Atlantic City, NJ (August 23, 2014)–TONIGHT from Ballys Atlantic City, former world title challenger Mike Jones (26-1, 19 KO’s) returns to the ring after a 26-month layoff when he takes on Jaime Herrera (11-2, 6 KO’s) in a 10-round bout that will headline an 8-bout card to be streamed LIVE on www.gfl.tv for $14.99

The show is promoted by Peltz Boxing and will begin at 7:30 PM ET.

During the layoff, the 31 year-old Jones moved his base from Philadelphia to Las Vegas.

Jones believes that it may take a couple of rounds to get his sea legs back after long lay off.

“Anytime someone hasn’t been in the ring that long, there maybe a little ring rust,”said Jones.

But Jones feels it won’t be that big of a problem as he has been in the competitive gym circuit in Las Vegas where it is not hard to find world championship caliber sparring.

“I been working out most of the time while i was on the layoff. I feel that there were a couple of positives to come out of it. I feel I am smarter now, i am rejuvenated mentally and physically and I haven’t been hit in 2 years.

The last time most boxing fans saw Jones, he was being stopped in the 11th round of his IBF title bout with Randall Bailey. In that fight, Jones was was comfortably ahead on all 3 judges scorecards and was just 3:08 away from being crowned world champion.

“After about 2 weeks it hit me pretty hard. I looked at it in a variety of ways. I was fighting all wrong. Even though I was winning the fight, my style was all wrong. I wasn;t slipping the right hand and I wasn’t doing all the things I can do.”

“During the break, I cleared my mind, I changed what I can do. I am bringing it back from the start. I needed the break for a clear head. My mind needs to be 100% boxing.”

When most boxers have an extended amount of time off, doubt seeps into their mind, but Jones looked at as a time restart with a clean slate.

“Despite what happened in the last fight, I never lost doubt because I never stopped training and now I am ready to show what I can do. Boxing is a form of martial arts and I am a true martial artist. I am totally happy when I am boxing.”

Jones learned one valuable thing while he time to ponder his next move.

“I should never take business personal.” in reference to rumored differences with his handlers.

When asked about why he uprooted to the Sin City, Jones said, “Vegas is a big attraction there is always different work and there is a lot of knowledge to be learned out there. I love Philadelphia and you never know at some point, I could be back here.”

In Herrera is fighting a man who knows a thing or two about pulling the upset as in his last bout he stopped undefeated prospect Michael Finney (12-0) in five rounds.

“All i know is that he stopped the undefeated guy and he throws a lot of punches but I am ready for a good fight on Saturday, ” finished Jones.

Fans can see the whole 8 bout card that features:

Undefeated Middleweight Thomas LaManna (14-0, 7 KO’s) taking on Jamaal Davis (14-11-1, 6 KO’s) in an 8-round Middleweight bout.

Alex Sanchez (4-4, 2 KO’s) battles Ismael Garcia (6-0, 3 KO’s) in a 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Anthony Caramanno (1-0) battles Marquis Pierce (1-3) in a 4-round Bantamweight bout.

Carlos Rosario takes on Garshino Yancey in a battle of pro debuting Lightweights.

Omar Curry and Marvin Johnson get it on on a fight between Jr. Welterweights.

Greg Thomas (0-3) fights Nick Valliere (1-0) in a 4-round Middleweight fight.

Joe Cusamano (7-1, 5 KO’s) boxes Randy Easton (2-3-1,2 KO’s) in a 4-round Heavyweight tilt.

To order the card, click http://www.gfl.tv/event/Fight/Boxing/Peltz-Boxing-Mike-Jones-vs-Jamie-Herrera/2459

Mike Jones 147 vs. Jaime Herrera 147.5
Jamaal Davis 158.3 vs. Thomas LaManna 158.5
Gilbert Alex Sanchez 154 vs. Ismael Garcia 155.5
Grashino Yancy 133 vs. Carlos Rosario 131
Anthony Caramanno 122 vs. Marquise Pierce 124
Omar Curry 135.5 vs. Marvin Johnson 139
Randy Easton 222.5 vs. Joe Cusumano 225
Nick Valliere 154.5 vs. Greg Thomas 155

Venue: Bally’s Atlantic City
Promoter: Peltz&Top Rank in association with Bally’s Casino
First Bout: 7:30pm Saturday, August 23, 2014
Streamed live on www.gfl.tv
Photos by: Bryanna Carzo

Tickets: $50 & $75 215-704-6055
www.peltzboxing.com or at the door.

To order the card, click http://www.gfl.tv/event/Fight/Boxing/Peltz-Boxing-Mike-Jones-vs-Jamie-Herrera/2459

Las Vegas, NV—Former world-title challenger Mike Jones wrapped up his preparations yesterday at the Top Rank Gym here for Saturday’s 10-round comeback fight against Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

It has been more than two years since Jones last fought. He was stopped in the 11th round of his IBF world welterweight title fight with Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. That was June 9, 2012.

Since then, Jones, 31, moved from Philadelphia, PA, to Las Vegas, was idle for two years while working out daily in Las Vegas gyms, and now is trained by Ismael Salas and Miguel Diaz.
clip_image010 “Boxing is a mental game just as much as a physical one,” said Salas, pictured above with Jones, Diaz and Richie Sandoval. “When we first worked with Mike for this fight, we talked for a long time and worked on renewing his fighting spirit. He is a great fighter and he needs to think that when he walks into the ring he will be a powerful force.

“Mike is very strong and hits hard. He is in top condition; just look at him. After two years off, you will see what hard work and mental toughness did for Mike. He’s ready to fight.”

Salas has worked with 10 world champions, the most recent being Jessie Vargas, of Las Vegas, the current WBA junior welterweight champion.

Jones, who has won 26 of 27 pro fights, 19 by knockout, makes his fourth appearance at Bally’s, where he has defeated Lenin Arroyo, Raul Pinzon and Henry Bruseles.

Herrera, 25, is 11-2-1, 6 K0s. He comes into Saturday’s fight off the biggest win of his career, a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Michael Finney, of Pahrump, NV, last March 29 in Las Vegas. Herrera’s management has been asking for this fight ever since word got out in May that Jones was fighting again.

The scheduled eight-round middleweight semifinal features Thomas LaManna, of Millville, NJ, against Jamaal Davis, of Philadelphia, in a prospect- vs.-veteran crossroads match. LaManna is 14-0, 7 K0s; Davis 14-11-1, 6 K0s.

Ismael Garcia, of Vineland, NJ, and Gilbert Alex Sanchez, of Camden, NJ, collide over six rounds to determine the best junior middleweight prospect in South Jersey. Garcia is 6-0, 3 K0s; Sanchez 4-4-1, 2 K0s.

ABOUT AUGUST 23

The Jones-Herrera and LaManna-Davis fights top an eight-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and Top Rank, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

tlantic City, NJ—When one-time world-title challenger Mike Jones takes on Jaime Herrera on Aug. 23 at Bally’s Atlantic City, it will mark the former Philadelphian’s first fight in more than two years.
clip_image004 Jones, 31, is now living in Las Vegas. He has not boxed since June 9, 2012, when he was stopped in the 11th round.by Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, in their fight for the vacant IBF world welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Far ahead on points, even after being dropped in the 10th round, Jones was less than three minutes, 20 seconds from the world championship when Bailey drilled him with a right hand.

It was Jones’ first loss in 27 pro fights.

“The last time I spoke with Mike was at the airport in Las Vegas the next morning,” said promoter J Russell Peltz, who was with Jones from his pro debut in 2005 before joining forces with Top Rank late in 2010 to further Jones’ career.

“I asked Mike to stop in my office after a few days and he said he would but he never showed up. I texted him, asking him to read a post-fight story from a Philadelphia-based website (www.phillyboxinghistory.com) which talked about unfulfilled promise and I felt that one story best described Mike’s career in a nutshell. Mike texted me back and said he agreed that the story was accurate.

“A few days later, I was contacted by Eric Melzer, an attorney from New Jersey, who asked me to handle all my dealings with Mike through his (Melzer’s) office.”

Peltz and Jones have not communicated directly since.

“I read a few stories on the internet that he was dissatisfied, not happy with me,” Peltz said. “I have never heard from him directly. To paraphrase the late Hall-of-Fame promoter Mickey Duff: There is nothing in my contract with Mike Jones that says we have to like each other. It only says that I have to do the best job I can to advance his career and that is what I have tried to do. I am excited about his return.”

For the last two years, Peltz has been trying to get Jones back into the ring. It almost happened in June of 2013 when Jones had agreed to box Ray Narh, of Ghana, at Bally’s Atlantic City, but managerial issues appeared to have stalled the comeback.

“His management issues are out of my control,” Peltz said, “but I cannot understand why Mike would waste two years of his career smack in the middle of his prime. He apparently moved to Las Vegas a few weeks after the Bailey fight. At different times, he was training with Floyd Mayweather, Sr., and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Now he is with Ismael Salas and Miguel Diaz. I don’t think Mike has missed too many days in the gym in the last two years. I know Miguel spoke to him earlier this year about fighting again.”

There have been occasional stories on various websites and social media outlets about Jones, but Peltz has not spoken publicly until now.

“Mike was quoted once as saying he was 26-0 in the ring and 0-26 at the negotiating table,” Peltz said. “I have been in this business for almost 45 years and I know what kind of job I did (and with Top Rank’s help) in bringing Mike to the steps of the world title.

“We put him on three of the biggest stages where a fighter could perform: Cowboys Stadium (vs. Jesus Soto-Karass); Madison Square Garden (Sebastian Lujan); the MGM Grand (Bailey). His fights with Lujan and Bailey were not exactly barn-burners.

“He was in a good fight with Soto-Karass the first time, though it was a controversial decision in Mike’s favor. I was the one who went into Soto-Karass’ dressing room afterward and asked for a rematch. When was the last time the winning camp did that? To his credit, Mike agreed he needed to win more decisively and that’s what he did in the rematch in Las Vegas.”

After an easy K0 against over-matched Raul Munoz, of Kansas, Jones defeated Lujan in Madison Square Garden in a less-than-thrilling 12-rounder.

“It seemed like once Mike got to a certain level, he began to fight more conservatively,” Peltz said. “He was paid accordingly. He had two six-figure purses and he was unhappy with the Bailey money, but he took the fight and a shot at the world title and he was almost there.

“I remember walking out of the arena and into the dressing room during the fourth or fifth because of the lack of action and some booing from the crowd. I watched the rest of the fight on the monitor and I said to myself that we’re going to win the title but we’re going to have to defend overseas because US television wasn’t going to be banging down our doors. Then Bailey nailed him and it was over.”

It will be an absence of more than 26 months when Jones, now not ranked due to inactivity, gets back into the ring with Herrera on Aug. 23.

“This could have been done a lot sooner,” Peltz said. “Mike could have been right back in the mix at 147 pounds. Herrera is no slouch but if Mike can win and look good, he still can have a bright future. When he was coming up and knocking guys out, I thought he single-handedly would revive boxing in Philadelphia, but he lost his aggressiveness along the way. Mike has the size and the power and the athleticism to go all the way. He has been quoted as saying things will be different this time around.

“There are many in the media who couldn’t care less about Mike, but people have a way of changing their minds after one good performance–not only the media, but also the public. People are fickle. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

ABOUT AUGUST 23

The Jones-Herrera fight tops a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Atlantic City, NJ—Former world-title challenger Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, ends his 26-month layoff Saturday evening, Aug. 23, when he boxes Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL, in the scheduled 10-round welterweight main event in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The Jones-Herrera contest tops a seven-fight card which will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv First fight is 7.30 p.m.
Jones (left), 31, has not boxed since June 9, 2012, when he was stopped late in the 11th round by Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, in their contest for the vacant IBF welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas, NV. At the time of the knockout, Jones was far ahead on all three scorecards.
Since that loss, Jones has relocated to Henderson, NV, and has been training in various gyms in Las Vegas, working with different trainers: Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Miguel Diaz.
A pro since 2005, Jones has a 26-1 record with 19 knockouts. He has beaten Sebastian Lujan, Jesus Soto-Karass (twice), Henry Bruseles, Irving Garcia and Juliano Ramos.
“Two years late for work but it’s better late than never,” Jones said. “I’m excited to be back in actionclip_image006 at Bally’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on August 23. I can’t wait to show the fans something special.
“I’ve always stayed in shape. I’ve been ready to fight for some time, but I didn’t like the terms. I cannot wait forever. If I can get one solid win under my belt, I’ll be back in the mix and ready for the best at 147 pounds.”
Herrera (right), 25, comes into this off the biggest win of his career, a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Michael Finney, of Pahrump, NV, on March 29 at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.
A pro since 2009, Herrera is 11-2-1, 6 K0s. He has a straight-ahead aggressive style and it should mesh well with Jones’ boxer-puncher attack.
“This is a terrific opportunity for me,” Herrera said. “It’s a big step up but I’m excited to test myself at the next level. Mike Jones is one of the best in the world at 147 pounds and I need to prove to myself and to others out there that I can compete at that level.
“We’ve been asking for this fight ever since we heard Mike was fighting again and now it’s here. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Herrera has won four in a row since losing a close, but unanimous eight-round decision to Adrian Granados, of Cicero, IL, early in 2012 in Chicago, IL.
Six additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT AUGUST 23

The Jones-Herrera fight tops a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Follow all the action LIVE as Manny Pacquiao defends the WBO Welterweight title against undefeated Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. The action begins at 7pm eastern / 4 pm in Palm Springs and 7 am in Manila with a five fight undercard that will feature two world title bouts including Mike Jones battling Randall Bailey for the IBF Welterweight title and Guillermo Rigondeaux defending the WBA Super Bantamweight crown against Teon Kennedy plus an appearance by Jorge Arce.

12 ROUNDS–WBO WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–MANNY PACQUAIO (54-3-2, 38 KO’S) VS. TIMOTHY BRADLEY (28-0, 12 KO’S)

Round 1 Bradley lands 2 body shots…Pacquiao lands a jab…Good left..another lefts..straight Left…10-9 Pacquiao

Round 2 Pacquiao lands a straight left..Bradley lands a body shot..Pacquiao lands a looping left…Bradley drives Pacquiao on the ropes…Left from Bradley….20-18 Pacquiao

Round 3 Pacquiaio lands a straight left on the chin…Body shot from Bradley..2 lefts on the ropes…Bradley gets in one but Pacquiao responds with a hard left….30-27 Pacquiao

Round 4 Bradley lands a left to the body..Right hook from Pacquiao as Bradley gets in a body shot…hard combination has Bradley off his kilter..Pacquiao lands a hard left and Bradley gets in a right at the bell…40-36 Pacquiao

Round 5 Pacquial lands a left…Hard counter left rocks Bradley…50-45 Pacquiao

Round 6Pacquiao lands 3 shots on the ropes..Good left uppercut..60-54 Pacquiao

Round 7 Great back and forth…Pacquiao lands a left…70-63 Pacquiao

Round 8 Pacquiao lands a right and a left…Bradley lands a right…Pacquiao a left..80-72 Pacquiao

Round 9 Pacquio landing straight left and and another..left over the top..90-81 Pacquiao

Round 10 Good left hook from Bradley..straight left from Pacquiao…100-91 Pacquiao

Round 11 Straight left from Pacquiao..Right hook and left..110-100 Pacquiao

Round 12 Pacquiao lands a left…120-109

115-113 Pacquiao; 115-113 Bradley; 115-113 in what maybe the worst decision in boxing history

10 ROUNDS–SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS–Jorge Arce (60-6-2, 46 KO’s) vs. Jesus Rojas (18-1-1, 13 KO’s)

Rounds 1 HARD LEFT AND DOWN GOES ROJAS…Rojas uppercut…Left hook…10-8 Arce

Round 2 Arce goes down from a low blow and headbutt and remains downs….FIGHT

12 ROUNDS–IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–Mike Jones (26-0, 19 KO’s) vs. Randall Bailey (42-7, 36 KO’s)

Round 1 Not much,..10-10

Round 2 Just backing up.,.Bailey not throwing...20-20

Round 3 Bailey lands a body shot…Bailey lands a right…30-29 Bailey

Round 4 Right from Bailey..40-38 Bailey

Round 5 Jones lands a right…mouse under left eye of Bailey..49-48 Bailey

Round 6 ..Jones lands a right over the top…58-58

Round 7 Jones lands a combination…68-67 Jones

Round 8 Jones countering with jabs…78-76 Jones

Round 9 Good right buckles Bailey…88-85 Jones

Round 10 Jomes lands a combination….BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES JONES…96-95 Jones

Round 11 BAILEY LANDS HUGE UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES JONES AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

12 Rounds–WBA Super Bantamweight Title–Guillermo Rigondeaux (9-0, 7 KO’s) vs Teon Kennedy (17-1-2, 7 KO’s)

Round 1:..Hard shots from Rigodeaux AND DOWN GOES KENNEDY…10-8 Rigondeaux

Round 2 STRAIGHTLEFT AND DOWN GOES RIGONDEAUX…STARIGHT LEFT AND DOWN GOES KENNEDY..20-15 Rigondeaux

Round 3 Rigondeaux getting through with the left hand…30-24 Rigondeaux

Round 4 Rigondeaux lands a straight left (AND FEET GET TANGLED) BUT SCORED A KNOCKDOWN..40-32 Rigdoneaux

ROUND 5: Straight LEFT FROM RIGONDEAUX AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

8 Rounds–Super Featherweights–Ernie Sanchez (12-3, 5 KO’s) vs Wilton Hilario (12-2-1,9 KO’s)

Round 1 Sanchez lands hard body shots..Good left staggers Hilario…Big right from Hilario..10-9 Sanchez

Round 2 Sanchez lands hard body work..Hard right from Hilario…20-18 Sanchez

Round 3 Right from Hilario…29-28 Sanchez

Round 4 Sanchez pinning Hilario against the ropes…39-37 Sanchez

Round 5 Sanchez opening up in the corner…Hilario counters his way out…49-46 Sanchez

Round 6 Sanchez landing some shots that is forcing Hilario southpaw…59-55 Sanchez

Round 7 Sanchez landing combinations where Hilario is landing 1 at a time..Sanchez working the jab...69-64 Sanchez

Round 8 Hilario walks away and Sanchez jumps on him..79-73 Sanchez

78-74; 78-74 and 79-74 UNANIMOUS DECISION ERNIE SANCHEZ

8 Rounds–Welterweight–Mikeal Zewski (14-0, 10 KO’s) vs. John Ryan Grimaldo (8-1, 5 KO’s)

Round 1 Double jab from Zewski…Grimaldo working the body..10-9 Zewski

Round 2 Sharp jab from Zewski…20-18 Zewski

Round 3 Right by Zewski wobbles Grimaldo AND DOWN GOES GRIMALDO AND JOE CORTEZ COUNTS TO 10 AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

4 Rounds–Jr.Welterweights–Andrew Ruiz (1-0, 1 KO) vs Taylor Larson (0-2-1)

Round 1 Ruiz Jabbing..Mounder under right eye of Larson…Good straight right..Larson Jabbing..HARD LEFT AND DOWN GOES LARSON…Ruiz working the body… 10-8 Ruiz

Round 2 Ruiz lands a hard jab…Larson working hard…19-18 Ruiz

Round 3 Left from Ruiz…good left…hard left..Good Right..29-27 Ruiz

Round 4 Good action in middle of the ring..Hard right from Ruiz..Larson throwing combinations…uppercut from Ruiz…39-37 Ruiz

39-36; 40-35; 39-36 UNANIMOUS ANDREW RUIZ

Undefeated Welterweight Mike Jones talks about his showdown with Randall Bailey on the Pacquiao – Bradley card

Philadelphia, PA – As training camps for Philadelphians Mike Jones, Teon Kennedy and Jesse Hart are winding down for their fights on June 9 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, as part of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley championship card, all three are confident in bringing glory back home.

In perhaps the biggest night-ever for Philly fighters, Jones (26-0, 19 KOs) will battle Randall Bailey (42-7,36 KOs) of Miami, FL for the vacant IBF world welterweight title, Kennedy (17-1-2, 7 KOs) will challenge WBA world super bantamweight titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cuba, while amateur star Hart, son of former middleweight contender Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, will make his pro debut.

Here are some of their comments from training camp:

MIKE JONES, #1 Rated Welterweight

“It is a lifelong dream to fight for the title. All I know is I’m 100% confident in myself and my abilities. I come to win and I will not lose.”

“I never get too high or too low. I never need acceptance from anybody, whether I score a knockout or get a decision win. I stay true to myself. I believe in God and I believe in myself. That’s what matters to me.”

“He’s (Randall Bailey) a banger, definitely likes to bang. I can do more than just slug. I’ll do whatever it takes to win, even if I have to pound him out, but I want to be moving to set everything up. I don’t know if he can take my power. My plan is not to give him anything and not to give him any advantage.”

“It’s like game planning for a tough defense in basketball. You have to take Bailey’s best attribute – his banging – away from him. Once you do that, things become a lot easier.”

“He’s a strong guy. He hits hard with that right hand and that left hook is not too weak, either. I’m looking for the best Randall Bailey and I want him to bring his best because I know that will bring out the best in me.”

“He has to watch out for my big shots, too. He’s shown he can be knocked out as well. He has his weak points; he doesn’t have a real good jab and he doesn’t put combinations together well. His thing is just trying to bomb you out with one punch. I just want to use my speed and show that I’m the better fighter all around.”

“Making a statement in this fight is showing my best, winning the fight and looking fantastic. The plan always is for me to show the world something better each and every time out.”

“I don’t have a prediction, but I’m just going to beat him down.”

“I always dream about them holding my hand up and I’m the new world champion. There’s no doubt that I’ll be the new IBF world welterweight champion.”

TEON KENNEDY, In His First World Title Fight

“I’m excited about the fight. Whenever I go to bed all I do is dream about it.”

“I feel great. I’m in shape. I’m ready to go right now. Rigondeaux has quick feet, quick hands. My heart and determination will bring the title home.”

“I can’t let him fight his fight and let him get comfortable. I have to force him to make mistakes and take it to him in the first few rounds to show him that I’m there to fight. I believe that I can win a decision. I’m ready mentally and I’m in shape physically. I can’t wait for the fight. It’s a special night to have all of us Philly fighters on the same show.”

“I’m still going to use an aggressive style because he likes to be comfortable. I’m going to put different angles in, not going to go straight to him.”

“Anything can happen, so don’t blink.”

JESSE HART, Amateur Star In His Pro Debut

“Its big, real big, to be fighting my pro debut on the Manny Pacquiao show in Las Vegas. For all the years my dad (Cyclone Hart) fought, he never fought in Las Vegas, so it’s a big thrill for both of us to be in Vegas. This is dad’s dream. It will make for a great show to have us Philly fighters out there. You can’t go wrong.”

“Bernard Hopkins came to me and told me, ‘You’re going to be the next one up, you’re going to be the next great middleweight of Philadelphia,’ and that meant a lot to me.”

“Philadelphia embraced me as a fighter because of my dad. I had to display skill and show that I could stand on my own two (feet). If my dad wasn’t Cyclone Hart, I would still be able to have a name and solidify my boxing credentials. I plan on becoming another great Philadelphia middleweight.”

“My dad is a big, big part of the reason why I was so successful in the amateurs and why I will be successful as a professional. When I was an amateur, my dad surrounded me with great amateur coaches, but he was my head trainer and we were successful.”

“I’d like to think that I was made for a reason. That’s to be a champion. I wasn’t born to do nothing else, but box

Philadelphia, PA–With only a couple of weeks before his first world-title opportunity, undefeated welterweight Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, has the look and mindset of a champion as he prepares to meet the hard-hitting former champion Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, in one of the co-feature fights on the June 9 Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

“It is a lifelong dream to fight for the title,” said Jones (right), the IBF No. 1 rated welterweight. “All I know is I’m 100% confident in myself and my abilities. I come to win and I will not lose.”

Jones’ confident demeanor extends to his attitude about expectations as well.

“I never get too high or too low,” stated Jones, 29, whose record is 26-0, 19 K0s. “I never need acceptance from anybody, whether I score a knockout or get a decision win. I stay true to myself. I believe in God and I believe in myself. That’s what matters to me.”

But will Jones’ confidence and attitude be enough to stop Bailey, who is well-known for his punching power? Bailey has scored 36 knockouts en route to a 42-7 record as a pro.

“He’s a banger, definitely likes to bang, but I can do more than just slug,” said Jones, who is co-promoted by Top Rank, Inc., and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win, even if I have to pound him out, but I want to be moving to set everything up. I don’t know if he can take my power. My plan is not to give him anything and not to give him any advantage.”

Jones, along with his trainer Vaughn Jackson, came up with successful game plans for the other recent sluggers Jones has faced, which helped him score two wins over Jesus Soto-Karass in 2010 and 2011, and over Sebastian Lujan in his most recent fight on Dec. 3. They are, likewise, coming up with a plan for Bailey.

“It’s like game-planning for a tough defense in basketball,” Jones said. “You have to take Bailey’s best attribute – his banging – away from him. Once you do that, things become a lot easier.

“He’s a strong guy. He hits hard with that right hand and that left hook is not too weak, either. I’m looking for the best Randall Bailey and I want him to bring his best because I know that will bring out the best in me.”

Jones wants to make a strong statement with his performance on June 9, and although he rarely makes a prediction on his fights, he nonetheless is confident on what he’s going to do.

“Making a statement in this fight is showing my best, winning the fight and looking fantastic,”
Jones said. “The plan always is for me to show the world something better each and every time out.

“I don’t have a prediction, but I’m just going to beat him down.”

Philadelphia, PA—In perhaps the biggest night-ever for Philadelphia fighters, three of them will appear as part of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley championship card on June 9 at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Mike Jones and Teon Kennedy will challenge for world titles, while amateur star Jesse Hart, son of former Philadelphia middleweight legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, will make his pro debut.

Jones (26-0, 19 KOs), the undefeated No.1 welterweight contender, will meet former two-time world champion and current No. 2 contender Randall “The Knockout King” Bailey (42-7, 36 KOs), of Miami, FL, for the vacant IBF welterweight title in a scheduled 12-round contest.

“This is a dream come true to be fighting for the title,” said Jones (right). “I’ve thought about this ever since I started boxing. I’ll do whatever I have to do to win the title.

“He (Bailey) has to watch out for my big shots, too,” the 29-year-old Jones said of Bailey’s well-known power. “He’s shown he can be knocked out as well. He has his weak points; he doesn’t have a real good jab and he doesn’t put combinations together well. His thing is just trying to bomb you out with one punch, but it’s hard to hit a moving target and that’s what I’ll be.”

Kennedy (17-1-2, 7 KOs) will square off against defending WBA super bantamweight titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux, of Cuba, also over 12 rounds. Rigondeaux is 9-0, 7 K0s, and had an extensive amateur career which included Gold Medals at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.

“I can’t let him (Rigondeaux) fight his fight and let him get comfortable,” said the 25-year-old Kennedy (below). “I have to force him to make mistakes and take it to him in the first few rounds to show him that I’m there to fight. I believe that I can win a decision. I’m ready mentally and I’m in shape physically. I can’t wait for the fight. It’s a special night to have all of us Philly guys on the same show.”

Hart, a storied Philly amateur star who won the 2011 National Golden Gloves at 165 pounds and the 2011 USA National Championships at 178, will fight as a middleweight or super middleweight. He recently signed a lucrative pro contract with Top Rank. He is trained by his father, who was 30-9-1, 28 K0s, as a pro in the 1970s–a knockout artist who fought in-and-around Philadelphia his entire career.

Father and son are thrilled that Jesse’s pro debut will be in Las Vegas.

“It’s big, real big, to be fighting my pro debut on the Manny Pacquiao show in Las Vegas,” said the 22-year-old Hart. “For all the years my dad fought, he never fought in Las Vegas, so it’s a big thrill for both of us to be in Vegas. This is dad’s dream. It will make for a great show to have us Philly fighters out there. You can’t go wrong.”

One interesting note about the three Philadelphia fighters is that they are managed by Doc Nowicki, who handles Jones with Jim Williams, Kennedy with Williams and Joe Hand, Hart with David Price.

“I’m going to get a segway so I can get from the fighters’ locker rooms to ringside and then back to the locker rooms to celebrate and then do it all over again for my next fighter,” Nowicki said. “It’s going to be a hectic, but tremendous night.”

MIAMI, FL (May 2, 2012) – Two-time world champion Randall “The Knock-out King” Bailey, arguably the biggest pound-for-pound single puncher in boxing, finally gets an opportunity to exorcise years of demon-like frustrations on June 9, when he takes on unbeaten Mike Jones for the vacant International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) Welterweight Championship, in the 12-round co-feature on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley pay-per-view card, live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

For years, Bailey (42-7, 36 KOs) has been considered too much of a risk for some of today’s brightest stars. Awesome, one-punch knockout ability will do just that to a fighter’s reputation like Bailey’s. Ask Jackson Isei Bonsu and Frankie Figueroa, two of Bailey’s 36 knockout victims, who were literally out cold before they hit the mat, after getting chin-checked by a powerful Randall right.

“Randall Bailey has been frustrated most of his career,” his longtime manager Si Stern said. “He is unquestionably the strongest puncher in the world today and, I know this may sound crazy to some, maybe in boxing history. Just look at his knockout record. He’s been shunned by a lot of top fighters out there today. Why? They know Randall can take them out with one punch. History tells us that dangerous punchers like Randall have always been avoided.

“Jones (IBF #1) didn’t want to fight Randall (IBF #2), either. The IBF pushed the issue and said that Jones had to fight Randall or he’d lose his world title shot. Once he wins the world title again – he was too young when he was world champion – he knows the money will follow and that’s what has kept Randall going. He has no fear of Mayweather, Pacquiao or any of the other top welterweights. Randall knows that he can knock out any of them because of his power. Mayweather doesn’t want to fight Randall, who loves stand-up fighters like Pacquiao. His past problems have been against opponents who hit and run. Guys who stand and fight have never been a problem for Randall.”

The 37-year-old Bailey, now promoted by DiBella Entertainment, made his pro debut in 1996, when Jones was sweet sixteen. Randall won his first 21 pro fights, all by knockouts, including his World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) light welterweight title-winning performance against Carlos Gonzalez in 1999, followed by two successful title defenses against Hector Lopez and Rocky Martinez. In 2002, Bailey stopped Demetrio Ceballos in the third round to become the Interim World Boxing Association (“WBA”) Light Welterweight Champion.

After losing his IBF 140-pound title shot in 2009 to Juan Urango, Bailey moved up in weight to welterweight, and he is unbeaten in four fights in that division with three victories, including the Bonsu knockout in their IBF title eliminator, and a no decision.

“I pleaded with him to get out of the 140-pound division,” Stern note. “He walks around at 154 pounds, so making weight is no longer a struggle for him at welterweight. I bet he’s within a few pounds of making weight for the Jones fight right now, working out in Florida with his trainer, John David Jackson. Jones has never fought anybody like Randall Bailey; he will knock out Jones.”

Five of Bailey’s seven career losses have been to world champions: Urango, Miguel Cotto, Ener Julio, and Diosbelys Hurtado. Randall has defeated three world champions: Gonzalez, Corley, and Juan Polo Perez.

Like fine wine, Randall Bailey keeps getting better with age, something Stern believes Jones will discover June 9, probably at the end of single, concussive punch.

15rounds.com Photographer Claudia Bocanegra was on hand at BB King’s in New York City to capture the images of the press conference for the much anticipated undercard for Saturday night’s Pay Per View undercard that will Feature Brandon Rios taking on John Murray; Mike Jones and Sebastian Lujan and the rematch betwwen Pawel Wolak and Delvin Rodriguez plus Mike Lee and Glen Tapia

Undefeated Welterweight Mike Jones talks to 15rounds.com Marc Abrams about his December 3rd showdown with Sebastian Lujan as part of the Miguel Cotto – Antonio Margarito II undercard

Philadelphia, PA—Undefeated welterweight contender Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, who faces two-time world title challenger Sebastian Lujan, of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, in an IBF world title eliminator on the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito card Dec. 3 at Madison Square Garden, has added another strength and conditioning coach to his team.

Rich Meudt, 54, who has been conditioning athletes in various sports for the last 27 years, has been working with Jones for the last two months.

“When Mike started working with me he looked like a new-born calf,” said Meudt, a retired major after a 22-year stint in the Army. “Now he’s a strong bull. His legs are firmer, stronger and explosive. His balance, conditioning and endurance are excellent. He does everything I ask him to do and he exceeds all expectations.”

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*** http://youtu.be/LGoBvT9GyhU
*** Follow Mike Jones on twitter: @boxermikejones
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Meudt was brought on board by fellow-Jones strength and conditioning coach Danny Davis, who has worked with Jones for the last several years and who is also well-known for his longtime association with Bernard Hopkins.

“I brought Rich in to focus on Mike’s legs and conditioning,” said Davis. “Rich has done a great job, bringing in his expertise and knowledge. Mike looks very strong and sharp and he’s a hard worker who wants to go to the highest level and never complains about what he’s asked to do. That’s what makes a champion.”

Jones has responded well to the rigors of the grueling sessions.

“It’s very important to do different things each and every time so that I get a little bit better for each fight,” said Jones, a workout fanatic known for his long training and fitness sessions. “I feel more stable and better balanced. My legs are a lot stronger than they were. That will make me a better fighter and more dynamic as a puncher. I’m in the best shape ever. I believe it’s (the workouts) going to pay dividends on December 3.”

Not satisfied with just adding a new conditioning coach, Jones, who stays in excellent shape and watches what he eats, also added Amy West, a weight management nutritionist, to assist him in getting the most out of his daily eating routine.
ABOUT DEC. 3

The Mike Jones-Sebastian Lujan IBF eliminator is part of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito II world championship telecast, which begins at 9 pm (EST)/6 pm (PT). It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 292 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HDTV for those who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

Legendary Hall-of-Fame heavyweight champion Joe Frazier was laid to rest on Monday after having passed on Nov. 7 at age 67 from liver cancer. Undefeated welterweight Mike Jones, who was trained by Frazier as an amateur, reflects on his time with Smokin’ Joe.

It hits me to the heart. He was a great person to be around and a great friend.

We had a pretty close relationship. He took care of me a lot. He arranged transportation for me to his gym and then bought me a car. Everything was about the fighter. He knew the fighter had to perform so he took care of the fighter, no matter what. That’s what he was all about.

Joe always said: ‘You’re going to get your brain shook, your money took and your name on the undertaker book, so you better do all your roadwork. Never miss a day of roadwork and take it very serious.’ That’s in me to this day.

I was born with Joe Frazier DNA and when I went to his gym—my dad took me there when I was 15—I just got even more of it, that tough Philadelphia heart and the desire to go in there (the ring) and dig out a knockout.

Joe always put his imprint on everything. He wanted all his guys (fighters) to be modeled after him. He’d say: ‘You want to plant those feet and get those knockouts; be grounded and have that foundation first. Sit in the pocket and really dig it out.’ And his left hook? Oh, my! He’d say: ‘The left hook, the double hook, it’s not a 1-2, it’s all one shot.’

Joe was a great mentor to me, a great friend. He was a wonderful person. He was the best. He was a great personality, a great fighter. He was always about the fighter.

God bless him, may he rest in peace!

Philadelphia, PA—Undefeated welterweight contender Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, who faces two-time world title challenger Sebastian Lujan, of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, in an IBF world title eliminator on the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito card on Dec. 3 at Madison Square Garden, feels that this weekend’s Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight will end in a knockout.

“I think somebody’s going to get knocked out,” said Jones, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBO and in line to fight Pacquiao next year if he (Jones) gets by Lujan. “It’s going to be a great war, but somebody’s going to go down and stay down. Both of those guys got bigger, got stronger – obviously Pacquiao got bigger and stronger. I believe it’s going to be a great fight for the fans.” ________________________________________________
*** Follow Mike Jones on twitter: @boxermikejones
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Jones also has thoughts on how he would do against Pacquiao.
“I’m 100% focused on just beating Lujan, but if I were to fight Pacquiao I see myself outboxing him,” Jones said. “I see him coming in like the whirlwind he is but by the time that I fight him I’ll be clicking on all cylinders. I see me beating Pacquiao.”
Jones’ trainer, Vaughn Jackson, also weighed-in on his thoughts about the Pacquiao-Marquez fight.
“If Pacman doesn’t stop him early then Marquez will win a split decision,” said Jackson, who’s in the midst of training Jones for the Dec. 3 fight against Lujan. “Marquez has more skills than PacMan. PacMan jumps off his feet too much. In spite of his age, Marquez is a better all-round fighter who puts his punches together better. Marquez will box his way to a decision if it goes the distance.”
ABOUT DEC. 3
The Mike Jones-Sebastian Lujan IBF eliminator is part of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito II world championship telecast, which begins at 9 pm (EST)/6 pm (PT). It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 292 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HDTV for those who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.
Tickets for the Madison Square Garden card are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. They also are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922).

Philadelphia, PA—Undefeated welterweight contender Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, who faces two-time world title challenger Sebastian Lujan, of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, in one of the featured fights on the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito card, will be in line for a pair of much-coveted title shots with a win on Dec. 3 at Madison Square Garden.

A Jones victory over Lujan in their scheduled 12-rounder will gain him the No. 1 position in the welterweight rankings of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), currently ruled by Andre Berto, which could lead to a fight for Berto’s title in 2012. He also might possibly be matched with No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world Manny Pacquiao, according to Top Rank’s Bob Arum.

“There are some guys who we could match Pacquiao with,” Arum said at a recent press conference. “Mike Jones (pictured) and Sebastian Lujan are going to be fighting at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 3 for the No. 1 mandatory position against Berto. And the winner of the fight will get to meet Berto down the road, or if that doesn’t come about for any reason, will be ready to meet Manny Pacquiao down the road. But this fight is a very, very important fight for Mike Jones.”
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*** Follow Mike Jones on twitter: @boxermikejones
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“This is an opportunity for me to show the world I am one of the elite fighters out there,” said Jones, who will be fighting for the first time at Madison Square Garden. “I can’t wait until it happens. I’m in the gym everyday, working hard and preparing myself to be the best out there that night.”
A pro since 2005, Jones, 28, has a 25-0 record with 19 knockouts. He is ranked No. 3 by the IBF, No. 1 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) behind champion Manny Pacquiao, No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Jones currently holds three titles—North American Boxing Association (NABA), North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and WBC Continental Americas, but it’s the world title he craves.
Lujan, 31, scored a big win in his last fight July 1 in San Antonio, TX, when he rallied to knock out Filipino southpaw Mark Melligen in nine rounds after accepting the match on less than one week’s notice.
A pro since 2001, Lujan is 38-5-2, 24 K0s. In two world title fights, he was stopped—due to a badly torn left ear—in 10 rounds by Margarito for the WBO welterweight title in 2005 in Atlantic City, NJ, he lost a 12-round decision to lefty Sergii Dzinziruk for the WBO junior middleweight title in 2006 in Munich Germany.
Lujan has won his last 12 fights.

ABOUT DEC. 3

The Mike Jones-Sebastian Lujan 12-round IBF eliminator is part of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito II world championship telecast, which begins at 9 pm (EST)/6 pm (PT). It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 292 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HDTV for those who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

Tickets for the Madison Square Garden card are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. They also are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922).

Before Nonito Donaire’s win over Omar Naravez this past Saturday, Top Rank hosted a press conference to announce the spectacular undercard that will take place before the much hyped rematch between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. 15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra got the shots of Mike Jones, Pawel Wolak, Delvin Rodriguez and Mike Lee who will be appearing in high profile bouts on December 3rd.

Philadelphia, PA—Undefeated welterweight contender Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, makes his first appearance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening, Dec. 3, when he faces two-time world title challenger Sebastian Lujan, of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, in one of the featured fights on the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito card.

The winner of the Jones-Lujan 12-round contest will gain the No. 1 position in the welterweight rankings of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), currently ruled by Andre Berto.

“This is a tougher assignment than the ones Mike had with Jesus Soto-Karass,” said promoter J Russell Peltz, whose company is promoting this match with Top Rank, Inc. Peltz was referring to the two victories Jones (pictured) earned over Mexico’s Soto-Karras, the first one Nov. 13, 2010, in Cowboys Stadium by 10-round majority decision, the second one last Feb. 19 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas by 12-round unanimous decision.

“Mike said that if fighting Lujan over 12 rounds is what he has to do to get a title shot, then he’s fine with it. He knows what he has to do to win and he knows he has to be in the same shape—or better—than he was for the second fight with Soto-Karass.”

Jones: “Lujan puts on pressure, but not constant pressure like Soto-Karass. He moves his head a lot more than Soto-Karass but he throws wide punches. This could put me in line to fight for the world championship.”
A pro since 2005, Jones, 28, has a 25-0 record with 18 knockouts. He is ranked No. 3 by the IBF, No. 1 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) behind champion Manny Pacquiao, No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Jones currently holds three titles—North American Boxing Association (NABA), North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and WBC Continental Americas, but it’s the world title he craves.
Lujan, 31, scored a big win in his last fight July 1 in San Antonio, TX, when he rallied to knock out Filipino southpaw Mark Melligen in nine rounds after accepting the match on short notice.

A pro since 2001, Lujan is 38-5-2, 24 K0s. In two world title fights, he was stopped—due to a badly torn left ear—in 10 rounds by Margarito for the WBO welterweight title in 2005 in Atlantic City, NJM. Lujan also lost a 12-round decision to lefty Sergii Dzinziruk for the WBO junior middleweight title in 2006 in Munich Germany.

Lujan has won his last 12 fights in a row.

ABOUT DEC. 3

The Mike Jones-Sebastian Lujan IBF eliminator is part of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito II world championship telecast, which begins at 9 pm (EST)/6 pm (PT). It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 292 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HDTV for those who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

Tickets for the Madison Square Garden card are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. They also are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922).

Undefeated Welterweight contender Mike Jones talks about his December 3rd showdown with Sebastain Lujan

Dan rafael of espn.com confirmed a video interview with Bob Arum on www.15rounds.com that undefeated Mike Jones will take on rough and rugged Sebastian Lujan plus Guillermo Rogondeaux will take on Rico Ramos as part of the Miguel Cotto – Antonio Margarito undercard set for December 3rd in New York.

Russell Peltz, who co-promotes Jones (25-0, 19 KOs) with Arum, said everyone on their team realizes it is a dangerous fight. Known for having a strong chin, Lujan (38-5-2, 24 KOs) is riding a 12-fight winning streak, including a dominant ninth-round knockout of promising Mark Melligen on ESPN2 on July 1.

“I think it’s a lot tougher fight than Mike had with (Jesus) Soto Karass,” Peltz said of the most difficult fights so far in Jones’ career, back-to-back competitive decision wins against Soto Karass in November 20010 and in the February rematch. “(Jones) says if fighting this kind of fight is what he has to do to get a title shot, it is what he has to do. He has to be in better shape than he was for the second Soto Karass fight.”

Said Jones: “Lujan puts on pressure, but not constant pressure like Karass. He moves his head a lot more than Karass but throws wide punches, which I will take advantage of. This will put me in line for a money fight.”

Arum said the third televised undercard fight has not been set yet but that Top Rank president Todd duBoef “was working on it and I can’t say what it is yet because it’s not done.”

Also back in action on the undercard will be junior middleweight Pawel Wolak, although his bout is not scheduled to be part of the HBO PPV broadcast. Wolak’s opponent is not set, but manager Cameron Dunkin said they are OK with the fight not being on the telecast.

I’m trying to do certain things with him but it’s been tough. We wanted (titlist Cornelius) Bundrage, but there wasn’t the money to deliver it and Bundrage is with (promoter) Don King, which is never easy,” Dunkin said. “So I’m trying to get him back out there and keep him active. We wanted him on TV but there wasn’t a spot for him. This fight is the start and we’ll keep him going from here.”

“Excited,” Wolak said. “Unfortunately, (Bundrage) was scared. Canelo (Alvarez) and (Julio Cesar) Chavez (Jr.) aren’t available and worried and there was no (premium) network interest in a rematch with Delvin, so we are going to Plan B. That is why I signed with a competent manager as he knows how to get me where I want to go.”

Said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum: “Wolak wants a title fight. Rather than argue with him we said, ‘We’ll put you in with a second-level guy, but it won’t be on television’ and that way he stays active and I don’t embarrass myself with the televised undercard.”

PHILADELPHIA (July 25, 2011)—Boxing’s latest innovation, Cov Glove has signed IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham and number-one ranked Welterweight Mike Jones to endorse the product.

Cov Glove has all been certified by USA Boxing and the product was worn by all competitors in the just completed United States National Championship tournament

“I am ecstatic to have these two tremendous fighters as the first two guys who endorse the Cov Glove”, said Cov Glove founder David Price.

“Steve and Mike’s record’s speak for themselves and to have them represent the Cov Glove shows our commitment and I can’t think of two better fighters and men to be a part of our team”

“This is a great product and I feel that all commissions should approve it”, said Cunningham

“I been using it for a few years now and I have never had a problem with it and I love that I know that the action will never be stopped due to tape coming loose. I am happy to endorse Cov Glove and hopefully more fighters will see the value in wearing the product”

Cunningham, 24-2 with twelve knockouts is a two-time IBF Cruiserweight champion who is known for taking on anyone, anywhere at any time as evidenced by him fighting, winning and defending his world title all over the planet.

Jones is one of the hottest fighters in the world as he is perfect in his twenty-five bouts with nineteen knockouts. He has appeared on major Pay Per View shows and on HBO by beating Jesus Soto Karass. On June 25th he stopped Raul Munoz in two rounds in Philadelphia

“Since I was introduced to Cov Glove, I was a believer in it. It gives me the confidence that I know that my tape will never come loose. It’s definitely a product that all fighters should wear. Whenever I fight, the Cov Glove will be with me as it defiantly goes hand and glove”, said the undefeated Jones.

As pertaining to Cov Glove being USA Boxing certified, the founder believes that it is a prelude to being a worldwide product on all levels.

“I am very happy that we received the certification by USA Boxing. It’s an opportunity for the young men in the amateurs to get used to the Cov Glove and they will feel comfortable with the Cov Glove as they embark on their pro careers. I know that some of the decision makers in boxing will also be able to see the benefits of the Cov Glove. I think that success Cov Glove had at the Nationals shows that fighters should be able to wear it in major tournaments and world title bouts all over the world”

The Cov Glove is a leather sleeve that covers the tape around the wrist. The Cov Glove protects the fighter from having his tape come loose as well as protecting his opponent from Tape scraping against his head and eyes.

Undefeated Welterweight contender Mike Jones talks to 15rounds.com and gfl.tv after his 2nd round stoppage over Raul Munoz and talks about future plans which may include Manny Pacquiao

PHILADELPHIA–In what was billed as a Homecoming, undefeated and WBO number-one ranked Welterweight Mike Jones made it a short one as he disposed of Raul Munoz in round two of a scheduled ten round Welterweight bout at the Asylum Arena.

After a more of a feel out first round, Jones started pumping his jab and working the body. Jones landed a couple of body shots and landed a booming right hand that sent Munoz sprawling on the canvas. He could not beat the count of referee Gary Rosato and the fight was over at 2:29 of round two.

Jones, 146 lbs of Philadelphia will now look for major bout in the fall with his knees.h a record of 25-0 with nineteen knockouts. Munoz, 149 lbs of Topeka, KS is now 21-14-1.

In the co-feature, Glen Tapia was very solid in winning every round from Taronze Washington in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Tapia, who has been getting world wide acclaim for his gym work with Manny Pacquiao has been slowly improving as the twenty-one year old was very aggressive in his attack. Washington, who is a battle tested veteran and has been in with many top contenders on their way up provided Tapia with the experience that he needed at this point of his career.

Tapia, 152 ½ lbs of Passaic, NJ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards to remain perfect at 10-0. Washington, 151 ½ lbs of Dallas, TX is now 14-16.

In an entertaining six round Welterweight bout, Yordenis Ugas scored a six round unanimous decision over Kenny Abril.

Ugas showed the solid boxing skills early that many of the Cuban’s country mates. Round four was a fantastic round, mostly for Ugas as he landed an incredible barrage that finally sent Abril. That seemed to have woken Abril up as he not only did he survive the round but he landed a big flurry that had the standing room only crowd on their feet as the round concluded.

Ugas settled down and was able to box well over the final six minutes to solidify the victory by scores of 60-53; 59-55 and 59-54.

Ugas, 144 lbs of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba is now 8-0. Abril, 143 ½ lbs of Rochester, NY is now 11-4-1.
In the opening bout, Mike Oliver locked up a world title shot with a six round unanimous decision over veteran trial horse Felipe Almanza.

The difference in the fight was the speed of Oliver who lead and countered while Almanza won a couple of rounds featuring straight rights down the middle.

Oliver, 121 ½ lbs of Hartford, CT won by scores of 58-56 on all cards to raise his record to 25-2. Almanza, 121 lbs of Lorica, Colombia is now 19-24-3.

Oliver will now challenge Orlando Salido on July 23rd for the Featherweight championship in Mexico.
Phillip McCants scored a lackluster six round majority decision over Kaseem Wilson in a Welterweight bout.
In between a lack of action and holding, McCants tried to force some action by landing some “Pitter Patter” body shots which was more then Wilson could accomplish

Scores were 58-56 on two cards while the third judge saw the fight 57-57.

McCants, 150 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is now 9-2-1. Wilson, 148 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is now 12-3-1.

Miguel Catragena gained his first knockout by scoring second round stoppage over Jaime Gonzalez in a Bantamweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Cartagena was a couple classes above Gonzalez and was able to showboat while dropping Gonzalez twice and the fight was stopped forty-nine seconds into round two.

Cartagena, 117 lbs of Philadelphia is now 2-0 with one knockout. Gonzalez, 118 lbs of Aguada, Puerto Rico is now 0-2.

In a scary moment, Osnel Charles scored his first career knockout with a vicious stoppage over Anthony Flores in the opening frame of a scheduled six round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Charles rocked Flores with a left hook and about a minute later a booming overhand right sent Flores plummeting to the canvas and the fight was stopped immediately.

Flores lay on the canvas for approximately seven minutes and a oxygen masked was applied. After several minutes, Flores slowly was able to sit on the stool and leave the ring.

Charles, 131 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is now 9-2 with one knockout. Flores, 131 ½ lbs of Philadelphia is now 9-4-1.

In the walkout bout, Jose Rivera and Angel Cruz fought to a six round draw in a Super Flyweight bout.
Scores were 57-57 on all cards. Rivera, 114 lbs of New Rochelle, NY is now 3-2-2. Cruz, 116 lbs of Juana Dia, Puerto Rico is now 5-1-1.

Photo by Chris Toney / Top Rank

Mike Jones 146 – Raul Munoz 149
Glen Tapia 152.5 – Taronze Washington 151.5
Kenny Abril 143.5 – Yordenis Ugas 144

As unbeaten Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, who is 24-0, 18 K0s, and is ranked the #1 welterweight in the world behind WBO champion Manny Pacquiao, prepares to meet Raul Munoz (21-13-1, 16 KOs), of Leon, Mexico, on Saturday, June 25, at South Philly Arena, he has had an excellent training camp. Here are some quotes from Jones:

Mikes Jones Comments

• On facing non-ranked Raul Munoz on June 25: “I’m a professional. This is my job. Anytime I go out, whenever I go out, I’m going to put my best effort forth. I’m going to prepare myself like it’s a world championship fight because I’m trying my best to be one of the greatest out there. That’s my dream.”

• On fighting in his hometown for the first time in more than two years: “This fight means a lot to me, obviously, because I’m back home for the first time in more than two years. I want to look my best when I’m at home, just like I do when I’m anywhere else. It’s kind of a different feeling when you’re at home, because you really want to perform. Like Manny Pacquiao says, I want to do it for the fans. That’s what I want to do. I want to look my best for the fans. I want to look great in there.”

• What Jones learned from his two fights with Jesus Soto-Karass: “If I stick to the game plan and be patient, great things will happen. Those fights were a learning experience to help me with my future fights.”

• On the second Soto-Karass fight: “I wanted to show everybody that I could box. I can punch. I can do it all. On any given night, I can bring out the boxer, I can bring out the slugger. I’m just working on my game…to be the best at both of them. It’s satisfying to know I can go the distance. I’m going to be fighting guys ranked number 2, number 3, guys that can’t be knocked out. I always knew I could go the distance but I wanted to show the world that I could and be a good boxer.”

• On being ranked #1 by the WBO: “I’ve heard about it. I rarely look at that but it’s impossible not to. It’s great to be looked at that way. I’m a work in progress. I’m always working to try to get better.”

• Future plans: “I want a big fight, anybody in the Top 10, whatever the fans want. I think I’m ready for a title shot right now. It doesn’t hurt to get more seasoning. It doesn’t hurt to get a couple more fights before I go for a title shot because I know when I get in my best shape I can contend with the best of them.”

• On his ultimate goal of fighting Manny Pacquiao: “I can get a call any day to fight a guy like Manny Pacquiao so I gotta be in great shape all the time. As for me, I feel I can beat him because I got 100% confidence in myself. I feel as though I can beat anybody in the welterweight division. Pacquiao will bring far more than exposure. Any time you fight a Manny Pacquiao you’re also going to see seven digits ($) so that’s gotta be a dream come true for me and my family.”

• When did you start boxing: “I’ve been training since I was 15 years old, hard…non-stop. I always wanted to be a champion since I stepped foot in the boxing ring. I wanted to be great and I’m motivated to be one of the great fighters in the world.”

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Mike Jones vs. Raul Munoz, co-promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and Joe Hand Promotions, takes place Saturday, June 25, at the South Philly Arena, 7 West Ritner Street (next to Forman Mills). The scheduled 10-round contest will be televised live by Fox Sports Net at 10 pm EST as part of the Top Rank Live! Series. First of 7 fights: 8 pm.

Undefeated Welterweight contender Mike Jones discusses his June 25th fight with Raul Munoz

Undefeated Welterweight Mike Jones works out for the media in advance with his June 25th fight with Raul Munoz

• Upcoming fight: June 25 vs. Raul Munoz (21-13-1, 16 KOs) at South Philly Arena (7 W. Ritner St): Jones: “This fight means a lot to me, obviously, because I’m back home for the first time in more than two years. I want to look my best when I’m at home, just like I do when I’m anywhere else.

“It’s kind of a different feeling when you’re at home, because you really want to perform. Like Manny Pacquiao says, I want to do it for the fans. That’s what I want to do. I want to look my best for the fans. I want to look great in there.”

• June 25th fight will be his first fight in Philadelphia since his March 6, 2009 second-round knockout over Dairo Esalas at the Blue Horizon. It also will be his 13th fight overall in his hometown and his 12th at this venue (South Philly Arena, formerly New Alhambra)

• 28 years old (April 26, 1983)

• Nickname: Machine Gun

• Born in Philadelphia (Mt. Airy section; now lives in Frankford section of Philadelphia)

•Turned pro in December, 2005, at the same arena he’s fighting in on June 25 (then called the New Alhambra); 5-1/2 years as a pro

•24-0, 18 KOs (75% KO %)

• Height: 6’0”…Reach: 72”

•Ranked #1 welterweight by WBO behind superstar Manny Pacquiao; also rated #2 by WBA, #3 by the IBF, #5 by the WBC

• WBC Continental Americas, NABO & NABA welterweight champion

• Has fought as a welterweight (147 lbs.) his entire career

• Rounds boxed: 108 (4.5 rounds per fight)

• First-round KOs: 5

• Trainer: Vaughn Jackson, of Philadelphia (Jones’ only trainer since turning pro; Jones was trained by Joe & Marvis Frazier as an amateur). Jackson on Jones: “Mike’s getting better every day. You never catch him out of shape and he’s never had any bad habits. Mike will be a great champion.”

• Managed by: Doc Nowicki & Jim Williams (also his cutman); Nowicki on Mike Jones: “Mike will be a world champion within the next 6-9 months because he lives and breathes boxing. When he wakes up in the morning his first thought is ‘what do I have to do today to make myself better.’ And that is how he thinks every morning. He lives to box and to be a world champion.”

• Promoters: Peltz Boxing Promotions, Top Rank and Joe Hand Promotions; J Russell Peltz on Jones: “Mike Jones needs to stay busy. He cannot fall into the habit of waiting for HBO or Showtime or pay-per-view fights. That’s the problem with many of today’s fighters; they won’t fight unless they can make a score. The old-timers fought to pay their bills and to learn their craft. Experience is the key here and Mike needs it and the best part is that Mike understands this.”

• Top Rank’s Bob Arum on Jones: “We have known Russell Peltz for years and he is a true boxing promoter. Look at the job he has done with the career of Mike Jones, who is now co-promoted by Top Rank and ready to break out as a big star in the welterweight division. Mike is an exciting fighter with size and a lot of power.”

• Joe Hand, Sr. on Jones: “In my forty years in the business, I have seen many champions come along. Mike Jones has all the makings of a great champion. So sit back and enjoy the ride.”

• Last two fights: Decision wins vs Jesus Soto-Karass on Nov. 13, 2010, in Arlington, TX (co-feature to Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito pay-per-view title fight); Feb. 19, 2011 in Las Vegas (co-feature to Fernando Montiel-Nonito Donaire title fight on HBO). Jones: “Both fights with Soto-Karass were big learning experiences which will get me ready for bigger fights down the road.”

•His feelings about fighting for a world title (probably within the next 2-3 fights): “I think that two, really tough-name fights down the road after this one, and then, I’ll be ready for a title shot and I’ll be ready to take the title. Until then, I’m looking to take on anybody that is in the top 10. That’s who I want.”

• Mentor: Bernard Hopkins (who trains at the Joe Hand Gym, where Jones also trains at); Hopkins told Jones after the first Soto-Karass fight, Nov. 13, 2010: “You’ve got to use your jab and you’ve got to keep your distance and don’t give these guys no chance of winning the fight when they don’t have none. You want to have longevity in this game, so use your jab, stick it to them from behind that jab, and send that right hand straight down the pipe. Don’t give these guys any chance of winning!”

• His dad, Michael Jones, Sr. has had diabetes for a while and suffered several strokes both conditions of which have influenced the younger Jones’ excellent nutritional regimen.

• Father of two girls: ages 7 & 5

• Likens his style to a combination of Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali and a young Roy Jones

• Other favorite sports: football and basketball

• Favorite show: ESPN’s Sports Center

• Known as a gym rat for his long and strenuous training sessions

• Stays in excellent shape all year long like his mentor Bernard Hopkins

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Mike Jones vs. Raul Munoz, co-promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and Joe Hand Promotions, takes place Saturday, June 25, at the South Philly Arena, 7 West Ritner Street (next to Forman Mills). The scheduled 10-round contest will be televised live by Fox Sports Net at 10 pm EST as part of the Top Rank Live! Series. First of 7 fights: 8 pm.