IBF Jr. Middleweight champion Ishe Smith suffered a cut over his right eye that forced the postponement of his July 19th mandatory defense with Carlos Molina according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I suffered an injury [Saturday], a minor setback in my preparation to face off against Molina,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page. “I want to make sure I am properly prepared and in the best form possible to fight him. Not only does he deserve to fight me at my best, but also my family, friends and training team deserve to have me fight at 100 percent.

“It’s very hard to postpone after we have had such a great camp, but the sport of boxing and the fans deserve to watch Molina and I fight at our peak fitness levels, and I just can’t provide that with the untimely injury. With that said, I will be postponing our July 19th fight in order to heal from a cut on my eye.”

“We are very disappointed. Carlos was looking forward to the fight,” Luis DeCubas Sr., Molina’s adviser, told ESPN.com. “We’ll reschedule the fight and Carlos will be ready to go. He is always training. We were ready to go on July 19, but an injury is an injury.”

The Showtime televised show will go on at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas featuring undefeated Super Middleweight Badou Jack taking on Farah Ennis and Lightweight’s Mickey Bey battling former world title challenger John Molina Jr.

IBF Jr. Middleweight champion Ishe Smith will make the 1st defense of his crown on July 19th at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas and will be televised on Showtime according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“This is the homecoming I’ve been waiting for my entire career and there is no way that Carlos Molina is leaving Las Vegas with my championship belt,” Smith said. “He’s a tough fighter and a guy no one wants to fight, but that’s why I have no problem fighting him in my first title defense. I’m here to fight the best and show that I’m a true champion.”

“I respect Ishe Smith for stepping up and taking this fight, because not many world champions would,” said Molina, a top contender who has had a hard time getting top opponents to face him. “That being said, this is my opportunity to win the title and it may not come around again, so I have to make the most of it and I will.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF Jr. Middleweight champion Ishe Smith will defend against mandatory challenger Carlos Molina this Summer.

“We made an agreement to let [Mayweather Promotions] promote the fight,” said Molina’s promoter Leon Margules. “We made a deal on the money, on the airline tickets, on the parameters of the fight. I went back and forth with Leonard and we worked it out.”

“I think Molina can beat anybody in the division, whether it’s Ishe Smith, Canelo Alvarez, Austin Trout, anybody,” Margules said. “He’s hell for anybody, so we’re excited to get a shot at the title.”

DETROIT (Feb. 23, 2013) – Ishe Smith captured the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship and became the first Las Vegas native to win a major world title when he scored a split decision victory over Cornelius “K9” Bundrage in the main event of a special edition of SHOWTIME BOXING at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Mich.

The fight was scored 116-111 Smith, 114-113 Bundrage and 116-111 Smith, who became the 48th ShoBox: The New Generation alum to win a world title.

In a fight that started slow and was tough to score in the early rounds, Smith (25-5, 11 KO’s) was the more active fighter and took over in the second half of the bout. With Bundrage backing up and mostly on the defensive, Smith moved forward and found success with his right hand.

The 34-year-old Smith, a protégé and close friend of Floyd Mayweather, whose Mayweather Promotions promotes Smith, seemed to be the hungrier fighter and fought with a sense of urgency, knowing that he had to capitalize on his first championship opportunity in his 13th year as a pro.

“Thirteen years, man. That’s all I can say,” said an emotional Smith fighting back tears of joy immediately after the bout. “It means everything. Five years ago I was about to kill myself and I thought about my children growing up without a dad and I didn’t do it. I don’t know what to say. I didn’t think I’d be here. I’m so happy for the opportunity.

“I got hurt in camp and Floyd asked me if I wanted to pull out, but I knew I couldn’t give up. This was my chance to become a world champion.”

The 39-year-old Bundrage (32-5, 19 KO’s) was disappointed in his performance in front of his hometown fans.

“Ishe fought a good fight, he won fair and square,” Bundrage said. “He was the better fighter tonight. Of course I’ll fight again. I just need to take it to the next level like when I won the world title. I didn’t listen to my trainer tonight or follow my game plan.”

In an interview with SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray, Mayweather explained his loyalty to his fellow Las Vegas resident.

“Ishe is my guy. I love him,” Mayweather said. “When everybody turned their back on Ishe, I stuck with him. Everyone turned their back on him and I don’t believe in turning my back on anyone. SHOWTIME gave him a chance and I have to thank K9 for giving him a chance, too.”

In Saturday’s co-main event, undefeated middleweight prospect J’Leon Love kept his undefeated record intact with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory (100-90, 99-91 twice) over the tough Derrick Findley.

After three fairly even rounds, Love (15-0, 8 KO’s), of Las Vegas, Nev., by way of Detroit, stepped on the gas in the fourth and staggered Findley with a series of punishing combinations that opened up a cut under Findley’s right eye. While it seemed as if Findley (20-9, 13 KOs), of Gary, Ind., barely survived the round, the bulking boxer bounced back and looked to gain momentum in a few of the latter rounds.

In the 10th, Love, who was pushed past the eighth round for the first time in his career, kept the pressure on and closed strong with a steady dose of right hands and shots to the body.

“It was a tough learning experience,” Love said. “Derrick Findley is a tough fighter, but we asked for Derrick Findley. We asked for a tough fighter. I’d rather have a tough fighter on my resume than some slouch.

“He was very, very aggressive. He gave me some close rounds. but keeping your composure and sticking to the game plan is what I learned.”

The 25-year-old Love had his promoter Mayweather also working as his trainer between rounds in the absence of his usual trainer Roger Mayweather for what proved to be the toughest fight of his career.

“He knows the experience and he knows what I’m going through so there’s nobody better than that,” Love said.

Findley, 28, complained that he got caught with a thumb in his eye early in the bout and that affected his vision.

“I couldn’t’ see after that,” Findley said. “He can’t punch. If he could, I wouldn’t’ have gone forward like I did, but no excuses, he’s the better man tonight.”

Said Mayweather: “It was rough fight. We chose Findley because he’s a rough fighter, but when J’Leon faces a tough fight later on down the road, he’ll be ready for that.”

Middleweight J’Leon Love was taken to ten rounds for the first time but remained perfect by scoring a unanimous decision over Derrick Findley.

It was a good learning experience for Love as he was very effective with the jab early and mixed in some good body punches. Love’s corner was headed by Pound for Pound king Floyd Mayweather who was stepping in for his ill uncle Roger.

Love, 161 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 & 99-91 and is now 15-0. Findley, 161 lbs of Merrilville, IN is now 20-9.

SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, Delayed On The West Coast)

CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE – 152. 8 Pounds

ISHE SMITH – 152.8 Pounds

J’LEON LOVE – 161 Pounds

DERRICK FINDLEY – 161 Pounds

NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD

BADOU JACK – 167.8 Pounds

DON MOUTON – 164.8 Pounds

LUIS ARIAS – 163.2 Pounds

EDGAR PEREZ – 163.8 Pounds

TERRELL GAUSHA – 164 Pounds

LEKAN BYFIELD – 164 Pounds

JOSEPH BONAS – 153 Pounds

COY WITT – 152.2 Pounds

BRAULIO SANTOS – 127.4 Pounds

TERRANCE WALKER – 127 Pounds

STEVE GEFFRARD – 188.2 Pounds

KENTRELL CLAIBORNE – 190.2 Pounds

D’MITRIUS BALLARD – 164.4 Pounds

KELLY HENDERSON – 169.2 Pounds

ABOUT “BUNDRAGE VS. SMITH”:

Bundrage vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, February 23 at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, sponsored by Corona and MGM Grand Detroit and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round middleweight bout between Detroit’s undefeated rising star J’Leon Love and Derrick Findley of Gary, Indiana.

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale now and are available for purchase at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.themasonic.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/K9Boxing, www.twitter.com/IsheSugarShay, www.twitter.com/JLeonLove, www.twitter.com/BadouJack, www.twitter.com/LuisCubaArias, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/stevegeffrard, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BundrageSmith become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

NEW YORK (Feb. 22, 2013) — Since its inception in July 2001, 47 fighters who’ve appeared on ShoBox: The New Generation have gone on to capture a world title.

One of them, Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (32-4, 19 KO’s), of Detroit, will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against fellow ShoBox alum, Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (24-5, 11 KO’s), of Las Vegas, tomorrow/Saturday, Feb. 23, live on SHOWTIME® (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit.

Bundrage fought twice on ShoBox, and in his most recent start, on a Special Edition of the critically acclaimed series, he retained the 154-pound world title with a seventh-round knockout win over former titleholder Cory Spinks in a rematch on June 30, 2012.

But it was his “double-knockdown” fight against southpaw Sechew Powell in his ShoBox debut on May 6, 2005 that will be forever etched in fans’ memories. Both fighters were knocked down simultaneously in the bout’s opening seconds. They each got up immediately, then Powell scored another knockdown with a left hand. Bundrage got up, but stumbled across the ring and fell. He got up again, but stumbled across the ring and fell again. The official time of the fight was 0:22.

“The premise on ShoBox has always been to match prospects tough and when ‘K9’ fought Powell, both were unbeaten,” ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall said. “Bundrage was 21-0 going in, Powell 15-0 at the time. Because of the double knockdown, their fight was one of the most memorable in ShoBox history.

“That ‘K9’ is defending against Ishe Smith on Saturday is a great thing. It’s always neat to have a ShoBox fighter who’s gone on to win a title come back to the network and defend it.”

A resilient Bundrage has gone 8-3-1 since the “double-knockdown” fight, including fighting four times during his stint on The Contender reality show in 2006 and capturing the IBF Junior Middleweight Title with a fifth-round technical knockout win over Spinks in their first fight on Aug. 7, 2010. In his outing before last, in his first defense, “K9” avenged the loss to Powell by winning a dominant 12-round decision on June 25, 2011.

“We could do ShoBox for 100 years and that 22-second double knockdown between Powell and ‘K9’ will always be front and center in terms of memories,” said boxing historian and ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “Given that K-9 suffered that type of loss, and then went on to lose in the semis of Season Two of The Contender, it tells you a lot about his character that he still advanced to become a world champion.”

The double-knockdown loss taught “K9” an invaluable lesson, one that served him well in his career since. “I learned that I have to exercise patience,” he said. “I just try and get better and compete, but the whole key is patience and not getting overly anxious.

“When I fought Powell the first time, I had an associate tell me that he would give me 10 grand for a first-round knockout, so I went for it, but became too anxious and it cost me,” Bundrage said. “At that time, I’d been very active, the most active in my career, so it seemed like a good idea. Turns out it was a terrible decision on my part, but I learned, the hardest way, that I had to fight a with a little more patience, that no matter where I am fighting or who it’s against, anything can happen and that no one is invincible.

“That was the first loss of my life. I came up from the streets. I grew up in the streets but I’d never lost a fight on the streets, so the loss to Powell really took a lot out of me. It humbled me, but my faith got me through. I grew up in the church. I prayed that I could get back on TV again and God granted my wish to be on TV again. The whole thing is, I’d taken the fight with Powell because I wanted to get on TV, and God granted my wish. Right after the Powell fight, I was on The Contender and I’ve had nothing but big fights since.

“Looking back, I see now that it just wasn’t time for me to be where I’m at now, on God’s time and a champion of the world. Now I’m back on SHOWTIME where it all began for me. Thanks to God, and I give all glory to Him. I’ve come full circle.”

Smith, who is seeking to become the first Las Vegas-born boxing world champion, is 4-1 on ShoBox and 1-0 on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

“Ishe was one of many top up and coming prospects who passed their early tests on ShoBox,” Hall recalls. “First, he defeated Sam Garr and David Estrada and then he beat future World Champion Randall Bailey. That got him on The Contender in 2004. Four years later, he came back to ShoBox not as a prospect but as a veteran playing the spoiler role and resurrected his career by upsetting the undefeated favorite Pawel Wolak (21-0 going in) in Wolak’s backyard (Brooklyn, N.Y.).”

Smith credits ShoBox for keeping his topsy-turvy career relevant.

“If not for ShoBox I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “Since my first fight on ShoBox in early 2003, they have always had my back, they have always backed me even when other networks would not approve me for certain opponents, when no one else would give me a chance.

“Really, the entire ShoBox family has been great to me; Nick Charles rest in peace, Steve Farhood, everybody. They have always treated me like family and I feel the same way about them. When Nick, a loveable guy who always showed me so much respect, died, it was as hard on me as it was on them. ShoBox has really been a staple of my career and I thank them for that. It’s awesome getting my first title shot on SHOWTIME. It will almost be 10 years to the day from my first fight on ShoBox.”

Smith is coming off of a lopsided 10-round decision victory over Irving Garcia on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Sept. 8, 2012. His lone loss on ShoBox came in a close decision to then-undefeated southpaw and now world title challenger Fernando Guerrero on July 16, 2010, a result Smith disputes to this day. “I should be unbeaten on ShoBox,” he said. “I definitely felt I did enough to win against Guerrero.”

Regarding Saturday’s matchup, Farhood, who has called every ShoBox fight, said, “Given how long ago both of these fighters debuted on ShoBox, it says tons about both of them that we find them at this level in 2013 fighting in a world title fight.

“I’m so happy Ishe is getting his first title shot because whether he’s won or lost, he’s always given such a great effort on SHOWTIME. He has said many times that he defines himself as a SHOWTIME fighter. He could easily be unbeaten on ShoBox. I scored the Guerrero fight in his favor.”

Fans can expect both veterans to lay it on the line on Saturday.

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday and I thank everyone involved for making the fight happen,” Bundrage said. “I’ve been around this game a long time. This is a great opportunity. Tell Ishe, he’d better be ready. The Dog is coming.”

Smith says he’ll be prepared for anything. “I have no expectations on what to expect,” he said. “Our motto in camp has been to get the win by any means necessary. It’s been a long road, but it’s just awesome and only fitting that I am getting this world title shot on SHOWTIME. I plan to make the most of it and bring the title back to Las Vegas.”

#####

Bundrage vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, will take place tomorrow/Saturday, February 23 at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, sponsored by Corona and MGM Grand Detroit and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round middleweight bout between Detroit’s undefeated rising star J’Leon Love and Derrick Findley of Gary, Indiana.

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

The historic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit was dedicated on November 25, 1926. With 1,037 rooms and 550,000 square feet, and built to house numerous fraternal organizations, it is the largest structure of its kind in the world. This amazing Gothic building was constructed between 1920 and 1926 at a cost of $7 million. George Washington’s own working tools were used to spread the first mortar for the cornerstone. Washington, who was a Freemason used these same tools to lay the cornerstone of the Capitol building in Washington DC.

For information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, and www.themasonic.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/K9Boxing, www.twitter.com/IsheSugarShay, www.twitter.com/JLeonLove www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BundrageSmith or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

CONTACTS:

DETROIT (Feb. 21, 2013) – Undefeated Eight-Time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather joined Cornelius Bundrage, Ishe Smith, J’Leon Love and Derrick Findley on Thursday at the final press conference for Saturday’s SHOWTIME event from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Mich., which his company, Mayweather Promotions, will co-promote with Golden Boy Promotions.

In the main event, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage will defend his title against challenger Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith, live on SHOWTIME® (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). In the SHOWTIME co-feature, undefeated middleweight contender J’Leon Love (14-0, 8 KO’s) of Detroit will risk his perfect record against veteran Derrick “Superman” Findley (20-8, 13 KO’s) of Gary, Ind. in a 10-round fight.

Mayweather, already the highest paid athlete in the world (Forbes, 2012), also discussed the groundbreaking contract he recently inked with Showtime Networks Inc. and its parent company, CBS Corporation. The deal, a unique revenue-sharing arrangement between SHOWTIME PPV and Mayweather, will enable him to fight up to six times over a period of 30 months, with the first mega-event taking place on May 4, 2013 when Mayweather will fight Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Thursday:

CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE:

“This cat right here [Smith], the last time he came to Detroit, he was scared to death. I could see a fear in him. He went home and started Tweeting. He’s a Facebook gangster and now he comes back to my city with The Money Team and all of a sudden he’s hard. I bark outside the ring, but I bite inside the ring. They can’t fight for him. I’ll give him the business and hopefully his boss [Floyd Mayweather] will step up.

“K9 is in the house. The dog is coming. I’m just excited. I’m fighting Ishe Smith, so I’m not worried about The Money Team. I’m not worried about Floyd. We have to do battle. Ishe, you’re not leaving here with that belt. The only think you’re going to have is that Twitter belt.

“He’s a pillow puncher. He’s going down. The only person I fear is God. Him [Smith], I’ll put him down. The thing is, 39-years-old for me is like 21 because I didn’t have an amateur career. I’m coming with everything. It’s going down. May the best man win.”

ISHE SMITH:

“I want to thank SHOWTIME. It’s been over 10 years now since my first fight on SHOWTIME and to think that my first world title shot is coming on SHOWTIME is unbelievable. It’s an unbelievable feeling to be on network TV so many times, even when some of the times I knew I was going to be on the ‘B’ side, they always had my back. It’s 10-plus years of a great relationship and it’s only fitting that this first world title shot to try to become the first-ever Vegas born champion is on this network.

“What can I say about Eddie Mustafa. I hadn’t fought in 18 months and I didn’t know if I even wanted to fight anymore. He told me to come to the gym. He would call me and make sure I was OK. I grew up fatherless so he was like a father-figure.

“This crowd here is full of K9 supporters and that’s great. If you guys came to Vegas, it would be full of Ishe Smith supporters. This isn’t football, this isn’t basketball. You can’t yell at a quarterback and have him hear you. It’s just me and him in the ring. He has to fight and I have to fight too. The one thing about it is he’s going to get touched. I’ve had almost 30 pro fights and I’ve never been down, never stopped. Bottom line is, it’s one-on-one. We’re going to strictly box hard. I’m coming to fight and I’m taking that title back to Vegas. That’s the way it’s going to be.

“It’s like my boy Chico (Diego Corrales) used to always tell me, it’s a war of attrition. You have to go out on your back. I’d rather go out on my back than leave without that title. He can question everything about me, but come Saturday night we’re going to see who’s the real champion.”

“I need to thank Floyd for everything he’s done for me. I’ve had a lot of different promoters in my 13 years as a professional and no one has treated me the way he does. I did communicate with him when he was incarcerated and I carry this letter that he wrote me whenever I fight. He said, ‘You are a champion. Thank you for helping me get ready for the most important fights of my career – Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley. Have that same attitude when you spar and that same determination and no one can stop you. I’m proud of you. Always continue to think about your family when you’re training and push yourself to the limit.’ That’s just half of what he wrote me. At the end he said, ‘I promise I’m going to get you a world championship fight when I get out of jail.’ So we went 18 months without a fight and in less than a year we are fighting for a world championship. I don’t see how anybody can say anything bad about Floyd Mayweather or Mayweather Promotions. I’m not going to do any of that damn barking. I don’t need to do that. This Saturday it’s going to be a good show, it’s going to be a good fight.”

J’LEON LOVE:

“I’m a Detroit native. I love Detroit. This is where I’m from. This is where I caused trouble, did good, did bad. Detroit runs in my blood. I’m going to come out Saturday and do what we do best and that’s fight and put on a good show. We want to put on more shows out here in Detroit, so this is the time to show that we’re ready for whatever. We’re ready for Derrick Findley, whatever he comes with. He’s going to rush, do whatever he has to do, so we’ll be ready for it.

“I come from the dog house. This is where we put all our hard work in. We’re in Vegas putting in the work, running, doing everything we have to do. We have the best trainers and there’s nothing we’re not ready for. We train hard. It’s another day and we’re going to put on a good performance.”

DERRICK FINDLEY:

“I just want to thank J’Leon and Floyd Mayweather for giving me this opportunity. I’m used to going into the lion’s den; I’m used to fighting guys in their backyards, but that stuff doesn’t matter to me. I just got to give it everything I got in the ring. Take advantage of the opportunity and get the win in his hometown. I’ll definitely be ready and I can’t wait until Saturday.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

“I’ve got love for the whole Midwest, and Detroit has embraced me with so much love. Detroit is a great city and the Midwest has produced nothing but a lot of legendary champions. It is great to be here in Detroit and Mayweather Promotions is happy to be here putting on this fight.

“It is going to be a great fight this Saturday night on SHOWTIME. I am telling everyone right now, if they don’t have SHOWTIME already, they have to go out and get it. You can’t miss Floyd Mayweather or Mayweather Promotions fighters who are fortunate to be fighting on this network. For the next 30 months I will give you excitement. You can believe that.

“I promised Ishe a title fight and I lived up to my side of the bargain. Now he has to go out there, perform and get the job done. It’s great to showcase J’Leon Love too, a local Detroit fighter who now trains out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. He is a very exciting fighter and I am looking forward to seeing him fight too.

“Ishe Smith is not a walk in the park for K9 Bundradge. Ishe Smith is not Cory Spinks and he [Bundrage] needs to understand that. K9 is world champion and I give him credit for being in this fight, but he is going in against a great fighter in Ishe Smith and I think Ishe and Mayweather Promotions will prevail Saturday night.

“Saturday night is going to be a great night for Mayweather Promotions, so tune in this Saturday. It’s SHOWTIME coming to you live from the Motor City.

“Emanuel Steward was an icon in the sport of boxing and a legendary trainer. He is truly missed. I actually work with J’Leon Love on a daily basis, so I feel like I am getting my experience as a trainer too.

“I am happy to be the face of boxing and give the fans the excitement they are looking for. It is all about hard work and dedication. I do that every time I prepare for a fight and Mayweather Promotions’ goal is to do that too.

“My career is not over yet. I have done it my whole life and I have always worked hard to be the best. That was my goal from the very beginning. To have my name mentioned with the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Tommy Hearns, so many legendary champions that paved the way for me, I am appreciative.

“I get motivated just by watching the young fighters, going to the boxing matches and watching these young guys come up. Even though it is hard for me to go out to a boxing match, as it does get a little crazy when I show up, I have been doing it lately and being around the sport. Watching the fights is exciting and helps me stay motivated.

“SHOWTIME and CBS, I’ve got to take my hat off to them. They did a tremendous job and I am happy to be a part of this family. It’s not just SHOWTIME. It’s CBS too. I have to give everyone their just due and credit. They are partners, came together and gave me a great deal and one I couldn’t refuse. I couldn’t ask for a better deal.

“I am comfortable in this new relationship and my team is happy too. It’s like a new marriage and I feel good about it. I will be ready to go May 4, Cinco de Mayo. It’s going to MayDay and May-Per-View.

“Robert Guerrero is a champion. For this guy to be mentioned with some of the top fighters in today’s time, he must have done something right or correct in his career. This is a guy who I know I can’t overlook; I have to push myself to the limit. I have to dedicate myself and I have to do what it takes to stay at the top.

“Guerrero is a very aggressive fighter. I am starting to train. As a matter of fact, this week I was out on the basketball court with some young kids working on my cardio. I have to build my cardio up to fight Guerrero. I will not overlook him. I don’t overlook anyone. I know that everyone who fights me is gunning for me, so I have to be ready for what they are ready to give me.

“I am absolutely excited about fighting more. It’s about staying active and that means a lot more of me. Before my career ends, that’s what I am going to give the fans-a whole lot more of me. It’s SHOWTIME baby!

“I am a veteran in the sport. I have been in the sport of boxing for 17 years and I am still doing record-breaking numbers. Boxing isn’t going anywhere as long as Floyd Mayweather is here. The sport is here to stay.

“People don’t understand that I just didn’t wake up overnight and become pound-for-pound champion. My legacy is not based on any one fight and if that was the case, I didn’t need to fight 43 fights. I’ll continue to strive for the best no matter who it is that I’m fighting.

“I don’t think people give me the credit that I’m due for dealing with the drug issues in our sport. I’m the pioneer when it comes to making sure fighters have an equal playing field when we fight. We need to take random blood and urine tests to make our sport fair and safe.

“I am really happy right now. SHOWTIME let’s do it.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA:

“We at SHOWTIME are extremely happy to be back here in Detroit – it’s our first time back since 2010 when we featured Andre Dirrell and Arthur Abraham. Detroit is a city rich in boxing history, for my money probably the deepest in boxing tradition of any city in the U.S. I’d also like to acknowledge Thomas Hearns, one of the legends of the sport, and also a dear friend who you can’t really talk boxing or say anything about Detroit boxing without mentioning, Emmanuel Steward.

“At SHOWTIME we like to do big things, we like to make history. We’re proud to be the first championship boxing event at the Masonic Temple Theatre. Those of you who watch our shows know that last year we had the first boxing event ever at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“As you all know this event is being co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Floyd Mayweather. As you also know, Mr. Mayweather has been in the news this week as the result of a little announcement he made about a deal with SHOWTIME and CBS, which we are very, very proud of. We look forward to a very long relationship.

“Today we’re here because of a different deal, a deal that didn’t quite get as much attention, a deal that was done several months ago when we scheduled this event. It was Floyd’s wish to come to Detroit and bring a high-quality fight card here. So I’d like to acknowledge Floyd and Leonard for doing just that.

“In our main event we have two of the most successful fighters ever to come out of ‘The Contender.’ Two action fighters who have fan-friendly styles. K9 Bundrage is a really dangerous fighter with proven knokcout power and he’ll be fighting Ishe Smith, a veteran who has faced and beaten some of the best fighters in the world. I think this will be an action fight, something you will not want to miss whether you’re in the arena or at home.

“In our opener we’ll be seeing, once again, J’Leon Love. J’Leon is fast becoming one of our SHOWTIME guys. We featured him earlier this year, he’s a very entertaining fighter with an outstanding amateur background, and I think he’s one of the future stars of the sport. At SHOWTIME we match our fighters tough, we like challenges, we like entertaining fights, and that’s why we asked Derrick Findley to be the opponent here. I guarantee that will be an entertaining fight.”

ABOUT “BUNDRAGE VS. SMITH”:

Bundrage vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, February 23 at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, sponsored by Corona and MGM Grand Detroit and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round middleweight bout between Detroit’s undefeated rising star J’Leon Love and Derrick Findley of Gary, Indiana.

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale now and are available for purchase at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.themasonic.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/K9Boxing, www.twitter.com/IsheSugarShay, www.twitter.com/JLeonLove, www.twitter.com/BadouJack, www.twitter.com/LuisCubaArias, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/stevegeffrard, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BundrageSmith become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook

Detroit (February 20) – Eight-Time World Champion and Mayweather Promotions President Floyd “Money” Mayweather landed in his home state of Michigan today to promote this weekend’s Cornelius “K9” Bundrage vs. Ishe Smith world championship fight taking place at Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Mayweather is in Detroit to participate in promotional activities leading up to Saturday night’s fights including the official weigh-in at the Masonic Temple Cathedral Theater on Friday at 1:00 p.m., which is open to the public. Fans are encouraged to attend and arrive early.

Eight-Time World Champion and Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather lands in Michigan ahead of Saturday night’s Bundrage vs. Smith world championship fight at Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit which will be televised live on SHOWTIME.

# # #

Bundrage vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, February 23 at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, sponsored by Corona and MGM Grand Detroit and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The co-main event will be a 10-round middleweight bout between Detroit’s undefeated rising star J’Leon Love and Derrick Findley of Gary, Indiana.

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale now and are available for purchase at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

NEW YORK (Feb. 15, 2013) – So who’s going to win the eagerly awaited IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship fight between defending champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (32-4, 19 KO’s) of Detroit and Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (24-5, 11 KO’s) of Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 23 in the main event live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit?

Neither undefeated WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (26-0, 14 KO’s) nor three top-10 contenders in the 154-pound division, hard-hitting Alfred Angulo (22-2, 18 KO’s) unbeatens Jermell Charlo (20-0, 10 KO’s) and Carlos Molina (17-0-1, 7 KO’s), could predict a clear-cut winner, although they say the challenger may hold the slightest of edges.

What the four boxers agreed on, however, is that this is a compelling matchup that they definitely will be watching and that, most important of all, they want to fight the winner.

Below is what they said about the upcoming world title fight:

AUSTIN TROUT

“I think this is going to be a good ol’ fashioned brawl. Ishe has more technical skills than “K9,” but he still likes to bang it out. I really don’t know who to pick, but it will be a good fight between two guys who are both kind of inactive, up in age and evenly matched.

“I’ll be tuned in and watching, but I have no any personal interest in who wins. I respect both fighters, they are men of God.

“I’ll respect the winner even more if he’s willing to unify the belts. If one guy has an edge, I think it’s probably Ishe more than “K9.” But good luck to whoever wins, and let’s unify.”

ALFRED ANGULO

“I’ll be watching because these are two important fighters in my weight class in a world title fight. One of them holds the IBF title, and the other might be the new titleholder. The outcome could affect my career, so it’s important for me to watch this fight.

“As for picking a winner, I don’t have a preference either way. Both are talented, yet have contrasting and distinct styles. One is more of a technical fighter, the other is a brawler, so it should make for a very interesting fight.

“I think a lot will depend on Ishe’s condition and if he can handle the pressure because K9 throws punches with a lot of power and a lot of fighters can’t handle that.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“There will be a lot of competent fighters in this weight class who’ll have their eyes glued to the TV for this one. The main reason I’ll be watching is to see who will win. I’m anxious to see if Ishe actually made the changes to his style and, if so, if they made him better.

“I suppose I’m rooting for Ishe because “K9” turned me down for a fight before after I thought it was a 95 percent done deal. If he wins I’m pretty sure he’d turn me down again. Ishe is a guy with a lot of heart who comes to fight. Who knows that if he won the title that he would fight me, but I’d be willing.

“As for a flat-out prediction, I see it going either way, but have a feeling someone’s going to get caught with a good shot. At his age and the route he’s been going, I can see Bundrage winning if it goes the distance, but I see Ishe, who doesn’t get knocked out and is more of a boxer than “K9,” coming along. It’s very possible he can win by KO.

“My pick is Ishe by KO, but Bundrage if it goes the distance.”

CARLOS MOLINA

“I plan on attending the fight and look forward to watching. I’m the mandatory challenger in the IBF for whoever wins, so I’m hoping to be fighting the winner. Really, I just want my first world title shot. It’s what I’ve worked for my whole career.

“It doesn’t matter to me who wins as long as there’s no controversy. I wish them both the best. They’re both good people. Ishe said I deserve the title shot and he would fight me next if he wins; “K9” has not been as committal.

“Still, this is a tough fight to predict. Smith is a good boxer and I expect he’ll be boxing more and using his defense. “K9″ is a slugger whose style is to be aggressive, go right after Smith and try to land something early. If Ishe is more aggressive, he can win a decision.”

Bundrage vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, February 23 at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, sponsored by Corona and MGM Grand Detroit and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

The historic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit was dedicated on November 25, 1926. With 1,037 rooms and 550,000 square feet, and built to house numerous fraternal organizations, it is the largest structure of its kind in the world. This amazing Gothic building was constructed between 1920 and 1926 at a cost of $7 million. George Washington’s own working tools were used to spread the first mortar for the cornerstone. Washington, who was a Freemason used these same tools to lay the cornerstone of the Capitol building in Washington DC.

For information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, and www.themasonic.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/K9Boxing, www.twitter.com/IsheSugarShay, www.twitter.com/JLeonLovewww.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BundrageSmith or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 14, 2013)—Boxer Ishe Smith wouldn’t be climbing into the ring and fighting for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship later this month if not for the help of fellow Las Vegas native and resident orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jedediah W. Jones.

“It was Dr. Jones’ care that nurtured me back to health,” said Smith, suffering the serious knuckle injury on his throwing hand during a boxing match in September 2012. “If it wasn’t for his treatment, I would never have had this opportunity. It was a blessing to be able to take this fight because my (knuckle) was in pretty bad shape.”

Smith (24-5, 11 KOs) is attempting to become the first Las Vegas-born fighter to win a world title when he faces current world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (32-4, 19 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Mich., on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

It was just a few months ago that Smith’s career was in limbo because of a hand injury. “Sugar Shay” Smith was facing a mandatory six-month medical layoff by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the 34-year-old boxer knew surgery wasn’t an option because he could be out even longer. So Smith turned to fellow Las Vegas native Jones, an orthopedic surgeon in the Hand Surgery Specialists of Nevada, to create a treatment plan that didn’t involve going under the scalpel.

Dr. Jones examined the metacarpal/phalangeal joint on Smith’s middle finger, diagnosing it as a bruised knuckle and a damaged ligament. The injury didn’t require surgery, rather a detailed treatment program to heal it.

“You need to give the body a chance to heal itself,” said Dr. Jones, who consults on wrist, hand and elbow injuries to UNLV athletes. “I know he wanted to get back to fighting, just like an injured firefighter or police officer who wants to get back to work. (Ishe) understood it was going to take some time to fully heal.”

On the surface a bruised knuckle might seem like a minor injury but for boxers the injury is incredibly painful and potentially career threatening. And if not treated properly, it could be a chronic problem.

“It’s an excruciating pain,” Smith said of the injury. “In boxing, our hands are everything. If I can’t throw that punch without pain, I can’t fight.”

Dr. Jones put a splint on Smith’s finger and laid out a course of treatment. Smith could work on conditioning and shadow boxing but couldn’t land a punch with the injured hand for six weeks. After that period, Smith was allowed to hit a light bag. Although the fighter suffered a minor setback, the injury fully healed. Smith’s recovery took just four months, not the six months or longer some doctors had anticipated.

Smith, who appeared on the original season of the NBC reality show “Contender,” was grateful to once again be pain free. The boxer calls the orthopedist a “caring doctor who listens” and frequently takes to his Twitter account (@IsheSugarShay) to thank Dr. Jones (@DrJedediahJones).

More importantly, Smith has confidence in his hand—and ability—as he’s set for his world title fight.

Dr. Jones will be watching and rooting for the Las Vegas native, knowing the human body’s ability to heal itself and patience is sometimes the best medicine.

“I’m just one part of the team,” Dr. Jones said.

# # #

Photo captions:

Boxer Ishe Smith during a press conference to promote his upcoming fight with Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage. (Photo credit: Golden Boy Promotions/Hoganphotos)

Las Vegas orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jedediah Jones successfully treated Ishe Smith’s for a hand injury.

Note to editors: Dr. Jedediah Jones is available for interviews. He can be followed on Twitter @DrJedediahJones.

DETROIT (February 4) – Due to a bicep injury suffered by Devon Alexander “The Great” during training, his championship defense against Kell Brook, scheduled as the main event of the February 23 SHOWTIME telecast, has been postponed. A new date for the bout is currently being scheduled and will be announced shortly.

The February 23 event at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit will still take place as scheduled with the card now being headlined by the world title showdown between Detroit native and IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage and Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith.

This exciting evening of world championship boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and MGM Grand Detroit. The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Cornelius “K9” Bundrage, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion

“When it was time to decide who I was going to fight, I went to Golden Boy [Promotions] and they presented me with several fighter names. They mentioned James Kirkland, Alfredo Angulo and Ishe Smith. It was special with Ishe because not only did they say I could fight him, but they said I could fight him in Detroit. That was an easy decision for me to make and now we are here.

“Not only am I getting paid, but I am getting paid to fight right here in Detroit. How great is that?

“I had to look up Ishe Smith and guess what, he has some flaws. I won’t really say much about that because I’m not that type of guy. The closer it gets to a fight, the less I talk and by fight week, I barely say a word.

“I see him as a good opponent for me. I never look to fight bums. I always want to fight the best. I am a dog in that ring and trust me when I say I’m coming to bring it.

“I feel like a little Mike Tyson. I am coming to get it. When I was in the hood, I used to take from people. On February 23, he won’t be taking anything from me.”

Ishe Smith, Junior Middleweight Contender

“I know I’m not the fan favorite in Detroit. One thing I’ve learned throughout my boxing career is that haters come with the territory. It’s something you deal with and keep on moving.

“I want to thank Leonard Ellerbe for getting me to this point. I’ve had a roller coaster career and now I’m here. I hadn’t fought in 18 months and Leonard called me and said he was working on something big. Then he called and told me what he and Floyd [Mayweather] worked out. I couldn’t believe it.

“Floyd called me too and said, ‘we got it.’ I’m overwhelmed and am going to leave it all in the ring that night. I owe it all to them to make this happen.

“I owe a lot to Floyd. When he was incarcerated, he sent me a letter telling me to hold it down, he was going to take care of me and not let me down. Now here I am fighting for a world title.

“When you box for a living, you have to get in there, fight and may the best man win. I’m a Christian that believes in free will. It’s my choice to make the most of the situation and do whatever I have to do. I believe and have faith that on February 23, I’ll leave the ring victorious.

“I’m also doing something special for the [families affected by the] Newtown, Conn. tragedy. I have two kids, a son and a daughter, that I was taking to school the morning of that awful incident.

“When I first heard about the shooting, I thought it was another high school situation. Then I heard about those poor little kids. It broke my heart and I started crying just thinking about if those were my kids. So we are making t-shirts for this fight and are going to sell them to honor those kids. All of the money is going to be given to a charity supporting the families and the town.”

J’Leon Love, Undefeated Detroit Prospect

“It will be great to fight in the city of Detroit, my hometown and the place I love so much.

“I believe in God and that’s who I am. Whatever happens is going to happen and that goes for February 23 too.

“I wanted to fight Bronco when I heard we could make the fight. I’m a young fighter on my way up and he is a great veteran of the sport.

“I appreciate all that Leonard Ellerbe is doing to help make my dreams come true. He works really hard on my behalf and it’s a blessing. Just training and being around Floyd Mayweather, my trainer Roger Mayweather and the whole team has been a great experience for me.

“I’m going back to Vegas this afternoon and will be back in the gym tomorrow. I’ll be ready to fight and come February 23, me and my team will all be 15-0.”

Bronco McKart, Former WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion

“This is my twenty-first year as a fighter and I still love the sport. It’s my life and I’m honored to be on the card that brings world championship boxing to the great state of Michigan.

“This city, Detroit, deserves this fight night and this fight too.

“I like J’Leon. I think he is a great young fighter, but come February 23, we are going to get in the ring, do business and see what happens.

“The only thing I turn down is my bed sheets. This is a great opportunity for me. I stay in the gym and lead a very clean lifestyle so young fighters aren’t a problem [for me].

“I know in a couple of years from now I’ll get to say, ‘There is J’Leon [Love], the great middleweight champion of the world…and I beat him!'”

David Itskowitch, COO of Golden Boy Promotions

“On behalf of Golden Boy Promotions we are excited to be here in Detroit where boxing has such a great history. It’s going to be a great show, tickets went on sale today and everyone should come out and enjoy this fantastic night of boxing featuring a great champion in Detroit’s own ‘K9’ Bundrage and the all-Michigan fight between J’Leon Love and Bronco McKart.

“The fight at the Masonic Temple will be historic too. This building is amazing and we look forward to working with everyone here to make this a great night for boxing and Detroit.

“Tickets are priced starting at just $25. To get to see two world championship fights for $25 is an unbelievable deal.”

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“On behalf of Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions, I want to thank everyone for coming out today and supporting this fight. Who doesn’t know about the history of Detroit boxing and the champions who have come from here and the state including Floyd?

“We’re so excited to bring you this big event. Floyd will be here as he took a special interest in making this happen. Not just for our fighters, Ishe Smith and J’Leon Love, but for every fight fan and sports fan in and around the area.

“We want to thank the MGM too for supporting these efforts. We are looking forward to a great night and feel confident in the ability of our two guys.”

# # #

This exciting evening of world championship boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing and is sponsored by Corona, AT&T and MGM Grand Detroit. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME Extreme at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

DETROIT, MI, January 30 – On Saturday, February 23, world championship boxing returns to the Motor City when Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions present an evening of world championship action at The Masonic Temple Theatre which will feature Three-Time and Two-Division World Champion Devon Alexander “The Great” defending his IBF Welterweight World Championship against British star and number one rated IBF welterweight contender Kell Brook in a fight that will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The co-main event of the February 23 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader will see Detroit’s own Cornelius “K9” Bundrage defending his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against Las Vegas’ Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith.

Also featured will be an all-Michigan battle as unbeaten Detroit prospect J’Leon Love takes on former World Champion Bronco McKart of Monroe in a 10-round middleweight bout which will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®(7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

“2013 is going to be a big year for my career and I’m going to get it started right in an exciting fashion against Kell Brook,” said Alexander. “I worked extremely hard to win my title and I’m not giving it away to anyone. This will be a statement-making fight for me.”

“This is the biggest night of my life,” said Brook. “When I turned up at the Wincobank Gym in Sheffield as a nine year old, this was what I dreamed about – boxing for a world title and on February 23, I’ll turn that dream into a reality. I’m in the best physical shape of my life and the best ever Kell Brook will be in the ring in Detroit and there’s no way that I am coming home without that world title. This is my destiny, it’s just meant to be and there’s nothing Devon Alexander can do to stop me.”

“I thank my Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me to be able to defend my title right here in Detroit, in front of all of my family and friends,” said Bundrage. “It’s an honor to be able to bring world championship boxing back to the city of Detroit. I always train hard and am prepared for what my opponent might show me in the ring. No man can close doors that GOD has opened. Nothing will be different this time and it will be a special night of boxing for everyone. I will be victorious February 23 in Jesus’ name.”

“I want to thank Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions for believing in me and my boxing talents and helping make this dream to fight K9 [Bundrage] for his title a reality,” said Smith. “I know he’ll have the hometown advantage, but I’m not worried about that. I’m preparing for the fight of my life and I feel confident that I’ll beat him and become the new champion.”

“It feels great to be able to fight in Detroit, my hometown and the place where I learned how to fight,” said Love. “I’m excited to show everyone that I’m on the road to a championship and nothing will stop me from achieving my lifelong dream. Training and working with Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions in Las Vegas has given me another level of appreciation for hard work and determination.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to fight in Detroit one more time,” said McKart. “I’ve had a long and great career and still feel comfortable fighting for pride and glory. J’Leon Love is a young and exciting fighter from this area too, but I feel that my experience will be too much for him to handle and that I’ll be victorious on February 23. I hope everyone in and around Detroit will come out and support this great night of boxing.”

“Devon Alexander and Kell Brook have been waiting to take care of business in the ring and we’re going to the fighting city of Detroit for them to settle the score in one of the biggest fights of early 2013,” said President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Plus, Detroit’s own ‘K9’ Bundrage is back in his hometown to take on longtime contender Ishe Smith in an important showdown for both men. We also have ‘The Battle for Michigan’ when J’Leon Love takes on his toughest test to date in Bronco McKart. It’s a can’t miss night for Detroit sports fans”

“This is an exciting opportunity for Mayweather Promotions and everyone knows Floyd Mayweather is from the great state of Michigan too,” said CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leonard Ellerbe. “Detroit is tremendously important to boxing and we are excited to add to its history on February 23. In addition we feel extremely confident that our fighters, Ishe Smith and J’Leon Love, another Michigan man, will come away with victories, setting them both up for much bigger things in the near future.”

“Boxing fans are in for a real treat when Devon and Kell meet as they are two of the best 147 pounders in the business,” said Eddie Hearn Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing. “Kell Brook is a special talent and has dreamt about this moment since he first laced up those gloves. He has trained like a man possessed and he is coming to America to make a huge statement and bring that title back to Britain.”

“We are looking forward to another great night of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING featuring two world title fights in the boxing-rich city of Detroit,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The event will showcase one of the most talented 147-pound fighters in the world, Devon Alexander, and the U.S. television debut of U.K. star Kell Brook as well as exciting undercard action.”

This exciting evening of world championship boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing and is sponsored by Corona, AT&T and MGM Grand Detroit. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME Extreme at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $200, $125, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale now and are available for purchase at the Masonic Temple box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

A technical wizard with speed and finesse in the ring, St. Louis’ Devon Alexander (24-1, 13 KO’s) is a master boxer who has already won world titles in two divisions despite being only 25 years old. Alexander is the former IBF and WBC world title holder at 140 pounds, with wins over Lucas Matthysse, Juan Urango and Junior Witter to his name. In 2012, “The Great” made his move to welterweight and by the time he was finished defeating former World Champions Marcos Maidana and Randall Bailey, he was crowned the IBF Welterweight World Champion. On February 23, he makes the first defense of his new crown.

England’s latest unbeaten sensation, the popular Kell Brook (29-0, 19 KO’s) has mowed past all opposition placed in front of him over the last eight years. After winning the British WBO intercontinental and IBF international welterweight titles, he’s ready for his close-up on the world stage. With 2012 wins over Matthew Hatton, Carson Jones and Hector Saldivia, the talented 26-year-old from Sheffield has proven he has the talent, style and determination to justify his number one rating.

Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (32-4, 19 KO’s) turned professional in 1995, but it wasn’t until 2006 that he got the opportunity to introduce himself to the world as a member of the cast of NBC’s hit boxing reality show “The Contender.” On the show, Bundrage won two fights before a controversial loss to Steve Forbes in the semifinals. However, he was undeterred and went back to the gym and began building his post-Contender career. On August 7, 2010, he scored a fifth round technical knockout win over Cory Spinks to win the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship. He has since defended his title with rematch wins over Sechew Powell and Spinks and now looks to take out Ishe Smith on February 23.

Las Vegas’ Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (24-5, 11 KO’s) has battled the best for years, scoring wins over the likes of Randall Bailey, Alfonso Gomez, David Estrada and Pawel Wolak. Another cast member on the first season of “The Contender”, the 34-year-old Smith captivated the nation in and out of the ring. After decision losses at middleweight to top contenders Danny Jacobs and Fernando Guerrero, Smith has run off three straight wins, proving that at 154 pounds, he is a dangerous force to be reckoned with.

Detroit’s J’Leon Love (14-0, 8 KO’s) took his game to the next level in 2012, going five for five with two knockouts, two dominant decisions and a disqualification win. How will the 25-year-old former amateur star top that in 2013? Odds are that he will find a way with his ever-expanding skill set and exciting style, both of which will be on display on February 23 against former World Champion Bronco McKart.

Now in his 21st year as a professional, Monroe, Michigan’s Bronco McKart (54-10-1, 32 KO’s) has forgotten more than most fighters know about world-class boxing. The 41-year-old former WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion has battled the likes of Winky Wright (three times), Raul Marquez, Roman Karmazin, Kelly Pavlik and Travis Simms over the course of his career. With wins in three of his last four fights, McKart is ready for his battle for Michigan pride against Love.

The historic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit was dedicated on November 25, 1926. With 1,037 rooms and 550,000 square feet, and built to house numerous fraternal organizations, it is the largest structure of its kind in the world. This amazing Gothic building was constructed between 1920 and 1926 at a cost of $7 million. George Washington’s own working tools were used to spread the first mortar for the cornerstone. Washington, who was a Freemason used these same tools to lay the cornerstone

of the Capitol building in Washington DC.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.matchroomboxing.com and www.themasonic.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/MatchroomBoxing, www.twitter.com/DAlexandereal, www.twitter.com/SpecialKBrook, www.twitter.com/K9Boxing, www.twitter.com/IsheSugarShay, www.twitter.com/JLeonLove, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #AlexanderBrook or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Lucas Matthysse scored a tenth round stoppage over previously undefeated Alusegun Ajose to win the WCC Interim Super Lightweight title at the Joint at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Matthysse battered the tough Ajose with some wicked shots that the Nigerian took and showed a granite chin. Ajose tried and at times was competitive from his southpaw stance. Matthysse was relentless in landing some wicked power shots until he was able to to drop Ajose and the fight was stopped at 2:59 of round ten

Ajose, clearly frustrated with his performance also spoke with Gray. “I’m alright. Matthysse is a terrific fighter. This is what inactivity will do to you. I am a bit rusty, nothing to take away from Matthysse. He is a terrific puncher. He came to fight and he came to win.”

Ajose graciously continued, “I think he is the hardest puncher I have ever fought. I have to give it to him. I know I can do better than what I did tonight. I’m a good champion. I fall down and I get back up. I’ll be back.”

Matthysse, 139 lbs of Trelew, Argentina is now 32-2-1 with thirty knockouts. Ajose, 139 lbs of New York is now 30-1.

After the victory Matthysse told SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray, “He was a tough rival and he had a lot of mobility in this fight. I thought I had him a couple of times. He is a strong fighter and I felt his power tonight.”

When asked who he would like to face next Matthysse answered confidently, “Anybody. It will be very difficult to take this belt. I’ll fight anybody right now.”

Ajose, clearly frustrated with his performance also spoke with Gray. “I’m alright. Matthysse is a terrific fighter. This is what inactivity will do to you. I am a bit rusty, nothing to take away from Matthysse. He is a terrific puncher. He came to fight and he came to win.”

Middleweight J’Leon Love scored an eight round victory over Ramon Valenzuela via disqualification after Valenzuela attempted to lift up Love in a scheduled ten round bout.

Love was very solid by boxing and working Valenzuela by landing shots with bot hands. Valenzuela had minimal success trying to work the body. Ironically Valenzuela had his best flurry early in round seven as he tried to make it a rough fight. Later in the round, Love landed a big flurry in the corner for which it made Valenzuela hold on and was docked a point by referee Jay Nady.

In the next round, Love picked up where he left off and when the two clinched, Valenzuela lifted Love off his feet and Nady waved the bout off at thirty-seven seconds.

Love, 161 lbs of Las Vegas is now 13-0. Valenzuela, 159 1/2 lbs of Chicago is 7-2.

Perennial contender Ishe Smith scored a ten round unanimous decision over Irving Garcia in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Smith was very solid throughout the fight as he dropped Garcia in round two from a right hand that preceded by a hard body shot. Smith dominated as he boxed very well and landed many solid shots for which Garcia took well but was never able to mount any sustained offense.

Smith, 154 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 100-89, 100-89 and 99-90 and is now 24-5. Garcia, 154 lbs of Vega Baja, PR is now 17-8-1.

Good looking teenager Dequan Arnett scored a fourth round stoppage over Jesus Tavera in a scheduled six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Arnett dominated from the first bell as he showed terrific speed while landing some hard combinations against the overmatched Tavera. In the fourth round, Arnett continued to land quick shots and combinations before a big right hand forced referee Tony Weeks to stop the bout at 1:37 of round four.

Arnett, 153 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Tavera, 153 lbs of Atlanta, GA is now 4-3-1.

NEW YORK, NY (August 3, 2011) – DiBella Entertainment has added Irish middleweight contender Matthew “Mack the Knife” Macklin to its ever-growing stable of fighters. Macklin, 29, is an intelligent boxer-puncher, who has shown that he is not afraid to engage or press the action when necessary. He is currently ranked #4 by the WBA, #7 by the WBO, and #12 by the IBO, and has nothing but big fights on his mind as he joins the same promotional roster as middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and middleweight contenders Andy Lee, Brian Vera, Ronald Hearns, Peter Manfredo, Jr., and Ishe Smith.

There are times when a loss brings more positive attention to a fighter’s career than any of his previous victories. Coming off his most recent fight, a controversial loss to “Super” WBA middleweight titlist Felix Sturm, that statement could not be truer of Macklin, 28-3 (19 KOs). But now, Macklin is looking for redemption under a new promotional banner, a deal to bring him to the United States that was facilitated by Brian Peters, his manager since 2005.

“I am really happy to be signing with DiBella Entertainment,” said Macklin. “I’ve known Lou DiBella for many years. I met him in Manchester when Paulie Malignaggi fought Lovemore Ndou in 2008. We spoke about doing something together last year, but the timing wasn’t right. I feel that we’re now on the same wavelength. I’m excited about the future and I feel that I am in very good hands with Lou.”

Born in Birmingham, England, to Irish parents, Macklin was studying law at Coventry University while simultaneously competing as an amateur boxer. After winning the national senior Amateur Boxing Association of England welterweight title in 2001, Macklin made the decision to put his studies on hold, to the ire of his parents, in order to pursue a professional boxing career.

In Glasgow, Scotland, on the undercard of future featherweight champion Scott Harrison, Macklin stopped Ram Singh in just 112 second, on November 17, 2001. Going on to win his first nine bouts, six by knockout, Macklin built up enough of a reputation to challenge for the British junior middleweight title. Fighting Andrew Facey on November 6, 2003, Macklin lost a razor-thin 10-round decision by one point, with a score of 96-95.

Macklin bounced back from that defeat winning three straight before fighting professionally in Ireland for the first time against Michael Monaghan for the Irish middleweight title, on May 14, 2005, his 23rd birthday, at National Stadium in Dublin. Macklin won the belt with a fifth-round knockout, at 1:28 of the frame.

Three months after winning the Irish middleweight title, Macklin traveled across the pond to get his first taste of fighting in the United States, winning two bouts by knockout, stopping Leo Laudat in three in Atlantic City, and Anthony Little in two in Philadelphia.

Three fights later, Macklin would engage Jamie Moore in one of the best fights of 2006, in his second attempt to win the British junior middleweight crown. Fighting Moore at George Carnall Leisure Centre in Manchester on September 26, Macklin was quickly drawn into a brawl and the two continued to fight in the trenches for over nine brutal rounds, before the Irishman would succumb to a knockout halfway through the 10th frame.

“I fought Jamie Moore at the wrong weight,” said Macklin. “Although I shouldn’t have fought Moore’s fight, making weight was the problem in that bout. I felt weak, I had no stamina and no reflexes. I stayed at welterweight and junior middleweight for far too long. I am a middleweight.”

Maintaining a busy schedule over the next two years, Macklin would win his next six fights, three by knockout, including a 10-round decision over veteran Yori Boy Campas. Macklin then returned to his hometown of Birmingham to challenge Wayne Elcock for the British middleweight title on March 14, 2009, winning by TKO in the third. Macklin followed that up with a fight against Finnish Amin Asikainen six months later and destroyed him inside one round to add the European title to his collection.

After defending the European title in two of his next three victories, Macklin was poised to make a big slash on the world-boxing scene with a bout against former junior middleweight champion Winky Wright set for Las Vegas. However, that bout did not come to fruition when Wright pulled out after suffering an injury in training. A WBA eliminator against Khoren Gevor next presented itself with the winner to face Felix Sturm. Contractual issues led to Macklin pulling out of that contest, but he was rewarded with a direct shot at Sturm and, despite losing a highly controversial split decision on the champion’s home turf, made a statement with his dynamic performance.

“I went over to Germany and I proved myself. I felt that I won,” said Macklin, who lost the split decision by two votes of 116-112 for Sturm and a 115-113 tally in his favor. “I feel that if we fought 100 times, I would beat him every time. If it were up to me, I’d fight him next, although I don’t think he has any intention of pursuing a rematch with me. If he wants to fight me again, it’s an easy fight to make, as he is his own promoter. I think he knows that he cannot beat me. He’s not going to come to Ireland or England. Fighting Sturm in New York would be great, but I would go back to Germany if I had to. I’d expect a fairer crack at the fight. I think the German officials would be under a lot more pressure to make sure things were on the level, given the controversy of our first fight.

“I think the Sturm fight was an eye-opener for the boxing public at large. Sturm is a leading man in the middleweight division and I think I proved that I am among the top three middleweights of the world.”

DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella is excited about his new recruit.

“I viewed signing Macklin as a no-brainer,” said DiBella. “I have Sergio Martinez, the real middleweight champ, the best in the world. But clearly Matthew handled Sturm with ease and he has a claim at being the second-best middleweight in the world. He’s going to want a shot at Sergio and eventually that will make sense.

“I’m very, very happy with the deal,” he continued. “I happen to like the kid very much and that is part of it. There are certain guys who have very pleasing styles for TV. This guy rumbles but he also has skills. He’s fun to watch and made a case that he stands near the top of the middleweight division with the way he fought Sturm.”

Las Vegas, NV- Middleweight contender Ishe Smith is a free agent once again this week following a split from promoter of two years Lou Dibella, and Dibella entertainment. Smith and Dibella mutually parted ways following a seven month inactive streak for Smith.

“I’d like to thank Lou for granting me the opportunity to seek out a new promotional contract. I’m excited to explore the field in free agency, and as always just want to get back into the ring.” Smith noted in regards to the situation.

Smith has stated that he is open to fighting at either 154 or 160 lbs. should the right opportunity arise, and feels he is able to compete with the world’s elite at either weight class. The Las Vegas native has also expressed hope that his free agency stint might allow him the opportunity to realize his dream of fighting in the United Kingdom.

“I’d love to fight overseas, it’s always been something I’ve been interested in and they have a number of guys over there that would make for interesting fights. Martin Murray and Darren Barker are two fights that may make sense in the near future.” Smith stated.

Smith had a strong 2010, giving the undefeated Fernando Guerreo all he could handle in a disputed decision loss, and stopping Alexander Quiroz in November. Smith appeared on national television twice in his stint with Dibella, once in the Guerrero fight which was showcased on ShoBox and featured as one of the network’s top fights of the year, the other being an HBO meeting with Daniel Jacobs in the summer of 2009.

Fargo, ND- light middleweight contender, Ishe Smith, will have an opportunity to stay active and put himself in position for a major bout in the 154 lb. division when he returns to the ring on November 5, at Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND. Smith will participate in the non-televised portion of Showtime Boxing’s first appearance in North Dakota, presented by Lou Dibella Entertainment.

The televised portion of the card will be headlined by Edwin Rodriguez (16-0) taking on James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (23-2-1), and Marcus Johnson taking on an opponent to be named. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, October 14th, 2010 at 11 a.m. and are available by calling the Scheels Arena box office or at ticketmaster.com.

Smith (21-5) is making his return to the jr. middleweight division after spirited efforts in the 160 lb. class against Danny Jacobs and Fernando Guerrero in his last two bouts. Smith was able to put the undefeated Guerrero on the canvas with an 8th round knockdown and won the fight on the unofficial scorecards of the Showtime broadcast team, despite ultimately being dealt a controversial decision loss.

In addition to taking on two of boxing’s top middleweight prospects in the past year, Smith, the former “Contender” star, has also served as a sparring partner to some of the sport’s top names, including Zab Judah, Chad Dawson, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Joining Smith, Rodriguez, and Johnson on the star studded card will be Shobox alumni Mickey Bey and Antwone Smith, as well as upper Midwest boxing stars Andy “Kaos” Kolle and Javontae Starks.

Tickets range in price from $20-$65.

Ishe Smith turned professional in 2000 and has captured NABO, WBC Continental, and USBA welterweight titles. Becoming a household name by participating in NBC’s The Contender in 2005, Smith has since appeared on national television numerous times.

Along with holding several marquee victories Smith has also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya as a sparring partner. Smith is based out of boxing’s capital city of Las Vegas, Nevada, and is coached by world renowned trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

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Fernando Guerrero remained undefeated with a highly entertaining unanimous decision over Ishe Smith in a Middleweight bout at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi.

Smith started out well early as used a punishing body attack in an effort to slow down the the twenty-three year old Guerrero. Round three was especially competitive as the two stood toe to toe. Guerrero seemed to forge ahead slightly as he took the middle rounds in what was very competitive and high paced action.

In round six, Smith was docked for low blows by referee Randy Phillips. Guerrero and Smith continued to pound away at each at close quarters with Guerrero getting the better of the action by the slightest of margins. Guerrero was having a good round eight until he walked into a right hand that sent Guerrero to the canvas. Guerrero rebounded nicely to have a nice round nine as the two continued to land some heavy shots with Smith continuing his vicious body assault. Guerrero started the tenth more aggressive as but Smith did well with his counters and the fight seemed close enough where the winner would be in doubt.

Coming in to tonight’s matchup, Smith (21-5, 9 KOs) was quoted as saying, “I’m going to take Guerrero into deep waters and see if he can swim.” Guerrero (19-0, 15 KOs) proved to be a buoyant battler by withstanding an eighth round flash knockdown and ten rounds of body shots from Smith. Though most of the body work was legitimate, referee Randy Phillips twice warned Smith, of Las Vegas, Nev., for repeated low blows before deducting a point in the sixth round.

It wasn’t the case at the judges had wider then it looked scores of 97-91, 96-93 and 95-03 for Guerrero, 159.7, lbs of Salisbury, MD and is now 19-0. Smith, 158.9 lbs of Las Vegas is now 21-5.

Shawn Porter used a six round knockdown to catapult himself to a ten round unanimous decision over Ray Robinson in a Welterweight bout.

Robinson seemed to be the more consistent fighter as he used cominations to the body as Porter would come in. Porter landed the more telling blows and rocked Robinson on several occasions.

In round six, Porter dropped Robinson from a combination along the ropes. That seemed to have turned the tide as Robinson was not as effective heading down the stretch as he was earlier in the fight.

Scores did not indicate the competitive nature of the bout as the judges turned in cards that read 99-89, 98-91 and 97-92 for Porter, 147 lbs of Cleveland and is now 16-0. Robinson, 148 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia is now 11-2.

“It was a hard fought victory. My dad (and trainer, Ken Porter) asked a lot of me and I did what I could to deliver. It took a lot of heart and we’re going to keep going from here.”

Michael Dallas Jr. scored the best win of his career with an eight round unanimous decision over Lanard Lane in a battle of unbeaten Jr. Welterweights

Dallas was quicker and constantly landed some nice combination’s, especially to the body of Lane as Lane never really got into the fight.

Scores were 78-74 on all cards for Dallas Jr., 141.8 lbs of Bakersfield, CA and is now15-0-1. Lane, 142 lbs of Houston, TX is now 12-1.

Sources have told 15rounds.com that highly regarded Jr. Middleweight Shawn Porter will take on Ray Robinson in a fight mandated at 150 lbs in Memphis, Tennessee and will be part of a tripleheader that will feature Fernando Guerrero battling Ishe Smith as well as Lenard Lane taking on Mike Dallas Jr.

The card will take place on July 16

Porter of Akron, Ohio is 15-0 with twelve knockouts. Robinson of Philadelphia will be looking to rebound from his first professional loss on December 3rd to Brad Solomon and has a record of 11-1 with four knockouts,

The Tripleheader will be telecasted on Showtime.

Memphis, TN- Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith(21-4) will keep his streak of challenging the best opposition alive when he goes toe to toe with middleweight prospect and NABO champion Fernando Guerrero(18-0) at the DeSoto Civic Center In Memphis, TN on July 16 on Showtime. Smith will again move up to middleweight to meet the hard hitting Guerrero.

Smith will be fighting above his primary weight of 154 lbs, but the Former Contender star has put forth exceptional performances in the middleweight class. Smith will be making his fifth appearance on Showtime, a network which he has compiled a 4-0 record on, the last appearance being a dominating performance over then undefeated Pawel Wolak in 2008.

“It’s a network I call home, I’m 4-0 there and excited to head back” said Smith.

Guerrero is 18-0 with 15 knockouts, but faces his toughest test in Smith, who has never touched the canvas, much less been stopped in his professional or amateur career. Smith’s last bout at middleweight came with a gutsy effort against undefeated Danny Jacobs in 2009, while Guerrero picked up a knockout win over Mike Walker earlier this year. Although inactive in 2010 thus far, Smith served as Floyd Mayweather’s primary sparring partner in preparation for Shane Mosley this Spring, and says he feels prepared to take on the big stage once again, whatever the weight may be.

“160 will not be a problem this time around, It’s going to be a beautiful thing. Fernando Guerrero is all we are focused on right now.” Smith noted.

Also on the card will be undefeated Shawn Porter, and Olympian Gary Russell Jr. Tickets go on sale Saturday June 5 and can be purchased at the DeSoto Civic Center ticket office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Ishe Smith turned professional in 2000, and has captured NABO, WBC Continental, and USBA welterweight titles. Becoming a household name by participating in NBC’s The Contender in 2005, Smith has since appeared on national television numerous times.

Along with holding several marquee victories Smith has also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya as a sparring partner. Smith is based out of boxing’s capital city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas, NV- Seasoned welterweight veteran Ishe Smith(21-4 9ko’s) who was invited into pound for pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather’s training camp as a sparring partner is now aiming to make his own return to the ring.

Smith who was recently followed by whispers of a match up with Kassim Ouma, has no fight signed as of now, but would like to make it clear that he is aiming to take on the man that gave him the first loss of his career over five years ago, Sergio Mora(22-1).

“ Coming off the opportunity to spar in the Mayweather camp I learned a lot, and am primed for a major fight. The first time we fought it was a split decision in a five round fight. I’ve been calling for the rematch since then and he has never shown any interest” Smith said regarding Mora.

Smith, who came up short in his last outing against rising star Danny Jacobs(19-0), made a statement in 2008 by handing prospect Pawel Wolak (26-1) the first loss of his professional career. While Mora previously held the WBC junior middleweight title, his last outing was at 160 pounds, a weight Smith has said he has no problem with.

“There is no reason not to fight. People only got to see the edited version of the last fight and didn’t see how bad I hurt him in the last 30 seconds”

Smith and Mora first squared off in the semi finals of the inaugural season of NBC’s The Contender. Mora edged out a split decision, in a five round bout. Although Smith had experience going ten rounds, and Mora eight at the time of the fight, the five round format was a part of the tournament that served as a disadvantage to the more experienced contestants.

Sergio Mora is listed to appear on the recently announced Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz card July 31 at Mandalay Bay, although no opponent has been announced.

Smith has stated that he is open to bouts at either junior middleweight or middleweight.

Ishe Smith turned professional in 2000, and has captured NABO, WBC Continental, and USBA welterweight titles. Becoming a household name by participating in NBC’s The Contender in 2005, Smith has since appeared on national television numerous times.

Along with holding several marquee victories Smith has also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya as a sparring partner. Smith is based out of boxing’s capital city of Las Vegas, Nevada.