Fight Junkie

Rodriguez V Theophane!

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT WEIGH-IN RESULTS.

All the fighters for Star Boxing and Warrios Boxing, ESPN "Friday Night Fights" show at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK, weighed-in today. Below is the complete bout sheet for tomorrow night's fights as well as quotes from the both the main event and co-feature bout participants.

Delvin Rodriguez - 147 3/4 lbs. Vs. Ashley Theophane - 147 1/2 lbs.

Donovan George - 167 lbs. Vs. Francisco Sierra - 170 1/2 lbs.

Andy Lee - 162 lbs. Vs. James Cook - 157 1/2 lbs.

Jonathan Gonzalez - 152 1/2 lbs. Vs. Abel Perry - 149 lbs.

Yordenis Ugas - 147 lbs. Vs. Dejuan Jackson - 149 lbs.

Rances Barthelemy - 133 lbs. Vs. John Barnes - Will weigh-in later tonight

Dannie Williams - Will weigh-in later tonight Vs. Steven Mincks- Will weigh-in later tonight

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ:

I'm excited to be here and looking forward to putting on a great show tomorrow night. As many people know I had a rough 2009 with some bad decisions that went against me, but I bounced back in my last fight, and I am done thinking about the past, I am just very focused and looking towards the future and towards a welterweight championship. I feel stronger than ever, mentally and physically. Tomorrow night, as I always do, I am going to give it my all, and show everyone that Delvin Rodriguez is here and here to stay.

ASHLEY THEOPHANE:

I want to thank everyone for putting this fight together. I have trained very hard and I am ready to go. I plan on putting on a good show, and I plan on taking Delvin down, so make sure to tune-in, you won't want to miss it.

DONOVAN GEORGE:

I'm very happy to be here in Oklahoma, and very excited about this opportunity to be fighting on ESPN. I have been in camp for this fight for ten weeks, and I have trained my butt off. I'm in the best shape of my entire career and tomorrow night I plan on putting on an exciting performance, and not only winning but winning spectacularly.

FRANCISCO SIERRA:

Tomorrow night I expect an exciting and tough fight, but I am here and I am ready to go. I look forward to putting on a good show for everyone watching.

The show is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Warriors Boxing. First bout is scheduled for 8PM (ET), with ESPN going live on the air at 9PM (ET).

Tickets are priced at $35, $45 and $75 and can be purchased by calling the Buffalo Run Casino Box Office at (918) 542-7140 ext. 2200. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting TicketStorm at www.ticketstorm.com

MCGUINNESS V GRANT!

BATTLE FOR NABA LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE.

After countless months of rumors and hype, Orangeville natives Logan Cotton-McGuinness (11-0-1, 5 KO’s) and Buzz Grant (9-3, 4 KO’s) are set to square-off in one of the most anticipated grudge matches in Ontario boxing history, Saturday, September 25 at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, for the NABA Lightweight title.

The card, UNDISPUTED: RIVALS, is being promoted by United Promotions, Southern Ontario’s leader in live boxing.

Earlier this month the undefeated Cotton-McGuinness demolished Montreal’s Jorge Banos via first-round TKO, setting the stage for the most important fight of his career.

“Logan is just getting better and better with every fight, and on September 25th he’ll take the buzz out of Buzz Grant,” said Cotton-McGuiness’ trainer, Chris Johnson.

“Logan is going to break him down, and finish him off. Buzz is a good fighter, but Logan is just in another class.”

Heading into the battle for Orangeville, Canadian, and North American bragging rights, the 31 year-old Grant is on a roll of his own, going undefeated in the past four years, and racking up six straight wins in the process, including two Canadian titles.

Orangeville is one of Canada’s oddest boxing hubs. With a population hovering around 30,000, the city 90 kilometres northwest of Toronto produces a disproportionate amount of good fighters, with Cotton-McGuinness and Grant at the top of Orangeville’s boxing heap.

A win by either fighter will result in an automatic world rating by the WBA, and a chance to catapult themselves into not only national stardom, but also international prominence.

“There isn’t anything more to ask for in a fight,” said Adam Harris, Cotton-McGuinness' Promoter

“Even though there are real career implications, there’s more to this fight than the prestigious NABA title. These guys are fighting for something that can’t be measured in dollars or rankings; local pride and bragging rights. And because of that, this is the fight of their lives.”

Also on the card, two of Ontario’s top prospects put their respective undefeated records on the line as Mississauga's Sam "The Product" Vargas (4-0, 1 KO) will take on Orangeville's Ryan Wagner (2-0, 1 KO).

Wagner, the protégée of Orangeville's most famed boxer, now turned trainer, Bryon Mackie, is coming off a devastating 3rd round KO victory of Chris Aucoin.

Vargas for his part is quickly cutting a swath through the Canadian welterweight landscape, notching four straight wins to start his career earlier this year, including resounding decision wins over the vastly more experienced Jose Leonardo Corona and Frankie Abbiw in his previous two fights.

Leading the way for Vargas is his trainer, Chris Johnson, who is quickly becoming one of the best teachers of the sport, not only in Canada, but around the world.

For tickets to UNDISPUTED: RIVALS starting at $25.00, go to ticketmaster.ca or call (416) 972-5000 today!

Harris V Aguilera!

USBA Heavyweight Title Fight.

Veteran Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, winner of the 2002 ‘Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament,” is fully prepared to take advantage of his USBA title shot against Nagy “Dominican Dynamite” Aguilera, August 6 in Hinkley, Minnesota.

Harris (23-14-2, 10 KOs) had only fought twice in previous six years, prior to signing a promotional contract a year ago with Boxing 360, after which he is 3-0 and ready to go for the gold.

A year ago I didn’t know where I was going in boxing,” Harris explained.

“I kept training and praying and then I came across Mario (Boxing 360 founder and CEO Dr. Mario Yagobi). I was so hungry. I told Mario if he took care of business outside of the ring, I’d take care of it inside. That became our motto. He believed in me and I believe in him. Mario has put me in the position I’m I right now.”

Harris-Aguilera shapes-up as a class match between a veteran and prospect. Maurice, 34, has defeated former world champion Sergey Lyakhovich, who was 16-0 at the time, as well as notables David Izon, Jimmy Thunder and Jeremy Williams. The 24-year-old Aguilera (16-3, 11 KOs), rated No. 15 by the IBF, knocked out former world champion Oleg Maskaev last December for his signature victory to date.

Harris, however, doesn’t believe Aguilera is a legitimate heavyweight prospect.

“Who has he beaten,” Harris asked rhetorically.

“He got lucky. Maskaev? He was done and Aguilera was supposed to beat him. No disrespect to him or his opponents, but in his only other tough fight, (Samuel) Peter stopped him (second round of IBF eliminator last March). I’m better than both of those guys (Maskaev and Peter). He’s just 16-3, not a true prospect.

“I have so much experience over him. Hey, anybody over 200 pounds can punch but I’ve been in with just about everybody (including world champions Larry Holmes, Chris Byrd and Henry Akinwande). I’m battled tested; never beaten up badly or cut. He’s young and will make mistakes – he’s going to get hurt. I’m proud that I’ve taken care of business and grateful for being in this position to fight for the USBA title. He’s not going to go in there and take away everything I’ve worked so hard for the last year. I’m ready to fight him right now.”

RODRIGUEZ HUNGRIER THAN EVER!

LOOKING TO SHINE ON ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT.

"HUNGRY". It is a term heard in boxing very often. Before their first fight, boxers are often considered hungry, hungry to get inside the ring and get their career underway.

After a few wins, they are hungry to then prove that they are a legitimate prospect. After reaching prospect status, boxers are said to become hungry to get to the level where they are considered a top contender. Contenders have been known as hungry in their quest to get a shot at a championship.

It's almost something fighters become programmed to say, but when Star Boxing's Delvin Rodriguez tells you, "I am hungry" there is something different about it. You can see it in his eyes, and you can hear it in his voice. Just sitting down with Rodriguez for a few minutes, or watching an intense training session with the top rated welterweight, is all you need to realize just how hungry he actually is.

This Friday night in the main event on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights", the IBF #3 rated Rodriguez (25-4-2, 14KO's) will look to put that hunger on display when he takes on Ashley Theophane (26-4-1, 7KO's) in a ten round welterweight contest at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

The Dominican native Rodriguez career, to say the least, has seen it's up and downs. The up's include highlight reel knockouts on ESPN's nationally televised "Friday Night Fights", winning the USBA welterweight championship, not once, but twice, being the number one ranked contender in the IBF welterweight division, as well as fighting for the IBF championship. This year, for his efforts Rodriguez was named the Dominican Republic's (his home country) best boxer of the year.

The down's for Rodriguez have mainly came in the last two years of his professional career including a draw in an IBF title eliminator against Isaac Hlatshwayo, in Hlatshwayo's home country, then almost a year later, a controversial split decision loss for the IBF championship, again against Hlatshwayo. After that, Rodriguez lost a decision in another IBF title eliminator to Rafal Jackiewicz in Jackiewicz's native land of Poland, in what was considered to be one of the worst robberies in all of 2009. And while most fighters maybe would have called it quits, or given up on their dream, Rodriguez has stayed hungry.

"Everything I have been through in my life, and my career has got me to where I am today," says Rodriguez.

"It hasn't been the easiest road traveled for me, but then again nobody said it would be. My dream since I was very young was to be champion of the world, and some people never even get a chance to fulfill that, I did, but unfortunately I came up on the wrong end of a very close and debatable decision. Getting so close, and then having that happen, was very tough for me, but it has kept me hungry and it has kept me focused on my career, because there is nothing I want more than to get that opportunity again."

The fight Friday night will be Rodriguez's second in 2010, in April, also on ESPN, Rodriguez won a dominate twelve round decision over former world title challenger Mike Arnaoutis. An impressive showing against Theopane on Friday night will get him one step closer to fulfilling his dream.

"I'm ready and willing to fight any and all of the champions in the welterweight division, it doesn't matter who it is, I just want a shot. I even feel comfortable at 154 so if I can't get a shot here at welterweight, I'd be more than willing to step up and face any of the top guys at jr. middleweight, Cotto, Martinez, Williams, whoever. As you can see by my past history I am willing to fight anyone, anywhere at anytime. I've never been more hungry, more focused, and more determined than I am right now, and Friday night everyone will be a witness to that."

The show is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Warriors Boxing. First bout is scheduled for 8PM (ET), with ESPN going live on the air at 9PM (ET).

Tickets are priced at $35, $45 and $75 and can be purchased by calling the Buffalo Run Casino Box Office at (918) 542-7140 ext. 2200. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting TicketStorm at www.ticketstorm.com

Argenis Mendez Wins Again!

Local Favorites Impress On The Undercard.

Argenis Mendez brought his act to the bright lights of New York City, and shined through and through with a first round knockdown en route to an 8-round unanimous decision victory over local hero Shamir Reyes on Wednesday night. Mendez-Reyes headlined the latest edition of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series, in front of a capacity crowd at the BB King Blues Club and Grill in Times Square.

On an action packed undercard, the local favorites won and won big. All undefeated, and from New York, heavyweight Stivens Bujaj, middleweight Willie Monroe, Jr., light heavyweight Joe Smith, Jr., super middleweight Phillip Jackson Benson, and junior welterweight Gabriel Bracero were all victorious.

Mendez (17-1, 9 KOs) was coming off the biggest win of his career, a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Martin Honorio for the USBA super featherweight title in May. Against Reyes, who brought a vocal contingent of supporters, there was no let up. After controlling much of the first round, Mendez landed a counter right in the waning moments, sending Reyes to the canvas. Reyes (18-7-2, 7 KOs) rose, but despite not going down again, offered little in the way of resistance to Mendez’s polished and balanced attack.

The official scores were 80-71, 80-71, and 79-72, all to Mendez.

Full Results from New York, NY

Argenis Mendez (17-1, 9 KOs) UD8 (80-71, 80-71, 79-72) Shamir Reyes (18-7-2, 7 KOs)

Gabriel Bracero (11-0, 1 KO) TKO4 (2:53) Raymond Betancourt (8-5, 3 KOs)

Phillip Jackson Benson (6-1, 5 KOs) TKO3 (1:30) Alexander Santana (6-1, 3 KOs)

Joe Smith, Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs) TKO2 (1:10) Charles Wade (1-8, 1 KO)

Willie Monroe, Jr. (9-0, 3 KOs) TKO3 (3:00) Loren Myers (7-9-1, 2 KOs)

Stivens Bujaj (1-0, 1 KO) TKO2 (2:00) Calvin Rooks (1-2-1)

MOLLO BACK IN ACTION!

AUGUST 6TH IN CHICAGO.

Chicago based heavyweight contender Mike Mollo returns to action next Friday night, August 6th at the Windy City’s UIC Pavilion against veteran Franklin Lawrence in a special attraction eight round heavyweight battle.

The Mollo/Lawrence bout is part of a nine bout action packed card broadcast on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights and is presented by 8 Count Productions in association with Vega Boxing.

The 30 year old Mollo, 20-3-0 with 12 knockouts, is looking to follow-up his dominant eight round decision win over Billy Zumbrun this past March at the UIC Pavilion.

“I’ve been training in West Palm Beach , Florida since the beginning of June. Camp has been terrific but I’m really looking forward to coming home this Sunday. In the past I’ve fought quite a bit on the road, so it’s terrific to be fighting back in Chicago where I have so much support” said Mollo.

‘It’s a little difficult because I don’t know much about Lawrence except for his record, but I’m very confident that in the shape I’m in and the training that I’ve had that I’ll be successful.”

With the win over Zumbrun and the pending fight against Lawrence , Mollo is looking for a bigger fight on the horizon.

“I’m ready for a top 20 heavyweight right now. The heavyweight landscape, particularly in the United States is wide open and I’m ready to go. But first is next Friday night and I’m looking to put on a sensational show.”

Fighting out of Indianapolis , the 34 year old Lawrence brings a record of 12-2-2 (7KO’s) into the bout against Mollo. In his last outing, he lost a very closely scored, hard fought battle to former world champion Oliver McCall in Las Vegas on August 21, 2009. The loss ended a ten bout unbeaten streak.

Headlining ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will be a ten round welterweight showdown between undefeated prospect “King” James De La Rosa of Harlingen , Texas and Mexican veteran Michel “EL Bravo” Rosales.

The co-main event brings a ten round junior welterweight battle between Venezuela ’s Patrick “EL Elegante” Lopez and Prenice Brewer of Cleveland, Ohio.

Chicago prospects featured on the undercard appearing in separate bouts include junior welterweight Adrian Granados, welterweight Jaime Herrera, lightweight Antonio Avila, welterweight Genaro Mendez, light heavyweight Mike Jimenez and pro debuting junior welterweight Antonio Canas.

Advance tickets, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com. The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

ESPN FOLLOWS ARREOLA!

ESPN Cameras In Camp With Heavyweight Chris Arreola.

Yesterday was another "consecutive day" in camp for heavyweight world contender Chris Arreola, a training camp which he and his trainer Henry Ramirez are taking a "one day at a time" approach.

This training streak reminds Ramirez of the hard work Arreola put in during the early stages of his career, beginning each morning with road work and ending with a hard and complete workout in the gym.

The only difference between Arreola's early success and his new found commitment to training is the ESPN2 camera crew following him around to document a glimpse of his training regiment for a special piece which will air on August 13th as part of the show featuring his highly anticipated match against Manuel Quezada.

Arreola seems to have finally taken the necessary steps to provide himself with every opportunity to win, which he'll need against, the hard-working and determined Manuel Quezada in a battle between blood thirsty Mexican heavyweights.

Friday night, August 13, Riverside's Cristobal "The Nightmare" Arreola (28-2, 25 KOs) will have the opportunity to take his first step towards redemption when he squares of with Bakersfield's Manuel "El Toro" Quezada (29-5, 18 KOs) for the Mexican National Heavyweight Championship at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA in the scheduled 12-round ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" main event presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Soboba Casino.

"I need to keep my mind focused on taking it one day at a time and not get too proud of the fact that I haven't missed a day in training for this bout. It's what I should have done the last two years and I apologize to all of my fans for letting them down. I've got a God given talent and I have to nurture it if I want to re-emerge as a true World title contender; there is no other option.

Tickets are priced at $79, $59 and $29 (parking included with purchase) and can be purchased at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. For more information please visit www.CBBankArena.com. A full card of fights underneath the Arreola-Quezada bout will be announced shortly. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first televised fight starting at 6 p.m.

Hank Lundy!

Burchfield: ‘Lundy isn’t a free agent’.

Jimmy Burchfield, President of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., categorically denied reports issued today that lightweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (18-1-1, 10 KOs) is a promotional free agent.

“He is not a free agent and promoters shouldn’t be speaking with him or his team,” Burchfield explained.

“CES turned him pro and we have completely and totally honored our end of the contract. We just had him fighting on national television twice within 90 days.

“We’ve worked through his different managers and trainers, never wavering in our full support of Hank. Like with all of our fighters, other than actually fighting for them, we do everything we can to help them, in and out of the ring, including Hank. We still strongly believe in him.”

TUA INJURED FOR BARRETT BOUT!

Tua May Have Taken Shoulder Injury Too Lightly.

WBO No. 2 rated heavyweight David “Tuamanator” Tua complained about a sore left shoulder during several training sessions leading up to his July 17th 12-round draw against former world title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett in Atlantic City. However, when asked about it by his trainer, Roger Bloodworth, David said he was okay to fight.

Tua (51-3-2, 43 KOs), reigning WBO Asia Pacific and WBO Oriental heavyweight champion, is a true warrior who refused to use the injury as an excuse, or even make post fight comments about his damaged shoulder.

“Two weeks prior to the fight,” Tua’s promoter, Gotham Boxing President Cedric Kushner, explained, “I went to the gym to watch David spar. That day he told his head trainer, Roger Bloodworth, that he didn’t want to spar as his shoulder didn’t feel right. His shoulder was obviously hurting weeks before the fight and therefore David wanted to take a cautious approach.”

Kushner added, “I have a letter from David’s doctor whom he went to see in California, where he had planned to spend a couple of weeks before returning home to New Zealand. The doctor suggested that he take some time off before returning to the ring.

“David specifically stated he didn’t want to take anything away from Monte, who fought the fight of his life, but that he felt entitled to set the record straight as to his injury.”

Tua has defeated world champions John Ruiz (KO1), Michael Moorer (KO1) and Oleg Maskaev (KO11), and Hasim Rahman (KO10)

Broadway Boxing Returns!

General Admission Tickets Just Released.

New York City’s longest running and most successful boxing series, Broadway Boxing, returns tonight, July 28, to the most intimate venue for boxing in the country, the BB King Blues Club in Times Square. In the main event, Argenis Mendez, who in his last fight won the USBA super featherweight title, returns to the ring in a non-title scrap vs. popular Broolynite Shamir Reyes.

Just in time for tonight’s show, DiBella Entertainment has released a limited number of General Admission tickets at $55 which will be available for purchase at the door.

“In recent years, I can’t remember a response to one of our Broadway Boxing like the one we have received for this show,” said promoter Lou DiBella.

“It is important for me to bring affordable boxing to New York City, and as such, it was important to release extra tickets at this price for fans to buy at the door. This show is a guaranteed sellout, so get there early and come enjoy a great night at the fights.”

The newly released tickets will only be available at the box office, which opens at 6:30pm. First bout is at 7:15. Advanced assigned seating at $75, along with select tables for groups of 5 are available to this otherwise sold-out show by contacting DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577.

Those scheduled to see action on the undercard include several of the most popular and exciting pugilists that the New York fight scene has to offer. All undefeated prospects and from New York, welterweight Gabriel Bracero, light heavyweight Joe Smith, Jr., and middleweight Willie Monroe, Jr. are scheduled to see action.

LATIMORE WANTS ANGULO!

BULL CALLS OUT PERRO.

Junior middleweight contender Deandre “The Bull” Latimore went back to work this past Saturday night in his hometown of St. Louis, tearing into veteran Darien Ford, dropping him three times in the second round before referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout at the 2:46 mark of the third round following a hailstorm of punches.

The win improved the 24 year old Latimore’s record to 21-3-0 with seventeen knockouts and has him looking to much bigger fights in the talent rich junior middleweight division.

“I was so much more focused for this fight. My training for this bout was on a level for a world title fight. I left St. Louis for eight weeks to train in Las Vegas with Ray Franklin and Jacob Chavez. In Las Vegas I was able to strictly focus on training for the fight and not have to worry about the distractions back home” said Latimore.

Said Franklin, “Deandre’s doing a much better job now with his boxing skills and stamina. Being out here in Las Vegas really gave us time to work on different things. He’s always been a hard puncher, but now he’s becoming a better boxer. He’s ready for a world title shot right now and definitely ready for a bigger fight.”

Continued Latimore, “The way I feel right now, there’s no one that can stop me at junior middle. All these guys looking for a fight in the fall can look no further. They call Alfredo Angulo a beast and say he’s the next big deal at 154; I’d love to fight him. We’re both all action aggressive fighters that can’t help but make for a good TV fight.”

“The last guy Angulo fought, Alcine, didn’t even want to be in the ring with him. Before that it was against Julio who’s really a welterweight and two guys, Yorgey and Rosado, who didn’t belong in the same elevator with him let alone the ring. And off these four fights, he’s the next monster at 154?”

“The call him Perro, well let’s see what happens when he faces THE BULL.”

“Same thing with Miguel Cotto, I’m ready to go right now. He’s a great fighter and I know he’s looking for a fight in the fall. I’m ready to hit Madison Square Garden, his home turf and give him the fight of his life. Just like Angulo, we can’t help but make a terrific action fight.”

“HBO and Showtime talk about wanting action fights; well that’s what I bring. Whether it’s Angulo, Cotto or the younger guys like Vanes Martirosyan or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., I’m ready to go right now.”

Latimore is promoted by Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. Said Steve Smith of Rumble Time, “The Bull is ready now to face Angulo, just call me or Lou and let’s make this fight. Fight fans deserve to see Angulo/Latimore and it’s a bout that HBO should make.”

ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS!

AUGUST 6TH AT THE UIC PAVILION.

8 Count Productions in association with Vega Boxing have announced that ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will return to Chicago on Friday, August 6th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

“We’re very excited to work with Denis Benoit and the Vega Boxing team and our friends at ESPN to bring an outstanding event to the sports fans of Chicago on Friday, August 6th. We originally had an action packed event planned on that night for our Windy City Fight Night series and now the fans will get more world class boxing for the same price” said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

Headlining ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will be a ten round welterweight showdown between undefeated prospect “King” James De La Rosa of Harlingen , Texas and Mexican veteran Michel “EL Bravo” Rosales.

The 22 year old De La Rosa, 20-0-0 (12KO’s), has become one of the most talked about prospects in the talent rich welterweight division and is coming off a ten round shutout unanimous decision victory of Lenin Arroyo on October 31, 2009 in Las Vegas.

In his first network appearance on October 3, 2008, De La Rosa won a sensational ten round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Tim Coleman in Salisbury, MD, in a bout broadcast on Showtime.

Heavy handed Rosales, 28-3-0 (23KO’s), is currently riding a five bout winning streak, most recently battling towards a twelve round unanimous decision over Amilcar Melian on June 26th in Sinaloa, Mexico, for the WBC FECARBOX junior middleweight title.

The 27 year old Rosales’ six year career includes numerous televised battles with world class fighters including Mike Alvarado, Mark Melligen, Saul Alvarez, Jesus Soto Karass, Americo Santos, Gilbert Venegas and Dairo Esales.

Rosales’ bout with Soto-Karass at Cicero Stadium, just outside of Chicago , on October 20, 2006 was an outstanding battle, broadcast on Solo Boxeo. Although stopped in the 11th round, Rosales showed true warrior spirit throughout the “Fight of the Year” candidate.

The co-main event of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights brings a ten round junior welterweight battle between Venezuela ’s Patrick “EL Elegante” Lopez and Prenice Brewer of Cleveland , Ohio .

Riding a four bout winning streak, southpaw Lopez brings a record of 19-2-0 (11KO’s) into the bout with Brewer.

Both of Lopez’s two starts in 2010 resulted in eight round shutout victories, over former world title challenger John Brown on January 22nd and Mexican veteran Cristian Favela on April 23rd, both in Ontario , California .

The 22 year old Brewer is undefeated since turning professional in 2006, sporting a record of 15-0-1 with six knockouts. The highly regarded prospect is coming off a terrific six round decision over veteran Chris Fernandez on March 19th, a bout which was broadcast on ESPN2.

Previously announced for August 6th is a special attraction eight round heavyweight bout between local fan favorite and heavyweight contender Mike Mollo and Indianapolis’ Franklin Lawrence.

Mollo returned to action in Chicago on March 26th as he dominated veteran Billy Zumbrun over eight rounds of battle, raising his record to 20-3-0 with twelve stoppages.

Lawrence, 12-2-2 (7KO’s), was undefeated for three years prior to losing a very close, hard fought ten round decision to former heavyweight world champion Oliver McCall on August 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.

Chicago prospects featured on the undercard appearing in separate bouts include junior welterweight Adrian Granados, welterweight Jaime Herrera, lightweight Antonio Avila, welterweight Genaro Mendez, light heavyweight Mike Jimenez and pro debuting junior welterweight Antonio Canas.

Advance tickets, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com. The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

TKO DOWN BUT NOT OUT!

Letter To The Boxing Community.

TKO Boxing Promotions was founded two years ago. Between then and now we have signed some wonderful fighters, done forty six shows and crisscrossed the United States trying to build the fighters and the company.

Unfortunately, we ran into some financial problems that have set us back considerably, hurt our relationships with many fighters and their managers and derailed many of our plans. We also let a lot of people down and for that I am very sorry.

But we are in the fight business, and even though we have been knocked down early in the fight, we are getting back up. TKO has recapitalized so that it can go forward on stronger footing. We are in the process of clearing all of our debts, reconfirming the strength of some of our relationships, sadly restructuring those of the others, but we are moving forward.

We are not quitting on the stool. The hope is that those of you who have been our friends, fans and supporters will remain so. And those of you who had your doubts will give us a second chance. TKO is doing a show this Saturday at the Sovereign Bank Stadium featuring York's hometown hero, Carney Bowman (14-0). The show will also feature undefeated prospects Terence Crawford (11-0) and J'Leon Love (5-0), cruiserweight Andres Taylor (15-1), the pro debut of the sensational Alantez Fox and three more professional fights and five amateur fights. It will be a great show at the ballpark.

In the coming days we will be announcing some new signings, some very big fights for some of our fighters and will unveil our new website. I know that it is very hard for people to forget, hopefully people will forgive. It is a terrific sport that we are a part of and we are committed to making sure that we remain a part of it, to making up for our past mistakes and to doing the best work that we can to develop and promote our fighters.

Sincerely,

Chet Koerner

President, TKO Boxing Promotions

Rodriguez V Theophane!

Undercard Line-Up.

This Friday night in the main event on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights", IBF #3 rated welterweight contender, Delvin Rodriguez (25-4-2, 14KO's) takes on Ashley Theophane (26-4-1, 7KO's) in a ten round welterweight contest.

The co-feature bout of the evening features a sizzling ten round super middleweight showdown, between up and coming prospect, Donovan "Da Bomb" George (20-0-1, 17KO's) and fellow knockout artist Francisco Sierra (21-3, 20KO's).

Highlighting the undercard is exciting world rated middleweight contender, Andy Lee (25-1, 15KO's) as he squares off against James Cook (11-3-1, 8KO's) in an eight round match-up.

The Emmanuel Steward trained Lee, is ranked number thirteen by the WBA, and is currently riding a six fight win streak. The southpaw Lee has served as the sparring partner numerous times for Stewards most prized pupil, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and Steward believes it is only a matter of time until Lee is crowned middleweight champion.

Also on the card is highly regarded 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, Jonathan Gonzalez (8-0, 8KO's) as he looks to keep his perfect knockout streak alive when he takes a step up and faces slick veteran Abel Perry (12-3, 4KO's) in a six round welterweight contest.

In a six round lightweight match-up, St. Louis prospect Dannie Williams (14-1, 12KO's) takes on Springfield's Steve Mincks in a showdown of the "Show Me" state rivals.

Rounding out the card will be Rances Barthelemy (5-0, 3KO's) taking on Cody Harless in a four round lightweight match-up. Barthelemy, the brother of 2004 Olympic Gold Medal winner Yan Barthelemy, was a Cuban Junior National Champion, before defecting to the U.S. in 2008. Barthelemy turned pro in August of last year, scoring a spectacular 14 second knockout over Jamal Clay. In his last bout he pitched a shut-out over fellow undefeated prospect James Owens.

The show is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Warriors Boxing. First bout is scheduled for 8PM (ET), with ESPN going live on the air at 9PM (ET).

Tickets are priced at $35, $45 and $75 and can be purchased by calling the Buffalo Run Casino Box Office at (918) 542-7140 ext. 2200. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting TicketStorm at www.ticketstorm.com

Hot prospect Lennox Allen!

Lands In Brooklyn.

The long, often arduous journey for unbeaten super middleweight Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, a native of Guyana, took him around the world before finally settling in Brooklyn.

The 25-year-old southpaw turned pro six years ago in Georgetown, Guyana. Less than a year later, attempting to kick-start his boxing career, he moved to Perth, Western Australia.

“I decided to take a risk and move to Australia,” Lennox explained.

“I thought that it would be a good step for my career, but it wasn’t working out, and after 18 months there I returned home to Guyana.”

Allen (12-0, 7 KOs) fought three more times at home before taking advantage of an opportunity to come to the United States in 2008 as a sparring partner for Bernard Hopkins who was preparing to fight Joe Calzaghe. The 6’ 1” Allen captured the vacant Guyanese super middleweight title a year ago and, soon after, he moved to Brooklyn and signed a promotional contact with Boxing 360.

“I hooked-up with Boxing 360 and things started rolling,” Lennox said.

“Fighting in America is much different than in Australia or Guyana. Everything is better here – sparring, fighting, you name it. I’m a better man and fighter because of all I’ve been through. It was difficult for a while but now I’m on track. I did that all on my own but now I have Boxing 360 and trainer Colin Morgan in my corner. They’re keeping me busy.”

Boxing 360 is equally excited about its undefeated prospect.

“Lennox trains all of the time, whether or not he has a fight scheduled, and he wants to be busy,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy remarked.

“We’re going to keep him busy and his next fight is August 6. Lennox is a good kid who works very hard. Most importantly, he really wants to fight, unlike a lot of fighters today.

“Colin Morgan is bringing him along great and he’s really high on Lennox. He’s happy with Boxing 360 and we’re happy to have him in our growing stable. When a fighter is happy with his promoter and trainer, only good things can come from it.”

Allen is a fan-friendly fighter to keep an eye on.

“Most people expect me to be a boxer,” Allen concluded, “but I like being aggressive. The way to win fans over is to fight. They don’t want to see guys running around, they want to see a fight, and that’s what I give them every time I’m in the ring.”

DA BOMB READY TO EXPLODE!

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS.

Next Friday at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK, highly touted, undefeated super middleweight contender, Donovan "Da Bomb" George (20-0-1, 17KO's), will look to continue on his path towards a super middleweight title shot, when he takes on the very dangerous, Francisco Sierra (21-3, 20KO's) in what promises to be an all-out war between heavy-handed contenders in the co-feature on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" telecast.

The bout, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Warriors Boxing, is the co-feature to the welterweight showdown between IBF #3 rated, Delvin Rodriguez (25-4-2, 14KO's) and Ashley Theophane (26-4-1, 7KO's).

"This match-up has excitement written all over it," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing.

"You have two hungry, hard-hitting, up and coming contenders, with a combined thirty seven knockouts in forty one victories (90%). This is going to be a must see fight, so make sure to tune-in early because fireworks are in store when these two kick off the show next Friday night."

George is coming off a unanimous decision win over once beaten Osumanu Adama on Showtime in his last fight in April of this year. The fight was highly an entertaining scrap as neither warrior looked to take a step back all night long. George, who is promoted by Warriors Boxing, scored a knockdown in the 7th, to cement his hard earned victory.

"All I have on my mind right now is Sierra," stated a focused and determined sounding George.

"I had a great training camp, and I'm ready to go. I will give the fans at the Buffalo Run Casino, and everyone else watching at home on ESPN a great show as I'm going to take Sierra out!"

Manager, Mike Michael added, "Sierra is a dangerous opponent, but Donovan is ready to take care of business. I want to thank the Buffalo Run Casino, the promoters, Star Boxing and Warriors Boxing, ESPN for this great opportunity and my good friend, Jimmy "Zeek" Hartofilis, for his continued support. Lock your doors and run for cover, because "Da Bomb" is ready to explode and Francisco Sierra is his target."

The 22-year-old Sierra is coming off his best win to date, a 6th round TKO over former WBO welterweight champion Jose Luis Lopez in his last fight in May of this year. Sierra hopes to carry that momentum with him into the ring next Friday, as he looks to further climb the ranks of the super middleweight division.

George-Sierra is promoted by Star Boxing and Warriors Boxing. The bout is scheduled for ten rounds in the super middleweight division. ESPN will begin live coverage at 9PM (ET).

Tickets are priced at $35, $45 and $75 and can be purchased by calling the Buffalo Run Casino Box Office at (918) 542-7140 ext. 2200. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting TicketStorm at www.ticketstorm.com

WARD ON COVER OF RING!

WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ANDRE WARD TO APPEAR ON THE COVER OF RING MAGAZINE.

The road to success takes a lot of hard work and dedication with only a few signs before the select few arrive. On Tuesday, July 27 WBA Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward will appear on newsstands across America as he graces the cover for the first time of the next issue of Ring Magazine.

“I’ve arrived,” said Ward with a smile, “but there is still so much more that I want to achieve.” Next in line for the American Champion who was the last to bring home gold in the 2004 Olympics Games is his next Super Six bout

“I’m focused on winning SHOWTIME’s Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament. I haven’t lost sight of that… my eyes are on that title.”

Ward has continued to achieve success since winning gold, and now as with past great American gold medal winners, is on a path of stardom in and out of the ring.

The Ring Magazine cover featuring Ward asks the questions, “How Good Is He?” and “How Great Can He Become?” To get those answers and to read more about the WBA Super Middleweight Champion American Athlete pick up a copy of Ring Magazine at your local newsstand.

HERRERA V GONZALEZ!

LOCKED 'N LOADED II ON JULY 31ST.

It’s already promising to be a hot summer in Southern California, and Thompson Boxing Promotions is about to make it even hotter by bringing top prospects Alberto Herrera and Efrain Esquivias to the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California on Saturday, July 31st for “LOCKED ‘N LOADED II”.

In the main event, Herrera squares off against fellow unbeaten Sammy Gonzalez in a six round matchup. The co-feature, also scheduled for six rounds, will see Carso’s Efrain Esquivias take on Jonathan Alcantara in super bantamweight action.

Tickets for "LOCKED ‘N LOADED II", priced at $75, $35, and $25, are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.

It will be a clash of unbeatens in a junior middleweight bout between Riverside’s Alberto Herrera (7-0, 5 KOs) and Chino’s Sammy Gonzalez (7-0, 3 KOs), who is returning to the ring for the first time since 2008. Herrera will be competing for the second time this year, and he hopes to build on his January victory over Hilario Lopez by handing Gonzalez his first pro defeat.

Also in action this month, unbeaten super bantamweight Efrain Esquivias (8-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring against Novato’s Jonathan Alcantara (4-2-1). Esquivias, a recent signee of Thompson Boxing Promotions, is a former National Golden Gloves champion and one of the sport’s top up-and-comers.

In a heavyweight bout scheduled for four rounds, unbeaten Tacoma product Jonte Willis (7-0, 3 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line against San Diego vet Antonio Mendivil (14-2-4, 8 KOs), and in the LOCKED ‘N LOADED II opener, Riverside bantamweight Jonathan Arrellano (4-0-1, 1 KO) looks to add another victory when he takes on Fontana’s Samuel Yniguez (2-4-3). A fifth fight will be later announced.

Bouts subject to change. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the first bell rings at 7:45pm. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario. The hotel phone number is 909-937-0900.

Harris V Aguilera!

Aug. 6 Heavyweight Showdown.

Boxing 360 has announced that heavyweights Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris and Nagy “Dominican Dynamite” Aguilera will square-off August 6 in Minnesota.

“Both parties have signed contracts and it’s going to be a great fight between a talented veteran, Harris, and promising prospect, Aguilera,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy said today.

“In many ways, it’s a crossroads fight for both heavyweights with a lot on the line, in terms of their respective boxing futures. We’re negotiating right now to make the August 6th fight for a regional title.”

Harris (23-14-2, 10), winner of the 2002 ‘Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament,” is 3-0 since joining the Boxing 360 stable, after he was inactive for more than two years. The New Jersey fighter had only fought twice in previous six years, but he has rededicated himself for one last hurrah. During the course of his up-and-down career, Maurice has defeated former world champion Sergey Lyakhovich, who was 16-0 at the time, as well as notables David Izon, Jimmy Thunder and Jeremy Williams.

The 24-year-old Aguilera (16-3, 11 KOs), rated No. 15 by the IBF, knocked out former world champion Oleg Maskaev last December for his signature victory to date.

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Boxing 360 and any of its fighters.

WEIGHTS FROM LEMOORE!

Shumenov 175 & Uzelkov 172.

WBA Lightweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (9-1, 6 KOs) will defend his WBA and IBA titles in a bout against mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (22-0, 14 KOs) of Vinitza, Ukraine, tomorrow, Friday, July 23 in the scheduled 12-round main event of the ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” (10pm ET/7pm PT).

Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with KZ Event Productions, the Shumenov-Uzelkov headlined boxing card will emanate from a specially constructed outdoor arena at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, CA.

Tickets for this exciting event are priced at: $20, $50, $60 and $250 and can be purchased by calling the Tachi Palace box office at: 559-924-7751 or by visiting www.tickets.com.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

Beibut Shumenov - 175 LBS. Vyacheslav Uzelkov - 172 LBS.

Rico Ramos - 121 LBS. Cuauhtemoc Vargas - 121.5 LBS.

Shawn Estrada - 167.2 LBS. Eddie Hunter - 167.5 LBS.

Gayrat Ahmedov - 174.2 LBS. Dallas Vargas - 174.4 LBS.

Michael Ruiz, Jr. - 118 LBS. Juan Tepoz - 120.6 LBS.

Ravshan Hudaynazarov - 148.4 LBS. Pavel Miranda - 148.2 LBS.

Stan Martyniouk - 135 LBS. Jonathan Bobadilla - 134.8 LBS.

Beibut Shumenov!

Boxing’s Most Mysterious World Champion.

If not for a hand injury suffered in the opening round of the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece, reigning WBA and IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov certainly would be much better known today by North American boxing fans, especially if he advanced to the medal rounds and fought eventual gold-medal winner Andre Ward.

Shumenov (9-1, 6 KOs), who represented his native Kazakhstan at the Olympics, won his opening bout against Poland’s Aleksy Kuziemsky (37-22), who is 19-1 as a pro, before being hampered by his damaged hand and consequently eliminated in the round of 16 by Turkey’s Ihsan Yildorim Tarham (27-19).

In a relatively short time, though, Shumenov has ascended to the top of the light heavyweight division as a pro, using an accelerated approach by fighting and defeating three world champions Montell Griffin, Byron Mitchell and Gabriel Campillo) and another world title challenger (Epifanio Mendoza) in his first 10 fights. Now fighting out of Las Vegas, Beibut still remains a mysterious prize fighter in the country he now lives and trains in.

“It doesn’t bother me at all because I am a very private person,” Shumenov explained as he prepared for his first WBA title defense this week on ESPN Friday Night Fights against mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (22-0, 13 KOs).

“Boxing is the No. 1 sport in Kazakhstan and I love it. I’m not in boxing for the fame and glory; it’s the one-on-one competition and training that I really enjoy. I moved to Las Vegas for career reasons. I have a great trainer here, Kevin Barry, and much better sparring partners than I would have had back home.

“I do want to be a superstar in boxing and understand that will require a lot. Goossen Tutor is a star-maker, which is one of the key reasons I signed with them. Just look what they’ve done for Andre Ward and Paul Williams.”

Kazakhstan, indeed, is a hot bed for boxing. Last January, when he captured the WBA crown, Shumenov joined featherweight Aratoly Alexandrov, heavyweight, Oleg “Big O’ Maskaev and cruiserweight Vassily “The Tiger” Jirov as the only Kazakh-born professional world boxing champions. Fellow countrymen, welterweight Vitaliy Demyanenko and middleweight Gennady Golovkin, are top contemporary contenders.

Outside of the ring, Shumenov has a law degree, speaks four languages (Russian, Kazakh, English and Uzbek), and along with his brother, Chingis, owns a full-service boxing promotional company based in Las Vegas, KZ Event Productions.

Beibut is already receiving dividends for recently signing a promotional contract with Goossen Tutor Promotions.

“My brother, Chingis, and the KZ Event Productions staff do a wonderful job,” Beibut noted.

“But I’m a hands-on type who eventually found out that, as a world champion and promoter with all the work that goes into it, especially when I'm in training for a fight, everything had become very difficult for me to handle. I needed to concentrate on training, which I've now been able to do, letting Dan (Goossen) and his great team at Goossen Tutor handle business outside the ring. KZ Event Productions will still be promoting shows and my brother and I are still actively involved with our KZ fighters and signing new talent. Dan (Goossen) is one of the leading promoters in boxing today and I’m looking forward to even bigger and better things working with Goossen Tutor. They get a lot of television dates, feature a strong stable of boxers, and always seem to maximize opportunities for their boxers. That is all I can ask for…I will do the rest.”

Two unbeaten KZ Event stable-mates from Uzbekistan, WBZ Asian Boxing Council and Interim PABA light heavyweight champion Gayrat Ahmedov, ranked No. 9 by the WBA, and junior welter Ravshan Hudaynazarov (12-0, 10 KOs), are also fighting on the Shumenov-Uzelkov undercard this Friday night at Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.

Tickets for Friday night’s exciting event are priced at $20, $50, $60 and $250 and can be purchased by calling the Tachi Palace box office at 559-924-7751 or visiting www.tickets.com.

FROCH HEADS OFF TO TRAINING CAMP!

SUPER FIGHT IN BILLIONAIRES PLAYGROUND.

Carl “the Cobra” Froch will be joining up with highly regarded trainer Rob McCracken at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Monday morning (26th) to start his intensive 10 week training camp ahead of his crucial Super Six Group Stage 3 face off against the German based Armenian “King” Arthur Abraham.

It was officially announced last week that the last of the Super Six group stage matches will take place in the swanky surroundings of the world’s 2nd smallest country, Principality of Monaco, at the fabulous Chapiteau de l’Espace venue in the ward of Fontvieille, on Saturday 2nd October.

Both Super Six participants will be looking to finish the group stages on a high and guarantee a spot in the Semi Finals, tentatively slated for the first quarter 2011.

Froch who became a proud new father for the first time in June said:

“It will be hard leaving my family for such a long time, but to make sure I secure a semi final place in the Super Six I have to get away from all distractions, concentrate, and make sure my preparations are spot-on this time, I cannot afford to leave any stone unturned”

“The Institute of Sport is an excellent training facility; I could travel the world and still not find a camp that is better equipped, this also gives me the added motivation as I will be training alongside some of the Country’s fittest and best amateur boxers, who certainly keep me on my toes.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy said

“This fight has all the ingredients to be talked about for many years to come, just like the Hagler vs. Hearns showdown, it’s an exciting matchup between two of the world’s very best punchers and it is sure to be explosive, it’s being held at a fabulous venue and a very fitting location for a marquee fight like this. What else could you ask for?”

Carl Froch added a message to his eager and loyal fans

“I have been told that tickets should be on sale in early August, all of the up to date information will be posted on the Hennessy Sports website and released via a press release as soon as it is available”

JC Gomez Signs With Universum!

Ahmet Öner Comments.

When Ahmet Öner heard that Juan Carlos Gomez decided to leave ARENA to go back to his „old“ promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl (Universum) he couldn’t surpress a smile:

„My first thoughts were: Well, that’s a match made in heaven – a formerly great promoter who lost all his TV deals and fired his whole staff to avoid bankrupcy teams up with a formerly great fighter whose biggest success was getting beat up by Vitali Klitschko and who blew about 2 mio. Euros in the last three years alone. The best thing about it is that Gomez and Universum have been suing each other for the last five years. But all of a sudden they’re best friends again just because they both decided that they hate the Turkish kid. Well done, guys. I was considering sending both of them my congratulations to this wonderful deal and wishing them all the best for their joint venture of insignificance – but then I heard some of the stuff Gomez is saying about me and I felt I have to respond to that at least.“

In German newspaper BILD Gomez was quoted that Öner still owes him 1.5 mio Euros.

Öner: „Our lawyers have already prepared the libel lawsuit. Gomez is lying and I won’t let him get away with this BS. He made more money in three years with me than in ten years fighting for Universum. I brought him from nowhere to a heavyweight title fight after Kohl had suspended him for drug abuse. I’m happy to hear that they have always been friends; I just wonder why Kohl refused to pay his ‚old friend’ when he beat up Vladimir Virchis at a Universum show in September 2008. Might be because Kohl is still claiming that Gomez owes him 300,000.- Euros. I really wonder how much Universum will be paying Juan for his upcoming bouts. Maybe he can even make some money in three or fours years after paying back his debt with 20 more fights.“

Gomez also said that he had been „threatened“ in order to sign a new promotional contract.

Öner: „That was one of my favorite parts of the interview. Juan said he had been threatened and then told a journalist that he will punch me in the face next time he sees me. Smart move, Juan. My lawyers advised me to sue him twice for defamation - because I never threatened him - and his public threat. But I don’t feel threatened at all. Everybody knows that Gomez cannot punch. He is nothing but a shame and a disgrace. He has about seven children and hasn’t been paying alimonies. In addition to that I heard that the German tax authorities are prosecuting him for fraud. Last time police wanted to arrest Juan I paid for him – that was at the end of May. I hope his new old promoter and friend Klaus Peter Kohl will help him out this time so he doesn’t have to go to jail. On the other hand Juan might fit perfectly into Universum’s convict training group with Brähmer and Tajbert. Maybe they can set up a nice training camp behind bars.“

RODRIGUEZ V THEOPHANE!

RODRIGUEZ RETURNS TO FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS.

Next Friday Delvin Rodriguez (25-4-2, 14KO's) returns to ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" when he takes on Ashley Theophane (26-4-1, 7KO's) in the main event bout of the evening at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. Rodriguez-Theophane is scheduled for ten rounds in the welterweight division.

"We are happy and looking forward to bringing such a high profile card, featuring one of top welterweights in the world in Delvin Rodriguez to the beautiful Buffalo Run Casino," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing.

"The Casino is one of the most dynamic in Oklahoma, and given Delvin's past history on ESPN, in which he has produced some of the most exciting and memorable fights and knockouts in the network's history, we are very much looking forward to showcasing him there come July 30th."

The former world title challenger Rodriguez; the current USBA welterweight champion, and number three ranked welterweight in the world in the IBF world ratings; is coming off a dominate twelve round unanimous decision this past April over fellow former world title challenger, Mike Arnaoutis. A title shot for Rodriguez is looming and an impressive showing against Theophane should get him one step closer.

Theopane is coming off a win over Harasch Hotaki for the vacant IBO International welterweight title in June, and before that a hard fought, debatable split decision loss to highly regarded undefeated jr. welterweight contender, Danny Garcia (17-0, 11KO's).

The show is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing in association with Warriors Boxing. ESPN will begin live coverage at 9PM ET.

Hudaynazarov Making Name In U.S!

Unbeaten welterweight.

U.S. boxing fans may not be able to properly pronounce his name, yet, but unbeaten welterweight Ravshan Hudaynazarov is starting to capture their attention with his throw-back style that features a brutal body attack.

The exciting Uzbekistan prospect, now fighting out of Las Vegas, will be back in action July 23 at Tachi Palace & Casino in Irvine, California on a show headlined by Hudaynazarov’s promoter, Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions, owned and operated by the Shumeonv brothers, WBA and IBA light heavyweight champion Beibut (9-1, 6 KOs) and his brother, Chingis. The July 23rd show is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with KZ Event Productions.

Before Shumenov (9-1, 6 KOs) makes his first WBA title defense against undefeated, mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (22-0, 14 KOs) in the 12-round main event on the ESPN Friday Night Fights show, Hudaynazarov (12-0, 10 KOs) will take on former WBC Youth champion Pavel Miranda (16-5-1, 8 KOs) in an 8-round bout.

Hudaynazarov’s last three fights have been in the U.S. – Gerardo Cesar Prieto (TKO2), Anthony Mora (KO1) and Shadrack Kipruto (TKO 3) – and each ended early after a barrage of Ravshan’s vicious body punches broke-down his opponents.

“He’s becoming a liver-killer,” Chingis said about his prize prospect, Hudaynazarov.

“A few of his opponents have ended-up in the hospital getting their ribs checked. Ravshan has fought his last two fights as a welterweight (dropping down from junior middleweight) and we believe he is much stronger fighting at 147. He has tremendous potential and continues to impress with each fight.”

Hudaynazarov was a standout amateur boxer in Uzbekistan, capturing gold at the 2007 World Military Games.

“I was taught back home when I first started boxing about the importance of attacking the body,” Ravshan explained.

“I’ve been concentrating on the body even more in my last few fights. I really enjoy fighting as a welterweight; I’m much stronger and faster.”

One of the reasons for Ravshan’s accelerated progress can be attributed to him moving to Las Vegas, where he has been trained by Kevin Barry and Dewey Cooper, from Elite Boxing Gym in nearby Henderson.

“Training here is much better for me,” Ravshan noted.

“I’m very happy to be living in the United States and Las Vegas is fantastic. Beibut and Chingis brought me here and they’ve helped me in every way. My promoters have put my career in the right direction and moving faster than it ever would have back home. Being promoted by a boxer like Beibut is great because he really knows the business and what his boxers go through. I’m very happy to be working for the world champion and glad to be promoted by the Shumenovs.”

Ravshan’s KZ Event stable-mate and fellow undefeated Uzbekistan fighter, Asian Boxing Council and Interim PABA champion Gayrat Ahmedov (14-0-1, 9 KOs), is also scheduled to fight on the July 23 card against Dallas “Deaf Pride” Vargas (22-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round, non-title fight.

Tickets for this exciting event are priced at: $20, $50, $60 and $250 and can be purchased by calling the Tachi Palace box office at 559-924-7751 or by visiting www.tickets.com.

Everlast & Shock Doctor!

Partner To Provide The Ultimate In Fight Sports Protection.

Everlast Worldwide, Inc., the premier fight sports and fitness brand in the world, today announced an exclusive partnership with Shock Doctor, the leader in mouthguard technology.

“We are very proud to partner with Shock Doctor,” said Adam Geisler, President of Everlast.

“Everlast remains passionate and dedicated to creating the very best fight sports equipment and our partnership with Shock Doctor allows us to provide the most technologically advanced fight sports protection equipment on the market.”

The partnership features a line of co-branded protective equipment, including mouthguards and protective cups. Trademarked Everlast technologies such as EverGel, EverFresh and Compress-X have been incorporated into the products which were designed and developed specifically for the fight sports market.

“Everlast is a natural fit and we are looking forward to working with one of the world’s most iconic sports brands,” said Tony Armand, President & CEO of Shock Doctor.

“We have an opportunity to bring Shock Doctor’s patented technologies in sports protection to an even broader audience.”

The Everlast line of Shock Doctor protective equipment will launch in the Fall of 2010 and will be available nationwide through sporting goods retailers, sports specialty stores, and online. For more information on Everlast or Shock Doctor, please visit www.Everlast.com or www.ShockDoctor.com.

SHUMENOV V UZELKOV!

WATCH OUT SHUMENOV I'M TAKING THAT TITLE.

The countdown has begun. In just four days undefeated Viacheslav Uzelkov (22-0, 14 KOs) of Vinitza, Ukraine will take on WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (9-1, 6 KOs) in the scheduled 12-round main event of the ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" (10pm ET/7pm PT).

Shumenov who captured the WBA Light Heavyweight Championship in his 10th professional bout earlier this year made his mark in boxing history by winning a major world title in the light heavyweight division with the fewest number of fights in his professional career. Meanwhile Uzelkov believes he has steadily improved and proven that he is ready to step into the spotlight and shine as boxing's next light heavyweight champion.

"Shumenov is certainly talented but doesn't have the experience needed to maintain champion status. I have complete confidence that I will exit the ring on Friday night as the WBA Light Heavyweight Champion. My flawless record says it all, it more that doubles his, so I am just going to keep doing what I have been doing. I'm going to win and take this title home."

Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with KZ Event Productions, the Shumenov-Uzelkov headlined boxing card will emanate from a specially constructed outdoor arena at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, CA.

Tickets for this exciting event are priced at: $20, $50, $60 and $250 and can be purchased by calling the Tachi Palace box office at: 559-924-7751 or by visiting www.tickets.com.

TUA V BARRETT ENDS IN DRAW!

ATLANTIC CITY RESULTS.

On Saturday night, before a packed house at the Tropicana showroom in the Tropicana Casino and Resort, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presented an action packed eight bout card. The event, shown live on PPV, featured knockouts, upsets, and just all around great fights.

The show was headlined by David Tua defending his WBO Asian Pacific and WBO Oriental titles against long-time top rated contender Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett. Prior to the fight, Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing, stated what an exciting fight it would be, and he was right on point.

Barrett, who announced prior to the fight that win lose or draw this would be his last bout, was a huge underdog coming in against the heavy-handed Tua and in the beginning it looked as though Tua's power would simply be too much for him to handle.

Tua came out strong, landing heavy shots, and putting his notorious left hook on display in the early rounds. To Barrett's credit he took the shots well, as he looked to circle and box from the outside.

As the rounds progressed Barrett began landing more combinations from the outside, while Tua worked his way inside looking to score with his huge hooks and over hand rights.

As the championships rounds began, the crowd seemed to sense that something special was in store.

Down on the scorecards, Barrett began sitting down on his punches in the 10th, landing some heavy right hands on the face of Tua. A huge overhand right from Barrett wobbled Tua near the end of the round.

The 11th saw Tua come back strong, as Barrett seemed to be saving himself for the final round.

In the 12th Tua came out looking for the knockout and looked to be on his way. Midway through the round Tua threw Barrett to the canvas. The foul was blatant and the referee took a point away from Tua.

When the action resumed Barrett unleashed a vicious barrage of punches with his back against the ropes, that dropped Tua for the first time in his entire career.

Tua beat the count, and for the final 30 seconds of the round the two went to war, bringing the crowd into a standing frenzy.

Before the scores were announced both fighters embraced at the center of the ring, as the crowd cheered them on loudly, showing their appreciation for the great fight.

One judge saw Tua ahead by a score of 115-111, but he was overturned by the two other judges who saw the fight dead even at 113-113. The 10-7 round for Barrett in the 12th, enabled him to pull out the draw.

In the co-feature bout of the evening, Star Boxing's up and coming welterweight, Raymond "Tito" Serrano improved his record to a perfect 13-0 by winning an eight round decision over tough as nails Ayi Bruce.

In a very entertaining bout, Serrano used his superior boxing ability and piston like jab to outwork the hard charging Ghana native Bruce for the majority of the fight. Bruce began to tire in the later rounds and looked for one big shot to swing the fight in his favor, but it never came. Serrano was the much busier and more accurate of the two, and earned the well-deserved decision.

With the win Serrano improved to 13-0, 6KO's while Bruce dropped to 6-3, 4KO's.

UNDERCARD

In the opening TV bout of the night, two-time French Olympian, Khedafi Djelkhir scored a wild and devastating first round knockout over Jorge Cordero.

Djelkhir came out in the first and almost immediately sent Cordero to the canvas. When the fight resumed Djelkhir went right in for the kill, leaving himself wide open for a counter left hook that dropped him hard. He was able to beat the count but was on very shaky legs and it looked as though Cordero might score the upset. As the round was nearing the close, Djelkhir unleashed a huge right hand that sent Cordero down and out. Official time of the stoppage was 2:27 of the first round.

With the win, Djelkhir improves to 7-0, 6KO's, while Cordero drops to 4-3, 2KO's.

In a major upset Carlos Vinan stopped European lightweight champion Anthony Mezaache in the 8th and final round of their action-packed lightweight showdown.

There was good two-way action for the entire fight, as Mezaache boxed from the outside as the rugged Cordero looked to bring the fight into a brawl.

In the 8th Cordero shot out of his corner like a cannon and jumped all over Mezaache, sending him to the canvas with a barrage of punches. Mezaache was able to beat the count but was in bad shape. After a follow up barrage that had Mezaache in trouble again, his corner threw in the towel, saving their fighter from further punishment.

With the upset win, Vinan improves to 10-8-4, 2KO's while Mezaache drops to 18-6-3, 4KO's.

OTHER RESULTS:

Bayan Jargal D8 James Hope

Mike Perez TKO1 Jorge Ruiz

Jason Escalera TKO3 Amador Acevedo

Sean Monaghan KO1 Dennis Penelton

Huck V Godfrey!

Captain Huck Warming Up For Godfrey In German Heat.

WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck (29-1, 22 KOs) caught up with the German media yesterday as he continues his preparation for his clash with Matt Godfrey (20-1, 10 KOs). The duo will battle it out in Erfurt on August 21, which will be Huck´s fourth title defense.

“Despite the hot weather in Germany we have been working really hard in practice,” Huck said.

“My trainer Ulli Wegner has scheduled a lot of exhausting sessions. Fighting in Erfurt will be special for him because he lived there for a long time. So I intend to put on a spectacular performance on August 21 to please him and of course my fans all over the world. Godfrey is a tough challenger, but he has never been inside the ring with someone like me. I am the best cruiserweight in the world and I am keen to prove it once again.”

Huck and Wegner have been working out at Team Sauerland´s headquarters in Berlin. The Max-Schmeling-Gym is located right next to the Olympic Stadium. At the end of the month, they will move camp to Kienbaum, 20 miles east of the capital.

“My fighters know that I am a very demanding coach,” Wegner said.

“Marco is doing very well in practice. He does what I ask of him. He is willing to learn and to improve. He is such an explosive and powerful fighter, but there are still some parts of the game where he can get better. We are working on that and are already looking forward to August 21.”

DAWSON V PASCAL!

MAKE WEIGHT FOR 30-DAY PRE-FIGHT WEIGH IN.

With exactly one month remaining until two of the top fighters in the world enter the ring at the Bell Centre in Montreal, current WBC Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (25-1-0, 16KO) and American Pound for Pound superstar “Bad” Chad Dawson (29-0-0, 17KO) hit the scales for their mandatory 30-day pre-fight weigh in. The limit mandated by the WBC 30 days before a Light Heavyweight championship is 192.5 lbs.

The World Champion weighed in at a solid 181 lbs at the Olympic Center of Colombia, under the watchful eye of Dr. Juan C. Quicenz.

Pascal is currently training in the high altitudes of Bogota in order to maximize his preparations in the lead-up to what is surely the biggest fight of his career. This will be the third defense of his title, and his first time back in the ring after his dismantling of former world champion Adrian Diaconu (26-2-0, 15KO) on December 11th 2009, a fight which he won by Unanimous Decision even with a dislocated shoulder.

“On August 14th I have a date with destiny! I have nothing but respect for Dawson, and even though I’m convinced that he will be at his best, I’ll also be coming in at the absolute peak of my abilities. To be the best, you have to beat the best! I can’t wait for that first bell to ring!” declared the champion.

Yvon Michel, president of GYM is ecstatic over the magnitude of this event:

“We have been with Jean Pascal on this journey ever since his very first fight. We’re so proud of all that he has accomplished, and we’re equally proud to be with him as we put on the most important boxing event of both our careers. August 14th 2010 will be a date that will go down in Canadian boxing history. Just like Jean, we will do everything in our power to be at our best!”

“Bad” Chad Dawson tipped the scales at 177 lbs, weighing in at his training camp in Las Vegas, NV.

In his last bout he won a Unanimous Decision over veteran contender Glen Johnson (50-13-2, 34KO) in his hometown of Hartford, CT.

“I cannot wait until August 14 when I face Jean Pascal in Montreal for the title I vacated in order to beat Antonio Tarver ... twice. Now it's time to reclaim my original crown and bring it home to the U.S.”

Dawson’s promoter, Gary Shaw added:

Chad is ready to unify the WBC light heavyweight title and become The Ring's lineal 175-pound world champion, joining the elite company which includes Billy Conn, Archie Moore and Bob Foster. My concern isn't that Chad wins the fight, it's how much the airline will charge us for the additional luggage for carrying the world championship belt back.”

August 14th, the eyes of the entire world will be focused on Montreal for this World Championship Event. Tickets are available at the Bell Centre Box Office (514) 790-2525, 1-877-668-8269, at www.evenko.ca , at the Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980, and through GYM (514) 383-0666.

Felix Sturm Returns!

Opponent To Be Named Next Week.

Last week WBA middleweight super champion Felix Sturm has reached an agreement with his former promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl (Universum) regarding the end of their promotional contract.

Now Sturm is free to organize and promote his fight all by himself. His comeback after more than a year of ring absence is scheduled for September 4th in his home town Cologne (Germany). The three-time world champion will announce his opponent and further details on the show at a press conference next week.

"There is one thing I can already tell you", Sturm said today.

"We are working on a huge show and we will present a great opponent with international experience."

Though Sturm admitted that it was hard to find a suitable opponent.

"We have negotiated with different fighters from overseas but for some reason most of them asked for crazy money. I don’t know what they’re thinking. Here in Germany I got calls from fighters with decent records who wanted to fight me for free – just for the shot at the title."

Word is that Ricardo Mayorga and Kermit Cintron have been in Sturm’s focus for his comeback fight. Cintron obviously declined the offer made by Sturm’s handlers because it was too little money and not enough time to get ready for the title shot.

"I will not comment on any names" said Sturm.

"All I can say is that next week we will announce a world class opponent for September 4th."

Asked if he fears any problems of ring rust after his long lay-off, Sturm said

"I feel great at the moment. I chose to take a break to spend some time with my wife and my new-born son. It was good not to think about boxing all the time and not to count the calories on every meal. Now I am all fired up to get back into the ring. I cannot wait for my comeback. I am even looking forward to the hard weeks of preparation and training camp and I will prove that I got no ring rust whatsoever."

TICKET ALERT!

Arreola V Quezada.

Dan Goossen:

Tickets, starting at just $29, are on sale for a vitally important showdown between two of California’s most highly regarded heavyweight contenders seeking to become the first world heavyweight champion of Mexican descent.

Riverside’s Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola (28-2, 25 KOs) will square off with Bakersfield rival Manuel “El Toro” Quezada (29-5, 18 KOs) on Friday, Aug. 13, at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., in a scheduled 12-round main event for the WBC Mexican National Championship presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Tickets (parking included with purchase) are available at Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. For more information, please visit www.CBBankArena.com.

Undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first fight set at 6 p.m. The main event is slated for 8:00 p.m.

The 29-year-old Arreola who challenged world heavyweight kingpin Vitali Klitschko for the WBC crown less than one year ago, is looking to rebound from a hard-fought upset decision loss to Tomasz Adamek in April at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The East Los Angeles native needs to defeat Quezada to re-emerge as a world title contender.

Quezada, 32, is coming off a shocking setback in April to Jason Gavern. The native of Wasco, Calif., Quezada needs a triumph over the hard-hitting Arreola to stay relevant in the heavyweight picture.

The colorful Arreola, who has 25 KOs in 28 career victories, is refocused on his boxing skills after a disappointing performance against Adamek. Quezada, who hasn’t been knocked out since 2003 – his only KO loss – is training under new management with an improved attitude towards achieving his goal of a world title shot.

ARREOLA V QUEZADA!

CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT.

Dan Goossen:

I want to welcome everybody on. I know it's early out here on the West Coast, where this fight is going to be emanating from. You know, HBO's loss is ESPN's gain, because 10, 15 years ago, this would have been right up HBO's and Showtime's ally to have two hungry heavyweights trying to re-establish themselves into the – the world championship picture and – and to also make history.

I believe this is a history-making fight. And we've got the head of ESPN on, and I'm going to ask him to do a little research, if he already hasn't, which I'm sure he has, but I'm sure in a lot of ways this could be a history-making fight on its own, because I don't believe there's ever been two heavyweights at this level or any level, quite frankly, of Mexican descent that have fought one another.

I know that we've had a handful of Mexican heavyweights that have tried to establish themselves as world champions and been unsuccessful. But I don't believe we've ever had two fighting each other at any level. So I think in that regard, a lot of history is going to be made on August 13th, but more importantly, and unfortunately in our sport, one or two losses can certainly damage a fighter's career, so a lot is at stake here.

We've got one fighter in Manny Quezada who believes that he's been in the shadows of Chris Arreola for the last few years and has deserved his right for the big fights. Up until just recently, he had a 17-fight winning streak.

And on the other hand, you've got Cristobal Arreola, who a lot of people felt that was on his way to making heavyweight history as a world champion. Well, now it's a showdown between these two fighters to find out who goes on to try to capture that dream of becoming heavyweight world champion of Mexican descent, the first one in the history of our sport.

It will be a great fight at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, beautiful facility. We hope to have the place packed. I believe that the fans are going to come out. Tickets are very reasonable for everyone. And we're just looking for a great night of boxing.

On the phone, before I get the fighters to say something, I'd like to bring in the head of programming with ESPN, Doug Loughery, who was the one that really pushed to get this fight made.

Doug?

Doug Loughery:

Thanks, Dan.

We're excited over here at ESPN2 and our long, traditional history on "Friday Night Fights" of bringing fans – fight fans the best fights and excitement. And certainly in this heavyweight division, you know, as I was speaking to your – your press people earlier on in the week, I think as you stated earlier, this is a fight for two gentlemen, two gentlemen of the sport that have to overcome this hurdle in order to advance, you know, recent losses and to see who can move on and upwards in order to get to those bigger, bigger title fights.

So we're excited here. The platforms of ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3.com will all be taking the fight live at 10 p.m. Eastern. So we're excited. Citizens Business Bank Arena has been a good venue for our production staff to work at, and I know they do a good job at pushing tickets, as well.

So I leave it up to the two fighters, and hopefully have a great night of fight action, which fans at home and on the Internet and on our Spanish network can all see.

Dan Goossen:

Thank you, Doug. And don't we do a good job of pushing tickets, too, besides CBBA? How do you leave us out of that? Only joking, Doug. Thank you very, very much.

Doug Loughery:

Everybody on the staff and Dan does good.

Dan Goossen:

Yes.

Manny, why don't you open up with a little comment and then we'll put Chris on, and then we'll open it up for Q&A?

Manuel Quezada:

All right. Hey, everybody. Thank you for having me on. And I'm excited about the fight. I can't wait to, you know, to get it on, you know what I mean, get out there and do what we do.

Dan Goossen:

And what does this fight mean to you, Manny, finally getting this – I know you've been – you've been talking about getting Arreola in that ring with you. What does it mean to you right now?

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, it means everything. You know, this is the fight – you know, this is my biggest fight for sure, so it means everything, and I'll be ready.

Dan Goossen:

All right. Great.

Cristobal, it's been a few weeks since we've talked. I'd like to have you say a few words.

Cristobal Arreola:

Hey, what's going on, everybody? You know, I'm just happy to be fighting again. But, you know, I know this is Manny's Super Bowl. This is his big fight. And I'm sure he's going to train his ass off, you know, to try to knock my block off, but, you know, I'm – I know what I have to do to win. And the only person (I can beat) is myself, and I've done that (two times already), and I'm tired of beating myself.

So now it's time, like Henry said, to get my head out of my ass and beat some ass.

Dan Goossen:

All right, Cris, Operator, let's open it up for Q&A, please.

(David Avila):

First up, this question is for Manuel Quezada. I know that you guys have probably sparred together. What was it like the first time you and Chris sparred?

Manuel Quezada:

Yes, we sparred a couple times, but nothing serious. You know, he was always getting ready for his fight, and I would come up and give him a couple rounds of, you know, just some movement, just so he can head off to his fight, man. So it was nothing serious, and then for sure he's a tough fighter. You know, he's a tough guy, and he's a big puncher, and he's always bringing the pressure.

(David Avila):

And, Chris, you mentioned that you've beaten yourself. Do you – what was it that held you back in your fight against Adamek?

Cristobal Arreola:

You know, like, the fight with – especially with Adamek, man, like, I really shot myself in the foot. You know, I cut some corners. Actually, I cut a lot of corners.

Like I said before, you know, my promoter and my trainer and my managers, they've always been there for me and with me, and, you know, I didn't reciprocate what they put in, in the gym and in the office and stuff.

So, you know, what I have to do now is just basically do what I'm supposed to be doing and actually listen to Henry and try to do whatever the hell he tells me to do.

But, you know, this fight, it is – it is a make-me-or-break-me kind of fight, you know? It's for both of us, you know? This is – this is our opportunity to showcase ourselves.

And as far as that sparring with Manny, it really doesn't mean anything, because one thing's sparring and another thing's a fight. You know, some people rise to the sparring and some people rise to a fight, and now – and I'm a fighting kind of guy.

(Ryan Burton):

My first question is for Manny. Manny, let's look at your last fight with Gavern. What exactly went wrong in that fight?

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, man, that fight was just – it was an off night for me. You know, three months – plain and simple, it was just an off night. And then, you know, on the second round, I got a head butt, which caused a cut, and that really kind of affected me throughout the fight, you know, so...

(Ryan Burton):

And, Chris, how's the hand feeling? I know you injured it in the fight with Adamek.

Cristobal Arreola:

Well, I feel my hand – my hand's a lot better. It was – it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, so my hand's good. You know, I was back to full contact about three weeks ago, so I'm good. I'm good with my hand, thank you.

(Ryan Burton):

And do you think this will be the hungriest we'll have seen you in the ring in a while?

Cristobal Arreola:

Oh, yes, definitely, man. It's just – I just hate looking back at some fights and knowing that I should have, could have, would have, but I didn't. And now it's time for me to come in there and just put a statement.

Dan Goossen:

Manny, while we're waiting for that next question, let me ask you one question. On the Gavern fight, you mentioned that it was an off night. Mentally and physically, did you do what you're going to do in preparation for the Arreola fight?

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, no. You know what? I'm going to do way more for this fight. I mean, it's a bigger fight, of course, and it's a tougher opponent, definitely, but, you know, I took Gavern a little lightly, you know what I mean? We didn't train as hard. And mainly, you know, like I said, we went into the fight feeling good, and we just – it was just an off night, you know what I mean? That head butt just made it even worse.

(Ray Markarian):

Hey, Manny and Chris. I had a question for you guys. Actually, first, for Manny, Manny, we talked a couple times in the past after some of your wins, especially after the Travis Walker win, and we talked about maybe when you were going to fight Chris Arreola. And now that it's here, after a loss, do you feel like it's kind of bad timing for you? Or do you feel like – how do you feel about that?

Manuel Quezada:

Sorry. What was the question?

(Ray Markarian):

How do you feel about the timing of the fight with Chris Arreola right now? I mean, you're – you were pretty confident after the Travis Walker victory and your other victories, and you had always talked about fighting Arreola, but now that it's here, how do you feel about the timing of it?

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, no, the timing's OK. You know – you know, a fighter should be ready to fight any time they tell them to fight, you know what I mean? You know, the Gavern fight, it is what it is. You know, we can't go back on it. You know, I know I can beat that guy. So, you know, like I said, I'm excited about this fight. You know, we'll be ready to fight.

Dan Goossen:

As well as he should be, Ray. I mean, this is – obviously, the winner of this puts himself right back in the thick of the heavyweight world championship, you know, picture.

(Ray Markarian):

Right. So this is basically a make-or-break fight for both guys.

Dan Goossen:

Well, you know, I don't want to go that far of saying make-or-break, but both of them are exciting, aggressive fighters, which is what's been missing in American heavyweight boxing, and they immediately establish themselves right back into the title picture, and at the levels that, you know, every fighter fights for, and that's the premium channel networks, because of their fan base and because of their excitement.

(Ray Markarian):

All right, Chris, I don't know if you answered this or not, but I wanted to know pretty much what your mindset is going into this fight. I know, you know, you've fought in a lot bigger fights than this in the past. Like, what's your mindset going into this fight?

Cristobal Arreola:

You know, like I said before, you know, this fight's important because I have to prove myself. I have to put a statement on this fight. And I've got to make sure that I come in here and make a statement.

You know, I'm out here to win a fight, as he is. And, you know, regardless of who it is, what the venue is, or – or what channel it's on, I don't care, man. I'm there to fight, and I'm there to put on a show. And this time, it's my job to put on a good show and a great statement on this fight.

You know, every fight's important to me. It doesn't matter who it is. You know, I respect Manny, but, you know, come the 13th, you know, I'm going to hate the motherfucker. You know, and then after that, I'll give him a hug and let's go have some beers.

But right now, I respect him. Come the day of the fight, I'm going to hate him. After that, then it's time for me to think about what's going to happen after.

(Daniel Olea):

Hey, I have a question for you. Do you feel after your loss for the championship – do you feel this is your last chance to be the first – you know, becoming the first champion of Mexican descent?

Cristobal Arreola:

I definitely believe that this is a very important fight. And this kind of a – whether we want to say it or not, you know, it's kind of a make-or-break kind of fight. You know, it is going to be a tough road after this. Whoever loses, it's going to be a tough road to get back into it.

And my job in here is to win this fight and to take care of history, you know? This is the first time that – I'm almost positive that, you know, this is going to happen, you know, that two fighters of Mexican descent or any descent to basically kind of knock each other off just to make a history of their own.

(Eddie Goldman):

Thank you very much. Hello, everybody. First question for Chris, Chris, you said that you beat yourself in the fights with Klitschko and Adamek. Do you think that you need to make a change not only just in your training, but in your lifestyle and all that? You're still a young guy, especially with the heavyweight division, only 29 years old. What changes in your lifestyle do you think you have to make, other than just getting more motivated?

Cristobal Arreola:

Well, definitely you have to make a lot – change your lifestyle. You know, sometimes you've just got to weed out the people that are bad influence on you and the people that, you know, tell you, OK, that's all right, that's all right, you'll be OK, you've just got to tell them, you know what? It's not OK. And, you know, my career is more important than just hanging out with you or whatever it is.

You know, of course, that's one of the main things that you've got to do. And luckily for me, you know, like you said, I am a young fighter. I am a young heavyweight. And I've been able to make those changes, and I'm now – it's time for me to showcase it inside this fight.

(Eddie Goldman):

Are you starting to make changes in your nutrition and your diet? Because I know you'd joke about, you know, beer and burgers and things like that, which is fine if you're not a fighter, but...

Cristobal Arreola:

As far as a beer, you know, I always cut beer like six (seconds) before a fight. That's not the hard part. Honestly, the hard part for me is, when it comes late at night after I get home from a hard day at the gym, there's no point in me working out if I'm going to go home and then have a big-ass burger. You know, that's the main thing.

And now, you know, thank God for carryout. I'll call P.F. Chang's and give me some – give me some grilled salmon or whatever it is, you know? So that's one of the main things that I've been changing a lot.

(Eddie Goldman):

OK. And, Manny, a question for you, also. With Chris' disappointing performances in those big fights, how motivated do you think he's going to be in this fight after those – after those two major losses?

Manuel Quezada:

Yes, no, he'll be very motivated. Like he says, he's a fighter. And, you know, I know Chris. And everybody knows Chris. And the one thing about him, he comes to fight, you know, no matter what happens in training camp or what. When it's time to fight, he shows up. So he'll be very motivated.

(Eddie Goldman):

Did you see anything in his fights with Klitschko or Adamek, that – any weaknesses that he had that you could take advantage of, other than, you know, the – him defeating himself and the lack of training?

Manuel Quezada:

No. You know what? If he's ready to fight, it's going to be a tough fight for us, you know? If he does what he has to do in training camp, you know, it's going to be a tough fight, like I said.

You know, I don't really see much weaknesses, you know, except he wasn't ready to fight.

(Gabriel Montoya):

Good afternoon, gentlemen, or good morning. My first question is for Manny. This is basically what Chris said, your Super Bowl. You're coming off a loss. You're familiar with Chris. You've sparred with him. You've seen him in fights. You know him. Are you going to do anything different to prepare for this fight? And can you just speak to just how important this fight is for you?

Manuel Quezada:

No, this is a very important fight for me. This is my biggest fight. You know, like I said, you can say that, and you can say it's my Super Bowl. You know, I haven't fought in a bigger fight than this, but, you know, I'll be ready to fight. You know, I'm always at the gym, you know, and, you know, we got a new camp, you know, I got a new trainer, and I'm feeling great, man, and I'll be ready to fight.

(Gabriel Montoya):

Can you take anything from the Adamek fight? I mean, you like to move and use some angles, and with your martial arts background, you're an intelligent fighter. What can you take from the Adamek fight, if anything at all, into this fight?

Manuel Quezada:

Not a whole lot. Like I said, you know – and everybody knows, you know, Chris wasn't ready that fight. You know, his training wasn't, you know, what it should have been. And I know for this fight, I know he'll be back, he'll be hungrier, and it's going to be a tough fight, you know? We've just got to be ready to fight.

(Gabriel Montoya):

My next question is for Chris. How are you doing today, Chris?

Cristobal Arreola:

Pretty good, (Gabriel). How you doing?

(Gabriel Montoya):

I'm doing good, man. I know you know that I have a lot of respect for you, so I'm just going to be straight to the point. You've – like you said, you cut a lot of corners in the Adamek fight, and now you're fighting on ESPN against, you know, a different level of opponent, you know, no disrespect to anybody here But if you couldn't get motivated for that fight and you cut corners in that fight, how are the fans supposed to believe that you're not going to cut corners in this fight?

Cristobal Arreola:

Because, honestly, I'm going to say, you know, for once, I've got content, man. I was content. And I was like thinking that – just do enough just to get by.

And that hunger just came back. It's back, man. I'm hungry. I'm hungry, man. I want to win. I hate losing. And I think I have a lot to prove, not only to myself, but to the fans and to everybody that doesn't believe in me and stuff like that or anybody that doubts me. You know, I just have to prove everybody wrong and myself.

You know, I've got to prove it to myself that I am the fighter that I believe I am, that I – that I can become a world champion. You know, I've got to prove it to myself, and that's the main thing, man. I have – I have a lot to prove, man.

And just like – you know, like that song by Eminem, you know, I'm not afraid, man. I'm not afraid. And it's time for me to, you know, to take care of my business and do what I'm supposed to do, man.

(Gabriel Montoya):

Do you think on some level there is a little bit of like – like a fear of success, like if you gave your all and then it wasn't good enough, that that would be too much, and so – and there's a little bit of self-sabotage there, at least (inaudible) is that too deep? I'm sorry.

Cristobal Arreola:

Yes. No, no, no, no, it's not deep. (It's absolutely the – it's absolutely true, man). And – and (there's a reason that thing) where you, you know (inaudible) I did enough, you know? And then that way if you do, do give it your call and then you lose, and you're like, man, I gave it all and I still lost, you know, now I've got an excuse why I lost.

And I guess you're right (inaudible) sabotage, you know. It's – I feel like I'm talking to my therapist now. But I (inaudible) man. When I was a kid – when I was a kid, I didn't even want to dress nice, because then I'll feel like a dummy.

(Gabriel Montoya):

No, I hear you, man. Well, thank you, gentlemen. Good luck to both of you. I look forward to the fight. I think it's going to be a great one.

Cristobal Arreola:

Thank you, bro.

Manuel Quezada:

Thanks.

Cristobal Arreola:

By the way, that was the best question anybody asked.

(Karl Freitag):

Hey, everybody. Hey, Manny, you said this fight is everything for you. And Chris kind of implied that you're going to be just another opponent for him. Does that give you any extra motivation or do you want to really show him something because of that?

Manuel Quezada:

No, no, no extra motivation, man. We're motivated for this fight. You know, like he is, I am, we're fighters, and we'll be ready to fight that day, you know what I mean? But, you know, it's true what he says, you know? To him, I'm another opponent. You know, it don't matter who I am or – you know, I mean, he's fought some of the best. You know, he fought the best, you know what I mean?

So, I mean, what can I say? You know, I can't blame him for thinking that way, you know what I mean?

(Karl Freitag):

And what do you think?

Cristobal Arreola:

To me – to me – sorry to cut anybody off – every fight is just another fight to me, so every fight – every fight is important, it doesn't matter what it is. I'm not (inaudible) at all, and I'm not saying that he's just a regular Joe Schmoe. I'm just – if you guys go back to every one of my interviews, you know, every fight is important to me, and every fight (inaudible) to me.

(Karl Freitag):

Hey, Cris, you think you might be overconfident for this fight?

Cristobal Arreola:

Do I sound confident?

(Karl Freitag):

Overconfident.

Cristobal Arreola:

No.

(Karl Freitag):

I mean, are you underestimating him?

Cristobal Arreola:

Do I sound like I'm overestimating him

Henry Ramirez:

Excuse me. I need to jump in. There's no way Chris is going to overlook Manuel Quezada. You know, Manny is working with (Robert Garcia), a well-respected trainer. I expect the best Manuel Quezada that's going to be possible. And in that regard, I'm going to prepare the best Chris I can – I can prepare for this fight.

Manny is not being overlooked. He's not being disrespected by me, by Chris, anybody in our camp.

Dan Goossen:

That's Henry Ramirez, Arreola's trainer.

(Karl Freitag):

Hey, Manny – so, Manny, do you think you're going to win this fight? Are you going to predict a win for sure?

Manuel Quezada:

I'm not going to predict nothing, man. I'm going to predict it's going to be a great fight. That's what I'm going to predict for sure.

Dan Goossen:

I've been trying to get Manny to predict something for (inaudible) years.

(Karl Freitag):

Well, I think we all agree it's going to be a great fight. Thanks a lot.

(Jake Donovan):

Hey, my question is for Chris. Chris, I just want to know, what point in your career do you think was the high point of your career? And then, at what point do you feel like things started to – I don't want to say fall part, but what you said, where you just got to the point and you started beating yourself and, like, started cutting corners in your training and all that.

Cristobal Arreola:

What part do I believe was the height of my career?

(Jake Donovan):

Yes, sir.

Cristobal Arreola:

I think – you know what? I can't call what part as much as that was the height, that was also my lowest part of my career, so (inaudible) that part right there, you know, that part is just – as much as my balloon was inflated, it deflated just as bad.

(Jake Donovan):

OK. Maybe I was trying to rephrase it. At what point in your career did you feel like that you would be able to get away with cutting corners and still be one of the best heavyweights in the world, not when you realize that you could but just when you, you know, began doing it like on a regular basis?

Cristobal Arreola:

No, I believe it was after that fight. You know, I – I got content - I'm not going to lie. And it definitely has to be after that fight.

And that after – right after the fight with Adamek, that's when I - you know what, dude? I'm going about this the wrong way, and I need to make a change.

(Jake Donovan):

OK. I know it's not by choice, but, I mean, with you, you're still in line to become the first fighter of Mexican descent to win the heavyweight championship and you're also one of the few American heavyweights out there that can actually, you know, get people interested, just because of your natural charisma. Do you feel a sense of responsibility that you – you know, this is the time that you absolutely need to step it up?

Cristobal Arreola:

Yes, absolutely, man. You know, it kind of bugs me to know what I've done, and I kind of feel like I almost – I disrespected the sport by everything that I've done (inaudible) coming fully prepared as much as I should be.

I disrespected Dan. I disrespected Henry, Al, and especially, you know, HBO, whenever they gave me the opportunity. And it's – you know what? I have to prove a lot. And, you know, I'm not the only one that's (inaudible) to make history. So is Manny. You know, he's a Mexican himself, in case you didn't know. And – and I know that he's going to come in here, you know, to prove himself also to be worthy of a title shot.

(Jake Donovan):

All right, cool. Thanks for your honesty, Chris. Looking forward to seeing you next month.

(Dan Cesarez):

Hello. Question for Manny. Well, first of all, hello there, gentlemen. Thank you for your time. Manny, I know we've spoken in the past, and I've seen you around, and you've been – I've actually seen you ask your management team for the bigger fights. You were upset in April over here in Lemoore.

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, we're prepared. And we're going to get prepared, you know, even more, you know? I have a good camp, good trainers, and, you know, we're just going to go out there to fight, you know what I mean, try to pull up an upset, you know? I know I'm the underdog in this fight, and we're just going to do our best.

(Dan Cesarez):

Well, how much are you thinking about this, you being the underdog? I mean, that's not the way you normally go into a fight, thinking, hey, I'm the underdog here. I mean, if I lose...

Manuel Quezada:

No, I'm a fighter, and I'm going to go out and fight, you know what I mean? But I know, you know – I know the word around is – is that I'm – you know, I'm not at his level and stuff, so I'll be ready to fight.

(Dan Cesarez):

When you faced Gavern in April, I think you had said something to the effect in Lemoore that you might have underestimated him. Do you recall anything like that? How about this fight here?

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, yes, definitely. You know, that fight was – you know, was an off night for me. I took him a little lightly. And, you know, and then, like I said, the cut and the head butt didn't help.

But, no, this fight – you know, for sure, I know what this fight means, man, so I'll definitely be ready for this fight.

(Dan Cesarez):

Are you training in Oxnard still?

Manuel Quezada:

Yes, I'm up in Oxnard right now, you know, so training.

(Dan Cesarez):

So you're spending any time in Bakersfield for this fight? You're just staying over there? Is that...

Manuel Quezada:

Yes, I'm up in Oxnard until the fight.

(Dan Cesarez):

Got you. OK.

And a question for Chris. Chris, I know that you're getting some flak today, and so I've got to ask you the same question. Is this fight going to take you back on the road to where you want to be?

Cristobal Arreola:

Oh, yes.

(Dan Cesarez):

And who do you want to see by the end of the year?

Cristobal Arreola:

Excuse me. Who do I want to see what?

(Dan Cesarez):

And who do you want to face by the end of the year?

(Dan Cesarez):

With this fight here, should you come out with the victory, who do you want to face by the end of the year?

Cristobal Arreola:

You know, first of all, I've got to take care of – make sure that I win this fight. That's a very important fight for me. This is a very important fight. This is something that I really needed. I really needed a kick in the ass like this, and I really need a kick – a fight to prove something.

You know, I respect Manny, but like I said before, come the 13th, I'm going to hate him. But first of all, you know, I want to make sure that I take care of business on the 13th, and that's my job, and that's the only thing I'm looking forward to.

(Dan Cesarez):

You're not whispering any other names into your manager's ear?

Cristobal Arreola:

No, at all, I can't.

Cristobal Arreola:

You know, you don't overlook a fight like Manny. You know, you don't overlook someone that's as hungry as Manny is. You don't overlook something like that. So this fight right here is an important fight for me, period.

Dan Goossen:

Henry, I'm going to give you the – the podium for a minute, because I know most of the questions have been directed to Cris and to Manny, so why don't you give us a little sound bite?

Henry Ramirez:

Like I was saying before, look, this is a fight of great consequence for both guys. We have both guys who are desperate for a win. Obviously, the fighter moves – the winner moves on, and, you know, kind of the loser, you know, really takes a step back.

Chris is prepared. He's preparing properly. We're a month out, and I like where we're at. I expect the best Manny Quezada to show up on August 13th. You know, he's training with Robert Garcia, well respected trainer. I know he's going to be in great shape. It should do something for his confidence.

But, ultimately, I just know the kind of guy that Chris is. And I don't doubt he's going to win on August 13th.

Dan Goossen:

OK. And, Manny, why don't you have a closing comment?

Manuel Quezada:

No, I just – you know, I'm excited about the fight, you know? I can't wait. And I know – you know, I know Chris and Henry, and I know they're going to do their job, and I'm going to see the best Chris that I can possibly see August 13th.

Dan Goossen:

Is this the first time you've gone to a training camp, Manny?

Manuel Quezada:

Oh, yes, first time, and I feel good about it, you know. Like Henry says, you know, I've got Robert Garcia. He's a good trainer. And, you know, I'm excited about this.

Dan Goossen:

Hey, and, Chris, closing comment?

Cristobal Arreola:

You know, just my main comment is – my statement is going to be made on August 13th. That's it.

Dan Goossen:

All right. Thank you, Chris.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday. They're priced at $29, $59, and $79, which includes parking, which is one of the reasons why you've got an odd number like that. So very nice. We got a full slate of fights, including in the semi main event, which we'll send out a release shortly on, Josesito Lopez against Marvin Cordova, Jr. So that'll be an interesting fight in itself, as we know Josesito Lopez is also from Riverside, a stablemate of Cris', and also trained by Henry Ramirez.

ABRAHAM V FROCH!

SET FOR OCT. 2 IN MONACO.

Following weeks of intense negotiations, SHOWTIME Sports® is proud to announce that Hennessy Sports and Sauerland Event—the promotional outlets for world-class super middleweight boxers Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham—have agreed to a location for their fighters’ crucial Super Six World Boxing Classic bout.

On Saturday, Oct. 2, in the capital city/state of Monaco, Abraham and Froch will meet at the Chapiteau de l’Espace Fontvieille for their pivotal Group Stage 3 match up in the boxing tournament that has ignited the industry. The bout will be televised on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT (same day delay). The fight will also be televised live on UK TV from approximately 10pm.

Hennessy Sports and Sauerland Event are currently working with Principality officials in Monaco to finalize all the necessary authorizations for this event as they expect it to be one of the biggest fights in the history of the region. The Principality of Monaco is situated on the Mediterranean Sea in the south west area of Europe, some 1,400 km from Abraham’s home in Berlin and over 1,000 km from Froch’s native Nottingham, England.

“The intensity of the selection process for this venue speaks to the enormity of the moment created by the Super Six World Boxing Classic,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.

“All the fighters in the tournament have set out to prove that they are the world’s best at 168-pounds by fighting their peers—the most dangerous men in the division—fight after fight. Any perceived advantage or disadvantage has been calculated.

“To the credit of all involved, each hurdle has been cleared and the Super Six World Boxing Classic now marches on toward a thrilling conclusion.”

This bout is the last of the Super Six Group Stage matches. Following Abraham vs. Froch, the four fighters with the highest point totals on the Super Six scoreboard will advance to the semi-finals, tentatively slated for the first quarter 2011.

Froch (26-1, 20 KOs) is coming off a hard-fought unanimous decision loss, the first of his career, to Mikkel Kessler on April 24.

That night, during the post-fight press conference, Wilfried, and his son Kalle Sauerland and Mick Hennessy began publicly disputing the venue selection for the Abraham vs. Froch contest.

At the time, Abraham (31-1, 25 KOs) held the tournament lead with three points by virtue of his KO win over Jermain Taylor in Group Stage 1, but was out boxed and ultimately disqualified in his Group Stage 2 bout versus Andre Dirrell for the first loss of his career. Froch remains tied at the moment with Kessler and Dirrell at two points.

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring,” said Abraham.

“I am thrilled that the date and the venue have been set. I must admit that the disqualification against Dirrell still haunts me. Only a victory over Froch can put my mind at rest. I was ringside when he fought against Kessler and I must say I was impressed with both men. They really fought their hearts out. Froch is a hell of a fighter, but so am I. This will be the biggest, the most important fight of my career, and I will put on a special performance to please the boxing fans in Monaco, France, Germany, England, America and all over the world.”

"I'm training hard already for 'King' Arthur,” said Froch from his training centre in Sheffield.

“I respect what the man brings to the table, but I'm going out there to knock Abraham's crown right into Kalle's lap,” he added in response to Sauerland’s bold predictions on the outcome of this fight.

"Make no mistake about it, I fully appreciate the threat that Abraham presents to me in this fight. Whenever two warriors go into battle there will be bloodshed. But there will be only one victor in Monaco and that will be The Cobra," Froch concluded.

The Sauerlands are filled with anticipation.

“The Super Six tournament has been outstanding thus far,” said Kalle.

“We’ve had so much drama and so many high-class fights. Kessler versus Froch was as good as it gets but believe me, Abraham-Froch will be even better. It’s win or go home! I honestly can’t see this going the distance. I have a lot of respect for Froch as a fighter but I think that his style is tailor-made for Abraham. The King will knock The Cobra out – no doubt about that. The only question is in which round.”

Hennessy also expects a toe-to-toe war and believes the Englishman will come out victorious inside the distance

“This is a mouth-watering match up against two of the best and toughest fighters in the game,” Hennessy said.

“If you thought Carl’s last fight against Kessler was epic just wait for Froch vs. Abraham. This has all of the ingredients to be the fight of the decade.

“I have a lot of respect for Arthur in and outside of the ring, but unfortunately on the 2nd October he will come up against a highly driven and fully motivated Carl Froch. When Carl’s is in that sort of mode he will prove he is the best of the best and will secure three points for a knockout win, showing the world once again that he is a very special fighter.”

The Super Six World Boxing Classic continues on Saturday, Sept. 25, when SHOWTIME will present a world championship doubleheader to kick off Group Stage 3—the final Group Stage of the round-robin portion of the tournament. First, Kessler will look to lock up a semi-final berth with a win over Allan Green. Kessler is making the first defense of his second world title, the WBC 168-pound strap he wrested from Carl Froch. Green is desperate for a win to have a shot at the semi finals. He may need a knockout and/or help from his fellow competitors to earn one of the four spots.

Immediately following, live on SHOWTIME, Andre Ward will face 2004 U.S. Olympic teammate and friend Andre Dirrell in what promises to be a dramatic affair. Ward has already locked up his semi-final berth as the only contestant to win both of his initial Group Stage matches. But, make no mistake, Ward promises a fierce defense of his WBA world championship belt and undefeated professional record. Dirrell, on the other hand, needs a win to guarantee his place in the semis. Conceivably, Dirrell could get in with two points but he would need help from Green and/or Abraham.

Ahmedov Back In Action!

Showcased On July 23rd Shumenov V Uzelkov Card.

World Boxing Association No. 9 rated light heavyweight Gayrat Ahmedov, the reigning WBC Asian Boxing Council and Interim PABA champion, faces his stiffest test as a pro July 23 against Dallas “Deaf Pride” Vargas (22-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round, non-title fight at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California.

Ahmedov (14-0-1, 9 KOs), a four-time Uzbekistan National Amateur Champion, comes from the same city (Andijan) as former WBA Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev, Gayrat, who now lives and trains in Las Vegas, will be fighting on the July 23rd undercard of an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show, presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, in association with KZ Event Productions.

Promoted by KZ Event Productions, owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, WBA and IBA light heavyweight champion Beibut and Chingis, Ahmedov takes on experienced Dallas Vargas (22-4, 16 KOs).

Shumenov, who makes his debut fighting for Goossen Tutor, headlines the July 23rd card, defending his WBA light heavyweight title for the first time against mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Uzelkov (22-0, 14 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Gayrat’s KZ Event stable-mate, unbeaten welterweight Ravshan Hudaynazarov (12-0, 10 KOs), is also scheduled to fight against an opponent to be determined in an 8-round bout.

“We brought Gayrat to Las Vegas because he has so much potential,” Chingis Shumenov said.

“He’s being trained by Kevin Barry and Dewey Cooper, from Elite Boxing Gym in nearby Henderson, for this fight. Gayrat is now world rated and moving up the ratings ladder. He also gives my brother, Beibut, good sparring. We’re excited about the direction Gayrat is going.”

Since capturing his two title belts via a second-round knockout of Douglas Otieno last August in Kazakhstan, Ahmedov has registered a pair of victories in the United States against veteran Demetrius Davis and Harley Kilfian.

“It feels good to be world rated,” Ahmedov remarked.

“The more a fighter moves up in the rankings, the more responsibility. It is fantastic living and training in Las Vegas. I think every fighter growing up dreams of training and fighting in the United States. Sparring here with Beibut has helped him get ready for his big fight and me for my fight.”

Vargas, the older brother of 2004 US Olympian Devan Vargas, fights out of Toledo, Ohio. Dallas has been in against world title challenger Jesse Brinkley and former French champion Jean Paul Mendy.

“I know my opponent has only lost four times in 26 fights and that he keeps coming forward,” Gayrat noted.

“I never underestimate an opponent and I’ll be ready for him July 23rd. Everything has been very good at training camp. I’m grateful for this opportunity and very happy to be promoted by KZ Event Productions and the Shumenov brothers.”

Tickets for this exciting event are priced at: $20, $50, $60 and $250 and can be purchased by calling the Tachi Palace box office at: 559-924-7751 or by visiting www.tickets.com.

HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN!

ARREOLA AND QUEZADA BATTLE FOR MEXICAN HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.

The similarities are many, almost eerily so. Both are heavyweights. Both are from California. Both are members of the Goossen Tutor boxing stable. Both have dreams of becoming the first world heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. Both are coming off bitterly disappointing defeats in fights they were both favored to win. Neither can afford another loss. And now both will fight each other.

On Friday night, August 13, both big men will come together at the end of a collision course when Riverside’s Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola (28-2, 25 KOs) and Bakersfield’s Manuel “El Toro” Quezada (29-5, 18 KOs) meet inside the ropes at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA in the scheduled 12-round ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” main event for the Mexican National Championship presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

The winner will redeem himself from his recent setback and re-emerge as a true world title contender; the loser will likely see his world championship aspirations – and opportunity to make heavyweight history – come to an end.

"This main event bout has two fighters who need to over come the challenge from a recent loss in order to advance and set themselves apart in the heavy weight division. We are pleased to be working with goosen tutor event and look forward to a great event and crowd" said Doug Loughrey, boxing program director for ESPN.

The 29-year old Arreola, a native of East LA who -- as the top-ranked contender -- got his first opportunity at heavyweight history in an ill-fated title shot against WBC champion Vitali Klitschko last September, will be returning to the scene of his HBO-televised loss to Tomasz Adamek back in April.

Arreola says he is determined to not disappoint his fans – again – and that he can and will perform at the levels of a world- class athlete; and that he is a much better fighter than he exhibited against his Polish foe; and is the best Mexican heavyweight in the world. Arreola promises to return to his roots that brought him success: a mental determination to go back to basics in the boxing gym and conditioning; more on old-time training with emphasis on more combination power punching and better stamina.

“I have no one to blame but myself,” Arreola admitted of his subpar performance against Adamek.

“Everything is on my shoulders. We spent a lot more time on my conditioning and didn’t do a lot of pad work and, as Henry pointed out, my combination count has gone down a big amount. So that is one thing that I’m going to have to work on.

“This fight is a dream-ender for either Quezada or me,” Arreola theorized.

“I know I have to win the fight; there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it if I am going to get another world title shot. I have to prove myself again and get back into contention. And I know I have fought better competition than he has so as much as we are alike, that level of competition separates us. My two losses came to a world champion and a former world champion. He hasn’t fought anyone like that, or me.”

“We’re gonna cut back on the conditioning drills,” trainer Henry Ramirez said.

“Obviously he’s gonna continue to run, but we don’t want to get to the point where the strength and conditioning work negates his boxing skills. We want him busting his butt in the gym with more focus on boxing, where it always should have been.”

For Wasco native Quezada, 32, his motivation for beating Arreola comes from a different source. Quezada, who was ranked as high as #4 in the WBC, feels he has fought in the shadow of Arreola, undeservingly so. Consequently, Quezada lost his drive and focus in the gym in preparing for what resulted in an unexpected April loss of his WBC CABOFE Heavyweight Championship to journeyman and heavyweight spoiler Jason Gavern.

“It was my fault, completely my fault,” Quezada, sounding like Arreola, admitted regarding his upset loss to Gavern.

“Coming into the fight I didn’t train like I should have. I kind of took him lightly and it showed. In the fight I sustained a cut from a head-butt and I’d never been cut in my career. I worried about that and got away from my game. But it will never happen again.

With new management and attitude, Quezada feels he finally has everything in place, including Arreola in the opposite corner to cast out the shadows on August 13, getting the fight he has been seeking the past two years.

“Arreola got a world title shot and with a victory for me on August 13, then I’ll get one,” Quezada stated.

“It’s very important for me to beat him. Don’t get me wrong, Arreola is a tough guy. I know him; he comes to fight, but so do I. I can’t worry about what he’s doing. I have to care about what I’m doing: Keep fighting, keep winning and eventually I’ll get my shot.”

There is no more important time in heavyweight boxing today then August 13. One of these two Mexican-American’s will provide America with hope of bringing the World Championship and respect back to the United States ending the World Championship domination of the European fighters in the heavyweight division.

Tickets are priced at $79, $59 and $29 (parking included with purchase) and can be purchased at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. For more information please visit www.CBBankArena.com. A full card of fights underneath the Arreola-Quezada bout will be announced shortly. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first fight set at 6 p.m. The main event is slated for 7:15 p.m.

UNDERCARD FOR STAR BOXING!

MONGOLIAN MONGOOSE TO MAKE STAR BOXING DEBUT.

All-Action undefeated jr. welterweight prospect, Bayan "The Mongolian Mongoose" Jargal (15-0-2, 10KO's) will make his Star Boxing debut on the undercard of the PPV heavyweight showdown between WBO #2 rated David Tua (51-3-1, 43KO's) and long-time perennial contender Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KO's) on July 17th at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. Jargal is scheduled to square off against James Hope (6-5, 4KO's) over eight rounds.

The 28-year-old Jargal, who was born in Ulan-Bator Mongolia, but now resides in Arlington, VA, first turned pro back in 2006, after a stellar amateur career, which included him representing his native Mongolia at the 2004 World Games.

Since turning pro Jargal, who is co-promoted with Let's Get It On Promotions, has steadily progressed up the ladder from prospect to contender. He last fought in March of this year, scoring a first round TKO over veteran Louie Leija.

"Jargal is one of those throw-back type fighters, who like to mix it up a bit, like a true Mongolian Warrior, so the fans can expect an exciting fight when he is in the ring," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing.

"We are looking forward to him making his Star Boxing debut on July 17th, and for him to put on an exciting an entertaining performance for all the fans at the Tropicana and everyone else watching on PPV throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and many other countries around the world."

There are a total of eight fights scheduled all together on the card. In one of the featured undercard bouts of the evening, undefeated Philadelphian prospect, Raymond "Tito" Serrano (12-0, 6KO's) takes on Ayi Bruce (6-2, 4KO's) in a scheduled eight round welterweight contest.

Two of the top prospects in French boxing will also see action on the card, when the number two rated lightweight in the world, Anthony Mezaache (18-5-3, 4KO's) squares off against Carlos Vinan over eight rounds, and two-time Olympian, and 2008 Silver Medal winner, Khedafi Djelkhir (6-0, 5KO's) takes on Jorge Cordero (4-2, 2KO's). The Djelkhir-Cordero fight is scheduled for six rounds in the featherweight division.

Also scheduled to appear on the card are two of the most highly regarded up and coming prospects out of the New Jersey area, Newark's lightweight Mike Perez (8-0, 3KO's) and Union City's light heavyweight Jason Escalera (8-0, 7KO's). Both Perez and Escalera are scheduled to compete in six round bouts.

Rounding out the card is 2009 NY Golden Gloves Champion Sean Monaghan (1-0, 1KO's) taking on Donnie Pendleton (0-1). The bout is scheduled for four rounds in the light heavyweight division.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Star Boxing is currently holding exclusive $200 VIP Packages, call for more information. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

T-N-T at the Tropicana is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and will be shown live at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States and Puerto Rico for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. You can also catch the telecast in France, New Zealand, Australia, and via tape delayed in numerous other countries throughout the World. The exciting undercard will go live on PPV at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT with the Tua vs. Barrett main event scheduled to go on air at approximately 10 PM/ET - 7 PM/PT.

Molina Shuts Up Lundy!

Results from Rhode Island.

Challenger John Molina, Jr. needed a knockout to win and he did just that, stopping defending champion and previously unbeaten “Hammerin” Hank Lundy for the NABO lightweight title tonight on ESPN Friday Night Fights, live from Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.

The “Let Freedom Ring” card was presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in association with Goossen-Tutor Promotions.

After being out-boxed for seven rounds, Molina dropped WBO No. 7 rated Lundy with a counter right-hook in the eighth round, giving John new life and momentum. Referee Ricky Gonzalez ended-up halting the action in the 11th round, somewhat controversially, as Molina pounded Lundy on the ropes.

Lundy (18-1-1, 10 KOs) was led after 10 rounds by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92.

“(Trainer) Joe Goossen told me to going out for the 11th round that I needed a knockout and not to wait for the 12th,” Molina (21-1, 17 KOs) admitted he knew he was significantly behind in scoring.

“He (Lundy) is kind of quirky. He didn’t have any power. No disrespect, but he didn’t want to fight. The only time he wobbled me was with a punch to the top of my forehead. I thought the count was a little long in the eighth. Hey, I’m a fighter who’ll go out on his shield and I think I proved that tonight.”

Both fighters, naturally, felt differently about the referee’s stoppage.

“He was swaying back and forth,” Molina remarked.

“He was a good actor, too. I know I had him hurt and it was a good stoppage. He’s a very good, technically sound fighter. This was the hardest fight of my career. I have dynamite in both hands.”

“The stoppage was premature,” Lundy claimed. “I had the fight. It is what it is but I wasn’t hurt.”

In an action-packed co-feature, former University of Rhode Island football player Vladine Biosse made a name for himself in the ring on a much larger stage than he’s ever been on, taking the New England super middleweight title from defending champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-5-2). Biosse (7-0) used his superior quickness to his advantage, out-punching the rugged McCreedy from start to finish in a battle of friends and CES stable-mates.

Biosse had never been in any fight longer than 4-rounds, but he was fresh through the eighth and final round, and won a unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74).

“I wanted everybody to know that, even though I haven’t been in this game too long, I’m an athlete,” Biosse said after the fight.

“Any chance I get, in life, not just in boxing, I overcome adversity and did that tonight. I’m hoping for bigger and better fights. Joey’s tough. He gave it his best, never quit, and tonight I was the better man in the ring.”

Super lightweight prospect Diego Pereira (5-0, 2 KOs) remained unbeaten, winning a 4-round unanimous decision against Richard Calazada (2-2). In a super middleweight bout, Keith Kozlin improved his record to 6-1 with a stoppage of a game Eric Pinaretta in the third round. Providence fire fighter Eric Estrada, brother of 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, made a memorable pro debut by dropping Keon Graham (2-3) twice in the second round, the last ending the fight.

Welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (3-1) avenged her only loss with a win by 6-round decision against previously undefeated Kali Reis (2-1). Super middleweight Joe Gardner (5-1-1) outpointed Demarcus Clark (1-3) in a 4-round bout. Light middleweight Dustin Reinhold (2-1) jumped all over Joel Nieves (0-3) from the opening bell until the fight was stopped at 1:47 of the opening round.

RESULTS FROM RHODE ISLAND:

Eric Estrada WTKO2 (1:29) Keon Graham

Vladine Biosse WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) Joey McCreedy

Joe Gardner WDEC4 (38-37, 39-37, 38-38) Demarcus Clark

Keith Kozlin WTKO3 (1:57) Eric Pinaretta

Dustin Reinhold WTKO1 (1:47) Joel Nieves

Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes WDEC6 (58-56. 58-56, 57-57) Kali Reis

Diego Pereira WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37) Ricardo Calazada

John Molina, Jr. WTKO11 (2:17) Henry Lundy

Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.

Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis

HERRERA V GRANADOS!

ADDED TO WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11.

Sensational young, undefeated prospects Jaime Herrera and Adrian Granados have been added to WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11 set for Friday, August 6th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

Herrera and Granados are each coming off outstanding performances at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 10, held on Saturday, June 19th, Herrera with a crushing third round knockout of Atlanta, Georgia’s Nick Smith and Granados storming to a five round shutout unanimous decision over Mike Culbert of Milwaukee, WI.

Said Pesoli, “Both Jaime and Adrian personify the WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT series. Boxing fans are continuously looking for the next hot prospect or the next contenders. For each of them the sky is the limit, they’re enormously talented young men and they have a very large and vocal fan base.”

With the knockout of Smith, Herrera improved to 3-0-0 (2KO’s), Granados also moving to an identical 3-0-0 (2KO’s) with his win.

WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11 is headlined by an eight round heavyweight showdown between Chicago fan favorite Mike Mollo, 20-3-0 (12KO’s) and Franklin Lawrence, 12-2-2 (7KO’s) of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Also featured on the undercard at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11 in separate bouts are lightweight prospect Antonio Avila, 3-1-0 (1KO), welterweight Genaro Mendez, 1-0-0 and Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez, 1-0-0 (1KO).

Presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, advance tickets for WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).

Further information on these and other bouts will be announced shortly.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com. The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland.

Fighters currently under the 8 Count Productions banner include; super middleweight contender Donovan “DA BOMB” George, junior welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca, light heavyweight Andrzej Fonfara, featherweight Jose Hernandez, welterweight Jaime Herrera and junior middleweight Luciano Perez.

In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxing.com

McBride V Page!

McBride Returns Saturday Night Against New Opponent.

Mike Tyson-conqueror Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride, former Irish heavyweight champion and 1992 Olympian, returns to the ring Saturday night (July 10) for the first time in more than 2 ½ years against veteran Zack Page in an 8-round bout at Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The 37-year-old McBride (34-6-1, 29 KOs), fighting out of Boston, is best known for knocking Tyson into retirement. The 6-6, 280-pound Irishman stopped Tyson in the sixth-round of their June 11, 2005 fight in Washington D.C. McBride fought three times after that, his last October 6, 2007 against Andrew Golota, and he’s been inactive ever since.

“Everything in training camp has been as good as we had hoped,” McBride reported his training camp in New York City.

“I’m looking forward to fighting again. It’s a good start. I want to win and then get right back in the ring again. If I can put a few good wins together, I hope to be able to have an opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming the first Irish-born heavyweight champion of the world. I’d like to fight again in Ireland, too.

“First, though, I have to take care of business Saturday night. I do want to send my condolences to Eddie and Tony McLoughlin (McBride’s new advisors). Their brother, Jimmy, recently passed away. He was going to go to my fight.”

Page (20-29-2), who has replaced Robert Hawkins, is a veteran sporting wins against former world champion Lou Del Valle, as well as Cisse Salif and Jeremy Bates.

“The change of opponent doesn’t bother me at all,” McBride said.

“It’s really all about how I perform Saturday night. I’m not concerned about going eight rounds, if needed. The more rounds, the better, for me to get some of the rust off. It’s just going to be nice fighting again.”

McBride-Page will air on Internet PPV live via NESportsTV.com.

THE FRENCH ARE COMING!

PROSPECTS TO MAKE U.S. DEBUT IN ATLANTIC CITY.

On Saturday July 17th Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presents T-N-T at the Tropicana, when WBO #2 rated heavyweight contender David Tua (51-3-1, 43KO's) takes on former heavyweight title challenger Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KO's) live on PPV at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.

Featured on the undercard, making their U.S. debuts, are two of France's top prospect's, European Lightweight Champion Anthony Mezaache (18-5-3, 4KO's) and the 2008 French Olympic silver medalist, Khedafi Djelkhir (6-0, 5KO's).

"I saw Khedafi fight in France when we had Vinny Maddalone fight Jean Marc Mormeck and I was very impressed," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing.

"Both Mezaache and Khedafi have very fan friendly styles, and know how to excite an audience every time they step into the ring. We are very much looking forward to showcasing both of these guys in their U.S. debuts for the Atlantic City fans, and for the rest of those watching on PPV throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and the other locations where the bout will air around the world, including in their home country of France whereby their fans can watch them on Orange TV."

The 31-year-old Mezaache, is ranked number two in the World, and is currently riding a nine fight winning streak over a three year span. Mezaache is scheduled to face tough New Jersey native Carlos Vinan over eight rounds.

Djelkhir was a two-time Olympian for France, and after winning a silver medal at the 2008 games, he turned pro on March 13th of 2009, scoring a first round TKO over Krastan Krastanov. Since that time Djelkhir has strung together five more impressive victories, including four by way of knockout. The 26-year-old prospect will square off against Jorge Cordero in a six round featherweight showdown.

T-N-T at the Tropicana is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and will be shown live at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in all U.S. Territories and Puerto Rico for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. You can also catch the PPV telecast in France, New Zealand, Australia and via tape delay in numerous other countries throughout the World. The exciting undercard will go live on PPV at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT with the Tua vs. Barrett main event scheduled to go on air at approximately 10 PM/ET - 7 PM/PT

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Star Boxing is currently holding exclusive $200 VIP Packages, call for more information. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

Lundy V Molina!

Catching Up With John Molina, Jr. And Promoter Dan Goossen.

Sherman Oaks, CA (July 7, 2010) - In just two days NABO #9-rated John Molina, Jr. (20-1,16 KOs) will square off against undefeated “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs) as the 12-round main event on the “Let Freedom Ring” card presented live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

The event is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I. with the Lundy-Molina bout promoted in association with Goossen Tutor. Check your local ESPN2 listings for time.

Click on the videos below to see what John Molina, Jr. and his promoter Dan Goossen have to say on the upcoming challenge:

Stars Coming Out For FNF!

Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Skeeter McClure & Others At Twin River Event Center, RI.

The stars will be out this week for “Let Freedom Ring,” headlined by the 10-round NABO lightweight title fight between champion, WBO # 7 rated “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs), and challenger, John Molina, Jr. (20-1, 16 KOs), live on ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.

Among the boxing luminaries scheduled to attend “Let Freedom Ring,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), are 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, 3-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward and 1960 Olympic gold medalist Dr. Wilbert “Skeeter” McClure.

A close friend of promoter Jimmy Burchfield, Paz is a fixture at most CES fights, while Ward and his brother Dicky Eklund, after whom the movie “The Fighter” (December release) is about, train New England super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-4-2, 6 KOs, also from Lowell (MA)).

McCreedy puts his title on the line against his friend and stable-mate, former University of Rhode Island football player Vladine Biosse (6-0, 4 KOs), in the 8-round co-feature. McClure roomed with Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay back then) at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where they both captured gold medals, “Skeeter” in the middleweight division.

Other stars expected at Twin River include world-rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina, 3-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt, former world cruiserweight title challenger “Iceman” John Scully (walking McCreedy into the ring), and former NABF light welterweight titlist “Sucra” Ray Oliveira (training Dustin Reinhold). Rhode Island natives and resident, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, will be in the house supporting his brother, Eric Estrada.

Quincy (MA) welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (2-1, 1 KO) will be out for revenge in a 6-round rematch against the only opponent to defeat her, Providence’s Kali Reis (2-0 1 KO), who won a hotly-contested 4-round decision in their first meeting.

Providence firefighter Eric Estrada makes his long-awaited pro debut in a 4-round match against cruiserweight Keon Graham (2-2). Estrada was perfect as an amateur with a 6-0 record, including victories in the New England Golden Gloves Tournament and Rocky Marciano Tournament.

Also slated to be in action in 4-round bouts are Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (5-1, 3 KOs) vs. New Bedford’s (MA) Eric Pinaretta (2-3, 2 KOs), Woonsocket (RI) super middleweight Joe Gardner (4-1-1, 1 KO) vs. Demarcus “Main Event” Clark (1-2, 1 KO), Lincoln super lightweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Richard Calazada (2-1, 1 KO), and Fall River (MA) middleweight Reinhold (1-1, 1 KO) vs. Joel Nieves (0-2). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Let Freedom Ring,” priced at $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Let Freedom Ring.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

Tua V Barrett!

Bloodworth Believes Tua Will Be World Heavyweight Champion.

Veteran boxing trainer Roger Bloodworth, who has known Samoan strongman David “Tuamanator” Tua for nearly 20 years, training him exclusively for the last five years, believes Tua will soon shed the label as the best contemporary heavyweight never to be world champion.

Tua and Bloodworth have been at training camp in Jersey City, New Jersey, preparing for David’s 12-round main event fight July 17 headlining “T-N-T at the Tropicana” presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, against former world title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett,at Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“David is a more confident fighter today,” Bloodworth said.

“He’s a very experienced fighter who is now moving a lot defensively and is no longer a one-handed fighter. He still has that one big hand, but he’s punching well with both hands and, surprisingly, even throwing a good jab.

“The heavyweight division is wide open but, at the same time, closed. There are top contenders like David but these champions seem to pick-and-choose their opponents. We’d love to fight (David) Haye or the Klitschkos. The Klitschkos brothers (Wladimir and Viltali) are both big and have talent, but they also have Achilles heals, and David can take advantage of that. They (Hayemaker Promotions and K2 Promotions) all have Cedric’s (Tua’s promoter Cedric Kushner, Gotham Boxing) phone number but nobody’s called. The only way to get a world title shot, it seems, is to become the mandatory challenger.”

Tua (51-3-1, 43 KOs), rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, hasn’t fought in Atlantic City in eight years, however, he’s undefeated fighting there in 13 fights with 12 knockouts. Wladimir Klitschko is the WBO champion, Alexander Povetkin its No. 1 contender.

Tua, the reigning WBO Asia Pacific and WBO Oriental heavyweight champion, has defeated former world champions John Ruiz (KO1), Michael Moorer (KO1) and Oleg Maskaev (KO11) in Atlantic City, in addition to Hasim Rahman (KO10), during his explosive career.

“David is a young 37-year-old heavyweight because he hasn’t been in any wars or been knocked out,” Bloodworth added.

“It is what it is and I think David has a very good chance of becoming world champion.”

Tua, of course, isn’t looking past Barrett (34-9, 20 KOs), now fighting out of New Jersey, who is also unbeaten in Atlantic City, sporting a perfect 7-0 (5 KOs) record there.

New Zealand’s national indigenous broadcaster, Maori Television, will present exclusive, live and free-to-air coverage of Tua’s July 17th fight.

T-N-T at the Tropicana is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and will be shown live at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States and Puerto Rico for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. You can also catch the PPV telecast in France, New Zealand, Australia, and via tape delayed in numerous other countries throughout the World. The exciting undercard will go live on PPV at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT with the Tua vs. Barrett main event scheduled to go on air at approximately 10 PM/ET - 7 PM/PT.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Star Boxing is currently holding exclusive $200 VIP Packages, call for more information. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling (609) 340-4000.

Go to www.GothamBoxing.com for additional information about Tua, his July 17th fight or Gotham Boxing.

Daws V Williams!

Lenny Daws: I’m Ready.

Morden’s British Light Welterweight Champion Lenny Daws is brimming with confidence ahead of his title defence against unbeaten English Champion Steve Williams this Friday night (9th July) at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

The 12 round British Championship contest between the two champions will be headlining the Matchroom Sport in association with Hennessy Sports event which will be shown live on Sky Sports HD from 10pm.

Lenny Daws said “Big respect to Steve for stepping up and taking this opportunity at such an early stage in his career, but I will be out to avoid the disappointment of my last fight against former European champion Jason Cook in which the judges scored the contest as a draw. I still believe after watching the fight again I done more than enough to claim outright victory”

“Rob McCracken and myself have watched Steve’s last fight and have adapted my training to suit. I know it is going to be hot and draining in the ring on Friday but as always my fitness levels are high and sparring has been great with the likes of Lee Purdy and former unbeaten Commonwealth Champion John O’Donnell”

Daws who regained his British title in September 2009 after losing it back in 2007 believes his ring experience will be too much for challenger Steve Williams and will be looking to end the fight within the distance and take it out of the judge’s hands.

Lenny Daws added “I’m expecting him to come and give it a real go, but I feel with my experience and talent on the night I’m going to be too much for him to handle. I’m confident that I will be going home with the belt.”

Also on the undercard Hennessy Sports prospects Bradley Evans (Royston) and Phill Fury (Lancaster) will be back in action, both of whom will be looking to add another win to their unbeaten records.

Tickets are priced £30 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

York Hall, London Friday, July 9

12 x 3 mins British Light-Welterweight Championship

LENNY DAWS (Morden) v STEVE WILLIAMS (Liverpool)

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest @ 10st 9lbs

MICHAEL LOMAX (Chingford) v TBA

6 x 3 mins Light-Middleweight Contest @ 11st 2lbs

GEORGE HILLYARD (Chingford) v TBA

6 x 3 mins Light-Middleweight Contest @ 11st 2lbs

PRINCE ARRON (Droylsden) v TBA

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

BRADLEY PRYCE (Newbridge) v TBA

6 x 3 mins Light-Welterweight Contest @ 10st 2lbs

BARRY MORRISON (Motherwell) v TED BAMI (Brixton)

4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight Contest @ 13st 7lbs

KRIS KEANE (Coventry) v TBA

4 x 3 mins Light-Welterweight Contest @ 10st 2lbs

CHRIS EVANGELOU (Wood Green) v TBA

4 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest @ 9st 12lbs

BRADLEY EVANS (Royston) v TBA

4 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest @ 10st 13lbs

PHILL FURY (Lancaster) v TBA

Broadway Boxing Returns!

Local Favorites Bracero, Smith, Monroe, McLeod-Wells, And Lamonakis To See Action On The Undercard.

New York City’s longest running and most successful boxing series, Broadway Boxing, returns July 28 to the most intimate venue for boxing in the country, the BB King Blues Club in Times Square. In the main event, Argenis Mendez, who in his last fight won the USBA super featherweight title, returns to the ring in a non-title scrap.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now through DiBella Entertainment, and start at only $55.

Those scheduled to see action on the undercard include several of the most popular and exciting pugilists that the New York fight scene has to offer. All undefeated prospects and from New York, welterweight Gabriel Bracero, light heavyweight Joe Smith, Jr., middleweight Willie Monroe, Jr., flyweight Keisher McLeod-Wells, and heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis will do battle with opponents to be announced.

VIP Ringside tickets are $125, Floor Seat tickets are $75, and General Admission tickets are $55. Tables for groups of 5 are also available. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, and more information can be obtained by visiting www.dbe1.com.

Mendez (16-1, 9 KOs), 24, is fresh off the biggest win off the biggest win of his career, a 12-round decision over Martin Honorio for the USBA super featherweight championship. Entering the bout, Honorio was one of the hottest fighters in the world, coming off consecutive wins over the previously unbeaten John Molina and Wilton Hilario. Now, that distinction belongs to Mendez, a Dominican native currently living and training out of Brooklyn. Ranked WBC #14, WBA #8, and IBF #9, this Broadway Boxing outing could very well be Mendez’s last tune up before a crack at one of the recognized world champions.

Bracero (10-0), 29, another Brooklynite, has quickly become one of New York’s most popular attractions with his all-action style. His unanimous decision wins over Carl McNickles and Winston Mathis is his previous two Broadway Boxing appearances still have fans who were in attendance buzzing. In his last fight, on June 12, Bracero’s popularity helped pack the Theater at Madison Square Garden for a special show the weekend of New York’s Puerto Rican Day parade.

Smith Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs), 21, has been a professional fighter for only nine months, but has still made his presence felt in a big way. The Long Island native has not only stopped all five of his opponents thus far, he has finished off three of them in under a minute, including an 18 second destruction of Christopher Dammones in April. When Smith steps into the ring, the one guarantee is fireworks from the opening bell.

Monroe Jr. (8-0, 3 KOs), 23, has had boxing in his blood from a young age. His father was a middleweight contender in the 90s, and his great uncle was the famous middleweight contender out of Philadelphia Willie “The Worm” Monroe. Two and half years into his pro career, he has been carrying on the tradition nicely. In his last bout, Monroe, who lives and trains in Rochester, pitched a shutout against then 7-1 southpaw Ibahiem King.

McLeod-Wells (3-0, 1 KO), 33, and Lamonakis (1-0, 1 KO), 35, may fight at different weight classes, but they are both striving to become the first women of New York City boxing. Both are wildly popular and sure to bring their raucous supporters to BB King on July 28 for their respective bouts.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now through DiBella Entertainment, and start at only $55. VIP Ringside tickets are $125, Floor Seat tickets are $75, and General Admission tickets are $55. Tables for groups of 5 are also available. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, and more information can be obtained by visiting www.dbe1.com.

SERRANO BACK IN ACTION!

CO-FEATURE ON JULY 17TH IN A.C. ON PPV.

On Saturday July 17th at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, Philadelphia's up and coming welterweight prospect, Raymond "Tito" Serrano (12-0, 6KO's) will look to continue on his path up the contender ranks when he takes on Ghana's Ayi Bruce (6-2, 4KO's). Serrano-Bruce is scheduled for eight rounds, and will be one of the co-featured bouts of the evening on the Pay-Per-View telecast.

The card, being presented by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, and billed as T-N-T at the Tropicana, will feature WBO #2 rated heavyweight David Tua (51-3-1, 43KO's) taking on Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KO's) in the main event.

Serrano is coming off a dominate eight round unanimous decision over Ronald Warrior Jr. in his last fight, which was televised live on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" earlier this year.

The 21-year-old Serrano, is excited to be fighting in Atlantic City and is looking forward to the world-wide exposure he will get in fighting on PPV.

"This is very exciting fight for me," stated Serrano.

"Fighting so close to home, and fighting on PPV, is a dream come true for me. I have a lot of family in Puerto Rico and fighting on PPV will allow them to see me fight, so this is definitely a special fight for me. This will be my second consecutive eight rounder, and I feel that before this year is over I will be ready to move up to ten round fights, and start testing myself against some of the top prospects in the welterweight division. I am very focused, and very hungry. This will be my third fight in Atlantic City since turning pro, and just as in my previous two, I plan on putting on an exciting entertaining performance for all the fans in attendance."

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Star Boxing is currently holding exclusive $200 VIP Packages, call for more information. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.

T-N-T at the Tropicana is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and will be shown live at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States and Puerto Rico for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. The PPV telecast will also be shown in France, New Zealand, Australia and via tape delay in numerous other countries throughout the World. The exciting undercard will go live on PPV at 8 PM/ET - 5 PM/PT with the Tua vs. Barrett main event scheduled to go on air at approximately 10 PM/ET - 7 PM/PT.

MEET JOSEPH ELEGELE!

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT IMPRESSES ON ESPN2'S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS.

This past Friday night boxing fans were treated to the network broadcast debut of top junior welterweight prospect, Joseph Elegele on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

Fighting out of Melbourne, Florida, Elegele faced off against William Walton of Salt Lake City, Utah in the scheduled six rounder.

With his six foot frame and rangy southpaw stance, Elegele was able to control the action and use his bazooka like jab to keep the overly aggressive Walton at bay throughout the first two rounds.

Although tagged in the first by a left hand from Walton, Elegele quickly regained form and continued his assault against Walton, dropping him hard with a left hand that ended the second round.

The third round featured more battering combinations from Elegele which found their mark. Towards the middle of the round, Elegele trapped Walton in a corner and referee Wayne Hedgpeth stopped the onslaught at the 1:37 mark of the round.

With the win, Elegele, who ESPN2 analysts Teddy Atlas and Joe Tessitore raved about, improved to 9-0-0 with seven knockouts while Walton moved to 4-2-0 (3KO’s).

Boxing fans will surely see more of Elegele in the second half of 2010, his next bout should be announced shortly.

CABALLERO & SAENZ WIN!

SCORE FIRST ROUND KO’S IN ONTARIO.

Sensational young prospects Randy Caballero and Gabino Saenz scored first round knockouts this past Friday night in the off-TV portion of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

After the ESPN2 broadcast went off the air, the loud and proud legion of fans from Coachella, California, cheered as the sound system blasted “Matador” by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, signaling the ring walk of the 19 year old Caballero.

Facing off in a scheduled four round super bantamweight bout against Denver’s Jairo Delgado, Caballero moved smoothly around the ring, peppering Delgado with a piston like jab over the first half of the initial stanza.

As Delgado missed with an overhand right, Caballero drilled him with a counter right to the chin, blasting him to the canvas, the stoppage coming at the two minute mark.

With the win, Caballero improved to 4-0-0 with four first round knockouts. Having spent a week recently sparring in Northern California with Nonito Donaire, Robert Guerrero and Steven Luevano, Caballero will return to the gym this week.

Following Caballero’s bout, Indio’s Gabino Saenz headed to the ring for his highly anticipated pro debut, supported by scores of fans sporting Team Saenz t-shirts including junior welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley.

Scheduled for four rounds against Colorado’s Brandon Sanchez in the featherweight division, 21 year old Saenz wasted no time, pounding Sanchez to the body and head with a beautiful left hook combination earning the stoppage at the :34 second mark.

Details of Caballero’s and Saenz upcoming bouts will be announced shortly.

HOPKINS SETS SIGHTS ON BERTO!

At 30-1, Hopkins Feels He's Ready For Andre Berto.

This past Friday night, welterweight contender Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins looked dominant defending his WBC USNBC title, winning a unanimous decision over former world title challenger “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis.

With the win, the Philadelphia native improved to 30-1-1, his second unanimous decision this year after moving up to the welterweight limit. Scores for Hopkins were 100-90 and 99-91 twice.

Having challenged for a junior welterweight world title against Kendall Holt in December 2008, a split decision loss in which Hopkins took the bout on one week’s notice, the 29 year old now looks to bigger bouts in his new weight class.

“I’m ready for a world title bout at 147. I know that Andre Berto is looking for a fight for the fall and I’m here to tell him that his search is over. He’s a very good boxer, but I’m quite confident that I have the skills to beat him.”

“I’m ready to fight him anytime, anyplace, I think I’m the best welterweight in the world and want to prove it by fighting the best welterweight in the world. Moving up to 147 has been terrific for me, now I don’t have to worry about making weight. I was fighting at 140 since I was 16, I feel much stronger now.”

On Friday night, in the main event of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights broadcast from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, Hopkins controlled the action from the outset, using an excellent jab to control the pace of the action and devastating overhand right hands that continuously drilled Arnaoutis.

Said Hopkins, “I’m at the peak of my career right now and now is my time to prove that I’m the best welterweight in the world. I want to continue to carry on the legacy of the Hopkins name. I’m ready to go at a moments notice.”

The Hopkins/Arnaoutis main event was part of a sensational, action packed nine bout card presented by TKO Boxing Promotions.

TICKET ALERT!

MIKE MOLLO HEADLINES WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11.

Advance tickets are now on sale as heavyweight contender and Chicagoland fan favorite Mike Mollo returns to action at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11, set for Friday, August 6th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

Presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, advance tickets for WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).

Said Pesoli, “We’re very happy to bring Mike back after his terrific win over Billy Zumbrun this past March. He’s in great shape and boxing fans in Chicago are thrilled to have him back fighting in his hometown.”

Mollo won a dominant eight round decision over Zumbrun on March 26th at the UIC Pavilion, his first Chicago area fight in two and half years. The win raised his record to 20-3-0 with twelve knockouts.

The undercard at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11 will feature three terrific newcomers to the Chicagoland boxing scene.

Lightweight Antonio Avila makes his fifth straight appearance at the UIC Pavilion, bringing a record of 3-1-0 with one knockout into action. Looking dominant on May 29th, Avila won a four round shutout unanimous decision over David Laque in his last outing.

Light heavyweight prospect Mike “HOLLYWOOD” Jimenez will also return to action at WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 11. The 23 year old Chicagoan started off his professional career with a bang, crushing Cleo Rice III with a brutal first round knockout on June 19th at the UIC Pavilion.

Also returning to battle on the undercard is junior welterweight Genaro Mendez. The Chicagoan made his pro debut on June 19th, looking sensational in a four round unanimous decision over Gabriel Morris.

Further information on these and other bouts will be announced shortly.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com. The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.

Lundy V Molina!

Headlines July 9 ESPN FNF Show.

Fighting the second time for the NABO lightweight crown, John Molina, Jr. believes an impressive victory this time against NABO lightweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs) not only will get him the belt that has eluded him, but put him right into contention in the deep 135-pound division.

Molina (20-1, 16 KOs) is traveling across the country from California to Rhode Island to challenge the outspoken Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs), now rated No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization, in the 10-round main event on the July 9th “Let Freedom Ring” show, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.

An ill Molina suffered his first and only loss as a pro last September, losing a 10-round decision to Martin Honorio (26-4-1) for the NABO and NABF lightweight championships.

“I felt that it was a small setback in the early stages of my career,” Molina said.

“It was a good learning experience. Don’t get me wrong, though. Even though I was under the weather, it was a tough pill to swallow because I’m such a competitor. The only real undefeated fighter today is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Hey, even Manny Pacquiao has three losses. It builds character and has made me a better fighter.”

Molina describes himself as an all-action fighter, much the same as Lundy.

“I’m going to come in and do what I do best – fight,” John explained.

“I’m not a basketball or baseball player; I’m a fighter. We’re both modern-day gladiators. No disrespect to Hank Lundy – he’s a good fighter – but I plan on showcasing myself July 9th on ESPN. It’s going to be a great fight for fans – a Clash of Titans!

“Lundy’s never at loss of words. He can say all he wants, but we’re fighting in a ring, not at a podium. I’m not one to disrespect anybody. I do predict this is going to be a helluva fight.”

New England super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-4-2, 6 KOs), trained by “Irish” Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund, puts his title on the line against his friend and stable-mate, former U. of Rhode Island football player Vladine Biosse (6-0, 4 KOs), in the 8-round co-feature.

Quincy (MA) welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (2-1, 1 KO) will be out for revenge in a 6-round rematch against the only opponent to defeat her, Providence’s Kali Reis (2-0 1 KO), who won a hotly-contested 4-round decision in their first meeting.

Providence firefighter Eric Estrada makes his long-awaited pro debut in a 4-round match against cruiserweight Keon Graham (2-2). Estrada, whose brother is 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, was perfect as an amateur with a 6-0 record, including victories in the New England Golden Gloves Tournament and Rocky Marciano Tournament.

Roxbury (MA) super middleweight Maceo Crowder (2-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, faces pro-debuting Worcester (MA) mixed martial arts fighter Ralph Johnson.

Also slated to fight in 4-round bouts are Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (5-1, 3 KOs) vs. New Bedford’s (MA) Eric Pinaretta (2-3, 2 KOs), Woonsocket (RI) super middleweight Joe Gardner (4-1-1, 1 KO) vs. Demarcus “Main Event” Clark (1-2, 1 KO), Lincoln super lightweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Richard Calazada (2-1, 1 KO), and Fall River (MA) middleweight Dustin Reinhold (1-1, 1 KO) vs. Joel Nieves (0-2). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Let Freedom Ring,” priced at $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Let Freedom Ring.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

THOMPSON BOXING INKS ESQUIVIAS!

FORMER NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMP IS 8-0 AS A PRO.

A stellar amateur who has gone on to build a sizeable fan following in less than three years as an unbeaten professional, super bantamweight prospect Efrain Esquivias is going to take the next step towards a world championship with Thompson Boxing Promotions, who signed him to an exclusive promotional deal this week.

“We’re proud to announce the signing of Efrain Esquivias to Thompson Boxing Promotions, and we have a lot of confidence that he will eventually join the ranks of our world champions Timothy Bradley and Yonnhy Perez,” said Ken Thompson, founder of Thompson Boxing Promotions.

“Efrain is a talented boxer with an exciting style, and he’s a mature young man as well, which means he has all the tools to go far in this sport.”

“I’m happy to be on the Thompson Boxing Promotions team, and I plan on becoming the next world champion on the roster,” said Esquivias.

“I’m determined to get to the top, and I’ve dedicated my career to my father, so I won’t let him down.”

A 2006 National Golden Gloves champion at bantamweight, Carson, California’s Efrain Esquivias (8-0, 5 KOs) has made a seamless transition to the pro ranks, earning victories and positive notices in all eight of his pro bouts.

Inspired by his late father, Efrain Sr., Esquivias has won four of his last five by knockout, and the 26-year old can box or bang, making him a tough style matchup for anyone in the super bantamweight division.

Esquivias will make his Thompson Boxing Promotion debut later this month on Saturday, July 31 at The Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.