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| Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey gives his take following a tough, and somewhat controversial, win over Derrick Brown. |
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| Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley Face Off leading up to their showdown at Madison Square Garden |
| (From left to right) – World WBA Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto and Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley face off on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at New York’s B.B. King’s during the final press conference for “Fast & Furious!” Cotto vs. Mosley for the WBA World Welterweight Championship to be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Madison Square Garden. |
| Photo By: Teddy Blackburn/ Golden Boy Promotions |
| Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley flexes his muscles while on the scale today, November 9, 2007, during the official weigh-in for his November 10, 2007 WBA World Welterweight Championship bout at Madison Square Garden against Champion Miguel Cotto. |
| Shane Mosley may be the perfect foil for Miguel Cotto: |
| Photo By: Teddy Blackburn/ Golden Boy Promotions |
| Mike Oliver IBF mandatory to Steve Molitor in question |
| Left to Right: Mike Oliver pictured with trainer John Scully |
| Photo By: Barry Arin - Property of Overhandright.com |
| Article & Interview By: Phil Santos - Overhandright.com |
| Both boxing fans and the press who cover the game have been treated this year to some epic showdowns. We’ve seen the fights that need to happen come to fruition: Vazquez/Marquez (twice), Miranda/Pavlik, Pavlik/Taylor, Calzaghe/Kessler, Diaz/Freitas, Hopkins/Wright, Pacquiao/Barrera, and we still have Mayweather/Hatton to cap the year off, all in all a great year for the sweet science. The problem that remains is the sports, at times, lack of integrity. Bogus decisions, (see Casamayor vs Santa Cruz), and sanctioning bodies refusing to stick to their decisions regarding mandatory challengers to their titles. We saw it with the circus that was Sam Peter and his camp dealing with the WBC, now the latest victim appears to be Hartford, Connecticut’s undefeated IBO Super Bantamweight Champion Mike Oliver. Read the Full Story..... |
| John Scully: "Joe Frazier told Marvin Hagler something back in the late 1970's when Hagler was having trouble getting his chance at a world title that I think might apply to Mike Oliver now. "Your black, your southpaw and you can fight." |
| LOS ANGELES (November 12) – It’s only fitting that the December 8 “UNDEFEATED” Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton featured undercard fights bring the same high caliber competition as the evening’s main event super bout. Former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy returns to the ring against former ‘Contender’ star Peter Read the Full Story..... |
| Photos By: Barry Arpin - Property of Overhandright.com |
| JEFF LACY RETURNS TO ACTION AGAINST PETER MANFREDO JR. ON MAYWEATHER VS. HATTON UNDERCARD |
| SYCUAN RINGSIDE PROMOTIONS’ JOAN GUZMAN RETURNS TO THE RING AFTER NEARLY ONE YEAR TO DEFEND HIS WBO 130 POUND BELT |
| NEW YORK (Nov. 13, 2007) – After nearly one year of inactivity, WBO junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman (27- 0, 17 KOs) makes his highly anticipated return to the ring when he battles Humberto Soto (43-5-2, 27 KOs) on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. on HBO “Boxing After Dark” at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Read the Full Story..... |
| OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMP RICARDO MAYORGA Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, First Street Boxing Gym, Boyle Heights , Calif. |
| Photos By: Jorge Garcia/For Showtime |
| Fans that have purchased over $1 million in tickets to see two-time world champion “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas (26-4, 22 KOs) and three-time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga (27-6-1, 22 KOs) in what is anticipated to be a street-style brawl at STAPLES Center will get their chance when the two meet on the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 23. Vargas and Mayorga will fight in a highly- anticipated main event of a card that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is being distributed by SHOWTIME® PPV. Before Tuesday’s open media workout started, the brash, colorful, outspoken Mayorga held a picture of Vargas next to his crotch, pointed to the media and said, “Don’t mess with me!” Read the Full Story..... |
| Golden Boy East President Bernard Hopkins, WBO Junior Lightweight Champion Joan Guzman, challenger Humberto Soto and President of Top Rank Todd duBoef pose for photographers at the New York press conference for their title fight on Saturday, November 17th at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City to be televised on HBO's Boxing After Dark. |
| Photo By: Teddy Blackburn/ Golden Boy Promotions |
| Joan Guzman defends his WBO Jr. Lightweight Title against Humberto Soto on HBO |
| QUOTES FROM ST. LUCIA WEIGH-IN Joey Abell (17-1, 1 NC, 17 KOs ): “I’m in good condition and looking for a quick fight, but I’m ready to go ten rounds and put on a show. Either way I’m going to win the fight.” Teke Oruh (14-0-1, six KOs ): “I’m ready. I’m in good shape. I’m expecting a victory. That’s all.” Andre Ward (13-0, eight KOs ): “My condition is tip-top shape; we can’t get in any better shape than we are now. I’m just ready to go for tomorrow night. Read the Full Story..... |
| HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN IN ST. LUCIA Abell to Take on Oruh in Main Event Battle of Promising Heavyweights; Ward vs. Cantrell Special Attraction Bout to Kick Off Tremendous ShoBox Fight Card From The Beautiful Island of St. Lucia, Live on SHOWTIME, Friday, Nov. 16 |
| Photos By: Tom Casino - Showtime |
| Absence has not made their hearts grow fonder! |
| Bronx, NY - Nov 15, 2007 - Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, announced today the exciting Light Heavyweight match up between dangerous Philadelphian Eric "Magic 2000" Harding (23-4-1 7KO's) and Brooklyn, NY's, Shaun George (15- 2-2 7KO's) on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. Read the Full Story..... |
| Teke Oruh vs Joey Abell |
| Andre Ward vs Roger Cantrell |
| Joey Abell won a majority decision over the previously unbeaten Teke Oruh in their ten-round Heavyweight bout. The Main Event was broadcast live from the Island of St. Lucia on Showtime’s ShoBox Series and was promoted by Goosen-Tutor Promotions. In what was billed as a fight between two young prospects, the fight itself was less than entertaining. What it showcased were two fighters that have been fed “tomato-can” caliber fighters up until this fight. It really showed. Read the Full Story..... |
| Photos By: Tom Casino - Showtime |
| Abell Decisions Oruh Article By: Bill Calogero - TheDailySports.com |
| Hasim Rahman continued his comeback with a non-impressive win over Zuri Lawrence Thursday night. The fight was the Main Event of Top Rank Inc.’ s “Fight Night” and was broadcast live from the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania on the Versus Network. Lawrence was a very late sub for this fight. He was coming off a win only days earlier and hadn’t been in the gym. He was the one that controlled most of the fight, scoring with his jab and was able to land several hard rights. Read the Full Story..... |
| Rock Nothing Special Article By: Bill Calogero - TheDailySports.com |
| HEAVYWEIGHT HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE BOXING FAN IN YOUR LIFE FROM STEINER SPORTS Collectibles Signed by Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier, Jake LaMotta and Roy Jones, Jr. Provide Punch to Your Gift Giving New York, November 19—If you are looking for a “heavyweight” holiday gift idea for your boxing fan father, brother or buddy, look no further than Steiner Sports (www.steinersports.com), and order on line today! Collectibles signed by former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Joe Frazier, and all time middleweight titlists Roy Jones, Jr. and Jake LaMotta will provide powerful punch to your holiday gift-giving. The Joe Frazier autographed glove, priced at $250, heads the collection of items signed by the heavyweight icon. What Mike Tyson aficionado wouldn’t love a pair of his vintage black boxing trunks, a signed piece priced at $399.99? Just one of several Tyson collectibles. A memorable autographed photo (16x20) of Jake LaMotta punching Sugar Ray Robinson during their famous 1951 13-rounder has a $79.00 price tag. An autographed Roy Jones, Jr. boxing glove sells for $149.99, while a signed color portrait (16x20) is priced at $69.99. For ring fans of wrestling, signed collectibles by two great heavyweight champions will provide a holiday headlock. The Hulk Hogan 16x20 color autographed photograph with the “Hulkster” raising the world championship ($189.99), and the popular “Batista” arm pump color 8x10 signed ($44.99) are just two wrestling items available from Steiner. |
| Highly rated Cruiserweight Matt Godfrey takes on the biggest challenge of his young career when he squares off against Jeremy Williams on November 24th in Hartford, Connecticut. Godfrey comes in having scored two big wins in a row, besting Derrick Brown in his last fight and knocking out Felix Cora Jr. on ESPN prior to that. We spoke with world class trainer and former title contender "Ice Man" John Scully who has recently taken over as Godfrey's full-time trainer. Scully takes us through what Godfrey needs to do to be successful against Williams, his future at Cruiserweight, and whether or not Matt Godfrey has what it takes to become a world champion. Here is what the "Ice Man" had to say: Read the Full Interview..... |
| Undefeated Cruiserweight Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey takes on Jeremy "Half Man Half Amazing" Williams Interview with Godfrey's Trainer "Ice Man" John Scully |
| Photo By: Barry Arpin - Overhandright.com |
| Interview By: Phil Santos - Overhandright.com |
| Get the best boxing equipment at www.Ringside.com Featuring Grant Boxing |
| Your source for Boxing News, Ringside Coverage, Interviews, World Rankings, Boxing Photos and Fight Results. |
| Edison "Pantera" Miranda |
| "Ice Man" John Scully |
| The Mayweather vs. Hatton pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 61 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your Mayweather vs. Hatton fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com. |
| Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, and sponsored by Rock Star Energy Drink, Tecate Beer and Southwest Airlines, "UNDEFEATED" is headlined by the welterweight championship bout between Mayweather and Hatton plus an exciting televised undercard including Jeff Lacy vs. Peter Manfredo, Jr., Daniel Ponce De Leon against Eduardo Escobedo, and Wes Ferguson vs. Edner Cherry. |
| The HBO all-access series "MAYWEATHER/HATTON 24/7" debuts a new episode Sunday, Nov. 25 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. The four-part series, with unprecedented access, will chronicle the fighters' preparations for the Dec. 8 super-fight at MGM Grand and will provide viewers with a compelling look at two extraordinary champions. |
| Overhandright.com Boxing News Mayweather vs Hatton |
| ONLY DAYS UNTIL RICKY HATTON ARRIVES IN AMERICA TO FINISH TRAINING FOR MEGA-FIGHT AGAINST FLOYD MAYWEATHER AT MGM GRAND LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW LAS VEGAS, NV (November 20, 2007) . . . Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton and his team—brother and fellow fighter Matthew, trainer Billy Graham, nutritionist Kerry Kayes, assistant trainer Lee Beard and agent Paul Speaks—will settle in Las Vegas Friday for his world welterweight championship mega-showdown against Floyd Mayweather, Saturday, December 8 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View . Team Hatton will travel on a non-stop flight Thursday from Manchester, England—the site of an intensive eight-week camp—to Las Vegas, where they where they will rent a house and use a local gym to finish final preparations for what will be the biggest fight of the British star's career. The only reminders of home accompanying Hatton are photographs of his son and family that he keeps close as motivation for making his dream come true. "I can't wait to get to Las Vegas to finish training for my fight with Floyd Mayweather," said Hatton. "I hope American sports fans who saw me on the first episode of HBO's 24/7 got a chance to see that I'm a regular bloke and a peoples' champion who will become theirs and the world's champion when I beat Mayweather on December 8." |
| LOS ANGELES (November 12) – It’s only fitting that the December 8 “UNDEFEATED” Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton featured undercard fights bring the same high caliber competition as the evening’s main event super bout. Former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy returns to the ring against former ‘Contender’ star Peter |
| Photos By: Barry Arpin - Property of Overhandright.com |
| JEFF LACY RETURNS TO ACTION AGAINST PETER MANFREDO JR. ON MAYWEATHER VS. HATTON UNDERCARD ALSO IN ACTION DANIEL PONCE DE LEON DEFENDS HIS JR. FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST EDUARDO ESCOBEDO AND IN A REMATCH WES FERGUSEN BATTLES EDNER CHERRY ON “UNDEFEATED” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT MGM GRAND LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW |
| Manfredo Jr., WBO World Junior Featherweight Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon defends his crown against Eduardo Escobedo and rising star Wes Ferguson looks for payback in a rematch against Edner Cherry to put a perfect ending on the sweet science. “We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this card the event it should be,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “There is no filler on this pay-per-view card, with each fight holding important implications for the winner and the loser. These are the fights I want to see as a fight fan.” “Mayweather Promotions is excited to be a part of this tremendous event,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. “We look forward to bringing boxing fans an end of the year show they will never forget.” Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, and sponsored by Rock Star Energy Drink, Tecate Beer and Southwest Airlines, “UNDEFEATED”, which is headlined by the welterweight championship bout between Mayweather and Hatton, will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per- View. In the main undercard bout, former world super middleweight champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy makes his debut under the Golden Boy Promotions banner and his first appearance since shoulder surgery last December when he takes on former world title challenger and a finalist from season one of ‘The Contender’, Peter Manfredo Jr., in a ten rounder. In a classic crossroads fight for both men, the winner goes on to a possible showdown with the elite of super middleweight or light heavyweight divisions, while the loser goes back to the drawing board. “I’m very excited that my first fight with Golden Boy Promotions will be on December 8th,” said Jeff Lacy. “I’ve been anxious to get back in the ring and this is the perfect night for my return after my injury.” “On behalf of ‘The Contender’ I would like to thank Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions for this great opportunity for Peter Manfredo Jr. to showcase his skills,” said Jeff Wald, Co-Executive Producer and Promoter for ‘The Contender’. “This is an important fight for both fighters and we are happy to be a part of what will surely be a great night of boxing.” A stellar amateur who compiled a record of 209-12 over a career that culminated in a trip to the 2000 Olympic Games, Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (22-1, 17 KO’s) has gone on to take the pro boxing world by storm with his concussive power, aggressive style and charismatic personality. The St. Petersburg, Florida native won the World Super Middleweight Title in just his 18th pro fight when he stopped Syd Vanderpool in eight rounds on October 2, 2004. Lacy defended his title four times before falling short via decision in a unification bout against Joe Calzaghe in March of 2006 on Calzaghe’s home turf in England. Undeterred, Lacy returned to the ring with a gritty decision win over Vitali Tsypko in December of 2006, but suffered a torn left rotator cuff in the bout. Now healthy and itching to get back into the ring, “Left Hook” is ready to wreck havoc on the 168-pound and 175-pound divisions. The pride of Providence, Rhode Island, 26-year-old Peter Manfredo Jr. (28-4, 13 KO’s), has been fighting since he was a child and he is still improving with every fight. Winner of his first 21 pro fights, Manfredo, a former NABO junior middleweight champion, became a star during his stint on season one of ‘The Contender’. Manfredo made it to the finals of the competition, only to lose a hard fought decision to Sergio Mora. Since then, Manfredo jumped up to 168 pounds and scored big wins over Scott Pemberton and Joe Spina before suffering a loss via controversial stoppage in a title bout against Joe Calzaghe in April. Manfredo bounced back quickly with two straight wins and is looking to make it three in a row against Lacy. Also featured on the December 8th card is a WBO junior featherweight title bout between hard-hitting champion Daniel Ponce De Leon and challenger Eduardo Escobedo. Perhaps the most talked about young champion in the lower weight classes, Daniel Ponce De Leon (33-1, 30 KO’s) is a former Mexican Olympian who has developed into a dangerous fighter with power in both fists and a solid champion in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions. A world champion since 2005, De Leon has defended his crown five times, most recently with an impressive first round TKO of previously unbeaten Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista on August 11th in a bout televised by HBO. In his last fight, a non-title bout, De Leon kept busy with a fifth round knockout of Reynaldo Lopez on September 28th. Mexico City native who now makes his home in Jarrell, Texas, 23-year-old Eduardo Escobedo (20-2, 14 KO’s) is eager to take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime on December 8th. A six-year pro with impressive power, Escobedo has won seven fights in a row and is currently riding a three fight knockout streak that includes KO’s of well regarded fighters such as Edel Ruiz and Jose Mendoza. Opening up the pay-per-view telecast is a 10-round rematch between highly- touted lightweight prospects Wes Ferguson and Edner Cherry. The 22-year-old Ferguson (17-2-1, 5 KO’s), a prot駩 of headliner Floyd Mayweather, is known by the nickname of “Wicked” for his impressive boxing skills. Cherry (22-5, 10 KO’ s) owns the moniker “Cherry Bomb” for his ability to explode on opponents and end fights with one punch. In June, the two met for the first time and Cherry emerged victorious via a hard fought ten-round decision, snapping Ferguson’s seven fight winning streak. On December 8th, the Las Vegan looks for revenge. Closed circuit tickets, priced at $50, are still available and can be purchased at MGM Mirage properties’ box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. For MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay venues, tickets also are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 702-474-4000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person and all seats are general admission. The Mayweather vs. Hatton pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 61 million pay- |
| MAYWEATHER vs. HATTON CLOSED CIRCUIT TICKET SALES NEARS 10,000 AT MGM GRAND; WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 IN LAS VEGAS LAS VEGAS (October 8) – In less than three weeks, nearly 10,000 closed circuit tickets for the Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton welterweight championship fight Saturday, Dec. 8 in Las Vegas, have been sold at MGM Grand. The mega- bout, whose 16,000-seat live gate sold out in less than one hour, will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO-Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. Additional closed circuit tickets went on sale Oct. 1 at other MGM MIRAGE properties including Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Treasure Island, New York- New York, Luxor, Monte Carlo and Excalibur, and remain available. Tickets priced at $50 can be purchased at each individual property’s box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. For MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay venues, tickets also are available by visiting www.ticketmaster. com or by calling 702-474-4000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person and all seats are general admission. The fight features two undefeated welterweights with a combined record of 81- 0. Mayweather, a six-division champion and boxing’s pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, will face the British icon Hatton, a two-time world champion and universally recognized as the best junior welterweight in the world today. This will be the biggest match-up of two undefeated welterweights since the record-setting mega-fight between Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad in 1999. Mayweather vs. Hatton is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions and supported by presenting sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink, and secondary sponsors Tecate Beer and Southwest Airlines. |
| “UNDEFEATED”: MAYWEATHER VS. HATTON LANDS AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS Tickets On Sale Monday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. LAS VEGAS – The records are pristine and spectacular – a combined 81-0 with 55 knockouts. However, the stage is now set for “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather or Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton to face a blemish on their record Saturday, Dec. 8, something both men are willing to go to war to prevent. Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions are proud to present “UNDEFEATED”, a historic night of boxing featuring two undefeated champions battling for Mayweather’s World Welterweight Championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets for “UNDEFEATED” will go on sale Monday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. PST and will be available at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations (including select Las Vegas Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West in the Fashion Show Mall). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. A fast sellout is expected as the fight already has the world buzzing in anticipation of seeing two of boxing’s premier, undefeated superstars finally meet in the ring. “Even though this fight is months away, everyone is already talking about it and breaking it down, trying to figure out who has the edge,” said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “It’s a great clash of styles between Mayweather and Hatton and I think that translates into a memorable fight that will go down in history as one of the great ones.” Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions agreed, “Mayweather Promotions is very excited to host our first fight at MGM Grand. This will definitely be a great battle for the fans and the MGM Grand is the perfect place to host this fight.” Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE, stated, “What an exciting way to end 2007. This thrilling match-up between two sensational and undefeated champions, Mayweather and Hatton, will certainly bring an unprecedented and electric atmosphere to the MGM Grand Garden Arena and to the fans from around the world who will be witnessing the event.” Mayweather, who most recently defeated de la Hoya at the storied Las Vegas venue, can’t wait for the big event, “The MGM Grand is like a second home to me and I’m going to make my fifth appearance here my most spectacular and memorable. I love Vegas, I love the fans at the MGM Grand and I’m gonna show Ricky Hatton that he can’t come into my house and try to take what’s mine.” Hatton, a native of Manchester, England, followed by saying, “It’s always been a dream of mine to fight at the MGM Grand and now I’ll finally get my chance. The MGM Grand has been the home to so many great champions and so many great fights. To fight Floyd Mayweather in that famous ring will push me even harder to live up to such a legacy.” Richard Schaefer, chief executive officer of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “The demand for tickets for Mayweather-Hatton has been amazing and our office has been flooded with requests from both here and the UK. This is not only a spectacular fight between two undefeated champions, but it’s an event that will get the entire world’s attention on December 8.” “UNDEFEATED”, featuring Floyd Mayweather’s defense of his World Welterweight Championship against the universally recognized World Junior Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton, will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The event will be produced by and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. |
| MAYWEATHER VS. HATTON TICKETS SOLD OUT FOR FIGHT AT MGM GRAND IN DECEMBER MGM MIRAGE To Host Closed Circuit Viewing; Tickets Now On Sale LAS VEGAS – With tickets for “UNDEFEATED,” the welterweight championship fight between Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton, having sold out immediately earlier this morning, MGM MIRAGE will host closed circuit viewing at several properties, including MGM Grand, where tickets went on sale today. The championship card scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be produced and distributed live by HBO-Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Treasure Island, New York-New York, Luxor, Monte Carlo and Excalibur also will host closed circuit viewing with tickets going on sale Monday, Oct. 1. Tickets for the closed circuit telecast are priced at $50, not including handling fees. The venues will televise the most highly anticipated welterweight showdown in years and will open doors at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at each individual property’s box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. For MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay venues, tickets also will be available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 702-474-4000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person and all seats are general admission. The fight features two undefeated welterweights with a combined record of 81- 0. Mayweather, a six-division champion and boxing’s pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, will face the British icon Hatton, a two-time world champion and universally recognized as the best junior welterweight in the world today. This will be the biggest match-up of two undefeated welterweights since the record-setting mega-fight between Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad in 1999. Mayweather vs. Hatton is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions and supported by presenting sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink, and secondary sponsors Tecate Beer and Southwest Airlines. |
| With the WBC welterweight title superfight less than a week away, the world's media have descended upon Las Vegas where reigning champion Floyd Mayweather and challenger Ricky Hatton have been participating in open workouts prior to their bout on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Mayweather, 38-0 (24), is the favorite to retain his WBC 147 lb title as the 30 year old has held the Green Belt in a full five weight classes from super feather to light middle and is widely recognized as the pound for pound top fighter in the world today. Many in the media feel that Mayweather will outclass or even stop Hatton, 43-0 (31), the world light welterweight champion, but the 29 year old Englishman comes into this clash on the strength of five consecutive victories over reigning or former world champions and has picked up the backing of promoter Oscar De la Hoya, himself a legendary WBC champion in three weight classes. It is with tremendous anticipation that the world of boxing awaits this classic confrontation and it is expected that the PPV sales figures may top the record already set by Mayweather vs. De la Hoya earlier this year. As with all the best fights, fans have drawn themselves into separate camps, each backing their favorite, be it Mayweather or Hatton, but once the first bell rings they will all come together in enjoyment of this most intriguing of world title fights. Of all the world title belts in existence today, it is only fitting that it is the WBC crown that is at stake in this historic showdown. |
| Mayweather vs. Hatton Nearing Boiling Point Photos of Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton ©Naoki Fukuda |
| WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS December 5, 2007 – Mexico City From the office of WBC President Jose Sulaiman: |
| FLOYD MAYWEATHER ( United States ) WBC Welterweight Champion Nickname: “Pretty Boy” Date of Birth: February 24, 1977 Place of Birth: Grand Rapids, MichiganProfessional Record: 37-0, 24 KOs World Championship Fights: 20-0 Total Rounds: 278 Knockout Percentage: 64.8 % Trainer: Roger Mayweather |
| RICKY HATTON ( Great Britain ) WBC No. 1 Ranked Mandatory Challenger Nickname: “Hitman” Date of Birth: October 6, 1978 Place of Birth: Manchester , England Professional Record: 43-0, 31 KOs World Championship Fights: 4-0 Total Rounds: 242 Knockout Percentage: 78.8 % Trainer: Billy Graham |
| LAS VEGAS (December 7) . . . A star-packed list of celebrity attendees are scheduled to be present as six-time world champion “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather takes on undefeated British icon Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton for the WBC and Ring Magazine welterweight championships Saturday, December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Expected celebrity attendees include: Bruce Willis, Actor Will Farrell, Actor Sylvester Stallone, Actor Jeremy Piven, Actor Mario Lopez, Actor Wendell Pierce, Actor Wayne Newton, Music Artist Jay Z, Music Artist Tom Jones, Music Artist Leroy Neiman, Music Artist David Beckham, Soccer Star Helio Castroneves, Professional Race Car Driver & winner of Dancing With the Stars Season 5 Magic Johnson, NBA Player Ryan Howard, MLB Player Derrek Lee, MLB Player Karina Smirnoff, Professional Dancer Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks Owner Oscar de la Hoya, Fighter Bernard Hopkins, Fighter Shane Mosley, Fighter Marco Antonio Barrera, Fighter Juan Manuel Marquez, Fighter Winky Wright, Fighter Joe Calzaghe, Fighter Miguel Cotto, Fighter Lennox Lewis, Former World Champion Angelo Dundee, Trainer |
| MAYWEATHER VS. HATTON BRINGS OUT THE STARS AS CELEBRITIES SIT RINGSIDE FOR MEGA-BOUT AT MGM GRAND LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW |
| RED CORNER BLUE CORNER Floyd Mayweather Ricky Hatton Grand Rapids, Michigan Manchester, England 147 lbs. Weight 145 lbs. Grey Trunks Blue and White 38-0, 24 KOs Record 43-0, 31 KOs Referee: Joe Cortez (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Burt Clements (Reno, Nev.), Dave Moretti (Las Vegas, Nev.), Paul Smith (Las Vegas, Nev.). SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS (FOLLOWING PONCE DE LEON-ESCOBEDO BOUT) Jeff Lacy Peter Manfredo Jr. St. Petersburg, Florida Providence, Rhode Island 169 lbs. Weight 169 lbs. Grey and Black Trunks Grey, White and Red 22-1, 17 KOs Record 28-4, 13 KOs Referee: Robert Byrd (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Chuck Giampa (Las Vegas, Nev.), C.J. Ross (Las Vegas, Nev.), Jerry Roth (Las Vegas, Nev.). WBO JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE – 12 ROUNDS (FOLLOWING FERGUSON-CHERRY BOUT) Daniel Ponce De Leon Eduardo Escobedo Cuathemoc, Mexico Mexico City, Mexico 121 lbs. Weight 122 lbs. Black and Gold Trunks White, Red and Green 33-1, 30 KOs Record 20-2, 14 KOs Referee: Kenny Bayless (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Adalaide Byrd (Las Vegas, Nev.), Duane Ford (Las Vegas, Nev.), Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas, Nev.). LIGHTWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS (FIRST PPV BOUT: 6 P.M. PT) Wes Ferguson Edner Cherry Flint, Michigan Nassau, Bahamas 134 lbs. Weight 134 lbs. Brown and Gold Trunks Red and Blue 17-2-1, 5 KOs Record 22-5-2, 10 KOs Referee: Vic Drakulich (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Chuck Giampa (Las Vegas, Nev.), Bill Graham (Las Vegas, Nev.), Dalby Shirley (Las Vegas, Nev.). WELTERWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS Matthew Hatton Frankie Santos Manchester, England Ponce, Puerto Rico 148 lbs. Weight 148 lbs. Camouflage Trunks Blue and White 32-3-1, 13 KOs Record 15-5-3, 17 KOs Referee: Jay Nady (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Dick Houck (Las Vegas, Nev.), Ricardo Ocasio (Nevada), Jerry Roth (Las Vegas, Nev.). MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Daniel Jacobs Jose Hurtado Brooklyn, New York San Isidro, California 163 lbs. Weight 161 lbs. Black and Gold Trunks Black and White Pro Debut Record 1-1, 1 KOs Referee: Tony Gibson (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Lisa Giampa (Las Vegas, Nev.), C.J. Ross (Las Vegas, Nev.), Dalby Shirley (Las Vegas, Nev.). JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Danny Garcia Jesus Villareal Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Harris, Texas 144 lbs. Weight TBD lbs. Red and White Trunks Blue 1-0, 1 KO Record 1-2-1 Referee: Vic Drakulich (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Lisa Giampa (Las Vegas, Nev.), Bill Graham (Las Vegas, Nev.), Ricardo Ocasio (Nevada). FEATHERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS Jonathan Oquendo Andres Ledesma Baymon, Puerto Rico Miami, Florida 123 lbs. Weight 123 lbs. Red, Blue and Silver Trunks Red and White 13-1, 8 KOs Record 14-6, 9 KOs Referee: Jay Nady (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Dick Houck (Las Vegas, Nev.), Ricardo Ocasio (Nevada), Dalby Shirley (Las Vegas, Nev.) JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS (FIRST BOUT APPROX. 3:30 P.M. PT) Jose Rodriquez Ishmail Arvin New York, New York Baltimore, Maryland 154.5 lbs. Weight 155 lbs. Silver and Camouflage Trunks Black and Silver 12-0, 2 KOs Record 14-1, 6 KOs Referee: Tony Gibson (Las Vegas, Nev.). Judges: Lisa Giampa (Las Vegas, Nev.), Bill Graham (Las Vegas, Nev.), Dick Houck (Las Vegas, Nev.). |
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