Chavez Jr. - Rubio, Donaire-Vazquez Jr. Final Presser

Klitschko Brothers Discuss Upcoming Bouts

WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko and WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and “The Ring Magazine” World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko are both preparing for their next title defenses in Austria. After a joint work out they spoke to the press about their upcoming opponents Dereck Chisora (Vitali, Feb 18 in Munich) and Jean-Marc Mormeck (Wladimir, Düsseldorf on March 3) and their workout. In Germany, both fights will be broadcast live and exclusively on RTL, in the US they will be shown on EPIX. Remaining tickets for both events are available at www.eventim.de.

Vitali Klitschko:

“I am not yet in the best shape but I will be on fight night. I am preparing for one of the toughest opponents of the world.

“I was very impressed how Dereck Chisora fought against Helenius and for me – without any doubt – he has won the fight. After that performance I wanted to take hiom next as I always want to prove myself against the best.

“It was in 2004 when we had a training camp together. It feels just great: we train together, we eat together and we discuss a lot of things.”

Wladimir Klitschko:

“Training camp together with Vitali remains me of the good old times when we both were younger. We were not in training camp together since years and it is just great.

“Without Vitali I would have never started with boxing. I did what he had done before and stepped into his footprint.

“Vitali’s performance against Adamek was his best fight ever and I wish I will be in the same shape as he is now when I am 40 years old.”

Quotes: Chilemba-Miranda

A press conference was held today to discuss the Warriors Boxing and Sampson Boxing ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised boxing event entitled "Superbrawls", scheduled for tomorrow, (Friday, February 3), in the Dallas Events Center at the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas.

Superbrawls will be topped by a 10-round light heavyweight main event between Colombian powerhouse Edison "Pantera" Miranda and South Africa's WBC #6, WBA #13, and WBO #14-rated Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilemba, and also feature two up-and-coming warriors in the eight-round co-main event: Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (14-0, 11 KOs) against fellow undefeated Hylon Williams Jr. (15-0, 3 KOs).

As a very special added attraction, unbeaten heavyweight prospects Magomed Abdusalamov (12-0, 12 KOs) Moscow, Russia, and Cuba's Pedro Rodriguez (8-0, 6 KOs) will lock up in a six-round battle.

The following are excerpted fighter quotes from the conference:

Edison "Pantera" Miranda

I've been hearing what he's been saying on the Internet. I want him to know this is not Africa with lions and tigers. This is ESPN.

This fight won't last five rounds.

I've fought so many great fighters. Give me one name of who you have fought. He hasn't fought anybody. I'm going to destroy him.

I feel sorry for all the other light heavyweights in the world.

Isaac "The Golden Boy" Chilemba

I'm looking forward to the fight.

I was supposed to fight next week on the Berto/Ortiz undercard when my manager told me about the opportunity to take on Edison Miranda on ESPN. I was very excited.

We have the game plan to beat Edison and I can't wait to start exchanging punches with him.

Pedro Rodriguez

I'm going to show the world this guy (Abdusalamov) is not such a badass and I'm going to show the world what I can do tomorrow night.

"Mago" Magomed Abdusalamov

I will do the same thing to this opponent that I did the last time I was here. Watch what I did to Rich Power. That's what I'm going to do to him.

Hylon "Suave" Williams

I know he's very well prepared well, but so am I.

Thanks to my opponent for taking the fight, a lot of people have wanted to see this fight for a long time and tomorrow, we will put on a great show.

Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy

My trainer, Miguel Diaz is the best in boxing. I haven't stopped training since my last fight.

I've already beaten one undefeated fighter and tomorrow night, I'm going to do it again.

###

Topping the all-action undercard will be "can't miss" Puerto Rican super middleweight prospect Roberto Jose Acevedo (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round showcase fight against Las Vegas resident Velvet Malone (0-3).

Other bouts scheduled include a noteworthy six-round super featherweight tussle between Igrim, Russia's undefeated Eveny Gradovich (11-0, 6 KOs) and Las Vegas' Robert Osiobe (11-3-4, 6 KOs); a four-round junior welterweight match-up between Vegas residents Cameron Kreal (0-0-2) and Jesus Gutierrez (1-0, 1 KO); and Puerto Rico's Juan Carlos Velasquez (10-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout against TBA.

Tickets for "Super Brawls" are priced at $25 and $50 and are available at Ticketmaster, any Texas Station rewards center or at Stationcasinos.com/concerts. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $100. Please call (954) 985-1155.

On fight night, doors open at 5:30 and the action starts at 6:00 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 Ln in North Las Vegas. Telephone: (702) 631-1000 or (800)654-8888.

New Sponsor For Prizefighter Series

Matchroom Sport are delighted to announce that Betfair are the new title sponsor of the Prizefighter series.

The betting exchange begin their relationship with Matchroom Sport’s eight-man, one night tournament with the sold-out Light-Welterweights II show at the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton on February 11, live on Sky Sports 1, HD1 and in 3D.

The partnership includes branding rights across the ring, on the fighters, and ring card girls. Betfair customers will also benefit from expert analysis and in-depth fighter interviews on its editorial site and social media platforms ahead of the show. A Betfair analyst will be ringside in Wolverhampton to discuss the price movements as punters react to every blow.

Betfair’s involvement in the Prizefighter series begins with the most competitive line-up yet, with English Welterweight title-holder Adil Anwar, unbeaten stars Tyrone Nurse and Dale Miles, former British champion Barry Morrison and major title challengers Young Mutley, Dean Harrison, John Watson and Mark Lloyd all gunning for the £32,000 winner’s cheque.

Andy Lulham, Head of UK Brand Marketing at Betfair said: “We’re thrilled to enter into partnership with Prizefighter, a format which has breathed new life into boxing. The competition continues to grow in popularity and stature among our customer base.”

Matchroom Sport’s Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “I'm delighted to welcome the world's leading betting exchange as title sponsorship of the innovative Prizefighter Series. The event has attracted a new audience for boxing and our growing list of international broadcasters confirms the huge growth of this concept. The event always attracts high volumes of activity within the betting markets and I’m sure punters will get great value with Betfair.”

Rodriguez - George Live On HBO March 17

The fuse has been lit for a super middleweight explosion March 17 on HBO between an undefeated Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez and Donovan "Da Bomb" George, live from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The 10-round, non-title fight between International Boxing Federation ("IBF") No. 4-rated Donovan (22-1-1, 19 KOs) and No. 5-ranked Rodriguez has world title shot implications for the winner. The much-anticipated, action-packed fight between two of the top 168-pounders in the world will serve as chief support for the Sergio Martinez-Mathew Macklin main event on the DiBella Entertainment-promoted St. Patrick's Day show, THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up.

Dominican Republic-native Rodriguez (20-0, 14 KOs), a 26-year-old fighting out of Worcester (MA), is genuinely excited about making his HBO and MSG debuts. "This is a dream come true for me," Rodriguez said from his Houston training camp. "Fighting on HBO is the biggest stage in boxing, outside of a pay-per-view event, especially at Madison Square Garden. I'm extremely excited to be fighting for the first time on HBO. I will work as hard as I a can to win impressively on March 17th. Irish fans are going to love this fight because both fighters have the same entertaining style of fighting."

Rodriguez is coming off of a 10-round unanimous decision victory (100-90 X 3) last October at MGM Grand at Foxwoods against previously unbeaten Will Rosinsky. Edwin's other notable wins have been against Aaron Pryor, Jr., James McGirt and Marcus Upshaw.

"It doesn't get any bigger in boxing than fighting on HBO in Madison Square Garden," Rodriguez' manager Larry Army remarked. "Edwin and Donovan will stand apart from the other world super middleweight contenders. We're talking about two offensive powerhouses who will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The winner will be in a great position for a world title fight later this year. I don't think that there will be a real 'loser' in this fight. Both guys are the type that fans love to watch and TV networks enjoy showcasing. Rodriguez-George has all the makings of a Gatti-Ward fight; they're going to stand and exchange blows."

Also rated No. 5 by the World Boxing Council ("WBC") and No. 9 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"), Rodriguez was a two-time U.S. national amateur champion in two weight classes, and is now the reigning United States National Boxing Council ("USNBC") champion.

The 27-year-old George was born and raised in Chicago. The popular knockout specialist captured the vacant United States Boxing Association ("USBA") title in his last fight, stopping Maxell Taylor in the eighth round last April in Chicago. George also holds impressive wins over Cornelius White and world title challenger Osumanu Adama.

"I don't know a lot about him but I saw him fight the first time I fought on Showtime (April 30, 2010 - Rodriguez WKO6 Kevin Engel, George WDEC8 Adama)," Edwin noted. "He's a good fighter.....but I'm better. He comes to fight and I do as well. I'm really looking forward to this fight. Not a lot of people get a second chance to fight on HBO, so I'm going to take full advantage of this huge opportunity."

Tickets are priced at $505, $355, $205, $125 and $65 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000. Call DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, or visit www.dbe1.com and @loudibella on Twitter for more information.

Team Rodriguez is also offering a junket package on a first come, first serve basis, of $110.00, which includes round-trip bus transportation and a ticket to the fight. Busses are scheduled to leave at 9 AM/ET from Worcester City Hall and will return right after the conclusion of the Martinez-Macklin fight. To book contact Rodriguez' manager Larry Army at larmy@armyandarmy.com.

Go online to www.EdwinRodriguezBoxing.com for more information about Edwin or hos Mar. 17 fight vs. George.

Hennessy Sports Proudly Presents "Men Steel" Feb. 18

Hennessy Sports announced today that Kid Galahad and Chris Eubank Jr will be looking to impress millions of fight fans and lead the way as the new generation of boxing stars when they both appear on the "Men of Steel" event at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham on Saturday Feb.18.

Both bouts will be shown exclusively on Channel 5.

Sheffield's unbeaten hot prospect Kid Galahad will be vying for his first professional title when he takes on former British and Commonwealth champion and IBF world title challenger, Nottingham's Jason "2 smooth" Booth for the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, which has been previously held by great fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Naseem Hamed.

Kid Galahad said "Jason Booth is an experienced operator, who has fought consistently at British and European title level for most of his career and also challenged for a world title back in 2010, but come the 18th February the millions of fight fans watching me live on Channel 5 will know who KID GALAHAD is and that I'm the next major star to come out of Sheffield.

"It's an honour to be fighting for the prestigious WBC international title and I will look to emulate what Naseem and Manny have done."

Middleweight sensation, Chris Eubank Jr, son of former world champion Chris Eubank, made his professional debut back in November last year on the undercard of Tyson Fury's Commonwealth Heavyweight title defence said "I can't wait to get back in the ring and start to show the world of boxing what I'm all about"

''I'm not just here to win- I'm here to entertain. I want people to be excited about tuning in to watch my second professional fight live on Channel 5."

"I got a taste of professional boxing with my first fight and I'm hungry for more." Added Chris

Promoter Mick Hennessy said. "I'm really proud to be showcasing these two brilliant young talents together on Channel 5 and with Kid Galahad headlining for the prestigious WBC International title in only his 11th fight, I believe he will show the boxing world why we have so much faith in him.

"There is great anticipation for Chris Eubank Jr's second pro fight and rightfully so, he's a special and unique talent who brings a real buzz to this great sport."

"Obviously people have known about this great fight between Kid Galahad and Jason Booth for a while now but it was stipulated by the WBC and the Boxing Board that the fight could not be announced until Jason Booths medicals had cleared, which they have now." Added Mick Hennessy

Joining Kid Galahad and Chris Eubank Jr will be former British Light Welterweight champion Lenny Daws of Morden who will be fighting Chris Truman from Birmingham, local fighters Kash Ali and Karl Bell, Leigh Wood from Nottingham and Jason Cunningham from Doncaster. The Central Area Middleweight titlewill also be contested over 10 rounds when Phill Fury from Lancaster takes on Lee Noble from Barnsley.

Tickets, priced at £30.00, £50.00 and £75 are available from Ticketline on 0844 888 4402, Ticketmaster on 0844 888 9991, Livenation on 0114 256 5567, HMV on 0843 221 0100 or from the Hennessy Sports Box office on 01925 755 222.

Tickets are also available to purchase from the following websites. www.hennessysports.com, www.ticketline.co.uk, www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.hmv.com or at www.arenaticketshop.co.uk.

Go on line www.hennessysports.com for more information about the Feb. 18 show.

Dulorme vs Reynoso, Gonzalez vs Lyell Headline ShoBox Feb. 17

Thomas Dulorme (13-0, 10 KOs), of Carolina, Puerto Rico, will face surging southpaw, Jose Reynoso (15-3-1, 2 KOs), of Riverside, Calif., by way of Mexicali, Mex., for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) welterweight title in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Feb. 17, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The headlining fighters will make their ShoBox debuts in a 10-round welterweight bout with a contracted limit of 143 pounds.

In the co-feature at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., the power-punching Puerto Rican, Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (14-0, 13 KOs), of San Juan, will battle Billy Lyell (24-10-2, 5 KOs), of Warren, Ohio, in a 10-round junior middleweight match.

Despite having only 13 fights, Dulorme (pronounced Do-Lore-May) is already ranked in the top 10 by both the World Boxing Association (No. 3) and World Boxing Council (No. 8) at welterweight. Some consider the charismatic youngster a superstar in the making.

A hard-hitting sort who also can box, the highly regarded Dulorme has been spectacular and explosive enough to warrant the lofty praise. But he’ll get his toughest test to date against Reynoso, who’s unbeaten in his last six starts (5-0-1).

“I’m always looking to fight the best guys available and I’m expecting a good fight,’’ the crowd-pleasing Dulorme said. “I’ve been in with left-handers before. Fighting for the first time in 2012, I want to come out with a bang and show the audience on ShoBox that I’m the real deal.

“Capturing the NABF title will get me one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion.”

Since turning pro after a terrific amateur career that included winning a Golden Gloves championship, the 5-foot-9 ½-inch Dulorme, who turns 22 on Jan. 29, has campaigned in three weight classes: welterweight, junior welterweight (140 pounds) and lightweight (135 pounds).

Dulorme won a four-round majority decision in his pro debut on Aug. 13, 2008. His next 10 fights ended by knockout -- two in the first round, eight in the second. He’s been victorious in his last two starts via lopsided decision, a 10-round triumph over former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley on June 10, 2011, and a nine-round win over world title challenger Charlie Navarro the following Oct. 22.

Although he knows he’s an underdog, Reynoso is anxiously awaiting this fight, his first since taking an eight-round decision over Esteban Almarez on June 22, 2011.

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m fighting for everything, and this fight means everything to me,’’ the 5-foot-7, 27-year-old Reynoso said. “I’ve seen tapes. I know he’s undefeated and a hard banger, but he hasn’t fought solid opposition like I have. He’s strong, but I’m strong too, and I plan to put him to the test. If I have to trade shots, I will. I have much more power than my record says.

“This isn’t the first time I’ll enter the ring an underdog, so I’m used to that kind of pressure. I’m coming to win and I’m going to surprise everybody.’’

In the co-featured bout, Gonzalez, who’s ranked by three of the four major boxing organizations, is 14 fights into a career that began in January 2009. A former amateur standout and a 2008 Olympic representative for Puerto Rico, he’s rated No. 7 in both the WBC and World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 12 in the WBA.

This will be Gonzalez’ second consecutive start on ShoBox. In his debut and most recent outing last June 11, he recorded a unanimous 10-round decision over Richard Gutierrez. It was the first time the 5-foot-11, 22-year old Gonzalez had gone the distance since he went pro. None of his previous 12 outings had lasted more than seven rounds. Eleven of the KO wins came within three sessions.

Lyell is a durable, hard-luck 27-year-old who doesn’t seem to get the benefit of the doubt in tough fights against favored fighters on the road.

In his last bout, the 5-foot-9 Lyell lost a majority 10-round decision to local favorite Dominik Britsch (25-0 going in) on Oct. 22 in Germany. On Jan. 29, 2011, he came up on the wrong end of a close 10-round decision to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (41-0-1 going in) in Mexico.

One fight that went Lyell’s way: He scored a shocking split 10-round decision over previously undefeated John Duddy on April 24, 2009.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.

New Date For "Windy City Fight Night"

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING has announced that their upcoming Windy City Fight Night 22 event has been moved up one day to Friday, March 16th at the UIC Pavilion.

“We had a minor scheduling issue so we’ve moved the event up one day to Friday, March 16th from the previously announced March 17th date. Windy City Fight Night 22 will be an excellent way for Chicago sports fans to kickoff their St. Patrick Day weekend celebration,” said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

Windy City Fight Night 22 is headlined by the return to the ring of ‘Chicago’s Polish Prince’ Andrzej Fonfara who will be featured in a ten round battle for the USBO Light Heavyweight Title.

With a record of 20-2-1 with eleven stoppages, the World Boxing Organization currently ranks Fonfara #9.

Also announced for Windy City Fight Night 22 is popular Chicago based Mexican warrior Ivan “EL Marro” Popoca, 15-1-1 (10KO’s), who will see action in a six round lightweight clash along with former Ukrainian Olympian and undefeated, heavy handed middleweight prospect Viktor Polyakov, 10-0-0 (6KO’s), in a separate six rounder.

More information on these and other exciting bouts will be announced shortly.

Advance tickets, priced at $31, $51, $76 and $101 are available through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Phone 312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions Office (312-226-5800).

Williams, Cloud & Arreola Take On Corpus Christi Feb. 18

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Paul "The Punisher" Williams, Tavoris "Thunder" Cloud and Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola will bring their aggressive, knockout power and crowd-pleasing all-out action style to the great fans and city of Corpus Christi, Texas. The stacked fight card will emanate from the 9,200-seat American Bank Center Arena in an event presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions. On the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing world championship doubleheader (LIVE at 10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), the Williams vs. Nobuhiro Ishida bout will be promoted in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions. The Cloud vs. Gabriel Campillo bout will be promoted by Don King Productions in association with Sampson Boxing, LLC. Arreola will battle Eric Molina to headline the preliminary bouts on SHOWTIME Extreme.

The fights from Corpus Christi -- which is a two-hour drive from the Mexican border -- will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT, with Arreola stepping into the ring at 8 p.m. CT. Tickets are priced at $25, $35, $50, $75, $100 and will available at the American Bank Center box office and on Ticketmaster.com starting Saturday, January 14 at 10 a.m. CT. VIP packages are also available by calling (817) 296-4546.

The 30-year old Williams (40-2, 27 KOs), a southpaw from Aiken, S.C., who twice held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Championship and the interim Super Welterweight Championship, will take on Japan's Nobuhiro Ishida (24-6-2, 9 KOs) in the scheduled 12-round junior middleweight main event.

"The Punisher" takes on Ishida with his sights strictly on re-establishing his reputation as "The World's Most Feared Boxer." Fighting just three times in the past two years, Williams is looking to stay busier and getting back to dominant victories. Before sustaining a devastating second-round knockout in a WBC World Middleweight championship bout against Sergio Martinez in November 2010, Williams was involved in one of the more unique victories in boxing when Kermit Cintron took a nosedive through the ropes and landed on the floor beneath the ring, declaring himself unable to continue. After the Martinez bout, Williams took on the challenge of Cuban Erislandy Lara back in July of last year and earned what many considered a very controversial decision win, despite the fact Williams threw and connected with more punches than Lara.

In facing the 36-year old Ishida, Williams will be taking on a dangerous veteran who, back in April of last year, handed current WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Champion James Kirkland his first defeat in 28 fights by knocking him down three times en route to a first-round stoppage in Las Vegas - his only fight on American soil to date. After his KO loss to Ishida, Kirkland landed a November fight with Alfredo Angulo, who had 17 knockouts in his 20 wins, and in a slugfest, he stopped Angulo in the sixth round, making Ishida's KO victory over Kirkland that much more impressive.

"I am happy to be getting back in the ring and honored to be fighting on SHOWTIME and I know 2012 is going to be a good year for me," Williams stated. "Just like in the gym, sometimes you have good days and sometimes bad days. I had a couple of bad days against Martinez and Lara, but I am much more focused now and I intend to show everyone in Corpus Christi.

"I know Ishida is a hungry fighter and a hungry fighter is a most dangerous fighter. Lara fought over his head against me and I am going to try not to let it happen again with Ishida. I am looking to get some belts in 2012 at 154 and 160 pounds."

"I'm coming with every intention to win, but I'm not underestimating my opponent," said Ishida. "I respect him, but I fight for the welfare of my family. Obviously, after winning this fight I'm looking for a shot at the world title. I'm really excited to fight in the United States again, so I will put it all on the line against Paul Williams."

Tavoris "Thunder" Cloud (23-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., will be making the fourth defense of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title he won via 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Clinton Woods in August 2009. The undefeated, 29-year-old then successfully defended his title against Glen Johnson, Fulgencio Zuniga and Yusaf Mack.

Challenging him for the IBF belt is the very competent 33-year-old Spaniard from Madrid, Gabriel Campillo (28-3-1, 8 KOs). A former WBA light heavyweight world champion, Campillo handed current world champion Beibut Shumenov the only loss of his career - on his home soil in Kazakhstan, no less. Now, in his second trip to America, he presents a serious challenge to Cloud.

Arreola (34-2, 29 KOs), 30, from Riverside, Calif., remains determined to become the first man of Mexican descent to win a world heavyweight championship, having lost his first opportunity to long-reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Champion Vitali Klitschko back in 2009. Since experiencing his only other loss as a pro to Tomasz Adamek in April 2010, "The Nightmare" has dedicated himself to training and physical conditioning while rattling off six consecutive wins, four by knockout, weighing about 20 pounds less while doing so.

In his most recent outing back in November, Arreola traveled to Leon, Guanajuato to make his highly anticipated Mexican debut at the grand arena "El Domo" where he headlined an event promoted by Goossen Tutor and Promociones Del Pueblo and broadcast on Televisa. He stopped Raphael Butler in the third round in front of over 7,000 rousing fans in attendance.

"I am very excited about fighting on February 18 in Corpus Christi and being on SHOWTIME Extreme," Arreola exclaimed. "I remember seeing Fernando Vargas fighting in front of a full house here and I believe I will bring that type of excitement for these great fans. I am looking to build off a positive 2011 when I showed that I could get my weight under control and take my training and conditioning more seriously. This will be the first fight of what I predict will be a big and exciting 2012 for me and my career."

Standing directly in Arreola's path towards heavyweight supremacy, is 29-year-old Eric Molina (18-1, 14 KOs). Having tasted defeat in his professional debut, Molina and his camp went back to the drawing board to make sure that it wouldn't happen again. To this point he has been successful in that regard, defeating all of his next 18 opponents, while dispatching 14 of them by knockout.

"Six sluggers, three world champions, all in 'Triple Threat' fights," said promoter Dan Goossen. "This will definitely be SHOWTIME for the fans in attendance and the ones watching at home".

Rest In Peace...Angelo Dundee

Hall of Fame trainer Angelo Dundee died at the age of 90 Wednesday. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing in Tampa, FL.

Dundee was born Angelo Mirena on 8/30/21 in Philadelphia and had a career that spanned six decades. Dundee trained 15 world champions, including George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali.

Mayweather Gives Back To Charity


Photo: Team Mayweather

Seven Time World Champion and Las Vegas resident Floyd "Money" Mayweather presented separate $50,000 checks to two Las Vegas charitable organizations, Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas and Three Square Food Bank, in his continued efforts to support worthwhile causes that help needy families throughout the area.

"It was definitely an honor to support two great organizations doing excellent work in Las Vegas to provide housing and food assistance for needy families in the area," said Mayweather, whose contributions for the day totaled $100,000. "Both Habitat for Humanity and Three Square have done amazing things in the community and I am happy to be able to make the financial commitment I did to both of them today."


Photo: Team Mayweather

Mayweather's $50,000 contribution to Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas will support the Blitz Build project that starts on June 4, bringing the community and volunteers together to build a home in Vegas Heights for a deserving family in just five days. Mayweather will be the lead sponsor for the build and has pledged a total of $100,000 to the organization for the project.

Additionally, Three Square will use Mayweather's contribution to collaborate with corporate, non-profit, food distributors and governmental partners to provide children, seniors and needy families with meals and supplemental nutritional assistance programs. As a longtime advocate of the homelessness and hunger, Mayweather has been involved with Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth and through his Mayweather Foundation, has been regularly distributing bagged lunches to the homeless and hungry regularly.

Mayweather's $50,000 donation equates to 500,000 pounds of produce for the homeless.  

Media Day: Nonito Donaire


Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Superstar three-time world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire talks with his many fans that showed for media day at the Jesse James Leija Gym in San Antonio,Texas, Wednesday for his upcoming world title fight against former world champion Wilfredo Vazquez,Jr., Saturday, Feb. 4, televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing from the Alamodome in San Antonio,Texas. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing and Tecate, Donaire battles Vazquez Jr. in this double-header blockbuster event and undefeated WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defends his title against Marco Antonio Rubio in the other main event.

Chavez Jr.-Rubio, Donaire-Vazquez Final Presser Open To Public

Undefeated World Middleweight Champion and the Son of the Legend, JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR. (44-0-1, 31 KOs), of Culiacan, México, Top-Five pound-for- pound superstar and three-division world champion NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE (27-1, 18 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in the Bay Area of San Leandro, Calif., No. 1 middleweight contender MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO (53-5-1, 47 KOs), of Torreon, México, former junior featherweight champion WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. (21-1-1, 18 KOs), of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and Hall of Fame promoter BOB ARUM will host their final San Antonio News Conference, Tomorrow! Thursday, February 2, on the Stadium Field Level of the Alamodome. The news conference, which will be open to the public, will begin at 2 p.m. CT.

Arum and the fighters will be discussing their world title doubleheader, featuring the Chávez Jr. vs. Rubio middleweight title fight and the Donaire vs. Vazquez Jr. WBO junior featherweight championship, which will take place This Saturday! February 4, at the Alamodome. Both fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Chávez Jr. / Donaire world championship doubleheader, priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, can be purchased at the Alamodome box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000.

Mayweather vs Cotto Set For May 5

It's official. Boxing superstar Floyd "Money" Mayweather will return to the ring, step up in weight and challenge three-division World Champion Miguel Cotto for his WBA Super Welterweight World title in what will be a gargantuan showdown between two future Hall of Famers who bring excitement and fierce competition every time they step into the ring. Mayweather vs. Cotto will take place on Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be televised live on pay-per-view.

Mayweather, a seven-time world champion in five weight classes, is excited to be facing the heavier, much-tested Cotto, who is the pride of Puerto Rico and has the experience, heart and determination to give pound for pound king Mayweather the toughest fight of his career.

"Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing," said Mayweather, whose only other fight at super welterweight came in a World Boxing Council (WBC) world title win over Oscar de la Hoya in May 2007. "It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto's reign as champion will come to an end on May 5."

Cotto, coming off of the second defense of his title, a spectacular tenth-round technical knockout win over Antonio Margarito in December 2011, is ready to face Mayweather and believes he is Mayweather's most competitive career challenge to date.

"I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing," said Cotto who true to his warrior spirit that has distinguished his entire career has accepted this challenge to face the undefeated Mayweather. "I've never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me. I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like...great and exciting fights. That is what the sport of boxing is all about; making the fights that the fans want and deserve to see. On May 5, stay tuned, because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather."

In addition to agreeing to the terms of the bout which will take place on Cinco de Mayo, one of boxing's biggest weekends, both fighters have agreed to Olympic-style drug testing for the fight.

"Floyd always asks us to find the best available competition for him to fight and we have found that in Miguel Cotto," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO, Mayweather Promotions. "This is a very risky fight for Floyd as Miguel is a solid 154-pound champion who has already proven to have great boxing abilities and to be a very competent and strong puncher. This is a big test for Floyd, but as always I believe, he is the superior fighter with unmatched skills. This will make the difference and lead to another Mayweather victory the night of May 5."

"What we have here are two champions of amazing caliber set to meet in the ring on May 5 and give boxing and sports fan one of the most compelling match-ups in the sport's history," said Richard Schaefer, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions. "Floyd Mayweather has already achieved worldwide recognition as one of the best fighters ever and Miguel Cotto is one of the greatest fighters of this era. I commend both fighters for agreeing to the fight each other on one of the biggest weekends for boxing and also commend them for agreeing to participate in Olympic style drug testing, a precedent set by Floyd, which continues to uphold the integrity of the sport."

The undefeated Mayweather, (41-0, 25 KO's), a seven-time world champion in five weight divisions, remains boxing's biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley. His last fight against then WBC Welterweight World Champion Victor Ortiz on September 17, 2011 not only showed his boxing skills, as he took the younger Ortiz to school in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth stanza. He is also no stranger to appearing on the classic Mexican celebratory weekends such as Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day as his fight with Cotto will mark the fifth fight of his career to land on one of those weekends. Mayweather returns to face Cotto in an attempt to capture his eighth world championship.

Cotto (36-2, 29 KO's), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, has held a world title every year since 2004 while winning 16 of the 18 world championship bouts in which he has fought. Puerto Rico's most exciting fighter and one of its greatest of all time, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defending it six times before vacating it to capture the WBA Welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. After losing the WBA title to Margarito in July 2008, Cotto won his second welterweight belt in February 2009, knocking out Michael Jennings in the fifth round to become the WBO Welterweight champion. He lost the title in his second defense in November 2009, but captured the WBA Super Welterweight title in June of 2010 at Yankee Stadium in New York by stopping then-undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman. Cotto successfully defended that title by stopping Two-Division World Champion Ricardo Mayorga in the 12th round in March of 2011 and, in his last fight, finally avenged his loss to Margarito, once again retaining his title and giving him true peace of mind.

Mayweather vs. Cotto, a 12-round fight for Cotto's WBA Super Welterweight World title, is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. More information on Mayweather vs. Cotto, including ticket prices, pay- per- view information as well as press tour dates and cities, will be announced shortly.

"Irish" Micky Ward To Attend Hall of Fame Weekend

The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today “Irish” Micky Ward, whose life was portrayed in the Academy Award-winning motion picture The Fighter, will attend festivities planned for the 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 7-10th.

“Micky Ward was a true warrior inside the ropes,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “He is a fan favorite and we’re so excited to welcome him back to Canastota.”

"Irish" Micky Ward

Boxing out of Lowell, MA, Ward was one of boxing's most exciting fighters. He turned pro in 1985 and used a crowd-pleasing style to register a 38-13 (27 KOs) record that includes wins over Shea Neary, Reggie Green and Emanuel Burton. In 2002 and 2003 Ward engaged in an epic trilogy with Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (1-2). Following their third bout Ward announced his retirement from the ring. During his career, he was in “Fight of the Year” three times (2001 vs. Burton, 2002 and 2003 vs. Gatti). The Fighter, an Academy Award-winning motion picture chronicling his life, featured Mark Wahlberg as Ward and Christian Bale as his brother / trainer Dicky Eklund.

Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a heavyweight bash, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2012. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 10th are multi-division champion Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, two-division champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” ring announcer Michael Buffer, trainer Freddie Roach, broadcaster Al Bernstein and journalist Michael Katz. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 23rd Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

Chavez Jr. - Rubio, Donaire-Vazquez Highlight HBO Telecast

HBO Sports’ flagship boxing series returns with an action-packed card headlined by two of the sport’s fastest-rising stars when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. VS. MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO AND NONITO DONAIRE VS. WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. is seen live SATURDAY, FEB. 4 at 10:00 p.m. (ET)/7:00 p.m. (PT) from the Alamodome in San Antonio, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team of Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Emanuel Steward will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Feb. 5 (8:30 a.m.) and 6 (12:25 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Feb. 5 (3:30 p.m.) and 7 (12:40 a.m.)

After standout matches on HBO in 2011, Mexico’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Nonito Donaire of the Philippines begin 2012 against formidable opponents at a venue known for bringing out the best in fighters.

The 12-round, 160-pound main event features Chavez Jr. (44-0-1, 31 KOs) defending his hard-earned middleweight title against an experienced challenger in fellow Mexican Marco Antonio Rubio (53-5-1, 46 KOs). Only 25, Chavez Jr. will have his work cut out for him in battling a prizefighter with 59 pro bouts under his belt.

The co-feature is an intriguing 12-round junior featherweight title fight pitting fan favorite Nonito Donaire (27-1, 18 KOs) against the formidable Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (21-1-1, 18 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Budding superstar Donaire, now residing in San Leandro, Cal., scored one of 2011’s most memorable victories when he knocked out Fernando Montiel last February. Now, the engaging 29-year-old, who last lost a pro fight in 2001, moves up in weight to the 122-pound division in hopes of adding a new title belt to his collection. Vazquez Jr., who hails from a boxing family, has other plans.

The night of boxing programming kicks off at 9:45 p.m. ET/6:45 PT when an all-new edition of “2 Days: Portrait of a Fighter” debuts. The Feb. 4 installment of this revealing and intimate look at a 48-hour span in the life of a boxer in the lead-up to one of his fights will focus on lightweight Brandon Rios of Oxnard, CA. The feature is approximately 15 minutes.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jon Crystal; director, Marc Payton.

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

Cunningham-Hernandez Presser Heats Up

Things got hot today at the final press conference prior to the rematch between International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (25-1, 13 KOs) and Steve “USS” Cunningham (24-3, 12 KOs). “That is my belt, it is coming back to me,” Cunningham shouted during the face-off. “You better hug it tonight. I am the real champion. Nobody is going to help you this time. I live, eat, sleep boxing. Nobody ever helped me. No referee helped me up off the ground when I got knocked down. I am worried, I am worried for you! I am the real champ.”

After a controversial ending to the first fight, Cunningham is eager to set the record straight. Back in October, the 35-year-old American was knocked down in the first round but came back strong. Before the seventh round, the fight was stopped after headbutts had opened two cuts in Hernandez´ face. “It was the wrong decision to stop the fight,” Cunningham said. “All I ask for on Saturday is an equal playing field. Hernandez is a good fighter but I am better. I will prove that I am the best cruiserweight.”

Hernandez was unimpressed by Cunningham´s words. “That´s no problem for me. He is American and Americans talk a lot. We´re used to it. I look forward to the rematch. Cunningham is a top cruiserweight, a very strong opponent, but I deserved to win the first fight and I will beat him again. If there is any doubt left that I am better, I will erase all doubts on Saturday night.”

Hall of Fame Promoter Wilfried Sauerland expects a thrilling battle. “This is going to be a fantastic fight,” he said. “The first duel was very dramatic. I disagree with some of the things that happened. I thought that the count in the first round - when Cunningham went down - was too long. And I also disagree with the decision to stop the fight due to the cuts, I think they could have fought on. Now we look forward to a compelling rematch. Cunningham and Hernandez are the two best cruiserweights out there. We feel honored that, on top of the IBF belt, the RING belt will be at stake. It is going to be very, very interesting.”

In the co-featured main event, Enad Licina (21-3, 11 KOs) and Alexander Alekseev (22-2, 20 KOs) clash for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title, while European Light Heavyweight Champion Eduard Gutknecht (22-1, 9 KOs) defends his title against Vyacheslav Uzelkov (25-1, 16 KOs).

Watch the Hernandez-Cunningham face-to-face from the press conference on Team Sauerland´s facebook page, facebook.com/TeamSauerlandBoxing.

Victor Ortiz: "I'm Open To Fighting Floyd" On May 5th

Promoters of Andre Berto and Victor Oritz will decide whether to delay the Berto-Ortiz II rematch or allow Ortiz to fight another opponent. All depending on how long Berto will be sidelined from his injury.

Via Twitter, Victor Ortiz’ promoter Oscar De La Hoya wrote “Son of a chalupa oh well. Let’s just hope Berto gets well soon or else Victor needs to fight soon.”

If Ortiz is allowed to face another opponent, he is willing to have another rematch with Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather is scheduled to fight on May 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but currently has no opponent. Ortiz faced Mayweather back in September and was knocked out in the 4th round.Some felt the KO punch was a sucker-punch by Mayweather, after Ortiz deliberately head-butted Mayweather.

Ortiz came under fire for an interview he later did talking about his blatant headbutt "I was trying to break his nose, 100 percent," Ortiz said in the interview. He later added, "Although I take (the loss to Mayweather) as a learning lesson, a learning experience, next time it ain't gonna be that. If I'm gonna head butt you, I'm gonna break your nose (on the) next head butt."

The Nevada Athletic Athletic Commission would call Ortiz in for questioning over these remarks, his unsportsmanlike conduct in the fight, and voted on if to give him a fight lecense. The Commision would approve Ortiz's license allowing him to face Berto in a rematch.

Ortiz says if he does face Mayweather again he will keep it clean.

“I’m open to fighting Floyd,” Ortiz told Ring. “I’m definitely ready, bro. First fight was just one of those things where stuff happens, you know? But this time, I’ll keep it clean. No craziness. Other than that, let’s dance once again.”

Andre Berto Injury Forces Cancellation Of Feb. 11 Fight Agaisnt Victor Ortiz



LOS ANGELES (January 31) - Due to a left biceps injury sustained while training on Monday, January 30, Andre Berto will be unable to compete in his scheduled February 11 SHOWTIME televised bout against Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., forcing a cancellation of the event on that date. All parties involved are actively seeking a possible postponement date for Ortiz vs. Berto II.

Information regarding previously purchased tickets being honored for a possible postponement date will be released as it becomes available or, alternatively, ticketholders can contact their place of purchase for refunds.

More information will be announced as it becomes available.

Chavez-Rubio And Donaire-Vazquez Jr. On BoxNation This Saturday

BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546), the UK's only dedicated boxing channel, will televise a sensational world-title doubleheader featuring superstars Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Nonito Donaire this Saturday (4 February) live from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) World Middleweight Champion and Son of the Legend, Chavez Jr, will defend his title for the second time against the number one contender Marco Antonio Rubio.

In the joint main-event, four-time world champion and top five pound-for-pound best Nonito Donaire, "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, goes for a world title in fourth weight division when he challenges Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. for the Vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Super-Bantweight title.

Earlier in the evening BoxNation will televise live from Frankfurt, Germany, the eagerly awaited rematch between Steve Cunningham and Yoan Pablo Hernandez for the IBF World Cruiserweight title.

BoxNation viewers' saw Hernandez controversially win the title last October when the fight was stopped in the sixth round because of a head-butt by Cunningham that opened a cut above Hernandez's left temple.

It was later ruled by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) that the cut wasn't bad enough to stop the fight and a rematch was ordered.

Live coverage from Germany starts at 7.30pm with the action live from America starting at 2am on Sunday morning.

There's more live action on Friday (3 February) with Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight Champion Ovill McKenzie defending his title against Tony Dodson at the Bowler's Exhibition Centre in Manchester starting at 8pm.

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.tv and hit the "Subscribe Now" button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Undefeated Featherweight Jerry "The Corpus Christi Kid" Belmontes Now A Promotional Free Agent

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (JANUARY 31, 2012)--15-0(5KO's) Featherweight Jerry Belmontes is now a promotional Free Agent. Belmontes, of Corpus Christie, Texas, gained his freedom from Marines Promotions after an ugly one -year year dispute between promoter Julio Marines and manager Adrian Clark which left Jerry out of the ring for nine months.

Clark and Belmontes both are overjoyed with the release but realize that the free agent process will be difficult and stressful. "The year dispute with Marines Promotions was tough but I imagine the free agency process will be more difficult than what we endured with Julio” said Clark.

I'll work to get Jerry a deal that makes the most sense down the road" Clark said. A two-plus year age gap separates the two but Belmontes at 22 believes in Clark, 25 and his ability to get things done.

"He stuck by me the whole way thru:, Said Belmontes.

Even when things looked really bad he continued to work and eventually got me free. As happy as I am, I'm just ready to fight"

Belmontes has wins over the likes of Tommy Atencio (4-1) and Gil Garcia (2-0) and is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Justo Vallecillo last June 24th.

The two will put their heads together and look to sign with a promotional company soon.

Efrain Esquivias Added To "NEW BLOOD" On Feb. 24 At Doubletree-Ontario To Make It A Stellar Night Of Boxing!



January 31 (Orange, CA) - Southern California's Inland Empire's heated boxing beat just got a little hotter. Undefeated Efrain Esquivias (15-0, 9 KOs) has been added to the power packed Thompson Boxing Promotions February 24 edition of "New Blood".

The blockbuster card features Artemio "King" Reyes (14-1, 11 KOs) vs. Victor Hugo Correa (12-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round main event welterweight war for the WBC Latino title. The card also co-features East L.A.'s Aron "Asesino" Martinez (15-1-1, 3 KOs) against Escondido's Dashon "Fly Boy" Johnson (13-4-3, 4 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Esquivias, the reigning NABF super bantamweight champion, who hails out of Carson, California, faced off against and won a blood-induced battle last November against dangerous mexican southpaw, Fernando Beltran Jr. (35-7- 1) and became the newly crowned NABF Super Bantamweight champion.

In the same pugilist spirit, Esquivias will once again step into the ring and put his unblemished record on the line when he faces a yet to be determined opponent.

Tickets for "NEW BLOOD" are priced at $75, $45, and $30. They are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.

Bouts subject to change. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the first bell rings at 7:30 pm. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario. The hotel phone number is 909-937-0900.

Quigg Defends British Super Bantamweight Title This Saturday Against Arthur

SCOTT QUIGG is being lined up for a world title eliminator if he successfully defends his British super-bantamweight title against Jamie Arthur this weekend.

The unbeaten Bury fighter is ranked third in the latest International Boxing Federation (IBF) and WBA ratings, far higher than any of his domestic rivals.

Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon is in talks with various global contacts for a bout that could see Quigg become a mandatory challenger for a world title.

Quigg, 23, insists the chances of mixing it with some of the 122lb division’s best will help him focus even more on his 12 round clash against Arthur at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday (Feb 4).

He said: “There is no danger of taking my eyes away from Arthur. If I cannot beat him it will be a struggle to reach the level I believe I can.

“Whoever has been in with Jamie knows they have been in a fight. There is no quit in him.

“I watched his fight against Martin Lindsay and after two rounds it looked like he wouldn’t get to halfway, yet he was still in there fighting back for the full 12 rounds.

“I am very confident that I have got the tools to best him, but he has experience at championship level.

“I know how hungry I was to win the British title when the Jason Booth chance came and I am sure Jamie will have stepped up another gear in training.

“I have been in that position and I think it is harder keeping titles than winning them.”

Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux currently holds the WBA crown while South African Takalani Ndlovu is wearing the IBF strap.

Hatton Promotions head Ricky Hatton added: “There is no shortage of options for Scott at the highest level, but first he has a tough assignment this weekend.”

Also in action on Saturday’s card is former Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe who boxes Argentinian Jose Saez in a non-title eight rounder.

The bill will also include Stephen Foster Jr v Yauheni Kruhlik, Joe Murray v Selected Opponent Matty Askin v Attila Palko, Craig Lyon v Yuri Voronin, Jazza Dickens v Barrington Brown, Feargal McCrory v Sid Razak and Tasif Khan v Delroy Spencer.

Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or online www.hattonboxing.com

John Ryder Signs With Lonsdale

Hotly tipped Middleweight joins boxing brand after extending unbeaten record

John Ryder has signed a sponsorship deal with Lonsdale as he continues to take the British Middleweight scene by storm.

The deal will see the unbeaten Islington man wearing the apparel of the boxing clothing giant as well as donning their gloves in future contests.

The 23 year-old continued his impressive start to his professional career with a second round stoppage of Mariusz Biskupski at York Hall on Saturday night (January 28) taking his record to 9-0 with six wins inside the distance.

Ryder’s first outing in his new gear will be on the undercard of the Kell Brook’s Welterweight showdown with Matthew Hatton at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on March 17, live on Sky Sports.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Ryder. “I have always enjoyed wearing their gear in the gym and to be able to sign with such a great boxing brand is a dream for me. I hope I can keep my record going and as always will be taking it one fight at the time.”

“John Ryder is without doubt one of Britain's most exciting young prospects and I'm pleased that Lonsdale have seen our vision and signed him to their team,” said Ryder’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “It's important for any young fighter to feel and look the part and I know John is delighted to be associated with the brand.”

“I'm delighted to welcome John to the Lonsdale team,” said Sunny Singh, Lonsdale’s Head of Sports Marketing. “He has shown tremendous potential in the early part of his career and we look forward to growing with him and working alongside Matchroom Sport to help fulfil his potential and become a champion.”

Patrick Nielsen vs. Jozsef Matolcsi On Feb. 18th

Patrick Nielsen (12-0, 6 KOs) will be looking for his 13th victory in as many fights when he takes on Jozsef Matolcsi (30-17, 20 KOs) at the first Nordic Fight Night at Broendby Hall on February 18. Nielsen could be in for an unpleasant surprise. Last February, his rugged Hungarian opponent – known as “Shatter-Machine” in boxing circles – lived up to his billing by shattering the career of former European Middleweight Champion Mahir Oral. The two-time world title challenger was getting ready for another ride when Matolcsi gave him a beating and stopped him in two rounds in Herning.

“That was a major blow for everybody at Team Sauerland,” promoter Nisse Sauerland recalls. “We had big plans for Mahir Oral and wanted to get him back in line for a world title shot. What was planned as a build-up fight turned into a catastrophe as Matolcsi seized his chance, shocked the world and sent our potential champion into retirement in just two rounds. Now it´s up to Patrick to settle the score for Team Sauerland. It´s a huge test for him, the next step in his boxing education. As the Oral example shows, losing can be fatal for your career. But I am sure that Patrick will be at the top of his game and defeat Matolcsi in style.”

2012 BillyCBoxing Hall of Famers Announced

Lake George, NY – After an extremely successful inaugural 2011 Induction weekend, 2012 looks to be bigger and better!

For the past four weeks, members of the BillyCBoxing Hall of Fame panel, which consists of the 2011 inductees, select members of the press and BillyCBoxing Contributors, submitted their thoughts from a ballot which listed ten posthumous and twenty living nominees. Each panel member was asked to select five from each group.

On today’s Talkin Boxing With Billy C TV & Radio show, the 2012 inductees were announced:

Posthumous 2012 BillyCBoxing Hall of Fame Inductees: Former World Champions, Henry Armstrong, Jack Johnson, Harry Greb, Joe Louis, Willie Pep and Billy Costello.

Living 2012 BillyCBoxing Hall of Fame Inductees: Former World Champions, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Tony DeMarco, Terry Norris, Tim Witherspoon, Buddy McGirt and Juan LaPorte.

“We had an interesting situation”, stated Bill Calogero, AKA Billy C. He continued, “After adding up all of the votes, we had a tie for the 5th spot, so rather than choose, I decided to induct both. I had already planned on inducting Billy Costello because he helped me come up with the concept of our Hall of Fame. I think this year is fitting that we have added twelve into the BillyCBoxing Hall of Fame.”

Billy C went on to say, “What makes the BillyCBoxing Hall of Fame different from the others is that the inductees have a say in who gets in. This year’s inductees will help us with next year’s nominees, and so on. Another thing is that we had two female fighters on our Ballot and both received votes. Last year was great, but this year will really be something!”

The BillyCBoxing Hall of Fame Induction weekend will take place November 16th, 17th and 18th, 2012 in South Glens Falls, NY. There will be activities scheduled for all three days. All of last year’s inductees are expected to attend this year’s ceremonies and it’s anticipated that most of this year’s inductees and or family members will be in attendance.

Updates for the weekend will be announced soon.

For information on the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL which runs until March 1, 2012, and for ALL other information regarding this year’s BillyCBoxing Induction Weekend, please email HOFInfo@BillyCBoxing.com.

Kevin Mitchell To Fight Felix Lora On Feb. 10th

East End favourite Kevin Mitchell is relishing his London return on Friday 10th February at a sold-out York Hall.

The Dagenham Destroyer will face Barcelona based Dominican Republican Felix Lora over ten rounds at lightweight in his first fight since his thrilling win over John Murray last July.

Mitchell's fight against Lora will be shown live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

With a potential showdown with Scottish rival and WBO World Champion Ricky Burns in the pipeline, WBO Intercontinental champion Mitchell is looking to put on a sparkling performance.

"It's going to be a massive East End crowd at the York Hall and I can't wait to put on a knockout show in front of my fans against Lora," said Mitchell.

"This is the first time since the Michael Katsidis fight in 2010 that I've fought in London and I've had a cracking win against Murray in Manchester so this will be a nice homecoming for me,"

"A fight with Burns is a massive incentive to make sure I'm looking at my best on the night and it's a fight I'd love to have next."

Mitchell will also be raising money on the night for his cousin's son Mitchell Huth who suffers from a rare cancer called neuroblastoma.

He hopes that the money raised will help towards sending the youngster to America for vital treatment.

Mitchell added, "This young lad is the real hero, forget what I've done in the ring, to see Mitchell, who's only six years old, fight his illness is a real inspiration to me and I hope everyone will contribute on the night."

The show will also feature hot unbeaten super-middleweight prospect Frank Buglioni against Ryan Clark over four rounds. The Enfield puncher will be looking to make Clark his third first round win after blasting out Sabie Montieth and Paul Morby.

2008 Olympian Bradley Saunders makes his glittering professional debut and goes straight into a six-rounder at light-welterweight against the experienced Jason Nesbitt.

The card also features rising unbeaten talents Ediz Hussein, Billy Morgan and Gary Corcoran.

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.tv and hit the "Subscribe Now" button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Paris United Look To Join Pantheon Of Greats At Salle Wagram

Lausanne, Switzerland, 31 January 2012 - Wednesday 1 February evening will mark a historic moment in the story of the World Series of Boxing, with reigning champions Paris United hosting Beijing Dragons in one of the most iconic venues of the French capital, the Salle Wagram.

Situated just metres away from the Arc de Triomphe in the heart of Paris, the Salle Wagram (click HERE for more information on this venue) is an arena steeped in history and will host this very important Group B showdown between two teams in vital need of points in the race for the quarter-finals.

Taking to the ring for the Paris outfit will be the exciting 23-year-old southpaw Franck Petitjean who will lead the charges in the Lightweight contest with two other Frenchman also in the line-up for the home team. Young Moldovan star Aleksandr Riscan will take on the Bantamweight challenge with Cameroon's Joseph Mulema looking to impose himself in his WSB debut. Look out for Beijing Dragons' 22-year-old Orthodox fighter Dongxu Shang who will look to cause an upset when he faces Mulema.

Be sure to watch all the action LIVE on www.worldseriesboxingtv.com

Yoan Pablo Hernandez Defends IBF Title On Saturday Against Steve Cunningham In Germany

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (25-1, 13 KOs) will face two-time world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (24-3, 12 KOs) in a hotly-anticipated rematch in Frankfurt on Saturday night. Boxing-online.com has caught up with the 27-year-old Cuban.

Q: Yoan Pablo, you will be facing Steve Cunningham for the second time on Saturday. Are you upset about giving him a rematch?

YPH: “No, not at all, much on the contrary. I am happy to fight him again. I will show everybody that I am the better fighter. If there are any doubts, I will erase them.”

Q: The first fight came to a controversial ending. Cunningham believes you could have fought on despite the cuts. What´s your take on that?

YPH: “Well, it wasn´t me who stopped the fight, but the referee after consulting the ring doctor. One of the cuts was very deep, the risk of getting a serious injury would have been too big in my opinion. And the blood was affecting my vision. Who knows what could have happened.”

Q: Are you upset about the fact that everybody discussed the ending of the fight? After all, you knocked him down in the first round…

YPH: “Of course I was upset. I performed well on that night and I deserved to win. Everybody should respect that. Cunningham should have respected that, too.”

Q: How will the second fight go?

YPH: “I hope it will not be as bloody as the first fight. I hope for a fair fight – I will be fighting fair. It´s my goal to win the rematch and put an end to the discussions about the first fight.”

Q: Has your life changed after winning the world title?

YPH: “Not really. I am the same person I was before. But when walking around in Berlin, I get recognized by more fans.”

Q: If you win on February 4, what will be next for you?

YPH: “I will take some time off. Every athlete needs breaks. I have trained very hard in the past months and I just want to spend some time with my family. Then I will quickly return to training for my next fight. But I am not thinking that far ahead. All that matters now is the rematch against Cunningham on Saturday.”

Berto Injured, Fight With Ortiz In Question

An arm injury suffered by Andre Berto on Monday may force him to withdraw from his upcoming rematch against Victor Ortiz, which is scheduled for February 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Berto was taken to a hospital to undergo an MRI. An announcement regarding the status of Berto as well as the bout itself will be made shortly.

Donaire Arrives In San Antonio


Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Superstar Three-Time World Champion Nonito “the Filipino Flash” Donaire Arrives in San Antonio,Texas, Monday for His Upcoming World Title Fight Against Former World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., Saturday, Feb. 4, Televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing From the Alamodome in San Antonio,Texas.

Mexico City vs. Beijing PPV Preview Show

Other weights were as follows:

There will be plenty of hook shots when top-five world contenders John Molina (23-1, 19 KO’s…Covina, California) and Marvin Quintero (24-3, 20 KO’s, Tijuana, MX) battle in the main event at the new College Park Center, on the campus of The University of Texas at Arlington. The Feb. 17 event is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with DFW’s -- Showcase Promotions. ESPN Friday Night Fights are sponsored by Corona Beer.

The No. 3 world-ranked Molina and No. 5 rated Quintero are set for 12 rounds in an IBF World Title Elimination bout, with the winner getting a shot at world champion, Miguel Vazquez. The Molina vs. Quintero clash is one of seven bouts scheduled on the nationally televised event, which begins at 7 p.m.

Also slated for action on the undercard are 2008 United States Olympians Shawn Estrada (13-0, Los Angeles) and Luis Yanez (4-0-1, Dallas). Ray Ximenez, a former multi-national amateur champion from Dallas is also set on the card.

Opponents for Estrada, Yanez and Ximenez are to be announced.

Tickets are priced at $25, $35, $50 and $100 (VIP Ringside), plus ticket/facility charges. VIP Ringside buyers receive-- seating in first 5 rows, Valet Parking and admission to VIP Ringsiders Club. Tickets are ON SALE NOW at the College Park Center box office as well as online at utatickets.com or by phone at (817) 272-9595.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscarDeLaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.
The Hyland Brothers Highlight The Debut Of Team Snooki Boxing This Saturday Night At Resort In AC

New York, NY – January 25, 2012 – This Saturday night history will be made at Resorts in Atlantic City as the debut of Team Snooki Boxing will feature a trio of Irish brothers. The Hyland Brothers comprised of Patrick "Pajo" Hyland (Featherweight, 24-0, 11 KOs, Irish Featherweight Champion, Former I.B.F Intercontinental Featherweight Champion, Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Champion, and WBF World Featherweight Champion), Eddie Hyland (Super-Featherweight, 16-1, 6 KOs, Former Irish Super-Featherweight Champion),and Paul Hyland (Super-Bantamweight, 20-2, 6 KOs, Irish Super-Bantamweight Champion, and former EU Super-Bantamweight Champion).

The Hyland Brothers will headline a night of boxing at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Patrick will put his undefeated record on the line against tough super featherweight Manny Lucaro (26-8 (14 KOs), Paul will face an opponent to be named and Eddie will be up against Franklin Gonzalez (14-0, 10 KOs). While in the United States, they are trained by two- time World Champion, Tracy Patterson and their father, Paddy who has trained them since birth. The event, to be titled "The Irish Invasion," will mark the first time that three brothers, who are all Irish champions have fought on the same card in America.