Number one rated junior middleweight Gabriel Rosado did an about face today, and decided to withdraw from his intended bout with Elvin Ayala on Dec. 8th.

Rosado said, "After talking things over with my trainer, Billy Briscoe, I have decided to pass on the Dec. 8 fight with Elvin Ayala and wait to see what K9 Bundrage's next move is concerning my chance to fight him for the IBF world title by next March."

Rosado's advisor J. Russell Peltz of Peltz boxing confirmed, "It would have been nice having Gabby fight in Philly now that he's a much bigger star, but I understand where he's coming from and I support whatever decisions he makes."

The fight had been scheduled as the co-feature on the critically acclaimed NBC Fight Night Boxing Series. A replacement bout will be announced shortly.

LOS ANGELES - Following the death of Emanuel Steward, one of boxing's most important contemporary figures, former 10-Time World Champion in Six Weight Divisions and President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya who trained under Steward in 1997 commented:

"It brings me great grief and sadness to hear of the passing of one of the best and most respected trainers of this era, Emanuel Steward.

"I learned a lot from him during our professional relationship and I will be forever grateful for his help during that time.

"We were also friends and I know I am going to miss him as so many others will too.  He was an important part of our boxing community."