Fight fans attending tonight’s nationally televised event at the Fairfield Sports Center in Fairfield, California will get a glimpse at two of the most promising young fighters in the country, let alone the state. Both Guy Robb of Sacramento and Roman Morales of San Ardo continue their blossoming careers on the non-televised undercard of tonight’s Telefutura Solo Boxeo telecast.

Robb (2-0, 1 KO) returns to the Fairfield Sports Center for the second consecutive month as he takes on debuting Manuel Morales of Orosi, California in a four-round lightweight bout. Last month Robb’s opponent came in over the contracted weight, but the former amateur standout took the fight anyway and scored two knockdowns en route to a four-round unanimous decision.

Somewhat ironically, Robb’s opponent tonight also came in heavy, three pounds over at 136 to be exact. Robb, who scared two pounds under at 131, did not seemed bothered by the turn of events. “I feel strong and we trained hard for him,” said Robb confidently after the weigh-in. “Some people are just more disciplined than others, but I am just worried about myself and doing what I am supposed to do.”

“Guy Robb is going to punish the kid for doing that,” says Robb’s manager Repo Ric. “He is going to punish him. You better believe that.” Ric, who also manages Morales and a third fighter on the card, Carlos Musquez, was pleased by Robb’s performance last month. “He brought a crowd and he did a good job last time. The kid [he fought] was 142-pounds, and Guy Robb was 133. The fight shouldn’t have taken place, but Guy Robb said he could do it, so I said ok go ahead and do it. We knocked the kid down twice to make sure we had that win.”

Robb is excited to be staying busy and looks forward to continuing this pace throughout the 2011. “I am happy, and I hear it is going to be like this all year,” said Robb. “So we are happy, my team is happy and Repo Ric is doing a great job. We are just going to stay in the gym, grind this year out and hopefully we get them every month.”

Morales (1-0, 1 KO) of San Ardo, California turned pro on February 4th with a first-round knockout of normally durable Shaun Solomon in Santa Ynez, California. Tonight Morales will take on a fighter better than his record would indicate in Danny Pantoja (0-3-2) of Fairfield in a four-round super bantamweight bout. Morales, who capped his stellar amateur career with a gold medal at the prestigious Four Nations Tournament last November, a fight fall out at the end of last month and is ready and raring to go tonight. “I was a little anxious to get a fight and I am happy to have a fight now,” said Morales. “I have trained really hard for it, and I am ready to go out there and do what I have to do.”

In preparation for tonight’s bout, Morales, promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, got in some quality work with world ranked super featherweight contender Eloy Perez, who is preparing for a fight in April. “I had some great sparring with Eloy,” said Morales. “He is really talented and he is really fast. He has a really fast jab and also some good power, so I definitely have to move. Also, he puts on lots of pressure and makes me work. That is what I like. He also lets me work, and I thank for helping me out.”

Morales’ opponent Pantoja came in at 125-pounds, while the San Ardo native scaled 123. Morales will have a strong cheering section making the drive up to Fairfield from the Central Valley tonight, and plans to send them home happy. “They should expect a win,” said Morales. “I am here to win and that’s all.”

Repo Ric, ever the boxing hype man, has a pitch to any fight fan still thinking about coming out to the Fairfield Sports Center tonight. “You’ve got Guy Robb, and man he is a beast,” says Repo with conviction. “As soon as they piss him off, he is coming with it. So the crowd is going to love that. You’ve got Roman Morales, who is just smooth the man is. He will stay in the pocket with you all day long, so you better be moving around. Then you got Carlos Musquez, he is a sleeper. He’s got a trainer Ray Woods that’s teaching him good defense, so you better watch out for him. You better be here. Get your popcorn, get your beer and get ready.”

Any tickets remaining for tonight’s event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions, Jorge Marron Productions and Paco Presents will be sold at the door. In the televised main event, Antonio Escalante takes on Alejandro Perez in a ten-round super featherweight bout. In the co-main event, Carlos Musquez battles Clint Coronel in a six-round light middleweight fight.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, one-time pound for pound king and now faded legend Roy Jones Jr. will travel to Moscow, Russia to take on former world cruiserweight title challenger Denis Lebedev on May 22nd.

On Thursday evening, Jones signed on to face rugged cruiserweight contender Denis Lebedev on May 22 in Moscow, John Wirt, CEO of Jones’ Square Ring promotional company, told ESPN.com.

Wirt said the fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, will take place at cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds.

“I actually think he beat Huck and got ripped off in Germany,” Wirt said. “I think he’s the legitimate WBO cruiserweight champion and he is one of the toughest opponents in the division.”

“I do believe the weight is to Roy’s advantage,” Wirt said. “Roy has had a lot of trouble getting down to 175 pounds in the last few fights. He was so dried out for the Hopkins fight and I think that showed in his performance.”

“We didn’t budge and they came to our number and when they did, we signed,” he said.

“We had some different things on the table. We had an offer in Canada, something in the U.S., but this was a unique opportunity,” Wirt said. “How many big fights have been in Russia? That was kind of a neat aspect that was intriguing about this. Roy has no problem and no issue with going to Russia. He is not concerned about fighting over there. We’ll have fair judges and a fair referee. We’ve already been in contact with the Russian federation to make sure we know all the rules.”

Undefeated Featherweight Miguel Angel Garcia talks to 15rounds.com about his March 26th showdown with Matt Remillard that will be on HBO

Purse bids have been cancelled at the 11th hour when heavyweight International boxing promoter Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions (USA), in conjunction with leading Australian promoter Grange Old School Boxing finalized a deal with Chris Meyer of Sauerland Promotions (Germany) which left all parties smiling.

As a result, the former IBO (International Boxing Organization) Middleweight Champion and the current IBF (International Boxing Federation) No.1 rated mandatory challenger, Australian Geale will fight the World Champion Sebastian Sylvester of Germany on May 7th at the Jahnsport Stadium in Neubrandenburg, Germany and attempt to place his name beside the likes of Marvin Hagler, Bernard Hopkins, Arthur Abraham and Roy Jones Junior as the 10th person to hold the prestigious IBF Middleweight World Champion.

Taking a World Title off a German champion on German soil is widely regarded as mission impossible and a feat which evaded several Australian boxers in the past including the talents of Danny Green and Anthony Mundine. It is often quipped within boxing circles that – “even a knockout in Germany does not guarantee a win”.

Victory in this contest would cement Daniel ‘The Real Deal’ Geale into the Australian history books and elevate him into what is a small and elite group of men whom have left Germany with a World title.

Well aware of the obstacles ahead and which need to be overcome, Daniel commented – “After the fight with Roman Karmazin I knew it was then only a matter of time. I have been in training constantly and I’ve felt such a growth and development in my boxing and am in the best shape of my life.”

“With seven (7) weeks to go my trainer Graham Shaw will step up preparations to have me peaking in condition and ultimately, relieve Sylvester of his belt and bring it home to Australia”.

“Sylvester is a great champion with multiple defenses to his credit, but this is my time and I won’t be denied”

“As the defending champion, I expect Sylvester to be at the top of his game, but again, this is my time and I’ve been preparing mentally for this since November last year after I beat the former champion Roman Karmazin to earn the right as the mandatory challenger. It’s taken 20 years, 190+ combined Amateur and Professional fights (26 of those as a professional).”

“I’ve earned a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in that time and I’m very proud of that fact, but nothing will surpass winning a world title. It’s been a long, demanding road to get here and whilst I go in as the challenger, I do intend to leave as the champion”.

If Daniel’s ever improving performances over the past two (2) years are any indication, Geale goes in to this fight as the ‘Real Deal’ contender with the upmost live and legitimate chance of success. His systematic demolition of world class opponents Roman Karmazin and Kariz Kariuki in recent times following his stellar performance against Anthony Mundine have put everyone on notice that he has the style and technique to not only worry the best, but more importantly, beat the best!

A true ambassador of the sport and widely regarded as one of nature’s true gentlemen, the softly spoken thrashing machine eats, sleeps and drinks boxing, training at Grange Old School Boxing under the astute Graeme Shaw six (6) mornings a week, followed by leading and training a 70+ strong amateur club over two (2) sessions, four (4) nights a week.

Daniel trains students from Magdalene Catholic College weekly, conducts regular Boxercise training with NRL club – the Wests Tigers, conducts 1 on 1 personal training several times a week and seems to be at a different amateur boxing show every other night whilst maintaining responsibility and commitment to his supportive wife and 3 children, a world class achievement in itself.

Upon success, Grange Old School Boxing and Daniel Geale will look to make the first defense of the title back in Australia, most likely in Daniel’s home state of Tasmania and proudly saying thank you to everyone who has supported him from day one.

This event from Germany will be televised through Main Event PPV on both the Foxtel and Optus networks and presents a fantastic opportunity for the rising number of Geale fans to witness what will surely be a memorable contest and a proud day in Australian boxing, and importantly Australian sporting history…

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Jr, Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi will face Jose Cotto on April 9 as part of the Marcos Maidana – Erik Morales Pay Per View in Las Vegas.

“I think it’s a good opportunity. It’s a logical next step up in level of opponent for me at welterweight,” Malignaggi told ESPN.com on Monday night. “It’s a great opportunity to be showcased on a card like this. It’ll give me some good TV exposure. I’m very happy with the progress I’m making and this is the next step to get back up the ladder. It’s a good fight for me. Las Vegas, MGM Grand, HBO PPV. I’m excited. How could I not be?”

“Cotto is an action fighter. He comes to fight, he comes forward,” Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer said. “This is a big opportunity for him to be in Las Vegas and on pay-per-view again against Paulie Malignaggi. He feels it is a very winnable fight and he is convinced he will win. For Malignaggi, he’s been a champion at 140 pounds. Now he wants to make a name for himself at 147.”

“I really don’t think about that too much, but I guess when you do think about it, that factors into it,” Malignaggi said. “I fought Miguel Cotto, now I’m fighting Jose Miguel Cotto. They’re brothers, but I fought the better Cotto back in 2006. But having fought a Cotto, I know you have to come prepared. Jose Miguel Cotto may not have the resume of his brother, but he’s a good fighter. Both of his losses (to Alvarez and a lightweight title bout to Juan Diaz in 2006) came to name fighters. Both of our records have losses that have come only to name fighters. He’s always solid, always gives his best. But he’s a guy, if I am going to make my way back up the boxing ladder, he’s a guy I’m supposed to beat. He’s a guy I should beat pretty handily. I shouldn’t have a competitive fight with Jose Miguel Cotto in my eyes.”

“Following his loss to Khan, Paulie wanted to move up to welterweight. He felt it was time to see what he can do at 147 pounds,” Schaefer said. “He’s a very talented fighter. He’s a very good boxer, but not known as a knockout puncher. But to move up to 147 and the first guy he fights, he not only wins, he knocks him out. I have to say I was pretty impressed. It was a great first impression at 147 and first impressions count. I was impressed with that performance. So here he goes again at 147 against Cotto, a fighter who [Alvarez] had a little bit of trouble with.”

NEW YORK (March 21, 2011) – Josh Thornburg (6-2), of Stockton, Calif., a member of the Cesar Gracie Fight Team who’s coached and cornered by STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz, will replace an injured Conor Heun and face James Terry (9-2), of Livermore, Calif., in a televised 165 pound catch weight fight of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif., on Friday, April 1, live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Heun, of Los Angeles, tore ligaments in a knee during training and had to withdraw.

The up-and-coming, ultra-tough Thornburg had won two in a row and six of seven until losing his last start to local favorite and more-experienced Roger Bowling in a non-televised fight of STRIKEFORCE: Feijao vs. Hendo last March 5 in Columbus, Ohio.

Thornburg dropped a unanimous decision to Bowling, who had much to prove after being defeated by Bobby Voelker in his previous start, but the 6-foot, 26-year-old was competitive, rallied to have a good second round and nearly locked up a guillotine in the closing seconds.

“There’s no such thing as a moral victory and I was very disappointed I couldn’t get it done (against Bowling),’’ Thornburg said. “Going in, I was super confident. But I appreciate that I’m getting a chance to come right back and fight in my hometown on SHOWTIME.’’

Tickets, starting at $20, are on sale for STRIKEFORCE’s first fight in Stockton at the Stockton Arena ticket office, online at www.StocktonTickets.com, by phone at (209) 373-1700 or (866) 373-7088 and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

The first non-televised, undercard fight will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m.

In the main event, former NCAA wrestling stud Justin “The Silverback’’ Wilcox (10-3), of San Jose, Calif., will face Rodrigo Damm (9-4) of Brazil in a lightweight bout. Other fights on SHOWTIME: 2008 Judo Olympic Games Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (4-1), of Japan, makes his STRIKEFORCE debut against kickboxing specialist Scott Lighty (6-1), of San Luis Obispo, Calif., in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) bout, David “Tarzan” Douglas (6-2), of Antioch, Calif., will take on Caros “The Future” Fodor (7-2), of Kirkland, Wash., at 155 pounds, and Tarzan’s unidentical twin, Damian (3-1), of Antioch, will meet Wayne Phillips (5-3), of San Jose.

About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.STRIKEFORCE.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

Dante Jardon needed just 1:44 to stop Humberto Martinez in a scheduled twelve round Jr. Lightweight bout in Salon, Mexico

Jardon dropped Martinez with a vicious uppercut to the chin and moments later it was another hard uppercut that sent Martinez to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Jardon is now 16-1 with fourteen knockouts. Martinez is now 24-6-1.

Jonathan Duran and Rodrigo Mejia fought to a eight round draw in a Welterweight bout.

Duran of Mexico is now 11-1-1. Mejia of Laredo, TX is now 4-3-2.

David Carmona scored a six round majority decision over Jose Amador in a Flyweight bout.

Carmona is now 5-1-2. Amador is 3-3

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former 140 lb world champion Devon Alexander will take on hard punching Lucas Matthysse on June 25th most likely in St. Louis

“I made a deal with (Alexander’s promoter Don)King and I made one also with my fighter, so we are in,” said Matthysse’s promoter Richard Schaefer.

“This is one of those crossroads fights,” Schaefer said. “The winner is right back in the mix at 140 pounds, which is one of the most exciting weight classes in boxing. Lucas Matthysse is always in exciting fights.”

“I think it will be a great fight,” Cunningham said. “Matthysse is one of the most dangerous 140 pounders and these are the type of fights Devon wants. He knows he has to bounce back from the Bradley fight. He can’t take some no-name opponent. He has to fight one of the top guys in the division and Matthysse is one of the most dangerous opponents we could have possibly chosen.

“If you want to be considered one of the best in your division, you have to fight the best guys in your division. That’s what you have to do. Devon feels like he blew a great opportunity by not performing up to his potential against Tim Bradley. He feels like Matthysse is a more dangerous fighter than Bradley. Bradley is no puncher and Matthysse is big puncher. Matthysse has punching ability and some skill.”

“Devon Alexander is a great young fighter, but things didn’t really work out for him the Bradley fight,” Schaefer said. “He’s coming back against Matthysse, who many believe won the fight with Judah. For Devon Alexander to do a tune-up fight, that won’t get him anywhere, and for Lucas Matthysse to do another tune-up fight, that won’t get him anywhere either. He could have stayed in Argentina and had another tune-up fight, but he didn’t want that. “He wanted a fight like this because he knows a win will increase his potential to be back in an even bigger fight.”

Following his stellar performance in his professional debut, winning by TKO, welterweight prospect Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien will be returning to the ring April 9 as part of the undercard for the Tomasz Adamek and Kevin McBride heavyweight fight at the Prudential Center.

Tickets have recently been made available for the fight and due to the rising popularity of the top prospect, it is likely that they will sell out fast.

“Two weeks ago I went out and did everything Lou and I trained for,” said O’Brien. “It felt great to win by TKO and give the fans a good show. Now it back to business and I have my focus on the April 9 fight.”

O’Brien is quickly becoming a fan favorite to New Jersey boxing fans. In his debut he put on a performance that was reminiscent of a young Arturo Gatti. O’Brien was relentless with his attack and wore down his opponent punch by punch until the fight was ended.

Having garnered much attention on both a national and local level leading up to his professional debut, O’Brien delivered to his fans and erased any questions marks skeptics may have had on his level of skill.

“I felt like I went out there in my debut and showed all the doubters that I am the real deal, and showed all my supporters what they have been believing in,” said O’Brien. “I am excited to get back into the ring April 9, and I want to stay busy and keep winning so the whole world becomes familiar with the name Vinny O’Brien.”

O’Brien trains under the watchful eye of former heavyweight knockout artist Lou Esa at Final Round Boxing in Whippany and works relentlessly to achieve his goal of becoming world champion in the near future.

“Boxing is my life, both in and out of the ring,” said O’Brien. “I want to bring class back to the sport, and I want boxing fans to look at the sport the way they did years ago. I know that boxing will always be a major part of my life.”

Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien is quickly becoming a household name and potentially may be the most exciting up-and-coming fighter boxing has seen in years. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch NJ’s welterweight prospect go to battle April 9 at the Prudential Center.

To purchase tickets contact Lou Esa at 973-885-7962. For more information on Vinny visit www.thelionobrien.com.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
Earlier tonight, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, presented an exciting five bout card before a packed house at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY (Long Island). Star Boxing’s hometown favorite and undefeated jr. welterweight prospect Chris Algieri, headlined the card, as he took on Philadelphia’s Julias Edmonds.

Algieri came out fast and hard in the first, setting the pace from the opening bell. Algieri worked behind a stiff jab and scored well with both hands.

In the 2nd, Algieri began digging a vicious left hook to the body that continously found its mark. Algieri used beautiful footwoork to position himself to set up the left hook to the body that began breaking Edmonds down.

ALGIERI (L) VS. EDMONDS

In the fourth another left hook to the body sent Edmonds to the ropes and Algieri was immediately all over him, landing a vicious flurry that sent Edmonds down for the first time in the fight. Edmonds beat the count but was visibly hurt. As soon as the action resumed Algieri jumped all over him, landing shot after shot. With Edmonds covering, the referee mercifully called a halt to the contest. Official time of the stoppage was 2:24 of the fourth round. With the highly impressive performance Algieri improved to 11-0, 6KO’s and looks to be well on his way towards becoming a serious contender in the loaded jr. welterweight division.

In the co-feature bout of the evening, former four-time national champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate, Adam “Showtime” Willett won a dominate four round unanimous decision over Sharieff Hayes in their cruiserweight contest. It was the first time back in the ring for Willett, who nearly lost his life last year when he was shot in the chest.

WILLET (R) VS. HAYES

Willett didn’t show much ring rust as he continously peppered Hayes with combinations to both the body and head throughout the bout. Hayes hung tough but wasn’t able to put together much offense against the quick handed Willett. In the end Willett pitched a shutout, winning by scores of 40-36 on all three judges scorecards improving his record to 2-1 as a pro.

UNDERCARD ACTION

In the opening bout of the night, Polish amateur star, Kamil Laszczyk scored a spectacular 2nd round knockout over Luquan Lewis. After a dominate first round, Laszczyk landed a tremendous overhand right near the end of the second that sent Lewis through the ropes completely unconscious. Lewis’s body lay draped over the 2nd rope until ringside physicians came to his aid and laid him back in the ring. Very impressive performance for Laszczyk who was accompanied into the ring by top-rated Polish jr. middleweight contender Pawel Wolak. Laszczyk improved to 2-0, 2KO’s.

OTHER RESULTS

Danny Valle W4 Siddell Blocker

Joseliz Cepeda W4 Corey White

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

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
All participants for Star Boxing’s “March Mayhem” card at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY (Long Island) weighed-in today at the NYS commission’s office. Below are the weigh-in results.

MAIN EVENT CHRIS ALGIERI (L) VS. JULIAS EDMONDS

Main Event – Jr. Welterweight
8 Rounds

Chris Algieri – 141 1/4 lbs.
Vs.
Julias Edmonds – 137 1/2 lbs.
____________________________

Cruiserweights
4 Rounds

Adam Willett – 204 lbs.
Vs.
Sharieff Hayes – 189 lbs.
__________________________

Lightweights
4 Rounds

Danny Valle – 132 lbs.
Vs.
Sidell Blocker – 133 lbs.
___________________________

Super Featherweights
4 Rounds

Joseliz Cepeda – 128 lbs.
Vs.
Corey White – 130 1/4 lbs.
__________________________

Lightweights
4 Rounds

Kamil Laszczyk – 134 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Luquan Lewis – 136 1/4 lbs.
__________________________

***THE ISSOUF KINDA VS JORGE RUIZ BOUT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH RUIZ’S MEDICALS***

*** ALL BOUTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Tickets for “March Mayhem” are priced at $100 for Gold Ringside (first row), $75 Ringside, and $50 for General Admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at 718 823-2000, or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Plattduetsche tomorrow starting at 1PM. Doors open at 6:45PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The Plattduetsche Park Restaurant is located at 1132 Hempstead Tpke, Franklin Square, NY 11010.

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

LOS ANGELES, March 16 – Golden Boy Promotions is extremely pleased to announce the signing of Two-Division World Champion Nonito Donaire to its roster of fighters. The 28-year-old native of the Philippines is coming off of a dominant second round stoppage of Fernando Montiel on February 19, which earned him the WBC and WBO Bantamweight World Titles. Now, as he looks to continue his reign as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers today, “The Filipino Flash” has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Golden Boy Promotions.

“Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we’re going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years.”

“I’m honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team, with,” said Donaire. “I’m going to fight my heart out every time I’m in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see.”

A native of Talibon, Bohol, Philippines who now resides in San Leandro, California, Donaire (26-1, 18 KO’s) is unbeaten since his lone loss in his first year as a professional in 2001. Since then, he has defeated everyone put in his path, and in July of 2007, he won the IBF and IBO Flyweight World Titles with a fifth round knockout of then-unbeaten Vic “Raging Bull” Darchiniyan. He went on to defend his titles three times before winning the WBA Super Flyweight Interim World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Rafael “Torito” Concepcion in August of 2009, which he then successfully defended in August of 2010 against Hernan “Tyson” Marquez. Following the Marquez fight, Donaire moved up to the bantamweight division where in just his second bout at the new weight, he shocked the boxing world with the ease with which he dominated Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel in February. In 2011, Donaire will look to defend his new crown with Golden Boy Promotions in his corner.

About Golden Boy Promotions:

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. In 2007, in its fifth year of promoting, Golden Boy Promotions set a record by selling over 2.5 million in pay-per-view homes in a single night. Also in 2007, Golden Boy Promotions established the record for highest grossing pay-per-view homes in a single year with more than 4 million total. In 2009, the company broke records again by breaking the million mark in pay-per-view homes again with the return of Floyd Mayweather against Juan Manuel Marquez. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the United States and the world on networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, HBO Plus, SHOWTIME, TeleFutura, Televisa, ESPN2 and Fox Sports Net.

Golden Boy Promotions currently has over 70 fighters under contract, from future Hall of Famers Bernard Hopkins and Juan Manuel Marquez to current world champions and superstars Nonito Donaire, Amir Khan, David Haye, Saul Alvarez and Chris John. Also included on the company’s roster are top contenders Marcos Maidana, Robert Guerrero, Victor Ortiz, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Librado Andrade and Abner Mares as well as highly regarded prospects Adrien Broner, Danny Garcia, Frankie Gomez, Erislandy Lara, Seth Mitchell, Carlos Velasquez and Deontay Wilder.

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Teon Kennedy talks about his March 26 showdown with fellow unbeaten Jorge Diaz

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, March 15 – Amir “King” Khan will lead a fantastic bill on Saturday, April 16 as he returns home to defend his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against undefeated European Champion Paul McCloskey at the M.E.N Arena.

In what is sure to be an action-packed night presented by Hatton Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, some of British boxing’s hottest prospects will be featured including world title contender and European Middleweight Champion Matthew Macklin who takes on savvy German Khoren Gevor, British Welterweight Champion Craig Watson who will defend his belt against Lee “Lights Out” Purdy and rising star Scott Quigg lined up to face tough Andrei Isaeu.

“I am proud to showcase some of the most exiting and talented young champions from the Hatton Promotions stable on what I believe is one of the best undercards that has been staged in the history of the M.E.N. Arena,” said Hatton Promotions president Ricky Hatton. “The chief support for this card sees Matthew Macklin take on Khoren Gevor, with the winner looking for a world title shot.

“It is the philosophy of Hatton Promotions to stage well matched and entertaining fights. Craig Watson, Scott Quigg, Martin Murray and Anthony Crolla are four champions who are never in a dull fight and who will hopefully be challenging for world titles themselves in the near future,” Hatton continued. “On top of that, we have prospects like Richard Towers, Adam Etches, Tasif Khan and Dezzie Higginson all hoping to make their mark as they move up the professional rankings.”

President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya agreed when he stated, “When we decided to bring Amir’s next fight back to his hometown fans in Manchester, we wanted to have a stacked undercard to support him. This is exactly what the fans will be getting on April 16, with an excellent co-feature of Macklin vs. Gevor along with the other British stars being featured. We’re also excited to bring Ireland’s up-and-coming star Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh closer to home in his first professional fight outside of the United States.”

The full fight list includes: Matthew Macklin vs. Khoren Gevor, Craig Watson vs. Lee Purdy (British welterweight title) Scott Quigg vs. Andrei Isaeu (WBA super bantamweight interim title), Martin Murray vs. John Carvalho (WBA middleweight interim title),Dezzie Higginson vs. Andy Murray, Jamie Kavanagh vs. TBA, Richard Towers vs. TBA, Adam Etches vs. TBA and Tasif Khan vs. TBA.

“King Khan Returns,” the WBA super lightweight championship fight featuring Amir “King” Khan defending his title against undefeated European Champion Paul McCloskey on April 16 at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester, is a 12 round bout presented by Hatton Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will produced and broadcast live on Sky Box Office and in high definition on Sky Box Office HD in the U.K., with the main event being aired on a delayed basis in United States on HBO.

U.K. viewers can order the fight on Sky Box Office for £14.95 by calling 08442 410 888.

Tickets for Khan vs. McCloskey, priced at £300, £200, £125, £75, £50 and £40, are on sale now and may be purchased at the M.E.N. Arena Box Office, by calling +44(0)8448478000, or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.men-arena.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.amirkhanworld.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AmirKingKhan or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/AmirKhanTheOfficialPage.

March 14, 2011 – With his recent victory over once beaten Manuel Leyva (18-2, 10 KO’s), former three time World Champion and Olympic Gold medal winner, Joel Casamayor (38-5-1, 22 KO’s) is seeking fights against anyone in the top ten at Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight.

“I know I can compete at the top level,” said Casamayor. “I just beat Leyva who had only been beaten once in eighteen fights. My only losses in the past five years are to Juan Manuel Marquez and Robert Guerrero, who many consider to be the best in the lightweight division. My track record shows that I’ll fight anyone, anytime so I want to let everyone know that I’m not going anywhere. My goal is to keep wining, and eventually get another title shot at Lightweight or Jr. Welterweight.”

Luis Decubas Jr., who manages Casamayor went on to say, “Joel is an elite fighter and anyone he fights will have their hands full. I’m looking to get him right back in the ring against a top level opponent as soon as possible

Rocktagon MMA is back in action at the North Olmsted Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted, OH on March 26th 2011. Headlining the show is a bantamweight rematch featuring submission specialist Dante Pennachio vs the ultra-intense Rob Miller. Both fighters are known for their explosiveness in the cage and are sure to entertain with their action packed styles. Rocktagon is also featuring their first ever female co-main event between Marcia May and Trisha Barr which also happens to be a rematch. Both of these fights were so exciting that Rocktagon had to run them back and give the fans the fistic fury they have come to expect from the nation’s fastest growing promotion.

The Breakdown:

Main Event 135 lb Title:

Dante Pennachio holds a very impressive record of 4-1 with his only loss coming to Miller. Dante has won all of fights by submission and is known as a fight finisher. He will be looking to make a statement in this fight by taking Miller out early.

Vs.

Rob Miller (8-2) has fought in an unbelievable 7 championship bouts. Rob brings a high paced, boxing and wrestling style to the cage and is well known for his relentless style. This will be Rob’s first fight in the Rocktagon arena.

Co-Main Event:

Marcia May (4-3) has fought some of Ohio’s best including Jessica Eye and Ronda Gale. Marcia brings a crippling submission game, with all of her wins coming by way of tapout. Marcia’s experience and savvy ground techniques should make her the fighter to beat in 2011.

Vs.

Trisha Barr (3-4) is a ground shark in her own right, finishing all three opponents by submission. Trisha is a dominant force and is looking to redeem her loss to May in a big way. This could be the best female fight of the new year.

Make sure you reserve your seat now as it is about to go down, as two of the area’s best 135 pound fighters lock horns in the nation’s fastest growing promotion.

*Card and Schedule Subject to Change
“Cage Stars Amateur Elite Series 4” is brought to you by Lone Tree Tavern. Don’t miss this exciting night of fights! Join Rocktagon MMA on Saturday, March 26th at North Olmsted Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted, OH. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET. Fights begin at 7:00 pm ET. Tickets range from $20.00 to $40.00 at the door. Call 440-934-4662 for more information.

About Rocktagon MMA:

Ohio based Rocktagon MMA is a premier mixed martial arts and entrainment group dedicated to hosting quality events and taking highly skilled MMA fighters from obscurity to the National level. At Rocktagon MMA we treat each fighter like an individual business. We focus on the fighter, their skills, and their image, as we help them build a strong presence in the mixed martial arts arena.

On April 2, 2011, Patricia “Patty Boom Boom” Alcviar 4-0(3KO) will join in the fight against breast cancer in the ‘Fight(s) for the Pink’ at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. 50 cents from every ticket sold will be donated to the South Florida Affiliate to go toward breast cancer awareness, screening, treatment and research. The fight is scheduled on the undercard of WBC (CABOFE) Heavyweight Championship fight where the champ Jason “The Sensation” Gavern 19-7(8KO) will face Darnell Wilson23-11(20KO).

Alcivar, the former national amateur champion, will face tested Savanna “The Lioness” Hill 7-8 in what should prove to be an action packed fight. Alcivar is coming off of a dominating 4 round UD win over Laura Gomez on March 4th, and is staying busy with this fight versus the veteran Hill.

First fight is at 2pm and the tickets for this event are $25, $49, and $98 (Ringside). There are also Corporate Suites and Ringside tables available that come with in park Signage. For Tickets call 954-826-4557 or visiting http://www.wix.com/jsizzle141/boomboomtickets

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®: Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. The South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. They join more than 1million breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®, the Komen South Florida Affiliate has invested over $10 million in community breast health programs in our service area of Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay in our service area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Grants Program to fund research. For more information, call 561-514-3020 or visit www.komensouthflorida.org.

Follow all the action LIVE from the MGM Grand as Miguel Cotto defends the WBA Super Welterweight championship and Ricardo Mayorga. There will be a three fight undercard beginning at 9pm est/6pm pac time featuring Yuri Foreman battling Pawel Wolak; IBF Lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez defending against Mandatory challenger Lenny Zappavigna as well as NFL Safety Tommy Zbikowski taking on Rich Bryant

REFRESH BROWSER FOR MINUTE BY MINUTE UPDATES

12 ROUNDS–WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–MIGUEL COTTO (35-2, 28 KO’S) VS RICARDO MAYORGA (29-7-1, 23 KO’S)

Round 1: Counter left from Cotto…Mayorga chops a right to the head…Big body shot by Cotto…Chopping right from Mayorga…tradong left hooks…good left hook from Cotto…10-9 Cotto

Round 2: Brawl on the ropes huge shots and an uppercut from Mayorga…Good right from Cotto…Jab…Uppercut from Mayorga…Flurry…19-19

Round 3 Cotto lands a left hook..Mayorga lands a right and BEGS COTTO TO FIGHT…Cotto lands 2 body shots…Good right to the chin…29-28 Cotto

Round 4 Mayorga lands a nice right…good body shot…combination…38-38

Round 5 Mayorga showboats and gets caught with body punches and uppercuts…Head shots…2 rights from Mayorga…Wicked exchange that is highlighted by a Cotto left hook..Mayorga lands a chopping right…left hook to the chin by Cotto…48-47 Cotto

Round 6 Cotto left uppercut…Mayorga combo to the body…Cotto lands a jab…counter left and right uppercut…58-56 Cotto

Round 7 Mayorga lands 2 rights…uppercut on inside..right uppercut…Right buckled Cotto….67-66 Cotto

Round 8 Cotto lands a left hook…Cotto counters with the left…Hard jab..Swelling around the right eye of Mayorga…Good combination..Mayorga lands a straight right…77-75 Cotto

Round 9 Left from Mayorga…Cotto jabbing..Mayorga lands a head combo..another combo…Cotto lands a jab…and another…Big uppercut from Mayorga…86-85 Cotto

Round 10 Good jab from Cotto…Great triple jab…another jab…96-94 Cotto

Round 11 Mayorga showboating and mocking Cotto…Good defense from Cotto at the end of the round…106-103 Cotto

ROUND 12 HUGE SHOT AND DOWN GOES MAYORGA…HE TAKES A HUGE JAB AND ASKS REFEREE ROBERT BYRD TO STOP THE FIGHT…MAYORGA MAY HAVE HURT HIS HAND WHEN HE GOT KNOCKDOWN…IT WAS A BIG LEFT HOOK FROM COTTO TO THE HEAD

10 ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–YURI FOREMAN (28-1, 8 KO’S) VS PAWEL WOLAK (28-1, 18 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Wolak stalking…Big right to the head..combination…10-9 Wolak

Round 2 Foreman lands a jab…Wolak lands a right on the ropes…20-18 Wolak

Round 3 Uppercut on inside by Foreman…Good counter..counter right..combination to the head..Wolak gets in a chopping right..good body punches and head from Wolak and another right…30-28 Wolak

Round 4: Wolak landing right..right inside..Foreman 2 body shots…Good right…Right from Wolak..Right hurts Foreman…3 more big rights at the bell…40-37 Wolak

Round 5: Wolak lands a right…Hard rights on the ropes…Foreman lands a right and left uppercut…hard right from Wolak…Left…Foreman lands an uppercut…50-46 Wolak

Round 6: Wolak lands a combinations…Swelling around left eye of Wolak..Big finish from Wolak…60-55 Wolak—FOREMAN QUITS ON THE STOOL

Round 7

4 ROUNDS HEAVYWEIGHTS–TOMMY ZBIKOWSKI (1-0, 1 KO) VS RICH BRYANT (1-2, 1 KO)

ROUND 1 Tommy Z lands a right…Big right…LEFT HOOK DOWN GOES BRYANT AND REFEREE RUSSELL MORA STOPS THE BOUT

12 ROUNDS–IBF LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE–MIGUEL VAZQUEZ (27-3, 12 KO’S) VS LENNY ZAPPAVIGNA (25-0, 17KO’s)

Round 1 Vazquez Jabs…Vazquez lands a right..comb from Vazquez at the bell 10-9 Vazquez

Round 2:Vazquez lands a left hook..Left hook counter..Good jab 20-18 Vazquez

Round 3: Zappavigna lands a big overhand right and left hook…Zappavigna bleeding from left eye..29-28 Vazquez

Round 4: Zappavigna grazing right…38-38

Round 5 Vazquez 1-2; Counter shots…Zappavigna lands a body shot…jab…Zappa lands an overhand right…Zappa starting to bleed bad from right eye….48-47 Vazquez

Round 6 Zappa lands a combination…57-57

Round 7: Trading rights…Vazquez lands a couple jabs…Zappa lands a left…67-66 Vazquez

Round 8: Good jabs and 1-2 from Vazquez..Zappa lands a body punch…good 1-2…combination…body shot at end of round…77-75 Vazquez

Round 9Zappa gets through with a wide left...86-85 Vazquez

Round 10 Blood streaming down the face of Zappa..Zappa lands some uppsercuts on the inside…95-95

Round 11

Photo By Claudia Bocanegra

WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto will defend his title against Victor Ortiz in April 16 at the MGM at Foxwoods according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“It’s a great facility and we’re having great success with [Saturday’s] show and Berto has fought the bulk of his fights on the East Coast, so it’s a natural,” Said Lou DiBella, who promotes Berto. “This is one of the best rooms for boxing on the East Coast. About 4,000 seats, not a bad one in there. We’re having a great experience working with the property on this [Martinez-Dzinziruk] event and we’re happy we’re coming back.”

“I think styles make fights and you can’t beat it. These are two guys that throw,” DiBella said. “They both have power. For any critic who says it’s a 140-pounder versus a 147-pounder, that’s bull—- because Ortiz is actually bigger than Berto. It’s the kind of fight I like to see. You know both chins are going to get tested. There’s a lot of speed in the ring and also a lot of power. People know I like aggression and blood and guys getting knocked out, so this is my kind of fight.”

HBO will televise Berto-Ortiz on “World Championship Boxing,” along with same-day taped coverage of junior welterweight titleholder Amir Khan’s defense in his native England against Paul McCloskey of Northern Ireland.

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO
SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK
WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion
2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996
Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine
46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)
158.8 LBS. 158.8 LBS.

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

162.6 LBS. 161.4 LBS.

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

126.0 LBS. 125.0 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIEL

Four-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion Five-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

226.2 LBS. 253.2 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

145.0 LBS. 144.0 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILLY “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

174.2 LBS. 173.8 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

149.4 LBS. 150 LBS.

Miguel Cotto 154 – Ricardo Mayorga 154
(WBA Super Welterweight championship)
Yuri Foreman 155 – Pawel Wolak 154
Tommy Zbikowski 193 – Ricard Bryant 225
Miguel Vazquez 135 – Lenny Zappavigna 135
(IBF Lightweight Championship)

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA BOCANEGRA

NEW YORK (March 11, 2011) – Fights between lightweights (155 pounds) James Terry (9-2), of Livermore, Calif., and Conor “Hurricane” Heun (8-4), of Los Angeles, and welterweights (170 pounds) Damian Douglas (3-1), of Antioch, Calif., and Wayne Phillips (5-3), of San Jose, Calif., have been added to the televised portion of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif., on Friday, April 1, live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the main event, former NCAA wrestling stud Justin “The Silverback’’ Wilcox (10-3), of San Jose, will face Rodrigo Damm (9-4) of Brazil in a lightweight bout. Other fights on SHOWTIME: 2008 Judo Olympic Games Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (4-1), of Japan, makes his STRIKEFORCE debut against kickboxing specialist Scott Lighty (6-1), of San Luis Obispo, Calif., in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) bout, and David “Tarzan” Douglas (6-2), of Antioch, the unidentical twin of Damian, will take on Caros “The Future” Fodor (7-2), of Kirkland, Wash., at 155 pounds.

Tickets, starting at $20, are on sale for STRIKEFORCE’s first fight in Stockton at the Stockton Arena ticket office, online at www.StocktonTickets.com, by phone at (209) 373-1700 or (866) 373-7088 and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). The first non-televised, undercard fight will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m.

Terry, a winner of two in a row and four of five, is coming off a 3:26, first-round TKO (punches) over Lucas Gamaza last Jan. 29 in San Jose. An explosive 170-pounder with heavy hands, excellent stamina and athleticism, the 5-foot-10, 30-year-old Terry is a product of Cung Le’s Universal Strength Headquarters in San Jose. He is 4-1 for STRIKEFORCE.

Terry, who was born in Kodiak, Alaska, started wrestling at the age of five. He was a high school state champion in Alaska and Arizona. At Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., he was a two-time NJCAA All American. Terry transferred to Arizona State for his junior year, but he sustained an injury that ended his collegiate career.

In June 2006, Terry moved to San Jose and joined Le’s outfit. He went 5-0 at the outset of an MMA career that began in August ‘06.

“I’m looking forward to a good, hard fight against Conor, who has solid experience against top guys,’’ Terry said. “This is a big step up, but these are the kinds of fights I want. I appreciate the opportunity I am getting. I’ll be ready.’’

Heun is winless in two fiercely contested, bloody, highly entertaining STRIKEFORCE fights, but the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and former IFL and EliteXC fighter could just as easily be 2-0.

Last June 16 in Los Angeles on SHOWTIME, the aggressive-minded 5-foot-10, 30-year-old wound up on the wrong end of a split decision against former world champion KJ Noons in a thrilling affair. On a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on June 16, 2009, in Kent, Wash., Heun dropped a close, unanimous decision to Jorge Gurgel in a grueling, non-stop-action encounter that left both combatants bloodied and battered.

“I want to win this fight badly,’’ said Heun, a superb athlete who was ahead on one scorecard against Noons (29-28), but behind on the other two (30-27). “I was very disappointed when only one judge got it right (against Noons). I love to put on great fights. But this is one I want badly.’’

Before turning to MMA, Heun was a Division III National Qualifier wrestler at the University of Ithaca where he majored in English. After graduating, Heun did not enter MMA immediately. Instead, he went into the corporate world and even owned his own clothing apparel line. He would later leave Colorado and move to California where he began work as a dental assistant.

Damian Douglas, who competes in a full weight class higher than “Tarzan,’’ will be making his STRIKEFORCE debut and first start anywhere since registering a 0:46, first-round submission (rear-naked choke) over Joe Schilling on Sept. 26, 2008. Damian turned pro in August 2007, nearly two-and-one-half years after his brother did.

Phillips has won both his STRIKEFORCE fights. In his last start, he scored a split decision over Fernando Bettega on Dec. 4, 2010, in St. Louis. Phillips produced a 4:27, first-round submission over Erik Lawson in his debut for the promotion on Feb. 26, 2010.

A winner of five in a row, Wilcox will be making his third consecutive start on Challengers and will be headlining for a second straight time. On Nov. 19, 2010, in Jackson, Miss., he took a unanimous decision over highly touted Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro in the main event on SHOWTIME.

Wilcox, a 5-foot-6, 32-year-old former bodybuilder, was born in Cincinnati, lives in Fresno and fights out of AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) in San Jose. He wrestled for Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where he befriended Josh Koscheck, who turned on his college wrestling buddy to MMA and eventually brought him to AKA.

“STRIKEFORCE has a great lightweight division,’’ Wilcox said. “There are a lot of potentially great matchups out there for me. I just take it one fight at a time, but no question I want to fight the biggest names and fight for the title.’’

Damm has previously fought for the STRIKEFORCE belt. He replaced the injured Josh Thomson on short notice to challenge STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez on April 11, 2009, in San Jose, on SHOWTIME. The Sengoku star lost to Melendez and has split his two fights since.

Perhaps Damm’s most significant victory came when he scored a second-round TKO over American Top Team’s Jorge Masvidal on June 8, 2008, in Japan. The triumph capped off an eight-fight win streak for Damm, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has produced submissions in five of his career wins.

David Douglas, a member of Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, is a 5-foot-11, 28-year-old non-stop action fighter who has won six out of his last seven fights, the last two very impressively. This will be his second consecutive fight on SHOWTIME.

In his last outing this past Feb. 18, Tarzan made like a “Ghostbuster,’’ making local fan favorite Nick “The Ghost’’ Gonzalez disappear via rear-naked choke after just 1:05 of the first round during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers show at Cedar Park, Texas.

“I wanted to showcase my Jiu-Jitsu skills,’’ said the well-conditioned, offensive-minded Douglas after outclassing the more experienced Gonzalez. “I’ll fight anybody. I feel most comfortable at 155 pounds. No one can beat me when I’m healthy and fighting regularly.’’

Two outings ago, Tarzan scored a second-round TKO (punches) over Dominic Clark in a non-televised match of a Challengers event on Oct. 22, 2010, in Fresno.

Tarzan’s most memorable win came against Mongkhon Wiwasuk, aka Malaipet, a Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai champ in Thailand and a dangerous striker, on Sept. 26, 2008, at Santa Ynez, Calif. He rallied to triumph by third-round TKO in a brawl that featured numerous changes in momentum, exceeded all expectations and, for sheer excitement, was as good as it gets.

Fodor, a talented 5-foot-9, 27-year-old, has won two in a row, both on STRIKEFORCE Challengers, and seven of eight. In his last fight, he submitted (brabo choke) Derek “Pretzel’’ Getzel on Nov. 19, 2010, in Jackson. The previous July 23, Fodor won the only decision of his five-year career when he unanimously outpointed Thomas Diagne.

A well-rounded fighter known for his mental toughness and ability to finish, Fodor wrestled in high school but entered the Marines six days after graduation. While he was in boot camp, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 occurred and he was sent to Kuwait for the Iraq invasion.

After an extensive, successful amateur career in which he was the Genesis Fights MMA and Muay Thai champion and Revolution submission champion, Fodor turned pro. Outside the cage, Fodor, who once had his sights set on becoming a homicide detective, is a trainer at a health club and works with mentally challenged kids while remaining active in the reserves.

Ishii will be making his United States debut. He won all four of his fights in 2010 after getting outpointed in his pro debut by fellow Judoka gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida on Dec. 31, 2009. In his last fight, Ishii won a unanimous decision over Jerome Le Banner on Dec. 31, 2010. The 5-foot-11, 24-year-old Ishii also won a silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games. He is a two-time All-Japan Judo Champion.

Lighty, a 6-foot-2, 32-year-old from San Luis Obispo, Calif., is competing for the first time since a second-round KO (punch) over Shawn Frye on Aug. 14, 2010. This will be Lighty’s third start for STRIKEFORCE and his first in a televised fight. He registered a 2:05, first-round TKO over Mike Cook on Aug. 15, 2009, but lost to Antwain Britt the following Dec. 19.

About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.STRIKEFORCE.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

Atlantic City, NJ—The billboards and the posters and the press releases may be promoting the HBO-televised matches featuring Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Jorge Solis and Matt Remillard vs. Miguel Angel Garcia, but the fans who jam the 2,700-seat ballroom at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on Saturday evening, March 26, will be coming to see another fight which will not be part of the telecast.

It’s the scheduled 12-round contest between USBA super bantamweight champion Teon Kennedy, of Philadelphia, PA, and challenger Jorge Diaz, of New Brunswick, NJ.

Both men are undefeated and both men bring large contingents of die-hard followers.

Kennedy, 24, is 16-0-1, 7 K0s. He won the vacant USBA 122-pound title Nov. 20, 2009, when he knocked out Francisco Rodriguez, of Chicago, IL, in the 10th round at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.

In two subsequent fights, Kennedy outpointed Jose Angel Berranza, of Mexico City, over 12 rounds, then K0d Alex Becerra, of El Paso, TX, in 10 rounds.

A pro since 2007, Kennedy is ranked No. 3 in the world by the IBF, No. 14 by the WBA, No. 23 by the WBC. He also has beaten Lucian Gonzales, Andre Wilson and Thomas Snow.

Kennedy won the 2004 National Golden Gloves flyweight championship in Kansas City, MO. He is managed by Doc Nowicki, Jim Williams and Joe Hand, who also handle the career of unbeaten welterweight Mike Jones. Kennedy is trained by ex-pro lightweight Wade Hinnant and his brother Randy Hinnant.

Diaz, 23, is 15-0, 9 K0s. In his last fight Oct. 30 at Bally’s Atlantic City, Diaz scored a 10-round decision over Emanuel Lucero, of Mexico City, in one of the best fights of 2010 in Atlantic City.

A pro since 2007, Diaz has several impressive wins on his resume, including a sixth-round knockout over highly touted Cuban Yan Barthelemy in Madison Square Garden and an eight-round decision over previously undefeated (16-0) Mexican Alejandro Lopez in Key West, FL.

Against common foes, Diaz out-pointed Lante Addy, of Ghana, over six rounds, while Kennedy was held to a 10-round draw by Addy. Also, Diaz K0d Arthur Parker, of Lancaster, PA, in two rounds, two months after Kennedy beat Parker via four-round decision.

Diaz is managed by Pat Lynch and Sal Alessi. Lynch guided the successful career of the late Arturo Gatti. Diaz is trained by ex-pro welterweight Joe Grier.

A swarming, all-action fighter, Diaz will put pressure on the slick-boxing Kennedy from bell-to-bell.
Kennedy has excellent defensive skills, but he is not shy about standing toe-to-toe and trading punches.
Each man is 5-foot-5 and neither man is known to back down from a good fight.

The first of seven fights on the Top Rank-promoted card begins at 8 pm.

Tickets priced at $50, $100 and $200 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-736-1420). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

(In the HBO-televised fights, Gamboa, of Cuba, defends his WBA/IBF world featherweight titles against Solis, of Mexico; Remillard and Garcia collide for the NABF/NAB0 featherweight belts.)

MASHANTUCKET, CT (Mar. 10, 2011) – The final “Diamond Elite” press conference was held today at Comix in Foxwoods Casino Resort. The WBC Middleweight Diamond Championship showdown, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk, will be on HBO World Championship Boxing along with Andy Lee vs. Craig McEwan in a “Celtic War.” All four fighters and representatives from their respective camps were in attendance.

Below are quotes from the participants:

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “I think it’s going to be a tremendous night of boxing. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the property. Foxwoods is great and it’s been a pleasure working with the staff here.”

“This will be on television – HBO Sports – and it’s a very competitive card with the two fights on TV real TV fights. Sergio Martinez is the Fighter of the Year and had the Knockout of the Year. He’s fighting a guy who is a technically sound fighter with a great jab and defense. Sergiy will find out that he’s not in with just another fighter. I expect a very competitive fight.”

“I want to thank our sponsors: Corona, the Dominican Republic Tourism Board and Hennessey.”

“We have as terrific undercard off TV with some terrific fighters. We have a female heavyweight from New York, Sonya Lamonakis, fighting another fighter from New York (Tanzee Daniels). If you like women’s boxing, this is going to be a war.”

“This sport needs everybody pulling together. We’ve had four major promoters working together without a single problem. That’s how to elevate boxing and bring it back.

“We’re having ‘Celtic War’ five days before St. Patrick’s Day. I’m proud to promote Andy Lee. The winner of this fight will establish himself for the fighter he is. It’s the first opportunity for Craig and Andy on HBO and its stage and legitimacy.”

“My partner and one of the best judges of talent in the world is Sampson Lewkowicz. He scours the world looking for the next Sergio Martinez.”

“Some people will be a little surprised – Gabriel Sarmiento won’t be in Sergio’s corner because of a personal issue. His brother, Pablo, will be in Sergio’s corner. He’s trained Sergio before. Gabriel ran the camp until the final day of camp last Friday.”

“It’s no secret that I didn’t like this fight. HBO twisted my arm but I give them credit. This is the best possible opponent in the world to fight Sergio. Sergio agreed to fight him despite giving up his middleweight belt. He wants to leave a legacy of fighting the best and there’s no doubt that Sergiy is the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“This is what’s at stake (Diamond belt). It costs about $50,000 and has diamonds all over it. The stakes are big.”

“This (Martinez) is one of the most talented athletes and people I’ve ever worked with. Sergio is concerned with people and he has a sense of community and integrity. His nickname, ‘Maravilla,’ marvelous and he is indeed, marvelous.”

“Sergio promised me to speak in English at the next press conference. He has a great teacher and he’s done a great job.”

Sergio Martinez: “I thank HBO, WBC, my promoter, advisor, trainers Gabriel and Pablo, and my team. This Saturday you will see the best Sergio Martinez. This fight is for Argentina.”

Kery Davis, HBO: “We really have a special night of programming with the premier of the Runnin’ Rebels documentary immediately followed with world championship boxing starting at 10:30 eastern, 7:30 pacific. Sergio was a relatively unknown boxer but he beat Kelly Pavlik and followed that with unquestionably the Knockout of the Year against Paul Williams. Sergio is good looking, intelligent and he has charisma. The sky is the limit for him. He is fighting the challenge of his life. Many feel Sergiy Dzinziruk is the No. 1 154 pounder in the world. He is relatively unknown. When you put the best middleweight in the world against the best junior middleweight in the world, you should never apologize, and we don’t. Lee and McEwan are trying to make names for themselves and statements. They’re looking forward to fighting the winner of the main event. Sergio and Sergiy are stepping-up to take the challenge. Sergiy is stepping-up in weight. Sergio is fighting the toughest guy. We’re looking forward to a great night of programming.”

Scott Butera, Foxwoods Resort Casino, President & CEO: “Here at Foxwoods, we have a long-standing tradition with the sport of boxing and have hosted some of the boxing world’s most high profile fights and some of the world’s greatest athletes. As North America’s largest resort casino there are few venues in the Northeast more fitting to host this World Middleweight Championship bout featuring Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk than MGM Grand at Foxwoods and our world-class MGM Grand Theater. The event’s equally exciting undercard, dubbed the ‘Celtic War,’ pits the Andy Lee and Craig McEwan.

“And we have a ‘Who’s Who’ of industry vets on property for the big event, including Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, and Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Promotions, as well as none other than Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“We’re always thrilled to showcase Foxwoods to a national audience, and HBO’s live broadcast of Saturday’s event will provide a great vehicle for us to do just that. We’re grateful to everybody in this room. Let’s have a great night on Saturday.”

Robert Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions: “This is what boxing is about – four promoters working together to give the public two great fights. McEwan is in a tough fight but he’s more than ready. I can tell you that for a fact. He is fighting for his family, country and himself. Remember, there years ago what happened not too far from here (Lee was knocked out by Bryan Vera).”

Craig McEwan: “This is a big stage for me. I’m ready to put on a big show and show everybody what I’ve got. Andy’s a great guy but Saturday is business. Afterwards we can go out for a pint. I’ve always wanted the (WBC) green belt and this fight will get me one step closer to that.”

Andy Lee: “Everything has been said. Craig, I know well, but I have a job to win this fight. Afterwards we can be friends. I’ve trained 100-percent and want to thank Sugar Hill and Roger Lee. I’ve had the best camp ever, in Florida, with a lot of sparring and conditioning. We’ve left no stone unturned.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “This is a tremendous fight, deserving to be at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. I’m happy because it is a great fight. I want to thank HBO for putting Sergiy on their card because he’s truly a great fighter. It may not turn out the way Lou and his team think.

“I am a cancer survivor. If you’re over 40, get a PSA test. It saved my life and it could save yours.

“To Lou and Sampson, thanks for taking this fight and I give a lot of credit to them because Sergio had the opportunity for an easier fight. But they took the challenge and I have a lot of respect for Sergio. I represent the best 154-pounder in the world, the single best in the world at 154 pounds, and he wanted this fight. It’s a big step up; up in weight for the fight, and they didn’t want it. I know at the end of the day, no matter what Sergio and Sampson say, it is an impossibility to knockout Sergiy. We will leave here with a win; I guarantee it!”

Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “I’ve put on more than 30 shows at Foxwoods since 1992. HBO and Ross Greenburg have a heckuva fight. They went out of their way to make it. They have the two best: best middleweight and best junior middleweight, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s going to be great – two guys who know they need to win to move on. Boxing rewards you for winning and both know everything’s on the line. After Martinez knocked out Paul Williams, the fight we get is against the best middleweight in the world. We called Sergiy and he said make the fight. Both are in harm’s way. It’s going to be a very good show because they both know they have to win.”

Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Sergio Martinez: “This is my first time here at Foxwoods and it’s wonderful. HBO chose this fight because it’s the best money can buy. Gary Shaw says he guarantees he’ll win the fight. His partner, Artie Pellulo, didn’t say that. Sergio Martinez, if he doesn’t knock him out, he will beat him up. He went from 154 to 160 to be the best. There was no catch-weight because the champion is a middleweight. Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez is the champion of the people, champion of the press; the champion of everybody on earth, inside and outside the ring. I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Pablo Sarmiento, trainer of Sergio Martinez: “Every training camp for Sergio gets better than the last. Saturday you will find out that it’s the best Sergio you’ve ever seen. The challenger is a great fighter and we respect him.”

Sergiy Dzinziruk: “I want to thank everybody for this opportunity and Sergio Martinez, especially, for the opportunity to fight in such a big fight. It’s a dream come true for me. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great fight and I will be victorious at the end of the night.”

Bob Yalen, representing the WBC: “On behalf of the WBC, Jose and Mauricio, to Sampson, Sergio on behalf of the year you had, and Lou for promoting such a great fighter and fighter, let me present these plaques to all three of them.

“I’m a historian. I don’t think people realize how great a fight this is in the ring. Argentina and Europe have a great history of middleweight fighters. The Ukraine has built a great history. These are two great fighters. I thank HBO for allowing it to happen and Foxwoods for bringing it here.”

“DIAMOND ELITE FACT SHEET”

WHAT: “Diamond Elite” professional boxing show

BOUTS:

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO

SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion

2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996 Ukraine Olympian

Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine

46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIELS

4-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion 5-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILL “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

(ALL FIGHTS AND FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2011

WHERE: MGM Grand at Foxwoods

PROMOTER: “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

BROADCAST: The main event and co-feature will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM/ET / 7:30 PM/PT.

TICKETS: $450.00, $250.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office, online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, calling MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1.866.646.0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

INFORMATION: Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET, first HBO fight at 10:30 PM/ET.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra