Fight Junkie

EDWIN VALERO REMAINS PERFECT!

ONE-SIDED NINTH-ROUND TKO OVER ANTONIO DEMARCO.

In a sterling performance, Edwin Valero of Venezuela improved to 27-0 with 27 knockouts and retained the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title with a dominant ninth-round TKO over WBC interim titleholder Antonio DeMarco (23-2-1, 17 KOs) of Tijuana, Mex., Saturday in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on SHOWTIME®.

World-ranked welterweight Carlos Abregu of Salta, Argentina, upped his record to 29-0 (23 KOs) with a clear-cut, 10-round unanimous decision over Miami-based Colombian Richard Gutierrez (24-4, 14 KOs) in the co-feature at Arena Monterrey.

The event, promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, was the first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast to emanate from Mexico in nearly 12 years and the first in Monterrey in more than 15.

Valero, who resides in Las Vegas, showed he was anything but one-dimensional as he outfought and, somewhat shockingly, outboxed the tentative and outclassed DeMarco while controlling all the rounds in a one-sided battle of southpaws.

The talented Valero had is way despite suffering a cut on the cheek in the first round and a severe, ugly gash on his forehead above his right eye from an unintentional elbow in the second. Blood flowed from his forehead for much of the match, but Valero remained poised and in total command.

The fight was stopped by the referee after the ninth round with a beaten, exhausted DeMarco seated on his stool. At the time of the stoppage, Valero was ahead by the scores of 89-81 on the three judges’ scorecards.

“This was definitely my best performance,’’ said the 5-foot-7½-inch, 28-year- old Valero after making the second title defense of the 135-pound belt he won in April 2009.

“I learned I have to pace myself and can’t just come out in the beginning rounds so aggressively.

“I have to save some of that for the later rounds.”

Valero, the busier fighter throughout, connected with many powerful combinations upstairs and to the body, and was as strong in the last round as he was in the first.

“I wasn’t surprised the fight lasted nine rounds. I was expecting it to last the full 12,’’ he said.

“I knew I had to keep doing what I was doing in order to win. They thought I wasn’t a boxer and that I couldn’t deal with his reach. They didn’t know that I was a lateral fighter. I showed them that I had a better defense and better legs.’’

A heretofore unknown despite his amazing knockout record – he won his initial 17 starts by first-round knockout -- Valero was ecstatic after his debut on SHOWTIME.

“A star is born,” he smiled.

“In me, the people have a great boxing champion and with tonight’s performance they have the proof. The fans now know that they will be happy to see my fights.’’

DeMarco fought patiently, perhaps too patiently. He lacked fire and intensity and seemed content to box and land an occasional single punch. If he was waiting for fatigue to set in with Valero, he still is.

“It wasn’t my night,” conceded the 5-foot-10, 24-year-old DeMarco, who entered the scheduled 12-rounder having won 12 and a row and going unbeaten in his last 16 (15-0-1) dating to May 2006.

“He got the best of me. I went out there tonight to fight but my body did not respond.”

While dejected, DeMarco did not dispute his corner’s decision to halt the proceedings.

“As a Mexican fighter, I did not want to quit, but my corner saw throughout the fight that Valero was the better fighter,’’ he said.’

The five-foot-10-inch, 27-year-old Abregu rallied from a second-round knockdown and a cut below the left eye to floor the five-foot-nine-inch, 31 year old Gutierrez in the third en route to winning decisively by the scores of 98-90 and 97-91 twice.

“I came in knowing that Gutierrez was tough,” said Abregu, who showed surprisingly good boxing skills, movement and defense.

“He’s shown it in all his past fights. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

“I hurt both my hands in this fight, but whatever injury it is, it was worth it. This was a very hard fight and I am very proud of my performance. I won like I’d hoped. I wanted to be the best man tonight and I was.”

The doubleheader will re-air this week as follows:

Monday, Feb. 8, at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHO 2

Saturday’s doubleheader will be available ON DEMAND beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

SAMUEL VARGAS MAKES PRO DEBUT!

SATURDAY IN MONTREAL.

Colombian amateur Samuel Vargas will make his pro debut against Todd Furler, this Saturday, February 6th at the Montreal Casino in Quebec, Canada in a scheduled four round welterweight bout.

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Vargas immigrated to Canada at age 16 in search of a better life. Arriving in Toronto, Vargas started boxing under the guidance of famed Canadian trainer Chris Johnson.

Hitting the sparring ring against world class professionals including Steve Molitor, Logan McGuinness and Andrew Singh Kooner, Vargas quickly earned the respect of his peers.

Said former bronze medalist and head trainer, “Vargas has the heart of a Lion, he does not know the word Quit!! I expect big things from this young man in the future.”

About his upcoming bout, Vargas stated, “I’m looking forward to my debut this Saturday night and would like to thank Hennessy Sports and Group Yvon Michel for the opportunity.”

Undefeated Canadian puncher David Lemieux headlines the six fight card at the Montreal Casino in Quebec, Canada on February 6 when he faces Jason Naugler for the vacant Canadian middleweight title.

The six fight card also includes former world title challenger Herman Ngoudjo, who faces Silverio Ortiz in a non title eight rounder. Ngoudjo has not fought since dropping a 12 round decision to Juan Urango for the IBF welterweight title in January 2009 and will be looking to impress as he plans another assault on the world title.

CONTRERAS HEADS TO SHOBOX DEBUT!

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT PHENOM FACES JUAN CASTANEDA JR.

Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Francisco “THE PHENOM” Contreras hits Southern California this Friday night, February 5th, to battle Juan Castaneda Jr. at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California in the opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation on Showtime (11pm ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Signed to the rapidly growing, international boxing promoter, TKO Boxing Promotions, the 25 year old Contreras, 12-0-0 (11KO’s), a native of the Dominican Republic, burst onto the US boxing scene last year with a brutal first round stoppage of Gustavo Mejia on June 18th in front of a stunned crowd at Michael’s Eighth Avenue, outside of Baltimore.

With devastating power in both hands, Contreras quickly earned two more crunching, early stoppages, a first rounder of Julian Rodriguez on August 27th in Hagerstown, Maryland and a second round knockout of Ron Boyd in Houston, Texas on October 10th.

Contreras finished 2009 by dominating veteran Marteze Logan over six rounds towards a unanimous decision win on December 19th in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The 26 year old Castaneda brings a record of 16-2-1 (12KO’s) into the battle with Contreras and is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Alejandro Valladares on December 11th.

Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, “We scouted Francisco back in the Dominican Republic and we knew what a beast he was. ShoBox fans and the crowd at the Chumash Casino have a great opportunity to see what we believe is a future world champion in his network debut.”

Now based in Irvington, New Jersey, Contreras is guided by award winning manager Cameron Dunkin.

DEMARCO & VALERO MAKE WEIGHT!

BOTH HIT THE SCALES AT 135 POUNDS.

World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champ Edwin Valero and WBC 135-pound interim titleholder Antonio DeMarco both weighed in at 135 pounds during Friday’s weigh in the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

The hard-hitting Valero will face the once-beaten DeMarco in the main event this Saturday, Feb. 6, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

Valero (26-0, 26 KOs), of Merida, Venezuela, is a two-time champ who has knocked out 100 percent of his opponents. He will be making the second defense of his WBC title against Tijuana’s Demarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs).

In the 10-round co-feature, Luis Carlos Abregu (28-0, 23 KOs), of Salta, Argentina will meet Richard Gutierrez (24-3, 14 KO’s), of Miami, Florida, via Arjona, Colombia, in a welterweight bout. Both Abregu and Gutierrez weighed in at the 147 pound welterweight limit.

ALVAREZ V CAMACHO IS OFF!

STORM POSTPONES SATURDAY NIGHT ATLANTIC CITY FIGHT CARD.

In light of the major snow storm expected to hit the Atlantic City area, Tropicana Casino and Resort and Star Boxing have decided to postpone Saturday night's boxing show until Saturday March 6th, noting major concern for the safety of traveling fans, fight participants and the general public welfare.

Both are very disappoined that they have had to postpone the show, especially since ticket sales had been so strong.

All tickets purchased for the February 6th event will be honored on March 6th. The Tropicana and Star Boxing look forward to seeing everyone at the show on March 6th.

ADAMEK V ESTRADA!

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES.

Kathy Duva, CEO Main Events –“Tomasz has to win against Jason Estrada before he can realize his dream of being the heavyweight champion. It’s a tremendous fight, people are watching it closely. We are delighted to be promoting it.”

“A lot of people are asking me why Tomasz took this fight. It is one of those fights where it seems as if we brought in a young guy who pretty much plays to Tomasz’s “not so strengths”; I don’t want to say weaknesses because I don’t think Tomasz has any of those! Jason’s got strength, he’s got speed, he’s got movement. He’s got a lot of the things that have given Tomasz problems in the past. This fight will give Tomas a good opportunity to deal with all those things.”

“Tomasz is never afraid, he amazes me. He goes into each fight calm and cool, and always confident that he will win. We all believe in him. We know he will give us another great fight, in exciting Adamek fashion and add another victory to his record.”

Tomasz Adamek - “I never underestimate anyone, ever. This is boxing; you have to be prepared every time because you can lose not only the fight but also your health. I know what’s at stake on Saturday – for me and for Jason.”

“I’m always asked if I feel worthy to be in the heavyweight division and my answer always is – just watch me fight and you’ll know the answer. I don’t expect anybody to respect me because I was champion in two other weight classes – just enjoy what you see when I’m in the ring. I did not lose any strength as compared to being a light heavyweight or cruiser weight. Contrary – fighting at my natural weight helped me be a better boxer. I expect to weigh around 222 pounds for the fight. That’s natural weight and power, zero loss of energy.”

“Mine will be a great mix of European and American style boxing because of my two trainers – Roger Bloodworth and Andrzej Gmitruk.“

“Jason is a very unorthodox fighter for this weight class, buy I always believed that no matter who I’m fighting against, it is up to me if I win or lose. I know his strengths; I’m sure he thinks he knows my weaknesses. But whatever we are saying now makes no difference whatsoever. You can prove yourself in only one way – by winning. And this is exactly what I intend to do on Saturday. Don’t blink, don’t miss a second”.

“I will win.”

Jason Estrada – “Funny thing is when I was playing video games as a light heavyweight I was always playing as Tomasz Adamek. Loved his style and I still love what he did in light heavy and cruiserweight division. But this is different story, he’s among big boys now and it will be over his head to fight people like me. Experience, ring ability – everything is on my side. He’s making a big error thinking that beating aging Golota makes him a good heavyweight. Not at all.”

“I also understand that he has to say the things he’s saying – about putting me on canvas, talking about other fights after fighting me. He has to believe it, but believing and doing it are two different things.”

“This was my best training camp ever – by far. More than 8 weeks of very hard work, no injuries, no problems. I’m in my prime, I have to prove this now and help Adamek to fight Steve Cunningham again – as a cruiserweight. After this fight he will be finished in my division. I will prove that those are not just words this coming Saturday.”

Jimmy Burchfield, CES – “Main Events is the greatest promotion company in the whole sport. They only made one mistake; and that was picking Jason Estrada!”

“I want to thank all of the Polish people that have come here to support Tomasz Adamek, but Jason “Big Six” Estrada is fighting for United States of America. He’s fighting for his classmates of the 2004 Olympians. He’s fighting for every future, past and present Olympian. We don’t come to this fight as an opponent. We come to fight, we come to win.”

“I see some of the media and HBO looking past Jason Estrada. You are all making a big, big, big mistake. Jason’s won every amateur title you can imagine. He’s fought the real fighters, so this is going to be a real fight.”

TO ORDER THE FIGHT FOR JUST $9.99, CLICK http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=581.

VALERO V DEMARCO!

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES.

The always-exciting Edwin Valero will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title against undefeated, once-beaten WBC 135-pound interim titleholder Antonio DeMarco in the main event this Saturday, Feb. 6, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The undefeated knockout artist and two-time world champion Valero (26-0, 26 KOs), of Merida, Venezuela will be making the second defense of his WBC title against Tijuana’s Demarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs), the WBC Interim Champion at the Arena Monterrey located in Mexico.

In the 10-round co-feature, Luis Carlos Abregu (28-0, 23 KOs), of Salta, Argentina will meet Richard Gutierrez (24-3, 14 KO’s), of Miami, Florida, via Arjona, Colombia, in a welterweight bout.

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and will take place during the celebration of the bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence.

What the fighters and their respective promoters had to say at Wednesday’s final press conference.

EDWIN VALERO:

“I’m looking forward to Saturday night with great anticipation. It’s going to be a great fight. I am very focused and have put in my work by training extremely hard as I do in all of my fights.”

“I have sacrificed a lot by being out of my country and away from my family for so long. Because I have made the sacrifice to be away from them I have nothing more to do than to dedicate myself to my training 100 percent. I give myself completely to my training because I want to make sure that my sacrifice was worth the while.”

“I am positive that I am in a key moment of my career. I want to be a solid champion and continue to rise. I know it won’t be easy and I have to be cautious because the opponents are tough.”

“There was one time that I was overly confident and felt that a fight against my opponent would be easy. I found out only when I was in the ring just how difficult he was. But, that won’t happen again in my career because I learned my lesson not to take anyone lightly.”

“I know that Antonio DeMarco is a fighter to be reckoned with and I’m prepared. I’m going to give it my all.”

ANTONIO DEMARCO:

“I want to thank God, Gary Shaw, my team and family for their support. Specifically I would like to thank my trainer Romulo, who to me, I value more than gold.”

“I give a sincere thank you to the people of Monterrey, Mexico and to Mauricio Sulaiman. I want to assure them that I am going to work hard on Saturday. Everything will be OK in the end. I know what I need to be prepared for because I am facing a great champion.

“I feel privileged to be able to take on the best champion. I want to give Valero, his team and his promoter all the thanks in the world for accepting this challenge.”

“I put 100 percent of myself into my training.”

“All of my fights are different in their own right but one thing remains consistent with me, I like to hit and I don’t mind taking the punches. It’s part of the sport. It’s boxing.”

“My height should give me some advantage in winning the fight, but the true story about what happens in Saturday’s fight will be told in the ring.”

“I don’t like to think beyond Saturday. I am only focused on my fight against the great champion Edwin Valero.”

RICHARD GUTIERREZ:

“Thank god to be here with everyone in Monterrey. I am very thankful for the hard workers of Monterrey especially the ones that did so much hard work here at the steel mill.”

“I thank SHOWTIME and Gary Shaw for the opportunity; I will put on a good show!”

LUIS CARLOS ABREGU:

“It is really great to be here in Monterrey. I am in great condition for the fight; this fight will definitely help to carry me towards my goal of a world championship fight.

STAR BOXING BACK IN ACTION!

Alvarez V Camacho Headline.

On Saturday night Larry Flynt's Hustler Club - NYC, Hustler Honeys will be out in full force at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, adding to what is an already exciting night of fights being presented by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing.

Headlining the show will be an exciting ten round welterweight showdown between Atlantic City's own Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) and knockout artist Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO).

Also on the card will be the always entertaining Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23KO) taking on Dominique Alexander (19-7-1, 9KO), as well as number of the area's up and coming talent.

Kicking off the show will be a pre-event party from 5:30-7pm, featuring a meet and greet for guests with the fighters on the card, promoter Joe DeGuardia, as well as all of the Hustler Honeys. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout.

Following the meet and greet, the fights will begin shortly after at 7:30pm. During the fight's the Hustler Honeys will continue their meet and greet with the fans in attendance as well as serve the beautiful ring card girls for the evening's night of fights.

The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling (609) 340-4000. The show, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will be shown live on GoFightLive.tv. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office.

ALVAREZ V CAMACHO!

NEW ATTITUDE ALVAREZ WILL EMERGE SATURDAY NIGHT.

On Saturday February 6th, Atlantic City's welterweight contender Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) will look to get his career back underway and once again begin his ascent into the upper echelon of the welterweight division when he takes on Mexican knockout artist, Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO).

The show, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, will take place at the Tropicana Casino and Resort and be broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv.

The 33-year-old Alvarez began his professional career in 2002, and went onto to string together 19 consecutive victories, including picking up the WBO NABO welterweight title. In 2007 Alvarez squared off against Joshua Clottey in an official IBF title eliminator, dropping a decision to the eventual IBF welterweight champion.

After the loss Alvarez took some time off from the sport. He returned just under a year later to win a ten round decision over Terrance Cauthen in December of 2008.

The win over Cauthen put Alvarez in yet another official IBF title eliminator, this time against Delvin Rodriguez. The fight, which took place in March of last year, saw Alvarez lose a razor thin decision in a fight that many argued Alvarez could have won.

In October, Alvarez was scheduled to face undefeated Canadian contender Antonin Decarie (now 23-0), but the week of the fight, Alvarez injured his knee while running and had to pull out.

Alvarez is now back and according to the contender, more ready and hungrier than ever.

"This is my time," stated Alvarez.

"Physically and mentally I am one-hundred percent ready and focused to climb back into the world title picture. In both my losses I know what I did wrong and I have learned from them. You are going to see the old but at the same time the new and improved Shamone Alvarez when I get in that ring from now on. When I first came up I was very aggressive and took the fight right to my opponents. In my two losses my lack of aggressiveness cost me the fights, and cost me the world title opportunities. I'm on my third strike, trust me I don't plan on striking out."

In the fight against Camacho, Alvarez will be facing a big puncher and someone who will not be afraid to mix it up with him, something that Alvarez is well aware of, and looking forward to.

"I have watched tapes of him and I know that he can crack. You look at his record and you see that he obviously has some power but he has never been inside the ring with someone who is on my level. From what I have seen of him he is a typical Mexican style fighter, he comes forward, he throws big punches, he is durable, but he is there to be hit, and as you will see come Saturday night, he will be hit."

While Alvarez states that he is not looking past the task at hand, he does have big expectations for himself in 2010.

"2010 is going to be a big year for me. God-willing everything goes well on Saturday, I am looking at a possible March 27th date to fight for the IBO title. Once I pick up the IBO belt, I will then hopefully have a chance to go to Canada to take on Decarie as we have unfinished business. At that point I will be ready to challenge any of the world champions in the welterweight division, it's just a matter of who gives me that shot. There is no more playing around. You are going to see the dog come out of me this year, and for all those welterweight contenders and champions out there, look out because I'm coming for you."

The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling (609) 340-4000. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office.

VALERO V DEMARCO!

LIVE On SHOWTIME At 9 p.m. ET/PT.

SHOWTIME Sports® will present a fight card from Mexico for the first time in nearly 12 years when devastating, undefeated knockout artist and two-time world champion Edwin Valero (26-0, 26 KOs), of Las Vegas, Nev., by way of Merida, Venezuela, defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight crown against streaking, once-beaten WBC 135-pound interim titleholder Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, on Saturday, Feb. 6.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, unbeaten, world-ranked Luis Carlos Abregu (28-0, 23 KOs) of Salta, Argentina, will be opposed by Richard Gutierrez (24-3, 14 KOs), of Miami, Fla., via Arjona, Colombia, in a 10-round welterweight bout. The doubleheader will be shown live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The event at Arena Monterrey is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and will take place during the celebration of the bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence.

The last time a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING broadcast aired from Mexico was March 7, 1998, when Julio Cesar Chavez boxed a draw with Miguel Angel Gonzalez. It’s the first card on SHOWTIME from Monterrey in more than 15 years, or since Chavez stopped Tony Lopez on Dec. 10, 1994.

The 5-foot-7 ½-inch, 28-year- old Valero was victorious by first-round knockout in his initial 17 starts after turning professional on July 9, 2002. He has 18 opening-round KOs overall.

“There was pressure on me when I was winning all those fights in the first round, but once that ended so did the pressure,’’ said Valero, who’ll be making his debut on SHOWTIME.

“Now, I take it round by round and let the knockout come. I don’t go into any fight looking for a quick knockout.

“I try and measure my opponent and get my timing down and go from there. I’m in there to do a job, which is to win and stay undefeated and keep my title. If this goes the distance and I win, I’ll be just as happy as if I win by knockout. I am a pressure fighter, but I know I have to also fight smart.’’

Valero captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight championship in his 20th outing, and made four successful defenses of the 130-pound belt before stepping up a notch in weight and winning the-then vacant WBC title with a second-round TKO over Anthony Pitula on April 4, 2009.

In his lone WBC defense and most recent start, Valero registered a seventh-round TKO over Hector Velazquez on Dec. 19, 2009.

“I’m very excited about this fight and thrilled to be fighting on SHOWTIME,’’ Valero said.

“DeMarco is a good young fighter who has great aspirations, like most young fighters, and I respect him a lot. But I believe my experience will be an important key. He hasn’t fought the kinds of fighters I have and he hasn’t fought in world title fights. I’m very confident that once I connect with one of my power punches, he will feel it.’’

Valero is a world traveler who has fought in many countries, including the United States, Venezuela, Panama, France, Argentina and Japan. This will be his second world title fight in Mexico. On Dec.15, 2007, he scored a third-round TKO over Zaid Zaveleta in Cancun, Mexico, to retain his WBA belt.

“Fighting in Mexico is actually a benefit for me and I look forward to it,’’ Valero said.

“Mexican fans are great fans and they know this sport very well.’’

Valero, who doesn’t watch tapes, will be spotting DeMarco a few inches in height and reach.

“I like to make adjustments in real time, in the ring,’’ Valero said.

“Fighters give you tapes but then they fight differently. I’ve fought a tall lefty once before and won so I expect to be comfortable in the ring. If I’m patient and fight my fight, I’ll get inside and land my shots.’’

DeMarco will be making his seventh appearance on SHOWTIME. He’s fought thrice on both SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and ShoBox: The New Generation. If triumphant, DeMarco will become the 41st ShoBox alum to earn a world title belt.

“I'm sincerely thankful to SHOWTIME for the support they’ve given me,’’ said the son-in-law of former WBC 122-pound champion Raul “Jibaro’’ Perez.

“I am going to do everything possible and use everything I can -- my reach, height, you name it – to win. This is a huge privilege to fight in my country. Words cannot describe how very honored I am to have this fight in my backyard and in my territory.

“This is going to be a very emotional night not only for me but for my family, who have given me unconditional support, and to my countrymen, who have supported me in that same manner.’’

The Valero-DeMarco clash of southpaws is a classic puncher-boxer matchup, although the 5-foot-10, 24-year-old DeMarco is anything but a runner.

“Valero’s a great champion of the world and it’s an honor to get into the ring with him,’’ he said.

“I have a lot of respect for him as a person and for what he’s accomplished. There’s a reason he’s champ and he deserves all the accolades. But, for me, once I get in ring, it is my job to win and walk away victorious.

“That means I have to not only box and move but also to fight and earn his respect. I know what kind of fighter he is, I know his record and that he hits hard. But I’ve been working on several strategies with my team. In the event one doesn't work, you have to switch it up and make the proper adjustments to win.’’

A winner of 12 and a row and unbeaten in his last 16 (15-0-1) dating to May 2006, DeMarco is coming off a superlative 10th round TKO over former world champion Jose Alfaro to secure the WBC interim title last Oct. 31 on SHOWTIME.

“I will absolutely have the same mentality on Feb. 6 as I had last time,’’ DeMarco said.

“I’ll walk into the ring knowing I have to win and that nobody is going to keep me from my destiny. Winning this fight would be the highest honor. Nothing can compare and I can’t describe it in words. But it will be every emotional.

“I will have many motivations when I enter the ring. In order, they are (1), my daughter, (2) my wife and (3) my parents and family, and when I say my family I also mean my adoptive family in Tijuana. They were ones who gave me a blanket to cover myself and food to eat when I came to Tijuana.SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Returns To Mexico With WBC Lightweight Championship Fight

“A win would be so incredibly significant for all of us. Every win I get is a step in the right direction but this would be the absolute best. This is not just another fight, it is everything. The way I see it, I’m the challenger and he’s the absolute champion. I win and I walk out of the ring as champion of the world.’’

The five-foot-10-inch, 27-year-old Abregu registered a fourth-round knockout over Diego Gallardo in his last start on Aug. 4, 2009. Two outings back, on ShoBox, Abregu got floored twice (in the first and fourth) before bouncing back to score a fourth-round KO over Irving Garcia in a wildly entertaining affair on May 1, 2009. Abregu is ranked sixth in the WBC and ninth in the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Gutierrez went 21-0 at the outset of a career that began in December 2001. The five-foot-nine-inch, 31 year old has fought some good ones, including Joshua Clottey and Alfredo Angulo. He is coming off a close 10-round decision loss to Antwone Smith on May 22, 2009.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Gus Johnson and Al Bernstein will call the action with Steve Farhood reporting from ringside. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins Jr. with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

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

HOLY HOLM RETURNS TO ACTION!

Press Conference On February 2nd To Announce Opponent.

Fresquez Productions, Inc. and the Isleta Casino and Resort are going to publicize “Pound for Pound” boxing queen Holly Holm 26-1-3, 7 KOs opponent for the WIBA Light Welterweight Super World Championship.

Holm’s opponent will be in attendance to announce the March 26, 2010 Super World Championship.

The undercard will feature Victoria “La Reina de la Guerra” Cisneros 3-8-2 who faces off against Terri “The Road Warrior” Blair in an 8-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Duke City knockout artist David Proa 7-1, 7 KOs, (fresh off of a 3rd round destruction of undefeated prospect Adam Ochoa) returns to the ring in a 6 round Super Bantamweight bout.

Undefeated Super Bantamweight prospect Sammy Piar 1-0, 1 KO makes his return to the ring and Heavyweight Fernando Reyes also will fight his second bout as a professional.

When: February 2, 2010 2:00 PM
Where: Isleta Casino and Resort Bingo Showroom

MADDALONE RETURNS!

February 6th.

On Saturday February 6th, heavyweight fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23) will get the weekend fireworks started early when he takes on Dominique Alexander (19-7-1, 9KO) in an eight round heavyweight match-up at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.

The show, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, and broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv, is headlined by welterweight prospect, Atlantic City's own, Shamone 'The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) taking on knockout artist Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO).

The Queens native Maddalone is no stranger to the bright lights of Atlantic City, having fought there four times before, one of which was named ESPN's 2004 Fight of the Year.

"I'm excited to be returning to A.C.," says Maddalone.

"There is a lot of fight history in this city, so it's extra special for me anytime I have the opportunity to fight there."

Maddalone is coming off a hard fought decision loss back in December to former two-time cruiserweight champion, Jean Marc Mormeck.

The fight which took place in Mormeck's native France, saw Maddalone press the action and take the fight head on to Mormeck from the opening bell.

Mormeck as well as Maddalone , is known for being a banger, but it was evident from the first time Mormeck felt Maddalone's power he wanted no part in the brutal exchanges and began circling and boxing from the outside.

"I was surprised when he started moving like he did," stated Maddalone.

"From the tapes I have seen of him he usually stood right there in front of you, but then again that was at cruiserweight. I could tell right away in the first round when I hit him that I could hurt him."

In what was an exciting fight, that brought the sold out crowd to their feet multiple times throughout the contest, Maddalone went on to lose by decision.

Although Maddalone lost, as was the case when he fought in Europe in 2008; he dropped another hard fought decision loss to undefeated top five rated heavyweight Denis Boytsov; he further added onto his fan base, a base that has now begun to stretch worldwide.

"I'm a throwback fighter. Anytime I am in that ring you know you are going to see an exciting fight, and the people in Europe, as do my fans here in the U.S, appreciate that. Fighting is my life, it's what I love to do, and come February 6th you can expect nothing less out of me. As I do every time I step into that ring, I am going to leave it all on the line and give the fans something to be excited about."

A win in Atlantic City, could set up another trip for Maddalone back to Europe. There have been talks of Maddalone fighting on the undercard of Mormeck's next fight, and if both win, Maddalone- Mormeck II could be on the horizon.

"I would love another opportunity to face Mormeck. It was an exciting fight that the fans loved, and want to see again, but first things first, I must take care of business this Saturday.

The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling (609) 340-4000. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office.

BRINKLEY UPSETS STEVENS!

RESULTS FROM RENO.

On Friday night, in front of a sold out arena at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions put together an action packed card on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" headlined by Curtis "Showtime" Stevens, taking on Jesse Brinkley in an Official IBF eliminator for the number two ranking in the super middleweight division.

Both fighters prior to the fight promised fireworks, and that's exactly what the audience got, as Stevens came out fast and hard in the first, landing vicious left hooks that immediately caught the attention of Brinkley. A left hook near the end of the first caught Brinkley flush on the cheek and created a nasty welt under his right eye.

The middle rounds saw good, highly competitive action, as both fighters showed they were not afraid to stand and trade, which continuously brought the crowd into a roaring frenzy.

While Stevens seemed to be landing the heavier of the blows, Brinkley kept pressing forward and landed shots of his own. In the 6th a big right hand from Brinkley rocked Stevens. Brinkley immediately looked to capitalize and jumped on Stevens, as Stevens laid on the ropes, waving Brinkley to keep coming. Another short right hand caught Stevens on the jaw, forcing him to take a knee to gain his composure.

The remainder of the fight saw both fighters leave everything they had in the ring. As soon as it looked as though Stevens might be gaining the upper hand, Brinkley would storm back with an assault of his own.

Knowing he needed a knockout to win in Brinkley's hometown, Stevens came out aggressive in the 11th, winging shots trying to stop the hometown favorite. The two closed the round once again standing toe-to-toe trading bombs.

In the final round the two once again let it all hang out, each landing huge hooks and right hands. A big right hand sent Stevens falling back into the ropes, causing the referee to jump in and credit Brinkley with another knockdown. As soon as the action resumed the fireworks continued as Brinkley rushed in looking to end the show in fashion. In the process he left himself open as Stevens landed a huge combination off the ropes that staggered Brinkley. With the crowd going crazy the fight ended with both warriors once again trading huge shots.

In the end Brinkley was awarded a grueling twelve round unanimous decision in what is sure to be an early candidate for fight of the year. With the win Brinkley improves his record to 35-5, 22KO and earned him the number two ranking in the IBF super middleweight division. Stevens, who put up an outstanding fight and showed the heart of a champion, drops to 21-3, 15KO.

In the co-feature bout of the evening, up and coming welterweight prospect, Raymond "Tito" Serrano improved his record to a perfect 12-0, 6KO with a dominating eight round decision victory over Ronnie Warrior Jr. (13-3-1, 4KO). In his first scheduled eight rounder as a pro, Serrano used his speed and crisp combination punching to continuously keep Warrior off balance throughout the contest. The 20-year- old Serrano showed much improved boxing ability as he would score with three and four punch combinations and then move out of Warriors range.

All three judges scored the bout were 79-73 for the Philadelphian native. Look for Serrano to be back in action soon as he anticipates a huge 2010.

BOXEO THOMPSON RETURNS!

JANUARY 29 ON FOX SPORTS EN ESPAÑOL.

The New Year provides new opportunities for up and comers to show that they have what it takes to be a champion.

That’s just what happened last Friday night when pro-debut fighters Jonathan Garcia and Anthony Reyes battled it out in front of a full house of screaming fight fans at The Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

The action fight went to decision in favor of Jonathan Garcia who improved his record to (1-0).

Rising star junior welterweight Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez took on 4-time world title challenger, John “The Eastern Beast” Brown. The displayed defensive tactics and unorthodox style of Brown was not enough to overcome Lopez who caught him with a powerful body shot that dropped him with one minute remaining in the final round. Lopez prevailed by Unanimous Decision and improved his record to 18-2 (12 KOs).

This edition of Boxeo Thompson’s can’t miss action will replay tomorrow, Friday, January 29 on Fox Sports en Español.

The exciting action will air at 6 pm PST/ 9 pm PST.

Check your local listings for FSE.

WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8!

TEN BOUT CARD.

Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions will enter it’s thirteenth year as the “HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING” this Friday night, January 29th with “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” an outstanding evening of ten world class bouts of professional boxing.

Said Pesoli, “I’m truly honored that each year brings continued success to 8 Count Productions. The Chicago sports fans have continued to show their loyalty to us and we’re thrilled to present a huge night of boxing this Friday night at the UIC Pavilion as we enter our thirteenth year of promoting.”

Headlining “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is the return of Chicago fan favorite, Donovan “DA BOMB” George, taking on Minnesota native, Phil “THE DRILL” Wiliams in an eight round super middleweight showdown.

Known for his crunching knockouts and celebratory back flips, the undefeated George boasts a record of 18-0-1 with sixteen knockouts. The 25 year old George is coming off a fourth round stoppage of Jason Naugler on November 6th, in his finest performance of his career.

The 32 year old Williams, 11-2-0 (10KO’s), had won three in a row prior to battling veteran contender Matt Vanda on November 13th, losing a hard fought ten round split decision.

The co-main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” features power punching Chicago based prospect Ivan Popoca in an eight round welterweight battle against impressive Michigan newcomer Federico Flores Jr.

Popoca, 12-0-1 (8KO’s), is coming off a sixth round stoppage of Mike Gonzales on September 26th, his fourth win in 2009

The 21 year old Flores, 6-3-0 (2KO’s), fought three times in Chicago in 2008 and was victorious each time, including wins over Guadalupe Diaz, Gustavo Palacios and Joshua Rodriguez.

In a special attraction heavyweight bout, Poland ’s Andrzej Wawrzyk, 16-0-0 (10KO’s) will face off against Michigan ’s Harvey ‘THE CANDY MAN” Jolly, 10-12-1 (5KO’s) in an eight round bout.

A native of Krakow , Poland , the 22 year old Wawrzyk will be fighting for the first time in the United States . He is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Alexey Mazikin on December 18th in Lodz , Poland . The win over Mazikin was the fourth defense of the WBC Youth World Heavyweight Title by Wawrzyk, which he won by eighth round knockout over Harry Duiven Jr. on October 18, 2008 in Zabrze , Poland .

In September 2009, the 33 year old Jolly brutally stopped unbeaten hometown favorite Nicholas Iannuzzi in the first round in Tampa , Florida . Iannuzzi was dropped three times in the first stanza as Jolly upset the unbeaten prospect.

Junior welterweights will also see action at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” as Puerto Rico ’s Kenny Galarza will battle Dominican native Ilido Julio. in a scheduled eight rounder.

The undefeated Galarza, 11-0-0 (11KO’s), is coming off a tenth round stoppage of Joshua Allotey on September 18th, which earned him the interim WBO NABO Junior Welterweight Title. The heavy hitting 24 year old will be making his Chicago debut.

Now based in Miami, Florida, 39-16-1 (35KO’s), Julio traveled to Ontario, California, on September 11th and upset highly regarded, hometown prospect Dominic Salcido with a fifth round knockout.

Returning to the UIC Pavilion is light heavyweight Fonfara, 12-2-0 (3KO’s) who will face off against Mexican Adan Leal, 6-1-0 (5KO’s) in a six round bout at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8”.

Born and raised in Warsaw , Poland , the 22 year old Fonfara has fought almost entirely in the Chicagoland area since turning professional four years ago. Known as the “POLISH PRINCE” Fonfara won all three of his bouts in 2009, most recently stopping Skyler Thompson in the second round on June 26th to earn the WBF United States Super Middleweight Title.

Based in Nogales , Arizona , the heavy handed Leal won his first six professional bouts, the first five by knockout as he became a staple of the Arizona fight scene since turning professional in 2007.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweight prospects, Chicago ’s David Latoria, 4-0-0 (2KO’s), will face Highland , Indiana native Michael Parker, 7-0-0 (6KO’s).

Latoria is coming off a four round decision over Cleophris Glover on December 4th. Nicknamed the “QUIET ASSASSIN”, Parker’s last bout resulted in a first round knockout of Ronald Garr on October 3rd.

In a four round welterweight showdown Chicago native Achour Esho will battle Milwaukee ’s Alexander Tousignant.

The undefeated Esho, 5-0-0 (4KO’s), has fought twice before at the UIC Pavilion, both resulted in crowd pleasing knockouts. Tousignant, 1-1-0 (1KO), won his pro debut with a first round stoppage of Harold McLeod on October 3rd.

Also on the undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8”, super bantamweights Sergio Montes De Oca and Sergio Cristobal, will attempt to settle their cross town score. The 23 year old Montes De Oca has impressively moved to 3-0-0 since turning professional twelve month ago.

In his last bout, Montes De Oca won a hard fought four round decision over LaShaun Blair at the UIC Pavilion on May 29th. On the same card, Cristobal, 0-1-0, lost a very close majority decision in his pro debut to Juan Carlos Fernandez.

In a battle of lightweight newcomers, Chicago ’s Antonio Avila, 2-0-0 (1KO), will battle Kansas native Herbert Acevedo, 1-0-0, in a four round bout.

Rounding out the undercard, Chicago ’s Bobby Jaskierny, 4-2-0 (2KO’s), will face Minnesota ’s David Laque in a scheduled four rounder.

The action packed ten bout “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is presented by Chicago ’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, in association with Warriors Boxing and Bullit KnockOut Promotions.

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

STEVENS V BRINKLEY!

Weigh-In Results.

Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (21-2, 15KO) and Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22KO) both weighed-in today in anticipation of their upcoming super middleweight showdown tomorrow night in the main event on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" from the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV.

The bout is an Official IBF eliminator for the number two ranking in the super middleweight division. Also at stake will be Brinkley's WBC USNBC super middleweight title.

The card, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions, will also feature live coverage of Star Boxing's up and coming welterweight prospect, Raymond "Tito" Serrano (11-0, 6KO) taking on Ronnie Warrior Jr. (13-2-1, 4KO) in the co-feature. Below are the official weights for all four fighters.

Curtis Stevens - 165 lbs.
Jesse Brinkley - 167 1/2 lbs.

Raymond Serrano - 146 1/2 lbs.
Ronnie Warrior Jr. - 147 lbs.

The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions. ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" will begin live coverage of the event at 7pm PT (10pm ET) with Serrano vs. Warrior.

The card will take place at the Show Theatre inside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.

Doors open at 6pm PT (9pm ET) with the first bout scheduled for 7pm PT (10pm ET). Tickets are priced at $100, $75, or $40 and are available at www.GrandSierraResort.com or by calling 1(800) 648-3568. Tickets for a King's Row Booth for four are priced at $1,000. Included in your V.I.P. ringside booth are light appetizers and one bottle of premium alcohol.

STEVENS V BRINKLEY!

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES.

The final press conference for the upcoming showdown between Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (21-2, 15KO) and Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22KO) was held today at the Extreme Sports Bar in the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada.

The fight, taking place Friday night, is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions.

The bout, scheduled for twelve rounds in the super middleweight division, is an Official IBF super middleweight eliminator for the number two ranking, and will also be for Brinkley's USNBC super middleweight belt. ESPN's popular "Friday Night Fight" series will broadcast the event live, Friday January 29th, starting at 10PM ET.

Kicking off the press conference was Terry Lane of Let's Get It On Promotions, who thanked everyone for coming and showing their support for what has shaped up to be a huge fight.

"We are very excited we were able to put this fight together," stated Terry.

"This is a huge fight for Jesse, a huge fight for Reno, and a huge fight for boxing. This is going to be exciting fight. You have two big punchers, who are going to come forward and leave everything they have in the ring come Friday night."

Next to the podium was Terry's brother Tommy.

"We have been trying to put this fight together for a few years now and finally it's here," said Tommy.

"This is a very intriguing fight because both of these guys are the gatekeepers to each other's future. The winner of this fight will be in line for a world title opportunity, while the loser will have to take a hard look at their future in the sport of boxing. With both Jesse and Curtis' power you just know there is going to be fireworks come the 29th."

Next to address the audience was CEO of Star Boxing, and President of the newly formed Boxing Promoters Association.

"It's a pleasure to be here in Reno, and it has been a pleasure working with Terry and Tommy and everyone at Let's Get It On Promotions," began DeGuardia.

"This fight between Curtis and Jesse is what boxing is all about. On Friday night you will see two warriors putting everything on the line and leaving it all in the ring, and as a true boxing fan, you couldn't ask for more."

Stevens was the first of the main event fighter's to speak.

"I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Let's Get It On for putting this fight together. I have trained eight hard weeks for this fight and I'm just ready to go. As I have already said, I can't stress enough that Jesse has never been in with a fighter like me. He has never been in with someone who has as much power or skill as me, and come Friday night you will see that. This fight is scheduled for twelve rounds, but I don't plan on it going that far. I'm ready to die in that ring, he better be ready too."

Last to the podium was Brinkley.

"I know this is definitely going to be a tough fight, Curtis is a very tough fighter. But I have been training since October and I couldn't be more ready for this. I plan on coming out of this fight victorious. I never have backed down from anyone and I don't plan on it now, so Curtis better know he is in for a real fight."

The card, billed as Reno Extreme Fights II, is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions. ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" will begin live coverage of the event at 10PM ET. The bout will take place at the Grand Theatre inside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Doors open at 6PM with the first bout scheduled for 6:30PM. Tickets are priced at $100, $75, or $40 and are available at www.GrandSierraResort.com or by calling 1(800) 648-3568. Tickets for a King's Row Booth for four are priced at $1,000. Included in your V.I.P. ringside booth are light appetizers and one bottle of premium alcohol.

Daws Looking To Retain Title!

Battles Former European Title Holder.

British Champion Lenny Daws is looking to retain his Light Welterweight title against Former European Lightweight Champion Jason Cook at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday 12th February 2010 on a Matchroom Sports in association with Hennessy Sports show. Daws v Cook will be headlining the event which will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1 from 10pm.

Daws said “I took some time out after my win against Barry Morrison back in September when I reclaimed the British title, but I have been back in training for some time now and all has gone to plan and sparring has been great.

“To defend my title against a former European Champion is a real challenge but a good move for me, I am going to use this opportunity to gain experience in the ring with someone who has been there and done it. I know he’s only recently back after taking a few years away from the sport, but he’s shown that he still has the hunger and desire to take on the best in Britain as he recently proved in Prizefighter, but he knows that to get his hands on the famous Lonsdale belt for the first time he’s going to have to beat the best.”

Mick Hennessy said “Lenny’s matured in to a top quality pro and I feel 2010 is going to be a real big year for him. Lenny has a big engine and an all action style; I feel he’s going to be a very hard fighter to beat over 12 rounds. We will certainly not be overlooking Jason Cook as he’s an explosive and very dangerous fighter. This is a great fight for the prestigious British title”.

Daws added “Tickets are selling fast and I expect a packed York Hall shouting my name on the 12th February”

The undercard will include the vacant English Light-Welterweight title between Michael Grant v Steve Williams.

Tickets for the bout priced £30 unreserved and £50 ringside and are available from Matchroom Sports.

Q & A CURTIS STEVENS!

STEVENS PROMISES A KNOCKOUT VICTORY.

Before Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (21-2, 15KO) steps into the ring against Nevada's Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22KO) on Friday January 29th at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV, Stevens sat down to discuss his upcoming fight.

The bout, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions, is scheduled for 12 rounds, and is an Official IBF Eliminator for the number two ranking in the super middleweight division.

The fight will be shown live as the main event on that evening's ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast.

Q: How has your training camp been for this fight, anyone in particular you have worked with during this camp?

CS: Camp has been great, easily one of the best, if not the best in my entire career. I have been getting great sparring at my gym with a few top amateurs such as Marcus Brown, as well as light heavyweight prospect Will Rosinsky (9-0, 6KO). Also right before I went into camp for this fight I was in the Dominican Republic working with WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Paschall as he prepared for his title defense against Adrian Diaconu.

Q: Let's talk about your last fight Curtis, some people chose you as the underdog in that fight, you made it look pretty easy though, was it as easy as it looked?

CS: To be honest it was easy. See I have been boxing since I was 5 years old, so being around for so long, I know that it doesn't matter what your record is. He (Wilczewski) had a great record but he had never fought a Curtis Stevens and the outcome for him was inevitable. It will be exactly the same thing with Jesse Brinkley.

Q: This will be your second straight fight in which you enter into hostile territory Curtis. Does it bother you having to go into Jesse's hometown?

CS: No it doesn't bother me at all. Whether the fight is in his hometown, or my hometown, the same situation is going to occur. Yes, the arena we are fighting in is in his home town, but the ring is my home, so when we get inside that ring he will be entering into my hostile territory.

Q: Since switching promoters you have been on a four bout winning streak. Curtis what has it been like working with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing?

CS: Working with Joe has been good, really have nothing to complain about. He has got me into a position where one or two more wins and I am fighting for a world championship so I am definitely happy.

Q: Curtis, from what you have seen what kind of fight do you expect out of Jesse?

CS: Well I know that he likes to come forward and bang and I really hope that's his game plan for me, but as you can see in the past, people change their style when they fight me. I will say though that it's going to be a lot worse for him if he chooses to run because I will continue to stalk him down and bust him up. Bottom line is either way he decides to fight he is going to take a lot of shots, but he will take more shots running. My advice to him is to just get it over with and go toe to toe, save himself a real beating.

Q: I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy training schedule. For the fans out there reading, give me your prediction and anything you want to say in closing?

CS: I want to thank Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions for putting this together and ESPN for broadcasting it. I want to thank my team and trainer Andre Rozier for getting me ready for this. I also want to thank Jesse Maldonado and Ashley Miller at Elite Boxing & Fitness who opened their arms to me and let me train at their great facility here in Reno.

My prediction, or should I say my promise, is that there is no way this fight is going the full twelve rounds. It will end with my hands being raised and Jesse waking up on his stool. 2010 is my year. Luckily for the contestants in the Super Six tournament they are locked up and won't have to face me, which makes it that much more unfortunate for everyone else in the super middleweight division. Look out because "Showtime" is coming for you.

The card, billed as Reno Extreme Fights II, is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions. ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" will begin live coverage of the event at 10PM ET.

The bout will take place at the Grand Theatre inside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Doors open at 6PM with the first bout scheduled for 6:30PM. Tickets are priced at $100, $75, or $40 and are available at www.GrandSierraResort.com or by calling 1(800) 648-3568. Tickets for a King's Row Booth for four are priced at $1000. Included in your V.I.P. ringside booth are light appetizers and one bottle of premium alcohol.

TROPICANA UNDERCARD!

Tropicana Casino & Resort In Atlantic City, NJ.

On Saturday February 6th, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will present its "Super Saturday" boxing show, on the eve of the Big Game Sunday, from the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.

Headlining the card is Atlantic City's, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) taking on hard hitting, Lou Duva trained, Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO) in a ten round welterweight showdown.

In the co-feature bout of the evening, exciting heavyweight fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23KO) squares off against Dominique Alexander (19- 7-1, 9KO) in a heavyweight special attraction. The entire card will be broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv.

Fighting for the first time in 2010 will be Star Boxing's highly touted up and coming prospect Yathomas Riley (7-0, 5KO) when he takes on Walter Foster (4-1, 4KO).

The bout is scheduled for six rounds in the light heavyweight division. The 2006 National Golden Gloves, and PAL Champion, has tore through the competition since turning pro in 2008.

The Florida native, now living and training in the Bronx, has gained valuable experience serving as one of the lead sparring partners for former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson on multiple occasions.

Wildwood, New Jersey's prospect Chuck Mussachio (14-1-2, 5KO) looks to make it back to back victories in Atlantic City when he takes on Richard Dalphone (2-5-3, 2KO) in a six round light heavyweight contest. Mussachio, a Special Education Guidance Counsler at Middle Township High School, last fought in Atlantic City in November, winning an eight round decision over Bobby Rooney, in turn boasting his record to an impressive 9-0-1, when fighting in Atlantic City.

Also on the card, making his fourth straight appearance as a professional in Atlantic City, will be Cape May, New Jersey native, Josh Mercado (3-0, 1KO) taking on Millville, New Jersey's Ismael Garcia, in Garcia's pro-debut. Mercado-Garcia is scheduled for four rounds in the welterweight division. Mercado is a Lower Cape May Regional High School alum and former amateur National Collegiate Champion out of Lock Haven University.

Rounding out the card is Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna, making his pro-debut against New York's Fasika Bezabeh, in a four round middleweight contest. The 18-year-old LaManna, currently in his senior year at Millville High School in New Jersey, turned to boxing at just eight years of age, after previously studying martial arts.

The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling 609 340-4000. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823- 2000. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office.

USMANEE MAKES US DEBUT!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH.

Sensational junior lightweight prospect Arash Usmanee will make his debut in the United States on Friday, January 29th at the Mohegan Sun Casino, it was jointly announced today by Hennessy Sports and TKO Boxing Promotions.

Fighting out of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, Usmanee, 4-0-0 (2KO’s) won his first four professional bouts in 2009, after an outstanding amateur career which saw him compile a record of 130-20 on his way to becoming a five time Canadian National Amateur Champion.

At the Mohegan Sun Casino, Usmanee will battle in his first six round bout against Cuban veteran Jorge “COQUI” Ruiz, 7-10-1.

In his last outing, Usmanee won a four round unanimous decision over Wilshaun Boxley on December 5th at the Casino Montreal in Montreal, Canada .

Using constant pressure from the opening bell, Usmanee was able to score at will with devastating combinations to the head and body in the first two rounds. Continuing the assault in the third, Usmanee visibly started to wear down Boxley using his jab and outworking his opponent with a cut over Boxley’s left eye bleeding badly.

In the fourth round during which Usmanee and Boxley traded bombs throughout, both fighters battled strongly to the final bell much to the appreciation of the Montreal boxing crowd.

Headlining the world class evening of professional boxing at the Mohegan Sun Casino on January 29th is Peter “THE PRIDE OF PROVIDENCE” Manfredo Jr. who will face off against Matt “THE PREDATOR” Vanda in the ten round main event for the NABF Middleweight Title.

The co-feature on January 29th is a featherweight showdown between Hartford’s Matt “THE SHARP SHOOTER” Remillard and Dominican Rafael Lora in a ten round battle for the NABF Title

Tickets priced at $80.00, $50.00 and $35.00 are now on sale at the Mohegan Sun Casino Box Office and through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-745-3000). Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm. (Ticket prices include a $5.00 facility fee.)

BERTO TEAMS WITH EVERLAST!

TO SUPPORT HAITAN RELIEF.

DiBella Entertainment is proud to throw its support behind a truly noble joint venture between Haitian native, Andre Berto, and Everlast Worldwide, supporting the victims of last week’s catastrophic earthquake in Haiti.

Berto and Everlast have created a limited edition t-shirt, on sale immediately, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross and their relief effort in Haiti.

“When you see the human suffering in Haiti it truly puts things into perspective,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment and promoter of Berto. “I am proud to not only support Andre Berto as a fighter, but as a humanitarian. I hope everyone else joins me in supporting this necessary cause.”

Added DiBella, “This is yet another example of Everlast stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing. Everlast is not only one of the premiere brands in boxing, but a company consistent in their genuine concern for their fellow man.”

The shirts can be purchased through Everlast by visiting them on the web at www.everlast.com.

SERRANO GETS READY FOR BIG 2010!

STARTING ON ESPN.

On January 29th, Star Boxing's rising welterweight prospect, Raymond "Tito" Serrano (11-0, 6KO) will put his unbeaten record on the line when he takes on Ronnie "The Natural" Warrior Jr. (13-2-1, 4KO) at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV.

Serrano-Warrior, scheduled for eight rounds in the welterweight division, will be the co-feature bout of the evening on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights". The card, billed as Reno Extreme Fights II, and promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions, is headlined by Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (21-2, 15KO) taking on Reno's favorite son, Jesse Brinkley (34-5, 22) in an Official IBF Eliminator for the number two ranking in the super middleweight division.

"This is a great opportunity for Raymond to once again showcase his growing skills on the national stage," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing.

"This will be his first scheduled eight rounder, and his first nationally televised co-feature, and he is still only 20-years-old. Ray has a very exciting crowd pleasing style, and he has been working very hard on improving and fine tuning the other aspects of his game. We expect him to have a very big year in 2010, but first he must get by Warrior on the 29th."

Born and raised in the fighting city of Philadelphia, Serrano was a decorated amateur, compiling over 100 victories, including winning the international jr. Olympic championship in 2005, as well as being the jr. Olympic national silver medalist in the same year. In 2006 he won the Pennslyvania Golden Gloves.

At just 18-year-old of age Serrano turned pro in October of 2007 scoring a first round knockout victory. Serrano has steadily continued to improve each time out, including winning an impressive six round decision over once beaten Jay Krupp on ESPN in March of last year. The peformance caught the eye of esteemed trainer Freddie Roach who later invited Serrano serve as one of Manny Pacquiao's lead sparring partner in preparation for his fight against Ricky Hatton.

Reno Extreme Fights II, is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions. ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" will begin live coverage of the event at 10PM ET.

The bout will take place at the Grand Theatre inside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Doors open at 6PM with the first bout scheduled for 6:30PM. Tickets are priced at $100, $75, or $40 and are available at www.GrandSierraResort.com or by calling 1(800) 648-3568. Tickets for a King's Row Booth for four are priced at $1000. Included in your V.I.P. ringside booth are light appetizers and one bottle of premium alcohol.

Weights From Cuxhaven!

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010.

Ondrej Pala (103,5 kg / 228 lbs.) vs. Robert Hawkins (110,0 kg / 243 lbs.)

Konstantin Airich (100,5 kg / 222 lbs.) vs. Alex Mazikin

Felix Diaz (63,5 kg / 140 lbs.) vs. Bronislav Kubin (64,5 kg / 142 lbs.)

Mahir Oral (73,0 kg / 161 lbs.) vs. Fabio Liggieri (73,0 kg / 161 lbs.)

Yakup Saglam (102,0 kg / 225 lbs.) vs. Yuri Lunev (101,0 kg / 223 lbs.)

Özlem Sahin (49,5 kg / 109 lbs.) vs. Olga Harton (47,5 kg / 105 lbs.)

Christian Pawlak (76,0 kg / 168 lbs.) vs. Denis Sirjatovs (74,0 kg / 163 lbs.)

Patrick Dobroschi (76,0 kg / 168 lbs.) vs. Jevgenis Kiselevs (77,0 kg / 170 lbs.)

Jaromir Soukup (91,5 kg / 202 lbs.) vs. Florians Strupits (90,5 kg / 201 lbs.)

LOPEZ & BROWN MAKE WEIGHT!

THOMPSON BOXING "NEW BLOOD" WEIGHTS.

PATRICK LOPEZ 14O.5 LBS.
JOHN BROWN 139 LBS

DANIEL HERNANDEZ 133.5 LBS.
BAUDEL CARDENAS 133 LBS.

HECTOR SERRANO 141.5 LBS.
cristian favela 140.5 LBS.

EFRAIN ESQUIVIAS 124.5 LBS.
RANDY ARRELIN 125.5 LBS.

HILARIO LOPEZ 158 LBS.
ALBERTO HERRERA 153 LBS.

JOHNATAN GARCIA 138 LBS.
ANTHONY REYES 139.5 LBS

STEVENS V BRINKLEY!

STEVENS HAS SIGHTS ON SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CROWN.

"It might be your city, but don't be mistaken this is my coming out party."

Those were the harsh words of wisdom Curtis "Showtime" Stevens had for Jesse Brinkley when asked about their upcoming showdown on Friday January 29th at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV.

The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds, is IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator for the #2 ranking (Stevens is currently rated #10, while Brinkley is rated #6) and will be shown live as the main event on that evening's ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast.

The 24-year-old Stevens (21-2, 15KO) is currently riding a four bout streak since joining Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing stable of promoted fighters, including a career best victory in his last bout when he scored a third round TKO over previously unbeaten Piotr Wilczewski (22-0) in July of 2009.

Coincidently, the fight against Wilczewski, which was on the undercard of fellow Polish native Tomaz Adamek defending his cruiserweight championship, also saw Stevens; as he will do against the Nevada native Brinkley, enter into very hostile territory.

"I feed off the crowd so the more hostile the environment, the worse off it will be for him," stated Stevens.

"As I already told Jesse and all his fans when I went to first announce the fight in Reno, he hasn't ever been in the ring with someone like me. To be honest, when I first heard about the fight I really couldn't believe he accepted it. If he thinks he is going to use me as his stepping stone to bigger things in the super middleweight division, then he is in for a rude awakening."

And according to that awakening Stevens refers to, it will take place on National T.V., center ring, in front of all his adoring hometown fans.

"He will realize he made a mistake when he wakes up on his stool or back in his dressing room because I promise you I am going to knock him out cold. I'm going to catch him and when I do he is going to go to sleep. 2010 is going to be my year. I'm calling out all champions and contenders, you better be ready, because this is my time.".

THOMPSON BOXING RETURNS!

WORLD CHAMPS BRADLEY AND PEREZ TO BE IN ATTENDANCE.

Back in 2008, Thompson Boxing Promotions introduced the “NEW BLOOD” series, and since then, the brightest prospects in the sport have taken this platform to show their skills to appreciative fight fans.

On Friday, January 22, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, “NEW BLOOD” returns with a high-impact six bout card featuring the area’s top talent, including Patrick Lopez, Daniel Hernandez, Hector Serrano, Efrain Esquivias, and Alberto Herrera.

Also on hand to meet and greet fight fans and inspire their up-and-comer cohorts will be two of Thompson Boxing’s finest – world champions “Desert Storm” Timothy Ray Bradley Jr. and Yonnhy “El Colombiano” Perez.

Early in their career these fighters paid their dues in the ring at the Doubletree Hotel, with Bradley compiling an 11-0, 8 KOs record, and Perez putting together a perfect 6-0, 3 KOs slate in Ontario, making it clear that this venue is the breeding ground for some of the sport’s future champions.

Timothy Bradley (25-0, 11 KOs) is currently the WBO Junior Welterweight king and one of the most feared fighters in the world. Yonnhy Perez (20-0, 14 KOs) is the IBF Bantamweight champion, title he obtained by dismantling Joseph Abgeko with a scintillating performance last October.

Thompson Boxing Promotion’s “NEW BLOOD” is presented in association with Fox Sports en Español and brought to the boxing audience by Lucas Oil, “it’s what drives you.” Tickets, at $75, $45, and $30, are available for sale and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900. They can also be purchased at the Doubletree Event Center Box Office this Friday afternoon only starting at 5:30 pm.

In the “NEW BLOOD” main event, scheduled for eight rounds in the junior welterweight division, Venezuela’s 2-time Olympian Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez (17-2, 11 KOs) hopes to extend his two-fight winning streak in his toughest bout to date when he squares off against two-time world title challenger John “The Eastern Beast” Brown (24-16-2, 11 KOs) of Atlantic City.

A six round lightweight co-feature will see one of the game’s top rising stars, Daniel “El Travieso” Hernandez (8-0, 4 KOs) of South Gate, return to action to take on Los Mochis’, Mexico veteran Baudel Cardenas (18-19-2, 6 KOs) in what should be an entertaining battle.

Also scheduled for six rounds is a junior welterweight war between Riverside lightweight Hector “Teco” Serrano (10-0, 3 KOs) and Los Mochis’ Cristian Favela (17-23-6, 10 KOs). Serrano is 2-0 since a yearlong layoff, and his career is firmly on the upswing as he prepares for the veteran Favela.

At 6-0 with 4 KOs, Los Angeles featherweight Efrain Esquivias first made a name for himself as a 2006 National Golden Gloves champion. On January 22, he will look to improve on his perfect pro record in a six rounder against Albuquerque’s Randy Arrellin (2-1, 1 KO).

Riverside’s Alberto Herrera (6-0, 5 KOs) made his pro debut in 2009 only letting one opponent hear the final bell and has been living up to his nickname of “Baby Dynamite”. He’s back in a junior middleweight six rounder against Boise, Idaho’s, equally explosive Hilario Lopez (11-8, 8 KOs).

Opening up the show will be a four round clash of debuting junior welterweights, as Watsonville’s Jonathan Garcia takes on Riverside’s Anthony Reyes.

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

GEORGE READY TO ROLL!

DA BOMB” PREDICTS BRUTAL KNOCKOUT OF PHIL WILLIAMS.

“Eleven in a row and Williams’ will be the twelfth” said the supremely confidant Donovan George in between rounds of a furious sparring session at the Veterans Park Boxing Gym in Franklin Park . “Naugler had never been stopped and he was out in the fourth.”

“I feel fantastic and can’t wait to fight. I love fighting at home and the UIC Pavilion is the perfect place in Chicago to fight” said the undefeated super middleweight under the watchful eye of his father, head trainer Pete George.

The 25 year old George, 18-0-1 (16KO’s), known for his crunching power and celebratory back flips will be returning to Chicago’s UIC Pavilion at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” on Friday, January 29th in the main event against Minnesota’s Phil “THE DRILL” Williams, 11-2-0 (10KO’s)

In his last outing, the Chicago native George brutally stopped Canada ’s Jason Naugler on November 6th in front of a huge crowd of enthusiastic local sports fans.

The action packed ten bout “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is presented by Chicago ’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, in association with Warriors Boxing and Bullit KnockOut Promotions.

“We believe Donovan is the future of the 168 lb division which is the hottest division in boxing, and the people of Chicago need to come out and support their next superstar.” Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing.

Said Dominic Pesoli, President of Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, “Donovan is just what Chicago sports fans want. Action from the opening bell. Since we announced the fight we’ve had a great response from fans and media alike who are excited about his return to the UIC Pavilion.”

Said Mike Michael, Exclusive adviser to Cestus Management, the managers of Donovan George, "We are all very excited that our fighter is back in the ring and the fans will witness the unstoppable bone crunching power and skills of Donovan George".

Michael added, "Donovan is willing to fight any Super Middleweight in the world; Donovan will annihilate Phil Williams and after yet another destruction of an opponent, our fighter will be one more step closer to challenging for the Super Middleweight Championship of the world".

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

The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, corner of Harrison and Racine in the West Loop area of Chicago . Doors open at 7pm, first bell at 8pm. Further information about the UIC Pavilion can be obtained at www.uicpavilion.com

TKO SIGNS MENDEZ!

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AMATEUR STAR JOINS TKO TEAM.

Amateur welterweight star Eric Mendez has signed an exclusive promotional contract with TKO Boxing Promotions, it was announced today.

The 19 year old Mendez, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Hawaiian Gardens, finished his outstanding amateur career with a record of 74-9 including a two-time first place finish at the highly regarded Desert Showdown Invitational Amateur Boxing Championships.

Along with his new promoter, Mendez is guided by award winning manager Cameron Dunkin and trainer Armando Valenzuela.

“I've been training Eric since he was 9 years old and he's always in the gym 5-6 days a week and always getting better. He's sparred with almost all the top pro's in California and all of them will tell you how impressed they are” said Armando Valenzuela.

Said Dunkin, “Eric is an exceptionally heavy handed fighter with tremendous power in both hands and is very well suited to becoming a highly successful pro. He didn't travel much nationally as an amateur but he beat many highly ranked amateurs at smaller tournaments and beat most of them by stoppage. He is very strong and he can really punch with both hands. Eric is the kind of guy boxing fans are going to love. We’re looking forward to announcing his pro debut very shortly.”

The 5’10” Mendez is scheduled to make his professional debut March 25th at Commerce Casino.

TKO CEO Chris Middendorf adds, "Our goals at Commerce are to create a series that focuses on some of our world class prospects, to bring terrific fights to the world's largest poker casino and to have the fans coming back show after show. As we will be doing between 8 and 10 shows a year there, Eric Mendez is the type of young star that we can really build there. Fans in LA are going to love Mendez the first time they see him".

BPA HAS THIRD MEETING!

CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER THIRD MEETING IN LAS VEGAS.

The Boxing Promoters Association (BPA) held its third meeting on January 11th in Las Vegas, with a renewed sense of optimism for boxing in 2010.

In a full day of meetings at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, the President, Joe DeGuardia, and the various Committees gave reports and moved forward with the planned agenda.

The growing group of over 30 promoters heard committee reports outlining collaborative efforts for television and Internet distribution, venue agreements, legislative activities, and a host of other issues the group will tackle in the new year.

BPA ENTERS DISTRIBUTION ARRANGMENT WITH MAGAZINE:

At the meeting it was announced that the BPA would be entering into a distribution agreement with a boxing publication. The arrangement will provide a Boxing Magazine for fans while providing the magazine with the massive distribution capabilities of the BPA membership as each promoter will distribute the magazine free of charge at every boxing event.

BPA CREATES WEBSITE:

The BPA also addressed the need for an exclusive and informative BOXING website, which would be akin to the websites currently used by the NFL, MLB and other sports. The BPA agreed upon the domain of BoxingPromotersAssociation.com.

BPA, ABC, AARP UNITE:

Another major development that the BPA agreed upon was to work with the American Association of Ringside Physicians and the Association of Boxing Commissions to assist in and become a member of a standardized medical database. Part of the agreement includes an exclusive arrangement for access and collaboration with respect to the Boxing Medical Database, which in turn will ensure the integrity of fighter's medical records and speed up the process for promoters to obtain those records. In addition, the arrangement will be cost effective, saving both boxers and promoters money. This collaborative effort among Promoters, Doctors and Commissions is the first of its kind and symbolic of the progress spearheaded by the BPA.

TIME TO JUDGE THE JUDGES:

Another significant development was the decision BPA made at the meeting to begin taking steps in creating a Judicial over-sight process to review inept judges.

In addition, various regulatory issues regarding boxing throughout the United States, as well as pending National Boxing Legislation were reviewed and discussed.

OTHER RELATED/GROUND BREAKING BOXING NEWS:

In other BPA related news, it was reported that the three major sanctioning organizations in boxing, the WBC, WBA and IBF, reached an agreement in which the three organizations will for the first time in boxing history unite, cooperate and work together. The meeting, which took place in Cancun, Mexico included WBC President, Jose Sulaiman, WBC Executive Secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, IBF President Marian Muhammad, IBF Chairman of Officials Larry Hazzard and WBA Executive Vice President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.

The unity of the three organizations, which announced that they plan to work more with boxing commissions throughout the world as well as the Boxing Promoters Association, is viewed as a very signifcant development towards the betterment of the sport of boxing. One of the main topics of discussion at the organization's meeting, which was also a topic at the BPA's meeting (as previously mentioned herein) was developing a system to rate the performance of judge's decisions.

Mosley Comments On Cancellation!

Fight Scheduled For Saturday, Jan. 30 At Mandalay Bay Between Shane Mosley & Andre Berto Cancelled.

WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto stated in a personal press release earlier today that due to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti and deeply affected his family who resides there, he is physically and emotionally unable to prepare for his Saturday, Jan. 30 bout with WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley and, as a result, will withdraw from the bout.

Given the close proximity to the date of the event and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Berto, the event will be cancelled entirely.

Mosley commented from his training camp in Big Bear, Calif. and said, “I’m disappointed that the fight has been called off, but I understand that Andre is going through a very difficult time. My heart goes out to him, his family and the people of Haiti during the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. I’m sorry for the losses that Andre and all of the Haitian people are suffering. I have everyone in my prayers.”

All tickets previously purchased for the Mosley-Berto fight can be refunded at the original point of sale.

The thoughts and prayers of Shane Mosley, Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, the MGM MIRAGE family, HBO and the boxing world are all with Berto, his family and the people of Haiti as well.

MOSLEY V BERTO IS OFF!

BERTO CALLS OFF JANUARY 30TH BOUT.

Since the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday evening, I have been focusing on my family and the Haitian people who are facing an inconceivable battle for survival while still trying to continue to prepare for an opportunity I have dreamt of since childhood.

I lost several family members to the earthquake and after two days without word, was relieved to learn that my sister, Naomi and her daughter, Jessica survived, but were left homeless.

I have seen the pain in my parents’ eyes as they attempt to understand what has happened to our homeland and recognize a place they once called home.

As a result of this disaster, I am mentally and physically exhausted and therefore I have no choice but to withdraw from my bout on January 30.

Throughout the past six days, I have received an incredible outpouring of support, and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s prayers for the people of Haiti.

I hope that everyone will continue to keep the Haitian people in their thoughts and prayers as we work to rebuild this proud nation. The rebuilding of Haiti is not something that will happen overnight, but I am fully dedicated to helping the Haitian people recover from this catastrophic event.

POLISH PROSPECTS RETURN!

WAWRZYK AND FONFARA FEATURED ON WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8.

Sensational Polish prospects, heavyweight Andrzej Wawrzyk and light heavyweight Andrzej Fonfara have been added to “WINDY FIGHT FIGHT NIGHT 8”, an evening of world class professional boxing set for Friday, January 29th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

The action packed ten bout “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is presented by Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, in association with Warriors Boxing and Bullit KnockOut Promotions.

Advance tickets, starting at $31, are now on sale locally at Centrum Sports, 5535 W. Belmont (773-545-9777, www.centrumsport.com) on the Northwest Side of Chicago as well as through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com)

The 22 year old Wawrzyk, sporting an undefeated record of 16-0-0 (10KO’s), will face off against veteran Harvey “THE CANDY MAN” Jolly, 10-12-1 (5KO’s) of Adrian, Michigan in an eight round bout.

A native of Krakow, Poland, Wawrzyk will be fighting for the first time in the United States. He is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Alexey Mazikin on December 18th in Lodz, Poland. The win over Mazikin was the fourth defense of the WBC Youth World Heavyweight Title by Wawrzyk, which he won by eighth round knockout over Harry Duiven Jr. on October 18, 2008 in Zabrze , Poland .

In September 2009, the 33 year old Jolly brutally stopped unbeaten hometown favorite Nicholas Iannuzzi in the first round in Tampa, Florida. Iannuzzi was dropped three times in the first stanza as Jolly upset the unbeaten prospect.

Light heavyweight Fonfara, 12-2-0 (3KO’s) will face off against Mexican Adan Leal, 6-1-0 (5KO’s) in a six round bout at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8”.

Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland , the 22 year old Fonfara has fought almost entirely in the Chicagoland area since turning professional four years ago. Known as the “POLISH PRINCE” Fonfara won all three of his bouts in 2009, most recently stopping Skyler Thompson in the second round on June 26th to earn the WBF United States Super Middleweight Title.

Based in Nogales, Arizona , the heavy handed Leal won his first six professional bouts, the first five by knockout as he became a staple of the Arizona fight scene since turning professional in 2007.

“WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is headlined by a super middleweight showdown between Chicago fan favorite Donovan “DA BOMB” George and Minnesota ’s Phil “THE DRILL” Williams.

Other Chicago based prospects featured at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” will be undefeated junior welterweight Ivan Popoca, undefeated heavyweight David Latoria and Lightweight Bobby Jaskierny as well as lightweight newcomer Antonio Avila.

Also making his Chicago debut is highly regarded, undefeated, Puerto Rican prospect Kenny Galarza.

Also just added, undefeated Chicago welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho will square off in a scheduled six rounder, the first for each prospect.

Also on the undercard, super bantamweights Sergio Montes De Oca and Sergio Cristobal, will attempt to settle their cross-town score in a four round bout.

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

KENNY ADAMS JOINS TKO BOXING!

Signs Long Term, Exclusive Contract.

Continuing on their path to becoming the leading international boxing promoter, TKO Boxing announced today the signing of Kenny Adams, long time trainer of numerous world champions to a long term, exclusive contract.

With the newly opened TKO Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, having a world class trainer like Kenny Adams work with their growing list of outstanding prospects and contenders was a perfect fit.

Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, “Kenny is the best trainer for our growing number of fighters who are based in Las Vegas. He’s an outstanding teacher and true disciplinarian. As we continue to grow it became critical that we bring in a trainer who can really take the prospects and contenders that we have to the next level.”

Continued Chris Middendorf, CEO and Director of Boxing Operations for TKO Boxing Promotions.

"Adding a trainer of Kenny Adams’ stature and respect is hugely important to the growth of our company. We are signing the talent and have the shows on which they will fight. Having a major trainer to work with the fighters that do not already have world class trainers is key to the development of the whole program.”

“We are constantly chided or derided as either the new kids on the block or the latest version of America Presents. Signing Adams is the latest example of how we are building TKO to be a major player for years to come."

For many years, Adams has had great success working with young prospects, starting with guiding the 1988 U.S. Olympic team to three gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Amongst the future world champions on that team were Roy Jones, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer, Kennedy McKinney and Michael Carbajal.

Since it’s inception in 2008, TKO Boxing has worked closely with award winning manager Cameron Dunkin with many of the sports best prospects.

Said Dunkin, “I’ve worked with Kenny Adams for over fourteen years and he’s trained four world champions for me including the late Diego Corrales and Freddie Norwood. Kenny is a great trainer but an even better teacher. He truly can teach a guy how to fight. Defense, offense, how to lead, counter and engage, he can teach it all.”

“I’ve had over eighty fights with Kenny as the trainer and he’s maybe lost two or three. When he trained Diego and Freddie we would watch a tape of the opponent together and Kenny could tell me what round and what combination they would use for the stoppage and he was always right” continued Dunkin.

“Kenny’s had eighteen world champions and I’m thrilled to have him working with many of the prospects I have placed with TKO Boxing.”

Crown Boxing Returns!

Jan. 22, 2010.

Welterweight Bout:

Rual Duhart (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Juan Alcolea (Las Vegas, NV.)

Featherweight Bout:

Brian Battease (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Jairo Delgado (Denver, Co.)

Welterweight Bout:

Juan Heraldez (North Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Marcos Herrera (Arvada, Co.)

Lightweight Bout:

Rocco Santomauro (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. David Yanez (Las Vegas, NV.)

Main Event Cruiserweight Bout:

Henry Namauu (Las Vegas, Nevada) vs. Erick Vega (Phoenix, AZ.)

(Card subject to Change)

Press Conference on Wednesday Jan. 20th, 2010 at the piano bar in The Orleans, time 12 noon.

Weigh In on Thursday Jan. 21st at The Orleans, time 5 PM

Tickets on sale now at The Orleans Box office at 702-365-7075

Ticket can be purchased for $50 Ringside and $25 Reserved

ARENA INKS TV DEAL!

Sat.1 Will Broadcast Kretschmann V Bakhtov II.

For the last weeks and months German boxing fans have been wondering about the future plans of promoter Ahmet Öner. This Tuesday (January 19th) the cooperation between ARENA and major TV network Sat.1 will officially be announced at a press conference in Hamburg.

The ProSiebenSat1 Media Group is one of the biggest, most important and most influential private TV networks in Germany. They had been involved in boxing from 1997 until 2001 broadcasting world championship fights of WBO light heavy champ “Tiger” Dariusz Michalczewski.

Now Sat.1 will feature the re-match between German heavyweight hope Steffen Kretschmann (14-1, 13 kos) and Russian tough-guy Denis Bakhtov (32-5, 21 kos). In June 2009, Bakhtov had pulled off an upset by knocking out Kretschmann in one round. Now the German is seeking for revenge.

Details on date and place of the first joint venture between ARENA and Sat.1 will follow next week.

Cintron Wants Mayweather!

CINTRON: “HEY OSCAR, I AM READY, WILLING, AND ABLE!”.

After reading comments made to the Puerto Rican press by the President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya, stating that Kermit Cintron is “a great choice” to take on Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in the spring, Cintron has set out to make sure de la Hoya knows the interest is mutual.

Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has been recognized as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter for several years, but has recently come under scrutiny for not taking on the perceived toughest opposition. However, there will be no such pubic umbrage over a bout with Cintron (32-2-1, 28 KOs), who has twice held the welterweight crown and whose only losses have come at the hands of Antonio Margarito, a fighter currently under suspension for tampering with his gloves.

“There is no bigger fan of Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s talent than myself,” said Cintron.

“But the whole world wants to see Floyd fight a big, strong welterweight, and that’s where I step in. Everyone knows I can punch and Alfredo Angulo will tell you I can box, too. If Floyd wants to prove he’s a legit welterweight, I’m the guy he needs to fight.”

Cintron handed the highly touted Angulo his first and only loss in a brilliant effort last May.

Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, which represents Cintron, is at the ready and waiting to strike a deal whenever he hears from members of the Mayweather camp.

“Oscar and Richard [Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions] know me very well and they know I’m easy to deal with,” said DiBella. “We can have a deal made in an hour if this is the direction Floyd wants to take.”

ANDRADE WINS AGAIN!

Scores First Round KO On FNF.

Going into Friday's matchup against Bernardo Guereca on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights", Demetrius Andrade promised to put on a spectacular performance, and that's exactly what he did.

Andrade, who improved his record to 9-0, 7KO landed a picture perfect counter right hook midway through the very first round that sent Guereca to the canvas hard.

Guereca was very hurt and remained on the canvas until the referee reached the count of ten.

Official time of the stoppage was 1 minute 18 seconds of round number one.

Look for Andrade, who is co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, to be back in action very soon.

BURGOS V MARTINEZ!

HEADLINE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT CARD ON JAN. 15 ON ESPN.

Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and Kenneth Thompson’s Thompson Boxing Promotions will present a sensational championship fight card this Friday, January 15, 2010, at the Laredo Entertainment Center, located at 6700 Arena Boulevard in Laredo, Texas.

The main event, co-featured bout, and other selected fights will be televised live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, their Spanish-Language Network, and ESPN 360.com.

In the main event scheduled for 12 rounds, Juan Carlos Burgos, 23-0 with 16 knockouts, of Tijuana, Mexico, will defend the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) featherweight title against Juan Carlos Martinez, 15-10-1 with 5 knockouts, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The 22 year-old Burgos is a five-year pro - he made his debut at 16 in Mexico. The young contender was born into boxing – his father was an amateur boxer and his uncle is the former IBF junior flyweight world champion Victor Burgos. Juan Carlos has given consistently impressive performances and climbed in the world rankings – he is currently ranked No. 2 in the world by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBO at 126 pounds.

Martinez, now 28 years old, is a six-year professional veteran. He is coming off one of his career-best wins in his last fight on September 26, 2009, an upset 10 round unanimous decision against hometown favorite Jose Hernandez (22-4) in Chicago. Martinez is experienced against very good opposition and has gone the distance against WBC interim lightweight world champion Antonio De Marco and former WBC featherweight world champion Guty Espadas.

The co-featured bout will be a six-round junior middleweight fight between 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, 8-0 with 6 knockouts, of Providence, Rhode Island, against Bernardo Guereca, 15-9-1 with 3 knockouts, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A rising young star – ESPN.com ranks him as one of the top young prospects in 2010 - Demetrius is co-promoted by Star Boxing Promotions.

Several experienced veterans and young prospects will also be included on the card.

Garret Simon will make his professional debut in a four-round heavyweight bout. Simon is from Puyallup, Washington, and was the 2008 National Junior Olympic gold medalist at 201 pounds. He will be facing Zakhariah King of Ft. Worth, Texas, who is also making his professional debut.

Local favorite Rodolfo Gomez Jr., 5-0, 4 KOs, Laredo, Texas will fight an opponent to be announced be in a four-round welterweight fight. Gomez is the son of Manuel “Shotgun” Gomez.

Three more fights are planned to complete the card. All bouts subject to change without notice.

Doors open at: 6:00 P.M. (Central Time)

First fight at: 8:00 P.M. (Central Time)

Tickets prices: $5, $10, $20, $50, $70; service charge and facility fee are added to each ticket price.

Tickets available at: Laredo Entertainment Center Box Office; all TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, and TicketMaster.com.

STAR BOXING RETURNS!

ON EVE OF SUPERBOWL XLIV.

On February 6th, on the eve of Super Bowl XLIV, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing returns to Atlantic City for the first time in the 2010, to present an exciting action packed card from the Tropicana Casino and Resort.

Headlining the show will be Atlantic City's own welterweight contender, Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) taking on knockout artist Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO) in an exciting ten round welterweight showdown.

In the co- feature bout of the evening, heavyweight fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23KO), coming off a hard fought decision loss to former two-time cruiserweight champion Jean Marc Mormeck, returns to action to take on Dominique "Diamond" Alexander (19-7-1, 9KO). The bout is scheduled for eight rounds.

"We are very excited to be returning to Atlantic City, especially since we are going to be at the Tropicana, something we haven't done in a few years" stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing.

"We are looking to have a very big year promoting fights in Atlantic City, and feel that this card on the 6th, featuring a thrilling welterweight showdown in the main event, as well as having the always exciting Vinny Maddalone in the co-feature, will really set the tone for what we want to accomplish in 2010. With Superbowl XLIV taking place the following day we know that there is going to be a very exciting atmosphere in Atlantic Cityand we are looking forward to adding to that with a dynamic night of boxing."

"We have been in talks with Mr. DeGuardia for sometime now in attempts to bring one of his Star Boxing promoted cards to our showroom here at the Tropicana," stated Tropicana COO Mark Giannantonio.

"Star Boxing has a great reputation for putting on exciting and entertaining events here in Atlantic City and we are truly looking forward to staging their first (Atlantic City) event of the near year, before a packed house on the Eve of Super Bowl Sunday, right here at Atlantic City's premier Casino and Resort."

A complete list of undercard fights will be announced shortly. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling 609 340-4000. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30 with a limited number of V.I.P. packages available at $200. Tickets can be purchased at any ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at 718 823-2000.

TKO BOXING RETURNS!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH.

TKO Boxing Promotions will bring its nationally acclaimed “HOMETOWN HEROES TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” boxing series to the beautiful Gulf Coast city of Tampa, Florida on Friday, February 19th at the Ala Carte Event Pavilion.

Featured at “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” will be numerous local fan favorites including world ranked lightweight Edner “CHERRY BOMB” Cherry, fast rising Jamaican heavyweight Lenroy “TNT” Thomas and sensational newcomer, junior welterweight Joseph Elegele.

Tickets for “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” presented along with Fight Night Productions and Ker’s WingHouse, starting at $20, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). The Ala Carte Event Pavilion is located at 4050 Dana Shores Drive . Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

“We’re thrilled to work with Fight Night Productions in bringing our first show to the beautiful city of Tampa , Florida . Tampa has an excellent reputation as a terrific fight town with outstanding fans and we’re in the process of putting together a world class event on February 19th” said Chet Koerner, President to TKO Boxing Promotions.

Other local prospects who will see action at “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” include female sensation Jenna “THE COWGIRL” Shiver, middleweight Ahsandi “MR. BRIXX” Gibbs and junior middleweight Ali Tareh.

Former world title challenger Cherry, 25-6-2 (13KO’s), made a huge statement with his return to the ring on December 17th with a brutal third round stoppage of Jovann Jones at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles . Dropping down to lightweight for his return, the 27 year old Cherry used an array of devastating power shots to drop Jones three times on his way to the victory.

In September 2008, Cherry lost a very hard fought twelve round decision to welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley, a SHOWTIME televised battle from Biloxi , Mississippi .

Since losing his pro debut, Jamaican heavyweight prospect Lenroy “TNT” Thomas has won fourteen bouts in a row, eight by knockout. The 24 year old southpaw, guided by award winning trainer Dan Birmingham, has improved with each outing, most recently shutting out Andrew Greeley over six rounds on November 5th in Baltimore, Maryland at the Jonathan Ogden Foundation Benefit.

After a terrorizing run as an outstanding amateur in Florida , welterweight Joseph Elegele has won his first two starts impressively in the pro ranks. Starting off with a four round decision win over fellow amateur standout Keith Redding on November 5th, Elegele followed up with a crunching first round knockout of Juan Carlos Diaz on December 17th.

Featherweight Shiver is amongst the most popular fighters in Florida . With a record of 9-4-1 (2KO’s), the 24 year old Shiver has fought her last nine fights at the Ala Carte Event Pavilion, most recently winning a six round decision over Lucia Larcinese on May 8, 2009.

The 31 year old Gibbs, 10-1-0 (4KO’s), will be looking to get back on the winning track after losing his first professional bout on May 8th when he was stopped in the fourth round by Marcus Upshaw. Also a staple of the Ala Carte Event Pavilion, Gibbs will be fighting in his tenth bout there on February 19th.

Tareh, 7-7-4 (4KO’s), will be making his return to action after a two and half year absence. He us scheduled to face Great Britain ’s James Todd, 2-2-1 in a scheduled four round bout.

Additional details on “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE PAVILION” will be announced shortly.

MARTINEZ TO STAY AT 154!

"I PLAN ON BEING WBC CHAMPION FOR A LONG TIME".

With rumors swirling about what will be happening with the WBC 154 lb. title, champion Sergio Martinez has come out to set the record straight. In short, despite the wishes of some to become champion without having to go through “Maravilla”, Martinez has no plans on relinquishing the belt anytime soon.

“Everyone who knows me knows that I cherish the green belt more than any other accomplishment I’ve ever had in boxing,” said Martinez.

“If people are looking for an excuse to become champion without fighting me, I have bad news for them. I plan on being WBC Champion for a long time.”

As for future plans, Martinez is gung-ho about chasing down the big name fights that had eluded him prior to his December 5 slugfest with Paul Williams. But even a move up to middleweight for a bout with Kelly Pavlik or a rematch with Williams will have no bearing on his standing as WBC champion.

“I know I may have to move up in weight to fight Pavlik or Williams,” said Martinez. “But I will not make any decision on the belt until after the fight.”

NEW BLOOD FOR THE NEW YEAR!

THOMPSON BOXING'S HIT SERIES RETURNS ON JANUARY 22.

In 2008, Thompson Boxing Promotions introduced the “New Blood” series, and since then, the brightest prospects in the sport have taken this platform to show their skills to appreciative Southern California fight fans.

On Friday, January 22, “New Blood” returns with a high-impact six-bout card featuring the area’s top talent, including Patrick Lopez, Daniel Hernandez, Hector Serrano, Efrain Esquivias, and Alberto Herrera.

Tickets for “NEW BLOOD VII”, priced at $75, $45, and $30, are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.

In the “New Blood” main event, scheduled for eight rounds in the junior welterweight division, Indio’s Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez (17-2, 11 KOs) hopes to extend his two-fight winning streak in his toughest bout to date when he squares off against two-time world title challenger John “The Eastern Beast” Brown (24-16-2, 11 KOs) of Atlantic City.

A six round lightweight co-feature will see one of the game’s top rising stars, Daniel “Travieso” Hernandez (8-0, 4 KOs) of South Gate, return to action to take on Los Mochis, Mexico veteran Baudel Cardenas (18-19-2, 6 KOs) in what should be an entertaining battle.

Also scheduled for six rounds is a junior welterweight war between Riverside lightweight Hector “Teco” Serrano (10-0, 3 KOs) and Los Mochis’ Cristian Favela (17-23-6, 10 KOs) Serrano is 2-0 since a yearlong layoff, and his career is firmly on the upswing as he prepares for the veteran Favela.

Undefeated Los Angeles featherweight Efrain Esquivias (6-0, 4 KOs) first made a name for himself as a 2006 National Golden Gloves champion. On January 22nd he will look to improve on his perfect pro record in a six rounder against Albuquerque’s Randy Arrellin (2-1, 1 KO).

Riverside’s Alberto Herrera (6-0, 5 KOs) made his pro debut in 2009, he’s been living up to his nickname of “Baby Dynamite”. On January 22nd, he’s back in a junior middleweight six rounder against Boise, Idaho’s equally explosive Hilario Lopez (11-8, 8 KOs).

Opening up the show will be a four round clash of debuting junior welterweights, as Watsonville’s Johnatan Garcia takes on Riverside’s Anthony Reyes.

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

BPA TO MEET IN VEGAS!

January 11th At Caesars Palace.

On January 11th from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Boxing Promoters Association (BPA) will hold it's third meeting and first of the new year.

At the meeting the BPA expects to move forward with the continued development and betterment of the sport. President Joe DeGuardia released the agenda today.

Items on the agenda include:

Establishing a National Boxing Convention to take place in the 2010
Announcement of various collaborative projects amongst promoters
Addressing pending U.S. Boxing Legislation currently in the U.S. Congress
Addressing the proliferation of bad decisions and taking steps to ensure the competency and integrity of judges and elevate the credibility of the sport
At the first meeting in the summer, more than 30 of the United States top promoters met to discuss the current state of boxing. After an all day meeting the promoters agreed to form the Boxing Promoters Association and signed the BPA Declaration.

The second meeting, which took place during the fall, saw the BPA set a course of action, determine a set of by-laws, and select a Board of Directors, the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Association.

GEORGE V WILLIAMS!

HEADLINES CHICAGO SHOW ON JANUARY 29TH.

Super middleweight prospect Donovan “DA BOMB” George will face off against Minnesota’s Phil “THE DRILL” Williams on Friday, January 29th in the main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions and Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing.

“With 26 knockouts amongst their 29 victories these two should provide an all action fight from the start. They’re both very hard hitting super middleweights, it will just be a matter of who can take the other guy’s shot better, “DA BOMB or the THE DRILL” said Pesoli.

“This truly is a crossroads fight for both guys, for each one it’s the toughest test of their careers.”

Amongst the most popular fighters in Chicago the 25 year old George, 18-0-1 (16KO’s), is coming off his finest performance to date, a brutal fourth round stoppage of Jason Naugler on November 6th at the UIC Pavilion.

With all three of his fights in 2009 ending by knockout, George has become one of the hottest prospects in boxing and a must-see attraction in Chicago .

The 32 year old Williams, 11-2-0 (10KO’s), has been a pro for four years, with his heavy handed knockouts being his calling card for boxing fans in the Twin Cities area. Following a three bout winning streak, he battled veteran contender Matt Vanda on November 13th, losing a hard fought ten round split decision.

The co-main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” brings the return of power punching Chicago based prospect Ivan Popoca in an eight round welterweight battle against impressive Michigan newcomer Federico Flores Jr.

Popoca, 12-0-1 (8KO’s), is coming off a sixth round stoppage of Mike Gonzales on September 26th, his fourth win in 2009. With his devastating power in both hands and willingness to trade inside, the 27 year old Popoca has been amongst Chicago ’s most popular fighters since turning professional three years ago.

The 21 year old Flores, 6-3-0 (2KO’s), fought three times in Chicago in 2008 and was victorious each time, including wins over Guadalupe Diaz, Gustavo Palacios and Joshua Rodriguez.

Said Pesoli, “ Flores jumped at the opportunity to fight Ivan. Federico loves fighting in Chicago and truly earned the respect of the Chicago fight fans with his three victories here against hometown kids. Ivan will have to be at his best or Flores will play the role of spoiler once again.”

Also just added, undefeated Chicago welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho will square off in a scheduled six rounder, the first for each prospect.

The 27 year old Smedick, 4-0-1 (1KO), has won over local fight fans with his terrific boxing skills since turning professional in the summer of 2008. In his last start on November 6th, Smedick once again impressed the UIC Pavilion crowd with a four round decision over veteran Jeremy Marts winning by scores of 40-35 on all three scorecards.

The heavy handed Esho, 5-0-0 (4KO’s), has fought twice at the UIC Pavilion with knockout victories over Dontre King and Ricky Thompson coming in 2009.

Continued Pesoli, “The Smedick/Esho bout is a real test for both guys. They have contrasting styles with Smedick being more of a boxer while Esho is a real heavy handed kid who loves to come right at his opponent. They both have huge fan bases so it should make for a great environment for the fight.”

Also on the undercard, super bantamweights Sergio Montes De Oca and Sergio Cristobal, will attempt to settle their cross town score. The 23 year old Montes De Oca has impressively moved to 3-0-0 since turning professional twelve month ago.

In his last bout, Montes De Oca won a hard fought four round decision over LaShaun Blair at the UIC Pavilion on May 29th. On the same card, Cristobal lost a very close majority decision in his pro debut to Juan Carlos Fernandez.

Also featured on the undercard of “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” is undefeated Puerto Rican junior welterweight prospect Kenny Galarza, 11-0-0 (11KO’s), Chicago heavyweight David Latoria, 4-0-0 (2KO’s), lightweight Bobby Jaskierny, 4-2-0 (2KO’s), of Chicago along with lightweight Antonio Avila, 2-0-0 (1KO), also of Chicago .

Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8”, presented in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing, starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312-226-5800).

TKO BOXING!

MANFREDO JR. & REMILLARD TITLE BOUTS HEADLINE.

World class professional boxing hits the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut on Saturday, January 29th as TKO Boxing Promotions presents two world title bouts featuring longtime New England fan favorites, Peter “THE PRIDE OF PROVIDENCE” Manfredo Jr. and Matt “THE SHARP SHOOTER” Remillard.

Tickets priced at $80.00, $50.00 and $35.00 are now on sale at the Mohegan Sun Casino Box Office and through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-745-3000). Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm. (Ticket prices include a $5.00 facility fee.)

Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions “We’re thrilled to bring a world class professional boxing card to one of the premier gaming destinations in the country and we truly look forward to working with the Mohegan Sun team in making this an outstanding evening.”

Headlining the January 29th event, Peter Manfredo Jr. will face off against Matt “THE PREDATOR” Vanda in the ten round main event for the NABF Title.

The 29 year old Manfredo, 33-6-0 (18KO’s), is coming off a brutal first round stoppage of veteran Ronald Weaver on November 5th in Cockeysville, Maryland. Earlier in 2009, Manfredo stopped Walid Smichet with a devastating knockout in the seventh round on April 18th at the Montreal Casino in Quebec, Canada.

In addition to his second place finish in the premier season of NBC’s The Contender, Manfredo has faced world class competition throughout his career, with many of his biggest wins coming in the New England area.

Since 2005, Manfredo has defeated Scott Pemberton, Joey Spina, Ted Muller, David Banks, Shane Benfield and Donny McCrary in bouts which have taken place near his hometown of Providence.

A native of St. Paul , Minnesota , the 31 year old Vanda brings a record of 42-9-0 with 22 knockouts into the battle with Manfredo. Known as “THE PREDATOR”, Vanda’s first big win of his career came on June 24, 2005, when he won a twelve round decision over former world champion Yory Boy Campas at the Target Center in Minneapolis .

In 2008, Vanda battled Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. twice, losing a hotly disputed split decision in Sonora , Mexico on July 12th and losing a hard fought decision in Las Vegas on November 1st.

Vanda has won three in a row in 2009 against veterans Tocker Pudwill, Ted Muller and Phil Williams, all in bouts which have taken place in Minnesota .

The co-feature on January 29th is a featherweight showdown between Hartford ’s Matt “THE SHARP SHOOTER” Remillard and Dominican Rafael Lora in a ten round battle for the NABF Title. The bout is a rematch of their action packed September 19th bout in South Windsor , CT , won by Remillard in a controversial fourth round stoppage, which Lora hotly disputed.

The 23 year old Remillard, amongst the most promising prospects in boxing, has amassed an undefeated record of 20-0-0 (11KO’s), since turning professional in 2005. He went 4-0 in 2009, most recently winning a unanimous decision over veteran Marty Robbins in Knoxville, Tennessee on December 19th.

Now based in Irvington, New Jersey , Lora, 11-1-0 (5KO’s), was undefeated prior to the first bout with Remillard and is focused on revenge after the first bout.

The undercard is headlined by sensational lightweight prospect Francisco “THE PHENOM” Contreras. A native of the Dominican Republic, 25 year old Contreras burst onto the boxing scene in this country with a sensational first round knockout of Gustavo Mejia on June 18th in Baltimore , MD. He finished with four big wins in 2009, the last a dominating unanimous decision over veteran Marteze Logan on December 19th in Knoxville, Tennessee .

In a special attraction bout, hard hitting fan favorite, Adelita Irizarry makes her return to the Mohegan Sun Casino in a six round welterweight bout. A native of Hartford, Irizarry, 6-3-0 (2KO’s), won a four round unanimous decision over Yvonne Reis on August 29, 2008 in her last bout at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Also making his return to the ring is popular junior lightweight newcomer Joseph “CHIP” Perez. The 23 year old Perez won his pro debut on September 19th with a terrific four round unanimous decision over Juan Zuniga in South Windsor. In his most recent bout Perez, 2-0-0 (1KO), stopped Lewis Crews on December 19th in Knoxville, Tennessee .

Rounding out the card will be undefeated Russian lightweight prospect Adam Sargysan, 13-0-0 (8KO’s), Canadian junior lightweight Arash Usmanee, 4-0-0 (2KO’s) and the pro debut of outstanding amateur prospect, junior welterweight Michael Finney of Smith Station, Alabama.

CAYO READY TO TAKE WBA TITLE!

Wants Marcos Maidana ASAP.

Top rated contender VICTOR MERMELADA CAYO, fresh off his 3rd round demolition of undefeated countrymen JULIO REYES is now ready to challenge for the WBA title.

Cayo 25-0 (16 KOs) easily destroyed Reyes (14-1, 8 KOs) in the 3rd round at the Coliseo Carlos Teo Cruz in Santo Domingo Monday night, enhancing his status as the highest rated Junior Welterweight contender in the WBA.

His target, Marcos Maidana from Argentina, who won the WBA Interim Title by beating Victor Ortiz on June 27, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Said Cayo, Maidana can run but he cant hide. Hopefully the WBA will force him to fight me so I can bring the Title home to the Dominican Republic where it belongs and where it will stay.

Co-Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing said Amir Khan will not fight Maidana, and will give up his title making this fight between Maidana and Cayo mandatory. Every time he fights I am more and more amazed at how good he is. I really believe he is something special and when he is Champion, he will remain Champion for a very long time.

At 23 years of age, Victor Cayo has already beaten a list of talented fighters during his quick assertion to the pinnacle of the WBA World rankings. In his previous bout as the main event of ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, Cayo demonstrated to an International Television audience, just how far he has come, by dismantling the former World Champion Julio Diaz, and wining a 10 round unanimous decision on May 31 at the Hardrock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida.

WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8!

January 29th.

Advance tickets are now on sale for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” set for Friday, January 29th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

“We’re very excited to have two of Chicago’s finest, Donovan “DA BOMB” George and Ivan Popoca in the headline bouts. Both have continued to improve and are amongst the most outstanding young prospects in boxing” said Pesoli.

“Chicago fight fans have really shown a passion for both guys and were very proud to have them on the same card.”

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

The 25 year old George, 18-0-1 (16KO’s), is coming off his finest performance to date, a brutal fourth round stoppage of Jason Naugler on November 6th at the UIC Pavilion.

“Naugler was much more experienced and had never been stopped. Donovan showed great patience boxing throughout the first three rounds and then when he had him hurt in fourth, he closed the show in style” continued Pesoli.

Also undefeated, Popoca, 12-0-1 (8KO’s), is coming off a sixth round stoppage of Mike Gonzales on September 26th, his fourth win in 2009. With his devastating power in both hands and willingness to trade inside, Popoca has been amongst Chicago’s most popular fighters since turning professional three years ago.

“Ivan really improved dramatically in 2009. He’s kept the ability and willingness to trade in the middle of the ring but he’s also turned into a much better boxer as he showed in wins against Hector Alatorre and Mike Gonzales in his last two bouts. 2010 should be a terrific year for him” said Pesoli.

The undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 8” features some of Chicago ’s best young fighters in popular heavyweight newcomer David Latoria, 4-0-0 (2KO’s), lightweight Antonio Avila, 2-0-0 (1KO) and lightweight Bobby Jaskierny, 4-2-0 (2KO’s).

Also on the undercard, super bantamweights, Sergio Montes De Oca and Sergio Cristobal, will attempt to settle their cross town score. The 23 year old Montes De Oca has impressively moved to 3-0-0 since turning professional twelve month ago.

In his last bout, Montes De Oca won a hard fought four round decision over LaShaun Blair at the UIC Pavilion on May 29th. On the same card, Cristobal lost a very close majority decision in his pro debut to Juan Carlos Fernandez.

Further details on this event will be announced shortly.

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

Ballroom Brawl Kicks Off 2010!

January 22nd In Tampa.

One Punch Productions is pleased to announce that the first installment of the popular Ballroom Brawl! series of 2010 will take place on Friday, January 22, at the Tampa Westshore Doubletree Hotel.

The main event of the evening will feature rising cruiserweight contender Nick “The Showstopper” Iannuzzi (13-1, 8 KO’s) as he takes on Orlando, Florida’s undefeated Rommel Rene (11-0, 6 KO’s).

Iannuzzi is coming off a stunning second round knockout of former Contender star Michael Alexander on November 6th.

The evening’s co-main event features Sarasota light heavyweight Adam Jaco (7-3-1, 2 KO’s) against Savannah, GA native Marcus “The Barber” Hall (11-3, 4 KO’s).

Also on the card will be Tampa jr. middleweight Manny Woods (2-0, 1 KO), Tampa super bantamweight Dwayne Larry Jr. (2-0, 2 KO’s), undefeated Ft. Myers jr. middleweight brothers Quinton Willis (5-0-1, 3 KO’s) and Marcus Willis (3-0-2, 2 KO’s), undefeated Virginia jr. lightweight Cordaro Simpkins (3-0), Tampa welterweight Reynaldo Cepeda (1-0. 1 KO) and several others to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for this event are priced at $20, $35, and $75, and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and ticketmaster.com. The Tampa Westshore Doubletree Hotel is located at 4500 W. Cypress St. in Tampa.

Doors open at 7:00pm, with the action starting at 7:30pm. Additional information is available at www.onepunch.net, or call 813-503-8109.

STEVENS V BRINKLEY!

JANUARY 29TH IN RENO.

On January 29th at The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno Nevada, Brooklyn, NY's Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (21-2 15 KOs) will square off against and Yerington, NV's fan favorite Jesse Brinkley (34-5 22KOs) in an official IBF eliminator for the number two ranking in the super middleweight division.

The fight, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Let's Get It On Promotions, will be aired live on ESPN2's always popular "Friday Night Fight Series".

"Styles make fights, and in this fight you have two heavy handed punchers who are going to come right at one another looking to end the show in spectacular fashion. These are the types of fights that true boxing fans dream of watching. With the Super Six Tournament in full-swing, the super middleweight division is one of the most exciting in the sport right now, and we are expecting to add to that excitement with a tremendous fight and tremendous turn out come January 29th."

The 24-year-old Stevens (IBF #10, WBO #13, WBA #14), who hails from the rough streets of Brownsville in Brooklyn, NY, the same area which has produced such champions as Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe, is coming off a devastating third round TKO victory over previously unbeaten Piotr Wilczewki (22-0, 7KO) this past July. Since joining the Star Boxing Roster in 2008, Stevens has strung together four impressive victories, including three by way of knockout.

"On January 29th Showtime Stevens will be reaping havoc upon Jesse Brinkley," stated Curtis Stevens.

"I'm in the business of hurting people, and you better believe Jesse Brinkley is in for a world of hurt when he gets into the ring with me. If he thinks that fighting in his backyard is going to bother me, then he has another thing coming, tell him to watch a copy of my last fight against Wilczewski and see what happened to him in front of all his Polish fans. Make sure to tune in, because I am promising you, I am going to knock Brinkley out cold. 2010 is my year, no one can stop me."

The 33-year-old Brinkley (IBF #6, WBC #7) has been steadily on the rise including winning his past eight fights. Within that time, the former Contender season-one alum earned the UNSBC super-middleweight championship with a dominating victory over fellow Contender contestant Joey Gilbert. His recent success has made him wildly popular in Northern Nevada and has also elevated his profile in the global boxing community.

"This fight is the only thing that stands in my way of achieving my dream of having a shot at becoming a world champion" stated Brinkley.

"I'm busting my butt in the gym, and I'm going to leave it all out there."

"A lot is on the line." Says Let's Get It On Promotions' president Tommy Lane.

"The winner will get a shot at the title, the loser will continue to wait in line. I just can't wait to see the fight."

Ticket and broadcast information, along with under card details will be announced shortly. The Brinkley vs. Stevens fight will headline Reno Xtreme Fights II.