Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

Tickets went on sale Thursday for the Tomas Adamek – Johnathon Banks, IBF Cruiserweight Championship and ticket sales have come out throwing heavyweight punches!

“Prudential Center and Main Events have built a home for boxing in Newark with the Brick City Boxing Series. By doing so, we’ve sold three times more tickets in the first few days of on sale compared to the most recent fight,” said Will Carafello of Prudential Center.

The February 27th fight is part of the new “Brick City Boxing Series” at Prudential Center in Newark. An exciting undercard, including some local talent, will be announced shortly.

Tickets priced at $38, $53, $78, $103, and $253. Tickets can be purchased at Prudential Center box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 201-507-8900.

TICKETS FOR PACQUIAO vs. HATTON

MEGA FIGHT ON SALE TOMORROW! at 10 A.M. PT

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE MATCH

SET FOR MAY 2 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

* New Ticket Outlet Information *

LAS VEGAS, (January 29, 2009) – Early indications are that fans around the world are eager to get their hands on tickets for THE boxing event of 2009, which pits five-division world champion MANNY “Pac Man” PACQUIAO against Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY “The Hitman” HATTON in a world title battle that will go down in boxing history. The outpouring of global interest is tremendous, so get your tickets before they are sold out!

Tickets priced at $1000, $750, $500, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Tomorrow! Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket sales are limited to 10 per person at the $1,000, $750, $500 or $300 price levels and a total of two (2) tickets at $150. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. There will be no sales at MGM Grand or any Ticketmaster outlets.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton, a 12-round bout for Hatton’s Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight titles, is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions. The world title bout will take place Saturday, May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Please visit www.toprank.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com for upcoming announcements.

Dunne Secures World Title Date in Dublin

The Time has Come…Now the World Awaits as Bernard Dunne goes in search of the ultimate prize at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st at the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night.

Dunne takes on World champion, Ricardo “El Maestrito” Cordoba for the WBA Super Bantamweight title as world championship boxing returns to Ireland for the first time in 13 years. The Dubliner turns 29 next month and he feels the timing is perfect for a shot at the WBA belt which once adorned the waist of Barry McGuigan over two decades ago.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted since I first put on a pair of boxing gloves,” said Dunne. “It’s every boxers dream to be a world champion and I’m no different. This is what I’ve worked my whole life for and now that the chance is here I want to grab it with both hands.”

Promoter Brian Peters had promised his charge a world title fight in 2009 and he’s duly delivered with Dunne admitting that having home advantage is a the icing on the cake. “It’s a huge coup to get the fight here, there’s no doubt about that,” said the former European Champ.

“Every boxer wants to fight for a world title but to have it in your hometown is special. It’s going to be an incredible experience and I know I’ll thrive on that atmosphere. Cordoba’s fought all around the world but he won’t ever have experienced anything like the atmosphere in the O2, it’s going to be very special. It’s a fantastic venue and March 21st can’t come soon enough.”

Peters believes that Dunne can claim his destiny by becoming Ireland’s next World Champion. “This is a huge event for Ireland, World title fights are often talked about but in reality they don’t come along too often,” said the promoter. “I think this has all the makings of a historic night for Irish sport. From the first time I saw Bernard as an amateur I believed he was destined to be a World Champion. It’s been a long road but where better for that dream to become reality than at the fabulous new O2 in his hometown.”

A hat trick of impressive wins over South American opposition in 2008 secured Dunne a number 11 ranking with the WBA and a crack at Cordoba’s World title. The tall, Panamanian southpaw has just one defeat in his 37 pro fights and won the title with a landslide points win over Luis Alberto Perez in his native country last September. Dunne has already studied the champ on DVD and admits he was impressed by what he saw.

“He’s a class fighter, you don’t get to be a World Champion without having that little bit extra than most,” said Dunne. “He’s still only 24 but he has a lot of experience and he’s been competing at the top level for so long now and you have to respect that.”

However Dunne shrugged off suggestions that he would be entering the ring as the underdog on March 21st. “That’s for the bookies to decide, that might take a bit of the pressure off me but at the end of the day it will only be the two of us in the ring and whether you’re labelled the favourite or the underdog it doesn’t matter as soon as you step between those ropes. It’s what you do on in that ring on the night that counts and I know I’m as good as anyone else out there. If I didn’t believe that then I’d have no business in there.”

Dunne has been training for the fight since before Christmas and says his preparations will intensify now that he has a date to focus on. “I’m flying already, I’m way ahead of where I would normally be this far out before a fight. I’ve been working very hard with my strength and conditioning coach, Mike McGurn and I’m also working with some new nutritionists and I’ve noticed a real difference in that area.

“I’m always looking to add extra little components to the team and I’m already feeling the benefits on the nutritional side. This is the most important fight of my career so I want to make sure that no stone is left unturned in my preparations.”

Details on the undercard of the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night will be announced next week.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from €50 and are available now from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Cordoba turning a blind eye to Dunne

World Champion, Ricardo “El Maestrito” Cordoba says he doesn’t want to set eyes on Bernard Dunne again until they get in the ring. The Panamanian is currently in Ireland to promote his WBA Super Bantamweight title defence on the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st.

However the champ is adamant that he’s not disrespecting Dunne, it’s just that he doesn’t worry too much about any of his opponents prior to fight night.

“I know his name and record and I’m told that he’s a good technical boxer and that’s all I need to know for now,” said the champion who has compiled a record of 34 wins (21 by KO), 1 defeat and 2 draws since turning pro back in 2000. “I don’t even watch videos of my opponents. It’s not a sign of disrespect, I just prefer to assess them when the bell goes for the first round.”

The champion says that this should not be taken as any sign of over confidence on his behalf. “I am treating this as the biggest fight of my career. I only won the World title in September and this is my first defence so there is no way that I am taking this fight lightly. I want to be World Champion for a very long time and prove to the world that I am a great fighter so I can’t allow somebody like Bernard Dunne to get in my way.”

Cordoba has no worries about fighting away from home despite being the victim of some biased judging on away trips in the past. “I’m a World Champion now so what’s the point in staying at home defending my title? A true World Champ defends his title all over the world and that’s what I plan to do. I’ve had some bad decisions before in Thailand and Germany but I’m confident that I will retain my title either by knockout or a clear points win.”

An excellent amateur Cordoba was a 5 time Panamanian champion and compiled an impressive record of 133 wins from his 147 outings in the unpaid code. However he turned professional aged just 16 after being over looked for the national team. “There is a lot of politics in amateur boxing and I got tired of that so I decided to turn professional because my dream was to become a world champion.”

Cordoba quickly racked up 25 straight wins including a win fellow world champ and compatriot, Celestino Caballero when he was still only 20 year of age.

Recalling their fight for the Panamanian Super Bantamweight title Cordoba said, “I was really only a bantamweight then and still very young. Caballero was 27 and already a world rated super bantamweight but I won easily on all the judges cards and floored him in the 11th round.

“Now that he is also a world champ people are talking about a rematch but I think I’d win even easier next time. I’m a lot more experienced now and I’ve grown into the weight so I don’t think he’d be able to handle my power if it ever happens but it would be a good fight for the Panamanian fans.”

Cordoba’s first defeat came in controversial circumstances in Thailand when he lost out on a split decision to local fighter Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym for the WBA bantamweight title. The sole non Asian judge awarded Cordoba the fight by 7 points but the other two judges sided with the local fighter leaving Cordoba with a bitter taste in his mouth and the first and only defeat on his record.

The same title was to elude him twice more in 2006 and 2007 when he drew with German based Ukrainian Wladimir Sidorenko in Germany on both occasions. Cordoba shrugged off all three setbacks but his promoter Richard Dobal admits that the politics of boxing has cost his man dearly. “When you travel to places like Thailand and Germany you know that sometimes you have to knock the other guy out to get a draw,” said Dobal.

“Other than the judges who scored against Ricardo in all those fights I’ve yet to find anyone who didn’t think he won them clearly so to my mind he’s still pretty much an undefeated fighter. However those setbacks made him even more determined to win a world title and now that he’s won the title I don’t see him giving it up for a long, long, time.

However there is a precedent for an Irishman beating a Panamanian in a WBA World title fight. In 1985 Barry McGuigan captured the famous belt and the hearts of a nation when he dethroned long reigning World featherweight champ, Eusebio Pedroza.

Cordoba though is insisting that history will not repeat itself. “Pedroza was a great fighter and a hero of mine and he has given me advice in the past but Eusebio Pedroza was Eusebio Pedroza, Ricardo Cordoba is Ricardo Cordoba. They are two different fighters in two different eras. This is my time now. Winning the World title was the greatest moment of my life and I want to keep winning so that I can be a hero in Panama just like Pedroza was.”

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from €50 and are available now from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Team Cordoba preparing for fight of their lives

Although WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion, Ricardo Cordoba says he won’t be watching any video of Bernard Dunne ahead of their Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night the champs backroom team are adamant that they will be doing their homework on the challenger.

The two men clash at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st and Cordoba’s promoter Richard Dobal says they have the utmost respect for Dunne.

“I’ve a lot of respect for Bernard because he’s done what very few European fighters do, he went to the U.S. to learn his trade with Freddie Roach who’s probably the most successful trainer in the world”, said Dobal.

“We know all about his sparring with Manny Pacquiao while he was in Los Angeles and we know that he was more than capable of holding his own with Pacquiao so that tells you everything you need to know about him.

“We also respect him because he’s stepped up to the plate unlike a lot of other fighters. Even over here in Europe guys like Rendall Munroe spoke about wanting the fight but when it was offered to them we never heard back from them.

“That’s the good news for Dunne but the bad news is that he’s facing the best super bantamweight on the planet on March 21st. It’s a very strong division but if you look at the other champs, Israel Vazquez is out injured and nobody’s sure when he’s coming back, Juanma Lopez is untested.

As for Celestino Caballero he’s going around saying he’s the best super bantamweight in the world when we’ve already proven that he’s not even the best super bantamweight in Panama right now – Ricardo has already beaten him! So when I say Ricardo is the best guy out there, it’s not hype it’s backed up by the facts.”

Dobal says his team are reading very little into the Dubliner’s lone defeat – the shocking first round loss to Spanish puncher, Kiko Martinez in August of 2007.

“I’ve seen that fight but a first round defeat doesn’t mean anything as far as I’m concerned. That can happen to anyone and has happened to great fighters like Jack Dempsey, Floyd Patterson and Emile Griffith and they all went on prove that they could fight a bit!

“The late, great boxing historian Hank Kaplan was my mentor and he always said a first round defeat didn’t mean anything because anyone could be caught cold. I’m disregarding that defeat, we’re looking at Bernard Dunne as if he was an undefeated fighter and Ricardo’s preparing for the toughest fight of his life.

In fact we’re here in Dublin now for the press conference with almost 2 months to go and he’s already in fighting shape. He’s a very dedicated kid and a very religious person who sees this as an opportunity to secure his family’s future. He’s worked very hard and overcome some tremendous obstacles to get this far so he’s not about to throw that away anytime soon.”

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from €50 and are available now from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

PACQUIAO and HATTON SET A DATE!

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT

TO TAKE PLACE SATURDAY, MAY 2 AT

MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

LAS VEGAS, (January 28, 2009) – Two of boxing’s biggest stars will meet in the ring in what could be the year’s biggest pay-per-view event. Five-division world champion MANNY “Pac Man” PACQUIAO and Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY “The Hitman” HATTON will rumble for Hatton’s World Junior Welterweight Championships Saturday, May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. These two boxing artists will have a 20 x 20 foot canvas to paint a black and blue masterpiece that the world has been waiting to see. Pacquiao and Hatton boast a combined record of 93-4-2 (68 KOs), a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 73%.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton, a 12-round bout for Hatton’s Ring Magazine and IBO World Junior Welterweight titles, is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions.

Tickets priced at $1000, $750, $500, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“When Manny Pacquiao goes into the ring he fights for his country, the Philippines, and tens of thousands of Filipinos worldwide. He is a tremendous athlete and unlike any other champion we have ever promoted. When Manny walks to the ring he carries the weight of his country on his shoulders and he fights with all of his heart, every second of every round.”

“We are very excited that this fight has been made, as it is the fight fans wanted and the one I look forward to seeing myself,” said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “This fight has all the makings of a “Fight of the Year” candidate and I think Hatton will de-throne Pacquiao and become boxing’s pound-for-pound king.”

“MGM Grand is thrilled to be hosting what we anticipate will be one of the biggest fights of 2009,” said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. “As we continue our tradition of hosting the top names in sports and entertainment, this spectacular boxing match will not only be a battle between two great champions but will offeran electric and international atmosphere for the fans.”

Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) secured his claim as the 2008 Fighter of the Year, a year reminiscent of what Hall of Fame fighter Henry Armstrong did in 1937-1938, winning three fights in three different weight divisions, two of which were world titles. Armstrong is the only man to hold three world championships simultaneously, capturing world titles at featherweight, welterweight and lightweight (in that order) during a nine-month span between November 1937 and August 1938. Pacquiao, officially proclaimed a National Treasure by the Philippines, captured the WBC World Super Featherweight title last March by defeating Juan Manuel Marquez and the WBC World Lightweight title in June by knocking out defending champion David Diaz. He completed his personal trifecta by stopping Oscar de la Hoya in a welterweight battle on December 6. Pacquiao’s last two victories were in his debut fight in each weight division with the latter fight being two full divisions above his previous fight. Pacquiao, 30, has won 24 of his last 25 bouts, blitzing through boxing’s best fighters since 2003 including Erik Morales (TKO 10, KO 3,), Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO 11, W 12), Marquez (D 12, W 12,), Diaz (TKO 9) and De La Hoya (KO 8). Pacquiao was previously named the 2006 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine.

“I always like new challenges which is the reason I am anxious to fight Ricky Hatton. My trainer Freddie Roach will put together a new game plan which will be much different than the one we used against Oscar (de la Hoya). There are concerns because Hatton is a very strong puncher so I must deal with that in the ring. I promise I will be completely prepared and will do my best for all of my fans in The Philippines.”

The storied career of Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), an international superstar hailing from Manchester, England, began in 1997 and for the last 12 years he has been thrilling fight fans around the world with his aggressive style in the ring and down to earth attitude outside of the ring. Owner of victories over world champions Kostya Tszyu, Vince Phillips, Paulie Malignaggi, Luis Collazo, Jose Luis Castillo, Juan Urango and Carlos Maussa, Hatton is a two division world champion. He fell short of the pound-for-pound best fighter title and world welterweight championships in his 2007 super-fight against Floyd Mayweather. However, the 30-year-old bounced back impressively at his natural weight of 140 pounds last May when he scored a near shutout 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Lazcano. His most recent fight was a scintillating shutout performance against world champion Malignaggi last November, ending with an 11th round TKO for “The Hitman”. Hatton was honored as the 2005 Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

“I’m really excited to get back in the ring in Vegas after beating Malignaggi in November,” said Hatton. “I am confident that I am the fighter to take down the pound-for-pound champion and I believe I will be victorious on May 2.”

Please visit www.toprank.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com for upcoming announcements.

Spina rededicates himself for loyal fans

“February Frenzy,” Feb. 6 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (January 28, 2009) – World rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina, former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental champion, has rededicated himself for his loyal fans as he prepares for his next fight February 6 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs), rated No. 14 by the WBO and No. 15 by the WBC, takes on Kansas veteran Matt Gockel (12-9, 7 KOs) in the 8-round main event. Spina, who holds victories against former world champion Carl Daniels and super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, has had a somewhat sputtering pro career that he’s vowed to turn around starting Feb. 6.

“I’ve been like the weather – sometimes hot, sometimes cold, dedicated and not so focused at times,” he explained. “I’m 31 with a 23-1-1 record and I don’t plan on fighting until I’m 40. I’m ready to do what I’m capable of doing in the ring. I’m going to bust my butt this year, fighting better and better fighters, and then get in position to fight for a title next year. I want a chance to fight for a world title and be considered a real contender. That’s my goal. Fans either love or hate Joey Spina, either way they love to watch me fight. I want to thank my loyal fans for supporting the ‘KO Kid’ for the past 10 years. Hearing their yells is inspiring.

“I’m sharper than I’ve ever been. I’ve been working on my balance, shifting my hips, and pressing forward with my hands up. I’m going to wear down opponents. I already have seen a difference. Throw in a slip, force my opponent to go backwards, and then put them to sleep. Gockel is coming down from cruiserweight to fight at light heavyweight; I’m going back up because I can fluctuate between 168 and 175. I’m strong at either weight. He’s not going to be able to stand in front of me. The “KO Kid” is back!”

Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-2, 2 KOs) faces “Irish” Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), again in a rematch of a draw they fought to last year, for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association (EBA) super middleweight title in the 8-round co-feature.

Former 4-time U.S. national amateur champion Bobby Harris will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special “February Frenzy” card ceremony. Burchfield established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special achievements and contributions to New England boxing. CES Ring of Honor inductees include Rocky Marciano, Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Marlon Starling, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully Ray Oliveira, Gary Balletto and Demetrius Andrade. Harris reached the 1992 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs and captured a gold medal at the 1993 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The Worcester (MA) resident went on to a 20-2-1 (13) pro record as a heavyweight and last fought in 1999.

Harris will be in the corner of his younger brother, unbeaten Worcester cruiserweight Adam “The Hitman” Harris (10-0, 7 KOs), who will fight Philadelphia boxer David Williams (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Undefeated Pawtucket fighter Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (10-0, 4 KOs) meets another Lowell native, Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO), who will have his uncle and head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward, in his corner for their 6-round bout for the EBA New England lightweight belt.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are U. of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Anthony Pietrantonio (4-2, 3 KOs); Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Olade “One Shot” Thomas (1-3, 0 KOs); W. Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Daren Graham (1-4, 1 KO); Worcester heavyweight Rashad Minor (1-0, 1 KO) in his CES debut vs. Shawn McLean (2-4, 1 KO); Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland making his pro debut vs. Kevin Varnadore (0-4); Providence junior welterweight “Steamin’” Josh Beeman (4-2-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jamar Saunders (2-1, 1 KO).

Tickets for “February Frenzy” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line 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 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.

Unified Lightweight World Champion Nate Campbell Responds to IBF Mandatory Challenger Ali Funeka

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10 A.M.

Don King Productions ‘St. Valentine’s Day Massacre’ Press Conference:

Held on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

SUNRISE, Fla.—Unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) gave a stern warning to International Boxing Federation No. 1-Ranked lightweight mandatory challenger Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka (30-1, 25 KOs) at a Don King-hosted press conference at BankAtlantic Center today promoting their Valentine’s Day meeting in South Florida.

“I’m a New Age guy that likes to be on the Internet,” Campbell began. “Then I went on the Web and read what Ali Funeka said he’s going to do to me on Valentine’s Day. He said he sees nothing special in me. He said he knows me like the back of his hand. That’s rhetoric but he’s going to pay for it. I’m going to beat him like he tried to steal something from me.”

Campbell said there was no previous ill will between him and his South African opponent.

“This was a basic training camp for me until I heard his mouth. Now it’s personal. He’s got to pay the retail American price for his words, not the South African price. I’m going to hit this 6-foot-1-inch Funeka everywhere it’s legal and maybe where it ain’t if the referee turns his back. If he truly wants to win, he better be ready to fight, kill or die.”

Campbell’s comments caught the attention of the assembled media and his promoter, Don King.

“He’s not fooling around,” King said of Campbell’s comments. “Don’t forget what this man did to Juan Diaz, and he did that partly on my behalf. I hope Funeka knows what he’s getting into.”

King announced tickets to the fight, priced at $200, $75, $40 and $25 (with all seats buy one, get one free excepting a limited number of golden circle seats) will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000, by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or at the BankAtlantic Center box office.

Dubbed “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” by King, the card will also feature colorful former three-time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga (28-7-1, 22 KOs) tangling with undefeated Alfredo “Perro” Angulo (14-0, 11 KOs) to determine the WBC’s No. 1 ranking and mandatory challenger at the 154-pound limit as well as another important match at 154 pounds with interim WBC super welterweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (44-1-1, 24 KOs) taking on former IBF welterweight champion Kermit “The Killer” Cintron (30-2, 27 KOs).

A full undercard, with opponents to be announced soon, will showcase heavyweights Ray “The Rainman” Austin (26-4, 17 KOs) and Bermane “B-Ware” Stiverne (16-1, 16 KOs); undefeated cruiserweight Francisco “The Wizard” Palacios (16-0, 9 KOs); welterweight Ivan Kirpa (22-1, 14 KOs); lightweights Anges Adjaho (23-1, 14 KOs) and Angelo “The Cobra” Santana (4-0, 3 KOs); junior lightweight John “Action” Jackson (13-1, 13 KOs); undefeated light heavyweight Anthony Dirrell (14-0, 12 KOs); and featherweight Gary Russell (1-0, 1 KO).

The event is promoted by Don King Productions. Campbell vs. Funeka is presented in association with One Punch Productions. Mayorga vs. Angulo is a co-promotion with Gary Shaw Productions. Campbell vs. Funeka, Mayorga vs. Angulo and Martinez vs. Cintron will also be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

ANDRE WARD, 2004 US OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, DEFENDS HIS CHAMPIONSHIP FEB. 6 AT TACHI PALACE

ON SHOWTIME

HOT JR. LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT

JOHN MOLINA, JR. MAKES HIS

GOOSSEN TUTOR DEBUT

IN ‘SHOBOX’ TELEVISED EVENT

Los Angeles, CA (January 27, 2009) – On Friday, February 6, Goossen Tutor Promotions will kick off its 2009 Tachi Palace pro boxing series with a nationally televised show featuring undefeated Andre “SOG” Ward the Oakland, California native whose gold medal victory in the 2004 Olympics in Athens is the last since David Reid in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Ward will be defending his NABO Super Middleweight, along with the NABF Super Middleweight Championship against Henry “Sugar Poo” Buchanan at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California. The Live “ShoBox: The New Generation” coverage on Showtime will begin at 11 pm ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

The scheduled 12-rounder for Ward (17-0, 12 KOs), co-promoted by Antonio Leonard Promotions, will mark the third appearance for him in a main event on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. Ward’s first two appearances emanated from the picturesque Caribbean. In November 2007, Ward traveled to the Island of St. Lucia, where he stopped then-undefeated prospect Roger Cantwell in the fifth round. Then, last June he made the trek to Grand Cayman and TKO’d former Dominican Olympian Jerson Ravelo in the eighth round to capture his NABO championship.

In his most recent outing last month, Ward registered his seventh consecutive knockout by blasting out former Mexican champion Esteban Camou in three rounds in Cabazon, California, cementing his world ranking by all four major boxing organizations.

“I’m looking forward to keeping my title at Tachi Palace and on Showtime, the 24-year old Ward said. “I have enjoyed many successes at Tachi with three wins and, of course, I won my first pro title on a ShoBox telecast.

“Each bout has its own unique significance and everything I’ve been working towards is at stake in every fight. Henry Buchanan is the next fighter looking to stop my destiny. That’s my main motivation. He has a great record and I am undefeated. This is the kind of fight the super middleweight division needs to see who is the top dog at 168 pounds.”

In 30-year old Capitol Heights, Maryland resident Henry Buchanan (17-1, 12 KOs), Ward will face off against a hard-hitting knockout artist who, with the exception of his one loss to current undefeated and world-rated contender Jean Paul Mendy, has an identical pro record. Perhaps Buchanan’s biggest claim to fame to date is that he is the nephew of San Diego Chargers Pro-Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman. He hopes to eclipse that by handing Ward his first loss as a pro and claiming his title in the process.

“I know I am viewed as the underdog in this fight,” Buchanan, coming in off a knockout win over Brian Norman last June, observed. “But who’d have thought the Arizona Cardinals would make it to the Super Bowl? Our records are almost identical and we have the same number of knockout wins. This fight is more of an even match in my eyes and I feel my power will in the end be too much for Ward.”

Goossen Tutor’s latest addition to its impressive stable of championship-caliber boxers, John Molina, Jr., (14-0, 10 KOs), will make his debut both under the banner – as well as his first appearance on “ShoBox” — in a scheduled eight-round jr. lightweight contest.

The signing of the 26-year old pride of Covina, California, who is coming off an impressive fifth-round stoppage of veteran Fernando Lizarraga, was announced during Goossen Tutor’s final show of 2008 at Cabazon last month. Known as “John John,” Molina has already established himself as a fan favorite for the all-out offensive action and excitement he brings into each bout.

Another California-based favorite and Goossen Tutor fighter, Wasco’s Manny “El Toro” Quezada (25-4, 15 KOs), will be on the card defending his WBC CABOFE heavyweight title in a scheduled 10-rounder against Eric Boose (14-3-1, 8 KO). No stranger by any means to the Tachi property, Quezada will be making his 14th appearance as a pro there. In his last bout in November 2008, Quesada won a unanimous decision against the once beaten Teke Oruh in Ontario, California.

“2009 promises to be a big year for our boxers, our sport, our fans and for Goossen Tutor Promotions,” president Dan Goossen forecasted. “What better way for us and our partner, Antonio Leonard Promotions, to see an American Olympic hero in Andre Ward taking the next step toward a world title and headlining a “ShoBox” telecast from one of our favorite venues: the Tachi Palace in Lemoore, CA.

“In addition, when the fans and viewers on Showtime see ‘John John’ (Molina) in action, they’ll be watching the next exciting jr. lightweight in our sport. He is pure power and entertainment with tremendous star potential.”

Tickets are priced at: $30, $40, $50, $60 and $400 and can be purchased at the box office of by visiting www.tickets.com. Doors are scheduled to open at 4:30pm. The first bout will begin at 5:00pm (PT) and the televised bouts will begin at 8:00pm (PT).

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MARTINEZ DEFENDS INTERIM WBC 154 LBS. TITLE VERSUS CINTRON FEB. 14 ON HBO

***Interim WBC Jr. Middleweight Titlist Sergio Martinez Takes on Kermit Cintron as Part of HBO “BAD” Tripleheader, Feb. 14, at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL***

New York (January 27, 2009) – DiBella Entertainment serves up a Valentine’s Day treat with the addition of a potentially explosive 154 pound title fight between interim WBC champion Sergio Martinez and former IBF welterweight kingpin Kermit Cintron, to HBO’s Boxing After Dark on Saturday, February 14, at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.

The scheduled 12-rounder will be the first bout of 2009 for both fighters. Martinez (43-1-1, 23 KOs) was supposed to defend his interim belt against undefeated Joe Greene on the recent DBE-promoted Berto-Collazo welterweight championship card in Biloxi, MS, but illness forced WBO # 4 rated Greene to withdraw. “Maravilla” Martinez was then briefly scheduled fight Daniel Santos before the WBA junior middleweight champion changed his mind…claiming lack of proper preparation time. Cintron (30-2, 27 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over former IBF 140 lbs. champion Lovemore N’dou on the Taylor-Lacy DBE show, seen on HBO this past November 15, in Nashville, TN. “El Asesino” Cintron is currently rated the # 2 welterweight in the world by the IBF.

“Sergio Martinez has been anxious for the opportunity to build on his spectacular knockout win over Alex Bunema on HBO this past October, while Kermit Cintron is riding high again following his recent victory over N’dou. It says a lot about the character of two great professional fighters when Sergio and Kermit are willing to put it all on the line against each other. Both guys want to be the best and neither one will pass up an opportunity to prove it!” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

Madrid, Spain’s Martinez, by way of Buenos Aires, is 33-year-old southpaw and former IBO 154 pound titlist, who put the American boxing audience on notice in October, as “Maravilla” produced a dazzling TKO victory over then WBA # 1 rated contender Alex Bunema to earn the interim WBC 154 pound title.

One of boxing’s hardest punchers, former welterweight champion Cintron won the vacant IBF title in October 2006 with an impressive display of power punching – halting Mark Suarez in six one-sided rounds. Born in Carolinas, Puerto Rico, Cintron, 29, now fights out of Reading, PA.

Martinez vs. Cintron is part of an HBO tripleheader also featuring unified lightweight champion Nate Campbell defending against Ali Funeka and Alfredo Angulo vs. Ricardo Mayorga in a WBC 154 lbs. eliminator.

Tickets information for the Feb. 14 boxing tripleheader will be announced shortly. The BankAtlantic Center is the home arena for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.

Adamek vs. Banks

IBF World Cruiserweight Championship
Prudential Center – Newark, N.J.
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009

Live on SHOWTIME Boxing Series, “ShoBox – The New Generation”

Newly-crowned IBF Cruiserweight Champion Tomasz “Goral” Adamek of Jersey City and Golwice, Poland returns to Newark’s Prudential Center on Friday, February 27th to make the first defense of his world title against Detroit’s undefeated Johnathon Banks when Main Events and Ziggy Promotions, in association with K2 Promotions, bring boxing back to “The Rock.” The inaugural event of Main Events’ “Brick City Boxing Series” at the Prudential Center also will be aired on Showtime as part of its ShoBox boxing series.

Just a month ago, Adamek (36-1, 24 KO’s) thrilled thousands of cheering fans as he electrified Newark’s state-of-the art arena, scoring three knockdowns over defending champion Steve Cunningham, to earn a blistering 12-round win in a fight that many boxing scribes have dubbed “The Fight of the Year.” Also the former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Adamek is no stranger to “Fight of the Year” consideration. Making his first-ever US appearance, the former Polish national amateur standout traveled to Chicago in May of 2005 and defeated Number One Contender Paul Briggs in a brutal 12-round slugfest hailed as a candidate for “Fight of the Year” honors.

Rated number 8 in the world by the IBF and number 1 by WBO, Banks (20-0, 14 KO’s) is a product of Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym, where he is managed by Motor City boxing legend, Emmanuel Steward. A Hall of Fame trainer/manager/color commentator, Steward has helmed the careers of numerous notable world champions, including Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, former Heavyweight Champions Michael Moorer and Lennox Lewis and current World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko, to name a few. Banks has had the benefit of training side by side with Lewis and Klitschko throughout his career and is associated with the Klitschko brothers’ promotional arm, K2.

Noted Boxing writer Tim Smith said of the Adamek – Cunningham battle , “Fight Of The Year: My pick is Tomasz Adamek – Steve Cunningham for the IBF Cruiserweight title….I saw it live at the Prudential Center in Newark….(The fans) were treated to a rousing display of courage and guts. Adamek had Cunningham on the canvas three times in the fight, and twice he had him down and hurt. But Cunningham kept bouncing back up and firing at Adamek, who has a granite chin….How either man stayed upright for 12 rounds is beyond me.”

“Sometimes, when a fighter with an exciting style, like Tomasz Adamek, gets the chance to perform in front of a huge, enthusiastic crowd of supporters, the level of excitement rises to the point where magic happens,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “Tomasz’ appearance at the Prudential Center last month was one of the most exhilarating nights of boxing that I have experienced in a long time. I can’t wait to get back there on February 27th to watch Tomasz make the magic happen again with Johnathon Banks. I have no doubt that everyone who was lucky enough to be there in person last month feels the same way.”

“We are looking forward to this fight for Johnathon,” said Tom Loeffler, managing director of K2 Promotions. “Adamek is considered the #1 Cruiserweight in the world, but Emanuel has been working with Banks his entire career to get him ready for a fight like this. Johnathon has sparred numerous rounds with Wladimir over the last few years, and he hits a lot harder than Adamek. It is a tough fight, but we believe that Banks will beat Adamek to become champion and join Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko as Champions for K2 Promotions.”

“Boxing is back in Brick City and Prudential Center is proud to usher in a new era of championship fighting with Main Events”, said Brian Gale, director of marketing and booking at the arena. “We are excited to welcome back Adamek and hope to give boxing fans quality fights for years to come at Prudential Center.”

An exciting seven-bout undercard featuring local fan favorites is being finalized and will be announced shortly. The first bout starts at 8:30 p.m. and doors open at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 29 at noon. Priced at $38, $53, $78, $103, and $253, tickets can be purchased at the arena box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 201-507-8900.