Melson to receive Ambassador of Peace Award!

 

New York, NY (December 14, 2014) – Junior middleweight boxer and charitable figure Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will receive the Ambassador of Peace Award from the World Boxing Council (WBC) during their annual convention Monday, December 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Since turning pro in 2010, Melson’s garnered international attention for donating 100% of his fight purses and raising awareness about bringing trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Along with best friend Christan Zaccagnino, Melson founded Team Fight to Walk and recruited many notable boxers to join the fight to cure paralysis. During the last two years, Team Fight to Walk hosted charity galas titled “Fighting for the Cure” to help raise additional funds for the pending trials. Due to their tireless efforts with Team Fight to Walk, Melson and Zaccagnino have been featured by many major media outlets.

 

A 2003 graduate of West Point Academy with a full schedule outside of the squared circle, Melson serves the United States as an Army Reserve Officer and is also a motivational speaker.

 

“This is an honor and a blessing,” Melson said of the award he’ll be receiving. “When I turned pro, my plan was to raise as much money and awareness as possible with the ultimate goal being that Christan walks again. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be inLas Vegas on behalf of Team Fight to Walk receiving the same award many boxing greats did in years past.”

 

“The World Boxing Council has been an incredible supporter of Team Fight to Walk, Christan and I. They attended our gala, donated memorabilia for us to auction and honored me at their WBC Cares event in 2012. On behalf of Team Fight to Walk, I’d like to give an extra special thanks to the WBC’s Jill Diamond. She has gone above and beyond to assist with our efforts in bringing clinical trials to the United States that can help cure Spinal Cord Injuries.”

 

Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former NBA All-Star Anthon Mason, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two division world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams, former NBA All-Star Anthony Mason, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com. All questions about Team Fight to Walk or Spinal Cord Injuries can be emailed to Boydmelson@Teamfighttowalk.com.\

 

Click Here to listen to an interview we did recently with Boyd on the FNU Combat Sports Show. It's about halfway into the broadcast. We also chat with Paul "The Punisher" Williams on the same show, who is now a member of "Team Fight to Walk."

Paul Williams Joins Team Fight to Walk!

New York, NY (December 7, 2014) – Three time world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams is the newest member of Team Fight to Walk.

 

A fixture on the pound for pound lists and a fan favorite, Williams had an outstanding 41-2 record with 27 wins by knockout. Williams, a two-division titlist, became paralyzed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident in May 2012. Even after becoming a paraplegic from the accident, Williams maintained his signature smile and a great attitude.

 

Recently, Williams connected with Team Fight to Walk co-founder Boyd Melson in New York City, where he helped Williams find speaking engagements. During their time together, Melson took Williams to RutgersUniversity to meet Dr. Wise Young. He showed Williams patients treated during clinical trials in China. Williams saw the patients walking following a surgical procedure that enabled their axons to regenerate. Young is planning to conduct the same trials next year in the United States. Amazed by what he saw, Williams immediately joined Team Fight to Walk.

 

“Being a member of Team Fight to Walk is an incredible feeling,” said Williams. “Regardless of how I felt, people were telling me that I was never going to walk again but after meeting Boyd and Dr. Wise Young, you can’t tell me anything! I saw people with Spinal Cord Injuries walking again and their cords regrowing. It’s amazing how God works because he brought all of us together and I’m confident as ever that I’ll walk again.”

 

Melson is also overjoyed about having Williams on board and knew it was only a matter of time until the two connected.

 

“From the day I heard about Paul’s accident, I tried to get in touch and let him know there was hope. Thankfully, we were able to connect and I showed him the incredible results from Dr. Young’s clinical trial inChina. He’s an important member of the boxing world who can help our outreach tremendously. Like (Team Fight to Walk founder) Christan (Zaccagnino), Paul’s life changed in a split second but now he knows that results of trials overseas means there’s plenty of hope for both of them. I believe that Christan and Paul will walk again once the clinical trials take place in the United States.”

 

For more information on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com. Fans can contact Paul on Twitter @1paulwilliams. All questions about Team Fight to Walk or Spinal Cord Injuries can be emailed to Boydmelson@Teamfighttowalk.com.

ERISLANDY "THE AMERICAN DREAM" LARA ELEVADED TO WBA WORLD CHAMPION

Press Release For Immediate Release

Photo By Al Applerose   HOUSTON, TX (March 13, 2014) - Super Welterweight sensation, Erislandy "The American Dream" Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs) has been elevated to World Champion by the WBA (World Boxing Association) after successfully defending his interim title against Alfredo Angulo (22-4, 18 KOs) and Austin Trout (26-2, 14 KOs).  The Cuban born fighter, who now resides in Houston, Texas, is happy that the WBA has made their decision to make him a World Champion.  "I applaud the WBA for their decision to make me a world champion and I want to send a special thank you to a good friend of mine Gilberto Mendoza from the WBA," said Erislandy Lara. "I've never had anything come easy to me.  I've fought everyone that has been offered to me with no hesitation.  All I want is an opportunity to prove I'm the best fighter in the division.  I've worked my entire life to become a world champion and now the dream has come true.  I'm truly living the American Dream and I love this country that I now call home." Lara can arguably be referred to as an undefeated fighter, but was robbed in his only loss on record, a controversial majority decision debacle against Paul Williams, that forced the New Jersey State Athletic Commission to suspend all three judges scoring that night for their incompetent judging.   With the elevated status of WBA World Champion, Lara feels his career is heading in the right direction.  He wants to challenge the best fighters in the world and knows what it's going to take to get those fighters in the ring. "It's no secret that I would like to challenge the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather, Gennandy Golovkin and any other top fighter that feels they are the best.  I'll fight anyone.  I'm going to keep working hard and do my best to keep winning fights.  Boxing should be about the best fighting the best.  If we were back in the old days of Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis, all these fights would have been made already.  I'm hoping boxing resurrects itself to the days when the best fought the best. I love this sport and I will do what ever it takes to make it better for the fans." Lara concluded.

Willie Nelson on the road again; 1st NABF title defense March 1

ESPN FNF co-feature vs. Michael Medina at MGM Grand at Foxwoods Willie "The Great" Nelson connects (photo by Bob Barton) ST. LOUIS (January 28, 2013) - North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super Welterweight champion Willie "The Great" Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs) makes his first title defense March 1 against tough challenger Michael "El Magnifico" Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on ESPN Friday Night Fights, live from MGM Grand at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. SMS Promotions, owned and operated by 50-Cent, has partnered with Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment to present the Mar. 1 ESPN Friday Night Fights show. Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs), who is the top-ranked American in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings at No. 6, has been favorably compared to a right-handed Paul Williams and young Tommy Hearns because of his freakish size (6' 4" & 81" reach) for a 154-pounder. Coming off consecutive victories by impressive 10-round decisions over a pair of previously unbeaten prospects - two-time Cuban National champion Yudel Jhonson (12-1), on ShoBox, and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (13-1, 12 KOs), for the vacant NABF super welterweight title - Nelson is on the verge of a world title fight. Rumble Time Promotions president Steve Smith, who co-promotes Nelson with Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment), can't wait to watch Nelson showcase his talent on ESPN FNF. "Willie is really looking forward to this fight," Smith said. "He's fully focused and ready to go. Willie is now a complete fighter working with head trainer Jack Lowe and his nutritionist and strength-and-conditioning coach, Mike Bartos. Willie is patient in the ring. He has learned how to use his height and long jab to be more of an advantage for him in the ring. Boxing fans will get to see the scariest 154-pounder in the world, standing 6' 4" and hitting his opponent from across the ring with his tremendous reach. I can't wait for boxing fans all over the world to see the complete package known as Willie 'The Great" Nelson."      Willie "The Great" Nelson (photo by Bob Barton) 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 National Championships twice and U.S. Under-19 Tournament, and only 22 losses. WBC No. 16-ranked Medina will be giving away 3 ½ inches in height, as well as a 9-inch reach, when he challenges Nelson. The Los Angeles-based fighter's most notable win is by 10-round decision in 2011 to Grady Brewer. A former NABF and FECOMBOX light middleweight champion, Medina has been stopped only once, by Saul Roman, and his only other losses as a professional have been to undefeated WBC No. 2-rated Vanes Martirosyan and John Duddy. Go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com for more information about Nelson or any of his Rumble Time Promotions stable-mates.

ERISLANDY LARA ON UPCOMING FIGHT AGAINST VANES MARTIROSYAN: "MY GOAL IS TO PUNISH VANES"

  

SUPER WELTERWEIGHT RIVALS TO FINALLY MEET

ON NOVEMBER 10 IN LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES, November 1 - After two years of talking, the wait is almost over and Vanes Martirosyan, will finally fight Cuban star Erislandy Lara.  Lara, who is recognized as one of the best fighters in the world, and Martirosyan, an unbeaten 2004 United States Olympian, will put everything on the line in a 12 round WBC Super Welterweight World title elimination fight that will headline the Saturday, November 10 edition of HBO Boxing After Dark at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. from the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas.

"The fight is almost here and the fans are in for a great night of action," said the number one rated WBC super welterweight contender who has wanted to corner the trash-talking Martirosyan in the ring since 2010.  "My goal is to punish Vanes in this fight because he's been talking so much trash.  This fight has been a long time in coming and I'm going to make him pay for his disrespect."

"I'm extremely focused and mentally prepared to give fans a great performance on November 10th," continued Lara.  "I've worked hard my entire life to get into position to fight for a world championship and Martirosyan stands in my way.  Like all Cuban fighters, we bring a lot of heart and soul into the ring and this fight will be no different.  I'm coming to establish myself as the best super welterweight in the world."

"This fight is dedicated to all those who are suffering and have lost their lives to Hurricane Sandy including the 11 Cubans who were killed by the storm," continued Lara.  "My prayers go out to all of their families. God Bless!"

"I'm excited to see Lara show his skills on November 10th against Martirosyan," said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions.  "This fight has been a long time coming and we're excited it is finally happening.  I have full confidence that Lara will come out victorious and make a statement that he is a force in the 154 pound weight class."

"Lara and Martirosyan are two of the top fighters at 154 pounds," said Lara's manager Luis DeCubas Jr.  "I can guarantee they will put on a great show for everyone watching on HBO.  Lara is ready to show the world he's the best fighter in the division.  The winner of this fight will be in a great position and that will be Erislandy Lara!"

A decorated member of the renowned Cuban amateur boxing program, 29-year-old Erislandy Lara (17-1-1, 11 KO's) is one of the most respected-and avoided-fighters in the world today.  In 2011, Lara was on the short end of one of boxing's most controversial decisions in a July 2011 loss against Paul Williams after which all three judges were suspended indefinitely.  Undeterred, the slick and powerful southpaw rebounded in 2012 with a 94 second technical knockout win over Ronald Hearns and a 10-round decision victory over Freddy Hernandez.  Now he looks forward to his upcoming November 10 title elimination bout against number two rated WBC super welterweight contender Vanes Martirosyan (32-0, 20 KO's), a 26-year-old Californian who is coming off of a third round technical knockout win over Troy Lowry in February. 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/LaraBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

PAUL WILLIAMS IN FIRST TELEVISED INTERVIEW SINCE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Jim Gray (L) interviews Paul Williams in a segment that is set to air Saturday on Showtime's "Knockout Kings" broadcast. (Photo: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)

In his first televised interview since he was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle accident in May, former World Champion Paul Williams spoke with Emmy Award-winning sports reporter Jim Gray on the eve of “Knockout Kings,” a four-fight boxing event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  The special one-on-one interview will air as part of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast which begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.  Williams is expected to attend the event on Saturday.

In the session taped on Friday at MGM Grand, an optimistic Williams spoke in-depth about the accident, his ongoing recovery and his goals for the future.

“My game ain’t over,” said Williams in the interview. “Whether I am walking or not walking, my game ain’t over until the Lord takes my life.”

After the interview, Gray said, “It was amazing how someone who suffered such a life-changing event was so positive and so upbeat.  This interview convinced me that Paul Williams’ greatness is in his future.”

Top prospect Willie Nelson on the road to Las Vegas for NABF super welterweight title fight with John Jackson

Willie Nelson (R) connects ST. LOUIS (August 30, 2012) - Boxing is a risk-and-reward business. A successful gamble this past May ultimately positioned top prospect Willie "The Great" Nelson(18-1-1, 11 KOs) against undefeated John "Dah Rock" Jackson (13-0, 12 KOs) on September 15 for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight title. Nelson vs. Jackson will be part of the Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.HBO Pay-Per-View event, presented by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment, live from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Last May, Nelson agreed to be a late replacement-on only 11 days notice to fight-for highly-touted, previously unbeaten Cuban fighter Yudel Jhonson (12-0) on ShoBox. Nelson dropped Jhonson in the second round en route to upsetting the 2004 Olympic silver medalist by way unanimous 10-round decision (97-92, 97-92, 95-94). Nelson's impressive victory propelled him into the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings, in which, he is currently rated No. 11. "We saw an opportunity to beat a fighter everybody thought so highly of," Nelson said. "I took the fight knowing a win would get me back on the scene." A multi-gifted boxer from Cleveland, who is training with Jack Loew in Youngstown, Ohio, Nelson has been compared to a right-handed Paul Williams or a younger Tommy Hearns because of his freakish size-6' 4" with a 77" reach-for a 154-pounder. Nelson was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer who had nearly 250 matches, capturing many titles, including the PAL Nationals twice and Under-19 Tournament, while suffering only 22 losses. "Jackson had a decent amateur background in the Virgin Islands," Nelson remarked. "He supposedly can punch. I want him on the outside because I've been learning how to use distance with my height and reach advantages. Before, I just went in fighting, not taking advantage of being the bigger, taller fighter." Jackson, a 2008 US Virgin Islands Olympian, is the son of three-time, two division world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson (55-6, 49 KOs). Jackson, rated No. 17 by the WBC, is the reigning WBC Youth World super welterweight middleweight titlist. At stake for Nelson against Jackson is a higher ranking, which would move him closer to his dream of fighting WBC champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. I just take things fight by fight," the 25-year-old Nelson noted. "A win figures to put me higher in the ratings, but this is boxing and anything can happen. I focus on my fights, one at a time, and leave who I'll be fighting up to my promoters and the sanctioning bodies." Nelson is co-promoted by Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. "Willie earned this NABF title shot and world ranking with his strong performance against Jhonson," Rumble Time Promotions president Steve Smith commented. "This is a great opportunity for Willie to be showcased on one of the biggest shows of the year. I want to thank NABF president Joe Dwyer, who is a breath of fresh air to work with. "Willie has learned how to use his tremendous height and reach advantages from his trainer, Jack Loew, and he's much stronger working with his new strength-and-conditioning coach, Mike Bartos, who monitors Willie's daily workouts and diet. Willie Nelson is the most complete 154-pound fighter in the world, as well as every fighter's nightmare." Go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com for more information about Nelson or any of his Rumble Time Promotions stable-mates.

Peter 'Kid Chocolate' Quillin Simmering & Positioning

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2012) - America's No. 1 middleweight contender, undefeated  Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (26-0, 20 KOs), fully understands that an impressive victory June 2 over four-time world light middleweight champion Ronald "Winky" Wright (51-5-1, 25 KOs) should get him much closer to his dream of fighting for a world title. Quillin-Wright is the 10-round Showtime co-feature at Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Wright has never been stopped in 57 pro bouts, fighting world-class opponents such as Felix Trinidad (WDEC12), Shane Mosley (DEC12 twice), Bernard Hopkins (LDEC12), Paul Williams (LDEC12), Fernando Vargas (LDEC12) and Jermain Taylor (D12).  All of Wright's five losses have been to world champions. "This is my first fight on Showtime and it's a great opportunity for me to showcase my talents," Quillin said.  "The reason I make so many sacrifices and work so hard is to be world middleweight champion.  Defeating 'Winky' will get me closer and becoming the first to knock him out is motivating.  I also want revenge for 'Winky' beating one of my favorite fighters, Felix Trinidad." At risk for Quillin is a future title shot against one of the current world champions - Felix Sturm (WBA Super), Gennady Golovkin (WBA Regular), Daniel Geale (IBF), Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (WBC) and Dmitry Pirog (WBO) - and ultimately the coveted showdown with the universally recognized 160-pound champion, Sergio Martinez. Quillin, the IBF #6 rated middleweight, could also be in line to fight one of the other top contenders such as Mathew Macklin or Andy Lee - a fight in NYC would be huge for Manhattan resident "Kid Chocolate" vs. either Irishman - or possibly former world champion Jermain Taylor.  Lee, who passed on an opportunity to fight Quillin back on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) at The Theater in Madison Square Garden, challenges Chavez on June 9. None of the aforementioned potential fights will happen, of course, unless Quilln gets past the ageless Wright, whose peek-a-boo defensive style has caused nightmares for many opponents. "I go to Wild Card Gym to work and with my strength-and-conditioning coach, Brad Bose, at his Anatomi Gym," Quillin spoke about being a professional boxer on the brink of a world title fight.  "That's all I do when I'm training for a fight.  I don't really do too much more between fights because boxing is my job, my career.  My father, Pedro, and little brother, Cedric, have been here with me in LA giving me added motivation.  My time is coming!" Quillin has a powerful team behind him: promoter Golden Boy Promotions, co-managers John Seip and Jim McDevitt, new advisor Al Haymon, and trainers Freddie Roach and Eric Brown.  They can get him to the Promised Land in boxing, but all of the rest is squarely up to "Kid Chocolate," starting June 2nd with "Winky." For more information about Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin go online towww.TheKidChocolate.com or follow him on Twitter @/Kid Chocolate

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."

PAUL WILLIAMS SHUTS OUT NOBUHIRO ISHIDA; Tavoris Cloud Wins Controversial Split Decision Over Gabriel Campillo

Cristobal Arreola Stuns Eric Molina with First Round KO Replay Tomorrow/Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME® CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 18, 2012) - Paul Williams dominated Nobuhiro Ishida en route to a 12-round unanimous decision shutout (120-108 three times) in the super welterweight main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The SHOWTIME telecast was kicked off by a fight that left fans irate at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Texas when Tavoris Cloud defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title via split decision over Gabriel Campillo. The scores were 116-110 and 114-112 for Cloud and 115-111 for Campillo. Williams (41-2, 27 KOs), of Aiken, S.C., stayed busier than Ishida (24-7-2, 9 KOs), of Osaka, Japan, throughout the entire fight, throwing 934 punches to his opponents 671. The consistent performance brought Williams a very convincing victory. His work rate and volume punching proved too much for Ishida. "It feels real good," said Williams. "Ishida is a tough fighter but we put in good work and we're going to make it back to the top of the game." Following the telecast's co-feature, SHOWTIME analyst Al Bernstein said, "How this fight could be scored 116-110 on a judge's scorecard is beyond comprehension. It's one of the most egregious decisions I've ever seen." The crowd echoed this sentiment with a cacophony of boos from the 4,599 in attendance following the announcement of the decision for Cloud over Campillo. Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., started impressively with two knockdowns in the first round. He floored Campillo (21-4-1, 8 KOs), of Madrid, Spain, with a right hand and then referee Marc Nelson ruled another knockdown when Campillo used the ropes to stay up following another shot by Cloud. Unfazed by the 10-7 first round, Campillo regained his composure and began to turn the tide. Cloud suffered a cut above his left eye in the fourth round as Campillo surged. The Spanish fighter was more active and accurate than his opponent, landing 148 power punches compared to Cloud's 71. By the 11th and 12th rounds, Campillo was beginning to showboat but Cloud had no answers. As the final bell rung, Campillo raised his arms in victory and kept them up until ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. announced that Cloud had successfully defended his title. "I feel like I won the fight," said Cloud.  "I knocked him down a few times and was the aggressor throughout.  I wanted to put him away but sometimes you get it and sometimes you don't. "I wanted to stay busy and be aggressive.  I did that.  He was a busy fighter, and that's what the crowd here in Corpus Christi responded to.  The difference is I was landing the power shots, and that's what the judges responded to." "I'm disappointed," said Campillo. "This was one of the best fights of my career but this is not the first time it's happened to me. He won the first but after that I dominated. I won the fight no question." The televising of preliminary boxing bouts on SHOWTIME EXTREME started out with a bang as Chris Arreola (34-2, 30 KOs, 1 ND), of Riverside, Calif., stunned Eric Molina (18-2, 14 KOs), of Raymondville, Texas, with a first-round knockout just 30 seconds shy of the bell. Molina caught Arreola early with a right but it only seemed to wake the sleeping giant as Arreola responded with a barrage of punches that ended with a flush right to the temple. Molina hit the canvas and stayed there until the count of ten in the heavyweight bout scheduled for 12 rounds. "I wasn't hurt so much but it was a nice clean right hand and the way he came at me, I could see every punch coming," said Arreola. "I was blocking and blocking and waiting for my punch.  Once I swung out of the ropes I knew it was my time to work. "I'm a commodity, a big Mexican commodity. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to become the first Mexican heavyweight world champion." In the opening bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME, Malik Scott (33-0, 11 KOs) won an eight-round unanimous decision over Kendrick Releford (22-16-2, 10 KOs) by the scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73. "We knew Releford was a tough, durable fighter when he took Arreola the 8-round distance while Chris was in great shape. "I put my punches together a few times and there were a couple of times where I could have put on more pressure like my corner wanted me to. "We'll be right back at the gym on Monday.  We love to work and we're looking to stay busy." Justin Williams (4-5-1, 2 KOs) won a surprise upset over Corpus Christi's own Alfonso Lopez (22-3, 17 KOs) with a six-round unanimous decision by the scores of 58-55 twice and 57-56. Williams scored a second-round knockdown with a perfectly timed right hand. The event was presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.  The Williams-Ishida bout was promoted in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions.  The Cloud vs. Campillo bout was promoted by Don King Productions in association with Sampson Boxing, LLC.      Paul Williams Talks Win Over Nobuhiro Ishida Malik Scott Wins Unanimous Decision Over Kendrick Releford

PAUL WILLIAMS & NOBUHIRO ISHIDA, TAVORIS CLOUD & GABRIEL CAMPILLO, CHRIS ARRELOA & ERIC MOLINA, PROMOTERS DAN GOOSSEN & DON KING

Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

From American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (Feb. 16, 2012) – A packed crowd attended the final press conference on Thursday at American Bank Center Arena to witness the jarring between promoters Don King and Dan Goossen and the fighters participating in Saturday’s SHOWTIME Championship Boxing event, live onSHOWTIME^® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). 

In the main event, former world champion Paul Williams (40-2, 27 KOs), of Aiken, S.C., will face Nobuhiro Ishida (24-6-2, 9 KOs) of Osaka, Japan. Ishida has won his last two bouts via first-round stoppage, including an upset over then-undefeated James Kirkland in April of 2011, while Williams owns victories over Sergio Martinez and Antonio Margarito. 

In the co-feature, undefeated Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., will risk his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title for a third time when he faces former world champ Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 8 KOs) of Madrid, Spain.

For the first time in network history, preliminary boxing bouts will be televised LIVE on SHOWTIME EXTREMEat 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  American heavyweight contenders Chris Arreola and Eric Molina will square off with hopes that a victory will move the winner one step closer to a shot at a world title.  In another heavyweight matchup on SHOWTIME EXTREME, Malik Scott will take Kendrick Releford in an eight-round bout. 

While Williams, Ishida, Cloud and Campillo kept the proceedings mostly respectable and calm, Arreola, Molina, King and Goossen had plenty to say about who they think will be the last man standing on Saturday night.

DAN GOOSSEN:

“From top to bottom, it’s going to be all action.  Paul Williams is nothing but action.  Saturday we’re going to have a special treat in the Triple Threat.  And we’re happy to showcase some other guys on SHOWTIME EXTREME, which is available in more than 99 percent of homes that subscribe to SHOWTIME.

“One thing I don’t have to worry about with Chris is that he’s a fighter - he was born to fight.  He’s exciting.  He likes to go for the knockout by breaking you down.  And that’s what Chris is going to do on Saturday night.  Break Molina down and knock him out. 

“Paul has consistently gone out there and took on any challenger.  No one wants to fight this guy.  Paul is all excitement – he throws punches and he doesn’t stop. 

DON KING:

“It’s going to be super sensational on Saturday night.  In the glory of the Alamo, Eric Molina has come here to persevere and knockout out Chris Arreola.  In the spirit of Texas, this young man will rise to the occasion.  The underdog will come and knock out Arreola.  Eric has the heart, he has the desire, he has the will to win.  And he has that Texas spirit. 

“Everybody avoids Cloud.  He is the embodiment of the sport of boxing.  This cloud is coming in with devastation.  He’s coming out to seek and destroy. 

PAUL WILLIAMS:

“I’m going to go out there and do what I do best, get the job done and put on a hell of a show.  To Ishida, a win over me would mean everything.  It’s all or nothing for him.  If you want it, you got to go through hell to get it.  Whatever he throws I’m going to throw five times more.  I’m going to show him how American boys do it.”

NOBUHIRO ISHIDA:

“I know Paul is one of the best fighters in the world but I’m going to put on a great show on Saturday night.  This is a great opportunity and I’m here in Corpus Christi to win.  I didn’t come here to for second place.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Vice President and Matchmaker - Golden Boy Promotions

“This is going to be a great event - it’s going to be very exciting.  We want to thank Dan and Paul Williams for giving us an opportunity.  After he knocked out James Kirkland people were asking, ‘What’s next?’  We’re happy to take on a fighter like Paul Williams.”   

TAVORIS CLOUD:

“I’ve been in camp for a long time.  I didn’t take my opponent lightly and come Saturday night there’s going to be a lot of excitement in the ring.  Gabriel is a good fighter, but I just don’t think he can take my title.  But we’ll see on Saturday night.”

 GABRIEL CAMPILLO:

“I’m very happy to represent my country of Spain and win a title on Saturday night.  This is a great opportunity and I plan on giving Tavoris Cloud his first loss.  I was a champion before and I’ll be a champion again.”

SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ, Campillo’s Promoter

“Campillo is the underdog.  But the underdog will thrive and be the new champion.  He will surprise everyone with an upset and a victory.”

CHRIS ARREOLA:

“I never disrespect anyone but my job is to take those dreams away from Molina, those dreams of beating me and moving on to a world title. 

“Don King has been talking trash and it’s going to be a great honor to shut his (Don King’s) mouth on Saturday.”

ERIC MOLINA: 

“I feel so close to home.  This is the best camp we’ve put together and I feel more confident that I ever have.  I love being the underdog.  I’ve had 18 wins in a row since losing my first fight in the first round.  After that loss I dreamt of getting a chance like this. It took a lot of work to get here after that loss and all that work is going to pay off against Arreola on Saturday.”

The event is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.  The Williams-Ishida bout will be promoted in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions.  The Cloud vs. Campillo bout will be promoted by Don King Productions in association with Sampson Boxing, LLC.

Tickets for the event are priced at $25, $35, $50, $75, $100 and are available at the American Bank Center box office and on Ticketmaster.com. VIP packages are also available by calling (817) 296-4546.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.