The World’s Greatest Ever Light Heavyweight Boxers

Posted on | October 15, 2009 | No Comments

‘The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer’ Three-Day Celebration Dec. 11-13 in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (October 15, 2009) — The nominees in the Light Heavyweight division of the “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” promotion ranges from 1880, starting with Bob Fitzsimmons, right up to contemporary times with eight-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr.

The winners in the eight divisions, plus “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer,” will be announced Sunday, December 13, the final day of a three-day celebration of these outstanding boxers in The Paris Las Vegas.

The weekend event is being presented by Greatest Ever Enterprises, which already has done “world’s greatest” tributes on two continents in the sports of soccer and rugby.

On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to select the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer.”

The 10 Light Heavyweight nominees, listed in no particular order, with a brief profile:

GENE “The Fighting Marine” TUNNEY– 61-1-1, 45 KOs, 1 NC …International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) inductee…American…Pro Years: 1915-1928…retired as heavyweight world champion…member of the U.S. Marines Sports Hall of Fame…Notable Victories: Jack Dempsey, Tommy Gibbons and Georges Carpentier.

GEORGES “The Orchid Man” CARPENTIER — 88-14-6, 56 KOs, 1 ND …IBHOF inductee…French…Pro Years: 1908-1926…European champion…fought Jack Dempsey in first $1 million gate…French aviator during World War I…became a boxing referee after retirement from the ring…Notable Victories: Billy Wells, Ed Smith, and “Battling” Levinsky.

BILLY “The Pittsburgh Kid” CONN — 63-12-1, 14 KOs…IBHOF inductee…American…Pro Years: 1935-1948…famous for fight against Joe Louis in which he led late but lost when he went for a knockout….in first televised heavyweight world championship bout in rematch with Louis…Notable Victories: Fritzie Zivic, Solly Krieger, Fred Apostoli, Teddy Yarosz, “Young” Corbett III, Melio Bettina (2), Gus Lesvenich (2), Al McCoy and Tony Zale.

EZZARD “The Cincinnati Cobra” CHARLES — 96-25-1, 58 KOs…IBHOF inductee…American…Pro Years: 1940-1959…missed two years of boxing during World War II when he was in the U.S. Army…Notable Victories: Archie Moore (2), Charles Burley, Joey Maxim, “Jersey” Joe Walcott and Joe Louis.

JOE “Pride of Wales” CALZAGHE — 46-0, 32 KOs…Welch…Pro Years: 1993-2008…third European fighter to retire unbeaten…World Boxing Organization super middleweight champion 10 years, longest running skein in modern times…also World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council champion…Notable Victories: Chris Eubank, Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones, Jr.

ROY JONES, JR — 54-5, 40 KOs…American…Pro Years: 1989-Present…eight-time world champion in four divisions…1990s Fighter of the Decade…first middleweight in more than 100 years to win world heavyweight title…silver medalist in 1988 Olympics but selected as Outstanding Fighter…Notable Victories: Otis Grant, Jeff Lacy, Virgil Hill, Antonio Tarver, Lou Del Valle, David Telesco, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, Vinny Pazienza, Richard Hall, John Ruiz, Eric Lucas, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffith and Eric Harding.

MICHAEL “Jinx” SPINKS — 31-1, 21 KOs…IBHOF inductee…American…Pro Years: 1977-1988…93-7 as an amateur, 1976 Olympic gold medal winner…Notable Victories: David Conteh, Murray Sutherland (2), Marvin Johnson, Gerry Cooney, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Vonzell Johnson, Dwight Muhammad Qawi and Larry Holmes (2).

BOB FOSTER — 56-8-1, 46 KOs…IBHOF inductee…American…Pro Years: 1961-1978…detective in the Albuquerque Sheriff’s office…first boxer to cut Muhammad Ali…Notable Victories: Henry Hank, Dick Tiger and Vincente Rondon.

ARCHIE “The Old Mongoose” MOORE — 183-24-10, 131 KOs, 1 NC …IBHOF inductee…American…Pro Years: 1935-1963…recorded the most career knockouts (131)…Notable Victories: Holman Williams, Jimmy Bivens, Harold Johnson, Joey Maxim, Eddie Cotton and Yvon Durelle.

BOB “Ruby Robert” FITZSIMMONS — 74-9-3, 67 KOs, 3 ND…IBHOF inductee…British…Pro Years: 1885-1914…one of the longest careers in boxing history…moved at age of nine to New Zealand…first three-time divisional world champion…Wyatt Earp refereed his disqualification loss to Tom Sharkey…Notable Victories: Jim Corbett, George Gardiner, Jack Dempsey and Tom Sharkey.

The categories represent the eight original weight-class divisions: strawweights are included in the flyweight category while super middleweights are in the light heavyweight division. The other divisions are bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight and heavyweight. Many boxers fought and won titles at a number of different weights. As much as possible they have been nominated in the division in which they made their biggest impact. Boxers have not been nominated on the basis of whether they would have beaten another boxer in that division, although this is, of course, a consideration. More important is their overall record, as well as whom they fought at the time, plus the impact they made on the boxing world. All nominees are listed in the voting section at www.GreatestEver.com.

Many of the events Dec. 11-13 will be held at the Paris Las Vegas, including a welcoming reception Friday (Dec. 11) and official weigh-in for the next day’s pro boxing card; world-class boxing show featuring Team USA versus Team Europe, plus an exclusive after-card party following the bouts on Saturday (Dec. 12); “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” black-tie awards dinner Sunday (Dec. 13). Internationally renowned entertainment will be featured at the dinner. A second exclusive party follows the awards dinner and show.

The boxing card and awards dinner will be televised to six continents and hundreds of millions of households. Other events in association with “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” will be held throughout Southern Nevada.

The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the national charity for “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer.” Affiliations with Southern Nevada-based not-for-profits will be announced.

NEW VOTING CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED

Fans worldwide have been voting for their Greatest Ever Boxers in the eight traditional voting categories since June and in response to the debate that has been generated, three new voting categories are being introduced for Greatest Ever Fight, Greatest Ever Trainer and Greatest Ever Promoter. The nominations for these categories will be released shortly to the global vote.

NEW TICKET PACKAGES

Events Only tickets are now available for the US vs. The World fight card (Super VIP at $150, Platinum at $100, VIP at $80 and Gold at $65. The fight card plus hospitality packages are Super VIP at $500, Platinum at $400, VIP at $250 and Gold at $150), as well as for the Greatest Ever Dinner Awards Ceremony and Entertainment (Super VIP at $1000, Platinum at $800, VIP at $450 and Gold at $250).

USBA JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Posted on | October 15, 2009 | No Comments

ENNIS VS. ALBERT—POWER PRODUCTIONS 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW THIS FRIDAT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

PHILADELPHIA (OCTOBER 14TH, 2009)—Wednesday at The Fox and Hound in Center City Philadelphia, Derek “Pooh” Ennis led a group of fighters that will be participating on this Friday night’s big show at The Legendary Blue Horizon that will showcase Ennis taking on Eromosele Albert for the USBA Jr. Middleweight title.

Albert was not present as he was en route from Miami for this very important fight.

The fight will highlight Power Productions 10th anniversary show.

Greg Robinson (Promoter Power Productions)—“It’s been ten years, a long time and I never thought I would make it to this point, fifty-plus shows later and we are still here”

“We are going to do this Power style with great fights and great entertainment.”

“Our 1st show was October 19th, 199 with Calvin Davis fighting for the Pennsylvania State title and now we are back on October 16th, 2009 at the place where it all began, The Legendary Blue Horizon”

Derek “Pooh” Ennis (18-2-1, 12 KO’s, Jr. Middleweight contender who will be fighting for the USBA Title) —“I hope everybody comes out as I will put on a spectacular show”
“I am in shape and ready to box. Hit and not get hit”
“After I beat him, I am ready to take on all comers next”

Tyric Robinson (9-4-1, 3 KO.s—Jr. Welterweight)—“I don’t need to talk too much but I am ready”
“I sparred Vasquez once or twice and it really doesn’t matter”
“its like I have an X on my head as everybody in Philly wants to fight me.”

Derrick Webster (2-0, 1 Ko—Middleweight)—“I am in good shape and looking to get better fight by fight”

Rachel Clark (3-2-1, 2 KO’s—Jr. Middleweight)—“I have a good management team and the best is yet to come”

Coy Evans (4-0-1—Super Featherweight)—“I am ready to fight everybody. I have never complained about fighting anyone

The special 10th anniversary show will feature a special awards ceremony as well as a video highlighting the best fights from the ten years of Power Productions.

THE FIGHT WILL BE SEEN LIVE ALL OVER THE WORLD ON www.gofightlive.tv

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $60, $40, and $30 can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-215-336-2000, Power Productions at 1-215-240-9987 or Total Car Care Detailing at 1-267-385-7648. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

MIXED FIGHT LEAGUE PREMIERE EVENT OCTOBER 17th

Posted on | October 15, 2009 | No Comments

Montreal, October 14th 2009 – The Mixed Fight League would like to remind you that the first MFL event, MFL 1 : The Beginning, will take place on October 17th at the Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard located at 1000, Emile-Journault Ave. in Montreal, Quebec.

Also, the day before the event, on October 16th, the MFL is going to held its official weigh-ins and the press conference under the supervision of the athletic commission, the Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec. This promotional event, which will be both opened to media and general, is going to take place at the Best Western Hotel in Brossard (7746 Blvd. Taschereau, Brossard).

It will be an honor for the Mixed Fight League to welcome the fans, explain its vision, and inform them about the sport and its regulation. Moreover, fans and media will have the opportunity to meet some of the fighters.

(185) Bruno Lurette vs Fred Bélanger
(170) Alex Garcia vsTJ Colletti
(155) Sébastien Vachon vs Jeff Royer
(145) Brian Da Silva vs Sébastien Hamel
(145) Guillaume Fortier vs Éric Dumaine
(155) Stephane Chretien vs Kevin Morin
(135) Dimitri Waardenburg vs Pierrot Marcoux
(185) Marcus Celestin vs Marc Blackburn
(170) Yannick Galipeau vs Patrick Tessier
(215) Yan Pellerin vs Jason Cecil
(170) Derek Gauthier vs Mike Medrano
(155) Guillaume Delorenzi vs Sebastien Garguier
(145) Thierry Quenneville vs Tim Tamaki

Montreal, October 15th 2009 – ERRATUM – The Mixed Fight League wants to inform you that despite the previous announcement about the press conference and official weigh-ins to take place at 2:00pm, due to a exceptional and uncontrollable circumstances, the MFL recently had to reschedule and prepone this event to 1:00pm, at the same venue, the Best Western Hotel which is located at 7746, Taschereau Bvd., Brossard.

JAKE SHIELDS & JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER & SCOTT COKER CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES

Posted on | October 14, 2009 | No Comments

Wednesday, Oct. 14

PLAYBACK INFO:

U.S. Toll Free: 800-355-2355

International: 402-220-2946

Playback Passcode: 58067#

*The Playback will be available for: 24 days.

Jake Shields (23-4-1), of San Francisco, will face Jason “Mayhem” Miller (22-6), of Hollywood, Calif., for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Title. Both participated in a national media conference call to discuss their upcoming fight on the STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global: “Fedor vs. Rogers” event LIVE on Saturday, Nov. 7 on CBS Television Network (9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) from Sears Centre Arena in Chicago.

In the main event, world No. 1 ranked heavyweight fighter Fedor Emelianenko will face undefeated American powerhouse Brett “The Grim” Rogers in his first fight since Emelianenko’s promotional company M-1 Global signed an agreement with STRIKEFORCE to co-promote major events headlined by Emelianenko. In other fights on CBS: Fabricio Werdum will face Antonio “Big Foot” Silva in a matchup of two promising Brazilian heavyweights. Gegard Mousasi battles Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou in a light heavyweight matchup.

HIGHLIGHTS:

SCOTT COKER

“As far as stacked cards go our history with our promotions with SHOWTIME and now with CBS our cards have always been stacked from top to bottom. And I think that’s one of the great things for our fans is that they get to watch not one but two, three, four, five fights. They get to see great fights and the stars. And it’s no difference with our Chicago card. You get to watch Fedor, Jake and Miller … and it’s all for free and you don’t have to pay $49.95. So we’ll continue this journey of putting on cards with fights four or five bouts deep. That’s the mandate. To book as much talent and get the greatest fights that we can.”

Do you plan to bring in some local fighters to fight on the undercard? “We will be working with some of the local gyms and looking over some of the local fighters and having them come in and compete.”

What is your plan for the middleweight title after this fight? “Right now there are a couple people in mind and we’ll determine that when this fight is over.”

What about Cung Le? “Cung let the belt go because he has other movie opportunities right now and hopefully he’ll be back soon. He understands what a commitment it is to be an MMA fighter and we’re going to move forward and see how it goes.”

JAKE SHIELDS

“I want to say I’m very excited to be on this card. It’s going to be a great night for the fans. Going back to CBS is huge. This will be my third time fighting on CBS and I really appreciate the exposure.”

“I think it’s going to be a great fight. We match up pretty well. It’s going to be non-stop action. I’m in great shape and I’m sure he will be also. This is a big opportunity for him.”

On being friends with his opponent: “We’re cool with each other. We’ve gone out a few times. It’s not like we sit at home and talk with each other on the phone or anything.”

At this point, Miller jumps in: “You’re breaking my heart, man. I thought you were my best friend. I thought we had a connection.”

Continued Shields: “I have fun hangin’ out with him but I have no problem punching him in the face either. When we get done with the fight we’ll be cool but we won’t have any problem once we’re in the ring.

“Hopefully it’ll be an easy fight but if not we’ll hopefully just beat the crap out of each other and make the fans happy.”

Have you been focusing more on your stand up for this fight? “I’ve been working on every aspect for this fight. I’ve been doing boxing, kick boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu, conditioning. I’ve been working on everything. I haven’t been working on just one approach to fighting “Mayhem.” I’m just working on every aspect.”

JASON “MAYHEM” MILLER

“It’s great that Fedor will be on the undercard of this show. What? What? Oh, nevermind, I guess I’m on the undercard for Fedor. I’m really pumped and excited for Strikeforce who it appears is making some big, big moves in the MMA world”

About the attention he will be receiving over the next couple of weeks: “You know, if they stick a microphone in myself I’ll rip on it. I want everybody to know about this fight and I want everybody to watch this fight. If the MMA fans don’t know about this fight then it’s not my fault because I’m twittering, facebook-ing and myspace-ing and doing whatever I can for it.”

On his friendship with Shields: “If he knocks me out I’ll be very sore at him for one night. Nah, I’ve fought my own Dad so many times and we’re still friends. It all comes down to competition. I think it’s very strange for the common reporter to understand that we’re trying to hurt each other as bad as we can in those 25 minutes inside the cage but that afterwards we can be buddies because that’s our job and it’s just a competition.”

“If the media wants us to we can hate each other.”

“I’m going to put some showmanship into it. That’s not that common in the shows here in America but if I can put some flair into it and people are going to be talking about it around the water cooler on Monday, well there you go. That’s the way to capitalize that we’re on CBS, regular television where you can get it on your bunny ears.”

On Robbie Lawler being the only common opponent. Will you watch that fight? “I’m not going to focus too big on the Lawler fight as a source of inspiration for this fight coming up. I know Jake has a lot of things I have to avoid and that he also has a lot of chinks in his armor and things that I can exploit but the Lawler fight for me is not my No. 1 choice to watch.”

Where were you when you heard that you’d be fighting on CBS Nov. 7? “I don’t know. I had kind of heard it was shaping up and then it came together. And I was like, ‘Oh, I am fighting’ so I better start training harder than that. I’ve from Missouri: the Show Me state so it wasn’t till they showed me that I believed it. It wasn’t like ‘Where were you when Kennedy was shot.’ It wasn’t like I was holding a coconut and I dropped it when they told me.”

On fighting on CBS: “Is there like some kind of special mat that we fight on for CBS that is thicker than other mats that’s going to make us slower or not used to? I don’t think at this stage of my career I’m going to be nervous or worries about anything. Those days are far behind me; to be overly excited because everyone is watching me. There’s no disadvantage to that. If anything it’s an advantage because I know everyone is watching and I’m more focused and more ready to do this.”

Tickets, starting at $35, are on sale now at the Sears Centre Arena box office (www.searscentre.com) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Mr. Smith goes to Mohegan Sun; Spina-Del Valle headlines Oct. 31st “Fright Night at The Sun”

Posted on | October 14, 2009 | No Comments

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 14, 2009) – Highly-touted Long Island light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. makes his long-anticipated pro debut Oct. 31 on the “Fright Night At The Sun” card, headlined by world-rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina against former world champion Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle in the 10-round main event, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

“Fright Night At The Sun” is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Mohegan Sun Casino.

“Nobody hits harder than this kid (Smith),” said Phil Capobianco, one of the key managerial members of Team Smith. “He’s a throwback fighter; one tough, good-looking street kid. Boxing is his life. He’s a stand-up fighter with a left hook to the body like Gerry Cooney’s.”

The 20-year-old Smith, fighting out of Mastic (Long Island), has been an amateur boxer the past seven years, in which he captured numerous titles, including top honors in the prestigious 2008 New York Golden Gloves Tournament.

“I’m excited about making my pro debut and not many fighters get a chance to do it at a major casino like Mohegan Sun,” Smith noted. “I’m a puncher-boxer with all of the tools. I do everything. It’s time for me to turn pro. I’m not sure who I will be fighting yet, but he better worry about fighting me. I don’t care who I fight. I’ll fight anybody. I’m working hard in the gym with (trainer) Derek (Capobianco). I feel that I’ll be a champion someday.”

“We’re all very excited about Joe making his pro debut on our card,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield remarked. “He’s a good-looking Irish kid from New York City who can really fight – perhaps the next Micky Ward. Fans are going to love him. He’s a real scrapper – a boxer and a puncher. The Capobianco family is really high on Joe and that says a lot. They have been a big part of New York City boxing for years. The father, John, was an amateur boxer in the ‘40s who later started training Gerry Cooney. John’s four sons all were amateur boxers — light heavyweights, the same as Joe – and John Jr. was 21-5 as a pro.”

Spina (25-1-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, is rated between the top 12 to 15 contenders in each of the four major boxing organizations, while the slick Del Valle (36-6-1, 22 KOs), a New York southpaw, has never been stopped in 43 pro bouts.

A terrific 10-round co-feature has been added to “Fright Night At The Sun,” featuring one of the hottest prospects on the East Coast, UBC junior welterweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (15-0-1, 9 KOs) against an opponent to be determined.

On the undercard in separate four-round bouts are a pair of promising Hartford (CT) prospects from Puerto Rico, Hartford junior middleweight David Bauza (2-0, 2 KOs) against Rafael Jastrzebski, and light welterweight Edwin Soto (1-0, 1 KO) versus pro debuting Rasheed Francis.

Also fighting on the undercard – representing the Polish community – is undefeated lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski (5-0, 2 KOs), a 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament runner-up from Quincy (MA), in a 4-round bout against Israel Suarez of Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Unbeaten Philadelphia lightweight Frank Trader (6-0, 2 KOs) – another hot prospect from the City of Brotherly Love – meets Gustavo Daily in another 4-rounder. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Fright Night At The Sun,” priced at $27.00, $50.00 and $80.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Ticketmaster customers may log on to www.ticketmaster.com, call Ticketmaster’s national toll-free charge by phone (1.800.745.3000) or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Mohegan Sun (www.mohegansun.com). Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET.

-CES-

BERNARD HOPKINS RETURNS TO FIGHT IN PHILADELPHIA FOR “BROAD STREET BRAWL” ON DECEMBER 2 AT THE LIACOURAS CENTER

Posted on | October 14, 2009 | No Comments

THE LEGENDARY “EXECUTIONER” TO FACE ENRIQUE ORNELAS LIVE ON VERSUS NETWORK AT 8 P.M. ET
PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 14) – Long synonymous with the fighting city of Philadelphia, future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins’ remarkable career will continue in his hometown on Wednesday, December 2, when “The Executioner,” who will be fighting in Philly for the first time since 2003, faces hard-hitting Enrique Ornelas at the Liacouras Center at Temple University. The 12-round light heavyweight bout will be televised live on VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country, at 8 p.m. ET.

In addition to fighting for his fans, Hopkins will be fighting for charity as he has committed to donating one dollar from each ticket sold to three select charities. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley, to which Hopkins will donate in memory of Shaun Negler, one of his biggest fans, whose last wish was to attend Hopkins’ fight against Joe Calzaghe before succumbing to brain cancer in late 2008 at the age of 18, will be one beneficiary. The second recipient of the fight’s proceeds will be The Hero Thrill Show, an annual day of events designed to raise money for the education of relatives of deceased police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty while protecting Philadelphia. Finally, one dollar will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. in memory of Hopkins’ deceased mother Shirley who suffered from breast cancer and in recognition of all those who are currently battling the disease.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to once again bring a fight to the city of Philadelphia,” said Hopkins, the former middleweight champion who owns a perfect 10-0 record in Philly. “A lot has changed in my career since I fought here six years ago and I want to give my fans the chance to see me fight again at home. To top it off, a portion of the proceeds from this fight will go to three charities that are extremely important to me. December 2 is going to be a great night for boxing and a great night for Philadelphia.”

“Fighting Bernard Hopkins is an honor and I thank him for the opportunity,” said Ornelas. “But once the bell rings, I’m going to do everything in my power to beat him and show the world what I can do when the spotlight is shining brightest.”

“Broad Street Brawl”: Hopkins vs. Ornelas is presented by Golden Boy Promotions East and will be televised live on VERSUS beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first bell rings at 6 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, will go on sale on Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. ET exclusively through ComcastTIX on line at ComcastTIX.com, by calling 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.

A man who needs no introduction to fight fans, Philadelphia native Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (49-5-1, 32 KO’s) already assured himself a spot in the boxing Hall of Fame with his more than 10-year reign as champion atop the middleweight division with a record 20 successful title defenses. Never one to rest on his laurels, in 2006 Hopkins moved up in weight and recorded a huge win over Antonio Tarver to win the light heavyweight title. With his subsequent win over Winky Wright and his destruction of the younger and then undefeated Kelly Pavlik in his most recent bout in October of 2008, Hopkins is showing the world that life begins at 40. Now 44 years young, Hopkins is back in action and eager to continue to show the young guns how it’s done.

Hard-hitting, Enrique Ornelas (29-5, 19 KO’s) has emerged from the shadow of his older brother, super middleweight contender Librado Andrade, and carved out his own niche in the fight game with his aggressive style and fight-ending power. Fresh off of a fourth round stoppage of Roberto Baro in July, the 29-year-old Los Angeles based native of Jesus Del Monte, Guanajuato Mexico is eager to put his mark in the history books by becoming one of the few fighters to own a win over Bernard Hopkins.

Despite being home to such legendary fighters such as “Smokin” Joe Frazier, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Meldrick “The Kid” Taylor, Jeff Chandler and Tommy Loughran, Philadelphia may be known to fight fans mainly for the great middleweights it has produced over the years, including Bernard Hopkins, Bennie Briscoe, Willie ‘The Worm’ Monroe and Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts. These 160-pound warriors made their names in such storied venues as the Blue Horizon and the Spectrum and with their never surrender attitude in the ring, they let the world know just what it meant to be a “Philly Fighter”. Hopkins is modern day Philadelphia boxing’s link to that tradition and will look to prove it on December 2 in front of his hometown fans in what could be his last fight in the City of Brotherly Love.

A full slate of exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

The Liacouras Center at Temple University is managed by Global Spectrum, Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) is the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 80 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, a regional sports programming network, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

BERNARD HOPKINS

“At the end of the day this fight is not about me. It’s not about me because I wanted to do something good and bring something good to Philadelphia. I have to win this fight for the big picture.

“If I come out of this fight with zero balance in my pocket I am good. I am not looking to get Vegas money or Atlantic City money.

“We got VERSUS involved. They are expanding into all different cities. They are putting Philly on the map. We are bringing boxing back to Philly. We are giving back to the community.

“I don’t have to call media and say I am writing a check. I am putting all of these elements into a pot of what I think is the best soup you can make.

“The only reason this is about me, is because I didn’t want to sit around and wait for a fight to come along. I make things happen. I thought to myself, ‘How can I take something that some media may perceive as me sitting and waiting for someone to fight, and turn it into something good?’ I needed to come up with something that can bring life back to the city of Philadelphia.

“Enrique is a tough customer and I know from his record he is strong, never backs down and comes to fight. I will train very hard for this fight like I do for every fight. I know it is going to be a tough fight. When they asked me about fighting him I told them I don’t want to be a part of making the matches, as long as it fits the bill I am fine with it.

“People asking me about the Roy Jones fight but I am not thinking about that right now. He will be fighting the same night across the world and we both have to take care of what is first in front of us before I start thinking about fighting him. And don’t forget I am 44 years old and it wouldn’t be smart of me to think ahead. I only have to think about who is right there in front of me.

“Philadelphia is hot and it is going to get hotter because of boxing. We have the talent now we just need the outlets. Now we have it. December 2 the chapter begins. Not only does my boxing career continue, but the promotion of me and of our company (Golden Boy Promotions) is going to invade Philadelphia that night too. That is where it starts, through me that night.

“This is something for the young fighters that are here today. (To the fighters) This where I pull you all up for all of us, but I can’t fight for you. This is where I give back, but I do it quietly.

“We want to give an opportunity for the young fighters from Philadelphia to get a fan base. Philadelphia was once known for its boxing history and it has lost that and I want to make history in another era where I bring it back.

“Everything we are doing, someone can relate and understand that this is a good thing and it is coming form the heart. Now I realize that this is the best way to do it. To accomplish a lot of things in one act. Come out to see a 44 years young, not old, to inspire all the guys who are old to become young again.

“All I can say is enjoy me why I am here. If you can do it at this age, then understand that once it’s gone it might not be exposed to you in your lifetime. I am here to give you that history.”

ENRIQUE ORNELAS

“I am looking forward to the fight. I want everyone to know I am going to train my hardest and it is going to be a great night.

“Thank you to those who spread the word and make sure you let people know that December 2 is going to be a night fight fans won’t want to miss.

“This is the opportunity of a life time and I am going to step it up and go toe-to-toe with Bernard Hopkins.”

NAZIM RICHARDSON, Hopkins’ Trainer

“Enrique is a hell of a challenge. Enrique is a Mexican Joe Frazier…and you all can take it from there.

“When Bernard told me he was fighting Enrique, I said ‘what the hell for?’ He isn’t a guy you go and pick a fight with.

“Come out and see this fight, because you are going to be very impressed with this young man, but Bernard is from a different era.

“I have always said that Bernard is fighting in the wrong era. The words ‘legend’ and ‘champion’ are thrown around too much. If a kid throws two punches in the gym, he is called a legend. Everybody has a belt. But Hopkins is really a legend and you are going to regret the fact that he was right there for you to come and see fight and you didn’t do it. So come and see him fight December 2.

“You are going to want to be able to say to your kids and grand kids that you saw Bernard Hopkins. This man needs to be appreciated as he is an exceptional athlete. He is one of the most dedicated human beings I know, and all that he does he makes everyone around him want to be a better person.”

LIBRADO ANDRADE, Ornelas’ Brother

“My brother has all the skills the world. I don’t know how he has lost any of his fights. The only person who doesn’t see that as true is my brother himself.

“Our family can’t thank Bernard enough for giving my brother this opportunity.

“I get criticized for taking a lot of punches in the ring. I just want to fight and I don’t care if I get hit and I hope this fight that my brother makes the best of this fight.

“One thousand thank yous and more to Bernard.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This is a homecoming for one of the biggest fighters ever to come out of Philadelphia. There are four great sports franchises in Philadelphia, but there is a fifth franchise and that franchise is boxing and boxing is Bernard Hopkins.

“This fight is important for Bernard and it is a great opportunity for Enrique Ornelas.

“Oscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions will be matching the donation made by Bernard Hopkins to the charities to which he chose to donate.

“By coming to support Bernard you will be supporting these organizations and the city of Philadelphia.”

RUDY BATTLE, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission

“Enrique Ornelas is a tough and tenacious boxer and I expect a closely contested fight in each round.

“The city of Philadelphia has always been a sports town. It has always been known as a fight town and I am hoping that this particular event will regenerate a command for future boxing events being held in the city of Philadelphia.”

# # #

Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins’ remarkable career will continue in his hometown on Wednesday, December 2, when “The Executioner,” who will be fighting in Philly for the first time since 2003, faces hard-hitting Enrique Ornelas at theLiacouras Center at Temple University. The 12-round light heavyweight bout will be televised live on VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country, at 8 p.m. ET.

In addition to fighting for his fans, Hopkins will be fighting for charity as he has committed to donating one dollar from each ticket sold to three select charities. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley, to which Hopkins will donate in memory of Shaun Negler, one of his biggest fans, whose last wish was to attend Hopkins’ fight against Joe Calzaghe before succumbing to brain cancer in late 2008 at the age of 18, will be one beneficiary. The second recipient of the fight’s proceeds will be The Hero Thrill Show, an annual day of events designed to raise money for the education of relatives of deceased police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty while protecting Philadelphia. Finally, one dollar will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. in memory of Hopkins’ deceased mother Shirley who suffered from breast cancer and in recognition of all those who are currently battling the disease.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, will go on sale on Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. ET exclusively through ComcastTIX on line at ComcastTIX.com, by calling 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.

Cool Boxing Links (10-14-09)

Posted on | October 14, 2009 | No Comments

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Cool Wrestling Links (10-14-09)

Posted on | October 14, 2009 | No Comments

Seven Lehigh University wrestlers ranked

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