CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 6, 2016 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the members of the Class of 2017. Inductees include three Modern category boxers who all enter the Hall in their first year of eligibility; Mexico’s three-division champion “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera,undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and three-division champion Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia (posthumous). Non-participants and observers to be inducted include Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, veteran judge Jerry Roth, journalist / broadcaster Steve Farhood and broadcaster Barry Tompkins.

“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2017 and are very much looking forward to paying tribute to the new inductees in Canastota next June,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 8-11th in Canastota, NY. Over 10 events, including a golf tournament, banquet, parade and autograph card show, are planned. An impressive celebrity lineup of boxing greats of yesterday and today will attend this year’s Induction Weekend. The highlight of the weekend will be the Official Enshrinement Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds in Canastota, New York on Sunday, June 11th to welcome the newest members.

The Hall of Fame also released names of posthumous honorees: Eddie Booker in the Old-Timer Category; and ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr. in the Non Participant Category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2017 can be found on www.ibhof.com

For more information on the events planned for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

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COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS

“I’m honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and I’d just like to thank Jesus for giving me the tenacity to not quit.”

– Evander Holyfield

“This is the best news for me. I’m very happy to hear this news that I have been inducted into the Hall of Fame and I am excited to go to Canastota!”

– Marco Antonio Barrera

“I’m going to use his words. What he used to say is, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, it’s how many times you pick yourself up to be successful.”

– Teresa Tapia, wife of Johnny Tapia

“Awesome. That is amazing news. I think it is so extremely meaningful for my family. My mom was brought to tears when she heard that he was nominated. She is 94 years old now and I guarantee you she is going to be at the ceremony with so much pride. Our whole family will. We are thrilled and honored.”

– Jimmy Lennon Jr., son of Jimmy Lennon Sr.

“What an honor. It’s something you never think is going to be bestowed upon someone and when it is, it’s just a wonderful feeling not only for yourself, but for your family and the guys that were responsible for that happening and they were the fighters.”

– Johnny Lewis

“It feels terrific. I can’t describe it. I’m absolutely thrilled. I did a lot of title fights over the years – over 200. I’m thrilled.”

– Jerry Roth

“This is highest honor I could possibly receive. I have such respect for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I’ve been a visitor so many times but next year will be special for obvious reasons. It serves as validation for a career that has been boxing, and pretty much nothing but boxing, for almost 40 years. I am truly touched and honored and I can’t wait until June.”

– Steve Farhood

“Wow. I’m really flattered. To be recognized by the boxing community in general and by my peers in the media in particular is the highest compliment I could be given as a broadcaster. You want the respect of your peers and that’s what I’ve always strived for. I couldn’t be happier.”

– Barry Tompkins

Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapi lead this year’s 1st year-names on the Hall of Fame Ballot, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m honored,” Holyfield said after being informed Tuesday night by ESPN.com that he was on the ballot. “What can you say when you’ve done what I’ve done? It do speak for itself. I had a good amateur career, became the first undisputed cruiserweight champ of the world and then undisputed heavyweight champ. I fought them all. I fought everyone who was the best at my time of boxing and did real well. If you’re the best, you’re going to be in the Hall of Fame.

“I fought everybody. I didn’t make up excuses on why I shouldn’t fight this guy or that guy. I fought everyone I was supposed to. I’m glad I played by the rules and became the champ. I fought and did my very best.”

“I became four-time heavyweight champ of the world,” said Holyfield, who was 18-9-2 with 10 knockouts against titleholders and Hall of Famers. “Would have been five if they gave me the decision I deserved against the Russian guy.”

The holdovers on the 30-man modern ballot are Yuri Arbachakov, Ayala, Nigel Benn, Sot Chitalada, Donald Curry, Chris Eubank, Leo Gamez, Genaro Hernandez, Julian Jackson, Santos Laciar, Rocky Lockridge, Miguel “Happy” Lora, James “Buddy” McGirt, Henry Maske, Darius Michalczewski, Sung-Kil Moon, Moorer, Orzubek “Gussie” Nazarov, Sven Ottke, Vinny Pazienza, Gilberto Roman, Gianfranco Rosi, Samuel Serrano, Meldrick Taylor, Fernando Vargas, Wilfredo Vazquez Sr. and Ratanapol Sor Vorapin.

NEW YORK (Aug. 4, 2016) – In continuation of the 30th anniversary year of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, the network will feature four of its most memorable “UPSETS”. For the past three decades SHOWTIME Sports® has been home to countless upsets—some of the most shocking each year. Whether it be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING or, for the last 15 years, ShoBox: The New Generation, fighters often face their biggest challenges, their most fierce opponents, live on SHOWTIME.

It started in 1986 when Iran Barkley knocked out heavily favored Thomas Hearns and continued through this past weekend when Carl Frampton edged the favored featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz by decision in thrilling Fight of the Year candidate. To date, some 151 fighters have suffered their initial loss on ShoBox since the series premiere in July 2001.

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of August:

· Thursday, Aug. 4: Josesito Lopez vs. Victor Ortiz

· Thursday, Aug. 11: Marcos Maidana vs. Adrien Broner – Ring Magazine 2013 Upset of the Year

· Thursday, Aug. 18: Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson I – Ring Magazine 1996 Fight of the Year and Upset of The Year; Holyfield was named The Fighter of the Year by The Ring and Boxing Writers Association of America

· Thursday, Aug. 25: Austin Trout vs. Miguel Cotto

These unforgettable battles will air on “Throwback Thursdays” on SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT) throughout the month of August and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Each fight will be wrapped with context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

“Throwback Thursday” Tidbits

Lopez vs. Ortiz – June 23, 2012 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

Former welterweight world champion Ortiz was set to fight Canelo Alvarez in September. All he needed to do was to win his upcoming match. After two fights with Andre Berto earlier in the year fell through, Ortiz took on the relatively unknown and inexperienced Lopez. Stepping up in weight and competing for the first time as a welter, Lopez became the “Riverside Rocky” as he shocked the boxing world by breaking Ortiz’s jaw and winning by TKO.

Lopez rallied to triumph despite swelling to his left eye from the end of the sixth round on. After nine rounds, he was trailing on all three scorecards (88-83, 87-84 and 86-85). But in the ninth of what had been a back-and-forth, seesaw, tough battle, Lopez connected late with a punch to Ortiz’s jaw that broke it on impact. Moments later, the skirmish was stopped when Ortiz said he could not continue because of a broken jaw. Lopez landed a fight against Canelo. The unbelievable upset remains the biggest victory of Lopez’s career.

Maidana vs. Broner – Dec. 14, 2013, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The unbeaten Broner, a 5-1 favorite to retain his WBA Welterweight World Title on his first defense, was instead dealt his first defeat.

A poised yet aggressive Maidana, the target of heavy trash talk all week, overpowered and dominated the brash Broner from the outset while putting him down for the first time in his career. In a surprisingly one-sided performance, Maidana scored knockdowns in the second and eighth and won a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 119-109, 116-109 and 115-111. While tying Maidana up after going down in the eighth, Broner absorbed what appeared to be an intentional headbutt. Broner’s reaction: He over-dramatized the effect of it, falling to the canvas in a heap and rolling over in agony. Maidana more than doubled Broner’s punch output, out-throwing him, 964-400.

After the decision was announced, Broner exited the ring hastily without being interviewed by SHOWTIME or congratulating Maidana. Fans booed at Broner as he made his way back to the dressing room. The victory propelled Maidana into two consecutive fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Holyfield vs. Tyson I – Nov. 9, 1996, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nev.

In one of the most legendary and monumental bombshells in history, Holyfield, who opened as a 25-1 underdog, bullied the bully and stopped Tyson on a TKO at 0:37 of the 11th round to capture the WBA Heavyweight World Title.

Holyfield, a built-up cruiserweight not known for power, utilized his reach advantage and superior strength to engage Tyson and fight him on his terms. The action was intense and non-stop; Holyfield applied constant pressure and kept in close to nullify Tyson’s power (left hook). Tyson landed hard shots, but only one at a time, and Holyfield took them all. As the bout wore on, Tyson wore down. With 20 seconds remaining in the 10th, Holyfield chilled Tyson with a right hand to the chin. A barrage of powerful combinations to the head and body sent Tyson staggering backward into the ropes. Tyson, out on his feet and defenseless, was saved by the bell. Thirty-seven seconds into the 11th, Holyfield landed a big right that left Tyson staggering again. Moments later, the referee stopped the fight. Holyfield was ahead by 100-93 and 96-92 twice.

A fight that was aired on SHOWTIME PPV® was supposed to be a mere formality for Tyson: he’d won eight straight since bowing to Buster Douglas in Japan and Holyfield was thought to be “washed-up” after three lackluster performances in a row. It was the third time Holyfield attained a heavyweight title; he was the first one to do so since Muhammad Ali. The Holyfield-Tyson rematch took place seven months later (June 28, 1997).

Trout vs. Cotto – Dec. 1, 2012, Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.

Cotto, a Puerto Rican hero and three-division world champion, was deemed unbeatable in New York where he was 9-0—7-0 at Madison Square Garden. He had a fight slated with Canelo Alvarez next. Seven months after dropping a competitive decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., all Cotto had to do was hook Trout, throw him back to sea and then, gear up for the deepest waters. It was that simple, but it didn’t go as planned. Trout won a controversial 12-round unanimous decision. He boxed beautifully to successfully defend his WBA Super Welterweight Title for the fifth time (119-109 and 117-111 twice).

With the majority of his passionate fans cheering and waving Puerto Rican flags, Cotto came on strongly in the middle rounds, trapping Trout on the ropes and keeping him there. He had his greatest success in the closing seconds of the 10th when he backed Trout into a corner and dazed him with a flurry of punches. The big crowd erupted. But southpaw Trout silenced them by cranking up the pressure and roughing up Cotto the last two rounds. Cotto was bidding for a fifth world title. Trout got the shot at Canelo.

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Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

NEW YORK (Jan. 28, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports® is commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING with a year-long celebration that will highlight the biggest, most memorable and exciting SHOWTIME fights spanning four decades.

The network’s flagship sports series, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, was born on March 10, 1986 when “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler defeated John “The Beast” Mugabi by spectacular 11th-round knockout. Since then, the series has distinguished itself as the premium television destination for boxing’s brightest stars and countless significant events in the storied history of the sweet science.

In celebration, SHOWTIME will go deep into its archive to reprise classic fights, grouping them together by a common theme each month. A new fight, each one wrapped with brief context and commentary from one of the network’s boxing experts, replays every “Throwback Thursday” night on SHOWTIME EXTREME throughout 2016. While Thursday night is the viewer’s destination for the initial replay of the classics, all the bouts for that month are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Plus, on the last Saturday of the month, a programming block including all of that month’s classics will air concurrently on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

The month of January has been dedicated to Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield and his Hall of Fame career. Thus far, SHOWTIME has presented a compilation from Holyfield’s cruiserweight career, plus Holyfield vs. Michael Dokes and Holyfield vs. Buster Douglas in entirety with both extraordinary Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson bouts airing tonight at (10 p.m. ET/PT, SHO EXTREME).

Each month’s live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event will include a segment in support of the 30th anniversary retrospective. Segments will include a vintage feature or a special guest which will connect the greats of the past to the modern era and that night’s main event.

Digital support each month will include short form, high-impact video components—complete rounds, highlights, exclusive interviews with the biggest stars and historic perspective from the personalities that color the rich history of boxing on SHOWTIME. Examples of the short-form content for January’s celebration of Holyfield are as follows:

Exclusive Interviews: “Evander Holyfield Reflections” is a series of digital shorts cut from a recent interview. Watch this clip as Holyfield remembers his 1997 rematch with Mike Tyson: http://s.sho.com/1nPcElI

Full Rounds: Tyson vs. Holyfield 1 | Round 11: http://s.sho.com/1nL4w5K

Bonus Features: Holyfield vs. Tyson 2: http://s.sho.com/23ttJ5g

Social Content: Douglas vs. Holyfield | Collision Course: http://s.sho.com/1nPwIEC

For much more, visit SHOWTIME Sports Channel on YouTube and SHOWTIME Boxing on Facebook or @ShoSports on Twitter.

Coming in February, SHOWTIME will celebrate its greatest “Rivalries.” Classic bouts for the month include Johnny Tapia vs. Paulie Ayala I and II, as well as the incredible trilogy between super bantamweight champions Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez. (A programming alert with precise dates and times is forthcoming.)

Other themes to be assigned to the months that follow include “Mike Tyson,” “Fights of the Year,” “Julio Cesar Chavez,” “Puerto Rican Stars,” “Upsets,” and “Floyd Mayweather.”

The celebratory campaign culminates at year’s end with a fans’ vote for the greatest knockouts in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING history.

# # #

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

In 1990 Evander Holyfield was the mandatory contender for the Heavyweight Title then held by Mike Tyson. Though Tyson’s title defense was overdue, Tyson was permitted to engage in an optional title defense with James Buster Douglas. As we all know, Douglas won by knockout.

Thereafter all hell broke loose. Don King, at the time Douglas’ promoter, and one of the ratings organizations wanted a rematch, avoiding Holyfield. The other organizations were prepared to follow their rules and directed that the Holyfield mandatory take place.

Litigation ensued. Holyfield prevailed and fought James Buster Douglas. Holyfield’s career turned out to be legendary.

Now, 25 years later there is the identical scenario. Vyacheslav Glazkov won a title elimination bout to become the mandatory contender for the title then held by Wladimir Klitschko. There is a well-established rotation system among the ratings organizations when there is a unified champion. When Klitschko fought Tyson Fury it was after Klitschko’s mandatory with Glazkov would have otherwise been due (it was due in August). Following the rotation system, Glazkov stood aside and without any protest watched the Klitschko/Fury bout be scheduled, then postponed, and then rescheduled – all during the period when it would otherwise be his turn to fight the mandatory for the heavyweight title. He stood aside because of the rotation system, which made it the turn of the WBA/WBO to enforce their mandatories. However, everyone knew going into the Klitschko/Fury fight that it was Glazkov’s turn next.

A word on the rotation system. Again, we go back to Evander Holyfield. After Evander Holyfield defeated James Buster Douglas, he was the Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. A squabble erupted with the different ratings organizations demanding that he engage in different bouts. We were forced to go to Court and the Court enforced an equitable remedy, to wit, the rotation system under which the ratings organizations would rotate the mandatories for unified champions. This enhanced the likelihood of fighters maintaining unified championships rather than allowing them to be stripped due to simultaneous mandatory obligations, something which had occurred too often in earlier years. This rotation system is crucial to enhancing the ability of unified champions to keep their titles.

Of course, a title holder can always voluntarily give up a title. That is the Champion’s choice. However, there is nothing at all unfair about the rotational system or the mandatory system.

No one utilized the rotational system more effectively than Wladimir Klitschko. There is no criticism of this – it was his right.

But everyone involved knew that Glazkov had waited in line for his mandatory to be due. Everybody knew that the rules of the ratings organizations disfavored rematches and generally prohibited them when a mandatory was due.

Again, it was a voluntary choice for Klitschko and Fury to contract for a rematch. Main Events contacted the Fury camp, it was told that Fury could not negotiate because of the rematch clause. Subject to the rules, they had every right to do so even if it meant giving up a title. However, that voluntary choice was one that was made by the camps of Messrs. Klitschko and Fury. There should be absolutely no surprise or anguish that the rules, which are well-established, protect not only the Champion who is protected from being torn from a title by conflicting mandatories, but also the mandatory challenger who is forced to wait due to the rotation because the mandatory challenger is assured that his turn will, in fact, come.

*Note* Patrick English, Esq. litigated the cases referenced above.

The next documentary from ESPN Films’ Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 series will be “Chasing Tyson,” premiering on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Directed by the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Steven Cantor, the film examines why so many years went by before Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson finally met in the ring.

Holyfield was a journeyman boxer who had earned respect with victorious bouts against greats like Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe and George Foreman. He won the heavyweight championship belt four times. But it was Mike Tyson’s outsized personality and ferocious punches that cast a commanding shadow over boxing in the 1980s and ’90s. Even when “Iron Mike” was in prison, the heavyweight division belonged to him. Meanwhile, Holyfield endured years of delay while waiting for the opportunity to take down Tyson.

Though Holyfield dramatically lost and recaptured the heavyweight crown, and then lost it again, even he understood that his career would ultimately be defined by how he stood up to Tyson – if he ever got his chance. By the time of their much-hyped and oft-delayed heavyweight title bout in November of 1996, Holyfield was 34 years old and considered past his prime. Four years younger, Tyson was heavily favored to be standing over another meek and easily vanquished opponent at the end. Instead, the world got not one, but two of the sport’s most memorable fights – for very different reasons.

Additional information, including film clips and director statements and bios, are available at espn.com/30for30. Follow 30 for 30 on Facebook (facebook.com/espn30for30) and Twitter (@30for30). 30 for 30 is presented by Volkswagen. Fans can join the conversation on social media using #ChasingTyson.

About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality documentary films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 film series. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the decorated series 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX and SEC Storied among others.

-30-

The next documentary from ESPN Films’ Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 series will be “Chasing Tyson,” premiering on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Directed by the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Steven Cantor, the film examines why so many years went by before Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson finally met in the ring.

Holyfield was a journeyman boxer who had earned respect with victorious bouts against greats like Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe and George Foreman. He won the heavyweight championship belt four times. But it was Mike Tyson’s outsized personality and ferocious punches that cast a commanding shadow over boxing in the 1980s and ’90s. Even when “Iron Mike” was in prison, the heavyweight division belonged to him. Meanwhile, Holyfield endured years of delay while waiting for the opportunity to take down Tyson.

Though Holyfield dramatically lost and recaptured the heavyweight crown, and then lost it again, even he understood that his career would ultimately be defined by how he stood up to Tyson – if he ever got his chance. By the time of their much-hyped and oft-delayed heavyweight title bout in November of 1996, Holyfield was 34 years old and considered past his prime. Four years younger, Tyson was heavily favored to be standing over another meek and easily vanquished opponent at the end. Instead, the world got not one, but two of the sport’s most memorable fights – for very different reasons.

Additional information, including film clips and director statements and bios, are available at espn.com/30for30. Follow 30 for 30 on Facebook (facebook.com/espn30for30) and Twitter (@30for30). 30 for 30 is presented by Volkswagen. Fans can join the conversation on social media using #ChasingTyson.

About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality documentary films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 film series. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the decorated series 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX and SEC Storied among others.

LAS VEGAS, NV. — Superstar heavyweight LENNOX LEWIS, the last undisputed heavyweight champion and who won an Olympic gold medal with a victory over Riddick Bowe and scored professional victories over boxing legends such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko, confirmed Wednesday that he will return to Las Vegas this weekend to attend the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s third annual induction gala at Caesars Palace on Saturday, August 8.

Lewis is the latest in a gaggle of stars who have announced they’ll attend the popular gala induction ceremony. In addition to Lewis the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has confirmed that Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Felix Trinidad, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Roger Mayweather will also attend the high-profile event as the newest members of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

Lewis, who was 41-2-1 with 32 knockouts and had a win over every man he ever faced in the ring, is one of the headliners of the NVBHOF’s 2015 class of inductees, chosen in the non-Nevada boxer category.

Lewis avenged the only two losses of his career, stopping both Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman after losing to them earlier.

Lewis was a classic boxer with a powerful punch. He’s probably best known for his 2002 win over Tyson, where he won every round before stopping him in the eighth round.

He held all, or a version of, the heavyweight title from 1993 until 1994 and then again from 1997 through the end of his career in 2003

Lewis had great success in Nevada and avenged both of his losses in Las Vegas. He was 8-0 in his Nevada career and won fights at both Caesars Palace and Caesars Tahoe.

In the latter part of his fighting career, Lewis joined HBO Sports as an expert analyst and was a familiar figure at ringside for many of the biggest bouts of the late 20th and early 21st century in Las Vegas.

The Hall was founded by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta. Its chief operating officer is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was an inaugural inductee into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. For more information, phone 702-3-NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with Global Legacy Boxing (GLB) and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), made an official announcement this week, along with Lennox Lewis, that Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson will defend his titles against Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency on Sept. 11 at Toronto’ Ricoh Coliseum in “The Revival: “KO in TO”.

The upcoming World Championship title fight card will also see Canadian Heavyweight Champ Dillon “Big Country” Carman defend his title against legendary Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.

Global Legacy President Les Woods s, :”I am so pleased to see The Champ, Lennox Lewis, recognized by the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. It’s a privilege and honor to call him my friend and to be a partner teamed with him in Toronto to promote Boxing in Canada.”

Growing up in the 1970s, young Evander Holyfield fell in love with boxing – in part – by watching ABC’s telecasts of professional and Olympic bouts.

Even as Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao pay-per-view bout in Las Vegas gives boxing its biggest showcase in years, “The Real Deal” believes television remains crucial to the sport’s future.

Holyfield appreciates not only ESPN’s links to ABC’s boxing coverage legacy but also the network’s franchise series Friday Night Fights – “it’s good for the boxing game” – and ESPN Classic. Many of Holyfield’s bouts from his 1990s heyday have been Classic staples, including his 1991 fight with George Foreman. Read full story on ESPNFrontRow.com.

ESPN All-in from Las Vegas for Mayweather Pacquiao

· For more information on ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas visit ESPN Mediazone.

· For behind-the-scenes stories and content, visit ESPNFrontRow.com

· For photos of ESPN in Las Vegas visit ESPN Images.

In what is surely the culmination of one of the unlikeliest reconciliations in boxing history, former Heayvweight Champion Mike Tyson will deliver the presenting speech for former Heavyweight Champ Evander Holyfield’s induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Tyson will present Holyfield, and then following Holyfield’s speech, will personally hand the NVBHOF Trophy to Holyfield in a “photo-op” for the ages. The memorable moment will take place Saturday night, August 9, in the beautiful Cohiba Ballroom of The New Tropicana, Las Vegas.

Holyfield and Tyson engaged in two fierce battles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 1996-’97. The “Real Deal” won both, first by an 11th-Rd TKO, and the rematch by 3rd-RD disqualification in the famous ear-bite fight. Despite the ferocity of both bouts, the two’s feelings have softened toward each other in recent years, appearing in features and even a commercial together.

Tyson called the opportunity to present Holyfield a “privilege and high-honor.” Evander’s response was quick and to the point: “That is great!” NVBHOF President and Founder Rich Marotta said “This is the kind of thing we showed is possible in boxing last year at our Inaugural Induction Ceremony. Former and even current rivals coming together under the same roof to celebrate boxing. Everyone checks those rivalries at the door. Tyson presenting Holyfield is sheer magic.”

Holyfield was selected for induction in the “Non-Nevada Resident” category along with George Foreman and Roberto Duran by the 35-member voting panel of the NVBHOF. Tyson was an Inaugural Inductee last year in the “Nevada Resident” Class.

Remaining tickets for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner are available on-line at: nvbhof.com
Tax-deductible tickets are $300 Gold Level, and $175 Silver Level. the $75 Bronze Level tickets are sold-out.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501(c)3, non-profit charity organization which donates to boxing-related and
Nevada causes.

Tommy Brooks knows a thing or two about heavyweights. The legendary American coach has trained a who’s who of heavyweight greats including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and the Klitschko brothers.

Brooks’ latest charge is British heavyweight star David Price (17-2, 15 KOs). Brooks has been overseeing the rebuilding process for the Olympic Bronze medalist, following back-to-back defeats to Tony Thompson.

The rebuilding process continues for Price when he takes on the hard-hitting Yaroslav Zavorotnyi (16-6, 14 KOs) at the Sport and Congress Center in Schwerin, Germany on Saturday, June 7th.

Ahead of Saturday night’s action Brooks offers his perspective on Price’s development.

‘’He is coming on like gangbusters, baby!’’ said Brooks. ‘’He has a real bright future ahead of him. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think he could make it all the way to the top.

‘’His losses to Thompson came because of inexperience. He didn’t know what to do. When he got dropped he jumped straight up. When he had Thompson hurt he ran right at him, you’ve got to set it up.

‘’But experience doesn’t fall out of the sky. He needs to be shown. That’s why I am here, to teach him, so that if he is in that situation again he knows what he has to do.

‘’You can tell he is really starting to understand what I am showing him. If he keeps listening to what I am saying, this time next year he will be ready for Vladimir (Klitschko).‘

New York, April 7—Mike Tyson hasn’t been in the ring in nearly a decade, but his popularity hasn’t waned. You would have thought that he had a championship fight on the horizon when 700 fans of the “Sweet Science” flocked to meet the former heavyweight champ at the Steiner Store on Saturday (April 5) in Garden City on Long Island. It took 12 security guards to escort “Iron Mike” from the signing because a massive crowd had gathered in Roosevelt Field Mall. The Tyson fans paid from $149 for a photo op to $2,000 for a VIP package with all five former champs.

Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II (June 28, 1997) and Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran II (November 25, 1980) produced two of the most bizarre finishes in the history of boxing. The headlines blared “Tyson bites Holyfield,” and “No Mas.” Steiner Sports presented boxing aficionados the chance to meet these boxing legends, along with Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, at the ticketed event. The Tyson fans paid from $149 for a photo op to $2,000 for a VIP package with all five former champs.

Tyson quipped that Steiner needed to put a fan in between he and Holyfield so that another brawl wouldn’t ensue similar to their heyday battles, but both former kingpins were all smiles during the many photo ops. Duran hugged just about everyone there, including Holyfield upon his arrival.

Holyfield and Tyson renewed their late nineties heavyweight rivalry. The duo had engaged in a pair of epics at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In the first on November 9, 1996 Holyfield outmuscled Tyson to score one of the most monumental upsets in boxing history. Holyfield became the first heavyweight since Muhammad Ali to regain the heavyweight title twice. The rematch was one of boxing’s most bizarre encounters on June 28, 1997, and saw Tyson bite off a piece of Holyfield’s ear to be disqualified by referee Mills Lane.

Like Holyfield and Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran battled in one of the most famous championship fights in boxing history. After Duran took the title from Leonard in a unanimous decision on June 20, 1980 in Montreal, a rematch was inevitable. Just five months later, on November 25 in New Orleans, Duran said “No Mas” and Leonard regained the belt. It gained its famous moniker at the end of the eighth round when Durán turned away from Leonard, towards the referee and quit by saying “No más.” To this day, Duran says that stomach cramps. Leonard was the winner by a technical knockout at 2:44 of Round 8, regaining the WBC Welterweight Championship.
Nine years later, Leonard again beat Duran in their third match up by unanimous decision on December 12, 1989, in a fight that didn’t have nearly the hoopla of the first two.

Leonard and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns likewise had classic encounters. They fought twice, once in 1981 and again in 1989, both are considered to be epics, both at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In their first encounter on September 16, 1981, for the undisputed Welterweight championship, Leonard beat Hearns by TKO at 1:45 in the 14th round when the referee stopped the fight.

After almost eight years, the Leonard-Hearns rematch finally happened. It was promoted as “The War”. Leonard (35-1 with 25 KOs) and Hearns (46-3 with 38 KOs) met on June 12, 1989 at Caesar’s Palace in a scheduled twelve-rounder for the WBC & WBO super-middleweight titles. Though Hearns had Leonard on the canvas twice, the judges scored the fight a draw, with both boxers retaining their respective titles. The decision was soundly booed, as most felt that Hearns had won.

Hearns and Duran fought only once for the WBO Super Welterweight championship. That was a dominating performance by the Hitman, who dropped Duran twice in the first round. After nailing Duran with a devastating right to the jaw in the second round, Hearns stepped back and Duran fell face first to the canvas. The fight was over.

Apropos of something entirely unrelated to “The One,” I spoke with Don Turner last week, a delightful man of gradual delivery and enviable authority, whose words set me to remembering, Saturday, others of his words spoken in 1996 before his charge, Evander Holyfield, undid Mike Tyson: Tyson can punch, but he can’t fight.

While it is wrong to write Argentine Lucas Matthysse can only punch, and a character-measuring abomination to compare Danny Garcia’s father to Turner, it is not improper to guess Angel Garcia’s wager in preparing his son for Saturday’s co-main event victory over Matthysse was not unlike Turner’s wager 17 years ago: Just as soon as he punches you, son, you punch him right back, and see if he freezes.

There are very few hard punchers of any kind, and particularly those who can bring unconsciousness with a single blow, that respond effectively to someone hitting them back; it’s a skill many never cultivate while racing through the professional ranks because each heavy punch of theirs that does land changes the man across from them completely enough to make for power punchers a habit of relaxing and stepping forward to drop a period at the end of their sentence or, just as likely, reread the sentence and enjoy their prose. Manny Pacquiao is an exception to this, and for that he was exceptional: He was a puncher who, if you punched him back as he attacked you, he punched you again, and so it went till he dropped you – as experienced by Juan Manuel Marquez in his second fight with Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto in his only fight with Pacquiao.

Far more common is the reaction Lucas Matthysse showed Danny Garcia, which was an inactivity not entirely dissimilar from what Tyson showed Holyfield whenever they engaged. The secret to stop a force like Matthysse or Tyson (or Gennady Golovkin) is to promise yourself the harder he hits you the faster you will leap at him. It is what Garcia did in Saturday’s meaningful fight – “The One,” as it were – each time Matthysse landed clean, whether with a right cross or left hook; Garcia followed his plan, resolute in a belief that if Matthysse was striking him hard, Matthysse was overcommitted and therefore open to be struck hard.

Each time Garcia did this, Matthysse bore a greater resemblance to Vic Darchinyan, taking a step back and adjusting his trunks and touching his gloves and readying for a next lunging collision, than what great fighters he’d enjoyed a plethora of comparisons to recently – despite completing 9 1/2 years of prizefighting without a world championship (Garcia won a world title in his fifth year, and Floyd Mayweather in his second). The fighting impulse Matthysse forced Garcia to show, yet again, was probably the evening’s most impressive sight, whenever Garcia found terms of engagement equally favorable and engaged Matthysse directly, though just barely.

The evening’s second most impressive sight was Floyd Mayweather, simply put. On the occasions Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez struck Mayweather with a clean punch, and they were infrequent enough to be named and numbered, Mayweather did exactly as he’d done when Mosley buckled him in a rare moment of carelessness and Cotto brought the pugilist out of him in 2012: Mayweather took a traditional fighting stance, hands up, legs bent, and punched the hell out of the Mexican. That Mayweather rarely gets hit anymore makes a generation of casual fans think he cannot withstand contact when he is struck, and that is ridiculous in the strictest sense of the word – worthy of ridicule.

Alvarez’s greatest asset Saturday was not his red hair, though that was how he got the fight years and accomplishments prematurely, but the brittleness of Mayweather’s right hand. Had Mayweather a right fist structurally reliable as Alvarez’s, Mayweather would have stopped Canelo, and Canelo’s promoter six years ago. Which is not to discount wholly Canelo’s performance Saturday, for he did land that crisp lowblow in round 4 and a well-placed shoulder in round 6, but to compliment the inconsolable bent Alvarez showed in Saturday’s postfight press conference. It was the humble posture his performance demanded; no accusing Mayweather of running, no flashing that gorgeous smile and proclaiming a hunger to get back in the gym Monday, no appealing to ethnic loyalty – “nosotros, los mexicanos, sabemos quien realmente ganó” – but a headbent befuddlement fitted to the occasion of his undressing by a man who, despite having only one more prizefight on his resume, was approximately five times the sweet scientist Canelo is.

Here’s an appropriate place, too, for recognizing Paulie Malignaggi’s insightfulness during Saturday’s Showtime broadcast. Malignaggi has become that rarest of professional athletes: a man capable of saying something intelligent about a subject other than himself. Malignaggi caught every nuance of Saturday’s main event confrontation, sometimes speaking over what cloying salesmanship cluttered the evening – like a just purchased car barking at its new owner “how about that handling? you see how bright those headlights are? This is probably the greatest automobile purchase anyone ever made!” – to share, in an instant, what Mayweather did to provoke Alvarez’s lowblow in the fourth and thraw his attack during the other 35:55 of Saturday’s fight, minutes nevertheless more suspenseful than most Mayweather affords, because the man across from Mayweather was very much larger.

A larger opponent is the only way this “Money May” deal remains compelling, and so let us have no more talk of a fight with little Danny Garcia in May. Even casual fans now know no one can outbox Mayweather, no style makes him fight, and in order to get their $74 again Mayweather will have to find himself a middleweight.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Tonight at 9:00 p.m. on MSG Network’s Friday Night Fights, hosted by John Duddy and Mark Breland: Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe (11/13/92).

This classic first bout between Holyfield and Bowe featured one of the greatest single rounds of all-time. In the 10th Round, Bowe sent a flurry of punches at Holyfield and then stunned him with a right uppercut that looked like it was going to end the fight, but Holyfield weathered the storm and by the end of the round had an exhausted Bowe reeling. Bowe would hold on for the last two rounds to take the unanimous decision.

Breland, who grew up with Bowe in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, notes that Bowe was labeled as slow and lazy as a kid, but proved everyone wrong by becoming a Golden Gloves, Olympic and, after this fight, a World Heavyweight Champion.

Breland also knew Holyfield well, as teammates at the Olympics, and says that the two fighters were hard to compare.

“Holyfield was a totally different type of guy. He was a guy with so much heart…you had to take it away from him to win. He was going to fight you to the end…he loved to fight.”

Friday Night Fights is part of MSG Network’s Summer Block Party. For more information go to www.msg.com/summer and join the conversation on Twitter with @MSGNetworks.

February 18, 2013 – With less than one week remaining before the undefeated heavyweight showdown between Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov, 14-0, 10 KOs, and Malik Scott, 35-0, 12 KOs, legendary trainer Don Turner weighed in with his opinion on Glazkov, the hard-hitting Ukraine boxer he has been working with to prepare for this fight. Turner, who’s worked with top-flight fighters like Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, and numerous other world champions, serves as a “training supervisor” for Glazkov.

“Czar has a great work ethic,” Turner said. “He’s very manageable, and unlike most of the fighters out there today, he doesn’t think he knows everything. He’s willing to work at his craft, unlike most heavyweights these days.”

Glazkov impressed in his last outing by stopping well-respected Tor Hamer after four rounds on December 22nd. The big victory was broadcast on national television, and served well as a coming out party for Czar. The fight with Scott, a 10-round main event on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series on February 23rd, figures to give the 28 year old boxer another big stage to display his skills. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 10:30PM ET.

“He’s been in the gym since he was 10 years old,” Turner said. “He’s confident of what he can do, and his trainer, Eduardo Menshekov, is probably one of the best conditioners out there. So we know he’s always in shape. But the best thing about Glazkov is that he’s not afraid. He’s not going to run when he gets hit. He’s going to fight. This is where the great ones shine. They don’t back down when they get hit, and Czar has that quality. I think he can bring the whole package to the table.”

The fight with Scott is expected to be “Boxer vs. Puncher”, with Scott bringing the movement and Glazkov providing the power. With both fighters defending their undefeated records, the fight could turn into a bitter battle between the two. The old saying, “Somebody’s “O” has got to go”, definitely applies to this fight, but Don Turner is certain he knows which “O” will remain intact.

“The first time Scott gets hit, he’s going to need a track coach,” Turner said. “Czar will knock him silly. If Czar is the fighter I think he is, he’ll go hard and win this fight.”

And after that?

“I wouldn’t be averse to putting him in with any of these guys out there,” Turner said. “Czar wants to fight and he wants to be a champion.”

ABOUT FEBRUARY 23 FIGHTS

The February 23rd card is promoted by Main Events, Star Boxing and Goossen Tutor. The main event featuring Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov vs. Malik Scott, and the co-feature, Chris Algieri vs. Jose “Mangu” Peralta, will be shown live on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night telecast which begins at 10:30 pm ET.

Seven bouts are planned for the February 23 card to be held at The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington, NY. Doors open at 6:30pm. First fight is at 7:30pm.

Tickets priced at $200, $150, $125 $100 and $50 (standing room) can be purchased through Star Boxing 718-823-2000, www.starboxing.com, Paramount Box office 631-673-7300, Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 or www.Ticketmaster.com.

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Sunrise Fl, January 9 – The inaugural event of Golden Boy Promotions’ new boxing series at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fl. is just days away and in addition to the main event between Venezuela’s former World Champion Johan “El Terrible” Perez and former World Champion Steve “2Pound” Forbes, this Saturday’s FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes card will feature an eight-round light heavyweight co-main event between unbeaten Thomas Williams and Williamson, Kentucky’s Jason Smith as well as a four-round super middleweight fight between 2012 United States Olympian Terrell Gausha and Kenneth Schmitz of St. Joseph, Missouri. Plus, former Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield will be in attendance at the BB&T Center.

The official weigh-in will take place this Friday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET at theBB&T Center Food Court located at Section 130 (One Panther Parkway Sunrise, FL 33323) and is open to the public. For Friday’s weigh-in, please enter through Gate 5, park in Lot B16 and enter the building through the North Patio.

Perez vs. Forbes, a 10-round junior welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes bi-lingual simulcast will air live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. FUEL TV will rebroadcast the fight on March 31 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $195 (VIP Tables), $95, $45 and $20,not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale and available for purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the BB&T Center box office. Fight fans can also purchase annual subscriptions for all four events in the series inclusive of VIP seating and boxing legend meet and greets by calling 954-835-CLUB. In addition to the Jan. 12 event, Golden Boy and the BB&T Center will host additional live boxing events on June 1, 2013, Oct. 12, 2013 and Jan. 14, 2014.

Fighting out of Washington, DC, 25-year-old Thomas Williams (11-0, 8 KO’s) has emerged over the last two years as one of the top prospects in the light heavyweight division. Currently riding a four-fight knockout streak, Williams followed up three consecutive first round knockouts with a fifth round finish over Ricardo Campillo on December 8. This Saturday, he’ll look to get 2013 off to a knockout start against fellow prospect Smith.

A professional since 2005, Williamson, Kentucky’s Jason Smith (8-1, 6 KO’s) has the power and desire to make the best of the biggest opportunity of his career this Saturday. A knockout artist with dynamite in his gloves, Smith’s current five fight winning streak includes four consecutive knockouts, three in two rounds or less.

At the 2012 London Olympics, Cleveland’s Terrell Gausha (1-0, 1 KO) went 1-1 as a member of Team USA, finishing off his amateur career in style. Last November, the 25-year-old made his professional debut with an impressive second round knockout over Dustin Caplinger and he looks to go for two straight this Saturday against St. Joseph, Missouri’s Kenneth Schmitz (2-4, 1 KO).

Now making his home in Miami, 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist for Cuba Yudel Johnson (12-1, 8 KO’s) plans on bouncing back from the first professional loss of his career to Willie Nelson last May when he tackles an opponent to be named in an eight-round junior middleweight fight.

Plus, Hollywood, Florida super middleweight Tracy Rollins (2-0, 1 KO) will take on an opponent to be determined in a four-round fight and Chapel Hill, North Carolina welterweight Willie Jones will see action in a four-round bout against an opponent to be named. In the evening’s opening fight, also scheduled for four rounds, Fort Lauderdale’s own Larry Yanez (3-3-1) faces Miami’s John Wampash (1-7-1, 1 KO) in the lightweight division.

SUNRISE, Fla. – Golden Boy Promotions and Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced today that the first BB&T Center Boxing Series event is set for Saturday, Jan. 12 and will feature a junior welterweight showdown between rising Venezuelan star and former World Champion Johan Perez and former World Champion Steve “Two Pounds” Forbes as well as a special guest appearance by former Heavyweight World Champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes.

Tickets for the Jan. 12 event, which is sponsored by Corona, go on sale on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. ET at all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone (800-745-3000), at www.ticketmaster.com and on Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. ET at the BB&T Center box office.

In addition to the Jan. 12 event, the BB&T Center and Golden Boy will host additional live boxing events on June 1, 2013, Oct. 5, 2013 and Jan. 14, 2014. Fight fans can purchase annual subscriptions for all four events inclusive of VIP seating and boxing legend meet and greets by calling 954-835-CLUB.

“We are really excited about this new series in South Florida and for the first event we wanted to bring a world class fight and that is exactly what you have in Perez vs. Forbes,” said President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Fight fans will get to see two former world champions in a battle for what could lead to a world title shot later in 2013. That usually means fireworks in the ring, and I can’t wait to see it.”

“We are thrilled and honored to partner with an incredible athlete and entrepreneur such as Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions,” said SSE President Michael R. Yormark. “We believe that together we can take live professional boxing to the next level in South Florida beginning with the first incredible event on Jan. 12 featuring Johan Perez and Steve Forbes and an appearance from boxing legend Evander Holyfield.”

Nicknamed “El Terrible,” Johan Perez (15-1-1, 12 KO’s) is one of Venezuela’s brightest hopes for boxing superstardom and with his fight-ending power and aggressiveness, another world championship could be right around the corner. A professional since 2005 with an WBA Interim World title win to his name along with a host of regional titles, the 29-year-old Perez made waves in 2011 with his fourth round technical knockout win over Puerto Rico’s Kenny Galarza. Now looking to bounce back from his controversial decision loss to Pablo Cesar Cano in July, Perez has Steve Forbes in his sights.

Las Vegas’ Steve Forbes (35-11, 11 KO’s) earned his reputation in the fight game the hard way, taking on the best competition available night in and night out. A former IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion, the 35-year-old Forbes has been in the ring with some of the greats in boxing including Oscar De La Hoya, Andre Berto, Cornelius “K9” Bundrage and Francisco “Panchito” Bojado, impressing fans with his slick style and unyielding determination to win. Now returning to 140 pounds after stints at welterweight and junior middleweight, Forbes feels that he’s back in championship form.

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment is the premier company of its kind in South Florida. Florida Panthers social media is powered by Ford. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . Home to the Florida Panthers Hockey Club and internationally recognized concerts and events, the Broward County-owned BB&T Center is one of the top ranked venues of its kind in the world.

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, SHOWTIME, TeleFutura, FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes. For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comfollow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

Happy Birthday, Evander Holyfield.

A couple of lifetimes have been jammed into your half-century of heavyweight titles, improbable comebacks, surprises and disappointments. You lost your money and even a piece of your ear, but never your defiant pride.

You lost in a classic to Riddick Bowe and you were there as an eye witness on the night that the Fan Man dropped into the ring like the 82nd Airborne Division on the night of the rematch at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace.

You saw Mike Tyson for the bully he was and then slayed the beast when few thought anybody could. Tyson’s only counter was to tear off a piece of your ear in a rematch that spawned chaos throughout the MGM Grand and the streets surrounding the Vegas casino.

You were fearless, yet flawed.

Within the ropes, your mix of tactical skill and instinctive poise was often brilliant.

Outside of the ropes, your contradictions as a preacher with many wives and children were exasperating.

The critics gathered, calling you a hypocrite and then demanding that you retire. But you stood up to all of it, just as you stood up to Tyson, in your characteristically quiet manner. That’s why I say Happy Birthday. Few live life on their own terms, but at 50 you have, no matter how terrible the cost.

I’m not sure you’ll stay retired. Every time you have to pay alimony — $3,000 a month — and a reported $500,000 in child support, there will be the temptation to step through ropes one more time for a bout that will allow some shameless promoter to cash in on your name. My wish is that you stay retired. I hope it is yours as well. But that’s your business.

In retirement, it will be left to history to decide where you belong among the great heavyweights. About that, I have no doubts. As a four-time heavyweight champ and – for now – America’s last great heavyweight, you belong in the all-time top 10.

Here’s an informal list that will always be subject to debate and revision. Over the years, however, I suspect Holyfield will be always be there for the tenacity, technical proficiency and resiliency that have yet to be fully appreciated.

1. – Joe Louis. Great speed, power and furious combinations created the heavyweight who has been transformed into a historical figure for his rematch victory over Germany’s Max Schmeling in a 1938 bout symbolic of an imminent world war.

2. – Muhammad Ali. Few have ever possessed better foot work, which was matched by fast hands and a mouth that has roared down through decades since he changed his name and a lot minds during the 1960s and early 70s.

3. – Jack Johnson. The early 1900s were a very different time, but Johnson’s defense and some modern training would have made him the equal of anyone in any time. He went unbeaten for a decade. His place in history is secure. Without him, there would have been no “Great White Hope.’’

4. – George Foreman. He won a heavyweight title in 1994 when he was 45, in part because of the skills and sheer power he possessed as a younger man. He lost to Ali in the famed “Rumble in the Jungle.’’ But there were very few who could withstand the concussive force he had in both hands.

5. – Joe Frazier. His relentless pressure made him dangerous for anybody who dared stand in front of him, including Ali, who lost the first fight in a series that has become the standard for any great rivalry.

6. — Lennox Lewis. Size, speed and power made him virtually unbeatable and when he was on top of his game throughout the 1990s and during the first few years in the new millennium. Sometimes, however, his focus seemed to wander. When it did, he left his vulnerable chin open to a knockout shot.

7. – Evander Holyfield.

8. – Jack Dempsey. He would relentlessly attack and was quick to capitalize on any weakness he exposed during the 1920s. In a modern parallel, Dempsey has been compared to Roberto Duran, who was inexhaustible and unstoppable during his days as perhaps the greatest lightweight of all time.

9. – Larry Holmes. He was as great a tactician in the 1970s as there has ever been in the heavyweight division. His jab serves as a model.

10.– Rocky Marciano. He swarmed opponents in the 1950s with a brawling style hard to beat. Or in his case, impossible to beat. There’s a debate about whether his unbeaten record (49-0) was compiled against fighters past their prime. It also eliminates a key yardstick: How would he have responded to a loss? In a sport built on adversity, that’s a key. It helps us judge Holyfield, who came back from defeat more than once. Still, it keeps Marciano on this list.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
Atlantic City, NJ (May 23, 2012)– Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. in association with the Tropicana Casino and Resort presents hard hitting Dennis “The Assassin” Hasson (13-0-0/5 ko’s) vs George “The Rooster” Armenta (14-8-0/11 ko’s) in a 10 round super middleweight “Summer Super Brawl” on Friday, June 1, 2012. This 10 Round main event is part of Atlantic City’s first ever Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival which includes an All Star Boxing Legends Gala the following night. With legendary names like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and “Joltin” Jeff Chandler floating around town, Mr. Hasson will have the perfect setting to show case his crowd pleasing brawling boxing skills. Mr. Hasson better not underestimate the hard hitting Mr. Armenta or he could find himself on the wrong end of a big right hand. Mr. Armenta has 11 ko’s in his 14 victories so anything can happen!!

The 8 round co-main event on this “Summer Super Brawl” fight card features Philadelphia’s super bantamweight “Pretty Boy” Coy Evans (10-1-1/2 ko’s). Mr. Evans has shown a lot of early promise and his skills have been steadily sharpened but finding quality opponents in that weight class will be a real challenge for matchmaker Nick Tiberi. There will also be an all time show stopping WIBC 3 minute -10 round Title Fight featuring Lisa Noel Garland (9-6-0/5 ko’s) of York, SC vs Kita Watkins (7-8-0/1 ko’s) of Camden, AR . This will surely be an amazing fight, so do not miss it!!

The exciting undercard will be filled with action packed fighters led by heavyweight Joey “The Polish Thunder” Dawejko (6-0-1/2 ko’s) vs. Edwin Ranquillo (2-1/1 ko’s). At 5’10 – 235 pounds, the 21 year old Mr. Dawejko presents big problems for any opponent and any ring looks small when he steps through the ropes, however do not be so quick to judge this fight. Even though it appears Mr. Ranquillo does not have the ring experience, he does have the experience of serving our country. This card also sees the return of light heavyweight Frankie “The Freight Train” Filippone (9-2-0/2 ko’s) vs Keandre Leatherwood (9-1-0/6 ko’s). With such close records, both men are hungry to pick up another “W” at the Trop no matter what it takes!!!

The remainder of this very promising undercard features Isiah Seldon (6-0-0/3 ko’s) vs Lekan Byfield (2-1), with Big Dog Mr. Seldon in town Isiah will be sure to put on a good show! Saud “Kid Grady” Clark vs Flavio Augusto Reyes both making their Pro-Debut’s, Anthony “The Bull” Smith (13-0/10 ko’s), Delaware’s Mike Tiberi (19-1-0/7 ko’s), Two young local fighters, Atlantic City Native super middleweight Antwyan Aikens (4-0-0/1 ko’s) vs Kenneth Schmitz (2-1/1 ko’s) and Millville featherweight Joshua Reyes (1-0-0) vs David Rogriquez (0-1) round out this entertaining fight card.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout slated for 8:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $40, $55, $65 and $100 and can be purchased at the Tropicana Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000 or Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. at 856.692.1206.

About Dee Lee Promotions, LLC.
Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. is owned and operated by New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Diane Fischer of Vineland, NJ. Fischer has earned a reputation not only as a premier matchmaker who has presented some of the most memorable and entertaining boxing contests in the country, but as woman who has been innovative and overcome gender barriers in an industry dominated by men. Her industry awards and distinctions include:??New Jersey Promoter of The Year; Undercard Fight of the Year; Best Girl Fight of The Year; The First Time Six World Title Belts [Pay Per View] appeared on one card (Atlantic City); The First All Girl Fight on the East Coast; The first woman ever to promote an all girl fight card in Baton Rouge Louisiana; The first woman promoter ever to promote a World Title Fight in Panama City; The first male or female promoter to present a title fight in Delaware; The first woman promoter to promote/co-promote a Heavyweight Championship Fight on HBO, Ray Mercer, and Wladimir Klitschko on June 29, 2002; the fight also was aired on PPV in Germany and was the first Heavyweight Championship promoted by a female in that country.?To contact?Dee Lee Promotions LLC., call 856.692.1206.

About Tropicana Casino and Resort
Tropicana Entertainment Inc. (“Tropicana Entertainment”) owns and operates 8 casinos and resorts in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and New Jersey. In addition, the Company owns a development property in Aruba. Tropicana Entertainment properties collectively have 5,750 rooms, 8,300 slot positions and 240 table games

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former four-time Heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield will now take on Danish star Brian Nielson in May 7th instead of March 5th after Holyfield suffered a cut around his left eye in his January 22nd bout with Sherman Williams.

“I had hoped to be fully fit to fight Brian on March 5 but after another close examination this week the doctor said I could not do sparring until the end of the month,” said Holyfield, who is due to earn $500,000 against Nielsen. “My good physical shape and my meticulous preparation have been my biggest advantages throughout my career, and I will not enter the ring against a determined opponent like Nielsen when I am not 100 percent prepared.

“I take Nielsen very seriously. I need a convincing victory to put myself back in line for another shot at the world title, so I will give the cut enough time to heal before resuming practice. I will be in top shape on May 7 and defeat Brian Nielsen.”

“Always look on the bright side of life,” Nielsen said. “The more training I get, the stronger I will become. I would have been ready to give Evander a great fight on March 5. I have worked my butt off in practice where [trainer] Karsten Rower has been torturing me twice a day.

“Although I am not exactly thrilled to be in his German training hell for two more months, every single practice session will only make me better,” he added. “I will make sure Evander gets a nice souvenir from his trip to Copenhagen. I will cut his other eye, too. He will be good friends with the doctor he has been seeing.”

“We fully understand Evander’s decision. It is the right thing to do,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said. “We have stressed from the very beginning that we would never let a fighter inside the ring if he is not 100 percent ready, and that includes a perfect preparation. As we have learned from Brian, let’s look at the bright side. Two more months of professional boxing training and sparring will make him even better.”

Evander Holyfield had just finished working out at New York City’s Church Street gym Tuesday morning when he sat on the ringside steps and answered questions from the media. When asked about his toughest victory, without hesitation Holyfield replied “Dwight Muhammad Qawi.”

“That was a fifteen round fight,” Holyfield said. “It was like somebody blindfolded you and threw you into the ocean. Then you look and you don’t know which direction to go, but you know if you stop you’re going to drown.”

He then went on to explain how he weighed fifteen pounds less at the final bell than he did at the start of the fight. Then he spoke about never giving up; he talked about resisting the urge to quit.

“I rather die before I quit, because I won’t know if I quit if I die. I just don’t want to remember quitting.”

In many ways, Holyfield’s (43-10-2, 28 KO) own words about quitting represent the forty-eight year old’s legendary career.

“The Real Deal” is the only five-time heavyweight champion in the sport’s storied history. Conversely, he is also the only boxer to ever lose his heavyweight title on five different occasions.

But each time Holyfield has lost his title in the past, he has come back to get it, he never quit. However, since losing his last championship belt to John Ruiz in 2001, the championship titles have eluded him.

Just over two years ago, Holyfield was on the losing end of a controversial split decision against Nikolai Valuev, which undoubtedly left “The Real Deal” with a bitter taste in his mouth, knowing just how close he came to reclaiming his crown.

He’ll continue his journey back to the top on Saturday night in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where he’ll square off against thirty-eight year old veteran, Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KO).

With a win over Williams, Holyfield hopes to turn his attention to Denmark’s Brian Nielson (64-2, 43 KO), for an early March bout. If all goes according to plan in Copenhagen, “The Real Deal” said he’ll look to fight once more in 2011.

While Holyfield’s financial troubles have come into public view over the last few years, specifically his woes with regards to his estate and child support payments, “The Real Deal” insists his reasons for being in the ring are centered more on recapturing a title rather than earning a paycheck.

“The big thing is performance. If you love to perform, money will come,” Holyfield said. “I know what I’m doing and if I didn’t want to box, I’d say ‘Okay, I don’t want to do it anymore.’”

If he gets by Williams, Nielson, and his third opponent this calendar year, Holyfield hopes to get a crack at a Klitschko brother or David Haye in 2012. While he noted that he has no preference as to which champion he’d rather face, in answering one reporter’s question, he did agree that a bout between he and Haye would make for an interesting fight, given their similar stature as smaller heavyweights.

“It [a fight with Haye] would be good. We both came up from cruiserweight and he’s a skillful fighter,” said Holyfield. “You find that the young guy brings something, but the older guy brings something too. I’d have to outthink him.”

But first, with three fights his goal for 2011, Holyfield will need to find the same fountain from which the forty-six year old Bernard Hopkins drinks. You know, the one that disguises the skills of a world class fighter inside an aging man’s body.

“When I was younger, they said I was too young and now that I’m older, they say I’m too old,” Holyfield said. “But I was able to do it then…You may not get it when you want it but you may still get it if you don’t quit.”

For a man whose practiced this violent trade professionally for over twenty six years, the sport is Holyfield’s ocean. He didn’t quit against Qawi in ’86 and he was rewarded by winning the WBA cruiserweight title via split decision. Now, the resilient Holyfield is refusing to quit his quest to capture a sixth world heavyweight championship. He’s not hanging it up his gloves just yet, he’s not ready to drown.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT

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CHARLOTTE, NC (January 15, 2011) – Former world title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett is involved in a crossroads fight every time he steps into the ring. His next action is scheduled for January 22nd against Charles Davis in one of four pay-per-view fights on the “Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now” card, headlined by living legend Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) defending his World Boxing Federation heavyweight title against challenger Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs), live from America’s resort — The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall — in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

“Redemption In American,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, will be distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

“Redemption” will fuse world class boxing and entertainment; showcasing a production that includes high-energy music presented by Broadway performers, along with dancers and aerial artists. World-renowned saxophone player Clarence Clemons will also headline a live band between rounds and throughout the night.

Competitive, entertaining undercard fights will set the stage for the main event showcasing Holyfield on his journey to become the first heavyweight champion to regain the coveted world title four different times.

Holyfield Open Workouts Monday & Tuesday in New York City

Holyfield will hold back-to-back open workouts – media and public welcome – this coming Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 17 & 18), starting at 10 AM/ET in the Church St. Boxing Gym, 25 Park Plaza.

Barrett (34-9, 20 KOs) takes on Davis (19-21-2, 4 KOs), the former WBC Latino Heavyweight Champion, in a 10-rounder. Barrett was supposed to retire after his July 17th draw with WBO No. 2 rated David Tua, but an HBO job was put on hold due to economics. “I figured I had 3-4 good fights left in me but I was prepared to retire and work in the business side of boxing,” Monte explained, “It didn’t work out, at least for now, and I’m back doing what I do best – box! I was training with some MMA guys and it got the fire in me back, so I took the Tua fight and as a 14-1 underdog I got a draw. Does that tell you who really won that fight?

“My options are to fight Tua again. I’m 39 but with science and technology, being 39 today is like 30. Boxing is a very physical sport and the modern wonders of technology have helped boxers the most of all. We just don’t eat anything like Ali did in his day. There are strict diets and supplements. We’re experiencing the challenge of the body and mind. When I’m fully focused I can be my best and beat Tua. I’m going to stay busy until he mans-up and signs a contract to fight me in New Zealand. ”

The vastly experienced Barrett has defeated the likes of Greg Page, Tye Fields, Owen Beck and Dominick Guinn and fought world champions Wladimir Klitschko, Hasim Rahman for the Interim WBC title, Nikolay Valuev for the WBA World Heavyweight Championship, and David Haye.

Joining Holyfield-Williams and Barrett-Davis on PPV is World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Travis “GW Hope” Kauffman (21-1 (16 KOs) versus 7’ 2” Julius “Towering Inferno” Long (15-14, 13 KOs) in an 8-round match, as well as an interesting opening bout between Lithuania-native Donatas Boundoravas (10-1-1, 3 KOs) and undefeated Willie Fortune (9-0, 5 KOs), of Detroit, in a 6-round bout.

Fighting on the non-PPV segment of “Redemption” is NABA Heavyweight Champion Cedric “The Bos” Boswell (32-1, 25 KOs), rated No. 19 by the WBC, defending his title against Dominique “Diamond” Alexander (19-9, 9 KOs) a 10-rounder. Also on the undercard are a pair of 8-round bouts featuring unbeaten Detroit middleweight Domonique Dolton (9-0, 7 KOs) against Venezuelan veteran Marcos “The Terminator” Primera (20-22-2, 13 KOs), and 2008 US National AAU lightweight champion, Cleveland junior welterweight Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (12-2, 11 KOs), meets 31-fight veteran Ramon “Che” Guevara.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket/hotel packages can be purchased at www.greenbrier.com or by calling 1.800.453.4858. Deadline to book reservations is Jan. 21.

Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.

For more information about the Holyfield-Williams PPV event go to www.greenbrier.com, www.NCMusicFactory.com, www.AmericanBoxingLeague.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.

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WHAT: Open Workout – Media & Public Welcome

WHO: EVANDER “The Real Deal” HOLYFIELD

4-Time World Heavyweight Champion

Atlanta, GA

43-10-2 (28 KOs)

WHEN: Monday & Tuesday, January 17 & 18, 2011 – 10 AM/ET

WHERE: Church St. Boxing Gym

25 Park Place,

New York, NY.

212.571.1333

WHY: To promote the “Redemption in America” PPV pro boxing show, featuring living legend Evander Holyfield against veteran Sherman “Tank” Williams, January 22 at Colonial Hall, The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

“Redemption In American,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, will be distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

Ticket/hotel packages can be purchased at www.greenbrier.com or by calling 1.800.453.4858. Deadline to book reservations is Jan. 21.

Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT. For more information about the Holyfield-Williams PPV event go to www.greenbrier.com, www.AmericanBoxingLeague.com, www.NCMusicFactory.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
CHARLOTTE, NC (January 14, 2011) – Future Hall of Famer Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield is an old-school fighter who has gone new wave in terms training.

The 48-year-old, ultra fit Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) defends World Boxing Federation heavyweight title against challenger Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs), headlining the January 22nd “Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now” Pay-Per-View Event, live from America’s resort — The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall — in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

“Redemption In American,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, will be distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

“Redemption” will fuse world class boxing and entertainment; showcasing a production that includes high-energy music presented by Broadway performers, along with dancers and aerial artists. World-renowned saxophone player Clarence Clemons will also headline a live band between rounds and throughout the night.

Holyfield has accomplished as much as nearly any prize fighter in history during his illustrious 26-year career, defeating a Who’s Who list of the heavyweights and cruiserweights such as world champions such as Mike Tyson (twice), George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, James “Buster” Douglas, John Ruiz (twice), Hasim Rahman, Chris Byrd, Pinklon Thomas, Michael Dokes, Dwight Muhammad Qawi (twice), and Carlos De Leon. Holyfield’s last fight was a win by eighth-round technical knockout against Frans Botha (47-4-3) last April for the vacant World Boxing Federation crown.

Competitive, entertaining undercard fights will set the stage for the main event showcasing Holyfield on his journey to become the first heavyweight champion to regain the coveted world title four different times. If today’s 50 is yesterday’s 40, Evander still has a lot left in tank, largely because of the foundation for success and longevity he established many, many years ago.

“With me,” he explained, “I’ve always had a plan to live a long time. I plan to be heavyweight champion again, too. To live a long life I have had to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Every kid eats what he wants. Once I made the Olympic Team I developed a habit of eating right and there was no sense changing.

“I’ve been an athlete since I was eight and started trying to be successful back then. At some point I reached my goal and have since maintained my conditioning. My training and conditioning has evolved from the start. I go back to the past for some things because there are no reasons to change from a good base foundation. But if something new has proven to work, I do that, too. There’s no sense riding a horse when you have a car. For weight training today there are so many different people, different ways and different equipment. It’s easier using machines (as opposed to free weights) because you don’t need a spotter. I have different machines at home and they’re much safer with kids around.”

Holyfield’s opponent, Williams, is a rugged, durable veteran who has been stopped only once (by Robert Davis in 1999) in 47 pro fights. He has beaten former world champion Alfred “Ice” Cole, fought a draw with multiple world title challenger Jameel McCline, and took former world heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev the full distance in their 2005 fight.

“Fighters take a chance every time they get into the ring,” Holyfield concluded. “I’m not upset with Williams. He’s just taking a chance to make it by fighting me. At 48, I’m going to prove to him that I can still go.”

NABA Heavyweight Champion Cedric “The Bos” Boswell (32-1, 25 KOs) defends his title against Dominique “Diamond” Alexander (19-9, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature, while

former world heavyweight title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (34-9, 20 KOs), coming off of an impressive draw with WBO No. 2 rated David Tua, faces former WBC Latino Heavyweight Champion Charles Davis in a 10-rounder.

World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Travis “GW Hope” Kauffman (21-1 (16 KOs) takes on 7’ 2” Julius “Towering Inferno” Long (15-14, 13 KOs) in an 8-round match.

Also fighting on the undercard in 8-round bouts are unbeaten Detroit middleweight Domonique Dolton (9-0, 7 KOs) versus Venezuelan veteran Marcos “The Terminator” Primera (20-22-2, 13 KOs), as well as 2008 US National AAU lightweight champion, Cleveland junior welterweight Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (12-2, 11 KOs) against 31-fight veteran Ramon “Che” Guevara.

Lithuania-native Donatas Boundoravas (10-1-1, 3 KOs) tangles with undefeated Willie Fortune (9-0, 5 KOs), of Detroit, in a 6-round fight to round-out the card. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket/hotel packages can be purchased at www.greenbrier.com or by calling 1.800.453.4858. Deadline to book reservations is Jan. 21.

Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.

For more information about the Holyfield-Williams PPV event go to www.greenbrier.com, www.NCMusicFactory.com, www.AmericanBoxingLeague.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
CHARLOTTE, NC (January 13, 2011) – ARK Promotions president Rick Lazes today announced a strong, supportive undercard for the January 22nd “Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now” Pay-Per-View Event, headlined by living legend Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) defending his World Boxing Federation heavyweight title against challenger Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs), live from America’s resort — The Greenbrier’s Colonial Hall — in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

“Redemption In American,” presented by ARK Promotions in association with The Greenbrier, will be distributed in North American by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

“Redemption” will fuse world class boxing and entertainment; showcasing a production that includes high-energy music presented by Broadway performers, along with dancers and aerial artists. World-renowned saxophone player Clarence Clemons will also headline a live band between rounds and throughout the night.

Competitive, entertaining undercard fights will set the stage for the main event featuring Holyfield on his journey to become the first heavyweight champion to regain the coveted world title four different times.

The 10-round co-feature pits NABA Heavyweight Champion Cedric “The Bos” Boswell (32-1, 25 KOs) defending his title against Dominique “Diamiond” Alexander (19-9, 9 KOs). Boswell, a Detroit native now fighting out of Atlanta, captured the NABA crown in his last fight, stopping Owen Beck in the ninth round of their December 7 fight. Alexander has been in the ring with former world champion Shannon Briggs and top contenders Odlanier Solis, Kali Meehan and Fres Oquendo.

Former world heavyweight title challenger Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (34-9, 20 KOs), coming off of an impressive draw by WBO No. 2 rated David Tua, takes on former WBC Latino Heavyweight Champion Charles Davis in a 10-round bout.

In an intriguing match-up, World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Heavyweight champion Marshall “GW Hope” Kauffman (21-1 (16 KOs) is matched against 7’ 2” Julius “Towering Inferno” Long (15-14, 13 KOs) in an 8-round bout.

Also fighting on the under in 8-rounders are unbeaten Detroit middleweight Domonique Dolton (9-0, 7 KOs) versus Venezuelan veteran Marcos “The Terminator” Primera (20-22-2, 13 KOs), as well as 2008 US National AAU lightweight champion, Cleveland junior welterweight Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (12-2, 11 KOs) against 31-fight veteran Ramon “Che” Guevara.

Rounding-out the card is a 6-round middleweight clash between Lithuania-native Donatas Boundoravas (10-1-1, 3 KOs) and undefeated Willie Fortune (9-0, 5 KOs), of Detroit. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket/hotel packages can be purchased at www.greenbrier.com or by calling 1.800.453.4858. Deadline to book reservations is Jan. 21.

Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.

For more information about the Holyfield-Williams PPV event go to www.greenbrier.com, www.NCMusicFactory.com, www.AmericanBoxingLeague.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 10, 2010) – Hall of Fame-bound Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield added the World Boxing Federation heavyweight title belt to his overcrowded trophy case, stopping defending champion Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 8th round last night in the main event on “The Legend Returns” card, promoted by Crown Boxing, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Botha (47-5-3, 28 KOs) came out throwing bombs for the first five rounds, buzzing Holyfield (43-10-2, 27 KOs) a few times. Holyfield came on strong at the end of the fifth, taking full control of the fight in the sixth and seventh by throwing letting his hands go and throwing effective combinations.

In the eighth round, Holyfield dropped Botha with a right hand and when a damaged Botha got to his feet, Evander overwhelmed his South African opponent until referee Russell Mora called an end to the fight.

“He is a very good defensive fighter,” Holyfield said after the fight. “He’s a smart fighter, too. His right hand had a lot of power and he’s also a very quick big man. I gave myself a 7. I can get better. I’d been off a long time and I know I can get better. I want to come back very soon.”

“Evander is a great fighter,” Botha remarked. “He capitalized on my mistakes. I thought I had him going early. I have to go home and sit down with my team. Who knows (about his future plans)? We’ll see how he goes forward.”:

In the co-feature, hometown favorite Henry Namauu, 2006 National Collegiate champion at UNLV, stopped a game Rayford Johnson in the seventh round of their back-and-forth battle of tough cruiserweights. Referee Tony Weeks halted the action when Namauu unleashed a series of unanswered, power-packed punches.

Former IBF cruiserweight champion “King” Arthur Williams recorded his 47th career victory, winning a unanimous 6-round decision against previously unbeaten Valente Tinajero (8-1).

Complete Results

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Evander Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs), Atlanta, GA WTKO8 (2:05) Frans Botha (47-5-3, 28 KOs), Newport Beach, CA

(Holyfield wins World Boxing Federation title)

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Henry Namauu (6-3, 4 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WTKO7 (2:43) Rayford Johnson (5-5, 3 KOs), Longview, TX

Arthur Williams (47-16-1, 30 KOs), Pensacola, FL WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 59-55) Valente Tinajero (8-1, 4 KOs), Roy UT

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Lawrence Hughes (4-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV DC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37) Juan Alcolea (2-2, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEMALE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Jennifer Han (1-1-1), Tucson, AZ WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Crystal Hoy (3-21-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Rocco Santomauro (4-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-26) Karl Hammer (1-3, 0 KOs), Clearfield, UT

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS

Alexis Santiago (3-0-1, 1 KO), Phoenix, AZ WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Brice Yeniki (0-5), Las Vegas, NV

Post Fight Press Conference Quotes

Evander Holyfield: “People talk and you act like it doesn’t bother you when they call you old and senile. I’ve been telling people since 1992 when I lost to Riddick Bowe that I was going to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I won 2 but not the third. It’s never been about money. I was brought up poor and never had anything. I was taught to have goals and to never quit.

“Botha gave me an opportunity. People talk about my legacy. It’s about who you’ve fought. They can’t deny me; I fight the best. I always want to fight somebody to get a little credit if I beat ‘em. When I decided to comeback it wasn’t because I’m the type that says he’s one of the best. This is a new era and I didn’t think I’d be in this era. I was laughing a little when I fought George Foreman. He was 42 and I was 29. I rally didn’t want to fight him. He didn’t beat me but he did become world champion again. What I learned from that fight was George said it wasn’t about age but that I will give my all.

“You can’t let people tell you what you can do. I fight because I want to. I wouldn’t be the person I am without opportunities.”

Frans Botha: “I’m honored to fight in Las Vegas and to fight a great champion. Evander Holyfield is the real deal, a true champion and warrior. I can’t feel ashamed to lose to a great champion. I think he’s going to rule again. He has the skill, power and determination, everything to get that title again.”

Boxing fans are ecstatic as Frank Luca’s Crown Boxing presents THE LEGEND RETURNS. The one and only Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield returns to the ring after 16 months to battle Francois “The White Buffalo” Botha in the main event, Saturday, April 10th in Las Vegas.

Holyfield’s pro career spans a staggering 27 years and he holds a record of 42-10-2 with 27 KOs. He’ll be facing one of his toughest opponents to date in Botha, 47-4-3, with 28 KOs. Botha’s boxing 20 year boxing career has taken him to the top, fighting for the Heavyweight title on 3 occasions.

Holyfield will be more determined than ever as he looks to climb the ranks back to the top. At the press conference for the event, Holyfield reiterated that he won’t give up until he is the champion of the world.

Knockout fans be ready and make no mistake, both men are more than capable of knocking out the other. With so much on the line for each man’s career, there’s no doubt the fireworks could come early in this main event! You DO NOT want to miss this event. The undercard will also be filled with heavy hitting, rising stars in the boxing world. For more information about the event and to find out who’s on the fight card, CLICK HERE or visit www.GoFightLive.tv and preorder the live stream to watch THE LEGEND RETURNS, a night of knockouts!

NOTE: This event is not available on GFL in the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, or Canada