Q & A with Jr. Welterweight contender Emanuel Taylor

Fresh off his spirited effort against three-division world champion Adrien Broner on September 6, Jr. Welterweight contender Emanuel Taylor (18-3, 12 KO's) opens up about the fight and his future aspirations which he candid about wanting the best fights and becoming a world champion early in 2015 1. After your performance with Broner, Your stock was raised. How do you feel after that performance? I feel real good. I am ready to get back into the ring. Iam ready to show the world what I got. I have a huge fan base after that fight. They want to see me back in the ring ASAP. I am ready to get back in there in December or January. 2. You proved that you belong to be able to fight the elite fighters. You feel that you are fully entrenched to be mentioned for big fights? I sure Hope so. I feel that I only should be fighting the fights on HBO or Showtime. I am ready right now to fight all the big dogs. 3. You have been mentioned for some big fights like Khan. He just signed to fight Alexander. Who are the guys that you are looking at to fight. I would have liked that fight with Khan. I see Mauricio Herrera has a fight coming up (against Jose Benavidez). Jesse Vargas is another one. Zab Judah--I will fight him right now. Then we will from there. I see up and coming prospects Frankie Gomez. He is a good fighter. I would like to fight him as well. 4. Give me a perfect scenario for you. Do you see another fight before the end of the year? Where do you expect to be by this time next year? Hopefully I get another fight before the end of the year or January. By this time next year, I will be a world champion. I will have a belt in the 140-pound division then go up to 147 pounds for the rest of my career. (Co-Manager) Doc Nowicki--His management team and coaching team. We were struggling to get an opponent but we got hooked up with Star Boxing. Maybe we can get a rematch with Chris Algieri. Next year at this time, I would like to see Emanuel defending his world title 5. If you got a call tomorrow for a good fight at 147 pounds. Is that an issue. Not at all. I fought the beginning of my career at 147. It wasn't that type of competition. But I can handle it. (Co-Manager) Dave Price-- We spar with the likes of Julian Williams, Kermit Cintron so we know he can handle 147 pounder's. We would like to fight the bigger guys at 140. No disrespect to Danny Garcia but we would love to get a shot at him. 6. How about a fight with your fellow Beltway resident Lamont Peterson? Me and Lamont have similar styles. I have been in with him in the gym a couple times. I give him a lot of respect. I would like to get in the ring with him too. 7. How do you like this new fan base, new found fortune? I like it a lot. I am starting to see it especially on my social media. It gives me more motivation to get another fight. It also makes me train harder. 8. Any final thoughts? I want to thank D & D Management Team, my co-manager Felix Dialosio & my promoter Star Boxing for taking my career to the next level I want to shout my trainer, my father. I will have a world championship around my waist. I will have that pretty soon. I can't wait to get back in the ring on HBO or Showtime for my next fight and take it from there.

Jonathan Batista: Teddy Atlas is the Reason I am Back in USA This Friday!

Dominican welterweight boxer Jonathan Batista is a brave man. Not only will he face his toughest opponent to date, former world champion Kermit "El Asesino" Cintron, in this week's ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised 10-round welterweight co-main event, but he will be also be fighting in the USA for the second time, after having been outright robbed of a victory in his first trip Stateside. Last April at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and live on Friday Night Fights, Batista made his American debut as a fighter by taking on Ghana's Emmanuel Lartei Lartey and solidly out-boxing his tough foe, only to lose a bizarre unanimous, near shutout, six-round decision. The loss was, at first, a devastating blow to his career... until Batista was later able to watch the broadcast and hear ESPN boxing expert Teddy Atlas's commentary on the fight. "After hearing Teddy Atlas's translation of the commentary, it gave me more confidence in my boxing career. I was robbed and Teddy made that clear for everyone. I was extremely disappointed, but then hearing Teddy, who is very knowledgeable, say that I won the fight, it gave me my confidence back. He is a hero in the Dominican for his honesty. After hearing him, I felt a lot better and that's why I'm in this tough fight and feeling as though I am still undefeated." Batista (14-1, 7 KOs) and Cintron (33-5-2, 28 KOs) will collide this Friday night (August 2) at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma, in the chief support bout to the explosive 10-round featherweight main event between former interim WBA Featherweight Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) and former Cuban Olympian Luis "La Estrella" Franco (11-1, 7 KOs). The night of world-class boxing is being presented by Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (in association with Tony Holden Productions and the Buffalo Run Casino) and will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ andWatchESPN. Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available here or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140. On fight night, doors open at 7 pm. "I believe he'll be my stepping stone to becoming better-known to the American public," said Batista of a victory over Cintron. "I still believe he's dangerous; he was a great fighter, but now is my time and he will get knocked out." Batista says he's had an "amazing" training camp and is ready to begin making a name for himself. And as far as the travesty in Atlantic City... he's over it, thanks to Teddy Atlas. "I believe that justice has been done with me and that fight and I have full confidence in the judges in Oklahoma.  I'm ready to fight 10 rounds, but I will be there going for the knockout."

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING   Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation. With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table. When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.   For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Fortuna Planning on Early Night Against Franco. Setting His Sights Next on Gamboa!

Former interim WBA Featherweight Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) says after destroying his next opponent, Cuban featherweight Luis "La Estrella" Franco (11-1, 7 KOs), he would consider moving up in weight and setting his sights on another Cuban fighter, Yuriorkis Gamboa. The explosive Fortuna will meet Franco in the ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised 10-round main event of a night of world-class boxing, presented by Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (in association with Tony Holden Productions and the Buffalo Run Casino) on Friday, August 2, at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. In the televised 10-round welterweight co-main event, former world champion Kermit "El Asesino" Cintron (33-5-2, 28 KOs) will take on tough Dominican Jonathan Batista (14-1, 7 KOs). Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available at www.buffalorun.com or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140. On fight night, doors open at 7 pm. "I have a lot of respect for Franco for having the courage to face me, but I'm going to do to him just like I did with Yuandale Evans (TKO 1) and Cristobal Cruz (TKO 2) and Miguel Zamudio (KO 1). It will end the same say. Viewers will love it. I understand to be successful in boxing, you have to be very aggressive and that's what I plan to be." Fortuna has made up his mind. The fight with Franco is contracted at 128 lbs. and immediately after, he will look to challenge another Cuban fighter, multi-world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa at 130 lbs. "I leave it to my promoter Sampson Lewkowicz to get the fight done, but that's who I want to knock out after Franco. Hopefully Gamboa will have the same courage to face me as Franco. Fortuna says he's not sure exactly how Franco will fall, only that he will most certainly fall. "Franco is tough with a lot of experience. He'll try to move away from me in the first few rounds. That's what I expect. He will try anything to avoid me. My job will be to not let him past the third round. And I plan on doing my job."

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING   Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation. With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table. When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.   For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Franco Positive He Will Defeat Fortuna!

Cuban Olympian Franco to Face Dominican Dynamite Fortuna on ESPN FridayNight Fights on August 2 in Miami, Oklahoma Well-known trainer Jorge Rubio says his fighter, Cuban featherweight Luis "La Estrella" Franco (11-1, 7 KOs) knows exactly how to, and his positive he will, beat former interim WBA Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) when the two meet on Friday, August 2 at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. Franco and Fortuna will clash in the ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised 10-round main event of a night of world-class boxing, presented by Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (in association with Tony Holden Productions and the Buffalo Run Casino). And in the televised 10-round welterweight co-main event, former world champion Kermit "El Asesino" Cintron (33-5-2, 28 KOs) will take on tough Dominican Jonathan Batista (14-1, 7 KOs). Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available at www.buffalorun.com or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140. On fight night, doors open at 7 pm. Rubio, a former trainer of the Cuban national amateur boxing team, who has worked with numerous professional fighters including Guillermo Rigondeaux and Amir Khan, says Fortuna's ambush style and southpaw stance won't work against Franco like they have in the past. "Fortuna doesn't have as much experience. Luis Franco is a former Cuban Olympian," he explained. "The amateur experience he's had, he's fought all over the world and has all the tools to handle every style. Luis has fought many southpaws and knows what to do with them. He's sure he's going to win this fight and so am I." Rubio, who has known the fighter since he was 13, says he and Franco have been doing some very focused and intense work at his Xtream Boxing Gym in Hialeah, Florida. "He'll be 100% for the fight; I'm putting all my attention on Luis right now because if he wins, it'll be good for him. He's training hard, moving well. He has tremendous speed and he wants to win so bad that he's had a great preparation. At 31-years old, Franco needs a win if he is to ever reach the potential he had as one of the world's best amateurs. He suffered his first pro defeat in his last fight, losing a close split decision in an IBF World Championship Eliminator against Argentina's Mauricio Javier Munoz in Argentina. "It's very important for him and me to win this fight," continued Rubio. "If he wins, he can fight for a championship, but if he loses, he'll have a problem landing big fights in the future. He must win this fight." Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available at www.buffalorun.com or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140. On fight night, doors open at 7 pm.

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING   Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation. With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table. When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.   For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Fortuna to Face Franco in Featherweight War! ESPN Friday Night Fights in Miami, Oklahoma

On Friday, August 2, at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (in association with Tony Holden Productions and the Buffalo Run Casino) will proudly present an ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised night of boxing featuring a high-octane featherweight explosion between two of the best fighters in the 126-lb. division. In a 10-round main event with Fight of the Year potential, former interim WBA Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic will face Miami via Havana's Luis "La Estrella" Franco (11-1, 7 KOs). And in the televised 10-round welterweight co-main event, former world champion Kermit "El Asesino" Cintron (33-5-2, 28 KOs) will take on tough Dominican Jonathan Batista (14-1, 7 KOs). Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available here or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140. One of boxing's brightest young stars, 23-year-old Fortuna's sledgehammer fists have helped him become known for producing highlight-reel knockouts. In his last appearance, the WBC #6, WBA #11 and IBF #5-rated slugger demolished world-rated Mexican Miguel Zamudio in 1:08 of the first round. Zamudio was unconscious for several frightening minutes after absorbing Fortuna's whirlwind fury. Amazingly fast and agile in the ring, 31-year-old Luis Franco has long been considered a blue-chip prospect in boxing.  The 2004 Olympian and former amateur junior world champion has now reached a point where he must realize that potential. Franco came up short in his last fight, losing a close split decision in an IBF World Championship Eliminator against Argentina's Mauricio Javier Munoz in Argentina. A victory over Fortuna, however, would propel the skillful Cuban back into the thick of the featherweight title picture. 33-year-old Kermit Cintron has returned to his natural weight of 147 lbs. and will look to continue his comeback. Cintron holds victories over the formidable Alfredo Angulo and Lovemore Ndou and once fought to a draw with pound-for-pound entrant and current middleweight king Sergio Martinez. Cintron's only losses have come to the world's best fighters and he remains a solid top contender with anvils in his fists and the will to return to boxing's elite status. Dominican boxer/puncher Jonathan Batista is part of the group of talented fighters coming out of his homeland and led by Fortuna. Batista's only loss was a highly disputable decision to rugged African Emmanuel Lartei Lartey on the undercard of Fortuna vs. Zamudio. It was his first trip outside the Dominican Republic. In that fight, Batista showed solid defense and good hand speed, as he out-boxed Lartei Lartey for most of the fight. "Fortuna vs. Franco looks like it could be an unforgettable fight," said Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. "Fortuna is so strong it's scary and Franco is unbelievably fast with a great chin. It's the irresistible force against the immovable object. Something's got to give and it'll be a cliffhanger to see what happens. What we all already know is it's going to be a fantastic fight." "Kermit Cintron is looking to become a champion again, but he will not get past my guy Batista," said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. "I have carefully put together a wave of boxers from the Dominican and they are all now coming of age. This victory over Cintron will be the first of many big name wins for Batista. They are both fearless fighters and it will almost surely be a war while it lasts." Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available here or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140. On fight night, doors open at 7 pm.

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING   Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation. With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table. When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.   For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Cintron Has 147 Good Reasons Not to Give Up

Kermit Cintron won a world title at welterweight. Take away two suspicious losses to the disgraced cheater Antonio Margarito and he's never lost as a welterweight. He has almost insurmountable physical gifts of height and superior strength as a welterweight. And so, after losing three of four in a disastrous 18-month stretch, what's he going to do to get his career back on track? He's going back to welterweight. "I feel that it's always been my weight," explained the former champion. "I took my last couple fights at I54 lbs. because they were good opportunities, but you know I was always a better fighter at 147. I didn't gain the weight of a true 154 pounder. I went up to 153 lbs. on fight night, while the guys I was fighting went up to 170 to 175 lbs. I feel that 147-lbs is where I belong. I'm already on weight and I have a week left. It was never a problem to make welterweight." "EL Asesino" Cintron (33-5-1, 28 KOs) will face Chicago attraction Adrian "EL Tigre" Granados (11-2-1, 7 KOs) in the ESPN Friday Night Fights televised 10-round co-main event presented by 8 Count Productions, Round 3 Productions and Warriors Boxing on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Chicago's UIC Pavilion. In the main event, Windy City favorite Donovan "Da Bomb" George will battle former world title challenger David "The Destroyer" Lopez of Nogales, Mexico in a 10-round middleweight bout Cintron says he did a lot of soul-searching after his last fight, a TKO5 loss to Canelo Alvarez in November 2011. "I didn't want to think about boxing after the Canelo fight. I just wanted to go home and spend time with my kids. My family is important to me and I think that going away for camps eight or nine weeks at a time was getting to me. I was focusing too much on what my kids were doing, wondering if they were ok. After a while, my kids started asking when I'm fighting again? They said 'we want to see you on TV.' My kids still want me fight, so here I am." Cintron, from Reading, Pennsylvania, says he decided to go back to what got him to the lofty heights of boxing despite a very minimal amateur career. "I'm training at home around family and Milton Santiago is my new trainer. I've known him since I was eight years old. If I wanted to come back, the only person I had in mind to train me was Milton. He's the true coach that brought me to the gym when I was in school. So I'm going back to my roots, back to basics, and that's what I did. We've been working together the past six months. I have my own boxing gym called the Kermit Cintron Boxing Gym in Reading, Pennsylvania where Milton trains me. On the days I need to spar, I go to Philly and get some good sparring in." Cintron says reports of his decline as a fighter and tumble from the ranks of serious contender are irresponsible. "That's how the media is. All they do is a lot of talking. I really ignore those comments from people. I'm not a shot fighter. I had a rough year, that's it. You'll see. I have lots left. I have dedicated myself to the sport once again. I'm feeling great and I've improved. You guys will see. Having signed with a new promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, Cintron says he's rejuvenated and eager to get back where he belongs: as a top 147-lb fighter. "I just want to fight. I'm excited to come back after 16 months off. I'm excited and rejuvenated and ready to go." ### Presented by 8 Count Productions, Round 3 Productions, Warriors Boxing and Blue Wave Boxing, advance tickets to ESPN Friday Night Fights are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $30 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000 ), the 8 Count Productions Offices, 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office, 312-413-5740. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7pm CT with the first bout scheduled for 8:00pm CT. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago. A full undercard featuring many of Chicago's best prospects and fan favorites will be announced shortly for this event.

Kauffman Signs with GCP

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of exciting Reading, Pennsylvania, heavyweight Travis Kauffman (23-1, 17 KOs) to a promotional agreement. 27-year-old Kauffman is currently riding high on a five-fight winning streak and picked up the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental heavyweight title by knocking out respected hard-punching veteran Chris Koval. "Travis is another diamond in the rough that we have a special knack for developing," said promoter Greg Cohen. "We're looking forward to working with him and helping him attain his lifelong dream of winning the Heavyweight Title." The former number-one ranked American amateur heavyweight, Kauffmann is trained by his father, Marshall, who rose to prominence from his work with former welterweight contender Kermit Cintron. "Travis has the people in place and now has the representation to punch a big dent in the heavyweight division. This is notice to the big man's division that Travis Kauffman is back and he's gunning for you."

Willie Nelson a Clear & Present Danger for Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez

(L-R) Trainer Jack Loew, Willie "The Great" Nelson, and his co-promoter Steve Smith ST. LOUIS (November 20, 2012) - The freakish physical attributes of North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super Welterweight champion Willie "The Great" Nelson presents a clear and present danger, as well as a totally unique challenge, for World Boxing Council (WBC) 154-pound king Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (41-0, 30 KOs). Nelson(19-1-1, 11 KOs), the top-ranked American in the WBC ratings at No. 6, stands 6' 4" and has an 81" reach. The 5' 9" Alvarez has never fought anybody even remotely close to Nelson's size. In fact, in his six world title fights, the popular Mexican fighter's opponents have averaged 5' 9" with a 70 3/4" reach. The 5' 11" Kermit Cintron with his 74" reach is the tallest and longest-reaching foe Alvarez has fought to date. Rumble Time Promotions president Steve Smith, who co-promotes Nelson along with Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment), believes Nelson is ready to make some noise. "Willie's willing to fight the top super welterweights in the world. He is done ruining the dreams of top prospects, as he did in his last two fights, and is ready to wake-up the boring 154-pound division. Willie can deliver to the networks what boxing fans really want to see - excitement and action! He can be a fresh face for the public to enjoy, replacing the same old faces of recycled fighters that fans are tired of watching. This is Willie Nelson's time." Neither No. 1 ranked Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KOs) nor No. 2 Vanes "Nightmare" Martirosyan distinguished themselves as viable title contenders in their recent WBC title eliminator. The only thing more disappointing than it ending in a nine-round draw, due to a cut over Martirosyan's left eyebrow, resulting from an accidental clash of heads, was their overall lack of action. Lara and Martirosyan have been awarded a rematch by the WBC to determine its mandatory challenger for Alvarez,whohas been granted a voluntary defense option. Although Alvarez is reportedly eying a mega-fight in May against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto or Sergio Martinez, if none of those fights are made, Nelson is ready, willing and able to accept that challenge. "If 'Canelo' was going to fight the winner of Martirosyan and Lara," Nelson's head trainer Jack Lowe said, "hands down, Willie would give him a much better fight than either of those two guys. That fight was disgusting, the most boring title eliminator I've ever seen. Neither kid wanted it. They were fighting for a big payday and world title shot but neither of them wanted to really fight. 'Canelo' is the champ and I'll give him his props, but Willie is next in line in the junior middleweight division. I've looked across the board, at all of the top boxing organizations, and there isn't a world champion or top 5-fighter we wouldn't fight right now. If not Alvarez, I'd like to see Willie in against Cotto, who has had his day, and I'd put him in against (Austin) Trouttonight. (Alfredo) Angulo, (James) Kirkland...those are the type of guys we'd like to fight." Nelson is coming off of impressive back-to-back victories by 10-round decisions over a pair of previously unbeaten prospects, two-time Cuban National champion Yudel Jhonson (12-1) on ShoBox, and WBC Youth champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (13-1, 12 KOs), for the vacant NABF super welterweight title, on the September 15thSergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. HBO Pay-Per-View event. The only fighters ranked ahead of Nelson in the WBC ratings, other than Lara and Martiosyan, are virtually unknowns in North America: 3. WBC Baltic championDamion Jonack (34-0-1, 21 KOs), of Poland; 4. WBC International titlist Emanuele Della Rosa (30-1, 8 KOs), of Italy; No. 5 European and WBC Silver champ Sergey Rabchenko (21-0, 16 KOs), of Bellarussia. Cleveland-native Nelson, who trains in Youngstown, Ohio with Loew, has a rich amateur pedigree having had nearly 250 matches, including title-winning performances in the PAL Nationals twice and Under-19 Tournament, and only 22 losses. Because of his freakish size for a junior middleweight, Nelson has been favorably compared to a right-handed Paul Williams, or a young Tommy Hearns. Nelson may not be as famous as his singing namesake, but Alvarez has never fought anybody like him, and boxing fans most certainly would be entertained by their contrasting styles and divergent body stature. "What's very interesting is that 'Canelo' was supposed to fight Paul Williams (who was paralyzed in motorcycle accident)," Loew added. "So, it's not like Alvarez won't take a fight against a guy with Willie's freakish stature. I thought Paul would have had an excellent shot of beating Alvarez, as long as he didn't get hit by a shot over the top. 'Canelo' is improving each fight but I don't think he is a superstar. If he'd fight Paul Williams with his style, why not give us a shot? If Willie had only 15-20 amateur fights, I wouldn't say he's ready for 'Canelo' right now, but Willie had more than 200 amateur fights and 21 in the pros. He's ready for Alvarez and confident." Go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com for more information about Nelson or any of his Rumble Time Promotions stable-mates.

Trout to Canelo: Try and Take My Belt!

With the hunt for an opponent for WBC Junior Middleweight Champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on September 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas still apparently ongoing, WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin "No Doubt" Trout (25-0, 14 KOs) would like to send the following reminder to his fellow champion: "Canelo, if you want my belt, come try and take it! After I beat your brother in your hometown to win my title, you came forward and stated you wanted to fight me to avenge your brother's loss. Ever since I immediately accepted your challenge, you have disappeared. Now we have a chance to unify the titles and give the fans a fight between two young, undefeated world champions, but it seems as though you are more interested in taking on lesser-quality opposition and avoiding me again." Trout was last seen scoring a dominant win over Delvin Rodriguez on June 2 on Showtime. "I've proven to be head and shoulders above everyone they've put in front of me. I'm ready for my first defining moment as a fighter on the world stage, so I'm sending this challenge out to another champion who hasn't yet been in a pick 'em type of fight." Surprisingly, Trout says he doesn't blame Alvarez for his choice of opponents thus far. "If I could get away with fighting the Kermit Cintrons and Matthew Hattons of the world on HBO, I would too, but it's time to step up Cinnamon. Time to find out what we're both truly made of."

Molina: Forget Politics and Tricks. Fight Me Because You're True Champions

Tired of all the undeserved setbacks, controversial outcomes and political maneuvering he's suffered through in his career, top junior middleweight contender Carlos Molina says he wishes to appeal directly to other old-school boxers like himself.

"Everyone knows I'm the number-one contender in this division. I haven't legitimately lost, or even had a draw, in a fight since 2006. And the list of guys I beat in that time is the most impressive of any other contender in the top 10. What I want to say to the world champions at 154 lbs is this: don't hide behind rankings to avoid me. Fight me because I'm the true #1 contender and that's what an old-school champion would do."

Molina (19-5-2, 6 KOs) maintains the boxing world is well aware of his victory over former world champion Kermit Cintron, the victories stolen from him over top contenders Erislandy Lara (controversial draw) and Eric Kirkland (mystifyingly illegal disqualification), as well as his highly controversial draw and rematch decision loss earlier in his career to current middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

"I've beaten all these top guys. Everybody knows that. So let's see if one of these champions at 154 will step around people I should be rated above and fight me, just because they want to know if they're the best in the world. Can you imagine Joe Louis stepping past someone because of boxing politics? Or Rocky Marciano?"

Molina hopes that inside one of today's champions or top contenders such as, Saul Alvarez (WBC), Austin Trout (WBA), Cornelius Bundrage (IBF), Zaurbek Baysangurov (WBO), Paul Williams, Lara (again), and Kirkland (again) beats the heart of a true fighter.

"I fight anybody, any time because I want to beat the best. Do any of these guys want to know if they can beat the true #1 contender at 154 lbs in the world? Join me in the old school, where champions are champions because they fight and beat the best. Let's make it happen."