Brick City Boxing

TWO TIME WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT GUERRERO

"Training camp has been great. I made the weight much easier for this fight compared to others in the past. I will remain at 126 pounds for a few more fights.

"I feel really good right now; actually, it's the best I've ever felt before a fight in a long time.

"Litzau is a very tough opponent. Knowing that he's going to be fightingin his first world title bout, I know he's coming to fight.

(But) Whatever style he brings I'll have a game plan to counter it.

"Right now my wife is in remission with her cancer. With all the prayers and support from family and friends, I'm extremely grateful for all the love. I'm truly blessed to have such great support. I also want to acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without God, I'm nothing.

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LARACUENTE 135LBS RAKOCZY 134.5LBS

February 29, 2008-Jessica Rakoczy and Belinda Laracuente make weight and are set to battle for the NABF Lightweight Title tonight at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore CA.

After coming off a heartbreaking last second loss to Ann Marie Saccurato, Rakoczy wants to prove she is world class material stating, "I know I can compete with anyone in the lightweight division. Right now my focus is on Belinda. This will be our third fight and I feel I have the style to beat her. She is a great fighter and I will have to be on my "A" game to beat her. I'm feeling really confident."

GoossenTutor Promotions in association with the Tachi Palace Casino bring you the action.

Cory Spinks/Verno Phillips and Devon Alexander/Miguel Callist

ST. LOUIS—Don King was in St. Louis today to formally announce his championship boxing twin bill at Scottrade Center on March 27 featuring hometown stars Cory Spinks and Devon Alexander.

Spinks will defend his International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship against former three-time world champion Verno Phillips while Alexander, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas champion, will take on World Boxing Association FEDELATIN champion Miguel Callist.

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By: Matt Yanofsky

In front of a packed house at the Roseland Ballroom, IBF super flyweight champion Dimitri Kirilov 29-3-1 (9 KO’s) was surprisingly held to a draw by unheralded Mexican contender Cecilio Santos 22-8-3 (12 KO’s). The aggressive Santos landed most of the telling blows during the first five rounds.

Kirilov, who has a striking resemblance to former super middleweight champion Sven Ottke, had an excellent sixth round where he was able to land many quick punches to the head of Santos.

After a close 7th and 8th round, Kirilov opened up a cut over Santos left eye with a straight right hand which made the challenger temporarily retreat from his attack. Kirilov went back to work in the tenth, reopening the cut while Santos threw many wild punches in attempt to keep the champion away. In the 11th, Kirilov had his best round of the fight where he landed almost at will and had excellent head movement to avoid the severely bloodied Santos’ shots. The twelfth and final round turned out to be the best of the fight as both men ended the contest by trading shots. Judge Robert Gibson scored the bout 116-112 Kirilov, but was overruled by judges Kevin Morgan, and John Epstein who both scored the bout 114-114. I also also scored the contest a draw.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Boxing legend and 1992 Olympic gold medalist Oscar de la Hoya has been named a finalist for the 2008 United States Olympic Committee Hall of Fame class. He is one of 18 finalists, and six winners will be chosen by Olympians and Paralympians, members of the Olympic family as well as an online vote by fans.

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WEBCAST LIVE FROM THE GRAND BALLROOM AT THE MANHATTAN CENTER - IN NEW YORK CITY - ON www.GoFightLive.tv

New York, NY (February 28, 2008) - Go Fight Live is offering its second live boxing webcast of 2008, Thursday, March 6, starting at 8 PM (EST) on www.GoFightLive.tv

Bronx, NY - Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presents yet another exciting night of boxing, March 6th at The Grand Ballroom at The Manhattan Center, and once again GoFightLive's "World Fight Night" will be there to cover all the action! The all-star card will present fight-fans with a rare opportunity to watch two of Star Boxing's more popular fighters, when "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (17-2, 9 KO's), the Pride of Greece, collides with Dominican power-puncher, Harrison Cuello (15-5, 11 KO's), in a 140-pound contest for the vacant USBA Junior Welterweight Title. As an added attraction, fan-favorite Vinny Maddalone (28-4, 20 KO's) once again steps through the ropes, squaring off against tough Ohio veteran Jeff Yeoman (21-8, 8 KO's) in an 8-round heavyweight battle.

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March 8th WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj

PROVIDENCE (February 27, 2008) – Undefeated WBC No. 1 cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs) broke his Hartford-based training camp on Tuesday and departed for Germany to acclimate himself for his March 8 WBC title elimination showdown against unbeaten No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) in Krefeld.

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IBF No. 1-Ranked Lightweight Thinks Juan Diaz Can Be Defeated; Says He Will Teach Diaz ‘Things He Doesn’t Want to Know’

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—International Boxing Federation No. 1-ranked lightweight and mandatory challenger Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell is confident going into his match against undefeated unified lightweight world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on March 8 at Plaza de Torros in Cancun, Mexico.

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New York-Wednesday, February 27, 2008-For the first time since signing a multi-year deal with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, Curtis “Showtime” Stevens will step into the ring at the Manhattan Center on March 6. Stevens will appear as part of the action packed under card which features a USBA Junior Welterweight title fight between “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis vs. Harrison Cuello. Also, featured in the co-main event is fan favorite New Yorker Vinny Maddalone battling veteran Jeff Yeoman in an 8 round Heavyweight match up. Sports website www.GoFightLive.TV will web cast the entire event online.

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Chicago, IL (February 27, 2008) Chicago based World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz is busy preparing to battle Ramon Montano on Saturday, March 15th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

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“Rumble at the River,” March 14 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (February 27, 2008) – Two popular blasts from the past, Vinny Paz and “Irish” Micky Ward, will be in opposite corners on March 14 as honorary captains of Team Italy and Team Ireland, respectively, for the Italian-Irish themed “Rumble at the River” pro boxing show at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“Rumble at the River,” part of “The Budweiser Night at the Fights” series at Twin River, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in association with Twin River, Budweiser and Tournament of Contenders.

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2004 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST HEADLINES “FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK” SEASON OPENER AGAINST RUBIN WILLIAMS ALSO THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF ‘YOU BE THE JUDGE’

Los Angeles, CA (February 26, 2008) – With the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing around the corner, the only American boxer to capture a gold medal in the last Olympics continues to climb the ladder of the professional ranks toward world title contention.

On Thursday night, March 20, Bay Area native Andre Ward will face his most formidable opponent to date when he puts his unbeaten record on the line against former world super middleweight title challenger Rubin “Mr. Hollywood” Williams in the main event of the fourth-season opener of the “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” series at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

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NEW YORK, February 26, 2008 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) and leading social media network imeem today announced a video sharing partnership that will give imeem’s growing global community of 23 million users the opportunity to view and interact with media from IFL’s action-packed fighting league at www.ifl.imeem.com.

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Puerto Rican newcomer Gadiel Andaluz will return to the Cicero Stadium squared circle on Friday, March 15th at MARCH BADNESS, another evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

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Undefeated challenger presses for June battle against WBC champ Kelly Pavlik

TOTOWA, NJ (February 26, 2008) – The WBC has released its February ratings and undefeated middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has been installed as the #1 mandatory challenger to WBC champion Kelly Pavlik, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Although honored by the ranking Lorenzo makes it clear that he wants to fight Pavlik “today” and not wait for the mandatory term to expire.

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By: Danny Serratelli, ringside

Wladamir Klitschko won a tactical fight in which many ringside observers (but not the official judges) felt he barely won when he captured a unanimous decision over his much smaller awkward lefty opponent Sultan Ibragimov. Early on Sultan tried to establish his jab, but Klitschko’s game plan appeared to be only to not let Sultan land any jabs. For many of the early rounds Klitschko seemed content to just smack down Sultans jab down and keep his distance. Slapping down a jab is not enough to win rounds, therefore I had Ibragimov winning a few of the early rounds due to the fact that he was the aggressor, he did some body work and would at least take some chances and occasionally connect, although he did not appear to land anything clean.

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By: Tom Kaczmarek

RING GENERALSHIP

Ring generalship applies to the fighter who uses skills beyond his punching power to control the action in the ring. He is thinking. He is strategizing while he is fighting, utilizing cleverness , agility, and feinting to keep his opponent off guard. By using footwork and movement, he forces his opponent out of his fight plan. Using subtle tactics, he sets up his opponent for effective combinations. He causes an aggressive fighter to look awkward. He may even cause a boxer to get into a slugfest. He minimizes his opponent’s strengths by controlling the action to suit his own skills. A fighter using a good left jab (or a right jab for a left-handed fighter ) often does it as a part of this tactics to utilize ring generalship. A good jab allows a fighter to set up combinations and follow-up shots. If you watch fighters, you can pick out the one who is thinking, laying out a plan, and in complete control of what is happening. When you hear the term “the fighter won the round because he was controlling the action,” it means the fighter is in mental control in developing his fight plan, allowing him to score effective punches. Ultimately the boxer employing skillful ring generalship will be on his way to winning the round. A smart fighter usually gains an edge.

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“SHOBOX” TELECAST TO INCLUDE
WILSON-WALKER HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH

Los Angeles, CA (February 25, 2008) – In the final scene of the acclaimed 1942 boxing movie “Gentleman Jim,” dethroned legendary world heavyweight champion John L. Sullivan (played by Ward Bond) told his conqueror James J. Corbett (portrayed by Errol Flynn) that trying to hit him during their epic 21-round battle of 1892 was “like trying to hit a ghost.”

For his last 13 victims – all by knockout -- current IBF Featherweight Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (21-1-1, 14 KOs) demonstrated what it is like to be “hit by a ghost.”

This Friday, February 29, the 24-year old pride of the Bay Area and “garlic capital” of the world, Gilroy, California, will defend his title against another knockout artist of the same age – Jason “The American Boy” Litzau (23-1, 19 KOs) – as he tries to make the St. Paul, Minnesota native the latest addition to his string of consecutive ghost-written knockouts.

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By: Christopher Roche

While I do not normally open commentaries with reader submissions, I thought the one below was an appropriate lead. In part of my column last week, I predicted an upset in the Klitschko vs. Ibragimov bout. Reader AJ immediately called me out on the day of publication.

Here is part of his e-mail.

Chris:

I wanted to know if you wrote that piece actually believing what you were saying or just making an outrageous call on the off chance it would happen? I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but those three tools you say Ibragimov has, "good movement, fast hands, and is a southpaw" How has Klitschko done against that blueprint in Chris Byrd?

I hope you will own up to this pick after the fact…maybe you just like picking the underdog in the hope that in 10 tries you will get one right and be able to say "I told you so"

I just don’t understand how anyone can give Sultan a shot. He wouldn't win if these two fought 25 times

AJ

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At South El Monte Boxing Club, South El Monte, California

WHO: WBC and The Ring Magazine Super Bantamweight Champ Israel Vazquez Former Two-Time World Champion Rafael Marquez

WHAT: Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will participate in a public open workout as they wind down preparations for their highly anticipated rubber match, “Final Confrontation” for the WBC/The Ring Magazine super bantamweight title Saturday, March 1, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Vazquez vs. Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, with the second bout winning Fight of the Year and Round of the Year honors. Now the Mexican warriors face each other in the final battle for honor, pride and super bantamweight supremacy on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast). The showdown will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions in association withSycuan Ringside Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Romanza Boxing Productions.

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Heavyweight Deontay Wilder defeats 2007 World Championships Silver Medalist

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Three U.S. Olympians kicked off their 2008 competition schedule with wins over Russian opponents, February 24 in Magnitogorsk, Russia. The United States team faced off with Russia’s best in the first of two duals. Welterweight World Champion Demetrius Andrade (Providence, R.I.) showcased the skills that took him to gold by defeating Russia’s Dmitrii Ivanov and heavyweight Olympian Deontay Wilder (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) recorded an impressive victory, beating 2007 World Championships silver medalist Rakhim Chakhiev. Super heavyweight Olympian Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) avenged a loss at the Olympic Test event by defeating Russia’s Denis Sergeev. Andrade’s convincing victory earned him Outstanding Boxer honors at the event.

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By: Christopher Roche, Ringside

Depending on one’s point of view, “Ireland’s” John Duddy is either a blood and guts warrior, or a fighter who simply is hit too much.

Duddy entered Madison Square Garden to bagpipes and raucous cheers, but he almost gave his fans heart failure in the first round. Little known Canadian Walid Smichet gave Duddy, of Derry City, Ireland, all he could handle by landing looping right hands, which connected flush on Duddy’s head. Duddy opened the bout looking smooth and polished, and he slipped and ducked nicely, as he tried to work his lead left hand. However, the light-switch seemed to turn off midway through the round, and Smichet’s right started finding pay dirt.

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By: Christopher Roche, Ringside

Sultan Ibragimov was determined to counterpunch Wladimir Klitschko; the only problem was Klitschko did not punch.

The fans at Madison Square Garden listlessly booed for much of the fight.

The first three rounds were very slow, as it became clear Ibragimov sought to use his faster hands to try to pot-shot Klitschko. Ibragimov also tried to jab and feint his way inside, but Klitschko stuck his left hand out and chopped at Ibragimov’s gloves. This form of paddy cake apparently impressed the judges, but the crowd grew very restless and began booing. Ibragimov landed what amounted to the first combination of the fight, in round three, and to his credit, he attempted to work Klitschko’s body.

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Cautious, defensive-minded tactical bout doesn't win over MSG crowd.

By: Mike Indri, Ringside
Retired Boxers Foundation
February 23, 2008

NEW YORK - Wladimir Klitschko pawed, jabbed and swatted his way to a twelve round unanimous decision win over Sultan Ibragimov in a rare heavyweight unification title fight; which enabled Klitschko to add Ibragimov's World Boxing Organization title belt to his trophy case, along with his own International Boxing Federation championship crown.

Headlining a Madison Square Garden fightcard which featured several quick knockouts by talented local prospects and a ten round "Pier Six" style brawl between popular Irish middleweight John Duddy and Walid Smichet, the Klitschko-Ibragimov heavyweight clash was hoped to be an intriguing, classic battle of two champions willing to put their hard earned titles at risk in their quest to become the one and only true "Heavyweight Champion", instead the huge crowd had to endure twelve rounds of a tentative, strategic effort by the physically bigger and stronger Klitschko against a willing and game champion who had no answer to combat his obvious disadvantages in height (five inches) and weight (close to twenty pounds).

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By: Matt Yanofsky

In the first heavyweight unification since Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield in 1999, IBF king Wladimir Klitschko 50-3 (44 KO's) retained his belt while winning the WBO strap from previously unbeaten but untested Sultan Ibragimov 22-1-1 (17 KOs). After being outworked in an extremely uneventful first round by the smaller Ibragimov, Klitschko began using an effective jab working while using a parry like move to push Sultan's punches away.

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Laureus Announces New Program Receipient –NYC Housing Authority Boxing Program to Benefit

(February 22, 2008….New York City)In a little more than 24 hours Wladimir Klitschko will try to unify all three boxing heavyweight championship belts when he takes on Sultan Ibragimov at Madison Square Garden Saturday night. But thanks to a guaranteed $500,000 donation by Klitschko to The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, he is a winner already in the eyes of the thousands of at-risk children who participate in service programs funded by Laureus.

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WEIGH IN RESULTS

WBC Youth Super Lightweight Title

Pavel Miranda vs. William Gonzalez
140lbs 139.5 lbs

Jonathan Velardez vs. Daniel Quevedo
113.5 lbs 116.5 lbs

Bowie Tupuo vs. John Clark
258.5 lbs. 277lbs.

Rafael Lopez vs. Ben Aragon
153lbs. 154lbs.

Mauricio Herrera vs. Jose Rodriguez
148.5 lbs. 145.5 lbs.

Tickets still availble at $30, $45 and $75 at the Doubletree Event Center Box Office, located by the Empire Ballroom. Box Office opens at 6:00 pm. Doors Open at 6:30 pm - First Bout 7:45. The Doubletree Hotel Ontario is located on 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Vineyard Exit off the 10 Freeway

PROVIDENCE (February 21, 2008) – World super middleweight challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr. returns to the ring March 14, headlining “Rumble at the River,” against Shane “The Irish Hitman” Benfield, in an Italian-Irish themed pro boxing show at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“Rumble at the River,” part of “The Budweiser Night at the Fights” series at Twin River, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in association with Twin River, Budweiser and Tournament of Contenders.

Manfredo (28-5, 13 KOs), star of The Contender I television reality series, fights Benfield (17-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Coming off of a 10-round loss by decision to former world champion Jeff Lacy on the Mayweather-Hatton pay-per-view card, Peter hopes to rebound against Benfield, who dropped a 12-round decision in his last action to DeAndrey Abron for the NABO belt that Manfredo once held.

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At Madison Square Garden this afternoon: Sultan Ibragimov, the WBO heavyweight titlist, weighed in first, tipping the scales at 219 pounds. Wladimir Klitschko, the IBF heavyweight belt holder, was next on the scale, and his weight was 238 pounds. NYSAC Chairman Ron Scott Stevens presided over the weigh in for the Unification heavyweight championship set for Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. K2 Promotions and Seminole Warriors Boxing will promote the Unification, which will air on HBO World Championship Boxing.

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IBF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP ATTEMPTS TO UNIFY BELTS WITH
WBO HEAVYWEIGHT SULTAN IBRAGIMOV THIS SATURDAY

NEW YORK, NY, February 20 – Just two days before his highly anticipated world heavyweight title unification bout on Saturday against WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov at New York’s Madison Square Garden, IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko will take a break from his busy pre-fight schedule this Thursday, February 21st to appear on the hit NBC show Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

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By: Danny Serratelli, ringside
Photos by: Richard Roffman

Rising Star Promotions became the third new boxing promoter to put on a show in New Jersey in two weeks time when they teamed up with The Showboat Hotel & Casino to deliver a quality night of professional boxing from the “House of Blues”. The show consisted of 7 bouts all of which turned out to be well matched and competitive. The attendance was good but the action was better and the venue was impressive.

Energy drink, Liquid Lightning sponsored the show and the girls from www.Roundcardmodels.com as well as a live musical act right before the main event added some interesting flavor to a great night of boxing. The show opened with a good match up with Rondu Campbell, 2-0 winning a hard fought split decision over Dwayne Davis, 0-1 and the action continued up until USBA middleweight champion Lajuan “Simply Marvelous” Simon, 18-0 9 KO’s won a unanimous decision over Elco “The Animal” Garcia, 19-7, 9 KO’s.

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A TACHI PALACE CASINO AND GOOSSENTUTOR PROMOTIONS BOXING EVENT

February 20, 2008 Lemoore CA.

Fireworks detonate once again when former WBC lightweight champion Jessica "Ragin" Rakoczy (27-2, 10 KO's) battles Belinda Laracuente (23-20, 9 KO's) in a rubber match for the NABF title at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore CA on February 29, 2008.

In their first meeting, Rakoczy convincingly won by unanimous decision to capture the IBA Women's Lightweight Title. When they met for the second time, the fight was stopped after Rakoczy was cut from an accidental headbutt and the bout was ruled a no contest. Look for both warriors to come out swinging as they will settle the score for supremacy, once and for all.

Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC and the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino are proud to be promoting this bout. For ticket information call the Tachi Palace at (559) 924-7751 or visit www.Tickets.com.

By: Brad Marchetti

Elieser Castillo the Miami based Cuban Heavyweight coming off a recent loss on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights in July, will take on journeyman Earl Ladson at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Thursday night. The 37-year old Castillo is running out of time, and if the hard punching southpaw wants to be a contender again, he will need to start by flattening Ladson in the scheduled 10 rounder.

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NEW YORK, NY, February 20 – With the buzz for Saturday’s heavyweight title unification bout at Madison Square Garden between IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko and WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov turning into a deafening roar, promoters K2 Promotions and Seminole Warriors Boxing have decided to release additional tickets to fight fans today for just $150 per ticket.

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A Don King Productions-Promoted Fight Card Starring Cory Spinks & Devon Alexander At Scottrade Center on Thursday, March 27

ST. LOUIS—Promoter Don King will feature hometown favorites on a card he has dubbed “Pride of St. Louis” featuring Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks and Devon Alexander “The Great” at Scottrade Center on March 27.

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Mexico City, D.F. - The press gathered intently yesterday as Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs) hosted an open media workout to showcase his skills that he will display to eager fight fans and thousands watching Showtime Championship Boxing on Saturday, March 1 when he battles to regain his WBC Super Bantamweight Championship and Ring Magazine Belt title against current champion Israel Vazquez (42-4, 32 KOs) .

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Bronx, NY - Feb 20, 2008 Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presents an all- star card featuring two of Star Boxing's more popular fighters in Co-Main Events. "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (17-2, 9 KO's) the Pride of Greece, collides with Dominican power puncher Harrison Cuello (15-5, 11 KO's) in a 140-pound contest for the vacant USBA Junior Welterweight Title. As an added attraction, fan favorite Vinny Maddalone (28-4, 20KO's) once again steps through the ropes squaring off against tough Ohio veteran Jeff Yeoman (21-8, 8 KO's) in an 8 round Heavyweight battle. All the action takes place on Thursday, March 6th at the Grand Ballroom of The Manhattan Center in New York City, NY.

"I'm thrilled to be able to have two of our fan favorite fighters on the same show" stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. "This card will be a signature Star Boxing event, as both fighters have large and passionate fan bases. Ethnic pride always makes for exciting fights. Since Arnaoutis wants another World Title fight and Maddalone leaves everything in the ring each time he fights, we expect a FANtastic night of boxing on March 6th" DeGuardia added.

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By Christopher Roche

Boxing Questions (and answers)

1. Will Sultan Ibragimov’s movement and quick hands be enough to upset Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night?

Many observers probably think I am crazy for asking the above question regarding Klitschko and Ibragimov. However, the beginning of 2008 has

reinforced the lesson that anything can happen in the world of boxing. Just last Saturday, Jose Navarro won every round on a judge’s scorecard, but he lost the fight. The Saturday before that, heavily favored Paul Williams went down in flames against Carlos Quintana. In the opening bout of the year, 6 to 1 favorite Paulie Malignaggi had to scrap and claw to barely beat Herman Ngoudjo. Even Jermain Taylor’s performance last Saturday against Kelly Pavlik raised some eyebrows, as many observers predicted an early walkover for Pavlik.

In the world of Boxing, nothing is ever as it seems. This weekend, at Madison Square Garden, the unthinkable could happen. Sultan Ibragimov will find a way to defeat Wladimir Klitschko.

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Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING,
begins their second decade of presenting world class professional boxing by teaming up with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated to present MARCH BADNESS on Friday, March 14th at Cicero Stadium.

MARCH BADNESS is headlined by an outstanding lightweight clash between former world champion Javier “EL Chatito” Jauregui and world ranked contender Miguel Angel “EL Anestesista “Huerta.

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WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and longtime Reno Gazette-Journal boxing writer Steve Sneddon head the list of honorees who will be recognized at the 83rd annual Boxing Writers Association of America Awards Dinner on May 1 in Los Angeles.

Mayweather, widely recognized as boxing's finest pound-for-pound performer, will receive the Edward J. Neil Award as Fighter of the Year. Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs), who scored a split decision over Oscar De La Hoya (in the highest-grossing pay-per-view fight of all time) and knocked out the previously undefeated Ricky Hatton in 10 rounds in his two ring appearances last year, narrowly staved off WBC/WBO middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik, whose 2007 resume included victories over Jose Luis Zertuche (KO-8), Edison Miranda (TKO-7) and Jermain Taylor (TKO-7).

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In Marketing The Upcoming Boxing Heavyweight Unification Bout
Between IBO & IBF Champion Wladimir Klitschko And WBO Champion Sultan Ibragimov

New York, NY - February 19 - Leading New York based marketing firm, Global Advertising Strategies has been chosen to drive the multicultural media and advertising campaign for the upcoming 12 round heavyweight unification bout, between Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko and Russia’s Sultan Ibragimov. The winner will become the unified Heavyweight World Champion. This great match-up will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday February 23rd.

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The public gets a chance to watch Wladimir Klitschko (IBF) and Sultan Ibragimov (WBO) in their final preps for the Heavyweight Unification Championship set for Madison Square Garden on Saturday, when both fighters workout for the public and media on Tuesday afternoon at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway and West 43rd Street in New York City.

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Gilroy Ca, February 18, 2008

With less than two weeks left before his second title defense, two-time world champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (21-1-1, 14 KO's) prepares for

the biggest fight of his life when he battles Jason "The American Boy" Litzau (23-1, 19 KO's) at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore CA on February 29th, 2008.

"This is going to be a great fight for the fans" said Guerrero who's knocked out thirteen of his last fourteen opponents. "Everyone knows we both throw bombs so most likely someone's going down. One thing we all know, Litzau is fighting in his first world title fight, so you know he's bringing everything he's got. Me, I'm fighting for my wife and family. Nothings going to stop me from getting what I want and that's the victory."

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Bronx, NY - Feb 18, 2008 Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presented another entertaining evening of fights Friday night from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The fights were telecast live on ESPN2's popular "Friday Night Fights" boxing series.

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NEW YORK, February 18 – If there’s one surname synonymous with New York and music, it’s “Joel”. So it’s fitting that on the biggest night in boxing in the sport’s Mecca, Madison Square Garden, rising star Alexa Ray Joel will sing the National Anthem before the world heavyweight title unification bout between WBO Champion Sultan Ibragimov and IBF Champion Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday, February 23rd.

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Local fighters highlight "Rising Star Promotions" boxing card.

By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
February 15, 2008

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Philadelphia's LaJuan Simon used a swarming, non-stop offensive attack to successfully defend his hard earned USBA middleweight belt, and remain undefeated, against the resilient challenge of Elco "The Animal" Garcia, from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Headlining the entertaining seven-bout fightcard at the "House of Blues" theater in the Showboat Hotel & Casino, Simon awed the good-sized crowd with his arsenal of punches. En route to his ten round unanimous decision victory, Simon continually battered Garcia with his pinpoint accuracy. The soon to be 29 year-old fighter (Feb. 25th) also hurt Garcia often with his power and the sheer volume of his punches constantly overwhelmed the gutsy Mexican fighter.

Snapping Garcia's head back with big right hands and banging his body with a two-fisted assault, Simon quickly took control of the fight and built up a comfortable lead going into the latter rounds when it appeared that the stronger, better skilled prospect began to slightly tire. By this time it was to no avail as Garcia, bruised and bleeding from a cut over his left eye, was sapped of his power and surviving entirely on sheer will and guts.

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By: Tom Kaczmarek

CONCENTRATION

Absolute concentration is a fundamental element of judging. Judging a fight is one of the most difficult and demanding forms of officiating in any of the professional sports. It is a demanding skill requiring total concentration for the full three minutes of every round.

A professional boxing judge most closely observe two fighters(and a total of 4 gloved fists), and he must simultaneously compute the total number of punches thrown, the quantity of hits and misses., the quality of punches, the effect on the fighters, and their movement and condition. There is an awful lot going on at the same time. While making these observations, during rapid-fire action in the ring, he must implement the 10 Point Must System: Not an easy task. In order to fully understand how to use the system, you must make a study of all the fundamental elements of judging a fight.

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By: Christopher Roche

Commentary

1) I had Jermain Taylor winning the fight by a count of seven rounds to five. All of the rounds were 10-9 rounds, as there were no knockdowns and the rounds were competitive. My scorecard read the following way: Taylor: 2,3,5,6,8,9 and 10; Pavlik: 1,4,7,11 and 12.

2) While I am already seeing other writers state that Taylor “faded down the stretch”, I completely disagree. Going into the championship rounds, Taylor was fresh, and I gave him the tenth on my card. However, in the eleventh, Pavlik backed Taylor into the ropes for the only time in the fight, and “The Ghost” landed a vicious body shot. Taylor was forced to hold, and that one shot turned the eleventh around and took enough out of Taylor to help Pavlik win the twelfth. In other words, Taylor did not just “fade” on his own; his momentum was stymied by a brilliant and rare body shot from Pavlik.

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Scores were: 117-111, 115-113, 116-112.

Complete coverage and commentary will follow

Edison Pantera Miranda has not had much to say about his former opponent Arthur Abraham in a long time. But in a recent interview he blasted him for not being a true champ. "Ever since I busted your jaw, you have fought nobody. But here you are bragging to the media about what solid opponents you’ve faced. Who are these guys? It is a joke that you never step it up like a true champion and fight a strong opponent..”

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By: Jeff Miller, Ringside

Professional boxing hit the Commerce Bank Art Center in Sewell, NJ last night as Big Box Promotions along with Fighting City Productions put together a five bout card.

The main event was altered a little bit as Derek Ennis was sidelined due to a weight issue. So it was Philadelphia’s Eric “Murder” Mitchell, 21 – 4 (10 KOs), who took the fight with 24 hours notice, mixing it up with Edwin Vazquez, 22- 12 (8 KOs) in a 10 round Jr. Middleweight War. The early rounds were pretty even with Mitchell trying to establish his jab. Vazquez was trying to punish Mitchell downstairs, before getting a point deducted for low blows in round three. As the fight wound down, there was plenty of back and forth action with Mitchell’s hard counter right hands being the difference in the end. Official scores were 95 – 94 x 2, and 97 – 92 all in favor of Mitchell.

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By: Christopher Roche

Kelly Pavlik has momentum. His performance last September against Jermain Taylor was nothing short of incredible. Pavlik took everything Taylor had, and he rose off the canvas to knock Taylor silly.

Many people think that tomorrow night’s rematch will mirror what happened in the seventh round of the first fight, and we could be in store for an early blowout in favor of Pavlik.

One of the main reasons why many are picking Pavlik to win early is that conventional wisdom dictates Taylor is mentally shattered after the devastating loss he suffered four months ago. Teddy Atlas talks about the mental aspect of boxing every Friday night on ESPN. In the ring, there is no place to blend in and hide like there might be in team sports, where the participant can take a play off here and there. Boxing requires intense mental and emotional focus at all times during the match. An unsure fighter will not perform well and could get hurt.

Based on my observations of Jermain Taylor over the years, I believe Taylor’s mental focus will be in tact, and he will perform well. Taylor is a world-class athlete who defended one of the most prestigious titles in the world, against some very difficult opponents. Taylor was often criticized for being a boring fighter, especially because of stinkers against Cory Spinks and Kassim Ouma, but I do not attribute all of the blame to Taylor. When Taylor is in against someone who wants to fight, Taylor fights, and he fights well. Rounds 1 through 6 of the first edition of Pavlik/Taylor proved that.

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Thursday, Feb. 14, 2007

Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, and inevitably have led to one of the most highly anticipated rubber matches in boxing history. Now, they battle for the World Boxing Council (WBC) 122-pound title, The Ring Magazine 122-pound crown and super bantamweight supremacy in the third and final chapter of boxing’s best rivalry in recent memory. Vazquez-Marquez III “Final Confrontation” will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2008, from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

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On the day of their tenth anniversary event, CELEBRATION, set for Friday, February 15th at Cicero Stadium, Chicago’s 8 Count Productions is receiving praises from many of professional boxing’s leaders.

Said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, “Golden Boy Promotions congratulates Dominic Pesoli and 8 Count Productions on their 10th anniversary. It’s always a pleasure doing business with them and we look forward to co-promoting outstanding events with them in the future. “

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Mike Alvarado, 142 vs. Jesus Rodriguez, 139, ten rounds
Francisco Rodriguez, 117.5 vs. Andre Wilson, 117.5, eight rounds
Andrzej Fonfara, 160 vs. Jorge Gonzalez, 159, six rounds
Freddie Cuevas, 160 vs. Luis Hodge, 162.5, six rounds
Ivan Popoca, 143 vs. Guadalupe Diaz, 142.5, four rounds
Alejandro Lopez, 125 vs. Torrence Ray, 129, six rounds,

After two opponents fell through, WBC stawweight champion Carina "La Reina" Moreno will not be defending her title on February 29, 2008 at the Tachi Palace Casino. "Carina is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world." said promoter Christian Printup. "Her manager Repo Rick and I will do our best to get her back in the ring." Moving forward, Carina is looking to fight on March 20, 2008 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose against an opponent to be later announced.

Meanwhile Jessica "Ragin'" Rakoczy is looking for an opponent to fill in the slot. Matchmaker Repo Rick has been scoping the globe in search for an opponent. "Nobody wants to fight Rakoczy," mentioned Repo Rick. "It's been very difficult to match her up. We have a nice platform here at the Tahci Palace to put on a fight with Jessica, but no opponent. If anyone wants to get in the ring with Rakoczy, please contact me."

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ORANGE, CA - Doctors orders will prevent rising lightweight star Josesito Lopez from making his 2008 debut fight due to a sprain injury to his right hand. Lopez was scheduled to fight next Friday, February 22, at the Doubletree Hotel, Ontario.

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By: Tom Kaczmarek

Reviews and commentary:

“Must reading for prospective boxing judges.”--International Boxing Digest

“If anyone can tell a boxing fan how to judge a fight accurately, honestly and with acumen, it’s Tom Kaczmarek….It certainly beats any book on boxing published—past and present.”--Record, East Orange, NJ

“Kaczmarek’s book is excellent.”--“Between Rounds” Herald News

“A fan’s book that will keep your interest whether novice or a veteran of boxing”--John R. Burns Former Director of Boxing, State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

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Maskaev vs. Peter and Diaz vs. Campbell are set to take place on March 8.
Click for the Poster!

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Miletich Fighting Systems, American Top Team and Renzo Gracie Academy, Midwest Combat Battle In Camp Matchups At Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

NEW YORK, February 13, 2008 – IFL titleholders Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (Belarus), Jay “The Thorobred” Hieron (Freeport, N.Y./Las Vegas) and Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) will defend their belts when the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., with a nine-bout card on Friday, April 4. In addition to the three Championship bouts, competition between camps will feature athletes from Renzo Gracie Academy, Midwest Combat, Miletich Fighting Systems, and American Top Team.

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Chicago bantamweight prospect Francisco "EL NINO AZTECA" Rodriguez will battle Andre Wilson this Friday night, February 15th in the SOLO BOXEO TECATE televised co-main event at Cicero Stadium, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

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New York, NY - State Senator José M. Serrano, as part of an annual event celebrating Black History Month with his father, Congressman José E. Serrano, will honor Bronx boxing legend Iran "The Blade" Barkley on Monday, February 18th.

Mr. Barkley was born, raised and continues to live in the South Bronx community. In 1988, against strong odds, he defeated Thomas Hearns by TKO to become the Middleweight Champion of the World.

The day's other honorees include: Dean Meminger, Bronx Reporter for NY1 News; and Dr. Samuel J. Daniel, President and CEO of North General Hospital.

APRIL 19 IN KATOWICE, POLAND

TOTOWA, NJ (February 12, 2008) – Two of the world’s top cruiserweights will vie for the IBF’s #1 mandatory position on April 19, 2008, when Tomasz Adamek (IBF #3) and O’ Neil Bell (IBF #7) battle in a 12 round IBF eliminator, it was jointly announced today by Main Events, Ziggy Promotions, Warriors Boxing, and KnockOut Promotion.

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NEW YORK, February 12 – For several years, fight fans have longed for the day when the heavyweight championship of the world would be unified and one man would reign atop the! sport's glamour division. On Saturday, February 23 rd, at 'The Mecca of Boxing', New York City's Madison Square Garden, that day will be one step closer when IBF & IBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko and WBO Heavyweight Champion Sultan Ibragimov meet to unify their titles in a bout destined to bring clarity to the heavyweights once again.

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Neck Injury Sidelines Middleweight Star; UFC Veteran Haynes To Battle IFL Newcomer Serao at 185 lbs. on Feb. 29

NEW YORK and LAS VEGAS, February 12, 2008 – MMA veteran Josh “Bring the Pain” Haynes (Las Vegas), who has competed for a dozen professional mixed martial arts organizations, including the UFC, will compete at 185-lb. against Leopoldo Serao (San Francisco) at the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) event at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, February 29. Haynes replaces popular IFL star Benji Radach (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), who suffered a neck injury in training and will be out of action indefinitely.

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New York area fighter managed himself to a 10-0 record but recently added his first manager to help leverage his talent.

By: Christopher Roche

Undefeated Long Island welterweight Tommy “The Razor” Rainone is a case study in perseverance. The 28 year-old southpaw from Plainview has had his ups and downs with the business-side of boxing, but his determination has yielded him a perfect 10-0 record in the ring.

Since turning professional in 2006, Rainone has been self-managed. As anyone familiar with the boxing world knows, the business side of the sport can be very difficult. As evidence of that, Rainone’s next scheduled bout, which was to take place on February 15, fell through.

Rainone is looking to get back in the ring in March, and he said he is always in top shape and ready to fight. He said, “I’m training hard and keeping myself in shape as always and there are a few different shows in New York in March so I’m hoping to be able to get on one of them.”

As part of that hard training, Rainone revealed one of his unique methods for getting battle ready. He explained how he steps into a 10x10 ring for five-minute rounds, with the heat blasting on him.

“My buddy Chris is an amateur boxer and a trainer who has his own studio gym in the basement of his house. When the time came to step up to six rounds I wanted to add an element that would help increase my mental strength as well as my overall stamina and durability. Once a week come fight time I would go to his gym, and we turn on the space heaters so the gym is like an oven. We spar five-minute rounds in a ring the size of a hamper.”

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Undefeated Unified Lightweight Champion Juan ‘Baby Bull’ Diaz To Face IBF No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Challenger Nate Campbell

CANCUN, Mexico—The first world heavyweight championship ever staged in Mexico will take place in Cancun’s Plaza de Torros on Saturday, March 8 when World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev makes the second defense of his title against WBC interim heavyweight champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to determine the sole WBC heavyweight champion.

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Rising Star Promotions and The Showboat Casino are pleased to announce a night of professional boxing at The House of Blues on Friday, February 15th in Atlantic City, NJ.

Headlining the card will be USBA Middleweight Champion LaJuan “Simply Marvelous” Simon. LaJuan looks to extend his win streak to 18-0 as he climbs his way into title contention. Simon will face experienced pugilist Elco “The Animal” Garcia. Garcia is 19-6 coming off a knockout win after brutal bouts with Vernon Forrest, Eric Reagan and Raul Marquez.

The co-feature stars two time Olympian Patrick “El Elegante” Lopez (11-1 9ko) against unheralded New York native Jonathan Tubbs (10-4).

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Middleweight veteran “CLASSY” Freddie Cuevas will return to the ring this Friday night, February 15th to take on Dominican Luis Hodge at CELEBRATION, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing marking the 10 year anniversary of Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

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By: Christopher Roche, Ringside
Last night, in Union City, NJ, Henry Crawford threw every punch in the dictionary. When the fight was over, Thomas Davis needed a thesaurus to find out what hit him.

The 26 year-old Crawford, of Paterson, NJ, landed a hard straight-right midway through the first round, and the tone was set for what would be a very one-sided affair. Crawford’s right hand stunned Davis, and Crawford jumped on him as Davis covered up on the ropes. This scenario was repeated in rounds two, three and four, as the storyline never shifted. The bout became a lesson in survival for the 35 year-old Davis.

The suspense that developed in this bout settled around whether or not Crawford could finish Davis off. By the sixth round, Crawford appeared a little sluggish, after all, he had thrown hundreds of punches in bunches. However, in the seventh round, the beating resumed and in the eighth, Crawford put the fight on ice and went on to win a lopsided decision. The scores were 80-72, 80-71 and 79-73. Crawford improved to 18-0-1, 8 KO’s, and Davis, of Knoxville, TN, fell to 12-7-2, 7 KO’s. The bout took place in the welterweight division.

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Local “Rising Stars” Dominate the Undercard
By: Danny Serratelli, ringside

Last Night Pound for Pound Productions made their promotional debut in New Jersey with “The Night of the Rising Stars”. The show featured five bouts from the Park Theater in Union City which provided the opportunity for several local fighters to showcase their talent to the fans. In the main event, Paterson New Jersey’s Henry Crawford, 18-0-1, 8 KO’s dominated Knoxville Tennessee’s Thomas Davis, 12-7-2, 7 KO’s over 8 rounds. Davis showed heart and even taunted Crawford early, but absorbed a tremendous amount of punches over the 8 round distance. In the end the ringside judges scored the welterweight bout a sweep on 2 cards with the 3rd judge finding a round to give Davis for his efforts (Julie Lederman 80-71, John Poturaj 80-72 and Eugene Grant 79-71).

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By: Christopher Roche

Commentary

I remember the feeling I had that August afternoon back in 1987, and it still hurts today. Mark Breland, my indestructible childhood hero, was knocked out by Marlon “Magic Man” Starling.
I kept waiting for Breland to turn it on, like he had done so many times before, but for some reason he looked sluggish and out of sorts. Well, tonight, in California, Paul Williams reincarnated Breland’s performance, and he dropped a shocking decision to Carlos Quintana.

When I first saw Williams fight, it stirred nostalgic images of Breland because of their similar freakish height, speed and athleticism. I openly gushed over Williams’ package of size and speed. However, when Williams could not get a big fight, and he settled for Carlos Quintana, I grew somewhat concerned that he would land in a trap.

When I placed a call to Williams’ camp in Puerto Rico, and I interviewed Williams, he said all the right things. He said he was focused and motivated. While I thought Williams would win, I eventually touted the Quintana bout as one of the most underrated matches of the year. I was convinced it would be a good fight.

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As part of their 10 year anniversary, Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, has announced plans to honor Rocky Martinez and Mike “FLY” Garcia this Friday night, February 15th at Cicero Stadium with both being inducted into the 8 Count Productions Hall of Fame as part of the CELEBRATION boxing event.

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Philadelphia (February 8th, 2008)—Jr. Welterweight Lenny DeVictoria scored an eight round unanimous decision over the gritty Derrick Moon to headline an exciting five bout card at The Legendary Blue Horizon on Friday night.

It was the second straight back and forth wall that the Philadelphian has engaged in as he was coming off his classic sixth round knockout over Elad Shmouel last December 7th in the same venue.

Both Moon and DeVictoria traded hard punches in close throughout the affair. Every time it seemed that DeVictoria would have Moon in trouble, Moon would show tremendous heart and determination to kind some vicious body shots off his own.

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By: Christopher Roche

Darnell "Ding-a-Ling Man" Wilson was supposed to breakout into the top ranks of the cruiserweights, but B.J. Flores had other ideas.

Wilson looked like a one trick pony, and once he could not stop Flores, his game plan had no plan B. Flores, who was a standout amateur, boxed Wilson effectively and took the unanimous decision.

ESPN was hyping Wilson in the opening segment, and they showed his spectacular knockout of Emmanuel Nwodo repeatedly. Flores was sort of an afterthought on the broadcast, and with IBF champ Steve "USS" Cunningham in the studio, ESPN was likely hoping for a preview of a future clash between Cunningham and Wilson, as this was a title eliminator.

The 33 year-old Wilson dropped to 22-6-3, (19 KO's) and relinquished his USBA belt. Flores, 29, remained undefeated at 21-0-1, 13 KO's. The bout was held in front of a large crowd at Dover Downs in Delaware. Scores were 115-113 (Julie Lederman), 116-112 (Joseph Pasquale) and 118-110 (George Hill).

Fans can still catch the bout on ESPN360.com.

Temecula, CA - Paul "The Punisher" Williams (33-0, 24KOs), the most feared fighter in boxing faced Carlos "El Indio" Quintana (24-1, 19KOs) today at the official weigh in. The two will square off tomorrow night in front of eager fight fans at The Pechanga Resort and Casino and thousands more on HBO's Boxing After Dark.

The scheduled 12-round WBO world title fight, presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions. Tickets priced at $150.-, $100.- and $50.- are on sale and can be purchased at the Pechanga box office. The five bout live event begins at 5:30pm PT. Doors open at 5:00pm. HBO telecast begins at 9:45pm ET/PT.

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Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, 14-0 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will headline the pre-St. Patrick’s Day show called “Gaelic Storm” at Madison Square Garden’s Theater against veteran J.C. Candelo, 27-9 (18 KOS), of Colombia. The March 15th event is being promoted by Celtic Gloves Promotions.

Also scheduled to appear is another popular undefeated junior middleweight, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, 19-0 (13 KOS), a native of Poland who fights out of Brooklyn, and lightweight Oisin Fagan, 20-5 (15 KOS), a Dublin native who fights out of Oklahoma City.

Moore, the former captain of the Irish national amateur team, has been clamoring for a big challenge. He will get that against Candelo, who has only been stopped once and has gone the distance with Winky Wright, Verno Philips, Marco Antonio Rubio, Alex Bunema and Michael Lerma.

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Temecula, CA - Pechanga Resort and Casino is known best for their fun and relaxing atmosphere, a perfect retreat when one needs to get away from reality.

That was not the case Thursday in Hummingbird Hall for the final press conference before undefeated Paul "The Punisher" Williams (33-0, 24KOs) defends his WBO welterweight title against Carlos "El Indio" Quintana (24-1, 19KOs) on Saturday, February 9.

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*Cedric Kushner Calls “The Russians Are Coming the best local card I’ve every promoted by Far and away”*

New York, February 8—Gotham Boxing chief Cedric Kushner beams that the February 28 the “Russians Are Coming” fight extravaganza at the Roseland Ballroom is “the best local fight card that I’ve ever promoted, hands down!”

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Just what heights can Paul Williams reach?
By: Tim Crowley

That is the question to be answered this Saturday night as Paul Williams, who has become one of the most feared fighters in the welterweight division, takes on Carlos Quintana, a genuine barometer for welterweight potential.

Williams has looked impressive in all of his fights, and has stood out noticeably because of his enormous height and reach (6’2” — 82”). He has a high punch output and a comfort in the ring that exhibits a solid amateur background, and he has compiled an excellent pro record of 33-0 with 24 knockouts.

Williams’ excellent boxing skills are stretched into a huge frame for a welterweight, and his coordinated footwork and ability to keep opponents at bay with his long arms have many wondering if he could be the next king of the welterweights. His physical appearance is truly unique; he almost looks like a giant scarecrow with his lanky bones. But once he starts boxing, it becomes apparent that he carries the frame naturally and with strength.

In his most celebrated victory to date, Williams took a unanimous decision over Antonio Margarito for the WBO welterweight title in July ’07. It showed he had the stamina and skills to outbox a championship pressure fighter, and Williams also showed heart in weathering the Tornadoe’s late comeback attempt.

But though Williams is regarded as one of the best welterweights today, the suspicion is that he may be stretched too thin, and if a vicious puncher gets inside and goes to the body, Williams will topple.

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Ali "Hurricane" Oubaali sets his sights on Connecticut
Star Boxing's latest and greatest on undercard

Bronx, NY - Feb 07, 2008 After his sensational show stopping U.S debut in front of a SOLD OUT crowd at the Manhattan Center in New York City on October 18, 2007, French-Moroccan welterweight sensation Ali "Hurricane" Oubaali (20-3, 17KO's) is set to make his second appearance in his newly adopted homeland, when he goes up against Great Britain's Ashley "Treasure" Theopane (20- 2-1, 7KO's). Oubaali v. Theopane is the co- feature event at the Mohegan Sun Arena Friday, February 15, live on ESPN's Friday Night Fights. It took just four rounds for Oubaali to annihilate his last opponent Victorio Abadia and we can expect more of the same when Oubaali and Theopane meet up for ten scheduled rounds of action.

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Over 200 of the United States’ Top Boxers to Descend on the Olympic Training Center

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – The United States’ OIympic-style boxing talent will be on full display, March 9-14 as the nation’s top male and female boxers compete in the U.S. Future Stars National Championship at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The event, which was known as the U.S. Championships in previous years, will showcase many of the athletes who will be vying for the 2012 Olympic Games in four years. Both male and female athletes will compete in the premier amateur boxing event with eleven national champions crowned on the men’s side and fifteen titlists in women’s action.

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NEW YORK, NY, February 7 - The highly-anticipated heavyweight title unification bout between IBF Champion Wladimir Klitschko and WBO Champion Sultan Ibragimov is approaching fast. Time is running out for fight fans to get their tickets for the biggest heavyweight event in years, which takes place on Saturday, February 23rd at the ‘Mecca of Boxing’, New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

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Bronx, NY - Feb 07, 2008 - When Devin Vargas splashed onto the pro boxing scene back in 2004 after coming home from the Summer Games in Greece, it was clear, after knocking out his first three opponents in the first round, that the boxing world would be feeling his "ripple effect" for years to come. This Saturday, February 9th at The Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada, Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KO's) will bring his undefeated record and power into the ring against the very rugged Charles Davis (17-14, 4 KO's). In what is sure to be a crowd- pleasing knock-down-drag-out heavyweight main event battle, Vargas will not only be facing a tough test, but with a victory on Saturday, he will be making another important stride towards a heavyweight title shot opportunity. As the 2004 US Olympic Team Captain, Vargas is used to stepping up to a challenge and taking the lead, which is exactly what he plans to do against Davis, who has defeated the likes of "King" Arthur Williams, Javier Mora, and Willie Chapman.

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Junior middleweights Andrzej Fonfara and Francisco Rincon will battle in a special feature attraction bout on February 15th at CELEBRATION, a terrific evening of world class professional boxing at Cicero Stadium, presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated.

CELEBRATION marks the 10th anniversary of Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

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Gilroy Ca, February 6, 2008

Two-Time world champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero and WBC Female "Fighter of the Year" Carina "La Reina" Moreno will hold an open workout for the public from 11am-1pm Saturday February 9, 2008 at the Krutar Boxing Gym located at 1715(C) Freedom Blvd. Watsonville ,CA.

The two warriors are scheduled to fight February 29, 2008 at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore CA. Guerrero will defend his title against Jason "The American Boy" Litzau, while Moreno is working on a new opponent. For ticket information call the Tachi Palace at (559) 924-7751 or visit www.GoossenTutor.com

STAR BOXING INKS TWO SIZZLING HOT PROSPECTS YATHOMAS RILEY AND RAYMOND SERRANO

Bronx, NY - Feb 07, 2008 - Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, has inked multi fight deals with two promising prospects.

Highly thought of Light Heavyweight YaThomas Riley who won the National PAL and the Golden Gloves Championships in 2006 is turning pro after a stellar amateur career.

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By: Brad Marchetti

For years fringe welterweight contender Cosme Rivera has been one of my favorite fighters and Friday on Rivera will be in a 12-round main event in Cosme Rivera vs Raul Pinzon. The reason I like watching Rivera is that he is the consummate pro. Rivera, 30-11, 22 KO’s, doesn’t do anything flashy but he does everything well, box, slug or counterpunch. The 5’10” Mexican Cosme is coming off a tough decision loss to contender Andre Berto last July, but the tough vet planted Berto on the canvas with a left uppercut in the 6th. Rivera is a crafty tactician that moves well behind a well-schooled defense and can also fight equally as efficient inside with a good body attack.

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New York, February 6—Duva Boxing sends an important battle in the cruiserweight ranks into the ring this week and a national television audience will be watching on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights when the sensational knockout artist Darnell “Ding A Ling” Wilson puts his USBA Cruiserweight championship on the line against undefeated up and comer B.J. Flores this Friday night, February 8, at Dover Downs Racetrack and Casino. Dino Duva’s promotional company will present the title tilt in association with Sal Musemeci's Final Forum Promotions.

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Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, 14-0 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will headline a pre-St. Patrick’s boxing extravaganza called “Gaelic Storm” on Saturday, March 15th, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. His likely opponent is Freddy Curiel, 18-6-2 (8 KOS), of Vernon, New Jersey. Curiel was a popular participant on season two of “The Contender” television series.

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HOLLYWOOD, FL, February 6 – When boxing’s premier promotional companies join forces, fight fans become the true winners when it comes to action-packed nights of fistic fury. On Friday, February 29thSeminole Warriors Boxing and Keep Punching Entertainment will team up once again, along with Tony Holden Productions, for another great night of fights at the Paragon Casino & Resort in Marksville, Louisiana, featuring a double main event to be televised live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

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HARTFORD (February 6, 2008) - Former world lightweight title challenger Israel 'Pito' Cardona has become a gatekeeper of the welterweight division since returning to the ring nearly two years ago after being retired 3 1/2-years.

Hartford-native Cardona (36-8, 28 KOs), now 33, heads north of the border for a 10-round test in the main event Saturday night at the Montreal Casino against unbeaten prospect Antonio Decarie (17-0, 5 KOs), the 25-year-old former Canadian light welterweight champion.

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Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Mike Alvarado will battle Jesus “CHUY” Rodriguez in the ten round main event at CELEBRATION, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing on Friday, February 15th at Cicero Stadium presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated.

CELEBRATION marks the 10th anniversary of Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

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HIGHLY-TOUTED PROSPECTS COMPETE IN SEPARATE BOUTS ON FEB. 22ND

ORANGE, CA – The future is bright for rising stars Josesito Lopez and Pavel Miranda, and many believe that 2008 will be the year that will show the world what these two prospects can do against the elite of their divisions. On Friday, February 22nd, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, Lopez and Miranda will have to survive their latest tests if they are to move forward in the ultra-competitive world of elite prizefighting.

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Events From Las Vegas, New Jersey and Connecticut to be seen Live

NEW YORK, February 5, 2008 – The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) and HDNet Fights today announced an agreement to televise the first three IFL events of 2008 live, beginning with the Friday, February 29 card from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. HDNet Fights will also air the April 4 card live from the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., and the May 16 event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Each two hour show will carry a minimum of five of the eight fights on the card, including no fewer than two championship fights. This is the latest partnership between the IFL and HDNet, which began with the December 29, 2007, IFL Championship event from Mohegan Sun.

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Union City, NJ (February 4th, 2008) – An opponent has been named for undefeated welterweight Henry Crawford (17-0-1, 8 KOs) this Saturday night on the ‘Night of the Rising Stars’ card in Union City, NJ. Knoxville, TN native Thomas Davis (16-6-2, 7 KOs) will be the one to trade punches with the Paterson, NJ product.

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By: Danny Serratelli
The Brick City Boxing team is offering a boxing program/training for students/fighters of all skill levels at the Elmwood Park Athletic Club (in Elmwood Park NJ) on Thursaday nights at 7PM. For further information check out www.Brickcitytraining.com or email thefightlawyer@gmail.com for details, pricing, etc... Roundcardmodels and friends of Brickcityboxing will receive one comped session, but you must RSVP, as space in limited, but still available for this Thursday.

Master trainer and Brickcity Boxing/Training Vet, Samad Haq and his band "The Reason Why" will be playing Tierney's Tavern, 136 Valley Road, Montclair, New Jersey on Saturday, February 16, 2008. Doors open at 7:30 pm, showtime 8pm. The show will be hosted by Lawana Haq. The "word on the steet" is that this is an event that should not be missed!

This is an event to be seen at as Haq's events have been covered by WBLS and in the past special guests have included, yours truly, and many of the Brickcity team, Brick City Olympian boxer Jerson Ravelo, undefeated heavyweight prospect, Joe Hanks along with other professional boxers, kick boxers and martial artists. Other special guests have included the girls from www.Roundcardmodels.com, Queen Latifah, and top professional referees, including Ricky Vera and Harvey Dock who also performs spoken word. For further information, contact Shugaboy productions, 973-223-7979.

Local boxing fixture and friend of Brickcityboxing, Michael "Post" Gilmore recently was awarded the trophy for fight of the night at a battle of law enforcement officers.In the bout, Gilmore rocked his opponent several times with sharp left hooks, but was unable to put him away. A late flash knockdown cost Gillmore a close decision victory, there was no loser in this fight as both men laid it all on the line and were very deserving of the award for fight of the night.

Gilmore is a class act, he works for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and also as an inspector for the New Jersey Boxing Commission and is a fixture in the local gyms often offering younger fighters advice on how to succeed both in and outside the ring.

February 2, 2008-The John Bray Boxing Club held its1st Annual John Bray Free Youth Boxing Clinic to help the community in preventing violence and promoting discipline and academic success among school-age students by interfacing with local community leaders.

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IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE GUEST STUDIO ANAYLYST THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

Philadelphia (February 2, 2008)—This Friday night, IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham will be the special in-studio guest on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights.

Cunningham, 21-1 with eleven knockouts will join award winning studio host Brian Kenney and among the topics that they will discuss will be Cunningham’s tremendous twelfth round stoppage over Marco Huck last December 29th that took place in Huck’s hometown of Bielefeld, Germany.

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PROVIDENCE (February 4, 2008) – Unbeaten NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 1 by the World Boxing Council, travels to Germany to battle undefeated, No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) on March 8 in a WBC title elimination bout determining champion David Haye’s mandatory challenger.

“Kraj won a Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympics and going overseas to fight him will be a big test,” the 27-year-old Godfrey said. “He’s very good. Kraj is a typical Eastern European fighter who does some things very well. The winner of this fight is going to be set-up nice in the WBC. I’m looking at it as a title fight.”

The WBC title eliminator potentially has additional implications because Haye, who also holds the WBA title belt, fights the same night as Godfrey-Kraj in a unification bout versus WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli. A win by Haye reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or Interim title-holder.

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Kennedy Called to Military Duty; McGivern To Battle Horwich for 185-lb. Crown; Four Other Bouts Finalized On Eight-Fight Card on Feb. 29

NEW YORK and LAS VEGAS, February 4, 2008 – Miletich Fighting Academy middleweight standout Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa), recognized as one of the most improved, up-and-coming athletes in the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), will fight for the 185-lb. title against current champion Matt “Suave” Horwich (Portland, Ore.), one of three championship matchups at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, February 29. McGivern replaces Tim Kennedy (Fayetteville, N.C.), an active U.S. Military member who has been called into duty.

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Article on our "Sports" tab above.

CHICAGO (February 3, 2008) Chicago based World Boxing Council (WBC) Lightweight Champion David Diaz is preparing to face off against Ramon Montano on Saturday, March 15th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The ten round non-title bout against Montano will be Diaz’s first return to the ring following his outstanding win over three division world champion Erik Morales on August 4, 2007 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. The win over Morales was Diaz’s first defense of his WBC title and was noted on many boxing writers' 2007 “Fight of the Year” lists.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Heavyweight David Carey (Anchorage, Alaska) has been named USA Boxing’s athlete of the month for January. Carey recorded an impressive victory in the USA vs. Mexico Dual, January 18 in San Diego, Calif. The 6-foot-5-inch heavyweight pounded out a convincing 27-16 decision over Mexican Olympian Javier Torres in the opening event of 2008. Carey enjoyed a six point lead as the final round began, but continued to pour on the points over the final two minutes to claim the victory.

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Los Angeles, Cal., February 1, 2008 – Alfonso S. Gomez (18-3-2) is speaking out about his upcoming fight against Miguel Cotto (31-0-0), saying that the 12-round battle for Cotto’s WBA Welterweight belt will give him the chance to achieve his life-long goal of a world title while silencing his critics once and for all.

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By: Matt Yanofsky

In his first fight since losing a close decision to Antonio Tarver, Elvir Muriqi 35-4 (22 KO’s) earned an impressive fourth round TKO over Jameel Wilson 13-12-3 (8 KO’s) of Philadelphia. Muriqi began the contest where he left off against Tarver, using all out aggression leaving Wilson little room to breathe. Muriqi continued his onslaught in the second round as Wilson began moving backwards while landing a few shots on the anxious Muriqi. Muriqi went right back to work in the third where he badly hurt the tough Philadelphian.

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