It is not HBO or Showtime that granted King an opportunity to televise four championship fights, part of 11 fights to be held Saturday November 5^th from the Seminole Hard Rock & Casino in Hollywood Florida. The feature bout will be WBA cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones defending his title against 14^th ranked Mike Marrone.

King made an indirect reference to HBO and Showtime the two major broadcast networks of the sport. They would not give him an opportunity to showcase Jones or Joey Hernandez the United States Boxing Organization Junior middleweight champion. He made references to the past and how Wealth TV will provide an opportunity for people across the nation to see fights like they did on ABC, CBS and NBC, the major networks that televised free boxing when King was on top of the business.

Not to say that Don King is history. He is still visible but does not have the major fighters that promotions like Top Rank and Golden Boy have to offer for the networks. He wants to see boxing return to the glory days, the old school theory of putting boxing on free television. It means more for King now to see the sport thrive again.

“The downward spiral,” said King about the sport, as he held court with media before introducing Robert and Charles Herring, a father and son who launched their network in 2004. King was referring to the ineffective people running the sport and how fans have been turned off with the recent and bizarre outcomes of major fights seen on pay-per-view and the networks.

There were references by King regarding how he had to advocate and get a return bout for his fighter, bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, who will get the opportunity against Abner Mares on December 3^rd. And he cited how boxing has been embarrassed with the recent outcomes of the Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz and Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson title fights.

“Yesterday, today, tomorrow,” is what King said will be the theme of the telecast on a network available to over 100 cable systems across the country.  The promoter, who now does most of his business in the state of Florida, said the Wealth televised card is a celebration for the people. The President of Panama is expected to attend, as well as legendary boxing champions Larry Holmes and Roberto Duran.

“A celebration for Roberto Duran and celebrate the birthday of Larry Holmes,” he said. It was vintage Don King as he waved the flags of different countries, said, “Viva Puerto Rico,” referring to one of his greatest champions, Felix Trinidad, and he of course provided his views on the economy and opportunity. It was Don King smiling, playing to the cameras, and bringing back memories of the old days.

And this will be a venture for Wealth TV. They admit this is an opportunity to expand their base.  Boxing to the premier lifestyle and entertainment network may be a risk. They invested an undisclosed amount of money and days ago made the deal with King, but the 70-year old Herring, a boxing fan said, “It nicely fits into the programming vision of WealthTV.”

More televised boxing cards, by the network if successful could mean a revival for King. He said, “Return boxing back to the masses, to the fans and not pay-per-view.”

It is technology incorporated into the old school theory that Don King is attempting to do. And it was convincing enough to convince Herring that boxing needs something different, another shot for King and a new way to present boxing to fans. The availability of viewing the telecast on Verizon FIOS TV and AT&T U-verse will also enable boxing fans to see the telecast on their phones and I-Pads.

King has always been an innovator with the sport and this year reunited and co-promoted a card with a former adversary, fellow Hall of Famer Bob Arum of Top Rank. This is his latest deal that could work, and with the technology available by the network, to say the least, old school could work with the new school.

And as much as Don King has been criticized over the years, a boxing fan will always recall the heyday of King being the dominating promoter, his success with Ali, Frazier, Norton and the “Thriller in Manila.” He made references to that in a small room at the Phillippe restaurant in New York City.  “All the champions are now in foreign countries,” he said. “They have escaped the country. The networks did it. You want to see fair play. Let us have a coalition for truth,” making reference to how HBO and Showtime would not make a deal for Jones, a legitimate champion with a 37-3-2 record along with 29 KO’s.

So this could work, and King did offer a WBA championship fight to his new network. “Give the people an opportunity in the land of opportunity,” he said about Jones not getting his chance on the major networks ,and thanking Herring for the chance to put his promotion back on a network.

“Go back to pride, dignity, and glory,” he continued, advocating for a national boxing commission, if done properly. No, it won’t hurt to have Don King visible again. A little more of old school boxing and a new network can’t harm the sport.

email Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

“The thing with Margarito was 2008 the chapter that was closed in that book,” commented Cotto about the first fight in July 2008. That is a night that saw Cotto with a battered face, dethroned of the WBA welterweight title in the 11^th round. The result was talk about Cotto being done, that he no longer had it. Cotto would rebound later, and Margarito, after winning the title from Shane Mosely, would eventually see his boxing license suspended for using tainted hand wraps under his gloves.

So a lot transpired since their first encounter. Both fighters went to war with Manny Pacquiao and  Cotto, quietly had been seeking this rematch for revenge. He leaves business to the promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and in the last year made it known that Margarito is what he wanted, and at Madison Square Garden his favorite venue where he is undefeated in six fights.

Though Cotto does admit he did have flaws in that first fight and will make no excuses or accusations that Margarito had tainted hand wraps then. But for the first time he showed writers a picture on his cell phone that was given to him earlier this year. It indicated a tear in the wrapped hands of Margarito. There was evidence of a tear with the tape and gauze. Again this was pure speculation by Cotto and he will not make accusations. However, the facts later on make one to believe that Margarito had an unfair advantage, even if Cotto that night was not at his best.

Margarito remains silent about the hand wrap controversy except when he is asked. “I never used any illegal bandages. I can’t change the opinions of everyone. I always fought clean. He claims to have paid his dues and the subject is a thing of the past.  He is also promoted by Arum and never went against his Mexican fighter when it came to the hand wrap issue. A win this time would put everything in perspective. He takes care of business in New York and Antonio Margarito indeed has the number of Miguel Cotto. Though the early line favorite is Cotto gets a commanding win and vengeance for what happened a few years ago in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

“I accept my defeat like a man,” says Cotto about that uneventful evening in Las Vegas. “It’s the first time I show the pictures to anybody,” referring to the Margarito wraps. “I over trained and won’t make the same mistakes again. I will be watching the first fight again soon to see what I did wrong.” He did not have the veteran Emanuel Steward in his corner then and he will once again have him for the third time in his corner at the Garden.

Steward was able to correct some flaws when he worked with Cotto the first time in June of 2010 at Yankee Stadium, a Cotto 9^th round TKO and defense of the WBA title over Yuri Foreman.

“He is sharp and will be ready at 154,” said Steward when reached for comment because was preparing Andy Lee for his rematch with Brian Vera. “Nothing will go wrong. We will watch the wraps and the gloves. Miguel has picked it up and learned what went wrong the first time.”

And with vengeance obviously on his mind, though Cotto will never show a vindictive trait, Margarito could see the same approach that was used in March. Ricardo Mayorga, saw enough punishment before being stopped by TKO in the 12^th round in the WBA super world light middleweight title fight. Cotto was aggressive and finally put Mayorga on the mat in that final round. It was vintage Cotto, punching with authority, and throwing combinations that propelled him to be a three division world champion.

“I’m going to give it all my body and soul to make this a great match,” said Cotto, (36-2-28 KO’s) one of those in the loss column coming to Pacquiao. He reiterated, ”It’s going to be the same as last time but the ending will be different.” Meaning of course, the punishment this time will show on the face of Margarito who is fully recovered from an injured eye socket that occurred when he lost to Pacquiao last November.

Cotto insisted also that the fight be at 153.  Margarito says that is unfair and that Cotto should be at 154. “If he is a real champion he should fight at 154,” says Margaritio. And Cotto would later respond that the weight was not an issue. His win over Margarito will tell the story that the first loss was because Margarito was with the advantage, once again briefly making reference to the hand wrap controversy.

“Boxing is a sport when you use your skills,” said Cotto. “He played with my health and that’s not fair.”  The wraps for both fighters will be placed in a suitcase prior to the fight and inspected by the New York Commission at the weigh-in. So there could be an end to the issue about Antonio Margarito and hand wraps that have tarnished his career.

Arum stated the Garden has a record advance gate for the fight with an undercard that also includes the undefeated Mike Jones, another of the rising stars in the welterweight division and junior welterweight Pawel Wolak.  And Cotto always sells out the Garden with a strong contingent of Puerto Rican fans from New York City.

But this is not about Puerto Rico against Mexico. It is the fight that Cotto wanted and he anticipates the coming months of training, saying he is a much more matured fighter with his new team under the direction of Steward.

“We accepted 153 because we don’t want Antonio Margarito to make any excuses,” says Cotto. Indeed this looks like it could be another chapter though this time a different and better one for Miguel Cotto.

“I really don’t need that fight,” Pacquiao said about the often discussed bout with Mayweather. “If it happens good, It’s the fight the fans want. If not, I’m satisfied with what I’ve done in boxing.”  Mayweather prepares for Victor Ortiz on September 17^th and Pacquiao, hinted he really isn’t interested in the outcome. “I think I am more focused on this fight compared to the last two because Marquez denied he lost the fight, complaining he won the fight, complaining blah, blah, blah, and that makes me focus and train hard for this fight,” he said.

Truth be told, Pacquiao is relaxed and ready for his third meeting with Marquez. The press conference at Chelsea Piers started with Pacquiao singing a rendition of “Sometimes When We Touch” with Dan Hill the original composer. At previous media events in New York City, Pacquiao would make his entrance, sit quietly at the podium and wait to be introduced. This time it was a different tune but the same Manny Pacquiao acknowledging his legion of fans from the Philippines who observed in a rear area of the Lighthouse.

“I still enjoy the press tours,” he said. “It’s a good thing. You meet a lot of your fans.”  Earlier, Pacquiao did a jog in Central Park and headed to the press conference. After a twenty minute sit- down with the media he did a live spot with ESPN, stopped at HBO headquarters in midtown, and then to JFK Airport with a destination to Los Angeles for the next stop on this latest media tour.

This may not be the fight Pacquiao wanted, but it sparks interest for boxing fans. After all it is Manny Pacquiao, and it is a trilogy with Marquez. They met at featherweight in their first fight and at super featherweight in their second encounter.  Pacquiao has graduated to be a record eight- division champion and once again is favored to win this time at a catch weight of 144 pounds. Marquez is a three-division champion and went down three times in the first fight in 2004, though the outcome was a draw. The crafty (53-5-1, 39 KO) veteran at 38- years of age is not concerned about the outcome of this one. He says moving up in weight is not an issue.  To which Pacquiao says, “I don’t know what Marquez can improve moving up in weight. We fought at 130 pounds in the last fight, and the third fight is 144. I don’t know what he can do.”

Marquez claimed he won both fights. “I know I can do it again,” he says. “I did it in 24-rounds. I was able to get a draw even though I knocked him down three times, so I beat him. I just have to be fast and I have to hit him hard enough.” And if Marquez prevails, or even if he sustains the loss, there is a rematch clause in the contract. But he deeply feels he will dethrone Pacquiao and take his welterweight title.

“I already proved it,” said Pacquiao about their previous fights and disputing Marquez when it came to the controversial draw. “But somebody is claiming they won the fight. I have to work again and prove I won the fights. I want to prove that somebody is wrong and somebody I right.”  But this fight will not be a legacy for Pacquiao, even if it is a trilogy.  He says there will be adjustments since the last fight with Shane Mosley and in the previous fights with Marquez. “I learned more techniques and strategies for being a fighter,” he says.

Freddie Roach, his trainer says, “Pacquiao will knock him (Marquez) out along the way. Manny can’t walk in like we did in the first two. He was just a young kid then. He’s a much more intelligent fighter. I am very confident he will knock him out.”  But Pacquiao is not underestimating Marquez. He saw his last fight on July 16^th, a first-round TKO over former WBA interim super featherweight champion Likar Ramos.

“I saw a still good Marquez but the difference is, I changed a lot of my style and improved my technique and strategy and my power,” commented Pacquiao. There has never been a question of the power, or the technique, just that Marquez is now in the way of continuing the legacy that Manny Pacquiao has established. Far from retirement though, as promoter Bob Arum looks at his main fighter continuing a fight schedule and serving in the capacity of Congressman from the Philippines at least until re-election time in 2013.

Yes, it was a different entrance for Manny Pacquiao in New York City Tuesday. And the trilogy with Marquez should close some issues and put a conclusion to whatever controversy that occurred in their previous fights. Pacquiao has nothing much more to prove, even if we still don’t have a resolution to the Mayweather question.

Arum still wants the Mayweather fight to happen. For now the trilogy bout with Marquez will fill the void and because it is Manny Pacquiao, who happens to be the face of boxing, there will be continued interest.

One way to make the sport more acceptable is to reach the masses, the casual sports fan, and Lionsgate Entertainment may just have helped that process with the upcoming film “Warrior.” Directed by Gavin O’Connor (“Miracle”), and starring Joel Egerton, Tom Hardy (“Inception”), Nick Nolte and Jennifer Morrison, the film takes viewers through the trials and tribulations of the Conlon family, who eventually use the sport and its values to overcome some of the great obstacles in their lives.  One brother is a troubled Army vet, now living in Pittsburgh and looking to restart his life.  Another is a Philadelphia schoolteacher beset by financial woes and trying to keep his family together.  In the middle is their dad, an alcoholic former elite wrestling coach trying to piece together his life once again.  it is through a sport they all had trained and participate in, MMA, that they eventually find, a common ground and a way to overcome the battles that they face in everyday life.

Now the film is probably more “Rocky” than “The Fighter,” but it also aspires to much higher goals.  It is a metaphor for all the issues  we have in society and the struggles everyone faces every day, battles with family, finances, friends, the economy.  It is not bloody or gory, and the fight scenes, even for a casual observer of MMA, don’t glorify violence, they explain the sport and what it takes to be successful. It is the type of well planned, mainstream outreach that can swing those interested in the MMA decision in new York to the positive side.  It is also a film that will appeal to a wider audience because of the story lines, especially a younger audoience who may like the mix of action and drama in a setting that is not slam bang shoot em up super-heroish.  The story is very real, and reality is what many crave these days.

“Warrior” is a great example of a film that can aspire to a higher level and transcend sports.  if it delivers as it could, it may be a big boost for MMA fans in New York, as well as for the careers of its very strong cast.  A great piece for fight fans, or fans of a good story.  Hopefully the New York politicians take the time to see it as well.

Several undefeated, young prospects will be attempting to continue their win streaks and to impress the live crowd and television audience. The headline encounter is scheduled for 10 rounds in the lightweight division. Michael “The Artist” Preez of Newark (13-0-1, 7 KO’s) will be returning to the Paradise. He successfully fought at the iconic Bronx showplace in May 2010.

Perez, 21, turned pro three years ago after attaining the 2008 National Golden Gloves championship. He will face Fer7-2, 4 KO’s) Fernando Carcano (7-2, 4 KO’s) of Sonora, Mexico. The bout in the Bronx will only be Carcano’s second outside of Mexico.

In the co-feature attraction, Eddie Gomez will return to his place of birth for his first pro bout in the Bronx. The 18 year old welterweight (5-0, 4 KO’s), who now resides in Puerto Rico, will be fighting outside the “isla de encanto” for only the second time as a pro. His 21 year old opponent in the scheduled six round welterweight bout, Marcus Hall (53-1, 2 KO’s), comes from Rochester, New York.

Another unbeaten, young prospect, Michael (“The Nassau Nightmare”) Brooks (4-0, 1 KO) travels from his native long Island to face Jamell Tyson (2-2-1, 1 KO) in a six round lightweight bout.

Before the three unbeaten prospects reach the Paradise ring, Rich Neves of Long Island will make his pro debut. Three amateur bouts are scheduled to begin the evening’s event.

DeGuardia, the President and CEO of Star Boxing, commented upon the fulfillment of his desire to bring top-notch boxing cards to the Bronx, “Our concept behind the series is to bring entertaining fights and cards right here to the Bronx. Not only have we been able to produce that with our two past shows this year (May and July), but the success of these shows enabled us to be able to put on what promises to be yet another exciting card at the Paradise live on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate.”

Tickets to the show can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the Paradise Theater box office (1-718-220-1015) or through Star Boxing (1-718-823-2000).

Prior to the fight, promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing  described the upcoming headline bout, “In the main event we have two exciting contenders going toe-to-toe in what promises to be an all-out war with the winner emerging as a serious title contender. His prediction was right-on-the-mark as both boxers gave a maximum effort to achieve victory.

Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1-1, 19 KO’s) is highly ranked in most of the alphabet boxing organizations. The 29 year old is #3 in the WBO, #6 in the WBA, #8 in the IBF and # 11 in the WBC. His ranking improved after his most recent fight, a TKO over former WBA Jr. Middleweight Champion Yuri Foreman. The Polish native had won his last eight bouts.

Wolak predicted that he would have a tough, action filled and victorious bout at the Roseland, “It is going to be a hard fight with lots of action…The fans will get their money’s worth…I am looking forward to continuing towards my goal of winning a world title by the end of 2011.

Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14 KO’s) has moved up in weight class since his days as a welterweight title contender. This was his first fight at 153 lbs. Rodriguez proclaimed, “I’m excited to get back in the ring and show that I’m a force to be reckoned with in the junior middleweight division. I have a new team behind me and I feel better than I ever have before…This is the opportunity to erase everything bad that has happened in the past few years and put myself right back in the spotlight.”

Each did everything they could to fulfill his prediction. Wolak was on the offensive from the opening bell, rushing to the corner of Rodriguez and trying to pin his opponent against the ropes. He pummeled Rodriguez in this manner repeatedly, but Rodriguez counter punched effectively. Despite the pounding each took, neither hit the canvas.

Rights and lefts rocked Wolak to the point that it appeared he would fall during the ninth round, but the Polish native was able to maintain his balance. As the rounds progressed the swelling over Wolak’s right eye grew larger. It was checked by the ring physician several times, but the bout was never halted Each fighter drew a large contingent of rooters even though the bout was televised by ESPN2 as part of its series of “Friday Night Fights.” The crowd was on its feet chanting as the fighters entered the ring. Each fighter was continually cheered with such vehemence that it was difficult to hear the ten second warning and the bell at the end of most rounds. The crowd had rightful reason for screaming and rooting loudly as both men in the ring were providing an excellent performance. The decision of the judges shocked many of the partisans in attendance, but was not unreasonable. One judge scored it 97-93 in favor of Rodriguez. The other two judges called the bout even at 95. Thus, the decision rendered was a majority draw.

In the first televised fight, undefeated young welterweight Raymond “Tito” Serrano (16-0, 8 KO’s) kept his record unblemished in this nationally televised bout. Serrano was tested by Daniel “The Harlem Kid” Sostre (11-4-1, 4 KO’s).The bout went the full eight rounds with the nod going to Serrano by scores of 78-74, 78-74 and 77-75.

On the undercard, but fought in a relatively empty arena as the bouts took place after the main event ended was a lightheavyweight bout in which Lionell Thompson (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Buffalo ended the unbeaten streak of Reggie LaCrete (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn in a four round decision. In the final bout of the night, Steven Gamache (2-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated and Rogelio Sanchez remained winless (0-4) after the junior middleweight decision was given to Gamache after four rounds.

After one amateur bout was fought, the pro bouts began with the flashy appearance of the popular Kevin “Kid” Rooney, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO).The young man has been around the sport since his childhood as his father, Kevin, Sr., was the trainer of Mike Tyson. Since shortly after his graduation from Fordham University in 2007, Rooney, Jr. has worked in public relations for Star Boxing.

His experience in the sport and his power gave him control over the winless Enrique Vera (0-2) in the junior middleweight bout. Vera was in trouble in the opening round until a hard right by Rooney ended the bout. Vera was counted out by referee Esteves as the time reached 3:00 of round one.

After Rooney changed from his ring attire, he resumed his public relations duties for Star Boxing. The popular figure was repeatedly congratulated by his fans and besieged for autographs by youngsters in the crowd.

Star Boxing will present its third boxing card of the month on Saturday, July 23 at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx. The very interesting show will feature three title contests. Of even more importance, all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Those interested in purchasing tickets to the show can call Star Boxing at 1-718-823-2000.

The headline encounter is expected to be a 10 round slugfest between two junior middleweight contenders, each of whom is hoping for an impressive victory that will provide him with a title opportunity. If either fulfills his expectation the ring war will end prior to its scheduled ten rounds.

Promoter DeGuardia described the upcoming headliner, “In the main event we have two exciting contenders going toe-to-toe in what promises to be an all-out war with the winner emerging as a serious title contender.

Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1, 19 KO’s) is highly ranked in most of the alphabet boxing organizations. The 29 year old is #3 in the WBO, #6 in the WBA, #8 in the IBF and # 11 in the WBC. His ranking improved after his most recent fight, a TKO over former WBA Jr. Middleweight Champion Yuri Foreman. The Polish native has won his last eight bouts.

Wolak predicted that he would have a tough, action filled and victorious bout at the Roseland, “It is going to be a hard fight with lots of action…The fans will get their money’s worth…I am looking forward to continuing towards my goal of winning a world title by the end of 2011.

Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14 KO’s) has moved up in weight class since his days as a welterweight title contender. Rodriguez expects that the preparation he has made for this bout will prove to be successful, “I’m excited to get back in the ring and show that I’m a force to be reckoned with in the junior middleweight division. I have a new team behind me and I feel better than I ever have before…This is the opportunity to erase everything bad that has happened in the past few years and put myself right back in the spotlight.”

Undefeated young welterweight Raymond “Tito” Serrano (15-0, 8 KO’s) is hopeful of keeping his record unblemished in his nationally televised bout. Serrano should be tested by Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (11-3-1, 4 KO’s). Sostre is undefeated in his last 10 bouts and the holder of the New York State welterweight title. Although the two are of Puerto Rican heritage each lives and trains in the Northeast.

Serrano, representing Philadelphia, is poised to deliver a great performance in the ring and on the TV screen, “It is the lightest I will have fought as a professional and I feel great at this weight [142 pounds]. I plan on putting on a great performance.”

On the undercard is a lightheavyweight six rounder between Lionell Thompson (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Buffalo and Reggie LaCrete (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn.

Two young men, each fighting in his second pro bout, will meet in a four rounder. Kevin Rooney, Jr. (1-0) has been around the support since his childhood as his father, Kevin, Sr., was the trainer of Mike Tyson. Since shortly after his graduation from Fordham University in 2007, Rooney, Jr. has worked in public relations for Star Boxing. On the 15^th, Rooney will work both inside and outside the ring. Rooney will face Enrique Vera (0-1) in a junior middleweight bout.

Of Rooney, DeGuardia commented, “Kevin put on a good performance in his pro- debut…Now he has the opportunity to showcase his skills right here in New York in front oh his hometown fans and I know he is really looking forward to it.”

Those interested in purchasing tickets to the show can call Star Boxing at 1-718-823-2000.

In the headline encounter, Bryant Pappas (13-9, 12 KO’s) , a popular law enforcement officer in Yonkers, protected his undefeated record, but for the first time as a pro could not stop his opponent. The Yonkers Housing Police Sergeant has not been the only winner in each of his bouts as he donates his entire purse to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan

His opponent in the six round super middleweight encounter will be Allen Medina (8-20, 1 KO) of Colorado. The 33 year old has not had much luck in the ring as of late as he has lost seven of his last eight bouts.

Despite the disparity in past records, the fight was competitive. Neither boxer was floored during the match, but Pappas’s nose was bloodied in the fourth round, which affected his breathing. His white trunks were spotted with dropped blood throughout the final three rounds. The undefeated 38 year old won a majority decision on the cards of the judges, 59-55, 58-55 and 57-57.

Pappas was not the only undefeated boxer on the card who continued his winning streak. In the co-feature, Danny “Joe-Joe” Valle (5-0, 3 KO’s), a third generation participant in the ring sport, entertained his many  local fans in a 6 round lightweight contest in against a fighter from Yonkers, Angel Torres, 2-6-2, 1 KO), who also had many supporters in the crowd.

The two former NY Golden Gloves champions were rivals in the amateur ranks and met for the first time as pros on Thursday. As in the headline bout, past records were not an indication of how the fighters would fare in the ring. Valle was floored with a left seconds into the first round. Almost as soon as Valle rose from the canvas, he downed Torres. The intense action continued unabated throughout the bout. Torres followed Valle around the ring attempting to put his opponent against the ropes, but had difficulty cutting the ring off. The unanimous nod went to Valle by scores of 59-55, 60-54, and 60-54.

The Bronx was in the house during two bouts that featured local boxers. Michael Ocasio (2-0, 2 K0’s) of the Bronx demolished Abdellah Smith (1-3, 1 KO) of Queens with a knockout in 1:57 of the first round in a lightheavyweight encounter. Ocassio was cut over the left eyebrow in the early action. After the knockout, he told the spectators, “He [Smith] was leading too much with his head. I love the blood. That’s what I’m here

Stephen “The Mandingo Warrior” Owusu (8-6, 4 KO’s) has found a lucky home in the Paradise Theater as he won his most recent fight in DeGuardia’s last Bronx show on May 5. That successful bout came after an absence of 11 years in the ring for Owusu. The opponent of the 33 year old, Angel “White Tiger” Rios (9-5, 6 KO’s), like his opponent on Thursday, was away from the sport for many years because of legal problems. The most recent bout for Rios was in 2003. Bronx bragging rights for the two Bronx residents went to Owusu by unanimous decision, 60-53, 60-54 and 60-54.

The opening pro contest was between two welterweights with unimpressive records. Juan Perez (1-1), whose only previous fight was fought at the Paradise in May, took a seven count early in the first round. He came back to get the unanimous decision of the judges over Andrew Jones (1-7-1) by very close scores of 38-37 on all three cards.

The program began with the presentation of four amateur bouts, also featuring several sons of the Bronx. The NYPD was proudly represented by two of the winners. Jamal Spence stopped Shaka Davidson in the second and Mark Sinatra won a three round decision over Jonathan Jenkins.

In other amateur contests, Bryant Cruz won a decision in three rounds over Carlos Nieves in134 pound novice encounter and highly skilled youngsters, Josue Vargas and Brandon Irogo met in a 102 pound contest.  Vargas, 13, won the decision over Irogo, 12, in an exciting match between two Bronx future pros.

The experienced and respected promoter is a Bronx native and resident who understands the fight fans in his borough and the history of the sport of pugilism in New York, “Our goal is to build up boxing here in the Bronx. We have a tremendous venue with the Paradise Theater, and now by pulling together exciting fights that match Bronx fighters vs. Bronx fighters, we are confident we are well on our way to achieve that goal. Back in the glory days of boxing, these were the types of fights and cards you saw all the time…Not only does it make exciting fights, but also for a great atmosphere and in my eyes that’s what boxing is about.”

The next show in the series will be at the Paradise on October 6. Tickets and information about the show can be obtained at the Paradise Theater on 2403 Grand Concourse or from Star Boxing, 7-8-823-2000.

In the headline encounter, Bryant Pappas, a popular law enforcement officer in Yonkers, will be attempting to retain his undefeated record. The Yonkers Housing Police Sergeant has fought professionally since 2005. During that time, the 38 year old has stopped his opponent in each 12 of his bouts. Pappas has not been the only winner in each of his bouts as he donates his entire purse to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan

His opponent in the six round super middleweight encounter will be Allen Medina (8-19, 1 KO) of Colorado. The 33 year old has not had much luck in the ring as of late as he has lost six of his last seven bouts.

Pappas is not the only undefeated boxer on the card hopeful of continuing his winning streak. Danny Valle (4-0, 3 KO’s), a third generation participant in the ring sport, is prepared to entertain his local fans in a 6 round lightweight contest in a. The 25 year old son of the Bronx has been surrounded by boxing since his birth as his father and grandfather, both named Victor Valle, were illustrious trainers.

Valle fill face a long-time foe, Angel Torres in the encounter. The two former NY Golden Gloves champions were rivals in the amateur ranks and will finally get an opportunity to meet as professionals.

Two boxers in the early stage of their pugilistic careers will meet in a bout scheduled for four rounds. Michael Ocasio (1-0, 1 K0) of the Bronx will face Juan Perez (0-1), a neighbor from the north, Mt. Vernon. Ocassio trains at the popular Morris Park Boxing Club that has produced several former world champs. Perez made his pro debut at the Paradise on May 5.

Stephen “The Mandingo Warrior” Owusu (7-6, 4 KO’s) won his most recent fight in DeGuardia’s last Bronx show on May 5. That successful bout came after an absence of 11 years in the ring for Owusu. The 33 year old will be facing Angel “White Tiger” Rios (9-4, 6 KO’s). Rios, like his opponent on Thursday, was away from the sport for many years because of legal problems. The most recent bout for Rios was in 2003. Bronx bragging rights will be on the line for the two Bronx residents who also train in the borough. Owusu prepares for his bouts at the Bronxchester Boxing Club and Rios at John’s Gym.

DeGuardia, the founder and CEO of the Bronx based promotion, Star Boxing, spoke enthusiastically of the upcoming show, “Our return to the Theater in May was everything we expected it to be. We were able to put together an exciting night of boxing, before a packed house of raucous fans who turned out for the show. Now, we are looking to feed and build on the success of that show and carry it over for the rest of the events we have scheduled at the Theater for this year.”

The experienced and respected promoter is a Bronx native and resident who understands the fight fans in his borough and the history of the sport of pugilism in New York, “Our goal is to build up boxing here in the Bronx. We have a tremendous venue with the Paradise Theater, and now by pulling together exciting fights that match Bronx fighters vs. Bronx fighters, we are confident we are well on our way to achieve that goal. Back in the glory days of boxing these were the types of fights and cards you saw all the time…Not only does it make exciting fights, but also for a great atmosphere and in my eyes that’s what boxing is about.”

Tickets and information about the show can be obtained at the Paradise theater on 2403 Grand Concourse or from Star Boxing, 718-823-2000.

Graham Montion and Dale Ramos

Brad Weisboard and TJ Comerford

Mike Repole and Doodnauth Shmiivmangal

Barry Irwin and Dan Reeves