The Raven Read

Highlights of WAR IV

2012-02-26T15:01:00.004-08:00

I was at South Coast Promotions fight card WAR IV this past Friday at the Arabian Shrine Center in Houston, Texas and took in some really good competitive fights. I have to give a BIG thank you to Juan Leija’s management team for inviting me out. I didn't originally plan to attend but I like watching fights that are not simply bouts to pad records but when fighter's handlers actually put their guys into bouts that are competitive. Lets get started shall we.

Guadelupe “The Butcher” Perez( 2-6,0KO) def Francisco Arrellano (2-1, 1KO)

Weight: lightweight

This was a close four round fight!! One of the ones that you hate to judge because either decision could be defended. It seemed that for every jab that Arellano landed, Perez was able to land a shot to the body. While Arrellano was able to land combinations against Perez while the two traded in the center of the ring, he rested too much on the ropes allowing Perez to score points with the judges.

You have to give Arellano credit, he could have made this fight boring to the fans and simply stuck with his very effective jab, but he instead stayed aggressive and continued to make a fight out of what could have been a easy victory.

After the decision was given, Arellano was clearly upset and I have to say for good reason. He should have been given the decision, but this is boxing. And in boxing things that should happen doesn’t always do. I talked to Arellano after the fight and he blamed the judges for the decision. When I talked to Perez about the controversial victory, He said that “Arellano wasn’t able to hurt me so I kept coming.”

3 judge average: 39-37 for Perez

My judgment: Draw

Cody Richards( 8-0, 4KO) def Deshaun Williams (3-8, 2KO)

Weight: Junior Welterweight

Let me start with this, Cody Richards is one hell of a body puncher!! While not the most technical fighter, Richards looked excellent as he peppered Williams of Galveston, Texas with little defense coming from Williams. Richards, a native of Orange, Texas never let up as he chased Williams throughout the fight and landed body shots that dug into Williams’ torso in each round.

Richards may be a contender one day and with his punching power and his size he should be.

This fight was so lop-sided that I didn’t even care to record the judge’s score.

Juan Leija(4-0, 1KO def Ricky Lacefield(0-3)

Weight: Flyweight

This was the main event of the evening and I have one thing to say: Ricky Layfield is talented, his record is deceptive. Lacefield, a Nebraska native traveling to Texas for the second time didn’t beat Leija, but he provided an excellent test. Leija who chased Lacefield for four rounds, tried numerous times to cut Lacefield off from moving around the ring. He wasn’t able to but he was able to land his overhand right and hooks to the body when he was able to find Lacefield against the ropes.

Lacefield to his credit provided an excellent bout and anyone thinking that since he is win-less he is your typical boxing journey be warned. Lacefield can box and fight off the angles. His defense is decent for a fighter with 3 pro fights. His style is effective and if he polishes it will serve him well during his career. his style made the fight difficult for Leija and at times you could see frustration on Leija's face. But Lacefield style while effective, wasn’t enough to impress the judges as they gave the majority decision to Leija.

This was a good fight that I think was main event quality. You rarely see a fighter take risk early in their careers and Leija's management should be commended on them putting Juan into a fight that while he didn't look dominate, he was able to pull through the victory by doing something so many fighters are unable to do: Adapt to their opponents. Lacefield has yet to taste victory, but I would love to see him fight again. He is only 19 and has a tremendous amount of skill in only 3 fights.

Interesting fact about Lacefield: In 80 amateur fights and 3 professional fight, he has only been down once. Remember that.

Judges scores: 40-36, 38-38, 39-37

My Score: 39-37 Leija.

After the fight I was able to talk to both fighters:

Lacefield

“I won the fight, simple as that. The judges gave a home town decision! There is no way that you can judge me as losing this fight. This is Bull&^k$!”

Leija

It wasn’t my best fight and I world have to give myself a 7 out of 10. The crowd was so amped and it started to get to me. I made a few mistakes because of it.”

Leija was referring to the friends and family who came out to show support to Leija, who was honoring his uncle David that passed in a car accident on exactly the same day.

“Juan’s uncle was a mentor to him and the two were close. This fight was in his memory” –Leija’s father and manager.

Leija's management team hopes to get Juan 5 fights this year and to continue putting him against stronger opposition.

Leija Vs. Lacefield

Leija dedicated this fight to the memory of his uncle David

Lacefield on his way to the ring

Leija lands a lead hook.

The slap heard around Europe!

2012-02-17T16:21:00.001-08:00

Today at their respective weigh in heavy weight boxer and challenger Derek Chisora slapped World Boxing Champion Vitali Klitschko. Why did this slap need to be delivered? Click here to see it.

Well for one of a few reasons is Chisora is a huge under dog who is 1-2 in his last 3 fights. The other reason is unfortunately this fight has no underlining interest. Most of Vitali's fight have been one sided boring matches and this one does give the impression that there will be no changes. Until the weigh in.

Klitschko is a huge favorite to win and will more than likely win the match with Chisora making attempts at a knock out. But I have to wonder how many Vitali fans are wondering if the WBC heavyweight champ will come out with both barrels blazing? That Vitali will not box his routine jab and cross that he does in a robotic manner and will come out at the first round going for the kill? Do Chisora's fans now think that the Brit may have the bravery(not the exact word I am looking for) to actually conquer Klitschko?

But I believe that when Chisora slapped Klitschko it did one thing: it made fans want to see how it ends and will watch twelve one sided boring rounds to see one thing happen: a Knock out.

I will say this, I wasn't really going to watch the fight but now I have to see how Klitschko is defeated by a man that has disrespected him or how he comes out of his routine and beats Chisora without mercy. Either way great publicity for the sport! Thank You Derek for making me look forward to this fight.

Will the Big Fight Happen?

2012-02-09T09:23:00.001-08:00

In all of competitive sports there are always the “dream” match ups. Kobe and Lebron going head to head in the finals for right to prove who the superior player is. The Dallas Cowboys versus the Houston Texans for the Super Bowl Championship at the Reliant Stadium, The Boston Celtics taking on the Los Angeles Lakers, The New York Mets fighting for a Pennant against the Yankees. There are countless match ups that sports fans can fantasize and argue over the semantics of who would win and why. Then there is Manny Pacquiao Versus Floyd Mayweather. What is different concerning this “Dream” event taking place? What separates this particular dream is that in boxing ANY fight can almost be made. There is no playoff system, regular season or even a governing body that prevents this fight from happening. That is the single reason that fans of the sport are upset.

For the past two years these two have circled each other in verbal exchanges concerning accusations of performance enhancing drugs, threats and finger pointing on why the fight is not taking place. Recently Mayweather challenged Pacquiao to a bout on May 5^th. Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter declined the fight due to Pacquiao’s cut in his close victory against Juan Marquez in November. I honestly don’t know how true it is but at this point I am skeptical about everything I hear concerning the possible biggest fight in Boxing. Maywetaher is now facing Miguel Cotto on May 5^{th and} then will serve his 90 day jail term for assaulting the mother of his children. Pacquiao is now schedule to fight against Timothy Bradley in June. Bradley is also promoted by Bob Arum.

I’m not accusing Arum of keeping a cash cow in his possession nor do I really care. What I am frustrated with as a fan of the sport is why is it that Pacquiao and Mayweather can fight everyone but each other.

Cotto lost to Pacquiao but now is fighting Maywetaher?

Marquez lost to Pacquiao, lost to Pacquiao, drew against Pacquiao, lost to Mayweather and lost to Pacquiao. Say that 3 times real fast.

Pacquiao has fought and beaten Oscar de la Hoya (so did Floyd), Ricky Hatton(so did Floyd), Antonio Margarito, Joshua Clottey and Shane Mosley(so did Floyd).

I cannot choose who they should fight but I do believe that after 2 years of “attempting” to make a fight and only giving the fans one compelling and competitive fight in the last 3 years( Pacquiao vs Marquez 3) it might be time for us to accept that these two are making a serious amount of money for not giving the fans the fight that they want. Fans are shelling out $60 for pay-per-views to see who? I have yet to meet anyone and I mean anyone that remotely cares for the Mayweather versus Cotto match up and feel likewise for the Pacquiao vs. Bradley matchup.

How much money are we as fans willing to give to these two before we boycott not buying their overly expensive tickets or horrible main events before they actually step into the ring and deserve our hard earned dollars?

Out of all the possible challengers Manny could face why choose Bradley? Its not a knock against Bradley who has a undefeated record against C+ talent, but more a admission that the best fights are clearly not being made.

I could never see Ali dodging Frazier or Foreman. Or what if Oscar never fought Felix or Lewis versus Holyfield?

Brandon Countee

Sanctioning bodies give into GBP and Khan

2012-01-18T12:44:00.001-08:00

Boxing sanctioning bodies WBA and IBF have ordered a rematch between Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson.

Even though their bout in which Khan was docked two points for excessive pushing was close and exciting to many fans the deduction of points gave Peterson the victory.

Khan who has blamed his lost on a "mystery man", judges, referees and seemingly everyone except President Obama appealed of the judges and apparantly the sanctioning bodies gave into the press and granted a rematch.

No one is against the a rematch considering their first bout, but many feel that the way that Golden Boy Promotions and Khan protested(cried) is unfair to Peterson. Peterson's manager and trainer Barry Hunter issued this statement:

“We are extremely pleased that Golden Boy and Amir Khan withdrew their protest with the IBF. As we have said all along, we were not going to be forced to make a decision by one person or entity and we will continue to do what is in the best interest of Lamont Peterson,”

Peterson who has not had a chance to enjoy his championship belts due to the protest of Golden Boy and Khan deserves the opportunity to enjoy being the Jr. Welterweight champion and should be able to decide who his next opponent should be. If Khan would have had the victory he certainly would not have granted a rematch(remember his first loss, Breidis Prescott).

What is most important is that fans are not at all rioting in the street giving that the fight was close and either fighter could have been given the victory.

Houston’s Jamal HD is still only for the rest of the world

2011-12-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

Jamal HD at the 2011 Kahbang Music Festival

Houston native and current above ground everywhere else and underground in Houston Rap Artist Jamal HD is in the studio of his good friend and producer V-DRO listening to a track titled “dreams” that is scheduled to be one of the selections on his third mixtape “HDMI”. He is only one third of the way thru with the track before he stops the track and in a disgruntle manner tells V-Dro that it will not make the cut. “The track it’s too plain, just not feeling it” it utters over the objection of V-Dro who clearly believes in the song strength.

Jamal HD, real name Jamal Jones wants HDMI to be as he put it “big enough for Houston to finally accept me. It’s been difficult to make it in my home town.” HD who earlier this year shot a music video in New York City’s Time Square and performed at the 2011 Kahbang Music Festival in Bangor, Maine understands the difficulty with breaking in big time in the fourth largest city in the nation. “If you can make it hear you can make it anywhere else.”

Jamal understands that with this being his third effort it is important to be able to gain new followers in a genre that is already flooded with artist.

“Im doing HDMI to leave a great impression on an already growing following. I get messages on Twitter from people in Europe and it makes me see the responsibility I have to my fans. Since I’m still new to a lot of people I want to make sure that all this production introduces my style and feel on timeless generated sounds. I see HDMI of being the start of where my career will be heading sound wise. “

Jamal who released his first mixtape Sin-thu-sis in 2010 and followed that months later with his largely successful “The Mixtape with the Kung Fu Grip” is hoping that his latest effort will be this glass ceiling breaker that he is hoping for.

“I picked the title (HDMI) two months ago after a show in Houston. Me and my manager Jordan were getting a bite to eat at Timmy Chan’s when he discussed me using some of my unreleased tracks from The Mixtape with a Kung Fu Grip for a mash up. Without thinking I came up with HDMI.”

HDMI in electronic world is a digital audio/video connector cable used to connect devices as a alternative to analog connection cable of yester year. It provides better quality sound and video.

“ I felt this project could be a great impression on a already growing following. I want this to be more defined than my last efforts. Sense I'm still new to a lot of people I made sure almost all production was sampled based to something people already know.”

Jamal who is sometimes referred to the shorten stage name “HD”, is at odds with whether he should have a heavy promotion for his particular sound in Houston. “I have a huge fan base up north and oversees, but breaking in here in my back yard has been depressing” he laughs. “My first tape (Sin-thu-sis) was really liked in the UK and The Mixtape with the Kung Fu Grip was a big success up north and in the UK. I am just ready for Houston and Texas to embrace me on this one.”

Read here about what Re-Up Spot said about Jamal HD latest mixtape here

Jamal can be followed on Twitter: @jamalwuzhere

Ibarra remains unbeaten!

2011-12-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

December 10,2011 Gerardo Ibarra kept his unbeaten record as he defeated Martez Logan in a competitive 6 round event. The bout the main event of the evening was action packed as Logan used many veteran techniques to make the bout close.

Ibarra who was the aggressor from the opening bell kept pressure on Logan and landed great body combinations when Logan rested on the ropes. He able to drop Logan in the second round with a counter left hook. However Logan was able to use veteran techniques to make it difficult for Ibarra to land any damaging shots to finish him.

Logan had an impressive third round while he traded punches with Ibarra in the middle of the ring. Ibarra was able to take control in the fourth round when he was able to rock with Logan with another counter right hook.

Ibarra won a Unanimous Decision on all cards.

“It was a great and competitive fight. Logan was a great challenge and tough fight.” Ibarra said.

Many in attendance were there for the main event as afterwards Ibarra signed autographs and took photos with the crowd. Ibarra improved to 12 wins, 0 loses with 8 knockouts.
By
Brandon Countee

Read more about what journalist have said about Ibarra here

TinTin continues to climb the ladder in Houston, Texas

2011-12-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

Houston, Texas native and undefeated boxer Gerardo “Tintin” Ibarra hosted a public workout(12-3-2011) at Hanks Gym in preparation for his upcoming fight on December 10th. He looked to be in good condition and possessed a great desire to get into the ring.

“I only had one fight this year. Fights were getting scheduled but guys were pulling out. I think this is a good way for me to end the year” said Ibarra. “I just want to continue fighting and get my shot at the title. Im not losing to anyone in the ring."

"Ibarra cant be matched in the ring skillfully. He power is unequaled and his style has no fedease against it."-Brandon Countee, Promotional Director for Majestic Raven Entertainment.

“He looks good in the ring and during sparring. Training was really good for him. Great preparation. He has really been working hard.” Ibarra’s trainer Aaron Navarro said.

Fans showed up and took photos with Ibarra as well as autographs.

One of Ibarra’s sponsors Christopher Shorter of Blue Flame Energy Drink was in attendance as well.

“Seeing a fighter train as hard as he did today is inspiring.” Shorter said. “This is something you have to see live to really get the dedication that he has.”

shadow boxing

photo with the fans


Hitting the pads

Ibarra fan appreciation day and public workout

2011-11-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

"I want to invite my fans and media out to see my preparation for this my last bout of the year."- Gerardo Ibarra

Majestic Raven Entertainment in association with Stay Young Entertainment and Hanks Gym Invite you to the public training session featuring Gerardo “TinTin”Ibarra at Hanks Gym located at 5320 Elm Street 77081. The open training is open to the public and will begin at 2:00pm and will end at 3:15pm on 12-3-2011. The session which will feature:

· Ibarra public training

· Photo and autograph opportunities for fans and media

· Interview opportunity for the media.

"We look forward to having the fans out to see Ibarra train. He has a huge following in Houston and we thought this would be a great chance for the fans to interact with him, before he gets back in the ring for the last fight of this year "-Brandon Countee, Promotional Director for Majestic Raven Entertainmnet.

Ibarra(11-0, 8 KOs) of Houston, is scheduled to fight December 10^th, 2011 at the Arabian Shrine Center located at 10510 Harwin Drive 77036.

Local Companies partnering up to use NBA lockout for a benefit.

2011-10-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Local energy drink company Blue Flame Energy Drink and promotional company Majestic Raven Entertainment have created a way for the National Basketball Association lock out to serve a great purpose for many Houston organizations.

The two companies have decided to donate $1 each day beginning October 31^st that the NBA lockout continues. The money will be donated to local charities and homeless shelters in Houston. The donation will be called “WINNERS IN THE LOCKOUT”. The exact charities will be announced the first week in November.

“We feel great to be able to put this unfortunate lockout to a great use by helping others. We have spoken to other companies and charitable organizations that are interested in participating and feel that there will be some winners each day this lock out continues. I’m a big basketball fanatic and it pains me to see this lockout happen. But I figure we should put something like this to a great use. Instead of reading the headlines each morning waiting for an announcement of the 2012 season to begin, we will simply use each day as a victory”- Brandon Countee, Promotional Director of Majestic Raven Entertainment.

Houston firefighter fights for the title.

2011-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Houston Fire fighter and Junior welterweight boxing prospect Lanard “El Bombero” Lane (12-1, 7 KOs is scheduled to fight October 29^th in Pharr, Texas for the Texas State Jr. Welterweight title against the unbeaten Johnny Garcia(9-0,7 KOs).

“I’m focused and determined for this fight. This is a blessing!” Lane said about the upcoming fight. “I plan on showing the people of Pharr that there is a rising star in the lone star state. I have my one lost, but I feel that it was a learning lesson and sometimes you have to learn”.

Lane’s trainer, Derwin Richards has been preparing his fighter upcoming match. “Lane has fought on Showtime and ESPN and I think is a gem in the gym. We have trained and prepared for this fight and ready for the title to be Lanard.”

For more information on the upcoming fight please contact us at: entertainment@majesticraven.com

Follow Lanard Lane @lanardlane on twitter

Blue Flame inks deal with Ibarra!

2011-10-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Houston, Texas based energy drink company Blue flame Energy Drink has signed a endorsement deal agreement with undefeated welterweight boxer Gerardo “TiNTin” Ibarra. Blue Flame co-founder and CEO Christopher Shorter spoke about the sponsorship opportunity with Ibarra:

“We are very pleased to be aligned with Ibarra and Majestic Raven entertainment. We have followed Ibarra career the last couple of years and are glad to be able to add him to the roster. Part of what Blue Flame believes in is giving back to the community that supports us. That is something that we both agree on and support. Ibarra is an exciting fighter with an accomplished amateur background and an athlete and we feel that Ibarra is everything that Blue Flame Energy is. ”

Part of Blue Flame Energy drink policy is to donate 10% of their profits to local Houston based charities and shelters. In October, Blue Flame energy drink will purchase Halloween candy and goods that will be donated to the Houston Area Women’s Center, an organization that provides services to sexually and physically abused women and their underage children.

“I think what they (Blue Flame) are doing to give back to the community is wonderful! As a retired Houston Police Department officer, I know about the Women’s Center and the need for more awareness on the issue of violence against women”-Harry Thomas, Manager and Trainer for Ibarra.

“I'm very excited to be working with a home town energy drink company” Ibarra added to comments by his trainer. “I’m happy to be working with a company that helps bring a end to such a horrible thing. I am delighted to be have a great sponsor in my corner and one that shares my view of giving back to the community.

“I see this as a great partnership and we look forward to working with a local energy drink company. Ibarra is fierce and competitive fighter” Jordan Harris, Marketing Manager for Majestic Raven Entertainment. “Ibarra is an exciting fighter and a very charitable person who we feel will greatly help Blue Flame”.

For more information or to contact Blue Flame Energy Drink, Please visit their site: www.blueflameenergydrink.com.

JAMAL HD UPGRADES THE 2011 KAHBANG MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL!!

2011-08-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Bangor, Maine August 12, 2011 — Houston music artist JamalHD performed at the 2011 Kahbang Music and Art Festival. 12^th, Jamal HD was quoted as saying “It was nice and I was totally blown away by the organizers and the fans who came to show support for me.” JamalHD performed 12 songs from his two during his 30 minute set on stage. The 12 songs were a mixture from his latest mixtape “The Mixtape with the Kung-Fu Grip as well as some from his 2010 “Sin-thu-sis” Mixtape. The week long event featured performances by Lupe Fiasco, My Morning S Jacket and Grace Potter.

Jamal HD is currently preparing to continue his mixtape tour in Texas later this year.

For more information please contact us management team.

Blue Flame Ignites as "the only energy drink big enough for Texas!!"

2011-08-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Houston based energy drink company Blue Flame Energy Drink has big expectations for 2012. The co-founders Chris Shorter and Dr. Ariel Avery feel their new "functional" drink is really different in this expanding market. Shorter who feels that their drink is different because their plan is to donate 10% of all revenue from the company to charitable organizations in tthe Houston-Metro Area.

     1. Tell us a little bit about your new energy drink "Blue Flame"?

    Blue Flame Energy Drink is a new energy drink founded by me and my business partner Dr. Aerial Avery. While there are already several other energy drinks with a strong market presence, we truly believe that with a taste that is second to none and the movement behind the drink that Blue Flame Energy Drink will quickly expand. Unlike most energy drinks, Blue Flame Energy Drink is formulated to increase the consumer's energy on an accelerated basis as oppose to a quick spike in energy. This enables the consumer to feel more in control of their body and energy level without the normal jitters associated with energy drinks. On the back end, Blue Flame also allows for the consumer to come down from their energy boost gradually as oppose to a sudden crash.

   While people rave about the taste of Blue Flame, which hides the vitamins and healthy ingredients in the drink behind a fruity flavor, there is also a huge focus on giving back to the community. Blue Flame Energy Drink donates a minimum of 10% of all proceeds directly back to the community. Blue Flame plans on assisting in food and clothing drives, scholarships and other community endeavors. .

2.       What made you get into the energy drink business?

The increasing annual revenue associated with energy drinks, as well as the profit margin with the products, pushed us to get into the energy drink business. We always knew that we wanted to start a company that would allow us to help the less fortunate on a grand scale, and after researching the energy drink market felt like this was a solid opportunity.

3.       What is something about your drink that people probably wouldn’t guess? It's ingredients can only be found in a remote village the south of France.(The entire table at the luncheon started to laugh at where he was going) Just joking...The "Blue" in the name Blue Flame Energy Drink came from us being members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated whose colors are blue and white.

4.       You have anything coming up soon?

We have several things coming up soon...

1. We just connected with a new street-team promotional company called Mean Swag Promotions out of Florida to help increase exposure in the area. They are going are 15 school tour in Florida starting in August and will be giving out our drink at various events.

2. We are looking to begin a sponsoring young athletes from around the Houston-Metro Area.

3. We are working with the Hawgs of Texas to possible sponsor a "Battle of the Bands" event in September as well as a huge bike rally in April of next year.

4. Our first YouTube ad should be complete in the next couple of weeks and we plan on blasting the web with that.

5.       What do you want to change about drinks in the future?

The amount of caffeine that company's put into their energy drinks. Energy drinks shouldn't be harmful or have harmful side effects to the consumers at any time. We a good number of people who love the drink and report no side effects at all.

For more info on Blue flame Energy Drink click here.

SWEATT TALKS: “Five and out” with Gerardo “TinTin” Ibarra

2011-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

SWEATT TALKS: “Five and out” with Gerardo “TinTin” Ibarra: "1. When is your next fight and who are you fighting? My next scheduled fight is on august 13th 2011 and my opponent will be Josh burns 2. ..."

2011 Kahbang Music Festival

2011-08-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

MRE artist JamalHD (www.jamalhd.com) will be performing at the 2011 Kahbang Art Festival on 8-12-2011. He will be opening for Lupe Fiasco and My Morning Straight Jacket. JamalHD recently released his second mixtape: "The Mixtape with the Kung Fu Grip(MKFG)".

He will be performing four songs at Art Festival. Two will be from his 2010 Mixtape, Sin-Thu-sis and two from his MKFG.

He is scheduled to take the stage at 7:30pm.