The World’s Greatest Ever Flyweight Boxers
“The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” 3-day boxing spectacular Oct. 2-4 at the Paris Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (July 3, 2009) – Good things often come in small packages, no more evident than in the Flyweight Division of “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” promotion, which has been launched and is drawing worldwide interest from boxing fans of all ages.
On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to select the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “Greatest Ever.”
The eight categories represent the eight original weight-class divisions: Strawweights are included in the Flyweight category; Super Middleweight in the Light Heavyweight division. Many fighters fought and won titles at a number of different weights. As far as possible they have been nominated in the division that they made their biggest impact. Fighters have not been nominated on the basis of whether they would beat another fighter in that division, though this is, of course, a consideration. More importantly is their overall record, who they fought at the time, as well as the impact they made on the boxing world, and indeed the world around them. All nominees are listed in the voting section at www.GreatestEver.com.
The nominations committee was comprised of Thomas Hauser (boxing journalist and award-winning Muhammad Ali biographer), Al Bernstein (broadcaster and boxing analyst), Colin Hart (UK’s leading boxing reporter), Jean-Philippe Lustyk (broadcaster and head of boxing for pan-European sports channel Eurosport) and Ron Borges (boxing journalist and Hall of Fame committee member).
The 10 Flyweight nominees with brief bios, listed in no particular order, follow:
Jimmy “The Mighty Atom” Wilde – 137-52 13 ND (99 KOs)…Welsh…..IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1910-1923…..first official (IBU) world flyweight champion…..one of the lightest world champions of all-time, weighing between 98-108 pounds…considered by many to be the greatest United Kingdom fighter of all-time..Notable Victories: Johnny Rosner, Young Zulu Kid, George Clarke and Young Jennings.
Pascual “El Terrier” Perez – 84-7-1 (57 KOs)…Argentinean…IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1952-1964…1948 Olympic Champion…first loss came in 52nd pro fight…first Argentinean world champion…..Notable Victories: Yosioshi Shirao, Dai Dower amd Donny Ursua.
Ricardo “Finito” Lopez – 51-0-1 (38 KOs)…Mexican…..IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1985-2002…..record holder for most consecutive title bouts without losing (26)…47-bout win streak ended with technical draw (head butt vs. Rosendo Alvarez)…defended WBC Strawweight title 21 times, also WBA and WBO Strawweight and IBF Junior Lightweight champion…Notable Victories: Hideyuki Ohashi, Saman Sorjaturong, Manny Melchor, Kermin Giardia, Alex Sanchez, Rosendo Alvarez, Will Grigsby, Ratanapol Sor Vorapin and Zolani Petelo.
Michael “Little Hands of Steel” Carbahal – 49-4 (33 KOs)…IHOF inductee…American…..Pro Years: 1989-1999…1988 Olympic Silver Medalist…..4-time World Champion…Notable Victories: Will Grigsby, Pedro Feliciano, Muangchai Kittkikaem, Humberto Gonzalez, Josue Camacho and Jorge Arce.
Chartchai Chionoi — 1-18-3 (36 KOs)…Thai…Pro Years: 1959-1975…3-time WBC Flyweight champion…Notable Victories: Salvatore Burruni, Bernabe Villacampo, Walter McGowan (2), Efren Torres and Fritz Chervet.
Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan – 32-1-1 (26)…Armenian…Pro Years: 2000-Present…2000 Armenian Olympian…lives in Sydney, Australia…..WBA, WBC and IBF Super Flyweight champion…former IBF flyweight title-holder…..fighting July 11 for IBF Bantamweight title vs. Joseph Agbeko…Notable Victories: Irene Pacheco, Dimitri Kirilov, Glenn Donaire, Victor Burgos and Cristian Mijares.
Sot Chitalada – 26-4-1 (16 KOs)…Thai…Pro Years: 1983-1992…2-time WBC Flyweight champion…now teaching MMA in California…..Notable Victories: Gabriel Bernal (2), Yong Kang Kim and Jung Koo Chang.
Khaosai Galaxy – 49-1 (47 KOs)…Thai…IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1980-1991…defended WBA 19 times, winning 16 by KO…longest title reign of any WBA Flyweight title-holder…..Muay Thai fighter…..Notable Victories: Eusebio Esponal and Israel Contreras.
Miguel “El Maestro” Canto – 61-9-4 (15 KOs)…Mexican…IHOF inductee…Years Pro: 1969-1982…lost first pro fight and went on to become WBC Flyweight champion…..holds record for having 13 15-round title fights…Notable Victories: Shoji Oguma (3), Susumi Janagata, Betulio Gonzalez and Antonio Avelar.
Benny Lynch – 81-12-15 (34 KOs)…..Scottish…IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1931-38…learned skills in carnival booths…considered to be the greatest Scottish boxer of all-time…Notable Victories: Small Montana, Peter Kane and Jackie Jurich.
GREATEST EVER WEEKEND OF EVENTS
Boxing fans attending the festivities will be able to celebrate, up close and personal, the achievements of the World’s Greater Ever Boxers. A three-day boxing spectacular is planned October 2-4 at the Paris Las Vegas, commencing that Friday with an official welcome reception and official weigh in for the following evening’s professional boxing show, presented by Sterling Promotions, and featuring Team USA versus Team Europe, capped by an exclusive after party. The event culminates Sunday with The Greater Ever black-tie awards dinner, featuring some of the greatest boxers ever, as well as world-class entertainment, and then an exclusive after party.
The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity for The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer. RBF assists retired professional boxers in the transition from their days in the ring to dignified retirement, helping those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems, homelessness and effects of pugilistic dementia.
Four ticket packages are on sale for the Oct. 2-4 weekend’s events through agents at the following numbers: North America – The Sports Alliance (914.941.3366) Smart Ticket Solutions (847.917.8497); United Kingdom and Europe – Rock Solid Events (UK: 0845 0945 606, Outside UK: +44 845 0945 606); Australasia – Events Worldwide Travel Group (Australia: 1300 788 666, Outside Australia: +61 3 5989 7666).
The event-only packages are as follows (all prices USD): Super VIP ($2,500), Platinum ($1,900), VIP ($1,400) and Gold ($1,115). The Super VIP, Platinum and VIP packages have a number or premiums in addition to those detailed in the Gold (welcome function, weigh-in, Greatest Ever poker tournament, exclusive Paris Las Vegas gaming area, exclusive memorabilia, movie screenings, access to Greatest Ever dedicated gaming areas and VIP bar, media and legends signings, general seating for the fights and at the awards dinner). Regional agents can provide additional premiums for individual packages.

Looks like Rogue Boxing is returning with a solid card. Here’s the press release from Publicist Felipe Leon.

Gesta Returns To San Diego!
First class professional boxing returns to downtown San Diego, CA, when Rogue Boxing Promotions presents “Havoc at the Hard Rock II: No Mercy” at the Woodstock Terrace of the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel on Friday, July 10th. The open-air terrace proved to be the perfect southern California venue as more than 900 boxing fans enjoyed the inaugural fight card showcased by Rogue Boxing Promotions last month.

In the featured bout of the evening, unbeaten Filipino lightweight prospect Mercito Gesta (15-0-1, 6KO) returns to face the rugged Damian Fuller (30-6-1, 14KO) in a scheduled eight round bout. Gesta is coming off a 44 second destruction of Tijuana’s 2008 prospect of the year Alain “Konan” Hernandez last may in his first fight of 2009. Gesta forced the stoppage with a shock and awe display of speed and power as he connected a barrage of unanswered punches. Gesta is originally of Cebu City, Philippines but resides in Chula Vista, CA.

Now Gesta will take a significant step up matching up against the vastly experienced Fuller of Detroit, MI. Fuller, whose career is helmed by the renowned Jackie Kallen, owns a win over local favorite Jairo Ramirez and has faced former world champions Diego Corrales and Lovemore N’Dou during his eleven-year career.

“As soon as we had the opportunity to put this exciting match up together, I instantly thought it was a great fight for the San Diego boxing fans to witness,” Derek Pierce, President of Rogue Boxing Promotions, stated. “Through it all, Ms. Kallen has been a real pleasure to work with.”

In the co-feature bout, the “San Diego Sensation” super flyweight Sergio Espinoza is slated against TBA in a six round affair as he makes a run towards a title. Espinoza, who at one point was ranked in the top fifteen in his division by the WBC, is the only San Diego based fighter to have won four major amateur titles, the junior nationals, the national PAL boxing championships, the national gold gloves and the USA nationals.

The night will also mark the return of southern California amateur standout Angel Estrada (3-0-1, 2KO) in a four round bout after a two-year hiatus. On his way in amassing more than 125 amateur fights, Estrada captured multiple amateur titles including three Silver Gloves National championships. Estrada will be matched up against an opponent to be named.

Two more explosive fights round out the card.

The Hard Rock Hotel is located at 207 5th Ave downtown San Diego, one block west from Petco Park. The venue is all ages and food and drink will be served. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $35 and are available by visiting www.rogueboxing.com or by calling 619.313.8048.

“PINOY POWER 2″
August 15, 2009 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

WORLD TITLE DOUBLEHEADER

HIGHLIGHTS “PINOY POWER 2!”

WBA Interim Super Flyweight Championship

NONITO DONAIRE vs. RAFAEL CONCEPCION

AND

WBO Featherweight Championship

STEVEN LUEVANO vs. BERNABE CONCEPCION

Tickets on Sale This Saturday! July 4 at Noon

LAS VEGAS, NEV (July 1, 2009) Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) / International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE, JR. and World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion STEVEN LUEVANO return to the top of the marquee to headline “Pinoy Power 2” — the world championship extravaganza taking place Saturday, August 15, in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. “Pinoy Power 2,” Top Rank’s newest boxing series, will also feature undefeated Cuban heavyweight sensation ODLANIER SOLIS and Filipino junior welterweight contender MARK “MJM Grand” MELLIGUEN in separate exciting 10-round all-action brawls.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, and $50, go on sale This Saturday! July 4 at Noon PT, and can be purchased at www.hardrockhotel.com, www.ticketmaster.com, and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Pinoy Power 2” will be produced and distributed by Top Rank, Live on Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, with a suggested retail price of $34.95. It will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.

Donaire has vacated his title to challenge former world champion RAFAEL “El Torito” CONCEPCION for the World Boxing Association interim super flyweight championship. A native of General Santos City, Philippines, who now lives in San Leandro, Calif., Donaire (21-1, 14 KOs), captured his world title the old-fashioned way – he earned It – by knocking out undefeated defending champion Vic Darchinyan in 2007. It remains the only defeat for Darchinyan, who now campaigns as the World Super Flyweight Champion. The vintage punch, a left hook to Darchinyan’s jaw, was named “Pinoy Noir” by Donaire, for its “silky smooth delivery and long and powerful finish.” After successfully defending his title three times – all by knockout — Donaire concluded it was time to move up in search of new worlds to conquer. He enters this fight riding an eight-year, 20-bout winning streak, and has not gone the distance since 2006.

” I have a complete collection of Alexis’ [Arguello] boxing videos, every one of his big fights,” said Donaire. “That’s how I learned to throw a hook, by watching the way Alexis did it on video, while at the same time watching how he carried himself in and out of the ring. He really was a true gentleman and that is how I try to behave at all times.”

Concepcion (13-3-1, 8 KOs), from Panama City, Panama, will be making his Las Vegas debut when he tries to reclaim the title he previously held. He enters this fight having won 10 or his past 11 fights, including the WBA interim super flyweight title, knocking out previously undefeated Alex Banal in the 10th round last July. He lost the title in his first defense, to the incomparable Jorge Arce. He enters this fight world-rated No. 3 by the WBA, No. 4, by the WBO and No. 8 by the World Boxing Council, with four of his last five victories coming by knockout.

“This is my first time in Las Vegas. No one really knows my name,” said Rafael Concepcion. “On August 15, they will when I take that title belt to Panama.”

Luevano will be defending his title against the WBO’s No. 1 contender and mandatory featherweight challenger BERNABE CONCEPCION. A native of East Los Angeles, Luevano (36-1-1, 15 KOs), of LaPuente, Calif., captured the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2007, knocking out undefeated top-rated contender Nicky Cook in London. He has successfully defended his title four times during his two-year reign, against a roster of opponents who had a combined record of 93-6 (56 KOs) – a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 60%.

“For sure, Concepcion will be in top shape,” said Luevano.

“It will be interesting to see how we do against a Freddie Roach-trained fighter in Bernabe Concepcion,” said Robert Garcia, Luevano’s trainer. “Roach is the best trainer in the world today. This is an opportunity for me to see how I compare with Roach, how well I am doing as a trainer.”

Concepcion (29-1-1, 17 KOs), of Rizal, Philippines, enters his first world championship fight riding a four-year, 22-bout unbeaten streak. Impressive victories over Benjamin Flores, Gabriel Elizondo, Adam Carrera and Sande Otieno, while collecting WBC International and NABF titles, has vaulted this Filipino firecracker with two-fisted power into a mandatory title challenge.

Solis (14-0, 10 KOs), of Miami, Fla., enters this fight with five of his last six victories coming by way of by knockout. The three-time World Amateur Champion and 2004 Olympic heavyweight gold medalist boasts two victories over fellow countryman Felix Savón. Solis defected from his native Cuba in December 2006 making his pro debut in April 2007. He captured the WBC International heavyweight title last October, knocking out Chauncy Welliver in the ninth round, ending his three-year, 17-bout unbeaten streak. He successfully defended his title in January, knocking out Kevin Burnett in the eighth round. Solis is currently world-rated No. 8 by the WBC.

Melliguen (15-1, 11 KOs), of Bohol, Philippines, is riding a two-year, nine-bout winning streak, which includes capturing the Philippines junior welterweight title and two successful title defenses. A recent power surge has produced four knockout victories in his last fight bouts. He has fought three times this year with only one opponent lasting the distance.

Ruiz jumps all over Arreola’s comments
LAS VEGAS (July 1, 2009) – It didn’t take two-time WBA heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-8-1, 29 KOs) very long to respond to comments made by unbeaten heavyweight contender Chris Arreola and his promoter, Dan Goossen, at a press conference Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Arreola was quoted as saying, “There are a lot of old guys and former champs sitting around there that we need to take care of. Their time is up. They need to go.”

“This September,” Goossen added, “you’re going to see Chistobal fighting in California and you’re going to see him fighting a former world champion.”

If the WBA doesn’t rule that its heavyweight title-holder, Nicolai Valuev, immediately defend his title against the WBA’s mandatory challenger, Ruiz, “The Quietman” is ready to be the old guy, former world champion fighting Arreola in September.

“I’m willing to risk my WBA mandatory shot against Arreola, if he puts up his WBC mandatory,” Ruiz said from a Las Vegas gym where he’s been training. “What’s been taking him so long? I called him out in early May but he never said a word and his people never contacted mine. I don’t get it. He keeps complaining about not getting a title shot that he’s done nothing to deserve. Maybe he needs to push himself away from the dinner table and take a risk. I’m over-the-hill, huh? Well, I guess everybody thinks it should be a cake walk for him, but I’m not like his last opponent, who came out of retirement to fight him for the money.

“He wants to be the first Mexican to win the world heavyweight championship. Be a macho Mexican, Arreola. Walk the walk and fight the first and only Latino world heavyweight champ to really prove yourself. If it makes you feel better, I’ll retire for a few days, and wait for your call. Stop disrespecting me and talking trash unless you have the rocks to fight a real champion.”

Go on line to www.johnthequietmanruiz.com for more information about Ruiz.

RIP, Alexis Arguello. The former featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight champion was found dead at his home in Managua, Nicaragua on Wednesday, at age 57.

Reports indicate he committed suicide, by shooting himself.

The fighter retired in 1986, and then came back for two fights a decade later; he ended with an 82-8 mark.

Please check back later for a column by Ron Borges….

Read more here:

FRES OQUENDO RETURNS IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, JULY 24TH

CHICAGO, IL (June 30, 2009) Fresh off a devastating third round knockout win this past Friday night, two time world title challenger “FAST” Fres Oquendo will return to action against WBO Latino Heavyweight Champion, Argentinean Gonzalo Omar Basile in the ten round main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” on Friday, July 24th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

“WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, now in its twelfth year as the HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4”, starting at $31, can be purchased through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Oquendo, now 30-5-0 with nineteen knockouts, was dominant Friday night from the opening bell against the rugged New Jersey native Mark Brown. Dropping Brown twice hard in the third round, the bout was waived off by referee Geno Rodriguez at the 2:58 mark with a badly hurt Brown unable to defend himself.

Said Oquendo, “He tried to make it a street fight but I kept my cool, hurt him from the start and took him out when the time came. It was terrific fighting in my hometown of Chicago, the fans were very supportive.”

The knockout win over Brown was Oquendo’s first bout in the Chicagoland area in nine years.

Said Pesoli, “Fres looked like a world class heavyweight on Friday night. Our fans were thrilled to see him and wanted to know when he’s fighting again in Chicago . We’re proud to bring him back so quickly against Basile who he was originally supposed to fight.”

The knockout win over Brown for the WBC Latino Heavyweight Title was Oquendo’s first as part of the Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC management group, headed by NBA Star Bobby Simmons.

The Puerto Rican born Oquendo was coming off a highly controversial split decision loss to former world champion James Toney on December 13th.

Basile, 41-4-0 (19KO’s), has won nine in a row, capturing the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title with a third round stoppage of Daniel Frank on February 14th of this year.

The undercard at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” is headlined by a terrific lightweight bout between Chicagoans Gadiel Andaluz and Oscar De La Cruz.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the 26 year old Andaluz won his first three professional bouts in Chicago last year before suffering a setback against Dannie Williams in Tacoma, Washington late last year which moved his record to 3-1-0 (2KO’s).

A native of Mexico City, De La Cruz brings a competitive record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s) into the bout with Andaluz. His eleven pro bouts include battles against outstanding young prospects Matt Remillard, Mike Oliver and Argenis Mendez.

Other newcomers at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” include super featherweight Noe Perez, 2-0-0 (2KO’s), super middleweight Mike Kurzeja, 1-0-0 (1KO) and the pro debuts of heavyweight David Latoria and junior middleweight Nate Mohr in separate bouts.

Additional information on “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4” will be announced shortly.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com

From Bobby Gunn:

“I took this fight because I wanted to fight the best. Tomasz Adamek is the best. The man is a champion inside and outside the ring. I would have taken this fight for any amount of money they gave me. This is not about financial profit. This is about my chance to show everyone that I can be the best.”

“None of the Top 10 would fight Tomasz Adamek. I call them ‘Nancy Boys or ‘Fancy Pants’, they’re like prima donnas. What’s the sense of being ranked if you don’t want to fight the best in the world? When you are Top 10 you have to fight all the best. I want to fight Adamek, he is the best and I want to beat the best”

How has the training been going? “Are you kidding me? I am going all out for this fight. I am training to the best of my ability and I have the greatest team you can have. I have Kendall Holt’s trainer, “Terrific” Aroz Gist, I’m telling you the best! We have been studying the tapes. With cardio I went through the roof. I’m training really hard, harder than I ever have before. I am in great shape and I am ready.”

“To tell the truth, I’m kind of sick of Tomasz Adamek. I mean I go to sleep with Tomasz Adamek, I eat with Tomasz Adamek, I train with Tomasz Adamek. You know what I mean? It’s all I think about. I just want to fight him and get it over with.”

What do you say to all the people claiming this is not a good fight? “No one should pass judgment until they see the fight.” “They say styles make fights. Remember the Briggs – Adamek fight? That was a great fight. I think I am like Paul Briggs.” “I think the fans are in for another great fight on July 11th.”

“My dad would tell me, ‘There are a ton of mediocre fighters out there, but often when you fight a superior fighter, the fighter who was perceived as mediocre will rise to the occasion and surprise everyone.” “I am going to fight like a Kamikaze pilot. – I’ve got nothing to lose! That makes me a dangerous fighter.”

“In boxing things can change on the turn of a dime. All it takes is one punch. I am going to throw that punch.”

“I learned something in Polish for this fight. ‘Ten pas bedzie moj’. That means the belt is mine to take!”

From David Feldman, Bobby Gunn’s Promoter:

“Tomasz will think July 11th is his birthday because he will have a lot of surprises…but no gifts!”

Fight Info:

Tickets for the fight start at $38 and are available through TicketMaster or at Prudential Center Box Office. Group discounts are available. Tickets, priced at $38, $53, $78, $103 and $253 (ringside), can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visiting Prucenter.com. First fight will be 7:00pm.

A Fan Festival will be held outside Prudential Center at Entry Plaza, corner of Edison and Mulberry Streets beginning 5:00pm. Food, beverages, music and fun!

The fight is available live via on line PPV and as video on demand download for 30 days. The price is $9.99. Log on to www.mainevents.com and click on the link to buy the fight.

‘The Contender’ IV stars Gingras and Flamos headline “Braggin’ Rights” Pro-Am Show
July 17th show at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (June 30, 2009) – The second Pro-Am boxing show in Rhode Island history will be held July 17 as two stars from The Contender IV television reality show, Rich Gingras and Tim “The Hammer” Flamos, headline the “Braggin’ Rights” card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.

Gingras and Flamos battle for the vacant EBA cruiserweight championship in the 8-round co-main event.

Claremont (NH) native Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), now fighting out of Attleboro (MA), was the 2006 World Ringside Championships winner in the heavyweight division before turning pro. Flamos (20-6-1, 8 KOs), former EBA and New England cruiserweight champion, continues the rich boxing tradition established by Rocky Marciano and extended by “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler in the City of Champions – Brockton (MA).

The second half of the co-main event is a 6-round rematch of interstate Milltown rivals, EBA New England lightweight champion Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (11-0, 4 KOs), of Pawtucket (RI), and challenger Sean Eklund (6-4, 1 KO). Eklund, trained by his uncle “Irish” Micky Ward, and his Irish fans felt he was robbed in his first fight against Soto.

“This is a great opportunity for boxing fans to see tomorrow’s stars today as well as for some top New England amateurs to get a shot at fighting on a showcased card,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “Understanding that times are tough in today’s economy, we’ve rolled back ticket prices so that it’s affordable for most everyone.

“Fans all over the world recognize Gingras and Flamos from The Contender and it’s a terrific match-up between two warriors. People are still talking about the first Soto-Eklund fight. Both sides thought they won and they want to settle things this time. We’re also excited about some of the young pros on this card.”

Super middleweight Vladine Biosse (1-0, 1 KO), who played football at the University of Rhode Island, is the newest member of the CES stable. He makes his CES debut in a 4-round fight against an opponent to be determined.

Also on the July 17 card are a pair of unbeaten local favorites, cruiserweight Jay Holland (2-0, 1 KO) and exciting light welterweight Diego Pereira (3-0, 2 KOs), in 4-round bouts.

Rollback ticket prices for “Braggin’ Rights” are $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $65.00 ($10.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and $100.00 ($25.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Braggin’ Rights.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

NTH Promotions seeks injunction to stop Rigondeaux fight July 17 on ESPN FNF

CORK, Ireland (June 30, 2009) – Irish boxing manager Gary Hyde, president of NTH Promotions, is seeking an injunction to prevent 2-time Olympic champion Guillermo Rigondeaux from fighting on the July 17th ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rigondeaux (1-0, 1 KO), fighting as a bantamweight, now lives in Los Angeles after defecting from Cuba, where he was a 7-time national champion. The 28-year-old southpaw also won multiple World Championships titles, as well as a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-Am Games, during his incredible 243-4 amateur career.

“I first met Rigo in Belfast at the 2001 World Boxing Championships and subsequently traveled to Cuba,” Hyde explained. “Rigo signed a 5-year management contract with me in March of 2007. I am currently battling in the Miami courts to enforce our management agreement because he made his pro debut under the management of GSMG LTD and Marcus Concepcion, who work closely with the Arena Box outfit. I could find no record of either holding a manager’s license.

“I made an application for a temporary injunction to prevent Rigondeaux from boxing May 22, but the presiding judge allowed him to box in the interest of the public, although his purse was frozen. Our case is getting stronger by the day. The only contract with Rigondeaux, on file with the Florida State Boxing Commission, was dated May, 2009 with GSMG and Marcus Concepcion as managers. When GSMG and Concepcion learned of the 2007 contract with me, they showed-up with a 3-year contract dated July, 2006 with Antonio Gonzalez, director of GSMG, as manager. There are numerous contradictions in their contract that are coming out. I have the only valid managerial contract for Rigo and we are hoping the honorable judge acknowledges.”

Hyde also manages three other Cuban boxers who defected and are now fighting as professionals out of Ireland – heavyweight Mike “The Rebel” Perez (8-0, 6 KOs), winner of the World Junior Championships; bantamweight Alexei “The Hurricane” Acosta (5-0, 5 KOs) and super middleweight Luis “El Leon” Garcia (5-0, 4 KOs), both World Junior Championships champion in 2006.

“I applied for and was granted a European Union work permit for Rigo,” Hyde continued. “My intention was for Rigo to make his pro debut on a Brian Peters Promotions show in Ireland and then head to the United States, where Brian had laid the foundation with some of the major TV companies. We would then have a stage to showcase my ‘Cuban Young Guns.’ Rigo decided to go ahead to Miami because he has more connections there. Now, I’m battling for the guy I have signed to a contract, who was the best amateur boxer on the planet. We recently contacted Freddie Roach to ask about his roll as Rigo’s trainer. Freddie said that he wouldn’t be getting involved, but when I’m awarded a judgement as Rigo’s manager, I hope to have him as his trainer.”