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by:

Joshuwa
"Ashyknuckles"
Jernigan


Stay tuned for pics of Dominick Guinn and Tomasz Adamek sparring.

JOHN RUIZ QUOTES FROM QUESTIONS ASKED AT TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT IN MANCHESTER

Regarding Haye’s win vs. Nicolai Valuev: “I was surprised he (David Haye) got a decision in Germany. Luck was on his side. In congratulate him. He did what he had to do and got the win.”

On Haye’s popularity in the US: “It’s still in the beginning. His name is spreading around. He needs to face somebody who’s been in the heavyweight division and that’s me. He still isn’t well known in the United States.”

On comparing Haye to Evander Holyfield: “Holyfield’s a legend. I can’t compare them today. Every fight is difficult because everybody comes to win. That’s what makes boxing special.”

On changes since he’s been had Miguel Diaz as his head trainer and criticisms: “We’re still here and hopefully this time around we’ll get a win. You’re seeing more of the Ruiz from the past – boxing and punching, not holding. How many guys can say they’ve fought and won the two world heavyweight championships.”

On winning the third world title with a victory against Haye and being mentioned with Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield. “It is going to work this time. No matter what they say, they can’t take it away from me.”

On Haye’s talking: “He can talk all he wants but he knows he’s in a tough fight.”

On an American winning the world heavyweight title: “I was born in the United States and my family is Puerto Rican. I’m a Puerto Rican-American. I’ve accomplished a lot during my career. I am the first Hispanic World Heavyweight Champion, but I’m an American and I’m bringing the belt back home.”

On watching tapes of Haye: “I don’t focus on the other fighter, I focus on myself. He’s going to prepare himself and use the style he believes will win the fight.”

On his experience: “Experience plays an important part but so does youth. We’ll see what comes out on top. I have a new team -- trainers Miguel Diaz and Richie Sandoval, and a new promoter, Golden Boy -- but there are still some people who’ve been part of the team for a long time. I’m at peace, blessed with my family, and I’ve never been in tune with boxing like this during my career.”

On fighting in England: “I’ve fought here six times (6-0). These fans put favoritism behind them and root for a good fight. I’ve fought everybody in the world, never avoiding anybody, and I’m very proud of that.

I’ve traveled the world and boxing has been a savior for me.”

NEW YORK, March 31- With training camp coming to a close Andre Berto (25-0, 19 KO's) and Carlos Quintana (27-2-0,21 KO's) took time to discuss their training camps as they prepared to meet for the WBC World Championship, The card is being billed as "Fighting For Haiti" which is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Champs Sports, Where Sport Lives, will be televised "LIVE" on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm (ET) / 7:30pm (PT). The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD on Saturday, April 10th at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.


ANDRE BERTO

STAYING FOCUS & TRAINING WITH A PURPOSE:
With the recent earthquake devastation in Haiti, the loss of family members and the efforts of Berto Dynasty Foundation, which was founded to help raise money for earthquake victims, Andre Berto has manage to keep his focus
on Carlos Quintana and is training with a special purpose.

"I've had a tremendous training camp and everything has gone as planned. I'm ready for my return to the ring on April 10," said Berto. "My weight is good and I have been putting in a lot of hard work in the gym. I have some really strong sparring partners that are helping me prepare for what Quintana is going to bring to the table. This fight means a lot to me and has a special purpose. I'm fully focused on Carlos Quintana and want to make a statement with my performance.
Berto said he is not changing his style and has not watched any films of Quintana.

"I'm very good at making adjustments during a fight and I have seen just about every style," said Berto. "Throughout my career as both a top amateur and now as a professional, I have seen just about everything in the ring. If they're boxers or bangers, it doesn't matter. I don't watch films of my opponents, I let my trainer focus on that aspect.

CONDITIONING:
No one has ever questioned Andre conditioning and preparation for a fight, he's always in shape. Andre has a very extensive conditioning program, which includes, swimming, cycling, track work, sprints and plyometrics when he's preparing himself for any upcoming fight.

“My brother Cleveland, who is my strength and conditioning coach, and my trainer Tony Morgan have set up a strong strength and conditioning program for me,” Berto said. “I do everything from track work, sprints, and plyometrics to swimming three days a week and cycling classes. The swimming and cycling are new additions to my regimen but they really help me work my body in a different way than a typical boxing workout.”



FIGHT STRATEGY:
Carlos Quintana is a very slick southpaw and capable of being an excellent offensive fighter. He's got good skills and very tricky. Andre feels he has the perfect game plan to come away with a victory.
"I don't want to give away my game plan for the fight, but I have been focusing on recognizing a southpaw's style, speed, power and agility," said Berto. "You have to stay on your toes against Quintana, because he's going to keep you uncomfortable. He doesn't care if the win is ugly, he just wants to get the win."

Tony Morgan, Andre's long time trainer has a lot of respect for Quintana and knows this will be a very tough fight, but very confident about victory.

“Carlos Quintana is one of the hardest fights, if not the hardest fight we have yet to come across. He is a very talented fighter,” Morgan said. “Our game plan is going to consist of a high pressure, high volume, punch strategy that breaks Quintana down and leads Berto to a decisive victory. I am completely aware of the talent of Carlos Quintana and we have our work cut out for us. In layman’s terms, my strategy is to seek and destroy.”

______________________________________________________


CARLOS QUINTANA
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Although Carlos Quintana has only two more professional fights than Andre, he feels his training and experience will make the difference.
"I have so much confidence in my training and conditioning for this fight with Berto," said Quintana. "I'm always in shape, but I started training in January of this year before I even knew I would be fighting Andre on April 10th. I have a weight/conditioning coach and a licensed nutritionist that have prepared me well. Everything is on schedule, I'm focus physically and mentally for this fight with Berto."

Carlos feels his experience against better opposition will be to his advantage.
"Andre is a very good fighter, but he has not been in the ring with the same opposition I have," Quintana said. "I've been in the ring with Joel Julio, Miquel Cotto and Paul Williams twice, that's experience you can't teach and will be a huge advantage for me on April 10th."

SPARRING SESSIONS:
Quintana has been using several sparring partners, but his main sparring sessions have been with Hector Sanchez and Kenny Galarza.
."I'm very pleased with my sparring sessions. I have really been pushed to the limit by Hector Sanchez and Kenny Galarza," said Quintana. "They are top professionals and they both have speed and power. Their perfect for this fight with Berto. I will be ready for Berto's speed and power.

Jose Bonilla, manager and trainer for Carlos Quintana also likes the sparring work Hector Sanchez and Kenny Galarza have proivided in training camp.
"Hector Sanchez and Kenny Galarza have given us the work we need, they both have speed, power and quick hands," said Jose. " Carlos sparrs three times a week and he's is very sharp and focus with his technique right now."


BASKETBALL:
Carlos Qunitana is a huge basketball fan and at one time basketball was part of his conditioning program while preparing for some of his fights early in his career.
"I'm a huge basketball fan and at one time was a very good point guard myself," said Quintana. "Early in my career I would make basketball a part of my conditioning program while in training. In 2001 I hurt my elbow and since then I have not been able to particpate in basketball like I use too. It's no longer a part of my conditioning program, but I love the game and watch basketball all the time on TV. Watching basketball
during training is very relaxing for me."

And who is Quintana favorite basketball player.
"The King, LeBron James," said Quintana. "I love the NBA, it's FANTASTIC."


Tickets for the special "Spring Ticket Sale" are now available. Buy 2 Tickets At $250 And Get 1 Ticket Free Or Buy 2 Tickets At $100 And Get 1 Ticket Free."Fighting For Haiti" through Ticketmaster (1.800.745.3000) or by visiting, www.ticketmaster.com and BankAtlantic Center Box Office (1.954.835-7000) www.bankatlanticcenter.com Tickets are also priced at $65 and $35. VIP Ringside tickets are available for private sale for $500 by calling DiBella Entertainment (1.212.947.2577) www.dbe1.com . A portion of all ticket sales proceeds will go to the Berto Dynasty Foundation benefiting Project Medishare www.andreberto.com to help aide those affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti and are tax deductible.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Berto Dynasty Foundation
Andre Berto founded the Berto Dynasty Foundation in February to help raise money for those affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti and plans to use the funds to support several initiatives, including: Project Medishare, temporary housing for those who lost their homes and the rebuilding of schools and orphanages. The Berto Dynasty Foundation is currently partnering with Westmark School in Encino, California, to help adopt a school in Haiti and connect the Westmark students with youngsters in Haiti. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold for the April 10th event "Fighting For Haiti" at the BankAtlantic Center will go to the Berto Dynasty Foundation, benefiting Project Medishare. All proceeds are tax deductible. For more information, visit www.andreberto.com .

About Project Medishare
Dr. Barth Green and Dr. Arthur Fournier founded Project Medishare for Haiti, Inc. in 1994 to assess the health care situation in Haiti and explore ways to improve the health conditions of the people in Haiti. Since that first trip, Project Medishare has forged partnerships with physicians and allied health professionals with a strong belief in social justice and that everyone has the right to quality healthcare and development services. Project Medishare currently has the largest hospital on the ground in Haiti and has been providing critical medical care to those affected by the earthquake since it hit. Andre and his brother, Cleveland, traveled to Haiti with Project Medishare 12 days after the disaster and provided assistance to Project Medishare’s outstanding medical staff. For more information, visit www.projectmedishare.org

This Friday night at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing presents an exciting seven bout card, featuring a must-see main event as well as some of boxing's most promising up and coming talent fighting on the undercard. The card is headlined by Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) defending his USBA welterweight championship against former jr. welterweight title challenger, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4- 2, 10KO). ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" is broadcasting the card and will begin live coverage of the event at 9PM.

Recently Star Boxing CEO and founder, Joe DeGuardia, took time to sit down and talk about the upcoming card, his plans for his young Stars in 2010, and also about the newly formed Boxing Promoters Association, for which DeGuardia was elected President of.
star boxing
Q: Joe, first and foremost, I want to thank you for sitting down with us. Tell us about the main event on Friday.

JD: The fight between Delvin and Mike truly is a crossroads battle. Both guys are looking to get themselves back into world title contention, and a win in this fight does just that. Both of them are very confident, and both have promised they are going to put on spectacular performances.

Q: Both Delvin and Mike are Star Boxing fighters. Many wouldn't put two of their top fighters in against each other, can you tell us about that why you will let these two boxers fight each other on April 2 at Mohegan.

JD: The reason is simple, giving the boxers opportunities and giving the fans compelling fights. I believe that in order to develop boxers, we need to give them opportunities and we won't hold back our fighters from the best possibilities available to them. This is a great opportunity for both Delvin and Mike and we are providing them with that opportunity. Also, it is a great fight, and we always want to put on the best and most entertaining fights possible, and you will see just that this Friday. This is how to keep the fans coming back to our sport.

JOE DEGUARDIA W/ DEMETRIUS ANDRADE
Q: As if the main event wasn't good enough, you have absolutely loaded the undercard. We hear the 2007 Amateur World Champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (9-0, 7KO) is in the co-feature.

JD: Yes. This will be Demetrius 5th time, in just eight fights as a pro on ESPN and he has been sensational each time out. We really have high hopes for Demetrius.

Q: Ever since Demetrius turned pro he has been garnering rave reviews among boxing insiders. What are your expectations for him?

JD: Well as I said at the press conference we held when we first signed Demetrius with his co-promoter Artie Pelullo, I don't think Demetrius is going to be just a champion, I believe he is going to be the next superstar of boxing. He has all the talent and ability in the world to be a star inside the ring, and he has the personality and charisma to be the same outside the ring as well. Ever since the first time I saw him fight I knew he was something special.

Q: We understand there will be an additional 'bonus' feature fight.

JD: Correct. We will open the ESPN telecast with two more Olympians, Roberto Benitez (6-0, 3KO) (U.S.) taking on gold medalist Yan Barthelemy (9-2, 2KO) (Cuba). This is going to be a step up and a true test for Roberto. This is a great example of the fights we put on at Star Boxing-two top prospects, both Olympians from the same Olympics (2004), fighting against each other. The winner of this fight can truly be looked at as a top prospect in that weight class.

Q: Can you tell us about the rest of the card?

JD: I am just so excited about this undercard. We added our light heavyweight phenom Yathomas Riley (7-0, 5KO). Yathomas is one of the purest punchers out of any prospect, he has tremendous power in both of his hands, and he isn't afraid to fight anyone. If it were up to him he'd be fighting guys like Chad Dawson right now. He is a throwback fighter and you have to love that about a guy. We also have former top jr. middleweight contender "Mean" Joe Greene (21-0, 14KO) on the show and Elvir Muriqi's cousin Shqiprim Muriqi (2-0, 1KO), who just like his cousin packs the house with his loyal contingent of Albanian fans. Between the Dominican's coming out for Delvin, the Greeks for Mike, the Albanians for Shqiprim, as well as the New Yorkers making the trip out to see Roberto Benitez, Joe Greene and Yathomas Riley, we are expecting an enthusiastic crowd.

Q: Congratulations on being elected as the president of the Boxing Promoter's Association. How are things going with the BPA?

JD: Everything is going really well and moving right along. We just recently entered into a long-term distribution agreement with Round1 magazine. Beginning this summer, Round1 will be distributed directly and for free to boxing fans at events promoted by members of the Boxing Promoters Association. Very soon the BPA website will be up and running and we have another meeting scheduled for early June. People doubted that we would ever be able to get through the first meeting let alone form the Association, and almost a year later we are functioning and have made tremendous progress. There will be some great news released soon about that progress.

Q: Thank you for speaking with us, is there anything you would like to say in closing.

JD: I want to encourage everyone to come out on Friday night to Mohegan Sun. This is going to be a show you won't want to miss. Come back to boxing live: 'what's old is what's new' -- come join us at Mohegan Sun, and if you can't make it live, be sure to watch it on ESPN.



Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. ESPN will begin their live coverage at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.


Photo's by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten

WORCESTER, Mass. (Mar. 29, 2010) – When undefeated prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez drilled veteran George “The Rooster” Armenta with a lethal left hook to the body, stopping their ESPN Friday Night Fights bout at 47-seconds of the opening round, many boxing fans had memories of another New England boxer famous for his left hook, “Irish” Micky Ward.


“It was a perfect shot,” Rodriguez described the aforementioned hook. “Micky Ward was so good at it and I’ve been practicing to get better. As soon as I hit him, I knew that he was hurt. I held back with the right but I knew he’s strong and, if he came back, I was going to take him out.”


Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), made his nationally televised debut March 19 against Armenta (13-6, 11 KOs), who had knocked out 2000 U.S. Olympian Dante Craig and extended current WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and top contender Sechew Powell the full distance. Armenta had never been floored before, never mind stopped, until he was cracked by the Dominican Republic-born super middleweight Rodriguez.


“I did break a sweat,” Rodriguez jokingly said about the 47-second stoppage, “but in the locker room before I came out to the ring. I’m here for the long run, though, and will be world champion. I’m well-grounded; I don’t get carried away about what’s said about me being a top prospect or fighting on national television. I need to continue working hard. I’m traveling a long road to become world champion. I want to improve every fight.”


Rodriguez, the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist, will be back in action April 30 against Kevin Engel (17-2, 14 KOs). Edwin will be fighting for the first time on a ShoBox: The New Generation card in an 8-round co-feature.


Rodriguez is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, managed by Elite Management (Larry Army), and trained by Peter Manfredo, Sr. Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about Edwin and his team.

LAS VEGAS (Mar. 2010) – Reigning World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha was supposed to fight 4-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield 12 years ago but boxing politics eventually destroyed that match-up.


More than a decade later, though, Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) will finally get his crack at the living legend and future Hall of Famer when he defends his title belt April 10 against Holyfield in the 12-round main event, headlining “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event, live at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.


“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.


In 1998, Botha was the No. 1 mandatory challenger and Holyfield world champion. Instead of getting his title shot, Botha explained, he was placed in a box-off that he refused to fight in, sending him from No. 1 to No. 11 in the ratings, and Holyfield ended-up fighting Vaughn Bean.


“God works in mysterious ways,” Botha said. “(Promoter) Frank (Luca – Crown Boxing) got me Evander. We both have a lot of experience and it’s going to be a good fight. I know he’s going to be right there and he’ll be in good condition. This is a chance for me to prove I still got it. Holyfield is coming to prove himself as well. If he doesn’t beat me, he’s done, and I’m going to make sure that this is his last fight. I’m going to retire him once and for all.”


The 47-year-old Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs) is coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev that most observers felt Holyfield really won.


“He is a legend, take nothing away from him,” Botha continued. “He’s one of the all-time best, a multiple world champion who has fought the best heavyweights in the world. I can’t ask for anything better at this stage of my career. It’s a big opportunity. I have another 2-3 good years left to do some damage in the heavyweight division. All of my losses have been to world champions (Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer and Shannon Briggs) and three of those fights never should have been losses. A win will put me right back in the picture and I’d then I’d like to fight Vitali Klitschko.”


Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.


Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com for additional information.

On Friday April 2nd, the Pride of Greece, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO) will move up in weight as he looks to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division when he challengers Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) for the USBA welterweight championship in Rodriguez's backyard at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino. The fight is scheduled for twelve rounds and will be the main event bout of the evening on that night's ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast.

Arnaoutis recently sat down to talk about his upcoming fight, why he decided to move up in weight, and where he hopes to be by the end of this year.


Q: Mighty Mike, thanks for taking time out to sit down with us, how has training been for this fight? Have you been doing anything different for this fight being you are going up in weight from jr. welter to welter? Are you more comfortable at this weight?

MA: Training and my preparation for this fight couldn't have been better. I have had 106 rounds of sparring in my training preparation for this fight and my whole training camp has been fantastic. I am also much more comfortable fighting at 147 pounds, because I don't have to starve myself anymore; I'm really glad that I listened to my team and moved to welterweight. On top of my regular training regime a strength and conditioning coach has been added to make sure I put the weight on the right way. The strength and conditioning has helped me out a lot, I feel very strong and everyone has also been telling me that I look bigger and stronger. Physically and mentally, I am in the best shape of my life, and everyone will see that come fight night in the way that I will beat Rodriguez.

Q: What do you know about your opponent Delvin Rodriguez?

MA: I have seen some of Rodriguez fights, and what I saw was a brawler trapped in a tall mans body and that makes him a perfect guy for me to fight. I have nothing against Rodriguez, but all I am thinking about is that he has what I want and when I get in that ring I will be ready for war and I am going to destroy him.

A
Q: You are fighting at the Mohegan Sun which is right in Delvin's backyard, does that bother you at all?

MA: No it doesn't bother me. I have fought everywhere throughout my career. My backyard, his backyard, it doesn't make a difference, once the bell rings it's just me and him in the ring, his fans can't help him because like I said I will destroy him. I also want Rodriguez and all of his fans to know that someone in this fight is going to get brutally knocked out and that person is not going to be me. Plus you can definitely count on seeing more than a few Greek flags waving and Greek fans screaming for me come fight night.

Q: Not looking past Delvin, but if you win, what do you see on the horizon?

MA: Right now the only thing I am thinking about is the execution of Rodriguez. I want that USBA championship and the world ranking, and after everyone see's me destroy Rodriguez, everyone in the welterweight division will know that "Mighty" Mike is here and here to stay. After I beat Rodriguez my managers will decide who I will fight next, but honestly I know that I match up with any of the top guys in the division, so whoever steps up to the plate first, that's who we will fight in 2010.

Q: Want to thank you Mike for sitting down with us. Anything you want to say in closing?

MA: I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing) for staging this fight. I want to thank my team of managers, Jimmy "Zeek" Hartofilis, and Mike Michaels for giving me everything I have asked for and for making this fight happen. Lastly I want to thank all my fans who continue to show their support and who will be there cheering me on April 2nd, I won't disappoint.




Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The first live televised bout will go on air at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.


Photo's by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten

Star Boxing's light heavyweight prospect Yathomas Riley (7-0, 5KO) has been added to this Friday's Star Boxing promoted card at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT. Headlining the card, which is being broadcast live on ESPN's "Friday Night Fight" series, is Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) defending his USBA welterweight championship against "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO).

The 2006 PAL and National Golden Gloves champion Riley is scheduled to meet Walter Foster (4-1-1, 4KO) in a six round light heavyweight contest. It will be Riley's third appearance at Mohegan Sun since turning pro there in 2008.

"This is going to be my breakout year," stated Riley. "I am focused and I am hungry and ready to start making my move in the light heavyweight division. I know I have what it takes to be champion, and now is my time to start showing it."



Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. ESPN will begin their live coverage at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.


Photo's by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten

Photo by: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is a promotional free agent following the conclusion of his eight year promotional contract with Don King Productions. ‘USS’ Cunningham and his wife, and manager, Livvy, are currently considering various options ahead of his forthcoming challenge for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight title against Canada’s Troy Ross.


US Navy veteran ‘USS’ Cunningham, who returned from camp, in Big Bear, California, last week following the cancellation of the 26th March title fight with Matt ‘Too Smooth’ Godfrey, spoke briefly about his time with Don King Productions . "It has been eight that I've been under contract with DKP, and a lot has happened, in those eight years I have become a world champion and have traveled all over the world, from South Africa to Europe. I am thankful to Don for the opportunities that he has given me and I wish him and his company nothing but the best in the future."


He then went on to speak about his future plans. "As for my future, I'm excited, I am looking forward to finding a situation where I will be able to be more active in the ring and get more television exposure. I have been through a lot recently but I think one thing that has come out if it that was positive is that there has been a strong public interest in seeing me fight. It didn't work out this time, but Lord willing, I will get another shot to fight on TV soon."


‘USS’ Cunningham held the IBF World Cruiserweight title from 26th May 2007, after defeating Poland’s Krzysztof ‘Diablo’ Wlodarczyk, and defended the title twice, the first, which he won by a twelfth round stoppage, on the 29th December 2007 against Marco ‘Kapt’n’ Huck. Just over one year later, ‘USS’ Cunningham, lost a close split decision to Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek following their ‘Fight of the Year’ nominated battle at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on the 11th December 2008.


Team Cunningham and Troy Ross’ management have 30 days to come to an agreement for Cunningham vs. Ross for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight title otherwise the IBF will order a purse bid.


For further news and updates on Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham please visit his web site www.usscunningham.com

Photo by: Team Sauerland

DETROIT (March 2010) — Wilfried Sauerland has no doubts that Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament point leader King Arthur Abraham would have knocked Andre Dirrell out had it not been for his controversial disqualification in the 11th round. “After a slow start, Arthur was finally landing his power punches,” Sauerland said. “He clearly knocked Dirrell down in the tenth and was following it up in the 11th. There is no way Dirrell would have seen the end of the 12th round.”

After reviewing the tape, Sauerland stated that a clearly exhausted Dirrell seized his chance to sneak out of the fight when the chance presented itself, especially with Abraham upping pressure before the controversial ending. “The TV pictures indicate that Dirrell was down, but there is no way Arthur could have realized that in the heat of the moment. He was just trying to keep up the attack. However, Dirrell is a very good actor. We are glad that his check-up at the hospital turned out just fine but frankly we did not expect any other outcome since he was just acting. He deserves an Oscar for his performance.”

The 26-year-old American was taken to hospital after the fight. “I wish him all the best and hope he is fine,” Abraham said. “I thought I could still punch because the referee did not stop us. In the heat of the moment I was not watching his feet but only his head. As a professional boxer, you always try and make pressure.”

Abraham said it was a very competitive fight. “I am a slow starter,” he added. “That is how I fight. But I picked up in the later rounds and connected.” Abraham was knocked down for the first time his career in the fourth but returned the favour in the tenth when he floored Dirrell, although no knock-down was credited.

Team Sauerland will officially protested the verdict.

WBA interim super lightweight champion Marcos Maidana (28-1, 27 KOs) scored a sixth round KO over Dominican, previously unbeaten Victor Cayo (24-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday night in “The Joint” at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Maidana dropped Cayo at the end of round two, then continued to break Cayo down. Cayo tried to box effectively and use the ring, but Maidana would lure Cayo into a war in close quarters dropping him with a body shot at 1:38 of the sixth round.

In a clash for the vacant IBF lightweight championship, Joan Guzman (30-0-1, 17 KOs) won a split decision over Ali Funeka (30-3-3, 25 KOs). Guzman dropped Funeka with a right hand in round six and went on to win 116-111, 114-113 on two cards. Funeka was ahead 114-113 on the third card. Guzman did not win the title after weighing in 9 lbs heavy.

From the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s The Joint in Las Vegas: In an eight-rounder at supermiddleweight, Danny Jacobs (19-0, 16 KOs), of Brooklyn
wasted no time with Jose “Bam Bam” Rodriguez Berrio (20-5, 12 KOs), of Colombia, flooring his foe twice in round one. In between rounds, Referee Jay Nady, on advice from the ringside doc, stopped the bout.

In an eight-round welterweight bout, Jermell Charlo (11-0, 5 KOs), of Houston 
won an unspectacular-but-unanimous decision over Gerardo Prieto (6-9-1, 0 KOs), of Mexico City, with scores of 79-72 twice and 80-71.

In a sixer between Texas welters, Omar Figueroa (9-0, 8 KOs) won a unanimous decision over game Edgar Portillo (6-4-1, 4 KOs). Figueroa outboxed his foe, but injured his left hand in round two. Scores were 60-54 and 58-56 twice.

In Saturday's “Super Six” super middleweight tournament, Andre Dirrell (19-1, 13 KOs) take a unfortunate but impressive DQ over previously unbeaten, former IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KOs) on Saturday night at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Dirrell dominated a defensive Abraham early in the fight. Down on the cards, Abraham began asserting himself, but Dirrell dropped an off-balance Abraham in round four. Dirrell again outworked Abraham in rounds five through seven, causing a bat cut over his right eye. Needing a knockout victory, Abraham landed a bombed that floored Dirrell in the tenth, and was waved off by referee Laurence Cole.

In the eleventh round, Abraham kept the pressure on Dirrell causing him to slip on the canvas. However, while on the canvas, a desperate Abraham rocked Dirrell with a helacious shot knocking a defenseless Dirrell out. Abraham was disqualified by Cole at 1:13. At the time of the DQ, Dirrell was ahead 97-92, 98-91, 97-92. Abraham later insisted that Dirrell wasn’t down when he threw the final punch. As a safety precaution Dirrell was taken to the hospital for tests.

Unbeaten junior welterweight Vernon Paris (20-0, 13 KOs) dropped Oscar Leon (28-12, 18 KOs) in round two, then cruised to a 60-53 win on all cards.

Unbeaten middleweight Dominik Britsch (18-0, 7 KOs) dropped Matt Berkshire (10-2-1, 5 KOs) twice in round one and finished him at 1:52 of round two.

Middleweight Ronald Hearns (24-1, 18 KOs) outpointed Marteze Logan (26-43-2, 6 KOs) over six. 60-54 on all cards.

Unbeaten cruiserweight Lateef Kayode (11-0, 10 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO over Chris Thomas (17-10-2, 14 KOs). Time was 1:43.

Junior middleweight Brian Mihtar (13-1, 10 KOs) outpointed Robert Kamya (17-11, 4 KOs) over six rounds.

Super middleweight Darryl Cunningham (19-2, 9 KOs) outpointed Pat “The Cat” Coleman (29-17, 20 KOs) over four.

Unbeaten heavyweight Rich Power (11-0, 8 KOs) survived a first round knockdown and went on to get a stoppage win at 1:03 of round three against Ray Lopez (1-1, 1 KO).

WBC President Jose Sulaiman has expressed concern on the free way that boxing organizations are using the approval of interim championships, when they should be used strictly when a champion leaves a title inactive for medical or legal problems.



President Sulaiman will present a recommendation to the WBC Governors at the coming 48th annual convention to be held in Cancun, Mexico, from November 7 to the 13, in regards to instituting a WBC silver world championship, with the prototype being absolutely beautiful, in substitution of an interim championship that does not represent a real title, when it is approved only for a fight without real significance.



The sport of boxing is changing, being now all the way into the 21st Century, and television and other types of promotional organizations, and ways must be found to keep the interest of boxing fans in the world, who are depending on reform that the WBC has been doing for three decades.



The objective is to have the WBC silver championship to be second only to a WBC World Championship, which is even lower how an interim title is being taken by the boxing fans.





WBC CARES IN QUERETARO



President Sulaiman and the WBC team of WBC Cares visited the hospital for burned children in Querétaro, México, and presented the children with sweets and toys. Several former world champions were present on the visit, including Chiquita Gonzalez, Carlos Zárate, Chucho Castillo, Rodolfo Martinez, Victor Rabanales, and Toño Aguirre, among others.



President Sulaiman also gave the children a message to never lose faith, continue playing and studying, and always have dreams. He told them that as an adolescent, he also had a serious burn injury that has left him still today with barely visible fingerprints of both of his hands. He said that he overcame the problem, and came back strongly to continue his studies and work all of his life. It was a good visit, as most of the children at the hospital were very poor.



The WBC group, with all the champions and many other WBC members, including the WBC representative in Querétaro, were visiting Governor José Calzada and the First Lady of the State, with whom the first WBC training gym and school was inaugurated, as well visiting CRIC, a children’s rehabilitating center with more than 400 children who were also presented with candies, toys, miniature boxing gloves, many photos, and the empathic moral support of the presence of the world champions.

Photos by: Tom Casino/Showtime

Andre Dirrell 167.5 vs Arthur Abraham 168
Dominik Britsch 158.5 vs Matt Berkshire 158.5
Ronald Hearns 158.25 vs Marteze Logan 157.75
Vernon Paris 140 vs Oscar Leon 144.75
Lateef Kayode 198.5 vs Chris Thomas 193
Brian Mihtar 157 vs Robert Kamya 156
Darryl Cunningham 166 vs Pat Coleman 165
Rich Power 229 vs Ray Lopez (Lopez to weigh in on Saturday)
Ron Siler 121 vs Vicente Alfaro 121
Purnell Gates 156 vs Chris Grays 160
Venue: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Promoter: Gary Shaw/Sauerland Event
TV: SHOWTIME 10:30PM ET/PT (Free preview weekend. This fight can be seen FREE in 54 million cable households.)

On Friday April 2nd, Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) looks to put himself back into the welterweight title picture when he takes on former world title challenger, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO) on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT.

Rodriguez recently took time out of his busy training schedule to talk about his upcoming fight, how he is looking to get past a bitter 2009, and where he sees himself at the end of this year.

STAR BOXING
Q: Delvin, how has training camp been for this fight?

DR: Just like always, training camp has been good. I have been getting real good sparring and I am working hard. I'm in great shape and just ready and anxious to go out there and defend my belt on April 2nd.

Q: Other then him being a southpaw and a former world title challenger at jr. welterweight, what else do you know about your opponent Mike Arnaoutis coming into this fight?

DR: I have seen a few tapes on him, he seems like a pretty tough and durable guy, and he definitely has skills. I am ready though. I am planning on coming out very aggressively in this fight and I do plan on stopping him. I'm sick and tired of leaving fights up to the judge's scorecards and coming up on the short end. You can't get robbed if you knock your opponent out, and that's what my mission is going to be every time I step into that ring.

Q: In your last fight against Rafal Jackiewicz, you fought very aggressively, is that the type of style we can expect to see from you here on out, or do you approach each fight differently?

DR: Yes, as I touched on in the last question, my game plan for this fight and for every fight for the rest of my career is to jump right on my opponent and be very aggressive right from the opening bell. In both my fights with Hlatshwayo and my fight with Jackiewicz I had them hurt very badly, and I let them off the hook. I can promise you that won't happen anymore. If I have you hurt, I am going to do everything I can to knock you out, or force the referee to stop it. I'm going into this year with a new attitude. At this stage of my career I can't afford to let any more opportunities slip away. Expect to see fireworks each and every time I'm in that ring from here on out.

DR
Q: Talking about your fight with Jackiewicz, in a fight that you absolutely dominated in punch stats, including throwing more then 700 punches than he did and almost knocking him out, how upset were you that he was awarded the decision? Have you been able to get over that or are you still bitter?

DR: Anyone who has seen that fight knows how ridiculous the decision was. Honestly you don't even need to watch it, if you just take a look at the punch stat numbers you can see how ridiculous it was. The fight wasn't even close, I dominated him in every aspect. At the end of the fight he was taken to the hospital and I didn't even have one mark on my face, right there you know something isn't adding up. I was definitely upset and definitely down, but I am just focusing on my future now, and I know I have what it takes to be champion, and there isn't anything or anyone who is going to stop me from accomplishing that this year.

Q: Are you looking to send a message in this fight, if so what is it, and is it directed at anyone in particular?

DR: Yes I am looking to send a message to everyone in the welterweight division, and that message is that I am coming for you. All these so-called champions, they want to prove they are real champions then fight me. I have paid my dues, this is my time.

Q: Delvin want to thank you for taking time out of your training. Is there anything you want to say in closing?

DR: I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing) for putting this fight together and giving me an opportunity to defend my belt in front of my hometown fans at the Mohegan Sun. This is going to be a big year for me in 2010, starting with knocking out Arnaoutis on April 2nd. I hope everyone that can't make it to Mohegan Sun tunes in on ESPN because it's going to be a performance you definitely are not going to want to miss.


Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The first live televised bout goes on air at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.


Photo's by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten

by:

Joshuwa
"Ashyknuckles"
Jernigan

On Friday April 2nd, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" returns to the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT with a loaded five bout card headlined by Danbury's own, Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) defending his USBA welterweight championship against the Pride of Greece, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO).

In the live co-feature bout of the evening, 2007 Amateur World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius Andrade (9-0, 7KO) will square off against Geoffrey Spruiell (8-8, 2KO) in a six round jr. middleweight matchup. The Providence native Andrade, who is co- promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, will be making his 5th appearance as a pro, and second this year on ESPN's "Friday Night Fight" series. Spruiell beat another 9-0 prospect (Brad Jackson) last year, and will surely have upset on his mind.

In the televised opener, fellow 2004 Olympians, Roberto Benitez (U.S.) (6-0, 3KO) and Yan Barthelemy (Cuba) (9-2, 2KO) square off against one another in a six round super bantamweight match-up. The gold medal winner Barthelemy will certainly be the toughest opponent to date for Benitez.

Former top rated jr. middleweight "Mean" Joe Greene (21-0, 14KO) looks to get his once highly promising career back underway when he takes on Joshua Onyango (15-18-1, 12KO) in a scheduled eight rounder. After a 2009 that only saw Greene step into the ring once, he now looks to reposition himself back atop the jr. middleweight division and work his way back into a world title opportunity.

Rounding out the card is popular and exciting Albanian super middleweight Shqiprim "White Tiger" Muriqi (2-0, 1KO). Muriqi will look to improve his record to a perfect 3-0 when he takes on Fasika Bezabeh in a scheduled four rounder. Muriqi is cousins with light heavyweight contender Elvir Muriqi, and has served as a main sparring partner for Elvir, as well as the headliner Mike Arnaoutis, and middleweight contender Peter "Kid Chocoloate" Quillin (21-0, 15KO).



Mohegan
Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The first live televised bout goes on air at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.

PROVIDENCE (March 25, 2010) – After reading reports associated with the postponed Steve Cunningham-Matt Godfrey IBF cruiserweight title fight, scheduled for this Friday, Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), has responded to the situation and misinformation being distributed in the media.


Burchfield is Godfrey’s promoter. The purse bid for Cunningham-Godfrey was won by Don King Productions and originally scheduled for March 19 in Florida and then switched to March 26 in Las Vegas. DKP issued a release March 17 postponing the fight.


“First and foremost, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Matt Godfrey and what he’s done in the sport of boxing both in and outside the ring,” Burchfield said. “He is Captain of Team CES.


“Matt is the kind of fighter boxing needs. Morally and ethically, he’s among the most admirable fighters I’ve ever worked with. I’ve traveled with him as he’s visited sick children in hospitals and spent afternoons at local schools reading to children and setting an example as a positive role model. He comes from one of the toughest neighborhoods in Providence and despite growing up watching some of his best friends end up in jail or murdered, he’s never strayed from the path. He’s always made the right decision. That’s what separates him from other fighters in this business. Corporate America needs fighters to relate to and Matt is one of them.”


“As far as the details of this fight are concerned, I immediately contacted Matt’s manager, Bret Hallenbeck, after Don King postponed the March 26 fight and we called the IBF office together on a conference call to ask what the next step would be,” Burchfield explained. “We were informed by an IBF official that the second-bidder’s check (Main Events) had been returned and that the entire process would have to be repeated. Another purse bid would be held for the fight and the winning bidder would have up to 90 days or sooner to place the fight. When Godfrey’s manager informed Matt of the situation, he immediately broke camp (leaving Connecticut to return home to Rhode Island). Later that day, I received a call from that same IBF official explaining that a mistake had been made. Main Event’s check hadn’t been returned and it was still in the IBF’s office. Main Events would be the promoter. I then received a call from Main Event’s attorney, Pat English, saying there was a chance they could salvage the fight in time for March 26. I called Godfrey’s manager to explain the new developments and he decided that, unless the deal was made 100 percent, he wouldn’t tell Matt anything more. I understood. I had been told it was 95-percent done but, to my disappointment, I wasn’t directly involved in any discussions with ESPN or where the fight was to be held.


“Whether it took several hours or a few days, in Matt’s mind, he was no longer prepared to fight March 26. Our job is to protect our fighter to the fullest and it wouldn’t have been in his best interest to go back to camp when the deal was finalized – after missing that much time – especially when it was so close to the fight date. He was ready to fight Cunningham for the IBF title and but for the DKP’s postponement we would have witnessed a great battle inside the ring on March 26. Unfortunately, because of DKP’s last-minute postponement that battle is now outside the ring.”


The IBF has informed Burchfield that it intends to drop Godfrey from its rating and give the next available contender an opportunity to fight Cunningham for the vacant IBF belt. “Matt has worked hard to get a world title fight and the IBF acknowledged that by rating him No. 3,” Burchfield continued. “If Matt is to lose his dream of fighting for the world title, let him lose it in the ring. We will petition the IBF to reconsider dropping Matt in the rankings, allowing him to fight Cunningham for the title.


“I’m very upset about misinformation that’s been spread around on the Internet. Anyone who has done business with Jimmy Burchfield in the past knows how efficiently and ethically I run my operation. I follow the rules and I’ve specifically followed the rules in this current situation. Furthermore, a legitimate reporter gets both sides of the story and contacts the decision-makers to get the facts straight. Other than Matt, only two people in Godfrey’s camp make decisions and that’s me, his promoter, and his manager, Bret Hallenbeck.


“We were all on a roller coaster ride from the very beginning with repeated delays, lack of communication and misinformation. In a perfect world, Matt would have remained in camp to see how things developed. On the same token, had he been isolated in camp the same way Steve Cunningham was at Big Bear, things would’ve been different. As this event unfolded, however, it was clear that we do not live in a perfect world. With everything else leading up to this point, the second of two postponement announcements – along with the misinformation given by the IBF – was the straw that broke the camel’s back from Matt’s perspective.


“We appreciate the tremendous efforts made by the IBF, ESPN, Main Events, and everyone else involved to try and keep the fight alive. ESPN is one of my favorite networks and has kept boxing alive. We’ve worked together for years, providing them with some of the best, most exciting fights their network has ever broadcasted. Likewise, program director Doug Loughrey worked incredibly hard to keep this fight alive. We also recognize that Steve Cunningham is in this unfortunate position, too, by no fault of his own. Both fighters trained very hard for this fight. This is a fight everyone wants to see. Matt Godfrey is one of the best cruiserweights in the world and will have a fair opportunity to prove that in the ring. We stand by our fighter 100 percent and hope everyone now understands what really happened. I hope this can be resolved. If not, I intend to fight it as hard as I can, even if that means taking it to court.”

Photo Credit: Tom Casino / Showtime

DETROIT - (March 2010) — Super Six World Boxing Classic standings leader “King” Arthur Abraham and Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell both took part in a media workout at Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym on Wednesday, just three days before they kick off Group Stage 2 of the Tournament on Saturday, March 27 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich., live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

The Armenian Abraham (31-0, 25 KOs) currently leads the Super Six point standings with three points by way of his last-second knockout against American Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor Oct. 17 in Berlin, Germany. The former middleweight bronze medalist at the 2004 Summer Olympics from Flint, Mich., Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs) dropped a close 12-round decision to Carl Froch for the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship the same night in Nottingham, England.

This fight will be available to a record 54.4 million households as part of the SHOWTIME ALL ACCESS Free Preview Weekend on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME HD™ and SHOWTIME On Demand. From Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28, viewers across the country will have the opportunity to sample the premium network's award-winning programming via linear service, On Demand and in HD, including two live events from SHOWTIME Sports.

The event is being promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Sauerland Event.

What the fighters had to say on Wednesday at Kronk Gym:



ARTHUR ABRAHAM
“It is a pleasure to be back in America. I have adjusted well to the time difference. We have been doing light workouts and I feel ready for Saturday night.
“Dirrell is fast but that will not help him. I am in the Super Six to become a legend in America. I need a win on Saturday to accomplish that goal. And I will get that win.

“My trainer, Ulli Wegner, has prepared a special game plan which will help to defeat Dirrell. You will see on Saturday how that works.

“I like Detroit, I have seen a little bit of the city. It is different from German cities. What I like most about Detroit is the famous Joe Louis Arena. I have visited it and it was very impressive. I am thrilled to be fighting there.”

ULLI WEGNER (Coach)
“Arthur is in great shape. He has coped very well with the time difference, but for someone like him – someone in top shape – it is very easy to adjust.

“We are looking forward to fighting in America again. Everybody said we were crazy when we came over to fight in Edison Mirandas backyard in June 2008 and Arthur knocked him out. I think the outcome will be the same on Saturday - a great victory for Arthur.”

WILFRIED SAUERLAND (Abraham’s Promoter)
“I think we will see a great fight. Arthur will win because he is too strong for Dirrell. The American fans will love Arthurs style – he is incredibly powerful and a very strong puncher with a sensational record of 31-0 and 25 KOs. That is what the people love to see. He will put on a great show on Saturday night.

ANDRE DIRRELL
“Nothing can get in the way of my dedication and achieving my dream. You have to have a different game plan for each fighter you face, and we have a strong game plan for me to execute with Abraham. I have faced power punchers before, none as explosive as Abraham, but I have fought power punchers in my career and handled them well.”

“I’m smarter, faster and more elusive and I feel that I have the most skill and speed. It will be difficult for him to catch on to my style but not for me to adjust to his. I won’t feed into him and fight his fight, but I will let these hands fly.”

“I’m going in with a strong game plan and I’m going to execute it to the best of my ability. Whatever he brings, I will be ready for it. My natural ability gives me confidence. I’ve put in hard work and I’m ready for Saturday night.”

“I met him (Arthur Abraham) on the media tour and at the press conference and he seems like a nice guy, but in the ring, it’s all business.”

“There are two championship belts at stake (in the Super Six tournament) and I want them. Arthur Abraham is a stepping stone in my game plan to get those two belts. I want to get him out of the way and get those titles.”

On Fighting in Detroit:
“I’m glad to be back in Michigan and the opportunity to fight here in Detroit is a great thing. This is a history-making event and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

“I really wanted to bring something positive to this community. It feels good to fight in Detroit and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to. When fighters fight at home, your mental game has to be really strong. This is a big, monumental event and I’m looking forward to it, but I won’t let it distract me.”

“This area has been sleeping on boxing for awhile now, but I’m bringing excitement about the sport back to Detroit with this fight. I’m here to make a statement to the boxing world and all the fighters in the Super Six tournament with my performance in this fight. ”

“I’ve heard about it all my life. All the big fights in Detroit were in the 1980’s. I was born in 1983, so I’m ready to bring another big fight here to Detroit and the state of Michigan and get everyone excited about boxing again.”

On bouncing back from his loss to Carl Froch:
“My last fight really motivated me. I have been back in the gym and working really hard. I’m ready to shake, rattle and roll. You will see the best of Andre Dirrell on Saturday night.”

GARY SHAW (Dirrell’s Promoter):
“This is a chance for Andre to become this town and Michigan’s biggest fighter. This is more than just the Super Six. He’s fighting at home and there are pressures on him that there aren’t elsewhere.”


“This is my first fight since my Dad passed away two weeks ago. He was my best friend and a huge boxing fan. The first time I saw Andre after I got into town, the first thing he said to me was I’m sorry about your Dad. He said that to me before anything else and that says a lot about Andre Dirrell and who that man is.”

For information on all SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries from its events and complete information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at http://www.sports.sho.com

ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semi-Final bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic trophy.

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD,
SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®

PHOTOS BY: KO Entertainment and Box Latino

Morales: "Losing so much weight in recent months isn't going to affect me. For two and one-half months we worked a lot on the technical issues but we also made the best effort trying to achieve peak physical condition. I also mean that I was six months into the plan to establish a steady weight loss and here are the results. We planned to work hard to get into top form and I reached it."

Morales: "This is a good match against Alfaro. We know that he is very strong, but that's why we wanted to fight someone like him. I will not defraud anyone, let alone myself, and this is the optimal test. I will be the strongest, smartest and most experienced in the ring against Alfaro."

LAS VEGAS (Mar. 2010) – Four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield plans to make a strong statement April 10 when challenges World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 12-round main event, headlining “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.


“I’m not finished, yet,” future Hall of Famer Holyfield emphasized the statement he plans to make against Botha. “I will be champion of the world again.”


“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.


The 47-year-old Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs) is coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev that most observers felt Holyfield really won.


Holyfield hasn’t fought in Las Vegas in 11 years and he’s looking forward to returning to the city of his greatest accomplishments. “I’m honored to be fighting again in Las Vegas,” Evander said. “Realistically, everything good happened to me in Las Vegas, starting when I made the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team. I became the undisputed world cruiserweight champion there (WTKO8 vs. Carlos DeLeon in 1988). The first time I won the world heavyweight title was there (WKO3 vs. Buster Douglas in 1990). My second (WDEC12 vs. Riddick Bowe in 1993), third (TKO11 vs. Mike Tyson in 1996), and fourth (DEC12 vs. John Ruiz in 2000) heavyweight titles were all won in Las Vegas. It’s where I’ve done my greatest things and I’m really looking forward to fighting back in Las Vegas.”


All four of Botha’s (47-4-3, 28 KOs) losses have all been to world champions -- Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko – and three came in world championship fights.


“This guy isn’t afraid to come and fight,” Holyfield added. “All of Botha’s losses have been to world champions. He comes to fight, I come to fight; it should be a very interesting match-up.”


Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.


Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com for additional information.

On Friday April 2nd, at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT, two of Star Boxing's brightest young stars, 2007 Amateur World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Demetrius Andrade (9-0, 7KO) and 2004 U.S. Olympian, Roberto Benitez (6-0, 3KO) will be showcased in separate featured undercard bouts. The show, broadcast live on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" is headlined by former world title challenger, Delvin Rodriguez (24-4-2, 14KO) defending his USBA welterweight title against another former world title challenger, "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (22-4-2, 10KO).

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

The Providence native Andrade, who is co- promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing and Banner Promotions, is scheduled to square off against Geoffrey Spruiell (8-8, 2KO). The bout is scheduled for six rounds in the jr. middleweight division, and will be shown live as part of the "Friday Night Fights" broadcast. This will mark the 5th time since Andrade turned professional in late 2008 that he will be featured on an ESPN telecast. Each time out Andrade has been more impressive than the last, garnering rave reviews from boxing insiders. His impressive performances have resulted in Andrade becoming widely considered to be the most promising young prospect in all of boxing. Andrade plans to continue on his ascent up the jr. middleweight contender ladder on April 2nd, and knows Spruiell will be no push over, as he just beat another 9-0 prospect (Brad Jackson) last year, and will certainly have upset on his mind.

ROBERTO BENITEZ
2004 U.S. OLYMPIAN VS. 2004 CUBAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

The super bantamweight Benitez is scheduled to go six rounds against 2004 Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist Yan Barthelemy (9-2, 2KO).

Like Andrade, the Brooklyn native Benitez had a storied amateur career. He won the United States Junior Olympics at 14 and 15 years of age. During his amateur career he went on to win ten National championships, including two National Golden Gloves Titles, and four National Everlast Boxing Championships (more than any amateur boxer in history). He also won two Olympic trials, was an alternate to the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team as a flyweight and a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team as a bantamweight.

Benitez turned pro in 2005 and got off to a quick start, running his record to 5-0 by October of 2006, before suffering a hand injury that forced him to take some time away from the sport. Returning to the ring in September of last year, Benitez is looking to make even greater strides in 2010 and restart his climb towards super bantamweight supremacy.

"We really wanted to give the fans coming to the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino and everyone around the world watching on ESPN, a show to get excited about. In addition to the tremendous main event, by adding these two great prospects to the card, we feel we are doing just that," stated Joe DeGuadia, CEO of Star Boxing. "Both Demetrius and Roberto have world class talent, and we are looking forward to watching them fight and are expecting exciting and impressive performances from them on April 2nd."


A complete list of the amazing and talent loaded undercard will be announced shortly. Doors open at 7PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. ESPN begins televising live at 9PM. Tickets are priced and available at $75, $45 and $30 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.


Photo's by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten

Marco “Captain” Huck (28-1, 21 KOs) will return to the ring on May 1 when he defends his WBO Cruiserweight Title against Brian “The Beast” Minto (34-3, 21 KOs) in Oldenburg. Huck comes off a spectacular third-round TKO victory over Adam Richards in Berlin. He is currently in the Unites States and will attend King Arthur Abraham´s Super Six World Boxing Classic clash with Andre Dirrell in Detroit this Saturday. “After taking care of business against Richards, I am not looking to put aside Minto,” Huck said. “He is a strong guy but there is no way he will defeat me.”

Huck boasts a fearsome KO ratio of 75 percent. “Minto is tough, so I will be prepared for 12 hard rounds, but everybody knows that I love to please my fans and give them a knock-out win,” he added. “It is my goal to beat him clearly.”

Minto came to fame in Germany when he spoiled former heavyweight contender Axel Schulz´ hyped comeback with a sixth-round TKO victory in October 2006.

NEW YORK, - On Saturday, April 10th at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., WBC World Welterweight Champion Andre Berto will defend his title against former WBO champion Carlos Quintana. This is Berto's first bout since last May when he successfully defended his title with a 12-round decision over Juan Urango. The card is being billed as "Fighting For Haiti" which is being promoted by DiBella entertainment and sponsored by Champs Sports, Where Sports Lives, will be televised "LIVE" on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm (ET) / 7:30pm (PT). The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.

The co-feature will showcase WBA Junior Featherweight champion Celestino Caballero (33-2, 23 KO's), who will be moving up to take on unbeaten WBA #2 contender Daud Yordan (25-0, 19 KO's). Caballero is the former Unified Junior Featherweight champion. Yordan is the WBO Oriental Featherweight champion, his title won't be on the line. Two time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, Guillermo Rigondeaux (5-0, 4 KO's) will also
appear on the undercard.

Berto (25-0, 19 KO's) now faces Carlos Quintana (27-2-0, 21 KO's), who was born and still resides in Moca, Puerto Rico. Quintana is a hard throwing southpaw who likes to challenge fighters by coming straight at them. Berto,
who also punches hard and is lightning quick, has to be careful and dictate the fight from the start. In February of 2008, Quintana was a huge underdog, and upset then-WBO champion Paul Williams. Quintana lost the rematch. Since 2005 he has fought three unbeaten fighters scoring two victories, with the only loss coming to Miguel Cotto.

"He's a tough veteran," Berto said. "If you give him too much room or a little too much confidence he will take advantage of that. You have to impose your dominance early."

Berto knows he can't take Quintana for granted, though he was surprised by the Williams loss, which he saw in person. However, Berto feels there is much to gain in the welterweight division with a victory on April 10th.

"I'm in a tough situation. Realistically I train hardest when a lot of people expect me to win. He's a spoiler and he did the same with Paul Williams and I have to make sure I stay sharp and do a good job and dispose of him,"
said Berto.

"Andre Berto and Carlos Quintana represent two of the very best fighters in the world," said DiBella. "They are willing to risk it all to fight each other. And for the winner another boxing great, the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., or Shane Mosley could await."

Berto was scheduled to face veteran "Sugar" Shane Mosley, the WBA welterweight champion in January 2010, but the earthquake in Haiti, forced him to withdraw from the bout. Berto went to Haiti to provide aide and find
his sister and ensure her safety.

"My brother Cleveland and I made a trip there a couple of weeks after the earthquake," Berto said. "We lost eight family members in the earthquake, but my family is in good spirits and they continue to support me. The devastation that affected Haiti impacted the world. It is inspiring to see so many people show support and lend a helping hand."

Tickets for "Fighting For Haiti" are on sale now through Ticketmaster (1.800.745.3000) or visiting, www.ticketmaster.com and BankAtlantic Center Box Office (1.954.835-7000) www.bankatlanticenter.com. Tickets are priced at $250, $100, $65, and $35. VIP Ringside tickets are available for private sale for $500 by calling DiBella Entertainment (1.212.947.2577) www.dbe1.com.

About Berto Dynasty Foundation


Andre Berto founded the Berto Dynasty Foundation in February to help raise money for those affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti and plans to use the funds to support several initiatives, including: Project Medishare, temporary housing for those who lost their homes and the rebuilding of schools and orphanages. The Berto Dynasty Foundation is currently partnering with Westmark School in Encino, California, to help adopt a school in Haiti and connect the Westmark students with youngsters in Haiti. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold for the April 10th event "Fighting For Haiti" at the BankAtlantic Center will go to the Berto Dynasty Foundation, benefitting Project Medishare. All proceeds are tax deductible. For more information, visit www.andreberto.com .

About Project Medishare

Dr. Barth Green and Dr. Arthur Fournier founded Project Medishare for Haiti, Inc. in 1994 to assess the health care situation in Haiti and explore ways to improve the health conditions of the people in Haiti. Since that first trip, Project Medishare has forged partnerships with physicians and allied health professionals with a strong belief in social justice and that everyone has the right to quality healthcare and development services. Project Medishare currently has the largest hospital on the ground in Haiti and has been providing critical medical care to those affected by the earthquake since it hit. Andre and his brother, Cleveland, traveled to Haiti with Project Medishare 12 days after the disaster and provided assistance to Project Medishare’s outstanding medical staff. For more information, visit www.projectmedishare.org .