Thursday, March 31, 2011

Manny Pacquiao returns to Twitter @MANNYPACQUIAO

MANILA (March 31, 2011) — He came. He saw. He Tweeted. MANNY PACQUIAO, the eight-division world champion and lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines, has returned to Twitter. Manny’s authorized user name is @MannyPacquiao.


Fans are invited to follow Manny as he trains with Freddie Roach for his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title defense against three-division world champion Sugar Shane Mosley (@SugarShaneM). Pacquiao returns to Los Angeles on Saturday where he will resume his training at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, CA.

Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines and Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs), of Pomona, Calif., have won world titles in 11 weight divisions between them. They will go toe-to-toe on Saturday, May 7, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. Named the “Fighter of the Decade” by the Boxing Writers Association of America, Pacquiao will be making his first ring appearance in The Fight Capital of the World since 2009. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions, Tecate and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs. Mosley will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV®. (PR)


*Photo credit: MPBoxing

Top Prospect Marcus Johnson Faces Dyah Davis in April 8 Headliner of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME


 
“SUPER” PROSPECT MARCUS JOHNSON BATTLES

DYAH DAVIS EN ROUTE TO CONTENDER STATUS

IN MAIN EVENT OF

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

___________________________________________________________________________

Plus Danny O’Connor Takes On Gabriel Bracero and Willie Nelson Battles Vincent Arroyo

On Friday, April 8, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)

From Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo , Texas


NEW YORK (March 31, 2011) – After three straight victorious appearances on ShoBox: The New Generation, Marcus Johnson hopes to make his fourth an eye-catching performance on the path from prospect to contender.

Touted as a top American prospect on many boxing lists, Houston’s unbeaten and hard-hitting Johnson (20-0, 15 KOs) will make his fourth consecutive appearance on the popular series featuring boxing’s youngest and brightest stars as he goes up against another ShoBox alumnus in Boca Raton’s Dyah Davis (18-2-1, 9 KOs) on Friday, April 8, in a 10-round super middleweight main event as part of a spectacular tripleheader LIVE on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West coast).

The night of boxing begins with two exceptionally matched co-features. Two unbeaten, 14-0 fighters will square off in an eight-round junior welterweight affair as 25-year-old and brand new father Danny O’Connor (14-0, 3 KOs) takes on 30-year-old Gabriel Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, N.Y., by way of Puerto Rico.

In the evening’s first televised fight, a pair of 23-year-olds tangle as former amateur standout Willie Nelson (16-0-1, 10 KOs) of Cleveland , meets Vincent Arroyo (10-1, 7 KOs) from Amherst , N.Y. , in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, the “Rumble on the Rio” will originate from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo , Texas .

“Yeah, four straight on ShoBox, that’s pretty exciting,” said Johnson. “I’ve fought on SHOWTIME in Oklahoma , Chicago and North Dakota and now I’m in Texas . I wish it could be in Houston but Laredo is fine. It’s about a five-hour drive from Houston .”

When we last saw the 25-year-old Johnson, he was polishing off Kevin Engel back in November, 2010, in Fargo , N.D. , recording a third-round TKO. Johnson won the WBO NABO championship last April by scoring a 10-round decision over then-unbeaten Derek Edwards in Chicago and in October, 2009, he decisioned Victor Villereal in Newkirk , Okla.

Johnson hopes the April 8 fight will advance his status as a fighter and some boxing experts agree. “A convincing win over Dyah Davis would suggest that Marcus Johnson is ready to make a move in the 168-pound division,” said SHOWTIME boxing analyst Steve Farhood.

The 29-year-old Davis -- son of 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis Jr. -- fought as recently as February, battling to a controversial 10-round majority draw with formidable Mexican Francisco Sierra on Feb. 5 in Maywood , Calif. , although most observers, and one judge, felt Davis had done enough to win.

“I definitely thought I won the fight,” Davis said. “I thought I did enough to win but in boxing it’s politics. It was his promoter’s show. But for me I think it was a learning experience: I have to be able to put guys away when I have the chance. This fight is going 10 rounds and if I have the opportunity to put him away, I will this time. I have to let my hands be the judges.”

Fighting on the same card as Johnson-Engel in Fargo, N.D., Davis lost an eight-round decision to Aaron Pryor Jr., on ShoBox last Nov. 5 in an all-action and entertaining fight.

“I didn’t see [Johnson’s] fight there but I know he’s fundamentally sound but nothing that special,” Davis said. “My style will give him problems, for sure. This is the toughest test for both of us. He hasn’t fought anyone as strong as I am. I see myself victorious.”

He added: “I don’t care that the fight is in his home state. I’ve fought in England and Mexico . Fighting in someone else’s territory never really bothered me.”

Johnson recently watched the Davis-Sierra fight and concluded, “He’s a good boxer and we both have that classic boxer-puncher style. He probably thinks I’m going to come out and brawl and I don’t think he’s aware of my speed as well as my power.”

The southpaw O’Connor from Framingham , Mass. , is described as an all-action fighter who trains at Peter Manfredo’s gym in Rhode Island . He is managed by Leon Margules. “It really should be an exciting fight,” Margules said. “I like Danny because of his amateur pedigree but here you have two fighters at basically the same stage of their careers. That’s what makes boxing great when you have two unbeatens going at it. It’s a real coming-out and a chance for fight fans to see two very skilled boxers.”

O’Connor was the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion, an alternate on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team and a 2007 U.S. Olympic Trials bronze medalist.


On March 10, O’Connor and his wife welcomed home new son Liam. It’s given O’Connor a new outlook and fresh perspective on life. “It really hasn’t been a distraction in my training,” he said. “It’s actually been more motivating than I can put into words.”

O’Connor knows he’ll be facing an unbeaten fighter on April 8. “We both have zeros. I have to do everything in my power to take his away,” he said.

This will be Bracero’s first fight outside of New York , who has turned heads since returning to boxing in 2009 after an eight-year absence. He has been a mainstay of DiBella Entertainment’s “Broadway Boxing” series, headlining fight cards at B.B. King Blues Club in seven of his last nine fights, creating a very vocal and enthusiastic hometown fan base.

Bracero’s lone knockout came against Raymond Betancourt, on July 28, 2010, in Bracero’s 11th pro contest, but the majority of his victories by decision have been virtual shutouts.

The tall and lanky 6-foot-3 Nelson comes from a long line of outstanding Cleveland-area boxers and is quickly being looked at as a rising prospect in the talent-thick welterweight division. After more than 200 amateur fights, Nelson made his pro debut in 2006 with the only negative mark on his record so far a controversial draw in then-unbeaten Antonio Johnson’s home state of California .

Nelson’s biggest career win was against former “Contender: Season One” contestant Jesse Feliciano, whom he knocked out inside one round last June. Last time out, Nelson stopped Quinton Whitaker in similar fashion with another one-round knockout in Atlantic City , on the undercard of the Sergio Martinez-Paul Williams rematch, on Nov. 20, 2010.


The heavy-handed Nelson has a “boxer-puncher” style and has been described as a fighter who will try to keep his opponent on the outside. Nelson trains with ShoBox standout Shawn Porter.

The tough and aggressive two-time national junior champion Arroyo, facing his third straight undefeated opponent, can bring the power too as he was last seen scoring an upset knockout over formerly undefeated Jeremy Bryan. His only loss came at the hands of ShoBox alum Mike Dallas Jr., in September, 2009.

Curt Menefee will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and Antonio Tarver serving as expert analysts. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.



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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman, Andre Ward and, most recently, Cornelius Bundrage.

*photo credits: Tom Casino/Showtime

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fight Camp 360°: Manny Pacquiao- Shane Mosley teaser





*photo credit: Howard Schatz

Bantamweight Tournament Update: Abner Mares to hold LA media workout



TOP BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER ABNER MARES TO HOLD
LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT IN PREPARATION FOR HIS
APRIL 23 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT AGAINST JOSEPH AGBEKO AT
NOKIA THEATRE AT L.A. LIVE AND TELEVISED LIVE ON SHOWTIME IN THE
 BANTAMWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL: WINNER TAKES ALL

TOMORROW / Thursday, March 31 at 12:00 p.m. PT

WHO:             ABNER MARES, WBC Silver Bantamweight Champion
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden boy Promotions

WHAT:           WBC Silver Bantamweight Champion Abner Mares will hold an open media workout in preparation for his April 23rd world title fight against IBF Bantamweight Champion Joseph Agbeko in the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All.

WHEN:           Tomorrow / Thursday, March 31
12:00 p.m. PT

WHERE:         Maywood Gym
4747 56th Street, Maywood , Calif.

FACTS:           Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All featuring Joseph Agbeko vs. Abner Mares in the main event and Vic Darchinyan vs. Yonnhy Perez in the co-feature will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Downtown Los Angeles and will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 are on sale now and available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000.  Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center Box Office

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley Update


NEW YORK (March 29, 2011)—The FIGHT CAMP 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley camera crews are embedded and filming in the Philippines with Manny Pacquiao and Big Bear, Calif. with “Sugar” Shane Mosley, capturing the most intimate training camp moments as both fighters prepare for their May 7 showdown on SHOWTIME PPV®.










Prior to joining both camps, the FIGHT CAMP 360° camera crews were allowed unfiltered access to the promotion’s coast-to-coast press tour and inside the Top Rank headquarters in Las Vegas.


The four-part series produced by SHOWTIME Sports, FIGHT CAMP 360° will present all the compelling moments from each man’s unique journey to the ring on May 7 – from the serenity of running the hills in Big Bear, to the fan hysteria enveloping the world’s No. 1 fighter in his homeland, to Pacquiao’s trip to Washington D.C. for a private meeting with President Barack Obama.The series premieres on Saturday, April 2 on CBS (Noon ET/9 a.m. PT) before the Network’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. 


Below are the premiere dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley

Episode 1 CBS Saturday, April 2 Noon ET/9 a.m. PT

Episode 1 SHO Saturday, April 16 10 p.m. ET/PT

Episode 2 SHO Saturday, April 23 10 p.m. ET/PT

Episode 3 CBS Saturday, April 30 8 p.m. ET/PT

Episode 3 SHO Saturday, April 30 10 p.m. ET/PT

Episode 4 SHO Friday, May 6 10 p.m. ET/PT

Episode 4 CBS Saturday, May 7 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT



Andre Ward- Arthur Abraham Super Six Press Con Quotes & Photos


LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2011) – Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinalists Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham participated in a press conference on Tuesday at Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, Calif., to formally announce their May 14 showdown at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., live on SHOWTIME®.

Ward will defend his WBA Super Middleweight title against the European superstar and former world champion to kick off the Semifinals of the groundbreaking tournament. Abraham, who is in the middle of training for the fight, was not able to attend the press conference from his home base in Berlin , Germany and joined via video conference.


The Ward-Abraham winner advances to the tournament Finals against the winner of the Carl Froch-Glen Johnson Semifinals showdown. The winner earns instant bragging rights as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter.


The talented Ward (23-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., has emerged as the tournament favorite after impressive triumphs in Group Stage bouts over Mikkel Kessler and Allan Green, as well as Sakio Bika.

Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs ) entered the Super Six as a favorite alongside Kessler. But after emerging from Group Stage 1 as the points leader with a knockout over Jermain Taylor, he is now trying to bounce back from consecutive losses to Andre Dirrell and Froch in Group Stages 2 and 3, respectively.

Also participating in the press conference was a noticeably slimmed-down Chris Arreola. The heavyweight world contender and popular Southern California slugger will try to stay on track for another opportunity of a world championship when he takes on Nagy Aguilera in a non-televised undercard bout.


The event is co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard Productions and Sauerland Event and sponsored by Corona .

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 30, and will be available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets, starting on March 30, at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-234-8425.



What the fighters, promoters and trainers had to say on Tuesday:


DAN GOOSSEN:

“The Home Depot Center is a great, great venue for boxing. When that place is packed it’s rocking. Tickets go on sale tomorrow and it’s going to be a great event."

“To me, no matter how the Super Six has progressed I think it’s a tremendous concept for boxing. I think everyone learned how tough it is to make great fights amongst the world’s best fighters."

“It sometimes takes years and years to put together a fight that people want to see. It has taken some time but it has been worth it. No fighter has escaped without a tough fight. We have the Semifinals kicking off on May 14 and the Finals later this year."

“No matter the time period we still have the Finals right around the corner. The winner will be a star."

“Last time I saw Chris like this was five years ago. When everything is said and done, I don’t think there is a better heavyweight out there when he’s doing the things he needs to do."

“I always thought the fight with Chris was more outside the ring than inside the ring. You have to be dedicated and willing to push yourself. I wanted everyone to see Chris with their own eyes, not to tell you in a press release. This is the new Chris Arreola.”



ANDRE WARD:

“I’m fired up as always. I’m not buying into people saying that Abraham is not the same. I know Arthur and his team are preparing for a storybook ending but it won’t be at my expense. I’m ready to defend my title."

“It’s the same story every time – people doubting me and asking if I’m ready. I think people forget that I have a family to feed. I need to win just as badly as anyone else. I have two more fights before I’m the best super middleweight in the world and I plan on winning both of them. It’s as simple as that."

“In my preparation I’m probably giving him more respect than he deserves. My job is to put him away from the opening bell. My job is to make him feel the same way he felt right after the Carl Froch fight as soon as possible."

“On May 14 we have 12 rounds to get to know each other. That’s what I’m looking forward to."

“I want to be the last man standing. I always knew it was in me to succeed. I didn’t come this far for no reason."

“I had to grow up real fast in this tournament or I was going to go home early. And I didn’t want to go home early."

“It’s great to be on the same card as Chris. He has the heart of a champion.”




ARTHUR ABRAHAM:

“I’m looking forward to May 14 and having a great fight. I am feeling OK. I was a little sick but I just started training again and I should be fine."

“We are getting ready for a good fight. The tune up fight didn’t give me as much as I wanted but it was OK. It was good to get back in the ring and get that feeling."

“You’ll be surprised on May 14. It’s not my style to make big predictions. I want to show you inside the ring."

“I know he is the favorite but that motivates me even more. Over history many favorites have crashed down."

“I don’t want to speak about what went wrong in the past. I want to focus on Andre. I will use my heart, my fists, my body and my hands to defeat Andre."

“I feel confident in my trainer – I’m happy with him. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t still be training with him."

“I look forward to coming over to the U.S. I will give 120 percent. Together, with the Armenian fans, I will win the title and reach the finals."

“The Armenian fans will motivate me. That makes this fight more special for me. I will not disappoint them."

“We will win on May 14 and then we’ll win the final."

“I’m looking forward to coming back to America . But I’m mostly looking forward to returning to Germany with a victory and putting on a great fight.”



VIRGIL HUNTER (Ward’s trainer):

“We’re in full-tilt now in camp. We have a great game plan. More than anything, we want to make sure we make a statement and give you something to write about."

“I’d like to say that Arthur is scared to come here and face Andre face-to-face, but it’s a long trip over here. I understand.”


CHRIS ARREOLA:


“I do look a little bit better. The main thing with being 30 years old is you only have a little window of opportunity and it’s time for me to do it. I let everyone down when I showed a lack of dedication to the sport and I look forward to showing myself again."

“The main thing is after my last fight I didn’t go back to living like I used to. I’m a family man now. I’m good and just living the life."

“I can train at home without all the distractions. I’m more focused and dedicated."

“The turning point was around December. I realize that 2010 and 2009 were terrible. It was my fault. Now it’s about what I want and what I’m supposed to do to win. No more games."

“I’m 20 or 30 pounds ahead of the game, so I’m not worried about weight anymore.”




HENRY RAMIREZ
(Arreola’s trainer):

“Obviously, you can see that Chris is at a lower weight. The biggest fight with Chris has been outside of the ring. The maturity is finally catching up with the physical ability. The sky is the limit for Chris and the best is yet to come.”

******

For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive photos, fight highlights and interviews, plus to view all episodes of the acclaimed documentary series FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at www.WorldBoxingClassic.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

Jean Pascal to Bernard Hopkins: Take the test!

In what could be a prelude to Dynasty II, their May 21st rematch, the animosity between current WBC, IBO and Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal and American challenger Bernard Hopkins came to a head as Pascal once again dared Hopkins to take a blood test to dispel the notion that he is into performance- enhancing drugs (PEDs).

“Are you willing to take a blood test for the fans and the rest of the world to prove you’re clean? You’re from the same family as Shane Mosley. Are you willing to take the test?”

To his credit Bernard Hopkins made it clear that if the commission asks for it, he has no problem doing just that.

Bernard Hopkins held Jean Pascal to a draw in their first fight despite having to overcome several knockdowns earlier in the fight.


Saturday, March 26, 2011

Yuriorkis Gamboa TKOs Jorge Solis in 4

Unbeaten Cuban sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa (20-0, 16 KOs) proved too much for veteran Jorge Solis (37-3-2, 27 KOs) in their Featherweight world championship fight winning by 4th round TKO over his Mexican opponent in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Yuriorkis Gamboa, fighting in his 20th professional fight, peppered Jorge Solis with blinding combinations and power shots coming from all angles to which the Mexican had no answer for. Gamboa was just too fast, too skilled and too powerful for the game but overmatched Solis.

And just 1:41 into the 4th, with the challenger down on all fours after receiving another powerful combination from the champion, the referee did not bother to count and finally halted the carnage.

The win boosted Gamboa's claim as one of the young and exciting fighters to watch for in the division. The one-sided shellacking of Jorge Solis also bolstered his claim to the Featherweight P4P throne and upped the ante on his burgeoning rivalry with WBO title holder and Puerto Rican nemesis Juan Manuel Lopez (30-0, 27 KOs).

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Ron Artest promotes Mayweather- Pacquiao fight

Ron Artest, the unpredictable LA Lakers enforcer was in a good mood Tuesday night as he voiced his desire to help Bob Arum promote the 'predestined' Mayweather- Pacquiao fight.

The interview was done in the Lakers dressing room at the Staples Center right after the grueling 139-137 triple OT win by the home team over the visiting Phoenix Suns.