Philadelphia, PA – In preparation for his June 25 fight, undefeated welterweight Mike Jones is taking a risky, possibly ill-advised, tuneup on short notice when he faces off against the always dangerous and also undefeated Phillie Phanatic during the 5th inning of the Phillies-Dodgers game on June 8 at Citizens Bank Park.

“I haven’t been able to get the top names like (Manny) Pacquiao, (Floyd) Mayweather and (Andre) Berto in the ring with me, so I jumped at the opportunity to fight the Phanatic,” said Jones (24-0, 18 KOs), who also will fight Raul Munoz at the South Philly Arena (7 West Ritner St.).

“I will have my hands full with the Phanatic since he’s big, has a furry good defense, packs a big wallop and, under the terms of our hard-fought-out agreement, will be allowed to use his lethally long tongue. Plus, he’ll have the advantage of fighting in front of a sell-out crowd of over 45,000 fans of his at Citizens Bank Park. An incredible crowd for two top-notch undefeated pugilists. He’s tough and entertaining but when all is said and done, he’s one cool dude.”

The Phanatic had no decipherable comments when asked about his fight with Jones, but was last seen in heavy last-minute training and on-field taunting sessions.

People who attend the Jones-Phanatic showdown have the benefit of watching the Phillies-Dodgers game that night.

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If Mike Jones survives his June 8 clash with the Phillie Phanatic, he will fight Raul Munoz on Saturday evening, June 25, at the South Philly Arena, 7 West Ritner Street. The scheduled 10-round contest, which is being promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and Joe Hand Promotions, will be televised live by Fox Sports Net at 10 pm EST. The first of six additional bouts begins at 8 pm.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922). They also ca be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com.

Las Vegas, NV (June 7)…The wait is over and once again Floyd “Money” Mayweather delivers as the undefeated six-time world champion announced today via his Twitter account @floydmayweather that he will return to the ring on Saturday, September 17, to face the hard-hitting and explosive current WBC Welterweight World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz in what is now the biggest international boxing event of 2011.

The announcement of the fight, which will take place on Mexican Independence Day weekend, widely considered boxing’s biggest weekend, sends shock waves across the sports pages as there is no denying that the younger, stronger and current champion Ortiz poses an extremely credible threat to Mayweather, who returns to the ring after a 16-month hiatus. It is a highly competitive and very dangerous match-up that will give fans a chance to see the sport’s biggest star against the sport’s newest star in one ring on one very special night of boxing action.

“I am ready to return to the ring and give my fans a fantastic night of boxing by fighting the best out there and for me, that is Victor Ortiz,” said Mayweather. “He is the current champion and an extremely talented fighter who showed amazing skills, and heart, in his last performance against Andre Berto. At this stage of my career, these are the challenges I look for, a young, strong, rising star looking to make his mark in boxing by beating me. Like the rest of my opponents, he is going to try to prove that he can beat me. I commend him for accepting the fight, but on September 17, Ortiz is just going to be another casualty, the 42nd one who tried and failed. Trust me, I will be ready.”

“I respect Mayweather because he has been a champion for many years and I know he will be ready, but so will I,” said Ortiz. “I’m a strong fighter and I have worked really hard to silence my critics. I’m a world champion for a reason and I am not going to let go of my title any time soon. This is going to be a great fight, but I will remain a world champion for many years to come.”

Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) remains boxing’s biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring. In his last ring appearance on May 1, 2010, Mayweather dismantled Sugar Shane Mosley in a lopsided unanimous decision victory. Mayweather is no stranger to fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend either, as prior to his sensational win over Mosley, he took on Mexican boxing star Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, 2009, beating his opponent in spectacular fashion. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) is on fire. He is riding a six-fight undefeated streak including his sensational win over Andre Berto on April 16 of this year. The hard-punching southpaw proved himself throughout their 12-round battle when he survived a knock down in the sixth round and came back to drop Berto at the end of the sixth round in one of the most exciting fights in boxing this year. Ortiz, who was already known as one of the most powerful young fighters in the sport but was questioned in the past for his desire, showed the world that his heart matches his hands of steel when faced with the best in boxing.

“When Floyd fights, everyone stops to watch and this is an exciting time for boxing as it always is when Floyd steps into the ring,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “There is no better showman than Floyd and he backs up his legacy with amazing, one-of-a-kind skills. Victor Ortiz has shown us that he is a great fighter too and for the two of them to meet makes for a gigantic night for fans all over the world. It’s always a thrill to see Floyd fight and it’s even better when he faces the best out there such as a true champion like Ortiz. This is going to be a fight to remember. Sports fans have a lot to look forward to on September 17.”

“There is no doubt that September 17 will again be this year’s biggest night of boxing worldwide,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “When Floyd Mayweather fights, it is an event which brings fight fans, sports fans and the general public together to see this truly gifted athlete perform. Every year Floyd sets the bar and standard for most pay-per-view buys and this year will be no different. In Victor Ortiz, he is facing a young, strong and highly motivated world champion who knows that a win over the pound for pound champion will catapult him into superstardom. The stage is set and I can’t wait for the showdown of the year.”

Mayweather vs. Ortiz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. A nationwide press tour is being planned for the week of June 20 with additional details about it and the fight to be announced shortly.

Baltimore, MD (June 4, 2011) – Although the National Football League is amidst a well publicized lockout, Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions’ “Fed Hill Fight Fest” will bring hard hitting action directly outside of Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium Saturday, June 18.

Individual tickets to “Fed Hill Fight Fest” are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Reserved tables are available for $350 and VIP tables are priced at $500. All tickets can be purchased by calling Chris at 443-848-6059.

The card will feature a number of pro-style amateur bouts with world rated fighters, female boxers and a heavyweight bout in the senior division. Assisting in the fighters’ corners for select bouts will be world renowned trainer Kevin Rooney and legendary warrior Vinny Paz. Several of the Baltimore Ravens players are also going to be on hand for the festival-like atmosphere, which will have catered food from a number of local restaurants.

“It’s not every day that the opportunity comes up to do a show in this kind of environment,” said Smith, who trains a number of the fighters at Baltimore Boxing and Fitness. “My company’s been doing shows for a number of years and this is by far the most excited I’ve ever been about promoting a card. June 18th will be a night to remember!”

Gates open at 2 pm and the opening bout is scheduled for 4. The bouts will be contested in section N of the parking lot directly outside of M&T Bank.

A percentage of the proceeds will go to Ronald “Dink” Wilburn, a close friend of Smith who is currently battling Lymphoma.

For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com

Las Vegas, NV- Middleweight contender Ishe Smith is a free agent once again this week following a split from promoter of two years Lou Dibella, and Dibella entertainment. Smith and Dibella mutually parted ways following a seven month inactive streak for Smith.

“I’d like to thank Lou for granting me the opportunity to seek out a new promotional contract. I’m excited to explore the field in free agency, and as always just want to get back into the ring.” Smith noted in regards to the situation.

Smith has stated that he is open to fighting at either 154 or 160 lbs. should the right opportunity arise, and feels he is able to compete with the world’s elite at either weight class. The Las Vegas native has also expressed hope that his free agency stint might allow him the opportunity to realize his dream of fighting in the United Kingdom.

“I’d love to fight overseas, it’s always been something I’ve been interested in and they have a number of guys over there that would make for interesting fights. Martin Murray and Darren Barker are two fights that may make sense in the near future.” Smith stated.

Smith had a strong 2010, giving the undefeated Fernando Guerreo all he could handle in a disputed decision loss, and stopping Alexander Quiroz in November. Smith appeared on national television twice in his stint with Dibella, once in the Guerrero fight which was showcased on ShoBox and featured as one of the network’s top fights of the year, the other being an HBO meeting with Daniel Jacobs in the summer of 2009.

The four fighters who’ll compete on SHOWTIME® tomorrow/Saturday (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) made weight Friday.

In Atlantic City, WBC super middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra” Froch tipped the scale at 167 1/2 pounds while former world titleholder Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson weighed 166 1/2 pounds.

Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) will defend against Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) in an eagerly awaited Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinal from Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.

The Froch-Johnson 12-rounder will be preceded on the telecast by a scheduled
10-round bout from Denmark between ex-world champion Mikkel Kessler
(43-2, 32 KOs) and world-ranked Mehdi Bouadla (23-3, 11 KOs) that will be
shown on same-day delay.

Friday in Denmark, Kessler weighed in at 166.4 pounds. Bouadla weighed 166.

New York, NY (June 2, 2011) – US Army Captain and undefeated junior middleweight Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will battle durable South Carolinian Kelvin Kibler in a special four round attraction bout on the “Boricua Invasion I” card Friday, June 10 at the Roseland Ballroom in his native New York City.

On May 19, Melson, 3-0 (1 KO), destroyed Hector Rivera in 44 seconds, opening the door for a quicker than expected return to the squared circle.

It is a blessing to be able to compete again a few weeks later,” said Melson, a West Point graduate. “We had our best camp heading into our last fight in comparison to our camps for our previous two fights, and this good fortune allowed us to pick right back up where we left off without any interruption. My bond with Coach Joey Gamache is growing more and more special with each moment that we are training together. I am forever thankful for the energy and knowledge he brings to the gym each and every day.”

Melson, whose popularity continues to rise in the Big Apple, will once again donate his earnings to “Justadollarplease”, a Non-Profit organization set up through the Rutgers University Foundation to raise funds for America’s first spinal cord injury trial using umbilical cord stem cells.

“I am stopping by Rutgers today to donate my purse from my last fight. It’s good to know that I’ll have another donation to make by the end of next week.”

In association with “Justadollarplease”, Melson recently started Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, IBF cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, and prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

Tickets to “Boricua Invasion”, which is taking place two days before the Puerto Rican Day Parade and is headlined by Puerto Rico’s top young talents, are available at ticketmaster.com.

The Roseland Ballroom is located at 239 West 52nd Street.

For more information on “Justadollarplease” and Team Fight to Walk, go to www.justadollarplease.org and www.teamfighttowalk.com.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that all action star Michael Katsidis will take on Graham Earl in a rematch of one of the most brutal bout of the last five years.

The fight will take place in August in Katsidis homeland of Australia.

When they fought in 2007, Katsidis stopped Earl in five rounds to claim an interim Lightweight title in about that was non stop action from the onset.

“Earl has been chasing this since we walked out of the ring four years ago,” Brendon Smith, Katsidis’ manager and trainer, said. “He has shown up at press conferences and even tried to enter our training camp in Thailand in the lead-up to the Juan Manuel Marquez title fight to issue a challenge. We did promise him the rematch, and now his wish has been granted. What an amazing fight it will be for Australia.”

Said Katsidis: “Graham is one tough man. It will definitely be a war and I love a war. When we met in ‘07, we exchanged a lot of punches, he went down, I went down. It will be on again. From the day we embraced each other and agreed for a rematch, he has chased me and now I will honor my commitment to Graham Earl, and give him the rematch he has been seeking.”

“Ever since our last fight together I was promised a rematch and the chance to get my revenge,” Earl said.

“Obviously, I understand that there were obligations from that fight and he had the opportunities to move on. He got the win that night. He put me down a few times, then I put him down. We were having a war in the fourth and fifth (rounds) and I believe I won those two rounds, and the fight was in the balance at that stage. If the fight had continued I believe I would have won.

“Last time it was in my own backyard, this time it looks like it may be in his. I love the challenge and will do the job properly and get the result. … Most fights these days are not great at all. People are paying good money and not getting the fights they deserve. (The rematch) will give fans the kind of fight they want and deserve.”

Exciting super featherweight Guy Robb continued his unbeaten run with a victory over the rugged and experienced Noe Lopez Jr. at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada this past Friday night and already has his ring return scheduled for June 24th at the Fairfield Sports Center in Fairfield, California.

Robb (4-0, 1 KO) of Sacramento, California put his colorful style and lightning-quick hand speed on full display over the course of four-rounds en route to the shutout decision over Lopez (7-8, 4 KOs) of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. All three judges handed in cards that read 40-36 for Robb. The only negative for Robb was that the ESPN2 audience did not get the chance to get a peak at the burgeoning prospect, as his bout came on after the main event had ended.

Lopez marked a considerable step-up from Robb’s recent opposition, and was a southpaw, which Robb’s manager Repo Ric did not come to realize until after he signed the fight. “I thought I made the wrong move by getting him a southpaw, which I didn’t know he was a southpaw until the very last minute,” admitted Repo. “So I thought I made the wrong move by not getting him enough ring experience against southpaws. He had fought one as an amateur, but he was an amateur three years ago. But I was really impressed with how he handled him and I am going to take him to the next level.”

Though he has been the superior technical boxer in every fight of his pro career, Robb has shown a predilection for mixing it up at times. For this reason, Robb’s manager draws comparison to one of Sacramento’s fighting legends. “His trainer is Ray Woods and Ray Woods is Diego Corrales’ daddy,” explains Repo. “And I am looking at another Diego Corrales, and not because his trainer is Corrales’ daddy, but it is the fact that the kid has heart. You can’t give a kid heart. The kid likes to brawl, and you can’t make a kid brawl. That’s what Diego Corrales was all about. It’s not that Ray Woods is making Guy fight like Diego Corrales, because no he is not. It’s just that I am looking at another Diego Corrales, and it just so happens that it is his daddy training Guy Robb.”

Robb credits his trainer for his adaptable fighting style, which was impressively varied and flashy on Friday night. “My trainer, Ray Woods, is the best,” proclaims Robb. “He teaches me all kinds of angles and combinations. I really know how to mix it up, it is just a matter of whether I go out and do it or not. In that fight it just came out, but we worked on all those things. I work with the man, my trainer is the man.”

Friday’s bout marked a move down from lightweight to super featherweight, which has a 130-pound limit. Robb weighed in two pounds under at 128, and his manager and trainer see him campaigning at the 126-pound featherweight division in the near future. “He’s down to 128, and eventually he’ll be down to 126,” says Repo. “He has power, and he needs to go down to where his power is really at.”

Power was definitely on Robb’s mind in Reno, as he fought for the first time on a show promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. “I really wanted to make an impression on the Goossens and take him out, but I tried a little too hard and it didn’t happen,” said Robb. “But that is all a part of learning. You just have to just let the knockouts happen.”

Even without the knockout, Robb’s manager believes the impression was made on the Goossen team. “I got feedback from their news media person and one of their main workers,” explains Repo. “I haven’t talked to the Goossens yet, but three different people came up to me and said they called the Goossens, and these are the people that look at fighters for the Goossens. They know I am a hard worker and they figure I will bring them hard workers, so they will give me a chance. If they take a chance on Guy Robb, they are taking a good chance, because they do see the potential in Guy Robb.”

“The Gosssens’ shows – the whole experience is grand,” says Robb. “You feel important and it makes you want to do your part and help them deliver a great show. So I just went out there and tried to do that and hopefully succeeded.”

Next up for Robb is a return to Fairfield, California, just a short drive from his Sacramento home, on June 24th. Robb has fought there twice before, and quickly become a favorite of the crowd and the local promoters. “They want him on the 24th because he is a crowd-pleaser, he’s a hell of a fighter and he brings a crowd,” says Repo.

The Fairfield Sports Center has quickly become Robb’s home venue, and he looks forward to putting on another show for his local fans. “It is always the best to be a part of the Fairfield shows, because Fairfield has some great fighters,” says Robb. Paco, Don Chargin and Golden Boy, they do a terrific job putting on those shows. The Fairfield Sports Center gets packed with energy and it is always a pleasure to be a part of it.”

No opponent has been signed yet for Robb, but he vows to be ready for whoever they bring. “I always train hard, no matter what,” says Robb. “Whoever I fight, I am always training like I am fighting a monster or a giant. If I find out about the opponent, I’ll find out, but either way I will be training hard.”

Monsters and giants sign up, Robb is ready.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents and Jorge Marron Productions, are available at Paco’s Mexican Restaurant in Woodland (530-669-7946), the J.L Tepito Boxing Club in Fairfield (707- 384-8420), Baldo’s Mexican Food in Fairfied (707-426-6130) and La Charrita Mexican Market in Fairfield (707-434-8344).

Photos by Stephanie Trapp

– Friday, June 3, 2011 7:30pm ET featuring Professional Boxing Fight Night Round 3 at the Harrah’s, Chester, PA. It will be an All Philly Battle as popular Victor Vasquez battles Gustavo Dailey in a six round Lightweight bout that is a rematch of a bout that took place on January 15th, 2010.In their first bout, Vasquez scored a fifth round stoppage over Dailey, the question that will be asked, will it be a repeat or revenge. Vasquez of Philadelphia has built up one of the biggest fan bases in Philadelphia due to his exciting style which always has him in the fight of the night whenever he steps into the ring. Vasquez has a record of 12-5-1 with six knockouts and has been in some memorable fights in his young career. In his last bout, Vasquez waged a terrific back and forth war with Osnel Charles before dropping a six round majority decision as part as ROUND 1 at Harrah’s in Chester. He holds victories over undefeated Thomas McCuiston (1-0); Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) as well as an exciting six round split decision over Bryne Green (5-3) on October 8th in Philadelphia. Dailey of Philadelphia has a record of 4-11 with one knockout. Despite the pedestrian record, Dailey has fought and beat some top competition. Dailey’s crowning moment to date was a six round split decision over Tyrell Samuel (12-2). Samuel took the rematch and a third fight by decisions. Dailey has been in the ring with Eddie Hyland (10-1); Brandon Bennett (3-0); two fights with Anthony Flores. Dailey is coming off a fourth round stoppage defeat to Tyrone Luckey (2-0) on February 26th in Atlantic City. Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia won his first nine bouts which included wins over Anthony Pietrantonio (6-1) and he won the WBF United States title with an eight round majority decision over Billy Bailey.

– Saturday, June 4, 2011 7:00pm ET featuring Absolute Action MMA 14, at the Rupp Arena-Heritage Hall, Lexington, KY. In the main event, Ewa Johnson (3-1) battles Sarah Cook (2-2) for the women’s 145 lb amateur AAMMA title. Johnson makes her return to the cage after a year-long layoff and looks to pick up right where she left by scoring another victory, this time for the championship. Cook is looking to regroup and regain her momentum after suffering a tough loss in her last fight. Both women have their backs against the wall with something to prove with the winner being crowned champion. In the co-main event, veteran James Ballinger will be making his professional debut after amassing a 11-8 record on the amateur circuit. He battles Zachery Sanders (1-1) in a matchup of rising stars in the Bluegrass State. In other action, Ryan Debelak (3-1) takes on Troy Blevins, Jr. (5-3). Debelak is a formidable striker with all of his wins coming by strikes and will look to connect with his patented heavy hands again. Blevins, Jr. already holds a win over Debelak and will look to use his mental edge and cage experience to once again come out on top. Light heavyweights Brandon Stewart (6-1) and Kelly Pennigton (3-0) also square off. The undefeated Pennington hasn’t had a fight go into the second round and all 6 of Stewart’s victories have also come in Round 1. Don’t blink when these two bulls lock horns because it could be a quick and decisive victory for one of them.

– Saturday, June 4, 2011 7:00pm ET featuring American MMA Fight League presents MMA FIGHT NIGHT, at the Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania. An 11-bout card features a mixture of rising prospects and polished veterans including Strikeforce and M-1 Global veteran Kevin “K-Rod” Roddy (11-13-1) taking on Aguileno Brandao (9-6) in one of the top attractions of the night. Roddy looks to return to his winning ways, but in order to do that he will have to defeat the grappling wizard Brandao who has submission victories in 8 of his 9 wins. Roddy and Brandao have contrasting styles making for a very combustible fight. In other action, Fight Factory alum, Steve McCabe (4-10) battles Doug “The Killer” Miller (1-2). McCabe fights out of the same gym as Bellator Lightweight Champion, Eddie Alvarez, and looks to bring the same explosiveness to “The Killer”. Miller trains out of the AMA Fight Club which is also home to a pair of other Millers, Jim and Dan of the UFC.

– Saturday, June 4, 2011 9:00pm ET featuring Tapia vs. Pastrana, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Albuquerque, NM. Former five-time world champion, Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia takes on former Flyweight world champion Mauricio Pastrana. Tapia, who has been one of boxing’s most talked about fighters for the past twenty years (for a myriad reasons) is winding down and wants to thrill his hometown fans in New Mexico one more time before he calls it a day. Tapia has an astonishing record of 58-5-2 with thirty knockouts and captured the WBO Super Flyweight title with an eleventh round knockout over Henry Martinez in 1994. He defended that title ten times before adding the IBF Super Flyweight title when he took a twelve round unanimous decision over cross-town rival Danny Romero in one of the mist anticipated grudge matches of the 1990’s. After two more defenses, he claimed the WBA Bantamweight title with twelve round majority decision over Nana Konadu. Tapia then went on to win the WBO Bantamweight belt with a twelve round unanimous decision over Jorge Julio. Tapia won his final belt by scoring a twelve round majority decision to win the IBF Featherweight title over Manuel Medina. He has won his last three bouts which include fourth round stoppage over Jorge Alonso this past September 24th Pastrana has a record of 35-15-2 with twenty three big knockouts. On January 18th, 1997, Pastrana won the IBF Light Flyweight title with a split decision over former U.S. Olympic star Michael Carbajal. Hector Munoz (18-4-1, 11 KO’s) takes on Jorge Reyes (21-29-3, 17 KO’s) in a Welterweight bout. Undefeated Welterweight, Vincent Mirabal (8-0, 1 KO) battles Eric Bradford (0-6) in a Welterweight bout Josh Torres (5-1-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Janks Trotter (4-0-1, 4 KO’s) in a Welterweight bout.

– Saturday, June 4, 2011 10:30pm ET featuring Rumble in the Cage presents RITC 43 at the Taber Ice Arena in Taber, Alberta, Canada. The jam-packed card features a bevy of top fighters from around Canada. Headlining the event is a lightweight battle between Jordan Knippelberg (5-1) and Spencer Rohovie (9-6). Knippelberg is riding a 4-fight winning streak and looks to make it 5 in a row as he fights the veteran Rohovie who has more than twice the cage experience. The crafty Rohovie needs a win after dropping his most recent bout and with all 15 of his fights never making it out of the first round, don’t blink as Rohovie look’s to use his reckless and wild fighting style to defeat Knippelberg any way he can. In other lightweight action, CJ Bagg (3-1) takes on Peter Neufeld (3-3). Both men are still new to the sport and looking to use the other as a stepping stone in this match. Bagg and Neufeld are coming into this fight both sporting winning streaks and look to continue that momentum at the other’s expense. Also slated for action are Brandt Dewsberry (4-1-1), Jared “J-Rod” Kilkenny (8-7), Brendan “Hacksaw” Blacquier (1-0), Sean “Mercenary” Merkl (1-3), Mike Neufeld (3-2) and Ian Odland (0-1).

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LOS ANGELES (June 1, 2011) – Rafael “Chocho” Guzman is the new opponent for undefeated No. 1 featherweight contender Mikey Garcia in the co-main event of “The Son Also Rises: Sebastian Zbik vs. Julio César Chávez, Jr. World Middleweight Championship,” this Saturday at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The 10-round featherweight rumble will open the two-bout HBO Boxing After Dark broadcast at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)

Guzman (28-2, 20 KOs), of Guadalajara, México, will be making his U.S. debut when he faces Garcia. A former WBC FECARBOX super featherweight and lightweight champion, Guzman enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 11 bouts. His last three victories have been by knockout. Garcia’s original opponent, Miguel Beltrán Jr., was diagnosed with a fractured left hand and was forced to withdraw from the card. Garcia (25-0, 21 KOs), hails from Oxnard, Calif.

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Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Universum Media Network, TECATE and STAPLES Center, “The Son Also Rises: Zbik vs. Chávez, Jr. World Middleweight Championship” takes place This Saturday! June 4, at STAPLES Center, and marks the first fight Chávez Jr. has fought in Los Angeles in six years. HBO will televise the fight live, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)

Remaining tickets, priced at $100, $75 and $50, can be purchased online at www.staplescenter.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000, or at the STAPLES Center box office.

The world championship event will be highlighted by a celebration of the boxing career of Julio César Chávez, who will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame the following week.

Philadelphia, PA— If Bernard Hopkins set the standard, Mike Jones would like to carry on the tradition.

Jones, the undefeated and top-ranked welterweight who boxes Raul Munoz, of Mexico, on June 25 at the South Philly Arena, has followed the same strict regimen of ring preparation as fellow-Philadelphian Hopkins, the multi-division world champion who recently became, at age 46, the oldest man to win a major boxing title.

‘I talk to Bernard when he comes to the (Joe Hand) gym,” said Jones. “He always gives me something (advice) I can use inside the ring and outside the ring. He’s a real wise dude.”

Like Hopkins, Jones is known for always being in top shape. Nutrition, along with exercise and a healthy mental outlook, forms the core of that foundation.

“Eating properly is about your well-being,” Jones said, who will be fighting in Philadelphia for the 13th time, but for the first time in more than two years. “It’s all about a better lifestyle. It’s just like repetition in the gym. You keep practicing something; it becomes second-nature to you; it becomes easy.”

“The same thing with eating habits. My dad has diabetes and lost his mobility and he can’t walk around. My dad’s situation has put my diet into perspective. It’s good for my profession and my life.”

Jones has two young daughters and he teaches them to eat properly and to drink water—no sodas, no sugary juices.

The 28-year-old Jones is coming off a big win Feb. 19 in Las Vegas where he out-pointed Jesus Soto-Karass, of Mexico, for the second time. He is currently rated No. 1 in the world at 147 pounds behind WBO champion Manny Pacquiao, as well as No. 2 by the WBA, No. 3 by the IBF, No. 5 by the WBC.

The Jones-Munoz fight is part of the Top Rank Live! series which will be promoted by Top Rank, Inc., and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. It will be televised live by Fox Sports Net beginning at 10 pm EST. The first of six additional bouts begins at 8pm.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and through Ticketmaster (800-745-3000). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

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Mike Jones vs. Raul Munoz, co-promoted by Top Rank, Inc., and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., takes place Saturday, June 25, at the South Philly Arena, 7 West Ritner Street. The scheduled 10-round contest will be televised live by Fox Sports Net at 10 pm EST as part of the Top Rank Live! series.

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2011) — Manny Pacquiao has settled his defamation lawsuit against Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya on confidential terms. In connection with the dismissal, Mr. Schaefer and Mr. De la Hoya made the following statement:

“Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya, on behalf of themselves and Golden Boy Promotions, wish to make it crystal clear that we never intended to claim that Manny Pacquiao has used or is using any performance enhancing drugs, and further state that we do not have any evidence whatsoever of such use.

“Manny Pacquiao is one of the greatest fighters of all time, and we apologize if anyone construed our prior remarks as in any way claiming or even suggesting that Manny uses or has used performance enhancing drugs.”

Photo By Chris Farina / Top Rank

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBA 140 lb champion Amir Khan will take on IBF beltholder Zab Judah in a unification bout that will take place July 23rd in Las Vegas.

Richard Schaefer, Khan’s promoter of Golden Boy Promotions offered the fight to resurgent former three-division champion Erik Morales, who works with Golden Boy, but he rejected the fight. That left Judah, a big name and owner of a world title, as the obvious choice. “We’ve agreed on the terms and the contracts are being drawn,” said Judah’s promoter Kathy Duva

“I told Zab I’d rather just get the promotion going and get him in the gym and we’ll make money at the site in Las Vegas if we promote it well,” Duva said. “Zab agreed. At some point you stop quibbling over a couple of points. Zab will make money when he beats this guy. That’s where the upside is. They each have a world title, but the thing Khan has that Zab doesn’t is a multi-fight agreement with HBO. That’s where his strength comes from. And when Zab beats him, HBO will be seeking out Zab Judah for a multi-fight contract. He’ll be the man at that point.”

“I got what I wanted, so I am happy. Now it’s time to go work,” said Judah, who was on his way to the gym for a training session. “I’ve been praying on this fight. My goal is to be undisputed champion at two weights. I did it at 147 and I’m gonna do it at 140 starting with Amir Khan. I’m gonna work hard. I’m very experienced, so whichever way he brings the fight I can deal with it and take it from him.

“I know Amir wanted the Bradley fight, but who wouldn’t? Bradley can’t break an egg. A fight with ‘Super’ Judah is not a fight Amir wanted. Don’t let him lie to you.”

“Zab’s a good fighter. He’s strong, he’s fit. All the stuff on Twitter is fun, but we’re both professionals. It’s just spicing things up,” Khan told ESPN.com a couple of days before the deal was agreed to. “He was undisputed champion at 147 and now he’s a champion at 140. … If Bradley don’t want me, I’m happy to take Judah on and beat him.”

“You see Bradley and Morales turning down this fight with Khan and, at some point, you just say, ‘OK, thank you.’ Zab is very excited to get the fight. So is Whitaker,” Duva said. “This leads Zab to a very nice position in the fall where he’s got major fights and nothing but major fights when he wins. We’re all very excited about it. We believed since he came back to junior welterweight that he could beat everyone in the division. He’s already taken out Matthysse and Mabuza and now it’s Khan.”

Said Judah, “My trainer, Pernell Whitaker, will have a great game plan for this fight. I knew this fight was coming and I’ve been preparing myself. I have already been training. I wish we could do a press conference tomorrow so I could take off my shirt and show everybody how ready I am already.”

“Freddie Roach against Pernell Whitaker, that’s a helluva trainer matchup,” Duva said. “It will be really interesting to watch them go head to head and try to outdo the other guy’s game plan.”

Golden Boy and Main Events will share the undercard and Duva said she intends to put welterweight contender Joel “Love Child” Julio (37-4, 31 KOs) on the card in one of her company’s fights. Julio scored a lopsided decision win against Anges Adjaho on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” on May 20.

“Our plan is to put him on the card,” she said. “We’re looking for somebody interesting for him to fight. Maybe we can match him with one of Golden Boy’s fighters.”

Atlantic City, NJ—It’s official!

The fight they said couldn’t be made has been signed and sealed as junior middleweights Harry Joe Yorgey, of Bridgeport, PA, and Gabriel Rosado, of Philadelphia, PA, meet in a scheduled 10-round contest Friday evening, July 15, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

No titles are at stake and none are needed. This is for bragging rights in the area and this is a fight that has been talked about in the gyms and on local internet websites for quite some time.

Yorgey, 33, has a 23-1-1 record, 11 knockouts. A pro since 2002, his lone setback came by knockout to world-rated Alfredo Angulo on Nov. 7, 2009, in Hartford, CT. That match was televised by HBO.

In his only fight since, Yorgey knocked out Mexico’s Donovan Castaneda last Feb. 25 in Tulsa, OK.

Yorgey also has beaten Ronald Hearns, of Detroit, MI, and Jason LeHoullier, of Nottingham, NH. He has not boxed in the area in more than two years.

Rosado, 25, is 16-5, 9 K0s. He has won his last two fights, out-pointing Jose Medina, of Tilton, NH, over eight rounds and knocking out fellow-Philadelphian Jamaal Davis in 12.

A pro since 2006, Rosado also was stopped by Angulo. He lost a 12-round majority decision last summer to another Philadelphian, Derek Ennis, for the USBA junior middleweight title.

Rosado, rated No. 15 in the world by the IBF, has defeated ex-IBF world junior middleweight champ Kassim Ouma, of Uganda, and Saul Roman, of Mexico.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and through Ticketmaster (800-745-3000). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that talks are underway for a Light Heavyweight showdown between new champion Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson that could take place this Fall.

“Richard (Schaefer) called me and said he wanted to discuss making the fight and I was excited because we were on the same page,” Said Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw. “We talked about places we could do the fight, but we want to do the fight wherever we can make the most money. He agreed.

“We said we would both get on the phone with HBO on Monday and try to lock in a date. We basically have our deal done. We agreed to a split (of the revenue) and we agreed to a deal in concept.”

“The reason why the (Hopkins-Pascal) rematch happened is because Gary and Chad were supportive,” Schaefer said. “They could have made a stink about it but they didn’t. It was a very tricky negotiation in order to get Bernard the rematch with Pascal. Now Dawson deserves his shot.

“Gary and me had conversations before to work things out so Bernard could get the rematch with Pascal. All of those discussions should make it easy to get things into motion and get the fight between Bernard and Dawson done. I am very positive it will happen. It’s the fight Bernard wants and the fight Chad wants. So Gary and me are talking about it.”

“I got a call (Wednesday) from (a venue in) Las Vegas and they are interested. (Thursday) I had lunch with the people from the Staples Center (in Los Angeles) and they are interested as well,” Schaefer said. “I have talked to (Pascal promoter) Yvon Michel about going back to Canada. Atlantic City is interested as well. There is a tremendous buzz about Bernard Hopkins after he did what he did. The big rating HBO did means millions of people saw Bernard in one of his best performances. People want to see Bernard back.”

Even though Hopkins has been busy making the media rounds since breaking George Foreman’s record as the oldest fighter to win a title, he also was thinking about the impending fight with Dawson.

“I have to honor my agreement with Chad first,” he said of potential fights. “It’s me and him next.”

NEW YORK (Friday, May 27, 2011) – Joseph King Kong Agbeko has been cleared by doctors to return to work and will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight championship against undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver 118-pound titleholder Abner Mares, who will also defend his title,in The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All on Saturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at a site to be determined.

The highly anticipated 12-round world title matchup between New York-based Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana and Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs) of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was originally scheduled for April 23, but was postponed when Agbeko was injured moments after arrival at Los Angeles International Airport for fight week. Doctors at a nearby hospital diagnosed the champion with sudden onset sciatica, a back injury.

The August 13 SHOWTIME Championship Boxing telecast will be Agbeko’s fourth consecutive appearance on the network and the third in a row for Mares.

“The talented and courageous men in this division have delivered some of the most memorable fights of the last decade,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “This tournament concept has already delivered three excellent match-ups and the best is yet to come with this Final. I am proud of Joseph and Abner for staying on course to finish what they started. May the best man win.”

Agbeko, who had never previously missed a fight, was told by a Los Angeles physician to receive treatment and wait six weeks before resuming training after the April 23 postponement. When he was cleared to fly, Agbeko returned to his native Ghana to rest but will return to New York next week to resume training.

“I have been receiving physical therapy treatments here in Accra and I am happy to report that my body has responded well,” Agbeko said. “I feel healthy and stronger than ever and will be ready to fight on Aug. 13.”

“I would like to thank Abner Mares and SHOWTIME for giving me time to recover from this most unfortunate of injuries. I will forever remember their great sportsmanship during my time of trouble.”

Mares welcomed the news. “I’m excited to get the fight with Agbeko rescheduled so I can finish what I started and win the bantamweight tournament. It was unfortunate that Agbeko was injured in April, but I’m happy he has recovered and we have a date set now. I want to fight the best and I know I can beat the best. I will not rest until I become the best of the best in the bantamweight division.”

Agbeko will be making his first start since recapturing the IBF crown with an impressive 12-round unanimous decision win over then-unbeaten Yonnhy Perez in the bantamweight tournament semifinal on Dec. 11, 2010, in Tacoma, Wash. Agbeko convincingly won a thrilling give-and-take battle by the scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. Their exciting fight came in a rematch of a 2009 Halloween night slugfest that Perez won on points.

It will also be the first fight back for Mares since the semi-finals in Tacoma, where he rallied dramatically to earn the most significant victory of his career, a 12-round split decision win over former two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan in a bloody, knockdown-laden affair. Mares recovered from a deep cut along his hairline in the opening round, the first knockdown of his career in the second round and a point-deduction in the fourth round to floor Darchinyan in the seventh round en route to a victory by scores of 115-111, 113-112 and 111-115.

The world championship fight will be promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions. A venue and an exciting undercard for the August 13 event will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.donking.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or follow the event on twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.twitter.com/abnermares00.

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 athttp://sports.sho.com/.

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®.

DOVER, DELAWARE–Franklin Lawrence continued his ascent up the Heavyweight ladder as he scored a stoppage at the end of round seven over Jason Gavern at the Rollins Center.

Lawrence dropped Gavern in round one from a hard uppercut and it looked like it would be a quick night for Lawrence. Gavern did a good job of holding to get out of round one. Gavern tried to work the body and had some success but Lawrence continued to land some hard clubbing shots that had Gavern reeling at different times in the fight.

In round seven, Lawrence landed a right that may have got into the eye of Gavern as he started to blink which could have indicated a thumb. Lawrence dominated that round and Gavern had a look of defeat as he walked back to the corner. It was on the advice of the ringside physician that the fight was halted.

Lawrence of Indianapolis is 15-2-2 with ten knockouts. Gavern is 20-8-4.

Amir “Hardcore” Mansour made it five straight spectacular stoppages as he blasted out Raymond Ochieng at 1:45 of round one of a scheduled ten round bout to win the WBF Intercontinental Heavyweight championship.

Mansour dropped Ocheing three times with destructive power which made referee Gary Rosato stop the bout at 1:45.

Mansour, 14-0 with eleven knockouts. Ocheing 28-14-3.

Mike Tiberi scored an eight round unanimous decision over Timothy Hall in a super Middleweight clash.

It was a methodical body punching display by Tiberi who also went upstairs with some good shots to the head. Hall was very tough as he seemed hurt on several occasions only to mount a little yet unsustained rally of his own. Tiberi closed the show in fine fashion as he landed some good combinations as he showboated that got a rise out of the Pro-Tiberi crowd.

Tiberi, 167 lbs of Smyrna, DE won by scores of 79-73 on all cards to raise his record to 17-1. Hall, 163 1/2 lbs of Athens, GA is now 6-11.

Anthony Caputo Smith made short work of Dannon Svab as he scored a first round stoppage in a scheduled four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Smith drilled Svab with a right and the fight was over.

Smith, 178 lbs of Kennett Square, PA is now 10-0 with eight stoppages. Svab, 180 lbs of Akron, OH is now 6-6-1.

In an entertaining four round ladies scrap of undefeated fighter, Ronica Jeffrey remained perfect with a unanimous decision over Liz Sherman.

Jeffrey was sharp by landing accurate combinations but that deter Sherman as he tried to come forward. Sge landed a couple of shots but Jeffrey was too quick and pinpoint with er punch and won by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

Jeffrey, 131 lbs of Brooklyn is now 7-0. Sherman, who took the fight on a few days notice is now 3-1.

Omar Douglass made a successful pro debut with a disqualification win over Eric Hall in a four round Lighteright bout.

Hall was thrown out of the fight for excessive holding when Benji Esteves waved it off at 2:02 of round three.

Douglass, 132 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0. Hall, 133 is now 0-3.

In the opening contest, Dan Biddle scored a third round stoppage over Maurice Amrao in a scheduled for round Cruiserweight bout.

Both guys landed good shots over the first two round with Biddle getting the better of the action. In round three, a barrage of punches sent Amaro to the corner and referee Gary Rosato stopped the bout at 1:20 of round three.

Biddle, 187 lbs of Hockessian, DE is now 7-1 with five knockouts. Amaro, 182 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-4.

Former amateur standout Michael Ruiz Jr. aims to take care of some unfinished business tomorrow night at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada, as he takes on Jonathan Alcantara in a six-round super bantamweight rematch on the undercard of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights-televised Chris Arreola-Kendrick Releford heavyweight showdown.

In their first meeting, which took place last November on the undercard of Andre Ward’s victory over Sakio Bika in Oakland, California, was a fiercely-contested six-round split decision draw. Alcantara (4-4-2) of Novato, California played the role of boxer-mover for much of the bout. Ruiz (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, California pressed the action for the most part, but was never quite able to pin Alcantara down and punish him has he had done his previous six professional opponents.

The November bout was not a hallmark Michael Ruiz Jr. performance, but the Fresno-based prospect feels it was more of an aberration than an indication. “Nothing about him really surprised me,” says Ruiz, who is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. “The only thing that surprised me was myself. The first time we fought, I couldn’t really get a hold of myself. My rhythm was off. I just have to go out there and do what I do.”

Ruiz’ manager Repo Ric, who had taunted and jawed at Alcantara and his team during the weigh-in, gained respect for the Novato resident’s skills and determination by the end of the fight in November. “They had a close fight the first time,” admits Repo. “It really could have gone either way. [Alcantara] is very powerful and very durable. He could go the distance with just about anybody out there. He is a little heavier than Mike, but we are not going to use that as an excuse.”

The fight was matched by noted matchmakers Andy Nance and Tom Brown. Though he did not match the bout, it was one Repo wanted all along. “We want to show the fans and the world that we are coming back for this guy,” says Repo. “Now we know about this kid. We didn’t know he was heavier or durable like he is and could go the rounds. We need to show who Mike Ruiz really is. He has a lot to prove in this fight. Hopefully we get to show it on national TV, on ESPN2.”

The first Ruiz-Alcantara encounter was more of a technical boxing match than the all-out action fight many had expected when it was signed. Both men started out cautious as they moved through the feeling out process. Now that they know what to expect, fight fans in Reno should get to their seats early as the rematch could be a corker from the opening bell this time around. “I am better prepared,” admits Ruiz, who agrees that the action will likely get heated much earlier. “In the first fight we didn’t trade much really. But this time I know what he brings, so I am going to look for that. I’m ready to go.”

Tickets for the event, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at the Reno Events Center, Eldorado and Silver Legacy’s ticket offices.

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Exciting super featherweight prospect Guy Robb returns to the ring this Friday on the undercard of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights main event Chris Arreola-Kendrick Releford at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.

Robb (3-0, 1 KO) of Sacramento, California will take on experienced and battle-tested veteran Noe Lopez Jr. (7-7, 4 KOs) of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico in a bout scheduled for either four or six-rounds, depending on the length of the televised fights.

Lopez marks a considerable step-up from Robb’s recent opposition, something that does not bother the rising prospect. “I train hard, so I am not worried about the opponent,” says Robb. “I just worry about myself and what I am supposed to do. Everything is going well. I feel strong and I am ready.”

Robb’s manager, Repo Ric, feels the time is right to put his young charge in with a veteran foe that will test him. “We are taking on a very experienced kid because Guy Robb is of that caliber,” says Repo. “He needs to fight experienced kids. Guy Robb is the type of person, if you go there, he will take you there. He will show the world everything he’s got and open up to any fighter out there.”

Friday’s bout also marks a move down to 130-pounds for Robb, who had been taking fights at lightweight in order to keep busy. The event is being put on by one of the country’s leading promoters, Goossen Tutor Promotions, which gives the still unsigned Robb a chance to show them what he is all about. “The weight is at 130 and I am ready to go do my thing,” says Robb. “I am also excited to be fighting on a Goossen card and fighting for the fans in Reno.”

Given the opportunity to shine before a big time promoter could be a nerve-racking situation for a young fighter, but it is not something that will take Robb’s mind off the task at hand. “I don’t feel any pressure, but I am excited to fight in front of them,” says Robb. “They are definitely somebody I would be happy to work with and after everything goes well, hopefully they invite me back.”

If Friday’s fight is half as exciting as Robb’s previous outing, the Sacramento prospect will surely endear himself to the Reno fight fans and Goossen Tutor. Back on March 25th, Robb went toe-to-toe with Manuel Morales, a much naturally larger fighter, and came away with a clear four-round decision in a fight that received a standing ovation in Fairfield, California.

Though Robb opted to stand and trade for much of the fight, he wants to make clear he was not hurt at any time in the bout. “The fans were getting pumped up, but I wasn’t really getting hit,” says Robb. “I think people might have thought I was hurt or winded, but I was just excited. I was not hurt or anything and not many of the punches had an effect on me. I know the rule of the game is to hit and not get hit, and that’s mostly what I do.”

Robb is the type of fighter that feeds off of the crowd as they cheer him on during a fight. After the kind of response he got in Fairfield for his action bout last time out, one could see a fighter falling in love with the style he implemented in the bout. However, Robb has a good head on his shoulders. “We work hard and we are well prepared for every fight,” says Robb. “As long as I don’t lose focus or get sidetracked we are good. The fans pumping me up, that is just motivation if anything. It is definitely not a distraction.”

Robb is motivated for Noe Lopez this Friday, so the fans that come out to the Reno Events Center can expect to see a show from a fighter that can’t help but be exciting. “A fighter is supposed to be poker-faced and not too into their emotions, but at this time I am just being me,” says Robb. “Whoever is in front of me, I am trying to take them out, have fun in there and put on a show at the same time. The business we are in is entertainment, so the people respond to someone that is colorful.”

Get ready to respond Reno.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at the Reno Events Center, Eldorado and Silver Legacy’s ticket offices.

photo credit Stephanie Trapp

Bethlehem, PA—Undefeated welterweight prospect Ronald Cruz (left), of Bethlehem, PA, faces hard-hitting Doel Carrasquillo (right), of Lancaster, PA, in the scheduled 10-round main event of the first-ever boxing card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem on Friday evening, July 1.

Cruz will headline a card for the first time as well as engage in his first scheduled 10-round bout in a temporary 1,600-seat tent on the grounds of the Sands.

”The Sands is proud to present its first professional boxing event featuring Ronald Cruz from Bethlehem,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of the Sands. “The fans will see a great card from Peltz Boxing.”

Cruz, 24, has developed a following while boxing 11 times in Philadelphia, PA, and Atlantic City, NJ. A pro since 2009, Cruz has won all 12 of his fights, nine by knockout. He has knocked out his last five opponents, including former national amateur standout Jeremy Bryan, of Paterson, NJ, and local rival Manuel Guzman, of Lancaster, PA.

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

Carrasquillo, 38, has fought nearly every good prospect up and down the East Coast while compiling a record of 15-17-1, 13 K0s.

Known for a good punch and a solid chin, Carrasquillo knocked out previously unbeaten Denis Douglin, of Marlboro, NJ, in his last fight Feb. 18 in Salisbury, MD. Douglin, who was 12-0 at the time, is one of 11 undefeated fighters Carrasquillo has boxed.

Carrasquillo has boxed only four men (out of 33) with losing records, an incredible statistic in today’s boxing world.

Proving he doesn’t mind fighting local heroes in their hometowns, Carrasquillo knocked out Jorge Melendez last year in the loser’s backyard of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Melendez was 13-1-1 at the time. Two years earlier, at Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY, Carrasquillo snapped the 13-fight unbeaten streak of hometown hero Wayland Willingham with a first-round knockout.

“Tell Cruz he’d better be in top shape because Doel will be looking for him,” said Albert Solis, who trains Carrasquillo. “He’s never fought everyone as tough as Doel.”

Six preliminary fights complete the card, which begins at 7.30 p.m. and is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc.

“It’s an honor to stage the first boxing card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem,” said International Boxing Hall-of-Fame promoter J Russell Peltz. “Ronald Cruz has been bringing fans with him to his fights in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Now he has a chance to showcase himself at home. This could be the first step in helping boxing to become a fixture at the Sands.”

Tickets priced at $51 and $78 and go on sale next week in the gift shop of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem and online at www.ArtsQuest. org. Tickets also can be purchased at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and online at www.peltzboxing.com.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that famed trainer Freddie Roach is set to be the focus of a reality show scheduled to debut in early 2012 on HBO.

The show will follow Roach and his training of many of the biggest fighters out of his Wildcard Gym and will be called “On Freddie”.

“I am used to it,” Roach told ESPN.com about having the cameras around him constantly. “Pretty much the same deal as ’24/7′ and ‘Fight Camp’ with cameras there at 5 a.m. and waking me up. They have the keys to my house to get in.

“It’s going to be my life at home and mostly everything in the gym leading up to fights. It doesn’t bother me having the cameras around. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and if it does, I tell them to go home.”

“They put together a really good idea of people looking into my life from the outside,” Roach said. “The thing is it will give people a look at what my life is like. I have a great life and with the Olympic team thing coming up and Manny and Amir having fights, I hope people will find it interesting.”

“We are truly excited about this innovative new reality series that will allow HBO to partner with Peter Berg,” Michael Lombardo, president of HBO Programming, said. “Freddie Roach is an extraordinary person and many of our subscribers are familiar with his superior work in training some of the world’s premier fighters. This will be a fascinating and unique series.”

“We start filming more of the show this week. They stopped in (Tuesday) to get a look at the gym and see the atmosphere and see who the characters are at my gym. I have some interesting friends,” Roach said with a laugh. “This show will give a broader picture of my life and the people I take care of and the people that take care of me. It will be much broader than just getting one fighter ready for a fight. You’re not going to catch me at home too often though. The gym will be the focal point of the show.”

“HBO’s enthusiasm in supporting a less-conventional, vérité style of storytelling is why they continue to create original and truly innovative programming,” Berg said. “It’s why they are the best and we are very excited to be working with them.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBA Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward has re-signed with his co-promoters Goossen-Tutor and Antonio Leonard as well as re-inking a deal with manager James Prince.

“In Dan (Goossen), I have a very strong promoter, two promoters actually, Antonio Leonard and Dan, and a strong manager,” Ward said. “I have a great coach (Virgil Hunter), who has been with me from day one. We’ve got a strong foundation, strong stability and as we keep going to the top it’s only going to get stronger, and I am happy to say that we signed an extension to our promotional deal.

“I think it was pretty much a no brainer because not only is Dan a West Coast guy and so am I, but we have chemistry, and that’s big. So I am thankful for that today and I am proud to be announcing that news.”

“Andre is that special individual that has grown immensely inside the ring as well as outside of it,” Goossen said. “He’s someone that I am very proud to be associated with not only in business, but in life. He is somebody that shows the strength and gumption to go out there and talk the talk and walk the walk.”

Goossen said their agreement would have expired “near the end of the year.”

“Andre is a special young man because he’s a man of values and I just think he has all the talent in the world,” Goossen said. “It’s an exciting time for our company and for Andre.”

“I am living the dream right now by being a champion of the world to defend my title the way I have been defending it and just to have the team that I have behind me right now,” Ward said. “It’s a very strong team that doesn’t have a lot of problems in house and when it comes to boxing that is very rare. As a team, and as an individual, we are right where we need to be.”

Ward also signed an endorsement with Everlast.

“Andre Ward is the perfect brand ambassador for Everlast,” said Matt Cowan, vice president of marketing and products for Everlast. “He is a champion in every sense of the word . . . His accomplishments in the ring speak for themselves and aside from being a world class athlete, we consider Andre a world class human being.”

TONY JEFFRIES has thrown down a challenge to new British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves.

The Olympic bronze medallist’s promoter Frank Maloney now plans to contact Groves’ manager and trainer Adam Booth in a bid to make the match.

Within minutes of Groves outpointing DeGale, Jeffries was pleading with Maloney to try and make the the mouthwatering scrap.

And Maloney believes Groves may well take up the challenge, saying: “I mentioned the fight to Adam a couple of months ago.

“When the DeGale fight was in the balance I mentioned a Commonwealth title defence against Tony at the Stadium of Light.

“He said the DeGale fight was likely to take place, but a fight against Tony is something they would consider afterwards if he won.

“I am now throwing down the challenge and hopefully we can sit down and see if we can come up with a package.”

Jeffries, 26, is unbeaten in eight fights, but has been put of action this year because of eye surgery.

The Sunderland hopeful is now fighting fit and training in California under Tommy Brooks.

Maloney who is looking at a July fight in Florida for the hopeful added: “Adam worked out a good strategy for George and the tactics were spot on.

“But from what I saw it was a high quality amateur fight, and I do believe Tony would beat George even though few will believe me.

“Tommy Brooks is amazed at Tony’s sudden development and we would take the fight in a heartbeat, but it is all down to what route George wants to go.”

Northern California, May 23, 2011 – Mixed Martial Arts Champion, Nick Diaz will continue pursuing his Mixed Martial Arts career instead of professional boxing as it has been deemed that it be in Nick’s best interest to focus on his primary combat sport and profession.

Team Diaz had contemplated transitioning over to the boxing world in a legitimate attempt to pursue a high-level boxing career. These discussions began in 2009 with long-time boxing promoter, Don Chargin and proceeded up until recent times.

Never before in the history of both sports had a pound-for-pound MMA combatant in his prime had the desire or been contractually free to attempt to transition over to boxing.

The landscape of Mixed-Martial Arts moves at a rapid pace and while Diaz’s chance to make history, becoming the first true cross-over MMA star to enter the boxing ring, an opportunity arose for Nick to make a different sort of history in his primary field of fighting.

Don Chargin states, “Nick is a good kid and a very exciting fighter. Right now he has an opportunity of a lifetime as it pertains to his MMA career. While I don’t doubt that Nick and his team were serious about taking the big step into boxing, it only makes sense for him to finish what he started and see how far he can go in MMA before he does anything in boxing. It’s all about timing… we began these discussions over two years ago and nobody would have imagined the type of demand that there currently is for Nick as a mixed martial artist.”

Cesar Gracie (Nick’s manager) states, “There are some people that have said we were just posturing to go into professional boxing and they don’t understand that this thing is something we had been working on since 2009. It wasn’t just out of nowhere but at this point in time, there’s a certain chance that comes along once in a very long while and it only makes sense to stick to MMA as of right now. Nick’s been working really hard to get to this point in his MMA career and it wouldn’t make sense for us to make that transition into boxing right now. If this were a couple months ago or if certain fights had played out differently, we’d definitely be ready to go into boxing, but that’s not how it played out. Don Chargin is a great boxing promoter and he understood our dilemma completely and I thank him for that.”

While the intrigue for the proposed Nick Diaz-Jeff Lacy bout had drawn a massive amount of media interest in its rumored status, this type of cross-over match-up will have to take place at a later date.

Diaz’s MMA career will undoubtedly have some major changes within a short while as he’s ready to transition into the next phase of his fighting career.

Don Chargin continued, “I’ve had a long promotional career filled with numerous big events dating back the 1960s. Taking Nick Diaz into boxing would have undoubtedly been a big one but this is Nick’s career and his legacy as a MMA fighter needs to be solidified now. I wish him all the luck going forward and know that Zuffa will have itself one very exciting fighter for many years to come.”

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Atlantic City, NJ – There is no rest for the weary and Cage Fury Fighting Championships will return to the Resorts Hotel and Casino on Friday, June 10th, 2011 for CFFC 9: Beach Brawl. Headlining the event will be Renzo Gracie prospect, John Cholish taking on a battle-tested veteran in Mikhail Malyutin for the CFFC lightweight title. Cholish, who currently holds two other titles, is currently riding a six fight win streak which includes a submission victory over Ultimate Fighter veteran Marc Stevens in Strikeforce last year. Malyutin also holds a title and is coming off of two impressive wins over UFC and Pride veterans, Chris Liguori and Luiz Azeredo respectively.

The co-main event will feature Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Igor Gracie taking on Quinton McCottrell in a welterweight showdown. From the famed Gracie family, Igor comes into this bout with a record of 3-2, but has two submission victories in a row. His last victory came on the undercard of Strikeforce’s Fedor vs. Silva where he submitted John Salgado with an arm triangle choke. McCottrell, a veteran of ten MMA contests has won all but one of his fights by KO or submission. Also, set to return to the cage are CFFC veterans Nah-Shon Burrell, Kyle Cerminara, Stephen Perez, Trevor Suter, and Ariel Sepulveda.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through any of Taskmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.com or watch it live on iPPV at www.gfl.tv.

– Cage Fury Fighting Championships is a pioneer in bringing prominent and elite MMA talent to the east coast since 2006. Not only did CFFC bring feared street fighter Kimbo Slice’s first foray into MMA in 2007 with an exhibition match against former boxing heavyweight champion, Ray Mercer, the organization has also help launch the careers of several MMA stars.

– GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 3.3 million public viewers over the years with more than 150 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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