Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

USS’ Cunningham Supports Old Foe Adamek.

When Jersey City’s Polish ex-pat Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek defends his IBF
Cruiserweight title, on the 27th February 2009, against Detroit’s
Johnathon Banks at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; he will
have an unexpected supporter cheering him on ringside, former
Cruiserweight King Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham.

On the 11th December ‘08 former Light Heavyweight champion Tomasz Adamek
secured the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World titles in a close
split-decision win over the then champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham. In the
end it was so close no matter which way the decision went there couldn’t
and wouldn’t be any complaint. The fight had it all, nonstop action, drama
and three knockdowns, and as such was hailed by many in the media as
“Fight of the Year” candidate and the greatest Cruiserweight fight of all
time, no mean feat when the previous holder of this accolade was the
awesome 1986 war between the legendary Evander ‘The Real Deal’ Holyfield
and Dwight Muhammad ‘Camden Buzzsaw’ Qawi.

‘USS’ Cunningham, who later this year is to face former WBC title holder,
Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, in an IBF title eliminator, explained his
reasons for supporting his old foe and gave his thoughts on the upcoming
Adamek-Banks battle. “”I’m looking forward to watching this. It should be
a good fight. Their styles call for action. Johnathon seems like he can
crack. He can take them as well as throw them. And Adamek, is tough, he’s
a good solid, fighter.

The fight could go either way. I know I want the winner of the fight! I’ll
be rooting for Tomasz. Yeah, I’d want to fight Johnathon if he wins. But,
you know, I really want the rematch, I want my title back and I want to
take it back from Tomasz.

I believe I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I know the fans saw
that in my last fight. I don’t consider that a loss. I feel like I won the
fight, but lost the decision. My new motto is Two Time in ‘09″, So I am
looking forward to the 27th, just as much as they are.”

Tomasz Adamek vs. Johnathon Banks for the IBF Cruiserweight Championship
takes place on Friday the 27th February 2009 at the Prudential Center in
Newark, New Jersey.

A total of eight undefeated fighters will risk their unblemished records
on the magnificent eight-bout undercard that supports the “big boys”.

The co-feature event will see Giovanni Lorenzo of the Dominican Republic
and NYC (26-1, 18 KO’s) lock horns with Colombia’s Dionisio Miranda, also
of Miami (19-3-2, 17 KO’s) in a twelve round IBF eliminator for the #1
position in the middleweight division.

Paterson, NJ welterweight Henry Crawford (20-0-1, 9 KO’s) faces Keenan
Collins (12-4-2, 8 KO’s) of Reading, PA. in an eight round bout.

Preceding that will be Newark’s popular former Olympian, Jerson Ravelo
(19-3, 12 KO’s), against Don Mouton (7-3-1, 6 KO’s) of Houston, TX in an
eight round super middleweight match.

No less than six fighters with unblemished records are featured in four
six-round fights. Super Middleweight Patrick Majewski of Atlantic City
puts his 9-0, 6 KO record on the line against Philadelphia’s undefeated
Latif Mundy (8-0, 3 KO’s). Unbeaten Anthony Flores of Philadelphia (6-0, 4
KO’s) faces Super Featherweight Ikem Orji (4-0, 1 KO) and Philadelphia’s
own Chucky Tschorniawsky, (25-9-1, 14 KO’s) will be up against unbeaten
welterweight Jesse Lubash, (9-0, 5 KO’s) of Pittsburgh, PA.

The opening fight of the night will see Paterson, NJ’s two time National
Golden Gloves Champion, Jeremy Bryan, currently unbeaten since joining the
pro ranks, put his immaculate 8-0, 4 KO record on the line against
Mexico’s Francisco Rios Gil (13-9, 9 KO’s) in a Junior Welterweight
match-up.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $38, $53, $78, $103 and $253. They
can be purchased at Prudential Center Box Office, online at
www.prucenter.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 201-507-8900. The first
bout will begin at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. The fight will be
televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT,
delayed on the West Coast.

This event is promoted by Main Events and Ziggy Promotions, in association
with K2 Promotions.

HOLLYWOOD, FL, February 17 – The international expansion of Seminole Warriors Boxing continues in 2009, as it was announced today that the Florida-based promotional firm will co-promote Russian standouts Magomed Abdusalamov and Habib Allahverdiev with Yuri Fedorov Sports Lab, with both athletes competing under the management of Gamzat Agaev.

“There is so much great talent coming from Russia, and we’re excited to be working with two of the country’s best in Magomed Abdusalamov and Habib Allahverdiev,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “Both of these young men have great potential and if what I’ve seen from them already is any indication, they should both be wearing world title belts in the coming years.”

A native of Makhachkala who now makes his home in Moscow, 27-year old Magomed Abdusalamov (2-0, 2 KOs) is a 6 foot 3, 260 pound heavyweight who can strike fear into the heart of any opponent. A two-time Russi! an amateur champion, Abdusalamov turned pro in September of 2008 with a first round knockout of Epiphanie Pipi, and his next opponent two months later didn’t fare any better, as Bernard Mwakasanga was stopped in just 41 seconds.

Sampson Lewkowicz who helped orchestrate the making of Sultan Ibragimov into a world champion commented, “He is much farther along and more talented then Sultan was at this stage of his career”. Sampson will work with Seminole Warriors Boxing in this venture as well.

26-year old junior welterweight Habib Allahverdiev (8-0, 3 KOs) has impressed fight game insiders with his crafty southpaw style and a ring savvy way beyond his 26 years. Known as the “Krushin’ Russian”, the Makhachkala-born Allahverdiev has won all eight of his pro bouts since turning pro at the world famous Madison Square Garden in March of 2007, and more than half of his fights have taken place in the United States, giving him valuable road experience as he marchee s towards a world title shot.

Both Abdusalamov and Allahverdiev will make their Seminole Warriors debut on February 27th at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.

Making his way back to the ring February 28, 2009 on the Juan Manuel Marquez vs Juan Diaz card, will be Philadelphia’s undefeated hard hitting Jr. Welterweight prospect, Danny “Swift” Garcia (10-0, 7 KOs). Garcia will face Cristian Favela of Los Mochis, SI Mexico in a scheduled eight round bout at the Toyota Center in Houston TX.

“I’m looking forward to a busy 2009 schedule,” said a confident Garcia. “Finkel has plans to keep me busy and Golden Boy can deliver. I’m truly blessed to be in this position with a great team and all. I’m excited about fighting on another great card and I anticipate great accomplishments this year.”

Marquez vs. Diaz, the 12 round main event for Marquez’ Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship and Diaz’ IBO World Lightweight Title, John vs. Juarez, the 12 round co-main event for John’s WBA World Featherweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The world title bouts will take place on February 28th from Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, are on sale now online at ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX, Houston area Randalls locations and Toyota Center Box Office.

On Friday night from the beautiful Roseland Ballroom in New York City Joe DeGuardia Star Boxing put together an excellent seven bout card featuring some of boxing’s hottest up and coming prospects. The card was broadcast live on the always entertaining ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights”.

ALEXIS CAMACHO

In the main event of the evening, Alexis Camacho lost a hard fought ten round decision to Carlos Molina. Each fighter gave as good as he got throughout the fight, with Molina using a slightly higher work rate to out hustle Camacho. Camacho continuously stalked Molina throughout the fight but Molina was the busier fighter, landing combinations from the outside while the heavy handed Camacho looked for one big shot to close the show. With the loss Camacho drops to (17-2, 16KO) while Molina improves to (15-4-1, 5KO).

ROBINSON PUTS ON SPECTACULAR SHOWING

In the co-feature bout of the evening Star Boxing’s rising jr. welterweight, “The New” Ray Robinson (10-0, 4KO) easily took apart previously undefeated Darnell Jiles (8-1- 1, 3KO) in three rounds.

The first round was a feeling out round with Robinson pressing the action looking to messure the shorter Jiles. From the first round on it was all Robinson though as he displayed great hand speed and ring generalship landing crisp combinations to both the head of body of Jiles. With Robinson seemingly landing at will Jiles did not answer the bell to sound round four, giving Robinson a well deserved third round TKO.

RILEY PHENOMENAL IN TV DEBUT

In the opening TV bout of the evening, Star Boxing’s hot light heavyweight prospect Yathomas Riley (6-0,3KO) dominated the very tough Julius Jackson (2-3), winning a four round unanimous decision.

Riley landed bombs with both hands in the first, dropping Jackson twice, once with a crisp combination, and then the second time with a lead right hook to the head.

The rest of the fight saw Jackson absorb serious punishment from Riley as Riley landed vicious combinations to both the head and body. All three judges had Riley pitching a shut out, with scores of 40-34, 40-34, 40-34.

Other results from Friday night’s show.

Terrell Nelson TKO2 Wes Taylor

Bryant Pappas TKO1 Chris Ray

Dennis Douglin KO1 Roberto Irizarry

Eddie Irizarry L6 Guillermo Sanchez

HOLLYWOOD, FL, February 13 – Unbeaten junior welterweight contender Victor Manuel Cayo was in top form on January 30th, as he scored a near-shutout nine round decision victory over his toughest foe to date in Noe Bolanos, thrilling a packed house at the UVI Sports & Fitness Center in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

“The fans were great in St. Thomas and they really pushed me to one of my best performances ever,” said Cayo. “Bolanos was tough, but I knew he couldn’t beat me.”

The 90-79, 89-81, and 88-82 victory lifted the 24-year old Cayo’s stellar professional record to 20-0 (14 KOs) and allowed him to retain his WBA Fedecaribe junior welterweight title for the second time. Now the native of Santo Domingo, who is world ranked by the WBA, has his sights on bigger game at 140 pounds.

“I’m ready for a world title shot,” said Cayo. “I’ve paid my dues, I’ve beaten everyone who has been placed in front of me, and now I believe it’s time to fight one of the champions. I know I’m young, but I will prove to all my fans that I have what it takes to become a world champion.”

Integrated Sports distributing Khan-Barrera PPV in North America

Mar. 14 show also featuring Maccarinelli-Afolabi & Cook-Martinez title fights

HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 13, 2009) – Integrated Sports will distribute a world-class pay-per-view card, headlined by Amir Khan versus “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera, Saturday, March 14 live from The M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Integrated Sports is distributing three 12-round championship bouts featured on the “Khan-Barrera” card, presented by Frank Warren, in North America for live viewing at 4 PM/ET – 1 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network in the United States, as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Khan (19-1), 2004 Olympic silver medallist, defends his WBA International lightweight title against seven-time world champion Barrera (65-6, 42 KOs) in the 12-round main event. The two other PPV fights will be former WBO cruiserweight title-holder Enzo Maccarinelli (29-2, 22 KOs) against NABO champ Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi (13-1-3, 5 KOs) for the WBO cruiserweight championship, while WBO super middleweight champion Nicky “Cookie” Cook (29-1, 16 KOs) defends his title belt against undefeated No. 1 contender Roman “Rocky” Martinez (21-0-1, 12 KOs).

“We’re thrilled to be distributing this sensational tripleheader to North American boxing fans,” Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs said. “The main event is a potential classic match-up between a top prospect, Khan, and veteran warrior, Barrera. Fans are very interested to see how Khan has improved since he started working with trainer Freddy Roach as well as what future Hall of Famer Barrera has left. Maccarinelli-Afolabi and Cook-Martinez shape-up as two very fan-friendly bouts, too, and either could be main events.”

The 22-year-old Khan is coming off of a win by second-round TKO of Oisin Fagan for the WBA International title last December, which was three months after Amir suffered his only pro loss to Breidis Prescott. Khan, rated No. 9 by the WBO and No. 13 by the IBF, has been training at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, where he’s gained invaluable experience sparring with the likes of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Barrera, 35, has held world titles in three different weight classes during his 19-year pro career. He recently suffered a scare when he was cut from a head-butt, which temporarily jeopardized his March 21st showdown with Kahn, that lead to a win by third-round disqualification. Barrera holds wins against world champions and/or challengers such as Erik Morales (twice), Paulie Ayala, Prince Naseem Hamed Robbie Peden, Mzonke Fana, Kevin Kelly, Johnny Tapia, and Rocky Juarez (twice).

Maccarinelli, fighting out of his native Wales, has only one blemish on his pro record, losing a year ago to David Haye in their title unification bout. “Macca,” ranked No. 3 by the WBO and No. 6 by The Ring, during his WBO title reign (2006-2008) defeated Mohamed Azzaoui, Wayne Braithwite, Bobby Gunn, Marcelo Fabian Dominguez and Mark Hobson (twice).

The WBO No. 5 rated London-born Afolabi, now living in California, captured the NABO crown last April, stopping previously unbeaten Eric Fields in the 10th round.

Cook won the WBO super featherweight title in his last fight in September, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Alex Arthur (26-1) in The M.E.N. Arena. The former European champion is rated No. 6 by The Ring.

In addition to being the WBC’s top contender, Puerto Rican boxer Martinez is rated No. 4 by the WBA, No. 6 by the IBF and No., 9 by The Ring. The reigning NABO super featherweight title-holder also held the WBO Inter-Continental and WBO Latino belts.

WINKY WRIGHT AND PAUL WILLIAMS SET TO BATTLE

AT MANDALAY BAY ON APRIL 11

HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING TO TELEVISE

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

Tickets on Sale Friday, February 13!

LOS ANGELES, February 12 – What happens when two of boxing’s most feared superstars can’t find anyone willing to step up and face them? They fight each other. On Saturday, April 11th, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, former Junior Middleweight World Champion Winky Wright will look to stop the meteoric rise of two-division World Champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams in a 12 round middleweight bout that is destined to land the winner on the list of boxing’s best, pound-for-pound.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 go on sale Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“I’m excited to see these two great fighters squaring off at Mandalay Bay on April 11th,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “I know that when two great champions like Winky and Paul fight each other, they are always determined to deliver the types of performances that will thrill fight fans.”

“It’s an exciting time for our sport,” said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. “Paul Williams, the “Most Feared Fighter in the World” against Winky Wright, the “Most Avoided Fighter in the World” showing the world there are no challenges that won’t be accepted by real champions. This is the type of fight that will showcase Paul’s size, skills and champion’s heart which he’ll need against the man that has virtually beaten every world champion he has faced.”

“I have to give credit to Paul for stepping up to the plate, it’s about time someone did…,” said Chris Lighty, CEO of Winky Promotions. “We’re excited to get Winky back in the ring and pleased that the time is now here. I’m glad we could make this happen. Paul may be younger, but Wink definitely wants it more.”

Wright vs. Williams, a 12 round middleweight bout which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Winky Promotions, will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT.

“These are clearly two of the most avoided fighters in boxing over the last decade and for good reason because they are two of the best,” said Kery Davis, senior vice president HBO Sports. “This should be a tremendous match up of will and skill.”

The name of St. Petersburg, Florida’s Winky Wright (51-4-1, 25 KOs) has signified excellence between the ropes for nearly two decades. A former Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion who made nine successful defenses of his crown, Wright truly broke through on the world scene in 2004 with back-to-back wins over Sugar Shane Mosley. Not one to rest on his laurels, he moved up to middleweight in 2005 and defeated Puerto Rican superstar Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Although he would suffer a decision loss to Bernard Hopkins in 2007, the 37-year-old southpaw is rested, determined and hungrier than ever for his April 11th showdown with Williams.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been this motivated and I can’t wait until the bell rings,” said Wright. “Paul is one of the top young fighters in the game, but he hasn’t seen what I’ve seen or done what I’ve done. This is my time to shine and I won’t let this young fighter steal my spotlight.”

Despite the fact that he’s only 27 years old, Augusta, Georgia’s Paul Williams (36-1, 27 KOs) has done more in eight years in the pro ring than most have done in an entire career. Owner of world titles at welterweight and junior middleweight, Williams is now chasing after glory at middleweight. If his past wins over Antonio Margarito, Carlos Quintana, Sharmba Mitchell and Vernon Phillips are any indication, the 160-pound weight class had better watch out for “The Punisher.”

“I am glad that the fight is on,” said Williams. “This fight has got a big name. Wright has taken the titles from Champions and I’d love to take his reputation. That would add to my legacy. All I know is that everyone says he has got a good defense and nice jab but that doesn’t matter to me – I’m going to get mine in. I’m gonna whoop him and get in there.”

NEW YORK (February 11, 2009) – Many of the leading Irish and Irish-American boxers in the world will gather St. Patrick’s Day Eve (Monday, March 16), including 2004 Olympian Andy Lee and former WBC bantamweight champion Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCulough, to fight on the “Erin Go Brawl II” card, presented by Irish Ropes Promotions at WaMu Theater in the famed Madison Square Garden.

Top middleweight prospect Lee (16-1, 13 KOs) will headline against 3-time world title challenger Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols (31-9-4, 27 KOs) in the 10 round main event. Although he hails from Limerick, Ireland, Lee fights out of the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit and is trained by Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward. Echols is a past multi-regional champion who holds wins against former world champion Charles Brewer, Kabary Salem, Ross Thompson and has fought Bernard Hopkins twice and Anthony Mundine.

Belfast-native McCullough, fighting out of Las Vegas, captured a Silver Medal at the 1992 Olympics. The veteran super bantamweight is in the 10-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.

“The show goes on and, I promise you, ‘Erin Go Brawl II’ is going to be a spectacular show,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin said. “Andy Lee is headlining and a living legend, Wayne McCullough, is in the co-feature. We have a lot of other exciting young Irish fighters in this card.”

Former Irish and Australian national amateur champion, undefeated light welterweight Dean “Irish Lightning” Byrne (10-4, 4 KOs), is also fighting in an 8 round bout. Byrne, training in Los Angeles under Freddie Roach, is a native of Crumlin, Ireland.

Scheduled to fight in 6-rounders are Irish featherweight champion Patrick “Pajo” Hyland (15-0, 8 KOs), of Dublin; Philadelphia by way of Galway middleweight “Slick Fightin’ Irish” Simon O’Donnell (8-1, 5 KOs); Limerick light heavyweight Jamie Power (4-0, 2 KOs) versus Reggie “Concrete” LaCrete (4-0-2, 3 KOs), from Brooklyn; Chicago by way of County Mayo light middleweight Henry “Western Warrior” Coyle (9-1, 8 KOs), 2005 World Military Games champion; Jersey City super featherweight Danny “Little Mac” McDermott (6-1-1, 2 KOs).

Also on the card in 4 round matches are Massachusetts light welterweight Danny O’Connor (3-1, 1 KO), 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate; Brooklyn featherweight Sadam Ali (1-0, 1 KO), 2008 U.S. Olympian.

Tickets went on sale today and are priced at $50.00, $75.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $300.00 and $400.00. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.com as well as Jack Demsey’s in Manhattan, Hilltop in Elmhurst and the Heritage in Yonkers.

For more information call Irish Ropes Promotions (212.868.9543) or go on line to www.irishropespromotions.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Andy Lee: “March 16, St. Patrick’s Day eve – big fight, big Irish show. There are a lot of good Irish fighters on the show like Hyland and Byrne. I’m honored to be sharing the card with one of my heroes, Wayne McCullough, starting when he was in the Olympics and as a pro. He’s been like a mentor to me, always helping me. It’s like I’m being reintroduced in America. I lost my last fight in America and came back strong in my last fight (in Ireland), knocking out Willie Gibbs. I took some time off last year to het my eye heal, If I win this and a few more I should be in the top 10 and knocking on the door for a world title fight.”

Emanuel Steward: “I’m very happy to be here to be part of this show. I always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day Eve in Detroit at O’Halloran’s. But it’s closed, so this year I’m going to stay here an extra day and celebrate with al of the Irish here. There’s a lot of Irish going on and that’s good for boxing. Going back to Wayne, then there was a lull until Andy in 2004 (Olympics). He was the star of Irish boxing. There’s in influx of Irish amateurs – a new generation of Irish fighters – and that’s good for boxing. Andy and John (Duddy) started it coming over here I think that will continue for the next 10 years. Irish fans are the best in the world and they’re spread all over the place. I was raised in an Irish neighborhood. They really support their athletes. It’s going to be a great show in a strong boxing city, especially after what Irish Ropes did with John Duddy to get everything going. In addition to being Andy’s manager and trainer, I like watching him fight. We have three more fights planned after this one and by the end of the year he should be fighting for a world title.”

Wayne McCullough (via video conferencing): “I’m thankful that Irish Ropes and Cedric Kushner for bringing me to the East Coast. I fought there (1998 in Atlantic City) against Naseem Hamed and I fought Daniel Zaragoza in Boston in 1997. My second fight was at Madison Square Garden (WKO3 vs. Sergio Ramirez in 1993). I look forward to returning there. I’m back! I want to get a few fights and hopefully, working with Irish Ropes and Cedric Kushner, fight for a title later this year. It’s going to be great fighting on St. Patrick’s Day Eve in New York City, it’s been a dream, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Danny O’Connor: “I’m excited to come to New York City. I was asked about fighting on a show close to my home (Massachusetts), but I said absolutely not, I want to fight on the St. Patrick’s Day Eve be show in New York City. I’m happy things were finalized and I’m on this card. I went to and Irish Ropes show in Boston and it was amazing. The fans were so loud I couldn’t hear the person seated next to me. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like fighting here March 16. I can’t focus on it right now because I have a fight February 27th (ESPN in Florida). Once that’s cool I’ll be able to concentrate 100-percent on March 16. I can’t wait to showcase my talents in Madison Square Garden.”

Sadam Ali: “This will be my first fight in Manhattan in my second fight. It’s going to be great to be here.”

IT’S A NIGHT OF HEART-POUNDING VALENTINE’S DAY ACTION WHEN

HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®: NATE CAMPBELL VS. ALI FUNEKA

AND ALFREDO ANGULO VS. COSME RIVERA AND SERGIO MARTINEZ VS.

KERMIT CINTRON IS SEEN SATURDAY, FEB. 14, ON HBO

HBO serves up a triple helping of Valentine’s Day excitement when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: NATE CAMPBELL VS. ALI FUNEKA AND ALFREDO ANGULO VS. COSME RIVERA AND SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. KERMIT CINTRON is seen SATURDAY, FEB. 14 (10:00 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT), from the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team of blow-by-blow announcer Bob Papa, commentator Max Kellerman and expert analyst Lennox Lewis will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdate: Feb. 15 (10:30 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Feb. 15 (5:00 p.m.) and 17 (11:30 p.m.)

In the main event, lightweight title-holder Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs), from Tampa, Fla., battles Ali Funeka (30-1-2, 25 KOs), from East London, South Africa in a scheduled 12-round title bout. Campbell became champ last March with a victory over the formidable Juan Diaz on HBO, and is making his first title defense. Funeka, a top contender in the division, is fighting for the first time outside South Africa.

The second bout pits undefeated fast-rising junior middleweight contender Alfredo Angulo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Coachella, Cal. against Cosme Rivera (31-11-2, 22 KOs), from Culiacan, Mexico, in a scheduled ten-round contest. Angulo, whose aggressive ring style and iron chin have made him a star in the division, is facing one of the toughest tests yet in his young career. His opponent, Cosme Rivera, is a savvy ring veteran who has knocked down top fighters Andre Berto and Joel Julio in previous fights. Angulo’s original opponent, Ricardo Mayorga, withdrew from the match.

Starting off the night, junior middleweight sensation Sergio Martinez (44-1-1, 24 KOs) of Madrid, Spain takes on Kermit Cintron (30-2, 27 KOs) of Reading, Pa. in a scheduled 12-round, 154 pound contest. Martinez, who returns to the HBO spotlight following his stunning victory over Alex Bunema on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK last October, is looking to enhance his standing in the division as he works towards a title shot. Cintron, moving up from the welterweight division to take on Martinez, was last seen scoring a victory over Lovemore N’dou in November. His only losses have come at the hands of welterweight star Antonio Margarito.