LOS ANGELES (July 5, 2011) – Although they were kept apart and at opposite sides of the building, the bad blood and war of words between unbeaten World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (27-0-1, 19 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., and two-time world title challenger Urbano Antillon (28-2, 20 KOs), of Maywood, Calif., continued during a Media Workout Tuesday at Fortune Gym.

This Saturday, July 9, in the main event on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., Rios will make his eagerly awaited first defense against Antillon in a 12-round fight that has become personal and has Fight of the Year candidate written all over it. Rios is extremely upset at comments Antillon made about the defending champion’s wife.

In the Top Rank-promoted co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (32-3-1, 28 KOs), of Carolina, Puerto Rico, will be opposed by Mexico’s Carlos Molina (18-4-2, 6 KOs), of Chicago, in a 10-round junior middleweight scrap.

The telecast also will include highlights from overseas as IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (28-0, 23 KOs) defends his title for an eighth time – but first in his home country of Romania – against mandatory challenger Jean-Paul Mendy (29-0-1, 16 KOs) of France.

In a top undercard, non-televised fight this Saturday at the Home Depot Center, undefeated, No, 2-ranked World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight contender Mercito Gesta (21-0-1, 11 KOs), of Cebu, Philippines, faces had-hitting Jorge “El Tigre” Pimental (23-11, 17 KOs) of Sonora, Mex.

Tickets, priced at $125, $75, $50 and $25, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Suites are available by calling (877) 604-8777.

What they said Tuesday:

PROMOTER BOB ARUM

“This is just a tremendous fight card and Rios versus Antillon is just the kind of non-stop action fight that boxing needs and deserves.

“I am very proud of our card on Saturday. There are a lot of stars on it, top to bottom. As exciting as Rios and Antillon will be, the Cintron-Molina fight will be absolutely great, too. There are some outstanding fighters on the undercard worth watching, talented guys like Mercito Gesta and Mike Lee.

“Fans at the Home Depot Center or those watching on SHOWTIME are in for a real treat.’’

BRANDON RIOS

“It’s not like I hate him, but I don’t think we like each other. I don’t like him. He says he is going to test me and that I’m not ready for what he is going to bring to the table. I hope he tests me, but he had better be bringing a really big table. If it’s a small table, he is definitely getting knocked out.

“I feel very good, I’m ready to fight and I’m totally relaxed and focused. This is a great fight for television and the fans. We are both going to be getting after each other.

“I worked very hard to win the belt. No way I’m giving it up in my first defense. Not against this guy.’’

ROBERT GARCIA (Rios’ Trainer)

“I know Brandon and it is not a big deal for him to be mad at an opponent going into a fight. Actually, it’s a good thing for him. If it wasn’t, I would worry about it, or say something. But Brandon needs it and it won’t affect how he performs. I would be more concerned if he wasn’t on edge before a fight.

“Brandon is a true fighter who is 100 percent healthy and fit. He’s looking forward to this fight very much and he’s ready for 12 hard rounds if that’s how long it lasts. We had a tough camp, but camp is always fun when Brandon is involved. We’re all looking forward to Saturday night.’’

URBANO ANTILLON

“I am totally confident and ready and deep down know I am going to win this fight. Rios is a strong guy but he leaves himself wide open a lot.

“He’s an idiot for continuing to still talk about what he says I said about his wife, and I’m surprised he’s still talking about it. He’s an immature kid who is going to get taken to school.

“People know what they are going to get in our fight. Fans want action, and that’s what they are going to get from the opening bell — non-stop action.

“I’ve put in the time, I’ve put in the work and I am ready to become world champion. I hope Rios is prepared to bring his best because that’s what he’s going to get from me. It will just be a matter of time before I stop him.’’

ABEL SANCHEZ (Antillon’s Trainer)

“This is going to be a great fight for as long as it lasts. I just hope Rios is ready for it. If he needs to come in with a big chip on his shoulder, if that’s what is motivating himself for this fight, then I think he’s making a mistake. I definitely think that’s been a distraction for him.

“He better be totally prepared because Urbano has never been more confident. We had a tremendous camp.’’

MERCITO GESTA

“I’m happy about the way my career is going and very excited to be fighting for Top Rank for the first time. I just work and train and continue to wait for my big opportunity.

“I know my time is coming. I just have to be patient.’’

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the much rumored rematch between WBA Super Welterweight champion and former Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito will take place on December 3rd .

“We’re on board and moving forward,” Sergio Diaz, Margarito’s co-manager said. “We’ve met with Bob (Arum). We want the fight. Cotto wants the fight. We’re just finishing everything.”

“In our meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss all aspects of the Cotto-Margarito II deal,” Cotto attorney Gaby Penagaricano said. “Although we no doubt made progress, there are some aspects that will require further discussion (but) Miguel is certainly happy and even looking forward to having the opportunity to avenge his first loss.”

“We need to hammer out the site and we’re doing an analysis now of New York and Las Vegas,” Arum said. “The costs are so high in New York. The unions will kill you in New York.”

Margarito broke his orbital bone in his one-sided loss to Manny Pacquiao last November.

“(His vision) was pretty bad, really blurry,” Diaz said.

But Arum suggested that Margarito visit an eye specialist he had once seen. So Margarito arranged to visit Dr. Alan Crandall in Salt Lake City about two months ago.

“He told us Antonio’s problem was very fixable and not a career-ending injury,” Diaz said. “Antonio had pretty much accepted the fact that he would have surgery and have to retire. But they did this different kind of surgery that day, a half-hour surgery. They removed the cataract and put in a new lens. His vision is a whole lot better and will continue to get better. We have to do a minor laser surgery in a couple of weeks, but Antonio is going to be fine. He has been released to continue his career.”

“Cotto and Margarito can’t help but be a terrific fight because of their styles,” Arum said. “Margarito knows how to fight only one way, and that is to come straight ahead. Cotto has to be more intelligent this time and have more gas in the tank. I talked to Cotto about that and he said, ‘There’s one big difference for me in this fight as opposed to the first fight, the smart old guy in my corner.'”

“I think the rematch will continue from the first fight,” Diaz said. “Antonio is really excited about the fight. He knows it will be a war. Antonio knows it will be another exciting fight. Cotto is a tremendous fighter, a four-time world champion. Antonio’s a three-time champion. There are a lot of skeptics out there to show that Antonio’s win the first time was no fluke.

“If Antonio was questioning himself he wouldn’t have taken this fight. A lot of fighters say, ‘I beat him once why do I need to do it again?’ But Antonio is ready to get back in the ring. The payday is always good and the thought of being retired, I could see in his face when hit him. He was like, ‘I’m 32 (at the time) and I have to retire already?’ He wasn’t taking it good, so when he was told he could continue he said it was a blessing. This fight is a blessing.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

New York, NY (July 4, 2011) – In honor of our nation’s birthday, unbeaten junior middleweight and West Point graduate Captain Boyd Melson plans to fight “Army Strong” when he makes his Brighton Shore debut Wednesday, July 20 at the Oceana Hall in Brooklyn, NY.

Melson, inactive for close to three years between his amateur finale and pro debut, stopped his last two foes impressively, but recognizes the competition is only getting tougher and there is still plenty of work to do.

“I definitely had a tough time adjusting to the pro style in my first two bouts after taking all of that time off,” said Melson, who gave up his spot as a 2008 Olympic Alternate due to a shoulder injury. “But I’m slowly getting my instincts back.”

Under the tutelage of former world champion turned top-flight trainer Joey Gamache, Melson’s put in countless hours in the gym honing his craft with the hopes of one day becoming recognized as a superstar both inside and outside of the ring.

“There’s a lot to accomplish in this sport with all of its traditional accolades,” stated Melson, who’ll depart for Fort Lee, Virginia four days after the fight to begin the first phase of the Army’s Captains Career Course. “However, the cause I am a voice for outside of the ring as well as how loud that voice will resonate all depends on how well I do in ring- I never lose sight of that.”

The card is being promoted by Salita Promotions and tickets to Melson’s next bout are available on Teamfighttowalk.com. All of the proceeds from his ticket sales along with his entire purse will be donated to Justadollarplease.org in support of a pending stem cell trial for spinal cord injuries.

In association with Justadollarplease.org, Melson created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, IBF cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana and prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

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From all of us at Star Boxing, we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe fourth of July, and also a special happy birthday to our Founder, President and CEO, Joe DeGuardia.

Follow all the action LIVE as it happens when IBF/WBO/Ring Magazine Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko takes on WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye in the most anticipated Heavyweight fight in a decade. The Action gets underway at 4:45 eastern time/9:45 pm in London and 10:45 in Hamburg

12 Rounds–IBF/WBA/WBC/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Title–Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) vs David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s)

Both guys in the ring…national Anthems being played

Round 1: Haye slips trying to dive in…Klitschko lands 2 jabs…Right from Haye…10-9 Klitschko

Round 2: Klitschko lands a jab…Haye lands a jab…Klitschko lands a right..Haye lands a jab…..20-18 Klitschko

Round 3: Haye lands 3 rights…Klitschko bleeding from the nose…Klitschlo lands a left and right on the ropes…29-29 Klitschko

Round 4: Klitschko lands a right..Hard right from Haye…Big right at the bell..38-38

Round 5 Klitschlo throwing lead lefy hook…big right..Haye lands a right…48-47 Klitschko

Round 6 Haye lands a jab…Jab..Klitschko bleeding on his right cheek..Klitschko lands a left hook…57-57

Round 7: Big left from Haye..Klitschko is deducted a point for pushing Haye down…Lead left from Haye..66-66

Round 8 Haye doing NOTHING…76-75 Klitschko

Round 9: Haye lands a right..Klitschko lands a right…right…...86-84 Klitschko

Round 10 Good right from Klitschko...96-93 Klitschko

Round 11 LITTLE LEFT HAND AND DOWN GOES HAYE….Hard right…Left hook…106-101 Klitschko

Round 12:…Big right from Haye…115-111 Klitschko

117-108; 118-1108; 116-110 KLITSCHKO

NEW YORK (July 1, 2011) – ShoBox: The New Generation celebrates its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 15, live on SHOWTIME® at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with exactly the type of doubleheader that has typified the popular, well-respected boxing series since its inception on July 21, 2001: Young, promising boxers in their toughest fights.

In the Top Rank-promoted main event at Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas, local favorite and world-ranked southpaw, Diego Magdaleno (19-0, 7 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Beverly Hills, Calif., and Los Angeles, will become the 84th boxer in ShoBox history to enter the ring undefeated when he defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior lightweight title against Alejandro “Alacran’’ Perez (15-2-1, 10 KOs), of Salinas, Calif.

The co-feature will match 130-pounders Casey “The Wizard” Ramos (13-0), of Austin, Tex., against Joselito Collado (12-0, 3 KOs), a Dominican fighting out of Queens, N.Y. The eight-round match will mark the 52nd time unbeaten boxers have been matched against each on ShoBox.

After winning only three of his first 15 fights inside the distance, which included nine consecutive victories by decision from October 2008-April 2009, southpaw Magdaleno has stepped up the pressure in recent starts and won his last four by (T)KO within five rounds, registering knockdowns in each.

During the power surge, Magdaleno has steadily advanced in the world rankings and is now No. 6 in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 11 in the World Boxing Council (WBC). He’s coming off a third-round TKO over Gilberto Sanchez Leon in a bout last May 6 in Las Vegas in which Leon went down three times before the bout was stopped at 0:49 in the third. The impressive victory came in the first defense of the NABF belt that the 5-foot-6, 24-year-old Magdaleno won with a convincing fifth-round TKO over Marcos Leonardo Jimenez last Jan. 22 at Texas Station.

“Everything’s just coming together,’’ said Magdaleno, a dedicated practioner who maintains peak condition. “It’s just sitting down more on our punches. I’m feeling more comfortable in the ring and that’s a big factor, too. It’s a learning thing. Each fight, I learn. I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, but I’m not going to stop here.’’

Magdaleno, who was introduced to boxing at the age of eight and named after a soccer superstar – Diego Maradona – has been dropped one time and that came in the first round against Juan Sanitago on March 1, 2009. Magdaleno bounced back to score a unanimous four-round decision.

A natural right-hander, Magdaleno was an outstanding amateur before turning pro in December 2007, winning a gold medal at the 2007 U.S. National Championships (132 pounds) and the 2004 Western Olympic Trials (125 pounds). Eighteen of his pro starts have emanated from Nevada – 16 in Las Vegas and two in Primm (the other fight was in Maywood, Calif.).

Perez, who was born in Michoacán, Mexico, is a sharp, accurate puncher who works the body very well. Tough and durable, he is coming off a 2:57 first-round knockout over Antonio Escalante last March 25 in Fairfield, Calif. The blowout came in the aggressive-minded Perez’ initial go at 130 pounds and his first start in 16 months.

The 5-foot-6 1/2, 25-year-old Perez won his pro debut in August 2004, boxed a draw in his second outing, and then won 11 in a row before suffering his first defeat in an upset, eight-round split decision to underdog Adolfo Landeros in June 2008. Perez avenged the loss in devastating fashion, dropping Landeros four times en route to a convincing ninth-round TKO in May 2009 in Las Vegas.

In Perez’ final start before the layoff, he dropped an eight-round decision in a fast-paced, exciting scrap to highly regarded Rico Ramos, an impressive winner this past Feb. 11 on ShoBox.

“I don’t like making excuses but I had a lot of trouble making weight in the lower divisions and I just had to learn from that,’’ Perez said. “I feel much more comfortable now and continue to train very hard. I’m hungry, I can tell you that. I live off this sport. It’s my life. Whatever I have to do to be on top, I’ll do that.

“Whenever somebody expects to see Alejandro Perez fight, then that’s what they will see – a fight. I get paid to fight, and that’s what we do.’’

Ramos is an excellent technician who’s making his third start in 2011. In his most recent effort last April 23, he decked John Jackson one time en route to taking a lopsided eight-round decision in Thackerville, Okla. “I consider myself a master of the game,’’ Ramos said. “ I study, work hard and I’m ready to fight.”

A well-conditioned youngster who was born, raised and still resides in Austin, the 21-year-old, 5-foot-6 Ramos has been boxing since he was six-years-old. He went 95-15 during a top-notch amateur career before he went pro at age 17 in June 2007. He got his nickname two years after he began to box.

“We were going to the silver gloves state tournament,’’ Ramos recalled, “and my whole team had lost. I was up, and my coach told me, ‘Alright Casey, you’ve got to pull a hat trick out. You need to work some magic.’ I won the state title. I was 8-years-old, and ever since then they’ve been calling me ‘The Wizard.’’’

Ramos’ first 10 outings took place in Texas; the last two in Oklahoma. A kid that has seldom lost a round and makes for exciting fights, he has triumphed via points in his last six outings. In perhaps his toughest fight, Ramos won a close decision over Guadalupe De Leon to capture the Texas state featherweight title in February 2009.

Collado, who also rarely loses a round, won his toughest fight in his last start when he overcame a point deduction in the fourth to record a six-round split decision over Rafael Lora on April 9 in Newark, N.J.

“I would like to be a world champion one day,’’ said the 5-foot-5, 28-year-old Collado, a solid amateur who turned pro in the Dominican Republic in November 2006, but has campaigned exclusively in the States (mostly on the East Coast) since. “At the Olympic Trials, I fought Juan Manuel Lopez and I gave him two standing 8-counts. I thought I won. But they gave it to him by one point.’’

Collado was born in the Dominican Republic, but his family moved to New York City (first Brooklyn, then Queens) when he was one-month old. He turned to boxing at the insistence of his mother. “I used to get in trouble for fighting at school,’’ he said. “Finally, one day, my mom said, ‘you keep on fighting, I’m going to put you in the gym,’ and that’s how I got my start.’’

Tickets for July 15 are $50 and $35 plus applicable taxes and fees and may be purchased at all Stations Casinos Rewards Centers, online at stationcasinos.com or by telephone (702) 547-5300.

Curt Menefee will call the blow by blow action alongside expert analyst Steve Farhood. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing the Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman, Andre Ward and Cornelius Bundrage.

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™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. 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®.

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NEW YORK / BETHELEHEM, PA (July 1, 2011)—TONIGHT!!! One of the top prospects in boxing will get his sternest test as undefeated Welterweight Ronald Cruz will put his perfect record on the line when he takes on knockout artist and upset specialist Doel Carrasquillo in a ten round main event of an eight bout card at the beautiful Sands Casino in Bethlehem.

Besides the obvious fight inside the ring, the two fighters live within an hour of each other so this fight is for local bragging rights and is promoted by Peltz Boxing.

The entire show can be seen live on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 all over the world by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Ronald_Cruz_vs_Doel_Carrasquillo_/1086

The show begins at 7:30 pm eastern

Cruz, who has built his reputation mostly in Philadelphia and Atlantic City but now, gets to display his talents in his hometown as he has compiled an unblemished mark of 12-0 with nine wins coming via stoppage.

Among those wins was a (til this point) career defining six round beat down of highly touted prospect Jeremy Bryan on October 30, 2010 in a bout that was seen live all over the world on www.gfl.tv.

Cruz has stopped his last five opponents including his bout when he became the first man to stop twenty fight veteran Manuel Guzman in round three of their scheduled eight round bout.

Carrasquillo has a record of 15-17-1 with thirteen knockouts but that doesn’t tell the story as he has fought anybody and everybody.

The litany of fighters that he has fought is long and Carrasquillo has pulled off many upsets that has caught more than one eye of the boxing world.

Just ask the mega-prospect, Dennis Douglin.

On February 18th, Douglin took on Carrasquillo in what looked on paper to be an easy win for Douglin. One problem, Carrasquillo didn’t get the memo as he shocked the fighter known as the “Da Mama’s Boy” and scored the third round stoppage which shocked many boxing insiders.

Like Cruz, Douglin entered the ring with a 12-0 record.

Douglin isn’t the only one to feel the power of Carrasquillo as he has scored upsets over Kenny Abril (5-2-1); Isam Khalik (13-0-2); Tony Caldwell (9-2-3); Darren Fallen (10-3-1); Aaron Torres (14-5); Wayland Willingham (13-0) and Jorge Melendez (13-1).

“When you look at the records it looks like a typical cross roads fight”, said Marc Abrams, who will be calling the action ringside on www.gfl.tv

“The only problem with calling this a cross roads fight is that Carrasquillo is still driving on the same side of the street with these major prospects. Besides all those upsets, even his losses have been to the top guys and he has given those guys hell. We did the fight with (former world title challenger) Mike Arnaoutis and he beat him to the point where Mike’s face looked he had been in a war. All I need to say is this, this is the most dangerous fight of Cruz’ career. If he gets by this test, he will be sneaking up with the likes as Mike Jones as promoter Russell Peltz next big star”

A full seven bout undercard will be shown as undefeated Middleweight Rashad Brown looks to make it 5-0 when he takes on rugged Omar Sims in Brown’s first six round bout.

The action begins at 7:30 pm

FULL CARD
10 Rounds-Welterweights-Ronald Cruz (12-0, 9 KO’s) vs. Doel Carrasquillo (15-17-1, 13 KO’s
6 Rounds-Middleweights-Rashad Brown (4-0, 2 KO’s) vs. Omar Sims (5-3-3, 3 KO’s)
6 Rounds-Jr. Lightweights-Eilud Torres (5-2-2, 2 KO’s) vs. Bryne Green (6-4, 3 KO’s)
4 Rounds-Welterweights-Chris Plebani (0-2) vs. David Navarro (0-3)
4 Rounds-Heavyweights-William Miranda (2-3-1) vs. Zeferino Albino (4-12-3, 2 KO’s)
4 Rounds-Heavyweights-Eric Newell (1-1, 1 KO) vs. John Mercurio (4-0, 3 KO’s)
4 Rounds- Welterweights-Anthony Abrams (1-6,1 KO)vs. Grayson Blake (2-0, 1KO)
4 Rounds- Jr. Lightweights—Joshua Arocho (1-4, 1 KO) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (0-0-1)
GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 at www.GFL.tv

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5,000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 1.8 million public viewers last year with now over 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL combat sports genres currently include Boxing, MMA and Professional Wrestling. GFL offers expanded programming to include: Daily News & Radio Shows with feature interviews and industry updates along with great Fight Photos, Fighter Videos and a robust Calendar of Upcoming Fight Events.

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Join us at: www.GFL.tv or for press inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

On July 15th, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presents the much anticipated jr. middleweight showdown between, long-time welterweight contender, and former world title challenger, Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14KO’s) and red-hot contender Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1, 19KO’s) at the Roseland Ballroom, in New York City. The show, being shown live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”, will open with Philadelphia’s undefeated welterweight prospect, Raymond “Tito” Serrano (15-0, 8KO’s) taking on NY State Welterweight Champion, Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (11-3-1, 4KO’s) in a ten round match-up.

“From top to bottom this is going to be a great card,” stated Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “In the main event we have two exciting contenders going toe-to-toe in what promises to be an all-out war, with the winner emerging as a serious title contender to any of the champions in the jr. middleweight division. In the co-feature we are showcasing one of our brightest up and coming stars in Raymond. We have promoted Raymond since almost day one of his career, and have seen him grown and mature not only inside, but outside of the ring. He is very focused and determined, and if he continues on this path, we foresee him becoming the next Puerto Rican star in the near future.”

Serrano, who turned pro at just 18-years of age, gained national attention when he traveled to LA in 2009 to serve as a lead sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, before Pacquiao’s 2nd round annihilation of Ricky Hatton.

Serrano, who is two fights removed from his career best victory; an impressive decision over Ghana’s reigning International Boxing Association Intercontinental welterweight titleist, Ayi Bruce (19-3, 12KO’s); Serrano last appeared on ESPN in January of 2010, when he scored a dominating eight round decision over Ronald Warrior (13-2-1 at the time). It was the second appearance for the Philadelphian on ESPN, as he had previously won a six round decision over 12-1 Jay Krupp in March of 2009.

Serrano, who has lived in Philadelphia his entire life, moved his training camp a few months ago to his family’s native country of Puerto Rico. For the past two months Serrano has been training at the Wilfredo Gomez Boxing gym, under the watchful eye of new trainer, Felix Pagan Pintor. Pintor is the trainer of former long-time world champion, Ivan Calderon. The move in training camps is something that has Serrano extremely focused, and pleased.

“This was a great opportunity for me to be able to train with a world-class trainer like Felix,” stated Serrano. “Not only was it a great opportunity for me, but coming here to Puerto Rico was also very special to me, as both my father and mother came from here-it’s my heritage.”

Regarding the fight on July 15th, Serrano is eager to get back into the ring and continue on his quest towards boxing stardom.

“I’m really excited to get back into the ring and showcase my skills once again in the national spotlight on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”. The fight on July 15th is actually contracted at 142 lbs. It is the lightest I will have fought as a professional, and I feel great at this weight. I plan on putting on great performance, and encourage everyone to come out and show their support and watch me get my 16th victory on July 15th.”

Sostre should present a bit of test for the young Serrano. Sostre hasn’t lost since 2007, going 9-0-1, over that span, including four of those wins coming by knockout. Sostre, just like Serrano, is of Puerto Rican decent, but calls Highland in upstate New York home. Sostre won the NY State Welterweight Title in 2009, and has successfully defended the title three times since.

Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $100 and $200 and can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000, or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or simply by Clicking Here. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM. ESPN will begin live coverage at 9PM ET.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com

On behalf of the Fisher family, it is with great sadness that DiBella Entertainment announces the passing of legendary boxing trainer, James “Bouie” Fisher. He was 83.

Fisher, best known for his work with Bernard Hopkins, was a mainstay in the Philadelphia boxing scene for decades. He won the 2001 Eddie Futch-John F.X. Condon Award, presented by the Boxing Writers’ Association of America annually to honor the year’s best trainer.

Fisher leaves behind his wife, Peggy; 8 children: Andre, Bernadette, Bernard, Cecilia, James, Josephine, Valerie, and Victoria; and 15 grand children.

DiBella Entertainment joins the boxing world in mourning the tragic loss of this great man. Please keep Bouie and the Fisher family in your prayers at this difficult time.

Memorial service arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

NEW YORK (June 30, 2011) – In the realm of boxing series, none sticks to its mission statement as closely as the popular ShoBox: The New Generation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 15, at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Texas Station Gambling Hall & Casino in Las Vegas. The Top Rank-promoted doubleheader will feature a night of junior lightweight action with undefeated Diego Magdaleno (19-0, 7 KOs) squaring off against Alejandro Perez (15-2-1, 10 KOs) and Casey Ramos (13-0, 4 KOs) taking on Joselito Collado (12-0, 3 KOs) in a battle of unbeatens.

10th Anniversary Highlights, Stats and Facts …

ShoBox: The New Generation – The Mission

Televise a boxing series to serve as a proving ground for hungry, willing prospects. Thrust young up-and-comers from the anonymity of undercards to the glare of the national spotlight. Match each fighter against his toughest opponent to date and, in the process, expose untested hopefuls – but more importantly – build future champions.

For the last decade, ShoBox has garnered critical acclaim and industry respect by adhering to its central purpose: featuring prospects in pivotal fights where padding the win column stops and their true road to contender status begins. The series is so well defined that it has been added to the boxing lexicon. As characterized by Wikipedia, a “ShoBox fighter” refers to a “quality prospect primed for tougher competition.”

SHOWTIME implemented this decidedly boutique approach with the overall picture in mind.

“Creating a platform for young fighters is something that is not only important to SHOWTIME, but to the sport of boxing generally,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “With ShoBox, we seek out prospects that are willing to challenge themselves with high-risk bouts in exchange for national exposure. It’s a win-win for all involved, including our subscribers who get the entertainment of competitive fights and an introduction to the new generation of future champions.”

A staggering 87 fighters who fought on ShoBox moved on to challenge for a world title, with 42 of those fighters becoming world champions. The first future champ to emerge from ShoBox dates back to the series’ initial telecast on July 21, 2001. Leonard Dorin scored a ninth-round TKO over fellow unbeaten Martin O’Malley. Two fights later, Dorin was a world champion. With 157 ShoBox telecasts and 42 eventual world titlists, ShoBox enjoys a rough average of featuring a future champion every fourth show.
ShoBox – By the Numbers

42 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title. Notables include:

Andre Ward
Diego Corrales
Nonito Donaire
Chad Dawson
Timothy Bradley
Paul Williams
Juan Manuel Lopez
Robert Guerrero
Carl Froch
Kermit Cintron
Kendall Holt
Paulie Malignaggi
Kelly Pavlik
Andre Berto
Victor Ortiz

89 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to challenge for a world title

52 – Matches between undefeated fighters

89 – Fighters who suffered the first loss of their pro careers

6 – Fighters who won a world title after losing on ShoBox:

Luis Collazo
Robert Guerrero
Eric Aiken
David Diaz
Isaac Hlatshwayo
Cornelius Bundrage
157 – Telecasts

321 – Fights

58 – Cities that hosted a ShoBox event

5 – Most appearances on ShoBox

Andre Ward
Ishe Smith
Robert Guerrero
Sechew Powell
Kendall Holt
Mike Arnaoutis
Chris Avalos

ShoBox – Behind the Numbers

For Openers: Gary Russell Jr. is the only boxer to make his pro debut on ShoBox.

Quickest Out Of The Gate:

· T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (15 seconds) on Oct. 19, 2007

· Allan Green KO 1 Jaidon Codrington (18 seconds) on Nov. 4, 2005

· Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage (22 seconds) on May 6, 2005

Rematches: There have been only two rematches in the history of ShoBox. Each time, the loser in the first fight won the second by knockout.

T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (Oct. 19, 2007); Walker KO 2 Wilson (Feb. 28, 2008)
Gamaliel Diaz W 10 Robert Guerrero (Dec. 2, 2005); Guerrero KO 6 Diaz (June 23, 2006)
The Hall Recall – Executive Producer Gordon Hall’s Quintessential ShoBox Fights:

Juan Urango (13-0) vs. Mike Arnaoutis (10-0-1) – D 12 – Aug. 5, 2004
The Hall Recall: “This fight was an all-out war that ended in a draw and is a classic example of two undefeated, talented fighters facing each other early in their careers on ShoBox.”

Robert Guerrero (16-0-1) vs. Gamaliel Diaz (19-5-2) – Diaz SD 12 Guerrero – Dec. 2, 2005
The Hall Recall: “A perfect example of a ShoBox fight where the young fighter is tested by the more seasoned fighter who had experience going into the later rounds and could move. Robert lost the fight in a split decision, but more importantly, he learned from the defeat, went on to avenge the loss on ShoBox and later won a world title.’’

Tim Bradley (21-0) vs. Junior Witter (36-1-3) – Bradley SD 12 Witter – May 10, 2008
The Hall Recall: “Before challenging for the junior welterweight title in Witter’s U.K. backyard, Bradley had never fought outside of California and was coming off the longest layoff of his career. Bradley’s knockdown of Witter in the sixth round was the turning point in the fight and he went on to win a split decision. Bradley developed in his three previous ShoBox appearances, which helped put him in position for this fight – where he became the first ShoBox fighter to win his title on ShoBox.’’

Marcus Johnson (20-0) vs. Dyah Davis (18-2-1) – Davis UD 10 Johnson;
Danny O’Connor (14-0) vs. Gabriel Bracero (14-0) – Bracero UD 8 O’Connor;
Willie Nelson (16-0-1) vs. Vincent Arroyo (10-1) – Arroyo MD 8 Nelson – April 8, 2011
The Hall Recall: “Three talented and touted prospects walked into the ring undefeated and walked out with a loss. And all on the same night… now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Ringside Analyst Steve Farhood’s Memorable Moments

The face of Ebo Elder after he rallied with a 12th-round TKO over Courtney Burton
(Dec. 17, 2004)
The 12th-round drama of Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade I
(Oct. 24, 2008)
Ricky Hatton’s ring entrances to “Blue Moon”
(Oct. 27, 2001, Dec. 15, 2001, Sept. 28, 2002)
Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fighters

o Tim Bradley

o Lucian Bute

o Diego Corrales

o Chad Dawson

o Nonito Donaire

o Robert Guerrero

o Joan Guzman

o Ricky Hatton

o Andre Ward

o Paul Williams

Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fights

o Kendall Holt KO 1 Ricardo Torres

(July 5, 2008)

o Carlos Abregu KO 4 Irving Garcia

(May 1, 2009)

o Juan Urango D 12 Mike Arnaoutis

(Aug. 5, 2004)

o Ebo Elder KO 12 Courtney Burton

(Dec. 17, 2004)

o Lucian Bute W 12 Librado Andrade

(Oct. 24, 2008)

o Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage

(May 6, 2005)

o Mike Oliver W 12 Gary Stark

(Feb. 16, 2007)

o Kuvanych Toygonbayev W 10 Andrey Tsurkan

(May 22, 2003)

o Stevie Murray W 10 Martin Watson

(April 1, 2004)

o Orlando Cruz KO 5 Leonilo Miranda

(Jan. 16, 2009)

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman, Andre Ward and Cornelius Bundrage.

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™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. 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®.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
On Thursday July 7th, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns to the Paradise Theater in the Bronx, for the latest installment of its popular, “Punchin at the Paradise” fight night series. The card will feature a number of exciting match-ups, including two separate fights that matches Bronx vs. Bronx, in a battle for neighborhood bragging rights. In addition to the pro fights featured on the card, there are also four amateur bouts scheduled to open up the show. The entire show will be broadcast live on GFL.TV

“Our goal, and our vision with the series, is to be able to build up boxing here in the Bronx. We have a tremendous venue with the Paradise Theater, and now by putting together exciting fights, that match Bronx Fighters vs. Bronx Fighters, we are confident we are well on our way to achieving that goal,” stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing. “Back in the glory days of boxing, these were the type of fights and cards you saw all the time. You have one guy fighting out of one gym in the Bronx, who is going to bring all his friends and supporters, fighting another guy whose gym is just a neighborhood away who will have all his fans cheering him on as well. Not only does it make for exciting fights, but also for a great atmosphere and in my eyes that’s what boxing is all about.”

The first Bronx Battle of the night will see tough veterans, Stephon “The Mandingo Warrior” Owusu (7-6, 4KO’s) (Bronxchester Boxing Club) and Angel “White Tiger” Rios (9-4, 6KO’s) (John’s Gym) go toe-to-toe in a six round welterweight showdown. Both Owusu and Rios, have similar stories, as both began their careers in the late 1990’s (Owusu in 1998, Rios in 1999). Both ran into some legal trouble a few years later that put their respective careers on the sidelines.

Rios who has been out of the ring since 2003, has been in with some pretty good opposition, having went the distance with former WBO super featherweight Champion, Mike Achondo, as well as former IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight Champion, Nate Campell.

Owusu, who made his return to the ring back in May on the first Punchin at the Paradise card of 2011, looked very good as he won a dominate four round decision before a strong contingent of fans in his first bout since 2000. With both fighters knowing that they can’t afford to have any additional hiccups in their careers, you can expect an all out war when the two meet on July 7th.

The second Bronx Battle matches former NY Golden Gloves Champion, Danny Valle (4-0, 3KO’s) against former bitter amateur rival, and fellow NY Golden Gloves Champion, Angel Torres, in a six round super featherweight showdown. There is bad blood between Valle and Torres that stems from their amateur days. They have talked about fighting one another for years, and now they will finally get a chance to settle the score once and for all on July 7th.

Also scheduled to see action on the card in separate four round bouts is the Bronx’s super middleweight, Michael Ocasio (1-0, 1KO) and Mount Vernon welterweight, Juan Perez.

Ocasio, who trains at the Morris Park Boxing Club, was a former baseball standout, and was on scholarship at the University of Miami before injuring his shoulder and forcing him away from the sport. Now Ocasio, who comes from a boxing background, is looking to see how far his athletic ability can take him in the fight game.

Doors open at 6:30PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM. Tickets are priced at $30, $50 and $100 and can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823-2000, visiting www.starboxing.com or simply by CLICKING HERE: Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Paradise Theater box office, located at 2403 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, NY.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com

Rico Ramos trains for his WBA Championship bout against Akifumi Shimoda in Atlantic City live on HBO July 9, 2011. Watch behind the scenes training and insight of the Ramos camp in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Forget the kicking and wrestling, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson will soon be where he should have been all along… busting heads in a boxing ring.

On Saturday, August 13, legendary street brawler Kimbo Slice will make his long-awaited professional boxing debut in the four-round main event of a Gary Shaw Productions and Tony Holden Promotions boxing extravaganza at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

Slice became the Internet’s first street-certified action hero by smashing down a series of opponents in brutal backyard fist fights. The announcement is good news for fight fans, as he will surely administer a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the American heavyweight scene.

“Kimbo was always meant to be in the ring,” said Jared Shaw, Team Kimbo Promotional Advisor. “He’s one of the hardest punchers in the world and on August 13, his journey to becoming America’s heavyweight begins. The first stop will be Oklahoma in what will become the Kimbo Slice Express.”

Longtime friend and manager, Mike Imber, said that Slice has been training for his debut with his longtime boxing coach Randy Khatami and also spent some time in top-rated contender Alfredo Angulo’s camp, working with trainer Clemente Medina.

“He’s completely focused on his boxing career and excited to showcase his talents inside the squared circle,” continued Shaw. “Kimbo Slice is hungry and when that man wants his bread, he’s scary.”

Slice rose to worldwide prominence via the Internet and viral videos of a series of unlicensed street fights, each of which garnered millions of views. As a mixed martial artist, he competed for the EliteXC and UFC organizations and appeared on CBS, PPV and Showtime Network, going 4-2 against some of the world’s best competition. Slice drew record numbers of viewers to Spike, the Ultimate Fighter and in each of his network and cable bouts.

“Even in his losses, Kimbo brought a level of excitement that few fighters can generate,” said his promoter, Gary Shaw. “He is a genuine personality with unbelievable strength and character and we’re excited about his prospects in boxing. The minute he steps in the ring, he’ll be one of the most recognizable and talked-about fighters in the sport and his fans around the world will once again feel the excitement.”

“Kimbo’s been waiting for this and now it’s time,” added Imber.

Opponents and other matches on the card will be announced shortly. Tickets for the professional boxing debut of Kimbo Slice are priced at $38, $48 and $68 and will be available July 5 through www.buffalorun.com.

Los Angeles, CA (June 29, 2011) – WBC Featherweight Champion, Jhonny Gonzalez, returns to the ring on a Televisa broadcast, after becoming a three-time World Champion this past April when he traveled to Japan to knockout the defending World Champion, Hozumi Haswegawa in the 4th round.

With Mexico’s premier television network televising prior to the live HBO broadcast, Gonzalez will showcase his devastating power-punching skills against the tough Texan, Tomas “El Norteño” Villa, on July 9 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City with the 12-round bout between Paul “The Punisher” Williams and undefeated Cuban Erislandy Lara, in what will be the first defense of Gonzalez under the promotional partnership between Del Pueblo Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Fights between Mexicans and Mexico-Americans have been historic in the international boxing landscape for many years, including one’s between the great Ruben “Puas” Olivares and Bobby Chacon; Oscar de la Hoya vs. Julio Cesar Chavez; “Jessie” James Leija against Gabriel Ruelas; Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz, along with many others, and Televisa jumped at the chance to spotlight Gonzalez as he looks to join these elite ranks with his challenge against Villa.

“El Norteño,” as Villa is commonly referred to, is a true warrior of the ring. In his last bout Villa thoroughly outgunned Salvador Sanchez II, and believes he can do the same with the Mexican World Champion.

“It’s a dream for me fighting for a World Championship after 10 years of hard work. I will fight to the finish and do everything I can to become World Champion,” Villa said.

Gonzalez, along with his recently inducted Hall of Fame manager and trainer, Ignacio Beristain, have their sight on keeping the title against the rugged Villa.

Gonzalez stated, “I’ve got the best of both worlds, fighting in the U.S. and letting my fans see me in Mexico on Televisa. I will go out there and do what fans love to see from their fighters, look to knock Villa out cold!”

Oswaldo Kuchkle of Del Pueblo Promotions said it was the opportunity needed for Jhonny to be able to go that next step. “With Televisa and HBO present, what better way for Jhonny to make a statement that he’s willing to fight any of the other champions. We would like to bring (Orlando) Salido or (Elio) Rojas to Mexico in a big event or (Yuriorkis) Gamboa if he’s up to the challenge.”

ABOUT WILLIAMS VS. LARA EVENT

Paul “The Punisher” Williams looks to make statement against unbeaten and world ranked Cuba native Erislandy Lara (15-0-1, 10 KOs) in a battle of southpaws. Williams-Lara headlines the HBO telecast in a scheduled 12-round bout, which also features WBA #1-ranked Rico Ramos (19-0, 10 KOs) challenging World Champion, Akifumi Shimoda (23-2-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the Tokyo native’s WBA Super Bantamweight Championship. The undercard event preceding the televised portion features heavyweight sensation Chris Arreola (32-2, 28 KOs) taking on hard-punching Friday “The 13th” Ahunanya (24-7-3,13 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout.

The championship event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and hosted by Caesars Atlantic City with the Williams-Lara bout being presented in association with Golden Boy Promotions and the Ramos-Shimoda bout being presented in association with Teiken Promotions. The Williams vs. Lara and Shimoda vs. Ramos bouts will be broadcast on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 PM ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). Doors open at 6:30pm and first bout begins at 7:00pm. Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Middleweight champion Jermain Taylor will return to the ring in August after a two year break following a brutal knockout loss to Arthur Abraham.

The report indicated that Taylor will go back to his original trainer Pat Burns.

“I’m training him. We’re working out all the logistics right now about exactly when and where the fight will take place. (Taylor adviser) Al Haymon is working on all of that now,” Burns told ESPN.com Monday. “I will be with Jermain in the next couple of days. We need to get going on the next phase of training, and that’s sparring.”

Multiple sources told ESPN.com that Showtime, which had a contract with Taylor, one of the original participants in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, likely will televise the bout on Aug. 13. It is likely to take place in Taylor’s hometown of Little Rock, Ark., according to sources. No opponent has been selected.

“I like everything I’m seeing, but most important, both neurologists he has seen have given him 100 percent clearance to compete and, based on what I’ve seen, he looks outstanding. He’s very hungry. He has the look he had when he was on the way up.

“He went through a lot and lot of guys would have thrown in the towel, but he has a determination to come back and capture the title, and that’s pretty exciting. I’m glad we were able communicate and work this out. He’s very hungry, which is great to see, and he’s done a lot of maturing.”

Taylor, according to Burns, had extensive neurological tests done in Little Rock as well as at the renowned Mayo Clinic. He said both neurologists received copies of the medical reports from Germany from after the Abraham fight so they could compare test results.

“This has been going on for a little over a year,” Burns said. “When it comes to a concussion there is nothing like time (to allow it to heal). He is still young and we all did a lot of research. The medical reports say he is at no greater risk than any other fighter, otherwise I’m not interested.

“I don’t need the money. I’m very content with the way I’m living my life. But there is a feeling that is itching me — that he can recapture the world title.”

“The first time I saw Jermain he was 197 pounds,” Burns said. “He came down to Miami to see me. He had called me two or three times and I wasn’t showing a whole lot of interest. But Jermain was adamant about it. So he came down and we had some heart to heart discussion about what went down and there was a lot of acknowledgement about what happened from his side.

“I told him that, yes, I was disappointed about what had happened, but I put it in my rearview mirror pretty quick and moved on. I was very disappointed in the way he was being handled by his new trainers and the people he was surrounded with in Little Rock, who were supposed to be the people looking out for him.

“My concern was that he go to a neurologist,” Burns said. “He went to a local one in Little Rock. I advised him to go the Mayo Clinic, which he did about four months ago. His safety is more important to me than anything else. Working with Jermain is going to put money in my pocket, but it won’t change my lifestyle. I need to make sure I can live with myself.

“I later found out that Al Haymon was adamant about him going to the Mayo Clinic also, so we were on the same page, which was great.”

“It was a test to see the commitment and I was very, very pleased with his commitment,” Burns said. “About four weeks ago, he came down and was 170 pounds and left at 164. The other day he was 165. I have someone in Little Rock I trust and that’s what he weighed. He knows there is no room for anything other than honesty.

“He’s doing great. I’ve spoken to Al Haymon, I’ve been in touch with Jermain and his wife about this and he wants to fight, and I’m willing to take this on. In a nutshell, here’s my evaluation: He looks extremely hungry, extremely sharp and all the instincts are there. He looks tremendous. His mental state is great and I sense a real commitment.

Burns said he and Taylor plan to start a full training camp, including sparring, perhaps as soon as next week with the intention of fighting in August. He said all of this is being done with the support of Taylor’s family.

“In Erika, he has a great wife. She had concerns for him and his health and she wanted to make sure he was cleared,” Burns said. “There is life other than boxing. She supported him. She helped facilitate all of the exams Jermain undertook. If she’s happy, that is very important. The people that love him and care about him have to support this for it to be a go. Had there been any doubt, it wouldn’t have happened. And Jermain told me himself, ‘I have to take care of my family and be there for them.’ He wasn’t going to go through any undue risk because he has a family to take care of for a long, long time.”

The move back down to middleweight is something Burns pressed for.

“He should have never been at 168 pounds,” he said. “Not only will he fight at middleweight now, he’ll be able to have a big dinner (the night before the weigh in). None of that killing himself to make weight.

“Nothing replaces hard work. I still have that old marine mentality. I was raised hard. My mother was tough on me. I’m going back to him to make him a world champion again. Let’s see if we can win a few fights and recapture a middleweight title.”

Fresh off his controversial win against Lucas Matthysse this past Saturday night, former Jr. Welterweight champion Devon Alexander will move to Welterweight according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“That’s our last fight at 140,” Kevin Cunningham, Alexander’s manager and his trainer since he first began boxing as a young boy, told ESPN.com on Monday. “He’s killing himself so bad to make the weight. After six rounds, his legs aren’t there because he killed himself to make 140. He’s been making 140 pounds since he was 15 and an amateur. Now he’s a 24-year-old man.”

“Devon didn’t look strong in these last few fights by the mid-rounds,” Cunningham said, referencing Saturday’s fight plus Alexander’s first career loss in a title unification fight versus Timothy Bradley Jr. in January and his unanimous decision win against former titlist Andriy Kotelnik last August.

“Devon never used to weaken in these fights. He didn’t weaken in the (world title) fights with Junior Witter or (Juan) Urango. For those fights, he would get down to 146 and hit a wall at like 145 or 146. It took him a week and a half to get past 145, but he did it. For this fight with Matthysse, he got to 146 and he couldn’t get past it. It took a few weeks and he finally broke through, but it took a lot. A lot.

“I can’t keep putting my fighter at a disadvantage. He’s gotta move up. We’re taking off all this weight and there’s no fat, so he’s been taking off muscle.”

Cunningham already has an opponent in mind — former junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi, who moved up in weight last year but is on the shelf recovering from a hand injury suffered in his last fight.

“Our first up at 147, we’d like to fight Malignaggi,” Cunningham said. “I think it would be a great fight. Paulie’s already talking s— about Devon, so there’s some bad blood already.”

Also, Alexander’s promotional contract with Don King expired following the fight, so before he returns to the ring, Cunningham said they will be listening to offers.

“The contract with King is over and we’re free to talk to whoever we want to talk to,” Cunningham said. “So we’ll take a little break and then sit down and see what happens. We’ll see what the best direction is for Devon to go in and then we’ll start talking to people.”

One of the most beloved boxing broadcaster’s Nick Charles passed away today in New Mexico at the age of sixty-four after a long and courageous fight with Bladder Cancer.

Charles was known for his work at CNN and more recently for his work on boxing cards for Showtime and Top Rank.

Charles was one of the classiest gentleman that this reporter had the honor to meet and his fight with the dreaded disease had been chronicled in many media outlets

Many fans got to witness his struggle as CNN recently ran a feature story with Charles revealing that he knew his end was near so he made future birthday videos for his now five year old daughter Giovanna.

“Nick was your friend from the moment you met him — and he stayed your friend forever,” said Rick Davis, one of Charles’ producers at CNN in the 1980s. “All of us who had the very good fortune to have been his friend have so much to remember about how he touched our lives in his own special way,” said Davis, who is CNN’s executive vice president of News Standards and Practices.

Charles recently called his last fight in March when HBO extended an invitation to Charles to call the Mikey Garcia – Matt Remillard fight in Atlantic City

Charles is survived by his wife, Cory, of 13 years and their daughter, Giovanna. He has three children from two previous marriages: Jason, 39; Melissa, 36; and Katie, 24.

“His passing is a loss to CNN, to the sports world and to the fans and friends everywhere who were with him to the end of his extraordinary life,” said Jim Walton, Charles’ field producer in his early days and current president of CNN Worldwide.

Portions of this article are taken from cnn.com

Middleweight Brian Vera tuned up for a fall rematch with Andy Lee with a one body punch knockout over Eloy Suarez in a scheduled eight round bout at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.

It was good fight with Vera holding the advantage over Suarez, who had a cut over his left eye as early as round five. Vera landed a left to the body just seconds into round eight which sent Suarez down for the ten count.

Vera, 163 lbs of Austin, TX is now 19-5 with twelve knockouts. Suarez, 161 1/2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 11-12-1

James Kirkland rebounded from his first professional loss with a first round stoppage over Dennis Sharpe in a scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Kirkland dropped Sharpe after he landed a left to the body that was followed by two body shots. Sharpe got to his feet only to eat another body shot that sent him down for the referee’s ten count at 2:18 of round round.

Kirkland, 160 lbs of Austin, TX was coming off his shocking first round stoppage loss to Nobohiro Ishida in April is now 28-1 with twenty-five knockouts. Sharpe, 157 lbs of Orange, NJ is now 17-8-3.

James Freeman scored a six round unanimous decision over Joshua Burns in an entertaining six round Middleweight bout.

Freeman dropped Burns in round two while Burns came back at the end of round four to plant Freeman on the canvas with a left hook. Burns seemed to be gassed out as he took a tremendous amount of punishment in round five but made it to the final bell.

Freeman, 160 1/4 lbs of Vernon, TX won by scores of 59-55; 58-54 and 58-54 to raise his mark to 8-4. Burns, 159 lbs of Garland, TX is now 3-11-5.

Manuel Rojas dropped Alex Lopez twice in round one en route to a four round unanimous decision over Alex Lopez in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Rojas, 129 1/4 lbs won by scores of 40-34 on all card to stay perfect at 2-0. Lopez, 129 1/4 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is now 0-2.

Former world champion Joel Casamayor was involved in a minor car accident on Tuesday but has injuries that will force him out his July 28 bout with Jorge Teron but the espn2 televised card will have a new main event with great importance as Victor Cayo and Lamont Peterson will now square off in an Jr. Welterweight elimination bout according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Joel has a bad back and sore ribs. He may have broken a rib or two, but he’s OK,” said Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. “He’s very, very sore. Obviously, he can’t fight. The doctor told him no training for about a month.”

The winner of Peterson-Cayo will become a mandatory challenger for the Khan-Judah winner. After the July 23 date fell apart, the fight was due to go to a purse bid on July 5.

“Both guys were still training and when the fight fell out (earlier in the week) I called Cayo and told him to stay in the gym,” Margules said. “Then when we had a chance to put it on July 29, I called (Peterson manager and trainer) Barry Hunter and told him we could go to purse bid on July 5 or we could just make a deal and get it done on July 29. They wanted to get the fight on.”

Morganville, NJ (June 24, 2011) – Junior middleweight rising star Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin will return to the squared circle Saturday, July 9 when he battles an opponent to be named at Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk Hall.

The bout will be his first since a shocking defeat against cement fisted spoiler Doel Carrasquillo in February. Since his lone setback, Douglin, 12-1 (8 KO’s), has spent countless hours in the gym honing his craft to become a better overall fighter.

“This sport is my life and I know another loss will destroy me” said Douglin, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion. “I was overconfident in my last fight and I won’t let that happen again. I’m treating this fight like it’s a world title bout and that I have to shine.”

Tickets to the card, which is headlined by the Paul Williams-Erislandy Lara bout and also includes two world title fights, start at $50 and are available at ticketmaster.com. Douglin’s opponent will be announced shortly.

Fans can follow Denis at Twitter.com/Damommasboy

Mike Jones 146 – Raul Munoz 149
Glen Tapia 152.5 – Taronze Washington 151.5
Kenny Abril 143.5 – Yordenis Ugas 144

Super featherweight prospect Guy Robb loves to fight. The Sacramento-based action fighter does not need any extra motivation to put on a good show, he does it anyway. But at Thursday’s weigh-in, his opponent’s team decided to get him juiced up even more than usual, which could prove to be detrimental to their fighter’s health. Robb takes on debuting Tyshawn Sherman in a four-round special attraction at the Fairfield Sports Center in Fairfield, California tonight.

Robb (4-0, 1 KO) of Sacramento, California returns to Fairfield for the third time this year against the debuting Sherman of Hesperia, California. Robb has quickly become a venue favorite with his all-action style and colorful personality and plans to entertain the crowd once again tonight. “I am in great shape mentally and physically and I am just going to go in there and try to take him out,” says Robb.

The weigh-in was made a little more interesting when Robb’s outspoken manager Repo Ric got into with an equally outspoken rep for Sherman, Cedric Wills. “Everybody wants to be like me,” says Repo. “You can’t be like me. I’m Repo Ric. I am one of a kind.” Robb enjoyed the back-and-forth and is even more excited about the fight than before. “I like it,” said Robb of the trash talk. “It’s exciting and it gets everybody else pumped up for the fight. That is what I like, everybody talking about what’s going to happen that night. Then it’s my goal to go out and make it happen.”

Though Sherman did not have much of an amateur career, he reportedly fought in numerous smokers and has been training under Jack Mosley. With Robb’s reputation growing in stature, his manager Repo Ric reached out to Wills to see if he had a willing opponent. “They always have fighters in the gym, so I asked him if they had somebody that could fight Guy Robb and he said he had someone, but that they weren’t pro,” recounts Repo. “So I said let’s turn him pro and let’s go. So we are going to initiate his ass tomorrow, definitely for sure.”

Robb does not know much about Sherman, but that is nothing knew. “I really don’t know about any of my opponents,” says Robb. “They just tell me I have a fight and I get ready. Like my last opponent was a southpaw, and I didn’t find out until the last week. I don’t really know a whole lot about who I am fighting. I just try to stay ready.”

Robb’s team has already begun plotting his next move, which would be a move to six-rounders, but Robb is not looking ahead. “I am excited to move up to a six-rounder and have a little more time to have fun in there, but I am ready for this four-rounder,” said Robb. “We are going to smoke.”

Tickets for the June 24th event, promoted by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents and Jorge Marron Productions, are available by calling 925-286-0195.

Photo by Arturo Ramos

– Friday, June 24, 2011 9:00pm ET featuring EL Paso Superfight III at the Don Haskins Arena, El Paso, TX. undefeated heavyweight hopeful David ‘Nino’ Rodriguez (34-0, 32 KOs) has agreed to fight former WBA Fedelatin Champion Owen Beck (29-7-20 KOs) for the WBC Mexican national heavyweight championship belt. Promoter Ramirez said ‘I feel this is David’s toughest fight to date. Beck can do it all he can box, punch and has the experience to cause David some problems. Make no mistake this is David’s time to shine and he needs to prove he belongs with the top heavyweights of the World. I know this sounds cliche, but Beck is definitely a ‘real’ gate keeper. If David can’t beat Beck then he can’t compete with the elite.’ The co-main event will feature WBC #9 World ranked Middleweight David Gatti of the Rockies. Medina (22-2-11ko). Medina will face Bloomfield’s Joseph Gomez (16-3, 11 KOs). This is turning into a battle of words, but the talking will stop come fight night. The tough Gomez was asked how he thought the fight would end and replied, “No Colorado fighter will ever beat a New Mexico warrior.”

– Saturday, June 25, 2011 7:00pm ET featuring WSU The Uncensored Rumble IV at the Ace Arena, Union City, NJ. Mercedes Martinez is the longest reigning & defending champion in all of women’s wrestling, having held her championship for 30 months. In that time, Martinez has made 42 World Title defenses against the likes of Mickie James, Awesome Kong, Nikki Roxx, Rain, Portia Perez, Alicia, Angel Orsini, Serena Deeb, Jazz & countless others. Another name on Martinez’s list of defeats is none other than Brittney Savage. Main event will match Brittney Savage & the first time Savage challenges for the WSU World Title on a sole WSU event. (Savage’s other title challenges took place during “On The Road” events.) Brittney Savage is a homegrown WSU star. In her first year, she won the Tag Titles with Miss April (AJ of WWE Smackdown). In her second year, she won the Spirit Title and went on to be the longest reigning & most reigning Spirit Champion in WSU history. During her reign as Spirit Champion, she tried to ascend to the next level, but was shut down by Mercedes Martinez in a title vs title match which ended when Savage got herself DQ’d. Last year, during Savage’s quest to win the WSU World title, he actually nailed Martinez with a bullrope and tied her to a car. WSU has signed 10 matches for this show.

– Saturday, June 25, 2011 7:00pm ET featuring The X-Series Fighting Championship at the Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxille, TN. Headlining the show will be a bout for both the 155 Grand Prix championship and the ISKA Tennessee state title. Top ranked Tyler Wilson(9-1) will defend the title against hometown favorite Scott Holtzman(4-0) in a rematch of the tournament’s 1st round. Holtzman is responsible for Wilson’s only loss, and you can be sure Wilson will be fighting with revenge on his mind. Wilson comes off a major upset victory over former #1 Jesse Grissom, while Holtzman advances to the finals with a stoppage of the tough Itai Tirado. The co-main event will be for the 145 Grand Prix championship, and will feature local favorite Billy “The Kid” Mullins(10-4) taking on former ISKA champion Chris Hall(6-4). Mullins has looked like a machine as of late and advances to the finals with a UD victory over previously undefeated James Foy. Hall has battled the very best in the southeast, and will be Mullins’ toughest task to date. He advanced to the championship round with a UD victory over the dangerous Alex Anderson. In addition to the finals, the main card will feature a bout for the ISKA Tennessee State title, as champion Matt Coakley(9-4) will defend against Tri Cities stud, Len Cook(9-1). The X Series 205 title will also be up for grabs, as Jake Fine(3-0) will defend against rising star, Dustin Long(3-0).

– Saturday, June 25, 2011 10:00pm ET featuring 2011 US Sumo Open at the Riviera Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV. The 2011 US Sumo Open will break all past records, with close to 60 international athlestes, from 12 contries expected, including three past and current World Sumo Champions, and over two dozen National Sumo Champions! You will not see sumo action like this, outside of Japan! NEW DECADE, NEW CITY The 11th Annual US Sumo Open will be held on Saturday, June 25, in conjunction with “USA World Championships”, a long-established and respected martial arts event. Total attendance throughout the martial arts weekend is expected to top 20,000 people, and the US Sumo Open will be one of the highlights of the entire gathering. Prior to winning his three World Champion titles, Byamba spent five years in pro sumo, and was on pace to rapidly advance to the highest division, before he left to compete overseas. This will be Byamba’s 5th consecutive US Sumo Open, and he is gunning for his 5th year of gold medals in a row! 6’1″, 350 lbs, Age: 26

– Sunday, June 26, 2011 4:00pm ET featuring Ring of Honor – Best of 2011 – ROH World Title Match; Eddie Edwards defends vs. Davey Richards, World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination Match; ROH World Tag Team Champions Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) defend vs. The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. The All Night Express (Rhett Titus & Kenny King) vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe, World TV Title Match: Special Challenge Match #1; Steve Corino with Jimmy Jacobs vs. Michael Elgin with Truth Martini, Special Challenge Match #2; ‘The Prodigy’ Mike Bennett vs. Jay Lethal, No Holds Barred Street Fight; Homicide vs. Rhino with The Embassy, Singles Action; Colt Cabana vs. Tommaso Ciampa with The Embassy

– Sunday, June 26, 2011 8:00pm ET featuring Death Match Tournament – Ignition Death Match Tournament – Ignition at the Casa Del Mexico in Los Angeles CA. This is a live TV taping! Belt time is 5 PM PDT. Featuring: Balls Mahoney vs Necro Butcher, *Flaming Tables Match; Supreme vs Mad Man Pondo, *Lighttubes & Barbwire Bats*; Carnage vs Youth Suicide, *4-Corner barbwire board w/ 10,000 Thumbtacks Match*; Corporal Robinson vs B.C. Killer, *Tai Pai Psycopathic Death Match*; Famous B vs Pinkie Sanchez vs Shiima Xion vs Lil Cholo, *Extreme TLC Match*;Amanda vs Mickie Knuckles, *Rat Traps & Thumbtack Bats LA Street Fight*; Josh Daniels vs Scorpio Sky *Pinfall by Submission ONLY!*

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

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5,000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 1.8 million public viewers last year with now over 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL combat sports genres currently include Boxing, MMA and Professional Wrestling. GFL offers expanded programming to include: Daily News & Radio Shows with feature interviews and industry updates along with great Fight Photos, Fighter Videos and a robust Calendar of Upcoming Fight Events.

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PART 1

PART 2

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that September 17th Welterweight bout between Floyd Mayweather and WBC champ Victor Ortiz will be televised by HBO PPV and will have some of HBO’s sister networks such as as TBS and TNT involved with promoting the telecast.

“We have finalized our deal with HBO. We obviously had very intense negotiations,” Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “What we wanted to do is ensure that all the different Time Warner (HBO’s parent company) assets will be in play one way or the other, including the Turner Broadcasting assets and the Time Inc. assets, which is their magazines.”

t is a significant development for HBO, which was rocked earlier this year by the loss of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao when Top Rank promoter Bob Arum took Pacquiao’s May 7 fight against Shane Mosley to rival Showtime, which handled the pay-per-view production and distribution.

Did that help Schaefer make a favorable deal?

“I’m sure it didn’t hurt,” he said. “Do I think HBO was especially motivated to get the biggest and widest exposure? Sure. HBO is very motivated, and Time Warner is very motivated to show the boxing world and public what they can do. I was negotiating with very willing partners.”

“We wanted to make sure all other assets that HBO has available will be fully utilized to support this fight and give it the widest possible exposure,” Schaefer said. “I am very happy that HBO Sports and HBO senior management were very open and that we had productive conversations, which fell on open ears. HBO seems very motivated and excited to show the world what they can do utilizing their vast array of assets.”

One concrete example of how the fight will gain wider exposure than just on HBO: The reality series “24/7,” which follows the buildup of major HBO PPV fights, will be replayed on one of the Turner networks, Schaefer said. The most likely would be TNT, TBS or truTV.

Schaefer said he did engage Showtime, which was interested in Mayweather-Ortiz.

“We had conversations with them,” Schaefer said. “We explored alternatives with Showtime, but we did not go that far.”

Schaefer also revealed the title of the fight: “Star Power.”

“Mayweather is the biggest star, and Victor Ortiz is one of the most powerful guys in the sport. He knocks everybody down,” Schaefer said. “You have a star fighting a guy with great power. You have a guy in Mayweather who attracts star power. You go to a Mayweather fight and it’s a who’s who showing up. It’s ‘Star Power.’”

“Floyd was very much involved as it relates to the marketing strategy. He came with very specific ideas and requests as it relates to what he wanted to see,” Schaefer said.

Schaefer also revealed that Saul Alvarez and Erik Morales could be part of a mega Pay Per View undercard lineup

“If we can get Canelo and Morales both on the pay-per-view, I think the sky’s the limit of what we can do in pay-per-view,” Schaefer said. “That would make it an even bigger event for the fans.”

Two anticipated undercard bouts that were tabbed for the July 23rd show that will features a 140 lb unification bout between Amir Khan and Zab Judah are off the card according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

The welterweight bout between Joel Julio and Antowne Smith has been called off for a second time due to a family emergency that Julio has to attend to and the Victor Cayo – Lamont Peterson bout has hit major stumbling blocks concerning contractual language.

The Peterson-Cayo fight, which will determine a mandatory challenger for the winner of the Khan-Judah bout, will now head to an IBF purse bid on July 5, Warriors Boxing promoter Leon Margules told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

Margules, who promotes Cayo, and Golden Boy had reached an agreement on the fight to take place July 23 rather than go to a purse bid.

“But Golden Boy came back to me and wanted to be my partner on Cayo if he won and I said OK, for a couple of fights,” Margules said. “We would co-promote him. Then the documents came back giving them control of my fighter and they wouldn’t agree to a full 50-50 promotion. They came to me in the first place, so if they didn’t want to agree to 50-50, no deal. When I told them that, they said they are passing on the fight. So now it goes back to a purse bid.

“We didn’t pull out of the fight, we pulled out of the deal. When I insisted on a 50-50 deal on the options they wanted to control the fighter during the option period and have final say on my fighter. I said no. If it’s a true 50-50 deal we both have to agree, not them having the tie-breaker.”

The Julio -Smith fight was scrapped again after Julio’s mother and sister were injured in an auto accident in their native Colombia over the weekend.

“I guess this fight is not meant to be,” said Jolene Mizzone, matchmaker for Main Events, Julio’s promoter.

Mizzone said Julio’s mother had broken ribs and that his sister also was injured.

“But he had to go down there to take care of them,” Mizzone said. “He flew down there right away to take care of them. I was giving it a couple of days to see if he was coming back up but he’s not coming back yet. He’s the only down there to care of them, so the fight is not happening.”

As unbeaten Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, who is 24-0, 18 K0s, and is ranked the #1 welterweight in the world behind WBO champion Manny Pacquiao, prepares to meet Raul Munoz (21-13-1, 16 KOs), of Leon, Mexico, on Saturday, June 25, at South Philly Arena, he has had an excellent training camp. Here are some quotes from Jones:

Mikes Jones Comments

• On facing non-ranked Raul Munoz on June 25: “I’m a professional. This is my job. Anytime I go out, whenever I go out, I’m going to put my best effort forth. I’m going to prepare myself like it’s a world championship fight because I’m trying my best to be one of the greatest out there. That’s my dream.”

• On fighting in his hometown for the first time in more than two years: “This fight means a lot to me, obviously, because I’m back home for the first time in more than two years. I want to look my best when I’m at home, just like I do when I’m anywhere else. It’s kind of a different feeling when you’re at home, because you really want to perform. Like Manny Pacquiao says, I want to do it for the fans. That’s what I want to do. I want to look my best for the fans. I want to look great in there.”

• What Jones learned from his two fights with Jesus Soto-Karass: “If I stick to the game plan and be patient, great things will happen. Those fights were a learning experience to help me with my future fights.”

• On the second Soto-Karass fight: “I wanted to show everybody that I could box. I can punch. I can do it all. On any given night, I can bring out the boxer, I can bring out the slugger. I’m just working on my game…to be the best at both of them. It’s satisfying to know I can go the distance. I’m going to be fighting guys ranked number 2, number 3, guys that can’t be knocked out. I always knew I could go the distance but I wanted to show the world that I could and be a good boxer.”

• On being ranked #1 by the WBO: “I’ve heard about it. I rarely look at that but it’s impossible not to. It’s great to be looked at that way. I’m a work in progress. I’m always working to try to get better.”

• Future plans: “I want a big fight, anybody in the Top 10, whatever the fans want. I think I’m ready for a title shot right now. It doesn’t hurt to get more seasoning. It doesn’t hurt to get a couple more fights before I go for a title shot because I know when I get in my best shape I can contend with the best of them.”

• On his ultimate goal of fighting Manny Pacquiao: “I can get a call any day to fight a guy like Manny Pacquiao so I gotta be in great shape all the time. As for me, I feel I can beat him because I got 100% confidence in myself. I feel as though I can beat anybody in the welterweight division. Pacquiao will bring far more than exposure. Any time you fight a Manny Pacquiao you’re also going to see seven digits ($) so that’s gotta be a dream come true for me and my family.”

• When did you start boxing: “I’ve been training since I was 15 years old, hard…non-stop. I always wanted to be a champion since I stepped foot in the boxing ring. I wanted to be great and I’m motivated to be one of the great fighters in the world.”

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Mike Jones vs. Raul Munoz, co-promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and Joe Hand Promotions, takes place Saturday, June 25, at the South Philly Arena, 7 West Ritner Street (next to Forman Mills). The scheduled 10-round contest will be televised live by Fox Sports Net at 10 pm EST as part of the Top Rank Live! Series. First of 7 fights: 8 pm.