WEIGHTS FROM CHESTER, PA

Franklin Lawrence 231 – Raymond Ocheing 246
Derrick Webster 168.5 – Teneal Goyco 171.5
Joey Tiberi 137 – Mike Maley 135
Alex Barbosa 121 – Brian Gonzalez 119
Anthony Young 145 – Kywame Hill 145

Venue: Harrahs Chester
Promoter: Joey Eye Boxing Promotions
1st Bell: 7:30 pm




Lemieux to take on Alcine December 10th


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Canadian based Middleweights David Lemieux will take on Joachim Alcine on December 10th in Montreal.

“We are finalizing the paperwork and we are supposed to have a press conference on Monday,” said Lemieux’s promoter Yvon Michel, adding that the bout will be available on pay-per-view in Quebec. “It’s not a fight that will draw 15,000, but this is a big local rivalry and we should draw around 5,000.”

“For Lemieux, he needs to prove he made a good move to change trainers,” Michel said. “He has to prove what happened against Rubio was just an accident in his career and that he has grown and learned from that. He will definitely want to show it against Alcine.”

“I let him go because I didn’t want him to fight in December,” Lemieux’s former trainer Russ Anber told ESPN.com last week following their split. “What I wanted from him was a four-month commitment to boxing. Train, get his weight down, do a lot of conditioning and then go to a training camp. We spent the last five months trying to get him to commit to training. I realized I’m banging my head against the wall. I want him to see what you need to do to be an elite middleweight, to prepare for a career, not just one fight, and we weren’t going to see eye to eye.

“We just don’t see eye to eye on the way he should be preparing for fights. Instead of him being miserable in the gym, and for my mental sanity, it’s better to go separate ways than butt heads. Marc has my blessing. He trains his fighters in my gym. So this split with David is not a hateful split or about money. It’s just we are on a different philosophical plane on what it takes to succeed in the elite world of boxing.

“Marc (Ramsay) keeps telling me everything that he asks David to do he has done with intensity and no complaint at all, that he is very dedicated and focused,” Michel said. “Maybe David and Russ, that relationship had just run its course. I know David has a lot of talent, charisma and power. He has all the tools to succeed.”

“It’s a crossroads fight, no question about it,” Said Alcine’s promoter Lou DiBella. “Lemieux is coming off the big loss and Alcine is at the stage of his career where he has to see if he can still compete. If he can pull off an upset he’s a star again in Canada and if he can’t, he can’t. It’s a fight he wanted and I was able to get him a fair purse. For the Canadian audience this is a very meaningful fight.”




BRANDON GONZALES vs. OSSIE DURAN JAVIER MOLINA vs. ARTEMIO REYES FINAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES

Friday, Oct. 28, Bally’s Grand Ballroom, Atlantic City, N.J.

Live at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®

NOTE: WEIGHTS (Oct. 27, 2011) – Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales (14-0-1, 10 KOs) of Sacramento, Calif., weighed in at 161.5 pounds and Ossie “The Ghanaian Gladiator” Duran (26-8-2, 10 KOs) of Paterson, N.J., 161 pounds one day before their eight-round middleweight main event showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation,Friday, Oct. 28, at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Bally’s Grand Ballroom in Atlantic City, N.J.

In the eight-round welterweight co-feature, 2008 US Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) from Norwalk, Calif., tipped the scales at 146 pounds and Artemio “King” Reyes (13-1, 11 KOs) of Colton, Calif., weighed 147 pounds.

Here’s what each fighter had to say on Thursday:

BRANDON GONZALES:

“Nothing looks better than winning. Whether it’s in sparring or a fight on TV, I always try to perform to the top level.

“As far as my work ethic goes, it was always there. But what my trainer Virgil (Hunter) brings to the table is peace of mind and consistency. He knows so much about nutrition, strength and conditioning. He brings it all together.”

OSSIE DURAN:

“Gonzales has got to go through me so tomorrow we’ll see if he can. I need to look good so I can get more TV fights. That’s why I took this fight.

“Every fight is different. Every fighter is different. When I fought (James) Kirkland on ShoBox, the pace was quick. It had to be. For Gonzales, I’ll do whatever I need to do to prove to people I’m for real.”

JAVIER MOLINA:

“Reyes is predicting he’ll knock me out but I have no comment on that. Saying and doing are two separate things.

“I think Reyes is a good fighter and it’s time for me to step up so I took the fight.

“I’m happy to be on ShoBox. It’s my first ShoBox fight so I’m excited … and confident.”

ARTEMIO REYES:

“I took this fight for the opportunity to be on ShoBox. I couldn’t pass it up. It’s very important to look good, to catch the eye of people who put on the nationally televised fights.

“I’m going to knock (Molina) out. I’ve had a great camp. He hasn’t faced anybody. I have a great team around me. It’s mixture of everything.”

BRANDON GONZALES

161.5 LBS

OSSIE DURAN

162 LBS

JAVIER MOLINA

146 LBS

ARTEMIO REYES

147 LBS

RAMON ELLIS

135 LBS

JESSE CRAWFORD

135 LBS

JOHN LENNOX

222 LBS

DONNIE CRAWFORD

216 LBS

KOREY SLOANE

140 LBS

JASON SIA

139 LBS

ANTHONY ALLEN

127 LBS

JASON SOSA

131 LBS

KEVIN WOMACK JR.

143 LBS

KOREY PRITCHETT

140 LBS




Emanuel Steward new coach of Yuriorkis Gamboa


Hall of Fame coach and living legend Emanuel Steward is the new head coach of fast rising Cuban superstar Yuriorkis „El Ciclon“ Gamboa. Promoter Ahmet Oner sealed the deal with Steward at the WBO convention in Puerto Rico on Wednesday. Gamboa had split up with his former amateur coach Ismael Salas after his most recent win over former world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon on September 10th in Atlantic City. Steward has worked with some of the greatest fighters of all times including „Hitman“ Tommy Hearns, Oscar de la Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez and Lennox Lewis, only to name a few. Currently Steward is training world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

„Emanuel Steward is one of the best trainers in the world – with Gamboa he now has one of the best fighters in the world“, says promoter Ahmet Oner. „I am very happy with this solution and I hope that Steward will take Gamboa to the next level. Yuri is already a complete fighter but it doesn’t matter how good you are – a great trainer will always find a way to make you even better.“




WEIGH IN ALERT AT HARRAHS IN CHESTER, PA—THIS FRIDAY MORNING

CHESTER, PA (October 26, 2011)—This Friday morning all participants for the Friday night boxing event at Harrahs in Chester will be on the scale for the official weigh-in.

The weigh-in will take place at 9:30 am in the Ballroom at Harrahs in Chester, PA

The show promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions will feature the return of Heavyweight contender Gerald Nobles taking on Joseph Rabotte. Also on the bill will WBC #14 Heavyweight Franklin Lawrence taking on Raymond Ocheing. Also on the seven bout card will be undefeated Super Middleweight Derrick Webster battling Teneal Goyco.

WHO: Gerald Nobles – Joseph Rabotte
Franklin Lawrence – Raymond Ocheing
Derrick Webster – Teneal Goyco
Joey Tiberi – Mike Maley
Sean Beckles – Maurice Amaro
Alex Barbosa – Brian Gonzlaez
Anthony Young – Kywame Hill

WHAT: Final Weigh-In for Boxing event later Friday Evening

WHEN: Friday October 28th at 9:30 AM

WHERE: Harrahs in Chester, PA

The fights begin on Friday night at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 6:30pm

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




Maldonado decisions Cruz

Lightweight prospect Fidel Maldonado scored an eight round unanimous decision over Eric Cruz in an eight round bout in Pharr, Texas.

Scores were 77-74; 76-75 and 76-75 for Maldonado, 134 1/4 lbs of Albuquerque, NM and is now 12-0. Cruz 132 3/4 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 13-8-3.

Jorge Suarez survived a first round knockdown to comeback to win a six round unanimous decision over Larry Smith in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Smith landed a right while Maldonado leaned in and Maldonado fell to the canvas. It was a flash knockdown as Maldonado came back to be more active over the next five rounds.

Suarez, 149 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 58-54; 57-55 and 57-55 to go to 5-0. Smith, 151 1/2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 11-7

In a battle of pro debuting teenagers, Jose Garcia and Javier Rodriguez fought to a majority draw by scores of 39-37 Rodriguez and 38-38 on two cards




UNBEATEN RONALD CRUZ GOES FOR 15TH WIN IN A ROW AGAINST ADJAHO ON NOV. 19–WATCH LIVE ON GFL


Atlantic City, NJ—Undefeated welterweight Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, PA, takes on steel-chinned Anges Adjaho, of Buffalo, NY, in a scheduled eight-round contest on Saturday evening, Nov. 19, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The Cruz-Adjaho match will serve as the semifinal to the 12-round main event which features Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, making the first defense of his United States Boxing Association (USBA) cruiserweight title against Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ.

The 25-year-old Cruz (pictured) is coming off an impressive fifth-round knockout over Chris Fernandez, of Salt Lake City, UT, on Sept. 9 at the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Cruz was scheduled to box Adjaho that evening, but a wrist injury suffered in training forced Adjaho to withdraw.

Cruz’ win over Fernandez followed a string of knockout victories he registered over Doel Carrasquillo and Manuel Guzman, both of Lancaster, PA, Dillett Frederick, of Fort Myers, FL, and Jeremy Bryan, of Passaic, NJ.
A pro since 2009, Cruz is now 14-0, 11 K0s, and ranked by the United States Boxing Association (USBA) at No. 14 and the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) at No. 13.

“I would fight every month if I could,” said Cruz, whose 28-fight amateur career lasted only 13 months, from July, 2007, to August, 2008. As a pro, he has been just as busy, fighting seven times in 2009, three times in 2010 and four times so far in 2011.

Adjaho, 31, is originally from the Republic of Benin in West Africa. He came to the United States in 2006 after winning African titles at junior lightweight and lightweight.

Online Sports Betting

He has not had it easy here, fighting only the best—Antonio DeMarco, Mark Melligen, Brad Solomon, Shawn Porter and Joel Julio. Since turning pro in 2002, Adjaho is 17-6, 9 K0s. He has been stopped once, by DeMarco in nine rounds, when he had to get down to135 pounds after previously fighting at 142.

ABOUT NOV. 19

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




Povetkin to defend against Boswell


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBA regular Heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin will make his first defense against Cedric Boswell on December 3rd in Finland.

Also on the card will be top contender Robert Helenius.

“Winning (a) world title was like a dream coming true for me,” said the 32-year-old Povetkin, who is trained by ESPN boxing analyst Teddy Atlas. “Now I need to prove myself against quality contenders out there. I look forward to fighting Boswell. He is a tough opponent. But I have worked so hard to become champion there is no way I will allow him to take the belt away from me. I can promise my fans an exciting fight in Helsinki on Dec. 3.”

“This is going to be a true night of heavyweight explosions,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said. “Alexander Povetkin is one of the most exciting and fastest heavyweights since many years. He will prove his worth against Boswell, a world-class contender with an excellent record. This being a Heavyweight title fight, the should be plenty of Online Betting for this fight.

“On top of that, KO specialist and world-ranked No. 1 challenger Robert Helenius has set the bar very high for another massive performance after KO’ing three former champions. It is going to be a real advertisement for heavyweight boxing.”

“My entire life I have been waiting this moment,” Boswell said. “Now the big day has finally come. Povetkin is a good kid but he is a kid and he will be in trouble once we are in the ring. I have the experience and the strength to beat him. I will shock the boxing world on Dec. 3 when I take home the (belt) to America.”




Rodriguez “Shuts Out” Rosinsky

In a battle of undefeated Super Middleweights, Edwin Rodriguez won a ten round unanimous decision over Will Rosinsky at the MGM Theatre at Foxwoods in Connecticut.

The two fought an up-tempo fight with both guys wailing away landing hard combinations. Rosinsky was backing Rodriguez up with combinations but Rodriguez was able to score off the back foot with some solid power shots.

Rodriguez scored the best shot of the fight when he buckled Rosinsky with a wicked left hook as he was getting baked up towards the ropes.

Somehow all three judges scored the bout 100-90 for Rodriguez, 171 lbs of Worcester, MA and he is now 20-0. Rosinsky, 171 lbs of Queens, NY deserved a lot better in terms of the scoring and is now 14-1.

Gabriel Bracero remained perfect by scoring a ten round unanimous decision over Daniel Sostre in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Bracero consistently backed Sostre up and landed hard combinations with straight shots. Sostre was game and tried to fight back but he had little success as Bracero was very solid throughout the fight.

Bracero, 140 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 100-90; 100-90; 99-91 to remain perfect at 18-0. Sostre, 138 lbs of Vega Baja, PR is now 8-5-1




KARPENCY PULLS OUT OF PA. STATE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT HARRAHS IN CHESTER

CHESTER, PA (OCTOBER 24, 2011)—Due to Tommy Karpency pulling out of this Friday night’s Pennsylvania State Light Heavyweight title bout with Tony Ferrante, Gerald Nobles bout with Joseph Rabotte has been elevated to the main event at Harrahs in Chester.

The show is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing.

Karpency has to take himself out of the bout due to a tooth infection which caused him to miss important days of training.

“I am very disappointed” said Ferrante

“I have been waiting for this fight for about five months. Hopefully my promoter Joey Eye will be able to put thing together as I know this will be a great fight”

Taking the place on the card will be a eight round Heavyweight battle between rising contender Franklin “Yah Yah” Lawrence battling veteran Raymond Ocheing.

That Heavyweight bout is added to the return of Nobles (26-1, 21 KO’s) after a four year hiatus and he will battle Rabotte (13-18-1, 3 KO’s)

Lawrence (16-2-2) of Indianapolis, Indiana is one of the hottest Heavyweights in the world. He has one four straight by knockout over Lance Whitaker, Jason Estrada, Jason Gavern and Marcus Rhode.

On the strength of the wins, Lawrence is now ranked number fourteen by the WBC.

Ocheing of Nairobi, Kenya has a record of 23-14-3 with eighteen knockouts.

He has fought some good competition such as Timo Hoffman, David Long and Amir Mansour.

In a six round Super Middleweight bout, Derrick Webster (10-0, 6 KO’s) of Glassboro, NJ battles Teneal Goyco (4-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA

In a four round Lightweight bout, Joey Tiberi (5-1, 4 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware will take on Mike Maley (4-8, 3 KO’s) of Whiting, Indiana.

Sean Beckles of New York will make his pro debut against Maurice Amaro (1-4) of Philadelphia in a four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Alex Barbosa of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Brian Gonzalez (0-1) of Puerto Rico in a four round Bantamweight fight.

Anthony Young of Atlantic City will make his pro debut against an opponent o be named in a four round bout.

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




Baltimore Boxing to host Breast Cancer Benefit Card November 11!

Baltimore, MD (October 23, 2011) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions will host a special charity card “Boxing For Boobs” Friday, November 11 at the Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.

Tickets to “Boxing for Boobs” are available on Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175 or 443-848-6059.

The card is stacked with amateur bouts between the Beltway area’s top young fighters along with a full evening of entertainment including music, food, drinks, silent auctions, raffles and special giveaways. All boxers will receive trophies for their dedication to the sport and a percentage of the proceeds are being donated to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

“This is going to be a special night without question,” said Smith, a former fighter who has promoted both pro and amateur cards. “I’m glad to be teaming up with the American Breast Cancer Foundation while doing all that I can to help them knock out breast cancer. We’re expecting a sellout crowd on November 11 without question.”

General admission is only $20 and VIP tickets are on sale for $50. All VIP ticket holders can enjoy catered food from Palmeres prior to the first bout of the evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first bout is scheduled for 8 o’clock.

About the American Breast Cancer Foundation:

The American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) was established in 1997 as a way for people to have access to early detection and a chance for survival. Each year, we receive thousands of calls from women and men in need of our help. Approximately 50 percent of those callers will already have symptoms of breast cancer.

The American Breast Cancer Foundation is able to provide financial assistance and hope when all seems lost. We are the only national breast cancer organization providing direct financial assistance to uninsured and underserved individuals for the screening, diagnosis, treatment and survival of breast cancer. The ABCF Key to Life Breast Cancer Assistance Program provides beast cancer patients with financial assistance for support items such as emergency treatment, wigs, prostheses and medications. Critical information and referral services are provided to support patients and their families.

To best serve all populations throughout the United States Spanish speaking staff and third party translation services are available to accommodate most languages. ABCF supports research for innovative diagnostic, treatment and patient support methods through leading medical institutions.

The American Breast Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization guided by a volunteer board of directors. We invite you to join in our mission to give hope to every person threatened by breast cancer. Every act, every gift and every person can make a difference.




KEEP ON TRUCKIN: MADDALONE STILL HOPING FOR HEAVYWEIGHT GLORY

ATLANTIC CITY (October 22, 2011)-He has always been known as one of the most exciting Heavyweights in the world due to his never say die attitude but now Vinny Maddalone wants his shot.

Maddalone (33-7, 24 KO’s), who fights Mike Sheppard (20-12-1, 9 KO’s) tonight at the Tropicana Casino & Resort knows that he could be just a couple fights away from that goal.

The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and will be broadcasted on Azteca America.

In the main event, Raymond Serrano (16-0, 8 KO’s) will put his perfect record on the line when he takes on Angel Rios (9-7, 6 KO’s) in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

“I have been right on the brink on a couple of occasions”, said the popular native of Queens, New York.

“Look at my last two losses. I lose to Tomasz Adamek he gets a shot at (WBC Champion) Vitali Klitschko and Jean Marc Mormeck and now he is getting (IBF/WBO/WBA) champion Wladimir in December”

Maddalone will be stepping into the ring for the first time since being stopped by Adamek last December.

“I have been down this road before. I know what I have to do to get that opportunity. I have to take care of Sheppard and then maybe go overseas again and get a big victory over there”

Maddalone almost pulled off that feat when he traveled to France and took on the former Cruiserweight champion on December 17th, 2009

Maddalone dropped a close decision and it was back to square-one.

“That’s the one that really eats away at me. I was right there with him and now he is getting his shot”

Maddalone knows that with a couple big wins that he brings more to the table then a lot of the recent title challengers

“I see what the Klitschko’s are doing. They are fighting guys from different countries who may bring a fan base. Well I am a popular Heavyweight from the biggest city in the world and I know what I need to do and that’s win and I believe this can become a reality”

Star Boxing’s Shamone Alvarez (21-4, 12 KO’s) will battle the grizzled veteran Doel Carrasquillo ( 15-18-1 13 KO’s) in an eight round Welterweight bout.

Super Middleweight prospect Jason Escalera (11-0, 10 KO’s) will look to stay perfect when he fights Mickey Scarborough (6-3, 6 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Local favorite, Chazz Witherspoon (28-2, 20 KO’s) will see action against Ty Cobb (14-2, 8 KO’s) in a eight round Heavyweight attraction

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise




CHAZZ “The Gentleman” WITHERSPOON EYING BIG FIGHTS AFTER THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE TROPICANA


Atlantic City (October 22, 2011)-Tonight’s fight at the Tropicana Casino, Heavyweight Chazz Witherspoon will get back in action after a lengthy hiatus when he takes on Ty Cobb (14-2, 8 KO’s) in an eight round bout that will be part of a card promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

In the main event, Raymond “Tito” Serrano will put his perfect record on the line when he takes on Angel Rios in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

The show will be broadcasted on Azteca America.

Witherspoon of nearby Paulsboro, New Jersey has a record of 28-2 with twenty wins coming via knockout and isn’t looking past Cobb but also knows that he is a few wins away from getting back in the muddled Heavyweight title mix.

“I don’t much about the guy (Cobb) but my wife found him on Facebook and we became friends on there. That’s about all I know about him really”, said the articulate Witherspoon.

“I always like fighting in Atlantic City. I always like to cultivate and build a bigger fan base. I like the opportunity to fight in front of my fans”

Witherspoon has wanted to fight more often but has been inactive for about eleven months but it isn’t for lack of wanting to fight.

“I have tried to get on some cards that didn’t materialize. This card was supposed to be August 27th but the Hurricane forced the postponement. I got a couple calls for some high profile television fights but they were last minute and I don’t want to take those kinds of without the proper preparation.”

“As of right now, I am working on getting better. I believe my defense is getting better and I am about two fights away from being where I need to be for a significant fight.”

Despite being away from the ring for eleven months, Witherspoon has lived up to his “Gentleman” moniker and has been giving back to his community.

“I am always trying to do things for charity. I just did a charity event for Dooley House which is a Camden, New Jersey based non-profit organization which is for kids born with Aids or considered medically fragile.”

In the second main event, Vinny Maddalone (33-7, 24 KO’s) will battle Mike Sheppard (20-12-1, 9 KO’s) in a ten round Heavyweight bout.

Star Boxing’s Shamone Alvarez (21-4, 12 KO’s) will battle the grizzled veteran Doel Carrasquillo (15-18-1 13O’s) in an eight round Welterweight bout.

Super Middleweight prospect Jason Escalera (11-0, 10 KO’s) will look to stay perfect when he fights Mickey Scarborough (6-3, 6 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise




“TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY ” WEIGH-IN RESULTS

All participants for Star Boxing’s “Azteca America” show at the Tropicana in the Atlantic City weighed in today at the the Trop. The show, which is the first of a series of Star Boxing/Azteca events. The show will be broadcast Live on Azteca America. All fighters on the bout card will be wearing the pink gloves. The gloves are donated by Everlast.

“Breast cancer needs to be knocked out”, said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia.

Jr. Middleweights

10 Rounds

Ray Tito Serrano -140 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Angel Rios – 140 1/2 lbs.
____________________________

Heavyweights

10 Rounds

Vinny Maddalone – 235 lbs.
Vs.
Mike Sheppard – 222 lbs.
_____________________________

Welterweights
8 Rounds

Shamone Alvarez- 147 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Doel Carrasquillo- 149 lbs.
__________________________

Heavyweights
8 Rounds

Chazz Witherspoon- 230 lbs.
Vs.
Tyson Cobb- 274 lbs.
___________________________

Super Middleweights
6 Rounds

Jason Escalera – 167 lbs.
Vs.
Mickey Scarborough-165 lbs.
__________________________

*** ALL BOUTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or by visiting

www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC




BRANDON GONZALES AND JAVIER MOLINA READY TO MAKE THEIR MARK ON SHOBOX DEBUT OCT. 28 AT BALLY’S ATLANTIC CITY


LOS ANGELES (Oct. 21, 2011) – Unbeaten through his first 15 bouts, highly touted middleweight prospect Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales is expecting next Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast to be nothing short of exciting and eye-opening. Gonzales, who goes toe-to-toe with the very tough Ossie Duran next Friday, Oct. 28 at Bally’s Atlantic City (live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) last made headlines when he opened a cut above the right eye of sparring partner and WBA Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward earlier this month. The accidental cut resulted in the postponement of the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic Final between Ward and his WBC counterpart Carl Froch. This time Gonzales wants to make headlines by stopping the durable Duran.

“I told Andre he prepared me for this opportunity,” Gonzales said, “and it’s my chance to make the best of it on SHOWTIME.”

The ShoBox telecast will feature Gonzales vs. Duran in the main event and an opening televised match between former 2008 Olympian, Javier Molina (9-0, 4 KO’s) and knockout artist Artemio “King” Reyes (13-1, 11 KO’s). The unbeaten 21-year old Molina will be making his fifth start in 2011 and first in a match slated for eight rounds. Seemingly recovered from a hand injury that sidelined him between November 2009 and October 2010, the impressive Olympian will face his most formidable and experienced challenger to date in Reyes.

The personable, soft-spoken Molina went 153-13 during an extensive, outstanding amateur career. At age 18, he was the youngest member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that competed in Beijing. He turned pro with a second-round knockout over Jamie Cabrera on March 27, 2009.

Both Goossen Tutor Promotions prospects are in a position to go to that next level with victories next week. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Duran, but these are the fights that will show fans what type of fighter I am,” Gonzales reiterated.

Molina said, “It’s showtime with this fight.” The Norwalk, Calif., resident went on to say, “I know Reyes well and it’ll be a fight, but that’s nothing new. That’s what fans want to see and I’m ready to put on a show.”

The Molina-Reyes super welterweight bout is scheduled for 8 rounds.

Tickets, priced at $75 and $50, can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Ticketmaster Call Center 800-745-3000 or Bally’s Atlantic City (day of the event). The first undercard non-televised fight will begin at 9 p.m. ET.




LEAN RAY SERRANO TO SHOW NEW LOOK SATURDAY IN ATLANTIC CITY


ATLANTIC CITY (October 21, 2011)-This Saturday night one of the top Jr. Welterweight prospects in the world will look to stay undefeated as Raymond “Tito” Serrano (16-0, 8 KO’s) will take on Angel Rios (9-7, 6 KO’s) in the main event of a six bout card at the Tropicana Casino & Resort.

The show is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Serrano will be the main event on the show broadcasted on Azteca America.

Serrano of Philadelphia had migrated south to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and sought the services of famed trainer Felix Pintor to help bring Serrano to the next level.

This will be Serrano’s second bout in his new weight class as well as his second fight with his new lead trainer.

Pintor is also the trainer of two-divison world champion and future Hall of Famer Ivan Calderon.

Serrano has been training at the Wilfredo Gomez Boxing Gym. With Calderon scheduled for a world title bout next week, Serrano has been training side by side with the former champion.

“Coach Pintor has brought stuff out of me that has made me a better fighter instantly”, said Serrano.

“Training next to Calderon has given me so much knowledge and motivation. Between him and my trainer, there is so much to learn and I am just soaking everything in”

“Training in Puerto Rico has made me fully prepared for this fight”

This will be the second fight in the Jr. Welterweight division for Serrano, who fought his first fifteen fights at Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight.

“I was making 147 lbs. very easy and I wanted to push my body a little harder and get down to 140. There are good opportunities in both division but I am bigger and stronger at 140.”

Serrano believes that the time is coming for him to become a major name in boxing.

“I have a fight in December and then hopefully 2012 I will fight for a regional title and I will be ready for the big dogs. I can’t wait for everyone to see me both live and on Azteca America TV”

Special fan favorite Vinny Maddalone (33-7, 24 KO’s) will battle Mike Sheppard (20-12-1, 9 KO’s) in a ten round Heavyweight bout.

Star Boxing’s Shamone Alvarez (21-4, 12 KO’s) will battle the grizzled veteran Doel Carrasquillo in an eight round Welterweight bout which will open the show.

Super Middleweight prospect Jason Escalera (11-0, 10 KO’s) will look to stay perfect when he fights Mickey Scarborough (6-3, 6 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Local favorite, Chazz Witherspoon (28-2, 20 KO’s) will see action against Ty Cobb (14-2, 8 KO’s) in a eight round Heavyweight attraction

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-20

00 or visiting
www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC

Star Boxing

ATLANTIC CITY (October 21, 2011)-This Saturday night one of the top Jr. Welterweight prospects in the world will look to stay undefeated as Raymond “Tito” Serrano (16-0, 8 KO’s) will take on Angel Rios (9-7, 6 KO’s) in the main event of a six bout card at the Tropicana Casino & Resort.

The show is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Serrano will be the main event on the show broadcasted on Azteca America.

Serrano of Philadelphia had migrated south to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and sought the services of famed trainer Felix Pintor to help bring Serrano to the next level.

This will be Serrano’s second bout in his new weight class as well as his second fight with his new lead trainer.

Pintor is also the trainer of two-divison world champion and future Hall of Famer Ivan Calderon.

Serrano has been training at the Wilfredo Gomez Boxing Gym. With Calderon scheduled for a world title bout next week, Serrano has been training side by side with the former champion.

“Coach Pintor has brought stuff out of me that has made me a better fighter instantly”, said Serrano.

“Training next to Calderon has given me so much knowledge and motivation. Between him and my trainer, there is so much to learn and I am just soaking everything in”

“Training in Puerto Rico has made me fully prepared for this fight”

This will be the second fight in the Jr. Welterweight division for Serrano, who fought his first fifteen fights at Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight.

“I was making 147 lbs. very easy and I wanted to push my body a little harder and get down to 140. There are good opportunities in both division but I am bigger and stronger at 140.”

Serrano believes that the time is coming for him to become a major name in boxing.

“I have a fight in December and then hopefully 2012 I will fight for a regional title and I will be ready for the big dogs. I can’t wait for everyone to see me both live and on Azteca America TV”

Special fan favorite Vinny Maddalone (33-7, 24 KO’s) will battle Mike Sheppard (20-12-1, 9 KO’s) in a ten round Heavyweight bout.

Star Boxing’s Shamone Alvarez (21-4, 12 KO’s) will battle the grizzled veteran Doel Carrasquillo in an eight round Welterweight bout which will open the show.

Super Middleweight prospect Jason Escalera (11-0, 10 KO’s) will look to stay perfect when he fights Mickey Scarborough (6-3, 6 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Local favorite, Chazz Witherspoon (28-2, 20 KO’s) will see action against Ty Cobb (14-2, 8 KO’s) in a eight round Heavyweight attraction

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-20

00 or visiting
www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandis




STAR BOXING FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE

ATLANTIC CITY (October 20, 2011)-This Saturday night at the Tropicana Casino & Resort, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will present a big night of boxing that will feature two main events.

In the televised main event, Raymond Serrano will risk his perfect record when he takes on Angel Rios in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Also, popular Heavyweight Vinny Maddalone battle Mike Sheppard in a scheduled ten round affair.

Before the action gets underway, Star Boxing has scheduled events for fans to meet the main event fighters as well as an opportunity for a lucky girl to become an official Star Boxing Ring card Girl.

FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE

THURSDAY OCTOBER 20

12:15; 2:45: 5:15: 7:45-Meet and greet with Raymond Serrano; Vinny Maddalone and Shamone Alvarez. Fighters will be available for Photo Opportunities and Autographs approximately 45 minutes before screenings of major feature film “Real Steel” starring Hugh Jackman. The meet and greets will take place at the IMAX Theatre inside the Tropicana

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21

12:15; 2:45: 5:15: 7:45-Meet and greet with Raymond Serrano; Vinny Maddalone and Shamone Alvarez. Fighters will be available for Photo Opportunities and Autographs approximately 45 minutes before screenings of major feature film “Real Steel” starring Hugh Jackman. The meet and greets will take place at the IMAX Theatre inside the Tropicana

5:00 pm Official Weigh in Carousel Room in Tropicana

8:00 pm Ring Card Girl Contest.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22

3:30 pm Ring Card Girl Contest

7:00 pm Doors open to Tropicana Show Room

7:30 pm Show starts

8:00 pm Co-Main Event goes Live

Azteca America Broadcast on 2 hour delay Saturday 10pm

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise

***All press releases are available in word and pdf documents. Contact pr@starboxing.com if needed.***

The attached Photograph(s) may only be used for news, information or promotional purposes and only for the period commencing on the date of this e-mail and ending 90 days later (the “License Period”). Any other use and any use after the License Period is strictly prohibited without permission in writing from Star Boxing, Inc. All inquiries should be addressed to Star Boxing, Inc., 991 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10462.

Copyright c Star Boxing, Inc. 2010 All Rights Reserved.




WBC re-instates Hopkins as champion; decision ruled no-contest


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the WBC has overturned the decision of last Saturday night;s controversial Light Heavyweight championship where Chad Dawson shoved Bernard Hopkins to the canvas and the bout was ruled a stoppage win for contest. The Mexico based sanctioning body ruled on Thursday that the bout should never have been ruled in Dawson’s favor and the title was returned to the forty-six year old legend.

“I feel very happy. I feel that justice was done,” Hopkins told ESPN.com.

“I’m disappointed that the WBC saw fit to call it a technical draw,” Gary Shaw, Dawson’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “I’m sure, as sure as I can be, is that the WBC will put Chad as the No. 1 mandatory again. I don’t think it was the right decision. We believe Hopkins committed the first foul by going on Chad’s back. Chad did what anyone would do and tried to get him off his back. I accept their ruling but I don’t agree with it.”

“I said all along that Bernard Hopkins did not lose that fight, there is no question about it,” said Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter. “I am happy that Bernard continues to be the light heavyweight champion of the world.”

“The head offices of the WBC sent videos, medical reports and the WBC corresponding rules to the Board of Governors, that unanimously declared a technical draw on the fight. Therefore, Bernard Hopkins is still the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world,” WBC president Jose Sulaiman wrote in the ruling.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Sulaiman and the board for looking at the tape and just for taking the time to look at the tape,” Hopkins said. “They came up with what I think is the right decision. Like me or hate me, I think most people will think it’s the right decision that they made.

“I’m a little surprised it was this soon and now I am hoping the commission in California can (have a hearing) sooner than Dec. 13. But if not, I can wait. I’m normally on the end of bad decisions, like in the Joe Calzaghe fight or the Jermain Taylor fights. It feels good to be on the right end of a decision.”

“The WBC respects and cannot intervene in the decisions of the boxing commissions where the fights happen, but it does intervene in regards of the recognition of a WBC title,” Sulaiman wrote. “We hope that the California commission will review our ruling on their next meeting in December.”




mma & muay thai week on GFL COMBAT SPORTS NETWORK


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

– Friday, October 21, 2011 7:30pm ET featuring Ringside MMA 12 – Daley vs Fioravanti from the Bell Center, Montreal, Canada. The main event will feature an explosive battle of international proportions as Paul “Semtex” Daley (27-11-2) from England will face American Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fioravanti (22-10-0). Daley, a notorious KO artist (with 20 of his wins coming by way of knock out), is a UFC and Strikeforce veteran, and made his last appearance in Montreal at UFC 113 in the infamous number one contender’s match for the UFC welterweight title when he faced Josh Koscheck. He will be making his return to the Centre Bell after having faced such formidable fighters as Duane Ludwig, Martin Kampmann, Dustin Hazelett, Scott Smith, Nick Diaz and Jake Shields. Facing him will be Fioravanti, who in addition to M-1 Challenge is also a veteran of the UFC and his preferred method of attack is no secret to anyone. Having already stood toe to toe against the likes of Chris Leben, Jon Fitch, Forrest Petz, Luck Cummo, Diego Sanchez, John Alessio, Pete Spratt and Joey Doerksen, this fighter keeps the crowds at the edge of their seats with his fearless willingness to stand and fight. Fight fans are sure to see an explosive battle between two warriors who use their fists to earn decisive victories rather than leave things in the hands of the judges. The co-main event of the night, Ringside MMA’s bantamweight and featherweight champions respectively, will battle for the 135 pound title in a 5 round match. Michel “Mitch” Gagnon (7-1), a 26 year old native of Sudbury and current champion at 145 pound, will make his debut at bantamweight after a successful and spectacular title defense last April when he stopped Rejean Groulx after a somewhat controversial takedown in what was already a candidate for fight of the year. Plus other former UFC, Strikeforce fighters on the card.

– Friday, October 21, 2011 9:00pm ET featuring New York Mixed Martial Arts – Feature Film. New York MMA is an enthralling documentary that provides a back seat view of the grass roots struggle to legalize and regulate the professional sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York State. New York is one of a handful of states in which MMA is still outlawed; sacrificing fighter safety, jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to neighboring states and countries since 1997. In his first feature length film, martial artist and filmmaker Kahleem Poole-Tejada presents an intimate account of the struggle to legalize MMA through the lens of one amateur fighter’s (Bradley Desir) quest to turn professional under the guidance of his coach (Stephen Koepfer). Viewers are offered a rare glimpse behind the curtain of the political, sometimes frightening, and always exciting world of mixed martial arts.

– Friday, October 21, 2011 10:00pm ET featuring M-One Grand Muay Thai Championship from the Nokia Center, Los Angeles, CA. The main event features Muay Thai’s version of Mike Tyson, Joe “Stitch ’em Up” Schilling vs. the “Giant Killer” Kaoklai Kaennorsing for the WBC Muay Thai Light Heavyweight World title. Joe is a non-stop, aggressive fighter that loves to push forward and use his elbows to end the fights early. He has won his last 5 bouts by knockout and is looking to shock the world. Kaoklai Kaennorsing is the former K1 Asia champion and former WBC Muay Thai World champion. Kaoklai has over 150 wins and comes in as the heavy favorite. He will be looking to use his experience and solid technique against Schilling. This fight has all the makings to be an instant, unforgettable classic. The night’s co-main event includes America’s poster boy Kevin “The Soul Assassin” Ross who is coming off a legendary performance against Saenchai and will now be facing current Lumpinee Stadium champion Sakkedao Petchpayathai for the WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight title. Kevin has worked his way up by fighting the world’s best and now gets his chance at a world title. His colorful character and “never die” attitude make him a fan favorite. Sakkedao is the last man to beat the legendary Saenchai, and is eager to make his U.S debut by defeating Saenchai’s last opponent in his own backyard and taking the title back to Thailand.

– Friday, October 21, 2011 11:00pm ET featuring Ultimate Reno Combat 28 – Invincible, Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV. The main event, Marcus “Little Tank” Ocegueda battles Spencer Roberts for the Ultimate Reno Combat Flyweight Championship. Ocegueda should be the stronger of the two 125 lb fighters as he previously fought for the bantamweight (135 lb) title. Ocegueda will also have a decisive experience advantage and look to utilize all five rounds in the fight to wear out Roberts. Along with having far more fights than Roberts, Ocegueda is also a regular with Ultimate Reno Combat with this bout being his eighth fight for the northern Nevada organization. For Roberts, he will have the advantage of being an unknown, and will be able to scout his opponent better and have a better game plan on how to attack Ocegueda’s weaknesses. Expect Roberts to be put to the test immediately by Ocegueda in what will no doubt be a barnburner of a championship bout. In the co-main event, undefeated Oscar Ramirez (6-0) battles Andrey Mitchell (0-0-1) in a bantamweight scrap

– Saturday, October 22, 2011 7:30pm ET featuring The Rise of Warrior – 4, Free viewing from the Havert Fenn Center, Port Pierce, Florida. Xtreme Cage Fights and Infuse Fight Gear present “The Rise of a Warrior 4” Fernando Tovar and Chad Livingston go to war for the XCF 155lb Title Belt and the $5,000

– Saturday, October 22, 2011 8:00pm ET featuring Muay Thai “Battle at Bally’s” from Bally’s in Atlantic City, NJ. Headlining this Saturday’s event Muay Thai Kick Boxing event will be Justin ‘The Purple People Eater’ Greskiewicz (14-9, Cool Hearts Muay Thai, Philadelphia) vs. Eddie ‘The Knockout Artist’ Martinez (28-4, 1-0-2, 19 KO’s, 5 Points Academy, New York). Greskiewicz has fought all of the top North American Muay Thai fighters including Kevin Ross and Omar Ahmed now looks to take down Martinez who fought to a draw with main event participant Turan Hasanov on the ‘Battle at the Beacon’ card. Nick Vaughan (12-1, The Wat) vs. Jessie Cronier (8-3, Sudbury Muay Thai). Vaughn trains under legendary Muay Thai Master Kru Phil Nurse, and recently won the WKA 165 lbs North American Title. Cronier hails from combat sports crazed Ontario, Canada, and has trained under Muay Thai legend Coban “The Cruncher” Lookchaomaesaitong.

– Saturday, October 22, 2011 9:00pm ET featuring Muay Thai Journey Fight-Series from Century Casino, Calgary, Canada. After starting with 8 of the top 140lb professional Muay Thai fighters in North America, the field has been narrowed to two! In an all Canadian final, Toronto’s Matt Embree takes on Josh Palmer of Halifax. Both fighters have been very active in 2010 and are looking to get their hands on the $10,000 winner’s fight purse! As an extra incentive the bout will be for the vacant WMC North American Title, the first ever North American WMC belt awarded! This event will also feature hometown athlete “Nasty” Nate Smandych against Mark Deluca. These accomplished athletes battled once before as amateurs with Smandych winning. Deluca looks to even the score as a professional! Regular Fight of the Night winner Jessica “Thumper” Gladstone steps into the ring bringing her nonstop action packed style to the fans. “Shotgun” Sean McKinnon and Billy “Kung Fu Panda” Kim round out 5 professional bouts! A full undercard of local amateurs will complete the card as Calgary’s Chris McMillan continues to climb the rankings and attempts to avenge a loss to Edmonton’s hard hitting Jamie Gifford!

Other non MMA events this week: Pro-Wrestling: Branded Outlaw Entertainment – Saturday, LIVE Oct 22, 8:30pm ET. Impact Zone Wrestling: Oct 22, 2011 8:00pm ET(FREE View).

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

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1100 live events with over 5500 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

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




Chambers pulls out of Eliminator with Thompson due to back injury


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that IBF number-one ranked Heavyweight “Fast” Eddie Chambers will not be able to compete in next Friday night’s mandated elimination bout with Tony Thompson due to a back injury.

Originally a tripleheader, the show will now feature two televised bouts, with super middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales (14-0, 10 KOs) facing veteran Ossie Duran (26-8-2, 9 KOs), and 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) against Artemio Reyes (13-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.

“It’s always disappointing when you have a fight with a lot on the line and one of the fighters gets hurt. There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s part of the sport,” Dan Goossen, who promotes Thompson and Chambers, told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “It’s one of the breaks of the game. I just hate to see Tony Thompson putting all this hard work in and now he’s faced with not fighting next Friday.”

“This has been an ongoing thing and it just caught up to me,” Chambers told ESPN.com. “My back has always been tight and that’s a very stubborn area in your body. But it’s really gotten to me. I was sparring last week and it really got to me.

“I don’t think it was any specific move or punch, but it became unbearable. I just don’t want to get in there with a guy like Tony and half-ass it. You’re asking for either a bad performance or a loss, and I don’t want either of those. It’s unfortunate. I worked really hard, but I’m injured.”

“In camp, my back was tight,” he said. “I would do some rounds and then I couldn’t move. I was going to tough it out, but I just couldn’t perform. My back was tightening up when I was just walking around.”

“If we can’t reschedule the fight, I believe Tony should just become the mandatory because he has performed within the guidelines of the tournament,” Goossen said. “Or we can try to reschedule the fight for later in the year.”

King Cakes: A New Orleans tradition makes its way to Toledo.

The Blade (Toledo, OH) January 17, 2006 Byline: Kathie Smith Jan. 17–King Cakes long associated with Mardi Gras are relatively new to the Midwest. They are more popular the farther south you go, but that may be changing.

“They are catching on more each year,” says Andy Haas of Haas Bakery in Oregon. “The Retail Bakers of America have been trying to promote the cakes.” And Haas Bakery is among the Ohio bakers, including those at The Andersons and Servatii Pastry Shops of Cincinnati, who bake and sell King Cakes to interested Ohioans.

This year, Mr. Haas and his father, Dennis, now semiretired, have been baking and selling King Cakes since Jan. 6, Epiphany. As is the custom, they will sell the cakes throughout the period of Mardi Gras until the day before Ash Wednesday, when the Lenten season begins.

Epiphany is referred to as the 12th day of Christmas or the King’s Day. Twelfth night is the celebrating of the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ child. It marks the start of the carnival season that runs through Fat Tuesday, which also is known as Shrove Tuesday.

According to one version of King Cake history, French settlers brought this tradition to New Orleans. The cake dates back to the 12th century, when people feasted on round cakes that resembled the modern version. The cakes were eaten on King’s Day and soon the Feast of the Epiphany developed into a major holiday complete with a royal theme celebrated throughout France. Shortly after, a tiny bean was put into the dough before the cake was baked. The bean was eventually replaced by the modern-day plastic baby to symbolize the baby Jesus whom the three kings or wise men were going to see. King Cake is now served throughout the entire carnival season. go to website king cake recipe

In the New Orleans tradition, King Cake consists of a rich dough that is baked and topped with icing and sugar in the traditional Mardi Gras colors – purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). The decoration has been called gaudy by some, but it is a much appreciated tradition by those who love it.

Haas bakers also add the yellow, green, and purple beaded necklaces, and plastic coins to the decoration.

Many King Cakes are made plain, but can have fillings. Haas Bakery has lemon and raspberry with cream cheese, apricot, blueberry, cinnamon, and others. The 20-ounce cake costs $13.95 and serves 12 to 15 people; the 40-ounce cake costs $21.95 and serves 24 to 30 people. Mr. Haas recommends that customers order a King Cake in advance, then serve it the day it is baked.

Today many bakers are worried about liability and thus will not put the tiny plastic baby in the cake for fear that a consumer will choke on it. Thus, bakers – including those at Haas – put the plastic toy on top of the cake. go to site king cake recipe

The Andersons bake shops use a cinnamon yeast dough, according to Dianne Shomody, deli and bakery buyer. “It is frosted with white icing and sprinkled with colored sugars – green, purple, and yellow. They throw in a necklace and a plastic baby so the buyer can hide the baby in the King Cake,” she says.

After Feb. 1, King Cakes may be special ordered at The Andersons in the Toledo area 24 to 48 hours in advance. But they will be on the shelf at The Andersons Feb. 24 to March 4. “Our Columbus stores sell them year round,” says Ms. Shomody. “It’s a trend that’s moving north.” King Cakes are very familiar on the Bowling Green State University campus, according to Chef Sonja Kehr of the university’s food operations.

“We often make them from scratch and they are used at various catering events and our retail operation and restaurant,” she says.

New Orleans bakeries have long shipped King Cakes throughout the United States for those longing for a taste of the tradition, writes Linda Stradley in I’ll Have What They’re Having: Legendary Local Cuisine (The Globe Pequot Press, $18.95). Originally objects such as coins, beans, pecans, and peas were hidden inside King Cakes. Wealthy plantation owners in the late 1800s sometimes put a precious stone or jewel in the King Cake.

“The recipient of the plastic baby is ‘crowned’ king or queen for the day and are obligated to host the following year’s party,” she writes. She dates the tradition to the French settlers in New Orleans around 1870. Ms. Stradley includes a New Orleans King Cake recipe in her cookbook iced with Lemon Frosting and sprinkled with colored sugars. She does not use a filling in the recipe.

When The Blade tested the recipe, it produced a “huge” cake. Although it was best when served warm, the leftovers could be used to make great French toast.

Father Dominic Garramone, host of the Public Television series Breaking Bread with Father Dominic and author of the companion cookbooks, developed another version of King Cake.

Noting that King Cake recipes and customs are as diverse as the cultures of the world, he drew his inspiration for the dough from the orange and spices flavors of Spain. He uses a mixture of cardamom and nutmeg in a sweet moist sour cream dough spiked with orange zest. The sweet surprise inside is 11 chocolate-covered almonds evenly distributed throughout the cake. In the 12th piece is a single coin or trinket carefully wrapped in parchment paper.

“This was my own invention,” he said of the chocolate filling in a phone interview from his office at the St. Bede Abbey in Peru, Ill. He also used rapid-rise yeast, which is designed for higher temperatures (120 to 130 degrees) compared to the 110 to 115-degree temperature and instant active dry yeast used by Ms. Stradley in her recipe. He noted that richer doughs like the sour cream dough in his recipe sometimes take longer to rise and that they should always rise in a warm and protected place like the inside of an oven with a pilot light.

Another unique feature is the pull-apart “crown” form made from 12 separate pieces of dough. Use a ring mold to hold the pieces together as they rise into a golden crown in the oven. The cake is brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sugar. Candied cherries or gumdrop “jewels” are affixed to each point of the crown.

The King Arthur Flour 200th Anniversary Cookbook by Brinna B. Sands (Countryman Press, $24) also has a recipe for Twelfth Night Cake. It is described as a variation of a pound cake (no yeast) that is rich in butter, honey, and eggs. With the honey as an ingredient, the cake bakes more slowly at a lower temperature of 300 degrees. It is baked in a Bundt pan.

Kathie Smith is The Blade’s food editor.

Contact her at:

food@theblade.com or 419-724-6155.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.




SPECIAL MEET AND GREET: REAL STEEL- STAR BOXING FIGHTERS AT THE TROPICANA IMAX THEATER

ATLANTIC CITY (October 19, 2011)-This Thursday and Friday, boxing fans can meet the main event fighters for this coming Saturday night’s boxing card at the Tropicana Casino & Resort.

The card, promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will feature a double main event featuring undefeated Jr. Welterweight Raymond Serrano taking on Angel Rios as well as popular Heavyweight Vinny Maddalone taking on Mike Sheppard.

The show will be broadcast live on Azteca America tv.

Thursday and Friday, Serrano, Maddalone and Atlantic City’s Shamone Alvarez (who is also fighting on Saturday’s boxing show) will be appearing at the IMAX Theatre inside the Tropicana for photo-op’s and autographs with the fans.

The meet and greet is in conjunction with the newly released movie Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman which will be showing at the Tropicana IMAX Theater.

The fighters will appear approximately 45 minutes before movie start times.

WHO: Raymond Serrano-undefeated Jr. Welterweight (16-0 8 KO’s)
Vinny Maddalone-Popular Heavyweight (multi time ESPN fight of year candidate)
Shamone Alvarez-Atlantic City Welterweight contender

WHAT: Photo Opportunity and Autograph Session with boxing fans

WHERE: IMAX Theatre inside the Tropicana Casino & Resort

WHEN:Thursday October 20th & Friday October 21st
12:15pm; 2:45 pm; 5:15pm; 7:45pm—The Movie will start 45 minutes after the beginning of the Meet and Greet.

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC

Star Boxing

Star Boxing Exclusive Merchandise

***All press releases are available in word and pdf documents. Contact pr@starboxing.com if needed.***




STAR BOXING ACKNOWLEDGES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS-PINK GLOVES THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IN ATLANTIC CITY

ATLANTIC CITY (October 19, 2011)-This Saturday night, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will acknowledge National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the use of Pink Gloves during a big night of boxing at the Tropicana Casino & Resort.

In the televised main event, Raymond Serrano will take on Angel Rios in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

In the co-main event, popular Heavyweight Vinny Maddalone will battle Mike Shepperd in a ten round bout.

The show will be broadcast Live on Azteca America.

All twelve fighters on the six bout card will be wearing the pink gloves.

The gloves are donated by Everlast.

“Breast cancer needs to be knocked out”, said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia.

“It is important to raise awareness for this disease that affects so many people. We hope by using the pink gloves that it will spread consciousness to the audience in attendance and the viewers watching around the world.”

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC




Roy Jones to face Max Alexander on December 10 in Atlanta


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former pound for pound king Roy Jones Jr. will continue his now floundering career when he takes on Max Alexander on December 10th in Atlanta.

“Roy is going to do a little tuneup fight, get back in the ring and see how he feels,” said Mcgee Wright who advises Jones. “He’s been training for the fight for about six weeks already.”

“I think Roy just doesn’t want to go out on a loss,” Wright said. “He wants to see how he feels and see if he wants to go any further. With Lebedev, he was in the fight until the last 10 seconds and Lebedev is the No. 1 contender. It ain’t like Roy can’t compete.”

“We sent him to the Mayo Clinic and he got a clean bill of health,” Wright said. “Had a full physical, everything they do, and they said he was fit to fight, perfect condition. We wanted to see if he was able to fight, or if he had anything wrong with him, and they said no.”

Wright’s view of the match for Jones is simple.

“If you can’t beat him, you need to stop,” he said.




Canelo Alvarez to defend against Cintron Nov. 26 in Mexico


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Mexican Sensation, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will defend his WBC
Super Welterweight title against former Welterweight champion Kermit Cintron on November 26 in Mexico.

“It’s finalized. It’s a great fight, another dangerous fight for Canelo and another step up for him,” Said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.

“There is no question about it that Cintron is a very dangerous guy,” Schaefer said. “That’s what you need to do with Canelo. He’s 21 years young and this is about building up to the bigger names and bigger fights. Canelo is well on his way. I think our matchmakers, Eric (Gomez) and Roberto (Diaz), along with (Golden Boy president) Oscar (De La Hoya), who is closely involved in this, have done a very good job on the matchmaking side. To tell you the truth, I’m a little worried because Cintron is a tough, tough, tough guy and a good puncher.”




Hopkins files appeal with California Commission


Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that “Former” Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins has filed an appeal with the California Athletic Commission to not only over turn his controverisal second round loss to Chad Dawson past Saturday but to have Dawson disqualified for launching Hopkins to the canvas and injure his left shoulder.

“Dawson should be disqualified because that was no accident,” Hopkins said. “I think it should be a DQ because it was intentional. He intended to hurt me, period. I’m asking for a disqualification because of the intent. I leaned over because I missed a punch, that’s normal. What’s not normal is when a guy raises you up a couple of inches and throws you to the canvas, which caused me to hit my elbow, which sent a shock up to my shoulder, which caused the dislocation.

Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter, said he thought the result of the fight will at least be changed to a no contest pending the commission’s review.

[+] EnlargeBernard Hopkins
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesBernard Hopkins is seeking a disqualification win after dislocating his shoulder in a controversial loss to Chad Dawson on Saturday.

“Based on the feedback we’ve gotten from so many people it seems pretty clear that it should be overturned,” Schaefer said. “The fact is, everybody I have talked to says this was a wrong call. So that is what we are filing for, a disqualification. The fact is, lifting Bernard up by the legs is not just something that happened like a push. You lift someone up to make them lose their balance, and that is what happened here.

“That to me is flagrant, and it should be ruled as such.”

Stephen Espinoza, the attorney for Golden Boy Promotions, told ESPN.com that he filed the formal protest with the California commission on Tuesday night.

“We reviewed the appeal with Bernard and his attorney so we could forward it to the commission,” Espinoza said. “It’s an appeal letter explaining our position.”

“I’m in a sling and it’s not comfortable,” Hopkins said. “I’ve been taking the Motrin they gave me, but I’m a vitamin guy, not an aspirin guy. They’re like 500 milligram pills, but I’m only taking half at a time.

“I got to keep a pillow under my arm, so I don’t move so much when I sleep. I’ve been battling that, but I can deal with it. I can’t get my jacket on without hurting my shoulder. I got my daughter helping me get my arm in my damn jacket. I just hope when I hear the MRI results that I don’t have to go under the knife and that there is no tear or anything. Whatever it is, I just want to get started on my rehab and set up what I’m going to do next.”




GERALD NOBLES TO TAKE ON JOSEPH RABOTTE ON OCTOBER 28TH AT HARRAHS IN CHESTER, PA

CHESTER, PA (October 18, 2011)—On Friday night October 28th, Gerald “The Jedi” Nobles will return after a four year absence as he will take on Joseph Rabotte in a six round Heavyweight part that will be part of a championship night at Harrahs in Chester that will be promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

In the main event, Tony Ferrante will take on Tommy Karpency in a ten round battle for the Pennsylvania State Light Heavyweight championship,

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.

Rabotte is a veteran of thirty professional fights and should prove to be a good test for Nobles. Rabotte has fought contenders Seth Mitchell; Deontay Wilder; Nicolai Firtha; Mike Marrone and Anmir Mansour.

Victor Vasquez , 14-5-1 with seven KO’s will take part in a six round Lightweight bout.

Undefeated Super Middleweight Derrick Webster (10-0, 6 KO’s) of Glassboro, NJ taking on Teneal Goyco (4-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a six round bout.

Joey Tiberi (5-1, 4 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware takes on Mike Maley (4-8, 3 KO’s) of Whiting, Indiana in a four round Lightweight bout.

Alex Barbosa of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a four round Bantamweight bout.

Light Heavyweight Shawn Beckles of New York will be making his pro debut in a four round bout against Maurice Amaro (1-4) of Philadelphia

Anthony Young of Atlantic City will be making his pro debut against Andrew Jones of Buffalo, new York in a four round Welterweight affair.

Rounding out the show will be a four bout of pro debuting Jr. Middleweights in former UFC star Waylon Lowe of Philadelphia taking on Arkansas native Shelby Willhite.

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




CHUCK MUSSACHIO PUTS ASIDE PERSONAL GRIEVING TO TRAIN FOR USBA TITLE FIGHT ON NOV. 19–WATCH FIGHT LIVE ON GFL


Wildwood, NJ—Fighting in a 20-foot boxing ring may seem a rough way to make a living, but after what Chuck Mussachio has been through this year, it may seem like a piece of cake.

It’s been a rough 2011 for the 32-year-old college grad-turned teacher-turned bartender, who challenges Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, for Wilson’s USBA cruiserweight title in a scheduled 12-round contest on Saturday evening, Nov. 19, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

In his last match Dec. 4 at Bally’s, Mussachio earned an eight-round decision over Theo Kruger, of Port Charlotte, FL. That victory boosted Mussachio’s record to 17-1-2, 5 K0s, and he should have been moving onto bigger and better fights. Things don’t always turn out the way you want.

“Since my last fight I have had a few misfortunes take place in my life,” Mussachio said. “In addition to losing my job (elementary school guidance counselor), I also lost my uncle, Robert Stipa. He was in my corner for each of my professional fights and he died unexpectedly on Jan. 12. He was 53 years old. A few months later, on May 16, I lost my closest friend in the world, Adam Franz, also unexpectedly. He was 31. After my friend’s death, I decided to take some time away from the gym. My head was not into boxing and this is not a sport you can do halfway if you want to be successful.

“For the next few months I focused my time and energy on not only trying to find a job for the 2011-2012 school year, but also on helping to counsel my grieving family and friends. Sometime in September I was presented with this fight (Wilson). I thought about it and realized that I am not finished boxing yet. I still have ‘miles to go before I sleep’ as Robert Frost once wrote and if I take any more time off it’s going to be really tough to get back into shape.

“I accepted the fight and training has been going great. For the first time since I can remember I don’t have to watch what I eat. I actually have to gain weight for this fight.

“Between those two unexpected deaths, my family, friends and I were, and still are, heavily grieving. I have decided to dedicate this fight to the memory of those I lost.”

A pro since 2005, Mussachio has built his record against foes like Richard Stewart (below), of New Castle, DE, Tony Ferrante and Andre Hemphill, both of Philadelphia, PA; Willis Lockett, of Takoma Park, MD; Carl Daniels, of St. Louis, MO. His only loss came via 10-round decision against world-rated Tommy Karpency, of Adah, PA, in 2009 in Morgantown, WV.

“I got head-butted in the second round against Karpency,” Mussachio said. “It was above my left eye and I couldn’t see out of that eye for three rounds until my cut man was able to stop it. I felt I lost the fight in those three rounds. Had I not gotten head-butted, I’m confident I would have beaten him. Being that it was not intentional, I chalk it up to being part of the sport of boxing. Just my luck that my opponent in the biggest fight of my career, at the time, had a head the size of a barstool. It was a close fight right up to the end.”

Mussachio started boxing when he was 15. He got his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education at Lock Haven University, located in central Pennsylvania approximately 30 miles from Williamsport and State College.
At Lock Haven, Mussachio joined the college boxing team. He was NCAA runner-up as a freshman (1999) and sophomore (2000). As a junior, he won the NCAA championship at 185 pounds and again as a senior at 175 pounds.

“I wanted to win it in two different weight classes so I dropped down a weight class in 2002,” he said.

After Lock Haven, Mussachio went to the United States Olympic Education Center in Marquette, MI, where he boxed for Al Mitchell. While he was there, he received his Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling from Northern Michigan University.

“There were about 20-25 of us up there who were selected by coach Mitchell to train in the center,” Mussachio said. “I shared a room with former world (WBA junior middleweight) champion David Reid, who was one of the coaches. I also shared a room with world (WBC/WBO junior welterweight) champion Tim Bradley and a handful of other Olympic hopefuls and current top professional contenders.”

When he came home in 2004 with over 100 amateur fights on his resume, Mussachio decided to give the pros a shot, making his debut April 2, 2005 in Atlantic City, NJ, by knocking out Karim Shabazz, of Brooklyn, NY, in three rounds.

“My father, Al, has been my trainer since I was 15,” Mussachio said, “with the exception of my time in Lock Haven and Northern Michigan. He was an amateur out of the legendary Passyunk Gym in South Philadelphia. He and his father would sneak off to the gym every chance they got. My grandmother—his mother—had no idea what they were doing. When she finally found out, she told my dad that he either had to quit boxing or move out of the house. At 17, he couldn’t move out so he was forced to give it up.

“My father was an undercover narcotics cop in Philadelphia before he was injured on the job and forced to retire. He and my mother, Annette, also from South Philly, decided to move to Wildwood in the mid-1970s. They had my sister, Alanna, and me and this is where we have been ever since..

“All my life, until 2005, my father owned and managed the Southern New Jersey branch of Wise Potato Chips for 30 years. My parents also owned and operated a seasonal business which was a bakery by morning and an ice cream parlor by night. With my father operating a snack-food business and my mother running the bakery/ice cream parlor, I wonder why my sister and I don’t weigh 450 pounds each.”

Using his college degrees, Mussachio worked as an education teacher at Wildwood Middle School for more than three years. He also was as a guidance counselor at Middle Township High School for one year, then was laid off due to budget cuts. He was hired as an elementary guidance counselor at Ventnor City Elementary, but budget cuts again cost him his job.

Along the way, he has worked as a bartender, currently at The Concord Café in Avalon, NJ.

“Nancy Barnabei owns the café, along with four other businesses in Wildwood,” Mussachio said. She has been one of the most organized and professional bar owners I have ever worked for. When I signed to fight (Wilson) on Nov. 19, she accommodated my work schedule to coincide with my training. I could not have hand-picked a boss to be any more supportive of my career than Nancy has been.

“The patrons know about my boxing career, but it is not a rough crowd. It is more of a neighborhood ‘Cheers’ type of setting. We have mostly regulars between 40 and 80 years old. They are very supportive of my boxing career and some have purchased tickets to come and watch me win the USBA belt on Nov. 19.”

ABOUT NOV. 19

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




WORLD-RANKED EDWIN RODRIGUEZ, WILL ROSINSKY CLASH IN BATTLE OF UNBEATEN SUPER MIDDLES FRIDAY, OCT. 21, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK (Oct. 17, 2011) – It’s not difficult to root for a guy like world-ranked super middleweight Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (19-0, 14 KOs), of Worchester, Mass., who faces fellow unbeaten Will “Power” Rosinsky (14-0, 8 KOs) of Ozone Park, N.Y., in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Oct. 21, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Rodriguez has been virtually unbeatable since lacing on the gloves at 16. He went 84-9 in the amateurs and was a two-time national champion. Since turning pro on Jan. 26, 2008, he has steadily ascended through the ranks and remains a strong possibility to one day become a 168-pound world champion.

What makes Rodriguez’ accomplishments inside the ring so extraordinary and inspiring, however, is that he’s managed to achieve success while dealing with a complex home situation with young children who have special needs. He and wife Stephanie’s fraternal twins, Edwin Jr. and Serena Lynn, were born prematurely, at 23 weeks. Chances of survival were bleak, yet both miraculously turned four years old on Sept. 29.

“They both weighed a pound and three ounces at birth,’’ Rodriguez said. “The doctor sat us down and told us many times that our son only had a slim chance of (making it). It was tough just like with any other family. Physically, I was there, trying to go to the gym, but mentally, I wasn’t. It was tough having my kids at the hospital for four months and at the same time trying to concentrate on boxing.

“I have a little more to deal with than most parents but we do what we have to do. I know boxing takes a lot of time away from my family but being able to give them a better life balances it out a little. My son got diagnosed with CP — cerebral palsy. But I’m just happy to have him and see him smile every day.’’

As if this wasn’t enough, Rodriguez’ manager, Larry Army, said the twins were also recently diagnosed with autism. Rodriguez credits his wife for helping him get through.

“My wife is such a very good mother,’’ he said. “Every time I have to go out for training camp, she makes sure everything’s taken care of. I appreciate her so much and she just makes everything easier.”

Rodriguez, who was planning to try out for the 2008 Olympic Games but couldn’t when the children were born, is currently ranked by the four major boxing organizations, topping out at No. 6 in the WBC (World Boxing Classic). The way he sees it, 2012 will be a magic number. By then, he figures, a top-heavy, talent-laden 168-pound division will have sorted itself out some, paving the way for him to make a move.

“I need two good fights against top-10 opponents and I’ll be ready for a world title fight,” said Rodriguez, who’ll be making his third ShoBox appearance. Despite dislocating his shoulder in the second round, he won his toughest test to date with a unanimous 10-round decision over Aaron Pryor Jr. last Jan. 14. In his second ShoBox start, Rodriguez scored a ninth-round TKO over Buddy McGirt Jr. on Nov. 5, 2010. Rodriguez scored a sixth-round knockout over Kevin Engle in his ShoBox debut on April 30, 2010.

“I love boxing,” said Rodriguez, who’s gained invaluable experience by sparring with the likes of WBC champion Carl Froch and ex-titleholder Chad Dawson. “I love getting tested by getting the best sparring from the most elite fighters I can find and see where I’m at. I want to know how far I can go. Carl is a very nice guy. I got to be in with arguably the best super middleweight in the world.’’

As expectations rise, Rodriguez continues to express an extreme dedication to his craft and to the people who matter most in his life.

“I believe everyone in the world has something they fight for,’’ he said. “I fight for my family and wife and definitely for my kids because they’ve fought all their lives and now it’s my turn to fight for them.”

A brutal body puncher, Rodriguez is coming off of a devastating second-round TKO over Chris Traietti last Aug. 20 in a bout in which he broke two of Traietti’s ribs. Nine of Rodriguez’ last 11 fights have ended inside the distance.

Rosinksy, the first unbeaten fighter Rodriguez has faced, was the 2005 United States Amateur light heavyweight champion. Rodriguez was the U.S. Boxing national champion at 168 pounds the same year, and both he and Rosinksy traveled together to China and other locations representing the U.S.

A registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), the 5-foot-10 Rosinksy won his lone start this year with a 2:20, first-round TKO over Jose Ramirez in a wild affair last July 20 in which both boxers went down. In his outing before last, he scored a lopsided eight-round decision over previously unbeaten Yasin Abdur-Rashid (7-0) on Nov. 20, 2010. Rosinsky will be making his ShoBox debut.

“I felt that accepting this fight was the perfect decision,” Rosinsky said. “I feel that I will really be able to showcase my skills as a professional fighter, and what better than to do it on SHOWTIME.’’

In the co-feature at Foxwood Resorts Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., undefeated junior welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (17-0, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y., takes on Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid’’ Sostre (11-4-1, 4 KOs) of Highland, N.Y., in a 10-round clash of Puerto Ricans for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title. It is the first of two consecutive Friday ShoBox telecasts, the second in three weeks, and the fourth in eight weeks.

Bracero, who won his ShoBox debut with an impressive eight-round decision over Danny O’Connor, recorded knockouts in his last two starts in 2011, including a third-round stoppage over Dan Van Stadden in his most recent outing on July 3. An excellent technician, Bracero turned pro in March 2001 and competed regularly through March 2002 before stopping for 7 1/2 years. The 30-year-old has fought 12 times since resuming his career in March ‘09. Fourteen of his 15 pro starts have ended in decisions.

“I’ve been working more on setting down my punches,’’ said Bracero, who’s father was a prizefighter. “I got into trouble and my career got sidetracked, but I’m back now and looking to make up for lost time.’’

Sostre, a pro since April 2005, captured the New York state welterweight championship in January 2009 and had made three successful defenses.

The 27-year-old Sostre had a nine-fight winning streak snapped two fights ago when, in his first match in a little more than a year, he and Damian Frias fought to a split eight-round draw on April 8. In his last start, he lost for the first time in four years when he dropped a close eight-round decision to unbeaten Raymond Serrano on July 15.

Tickets, priced at $125, $85 and $50, are available at www.foxwoods.com or www.ticketmaster.com and by calling (800) 200-2882. Doors open at 7 p.m. ET. The first live undercard, non-televised fight is at 8.

Curt Menefee will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and Antonio Tarver serving as expert analysts. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

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

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




ESCALERA & ALVAREZ ON STAR BOXING UNDERCARD THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT TROPICANA IN ATLANTIC CITY

ATLANTIC CITY (October 17, 2011)-This Saturday night two members of the Star Boxing stable will be on display as Welterweight Shamone Alvarez & Super Middleweight Jason Escalera will be featured as part of a big night of boxing at the Tropicana Casino & Resort.

The card, promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will be headlined by undefeated Jr. Welterweight Raymond Serrano taking on Angel Rios in a ten round bout.

In a second main event, popular Heavyweight Vinny Maddalone will take on Mike Shepperd in a ten round bout.

The main bouts will be televised live across the country on Azteca America.

Alvarez will take hard punching Doel Carrasquillo.

Alvarez (21-4, 12 KO’s) has been a staple in his hometown of Atlantic City as this will be his fifteenth appearance on the Boardwalk. He has been right on the cusp of being a top contender in the loaded Welterweight division with wins over undefeated fighters Mohammad Kayongo, & Edward Gutierrez as well as contenders Jose Luis Cruz, Terrance Cauthen and Alexis Camacho.

Carrasquillo of Lancaster, PA is a grizzled veteran with over 34 fights (13KO’s) who has fought of the top fighters’s in the Jr. Welterweight & Welterweight divisions. The list of Carrasquillo’s is opponents is impressive to say the least as he has shared the ring with the likes of Mike Jones & Mike Arnaoutis just to name a few. Carrasquillo is known as a rugged puncher who has pulled off upsets over undefeated prospects Wayland Willingham and Denis Douglin

Escalera will take on Mickey Scarborough in a six round Super Middleweight bout that features fighters with seventeen combined wins with sixteen coming via knockout.

Escalera (11-0, 10 KO’s) of Union City, New Jersey is one of the top prospects in the division and posses tremendous knockout prowess. In his last bout, Escalera stopped the durable Mustafah Johnson in two rounds in his Star Boxing debut.

Scarborough (6-3, 6 KO’s) of Kansas City will be looking to spring the upset and he has shown in previous bouts that he has knockout power as all of his wins have come early.

Fans in attendance can also witness an eight round Heavyweight bout that will feature contender Chazz Witherspoon (28-2, 20 KO’s) of Paulsboro, NJ taking on Ty Cobb (14-2, 8 KO’s) of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Tickets for October 22nd are available by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $30, $50, $100 and $200.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going directly online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. Doors for the event will open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. All action will take place in the Tropicana Showroom. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA:

Azteca America is currently available in over 40 million homes in the US (of which 9 million are Hispanic) with availability over the air and on most major cable and DBS outlets, including Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios, DirecTV and DISH.

ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:

The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 20 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/TropicanaAC




VIDEO: ANDRE WARD INJURY

Witness all the drama surrounding WBA Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward and his sparring injury that forced the postponement of the Super Six World Boxing Classic Final. which captures Ward in his gym in Oakland and joins the champ on his urgent trip to Los Angeles to meet world-renowned surgeon Dr. Paul Wallace and learn the extent of his injury.