Please find attached two quotes regarding a potential fight between WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev and WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.
Valuev: “It is true. We want to make it happen.”
Manager Wilfried Sauerland: “I know of a phone conversation between Niko and Vitali. That is why I spoke to Vitali about a potential fight when I met him last weekend at Boris Becker´s wedding. I will get in touch with Vitali in the next days.”
NEW OPPONENT FOR FRES OQUENDO IN CHICAGO,
WEDNESDAY PUBLIC PRESS CONFERENCE AT 7PM
CHICAGO, IL (June 23, 2009) Two time heavyweight world title challenger Fres Oquendo of Chicago, will now face New Jersey native Mark Brown for the WBC Latino Heavyweight Title this Friday night, June 26th, in the ten round main event at the seven bout “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.
Said Pesoli, “There was an issue with his original opponent, Gonzalo Omar Basile getting into the United States from Argentina . Brown is a very tough, heavy handed, heavyweight from New Jersey . He’s won eight in a row and had three knockouts in 2008. He’s coming to fight and I know Fres wants to put on a great performance for the fans so it should be a very good battle.”
Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3”, 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. Tickets will also be available at the door starting at 7pm on the night of the event.
A public press conference for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” will be held at the UIC Pavilion on Wednesday night, June 24th at 7pm. The open to the public weigh-in will be held on Thursday night at 7pm at the Union Park Lounge, 228 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago, just three blocks north of the UIC Pavilion. Fans are encouraged to join their favorite fighters at both events.
Recently signed to Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC, headed by NBA Star Bobby Simmons, Oquendo is looking towards another run at a world championship bout in the near future. The bout against Brown, for the WBC Latino Heavyweight Title, is Oquendo’s first hometown bout in nine years.
Oquendo, 29-5-0 (18KO’s) is coming off a highly controversial split decision loss to former world champion James Toney on December 13th. The bout, broadcast from Cabazon, California on VERSUS, was thought to be amongst the worst decisions of 2008.
Brown, 15-1-0 (7KO’s) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Willie Perryman on April 24th. Prior to that bout, Brown knocked out previously unbeaten Tony Grano on September 27th in Bridgeport , CT for the WBF All-Americas Heavyweight Title.
Co-headlining “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” is an outstanding eight round junior welterweight showdown between undefeated Chicago fan favorite, Ivan Popoca, 10-0-1 (7KO’s) and Tulare, California’s Hector Alatorre, 15-7-0 (5KO’s)
An additional eight round bout at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” is a super middleweight title fight between Chicago’s Andrzej “THE POLISH PRINCE” Fonfara, 12-2-0 (3KO’s) and Rockford, Illinois’ Skyler Thompson, 11-3-0 (9KO’s) for the WBF All-Americas Super Middleweight Title.
In a special feature attraction, Chicago fan favorite Rita “LA GUERA” Figueroa, 10-0-1 (3KO’s) and Lynnwood , Washington native Tammie “THE TASMANIAN DEVIL” Johnson, 3-2-2, will square off once again in an eight round rematch of their draw on March 27th at the inaugural “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT”.
The undercard features three Chicago natives; featherweight Juan Bailon, 4-1-0 (1KO) taking on Denver, Colorado’s Tommy Atencio, 3-1-0 (2KO’s) in a six round bout.
Ryan Smedick, 2-0-1 (1KO) will face Gabriel Morris, 1-1-1 of Toledo, Ohio and Chicago’s Achour Esho, 2-0-0 91KO) will face Maryland’s Dontre King, 1-4-1, both welterweight bouts scheduled for four rounds.
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
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.
For more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxing.com
The bill to sanction MMA in New York couldn’t make it out of the State Assembly to the Senate, for a vote, as the legislature is bogged down with the after-effects of a GOP power grab on June 8.
There are simply too many bills, of greater import to a wider segment of the New York populous, that need to be given an up or down vote, and MMA in NY isn’t a crucial enough issue to enough voters to influence pols.
The legislature reconvenes in January, and insiders say as of now, there is plenty of support to pass the bill.
But NY fans of MMA will have to get their fix out of state, for now…
O’Connor back boxing in Boston
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (June 23, 2009) – Highly active unbeaten prospect Danny O’Connor fights in his first scheduled 6-round bout Saturday afternoon (5:00 PM/ET start) in a junior welterweight Special Attraction against 30-fight veteran Sebastien Hamel at The Roxy in Boston’s famed theater district. The popular Irish-American will be in his seventh fight in eight months since turning pro last September.
“I’m excited to be fighting in my first 6-rounder,” O’Connor said. “It’s going to be a good experience, especially in Boston, where there will be a lot of my people. There’s no additional pressure on me fighting a home, though. I appreciate seeing and hearing all of the support, knowing they came to see me fight.”
2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate O’Connor (6-0, 2 KOs) was impressive in his last fight, easily winning by 4-round decision against 22-fight veteran Travis Hartman on April 25 at Foxwoods. “I felt very relaxed in my last fight,” Danny noted. “It was like a day at the office. I’m really starting to feel confident. I’m going rounds and not feeling tight or anxious. Obviously, I was in great shape, and I’ll be in even better shape for this fight having been in a full strength-and-conditioning program for the first time with my coach, Eric Cressey. All of my work is going to kick-in this fight. I’m in the gym sparring 6, 8 and even 10 rounds. Sparring isn’t the same as fighting, but I’m ready to go six in this fight if it goes the distance. Each fight I’m learning and improving.”
The 24-year-old O’Connor, who defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz a year ago in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet, will fight closer to his Framingham (Mass.) home in front of hundreds of family, friends and fans at The Roxy.
“We’re looking forward to Danny’s first 6-rounder because that’s what separates the men from the boys in professional boxing,” O’Connor’s head trainer and co-manager (with Rob Valle) David Keefe remarked. “We’re moving forward. We have been busy and Danny is ready to move up.”
“We are proud of Danny and the progress he has made,” Seminole Warriors Boxing (O’Connor’s promoter) Leon Margules added. “The people in the Boston area should enjoy seeing the continued development of their great young prospect.”
Tickets, priced at $40.00, $55.00 and $75.00, may be purchased in advance in the Framingham area at Pepperoncini’s (486 Concord St.) or in the Rhode Island area by calling 617.803.8726.
For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.
“DiBella Inks Argenis Mendez!!”
New York (June 23, 2009)- DiBella Entertainment has announced the signing of super featherweight Argenis Mendez (13-1-0, 8 KO’s) to their elite roster of athletes.
Promoter Lou DiBella believes that Mendez will do great things in the sport of boxing. “The kid has a bright future,” said DiBella. “He is a truly talented athlete and knows how to conduct himself in the ring. I look forward to working with him.”
Mendez comes from a spectacular amateur background that shows in his refined ring style. He is a 2004 Olympian from the Dominican Republic and won a silver Medal at the 2004 Junior World Championships. Mendez compiled an outstanding record of 238-12 as an amateur.
Mendez is a technical, heavy handed boxer/puncher that is pleasing to watch in the ring. “He is an intelligent fighter,” said Mendez’s manager Jose Nunez. “Argenis is a superior and accurate counterpuncher. I love his style.”
Mendez, already establishing and proving himself as an excellent pro, has been in the ring with the likes of Luis Sosa, Jose Navarrete, Jaime Sandoval and Arturo Gomez.
“I try to take a lesson from each and every fight,” said Mendez. “I keep learning and improving.”
Mendez , a workaholic, says nothing matters to him more that his family, boxing and his country. “I want to give hope to the Dominican Republic and my family,” said Mendez. “That is why I fight, and I am proud to have Lou DiBella behind me.”
Undefeated WBC No. 1-Ranked Super Lightweight Devon Alexander ‘The Great’
To Face Former WBC 140-Pound Champion
Junior ‘The Hitter’ Witter in Co-Feature
On Card Headlined By Bradley vs. Campbell
Saturday, Aug. 1, Live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT
From THE SHOW at Agua Caliente Resort * Casino * Spa
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (June 23, 2009)—World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” will fight for the vacant WBC super lightweight championship against the former holder of that belt, Junior “The Hitter” Witter, in a tremendous co-feature on Saturday, Aug. 1 at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. (SHOWTIME 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast)
In an interesting twist, Witter lost this title on May 10, 2008, to undefeated Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs), who will defend his World Boxing Organization 140-pound crown against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs) in the main event on this card. In a world title unification, Bradley defeated Kendall Holt on April 4 to capture the WBO belt. Less than a month later, Bradley chose to voluntarily relinquish the WBC strap that Alexander and Witter will be vying for.
“I just found out a few days ago that I’ll be in my first world championship match against Junior Witter on Aug. 1,” Alexander said. “I am so thrilled to be fighting for a world title and against Witter, a fighter I respect. He’s already had the title we’re fighting for, and I feel like it’s my turn now. I’m not stopping my undefeated run for anyone. I’ll never have a chance at the biggest fights in the world against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao unless I win this.”
The promising Alexander (18-0, 11 KOs) is the most highly touted fighter to come out of St. Louis since four-time world champion Cory Spinks. The 22-year-old Alexander is a stablemate of Spinks and has fought as a pro exclusively under the guidance of longtime Spinks’ longtime trainer Kevin Cunningham.
“This is a terrific opportunity for Devon,” Cunningham said. “He’s been preparing for this moment since he was 8 years old when I heard him say he wanted to fight for the ‘green belt’ of the WBC. Now he’s the mandatory challenger. We look forward to bringing home another world championship to the American Gateway City of St. Louis.”
In another sign of stability, legendary boxing promoter Don King remains as Alexander’s only promoter. He signed Alexander after Cunningham brought the boxer to his attention while the young phenom was still in high school.
“I saw something special in Devon from the beginning,” King said. “He doesn’t drink, smoke or take drugs. He takes care of his body. His smile lights up a room. He’s also a great role model for young people. I can’t say enough good things about this talented young man.
“Now he has received an opportunity in the land of opportunity and he plans to make the most of it. Those in attendance at Agua Caliente and watching across America on Showtime are going to see a very special young fighter win his first world title.”
Alexander has stopped 11 of his 18 opponents, including the last three in a row. The only areas he must concede to his opponent are those pertaining to age and experience.
The 35-year-old Witter (37-2-2, 22 KOs), a Brit who is making his second start in the United States, has only lost twice in his long career. Besides Bradley last year, the only other person to beat Witter was then-unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Zab “Super” Judah in 2000.
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Don King Productions and Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa. Tickets go on sale July 3, at 10 a.m. (PT) and will be available for purchase online at www.HotWaterCasino.com/TheShow or by calling (800) 585-3737.
CESTUS PRESS RELEASE
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cestus Fighters Gomez and Luna Jr. Put On Sizzling Wins On ESPN FNF Undercard
By: Cestus Press
This past Friday June 19th 2009, the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo,Texas, was electric as ESPN Friday Night Fights invaded the border city with an action packed six fight card promoted by Banner Promotions. The non televised portion of the undercard saw Cestus Management’s two up-and-coming prospects Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. and Rodolfo “BABY COBRA” Gomez in action in their respective fights.
Things got going quickly with the “BABY COBRA” who was the second fight of the night. The local fan favorite brought the crowd to its feet as the six-foot three-inch punching dynamo faced off against the tough gritty and exciting bruiser Richard Best. Best was a solid step-up fight for the young “Baby Cobra” as he (Best) had been in with fighters of the likes of Ramiro Cano, Oscar Diaz, Ray Sanchez III, Americo Santos and current world champion Kendall Holt.
Gomez came out of the gate utilizing beautiful boxing pumping Best with sharp crisp jabs followed by straight right-hands. Best tried to use his twenty fight experience to get inside which was the strategy that Best would use to try slow Gomez down throughout the fight; in conjunction with using low blows and head butts. The “BABY COBRA” took everything in his stride in the second and third rounds and continued to box effectively from the outside painting Best with jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and straight punches that consistently found their mark. In the last round Best, sensing that he was in a fight that he could not win; went on an all out offensive attack trying to knockout Gomez. Gomez responded back by using his outstanding boxing skills, hitting Best with heavy shots to the head and body and out-gunning Best in the close quarter exchanges. By the end of the last round Gomez had completely busted Best up and it looked like he was glad to hear the final bell ring. Gomez’ record improved to 5-0 (4 Kos) This was a respectable win for Gomez against a very tough and experienced fighter.
The only knockout of the night. was in the final bout of the night which featured Cestus’ “battering ram” Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. who locked horns with the rugged Robert Torres from McAllen, Texas. The fight lasted less than two rounds and ended in a brutal crushing knockout.
Luna Jr. was as exciting as ever as he rushed the game Torres from the opening bell landing vicious shots to the head and body working behind a left jab that was like a piece of wood hitting Torres in the face.The NIGHTHAWK’s non stop buzz saw attack throughout the round and caused the McAllen fighter to buckle on several occasions after Luna Jr’s shots connected; but to Torres’s credit, after getting hit like that, he was still trying to fight back. Torres barely survived the first round onslaught and by the end of the round looked like he had been put through a meat grinder and walked backed to his corner on shaky legs.
As soon as the bell rang for the second round Luna Jr. tore into Torres and the opening minute was explosive. Luna Jr. got straight down to business and went straight into a body attack sinking thudding body shots into Torres’ mid-section followed with a booming left hook to the head that connected flush on Torres’ chin. Luna Jr. was breaking Torres down and mid-way through the round Luna Jr. landed two devastating body shots connecting with a left hook to the liver that sent Torres to the canvas moaning and grimacing in pain. The referee called a holt to the proceedings counting Torres out in one minute fifty three seconds of the second round. With this win, Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. improved to 4-0 (2 Kos).
Gina Iacovou, the company’s CEO, said, “We are so proud of both Robert Luna Jr. and Rudy (Gomez) as they both put on another great performance and really excited the live crowd. The kind of boxing ability and power displayed by both our fighters showed exactly the type of quality that our company produces.”
Mike Michael, the company’s exclusive adviser said, “Robert Luna Jr. and Rudy Gomez put on great performances tonight, both fighters showed their pedigree and great potential as they took care of business in the ring exactly down to the last letter.” We would like to thank Art Pelulo (Banner Promotions), Antony Velasquez (Gente Entertainment), the City of Laredo and the great fans for their continued support.
The televised portion of ESPN FNF’s featured Fernando Beltran Jr. in the main event; also featured were former United States Olympian Demetrius Andrade and “Mean” Joe Green, all three fighters winning their respective fights.
Mike Arnaoutis Faces Doel Carrasquillo on 6/25 in NJ
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
North Bergen, NJ – “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis is pumped and ready for his June 25 return at North Bergen, NJ’s Schuetzen Park this Thursday night. Arnaoutis, 21-3-2 (10 KO), will be fighting in Pound 4 Pound Promotions’ “Summer Rumble” 10-round main event this Thursday night against Puerto Rican knockout artist Doel Carrasquillo.
“I’m looking forward to fighting in front of all my fans,” says Arnaoutis, a native of Athens, Greece but now residing in Atlantic City, NJ. “It’s going to be a great night. I promise to put on a great show for the fans and prove that I’m here to stay. Boxing is my life and I won’t stop until I win the world title.”
Arnaoutis is coming off a loss to Victor Ortiz on HBO this past March. For this fight Arnaoutis has rejoined trainer Bill Johnson in Atlantic City. Arnaoutis held the USBA and NABO junior-welterweight titles and has faced the very best in the 140 pound division, including three world champions.
Carrasquillo is 12-11-1 (10 KO) and resides in Lancaster, PA. He has scored several spectacular wins, including a third round knockout of The Contender star Aaron Torres. He also scored a first round KO against 13-0 Wayland Willingham and a fourth round KO of 13-0 Isam Khalil.
“I want to thank Pound 4 Pound Promotions, Pat and John Lynch for believing in me and giving us the opportunity to come back,” said Arnaoutis. “Most importantly, I want to thank the Greek fans who continue to support me in Astoria, Queens and the entire Greek community. We’ll be there till the end.
“I’m still the champion of Greece and I won’t let you down. Thanks for believing in me.”
Schuetzen Park is located at 3167 Kennedy Blvd in North Bergen, NJ. First bout begins at 6:30 PM. For more information on Mike Arnaoutis, visit http://www.mightymikearnaoutis.us/
The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer promotion
a sure knockout
3-day boxing spectacular Oct. 2-4 at the Paris Las Vegas
– Holmes, Hearns and Duran confirm attendance at Greatest Ever Boxer weekend
- Jury to release nominations to global vote June 22
- Al Bernstein to host Greatest Ever awards night October 4
LAS VEGAS (June 22, 2009) – The age-old question about who the all-time greatest boxers are will soon be answered thanks to The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer promotion, presented by Greatest Ever Enterprises.
Muhammad Ali was the self-proclaimed Greatest. Was it really Ali or Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Willie Pep, or Henry Armstrong? How about modern day boxers such as Joe Calzaghe, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Manny Pacquiao?
On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to weigh in on the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes from, heavyweight to flyweight, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “Greatest Ever”.
A nominations committee of boxing experts leads the debate and selection of the boxers. Upon reading a consensus, the nominated boxers will be put forward to a global public vote.
The nominations committee is 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 (head of boxing for pan-European sports channel Eurosport) and Ron Borges (boxing journalist and Hall of Fame committee member).
“We’re asking ourselves what it means for a fighter to be regarded as ‘great’,” said Thomas Hauser. “In making my decisions, I’m looking at each fighter’s record, his record against other elite fighters, and his impact on the sport. Other jurors might have different criteria or use the same criteria with different results. Many outstanding fighters won’t be on the final nominations list. We expect discussion and debate. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?”
Legendary TV presenter Al Bernstein and host of the Greatest Ever Awards night, proclaims, “I am delighted to be a part of this. We now live in an age where this kind of public participation and debate is possible. For the first time we are going to know what boxing fans around the world really think. It will be fascinating to see how they weigh-in with their votes. This program is a celebration of our sport and our great fighters. It is an appropriate time to remember them and what they have achieved.”
Judging is expected to be complete and the nominees’ names released on Wednesday June 24th.
HOLMES, DURAN and HEARNS CONFIRM ATTENDANCE
World Boxing legends Larry Holmes, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns are the first fighters to confirm they will be in Las Vegas for the Greatest Ever weekend of events. All nominated fighters will be invited to attend once the nominees have been released by the nominations committee.
“This is going to be a great weekend,” said former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. “I don’t know if I have been nominated yet but I fully expect to be. My record stands up to anyone’s and you have to look at the quality of the guys I fought. I think the fight publically recognizes that I am one of the ‘Greatest Ever’ and I hope they will vote for me. But more importantly, this is a celebration of all our achievements and the sport of boxing.”
“There is no sport tougher than boxing and there is no sport with so many globally known athletes. I want to be in the same place with all these other great fighters. This isn’t going to happen again. This is special and we realize that.”
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 Oct. 2-4 at Paris Las Vegas, commencing with an official welcome reception and official weigh in for the following evening’s professional boxing show, presented by Sterling Promotions, featuring Team USA versus Team Europe, and 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.
Don Ross, Vice President of Conventions, Catering and Events for Harrahs Entertainment (parent organization of Paris Las Vegas) states, “We are delighted that Greatest Ever is coming to Paris Las Vegas. The resort is a perfect location, in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, to bring together this renowned group of athletes. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime weekend with the legends.”
The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity for The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer. Greatest Ever will run a number of special initiatives with RBF, the only charitable beneficiary of the promotion, in conjunction with the event weekend as well as other soon-to-be-announced programs. RBD 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 (914.941.366); 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.
***WBA: No unification fight***
The WBA heavyweight title will not be at stake tonight when IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev, the WBA´s “champion in recess“, fight in Gelsenkirchen. That has been confirmed by the WBA in a statement on their webpage, www.wbanews.com. “Please be informed that the WBA will not complete its review of either the matter relating to the cancelled Helsinki heavyweight title bout or the recent Chagaev special permit request until after 21 June 2009, nor has it sanctioned any heavyweight title unification bout,” Legal Director Robert E. Mack states.