Philadelphia, PA–Cruiserweight contender Garrett Wilson is the poster boy for first-rate fighters with second-rate records. In an era where you can find more undefeated boxers than ever before, Wilson shines like a lighthouse in the fog.

A pro since 2008, Wilson is 10-5-1, 4 K0s. He is the USBA cruiserweight champion and is ranked No. 12 in the world by the IBF. He defends his belt against Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ, on Nov. 19 at Bally’s Atlantic City. Mussachio is 17-1-2, 5 K0s.

How can this happen at a time where fighters fear that a single setback will cause them to drop to the bottom on the pecking order?

“I don’t believe in padded records,” says the 29-year-old Philadelphian. “What does it prove other than your manager has connections? Who cares? I am my own manager and I want to find out if I can fight. I want to know how good I am. I don’t have time to waste. I want to fight the best out there.”

Wilson has moved between super middleweight, light-heavyweight and cruiserweight and he feels most comfortable right now between 185 and 195 pounds. He calls himself The Ultimate Warrior.

The combined records of Wilson’s 16 opponents is an imposing 143-36-5. He has boxed only one man with a losing record. Not one of his fights has ever been televised by any cable TV network.

“I took anything I could get when I turned pro,” Wilson said. “I only had 11 amateur fights. I was with Elvin Thompson when I turned pro. We’d get a call for a fight and we’d take it. Simple as that! I had to make 169 pounds to fight Dennis Hasson in 2009. He was 6-0 and I was 3-1 and I had no strength and I lost a (six-round) decision. I went back to my amateur coach, Eugene Pearson, but something still was missing.”

Wilson’s long and winding road to the Top 15 began March 26, 2010, when he took on former world-title challenger Omar Sheika in Hamilton Township, NJ. It was a scheduled eight-round main event, a fight Wilson’s new promoter, Hall-of-Famer J Russell Peltz, felt was an opportunity to sneak one over, given that Wilson was 7-3 at the time and coming off a lopsided loss to Puerto Rican Olympic team member Carlos Negron in Madison Square Garden.

Against Sheika, Wilson scored early and often, pumping lefts and rights through Sheika’s defense. Overconfident and playing to the crowd, Wilson began clowning, dancing in his corner between rounds, losing focus. When Wilson got hit in the throat by a right hand in the fourth round, the fight turned. Sheika rallied and Wilson was rescued by the referee.

“I read Garrett the riot act after that fight,” Peltz said. “I reminded him that fighters like him do not often get those kinds of opportunities and he had just foolishly kissed it goodbye.”
Wilson: “Inexperience hurt me the first time against Sheika. Things were so easy at the beginning, I couldn’t believe it. I just got carried away.”

Three months later, on his own, Wilson accepted a six-round fight with unbeaten lefty—there we go again–Julio Cesar Matthews, of Reading, PA, in Philadelphia, losing on points and getting knocked down along the way.

“I needed money so I took what I could get,” Wilson said. “I went to Simon Gratz High School, but I’m not built (mentally) for a 9-to-5 job. I have four kids to support (10 months to 10 years) and my wife (Janae) and I try to make ends meet. When I turned pro in 2008, I was working as a bathroom attendant at the Cebu Club in center city. Then the club went out of business. Boxing is a full-time thing for me.”

After losing the six-rounder to Matthews, Wilson rebounded with a one-round knockout over fellow-Philadelphian Reshawn Scott.

“In early September, I got a call for Garrett to fill in on 48 hours’ notice against Andres Taylor in Johnstown, Pennsylvania,” Peltz said. “Taylor was 16-1-1 at the time and he is from Johnstown. I told the matchmaker it wouldn’t work since there was not enough time. Next thing I know Garrett calls me and he had heard about the fight and he wanted it.

“So he got in his car the next morning and drove four hours to Johnstown with his new trainer, Rodney Rice. The fight was the next night and it was outdoors and Garrett was doing fine. After the fifth round it began to rain and the fight was delayed 30 minutes until the rain stopped. After the delay, Garrett continued to give as good as he got and he earned an eight-round draw in a fight which most people thought he won.”

Two months later, Wilson flew to Mayfield Heights, OH, a Cleveland suburb, to box Aaron Williams, who was living in Las Vegas but originally came from Cleveland. Williams was 20-2-1 and world-rated. Wilson started slowly in the scheduled eight-rounder, but began to rally in the sixth round. In the seventh, he knocked Williams down. When Williams got up he was wobbly and the referee stopped the fight.

At that point, a group of unruly fans—friends and supporters of Williams—stormed the ring, verbally abused the referee and made threatening gestures toward the Wilson camp. Wilson, Rice and matchmaker Chuck Bailey jumped out of the ring and bolted for the dressing room, where they barricaded the door. The mob tried to break down the door while Bailey called 911 on his cell phone. Eventually, the police arrived, cleared out the place, arrested the troublemakers and Wilson was allowed to leave.

A rematch with Sheika (30-9 at the time) for the vacant USBA cruiserweight title took place last April 23 at Caesars Atlantic City. Wilson did not lose focus this time, pounding Sheika relentlessly for 12 one-sided rounds, gaining a unanimous decision, the USBA belt and a world ranking.

During the summer, after highly rated Lateef Kayode, of Hollywood, CA, backed out of a fight with Wilson for the No. 1 slot in the IBF ratings, Wilson and Peltz tore up their old promotional contract and signed a new one.

“Garrett is my kind of fighter,” said Peltz, who has been promoting fights since 1969. “He’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. He’s got a great story and it sends a message to managers and promoters who only want their fighters to be 20-0 or 25-0 and fight on HBO or Showtime.

“Boxing people have lost focus in recent years. Everything is built around unbeaten records and TV appearances. Very few promoters want to get in the trenches and work. They won’t promote without television or casino backing. Garrett’s story proves that you still can make it without a glittering record if you believe in yourself and you have others who believe in you.

“That’s where his trainer, Rodney Rice, comes in. Rodney has been with Garrett for a little more than one year, beginning with the knockout over Scott. He’s an ex-Army guy, very dedicated to Garrett. He’s relatively new to boxing but he understands things that most people with far greater experience simply cannot grasp. We worked together on the new promotional contract and we got along fine.”

ABOUT NOV. 19

The Wilson-Skeika fight tops a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Gofightlive.tv will televise the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Meet 11 year old Gabriella Mejias, who is the daughter of 15rounds.com ace Photographer Claudia Bocanegra. Gabriella sung the National Anthem before more than 12,000 fans before Monday’s New Jersey Devils – Carolina Hurricanes NHL Hockey Game

Miami, FL (USA) – Warrior One MMA® (W-1®) unleashes a powerful lineup for its next event – “W-1: RELOADED” to be Broadcast Live on GFL Combat Sports Network (GFL.tv) Saturday, October 15, 8:00 PM ET. from the BankUnited Center located at the beautiful University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Warrior One MMA® (W-1®) is pleased to announce the exciting addition and new co-main event bout between top-rated Miami lightweight Luis “Baboon” Palomino and his Orlando counterpart Edson “Little Tiger” Berto. This match was originally to happen under the Bellator banner. Through good relations and working closely with many of Bellator’s counterparts, Miami fans will now experience this explosive matchup close to home with W-1. After the disappointing news that Jeff Monson had to withdraw from the bout with Gabriel Gonzaga, Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, moves to main event status as he takes on fellow Massachusetts native and TUF/UFC contender Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil. Presented for Fox Sports Net, this nationally televised epic battle promises to live up to the hype as it replaces the former main event. Mr. Gonzaga will now headline the next W-1 event on February 25, 2012.

Tickets for “W-1: RELOADED” are on sale now and will be priced at $225 (VIP Ringside), $150, $75 and $25. VIP Ringside tickets include valet parking, private entrance, ringside seats, backstage VIP room access including food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available at BankUnitedCenter.com, Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and all Ticketmaster retail locations. In addition, any remaining tickets will be available at the BankUnited Center Box Office beginning Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM EST.

ABOUT WARRIOR ONE MMA

Warrior One MMA (W-1) is an MMA production company headquartered in Toronto, ON, Canada. Founded in 2008 by successful entrepreneur and MMA specialist Jack Bateman, W-1 features experienced MMA athletes as well as up-and-coming talent. W-1’s goal is to bring world class MMA events to North America while promoting the fastest-growing sport in the world (MMA). W-1 is unique to most other MMA organizations in that it was founded by a former mixed martial artist. This unique perspective has led to W-1’s “Fighters First” philosophy. With this in mind, W-1 fighters are treated and respected as the epitome of professional athletes; training and performing at a level unparalleled in most other sports. W-1 believes that this concept will distinguish its fighters on a national level and create opportunities globally. With both a first-class track record and reputation, W-1 continues to grow in popularity in Canada and the United States. Continuing to build upon a strong base, W-1 is quickly rising to the top of MMA productions in 2011 and has ambitious plans for 2012 and beyond. With the recent addition of key executives, W-1 has created a new and exciting event structure, which will showcase new MMA athletes at regional events, providing them with a development opportunity to gain much-needed professional experience before elevating them to W-1’s nationally televised event stage.

GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

GFL Combat Sports Network is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1100 live events with over 5500 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 now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

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

Photos by Chris Cozzone / Top Rank

In a battle of undefeated Lightweights Sharif Bogere scored an emphatic third round stoppage over Francisco Contreras in a scheduled ten round bout at The Texas Station Gaming Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas

The two exchanged some good flurries and shots over the first two plus round until Bogere landed a right hand on the chin that made Bogere turn away. Bogere then landed a right that seemed to graze off the shoulder of Contreras that sent plummeting to the canvas where he would lay for about ten minutes before being carried out on a stretcher.

Bogere, 135 lbs of Kampala, Uganda is now 21-0 with thirteen knockouts. Contreras, 135 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 16-1.

Jermell Charlo remained perfect by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over Francisco Santana in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Charlo controlled the distance with the exception of a hard right that landed from Santana that momentarily stunned Charlo.

Charlo regained his composure and even had a strong finish to that six round. Charlo boxed and moved and came home by scores of 79-73; 79-73 and 78-73.

Charlo, 153 1/2 lbs of Houton, TX is now 16-0. Sanata, 154 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is now 12-3-1.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (October 7, 2011)—Vincent Ponte’s Gulfstream Promotions is proud to announce the signing of Middleweight contender Ossie “The Ghanaian Gladiator” Duran to a promotional contract.

Duran, of Paterson, New Jersey is originally from Accra, Ghana and sports an impressive mark of 26-8-2 with ten knockouts.

Duran, who has fought some of the Jr. Middleweights and Jr. Middleweights in the world will be involved in a high profile bout on October 28th in Atlantic City when he takes on undefeated prospect Brandon Gonzales in a bout that will be telecasted live all of the country as part of the popular SHOWTIME boxing series SHO BOX: The New Generation.

The show is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

The thirty-four year old has won many titles that include the Ghanaian Lightweight title; WBF Pan-European Welterweight title; British Commonwealth Welterweight Title; British Commonwealth Jr. Middleweight title and in his last bout Duran won the USBA Atlantic Coast Middleweight title with a tenth round stoppage over Latif Mundy on June 22nd in Newark, New Jersey.

Duran has fought the likes of Jamie Moore (20-1; Duran stopped Moore three rounds); Bradley Pryce (34-4); James Kirkland (18-0); Eromesele Alber (21-2; Duran and Albert fought to a draw); Former world title challenger David Lopez; Fernando Guerrero (15-0);

“We are very excited to have signed Ossie”, said Vincent Ponte, CEO of Gulfstream Promotions.

“Ossie’s record speaks for itself. He has fought nothing but the best and given the top of the division all they wanted and more. He is the toughest fighter around and he has never been stopped despite all the big punchers he has fought”

“Even though he is thirty-four, Ossie is just now hitting his peak. He has won three in a row and we feel a win over Gonzales on the 28th will propel Ossie to the top of the Middleweight rankings and we hopefully will get a major bout that will facilitate a world title opportunity”

CARTERET, NJ (October 6, 2011)—Despite suffering his first professional setback in controversial fashion, Heavyweight prospect John Lennox will get right back on the horse when he returns to the ring on Friday night, October 28th at Ballys in Atlantic City when he takes on Donnie Crawford in a four round bout as part of the SHO BOX undercard that will be headlined by the IBF Heavyweight elimination bout featuring “Fast” Eddie Chambers and Tony Thompson.

Lennox is coming off his first professional setback which was a controversial first round stoppage over former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko on September 14th in Newark, New Jersey.

The bout was stopped prematurely after Lennox took a couple of hard shots from Dawejko and despite Lennox not being hurt, referee Lindsay Page stopped the bout much to the chagrin of Lennox and his team.

Lennox manager Rich Masini filed an appeal with the New Jersey Athletic Commission to get the bout ruled a “No Contest”

“John is training harder and we are looking to get right back on the track on October 28th”, said Masini.

“John, who started his career at Cruiserweight and has never weighed more than 219 lbs, is doing a lot of work with free weights and we want to come in heavier”

Lennox has added the services of Ray McCline to his team which headed by lead trainer Charles Thomas.

McCline is based near Atlantic City and Lennox will spend 2 ½ weeks before the fight with the focal point being for Lennox to get off to quick starts.

“We would not be supporting John in the matter that we have if we didn’t believe that he could make an impact in the Heavyweight division”, continued Masini

“At some point we will rematch Dawejko as that fight is defiantly unfinished business for us. We have the October 28 fight then we would like to fight in November and December and be in good position to make that next move”

Special Free View’s of previous PPV fight/events at GFL’s Facebook.com/GFLiTV and Ustream.com/GFLTV

· October 6 (Thursday) 7:30pm ET of the Reality Fighting at the Mohegan Sun May 21 from the GFL library

· October 7 (Friday) 7:30pm ET of the Impact Zone Wrestling – Danny Hodges Invitational Sep 17 from the GFL library

– Friday, October 7, 2011 9:00pm ET featuring Cut Throat MMA from La Sierra, Aurora, Il. For the first time in Cut Throat MMA history, three championship belts will be on the line at Invasion 3. In the main event of the evening, current Cut Throat MMA Lightweight Champion Eric “The Red” Rasmussen (2-1-3) defends his title for the first time against #1 Contender Dan “The North Avenue Beach Bad Boy” Ortiz (2-1). Rasmussen, fighting out of Uflacker Academy and Degerberg Academy, has not fought since knocking out Rich Molina to win the Lightweight belt back at Brawl @ Bourbon St in February. Ortiz, representing Patriot Boxing, vaulted himself to #1 contendership by submitting then undefeated Chad Fredericksen via first round kimura at Cut Throat MMA’s Supremacy 3 in May. In the night’s co-main event, Carlson Gracie Team MMA’s Danny “The Machine” Morales (8-2) takes on H.I.T. Kickboxing’s Martyn Jimenez (8-2-2) for the vacant Cut Throat MMA Welterweight title. Former champ Ryan Storey recently turned pro and vacated the title, so Morales, coming off of a TKO and a decision victory in his last two Cut Throat fights, looks to bring the belt back to Carlson Gracie Team MMA. Standing in his way is Indiana’s jiu-jitsu prodigy, Martyn Jimenez. Jimenez trains with Carlos Diaz brown belt Jacob Henson at H.I.T. Kickboxing and Henson Jiu-Jitsu. In what would be the main event at any other card, the third title fight of the evening, top contenders Jason Ignacek (8-1) and Nick “Kamp Karp” Flemm (5-2) battle for the recently vacated Cut Throat MMA Featherweight Championship. Ignacek, out of Team One MMA in Tinley Park, IL, has moved his way up the Cut Throat ranks and is ready for his shot at Cut Throat gold. Patriot Boxing’s Nick Flemm has one of the sickest left hands in the local MMA scene, and Ignacek has been known to wow the crowd with some heavy slams. Only time will tell who will be leaving the cage wearing the gold. Also on the card, Carlson Gracie Team’s Tom Shoaff looks to improve his record to a perfect 10-0 against East Aurora High School wrestling coach/Full Mount MMA fighter Tim “Skillet” Young. Another undefeated fighter, Kyle “Big Sexy” Symes takes on Patriot Boxing’s Pat O’Connor in a heavyweight showdown.

– Saturday, October 8, 2011 8:00pm ET featuring Reality Fighting from the Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT. Reality Fighting Heavyweight Champion Parker Porter (5-2) defends his belt against former UFC Heavyweight Title Challenger Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga (11-6). Gonzaga last competed for a title inside the Octagon against Randy Couture at UFC 74. The Brazilian transplant, Gonzaga, will be looking to win his first MMA Championship in his stellar career. For the Champ, Porter, he is looking to make a statement against the one-time hottest heavyweight prospect in the sport. Porter is a hulk of a man who usually has the size and strength advantage. Gonzaga will be the first opponent Porter fights who equals him in strength and stature. Look for Porter to be throwing haymakers from the opening bell with Gonzaga looking for a takedown to try and finish the fight on the mat. In the co-main event, the Reality Fighting Lightweight Title will also be on the line when Champion Matt Bessette (7-2) defends against #1 contender Joe Proctor (6-1). Bessette is on a 4-fight win streak and will look to keep that momentum and his title against the tough and determined Proctor who is on a two-fight win streak of his own and has only tasted defeat once in his career. Both gladiators bring a high-paced style into the cage and are known for their grappling skills and ability to finish fights with submissions. Expect this match to be a grappling clinic if it goes to the ground. It could also be a wild brawl if the two decide to keep it standing. In the remaining title fight of the night, undefeated Reality Fighting Bantamweight Champion John McLaughlin (4-0) faces undefeated challenger Emil Haddad (2-0). McLaughlin is coming off of an impressive victory with Bellator and is now ready to defend his Reality Fighting Title. For Haddad, this could be a career-defining fight in his short tenure as a victory over McLaughlin would not only make him the new champion at 135 lb, it would also turn a lot of heads and propel Haddad to the top of the food chain in the Bantamweight division on the East Coast.

– Saturday, October 8, 2011 8:00pm ET featuring Asylum Fight League from the Asylum Arena, Philadelphia, PA. Champion Danny Holmes (3-0) battles challenger Akeim Leonard (2-2) for the Asylum Fight League Light Heavyweight Championship in a rematch. The bout is coming on the heels of their first fight in March where Holmes defeated Leonard by majority decision to win the vacant title. Asylum listened to the fans and booked an immediate rematch to this close fight. Holmes and Leonard will get another five rounds to sort out who is the real Asylum Fight League Champion. Expect Holmes to come in to the fight with a chip on his shoulder as he believes he clearly won the first fight. He will be in the mindset of wanting to finish Leonard to prove a point to the people that doubted his first victory. For Leonard, he will try to make the most of this immediate rematch and show why he deserves back-to-back title fights, with the champ. With both men being so familiar with one another, don’t expect a very long feeling out process. This fight should pick up exactly where the last one left off so be ready for early fireworks as these two gladiators lock horns in the middle of the cage. With that said, the slightest variation to a game plan could make the difference from this fighting going another five rounds or ending in KO or submission. Both Holmes and Leonard know whatâ??s at stake and will be ready. In other action, Mikey Riley (3-1) fights Delroy McKoy (3-2) in a 155 lb contest. Riley is known for his great cardio as all 3 of his wins have come by decision. He wears out his opponent by pushing the pace and picking his shots, either in standup or on the ground. McKoy sports a similar style but also takes more chances in the cage which have both benefited and hurt him in his previous fights. Expect McKoy to try some unorthodox moves in the beginning to try and get Riley to play his game of high risk/high reward.

Other non MMA events this week: Chicago Fight Night III Boxing – Friday, LIVE Oct 7, 9:00pm ET. Impact Zone Wrestling: Oct 8, 2011 8:00pm(FREE View)

GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 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 5500 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 now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

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

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
On October 7th, Osumanu Adama (19-2 14KO’s) the current IBO Inter-Continental Middle and USBA middleweight champion will indeed be put through the biggest test in his professional boxing career as he is scheduled to face former IBF light middleweight champion Roman “Made In Hell” Karmazin (40-4-2, 26 KOs). The IBF proposed bout is the main event for Cynthia Tolaymat’s CFC Promotions “Chicago Fight Night III”.

Before the fight takes place these fighters will get their first glance at one another during the official weigh ins which will be taking place at 6pm at “The Club” which is conveniently located at 7600 s Cicero avenue in Burbank, Illinois.

Also on hand will be “Irish” Mickey Ward and Dicky Ecklund who will be leading their fighter’s super middleweight “Irish” Joe McCreedy (15-5-2 6KO’s) and light welterweight Sean Eklund (9-4 2KO’s) to the ring Friday night. Both Irish fighters who hail from Lowell, Massachusetts are looking to make the fans of Chicago proud and represent the Irish community.

Former WBA world champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris Harris (29-7-1 19KO’s) will be taking on former Indiana state champion Jermaine “Hawk” White (17-4 9KO’s) in a 10 round welterweight contest. Harris is looking to rebound after his loss to Lanardo “The Pain Server” Tyner in which he lost a decision costing him the USBO title.

The undercard will feature middleweight contender Derrick Findley, Ramon Valenzuela Jr, Light welterweight Antonio Canas as well as heavyweight Boban Simic who is making his long awaited professional debut.

Boxing fans are encouraged to attend weigh ins tonight, fans who attend this event will have opportunities to meet fighters such as “Irish” Mickey Ward, Dicky Eklund, welterweight contender “King” David Estrada, Roman Karmazin, Osumanu Adama and much more.

Tickets for CHICAGO FIGHT NIGHT III, starting at $30 can be purchased in advance at Shop & Save, Cermak Produce, or Chicago Fight Club (http://www.chicagofightclubs.com) 708-333-3303 and Will County Boxing Gym (http://www.willcountyboxing.com) 815-661-0247.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The Club is located at 7600 S. Cicero Ave. Burbank, IL. For further information, please visit their website at (http://www.theclubchicago.com). The Club is serving alcohol at all boxing events.

Ring Magazine Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klirschko will defends his titles against former World Cruiserweight champion Jean Marc Mormeck on December 10th in Dusseldorf, Germany according to espn.com’s Dan Rafael.

“I know that I am the favorite in all my fights but I also know that each opponent is motivated to be in the best shape ever when he fights me,” said Klitschko, who is 17-2 in world title bouts and will be participating in his 20th title fight. “Mormeck is one of the most experienced fighters I have ever faced. He has had many world title fights, has a very good technique, can take a lot of punches and is very intelligent inside the ring. To underestimate him would be a fatal mistake.”

In 2007, Haye, also a former cruiserweight champion, went to Mormeck’s native France, survived a fourth-round knockdown and rallied to knock him out in the seventh round to win the cruiserweight title.

After the loss, Mormeck (36-4, 22 KOs) took nearly two years off before returning as a heavyweight. He has won each of his three heavyweight bouts against second-tier opposition: Vinny Maddalone, Fres Oquendo and Timur Ibragimov.

“I had Haye on the canvas and shortly before a knockout, which Klitschko could not do,” Mormeck said. “What I missed out against Haye I will now do with him. Wladimir has a glass chin which I will break. He cannot stand punches. Against his brother (fellow heavyweight champion) Vitali I would have thought longer about fighting him, but against Wladimir I believe I have very good chances. On Dec. 11, I will travel back to Paris with a suitcase full of championship belts. I enjoy being the underdog in this fight and I will shock the boxing world.”

Bernard Hopkins, WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I chose to continue to fight and defend what I worked so hard to get.So why not get all of the benefits of what I’ve been doing for 20-something years and then walk away when it’s time?

“I think that it’ll come down to who is the better fighter. The better fighter, the better person, the better strategist and who wants it the most.

“It really would be gratifying to me and happy for me to sit back in my 60’s and hear commentators say, “This guy is four fights away from beating Bernard Hopkins’ record.

“In today’s world where, unfortunately, most athletes, either don’t stay as focused long enough after they get a taste of what we call success in life, or just run into the wrong match, the wrong person. So I’m going to have fun in the second half of my life.

“Well, Chad Dawson said something that made sense. He’s going to be throwing a lot of punches, but I’m going to be connecting a lot of punches.He’s going to throw all the punches he wants, but I’m going to be connecting more than he is throwing.

“I’m coming in there with an aggressive game, but a smart game. If people think that the last two fights of my career were the old Bernard Hopkins from the Blue Horizon to Atlantic City days in the early 90’s, then I’m saying that they should watch this fight.

“The bottom line is they are going to see a better, a more aggressive, smart fighter in me when I beat Chad Dawson.

“When you look at my résumé compared with his [Dawson’s] résumé, you must say, or must agree, that my résumé is a Ferrari and his is a Mercedes.

“Keep an eye on [Danny] Garcia. He’s got a fight coming up [on October 15] that’ll prove he belongs in the pound for pound contender’s bracket.

“At the end of the day, what Dewey did is beyond anything that I’ve done in the ring; it is beyond anything I accomplished outside of the ring in my personal [life].

“I want my gray to be in the ring. I want Chad Dawson to see I have gray hair. I want to look like his father—well, I could be his father. I’m not, but I could be!That age difference is appropriate for me to look like I’m gray and I have gray, because realistically, if you do the math, he could be my son.

“There are a lot of people that are 46 and younger that feel lousy today that never took a punch. Well, change your lifestyle. Change what you do. I did it years ago, so I’m ahead of the game. I’m not feeling like I’m 26 every day.I always say if I have to put a number on myself, the way I feel today, I feel like I am 36. So if I’m 36 to 46, that means I’m 10 years ahead of the game.”

Danny Garcia, Top Undefeated Junior Welterweight Contender

“I feel blessed, just for being recognized that I have the talent.[For Hopkins to] recognize my hard work and dedication. I’m just blessed now, and it’s motivating me more to shine on October 15.

“I never rely on my power because that can’t win you a fight. I rely on my skills. I think I use my brain, and I break my opponent down and land the big shots. So my power is just my last resort.

“I know I got more mature since I turned pro.I’m a lot smarter and it’s a chess game in there. So now when I feel like a guy’s kind of outsmarting me a little bit, I stay relaxed and I just try to figure it out.

“It was definitely a growing process. I learned how to be a smart fighter and not go in over anxious and just set the pace.

“I just feel strong, and we had a great camp. I’m just anxious to show the world what I can do. I’m ready. I wish it was tomorrow.

“I watched Kendall Holt’s last fight and I said to my dad, ‘I am going to fight the winner of this fight.’So I feel like I predicted my future a little bit.

“Holt isn’t going to touch me like he did to his last opponent.You can’t hit what you can’t see.

“I feel like I took my time. I have had 21 fights; I never rushed and was like, ‘Yeah, go ahead and put me on HBO,’ or begged for it. It came to me when they thought I was ready. I know I am ready, so we took the opportunity and we trained hard.”

Dewey Bozella, Top Undefeated Junior Welterweight Contender

“When I was young, I was bitter because I never thought I’d get out of there [prison].I thought I’d die in there.

“I came to Bernard Hopkins’ camp and I was approved to fight.Thank God for that. I worked hard and it paid off.

“I’m not going out to lie down; I’m going out to fight. I’m not going to let this guy come and whip my butt.

“[On being able to have his first professional fight] it’s just like getting out of prison. It is a new experience.

“I always thought I had a chance to get out.People said, ‘Ah, it’ll never happen, it’ll never happen,’ but it did happen.

“I want to get this [fight] over with and then I want to open my own gym.

“My goal is to help young kids as well as adults to help turn their lives around and keep out of trouble.

“[My gym is going to be for] whoever comes in, but it’s going to be for the kids.

“I am a professional fighter. I’m here.

“[On earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in prison] I always said, ‘How can I give something back to society if I have nothing to offer?

“I knew I was getting out of prison.Either I was going to die in there and go out in a box, or I was going to walk out of there.”

Naazim Richardson, Hopkins’ Trainer

“You can’t underestimate Dawson in any way, shape or form.

“Pascal and Pavlik were supposed to be the guys running the sport. I said if you can beat these kids, you can beat anybody.

“I love boxing. I love the sport. And this guy [Hopkins] is boxing.”

# # #

“Believe It Or Not!: Hopkins vs. Dawson” is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship Titles taking place on Saturday, Oct. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. In addition to this championship main event showdown, the televised pay-per-view undercard will also feature Antonio DeMarco vs. Jorge Linares in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Title, Kendall Holt vs. Danny Garcia in 12-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Title and Paulie Malignaggi vs. Orlando Lora in a 10-round welterweight bout. DeMarco vs. Linares is presented in association with Teiken Promotions.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Dawson, priced at $300, $150, $75 and $25, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at www.staplescenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000and at the STAPLES Center box office.

October 8, 2011 – Reality Fighting returns live on the GFL Combat Sports Network on October 8 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut with a stacked 10-bout card headlined by three title fights.. The night will be headlined by a Heavyweight Championship Fight between 12-time UFC veteran Gabriel Gonzaga and defending champion Parker Porter.

Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga is a 12-time UFC veteran who might be best known by his head kick knockout of Mirko Cro-Cop. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt is looking forward to getting back into the cage and reigniting his MMA career. Parker Porter won the Reality Fighting Heavyweight Title in February 2011 with an impressive first round doctor’s stoppage over Mike Dexter. The Underdog BJJ trained fighter is looking to make a name for him by taking out his world-renown opponent. This is the biggest fight in New England MMA history.

The Lightweight Title Fight features two fighters who have come up through the Reality Fighting ranks. Champion, Matt Bessette has amassed a 6-1 record inside the Reality Fighting cage. He won the title in 2010 with a Fight of the Year performance against Anthony Kaponis. Bessette is a top 4 ranked fighter In New England. Joe Proctor is a prodigy of UFC star Joe Lauzon. Proctor has an undefeated record in Reality Fighting of 5-0. Joe earned the title shot back in May with a win over the undefeated Oz Pariser.

In a Bantamweight Title Fight, defending champion John McLaughlin takes on Emil Haddad. These opponents were once teammates on the same high school wrestling team. Both fighters are undefeated and promise to keep the fight at a pace that will keep the crowd on the edges of their seats.

The undercard is stacked with exciting, up and coming talent that are becoming Reality Fighting favorites. The card is subject to change.

Middleweight Fight
Erik Purcell (Ricardo Almeida) vs. Dwight Grant (Anderson’s MA)

Middleweight Fight
Jay Ward (Black Dragon) vs. Erik Sommer (CTMMA)

Featherweight Fight
Erik Lee (Blue Devils) vs. Kyel Rozewski (Victory MMA)

Lightweight Fight
Jeremy Ross (Gladiator BJJ) vs. Leroy Derricott (Nitsuj)

Heavyweight Fight
Eric Bedard (Gilett’s MMA) vs. Dane Grove (Blue Devils)

Featherweight Fight
Joe Boxer (Black Dragon) vs. Steven Carr (CTMMA)

Featherweight Fight
John Naples (Strikezone) vs. Terin Swanson (Soul Fighters)

Doors open at 6:30PM, first fight is at 8:00PM. For tickets; contact any fighter on the card, visit Ticketmaster.com, or go to the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Tickets are $35, $60, $80. For more information and directions to Mohegan Sun visit RealityFighting.tv, or call 860-295-0403.

GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 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 5500 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 now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

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 for press inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBA Super Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto replaced Emanuel Steward with Pedro Luis Diaz for his December 3rd rematch with Antonio Margarito.

“I met Pedro Luis as an amateur several years ago and had the opportunity to share time with him in several international competitions,” Cotto said in a statement. “I was instantly amazed as to the vast boxing technique and conditioning knowledge that he transmitted to his fighters. I feel that together with (strength and conditioning coach) Phil (Landman), Pedro Luis is a perfect fit to bring my best potential for my next fight in December and lead me to victory.”

“It’s kind of surprising. Everything had been in place for me to train him,” Steward told ESPN.com.

“I want to take this opportunity to express my wholehearted gratitude to Emanuel Steward, who I consider a friend and mentor,” Cotto said in his statement. “Because of calendar conflicts and other matters, we were unable to work together for this next fight. He is one of the best trainers I have ever met in boxing and I will be forever appreciative for the two fights we worked together. We have both kept the doors open to maybe join forces in the future if the circumstances and timing are adequate.

“Now I will focus on my training camp. I feel happy and thrilled as ever to commence preparing for December. I will be ready and will win the fight for all of (my fans).”

This is the second high-profile fighter to replace Steward in recent weeks. Former light heavyweight titlist Chad Dawson, unwilling to train in Steward’s Detroit gym for what would have been their second fight together, replaced him with one of his former trainers, John Scully, as he prepares for his Oct. 15 challenge of champion Bernard Hopkins.

Although Dawson made the switch, he also has spoken highly of Steward in recent interviews and television appearances.

“Naturally, I thought about that,” Steward told ESPN.com, when asked about losing two top fighters in such a short period of time. “But each case is an individual case. Dawson wanted to stay closer to home and that was the last thing I was going to deal with. So he got somebody else he was comfortable with. In this case, Miguel wanted to start training already and wanted me there for longer than our unusual five or six weeks together.”

“Phil said to me, ‘Give me two weeks to get his body in shape’ and then I was going to come in for the regular camp of boxing training. I was going this weekend,” Steward said.

World Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins works out in advance of October 15th title defense with Chad Dawson

World Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins breaks down his October 15th title defense with Chad Dawson

Famed trainer Naazim Richardson talks about the just completed Steve Cunningham – Yoan Pablo Hernandez fiasco plus breaks down the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson showdown

Arthur Ashe Courage award winner Dewey Bozella talks about his upcoming pro debut on October 15 as part of the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson undercard

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Danny Garcia talks about his showdown with Kendall Holt on October 15th as part of the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson undercard

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Danny Garcia works out in advance of his October 15 showdown with Kendall Holt as part of the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson undercard

Dewey Bozella works out for his pro debut on October 15th as part of the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson undercard

Middleweight contender Matthew Macklin meets the media to discuss a possible showdown with Sergio Martinez

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 3) – Brandon Gonzales, the newly signed Goossen Tutor Promotions and Antonio Leonard Productions fighter, will face Ossie Duran (26-8-2, 9 KO’s) in his first bout under his new team.

Gonzales (14-0, 10 KO’s) will also be making his SHOWTIME “ShoBox” broadcast debut on Friday, October 28 at Bally’s Atlantic City. The Gonzales-Duran bout will be the lead in to the main event on the Goossen Tutor card which is headlined by an IBF Heavyweight Title Elimination bout between the #1 Heavyweight World Contender, “Fast” Eddie Chambers of Philadelphia and the #2 Heavyweight Contender, Washington, DC’s Tony “The Tiger” Thompson with the winner facing World Champion, Wladimir Klitschko.

Duran, of Paterson NJ by way of Ghana, Africa, has faced some of the top prospects of the division including James Kirkland and Fernando Guerrero, going the distance with both, losing the Guerrero bout by a close majority decision.

The tough veteran Duran has gone ten rounds or more 15 times in his career. Riding a three fight win streak, Duran is now working with Jersey City based promotional firm “The Gulfstream Group,” headed by promoter Vincent M. Ponte. Earlier in his career, Duran had many impressive victories, as he was a multi-time champion in both Africa and Europe.

The SHOWTIME broadcast will also feature undefeated 2008 US Olympian Javier Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) against his toughest challenge to date, Artemio Reyes (13-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round Super Welterweight bout.

Tickets for the October 28, 2011 Chambers-Thompson event are on sale now, and are priced at $75 and $50, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Ticketmaster Call Center 800-745-3000 or Bally’s Atlantic City (day of the event).

Philadelphia, PA—Undefeated welterweight contender Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, makes his first appearance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening, Dec. 3, when he faces two-time world title challenger Sebastian Lujan, of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, in one of the featured fights on the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito card.

The winner of the Jones-Lujan 12-round contest will gain the No. 1 position in the welterweight rankings of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), currently ruled by Andre Berto.

“This is a tougher assignment than the ones Mike had with Jesus Soto-Karass,” said promoter J Russell Peltz, whose company is promoting this match with Top Rank, Inc. Peltz was referring to the two victories Jones (pictured) earned over Mexico’s Soto-Karras, the first one Nov. 13, 2010, in Cowboys Stadium by 10-round majority decision, the second one last Feb. 19 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas by 12-round unanimous decision.

“Mike said that if fighting Lujan over 12 rounds is what he has to do to get a title shot, then he’s fine with it. He knows what he has to do to win and he knows he has to be in the same shape—or better—than he was for the second fight with Soto-Karass.”

Jones: “Lujan puts on pressure, but not constant pressure like Soto-Karass. He moves his head a lot more than Soto-Karass but he throws wide punches. This could put me in line to fight for the world championship.”
A pro since 2005, Jones, 28, has a 25-0 record with 18 knockouts. He is ranked No. 3 by the IBF, No. 1 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) behind champion Manny Pacquiao, No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Jones currently holds three titles—North American Boxing Association (NABA), North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and WBC Continental Americas, but it’s the world title he craves.
Lujan, 31, scored a big win in his last fight July 1 in San Antonio, TX, when he rallied to knock out Filipino southpaw Mark Melligen in nine rounds after accepting the match on short notice.

A pro since 2001, Lujan is 38-5-2, 24 K0s. In two world title fights, he was stopped—due to a badly torn left ear—in 10 rounds by Margarito for the WBO welterweight title in 2005 in Atlantic City, NJM. Lujan also lost a 12-round decision to lefty Sergii Dzinziruk for the WBO junior middleweight title in 2006 in Munich Germany.

Lujan has won his last 12 fights in a row.

ABOUT DEC. 3

The Mike Jones-Sebastian Lujan IBF eliminator is part of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito II world championship telecast, which begins at 9 pm (EST)/6 pm (PT). It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 292 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HDTV for those who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

Tickets for the Madison Square Garden card are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. They also are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922).

Ulli Wegner believes that Yoan Pablo Hernandez (25-1, 13 KOs) victory over IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham (24-3, 12 KOs) should have been a first round KO rather than a sixth-round technical decision. The hard-hitting Cuban knocked down his American opponent in the first round with a huge left hook. “The referee saved Cunningham from a flash KO,” Wegner said of the count that lasted at least 14 seconds. “He gave Cunningham too much time to recover. And then his corner extended the recovery time between the first and the second round by staying in the ring after the bell sounded to start the second round. That helped Cunningham to get back into the fight. But nevertheless I am proud of Hernandez. He fought a great fight and he was clearly leading on points when the fight was stopped later.”

After the exciting opening round, Hernandez remained in control. In the third, a clash of heads opened a badly-bleeding cut on the left side of his head. In the fifth, another clash of heads caused a cut above his right eye. The ring doctor inspected the cuts after the sixth round and advised referee Mickey Vann to stop the fight because Hernandez could not see clearly with blood running into both eyes. The fight went to the scorecards where Hernandez was ahead (59-54, 58-55, 56-57). “I am thrilled to be the new champion,” Hernandez said. “This is like a dream coming true for me. I have waited for this moment for a long, long time. Cunningham was a tough opponent and I am proud that I defeated him.”

Next up for Hernandez, who had both cuts stitched up at the hospital, is the mandatory defence against Troy Ross. In the co-featured main event, Grzegorz Proksa clinched the vacant European Middleweight Title after stopping former IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester. Proksa landed a big left in the second round that opened a big cut above Sylvester´s right eye. After the third, the cut was bleeding so badly that the Hurricane gave up. “I could not see his punches coming any more,” he said. “My plan was to attack in the later rounds once he had run out of gas but clearly the cut made it impossible. I am very disappointed but I have to congratulate Proksa on strong performance. He did very well.”

In the third title fight of the night, IBF Light Heavyweight Intercontinental Champion Karo Murat defended his title with a draw against Gabriel Campillo. The scores were 115-113 Murat, 111-117 Campillo and 114-114.

Olusegun Ajose earned a shot at World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight champion and Mexican legend Erik Morales with a unanimous decision victory over Ali Chebah in Friday’s main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.

In the ShoBox co-feature, No. 5-ranked World Boxing Association (WBA) and 12th-ranked World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight Darley Perez scored a sixth round knockout over Oscar Meza when Meza’s corner stopped the bout following the sixth round. The win advanced the unbeaten prospect to 23-0 with 18 KOs.

In the main event, Ajose, the No. 1-ranked super lightweight contender, came out with an unorthodox yet aggressive style, landing sweeping right hooks on Chebah, the No. 6-ranked contender. Ajose opened up the third round with fireworks, landing a huge right hand to the top of Chebah’s head that send him stumbling to the canvas. Chebah beat the count but was immediately met with another onslaught from Ajose, who knocked down his opponent in 10 seconds with a brutal right hook. Miraculously, Chebah survived the round, although he lost it 10-7 on the judges’ scorecards.

Ajose (30-0, 15 KOs), of Nigeria, continued his showmanship yet he slowed his pace and failed to inflict much damage as the 12 round contest wore on. Chebah never relented in coming forward but an injured right hand prevented him from landing any damaging punches while the majority of Ajose’s power shots were high and wide.

Chebah (33-2, 26 KOs), of France, came on strong in the championship rounds, winning the crowd over in the 12th as they chanted his name. In the end, Chebah didn’t do enough to win over the judges, who scored the bout 120-106 and 119-107, twice.

“I have to give respect to him – he was a good opponent,” said Ajose. “I wanted to stop him in the third but he’s strong and he kept going. I had to be careful. I think I hit him well but he trained hard. I hurt my hand in the middle rounds and wasn’t able to finish him.”

Ajose, who was making his U.S. debut, now has his sights on Morales and the WBC title.

“I am the mandatory challenger so there isn’t any reason I shouldn’t fight him,” Ajose said. “He’s the champion so let’s get it on. They need to keep their promise and let us fight. I’m ready as soon as possible. I’d fight him tomorrow if they let me.”

While Chebah didn’t protest the decision loss he did think the scores should have been a little closer.

“I think I lost but not by as much as the judges had it,” Chebah said. “I wasn’t able to compete at the level I wanted. The gamep lan was to get him tired as the rounds went on, but in the third my hand swelled and I didn’t get any body shots. I just didn’t have any power in my right hand and that was the difference.”

Boxing legend and ShoBox commentator Antonio Tarver was impressed with Ajose’s performance.

“Ajose seemed like the real deal tonight and I don’t blame Morales if he doesn’t want to fight him,” Tarver said.

Darley Perez remained perfect by scoring a stoppage after round six of a scheduled ten round Lightweight bout.

Perez was solid over the first few rounds by jabbing and working the body. Meza was keeping Perez honest by landing a shot here and there. In round three, Meza was bleeding from the nose.

Perez continued to work the body and pump the jab and mixed in a good left hook. In round six, Perez stepped on the gas and pressed Meza to the tune of opening a cut over his left and that gave Perez even more cause to continue the systematic beating.

After round six, Meza looked beaten and the fight was stopped by his corner.

Perez, 133 1/2 lbs of Argentina is now 23-0 with eighteen knockouts. Meza, 136 lbs of Mexico is now 22-5.

“I was just getting into rhythm when they stopped it but I’m really happy with my performance,” Perez said. “I usually get warmed up after the sixth round so I think I would have knocked him out.”

“I thought they would have stopped the fight in the fifth. I could see it in his eyes – he was hurt. It was a good stoppage.”

While disappointed with his performance, Meza disagreed with his corner.

“I thought I would do more damage in the fight,” Meza said. “After I got hit in the left eye I couldn’t see the punches coming. I was hurt but I think I could have rallied. I’m not happy with the stoppage but I’ll live to fight another day.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ–Sergio Martinez retained the undisputed Middleweight title with a eleventh round stoppage over previously undefeated Englishman Darren Barker at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Martinez boxed well over the first two frames using his quickness. Barker got into the fight in round three as he landed a couple nice right hands but probably wasnt enough to take the round. In round four, Barker landed numerous right hands that had blood squirting out of the nose of the champion. Martinez settled in once again by flicking shots from his unorthodox “Hands Down” defense. Martinez started putting more punches in bunches in round six only to have Barker land a big right at the bell.

Martinez started getting comfortable by sticking and moving while Barker was looking for the one big score. Round eight was an action filled fight with Martinez and Barker standing toe to toe for much of the last ninety seconds of the frame with Martinez landing four and five punch combinations while the challenger landing a solid left hook and yet another good right.

Martinez had a big round nine as he rocked Barker with a huge right hook that buckled Barker across the ring. Martinez threw and landed some of the twenty some odd punched that were to follow and had Barker in trouble for the first time in the fight.

Martinez ended things with a huge right hook to the side of the head that sent Barker down on his back and he could not beat referee Eddie Cotton’s ten count

Andy Lee got even with Brian Vera by scoring a ten round unanimous decision in a Middleweight bout.

Lee started round one trying to establish the jab. In round two Landed a huge left that sent Vera sprawling to the canvas just before the bell sounded to signal the end of the round. Lee continued to dominate in round three as that frame was highlighted by a monstrous left uppercut that Vera took well. Round four saw the effects of Lee’s work by a cut that was formed around the left eye of Vera. The fight was fought at a fast pace with both guys getting good shots. Despite the cut, Vera came back to have a strong round five as he blasted Lee with a couple of hard right hands.

Lee landed a beautiful check hook that sent Vera head first into the corner post in round six and then buckled Vera with a hard left in round seven. Round was a great action round with Lee continuing to land solid left hands while Vera pounded away with a handful of right hands.

The two continued to slug going down the stretch and it was Vera who continued to land the bigger shots but a visibly exhausted Lee hung and was able to avenge his only career loss

Lee, 163 lbs of Limerick, IRE won by scores of 99-90; 99-90 and 98-91 to raise his mark to 27-1. Vera, 160 lbs of Austin, TX is now 19-6

In a mild upset, Daniel Lugo scored a four round unanimous decision over Kevin Rooney Jr. in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Lugo of Harrisburg, PA and is now 1-1. Rooney of Catskills, NY is now 2-1.

J’Leon Love remained perfect by scoring a six round unanimous decision over Eddie Hunter in a Middleweight bout.

Scores were 60-54; 60-53 and 60-53 for Love of Detroit and is now 9-0. Hunter of Kent, WA is now 5-7-2.

In the first bout of the evening, Troy Artis sprun an upset by dropping Israel Dufus three times in round three to gain the stoppage in that round which was a scheduled four round Middleweight bout.

Dufus controlled the first two round with good boxing skills.

In round three, Artis dropped Dufus with a hard left-right combination. He dropped him a second time from a straight right. Dufus was reeling when he ate several unanswered blows and dropped to his knees and referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout at 2:03.

Artis of Bronx, NY is now 3-2-1 with two knockouts. Dufus of Panama is now 2-1.

Based on the recent announcement of British Champion, Ashley Theophane signing a multi year fight deal with Hatton Promotions, Cestus Management regrets to say that Theophane entered into this agreement under a cloud of false and incorrect pretenses.

At present, Theophane is still under a valid management agreement with Cestus and a promotional options agreement with Mick Hennessy of Hennessy Sports which was negotiated by Cestus as part of his terms when he fought for the British title in February 2011. Unfortunately after years of managing Theophane’s career, Ashley abruptly decided that he wants to discontinue his relationship with Cestus alleging breaches of his agreement, none of which have any validity. It is evident by his actions that he allegedly set out to exploit both Cestus and Hennessy’s businesses for his own ulterior gains; Cestus Management signed Theophane in August 2009 and took what was a fledging career and got him a shot at the British title which he subsequently won. Cestus, on behalf of Theophane’s career worked vigorously in Europe and the United States with the best promoters in the business to secure the best fights for him on major TV entities that would have given him a huge worldwide audience.

It is a shame when a fighter decides to go off on an unfounded grudge and takes to social media outlets to discredit and disparage his management team who have worked so diligently for him at all times. Given the events of the last few days, clearly Theophane did not disclose that he has live contracts with another promoter and management and now claims that he has been self-managed; his actions have now put all parties in a very uncompromising position. Cestus Management along with Hennessy Sports will fight Theophane’s attempts to discontinue his existing and valid contracts with as much vigor as they did getting his career to a contender level.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
On October 7th super middleweight “Irish” Joe McCreedy and light welterweight Sean Eklund will invade Burbank, Illinois which is just minutes from Chicago, Illinois as Cynthia Tolaymat’s CFC Promotions presents “Chicago Fight Night III”.

Super Middleweight “Irish” Joe McCreedy (15-5-2 6KO’s) over the summer signed with CFC Promotions in hopes of moving his career in the right direction, that decision proved to be an intelligent one as CFC Promotions CEO Cynthia Tolaymat provided an instant USBO title shot for McCreedy.

McCreedy who hails from Lowell, Massachusetts has a overwhelming fan base back home and wants to follow in the footsteps of some fighters who recently called Chicago their second home, fighters such as USBO welterweight champion Lanardo Tyner, IBO International Middleweight, USBA Middleweight champion Osumanu Adama as well as IBF International light welterweight champion Albert Mensah amongst a few.

McCreedy is trained by Dicky Eklund the fighter who was portrayed by Christian Bale in “The Fighter” a 2010 biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, winning the awards for Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale) and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo). McCreedy also spend some time being trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr in Las Vegas prior to returning home to finish his training camp with Eklund.

McCreedy’s is no stranger to bright lights and cameras as he was recently seen on HBO’s Mayweather – Ortiz 24/7, during the infamous scene where Mayweather Jr and Senior verbally assaulted one another “McCreedy was seen sitting on the ring with Roger Mayweather. Hollywood also is calling for a sequel to “The Fighter” which will surely bring all the bright lights once again to the face of McCreedy. One thing for sure is that McCreedy wants to be seen showcasing his skills on TV and this bout if victorious can lead him to bigger opportunities down the road.

Sean Eklund

The other Irish fighter is none other than light welterweight Sean Eklund (9-4 2KO’s) who also hails from Lowell, Massachusetts won nine of his last eleven bouts is looking to extend his winning streak to 4 as he takes on Terry Buterbaugh (6-5-2 3KO’s).

Eklund who is the nephew of Dicky Eklund wants to impress the Chicago crowd and hopes to give the fans a great exciting fight. Eklund’s best performance to date was defeating the then undefeated Eddie Soto in 2010. There is a saying in boxing “Your only as good as your last fight”, if that saying is true then Eklund is sitting pretty high because his last fight he TKO’d Patrick Cape in just 2 rounds.

Eklund knows this is a big stage he is fighting on and hoping to capitalize on the opportunity he has been given.

“We brought in Joe McCreedy and Sean Eklund for the fight fans of Chicago, the city has a very large Irish population who loves to cheer for their fighters” – said Tolaymat. She went on to say “I think the Irish community will embrace both of these fighters and show their support for these young warriors.”

Serving as the Main Event on “Chicago Fight Night III” will be Chicago’s adopted son, middleweight Osumanu Adama (19-2 14KO’s) as he is put through the biggest test in his professional boxing career as he is scheduled to face former IBF light middleweight champion Roman “Made In Hell” Karmazin (40-4-2, 26 KOs), the bout is an IBF proposed eliminator box off.

One half of the co-main event will be former WBA world champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris (29-7-1 19KO’s) taking on former Indiana state champion Jermaine “Hawk” White (17-4 9KO’s) in a 10 round contest. There has been a great buzz surrounding this fight due to the all out action style of fighting both of these welterweights bring.

The undercard will feature middleweight contender Derrick Findley, Ramon Valenzuela Jr, Light welterweight Antonio Canas as well as heavyweight Boban Simic who is making his long awaited professional debut.

Tickets for CHICAGO FIGHT NIGHT III, starting at $30 can be purchased in advance at Shop & Save, Cermak Produce, or Chicago Fight Club (http://www.chicagofightclubs.com) 708-333-3303 and Will County Boxing Gym (http://www.willcountyboxing.com) 815-661-0247.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The Club is located at 7600 S. Cicero Ave. Burbank, IL. For further information, please visit their website at (http://www.theclubchicago.com). The Club is serving alcohol at all boxing events.

IBF Cruiserweight Title:

Steve Cunningham: 90,3 kg
Yoan Pablo Hernandez: 90,7 kg

European Middleweight Title:
Sebastian Sylvester: 72,4 kg
Grzegorz Proksa: 72,4 kg

IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title:
Karo Murat: 79,3 kg
Gabriel Campillo: 78,9 kg

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
Ray Robinson 146 Manuel Guzman 149

Julian Williams 153.5 Eberto Medina 155

George Armenta 168.5 Charles Hayward 170

Grayson Blake 151 DeCarlo Perez

Troy (Chase) Corbin 147.5 Mario (Alexander) Blanco

Chris Plebani 144.5 David Navarro 146

Korey Sloane 137.5 Korey Pritchett 137.5

Todd Unthank-May 175 Ronnie Lawrence 178.5

Tickets $65, $50, & $40

2700 Southampton Road-Philadelphia, PA 19114

First fight 7.30pm

Bam Boxing Promotions Inc.