PO’AI SUGANUMA-JARED HAMMAN REMATCH HIGHLIGHTS STELLAR ELITEXC FIGHT CARD ON FRIDAY NIGHT, AUG. 15, AT TABLE MOUNTAIN CASINO, FRIANT, CALIF.

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | No Comments

Event Will Include Return Of Camoes Against Morgan, Terrific Women’s Match Between Purcell And Sexton, Diabate vs. Fletcher And KOTC champ Berry Defending Against Lizama (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, Delayed on the west coast)

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 7, 2008) – Same network, same venue, same fighters. It’s only fitting.

In a rematch of a fight that demanded one, promising, once-beaten light heavyweights Po’ai Suganuma (9-1) of Hilo, Hawaii, and Jared Hamman (10-1) of San Bernardino, Calif., will clash in the main event on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series Friday, Aug. 15, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) at Table Mountain Casino at Friant, Calif.

Suganuma handed Hamman his lone loss in a controversial fight that lasted all of 15 seconds in the main event last April 5 at the Table Mountain Casino on ShoXC.

ShoXC, an EliteXC presentation that pits developing fighters in tough match ups, is a springboard for the future stars and champions of EliteXC. ShoXC is patterned after the popular SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation.

Tickets, priced at $50 (General Admission), $60 (Reserved), $70 (Gold) and $80 (VIP), are available at the Main Casino Cage at Table Mountain Casino. They also can be purchased online at www.tmcasino.com/tickets.html. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. First live fight is at 5:30 p.m. PT.

In other SHOWTIME fights, Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (10-4) of San Diego meets Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-10) of St. Paul, Minn., at 160 pounds; Muay Thai striking specialist Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate (14-6-1) of France will make his EliteXC debut against ShoXC veteran Jaime Fletcher (9-3) of San Bernardino, Calif., at 205 pounds; and for the first time ever, EliteXC will showcase a title fight from one its sister organizations, King of the Cage, when KOTC middleweight champion Keith “KO Kid’’ Berry (7-2) of Las Vegas by way of Murrieta, Calif., takes on Ray Lizama (5-5) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Also on SHOWTIME, EliteXC will introduce a new women’s weight class (130 pounds) when one of the few true pioneers of women’s mixed martial arts, Debi Purcell (4-1) of Laguna Hills, Calif., faces Cage Warriors champion Rosi Sexton (8-1) of Manchester, England.

Non-televised bouts: Promising, exciting Melanie LaCroix (1-0) of Los Angeles vs. Katrina Alendale (0-2) of San Francisco at 140 pounds; Ralph Lopez (3-0) of Fresno, Calif., vs. Roberto Vargas (2-0) of San Bernardino at 150 pounds; Josh Rave (8-4) of Fresno vs. Jesse Brock (6-3) of Sacramento at 140 pounds; Mike Moreno (3-2) of Fresno vs. Lucas Gumaza (2-0) of Stockton, Calif., at 170 pounds; and Marcus Levesser (5-2) of Fresno vs. Josh McDonald (3-3) of San Francisco at 160 pounds.

The SHOWTIME and non-televised fights are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds with the exception of Purcell-Sexton and LaCroix-Alendale, which are slated for three, 3-minute rounds. Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews only at ProElite.com. Fighter pages are below.

Suganuma had landed a nasty overhand right, followed by a flying knee combination that rocked and floored Hamman. But a moment before he could pounce and land what potentially might have been the finishing blow, or blows, he was pulled off by the referee and declared a TKO winner.

The generally gentleman-like Hamman was lived afterward. “I don’t know what happened or why it was stopped,’’ he said. “I wasn’t hurt and felt completely fine. I wanted to keep fighting. I felt I could keep fighting. I don’t make excuses. I absolutely want a rematch if he wants to give me one.’’

Suganuma was quick to oblige. “Nobody likes to win by controversial decision,’’ he said. “I thought I had him dazed but I don’t think he was completely out. I was a little surprised the ref did what he did but only because I wanted to hit Hamman again. If he wants to fight again, let’s do it. I’m down.”

Hamman has won all 10 of his MMA fights by stoppage – eight by TKO and two by submission. A college football coach at the University of Redlands (Calif.) and former football star at California Atascadero High, Hamman has yet to have a fight enter the third round.

Suganuma majored in computer science in college. After moving to Japan in late 2004, where he worked as a singer, ukulele player and English teacher, Suganuma became interested in wrestling.

An avid weight-lifter, he won a grappling competition and, then, after a month of training, made his MMA debut. He won his first five before losing a fight stopped due to cuts in August 2006. Suganuma returned shortly thereafter to Hilo, his hometown, to train with BJ Penn. He has gone 4-0 since.

The winner of the Suganuma-Hamman rematch could wind up fighting Rafael Feijao, who has looked like a one-man wrecking crew since joining EliteXC.

Camoes, who has won five in a row, was sensational in his EliteXC and United States debut last April 5 at Table Mountain Casino. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu making his first start since Oct. 7, 2006, he scored a scintillating 3:30, first-round TKO (strikes) over Joe Camacho on ShoXC.

“I didn’t think it would end that fast,’’ said the talented Camoes, who once went 27 minutes with Anderson Silva before losing. “I’m very happy. I wanted to give a spectacular showing. I came to the U.S. to fight for the belt. I look forward to fighting anybody that will get me closer to achieving my goal.’’

Morgan has made a career of re-inventing himself. Fans’ jaws dropped when he stopped Duane Ludwig in the first round in April 2005, and now he’ll try to regain his winning ways after losing his last pair to world-class Paul “Semtex” Daley and Cung Le in January 2008 and November 2007, respectively.

A hard-trying former welterweight and competitor on “The Ultimate Fighter 2,” Morgan won the first two minutes against Daley before losing by first-round TKO and he showed great heart against Le and caught and rocked Le, the Strikeforce champion, a few times before losing by third-round TKO.

“I’ll be ready,’’ said Morgan, who got into MMA “to help vent some off my life issues. I just kept doing it. I want to fight all the top name guys. I’m not scared of any of them. I still feel I’m getting better all the time. Every fight for me is all or nothing. This will be a very good and interesting fight. ’’

Purcell, who’s as responsible as anybody for helping put woman’s MMA on the map, and the talented Sexton recently signed multi-fight deals with EliteXC.

They join a group of EliteXC female fighters that includes, among others, Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg, Tonya Evinger, Shayna Baszler, Julie Kedzie, Kaitlin Young and LaCroix.

Long regarded as one of the world’s toughest women and one of a few to hold a black belt in Ruas Vale Tudo, Purcell has trained in fitness and MMA for more than 20 years, with competitive experience also in submission grappling, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, Tae Kwon Do and gymnastics.

Purcell was the first woman to compete and win in King of the Cage, headlined the first-ever all female NHB card in the U.S., owns a win in Hook N Shoot, was an Ultimate Wrestler world title belt-holder and was the first and only female coach in the International Fight League (IFL).

On the recent popularity surge of women’s MMA, Purcell said, “It’s awesome. I’ve been telling promoters for years what women could bring to the sport. I’ve always thought that if you brought in skilled women and put them on a fight card, it would bring in the fans. We come to fight, always give everything we have and it’s always exciting. You never see a boring women’s fight.’’

The founder of fightergirls.com, Purcell will be making her first start since dropping a decision to Hitomi Akano at a Smackgirl event in Japan on Feb. 15, 2006.

Sexton, one of the most courted women in the game before signing with EliteXC, is fighting for the first time since scoring a second-round submission (armbar) over Julia Berezikova on Aug. 24, 2007.

“It’s great to be involved with an international promotion of the caliber of EliteXC,” said Sexton, a submission ace who owns notable victories over Carina Damm and Tomomi “Windy Tomomi” Sunaba. “EliteXC has a very promising female division. I’m looking forward to fighting some of the top ones.’’

The much-admired Brit, a full-time mother and an osteopathy student, is keen to avenge the sole blemish on her record, a loss to Carano. “I would love a rematch with Gina,’’ Sexton said, “but the weight would be an issue. My management tells me I’m too small to be fighting at 140 pounds.’’

Since her debut in 2002, Sexton has become a stalwart of the British scene. One of a few, popular mainstays in women’s game, she has earned international acclaim for her sprightly performances.

Diabate has won five of six, including a 1:15, first-round submission (armbar) over Ryan Robinson in his most recent outing on April 21, 2007. The Frenchman was supposed to make his U.S. debut in late December 2007, but broke an ankle during training. This is his first fight back.

“It was the first time I’ve had to pull out of a fight,’’ said Diabate, whose only loss since July 2005 came to Mauricio “Shogun’’ Rua. “I was doing light sparring with takedown defense. One of my sparring partners did a takedown, trapping one of my legs at the same time. It was completely a fluke accident.’’

Fletcher will be making his third start in a row on ShoXC, where he 1-1. He earned an upset three-round unanimous decision over Aaron Rosa on March 21, 2008. In his outing before last, a fighter with decent submission abilities on the ground got submitted (armbar) by Giva Santana on Oct. 26, 2007.

Berry, 20, captured the KOTC middleweight belt at the age of 19 with a 2:05, first-round submission (triangle choke) over Sean Loeffler on Aug. 5, 2007. In his last outing, Berry, a former light heavy, submitted Omar Luv (strikes) on Dec. 2, 2007.

Lizama will be making his second ShoXC start. In his debut on Aug. 25, 2007, he came up on the wrong end of a close three-round decision to Chicago’s Hector Urbina in a tactical match in which both fighters gave their best.

“I like to fight guys who stand up in bang. That’s my game. I want knockouts,’’ Lizama said. “But with this guy, I had to concentrate more on defense. I thought the decision could have gone either way, but I can’t complain. When you leave it in the hands of hands of the judges, anything can happen.”

SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo will call the play-by-play for ShoXC with Stephen Quadros, The Fight Professor, serving as color analyst. The executive producer of ShoXC is David Dinkins, Jr. with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.

Fighter pages for televised bouts: Suganuma (http:/poaisuganuma.proelite.com), Hamman (http://jaredhamman.proelite.com), Camoes (http:/fabriciocamoes.proelite.com), Morgan (http:/sammorgan.proelite.com), Diabate (http://cyrillediabate.proelite.com), Fletcher (http://jaimefletcher.proelite.com), Purcell (http://debipurcell.proelite.com), Sexton (http://rosisexton.proelite.com), Berry (http://keithberry.proelite.com), Lizama (http://raylizama.proelite.com).

Fighter pages for non-televised bouts: LaCroix (http://melanielacroix.proelite.com), Alendale (http://katrinaalendale.proelite.com), Lopez (http://ralphlopez.proelite.com), Vargas (http://robertovargas.proelite.com), Rave (http://joshrave.proelite.com), Brock (http://jessebrock.proelite.com), Moreno (http://mikemoreno.proelite.com), Gamaza (http://lucasgamaza.proelite.com), Levesser (http://marcuslevesser.proelite.com), McDonald (http://joshmcdonald.proelite.com)

About ProElite, Inc.

ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Affliction Signs IFL Heavy Weight Champion Roy “Big Country”

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | 1 Comment

Nelson signs Multi-fight Contract

Nelson to Fight on Afflictions ‘Day of Reckoning’ Card

Scottsdale, AZ. – August 6, 2008 – Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio officially announced today during a press conference, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, that Affliction’s second event titled ‘Day Of Reckoning’ will take place on October 11th. Executives from Planet Hollywood, Roy Englebrecht Events, the NV Athletic commission and key fighters were in attendance to discuss their involvement with Afflictions next star studded MMA event at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas.

This card will follow Afflictions highly successful debut as a mixed martial arts event promoter. “Affliction Banned” premiered at the Honda Center in Anaheim California on July 19th, drawing nearly 15,000 fans and boasting exceptional pay-per-view sales. ‘Day of Reckoning’ promises the same non-stop fight action. The main event will feature Andre Arlovski taking on Josh Barnett.

“We had a phenomenal turnout at our “Affliction Banned” debut event, even better than expected’’ Atencio said. The ‘Day of Reckoning’ event will be just as impressive, the card is stacked with MMA champions such as Roy Nelson, Josh Barnett, Andre Arlovski, Paul Buentello and Vladimir Matyushenko.”

Atencio also confirmed today that Affliction has signed MMA heavyweight champion Roy “Big Country” Nelson to a multi-fight contract. Nelson, with a record of (13-2-0), trains out of MMA Legend Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den and is currently the International Fight League Heavyweight Champion. The heavyweight has won numerous grappling titles and has also competed at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Grappling Championships.

“We are excited to have Roy as a part of the Affliction fight card; he is a phenomenal fighter as well as a fan favorite. Nine of Roy’s thirteen wins have come via TKO or Submission and his only losses have come by way of decision. The fans won’t be disappointed!” states Atencio.

Nelson, who successfully defended his IFL Heavyweight title three times, is currently riding a four fight win streak and will take on Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello (26-10-0) during the ‘Day of Reckoning’ event. Buentello, who trains with the (AKA) American Kickboxing Academy, recently defeated Gary Goodridge via unanimous decision during Affliction’s debut event on July 19th.

According to MMA Legend Ken Shamrock, “Roy Nelson will put on a hell of a show, he is an exciting fighter who can finish the fight standing or on the ground. He is virtually unbeatable.”

“I am excited to be part of Affliction. I was at the Affliction Banned event and they put on a great show, they also have the best match ups in the fight industry. There are specific opponents that I would like to face in the near future, and I am confident that Affliction will make it happen.” states Nelson.

About Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den

The Lion’s Den, founded in the early 1990s by MMA Legend and UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock, is one of the most recognizable and respected names in Mixed Martial Arts. Each Lion’s Den training facility employs a world renowned team of instructors. Training programs are offered in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Sports Conditioning. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes

Each Lion’s Den facility is also represented by an elite team of athletes. The Lion’s Den Elite Fight Team is respected world wide across all MMA organizations and has achieved success in MMA competitions nationally and internationally. Lion’s Den Elite team members are hand picked by Ken Shamrock personally during a grueling tryout process.

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Ruiz challenges media critics to wager

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | No Comments

LAS VEGAS (August 7, 2008) – Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has issued a challenge to his media critics regarding his style.

Over the years, Ruiz often has been criticized for his unpopular “clutch-and-grab” style, but in his last three fights with head trainer Manny Siaca, Sr. in his corner, “The Quietman” has returned to the aggressive fighter he was when he first won the heavyweight title in 2001. The problem is Ruiz’ last four fights, including his first against Valuev, have not been televised in the United States, although that hasn’t prevented critics from continuing to unfairly bash him.

The WBA vacated the title due to an injury to Ruslan Chagaev, declared him “champion in recess” and ruled that the top two rated contenders had to fight for the title. Ruiz, rated No. 2 by the WBA, leaves August 22nd for Germany once again to fight the 7-0, 320-pound giant who took his title belt 2 ½ years ago, No. 1 contender Nikolai Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs), on August 30 in Berlin for the WBA title.

“It’s sad to say but right after my last fight against (Jameel) McCline,” Ruiz said, “a reporter asked me about me going back to holding my opponent. It’s easy for them to say that because they think that’s my style. There are two fighters in the ring and I wasn’t the one holding. Reporters are just used it, I guess, but I’m challenging them to a bet. They can watch my last fight against McCline, as well as my first against Valuev, and then we can make a bet about who will hold more, me or Valuev. It can be by the round, or the entire fight; so much money per hold (differential), or a flat rate. If I hold more, I’ll make a donation to the charity of the reporter’s choice; if Valuev holds more, the reporter has to make a donation to my charity. They can have as many reporters as they want betting for what ever amount they can choose. I’m giving them a chance to put their money where their mouths are. Then, finally, they will realize that I don’t fight like I used to; no more clutching and grabbing for me.”

Ruiz has been sparring with a pair of 7-footers the past two weeks in Las Vegas, where John lives and trains, to prepare to fight Valuev on the road in The Giant’s backyard. “It’s been a great camp,” Ruiz remarked. “We’ve been working hard to make sure that I stay focused. There’s a lot less stress with Manny than at my old training camps. My sparring partners are working out good.

“I hope I don’t have to knockdown Valuev every round to get a split decision,” Ruiz joked. “I have to stay inside and busy, like in our last fight, but this time I need to throw better combinations and give him different angles. We don’t want to let him just stand still and throw punches. I’m going to make him move. I’ll be taking the fight to him, but more around him, to see what he can do when he has to move.”

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz, living in Las Vegas, is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions — Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.

-JR-

THREE BIG EIGHT ROUND FIGHTS HEADLINE A OUTSTANDING NIGHT OF BOXING AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | No Comments

PHILADELPHIA (August 6, 2008)—On Friday night September 12th, The fall gets off to a blazing start as Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions present an great night of boxing that will have not one, not two, but three big eight round fights that will highlight the packed card.

In one bout, Steve Upsher Chambers will take on the upset-minded Kevin Carmody in a Jr. Welterweight bout. The second bout will feature Israel knockout artist Ran Nakash against well regarded Larry Robinson. Finally, Legendary Blue Horizon mainstay, Gee Culmer and Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson get it on in a Super Middleweight fight.

This terrific night will be seen live all over the globe on www.gofightlive.tv

Chambers, 17-1-1 with five knockouts is starting to step out of the shadow of his brother, world-ranked Heavyweight “Fast” Eddie Chambers, as he continues to improve on all facets of his game.

Some of that was shown on June 6th when Chambers survived a early assault from Jaime Morales to come back and destroy Morales by unleashing thirty unanswered punches to stop Morales ninety-seven seconds into their bout.

Chambers has fought all but one of his fights at The Legendary Blue Horizon (17-1).

Carmody, 10-10-1 with one knockout is a typical Philadelphia fighter and he will fight anyone at anytime.

Carmody will be looking to play spoiler on September 12. That seems to be a game that Carmody likes to play as evidenced by his upset wins over Dave Evans (7-0-1), Cristian Lopez (16-0), Carlos Vinan (5-1), Frank O’Neal (8-0-2) in O’Neal’s hometown of Detroit.

Carmody, who will be making his first appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon, will be itching to get back into the win column as he has dropped three straight, including a loss to sixty-six fight veteran Ricardo Medina, Vernon Paris (16-0) and most recently Orland Gonzalez (11-1-1) on June 20th.

Nakash, of Haifa, Israel has become a Blue Horizon favorite as he has scored explosive knockouts in his last two appearances at The Legendary Blue Horizon

He will be bringing in a record of 14-0 with ten knockouts, which includes five straight early wins.

In Nakash’s last outing he dusted off Martin Haag in four rounds in Germany on July 20th. On June 6th, Nakash drilled James Porter in two rounds at The Legendary Blue Horizon. On February 8th, Nakash viciously knocked out Ray Ruiz in two at The Blue Horizon.

Nakash is 5-0 with two knockouts at The Legendary Blue Horizon

Robinson, 10-3 with seven knockouts has become one of the most feared and talked about cruiserweights in the area.

The Philadelphia native is 4-0 against undefeated fighters. In his last fight, Robinson won a majority decision over the well regarded Simon “One Punch” Carr is a much anticipated South Philadelphia turf war on July 18th.

This will be Robinson’s second appearance in The Blue Horizon ring a he scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jamaal “Da Gooch” Reed (3-0) on June 10th, 2005.

Culmer has a record of 14-1 with three knockouts & is unbeaten in his last ten fights (9-0, 1 NC) that spreads out over five years.

Culmer has been a mainstay at The Legendary Blue Horizon as his last nine fights have been at The Legendary Blue Horizon (8-0, 1 NC)

He is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Mustapha Johnson on April 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Wilson is desperate to get a win as he is winless in his last eleven fights (0-10-1) against grade “A” competition.

Wilson has been in the ring with the likes of James Lubwama (11-0), Tarvis Simms (17-0), former multiple time world title challenger Antwun Echols (30-5-1), Elvir Muriqi (34-4) & Rasheem Brown (18-3) to name a few.

Wilson’s last fight at The Blue Horizon was a great one as he defeated Patrick Perez (25-3) on January 16, 2004.

Wilson is 4-1 at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

A packed undercard has been put together & will feature featherweight, Jules Blackwell, 7-1-2 (2) looking to rebound from his first pro loss when he will take on an opponent to be named in a six round bout.

Derek Bivins of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut in a four round Featherweight bout.

Undefeated lightweight, Gerald Smith 3-0 (1) will see action in a four round bout.

Daryl Jones of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut in a Welterweight bout

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. 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

For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com

“Super” Joe Calzaghe vs. “Superman” Roy Jones Rescheduled and Set For November 8, 2008

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | No Comments

At Madison Square Garden
Live on Pay-Per-View

New York (August 7, 2008) — “Super” Joe Calzaghe vs. “Superman” Roy Jones has been officially rescheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2008 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden in New York City. The superfight, originally scheduled for September 20, was postponed due to an injury suffered by Calzaghe during training. Calzaghe vs. Jones, presented by Square Ring, Inc. and Calzaghe Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

The undefeated Calzaghe, boxing’s longest reigning world champion, will put his perfect record on the line against Roy Jones Jr, eight-time world champion in four weight classes. With the light heavyweight battle the most anticipated among the fall boxing schedule, Calzaghe and Jones are ready for the challenge.

“I can’t wait to get back to America and triumph over another boxing legend,” said Calzaghe.

“I am just glad to be blessed with the opportunity to be God’s instrument that he plays his beautiful music thru and I just can’t wait for the 8th,” said Jones.

Hailing from Newbridge, Wales, Joe Calzaghe’s (45-0, 32 KOs) biggest victory of his career was his most recent, a win over multi-divisional world champion and future Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins on April 19 in Las Vegas. The win, Calzaghe’s first fight on US soil, elevated “Super” Joe to the top of most boxing experts’ pound-for-pound lists. Preceding the Hopkins bout, on November 3, 2007 Calzaghe won a super middleweight unification bout against WBA & WBC undefeated champion Mikkel Kessler with over 50,000 strong at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The win was Calzaghe’s 21st successful defense, surpassing Bernard Hopkins and Larry Holmes for most consecutive successful title defenses, in any weight class.

“Superman” Roy Jones (52-4, 38 KOs) from Pensacola, FL has been world champion at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. On March 1, 2003, Jones defeated then-champion John Ruiz to become the first former middleweight champion to win a world heavyweight crown in over 100 years. Jones was virtually unstoppable for over a decade, and from 1993 to 2004 he was regarded by most as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. No less than fifteen opponents on the losing end against Jones have worn a world championship belt around their waste.

The Calzaghe vs. Jones pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, 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 is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Calzaghe vs. Jones fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

“THE HITMAN” VS. “THE MAGIC MAN”

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | No Comments

STAGE SET FOR 140-POUND WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION BOUT

AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22;
LIVE ON HBO’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

LOS ANGELES (August 7) – Tickets officially go on sale tomorrow, Friday Aug. 8, at 10:00am PT for the Junior Welterweight World Championship unification bout between England’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton and New York’s Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and sales are limited to four (4) per person at the $1,000 price level and a total of two (2) tickets either at $750, $500, $300 or $150. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com.

An international superstar hailing from Manchester, England, the storied career of Hatton (44-1, 31 KOs) began in 1997 and for the last 11 years, he has been thrilling fight fans around the world with his aggressive style in the ring and down to earth attitude outside of it. Owner of wins over Kostya Tszyu, Vince Phillips, Luis Collazo, Jose Luis Castillo and Juan Urango, Hatton – a two division world champion – fell short of the pound-for-pound and world welterweight championships in his 2007 super fight against Floyd Mayweather. However, the 29-year-old bounced back impressively at his natural weight of 140 pounds in May as he scored a near shutout 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Lazcano.

Known for his flashy style and pound for pound ability to out-talk any fighter in the world, Brooklyn’s Malignaggi (25-1, 5 KOs) has also developed a positive reputation for his heart and determination to overcome adversity throughout his seven-year pro career. A dazzling boxer with a stiff jab, lightning speed and quick combinations, the 27-year-old gained a legion of fans for his gutsy effort in a 12-round defeat at the hands of Miguel Cotto in 2006, and even more followers jumped on his bandwagon when he nearly shut out Lovemore N’dou in 2007 to win the IBF Junior Welterweight World crown. Malignaggi has since defended his title against Herman Ngoudjo and in a rematch against N’dou, but a victory over Hatton is what this New Yorker is truly seeking.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.rickyhitmanhatton.com.

Manfredo fighting for love of sport and another world title shot

Posted on | August 8, 2008 | No Comments

“August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (August 7, 2008) – World super middleweight title challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., star of The Contender Season One, is finally at peace with himself in boxing as he prepares to fight Donny “The Savage” McCrary (24-7-2, 13 KOs), star of The Contender Season Three, on Friday night, August 22 in the 12-round main event for the NABF Interim super middleweight title, headlining “August Annihilator” at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“August Annihilator,” part of the “Budweiser Night at the Fights” series, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, Budweiser, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network.

The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.

Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), rated No. 20 by the WBC, is now fighting for the love of the sport and he’s looking at his Aug. 22nd fight against McCrary as a stepping stone to reach his final goal in boxing. His one world title fight against Joe Calzaghe ended in controversy when the referee prematurely stopped the fight and his road back to another possible championship bout was derailed when he lost a lackluster decision to former title-holder Jeff lacy.

“I’ve accomplished a lot in boxing,” Manfredo said, “but I have one more goal and that’s to win a world championship. I want one last shot. I watched Andre Berto and Sergio Mora become world champions and I know I can, too. I have a game plan: destroy McCrary and get a fight against somebody like Sakio Biko, rated No. 8 by The Ring magazine. I’d really like a rematch against Jeff Lacy – I blew that fight – but I doubt I’ll get that. (Joe) Calzaghe is giving up his super middleweight belts and I’d like to fight Carl Froch or Mikkel Kessler next year for a world title. They’re not superman; they’re good, not great.

“I’m having fun again. Before, I hated going to the gym to train, but I did it because it was my job and I needed the money for my family. I always liked to fight and the thrill of the fans, but I’m married with three kids and I didn’t like leaving them for long periods of time (like training camp in Los Angeles). I also love to eat and couldn’t. I wasn’t able to plan family trips, either. But the Lacy fight really woke me up. I blew it. I’m training at home now, not away from my family. We’re having a great camp – me, Jessie Brinkley, Edwin Rodriguez and a couple of amateurs. Now, I love going to the gym, every day. I work hard and then go home to my wife and kids. I can’t really explain why. Maybe it’s because I’m more mature. But I know that I’m fighting because I love boxing.”

Manfredo is a rare breed today in boxing: he has a huge, growing fan-base that transcends New England because of the exposure he received on The Contender, which also showed the public his vast skills, valuable experience, affable personality and true character.

“Peter Manfredo, Jr. is all about what boxing should really be,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield explained. “He’s a gentleman, in and out of the ring, as well as a family man who ordinary people easily relate to. He’s one of the few fighters today who is a throwback to the old days around here when Vinny Paz fought. The biggest thing I see now is his desire to please his family, friends and fans. What he really wants is a world title. His fight for the NABF Interim title is a step in the process towards another world title fight for Peter. Today, the money and more and more champions are in Europe. Peter has the ability to bring a belt back here to the United States. Little girls, housewives….everywhere he goes people want to meet him, get his autograph, or pose with him for a picture. Peter is that rare boxer who is popular, not just in boxing, but in mainstream America. He continues to expand markets for himself and boxing in general, which, most certainly, is what boxing needs now.”

In the co-feature, former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion Joey “KO Kid” Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), also fighting out of Providence, meets former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round bout.

On the undercard in a pair of six-round super middleweight matches, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) tests his unbeaten record against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) takes on Lowell (MA) brawler “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs) in an old fashioned throw-down.

Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), facing Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) squares off against Larry Foster (0-3) in a four rounder.

Fighting opponents to be determined are the two newest members of Team CES, featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), former world title challenger, and Providence junior lightweight Omar Pena making his pro debut. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “August Annihilator” are priced at $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Events Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth (2nd floor) at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in Providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “August Annihilator.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

-CES-

MORA VS. FORREST II HEATS UP EARLY

Posted on | August 7, 2008 | No Comments

MORA VS. FORREST II HEATS UP EARLY AS FIGHTERS HEAD TO TRAINING CAMP AFTER PRESS CONFERENCE VERBAL ATTACKS GET RIVALS FIRED UP FOR BATTLE ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

LOS ANGELES, August 6 – While some naysayers doubt the second fight between Sergio Mora and Vernon Forrest which is slated for September 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas has the makings of the rematch of the year, anyone who has heard the verbal barbs already being exchanged by the combatants has a good idea that the fight will likely prove the doubters wrong.

Emotions reached an early peak last week in downtown Los Angeles when the two fighters met at the press conference to officially announce the bout. After some pointed comments towards each other and an intense stare-down, there is no question that this matter will need to be settled in the MGM Grand Garden Arena ring this September.

Forrest started the banter with some choice words for the champion.

“Mora won the first battle, but I’m going to win the war,” said Forrest. “I give him credit for beating me when I was at 45 percent of my ability. On September 13th, we’ll see what he can do with 100 percent of Vernon Forrest. For anyone who can’t wait that long, I’ll cut out the suspense – Mora doesn’t go 12 rounds with me in the rematch.”

Mora, who maintained his composure, responded to Forrest’s taunts.

“I’m disappointed that Forrest has made this a personal battle, but that will make things even worse for him on fight night,” said Mora. “I was just going to beat him, but now I’m going to have to punish him to show him that my first win wasn’t a fluke. I’m the Super Welterweight Champion of the World and undefeated…that’s not going to change on September 13th.”

In their first fight on June 7, 2008, Mora, the young star and winner of the first season of the hit series ‘The Contender’, achieved a lifelong dream by winning his first world title via a hard-fought majority decision over Forrest. The result was a stunning upset and one which led both fighters to this rematch, a high stakes battle pitting a young champion on the rise against a former two-division champion looking for revenge. A win for Mora proves that he is no one-hit wonder, while a loss for Forrest could be devastating to his storied career. It’s the type of high-risk fight fans long for, and these two world-class athletes are ready to leave it all in the ring in order to give it to them.

“Their first fight was high drama and I expect even more drama and fireworks the second time around,” said Jeff Wald, of Tournament of Contenders, Mora’s promoter. “Sergio is a different fighter since he won the title and even though I know Vernon will be coming out with all guns blazing, I don’t see Sergio losing for a long, long time.”

Gary Shaw, Forrest’s promoter responded, “Vernon Forrest is one of the finest boxers of this era, and he will show why on September 13th. Sergio Mora is a fine young fighter, but Vernon is on another level than he is and we will see him at his spectacular best in this rematch.”

For now, the talk is over. What’s left until Saturday, September 13 will be an arduous training camp that will push WBC Super Welterweight Champion Sergio Mora and former World Champion Vernon Forrest to the limit as they prepare for a rematch that will not only determine the best 154-pound fighter in the world, but will also settle the score of a rivalry that has become white hot since their first bout in June.

Mora-Forrest II is the 12-round co-featured bout to the highly anticipated Joel Casamayor vs. Juan Manuel Marquez showdown. The fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Tournament of Contenders, Gary Shaw Productions and Fight Knight, LLC. Casamayor vs. Marquez – “The Challenge”, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Cazadores Tequila and Southwest Airlines. The world title bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 are on sale and may be purchased at any MGM Grand box office outlet and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Casamayor vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Casamayor vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced in the near future. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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