★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

UFC on Fox: Evans vs Davis!

2012-01-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

Rashad Evans and Phil Davis battle for a shot at the light heavyweight title, Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping go toe-to-toe for the next crack at Anderson Silva's middleweight crown, and Demian Maia and Chris Weidman face off to see who will advance up the 185-lb. ladder! Live and free tomorrow night at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on FOX

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Gunn Furthers Interest In Super Fight With Jones Jr.

2012-01-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

This past week there has been much discussion about a potential cruiserweight fight between former IBA World Cruiserweight champion Bobby Gunn and former world champion in multiple weight classes Roy Jones Jr.

Gunn spoke out yesterday in response to Jones Jr’s statement earlier this week:

“Thank you Roy for the response that you gave to me. You are such a classy champion, and that’s why you are loved by the world—not just boxing fans, but the world in general. Everybody knows the name and loves Roy Jones Jr. I truly hope from the bottom of my heart that you get the fight with David Haye or Krzsztof Wlodarczyk, but if you don’t I will give you the fight that the boxing world needs. You and I can be the Arturo Gatti/Mickey Ward cruiserweight super fight. We will be the fight that nobody puts a lot of weight into, but we will put on a show that goes through the roof. We will give the boxing world what they want by giving them the super fight of the year. Styles make a fight, and quite honestly my brother, me and you is a perfect matchup.

Roy, you are a champion in and out of the ring, and it would be my honor and dream to step in the ring with you. Everything I have done and accomplished throughout my life wouldn’t hold a candle to having the chance to step between the ropes with you and go to battle. You are a great man, and I believe you will bring the greatness out of me. God Bless champ, and again, I hope you get what you want, but if you don’t, the Gunn is at your door knocking…it’s not complicated, this is an easy deal. Let’s make it happen.”

In coming weeks the boxing world will find out if this fight will happen or not. With the ongoing drama of the top welterweights in the world, boxing fans could certainly get into looking forward to a matchup between Jones Jr. and Gunn.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Juan Manuel Lopez-Orlando Salido Press Conference Quotes and Photos--SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, March 10, 2012‏

2012-01-22T05:24:00.000-05:00

World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion ORLANDO “Siri” SALIDO (37-11-2, 25 KOs), from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, and former WBO featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL “Juanma” LOPEZ (31-1, 28 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, took part in a news conference on Tuesday to announce their World Featherweight Championship rematch.

The news conference was attended by San Juan Mayor JORGE SANTINI and took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the Museo de Vida Silvestre.

"I am very happy to have this very important show in our city,” Santini said. “We know how good Orlando Salido is but we are also are very confident that Juanma will be at his best and will regain his world championship."

Lopez-Salido II will take place Saturday, March 10, and will be televised live from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, P.R. on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.) The SHOWTIME telecast will open with undefeated No. 1 featherweight contender MIKEY GARCIA (27-0, 23 KOs), from Oxnard, Calif., risking his record and rating as well as his impending world title shot in a 10-round featherweight battle against an opponent to be announced.

Here are what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

ORLANDO SALIDO:

"I expect a very different fight. I know he will be better then last time.

“But I don’t see him changing much. He might try in the beginning to fight in a different style but he will come back to his strengths. He is going to feel that he is the better and stronger man, and that he is not.

"I want to show that my first win was not a fluke. I came back to fight in Puerto Rico because he gave the opportunity to me to fight for a world championship here and I have never had any problem winning in an opponents’ home base."

JUANMA LOPEZ:

"I am very happy to have the opportunity to fight in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum where my idol Tito Trinidad had so many fights and this is a dream come true for me.

"I want to thank Salido for coming back to Puerto Rico and giving me this opportunity. I knew Salido was a tough fighter and he came prepared and beat me and I offered no excuses.

"This fight is the most Important of my career and I will train very hard to regain my title.

On changes he will make in this fight:

“We will make changes for this fight like all fights. But I don’t want to give too many specifics. Most importantly against Salido I have to be intelligent inside the ring.

“I don’t see him changing at all. He won his first fight with me and I’ve seen his last two fights before that. He’s going to fight the same style.

“You have to be smart and use your boxing skills. That is the only way to beat Salido. I learned that in our first fight.”

Derek Ennis says He's using 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade as Springboard

2012-01-22T05:10:00.001-05:00

Derek Ennis using 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade as springboard

NABO Junior Middleweight Title Fight Feb. 10 on ESPN FNF live from Mohegan Sun

Philadelphia junior middleweight Derek "Pooh" Ennis plans to use unbeaten 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade as a springboard February 10 in their main event fight for the vacant North American Boxing Organization ("NABO") title.

Andrade-Ennis headlines the Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing show on ESPN Friday Night Fights at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The 10-round bout has future world title belt implications for the winner.

Andrade (15-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of nearby Providence, in addition to being an

Olympians also was the 2007 World Amateur Championships gold-medal winner, the first American to do so since 1999. Fighting Feb. 10 on ESPN for the ninth time in his three-year professional career, the 23-year-old Andrade has been so dominating he has won 55 of the 59 rounds fought on the judges' scorecards

Andrade is rapidly climbing the ratings ladder, currently ranked in the top 15 of all four major governing bodies: No. 9 by the World Boxing Organization ("WBO"), No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation ("IBF") and World Boxing Council ("WBC") and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association ("WBA"). He is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

The confident 5' 8" Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs), a former USBA title-holder who is rated No. 9 by the IBF, believes a victory against Andrade will put him right back into the junior middleweight picture. "I'm just looking at this as another fight," Ennis said. "But, as soon as I beat him, I'm right back on top. I really don't know too much about him other than he's tall (6' 1") and a southpaw.

"Coming from Philly, I have a good name or persona, so everybody knows I'm coming to fight. People are going to see a lot of speed and pressure put on by me in a world-class fight."

Ennis' most significant victory to date was against another relatively tall Olympian, 6' 1" world title challenger Ermosele Albert (22-3-1), of Nigeria, by way of a12-round decisions in 2009 for the vacant USBA championship.

"This fight is a great opportunity for us," Ennis' co-manager Moe Gonzalez (E & M Management) noted. "We know he's in tough against this kid, but Derek is tough, too. They better not think they have a cakewalk, Derek is coming to fight. He doesn't have problems with southpaws or taller guys. Derek really gets up for fights like this and he'll be ready."

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Chris Algieri (12-0 6KO Huntington, NY) as he takes he takes on hard hitting Curtis Smith (10-5 5KO Atlanta, GA)

2012-01-22T03:11:00.001-05:00

Saturday January 28th at the Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island. Headlining the show will be Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Chris Algieri (12-0 6KO Huntington, NY) as he takes he takes on hard hitting Curtis Smith (10-5 5KO Atlanta, GA)
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

SHOBOX TRIPLEHEADER FINAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES Friday, Jan. 20, The Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nev.

2012-01-20T06:44:00.004-05:00

SHOBOX TRIPLEHEADER

FINAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES

Friday, Jan. 20, The Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nev.

Live at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME^®

Rico “Suavecito” Ramos: 122 pounds

Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux: 120.5 pounds

Guy Robb: 128.5 pounds

Joel Diaz Jr.: 129 pounds

Matthew Villanueva: 115 pounds

Michael “El Unico” Ruiz Jr.: 114.5 pounds

All six fighters made weight Thursday from the Key West Ballroom at Palms Casino Resort a day before an exciting special edition tripleheader on SHOWTIME^® which will feature World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos defending his title for the first time against the WBA interim champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, matching two world champions and two of the sport's rising stars.

The main event showdown and two more exciting co-features on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, Jan. 20, at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) originates from the Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.

Ramos (20-0, 11 KOs) of Los Angeles weighed in at 122 pounds on Thursday while the 31-year-old Rigondeaux (8-0, 6 KOs), of Miami, Fla., by way of Cuba, tipped the scales at 120.5.

In an eight-round super featherweight attraction between two undefeated prospects, Guy Robb (7-0, 3 KOs), a 22-year-old out of Sacramento, Calif., registered a weight of 128.5 pounds and Joel Diaz Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles weighed 129 pounds.

Opening the ShoBox telecast, undefeated Matthew Villanueva (6-0-1, 6 KOs) of Burbank, Calif. will fight Mike Ruiz Jr. (8-1-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, Calif., in an eight-round super flyweight affair. Villanueva weighed 115 pounds while Ruiz Jr. weighed 114.5 pounds.

The night of fights are being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Here’s what each fighter had to say on Thursday:

RICO RAMOS:

“A lot of people are doubting me for this fight but who cares? It's me and him in that ring. I came to keep that title. I'm the WBA champ and I will stay the champ.

“It's hard work to stay the champion. I put a lot of hard work and dedication into this. I'm still moving, man. I've got my son, he's two, that keeps me motivated. I've got my fans, my friends, my family, it all keeps me motivated.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX:

“Of course I should be the betting favorite. What should I expect from Ramos? He has to worry what to expect from me!

“I'm very happy for the opportunity to win a title with less than 10 pro fights. I'm ready for the challenge.”

GUY ROBB:

“Boxing came into my life at a perfect time. I was getting in a little trouble but I was on the verge of getting in big trouble. I was introduced to Ray Woods and I was intrigued by who he was (Diego Corrales' stepfather and original trainer).

“Boxing was fun when I started. But I didn't like getting tired and beat on so I realized I had to give it 100 percent. It took over my life.

“This fight will be action-packed. He's aggressive but I plan to beat him up. It should be a brutal fight.”

JOEL DIAZ JR.:

“I don't want to rely on just one punch. Yeah, I can brawl but I can box. If I have to stay in his face and throw punches all day, fine. But I'm ready for anything.

“I can't wrong go with this opportunity. I took it on two weeks notice. I'm going to show everybody what I got. With all the people watching, you don't want to look bad.”

MATTHEW VILLANUEVA:

“I've got to get this victory, that's first. But if I can do it in big fashion, a KO, even better. I believe I can knock him out.

“I've sparred Ruiz before and I believe I got the best of him. It was my reach, my aggression, my power. And now, I'm even more conditioned than I was when we sparred.”

MIKE RUIZ JR.:

“This is do or die. It sucks when you don't put your hand up at the end of a fight (like my last outing). I've gotta do this.

“I feel good. I feel I'm two or three times better than when we sparred the first time. The sparring sessions were pretty even but now I'm sharper.”

Manny Pacquiao’s team react to Floyd Mayweather tweets‏

2012-01-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's a pound-for-pound super showdown that's failed twice at the negotiation table in the past two years, a match-up that would surpass all pay-per-view figures in boxing and one that would unify two alphabet titles… WBC welterweight world championship incumbent Floyd Mayweather Jr wants it, WBO titlist at 147lbs Manny Pacquiao wants it but the team behind the Filipino have mixed opinions about how the bout can turn from pipe-dream into reality.

Credit: Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather)

"I'm ready to put my belt up. What about you Manny Pacquiao? Let's make history," Mayweather (42-0-0, 26ko) said via his official Twitter account yesterday, Wednesday, one day after calling "punk" Pacman out for a fight on May 5.

There had been increasing suggestions that Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38ko) would not shirk from the challenge and meet it head on, however, his trainer; Freddie Roach, trusted adviser; Michael Koncz and promoter; Bob Arum, of Top Rank Boxing, have all made public their thoughts and, although differing from each other, all suggest a further postponement to what is already a protracted and laboured attempt at putting together two of the finest fighters from the past decade.

"I think it has to happen in 2012, because people are starting to say, 'Who cares at this point?'" explained Roach regarding the frustration felt by fans during a segment with host Mario Diaz of WPIX. "It is starting to lose momentum instead of gaining, so they better do it this year. I definitely think it will be the second fight for both of them this year. I think they will both have one more fight, a tune-up fight."

Mayweather's allowance to push his 87-day jail sentence back until June 1 hinged on his previous commitment to box on Cinco de Mayo so, in the event that Pacquiao is not his opponent, another - likely Saul Canelo Alvarez - will be drafted in. For Pacquiao, it could well be a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez the following month.

Pushing the Mayweather v Pacquiao fight into the second half of the year is a stance also advocated by Koncz, who regards the MGM Grand Garden Arena's 16,800 seats to have a capacity too meagre for a contest of this calibre. Koncz, like Bob Arum, believes a makeshift 40,000 seat arena should be constructed on the strip. Such a task would render a May 5 date too soon.

"Why would I tell Manny to fight on the 5th and throw away a percentage of 30 million? That's crazy," Koncz was quoted by AP to have said, perhaps overlooking the fact that Las Vegas already has a mega-stadium - the Motor Speedway - that could entertain 140,000 people.

Arum echoed Koncz's views on the outdoor ground: "[The fight] could happen very easily," he said during an address on GMA TV in the Philippines. "[But] the fight badly needs [the makeshift arena]."

Yankovich to fight McGee for Vacant WIBA Title

2012-01-16T03:51:00.002-05:00

On January 21, 2012, at the ReservClub in Lima, Peru, Brazilian Duda Yankovich will be fighting Mary Mcgee of Gary, Indiana, USA. The two will be fighting for the vacant WIBA Lightweight world title.

In a press release that WBAN received earlier today they wrote the following: "In what some thought was going to be an embarrassment for the Women�s International Boxing Association (WIBA), in their pre-sanctioning a WIBA Lightweight World Title bout between Melissa �Huracan� Hernandez (16-3) and Valentina Shevchenko (2-0, 1-0 at time of pre-sanctioning) has turned into quite an interesting match up for said vacant World title, which was vacated by Hernandez in her Historic �physical-dumping� of this Association�s Championship Belt in November 2011 (See link to story).

Then came the announcement that Mary McGee, 18-1-0 with 10 KO�s, of Gary, Indiana, was stepping in to compete against Valentina Shevchenko in Lima, Peru on January 14, 2012, for the Vacant WIBA Lightweight Title. Again, �a bad match-up for a world title bout,� many said.

In a sudden turn of events and with no reason given, Valentina Shevchenko pulled out of the bout against McGee. A seasoned Duda Yankovich, 11-3-0, 5 KO�s has, stepped in to replace Shevchenko."

Yankovich talked about this upcoming fight and said, "What better time to return than at the beginning of the year against a fighter like Mary McGee who is considered a Top 10 lightweight and a Genuine challenge for me. Although this is a Lightweight title bout, I endeavor competing in both the Lightweight and the Super lightweight categories eventually seeking rematches with each Holm, Phiri and Mathis. For now, I am focused on McGee. I want to stay within range of the best fighters in the world. I also look forward to competing against Monica Acosta (WBA & WBC Super Lightweight Champion), Fernanda Soledad Alegre (WBO Super Lightweight Champion), Myriam Lamare (IBF & WBF Light Welterweight Champion), Loli Munoz, Chris Namus, Layla McCarter and any of the top 10."

In the press release they wrote, "This bout between Yankovich and McGee is a more legitimate match up for a �World Title� bout. For Yankovich, it is a MUST-WIN bout given she has 3 consecutive losses to World Champions, three of Women Boxing�s Best �pound-for-pound� fighters; Ann Sophie Mathis, Holly Holm and Esther Phiri, respectively.

McGee stated: "Initially, I was supposed to fight against Valentina Shevchenko, a girl who I was told was a Muay Thai World Champion with a record of 21-0 and a 1-0 record in boxing. After viewing her videos, I knew it was a risky bout to take against a fighter like Shevchenko who uses her elbows a lot but I am game to fight anybody. When I was told that Valentina pulled out and that Lindsay Garbatt or Duda Yankovich may be possible opponents, I was prepared to take any of them on because my goal for 2012 is, to compete against the best in the Super Featherweight and Lightweight Divisions. I know many questioned why I took the fight against Valentina Shevchenko but I felt that I needed to compete and Valentina seemed like a fighter I can get busy with whether for a title or not. I understand that WBA Super Featherweight Champion Kina Malpartida is going to be present at my fight against Yankovich. I hope to compete against Kina for her WBA Super Featherweight title after this fight but then again, there is WBA Lightweight Champion Alejandra Oliveras, WBC Lightweight Champion Erica Farias, Erin McGowan, Melissa Hernandez, Chevelle Hallback, Fujin Raika, Karo Ro, Diana Prazak, Lindsay Garbatt, Frida Wallberg and other fighters that are right up there who I can compete against. My representative is handling these details while I concentrate on my training.�

This event is being promoted by Mr. Heber Alejos Valderrama of ALFA Productions, SAC., who says he will ensure there is an impartial panel of judges on January 21, 2012, for this WIBA World title bout. Alejos Valderrama added; �Each fighter comes into this bout with enough preparation time and with the ease that neither is a favorite in Lima, Peru.�

In the Press Release, they added, "South America has received and continues to receive critical reviews
and harsh criticism for the manner in which �certain female bouts� were being favored, officiated and intentionally misjudged (score card manipulations). "Hopefully", Mr Alejos Valderrama continues, �I can change that perception of South America in the eyes of the world by what I endeavor accomplishing in Peru on my fight cards. I intend on promoting Genuine boxing matches that will be judged by impartial officials.

With these change of events in the beginning of 2012, in the sport of Women Boxing, and the WIBA�s stroke of luck in obtaining, albeit incidentally, a World title match-up such as Yankovich vs. McGee, let�s pray the sport has a good start from the gate.

Martinez and Macklin go head-to-head‏

2012-01-16T03:30:00.000-05:00

Pressure fighting Irishman Matthew Macklin (28-3-0, 19ko) and unorthodox Argentine Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27ko) lace their gloves up for a St Patrick's day fisticuffs on March 17 inside New York City's historic Madison Square Garden and the two middleweights engaged in the customary head-to-head prior to a world championship fight that has The Ring magazine title on the line. Andy Lee is the co-feature who is facing an, as yet, undetermined opponent.

Martinez appears to have a height advantage, but both fighters are 5'10. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Middleweight contender Lee, a compatriot of Macklin's, separates the 160lb rivals. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Lee (27-1-0, 19ko) has beaten everyone put in front of him and is chasing a 2012 world title shot. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Martinez and promoter Lou DiBella want opponents with a higher profile but Sergio is mostly avoided. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Martinez has stated he will, once again, fight to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence. Credit: Ed Diller/DBE

Matthew Macklin warns Sergio Martinez: The Irish are coming!‏

2012-01-16T03:21:00.001-05:00

Former world title challenger Matthew Macklin has a message for St Patrick's Day opponent and lineal middleweight champion Sergio Martinez - "the Irish are coming!" Macklin, 29, attempts to unseat Martinez from his throne in the 160lb weight class on March 17 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and is calling on Irish fans from all over the world to support him at the ground dubbed; The World's Most Famous Arena.

Mack the Knife on the podium. Credit: Ed Diller/ DBE

Prior to 2011, Macklin - a former Irish, British and European champion - had fought predominantly on the domestic and continental circuit. One fight last summer, though, propelled him into international stardom as he took on long-reigning Super WBA middleweight titlist Felix Sturm in Cologne, Germany.

Macklin (28-3-0, 19ko) took the fight to Sturm, fought constantly from the opening minute to the last and was largely expected to receive a deserved decision victory on points, however, on all three judges' scorecards he was on the losing side.

Despite the controversial defeat, Macklin had made a name for himself and the performance itself was perceived - by Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment - to be worthy of adding him to his own stable of fighters and matching the England-born Irishman with his premier boxer; Maravilla Martinez (48-2-2, 27ko).

"As I have done throughout my entire career I will go up a notch for this fight," said Macklin this week. "Sergio is going to bring the best out of me and I am very confident in my mind that I will be the new middleweight champion come March 17.

He continued: "Fighting at The Garden on St Patty's Day - it's going to be like I'm fighting in Dublin. The Irish are coming from all over the world to see this [and] the atmosphere is going to be electric!

"It is an honour to have the opportunity to fight here at MSG where so many great fights have taken place. I am proud and privileged to be a part of this great tradition."

Providing the co-support to Macklin and Martinez's main event is technically-savvy Andy Lee, a product of Emanuel Steward's renowned Kronk Gym set-up in Detroit and, like Macklin, a pugilist cut from Irish cloth. Lee is a fast-rising contender in the middleweight division and enjoyed a breakout 2011 as he stopped Craig McEwan in a thrilling Celtic War in March, won a one-sided decision over tough journeyman Alex Bunema in May, before avenging his only defeat by boxing smart and overseeing Brian Vera with ease in October.

On the St Patrick's Day undercard, Lee (27-1-0, 19ko) is currently without an opponent, but has the fists and experience to compete for a world title later in the year - something promised to him by promoter DiBella. "I want to thank Lou for letting me showcase myself on this show," Lee said.

"There is nothing more I can wish for then to have this opportunity to fight at MSG on St Patrick's Day. I consider myself as a serious contender and I hope to get my title shot in 2012. I'm not sure who my opponent is going to be yet, but I promise you a good St. Patty's Day beating."

Devon Alexander: Marcos Maidana is coming to tear my head off‏

2012-01-16T03:17:00.000-05:00

A classic stylistic match-up between the archetypal boxer against the feared heavy hitter takes place on February 25 at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis as former super lightweight world champion Devon Alexander clashes with macho El Chino; Marcos Maidana. Alexander is relishing the bout - to be competed at 147lbs - and has indicated that he will be ready in order to compete against a Maidana who has one intention - decapitation.

Alexander stripped away his shades to engage in a tense head to head with Maidana. Credit: Hogan Photos

Alexander. Credit: Hogan Photos

"These last few fights at 140 pounds were hard for me to make weight," said Alexander (22-1-0, 13ko) in St Louis this week. "I’m going to be stronger and faster at 147. Maidana is coming to tear my head off, but I’m going to be ready, 110 per cent."

Trainer Kevin Cunningham echoed the sentiment made by his fighter and pointed out the potent threat El Chino poses: "We’re bringing a killer into Devon’s hometown who is going to try and take him out, but that’s the business of boxing. Devon is going to slay the killer on February 25."

Alexander, despite his boxing skills, still has to convince commentators and fight fans that he is a big-time contender. The 24-year-old looked every bit of a world-beater in 2009 and 2010 when he scalped Junior Witter and Juan Urango, however, his three fights since have been questionable.

Against Bradley, in a two-belt unification contest in January, last year, he lost a technical decision in the tenth round due to cuts, however, he attracted criticism for the manner in which he appeared to willingly seek an exit route out of the fight. His heart, desire and willingness to take a punch at elite level consequently came into question. And, in the fight both before and after Bradley, Alexander was the main benefactor of fishy judging and hometown cooking as he secured dubious points victories over Andriy Kotelnik and Lucas Matthysse.

Following the censure regarding his heart, Alexander, however, has been moved into what should be applaudable fights as he has taken on two of the biggest pound-for-pound punchers in the modern game one directly after the other. What would have been more convincing would be to do so away from St Louis.

Maidana. Credit: Hogan Photos

"I’m excited to fight in the United States again," said Maidana (31-2-0, 28ko), unflustered by the prospect of trading leather in the city his opponent was born and raised in. "This [the US] is the Mecca of boxing. I dedicate my life to boxing and I’m taking this fight very seriously."

Maidana's adviser, Sebastian Contursi, added: "We are happy to be here. It’s been a long road with the cancelation of the Guerrero fight, so Marcos is very anxious to back in the ring.

"As usual, we will bring a war to St. Louis and, as everyone knows, Marcos always delivers!"

Adrien Broner and Eloy Perez both dressing dapper‏

2012-01-16T03:13:00.001-05:00

Adrien 'The Problem' Broner (22-0-0, 18ko) makes the first defense of his WBO super featherweight world championship title at the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis on February 25 and has already talked down the talents of his opponent, Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7ko): "He’s a feather-fisted puncher in the featherweight division… not a good combination against me who punches like a middleweight," he said this week.

Broner teases Perez over his (lack of) power. Credit: Hogan Photos

Rubio doesn’t want to ‘risk’ judges scores, will go for KO against Chavez Jr‏

2012-01-16T02:50:00.004-05:00

The Coahuila puncher, Marco Antonio Rubio, who faces Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, February 4, has acknowledged that the WBC middleweight world champion is a dangerous fighter, but said: "I will face the best version of the legend’s son. In his last fights he has shown great advances but I have the punch to knock him out… I don't want to risk with the judges, I’ll go for the knock out."

Rubio (second left) wants to take a famous scalp in Chavez Jr (second right). Credit: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Marco, who looks strong and in very good condition, said that he is in the final stage of the preparation of his next fight against Chavez and is practicing sparring with Marco “Dorado” Reyes (22-1-0, 20ko) and other partners, with whom he puts into practice the tactics deployed to combat the fighter from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico; Chavez Jr.

The bout to confront Chavez on February 4, will be at the Alamo Dome. After losing his first attempt to be crowned WBC middleweight champion against Kelly Pavlik in 2009, to date, he has added nine wins by ko to his record, which makes him an extremely live opponent, with a possibility to be crowned.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

WBA orders immediate rematch between Khan and Peterson to take place within 180 days

2012-01-14T02:22:00.000-05:00

Peterson’s split decision victory over Khan in Washington DC has been riddled with controversy as a result of a plethora of anomalies in connection with the bout, including referee Joseph Cooper not counting a knockdown of Peterson and deducting two points from Khan for pushing (something for which points are almost never deducted), both of which ended up having a direct impact on the outcome of the fight; the ringside appearance of an unauthorized individual in Mustafa Ameen who apparently handled official scoring slips, seemingly communicated with fight officials throughout the fight and appeared to be photographed posing with a celebrating Team Peterson in the ring following the fight; and possible differences between the score sheet of the WBA and those of the IBF and the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission.

Acting under its authority pursuant to WBA Rule C.26, the WBA concluded that the bout’s outcome was impacted by referee Joseph Cooper’s questionable failure to credit Khan with a knock down in round one and his questionable decisions to deduct points from Khan in rounds seven and 12.

As further cause to order the rematch, the WBA also pointed to Mr. Ameen’s apparent intrusion into the scoring process as well as possible discrepancies between the score sheets of the two sanctioning organisations and the local athletic commission. In its resolution mandating the rematch, the WBA went out of its way to note that under normal circumstances it would not disturb the discretionary function of a referee, however, in this case, because of the multiple irregularities, it was necessary for it to order the rematch.

"I’m pleased that justice has been done and the WBA has ordered an immediate rematch. All we ask as sportsmen is for a fair and level playing field when we compete," said Khan. "Lamont Peterson proved in our fight that he is a great competitor and I hope that a second bout will be just as exciting. I want to prove without doubt that I’m the best in the 140lb division by taking care of business in the rematch."

"I am thrilled about the decision and hope that we can start negotiations and get the rematch done," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Both Amir and Lamont are terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington last December. I am sure that fight fans from around the world applaud the WBA’s decision since this will be one of the most anticipated fights of 2012."

STEVE ‘USS’ CUNNINGHAM Two Time IBF Cruiserweight Champion Of The World Two Time ‘Fighter of The Year’ Briscoe Award Recipient‏

2011-10-12T14:36:00.003-04:00

Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham Awarded ‘Fighter of The Year’ Briscoe For Second Time

Two time IBF Cruiserweight Champion of the World Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham became the first two time Briscoe Award winner, after receiving his second ‘Fighter Of The Year’ award, at the 4th Annual Briscoe Awards, which took place at the VBA Club in Port Richmond, PA, on Monday evening.

Cunningham, who was awarded the 2007 ‘Fighter of the Year’ Briscoe ahead of his December ‘08 ‘Fight of the Year’ nominated battle against Tomasz Adamek, was put forward for his second Briscoe after securing the IBF title for the second time, and won based on votes cast by boxing fans, boxing media, and the readers of the Web site PhillyBoxingHistory.com.

Speaking from his Philadelphia home earlier today Cunningham said, “Being voted Philly’s boxer of the year for 2010 means a lot to me.

I don’t get to fight at home and so my Philly fans don’t really get to see me fight, so to be recognized was special.

The event was great, a lot of people came out to show support.

I would like to thank John Di Santo, he works really hard keeping Philly’s boxing history alive and organizing the awards, I appreciate all that he does for Philly boxing.”

Also receiving Briscoe Awards on Monday were, Derek ‘Pooh’ Ennis and ‘King’ Gabriel Rosado, for their classic 12-round war, which received the ‘2010 Philly Fight of the Year’. Ennis won the fight, but both boxers rightly won the ‘Briscoe’.

Dhafir Smith won a special Briscoe Award for his ‘Upset of the Year’, for his magnificent victory over former world champion Jeff Lacy. Smith defied all odds by going onto Lacy's own back yard to battle his way to a major upset victory.

Amateur star Damon Allen, Jr. won the ‘Everett Brothers Award’ which is presented by Eddie Everett and Mike Everett in the name of their deceased brother Tyrone and their family's great boxing tradition.

PHOTO CREDIT; Gary Purfield

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Kimbo Slice Invades Heartland Oct. 15 fight in Nebraska

2011-10-07T04:32:00.001-04:00

One of the world’s most feared fighters, heavyweight Kimbo Slice, returns to the ring October 15 for only the second time as a professional boxer, facing Tay Bledsoe in a four-round bout at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“Kimbo Slice is a tremendous puncher,” his co-promoter Gary Shaw said. “We believe that he has unlimited potential in boxing. He’ll learn each fight and become even more of a threat in the boxing ring than he ever was in mixed martial arts.”

An underground combat-fighting legend, largely through You Tube, Kimbo Slice, aka Kevin Ferguson, made his much-anticipated MMA debut in a 2007 exhibition in Atlantic City, where he defeated former WBO heavyweight champion and Olympic gold-medalist Ray Mercer by way of a guillotine choke at 1:12 of the first round. Slice soon signed a contract with ProElite and later joined the UFC.

Slice’s development as a boxer has been on an accelerated pace because of world-renown trainer John David Jackson’s presence in his corner as chief second.

In his pro boxing debut this past August in Miami, Oklahoma, Slice (1-0, 1 KO) needed only 17 seconds, including the referee’s 10 count, to register a sensational knockout of James Wade. In front of a sold-out crowd at Buffalo Run Casino, Slice immediately attacked Wade, cutting off the ring and throwing combinations, until a powerful right sent Wade through the ropes and into a deep sleep.

Slice’s other co-promoter, Tony Holden, believes Kimbo Slice is on his way to becoming the most exciting American heavyweight in years. “The heavyweight division is searching for a star that can punch like Mike Tyson and fill arenas,” Holden commented. “Kimbo is developing quickly as a heavyweight boxer and, when he gets some experience, look out!”

Hard-hitting heavyweights Kimbo Slice and Franklin“Yah Yah” Lawrence will be showcased in separate bouts October 15 on the“Rumble in the Heartland” card, presented by Gary Shaw Productions and Legacy Communications, at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

PHIL LO GRECO STRIPPED; VICTOR LUPO TO FIGHT FOR VACATED WBC INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE

2011-10-07T04:28:00.001-04:00

The World Boxing Council ("WBC") has announced today that Phil Lo Greco has been stripped of his WBC International Welterweight belt due to his refusal to defend against mandatory challenger Victor Lupo (19-1-2, 9KO's). The official announcement can be found below:

To Whom it may Concern

Taking into account what reported last night by Christian Cherchi, manager of Phil Lo Greco, about the current status of our WBC International Welterweight champion, this WBC International Championships Committee has no alternatives but to now rule the following :

Phil Lo Greco won the WBC International 147 Lbs title on 18th June 2010
Up to date, Lo Greco has never defended his title.
This Committee has always tried to do its best to support such a good champion and see if there were good reasons not to strip him of his title.
In the meantime, not to keep the division frozen, the Committee approved a WBC International "Silver Belt" Championship.
This "Silver belt" Championship regularly took place in Canada on 19th February 2011 .
Victor Puiu "Lupo" beat former WBC champion Junior Witter to win the WBC International "Silver Belt" 147 lbs title.
Several attemps have been made in order to have a Unification Bout in this division between the Full titlist and the Silver champion.
All attempts failed. No fault by this Committee.
A purse offers bid was held at the WBC Head Office in México and Hennessy Sports Canada won it on September 9th 2011.
Hennessy Sports Canada fixed October 22nd 2011 as the official date of the bout to be promoted in Ontario, Mississauga, and sent the official contracts to the two boxers within the regular deadline.
Victor Puiu "Lupo" signed his contract.
Phil Lo Greco did not and his manager sent an email last night to report that his fighter would not be ready to fight Puiu on the scheduled date.

As clearly shown above, in view of the fact that this Committee has always tried to make every possible effort to avoid coming to this conclusion, for all the facts clearly summarized in this email ;

much to our regret , we must now report the following decision:

THE WBC INTERNATIONAL WELTERweight title is hereby declared VACANT with immediate effect.

Victor Puiu "Lupo" is now to be considered the preferential challenger to the vacant title.

Hennessy Sports Canada, which has already paid the sanction fee for this WBC International title bout, will be given the chance to promote the vacant Championship between Puiu and TBA.

We hope that the same date will be confirmed .

Phil Lo Greco, if future circumstances are in favor, will be reconsidered as a possible challenger after we have crowned the new champion.

We are looking forward to reading from Hennessy Sports Canada in short terms.

Sincerely yours,

Mauro Betti

Chairman

Is Phil Lo Greco ducking Victor Lupo?

2011-10-07T04:25:00.001-04:00

Romanian welterweight Victor Lupo has done everything possible to get undefeated World Boxing Council (“WBC”) International Welterweight Champion Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco into a fight.. The clock is ticking, however, Lo Greco has refused to sign a deal to fight mandatory challenger Lupo.

Lupo (19-1-2, 9 KOs), who lives in Toronto, defeated former world champion Junior Witter (37-3-2) by a 10-round decision last February for the vacant WBC International Silver title to become the mandatory challenger.Lupo’s promoter, Hennessey Sports, won a purse bid but Lo Greco (22-0, 12 KOs) has thus far been reluctant to accept the fight offer.

“Lo Greco doesn’t want any part of me,” WBC #21 rated Lupo said.“He’s a real tough guy, huh, talking trash on Twitter. I don’t know what his problem is but, maybe, he needs a heart transplant?I’m from Romania but I’m proud that Canada is my home.He’s from here but doesn’t respect Canadian boxing fans enough to even fight here.He only wants to fight in Italy

“I worked very hard to become the mandatory challenger.Hey, we even agreed to fight in his hometown.I’d rather fight him for the belt because I know I’ll beat him. But, I can’t make him fight me; it’s all on Lo Greco.”

Darren Hamilton: I’m Fighting For Redemption, Not The Money‏

2011-10-07T04:16:00.002-04:00

With all the controversy surrounding the recent Victor Ortiz - Floyd Mayweather jnr. fight many London fans may be a little confused to why Ortiz only received the penalty of a single point deduction - and a dubious sucker punch KO for his efforts - whilst back at York Hall in June Darren Hamilton was not just disqualified, but also fined and suspended, for an almost identical action against Dave Ryan.

Like Ortiz, Hamilton accepted the result without argument. In fact the likable Bristol born fighter, now residing in London, has spent a lot of time soul searching and bridge mending, as he is keen to make amends before the pair once again face each other, for The British Master Light Welterweight title, a second time on the Spencer Fearon Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘This is Hard Knocks’ show at York Hall in London on Friday, 7th October.

Hamilton’s determination to make amends, for that red mist moment, became clear when he spoke earlier today, “I’m fighting for redemption, not the money, he’s fighting for the money.

Basically Dave Ryan has asked for more money to fight me again, myself personally I’m completely not interested in the money.

You wouldn’t believe what I actually went through. On the night I didn’t realise the seriousness of what I did.

Afterwards I soon found out. Not only couldn’t I box for twenty eight days, because the British Boxing Board of Control suspended me, but I also had to pay a fine to the BBBofC.

I was getting abuse from his fans. My girlfriend, who was at the fight at the time, she was getting abuse as well from his fans. Some of it I heard, it was racial abuse.

Since then I’ve also been getting abuse on the internet from his fans, which I may not like but do understand.

I let Spencer (promoter Spencer Fearon) down, I let the fans down and I let myself down, something I am really sorry for.

It’s put me in a position, like where I was before, where I have to prove myself again like I did against Ideh Ochuku, after being knocked out by Daryl Setterfield, and the time they said I didn’t have a chance against Peter McDonagh, where I was the complete underdog.

I’ve gone right back to that hunger again, this is it again right now. I am completely solemn and completely dedicated to winning this fight. My head is completely on it, it’s all I’ve been thinking about, you know.”

Darren Hamilton versus Dave Ryan, for the British Masters Light Welterweight title, will take place at the Hard Knocks Boxing Promotions ‘This Is Hard Knocks’ event, which will be headlined by Choi Tseveenpürev, at York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Friday 7th October 2011 and broadcast live on Premier Sports (Sky channel 433).

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Believe It Or Not!: Hopkins vs. Dawson

2011-10-07T03:56:00.001-04:00

“Believe It Or Not!: Hopkins vs. Dawson” is a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship Titles taking place on Saturday, Oct. 15 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. In addition to this championship main event showdown, the televised pay-per-view undercard will also feature Antonio DeMarco vs. Jorge Linares in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Title, Kendall Holt vs. Danny Garcia in 12-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Title and Paulie Malignaggi vs. Orlando Lora in a 10-round welterweight bout. DeMarco vs. Linares is presented in association with Teiken Promotions.

Nick Casal's journey continues Oct 15‏

2011-10-07T03:43:00.002-04:00

Buffalo welterweight Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal continues his journey back to boxing prominence October 15 against undefeated prospect Michael “Slick” Anderson on the non-televised portion of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson pay-per-view event at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Casal (21-4-1, 16 KOs) was a highly-decorated amateur who captured gold medals at the 2002 U.S. National Junior Championships and the Sweden Box-Cup for Under-19 boxers. In 2003, Nick reached the quarterfinals of the National Golden Gloves Tournament, defeating Anthony Dirrell in the process, before losing to current world champion, Andre Berto. Casal also won a bronze medal at the 2004 U.S. Championships but he had to drop out of the competition with a hand injury.

In 2004, Casal turned pro and he was unbeaten in his first 17 pro bouts, including a pair of draws. Nick extended current WBC Silver champion Antonio “Tony” DeMarco, the former WBC Interim light titlist, the full 10 rounds in 2002, albeit in a losing effort (94-96, 93-93, 97-93) that demonstrated his vast potential. Casal has won his last three fights, including a third-round technical knockout of Martin Tucker this past April in his Boxing 360 debut.

Casal, however, damaged his hand and he has been out of action since. His fight against Andersson was supposed to be September 30 on ShoBox, before being switched to Oct. 15. “Fighting on ShoBox would have given me more exposure but the Hopkins-Dawson show is much bigger with a larger audience,” said Casal who is training in Las Vegas. “I hurt my hand a little bit in my last fight but it’s now 100-percent.”

The 30-year-old Anderson (11-0-1, 9 KOs), fighting out of Newark, hasn’t fought anybody near Casal’s level of competition. If Anderson believes he’s going to use Casal as a stepping-stone, according to Nick, he’s got another thing coming. “I’m going to use him as a stepping-stone,”Casal insisted. “He has no experience and I’m coming for a win. I don’t know anything about him but, after the first round, I’ll know what to do.

“In another year, I hope to be fighting for a world title. I beat both Dirrells (Andre and Anthony), Berto and Vanes Martirosyan in the amateurs. I fought at 156 as an amateur and moved down to fight at 140 as a pro. Some of them went up in weight and won world titles. I just need a couple of more fights to be ready for a world title shot. I turned pro when I was 18 – maybe a little early – but I’m only 25 with a lot of fights left in me. I had a lot of growing up to do and now’s the time to make something happen.”

Casal’s promoter, Boxing 360 founder and CEO Mario Yagobi, believes his upcoming fight is a tremendous opportunity for Nick. “Nick has to step-up and, if he passes this test, it’s on to bigger and better things for him. This is a great opportunity. I think he’s up to it. In the past he has won better challenges in bigger fights. I believe he has the talent and heart to take him to the top. He made the commitment to train in Las Vegas, away from his home in Buffalo, in order to get better sparring. He’s working hard and I know he’ll be ready October 15^th.”

Casal’s talented Boxing 360 stable-mate, undefeated middleweight prospect DonYil Livingston (5-0-1, 3 KOs), will also be in action on the Oct. 15^thHopkins-Dawson undercard against unbeaten Kurtiss Colvin (6-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round bout.

WHERE ARE THE AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHTS?

2011-10-07T03:29:00.001-04:00

The United States of America has dominated professional boxing in the heavyweight division for decades, possibly this last century. Jack Johnson, Rocky Marciano, James Jeffries, Jack Dempsey, Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield are all names that ring a bell. Today most people can’t name a heavyweight from America. Two brothers, Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko have dominated the heavyweight division for years. The two brothers hold every conceivable heavyweight championship to hold and from the Ukraine. Amazingly, the top contenders are all from the European countries. American heavyweights have attempted to take those belts away from the Klitschko’s but have come home to the USA humbled and embarrassed.

It seems no heavyweight is willing to gamble to make the Klitschko’s fight tough fights. That is until now. There is a prospect lurking in the background very quietly. He stands 6’8” tall, weighs 250 pounds, is quick, can punch, and has only 8% bodyfat. He looks the part and he has been learning his craft carefully under the guiding eye of Bobby Benton in Houston, Texas. This giant has only 3 amateur fights but comes from an extensive kickboxing background. His agent, Kerry Daigle, claims SKIP SCOTT is the quickest heavyweight he has seen in the 38 years he has been managing fighters and promoting professional boxing. “He has the jab of a Larry Holmes, the speed of a Muhammad Ali and the knockout power of an Earnie Shavers and will be the next great heavyweight from America,” claims Daigle.

Learning his craft will continue Thursday night at the Houston Club in Downtown Houston, Texas on September 29^th starting at 7pm as he fights an 8 round main event looking for his 14th consecutive win.

The American heavyweights are few, I must conclude. Skip Scott plans on getting the attention of the giants like HBO and Showtime. He is articulate, well educated, dresses the part and does an incredible interview. On top of that, Skip “Strictly Business” Scott can fight.

Scott lives in Houston, Texas where he is an incredible drawing card for Lou Savarese’s shows. His fans are white collar who don’t hesitate to dish up $1000 to $2000 per table to watch him fight.

His plans? “I’ve got my eyes on 3 guys right now I would like to fight as soon as possible. One is Ray Austin because of his experience, Hasim Rachman because he is rated again and a former world champion, and Tyson Fury overseas. Fury is making a name for himself and it would be an honor to challenge him,” states the confident Scott.

Skip Scott: America's next heavyweight king? Daniel Herbert talks to a big – in all senses – heavyweight hopeful

2011-10-07T03:24:00.004-04:00

SHARP: Skip Scott is also starting to look the part in the ring

WHERE is the next great American heavyweight?

That question has been vexing boxing fans for a few years now and won’t be going away any time soon. Europeans might be happy that many current contenders originate from their continent, but no one can doubt that having a bona fide heavyweight threat from the USA would be good for the sport.

One man who might fill the role is Skip Scott of Houston, Texas. At 6ft 8ins and 250lbs (17st 12lbs) he certainly cuts an imposing figure, and with just one defeat in 15 fights (one No Contest, eight wins inside the distance) he is making progress.

He is also an excellent advert for the sport – well educated, smartly dressed and as articulate as one would expect from a man who until recently earned his living as a mortgage broker.

True, he’s already 33 years old and so far his opposition has been ordinary. But he started boxing late and had just three amateur bouts before going pro.

A big asset is Kerry Daigle of Lafayette, Louisiana, who manages Scott while Daigle’s wife’s company, Keeppunching Entertainment, promotes the fighter. Add in former top heavyweight (he fought Mike Tyson among others) Lou Savarese as Scott’s Houston promoter and you have the sort of backing that can really help a fighter.

Tonight (Thursday September 29) Scott has his 15th pro bout at the Houston Club, when he takes on the 9-4-1 (8 KOs) Shannon Ray Caudle. It will be Scott’s first eight-rounder, but that doesn’t worry him.

“I’m in great shape,” says Scott over the phone from Texas. “I’ve been sparring 8-10 rounds in the gym. I’m doing more cardio, longer rounds in the gym. I’ve been doing extra workouts.

“I’m not scared of eight rounds. Whoever Kerry puts in front of me, I’ll fight.”

Scott reckons that so far everything is going to plan.

“My progress is going great,” he says. “When I turned pro I was more a fighter, now I’m more of a boxer. You have to learn how to fight as a tall fighter. I’m a more complete fighter now.

“I’m 6-8 and 250 pounds but I can get away because I’m fast. I move more like a middleweight, I move side to side. I can fight inside too. When I go inside, I shorten my punches.

“I’ve fought a few guys that were 6 feet 4, 6 feet 5. They tried to box with me, but I went to the body and they lost interest.”

Asked about a timescale for moving into title contention, he gives an answer that betrays fierce ambition.

“In 2012 we’re going to make a huge push. I see myself fighting top 20 guys, maybe even top 10. Early next year I’ll be ready to fight those guys. We’re being patient. My goal is to be heavyweight champion of the world but we don’t want to win the title and lose it quickly. We want to win, but we want to look good doing it.”

Thus far he has figured only on local (Houston) television, but he would relish greater exposure.

“I love being on the big stage,” insists Scott, who was a baby when given his name Skip by his grandmother (his real given name is Herman, following his father and grandfather). “Crowds don’t bother me. Kerry has been talking to big promoters and I’d like to fight in Europe.”

He doesn’t see his advanced age as a barrier, recognising that big men traditionally mature late. He puts it, “As a heavyweight, you don’t have to cut weight, don’t have to drain yourself. I take care of my body. When I was 23, I wasn’t in the shape that I’m in now. I reckon I have seven to 10 years left in boxing.

“I’m taking new supplements and I’m into conditioning. I don’t overtrain. There’s a lot of science involved.”

Skip started taekwondo at 10 and also did kickboxing.

“I had 85 fights and was ranked in the top few in the USA,” he reveals. “I have a black belt in taekwondo. It was good for my footwork, strength, legs, and confidence.

“I had only three amateur boxing bouts. I went into the Kansas Ringside tournament and got all the way to the finals. I lost to a guy who’d had a lot more fights than me. That was in 2004.

“I knew I wasn’t ready to try for the Olympic team. It was very hard for me to get amateur fights. When they know you’re 6-8 and 250 pounds, they don’t want to fight you. I would go places and not get fights.

“So I talked to a lot of people around me [and decided to go pro]. I sort of learned on the job.”

Skip also did the usual sports for an American growing up.

“I played basketball in high school and college. I love basketball. It’s good for my footwork and lateral movement. I can play any position.

“I played [gridiron] football in my early high school years. I was growing at such a rate I was 6-4, 6-5, but no more than 200 pounds. I hadn’t put enough weight on [to play gridiron football]. I didn’t really put weight on until I was in my early 20s.”

Skip’s pro debut didn’t go well as he was outpointed over four rounds by Arron Lyons in February 2006. But it proved a blessing in disguise.

“That did me more good than bad. It showed me who I was as a fighter. It showed me I had to know how to relax, how to use my jab. I beat myself – I threw too many punches in the first round. He knocked me down twice and both times I got up and hurt him.

“I’d love to fight Lyons again. You know, I’m a huge Lennox Lewis fan. He lost twice and knocked both guys out in rematches. I want to do the same.”

It was 21 months before Skip’s second pro fight, but there was a reason for that.

“The next week [after losing to Lyons] I got back in the gym. At the time I was working for a company but it went bankrupt, so I had a few financial issues to sort out. When I was financially stable again, I came back.”

He stopped Donzell Atkins (four rounds) in that November 2007 return and hasn’t looked back. Yet, asked about his toughest opponent, he says: Lyons.

“He was a tough guy. But when he knocked me down, it was more fatigue – I wasn’t hurt.

“I control fights with my jab and speed, I make tough fights easy. Being tall, you have to learn distance. That’s the biggest thing. I control fights. I’m throwing straight punches, not long looping ones.”

When it’s put to him that his opponents have been mediocre, he responds with a fair point: “Even if they don’t have the greatest records, these guys are coming in to win.”

Anyway, he is learning about boxing by watching the best.

“I follow boxing tremendously,” states Skip. “I study all the styles. I’m a big fan of Andre Ward and Manny Pacquiao. Bernard Hopkins, I study his lateral movement. Floyd Mayweather, he’s a technician.

“I learned how to throw a left uppercut by watching Juan Manuel Marquez! I watch a lot of old Lennox Lewis tapes to learn how he controlled the ring, with his jab and straight right.”

Scott has studied the Klitschkos and reckons they are beatable. “It will just take the right fighter to do it. I’m not taking anything from them, they’re doing a great job. They have two different styles – Wladimir is stronger, has more power, while Vitali controls a fight more.

“I’d fight them both! I have as much power as they do. But when I fight them, it won’t be just for a payday, I’m going in to win.”

Skip denies feeling any extra pressure being a rare American heavyweight hopeful.

“Pressure makes me train harder! I don’t want to win the title just for Americans, but for boxing fans all over the world. I want to be a world champion, I want everyone to be my fan.”

His publicity materials make much of how he works as a mortgage broker, but things have recently changed.

“I’ve retired from mortgage brokering,” he explains. “Now I’m more an entrepreneur, I’m starting my own business. I do fitness and training, and I also do nutrition with Kerry. I plan to open my own gym.

“I do personal training, but not full time at the moment. I do personal training in the evenings, mornings, whenever. I’m always doing something. I’m very focused.

“On the week of a fight, I shut down two days before. I do a bit of cardio and focus on my opponent. But mainly I just try to relax.”

His personal website features Biblical quotes prominently, and he’s happy to explain why.

“My faith is the most important thing in my life, then my family, and then boxing is a poor third. I want people to see me as a role model – I’d love to inspire people. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. I want be able to get title shots, and win the title, by hard work.”

He has no problem reconciling boxing with his religious beliefs. As he puts it, “Boxing is a sport and every sport is dangerous. In [gridiron] football you have concussions. The most popular sport in the world, soccer, is dangerous.”

If Skip has come as far as he has, much of the credit goes to his trainers Bobby Benton and Aaron Navarro.

“They’ve worked wonders with me,” says Scott. “They’re not just trainers but good friends too. They’re honest with me. I don’t mind criticism, because I’m a perfectionist.”

He also gets tips from Lou Savarese, a big figure on the Houston boxing scene.

“Lou’s a great guy,” says Skip. “He’s helped me a lot and got me fights on his shows. He fought all the top guys. Lou’s taught me how to fight as a big man, how to fight relaxed.

“Mike Bennett is my strength and conditioning coach. I’m a huge eater! I’m a heavyweight, after all. I eat fruit and vegetables, and lean meat like chicken. I’m dedicated. I don’t even see [watching what I eat] as a diet, it’s what you’ve got to do to succeed.”

On the family front, Skip has what he calls, “two amazing children – a son Trey, who is nine, and a daughter Trinity, who is two.”

Who knows, one day they may just have a daddy who is heavyweight champion the world.

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KERRY Daigle of Keeppunching Entertainment is the man responsible for moving Skip Scott’s career, a man the boxer calls “my mentor”.

Kerry needs little prompting to wax lyrical about his heavyweight hopeful.

“Skip is a very sharp guy,” he says. “Well educated, in incredible shape, and, yes, he can fight. He looks and acts the part of a real heavyweight, something America needs.

“For the September 29 show in Houston there will be a great white collar crowd. What’s interesting is that Skip is the number one ticket seller in the Houston area, with a population over 4 million in the city. We’re proud of that fact since the only other ticket-seller in America is Polish heavyweight Tomasz Adamek.”

Kerry freely admits that so far Skip has been matched cautiously because of his lack of amateur experience.

“We had to teach him how to box. His heart and desire to win was always there, throwing the big bombs. We needed to give him the finesse and experience he needed to fight as a ‘tall’ heavyweight. He has developed a Lennox Lewis jab, an Earnie Shavers right hand, the speed of a middleweight, and footwork.

“He’s got model looks, speed, power and ring intelligence. He speaks exceptionally well, dresses super-sharp and is a great interview. America needs a great heavyweight and Skip has the potential. We need to compete with the European market of developing heavyweights and we have the right guy.”

So how does Kerry envisage Skip’s career panning out over the next year or so?

“He’s doing another eight-rounder after this one [September 29] and goes right into a 10-rounder with hopefully a rematch against Aaron Lyons to get that off his record.

“If we would have had six rounds in his debut Skip would have stopped Lyons, who went on to win several interesting fights. Although Scott was dropped twice he came back to rock Lyons and force him back on his heels, reeling across the ring. Problem was, we ran out of time – two more rounds to force Lyons to fight would have given Scott a TKO or KO.

“We want to fight Lyons as soon as possible and look for a name heavyweight in 2012. Why not Tyson Fury? Our goal is to have Skip on national television, so the fight fans can see a heavyweight they will be glad to promote and support.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

FEMALE SENSATIONS, MELISSA HERNANDEZ AND RONICA JEFFREY SIGN WITH FISTICUFFS PROMOTIONS

2011-10-07T03:11:00.001-04:00

Fisticuffs Promotions is proud to announce the signing of Melissa “Hurracan” Hernandez & “Queen” Ronica Jeffrey to exclusive promotional contracts.

Hernandez of New York has long been regarded as one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world as she has taken on an beaten just about all of the top names between the Super Bantamweight and Lightweight divisions.

She has a record of 15-2-3 with five knockouts and has fought all over the world in places such as Canada and Panama in addition to fighting all over the United States.

She went 6-0-1 in her first seven bouts which included fighting for the IFBA Featherweight title in just her fourth bout against forty-two fight veteran Kelsey Jeffries.

That bout ended in a draw.

Two fights later she captured the WIBA Super Bantamweight title with a ten round unanimous decision over Lisa Brown.

Two fights later she captured the GBU Lightweight title with an eight round unanimous decision over Layla McCarter.

Hernandez captured the WIBA Super featherweight title with a ten round unanimous decision over Ela Nunez.

On August 14th, 2010 she won the Interim WIBA Jr. Lightweight title with a eight round unanimous decision over Victoria Cisneros.

Hernandez has won two in a row which includes traveling up to Edmonton, Alberta Canada to defeat hometown girl Jelena Mrdjenovich on June 24th, 2011.

Jeffrey of Brooklyn, NY has a perfect mark of 8-0 with one knockout.

She is known as a consummate boxer and is stepping up the competition with each fight.

She turned pro on January 31, 2008 with a four round unanimous decision over Karen Dulin.

Jeffrey has defeated three undefeated fighters in Angel Gladney (6-0-1); Carla Torres (1-0) and Elizabeth Sherman (3-0).

In the win over Gladney, Jeffrey registered her only knockout by stoppong the previously undefeated fighter in two rounds.

In her last bout, Jeffrey won her first of what looks to be many titles as she scored an six round unanimous decision over Ela Nunez to capture the NABF Super Featherweight title on August 19th in Dover, Delaware.

“I am very happy to have these girls signed with Fisticuffs”, said Brian Cohen, who manages both girls.

“Melissa is already established as the best female fighter in the world and I feel that Fisticuffs will help her get her to the next level”

“With Ronica it’s almost the same situation as she is ready for the big fights. She looked flawless in winning her title and I feel she has just scratched the surface of her potential”

“I am happy to announce the signings of these two fighters”, said Dave Escalet of Fisticuffs Promotions.

“These two girls have all the goods to not only win world championships but be the face of woman’s boxing and adding them to our roster only enhances Fisticuffs.”

“I hope to have big fights secured for each of them before the end of the year”

Kendall Holt Preparing To Face Undefeated Danny Garcia On October 15 Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson Televised Undercard

2011-10-07T02:53:00.003-04:00

Former world champion Kendall “Rated R” Holt is on a mission to recapture a world title belt, but first he must score a win over unbeaten prospect Danny “Swift” Garcia when they meet Oct. 15 on the “Believe It Or Not: Hopkins vs. Dawson” pay-per-view undercard at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight title, as well as for the WBC #1 and IBF #2 ratings positions.

A single parent raising his son, the 30-year-old Holt (27-4, 15 KOs) is managed by New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, and now trained by Buddy McGirt. Kendall captured the WBO Junior Welterweight World Title in 2008, sensationally stopping Ricardo Torres in the opening round. The Paterson, New Jersey boxer successfully defended his crown against Demetrius Hopkins and now, once again, Holt positioned himself for another world title shot.

“Nothing has ever been given to Kendall,” Holt’s promoter Gary Shaw said. “He’s worked very hard for everything he’s accomplished in the ring, never losing sight of another world title shot, and he’s worked his way back up the ratings. We’re confident that his experience, skills and determination will drive him to another impressive victory against Garcia.”

Holt, presently rated WBO #3, WBC #4 and IBF #6 at 140 lbs. continued. “This fight is extremely important for me. I need to show the public that I’m a force to be reckoned with and that I can and will be world champion again.

“I’ve been working hard my whole career. My first chance wasn’t easy. I had to fight my way to become the mandatory challenger to force Torres to fight me, so, this is just like another day at the office for me.”

Garcia, 23, has a perfect 21-0 (14 KOs) record against lesser quality opponents than Holt has faced. Fighting out of Philadelphia, he is a world-class fighter who is rated WBC #8, IBF #10 and WBO #13.

“I see me being victorious,” Holt predicted. “Garcia’s a good, young fighter but my experience and skill level are much better than his. It’s not so much what he’s done, but what Golden Boy has done for him. They’ve picked the right opponents for him and his matchmaking has been great to get him to the top of the mountain. It’s my turn to push him off the cliff because he’s not ready for this level. He may have been a good amateur and he’s a good pro prospect, but this is an entirely different level. They picked the wrong guy this time. They shouldn’t have picked me because I have too much experience and better skills.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.