Dutch KO King Gilbert Yvel added to Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy” PPV

Fedor Emelianenko-Josh Barnett headline August 1 super show in Anaheim SEAL
BEACH, California

(July 2, 2009) – Coming off of his career-defining performance against 3-time UFC® heavyweight title challenger Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo last Saturday night in Biloxi, Dutch knockout artist Gilbert “The Hurricane” Yvel has been added to the Affliction M-1 Global’s star-studded “Trilogy” Pay-Per-View event against another former UFC® heavyweight title challenger, Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello, live August 1 from Honda Center in Anaheim.

Russian combat fighting legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (30-1-0)
defends his WAMMA heavyweight title against No. 1 contender Josh “The
Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett (24-5-0), in a highly-anticipated main event.
GoDaddy.com presents Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy,” featuring Fedor vs.
Barnett in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Donald J Trump. The
show is separated into two live broadcasts on the same night—a one-hour
special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by
the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9PM/ET (6
PM/PT).

In an awesome display of power striking, Yvel (36-13-1) registered his 31st
knockout with five devastating rights in a row on a fallen Rizzo’s face and
chin, ending at 2:10 of the first round. “I want to move up to (fight) the
champions because I want a belt,” Yvel said after the fight. “I’m learning
the ground game. I was patient, relaxed, and kicked-off (Rizzo to the mat).”

Buentello (27-10-0), who originally was scheduled to fight Tim Sylvia, is a
6-2, 245-pound Texan who has beaten David “Tank” Abbot, Justin Eilers,
Gilbert Aldana, Kevin Jordan and Gary Goodridge.

The co-main event features former Strikeforce® light heavyweight challenger
Renato “Babalu” Sobral (32-8-0) against Armenian kick-boxing specialist
Gegard “The Dreamcatcher” Mousasi (25-2-1) in his American debut.
Also on the PPV card is Brazilian bomber Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort
(18-8-0), another former UFC® Light Heavyweight Champion, versus Sengoku
middleweight title-holder Jorge Santiago (21-7-0). One other PPV fight will
soon be announced.
The undercard on HDNet features ex-IFL® Welterweight Champion Jay “The
Thoroughbred” Hieron (17-4-0) who will take on former Cage Rage belt-holder,
British brawler Paul “Semtex” Daley (21-8-2), along with a pair of exciting,
young lightweight prospects, Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (12-1-0)
vs. Dan “The Upgrade” Lauzon (12-2-0) and former IFL® heavyweight titlist
“Big” Ben Rothwell (30-6-0) vs. hot, unbeaten prospect Chase Gormley
(6-0-0).

Two other HDNet fights have been solidified as featherweight L.C. Davis
(13-2-0) meets Javier “Showtime” Vasquez (13-2-0), former KOTC and Gladiator
Challenge champion, while former IFL® lightweight challenger Deividas
Taurosevicius (10-3-0) faces Mark “The Machine” Hominick (16-8-0). Two
off-television matches are also on tap between heavyweights Jessie Gibbs
(7-2-0) and Rob Broughton (10-4-1), as well as Brazilian light heavyweight
Lucio Linhares (12-4-0) and Michael Zayats (8-3-0).

All fights and fighters are subject to change. For more information go
online to www.afflictionclothing.com.
Tickets for Affliction M-1’s “Trilogy” range between $50.00 and $600.00, are
on sale at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500) and also online at
Ticketmaster.com and all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).

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SAN JOSE NATIVE, RICARDO CORTES TO FIGHT AT AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK: THE NEXT CHAPTER

AM&I Fight Night at the Tank Returns to HP Pavilion at San Jose on Thursday, July 16

San Jose, CA– American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank: The Next Chapter returns to HP Pavilion at San Jose on Thursday, July 16 featuring a special 8-round bout highlighting San Jose native Ricardo Cortes (22-3-1, 15 KO’s).

Cortes makes his return to HP Pavilion for the first time since November 2007 when he knocked out Joshua Onyango (14-17-1, 11 KO’s). Always a Fight Night at the Tank favorite, Cortes has knocked out 10 of his 13 opponents at HP Pavilion dating back to 2002. Cortes will be fighting Oakland native, James Buggs (8-9-3). This will be Buggs’ first time fighting at the Tank.

For a bio of Cortes click on the link

For a bio of Buggs click on the link

The undercard for July 16 will include Clint Coronel (0-0-1), Juan Tepoz (1-1), Maurice Slade (0-2), Claudia Gutierrez (Debut), Fernando Barajas (4-2). Each of these fighters will be competing in four-round bouts and will be included in the “You Be The Judge” competition.

SPECIAL GUEST LARRY MERCHANT TO ATTEND AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK

Well known boxing analyst, Larry Merchant, will be in attendance at AM&I Fight Night at the Tank weigh-in on Wednesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. and at the event on Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 pm. Merchant will be on-site at HP Pavilion and is available for interviews as well as fan autographs and interaction. For additional information about the weigh-in, scroll down.

Larry Merchant serves as special analyst for HBO Sports' presentations of "World Championship of the world's top boxing events on television.

Merchant, a former sports columnist with the Philadelphia Daily News and the New York Post, and a general columnist with the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, joined HBO Sports in 1978 as an expert analyst. Well-regarded for his no-hype style and his dramatic overviews of the fight scene, Merchant has covered a majority of the top boxing events of recent decades, including Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, Alexis Arguello vs. Aaron Pryor, Michael Spinks vs. Larry Holmes, Marvin Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks, Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad, De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather, Jermain Taylor vs. Bernard Hopkins and De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao.

In May 1985, Merchant received the prestigious Sam Taub Memorial Award for Excellence in Boxing Broadcast Journalism, presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America, for his commentary and analysis on HBO's "World Championship Boxing" presentations. He is the author of three books—"The National Football Lottery," "Ringside Seat at the Circus" and "…Everyday You Take Another"—and wrote the scripts for a number of HBO Sports specials, including "The Not-So-Great Moments in Sports" and "Son of the Not-So-Great Moments in Sports." He also served as writer for the Emmy-Award-winning HBO documentary series "Legendary Nights."

In June of 2007, the BWAA honored him with the James J. Walker Award for long Boxing" and "HBO Pay-Per-View," and has covered many and meritorious service. In June of 2009, Merchant joins a distinguished class of new inductees into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in upstate, New York .

AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK CONTINUES NEW FORMAT FOR JULY 16 BOUTS

All four-round fighters will be included in the ‘You Be The Judge’ contest; a way for fans to show their support of their favorite fighter of the night. The crowd will judge the bouts and choose their favorite boxer by round of applause. The winning fighter will receive the AMI Cup with an extra $1,000 bonus. The crowd will have a chance to win money of their own as $100 cash will be given away between every bout.

Members of each team will have opportunities to add to their pocketbooks with team bonuses. Both teams will be competing for bonuses of $2,100 ($300 per fighter). The teams will be scored on a point system with one point awarded per bout ending with the best of seven. If there is a knockout, “The Quickest Knockout Award” will garner that special fighter another $500.

AM&I Fight Night at the Tank will bring back a familiar face as Roy Englebrecht returns to AM&I Fight Night at the Tank as the event matchmaker. Roy Englebrecht is owner and founder of Roy Englebrecht Promotions, California 's third largest Boxing Promotions Company. In December of 2001 Oscar De La Hoya purchased Roy Englebrecht Promotions creating Golden Boy Promotions, with Roy serving as COO for the first three years. At the end of 2004 Roy Englebrecht Promotions was again reestablished, with Oscar De La Hoya as a minority partner.

TICKET INFORMATION FOR AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK

Individual tickets can be purchased at the HP Pavilion ticket office, at Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout the Bay Area, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For more information about season tickets or group discounts call (408) 999-6808 or go to www.fightnightatthetank.com.

MAY 7, 2009

AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT at THE TANK: The Next Chapter

HP PAVILION

SAN JOSE, CA

(8 Round 158 lb. Bout)

RICARDO CORTES VS. JAMES BUGGS

San Jose, CA Oakland , CA

22-3-1, 15 KO’s 8-9-3

(4 Round TBA lb. Bout)

FERNANDO BARAJAS VS. PEDRO RIOS

San Leandro, CA Berkeley , CA

4-2 Pro Debut

(4 Round TBD lb. Bout)

TBD VS. TBD

(4 Round 115 lb. Bout)

CLAUDIA GUTIERREZ VS. MICHELLE NELSON

Chico, CA Saskatchewan , Canada

Debut 1-1

(4 Round 122 lb. Bout)

JUAN TEPOZ VS. JONATHAN ALCANTARA

Santa Rosa, CA Novato, CA

1-1 0-0-1

(4 Rd 154 lb. Bout)

CLINT CORONEL VS. TONY JUAREZ

San Jose, CA Yuba City , CA

0-0-1 0-2

(4 Rd 147 lb. Bout)

MAURICE SLADE VS. JOHN DUNHAM

San Jose, CA Stockton , CA

0-2 0-4

(All bouts subject to change)

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STATEMENT FROM BOB ARUM ON THE PASSING OF ALEXIS ARGUELLO

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (July 1, 2009) – BOB ARUM, CEO of Top Rank, issued the following statement after hearing the news on the passing of three-division world champion and 1992 International Boxing Hall of Fame member ALEXIS ARGUELLO:

"We at Top Rank are very saddened to learn about the death of Alexis Arguello. Alexis was one of the world's greatest fighters and champions. More importantly, he was a real man, a true gentleman and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed."

From the International Boxing Hall of Fame: “A native of Managua, Nicaragua, Arguello held the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight titles. Known as “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was a brilliant offensive fighter and a master tactician. He compiled an 82-8 (65KOs) record that includes wins over Jose Legra, Art Hafey, Alfredo Escalera, Rafael Limon, Ruben Castillo, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Jim Watt, Ruben Olivares, Ray Mancini and Bobby Chacon. In 1982 and 1983, he engaged in two pitched battles for fellow Hall of Famer Aaron Pryor’s junior welterweight championship, with Pryor registering kayo wins in the 14th and 10th round respectively. He retired in 1986, but returned to the ring for two fights in 1994 and 1995 before hanging up the gloves. In 2008, Arguello was elected mayor of Managua.”

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ÓSCAR DE LA HOYA LAMENTA PROFUNDAMENTE EL DECESO DEL 'FLACO EXPLOSIVO', ALEXIS ARGÜELLO

LOS ÁNGELES CA, 1 de julio de 2009. - Óscar de la Hoya, séxtuple campeón mundial en distintas categorías, lamentó el trágico fallecimiento del inolvidable peleador nicaragüense Alexis Argüello, ex triple campeón mundial en distintas divisiones, e icono del boxeo mundial, quien fue encontrado muerto hoy miércoles en su natal Managua Nicaragua.

De la Hoya, quien compartió gratos momentos en varias ocasiones con el famoso peleador nicaragüense reconocido como el "Flaco Explosivo" por su gran poder en los nudillos, su espigada figura y enorme caballerosidad dentro y fuera del ring, se manifestó profundamente consternado por esta fatal noticia y al respecto opinó:

"Me siento muy triste por esta noticia que aún no puedo creer. Alexis [Argüello] era mi ídolo. De joven escuchaba tanto de él y sus peleas, y realmente me encantaba su estilo de combatir. Para mi fue uno de los peleadores más grandes e importantes que ha dado el boxeo mundial", afirmó.

"Recuerdo que vino a mi pelea contra Steve Forbes, y compartimos buenos momentos antes y después de ese pleito. Definitivamente Argüello es un clásico del boxeo mundial por todas las alegrías que le dio a los aficionados, por su excelsa e inolvidable trayectoria, así como su gran carisma y enorme personalidad", subrayó De la Hoya.

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VÍCTOR ORTIZ HABLA TRAS SU PELEA TITULAR DEL PASADO SÁBADO

Photo: German Villasenor.

LOS ÁNGELES, CA, 30 de junio. - Luego de la emocionante pelea de titulo mundial que escenificaron el pasado sábado en el Staples Center, y que fue ganada por el púgil argentino Marcos "Chino" Maidana por nocaut técnico en el sexto asalto cuando el doctor en turno la detuvo por un severo corte en la ceja derecha y una inflamación en el pómulo izquierdo de Víctor "Vicious" Ortiz, el joven pugilista quiso aclarar la situación ante la prensa y aficionados respecto a su actuación.

"No hice la pelea correcta y no ejecuté el plan de trabajo correcto para derrotar a Marcos Maidana", dijo Víctor Ortiz desde su casa en Oxnard. "Aprenderé de los errores que hice el sábado y no cometerlos de nueva cuenta, como tratar de noquear en lugar de boxear. Prometo que regresaré, y la próxima vez estaré más enfocado", agregó.

"Hice algunos comentarios después de la pelea, pero fue una respuesta emocional por la derrota". "Tomo la responsabilidad completa por mis errores y acciones, pero quiero aclarar que no quise manifestar lo que dije. Soy joven, tengo cosas por aprender y les garantizo que seré campeón mundial. ¡RECUERDEN MIS PALABRAS...!", aseveró.

Óscar de la Hoya, promotor de Ortiz y presidente de Golden Boy Promotions dijo: "Víctor [Ortiz] tiene 22 años de edad y cuenta con un brillante futuro por delante en el boxeo, pero admito que hizo la pelea incorrecta el sábado por la noche y él lo sabe". "Para combatir contra un noqueador como Maidana hay que utilizar la cabeza y no el corazón. Víctor fue sorprendido algunas veces tratando de noquear a su adversario aunque no lo necesitaba pues iba ganando claramente el pleito. Sin embargo, me siento 100% confiado que estará de regreso a la sala de estudios con su equipo, y volverá más fuerte y como un mejor peleador como resultado de esta experiencia", pronosticó.

Richard Schaefer, jefe ejecutivo de Golden Boy Promotions indicó: "Víctor sufrió varios golpes ilegales en la nuca por parte de Maidana, y fue enviado al hospital como precaución. Estuvo ahí [hospital] hasta las 3:00 de la mañana para ser observado, y aunque se comento que había sufrido una conmoción cerebral, fue dado de alta sin haberle encontrado nada anormal. Sabemos que Víctor estará de vuelta pronto para sostener otra pelea titular. Estaba liderando las tarjetas de los jueces antes que el médico de ringside detuviera las acciones, pero así es el boxeo y no dudamos que se recuperará", manifestó.

Finalmente, Rolando Arellano, co manejador de Ortiz señaló: "Las dificultades y cosas que tuvo que afrontar el equipo de Ortiz el sábado por la noche es sólo el precio que debemos pagar por los logros y victorias del mañana. Este equipo es una de las afirmaciones positivas, y cuando Víctor [Ortiz] regrese será más inteligente, más fuerte y mejor. No permitiré que las opiniones negativas y pensamientos de otros envenenen nuestro progreso hacia un campeonato mundial", subrayó.

Un anuncio respecto a la siguiente pelea de Ortiz se hará en breve.

 

VICTOR ORTIZ SPEAKS OUT AFTER SATURDAY'S WORLD TITLE BOUT

LOS ANGELES (June 30) - After Saturday's thrilling world title match, which ended in a sixth round technical knockout victory for Argentinean Marcos Maidana when the fight was stopped by the ringside physician due to a severe cut over Victor Ortiz' right eye and swelling under his left eye, Ortiz wants to clear the air with the media and public regarding his performance.

"I didn't fight the right fight and I didn't execute the correct game plan to beat Maidana," Ortiz said from his home in Oxnard. "I will learn from the mistakes I made on Saturday and not make the simple mistakes again, like trying to slug when I should box. I promise that next time, I will be more focused."

"I made some comments after the fight that were an emotional response to the loss," Ortiz continued. "I take full responsibility for my mistakes and actions, but I didn't mean what I said. I am young, have things to learn and I guarantee you, I will be a world champion, MARK MY WORDS...Just watch me!"

Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions (Ortiz' promoter) commented, "Victor is a 22-year-old kid and has a brilliant future ahead of him in boxing, but on Saturday night, he fought the wrong fight and he knows that. You have to fight a puncher like Maidana with your head, not your heart and guts. He got caught a couple of times trying to go for the knockout even though he was clearly winning the fight. I'm 100% confident that he will go back to the drawing board with his team and come back stronger and a better fighter as a result of this experience."

CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer stated, "Victor suffered from being hit by several illegal blows to the back of the head and was sent to the hospital after the fight for a post-fight check up as a precaution. He was there until close to 3 AM for testing and, although he is thought to have suffered a concussion, was released from the hospital. We know that Victor will be back in a world title fight soon. He was leading on the scorecards before the ringside physician stopped the fight, but this is boxing and the fight ended the way it did. He had a tough fight, but we are confident he will now rebound from it."

Ortiz' co-manager Rolando Arellano said, "The difficulties and struggles that Team Ortiz faced Saturday night are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow. This team is one of positive affirmation and when Victor returns, he will be smarter, stronger and better. I will not allow the negative opinions and thoughts of others to poison our advancement towards a World Championship.

An announcement will be made regarding Ortiz' next fight shortly.

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Crown Boxing Inc.

FROM THE BOXING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD LAS VEGAS , NEVADA

Heavyweight Elijah McCall along with his farther will make History again. Elijah will appear on the August 21st card in a Heavyweight Fight. The only difference this time is his father Oliver the current IBA Heavyweight (Continental Belt) Champion will wear the Belt into the ring.

Oliver McCall will defend his Continental Belt against Franklin Lawrence of Indianapolis , Indiana the former IBA Heavyweight (Continental Belt) Champion.

This 7 bout card featuring 34 scheduled rounds of boxing, promises to be another sell out at The Orleans Hotel and Casino on Friday, August 21st in The Boxing Capital of The World Las Vegas, Nevada.

With Sensational Supporting Undercard

Bout Subject To Change

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MAIDANA BEATS ORTIZ IN A FIVE KNOCKDOWN THRILLING, SIX ROUND WAR.

Photo: German Villasenor

By Francisco and German Villasenor.

Staples Center, Los Angeles CA (JUNE 27, 2009) Victor Ortiz would make a statement to the tempo of the bout, putting his opponent Marcos Rene Maidana down with a good combination at the onset of the fight, with a sudden and violent turn in events, Maidana returned the favor putting Ortiz down with a straight right to the head, what followed was an intense trade of shots back and forth with neither fighter holding back to the bell.

The second round picked up where the first one left off, as Ortiz put his Argentinian foe on the canvas two times with the bell saving the hurt fighter, after he put a knee down to gather himself.

Round three saw both fighters gauging each other more cautiously, with heavy shots traded in spots, but neither man going down through the stanza.

With many heavy shots to the body and rabbit head shots, Ortiz began to fade, looking to hold on and both fighters would be showing signs of the battle take hold.

Ortiz would be in the receiving end of a nasty cut on his left eyebrow in the following round, returning hard fire and wobbling Maidana hard with a left to the head, bringing the fight back into Ortiz's corner.

Knowing neither fighter had much left in the tank, Maidana went for broke in the sixth round, taking Ortiz against the ropes, snapping his head back with a wicked left and a hard body shot putting the pride of Oxnard down to the canvas.
Barely making it to his feet, referee Raul Caiz saw it fit to stop the battle, with Maidana walking through hell to claim the interim WBZA Super lightweight belt.

Ortiz gave it all and seemed to have what it takes to win the title at a later date, and should have nothing to be ashamed as he gave the boxing fans what they came to see...a spectacle that was worth every penny of admission.

With the win Maidana moved his record to a very impressive 26-1 with 25KOs, while Ortiz saw his fall to 24-1-1 with 19KOs.
Anyone for a rematch?

In other results, Southpaw Middleweight CRAIG McEWAN (16-0, 9KOs) had to dig down, getting busted up in defeating a wily and experimented DARNELL BOONE in eight with scores of 77-75 twice and 79-73 for a split decision in McEwan's favor.

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All systems ready to go.

Photo: German Villasenor.

Ortiz came in at 139.75 Lbs, with Maidana weighed in at 140 Lbs., the superlightweight limit even.

Ortiz ready to go!

Photo: Hoganphotos.com / goldenboypromotions.com

Friday's weigh-in open to the public, full supporting undercard and all the latest info listed below.

PROSPECTOS INTERNATIONALES Y CONTENDIENTES, SUBIRÁN AL RING EN EL RESPALDO DE VÍCTOR ORTIZ VS. MARCOS MAIDANA, EL 27 DE JUNIO EN EL STAPLES CENTER

LOS ÁNGELES, CA 25 de junio de 2009. --- Una mezcla internacional de talento de Estados Unidos, México, Escocia y Australia subirán al ring este sábado 27 de junio para competir en el respaldo lleno de acción, comandado por el duelo estelar entre el púgil mexicoamericano Víctor Ortiz contra el argentino Marcos Maidana, por el cetro interino superligero de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) en el STAPLES Center de Los Ángeles.

Destacando el respaldo estarán Craig McEwan de Escocia, Enrique Ornelas de México, Guillermo Kickett de Australia y Adrien Broner y Mike Pérez de Estados Unidos.

En el evento principal, el orgullo de Oxnard, Víctor "Vicious" Ortiz, dirimirá el cetro interino superligero de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) contra el argentino Marcos "Chino" Maidana.

Ortíz vs. Maidana es presentada por Golden Boy Promotions en asociación con Universum Box Promotions y patrocinada por Cerveza Tecate y Aerolíneas Southwest. La pelea será televisada en vivo por HBO Boxing After Dark iniciando a las 10:00 p.m. ET / PT. Las puertas se abren a las 3:30 p.m., y el primer campanazo a las 4:00 p.m.

Boletos para el duelo de campeonato mundial, a un precio de $200, $100, $75, $50 y $25 dólares, están a la venta y pueden ser comprados llamando a Ticketmaster al 800-745-3000 o visitando www.ticketmaster.com. Las entradas también pueden ser compradas en la taquilla del STAPLES Center.

Craig McEwan (15-0, 9 nocáuts), de Edinburgh, Escocia quien es entrenado por Freddie Roach, ha ganado notoriedad en este 2009 tras sus sonados triunfos sobre Iván Stovall, Alexis Divison y Brian Vera. Ahora, el púgil de 27 años de edad espera aprovecharse del gran momento que pasa cuando se mida este sábado al oriundo de Youngstown, Ohio, Darnell Boone (16-10-2, 6 nocáuts), un peleador experimentado que llega con una seguidilla de dos victorias, y que saldrá en busca de su tercera en fila a ocho asaltos en peso mediano.

Enrique Ornelas (28-5, 18 nocáuts), un peleador originario de Jesús del Monte, Guanajuato México, y residente de La Habra, California que siempre sale a dar lo mejor, estuvo muy cerca de la oportunidad por el titulo mundial, antes de caer en una controversial decisión dividida en 12 asaltos frente a Marco Antonio Rubio en octubre de 2008. Ahora, Ornelas está de regreso y listo para despejar el camino hacia la ansiada oportunidad titular que iniciara con su pelea de este sábado contra el de Tacoma Park, Maryland, Willis Lockett (12-8-5, 5 nocáuts), un peleador que se ha medido a púgiles de la talla de Keith Holmes, Darnell Wilson y Dante Craig. Ornelas y Lockett chocarán a ocho asaltos en peso mediano.

Dos de los más talentosos peleadores en la división superpluma, Adrien Broner (9-0, 6 nocáuts) y Mike Pérez (2-0-1, 2 nocáuts), buscarán demostrar sus habilidades a los aficionados de Los Ángeles este sábado 27 de junio. Broner, orgullo de Cincinnati, quien viene de una sonada victoria sobre el previamente invicto Fernando Quintero en mayo, regresará de inmediato al fuego enfrentándose a ocho asaltos al oriundo de Belga, Australia William Kickett (15-1, 5 nocáuts), un reconocido prospecto y ex monarca juvenil OMB Asia Pacific y FIB Pan Pacific. Pérez, de Newark, New Jersey, una ex estrella del boxeo aficionado, saldrá en busca de su tercera victoria contra el oriundo de Tucson Arizona, Thomas Herrera (2-1-1) en una cita a cuatro asaltos.

Para más información del evento del 27 de junio, favor de visitar www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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Cestus TV now running!

WATCH THE CESTUS "KO" KINGS
IN ACTION FEATURING SIZZLING KNOCKOUTS AND ACTION PACKED FIGHTS

CLICK THE LINK

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The Challenge of a Lifetime:

Facing FEDOR EMELIANENKO in the Ring

SEAL BEACH, California (June 23, 2009)—Watching Fedor Emelianenko “made me nervous tonight,” said Josh Barnett about Fedor’s bout with Andrei Arlovski at Afflictions “Day of Reckoning”. Barnett will face Fedor on August 1st at Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy.” He is probably wondering, like all fight fans and fighters on earth: can Fedor be beaten or is he invincible? The single loss on Fedor’s record is often disregarded as evidence of his vulnerability, since it was due to a cut resulting from an accidental (and illegal) elbow by Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. Even with this one debatable blemish on his record (he went on to later beat Kohsaka in a follow-up match), Fedor is the most revered heavyweight in the world by fighters and fans alike.

Fedor is one of those rare fighters that has staying power who consistently outperforms his competition. One of the things that makes Fedor a legend is his resilience. Fedor takes a beating and keeps on beating his opponents—he has been dazed by Kazuyuki Fujita's right hook, broken his hand on Gary Goodridge’s head, been suplexed by Kevin Randleman, fought off the impressive ground skills of Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, recovered from Mirko Filipovic’s brutal lefts to the face, endured Mark Hunt’s keylock, reversed Matt Lindland’s attempted bodylock takedown, overcome the giant Tim Sylvia, and survived the boxing skills of Andrei Arlovski. In the end, whether or not he has taken some blows, Fedor prevails over his opponents and deals out the final punishment.

Fedor always has the better game plan, and more importantly, he sticks to it. Besides great strategizing and level-headedness in the ring, what makes him such an effective fighter? The heavyweight doesn’t seem to have any discernible weaknesses to exploit. He offers equal parts of technique, adaptability, calmness under pressure, toughness, resilience, stamina, aggressiveness, patience, and commitment. Perhaps more than anything, Fedor is a master of capitalizing on his opponents’ lapses in judgment, finding a sliver of an opening and blowing it up into defeat. But Fedor does not stop there; he tends to stop challengers where they are most dangerous.

A favorite pastime for fight fans is to engage in long conversations (or message threads) contemplating this question: just what would it take to take this guy down? Many who have had to face the champion have found this pursuit futile. No one has been able to break Fedor’s complete control in the ring. According to his friend and up-coming opponent, Josh Barnett, “Fedor is a great thinker in the ring. And he always keeps control of the other fighter. It is all within his control. If he wants to take a break he can. If he wants to push the pace he can. He is in complete control.”

The Affliction M-1 Global “Trilogy” card, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and presented by Affliction and M-1 Global, in association with Donald J. Trump, has been separated into two live broadcasts on the same night. A one-hour special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).

Tickets for Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8th at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500), and also online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000)

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QUINTERO vs. HARRIS / AVALOS vs. WILSON HEADLINES EXCITING PECHANGA BOXING CARD

Hosted by the Legendary SUGAR RAY LEONARD

Friday, July 31, Live on SHOWTIME Tickets NOW on Sale!

Doors at 6pm, bouts at 7pm

Pechanga Grand Ballroom

45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592

TEMECULA, CALIF. (June 22, 2009) – Professional boxing returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom, on Friday, July 31, with an exciting all-action card hosted by the legendary five-division world champion SUGAR RAY LEONARD. The two main events, which boast a combined record of 60-8-1 (44 KOs) – a winning percentage of 87% and a victory by knockout ratio of 73% -- will be broadcast live nationally on SHOWTIME’s “SHOBox: The New Generation.” Doors Open at 6 P.M., with the card beginning at 7 P.M. The televised portion of the event will begin at 8 P.M.

Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC., and Ringside Ticket, Inc., in association with Pechanga Resort & Casino, tickets, priced at $85 (Ringside), $75 (VIP) and $50 (General Admission), are on sale and can be purchased by calling the Pechanga Box Office at 877-711-2946 or online at www.pechanga.com.

The main event will pit MARVIN “Cachorro” Quintero against TYRONE “Fists of Fury” HARRIS in a 10-round super featherweight rumble. The SHOWTIME broadcast will open up with an eight-round bantamweight battle between undefeated Southern Californian CHRIS AVALOS against ANDRE WILSON.

Quintero (16-1, 12 KOs), from Tijuana, Mexico, enters this fight riding a four-year, 12-bout winning streak, which includes two career-best victories in his last two bouts – a third-round stoppage of hard-hitting Nick Casal (18-3-1, 14 KOs), and a unanimous decision over Wes Ferguson (20-3-1, 6 KOs). Quintero, 22, has proven himself a force in the talent-rich130-pound division displaying good power and solid boxing skills. Harris (23-5, 15 KOs), from Lansing. Mich., has won five of his last seven bouts including the vacant USBA lightweight title courtesy a ninth-round TKO of Damian Fuller. Known for excellent hand and foot speed and one-punch knockout power, the former National Amateur Champion will be the toughest test of Quintero’s professional career.

Avalos (10-0, 8 KOs), from Lancaster, Calif., hasn’t gone the distance in nearly one year, stopping his last three opponents, who had a combined record of 34-17 (11 KOs), when he fought them. Wilson (11-2-1, 9 KOs), from St. Joseph, MO., returns to the ring with seven of his last eight victories coming by knockout. The two blemishes on his record, a majority decision loss and a one-point split decision loss to undefeated fighters Shimon Baine and Teon Kennedy, were both controversial and many consider Wilson still undefeated. Wilson has vowed not to let this fight land in the hands of the judges.

The non-televised undercard will feature welterweight Freddy Hernandez (24-1, 18 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, heavyweight Bowie Tupou (18-0, 14 KOs), of Nuku’alofa, Tonga and junior welterweight Aris Ambriz (10-0, 5 KOs), from Azusa, Calif., in separate bouts.

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JULIO “THE KIDD” DIAZ WILL SEE ACTION IN HOLLYWOD FLORIDA

Photo: German Villasenor.

The world ex-champion Julio "The Kidd" Diaz (36-5-0 26Kos), one of the best  light of the world of this decade, will have a tough fight in super lightweight on
Friday, July 31, when he face the unbeaten Dominican Victor "Mermelada"  Cayo (22-0-0 15Kos) in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida for ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

Julio 29 years old and native of Jiquilpan Michoacan, Mexico, after having a setback in his career last April 4 in Austin, Texas, having been defeated by Rolando Reyes has been active in the gym at Coachela, CA with his brother Joel and has shown hunger to continue in the sport by putting in his every day training the courage and aggressiveness that characterizes him in his fights.

Certainly Victor Manuel Cayo 24 years old is a tough fighter, quick hands, but he will had the harder test when faced The Kidd Diaz, who comes to give everything now in the new weight where he knows that the CMB , has the vacant title and wants to be taken into account in reaching it.

Julio talking about his previous fight he said "unfortunately I was not aware that my physical was not for light weight and it cost me a lot of work, it is not an excuse, Reyes really won and I give him the credit that he deserves. But now at 140 pounds I will be surer of me and I feel sorry for Mermelada Cayo will be my first victim in my new weight and he’ll lose his record because I am very optimistic and positive”

Julio who had made his fans stand in his previous fights as the last one in front of Jose Luis Castillo, Jesus Chavez and Juan Diaz, said he knows the plaza in Seminole in Florida since it was in 2006 when faced with Ricky Quiles, in a fight that went twelve rounds where he was the winner by unanimous decision, winning his second world title, he said he will get the third and knows that he has to prove that there is Julio for a while and he knows that, that is why on July
25 he must overcome his opponent. 

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Klitschko Stop Ruslan In Nine.

Photo: German Villasenor

By Francisco Villasenor.

Germany. (June 20, 2009) Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko (53-3 47 KOs) cemented his number one status as the premier heavyweight in the world (ahead his brother Vitali) by working as smart fight, technically inclined nine round stoppage over Russian Ruslan “White Tyson” Chagaev (25-1-1 with 17 KOs) in front of sixty thousand strong in the Veltins Gelsenkirchen Arena

Klitschko's well educated jab would land often, body shots a constant peppering of shots would keep Ruslan on the offensive through the first half of the fight.

Knowing he had to be way behind on points, Ruslan would come in with wide shots from the outside, with a jolting right hand by Klitschko busting up Ruslan's left eye, a blistering attack would leave Ruslan near defensless for the rest of the round, with the injured fighter's corner calling off the fight at the end of the round.

The fight, originally slated for HBO with David Haye as Klitchko's opponent was picked up by espn after Ruslan stepped in for Haye, who pulled out of the fight a several day's back.

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BELTRAN RETAINS TITLE AGAINST CLAY.

By German Villasenor.

Laredo Entertainment Center, Laredo, Texas (June 19, 2009) Two time Super Bantamweight title challenger, Fernando Beltran (32-3-1, 18KOs) put up an impressive punch output display in a fan pleasing battle defeating Monty Meza Clay (28-2, 19KOs) on Friday night on the espn2 televised main event.

Beltran hailing from Tijuana Mexico, via Culiacan, Sinaloa and fighting from the southpaw stance

A low blow put a break in the action in the first round, after recouping, the fight continued, settling into a fast paced, in close battle of wills.

Clay, at 5'2 would need to punch from the outside against the 5'7 Beltran, leaving himself open in between shots, suffering an injury to his right hand at the end of the fourth.

Clay would be a near punching bag in the fifth round, gamely fighting on.

Clay would gt back behind his straight right, scoring well in the next round, and making it close, getting into a rhythm switching to a southpaw stance of his own and pressuring Beltran backwards by the end of the seventh round.

Beltran would step back on the gas in the ninth, with Clay looking the worse for wear by round's end.

Clay would come back strong in the tenth, with both fighters slowing down the pace slightly in the following round as Beltran would lose a valuable point after two more low blows in the round.

Clay would stay in the pocket, banging it out in a frenzied twelve round with the fight going to the cards in front of a very appreciative crowd.

Winning with scores of 117-110 (twice) 115-112 retaining his IBF Latino Featherweight title.

Clay would grimace when his right hand wraps were taken off, clearly showing he was indeed hurt in the fight.

GREENE DECISIONS RAINES IN RETURN BOUT.

Following a ten month lay-off, Super Welter weight southpaw ''Mean'' Joe Greene (21-0, 14KOs) the shorter of the two men, needed his speed, working hard on the inside against a tough Delray Raines (16-6, 10KOs) who would stay in front of the favored Green through

Greene displayed very clean shots, landing the straight left at near will and body shots, despite the game Raines's ability to take the shots and walk mostly through them.

Raines, a journeyman type had his best rounds in round seventh and final eight frame, keeping the pressure on, landing a few sweeping shots to the head, with both fighters sporting some bruising and a bloody nose on Raines, the fight went to the cards.
Scores were 78-74, 79-73 (twice) all for Greene.

Andrade shuts down Hirsh in four.

Olympic medallist, Super Welter weight Demetrius Andrade (5-0, 4KOs) looking much like a raw Paul Williams easily out hustled Tony Hirsch (8-2-1) in a unanimous 40-36 decision at the end of four.

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JIMMY ELLIS

By Jim Amato

Author's note; Upon hearing of Jimmy's next great battle against Pugilistic Dementia, I would like to re-release this article about him.

It's too bad that the cruiserweight division was not around in the 60's and 70's. Many fine boxers scaled under 190 pounds and gave creditable performances against bigger men. Doug Jones is an example as he came close to upsetting Cassius Clay in 1963. Doug had lost in 1962 to Harold Johnson for the light heavyweight title. In 1965, he lost to Ernie Terrell for WBA Heavyweight crown. Back then there was no middle ground.

If you weighed over 175 pounds, you fought heavyweights, period.
Bob Foster, who was one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, had trouble moving up to heavyweight. Jones, Terrell, and Zora Foley soundly beat him in heavyweight bouts. After winning the light heavyweight crown in 1968, he failed in attempts to beat Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. How would he have fared at 190 pounds?

I'm sure if you took all the top boxers who weighed between 175 pounds and 190 pounds since 1960; most experts would rate Holyfield number one. How would a 190-pound Holyfield have coped with Floyd Patterson's hand speed? How about Bob Foster's reach and devastating punch? Could he have beaten Jimmy Elllis? Before you laugh, take a look at Jimmy's record. He started as a middleweight in 1961 and through 1964 he lost five bouts to Holly Mims, Henry Hank, Rubin Carter, Don Fuller and George Benton. All top middleweight contenders.

By the time he blasted out Johnny Persol in one round in 1967, he had grown into a heavyweight. He swept the WBA elimination tournament by beating Leotis Martin, Oscar Bonevena and Jerry Quarry. Jimmy twice had the iron jawed Bonevena on the canvas, something Joe Frazier could not do in 25 rounds of fighting.

Against Frazier, Ellis weighed in over 200 pounds. He looked flabby and after a few rounds became sluggish. The following year Jimmy met his long time friend Muhammad Ali. Jimmy was in great shape at 189 pounds.

His muscles were tight and he looked fit. Unfortunately, Ali was too big. He wore Jimmy down and stopped him in round twelve. I believe the Jimmy Ellis of the Ali fight could have given any 190 pounder since 1960 a run for their money, including Evander Holyfield. Ellis was a slick boxer with sharp reflexes. He had a good left hand and a sneaky right.

He also had loads of courage. How many fighters could have gotten to their feet before the count of ten after catching Joe Frazier's full swing left hook flush on the jaw? Jimmy is one of the most overlooked heavyweight champions of the last four decades.

This may be due in part because he boxed in the Ali-Frazier era. I've often wondered what the outcome may have been had Bob Foster challenged Ellis for the WBA title. Now that might be a dream match to run through a computer.

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Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy” loaded from top to bottom

F. Emelianenko-J. Barnett headline August 1 PPV Extravaganza in Anaheim

SEAL BEACH, California (June 18, 2009) – Affliction M-1Global’s star-studded “Trilogy” is stacking-up as one of the all-time best shows from top to bottom in professional mixed martial arts fighting history. The marquee performer is Russian combat fighting legend Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, who defends his WAMMA heavyweight title against No. 1 contender Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett, August 1 live on Pay-Per-View from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The Affliction M-1 Global “Trilogy” card, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and presented by Affliction and M-1 Global, in association with Donald J. Trump, has been separated into two live broadcasts on the same night. A one-hour special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).

Fedor (30-1-0) is the undisputed “Baddest Man on the Planet,” the most lethal fighter on earth. The Russian fighting machine is 7-0 in fights against UFC® heavyweight champions – Andrei Arlovski (KO1 – overhand right), Tim Sylvia (SUB1 – naked choke), Mark Coleman twice (SUB2 – arm-bar, SUB1 – arm-bar), Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira twice (DEC3 and DEC1) and Kevin Randleman (SUB1 – arm-bar) – to go along with victories against world-class MMA fighters such as Mirko Filipovic, Matt Lindland, Renato Sobral and Heath Herring.

Barnett (24-5-0), however is another former UFC® Heavyweight Champion, who is 2-1 versus UFC® heavyweight title-holders, by decision twice against Nogueira and defeating 3-time heavyweight champion Randy Couture by second-round TKO in 2002 to become the UFC®’s youngest Heavyweight Champion ever at 24. The popular Barnett has also defeated MMA monsters such as Jeff Monson and Dan Severn, as well as one Emelianenko—Fedor’s brother Aleksander—back in 2006 by second-round submission (key-lock).

The co-main event features former UFC® Light Heavyweight Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral (32-8-0) against Armenian kick-boxing specialist, Gegard “The Dream Catcher” Mousasi, (25-2-1) making his American debut.

Also on the PPV card is Brazilian knockout specialist Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (18-8-0), another former UFC® Light Heavyweight Champion, versus Sengoku middleweight title-holder Jorge Santiago (21-7-0); heavyweight Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello (27-10-0) against an opponent to be determined; ex-IFL® Welterweight Champion Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron (17-4-0) takes on former Cage Rage belt-holder, British brawler Paul “Semtex” Daley (21-8-2).

The undercard on HDNet features a pair of exciting, young lightweight prospects, Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (12-1-0) vs. Dan “The Upgrade” Lauzon (12-2-0); former IFL® heavyweight titlist “Big” Ben Rothwell (30-6-0) vs. hot, unbeaten prospect Chase Gormley (6-0-0); former IFL® lightweight challenger Deividas Taurosevicius (10-3-0) and welterweight fan-favorite Brett Cooper (9-4-0) against opponents to be determined.

Fans in attendance will also be treated to two off-television matches between heavyweights Jessie Gibbs (7-2-0) and Rob Broughton (10-4-1), in addition to Brazilian light heavyweights Lucio Linhares (12-4-0) and Givanildo “The Arm Collector” Santana (12-1-0)

All fights and fighters are subject to change. For more information go online to www.aflictionclothing.com.

Tickets for Affliction M-1 “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8 at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500) and also online at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).

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MUJERES DE STRIKEFORCE PELEARÁN EN ROUNDS DE CINCO MINUTOS

Kaufman vs. Baszler, en Retadores de Strikeforce del viernes

Retadores de Strikeforce: Tres rounds de 5 minutos

Evento Principal del 15 de agosto, Carano vs. Cyborg, se enfrentarán a cinco rounds de 5 minutos

Será el primer Campeonato Femenil de STRIKEFORCE

SAN JOSE, Calif. (17 de junio, 2009)–-A fines de la semana pasada, el líder de las artes marciales mixtas, el promotor STRIKEFORCE recibió la aprobación de las comisiones atléticas que supervisan los eventos próximos en Washington (viernes, 19 de junio) y California (15 de agosto) — para sostener su primera pelea profesional en la rama femenil a cinco asaltos de cinco minutos.

Hasta ahora, la mayoría de las peleas de mujeres en los Estados Unidos eran de rounds de tres minutos.

“Estamos emocionados en ser los líderes en las Artes Marciales Mixtas”, expresó Scott Coker, fundador y Director General de STRIKEFORCE. “Esto le permitirá a las mujeres demostrar su talento con mayor amplitud de tiempo y también poder ejecutar su estrategia de pelea de una manera más completa. Este es otro día muy grande para nosotros en MMA”, indicó Coker.

Una declaración del Director de Reglamento de STRIKEFORCE Cory Schafer, hizo el anuncio a la compañía: “...El limitar los rounds a tres minutes era una medida (de la comisión atlética) como una medida para peleadores menos experimentados, sin alguna designación basado en el genero. Nunca fue con la intención de tener alguna inclinación por tratarse de mujeres…”

Schafer también señaló: “El uso de esta nueva regla permitirá a las peleadoras con el tiempo necesario para desarrollar y ejecutar sus estrategias de golpeo en cada round”, agregó.

“Es algo muy grande que MMA esté estableciendo una fundación sólida en la pelea de mujeres”, dijo Gina Carano, quien enfrentará a Cris Cyborg en el evento principal (cinco rounds de 5 minutos) el 15 de agosto por SHOWTIME. “Creo que Strikeforce está tomando a las mujeres muy seriamente, lo que significa que se darán peleas muy buenas en el futuro y estoy orgulloso de ser parte de ello”.

“Es una gran oportunidad para Shayna (Baszler) y para mí el que esto ocurra antes de nuestra pelea”, expresó Sarah Kaufman (9-0 de Victoria, B.C.), quien se enfrentará a Baszler en la velada del viernes por la noche de Strikeforce Challengers en Kent, Wash., (SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT). “Estoy siempre listo para disputar cinco rounds y sé que Shayna también estará lista. Más que todo, es un reconocimiento para nosotros, que competimos al más alto nivel en el deporte”.

Para más información sobre STRIKEFORCE, incluyendo la velada del viernes de Strikeforce Challengers (19 de junio, en vivo por SHOWTIME a las 11 p.m. ET/PT); y el 15 de agosto, STRIKEFORCE: Carano vs. Cyborg, en pelea de campeonato:

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SEATTLE AREA FIGHTERS PREPARE FOR FRIDAY'S STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS EVENT AT OPEN WORKOUT

STRIKEFORCE Challengers Takes Place This Friday At ShoWare Center, Kent, Washington; Airs Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

KENT (June 17, 2009) - "Cowboy Karate" founder and submission wrestling expert Dennis "Superman" Hallman (40-12-2) along with his Victory Athletics teammates Cory "The One" Devela (9-2), Brian Caraway (10-3), Len Bentley (3-2), and Steve Hadsel (1-0) entertained the local media and fans at a special open workout session at Vision Quest Sport and Fitness in Auburn, Washington on Wednesday, June 17, two days before their respective bouts on the Strikeforce Challengers mixed martial arts (MMA) event at ShoWare Center.

Hallman, who was originally scheduled to take on Cedric Marks, will face Justin Davis (11-7) on Friday.

The five competitors took their skills to Vision Quest's mats and demonstrated their superior wrestling skills for which Victory is known.

Here is what the fighters said:

Dennis Hallman:

"I've had a couple of opponent changes. Justin Davis stepped up at the last moment. He's a bigger guy so I'm going to go up in weight and fight him. He's got good knockout power so my gameplan is going to have to be to neutralize his striking, take the fight to the mat where I'm the best in the world, and finish the fight with a submission."

On his future in MMA: "I want to get the win and, then, things are kind of up in the air. I want to fight some more and build myself into a title contender and see if I can land a title."

Cory Devela:

"I want to show everybody I'm better than I was before. Before, I was kind of untrained and slacking in my work ethic. Now, I've trained a lot harder and I'm definitely going to show it Friday."

On Friday's matchup with Luke Rockhold (4-1): "I've worked a lot on my stand up. From what I've seen this guy isn't going to want to stand with me anyway. He's going to try and shoot in and wrestle with me and that's my strongest point, especially from having Dennis Hallman as my coach."

Bryan Caraway:

"I'm really excited to fight in Strikeforce. This is my home state so I'm going to have a lot of friends and family out there on Friday. That gave me a lot of motivation to train as hard as possible for this fight."

"I'm fighting a guy named Alex Zuniga. I've watched most of his amateur career. He's not super technical in any area. I think I'm quite a bit better in every area, but he's got power and he's explosive

and he's got an unorthodox style. If I stay nice and tight, it should be a pretty nice and easy victory for me."

Steve Hadsel:

"I'm in the best shape I've been in. The guy I'm fighting - I think I've got better ground (skills) and better stand-up skills. I think I'll probably end it in the first or second - always with a knockout or a TKO."

Len Bentley:

On Friday's matchup with Marques Daniels (1-2): "I know Marques is tough. He's a very athletic opponent. He's not going to get tired. I've seen him fight. He fought one of our teammates (Sterling Ford) before. He's dynamic, but he's a small 155 pounder. I feel like my boxing outclasses his. My grappling, for sure, outclasses his. I want to keep the fight standing, give everybody an exciting fight, and knock him out."

Tickets for the Strikeforce Challengers event, priced from $32, are on sale at the ShoWare Center Box Office (253-856-6999 or 877-840-0457), online at ShoWareCenter.com, and at www.strikeforce.com .

The live SHOWTIME® telecast of the event will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast) and will include up to five bouts.

Middleweight (185 pound) powerhouses "Smokin" Joey Villasenor (26-6) and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-12) will face off in the card's main event.

Decorated United States Army Ranger Tim Kennedy (9-2) will square off with seasoned veteran Nick "The Goat" Thompson (38-10-1) in a middleweight contest.

Sarah Kaufman (9-0) will attempt to continue her unbeaten run against submission specialist Shayna "The Queen of Spades" Baszler (11-5) in Strikeforce's historic, first-ever five-round women's bout, a 135 pound matchup.

Jorge Gurgel (12-5) will battle Conor "Hurricane" Heun (8-2) in a lightweight (155 pound) battle.

Undefeated Lyle "Fancy Pants" Beerbohm (9-0) will face his toughest test to date when he goes up against seasoned knockout artist Duane "Bang" Ludwig (18-8) in another lightweight matchup.

ShoWare Center doors will open for the Strikeforce Challengers event at 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. PT.

Strikeforce's affair at the Tacoma Dome on February 28, 2008 marked the largest live gate in the history of any boxing, MMA, or kickboxing event in Washington State.

Strikeforce Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. It provides today's top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

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SMOKIN"JOEY VILLASENOR VS. EVANGELISTA "CYBORG" TO HEADLINE STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS

AT KENT, WASHINGTON'S SHOWARE CENTER JUNE 19

Gurgel, "Superman" Hallman, Devela Also Touted For Event;

Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (May 5, 2009)-Middleweight (185 pound) wrecking machines "Smokin" Joey Villasenor (26-6) and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (16-12) will face off in the main event of a Strikeforce Challengers mixed martial arts (MMA) card at the all-new ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington on Friday, June 19.

Also enlisted for the card, thus far, are lightweight (155 pound) fan-favorite Jorge Gurgel (12-5), wrestling ace Dennis "Superman" Hallman (40-12-2), and Hallman protégé Cory "The One" Devela (9-2).

Tickets for the event, priced from $30, go on sale at 10 a.m. PT this Friday, May 8 at the ShoWare Center Box Office (253-856-6999 or 877-840-0457), online at ShoWareCenter.com, and at www.strikeforce.com .

The live SHOWTIME® telecast of the event will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast) and will include up to five bouts.

The 32-year-old Villasenor, a member of Greg Jackson's elite fight team in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will look to extend his win streak to five consecutive bouts in what will be his first start of the year. The Mexican American boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylist scored a punishing, first round knockout on "The New York Badass" Phil Baroni live on CBS's "Saturday Night Fights" on May 31, 2008.

Likewise, Santos' appearance will be his first of the year as well as his long-awaited debut in The United States. To date, the 31-year-old distinguished member of Brazil's famed Chute Boxe fight squad and husband of Cris "Cyborg" has terrorized opponents in a host of major organizations overseas including Japan's now defunct Pride Fighting Championship.

Santos' last effort, a matchup with Siyar Bahadurzada in Tokyo, Japan on September 28, 2008, was cut short by an elbow injury that the Brazilian sustained only seconds into the contest.

Making his Strikeforce debut, the 32-year-old Gurgel, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt better known for his explosive, go-for-broke punching style, starred in the second season of Spike TV's smash hit reality series, The Ultimate Fighter. Gurgel's start will be his first since he dropped a three-round unanimous judges' decision to Aaron Riley at UFC 91 on November 15, 2008.

Hallman, a former UFC championship challenger is, perhaps, best remembered for his two, first-round conquests of MMA legend Matt Hughes.

After a year and a half hiatus, the 33-year-old Hallman rekindled his rich, 12-year history in the sport with a first round submission of Danny Ruiz on March 21, 2009. In his sole Strikeforce appearance to date,

Hallman made similar, quick work of Jeremiah Metcalf, forcing Metcalf to tap out to a heelhook at 1:39 of the first round of their meeting at San Jose, California's HP Pavilion on November 16, 2007.

Hallman's protégé, the 24-year-old Devela is looking to return to the win column after being stopped by Terry Martin at Strikeforce's second event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on September 20, 2008. The loss brought the middleweight's seven-fight win streak to an end.

Devela pulled off a stunning upset of Joe "Diesel" Riggs at the first-ever Strikeforce event in Washington State on February 23, 2008. With a single slam in the first round of battle, Devela rendered Riggs unable to continue their matchup at Tacoma Dome.

Strikeforce's affair at the Tacoma Dome marked the largest live gate in the history of any boxing, MMA, or kickboxing event in Washington State.

ShoWare Center doors will open for the Strikeforce Challengers event at 5:30 p.m. PT on June 19 and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. PT.

Strikeforce Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. It provides today's top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

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Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett:

All-American Superhero
August 1 PPV extravaganza in Anaheim

SEAL BEACH, California (June 3, 2009)— With his chiseled jaw and Mr. Incredible looks, Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett could be the leading man in a Hollywood film or a character straight out of the anime that he loves so much. He has a superhero frame—at 6’3”, 250 pounds, one can almost picture the “Babyfaced Assassin” wrapped in a cape, standing atop a tall building, scanning the city below for any evil doers. He is a well-spoken, charismatic figure whose persona is as compelling as his impressive fight record.

Josh’s showmanship has won him many exuberant fans, making him a kind of cult icon to his admirers. But it’s his down-to-earth behavior that has gained him a reliable supply of die-hard followers. A self-proclaimed nerd, the heavyweight is a big fan of video games, comic books, anime, and muscle cars, much like his fan base, who easily relate to him and his favorite pastimes. He often speaks frankly and has been known in the past to get on message boards and debate with fans and other fighters.

Barnett’s easy smile and conversation make him a favorite of interviewers, and his trademark humor and bravado make him an always entertaining performer for audiences to watch. And Josh pulls no punches in front of a microphone, either. He is always armed with a number of jokes and a large dose of playful sarcasm to keep things from becoming predictable.

But Barnett is not all image—he’s also full of substance. Ranked number two on Sherdog’s top ten heavyweights of the world list, Barnett is a force to be reckoned with. The youngest UFC® Heavyweight Champion of all-time, he is one of the most respected heavyweights in MMA and a celebrated wrestling star in Japan. In Japan, Barnett is idolized and considered the ultimate American warrior. And although he has a deep fondness for Japanese culture, he always represents his home country with great pride.

On August 1st, Barnett will be on home turf, playing a starring role at Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy opposite his costar and opponent, the reigning WAMMA Heavyweight Champion, Fedor Emelianenko. The two personas couldn’t be any more different. Difference in personality aside, these two powerful heavyweights will surely bring an explosive performance to their bout at Honda Center in Anaheim.

And Barnett is ready to face the number one ranked mixed martial artist in the world. He has been studying the fighting of his opponent for years, as he does all potential opponents. The former UFC® Heavyweight Champion and current King of Pancrase is a highly tactical, sound fighter whose world-class submission wrestling skills are notorious. Although his grappling base comes from catch-wrestling, he has an evolved fighting style that combines a well-rounded standup and ground game. Barnett also has size, strength, and conditioning on his side. He’ll be utilizing all of his assets to win the recognition of all in MMA, and to score the role of a lifetime—the baddest man on the planet.

Tickets for Affliction M-1 “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8 at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500) and also online at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).

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TICKETS OFFICIALLY ON SALE FOR
STRIKEFORCE: “CARANO VS. CYBORG”, SATURDAY, AUG. 15, AT HP PAVILION IN SAN JOSE, CALIF.

Historic STRIKEFORCE Event Will Include the Eagerly Awaited Grudge Rematch
Between Lightweight Champ Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez and Much, Much More

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2009) – Tickets for Strikeforce: “Carano vs. Cyborg,” the mixed martial arts (MMA) mega fight card that will be highlighted by the long-awaited showdown between superstar Gina Carano and Brazilian brawler and powerhouse Cris Cyborg at HP Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 15, are officially on sale.

Tickets start at $30 and are available at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070), all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and the official STRIKEFORCE website (www.strikeforce.com).

The undefeated Carano (7-0) and her top rival, Cyborg (7-1), are slated to battle five, 5-minute rounds in the first-ever fight for the STRIKEFORCE Women’s 145-Pound World Title.

The most-desired matchup in the history of women’s MMA is also one that is undeniably the most dangerous assignment to date for a pair regarded as the preeminent female fighters in the world.

Carano, who will be trained for this fight by MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, has achieved larger than life status over the course of the last year. In a Yahoo! online poll that named the “Top 10 Influential Women of 2008,” the 27 year-old Las Vegas resident ranked fifth, placing ahead of First Lady Michelle Obama and famed journalists Katie Couric and Barbara Walters. Carano has also been featured in the pages of Maxim and profiled by ESPN’s newsmagazine show E:60.

Confident of ruining Carano’s eagerly awaited return to the cage is the rugged 23-year-old Cyborg, who has been known to devastate foes with brute strength and has been calling out Carano for several months. Cyborg, along with her husband and fellow Strikeforce competitor Evangelista Cyborg, is a member of Brazil’s famed fight squad, Chute Boxe.

In the Aug.15 semi-main, Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2), of San Jose, will put his STRIKEFORCE lightweight belt and eight fight winning streak on the line against current interim titleholder, Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (15-2), of San Francisco,. Thomson won a decision to dethrone Melendez on June 27, 2008.

SHOWTIME will televise the two world title fights and up to three more bouts during a telecast that will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast.

A formal announcement regarding the other SHOWTIME fights, the non-televised undercard bouts and additional live event information will be made soon.

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BELLATOR XII SEASON FINALE HITS HARD ROCK LIVE ON JUNE 19TH

TWO CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS HEADLINE EVENT

WEIGH-IN ON THURSDAY AT 4PM

HOLLYWOOD, FL, June 16 – After a spectacular series of events that captivated mixed martial arts fans, the season finale for the Bellator Fighting Championships will take place at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Friday, June 19th, featuring two spectacular world championship bouts.

In the main event of Bellator XII, the lightweight title is on the line when Eddie Alvarez takes on Toby Imada, while the co-feature sees Jared Hess and Hector Lombard vying for the middleweight title. The winner of each bout will walk away with a check for $100,000.

The card will be televised on ESPN Deportes and tickets, priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25, are on sale now at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or Ticketmaster.com

To get fight fans ready for this hard-hitting and historic card, the official weigh-in for the event will take place a! t 4pm on Thursday, June 18th at Hard Rock Live.

For more information about Bellator Fighting Championships, visit www.bellator.com

Cotto/Clottey Slug It Out at the Garden

Photo: German Villasenor.

June 13, 2009- Madison Square Garden, Saturday night, displayed as its main event a fight that pleased everyone, especially the thousands of excited and loud supporters of Puerto Rican boxing star Miguel Cotto.

On the eve of the Puerto Rican parade, Bob Arum once again promoted an exciting card with a main event that will be remembered.

The twelve round WBO welterweight title was won by Miguel Cotto over Ghana born and now Bronx resident Joshua Clottey by split decision. The scores were 116-111 and 115-112 for Cotto, and 114-113 for Clottey.

All photo: Sally Grossman.

The opinions by writers and observers as to who won and by how wide a margin varies more than any fight I have seen in a while. My view was more in line with the 116-111 judge as I gave Miguel a lot of credit for showing excellent defensive skills despite the fact he got a huge cut from a headbut in the second round above his left eye that made him blind to Clotteys right hand.

To the credit of the ring doctors and Cotto's corner, the fight was allowed to go on to it's full conclusion. Had it been stopped early Cotto would have won on all cards but questions would have been raised about what would have happened in the later rounds and if Cotto could have survived to win.

In round one Cotto used his left to score a knockdown and got off to a fast aggressive start. In round two Cotto started of well with a great defense and jabs that got through th usually very tight defense of Joshua Clottey, but a clash of heads caused a very seriously bleeding cut over Miguel's left eye.

In round three Cotto was circling and throwing left jabs, but his cut was pouring out a lot of blood at the same time.In round four Clottey was scoring rights to the head aiming at the cut eye area. Cotto fought well and often Clottey would hold. In round five Clottey did the same , using his right at the eye, but this time when Clottey held Cotto forefully Cotto pushed him off and Clottey fell on his back.

Clottey complained a bit about his back which some believed and some though was a stalling tactic, but the ref resumed the fight with no point deduction. Round six was a good Cotto round with him circling around Clottey and dictating the pace of the fight. Clottey scored well in round seven as Cotto was getting hit more and more especially in the eye.

Round eight was similiar to seven. Round nine Cotto circled again to some degree from being hit with rights.Round ten had Clottey looking tired and fighting flatfooted and following Cotto around missing a lot. Cotto showed very good defense except for not seeing anything going to the damaged eye.

Cotto got in a good ringht of his own at the bell. Round eleven found Cotto very dominated dispite blood all over the place . He used the ring to move around and was definitly less out of wind then Clottey. In round twelve Cotto slightly rocked Clottey with a left and scoring to the head and then circling.

Cotto's record goes to 34-1,27 kos and Clottey's record is now 36-3,21 ko's.

Bob Arum of Top Rank said at the press conference that a rematch is unlikely due to better money fights out there for Cotto, including, eventually a Margarito rematch.

In the co feature, the 12 round WBO mini flyweight title, Ivan Calderon of Guaynabo Puerto Rico drew with his opponent Rodel Mayol of Mandaue City Phillipines. Scores were 58-56 Calderon, 58-56 Mayol, and 57-57.

The fight was stopped after 5 rounds and sent to the scorecards when a series of headbutts caused massive bleeding of Calderon's head and the fight was stopped and scored.

Calderon is now 32-0-1,6ko's and Mayol is 26-3-1,19 ko's.

In other bouts Middleweight Glen Tapia(3-0,3kos) scored a UD over David Lopez(3-2-1,0 kos) in a four rounder. Lightweight Albeto Cruz(5-0,4kos) scored a TKO after the end of round two over Rudy Valdez(2-5,1 ko's) in a four rounder.

Superbantamweight Jorge Diaz won a six round UD over Guadalupe DeLeon, Super Bantamweight Jayson Velez scored a tko in :33 of round four over Jesus Bayron.

Featherweight Rafael Guzman won a split decison over Juan Carlos Martinez, scores were 59-55 Guzman ,58-56 Matinez, and 58-56 Guzman.

This was a six round event. Middleweight Matt Korobov won a UD over Loren Myers in a four rounder.

All in all a good solid card with a very exciting main event. Great things in store for both Cotto and Clottey in the future.

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COTTO and CLOTTEY Clash this Saturday night in a Welter Weight Unification Match-Up!

By Neil Grossman.

Top Rank and HBO sports is presenting live on Saturday night,June 10, what will surly prove to be another exciting National Puerto Rican Festival Weekend fight card featuring the very popular Puerto Rican Champion Miguel Cotto (33-1,27 kos) against the very dangerous native from Ghana, Joshua Clottey (35-2, 20 kos).

The fight will be sold out as in all the other Cotto fights in past years at the Garden.The fight will be televised in HDTV and in Spanish on HBO Latino. HBO schedule of the televised bouts is 10:35 P.M. ET/ 7:35 P.M. PT from the legendery Madison Square Garden in New York.

Cotto has enjoyed a long string of success in the ring including beating opponents of the caliber of Shane Mosley,Zab Judah, Paul Malignaggi,and Mohamad Abdulaev.

He recaptured a welterweight crown with a strong ko of Michael Jennings in February. His only loss is a contoversial one in Las Vegas a year ago. A win this fight will put him back in many fans minds as the top welterweight in the world.

Clottey, who comes from a tough area of Ghana and now lives in the Bronx, may prove to be one of the hardest opponents Cotto has faced in the ring.Clottey was undefeated for twenty fights in a row, and last year defeated former undesputed champ Zab Judah for Clotteys first welterweight title. Clottey has only two losses.

One to Carlos Baldomir, whom.Clottey was beating easily on all three scorecards, but Joshua lost his composure and after warnings about intentional headbutts, he was disqualified. The only other loss was to Antonio Margarito. It was a very close fight . Clottey broke his left hand in the fourth round and hurt his other in the fifth, but gamely fought hard to keep the fight very competitive.

It should be mentioned that Cotto was in a nasty training camp fight with his cornerman and uncle, Evangelista.Miguel afterwoods fired his uncle.

The repalcement is Joe Santiago, who was Evangelistas assistant and Miguels best friend. Bob Arum, Cotto's promotor, thinks this is a good move for Cotto.Arum thinks Cotto's uncle may have been a distraction . This incedent plus overcoming his loss a year ago leaves a few questions in fans minds as Miguel takes on Clottey,who has a top notch defense, keeps his gloves over his face, and who also has fast hands.Clottey also is good at keeping his arms tight and potecting his ribs. Cotto however is the stronger puncher and also is quick with good defense. Adding this all up, it is a hard fight to predict with certainty, and the winner will surely rise to the top of the division.
I commend Bob Arum for putting together what has become this New York tradition at the Garden. Anyone who can make it up to the Big Apple for the whole weekend will have a great time and see a great fight. See you there!

Remaining tickets to Cotto vs. Clottey, priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.thegarden.com

Promoted by Top Rank, the Cotto vs. Clottey World Welterweight Championship will take place Saturday, June 13 at Madison Square Garden. The fight will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:35 p.m. ET/ 7:35 p.m. PT. This marks the fourth time in the past five years Cotto will headline a show at The Garden on the eve of New York’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

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Hurtado, Solis Score Wins On Friday Night.

By German Villasenor.

June 12, 2009- Cuba's long time contender Diosbelis Hurtado (42-3-1, 25KOs) successfully defended his WBO Welterweight Latin American belt by decisioning Manuel ''El Marro'' Garnica in the Telmundo televised main event at the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami Florida.

In a rough, foul filled bout, both men went low, banging heads, rabbit punched with the tough Garnica taking turns going forward, while the quicker Hurtado would dart in and out early in the fight, the Cuban would command an early lead, with the gap closing in the later rounds as Hurtado would slow down allowing the Guadalajara Mexico brawler to land at a mid-distance.

Garnica making his debut at Welterweight would enter the championship rounds sporting a cut on the bridge of his nose while Hurtado looked a bit bruised around the eyes.

Although Garnica closed strong in the final round, it would not be enough as the bout went the distance, with the judges rendering a 110-118 and 111-117 (twice) unanimous decision.

With the loss Garnica's record dropped to 25-11with 13KOs.

Solis Halts Alexander in one.

On the under card, Cuba's Heavyweight Olympic medalist Odlanier ''La Sombra'' Solis brutally stopped Dominique Alexander in one.

A left sent Alexander (18-7-1, 7KOs) to the canvas in the second round with a huge straight right and follow up shots sending his down on his face, with the fight being halted at 2:55 in the first round of a scheduled eight.

Winning 423 amateur fights with only 11 losses and fighting the legendary Felix Savon on several occasions, beating him twice, Solis retained his perfect record at 14-0 with 10KOs.

A heated bout between Super Welterweights Cuba's southpaw Lester Gonzalez (10-0-1, 6KOs) and Colombia's Juan Camilo Novoa (13-3-1, 11KOs) ended up with a majority 78-76 and 77-77 (twice) decision at the end of eight.

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The Ghost, Garcia score stoppage in San Jose.

By German Villasenor.
June 12, 2009- Two time IBF Feather Weight champion, southpaw speedster Robert Guerrero (24-1-1, 17 Kos) who endured a couple of opponents falling out ended stopping his final opponent in former regional Lightweight titlist Efren Hinojosa (30-6-1, 17 KOs) in the eight stanza of a scheduled ten round bout on the Golden Boy Promotions / Espn2 televised main event on Friday night at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.
A close bout throughout, with the experimented Hinojosa looked decent due to his busy style finally had to retire and concede the win to Guerrero after injuring his arm with the official time being 3:00 of the round.

With the win, Guerrero is now scheduled to challenge IBF Super Feathweight champion, South Africa's Malcolm Klassen on August 22 in an HBO televised bout.

In other results, rising Super Lightweight Danny ''Swift'' Garcia moved his record to 13-0 with 8 KOs by stopping the usually durable Pavel Miranda (18-4, 10 KOs) sending him down two times and halting him at the fifty six second mark of the second round.

Heavyweight Ashanti Jordan retained his undefeated status at 10-0, with 7 KOs defeating Andrae Carthron (2-2-1, 1 KO) via 59-55 (twice) and 57-57 unanimous decision at the end of six.

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WBC NAMES SERGIO MARTINEZ SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION

Photo: German Villasenor

(June 10, 2009) The World Boxing Council has officially named Sergio Martinez the welterweight champion of the world. Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs ) won the interim version of the title last October, stopping well-regarded veteran Alex Bunema in 8 rounds.

In a statement released by the WBC on May 20, President Jose Sulaiman praised former champion Vernon Forrest for his commitment to the sport, but was adamant about the need for Martinez to take the reigns as champion in the division.

“Sergio Martinez is one of the most loyal fighters I have ever met as WBC President,” said Sulaiman. “[Sergio] is now regarded as a new sensation of boxing and I am sure that he will proudly represent the WBC.”

Obtaining ownership of the title was a long time coming for Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs ).

After winning the interim title 8 months ago, Martinez has been trying to get Forrest in the ring, biding his time with a defense vs. Kermit Cintron in February. Once Forrest pulled out of their scheduled August 1st contest, the WBC made its ruling.

“I’m very proud of the WBC,” said Martinez . “I would’ve been happier winning the title in the ring, but I deserved this honor.”

With the famous green belt now solely in his possession, Martinez , widely regarded as one of boxing’s budding stars, is ready to take on all comers in the welterweight division.

“I’m not running away from anyone,” said Martinez . “Now that I have the green belt, I plan on keeping it for a long time. And if Vernon ever decides to get his title back, I’ll be there.”

No one is happier to hear those words than his promoter, Lou DiBella, who is ready to move his fighter’s career forward.

“It’s a pleasure to promote a fighter who will take on any challenge,” said DiBella. “We’re pursuing all opportunities for Sergio Martinez.”

There is still a chance the bout with Forrest will happen. As part of the WBC’s ruling Forrest is entitled to a shot at his old belt if and when he deems himself healthy enough for active competition.

Team Martinez is not only prepared to finally step into the ring with Forrest, but is welcoming the opportunity to get their long awaited showdown.

“Sergio is looking to defend his title anytime, anywhere,” said Martinez manager Sampson Lewkowicz. “If Vernon Forrest decides to step to the plate, Sergio will be waiting for him.”

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