Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former world Heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola will be in action on February 18th against once-beaten Eric Molina in Corpus Christie, Texas.

The bout will be part of a card that will feature Paul Williams battling Nobuhiro Ishida and IBF Light Heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud taking on Gabriel Campillo.

“We’ve come to an agreement with (Molina promoter) Don King to have Molina challenge Cris,” Dan Goossen, Arreola’s promoter said Thursday. “Cris is a world class heavyweight and we’ll find out where Molina is. We expect a good fight, a good challenge and we certainly believe Cris will come out on top. And between Molina, his camp and Don, they believe they will pull the upset.”

“The game plan is simple — we’re looking to fight for the world title this year, end of story,” Goossen said. “Cris has every opportunity to make history and accomplish the goal that was set many years ago when he started out, to have him to be the first Mexican-American to hold a heavyweight championship.”

“This fight is very important because it will tell me where I’m at,” Molina said. “If I win, it’ll mean greater things ahead for me. If I lose, I’ll know that I had my shot. But I don’t plan to lose.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather must reapply for a Nevada License of February 1st before being able to fight as planned on May 5th in Las Vegas.

Mayweather, who is due to report to prison on June 1st will most likely have to answer questions about his pleas before the five member board granting him permission to fight on May 5th

Cicero, Illinois (January 26, 2012) – On Friday, February 17, 2012, boxing returns to the Cicero Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, when SM Promotions presents “International Rumble in Cicero”. Former super-middleweight slugger, Sammy Merza (16-1, 12 KOs), now full time boxing promoter, created SM Promotions with the goal of bringing boxing back to the” Windy City” in spectacular fashion.

“This is the night of undefeated fighters” said Merza. “I’m looking to showcase a plethora of young talent, fighters that want to remain undefeated. I want to kick off 2012 with a bang and this card has all the ingredients for a great show. Chicago’s boxing community is in for a treat.”

The 10 round main-event will showcase, undefeated IBF female super featherweight champion, Amanda Serrano (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. TBA. In the co-feature, lightweight sensation, Joel Diaz Jr. (7-0, 6 KO’s), fresh off his spectacular performance on ShoBox, returns to action. Polish native and heavyweight amateur standout, Joey Dawejko (6-0, 2 KOs), looks to extend his winning streak. Local talent stepping into the ring are Chicago’s hometown fighters, middleweight Ramon Valenzuela (6-0, 1 KO), middleweight Ninos Abraham (6-0-1, 2 KOs), and Ricardo Chavez (Pro Debut). Washington’s super middleweight Mike Gavronski (5-0, 4 KOs), New York’s lightweight Bryan Akaba (2-0, 1 KO) and Mexico’s Sergio Montes de Oca (5-1) round out the card. Bouts subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (773) 716-9111.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26, 2012) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto participated in a media conference call to discuss the upcoming rematch of the 2011 Fight of the Year on Saturday, Feb. 11, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Ten months after their classic slugfest that was named 2011 “Fight of the Year” (USA Today, Ring Magazine), Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s), of Ventura, Calif., and Berto (28-1, 22 KO’s), of Winter Haven, Fla., will square off again. The eagerly awaited 12-round fight is a rematch of a fiercely contested, multiple-knockdown affair on April 16, 2011, that Ortiz won by a unanimous decision (114-112, 114-111 and 115-110) while capturing Berto’s World Boxing Council (WBC) 147-pound title. Both fighters were knocked down twice in the fight, with Berto being dropped in the first, Ortiz going down a round later and each of them hitting the deck in a wild sixth round that many called the “Round of the Year” for 2011.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Wednesday’s call:

ANDRE BERTO: “We’ve already had a tremendous camp and right now we’re going through the motions every day. We’re excited about Feb. 11 and getting to Vegas for a fight of this magnitude. It’s going to be go time”.”

How important was it for you to get back in the ring and beat Jan Zaveck the way that you did?

ANDRE BERTO: “I think it was tremendously important after you go through the situations that I went through not to dwell on it for too long but to just jump back in action. And that’s what I did. I just wanted to take a little time off and put this fight together for me and I jumped right back into action.”

Did you get a lot of confidence from that?

ANDRE BERTO: “It definitely helped, but at the end of the day I know I can fight. If I had a bad night or if you have a bad day at the gym, at the end of the day you know you’re going to be able to know how to fight.”

What’s the most important thing Tony Morgan has done for your career since you started working with him?

ANDRE BERTO: “Me and Tony are pretty much like family. We started in this game together when I was like 10, 11 years old. It’s just been our dream to win a world title and to be at any type level of this fight game. He taught me a lot about loyalty, he taught me a lot about family. We had a lot of big dreams, but then again we never really thought that we’d get to this point coming from such a small town that we came from.”

How did losing the first fight of your career affect your psyche? Did it have a major affect on you?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. It played with my mind a bit. You get to a point where I think any fighter would be affected by that. But you just brush it off, get back on your feet and get back in there. And that’s what I did.”

Did it take another fight to build up that confidence?

ANDRE BERTO: “No. In my last fight I went in there like nothing happened. I went in there and went straight to work like nothing happened at all. At the end of the day, you like to be realistic. That loss put a lot of different things in perspective. It made me get back and work hard and made me understand what kind of team and what type of family I have around me. They were very supportive. If I’m in this boxing thing or not, I still have that love from my family and my friends. Like I said, I have that support so I’m good.”

You seemed a little bit tired in that first fight. Is that true and is that something you’ve been working on since then?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. I believe when we trained for that fight I don’t think we trained like we were supposed to. I believe that’s something that fighters go through. You get in a situation where you have a lot of success and you stay in your own little circle, your own little box instead of trying to look out and find the best situations for you. I think I suffer from that because after that fight I found out I was anemic and I had to really reach out to find some help with that because it got to be pretty serious. I learned I needed to take a lot better care of my body.”

Do you feel that you’re past that and you’ll be in a lot better condition for this fight?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. We’re working hard and having our doctors checking on me to make sure my levels are up and making sure I’m getting all my vitamins that I need to continue to push to have the best training sessions. Before, we were so old school in everything. We didn’t take vitamins or protein shakes or none of that, it was just hard work. But anybody knows that if you’re a world-class athlete you have to train and you have to take care of your body like you are a world-class athlete. And that’s something that we’re really getting into, and we’re trying to take all the right precautions now.”

You had estimated after the fight that maybe Ortiz was on some illegal substance and then you backed off. Is that something you still believe?

ANDRE BERTO: “No. Ortiz was just better that night.”

LOU DIBELLA: “That’s also not going to be an issue in this fight as both fighters agreed to drug testing and there will be drug testing on this fight and it’s not going to be an issue for anybody. Both sides have to go out there and do the right thing and both agreed to testing. I think that’s a big step to take away some of the innuendo and the problems that do exist in our sport. But all you can ask the fighters to do is say ‘Ok, I’ll be tested.’ And that’s what these two fighters have done.”

When will the drug testing start?

ANDRE BERTO: “I believe they’ve already tested me twice for this fight — urine tests and blood tests.”

How was that for you?

ANDRE BERTO: “It was different, but I went through that as an amateur so it wasn’t something completely different.”

Andre, you know that Victor had to go in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his actions against Floyd Mayweather. Do you see it as an issue or advantage for you?

ANDRE BERTO: “I’m not sure. I’m a clean guy when I’m in there. We just want to make sure our team watches out for any type of incidental situations.”

Are you bummed out that there is no fight at stake in this bout?

ANDRE BERTO: “Probably a little bit, but like I said, right now I’m just trying to make good fights. I’ve won two titles now and I’m just resorting back to why I fell in love with this sport, (and getting) back to the basics. This fight right here is a fight that I wanted, a fight that the people wanted. It’s going to be an exciting one and that’s the only thing that I’m worried about”

What does it say about you that you’ll take a fight of this magnitude?

ANDRE BERTO: “It says a lot about both of us. You see a kid go through a lot of success, but then again go through a lot of criticism and a lot of hate. On both sides I believe. To lose your first fight and come back and win another world title and give it up to hopefully make another exciting fight. And the same thing for Ortiz – he came off a loss against Floyd, he ended up getting knocked out, but he overcame that and came back to fight another exciting fight. It shows where we come from. It’s in my heart, it’s in my passion to just put on exciting fights. When we’re done with our careers I don’t believe we’ll have any regrets.”

Is this a better chance for you or Ortiz?

ANDRE BERTO: “I think it’s a good fight for both of us. I lost the fight and came back and won a world title. I could have gone a different route but I wanted to take this one. Ortiz lost to Mayweather. Either way you look at it, you’re putting together two young guys that love to fight and put on an exciting show.”

How have things changed since the first fight against Ortiz?

ANDRE BERTO: “A lot of things. We’re definitely a lot smarter, we definitely matured a lot more. We had a chance to put a lot of different things in perspective, not just in my boxing career but in life in general. So I think it definitely helped me for the better.”

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I’ve been working hard and keeping it positive. There are no worries in the world right about now, and Berto is certainly not one of them. At the same time I know I have to be tremendously tough for this guy, both in and out of the ring. I’m not a guy who has to sit there and run his mouth. The thing is, at the end of the day, the boxing gloves will do the talking. Apparently Berto has a chip on his shoulder. Well I have a few chips on my shoulder due to the first Berto fight – it didn’t end the way I wanted it to end – and my last fight wasn’t the greatest. So my roller coaster is re-launching right now. I want to climax. I’m nowhere near ready to pull back, not now or in the near future. It’s going to be a great fight, I will be victorious once again and I will not take no for an answer.”

When you fought Andre could you sense that he was wearing down physically in the end of the fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “No, not at all. It was the same Berto I trained for, actually better. The only difference – there was a beast in there with him.”

What do you need to do to match his improved strength in the ring?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “Once again it comes back that I’m the underdog. That’s the story of my life. I don’t really mind it one bit. At the same time, let’s not forget this much – I was a 140-pounder in the first fight. Now, I’m a natural 147.”

Victor, you say you’re always an underdog. Is the scrutiny fair?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “It’s the game. I’m just here. I’m just here to live another day and become one of the greatest boxers of all time. Obviously people go through their ups and downs, but I’m having fun and I’m enjoying every moment of going through my ups and downs. At the end of the day I’m just trying to be one of the greats.”

Do you like being the underdog?

“No way, man. Not one bit. That’s good though. I enjoy being that person that’s always counted out.”

Why do you think people count you out after you won the first fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t know. That’s my only question. At the end of the day I don’t really care what anybody believes but me. I’m ready for this guy once again.”

What is your point of view of having a fight of this caliber that isn’t a title fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t mind it. Given the circumstances that this guy wants to fight me, I am more than willing to give him a shot. Why not? He gave me a shot.”

What do you expect different in the ring from Berto?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t really know, but I’m preparing for the best Berto there is possible, along with my corner. If he’s gotten any better than, hey, that’s awesome. That’s what we’re expecting. We’re expecting the best Berto to be present and I’m ready.”

How’s your mental state of mind coming off a loss to Mayweather.

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t think I lost. (I still) believe in myself. I still see myself as a world champion. I will never bow down to not being a world champion because it wasn’t right how it happened in my eyes. Once again, I’m counted out by Berto’s team. To me it’s perfectly fine. I don’t care. I’m going to show him why I beat him the first time.

“It’s Berto’s second chance, not mine. What do I lose? Nothing. At the end of the day it’s going to be a great fight.

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.

“Berto is a good fighter, but I never saw him as great, not even when I was at 140 and I was coming up to challenge him — which is why I challenged him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a dangerous fighter but I don’t fear him. I have no respect for him, I’m not scared of him, nothing like that. At the end of the day I will win this once again.”

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. It will air live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

About Showtime Networks Inc.:

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

LOS ANGELES, January 26 – To round out the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing tripleheader headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment have announced two more high-impact fights from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, Feb. 11..

In a 10-round junior middleweight showdown before the main event, Cuban star Erislandy Lara returns for the first time since his controversial fight against Paul Williams to battle fellow contender Ronald Hearns. Opening the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing broadcast will be a 10-round featherweight matchup which will see unbeaten Gary Russell Jr., the consensus 2011 “Prospect of the Year” award winner, look to continue his meteoric rise against Dat Nguyen.

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The co-featured fights will see top contenders Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns square off and 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr. take on Dat Nguyen. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard telecast will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

One of Cuba’s greatest amateur boxers and the owner of three consecutive national championships and one world championship, Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KO’s) defected from his homeland in order to chase glory as a professional and he is well on the way to achieving that goal. Unbeaten in his first 16 professional fights, Lara was the victim of one of the most controversial decisions in recent history last July when judges awarded former World Champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams a 12 round decision win in a fight most observers believed the Guantanamo native won. Undeterred, the 28-year-old will be back in the ring on Feb. 11 and is determined to be the lone judge on fight night.

The name “Hearns” is royalty in boxing circles thanks to the exploits of soon-to-be inducted Hall of Famer Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. The Hitman’s son, 33-year-old Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (26-2, 20 KO’s), is doing his best to continue the family business into the next generation. A professional since 2004, the lanky boxer-puncher has won five of his last six fights, with the only loss coming in a middleweight title bout against Felix Sturm in 2011. Now back at 154 pounds, Hearns feels stronger, faster and ready to issue Lara his second straight defeat.

Named the 2011 “Prospect of the Year” by ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The Ring Magazine, 23-year-old Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s) earned those accolades the old fashioned way – by fighting. The Maryland southpaw was 6-0 last year, fighting as often as possible, dazzling fans and opponents alike along the way. Now ready to make his move on the featherweight elite, Russell can’t wait to surpass his 2012 campaign with even more big wins.

Vietnam native Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KO’s) is an ultra-tough competitor known for his straight-ahead style and willingness to go toe-to-toe with anyone who dares step into the ring with him. Winner of six of his last seven bouts, the 29-year-old, who now makes his home in Vero Beach, Florida, is hoping that a win over the unbeaten Russell will be the catalyst for a 2012 to remember for him.

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.

Elyria, OH – January 26, 2012 Rocktagon MMA Worldwide will add a stage next to the cage at Elite Series 15 on February 25th in Elyria, Ohio. Following the fights, nationally know band Mushroomhead will bring their high-energy, theatrical performance to the Rocktagon Arena as the Main Act.

This event marks the East Coast debut of Rocktagon MMA’s premium Rock –n- Rage shows. According to CEO James Jeda, also a music executive, the cross promotion will add value to the show for everyone involved. “The bottom line is that fighters need to get in front of more people. Rock –n- Rage shows draw a bigger crowd and help amateurs increase their exposure while giving fans more for their money,” Jeda explains. “Given the current state of the music industry, an event like this will also allow bands to reach a broader audience. We want to do it to help the bands, the fans, and especially the fighters.“

Rocktagon MMA is the only amateur national fight series in the country and will hold events in at least nine states this year before concluding the season with the amateur Regional and National Championships. Rock –n- Rage premium shows will combine MMA events with national musical performances in select markets.

Jeda believes raising the bar in amateur promotion is necessary to keep pace with professional fight leagues. “Tools like our national championship series and Rock –n- Rage shows will bring amateur fighting to where it needs to be, the forefront.”

ELITE Series 15 takes place Saturday, February 25th at the Rocktagon Arena located at 4377 Midway Mall in Elyria, Ohio. To find out more about Rocktagon MMA, please visit www.rocktagonmma.com. Fans may also follow Rocktagon MMA on Twitter at Rocktagon_MMA, like Rocktagon MMA on Facebook at facebook.com/rocktagonmma, or text “MMA” to 28553.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, World Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins will take on Chad Dawson in a rematch of their aborted October 15th bout. The rematch will take place on April 28th in a more appropriate venue at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The first bout ended in a controversial no contest which was originally ruled a stoppage victory for Dawson when he threw Hopkins down to the ground in the second round of their fight and Hopkins could not continue with a damaged shoulder.

“I have a chance to settle the bull—- from the first fight and straighten that all out,” Hopkins said. “A real athlete don’t want to win something on a disqualification or a no-decision or get something handed to them without doing the work. I’m ready to go.

“Dawson has a chance to prove to the world what he thinks he can do to me and I have a chance to prove that he’s not going to do what he thinks he’s going to do.”

“Richard (Schaefer) and I have made a deal and we have presented the fight to HBO,” said Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw. “We’re working on the numbers but I congratulate Hopkins on his willingness to take a fight that a lot of people said he would not take again. As for Chad, he can’t wait for the rematch. He believed he was going to beat him in the first fight and he believes he will stop him in this fight.”

“We haven’t agreed on the number yet, but HBO is would like to do this fight and they told us they are OK with April 28,” Schaefer said

“The shoulder is good,” Hopkins said. “I wouldn’t be going in this early to start getting ready if it wasn’t.”

“I think it’s a perfect place for the rematch,” Schaefer said.

“Since 2001, when I was 35 and I beat (Felix) ‘Tito’ Trinidad (to become undisputed middleweight champion in 2001), I’ve been hearing I was too old,” Hopkins said. “Now it’s 12 years later and I’m older, heavier and feel little things I didn’t feel 10 years ago, natural things that are supposed to happen to you. But I’m ahead of the game against any 47-year-old who took a punch or never took a punch. I’m in great shape and ready to do this again.

“It’s time to correct the first fight and let people get what they paid for, this time not on pay-per-view. They paid for a fight. They didn’t come to see a round-and-a-half and then have that ending. It happened. You move on and you go ahead and give the people what they want and I’m pretty sure Dawson thinks the same thing and that he will be overconfident and think I will be easy to beat.”

“Since 2001, when I was 35 and I beat (Felix) ‘Tito’ Trinidad (to become undisputed middleweight champion in 2001), I’ve been hearing I was too old,” Hopkins said. “Now it’s 12 years later and I’m older, heavier and feel little things I didn’t feel 10 years ago, natural things that are supposed to happen to you. But I’m ahead of the game against any 47-year-old who took a punch or never took a punch. I’m in great shape and ready to do this again.

“It’s time to correct the first fight and let people get what they paid for, this time not on pay-per-view. They paid for a fight. They didn’t come to see a round-and-a-half and then have that ending. It happened. You move on and you go ahead and give the people what they want and I’m pretty sure Dawson thinks the same thing and that he will be overconfident and think I will be easy to beat.”

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
NEW YORK (January 25, 2012)—This Saturday night, two of the most exciting Heavyweights in the east will take part in a twelve round war when Tony Grano takes on former world title challenger Brian Minto.

The fight can, which will originate from the Beautiful Turning Stone Resort and Casino and will be streamed LIVE all over the world on GFL.TV for a price of just $9.99 and can be ordered by clicking:

http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Pro_Boxing_Fight_Night__Grano_vs_Minto/1313

Minto of Butler, PA has a record of 35-4 with twenty-two knockouts and challenged some of the best Heavyweights in the world.

He won his first eighteen fights which included a memorable tenth round stoppage over Vinny Maddalone on an ESPN 2 main event. After losing to former Heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs, Minto then went on to win nine in a row which included the rematch with Maddalone on the Antonio Tarver – Roy Jones 3 HBO PPV and with former world title challenger Axel Schulz. Minto went on to win seven more which was highlighted by a win over then undefeated Donnell Holmes (31-0-2)

Minto put up a great effort before being stopped by former world title challenger Chris Arreola in an HBO televised bout. Minto moved down to cruiserweight and challenged for the WBO World championship but was stopped by champion Marco Huck in Germany. Minto will be coming off a fourteen month layoff since his bout which was a second round stoppage over Pierre Karam on October 29, 2010.

Grano of Hartford, Connecticut has a record of 18-2-1 with fourteen knockouts.

He went 14-0-1 with twelve knockouts to begin his career which was highlighted by a first round stoppage over Lenroy Childs (13-1)

After suffering his first pro loss, which was a come from behind stoppage by Mark Brown, Grano came back two fights later with a stunning fourth round stoppage over previously undefeated and highly regarded Travis Kauffman 918-0) that was nationally televised on SHO BOX.

Grano avenged his only pro defeat to Brown before being stopped in two to Nicolai Firtha. In his last bout, Grano stopped Dominique Alexander in six rounds on April 9th

In the eight round co-feature, Eric Fields will battle Derrick Brown in an eight round Heavyweight attraction.

Fields of Ardmore, Oklahoma has a record of 19-1 with fifteen knockouts and won his first eleven bout which included an explosive first round destruction of former IBF Cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis.

Fields lost his only fight to former WBO champ Ola Afolabi and is now on a eight fight winning streak which includes his last fight when he stopped former world title challenger Rubin Williams in the second round of their September 2nd fight.

Brown of New York is a knockout artist as eleven of his thirteen wins have come early.

Brown has been in with the likes with then-undefeated Jean Francois-Bergeron (14-0); Former world title challenger Matt Godfrey (15-0); Former world title challenger Jonathon Banks (17-0); Undefeated knockout artist Jeremiah Graziano (9-0) and in his last bout undefeated Heavyweight prospect Seth Mitchell (18-0-1).

Brown is capable as he has a win over Frank Wood (26-3) and a draw with Alfredo Escalera Jr. (14-0).

A terrific undercard has been assembled as local favorite and multi-time Turning Stone Fighter of The Night Jackie Trivilino (8-3-2, 1 KO) will battle the durable Ela Nunez (10-11-2, 2 KO’s) in a female six round Super Featherweight bout.

Undefeated knockout sensation Ryan McKenzie (8-0, 8 KO’s) of the Bahamas looks to stay perfect when he takes on Richard Starnino (9-6-2, 3 KO’s) in a six round Light heavyweight bout.

In a four round Cruiserweight bout, undefeated Brian Clookey (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) battles Ariel Espinal (8-19-3, 4 KO’s).

In a four round Super Middleweight bout, Travis Peterkin (3-0, 3 KO’s) takes on Steven Tyner (2-2-1, 2 KO’s)

In a four round Super Middlweweight bout, Schiller Hyppolite (2-0, 1 KO) battles James Denson (4-7, 2 KO’s)

Rounding out the card will be undefeated Derrick Evans (2-0, 2 KO’s) and Bakari (0-2) in a four round Light Heavyweight bout.

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– Friday, January 27, 2012 8:00pm ET featuring Cut Throat MMA Invasion 5 Aurora, La Sierra, Aurora, Illinois. In the main event, for the Cut Throat MMA Middleweight Title, Sam Ferguson (2-1-1) of Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu fights Ryan Kirwan (2-3). Ferguson is coming off a first round TKO victory in his last fight, and shows the evolution of the Gracie-schooled fighter. Ferguson’s other victory also came via first round KO so don’t let his home gym fool you, he is an all-around MMA fighter. Kirwan has hit a tough skid, but a victory against Ferfuson will erase his last three fights in a split second. Kirwan also likes to do damage with his fists, as both of this victories have come via KO or TKO stoppage. This could be a wild fight if the athletes decide to keep it standing, someone is bound to drop. It could also be a classic grappling contest, although one that Ferguson should have the advantage. So expect Kirwan to want to turn this into a kickboxing match, which might be just fine for Ferguson. Either way, both gladiators are coming out guns blazing as this is not only the main event, but a title fight, and it would be the first title for either man in their budding MMA careers. In the co-main event, Tom Shoaff fights Anthony Nichols. Being the co-main event is a huge step for these two, so don’t be surprised if they have “fight of the night” and impress the audience with their performance. Both Shoaff and Nichols are well rounded so it will be who can dictate the pace of the fight that might decide who the winner will be. The fighter with the best cardio conditioning will have an edge in this battle.

– Friday, January 27, 2012 8:00pm ET featuring TaKe-On Productions presents Battle at the 7 Train XI at the 7 Train Theatre in Flushing, New York. The card featured at hotly anticipated main event, along with the semifinals of the 155 lb “Rising Stars” 8-man tournament. If you love the striking game, this is the event for you. TaKe-On always puts together great Muay Thai events that feature high level striking with blistering kicks, punches, knees and elbows. In the main event, Turan “The Tornado” Hasanov (6-4) out of the Fight Factory in Brooklyn, New York battles Sean Hinds (15-5) from Mushin MMA in New York City. Hasanov is a fast paced fighter who likes to throw punches in bunches. Look for him to come out using all 8 striking points right from the opening bell. For Hinds, he has a more eclectic style as he has traveled the world and picked up various different styles and methods of Muay Thai. Hinds utilizes primarily stiff punches and kicks along with a very strong clinch to do his damage. This bout will be a matchup of one fighter who looks to constantly strike and put the pressure on while the other fighter is more methodical in his approach and a great counter puncher as well. In one of the 155 lb tournament fights, James Gregory (4-0) from Cool Hearts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, fights Andrilo “Jr” Suarez (2-0) from American Killer Bees in Queens, New York. Both Gregory and Suarez won by decision their last fight and for one of them, a victory here will keep their record perfect and also put them into the finals of the “Rising Stars” Tourney. Gregory has twice the experience as Suarez and will look to capitalize on that by giving Suarez a bunch of different angles when he throws his strikes. For Suarez, he will probably come out hands down and chin up, which has proven very successful in his career so far. In the second bout in the 155 lb tournament, Akio Nakasone (2-0) from The Wat in New York City battles Freddy Cheung (1-1) from Sitan Gym in Queens. Nakasone won his previous bout by decision, while Cheung won his by KO, the only fighter to do so. Both fighters are just getting their Muay Thai careers going and for one of them, a victory here already places them in the finals of the tourney.

– Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:30pm ET featuring Elite 1 MMA – Heavy Hitters, Casino New Brunswick, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. In the main event, for the Elite 1 MMA Light Heavyweight Championship, Chris Johnson (2-2) fights Dana Dickeson (1-1). Johnson is coming off a victory in his last fight for Elite 1 where he won by rear naked choke in the first round. Johnson likes to bang on his feet, but is also a competent grappler as his last victory showed. For Dickeson, he is looking to get the fight to the ground where he won his first bout via TKO, and deliver some ground and pound on Johnson. With both gladiators liking to fight on the mat, this could be a contest where the wrestling and grappling is nullified and it turns into a boxing or kickboxing match. If that happens, don’t expect the fight to go the distance as these two beasts will be throwing heavy leather. In the co-main event, for the Elite 1 MMA Welterweight Championship, Richard Arsenault (1-2) battles Ricky Goodall (6-4). Arsenault is coming off of a long layoff, so ring rust might be a factor in this bout. It could also be a positive as it gave Arsenault time to hone his craft and come back a completely different fighter. For Goodall, who has 3 times the cage experience as Arsenault, look for him to test Arsenault early to see where his cardio conditioning is go for the win in the opening round. If that happens fans should be treated to a barnburner of a fight, because this bout if for a title and that tends to lend itself to fighters pushing the action even more.

Other events this week:

Boxing: Pro Boxing Fight Night – Grano vs. Minto, Jan 28, 2012 7:30pm ET. Star Boxing Rockin’ Fights at the Paramount, Jan 28, 2012 7:30pm ET.

Pro-Wrestling: Future Stars of Wrestling (free view): Jan 26, 2012 10:00pm ET. Impact Zone Wrestling(free view): Jan 28, 2012 8:00pm ET.

GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1100 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices. Check the event page for details.

If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network

Join us at: www.GFL.tv or twitter.com/GFL or youtube.com/user/Gofightlive or inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

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.

It will be a great test for Paul Hyland as Lucero has faced the cream of the crop in the boxing world.

He has faced he pound for pound best in Manny Pacquiao as well as world champion Daniel Ponce DeLeon and undefeated prospects Valdimer Periera, Jorge Diaz and Diego Magdaleno

“We are incredibly excited to introduce The Hyland Brothers and Team Snooki Boxing. We’ve seen what these boys can do, and expect nothing less than continued success and ‘living up to the hype’ for each of them here in the States,” said Mike Pascale, Vice President of Final Round Promotions. “The Irish Invasion” will be presented by Final Round Promotions on Saturday, January 28th, 2012.

A packed undercard has been assembled that features one of the top Heavyweights in the United States plus a bevy of undefeated prospects.

Derric Rossy of Medford, New York has a record of 25-5 with fourteen knockouts was just one fight away from fighting for the Heavyweight championship of the world and will look to get on track when he takes on veteran Livin Castillo (16-10, 10 KOs) of Atlantic City.

This will be a good test for Rossy as Castillo has fought just about every top Heavyweight such as Jean-Marc Mormeck, Oleg Maskaev, Alexander Povetkin, Bruce Seldon, Eddie Chambers and Chazz Witherspoon to name a few.

Three undefeated prospects will look to keep their perfect marks intact as Jr. Lightweight Chazz McDowell (4-0,1KO) of Yonkers NY battles Phil Nazario (0-1) in a four round bout.

Former world amateur Heavyweight champion, Joey Dawejko (6-0, 2KO’s) battles Alvaro Morales (6-10-6) of Las Vegas.

Newark, NJ based Middleweight John Thompson (4-0, 1KO) will take on Andre Espeut (2-3, 1 KO) of Morristown, NJ in a four round bout.

Anthony Gangemi of Mine Hill, NJ will make his pro debut against Esau Tatum (0-1) out of Pine Bluff, Arkansas in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be pro debuting Moses Molina of nearby Bridgeton, NJ battling Desi Williams (0-3) of Wilson, NC in a four round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appeared on WFAN and MSG Network’s “The Boomer and Carton Show” on Wednesday, December 14 to announce the latest venture in her growing empire which is the formation of Team Snooki Boxing.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and Resorts Hotel Casino.. For additional information please visit www.thehylandbrothers.com, www.resortsac.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Boxing fans can save $25 on any ticket over $100 by using a special promotion code “TSB”

Atlantic City, NJ—USBA cruiserweight champion Garrett Wilson returns to action when he takes on fellow-Philadelphian Pedro Martinez in a scheduled eight-round contest on Saturday evening, Feb. 25, in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm.

Topping the seven-bout card is a scheduled 10-round welterweight contest between undefeated Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, PA, and hard-hitting Allen Conyers, of The Bronx, NY.

Wilson (right), 29, is back at Bally’s for the first time since his last-minute, come-from-behind one-punch knockout over game challenger Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ. That 12th-round knockout came in Wilson’s first defense of his USBA cruiserweight title.

He had won the vacant title April 23 at Caesar’s Atlantic City when he pounded out a unanimous 12-round decision over former world-title challenger Omar Sheika, of Paterson, NJ. A pro less than four years, Wilson is 11-5-1, 5 K0s. He is ranked No. 9 in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 24 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Martinez, 28, asked for this assignment, despite his deceiving record of 6-4, 3 K0s. In his last fight Aug. 13 at Bally’s, Martinez avenged a previous setback by turning the tables on Elvin Sanchez, of Paterson, NJ, and winning on points.

The win over Sanchez was Martinez’ only previous fight at Bally’s. Wilson is 3-0 there.

Style-wise, this should be an excellent fight to watch. Neither man is big on defense and both men like to walk forward and slug it out.

Wilson is managed and trained by Rodney Rice. Martinez (left) is managed and trained by Mike Plebani.

In a six-round contest, middleweight Fred Jenkins, Jr., of Philadelphia, PA, takes on Alando Swain, of Trenton, NJ. Jenkins is 4-0, 2 K0s, while Swain is 4-1, 1 K0. A six-round welterweight match features DeCarlo Perez, of Atlantic City, NJ, vs. Rafael Montalvo, of St. Clair, PA. Perez is 6-1, 2 K0s; Montalvo, 1-1, 1 K0.

Three four-rounder fights complete the card.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 can be purchased at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

In Bethlehem, PA, tickets are available at Pronto Notary, 232 East Third Street, Bethlehem, PA 18105. The phone number is 610-419-6790. Tickets in Bethlehem, PA, also are available from Lemuel Rodriguez at 484-893-9359

Jr. Middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado talks about his big win over Jesus Soto Karass plus promoter Russell Peltz talks about the future of Rosado and Heavyweight Bryant Jennings

Undefeated Heavyweight Bryant Jennings talks about his big win over Maurice Byarm

PHILADELPHIA–Bryant Jennings scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over Maurice Byarm in a battle of Philadelphia based Heavyweights at the Asylum Arena.

Jennings outworked Byarm for most of the fight. Jennings came out moving around the exterior of the round with Byarm just following Jennings around the ring. that gave Jennings an opportunity to use his reach and land several blistering combinations on Byarm. That same scenario played out for much of the first half of the fight.

Byarm got going in round five as he started to let his hands go and begin to land combinations as he focused on some body work before coming upstairs.

Neither man had gone more than six rounds in any fight and both seemed to have just brief periods of fatigue but did a nice job of getting second and third winds.

Jennings came on at the end of alot of the rounds and finished strong which enabled him to get the verdict in most of the rounds. Jennings came out blistering in round eight as he landed a huge right hand that Byarm not only shook off but came back with a nice combination of his own.

Both guys fought well down the stretch, but Jennings had a solid lead and came away with the victory.

Both fighters should be commended for taking the bout on less than a week’s notice after the sudden pullout of Eddie Chambers who was supposed to fight Sergei Liakhovich.

Jennings, 220 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 97-93; 96-94 and 96-94 to remain perfect at 12-0. Byarm, 244 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is now 13-1-1.

Gabriel Rosado scored a fifth round stoppage over veteran Jesus Soto Karass in round five of a scheduled ten round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Rosado was dominant throughout as he landed some solid shots with both hands. Rosado featured solid straight rights and uppercuts on the crouching Soto Karass. The domination really started in the third round as as a right hand opened up a nasty cut over the left eye of Soto Karass. the momentum continued in round four with Rosado landing big combinations that was followed by a big uppercuts. the cut worsened towards the end of the round. In round five, Rosado landed a huge combination that sent a visibly beaten Soto Karass back to the corner where Rosado landed six hard shits that forced referee Steve Smoger to stop the bout at 2:06 of round five.

Rosado, 153 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is now 19-5 with eleven knockouts. Soto Karass, 154 lbs of Los Angeles is now 24-7-3.

In a battle of undefeated Light Heavyweights, Sullivan Barrera scored a six round unanimous decision over Damar Singleton.

Barrera was much more active in this uninspiring fight as there was a lot of holding and clinching but it was Barrera’s lead right hands that were getting through before much of the clutching would commence.

Barrera, 174 1/2 lbs of Miami via Cuba won by scores of 60-54; 60-54 and 59-55 and is now 9-0. Singleton, 176 1/2 lbs of Toeldo, OH is now 7-1.

In the opening bout of the evening, Naim Nelson kept his undefeated mark in tact with a four round unanimous decision over Pedro Andres.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Nelson, 137 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia and is now 4-0. Andres, 136 lbs of Bridgeton, NJ was making his pro debut.

Jose Peralta ALejo scored a six round unanimous decision over Lenwood Dozier in a Welterweight bout.

Alejo, 145 lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 7-1. Dozier, 146 lbs of Glen Burnie, MD is 7-4-1.

Ray Robinson boxed well and scored a eight round unanimous decision over grizzled veteran Doel Carrasquillo in a Welterweight bout.

Robinson, 148 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia won by tallies of 79-73; 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 13-2. Carrasquillo is now 16-19-1.

This show was the first event of the new NBC Sports Network boxing series and was promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing with the main event co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions

Javier Molina is back on track with his winning ways

Matt Villanueva and Mike Ruiz battle it out on Showtimes “ShowBox.”

Joel Diaz Jr. and Guy Robb have the fight of the night on Showtime.

Rico Ramos suffers a lost to Guillermo Rigondeaux on Showtime. Ramos offered no excuses but vows to get right back in the gym

New York, NY – (1/6/2012) – At the press conference last week in New York City to announce DiBella Entertainment’s HBO Championship Boxing St. Patrick’s Day card at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Andy Lee, who was slated to fight in the televised co-feature bout of the evening, stated, “I want to thank Lou (DiBella – Lee’s promoter) for letting me showcase myself on this show. There is nothing more I can wish for then to have this opportunity to fight at MSG on St Patrick’s Day.”

After seeking an opponent for the past two months and not being able to come up with anything suitable, Team Lee has announced that they will be coming off the card, and now it is rumored he could be the next opponent for WBA Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm.

“It is with great regret that I have to withdraw from the March 17, St Patrick’s Day Promotion at MSG Theater,” stated Lee. “Unfortunately due to the unavailability of a suitable world ranked opponent Team Lee have collectively decided it is in my best career interest to pass on a fight on this occasion. I would like to thank my promoter, Lou DiBella and HBO for planning to have me on the card and for their efforts to secure a suitable opponent for me from the limited boxers available.”

While it would have been a special treat for the and Irish community to see Lee showcase his skills on the 17th, Lee feels that his time for a world title opportunity is now, and while he wanted to be part of what is expected to be a spectacular event at The Garden when Sergio Martinez defends his Middleweight Championship Crown against Ireland’s top-rated middleweight contender Matthew Macklin, he now has his sights set on pursuing the fight with Sturm. Sturm has a tentative date schedule in Germany for April 13th.

New York, NY – (1/6/2012) – At the press conference last week in New York City to announce DiBella Entertainment’s HBO Championship Boxing St. Patrick’s Day card at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Andy Lee, who was slated to fight in the televised co-feature bout of the evening, stated, “I want to thank Lou (DiBella – Lee’s promoter) for letting me showcase myself on this show. There is nothing more I can wish for then to have this opportunity to fight at MSG on St Patrick’s Day.”

After seeking an opponent for the past two months and not being able to come up with anything suitable, Team Lee has announced that they will be coming off the card, and now it is rumored he could be the next opponent for WBA Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm.

“It is with great regret that I have to withdraw from the March 17, St Patrick’s Day Promotion at MSG Theater,” stated Lee. “Unfortunately due to the unavailability of a suitable world ranked opponent Team Lee have collectively decided it is in my best career interest to pass on a fight on this occasion. I would like to thank my promoter, Lou DiBella and HBO for planning to have me on the card and for their efforts to secure a suitable opponent for me from the limited boxers available.”

While it would have been a special treat for the and Irish community to see Lee showcase his skills on the 17th, Lee feels that his time for a world title opportunity is now, and while he wanted to be part of what is expected to be a spectacular event at The Garden when Sergio Martinez defends his Middleweight Championship Crown against Ireland’s top-rated middleweight contender Matthew Macklin, he now has his sights set on pursuing the fight with Sturm. Sturm has a tentative date schedule in Germany for April 13th.

Fighters discussed included Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin; former title challenger Martin Murray; and George, who would have met Lee at a catch weight of 164 pounds.

“Due to the unavailability of a suitable world-ranked opponent, Team Lee have collectively decided it is in my best career interest to pass on a fight on this occasion,” Lee said. “I would like to thank my promoter, Lou DiBella, and HBO for planning to have me on the card and for their efforts to secure a suitable opponent for me from the limited boxers available.”

DiBella told ESPN.com that another reason Lee (27-1, 19 KOs) is off the show is because there is a possibility he could challenge 160-pound titlist Felix Sturm (36-2-2, 15 KOs) in Germany on April 13, although Sturm may wind up facing mandatory challenger and interim titlist Gennady Golovkin.

“Andy wanted a bigger fight,” DiBella said. “He didn’t want to put all his high rankings in the organizations at risk for a fight that wasn’t a big fight and, simultaneously, the possibility of Sturm also arose. He wants to pursue a bigger fight instead of a low-budget risk fight.”

Matt Villanueva Talks Fighting Mike Ruiz Jr. on Showtime

Mike Ruiz Talks Fighting Matt Villenueva on Showtime

Guy Rob Talks Fighting Joel Diaz Jr. on Showtime

Joel Diaz Jr Talks Fighting Guy Rob on Showtime

Guillermo Rigondeaux talks about fighting Ramos on Showtime

Rico Ramos talks about fighting Rigondeaux on Showtime

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Floyd Mayweather placed a phone call to Manny Pacquiao in an effort to make a mega fight between the two superstars for May 5th.

“They spoke,” Leonard Ellerbe, one of Mayweather’s advisers, told ESPN.com on Thursday.

Mayweather provided details of his conversation with Pacquiao in an email to ESPN anchor Stan Verrett.

“I called him and asked him about us fighting May 5 and giving the World what they want to see,” Mayweather’s email read. “I also let him know we both can make a lot of money. He ask about a 50/50 split and I told him no that can’t happen, but what can happen is you can make more money fighting me then you have made in your career. I also let him know I’m in control on my side but he needs to get on the same page with his promoter so we can make this fight happen.”

The message continued: “I told him to tell his promoter that he only wants to fight Mayweather and that this fight will be the biggest fight in history. His manger came to my boxing gym a few months ago and we spoke about getting the defamation of character lawsuit dropped against me and about both fighters taking the random blood and urine test. I spoke to his manager again last night about the same thing. The call last night lasted 15 or 20 minutes. I mainly spoke to his manager he got on and off the phone real quick.”

Ellerbe said he was unsure how Mayweather obtained Pacquiao’s direct line but added, “I’m sure that’s not hard to get or find out because there have been members of Manny Pacquiao’s camp who have reached out to me and other members of our team in the past. It wouldn’t be that hard.”

On Thursday in Las Vegas, where Mayweather donated $100,000 to the Southern Nevada affiliate of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer charity as part of his promise to the judge, he spoke about his desire to face Pacquiao with a handful of media on hand.

“There is no fight I want more than the Manny Pacquiao fight,” Mayweather told the gathered media. “I guess he said he agreed to fight. The only thing that is stopping this fight right now, that I truly believe is stopping the fight, is Bob Arum.”

Final Press Conference for NBC Sports Network 1st show that will Feature Maurice Byarm battling Bryant Jennings and Gabriel Rosado taking on Jesus Soto Karass

Undefeated Heavyweight, Bryant “By By” Jennings talks about his showdown with fellow undefeated Maurice Byarm

Jr. Middleweight contender, Gabriel Rosado talks about his showdown with Jesus Soto Karass