Fight Junkie

WEIGHTS FROM PECHANGA!

ESPN2 "FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS".

MARTIN HONORIO 129 LBS. VS. WILTON HILARIO 128.5 LBS.

RICO RAMOS 123.50 LBS. VS. CECILIO SANTOS 122.25 LBS.

michael dallas jr. 144 LBS. VS. FABIAN LUQUE 144 LBS.

john molina jr. 136 LBS. VS. RICARDO MEDINA 139 LBS.

SERGEY KARPENKO 225 LBS. VS. ALVARO MORALES 279 LBS.

WALTER SARNOI 122.8 LBS. VS. JERRY MONDRAGON 123 LBS.

ephraim martinez 124.8 LBS. VS. RUFINO SERRANO 125 LBS.

Q&A RICO RAMOS!

Ramos V Santos This Friday.

Coming off an impressive win over once-beaten Alejandro Perez back in late November at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA, NABO Youth Super Bantamweight champion Rico “Suavecito” Ramos returns to take another step up when he takes on four-time world title challenger Cecilio Santos in the scheduled eight-round co-feature of the March 5th telecast of ESPN “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” live on ESPN2 (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

We go “Inside the Mind” of Rico Ramos in the final, prefight days with “Six Questions” for the NABO Youth champ.

QUESTION #1: In your last fight in November you had an exciting win at Pechanga on Showtime over your toughest opponent to date in Alejandro Perez. How pleased were you with your performance that night?

RAMOS: “I was very pleased with that win. It was a tough fight but people took notice. I had to watch the punches I threw because he was real tough and we knew how tough both of us were once the bell rang. I just wanted to limit my mistakes and keep control, which I did. It was a tough fight.”

QUESTION #2: You will be fighting for the fourth time at Pechanga on March 5th and have developed quite a following. How do you like boxing there?

RAMOS: “I like Pechanga. I have a lot more fans there and they bring great energy. And I like it as far as staying and eating there too. I like the people there and it’s a fun place.”

QUESTION #3: Your March 5th opponent is Mexican veteran Cecilio Santos. He has a big edge in experience, as he fought in four world title bouts. How have you prepared for him and how will you overcome his experience advantage?

RAMOS: “I’ve watched a lot of his fights and I’ve seen the mistakes he makes. He’s tough, though. He reaches when he punches, so when he misses it’s going to be my turn to take over. Don’t blink, though. It might be a first-round knockout.”

QUESTION #4: What would a victory over an experienced former world title contender like Cecilio Santos mean for your career going forward?

RAMOS: “It would mean a lot. I would like to get a world title soon. Even Alejandro (Perez) was a big step for me. And a win here will be an even bigger one. When I get this win I it will be another step closer to the top. Whoever Dan Goossen and Al Haymon have for me I’m gonna fight.”

QUESTION #5: What can the fans at Pechanga and those watching on ESPN2 expect to see from Rico Ramos on March 5th?

RAMOS: “They’re going to see an exciting fight; however long it lasts. They’re going to see me give a really good fight. It’s gonna be awesome and I promise not to let my fans down!”

QUESTION #6: What are your goals for 2010?

RAMOS: “I want to try and become a world champion and the best boxer at 122 pounds. Hopefully, if my plans go right, it will happen this year.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.

Dawejko V Cunningham!

POLISH THUNDER ADDED TO SATURDAY'S SHOW AT THE TROPICANA.

Exciting Philadelphian heavyweight, Joey Dawejko (2-0, 1KO) has been added to the Star Boxing promoted card, this Saturday night at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City.

Dawejko will square off against Kimani Cunningham (0-2) over four rounds. The card is headlined by Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-2, 11KO) taking on Alexis Camacho (17-2, 16KO) and will be broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv.

The 19-year-old Dawejko, who goes by the nickname "The Polish Thunder", turned pro in September of last year after a very accomplished amateur career.

As an amateur, Dawejko compiled a 56-12 record, winning the National Silver Gloves three times, the Ringside World Tournament twice, the National PAL tournament three times, and the 2008 Junior World Championship along the way.

Dawejko has also gained valuable experience in the gym, sparring with former heavyweight champions, Samuel Peter and Hasim Rahman (Rahman along with Damien Klinger are managing Dawejko).

Dawejko has a very fan friendly style, which has made him a big local attraction throughout the Philadelphia area. With an impressive showing Saturday, Dawejko hopes to further expand his rapidly growing fan base.

"We were excited to be able to add Joey to the card," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. "We have heard he is a very exciting fighter, and really knows how to put on a great show, and those are exactly the type of fights we want to bring to our fans each and every time out."

The card, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and sponsored by Larry Flynt's Hustler Club, will be broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv . Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. 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. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling (609) 340-4000.

Fury V Blasko!

Tyson Ready For Blast-Out With Blasko.

6'5 German heavyweight Hans-Joerg Blasko has been named as the opponent for the return of Tyson Fury this coming Friday night. Fury, who is chief support to the main card of Sykes vs. Morris for the British Super Featherweight title this Friday in Huddersfield.

"Just like my team Manchester United, I need to make a point this weekend. I've been away and it's time to return back to my slot as the number one domestic heavyweight, in the premier league of boxing." said Fury.

"Forget that other London rival, Derek Chisora, he's just been keeping my seat warm. While he's been snogging men, I’ve been sparring them. Once I'm done with Blasko on Friday night, I'll maybe have another fight before resolving the McDermott situation once and for all."

The rematch with McDermott is set to take place on May 22nd in Manchester, affording Fury a fighting opportunity or two in the meantime. Meanwhile Derek Chisora, a rival of Fury's, hit the headlines for kissing his opponent Carl Baker, at the weigh in for their British title eliminator last month. The winner of the final eliminator between Fury and McDermott will contest the British title in their next fight.

“In my opinion it’s no surprise Danny Williams swerved Chisora. After all he has a wife and kids and you know, that's not his thing." laughed Fury "I've been saying for a while I would knock out Chisora, but maybe I should offer to put him to bed, that may be the right approach for a man of his inclination." Said Fury.

"But joking aside, if you’re reading this Derek, I've got a big smack on the lips waiting for you at the end of the year if you’re up to the job.”

Sykes vs. Morris will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD this Friday at 10pm, March 5th from the Huddersfield Leisure centre.

Tickets are available to purchase from Matchroom Sports on 01277 359900

Proa V Arias!

Duke City KO Artist Proa Faces Arias On "Warrior’s Vengeance" Undercard.

Albuquerque knockout artist David Proa 7-1 7 KOs fresh off a 4th round stoppage of former National Amateur Champion and undefeated Professional Adam Ochoa steps back in the ring March 26,2010 to face a more experienced fighter in heavy handed Dominican Jonathan Arias 9-6 8 Kos, in a 6 round bantamweight clash.

Arias is on a 5 bout 5 KOs winning streak since losing a 12 round split decision to undefeated Donis Garcia for the Dominican Bantamweight title.

For this bout Proa and promoter Fresquez Productions sought after the only man to blemish Proa’s record as a pro, Robert Guillen who turned down several offers from Fresquez Productions.

The promising 6 bout undercard will feature Duke City’s Josh “Pitbull” Torres 3-1 2 KOs pitted against undefeated Chase Corbin 2-0 2 KOs of Tucson, AZ in a 4 round welterweight bout.

Salvador Zamora 4-2 now fighting out of Albuquerque faces Randy Arrellin 2-2 1 KO also of Albuquerque in a 4 round Super Featherweight bout.

Also on the undercard will be the return of undefeated Sammy Piar 1-0 1 KO who will face Edwin Rosado 1-5 of Reno, NV.

Duke City Heavyweight Fernando Reyes 0-1 takes on Duke City Pro Debut Eric Ballejos.

Former amateur standout James Piar 3-1 2 KOs of Albuquerque will also be featuredin a 4 round Bantamweight bout.

Tickets available at the Isleta Casino and Resort Box Office or online at tickets.com.

Q&A John Molina, Jr!

JOHN MOLINA, JR. RETURNS TO THE “SCENE OF THE CRIME".

Lightweight prospect John Molina, Jr., fighting for the first time since sustaining his first loss as a professional, will be in action Friday night at the same venue where he lost in late November. Molina, Jr., who lost by decision to Martin Honorio at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, will be featured on the Honorio-Wilton Hilario undercard at the same Temecula, CA venue.

We go “Inside the Mind” of John Molina, Jr. in the final, prefight days, with “Six Questions” for the popular and talented Covina, CA boxer.

QUESTION #1: You recently experienced your first loss as a professional. How difficult was that for you?

MOLINA, JR.: “On the competitive side of me it was more difficult than you want to believe and a tough pill to swallow. But the brain side of me knows the fact that I was 30 percent, if that, because I was sick with the flu. I drank a half bottle of Dayquil right before I went down to my dressing room. So, given the circumstances and how I did, now that I look back on it, Martin Honorio fought 100% healthy while I was about 30%. But it was a good experience because I showed I was tough.”

QUESTION #2: Were you able to take anything positive out of your loss to Martin Honorio?

MOLINA, JR.: “Oh Yes, I believe that no matter what happened, worse comes to worse I’m still going to fight. I’m gonna be in a fight and I’m gonna give the fans what they want, which is a fight. And I have proven the fact that no matter what circumstances I’m in, I’ll go out on my shield.”

QUESTION #3: How much are you looking forward to fighting at Pechanga on March 5th?

MOLINA, JR.: “I’m going back to the scene of the crime. I am looking forward to it just to get the ball rolling. I know 2010 is going to be a huge, huge year for me and this is gonna be the first step in the right direction to get back in the win column, get a fight under my belt and move forward. I can’t wait to get in the ring at Pechanga on March 5th and do what we do best in this fight and show everybody that the last fight was just a hiccup in my game. That’s all it was.”

QUESTION #4: How difficult is it for you to train for a fight knowing it’s a no win situation fighting an unknown?

MOLINA, JR.: “It’s like fighting in amateurs when you were back in the day and didn’t know who you were going to fight because they were unknowns. You just knew you had a fight on your hands and just be prepared for anything, brother, and come out on top. I put my trust in my team: my father (John Sr.), (Promoter) Dan (Goossen), (Trainer) Joe (Goossen), my manager (Ben Lira). They do what they do best and I do what I do best. So far it’s done wonders for us. I’m not too worried about it. I have the best team around.”

QUESTION #5: What would a win on March 5th mean for your career going forward?

MOLINA, JR.: “It’ll be a step in the right direction, getting back in the win column. To me there is no other option but a win. To me, that’s all I’m looking at. I already have it posted in my mind that it’s going to be a ‘W’. We’re going to go out there, do the job and go home. There’s no other alternative. The way I’m being advised, the way I’m being trained, all I know is that I’ll be coming out with a ‘W’ on March 5th.”

QUESTION #6: What are your goals for 2010?

MOLINA, JR.: “A championship fight in 2010 no matter who it is. I think we’re leaving the door open to take on whoever, whenever. As long as Dan and Joe think I’m ready, then it’s time to go.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.

Q&A MICHAEL DALLAS, JR!

MICHAEL DALLAS, JR. READY FOR 2010.

Unbeaten junior welterweight Michael Dallas, Jr. will see his first action of 2010 when he takes on Mexican veteran Fabian Roque at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA on Friday night.

We go “Inside the Mind” of Michael Dallas, Jr. in the final, prefight days, with “Six Questions” for the hot, Jackie Kallen-managed prospect out of Bakersfield, CA.

QUESTION #1: How have you been and what have you been up to since your last bout?

DALLAS, JR.: “I’ve been good and staying busy. I haven’t fought since October, so I’ve just been in the gym and working on stuff that I can bring to the boxing ring this year.”

QUESTION #2: You will be facing veteran Fabian Luque on March 5th at Pechanga. What do you know about him?

DALLAS, JR.: “I don’t know much about him, but I heard he is a Mexican-style fighter so I am going to stick to my game plan and box him and looking for the openings.”

QUESTION #3: This will be your third fight at Pechanga. How do you like fighting there?

DALLAS, JR.: “I like Pechanga. You know a lot of the people in the crowd have been following me from the beginning and continue to follow me. I’m fighting for the third time there and want to show the fans improvement in my skills and give them a great fight.”

QUESTION #4: Nine of your 11 wins have been one-sided decisions. Does it concern you that you have only two knockouts or is that just not your game?

DALLAS, JR.: “I’m more of a boxer and I’ve been more about turning pro and learning the pro style, and now I am learning to pick my shots. The knockouts will come.”

QUESTION #5: What can the fans at Pechanga and those watching on ESPN2 expect to see from Michael Dallas, Jr. on March 5th?

DALLAS, JR.: “Somebody who is going to be busy boxing and being a skilled fighter in the ring and never stop trying to have the opponent counted out.”

QUESTION #6: What are your goals for 2010?

DALLAS, JR.: “One of my goals is to be able to show how people who have seen me fight how much my game has improved in the boxing. The other is to be ready to attain a top world rating.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.

FURY V TBA!

Tyson Fury Aims To Win Over Critics.

Manchester born Tyson Fury looks set to resume his assault on the domestic heavyweight scene this Friday on the undercard of Gary Sykes vs. Andy Morris, who battle for the vacant British Super Featherweight title. His opponent for the stay-busy fight has yet to be named.

Fury, who has been absent from the ring for 5 months, has came under scrutiny following his winning efforts over John McDermott. But since then Fury has been busy working hard in the gym to realise his potential and to win back those who criticised him.

“I’ve just got back from sparring in Berlin, which Mick Hennessy organised for me which has been just the tonic”. Said Fury, who has also been rehabilitating a hand injury sustained in his win over Tomas Mrazek at the 02, Dublin in September last year.

“I’ve been doing some heavy rounds with some big European names out there and the hand has held up well. I’m looking forward to cutting loose and taking someone out this Friday. I love to fight and am keen to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible. “

Fury, who stands at 6 ft 9” and weighs around 260lb is still only 21 years old and is still developing physically. Fury has boxed 9 times since his professional debut on the undercard of the WBC world title fight between Carl Froch and Jean Pascal in December 2008 and the atmosphere still lingers fresh in his mind.

“It was fantastic atmosphere and a fantastic fight. Froch and Pascal went hammer and tongs for 12 solid rounds and the crowd went mad.” Remembers Fury

“I want to experience the big occasion myself in the next couple of years, once the learning curve has finished.

I love a tear up and if it was down to me, I’d fight Haye tomorrow and Wlad this afternoon after my dinner, but with each passing month of training and development I can feel my skills improving more and more.

My training team of Brian Hughes and Pat Barrett are both chuffed to bits with the progress I’ve made since my fight with McDermott. I’m becoming a more complete fighter. I'm moving better, using my skill more and not just looking for war.

Handling myself against the like of Gbenga Oloukun or the 6 ft 7” Robert Helenius, who knocked out Lamon Brewster last month, is the kind of level of sparring that I need to develop myself, to bring out the very best in me.” Said Fury.

“Robert Helenius (11-0, 7ko) is a Finnish heavyweight tipped for big things by Sauerland Events. He holds a knockout over Scott Gammer in just his 8th outing and as an amateur beat David Price. Back home I cannot find that sort of fighter for love nor money to give me the sparring that I need to bring me on. I can only bash up the brave spars that do come along only so many times. But Mick (Hennessy) has organised all this for me and its already paying off.” Said Fury.

Tyson also had something to say about the rematch with John McDermott, which is pencilled in for May at a venue in Manchester to be agreed.

“I still came out on top in a close fight. I give McDermott his dues as he is a good fighter. But the time for trash talking him is over now. He fought the worse version of Tyson Fury that night and he had some success.” Said Tyson frankly.

“At the end of the day he was a ten year professional whereas I was less than a year into my career and I still beat him. Next time out you’ll see me dominate him.

Whilst ill always have something to say about my opponents, from now on I’m gonna do most of my talking with my fists, starting this Friday night”. Concluded Fury.

Sykes vs. Morris will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD this Friday at 10pm, March 5th from the Huddersfield Leisure centre.

Tickets are available to purchase from Matchroom Sports on 01277 359900

Froch V Kessler!

Froch: Now It's Time To Dance With Kessler.

Unbeaten WBC Super Middleweight champion Carl “the Cobra” Froch gave us a glimpse of his snake-hips last Saturday night, all in the aid of Sport Relief, but now turns his steely eye to Mikkel Kessler in Herning, Denmark.

April 24th is now set in stone and the MCH Messecenter is the Danish venue for the next round of the Super Six tournament, where Froch defends his WBC title against the Danish boxing super star.

“The Sport Relief dance routine was a great laugh, me and the rest of the guys really enjoyed ourselves and I hope to think we raised at least a tenner for the charity!” joked the unbeaten WBC Champion.

“We practiced for about 2 days, counting the steps... 8, 9, 10, 11, fold newspaper, 12 step out” said Froch.

“But poor Johnny Nelson stepped out ahead of the rest of us, next thing Duke lost his mind and we were all over the place but we managed to pull it off with a smile. We were all a bit nervous as we waited for our music to start but once we got through the first 10 seconds we just breezed it and we certainly had a good chuckle afterwards once it was all over. They’re all good guys - It was great working with them and whilst on one hand it’s a shame we didn’t get through, on the other hand it will allow me to focus fully on the fight with Kessler on the 24th April which is now less than 10 weeks away”.

Froch is currently training up in Sheffield under the watchful eye of his trainer, Robert McCracken, who is also working with the Olympic team ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London.

“Training with the younger lads is really giving me an incentive. I’m giving away over a decade in some instances in age and I’m competitive by nature anyway, so no matter how hard they train or how fast they run, the cobra will always try to be one step ahead!” Smiled Froch.

“Physically I’m in great condition, give or take a pound I’m already there at the weight” said Froch.

“I’m punching very hard, even by my own standards; I suppose I can thank Dirrell for that. The fight with him was tricky and demanding, but put absolutely no wear or tear on me physically. After the Pascal fight I was stiff as a plank in the morning. To give that level of effort and trading bombs too, well it takes its toll on you. But the morning after Dirrell I had some breakfast, had a shower and nipped out like it was any other day, the fight had no impact on me at all. If I was trying to raid a champion’s title, even in defeat I could guarantee you the next day they would know they’d been in a fight.”

Around 2,000 dedicated seats have been put aside for the Froch vs. Kessler fight in anticipation of the British army of fight fans planning to fly over. With many of them selling fast urging, the co-promoter Mick Hennessy to advise fans to book now.

“Several boxing minded tour-operators have various packages to suit all budgets and there are plenty of hotels to accommodate the travelling fans. The flights are very affordable from Stansted and Manchester to that part of Denmark” said Hennessy.

“It promises to be an absolute cracker of fight and one I’m confident Froch will win in emphatic style. Kessler is massive star in Denmark and for all the right reasons. He is an accomplished fighter and true gentleman. Even Carl’s mum likes him. There has been no trash talk for this fight between either man only mutual respect. But when that bell rings on the 24th we could witness one of the best fights of recent times. I’d urge any boxing fan in this country to get out there to witness this event live.”

Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler will commence at approximately 9 – 9.15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on Primetime (sky channel 480).

Tickets for the WBC & Super Six Group Stage 2 fight between two great warriors in Froch and Kessler are on sale in the UK via Ticketline.co.uk, for tickets call the box office on 0844 888 4402 or these can be purchased via www.ticketline.co.uk or www.hennessysports.com.

Alternatively UK Boxing fans can purchase tickets from the BILLETnet.dk website at www.billetnet.dk or by calling the box office on +45 7033 1333.

DAVID DIAZ WORKOUT!

THIS FRIDAY AT 1PM.

Former World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz along with his manager/trainer Jim Strickland and co-trainer Mike Garcia will host a public /media workout this Friday, March 6th at 1pm at JABB Boxing Gym, 410 N. Oakley in Chicago. The media and members of the DIAZ ARMY are encouraged to attend his last Chicago appearance prior to leaving for Dallas, TX where he will challenge Humberto “ZORRITA” Soto for the vacant WBC Lightweight Title.

The Diaz/Soto world title bout headlines the pay-per-view undercard of THE EVENT: PACQUIAO vs. CLOTTEY, World Welterweight Championship. The Pacquiao vs. Clottey pay-per-view telecast will also feature 10-round rumbles between two-time world champion JOSE LUIS “El Terrible” CASTILLO in a welterweight battle against top-10 contender ALFONSO GOMEZ and “Ireland’s” JOHN DUDDY in a middleweight duel with MICHAEL “Myckol” MEDINA.

Diaz (35-2-1, 17 KOs), of Chicago, is looking to regain the WBC lightweight title he lost to pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao in June 2008. A 1996 U.S. Olympian, Diaz captured the WBC interim lightweight title by knocking out defending champion Jose Armando Santa Cruz in the 10th round of their 2006 rumble. He successfully defend the title in Chicago against future Hall of Famer Erik Morales in 2007, winning a unanimous decision in one of the year’s most exciting fights and sending the three-division world champion into a three-year ring exile. Diaz, currently world-rated No. 7 by the WBC, won his last fight, a 10-round decision over Jesus Chavez.

Soto (50-7-2, 32 KOs), of Los Mochis, Mexico, captured the vacant WBC super featherweight in December 2008, winning a lopsided unanimous decision over former WBC interim super featherweight champion and top-rated contender Francisco Lorenzo. Soto successfully defended the title three times in 2009, knocking out Antonio Diaz, Benoit Gaudet and Aristides Perez in a nine-month span, all the more impressive considering they had a combined record of 61-5-1 when he fought them. He enters this fight riding a six-fight winning streak, his most recent victory a December 2009 10-round lightweight unanimous decision over former International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion Jesus Chavez.

Remaining Tickets to Pacquiao vs. Clottey, priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, can be purchased in-person at the Cowboys Stadium box office in Arlington, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Pacquiao vs. Clottey pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com or www.toprank.com .

TKO BOXING RETURNS!

DEMETRIUS HOPKINS V FREDDIE NORWOOD.

The Commerce Casino, the world’s largest poker facility in the world, will once again host an evening of world class professional boxing presented by TKO Boxing Promotions on Thursday, March 25th.

“We’re really proud to return to the Commerce Casino with our third event. It’s an excellent venue that allows us to present world class professional boxing to the outstanding sports fans in the Southern California area” said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, curators of the nationally acclaimed “HOMETOWN HEREOS TO WORLD CHAMPIONS” boxing series.

Said Mike Sana of the Commerce Casino, “We’re very happy to welcome back Chet and the TKO Boxing team on March 25th. They’ve done a great job putting together terrific events and we’re looking forward to another fan friendly evening.”

Tickets, starting at $25, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com or by phone 800-745-3000). The Commerce Casino is located at 6131 Telegraph Road. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

The ten round main event on March 25th will feature a welterweight showdown between Philadelphia based contender Demetrius ‘THE GLADIATOR” Hopkins and former world champion Freddie “LIL HAGLER” Norwood of St. Louis, Missouri.

The 30 year old Hopkins, 28-1-1 (11KO’s), will be making his debut at welterweight against the southpaw Norwood. Hopkins is making his first start since challenging then world champion Kendall Holt in December 2008, a hard fought bout which he took on one week’s notice and lost by split decision.

Hopkins has long been known as an outstanding technician in the ring and believes the move to the higher weight will also improve his power as he enters the welterweight division.

Norwood, 43-3-1 (23KO’s), is a former two time world champion, with his second reign including a unanimous decision over future Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel Marquez in 1999, an era in which he was rated among the best fighters in the world.

In his most recent outing on July 30, 2009, Norwood won a unanimous decision over veteran Jose Celaya in El Monte, California.

Dropping the younger Celaya with his first punch of the bout, a drilling overhand left, Norwood remained in control throughout the fight, counterpunching his way to a solid victory.

Featured on the undercard, THE BROTHERS CHUDINOV, Dmitry and Fedor, will both be returning to action at the Commerce Casino. Older brother Dmitry, 3-0-0 (2KO’s), brutally stopped Flavio Cardoza in the first round on December 19th at the Commerce Casino while younger brother Fedor, 3-0-0 (2KO’s), dominated Cesar Ibarra over four rounds to earn a unanimous decision on the same card.

Also featured at the Commerce Casino is sensational Canadian newcomer Mikael Zewski. The 20 year old, an outstanding amateur prospect, made his pro debut on February 27th in Augusta, Georgia, thrilling the huge crowd at the Bell Auditorium with a third round stoppage of Kevin Kibler.

Highly regarded lightweight prospect Arman Sargsyan of Moscow, Russia, will be making his US Debut. Carrying a record of 13-0-0 (8KO’s), the Armenian born Sargsyan stopped Abdul Malik Jabir in the seventh round on November 22, 2008 in his last bout.

After winning his first two professional bouts with devastating first round knockouts, Ukrainian Ivan Redkach, 2-0-0 (2KO’s), will return to the Commerce Casino. Now based in Los Angeles, Redkach pro debuted with a brutal stoppage of Keith Kelly on November 3rd and followed that up by halting Napoleon Matthews on December 17th, both knockouts coming by devastating body shots.

Also on tap for the Commerce Casino event is the highly anticipated pro debuts of Coachella based flyweight Randy Caballero and Los Angeles’ Flavio Rodriguez.

The 20 year old Caballero had an outstanding amateur career, which included winning the 2008 U.S. Future Stars National Championship at 112 pounds.

Competing in the 145 pound division, Rodriguez was a highly decorated amateur whose accolades included a second place finish in the prestigious 2007 Junior Olympic National Championships in Marquette, Michigan.

In a special attraction four round heavyweight bout, Mike Finney of San Jacinto, California will square off against Carson City, Nevada’s Steve Fierro.

More information on this evening of professional boxing will be announced shortly.

Rigondeaux Returns!

Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist And Unbeaten Sensation, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Added To “Fighting For Haiti” Undercard.

Guillermo Rigondeaux, arguably the most decorated athlete in the history of the amateur boxing system, will step into the ring for the sixth time as a professional on April 10 as a part of “Fighting for Haiti”, headlined by Andre Berto’s WBC welterweight title defense vs. Carlos Quintana. “Fighting for Haiti” will take place at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida and will be televised live on HBO.

Rigondeaux (5-0, 4 KOs) has been on the fast track to professional stardom since turning pro last May. As a two time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux has had no problem testing himself during his young career. In just his third pro fight he knocked out Giovanni Andrade, who came into the ring with a 60-11 record and having won five straight.

Rigondeaux has also proven himself to be quite the philanthropist, donating the entire purse from his last fight, a first round knockout over Adolfo Landeros, to the Haitian relief efforts. This makes him a natural for “Fighting for Haiti” where a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Berto Dynasty Fund in an effort to help to victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti.

“I am pleased to showcase Cuban amateur legend Guillermo Rigondeaux on another DBE card,” said Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment.

“The large Cuban-American population will get the opportunity to see one of the greatest products of Cuban amateur boxing. Guillermo showed his concern for the people by donating the purse of his last televised fight to Haitian relief. It’s appropriate that he be given the opportunity to display his talents as a part of this great event.”

Q&A Martin Honorio!

Inside The Mind: Martin Honorio.

Fresh off an upset win over unbeaten prospect John Molina, Jr. back in November at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA, new WBO NABO Lightweight champion Martin “El Brochas” Honorio returns to the scene of one of his biggest victories when he makes his first title defense against Dominican Wilton “Pretty Warrior” Hilario in the main event of the March 5th telecast of “ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” live on ESPN2 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

We now take you “Inside the Mind” of Honorio leading into the final days prior to the fight with “Six Questions” for the champion:

QUESTION #1: How was your recent victory over John Molina, Jr. received in your native Mexico?

HONORIO: “My fans in Mexico were very proud and happy that they got to witness their own Martin Honorio get a victory.”

QUESTION #2: How did you celebrate your WBO NABO Lightweight title win?

HONORIO: “The victory couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. It was the end of the year and we celebrated it through the end of the year and New Year with family, friends, my wife, and my kids. We celebrated while mixing it up with work through New Years and now I’m just focused on getting my next victory and working on improving that craftsmanship I displayed in the ring last fight into 2010.

QUESTION #3: How is your training going for the fight on March 5th?

HONORIO: “My training has gone very well as planned. Basically, my training is over. I’m just keeping myself geared up and ready to go. The final details are what I am focusing on right now, along with my weight. I do know that I am going against an undefeated fighter who wants to beat me. I am aware of that and am ready to handle him.”

QUESTION #4: What kind of scouting reports have you gotten on Hilario?

HONORIO: “There’s no way that any fighter in any fight can train halfway or train just a little. You have to be fully trained and ready to take on whichever opponent it is. To get the best of my ability -- regardless of what I’ve heard and what I’ve read --that’s what I go on. I’ll be in great shape no matter the scouting report.”

QUESTION #5: Can you describe your feelings on defending your title back at Pechanga where you won it?

HONORIO: “I feel very happy to be back at Pechanga Resort & Casino. I feel very content with Goossen Tutor Promotions and appreciative that they brought me back to a place where I won my title. The meaning behind it is much more than any other location. I won my last title there so I feel all that much more comfortable there, almost as if I’m home.”

QUESTION #6: What would a win over Hilario mean for your career going forward?

HONORIO: “Getting a victory would solidify me among the top 2 or 3 contenders in the world and, hopefully, that would give me the opportunity for a world title challenge which will be rightfully mine.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM

Ballroom Brawl This Friday!

Card Lineup Announced.

One Punch Productions returns to the Tampa Westshore Doubletree Hotel this Friday March 5th for the latest installment of the popular Ballroom Brawl series.

Headlining the card will be rising cruiserweight contender Nick "The Showstopper" Iannuzzi (14-1).

Iannuzzi, coming off back-to-back knockout victories over former Contender star Michael Alexander and cross-state rival Deleon Tinsley, looks to keep his knockout streak alive against Los Angeles based Victor Barragan (11-4). Barragan is coming off a knockout victory over former world champion Arthur Williams in what world renowned commentator Al Bernstein described as "a serious fight of the year candidate".

The evenings co-feature bout features undefeated Ft. Myers jr. middleweight Quinton Willis (5-0-1), as he takes a big step up in competition against Atlanta's Omar Bell (7-1).

Both Willis and Bell are coming off sensational knockout victories in their most recent fights, with Willis knocking out Khristian Geraci in 1 round and Bell knocking out Jose Felix in 2.

Rounding out the undercard will be the best and brightest in Florida talent and beyond. Tampa super bantamweight Charlie Serrano (8-2) faces Sammir Garcia (5-1) in a 6 round bout, and additional bouts feature Jacksonville heavyweight Chris Vendola (5-2), undefeated Ft. Myers jr. middleweight Marcus Willis (3-0-2), undefeated jr. lightweight Cordaro Simpkins (3-0), Dominican flyweight Erickson Martell (3-1), and an additional bout to be announced.

Tickets are priced at $20, $35, and $75, and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 7pm, and the first bell is at 7:45pm. More informations is available at www.onepunch.net or by calling 813-503-8109.

STAR BOXING RETURNS MARTCH 6TH!

AT THE TROPICANA IN AC.

A few weeks ago, on February 5th and 6th, a monster snowstorm dumped over two feet of snow on Atlantic City, bringing much of the city to a standstill.

The storm forced Star Boxing's exciting event at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, to be postponed until Saturday March 6th.

Although the storm was unfortunate, the majority of the card, including both the main event and co-feature bouts of the evening as well as almost the entire undercard, which feature many of the New Jersey area's up and coming talent, remain intact for the March 6th date.

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

In the co-feature bout of the evening, fan favorite, Vinny Maddalone (32-6, 23KO) will look to turn in one of his classic warrior-like performances when he squares off against Dominique Alexander (19-7-1, 9KO), in an exciting heavyweight matchup.

"It was an unfortunate circumstance that we had to postpone the show in February," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing.

"Fortunately though, we were able to lock in the March 6th date at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, and the card has basically stayed the exact same as it originally was. I applaud the fighters for maintaining their focus and handling the postponement like the true professionals they are.

The card, promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and sponsored by Larry Flynt's Hustler Club, will be broadcast live on GoFightLive.tv . Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. 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. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ and can be contacted by calling (609) 340-4000.

Battease V Martinez!

Noche De Boxeo Caliente.

Crown Boxing Inc. FROM THE BOXING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD LAS VEGAS, NEVADA PRESENTS FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS March 12, 2010 ALONG WITH The Orleans Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada Mardi Gras Ballroom, Doors open 6pm / First bout 7pm.

"Al Bernstein (The Official Host of Crown Boxing) will be Ringside" (Al will be interacting with fans, signing autographs, pictures; you may be interviewed by Al!)

Jr.Welterweight Bout
Jesus Gutierrez (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Antonio Montoya (Utah)

Welterweight Bout
Juan Alcolea (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Michael Gallegos (New Mexico)

Featherweight Bout
Rocco Santomauro (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Thomas Herrera (Tucson, AZ.)

Welterweight Bout
Ricardo Calzada (North Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Marcos Mendias (Phoenix, AZ.)

Jr. Featherweight Bout
Alexis Santaigao (Phoenix, AZ.) vs. Jamie Gutierrez (Las Angeles, CA.)

Main Event Bout
Brian Battease (Las Vegas, NV.) vs. Alen Martinez (Las Angeles, CA.)

(Card subject to Change)

Sergey Karpenko Signs With Goossen!

HEAVYWEIGHT ANXIOUS TO BRING KNOCKOUT POWER TO AMERICA.

In their continued drive to building and bringing the best and most exciting boxing stable to the public -- heavily populated with world heavyweight title caliber pedigree – it was announced today Goossen Tutor Promotions has signed Ukrainian heavyweight Sergey Karpenko.

“American sports fans have, and always will be looking for that next great heavyweight, no matter where he’s from, as long as they bring excitement and punching power inside the ring,” noted promoter Dan Goossen.

“Being the amateur standout he was, we believe ‘SK’ will provide that same heavyweight excitement in the pros and we’re anxious to let the fans get their first look at him to see for themselves.”

Karpenko will make his pro debut on Goossen Tutor’s March 5th boxing event at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA.

Born in the central Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia, the 24-year old Karpenko is a strapping 6-4, 232-pound orthodox-style heavyweight who is currently living in and fighting out of Big Bear, CA. Prior to coming to America, Karpenko compiled an impressive 80-15 record as an amateur in a career -- begun at age 13 -- which saw him become a three-time Ukrainian National Champion and 2003 World Junior Champion.

“I am very excited for my first fight,” Karpenko, who faces Alvaro Morales (3-6-5, Las Vegas, NV), acknowledged.

“I’ve a great team around me in my managers Ivaylo Gotzev and Les Cohen, promoter Dan Goossen and trainer Abel Sanchez. I want to go all the way to the top and I can’t wait to step in a professional ring at Pechanga on the 5th.”

“Goossen Tutor and my management group have a very common goal in boxing and that is to always be around top heavyweights,” Ivaylo Gotzev, Karpenko’s co-manager stated.

“And Goossen Tutor has proved to me they know how to move heavyweights and provide them with big opportunities. They’ve got (Eddie) Chambers going to fight for a world title. Before that there was Chris Arreola. And before that there was Tony Thompson. There were many promoters interested worldwide, but I believe that with Karpenko signing with Goossen Tutor, it’s the best move and that we’ll go to the top together.”

McGuinness Ready For Navarrete!

McGuinness Ready To Step-Up Against Navarrete This Saturday.

Considered by many to be Canada’s top boxing prospect, Orangeville, Ontario’s Logan Cotton McGuinness (9-0, 4 KO’s) is about to take a major step forward in his young career this Saturday at the Casino De Montreal.

Not only is Canada’s top lightweight stepping up his competition by facing Mexican warhorse Pedro Navarrete (24-6-3, 13 KO’s), but he’ll do it as a lean, mean, and far stronger junior lightweight.

“Logan has been making 135 lbs. almost too easily,” said his promoter, Adam Harris, MD of Hennessy Sports Canada.

“We think he can make 130 on a controlled schedule, and emerge as a very, very dangerous 130 lb. fighter, without compromising any of the qualities that have already made him the best in the country at 135 lbs.”

He’ll need all that strength and more against Navarrete, who has proven himself to be not only durable, but flat-out dangerous.

In June of 2006 he flew to Japan and went 10 spirited rounds with Jorge Linares, then considered the world’s top boxing prospect, en route to a hard-fought unanimous decision loss.

In his last fight, this past January, Navarrete halted a two-fight losing skid in violent fashion, demolishing Adrian Tellez in the seventh round to set up his test against McGuinness.

“Navarrete is by far the toughest fighter I’ve ever had to face,” said the 22 year-old McGuinness.

“Not only has this guy been in there with some of the best in the world, but he’s shown he’s more than just a guy who can go rounds. This guy steps into the ring to win every time out. And win big.”

“A win over a guy like Navarrete will show the world that I’m one of the best young fighters out there.”

Trainer Chris Johnson – the man who honed Steve Molitor into one of the best Junior Featherweights in the world – sees nothing but great things ahead for his young protégée.

“It’s rare that you have a guy as gifted as Logan, but at the same time, so eager to learn. I tell this kid something once, and it’s like he’s been doing it all along.”

“That’s why when you look at Logan’s career, you see such eye-popping improvement every time out. To the point where, in just his tenth pro fight, he’s more than ready to face a quality thirty-three fight veteran like Navarrete.”

Also appearing on the card will be Hennessy Sports’ newest signing, all-action welterweight Samuel Vargas (1-0, 1 KO)

“This kid is a promoter’s dream,” said Harris.

“He puts on thrilling fights. But not only does he start wars, he finishes them too.”

Ramos Takes Next Step Towards Title!

HONORIO-HILARIO UNDERCARD.

A trio of Goossen Tutor Promotions’ hot young prospects will be in action on the super-charged undercard of promoter Dan Goossen’s seven-bout pro boxing event in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California on March 5th.

The scheduled eight-round, co-featured bout – to be televised on “ESPN Friday Night Fights” underneath the 12-round NABO Lightweight Championship main event pitting titleholder Martin Honorio versus Wilton Hilario – will showcase the enormous talent of undefeated NABO Youth Super Bantamweight Champion Rico “Sauvecito” Ramos (14-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA in his first title defense against veteran Mexican Cecilio “Boga” Santos (24-12-3, 14 KOs).

In addition to Ramos, stablemates Michael “The Silent Assassin” Dallas, Jr. (11-0-1, 2 KOS) and John Molina, Jr. (18-1, 14 KOs) are slated to see action in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Pechanga.

The 22-year old Ramos will be making his fourth appearance at Pechanga, as his non-stop work ethic, aggressive style and blinding speed have made him a fan favorite there. Ramos debuted at Pechanga in his fifth pro fight by outpointing Jonathan Velardez in July 2008. Last September, he stopped Victor Martinez in the third round and, in his most recent outing back in November he garnered a hard-fought, toe-to-toe battle gaining a unanimous eight-round decision over Alejandro Perez in a bout televised on Showtime.

“I have enjoyed performing at Pechanga and am looking forward to doing it again on March 5,” said Ramos who, in the 31-year old Santos, will be facing a man with experience in four world title bouts.

“I know Santos has the edge in experience and quality of opponents, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me and what I bring to the table. And I am getting even better with each fight. I plan to show that to him, as well as my fans.”

“If Ramos thinks he is going to use me as a stepping stone, he has another thing coming,” insisted Santos, who fought to a majority draw in his biggest fight to date when he challenged IBF Super Flyweight king Dmitry Kirilov two years ago.

“Martin Honorio pulled off an upset of undefeated John Molina, Jr. last time he was at Pechanga, and this Mexican plans to follow suit by giving Ramos his first loss.”

Fighting for the third time at Pechanga, Michael Dallas, Jr. will take on Tijuana’s Fabian “El Lobo” Luque in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight battle. The 32-year old Luque (21-9-4, 12 KOs) is a 13-year pro whose last four opponents had a combined record of 65-0-2 (47 KOs).

“Luque is a veteran that has been in there with some very good fighters,” the Jackie Kallen-managed Dallas revealed.

“This bout will be a good measuring stick for me as I continue to develop as a boxer.”

Bakersfield, CA native Dallas, age 23, posted a six-round, unanimous-decision win over Sergio Joel De La Torre in his last outing back in October. In his two previous visits to the Temecula casino, Dallas stopped James Helmes in the first round back in August, 2008 and registered a unanimous-decision victory over Vincent Arroyo last September.

Looking to rebound from his first loss to March 5th headliner Martin Honorio at Pechanga back in late November, will be Covina, CA lightweight John Molina, Jr., who has been added to the show.

“Ever since that night I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back in the ring,” said Molina who courageously fought with a bad case of the flu against Honorio in order to basically save the Showtime telecast.

“That wasn’t me in the ring that night, but a shadow of myself. I plan on putting in a good performance on March 5th and hope it will get me a rematch with Honorio, provided he holds up his end against Hilario.”

Other bouts rounding out the Pechanga card include a pair of four-rounders:

Junior Featherweights Walter “School Boy” Sarnoi (4-0, 2 KOs, Monterey Park, CA) vs. Jerry Mondragon (3-1, 2 KOs, Fresno, CA); and Bantamweights Ephraim Martinez (3-0, 1 KO, Buttonwillow, CA) vs. Rufino Serrano (4-2, Santa Maria, CA).

“We have some of the best young talent ready to go all out in competitive fights at one of the most beautiful casinos in the U.S., and all of it captured by ESPN,” Goossen said.

“In Honorio we have a fighter looking to get back to world title contention and a win over Hilario will do it. Whereas Hilario knows if he beats Honorio, he joins an elite group of world-class fighters.”

“Many would say the man to watch on the 5th is the fast-rising Rico Ramos, and for good reason. Tune in at Pechanga or ESPN2 to see for yourself.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.

MIKAEL ZEWSKI PRO DEBUT!

SATURDAY NIGHT IN AUGUSTA, GA.

This Saturday night in Augusta, Georgia, home of the late, legendary soul singer, James Brown, fight fans at the Bell Auditorium will have an opportunity to witness a future star in boxing as former Canadian amateur sensation Mikael Zewski will make his pro debut at TKO Boxing Championship Fight Night.

Guided by award winning manager, Cameron Dunkin, the 20 year old Zewski, a native of Quebec, Canada, leaves the amateur ranks behind towards a pro career that is hotly anticipated.

Said Dunkin, “Mikael is not only a great talent boxing wise, but he has the potential to be one of the biggest attractions in all of boxing. Chet Koerner, the President of TKO Boxing Promotions, Mikael’s promoter, called me from Canada while he was up there and was very excited. He told me how unbelievably popular Mikael is and how he hadn’t seen anything like this for a boxer who wasn’t a world champion.”

“Mikael has a great attitude; he’s a pleasure to be around and to work with. His father and trainer Jean has not only raised a terrific boxer, he’s also raised a respectful young man. He’s extremely popular already and he hasn’t had a pro fight yet.”

Zewski will make his pro debut against South Carolina native Kevin Kibler, 0-0-1, in a four round bout as part of an action packed evening of world class professional boxing headlined by an NABO Flyweight Title bout between Augusta, Georgia’s favorite son Rayonta “THE STINGRAY” Whitfield and San Diego’s Sergio Espinoza.

Zewski’s fight will be broadcast in Canada LIVE on the Super Channel #2 at 9pm.

Also featured on the undercard at TKO Boxing Championship Fight Night are former world title challenger Edner Cherry and outstanding prospects; Melbourne, Florida’s Joseph Elegele, Quebec, Canada’s Pier Olivier Cote, Detroit’s J’Leon Love and Alabama’s Michael Finney.

Advance tickets for the TKO Boxing Championship Fight Night are priced from $27 to $102 (including a $2.00 facility fee) and on sale through the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, (www.georgialinatix.com, by phone at 1-877-4AUGTIX or in person at the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, 601 Seventh Street).

A $5.00 in person box office discount for all military, police and fire personnel along with college students with proper ID is available in all price ranges until February 26th. The Bell Auditorium is located at 712 Telfair Street in Augusta, Georgia; doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm.

ARREOLA V ADAMEK!

TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW.

Hometown heavyweight sensation Cristobal Arreola gets another shot at winning a championship on Saturday, April 24 as he fights IBF International Heavyweight Champion Tomasz “Goral” Adamek of Jersey City, NJ by way of Zywiec, Poland in a 12-round battle at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA.

Tickets for this “RING OF FIRE” boxing card presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events in association with Ziggy Promotions will go on sale tomorrow Friday, February 26 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are priced at $250, $100, $70 and $35 (parking included with purchase). For more information please visit www.CBBankArena.com. A full card of fights underneath the Arreola-Adamek bout will be announced shortly. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first fight set at 6 p.m. The main event is slated for 8:15 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Corona and San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino.

The 28-year old Arreola (28-1, 25 KOs) rebounded from a hard-fought, defeat at the hands of WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko -- in his first attempt to become the first boxer of Mexican descent to win a world heavyweight title back in September -- by destroying 34-1 Brian Minto en route to a fourth-round TKO on December 5, 2009 in Atlantic City, New Jersey on HBO. The heavy-handed Arreola sent Minto to the deck twice in that fatal round.

In taking on the rugged Adamek, who has moved up to heavyweight after earning world titles in two separate weight classes, the crowd-pleasing Arreola will be making his second appearance at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. He was featured in the first-ever pro boxing show there back in November, 2008, when he stopped Travis Walker in three rounds to win the IBF Heavyweight Eliminator and, in the process, retain his WBC Continental Americas title and claim the NABF crown. Arreola plans to put Adamek’s chin to the supreme test.

Fresh off his February 6th victory against Jason “Big Six” Estrada, Tomasz Adamek (40-1, 27 KO’s) has become one of the hottest contenders in the heavyweight division. The 12-round fight showed Tomasz working the body and moving well to score a unanimous decision over the 2004 Olympian. In his first foray into the heavyweight division, on October 25, 2009, Adamek scored a 5th round TKO over Andrew Golota. He clearly dominated the legendary Polish world contender despite a 42- pound weight discrepancy, winning the IBF Heavyweight International Championship.

Ward Guest Host On Friday Night Fights!

S.O.G. Will Discuss His Upcoming World Title Defense On April 24 In The Next Stage Of The Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament.

Newly crowned WBA Super Middleweight Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (21-0, 13 KOs) – the last American to win an Olympic boxing gold medal -- will be the special in-studio guest in Bristol, CT for this week’s ESPN2 telecast of “ESPN Friday Night Fights.”

The undefeated 26-year old native of Oakland, CA, who captured gold in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, upset and dethroned tournament favorite Denmark’s Mikkel Kessler in his Stage One bout in Showtime’s Super Six World Boxing Classic back on November 21 of last year.

Andre will, among other boxing-related topics, discuss his upcoming Stage Two confrontation – and first WBA title defense -- against Allan Green set for April 24.

Green (29-1, 20, KOs), age 30 from Tulsa, OK, has been named as a Super Six replacement for Jermaine Taylor, who withdrew from the remainder of the tournament following a brutal knockout at the hands of Germany’s Arthur Abraham in his Stage One bout. Green’s only loss as a pro was to Edison Miranda by decision three years ago, who Ward beat in May of last year.

“I am very excited and appreciative for the opportunity afforded me by ESPN to come into the living rooms of my many fans and those of boxing who may not know me as well yet,” Ward said. “I invite you all to tune in to ‘Friday Night Fights.’

Twinkle Toes Froch!

World Boxing Champion Froch Dances For Sport Relief.

WBC Super Middleweight Champion Carl “the Cobra” Froch will be swapping his boxing boots for dancing shoes this coming Saturday, ahead of defending his prestigious world title on April 24th against Mikkel Kessler in the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament, when he makes his dancing debut for Sport Relief in front of millions of viewers live on BBC1 at 7.15pm.

Twinkle toes Froch will be joined on the stage by a team of champion boxers and all will be hoping to win over the viewers and, of course, the notoriously picky panel of judges in which comedy actor Miranda Hart, 2009 runner-up Paddy McGuinness and model and presenter Kelly Brook will be casting an eye over proceedings.

Froch said: “We are all hoping to put on a impressive display but the most important thing is to make loads of money for charity, so please watch the show, put your hands in your pockets and vote for us on Saturday“

For more information on the Sports Relief Let’s Dance please go to www.bbc.co.uk/sportrelief or for details on how to vote please go to www.bbc.co.uk/letsdance/vote

TICKET ALERT!

MIKE MOLLO HEADLINES WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9.

Chicagoland fan favorite, heavyweight Mike Mollo headlines “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9”, an outstanding evening of professional boxing, on Friday, March 26th at the UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9”, 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).

Fighting out of Oak Lawn , Illinois , the 30 year old Mollo, 19-3-0 (12KO’s), is known for his crushing, knockout power in both hands. In his last Chicago area bout, he destroyed fellow contender Art Binkowski with a brutal second round stoppage on October 13, 2007 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

Mollo followed up the knockout of Binkowski with two high profile heavyweight challenges, losing close, hard fought decisions to Jameel McCline and Andrew Golota in 2008.

In another huge win for Mollo, he stopped Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride at the Allstate Arena on October 7, 2006.

Also featured at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9” will be local cruiserweight contender Jason Robinson. A native of Maywood, Illinois, the 34 year veteran southpaw sporting a record of 17-5-0 (11KO’s), is making a comeback following a two and half year absence from the ring.

In his last bout, Robinson stopped fellow veteran Terry Porter in the fifth round on September 7, 2007 in Cicero , Illinois.

The undercard of “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9” features an outstanding lineup of Chicagoland’s finest prospects.

Returning to heavyweight action at the UIC Pavilion, David Latoria will look to stay unbeaten, starting his professional career with a record of 4-0-0 (2KO’s). Already a fan favorite in Chicago, Latoria always brings a large and vocal crowd with him during his fights.

Junior welterweight Adrian Granados of Berwyn , Illinois , will also see action in a four round bout at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9”. The 20 year old rising star brings a record of 3-1-0 (2KO’s) into the March 26th bout.

Super bantamweight prospect Sergio Cristobal makes a quick return to action following his action packed four round decision over cross-town rival Sergio Montes de Oca on January 29th at the UIC Pavilion. The win evened the 23 year old Chicago native’s record to 1-1-0.

Also on the undercard of outstanding prospects at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 9” is 19 year old featherweight prospect Willie Hernandez. The Chicagoan sports a record of 2-0-0.

Additionally, Chicago based welterweight Efi Perez will make his pro debut in a four round bout.

Additional information on these bouts will be announced shortly.

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

FROCH V KESSLER!

TICKETS FOR FROCH V KESSLER MOVING FAST.

WBC Champion Carl “the Cobra” Froch of Nottingham England, will defend his title against the “Viking Warrior” Mikkel Kessler of Denmark in the Super Six World Boxing Classic in one-half of a tournament doubleheader on Saturday, April 24 at the MCH Messecenter in Herning, Denmark.

”The ticket sales for Mikkel Kessler's fight against Carl Froch has been impressive. Fans from all over Denmark and also the UK will descend on Herning to support the two amazing world-class fighters on April 24. We look forward to welcoming the Froch Army in Herning, and I am convinced there will be a fantastic atmosphere here in MCH for the Super Six-clash” says CEO, Georg Soerensen, MCH Messecenter Herning.

Mick Hennessy added ”This is a fancastic event and tickets are selling very quickly and I advise any British fight fan who is looking to be in Herning on the 24th April to support the Cobra please purchase tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappoint before it becomes a sell out”

Tickets for the WBC & Super Six Group Stage 2 fight between two great warriors in Froch and Kessler went on sale yesterday in the UK via Ticketline.co.uk, for tickets call the box office on 0844 888 4402 or these can be purchased via www.ticketline.co.uk or www.hennessysports.com.

Alternatively UK Boxing fans can purchase tickets from the BILLETnet.dk website at www.billetnet.dk or by calling the box office on +45 7033 1333.

GREEN JOINS SUPER SIX!

Green To Challenge Andre Ward For WBA World Championship.

World-ranked contender “Sweetness” Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs), of Tulsa, Okla., has officially been named to replace fellow American Jermain Taylor in the Super Six World Boxing Classic and will take on undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) 168-pound champion Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KOs) in one-half of a tournament doubleheader on Saturday, April 24, on SHOWTIME®, Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®, formally announced today.

Also on Saturday, April 24, undefeated Carl “The Cobra’’ Froch (26-0, 20 KOs) of Nottingham, England, defends his WBC world title against former WBA 168-pound champion Mikkel “Viking Warrior’’ Kessler (42-2, 32 KOs) of Denmark.

All the action will be televised on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (Froch vs. Kessler will be shown on same-day delay from MCH Arena, in Herning, Denmark, immediately followed by Ward vs. Green live from the U.S.).

A winner of six consecutive fights, Green will enter the Super Six World Boxing Classic with zero points heading into Group Stage 2—as per tournament rules, a replacement fighter enters the Group Stage competition tied with the last place fighter(s)—and be fighting for his first world title. It marks the first time since Tommy Morrison in 1993 that an Oklahoman has been involved in a world championship fight.

Green is an ultra-confident super middleweight currently ranked No. 3 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 4 in the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 5 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 7 in the World Boxing Association (WBA).

“I always had a feeling I was going to get into the tournament,” said the 6-foot-2-inch, 30-year-old Green, who’s currently training in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

“I don’t think I’m a long shot. I’m one of the best super middleweights in the world and the tournament rules allow me to come in and be in the mix with a chance to advance and ultimately win this thing.

“I just don’t see anyone who can beat me. I’ve watched all the fighters over and over. I’ve studied all of them and know I can beat any of them.”

Green is tall and strong with dynamite in both fists. He is spotting points to three rivals, but a knockout victory for a fighter who prides himself on power would put him in the thick of things. Green is coming off a clear-cut 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tarvis Simms on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME Oct. 2, 2009.

Ward will be making the first defense of the WBA belt he won on a convincing, 11th-round technical decision over Kessler in the Super Six World Boxing Classic opener.

RING OF FIRE!

Arreola V Adamek

On Saturday, April 24 Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events in association with Ziggy Promotions will present “RING OF FIRE” on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (11:15 PM ET/PT).

The 12-round main event for the NABO and IBF Heavyweight International Championship will take place at the state of the art Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

Top world contender Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola of Riverside, California will square off against former WBC Light Heavyweight, IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight titleholder and current IBF Heavyweight International Champion, Tomasz “Goral” Adamek of Jersey City, NJ by way of Zywiec, Poland.

Below are the quotes from today's press conference.

DAN GOOSSEN (Promoter): “During the time that we’ve been talking about this fight, prior to Adamek’s fight with (Jason) Estrada, we were getting emails; we were getting messages; we were getting those phone calls ‘Where’s the fight going to be’? I mean Excitement! Excitement! Excitement!”

DAN GOOSSEN: “And then once we announced we were having this press conference here Friday, it just poured in all of a sudden because of the anticipation of seeing these two great fighters in the ring together. A lot of respect that these guys show for one another for getting in the ring with each other because they know each other is going to come with everything they’ve got, and they’re both very qualified heavyweights. It’s going to be a great, great, great fight. There’s no way it’s not going to be.”

KATHY DUVA (Co-Promoter): When it became clear the fight was going to be happening here, in some respects I’m kind of happy because I think what people may not recognize is that the Polish community in the United States is huge. And there are many, many Polish people out here on the West Coast. Tomasz, to these people, is a rock star. They’re going to come out to see him. There’s going to be a lot more red and white in the arena than you’d think.”

KATHY DUVA: “You’re going to see both of them giving 1,000 percent. One thing I can say is that anybody who watches this fight on April 24th is going to be happy they did, and anybody that didn’t is going to be kicking themselves the next day.

CHRIS ARREOLA: “The first time I fought here it was a great environment. It’s close to home, so I can’t be late. I don’t like to fight; I LOVE to fight! I love hitting people; that’s my passion. Me and Thomas Adamek on April 24th are gonna go in there and beat the crap out of each other. I’m gonna try and knock his head off and he’s gonna go in there and try and knock my head off. I believe it can be a great fight. I respect him as a fighter; I respect him as a man. But, come April 24th I’m gonna come out of there with my hand raised.

CHRIS ARREOLA: “It’s a boxing fight, man; it’s a chess match. He’s gonna try to catch me; I’m gonna try to catch him. I’m gonna find some openings, just like he’s gonna find some openings. But I believe my punches are more effective than his. I’m a natural heavyweight. I became a heavyweight because of Coronas and burritos. That’s the truth. But I’ve been a heavyweight for 29 fights. That’s the way I see it.”

TOMASZ ADAMEK: “Every fight there is a different guy, so you cannot judge me on whatever I did to Estrada or Andrew Golota. Obviously, we’ll have a special idea for Chris. I always believe the best tactic is to think more in the ring and fight in a way the other guy doesn’t have an answer for it.”

THOMAS ADAMEK: “You have to be ready for a great fight. I always believe you’re always good when the people cheer you when people believe every time you go in the ring they are going to see something special. So this is my credo. This is something I live by. Every time I going into the ring, it should be something memorable. Every next fight should be an even better fight. So, the 24th of April will be my best fight ever.”

CHRIS ARREOLA: “I wanna come in at 240. 240 is easy; that’s my target weight. That’s where I really do belong. In boxing any higher than that and I’m kicking myself in the ass. There is no excuse why I shouldn’t come in at that weight. Thomasz comes up from cruiserweight and he fights at around 225. And he’s a very agile guy; he’s gonna be on his toes a lot. So, I’m gonna have to try and keep up with him because I’m gonna have to chase him.”

THOMASZ ADAMEK: “It was all about the fans (in facing Arreola in just his 3rd fight at heavyweight). Like I said before, I am fighting for the fans. Without fans there is no point in going into the ring. Having a guy like Chris Arreola, who goes forward and is relentless, and everybody knows me. I love to punch people in the mouth, there’s nothing wrong with this. I mean this guarantees a great fight, and this is a fight that HBO and the fans wanted for a long, long time. If I were to fight somebody boring there would be seven fans in the stands. No point.”

HENRY RAMIREZ (Arreola’s trainer): “Honestly, when I went to the Adamek-Estrada fight I was blown away with the reception and support he had. I hope we can duplicate that and even more for Chris here. I know I am excited and Chris is excited for this fight where the winner gets back in the title picture. Adamek is a proven fighter as far as a light heavyweight and cruiserweight, and we’ll find out what he’s about as a heavyweight on April 24th.”

HENRY RAMIREZ: “There’s no fear in fighting any big heavyweights, I just think that stylewise this is the fight that I think viewers at home and viewers in the arena will love. This kind of a fight there is no way this is going to be a boring fight.”

Gamboa Returns On March 27th!

Gamboa Returning To Germany For ARENA-Show With New TV Partner SAT.1.

On March 27th Ahmet Öner’s ARENA Sports-Promotion will team up with major TV station SAT.1 for the first time for a big show in Hamburg (Germany) featuring the heavyweight rematch between German prospect Steffen Kretschmann and Russian veteran Denis Bakhtov and the return of featherweight phenomenon Yuriorkis Gamboa to Hamburg where his pro career started in April 2007.

“This will be our biggest show in Germany so far”, states Öner.

“With SAT.1 we have finally found a major TV partner who helps us to bring great fights to a big audience. Of course, a German TV station wants to present German fighters. That is why we have decided to feature the heavyweight clash between Steffen Kretschmann and Denis Bakhtov as one of two main events.”

In June 2009 Bakhtov had stopped then unbeaten Kretschmann with a lucky punch in round one. Now the German heavyweight hope is seeking for revenge. SAT.1 will not only broadcast the fight live but also cover Kretschmann’s preparation for the “biggest fight of his lifetime” in four episodes of a documentary starting at March 2nd.

“This is a big chance for us to present Steffen to the German public”, adds Öner.

“We are very happy that SAT.1 will accompany the whole event the way they are planning to do it. This shows us how serious they take their return to the boxing ring.”

Ten years ago SAT.1 has covered some world championships featuring “Tiger” Dariusz Michalczewski and the early fights of Wladimir Klitschko. Now they will return not only with Kretschmann but also with one of the fastest rising stars in the business today. WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa will co-headline the show on March 27th defending his title in Germany for the first time.

“This will be our special highlight for our new TV partner”, explains ARENA-CEO Öner.

“Of course, it is not easy to bring a superstar like Gamboa to Germany but he is my fighter so I am very proud to bring him back to where his pro-career started three years ago.”

On April 27th 2007 Gamboa won his pro-debut in Hamburg against Alexan Manvelyan after defecting from Cuba with fellow team-mates Odlanier Solis and Yan Barthelemy. Three years later he is not only world champion but held to be one of the hottest fighters in the world who has been featured on HBO and defended his championship at world famous Madison Square Garden two times.

“When Gamboa will be back in Hamburg it will feel like a circle is complete”, says Öner.

“I know that he has lots of friends here and is happy to return to Germany. But this will be an exception. Gamboa’s main market is in the USA now. He will be in Germany for this one fight only and then continue his great career in the big venues in the States. Maybe we bring him to Middle and South America and Asia as well. He is on his best way to become an international megastar so we will probably present him wherever people want to see him fight.”

Besides Kretschmann and Gamboa Öner will also present last year’s world title contenders Juan Carlos Gomez and Mahir Oral on the undercard as well as former German amateur standout Robert Woge who will give his pro-debut at light heavyweight.

Tickets are on sale for 15,- / 30,- / 45,- / 60,- / 85,- Euro (plus fees and tax). Exclusive VIP-packages cost 160,- or 200,- Euros (plus fess and tax). Tickets can be ordered online through www.eventim.de/kretschmann or via ticket hotline +49(0)1805-570067. For more information on the show visit www.ran.de or www.arenaboxpromotion.com.

Thompson Boxing Signs Diaz!

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION LATEST STANDOUT TO JOIN THOMPSON BOXING ROSTER.

With two world titles on his resume and the respect of the boxing world a given, Julio Diaz has already secured his place in the history books.

But at 30 years old, "The Kidd" has plenty of fight left in him, and with a third world championship in his sights, he has signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions to help lead him there.

"Julio Diaz has always been one of my favorite fighters to watch, and we're honored to now have him on the team," said Ken Thompson, founder and president of Thompson Boxing Promotions.

"He's got it all in the ring, and he's more determined than ever to get another world championship, so it's going to be a fun ride back to the top."

"I've been watching what Thompson Boxing has done with fighters like Tim Bradley and Yonnhy Perez, and I want to become the team's next world champion," said Diaz.

"I feel better than ever at 140 pounds, and the fans are going to see a new and improved Julio Diaz in 2010."

A two-time lightweight champion, Julio Diaz (36-6, 26 KOs) is an 11-year veteran of the sweet science who has been in the ring with the best in the world over that time, including Angel Manfredy, Courtney Burton, Jose Luis Castillo, Javier Jauregui, Ricky Quiles, Jesus Chavez, and Juan Diaz. Trained by his brother Joel, Coachella Valley's Diaz entered the junior welterweight ranks in 2009, and waged a hard-fought battle with unbeaten Victor Manuel Cayo last July. Now fully rested and ready to take on the 140-pound elite, Diaz is expecting a big year.

WARRIORS BUILDING CHAMPIONS!

Sonsona, Urango, Johnson, Cayo & Miranda To Appear In World Title Fights. Powell To Challenge For #1.

Warriors Boxing announced today a busy schedule over the next 8 weeks, where six of their fighters will be involved in very meaningful fights.

On February 27, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, unbeaten young Filipino Star MARVELOUS MARVIN SONSONA challenges WILFREDO VASQUEZ JR., for the WBO Junior Featherweight Title.

One week later, on March 6, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, on HBO Boxing After Dark, IBF World Champion, JUAN IRON TWINS URANGO attempts to unify the Junior Welterweight Division when he takes on WBC World Champion DEVON ALEXANDER.

On March 19, in Durant Oklahoma, Junior Middleweight contender SECHEW IRON HORSE POWELL takes on DEANDRE LATTIMORE in a highly anticipated rematch to determine the IBF number 1 contender in the Junior Middleweight Division as the main event headliner on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

Just eight days later, on March 27, VICTOR MERMELMELADA CAYO challenges WBA Interim Champion MARCOS MAIDANA for his Junior Welterweight crown in the main event on HBOs Boxing After Dark.

On April 10, GLEN THE ROAD WARRIOR JOHNSON now designated mandatory Light Heavyweight contender by the IBF is expected to challenge undefeated World Champion TAVORIS CLOUD for his title underneath ANDRE BERTO vs. CARLOS QUINTANA, on HBO World Championship Boxing.

Last but not least, on April 17 the always dangerous EDISON PANTERA MIRANDA will travel to Montreal, Quebec to take on undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion LUCIAN BUTE for his title, also on HBO World Championship Boxing.

We are very excited about the accomplishments of all our fighters, and we cant wait to crown more World Champions in the coming months. I do not remember a time when Warriors fighters had this many high profile opportunities in such a short period of time, stated Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing.

Warriors Boxing has a chance to further cement itself as one of the top promotional companies in the sport by having success in these upcoming bouts continued Margules. In addition some of our younger prospects like undefeated Super Middleweight DONOVAN DA BOMB GEORGE, world rated NABO Junior Welterweight Champion KENNY GALARZA and undefeated Junior Welterweight DANNY OCONNOR are just about ready to make their mark in the World Rankings

GEORGE, GALARZA AND OCONNOR as well as undefeated Puerto Rican Olympic sensation JOHNATHAN GONZALEZ are also all scheduled to fight in March or April for Warriors.

Thomas Ready For Hometown Bout!

JAMAICAN HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT BATTLES IN TAMPA.

Sensational heavyweight prospect Lenroy “TNT” Thomas is primed and ready for battle this Friday night in his hometown of Tampa, Florida, in one of the feature bouts of “TRIPLE-HEADER IN TAMPA” at the A La Carte Event Pavilion, presented by TKO Boxing Promotions and Fight Night Productions.

The 24 year old Thomas, guided by award winning trainer Dan Birmingham, brings a record of 14-1-0 with eight knockouts into the six round battle with Texas based Homero “EL OSO” Fonseca, 8-2-2 (2KO’s).

“It’s great to fight here in Tampa, I’ve always had fantastic support amongst the local sports fans and I’m looking forward to putting on a terrific performance” said Thomas who has won fourteen in a row since losing his pro debut.

Among the most popular fighters in the talent rich state of Florida, Thomas had an outstanding 2009 with four big wins, culminating in a unanimous decision over Andrew Greeley on November 5th in Cockeysville, Maryland at the Fourth Annual Jonathan Ogden Foundation Charity Boxing Event.

Based in Driscoll, Texas, the 23 year old Fonseca has won four in a row most recently taking an eight round unanimous decision over Freddy Gatica on September 25th in Kingsville, Texas. In 2008, he won two decisions over highly regarded heavyweight contender Raphael Butler.

About Fonseca, Thomas stated, “I haven’t seen him fight but his record states that he’s a real solid boxer who can handle himself in the ring. But I’ve trained hard with Dan and I feel very confident that I’ll come out on top.”

Headlining “TRIPLE-HEADER IN TAMPA” is an eight round lightweight battle between former world title challenger Edner “CHERRY BOMB” Cherry and Columbian veteran Hevinson Herrera.

The undercard featured local standouts; welterweight Joseph Elegele, female sensation Jenna Shiver, middleweight Ahsandi Gibbs, and Ali Tareh.

Tickets for “TRIPLE-HEADER IN TAMPA ” starting at $20, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). The A La 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.

HONORIO V HILARIO!

Mar. 5 On ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights".

He won his NABO Lightweight Championship by upsetting undefeated hot prospect John Molina, Jr. in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California back in November of 2009.

On March 5th, Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (27-4-1, 14 KOs) will make his first defense of that title against another undefeated hot fighter in Wilton “Pretty Warrior” Hilario (12-0-1, 9 KOs) at that very same venue in the scheduled 12-round main event of the ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” telecast presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

The 30-year old Honorio, a Mexico City native, put on one of his best performances of his 11-year pro career in his unanimous decision win over Molina in the main event broadcast on SHOWTIME.

Honorio moved up from the super featherweight division (126 lbs) to face Molina in the lightweight division (135 lbs) and consistently beat the bigger and stronger Molina to the punch.

The biggest name among Honorio’s 27 wins was a 10-round unanimous decision in November, 2005 over Steven Luevano, who would go on to capture the WBO Featherweight title four fights after his loss to Honorio. Honorio is managed and trained, respectively, by the father and son team of Rick and Art Mota.

“I have no secret about beating undefeated fighters,” Honorio said.

“I just work hard and train hard, stick to the game plan and win the fight.

“It’s these type of challenges that make you really work hard.

Hilario is young and hungry and wants to keep his undefeated record,” Honorio continued.

“I believe his lack of experience will play into my hands. I hear he has predicted victory. It’s going to be a tough and exciting fight but I will be ready for whatever he brings.”

The fearless and talented Hilario – a Dominican Republic native fighting out of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota -- is taking a step up in competition against the Mexican veteran. After just 11 bouts (10 wins and a draw), Hilario passed his first major test in capturing the IBA Americas Super Featherweight crown against highly-touted Allen Litzau by fifth-round TKO in April of last year. In his most recent outing in November, Hilario earned an impressive unanimous decision win over Leon Bobo and he views this NABO title shot as a measuring stick in his young career.

“I am the type of fighter who likes to fight in close but if I need to box I know I can box,” Hilario, who is managed by Chuck Daskiewicz and trained by Jock Davis, stated.

“I can bring whatever I need to win the fight. So whether it means fighting inside or outside, I’ll do whatever it takes to win it. This is what I train for. I know he is a tough Mexican fighter and he will bring everything to the table and lay it all on the line. I will too, and then we’ll find out who walks out of that ring the winner.”

In one of the ESPN2 televised co-feature bouts, undefeated Rico “Sauvecito” Ramos (14-0, 8 KOs), of Pico Rivera, California will take on Mexico City’s Cecilio “Boga” Santos (24-12-3, 14 KOs) in a battle for Ramos’ NABO Super Bantamweight title.

The 22-year old Ramos, a hard-hitting buzzsaw, appeared in a televised co-feature underneath Honorio at Pechanga his last time out and looked most impressive in posting a lopsided win on points against Alejandro Perez, which included a lightning-quick, second-round knockdown. Ramos has been a busy fighter -- 14 fights in a professional career spanning just under two full years -- and is fast becoming a big fan favorite for his aggressive style combined with a pair of the fastest fists in the business.

In the 31-year old Santos, Ramos faces a far more experienced competitor who has challenged for four world titles. He lost a decision in Thailand in 2004 for the WBC Bantamweight title to Veeraphol Sahaprom; he was stopped in the 10th round by WBO Super Flyweight Champion Fernando Montiel in Mexico in 2007; he battled to a hard-fought draw with IBF Super Flyweight titleholder Dmitry Kirilov in 2008; and was behind on the scorecards when an accidental headbutt caused his WBA Bantamweight title challenge versus Anselmo Moreno in Panama later that year to be stopped, resulting in a technical decision loss.

Another featured performer on the Pechanga undercard is unbeaten junior welterweight Michael “Silent Assassin” Dallas, Jr. (11-0-1, 2 KOs), of Bakersfield, California. Dallas, 23, posted a six-round, unanimous-decision win over Sergio Joel De La Torre in his last outing back in October.

“We are really excited to be bringing Martin Honorio and Rico Ramos back to Pechanga where they both had tremendous fan support in their last outing here. Honorio is trying to get back into World Championship contention and Ramos is looking to establish himself as a future champion,” promoter Dan Goossen exclaimed.

“They both brought the sellout crowd to its feet with their impressive performances that night. Throw in the undefeated jr. welterweight Dallas and we have an excellent show of established world class fighters along with young up-and-coming prospects.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.

FROCH V KESSLER!

Group Stage 2 – Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Team Sauerland and Hennessy Sports are proud to announce that the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament group stage 2 fight between WBC Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch and the Viking Warrior Mikkel Kessler will take place at the MCH Messecentre, Herning in Denmark on the 24th April 2010.

The fight will be televised in the United States on SHOWTIME® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In Denmark, the fight will be broadcast on Viasat. Hennessy Sports will be announcing the UK TV broadcaster over the next week.

The two superstars lock horns in the second round of this unprecedented boxing tournament, with Kessler eager to make up for his opening loss against Andre Ward.

The WBC Champ Carl Froch comes off a split decision victory over Andre Dirrell.

“With the support of my great Danish fans, I will defeat Carl Froch and become world champion again,” Kessler said.

“The atmosphere at MCH Herning is incredible. I only have the best of memories of the venue. The TKO victory over Perdomo last September confirmed my place in the Super Six. After a bad start, I am now out for a knock-out and the first three points.”

Froch is concerned that the date change will affect his travelling fans.

“I am upset for my fans with the change of date but this has been unpreventable due to scheduling issues. I just hope that my fans will understand this change and will still come in their thousands to support me in Herning.

The WBC champion is convinced he will defend his title in spectacular fashion.

“I am looking to be the first fighter to take Mikkel Kessler out before the final bell. I have gone to Jermain Taylor´s backyard and defended my belt and I am more than happy to do the same with Kessler. As the Champion I will prove that I can fight and beat the best anywhere.”

In September 2009, Kessler defended his WBA Title with a fourth-round stoppage of mandatory challenger Gusymr Perdomo.

A sell-out crowd of 6,250 fans raised the roof to support Denmark´s national hero. 90 percent of the tickets were gone within three hours after the start of the sale.

Kalle Sauerland expects tickets to sell even faster this time out.

“I know that the Danish fight fans will rally behind Mikkel and support him in the most important fight of his life,” Sauerland said.

“His career is on the line. But with 10,000 fans behind him – the MCH will provide a bigger arena this time out – I will be expecting Mikkel to collect 3 points and the WBC belt from Froch.

Mick Hennessy Said “This is a great fight, we all know styles make fights and this has the potential to be very explosive and the fight of the year. Carl Froch is the best Super Middleweight on the planet and he will prove that once again in this fight. I would just like to assure the British fans that me and Carl have been working hard with Team Sauerland behind the scenes to finalise all issues before we could make this formal announcement, so as to not mislead anyone.”

Georg Soerensen, CEO of MCH Herning, is already looking forward to the fight. “We are pleased to stage one of the biggest fights in Danish history,” he said.

“Mikkel´s fight against Perdomo was a great event but this fight will be even bigger because there is so much at stake. We are anticipating a sensational night of boxing.”

UK Ticket and Travel package details will be announced in the coming week.

Ballroom Brawl!

In Tampa March 5th.

One Punch Productions returns to the Tampa Westshore Doubletree Hotel on Friday March 5th for the latest installment of the popular Ballroom Brawl series.

Headlining the 9 bout card will be rising cruiserweight contender Nick "The Showstopper" Iannuzzi (14-1).

Iannuzzi, coming off back-to-back knockout victories over former Contender star Michael Alexander and cross-state rival Deleon Tinsley, looks to keep his knockout streak alive against Los Angeles based Victor Barragan (11-4).

Barragan is coming off a knockout victory over former world champion Arthur Williams in what world renowned commentator Al Bernstein described as "a serious fight of the year candidate".

Scheduled to be in the evenings co-feature bout is St. Pete knockout artist Keith "One Time" Thurman (12-0).

Thurman is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and managed by Shelly Finkel Management.

At the time of this announcement, minor details were still being resolved with Thurman's proposed opponent.

"I am pretty confident that we will get this done in the next day or two" commented One Punch Productions director Terry J. Trekas.

"It's minor stuff, but technically the fight is not 100% done, so I dont want to advertise that it is".

A stable of undefeated prospects will make appearances on the undercard, including jr. middleweight brothers Quinton Willis (5-0-1) and Marcus Willis (3-0-2), jr. lightweight Cordaro Simpkins (3-0), jr. middleweight Manny Woods (3-0), welterweight Rey Cepeda (2-0), jr. featherweight Sherali Dostiev (4-0), as well as the pro debut of middleweight Marquis Davis.

Tickets are priced at $20, $35, and $75, and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and ticketmaster.com. More informations is available at www.onepunch.net or by calling 813-503-8109

WHITFIELD TRAINS IN HOUSTON!

PREPS FOR ALL-ACTION BATTLE AGAINST SAN DIEGO’S ESPINOZA.

World ranked flyweight Rayonta “STINGRAY” Whitfield is training at the Savannah Boxing Club in Houston, Texas, under the guidance of world renowned trainer Ronnie Shields, in preparation for his NABO Title battle against Sergio “THE SAN DIEGO SENSATION” Espinoza.

Their twelve round headline bout, part of an action packed evening of world class professional boxing set for Saturday, February 27th at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, Georgia, is presented by TKO Boxing Promotions.

“Camp in Houston has been perfect. I’ll be here sparring and training with Ronnie until a couple of days before the fight. We’re putting in the hard work that will payoff on February 27th” said the 28 year old Whitfield.

With a record of 23-1-0 (11KO’s), Whitfield will be fighting in front of a “loud and proud” packed house at the Bell Auditorium for the fourth time in his career. He currently is world ranked # 4 by the IBF and # 5 by the WBO. The 31 year old Espinoza brings a record of 16-6-1 (5KO’s) into the title bout.

“I’ve watched tapes of Espinoza and he’s a very aggressive fighter, always coming forward. I’ll have to use my counter punching abilities but it should make for an all-action fight for the fans” continued Whitfield.

Advance tickets for the Whitfield/Espinoza title bout and a terrific undercard are priced from $27 to $102 (including a $2.00 facility fee) and on sale through the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, (www.georgialinatix.com, by phone at 1-877-4AUGTIX or in person at the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, 601 Seventh Street ).

A $5.00 in person box office discount for all military, police and fire personnel along with college students with proper ID is available in all price ranges until February 26th. The Bell Auditorium is located at 712 Telfair Street in Augusta, Georgia; doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm.

THE CHERRY BOMB RETURNS!

EDNER CHERRY PRIMED FOR TAMPA HEADLINER ON FEBRUARY 19TH.

Former world title challenger Edner “CHERRY BOMB” Cherry is a man on a mission and continues on his path towards another world title opportunity on Friday, February 19th in the main event of “TRIPLE-HEADER IN TAMPA” at the Ala Carte Event Pavilion.

Cherry squares off against Columbian banger Hevinson Herrera in the headline bout of an evening of world class professional boxing presented by TKO Boxing Promotions, Fight Night Productions and Ker’s WingHouse.

“I certainly feel like this is my year to become a world champion. Now that I’m fighting at junior lightweight I feel much stronger and very confident. Ideally, I’d like to fight a top five contender after this fight and then one of the belt holders at 130, but the important thing is to take care of business on the 19th” said the 27 year old native of Nassau, Bahamas.

The battle against Herrera will be Cherry’s first in Tampa since his sixth round knockout of Wes Ferguson in June of 2007.

“Fighting in Tampa is great, I’m truly blessed to have the tremendous support of the fans here.”

The 27 year old Cherry returned to action on December 17th with a brutal third round stoppage of Jovann Jones at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. Using an array of thunderous body shots, the Wauchula, Florida resident dropped Jones three times on his way to the victory, improving his record to 25-6-2 (13KO’s).

In September 2008, Cherry lost a very hard fought twelve round decision to welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley.

Herrera, 14-4-1 (9KO’s), will be making his first start in the United States having previously battled numerous world class fighters in Panama, South Africa and France. He is on a three bout winning streak as he enters his initial bout of 2010.

The Cherry/Herrera eight round bout headlines an action packed card that also includes numerous local fighters and outstanding prospects including Jamaican heavyweight Lenroy “TNT” Thomas, highly regarded welterweight newcomer Joseph Elegele, sensational super bantamweight prospect Robert Rodriguez, female junior featherweight fan favorite Jenna Shriver, undefeated middleweight Ahsandi Gibbs and junior middleweight Ali Tareh.

Tickets for “TRIPLE-HEADER IN TAMPA ” 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.

WHITFIELD V ESPINOZA!

FEBRUARY 27TH IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA.

World ranked flyweight contender Rayonta “STINGRAY” Whitfield will battle Sergio Espinoza for the NABO Flyweight Title on Saturday, February 27th at the Bell Auditorium, it was announced today by TKO Boxing Promotions.

Advance tickets will go on sale at 10am Friday morning, February 5th, priced from $27 to $102 (including a $2.00 facility fee), through the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, (www.georgialinatix.com, by phone at 1-877-4AUGTIX or in person at the Augusta Entertainment Complex Box Office, 601 Seventh Street).

A $5.00 in person box office discount for all military, police and fire personnel along with college students with proper ID is available in all price ranges until February 26th. The Bell Auditorium is located at 712 Telfair Street in Augusta, Georgia; doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm.

A press conference to announce the event was held this past Tuesday at Mayor Deke Copenhaver’s office in Augusta.

Said Augusta native Whitfield, “I’m thrilled to be fighting for the NABO Flyweight Title against Sergio Espinoza, but most importantly I’m very happy and proud to be able to fight at home in front of my family and friends. The support that I receive here at home is outstanding and I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance in my hometown on February 27th.

Mayor Copenhaver was effusive with his praise for Whitfield, “We’re all very proud of Rayonta. He’s accomplished a great deal both as an amateur and professional, and Augusta looks forward to cheering him on in his bout against Espinoza on the 27th.”

The 28 year old Whitfield, 23-1-0 (11KO’s) is currently world ranked #4 by the IBF and #5 by the WBO. He is coming off an eight round unanimous decision win over Evaristo Primero on October 10th in Houston.

On February 7, 2009, Whitfield battled WBO champion Omar Navarez in Chubut, Argentina evenly over nine rounds before the bout was abruptly halted in the champions’ hometown although Whitfield was unhurt and fully able to continue in the battle.

Hailing from San Diego, California, the 31 year old Espinoza brings a record of 16-6-1 with five knockouts into the title bout with Whitfield. Espinoza is a staple in the highly competitive Southern California boxing scene where he is known for his numerous world class battles over his nine year professional career.

The co-main event will feature outstanding junior lightweight prospect Mickey Bey Jr. in a ten round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental Title. After a highly successful amateur career, the 26 year old Cleveland, Ohio native has amassed an undefeated professional record of 15-0-0 (8KO’s). Last year, amongst his three wins was an eight round decision over highly regarded prospect Rashad Ganaway on August 22nd in Houston, Texas.

The undercard includes outstanding newcomers; welterweight Joseph Elegele, 3-0-0 (2KO’s) of Melbourne, Florida and junior featherweight Robert Rodriguez, 1-0-0, from Greeley, Colorado. Additional bouts and further details on the undercard will be announced shortly.

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.