which Estrella sent Ponce de Leon down to the canvas for only the second time in the ex-champion's career, Ponce de Leon's experience was too much as Estrella was stopped in six rounds. Estrella will be facing the always dangerous TBA.

More bouts will be announced as well as the venue for the fight card.

Pintor-Cano On May 18 In Mexico City

Mexico DF, Mexico: All Star Boxing, Inc. will return with their successful series of “Boxeo TELEMUNDO Ford” on Friday, May 18, 2012 to the recently renovated Auditorio Plaza Condesa In Mexico City.

In the main event undefeated 18 year old prospect Mauricio “El Trompas” Pintor of Mexico City, Mexico (17-0-1-11 KO’s) nephew of Mexican Legend Lupe Pintor, will face the toughest test of his young career when he battles fellow compatriot Ivan “Macanon” Cano (21-3-15 KO’s) in a fight schedule for 10 rounds with the vacant WBC Youth Jr. Welterweight World Title at stake.

First bell at 8:00 PM, 6 mores fights round up the card. The main event will be televised live by Telemundo Network at 11:35 PM. Tickets are already on sale at Auditorio Plaza Condesa (Juan Escutia #4, Esq. Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon, Colonia Condesa) and also at ticketmaster.com.mx, prices are: $200 and $100 (MP). The show is being presented by Tuto Zabala’s Jr. All Star Boxing, Inc. in association with Ricardo Maldonado, Jr., Producciones Deportivas and RB Producciones.

Catch All Of The Mayweather vs. Cotto Events Leading Up To The Big Match, Live On Ustream



In preparation for highly anticipated match between Mayweather and Cotto on Saturday, May 5; Ustream, the leader in live video (www.ustream.tv), will have all of your pound for pound pre-boxing action. All week long, Ustream will feature the Fighter Grand Arrivals, the fighters final press conferences, and the final weigh ins. For all of your knock-out boxing action tune into www.ustream.tv/mayweathervscotto.

Boxing fans will be able to get in on the action by interacting via Ustream’s social stream or by Tweeting #MayweatherCotto.

Fighter Grand Arrivals (MGM Lobby)
Tuesday, May 1, 1:00pm – 2:30pm PT
ustream.tv/mayweathervscotto

Mayweather vs. Cotto - Ring Kings: Final Press Conference
Wednesday, May 2, 1:00pm – 2:30pm PT
ustream.tv/mayweathervscotto

Canelo vs. Mosley and Undercard Final Pressers
Thursday, May 3, 11:00am – 12:30pm PT
ustream.tv/mayweathervscotto

Mayweather vs Cotto WEIGH-IN
Friday, May 4, 2:30pm – 3:30pm PT
ustream.tv/mayweathervscotto