Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

***WBA Ratings confirm Valuev as undisputed WBA Heavyweight Champion***

The latest WBA Ratings published on www.wbanews.com have confirmed Nikolai Valuev as the undisputed WBA Heavyweight Champion. The Russian Giant is listed as the sole heavyweight champion, with Ruslan Chagaev having been moved to the number one spot of the rankings. Furthermore, Chagaev is not considered “champion in recess” any more. “We welcome the WBA´s decision,” said Chris Meyer, General Manager of Team Sauerland. “It confirms what we have been saying for a long time – that Nikolai Valuev is the undisputed WBA Heavyweight Champion.”

Chagaev had twice pulled out of fights with Valuev in May and July 2008. The third attempt – a fight in Helsinki – fell through in May 2009 when Chagaev was unable to fulfil the Finnish boxing federation´s medical requirements. “Since the new ratings clearly state who the true champion is, we can now submit the applications for official approval of Niko´s next fight – the voluntary defence against David Haye,” Meyer added.

Valuev´s clash with Haye is scheduled for November 7.

Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. Scores Impressive Stoppage on ESPN FNF Undrecard!

By: Cestus Press

Cestus Management’s 140pound destroyer Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. thrilled the live crowed at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas, by brutally stopping the game and vastly experience Tomondre King in the forth round. Luna Jr’s fight was part of the undercard that featured world ranked Antonio Escalante fight Cornilius Locke in the ten round main event.

In the opening round, Luna Jr. came out displaying impressive skills; shooting double and triple jabs which snapped King’s head back. The “NIGHTHAWK” followed his jabs with hard shots to both the head and body leading King to wince in pain. Luna Jr. continued his vicious assaults throughout the second and third rounds systematicaly breaking King down. In the last minute of round three Luna Jr sensing that he could put King away really stepped up the attack, trapping King on the ropes and nailing him with a booming straight right hand to the chin, just as the bell sounded to end the round. King looked like he was glad to hear the bell as he walked back to his corner on very shacky legs.

The “NIGHTHAWK” came out for the forth and final round with thunder in his fists and rattled off a hellacious six punch combination the head and body which seriously hurt king. The thousands of fans in attendance went wild as they sensed the end was near. Luna responded back to the fans and gave them what they wanted and went after King putting together a brutal display of punching power connecting with a right uppercut followed by a left hook to the side of the head which left King defenceless After the last two shots landed the referee had seen King take enough punishment and called a halt to the contest at 1:28 of the round awarding Robert Luna Jr. a knockout victory. The “NIGHTHAWK”s record improves to 5-0 with 3 knockouts.

After the fight, Robert Luna Jr. said, “I feel great and am glad that I was able to give the El Paso fight fans a great and exciting show. I told everybody i would give them a red hot performance and that’s exactly what i did. I hit King with some vicious body shots and overhand rights that really hurt him and really slowed him down. The referee did the right thing and stopped the fight, as King could have got seriously hurt. I still have a very long way to go and i know that this is only the beggining,but i will keep giving my best evreytime i fight.

Mike Michael, Cestus Management’s advisor, said, “The boxing fans in El Paso (Texas) were going crazy with the energy and brute force that they witnessed as Robert really put a brutal beating on his opponent. Luna’s natural strength is extrodinary and his nonstop, vicious approach is exhilarating. The way he ended the fight is a testament to the NIGHTHAWK’s vast potential.”

Michael added, “Cestus Management would like to personally thank Golden Boy Promotions for this great opportunity. Also, we would like to thank the great fightfans of El Paso , Texas , for their support. And lastly, I would like to personally thank Anthony Velasquez (Gente Entertainment) for his continued support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BROADWAY BOXING FEATURING JOELO TORRES RETURNS TO NYC ON AUGUST 26

(July 24, 2009) DiBella Entertainment is bringing its signature series, Broadway Boxing, back to the place it was meant to be: under the bright lights of New York City. The popular series will return August 26th and BB Kings Blues Club & Grill in the heart of Times Square. The main event will feature unbeaten junior welterweight Joelo Torres (10-0-1, 6 KOs) of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

The undercard is already shaping up as former Olympian Argenis Mendez, unbeaten heavyweight Tor Hamer, and exciting youngsters Luis Del Valle and Eddie Irizarry are on tap to perform.

Promoter Lou DiBella is excited by what is in store for fight fans when Broadway Boxing returns to New York City, featuring some of the world’s best young talent.

“There’s no place like New York City for boxing, and there’s no place for boxing in New York City like BB Kings,” said DiBella. “It brings me great pleasure to bring the Broadway Boxing series back to Times Square, and I promise to deliver a night of hot, summer action.”

Since its inception, the mission of Broadway Boxing has been to bring the world’s most exciting young fighters to forefront. Joelo Torres certainly fits the bill. Not only does he boast an undefeated record, but his power has been evident as of late, with four of his last five wins coming by way of knockout.

Already a popular fighter in his native country, Torres now has his sights set on making a name for himself in the big city.

“This is my second home,” said Torres. “I’m always excited to come to New York, especially to fight on Broadway Boxing. I can’t wait for the bell to ring and show the fans what I’m made of.”

The co-feature will showcase Mendez (13-1, 8 KOs), who represented the Dominican Republic at the 2004 Olympic Games, and is one of the newest additions to the DiBella Entertainment stable. His slick, yet crowd pleasing style, has made him widely recognized as one fighter to keep an eye on in the years to come. In his last fight, Mendez returned home to the Dominican Republic to win a decision over Arturo Gomez.

Hamer (7-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of New York, NY, is already on the fast track to being boxing’s next sensation in the heavyweight division. A graduate of Penn State University and with an education in power, Hamer stole the show in his last fight – a brutal first round knockout of Marcus Dickerson.

Del Valle (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Newburgh, NY, was one of the most accomplished amateurs in the world, and is no stranger to the Broadway Boxing audience. In his last fight Del Valle, whose amateur triumphs include first place finishes at the 2004 National Golden Gloves and the 2005 Under 19 National Amateur Championships, won a 4-round unanimous decision over Tommy Atencio in front of a packed crowd at BB Kings.

Irizarry (6-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx, NY, is one of the most popular fighters in New York City due to his all action style. August 26th will mark the sixth time in his young career that Irizarry has fought in New York, but his first appearance on Broadway Boxing.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale and can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577. Tickets are $55 for General Admission, $75 for Floor Seats, $100 for Ringside Tables, and $125 for VIP Ringside. Additional Information can be found by visiting DBE on the web at http://www.dbe1.com

LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT MARVIN QUINTERO
LOOKS TO CONTINUE WIN STREAK ON SHOWTIME

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Friday, July 31, Live on SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT,

From Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, Calif.

NEW YORK (July 23, 2009) – Talented, once-beaten prospect Marvin Quintero (16-1, 12 KOs) hopes to continue his ascension through the ranks with a win over hard-hitting veteran Tyrone Harris (23-5, 15 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight bout on Friday, July 31, live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated bantamweight prospect Chris Avalos (10-0, 8 KOs) will take on knockout artist Andre Wilson (11-2-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and will originate from Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Quintero has won his last two fights on ShoBox and 12 in a row, including nine by knockout, since his lone professional loss on Aug. 9, 2005. The 22-year-old has registered knockouts in more than 70 percent of his fights.

Quintero, who is from Julio Cesar Chavez’s hometown of Culiacan, Mexico, is a speedy southpaw with solid boxing skills. But the hard-hitting Mexican may have a weak chin; his sole loss came via first round knockout in his fifth professional fight. Since then he’s won 12 fights, nine by KO.

“Quintero is an aggressive, hard-punching lightweight prospect from Mexico who fights more than he boxes, often to the displeasure of his handlers,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “In that sense, he reminds me of Antonio DeMarco, who slugged his way to a few wins on ShoBox and is now preparing to fight for a version of the 135-pound title.

“This will be Quintero’s third appearance on ShoBox, so we’ll be able to gauge in rate of improvement. One thing I’ve learned about prospects: You need to see them a few times before making sweeping conclusions. The first time I saw Quintero was in an off-TV fight, and he looked average. Since then, he’s stepped it up.’’

“He’s the quintessential ShoBox prospect and a fighter I always look forward to seeing in action.’’

In his last fight on May 1, on ShoBox, Quintero dominated Wes Ferguson over eight rounds winning an easy decision by the scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

At the end of the second round Ferguson staggered Quintero and then swung big, missing and slipping to the canvas.

“I had my opportunities to knock him out but I wanted to prove to people that I could box,” Quintero said. “It was a very tough fight but none of his punches ever hurt me. I give myself a nine out of 10. I could have worked harder training for this fight.”

In his first ShoBox appearance and just his second in the United States, Quintero registered a third-round TKO over Nick Casal on Jan. 16, 2009.

Now, Quintero has a difficult challenge against the more experienced Harris. Eight of Harris’ 15 knockout victories have come in the first round, so Quintero, who has proven he is vulnerable early, has to watch out for the flash-KO.

“I know I have to keep winning if I want to climb up the division,” Quintero said. “This is a big fight for me. I want to be a world champion, but first I have to beat this Harris. Believe me, I’m ready.”

The 28-year-old Harris, of Lansing, Mich., is looking to bounce back after a tough loss to No. 1- ranked World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 3 ranked World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight contender Urbano Antillon on May 1, 2009.

“This is a must win for me,” Harris said. “A win over a good prospect like this guy is exactly what I need to get my career back on track. “

ShoBox’s veteran play-by-play announcer Nick Charles agrees this is a fight that Harris needs to win.

“I’ve always thought Tyrone Harris has talent,” Charles said. “He stepped up and failed on ShoBox. There’s no doubt he’s the opponent, but I’m interested to see if Harris can turn his career around.

“The hope is he won’t treat this like a payday, but rather like the last opportunity to really make it in boxing.”

The unbeaten Avalos, of Lancaster, Calif., is getting his first shot on SHOWTIME after appearing on the non-televised undercard of ShoBox or SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts for eight of his 10 professional fights.

Of the 19-year-olds’s eight knockouts, five have come in the first round.

“I’ve seen guys fighting on the big stage for the SHOWTIME cameras, but now it’s my chance,” Avalos said. “I’m ready for the big stage. I’m walking out of that ring undefeated.”

Charles hopes to see Avalos develop as a fighter in his first SHOWTIME appearance.

“I’m always genuinely excited to see somebody with skills and upside potential become a genuine prospect,” Charles said. “Chris, I’ll be calling you’re fight and also watching carefully from a critic’s perspective.”

The power-punching Wilson, of St. Joseph, Miss., will be hoping to end the fight early. Like Avaolos, he has had only two fights go past the fourth round.

“I’ll be looking for the KO,” said the 26-year-old Wilson. “This guy hasn’t lost and I plan on taking that away from him. I’ve been training hard and I’m ready.”

“Hook City” goes Green

Jones-Lacy headline Aug. 15 PPV in Biloxi

BILOXI, Miss. (July 23, 2009) — “Hook City” has gone green, using Australian import and 2-time world champion Danny “Green Machine” Green, that is, and environmental issues aside, rest assured, Al Gore will not be working his corner August 15th in Biloxi.

Green fights South American champion Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez in the 12-round co-feature for the vacant IBO cruiserweight championship. The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, headlined by two of the best left-hook punchers in boxing, 8-time world boxing champion Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and former 2-time super middleweight title-holder Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs, will air live from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show, presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95.

Jones, who has been world champion in four divisions (middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight), has spoken about possibly fighting Green for the one weight-class title RJJ hasn’t captured between 160 and 201+ – cruiserweight — provided he gets past Lacy and Green defeats Dominguez.

WBA rated No. 4 Green (26-3, 23 KOs) has fought only once as a pro in the United States, seven years ago, when he stopped Rhon Roberts in the third round of their fight on the Kostya Tszyu-Ben Tackie undercard in Las Vegas. A 2000 Australian Olympian, the rugged “Down Under” fighter captured the IBF Interim super middleweight belt in 2003, registering a sixth-round TKO against Eric Lucas in Canada. Four years later, Danny won the WBA light heavyweight crown at home in Perth by 12-round decision versus Stipe Drews.

“I’m very, very excited about fighting in the United States again,” Green said. “I can’t wait. I’ve trained in America, LA and Miami, about 10 times. I have fond memories of fighting in America. The day after my fight, I married my girlfriend in Las Vegas at the Elvis Presley Chapel and Elvis Presley (impersonator) married us.”

Green retired after the Drews fight and he then demonstrated his fancy footwork on the Australian version of “Dancing With The Stars,” eventually finishing as the runner-up. “It was extremely close and I nearly took it all,” he noted. “I had a lot of fun doing it. I was a token celebrity. I laughed my way all the way through it. I must have gotten five or six standing ovations. I’m laid back and can laugh at myself. I think Australians related to me. If you dance around in tights with an exposed shaven chest and don’t find it humorous…there has to be something wrong with you.”

Last April, Green made a successful comeback, knocking out Anthony van Niekerk in the second round. “I’m a fighter, mate,” Danny explained his reason to comeback. “I still can’t put a finger on why I retired. I woke-up one morning and just had it in my head. My dad always said to follow through with what you were feeling. I nearly came back 2-3 months earlier than I did, but I was worried about what people would think. I finally decided that I didn’t care what anybody thought. I had unfinished business and a lot to offer to the sport. I live clean, take good care of myself, and love the sport. Now, everything is fantastic. I’m fighting August 15th in America, where the pulse of the sport is, and if I defeat my opponent, I’ll have an opportunity to fight the great Roy Jones, Jr. in Australia, if he defeats Lacy.”

Dominquez (20-4-1) will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time, having worked outside of his native Argentina only twice, in the Ukraine and Germany. He won the vacant South American light heavyweight title last November, knocking out Martin Abel Bruer in the fifth round, followed by a fourth-round TKO victory against Claudio Sergio Palacio this past May in his last action.

“People don’t know what it’s like to fight the first time for a world title,” Green continued. “I can’t put a statistic on how much hunger improves a fighter. I remember my first title fight against (2003) against (WBC super middleweight champion) Markus Beyer in Germany. I dropped him twice. I was beating him from pillar to post until they disqualified me. It was ridiculous. In the next fight, though, I went to Montreal and beat Eric Lucas in front of thousands of screaming French-Canadians for the (Interim) WBC belt.

“Dominguez is going to be very hungry. I have to concentrate on him 100-percent and defeat him in a good showing. If I don’t do that there will be no fight against Roy Jones, Jr. That’s my dream fight. If I don’t beat him, no Roy Jones, Jr. and my career will probably be over. Dominguez can punch. He’s the South American light heavyweight champ fighting for the IBO cruiserweight title. Hey, I don’t have to starve myself anymore to get down to light heavyweight. He can punch and bang. He’s got skills and sets everything up with his jab. But he has to set his feet before he throws and, when that happens, I’ve got to bang him. I have power, too, with 23 knockouts in my 26 wins. Even though he doesn’t have world title experience, he has balls and so do I. We’re both putting them on the line for the American people. The style we employ won’t be pitter-patter; one of us is getting knocked out and I’m preparing so it won’t be me. Tell American fights fans that Danny Green is coming!”

Lightweight contender Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs), former NABA and USBA champion, is also scheduled to fight on the PPV card in a 10-round bout.

All bouts are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00, $125.00, $100.00, $75.00, $50.00 & $25.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations by calling 800.745.3000, on line at Ticketmaster.com and at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.

Devon Alexander Works Out for Media in St. Louis

Undefeated WBC No. 1-Ranked Super Lightweight Opens His Final Workout to the Media Before Departing for Rancho Mirage, Calif., to Make His First Appearance in a World Championship Match Against former WBC 140-pound champion Junior Witter

Marquette Gym – St. Louis – Media Workout – July 23 – 1:30 p.m. CT

ST. LOUIS—Undefeated World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight and mandatory challenger Devon Alexander “The Great” opened his final workout today to the media in his hometown Marquette Gym in St. Louis prior to departing for Rancho Mirage, Calif., to make his first appearance in a world championship boxing match.

Alexander will face former WBC super lightweight champion Junior “The Hitter” Witter on Aug. 1 for the same title that was recently vacated by Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, who, ironically, is fighting on the same SHOWTIME-televised doubleheader (9 p.m. ET/PT) at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort and Spa against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell.

“I’ve watched tapes on Junior Witter,” Alexander said. “He’s a crafty, slick fighter that likes to take pot shots at you when he gets the opportunity. My goal is to give him something where he will not be able to stay with that all night. I want to dominate him for 12 rounds. I want to be smart and aggressive at the same time.”

Alexander has had the same promoter, Don King, since he turned professional and the same trainer, Kevin Cunningham, since he began boxing as an amateur.

“From what I’ve seen in Witter, I see an experienced, savvy veteran that can be awkward at times but I think a sharpshooter like Devon can make him pay for his mistakes,” Cunningham said. “Witter does have the edge in experience but Devon has fought guys all over the world going back to his amateur days. Youth, speed, talent and persistence are things that Devon is blessed with so he can overcome anything he put his mind to.

“I think at some point in this fight it’s going to come down to the fact that Junior Witter is going to realize he’s in the ring with a young, hungry and extremely talented fighter that will prove that he wants it just a little more.”

Raw Quotes

Devon Alexander “The Great” – “It means a lot to me to be fighting in my first world championship match. I started in boxing when I was 7. I come from a rough St. Louis neighborhood where most people go to jail or end up dead. I heard gun shots every night where you have to hit the ground and check to make sure the bullets didn’t hit you. This is a tremendous opportunity God has blessed me with to be fighting for a world title.

“There are 13 kids in my family including me and I’m the only one that can change my family’s direction and give them more opportunities to succeed in life. I want to show them a different way of life.

“I’m a natural southpaw. I’ve got speed and power but I don’t force my power. I can box on the outside like Sugar Ray Leonard or stand in the middle like Iron Mike, either way is fine with me.

“When the bell rings, the game plan turns on. I feel my opponent out and I try to dictate my style onto him and adjust to whatever he brings. For example, in my last fight against Chuy Rodriguez—a good fighter from California—my coach told me to feel him out and pop the jab. Rodriguez turned out to be a scrappy guy, but I knew I was too much for him if I stayed in my game rather than play to his strengths.

“I trained my whole career alongside Cory Spinks. He is so slick and fast and I’ve always tried to become as crafty as he is. He taught me to relax and have fun in the ring and not be over-anxious. The name of the game is to hit and not get hit and I had a front row seat to one of the best at that. I definitely try to carry those abilities into the ring with me.

“I’ve watched tapes on Junior Witter. He’s a crafty, slick fighter that likes to take pot shots at you when he gets the opportunity. My goal is to give him something where he will not be able to stay with that all night. I want to dominate him for 12 rounds. If he’s still there, I want to be there all day for him, giving him punches in bunches where he gets more than he gives. I want to be smart and aggressive at the same time.”

Kevin Cunningham (trainer and manager of Devon Alexander, and Cory Spinks) “Training has gone great. Devon is peaking at the right time. He’s been excellent in training and sparring. He’s looking spectacular.”

“The kid is definitely ready. Since he was an amateur, he has always been above the curve, advanced. When he fought in the national Golden Gloves, he asked me to doctor his birth certificate because he was three months short, he wasn’t 17 yet. I put him in with the adults and he won the whole thing when he was 16. He’s always been ready so I know he’s ready for his first world championship fight.

He had nearly 300 amateur fights. He’s undefeated at 18-0. He’s been successful in three 12-round fights on his way to his first world championship. He’s faced a former world champion, a world title challenger in Miguel Callist and some top contenders. He’s definitely ready.

“From what I’ve seen in Witter, I see an experienced, savvy veteran that can be awkward at times but I think a sharpshooter like Devon can make him pay for his mistakes. Witter does have the edge in experience but Devon has fought guys all over the world going back to his amateur days. Devon has sparred with some of the top professional fighters in the world as well so it’s just a matter of him executing in the ring.

“Youth, speed, talent and persistence are things that Devon is blessed with so he can overcome anything he put his mind to. It’s just a mater of execution. I think at some point in this fight it’s going to come down to the fact that Junior Witter is going to realize he’s in the ring with a young, hungry and extremely talented fighter that will prove that he wants it just a little more.”

Team Ruiz: Valuev-Haye

Wishful Arrogance

LAS VEGAS (July 23, 2009) – Team Ruiz believes a potential World Boxing Association title fight title between champion Nicolai Valuev and David Haye is nothing more than a matter of wishful arrogance.

Team Ruiz has already contacted the WBA inform the WBA Championship Committee that WBA mandatory challenger, 2-time WBA heavyweight John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs), will not stand by and allow the reported Valuev-Haye title fight in November.

Despite reports from both camps, Valuev-Haye has not been sanctioned as a WBA title fight, and cannot be without a special permit being requested, filed and passed. Ruiz is the mandatory challenger, Valuev’s deadline for his yearly mandatory defense is August 30, and Haye isn’t rated by the WBA.

Ruiz’ advisor and attorney, Anthony Cardinale, and prominent boxing lawyer, Judd Burstein, emailed all concerned parties the following:

“There has been a recent press release quoting David Haye as claiming that he has come to an agreement to fight Nicolai Valuev for the WBA title this coming November. I am writing to inform the WBA Championship Committee that John Ruiz, the WBA Heavyweight Official Challenger, will not stand by and allow such a bout to take place.

“First, Valuev must honor his mandatory obligation to John Ruiz.

“Valuev won the title on August 30th, 2008 and had an interim title fight against Evander Holyfield last December, when the WBA ranked Holyfield out of nowhere to accommodate Valuev and his promoter. Following that Holyfield bout, Valuev was scheduled to fight (Ruslan) Chagaev last April to clear up the heavyweight title situation. On behalf of Mr. Valuev, Mr. (Pat) English claimed that the Chagaev fight was the equivalent of a mandatory bout, requiring Mr. Ruiz to wait a year for a chance. Chagaev was, however, medically declared unfit. Since, he then fought, in violation of specific WBA rules, for the IBF and WBO championships, and lost. Therefore, he no longer may be considered the WBA champion.

“Accordingly, with a year since his last championship victory about to pass, Valuev must fight his next bout as his mandatory against Mr. Ruiz. John Ruiz will not sit by and permit another delay so that Valuev can have another interim fight, especially against another opponent who is not even rated by the WBA. If the WBA Regulations are to have any meaning, there can be no other result. Put simply, John Ruiz has not agreed to permit any bout for the WBA Heavyweight Championship unless he is one of the participants, and he will take any and all legal action necessary to protect his interests.”

HBO SPORTS DOCUMENTARY ASSAULT IN THE RING REVISITS THE

BILLY COLLINS JR. AND LUIS RESTO WHEN IT DEBUTS AUG. 1 ON HBO

HBO Sports presents ASSAULT IN THE RING, a documentary about the ill-fated junior middleweight bout between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and its subsequent effect on both boxers. Debuting SATURDAY, AUG. 1 (10:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO, the special explores the events that profoundly impacted the New York sports landscape and the world of boxing, and changed the lives of two athletes.

Other HBO playdates: Aug. 1 (3:00 a.m.), 3 (11:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m.), 6 (12:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.), 9 (10:00 a.m.), 12 (5:20 a.m.), 14 (6:30 p.m.), 18 (4:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 22 (9:30 a.m.) and 29 (6:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Aug. 2 (10:00 p.m.), 7 (5:30 p.m.), 11 (2:10 a.m.), 15 (3:30 p.m.), 27 (6:30 p.m.) and 31 (11:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m.)

HBO On Demand availability: Aug. 3-31

“This film will revisit one of boxing’s saddest days,” says Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports. “But it’s a compelling story that we feel needs to be told, because so many lives were changed forever on that night at Madison Square Garden. This is an in-depth, comprehensive examination of that tragic event.”

“There were so many unanswered questions surrounding what really happened and who, if anybody, was responsible. What we discovered was much worse than had ever been imagined,” says director and producer Eric Drath. “However, what we ultimately found was a story that went far beyond fact-finding; what unfolded before our cameras is a story of redemption.”

ASSAULT IN THE RING revisits a boxing scandal considered one of the sport’s darkest hours, and traces a man’s despairing journey following his alleged involvement in a criminal plot. The documentary examines new evidence about this boxing match turned 30-minute assault, and reveals much more about the pre-fight activities of Luis Resto, his trainer Panama Lewis and the athletic commission representatives.

On June 16, 1983, undefeated prizefighter Billy Collins Jr. set out to fulfill every boxer’s dream of fighting in the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden. Collins’ opponent, Luis Resto of the Bronx, moving up from welterweight, had his own dream of rising to the occasion in front of hometown fans. But what began as a match that Nashville native Collins was favored to win changed both athletes’ lives – ending Collins’ career dreams and landing Resto in prison.

Resto seemingly reached a fighter’s ultimate goal by upsetting Collins, but his post-fight victory celebration was short-lived when it was discovered that the padding had been illegally removed from Resto’s gloves by his trainer, Panama Lewis, before the fight. Resto was subsequently incarcerated and banned from the sport, while the brutally beaten Collins went into a tragic downward spiral. Resto gives his account of the story in the documentary.

Lewis, whose official career as a trainer came to an end that night, was also subsequently banned, and speaks for the first time in ASSAULT IN THE RING about the events of the fight and their impact. Others interviewed include: former New York State Athletic Commission chairmen Jack Prenderville, Randy Gordon and Ron Scott Stevens; members of the prosecution, defense and jury from the 1985 trial in New York, including former New York prosecutors John Bicks and Thomas Moore; attorneys Robert Beecher and Mickey Joseph; referee Tony Perez; New York State forensic scientist Charles Pampa; former New York City police detective James Rodriguez; Luis Resto’s sisters, Marta Resto and Susan Lopez; Luis Resto’s sons, Brian and Luis Jr.; and Billy Collins Jr.’s former wife, Andrea.

HBO Sports presents a Live Star Entertainment Production; director and producer, Eric Drath; for HBO: executive producers, Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; executive producer, Barry Murphy; supervising producer for HBO, Joe Lavine; writers, Aaron Cohen and Eric Drath.

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THE TERMS OF THIS GREAT EBAY OFFERING ARE A TWO HOUR LUNCH OR DINNER AT A RESTAURANT OF YOUR CHOOSING, WITHIN THE NEW YORK CITY AREA, WHERE MR. LAPORTE AND MR. BRELAND WILL MEET AND GREET YOU AND YOUR GUESTS. THEY WILL BE HAPPY TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AND TAKE PICTURES. THE DATE, TIME AND LOCATION MUST BE MUTUALLY AGREEABLE TO MR. LAPORTE AND MR. BRELAND . LUNCH OR DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED BY YOU TO MR. LAPORTE, MR. BRELAND AND THEIR TWO ASSISTANTS. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET TWO BOXING LEGENDS.

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Mark Breland is a Brooklyn native who may be considered to be the best amateur boxer ever. Breland won five consecutive New York Golden Gloves Championships (1980-1984). His record in the New York Golden Gloves was 21-0 with 19 knockouts, 14 in the first round.This was quite a record on the way to winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1984 Olympics as a Welterweight. Mark’s amateur record was an astounding 110-1. Mark held the WBA Welterweight Championship two times. Mark has been an a ctor and a trainer. In 1997, Breland retired with a professional record of 35-3-1 (25 KOs).

Juan Laporte is a New York City resident who hails from Guayama, Puerto Rico. Juan had a successful amateur career winning the New York Golden Gloves. Juan held the WBC Featherweight Championship, NABF Super Featherweight Championship and the USBA Featherweight Championship Take a look at who Juan fought in his career and you will see a list of the best fighters of the day. Salvador Sanchez, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Castillo, Johnny DeLa Rosa, Rocky Lockridge and many more. Juan has been a trainer and continues to work with youth for a NYC agency. Laporte retired in 1999 with a professional record of 40-17 (22 KOs).

(July 23, 2009) WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto has always relied on his heart to give him an extra edge over opponents inside the boxing ring. Now he’s using his heart to make a difference outside the ring.

On Friday, July 24th, Berto (25-0, 19 KOs) will appear at the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club in his hometown of Winter Haven, Florida with a check for $10,000 and a special message for the youngsters who use the club as a way to keep themselves off the streets, much the way he did growing up.

Berto will give what is known as a Pride Talk, the same kind of motivational speech he listened to during his days at the Boys & Girl Club. It’s his hope that his words have the same impact on the kids at the Club that the speeches he listened to had on him.

“The Boys and Girls Club was like a second home for me as a kid. I want these kids to see that if they work hard enough, they can make their own dreams come true, just like I have,” said Berto. “I have been blessed through boxing and I want to share some of my blessings with the Boys and Girls Club and Polk County.”

Berto’s speech, along with the presentation of his donation, will begin at 1pm. The Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club is located at 2400 Havendale Blvd., NW in Winter Haven.

For just one night Paulie Malignaggi will take some time off from boxing to try his hand at another sport. Malignaggi will celebrate Italian Heritage Night at Keyspan Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, on Monday, July 27, by throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.

That night the Cyclones, single A affiliate of the New York Mets, will be taking on the Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles). The game starts at 7pm and tickets are priced from $8 to $15.

It will be a brief respite from training for Malignaggi (26-2, 5 KOs) who is preparing vigorously for his August 22nd bout with Juan Diaz in Houston. Malignaggi vs. Diaz will headline a special three fight edition of HBO’s Boxing After Dark.

As Yusaf Mack awaits his next move in boxing, he took time out last week to spend time with some very special people in the place he calls home, Philadelphia.

For Mack (28-2-2, 17 KOs), the day began by visiting the West Philadelphia branch of Education Works, a facility that uses the power of learning to help children and families in low income neighborhoods. While there, Yusaf has the opportunity to speak with a group of kids, and show them a real life example of someone who can find success with the proper determination and focus.

“It’s great to talk to these kids and they know after seeing me with my belts that if they put their mind to anything they can achieve any goal they set for themselves”, said Mack. “This stop was extra special because these are kids in my own backyard and I hope that I can be an influence for these youngsters. Education Works is a terrific program and over the coming months, I want to visit all seventeen locations.”

Despite the positive influence of his first stop, Yusaf’s day was not yet over. After leaving Education Works, he was off to the Magee Rehabilitation Center, to spend time brightening the days of special needs patients who had caught a bad break.

For Mack, the experience was as significant to him as anyone he met, and it made for an inspirational end to an already rewarding day.

“These people are such an inspiration to me. They are the real fighters,” said Mack. “To see what they have to go through really humbles me and it meant so much to me to be able to visit them and to see how receptive they were to me makes me want to train harder than ever because I want to be a bigger presence to these incredible men and woman and bring back the world Light Heavyweight championship.”