Stiverne picks Oregon over Ohio St. In 2015 College Football National Championship Game

LAS VEGAS (January 9, 2014) - If not for a career-changing injury, World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title-holder Bermane "B. Ware" Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) may have been a professional football player instead of becoming champion of the world in professional boxing. The 6' 2", 248-pound Stiverne had a Michigan State football scholarship to play linebacker for the Spartans, but he blew-out his knee midway through his freshman year (1997) during a practice session. Stiverne remains an avid football player and he has picked Oregon to defeat Ohio State this Monday night in the College Football National Championship game. "I like Oregon in the championship game," Stiverne said from his Las Vegas home. "They're consistent and have the best offense in the country. Plus, the way they beat Florida State was sweet." Stiverne, who knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted WBC title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, makes his first title defenseSaturday night, Jan. 17, against undefeated mandatory challenger Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), airing on Showtime Championship Boxing (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.

GUERRERO BRINGS CHAMPIONS SPIRIT TO OAKLAND AS THE RAIDERS WIN FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON

ROBERT GUERRERO

The Ghost on the field at Oakland Raiders game

OAKLAND, CA (November 21, 2014) - Last night, Six-time world champion Robert Guerrero was a special guest at the Oakland Raiders game, bringing his championship spirit to the Oakland Coliseum as the Raiders won their first game of the season. 

"This was the first game I attended this year and I know from experience that being around other world champions can be inspiring," said Bay Area native Robert Guerrero. "  Great athletes feed off one another.  I had a good feeling that the Raiders would pull this one out.  I told myself I'm going to bring some winning vibes to the stadium today and they came out on top.  The fans were going crazy and it was a fun night.  I was able to go on the sideline and inspire the team. It was a great win for the Raiders organization." 

The Raiders fans, who hadn't won a game in over a year, were going crazy when the Raiders drove down the field to in the 4th quarter to take the lead for good against the Kansas City Chiefs

Inspirational Hero Marc Mero Speaks Out

 

Marc Mero - Former WWE Wrestling Superstar and America's No. 1- Requested School Presenter 

 Orlando, FL (February 18, 2013) - Marc Mero, Founder of the nonprofit organization, Champion of Choices, Inc., is changing students' minds by touching their hearts. His message empowers students - and people of all ages - to examine their life and make positive and healthy choices that lead to success. 

 

Growing up poor in a single-family home in New York, Marc found success with hockey, football and boxing and then achieved worldwide fame as a WCW and WWE Wrestling Champion. 

 

Following a series of personal tragedies including the loss of more than 30 friends and family members mostly due to lifestyle choices and negative behaviors, Marc chose to dedicate his life to helping others change their lives for the better. 

 

Marc has since shared his story of tragedy and triumph with more than 450 schools, churches and corporations across the world. In his powerful school production, Marc addresses the serious topics of bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse and suicide prevention. 

 

Marc is adamant that it does matter who you surround yourself with saying, "Your friends are like elevators... they either take you up, or they take you down. Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future." 

 

In addition to inspiring positive choices, students are encouraged to dreaming big, set goals and take action toward goals. With the sponsorship support of community business partners Gregory & Clark, PLLC, and RP Funding, Marc Mero will present his "Choices" presentation at Westridge Middle School on Wednesday, February 20.

 

February 20, 2013 Westridge Middle School Sponsored By Gregory & Clark, PLLC, and RP Funding Marc Mero "Choices" Event 3800 West Oak Ridge Road Orlando, FL 32809 Start 1:30 PM

 

"We are so lucky to have the honor of helping Marc change lives one student at a time," says Founding Partner of Gregory & Clark, PLLC. 

 

"My support of Champion of Choices will continue until every student across this nation has had the joy of Marc in their life." 

 

To see the full event schedule and learn more about Champion of Choices, visit:www.ThinkPOZ.org To learn more about Gregory & Clark, PLLC www.gregory-clark.com To learn more about RP Funding www.rpfunding.com

Jamie Moore: Shrugs Of Injury Woes To Play In Charity Footy Tournament This Sunday

Former British, Commonwealth and European Light Middleweight Champion Jamie Moore is the latest in a long line of stars - that includes WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly, former undisputed Super Middleweight Champion of the World Joe Calzaghe, soon to be WBO Lightweight World title challenger Kevin Mitchell, Commonwealth Middleweight Champ Billy Joe Saunders, former European Bantamweight Champ Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa, former British Super Middleweight Champion Paul Smith to name but a very few - to sign up for this Sunday’s TRAD TKO 3rd Annual Boxers and Celebrities Charity Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust.

Jamie virtually dominated the domestic Light Middle scene for most of the noughties, during which time the big punching southpaw competed in no less than fourteen championship bouts, winning eleven, ten of which were by way of stoppage.

Mightily impressive stats, but they still don’t tell the full story of ‘Magnificent Moore’. Jamie has been in some real barnstormers, such as the fantastic trilogy of fights with Liverpool’s Michael Jones, the ‘06 Fight of the Year Battle Royale with Matthew Macklin and his European Championship campaign, which see him utterly destroy Michele Piccirillo, in three to lift the crown, then Roman Dzhuman, in just two rounds on his first defense, before finally succumbing to Ryan Rhodes in late ‘09.

It’s Jamie’s competitive nature that has drawn him to make the journey south, from his home in Salford, to take part in the tournament, even though he is carrying an injury, as he explained earlier. “Yeah I’m coming down, but I’ve got a problem with my ankle, I’m going to see how it feels otherwise I’ll have to be a goalkeeper.

Johnny has done a great job organising the event each year and it shows the spirit of the boxing community as everyone comes and supports each other, you know. 

There’s a lot of rivalry in Boxing, but it goes to show how they all come together for a really good cause and give everyone a really good day out.

It’s got to the point now where everyone certainly knows about it and I’m sure it will continue for years and years to come.”

Jamie then went on to talk about a couple of the teams that will be taking part on Sunday, “I’ve heard Nathan Cleverly is bringing his own team down this year, I’m sure he’ll have a load of ringers in it.

Smigga’ll (Paul Smith) be down again, he wasn’t happy his team didn’t make it to the final last year, so they’ll have been training hard I’m sure.

It’s what it’s all about we can raise a load of dough for the Indee Rose, meet the fans and have a great day out at the same time”

This year’s TRAD TKO Boxing Gym organised Boxers and Celebrities Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, kicks off at 12:00pm at the Concord Rangers FC, Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex on Sunday 12th August 2012.

Tickets for this very special event, priced: Standard: £10.00 and V.I.P. £20.00, are available on-line from www.tkoboxoffice.com - in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or on the gate on Sunday.

Children’s tickets, priced £5.00, will also be available on the day.

For further information either call the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym on 020 7474 3199 or see www.indeerosetrust.org - www.tkoboxinggym.com or facebook.com/theindeerosetrust

Teams Announced For 3rd Annual TRAD TKO Boxers and Celbrities Charity Football Tournament

The London 2012 Olympics is in full swing and Great Britain’s sports fans are well and truly enjoying the drama of the greatest show on earth unfold. For the fans of Boxing, and Football it has been quite a roller coaster ride watching the domestic squads in action.

There’s been some great victories, especially for the Team GB boxers, both male and female, as well as disappointment after the Team GB football team went out on penalties.

So with no Team GB football team to cheer on, or any footy at all for another few weeks yet, what better than to get down to Canvey Island this coming Sunday to support the boxers taking part in the 3rd Annual TRAD TKO Boxers & Celebrities Charity Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, which takes place at the Concord Rangers FC’s stadium in Canvey Island on Sunday, 12th August.

Over the past couple of years the tournament has attracted stars from the Worlds of Boxing, Music, TV and Film, such as Ricky Hatton, David Haye, Barry McGuigan, Nathan Cleverly, Ricky Burns, Kevin Mitchell, Paul Smith, Rendall Munroe, Iron Maiden, Johnny Borrell, Mark Whingett etc as well as cast members from Shameless and Eastenders.

This year’s event is going to be no different with teams and stars from all over the United Kingdom taking part.

Heading up the star studded list is the Welsh Warriors, lead by WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly and featuring in it’s lineup the legendary unbeaten, undisputed Super Middleweight Champion of the World Joe Calzaghe.

Keeping in theme WBU Lightweight World Champion Willie Limond’s Team Scotland, unfortunately not featuring WBO Lightweight World Champ Ricky Burns though, as he will be preparing for his upcoming battle against Kevin Mitchell in September - shame as Kevin will be there cheering on the TRAD TKO All Stars as usual.

Former Amateur star turned pro boxing coach Alio Wilton’s ’Irish Setters’ make their third appearance in the tournament, as usual Alio’s squad will be chock a block with both Pro and Amateur Irish boxing stars.

Former British and WBA International Super Middleweight Champion Paul ‘Smigga’ Smith will be bringing down a seriously strong squad - that includes his brothers, former British and Commonwealth and current WBO Inter-Continental Super Featherweight Champion  Stephen, Liam, who is unbeaten in ten pro outings and last but not least Amateur star Callum, who just missed out on qualification for the London 2012 Olympics - in an attempt to become the first two time winner of the tournament, having won the inaugural event.

Paul and Stephen’s coach, Joe Gallagher, will again be bringing down his own squad of star boxers, including former British Lightweight Champion Anthony Crolla, former British and European Middleweight Champion Matthew Macklin, 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Callum Johnson, British and WBA Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight Champion Scott Quigg etc from his base at Amir Khan’s Gym in Bolton.

Former British Light Middleweight Champion Sam Webb and rising Welterweight star Bradley Skeet will be amongst the squad of London trainer Al Smith’s Sarf London/ iBox Gym team, which also, if the rumours are to be believed, features a host of ringers from the world of professional football.

The scribes from Boxing News Magazine, will be hoping to do much better than they have the past couple of years, and again if the boxing grapevine is to be believed they have signed up some big name boxers and a couple of ringers, they may be the dark horse of the tournament.

Hertfordshire Boxer Danny Chamberlain is fielding a team for the first time this year, not too sure who is in his team as the canny lad is keeping his cards close to his chest, about the only thing he has given away is that there’s a few local stars in his squad.

Making their second appearance is Ben Day and Scott Borthwick’s Ringtone Gym team, don’t be surprised if this year Ben’s mate, Razorlight front man Johnny Borrell, makes his second appearance, having missed last year’s tournament due to recording commitments.

Last year’s winners - TRAD TKO Clapton Rangers, will again be fielding a team chock a block with former Tottenham and West Ham United players, although this year, due to Johnny Eames making a slight rule change, there will be some of the TKO boxers in the squad.

Indee Rose’s father Russell Dopson will again be fielding a team drawn from the Essex area, not too sure who Russell has in his squad but can be sure they will be highly competitive.

Last but not least TRAD TKO All Stars will be back in action. Runners-up for the past two years, you can be sure that Johnny Eames and co-manager/Captain Commonwealth Middleweight Champ Billy Joe Saunders have a few tricks up their sleeves as they attempt to finally bring the trophy home to the magnificent Canning Town Fight Factory. However as last year’s star player, Nathan Cleverly is bringing his own team this year Johnny and Billy Joe have been busy recruiting some other big names they hope will get them that elusive victory.

This year’s TRAD TKO Boxing Gym organised Boxers and Celebrities Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, kicks off at 12:00pm at the Concord Rangers FC, Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex on Sunday 12th August 2012.

Tickets for this very special event, priced: Standard: £10.00 and V.I.P. £20.00, are available on-line from www.tkoboxoffice.com - in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or on the gate on Sunday.

Children’s tickets, priced £5.00, will also be available on the day.

For further information either call the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym on 020 7474 3199 or see www.indeerosetrust.org - www.tkoboxinggym.com or facebook.com/theindeerosetrust

Cleverly Eyes Victory On August 12th, With Joe Calzaghe by His Side

At last year’s TRAD TKO Boxing Gym’s Boxers & Celebrities Charity Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, so many big names turned out to entertain the fans, amongst them a couple of chart toppers, a brace of Soap Opera stars but there can be no surprise that the biggest contingent was from the World of Boxing.

Boy oh boy, there were more stars than you could shake a stick at, including WBO Lightweight World Champion Ricky Burns and his upcoming title challenger WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Champion  Kevin Mitchell, British, Commonwealth, European and WBA International Super Bantamweight Champion Rendall Munroe, British Lightweight Champion Anthony Crolla, Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders and British Super Middleweight Champion Paul Smith to name but a very few.

The boxers were in relaxed mood, well sort of as it seemed that they were as determined to win a game of football as they are when they box. Without doubt each and every one of them was a true star in their own right, however one star shone just that little bit brighter - WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly.

Just as Ricky Hatton the year before, Nathan was the perfect ambassador for the sport, he played in every game he could and his undoubted skill clearly contributed to the TRAD TKO All Stars Team making it all the way to the final, only to lose the penalty shoot out against TRAD TKO Clapton Rangers, and when he wasn’t on the pitch Nathan was busy signing autographs and posing for pictures with the fans.

Nathan, along with all those named above, plus many more, will be back again this year, but as he explains it will be with his own team, which includes another legendary World Champ. “We’re all looking forward to the day, I really enjoyed playing last year, as did all the fighters involved.

It was a great day, really enjoyed the game of football and it was a great cause. When I heard how much money we raised I knew it had been a real success.

I’m bringing my own team this year, the Welsh Warriors, I’m bringing everyone down this year, all my friends will be in the team, including Joe Calzaghe.

Last year I linked back up with Tony Oakey, he was my first real introduction to Championship boxing, he was my first twelve round fight. He was a real warrior so it was great to catch up.

This year Joe’ll be there, he’s a real legend of the sport, he was a big inspiration for me and of course he’s a good friend of mine as well.

With Joe and the other lads in the team I think we’ll be in with a good chance to win the tournament this year. Last year I was in the TRAD TKO All Stars team that made the final, but we lost on penalties. This year I think we could go all the way as we should be the bookies favourite.

We’re all looking forward to coming down to London and have another great day playing football, meeting the fans and raising much needed money for the Indee Rose Trust.”

This year’s TRAD TKO Boxing Gym organised Boxers and Celebrities Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, kicks off at 12:00pm at the Concord Rangers FC, Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex on Sunday 12th August 2012.

Tickets for this very special event, priced: Standard: £10.00 and V.I.P. £20.00, are available on-line from www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

Children’s tickets, priced £5.00, will be available on the day.

For further information either call the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym on 020 7474 3199 or see www.indeerosetrust.org - www.tkoboxinggym.com or facebook.com/theindeerosetrust

Barry McGuigan Rallies The Troops For August 12th Boxers Football Tournament

There are few men in the sport of boxing more respected than Barry McGuigan - Rightly so as the former British, European and WBA Featherweight World Champion is a true legend in his own life time.

During his relatively short eight year pro career Barry fought some thirty eight times, nine of which were title fights. Now a successful manager, promoter, boxing writer and pundit Barry’s life seems just a busy as it was back in the 1980’s, yet the man known in his fighting days as ‘The Clones Cyclone’ still found the time to talk about the upcoming 3rd Annual TRAD TKO Boxers and Celebrities Charity Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, that takes place on Sunday the 12th August.

“First of all I think it’s a magnanimous and generous of Johnny (TRAD TKO Supremo Johnny Eames) to organise this event every year, especially in the light of he has been suffering from cancer himself for the past year or so, just goes to show his personal determination and generosity.

The Indee Rose tournament, as an event, is simply the biggest coming together of boxers that I know of, it’s a brilliant idea. It’s a great event, it’s very competitive yet it’s a great day out for everyone.

The great thing about boxing is you can come up to the guys, they’re very humble and always happy to give their time as well, they’re very special people.

Even those that have big fights coming up, they may not play but they still turn up to show their support and meet the fans, it’s lovely you know.

The generosity and humility in boxing always sets it apart from other sports, it’s a dangerous sport, a great sport and paradoxically Boxers are probably the most generous people in sport.

Last year the event raised over £20,000 for the Indee Rose Trust, which went to help bring some joy to the kids, who are suffering from brain and spinal tumours, with their wonderful care packages.

I know Johnny and all the boxers that take part will want to do even better this year.”

This year’s TRAD TKO Boxing Gym organised Boxers and Celebrities Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, kicks off at 12:00pm at the Concord Rangers FC, Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex on Sunday 12th August 2012.

Tickets for this very special event, priced: Standard: £10.00 and V.I.P. £20.00, are available on-line from www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

Children’s tickets, priced £5.00, will be available on the day.

For further information either call the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym on 020 7474 3199 or see www.indeerosetrust.org - www.tkoboxinggym.com or facebook.com/theindeerosetrust

Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa Back In Action August 12th - Swaps Boxing Gloves For Football Boots

One of the sport of Boxing’s true characters, former British and European Bantamweight Champion, Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa is the latest star to sign up for the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym organised 3rd Annual Boxers & Celebrities Charity Football Tournament, which takes place at the Concord Rangers FC stadium in Canvey Island on Sunday 12th August.

During his magnificent thirteen year pro career Ian fought in no less than fifteen Championship bouts and virtually dominated the domestic and European scene between June 2007, after beating Jason Booth to become British Champ, and March 2009, when he lost the coveted European crown to Malik Bouziane.

That wasn’t the end of his Championship career though, as in October 2009 Ian successfully regained the British title, with a close victory over Gary Davies. He then went on to unsuccessfully defend his crown, and challenge for the vacant Commonwealth strap against Jamie McDonnell.

Ian had one final shot at Championship glory in June 2010, when he faced Stuey Hall for the British title vacated by Jamie McDonnell. Unfortunately Ian was forced to retire in the corner in the eighth, after suffering from heat exhaustion.

Ian had just one more fight, at Super Bantamweight against Martin Ward, before calling it a day. Today Ian is still involved in the sport, happily giving his time mentoring and coaching youngsters in East London.

Following his giving a pads session to English Light Middleweight Champion Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng, at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, Ian spoke briefly on his upcoming Indee Rose tournament debut,  “Yeah, I’m taking part in the Indee Rose Football Tournament this year, it’s all for a really good cause.

It’s something that I really want to do, I get to play football, meet up with all the boxers again and spend time with the fans. Most importantly though we will raise a lot a money for kids who are suffering from brain and spinal tumours.

I’m not sure which team I’m in yet, or been allocated a position whatsoever, but it doesn’t matter as I’ll play anywhere, winger, forward, whatever. Although don’t expect me to get any headers.

It’s gonna be a great day for everyone, can’t wait.”

This year’s TRAD TKO Boxing Gym organised Boxers and Celebrities Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, kicks off at 12:00pm at the Concord Rangers FC, Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex on Sunday 12th August 2012.

Tickets for this very special event, priced: Standard: £10.00 and V.I.P. £20.00, are available on-line from www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

Children’s tickets, priced £5.00, will be available on the day.

For further information either call the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym on 020 7474 3199 or see www.indeerosetrust.org - www.tkoboxinggym.com or facebook.com/theindeerosetrust

LeGrand Joins Team Fight to Walk!

Avenel, NJ (June 22, 2012) – Eric LeGrand is the newest member of Team Fight to Walk.

 

Created in 2011 by boxer and West Point graduate Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson, Team Fight to Walk’s goal is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. In association with Team Fight to Walk, Melson, who has a record of 8-1 with 4 knockouts, donates all of his fight purses to Justadollarplease.org to help support the trial.

 

A New Jersey native, LeGrand was one of the Garden State's top recruits and earned a scholarship to play football at Rutgers in the fall of 2008. On October 16, 2010, the 6’2 275 lb Avenel native severely injured his spinal cord while attempting to tackle Malcolm Brown of Army. The two violently collided and LeGrand remained on the ground for more than three minutes before medical personnel took him off the field.

 

LeGrand was transported to the ICU at Hackensack University Medical Center, where doctors determined he was a quadriplegic. Doctors told him that every day would be a severe struggle but LeGrand refused to give up. Within three months, LeGrand was able to move his shoulders and felt sensation throughout his body. In July 2011, after working tirelessly during rehabilitation sessions, LeGrand stood upright with the aid of a walker.

 

Later that year, LeGrand led Rutgers onto the field prior to their game against West Virginia. Sports Illustrated readers voted it the best moment in 2011. On May 2, 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now coached by former  Rutgers  head coach Greg Schiano, signed the courageous 21-year-old to an honorary contract.

 

"I’m very happy to be a part of the team and a part of the journey to find a cure for spinal cord injuries,” stated LeGrand. “Everything happens for a reason and miracles happen every day.”

 

“Eric is the ultimate fighter,” said Melson, who is connected to LeGrand through Dr. Patricia Morton and the Rutgers Foundation. “My best friend Christan Zaccagnino was paralyzed in a diving accident when she was a child and I’ve spent countless hours with her, so I truly understand what Eric goes through to the best of my ability without actually being in a wheelchair myself. He’s an inspiration to people from all walks of life and his inner-strength is unbelievable. We’ve received an excellent response from the boxing community and our roster of fighters supporting the cause continues to grow, but Eric’s presence will help us reach new heights!”

 

LeGrand will be honored for his courageousness July 11 at the ESPY Awards inLos Angeles and Melson’s next bout is tentatively scheduled for August in New York City.

 

In addition to LeGrand and Melson, Team Fight to Walk is comprised of former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, 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 or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.