(JAN 23) There will be a familiar and very interested face in the crowd when Melinda Cooper of Las Vegas, Nevada, meets Heather Percival, for the 118 lb. NABF and WIBA Bantamweight titles on January 28, 2006.

This first-ever female title fight for the NABF crown will take place at the Big League Dreams, in Palm Springs, California and the famous face in the crowd will be Melinda Cooper's new sponsor, Montell Williams. The noted talk show host and long-time boxing fan has taken a liking to this sensational female prospect and has now thrown his hat in the ring.

Williams who is known for his entertaining and insightful approach to today's issues has transcended much of the typical daytime talk show fare and has inspired millions around the country with his outspoken approach to his own battles with Multiple Sclerosis. His association with Ms. Cooper seems an uncommon, but natural partnership.

"I think we a share passion for what we do." Melinda explains. "I really respect how he treats people and seems to relate to everyone. I admire that and hope I can inspire people in a similar way through my boxing. We all have our own different challenges, it's how we deal with them that makes us alike."

Come January 28th, Montell Williams will likely be adding one more accomplishment to his long list of credentials and that is the title of successful boxing entrepreneur. It looks like current women's boxing star Melinda Cooper will be giving the popular daytime Emmy Winning host one more thing to talk about.

This card is rare in that it will also feature a female co-main event bout with the always tough and tenacious Jeri Sitzes who will be facing Yvonne Chavez for the 122 lb. vacant Jr. Featherweight NABF title.