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.”

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

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.

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®.

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

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.

Perhaps the next boxing sensation to emerge from St. Louis, light welterweight Keandre Gibson has signed on with manager Repo Ric and world renowned promotional company Top Rank. Gibson, fresh off an impressive nationally televised victory in August, will make his Top Rank debut on October 29th at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma against an opponent to be announced.

Gibson (4-0-1, 2 KOs) is thrilled to have the promotional powerhouse behind him as he pursues his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion. “They are the best promotional company in the world right now, so I feel they will give me a lot of help,” says Gibson. “I’m really excited. I feel safe fighting, knowing that I’ve got Top Rank behind me and in the next couple of years, they will help me become a world champion.”

Gibson grew up in a boxing gym, as his father, a former amateur fighter, began training him at the age of seven and put him in his first amateur fight a year later. Among the highlights of his stellar amateur career were a gold medal at the 2005 National Junior Golden Gloves and a bronze at the 2006 Junior Olympic National Championships. Gibson also holds amateur wins over contender Jessie Vargas and prospect Hylon Williams Jr.

“I look at those guys as real good fighters, but I look at myself and I already beat those guys,” says Gibson, looking at the careers of his former amateur opponents. “So I feel like I am past their level really, but I just haven’t had the opportunity to showcase my talents like those guys have had the chance to showcase their talent.”

With Top Rank behind him, Gibson will surely have the opportunity to showcase his talents before the world. As Gibson’s manager is quick to point out, the signing further disproves a label some have given the respected promotional company. “A lot of people think that Top Rank don’t like African-American fighters and that’s bull,” says Repo Ric adamantly. “They are just looking for fighters that will get in there and shine and this kid can shine. He’s very flamboyant and he’s going to do his thing and he’s going to throw a lot of punches. I guarantee he’s landing 75-80 punches a round. He’s going to show Top Rank what he’s got.”

Gibson takes great pride in carrying on the storied fighting tradition of St. Louis, Missouri. “It means a lot to me because the streets of St. Louis are really hard,” explains Gibson. “For me to come out and be successful, growing up on the streets of St. Louis, it means a lot to me. For me to stay motivated and keep boxing, those are big things for me.”

In fact, Gibson credits his environment growing up for helping create his passion for the sport of boxing. “I grew up in a gym that was in the projects,” says Gibson. “There were a lot of kids, and being in the gym with them, made me like it more. It was competitive thing. I always was competitive when I was younger. It was a one-man sport, and I grew to love it.”

Having already taken on two undefeated opponents and fighting in an eight-rounder, in Mexico no less, in just his third pro bout, Gibson has shown a willingness to challenge himself. However, the point of having a solid team is making sure your career is charted out properly.

“He can already fight the best out there,” says Repo. “We are not going to take the best yet, but he can do it. He spars with Devon Alexander and Deandre Latimore. He’s been with them since they grew up together and still today he spars with those guys. I look for him to be up there on that level, because he is on that level already, but he just has five fights. He’s not going to jump up there and try to catch up with them. We are doing do our thing, one step at a time.”

Gibson, with his new team behind him, takes his next step on October 29th.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Top Rank, are available online at WinStarWorldCasino.com.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that IBF has ordered an immediate rematch between newly crowned champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez and former two-time champion Steve “USS” Cunningham.

The first bout, which took place on October 1st saw Hernandez take the belt in controverisal fashion as the bout was stopped after six round due to a cut suffered by Hernandez.

The cuts did not seem severe at the time of the stoppage with Cunningham coming on after digging himself in hole after being knocked down in the opening round.

“We just appreciate the IBF’s consideration of this matter and believe their ruling is the correct one,” John Hornewer, Cunningham’s attorney, told ESPN.com. “Hernandez and Cunningham should both want the chance to settle this in the ring, and a rematch is the way to do that. This is the fairest result for everybody.

“I don’t think the decision (to stop the fight) sat well with anyone. I don’t think Hernandez felt good about the way he won the title.”

“Hernandez boxed the entire fourth round with no significant bleeding from the cut that he had received in the third round. During round six there was another clash of heads that was also ruled accidental. This clash of heads produced a cut above the left eye of Hernandez. At the conclusion of the round, Dr. Wegner got on to the ring apron to examine the cut above Hernandez’s eye. At the conclusion of Dr. Wegner’s examination, he called the referee to the Hernandez corner and recommended that the fight be stopped.

“Based on the recommendation of the doctor, the referee stopped the bout and indicated that since both of the cuts that Hernandez sustained were caused by accidental fouls, a decision would be rendered based on the judges’ scores. It appeared that the bleeding from Hernandez’s cuts had been stopped. There was no blood on Hernandez’s face.”

Bernard Hopkins has been released from the California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles after being x-rayed and examined by Dr. Sam Thurber, MD who diagnosed Hopkins with a separation of the acromioclavicular (A-C) joint which connects the collar bone and shoulder blade.

Follow all the action LIVE!! from Staples Center as Bernard Hopkins defends the undisputed Light Heavyweight championship of the world when he takes on top contender Chad Dawson. The card will begin at 9pm eastern/ 6 pm Pacific with a three fight undercard featuring Lightweight Jorge Linares and Antonio DeMarco; Jr. Welterweight Danny Garcia and Kendall Holt and the action starts off with Paulie Malignaggi taking on Orlando Lora

12 Rounds–Undisputed Light Heavyweight Title–Bernard Hopkins (52-5-1, 32 KO’s) vs Chad Dawson (30-1-1, 17 KO’s)

Round 1 Lead right from Hopkins..Dawson lands a combination…Dawson 10-9

Round 2 TARVER THROWS HOPKINS DOWN TO THE CANVAS…THE FIGHT IS RULED OVER AND SOME HOW THE FIGHT IS GIVEN TO DAWSON VIA KO 2

12 rounds WBC Lightweight Title—Antonio DeMarco (25-2-1, 18 KO’s) vs Jorge Linares (30-1, 20 KO’s)

Round 1 Linares lands a right hand/left hook…10-9 Linares

Round 2 20-19 Linares

Round 3 Linares lands a right…left…combination…30-28 Linares

Round 4 Good combination from Linares…40-37 Linares

Round 5 3 punch combination from Linares…Hard right….50-47 Linares

Round 6 Hard right from DeMarco…hard right from Linares…DeMarco landing some hard shots…Linares bleeding from the nose…2 body shots from Linares…uppercut from DeMarco...59-57 Linares

Round 7 DeMarco sees the blood and is pushing the action more…68-67 Linares

Round 8 Linares landing combinations and moving…Linares cut over right eye…Hard right from Linares….78-76 Linares

Round 9 Linares lands combinations…DeMarco trying to be aggressive..triple left hook from Linares…88-85 Linares

Round 10 Linares landing aZnd moving…98-94 Linares

Round 11 DeMarco battering a bloody Linares all over the ring LANDING SOME FLUSH SHOTS…LINARES IN SERIOUS TROUBLE AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

WINNER BY TKO ROUND 11–ANTONIO DEMARCO

12 ROUNDS–JR. WELTERWEIGHTS–KENDALL HOLT (52-5-2, 32 KO’S)VS. DANNY GARCIA (21-0, 14 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Hold lands a nice right hand…10-9 Holt

Round 2 Hard right by Holt...19-19

Round 3: Garcia lands a hard right…body work…jab…hard body shots29-28 Garcia

Round 4 Garcia lands a left hook…39-37 Garcia

Round 5 Holt lands a left…48-47 Garcia

Round 6 Holt lands a right…Big left from Garcia..Body shot and a combination..Left from Holt…58-56 Garcia

Round 7 Holt’s left eye starting to swell…68-65 Garcia

Round 8 Holt lands a left hook…Garcia lands a good combination…Mayweather lands a combination of the break…78-74 Garcia

Round 9 Hard left from Holt…good body shot and left hook…Hard right from Garcia…87-84 Garcia

Round 10 good right from Garcia…Quick left hook and a right…97-93 Garcia

Round 11 Holt lands a right…looping right from Garcia…Hard combination…107-102 Garcia

Round 12 Holt lands a right…Left hook …116-112 Holt

115-113 Holt…117-111 Garcia…117-111 Garcia

10 ROUNDS–WELTERWEIGHTS–PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (29-4, 6 KO’S) VS ORLANDO LORA (28-1-1, 19 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Lora lands a hard right that has Malignaggi holding on…Malignaggi lands a jab to the body and combination…10-9 Malignaggi

Round 2 Malignaggi boxing well..triple left hook…Lora 2 body shots….20-18 Malignaggi

Round 3 Maliganggi lands a 3 punch combination…30-27 Malignaggi

Round 4 40-37

Round 5 Lora cut over the left eye…Malignaggi lands a right…Lora lands a right…Malignaggi lands a body shot…50-46 Malignaggi

Round 6 Malignaggi lands an over hand right…60-55 Malignaggi

Round 7 Malignaggi being agressive landing combinations…70-64

Round 8 More of the same with Paulie getting off and landing…80-73

Round 9 Maliganggi lands a good right…90-82

Round 10 Good exchange with Malignaggi;s speed being the difference….100-91 Maliganggi

100-90; 98-92; 99-91 MALIGNAGGI

According to TMZ.com Manny Pacquiao’s former accountants claim they’ve discovered the boxer’s BIGGEST WEAKNESS … he sucks at paying his taxes … this according to a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ.

The number crunchers claim they were called in to save PacMan’s ass last year … because, according to the suit, Manny’s tax issues “seriously affected [his] ability to fight.”

The accountants claim they straightened out his money problems — and even let Pacquiao borrow some cash — but Manny never paid the them back and totally ignored the bill.

Now the pencil pushers are suing for their jack — $649,016.95.

Calls to Manny’s people have not been returned.

Michael Perez remained perfect as he stopped Tyrone Harris in round two of a scheduled ten round Lightweight bout in Puerto Rico.

Perez dropped Harris three times in round two with mostly hard body combinations. The referee allowed Harris to continue but the fight was quickly stopped as Perez jumped on Harris.

Perez, 135 1/2 lbs is now 15-0-1 with nine knockouts. Harris, 136 3/4 lbs of Lansing, MI is now 24-9.

Jayson Velez remained perfect as he stopped Jonathan Arias in round five of a scheduled ten round Featherweight bout.

Velez dropped Arias from a right hand at the end of round two and then dropped him in the opening seconds of round five from a right/left/right combination and the fight was stopped twenty-three seconds into the round as Arias got to his feet.

Velez, 125 1/2 lbs of Juncos, PR is now 17-0 with thirteen knockouts. Arias, 123 1/4 lbs of Mexicali, MX is now 16-6

Angel Cruz scored a six round split decision over Juan Herrera in a Bantamweight bout.

Cruz, 117 1/2 lbs dropped Herrera in the first round and that proved to be the difference and he is now 6-1-1. Herrera is 5-4.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
SPRINGFIELD, MO (October 14, 2011)—This Saturday night, world ranked Cruiserweight B.J. Flores gets back in the ring when he takes on Paul Jennette as part of a big night of Boxing and MMA that can be seen LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv

The show can be purchased for just $9.99 beginning at 7:30 pm eastern time by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Multiple/Youngblood_Auto_Presents_CHAMPIONS_COLLIDE/1190

Flores, who now lives in Las Vegas but grew up in Springfield has a record of 25-1-1 with sixteen knockouts is knocking on the door of a world title shot and he knows a win over Jennette can set up that opportunity in the first quarter of 2012.

“This fight is Oct 15 at the O’Riely center in what looks to be another packed house as fans have been snatching tickets at an incredible pace. All floor and ringside level seats have been sold out for over two weeks and this fight will bring in close to 3500 fans. The WBC Continental Americas belt and the WBA Feclatino title will be on the line. This card is another hybrid mixed professional boxing and professional MMA event and has combined all the good fighters in this area to make sure and give fans from both boxing and MMA a great night of entertainment.”, said Flores

“As I have said this is a new chapter in my career! Having Don King in my corner I know the big fights are attainable. This will be my second fight in less than three months! I have a lot of work to do but in this fight, just like the last you will see a knockout. I guarantee even tho this guy hasn’t been KO’d before that he will not last the 12 round distance”.

“All I can think about is getting through this guy impressively”

Flores isn’t the only world ranked Cruiserweight on the bill as undefeated Ryan Coyne will take on veteran James Crawford.

Coyne, who in June was scheduled to fight WBA champion Guillermo Jones until Jones pulled with an apparent injury just three days before the fight will look to take care of Crawford and get back to the front of the line to fulfill his own world title dreams.

Full Card

10 Rounds—WBC Continental/ WBA Fedelatin Cruiserweight titles—BJ Flores (25-1-1, 16 KO) vs Paul Jennette (11-3-1, 8 KO’s)

8 Rounds—Cruiserweights—Ryan Coyne (17-0, 6 KO’s) vs. James Crawford (40-13-2, 17 KO’s)

William Grover (5-1, 5 KO’s) vs. Justin Ridgeway (2-0, 1 KO)

Jesse Cook (PD) vs. DeAngelo Clardy (1-2, 1 KO)

Steve Mincks (5-20-1, 3 KO’s)vs Robbie Cannon (12-6-1, 6 KO’s)

AJ van Camp (PD) – Ryan Pederson (2-7, 2 KO’s)

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

Other non MMA events this week: Pro-Wrestling: Awesome Night of the Legends – Saturday, LIVE Oct 15, 9:00pm ET. Impact Zone Wrestling: Oct 15, 2011 8:00pm ET(FREE View), Pro Boxing: Champions Collide – Saturday, LIVE Oct 15, 7:30pm ET.

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

PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 13, 2011) – All fighters on the M-1 GLOBAL Challenge XXVII event scheduled for tomorrow, October 14, 2011, at the Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, Ariz., have successfully weighed in for their bouts. The weigh-ins took place at the Metro Sportz Bar in Phoenix. The event will air live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). M-1 Challenge XXVII: Magalhaes vs. Zayats will feature two title bouts from the new 5,500 seat Arena .

The event is headlined with the five-round, M-1 Global Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs.) title bout which features the champion and ADCC Submission Wrestling World Champion Vinny Magalhaes (8-5) will make his first title defense against versatile Russian fighter Mikhail Zayats (14-5).

In co-main event action, the M-1 Global Interim Heavyweight title is on the line between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight winner Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (7-3) and M-1 Global Eastern European Heavyweight Champion Maxim Grishin (11-5).

The full list of official weights and participants is a follows:

Final Card

1) Vinny Magalhaes 204 lbs vs Mikhail Zayats 205 lbs (For the M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship)
2) Kenny Garner 255 lbs vs Maxim Grishin 220 lbs (For the M-1 Global Interim Heavyweight title)
3) Arthur Guseinov 185 lbs vs Eddie Arizmendi 186 lbs
4) Tom Gallicchio 170 lbs vs Daniel Madrid 165 lbs
5) Yasubey Enomoto 168 lbs vs Josh Thorpe 166 lbs

Under card:

6) Ryan Crouch 158 lbs vs Fredrik Lumpkin 156 lbs
7) Mike Chavez 168 lbs vs Joe Martinez 170 lbs

Tickets are priced at $20 (students/military), $25, $35, $45, $55 and $115 and can be purchased at www.GCUArena.com, charge by phone at 602-639-8999 or visit the GCU Arena Box Office located at 3300 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85017

For information on M-1 Global, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

About M-1 Global:
Founded in 1998, M-1 Global (www.M-1Global.com) has established itself in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA) as the premiere entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With offices in St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles and affiliates in Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo and Paris, the M-1 brand has staged over 100 events worldwide including the M-1 Selection and M-1 Challenge events and its co-produced Strikeforce events in the United States. Captivating the live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 events boast some of the sport’s top names including Fedor Emelianenko,Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zentsov, Stephan Struve and rising stars Shamil Zavurov, Guram Gugenishvili, Alexander Sarnavskiy and Vinny Magalhaes. 2011 marks a breakthrough year with two Selections tournaments across Eastern & Western Europe, North America and Asia and a full calendar of Challenge events fuelled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global’s Champions amongst the greatest in the sport.

M-1 Global’s greatest asset is renowned heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko. With daily coverage on all MMA-related websites in the world, and articles in Time Magazine, LA times and New York Times, Fedor and M-1 Global make a lifetime match serving as the catalyst to grow MMA in the 21st century.

About HYPE Enterprises:
HYPE Enterprises, LLC (“HYPE”) is a sports and entertainment promotional company based in Phoenix, AZ, founded in 2011 by 5-time US Masters judo champion and former Dutch soccer star Werner Van Hees. HYPE partnered with Gemini Sports President Rob Yowell to co-promote and handle all sponsorships and event marketing. HYPE promotes mixed martial arts events forM-1 Global in the US and Canada.

BERNARD HOPKINS, WBC & Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I would like to say it is good to be back in Los Angeles. I made history here years back with Howard Eastman in the middleweight division with my 20th title defense. I am excited to be back making history.

“I didn’t know Dewey Bozella from a can of paint, but I heard his story and then I did my own research. I saw this wasn’t a charity case.

“Dewey and I understand what that dark place means. Whether you committed the crime or you have been accused of something you didn’t do. The place is still going to be the same when you get there.

“That is where I go when I get ready for war. You try to figure out what my secret is. I systematically calculate and go back to a place that is very dark. I go back to that place without putting myself in a position where I won’t lose my freedom.

“If Chad Dawson brings everything that Gary Shaw said he would bring to the table, and I bring everything that I have been known to bring to the table, everyone that buys pay-per-view will get their money’s worth.

“My goal is to be fighter of the year. My goal is to make history again. There aren’t athletes in any sport four years from 50 that can do this.

“[To Dawson] You have Winky. Fine. But I don’t understand why you hire a guy to help you take you driver’s test when he failed his.

“I want you [to Dawson] to bring the best out of me.

“I am challenging Chad Dawson to try to knock me out. I want to see the best Chad Dawson.

“I just need Chad Dawson to bring his half. I am going to bring my half. Then you have a party. You have a fight.”

“Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but at the end you all win, the customers win.

“Right now I am begging this guy to do everything he said he was going to do because guess who wins? Boxing.

“My birth certificate is what it is. Stop putting me in a category with the average 40 and up person. Gary Shaw is only a few years older than me. Look at him and look at me!

“You all have seen me. You know what I can do…push ups and all.” [In reference to the puch-ups he did between rounds in his last fight against Jean Pascal.]

“Saturday, October 15, you are going to have to rewrite history. This is going to be a show that you are going to have to say to yourself, ‘We thought we had seen it all.’

CHAD DAWSON, Former Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I am excited to be here. This is what I have been waiting for my whole career. I am ready to fight against a great champion.

“Hopkins has done a lot for the sport of boxing. I truly believe that.

“I am looking forward to coming out and showing everyone that I am the best light heavyweight in the world. It was Bernard Hopkins, but now it is going to be me.

“It has been a great camp. I have been here for almost two weeks. I’m comfortable. This has been the best camp I have had in the last two or three years.

“On Saturday night I am going to be the new champion of the world…believe it!”

ANTONIO DEMARCO, WBC #1 Rated Lightweight Contender

“I am excited to be here. I have chills. I am very excited. I feel like crying. I’m ready.

“I just want to say, I am a dreamer. Everything that you have in mind you can achieve. It has not been easy to get a second shot [at a world title] and I won’t miss out on this opportunity.

“I want to thank the people in Tijuana for giving me a plate of food when I didn’t have any and now I am here.

“I ultimately want to be like Bernard Hopkins.”

JORGE LINARES, Former Two-Division World Champion

“I want to thank everyone for being here. I want to thank my two new trainers Alex Ariza and Freddie Roach.

“There are only a couple of days to go. It has been a great camp. I sparred a total of 30 rounds against Manny Pacqiuao. We helped each other. I want to thank him as well. It is going to be a great fight.”

KENDALL HOLT, Former World Champion

“His [Danny Garcia’s] father has all of this energy, but talk is cheap. He is saying that he is going to prove this and that. He is not the one that is going to be hit by this right hand and by my left hook.

“Who has he [Danny Garcia] knocked out? You cover the fights and you read the articles. Name one person that we are going to talk about one day that he has knocked out.

“It doesn’t matter how many knockouts you have, it is who you have knocked out.

“After this fight, he is going to have to beg for another chance.

“I am going to do my thing. [I will show my] blazing speed and hard power.

“Garcia has never been hit by someone like me. He has never been in there with someone as experienced as me.”

DANNY GARCIA, Top Undefeated Junior Welterweight Contender

“We had a tremendous camp. We worked hard. We took it to the next level.

“I am ready to fight the best. Kendall Holt is one of the best. That is why I am in this business; to compete against the best.

“I am ready and I will be a winner on Saturday night.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, Former World Champion

“For my fight, the points are going to the Golden Boy side. This is one for our side.

“When Oscar [de la Hoya] was reading all of my opponents, I was starting to feel old. I have been in there with a lot of great fighters.

“Come Saturday, night I am going to put on a show. I am going to put on a great performance with the backing of the strong team.

“This has been a great year and next year will be even bigger.”

ORLANDO LORA, Welterweight Contender

“I want to invite the fans to come and see a great fight.

“I have been through some adversity. Right now, I am here to show that I belong on this level and you will see what I have on Saturday night.”

DEWEY BOZELLA, 2011 ESPN Arthur Ashe Courage Award Recipient Making Pro Debut

“I want everyone to know that this wasn’t handed to me. I am here to win. I have been through ups and downs.

“I know what it is like to be locked up, and I like freedom better.

“People think this is an easy sport. For Bernard Hopkins to be at the level he is at today is amazing. When I got to camp, I was so far off. I only had about 20 percent of what I have now.

“To everyone on this dais, you’re a champion no matter what happens because you have dedicated your life to this sport. I am proud of ever single one of you.

“I am not a charity case. I am here because I had to earn it. Boxing is about responsibility and discipline and that is what kept me going.

“Now I have the opportunity to fight on the Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson undercard and I am going to give one zillion percent of what I have. I want to show everyone that I am not busted (takes shirt off).”

NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Hopkins’ trainer

“What do you say about Bernard Hopkins that you haven’t already heard? He is not only one of the greatest athletes of this era; he is one of the greatest personalities.

“He always has a sound bite for you that are going to carry the promotion. This is important for boxing because we need that spark.

“Everyone needs to recognize what you are watching and what you are witnessing.

“Chad has been an outstanding champion.

“When you look across the ring and you don’t see a step up fight and you see an absolute legend, your corner can’t tell you how you are going to respond until that day comes. Come Saturday, Dawson, who I have a great deal of respect for, is going to look across the ring in the eyes of one of the greatest of all time.”

JOHN SCULLY, Dawson’s Head Trainer

“I just want to give a shout out to the rest of the training team

“I actually go way back with Naazim. I have a lot of respect for him.

“I haven’t trained Chad since he was a kid, but I have seen him since the very beginning. We go way back. I have seen him grow from a little kid to the man he is now.

“Everyone has that time to come out. I believe Chad Dawson is more than ready and he realizes this is his time to come out.

“I am looking forward to a great event and great fight.”

WINKY WRIGHT, Dawson’s Assistant Trainer

“I want to thank Gary Shaw and the Dawson camp for accepting me. I came in to lighten the mood and have fun with him [Dawson].

“Bernard is a great champion. He wouldn’t be where he is without fighting great fighters. He doesn’t duck anyone and there aren’t a lot of champions who do that.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Linares’ Trainer

“We have had a great training camp. We dragged Jorge around the world. He has been helping Manny Pacquiao get ready for his fight with Marquez.

“We know we have a great opponent in front of us. Don’t miss this one. It is going to be a great fight.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“I have been in there with some good fighters: Chavez, Whitaker, Mayweather and Pacquiao, but I do have to admit that Hopkins is the best fighter out of all of them that I ever faced.

“People throw around the word great. In the history of the game there have only been a handful of great fighters. It is my honor, as it should be to everyone here, to be in his [Hopkins’] presence.

“We are not going to see another fighter like Bernard Hopkins.

“Bernard Hopkins keeps turning back father time but that statue [Ripley’s Wax Figure] actually looks older than the real Hopkins.

“Jorge Linares vs. Antonio DeMarco is going to be a matchup of styles and it is going to be an exciting one for the fans.

“Danny Garcia turned professional in 2007 and we are thrilled to have him as part of the Golden Boy Promotions stable of fighters.

“Paulie Malignaggi is known for his flashy style in and out of the ring.

“Dewey Bozella will be making his professional debut and his pay-per-view debut. He can only give hope to people. He sends a message to never give up no matter what.”

GARY SHAW, President and CEO of Gary Shaw Productions

“I really believe, not because I am the co-promoter of this card, that this card from top to bottom is as good of a card I have ever seen whether on pay-per-view or on commercial television.

“We have great fights that are evenly matched.

“[Points to trophy] It is called the promoters cup. The promotional company that wins the most fights Saturday night will leave with it.

“John Scully is not a new trainer. He is actually an old trainer. He was probably Chad’s original trainer.

“I’ve never seen Chad Dawson as happy, as in good of shape, as he is now.

“[Looks at Hopkins] I believe this fight is going to be your retirement party. I am glad I am going to be there for it.

“[To Hopkins] Chad Dawson is a different Chad Dawson than you have seen, than any one else has seen. You can say whatever you want; you will not get into his head. I guarantee you that.

“[To Hopkins] You can take home the wax sculpture, we’ll take home the Tecate girls.

“DeMarco happens to be one of my favorite fighters. He is one of the most humble people I have met in all of boxing. He is always happy. He is always smiling. He is a pleasure to be around and a great fighter.

“Kendall [Holt] has the biggest punch of any 140 pounder. Danny Garcia is a nice young kid. I have a lot of respect for him, but when Kendall hits him with the right or the left, its going to be lights out. I guarantee that.”

Jim Pattison Jr., President of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

“We are lucky to be here for this special fight;

History will be made Saturday night;

A freak of nature call it what you will;

Bernard Hopkins will give you a thrill;

This man is special and knows how to win;

There is nowhere in boxing that he hasn’t been;

A legend to all, he knows all the tricks;

He’s still schooling the youngsters at age 46;

Follow his career and learn all the facts;

Now he is immortal… forever in wax.”

# # #

“Believe It Or Not!: Hopkins vs. Dawson” is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship Titles taking place on Saturday, Oct. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. In addition to this championship main event showdown, the televised pay-per-view undercard will also feature Antonio DeMarco vs. Jorge Linares in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Title, Kendall Holt vs. Danny Garcia in 12-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Title and Paulie Malignaggi vs. Orlando Lora in a 10-round welterweight bout. DeMarco vs. Linares is presented in association with Teiken Promotions.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Dawson, priced at $300, $150, $75 and $25, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at www.staplescenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com or via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

In a surprising move inside the boxing industry, Ken Hershman who ran Showtime sports will take over just a few blocks up the road at HBO replacing Ross Greenburg.

“Richard [Plepler, HBO co-president] and I believe that Ken is a perfect fit for HBO Sports,” HBO co-president Michael Lombardo said in a statement announcing Hershman’s hiring. “He has a deep and thorough understanding of the sport of boxing and that background will be invaluable as he transitions to his role at HBO. Ken has demonstrated a capacity to think outside the box, and the combination of his experience and reputation make him the ideal executive addition to HBO’s already stellar sports department.”

“Working at Showtime was an amazing experience, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have developed countless friendships and relationships across the organization,” Hershman said in a statement. “While I am sure that I will miss them all, I am excited by the opportunity to join the team at HBO and contribute to one of television’s most dynamic companies.”

“I think Ken Hershman is a very accomplished executive,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who has done regular business with HBO for years but also has worked with Hershman on fights he delivered to Showtime. “I think he’s done a fantastic job at Showtime and I have the highest regards for him.”

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (October 13, 2011) -Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presents the return of one of the most exciting Heavyweights in the world when New York’s Vinny Maddalone takes on Mike Shepperd in the ten round main event live from the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City on Saturday night October 22nd.

The show will be broadcast nationwide on Azteca America beginning at 10pm (EST).

In the televised main event, undefeated Jr. Welterweight Raymond “Tito” Serrano will take on tough as nails, Angel Rios in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Maddalone (33-7-0, 24 KO’s) is known for his blood and guts fighting style. Many of his past battles have been Fight of the Year candidates and he always thrills the crowd with his sheer power and aggressiveness.

Maddalone is prepared to make one last run at Heavyweight glory in hopes of landing that elusive opportunity to challenge for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. He has bravely battled the division’s elite, including former World Champions Tomasz Adamek, Jean Marc Mormeck and legendary four-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Evander Holyfield. Despite coming up short in those bouts, the experience gained in those fights have prepared Maddalone in his quest to score a career revitalizing victory to get him back in a marquee fight at the top of the Heavyweight Division.

Maddalone will be returning to the ring for the first time since losing to Adamek ten months ago.

Shepperd of Palestine, West Virginia is riding a five bout winning streak highlighted by his first round stoppage over 12-1 prospect Justin Howes. The veteran has an overall record of 20-12-1 with nine knockouts.

Philadelphia’s hot Puerto Rican prospect Raymond Serrano will be putting his undefeated 16-0 (8 KO’s) on the line as he takes on the determined Angel Rios 9-7 (6), Bronx, NY.

The twenty-two year old Serrano has been moving up the ranks with nationally televised victories over Jay Krupp, Ronnie Warrior Jr. and most recently Daniel Sostre, a bout seen on ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights”. This will be Serrano’s first ten round bout and second in the Jr. Welterweight division.

Rios will prove to be a stern test for Serrano as Rios has never been stopped in his sixteen bout career while facing four undefeated fighters which included former world champions Nate Campbell and Mike Anchondo. Rios is coming off a hard fought eight round unanimous decision defeat at the hands of undefeated prospect Terrance Crawford on September 10th in Atlantic City.

An explosive undercard featuring Star Boxing’s Shamone Alvarez and Jason Escalera, as well as popular Heavyweight Chazz Witherspoon, will fill out the card.

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:

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– Friday, October 14, 2011 9:00pm ET featuring Clash at the Kilt II from Tilted Kilt, Elgin, Il. In the main event of the night, former Cut Throat MMA Light Heavyweight Champion David “Baby Ruth” Booth (4-0) takes on Carlson Gracie’s Sam Ferguson (2-0) for the recently vacated Cut Throat MMA Middleweight Championship. Booth is coming off a stunning upset victory over previously undefeated Bill Johnson back in March, and Ferguson is looking to keep his perfect record unblemished and take home the Cut Throat gold. In the co-main event of the night, Mike “The Wardog” Reid (42-4, 16 KO) takes on St. Louis’ Quinton O’Brien (13-3, 4 KO) in a Muay Thai fight. These two Muay Thai standouts are eager to finally get the chance to fight, after missing out on a TBA championship showdown.

– Friday, October 14, 2011 10:00pm ET featuring Clash Epic Fighting 8, from the Sheraton Hotel, San Diego, CA. 30 fighters from over 14 different training camps will return to San Diego and fight in the Southern California Championships for CAMO’s State Amateur Tournament. Winners from the tournament matches will face Northern California’s Champions in the State Championship on December 3rd, 2011. Jamie Reyes (0-0, pro, 2-1 amateur) from 1-ON-1 Fight Co. makes his pro debut against Miguel Lavelle (0-1) out of Victory MMA in a bantamweight contest. Even though Reyes has never had a professional fight, his team 1-ON-1 Fight Co. has had several fighters fight for Epic Fighting. Reyes will have the element of surprise and also be able to draw on his training partners experiences when he steps into the cage. Reyes should have a good standup game, especially boxing, so look for him to throw punches in bunches at Lavelle. For Lavelle, he has the upper hand in experience and although it is only by one fight, it is still valuable and something he might look to exploit. Also, Lavelle comes from a great camp in Victory MMA home to some great MMA talents so expect Lavelle to be well versed in all aspects of MMA. He might try and look for a takedown early to negate Reyes’ striking. In the co-main event, and part of the Epic Fighting Tournament, Chris Bonilla (5-1 amateur) from Paragon Fight Team battles Francisco “Panchito” Castro (1-1 pro, 4-3 amateur) from USMC in a featherweight tilt. Bonilla is a submission machine getting 4 out of his 5 victories by tapping out his opponent. He will look to do the same against the gritty Castro whose best attribute is his cardio and who likes to wear down his opponents. Castro will be looking to take Bonilla into deep waters and test his conditioning, while Bonilla will look for a fast submission to ending things quickly.

– Saturday, October 15, 2011 8:00pm ET featuring Warrior One MMA Reloaded, United Bank Center, Miami, FL. Co-Main, Luis “Baboon” Palomino and his Orlando counterpart Edson “Little Tiger” Berto. This match was originally to happen under the Bellator banner. Through good relations and working closely with many of Bellator’s counterparts, Miami fans will now experience this explosive matchup close to home with W-1. After the disappointing news that Jeff Monson had to withdraw from the bout with Gabriel Gonzaga, Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, moves to main event status as he takes on fellow Massachusetts native and TUF/UFC contender Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil. Presented for Fox Sports Net, this nationally televised epic battle promises to live up to the hype as it replaces the former main event. Mr. Gonzaga will now headline the next W-1 event on February 25, 2012. Included on this star-studded W-1 card is middleweight star and MMA-Masters standout Valdir “BBMonster” Aruajo, making his official W-1 debut against perennial contender Mike “El Gringo Diablo” Bernhard. This long-awaited matchup promises to be the Fight Of The Year. Additionally featured is 6-1 welterweight John Manley of Team Link in Massachusetts will take on 4-2 American Top Team (ATT) alumni Sabah Homasi. Lone Canadian and 4-2 W-1 veteran Tom “the Bomb” Waters and South Florida MMA Academy’s Alan Arzeno will battle for North American bragging rights. Rounding out the main card will be JP Rees (ATT) vs. Taylor Callens, Nathen Coy (ATT) vs. Anderson Melo (Guerreiro Team), Bruno Reis Da Maria vs. Kenny Moss (Fighters Quest), Joe Watson vs. Frank Carrillo (MMA-Masters).

Other non MMA events this week: Pro-Wrestling: Awesome Night of the Legends – Saturday, LIVE Oct 15, 9:00pm ET. Impact Zone Wrestling: Oct 15, 2011 8:00pm ET(FREE View), Pro Boxing: Champions Collide – Saturday, LIVE Oct 15, 7:30pm ET.

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Super Featherweight champion Ricky Burns has vacated his title to move up to face Michael Katsidis for an interim Lightweight belt on November 5th in England.

I’m motivated by challenges and facing a top name like Michael Katsidis has really got me excited,” Burns said. “He’s been in the ring with some of the best in the business like Juan Manuel Marquez and he’s well known to the fans (in England) after his wins against (Graham) Earl and (Kevin) Mitchell.

“Katsidis comes to have a war, but so did Roman Martinez when I won the world title. Against a fighter that comes to have a fight, I put on my best performance.”

“The time is right for me to move up a division as I have been making (130 pounds) for years and it was getting more and more difficult, so when the opportunity to fight Katsidis for the (interim) title came up it was an offer I didn’t want to miss,” Burns said.

“He’s seen what Katsidis has done to Earl and Mitchell over here so he’s got to really prepare for him,” Said Frank Warren, who will promote the bout. “Katsidis, who comes in (wearing a) gladiator (costume) and fights like one too, has got a perfect record against the Brits so Ricky could cause a big upset.”

“England is like my second home now and it’s great to come back to the Wembley Arena where I had a fantastic battle with Graham Earl,” Katsidis said. “I’ve beaten the two English guys in Earl and Kevin Mitchell, so now Scotsman Ricky Burns is stepping up to fight me and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Ricky’s a good strong world champion at (junior lightweight), but he’s in for a whole new world against me. He’s never faced anyone like me who will be coming at him all night, constantly throwing punches.”

HOUSTON (October 12, 2011) – Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion and the Son of the Legend, JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR., will make the first defense of his world championship crown, against Top-5 contender “The Pride of Providence” PETER MANFREDO, JR., Saturday, November 19, at Reliant Arena in Houston. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets to Chávez Jr. vs. Manfredo Jr., priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, will go on sale This Friday! October 14 at 10 A.M. CT. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Reliant Park box office (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Fiesta, FYE, and select HEB stores, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000.

“It is good to see the Pride of Mexico, Julio César Chávez Jr., return to the ring to defend his world middleweight championship that he won when he dethroned Sebastian Zbik in Los Angeles,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.”Houston has a rich and meaningful boxing tradition. We are delighted that Julio’s first defense against Peter Manfredo, Jr. will take place at Reliant Arena.”

“It was always my dream to win a world championship and I accomplished that in my last fight when I beat Zbik. Now I want to be more than just a world champion. I want to be a world champion for the rest of my career,” said Chávez. “I am taking my first title defense very seriously and I couldn’t be happier to be making it in front of the great boxing fans of Houston.”

“I am very excited about getting the opportunity to fight Chávez. He is a world champion and I followed his father growing up, so this fight is very special to me,” said Manfredo “I have a lot of respect for him as he is the world champion. This is a great opportunity for me and also great opportunity for the fans as this is going to be a great fight. I am going to be prepared 100% to win and bring this belt home to Rhode Island. Winning this fight for me is everything. If I lose this fight I am done with boxing. I see this as my last opportunity, and I don’t plan on letting it pass me by. I know I am in for a tough fight but it’s a winnable fight and I am very confident I will do just that.”

“Peter is a warrior and he is very strong at 160,” said Lou DiBella, Manfredo’s promoter. “He will propose a serious threat to Chavez Jr. in what we expect to be an exciting fight. Conceivably Peter could return to Providence with Chavez’ title belt.”

“Julio César Chávez, Jr. had an exciting HBO debut last June and we’re pleased to see him back on the network in a tough matchup with a formidable challenger in Peter Manfredo Jr.,” said Kery Davis, senior vice president of programming HBO Sports.

Chávez Jr. (43-0-1, 30 KOs), of Culiacan, México, making his first appearance in Houston since 2004, is the son of Mexico’s greatest fighter Julio César Chávez. Chávez, 25, took up the “family business” in 2003, winning a four-round decision in his professional debut. Eight years later, the reigning WBC middleweight champion and superior gate attraction is poised to make his own mark in the boxing world. He took a major step toward that goal by enlisting legendary trainer Freddie Roach to take him to the next level. Their first fight together was a gigantic success, winning the vacant WBC silver middleweight with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over top-10 contender John Duddy (29-1, 18 KOs), in June 2010 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. After successfully defending that title on January 29, winning a unanimous decision over Billy Lyell, Chávez Jr. became the second family member to win a world title, by dethroning undefeated WBC middleweight champion Sebastian Zbik via majority decision. The June 4 slugfest took place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles just a few blocks north of the Olympic Auditorium where the legendary Julio César Chávez won his first world title.

Manfredo (37-6, 20 KOs), of Providence, RI, first earned worldwide attention with his runner-up finish on NBC’s “The Contender” during the television show’s debut season in 2005. The son of former world kickboxing champion Peter Manfredo, Sr., Manfredo made his pro debut in 2000 after an outstanding amateur career. Before competing on “The Contender” Manfredo’s professional resume featured impressive victories over former world champion Frankie Randall, via a seventh-round knockout; top-10 contender Ian Gardner, tagging him with his first professional loss; Sherwin Davis for the vacant NABO junior middleweight title; and a lopsided decision over Anthony Bonsante in his first NABO title defense. Following his stint in “The Contender,” Manfredo went undefeated in 2006 and earned a shot at undefeated WBO super middleweight champion in 2007. Though unsuccessful in his challenge the experience was invaluable to Manfredo. He enters this fight riding a two-year-six-bout winning streak, which has included NABF and IBO middleweight title victories over Matt Vanda and Angel Hernandez, respectively. Manfredo, 30, is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC.

CHESTER, PA (October 10, 2011)—On Friday night, October 28th, championship boxing returns to Harrahs in Chester, PA when Tony Ferrante battles Tommy Karpency for the Pennsylvania State Light Heavyweight championship.

The event is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions/

A special Heavyweight attraction was just added as contender Gerald “The Jedi” Nobles has just been added to compete in an eight round bout.

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

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

Nobles opponent will be announced shortly.

In the main event, popular Tony Ferrante will take on tough Tommy Karpency in a grudge match for the Pennsylvania State Light heavyweight title.

Ferrante, 27 years old, has a record of 12-2 with seven knockouts, won his first nine bouts which included wins over Anthony Pietrantonio (6-1) and he won the WBF United States title with a eight round majority decision over Billy Bailey.

Ferrante lost that title when he dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Chuck Mussachio (15-1-2).

Ferrante will be looking to make it four in a row after disposing of William Prieto on August 12th at Harrah’s in Chester as part of ROUND 4

Ferrante stopped grizzled veteran Andre Hemphill in seven rounds on July 15th.

Previously he took out Joe Park as part of ROUND 3 at Harrah’s in Chester in the fourth round on June 3rd.

Karpency of Adah, Pennsylvania brings an impressive mark of 21-2 with fourteen knockouts.

The twenty-five year old Karpency went 11-0-1 in his first twelve bouts which included wins over Demetrius Davis and Etienne Whitaker.

After losing a close decision to Rayco Saunders, Karpency won eight straight and picked up some titles on the process by stopping Cory Phelps (13-4-1) in two rounds to win the WBA Fedecentro Light Heavyweight title.

He defended it once against undefeated and highly regarded Chuck Mussachio (13-0-2).

Karpency then traveled to Germany and dropped a competitive decision to highly ranked and undefeated Karo Murat (21-0) —Murat is currently ranked #2 by the IBF; #11 by the WBO and #13 by the WBA.

Karpency has won two in a row which includes a first round stoppage over Andre Hemphill on February 11th.

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 Angelo Rampolla (0-3-2) of Puerto Rico 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 an opponent to be named.

Anthony Young of Atlantic City will be making his pro debut against an opponent to be named 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

“Being 46 and sexy with the body of a 25-year-old? I think that is pretty impressive.

“I can predict I will win this fight. How I win will come out this Saturday night.

“I want the best Chad Dawson on Saturday night.

“He has to come out in character and not be the Dawson that he has been for many of his fights. The name doesn’t match the last three or four outcomes. When you have the name ‘Bad’ and you’re not Michael Jackson, you have to be able to own that. They call me ‘The Executioner’ for a reason.

“I have no problem putting the title on the line. This is what I do.

“I don’t know if Dawson is hungry. He says he is.

“The past is the past and tomorrow is unknown. On Saturday night, I want to put another page in the history book of my career.

“If I am still going to compete and be the best in the division, and part of the conversation of the best in boxing, then this fight is the next step.

“Every now and then an athlete comes along and does something different than those before him or her. It takes guts to be different.

“I don’t go into camp needing to lose 20-30 pounds. I don’t need to get into physical shape. I am a health and wellness guy. This is part of my lifestyle. It is automatic to me to be ready to fight. My engine is always running.

“It takes me a round or two until I know exactly what I have to do in a fight. You can’t overstudy a test, so your natural instincts have to be your guide. The great athletes always adjust. I don’t care what sport it is, only an elite athlete can do that.

“You have to be strong. It’s easy for me to look at adversity and temptation and not even have an urge. It isn’t a struggle. That isn’t me. That is part of my longevity.

“The difference in this fight is that I am fighting Chad Dawson who has plenty of credentials. He believes he is the guy to beat me. I have to win to prove him wrong. The problem is whether or not he means what he believes.

“I am a pretty good dancer, but if my dance partner steps on my feet, it will make me look bad. If Dawson is ready to dance, then it will be a good fight. It could be the ‘Fight of the Year.’

“I am knocking on the door of being the oldest ‘Fighter of the Year’ ever. I have a chance to seal that deal this Saturday night on pay-per-view.

“I always have a motivation. Something to push me to win and that motivation is to become the oldest ‘Fighter of the Year.’ It puts pressure on the writers, 90 percent of whom are 40 and up. I want to put a bug in their ear that I am trying to make history on that front.

“I never operate well when I am the favorite in a fight. I like being the underdog. I think that is the reason a lot of people want to watch. I am not surprised I am the underdog.

“This is a new movement in my career. Am I the underdog because of my age or because of my resume? It must be my age, because I know can’t be the resume.

“I am 12-1 against southpaws, arugably 13-0 with the Calzaghe fight. I am a right handed fighter which is death to a southpaw.

“I am fighting someone taller than me for the first time in almost 10 years.

“I might have little in my favor, but I will win on Saturday night.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“As every fight goes by, I think Hopkins gets better and better and is demonstrating to everyone that he is going to be around a long time.

“Bernard Hopkins has faced them all. He has fought every style, every adversity. Everything they put in front of him, he leaps over. He is our bionic man.

“You have to look up to Hopkins and what he is doing at his age.

“The beauty about Hopkins is that fighters usually have one, maybe two styles. He has a plan C, D and E.

“Hopkins is able to adapt to any style. He is a chameleon in the ring and that is dangerous for any opponent.

“It doesn’t surprise me that Hopkins wants to fight the best. He is the best that I faced in my career.”

###

“Believe It Or Not!: Hopkins vs. Dawson” is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship Titles taking place on Saturday, Oct. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. In addition to this championship main event showdown, the televised pay-per-view undercard will also feature Antonio DeMarco vs. Jorge Linares in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Title, Kendall Holt vs. Danny Garcia in 12-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Title and Paulie Malignaggi vs. Orlando Lora in a 10-round welterweight bout. DeMarco vs. Linares is presented in association with Teiken Promotions.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Dawson, priced at $300, $150, $75 and $25, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at www.staplescenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000and at the STAPLES Center box office

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
NEW YORK (October 11, 2011)—This Saturday night, two of the top cruiserweights in the world will see action in separate bouts with a lot on the line as B.J. Flores takes Paul Jennette while Ryan Coyne will take on veteran James Crawford.

All the action can be seen LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv for a price of just $9.99 by clicking:

http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Multiple/Youngblood_Auto_Presents_CHAMPIONS_COLLIDE/1190

Missouri natives BJ Flores and Ryan Coyne return to action on October 15 at the O’Reilly Family Events Center on the campus of Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. In the evening’s main event, Willard native BJ ‘El Peligroso’ Flores looks to climb the cruiserweight rankings as he takes on Paul Jennette (11-3-1, 8 KO’s). Flores defeated highly regarded Nicholas Iannuzzi by TKO on July 23rd in the same arena.

Flores, 25-1-1 (16 KO’s) is currently ranked number-four by the WBO and number-fourteen by the WBA

States Flores, “Jennette is a very tough guy who looks to take the fight to the opponent, often being on the offensive. That style is very similar to mine, so on October 15th, something has to give. Its going to be a very exciting fight, but I’m knocking Jennette out. I’m just thrilled to be back in my hometown fighting in front of family and friends. An impressive victory here only builds my case for a shot at the world title. I want be satisfied until I win a world title, and defend it back in my hometown.”

Ryan ‘The Irish Outlaw’ Coyne has yet to taste defeat as he’s built a record of 17-0 (6 KO’s) Still, ‘The Irish Outlaw’ believe his best shot at a world title may come at Light Heavyweight, and this fight will take place at 185 pounds. James Crawford (40-13-2,17 KO’s) has fought Danny Green, Jean Pascal, Jeff Lacy, Adrian Diaconu, and others in a career that has seen him win 40 times. No doubt the Light Heavyweight division beter be on notice as ‘The Irish Outlaw’ will be making a title run.

Coyne was supposed to fight WBA Cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones this past summer until Jones pulled out just days before the fight with an injury

Coyne is ranked number-five by the WBA

Both Coyne and Flores look to be active in 2012 as they each try and win a world title. Other bouts on this action packed card include:

Highly regarded young phenom (113-5 as an amateur) Orlando Utsey vs TBA

Will Grover (5-1, 5 KO’s) vs Justin Ridgway (2-0, 1 KO)

Jesse Cook (Debut) vs DeAngelo Clardy (1-2, 1 KO)

AJ Van Camp vs Ryan Pederson (2-7, 2 KO’s)

Steven Mincks (5-20-1, 3 KO’s) vs Robbie Cannon (12-6-1, 3 KO’s)

The event is a hybrid card and will also feature the following professional MMA contests:

Mike Glenn vs Tim Papp

Brian Green vs TBA

Andrew Whitney (of recent You Tube notoriety for his flying knee TKO on HD NET) vs Lewis McKenzie

Chris McDaniel vs Chris Barnes

Jesse Zeugin vs Wade McGlohan

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GFL Combat Sports Network 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

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Team Sauerland regrets to announce that Mikkel Kessler (44-2, 33 KOs)
has sustained a hand injury in practice, forcing him to postpone his
hotly-anticipated November 5 clash with WBO Super-Middleweight Champion
Robert Stieglitz (40-2, 23 KOs) to early 2012. The venue will remain
Copenhagen´s PARKEN Stadium, and all tickets purchased will remain
valid. The new date for the show, which will be co-promoted by Team
Sauerland and SES boxing, will be confirmed as soon as possible. “This
is a major disappointment for me,” Kessler said. “We´ve had a great
preparation and I was in fantastic shape when I injured my right hand
during a routine training session. The doctors advised me that it needs
a rest and I can´t fight on November 5. I am very sorry to keep my fans
waiting. The good news is that the injury should heal quickly after a
little break. I will rest my hand and then get back to training to be
fit for Stieglitz early next year.”

Just like the Viking Warrior, promoter Kalle Sauerland was gutted. “It´s
a shame that this big clash of champions has to be postponed,” he
stated. “I know how hard Mikkel has worked and how disappointed he is to
postpone the original fight date, but we have been through this before.
We will now speak to our broadcasting partners – TV2 in Denmark, ARD in
Germany and SHOWTIME in the US – to find a new date in early 2012 as
soon as possible. We will then kick off the new year with a massive show
at PARKEN, with two of the world´s best super-middleweights battling it
out.”

As soon as the new date for the show at PARKEN has been confirmed, Team
Sauerland will make an announcement. All tickets purchased will remain
valid. Fans unable to attend the fight on the new date can refund their
tickets through billetlugen.dk’s call center (+45 70 263 267) until
three weeks after the announcement of the new date.

Philadelphia, PA–Cruiserweight contender Garrett Wilson is the poster boy for first-rate fighters with second-rate records. In an era where you can find more undefeated boxers than ever before, Wilson shines like a lighthouse in the fog.

A pro since 2008, Wilson is 10-5-1, 4 K0s. He is the USBA cruiserweight champion and is ranked No. 12 in the world by the IBF. He defends his belt against Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ, on Nov. 19 at Bally’s Atlantic City. Mussachio is 17-1-2, 5 K0s.

How can this happen at a time where fighters fear that a single setback will cause them to drop to the bottom on the pecking order?

“I don’t believe in padded records,” says the 29-year-old Philadelphian. “What does it prove other than your manager has connections? Who cares? I am my own manager and I want to find out if I can fight. I want to know how good I am. I don’t have time to waste. I want to fight the best out there.”

Wilson has moved between super middleweight, light-heavyweight and cruiserweight and he feels most comfortable right now between 185 and 195 pounds. He calls himself The Ultimate Warrior.

The combined records of Wilson’s 16 opponents is an imposing 143-36-5. He has boxed only one man with a losing record. Not one of his fights has ever been televised by any cable TV network.

“I took anything I could get when I turned pro,” Wilson said. “I only had 11 amateur fights. I was with Elvin Thompson when I turned pro. We’d get a call for a fight and we’d take it. Simple as that! I had to make 169 pounds to fight Dennis Hasson in 2009. He was 6-0 and I was 3-1 and I had no strength and I lost a (six-round) decision. I went back to my amateur coach, Eugene Pearson, but something still was missing.”

Wilson’s long and winding road to the Top 15 began March 26, 2010, when he took on former world-title challenger Omar Sheika in Hamilton Township, NJ. It was a scheduled eight-round main event, a fight Wilson’s new promoter, Hall-of-Famer J Russell Peltz, felt was an opportunity to sneak one over, given that Wilson was 7-3 at the time and coming off a lopsided loss to Puerto Rican Olympic team member Carlos Negron in Madison Square Garden.

Against Sheika, Wilson scored early and often, pumping lefts and rights through Sheika’s defense. Overconfident and playing to the crowd, Wilson began clowning, dancing in his corner between rounds, losing focus. When Wilson got hit in the throat by a right hand in the fourth round, the fight turned. Sheika rallied and Wilson was rescued by the referee.

“I read Garrett the riot act after that fight,” Peltz said. “I reminded him that fighters like him do not often get those kinds of opportunities and he had just foolishly kissed it goodbye.”
Wilson: “Inexperience hurt me the first time against Sheika. Things were so easy at the beginning, I couldn’t believe it. I just got carried away.”

Three months later, on his own, Wilson accepted a six-round fight with unbeaten lefty—there we go again–Julio Cesar Matthews, of Reading, PA, in Philadelphia, losing on points and getting knocked down along the way.

“I needed money so I took what I could get,” Wilson said. “I went to Simon Gratz High School, but I’m not built (mentally) for a 9-to-5 job. I have four kids to support (10 months to 10 years) and my wife (Janae) and I try to make ends meet. When I turned pro in 2008, I was working as a bathroom attendant at the Cebu Club in center city. Then the club went out of business. Boxing is a full-time thing for me.”

After losing the six-rounder to Matthews, Wilson rebounded with a one-round knockout over fellow-Philadelphian Reshawn Scott.

“In early September, I got a call for Garrett to fill in on 48 hours’ notice against Andres Taylor in Johnstown, Pennsylvania,” Peltz said. “Taylor was 16-1-1 at the time and he is from Johnstown. I told the matchmaker it wouldn’t work since there was not enough time. Next thing I know Garrett calls me and he had heard about the fight and he wanted it.

“So he got in his car the next morning and drove four hours to Johnstown with his new trainer, Rodney Rice. The fight was the next night and it was outdoors and Garrett was doing fine. After the fifth round it began to rain and the fight was delayed 30 minutes until the rain stopped. After the delay, Garrett continued to give as good as he got and he earned an eight-round draw in a fight which most people thought he won.”

Two months later, Wilson flew to Mayfield Heights, OH, a Cleveland suburb, to box Aaron Williams, who was living in Las Vegas but originally came from Cleveland. Williams was 20-2-1 and world-rated. Wilson started slowly in the scheduled eight-rounder, but began to rally in the sixth round. In the seventh, he knocked Williams down. When Williams got up he was wobbly and the referee stopped the fight.

At that point, a group of unruly fans—friends and supporters of Williams—stormed the ring, verbally abused the referee and made threatening gestures toward the Wilson camp. Wilson, Rice and matchmaker Chuck Bailey jumped out of the ring and bolted for the dressing room, where they barricaded the door. The mob tried to break down the door while Bailey called 911 on his cell phone. Eventually, the police arrived, cleared out the place, arrested the troublemakers and Wilson was allowed to leave.

A rematch with Sheika (30-9 at the time) for the vacant USBA cruiserweight title took place last April 23 at Caesars Atlantic City. Wilson did not lose focus this time, pounding Sheika relentlessly for 12 one-sided rounds, gaining a unanimous decision, the USBA belt and a world ranking.

During the summer, after highly rated Lateef Kayode, of Hollywood, CA, backed out of a fight with Wilson for the No. 1 slot in the IBF ratings, Wilson and Peltz tore up their old promotional contract and signed a new one.

“Garrett is my kind of fighter,” said Peltz, who has been promoting fights since 1969. “He’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. He’s got a great story and it sends a message to managers and promoters who only want their fighters to be 20-0 or 25-0 and fight on HBO or Showtime.

“Boxing people have lost focus in recent years. Everything is built around unbeaten records and TV appearances. Very few promoters want to get in the trenches and work. They won’t promote without television or casino backing. Garrett’s story proves that you still can make it without a glittering record if you believe in yourself and you have others who believe in you.

“That’s where his trainer, Rodney Rice, comes in. Rodney has been with Garrett for a little more than one year, beginning with the knockout over Scott. He’s an ex-Army guy, very dedicated to Garrett. He’s relatively new to boxing but he understands things that most people with far greater experience simply cannot grasp. We worked together on the new promotional contract and we got along fine.”

ABOUT NOV. 19

The Wilson-Skeika 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.

Meet 11 year old Gabriella Mejias, who is the daughter of 15rounds.com ace Photographer Claudia Bocanegra. Gabriella sung the National Anthem before more than 12,000 fans before Monday’s New Jersey Devils – Carolina Hurricanes NHL Hockey Game

Miami, FL (USA) – Warrior One MMA® (W-1®) unleashes a powerful lineup for its next event – “W-1: RELOADED” to be Broadcast Live on GFL Combat Sports Network (GFL.tv) Saturday, October 15, 8:00 PM ET. from the BankUnited Center located at the beautiful University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

Warrior One MMA® (W-1®) is pleased to announce the exciting addition and new co-main event bout between top-rated Miami lightweight Luis “Baboon” Palomino and his Orlando counterpart Edson “Little Tiger” Berto. This match was originally to happen under the Bellator banner. Through good relations and working closely with many of Bellator’s counterparts, Miami fans will now experience this explosive matchup close to home with W-1. After the disappointing news that Jeff Monson had to withdraw from the bout with Gabriel Gonzaga, Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, moves to main event status as he takes on fellow Massachusetts native and TUF/UFC contender Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil. Presented for Fox Sports Net, this nationally televised epic battle promises to live up to the hype as it replaces the former main event. Mr. Gonzaga will now headline the next W-1 event on February 25, 2012.

Tickets for “W-1: RELOADED” are on sale now and will be priced at $225 (VIP Ringside), $150, $75 and $25. VIP Ringside tickets include valet parking, private entrance, ringside seats, backstage VIP room access including food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available at BankUnitedCenter.com, Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and all Ticketmaster retail locations. In addition, any remaining tickets will be available at the BankUnited Center Box Office beginning Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM EST.

ABOUT WARRIOR ONE MMA

Warrior One MMA (W-1) is an MMA production company headquartered in Toronto, ON, Canada. Founded in 2008 by successful entrepreneur and MMA specialist Jack Bateman, W-1 features experienced MMA athletes as well as up-and-coming talent. W-1’s goal is to bring world class MMA events to North America while promoting the fastest-growing sport in the world (MMA). W-1 is unique to most other MMA organizations in that it was founded by a former mixed martial artist. This unique perspective has led to W-1’s “Fighters First” philosophy. With this in mind, W-1 fighters are treated and respected as the epitome of professional athletes; training and performing at a level unparalleled in most other sports. W-1 believes that this concept will distinguish its fighters on a national level and create opportunities globally. With both a first-class track record and reputation, W-1 continues to grow in popularity in Canada and the United States. Continuing to build upon a strong base, W-1 is quickly rising to the top of MMA productions in 2011 and has ambitious plans for 2012 and beyond. With the recent addition of key executives, W-1 has created a new and exciting event structure, which will showcase new MMA athletes at regional events, providing them with a development opportunity to gain much-needed professional experience before elevating them to W-1’s nationally televised event stage.

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 Combat Sports Network 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

Photos by Chris Cozzone / Top Rank

In a battle of undefeated Lightweights Sharif Bogere scored an emphatic third round stoppage over Francisco Contreras in a scheduled ten round bout at The Texas Station Gaming Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas

The two exchanged some good flurries and shots over the first two plus round until Bogere landed a right hand on the chin that made Bogere turn away. Bogere then landed a right that seemed to graze off the shoulder of Contreras that sent plummeting to the canvas where he would lay for about ten minutes before being carried out on a stretcher.

Bogere, 135 lbs of Kampala, Uganda is now 21-0 with thirteen knockouts. Contreras, 135 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 16-1.

Jermell Charlo remained perfect by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over Francisco Santana in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Charlo controlled the distance with the exception of a hard right that landed from Santana that momentarily stunned Charlo.

Charlo regained his composure and even had a strong finish to that six round. Charlo boxed and moved and came home by scores of 79-73; 79-73 and 78-73.

Charlo, 153 1/2 lbs of Houton, TX is now 16-0. Sanata, 154 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is now 12-3-1.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (October 7, 2011)—Vincent Ponte’s Gulfstream Promotions is proud to announce the signing of Middleweight contender Ossie “The Ghanaian Gladiator” Duran to a promotional contract.

Duran, of Paterson, New Jersey is originally from Accra, Ghana and sports an impressive mark of 26-8-2 with ten knockouts.

Duran, who has fought some of the Jr. Middleweights and Jr. Middleweights in the world will be involved in a high profile bout on October 28th in Atlantic City when he takes on undefeated prospect Brandon Gonzales in a bout that will be telecasted live all of the country as part of the popular SHOWTIME boxing series SHO BOX: The New Generation.

The show is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

The thirty-four year old has won many titles that include the Ghanaian Lightweight title; WBF Pan-European Welterweight title; British Commonwealth Welterweight Title; British Commonwealth Jr. Middleweight title and in his last bout Duran won the USBA Atlantic Coast Middleweight title with a tenth round stoppage over Latif Mundy on June 22nd in Newark, New Jersey.

Duran has fought the likes of Jamie Moore (20-1; Duran stopped Moore three rounds); Bradley Pryce (34-4); James Kirkland (18-0); Eromesele Alber (21-2; Duran and Albert fought to a draw); Former world title challenger David Lopez; Fernando Guerrero (15-0);

“We are very excited to have signed Ossie”, said Vincent Ponte, CEO of Gulfstream Promotions.

“Ossie’s record speaks for itself. He has fought nothing but the best and given the top of the division all they wanted and more. He is the toughest fighter around and he has never been stopped despite all the big punchers he has fought”

“Even though he is thirty-four, Ossie is just now hitting his peak. He has won three in a row and we feel a win over Gonzales on the 28th will propel Ossie to the top of the Middleweight rankings and we hopefully will get a major bout that will facilitate a world title opportunity”