Boxing Renaissance in the Renaissance City

fter a very long hiatus.

Newark, NJ July 17, 2007 -- Live Professional Boxing will return to the renowned Robert Treat Hotel and Newark, NJ, the Renaissance City, on Thursday, July 19, 2007, after a very long hiatus.

Lion Heart Boxing Productions, working in association with LaManna Sports, has teamed up to promote an episode of the Thursday Night Fights boxing series. Headlining the card and in the Main Event is current former IBF Cruiserweight Champion, Imamu Mayfield (28-7). Born Imamu Amiri Mayfield on April 19, 1972 in Freehold, NJ, Mayfield is an internationally recognized professional boxer.

Mayfield turned pro in 1994 and was a popular local fighter known for being on boxing cards in various New Jersey venues. He won the IBF Cruiserweight Title with a win over Uriah Grant in 1997, but lost the belt the next year to Arthur Williams via a 9th round TKO. In 2000 he earned a shot at WBC Cruiserweight Title holder Juan Carlos Gomez, but was KO'd in the 3rd. The next year he lost in a rematch with Gomez, an IBF Cruiserweight Title Eliminator bout.

In 2002, Mayfield then moved up to heavyweight, where he was significantly undersized and out-gunned.However, Mayfield was able to draw with contender Taurus Sykes in 2003.

A significant loss came when he was TKO'd in 2004 by Lawrence Clay Bey. After the loss to Clay Bey, Mayfield decided to move back down to cruiserweight.

In 2006 Mayfield was lured back into a move back up to heavyweight when he was offered a fight with Olympic Gold medalist Alexander Povetkin. An outsized Mayfield lost that fight lost via a brutal third round KO. The loss prompted Mayfield to return to Cruiserweight again, his natural weight class.

In the co-main event, Newark's Alex Perez (8-0) will seek continue his winning ways. With only eight professional fights, it is too soon to predict just how far Perez will go. But if the Newark resident continues to progress at his current rapid pace, the sky is the limit. Perez is scheduled to face Philadelphia, PA's tough as nails Chris Gray (5-3) in a six rounder.

In a special feature bout, Knockout Artist Tyrone Brunson (18-0) will seek to break the record for consecutive first round knockouts by going for his 19 consecutive first round knockout against Brad Hill (6-6).

Tyrone "Young Gun" Brunson (18-0, 18 KO's) is the holder of the American record first round knockouts. With his fifteen win, on March 09, 2007, Brunson secured the United States of America and North American record for consecutive first round knockouts by eclipsing the record set by Young Otto (119-30) more than a hundred years earlier on October 6, 1905.

After bagging the American record, Brunson set his eyes on the world record. Three months later, on June 08, 2007, Brunson quietly made boxing history again with the amazing feat of securing eighteen first round knockouts in as many outings. With 18 consecutive first round knockouts, Brunson tied the world record for consecutive knockouts set by current WBA Super Featherweight Champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela on February 25, 2006. Brunson's eighteenth win and eighteenth first-round knockout, the win that gave him a share of the world record, came at the Sky City Casino in Auckland, New Zealand, when Brunson stopping veteran Jamie Waru with four seconds remaining in the opening stanza.Should Brunson win his fight on July 7, 2007 in the first round, he will be the first and only man to ever have scored 19 consecutive first round knockouts.

Newark's boxing establishment and fight machine will be coming out in full support of the renaissance of Boxing in the Renaissance City, and the undercard is a Who's Who of Newark Boxing. On the undercard will be Newark, New Jersey's own Heavyweight contender, Faruq Saleem (36-0, 32 KO's), as well as other top local fighters such as Archak Termeliksetian (16-5) v. TBA, 150 lbs, 6 rounds; Richard Pierson (4-1) v. TBA, 160 lbs, 6 rounds; Danny McDermott (4-0-1) v. TBA, 135 lbs, 6 rounds; Nicky DeMarco (2-0) v. TBA, 130 lbs, 4 rounds; Joshua Onyango (13-13) v. TBA, 154 lbs, 6 rounds; and Akima Stocks (2-0) v. TBA, 154 lbs, 4 rounds.

As part of this historic event, Lion Heart Boxing Productions and LaManna Sports, will be honoring an icon of the city of Newark, William "Bo" James, AKA the Fighting Fireman. Mr. James was an accomplished boxer who counts among his accomplishments fighting Bernard Hopkins, for Hopkins International Boxing Federation Middleweight World Title in a very competitive fight, being an IBF World rated contender and boxing against Randy Carver for the NABF Super Middleweight title. Mr. James professional record can be accessed on the Internet by logging onto the following website: www.LionHeartBoxingProductions.com.

About Lion Heart Boxing Productions

Lion Heart Boxing Productions, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, through its operations and affiliates, is a global and integrated Boxing Promotions and Sports Entertainment Company, started in 2001 by New Orleans Tax Attorney and Boxing enthusiast Edward Mendy. The Company has quickly developed a reputation as a producer of high quality fights and is well respected for its fair treatment of fighters and commitment to fighters' rights. Lion Heart Boxing Productions is the promoter of the "Thursday Night Fights" series as well as the heavyweight series known as "A Night of the Heavies."

About the Robert Treat Hotel

The Robert Treat Hotel, a Newark landmark, has been a Newark staple since it was opened.

The Robert Treat Hotel was completed in 1916, in time for the arrival and stay of President Woodrow Wilson and Mrs. Wilson. They came to represent the national administration for the Newark Board of Trade annual dinner, as part of the 250th anniversary of the city of Newark. The Robert Treat Hotel remains an important relic of Newark's and New Jersey's history.

A world of elegance unfolds as you enter the gracious surroundings of the historic Robert Treat Hotel. Its majestic marble reception areas, glittering ballrooms and tastefully appointed guest rooms recall a time when luxury was the watchword and graciousness was evident in every detail. A Newark landmark for nearly 100 years, the Robert Treat Hotel has been a favorite throughout its history. It has played host to five presidents, numerous governors and many foreign dignitaries. Our staff takes pride in anticipating the needs of our guests, and meeting them with genuine willingness and hospitality. Whether it's cocktails on the Starlight Roof, or dinner and dancing in the Crystal Ballroom, the Robert Treat Hotel's understated elegance, coupled with exceptional service, will make your event successful and memorable.

While carefully restored to its early 1900s glory, the Robert Treat also sports the modern amenities and high technology expected of a contemporary hotel. With top-flight dining opportunities, superb catering facilities and gracious service, the Robert Treat is the perfect venue for weddings, social events, business meetings and corporate functions. It is also the perfect spot for dining before or after performances at NJPAC, just across the street. The Hotel features nightly live entertainment in Maize, our fine restaurant conveniently located on the lobby level.

The Robert Treat Hotel features 170 tastefully appointed guest rooms, plus three elegant luxury suites, all with individual climate control.

Area attractions include New York City and all it offers, Atlantic City, the Statue of Liberty, NJPAC, as well as many other local theaters, restaurants, museums and businesses.

The Ballroom seats over 1,500 for Boxing and is recognized as one of the most storied venue in New Jersey boxing.

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