Pacquiao and his bobbleheads good for boxing

By TIM DAHLBERG, AP Sports Columnist

Buzz up!1 vote PrintWillie Mays said hey to him, and a frenzied crowd at AT&T Park couldn’t get enough of him. Not a bad night for Manny Pacquiao, even if they did run out of his bobblehead dolls.

Not a bad time for boxing, either. The sport everyone loves to bash just lost its biggest cash cow in Oscar De La Hoya, but the reports of its demise are, shall we say, premature at best.

Good thing, because where else are you going to get lines like this?

“There’s going to be another bobblehead night on May 2,” said Freddie Roach, who trains Pacquiao. “Only this time we’re going to use Ricky Hatton’s head.”

They just don’t say those kind of things in baseball, which may be good because guys carry bats in their hands. But that didn’t stop the San Francisco Giants from honoring Pacquiao on Tuesday with a Filipino heritage night promotion complete with 10,000 bobbleheads of the fighter for a packed house against the San Diego Padres.

The night tied nicely, of course, into the promotion for Pacquiao’s upcoming fight against Hatton, his first since sending De La Hoya into retirement. The fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is officially sold out (more on that later), but promoters want you to open your wallet to see it in the comfort of your living room with family and friends.

HBO wants you to do that, too, which is why it’s airing another episode Saturday night of its “24/7” reality series that surely will feature lots of footage of Manny Mania in the Bay Area. You’ll see Manny being mobbed by fans, Manny throwing out the first pitch, and Manny having a clubhouse chat with Mays.

Pacquiao is a star, at least at home in the Philippines and among Filipino-Americans. Hatton is a star, too, but mostly just in his native England.

That’s boxing these days. It’s a niche sport that caters to niche fan bases, crossing over every once in awhile with a fighter such as De La Hoya who can sell to the mainstream.

That doesn’t mean it’s dying. Far from it.

Yes, promoters and their television partners almost killed it by refusing for years to match the best fighters against each other, but that has changed. And with it has come a resurgence of sorts for a sport that once seemed threatened to be trampled by the onrushing success of mixed martial arts.

De La Hoya may be retired, but even that’s not all so bad. His retirement frees up pay-per-view dates, and, he’ll still be active as one of the top promoters in the sport. Fans will still see plenty of him, with the only difference being he won’t be taking punches to the face.

“I would argue that boxing is stronger with De La Hoya retired because he so dominated the sport,” promoter Bob Arum said. “Now that he’s gone all the other flowers will bloom bigger.”

Indeed, Pacquiao and Hatton would not be fighting next week if De La Hoya hadn’t officially announced his retirement earlier this month. The Cinco de Mayo weekend was always his on pay-per-view if he wanted it, and his fight two years ago with Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the richest fight ever.

Pacquiao-Hatton won’t match that, but the 140-pound bout has got the makings of a pretty good fight by itself. Pacquiao holds the mythical title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, while Hatton’s only loss came on a knockout at the hands of Mayweather. Both are eager to trade punches at a moment’s notice, and neither work too much on their defense.

Both have big fan bases, too, which is why promoters were able to announce this week that the 16,000-seat MGM arena was sold out with a top ticket price of $1,000. Then again, the same promoters announced two hours after tickets went on sale for the De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight that it was a sellout, and 2,000 tickets remained unsold at fight time.

Not all is always what it appears to be in boxing, though that’s part of the charm of the sport. But with Mayweather on the brink of unretiring, middleweight Paul Williams looking dominating, and Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye expected to draw 60,000 to a German soccer stadium in June for an intriguing heavyweight title fight, there should be some good days ahead.

De La Hoya is gone, but as good as he was at selling tickets, someone will take his place. That’s the way boxing has always been.

Maybe even someone with his own bobblehead.

Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org

Return Of The Mac - Martin ‘Mac Man’ Lindsay Ready For Belfast Title Clash

Belfast’s Martin ‘Mac Man’ Lindsay (13-0) is coming home in style and is
more than ready for his biggest challenge to date, when he takes on
British Featherweight champion, Scotland’s Paul Appleby (14-0), for his
title on the 25th April at Ulster Hall in Belfast.

Lindsay, the current Irish Boxing Writer’s “Young Prospect Of The Year”,
secured the right to face Appleby for the coveted Lonsdale belt after a
stunning come-from-behind 9th round knockout of Liverpool’s Derry Mathews
in September ‘08 at David ‘Hayemaker’ Haye’s promotional debut event in
Sheffield.

26 year old Lindsay is particularly looking forward to the fight on the
25th April as it will be only the second time he will have fought in
front of his home crowd having campaigned in Canada for Orion promotions
since 2007.

Lindsay, who is managed by John Rooney Jnr. of Gleason’s Gym in London and
sponsored by P.U.G. Athletic, is clearly pleased to be home and has
nothing but praise for his Canadian former hosts when he said. "They put
on brilliant shows out in Canada, gave me some tough learning fights and
also delivered me my first title (winning the IBF Youth Featherweight
title against Uriel Barrera in October ‘07). They picked hard opponents
and I thrived on it.

As much as I enjoyed my time out there (in Canada), I was always hoping to
come back and fight in Ireland and England. Nobody from home really got to
see me fight out in Canada. Fighting in front of my home crowd will give
me a lot more profile and will actually allow people to see what I can do.

In any fight, especially at this level, you’re going to have have to dig
deep and pull it out. The home crowd does help to bring that out of you a
wee bit. It gives you a little bit extra. If things start going
pear-shaped you can always rely on the crowd for that extra boost.”

Don’t forget to put a note in your diary as you will not want to miss
this, 25th April ‘09 at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, because the long
awaited clash between the two most exciting and unbeaten young prospects
is finally on and is surely destined to be one of the highlights of an
already excellent domestic boxing season.

Martin Lindsay’s British title fight against Paul Appleby takes place at
the Ulster hall, Belfast on 25th April. Tickets priced at £35, £50 and £70
can be purchased directly by calling 02890 334455

"Date With Destiny" Ticket Winner - Dana Kraska

(Pictured above: One In A Million, Inc. Fan Dana Kraska holds her winning tickets to Saturday Night's "Date With Destiny" World Title Boxing Card)

After numerous attempts and being a longtime fan Dana Kraska finally got her chance to be the One In A Million, Inc. Ticket Winner. "I have been a boxing fan for sometime now and really enjoy all the One In A Million Events, I don't miss any of their shows. I want to thank Octavius James and One In A Million for bringing such a great show to the area and can't wait for the 25th to get here." said an excited Kraska after receiving her ticketsTickets for "Date with Destiny" are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50, and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (219) 791-1234, (312) 559-1212, (866) 438-7372 or http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102557998206&s=160&e=001oUwMpppb60iI8SuZPm8K63_Io5oKsIYsAqWWnxLeCmMgLLu3bfTgGMlv-lJzePge9tqCF7iKmQLi4X1Dsb3cljkCSKitOHHwjS1Kq1mLejZZWNBsseL1CBAIygEgdpqxZpcH_xrPPSwxly1XJEdu5QSMoU5J0a3sFbrk5OnqFDftyPYWLoIg5_p5NoKEc8UuKRjwGPXoSSZtCT5edSuGB4_qBSvrZDMpXOczfs-rg2c= and at the Hammond Civic Center box office (219) 853-6378.The Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave. just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago will open doors at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.
Visit us at our new knockout website and leave us some feedback: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102557998206&s=160&e=001oUwMpppb60hbg7qoC6JLUHVAGDtnNcTMIIK26FLIkc-meAIINHwN1cooQrdhPT34SSOF6TbTKZUWqjNFQHBb07T-KnWnUcSD3Uu_5P7kaFp7NEc2YABQK9qWJRb43pgE

Cestus Fighters Shine in Texas !

By: Cestus Press

This past Saturday night (April 18), Hot blooded Mexican and Mexican American fight fans enjoyed a great night of action packed boxing where Cestus Management fighters Jairo “El BARBARO” Martinez, Hector Ramos, Rodolfo “BABY COBRA” Gomez and James “QUICK DRAW” DuBois produced explosive performances at the I.B.C. World Championship Boxing Event at the Veteran’s Field in Laredo, Texas. The fight card will also be available on Gofightlive.tv .

The second bout was the young San Antonio , Texas , native Jairo “El BARBARO” Martinez (2-0) who got the crowed going early with a dominating performance over the tall and lanky Genaro Castonera over four rounds. Martinez, who is only eighteen, did not skip a beat as he pressured Castonera from the opening round landing vicious combination to both the head and body. In the end, “El BARBARO” was just too much for Genaro and the judges agreed as Martinez won an easy decision.

In the fourth bout of the night former highly decorated amateur and former United States Military Air Force solider Hector Ramos (3-0-0) took on Antonio Gamez in a four round bout. Before the opening bell Ramos looked like he couldn't wait to get started and that's exactly what he did as soon as the first bell rang. Ramos, started fast setting the pace with quick fast double jabs that found their mark followed by a jarring straight right hand followed by a left hook to the body which immediately had Gamez wincing. Although Gamez was tough and hung in their; he did put up a game fight and tried to land as many punches as he could throughout the fight, but Ramos who is a fighting machine methodically disarmed, dissected and punished Gamez giving him a severe beating over four rounds; winning a dominating points victory.

Soon after the Ramos-Gamez bout, the fans where treated to the freaky size of 6ft 3" Welterweight Rodolfo “BABY COBRA” Gomez (4-0-0). Gomez, who is starting to be known for his technical boxing ability and uncanny reach (82"), squared off with Dwight Yett from Austin Texas in a fight scheduled for four rounds. Gomez, who also carries dynamite in both fists, quickly gave the fans what they wanted from the opening round; using fast hard snappy jabs followed by fast combinations to the head and body. Gomez kept this viscous assault going for the first two rounds and looked like he was just getting warmed up, when he went back to his corner at the end of the second round. Yett, to his credit was game throughout the bout and kept trying to bull his way in, taking some heavy bombs in the process, where at the end of the second round he walked back to his corner on shaky legs. That all changed as in the third stanza, as Gomez come out looking to finish the fight and landed a crippling hook to the body and a booming right hand to the head which sent Yett to the canvas which caused the referee to immediately call a halt to the contest.

In the six round co-main event of the evening, San Antonio native James “QUICK DRAW” DuBois (7-0-1) was outright robbed of a fight that he clearly won against the rugged Laredo based brawler Olvin Mejia. Mejia, came out aggressively in the first two rounds trying to land wild hay-makers on DuBois’ chin, but James slick boxing ability made Mejia look clumsy and Amateurish. The classy DuBois made the necessary adjustments needed and began to effectively counter and rip shots down the middle catching Mejia as he rushed in winging shots like a crazy man. By the fourth round of the fight, DuBois was in control breaking Mejia down and appeared to be well on his way to victory, in the fifth and sixth rounds Mejia's face was a mess with one of his eyes swollen and rapidly closing as DuBois had really busted him up. Mejia looked like a loser at the end of the fight and by the expression on his face he new that he had lost and was shocked when the decision was announced a draw.

Gina Iacovou, the company CEO, said, “ Laredo , again, witnessed the talent and quality that our fighters are known for in the boxing world. Jairo ( Martinez ), Hector (Ramos), Baby Cobra (Rodolfo Gomez), and James (DuBois) put on amazing performances and showed what kind of multi talent that will elevate you to the next levels in boxing.”

Mike Michael, said “We are very proud of all of our fighters as every one of them gives better performances every time they fight. Our stable of fighters is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with and their progress is where it should be and will only get better. The boxing fans were able to see some real talented young prospects that have a big future in boxing. Michael added, “I would personally like to thank Gofightlive.tv, Recon Garza Promotions, Anthony Velasquez of Gente Entertainment for their continued support. I would further like to thank the beautiful city of Laredo and all of its fans and city leaders such as Mayor Raul G. Salinas, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Carlos Villarreal, Jesus M. Olivares,Gene Belmares and Roy Medina for coming out and showing and giving all of their support to Cestus Management.

Other fight results: Reyes Esqueda won a four round decision over veteran Arturo Herrera; Hector Ferreyro won a twelve round decision for the vacant IBC World Heavyweight Title, Heavyweight Bill Willis knocked out Isaac Ruiz in the first round.



CESTUS MANAGEMENT
Makers of Champions

Visa delay keeps Kotelnik from news conference

LONDON (AP)—Junior welterweight champion Andrea Kotelnik expects to keep his distance in the ring against big-punching Amir Khan. He had no choice Wednesday when visa delays prevented him from attending a joint news conference to promote the fight.
The Ukrainian did his talking from Germany.
“I will knock Amir Khan out on June 27 as I am so annoyed right now,” the German-based WBA champion said by phone.
“Khan is a good, ambitious fighter. Like me he won a silver medal at the Olympics and we were beaten by the great Mario Kindelan. But that is where the similarity ends. I am a world champion and I will show my class against this child.”
Kotelnik, who has fought three times in Britain and has a 31-1-2 record, was unable to get a visa in time to fly in for a news conference which was postponed twice. The bureaucratic delays left promoter Frank Warren furious.
“I am very, very disappointed and quite angry about it,” Warren said. “I shouldn’t think he is a threat to national security.”
Warren is confident that Kotelnik’s visa problem will be sorted out before the fight at London’s O2 Arena.

British boxer Amir Khan, left,… AP - Apr 22, 7:44 am EDT
Khan, who is moving up from lightweight, is getting his first world title chance at age 22. He showed his potential with a series of early knockout victories and by beating Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in a bout that was stopped after five rounds on March 14.
His only loss came when he was knocked out in 54 seconds last September by Colombia’s Breidis Prescott, a defeat that revealed a suspect chin.
Khan said that loss taught him a lesson and he has since been working in the United States with Freddie Roach and sparring in the same camp as Manny Pacquiao, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“So much has changed from that defeat. I changed from a boy into a man,” said Khan, who first made his mark by winning an Olympic silver medal as a 17-year-old.
“There were times when I would just go in the ring and fight but the Prescott defeat taught me in the right way. If I had gone into that fight and boxed with my mind it would have been a different night.”
Kotelnik has only 13 knockouts among his 31 victories, the last of which was a split decision over the previously unbeaten Marcos Rene Maidana of Argentina in February. Khan’s punching power even in the heavier division should cause the champion plenty of problems.
“I am confident I can do a job on him,” Khan said. “I have got fast feet and fast hands and if I box him cleverly, I think I can make it an easy night and a night I can become world champion.”

Wladmir On Severed Heads

The Heavyweight champion is not happy with David Haye's severed heads T-Shirt stunt and vows to punish him for it.

“FIGHT OF THE YEAR” CANDIDATE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN CHICAGO

ANTONIO ESCALANTE VS. GARY STARK ON ESPN2
PUBLIC PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT
ADVANCE TICKETS NOW ON SALE

CHICAGO, IL (April 21, 2009) Boxing fans in Chicago are talking “Fight of the Year” candidate about this Friday night’s battle between junior featherweights Antonio Escalante and Gary “KID” Stark in the ESPN2 FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS main event at the UIC Pavilion.

An open to the public press conference will be held on Wednesday night at 7pm at the Union Park Lounge, 228 S. Racine Ave in Chicago, just three blocks north of the UIC Pavilion. Escalante and Stark along with the undercard fighters will attend.

Presented by Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, tickets for ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, starting at $31, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Online: www.ticketmaster.com, Phone: 312-559-1212) and through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800.

Said Pesoli, “Since we announced the fight, I’ve had many people who know both fighters tell me their styles make for an outstanding fight. Escalante has only lost once in the last five years. He’s shown numerous times, particularly against Jose Hernandez at Cicero Stadium three years ago when he was hurt badly early in the fight, that he’ll do whatever it takes, absorb whatever punishment to win a fight.”

“About four months after the Hernandez fight, Antonio came back to Chicago and beat Juan Ruiz for the NABO belt in a fantastic war. This is his fourth fight in Chicago and he’s obviously very popular amongst the local fight fans.”

The 23 year old Escalante has won five in a row, brings a record of 19-2-1 (12KO’s) and is ranked #6 by the World Boxing Association.

The New York native Stark, making his first Chicago appearance, brings a record of 22-2-1 (8KO’s) into the twelve round battle with Escalante. He’s won four in a row, most recently a unanimous decision over Leiva Brea in New York City.

Continued Pesoli, “I’ve seen Stark fight a number of times on TV and what always strikes me is his exceptional spirit in the ring. Two fights ago he had a rematch against a tough Colombian, Andres Ledesma, who had knocked him out a couple of years ago.”

“But there’s Gary telling his promoter, “Get me Ledesma again” a year later. And in the second fight which I just watched again his right eye was swollen for most of the fight. Even after the eighth round when the doctor almost stopped the fight because he could barely see, Stark kept attacking Ledesma and got his well deserved revenge taking the decision.”

“Both of them are true warriors and these are the types of fighters I’m honored to promote for the Chicago fight fans and the ESPN2 audience.”

In the co-main event, sensational super middleweight prospect Daniel ‘THE GOLDEN CHILD” Jacobs, 14-0 (13KO’s) of Brookyn, New York, will face Jose “TERRIBLE” Varela, 23-5-0 (16KO’s) in the eight round co-main event.

Also returning to the ring will be Chicago favorite, Ivan Popoca. The junior welterweight, 9-0-1 (7 KO’s), will square off against Canadian veteran Sebastien Hamel, 10-17-1 (1KO), in a scheduled six rounder.

Rounding out the card is 2008 U.S. Olympian Deontay “THE BRONZE BOMBER” Wilder, and Chicago natives; lightweight veteran Leo Martinez and newcomer Noe Perez. Also featured on the undercard will be pro debuters; junior welterweight Ramiro Carillo and Nigerian heavyweight Enobong Umohette.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7:30pm with the first bell at 8:15pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 N. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine in the downtown West Loop area of Chicago.

Further details for the UIC Pavilion, including directions, can be obtained through their website at www.uicpavilion.com

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. In 2007, in its fifth year of promoting, Golden Boy Promotions set a record by selling over 2.5 million in pay-per-view homes in a single night. Also in 2007, Golden Boy Promotions established the record for highest grossing pay-per-view homes in a single year with more than 4 million total. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the United States on networks such as HBO, HBO Plus, SHOWTIME, VERSUS and ESPN.

About 8 Count Productions
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 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 finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxing.com


Contacts: Ramiro Gonzalez / Monica Sears , Golden Boy Promotions:
(213) 489-5631
Bernie Bahrmasel, DOUBLE B PUBLICITY: (773) 289-3415

"THE GHOST" JOINS ELITE IN EA SPORTS "FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4"

Gilroy, California (April 21, 2009) - Two-time world champion, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, has inked a deal with EA Sports. Guerrero, who hails from Gilroy CA, will be one of the select few to be featured in the upcoming EA Sports "Fight Night Round 4" video game. Guerrero joins an elite list of boxers, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and many other current and past champions that are slated to appear in the game.

"Everyone knows EA Sports is the top video game company in the world," said Guerrero. "To be featured in "Fight Night Round 4" with the top fighters in the sport, past and present, is dream come true. I'm very thankful and appreciative to EA Sports for giving me the opportunity to be part of something special. This deal puts my name on a global stage with gamers around the world."

Electronic Arts, the leader in sports video games, has been developing its dynamic product since 1993 and distributes on a global scale. "Fight Night Round 4" is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2009. For more information on "Fight Night Round 4" please visit www.fightnight.easports.com.

ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH, UIC PAVILION, CHICAGO, IL

ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS is presented by Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions. The live broadcast will start at 9PM Chicago Time. Tickets, starting at $31, for can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Online: http://www.ticketmaster.com/, Phone: 312-559-1212) and through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800.

Further details for the UIC Pavilion, including directions, can be obtained through their website at http://www.uicpavilion.com/

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. In 2007, in its fifth year of promoting, Golden Boy Promotions set a record by selling over 2.5 million in pay-per-view homes in a single night. Also in 2007, Golden Boy Promotions established the record for highest grossing pay-per-view homes in a single year with more than 4 million total. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the United States on networks such as HBO, HBO Plus, SHOWTIME, VERSUS and ESPN.

About 8 Count Productions
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 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 finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxing.com/

MEDIA WEEK SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009/7PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC/MEDIA PRESS CONFERENCE
UNION PARK LOUNGE
228 S. RACINE AVE.
(3 BLOCKS NORTH OF THE UIC PAVILION)
CHICAGO, IL
312-243-9002
Main Event, Co-Main and Undercard Fighters to Attend

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2009/7PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC/OFFICIAL WEIGH IN
MORGAN’S ON MAXWELL STREET
1325 S. HALSTED ST.
(2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF ROOSEVELT RD.)
CHICAGO, IL
312-243-4800

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009
DOORS OPEN AT 7:30PM, FIRST BELL 8:30PM
ESPN2’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTSUIC PAVILION
525 S. RACINE AVE.
(CORNER OF RACINE AVE. AND HARRISON ST.)
CHICAGO, IL
312-413-5740

Philadelphia Newspaper Lobby US Embassy Over Visa For British Boxer Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston.

British Super Bantamweight Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston, who was refused a visa in order to compete on the under card of Brian Cohen’s WBC Americas Light Heavyweight title fight on the 9th May at South Philadelphia High School, has learned that her plight has not gone unnoticed in the City that has been her adopted home for the best part of two years.

Journalist and boxing columnist Kerry O’Connor, who writes for Philadelphia newspaper Center City Weekly Press and Examiner.com, heard of Marianne’s plight and decided that something pro-active should be done to correct the matter. His solution was to start a campaign of support by encouraging readers of his column to write directly to the American Embassy In London to lobby them to reconsider Marianne’s visa application.
O’Connor wrote in his Philadelphia Boxing column on Examiner.com on the
17th April “Earlier in the week, boxing fans said goodbye to the Golden
Boy. Today, I'm reporting that we're being denied the chance to say hello
to the Golden Girl.

Marianne "Golden Girl" Marston, a Super Bantamweight boxer from London, England, was supposed to make her professional debut May 9th here at South Philadelphia High School.

However, after two years of playing by the rules, and filing proper paperwork with the American Embassy so she could come back and forth between Philly and London to train, the Embassy has denied her visa application.”

O’Connor then provides his readers with further information regarding Marianne and her plight before suggesting to his readers, “If you'd like to see Marianne get her visa, let the US Embassy know! Send an e.mail titled: "Let Marianne box" to Special Consular Services at SCSLondon@state.gov “

The Wednesday 22nd April issue of the Weekly Press will feature a more in-depth article by O’Connor, including an interview with Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, to generate as much interest as possible in the campaign.

So what has made O’Connor leap to support Marianne and campaign on her behalf? "I found the circumstances surrounding Marianne's denial of a visa to be very unfair," said O'Connor. "She's always abided by the rules regarding her travels between the UK and the States in the past, so to say she might not return to London after the fight is ridiculous. She is just as deserving of a chance to box in the States as Ricky Hatton. Let her have her dream. Let her fight."

On learning of Kerry O’Connor campaigning on her behalf a very grateful Marianne said, “When I got a call telling me of the support coming from Kerry through his column I was blown away, I was speechless, what a truly wonderful thing to do.

In some ways I’m not surprised though as everyone there is so nice. Philadelphia is a very special place filled with such wonderful people. When I made the decision to train full time in America I had two choices, Philly or Los Angeles. What swung me to choose Philly was the people, they made me feel at home from the very first day I visited there. I know I was right to do so as they care about others. Kerry proves that, we’ve never met or spoken yet he has done this for me. Wow, that is something else.

I can’t thank Kerry enough as I love Philly and can’t wait to get back...and fight.”

If, like Kerry O’Connor, you would like to help Marianne fulfill her dream to professionally fight in America please send an e.mail titled: "Let Marianne box" to Special Consular Services at SCSLondon@state.gov asking them to reconsider Marianne Marston’s visa application. www.mariannemarston.com

For tickets and further details for the ‘Brawl on Broad Street’ event on
9th May 2009 at South Philadelphia High School please contact:

Donna Cohen
ABBCorp, Inc. & Bionic Bull Enterprise
Tel: 215 755 8155

Jessica "The Ragin" Rakoczy Returns After One Year Layoff"

Former WBC Lightweight world champion, Jessica "The Ragin" Rakoczy (29-3, 10 KO's) returns to the ring April 23, 2009 at the Tachi Palace Casino in LemooreCA, in a rematch against New York, N.Y.'s Belinda Laracuente (23-24-3). Rakcozy took a year off while nursing her body as she was pregnant and gave birth on November 16th 2009, to a healthy 7 lbs 9 oz baby boy, whom she named Jesse Jr.

"Words can't describe what its like being a mother for the first time." said Rakcozy. "I'm very blessed to have Jesse Jr. in my life. I'm very appreciative to Christian Printup who stuck with me through this layoff. My goal is to comeback strong and prove to everyone that I'm an elite fighter. I can't wait to get in the ring and perform to my best ability."

In Rakoczy's last fight against Cindy Serrano on April 17, 2008, Jessica won every round on all scorecards, proving she has the skills to compete at the highest level. With that victory, Rakoczy captured the NABF title, and looks to defend it come fight night with hopes of recapturing the WBC world lightweight championship.

The "Best of Both Words PFC/Boxing" card is promoted by the Palace Fighting Championships in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. Tickets priced $60, $50, $40 and $30 are available at www.tickets.com or the Tachi Palace Box office by calling (559) 924-7751. For more information visit

www.palacefightingchampionship.com or www.goosentutor.com.

Mario Serrano
Publicist ~ Tachi Palace Casino
boxingpublicist@aol.com
(408) 607-5756


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"Date With Destiny" Fight Card Finalized And Ready To Weigh-in For A Night Of Championship Boxing



(Pictured above: One In A Million, Inc. President/CEO Octavius James and Langel's Pizza Owner Rodney Langel at the last One In A Million, Inc. Weigh-In. Langel's Pizza will serve as the Weigh-In Location for "Date With Destiny" on April 24th @ 6pm)


April 20 (Merrillville, In) - The official weigh-ins for "Date With Destiny" are set for Friday, April 24th at 6 p.m. @ Langel's Pizza, 2833 Highway Avenue in Highland, Indiana. There are seven professional bouts scheduled for this breathtaking night of championship boxing, including three special amateur fights.

"This is going to be an electric weigh-in with (Mary) and (Kristy) getting that last look at each other," said Octavius James, C.E.O. of One In A Million Inc. "Rodney Langel has been nothing but accommodating as he provides such an incredible environment for our weigh-ins and without his help and Miller Lite, this weigh-in wouldn't be possible."

The main event of undefeated NABC Lightweight Champion "Merciless" Mary McGee (16-0, 10 KOs) and WBF Light Welterweight World Champion Kristy "Rose" Follmar (16-1, 9 KOs) will look each other in the eye as they step on the scales before stepping into the ring for McGee's title and the vacant WBC International Super Lightweight World Title in a timeless 10-round fight.

"It's a huge event with a lot of young talent and the fact that it's at the Hammond Civic Center brings us back to our roots," said Rodney Langel, owner of Langel's Pizza. "We are getting a huge response from both Kristy's and Mary's camps."

"We are also really excited to see Tyree (Ortiz) get into the ring and we are actually hosting Tyree's after party here at Langel's Pizza," added Langel. "Big" Ty Ortiz (professional debut) will step from behind his One In A Million desk to take on LaPorte's Justin Sule (1-0, 0 KOs).

Other sensational fights scheduled are Hobart's Ed "2 Fast 2 Furious" Ochoa (7-0, 7 KOs) vs. Chris Hill (4-21-2, 2 KOs) for six rounds, Orphius Waite (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Cedric Johnson (8-3, 8 KOs) for a six-round bout, Schererville's Josh Crouch (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Jeremy Parks for four-rounds, Gary's Angel Hernandez (11-3, 9 KOs) vs. Gustavo Palacios (2-5, 1 KOs) and "Pit Bull" Jimmy Perez Jr. (4-1, 1 KOs) vs. Zack Graham.

Three special amateur bouts are also on tap for "Date With Destiny" with recently crowned Chicago Golden Gloves winner Tiffany Perez scheduled to take on Echo Sneed, while 11-year old Raul Sanchez of Portage and 17-year old Luis Anaya of Schererville will also be competing.

Tickets "Date with Destiny" are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50, and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (219) 791-1234, (312) 559-1212, (866) 438-7372 or www.TicketMaster.com and at the Hammond Civic Center box office (219) 853-6378.

The Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave. just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago will open doors at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.



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It’s On! - Philadelphia’s Fight Of The Year - Brawl On Broad Street.

Philadelphia’s very own Brian ‘Bionic Bull’ Cohen (9-2) heads up anawesome 10 fight card when he faces Lafayette, Indiana’s Robbie ‘TazMexican Devil’ Tovar (15-4-1) for the WBC Americas Light Heavyweight titleat the Donna Cohen promoted ‘Brawl On Broad Street’ event at SouthPhiladelphia High School, Broad & Snyder, Philadelphia on the 9th May.

Cohen, who cuts an imposing figure due to his chiseled bodybuilder stylephysique, is odds on favourite to add another championship belt to hisalready impressive collection, which includes the USA Mid American, USAMid West, NABC, C.A.M. Land Indiana State Light Heavyweight Titles, eventhough he failed to capture the WBC USBN title in his previous outing inJanuary this year.

So why is Cohen such a sure fire bet? One thing for sure is it isn’tbecause his opponent a lame duck, anything but, as Tovar has an excellentpedigree and is a three time local champion at two different weights,Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight. The answer to this conundrum canbe found elsewhere.

Firstly, Cohen’s January loss to Billy Bailey followed a freak asthmaattack bought on by the 95 degree heat in the arena that day. Promoter,Donna Cohen, is taking no chances of a repeat scenario on the 9th May byhaving an air-conditioned trailer placed adjacent to the arena for Cohenon the day.

Secondly, and probably more relevant, is that out of the Cohen’s ninevictories to date all but one were by stoppage within three rounds, withfour of those being by way of knockout. Now that’s impressive stats andsurely answers the question.

Supporting Cohen vs.Tovar will be a card packed with local talentincluding Super Middleweight Dennis Hassan (8-0), Heavyweight ‘Big’ JohnMercurio (2-0), Cruiserweight Pedro Martinez (3-2), Super MiddleweightDhafir ‘No Fear’ Smith (20-19-6), Featherweight Paul Fernandez (4-2-1) andMiddleweight ‘Mighty’ Mike Tibberi (7-1)In addition to the seven male fights there will also be three femalefights, although unfortunately the highly anticipated and heavilypublicized debut at this event of former World Champions, the legendary Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s protégé, British SuperBantamweight Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston will not be one of them due tothe American authorities decision not to grant her a visa in time to takepart.

Instead Donna Cohen has bought in an exciting replacement in the form ofNo. 8 ranked Welterweight Olivia Fonseca (2-2-2) in addition toLightweight Lonnie Jackson Jr. (1-0) and the professional debut ofLightweight Liz Sherman.

For tickets and further details on ‘Brawl On Broad Street’ at SouthPhiladelphia High School please contact:Donna CohenABBCorp, Inc. & Bionic Bull EnterpriseTel: 215 755 8155

Klitschko predicts long, slow defeat for Haye

By ROBERT MILLWARD, AP Sports Writer

LONDON (AP)—Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko fought off a barrage of David Haye’s insults and interruptions Monday and vowed to send the outspoken challenger back to the cruiserweights with a 12th-round knockout.
Haye gave up his cruiserweight world titles to move up to heavyweight, where he has fought twice before, and challenges Klitschko for the IBF and WBO belts in Schalke’s football stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on June 20.
Promoters said Monday that 47,000 tickets have already been sold and they expect a sellout of up to 70,000.
The fighters came face-to-face at a second news conference in a swanky London club with the 33-year-old Klitschko (52-3) still unhappy with the behavior of the 28-year-old British fighter.
Haye (22-1) continues to wear a T-shirt with a drawing of him holding the dismembered heads of both Klitschko and his brother, WBC champion Vitaly Klitschko.
“David Haye provoked me by cutting my head off in a photo in a men’s health magazine. He provoked me and I took the fight,” Klitschko said. “So I’m asking what’s going to be next? Is he going to cut off my dad’s head, my mom’s head? Maybe he will attack my religion, my race. This is over the edge. This is not sport.”
While Haye continued to hurl insults at the Germany-based Ukrainian and frequently interrupted him at the news conference, Klitschko was not distracted.
“This man was good as his job as a cruiserweight and that’s where he has to stay,” Klitschko said. “He’s had only two fights in the heavyweight division and now wants to be champion.
“You listen to me about what I say,” the Ukrainian said amid interruptions. “I’m telling you this guy is going to be punished, jabs, jabs and more jabs in the face for 12 rounds.”
Turning to Haye, he said: “And, in the 12th round, I’m going to knock you out.”
Haye, who is three inches shorter and likely to be up to 30 pounds lighter, hopes his superior speed and punching power will counter Klitschko’s bulk and jabbing skills.
“It’s not going to be a fight, it’s going to be a massacre,” Haye said. “In my way I’ve got this big dude, he’s got a decent jab. He’s physically got a lot of different tools but I’m going to turn them against him. His jab, jab, grab tactics that he’s been doing right through his career will not work against me.
“I am going to make him fight. He’s a fighter who doesn’t like to fight and doesn’t stand in the ring. A true heavyweight should go to war.”
Haye only began fighting as a pro in December 2002 after Klitschko had already made five defenses of the WBO title. But the British fighter ridiculed the champion’s choice of opponents.
“I’ve seen the guys who’ve turned up to fight Wladimir. Only two guys have really turned up with any ambition and in shape and to knock this guy out,” Haye said. “Corrie Sanders turned up and threw punches and knocked him out (in two rounds). Lamon Brewster did the same thing (TKO in five). The others were just there to make up the numbers.”
Klitschko later made up for that loss to Brewster by stopping him in six rounds in July 2007. His last defense was a seventh round stoppage of Hasim Rahman last December and he has won his last seven world title fights.
Klitschko said he had hoped the fight would be in London at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium but, because his promoters won purse rights, it will take place in Germany. The Schalke stadium was the venue for the 2004 Champions League final in which FC Porto beat Monaco 3-0, and also where England went out of the 2006 World Cup in a penalty shootout against Portugal.
Bernd Boente, managing director of Klitschko’s management group, said there was huge interest in the fight as soon as the tickets went on sale last week.
“We started ticket sales on Friday of last week and on the first day we sold 30,000,” Boente said. “Today we have 47,000 tickets sold. We are very sure that the fight will be sold out. I think we will have something between 60-70,000 on fight night.”

Weekend Fights

By The Associated Press

MAFIKENG, South Africa (AP)—Malcolm Klassen, South Africa, stopped Cassius Baloyi, Johannesburg, South Africa, 7, to win the IBF super featherweight title.
MONTREAL (AP)—Ali Chebah, France, stopped Joel Juarez, Mexico, 2, to win the vacant NABF light welterweight title; Peter Manfredo Jr., Pawtucket, R.I., stopped Walid Smichet, Tunisia, 7, super middleweights.
NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico (AP)—Guadalupe Martinez, Mexico, stopped Francisco Soto, Mexico, 4, to win the WBC Continental Americas light flyweight title.
LA CARLOTA, Argentina (AP)—Oscar Jesus Pereyra, Argentina, outpointed Alejandro Daniel Gomez, Argentina, 11, to retain the WBA Fedelatin lightweight title.
Sunday
MANILA, Philippines (AP)—Nonito Donaire, Philippines, stopped Raul Martinez, San Antonio, 4, to retain the IBF-IBO flyweight titles; Brian Viloria, Waipahu, Hawaii, stopped Ulises Solis, Mexico, 11, to win the IBF light flyweight title; Denver Cuello, Philippines, stopped Hiroshi Matsumoto, Japan, 4, to win the vacant WBC International minimumweight title.