2005: Bernard Hopkins Vs. Jermain Taylor- Will History Repeat Itself?

 (JUN 25, 2005) LOS ANGELES- With unbeaten Jermain Taylor - a rising star with credentials - taking on Bernard Hopkins - the long-reigning middleweight champion who is considered by most to still be at his prime - on July 16 at the MGM GRAND in Las Vegas, it’s interesting to take a look at some of the other bouts from the modern era (1960 - present) that mirror this type of matchup. Let’s start with the Heavyweights: * In 1964, the young, brash, and undefeated Cassius Clay, a Gold Medal winner in the 1960 Rome Olympics at 178 lbs., takes on the fearsome Charles “Sonny” Liston, who was coming off two straight first round knockout wins over Floyd Patterson. Result: A monster upset, as Clay makes Liston retire on his stool after six rounds. * In 1971, it was “Smokin” Joe Read more [...]

Crossroads fights on “Plymouth Rocks” Jones-Moore, Tshabalala-Wiggins

BOSTON (June 20, 2005) – The George Khalid Jones—“Fabulous” Freddy Moore main event, as well as the Courage “No Limit” Tshabalala—Robert Wiggins co-feature, are true crossroads fights on Plymouth Rocks, presented by NER promotions, July 1 on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from Memorial Hall in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. Jones (22-2-1, 13 KOs), the reigning NABA light heavyweight champion, fights former NBA title-holder Moore (30-3, 27 KOs) for the vacant USBA crown. Jones, fighting out of New Jersey, is rated No. 5 by the WBA, No. 10 by the IBF and WBC, and No. 14 by the WBO. A victory for him in the 12-round main event may position him for a long awaited title shot against WBA champ Fabrice Tiozzo or IBF king Clinton Woods. Another possibility is a high-profile match against Read more [...]

Crossroads fights on “Plymouth Rocks” Jones-Moore, Tshabalala-Wiggins

BOSTON (June 20, 2005) – The George Khalid Jones—“Fabulous” Freddy Moore main event, as well as the Courage “No Limit” Tshabalala—Robert Wiggins co-feature, are true crossroads fights on Plymouth Rocks, presented by NER promotions, July 1 on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from Memorial Hall in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. Jones (22-2-1, 13 KOs), the reigning NABA light heavyweight champion, fights former NBA title-holder Moore (30-3, 27 KOs) for the vacant USBA crown. Jones, fighting out of New Jersey, is rated No. 5 by the WBA, No. 10 by the IBF and WBC, and No. 14 by the WBO. A victory for him in the 12-round main event may position him for a long awaited title shot against WBA champ Fabrice Tiozzo or IBF king Clinton Woods. Another possibility is a high-profile match against Read more [...]

ABC Steps up to the plate about male/female bout June 19, 2005

(JUN 19) The ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) President Tim Lueckenhoff has written a scorching letter to Mr. Jon Lewis, of the Mississippi Athletic Commission, condemning the Male-Female bout (Ann Wolfe vs. TBD) that has been approved for August 20. This bout will be taking place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, in Biloxi, Mississippi.  It is encouraging to see the ABC step up to voice their opinion on this troubling issue that is now again rearing it’s ugly head, and for what---the almighty dollar? Lueckenhoff wrote to Lewis: “It has come to the attention of the Association of Boxing Commissions that the Mississippi Athletic Commission has approved a professional boxing contest between Ann Wolfe and a "TBA" male boxer which currently is scheduled to be held on August 20, Read more [...]

CES press conference & weigh in Friday in Providence June 16, 2005

PROVIDENCE (June 16, 2005) – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) tonight conducted the final press conference and official weigh in at the Hi Hat Lounge for tomorrow night’s (Friday, June 17) “Providence’s Prime Time Fights” in The All-New Theatre at the Dunkin’ Donuts Theatre in Down City Providence. CN8, The Comcast Network and CES have an agreement to broadcast six boxing shows during the next 12 months, commencing “Providence Prime Time Fights” which will air on CN8, SUNDAY, June 19 9 PM/ET. CN8’s Ed Berliner will provide blow-by-blow commentary for all of the six New England boxing shows. Former five-time world champion Vinny Paz will serve as color analyst. The CES package is part of CN8’s Primetime Fights series, a monthly show featuring Read more [...]

Marco Antonio Barrera and Robbie “The Bomber” Peden Unify Titles

(JULY 17) LAS VEGAS – It’s always a special night when two world champions put everything they’ve worked so hard for on the line in search of a unification of their titles. Saturday, September 17 will be such a night when WBC super featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera looks to add another chapter to his storied career in a 12 round showdown against IBF 130-pound champion Robbie “The Bomber” Peden. This championship bout, which will be telecast live on HBO Pay-Per-View from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, is part of an unforgettable “Parade of Champions” presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. In the co-feature, another three division world champion, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, will continue his march back to the welterweight Read more [...]

Final Press Conference Ricky “Showtime Quiles vs. Javier Jauregui

HOLLYWOOD, FL, June 13 – It’s just days away – the 12 round IBF Light Heavyweight Elimination bout between Ricky “Showtime” Quiles and Javier Jauregui live at the Coconut Creek Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida. Ricky “Showtime” Quiles (37-6-3, 8 KOs), a slick boxing southpaw out of Loraine, Ohio, is coming off the biggest victory of his almost 16-year career, an exciting 12 round decision win over highly regarded Edner Cherry on February 4. It was a satisfying win for the native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, a former NABO, WBF, NABA, and WBC Continental Americas Champion, who is riding an impressive four fight winning streak. Quiles will battle former IBF World Lightweight Champion, Javier Jauregui (49-11-2, 34 KOs) who has taken the road less traveled during his 17-year career. Also Read more [...]

2005: Fight Night 50 -Lucky Eagle Casino took place on June 11th

 (JUNE 11, 2005) Middleweight, Scheduled 10 Rounds- Julio Garcia ,(25-5-2) (11KO) 159 lbs vs. Marcos Primera (19-10-2)   (12KO) 159 lbs...... Marcos Primera defeated Julio Garcia in a unanimous 10 round decision. Primera had a massive height and reach advantage, almost 6' inches more then  Garcia. Garcia had a tough time getting inside, and when he did, he lacked the pop in his punches to put Primera down. In a highly contested fight,  Primera managed to keep Garcia on the defensive, with a sharp jab and timely combinations. Lightweight, Scheduled 8 Rounds(NWBA Lightweight Title Fight)   Sean Plessis , (12-2) (3KO) 133 lbs vs. Jesus Santiago Renton, WA (9-11-1) (1 KO) (138) lbs...... Sean Plessis defeated Jesus Santiago in a unanimous eight round decision. Plessis had quick hands, Read more [...]

Fight Night 50, The Lucky Eagle Casino, Saturday June 11, 2005

Middleweight, Scheduled 10 Rounds -Julio Garcia ,(25-5-2) (11KO) 159 lbs vs. Marcos Primera (19-10-2) (12KO) 159 lbs......Marcos Primera defeated Julio Garcia in a unanimous 10 round decision. Primera had a massive height and reach advantage, almost 6' inches more then Garcia. Garcia had a tough time getting inside, and when he did, he lacked the pop in his punches to put Primera down. In a highly contested fight,  Primera managed to keep Garcia on the defensive, with a sharp jab and timely combinations. Lightweight, Scheduled 8 Rounds(NWBA Lightweight Title Fight) -Sean Plessis , (12-2) (3KO) 133 lbs vs. Jesus Santiago Renton, WA (9-11-1) (1 KO) (138) lbs......Sean Plessis defeated Jesus Santiago in a unanimous eight round decision. Plessis had quick hands, and he pounded Santiago, opening Read more [...]

Olympian Jason Estrada back in action June 17 in Providence

PROVIDENCE (June 10, 2005) – U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (2-0, 1 KO) continues his pro career June 17 in a Special Heavyweight Attraction on “Providence’s Prime Time Fights,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) – The Franchise in Rhode Island -- in The All-New Theatre at the Dunkin’ Donuts Theatre in Down City Providence. Estrada faces upset-specialist Demetrice King (7-7, 2 KOs), of Flint, Michigan. King has a victory against Kevin Montiy (15-1-1) and has fought former world champion Shannon Briggs. “This fight will tell us a lot about CES’ first Olympian,” Burchfield noted. “King’s coming to fight; to beat the Olympian. Most 2-0 fighters wouldn’t take a fight like this, but the Estrada Unit wants to prove Read more [...]

Godfrey-Barnes co-feature on Spina-Daniels card June 17

PROVIDENCE (June 5, 2005) – A classic match between promising prospect Matt Godfrey (7-0, 5 KOs) and proven warrior Jermall "The Truth" Barnes (17-8, 4 KOs) have signed to as the eight-round co-feature on "Providence's Prime Time Fights," promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) – Providence's newest professional sports franchise – Friday night, June 17 in The All-New Theatre at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Down City Providence. "We've reached out to all of the top cruiserweights in New England – Roy Payne, John Rainwater and Richie LaMontagne – and nobody wants to fight Matt Godfrey," Burchfield said. "Matt's having trouble finding sparring partners his own weight. He has to spar with heavyweights. Matt's ready for his first co-feature and Read more [...]

Roman Greenberg on mission in U.S. June 11 headliner at Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (June 2, 2005) – Heavyweight prospect Roman Greenberg (18-0, 13 KOs) is on a mission to establish himself in the United States to improve his position as a legitimate contender in order to have a shot at eventually becoming the first Jewish world champion in more than a quarter-century, since light heavyweight Mike Rossman. The Russian-born and Israeli-raised Greenberg headlines a June 11th pro boxing show at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, promoted by Guilty Boxing in association with Fight Academy, INFOX BOX Promotion, World Sport Promotions and BMI Airlines. The 6-3, undefeated Greenberg, now fighting out of England, fights Josh "The Griz" Gutcher (17-3, 13 KOs), of Des Moines (IA), in the 10-round main event. This will mark Roman's seventh appearance in the United Read more [...]

“The Contender” Keeps Fighting

LOS ANGELES, May 26 – Don’t just look to the sky for fireworks this summer, as due to popular demand, Contender Partners will keep the Independence Day holiday going on Tuesday, July 5, with a spectacular night of boxing featuring the stars of the reality series “The Contender”. “There is an overwhelming demand for this show and these fighters all over the world,” said Mark Burnett. “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring you more championship boxing from “The Contender” so quickly.” Likely to compete on this card, which will be held at a Las Vegas site to be determined, will be the final four participants of “The Contender”: Jesse Brinkley, Alfonso Gomez, Peter Manfredo Jr., and series champion Sergio Mora. “The Contender” captured the hearts of fans around Read more [...]

2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward added to Johnson-Tarver undercard

(MAY 26) LOS ANGELES- US Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward, unbeaten as a pro at 3-0, will put his gold medal reputation on the line in a featured undercard bout on the June 18 mega-card at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, which is headlined by the light heavyweight showdown between Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver. "I'm just going to use this fight to show my god-given talent,” said the 21-year-old Ward, who will face an opponent to be announced shortly. “It's going to be a great fight and a great night and my next step toward my ultimate goal." Also added to the show - which will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10pm (ET) / 7pm (PT)– is an intriguing 10 round middleweight matchup between former world champion's Ike Quartey and Verno Phillips. Read more [...]

Julio Cesar Chavez at the HP Pavilion!

(MAY 18) A quick invitation to all fight fans who are interested. The great Julio Cesar Chavez (107-5-2, 87 KO's) will be holding an open workout for the public at the HP Pavilion at San Jose on Monday, May 23rd @ 3pm. Entrance to this event is free, as is parking! Also on hand, and his sparing partner, will be his son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Both fighters are set to appear on a pay-per-view event the following Friday, May 28th and this may be Chavez Sr.'s last fight. So take a few minutes on Monday to slip out of work for this free event and head on down to The Tank to catch a glimpse of this World Champion. Please make a note of the schedule below. Doors will open at: 2:00 pm Sparring/General workout: 3:00-4:00 pm Post workout autograph session: 4:00-4:30 pm Read more [...]