More News

BERTO SUFFERS INJURY: KO's SHOWTIME CARD

Andre Berto suffered a bicep injury in training Monday, and the taer in the muscle may require surgery that will keep the fighter out of action for at least six weeks.

No further action has been rumored as to who Berto's opponent, Victor Ortiz, will fight in the near future.

JLM

CHAMBERS FORCED OUT OF CARD DUE TO RIB INJURY

Heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers suffered displaced fractures of his left anterior ninth and tenth ribs in training and, therefore, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled 10-round bout with Sergei Liakhovich on the inaugural NBC Sports Network's Fight Night card from the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, PA on January 21st. Promoters Main Events and Peltz Boxing have reached out for a replacement and will make an announcement soon.

CHAMBERS, ROSADO, ROBINSON MEET THE PRESS

During a recent media event at Joe Hand Gym Boxing Gym in Philadelphia, fighters, promoters and network officials agreed that getting back to boxing basics in the City of Brotherly Love was just what the doctor ordered.

Gary Quinn, Senior Director, Program Planning and Aquisitions, NBC Sports Group, explained how Philadelphia ties in to the NBC Sports Network Fight Night game plan, "What we think puts us in a unique position to make this series succeed is now that we have the NBC Sports Group formulated, we've got 4 media platforms: we've got the NBC broadcast network; we've got the 24/7 NBC Sports Network; we have the 12 regional sports networks; and our digital platforms. It's no coincidence that we are here in Philadelphia where we have one of the strongest RSN's (Regional Sports Network) with CSN (Comcast SportsNet) Philly."

Quinn added, "So you can say, 'okay you've got the promotional platform, but you've got to have the product to make it work.' We think we do. We've come up with a model that resembled what we did back in the day when The Fight Doctor (Ferdie Pacheco) said, 'The key is putting crossroads fights on. You don't have to worry about titles; you don't have to worry about records. You want to match styles that will put on a good show.' We feel Kathy (Duva) and Russell (Peltz) have done a great job on this card from top to bottom. That's going to be the theme, to put on wars that have our viewers wanting more and more."

Kathy Duva, CEO Main Events, explained the location for the debut show, "Philadelphia has a powerful boxing history and many avid boxing fans, we want to use that to make our show successful. Five of the eight bouts on this amazing card feature fighters that are from Philly. We want people in the audience that are from Philadelphia, so that everyone in the arena has a rooting interest, so we know they are going to make a lot of noise. This is why we chose Philly fighters like Gabriel Rosado and Ray Robinson to be on the undercard, they make terrific fights and have a big following. This will make for a great night in the arena and on TV."

Ray Robinson, 12-2, 5 KO's, will be in an 8 round welterweight fight against Doel Carasquillo, of Frederica, DE, 16-18-1, 14 KO's. He assured the crowd that he was ready to put on a great show, "This is going to be an action-packed fight. Anybody that knows me knows I bring the fight. I'm a great boxer. I've trained hard enough for anything. I'll make sure that it's going to be a great fight on January 21st because it is on my birthday!"

Ray Robinson: Credit: Philly Boxing History

Fellow Philadelphian, Gabriel Rosado, 18-5, 10 KO's, faces Jesus Soto Karass of Los Mochis, 24-6-3, 16 KO's, in what promises to be a 10 round junior welterweight war. Rosado ensured his fans that he was ready to give them a rousing show, "I am excited about this card. Soto Karass is a tough guy and I am excited to make a statement. I am going to show that I am a heavy hitter at 154. It's going to be one helluva fight. Soto Karass is gonna bring it. I'm ready for everything. I have a big following and they're all gonna come. I can't wait."

Gabe Rosado: Credit: Philly Boxing History

Kathy Duva spoke of choosing the main event for the NBCSN Fight Night debut show, "When the time comes to try to actually make the fights that everybody wants to see, you find out it's a lot harder than you thought it might be. As we went through the list, we found consistently that in the heavyweight division there were a lot more people willing to fight each other than anywhere else. And I think that that's a good thing." She went on to say, "There's a lot of talk about how the heavyweight division isn't what it used to be. Well I'll tell you, in recent years the only opportunity for heavyweights was to wait their turn to go to Germany and get beat up by one of the Klitschko's. That does not make for becoming a better fighter, that does not cause anyone to learn or get better. What makes a great fighter is that they have to be in competitive fights, they have to learn as they go along."

"We were delighted when we were able to make arrangements with Eddie Chamber's promoter, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor to bring him to this show. He hasn't fought in Philadelphia in a very long time, so this is a bit of a homecoming for him. He is one of the top heavyweights in the world and he has agreed to fight another one of the top heavyweights in the world, Sergei Liakhovich. This is exactly the kind of match we were looking for. They both have a lot at stake, they are both going to come in and do their best, and they're both going to try to win," Duva concluded.

Philadelphia resident, Eddie Chambers, 36-2, 18 KO's, was in very good spirits as he discussed his upcoming battle with Sergei Liakhovich, Scottsdale, AZ, 25-4, 16 KO's, on NBC Sports Network, "I'd really like to thank NBC for stepping up to the plate and trying to bring boxing back to what it used to be. I hate to disappoint NBC because they want competitive fights and all, but in my opinion this is not going to be a competitive fight." He confidently boasted, "I got a lot of respect for Sergei; he's been a world champion; a really good fighter; but I think I'm a little more advanced than he is! I think I pose a lot of threats to him. I've watched some his tapes, and some of the things he's done. It doesn't hurt that I am probably in the best shape that I've ever been in. I think it's not going to be easy, but I think what I bring to the table is going to be too much for him to handle."

To find NBC Sports Network on your TV, visit http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/ and use the NBC Sports Network Channel Finder on the right-hand side of the webpage.

Posted By Michael Gerard Seiler to BOXING LEDGER | LATEST BOXING BLOGS | BOXING ARTICLES | BOXING BLOG FIGHT 1/12/2012

COTTO DEFEATS MARGARITO; MSG ROUNDUP

It a took a little over three years, but Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30 KO's) finally avenged his first professional loss by dominating Mexican nemesis Antonio Margarito (38-8, 27 KO's), retaining the WBA Super World Junior Middleweight title with a tenth-round stoppage in front of a sold-out, frenzied Madison Square Garden crowd.

Cotto, 31, started round one the same way he began their first encounter; moving his feet swiftly and striking Margarito with piercing, clean punches to the head. Cotto exhibited a lot of force behind his shots, leaving Margarito baffled as he stalked the Puerto Rican warrior. Margarito, 33, had a great deal of trouble coping with Cotto's skillful in and out mobility.

Cotto continued to use angles to keep Margarito off-balance in round two, and landed a crisp right cross to Margarito's head. Cotto was gliding just as quickly as in their first fight, although this time he seemed to have an added composure, alertness and focus to his game.

As Cotto carried on sticking and moving proficiently in round three, Margarito encountered a cut on the corner of his right eye, which was the very same eye Manny Pacquiao had severely damaged in the fight prior to facing Cotto. After that, Margarito immediately stepped up his aggression. From that point until the end of the round, Cotto and Margarito traded punches fearlessly at a furious pace.

Cotto comfortably found the target in round four, connecting with numerous right cross-left hook combinations. Margarito vehemently attacked Cotto's body, although Cotto was continually getting his punches off first.

Margarito closed the fifth round strong, as he landed a firm right-hand shot to Cotto's head in the last thirty seconds.

Margarito started to land some big punches in round six, but Cotto fired right back, displaying better conditioning than in their first fight.

Cotto kept illustrating terrific lateral movement, while Margarito's right eye was completely swollen shut in the seventh round.

By the eighth round, Cotto's punches revealed greater force behind them even though he was the smaller man.

During round nine, Cotto ripped off a series of left hooks, repeatedly striking Margarito in his impaired right eye. With ten seconds left in the round, Cotto snapped Margarito's head back with another devastating left hook.

After round nine concluded, ringside physician Dr. Anthony Curreri informed referee Steve Smoger to stop the fight because Margarito could not see out of his right eye anymore.

Yet, the victory over Margarito is bittersweet. On one hand, Cotto conquered the man who handed him his first professional loss in front of a large pro-Puerto Rican crowd in New York City. But, Margarito supposedly had used plaster of paris in his hand wraps during his first fight with Cotto. In spite of the previous allegations, Cotto's career has gained significant momentum again, and it may be back to where it was in 2008.

Rios Takes Out Murray

Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios (29-0-1, 22 KO's) stopped England's John Murray (31-2, 18 KO's) via TKO 11 in a fierce lightweight battle. Originally, Rios' WBA World Lightweight title was at stake, but he was stripped of his belt after failing to make the 135 lb. limit at the weigh-in Friday afternoon. The vacant title was only at stake for Murray.

Rios, 25, worked Murray's body without difficulty in the early rounds, as both fighters exchanged blow-for-blow in close quarters. Murray's punch output dipped slightly in round three, but he picked up his pace in round four, repeatedly striking Rios in the head. However, Rios began to wear Murray down in the fifth round with his high-energy level and relentless punching. By the end of round six, Murray had sustained massive swelling under both eyes, and suffered a bloody nose.

In round eight, Rios connected with a flush right-hand shot that snapped Murray's head back. By this point, Murray's punches had lost their steam, and Rios' shots were becoming much more damaging and troublesome for the Manchester fighter.

Rios continued to tire out Murray in the tenth round, simply outworking the 26-year-old with savage uppercuts to the body and head. Rios was intensely determined to end the fight, and he connected with even more uppercuts to the body and clean overhand rights in round eleven, prompting referee Earl Brown to halt the action at 2:06.

Rodriguez Batters Wolak

Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO's) easily outpointed and thoroughly assaulted Pawel Wolak (29-2-1, 19 KO's) in a junior middleweight rematch by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 98-91.

Rodriguez, 31, couldn't miss with his vicious right uppercut, cutting through Wolak's meager defense at will. Wolak, 30, did not unleash as many punches compared to his first encounter with Rodriguez, and essentially was a stationary target absorbing a tremendous beating. Rodriguez used superior lateral movement and found his range early in the fight. After that, Rodriguez, who is known to be an agonizing puncher, comfortably dismantled Wolak with an unwavering work rate of excruciating punches.

Jones Remains Unbeaten

Philadelphia welterweight contender Mike Jones (26-0, 19 KO's) remained undefeated, capturing a one-sided, twelve-round unanimous decision versus tough veteran Sebastian Lujan (38-6-2, 24 KO's) of Argentina. Jones won by scores of 118-110 and 119-109 twice on the three ringside judges' scorecards.

Jones, 28, displayed decent punching power, and was extremely poised against the wide-punching Lujan, who applied steady pressure throughout the bout, but lacked the overall skills to pull out a win.

Lujan aggressively attacked Jones' body, although Jones countered efficiently with crisp left hooks to Lujan's head in the early rounds. Jones showed tremendous balance, pounding Lujan with a precise left hook-right cross combination in round two that sent the game Argentinean into the ropes momentarily dazed.

During round four, Lujan exhibited swelling on the left side of his face. While Lujan lacked a sound defense, he continued to relentlessly charge at Jones.

In round ten, Jones struck Lujan above his left eye with a firm right-hand shot. Lujan, 31, was also stunned by a swift left uppercut in the eleventh round, and was still pushing until the final bell.

Posted By Michael Gerard Seiler to BOXING LEDGER | LATEST BOXING BLOGS | BOXING ARTICLES | BOXING BLOG FIGHT at 12/04/2011 11:42:00 AM

Former Heavyweight Lou Esa Launches Winning Method Management

Former heavyweight boxer and knockout artist Lou Esa has recently announced the creation of his new fighter management company, Winning Method Management.

Esa (19-6-1, 16 KO) made his name in the sport in the 1970’s fighting amongst the likes of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Leon Spinks and many other greats.

Training fighters for several years upon stepping out of the squared circle, Esa got his start in the management side of the game last year when he began working with welterweight Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien. Under Esa’s tutelage and watchful eye O’Brien has started off his young career 3-1 with 2 KO’s.

“Winning Method Management can help boxers and fighters get the media exposure they are looking for,” said Esa. “We can make them known throughout the world and help them get the steady action they are looking for.”

Training out of Final Round Boxing and Fitness in Whippany, New Jersey, Esa works with a handful of professional boxers and MMA fighters as well as amateurs he is preparing for the Golden Gloves.

“Boxing will always be a big part of my life,” said Esa. “Whether it’s working with kids inside the ring or overlooking their career outside the ropes, I want to give back to the sport as much as I can.”

In addition to O’Brien, Esa works with The Ultimate Fighter contestant Andy Main, middleweight boxers Richard Pierson and Thomas Baldwin, and a few other up-and-coming MMA and boxing prospects.

“In this business there are a lot of shady managers out there, and a young fighter looking for his shot doesn’t know what to look for,” said Esa. “I have been around the game for a long time, and I want to make sure these kids aren’t getting taken advantage of.”

Lou Esa is currently taking on new fighters to be part of Winning Method Management, and interested fighters should send an email to lousvisions@hotmail.com.

“As long as a fighter has heart and desire, I will take them as far as they are willing to go in this sport,” said Esa.

For more information visit Winning Method Management’s Facebook page

DONAIRE GETS BY NARVAEZ AT MSG

TRUFAN OCT 23, 2011

It wasn't easy, and it was not pretty, but Philippine flash Nonito Donaire won a unanimous twelve round decision over Omar Narvaez last night at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Although the scores of the judges read 120-108, a clean sweep 3X, the bout was a tactical matchup that saw Narvaez stellar defense thwart the offensive minded Donaire. In the third round it appeared that Donaire had hurt his opponent, yet Narvaez was clever enough to cover up and counter his oncoming rival with straight punches that kept Donaire honest. In some regards, Narvaez looked similar to the "El tocable" Argentinean icon Niccolino Locche.

Unfortunately, fans like the offense so they didn't appreciate the defensive skill of Narvaez, who gave Donaire little opportunity to deal with. You cannot blame Donaire, who wanted to prove his worth to the East Coast fans, but stunted many times when he tried to angle in. Narvaez was comfortable being on the outside and not taking a risk against his taller opponent. In the end it was a decent bout with two highly skilled boxers matching up in their craft.

Donaire, now 27-1, kept his WBO and WBC bantamweight belts, while Narvaez drops to 35-1-2.

JLM

MARTINEZ PREPARED FOR BARKER: SAYS BARKER IS A MAN . . .

"CHAVEZ A POLLO"

New York, NY - (9/9/2011) - The #1 middleweight in the world, and top three pound-for-pound fighter, Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (47-2-2, 26KO's) is preparing for "Dazzling" Darren Barker (23-0, 14KO's) feverishly, respecting his foe's amateur pedigree and undefeated professional record and putting the final touches on another hard training camp with trainer Pablo Sarmiento and top sparring in Oxnard, CA. Martinez will be putting his WBC Middleweight Diamond belt and Ring championship on the line against the European Champion Barker, on Saturday, October 1^st, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. The show, entitled "Noche de 'Maravilla': Martinez vs. Barker" is being presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Sport, and Caesars Atlantic City, and is sponsored by Corona. The long awaited rematch between Andy Lee and Brian Vera will open the telecast. The show will be aired live on HBO's World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT

"I have been training very hard and am expecting a tough fight out of Barker on October 1^st," said Martinez. "Barker is coming here to the States undefeated and he intends to leave that way. I must be in top shape, both physically and mentally, to prevent that from happening. The fact that Barker is willing to step up and put his undefeated record on the line shows you that he has a lot of heart and that he is a true warrior, which isn't the case for all fighters."

Martinez went onto further comment on the current situation in the middleweight division, and lack of opponents willing to step up to face him, including current WBC belt holder, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

"I would love nothing more than to fight Chavez and take back sole possession of my WBC belt. Chavez is the one who has been afraid and continues to avoid the fight. He also seems to be an expert at pulling out of fights. If he can defeat Peter Manfredo, Chavez will fight me like the man his father was, or I will fight a worthier challenger for the WBC Middleweight belt that is rightfully mine."

Tickets for "Noche de 'Maravilla'" can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster retail outlet, or in person at the Boardwalk Hall box office.

DBE

WHO IS DARREN BARKER, MIDDLEWEIGHT?

(New York July 20, 2011) According to Englishman Darren Barker, he is "fulfilling a dream" when he takes on middleweight champion Sergio Martinez at Atlantic City on Oct 1. But in many fans eyes, they ask - who is this guy?

"Dazzling" Darren Barker is from London England, and is current 23-0, with 14 KO's. He is also the European middleweight champion but has fought nobody with a name as far as America goes. A decided underdog, Barker feels "that he will find a way to beat him." The question is - how can he deal with the experience of the champion, especially when the bout goes to the championship trenches? Or will he be another Gary Lockett, who fought Kelly Pavlik for the belt a couple years back only to be overwhelmed by the frenzy and atmosphere of a championship bout?

DARREN BARKER SPEAKS ABOUT HIS OPPORTUNITY

About coming to Atlantic City, Barker stated that as an amateur he visited hostile environments, from Russia to Austria, and feels he has the confidence to take the belt Oct 1. Barker stated repeatedly that he will not be taken about by the stage when he enters the ring that night.

As for the champion Martinez, he was cool about his upcoming fight and had respect for his opponent. Martinez has two losses (coming controversial to Paul Williams, first bout and a 2000 KO loss to Antonio Margarito) and is regarded as one of boxing's premiere fighters.

JLM

Professional Boxing Returns to Holyoke for only second time in 50 years

Whitley-Hall Headlines “Homecoming” June 25

HOLYOKE, Mass. (May 12, 2011) – Professional boxing returns to Holyoke for only the second time in the past half-century, the first since 2000, on June 25 when American Fighting Organization (“AFO”) presents, “Homecoming,” at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke.

Boxing’s roots in Holyoke date all of the way back to 1896 and Valley Arena, a converted Gas House, was a regular venue for “smokers” boxing shows Monday nights from 1926-1960. The great Rocky Marciano made his pro debut there March 17, 1947, knocking out Lee Epperson in the third round. Hall of Famer Willie Pep fought there a dozen times in the forties, as did his fellow HOF inductees Sandy Saddler, Beau Jack, Sixto Escobar and Fritzie Zivic. World champions Tony DeMarco, Paddy DeMarco, Lou Ambers and Lou Salica, 1932 Olympic bronze medalist, also fought as pros in Valley Arena. A pair of world heavyweight champions, Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott, respectively, refereed a wrestling match and fought a boxing exhibition there. Pro cards were also held in Holyoke at City Hall, Falco Field, and the Paper City Athletic Club.

“Homecoming” features three Holyoke fighters and two others from nearby Springfield. “We’re very excited to bring pro boxing back to Holyoke,” AFO director of boxing operations Artie DePinho said. “Holyoke has a long, rich boxing tradition dating back more than 100 years. Our show will showcase some solid veterans and great young talent in exciting, competitive fights.”

In the eight-round main event, former Massachusetts super middleweight champion Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (24-25-3, 11 KOs), of Holyoke, takes on former Interim World Boxing Association (“WBA) light heavyweight titlist Richard “The Destroyer” Hall (29-8, 27 KOs) at a 190-pound catch-weight in a battle of contrasting styles between veteran southpaws. Whitley’s never-quit style has resulted in him never being stopped in 52 pro bouts, while Hall has knocked out 27 of his 29 victims.

Whitley’s 16-year pro career includes fights against world champion Manny Siaca, as well as world title challengers Kabary Salem (twice), Randy Griffin and Rico Hoye. Hall, who defeated Anthony Bigeni by second-round knockout in their 1999 Interim WBA light heavyweight world title fight, defeated former world champion Byron Mitchell 3 ½ years ago, in addition to testing world champions Roy Jones Jr., Dariusz Michalczewski (twice) and Glen Johnson.

Super featherweight and fan favorite Joseph “Chip” Perez (5-1, 2 KOs) returns home to fight in the six-round, co-feature against an opponent to be determined. Pro debuting junior welterweights Jair “Da-Bully” Ramos, of Waterbury (CT), and Robbie Hunt, of Hyannis (MA), square-off in a four-round bout.

Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts is Holyoke light heavyweight Pedro “Tyson” Gonzales in his pro debut vs. TBA, Springfield light heavyweight Reinaldo Graceski (1-0) vs. Kevin “KTAY Z UNKL” Cobbs (1-0, 1 KO), and Springfield welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-6-1, 1 KO) vs. Greg Hackett (2-8), All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $40.00, $50.00 and $100.00 and are available at or by calling (413.534.7366) the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke (70 Nick Cosmos Way), as well as going on line at www,afomma.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

USBA heavyweight champion

Maurice Harris on brink of living his dream

NEW YORK (April 27, 2011) – The long, strange journey taken by Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris finds the USBA heavyweight champion only two fights away from his living his dream to fight for the world title, as he prepares to go back to the future May 27 to participate in an International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) Box-Off against the same opponent he defeated a decade ago in the final of the “Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament,” former world title challenger Tony “The Tiger” Thompson,” live on ESPN Friday Night Fights from Reno Events Center in Nevada.

Harris (24-14-2, 10 KOs) and Thompson are IBF rated No. 8 and No.9, respectively, and the winner of their 12-round May 27 co-feature earns a showdown against the other IBF Box-Off winner, “Fast” Eddie Chambers (36-2, 18 KOs), who defeated Derric Rossey by way of a 12-round unanimous decision this past February to become the IBF No. 1 contender. The Harris-Thompson winner automatically becomes No. 2 and earns a place in an IBF Title Eliminator against Chambers to ultimately determine the IBF mandatory challenger for champion Wladimir Klitschko (or David Haye if he wins their July 2^nd unification fight.

“It feels good to finally be here,” Harris said from his training camp in New Jersey. “It’s been a long road and now I have a special opportunity against Tony Thompson, who is a great fighter but somebody I have to overcome. I don’t think I have an edge because I beat him in the ‘Thunderbox Tournament’ because that happened a long time ago (2002) and it was only a three-round fight. We were both younger then but we have to do it all over again.

“I’m fighting for something very important. I’m more focused today than I was when I fought Thompson. Age brings wisdom. Another fight against Thompson has always been there for us to clash. His name came up a few times and now it’s happening. He’s going to bring his ‘A’ game, I’m going to bring my ‘A’ game – may the best man win. I don’t want to get caught-up in the hype (future world title fight implications). I just want to remain focused on this fight.”

The 35-year-old Harris has beaten some of the best but also lost to journeymen playing the role of a classic heavyweight underachiever for most of his up-and-down 18-year pro career. The reborn-Harris, however, is riding high on the crest of a wave that he hopes reaches its zenith with a world title belt wrapped around his waist.

After making his pro debut December 4, 1992, losing a four-round decision to Joe Kenna, Harris lost three of his first five fights and was 5-4-2 midway through 1994. Back-to-back losses via knockouts to world title challengers Vaughn Bean and Dale Brown followed, but Harris bounced back strong with a win by eight-round decision versus previously unbeaten David Izon18-0) to start 1996.

When Harris stopped Jimmy Thunder (32-7) in the seventh round of their 1997 fight, Maurice was chosen as the opponent come-backing former world champion Larry Holmes, who won a 10-round split decision that most observers felt Maurice should have been awarded.

The resilient Harris, however, reeled-off seven straight victories, including a 10-round decision against world title challenger Jeremy Williams in 1999 on only a five-day notice. Harris eventually gained the experience he lacked with no amateur background to speak of when he later sparred with world champions Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson.

Harris lost to another world title challenger, Derrick Jefferson, in one of 1999’s best and most entertaining fights, but Maurice became more inactive from that point on, winning his only two fights in 2000, and losing his 2001 showdowns to former and future world champions, Chris Byrd and Henry Akinwande.

In 2002, Harris knocked out previously unbeaten and future world title-holder Sergei Liakhovich (16-0) in the ninth round, earning him a spot in that November’s “Thunderbox” tournament, in which he captured the $100,000 winner’s purse by out-pointing Gerald Nobles, Israel Garcia and Thompson in the finale, fighting three-round bouts on the same evening.

After being stopped in the 10^th round by Fres Oquendo in his first fight after upsetting Liakhovich, Harris found himself frustrated and on the shelf by his promoter Don King, fighting only four times in six years, idle for all of 2008 and 2009, until Maurice signed a promotional contract in late 2009 with Boxing 360. His first fight with his new promoter was a win by 6-round unanimous decision January 29, 2010 against Billy Zumbrun (23-10-1) in Albuquerque.

Harris went on to win six and eight round decisions, respectively, against 7-foot Julius Long and Robert Harris, setting the stage for his August 6, 2010 USBA title shot against a Nagy Aguilera, who was 10 years younger than Maurice and had defeated former world champion Oleg Maskaev only a five months earlier. Harris out-boxed Aquilera (16-3) by scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 115-113 for a unanimous 10-round decision and the USBA crown.

“I’ve believed all these years that I would someday be fighting for the world heavyweight title,” Harris concluded. “It took me to meet Mario (Yagobi, CEO and Founder of Boxing 360), somebody who believed in me, to get me this opportunity. I’m not there, yet, but I’m only two fights away from my dream of fighting for the world title.”

Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include WBC #3 rated super bantamweight Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio,

NY State super middleweight title-holders, middleweight Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen and welterweight Danny Sostre, KO king Tyrone Brunson, Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal, Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, middleweight prospect DonYil Livingston, Joshua “The Juice” Harris, Emad Ali, Angel “Toro” Hernandez and “King” David Estrada.

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Harris, Boxing 360 or any of its other fighters.

-30-

Ortiz-Berto Post Fight Quotes

MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 16, 2011) – New World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Welterweight Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz addressed the media following his thrilling twelve round unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto on Saturday night.

Berto, who hurt his right hand in round and required medical attention, did not attend the press conference.

Here are post fight quotes from the participants:

Victor Ortiz, WBC Welterweight Champion: “Andre Berto – I know he’s not here – we both went through a great war; nothing but respect. It was a very exciting fight. He hits very hard. I have a head harder than a rock. I wonder what the headline will read: Victor doesn’t have….fill in the blank. It wasn’t a walk in the park but I got the goods.”

“I want to thank Manny Pacquiao for his words. We talked today and he said to stick to my plan, that I’m a very good fighter, and don’t take anybody’s negativity.”

“I saw Andre Berto as a champion. There’s no stopping Berto. I didn’t prepare to knockout Berto. I knew it would go the full distance. I pictured myself with two black eyes, but I would have the green belt.”

“There are a lot of great fighters at 147’; I’m completely done with 140. I’m going to take a vacation and then shoot for the big names. I don’t make a helluva lot. Why not shoot for the big ones?”

“Stuff happens. That was the past. Maidana still doesn’t have anything on me. That wasn’t my night. I fought with a broken wrist and the fight was stopped. They said I gave up, I didn’t give up. I didn’t fight Morales. He’s a great guy but past his time and I strongly believe he beat Maidana. He wouldn’t give me a rematch but I’m the guy with no courage, no heart, no balls. But I’m the guy with the belt.”

“I didn’t see it as close. I knew I pulled off a victory. You see the new WBC Welterweight Champion.”

“I wasn’t expecting an easy fight. I expected a war. I studied him and he’s no joke. He knocked out some good guys but I saw the Luis Collazo fight. He (Collazo) was the first to beat him (Berto). I tip my hat to you.”

“It goes back to when I was young. I didn’t have anything when I was young. I raised my brother. I thought this was my dream. I wasn’t going to stand for anything less. I was moving up to 147 but knew I carried my power. For three months, every day at the gym, I would say the new champ.”

Lou DiBella, promoter of the show and Berto: “Berto can’t attend the press conference. Dr. Schwartz said he has a possible break of his right hand and possible concussion. He went to the hospital. We have no issues. Very, very close. No problems from our team. Victor Ortiz answered all of the questions about his heart. You know Victor Ortiz is a welterweight.”

“There were no losers when you out on a fight like this. I’m very proud to promote this fight.”

“Yesterday would have been the 39^th birthday of Arturo Gatti. Arturo Gatti would have been very pleased of the fight tonight.”

Richard Schaeffer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and Ortiz’s promoter: “We’ve been waiting for a guy to bring excitement back to boxing and Victor Ortiz did that tonight.”

“We’re very proud of Victor Ortiz. He was attacked by some in the media. They questioned his heart and the will to go to war. He proved he has heart and the will to win, against an undefeated guy like Berto and gave him no chance.”

“You saw one of the best welterweight fights in years. Definitely all fight fans would to see it again. There are a lot of opportunities for Victor at 147 bit we’ll sit down and get this fight made again.”

For information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella. Follow Andre Berto on Twitter, @AndreBerto.

For information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, on twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing or Victor Ortiz @VICIOUSOrtiz.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing, Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter www.twitter.com/hboboxing.

Ortiz upsets Berto in Spectacular

‘East-West Showdown’ for WBC Welterweight Title

MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 16, 2011) – “Vicious” Victor Ortiz lived up to his nickname tonight, upsetting defending World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Welterweight Champion and previously unbeaten Andre Berto by 12-round decision, headlining the “East-West Showdown” card at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

In the first six rounds, both fighters hit the canvas twice in arguably the best fight of 2011. It culminated with what is now the 2011 Fight of the Year frontrunner, as two of the best young fighters in the world amazingly kept an electric pace from start to finish.

Ortiz came out firing right from the opening bell, cornering Berto with a series of punches, until the defending champion took a knee. Berto, however, came right back to drop Ortiz with a straight right at the end of the second round.

The non-stop action went back-and-forth in the third through fifth rounds; Ortiz’s power and aggressiveness versus Berto’s speed and quickness.

In what is certainly to be the round of the year in round six, Berto decked Ortiz again with a big right in the sixth, and looked on the verge of finishing the Ventura, CA native. However, Berto, couldn’t finish off Ortiz, who came back to drop Berto with a left cross moments before the bell sounded to end the round.

Adding to the drama, in the tenth round referee Michael Ortega penalized Ortiz a point for hitting behind Berto’s head.

In the end, Ortiz won on all three judges’ scorecards 115-110, 114-112, and 114-111 to capture the WBC welterweight division title in thrilling fashion.

“Absolutely not,” Ortiz responded to a question about this fight being redemption for his loss to Marcus Maidana. “Maidana was never in my class. I never gave him respect, especially for not giving me a rematch.

“147 lbs. is where I’m king. I want to thank Andre Berto for the opportunity. He is a real champion.”

Berto, who was having his right thumb examined after the fight, stated, “I just didn’t feel it tonight. I just couldn’t get off.”

Red-hot Puerto Rican welterweight prospect Thomas “The French” Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs) continued to shine bright, stopping veteran Harrison Cuello in sensational fashion in the tonight’s chief supporting fight.

Dulorme dropped Cuello and then registered his 10^th consecutive knockout, when the budding star Dulorme caught his opponent with a devastating left hook, and referee Johnny Callas didn’t bother to count-out the fallen Cuello. Dulorme is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions, and Universal Promotions, under the Team Puerto Rico banner.

“East-West Showdown: Berto vs. Ortiz,” presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions, aired live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing.

Complete Results:

FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

Sonya Lamonakis (6-0, 1 KO), New York, NY WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37) Gigi Jackson (2-2, 0 KOs), Columbus, OH

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

J’Leon Love (6-0, 5 KOs), Dearborn Heights, MI WTKO2 (2:13) J.C. Peterson (1-11, 0 KOs), Ft. Myers, FL

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Deandre Latimore (22-3, 17 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72) Dennis Sharpe (17-7-3, 4 KOs), Bayonne, NJ

WELTERWEIGHTS

Victor Ortiz (28-3-2, 22 KOs), Ventura, CA WDEC12 (115-110, 114-112, 114-111) Andre Berto (27-10, 21 KOs), Winter Haven, FL

(Ortiz wins WBC welterweight title)

Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs), Carolina, Puerto Rico WKO2 (1:27) Harrison Cuello (20-16-3, 15 KOs), Albany, NY

Joseph Elegele (12-0, 9 KOs), Winter Haven, FL WKO2 (2:54) Angel Hernandez (14-10, 11 KOs), Gary, IN

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Luis Rosa, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), New Haven, CT. WTKO5 (1:12) Joseliz Cepeda (4-2, 0 KOs), Newark, NJ

For information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, on twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing or Victor Ortiz @VICIOUSOrtiz.

Andre Berto donates tickets to Saturday’s “East-West Showdown” to Connecticut kids from the Champions of Life boxing program

MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 14, 2011) – Taking time out of his fight week schedule, WBC welterweight champion, Andre Berto, spent part of his Thursday night making sure some aspiring pugilists had a very special Saturday night.

Berto joined a group of forty children, coaches, and parents from Middletown, Connecticut’s Champions of Life boxing program for pizza and soda and presented them all with t-shirts and tickets to Saturday night’s “East-West Showdown” from the MGM Theater at Foxwoods, which will be headlined by Berto defending his title against WBC #5 ranked, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz.

Such acts are not uncommon from Berto, who along with Victor Ortiz and Berto’s promoter, Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, donated tickets to thirty students from Harlem’s Rice High School who attended the final pre-fight press conference.

“There is never a wrong time to give back and show support for adolescents who need it, even during fight week. The kids I met today want to be world champions, and I look forward to giving a championship effort and hopefully providing them inspiration to attain their dreams.”

Local referee Johnny Callas, who coaches the members of the Champions of Life program and its parent program, the Charter Oak Boxing Academy, saw the glean in his pupil’s faces as they received their gifts, posed for pictures, and formed a line for autographs with the champ.

“It’s very rare that a professional boxing promoter and champion of Lou DiBella and Andre Berto’s stature take a personal interest in the welfare of kids. Just like the last time they came to the area, DiBella Entertainment has supported Charter Oak Boxing Academy’s Champions of Life Boxing Program for disadvantaged urban youth and we can’t thank them enough.”

In March, Sergio Martinez had lunch with Monique McClain, a teen who had to leave school after being the victim of severe bullying. After leaving school, Monique joined the Champions of Life program to help rebuild her confidence. Martinez dedicated his fight with Sergiy Dzinziruk to Monique, even bringing her on stage at the post fight press conference to rally support for the anti-bullying cause.

For more information on the Champions of Life boxing program, please visit: http://thelionsdenct.com/index.php/champions-of-life/

For information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, on twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing or Victor Ortiz @VICIOUSOrtiz.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing, Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter www.twitter.com/hboboxing.

East-West Showdown comes to the MGM Grand at Foxwoods on April 16

Andre Berto defends his WBC Welterweight Championship vs.
“Vicious” Victor Ortiz on HBO World Championship Boxing

Kevin Johnson replaces Travis Kauffman vs. Julius Long on ‘Redemption’ PPV card

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 19, 2011) – Former world heavyweight title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson has replaced an ill Travis Kauffman against dangerous Julius “Towering Inferno” Long (15-14, 13 KOs) in an 8-round bout on Saturday night’s “Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now” Pay-Per-View event, headlined by living legend, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) defending his World Boxing Federation heavyweight title against challenger Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs), live from America’s resort -- The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall -- in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

“Travis has the flu,” ARK Promotions president Rick Lazes explained. “He’s dehydrated and unable to train. Travis has withdrawn but, fortunately, we were able to replace him with a former world title challenger, Kevin Johnson, who has stepped-up to the challenge of fighting 7’ 1” Julius Long.”

“Redemption,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, is being distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Johnson (23-1-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Atlanta, has only suffered one career loss, by a 12-round decision 13 months ago to WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Kilitschko in Switzerland. A tough competitor who has never been stopped, Johnson’s most notable victories have been against previously undefeated (17-0) Devin Vargas (WTKO6), former world champion Bruce Seldon (TKO5) and Brazilian Olympian Daniel Bispo (WDEC10).

“Redemption” will fuse world class boxing and entertainment; showcasing a production that includes high-energy music presented by Broadway performers, along with dancers and aerial artists. W

Joining the Holyfield-Williams main event and Johnson-Long on PPV is former world heavyweight title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (34-9, 20 KOs) versus Charles Davis (19-21-2, 4 KOs) in a 10-rounder, while Lithuania-native Donatas Boundoravas (10-1-1, 3 KOs) and undefeated Detroit middleweight Willie Fortune (9-0, 5 KOs) open the PPV show with a scheduled 6-round match.

Fighting on the non-PPV segment of “Redemption” is NABA Heavyweight Champion Cedric “The Bos” Boswell (32-1, 25 KOs), rated No. 19 by the WBC, defending his title against Dominique “Diamond” Alexander (19-9, 9 KOs) a 10-rounder. Also on the undercard are a pair of 8-round bouts featuring unbeaten Detroit middleweight Domonique Dolton (9-0, 7 KOs) against Venezuelan veteran Marcos “The Terminator” Primera (20-22-2, 13 KOs), and 2008 US National AAU lightweight champion, Cleveland junior welterweight Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (12-2, 11 KOs), meets 31-fight veteran Ramon “Che” Guevara.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket/hotel packages can be purchased at www.greenbrier.com or by calling 1.800.453.4858. Deadline to book reservations is Jan. 21.

Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.