YURI AND MIGUEL – 3 DAYS BEFORE THE FIGHT

- Ron Ross

The Great Hall at Yankee Stadium was a place of good cheer, warm spirit and kind words as WBA super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman and his challenger, former junior welterweight and welterweight titleholder, Miguel Cotto exchanged pleasantries as they displayed respect and admiration for each other before a large media assemblage at the final press conference three days prior to the inaugural fight at the new Yankee Stadium. No stare downs, no trash talk. Just two guys who are a credit to their sport letting each other, and everyone within earshot, know that on Saturday night they will let their fists do all the “talking” necessary.

Each fighter seemed calm, collected and confident. Cotto sat on the podium with his son, Miguel III, on his lap playing with a video game – not a very intimidating sight but one that everyone in the crowd could relate to.

Foreman, on the other side of the podium, didn’t try to mask his excitement at the prospect of having a police escort getting him from his Manhattan hotel to the Stadium right after sundown on Saturday night.

Yuri, training to be a Rabbi, will not travel on the Sabbath.

Bob Arum placed the Foreman-Cotto match in the same category of great Yankee Stadium match-ups as Graziano-Zale, Ray Robinson vs Joey Maxim, Kid Gavilan and the most history-significant fight of all-time – Joe Louis-Max Schmeling.

Scott Ballan agrees completely. Scott is not a media personality but he is entitled to his opinion as he’s the young man who made this entire event a reality. Scott’s family originally had Yankee Stadium booked on the evening of June 5^th for Scott’s Bar Mitzvah but the young man graciously agreed to change his affair to the afternoon and as a reward has been invited to stay with his family for the big fight

A much better gift than a fountain pen!.

Martinez fighting for worldwide recognition May 29 on “Undefeated Champions” PPV

Vazquez, Jr.-Bedak headlines Puerto Rican show

HOBOKEN, N.J. (May 3, 2010) – WBO junior lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (22-0-1, 143 KOs) makes his second title-defense May 29^th in the 12-round co-feature against WBO No. 10 rated Gonzalo “El Destructor” Mungia (17-6-3, 13 KOs) on the “Undefeated Champions” pay per view event, airing live in the United States from Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

“Undefeated Champions,” presented by PR Best Boxing in association with Al Star Boxing, features three world title bouts. It is being distributed in the United States 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, and DISH Network, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

The 12-round main event features the first title defense of Boricua star, WBO Junior Featherweight Champion Wilfredo “WV2” Vazquez, Jr. (18-0-1, 15 KOs), against No. 1 contender Zsolt “Mr. Lefthook” Bedak (14-0-1, 12 KOs).

Martinez, rated No. 3 by The Ring, captured the WBO championship this past March 14, stopping Nicky Cook in the fourth round of their title fight in England. The popular Puerto Rican fighter successfully defended his crown last September, stopping Feider Viloria in the ninth round.

Martinez is excited about fighting on pay per view. “This fight is very important to me because it opens the way for me to fans in the United States,” he said. “They’ll learn more about me and my boxing career. It will also help me later when I go for a unification fight. If everything goes good in this fight, I may fight mandatory challenger Ricky Burns, possible here in Puerto Rico, in August. But what I’d really like to do is unify the title against any of the other champions (WBC Vitalki Tajbert or WBA Takashi Uchiyama).”

Reigning WBO Latino super featherweight title-holder Mungia, fighting out of Nicaragua, has won his last four fights, three by knockout.

“Mungia is a good fighter who comes to fight,” Martinez noted. “I love to fight, too, so if he really comes to fight, it’s going to be a something to remember. I’m going to use my distance and put my shots where we want. We trained hard, studied him and are ready for all Mungia’s style. I’m going to make my fight; relax and be ready for him. I studied him with my trainer, Raul Torres, and I’m going to knock Mungia out. This bout isn’t going the distance.”

The third world title fight on this exciting card matches females Hanna Gabriel (9-0-1, 5 KOs) and Gardy Pena (9-1-2, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBO super welterweight crown in a 10-round bout. Fighting on the undercard are the Arroyo twins, bantamweight McJoe (1-0, 1 KO) and McWilliams (1-0, 1 KO), the former Puerto Rican Olympians. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Erik Morales, Ricky Hatton, Cristian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Khan, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

-IS-

BERTO STOPS QUINTANA; CABALLERO WINS

TRUFAN APRIL 11, 2010

Welterweight champ Andre Berto (26-0, 20 KO's) shrugged off some rust, took over his bout with veteran Carlos Quintana ( 27-3, 21 KO's) in the middle rounds and stopped his opponent at 2:16 of the 8th round at the Sunrise Bank Center in Florida last night.

Berto hit the canvas in the first but the referee ruled it a slip. A replay showed a short Quintana left hit Berto near the ear that may have cut off his equilibrium. However from that point on, the fight slowly turned Berto's way. The Floridian, the youngest of the elite welterweight class at 26 years young, now has the luxury to see how the others at 147lbs do in their respective bouts.

In the co-feature, top featherweight champion Celebros Cabellero (34-2, 23 KO's) breezed with a unanimous 12 rd decision over Indonesia's Daud Jordan (25-1, 18KO's). Jordan just could not keep up with his opponents volume of punches, which were coming at all angles. The scores were 120-107, 118-108, 119-108.

JLM

DIRRELL WINS BY DQ; SUPER SIX ROUND UP.

TRUFAN March 28, 2010

Andre Dirrell boxed brilliantly through nine rounds at the Hard Rock Center in Las Vegas last night, but got into a little trouble as his opponent, Arthur Abraham came on in the 10th and was looking for the elusive KO.

True Abraham was starting to connect but when Dirrell slipped on the canvas - "King Arthur" got in a right cross that sent Dirrell flat - the fight was over and Dirrell had won the bout on a foul. Again, an ad on the tarp has caused a fighter to slip, and this time it was monumental in the outcome of the fight. Bring back the rosin!

Problem with these banners in the ring is that when it gets wet, (especially in the corners) it can be very dangerous - so let's get some sort of clear adhesive film over it so it can indeed protect the fighters. And bring back the rosin!

Interesting bout that saw Dirrell build an insurmountable lead only to weaken in the tenth. Too bad for Abraham - for it would have been interesting to see if the King could have really made it interesting had the bout gone further. In the old days the old timers said the difference between 15 and 12 rounds is that it separated the men vs. the boys. May have been the case here had Abraham showed a little bit of discipline . . .

SSix Sced: Next up is Kessler-Froch April 24. Ward-Green will take place on June 19th . . .

JLM

Erik “El Terrible” Morales

“The Champion Returns” PPV March 27

Cristian Mijares in Co-Feature

HOBOKEN, N.J. (Feb. 11, 2010) – Integrated Sports Media, North America’s undisputed leader pay-per-view distribution of major boxing events, is teaming-up with KO Entertainment to bring American fans the ring return of Mexican great Erik “El Terrible” Morales, who headlines the March 27^th “The Champion Returns” pay-per-view event live from Monterrey, Mexico.

“We’re excited to bring U.S. boxing fans the return of Erik Morales, one of boxing’s all-time greats, and the last man to defeat Manny Pacquaio,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs said. “He is a living legend who has beaten many, many world champions. The entire card is stacked from top to bottom with world champions, top contenders, and hot prospects.”

“The Champion Returns,” presented by KO Entertainment, is being distributed in the United States 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 and DISH Network, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Three-division world champion Morales (48-6, 34 KOs), who hasn’t fought since Aug. 4, 2007, faces former WBA lightweight titlist Jose “Jicaras” Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs), fighting out of Nicaragua, in the 12-round main event for the WBC Intercontinental welterweight crown.

One of the most revered Mexican fighters of all-time, Morales’ list of victims over the years reads like a Who’s Who list: Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, Pauli Ayala, Wayne McCullough, Junior Jones, Carlos Hernandez, Jesus Chavez, Guty Espada, Jr. (twice), Daniel Zaragoza and Kevin Kelly. Alfaro has defeated world champions Prawet Singwancha and DeMarcus Corley.

Fighting in the 12-round co-feature is another Mexican great, 2-time former world super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares (38-6-2, 17 KOs), presently rated No. 5 by the WBA and No. 14 by the IBF, against an opponent to be determined.

Two of the “baddest” strawweights in the world go at it in another 12-rounder, unbeaten WBA champion Roman “Chocolalito” Gonzalez (25-0, 21 KOs), representing Nicaragua, and world rated Mexican contender Juan “Churritos” Hernandez (15-1, 12 KOs).

Also slated to fight on this explosive card is the best kept secret in the heavyweight division, El Paso’s undefeated NABA title-holder David “Nino” Rodriguez (32-0, 30 KOs), in a Special Heavyweight Attraction.

-IS-

MAYWEATHER-MOSLEY FIGHT FINALIZED FOR MAY

TRUFAN FEB 3, 2010

The Mayweather-Mosley bout for May 1 was declared official today - the final hurdle being when Mayweather signed on the dotted line.

Alas, unlike the fiasco of the Pacman situation, both sides agree to a bout that each fighter anticipated for years. The fight will be televised by HBO PPV.

According to ESPN, Mosley signed the contract on Friday, and parties were waiting for Mayweather to sign, which he did. Mayweather stated that "at his point in his career, he only wanted to fight the best."

Mosley concurred, and stated he will "be the faster, stronger fighter come May 1st". And who can disagree with either party - Mayweather brings the rep and speed defense and Shane brings the Sugar, smart aggression and an ability to matchup somewhat with Mayweather's arsenal. Question is - will he force Floyd to fight? Or at 38 will Shane pick his spots trying to counterpunch a counterpuncher?

This is what makes this match so intriguing. And the winner is . . . hopefully the fans . . .

JLM

DERRICK ROSSY CONTINUES QUEST TO WIN HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

ROSSY ANHILATES MEIJAS AS NEXT STEP TOWARDS HEAVYWEIGHT GLORY; FIGHT NOW AVAILABLE ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

NEW YORK (January 29, 2010)-- This past Wednesday night in New York, Heavyweight Derrick Rossy continued on the momentum of this past summer’s victory over former world title challenger Carl Davis Drummond, as Rossy blew out Alex Mejias in under a round at the M2 Ultra Lounge and all the action was captured on www.gofightlive.tv

The fights can be viewed now on www.gofightlive.tv for just $5.99 by clicking:

http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?event=595

Rossy, the former Boston Collage football star won his fifth consecutive bout to raise his record to 23-2 with thirteen knockouts as he fended off an aggressive attack by Mejias to respond with some hard jabs and combinations to stop Mejias (now 10-3) at 2:52 of the first frame of the scheduled eight round bout.

“We are just a few fights away from taking the title back to America”, said Rossy’s promoter Sal Musumeci of Final Forum Boxing.

“He is on a roll and has a lot of momentum and is putting it all together now. 2010 will be a big year for Derrick Rossy.”

The exciting co-feature saw Super Featherweight Kermit Gonzalez keep his undefeated record intact with a controversial Majority decision over Joey Arroyo in a four round bout.

Fans can also witness the exciting pro debut of Egyptian Heavyweight, Ramaden Yasser as he scored an explosive ninety-one second knockout over Arthur Christopher.

One bout of notice saw popular Cypress born Jr. Middleweight Lambros Karaolides remain udefeated at 5-0 as he scored third round stoppage over Tarrick Spann

Welterweight Championship Unification

Fight Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30 at Mandalay Bay Between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto Cancelled

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (January 18, 2010) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto stated in a personal press release earlier today that due to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti and deeply affected his family who resides there, he is physically and emotionally unable to prepare for his Saturday, Jan. 30 bout with WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley and, as a result, will withdraw from the bout. Given the close proximity to the date of the event and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Berto, the event will be cancelled entirely.

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

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

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

DBE

WARD TOPS KESSLER ON TECHNICAL DECISION

Bout stopped due to cuts on Kessler's eye.

TRUFAN NOV21, 2009 11:40PM EST

Former Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward (21-0) has fought all over the world, but finally came full circle with a win in his hometown of Oakland, California over Mikkel Kessler (42-2) to gain the WBA Super Middleweight title in the Super Six tournament.

The bout was marred by head-butts throughout, but make no mistake, Ward was in clear control from the opening bell, as Kessler really could not get untracked or find any rhythm to his offense. It was frustrating for Mikkel, who appeared flat but most of his problem was the piston jab from his opponent. Cuts from both eyes, under and over the eyelid, had Kessler in neutral the last few rounds of the bout, as Ward took chances on a KO, sometimes leaving himself open for a counter left hook. Although Kessler connected with some big shots, it was few and far between and did not seem to deter the pressure that Ward was initiating.

It was the third bout of the Super Six, and the last in the first round. In the second round Ward will most likely face Jermaine Taylor, while Kessler fights in a championship fight again, this time as a challenger, to Carl Froch's super middleweight title. Dates have not been secured as of this posting.

JLM

SHOBOX SERIES MATCHUPS TOUGH OCT 2nd

(September 25, 2009) Sometimes in our culture, brands become a part of our subconscious. For fans of almost any professional sport, the name SpongeTech has become a part of their watching experience, with ads showing up on TV broadcasts and at the venues of MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL games, among many others. On Friday, SpongeTech Delivery Systems, Inc. announced their next venture in the world of professional sports, by teaming with DiBella Entertainment to sponsor the October 2 tripleheader to be telecast by Showtime, as a part of their ShoBox series.

The October 2 show epitomizes the principle of the ShoBox series: Young Fighters Matched Tough. In the main event, top supper middleweight contender and vicious puncher Allan Green (28-1, 20 KOs) will be match another big puncher in Victor Oganov (28-2, 28 KOs). In the cofeature, Antwone Smith (16-1, 8 KOs), on one of the most impressive winning streaks in boxing, will do battle with Henry Crawford (22-0-1, 9 KOs). Also the telecast will be one of the best young fighters in the sport, super middleweight Marcus Johnson (17-0, 14 KOs) will face the toughest challenge of his career in rugged veteran Victor Villereal (8-3, 4 KOs).

Lou DiBella, the president of DiBella Entertainment, is proud that SpongeTech has decided to use his show as a vehicle for entering yet another pro sport.

“SpongeTech is the preeminent sponsor in professional sports at the moment,” said DiBella. “I am glad they chose a show of this quality to enter pro boxing, and I am certain this will be the beginning of a long standing relationship between SpongeTech and DiBella Entertainment.”

A card of this caliber, and generating this level of interest, made the timing of SpongeTech’s leap into the boxing ring a no brainer.

SpongeTech’s COO, Steven Moskowitz said, "Teaming up with DiBella on the ShoBox event provides SpongeTech an opportunity to further expand our presence in sporting events that have major media coverage and being in the center of the ring will surely showcase our brand name among boxing fans watching the tripleheader. We look forward to participating in additional events with DiBella."

Tickets for the October 2 show are on sale through the First Council Casino and www.ticketstorm.com. Additional information can be found by visiting DiBella Entertainment on the web at www.dbe1.com.

About SpongeTech® Delivery Systems, Inc.

SpongeTech® Delivery Systems is a company which designs, produces, and markets unique lines of reusable cleaning products for Car Care, Child Care, Home Care and Pet Care usages. These sponge-like products utilize SpongeTech®'s proprietary, patent (and patent-pending) technologies and other technologies involving hydrophilic (liquid absorbing) foam, polyurethane matrices or other ingredients. The Company's sponge-like products are pre-loaded with specially formulated ingredients such as soap, conditioner and/or wax that are released when the sponge is soaked and applied to a surface with minimal pressure. SpongeTech® is currently exploring additional applications for its technology in the health, beauty, and medical markets. SpongeTech® Delivery Systems, Inc. intends to globally brand its products as The Smarter Sponge™ .

Team Ruiz: Valuev-Haye

Wishful Arrogance

LAS VEGAS (July 23, 2009) – Team Ruiz believes a potential World Boxing Association title fight title between champion Nicolai Valuev and David Haye is nothing more than a matter of wishful arrogance.

Team Ruiz has already contacted the WBA inform the WBA Championship Committee that WBA mandatory challenger, 2-time WBA heavyweight John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), will not stand by and allow the reported Valuev-Haye title fight in November.

Despite reports from both camps, Valuev-Haye has not been sanctioned as a WBA title fight, and cannot be without a special permit being requested, filed and passed. Ruiz is the mandatory challenger, Valuev’s deadline for his yearly mandatory defense is August 30, and Haye isn’t rated by the WBA.

Ruiz’ advisor and attorney, Anthony Cardinale, and prominent boxing lawyer, Judd Burstein, emailed all concerned parties the following:

“There has been a recent press release quoting David Haye as claiming that he has come to an agreement to fight Nicolai Valuev for the WBA title this coming November. I am writing to inform the WBA Championship Committee that John Ruiz, the WBA Heavyweight Official Challenger, will not stand by and allow such a bout to take place.

“First, Valuev must honor his mandatory obligation to John Ruiz.

“Valuev won the title on August 30^th, 2008 and had an interim title fight against Evander Holyfield last December, when the WBA ranked Holyfield out of nowhere to accommodate Valuev and his promoter. Following that Holyfield bout, Valuev was scheduled to fight (Ruslan) Chagaev last April to clear up the heavyweight title situation. On behalf of Mr. Valuev, Mr. (Pat) English claimed that the Chagaev fight was the equivalent of a mandatory bout, requiring Mr. Ruiz to wait a year for a chance. Chagaev was, however, medically declared unfit. Since, he then fought, in violation of specific WBA rules, for the IBF and WBO championships, and lost. Therefore, he no longer may be considered the WBA champion.

“Accordingly, with a year since his last championship victory about to pass, Valuev must fight his next bout as his mandatory against Mr. Ruiz. John Ruiz will not sit by and permit another delay so that Valuev can have another interim fight, especially against another opponent who is not even rated by the WBA. If the WBA Regulations are to have any meaning, there can be no other result. Put simply, John Ruiz has not agreed to permit any bout for the WBA Heavyweight Championship unless he is one of the participants, and he will take any and all legal action necessary to protect his interests.”

-JR-

Ruiz jumps all over Arreola’s comments

LAS VEGAS (July 1, 2009) – It didn’t take two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) very long to respond to comments made by unbeaten heavyweight contender Chris Arreola and his promoter, Dan Goossen, at a press conference Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Arreola was quoted as saying, “There are a lot of old guys and former champs sitting around there that we need to take care of. Their time is up. They need to go.”

“This September,” Goossen added, “you’re going to see Chistobal fighting in California and you’re going to see him fighting a former world champion.”

If the WBA doesn’t rule that its heavyweight title-holder, Nicolai Valuev, immediately defend his title against the WBA’s mandatory challenger, Ruiz, “The Quietman” is ready to be the old guy, former world champion fighting Arreola in September.

“I’m willing to risk my WBA mandatory shot against Arreola, if he puts up his WBC mandatory,” Ruiz said from a Las Vegas gym where he’s been training. “What’s been taking him so long? I called him out in early May but he never said a word and his people never contacted mine. I don’t get it. He keeps complaining about not getting a title shot that he’s done nothing to deserve. Maybe he needs to push himself away from the dinner table and take a risk. I’m over-the-hill, huh? Well, I guess everybody thinks it should be a cake walk for him, but I’m not like his last opponent, who came out of retirement to fight him for the money.

“He wants to be the first Mexican to win the world heavyweight championship. Be a macho Mexican, Arreola. Walk the walk and fight the first and only Latino world heavyweight champ to really prove yourself. If it makes you feel better, I’ll retire for a few days, and wait for your call. Stop disrespecting me and talking trash unless you have the rocks to fight a real champion.”
Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about Ruiz.

-30-

DREAM MATCH PERSONIFIED . . . WHO WOULD WIN?

WHY DURAN WOULD HAVE DEFEATED PACMAN

With all due credit, Manny Pacquiao is on top of today's boxing world. He is the "Man". His destruction of Oscar De La Hoya drove the "Golden Boy" into retirement and his convincing victory over Ricky Hatton put him as the #1 fighter pound for pound in the world today. I have no dispute with this but Floyd Mayweather Jr. might. . Floyd may be in Pacquiao's future. We'll see.

What if there was a fighter named Roberto Duran roaming the boxing landscape today ? I'm talking about a lean, fit and motivated Duran. The Duran who defeated the talented Esteban DeJesus in their rubber match at 135 pounds. The Duran that practically shut out the gritty Carlos Palomino and handed the gifted Sugar Ray Leonard his first loss at 147 pounds. How would Manny match up with THAT Duran ?

As good as Manny is and by God he is good, a top shelf Duran would have defeated him. Why ? Because Roberto would have a trump card for everything Pacquiao would try to do. Manny has fast hands but Leonard's hands were faster. Manny is strong but Palomino and Leonard were stronger. Pacquiao has power but not the firepower that Leonard brought to the table. Manny is durable but no way he matches Palomino's whiskers. Manny can be slick but he comes up short next to Leonard and DeJesus in that catagory. Even the fact that Manny is a southpaw would have no bearing on this match up. In Duran's first bout with Hector Camacho he did exactly what you should do against a southpaw. Duran beat Camacho all night long with right leads and counter rights over the jab. He would employ the same tactics against Pacquiao.

As much as I like and respect Manny Pacquiao, there is no way I can convince myself that on his best day he could have defeated a prime Roberto "El Cholo" Duran.

Jim Amato

“Irish Lightning” strikes Las Vegas

Dean Byrne fights Jose Reynoso Friday night at South Point Hotel & Casino

LOS ANGELES (April 29, 2009) – Unbeaten Irish light welterweight prospect Dean “Irish Lightning” Byrne explodes in Las Vegas against Mexican southpaw Jose Reynoso (10-2, 1 KO) in a scheduled 8-round bout Friday night at South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The boxing world will be focused on Las Vegas this weekend for Saturday night’s mega-fight Saturday evening between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, but that show’s appetizer is the Sin City debut of the 24-year-old Byrne, who’ll also have Manny’s trainer, Freddie Roach, in his corner.

Byrne has found a home at Roach’s famed Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, where Dean has benefited from sparring with Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Juan Marquez. A veteran of more than 200 amateur fights, Byrne was an Irish National champion who turned pro in Australia, capturing the New South Wales State belt in only his fourth pro fight, and one fighter later added the Australian crown in a 10-round bout. On his way from Australia to relocate in Boston, Dean stopped in Los Angeles and trained at Wild Card, where Roach took an instant shine to his now protégé.

Every fight counts, each one a stepping stone for Dean to reach his ultimate goal of winning a world title,” Byrne’s manager Steven Feder (Standing Eight Management) remarked. “To have Dean become champion of the world is what this is all about. He's sparred with so many champions in Wild Card Gym and his turn to wear the belt in the limelight of the ring is just a matter of time."Dean’s a true throwback boxer; a working man’s fighter. Among all of the glitz and glitter associated with making his Las Vegas debut, Dean has worked even harder and continued to make tremendous sacrifices because, especially in these trying economic times, he realizes how important it is to give paying fans their money’s worth. Dean wants to follow in the footsteps of the greats and money isn’t the driving force for him. Manny is a great example of a fighter that hasn’t let fame or money change him. Of course, Dean wants to earn a lot of money, but he will never forget where he came from or who he’s fighting for, the public. He came from nothing in Dublin and he’ll never forget that as he fights his way to achieve his dreams.”

-SEM-

WBC SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMP CARL FROCH
TO DEFEND AGAINST JERMAIN TAYLOR ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Saturday, April 25, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT

From MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino

NEW YORK (March 10, 2009) – A household name in his native England, talented, undefeated Carl Froch will look to make a major statement -- and enhance his reputation in America -- when he defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title against one of the most highly regarded and recognizable fighters of this generation, former undisputed middleweight belt-holder Jermain Taylor, Saturday, April 25, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

A formal announcement was made by Ken Hershman, Senior VP and General Manager of Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME.

“Jermain Taylor is a great fighter and I am excited to have him make his SHOWTIME debut on April 25,” said Hershman. “He’s the more accomplished fighter and the better-known guy right now, but in Froch, he’s facing the naturally bigger fighter and a man that has never lost. Our viewers have come to expect competitive fights month-in, month-out on SHOWTIME and this fight should be no different.

“The 168-pound weight division is one of the deepest and most exciting in boxing,” Hershman continued. “Froch-Taylor is just one of many compelling matchups that this division has to offer.”

The telecast will air live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from MGM Grand Theater at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The fight card is being co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Hennessy Sports.

“I expect fireworks in this matchup,” said DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella. “There is an aggressive, straight-ahead, rugged champion fighting a seasoned athletic warrior. It is a can’t-miss fight and the title will change hands.”

“This isn’t a case of a young fighter on the way up taking advantage of a big name on the way out or two old timers cashing out with a big payday - this is a real fight. You’ve got two of the world’s finest fighters, both at the peak of their powers and out to prove that they are amongst the best pound for pound fighters in the world,” said Mick Hennessy, President of Hennessy Sports.

“We are honored to be hosting the WBC World Super Middleweight Championship in association with DiBella Entertainment and SHOWTIME,” said Joseph Jimenez, Senior Vice President of Casino Marketing for MGM Grand at Foxwoods. “We are excited to showcase our beautiful property and magnificent theater at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.”

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $200, $100, $75 and $50. Tickets are available at

www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, your local Ticket Master and MGM Grand Box Office 866-646-0649.

Froch (24-0, 19 KOs), of Nottingham, England, will be making the first defense of the vacant 168-pound crown he gained in his last outing with a unanimous 12-round decision over Jean Pascal on Dec. 6, 2008. He earned the title shot after registering a fourth-round TKO over Albert Rybacki on May 20, 2008, on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

The six-foot, 31-year-old Froch, who has fought all but one of his fights in the UK, is one of 30 Shobox alums to become a world titleholder. A victory over Taylor would provide Froch instant stardom. The winner on April 25 will perhaps have the opportunity to unify against the IBF champion, the winner of this Friday’s Lucian Bute vs. Fulgencio Zuniga bout.

Taylor (28-2-1, 17 KOs), of Little Rock, Ark., has had a prolific pro career since winning a bronze medal for the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games. The six-foot-one-inch, 30-year-old Taylor is the only boxer to twice defeat future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins.

In a WBC title eliminator last Nov. 15, Taylor dominated Jeff Lacy en route to taking a unanimous decision. Taylor also has defeated former champions Cory Spinks, Raul Marquez and William Joppy.

When he outpointed Hopkins the first time, Taylor became 160-pound world champion in the WBC, World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO).

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announcers Gus Johnson and Al Bernstein will call the action with Jim Gray reporting from ringside. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

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Barrera faces Wrath of Khan

Mar. 14 PPV show also features Maccarinelli-Afolabi & Cook-Martinez title fights

HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 25, 2009) –The hype surrounding 22-year-old lightweight prospect Amir Khan may not be the same since his stunning first-round knockout loss to Breidis Prescott last September, but the 2004 Olympic silver medallist has the full confidence of his head trainer, Freddie Roach, as they prepare in Los Angeles for Khan’s showdown with multiple world champion “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, Saturday, March 14 at The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” pay-per-view card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Ian Darke and color analyst, former WBC lightweight champion Jim Watt, will be calling the action from ringside for Sky Box Office and Integrated Sports PPV.

Khan (19-1, 15 KOs), training at Roach’s famed Wild Card Gym, defends his WBA International lightweight title against seven-time world champion Barrera (65-6, 42 KOs) in the 12-round main event. The two other PPV fights will be former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs) against NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the WBO cruiserweight championship, while WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).

Khan, coming off of a win by second-round TKO of Oisin Fagan for the WBA International title last December, is rated No. 9 by the WBO and No. 13 by the IBF. Roach favourably compares his prospect, Khan, with his ace, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

“Athleticism, speed.....everything,” Roach explained why he believes Amir will emerge victoriously. “Barrera’s best was at 122 and 126; Amir is a big 135-pounder. It’s the perfect time – 22-year-old kid against a 35-year-old veteran. We respect Barrera and there’s a lot we have to lookout from him. Barrera can set-up guys with his experience but we’ve really prepared for that.

“Amir reminds me a lot of Manny Pacquiao. They’re both very athletic and Amir is the only guy who can run with Manny. I remember Manny getting knocked out early in his career (by Rustico Torrecampo in 1996) and everybody writing him off. Amir came in on a bigger stage from the Olympics, but I believe he’ll rebound and become world champion. I brought Amir here (Wild Card) to camp to be with Manny and sparring together built Amir’s confidence. If he can do as well as he did with Manny, he can do as well against anybody. He just made a young man’s mistake against Prescott, going for the knockout, and he got caught. Anybody can get caught and Amir is perfecting his defense. He has come along well since his first fight (vs. Fagan) with me.”

Barrera, who has held world titles in three different weight classes during his 19-year pro career, holds wins against a Who’s Who of contemporary world champions and/or challengers such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, and Rocky Juarez (twice).

WBO No. 1 rated Maccarinelli, ranked No. 6 by The Ring, defeated Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice) during his WBO title reign (2006-2008). The WBO No. 2 rated London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April, stopping previously unbeaten Eric Fields in the 10^th round.

Cook won the WBO super featherweight title in his last fight, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Alex Arthur (26-1) last September in The M.E.N. Arena. The former European champion is rated No. 6 by The Ring. Puerto Rican star on the rise, NABO super featherweight title-holder Martinez, in addition to being the WBC’s top contender, is also rated No. 4 by the WBA No. 9 by The Ring.

Integrated Sports: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events is Integrated Sports. Among the many events brought to North American viewers by Integrated Sports include World Championship boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Nicolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Team of Argentina. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

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Integrated Sports distributing Khan-Barrera PPV in North America

Mar. 14 show also featuring Maccarinelli-Afolabi & Cook-Martinez title fights

HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 13, 2009) – Integrated Sports will distribute a world-class pay-per-view card, headlined by Amir Khan versus “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, Saturday, March 14 live from The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Khan (29-2, 25 KOs), 2004 Olympic silver medallist, defends his WBA International lightweight title against seven-time world champion Barrera (65-6, 42 KOs) in the 12-round main event. The two other PPV fights will be former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs) against NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the WBO cruiserweight championship, while WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).

“We’re thrilled to be distributing this sensational tripleheader to North American boxing fans,” Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs said. “The main event is a potential classic match-up between a top prospect, Khan, and veteran warrior, Barrera. Fans are very interested to see how Khan has improved since he started working with trainer Freddy Roach as well as what future Hall of Famer Barrera has left. Maccarinelli-Afolabi and Cook-Martinez shape-up as two very fan-friendly bouts, too, and either could be main events.”

The 22-year-old Khan is coming off of a win by second-round TKO of Oisin Fagan for the WBA International title last December, which was three months after Amir suffered his only pro loss to Breidis Prescott. Khan, rated No. 9 by the WBO and No. 13 by the IBF, has been training at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, where he’s gained invaluable experience sparring with the likes of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Barrera, 35, has held world titles in three different weight classes during his 19-year pro career. He recently suffered a scare when he was cut from a head-butt, which temporarily jeopardized his March 21^st showdown with Kahn, that lead to a win by third-round disqualification. Barrera holds wins against world champions and/or challengers such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, and Rocky Juarez (twice).

Maccarinelli, fighting out of his native Wales, has only one blemish on his pro record, losing a year ago to David Haye in their title unification bout. “Macca,” ranked No. 3 by the WBO and No. 6 by The Ring, during his WBO title reign (2006-2008) defeated Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice).

The WBO No. 5 rated London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April, stopping previously unbeaten Eric Fields in the 10^th round.

Cook won the WBO super featherweight title in his last fight in September, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Alex Arthur (26-1) in The M.E.N. Arena. The former European champion is rated No. 6 by The Ring.

In addition to being the WBC’s top contender, Puerto Rican boxer Martinez is rated No. 4 by the WBA, No. 6 by the IBF and No., 9 by The Ring. The reigning NABO super featherweight title-holder also held the WBO Inter-Continental and WBO Latino belts.

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ANDRE WARD & HENRY BUCHANAN,

JOHN “JOHN” MOLINA & JOSHUA ALLOTEY

FINAL QUOTES AND WEIGHTS

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009,

The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California

“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’

Friday, Feb. 6; Telecast Begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT

A talented, exciting fighter fans need to keep a close eye on, undefeated, world-ranked Andre Ward of Oakland, Calif., defends his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight title against once-beaten Henry “Sugar Poo’’ Buchanan of Chesterfield, S.C., tomorrow/Friday, Feb. 6, on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Ward, the only boxer from the United States to capture a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, will enter the 12-round bout, which is also for the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) 168-pound crown, with a record of 17-0 with 12 KOs. Buchanan is 17-1 with 12 stoppages.

In the ShoBox co-feature, unbeaten John “John” Molina (14-0, 10 KOs) of Covina, Calif., will meet Ghana’s hard-hitting Joshua Allotey (15-6, 13 KOs) in an eight-round junior lightweight bout.

Goossen Tutor Promotions will promote the event from The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino at Lemoore, Calif.

NOTE: THURSDAY’S WEIGHTS – Ward weighed 166.2 pounds, Buchanan 167.6 pounds; Molina weighed 133, Allotey 132.6.

ANDRE WARD

“I am not a reluctant warrior. I am not afraid to fight anybody. The really big fights haven’t happened, but they will, hopefully in 2009. Lots of possible fights never get made because the higher rated fighters don’t want to fight. I’d fight Jermain Taylor in a second.

“But it really doesn’t matter who I fight. My job is to win, and to continue to win impressively

“I am looking for a good fight Friday. Buchanan is coming in with nothing to lose. I suspect he’ll try and work inside, because all my opponents try to work inside, but I am stronger than they think.

“I have lots of incentive and lots of huge chips on my shoulders. I feel I should be ranked higher. I don’t think I get the respect I deserve, and I don’t know why. I feel, even with the injuries, my career has progressed. I’ve risen to the occasion each time. The guys I’ve fought; they don’t lose after they fight me.

“Buchanan has never been knocked down. The old adage is ‘don’t look for the knockout, the knockout will come.’ But I don’t know any fighter who doesn’t mind going home early. I may switch up and go southpaw a little. This is going to be a fast-paced, intense fight and I am prepared for that. Fans will see a good show.’’

HENRY BUCHANAN

“I am here to fight and to win. No excuses in my last fight against (Jean Paul) Mendy – he beat me fair and square --- but the fact is I entered the ring with a broken hand I had broken in the fight before that.

“I am not 100 percent healthy, I am 200 percent healthy for this and I am looking forward to the opportunity to defeat an Olympic gold medalist.

“Ward’s been down. I wasn’t even knocked down in the streets. It is not going to happen.

“My whole life has been uphill; nothing has come easy, my sister died just last week. So I am thrilled to get this fight. No matter what it says on paper, Ward had better be ready for the fight of his life.

“He’s a great fighter, no doubt about that. But if you want to make a name for yourself, and some money, in this sport, if you have bills to pay, you jump at this kind of opportunity and make the best of it.

“And that is exactly what I plan to do.’’

JOHN “JOHN” MOLINA

“I am excited about fighting on SHOWTIME and very anxious to show what I am all about. I am definitely prepared. I am willing and can’t wait to do what I have to do.

“There is nothing that Allotey can show me or do that will deter me from doing what I came to do.

“I have been doing a different regiment all together from what I normally do since I have been training with Joe Goossen.

“We have been working on my output and working out the little kinks in my game that needed fixing up.’’

JOSHUA ALLOTEY

“I am coming here to win so I can fight better fights later. I am happy to be fighting here; it's a great opportunity.

"John's (Molina) father fights better than his son. I would be more intimidated by his father. Me? I fight like lightning - my style will beat John's.

"I am in great condition and ready to go eight hard rounds if it goes the distance.’’