FAIRFAX, VA — After earning a majority draw last November in a crowd-pleasing, back-and-forth contest, former D.C. world champion William Joppy (39-6-2, 30 KOs) and dangerous veteran Cory “Black Ice” Cummings (17-4-1, 13 KOs) of Baltimore, MD will look to settle Beltway bragging rights when they return to the Patriot Center on March 12 as the 10-round Co-Main Event on the Jimmy Lange Boxing card. The show is an Ice Promotions event presented by Valcourt Building Services.

Each fighter believed he won three months ago in their 10-round showdown where one judge scored in favor of Joppy, 96-94, while the other two saw it even at 95-95.

Joppy, a popular trainer at LA Boxing in Northern Virginia, continues to look for his elusive 40th career win after being stopped by World Boxing Association (WBA) / International Boxing Association (IBA) Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on January 10, 2011. Originally scheduled to fight Gayrat Ahmedov on the undercard, Joppy took the last-minute upgrade and title shot opportunity when Jürgen Brähmer pulled out days before the fight due to illness. During his illustrious career, Joppy has faced the super middleweight division’s best: Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Roberto Duran, Howard Eastman, Lucian Bute, Jermain Taylor and Julio Cesar Green

Meanwhile, Cummings looks to prevent the former three-time world titleholder from reaching his milestone victory, while defeating his second straight D.C. fighter in the process. In May 2009, he captured the Maryland State Super Middleweight crown with a ninth-round TKO win over D.C.’s Demetrious Davis. Cummings has more than held his own against top opponents including former world champions Montell Griffin and top D.C. fighter Keith Holmes.

Hometown fighter and former Contender star Jimmy Lange (34-4-2, 24 KOs) of Great Falls, VA headlines his 12th Patriot Center show with a 10-round bout against Jimmy Holmes (19-1, 10 KOs) of Demotte, IN. The undercard features undefeated Todd “White Lightning” Wilson (9-0, 3 KOs) of Fairfax, VA vs. Dean “Pitbull” White (15-10-2, 3 KOs) of Smithsburg, MD; knockout artist Tony “Mo Better” Jeter (10-2-1, 9 KOs) of Stevensville, MD vs. TBD; a heavyweight collision between Ron “Heavy Duty” Gamble (1-0, 1 KO) of Arnold, MD and Abodurin “Bo” Akinyanju (3-1, 3 KOs) of Landover, MD; and Charlottesville, VA middleweight George “Wartime” Rivera (11-6, 4 KOs) vs. Shakir Ashanti (16-9, 4 KOs) of Greensboro, NC.

Tickets, priced at $35, $50, $75, $125, $200, $300 and $500 (plus applicable service charges), can be bought through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com/ and via phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT and 410-547-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035.

NEW YORK (Jan. 31, 2011) – Dan Henderson is one of the most recognizable and popular fighters in the world. He is the only fighter in the history of Mixed Martial Arts to simultaneously hold two world titles in two different weight classes with a major MMA promotion.

In an illustrious career, the legendary 40-year-old Henderson has won a total of four MMA world championships and fought and defeated a host of all-time greats, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort. Before turning pro, Henderson was a two-time United States Olympic Games wrestler. There isn’t a lot that he hasn’t accomplished.

On Saturday, March 5, Henderson (26-8), of Temecula, Calif., will attempt to add another belt to his wardrobe when he challenges defending champion Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante (10-2) of Brazil for the STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Championship at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the opening half of a STRIKEFORCE World Championship Doubleheader, Marloes “Rumina’’ Coenen (18-4) of the Netherlands will risk her lightweight title for a first time against No. 1 135-pound contender, Miesha “Takedown’’ Tate (11-2), of Tacoma, Wash.

American military hero Tim Kennedy (12-3) of Fort Bragg, N.C., will be opposed by Luke Rockhold (7-1) at middleweight (185 pounds) and undefeated Billy Evangelista (11-0) of Fresno, Calif., will take on Jorge Masvidal (20-6) of Miami, Fla., at lightweight (155 pounds) in other televised bouts on SHOWTIME.

The event, STRIKEFORCE’s first in the state of Ohio, will take place in conjunction with The Arnold Sports Festival, the nation’s largest health and fitness exposition founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

A special ticket pre-sale for “STRIKEFORCE Insiders,” begins tomorrow/Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. CT and ends Thursday at 10 p.m. Fans can sign up to become an “Insider” at STRIKEFORCE.com

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, Feb. 4 at the Nationwide Arena ticket office, online at Ticketmaster.com and Strikeforce.com and Ticketmaster by phone at (800) 745-3000.

It will be the hard-hitting 6-foot-1 Henderson’s third start for STRIKEFORCE since he left the UFC on a three-fight winning streak to sign with the San Jose, Calif.-based promotion in December 2009.

Henderson secured the title shot in devastating fashion, destroying Brazilian Renato “Babalu” Sobral by 1:53, first-round knockout (punches) last Dec. 4 in St. Louis. It was the STRIKEFORCE 205-pound debut for Henderson, a former two-division PRIDE Fighting Championships belt-holder who will become the only fighter to compete for titles in STRIKEFORCE, PRIDE and UFC.

For Cavalcante, a powerful 6-foot, 30-year-old Brazilian referred to simply as “Feijao,” it will be his first defense of the 205-pound crown he captured with a third-round upset TKO (elbows) over previously undefeated “King Mo’’ Lawal last Aug. 21 in Houston.

The talented Feijao will enter the scheduled five-round match at the peak of his game. He has won three in a row and six out of his last seven. Feijao has never gone the distance as a pro and the furthest one of his bouts has gone came against King Mo.

Feijao has never been in with anybody who hits like Henderson, but the Brazilian fighter has been highly-touted as one of the next great superstars of the sport. With his fearsome submission capabilities and vastly improved kicking and punching, Feijao could indeed be something special — especially if he passes the class test against Hendo.

“Everybody knows about Dan Henderson and what he can do and how hard he hits,’’ said Feijao, a native of Ilha Solteira in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, who trains out of the famed Black House camp with, among others, the aforementioned Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida and Antonio Nogueira.

“This is going to be a very exciting fight. I worked very hard to get back to where I could fight for the title. Now that I have won it, I’ve been working even harder to keep it.’’

While fighting for PRIDE, Henderson was both the welterweight (185 pounds) and light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion. In his debut for STRIKEFORCE, at 185 pounds, the aggressive-minded veteran nearly knocked out Jake Shields during a dominant first round on April 17, 2010, in Nashville, before losing a close decision.

“I want to thank STRIKEFORCE for this opportunity to fight for the title,’’ said Henderson, a winner in four of his last five. “That last fight got me back on track. I’ll be ready for anything, but mostly I’m expecting a flat-our war.’’

Coenen, a product of Holland’s Golden Glory team, captured the STRIKEFORCE crown with an impressive third-round submission (armbar) over defending belt-holder Sarah Kaufman on Oct. 9, 2010. A strikingly attractive submission whiz, the talented, 5-foot-9, 29-year-old ousted Kaufman one fight after giving STRIKEFORCE 145-pound champ, the naturally bigger Cris Cyborg one of her toughest fights.

Tate, a winner of five in a row and 10 out of 11, earned her first five-round fight by winning twice during a single-night elimination tournament on STRIKEFORCE Challengers on Aug. 13, 2010, in Phoenix, Ariz., The 5-foot-6, 24-year-old outpointed Maiju Kujala and then Hitomi Akano to take the tourney and ascend to the top spot. It will be Tate’s fifth bout on SHOWTIME and her sixth start for STRIKEFORCE.

Kennedy is an American military hero who’s toured the Middle East multiple times, and earned the Army’s Bronze Medal Star medal for valor under fire. This will be the 5-foot-11, 31-year olds fifth start for STRIKEFORCE and his first since losing a close, hard-fought decision to “Jacare” Souza in a fight for the then-vacant STRIKEFORCE middleweight title last Aug. 21 on SHOWTIME. The disputed defeat ended a four-fight winning streak for Kennedy, who has split two fights against Jason “Mayhem’’ Miller.

The up-and-coming Rockhold is taking a step up in class, but the 6-foot-3, 26-year-old has won six in a row, all in the first round, including three straight on STRIKEFORCE Challengers. In his last start, he registered a 2:24 TKO over Paul Bradley on Feb. 26, 2010. A rising star in STRIKEFORCE’S talent-laden 185-pound division, Rockhold was scheduled to fight last Oct. 9, but withdrew after injuring a shoulder in training.

Like Tate and Rockhold, Evangelista is a veteran of the STRIKEFORCE Challengers series who is making his Saturday debut for STRIKEFORCE on SHOWTIME. In his last outing and first fight in nearly a year, the 5-foot-8, 29-year-old Muay Thai specialist won a unanimous decision over hard-trying Waachiim Spiritwolf in an extremely spirited affair last Oct. 22. That fight was contested at a catch weight of 165 pounds; Evangelista will be competing at his natural weight of 155 for this one.

Masvidal is an experienced seven-year pro who has been matched with some good ones across his career. In his last outing, he went the distance with world-ranked Paul “Semtex” Daley before losing a decision on Sept. 10, 2010. The 5-foot-10, 26-year-old member of America Top Team is unbeaten in his two fights for STRIKEFORCE.

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.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2011) – On a thrilling night of action in which Herschel Walker and Roger Gracie remained undefeated and STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Champion Ronaldo “Jacare’’ Souza outlasted Robbie Lawler to retain his 185-pound title, Nick Diaz closed the show in sensational fashion, turning back a determined bid by Evangelista Cyborg to win by second-round submission to successfully defend his STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Championship before a pro-Diaz crowd of 9,048 at HP Pavilion live on SHOWTIME® .

The victory was the ninth in a row for Diaz (24-7, 1 NC), of Stockton, Calif. and the second defense of the 170-pound world title. Cyborg, of San Diego, Calif., by way of Brazil, dropped to 18-14.

Complete results on the televised portion of STRIKEFORCE: Diaz vs. Cyborg presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, Souza (14-2, 1 NC), of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, kept his 185-pound crown with a hard-fought third-round submission (rear-naked choke) over former two-time world champion Robbie Lawler (18-7, 1 NC) of Gilbert, Ariz., the remarkable Walker, a former college football and NFL standout who fights out San Jose, Calif., improved to 2-0 in Mixed Martial Arts with a 3:13, first-round TKO (punches) over Scott Carson (4-2) of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout Gracie (4-0), of Rio de Janiero, submitted Trevor Prangley (23-7-1) of San Jose with a rear-naked choke at 4:10 of the first.

The main event was a slugfest, the southpaw Diaz landing solid punches with both hands while the gallant challenger did significant damage with an array of leg kicks and counter punches.

But shortly after Cyborg, the husband of STRIKEFORCE Women’s Middleweight (145 pounds) Champion Cris Cyborg, scored an ill-advised takedown late in the second, Diaz finished him with an armbar at 4:50.

“He was eating a lot of punches,’’ Diaz said. “For all the leg kicks he was throwing, I was landing more punches. He had taken too many punches and had to take me down. It was a mistake and I was able to finish him.

“(But) I respect the way he fights. He doesn’t mess around. He came out here and fought me. He didn’t play games.”’’

In a bit of a pleasant surprise, for him, the talented Diaz was the clear choice of the crowd. The fans chanted “Dee-As, Dee-As’’ several times throughout the action-packed fight.

“I think it’s great to get a fight in front of a hometown crowd,’’ Diaz acknowledged. “When I fought here before, I was fighting against San Jose when I fought Frank Shamrock. It’s nice to have a home here now.’’

Both Jacare, a slick submission specialist, and Lawler, the puncher, displayed their greatest strengths throughout the exciting fight. The hard-hitting Lawler almost knocked out the champion in the opening round.

But Jacare survived and went on to retain his title for a first time. Jacare captured the vacant STRIKEFORCE middleweight crown last Aug. 21 with a unanimous decision over American military hero Tim Kennedy in Houston on SHOWTIME.

“I love my job,’’ said Jacare, who forced Lawler to tap out at 2:00 of the third. This was a great night. “I don’t know what’s next but I’m ready to fight again and defend my belt.

“He fought with courage and a lot of guts. He got me hard in the first. I really felt it. But I used my heart to come back. He fought me off well in the second, but he was tired in the third.’’

Said Lawler, who was coming off a devastating, 50-second, first-round knockout over Matt Lindland last Dec. 4 in St. Louis on SHOWTIME. “I just got tired. I wanted to keep it standing but I didn’t have the energy to keep him off me’’

Look for Walker, who seemingly never gets fatigued, even at age 48, to get back in the gym quickly after a dominant triumph over Carson.

“I’m happy I won and I’m happy I took it to the ground,’’ Walker said. “My ground game has definitely improved. That’s something we’ve been working on in the gym with all the guys since the last fight.

“I think I was a little bit too excited in the beginning. I let him kick me and that was a mistake. It made me a little upset but it fired me up. I don’t have time to play. When I do something I do it with all my heart. I have to train more. I’m still a young MMA fighter. I’m happy with the win but I still have a lot to learn.

“I love MMA and look forward to fighting again.’’

The submission victory was the fourth in four starts for Gracie. “I’d like to get to the top of my division,’’ he said. “That’s the goal.’’

Saturday’s thrilling event will re-air as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHO2

The telecast also will be available On Demand beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, and running through Feb. 14.

Mauro Ranallo called the action on SHOWTIME with MMA legends Frank Shamrock and Pat Miletich serving as expert analysts.

For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and STRIKEFORCE mixed martial arts telecasts, along with access to the SHOWTIME Sports Facebook® and Twitter® pages, please go to http://Sports.Sho.com.

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.

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®.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2011) – The eight fighters who will compete this Saturday, Jan. 29, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) and STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker participated Thursday in a final press conference for the eagerly awaited event at HP Pavilion.

Saturday’s event will be highlighted by a STRIKEFORCE World Championship Doubleheader. STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz (23-7, 1 NC) will seek his ninth consecutive victory when he makes his second title defense against Brazilian powerhouse Evangelista Cyborg (18-13) in the main event.

STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight Champion “Jacare” Souza (13-2, 1 NC) will put his belt on the line for the first time against hard-hitting, former two-time world champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (18-6, 1 NC) in the co-feature of a stacked card.

The remarkable Herschel Walker (1-0) will return to the cage to face Scott Carson (4-1) in a heavyweight bout and undefeated Roger Gracie (3-0), the latest prospect from MMA’s first family, will battle former South African national wrestling champion Trevor Prangley (23-6-1) at light heavyweight (205 pounds).

The first non-televised, undercard fight on Saturday begins at 4:30 p.m. PT.

What the fighters had to say:

NICK DIAZ
“I feel good and I’m ready to fight. Cyborg has a unique style and I know that he will give it his all and be as crazy as ever. But that’s good because I’m crazy, too.

“I have great respect for Cyborg. He is strong and has skills and comes real hard. I feel he deserves a shot.

“I think he was fighting guys too big when he was fighting at middleweight, but I might be too big for him too. Anything can happen in a fight, but I prepare for everything.’’

EVANGELISTA CYBORG
“After 15 years of training and sacrificing, my dream is finally almost here. I am very excited at the chance to make my mark. I can promise you I will do my best to pull out the win.

“Nick Diaz is a very gallant fighter but I will press the action whether we are standing or on the ground.

“I am not worried about those who underestimate me in this fight. I am pre-occupied with winning.

“The belt always equals a build-up to your career, but first you have to win it. I feel strong and very comfortable at 170 and looking forward to a great fight against Nick Diaz.’’

JACARE SOUZA

“This is going to be a tough fight, and a very dangerous one. Robbie Lawler is very heavy-handed and I know to win I am going to have to play my game, which is to take him down and try and finish the fight.

“Some were surprised that I stood last time but Lawler is a different kind of fighter than I had in my last one. If I have to stand, I will, of course, but I know it is important that I keep control.

“I don’t feel either of us think that we can afford to make a mistake.’’

ROBBIE LAWLER
“I’m not looking ahead to anybody. I’m only looking ahead to Saturday’s fight.

“I work on all my skills all the time. Guys are so good at this level. Make a mistake and it will cost you.’’

HERSCHEL WALKER
“The Herschel of today would have beaten up the Herschel of a year ago. I was dumb and naïve when I first started. But I have learned a lot.

“This will be a good fight. Scott Carson has a lot of experience. I am looking forward to fighting again for STRIKEFORCE and on SHOWTIME.’’

SCOTT CARSON
“I feel fortunate to get this fight and I hope to make the best of it. I’m definitely prepared and ready for a fight.

“Fighting such a legendary name has certainly added a lot of hype to the fight, but I have worked very hard in training camp. I’m looking to see this fight go into the later rounds where it will be a war of attrition.’’

ROGER GRACIE
“Even though each fight is different, I treat them all the same in my approach. All fighters are dangerous. I am in with a good, very experienced fighter so I do not expect him to make any silly mistakes. I know I must be patient because he is very heavy-handed.

“I have worked very hard for this fight and am excited about fighting on a STRIKEFORCE show on SHOWTIME. I want to be more active in MMA and hope to fight two or three times this year.’’

TREVOR PRANGLEY
“I think this is going to be a great chess match. Who can implement their game plan best will win. I want to fight my fight.

“I had a great camp and feel comfortable. We’ll see how it goes.’’

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a new boxing series will be televised by Fox Sports Net and it will feature former three division world champion James Toney in the first installment that will take place on February 24th.

The series, called “Fight Night in America,” will generally air on the last Thursday of each month, Cohen told ESPN.com. Some of the early shows will air on tape delay, as was the case with the Dec. 17 debut card Prize Fight-promoted welterweight prospect Jesse Lubash (14-0, 8 KOs) of Pittsburgh.

Toney (72-6-3, 44 KOs) will face Damon Reed (45-14, 32 KOs) on Feb. 24 at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, Calif., in a heavyweight fight in the main event of the next edition, which will also air on tape delay.

“We are not averse to working with other promoters because we are looking to make this series a real success,” said Empre Sports CEO Greg Cohen, who hopes to develop fighters who can move on to the HBO and Showtime level of fights. “We want to make competitive fights. We are looking to build a brand. It’s good for the sport. The more televised boxing, the better it is for the sport.”

“We’re starting as a monthly show and we hope to grow to be bigger than monthly. Twice a month would be the goal,” Cohen said. “If we will deliver on our end and Fox delivers on its end, this will be a great partnership. We are taking care of the production, but Fox made a very favorable deal with us on the sponsors we brought the to table. It’s a nice situation for both parties.”

Steve Cunningham (23-2, 12 KOs) will make a first defence of his IBF
Cruiserweight Title in Mulheim, Germany on February 12 when he takes on
mandatory challenger Enad Licina (19-2, 10 KOs). The clash was
originally scheduled for January 22 but had to be postponed after IBF
Middleweight Champion Sebastian Sylvester caught a virus infection,
forcing Team Sauerland to cancel the entire card in Neubrandenburg. In
the main event in Mulheim, Cuban cruiserweight sensation Yoan Pablo
Hernandez (23-1, 12 KOs) will challenge WBA Interim Cruiserweight
Champion Steve Herelius (21-1, 12 KOs).

Cunningham has returned to Philadelphia to continue his preparation.
“The small delay is no problem for me,” the 34-year-old stated. “I will
be in top shape. I think Licina is a good fighter. He is not to be
underestimated, and he will not. He is the number one contender, this is
a serious level of boxing and I take him and this fight very serious.”

Licina, who defeated Felix Cora Jr. in an eliminator in November, is
also brimming with confidence. “I have performed very well in sparring,”
he said. “That´s why I go into this fight with a lot of confidence. I
know that a lot of people keep underestimating me and don´t think I can
beat Cunningham. But everybody is beatable. Cunningham is a great
champion but I will find a way to be victorious.”

NEW YORK (Jan. 26, 2011)—Showtime Networks Inc. and CBS have joined forces with Top Rank, Inc. to promote, produce and distribute the biggest boxing event of the year—the May 7th showdown between global superstar and Philippine Congressman Manny Pacquiao and three-division world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley, it was jointly announced by Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®, and Bob Arum, Top Rank CEO.

The agreement brings together Pacquiao, the top athlete and personality in the sport, with SHOWTIME, the fastest growing premium television network in the U.S., and its parent company CBS Corporation whose programming and media assets span network and local television, pay and basic cable, radio, outdoor and online.

The campaign will include the SHOWTIME Sports documentary series FIGHT CAMP 360° in preview of Pacquiao vs. Mosley. The top rated CBS Television Network will participate by broadcasting a primetime special of the show in April.

“The arrangement with CBS and Showtime regarding the promotion and distribution of the Pacquiao vs. Mosley championship event represents a new opportunity for the sport of boxing. It enables boxing to reach millions more people in the United States given the reach of CBS, the most watched television network in the country. This development will not only benefit Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley but all of the young men participating in the sport of boxing,” said Arum.

Hershman said, “We look forward to combining Showtime Sports’ production and distribution expertise with Top Rank’s promotional power and the amazing programming and marketing resources available to us across CBS to present the biggest boxing event of 2011.”

On May 7, Pacquiao will fight under the SHOWTIME PPV banner for the first time, bringing it the highest profile and biggest revenue generating athlete in boxing whose fights over the past two years have garnered nearly 4 million pay per view buys and unrivaled box office receipts. The event marks the first SHOWTIME PPV event since 2005’s Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo II.

“Pay per view has been an opportunistic play for SHOWTIME Sports in recent years,” Hershman continued. “In Pacquiao, we have a global celebrity and unquestionably the most popular boxer of this era attempting to continue his dominance in the ring against Shane Mosley, one of the most talented and recognizable fighters of today not named Manny Pacquiao. With this marquee match up, Pacquiao’s proven track record in pay per view and CBS’s participation, this is the perfect opportunity for Showtime to be back in the pay per view business and in a big way.”

Showtime has a long history of success in pay per view dating back to the 1990s. In 1997, the SHOWTIME PPV presentation of Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II garnered the most pay per view buys for any sport or entertainment event in history. The 1.99 million buys stood as the industry benchmark for nearly 10 years, until being surpassed in May 2007.

Additional details about the May 7th event, including ticket information and undercard fights are to be announced.

Pacquiao Biography

Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, is the first Congressman in history to both fight for and defend a world boxing title. Congressman Pacquiao was sworn in on June 28, 2010 and is the lone representative of the Sarangani province. Pacquiao won the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight championship—his record eighth world title in as many weight divisions—last November via dominant unanimous decision over three-time welterweight champion Antonio Margarito. Pacquiao captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title, which he will be defending against Mosley, in November 2009 with a brilliant 12th-round knockout of four-time world champion Miguel Cotto. The Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resume features victories over future Hall of Famers Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and Cotto. His knockout victories over Cotto and Hatton in 2009 and his decisive wins over Joshua Clottey and Margarito in 2010 combined for nearly 4 million buys making Pacquiao the reigning pay per view king. No boxer sold more live tickets than Pacquiao in 2010, making him the pound for pound king in the ring and at the box office.

Mosley Biography

Sugar Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs), from Pomona, Calif., has reigned as world champion four times in three different weight divisions during his remarkable 18-year professional career. The only man to serve up two defeats to Oscar De La Hoya — both in world championship fights — Mosley’s Hall of Fame caliber resume also boasts victories over world champions Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, John John Molina, Jesse James Leija, Philip Holiday and Luis Collazo. De la Hoya, Holiday and Collazo were the only Mosley victims to survive the 12-round distance to hear the judges’ decisions.

# # #

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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

NEW YORK, NY (Jan 25, 2011) – The consensus 2010 Fighter of the Year, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez is gearing up for another banner campaign in 2011. It all starts on March 12 when Martinez, the recognized champion at middleweight squares off with reigning World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The winner will walk away with the prestigious World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Diamond Championship at middleweight.

In the co-feature attraction, two of Western Europe’s best, and most exciting pugilists, Andy Lee of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan do battle in a ten round “Celtic War” in the middleweight division.

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm ET / 7:30pm PT.

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and will go on sale Wednesday, January 26, at 10:00am ET through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

“March 12 is what world class boxing is all about,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Sergio Martinez is proving that he has no interest in resting on his laurels by taking on an accomplished champion such as Sergiy Dzinziruk. Once again, ‘Maravilla’ will show why he is not only the 2010 FIghter of the Year, but also the people’s champion.

“Those looking for a good ole fashioned knock down, drag out war to ring in St. Patrick’s Day will be fulfilled when Andy Lee and Craig McEwan duke it out. Both are old school sluggers with proud roots. Get your tickets now, because with such great action assured, they will not last.”

Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), 35, is coming off the biggest year of his professional life. Last April, he won the middleweight championship, in just his second bout at the weight class, with a dominating 12-round victory over Kelly Pavlik at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Seven months later on November 20, Martinez, a native of Argentina by way of Oxnard, California, returned to Boardwalk Hall to face Paul Williams in a rematch of his razor thin majority decision loss to Paul Williams, which was widely heralded as one of the best fights of 2009. If their first showdown was Fight of the Year, Martinez left no doubt in 2010 in what was certainly the Knockout of the Year. Just a minute into the second round, Martinez landed a booming overhand left that knocked Williams out cold and sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. To cap off 2010, Martinez was lauded by nearly ever publication and organization – including ESPN, the Boxing Writers Association of America, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, MaxBoxing.com, BoxingScene.com, AOL Fanhouse, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, El Paso Times, San Antonio Express-News, Secondsout.com, and The Ring Magazine – as Fighter of the Year.

“I believe my next fight could be my best fight of my career because my boxing is getting better, I am physically stronger, and I am stronger mentally,” said Martinez. “My rival is a great fighter and a great champion for several years now but on March 12 he will fight the best Sergio Martinez and the fans will witness a spectacular show and the best fight of my career.”

Dzinziruk (37-0, 34 KOs), 34, has held the WBO 154 lb. title since 2005 when he decisioned Daniel Santos in his adopted home of Germany. Since then, the native of Ukraine has defended his title successfully six times, including his last bout which served as both his American debut and debut under the joint promotional banner of Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. In that bout, on May 14, 2010, in Santa Ynez, California, Dzinziruk systematically broke down Daniel Dawson en route to a tenth round stoppage.

“First of all, it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved to fight such great champions” said Dzinziruk. “I really appreciate the opportunity to fight Sergio Martinez and show the world how good I am. I am looking forward to the fight and I am very excited. I have not tasted defeated yet and I want to keep it that way. My team and I know how much work was done by Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions to make this fight and it is greatly appreciated. We’re looking forward to a great fight with Sergio Martinez.”

Lee (24-1, 18 KOs), 26, is riding a nine fight winning streak since his lone career setback: a loss to Bryan Vera in 2008. Since then, the Emmanuel Steward-trained Irish slugger has compiled some of the best wins of his career over the likes of experienced veterans James Cook, Willie Gibbs, Michael Walker, and former world title challenger Mamadou Thiam. Lee is ranked #5 by the WBA and #14 by the WBC.

“I’m looking forward to fighting,” said Lee. “This fight gives me the chance to prove how good I am. McEwan is a very good boxer. He will test me, but it’s a test I welcome. I’d like to thank my management and Lou DiBella for making this fight and giving me the chance to showcase my skills on HBO. I plan on showing everyone how good I am on March 12.”

McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs), 28, was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, but now lives in California where he trains with the world renowned Freddie Roach. McEwan is coming off the biggest win of his career on July 23, 2010, when he took a decision from former world title challenger Danny Perez. McEwan also holds a victory over Bryan Vera, the man who handed Lee his lone defeat. McEwan is ranked #12 by the WBO.

“Andy Lee is a good fighter, but I’m at my best when I fight good fighters,” said McEwan. “I’m excited to have the chance to fight on HBO and show everyone what I can do.”

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

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

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former two-division world champion Tomasz Adamek will challenge either Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko in September in Adamek’s homeland of Poland.

“I am ecstatic. I can’t even put it into words,” Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said. “To work so hard with Tomasz with a goal in mind — moving him up to heavyweight, getting a heavyweight title fight. We got him there and we got a good deal.”

Said Bernd Boente, who manages the Klitschko brothers, “We made some changes, their side and our side. We now agree on everything. We have a go from both sides for a fight in September.”

The fight will take place at a new soccer stadium being built in either Warsaw or Wroclaw, Poland. Duva said there are four new stadiums being built in Poland for the 2012 European Soccer Championships and that two of the stadiums are bidding for the fight.

“There is this window of opportunity for this fight because of the stadiums being built in Poland,” Duva said. “It will be a huge event in Poland.”

If both Klitschkos were to lose, the deal with Adamek would be dead. If one loses, Adamek, a former light heavyweight titlist before winning the cruiserweight championship, would face the other brother under terms of the deal, Boente and Duva said.

If both Klitschkos win, the choice of Adamek’s opponent would be decided by the Klitschko side.

“Either one, their option,” Duva said. “We don’t care which one it is. They have to tell us something like 90 days before the fight which one it will be. Tomasz’s attitude is, ‘I want a heavyweight title fight. I don’t care which one of them I fight.'”

“Knock on wood, both brothers win their respective fights and then we will make a decision,” Boente said.

However, if they both win it is likely to be Wladimir against Adamek, both sides said.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
VERONA, NY (January 23, 2011)—Due to an injury to Mike Mollo, There is a brand new main event on Saturday January 29, 2011 at The Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, New York as former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada will take on Franklin Lawrence in a ten round battle for the WBC Caribbean Heavyweight championship.

Estrada of Providence, Rhode Island has a record of 16-3 with four knockouts.

The thirty year-old represented The United States in the 2004 Olympic Games. Estrada was moving on the fast track as he won his first seven fights which included wins over Yanqui Diaz (13-3) and Robert Wiggins (20-6-1) before dropping an eight round majority decision to undefeated veteran Travis Walker (21-0-1).

Estrada get back on his horse and won eight in a row over the likes of Robert Hawkins (21-7); James Northey (11-1); Lance Whitaker (32-4-1) and Moutrie Witherspoon (14-1) before fighting well in defeat to Olympic Gold medal winner Alexander Povetkin (16-0) in Germany.

Estrada hasn’t fought in nearly a year since fighting one of his most spirited fights to date when he dropped a close twelve round unanimous decision to Tomasz Adamek (39-1).

Lawrence of Indianapolis, Indiana has a record of 13-2-2 with eight knockouts

The thirty-five year old has had quality wins over Nicolai Firtha (10-3-1); Carlos Bennett (11-1) and in his last bout he stopped Lance Whitaker (35-6-1) in seven rounds.

The only losses on his ledger were to then undefeated knockout artist Bermane Stiverne (6-0) and former WBC Heavyweight champion Oliver McCall (52-9).

In the co-feature, Isaac Rodriguez (17-1, 13 KO’s) of West Berlin, NJ via Brazil will look to get back in the win column after his pro defeat will take on upset minded Jose Medina of Tilton, New Hampshire.

Medina steps in for Russell Jordan who was injured in training.

Medina has a record of 12-9 with five knockouts.

Medina has been in the ring with former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (9-0); Jason LeHoullier (16-0) and in his last bout he dropped an eight round unanimous decision to Gabriel Rosado on December 9th.

A full undercard has been assembled as exciting female Super Featherweight scheduled for six rounds, Amanda Serrano (7-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, New York will rematch Ela Nunez (9-7-1, 2 KO’s) of Jamestown, NY.

The two fought a toe to toe slugfest on November 20, 2009 that ended in a draw.

In a six round Welterweight bout, Kenny Abril (11-3-1, 6 KO’s) of Rochester, NY will take on Stephen Scott (5-2) of Albany, New York.

Ibaheim King (7-5, 2 KO’s) of West Palm Beach, Florida will take on Philadelphia Latif Mundy (9-2, 4 KO’s) in a Middleweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Also seeing action will be Super Middleweight Andy Mejias (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Utica, NY in a six round bout against an opponent to be named.

Derrick Evans of Utica, NY will be making his pro debut in a four round bout in a Light Heavyweight bout against Steve Tyner (1-1-1) of Albany, NY.

Tickets for this championship night of boxing are priced at just $60; $45 and $ 35 and be purchased the Showroom Box Office by calling (1 800 833 SHOW) or at all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (315 472 0700)

The show can be seen LIVE all over the world via internet broadcast for just $9.99 on www.gofightlive.tv by clicking: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Heavyweight_Championship_Boxing__at_Turning_Stone/901

The Turning Stone Casino and Resort is located at:

5218 Patrick Road
Verona, NY 13478
(315) 361-8248

Sergio Martinez was named the Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers association of America for 2010 in the strength of his winning the Middleweight title over Kelly Pavlik and crunching second round knockout over Paul Williams in November.

“I’m happy for him. He earned it. I don’t think there was any question,” Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “He’s a humble guy, but I think he knows he was fighter of the year. I know that he will be proud. He worked very hard to get there and most of that time quietly and unknown to fans. This is 15 years of hard work.”

Freddie Roach, best known for his work with Pacquiao, won the Futch award for trainer of the year.

Junior welterweight titlist Amir Khan of England and Argentina’s Marcos Maidana will share the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier award for fight of the year.

Khan won a barnburner on December 11th where he had to overcome some crunching blows from Maidana after Khan dominated the first half of the the thrilling fight.

Also to be honored by the BWAA:

• Bill Caplan, a longtime publicist beloved by writers and fighters alike, will receive the Marvin Kohn good guy award. Caplan worked with George Foreman for decades and was with Top Rank for many years, and now is with Golden Boy Promotions.

• Lightweight contender Robert Guerrero will receive the Crawford award for courage and overcoming adversity. Guerrero, a former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist, put his career on hold to be by his wife Casey’s side as she battled leukemia before making a successful return.

• Jack Obermayer, who has been ringside to chronicle more than 3,000 cards for various publications, will receive the Condon award for long and meritorious service to boxing.

• In two previously announced awards, former Ring magazine and KO magazine editor Steve Farhood, who has written about boxing for more than 30 years and continues to write for England’s Boxing Monthly and work as a Showtime analyst, will receive the Fleischer lifetime award for excellence in boxing journalism, and former junior welterweight contender Micky Ward will be honored with the James A. Farley award for honesty and integrity.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that hot shot Middleweight prospect David Lemieux will take on former multiple time world title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio in a WBC Middleweight eliminator on April 8 in Montreal in a bout that will be carried by ESPN 2.

“David Lemieux has defeated each and every one of the opponents put in front of him since the start of his career in thrilling fashion,” said Yvon Michel said. “In Rubio, he will face veteran warrior, himself a KO specialist who is at his physical peak at 30 years of age. I have no doubt that our young protégé will shine brighter than ever and show the entire world what all the hype is about.”

“I am thrilled with this news and very excited about all the possibilities that are waiting for me after I win this fight,” Lemieux said. “I know that it is now up to me alone to pass this test and enter the next chapter of my career. Rubio has a ton of experience and they tell me that he packs a hard punch, but now we’ll see if he can take one, too.”

Also Friday, Canadian promoter InterBox won a WBC purse bid for the light heavyweight title elimination fight between former titleholder Adrian Diaconu (27-2-0, 15 KO), 32, a native of Romania based in Montreal, and Chris Henry (25-2-0, 20 KO), 29, of Houston.

“We are very happy to have won the bid,” Jean Bedard of InterBox said. “We tried hard to come to terms with Team Henry during the free negotiation period but it all collapsed right before the bid. Maybe they believed this fight was worth more than what we originally offered them. This is an extremely important fight for Adrian, so we will be busy over the next few weeks studying where to best place this fight.”

In what is a surprising move inside the boxing industry, the May 7th showdown between Pound for Pound King Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley will be distributed by Showtime rather than HBO according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

HBO had been a staple in the distribution of both Pacquiao’s and Mosley’s fights and both guys have done big numbers on the Pay Per View arm of HBO.

Showtime is a sister company of over the air network CBS and it is believed that CBS will have participation in the marketing of the event.

Neither Showtime nor Top Rank had any comment on the impending announcement.

Top Rank CEO recently inked a deal with Showtime PPV to distribute the March 12th Miguel Cotto – Ricardo slowdown which will also be in Las Vegas

Philadelphia (January 21st, 2010) This Monday January 24th: Greg Robinson’s Power Productions will hold a press conference at Chickie’s and Pete’s to announce his January 28th blockbuster card appropriately titled “Philly Barn Burner III: West Oak Lane Rumble,” to be held at the National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia. Headlining the card will be an explosive six round bout featuring can’t miss featherweight prospect “Pretty Boy” Coy Evans (9-0-1, 2KO’s) against his most experienced opponent to date, in wily veteran Felipe Almanza (18-19, 9KO’s). You can throw out the records in the eight round co-feature of the evening as tough as nails super middleweights, Tommy “Big Poppa” Speller (5-5, 3KO’s) and Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson (13-16-3 8KO’s) square off in what is sure to be a Philly gym style war. The undercard is loaded with several up and coming prospects matched tough in what is sure to be a great night of action.

The event is open to the public and everyone is invited to come out and see some of the best fighters in the region that boxing has to offer.

The press conference will begin at 6:00PM. Food and beverages will be available for press.

WHO: Coy Evans (9-0-1, 2KO’s)-undefeated Philly featherweight sensation.

Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller (5-5, 3KO’s)

Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson (13-16-3, 8KO’s)

Emmanuel Lartei Larty (10-0-1, 5KO-US debut of undefeated Ghanaian Jr. Welterweight.

Keenan Smith (3-0, 1KO) explosive Philly super featherweight prospect

Miguel Corcino (2-0, 2KO)- Camden, New Jersey welterweight knockout artist.

Rashad Brown (2-0)-undefeated Philly middleweight sensation

Angel Ocasio (3-0, 1KO) highly touted lightweight sensation

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Monday January 24th at 6:00PM

(The press conference is open to the public.)

WHERE: Chickie’s and Pete’s

11000 Roosevelt Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19166

Philadelphia (January 19th, 2010) This Monday January 24th: Greg Robinson’s Power Productions will hold a press conference at Chickie’s and Pete’s to announce his January 28th blockbuster card appropriately titled “Philly Barn Burner III: West Oak Lane Rumble,” to be held at the National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia. Headlining the card will be an explosive six round bout featuring can’t miss featherweight prospect “Pretty Boy” Coy Evans (9-0-1, 2KO’s) against his most experienced opponent to date, in wily veteran Felipe Almanza (18-19, 9KO’s). You can throw out the records in the eight round co-feature of the evening as tough as nails super middleweights, Tommy “Big Poppa” Speller (5-5, 3KO’s) and Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson (13-16-3 8KO’s) square off in what is sure to be a Philly gym style war. The undercard is loaded with several up and coming prospects matched tough in what is sure to be a great night of action.

The event is open to the public and everyone is invited to come out and see some of the best fighters in the region that boxing has to offer.

The press conference will begin at 6:00PM. Food and beverages will be available for press.

WHO: Coy Evans (9-0-1, 2KO’s)-undefeated Philly featherweight sensation.

Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller (5-5, 3KO’s)

Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson (13-16-3, 8KO’s)

Emmanuel Lartei Larty (10-0-1, 5KO-US debut of undefeated Ghanaian Jr. Welterweight.

Keenan Smith (3-0, 1KO) explosive Philly super featherweight prospect

Miguel Corcino (2-0, 2KO)- Camden, New Jersey welterweight knockout artist.

Rashad Brown (2-0)-undefeated Philly middleweight sensation

Angel Ocasio (3-0, 1KO) highly touted lightweight sensation

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Monday January 24th at 6:00PM

(The press conference is open to the public.)

WHERE: Chickie’s and Pete’s

11000 Roosevelt Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19166

A Featherweight doubleheader will highlight a solid card on March 26th in Atlantic City as Yuriorkis Gamboa will defend his title against Jorge Solis and Mikey Garcia will take on Matt Remillard according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Solis who hold an interim title at 130 pounds will be moving down to face Gamboa

“He’s a bigger guy, but he make 126 comfortably,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “Regardless of what people want to say, Gamboa is still in the learning stages. Just because Solis isn’t the most well-recognized name, you will see a guy who can hang with Gamboa and a guy who has a chance to beat him.”

This will be the first fight for Remillard under the Top Rank banner where he recently signed

“It’s a very, very solid fight,” Cameron Dunkin, Garcia’s manager, said. “It’s a tough fight. The winner of this fight is really going to come out with big plans to become a champion. I talked to Mikey’s trainer [and brother] Robert [Garcia], and he was fine with the fight. But he said, ‘It’s a really tough fight, but it’s something Mikey has to do if he’s going to be a world champion.’ I agree with him about that.”

Said Moretti: “I think it’s a great opportunity for both guys. I don’t know which guy is going to have his hand raised at the end of the fight, but they are both winners for taking this kind of risk, which is what happens when you match up two undefeated guys. I think regardless of what happens, both of their careers will move forward.”

15rounds.com was informed early this week that a intriguing Featherweight fight involving undefeated prospects Teon Kennedy and Jorge Diaz was confirmed by the espn.com report

Exciting and undefeated Jr. Middleweight James Kirkland has been released from a halfway house after a gun conviction and will resume his career in Las Vegas under trainer Kenny Adams according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We plan on having him here on Feb. 1 and in the gym with Kenny,” said Kirkland’s co-manager Cameron Dunkin, who lives in Las Vegas. “It’s going to be terrific. Kenny brings [expertise on] defense and a lot of experience. He’s a great teacher and he’s patient with the fighters. He’s great at communication. You look at James and he’s so athletic, he has guts and he has so much power. Now if you can put him with a great teacher in there working on defense, imagine how good he’s going to be.”

“Kenny told me he wants to work on his defense and getting him to use angles,” Dunkin said. “He said there were a few things he saw from watching the tapes that he can teach him that will make his fights so much easier. So we’re really excited. We’re trying to get him set for March 5, unless Kenny tells me he’s not ready. If Kenny says he’s ready to go, we’re going.”

“He’s been training every day, so I think 155 to 157 will be the weight for the first fight,” Dunkin said. “Weight isn’t an issue.”

NEW YORK (Jan. 20, 2011) – One of the most promising prospects in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Ryan Couture, will seek his second consecutive victory when he faces fellow unbeaten Lee Higgins (2-0) of Houston in a featured lightweight (155 pounds) bout of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers fight card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at Cedar Park Center in the Austin, Texas. suburb of Cedar Park on Friday, Feb. 18, live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the main event, unbeaten rising star Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm (15-0) of Spokane, Wash., takes on dangerous veteran Pat “Bam Bam’’ Healy (25-17) of St. Louis. The winner in the lightweight scrap remains in contention for a possible shot at the STRIKEFORCE title.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE’s third fight card in 21 days and second in the Lone Star State go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. CT tomorrow/Friday, Jan. 21, and will be available at the Cedar Park Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

The first non-televised, undercard fight will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m.

Ryan, the son of MMA legend, Randy Couture, will be making his second pro start and second for STRIKEFORCE on SHOWTIME. He won his debut last Aug. 13 with a slick, 75-second, first-round submission (triangle choke) over Lucas Stark on STRIKEFORCE Challengers.

The 5-foot-10, 28-year-old Couture was scheduled to fight last Nov. 19 but withdrew due to a staph infection.

“I was down for a few weeks but now I’m ready to fight and looking forward to fighting in Texas on Feb. 18,’’ said Couture, a member of Las Vegas, Nev.- based Xtreme Couture. “I’m excited and working hard. I expect a tough fight.’’

Ryan, who was born in Seattle, wrestled in junior high and high school before taking up Jiu-Jitsu. He graduated in 2004 with a mathematics degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash., and worked at a local bank before deciding to go into MMA. He began serious training in MMA in 2008.

“I became a fan when my dad began competing but didn’t get involved as a competitor until years later,’’ said Ryan, who went 5-1 in the amateurs. “I still have a ton to learn and there’ll always be pressure because I’m a ‘Couture,’’ but I’m pretty used to that now.’’’

Higgins, who fights out of Houston and is a product of Tony Aponte’s “Urban Jungle,’’ won both his fights by rear-naked choke in the first round within a three-week span late last year.

The 5-foot-11, 30-year-old submitted Gilbert Jimenez at 2:36 in his most recent outing on Dec. 4. He forced Kenny Burke to tap at 1:25 the previous Nov. 12. Both fights were in Houston.

“This is a great opportunity and an honor for me to fight the son of a legend,’’ Higgins said. “I couldn’t believe it when they offered me the fight. To get a chance to show my skills and make a name for myself on television is very exciting and absolutely a huge deal.’’

A blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Higgins grew up in Massachusetts but has been training in Houston the past two years.

“Lee’s biggest strength is his Jiu-Jitsu but he is also emotionally very strong and works extremely hard,’’ Aponte said. “He’ll be ready for Feb. 18.’’

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.

Legendary promoter Bob Arum talks all things Top Rank which includes Donaire – Montiel; Cotto – Mayorga and Pacquiao – Mosley

Wildly popular Welterweight Saul Alvarez will take on Matthew Hatton in Los Angeles on March 5th according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I think it’s an exciting fight. It’s exciting to have Canelo fighting a name,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “So far, Canelo has dominated the name opponents he has faced, but he is well advised not to take Matthew Hatton lightly. Just remember — there’s only one Matthew Hatton.”

The HBO co-feature has not been signed yet, but Schaefer said he is working to finalize a junior lightweight fight for top prospect Adrien “The Problem” Broner (19-0, 16 KOs), 21, of Cincinnati.

The two opponents in the running to face Broner, according to Schaefer, are Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon, 30, a former junior featherweight titlist and top featherweight contender, and 27-year-old Jason Litzau.

Ponce De Leon (41-2, 34 KOs), who is with Golden Boy, would move up in weight for the bout. Litzau (28-2, 21 KOs), who is promoted by Roy Jones’ Square Ring, is coming off a decision win on Nov. 27 against Celestino Caballero in one of the biggest upsets of 2010.

“I’d like to get Broner’s fight done in the next couple of days,” Schaefer said. “On this show, we’ll have some young guys going against some very experienced fighters in big step-up fights. I think that’s exactly what ‘Boxing After Dark’ is all about.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world champion Joan Guzman has been suspended by the Nevada commission and released by Golden Boy Promotions for a failed urinalysis after his fight with Jason Davis on December 11.

The bout has been ruled a no-contest.

“As you are aware, before your boxing bout in Nevada on December 11, 2010, you voluntarily submitted to a urinalysis and provided a urine sample to Nevada State Athletic Commission representatives,” Wrote Keith Kizer, head of the Nevada Commission. “The results of the urinalysis reflected the presence of Furosemide, which is not approved by the Commission.

“Consequently, please be advised I am filing a disciplinary complaint against you alleging that you violated section 467.850 of the Commission’s regulations, which prohibit the use of any non-approved drug or stimulant before or during a contest of unarmed combat. It is my recommendation that your license be suspended pending formal disciplinary action.”

Upon the ruling, Guzman was released by his promoter Golden Boy Promotions

After winning a purse bid, South African promoter Branco Milenkovic will stage the third fight between IBF Jr. Featherweight champion Steve Molitor and Takelani Ndlovu in South Africa according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Milenkovic won Tuesday’s purse bid to promote the fight with a winning offer of $320,000 to easily beat the offer of $227,500 made by Top Rank, Molitor’s promoter. Under IBF rules, the bout is due by April 18 and with Milenkovic now in control of the promotion, it is likely to happen in South Africa.

In late November, not long after Top Rank signed the Ontario-based Molitor, who is known as “The Canadian Kid,” it won the initial purse bid for the fight with an offer of $215,000. That easily beat Milenkovic, the only other bidder, who bid $154,240.

Top Rank had worked out a deal with Canadian promoter InterBox and Showtime to have Molitor-Ndlovu III televised on the undercard of Lucian Bute’s super middleweight title defense against Brian Magee at the Bell Centre in Montreal on March 19.

However, the date of the fight fell just outside the IBF’s rule saying that a fight has to take place within 90 days of the purse bid. The IBF will often be a bit flexible with the date for a television and venue considerations, but Milenkovic complained. So the IBF invalidated Top Rank’s winning bid and ordered a new auction, which took place Tuesday.

While Molitor (33-1, 12 KOs) would have liked to have the fight in Canada and in front of an American television audience, manager Cameron Dunkin said they were happy with the outcome because it will add $78,750 to Molitor’s purse.

With the split 75 percent in favor of the titleholder and 25 percent for the challenger, Molitor was due $161,250 under the old bid. Now he will make $240,000. Ndlovu (31-6, 18 KOs) is due $80,000.

“He’s getting $240,000, so it’s really good money for him,” Dunkin said. “When I called Steve, I said, ‘Look, we lost the purse bid.’ He said, ‘Oh, man.’ But then I said, ‘You got another ($78) grand,’ so he was really excited about that.

“He said, ‘I don’t care where I fight this guy. I’ll go down there and kick his ass.’ He said he just has to beat him again and then we have big plans for him after this fight.”

“Molitor is loving this,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “He gets more money to fight a guy he already beat twice, but I was shocked by the purse bid results because I didn’t think the South African marketplace would bear that kind of money for an Ndlovu fight against a guy who already beat him twice. He lost a unanimous decision and got stopped. So I didn’t think this would be something they would really push for down there.

“That’s why it’s shocking, especially to lose by that kind of money. He lost a unanimous decision and got stopped. I don’t see why the big push. That’s why it’s shocking, especially to lose by almost $100,000.”

Despite recently agreeing to a high profile match up with countryman Andy, Popular New York based Irishman John Duddy announced his retirement according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“After a great deal of soul-searching, I have decided to retire from boxing,” Duddy said in a statement. “In many ways, continuing to fight would be the easy course of action. I have been offered the opportunity to fight Andy Lee on HBO for a purse in excess of $100,000. A win would put me in position to fight for a world championship. This is not an opportunity that I cast aside lightly.

“I started watching my father train in the gym when I was five years old. I began fighting competitively at age 10. For more than 20 years, I loved being a boxer. I still feel that it’s an enormous honor to be a boxer. But I don’t love it anymore. I no longer have the enthusiasm and willingness to make the sacrifices that are necessary to honor the craft of prizefighting. I used to love going to the gym. Now it’s a chore. I wish I still had the hunger, but I don’t. The fire has burned out. And I know myself well enough to know that it won’t return.”

Duddy turned to veteran manager Craig Hamilton to help him sort things out and they eventually settled with the McLoughlins.

Hamilton said Duddy first broached the idea of retirement to him a couple of months ago.

“We had talked about this at the end of last year,” Hamilton said. “We had a conversation about this and I said, ‘Look, if you want to retire be aware that if you do it, you will be leaving some good fights and money on the table and I don’t want you to do it and then say, ‘I made a mistake.’ I said that to him again [Tuesday]. I said, ‘Before you do anything, I just want you to be certain in your heart and head. Andy Lee is a winnable fight and a victory over Andy Lee would lead you into a title shot and you’d get paid a lot of money.’ I didn’t want him to come back three years down the road and say, ‘what if?’ He made his decision.

“I would hope he never comes back because to leave with opportunities in front of you, they won’t be there when you come back.”

“It would be unfair to my fans, my trainer and manager, and everyone else involved in the promotion of my fights for me to continue boxing when I know that my heart isn’t in it,” Duddy said. “I’ve always given 100 percent in the gym and in my fights. I have too much respect for boxing and the people around me to continue fighting when I know that I can’t do that anymore.

“I haven’t accomplished everything that I wanted to achieve in boxing. But I’ve had a rewarding career. I’ve enjoyed the satisfaction of winning 29 professional fights and learned lessons from my two losses. I’ve experienced the thrill of fighting in Madison Square Garden, Cowboys Stadium, and, also, my beloved Ireland with crowds cheering for me. I look forward to finding future challenges that bring as much passion and joy into my life as boxing has over the past 20 years.”

Lou DiBella, Martinez’s promoter who is putting on the March 12 card, has known Duddy for years. Initially, he was upset with the out-of-nowhere news of Duddy’s retirement, especially after such a tough negotiation with HBO to get the network to agree to buy Lee-Duddy.

However, DiBella said he soon realized Duddy had done the right thing.

“As someone who has been Duddy’s friend for a long time I respect his decision,” DiBella said. “A lot of lesser men would have perpetrated a fraud on HBO and the public by showing up without any passion or fire, taking the paycheck and then quitting. I think on one hand it’s upsetting that it went down this way, but on the other hand, I believe him that he’s genuinely retired and there’s a great honesty in what he did that I can’t criticize. If the fighter knows he doesn’t have it, he has to get out of the business. He has my best wishes and my respect.”

Duddy grew up idolizing former featherweight champion and Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan and said he thought about a quote from him when he made his decision to retire.

“His photograph was one of the first things that visitors saw when entering our home in Derry,” Duddy said. “He had [a] great influence on me when I was a boy. Barry McGuigan once said, ‘Fighters are the first people to know when they should retire and the last to admit it.’ I know that it’s time for me to retire from boxing, and I’m admitting it.

“I’m fortunate to have had the support of many good people throughout my career. To my fans, to the people in the boxing business who have been part of my team over the years, and most of all, to my wife Grainne and the rest of my family, thank you for your love and support. I give you my word — I will not come back.”

Team Sauerland was forced to call off Saturday´s big card in
Neubrandenburg, Germany after IBF Middleweight Champion Sebastian
Sylvester caught a virus infection. The 30-year-old was slated to face
Mehdi Bouadla in his fourth defence on January 22nd, with IBF
Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham taking on mandatory challenger
Enad Licina in the co-featured main event. “I am very disappointed,”
Sylvester said. “All of a sudden I felt sick and exhausted. I went
straight to the doctor who told me that I could not fight on Saturday.
That is a major disappointment for me as I was really looking forward to
fighting in front of my home fans in Neubrandenburg.”

The show in Neubrandenburg will be rescheduled as soon as possible. “We
have to wait and see how quickly Sebastian recovers and then speak to
the IBF to set a new date,” said Team Sauerland General Manager Chris
Meyer. “We are trying to sort this out as soon as we can.”

NEW YORK (Jan. 17, 2011) – In a vitally important fight that will bring the winner one step closer to challenging for a world title, undefeated rising star Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm will face dangerous veteran Pat “Bam Bam’’ Healy in the main event of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at Cedar Park Center in the Austin, Tex. suburb of Cedar Park on Friday, Feb. 18, live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Beerbohm, of Spokane, Wash., will enter what will be a dangerous-for-both-fighters lightweight (155 pounds) scrap with a record of 15-0. Healy, of St. Louis, is 25-17.

An exclusive pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity will take place for “STRIKEFORCE Insider”
e-newsletter subscribers (www.strikeforce.com/signup.asp) beginning at 10 a.m. CT this Wednesday, Jan. 19, and ending at 10 p.m. CT on Thursday, Jan. 20. STRIKEFORCE Insiders will receive a special e-newsletter Tuesday tonight with the pre-sale code.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE’s third fight card in 21 days and second in the Lone Star State go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, Jan. 21, and will be available at the Cedar Park Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

The first non-televised, undercard fight will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. .

Both Beerbohm and Healy are highly skilled 155-pounders who are trying to position themselves to contend for a possible shot at STRIKEFORCE World Champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez.

The experienced Healy has faced top quality opposition and is no stranger to a big fight. He showed his ability and tremendous determination in his last start, pushing former STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson to the limit before getting submitted (rear-naked choke) at 4:27 of the third and final scheduled round on June 26, 2010, on SHOWTIME.

All Beerbohm has done is win convincingly.

Beerbohm will be making his fourth start for STRIKEFORCE and his main event debut. This will be his initial appearance on SHOWTIME. In his last outing for STRIKEFORCE, Beerbohm won a split-decision over four-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro on May 15, 2010. It was only the second time one of Beerbohm’s fights went the distance.

A 5-foot-10, three-year pro, Beerbohm, who turns 32 on Feb. 5, has since fought twice, both in his home state of Washington. He is coming off a 2:48, first-round submission (guillotine choke) over Talon Hoffman on Dec. 4, 2010.

Beerbohm literally began his pro career after serving 366 days at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla as a result of felony convictions, all related to a crystal meth addiction. The day he was freed from prison, he visited a Jiu-Jitsu gym. He had his first amateur fight eight days after being released.

Since entering MMA, Beerbohm has found a discipline and determination that was missing in his life. “If I didn’t go to prison, I probably would be dead today,” he said. “Because I wouldn’t get cleaned up. I wouldn’t go to rehab. I wouldn’t get off the drugs. I didn’t want to get off the drugs. (Finally) I traded one addiction for the other. I traded meth for MMA.”

A top wrestler in high school, Beerbohm is a brawler who can switch between southpaw and orthodox stances. He went 12-0 in the amateurs, in spite of the obstacles he had to overcome. Although the vast majority of his fights have ended early and he’s recorded more KO’s than submissions, he still considers himself a grappler.

Beerbohm, whose nickname is derived from the custom-made, multi-colored trunks sewn by his mother, owns wins over former world Muay Thai champion and STRIKEFORCE and UFC veteran Duane “Bang’’ Ludwig as well as UFC vet Rafaello Oliveira. Beerbohm submitted (bulldog choke) Ludwig in the first round of a non-televised fight at a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on June 19, 2009.

“I want to fight the best, I want to fight for the STRIKEFORCE title,’’ said Beerbohm, the head of Washington’s Fancy Pants Fight Team. “All I can do is continue to work hard and beat who they put in front of me. This is going to be a very difficult fight for both of us, but I’m confident of winning and moving up the ranks.

“I am very anxious to fight on SHOWTIME and show the fans and STRIKEFORCE what I can do. My goal is to fight for the world title. I want to be the champ. I want a five-round fight. That would be something else.’’

A member of Team Quest, Healy has been an active MMA fighter for nearly a decade. He’s ousted big-name, quality opponents all over the world since turning pro in August 2001, including Paul “Semtex’’ Daley, Carlos Condit and Dan Hardy.

The accomplished veteran is 1-1 in STRIKEFORCE. Before the Thomson tussle, Healy scored an impressive unanimous decision over Bryan Travers (13-1 going in) during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on May 21, 2010. It was a rare points victory for the well-conditioned, durable wrestling specialist who has won more than half his fights via submission.

Healy has won three of his last four bouts, and six of eight. “I was disappointed I didn’t quite get it done the last time, but I appreciate getting another opportunity against an up-and-coming fighter,’’ Healy said. “This fight is obviously very important to me. I’ll enter the cage with a lot of confidence.’’

Healy got his start in MMA at the age of 15, shortly after he and a brother stood up to a neighborhood bully and Muay Thai practitioner. Following the altercation, Pat wanted to learn more about technical fighting and sought out MMA gyms for formal training.

To supplement his MMA training regimen, he wrestled in high school, gaining All State accolades and eventually went on to wrestle at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. Following college, Pat knew that he had the potential to do something great and devoted himself fulltime to an MMA career.

Healy believes that cardio is his strength and that it allows him to pressure and break his opponents mentally.

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.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Jr. Middleweight champion Winky Wright will return after more then two years out of the ring on April 9 on the televised undercard of a proposed lightweight title fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales.

“The winner clearly is set up for a middleweight world championship fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions Schaefer said. “For each guy this is an extremely important fight.”

“We are meeting this week with Marquez,” Schaefer said. “We met late last week with Morales, and he is on board. He wants to do this fight. Now we’re going to meet with Juan Manuel and work things out with him and get him on board. What we want to do is put together another ‘Fight Freak’ card with great fights, entertaining fights and fights where there is a storyline behind it.”

“We are meeting this week with Marquez,” Schaefer said. “We met late last week with Morales, and he is on board. He wants to do this fight. Now we’re going to meet with Juan Manuel and work things out with him and get him on board. What we want to do is put together another ‘Fight Freak’ card with great fights, entertaining fights and fights where there is a storyline behind it.”

Schaefer was hoping to finalize a lightweight bout between top contenders Robert Guerrero and Australia’s Michael Katsidis for a March 5 HBO card headlined by junior middleweight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who will probably face Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of former junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton. However, Schaefer said Katsidis told him he would be unavailable for March 5 because of the massive flooding near his home in Australia.

“The floods have really affected him,” Schaefer said. “His focus and his mind aren’t there. He won’t be mentally ready. He said the floods are absolutely devastating. So we will see if he will be ready for a month later.”

Another fight Schaefer mentioned for the pay-per-view is a lightweight bout involving Jason Litzau, who is coming off a major upset of Celestino Caballero in November. Schaefer said he has talked to Square Ring CEO John Writ, Litzau’s promoter, about Litzau facing either Golden Boy blue chip lightweight prospect Adrien Broner or former junior featherweight titlist Daniel Ponce De Leon, a featherweight contender who would move up to junior lightweight.

“It would be a big step up for Broner, but we believe he is ready,” Schaefer said of the 21-year-old from Cincinnati, who scored a first-round knockout on Saturday. “I think Adrien is one of most exciting young fighters in boxing. We spoke to Writ and made an offer. Whatever fights we make for the April 9 card, we’re going to make some great fights. I am really pumped.”