6/29/09Amateur Boxing | 3rd Annual Title National Champ.
Submitted

On Tuesday, June 30, over 400 boxers will start their quest for a National Title as they compete in the 3rd Annual Title National Championships. This event is expected to be the premier amatuer event of the summer and will be held in Holly Springs, MS, at the Multi Sports Complex (235 North Memphis Street). Over 37 states have entered and boxers have been entered from as far away as Hawaii and Canada. Sponsored by Title Boxing, Inc. and the event is hosted by Southern Boys Gym (Olive Branch, MS) and Prize Fight Gym (Southaven). Two of the mid-south’s top boxing gyms. Some of the nations top amatuer boxers will be competing.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 901-626-4920 or at the door general admission is $10 per day or $25 for a 3 day pass. Reserved ringside tables (seats six) can be purchased for $300 for the entire event but must be paid for by Monday June 29th. On Wednesday and Thursday, doors open at 6 p.m. with first bout at 7p.m. Finals are Friday and doors open at 1 p.m. First bout at 2 p.m.

6/21/09MMA | Cage Assault Report!
Article by Michael Sheffield

Cage Assault made its debut in FedExForum Saturday night with a card of 14 fights (7 amateur and 7 pro). A near sellout crowd packed into the Grand Lobby and was treated to a
variety of fighters with differing skill levels.


Photo Courtesy of Joe Murphy

The main event of the night featured heavyweights Jacob “"Psycho" Noe against Goldman"The Beast”" Butler. The bout promised two heavyweights with just as heavy hands, meaning it was pretty much guaranteed to not go the distance, and it would not disappoint.

The first round consisted of both fighters locking up against the cage before Butler put Noe on his back, with a perfectly executed right cross to the jaw. Noe was able to survive the round with excellent defense. Noe came out aggressively in the second round and threw himself to the floor after lossing control. He was able to get Butler on the floor and attempt a leg submission which Butler escaped. The two fighters grappled a while longer before Noe tapped out of sheer exhaustion at 2:43 in the second round.

The amateur fighters put on a good warm up show, starting with Tim Bass accomplishing his goal of “"hurting somebody" by eliminating Clint Zyla early in the first round by TKO.

Welterweight Eric Acuna won over a slightly hostile crowd with impressive kicks, punches and ground game that resulted in an impressive arm bar that forced Shawn Allen to tap at 1:17 of the second round.

Former Marine Micah Stockton almost locked in an arm bar too little too late in the second round of a welterweight contest against Thomas Campbell. Stockton was unable to lock in any of the chokes he attempted, resulting in a unanimous decision for Campbell.

Light heavyweight Derek Lehmann came straight from Afghanistan to the cage and defeated Amaechi Oselukwue with a rear naked choke at 2:06 in the third round. Both fighters relied on strength, Muay Thai knee strikes and clinches for an entertaining fight. Lehmann would bloody Oselukwue in the third round before locking in the choke that ended the fight.


Photo Courtesy of Joe Murphy


Eric Ingram would make short work of Maxwell Jordan, who tried to go to the ground game, not knowing Ingram specialized in that too. Ingram managed to finish him in 1:15 of the first round. After the fight, Ingram would say he wanted to stand up with Jordan but was just as at
ease in the ground game.

"I just did what I know how to do," Ingram said in the post-fight interview.

Jason Aldridge utterly dominated Tyrone Daniels in the 1:53 duration of their fight, executing a textbook body slam and guillotine choke to end the fight.

Aldridge wasted no time after the fight letting his intentions be known.“"I want one more amateur fight and then I'm turning pro,"” Aldridge said.

Lightweight Taylor Callens added to his amateur belt collection by collecting his third belt with a surprise triangle choke of Joe Pass, who seemed to be in control of the fight from the beginning.

Pass took Callens down and isolated him into his corner, but was unable to lock in any holds or even throw punches before Callens locked in the choke. Pass attempted to tough out the hold, but had to tap at 2:42 in the first round.

Callens admitted he had no expectations of Pass, but also had no expectations about the next step of his career.“"You'll have to ask my trainer (about going pro) it's all up to him,”' Callens said.

The 5-round welterweight championship between 167-pound Tyler Smith and 170-pound Rick McCracken featured more wrestling than striking. Smith spent most of the fight on his back after not being able to land any punches on McCracken, who constantly looked to take
his opponent to the ground, but couldn't lock in anything to finish him. McCracken won a unanimous decision based on the fact that he was able to impose his will on Smith to get him to the ground, even if he couldn't inflict any lasting damage once they got there.

In the first pro bout of the evening, lightweight Dan Bulkley overcame an early choke by a focused Randy Fields to lock in a rear naked choke at 2:27 of the first round.

After the fight, Bulkley was gracious towards his opponent, but also acknowledged his own successful game plan.“"We knew he was a bad-assed kick boxer and wanted to go to the
ground," Bulkley said. “"I'm glad I got it over with quick."”

Light heavyweight, Teddy Holder also ended his fight quickly, scoring a submission with his second arm bar attempt against Stosh Novak, who tapped at 1:00 in the first round.

A 3-round welterweight bout between Dave "1000 Pound Big Buff" Brown and Jake “"The Hitman" Hecht went the distance. But Hecht was able to use a height advantage to negate the speed and power of Brown, who was able to dodge and counter some of Hecht's more flashy kicks and punches, but couldn't put together enough to defeat Hecht, who won a unanimous decision, due to repeated takedowns and his strategy of tiring Brown out by leaning and laying on him.

The most entertaining fight of the evening was a lightweight match-up between Harry “"Wildchild" Johnson and Terry “"HardCore" Robinson. Johnson, unleashed the entire arsenal of kicks, punches and knees to Robinson's face, actually breaking his nose with a perfect spinning heel kick in the first round.

Robinson displayed a lot of courage continuing with his nose broken and an eventual cut over his right eye. Robinson's biggest kick of the fight came from an accidental low blow at the end of the second round.

Robinson came out aggressive in the 3rd round, trading punches and knees with Johnson and then taking him down. However, Johnson was able to reverse the take down and lock in a rear naked choke that caused Robinson to tap.

Middleweights Abe “"The Cooler” Wilson and Anthony “"Black Shark" Stevens went the distance in a fight that had both fighters at the brink of exhaustion by the time the third round started.

Wilson repeatedly tried to lock in arm bars during the first round, which allowed Stevens to score with punches that nearly opened a cut below Wilson's left eye. Ironically, as the fight went on, it was Wilson who was more energetic when the fighters were on their feet.

Stevens would go on to take a split decision, but both fighters left everything in the cage. Stevens admitted he tired out as the fight went on.

“"He was strong on the ground and I tried to keep my energy up to finish him off, but he's tough,” Stevens said.

Cage Assult will offer another MMA fight in August 8.

6/20/09MMA | Mid-South MMA Championships Report!
Article by Michael Sheffield, @ Ringside, Photo By: JD Meredith


Above: Chris Hawk submits Tel Faulkner with a rear choke at 1:36 in the first round.
Photo: JD Meredith

What started with crowd-pleasing action packed amateur bouts, ended with a controversial stoppage in the pro debut of two local MMA prospects.

After an April rainout, the Mid-South MMA Championships, brainchild of Prize Fight Promotions finally took place under a blazing sunset that didn't deter 2,300 vocal Mississippi fight fans from crowding into the Snowden Grove Amphitheater.

The evening featured 12 bouts (5 professional and 7 amateur) that included everything from skillful grapplers to powerful punchers looking to inflict the maximum amount of damage possible with every blow.

Horn Lake-based Bang! Fighting Gym was the star of the evening as amateurs Dave Martin and Thomas Vasquez and professional Brandon Harder won impressive victories in their bouts. Harder, fought in the main event versus Austin Lyons, who represented Memphis Judo & Jiu-Jitsu.

Harder and Lyons were making their pro debuts after successful amateur careers, but the lightweight fight would be unsatisfying for both fighters. Lyons landed three early unanswered punches that sent Lyons sprawling into the fencing. As Harder advanced to finish Lyons off, the referee stepped in and put an end to the bout after 10 seconds, which visibly angered Lyons, who leapt to his feet immediately to argue the decision.

After refusing the referee’'s explanation and Harder’'s attempt at sportsmanship, Lyons left the cage before the official decision could be announced. It wouldn’'t be surprising to see both fighters in a rematch in the near future, and that rematch has its own built in drama.

In the co-main event, Memphis Judo and Jiu-Jitsu rising star and crowd favorite, Chris Hawk decimated a willing, but unable Tel Faulkner. Hawk eliminated Faulkner with a rear choke at 1:36 in the first round.

Of the professional bouts, all but one fight, between welterweights Gerric Hayes and Jesse Beale ended before the end of the first round.

In the first fight, welterweight Brian White locked in an arm bar that resulted in Travis Adams tapping in 1:02 of the first round.

In a catchweight fight, John David Shakleford also executed a rear choke on Shane Akers at 1:20 of the first round.

Hayes was able to shake off an early 1st round knee to the groin from Beale to score a tap out in the second round. Both fighters demonstrated exceptional ground skills and strength during the fight that was easily the most entertaining professional fight of the evening.

Amateurs Thomas Vasquez and Tim Galluzi were the most impressive fighters in their category, as both showed exceptional skill in dominating their opponents, Buddy Hooker and Darren Hitchcock, respectively.

In a catchweight bout, Galluzi made quick work of Hitchcock, who attempted to be the aggressor early with punches and kicks before being taken down. Galluzi calmly administered a triangle choke to a flailing Hitchcock and by 1:05 in the first round, Hitchcock was dazed
and had to be helped from the ring by the referee and fight doctor.

The featherweight Vasquez needed a round and a half to dispose of Hooker, who displayed a valiant effort and impressive ground game. However, Vasquez’'s ground game was more impressive, as was his showmanship. After scoring a rear choke at 1:24 of the second round,
Vasquez took a bow to the judges and crowd.

Middleweights Dave Martin and Jeff “"The Surgeon" Wiley had the longest bout of the night, with Martin needing all but 20 seconds of the third round to dispose of Wiley, who, while visibly spent after the second round, continued to grapple and attempt to submit Martin, who was bleeding from his nose and ear by the time the fight was finally called a TKO at 2:40 in the third round.

Welterweight Travis Robertson scored a rear choke of Jacob Swatzell at 2:10 in the first round. The fight, though relatively shot was entertaining as both fighters threw kicks, punches and traded takedowns before the choke.

Flyweight Tyreke Lewis defeated Chris Pinson in a debut amateur bout by choke at 2:48 of the second round. Light heavyweight, Pride Vencil also scored a first round choke of “"Slick” Nick" Roberson at 2:02 of the first round. Meanwhile, Houston Lantrip dominated Jeremiah Murray, at 2:59 of the first round. Murray replaced Lantrip’'s original opponent at the last minute.

Guerrero stops Norman!
By Kurt Wolfheimer at ringside, Fightnews.com

Undefeated local hero Fernando Guerrero (14-0, 11 KOs) sent the raucous crowd at Salisbury, Maryland’'s Wicomico Youth and Civic Center home happy on Friday night by dropping Decatur Georgia super middleweight Brian “"The Assassin” Norman(17-9, 5 KOs) two times en-route to a convincing second round TKO victory in the scheduled eight round main event.
With the victory, Guerrero is ready to set his sights on a possible top 20 ranking in the very foreseeable future . . . Click here for more

Mid-South MMA Championships Tonight!
Press release

Prize Fight Promotions will make its MMA debut with Prize Fight MMA at the Snowden Grove Ampitheatre tonight (on Saturday June 19th, 2009) in Southaven, MS. Prize Fight MMA presents Mid-South MMA Championships which will feature 5 pro bouts and 8 amateur bouts. The pro side of the card has been finalized and will feature 5 exciting pro bouts. Prize Fight Promotions has been a mainstay in the boxing world for nearly a decade and a figurehead on the Southern fight scene. Now they look to channel that energy into the world of mixed martial arts and it begins on, Saturday May 9th! Doors will open at 6 pm CST with the first fight beginning at 7 pm CST. See the finalized pro card below!

6/19/09
Mixed Martial Arts at FedExForum's Grand Lobby!
Saturday June 20th!

Memphis, Tennessee — Mixed Martial Arts will make its debut in downtown Memphis when one of the fastest rising sports in America makes its way to FedExForum’s Grand Lobby on June 20 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the event, produced by Cage Assault, are avaiable at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, the FedExForum Box Office or by phone at (800)745-3000. Tickets prices for MMA, which include ringside seat options, are available at $40, $30 and $20. All ticket prices are subject to additional fees and service charges.

This MMA event will feature 12 fights between some of the most promising young fighters from throughout the Mid-South, and is set to take place in FedExForum’s Grand Lobby.

" We are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to work with FedExForum," said Nick Harmeier, President of Cage Assault. "The vision and support they have shown for bringing this exciting and fast growing sport to the state of Tennessee as well as Memphis fans has really been incredible. Mixed Martial Arts is far from reaching its potential within the sporting industry, and the success of this event will mean great things for FedExForum and the city for a long time to come."

For more information go to fedexforum.com or cageassault.com.

6/19/09
Guerrero Flying High
ready to make noise in middleweight division
“ Boxing’s Future Champions” PPV card on PrizeFightTV.com
Article Submitted

SOUTHHAVEN, MS – Undefeated middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero may have been flying under the radar during his young pro career, but that ends Friday night when he fights in his first main event, headlining the “Boxing’s Future Champions” pay-per-view pro card, at Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

“ Boxing’s Future Champions,” presented by Prize Fight Boxing, will air on PPV at HYPERLINK "www.PrizeFightTV.com" www.PrizeFightTV.com, commencing at 8 PM/ET, for only $4.95.
Guerrero (13-0, 11 KOs), born in the Dominican Republic, has become somewhat of a boxing cult hero in his hometown of Salisbury, where he had “banged-out the house” in past appearances there. Even though he’s fought twice on ESPN and once on Showtime, the multi-talented southpaw will really spread his wings starting Friday against Brian “The Assassin” Norman in the 8-round main event.

The 22-year-old Guerrero, who captured gold medals at the World Cadet Junior Olympics and 2007 USA National Championships, embraces the popularity he’s developed at home in Salisbury and he’s prepared to make his mark at a higher level fighting on the HYPERLINK "http://www.PrizeFightTV.com" www.PrizeFightTV.com PPV event.

“ Norman is my height (5-9) and I know he comes to fight,” Guerrero said. “Fans watching me for the first time will see an exciting fighter with all-around skills who is going to do whatever it takes to win. I’m going to give them what they like and want – an aggressive fighter. He’s going to go head-to-head with me, too. The louder the fans scream, the harder we’ll fight. I can’t wait!”

Fernando will also have an opportunity to watch his older (by 5 years) brother, cruiserweight Alex Guerrero, make his pro debut Friday evening in a 4-round bout versus Rodrika Ray (2-1, 1 KO). “My brothers are the reason I’m boxing,” Fernando explained. “My manager and trainer, Hal Chernoff, came by our house to pick-up my brothers to bring them to his gym (Main Street Gym in Salisbury). I was standing outside of our house and Hal asked why I wasn’t coming to the gym. I said, ‘I’m the smart one.’ I was a good athlete and played just about every sport other than boxing. I finally went to the gym, tried boxing, but didn’t like it. I went home and thought things over, thinking maybe I was just being lazy. I decided to box, just to do something, and I’ve been there ever since. It’s about time my brother turned pro and I’m excited about watching him make his pro debut Friday night before I fight.”

The 6-round co-feature matches 2007 World Golden Gloves champion and U.S. Olympic Team alternate, Shawn Porter (8-0, 6 KOs), against upset-minded junior middleweight Dion Savage (5-0, 3 KOs), in a rare match-up of unbeaten prospects.

Unbeaten super middleweights Farah Enis (10-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia, and Bobby Jordan (6-0, 2 KOs) put their unbeaten records on the line in an 8-round bout.

Also on the undercard is exciting middleweight Dominic Wade (2-0, 2 KOs) against Anthony Cannon (4-12, 1 KO) in a 4-round bout, plus Farah’s older brother, Derrick “Pooh” Ennis, Jr. (17-2, 12 KOs), takes on junior middleweight Joshua “Poison” Onyango (14-17, 11 KOs) in an 8-round match.

Ticket prices range between $15.00 and $125.00 (ringside) and are on sale at the Wicomico Civic Center Box Office or on line at HYPERLINK "http://www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org" www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org.

For more information go to HYPERLINK "http://www.PrizeFightPromoters.com" www.PrizeFightPromoters.com or HYPERLINK "http://www.PrizeFightTV.com" www.PrizeFightTV.com. Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first fight 8 PM/ET.

6/18/09Peterson honored in DC!
Photo & Article by Gary "Digital" Williams, Fightnews.com

Interim WBO Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson (27-0, 13 KOs) was recently honored with a resolution by the District of Columbia City Council for winning the title on April 25 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Peterson stopped Willy Blain in the seventh round. At-large council member, Kwame Brown, presented the resolution passed by the council. “Lamont Peterson has demonstrated that perseverance in the face of great adversity leads to ultimate success. This resolution is a tribute to his achievements, which will inspire young athletes in the District to fight for their dreams.”

“ I had the privilege of working with Mr. Peterson during my tenure on the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission and I want to congratulate him on his personal and professional success, borne out of hard work and an unrelenting belief in himself,” said council member Michael Brown, a former vice chair of the commission. “Not only is Mr. Peterson a personal inspiration to the youth of our city, but he has also helped demonstrate to the national boxing community that DC is a world-class boxing destination.”

“ We’re always searching for new opportunities to promote the District, which is a great location for sporting events like boxing and martial arts,” said Council member Brown. “We should show as much dedication to bringing events to the District as Peterson has shown to his boxing career. With that kind of fight, we can make the District a greater tourist destination.”

6/16/09Fernando Guerrero’s 1st Main Event!
Friday night at home in Maryland
Headlines vs Norman in PrizeFightTV.com PPV show in Salisbury
Submitted

SOUTHHAVEN, Miss. (June 15, 2009) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero fights in his first main event Friday night, headlining the “Boxing’s Future Champions” pay-per-view pro card, in front of his passionate hometown fans at Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

“ Boxing’s Future Champions,” presented by Prize Fight Boxing, will air on PPV at HYPERLINK "www.PrizeFightTV.com" www.PrizeFightTV.com, starting at 8 PM/ET, for only $4.95.

“ We’re excited to launch this series and bring world-class boxing to diehard fans all over,” promoter Brian Young said. “For a nominal fee fans can watch a first-class production featuring tomorrow’s champions today. We have six unbeaten fighters, including two former International amateur champions, and two pairs of brothers on this card.”

Guerrero (13-0, 11 KOs), born in the Dominican Republic, makes Salisbury his home and he regularly fights there before a packed house. He has already fought twice on ESPN and once on Showtime. The talented southpaw takes on Brian “The Assassin” Norman in the 8-round main event. The 22-year-old Guerrero captured a gold medal at the World Cadet Junior Olympics and 2007 USA National Championships, among his more notable amateur accomplishments. Norman went the distance against Jean Pascal and he has also been in the ring against Henry Buchanan.

Boxing’s Future Champions
“ It feels good knowing I’ll be fighting in my first main event,” Guerrero noted, “but every time I’ve fought at home, I felt that I was in the main event because everybody left after my fight. Now, everybody knows I’m in the main event.”

The 6-round co-feature pits 2007 World Golden Gloves champion Shawn Porter (8-0, 6 KOs), arguably the top US amateur boxer of the 21st century, against upset-minded junior middleweight Dion Savage (5-0, 3 KOs), in a rare match-up of unbeaten prospects. Porter, a 2008 US OIympic Team alternate, is a complete fighter who has tremendous upside.

Philadelphia super middleweight Farah Enis (10-0, 5 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against another unbeaten prospect, Bobby Jordan (6-0, 2 KOs), in an 8-round bout.
Also on the undercard is exciting middleweight Dominic Wade (2-0, 2 KOs) versus. Anthony Cannon (4-12, 1 KO) and Fernando’s older brother, Alex Guerrero, making his pro debut against cruiserweight Rodrika Ray (2-1, 1 KO) in a pair of 4-round bouts, plus Farah’s older brother, Derrick “Pooh” Ennis, Jr. (17-2, 12 KOs), faces junior middleweight Joshua “Poison” Onyango (14-17, 11 KOs) in an 8-round match.

Ticket prices range between $15.00 and $125.00 (ringside) and are on sale at the Wicomico Civic Center Box Office or on line at HYPERLINK "http://www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org" www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org.

For more information go to PrizeFightPromoters.com or PrizeFightTV.com.

5/8/09Gym Wars #2 - Amature Show is on!
Submitted

Gym wars #2 amatuer boxing show will go on as scheduled, Saturday May 9, at the Southern Boys Boxing Gym in Olive Branch , MS. The 15 bout card will feature Memphis’ own Bobby Bryant against Kani Coleman this will be Bryant’s 5th bout back in 6 weeks after a 10 month lay off.

Also on the card will be at 119 lb. Joey Bryant in the co-main event taking on Greg Young of Birmingham. This is a step up for the younger Bryant who only a year ago was in the 100 lb. division.Bryant has stopped each of his last 18 opponants in under 2 rounds.

Tickets can be purchased at the door $10 general admission. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the first bout starting at 6 p.m. southernboysboxing.com

5/8/09Postponed - Mid-South MMA Championships!
Press release

Prize Fight Promotions has postponed the Mid-South MMA Championships sceduled for tomorrow night (Sat. 5/9/09) due to inclimate weather. The Snowden Grove Ampetheatre is an open air arena. The new date is June 19, 2009. The fight card and location will remain the same.

5/6/09Mid-South MMA Championships Pro Card Finalized!
Press release

Prize Fight Promotions will make its MMA debut with Prize Fight MMA at the Snowden Grove Ampitheatre in Southaven, MS on Saturday May 9th, 2009. Prize Fight MMA presents Mid-South MMA Championships which will feature 5 pro bouts and 8 amateur bouts. The pro side of the card has been finalized and will feature 5 exciting pro bouts including the highly anticipated pro-debut of local favorite Brandon Harder. Prize Fight Promotions has been a mainstay in the boxing world for nearly a decade and a figurehead on the Southern fight scene. Now they look to channel that energy into the world of mixed martial arts and it begins on, Saturday May 9th! Doors will open at 6 pm CST with the first fight beginning at 7 pm CST. See the finalized pro card below!

Click Here for Mid-South MMA Championshjp Fighter Info

BUY TICKETS

5/4/09World Title #1 for Lamont Peterson!
Wins via TKO over Blain RD7!

On April 25, 2009 , In front of ten-thousand fans in Coliseo Ruben, Bayamon Puerto Rico, Lamont Peterson captured the Interim WBO Light Welterweight Title in a victory over the undefeated Willy Blain.

Peterson was nearly perfect on the score cards through six when the southpaw Blain suffered a right hand injury midway through the seventh and was forced to resign.

Up to the injury of Blain, victory was all but certain for Peterson as he controlled the fight behind a tight peek-a-boo defense from which he countered with grinding shots to the body which were opened by a long jab and double hooks up top.

Peterson is now undefeated in 27 professional fights and has captured the first world title.
With this world title we turn to a new page in Lamont Peterson history begins.

Congratulations Lamont!

4/26/09“Swamp Donkey KO's Gustavo in 5!
“FIGHTS AT THE FITZ” April Edition! Photo Gallery!

Porter ND Sparkman (Unintentional Head Butt Rd1 Cut - Stopped after two)
Ennis TKO Austin, RD4
O'Bannon KO1 Ray
Charlo UD4 (40-36 | 40-36 | 39-37) Wiggins

4/21/09“Swamp Donkey Returns" SAT, APRIL 25th!
“FIGHTS AT THE FITZ” PRIZE FIGHT BACK AT THE FITZ

Memphis-TN-Monday, April 20th, 2009- Prize Fight Promotions announced today they are heading back to the Fitz Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi on Saturday April 25th with a five bout fight card. Historically, this boxing series “Fights at the Fitz” has been immensely popular with local fans, and every event is a sell out.

In the 8-round Cruiserweight Main Event, fan favorite Adam “Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-2, 14 KO’s) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee goes up against Gustavo Enriquez (15-8, 12 KO’s) from Juarez, Mexico. This fight will be the first fight back for “Swamp Donkey” since his brutal slugfest between Chazz Witherspoon this past November on the Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy undercard held in Nashville, Tennessee. Also, scheduled on the card in a 6-round Super

Middleweight bout is Farah Ennis (9-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania versus Brad Austin (8-6, 5 KO’s) from Johnson City, Tennessee. In an exciting 6-Round Junior

Middleweight bout Shawn Porter (7-0, 6 KO’s) of Akron, Ohio squares off against tough veteran Sammy Sparkman (21-18, 10 KO’s) of Columbia, Tennessee.

Also, on the card will be a 4-round Heavyweight rematch between Bobby O’Bannon (3-2, 2 KO’s) of Mobile, Alabama as he looks to avenge a controversial decision loss to Rodrika Ray (2-0) of Jackson, Tennessee.

The opening bout of the evening will be a 4-round Welterweight clash between Jermall Charlo (2-0, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas against rugged veteran Tyrone Wiggins of Covington, Tennessee.

Tickets available for purchase at the Fitz’s gift shop priced at $35. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the first fight at 7:30 p.m. For tickets call Ticketmaster at (901) 525-1515, the Fitz Casino at (800) 766-5825 or Prize Fight Promotions (662) 349-6263.

4/15/09Taylor Training Camp Notes!
Going The Distance:
By Norman D. Horton

Jermain Taylor doesn’t want his fight with Carl Froch to even go the maximum 12 rounds — he wants to knock out Froch much earlier. Still, for Taylor, it’s nice to know he can go 16 rounds if necessary.

Taylor is in the tapering-down stage of training camp now, less than 12 days before his WBC Super Middleweight title bout with Froch on April 25 at the MGM Grand Theater at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

The fight card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Hennessy Sports. Tickets are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $75 and $50. Tickets are available at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com your local Ticket Master and MGM Grand Box Office 866-646-0609. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
more

4/4/09Taylor-Froch Tale of the Tape!
From Norman D. Horton

MIAMI, Wednesday, April 8th - Former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor is bigger and stronger than he ever has been in his boxing career — and he wants Carl Froch to know it. Taylor, still in the middle of an intensive training camp in Miami, will fight as a super middleweight for the second time in his career when he tries to take Froch’s WBC Super Middleweight belt from the Englishman on April 25. “I will have a lot of power at 168 pounds," Taylor said. "Pound-for-pound he’s not the fighter I am, and he knows it. He won’t be able to hold up to the firepower I’m bringing in the ring on April 25th.” Taylor easily dispatched Jeff Lacy in his first
fight at 168 pounds, and is prepared to be the aggressor and take the fight to Froch for 12 rounds.

The fight card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Hennessy Sports. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $200, $100, $75 and $50. Tickets are available at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com your local Ticket Master and MGM Grand Box Office 866-646-0609. Showtime Championship Boxing will telecast live from MGM Grand Theater at MGM at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn. at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

4/4/09Bailey knocks out Figueroa! Photo Gallery Online!
Boswell, Hamer also victorious
From Fightnews.com, Photo: JD Meredith / Memphisboxing.com
Randell Bailey (R) KO'd Frankie Figueroa in round four of their IBF Jr. Welter Eliminator with this right hand Friday night On Beale Street. The Fight was Free to the public and Aired Live On ESPN2. Photo: JD Meredith

In an IBF junior welterweight eliminator, two-time former world champion Randell Bailey (39-6, 34 KOs) scored a spectacular fourth round knockout over Frankie Figueroa (20-3, 13 KOs) on a free card presented live by Prize Fight Boxing and DiBella Entertainment outdoors in Handy Park on the famous Beale Street in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Bailey almost immediately knocked down Figueroa with a right hand in round one, but Figueroa evened things up by knocking down Bailey in round two. It was Bailey, however, who ended it with a monsterous right hand in round four that left Figueroa on the deck for several minutes. Time was 1:46. Bailey is now in line to challenge IBF world champion Juan Urangmore

4/2/09ESPN2 FNF "I AM A MAN!" PC Notes!
By JD Meredith, Memphisboxing.com
Randell Bailey (l) faces Frankie Figueroa tonight on Beale Street in a IBF JR Welter Eliminator. The Fight is Free and will also be aired Live on ESPN2. Photo: JD Meredith

Memphis, TN - Preston Lamb and his recently christened Prime Time Sports Bar were hosts to a press conference Thursday for the "I AM A MAN!" ESPN2 FNF televised event that will take place on Beale Street in downtown Memphis, Friday April 3, at the open air Pepsi Pavilion in Handy Park. This boxing event, complete with free admission, is promoted by Prize Fight Boxing in association with DeBella Entertainment and Square Ring Promotions.
Originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, the press conference was moved to Thursday April 2, due to local media frenzy created by former University of Memphis basketball coach John Callipari's announcement that he would leave Memphis to be the new coach at Kentucky. This press conference served as a weight-in as well,

" I have never been more excited about a card than the main event and the preliminary bouts that are all on television tomorrow night. This ESPN card – the main event – with Frankie Figueroa and Randell Bailey, I think is by far the best ESPN main event in years. its going to happen right here tomorrow night on Beale Street. Boxing is a key franchise to Tennessee and it brings revenue and exposure to the city of Memphis." - Brian Young

In a crucial 12RD main event KO artist Randall Bailey (38-6, 34 KO's - 139.6lbs) will toe the line in an IBF junior welterweight eliminator with Frankie Figueroa (20-2, 13 KO's - 139.4lbs).
The winner would face Juan Urango in later summer or early fall.

Randell Bailey (l) faces Frankie Figueroa tonight on Beale Street in a IBF JR Welter Eliminator. The Fight is Free and will also be aired Live on ESPN2. Photo: JD Meredith

Joe Quiambao of DiBella Entertainment and representing Bailey said, "Iwatched Figueroa grow up in the Golden Gloves and now he is one of the top contenders. It will be difficult watching him fight Bailey, one of the hardest punchers in boxing."

I've been waiting for my third shot to win another world title and a lot of guys were pulling out - didn't want to step up and this man did. I'm glad that he did want to take the challenge to fight me so that I could accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion. Friday night, I plan on succeeding - to move forward - To win that third world title." - Randell Bailey

Qiambao also spoke of heavyweight contender Cedric Boswell, expressing DBE's focus on
getting him to a championship and of up-and-coming heavyweight son of Deputy Superintendent of Memphis City Schools, Dr. Irving Hamer, is the 4-0 (4 KO's), amateur stand out Tor Hamer.

Eric Bosher of Square Ring Promotions restated, "This is going to be fight of the year". Bosher introduced Figueroa by saying, "On behalf of square ring we are really proud of Frankie and he is on the cusp of his dream and we're going to see him through."

" I thank Randell Bailey for him giving the opportunity. I don't turn down no fights. If the opportunity is right - the money is right - I'm ready to go. This fight was an opportunity and this is a fight I'm going to take home. I've been sparing very hard - ten to fourteen rounds three times a week. I'm not playing. This is something that I need, I want and I will have. For those of you that are tuning in to ESPN, this will be fight of the year. I go hard. Randell Bailey goes hard. All we do is go hard. He's not hand picked I'm not hand picked so this is going to be phenominal for the state of Tennessee. Don't blink cause there are going to be a lot of punches being thrown or a lot of people going down!" - Frankie Figueroa.

In other fights Mark Davis (11-0, 4 KO’s - 133.8lbs) will face Steve Gonzalez (7-2-1, 4 KO’s - 133.8lbs) in an eight round junior lightweight bout. Davis is a slick, crafty and exciting fighter to watch.

Heavyweight Cedric Boswell continues his round to the heavyweight title (28-1, 22 KO’s - 232lbs) as he faces Harold Sconiers (15-19-2, 10 KO’s - 227lbs) over eight rounds.

Heavyweight up-and-comer Tor Hamer (4-0, 4 KO's - 224.6lbs) will be contended by Kelsey Arnold over four rounds.

Middleweight and USA Olympic Team Alternate Shawn Porter (6-0, 5 KO’s - 156.4lbs) squares up with Eloy Suarez (10-4, 5 KO’s - 156.4lbs) in a four round bout.

Rounding out the card, in a four round middleweight bout Dominick Wade (1-0, 1 KO - 161lbs)is coming off a huge KO win in his first fight to face Luis Hodge (5-7-1, 3 KO's - 163lbs).

Friday night's ESPN fight card did not originally meet the athletic commission's requirement of notifying the state at least 30 days prior an event but an emergency meeting was called by Tennessee State Athletic Commissioner Jeff Mullins. As a result, the state allowed the fight to move forward on grounds that the event would be good for the city of Memphis. An action that Brian Young and Prize Fight Boxing was very pleased with.

Key player in the Memphis boxing community stated, "The Young brothers have once again brought a stellar card to Beale Street. This is a $100 ticket in Vegas and its free here in Memphis. Its unbelievable. Anyone that has never seen a prize fight - this is going to be fight of the year."

Memphis Convention and Visitor's Bureau Chief and fight fan Kevin Kane lauded Mike Glenn and Prize Fight Boxing for what they mean and all they do for the sport of boxing in Memphis.

Kane then spoke on the events title "I AM A MAN!" recalling the turmoil and distress in the city of Memphis forty-one years ago during the Sanitation Worker's Strike. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was drawn to Memphis to fight for equality and share in the struggles of these workers. In Memphis April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated.

Tomorrow night Prize Fight and the city of Memphis will honor the remaining living sanitation workers in the ring as part of an effort to continue the story and dream of Dr. King.

3/30/09ESPN Friday Nigth Fights! Live On Beale Street!
>>>>FREE TO THE PUBLIC<<<<

Memphis-Sunday March 29, 2009-As part of the “I AM A MAN” weekend commemorating the 41st anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's untimely death in Memphis TN, on April 4, 1968, Prize Fight Boxing and DiBella Entertainment will be on the famous Beale Street in downtown Memphis this Friday (April 3rd) live on ESPN2 Friday Night fights.

Prize Fight is honoring the Memphis Sanitation workers who stood firm in their fight for civil rights during the 1968 sanitation strike, some of the actual men and women from that time will be in attendance as Prize Fight salutes them.

“ Saluting these brave men and women is the least we can do for all they did for their generation and ours, Prize Fight is humbled by their contribution and as fight promoters we appreciate their strength and courage they epitomize the word fight.” – Russ Young

Headlining the night's events is Randell Bailey (38-6, 34 KO's) of Miami Fl, going head to head in a scheduled 12 rounds IBF Jr.., welterweight eliminator against Bronx, NY's Frankie Figueroa (20-2, 13 KO's). The winner will be in line to fight for the Jr., IBF Welterweight title.

Heavyweight knockout king Cedric “The Boz” Boswell (28-1, 22KO's) of Atlanta, is scheduled for 8 rounds of action when he steps in against Harold Sconiers (15-19, 10 KO's) who hails out of Tampa Fl.

Undefeated Jr., lightweight sensation Mark Davis (11-0, 4KO's) looks to continue his winning streak when he goes against Nogales AZ?s, Steve Gonzalez (7-2-1, 4KO's).

Rounding out the card are three undefeated prospects. 2008 Olympic team alternate Shawn Porter (6-0, 5 KO's) steps up his game against Eloy Suarez (10-4, 5KO's) of San Antonio TX, in a scheduled four round middleweight bout. Heavyweights Tor Hamer (4-0, 4 KO's) of New York and Kelsey Arnold (1-1-2) from Hurron TN, are scheduled to go four rounds.

Recent Prize Fight acquisition Dominic Wade (1-0, 1KO) of largo MD, will test his leather against Luis Hodge (5-7-1, 3KO's) of Tampa Fl, Wade recently came of an outstanding pro debut at the Fitzgerald Casino, where he KO?d his opponent in less than 30 seconds scheduled for four rounds.

The entire card is FREE to the public.

3/26/09Former Fitz Regular Contends WBC S.Feather Title!

Antonio Davis (26-4, 13KO's) who has fought many times in the Memphis area will battle WBC Super Featherweight Champ Humberto Soto (46-7, 29KO's) March 28, at Plaza de Toros, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. This will be Soto's first defence of his title.

One fighter in common with Davis and Soto is former WBO Super Feather Champ Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 ko's) who has since moved up to the lightweight division. Guzman defended his belt in consecutive fights against the two. First, Davis in 2006 (UD12), then Soto (UD12) nearly a year later in 07.

Their fight will be shown on PPV on the under card of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
vs. Luciano Cuello.