The following is a press release from Goossen Tutor Promotions.

This past weekend, I read where Carl Froch again spouted incorrect, inaccurate and misleading information about our WBA Super Middleweight World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward and their upcoming bout.

Throughout the press tour, Andre kept the proceedings classy and gentlemanly, despite knowing Froch was rambling on to the media only when he was out of Andre's presence. Froch is just learning about the big time, and what he doesn't understand is Andre is way ahead of the curve and he won't be drawn-in to respond to every foible comment Froch throws out there.

That being said, I want to make sure the blatantly irresponsible, damaging verbal assaults do not go unanswered by us.

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Editor's Note: Since so many fighters out there don't give us a lot of good to say about their lives outside the ring, we're featuring this because it's something good about a name boxer. -- Scott

A multitude of fans congregated in the city of Gilroy, California yesterday to honor their hometown hero, Five-Time World Champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, as May 15, 2011 was officially declared Robert Guerrero Day in the garlic capitol of the world and The Ghost was officially commended for his accomplishments in the ring and his roll as a community leader.

Al Pinheiro presented Robert with a proclamation stating, "I, Al Pinheiro mayor of the city of Gilroy and behalf of the entire city council, want to recognize the amazing accomplishments of Robert Guerrero, and honor him by naming May 15, 2011 in the city of Gilroy, as "Robert Guerrero Day." We certainly thank you for all the work you do for the kids in our community and hope you continue to be a roll model, and for that, we want you to have the "Key to the City" of Gilroy. This key opens the doors to the hearts of the citizens of Gilroy. We thank you for all that you've done. Congratulations!"

Trina Brajkovich, account executive of the National Marrow Donor Program avowed, "It was an honor to be a part of such an important day for Robert Guerrero. It was a true testament to Mr. Guerrero's character that on a day of his being honored that he would turn it into helping others. Through his efforts and those of the people closest to him, 53 people were added to the Marrow Registry, saving unknown lives and giving hope to numerous patients and their families."

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Scott Christ (Managing Editor, Bad Left Hook): We did not conduct this interview, but these "getting to know" things that people release are useful, in my view, for fighters who are lesser-known but about to be featured on your TV or whatever. Former Michigan State Spartan football player Seth Mitchell fights on ShoBox this week against Evans Quinn, so I felt this was definitely one of those situations.

Question: You are already 28 years old and started boxing just three years ago. Do you still feel like you have a long ways to go in boxing?

MITCHELL: "I don't feel like I have a long way to go although at the same time I feel like there are certain things that I need to improve on. I think my learning curve has been excellent. I've learned a lot and I have a great trainer (Andre Hunter) who has helped me along the way. I think my overall boxing game is good. The one thing I think I can improve on is countering off my defense. I feel like I have a fairly strong defense but when I go back and watch myself, I see that my opponent will miss, but that the counter is not there. It's not second nature for me to do it. If I think about it, I do it, but it doesn't come naturally for me. So countering off my defense is something I'm really working on."

Question: You have said that if you had never seen NFL player Tom Zbikowski box, then you probably would have never been turned onto the sport of boxing. Is he someone you would like to fight someday?

MITCHELL: "Absolutely. I was a casual boxing fan before I started and to see someone like him that I played against in college have success, it really inspired me and got me to pick up the sport. I can honestly say that if I would have never seen him fight, then I probably wouldn't be talking to you today. As far as fighting him goes, we are at two different stages in our careers. I think he's 3-0 and I'm 21-0 and I believe he's a cruiserweight. If he comes up to heavyweight and gets up there in the rankings then yes, but I'm not going to call him out now."

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Generally speaking, we don't put pure press release material on the front page, but in cases like this, I think it's valuable. Willie Nelson is a largely-unknown welterweight prospect who is getting a shot on ShoBox this Friday night, and the 6'3" Cleveland native is getting his name out there.

And for the record, the three best albums by the other Willie Nelson are Shotgun Willie (1973), Phases and Stages (1974) and Red Headed Stranger (1975). This is the consensus, but in this instance the consensus is actually 100% correct. I also have a special soft spot for Yesterday's Wine (1971), and find his famous Stardust (1978) to be overrated. You know, in case you were wondering. -- Scott Christ, Managing Editor, Bad Left Hook

* * * * *

With a famous given name and a bold self-proclaimed moniker, Willie "The Great" Nelson (16-0-1, 10 KOs) answers the age old question, "What's in a name," just days before his eight-round welterweight fight against Vincent Arroyo (10-1, 7 KOs) on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, April 8, in the first of three fights on an exciting tripleheader LIVE on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

A 23-year-old welterweight prospect from Cleveland, Nelson describes Arroyo, of Amherst, N.Y., as a banger who will not be afraid to mix it up once the two square off. "I'm going in there to take care of business," said Nelson, who had more than 200 amateur fights. "I've watched Shawn Porter (fellow Ohio fighter who trains in California) on SHOWTIME. Now it's my turn to show everyone what ‘The Great' is all about."

Question: Willie Nelson the famous country singer sang "On the Road Again." You fought your pro debut in New York City and have fought in New Jersey, Connecticut, California and four other states in only 17 pro fights. Can you relate?

Nelson: "Yeah, I'll travel anywhere. People say eventually it will catch up with me but this is what I do. I'm not afraid to fight anywhere. They'll recognize me in Texas because of my name. That's where Willie Nelson is from."

Question: Ever get tired of people asking you about your name?

Nelson: "Nah, I've gotten it my whole life. I like it. It's something different. If I didn't like it I'd change it. I've heard a few of his songs, just because I'm curious. But I'm not into country. I'm more into R & B."

Question: Do you have a favorite Cleveland boxer? Or someone you look up to in the welterweight division?

Nelson: "Nope. Just me. I'm my own favorite. I can't have a favorite boxer and be in the same sport. I can't compare myself to another fighter or say I like him and then maybe one day have to fight him. It's just not going to happen."

Question: Is it true you've called out Shawn Porter and want to fight him?

Nelson: "Yeah, I've known Shawn since the amateurs. We're cool with each other. But we've had a long-standing rivalry. His father made a statement that he's the best fighter from Ohio and I took exception to that. I've called him out a few times but he hasn't responded. He was always a weight above me in the amateurs but now we're both 147. We'll see. But he's definitely someone I'd like to fight in the future."

Question: You're a 6-foot-3 welterweight. Have you ever fought someone as tall as you?

Nelson: "In the amateurs there was one guy who I fought who was that tall, but not in the pros. It frustrates a lot of guys naturally. Even if I'm not trying to use my height it frustrates them because I can still box and move and get inside them and be effective with my jabs. Without me even trying to use it as advantage, I think it is."

Question: Why did you give yourself the nickname Willie "The Great"?

Nelson: "It's just something that I thought should happen. In the amateurs I just thought I was so great. And people always thought that too. They would say, ‘Oh, Willie is so great at boxing. Willie has a great jab. Willie is a great prospect.' Whenever my name is mentioned the word great is also mentioned. So I thought that's what my nickname should be."

TORONTO, ON - (NOVEMBER 3, 2010) It seems that the moment has gotten the best of Canadian Heavyweight champion Neven Pajkic.

With the challenge of the UK/Ireland's Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury for a December 18th showdown in Quebec City on the undercard of Jean Pascal-Bernard Hopkins ringing in his ears, Pajkic has turned tail, stating he'd rather take some time off than meet up on the most important Canadian fight card in the last 30 years.

"When I was ringside watching Pajkic's abysmal effort against Andreas Sidon last Saturday, I got to see a truly great Canadian champion in George Chuvalo," Fury said.

"If I was able to turn back time, and approach Mr. Chuvalo in his heyday as champion, and issue the same challenge I just gave to Pajkic, he'd never complain about fighting a sixth fight in a year. Chuvalo was a champion that Canadians are rightly proud of. Pajkic is an embarrassment to his title and Canadian fight fans."

According to Adam Harris, of Hennessy Sports, the company that promotes Fury, Pajkic is not only turning his back on fans in his own country, but he's also making a huge career blunder.

"We're offering Neven a chance to perform on the televised undercard of a show that will be seen by millions around the world, including on Showtime in the US, and he's holding out for another internet farce like that one he just had against Sidon?" Harris asked incredulously.

"He said he wont operate on our timeline. So I guess we're supposed to put Tyson's career on hold so that Pajkic can take a vacation."

"They should change his nickname from 'No Surrender,' to 'No Guts,' 'No Pride,' or, judging by his business acumen, 'No Clue.'"

RAMA, ON (Wednesday, 19 October 2010) - Undefeated Canadian Champion NEVEN "No Surrender" Pajkic (14-0, 5KO's) of Toronto will lay his undefeated record on the line when he faces Giessen Germany's ANDREAS SIDON (34-9-0, 28KO's) on October 30th at Rumble at Rama XIII. Also added is a compelling 4 round opening bout featuring two Ontario Cruiserweights, John Mercante of Brantford (1-0, 1KO) who will meet Milos Pantelic of Toronto (Debut).

Ross ‘The Boss' Seeks Redemption At Home

At the apex of an illustrious career, Canadian boxing sensation Troy "The Boss" Ross will find himself in an unusual position at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada on October 30 - he will be fighting at home! Fresh off of a highly controversial technical decision loss in Germany against IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve Cunningham, Ross will start on the road to redemption and an imminent shot at a world title that many feel is already rightfully his.

In spite of having his heart broken and his dream denied in Germany Troy is more determined than ever to attain his goal of bringing a World Cruiserweight Championship home to Canada and his first step on this road to redemption will be in the main event at Canada's home to Championship boxing - Casino Rama - when he faces Montreal tough guy Carl ‘Kojak' Handy. The 35 year-old is well known for his toughness and durability on the Montreal fight circuit and will give Ross all the trouble he can handle. The American born Handy boasts a record of 27 wins, 7 defeats and two draws.

Rumble at Rama XIII is more than just the redemption:

Hagar Finer of Israel will be defending her WIBF female world title over 10 2-minute rounds. She won the world title in Tel Aviv. She will be seeking revenge against Julia Sahin of Germany who beat her earlier in her career in Germany. This is a mouthwatering contest for the Israeli who by winning stamps her authority on the division and opens the door for a potential future bout against Canadian Lisa "Bad news" Brown who is also boxing on Rumble at Rama XIII against Jeri Sitzes for a third time in an eagerly awaited rematch.

Rumble at Rama XIII will be promoted by Knockout Entertainment Canada, in association with Casino Rama.

Tickets for Rumble at Rama XIII are $25, $50, $75 & $125 and areavailable in-person at the Casino Rama Box Office, and at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000 and online at www.casinorama.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.

WORCESTER, Mass. (Oct. 20, 2010) - Red-hot, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez has been in Sydney, Australia since last Saturday to work as a sparring partner for contender Daniel Geale (23-1, 14 KOs), as the dangerous Dominican prepares for his November 5th main event fight against James McGirt on ShoBox: The New Generation, live from Fargo, North Dakota.

The DiBella Entertainment-promoted show will air on SHOWTIME starting at 11 ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Geale is training for his Oct. 31st IBF super middleweight title elimination bout in Australia versus former IBF middleweight champion Roman Karmazin. Rodriguez is sparring Down Under with two southpaws, Australian super middleweight titlist Michael Bolling (12-1, 10 KOs) and 2004 Australian Olympian Jamie "Mr. Business" Pittman (19-2, 8 KOs), to prepare for left-handed McGirt.

"It's a real step-up in class for Edwin," "Rodriguez' manager Larry Army noted. "McGirt is a seasoned veteran whose list of 25 opponents features only three with losing records. We're thrilled to be fighting in the main event on ShoBox. McGirt's tough but I don't know how long he'll be able to stand-up to Edwin's vicious body attack. This fight makes perfect sense. There's a lot at stake for both fighters: James needs a big win, Edwin needs a defining victory.

"Edwin's being treated like a king in Australia. He told me that he's never been treated as well in his life. In addition to the valuable experience he's gained by sparring with Geale, Edwin working every day with two good southpaws will really help to get him ready for McGirt, too."

McGirt is trained by his father, 2-time world champion and former Trainer of the Year, James "Buddy" McGirt. The younger James' pro career includes victories against Raymond Joval, Jason Naugler and Stephan Pryor, but also losses to Angel Hernandez and Carlos DeLeon, Jr.

Rodriguez, promoted by DiBella Entertainment, and McGirt have fought two common opponents - Brad Austin and Marcus Upshaw. Rodriguez knocked out Austin in the third round and won each round (6) for a unanimous decision versus Upshaw; McGirt easily won an 8-round decision (80-70, 79-71, 79-71) against Austin but fought to a 10-round draw with Upshaw (94-94, 94-94, 93-95).

Rodriguez is rated No. 4 by the NABF and NABO, while McGirt is ranked No. 7 and No. 11, respectively.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Edwin started boxing in 2001 and he developed into one of the top amateurs in the United States, compiling a splendid 84-9 record, including gold-medal performances in the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament. He became the first Massachusetts boxer to win the middleweight title at The Nationals since Marvin Hagler in 1973.

Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about the 25-year-old, recently married Rodriguez.

LONDON (Sept. 27, 2010)- SHOWTIME Sports, Hennessy Sports and Team Sauerland are delighted to announce that Helsinki will host the decisive Super Six World Boxing Classic Group Stage 3 clash between Carl "The Cobra" Froch and King Arthur Abraham. On November 27, the two superstars will lock horns at the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, which seats 14,000 people and is known for its passionate Finnish sports fans.

The fight was originally scheduled for Monaco but Froch was forced to pull out two weeks ago when he informed Showtime that a back injury would force him to sit out training for four weeks. Due to a scheduling conflict at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco, the event has been moved to Finland. "We are pleased to have finalized all details," promoter Kalle Sauerland said. "Helsinki will host the fight of the year. I am sure that I speak on behalf of boxing fans all over the world that cannot wait to see these two gladiators in the ring. King Arthur will cement his place in the semi-finals in this great Olympic City and one of the most impressive arenas in the world."

Mick Hennessy said. "This is the fight that everyone is waiting to see, Helsinki is going to experience one of the most explosive sporting events of the year, these two fierce warriors will be going toe to toe as both have everything to prove and great pride at stake. I am confident that on the 27th November Carl will be victorious in a potential fight of the decade candidate and show everyone that he is still the best 168lb fighter in the World."

It will be all or nothing for both fighters, who need a victory to guarantee their spot in the Super Six semi-finals. King Arthur started the tournament with a spectacular KO over Jermain Taylor before a highly controversial disqualification loss against Andre Dirrell in Detroit. Froch had defended his WBC Super-Middleweight title against Dirrell in the tournament´s first fight but then suffered the first loss of his career in April 2010 when Danish hero Mikkel Kessler clinched a point's victory in Denmark.

The "Cobra" is already in a fighting mood. "Abraham has been declaring that the Kessler fight has deeply affected me," said Froch. "He's right. It has given me even more confidence! With late cancellations and a last minute flight under a volcanic ash cloud, I can still step into the lion's den in front of 12,000 crazy Vikings and punch holes in their hero for 12 solid rounds of non-stop action. I was unlucky not to get the nod - but I've proved I'm world class on any stage, home or away. Whereas Abraham got beaten up and outclassed by Andre Dirrell, a man I have already beaten. Against Taylor and Kessler I've proved I'm the road warrior - whereas when Abraham is out of the home comfort zone, he gets exposed! He'll be able to see the 'Northern Lights' from the canvas when I've finished with him in Finland."

King Arthur has laughed off Froch´s latest verbal attack, voicing serious concern about his opponent´s mental state. "He claimed to have problems with his back. I think he has even bigger problems with his head. Judging from his dubious comments, it looks as if he has lost his senses. But I will be more than happy to put him back to reality with my fists come November 27. I look forward to fighting in Helsinki and will promise fight fans in Finland and all over the world an explosive evening."

Ticket information will be available shortly.

On the same night, WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell will battle out their Group Stage 3 clash in America at a venue to be announced. The matchup between breakout American stars and friends will be contested for Ward's WBA championship and the newly vacated WBC belt, adding yet another dramatic layer to an already captivating fight. Ward has already locked up his Semifinal berth, but will be protecting his title and undefeated professional record. Dirrell, conversely, needs a win to guarantee his place in the Semis. Dirrell conceivably could get in with two points but he would need help from fellow tournament competitors.

Allan Green, whose Group Stage 3 bout with Mikkel Kessler was waylaid when Kessler withdrew from competition with an eye injury, has left the perennial contender without an opponent. A decision on Green's Group Stage 3 bout is expected in the coming days.

The third and final Group Stage will complete the round-robin portion of the tournament and determine the four fighters who will advance to the single-elimination Semi-finals. Through the first two Stages, the WBA world champion Ward is the only fighter to have secured a berth in the Semis. No fighter has been eliminated from contention creating a virtual win-or-go-home scenario for each of the men. SHOWTIME Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Hershman said: "We have asked these fighters to challenge themselves against the best fighters in the world; not in one mega-fight, but in a consecutive series of career defining fights. Injuries and delays are inevitable. However, each one of them has accepted the challenge and brought a level of intensity to the ring that, in my estimation, is unmatched in all of sports. We are still on pace to complete the tournament in 2011, at which time we will have delivered to boxing fans around the world a number of the most compelling and meaningful matches in the sport. So, the drama continues with all the fighters' still alive heading to Group Stage 3. I couldn't have scripted this any better."

HOBOKEN, N.J. (Sept. 22, 2010) - Integrated Sports Media announced today that it will distribute the October 16th "The Rising Son Returns" Pay-Per-View event, featuring Boricua star Wilfredo "WV2" Vazquez, Jr. in his second WBO Junior Featherweight title defense, live in the United States from Silver Sports Arena in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Ring's No. 8 rated Vazquez (19-0-1, 16 KOs), the first Puerto Rican world champion who is the son of former world champion (Wilfredo Vazquez, Sr.), takes on former WBC title-holder Ivan "Choko" Hernandez (27-4-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Mexico, in the 12-round main event. Additional PPV fights will soon be announced.

"We're excited to bring Vazquez' third straight title fight to U.S. boxing fans via pay-per-view," Integrated Sports Net president Doug Jacobs said. "Wilfredo is one of the hottest boxers in the world and he is continuing the rich Puerto Rican boxing tradition that also includes his father. Vazquez is talented, refreshing and on his way to becoming a worldwide star in boxing. The added rivalry drama associated with a Puerto Rican fighting a Mexican insures fans of entertaining, hard-fought action. And we always enjoy working with promoter Tutu Zabala, who really knows how to put on shows fans love watching."

"The Rising Son Returns," presented by All Star Boxing, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET - 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVN, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

The 25-year-old Vazquez captured the WBO 122-pound division crown this past February, stopping Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1) in the fourth round, followed last May by a 10th-round TKO win against No. 1 contender Zsolt Bedak (15-0) in Wilfredo's first title defense. Kissimmee is a second home for Vazquez, who lives in Bayamon, Puerto Rico but has won 13 fights, 11 by knockout, in the Florida town.

Hernandez captured the WBO super flyweight crown in 2004 when he knocked out Mark Johnson in the 12 round. Against Vazquez, Ivan hopes that the third time is the charm for him in 122-pound world title fights, having lost two WBC super bantamweight showdowns to another Vazquez, the great Israel, in 2006 as well as last October to Toshiaki Nishioka.

For more information about the Vazquez-Hernandez PPV event go to www.integratedsportsnet.com. Follow Integrated Sports Media on Twitter @IntegratedPPV.

Following the editor's letter in Boxing News on August 26th, highlighting the plight of former Southern Area Heavyweight champion Harry Senior, BBBofC Southern Area Chairman Mick Collier has instigated the ‘Harry Fund' and is appealing to the boxing community for their support.

Harry Senior suffered a stroke on the 2nd December 2009, during a sparring session with Albert Sosnowski ahead of the Polish fighters European title fight with Paolo Vidoz, and subsequently required life saving surgery, at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square in London, where he had part of his skull was removed to allow his brain to swell, before starting the slow road to recovery at The Frank Cooksey Rehabilitation Unit at King's College Hospital.

During his distinguished career Harry boxed for England in the amateurs and fought the best domestic fighters in the pro ranks, including Danny Williams for the Commonwealth title. Harry is also credited with helping Audley Harrison win gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

On announcing the ‘Harry Fund' Mick Collier said, "I am saddened by Harry's plight and want to get him some much needed financial support as quickly as possible.

Harry suffered this most unfortunate incident and as he is a former license holder I believe collectively we should do our best to support him, and his family, as they are suffering some financial hardship at this time.

It could be another two years before Harry can get back to a normal life and in that time he needs to be looked after

I have been in touch with the general secretary of the board regarding the BBBofC Benevolent Fund, which offers aid to boxers that have fallen on hard times. However any payment made from the fund can take a while to come through, and even then it's not a large amount, and Harry and his family needs help now.

I'd also like to say that there are some good people out there that have been talking about putting together charity events or a benefit for him, which is I think is great, but again these things take weeks or months to organise and Harry needs the help now.

This is why we at the Southern Area decided to create the ‘Harry Fund' and make this appeal for support."

For further information or to make a donation please contact:

Mick Collier
Chairman BBBofC Southern Area Council
c/o M R Scaffolding Ltd
2 Wood's Road
London SE15 2PX

Phone: 07973 182141
E.Mail: micky.collier@mrscaffolding.com

Donations for the ‘Harry Fund' should be made out to the British Boxing Board of Control

Current English heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (11-0, 9 KOs) is eagerly anticipating his SHOWTIME® debut when he takes on unbeaten southpaw Rich "Super" Power (12-0, 9 KOs) in what is sure to be an exciting night of fights from London's York Hall on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, Sept. 10, at 11 p.m. ET. Born prematurely at one lb., Fury has grown into his six-foot-nine frame and status as one of Britain's most talked about heavyweights.

In the main event, former Commonwealth champion John O'Donnell (23-1, 11 KOs) takes on his toughest opponent to date in a 12-round battle against New Jersey's Terrence "Heat" Cauthen (35-6, 9 KOs), a 1996 Olympic bronze medalist.

Fury recently answered six questions.

Question: What would becoming the next British heavyweight champion mean to you?

Fury: "It would mean everything to me. I've said it before, I'm the best heavyweight in Britain, aside from David Haye, and I just want the chance to prove it."

Question: You come from a boxing family on both sides. Have you ever thought about doing something else? What would it be?

Fury: "I can't imagine doing anything else. I'm not much good at anything else. I'm a fighter, a boxer. That's what I've always wanted to be and who I am. I grew up around boxing. My grandfather was also a fighter, his brother was a fighter. Most of my cousins, they're all boxers, as well. My grandfather was a bare-knuckle champion in the UK."

Question: You were named after Mike Tyson? What other boxers did you idolize growing up?

Fury: "I was born in 1988 and that's when Tyson was knocking out all those guys. My dad (former professional fighter John Fury) was just beginning his career then. He wanted to have a slugger just like Mike Tyson so that's what he named me. I respect boxing's history. I'm a fan of all the greats, Ali, Frazier and Lennox Lewis."

Question: Because of your height, do you think you would match up well against Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko as opposed to other shorter heavyweights?

Fury: "I'm six-foot-nine inches and have the world's second longest reach behind Nikolay Valuev. It's a definite advantage and will only help me once I face one of the Klitschkos and finally get my shot for a world title."

Question: When do you think that will be?

Fury: "I'm leaving that up to my promoters but God willing it will come sooner rather than later. I've been knocking on the door for awhile now and I'm ready to explode onto the scene. Be ready, because I'm coming."

Question: There are some that have called you over-hyped. How do respond to that?

Fury: "There will always be many of those who are critical. That's why they're called critics. I don't care what they say. Just watch out for me. I'm not afraid of anyone. My opponents don't want to see me when I get worked up or angry in the ring. It only works to my advantage when I do. That's when I'm at my best."

The preceding was a press release, and not written by any of the staff members of Bad Left Hook.

IT'S USA VS. CHINA IN NEW YORK CITY... U.S.A. BOXING, DINO DUVA AND GLOBAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE TEAM U.S.A. FOR HISTORIC AMATEUR BOXING "EMPIRES COLLIDE" ON FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 1, AT "CAPITALE"

***Chinese team including Olympians to be announced next week, and arrive in New York September 10 to train at Fernwood in Poconos***

New York, September 7, 2010- Promoter Dino Duva, Global Sports & Entertainment and U.S.A. Boxing have announced the Team U.S.A. roster, including a bevy of National Championship silver medalists hoping to strike gold, for the 13-bout amateur boxing card "Empires Collide" on Friday night, October 1, at Capitale (130 Bowery) in New York City. The best Olympic hopefuls from China will take on USA's finest in what could be a preview of the 2012 London Olympics with fights in 10 men's and three women's weight classes.

The United States squad is as follows:

Diego Hurtado (17 wins, 8 losses, 0 draws), 108 lbs, Reno, Nev., 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Silver Medalist

Miguel Cartagena (14-4-0), 114 lbs, Philadelphia, 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Silver Medalist

Ricky Rodriguez (11-6-0), 123 lbs, Denver, 2009 Jr. Olympic National Champion

Eric Flores (8-11-0), 132 lbs, Los Angeles, 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Silver Medalist

Michael Reed (8-2-0), 138 lbs, Washington, D.C., 2009 Jr. Olympic National Champion

Alex Martin (13-3-0), 152 lbs, Chicago, 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Silver Medalist

Jesse Hart (14-7-0), 165 lbs, Philadelphia, 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Silver Medalist

Marquice Weston (3-2-0), 178 lbs, Seattle, 2010 Under 19 National Champion

Joshua Temple (13-7-0), 201 lbs, St. Louis

Danny Kelly (3-2-0), 201 lbs, Washington, D.C., 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Silver Medalist

"I am really excited about this event," said Hall of Famer trainer Lou Duva. "The Chinese team has excellent credentials, and reports are that America has an outstanding group of fighters who hope to restore Team U.S.A. to past glory. The October 1 event will give us a first glimpse of these two tremendous amateur teams."

It is appropriate that Manhattan's Chinatown will provide the setting when such 2008 Team China Olympians as super heavyweight silver medalist Zhang Zhilei and gold medalist light flyweight Zou Shiming display their talents. Fighters on the Team China squad all fight under the auspices of the Chinese Boxing Federation, and the full squad will be announced next week. Zhilei, a 26-year-old Super Heavyweight, stands 6-7 and weighs in at 260 pounds, and Shiming is generally considered to be No. 1 in the world in his weight class.

A team of trainers, under the direction of legend Lou Duva, special boxing consultant to the Chinese National Team, will coordinate a special training camp for several of the Chinese boxers in New York on Friday, September 10. The fighters will then immediately begin training camp at Fernwood in the Poconos.

Tickets for "Empires Collide" are priced at $120 for Ringside, $70 for Reserved and $25 for standing room/general admission. The Reserved and Ringside seats include two complimentary beverages. They may be ordered by calling 973-291-4529 or by email at tickets@empirescollide.com. For more information, fans can log onto www.EmpiresCollide.com. Special VIP and sponsor packages are also available. More information on ticket sales outlets to follow shortly.

Empires Collide is produced in conjunction with Chinatown Athletic Council and AA Entertainment.

Doors open 6 p.m. with a special entertainment schedule, and first bout is slated for 7 p.m.

"This is the first U.S. promotion for our venture with the Chinese Boxing Federation and it's an extremely exciting one," said Dino Duva. "I am very excited about working with Global Sports and Entertainment, USA Boxing and the China Boxing Federation and I look forward to working together in presenting a tremendous night of amateur boxing featuring the best that China and the U.S.A. have to offer. It will be an historic night."

The following was not written by the staff of Bad Left Hook.

Erik Morales and Edgar Sosa recently visited the Raul "Raton" Macîas gymnasium as invited guests of former champion Isaac "Tortas" Bustos.

Sosa entertained the public with an open workout as he prepared to face Pilipino fighter Ryan Bito for the WBC International Flyweight title on September 11th at the Monumental Bullring of Mexico City. Moreales goes for his 50th career win vs. Willie Limond in the main event.

Quotes of Note

Erik Morales: "I'm very happy to interact with the people once again, something I have not done since 2002 when I was promoting fights in the United States. I thought it was beautiful that they played "Las Mañanitas" for me. Winning a world title in my fourth division is my objective. I work hard to be able to do it, but everything is little by little to get to the fourth world title. There have been talks with the people from Golden Boy Promotions about a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez."

Edgar Sosa: "I am bound step by step towards the flyweight title. I feel great physically and energetically. It is always great to interact up close with the fans that support us. Each day I feel like I am in better physical condition for the great Bicentennial Gala. I have not abandoned my dream of fighting for the WBC World Flyweight title, currently held by Pongsakiek Wonjongkam of Thailand, but what is important right now is to only think about his battle with Ryan Bito."