Super Bantamweight contender Teon Kennedy talks about his ESPN 2 Friday Night Fight’s showdown with Christopher Martin

Former world Heavyweight title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers talks about his January 21st fight with Sergei Liakhovich

Jr. Middleweight Gabriel Rosado talks about his January 21st fight with Jesus Soto Karass

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva talks about the 1st show on NBC Sports Network that will feature Eddie Chambers and Sergei Liakhovich on January 21st in Philadelphia

Luke Rockhold retained the Strikeforce Middleweight championship with a first round round pound out of Keith Jardine at the Joint at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Rockhold landed a huge right that sent Jardine back towards the cage and eventually on the ground. After eating a few shots, Jardine got to his feet only to absorb a nasty left hand that knocked him out on the ground. Rockhold got in a handful of more unnecessary blows before referee Herb Dean stopped the bout at 4:26 of round one.

Rockhold, 185 lbs of San Jose, CA makes the first defense of his crown and is now 9-1 with two knockouts. Jardine, 185 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is now 17-10-2.

Former Strikeforce Middleweight champ, Robbie Lawler took out Adlan Amagov in the first round of their Middleweight bout.

Amagov hit Lawler with an illegal knee to the head that gave Lawler a few minute respit. Within in seconds, Lawler hit Amagov with a flying kick and then jumped on Amagov and landed ten unanswered blows that forced referee Steve Mazagotti atopped the bout at 1:41 of the opening frame.

Lawler, 186 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 19-8-1 with sixteen knockouts. Amagov, 186 lbs of Fairfield, NJ is now 9-2

Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion King Mo Lawal stopped previously undefeated Lorenz Larkin in round two of their bout.

Lawal pounded Larkin with about twelve unanswered blows while Larkin lay prone and the bout was stopped at 1:32 of round two.

Lawal, 205 lbs of San Jose, CA is now 9-1 with seven stoppages. Larkin, 205 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 12-1.

Tyron Woodley remained undefeated with a three round split decision over Jordan Mein a Welterweight bout

Scores were 30-27 and 29-28 for Woodley, 171 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL and is now 10-0. Mein, 171 lbs of Lethbridge Alberta, Canada is now 23-8.

Tarec Saffedine fought through a bloody right eye from the first round on to eek out a split decision over Tyler Stinson in a Welterweight bout.

Saffedine, 170 lbs of Temecula, CA won by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and he is now 12-3. Stinson, 170 lbs of Kansas City, KS bloodied Saffedine with a hard elbow in the first round and won a card 29-28 but falls to 23-8

Nah-Shon Burrell scored a three round split decision over James Terry in a Welterweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 on two cards for Burrell while Terry took a third card at 29-28.

Burrell, 171 lbs of Philadelphia is now 801. Terry, 171 lbs of San Jose, CA loses a tough luck bout and is now 11-4

Gian Villante pounded out Trevor Smith in round one of their Light Heavyweight bout.

Villante got Smith on the ground and pounded him with punches and the fight was stopped at 2:05 of round one.

Villante, 205 of New York is now 9-3 with six knockouts. Smith, 206 lbs of Washington is now 9-2

Ricky Legere knocked Chris Sprang from the ranks of the undefeated by scoring a three round unanimous decision in a Welterweight bout.

Legere, 171 lbs of Lake Forrest, CA won by scores of 29-28 on cards and is now 14-4. Sprang, 171 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-1.

Esteven Payan scored a three round unanimous decision over Alonzo Martinez in a Lightweight bout.

Payan, 160 lbs of Tempe, AZ won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 13-3-1. Martinez, 160 1/2 lbs is now 35-14-1

Luis Ramos Jr. scored a ten round unanimous decision Ray Beltran in a competitive Lightweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Hotel and Casino in Indio, California.

Both fighters took turns taking the lead as there was not much to choose from. It seemed that a late surge from Beltran maybe would have got him the verdict but the judges preferred the volume and aggressiveness over the accuracy of Beltran.

Ramos Jr. showed guile as he was cut over his right eye due to an inadvertent head butt in the second round and the two clashed heads several more times during the fight.

Ramos Jr., 135 3/4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 97-93; 97-93 and 96-94 ans is still perfect at 21-0. Beltran, 134 1/4 lbs of North Hollywood, CA suffers another close loss and is now 25-6.

Heading into the evening – after being on the losing side of many tight distance fights – Beltran declared, “The judges are my enemies.” Coming out of this evening’s fight, it’s doubtful that his position has changed.

“I was a little nervous about the decision because I knew it was a tough fight,” said Ramos. “[Beltran] was a tough fighter with a great record but I proved that I could hang in there and take punches.”

Said Ramos: “He got me with a few head butts, but the blood didn’t really bother me.”

The two men engaged in many exchanges full of hooks and headshots with Beltran staying busier but Ramos punching more accurately. The SHO Stats compiled by CompuBox listed Beltran as landing 156 of 522 punches to Ramos’ 190 of 418.

As SHOWTIME boxing analyst Steve Farhood said of the fight, “If I had to pick one word: intensity.”

In a battle of undefeated Lightweights, Omar Figueroa scored a stoppage over Michael Perez after round six of a scheduled ten round bout.

It was an entertaining scrap with each taking turns being the boss. Both especially for young fighters worked the body with effectiveness. Figueroa started to seize control at the end of the fifth round as he started to get through more. Perez kept fighting hard through the sixth but Figueroa seemed to hurt Perez at the end of the round.

The fight was stopped by the Perez corner after the sixth frame.

Figueroa, 134 1/2 lbs of Walesco, TX is now 14-0 with twelve knockouts. Perez, 134 3/4 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 15-1-1.

“It was my legs,” said Perez. “I had no power since round two. I’m disappointed.”

“I was a little disappointed. I hit him with all my best shots but he didn’t go down,” said Figueroa. “But I was confident. I never thought I was going to lose. I’ve been asking for tough opponents. I wanted to fight the best and I proved I can deal with this and much more.

“[Perez] was a tough opponent but that’s what I’ve been asking for.”

Dyah Davis scored a ten round unanimous decision over Alfonso Lopez in a Super Middleweight bout at mallory Square in Key West, Florida.

Davis landed the only telling blows and was much quicker then Lopez.

Davis, 166 1/4 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is won by scores of 100-90; 100-90 and 99-91 and is now 21-2-1. Lopez, 167 lbs of Corpus Christie, TX is now 22-2.

Denis Douglin scored an eight round split decision over previously undefeated Steven Martinez in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Douglin landed the quicker shots and at times timed Martinez using his superior handspeed to rack up points while Martinez came forward and landed some good straight right hands.

In the end it was the accuracy of Douglin to get the victory by scores of 77-75; 77-75 and 77-75 for Martinez.

Douglin, 154 1/2 lbs of Marlboro, NJ is now 14-1. Martinez, 153 1/2 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 11-1.

“I’m happy with the victory and Steven is a terrific fighter, but I’ve still got plenty of improvements to make,” stated Douglin, who improved to 14-1 with 8 KO’s. “I’ll be right back in the gym making the necessary adjustments that will get me to the next level.”

“I definitely showed everybody what kind of a fighter I am,” exclaimed the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion. “I’ve fought tough opponents in back to back fights and Martinez is regarded as one of the top prospects on the east coast. This is just the beginning though and I’m going to continue my journey up the ranks until I become a world champion!”

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (January 6, 2012)—One of the east coast’s up and coming boxing manager’s, New Jersey’s Rich Masini has been building up quite a stable of fighters and has three of the brightest prospects on the East Coast in Heavyweight John Lennox, Cruiserweight Jaywon Woods and Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young and all three not only plan to stay active but start making big moves in 2012.

All three train in the Atlantic City under the tutelage of Ray McCline and all have been improving on their trade and are ready for 2012.

Lennox of Cartert, New Jersey is trained by Charles Thomas and has amassed a record of 8-1 with four knockouts and was extremely busy in 2011 as he went 5-1 with three knockouts.

“We saw constant improvement in John and I saw the transformation in him before my eyes”, said Masini.

“The impact of Ray McCline joining Charles Thomas is profound as John was an athlete (Lennox was an All American football player at Montclair State) who can now fight

Lennox has a lot of confidence about the future.

“We are going forward with an aggressive schedule. I am just continuing from my last fight and I am just going to let my hands go”, said Lennox.

“When John fights on January 13th, it will be my third fight with him”, said McCline

“We have been working on defense and fundamentals. John has a lot of heart and grit and determination and we are trying to re insert that football mentality back in him. We like what we get out of and we look forward to more progress.

Woods is a fighter with a lot of promise and talent. The twenty-six year old of Atlantic City has boxing in his blood as he is the son of former Heavyweight contender Darroll Wilson.

Woods, 8-1 with five knockouts will be making his first appearance in eighteen months when he takes on Rayshawn Myers on January 13th in Philadelphia.

“Jaywon is the biggest X-Factor of the three”, said Masini

“I see signs with a collision Corse with a title. Even after the layoff we anticipate big things and long term success”

“By the end of the year, I want to be a candidate and up the ante and have that title by the middle of next year”, said Woods

“Jaywon is very talented and he has a great opportunity with Rich Masini”, said trainer McCline

“He has great speed, strength, length and power and we are excited for Jaywon to show off those skills”

Last but not least is Young, who many on the east coast have predicted big things for.

The Welterweight from Atlantic City is 2-0 and will look to start the New Year on a positive note when he fights on January 19th in Staten Island, New York

“Without a doubt he will be champion”, said an exited Masini.

“It’s not an IF but WHEN. He has a tremendous support team that is led by his family”

“I am looking forward to having ten fights in 2012”, exclaimed Young

“Whether it’s a first round knockout or a decision the key is to get the job done and get the victory. On January 19th, I want to put on a good show for my fans”

McCline shares the same enthusiasm as Masini.

“The sky is the limit for “Juice”. He has a little of everything Quick hands, Quick feet, instincts, sneaky power”, said McCline, who continued with high praise

“He reminds me of a young Meldrick Taylor. He wants to fight and we have got great sparring. Boxing people will hear lot from him for the years to come.

“Rich Masini has provided these three with a great opportunity to succeed”

Masini concluded by looking forward to 2012 and beyond

“We have assembled a great team with Charles Thomas, Ray McCline and our in-house matchmaker Renee Aiken and I feel that big things are on the way for these kids”

On Saturday, January 21, boxing fans will be treated to an all-out war at the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when hometown favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado (18-5, 10 KO’s) battles Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Jesus Soto Karass (24-6-3, 16 KO’s) in a ten-round junior middleweight showdown live on NBC Sports Network at 9pm E/T. The bout is part of a fan-pleasing card headlined by a ten-round heavyweight clash between “Fast” Eddie Chambers (36-2, 18 KO’s) and Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich (25-4, 16 KO’s), and is the first of four outstanding fight cards to be televised by the network this year.

Rosado, 25, has never been in a dull fight due to his crowd-pleasing style, and is riding a four-fight winning streak heading into his contest with Soto Karass. Rosado’s technique is very exciting for fight fans because he uses adept lateral movement remarkably well, but always ends up in a blow-for-blow fracas with the opposition.

Rosado is ecstatic to fight again in his hometown of Philadelphia and says he is prepared to take on Soto Karass. “He’s coming up to my weight class,” stated Rosado. “I have the size advantage, and I am going to use my power more in this fight. I could always box, but I am going to back this guy up!” Rosado added, “He’s used to guys boxing him. I am not going to give him a comfort zone. I am going to overpower him, walk him down and back him up. I will take him out of his element.”

Soto Karass, 29, has a granite chin, and has never been knocked out in a prize fight. From December of 2005 thru August of 2009, Soto Karass did not sustain a loss, compiling a record of (13-0-1, 6 KO’s). He dropped his last four ring appearances, going 0-3 with one no-contest, in bloody – and sometimes controversial -fashion.

Soto Karass is not one to take a backward step from his challengers, which was clearly exhibited in his two confrontations with Mike Jones, the first of which he lost in a highly-contested, ten-round majority decision on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito. Soto Karass wore Jones down with relentless pressure, taking an enormous amount of punishment to dish out his own damaging shots in a back and forth melee.

Soto Karass believes NBC Sports Network could not have chosen a better opponent for Rosado, “Everyone that has seen me fight knows that when they come to watch me they are going to get a great show. With Rosado, it’s a fight that will be a give and take war. I know that Rosado is more of a boxer, this camp we’ve been working my on my boxing. And if I have to go forward, I’ll go forward, no problem.” Soto Karass added, “This fight will be a little more intelligent, but I really do see this becoming a war. The boxing fans should definitely watch this, they will not be disappointed.”

If there was ever a fight deemed a “crossroads fight” in boxing, Rosado vs. Soto Karass is certainly it. Neither man can afford another loss on their record. There’s no better recipe for an exhilarating fight than two guys desperate for victory, battling in a packed Philadelphia boxing venue. NBC Sports Network and boxing fans everywhere won the moment this fight was signed.

Contributed in part by -Michael Seiler – The Boxing Republic

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922 or online at www.peltzboxing.com

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. – Philadelphia

Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Site TBA

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Floyd Mayweather proved yest again why he is the best defensive wizard of this generation as today he avoided jail much like he avoids punches as he got a delay in his jail sentence in Las Vegas so he could fight in May.

Mayweather, who was due a ninety day sentence today in Las Vegas after he pled no-contest in the battering of the mother of his children argued that his fights generate a financial influx of hundreds of millions of dollars into the Las vegas income and Mayweather got the delay but he must report to prison on June 1st.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz will have to explain himself to the Nevada commission about the antics and post fight statements he made during and after his fourth round knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather before he could be granted a license for his February 11th rematch with Andre Berto.

Ortiz purposely headbutted Mayweather and later made a statement that he tried to break Mayweather’s nose during the fight.

Head of the Nevada Commission Keith Kizer said that commission chairman Raymond “Skip” Avansino Jr. directed that Ortiz’s application for a license be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Ortiz applied for his license Wednesday.

“Chairman Avansino wants the commission to be able to question Mr. Ortiz about his actions in the ring on Sept. 17 and issues related thereto,” Kizer said. “This is Mr. Ortiz’s first fight since then and it’s a new licensure year, but (the comments) definitely sealed it.

“I was trying to break his nose, 100 percent, because (Mayweather) nailed me 16 times with his elbow on my right eye,” Ortiz said in the interview. “It was wrong, it was very wrong. But given the fact that I had asked the ref to keep an eye on that and I told him (watch the) ‘elbow’ (and) he kept saying, ‘Keep fighting Victor, keep fighting.’ All right, you want to get dirty? I got dirty.

“I let the best take over. I let the best of me get away and for that I started feeling bad. And that’s why I was like, ‘Yo, Floyd, my bad bro, I apologize, man.’ So I gave him a hug. They got me to feel human once again in the ring, and when I felt human I paid for it. Although I take it as a learning lesson, a learning experience, next time it ain’t gonna be that. If I’m gonna head butt you, I’m gonna break your nose (on the) next head butt.”

Said Kizer, “The apparent willingness by Mr. Ortiz to head butt an opponent in the ring according to his own words is definitely a cause for concern for the commission. This is pretty blatant and Mr. Ortiz made it pretty easy for the chairman to have a hearing by saying those comments.”

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Ortiz’s promoter, declined comment, but manager Rolando Arellano told ESPN.com that Ortiz would welcome the opportunity to answer the commission’s questions, and that he was willing to appear in person even though it meant breaking his Southern California training camp for the day.

“The commission’s mission is to help protect the safety and welfare of all fighters,” Arellano said. “They’re taking action to make sure that this type of conduct doesn’t occur in the future. We appreciate the opportunity to go in front of them to discuss any and all of their concerns and to answer all of the questions they may have.

“When we step into that ring, we want to display the highest standard of sportsmanlike conduct, so we’ll fly out and listen to them and address any of their concerns. We’re not bothered by their request. They’re doing their job and we have to assure them that we will do our job in accordance to the rules and conditions of the Nevada commission while participating in a boxing event.”

“Victor did something wrong that day and was apologetic and showed remorse,” Arellano said. “He was reprimanded that day and the commission wants to make sure nothing goes afoul again.”

CHESTER, PA (JANUARY 5, 2012)—On Friday night February 24th, Joey Eye Boxing Promotions returns to Harrahs in Chester, Pa with a potentially explosive night of boxing that will be headlined by popular Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante taking on former four-time world title challenger Omar Sheika in a Light Heavyweight bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Ferrante of Philadelphia has a record of 12-2 with seven knockouts and is one of the most popular fighters in Philadelphia. Ferrante won his first nine professional bouts before dropping back to back bouts to Chuck Mussachio (15-1-2) and Ronson Frank (17-0).

Ferrante has responded with three consecutive victories, with two of those coming at Harrahs in Chester.

Ferrante is coming off a first round stoppage over Joe Park last August 12th at Harrahs in Chester.

Sheika of Paterson, New Jersey has been a mainstay at the top of the Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions for sixteen years. He won his first fourteen bouts and went on to beat former world champions Simon Brown and Glen Johnson.

Sheika challenged Joe Calzaghe, Eric Lucas; Jeff Lacy and Markus Beyer for world Super Middleweight supremacy but each time came up just a little bit short.

Sheika, 30-11 with twenty-one knockouts is on a two fight losing streak and has a bout scheduled for January 21st against fellow Philadelphia based Light heavyweight Charles Hayward.

Gerald “The Jedi” Nobles will make his second comeback fight in a six round Heavyweight bout.

Nobles of Philadelphia has a record of 26-1 with twenty-one knockouts and will be making his first start in four years, which was a first round stoppage over Andy Sample.

Nobles holds a stoppage win over former WBA Heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon and his only defeat was a controversial disqualification defeat to future WBA champion Nikolai Valuev in a bout that Nobles was ejected for low blows that appeared to be caused by Valuev’s trunks being elevated.

Nobles will be making his return on January 28th in Philadelphia.

Also returning on the show will be boxing’s world record holder for most consecutive first round knockouts in Jr. Middleweight, Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson.

Brunson of Philadelphia will be making his first ring appearance in just over two years.

Brunson started his career with a staggering nineteen consecutive first round knockouts. After a draw and two wins, Brunson suffered his first professional defeat when he was stopped by Carson Jones in a bout that was televised on Showtime.

Brunson’s opponent in the six round bout will be named shortly.

Tyrone Crawley Jr. of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut in a four round Welterweight bout.

Crawley Jr. is the son of Former world title challenger Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley.

In a six round rematch of Heavyweights, Jamie Campbell will try to avenge his loss to William Miranda.

Campbell of nearby Ridley Park, Pennsylvania has a record of 3-2 with two knockouts.

Miranda, who took the first bout with Campbell on March 18th, 2011 on less than twenty-four hours notice won a close unanimous decision victory and since then has fought five times which includes a six round unanimous decision over Lonnie Kornegay on October 21st, 2011 in his hometown of Allentown, PA

Miranda is 4-4-1.

More bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets are now on sale for $100 (VIP); $65 (Ringside) and $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Chester Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on www.webtix.net

BRONX, NY (January 5, 2012) — Star Boxing will once again showcase one of the most promising boxers in the world, undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, February 10 against rugged Philadelphian Derek “Pooh” Ennis in a 10-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) junior middleweight title, headlining an ESPN Friday Night Fights show at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“We’re excited to be going back to beautiful Mohegan Sun for another ESPN Friday Night Fights show with Demetrius Andrade, one of the top young boxers in the world, headlining what will be a very entertaining and competitive card,” Star Boxing president Joe DeGuardia said. “This is going to be a breakout year for Demetrius, who will be fighting close to his family, friends and fans in Providence. Ennis is a tough Philadelphia fighter who figures to give Demetrius the toughest test of his young pro career.”

“We love fight night at Mohegan Sun Arena and it’s a perfect fit when there is an exciting card like this one in our building,” added Thomas L. Cantone, Mohegan Sun, Vice President Sports and Entertainment.

One of the most gifted all-around boxers, Andrade (15-0, 10 KOs) has been favorably compared to a younger, heavier Floyd Mayweather, Jr. because of their similar styles, featuring lightning-quick feet and hands, superior defensive acumen and dominant victories. In Demetrius’ five fights that have gone the distance, for example, he has won 30 of 34 rounds on the scorecards.

The 23-year-old Andrade, fighting only a short drive from his Providence home, was a 2007 World amateur champion who will be fighting for the seventh time on ESPN. In his last two fights, the slick southpaw pitched a near shutout in August en route to a 10-round unanimous decision against veteran Grady Brewer, winner of The Contender II television reality series, and stopped former world title challenger Saul Duran after three rounds last September in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Andrade is rapidly climbing the ratings ladder, ranked in the top 15 of all four major governing bodies: No. 9 by the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”), No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (“IBF”), No. 13 by the World Boxing Council (“WBC”) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (“WBA”).

The Cape Verdean descent star-in-the-making faces his stiffest test to date as a professional in Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs), a former USBA title-holder who is rated No. 9 by the IBF. Ennis’ most notable wins were by 12-round decisions in 2009 against world title challenger Ermosele Albert (22-3-1) for the vacant USBA belt and a year later versus Gabriel Rosada (14-4) in a USBA title defense.

Andrade is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

The winner of the Andrade-Ennis fight will better position himself for a world title shot against WBO titlist Zaurbek Baysangurov (26-1, 20 KOs), of Russia.

Tickets are $75.00, $40.00 and $30.00 (plus $5.00 facility fee for all tickets) and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability, or by calling Star Boxing at 1.718.823.2000 and online via www.StarBoxing.com.

The Feb. 10 co-feature and undercard bouts will soon be announced.

For more information go online to www.starboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum will be flying to the Philippines to present pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao with a list of four options for his next fight in either May or June.

The options include a rematch with WBA Super Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto; WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley; A fourth fight with bitter rival Juan Manuel Marquez and a fight with newly crowned WBA/IBF 140 lb champion Lamont Peterson.

“I’ll sit with Manny and explain everything to him, tell him what I think each of these fights would do on pay-per-view,” Arum told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “We’ll talk about what (trainer) Freddie (Roach) thinks and about what (Top Rank matchmaker) Bruce (Trampler) thinks. Then I’ll let Manny make the decision on which opponent he wants to fight, which I am sure he will do while I am there.”

“Besides the opponent, the other thing we need to discuss is whether he’ll fight in May or June,” Arum said.

“I’m not married to May 5, so Manny could fight on another date in May,” Arum said. “If Manny’s opponent is Marquez, I’d be much more married to the date.”

The reason is because Marquez is from Mexico and May 5 is the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo, traditionally a day when major bouts involving Mexican fighters are held.

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

NEW YORK (January 4, 2011) – Boxing 360 announced today that it has signed Philadelphia heavyweight prospect Joey Dawejko (5-0, 2 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract. The 21-year-old Polish-American fighter is scheduled to make his Boxing 360 debut January 13 at home in Philadelphia against an opponent to be determined.

“He’s a catch,” Boxing 360 founder and CEO Mario Yagobi said about signing Dawejko. “He’s powerful, very poised for his young age, with an impressive amateur background from 105 pounds to super heavyweight. He’s 5-10, weighs 235 pounds, and is powerful with either hand. He throws punches from different angles and when he hits, his opponent really feels it. Big heavyweights feel awkward fighting Joey because he’s short and stocky. We believe that, in time, Joey will be a cruiserweight, where he’ll be even more powerful fighting in that division. We’re excited to be working with Joey and look for big things from him.”

Dawejko captured 14 U.S. amateur championships, highlighted by him becoming the youngest ever to win the Eastern Olympic Trials at the age of 16, as well as a gold medal performance at the 2008 World Youth Championships in Mexico.

“I signed with Boxing 360 because I have a lot of confidence in Mario,” Dawejko explained. “I feel it’s the right choice because Mario can do a lot for my career. I think moving to cruiserweight is a good plan. I can easily make that weight. I’d like to win a couple of titles there and then go back up to heavyweight. My greatest attribute is my defense; I don’t like to get hit but I really love hitting my opponent.”

In his last action this September, Joey took a fight on only two days notice against previously undefeated John Lennox (6-0), who Dawejko stopped in the opening round.

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include IBF World Light Junior Lightweight Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, unbeaten welterweight prospect Vitaliy “Demyan” Demyanenko, WBC Caribbean & NY State super middleweight champion Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, Dominican lightweight champion Eudy “AK47” Bernardo, Nick “Hands of Steel” Casal, DonYil Livingston, Mike Mollo, Joel Diaz Jr., Aleem “The Hammer” Whitfield, Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin, Bryan Acaba and “King” David Estrada.

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Dawejko, Boxing 360 or any of its other fighters as well as scheduled events.

Atlantic City, NJ—Undefeated welterweight Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, PA, faces hard-hitting Allen Conyers, of the Bronx, NY, in the scheduled 10-round main event Saturday evening, Feb. 25, in the Grand Ballroom at Ballys Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm.

This will mark Cruz’ first main event in Atlantic City, where has won seven fights, six at Bally’s, one at Caesars.

“This is a big night for me but I know I’m in a tough fight,” said Cruz (right), who is 15-0, 12 K0s, since turning pro late in 2009. “Allen Conyers punches harder than anyone I have fought so I have to be careful but I cannot let it affect my style. I like to mix it up and so does he.”

Cruz, 25, is managed by ex-pro lightweight Jimmy Deoria, of Phoenixville, PA, and trained by Lemuel Rodriguez, of Bethlehem, PA. Cruz had a brief amateur career, fighting 28 times in a13-month period from July, 2007, until August, 2008.

In his breakthrough fight late in 2010 at Ballys, Cruz rallied to knock out former national amateur standout Jeremy Bryan, of Paterson, NJ, in six rounds.

Cruz has knocked out his last eight foes, including steel-chinned Anjes Adjaho, of Buffalo, NY, who went out in five rounds on Nov. 19, also at Ballys. Other victims include Doel Carrasquillo, of Lancaster, PA, and Dillet Frederick, of Ft. Myers, FL.

Conyers (left), 35, turned pro in 2002 and has a record of 12-5, 9 K0s. His opposition has been much tougher than Cruz’ and he has scored knockouts over world-rated Derek Ennis (10-0-1 at fight time), of Philadelphia, PA, and James De la Rosa (20-0), of San Benito, TX. Upsets wins like those earned Conyers the “Dream Shatterer” nickname.

Other Conyers victims include New York southpaws Russell Jordan and Jonathan Tubbs, both of whom failed to last one round.

All nine of Conyers’ knockout victories have come within the first three rounds.

Other top men Conyers has boxed include: Delvin Rodriguez, of Danbury, CT; James Kirkland, of Austin, TX; Said Ouali, of Las Vegas, NV; Carlos Molina, of Chicago, IL.

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

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBO Light Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against Pennsylvanian Tommy Karpencey on February 25th in Cleverly’s home country of Wales.

“This is my first fight in Cardiff for a long time, and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for my fans against Karpency,” Cleverly said. “My return has created a big interest in Wales and it’s going to be a fantastic welcome home.

“I’ve trained over Christmas and I’m in great shape already, and we’re still over seven weeks away from the fight, so I’ll be spot on come fight night.”

Karpency (21-2-1, 14 KOs), of Adah, Pa., is a bit of a surprise challenger. He has never beaten a top opponent, and the only time he stepped up to face a world-class opponent he was knocked down and lost a clear decision to Karo Murat in Germany in May 2010.

The 25-year-old Karpency has won two fights in a row since the loss to Murat, whose only defeat was a 10th-round knockout to Cleverly in a September 2010 title elimination bout.

“Karpency looks like a tough fighter and he took Murat the distance last year, and Murat gave me a hard fight,” Cleverly said. “I’ve got big plans for this year that I hope will include a unification fight, so I’ve got to keep busy and beat Karpency in style.”

Morganville, NJ (December 30, 2011) – Although he’s won 13 of his 14 professional bouts and Ring Magazine featured him as a prospect on the rise, some still knock junior middleweight Denis “Da Mommas Boy” Douglin for his lone defeat.

The sole setback, which came last February against Doel Carrasquillo, is something Douglin doesn’t care to hear or talk about.

“You can only be successful by moving forward, not backwards,” stated the former National Golden Gloves Champion. “I’ve discussed that fight enough times and have moved on with my career. There will always be doubters but that’s just boxing.”

On January 6, Douglin can silence his critics when he faces fellow 2008 National Golden Gloves titlist Steven Martinez on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Martinez, 11-0 (9 KO’s), is a well-regarded prospect with devastating punching power. Eight of his nine opponents failed to make it out of the third round and none of them were able to test him.

Douglin’s confident that will all change.

“I am very hungry,” exclaimed Douglin. “I’m going to leave everything in the ring and don’t think Martinez can do the same. I’ve seen him get frustrated in the ring before and I hit harder than anybody he’s faced. My training camp has been fantastic and I know I am going to win this fight!”

Douglin-Martinez is scheduled for eight rounds in the junior middleweight division and opens the 2012 season of Friday Night Fights. The card is promoted by Dibella Entertainment and tickets starting at $35 are available at Keystix.com.

The card airs live on ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes at 9 pm ET.

WBA Featherweight champion defends the WBA Featherweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over Satoshi Hosono in Ypkohama, Japan.

Scores were 119-108, 119-108 and 116-111 for Caballero, 125 1/2 lbs and is now 36-4. Hosono, 126 lbs is now 26-2.

WBC Minimumweight champion Kazuto Ioka scored a 1st round stoppage over Yodngoen Tor Charlermchai in round one of the title bout in Osaka, Japan.

Ioka landed a hard left that set off a big flurry that was punctuated by a left hook that sent the challenger on his back for the ten count at 1:38 of round one.

Ioka, 105 lbs is now 9-0 with 6 knockouts. Charlermchai is now 8-1.

Jermain Taylor made a successful return to the ring and the Middleweight division with an eighth round stoppage over Jesse Nicklow in a scheduled ten round bout at the Morango Hotel and Resort in Cobazon, California.

Taylor, who was making his first ring appearance in twenty-seven months came out quick and went right after Nicklow. The bout settled into a solid boxing performance with Taylor featuring his once vaunted jab. Nicklow landed his one big shot of the night when he landed an overhand right that seemed to get Taylor’s attention round three.

Taylor then dominated with the jab for the next several rounds. Taylor was docked a point after round six for clearly hitting Nicklow after the bell. Taylor landed several big right hands in the seventh and that set up Taylor landing a big right and left hook that saw referee Ray Corona stop the fight maybe a bit premature at thirty-six seconds into round eight.

Taylor, 161 lbs of Little Rock, Arkansas is now 29-4-1 with eighteen knockouts. Nickoow, 159 lbs of Baltimore, MD is now 22-3-3.

“I felt a little rusty but as the rounds went by I got more comfortable,’’ Taylor said. “I wanted to try and go in there and have some fun. We’ll see where I go from here. There is no timetable. But I’m not going to walk from it. I’ll fight anybody.’’

Regarding the late hit, Taylor said, “I got a little frustrated with him leading with his head so much, but it is something that will never happen again. I apologize to all my fans. It was very unprofessional of me.’’

Andre Dirrell wasted no time in shaking off a twenty-one month layoff by disposing of Darryl Cunningham in round two of a scheduled ten round Super Middleweight bout.

After a feeling out first round, Dirrell landed a huge left that dropped Cunningham in the second frame. It seemed that Cunningham’s corner threw in the towel but referee Jack Reis did not acknowledge the act. Dirrell quickly jumped on Cunningham and dropped him again with a right and the towel was waved again but this time Reis stopped the fight at 2:05 of round two.

Dirrell, 169 lbs of Flint, MI is now 20-1 with fourteen knockouts. Cunningham, 167 1/2 lbs of Detroit, MI is now 24-3.

“I am just so happy to be back,’’ said Dirrell after this first fight since March 27, 2010. “I wanted it to go further, but I felt really good. My hands felt lighter, my feet felt fast. I’d say I fought at about 99.5 percent, which was more than I could ask for.

“Time will tell what I do next, but I’m going to continue to work hard. There is such a small window. I’m 28 years old. I’m just going to continue to push forward.

“But I can finally see the big picture again.’’

In a battle of undefeated Light Heavyweights, Luis Garcia won a eight round unanimous decision over a seemingly disinterested Alexander Johnson.

Garcia took what Johnson gave him which were solid yet unspectacular shots throughout the slow paced eight rounds. It seemed that after round two that Johnson wanted to be anywhere but in the ring on this night as he looked around the ring as much as his opponent.

Garcia had success with the right hand and was in control as Johnson threw very few punches (466-222) and landed alot less (193-32) then did Garcia.

Garcia, 174 1/2 lbs of Hatanzas, Cuba won by scores of 80-71; 80-72; 80-72 and is now 12-0. Johnson, 172 lbs of Washington, DC is now 12-1.

“This was my first fight in over 13 months and I was a little rusty but I am happy to get the win and looking forward to fighting again very soon in the states,’’ said Garcia after triumphing by the scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice. “I promise that I’ll give the fans a much better show next time.’’

In a bout that has the makings of a match made in boxing heaven, former Heavyweight Champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich takes on top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers to open the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night on January 21, 2012, at 9pm, at Asylum Arena in Philadelphia.

Sergei is a native of Belarus and grew up in the former Soviet Union. He attributes his upbringing to the type of fighter and person he is today. “Growing up in Belarus was the best life lesson for me. It prepared me for all the challenges that life brings.” “It made me stronger and hungrier for a better life.” Someone once said ‘sports does not build character, it reveals it,’ growing up in Belarus definitely helped build my character!”

Since he was 12 years old, Liakhovich always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer. When Sergei was young he would cut out articles from newspapers and magazines which featured fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. He envisaged becoming a boxing icon. “I knew that the United States was the most important place to be in order to make it big in professional boxing. When I was 23, I obtained one of my goals by coming to the US, it wasn’t easy. Becoming World Champion at 29 was the next big accomplishment, now I intend to continue the dream by becoming a world champion again” Sergei said.

Commenting about fighting in a city with a rich boxing heritage, Liakhovich said, “Philadelphia has so much boxing history and true boxing fans. I grew up in the working class city, so this feels like going home to me. One of the biggest compliments you can have as a fighter is when you can turn a crowd that comes to support the home town guy into your own fans by the end of the fight. It happened in Pittsburgh when I fought Brewster and I think it will happen again in Philly.”

Sergei is pleased to be on NBC Sports Network’s inaugural Fight Night show, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to be in the main event on NBC Sports Network’s opening show. NBC is an important part of worldwide TV and to be chosen for this show was a privilege. Anyone who knows me knows that I give my all each time I step in the ring. I promise you nothing less on January 21st. In fact, since our styles match perfectly, when Chambers and I mix it up, it will be a night boxing fans will talk about!”

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Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. – Philadelphia

Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight – Site TBA

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the WBA Super Bantamweight title bout between regular champion Rico Ramos and Interim champion Guillermo Rigondeaux that was originally scheduled for New Years Eve will now take place on January 20th.

The bout will headline a tripleheader on Showtime’s “ShoBox: The New Generation” from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, promoter Dan Goossen said Thursday.

“It is nice to get it rescheduled,” said said Ramos Promoter Dan Goossen, who promotes Ramos. “It certainly was one of the most challenging matches to finally get settled.”

“We’ve got an experienced professional in Ramos against an experienced amateur in Rigondeaux,” Goossen said. “But I believe that the power and strength of Ramos will beat the great amateur pedigree of Rigondeaux.”

Also on the televised portion of the card in scheduled eight-round bouts, middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales (15-0, 10 KOs) faces Caleb Traux (18-0-1, 10 KOs) and junior bantamweights Matt Villanueva (6-0-1, 6 KOs) and Michael Ruiz Jr. (8-1-1, 3 KOs) square off.

When he opens the new NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night series on January 21, 2012 at Asylum Arena in his hometown of Philadelphia, top Heavyweight Contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers has promised to impress Philly’s discerning boxing fans and make lots of new ones. According to Chambers, taking on former World Heavyweight Champion Siarhei “White Wolf” Liakhovich in a high profile, nationally televised fight is a great way to showcase the sport and bring new fans for the Sweet Science.

“I want people outside of boxing and new fans coming in to know just how hard I work, and how much work all fighters put in,” Chambers said. “I believe that the Heavyweight Championship is the most coveted title in sports. Everyone loves a Gladiator and that is what boxing is about. NBC Sports Network stepping up to the table will hopefully get fans to take a look at the sport once again and jump on the band wagon. This is exactly what we need. I know when the fans tune in January 21st they will not be disappointed.”

Chambers continued, “I am training extremely hard and it is great having the opportunity to be fighting back in front of your fans, your people, and knowing that most of the people that are there in the crowd are for you.” He went on to say that he loves fighting in places like Germany, but there is no place like home.

Boxing has been in Eddie Chamber’s blood since he was a child growing up in Pittsburgh. His father, Eddie Chambers Sr. was a boxer back in the 1970s. Eddie Sr. taught his son how to hold his hands properly to throw a punch at the tender age of 9. Starting around the age of 12, Eddie Sr. would sit with Eddie and watch films of all the great fighters such as “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, and of course Muhammad Ali. After two years of arguing with his father to allow him to box, Eddie Jr. finally got the chance at the age of 14 when he enrolled in a local Pittsburgh Golden Gloves Tournament.

Eddie turned professional at the age of 18 on December 29, 2000. He defeated Tyrone Austin by second round knockout in West Virginia. His next professional fight occurred just two months later in his now adopted hometown of Philadelphia, PA one of the best boxing cities in the world and the ultimate proving ground for young, up-and-coming fighters.

When I was 18 and 19, I was fighting at the Blue Horizon,” Chambers said. Those were some of the toughest fights I have ever had and there was so much pressure to do well. The crowd always gives you their best and there is so much history. Philadelphia has the best fans, but they will definitely let you know how they feel. There are so many great venues around the city and such great history. I want to make my own history and be among the greatest.”

On March 20, 2010, Chambers took on Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf, Germany for the WBO, IBF, and IBO Heavyweight Championship of the World. Chambers gave a valiant effort and performance in the ring before losing via knockout in the waning seconds of the fight. At 6’1, 210 lbs, Chambers gave up five inches and nearly 35 pounds to Klitschko. Chambers posed a challenge to Klitschko with speed and toughness that nearly carried Chambers the distance of the fight. Chambers was the first person in two years to make it to the twelfth round against the tough Ukrainian.

Chambers did not fight again until February 11, 2011, when he took on a former opponent who he knocked out a few years earlier in Derric Rossy. In an IBF Title Eliminator, Chambers defeated Rossy once again, this time by unanimous decision.

Looking toward his upcoming challenge, Chambers describes Liakhovich as a good fighter who fought a great match when he won the title by beating Lamon Brewster in 2006. “Liakhovich is a very competitive and very live opponent. I think our style match up will make for a very exciting fight. Right now Liakhovich is in my way. I always respect my opponent, but I have to knock him out of the way. I plan on doing that and taking care of business on January 21st in impressive fashion.”

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.

Dan Rafael od espn.com is reporting that the postponed bout between WBC Super Lightweight champion Erik Morales and undefeated Danny Garcia has been rescheduled for March 24th with the bout remaining in Houston.

The bout was postponed earlier this week from the original January 28th date after Morales had to have emergency Gallbladder surgery last week in Mexico.

“We were able to get a date from Reliant Arena. The idea was to keep the card in Houston,” Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “The Houston fight fans enthusiastically embraced the card and we already had a tremendous amount of tickets sales. We were able to work out something with the arena because they had another event there on that date, but they were able to clear the date. They worked that out on their side and they were very excited about keeping the event there. I coordinated the date with HBO. The fighters have been informed and they’re excited about it.

“Morales is going to be in perfect shape. He could have fought in the second half of February but there were no dates,” Schaefer said. “Now that it’s going to be on March 24, Erik very much likes the time to prepare as well. It worked out. I’m happy that over the holiday, when most people were gone, we were still able to put the show back together and keep it in the same place because when you have an event which the local boxing community really embraced you want to keep it there.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com reports that the entire January 28th HBO televised doubleheader that would have saw WBC Super Lightweight champion Erik Morales defend against undefeated Danny Garcia and James Kirkland – Carlos Molina Super Welterweight clash from Houston has been postponed to a later date.

“I talked to HBO and we are looking at different dates in February and March, so the card as a whole will just be postponed,” Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “It’s still going to be Morales-Garcia and Kirkland against Molina. The only thing changing is the date and maybe the venue depending on the availability. We’ll check in Houston first. We want to just make sure that Erik Morales is going to have enough time to be fully healed from his surgery. So my feeling is that March is more likely when we’ll reschedule the fight.

“We are looking at different venue availability and we hope to have something to announce on that soon. But we’ll still do this card. HBO wants to do it, just on a different date than Jan. 28. Everybody is on board.”

Baltimore, MD (December 27, 2011) – Jake “The Snake” Smith of Baltimore Boxing Promotions and Scott Wagner’s Ballroom Boxing announced that the area’s top amateur fighters will battle the Naval Academy’s best boxers Thursday, January 26 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Tickets purchased in advance start at $25 and are available on Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175.

The card features more than ten bouts and all matches are sanctioned by USA Boxing. In addition to an excellent night of action, a special donation will be made to the children of Beethaevean Scotland, who tragically passed away in 2001 from injuries sustained during a fight.

“I’m excited for this event because it involves members of the community and is going to help out the family of a fighter who fought many times at Michael’s Eighth,” said Smith, who owns the Baltimore Boxing Club where many of the local fighters currently train. “The Navy’s coach Jim McNally is a personal friend of mine and somebody I have the world of respect for.”

In addition to the $25 advance purchase tickets, individual VIP seats are $50 and tables of ten are $500. All VIP ticket holders can enjoy catered food prior to the first bout of the evening. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout is scheduled for 8:15.

Michael’s Eighth Avenue is located at 7220 Grayburn Drive Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBC Super Lightweight champion Erik Morales will be unable to defend his title against undefeated Danny Garcia due to Morales Gallbladder surgery last week.

“He’s not going to fight. He called me and told me the doctor said he feels he needs a little more time to heal internally,” said Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Eric Gomez. “He said the doctor said everything looks fine on the outside but he needed more time. Could he fight? Erik said he could fight, but the doctor said he doesn’t want him to fight.”

“He said, if necessary, he would go against his doctor’s orders but we wouldn’t let him do that, and he probably wouldn’t pass his medicals anyway if they knew he just had surgery,” Gomez said.

Junior middleweight contenders James Kirkland (30-1, 27 KOs) and Carlos Molina (19-4-2, 6 KOs) are due to meet in the televised co-feature.

“I don’t think HBO wants to do a replacement fight or go with a stand-alone (televised) fight,” Gomez said. “In an area like Houston, with a lot of Latinos, a lot of Mexicans, you need Erik Morales on that card, so it’s a big blow to us. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“The doctor would like him to rest for about a month, so Erik wanted to know if we could just postpone it for a month,” Gomez said. “It all depends on HBO and what their schedule is like and what they want to do. Erik just wants to put it off for a month, but I told him it’s not that easy. It doesn’t work that way with HBO with their schedule.”

“He said his weight is down and he is feeling good now that the surgery is over,” Gomez said. “It just came about and he had to take care of it with the procedure.”

SPRINGFIELD, MO (DECEMBER 26, 2011)–Tom Morris and FM promotions is glad to team up with Danger boy events/BJ Flores and Don King Productions for two important fights on January 28th. This event will take place at the Shrine Mosque in Springfield Missouri and is starting to turn into a very entertaining night of fighting. Five professional boxing matches as well as two professional MMA matches will make this a can’t miss event for the people in Springfield, Missouri. #3 WBO world rated Cruiserweight BJ Flores will headline in the main event and Cory Spinks and Sechew Powell face off in an important IBF Jr. Middleweight eliminator fight. Flores is starting to put Springfield, Missouri on the map as far as boxing goes, and he is building an increasingly large fan base in the Springfield area. Flores sold out the last event at the O’Reily Events Center and looks to do the same thing again at the Shrine Mosque on January 28th.

Five- time world champion Cory “Next Generation” Spinks will take on former title challenger and #4 IBF World rated Sechew “Iron Horse” Powell in a pivotal fight for both fighters in their respective careers. The winner will face Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF world title on the next fight and Don King has ensured that this fight will in fact take place on the BJ Flores card on January 28th. Spinks is hoping to fight for his 6th world title with a win over the very talented Powell.

WBO #3 World rated and NABO and NABA US champion as well as WBC Continental Americas champion BJ Flores, is in heavy training for his North American championship fight on January 28th. Flores will also be fighting for the recently vacated NABF title that was given up by Nigerian World Rated Lateef Kayode in place of facing the Flores. This will be Flores third North American title fight in the last 6 months and is starting to turn some heads with the large crowds that have showed up for his July and October fights. The world rated Flores has kept a very active schedule and his recent signing with iconic promoter Don King has seem to put a bounce in his step.

Flores says, “It is an honor to have two fighters like Cory and Sechew fight on my card on January 28th in Springfield, Missouri. When I got the call from Don yesterday he told me it was a done deal. I have grown up fighting with both of these guys and have followed their careers and this is sure to be a great addition to the card and a very exciting fight for the people in Springfield, Missouri. The fans in Missouri are very energetic and I couldn’t think of a better place to stage this important elimination fight!” Flores goes on to say “I will be fighting for the third time in six months and I’m just doing what I love to do. We have offered this fight to top American contenders Andres Taylor 21-1, Aaron Williams 21-3, James Cermack 17-2, Jeremiah Graziano 15-0 and Ed Perry 18-4. We hope to have an opponent nailed down by the end of the week.”

When asked if Flores was disappointed in Lateef Kayode vacating the NABF title instead of facing him Flores said, “I understand boxing is a business. My attitude has changed. I want to fight often and the best opponents possible. After my loss to Danny Green I immediately wanted to fight a big name guy in the states. I wanted Kayode and he refused to fight me. I won the NABO interim title and instead of facing me he vacated the NABO title and I became full champion. When I moved into the #1 spot by the NABF and President Joe Dwyer informed Team Kayode that he had to face me next they said “we appreciate the opportunity but we will be vacating the title. So, I’m used to it. I’m just glad Mr. King has gotten behind this big event and is helping us promote and make it big!! Don is coming back and so am I!!”

One thing for sure is that the fans of Springfield, Missouri are in for a real treat on January 28th. The fight will be held at the historic Shrine Mosque and tix can be purchased at the Box office or on Metrotix. 1-800-293- 5949 for tickets.