Jennifer “the Razor” Barber

Former NABF Champ and #1 WBC contender, Jennifer Barber-Grooms, found something new to do in between fights. Yesterday, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, 8lbs and 4 oz! Thanks to Coach Stan for letting us know keeping us in the loop!

WBC Offer from Stephen + Raylene

For WBC Members & WBC CARES only:

The first 20 members that contribute over $20 will also receive a free autographed copy of our Push Cd in addition to the prize package they pledge at on the KickStarter website. Just have them email serafinmusic@gmail.com with their address and mention that they are part of the “WBC Special”.

Hello Family & Friends,
My band Bop Skizzum is launching a campaign to help raise money to produce a full length studio album and we need your help. We aren’t selling candy bars or washing cars though, we have chosen to facilitate this campaign using a service called KickStarter. KickStarter is a way for fans, friends and family to donate small contributions and in exchange you will get a customized prize for each amount.
What does it take to record an album?
The album has been scheduled to be recorded over two weeks in July at Silo Sound Studios in Denver. The band will be working with a talented producer/engineer Jeff Kanan who has worked with artists such No Doubt, Madonna, and Kelly Clarkson. After another week of mixing the songs it will be sent off to be mastered then to the duplication company where it gets transferred to individual CDs. Before any of that, all of the songs are carefully written, rehearsed, and arranged. Many many hours of love go into creating something we hope you all will enjoy.
How much are we trying to raise?
We have set a goal of $7500 for our KickStarter campaign. The thing about KickStarter is if we don’t meet our goal we… DONT GET ANY OF THE MONEY. Right now we have have 83 backers and have raised $4463. (Thats almost %60).
When is the deadline?
The campaign ends on Saturday May 26 at 1:54 am (MST)

Yes there are prizes

We have come up with some really cool cusomized prizes for all sized pockets. Want to just pre-order the album, how about a private lesson with one of the band members, or be imortalized in our album art? All of the prize packages are on our Kickstarter page. Some examples are:
Donate $10 – Pre release of Album (digital version)
Donate $25 – Pre release autographed version of album (physical CD)
Donate $75 – CD RELEASE SHOW PACK: Digital and physical copied of the album, insider blasts from the studio, tshirt, 1 ticket to the CD release show.
Donate $125 – DANCE-A-LONG: You pick the song, we’ll dance to it and put it on YouTube for you.
Donate $1200 – BOP SKIZZUM HOUSE PARTY: We’ll come to your house and play an acoustic set for you and your friends. Bop Skizzum is gearing up for a busy summer starting off with a trip to Los Angeles on May 31st. We will be in the finals for a contest sponsored by Ford called Gimme The Gig. Chosen among thousands of bands who entered, Bop Skizuzm will be performing for legendary producer Don Was (Rolling Stones, B52s, John Mayer, Bonnie Rait).

If you know me you know that hate spam and I am very hesitant to ask people for money. There is a team of hard working, talented people working behind Bop Skizzum and we would all appreciate and benefit from your support. Thank you for buying our music, coming to shows, and your words of encouragement.

SUPPORT BOP SKIZZUM HERE

Alexandra’s Play!

In addition to helping with WBC Cares, Alexandra Gjerpen (Norway’s own) is an amateur boxer and loves the sport! In two weeks she opens in an off-broadway show that is both evocative and compelling. Her last performance in Red Light Winter was very well received in NY. So, here’s another side of the boxing community for you to enjoy. And her enthusiasm is undeniable!
Jill: What drew you to Boxing?
Alexandra: It helps me keep my crazy life in check. It’s a great emotional outlet and it’s exciting.
Jill: Can you see yourself turning pro?
Alexandra: No… not with my face!
Jill: What does it feel like doing a nude scene in a play?
Alexandra: Like everyone’s looking at me. But to do one, it has to be justified in the material.
Jill: Why should we come and see your play?
Alexandra: Because I’M IN IT!
Here’s the Info:
Ego Actus presents the world p
remiere of

SAFE
by Penny Jackson
directed by Joan Kane

Featuring
Debby Brand
Todd Conner
Alexandra Gjerpen
Nick Palladino



in the 2012 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity
Six performances from June 1st to June 14th, 2012
at the Bleecker St Theater, 45 Bleecker Street

http://PlanetConnections.org/Safe

The life of an Upper East Side teenager can be hell. Nina Foster’s mom is in rehab for alcoholism, her father goes on endless business trips, she hates high school and Liz, her anorexic best friend, wants to kidnap her baby niece. What else can she do but go to meet a dangerous man? Safe is about trying to find your way in a scary world. 

In keeping with the social conscious values of Planet Connections this production is in support of the National Eating Disorders Association.
The performances are scheduled on:
Friday, June 1st at 7:00pm, benefit performance for NEDA
Saturday, June 2nd at 3:00pm, followed by an Opening Party at Vault
Monday, June 4th at 10:00pm
Wednesday, June 6th at 4:00pm
Saturday, June 9th at 8:00pm
Thursday, June 14th at 6:00pm

Tickets are $18.00 and are available at PlanetConnections.org/Safe

Crew
Set Design by Stephanie Fallone
Costume Design by Erica Evans
Lighting Design by Bruce A! Kraemer
Sound Design by Ian Werhle

Graphics Design by Ellen Weinberger
Fight Choreographer Andrew Moss
Publicity by Michael Martinez Press (845) 201-8820

Subway
6 to Bleecker Street
B, D, F to Broadway/Lafayette
R to Prince Street

WBC Celebrates in New York!

WBC Cares, under the guidance of President, Jose Sulaiman, honored several members of our community who epitomize our mission: Educate, Inspire and Enlighten. Here “Big Champions Supporting Little Champions” really shone, and the evening was filled with warmth,emotion, and finally laughter. The Gotham Comedy Club in NYC,hosted the evening and provided us with some terrific entertainment. We also took this opportunity to announce our affiliation with two other organization, World Champions Against Bullying and the Non Violence Project, both of which we will work with for the betterment of our children. Here,”WBC Big Champions Supporting Little Champions” really shone. Below are the winners. we want to especially thank Showtime’s Steve Farhood, who MC’d the award portion of the cermeony, Pam Hall and Nucci Reyos for their music, and Harold Ledderman, for his support.

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Imamau Mayfield
Former Cruiserweight World Champion
The Children’s Champion

COMBATT:
Larry Hazard and Rhonda Utley-Herring
A proud history of improving children’s lives

Tamara Tunie
Film, stage and television actress, director and produce
Chair Emerita of Figure Skating in Harlem
A role model and inspiration to our Youth

Chief Edward Kilduff
FDNY's 34th Chief of Department
Inspiring, Protecting and Educating the Community

Joe Mazilli
Former NYPD, Officer (nine of those years with the Organized Crime Control Bureau)
Television Producer, Creator of Runaway Squad,
Bravery on behalf of our children

Melvina Latham
Chairwoman of the NYS Athletic Commission
Leadership and Dedication to boxing and young athletes

Bruce Silverglade
Owner of the world famous Gleason’s Gym and
Creator of Give a Kid a Dream Foundation
Tireless Support of Youth and Boxing

Boyd Melson
Multiple United States Amateur Boxing Championships
Creator of Team Fight to Walk
Compassion and Courage outside the Ring

John Callas
WBC Referee + Coach
Creator or Oak Boxing Academy
Ombudsman for CT Department of Children and Families
WBC/WCAB Ambassador of 2012

WBC Cares Japan

Chisa Yamane and WBC Cares Team

Sky filled with 350 of “KOINOBORI” the symbolic fish kite for Children’s day donated from many people, Champions from TOHOKU got together in Rikuzen Takada for Children’s day Festival!

On the Children’s day, May 5th, Champions from TOHOKU regions gather together to the charity event at the Tsunami site in Rikuzen Takada to show the punches and kicks during Ninja show as well as teach them how to punch and kick.

Various NPO organizations gather together at this charity event which was held at where the TSUNAMI hit to cheer the kids on the Children’s day. Many MMA fighters attended to prepare food for them and both Boxing and Muaythai champions as well as non-champions attended to show the demo during ninja show and taught children.
This was formed as a part of WBC cares program in Japan, WBC Cares representatives in Japan, Chisa Yamane, Yuriko Miyata and Takaharu Hayashi decided to maintain support to the people within the area of Tsunami disaster which happened on March 11th, 2011 for this year.
WBC Super Fly weight Champion, Yota Sato born in Iwate, and WBC Female Straw weight Champion, Naoko Fujioka born in Miyagi, both Champions are from the prefectures that were severely hit by Tsunami attended this event as well as 4 Japanese Champions of Muaythai also from this region, Minoru Jyunibayashi, Yuji, Ashura, Masatoshi Abe.

Thanks to the boxers and MINANO Gym, HOSOKAWA Gym and PKC Gym for the participation and giving cheers to the children as well as their parents.

WBC cares in Japan

Do you remember Gerald McClellan?

Do you remember the boxing match between Nigel Benn and Gerald McClellan? It took place on February 25th, 1995 in London England. McClellan the WBC Middleweight champion moved up to the Super-Middleweight Division to challenge Nigel Benn. Do you remember the war that ensued? Benn was knocked out of the ring in the first round and barely beat the count. It was a battle of give and take going into the 10th round with McClellan ahead on two of the three judges scorecards. Do you remember how it ended? In the 10th round McClellan dropped to one knee and took a mandatory eight count. Shortly thereafter in the same round McClellan again dropped to one knee but this time was counted out. He returned to his corner and collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital and operated on to remove a blood clot and remained in a coma for eleven days.
Do you know where Gerald is now or how he is doing? Don’t feel guilty if you don’t but feel guilty if you decide not to read on. Gerald never recovered, he suffered massive brain damage and has been under the care of his sisters ever since. Gerald needs to be under care and watch 24 hours a day. They say, “Time heals all wounds” but not in Gerald’s case. Gerald’s condition continues to worsen each and every day. Sadder is the reality that people tend to forget about the bad things as time goes by, which is why this appeal is going out.
February 25th, 2012 marked the 17th anniversary of Gerald McClellan’s championship bout against Nigel Benn and Gerald needs our help more than ever. Let’s not forget this warrior who was carried out on his shield. Join us in making a donation to the Gerald McClellan Trust Fund. A tax deductible contribution to the Trust can be made by sending a check or money order made payable to:
The Gerald McClellan Trust Fund
839 E. Wyandotte St
Freeport Il 61032
USA
Thank you,
Frank Garza, jr

Tony Luis: WBC Ambassador

Tony Luis Wins, Named Goodwill Ambassador
Rising junior welterweight star Tony “The Lightning” Luis of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada has had a good week. He has been named an Ambassador of Goodwill by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and immediately went out and won his next fight against Hungarian boxer Ferenc Szabo in Montreal on April 7.
More than 200 Cornwall residents made the trip to the Claude Robilliard Centre to see Luis take his professional record to 14-0 after putting Szabo to the canvas for the 3rd and final time in round 3.
“He was opening up for body shots and I was able to stick my game plan,” said Luis.
“While it was a good fight I thought it would go longer because Szabo was a member of Hungarian National Team,” added Jorge Luis, Tony’s trainer and father.
The current WBC Continental Americas Jr. Welterweight champion is building a great reputation both in and out of the ring. Luis, who was recently profiled by Yahoo Voices as a young fighter to look out for, has a college degree and is a full-time social worker in Cornwall.
Upon noticing many of the youngsters were angry and needed direction, Luis helped create a boxing program, which quickly became a successful outlet for the struggling youths. After leaving his first job and receiving an outstanding reference letter from his employer, Luis accepted a job working in an alcohol and substance abuse treatment center for young aboriginals.
Although he had initial worries of not being accepted since he is not of native descent, he connected well with the youths and put his full efforts into assisting them.
“Tony Luis is the kind of young man boxing needs,” said Jill Diamond, Chairwoman of the WBC Cares Program. “He is a champion in the ring and an inspiration to young people outside of it. We are proud to make him a Goodwill Ambassador for WBC Cares.”
The humble 24-year old was both thrilled and honored that the WBC chose to name him an ambassador.
“Being named a Goodwill Ambassador means the world to me,” exclaimed Luis. “It’s in my nature to help those in need and I’ll continue to do so for years to come. I appreciate the WBC for recognizing me and I hope to further represent them by winning more of their titles in the near future.”
Tony is also an ambassador for the City of Cornwall as a member of Team Cornwall, a group of community leaders looking to spread the word about living and working in the City. He also lends his time to a number of other community events and initiatives.
You can learn more about Tony on the website of his gym, Champs Eastside Boxing Club:
www.champsboxing.com

Tony Luis

After seven “soft” opponents, Tony Luis stepped up his competition in his last five fights before winning WBC Continental Americas Junior Welterweight title in October of last year. Luis steps in the ring April 7 for his first defense against Ferenc Szabo (16-14, 2 KO) in Montreal. Luis (13-0, 5 KO) plans past this fight call for a migration into the United States in the near future.

“That’s one of the reasons I signed with Yano (Matt Yanofsky, Luis’ agent and CEO of Knockout Publicity),” Luis said over the phone. “I want to come down and fight in the states this year.”

After over 100 fights during a seven-year amateur career, the 24-year-old turned professional in 2008. Luis adapted easily to the different rules of the pro game.

“Obviously getting used to fighting without the headgear, that was a big thing because you see so much more without the headgear, you get to use your peripheral, that didn’t bother me (laughs). To be honest there were many things that I liked about the transition, I like the smaller gloves, and I like the feel of a pro glove over the amateur glove. I like the bright lights during the entrances in the pros it is more of an event.”

Due to his fighting style, Luis’ fan base grew from his hometown of Cornwall, Ontario, swelled in Montreal, the site of all of his fights and throughout all of Canadian boxing circles.

“I consider myself a boxer/puncher. I rely a lot on my speed and movement, I like to work the body then hurt the head. That’s the way I like to approach most of my fights,” Luis started. “I’m widely known as one of the top two fighters in my weight class throughout Canada.”

As with most fighters outside of the United States, the question of their competition is one Luis knows is on the mind of critics.

“One of the few questions, I am ready to answer when I come down is the level of competition I have faced. I know how the critics are of foreign fighters and we are ready to answer that in the ring when the time comes.”

Luis credits his job and different events between bouts for his open view and balance between the violence of the ring and the waiting game outside of it.

“I do stuff locally, a lot of different charities that I am involved with quite a bit, I enjoy giving back,” Luis said. “I work at a group home on an Indian reservation, basically I am a drug and alcohol counselor working with teenagers, and needless to say it is an interesting job, I find it gratifying.”

I tried to pry a name out of Luis as to which American fighters were on his “hit list” but he handled my needling with a simple response:

“I can’t name any specifics to what fighter I want to fight, no fighter is more significant than others when it comes to that, as long as the playing field is even I will welcome a fight with anyone,” Luis said. “I look forward to coming down and getting more exposure and showing the world what I can do.”

Rocky!

BY MIKE GEORGE
Here is some info on the Rocky Marciano groundbreaking on Saturday, March 31st.

The groundbreaking for the Rocky statue was a huge success. The weather was chilly and overcast with the threat of rain, but it did stop the crowd of 200 enthusiastic supporters from showing up at the groundbreaking of the Rocky Marciano statue in Brockton, Ma. on Saturday, March 31st.

With the Marciano family and the boxing community, there was a strong presence of the press, both local and national along with the network affiliates from the Boston market as well as civic leaders from and around Brockton as well as the state of Massachusetts.

All had taken their turn at the podium to thank WBC President Jose Sulaiman and the WBC Board of Governors for their generosity and commitment towards bringing the statue to city of Brockton. Jim Mercante and I represented the WBC. Jim’s father, Arthur Mercante was born in Brockton and lived there until he was 12 years old. He also was well received.

After the groundbreaking ceremony which lasted about an hour we went back to George’s Italian restaurant for a meal and good conversation. The restaurant is living memorial to Rocky Marciano and is a great place for anyone in the boxing community to dine or have a drink.

The Rocky committee is raising money by selling 3000 bricks to be paved around the Rocky Marciano statue, with the purchase of a brick your name will be engraved in the brick to part of the pavement. It is a fantastic idea, to have your name along with the names of past and current champions and others of the boxing community engraved in brick to pay homage to one of the greatest fighters of all time.

You can go to the www.rockystatue.org to see stories, photos and video of the Rocky Marciano groundbreaking and follow any of the links on the progress of the statue, plus other material devoted to Rocky.

The dedication of the Rocky Marciano statue is scheduled on September 23rd, 2012

WBC Cares and Escape for Good

Salvador Briman was the WBC Cares special ambassador for this wonderful, philanthropic weekend hosted by UGive (Ellie Cox and Deanna Castillini). He made everyone feel like a World Champion!