HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF MY BLOG READERS

Happy New Year! 2008 was an up and down year, the last part of the year turned out very nice for me, and for that I am thankful. In 2009 I will be joining forces with a wonderful organization that's mission is to build drinking water wells in Africa. This will be one of many positive projects that I will be involved with, because I truly believe that you get in, what you put out. I am excited about the new year, and any of the negativity that I had to deal with in 2008 is behind me.

I will reflect on the mistakes that I have made in 08, and take what was learned to make myself an even better person in 09.

8COUNTNEWS! What a huge success 8CountNews has been. With just a few months in existence I am extremely impressed with the team, the rankings, the traffic, the content, the interviews, podcasts, and advertisers. It's been a real blessing so far, and look for 8CountNews to come out of the gates swinging in 2009.

I wish each of you a blessed New Year, and God willing each of you will reach your goals for 2009, and that each of you become even better people than you are now.

Brad C

MY BOXING WALL OF FAME TOUR

Here's a quick video tour of my boxing wall of fame. I'll shoot video of the other walls in the coming days.

8COUNT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MANNY PACQUIAO

8CN sat down with THE man in boxing, pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. Manny gave 8CN an EXCLUSIVE interview, and updated us on the current ongoing negotiations between Team Pacquiao, and Team Hatton. Pac also shares his thoughts on his recent stoppage over Oscar De La Hoya. ONLY AT THE 8! WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM - this interview will be available tonight!

PACQUIAO VS HATTON SHAPING UP FOR MAY 2ND!

8CN spoke with Freddie Roach this morning and was informed the following, "We met with Bob Arum last night, and by all indicators this fight is close to being a done deal. It looks like May 2nd, and this one should be signed very soon." Stay tuned to 8CountNews and my blog for all of your inside Pacquiao scoops.

8CN EXCLUSIVE WITH UFC's PHILIPPE NOVER!

8CN's Dennis Guillermo sat down with UFC Ultimae Fighter Finale, Philippe Nover. Definitely a young star in the making, Nover looks to rise to the top of the UFC in the very near future!

COMING SOON - 8CN EXCLUSIVE WITH UFC's JOSH KOSCHECK!

8CountNews lands another HUGE UFC interview with one of the sports biggest young stars. Josh Koscheck sits down with 8CN's very own Matt Lord and gives us an exclusive one on one interview. Check it out this week ONLY AT THE 8!

A MUST SEE BOXING REALITY SHOW - 8CN's ATTORNEY PAUL STUART HABERMAN REPRESENTS/MANAGES CEASAR

Immortal Caesar: Life of a Pro Boxer (HD iShow Preview)

8CN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROBERT "THE GHOST" GUERRERO

8CountNews sits down with the IBF featherweight world champion, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero. Robert recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and looks to advance his career in 2009 with the hopes of a shot at Pacquiao. Check out what Guerrero had to say at WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM TOMORROW!

COMING SOON: FREDDIE ROACH TALKS TO 8CN

I will sit down with THE man, Freddie Roach early this week. STAY TUNED to THE 8!
WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM!

COMING SOON: IBF CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP - TOMASZ ADAMEK

8CountNews continues to bring you, the boxing fans the biggest names in the business. Check out what the NEW IBF cruiserweight world champ has to say EARLY next week. ONLY AT THE 8!

My Spot by The Lake

Just want to share a little corner of my life. This is where I go to relax, and get my piece. This is the my spot by the lake, a place where I relax.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

I want to take this moment to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. I wish all of you a healthy, and happy New Year as well.

PAC VS HATTON SHAPING UP FOR MAY 2ND

According to Top Rank head, Bob Arum, it appears that HBO has carved out the date of May 2nd for the big Pacquiao vs Hatton showdown. STAY TUNED....

HOLYFIELD GIVES THE 8 AN EXCLUSIVE

8CN as promised sat down with former 4 time heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield. We talked about the robbery that took place in Switzerland, and what team Holyfield plans to do about it. Holyfield gives 8CountNews readers some breaking news in this podcast. The interview will air shortly!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF MY READERS

I want to take a minute and wish all of my readers both here at the blog, and 8CountNews.com a very merry Christmas. 2008 was a pretty good year for me, and I am banking on 2009 being even better. I want to thank everybody who has shown so much support for the new site - WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM - Look for very big things from the entire 8CN staff as 2009 kicks into gear.

I will be very active covering fights, and traveling in 2009. In March, I will spend a few weeks with my friend Freddie Roach out in Hollywood. Spending time at The Wild Card Gym is something that I really enjoy. It's amazing the people that you get to meet when you are out there.

With the growing list of writers at 8CN, we will be covering pro fights throughout the country all year. 2009 looks as if it's going to be a great year! This is the happiest that I have been in the boxing world from the beginning. The site is doing great, and I am proud to have such a kick ass group of people as part of the 8CN team!

Brad Cooney

8CN SITS DOWN WITH FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP: SHANNON BRIGGS

The ever so vocal Shannon Briggs sits down with 8CN and gives us his thoughts on... well on everything :-) Check it out tomorrow WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM - Only at the 8!

A HOLY ROBBERY - Brad C

From all accounts, it appears that former 4 time heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield was robbed of his 5th heavyweight title in Switzerland today. Of course 8CountNews will have Holyfield on board later next week to get his thoughts on it all.

Personally? I don't think it's such a horrible thing that Holyfield is still fighting on at his age of 46. Holyfield at 46 in his current physcial condition is in better shape, and better fight shape than half of the out of shape liscensed younger heavyweights currently disgracing the ring.

8CN EXCLUSIVE MMA INTERVIEW: JOE LAUZON

One of the UFC's toughest young stars Joe Lauzon joins 8CN's Yael Grauer. This exclusive is available now! ONLY at www.8countnews!

COMING SOON - 8CN EXCLUSIVE - FREDDIE ROACH

8CN will be sitting down once again with famed fight trainer, Freddie Roach. We will be getting his thoughts on the pending duel between Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton. Roach will also talk about the possibility of a pound for pound king showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr, and Pacquiao.

SUPPORT DEUCE MCALLISTERS "CATCH 22 FOUNDATION"

For the past 3 years I have had the honor of spending the day with New Orleans Saints Running Back, Deuce McAllister during his annual Catch 22 Foundation appearances. Find out more on how you can support such a worthy cause to help kids that are in need.




Mission Statement:
Deuce McAllister’s Catch 22 Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of under-privileged youth and adolescents in the Gulf South Region primarily through the establishment of positive role models in their lives, providing unique opportunities for them to experience, and a financial commitment to making a difference.

History:
McAllister was born in Lena, Mississippi, and went on to attend The University of Mississippi. As an Ole Miss Rebel, McAllister broke and set many records as a running back. In college, during his down time, McAllister could be found visiting with children in the community establishing himself as a positive role model on and off the field. In 2001, he was drafted in the first round as the 23rd overall selection by the New Orleans Saints.

He wasted no time getting to know the New Orleans community. As a rookie, McAllister participated in NORD park and pool openings, various school visits as a guest speaker, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, and many other charitable outings. After one year of orientation in the NFL, McAllister decided he wanted to start a foundation to maximize his giving in the communities he knew best – New Orleans area and Jackson area. Thus founding The Catch 22 Foundation. To date, Deuce McAllister and his Catch 22 Foundation have donated over one million dollars between Mississippi and Louisiana.

Southeast Louisiana/Jackson, MS area Events and Programs:
The Catch 22 Foundation is committed to making a difference in both regions. Money that is raised in Mississippi stays in Mississippi and the money raised in New Orleans stays in New Orleans.

Deucedays – Twice a month, during the school year, Catch 22 sponsors an outing for local youth. Members of the area university sports teams donate their time to chaperone the outings. Outings may include museums, sporting events, bowling, prom preparations, movies, and swamp tours to name a few.

Deuce’s Holiday Shopping Adventure – December, 2008 will mark the sixth annual holiday shopping adventure. Catch 22 will provide 270 local youth with a $100.00 shopping adventure. Each child is partnered with a Saints player, Hornets player, or local college athlete to complete their holiday shopping.

Deucegiving – Coca-Cola and Catch 22 partner in an effort to provide 100 less fortunate families in the Greater New Orleans Area with Thanksgiving dinners. This year’s Deucegiving will take place at a Winn Dixie in Chalmette. 2008 will mark the sixth year of Deucegiving.

Ludlow Thanksgiving – Brookshires partners with Catch 22 to provide Thanksgiving meals for 75 elderly families from Deuce’s hometown area of Ludlow, Mississippi.

VISIT - www.deucemcallister26.com/catch22.asp

8CN EXCLUSIVE: MAYWEATHER SR - HEY PACQUIAO, GUESS WHO MAY BE COMING TO DINNER!

8CN's Peter Czymbor goes one on one with Floyd Mayweather Sr - Check out what Floyd had to say about his son, and Manny Pacquiao. QUITE interesting stuff!
WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM - ONLY AT THE 8!

GET YOUR "CONTENDER" FIX ONLY AT THE 8!

Each Tuesday evening tune into our 8CountNews podcast hosted by Peter Czymbor, and listen to the two featured fighters per that week on the Contender show on VERSUS. Each Tuesday we will have on our air the two prizefighters that will fighting on VERSUS. ONLY AT THE 8!

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT REFUELS THE SOUL

Had a great conversation with my pastor today. What a brilliant man he is too. He had to remind me that everybody is not perfect, and even for those who wish harm upon us, we need to pray for them too. I have made mistakes, and said some things in my past that I wish that I could take back, and regret saying them. All I can do is just move on, and do the best that I can as a person, as a man.

I will close this chapter with something that Jesus said -

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3 This scripture applies to me as well, to all of us.


8CountNews.com has been a real blessing in my life, a great challenge. I look forward to watching the site grow, and I appreciate every email that I have gotten that supports it. The site has been very successful thus far, what a great team we have! We will be adding to the already impressive list of writers starting tomorrow.

Look out for HUGE interviews, and great boxing news at www.8countnews.com

COMING TOMORROW! 8CN PODCAST WITH SERGIO MORA!

I sat down with former world champion Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora this evening. Mora BLASTS Vernon Forrest, he wants a rubbermatch badly. Mora also brings up Paul Williams, and Sergio Martinez as other possible future opponents. Mora also touches on the Pacquiao destruction over De La Hoya. Don't miss what Sergio had to say, tomorrow!

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS, THEY ARE THE SPORTS FUTURE.

This is my friend Henry, the Louisiana State Silver Gloves Champion. You wont find a more polite, intelligent, young fighter around. Henry, I am proud of you young man!

COMING SOON TO 8CN: NEW YORK BOXING ATTORNEY PAUL STUART HABERMAN - MAILBAG

New York Attorney, Paul Stuart Haberman will be doing a monthly mailbag geared towards helping those prizefighters that have needs in the boxing business world. Prospects just about to sign contracts need to pay attention to this mailbag, as there will be very good information being talked about by Mr Haberman that coud very well be beneficial to you. Haberman (8 Count News attorney) has been a very big part of the team, and we are very thankful to have him on board. This mailbag will be a monthly bag, and will go live shortly.

THUNDER AND SNOW? YES, FOOTAGE FROM MY HOUSE - WEIRD STUFF

While shooting some video footage of the winter storm that came through Mississippi, I caught lightning and thunder in the middle of a snow storm. Something unheard of in the south. Check it out....

Snow AND Thunder?
Uploaded by boxingbc1

CRAZY WEATHER - FROM TORNADO'S TO HEAVY SNOW IN ONE DAY!

Severe thundersroms spawning off tornado's, to Heavy snow and sleet all in the matter of two days. Crazy weather in central Mississippi. Enjoy the pictures :-)

CLOSE CALL! FOOTAGE FROM MY HOUSE OF A CLOSE BY TORNADO

This footage was shot by me from the front steps of my house last night (Dec 9th). A wicked lightning storm spawned off a tornado that touched down one mile south of my house ripping roofs from houses, and snapping trees like tooth picks.

COMING SOON TO 8CN - PETE EVICK OF THE BRETT MICHAELS BAND!

Tomorrow (Thursday) I will be sitting down with guitar master Pete Evick of The Brett Michaels Band. The ROCK OF LOVE tour was a huge success, and Pete will discuss the bands future plans, and much more!

CHECK OUT "THE CONTENDERS" EACH WEEK AT THE 8!

Each week 8CountNews will bring you the contender fighters, that currently is being aired on VERSUS. 8Count's Peter Czymbor interviews two new "Contenders" per week...ONLY AT THE 8!

BOXING SCRIBE DAN HORGAN: DOING THE RIGHT THING.

I was watching Monday Night Football this evening, and got a phone call from boxing scribe Dan Horgan. Horgan and I used to work together over at Boxing Herald, and even spent some quality time together in Providence while I was up there on vacation earlier this year. Some of you may ask, why am I writing about Dan Horgan? Well, I'll tell you....

In life you have disagreements with people, it's just part of the package. You're not always going to get along with everybody... I for one know that all too well. Horgan and I had a little falling out, nothing big, just a few disagreements. Instead of Horgan letting things build up and fester into something bigger than it had to be, he picked up the phone and called me. We had a very productive conversation, aired some things out, and WALLA... Me and the guy are good to go.

Amazing what a phone call can do when two peoople actually communicate, and get on the same page. Instead of Dan letting something personal between himself and I get into the hands of other people that have their own agenda, he instead handled the situation himself, and got it fixed. I give major KUDOS to Dan Horgan. Check out Horgan's work over at the sweet science. (www.thesweetscience.com)

WLBT CHANNEL 3 SPORTS ANCHOR CHUCK STENSON

Here's a pic of me and WLBT channel 3 sports TV anchor Chuck Stenson. Chuck has been very supportive of my career, and has had me on his radio show several times to promote my book "LET'S TALK BOXING" and for the boxing match that I promoted, "Mississippi Massacre.

THE POCKET ROCKET TO JOIN 8 COUNT NEWS!

One of the toughest SOB's in the business, and former world champion - Wayne McCullough will be joining the 8CountNews growing list of impressive writers. The champ will be in the house in the VERY near future. I will keep you posted.

Brad C

EXCLUSIVE 8CN INTERVIEW: FREDDIE ROACH

8CountNews continues to bring YOU, the boxing fans the biggest names and cutting edge boxing news. Freddie Roach, not even checked out of his hotel yet in Vegas, contacted 8CN Headquarters to give us the exclusive post fight interview. You can also LISTEN to the audio! WWW.8COUNTNEWS.COM

PACQUIAO MAKES MOST OF US EAT CROW!

I am one of them, I predicted an 8th round TKO for Oscar De La Hoya. I didn't think that Oscar would be at 147 lbs come fight time. THAT was a shocker.... I also figured that Oscar would land that left hook sooner or later, and I was wrong there too. Pacquiao dominated the entire fight with speed, combinations, angles, and smarts. Oscar quit on his stool at the end of the 8th round. Pacquiao now soars to the stratosphere, with Roach in tow.

ITS GROUND ZERO DAY - MANNY PACQUIAO VS OSCAR DE LA HOYA TONIGHT! HBO PPV

DREAM MATCH? CIRCUS MATCH? Call it what you will, but tonight on HBO PPV, the match that we have all been waiting for is just hours away. The bigger Oscar De La Hoya vs the smaller but faster Manny Pacquiao, who will be the victor? Find out tonight on HBO PPV!

CHECKOUT THE HOTTEST MMA PROMOTIONAL COMPANY IN THE SOUTH

Psychout Promotions is the fastest growing MMA promotional company in the south. 8CountNews will be featuring Psychout MMA fighters in the near future.

COMING SOON - 8CN EXCLUSIVE WITH FORMER UFC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP: SEAN SHERK

8CN's Matt Lord sits down with the former UFC lightweight world champion, Sean Sherk! This interview will be available shortly!

MY OFFICIAL PACQUIAO VS DE LA HOYA FIGHT PREDICTION

OK, I have put a lot of thought into this prediction. The obvious question is which will win, size or speed? Everybody knows that Oscar is much bigger, and everybody knows that Manny is much faster. Oscar has had a history of getting tired late in fights, but the question is, will this fight last long enough for Oscar to get tired? Manny's conditioning is tremendous, so he can fight 20 rounds if he needed to, however can he elude the left hook that can ultimately knock him out? I believe that Manny will do well for about 6 or 7 rounds. I believe that he will be faster, and he will be able to give angles that will frustrate Oscar in the first half of the fight. Unfortunately for Manny, I believe that Oscar being the legend that he is, and the gifted fighter that he is, will ultimately land one of those big left hooks, and do to the pure physics of things, Manny will be stopped. I predict an Oscar De La Hoya TKO in the later rounds, perhaps by the 8th. Oscar De La Hoya TKO 8

COMING SOON TO 8CN - EDNER "CHERRY BOMB" CHERRY

Coming off a tough loss to current world champion Timothy Bradley, Edner Cherry looks to get back on track. Cherry will be joining 8CountNews in the very near future to discuss what the future may hold for his still promising career.

CONTENDER RESULTS

Felix Cora soundly defeated Joell Godfrey on this evenings debut Contender show televised on Versus. Godfrey simply didn't listen to his corner, sat on the ropes and let Cora bang away. Godfrey a former Prize Fight Promotions fighter drops to 9 and 1.

8CN PODCAST WITH THE VOICE OF HBO BOXING: HAROLD LEDERMAN

Check out what THE voice of HBO boxing had to say. Harold Lederman sits down with
8CN and talks some serious boxing!

8CN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TOMASZ ADAMEK

8CN sat down with former Light Heavyweight world champion, Tomasz Adamek and got his thoughts on his big upcoming title challenge against Steve "USS" Cunningham. This interview is available on podcast (In Polish and English) and text.

ANOTHER LUCKY KID SHOPPING WITH DEUCE MCALLISTER

DEUCE MCALLISTER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH ONE OF HIS CATCH 22 FOUNDATION KIDS!

8CN TALKS TO DEUCE MCALLISTER - By Brad Cooney

NFL STAR RUNNING BACK DEUCE MCALLISTER ONCE AGAIN SHOWS WHY HE'S A CLASS ACT.

New Orleans Saints pro bowl Running Back Deuce McAllister once again showed why he's such a class act. McAllister brought 120 orphan children to the Ridgeland MS Wal-Mart and bought the kids Christmas gifts. Deuce walked the store with the kids and brought smiles to their faces for the entire evening. Deuce's CATCH 22 foundation supports orphan children throughout the Mississippi, and Louisiana area.