Blog Title: Boxing Trend

Professional boxing news releases from outlets worldwide

GIOVANNI LORENZO - RAUL MARQUEZ

IBF Middleweight Mandatory Eliminator

Hard Rock Live in Hollywood , FL

SHOWTIME TO BROADCAST LIVE

MIDDLEWEIGHT MELEE:  The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood , FL will serve as the site for a Showtime World Championship Boxing middleweight doubleheader.  The 12 round non-title main event bout will feature a rematch between Edison Miranda (30-2, 26 KO?s) and undefeated IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KO?s).  In the co-feature undefeated IBF #4 ranked contender Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO?s) challenges IBF #13 ranked contender and former world champion Raul Marquez (40-3-1, 29 KO?s) in a 12 round IBF Mandatory Eliminator bout.  IBF champion Abraham is mandated to fight the winner of Lorenzo-Marquez in his next bout.  SHOWTIME?s June 21 broadcast will begin at 9pm ET / PT.  Tickets, priced at $202, $152, $102, and $52 are now on sale and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com.

GIOVANNI LORENZO:  TIME TO STEP UP - Undefeated middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has been waiting for this opportunity.  He has hungered for the chance to showcase his talents and prove to the world that he is ready to battle for a world title.  The only person standing in his way is Raul Marquez:

On Marquez?s abilities:  ?Marquez has many strengths, as do most former world champions.   He is durable, he?s been active, and he can punch.  He has been in with the best in the world.  Also, he is a southpaw and I have never faced a southpaw before.  He works every minute of every round and bangs to the body hard. He's tenacious, focused, but also very relaxed. He is a tough out for anyone.  That is why so many fighters have avoided him.  But so far no one has been able to defeat me.  He has been defeated and he knows how to lose. That will be the big difference in the fight.?

On Marquez?s age and stamina:  ?Marquez has been the distance [10 rounds or more] numerous times and the most I have gone is 8 rounds, so I don?t expect any advantages if the fight going longer.  I have been preparing for the old Marquez and I expect a hard physical fight from start to finish.  I know that although he has been stopped he has never been counted out, so I want to be the first man to ever do that.  If I can, it will be a huge accomplishment.?    

On Pavlik-Lockett: ?I think Pavlik could get beat.  He is an overrated fighter

who wants to fight bums who nobody gives a damn about.  But if HBO

wants to keep paying him the amount of money he is asking to fight these

bums, then they deserve the poor ratings that they have been getting.

Pavlik is never going to fight me.  His management already confirmed this

. . . which is why we are moving on and planning to face Abraham in our

next fight.?

RAUL MARQUEZ:  FINAL SHOT?  Former world champion Raul Marquez recognizes that this IBF eliminator bout on June 21 against Lorenzo may be his final opportunity to earn a world title shot.  Since losing to Jermain Taylor in June 2004, the 16-year veteran and 1992 Silver Medalist has rattled off a 5-0-1 record.  With the help of his trainer/father, Arturo Marquez, Raul plans to knock off Lorenzo and then challenge IBF champion Arthur Abraham . . . or any other world middleweight champion willing to fight him.

On Lorenzo?s opposition:  ?Lorenzo?s young and hungry and this is a big opportunity for him.  But the guy?s never been tested.  The biggest name on his resume is Archak [Ter-Meliksetian].  He?s been fighting nothing but journeymen.?

On Lorenzo?s skills:  ?He?s powerful and strong.  When you knock out 18 guys you have some power no matter who the opponent is.  But I don?t think he is a full-blown middleweight and a lot of the guys he?s fought were welterweights and jr. middleweights.  He hasn?t been in with a true middleweight.  I?ve watched tape of him and I think he?s an average guy, an average fighter.  Nothing impressive.  I don?t compare him with the talent of guys like Jermain Taylor and Fernando Vargas when I fought them.  They had better resumes.?

Marquez is training for the bout in Houston , and other than suffering through the heat and the humidity he is enjoying training like never before: ?Since I lost to Taylor I?ve had six fights.  The training is hard and you really have to want it.  It?s hard at any age, but it gets even harder at 36.  But I?m different now. I?m older, wiser, and more mature.  I love boxing more now than ever.  I appreciate it more.  I train happy.?

Next Week:  Training Camp Tidbits

For more info:           Main Events (973) 200-7050

                                    Donald Tremblay

                                    dtremblay@mainevents.com

World Class Professional Boxing Returns to Chicago

World Class Professional Boxing Returns to Chicago as Dominic Pesoli?s 8 Count Productions,HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING and Bob Arum?s Top Rank Incorporated present FEARLESS, an action packed evening of world class professional boxing on Friday, June 20th at the Aragon Ballroom.

Tickets for FEARLESS are on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and the 8 Count Production offices at 312-226-5800. The Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.

Headlining FEARLESS is an outstanding bantamweight clash as world ranked Alex Valdez,(20-2-1, 15 KO?s), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico battles Accra, Ghana native Anyetei Laryea,(17-4, 8 KO?s) over ten rounds.  Valdez is currently ranked # 4 by the WBC, #7 by the WBO, # 10 by the IBF and # 15 by WBA.

In the co-main event, Salinas, California's super bantamweight Alejandro Perez, (12-0-1, 7 KO?s) squares off against Mexico City?s Adolfo Landeros,(17-10-1, 8 KO?s) in a scheduled eight rounder.

In a special feature attraction bout, former world champion Montell ?ICE? Griffin, (48-7, 30 KO?s) of Chicago will face Baltimore native Corey Cummings,(15-2, 12 KO?s) over ten rounds in the light heavyweight division. This will be Griffin?s first bout in his hometown in nine years.

On the outstanding under card, Chicago favoriteIvan Popoca, (6-0-1, 5 KO?s) will face KhristianGeraci, (3-2-1, 2 KO?s) in a six round welterweight bout. Also on the undercard, Michigan nativeFrederico Flores Jr. (4-2, 2 KO?s) faces ChicagoanGustavo Palacios, (2-3, 1 KO?s) over four rounds.

Rounding out the card is a four round junior lightweight battle between Chicago native JuanBailon, (2-0, 1 KO) and Mexico?s Gerardo Alarcon, (0-1). 

Along with Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum?s Top Rank Incorporated,FEARLESS is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico?s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoliin 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finestChicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visitwww.8countproductions.com andwww.jabbboxinggym.com

For more information on Bob Arum?s Top Rank Incorporated, please visit

www.toprank.com

RICKY HATTON VS. JUAN LAZCANO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS SIGNS DEAL WITH VERSUS TO TELEVISE 
RICKY HATTON VS. JUAN LAZCANO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT 
ON MAY 24 FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

Malignaggi vs. N?Dou World Championship Bout Also On Card Lineup

LOS ANGELES (May 12, 2008) ? Golden Boy Promotions announced today a deal with VERSUS, the sports network that celebrates real competition in all its forms, to televise the Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi vs. Lovemore N?Dou world championship doubleheader. The fights will air live on VERSUS on May 24 at 3:30 PM ET and will originate from the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England. The event marks the first time that Golden Boy Promotions and VERSUS will work together to televise a boxing event. The fight will be televised by Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. 

The main event will feature Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton and Juan Lazcano in a 12-round bout for Hatton?s IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Championships with the co-featured bout pitting IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie Malignaggi vs. Lovemore N?Dou in a re-match battle for Malignaggi?s title. The bouts are promoted by Punch Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Frank Maloney Promotions. Malignaggi vs. N?Dou is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment.

?I?m very excited to bring Ricky?s fight to his American fans through VERSUS,? said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. ?This is a step in the right direction for fight fans as we at Golden Boy hope to continue to bring big names and big fights to non-pay TV on cable television. The fights between Hatton and Lazcano and Malignaggi and N?Dou are the perfect start to what I hope will be a long relationship with VERSUS.?

?We are thrilled to be bringing this level of fight to our network,? said Marc Fein, Executive Vice President of Programming, Production and Business Operations for VERSUS. ?We look forward to continuing to build our boxing franchise and look forward to working with Golden Boy Promotions on this event.?

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. For more information on VERSUS, please visit www.versus.com.

Published Nov. 17th ? The Ropes Held Him Up --- Boxing Essays and Articles

New boxing book pounds away

JE Grant?s The Ropes Held Him Up -- Boxing Essays and Articles was published Nov. 17 and is now available.

Click on the title above to place your order.

The collection of boxing pieces covering a wide variety of fights and issues facing the sport today provide the reader insights into the professional scene.

Grant, who currently writes for the highly-acclaimed Boxing Scene.com, continues to highlight the action of fighters worldwide and jabs at those that he sees as pounding at the sport.

ABOUT AUTHOR

JE Grant is a pen name used exclusively by the author for writing about boxing. This is his first compilation.

ABOUT LULUFounded in 2002, Lulu is the world?s fastest-growing print-on-demand marketplace. Please see www.lulu.com for more information.

Superfighter News Statement From Stephen Duval Founder and CEO

It is with great regret that I announce the postponement of the Superfighter Pay-Per-View event scheduled for December 2nd in Melbourne and December 1st in the USA . The team will continue working until the inaugural Superfighter event is staged, with our intention to hold the tournament in the United States in early 2007.

When we launched the event on October 17 in Melbourne , the Superfighter team was confident all elements were secured to run a successful inaugural tournament.

However; recent withdrawals coupled with the unexpected challenges for fighters? securing the proper clearances to enter Australia in time to train and acclimate themselves led Superfighter to the conclusion that the final December 2 field would not be of an appropriate caliber.

Superfighter?s objective has always been ? and will remain - to showcase the world?s most exciting elite boxers.

Due to the withdrawal of Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter, and the visa/entry issues, the investors and management of Superfighter made what we believe to be the appropriate decision to postpone the event regardless of the significant monetary losses we are incurring.

All ticket sales will be refunded.
The Superfighter team believes in this innovative boxing format and is dedicated to its goals. We are committed to our promise to fight fans worldwide - to promote world class boxing events.


Stephen Duval
Founder and CEO

HBO PPV: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ERIK MORALES III

"THE GRAND FINALE" SET FOR NOVEMBER 18 at THOMAS & MACK LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

It's official. Three-division world champions MANNY "PAC MAN" PACQUIAO and ERIK "EL TERRIBLE" MORALES will get it on for the third time to determine who really is the best man inside the ring.

Pacquiao and Morales each own a victory over the other in their two previous fights - both considered "Fight of the Year" candidates -- which have attracted over 700,000 pay-per-view buys combined.

The announcement was made by Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank and Shelly Finkel, Pacquiao's manager. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Wynn Las Vegas, Pacquiao-Morales III will be a 12-round super featherweight bout, from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV, and broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Jimmy Lange and Mark ?Too Sharp? Johnson to Headline December 9th Boxing Event at the Patriot Center

FAIRFAX, VA (October 28, 2006)? Two of the Washington area?s top boxers will serve as co-headliners and a highly-anticipated, super lightweight contenders? rematch highlight a six-bout fight card presented by Major League Boxing set for Saturday, December 9, 2006 at the Patriot Center.

Northern Virginia fan favorite JIMMY LANGE (27-3-1, 19 KOs) will return for his fourth consecutive bout in Fairfax joining one of the region?s all-time great fighters, former three-time world champion MARK ?TOO SHARP? JOHNSON (44-5, 28 KOs) of Washington, D.C. as the evening?s main attractions. Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.

After an impressive showing earlier this month ?THE PRIDE OF PORTSMOUTH ? DORIN SPIVEY (34-4, 28 KOs) returns to Northern Virginia to face DEAN ?THE PIT BULL? WHITE (13-5-1, 6 KOs ) of Smithsburg, MD in an exciting eight-round rematch. The two fighters squared off back in 1998 with Spivey earning a seventh round TKO in Virginia Beach .

Lange looks to continue on the winning track after scoring a tenth round TKO win over Tommy Wilt earlier this month at the Patriot Center .

?I look forward to getting right back to work and preparing for December 9,? said Lange who recently returned to camp at trainer Buddy McGirt?s Vero Beach , FL gym. ?I chose to return to the Patriot Center for my next fight instead of pursuing other options because of the great support I always receive from my hometown fans.?

Johnson, the first and only African-American boxer to ever capture a world championship flyweight title, suffered a loss to WBO bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez in his last fight held on February 25, 2006 in Las Vegas . This will be Johnson?s second fight in Virginia (first was June 12, 1992 in Alexandria ) and first area appearance since July 2004 (Bowie, MD).

?Boxing has been great to me and my goal is to get back into world title contention, eventually fighting (Robert) Guerrero for his IBF Featherweight Title,? explained Johnson who has captured the WBO Super Flyweight, IBF Flyweight and Super Flyweight championship belts during his illustrious 12?year career. ?It all starts with this fight in December where I?ll get a chance to see how I feel fighting at 126 in front of a great hometown crowd.?

Promoter Joe Hensley of Major League Boxing anticipates another attractive and competitive card, top-to-bottom, with a total of six bouts to be scheduled. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bout slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will go onsale in the immediate future.

PROMOTER:
www.MajorLeagueBoxing.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brotman?Winter?Fried Communications ? 703-534-4600
Brian Bishop (brian@bwfcom.com) ext. 210
Mike Schaffer (mike@bwfcom.com) ext. 217

Lange Scores 10th Round TKO to Regain Winning Form Saturday Night at the Patriot Center

FAIRFAX, VA (October 9, 2006) --- Needing a strong performance to get back on the winning track, popular Northern Virginia middleweight contender Jimmy Lange didn?t disappoint the 3,614 boisterous fans Saturday night at the Patriot Center, using an impressive surge late in the fight to record a ten-round technical knockout (2:45) over tough veteran Tommy Wilt in the Main Event. Lange of Great Falls, VA, improved to 27-3-1, 19 KOs, while Wilt from Altoona , PA , dropped to 20-6, 4 KOs .

Due to a schedule conflict, Lange?s head trainer Buddy McGirt was unable to work Saturday?s fight, so Lange?s camp enlisted the legendary International Boxing Hall of Famer Angelo Dundee and the highly-regarded Tommy Gallagher to serve as his corner men. Both seemed to provide the necessary motivation and support for the season-one Contender star who was looking to bounce back after suffering a disappointing loss last February.

In the co-Main Event bouts, Dorin ?The Pride of Portsmouth? Spivey (34-4, 28 KOs) earned a well-fought, eight-round unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 78-74) against Mexico?s Roberto Valenzuela (37-26, 33 KOs), and Newark, DE?s Larry ?The Laser? Marks (29-8, 16 KOs) defeated Washington, DC?s Purcell ?Hard Rock? Miller (22-5-1, 18 KOs) with a commanding eight-round unanimous decision (80-71, 79-72, 79-72).

Lange?s Contender co-star Anthony ?The Bullet? Bonsante (27-8-3, 16 KOs) of Shakopee , MN , delivered a strong performance by knocking out Larry ?The Gladiator? Brothers (6-20, 4 KOs) of Washington , DC at 2:34 in the fourth round of a scheduled six-rout tilt. Dumfries, VA?s Derek Amos (14-23, 9 KOs) and Juan Carlos Robles (4-0, 2 KOs) of Waynesboro, VA, got the evening started with a competitive heavyweight slugfest with undefeated Robles emerging victorious with a four-round unanimous decision.

Jed Phipps (17-5, 10 K0s) of Baltimore , MD failed his physical, canceling his heavyweight showdown against Washington , DC ?s Rohan ?The Buffalo Soldier? Wallace (6-4, 4 KOs ). Time limitations imposed by the venue prevented two other swing bouts featuring ?Money? Mike Sawyer (2-1, 2 KOs) of Falls Church, VA vs. Sault St. Marie, MI?s Randy McRorie (0-1) and Riverdale, MD?s Horace ?The Reason? Grant (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jonathon Felton (2-4, 2 KOs) of Woodbridge, VA, from taking place.

Among the notable dignitaries attending the fight were undefeated welterweight contender Paul ?The Punisher? Williams, former middleweight champion William Joppy, former world champion Pernell ?Sweat Pea? Whitaker (who served as Spivey?s trainer), ?First Lady of Boxing? and Contender star Jackie Kallen, popular George Mason University men?s basketball head coach Jim Larranaga and former Washington Redskins star Brian Mitchell.

Joe Hensley of Major League Boxing (www.majorleagueboxing.com) was the promoter of record and Nick Tiberi served as matchmaker.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brotman?Winter?Fried Communications
Brian Bishop/ Mike Schaffer - 703-534-4600

Legendary Angelo Dundee Joins Jimmy Lange?s Corner

FAIRFAX, VA (September 19, 2006) --- Johnny Lange, father and manager of top middleweight contender Jimmy Lange, announced today that boxing legend Angelo Dundee will serve in Jimmy?s corner for his 10-round Main Event bout against Tommy Wilt on Saturday, October 7 at the Patriot Center.

?I?m extremely honored that one of the true legends in the sport will be in my corner on October 7th,? said Lange (26-3-1, 18 KOs), who trains in Vero Beach , FL with highly-regarded former champion Buddy McGirt. ?It means a tremendous amount to me to have a man of Mr. Dundee?s stature and talent, offering me guidance and advice on one of the most important nights of my career.?

"I am pleased to work with Jimmy Lange and once again travel to the DC area,? said Dundee . ?It is always exciting for me to work with young, upcoming talent. I expect a solid performance from Lange and an impressive win."

The highly-respected International Boxing Hall of Fame member Dundee has worked with many of the world?s greatest fighters including Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, ?Sugar? Ray Leonard and Carmen Basilio. Known as a master motivator, Dundee recently trained Russell Crowe for Crowe's characterization of James J. Braddock in "The Cinderella Man."

The Lange-Wilt battle headlines an exciting evening of world-class boxing featuring nine total bouts, including Anthony ?The Bullet? Bonsante from The Contender, presented by Major League Boxing Saturday, October 7 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Tickets, priced at $500 (VIP Ringside), $350 (Ringside), $250, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Patriot Center box office, at www.ticketmaster.com and www.majorleagueboxing.com, or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT.

George Mason University faculty, staff and students, area high school and college students, local law enforcement officials, firefighters and military members may receive a discount on select tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Patriot Center box office only. For more details and information, contact the Patriot Center box office at 703-993-3000 or visit online at www.patriotcenter.com.

PROMOTER:
Major League Boxing (http://www.majorleagueboxing.com/)

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brotman?Winter?Fried Communications
Brian Bishop/ Mike Schaffer - 703-534-4600

2000 MEXICAN OLYMPIAN RE-SIGNS WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

Los Angeles ? WBO Junior Featherweight Champion and current Golden Boy Promotions fighter Daniel Ponce De Leon has re-signed a multi-fight deal/multi-year deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

?Golden Boy Promotions is committed to the success of Daniel Ponce De Leon and we are very pleased that he has decided to remain in the Golden Boy family. At Golden Boy Promotions we believe in transparency and I believe that Daniel re-signing is a indication that we are doing things the right way.? said Golden Boy Promotions, President, Oscar de la Hoya.

Said Daniel Ponce de Leon ?I knew that my contract was due to expire and I had no doubts about re-signing. I feel completely satisfied with my relationship with Golden Boy Promotions. Their openness and honesty lets me know that they are looking out for my best interest.?

?I am very proud of my son.? Said Joel De La Hoya, manager of Ponce De Leon. ??It makes me feel good that a fighter that I manage has nothing but great things to say about Oscar?s promotional company. Oscar (De La Hoya) understands a fighters needs and that is important for them to know?.

Daniel Ponce De Leon 27-1 (25 KOs), who was born in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico is a hard punching southpaw who is a native member of the Tarahumara Indian tribe of northern Mexico. He is known for his very aggressive style proving that he is a modern warrior in the ring.

For more information,

Contact:
Marylyn Aceves Golden Boy Promotions 213-233-2951

Purcell ?Hard Rock? Miller to face Larry ?The Laser? Marks in Eight-Round Clash

Co-Main Event Announced for October 7th Show

FAIRFAX, VA ? One of Virginia?s top boxing cards just got bigger and better. Major League Boxing announced today that the co-Main Event for the October 7th card featuring Jimmy Lange vs. Tommy Wilt will showcase Washington, D.C.'s own PURCELL "HARD ROCK" MILLER (22-4-1, 18 KOs) taking on former world title challenger, LARRY "THE LASER" MARKS, (28-8, 16 KOs) of New Castle, DE, in an explosive eight-round middleweight clash.

Miller, a Washington, D.C. boxing icon known for his legendary ring entrances featuring a ten-piece brass band, possesses legitimate knockout power in both hands with 18 of his 22 wins ending inside the distance.

"I don't like to leave it in the judges' hands," says Miller. Miller's list of opponents is an impressive one including: Dante Craig, Jason Naugler, Robert Frazier, Carl Daniels, Raul Frank, and Kenny Baysmore. Miller is confident that he will add the talented Marks to his list of KO victims and move on to a title shot in the near future.

The veteran Marks is not concerned about Miller's vaunted punching power. "I'm not worried," says the confident Marks. "Besides, I've got a lot of pop in my punches too. He'll see." Marks has also faced a list of world class opponents, having once challenged for a World Title on HBO against Andrew "6 Heads" Lewis. In addition to Lewis, Marks has fought current World Champ Cory Spinks, Tokunbo Olajide, Angel Hernandez, Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor, Charles "The Natural" Murray, Andrew Murray, Brandon Mitchem, and Michael Covington. The winner of this showdown should make a huge leap in the middleweight ratings.

JIMMY LANGE (23-3-1, 16 KOs) of Great Falls, VA will be featured in the Main Event against Altoona, PA?s TOMMY WILT (20-5, 4 KOs). Lange has headlined the Patriot Center's first two successful boxing shows, each drawing more than 5,000 plus fans. Lange will be showcased in the Main Event of the six-bout card promoted by Major League Boxing in association with Guzman Entertainment. Doors will open at 7 PM, with the first fight scheduled for 8 PM.

The undercard features an exciting mix of world class contenders and up-and-coming prospects. Scheduled to compete are: Portsmouth, VA's DORIN SPIVEY (34-4, 28 KO'S), Leesburg, VA's PERRY BALLARD (18-1, 14 KOs), Falls Church, VA?s "MONEY" MIKE SAWYER (2-1, 2 KO'S), Front Royal, VA's ANDREW FARMER (2-0, 2 KOs), and heavyweight prospect HORACE ?THE REASON" GRANT (1-0, 1 KO) of Riverdale, MD.

Tickets, priced at $500 (VIP Ringside), $350 (Ringside), $250, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, are available for purchase through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.majorleagueboxing.com, or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT. George Mason University faculty, staff and students, area high school and college students, local law enforcement officials, firefighters and military members may receive a discount on select tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Patriot Center box office only. For more details and information, contact the Patriot Center box office at 703-993-3000 or visit online at www.patriotcenter.com.

NOTE: Bouts are subject to change.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brotman?Winter?Fried Communications ? 703-534-4600
Brian Bishop (brian@bwfcom.com) ext. 210
Mike Schaffer (mike@bwfcom.com) ext. 217



________________________________
Brian Bishop
Brotman Winter Fried Communications
111 Park Place
Falls Church, VA 22046
TEL: 703-534-4600 ext 210
FAX: 703-536-2255

HBO PPV: HASIM RAHMAN VS. OLEG MASKAEV II

AMERICA'S ONLY WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION HASIM RAHMAN BATTLES OLEG MASKAEV OF KAZAKHSTAN ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Las Vegas - America's only current world heavyweight champion, Baltimore-born Hasim Rahman, will defend his world title for pride, honor and country when he takes on hard-punching No. 1-rated contender and mandatory challenger Oleg Maskaev of Kazakhstan, at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, on Saturday, August 12.

Promoted by Top Rank in association with Dennis Rappaport Productions, Caesars Palace and Wynn Las Vegas., Rahman-Maskaev II will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Tickets, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, go on sale Friday, May 12. They can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack box office, online at www.unlvtickets.com or by calling (702) 739-FANS Rahman is the last remaining American to hold a world heavyweight title in a division dominated by natives of the former Soviet Union.

"The Rock is America's Last Line of Defense," said Bob Arum of Top Rank. "He's a great champion but he's in very tough against Maskaev.""Rahman-Maskaev II is a very intriguing heavyweight title fight," said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. "Rahman wants to defend his belt and avenge his 1999 loss to Maskaev, and Maskaev is just as determined to win again."

In their previous bout in 1999, Maskaev rallied late and slammed Rahman with an overhand right to the head which sent him through the ropes head-first and onto the HBO announcing team table. It was a chilling, riveting finish with Maskaev getting the stoppage in the eighth round. That was seven years ago and Dennis Rappaport, the promoter of Maskaev, said, "Oleg has had a lot of peaks and valleys since that win over Rahman. But Oleg has battled back and he has earned his position as the No. 1 contender."

Hasim, 33, is an 11-year pro and a two-time heavyweight world champion. Hasim won the WBC interim heavyweight world title in August, 2005, with a 12-round unanimous decision against Monte Barrett. In his last fight he defended the WBC heavyweight title with a 12-round draw against former three-time world champion James Toney on March 18.

After the Toney fight, Hasim said, "The heavyweight division needed a good fight. I think we put on a good fight. He can punch harder than a lot of heavyweights I've been in with. He's brave, he's got heart, he's got speed, power, he's a force to be reckoned with. I ain't ashamed to admit I learned a thing or two from James Toney tonight. James proved he could stand up to a heavyweight power puncher. I earned some respect from James, and he earned some respect from me. Now it's time to exact some revenge from Maskaev. He may consider this mandatory title challenge, but come August 12, Judge Rahman is going to dish out a mandatory sentence."

Hasim was first scheduled to challenge WBC world champion Vitali Klitschko on April 30 for the title, but the fight was postponed and rescheduled twice - on June 18 and July 23 - due to injuries sustained by Klitschko. The WBC authorized the fight for the interim title in Klitschko's absence, with the condition that Klitschko fight the winner in his next fight. Hasim was again scheduled to fight Klitschko on November 12, but Klitschko was again injured in training and retired.

Having won the interim world title and the world title vacated, according to WBC rules, Hasim became WBC heavyweight world champion. It was the same WBC rule that applied when Lennox Lewis and Ken Norton became WBC heavyweight world champions after winning final world title eliminators. Hasim "The Rock" Rahman became heavyweight champion when he shocked the world on April 22, 2001 when he landed a picture-perfect right hand that knocked out champion Lennox Lewis.

Maskaev grew up in Abai, Kazakhstan where he labored on a farm, worked in a coal mine, joined the Russian Army, became a Lieutenant, joined the Russian Amateur Boxing Team, became a National Champion and stopped Vitali Klitschko in one round.

The Rahman vs. Maskaev pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be distributed domestically by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 56 million pay-per-view homes.

The telecast will be available in high-definition television for those viewers who are HDTV capable. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. Rahman vs. Maskaev daily updates can be found during fight week at www.HBO.com.

BARRERA-JUAREZ II TICKETS GOING FAST

LOS ANGELES ? It goes without saying that whenever boxing superstar Marco Antonio Barrera steps into the ring, it?s a big event for fight fans. But add a hungry challenger looking for redemption in a rematch to the mix, along with two more highly anticipated championship bouts, and you?ve got a night that will go down in history as one of the greatest fight cards in recent memory.

And the fans have responded, as tickets to the September 16 ?Too Close to Call? card at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino - which features the championship rematch between Barrera and Rocky Juarez, along with the Jhonny Gonzalez vs Israel Vazquez and Jorge Rodrigo Barrios vs Joan Guzman title bouts ? have been selling at an amazing rate since going on sale on July 15th.

?I?m pleased with the response to this event, but with the caliber of fights that we?re putting on, I?m really not surprised,? said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, the event?s promoter. ?This is a fight fan?s dream card, and everyone who sees this card will remember it forever.?

To get your tickets to ?Too Close to Call?, which are priced at a reasonable $75, $150, $250, and $350, visit any Ticketmaster outlet, ticketmaster.com, or call (702) 474-4000.

CONTACTS:
Debbie Caplan Golden Boy Promotions 818-831-4151
Marylyn Aceves Golden Boy Promotions 213-489-5631
Donald Tremblay Main Events 973-893-9100
Scott Ghertner MGM MIRAGE 702-891-7272
Ray Stallone HBO 212-512-1987

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT GIOVANNI LORENZO RETURNS TO RING ON BALDOMIR-GATTI UNDERCARD ON JULY 22

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ ? Undefeated middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo returns to the ring in a 10 round bout against Canadian Bryon Mackie in a 10 round middleweight bout on the Carlos Baldomir-Arturo Gatti July 22 undercard, it was announced today by MAIN EVENTS CEO Kathy Duva. Lorenzo, who is ranked in the top-15 by the WBC and the IBF at jr. middleweight, will be boxing for the first time since dismantling Archak Ter-Meliksetian in seven rounds on March 10, 2006 (TKO 7).

Lorenzo (20-0, 12 KO?s) has stopped seven of his last eight opponents. The 25-year-old Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native captured the Dominican Republic middleweight championship on April 2, 2005, when he destroyed Rafael de la Cruz in two rounds (TKO 2).

"I want change the face of boxing in my native Dominican Republic and around the world, so there is only one fight that I am interested in and that is a title shot against Jermain Taylor,? said Lorenzo. ?Like Taylor I am young, hungry, and undefeated. I am a 2000 Olympian and my style speaks for itself. I?ve said it before and I'll say it again. Give the young guys a chance and let?s get it on."

Main Events VP Carl Moretti has had preliminary discussions with Lou Dibella (Taylor?s promoter) about the possibility of Lorenzo fighting the undisputed middleweight champion.

Mackie (27-12, 10 KO?s) has won five of his last six bouts. The 32-year-old Orangeville, ON, Canada native defeated all five opponents by knockout. One of those whom he defeated was veteran Ian Mackillop (TKO 9). His sole loss during this string was to highly-respected rising prospect John Duddy on Nov 4, 2005 (TKOby 4). In his last bout on April 13, 2006, Mackie knocked out Terrence Jones (TKO 5).


For More info: MAIN EVENTS (973) 893-9100
Donald Tremblay

OLN PARTNERS WITH TOP RANK TO ADD BOXING TO NETWORK'S WEEKLY SPORTS SCHEDULE

Deal Includes Both Live and Classic Fights Beginning July 27

STAMFORD, CT ? OLN, home to the NHL, the Tour de France and the Professional Bull Riders, announced a partnership with leading boxing promoters Top Rank to bring professional boxing to the network?s sports lineup. Fight Night will consist of a series of live fights promoted by Bob Arum?s Top Rank group, as well as classic fights from their vast library, and will air Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET beginning July 27.

?As OLN transitions to Versus, we continue to seek out sports that fortify the competitive core of the brand,? said Gavin Harvey, President of OLN. ?Boxing is the ultimate statement of man vs. man and is an exciting addition to our expanding portfolio of competitive genres.?

The newly added Fight Night will showcase 12 live events per year ? roughly one per month. Wally Matthews, a veteran boxing writer who has covered the sport for two decades, and Bob Papa, who has called boxing for ESPN and currently for NBC, will host Fight Night on OLN. Michael Buffer, the tuxedoed announcer who coined the catchphrase ?Let?s get ready to rumble!? will serve as the ring announcer for the live fights. Details of the first live event, scheduled for July 27, will be released shortly.

On nights when OLN and Top Rank are not presenting a live event, the network will take advantage of Top Rank?s extensive library of classic fights to present Fight Night: Top Rank's Legends of the Ring, hosted by Michael Buffer. From Muhammad Ali to Joe Frazier and Sugar Ray Leonard to Thomas Hearns, these classic fight packages will not only include the action inside the ring, but tell the back-story of each match as it happened. When feasible, classic fights will be enhanced to include interviews with the contenders, pre-fight press conferences, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes banter between contenders.

"Partnering with Top Rank allows OLN to get in the boxing game in a big way,? said Marc Fein, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production for OLN. ?They have a reputation for organizing great fights and they consistently deliver a solid audience. This new partnership gives us the opportunity to grow the sport while also attracting a broader audience to our channel.?

?Top Rank is delighted to be associated in this venture with OLN. We anticipate that OLN will become a major force in boxing and that boxing will help the network thrive,? said Bob Arum, CEO, Top Rank. ?Twenty-six years ago Top Rank launched a boxing series on ESPN that lasted for 15 years and helped build the network into a major force in sports broadcasting. We are convinced we will do the same for OLN.?

OLN News Release

FIREWORKS WILL FLY AND EXPLODE FOR ?INDEPENDENCE?

MERRILLVILLE, IN.- Jimmy ?The Fighting Schoolteacher? Holmes will put his IN.B.A. State Middleweight Title on the line as Octavius James/One In A Million Inc. returns to the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN for ?Independence,? the next action-packed card, on July 14, 2006.

Tickets are on sale now starting at just $25, doors open at 7 p.m. and the action launches at 8 p.m. with the first bout. Tickets are available at the Star Plaza Box Office 219-769-6600 or through any Ticket Master location 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com

Holmes (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will headline a card filled with local favorites, including CO-Main event fighter Ruben ?The Modern Day Warrior? Galvan (25-9-2, 9 KOs), a fighter with deep talent and extensive ring experience, including several internationally televised bouts.

?Independence? promises the same kind of bell-to-bell action that has become One In A Million's trademark, said Jack ?Kid? Callahan. ?Our fans look to us because they demand tough guys like Jimmy and Ruben, and ?Independence? is going to give them more of what they've always asked for,? Callahan said.

?Independence? will also feature crowd favorites ?Marvelous? Shay Mobley (14-6-1, 6 KOs), a Chicago Middleweight, and Gary's own Jermaine ?Too Sweet? White (13-1, 6 KOs), fresh from a Light Welterweight bout televised on Showtime, and ?Superman? Derrick Findley (4-1, 3 KOs), an up-and-coming Middleweight.

Another area fighting superstar, Johnny ?Kid One In A Million? Novak (17-1, 6 KOs), returns to the ring after his first 10-round bout last month at Resorts Casino East Chicago.

For more information on the ?Independence? spectacular or group sales, call 866-438-7372.

FERNANDO VARGAS CLOTHING COMPANY IN PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH UNIVISION RADIO TO PROMOTE JULY 15 MOSLEY-VARGAS REMATCH

?Nawshis Clothing? just one component of the boxer?s growing entrepreneurial empire

OXNARD, Calif. ? ?Nawshis Clothing? and ?Ice Link Watches? have joined forces with Univision radio in a national multi-market promotion to publicize the July 15 rematch between Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas. The huge four-week promotion will reach over 21 million homes and will run adjacent to World Cup soccer reports and updates. Southwest Airlines will provide airfare and MGM Grand will provide hotel accommodations for the winner, while ?Nawshis Clothing? and ?Ice Link Watches? provide prize packages.

?Nawshis Clothing? manufactures button shirts, hats, plaids, fits, and t-shirts . ?In the last two years, I envisioned my own line where some of my most favorite pieces of clothing could be enjoyed by everyone who wants to look SICK,? said Vargas. ?Nawshis is about urban lifestyle at its finest. Whether you are out night clubbing, looking for some fine ladies or with your girl on a dinner date, Nawshis has style and class?.

But clothing isn?t the only industry that Vargas has entered:

He owns and has real estate holdings in southern California and is now a real estate developer in Palm Desert.

He is a master telecommunications agent and represents all cellular carriers as well as the dish network in Southern California.

He is now developing FPS and will be soon offering flash videos of the ferocious one training and fighting.

He will be hosting a TV talk show now in development on Telemundo (Mun II).


Mosley and Vargas will meet again on Saturday, July 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mosley vs. Vargas II will be presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events and broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Tickets, which are priced at $800, $600, $400, $200, and $100, will go on sale Friday, April 28th, at noon. Tickets will be available at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office and also will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, Smith?s Food and Drug Centers, Robinsons-May stores and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at http://www.mgmgrand.com/_ or http://www.ticketmaster.com/_.

?Alpha Dog?, the Nick Cassevetes film in which Vargas makes his cinematic debut, is expected to hit theaters in the fourth quarter of 2006. The film stars Justin Timberlake, Sharon Stone, and Bruce Willis.


For more info: MAIN EVENTS (973) 893-9100, Donald Tremblay

New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Inductions Announced

On Wednesday evening, November 1, 2006, a 7:00 P.M. the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame will hold it?s Thirty-Seventh Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremonies at the Beautiful Venetian (formerly called the Cameo), 546 River Drive, Garfield, N.J. starting at 7:00 P.M.

Tickets are priced at ONLY $75.00 per person.

13 of Boxing?s finest will be inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame and they are as follows: Dr. Mark Belafsky, Jeff Chandler, Doug DeWitt, Bob Fernandez, Eugene Grant ,James ?Hard Rock? Green, Tony Riccio, Renaldo Snipes, and Frank ?The Shark? Toledo.

Posthumus inductions: Pat Comiskey, Jimmy DeForest, Al Gavin, and Johnny Howard.

For the 21st time, the Hall of Fame will be honoring our Amateur & Professional Boxer of the year as well as the Amateur Official and Coach of the year, plus our ?2006 Woman of the Year? Stefani ?Belloise? Pedone.

BALDOMIR-GATTI NEARING SELLOUT!

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ ? If you are interested in attending Arturo Gatti?s July 22 showdown against WBC world-recognized linear welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, then you?d better contact TicketMaster soon. Main Events CEO Kathy Duva announced today that only 300 tickets remain to the highly-anticipated welterweight battle that will take place at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, NJ. (Boardwalk Hall Arena is scaled for a capacity of 12,000 seats).

Main Events is promoting the evening of boxing, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego and Caesars Atlantic City.

The 12-round championship bout will be broadcast on HBO?s ?World Championship Boxing? series.

Tickets, priced at $400, $250, $150, $100 and $ 50. They can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

Baldomir (42-9-6, 12 KOs) shocked the universally recognized welterweight champion Zab Judah Jan. 7, 2006, to win the welterweight title (W 12). The 34-year-old Santa Fe, Argentina, native has not lost a bout in more than five years, compiling an 18-0-2 record in his past 20 bouts.

Gatti (40-7, 31 KOs) is a two-time world champion who is responsible for several of the top non-heavyweight live gates in the history of Atlantic City, NJ. The 33-year-old Jersey City, NJ, resident by way of Montreal, Canada, dismantled undefeated Danish bruiser Thomas Damgaard in his most recent bout Jan 28, 2006, (TKO 11). Gatti has won six of his past seven bouts and is ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Council and No. 6 by The Ring magazine.


For more information: Main Events (973) 893-9100
Donald Tremblay

Sycuan Ringside Promotions (702) 880-5500
Jim Hunter

EMC (609) 399-0133
Ed Keenan

?Fists of Fury? Weigh-In and Fight Card Info

Westerville, Ohio - On June 24, 2006 at 3:00pm EST http://www.wenppv.com/ will air LIVE the official weigh-in and press conference for "Fist of Fury". Then at 7:30pm EST the nine bout card will air at 7:30pm EST and will simultaneously be seen in nationally in the United States as well as in Australia.

"Wireless Events Network"

Our core technology supports over 40 handheld mobile devices that fight fans can watch the LIVE broadcast.This means you can watch this fight LIVE no matter what you are doing, our network can reach over 700 million potential viewers across the globe.

The fight card line up for Saturday's boxing event will consist of a group of talented "prospects" listed below:

Adam Smith (Youngstown, Ohio) vs. James "The Vanilla Gorilla" Smith (Cincinnati, Ohio) 4-1 (6 ROUNDS - Heavyweight)

Missy Fields (Youngstown, Ohio) - pro debut vs. Gigi Jackson (Columbus, Ohio) 1-1 (4 ROUNDS - Female Heavyweight)

Marvin Greathouse (Cleveland, Ohio) 5-5 vs. Eric Deere (Marysville, Ohio) 6-1-1 (4 or 6 ROUNDS) MIDWEST Junior Middleweight AMERICAS TITLE

Carl Dunaway (Cleveland, Ohio) 1-2 vs. Darryl Ross (Columbus, Ohio) 2-2 (4 ROUNDS - Middleweight)

Derrick Holsinger (Portsmouth, Ohio) 2-1-1 vs. Ryan Carroll (Delaware, Ohio) 2-0 (4 ROUNDS - Cruiserweight)

Cliford Mcpherson (Dayton, Ohio) 8-13-1 vs. Chris "Freight Train" Overbey (Bellfontaine, Ohio) 6-3 (4 ROUNDS - Junior Middleweight)

John Lipcomb (Cleveland, Ohio) 3-3 vs. Mike Siano (Columbus, Ohio) 2-0 (4 ROUNDS - Welterweight)

In addition to the fantastic bouts "WEN PPV" will conduct an in-depth interview with newly crowned IBF Featherweight king Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken. Tickets are now on sale for "Fists of Fury" for only $10.00 on Saturday June 24, 2006 starting at 7:30pm Eastern Standard Time.
Tickets are available now at:http://www.wenppv.com/http://www.13thround.com/http://www.muhammadalifights.com/http://www.youngvictorboxing.com.au/

SPECIAL EDITION OF "SHOBOX" TRULY IS "THE NEW GENERATION"

Undefeated Heavyweight Chazz "The Mensa Mauler/Gentleman" Witherspoon vs.Unbeaten Heavyweight Mike Alexander

Undefeated Middleweight James McGirt Jr. vs.Once-Beaten Middleweight Stephan Pryor

Undefeated Middleweight Ronald Hearns vs.Middleweight Hector Hernandez

Unbeaten Junior Welterweight Jorge Paez Jr.vs.TBA

NEW YORK - SHOWTIME will make television history when four sons of former world champions and a cousin of another are featured in a special edition of "ShoBox: The New Generation" Saturday, July 1, 2006, (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan.

The SHOWTIME fistic series, which normally airs on Fridays at 11 p.m. ET/PT, will move to Saturday night for one time only and revert to its usual time slot for the following edition on Friday, July 28. Talk about all in the family and following in your dad's footsteps. Want bloodlines? Want to see what it really is like to have prizefighting in your genes? How do you escape these shadows? Which youngster will leave the best impression? Tune in July 1 when your questions will be answered as "ShoBox" becomes the "Second Generation" for a night. The outstanding lineup on a DiBella Entertainment-promoted fight card will feature: Chazz Witherspoon (12-0, seven KOs) against Mike Alexander (11-0, eight KOs) in a 10-round battle of unbeaten heavyweights; James McGirt Jr. (11-0, 1 NC, seven KOs) against Stephan Pryor (10-1, seven KOs) in an eight-round middleweight showdown; Ronald Hearns (8-0, six KOs) against Hector Hernandez (8-1-2, three KOs) in another eight-round middleweight bout, and unbeaten junior middleweight Jorge Paez Jr. (9-0, seven KOs) against an opponent to be announced in a six-round junior welterweight.

Witherspoon is the second cousin of former two-time world heavyweight champion, Tim Witherspoon. McGirt, Pryor, Hearns and Paez are the sons of legendary former world titleholders Buddy McGirt, Aaron Pryor, Thomas Hearns and Jorge "Maromero" Paez, respectively.

"I have covered just about every sport, and I am always fascinated when a son or daughter takes up a sport his or her parent or close relative was exceptional at," said "ShoBox" blow-by-blow announcer Nick Charles. "What part is genetics? What part is the environment of just being around somebody who excelled on the world stage? Can these young fighters even come close to achieving the same as their famous relatives? How much can their dads or cousins pass on, and how much do they all have to be their own men, their own fighters? "It is intriguing to watch from our perspective, but think about the pleasures and pressures on both father and son to live up to a standard that often is a legacy."

Because of their famous last names, the kids make news each time they enter the ring. Now, they all will be making news on the same telecast.

"In a sense, a boxing son is like the son of a basketball coach. Those kids are usually point guards and always mature and court-savvy. The kids we are going to see on "ShoBox" grew up in boxing gyms. But there is a lot of pressure on them to prove themselves. They are held up to a higher standard because of what their dads achieved. The talent is often in place, but is the hunger there?

"This should be a really compelling show -- and one that fits perfectly with the theme of 'ShoBox: The New Generation'."

BALDOMIR-GATTI TICKETS GOING, GOING . . . !

Fewer than 2,000 remain ? 1,100 of which are priced at $50

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (May 30, 2006) ? The Arturo Gatti machine continues to churn out stunning live-gate revenue numbers. With still nearly two months to go before his July 22 showdown against WBC world-recognized linear welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, Main Events CEO Kathy Duva has announced that there are fewer than 2,000 seats remaining for sale. Of the 2,000 tickets, over 1,100 are priced at $50. (the Boardwalk Hall Arena is scaled for a capacity of 12,000 seats).

Main Events is promoting the evening of boxing, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego and Caesars Atlantic City.

The 12-round championship bout will be broadcast on HBO?s ?World Championship Boxing? series.

Tickets, priced at $400, $250, $150, $100 and $ 50, go on sale to the public Saturday, April 1. They can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420.

Baldomir (42-9-6, 12 KOs) shocked the universally recognized welterweight champion Zab Judah Jan. 7, 2006, to win the welterweight title (W 12). The 34-year-old Santa Fe, Argentina, native has not lost a bout in more than five years, compiling an 18-0-2 record in his past 20 bouts.

Gatti (40-7, 31 KOs) is a two-time world champion who is responsible for several of the top non-heavyweight live gates in the history of Atlantic City, NJ. The 33-year-old Jersey City, NJ, resident by way of Montreal, Canada, dismantled undefeated Danish bruiser Thomas Damgaard in his most recent bout Jan 28, 2006, (TKO 11). Gatti has won six of his past seven bouts and is ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Council and No. 6 by The Ring magazine.


For more information: Main Events (973) 893-9100
Donald Tremblay

Sycuan Ringside Promotions (917) 853-4484
Michael Marley

EMC (609) 399-0133
Ed Keenan

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ON A SPECIAL NIGHT

NEW YORK - Roman Karmazin will defend his IBF junior middleweight title against former undisputed world welterweight champion Cory Spinks on a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 8, LIVE on SHOWTIME from the Savvis Center in the challenger's hometown of St. Louis, Mo.

The fight will be promoted by Don King Productions. Karmazin (34-1-1, 1 ND, 21 KOs), of Russia, stamped himself as one of the junior middleweight division's best in his last start when he captured the IBF 154-pound title with a convincing, upset 12-round unanimous decision over highly regarded Kassim Ouma on July 14, 2005, in Las Vegas.

Karmazin has won five consecutive starts (with one no-decision) since suffering his lone loss on a decision to Javier Castillejo in a bout for the WBC Interim 154-pound crown on July 12, 2002.

Spinks hopes to accomplish what Jose Antonio Rivera did earlier this month on SHOWTIME when he stepped up in weight on his home turf and stunned Alejando ?Terra? Garcia to win the WBA 154-pound title. Spinks (34-3, 11 KOs) will make his first appearance since losing his undisputed world welterweight titles to Zab Judah via a ninth-round TKO on Feb. 5, 2005, also at the Savvis Center and on SHOWTIME. That exciting bout was witnessed by 22,370, one of the largest crowds in history to witness an in-door arena boxing match.

HBO SPORTS PRESENTS A HOT LATE-NIGHT DOUBLEHEADER

JHONNY GONZALEZ VS. FERNANDO MONTIEL
WALTER MATTHYSSE VS. PAUL WILLIAMS

The tenth season of the hit late-night HBO boxing series rolls on with the intriguing doubleheader HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JHONNY GONZALEZ VS. FERNANDO MONTIEL AND WALTER MATTHYSSE VS. PAUL WILLIAMS, presented SATURDAY, MAY 27 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT), outdoors from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Cal., exclusively on HBO.

The commentators for the HBO BOXING AFTER DARK series are Fran Charles, Max Kellerman and Lennox Lewis.

The event will be presented in Spanish language on HBO Latino.

HBO2 playdates: May 28 (7:15 a.m., 5:45 p.m.) and 30 (11:00 p.m.). All times ET/PT.

In the main event, it's a 12-round bantamweight showdown, as world-class competitors Jhonny Gonzalez (32-4-0, 28 KOs) and Fernando Montiel (32-1-1, 24 KOs), both from Mexico, square off in a contest that promises big action. These two talented 118- pounders - who are friends outside the ring - are sure to produce an exciting match.

The opening fight features Walter Matthysse (25-0, 24 KOs) of Trelew, Argentina, versus Paul Williams (29-0, 21 KOs) of Augusta, Ga., in a ten-round welterweight clash. Both 147-pounders are undefeated and the winner emerges as a formidable presence in this high-profile, highly talented weight class.

Immediately following the doubleheader, HBO will present the half-hour special "Countdown to Tarver-Hopkins," previewing the June 10 light heavyweight pay-per-view showdown between Antonio Tarver and Bernard Hopkins.

ANTONIO TARVER vs. BERNARD HOPKINS "FIGHT TO THE FINISH"

NEW YORK, March 28th-When boxing historians look back at the date of June 10th, 2006, one of two results will be crystal clear- it will be the day that light heavyweight Antonio Tarver cements his hall of fame credentials by ending the career of boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, or it will be the day when middleweight great Hopkins, ends a legendary career with a stirring win over one of the top light heavyweights of this era.

However, one thing is certain. When Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver and Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins meet on Saturday, June 10th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it will definitely be a "Fight To The Finish".

The two boxing superstars will meet in "Fight To The Finish" - a 12 round light heavyweight bout presented by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions and Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9pm (ET) / 6pm (PT).

"Bernard Hopkins was a great fighter, but his time is past," said Tarver, the premier light heavyweight of this generation. "My time is now, and I see it as a personal insult that Hopkins would even consider coming up to light heavyweight to challenge me. I will punish him in the ring accordingly."

"After everything I've accomplished in this sport, and with all the obstacles I had to go through to get here, I don't even entertain the thought of losing in my final fight," said Hopkins, who reigned over the middleweight division for over a decade. "I will win this fight over Antonio Tarver, cement my legacy and finish my career in a fashion where no one will ever forget what I brought to the boxing ring."

"Antonio Tarver and Bernard Hopkins are two great champions who have enjoyed tremendous success," said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. "Both of them will be putting it all on the line in this highly anticipated fight. Fans will see them both fighting with the intense fire that only a fight like this can inspire."

"Legacy is probably the most important thing to a truly elite fighter," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Both Antonio Tarver and Bernard Hopkins have had amazing careers, but June 10th will directly affect how boxing fans remember them. That's a lot to have on your shoulders, but if any two boxers can handle that pressure, it's Tarver and Hopkins, and I expect both of them to leave it all in the ring when they fight."

"Bernard Hopkins is one of the greatest middleweights of this era, facing perhaps the greatest challenge of his career in his final fight. Antonio Tarver is the world's pre-eminent light heavyweight whose resounding wins over Roy Jones re-affirmed his stardom," said Mark Taffet, HBO Senior Vice President of Sports Operations & Pay-Per-View. "Tarver-Hopkins is a big fight with storylines that will intrigue boxing fans."

Tickets for the Tarver vs. Hopkins "Fight To The Finish" are priced at $750, $600, $400, $200, $100 and $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations by calling 800-736-1420 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

"Borgata is thrilled to be partnering with Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions to present such a high profile fight," said Larry Mullin, president and chief operating officer for Borgata. "The June 10th event underlines our dedications to continuously raising the bar and bringing top-notch entertainment events to Atlantic City."

The pride of Tampa, Florida, 1996 US Olympic Bronze medal winner Antonio Tarver (24-3, 18 KO's) came up the hard way in the pro ranks, forced to fight all comers as he looked for his one big break. In 2000, "The Magic Man" was one win away from forcing a fight with pound for pound and light heavyweight king Roy Jones Jr., but he lost a hard - fought decision to Eric Harding ( a loss later avenged by a knockout).

But Tarver's time would come, and after fighting his way back into the number one spot at 175 pounds, he finally won a world title by shutting out former world champ Montell Griffin for the WBC and IBF crowns on April 26, 2003. His brash style forced Jones hand, and the two met for the undisputed title on November 8, 2003. After a torrid 12 rounds, Jones retained his title via a highly controversial majority decision, and the fans and media demanded a return bout.

Tarver got his rematch on May 15, 2004, and in the shot heard round the world, he knocked Jones out with a single left hand in the second round, and a worldwide superstar was born. "The Magic Man" would next split an entertaining pair of bouts with highly regarded Glen Johnson before settling the score once and for all with Jones on October 1st, 2005 with a clear cut unanimous decision that may have spelled an end to Jones career.

Now he wants to do the same to Hopkins.

One of the most compelling figures in sports today, Bernard Hopkins (46-4-1, 32 KO's) has lived his life and built a career by doing things his way. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Hopkins turned pro with a loss in October of 1988, but after that it was tough - if impossible - to make him lose again. Beginning with a 1990 win over Greg Paige, Hopkins would lose only once (via decision to Roy Jones Jr) over the next 15 years.

Along the way, Hopkins - who fought the boxing industry as hard as he fought inside the ring - won the world middleweight title in 1995 and defended it a record 20 times. He also unified the crown on September 29, 2001 when he stopped the legendary Felix "Tito" Trinidad in the 12th round before a packed house at Madison Square Garden.

The Tarver vs. Hopkins "Fight To The Finish" pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT on June 10, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to over 56 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.