NEW YORK (June 30, 2011) – In the realm of boxing series, none sticks to its mission statement as closely as the popular ShoBox: The New Generation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 15, at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Texas Station Gambling Hall & Casino in Las Vegas. The Top Rank-promoted doubleheader will feature a night of junior lightweight action with undefeated Diego Magdaleno (19-0, 7 KOs) squaring off against Alejandro Perez (15-2-1, 10 KOs) and Casey Ramos (13-0, 4 KOs) taking on Joselito Collado (12-0, 3 KOs) in a battle of unbeatens.

10th Anniversary Highlights, Stats and Facts …

ShoBox: The New Generation – The Mission

Televise a boxing series to serve as a proving ground for hungry, willing prospects. Thrust young up-and-comers from the anonymity of undercards to the glare of the national spotlight. Match each fighter against his toughest opponent to date and, in the process, expose untested hopefuls – but more importantly – build future champions.

For the last decade, ShoBox has garnered critical acclaim and industry respect by adhering to its central purpose: featuring prospects in pivotal fights where padding the win column stops and their true road to contender status begins. The series is so well defined that it has been added to the boxing lexicon. As characterized by Wikipedia, a “ShoBox fighter” refers to a “quality prospect primed for tougher competition.”

SHOWTIME implemented this decidedly boutique approach with the overall picture in mind.

“Creating a platform for young fighters is something that is not only important to SHOWTIME, but to the sport of boxing generally,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “With ShoBox, we seek out prospects that are willing to challenge themselves with high-risk bouts in exchange for national exposure. It’s a win-win for all involved, including our subscribers who get the entertainment of competitive fights and an introduction to the new generation of future champions.”

A staggering 87 fighters who fought on ShoBox moved on to challenge for a world title, with 42 of those fighters becoming world champions. The first future champ to emerge from ShoBox dates back to the series’ initial telecast on July 21, 2001. Leonard Dorin scored a ninth-round TKO over fellow unbeaten Martin O’Malley. Two fights later, Dorin was a world champion. With 157 ShoBox telecasts and 42 eventual world titlists, ShoBox enjoys a rough average of featuring a future champion every fourth show.
ShoBox – By the Numbers

42 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title. Notables include:

Andre Ward
Diego Corrales
Nonito Donaire
Chad Dawson
Timothy Bradley
Paul Williams
Juan Manuel Lopez
Robert Guerrero
Carl Froch
Kermit Cintron
Kendall Holt
Paulie Malignaggi
Kelly Pavlik
Andre Berto
Victor Ortiz

89 – Fighters who fought on ShoBox and went on to challenge for a world title

52 – Matches between undefeated fighters

89 – Fighters who suffered the first loss of their pro careers

6 – Fighters who won a world title after losing on ShoBox:

Luis Collazo
Robert Guerrero
Eric Aiken
David Diaz
Isaac Hlatshwayo
Cornelius Bundrage
157 – Telecasts

321 – Fights

58 – Cities that hosted a ShoBox event

5 – Most appearances on ShoBox

Andre Ward
Ishe Smith
Robert Guerrero
Sechew Powell
Kendall Holt
Mike Arnaoutis
Chris Avalos

ShoBox – Behind the Numbers

For Openers: Gary Russell Jr. is the only boxer to make his pro debut on ShoBox.

Quickest Out Of The Gate:

· T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (15 seconds) on Oct. 19, 2007

· Allan Green KO 1 Jaidon Codrington (18 seconds) on Nov. 4, 2005

· Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage (22 seconds) on May 6, 2005

Rematches: There have been only two rematches in the history of ShoBox. Each time, the loser in the first fight won the second by knockout.

T.J. Wilson KO 1 Travis Walker (Oct. 19, 2007); Walker KO 2 Wilson (Feb. 28, 2008)
Gamaliel Diaz W 10 Robert Guerrero (Dec. 2, 2005); Guerrero KO 6 Diaz (June 23, 2006)
The Hall Recall – Executive Producer Gordon Hall’s Quintessential ShoBox Fights:

Juan Urango (13-0) vs. Mike Arnaoutis (10-0-1) – D 12 – Aug. 5, 2004
The Hall Recall: “This fight was an all-out war that ended in a draw and is a classic example of two undefeated, talented fighters facing each other early in their careers on ShoBox.”

Robert Guerrero (16-0-1) vs. Gamaliel Diaz (19-5-2) – Diaz SD 12 Guerrero – Dec. 2, 2005
The Hall Recall: “A perfect example of a ShoBox fight where the young fighter is tested by the more seasoned fighter who had experience going into the later rounds and could move. Robert lost the fight in a split decision, but more importantly, he learned from the defeat, went on to avenge the loss on ShoBox and later won a world title.’’

Tim Bradley (21-0) vs. Junior Witter (36-1-3) – Bradley SD 12 Witter – May 10, 2008
The Hall Recall: “Before challenging for the junior welterweight title in Witter’s U.K. backyard, Bradley had never fought outside of California and was coming off the longest layoff of his career. Bradley’s knockdown of Witter in the sixth round was the turning point in the fight and he went on to win a split decision. Bradley developed in his three previous ShoBox appearances, which helped put him in position for this fight – where he became the first ShoBox fighter to win his title on ShoBox.’’

Marcus Johnson (20-0) vs. Dyah Davis (18-2-1) – Davis UD 10 Johnson;
Danny O’Connor (14-0) vs. Gabriel Bracero (14-0) – Bracero UD 8 O’Connor;
Willie Nelson (16-0-1) vs. Vincent Arroyo (10-1) – Arroyo MD 8 Nelson – April 8, 2011
The Hall Recall: “Three talented and touted prospects walked into the ring undefeated and walked out with a loss. And all on the same night… now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Ringside Analyst Steve Farhood’s Memorable Moments

The face of Ebo Elder after he rallied with a 12th-round TKO over Courtney Burton
(Dec. 17, 2004)
The 12th-round drama of Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade I
(Oct. 24, 2008)
Ricky Hatton’s ring entrances to “Blue Moon”
(Oct. 27, 2001, Dec. 15, 2001, Sept. 28, 2002)
Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fighters

o Tim Bradley

o Lucian Bute

o Diego Corrales

o Chad Dawson

o Nonito Donaire

o Robert Guerrero

o Joan Guzman

o Ricky Hatton

o Andre Ward

o Paul Williams

Steve Farhood’s 10 Best ShoBox Fights

o Kendall Holt KO 1 Ricardo Torres

(July 5, 2008)

o Carlos Abregu KO 4 Irving Garcia

(May 1, 2009)

o Juan Urango D 12 Mike Arnaoutis

(Aug. 5, 2004)

o Ebo Elder KO 12 Courtney Burton

(Dec. 17, 2004)

o Lucian Bute W 12 Librado Andrade

(Oct. 24, 2008)

o Sechew Powell KO 1 Cornelius Bundrage

(May 6, 2005)

o Mike Oliver W 12 Gary Stark

(Feb. 16, 2007)

o Kuvanych Toygonbayev W 10 Andrey Tsurkan

(May 22, 2003)

o Stevie Murray W 10 Martin Watson

(April 1, 2004)

o Orlando Cruz KO 5 Leonilo Miranda

(Jan. 16, 2009)

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

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

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

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
On Thursday July 7th, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns to the Paradise Theater in the Bronx, for the latest installment of its popular, “Punchin at the Paradise” fight night series. The card will feature a number of exciting match-ups, including two separate fights that matches Bronx vs. Bronx, in a battle for neighborhood bragging rights. In addition to the pro fights featured on the card, there are also four amateur bouts scheduled to open up the show. The entire show will be broadcast live on GFL.TV

“Our goal, and our vision with the series, is to be able to build up boxing here in the Bronx. We have a tremendous venue with the Paradise Theater, and now by putting together exciting fights, that match Bronx Fighters vs. Bronx Fighters, we are confident we are well on our way to achieving that goal,” stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing. “Back in the glory days of boxing, these were the type of fights and cards you saw all the time. You have one guy fighting out of one gym in the Bronx, who is going to bring all his friends and supporters, fighting another guy whose gym is just a neighborhood away who will have all his fans cheering him on as well. Not only does it make for exciting fights, but also for a great atmosphere and in my eyes that’s what boxing is all about.”

The first Bronx Battle of the night will see tough veterans, Stephon “The Mandingo Warrior” Owusu (7-6, 4KO’s) (Bronxchester Boxing Club) and Angel “White Tiger” Rios (9-4, 6KO’s) (John’s Gym) go toe-to-toe in a six round welterweight showdown. Both Owusu and Rios, have similar stories, as both began their careers in the late 1990’s (Owusu in 1998, Rios in 1999). Both ran into some legal trouble a few years later that put their respective careers on the sidelines.

Rios who has been out of the ring since 2003, has been in with some pretty good opposition, having went the distance with former WBO super featherweight Champion, Mike Achondo, as well as former IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight Champion, Nate Campell.

Owusu, who made his return to the ring back in May on the first Punchin at the Paradise card of 2011, looked very good as he won a dominate four round decision before a strong contingent of fans in his first bout since 2000. With both fighters knowing that they can’t afford to have any additional hiccups in their careers, you can expect an all out war when the two meet on July 7th.

The second Bronx Battle matches former NY Golden Gloves Champion, Danny Valle (4-0, 3KO’s) against former bitter amateur rival, and fellow NY Golden Gloves Champion, Angel Torres, in a six round super featherweight showdown. There is bad blood between Valle and Torres that stems from their amateur days. They have talked about fighting one another for years, and now they will finally get a chance to settle the score once and for all on July 7th.

Also scheduled to see action on the card in separate four round bouts is the Bronx’s super middleweight, Michael Ocasio (1-0, 1KO) and Mount Vernon welterweight, Juan Perez.

Ocasio, who trains at the Morris Park Boxing Club, was a former baseball standout, and was on scholarship at the University of Miami before injuring his shoulder and forcing him away from the sport. Now Ocasio, who comes from a boxing background, is looking to see how far his athletic ability can take him in the fight game.

Doors open at 6:30PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM. Tickets are priced at $30, $50 and $100 and can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823-2000, visiting www.starboxing.com or simply by CLICKING HERE: Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Paradise Theater box office, located at 2403 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, NY.

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

Rico Ramos trains for his WBA Championship bout against Akifumi Shimoda in Atlantic City live on HBO July 9, 2011. Watch behind the scenes training and insight of the Ramos camp in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At the turn of the year Thomas Dulorme was just another nameless prospect in the talent laden Welterweight division, however after 2 impressive KO’s on big shows in Connecticut he created his own buzz and moved away from the pack. It’s still early days for the 21 year old; he’s only had 12 fights all wins with 10 inside the distance. His power makes for Interesting viewing, his team matched him with tricky southpaw veteran former world champion DeMarcus Corley last time out, it was a test that Dulorme promptly passed. He’ll stay busy and fight next on 19 August back in Puerto Rico. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him then get a slot on the undercard of Sergio Martinez next fight on 1 October. From here on the challenges get tougher but if Dulorme can keep doing what he’s doing Puerto Rico may just have another star in it’s midst.

Hello Thomas, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your recent win over former world champion DeMarcus Corley. You won comfortably enough on points. Can you tell us about the fight from your point of view and were you happy with your performance?

Thomas Dulorme – It was a great fight and a great learning experience for me as a boxer. Corley is a trickster and you’ve got to be ready against him.

Anson Wainwright – Word is you will next fight on 19 August in Puerto Rico. Can you tell us about this? Any news on who you will fight?

Thomas Dulorme – Yeah. I’m very happy about that. To fight in Puerto Rico is a great opportunity for me, I love my Island. The rival hasn’t been announced.

Anson Wainwright – Prior to the Corley fight you had two very impressive KO victories over Guillermo Valdes on the Martinez-Dzindziruk card & Harrison Cuello on the Berto-Ortiz card. Both were respected journeymen. Can you tell us what it was like for you to appear on big shows in Connecticut like those?

Thomas Dulorme – It was a great experience for me, because fighting the both of them gave me other great opportunities in boxing. They were great foes.

Anson Wainwright – In your last two fights you have weighed in 3 pounds under the Welterweight limit, do you consider yourself a Light Welterweight or Welterweight?

Thomas Dulorme – Well I started as a Light welterweight and what happened was that one day I had problems making the limit of 140 and I started fighting on 142, and then 143 and 144. As of right now I can make the limit of 140, but not easily, so my trainer and me decided we should stay at the low side of Welterweight till I become a full fledged Welterweight which I’m not right now. I’m only 21 so maybe by next year I can become a full Welterweight.

Anson Wainwright – You’re known as a big puncher, could you tell us about your power and also the other skills you believe you possess?

Thomas Dulorme – I believe that my power comes from my fighting stances and speed. I move a lot and have a lot of angles and that helps me a lot to have different positions that allow me to power punch. I really like my speed and lateral movement it helps me a lot to move in and out of trouble.

Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team; your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at? Have you trained or sparred with any contenders or champions? If so how did it go?

Thomas Dulorme – My manager and trainer is Jose Bonilla and my promoters are Javier Bustillo, Lou Di Bella and Gary Shaw. I train a lot and spar with ex world champion Carlos “El Indio” Quintana. It did go well, I help him since I was little for his fights.

Anson Wainwright – I believe you were born in The Dominican Republic and moved to Puerto Rico. Could you tell us about your early years growing up?

Thomas Dulorme – I grew up in the French side of the Island of St. Martin and then moved to the Dominican Republic and then to PR. I moved to PR when I was nine and it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me I love living here.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us how you first became Interested in Boxing and when you took it up? Were you a natural or was it something you had to work at? Did you have much of an amateur career? If so what tournaments and titles did you win? Also what was your final record?

Thomas Dulorme – I became interested when I was little because I walked in to a gym and I thought it was interesting and I started. I was fast but technique wise I had to work a lot to perfect it. I won the Puerto Rico Golden Gloves, St. Martin Golden Gloves and Dominican Republic Golden Gloves. I did 142 amateur fights and lost only 2 of them.

Anson Wainwright – You are a member of Team Puerto Rico, could you tell us a bit about this?

Thomas Dulorme – Well it’s an honour because only the best Puerto Rican fighters are chosen to be part of Team Puerto Rico and it’s an honour to be part of it.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you grow up admiring & who you enjoy watching today?

Thomas Dulorme – My favourite fighter of all time was Sugar Ray Leonard, he had everything, speed, movement and power. If I can be half of what he was I will be fine in boxing.

Anson Wainwright – What are you goals in Boxing?

Thomas Dulorme – I want to become a world champion for my Island of Puerto Rico.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing world?

Thomas Dulorme – I want to thank all of them for taking some of their time to see my fights, hopefully I can repay them with excellent fights from now on.

Thanks for your time Thomas, we look forward to seeing you progress in your career.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Forget the kicking and wrestling, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson will soon be where he should have been all along… busting heads in a boxing ring.

On Saturday, August 13, legendary street brawler Kimbo Slice will make his long-awaited professional boxing debut in the four-round main event of a Gary Shaw Productions and Tony Holden Promotions boxing extravaganza at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

Slice became the Internet’s first street-certified action hero by smashing down a series of opponents in brutal backyard fist fights. The announcement is good news for fight fans, as he will surely administer a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the American heavyweight scene.

“Kimbo was always meant to be in the ring,” said Jared Shaw, Team Kimbo Promotional Advisor. “He’s one of the hardest punchers in the world and on August 13, his journey to becoming America’s heavyweight begins. The first stop will be Oklahoma in what will become the Kimbo Slice Express.”

Longtime friend and manager, Mike Imber, said that Slice has been training for his debut with his longtime boxing coach Randy Khatami and also spent some time in top-rated contender Alfredo Angulo’s camp, working with trainer Clemente Medina.

“He’s completely focused on his boxing career and excited to showcase his talents inside the squared circle,” continued Shaw. “Kimbo Slice is hungry and when that man wants his bread, he’s scary.”

Slice rose to worldwide prominence via the Internet and viral videos of a series of unlicensed street fights, each of which garnered millions of views. As a mixed martial artist, he competed for the EliteXC and UFC organizations and appeared on CBS, PPV and Showtime Network, going 4-2 against some of the world’s best competition. Slice drew record numbers of viewers to Spike, the Ultimate Fighter and in each of his network and cable bouts.

“Even in his losses, Kimbo brought a level of excitement that few fighters can generate,” said his promoter, Gary Shaw. “He is a genuine personality with unbelievable strength and character and we’re excited about his prospects in boxing. The minute he steps in the ring, he’ll be one of the most recognizable and talked-about fighters in the sport and his fans around the world will once again feel the excitement.”

“Kimbo’s been waiting for this and now it’s time,” added Imber.

Opponents and other matches on the card will be announced shortly. Tickets for the professional boxing debut of Kimbo Slice are priced at $38, $48 and $68 and will be available July 5 through www.buffalorun.com.

Los Angeles, CA (June 29, 2011) – WBC Featherweight Champion, Jhonny Gonzalez, returns to the ring on a Televisa broadcast, after becoming a three-time World Champion this past April when he traveled to Japan to knockout the defending World Champion, Hozumi Haswegawa in the 4th round.

With Mexico’s premier television network televising prior to the live HBO broadcast, Gonzalez will showcase his devastating power-punching skills against the tough Texan, Tomas “El Norteño” Villa, on July 9 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City with the 12-round bout between Paul “The Punisher” Williams and undefeated Cuban Erislandy Lara, in what will be the first defense of Gonzalez under the promotional partnership between Del Pueblo Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Fights between Mexicans and Mexico-Americans have been historic in the international boxing landscape for many years, including one’s between the great Ruben “Puas” Olivares and Bobby Chacon; Oscar de la Hoya vs. Julio Cesar Chavez; “Jessie” James Leija against Gabriel Ruelas; Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz, along with many others, and Televisa jumped at the chance to spotlight Gonzalez as he looks to join these elite ranks with his challenge against Villa.

“El Norteño,” as Villa is commonly referred to, is a true warrior of the ring. In his last bout Villa thoroughly outgunned Salvador Sanchez II, and believes he can do the same with the Mexican World Champion.

“It’s a dream for me fighting for a World Championship after 10 years of hard work. I will fight to the finish and do everything I can to become World Champion,” Villa said.

Gonzalez, along with his recently inducted Hall of Fame manager and trainer, Ignacio Beristain, have their sight on keeping the title against the rugged Villa.

Gonzalez stated, “I’ve got the best of both worlds, fighting in the U.S. and letting my fans see me in Mexico on Televisa. I will go out there and do what fans love to see from their fighters, look to knock Villa out cold!”

Oswaldo Kuchkle of Del Pueblo Promotions said it was the opportunity needed for Jhonny to be able to go that next step. “With Televisa and HBO present, what better way for Jhonny to make a statement that he’s willing to fight any of the other champions. We would like to bring (Orlando) Salido or (Elio) Rojas to Mexico in a big event or (Yuriorkis) Gamboa if he’s up to the challenge.”

ABOUT WILLIAMS VS. LARA EVENT

Paul “The Punisher” Williams looks to make statement against unbeaten and world ranked Cuba native Erislandy Lara (15-0-1, 10 KOs) in a battle of southpaws. Williams-Lara headlines the HBO telecast in a scheduled 12-round bout, which also features WBA #1-ranked Rico Ramos (19-0, 10 KOs) challenging World Champion, Akifumi Shimoda (23-2-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the Tokyo native’s WBA Super Bantamweight Championship. The undercard event preceding the televised portion features heavyweight sensation Chris Arreola (32-2, 28 KOs) taking on hard-punching Friday “The 13th” Ahunanya (24-7-3,13 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout.

The championship event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and hosted by Caesars Atlantic City with the Williams-Lara bout being presented in association with Golden Boy Promotions and the Ramos-Shimoda bout being presented in association with Teiken Promotions. The Williams vs. Lara and Shimoda vs. Ramos bouts will be broadcast on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 PM ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). Doors open at 6:30pm and first bout begins at 7:00pm. Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

NEW YORK CITY -In many ways boxing is theater. The fighters – the actors; the ring – their stage.

But when a press conference for one of the most anticipated fights of 2011 takes place in an actual theater, the Hudson Theater just away from Times Square, boxing isn’t just theater anymore…it’s THEATER.

For the two-plus hours I occupied my seat on the first floor of the triple-tiered playhouse, I was aching for popcorn, dying for a large soda.

The kick-off press conference for September 17 Floyd Mayweather – Victor Ortiz welterweight title bout had all the bells and whistles of a Broadway show.

The theater was dark, spotted lights littered the walls and ceiling. The closed red curtain on stage was used as the backdrop for a giant projector looped both Mayweather and Ortiz’s greatest hits, as well as scenes from outer-space — keeping in theme with the “Star Power” label given to the their upcoming scrap.

At about noon, the two hundred or so fans that had formed a line hugging the exterior of the theater on 44th Street were let in. They filled the two upper balconies. With the fans came buzz; excitement. Some of them had been there since 8:45 am. Two others drove all the way to the Big Apple from Virginia just to be in the same room as the man they consider to be the greatest active fighter.

Immediately after entering the theater, fans with dueling interests began belting out support for their respective fighters. Chants of “Ortiz! Ortiz!” were quickly drowned with boos from the pro-Mayweather crowd. The next round of “Ortiz!” chants were countered with triumphant choruses of “Money! Money!” It was as if we were watching some sort of musical — the kind where the actors ask the audience to clap and sing along to each song.

Then, at about 12:45 pm or so, a deep voice came over the speaker system as the theater lights got even dimmer.

“Please take your seats, the press conference will begin shortly.”

I swore he was going to ask if we could please remain silent throughout the duration of the movie.

Anyway, after a mini-documentary of Victor Ortiz was shown, a spotlight revealed Ortiz to be in the back of the theater. With music blaring over the speakers, he slowly made his way to the stage, stopping to shake a few hands, pose for a few pictures, and blow kisses to the fans up top.

The same went on for Mayweather. A mini-documentary followed by a WWE-like walk to the stage.

Once on stage, both fighters faced-off. We’ll call it a draw. Nobody blinked; it seemed like it lasted forever.

The red curtain finally went up, revealing a giant promotional banner and a podium, and just like that, Act I was underway.

Aside from the spectacular setting of this particular press conference, the content was typical. Mayweather was sold as the greatest active fighter; Ortiz billed as a heavy-handed rising star. Both can be debated, I suppose, but both have earned those reputations.

The opening Act did have two moments that had me at the edge of my seat, however.

The first came from the mouth of Victor Ortiz, who riled up the Mexicans in the crowd when he said this:

“I hope not offending anyone, but July 7th 1985 — there’s going to be a repetition on September 17th. It was Mr. Roger Mayweather vs. Mr. Julio Cesar Chavez!”

Ortiz slapped both hands on the podium and briskly walked away from the microphone. Only feet way, Floyd Mayweather remained expressionless.

When it was Mayweather’s turn to speak, he only threw one jab Ortiz’s way, perhaps in response to the JCC-Roger Mayweather dig. Money May just casually mentioned that he’d “a ton of money for this fight,” while Ortiz would make some “good money.”

He did throw some bigger shots toward the media, however. And after delivering those blows, he followed up by offering some praise.

“To the media, and everyone’s entitled to write what they want to write, and I just want to let you guys know that my children are a lot older now and are able to go on the computer and read the stories that you guys write,” Mayweather said.

He continued, “You turn the tables…do you want me to write negative things about you just because I won’t give you guys a story, so let me write my own stories and make up stories? It’s not right.”

Moments later, praised the media for keeping him relevant even when he is out of the ring.

Both points noted. Although, to his second point, I would just argue that his actions keep him relevant — the media are just writing their reactions.

The press conference had a little this, a little that. It was an eventful first scene.

At times it was over-the-top, flashy, and flat-out dramatic. The fans seemed to enjoy that, though — which of course is great.

I thought it was an above-average opening Act myself. It did what it was supposed to do: lay the groundwork for the rest of the performance, set the scene.

They’ll be other Acts along the way — other stops here and there. But ultimately, we’ll all have to wait a few months — September, in fact — to see how this particular piece concludes. The setting will have changed by then, too; to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. A fitting place for the final Act of “Star Power” to take place.

Kyle Kinder can be reached at Twitter.com/KyleKinder or KyleKinder1@gmail.com

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

WBC Welterweight champion Ortiz talks about his September 17th bout with Floyd Mayweather

Pound for Pound King Floyd Mayweather talks about his September 17 bout with Welterweight kg Victor Ortiz

Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz meet the media in New York to announce their September 17th showdown in Las Vegas

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer breaks down the September 17th showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz

Unlike many other fighters Adrian “El Confesor” Hernandez 21-1-1(13) had to earn his title opportunity the hard way fighting several tough opponents & continually improving his ranking, even travelling to Europe where he twice fought and won in Italy before becoming the mandatory challenger for the WBC Light Flyweight title. He was determined not to waste his chance when it came beating wily veteran Gilberto Keb Bass to achieve his life long ambition via tenth round stoppage. Now he hopes to retain that title as many times as possible. Currently Hernandez 25, who hails from Toluca in Mexico is awaiting news of his first defence. Here’s what he had to say.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALMA MONTIEL

Hello Adrian, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on your terrific title winning effort against Gilbert Keb Baas. What can you tell us about the fight and your performance?

Adrian Hernandez – It was a tough fight, but I was sure of myself because I had beat him before.

Anson Wainwright – What does it mean to you to win a world title?

Adrian Hernandez – It was exciting. It is a life long dream.

Anson Wainwright – It has been mentioned that you may have to fight a rematch with Keb Bass in your first title defence. What do you think of that? When may you be back in action?

Adrian Hernandez – The first fight will be a voluntary defence in August.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Adrian Hernandez – My manager & promoter is Salvador Briman. My trainer is Cesar Bazan (Former WBC Lightweight champion). My gym is Gym Centro Ceremonial Otomi.

Anson Wainwright – The Light Flyweight division is very tough with many talented fighters about and also full of Mexican boxers. What are your thoughts on the current champions WBA Roman Gonzalez, IBF Ulises Solis & WBO Ramon Hirales?

Adrian Hernandez – They are all great and tough champions.

Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your younger days and what it was like to grow up in Toluca, Mexico?

Adrian Hernandez – I was a normal student from a close knit family. Great family values.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become Interested and take up Boxing? Did you have an amateur career?

Adrian Hernandez – I fell in love with Boxing after watching Rocky. I also got into a lot of fights so Boxing came naturally. I had 40 amateur fights.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have in Boxing after winning the WBC 108 title?

Adrian Hernandez – To retain the title.

Anson Wainwright – Who was your hero growing up & who do you like to watch fight today?

Adrian Hernandez – My hero was Chavez. I love Pacquiao.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing; what are your hobbies and Interests?

Adrian Hernandez – I like to play Handball.

Anson Wainwright – Some boxers have to work a day job on there way up, is this something you had to do? If so what was it and do you still do the day job after winning the title?

Adrian Hernandez – I had a candy store with my dad. I still help out.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans in Mexico after your recent title victory?

Adrian Hernandez – Thanks for your support. I will keep working hard.

Thanks for your time Adrian, keep up the good work.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former Middleweight champion Jermain Taylor will return to the ring in August after a two year break following a brutal knockout loss to Arthur Abraham.

The report indicated that Taylor will go back to his original trainer Pat Burns.

“I’m training him. We’re working out all the logistics right now about exactly when and where the fight will take place. (Taylor adviser) Al Haymon is working on all of that now,” Burns told ESPN.com Monday. “I will be with Jermain in the next couple of days. We need to get going on the next phase of training, and that’s sparring.”

Multiple sources told ESPN.com that Showtime, which had a contract with Taylor, one of the original participants in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, likely will televise the bout on Aug. 13. It is likely to take place in Taylor’s hometown of Little Rock, Ark., according to sources. No opponent has been selected.

“I like everything I’m seeing, but most important, both neurologists he has seen have given him 100 percent clearance to compete and, based on what I’ve seen, he looks outstanding. He’s very hungry. He has the look he had when he was on the way up.

“He went through a lot and lot of guys would have thrown in the towel, but he has a determination to come back and capture the title, and that’s pretty exciting. I’m glad we were able communicate and work this out. He’s very hungry, which is great to see, and he’s done a lot of maturing.”

Taylor, according to Burns, had extensive neurological tests done in Little Rock as well as at the renowned Mayo Clinic. He said both neurologists received copies of the medical reports from Germany from after the Abraham fight so they could compare test results.

“This has been going on for a little over a year,” Burns said. “When it comes to a concussion there is nothing like time (to allow it to heal). He is still young and we all did a lot of research. The medical reports say he is at no greater risk than any other fighter, otherwise I’m not interested.

“I don’t need the money. I’m very content with the way I’m living my life. But there is a feeling that is itching me — that he can recapture the world title.”

“The first time I saw Jermain he was 197 pounds,” Burns said. “He came down to Miami to see me. He had called me two or three times and I wasn’t showing a whole lot of interest. But Jermain was adamant about it. So he came down and we had some heart to heart discussion about what went down and there was a lot of acknowledgement about what happened from his side.

“I told him that, yes, I was disappointed about what had happened, but I put it in my rearview mirror pretty quick and moved on. I was very disappointed in the way he was being handled by his new trainers and the people he was surrounded with in Little Rock, who were supposed to be the people looking out for him.

“My concern was that he go to a neurologist,” Burns said. “He went to a local one in Little Rock. I advised him to go the Mayo Clinic, which he did about four months ago. His safety is more important to me than anything else. Working with Jermain is going to put money in my pocket, but it won’t change my lifestyle. I need to make sure I can live with myself.

“I later found out that Al Haymon was adamant about him going to the Mayo Clinic also, so we were on the same page, which was great.”

“It was a test to see the commitment and I was very, very pleased with his commitment,” Burns said. “About four weeks ago, he came down and was 170 pounds and left at 164. The other day he was 165. I have someone in Little Rock I trust and that’s what he weighed. He knows there is no room for anything other than honesty.

“He’s doing great. I’ve spoken to Al Haymon, I’ve been in touch with Jermain and his wife about this and he wants to fight, and I’m willing to take this on. In a nutshell, here’s my evaluation: He looks extremely hungry, extremely sharp and all the instincts are there. He looks tremendous. His mental state is great and I sense a real commitment.

Burns said he and Taylor plan to start a full training camp, including sparring, perhaps as soon as next week with the intention of fighting in August. He said all of this is being done with the support of Taylor’s family.

“In Erika, he has a great wife. She had concerns for him and his health and she wanted to make sure he was cleared,” Burns said. “There is life other than boxing. She supported him. She helped facilitate all of the exams Jermain undertook. If she’s happy, that is very important. The people that love him and care about him have to support this for it to be a go. Had there been any doubt, it wouldn’t have happened. And Jermain told me himself, ‘I have to take care of my family and be there for them.’ He wasn’t going to go through any undue risk because he has a family to take care of for a long, long time.”

The move back down to middleweight is something Burns pressed for.

“He should have never been at 168 pounds,” he said. “Not only will he fight at middleweight now, he’ll be able to have a big dinner (the night before the weigh in). None of that killing himself to make weight.

“Nothing replaces hard work. I still have that old marine mentality. I was raised hard. My mother was tough on me. I’m going back to him to make him a world champion again. Let’s see if we can win a few fights and recapture a middleweight title.”

Fresh off his controversial win against Lucas Matthysse this past Saturday night, former Jr. Welterweight champion Devon Alexander will move to Welterweight according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“That’s our last fight at 140,” Kevin Cunningham, Alexander’s manager and his trainer since he first began boxing as a young boy, told ESPN.com on Monday. “He’s killing himself so bad to make the weight. After six rounds, his legs aren’t there because he killed himself to make 140. He’s been making 140 pounds since he was 15 and an amateur. Now he’s a 24-year-old man.”

“Devon didn’t look strong in these last few fights by the mid-rounds,” Cunningham said, referencing Saturday’s fight plus Alexander’s first career loss in a title unification fight versus Timothy Bradley Jr. in January and his unanimous decision win against former titlist Andriy Kotelnik last August.

“Devon never used to weaken in these fights. He didn’t weaken in the (world title) fights with Junior Witter or (Juan) Urango. For those fights, he would get down to 146 and hit a wall at like 145 or 146. It took him a week and a half to get past 145, but he did it. For this fight with Matthysse, he got to 146 and he couldn’t get past it. It took a few weeks and he finally broke through, but it took a lot. A lot.

“I can’t keep putting my fighter at a disadvantage. He’s gotta move up. We’re taking off all this weight and there’s no fat, so he’s been taking off muscle.”

Cunningham already has an opponent in mind — former junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi, who moved up in weight last year but is on the shelf recovering from a hand injury suffered in his last fight.

“Our first up at 147, we’d like to fight Malignaggi,” Cunningham said. “I think it would be a great fight. Paulie’s already talking s— about Devon, so there’s some bad blood already.”

Also, Alexander’s promotional contract with Don King expired following the fight, so before he returns to the ring, Cunningham said they will be listening to offers.

“The contract with King is over and we’re free to talk to whoever we want to talk to,” Cunningham said. “So we’ll take a little break and then sit down and see what happens. We’ll see what the best direction is for Devon to go in and then we’ll start talking to people.”

Undefeated Welterweight contender Mike Jones talks to 15rounds.com and gfl.tv after his 2nd round stoppage over Raul Munoz and talks about future plans which may include Manny Pacquiao

Future world title challenger Mike Oliver discusses his win over Felipe Almanza plus his July 23rd title opportunity against Orlando Salido

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
WOODHAVEN, NY (June 27, 2011)—This past Friday night at The Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, New York, New Legend Boxing Promotions and Old World Boxing presented a memorable night of championship boxing that saw Juan Dominguez capture the New York State Bantamweight title; Melissa McMorrow win the ladies Flyweight State title and a controversial draw between Jonathan Cuba and Ariel Duran for the New York State Bantamweight.

The fights were taped to be streamed all over the world on www.gfl.tv for just $9.99 by clicking:
http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Old_WorldNew_Legend_Presents_Friday_Night_Fights/1101

Dominguez and Arturo Santiago engaged in a terrific fight that Dominguez fought well and Santiago should incredible courage and kept coming back every time that it seemed Dominguez would be in control.

Dominguez closed the show in style by dropping Santiago in the final moment to secure the victory and remain perfect at 8-0.

In the co-feature, Melissa McMorrow trekked across the country to win the New York State Lightweight title with a split decision over Eileen Olszewski in a ladies Flyweight bout.

It was a good close fight with McMorrow bobbing and weaving herself inside while Olszewski tried to control the fight from range.

McMorrow was able to win a lot of the little inside battles and worked the body to gain the narrow victory.

In what was the most intense and controversial fight of the night, Ariel Duran and Jonathan Cuba battled a spirited bout for the New York State Lightweight crown

The two waged war with Duran landing some nice lead rights and scoring a knockdown on Cuba. Cuba picked up the pace and stalked hurt Duran in the last round.

Most at ringside thought Duran deserved the victory and the title and talk quickly pointed towards a rematch

Other Winners on the card included Michael Brooks, Edward Valdez, Martin Wright, Tommy Rainone and Bryan Abraham, who scored a shocking third round stoppage over Scottie Burrell

FULL RESULTS

8 ROUNDS-NEW YORK STATE BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE—Juan Dominguez (8-0) 117 ½ lbs of Brooklyn, NY U DEC (80-70; 79-73; 79-73) over Arturo Santiago (7-3-1) 117 lbs of Puerto Rico

8 Rounds—New York State Female Flyweight Title—Melissa McMorrow (5-2-3) 111 lbs of San Francisco, CA S DEC (79-73; 78-74; 74-78) over Eileen Olszewski (7-3-2) 110 ½ lbs of New York, NY

8 Rounds—New York State Lightweight Title—Ariel Duran (7-2-1) 135 lbs of Brooklyn, NY DRAW with Jonathan Cuba (5-3-1) 134 lbs of Brooklyn, NY (scores were 78-73 Duran; 76-74 Cuba and 75-75)

6 Rounds—Welterweights—Tommy Rainone (15-4) 149 lbs of Plainview, NY U DEC (59-54 on all cards) over Norman Allen (6-5) 145 ½ lbs of Laurel, MD

6 Rounds—Welterweight—Martin Wright (10-1-2, 5 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY KO 6 (:32) over Carlos Cisneros (9-18-1) 148 lbs of Philadelphia, PA

4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Edward Valdez (5-8-2) 133 ½ lbs of Brooklyn, NY U DEC (40-36 on all cards) over George Santiago (1-5) 137 lbs of Brooklyn, NY

4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Michael Brooks (4-0) 138 ½ lbs of Long Island, NY U DEC (40-36; 40-35 on 2 cards) over Matteo Acosta (0-3-1) 137 lbs of Puerto Rico

4 Rounds—Jr. Welterweights—Bryan Abraham (4-6-2, 4 KO’s) 138 lbs of Schenectady, NY KO 3 (2:23) over Scott Burrell (3-1) 138 lbs of Bronx, NY

We all knew Wladimir Klitschko was a chinny smart guy who took no unnecessary shots and worried openly about what might happen if the right man put a punch on his chin. We had our suspicions, expressed openly and often in the United States where he was more of an Off-Broadway attraction than a demigod, suspicions of what form he would revert to if put back in that scary mid-career place where Sanders then Brewster found him.

Suspicions confirmed.

Saturday in Hamburg, a record number of German fight fans watched in stunned silence as Klitschko was decisively undone by a single punch from Englishman David “Hayemaker” Haye in the first minute of round 3. It took another 80 seconds of grappling and referee interference before Haye could drop Klitschko for a count of 20 – officially at 2:03 of the third – but the fight’s conclusion moved from startling to inevitable in the instant after the first right hand landed for Haye.

Exactly as Haye promised it would.

And yet the match began on such an affirming note for the fragile Klitschko. He kept his left arm fully extended during the opening round. Gone were the tension and quiet fury he’d showed HBO analyst Max Kellerman in that eerily scored promotional sitdown with Haye. Instead it was the prototypical Klitschko of other title defenses: left jab, left jab, left jab, balletic backwards leap, left jab.

Then David Haye sold his soul and took the sort of chance that marks heavyweight champions. He hurled himself at greatness and caught Klitschko flush. “Untergeht Klitschko! Untergeht Klitschko!” cried the Cosell of Cologne, over Germany’s airwaves.

Immediately afterward, as a brash and further-emboldened Haye donned his infamous beheaded-brothers t-shirt and ensured his diamond earrings were properly replaced, Klitschko spoke tentatively about any athlete being capable of a bad night, and his legacy, and a rematch.

Let’s simplify things. Wladimir, your legacy is this: A properly matched giant whose reign as heavyweight champion saw boxing’s popularity plummet. The very man, in other words, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster said you were.

*

Well, that was futile, wasn’t it? To see David Haye in person is to be as surprised at his height as his sprightly tongue. The man is bigger than he looks on television. He has all the confidence needed to be heavyweight champion of the world. He looks the part. Or so we thought.

What other excuse do we have as the witlings who picked him to upset Wladimir Klitschko?

Saturday in Hamburg, a record number of German fight fans watched in cruel ecstasy as Haye collected an indecent number of blows from Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko before Haye’s corner climbed in the ring and threw its white terrycloth at the Ukrainian ogre. The official time of the Klitschko TKO victory was 1:19 of round 11. But it should have come five rounds earlier.

By then it had become obvious to even a casual observer Haye was a media creation, an inflated cruiserweight with the British accent Americans traditionally mistake for learnedness and wit.

It started in the first minute of the second round, after a dull opening stanza that saw Haye pace five feet from Klitschko’s extended left arm, imitating a caged version of Lion from “The Wizard of Oz.” Then something clicked behind Haye’s eyes and he went for greatness. His head raced into a Klitschko jab that struck with unmanning force.

Three rounds later, with a softened foe before him, Klitschko began to offer right crosses, and it looked like a pro golfer bludgeoning his caddy with a three iron.

The tragic irony of the evening was that Klitschko badly wanted to knock Haye senseless – a merciful conclusion. But each time Klitschko had his finishing blow ready, Haye would feint a blow of his own, and Klitschko would leap backwards. Finally, it was Klitschko’s skittishness that turned him from gentleman to enhanced interrogator.

After the fight Klitschko offered to cover part of the cost of Haye’s time in a Hamburg hospital room, where reports indicate Haye is recovering and expected to announce his retirement from prizefighting by week’s end.

*

Which outcome will it be? There’s no telling just yet, and that means the suspense of what may unfold might entice American viewers to spend an hour of their Saturday afternoon next week to watch the first anticipated heavyweight title fight since Lewis-Tyson. This is a fight boxing badly needs.

Not because it’s consequential, mind you. It’s too late for that. Five years ago, a heavyweight title-unification match would have been reason enough to spend $50 on a pay-per-view fight broadcast from Madison Square Garden. But that was five years ago.

Today, when even aficionados forego weekly offerings from ESPN, Telefutura, Fox Deportes, and increasingly Showtime and HBO, a consequential fight is not enough. No, this match in Germany, Klitschko-Haye, must transcend itself. It must surprise us in a way that wins fans back.

Too tall an order for these men, you say?

We’re all afraid you might be right. We’re afraid Klitschko will come out and keep Haye six feet away as rounds accumulate – like Haye were a braided version of Sultan Ibragimov. Or that Haye will flex and threaten and wing unbalanced shots from a safe distance, never imperiling Klitschko.

If those things happen, it will not be the end of boxing. It will be but another eroding wave that washes away a little more of the majestic bluff boxing once occupied – taking with it another handful of people who’ll no longer notice if boxing continues or doesn’t.

David Haye has an opportunity to dam that erosion by introducing doubt to our flagship division. The best thing, really.

But best things don’t happen in boxing anymore. So I’ll take Klitschko: KO-11.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @barbarry

PHILADELPHIA–In what was billed as a Homecoming, undefeated and WBO number-one ranked Welterweight Mike Jones made it a short one as he disposed of Raul Munoz in round two of a scheduled ten round Welterweight bout at the Asylum Arena.

After a more of a feel out first round, Jones started pumping his jab and working the body. Jones landed a couple of body shots and landed a booming right hand that sent Munoz sprawling on the canvas. He could not beat the count of referee Gary Rosato and the fight was over at 2:29 of round two.

Jones, 146 lbs of Philadelphia will now look for major bout in the fall with his knees.h a record of 25-0 with nineteen knockouts. Munoz, 149 lbs of Topeka, KS is now 21-14-1.

In the co-feature, Glen Tapia was very solid in winning every round from Taronze Washington in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Tapia, who has been getting world wide acclaim for his gym work with Manny Pacquiao has been slowly improving as the twenty-one year old was very aggressive in his attack. Washington, who is a battle tested veteran and has been in with many top contenders on their way up provided Tapia with the experience that he needed at this point of his career.

Tapia, 152 ½ lbs of Passaic, NJ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards to remain perfect at 10-0. Washington, 151 ½ lbs of Dallas, TX is now 14-16.

In an entertaining six round Welterweight bout, Yordenis Ugas scored a six round unanimous decision over Kenny Abril.

Ugas showed the solid boxing skills early that many of the Cuban’s country mates. Round four was a fantastic round, mostly for Ugas as he landed an incredible barrage that finally sent Abril. That seemed to have woken Abril up as he not only did he survive the round but he landed a big flurry that had the standing room only crowd on their feet as the round concluded.

Ugas settled down and was able to box well over the final six minutes to solidify the victory by scores of 60-53; 59-55 and 59-54.

Ugas, 144 lbs of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba is now 8-0. Abril, 143 ½ lbs of Rochester, NY is now 11-4-1.
In the opening bout, Mike Oliver locked up a world title shot with a six round unanimous decision over veteran trial horse Felipe Almanza.

The difference in the fight was the speed of Oliver who lead and countered while Almanza won a couple of rounds featuring straight rights down the middle.

Oliver, 121 ½ lbs of Hartford, CT won by scores of 58-56 on all cards to raise his record to 25-2. Almanza, 121 lbs of Lorica, Colombia is now 19-24-3.

Oliver will now challenge Orlando Salido on July 23rd for the Featherweight championship in Mexico.
Phillip McCants scored a lackluster six round majority decision over Kaseem Wilson in a Welterweight bout.
In between a lack of action and holding, McCants tried to force some action by landing some “Pitter Patter” body shots which was more then Wilson could accomplish

Scores were 58-56 on two cards while the third judge saw the fight 57-57.

McCants, 150 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is now 9-2-1. Wilson, 148 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is now 12-3-1.

Miguel Catragena gained his first knockout by scoring second round stoppage over Jaime Gonzalez in a Bantamweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Cartagena was a couple classes above Gonzalez and was able to showboat while dropping Gonzalez twice and the fight was stopped forty-nine seconds into round two.

Cartagena, 117 lbs of Philadelphia is now 2-0 with one knockout. Gonzalez, 118 lbs of Aguada, Puerto Rico is now 0-2.

In a scary moment, Osnel Charles scored his first career knockout with a vicious stoppage over Anthony Flores in the opening frame of a scheduled six round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Charles rocked Flores with a left hook and about a minute later a booming overhand right sent Flores plummeting to the canvas and the fight was stopped immediately.

Flores lay on the canvas for approximately seven minutes and a oxygen masked was applied. After several minutes, Flores slowly was able to sit on the stool and leave the ring.

Charles, 131 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is now 9-2 with one knockout. Flores, 131 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is now 9-4-1.

In the walkout bout, Jose Rivera and Angel Cruz fought to a six round draw in a Super Flyweight bout.
Scores were 57-57 on all cards. Rivera, 114 lbs of New Rochelle, NY is now 3-2-2. Cruz, 116 lbs of Juana Dia, Puerto Rico is now 5-1-1.

Photo by Chris Toney / Top Rank

Coming off his first professional loss to Timothy Bradley this past January, Devon Alexander rebounded (sort of) by taking a controversial split decision over Lucas Matthysse in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri.

Matthysse landed the harder shots as he featured the left to the body and right hands upstairs. In round four, Matthysse landed a perfect right to the head that sent Alexander down for the first time in his career. Alexander fought hard as he mixed up trading with the puncher and moving back to gain room to operate.

Matthysse fought very well in the second half of the fight by landing power shots and causing some tense moments for Alexander. Matthysse had a big round seven as he landed numerous right hands and body work. Alexander followed suit in round nine with some solid left hands of his own.

Both guys tried to impose their will in the final round but it was Matthysse who landed the better shots and even opening up a cut around the right eye of Alexander.

When the scores were announced, it was Alexander who had his arm raised by taking the fight by the scores of 96-93; 95-94 while Matthysse took a card 96-93.

Alexander, 139 1/2 lbs of St. Louis is now 22-1. Matthysse of Argentina is now 28-2.

Tavoris Cloud defended his IBF Light Heavyweight championship with a hard fought eighth round stoppage over Yusaf Mack.

Mack fought very well over most of the fight as he boxed and moved and stuck to his gameplan. Cloud got through with some good power shots that Mack took very well. Mack was actually doing well in the eighth round until he got caught with a left to the side of his face that stunned him. Cloud jumped on Mack and landed five shots that sent him to the canvas over the bottom rope.

Mack was up at referee Sam Williams count of six but was still very dazed and when he was asked to walk towards the referee, Mack stood still and fight was waved off at 2:57 of round eight.

Mack, 175 lbs of Tallahassee, FL is now 22-0 with nineteen knockouts. Mack, 174 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia is now 29-4-2.

Bermane Stiverne made his plea to call himself heavyweight contender with a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger Ray Austin in round ten of a scheduled twelve round Heavyweights bout.

Austin had success early with the jab as he used his 6’5″ height to his advantage. Stiverne rocked Austin several times such as in round two with a left hook as he looked for one shot to end the things. Austin was deducted a point after round three by lunging a shoulder in to Stiverne after the bell. Stiverne continued to land the bigger shots while Austin was looking to box by featuring his jab.

Stiverne was very effective in round’s seven and eight by working the body and landing some nice power shots. In the first minute of round ten, Stiverne missed with a right but connected with a big right that sent Austin to the canvas.

Austin barely beat referee Mike England’s count but the fight was stopped forty-four seconds into the round.

Stiverne, 238 1/2 lbs of Miami, is now 21-1-1 with twenty knockouts. Austin, 238 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 28-6-4.

Devon Alexander: “Matthysse is a rough and tough fighter. I brought the fight out in me because people had their doubts about my abilities as a boxer.

“The knockdown [first of his career] was a flash knockdown [in the fourth round]. I had to pull it out. I was having flashbacks from my last fight with Bradley, and I wasn’t going to lose two fights in a row. As a matter of fact, I’m never going to lose again.”

Kevin Cunningham: (trainer and manager of Devon Alexander) “I didn’t enjoy watching a rugged, tough guy like Matthysse in there with my fighter. I knew it was gonna be tough. I didn’t want to see my fighter trading with a puncher like Matthysse, but because of all the criticism he took after the Bradley fight, he felt he had something to prove in his hometown.

“I think when Devon reviews the tape of the fight, he’ll see that he was at his most effective when he was using his boxing skills to the fullest.”

Lucas Matthysse: “I gave it my all. It was a tough fight but I thought I won. Once again, I was robbed. He’s lucky he won the fight. I thought when I put him down, I’d finish him off but I couldn’t.”

Tavoris Cloud: “Yusaf Mack is a good fighter. I can’t take nothing away from him. I just caught him with some good shots.

“If you noticed, he was tiring down. I heard him breathing hard during the last three rounds. I was telling him, ‘You’re tired, aren’t you?’

“The whole game plan was to go to the body. He wasn’t hurting me. I knew he was a bouncy-bouncy guy, an in-and-out guy. I wore him down with body shots and took him out.

“Jean Pascal is here tonight. If he’s ready, I’m ready. I’m ready for anybody.”

Yusaf Mack: “He kept clipping me on the top of the head. I kept telling the ref about it but he only warned him once. The ref told me to stop holding him.

“I thought my plan was working well.

“The first shot in the corner dazed me but it was on the top of the head. The final punch was on top of the head also.”

Bermane Stiverne: “I knew he was going to try and box me but he often drops his right hand. I kept listening to his corner. Whatever they said, he did. So I started anticipating that. It became a big advantage for me.

“I was a little too lax but I felt good tonight. I was looking for the perfect shot instead of establishing my jab. The perfect shot did come in the 10th round. It was a short shot, a half-hook right hand that did him in.”

I’m on my way to my first world championship. I can feel it. I still have a lot to learn and I can get better.”

Ray Austin: “I was waiting ‘til he [the referee] reached eight [in his count during the 10th round]. In the dressing room before the fight, he told me as long as I am up by nine it would be OK. Then I got up and bounced around to let him know I was ready. So I got up at eight and bounced around on my feet to let him know I was ready and he stopped the fight. How many rounds do you think I won? [Austin was winning on two cards at the time of the stoppage.]

Javier Castro scored a second round stoppage over Jesus Pabon in a scheduled twelve round Jr. Welterweight bout at the Dade County Center in Miami, Floria.

Castro landed a big right hand that sent Pabon back to the ropes and then followed up with a body shot and a right that sent Pabon to his knees and the fight was stopped.

Castro of Ciudad, MX is now 25-4 with twenty knockouts. Pabon is now 17-2.

Felix Mercedes remained undefeated by scoring a six round unanimous decision over Miguel Mungia in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Mercedes dropped Munguia in round one and cruised to the victory by scores of 60-53 on all cards.

Mercerdes is now 12-0. Munguia is now 19-20-1.

Sullivan Barrera took out Frank Paines in round two of a scheduled ten round Light Heavyweight bout.

Barrera dropped Paines in round one from a barrage in the ropes and finished him off just seventy-six seconds into round two.

Barrera is now 8-0 with six knockouts. Paines is now 11-2.

Yoandris Salians dropped perennial round journeyman Robert Daluz in round’s one and two en route to a six round unanimous dicison in a Featherweight bout.

Scores were 60-52 on two card and 60-51 for Salinas who is now 9-0. DaLuz is now 13-37-3

World ranked Lightweight John Molina Jr. scored a stoppage after round five after Rob Frankel was deemed unfit to continue after multiple cuts on the face at the Pechanga Resort in Temecula, CA

The bout, scheduled for ten rounds saw Molina land multiple hard right hands that opened up Frankel in the first round. Frankel continued to fight hard hard but he kept he eating hard shots and the right side of Frankel’s face quickly became a mess.

The cut got much worse in round four as the cuts started gashing from above his eyes from the result of Molina’s offensive assault. Finally after round five, the fight was topped in the corner after the cuts could not be controlled to the referee’s liking.

Molina, 137 lbs of Covina, Ca is now 23-1 with nineteen knockouts. Frankel, 137.6 lbs of Denver is now 28-11-1.

Mauricio Herrera scored a controversial majority decision over Mike Dallas Jr. in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

It looked like it was Dallas who showed diversity in the fight by landing some good shots from both the inside and outside. Herrera put up a good fight and was solid in spots but Dallas boxed and worked well on the inside. Neither man was hurt.

Herrera, 139.6 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 98-02; 96-94 and 95-95 to raise his record to 18-1. Dallas, 140 lbs of Bakersfield, CA was looking to redeem himself after his first career loss is now 17-2-1.

Vage Saruhan scored a four round unanimous decision over Oscar Santana in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36; 40-36; and 39-37 for Saruhan, 129 lbs of Los Angeles and is now 2-0. Santana, 129 lbs of Pomona, CA is now 1-1

FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA – Local favorite Alan Sanchez kept his record at home unblemished with a well-fought technical stoppage victory over Clint Coronel before his supportive fan base, capping an entertaining night of action at the Fairfield Sports Center on Friday night.

Sanchez (8-2-1, 3 KOs) of Fairfield just had too much height and length and too many dimensions for the crude slugger Coronel (4-3-2, 1 KO) of San Jose, California. To no great surprise, Coronel, 149, opened the fight moving forward, while Sanchez, 147, remained on the outside, using his footwork and his getting behind his jab. Coronel placed a clean overhand right early, but had trouble getting set to land anything clean for the most part.

By the end of the second, Coronel was already bleeding pretty well from his left eye, which prompted Coronel’s corner to ask referee Dan Stell to watch for the headbutts in between rounds. In any event, Coronel was down two rounds and now had a bloody eye for a target, which Sanchez nailed to start the third.

The third was another clear Sanchez round, but Coronel did manage to get in some clean blows in the fourth as the Fairfield resident stayed more stationary than in previous rounds. Coronel was deducted a point in the fifth for a bad low blow which caused a time out. Though it was low, it seemed to be mostly a side effect of Coronel’s swinging punching style more than an intentional foul. Moments later, the referee had both ringside doctors examine Coronel’s right eye, which was bleeding profusely by the end of the round.

Just seconds into the sixth, Stell brought Coronel over to the ringside doctor again, which would make one believe that the referee was leaning towards a stoppage at that point. However, the fight continued, with Sanchez now fighting more on the inside and rubbing against Coronel’s shredded face.

Stell and the doctor took another close look before the seventh, but allowed the fight to resume. To his credit, Coronel remained determined despite the vision and skill disadvantages. Before much of the seventh round had got underway, Stell brought Coronel over to the doctor and this time got the ok for the stoppage he had been looking for in rounds prior. Stell motioned to the commission table that the blood was spurting from Coronel’s face shortly after the bout’s conclusion.

Manuel “Tino” Avila (5-0, 2 KOs) of Fairfield kept his unbeaten record in tact with a measured four-round decision win over the aggressive Salvador Cifuentes (1-2) of Chula Vista, California in the night’s co-main event.

Cifuentes, 124, came out looking to pressure Avila, 123, but the prospect managed to place some pinpoint shots upstairs against his onrushing opponent. Cifuentes found more success in the second half, as he caught Avila, who employed little head movement, numerous times with clean shots to the cranium. Avila remained composed and managed to weather Cifuentes’ flurries before countering with his own more precision style attack.

Midway through the fourth round, a clash of heads opened up a bad cut over Cifuentes’ left eye. Referee Jon Schorle nearly waved off the fight in the corner, but appeared to be talked into allowing the fight to continue by Cifuentes, who came out swinging when action resumed.

In the end, all three judges failed to give Cifuentes any credit for his second half surge, scoring the bout a shutout, 40-36 across the board.

Super featherweight prospect Guy Robb (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sacramento, California did what he was supposed to do against a novice opponent, score a quick knockout. Despite all the talk of his camp at the weigh-in Thursday, Tyshawn Sherman (0-1) of Hesperia, California presented no challenge for Robb.

Sherman, 128, came out running and moving in a very unorthodox manner, which gave Robb, 128, reason to pause and assess the situation for a brief moment in the opening moments of the fight. Once he realized what he had in front of him, Robb stalked his fleet of foot opponent before landing a left hook that got Sherman on his bicycle even more than before.

Moments later, Robb landed a two punch combination that put Sherman into a corner. With Sherman folding over and almost turning away, Robb unloaded with both hands before referee Dan Stell leaped in to protect the amateurish Sherman from any harm. Time of the stoppage was 1:28 of round one.

Former amateur standout-turned mixed martial arts prospect Mike Ortega (2-0, 1 KO) of Sacramento made his return to the sweet science a successful one as he scored a fourth-round stoppage of dangerous Michael Alexander (1-5-3) of Antioch, California.

Ortega, 152, stunned the taller Alexander, 154, early in the bout with two lefts and a hard right. Ortega, who also mixed in his shots well to the body, scored with an overhand right that rocked Alexander for the second time in the round. Ortega continued to press the action before landing a short counter left hand in the closing seconds of the first which backed Alexander into the ropes. Ortega flurried, but Alexander’s cause was aided by the ring of the bell.

Alexander regained his footing by the start of the second, but was still getting outfought by Ortega. The Sacramento native continued to control the action in the third, backing Alexander up with a one-two and placing his other shots well to the body and head.

Alexander got on his toes to start the fourth, eventually landing a stiff jab that got Ortega to take a step back. Just as Alexander landed one of his better shots in the fight, Ortega came back with a four-punch combination that began with a right, followed by a solid left hook and two overhand rights. The last right put Alexander all the way down and prompted referee Dan Stell to wave off the bout without a count. Time of the stoppage was 1:50 of round four.

Local product Omar Sanchez (0-2) of Fairfield came to the Fairfield Sports Center in search of his first pro victory, having fought two legitimate prospects to begin his career in losing efforts, but came away with neither a win nor a loss.

Debuting Jhonnathan Zamudio of San Francisco, California by way of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico scored a knockdown in the first but had to settle for a no contest when a Sanchez cut was ruled to come from a heabutt.

Zamudio, 139, put Sanchez, 134, down in an exchange of left hooks early in the first, but it appeared to be mostly a flash knockdown. Zamudio began the second well, landing two solid counter left hands against the forward-moving Sanchez. The Fairfield product began to get a bit reckless later in the round, which may have been when the headbutt took place. The now bloodied Sanchez did stun Zamudio with a combination, but the Mexican import fired right back.

What looked to be a solid scrap heading into the second half was cut short when referee Jon Schorle took Sanchez over to the ringside doctor in the third round. After getting advice from the physician, Schorle stopped the fight, resulting in a no contest due to the few rounds completed. Zamudio plans to return to the ring September 2nd in Salinas, California.

Jonathan Chicas (2-0, 1 KO) of San Francisco spoiled the professional debut of former amateur standout Michael Islas (0-1) of Madera, California via decisive four-round unanimous decision in the night’s opening contest.

Chicas, 142, countered the attack of Islas, 139, well and outworked the Madera native over the four-rounds. Islas seemed hesitant to unload his artillery and simply waited for openings too often. Chicas attempted to make his own openings, and usually found Islas best with the third or fourth punch of his combinations. In the end all three judges had Chicas the winner. Scores read 40-36 and 39-37 twice.

Photos by Stephanie Trapp/trappfotos@gmail.com

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com.

One of the most beloved boxing broadcaster’s Nick Charles passed away today in New Mexico at the age of sixty-four after a long and courageous fight with Bladder Cancer.

Charles was known for his work at CNN and more recently for his work on boxing cards for Showtime and Top Rank.

Charles was one of the classiest gentleman that this reporter had the honor to meet and his fight with the dreaded disease had been chronicled in many media outlets

Many fans got to witness his struggle as CNN recently ran a feature story with Charles revealing that he knew his end was near so he made future birthday videos for his now five year old daughter Giovanna.

“Nick was your friend from the moment you met him — and he stayed your friend forever,” said Rick Davis, one of Charles’ producers at CNN in the 1980s. “All of us who had the very good fortune to have been his friend have so much to remember about how he touched our lives in his own special way,” said Davis, who is CNN’s executive vice president of News Standards and Practices.

Charles recently called his last fight in March when HBO extended an invitation to Charles to call the Mikey Garcia – Matt Remillard fight in Atlantic City

Charles is survived by his wife, Cory, of 13 years and their daughter, Giovanna. He has three children from two previous marriages: Jason, 39; Melissa, 36; and Katie, 24.

“His passing is a loss to CNN, to the sports world and to the fans and friends everywhere who were with him to the end of his extraordinary life,” said Jim Walton, Charles’ field producer in his early days and current president of CNN Worldwide.

Portions of this article are taken from cnn.com

Middleweight Brian Vera tuned up for a fall rematch with Andy Lee with a one body punch knockout over Eloy Suarez in a scheduled eight round bout at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.

It was good fight with Vera holding the advantage over Suarez, who had a cut over his left eye as early as round five. Vera landed a left to the body just seconds into round eight which sent Suarez down for the ten count.

Vera, 163 lbs of Austin, TX is now 19-5 with twelve knockouts. Suarez, 161 1/2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 11-12-1

James Kirkland rebounded from his first professional loss with a first round stoppage over Dennis Sharpe in a scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Kirkland dropped Sharpe after he landed a left to the body that was followed by two body shots. Sharpe got to his feet only to eat another body shot that sent him down for the referee’s ten count at 2:18 of round round.

Kirkland, 160 lbs of Austin, TX was coming off his shocking first round stoppage loss to Nobohiro Ishida in April is now 28-1 with twenty-five knockouts. Sharpe, 157 lbs of Orange, NJ is now 17-8-3.

James Freeman scored a six round unanimous decision over Joshua Burns in an entertaining six round Middleweight bout.

Freeman dropped Burns in round two while Burns came back at the end of round four to plant Freeman on the canvas with a left hook. Burns seemed to be gassed out as he took a tremendous amount of punishment in round five but made it to the final bell.

Freeman, 160 1/4 lbs of Vernon, TX won by scores of 59-55; 58-54 and 58-54 to raise his mark to 8-4. Burns, 159 lbs of Garland, TX is now 3-11-5.

Manuel Rojas dropped Alex Lopez twice in round one en route to a four round unanimous decision over Alex Lopez in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Rojas, 129 1/4 lbs won by scores of 40-34 on all card to stay perfect at 2-0. Lopez, 129 1/4 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is now 0-2.

Former world champion Joel Casamayor was involved in a minor car accident on Tuesday but has injuries that will force him out his July 28 bout with Jorge Teron but the espn2 televised card will have a new main event with great importance as Victor Cayo and Lamont Peterson will now square off in an Jr. Welterweight elimination bout according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Joel has a bad back and sore ribs. He may have broken a rib or two, but he’s OK,” said Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. “He’s very, very sore. Obviously, he can’t fight. The doctor told him no training for about a month.”

The winner of Peterson-Cayo will become a mandatory challenger for the Khan-Judah winner. After the July 23 date fell apart, the fight was due to go to a purse bid on July 5.

“Both guys were still training and when the fight fell out (earlier in the week) I called Cayo and told him to stay in the gym,” Margules said. “Then when we had a chance to put it on July 29, I called (Peterson manager and trainer) Barry Hunter and told him we could go to purse bid on July 5 or we could just make a deal and get it done on July 29. They wanted to get the fight on.”

Morganville, NJ (June 24, 2011) – Junior middleweight rising star Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin will return to the squared circle Saturday, July 9 when he battles an opponent to be named at Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk Hall.

The bout will be his first since a shocking defeat against cement fisted spoiler Doel Carrasquillo in February. Since his lone setback, Douglin, 12-1 (8 KO’s), has spent countless hours in the gym honing his craft to become a better overall fighter.

“This sport is my life and I know another loss will destroy me” said Douglin, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion. “I was overconfident in my last fight and I won’t let that happen again. I’m treating this fight like it’s a world title bout and that I have to shine.”

Tickets to the card, which is headlined by the Paul Williams-Erislandy Lara bout and also includes two world title fights, start at $50 and are available at ticketmaster.com. Douglin’s opponent will be announced shortly.

Fans can follow Denis at Twitter.com/Damommasboy

Mike Jones 146 – Raul Munoz 149
Glen Tapia 152.5 – Taronze Washington 151.5
Kenny Abril 143.5 – Yordenis Ugas 144

NEW YORK (June 24, 2011)—Starting this week on the world’s number-one website for streaming of Combat Sports, www.gfl.tv it will be the first of count ‘em SEVEN major boxing events that will feature, title bouts, contenders and the future stars of boxing.

It got underway Wednesday night in Newark, New Jersey as Ossie Duran will take on Latif Mundy for the USBA Regional Middleweight title.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22—DURAN-MUNDY FOR THE USBA REGIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE (AVAILABLE ON DEMAND ON JUNE 23RD)

Duran has been in with everybody and Mundy is looking for that signature win. The winner of this bout will get a favorable ranking and will be in line for a big opportunity

That fight will be one of ten fights on the card that will also feature undefeated six undefeated fighter fighters. The show will be able to be purchased on-demand on Thursday June 23rd

FRIDAY JUNE 24–UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT DAVID RODRIGUEZ (34-0, 32 KO’S) VS FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER OWEN BECK

On Friday June 24th, there will be two very special broadcasts.

Live from El Paso, Texas, one of the most talked about Heavyweights in the world, David Rodriguez, who sports a gaudy record of 34-0 with thirty-two knockouts faces his biggest challenge to date when takes on former world title challenger Owen “What The Heck” Beck

The co-feature will be an eight round Super Middleweight fight between David Medina (22-2, 10 KO’s) and Juan Astorga (15-6-1, 10 KO’s)

FRIDAY JUNE 24TH-NEW LEGEND BOXING PRIMOTIONS WITH OLD WORLD BOXING PRESENTS JUAN DOMINGUEZ PLUS TWO NEW YORK STATE TITLE BOUTS (AVAILABLE ON DEMAND ON SATURDAY JUNE 25)

Also on the 24th, New Legend Boxing and Old World Boxing collaborate on a fight card that will take place in Woodhaven, New York and feature undefeated Bantamweight prospect Juan Dominguez (7-0, 5 KO’s) plus two fights for the New York State title as Elieen Olsczewski battles Melissa McMorrow for the ladies Flyweight crown as well as the Lightweight crown between Jonathan Cuba and Ariel Duran.

Fans can also witness the the highly regarded Burrell twins plus New York State Welterweight champion Martin Wright in action.

FRIDAY JULY 1ST – PELTZ BOXING—UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT SENSATION RONALD CRUZ VS UPSET SPECIALIST DOEL CARRASQUILLO

On Friday night July 1st, It will be an Historical turf war as The Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Plays host to its first boxing event as rising and undefeated Welterweight Ronald Cruz takes on the upset specialist and knockout artist Doel Carrasquillo.

Cruz is one of the hottest prospects on the east coast and he will be fighting in front of the hometown fans for the first time.

The co-feature will be an exciting Lightweight battle between Eilud Torres and Bryne Green plus fans can get a look at undefeated Middleweight prospect Rashad Brown

THURSDAY JULY 7—JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING—PUNHCIN AT THE PARADISE 12

Punchin at the Paradise returns on Thursday July 7th as Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing very popular series will feature Bryant Pappas (12-0, 12 KO’s) look to retain his perfect knockout record as well as an appearance by undefeated prospect Danny Valle.

FRIDAY JULY 15—PELTZ BOXING PRESENTS GABRIEL ROSADO VS ALLEN CONYERS FROM BALLYS IN ATLANTIC CITY

On Friday night July 15th, Peltz boxing returns to Ballys in Atlantic City where Jr. Middleweight contender “King” Gabriel Rosado will take on late replacement Allen “The Dream Shatter” Conyers.

Rosado was originally supposed to face Harry Yorgey in what was looking like the most anticipated bout in the Philadelphia / New Jersey area of 2011 but a injury to Yorgey forced him out of the fight and in stepped Conyers.

It was a one year ago when Rosado dropped a hotly contested decision to Philadelphia Derek “Pooh” Ennis in the Philly’

Fans Can also watch the continued progress of undefeated Heavyweight prospect of Bryant “By By” Jennings as he takes on Theron Johnson as well as local favorites in Light Heavyweight Tony Ferrante and Jr. Middleweight Jamaal Davis in separate bouts.

SATURDAY JULY 16TH—SATURDAY NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING FROM GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The main event will an anticipated ten round Super Middleweight affair between popular Scott Sigmon (16-2, 8 KO’s) against the undefeated Chris Fitzpatrick (13-0, 5 KO’s).

This is a bout that has taken on a life of its own as Sigmon is looking for a big that will catapult him in the ratings while Fitzpatrick is looking for the same while keeping his perfect mark.

Some exciting fighters on the undercard will be on display such as Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (18-1-1, 10 KO’s) ; Lamarr Russ (7-0, 5 KO’s) and the son of the former Heavyweight champion in Elijah McCall (6-1-1, 6 KO’s)

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

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5,000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 1.8 million public viewers last year with now over 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL combat sports genres currently include Boxing, MMA and Professional Wrestling. GFL offers expanded programming to include: Daily News & Radio Shows with feature interviews and industry updates along with great Fight Photos, Fighter Videos and a robust Calendar of Upcoming Fight Events.

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