CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
All participants for Star Boxing’s “March Mayhem” card at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY (Long Island) weighed-in today at the NYS commission’s office. Below are the weigh-in results.

MAIN EVENT CHRIS ALGIERI (L) VS. JULIAS EDMONDS

Main Event – Jr. Welterweight
8 Rounds

Chris Algieri – 141 1/4 lbs.
Vs.
Julias Edmonds – 137 1/2 lbs.
____________________________

Cruiserweights
4 Rounds

Adam Willett – 204 lbs.
Vs.
Sharieff Hayes – 189 lbs.
__________________________

Lightweights
4 Rounds

Danny Valle – 132 lbs.
Vs.
Sidell Blocker – 133 lbs.
___________________________

Super Featherweights
4 Rounds

Joseliz Cepeda – 128 lbs.
Vs.
Corey White – 130 1/4 lbs.
__________________________

Lightweights
4 Rounds

Kamil Laszczyk – 134 1/2 lbs.
Vs.
Luquan Lewis – 136 1/4 lbs.
__________________________

***THE ISSOUF KINDA VS JORGE RUIZ BOUT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH RUIZ’S MEDICALS***

*** ALL BOUTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Tickets for “March Mayhem” are priced at $100 for Gold Ringside (first row), $75 Ringside, and $50 for General Admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at 718 823-2000, or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Plattduetsche tomorrow starting at 1PM. Doors open at 6:45PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The Plattduetsche Park Restaurant is located at 1132 Hempstead Tpke, Franklin Square, NY 11010.

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

LOS ANGELES, March 16 – Golden Boy Promotions is extremely pleased to announce the signing of Two-Division World Champion Nonito Donaire to its roster of fighters. The 28-year-old native of the Philippines is coming off of a dominant second round stoppage of Fernando Montiel on February 19, which earned him the WBC and WBO Bantamweight World Titles. Now, as he looks to continue his reign as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers today, “The Filipino Flash” has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Golden Boy Promotions.

“Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we’re going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years.”

“I’m honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team, with,” said Donaire. “I’m going to fight my heart out every time I’m in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see.”

A native of Talibon, Bohol, Philippines who now resides in San Leandro, California, Donaire (26-1, 18 KO’s) is unbeaten since his lone loss in his first year as a professional in 2001. Since then, he has defeated everyone put in his path, and in July of 2007, he won the IBF and IBO Flyweight World Titles with a fifth round knockout of then-unbeaten Vic “Raging Bull” Darchiniyan. He went on to defend his titles three times before winning the WBA Super Flyweight Interim World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Rafael “Torito” Concepcion in August of 2009, which he then successfully defended in August of 2010 against Hernan “Tyson” Marquez. Following the Marquez fight, Donaire moved up to the bantamweight division where in just his second bout at the new weight, he shocked the boxing world with the ease with which he dominated Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel in February. In 2011, Donaire will look to defend his new crown with Golden Boy Promotions in his corner.

About Golden Boy Promotions:

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. In 2007, in its fifth year of promoting, Golden Boy Promotions set a record by selling over 2.5 million in pay-per-view homes in a single night. Also in 2007, Golden Boy Promotions established the record for highest grossing pay-per-view homes in a single year with more than 4 million total. In 2009, the company broke records again by breaking the million mark in pay-per-view homes again with the return of Floyd Mayweather against Juan Manuel Marquez. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the United States and the world on networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, HBO Plus, SHOWTIME, TeleFutura, Televisa, ESPN2 and Fox Sports Net.

Golden Boy Promotions currently has over 70 fighters under contract, from future Hall of Famers Bernard Hopkins and Juan Manuel Marquez to current world champions and superstars Nonito Donaire, Amir Khan, David Haye, Saul Alvarez and Chris John. Also included on the company’s roster are top contenders Marcos Maidana, Robert Guerrero, Victor Ortiz, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Librado Andrade and Abner Mares as well as highly regarded prospects Adrien Broner, Danny Garcia, Frankie Gomez, Erislandy Lara, Seth Mitchell, Carlos Velasquez and Deontay Wilder.

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Teon Kennedy talks about his March 26 showdown with fellow unbeaten Jorge Diaz

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, March 15 – Amir “King” Khan will lead a fantastic bill on Saturday, April 16 as he returns home to defend his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against undefeated European Champion Paul McCloskey at the M.E.N Arena.

In what is sure to be an action-packed night presented by Hatton Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, some of British boxing’s hottest prospects will be featured including world title contender and European Middleweight Champion Matthew Macklin who takes on savvy German Khoren Gevor, British Welterweight Champion Craig Watson who will defend his belt against Lee “Lights Out” Purdy and rising star Scott Quigg lined up to face tough Andrei Isaeu.

“I am proud to showcase some of the most exiting and talented young champions from the Hatton Promotions stable on what I believe is one of the best undercards that has been staged in the history of the M.E.N. Arena,” said Hatton Promotions president Ricky Hatton. “The chief support for this card sees Matthew Macklin take on Khoren Gevor, with the winner looking for a world title shot.

“It is the philosophy of Hatton Promotions to stage well matched and entertaining fights. Craig Watson, Scott Quigg, Martin Murray and Anthony Crolla are four champions who are never in a dull fight and who will hopefully be challenging for world titles themselves in the near future,” Hatton continued. “On top of that, we have prospects like Richard Towers, Adam Etches, Tasif Khan and Dezzie Higginson all hoping to make their mark as they move up the professional rankings.”

President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya agreed when he stated, “When we decided to bring Amir’s next fight back to his hometown fans in Manchester, we wanted to have a stacked undercard to support him. This is exactly what the fans will be getting on April 16, with an excellent co-feature of Macklin vs. Gevor along with the other British stars being featured. We’re also excited to bring Ireland’s up-and-coming star Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh closer to home in his first professional fight outside of the United States.”

The full fight list includes: Matthew Macklin vs. Khoren Gevor, Craig Watson vs. Lee Purdy (British welterweight title) Scott Quigg vs. Andrei Isaeu (WBA super bantamweight interim title), Martin Murray vs. John Carvalho (WBA middleweight interim title),Dezzie Higginson vs. Andy Murray, Jamie Kavanagh vs. TBA, Richard Towers vs. TBA, Adam Etches vs. TBA and Tasif Khan vs. TBA.

“King Khan Returns,” the WBA super lightweight championship fight featuring Amir “King” Khan defending his title against undefeated European Champion Paul McCloskey on April 16 at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester, is a 12 round bout presented by Hatton Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will produced and broadcast live on Sky Box Office and in high definition on Sky Box Office HD in the U.K., with the main event being aired on a delayed basis in United States on HBO.

U.K. viewers can order the fight on Sky Box Office for £14.95 by calling 08442 410 888.

Tickets for Khan vs. McCloskey, priced at £300, £200, £125, £75, £50 and £40, are on sale now and may be purchased at the M.E.N. Arena Box Office, by calling +44(0)8448478000, or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.men-arena.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.amirkhanworld.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AmirKingKhan or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/AmirKhanTheOfficialPage.

March 14, 2011 – With his recent victory over once beaten Manuel Leyva (18-2, 10 KO’s), former three time World Champion and Olympic Gold medal winner, Joel Casamayor (38-5-1, 22 KO’s) is seeking fights against anyone in the top ten at Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight.

“I know I can compete at the top level,” said Casamayor. “I just beat Leyva who had only been beaten once in eighteen fights. My only losses in the past five years are to Juan Manuel Marquez and Robert Guerrero, who many consider to be the best in the lightweight division. My track record shows that I’ll fight anyone, anytime so I want to let everyone know that I’m not going anywhere. My goal is to keep wining, and eventually get another title shot at Lightweight or Jr. Welterweight.”

Luis Decubas Jr., who manages Casamayor went on to say, “Joel is an elite fighter and anyone he fights will have their hands full. I’m looking to get him right back in the ring against a top level opponent as soon as possible

Rocktagon MMA is back in action at the North Olmsted Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted, OH on March 26th 2011. Headlining the show is a bantamweight rematch featuring submission specialist Dante Pennachio vs the ultra-intense Rob Miller. Both fighters are known for their explosiveness in the cage and are sure to entertain with their action packed styles. Rocktagon is also featuring their first ever female co-main event between Marcia May and Trisha Barr which also happens to be a rematch. Both of these fights were so exciting that Rocktagon had to run them back and give the fans the fistic fury they have come to expect from the nation’s fastest growing promotion.

The Breakdown:

Main Event 135 lb Title:

Dante Pennachio holds a very impressive record of 4-1 with his only loss coming to Miller. Dante has won all of fights by submission and is known as a fight finisher. He will be looking to make a statement in this fight by taking Miller out early.

Vs.

Rob Miller (8-2) has fought in an unbelievable 7 championship bouts. Rob brings a high paced, boxing and wrestling style to the cage and is well known for his relentless style. This will be Rob’s first fight in the Rocktagon arena.

Co-Main Event:

Marcia May (4-3) has fought some of Ohio’s best including Jessica Eye and Ronda Gale. Marcia brings a crippling submission game, with all of her wins coming by way of tapout. Marcia’s experience and savvy ground techniques should make her the fighter to beat in 2011.

Vs.

Trisha Barr (3-4) is a ground shark in her own right, finishing all three opponents by submission. Trisha is a dominant force and is looking to redeem her loss to May in a big way. This could be the best female fight of the new year.

Make sure you reserve your seat now as it is about to go down, as two of the area’s best 135 pound fighters lock horns in the nation’s fastest growing promotion.

*Card and Schedule Subject to Change
“Cage Stars Amateur Elite Series 4” is brought to you by Lone Tree Tavern. Don’t miss this exciting night of fights! Join Rocktagon MMA on Saturday, March 26th at North Olmsted Soccer Sportsplex in North Olmsted, OH. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET. Fights begin at 7:00 pm ET. Tickets range from $20.00 to $40.00 at the door. Call 440-934-4662 for more information.

About Rocktagon MMA:

Ohio based Rocktagon MMA is a premier mixed martial arts and entrainment group dedicated to hosting quality events and taking highly skilled MMA fighters from obscurity to the National level. At Rocktagon MMA we treat each fighter like an individual business. We focus on the fighter, their skills, and their image, as we help them build a strong presence in the mixed martial arts arena.

On April 2, 2011, Patricia “Patty Boom Boom” Alcviar 4-0(3KO) will join in the fight against breast cancer in the ‘Fight(s) for the Pink’ at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. 50 cents from every ticket sold will be donated to the South Florida Affiliate to go toward breast cancer awareness, screening, treatment and research. The fight is scheduled on the undercard of WBC (CABOFE) Heavyweight Championship fight where the champ Jason “The Sensation” Gavern 19-7(8KO) will face Darnell Wilson23-11(20KO).

Alcivar, the former national amateur champion, will face tested Savanna “The Lioness” Hill 7-8 in what should prove to be an action packed fight. Alcivar is coming off of a dominating 4 round UD win over Laura Gomez on March 4th, and is staying busy with this fight versus the veteran Hill.

First fight is at 2pm and the tickets for this event are $25, $49, and $98 (Ringside). There are also Corporate Suites and Ringside tables available that come with in park Signage. For Tickets call 954-826-4557 or visiting http://www.wix.com/jsizzle141/boomboomtickets

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®: Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. The South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. They join more than 1million breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®, the Komen South Florida Affiliate has invested over $10 million in community breast health programs in our service area of Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay in our service area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Grants Program to fund research. For more information, call 561-514-3020 or visit www.komensouthflorida.org.

Follow all the action LIVE from the MGM Grand as Miguel Cotto defends the WBA Super Welterweight championship and Ricardo Mayorga. There will be a three fight undercard beginning at 9pm est/6pm pac time featuring Yuri Foreman battling Pawel Wolak; IBF Lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez defending against Mandatory challenger Lenny Zappavigna as well as NFL Safety Tommy Zbikowski taking on Rich Bryant

REFRESH BROWSER FOR MINUTE BY MINUTE UPDATES

12 ROUNDS–WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–MIGUEL COTTO (35-2, 28 KO’S) VS RICARDO MAYORGA (29-7-1, 23 KO’S)

Round 1: Counter left from Cotto…Mayorga chops a right to the head…Big body shot by Cotto…Chopping right from Mayorga…tradong left hooks…good left hook from Cotto…10-9 Cotto

Round 2: Brawl on the ropes huge shots and an uppercut from Mayorga…Good right from Cotto…Jab…Uppercut from Mayorga…Flurry…19-19

Round 3 Cotto lands a left hook..Mayorga lands a right and BEGS COTTO TO FIGHT…Cotto lands 2 body shots…Good right to the chin…29-28 Cotto

Round 4 Mayorga lands a nice right…good body shot…combination…38-38

Round 5 Mayorga showboats and gets caught with body punches and uppercuts…Head shots…2 rights from Mayorga…Wicked exchange that is highlighted by a Cotto left hook..Mayorga lands a chopping right…left hook to the chin by Cotto…48-47 Cotto

Round 6 Cotto left uppercut…Mayorga combo to the body…Cotto lands a jab…counter left and right uppercut…58-56 Cotto

Round 7 Mayorga lands 2 rights…uppercut on inside..right uppercut…Right buckled Cotto….67-66 Cotto

Round 8 Cotto lands a left hook…Cotto counters with the left…Hard jab..Swelling around the right eye of Mayorga…Good combination..Mayorga lands a straight right…77-75 Cotto

Round 9 Left from Mayorga…Cotto jabbing..Mayorga lands a head combo..another combo…Cotto lands a jab…and another…Big uppercut from Mayorga…86-85 Cotto

Round 10 Good jab from Cotto…Great triple jab…another jab…96-94 Cotto

Round 11 Mayorga showboating and mocking Cotto…Good defense from Cotto at the end of the round…106-103 Cotto

ROUND 12 HUGE SHOT AND DOWN GOES MAYORGA…HE TAKES A HUGE JAB AND ASKS REFEREE ROBERT BYRD TO STOP THE FIGHT…MAYORGA MAY HAVE HURT HIS HAND WHEN HE GOT KNOCKDOWN…IT WAS A BIG LEFT HOOK FROM COTTO TO THE HEAD

10 ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–YURI FOREMAN (28-1, 8 KO’S) VS PAWEL WOLAK (28-1, 18 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Wolak stalking…Big right to the head..combination…10-9 Wolak

Round 2 Foreman lands a jab…Wolak lands a right on the ropes…20-18 Wolak

Round 3 Uppercut on inside by Foreman…Good counter..counter right..combination to the head..Wolak gets in a chopping right..good body punches and head from Wolak and another right…30-28 Wolak

Round 4: Wolak landing right..right inside..Foreman 2 body shots…Good right…Right from Wolak..Right hurts Foreman…3 more big rights at the bell…40-37 Wolak

Round 5: Wolak lands a right…Hard rights on the ropes…Foreman lands a right and left uppercut…hard right from Wolak…Left…Foreman lands an uppercut…50-46 Wolak

Round 6: Wolak lands a combinations…Swelling around left eye of Wolak..Big finish from Wolak…60-55 Wolak—FOREMAN QUITS ON THE STOOL

Round 7

4 ROUNDS HEAVYWEIGHTS–TOMMY ZBIKOWSKI (1-0, 1 KO) VS RICH BRYANT (1-2, 1 KO)

ROUND 1 Tommy Z lands a right…Big right…LEFT HOOK DOWN GOES BRYANT AND REFEREE RUSSELL MORA STOPS THE BOUT

12 ROUNDS–IBF LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE–MIGUEL VAZQUEZ (27-3, 12 KO’S) VS LENNY ZAPPAVIGNA (25-0, 17KO’s)

Round 1 Vazquez Jabs…Vazquez lands a right..comb from Vazquez at the bell 10-9 Vazquez

Round 2:Vazquez lands a left hook..Left hook counter..Good jab 20-18 Vazquez

Round 3: Zappavigna lands a big overhand right and left hook…Zappavigna bleeding from left eye..29-28 Vazquez

Round 4: Zappavigna grazing right…38-38

Round 5 Vazquez 1-2; Counter shots…Zappavigna lands a body shot…jab…Zappa lands an overhand right…Zappa starting to bleed bad from right eye….48-47 Vazquez

Round 6 Zappa lands a combination…57-57

Round 7: Trading rights…Vazquez lands a couple jabs…Zappa lands a left…67-66 Vazquez

Round 8: Good jabs and 1-2 from Vazquez..Zappa lands a body punch…good 1-2…combination…body shot at end of round…77-75 Vazquez

Round 9Zappa gets through with a wide left...86-85 Vazquez

Round 10 Blood streaming down the face of Zappa..Zappa lands some uppsercuts on the inside…95-95

Round 11

Photo By Claudia Bocanegra

WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto will defend his title against Victor Ortiz in April 16 at the MGM at Foxwoods according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“It’s a great facility and we’re having great success with [Saturday’s] show and Berto has fought the bulk of his fights on the East Coast, so it’s a natural,” Said Lou DiBella, who promotes Berto. “This is one of the best rooms for boxing on the East Coast. About 4,000 seats, not a bad one in there. We’re having a great experience working with the property on this [Martinez-Dzinziruk] event and we’re happy we’re coming back.”

“I think styles make fights and you can’t beat it. These are two guys that throw,” DiBella said. “They both have power. For any critic who says it’s a 140-pounder versus a 147-pounder, that’s bull—- because Ortiz is actually bigger than Berto. It’s the kind of fight I like to see. You know both chins are going to get tested. There’s a lot of speed in the ring and also a lot of power. People know I like aggression and blood and guys getting knocked out, so this is my kind of fight.”

HBO will televise Berto-Ortiz on “World Championship Boxing,” along with same-day taped coverage of junior welterweight titleholder Amir Khan’s defense in his native England against Paul McCloskey of Northern Ireland.

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO
SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK
WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion
2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996
Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine
46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)
158.8 LBS. 158.8 LBS.

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

162.6 LBS. 161.4 LBS.

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

126.0 LBS. 125.0 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIEL

Four-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion Five-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

226.2 LBS. 253.2 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

145.0 LBS. 144.0 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILLY “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

174.2 LBS. 173.8 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

149.4 LBS. 150 LBS.

Miguel Cotto 154 – Ricardo Mayorga 154
(WBA Super Welterweight championship)
Yuri Foreman 155 – Pawel Wolak 154
Tommy Zbikowski 193 – Ricard Bryant 225
Miguel Vazquez 135 – Lenny Zappavigna 135
(IBF Lightweight Championship)

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA BOCANEGRA

NEW YORK (March 11, 2011) – Fights between lightweights (155 pounds) James Terry (9-2), of Livermore, Calif., and Conor “Hurricane” Heun (8-4), of Los Angeles, and welterweights (170 pounds) Damian Douglas (3-1), of Antioch, Calif., and Wayne Phillips (5-3), of San Jose, Calif., have been added to the televised portion of a STRIKEFORCE Challengers Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif., on Friday, April 1, live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the main event, former NCAA wrestling stud Justin “The Silverback’’ Wilcox (10-3), of San Jose, will face Rodrigo Damm (9-4) of Brazil in a lightweight bout. Other fights on SHOWTIME: 2008 Judo Olympic Games Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (4-1), of Japan, makes his STRIKEFORCE debut against kickboxing specialist Scott Lighty (6-1), of San Luis Obispo, Calif., in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) bout, and David “Tarzan” Douglas (6-2), of Antioch, the unidentical twin of Damian, will take on Caros “The Future” Fodor (7-2), of Kirkland, Wash., at 155 pounds.

Tickets, starting at $20, are on sale for STRIKEFORCE’s first fight in Stockton at the Stockton Arena ticket office, online at www.StocktonTickets.com, by phone at (209) 373-1700 or (866) 373-7088 and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). The first non-televised, undercard fight will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m.

Terry, a winner of two in a row and four of five, is coming off a 3:26, first-round TKO (punches) over Lucas Gamaza last Jan. 29 in San Jose. An explosive 170-pounder with heavy hands, excellent stamina and athleticism, the 5-foot-10, 30-year-old Terry is a product of Cung Le’s Universal Strength Headquarters in San Jose. He is 4-1 for STRIKEFORCE.

Terry, who was born in Kodiak, Alaska, started wrestling at the age of five. He was a high school state champion in Alaska and Arizona. At Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., he was a two-time NJCAA All American. Terry transferred to Arizona State for his junior year, but he sustained an injury that ended his collegiate career.

In June 2006, Terry moved to San Jose and joined Le’s outfit. He went 5-0 at the outset of an MMA career that began in August ‘06.

“I’m looking forward to a good, hard fight against Conor, who has solid experience against top guys,’’ Terry said. “This is a big step up, but these are the kinds of fights I want. I appreciate the opportunity I am getting. I’ll be ready.’’

Heun is winless in two fiercely contested, bloody, highly entertaining STRIKEFORCE fights, but the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and former IFL and EliteXC fighter could just as easily be 2-0.

Last June 16 in Los Angeles on SHOWTIME, the aggressive-minded 5-foot-10, 30-year-old wound up on the wrong end of a split decision against former world champion KJ Noons in a thrilling affair. On a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on June 16, 2009, in Kent, Wash., Heun dropped a close, unanimous decision to Jorge Gurgel in a grueling, non-stop-action encounter that left both combatants bloodied and battered.

“I want to win this fight badly,’’ said Heun, a superb athlete who was ahead on one scorecard against Noons (29-28), but behind on the other two (30-27). “I was very disappointed when only one judge got it right (against Noons). I love to put on great fights. But this is one I want badly.’’

Before turning to MMA, Heun was a Division III National Qualifier wrestler at the University of Ithaca where he majored in English. After graduating, Heun did not enter MMA immediately. Instead, he went into the corporate world and even owned his own clothing apparel line. He would later leave Colorado and move to California where he began work as a dental assistant.

Damian Douglas, who competes in a full weight class higher than “Tarzan,’’ will be making his STRIKEFORCE debut and first start anywhere since registering a 0:46, first-round submission (rear-naked choke) over Joe Schilling on Sept. 26, 2008. Damian turned pro in August 2007, nearly two-and-one-half years after his brother did.

Phillips has won both his STRIKEFORCE fights. In his last start, he scored a split decision over Fernando Bettega on Dec. 4, 2010, in St. Louis. Phillips produced a 4:27, first-round submission over Erik Lawson in his debut for the promotion on Feb. 26, 2010.

A winner of five in a row, Wilcox will be making his third consecutive start on Challengers and will be headlining for a second straight time. On Nov. 19, 2010, in Jackson, Miss., he took a unanimous decision over highly touted Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro in the main event on SHOWTIME.

Wilcox, a 5-foot-6, 32-year-old former bodybuilder, was born in Cincinnati, lives in Fresno and fights out of AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) in San Jose. He wrestled for Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where he befriended Josh Koscheck, who turned on his college wrestling buddy to MMA and eventually brought him to AKA.

“STRIKEFORCE has a great lightweight division,’’ Wilcox said. “There are a lot of potentially great matchups out there for me. I just take it one fight at a time, but no question I want to fight the biggest names and fight for the title.’’

Damm has previously fought for the STRIKEFORCE belt. He replaced the injured Josh Thomson on short notice to challenge STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez on April 11, 2009, in San Jose, on SHOWTIME. The Sengoku star lost to Melendez and has split his two fights since.

Perhaps Damm’s most significant victory came when he scored a second-round TKO over American Top Team’s Jorge Masvidal on June 8, 2008, in Japan. The triumph capped off an eight-fight win streak for Damm, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has produced submissions in five of his career wins.

David Douglas, a member of Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, is a 5-foot-11, 28-year-old non-stop action fighter who has won six out of his last seven fights, the last two very impressively. This will be his second consecutive fight on SHOWTIME.

In his last outing this past Feb. 18, Tarzan made like a “Ghostbuster,’’ making local fan favorite Nick “The Ghost’’ Gonzalez disappear via rear-naked choke after just 1:05 of the first round during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers show at Cedar Park, Texas.

“I wanted to showcase my Jiu-Jitsu skills,’’ said the well-conditioned, offensive-minded Douglas after outclassing the more experienced Gonzalez. “I’ll fight anybody. I feel most comfortable at 155 pounds. No one can beat me when I’m healthy and fighting regularly.’’

Two outings ago, Tarzan scored a second-round TKO (punches) over Dominic Clark in a non-televised match of a Challengers event on Oct. 22, 2010, in Fresno.

Tarzan’s most memorable win came against Mongkhon Wiwasuk, aka Malaipet, a Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai champ in Thailand and a dangerous striker, on Sept. 26, 2008, at Santa Ynez, Calif. He rallied to triumph by third-round TKO in a brawl that featured numerous changes in momentum, exceeded all expectations and, for sheer excitement, was as good as it gets.

Fodor, a talented 5-foot-9, 27-year-old, has won two in a row, both on STRIKEFORCE Challengers, and seven of eight. In his last fight, he submitted (brabo choke) Derek “Pretzel’’ Getzel on Nov. 19, 2010, in Jackson. The previous July 23, Fodor won the only decision of his five-year career when he unanimously outpointed Thomas Diagne.

A well-rounded fighter known for his mental toughness and ability to finish, Fodor wrestled in high school but entered the Marines six days after graduation. While he was in boot camp, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 occurred and he was sent to Kuwait for the Iraq invasion.

After an extensive, successful amateur career in which he was the Genesis Fights MMA and Muay Thai champion and Revolution submission champion, Fodor turned pro. Outside the cage, Fodor, who once had his sights set on becoming a homicide detective, is a trainer at a health club and works with mentally challenged kids while remaining active in the reserves.

Ishii will be making his United States debut. He won all four of his fights in 2010 after getting outpointed in his pro debut by fellow Judoka gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida on Dec. 31, 2009. In his last fight, Ishii won a unanimous decision over Jerome Le Banner on Dec. 31, 2010. The 5-foot-11, 24-year-old Ishii also won a silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games. He is a two-time All-Japan Judo Champion.

Lighty, a 6-foot-2, 32-year-old from San Luis Obispo, Calif., is competing for the first time since a second-round KO (punch) over Shawn Frye on Aug. 14, 2010. This will be Lighty’s third start for STRIKEFORCE and his first in a televised fight. He registered a 2:05, first-round TKO over Mike Cook on Aug. 15, 2009, but lost to Antwain Britt the following Dec. 19.

About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.STRIKEFORCE.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

Atlantic City, NJ—The billboards and the posters and the press releases may be promoting the HBO-televised matches featuring Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Jorge Solis and Matt Remillard vs. Miguel Angel Garcia, but the fans who jam the 2,700-seat ballroom at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on Saturday evening, March 26, will be coming to see another fight which will not be part of the telecast.

It’s the scheduled 12-round contest between USBA super bantamweight champion Teon Kennedy, of Philadelphia, PA, and challenger Jorge Diaz, of New Brunswick, NJ.

Both men are undefeated and both men bring large contingents of die-hard followers.

Kennedy, 24, is 16-0-1, 7 K0s. He won the vacant USBA 122-pound title Nov. 20, 2009, when he knocked out Francisco Rodriguez, of Chicago, IL, in the 10th round at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.

In two subsequent fights, Kennedy outpointed Jose Angel Berranza, of Mexico City, over 12 rounds, then K0d Alex Becerra, of El Paso, TX, in 10 rounds.

A pro since 2007, Kennedy is ranked No. 3 in the world by the IBF, No. 14 by the WBA, No. 23 by the WBC. He also has beaten Lucian Gonzales, Andre Wilson and Thomas Snow.

Kennedy won the 2004 National Golden Gloves flyweight championship in Kansas City, MO. He is managed by Doc Nowicki, Jim Williams and Joe Hand, who also handle the career of unbeaten welterweight Mike Jones. Kennedy is trained by ex-pro lightweight Wade Hinnant and his brother Randy Hinnant.

Diaz, 23, is 15-0, 9 K0s. In his last fight Oct. 30 at Bally’s Atlantic City, Diaz scored a 10-round decision over Emanuel Lucero, of Mexico City, in one of the best fights of 2010 in Atlantic City.

A pro since 2007, Diaz has several impressive wins on his resume, including a sixth-round knockout over highly touted Cuban Yan Barthelemy in Madison Square Garden and an eight-round decision over previously undefeated (16-0) Mexican Alejandro Lopez in Key West, FL.

Against common foes, Diaz out-pointed Lante Addy, of Ghana, over six rounds, while Kennedy was held to a 10-round draw by Addy. Also, Diaz K0d Arthur Parker, of Lancaster, PA, in two rounds, two months after Kennedy beat Parker via four-round decision.

Diaz is managed by Pat Lynch and Sal Alessi. Lynch guided the successful career of the late Arturo Gatti. Diaz is trained by ex-pro welterweight Joe Grier.

A swarming, all-action fighter, Diaz will put pressure on the slick-boxing Kennedy from bell-to-bell.
Kennedy has excellent defensive skills, but he is not shy about standing toe-to-toe and trading punches.
Each man is 5-foot-5 and neither man is known to back down from a good fight.

The first of seven fights on the Top Rank-promoted card begins at 8 pm.

Tickets priced at $50, $100 and $200 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-736-1420). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

(In the HBO-televised fights, Gamboa, of Cuba, defends his WBA/IBF world featherweight titles against Solis, of Mexico; Remillard and Garcia collide for the NABF/NAB0 featherweight belts.)

MASHANTUCKET, CT (Mar. 10, 2011) – The final “Diamond Elite” press conference was held today at Comix in Foxwoods Casino Resort. The WBC Middleweight Diamond Championship showdown, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk, will be on HBO World Championship Boxing along with Andy Lee vs. Craig McEwan in a “Celtic War.” All four fighters and representatives from their respective camps were in attendance.

Below are quotes from the participants:

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “I think it’s going to be a tremendous night of boxing. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the property. Foxwoods is great and it’s been a pleasure working with the staff here.”

“This will be on television – HBO Sports – and it’s a very competitive card with the two fights on TV real TV fights. Sergio Martinez is the Fighter of the Year and had the Knockout of the Year. He’s fighting a guy who is a technically sound fighter with a great jab and defense. Sergiy will find out that he’s not in with just another fighter. I expect a very competitive fight.”

“I want to thank our sponsors: Corona, the Dominican Republic Tourism Board and Hennessey.”

“We have as terrific undercard off TV with some terrific fighters. We have a female heavyweight from New York, Sonya Lamonakis, fighting another fighter from New York (Tanzee Daniels). If you like women’s boxing, this is going to be a war.”

“This sport needs everybody pulling together. We’ve had four major promoters working together without a single problem. That’s how to elevate boxing and bring it back.

“We’re having ‘Celtic War’ five days before St. Patrick’s Day. I’m proud to promote Andy Lee. The winner of this fight will establish himself for the fighter he is. It’s the first opportunity for Craig and Andy on HBO and its stage and legitimacy.”

“My partner and one of the best judges of talent in the world is Sampson Lewkowicz. He scours the world looking for the next Sergio Martinez.”

“Some people will be a little surprised – Gabriel Sarmiento won’t be in Sergio’s corner because of a personal issue. His brother, Pablo, will be in Sergio’s corner. He’s trained Sergio before. Gabriel ran the camp until the final day of camp last Friday.”

“It’s no secret that I didn’t like this fight. HBO twisted my arm but I give them credit. This is the best possible opponent in the world to fight Sergio. Sergio agreed to fight him despite giving up his middleweight belt. He wants to leave a legacy of fighting the best and there’s no doubt that Sergiy is the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“This is what’s at stake (Diamond belt). It costs about $50,000 and has diamonds all over it. The stakes are big.”

“This (Martinez) is one of the most talented athletes and people I’ve ever worked with. Sergio is concerned with people and he has a sense of community and integrity. His nickname, ‘Maravilla,’ marvelous and he is indeed, marvelous.”

“Sergio promised me to speak in English at the next press conference. He has a great teacher and he’s done a great job.”

Sergio Martinez: “I thank HBO, WBC, my promoter, advisor, trainers Gabriel and Pablo, and my team. This Saturday you will see the best Sergio Martinez. This fight is for Argentina.”

Kery Davis, HBO: “We really have a special night of programming with the premier of the Runnin’ Rebels documentary immediately followed with world championship boxing starting at 10:30 eastern, 7:30 pacific. Sergio was a relatively unknown boxer but he beat Kelly Pavlik and followed that with unquestionably the Knockout of the Year against Paul Williams. Sergio is good looking, intelligent and he has charisma. The sky is the limit for him. He is fighting the challenge of his life. Many feel Sergiy Dzinziruk is the No. 1 154 pounder in the world. He is relatively unknown. When you put the best middleweight in the world against the best junior middleweight in the world, you should never apologize, and we don’t. Lee and McEwan are trying to make names for themselves and statements. They’re looking forward to fighting the winner of the main event. Sergio and Sergiy are stepping-up to take the challenge. Sergiy is stepping-up in weight. Sergio is fighting the toughest guy. We’re looking forward to a great night of programming.”

Scott Butera, Foxwoods Resort Casino, President & CEO: “Here at Foxwoods, we have a long-standing tradition with the sport of boxing and have hosted some of the boxing world’s most high profile fights and some of the world’s greatest athletes. As North America’s largest resort casino there are few venues in the Northeast more fitting to host this World Middleweight Championship bout featuring Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk than MGM Grand at Foxwoods and our world-class MGM Grand Theater. The event’s equally exciting undercard, dubbed the ‘Celtic War,’ pits the Andy Lee and Craig McEwan.

“And we have a ‘Who’s Who’ of industry vets on property for the big event, including Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, and Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Promotions, as well as none other than Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“We’re always thrilled to showcase Foxwoods to a national audience, and HBO’s live broadcast of Saturday’s event will provide a great vehicle for us to do just that. We’re grateful to everybody in this room. Let’s have a great night on Saturday.”

Robert Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions: “This is what boxing is about – four promoters working together to give the public two great fights. McEwan is in a tough fight but he’s more than ready. I can tell you that for a fact. He is fighting for his family, country and himself. Remember, there years ago what happened not too far from here (Lee was knocked out by Bryan Vera).”

Craig McEwan: “This is a big stage for me. I’m ready to put on a big show and show everybody what I’ve got. Andy’s a great guy but Saturday is business. Afterwards we can go out for a pint. I’ve always wanted the (WBC) green belt and this fight will get me one step closer to that.”

Andy Lee: “Everything has been said. Craig, I know well, but I have a job to win this fight. Afterwards we can be friends. I’ve trained 100-percent and want to thank Sugar Hill and Roger Lee. I’ve had the best camp ever, in Florida, with a lot of sparring and conditioning. We’ve left no stone unturned.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “This is a tremendous fight, deserving to be at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. I’m happy because it is a great fight. I want to thank HBO for putting Sergiy on their card because he’s truly a great fighter. It may not turn out the way Lou and his team think.

“I am a cancer survivor. If you’re over 40, get a PSA test. It saved my life and it could save yours.

“To Lou and Sampson, thanks for taking this fight and I give a lot of credit to them because Sergio had the opportunity for an easier fight. But they took the challenge and I have a lot of respect for Sergio. I represent the best 154-pounder in the world, the single best in the world at 154 pounds, and he wanted this fight. It’s a big step up; up in weight for the fight, and they didn’t want it. I know at the end of the day, no matter what Sergio and Sampson say, it is an impossibility to knockout Sergiy. We will leave here with a win; I guarantee it!”

Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “I’ve put on more than 30 shows at Foxwoods since 1992. HBO and Ross Greenburg have a heckuva fight. They went out of their way to make it. They have the two best: best middleweight and best junior middleweight, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s going to be great – two guys who know they need to win to move on. Boxing rewards you for winning and both know everything’s on the line. After Martinez knocked out Paul Williams, the fight we get is against the best middleweight in the world. We called Sergiy and he said make the fight. Both are in harm’s way. It’s going to be a very good show because they both know they have to win.”

Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Sergio Martinez: “This is my first time here at Foxwoods and it’s wonderful. HBO chose this fight because it’s the best money can buy. Gary Shaw says he guarantees he’ll win the fight. His partner, Artie Pellulo, didn’t say that. Sergio Martinez, if he doesn’t knock him out, he will beat him up. He went from 154 to 160 to be the best. There was no catch-weight because the champion is a middleweight. Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez is the champion of the people, champion of the press; the champion of everybody on earth, inside and outside the ring. I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Pablo Sarmiento, trainer of Sergio Martinez: “Every training camp for Sergio gets better than the last. Saturday you will find out that it’s the best Sergio you’ve ever seen. The challenger is a great fighter and we respect him.”

Sergiy Dzinziruk: “I want to thank everybody for this opportunity and Sergio Martinez, especially, for the opportunity to fight in such a big fight. It’s a dream come true for me. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great fight and I will be victorious at the end of the night.”

Bob Yalen, representing the WBC: “On behalf of the WBC, Jose and Mauricio, to Sampson, Sergio on behalf of the year you had, and Lou for promoting such a great fighter and fighter, let me present these plaques to all three of them.

“I’m a historian. I don’t think people realize how great a fight this is in the ring. Argentina and Europe have a great history of middleweight fighters. The Ukraine has built a great history. These are two great fighters. I thank HBO for allowing it to happen and Foxwoods for bringing it here.”

“DIAMOND ELITE FACT SHEET”

WHAT: “Diamond Elite” professional boxing show

BOUTS:

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO

SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion

2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996 Ukraine Olympian

Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine

46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIELS

4-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion 5-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILL “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

(ALL FIGHTS AND FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2011

WHERE: MGM Grand at Foxwoods

PROMOTER: “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

BROADCAST: The main event and co-feature will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM/ET / 7:30 PM/PT.

TICKETS: $450.00, $250.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office, online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, calling MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1.866.646.0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

INFORMATION: Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET, first HBO fight at 10:30 PM/ET.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

One of the top trainers in boxing, Gabriel Sarmiento will not be in the corner with his man, World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez when he takes on Sergiy Dzinzurak this Saturday night at The Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Gabriel won’t be in the corner because of some personal issues,” promoter Lou DiBella said, although he would not say what the particular reasons were. “It’s private, so there’s not much I can say about it. But Gabriel was with Sergio in training camp all the way, so they have worked on everything together.”

Taking over as the head of Martinez’s corner is Pablo Sarmiento, Gabriel’s brother. Pablo Sarmiento is a regular member of Martinez’s training staff and has worked in his corner for several past fights, DiBella said.

“Gabriel was with Sergio through the close of camp [last] Friday,” DiBella said. “We knew about this, but we didn’t feel the need to announce it until we had to. We are comfortable with Pablo. This is not an excuse no matter happens in the fight, and we know this is a very tough fight. Sergio said it will make no difference and that he had the best training camp he has ever had. Both of the Sarmientos were there in camp.”

Said Martinez, the consensus fighter of the year for 2010: “Pablo is from the same school [as Gabriel], so this will be OK. It’s nothing that is a surprise. I am well-trained and ready

Unbeaten WBO Intercontinental Champion Robert Helenius (14-0, 9 KOs)
will face the next huge test on his way up the heavyweight rankings when
he collides with former world champion Sam Peter (34-4, 27 KOs) at the
Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle, Germany on April 2. “This is a dream
match-up of two nightmares,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said. “Robert has
taken the heavyweight world by storm and will continue his path to glory
with a victory over an accomplished champion like Peter.”

Helenius, the Nordic Nightmare, sent shockwaves through the
international boxing world by clinching four spectacular victories in
2010. In January, he stopped former world champion Lamon Brewster in the
eighth round before edging Gbenga Oloukun in Helsinki two months later.
In August, Helenius won the EU Heavyweight Title with a sixth-round TKO
victory over previously unbeaten Gregory Tony. In November, he pleased a
boisterous crowd at Helsinki´s Hartwall Areena when he stopped Attila
Levin the second round of their Scandinavian derby. “We are very pleased
with Robert´s development,” Team Sauerland´s sports director Hagen
Doering said. “We have moved him very fast because he is a very special
fighter with an incredible punch. Now is the time to take the next step,
which is a showdown with Peter, a very dangerous opponent. It will be a
spectacular fight. I am sure the Nordic Nightmare will topple the
Nigerian one.”

Peter is one of the biggest names in the heavyweight scene, having been
in the ring with both Klitschko brothers. In 2005, Peter knocked down
Wladimir Klitschko three times – only to lose on points. Two years
later, he beat Jameel McCline to win the Interim WBC Heavyweight Title
and then defeated Oleg Maskaev to become WBC Champion, a title he later
lost to Vitali Klitschko. In his last fight in September 2010, Peter
failed to take revenge on Wladimir Klitschko. “Sam Peter is one of the
biggest and best names out there and I look forward to proving myself
against him,” Robert Helenius said. “He has a tremendous punch and will
be very tough to beat. But I will not allow him to stop me on my way to
the top. It will be a great fight.”

Newly crowned WBC Super Welterweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will return to the ring on June 18th according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Canelo wants to be back in June and we have to see what we’re going to do, but we are holding that date,”Said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s only 20 and he’s ready to go again. He’s looking forward to staying active.”

No opponent has been selected. Schaefer said he has a list of potential opponents he has discussed with Alvarez and his team, but he did not want to make it public. He said he plans to go to New York to discuss the pay-per-view and possible opponents with HBO.

“Last Saturday night was one I’ll never forget and I thank all my fans for their support,” Alvarez said. “I promise that I will always give them the fights they want to see and that I will proudly represent them and Mexico every time I step in the ring.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson will make his first appearance since his first defeat when he takes on Adrian Diaconu on May 21st as part of a Light Heavyweight doubleheader that will be coupled with the anticipated rematch between Bernard Hopkins and JeanPascal that will most likely land in Quebec City and be televised on HBO.

“This is no walkover fight for Chad,” Said Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw. “Diaconu is a tough fighter, a good fighter. But Chad is with a new trainer now in Emanuel Steward and I think that will make a big difference in Chad’s fight game and his strategy. I think you’ll see a whole new Chad, a guy that can finish off his opponent.”

NEW YORK (Mar. 9, 2011) – Undefeated title challenger Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano has signed an exclusive promotional with Boxing 360 and joined the New York-based company’s growing stable of future champions.

The 23-year-old Serrano (8-0-1, 4 KOs), who was born in Puerto Rico, now fighting out of Brooklyn, is slick-boxing younger sister of former lightweight contender, Cindy Serrano. Amanda is presently rated No. 3 by independent source WBAN, as well as No. 7 by the WIBA.

“I wasn’t sure about getting involved in female boxing,” Boxing 360 CEO & Founder Mario Yagobi explained. “But I was at her last fight in upstate New York and I was unbelievably impressed by what I saw from her in the ring. I was equally impressed outside of the ring when we spoke. All she does is train to fight. She doesn’t have a cell phone, a boyfriend, or even go out with friends. She trains everyday to the point of exhaustion, goes home to sleep, and then it is right back to the gym the next day for the same routine. Amanda Serrano is a world champion in the making and we’re going to position here for that opportunity.”

In her last bout in January, Serrano thoroughly dominated rugged Ela Nunez for a win by unanimous 6-round decision, avenging the only blemish on Amanda’s record, a draw versus Nunez in 2009.

Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy believes Amanda is ready to challenge cross-town rival Maureen Shea, the reigning NABF featherweight champion from the Bronx. “I think it’s a natural for New York City and would draw a lot of interest,” Duffy said. “Maureen is the first female NABF champ from New York City. She’s the best and Amanda wants to fight the best. She needs to get past Maureen to get to where she eventually wants to reach.”

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include USBA heavyweight champion Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, WBC #3 rated super bantamweight contender Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, NY State super middleweight title-holder Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, KO king Tyrone Brunson, Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal, Mike Mollo, Joshua “The Juice” Harris, Emad Ali, Angel “Toro” Hernandez and “King” David Estrada.

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

WHAT: “Diamond Elite” professional boxing show

BOUTS:

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO

SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion

2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996 Ukraine Olympian

Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine

46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIELS

4-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion 5-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

8 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

DEMETRIUS “Boo Boo” ANDRADE JHON BERRIO

2008 U.S. Olympian Colombian Junior Middleweight Champion

Providence, RI Monteria, Colombia

12-0 (8 KOs) 15-8 (11 KOs)

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILLY “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

(ALL FIGHTS AND FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2011

WHERE: MGM Grand at Foxwoods

PROMOTER: “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

BROADCAST: The main event and co-feature will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM/ET / 7:30 PM/PT.

TICKETS: $450.00, $250.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 (SOLD OUT) on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office, online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, calling MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1.866.646.0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

INFORMATION: Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET, first HBO fight at 10:30 PM/ET.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

15rounds.com is giving away two tickets to this Saturday’s World Middleweight title bout at Foxwoods and Connecticut. Fans should email mabrams@15rounds.com and write a brief summary of what fight you are most looking forward to in 2011 (besides Pacquiao – Mayweather)

Please list name and town you live in and in Subject line type the word Diamond Contest

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Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Joshua Clottey who was supposed to be part of the Miguel Cotto – Ricardo Mayorga undercard this Saturday in Las Vegas will not make his ring return since his loss to Manny Pacquiao according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Former welterweight titlist Joshua Clottey suffered ankle and wrist injuries when he fell while doing roadwork, forcing him to withdraw from a fight scheduled for Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“He’s got a fracture or just a real bad sprain of the ankle and the wrist,” manager Vinny Scolpino said. “It says on the report that a fracture is possible to both.”

He was running and then it started to rain and that was it. He tripped in the pothole,” Scolpino said. “As he was falling he put his hands down to catch his fall and whacked his wrist. Unbelievable. What are you gonna do? He was by himself. He called up and we went to pick him up and brought him to the hospital.

“He’s upset. I’m upset. He wants to fight. Now he’s on the couch with crutches and splints.”

“He wants to fight, but he can’t go in there if he’s hurt,” Scolpino said.

Clottey (35-4, 20 KO’s) was scheduled to fight Calvin Green (21-5-1, 13 KO’s)

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the much anticipate Heavyweight championship between recognized world champion Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye appears to have been finalized.

More than two years in the making — thanks to Haye’s constant verbal trashing of Klitschko and his older brother, fellow titlist Vitali Klitschko — the fight will take place either June 25 or July 2, both sides said.

However, it is not signed yet.

“It’s 99 percent,” Bernd Boente, Klitschko’s manager, told ESPN.com Sunday. “This week it will be finally signed and also announced. But it is not signed.

“We will sign it very soon. There are no question marks anymore,” Boente said. “The fighters have to sign. [Haye manager/trainer] Adam Booth has to sign. I have to sign. Wladimir [has to sign]. As long as it’s not signed, it’s 99 percent.”

“I am really pleased that we have closed a deal on this fight,” Klitschko told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

“The terms were right, it’s a fair deal — it’s a 50-50 split. That’s what they wanted and that’s what I wanted,” Haye told the BBC. “Here it is — end of June, beginning of July. Let’s get ready to rumble.”

“It will be in a European time zone, but England is out,” Boente said. “It could be one of three different stadiums in Germany. We also have three options outside of Germany. All these things will be discussed A to Z between Adam and myself.

“In the contract we have a paragraph that we do all of these things together because that is what is best,” he added. “Adam will be involved in the stadium deal. We will also talk to American TV stations HBO and Showtime. It could also be on pay-per-view in the U.S. if we can’t find an agreement.”

“The points are agreed to, and I think both sides are happy,” Boente said. “No options, no rematches. One fight. If we want to do another one and sit down afterward and see if it makes sense, we will do that. But this is a straight one-fight deal. It’s obvious that if there is public interest in another fight, it will probably come.”

“Our contract with Chisora says if someone is injured — Wladimir still is — there is no fight,” Boente said. “It is the same injury from December, and it has not healed properly. So the April fight is off, but June or July, that is different. I can only tell you the truth. That is what the doctor said.

“The doctor checked Wladimir and said it is not possible to fight April 30. Why should anybody question it? However it looks, I can only tell you this is the truth and he is one of the top doctors in Germany.”

“Knock on wood, nothing happens. Vitali has to win his fight in two weeks against Solis, which is a very tough fight,” Boente said. “If he comes out of that fight, he is also a possibility. In the contract it says Vitali or Wladimir.”

“Haye is now willing to fight Vitali,” Boente said. “I think it will be Wladimir to face Haye, but it’s not a precondition from Adam Booth or David Haye. In these negotiations they were very flexible. David said he was also willing to fight Vitali, which is different than last time. I think all sides acted as real gentlemen. That is why we reached the goal this time.”

“We had this door open all the time,” Boente said. “Haye walked away last time because Wladimir was going to fight Chisora. But Wladimir was always willing to fight Haye in July if they came back to talk again. They did that.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 6, 2011) – One of the most decorated and widely respected fighters in the history of Mixed Martial Arts, Dan Henderson, knocked out defending champion Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante at 0:50 of the third round to capture the STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Championship in Saturday’s main event live on SHOWTIME® before 7,123 at the Nationwide Arena.

For the remarkable 40-year-old Henderson, the only fighter to simultaneously hold two world titles in two different weight classes with a major promotion, it was his fifth MMA world title and, perhaps, the sweetest.

“Leading up to this fight there was a lot of talk about fighting for the title but I didn’t give it much thought,’’ said Henderson, who left the UFC on a three-fight winning streak to sign with STRIKEFORCE in December 2009. “But now that I have it, it is really nice.

“I wanted to be real patient. Feijao is a tough, real powerful guy especially in the first round. Hopefully, now, I can break that curse.’’

By winning, Henderson (27-8), of Temecula, Calif., became the fourth consecutive challenger since November 2008 to dethrone a defending champion in the deep, talent-laden STRIKEFORCE 205-pound division. It began with Bobby Southworth losing to Renato “Babalu’’ Sobral, who was dethroned by Gegard Mousasi, who in turn was ousted by Muhammad “King’ Mo’’ Lawal, who fell to Feijao.

“I’m just thankful it turned out like this,’’ said Henderson, a two-time United States Olympic Games wrestler before turning pro. “I want to thank Feijao for giving me the opportunity.’’

A winner of five of his last six, Henderson threw what appeared to be a glancing right hand that landed on Feijao’s head. While off-balance, Hendo pushed Feijao to the mat. Feijao landed face-first, and from there Henderson pounced. After five huge right hands, the referee stepped in and stopped it. Going into the third, Hendo was ahead 20-18 on one of the scorecards. The other two had it 19-apiece.

“I made a lot of mistakes,’’ said Feijao (10-3), of Rio de Janiero, Brazil. “You can’t make these kinds of mistakes. I’ll go home, and come back stronger than ever.’’ Feijao entered the fight having won three in a row and six out of his last seven.

In other televised action on STRIKEFORCE: Feijao vs. Hendo presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, Marloes Coenen (19-4) of the Netherlands turned back a determined challenge by late substitute and previously undefeated Liz “Girl-Rilla’’ Carmouche (6-1), of San Diego, Calif., to retain her 135-pound title with a come-from-behind fourth-round submission (triangle choke) in the opening half of a STRIKEFORCE World Championship Doubleheader.

Also, Saturday, on SHOWTIME, American military hero Tim Kennedy (13-3) of Austin, Texas, regained his winning ways with a 3:21, first-round submission (rear-naked choke) over Melvin “No Mercy’’ Manhoef (25-8) of the Netherlands in a middleweight (185 pounds) match and Jorge Masvidal (21-6) of Miami, Fla., dealt previously undefeated lightweight Billy Evangelista (11-1) of Fresno, Calif., his first loss on a unanimous three-round decision.

One of the top female fighters in the world, Coenen, a product of Holland’s Golden Glory team, was behind 29-28 on all the scorecards, heading into the fourth round. She rallied to tap out the game Carmouche at 1:29

“She was kicking my (butt), you must give her respect,’’ said Coenen, who won the STRIKEFORCE crown with an impressive third-round submission (armbar) over defending belt-holder Sarah Kaufman on Oct. 9, 2010. “My gameplan was to just get her tired but she got me on the ground a few times.

“When I had her in that choke I knew I had her, I knew it was over. I’ve been sick and I just wasn’t feeling well in there. If (STRIKEFORCE Women’s World Middleweight Champion Cris) Cyborg hits you, it’s hard to survive but these hits didn’t really hurt that much. I was just defending myself and waiting for my opportunity. Liz is a terrific fighter. She’ll be a champion one day.

“I want to face Miesha Tate next – I think she deserves it. I want to thank the American audiences, my sponsors, and of course (STRIKEFORCE CEO) Scott Coker for giving women a chance in MMA.”’

The virtually untested Carmouche, who replaced an injured Tate on less than two weeks notice, displayed a ton of skill, grit and determination en route to nearly pulling off a major shocker.

“Of course I’m frustrated, no one wants to lose,’’ said the 27-year-old Carmouche, a former Marine whose five-year stint included three tours to Iraq. “I thought I was dominant and that she wasn’t defending herself. I thought the ref was going to stop it a few times but he didn’t.

“I was expecting him to stop it and I was surprised he kept letting it go on. I absolutely want another shot at her. I’d take it next week if I could.’’

One of first things Kennedy, who’s toured the Middle East multiple times, did after the victory over Manhoef was jump on the top of the cage and salute two of his superiors seated near cageside– Leader General Tim Kadavy, the Deputy Director of The National Guard, and Colonel Rob Porter, the Chief of Guard strength director.

When asked by SHOWTIME’s Mauro Ranallo moments later about Manhoef and his immediate future plans, Kennedy said, “we’re talking about one of most decorated strikers (Manhoef) in MMA. I’m excited. There was no hidden game plan. He’s weak on his back.

“I just love being here and fighting for the crowds. I want to fight the best. If the matchmakers at STRIKEFORCE don’t think I’m ready for (current STRIKEFORCE middleweight champion) Jacare (Souza) again, give me the next guy, Robbie Lawler. They’re the two best in the world. I’d love fighting either.’’

Then, directing his attention to those tuning in to the Armed Forces Network, Kennedy said. “There’s only one thing I love more (than fighting MMA, and that’s) being overseas with those guys. Give me a little more time. I’ll be back, protecting your freedoms.’’

Masvidal won by the scores of 30-27 on the three judges’ scorecards. “I do well with strikers,’’ he said. “My timing wasn’t great and I was a little off my game plan but I pulled it out. I think the difference maker was my heart. If I need to go back and beat a few more guys before I get a title shot then that’s fine with me.’’

Said Evangelista, a veteran of the STRIKEFORCE Challengers series who was making his Saturday debut for SHOWTIME: “It was a close fight. I was definitely the aggressor and trying to fight. He used his reach to his advantage. He did what he needed to do to win. I didn’t focus on my grappling. Maybe next time I can get in better grappling shape.’’

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

The telecast will re-air as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Tuesday, March 8, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHO Extreme

The telecast also will be available On Demand beginning Tuesday, March 8, and running through March 21.

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

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

About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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