Setanta Sports and Sauerland Event sign two-year deal
British boxing fans will get a first-hand look at the likes of Nikolai Valuev, Alexander Povetkin and Arthur Abraham in the future after Setanta Sports and Sauerland Event signed an exclusive two-year deal. From January onwards, Setanta will exclusively broadcast one live bout per month in the UK and in Ireland featuring Sauerland boxers. “We are delighted to have signed this deal with Setanta and look forward to working with them over the next two years,” Kalle Sauerland said. “We have an exciting stable of fighters, including WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev, IBF middleweight champion King Arthur Abraham and heavyweight title contender Alexander Povetkin, amongst others. 2009 will be an exciting year for us.”
While undefeated King Arthur (28-0, 23 KOs) will be determined to unify the titles at middleweight in the new year, 2004 Olympic gold medal winner and IBF mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin (16-0, 12 KOs) will be fighting for the IBF heavyweight title, which is currently being held by Wladimir Klitschko. The Russian Giant Nikolai Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs) will also be looking to continue his reign as the tallest and biggest champion of all time. “I am sure British fight fans will be pleased they can now catch all these fights exclusively on Setanta,” Sauerland added. And Setanta Sports Sean O´Hara stated: “This is another fantastic deal for Setanta and proves that we are really ‘the home of boxing’.”
Ring 8 awards dinner Dec. 21 in NYC
NEW YORK (December 10, 2008) – The annual Ring 8 holiday party, featuring an awards dinner and live music, will take place Sunday, December 21 (1 PM/ET) at Tony Mazzarella’s Waterfront Crabhouse (2-03 Borden Ave.) in Long Island City, New York.
Ring 8 award winners this year include Champion of the Year: Paulie Malignaggi; Uncrowned Champion: Brian Adams; Promoter of the Decade: Cedric Kushner; Lifetime Achievement Award: Melvina Lathan, NYSAC Chairperson; Writer of the Year: Sean Sullivan; Ringside Physician Award: Dr. Richard Istrico; Kid Gavilan Humanitarian Award: Bill Tate.
Larsen to fight Cocco on Valuev-Holyfield undercard
Mads Larsen is looking for his 51st win in his 53rd fight when he takes on Italy´s Roberto Cocco in Zurich on December 20. The Golden Boy knows that a good performance will keep alive his chances of fighting for the world title soon. It would be his second world title fight after dropping a close – and controversial – points decision against then-WBA and IBF super middleweight champion Sven Ottke back in September 2003. Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer confirmed he has been in negotiations with IBF champion Lucian Bute to set up a title clash for the 35-year-old Dane, but a final deal has yet to be reached. Therefore it is crucial for Larsen to stay in shape, and in order to do so, he will step into the ring against Cocco.
A win is a must for the man who finds himself in the top 15 in the WBA, WBC and IBF rankings. That is why Larsen has prepared harder than ever before in Berlin´s famous Max-Schmeling Gym under the guidance of Ulli Wegner. “Prior to my last fight in March I worked out in Denmark on my own,” he said. “But it is better to have the coach around. The preparation is harder and you are more disciplined. In the fight against Ross Thompson I noticed that the preparation makes a difference. It is good to be in the gym and have the other guys around – it is a lot of fun to work out with them.”
Larsen stressed that his motivation to become world champion is bigger than ever before. His nine-month ring break was due to family reasons. “I love boxing,” he said. “The most important thing for me is to perform. I can best do that if everything around me is fine and there is a balance. Unfortunately, my mother was sick and I wanted to be close to her, so I took the time and waited until she felt better. That does not mean that boxing is not the most important thing in my life, though. Much on the contrary – it has always been my ambition to win the world title. That has not changed.”
December 10 (Merrillville, In) – “Slug Fest 2009” will mark the return of both Jimmy “Fighting School Teacher” Holmes in the Main Event and “Merciless” Mary McGee in the Co-Main Event, for the Friday, January 23rd, 2009 card when Octavius James/ One In A Million, Inc. in association with Miller Lite call class back into session at the Radisson Hotel @ Star Plaza in Merrillville, In.
A Portion of the Proceeds from this special night will be donated to the Gary Police Athletic League, whose facilities were damaged during the floods that devastated the region, to help purchase them new boxing equipment. The Gary P.A.L. program offers youth an opportunity to better themselves inside and outside of the ring thanks to John Taylor and all his efforts.
“This is an opportunity not only for our fans to enjoy a sensational night of boxing at an incredible venue, but also a chance to help give back to Coach Taylor and (Gary P.A.L.) program that has provided so much to the region over the years,” said One In A Million, CEO Octavius James, of what is shaping up to be an electric night.
In the Main Event, middleweight Jimmy “Fighting School Teacher” Holmes (17-1-2, 9 Kos) will use the New Year to get back on track, as the DeMotte, Ind. resident has been out for months due to injury.
In the Co-Main Event, lightweight “Merciless” Mary McGee (15-0, 9 KOs) looks to stay unblemished, as she makes her much anticipated return to the ring for the first time since successfully defending her coveted NABC Lightweight World Championship at U.S. Steel Yard back in August.
Also Hobart’s undefeated welterweight Ed Ochoa (6-0, 6 KOs) will also be on the card as he squares off against an opponent TBA. This explosive event will also feature Light Heavyweight “The Bulldog” Jimmy Perez Jr. (3-1, 1 Kos) of Hammond, IN., while powerhouse welterweight Marcus Thompkins (2-0) of Michigan City will attempt to stay unbeaten.
Very skilled middleweight Josh Crouch of Schererville (2-0) and a young Chicago-product Orphius Waite (3-0, 3 Kos) look to continue to their young and impressive careers.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at $100 for VIP, $75 VIP ringside, $50 ringside, and $30 general admission. They are available from any Ticket Master location at (219) 791-1234, (312) 559-1212, (866) 438-7372 or
www.TicketMaster.com.
The Radisson Hotel @ Star Plaza is conveniently located at I-65 & US 30 in Merrillville, IN.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The first bout is at 8 p.m.
For more ticket information about this event or future events visit us at: www.oneinamillionboxing.com
HAYEMAKER 5 serves up Appleby-Lindsay duel for Belfast
Irish fight fans could witness one of the domestic fights of 2009 when Belfast hero Martin ‘Mac Man’ Lindsay attempts to snatch the British featherweight title from reigning champion Paul Appleby on March 7 at the Ulster Hall, Belfast.
The fascinating battle of unbeaten prospects will match Hayemaker star Lindsay against Scotsman Appleby, the current Boxing Writer’s ‘Young Boxer of the Year’. The intriguing 12-rounder will be screened live and exclusively on Setanta Sports.
Belfast-born Lindsay, a former amateur standout and unblemished pro, set up his shot at the prestigious Lonsdale title with a stunning, come-from-behind knockout of fellow Hayemaker featherweight Derry Mathews in September. Despite narrowly trailing on the scorecards going into the ninth round, Lindsay uncorked a savage left-hook to emphatically end matters.
At 26 years of age and with 13 pro wins to his name, Lindsay feels the time is right to take Appleby’s coveted prize on March 7.
“It wouldn’t matter who was holding the title – I want that belt,” claims Lindsay, 13-0 (5 KO). “Appleby’s a good young fighter with lots of ability, but nobody is standing in my way of winning the British title.
“Whenever you turn pro, you want to be fighting for the British title, the European title and even bigger titles. You want to be involved in big fights that get people talking. What’s the point in hanging around? I want to get in there and test myself – find out how good I am.”
Edinburgh champion Appleby is one of the outstanding pro talents in Britain. Also 13-0 (8 KO), Appleby has already claimed the scalps of top domestic contenders John Simpson and Esham Pickering. A spiteful puncher to head and body, Appleby, still only 21 years of age, shows no fear in conceding home advantage to mandatory challenger Lindsay.
“This is a great fight for British boxing, and both Appleby and Lindsay are a credit to the sport,” says Hayemaker Head of Boxing Dave Coldwell. “We’re delighted to be able to work again with Tommy Gilmour and Matchroom on this show and are pleased that we came to an agreement to stage this fight in Belfast.
“This fight proves that when so-called ‘rival’ promoters have healthy relationships and are happy to work together, the best domestic fights get made. Paul and Tommy had no hesitation defending the belt in Belfast. Both are very confident in Paul’s ability.”
Hayemaker Director Adam Booth predicts fireworks in the HAYEMAKER 5 main event.
“It’s a brilliant fight,” adds Booth. “Appleby and Lindsay are two of the best prospects in this country and they are getting it on at a time in their careers when many other young fighters would shy away from the fight.
“Appleby’s a great talent but, ultimately, I feel Lindsay’s better amateur pedigree and more patient counter-punching will win him the British title. I can see Martin stopping Appleby in the later rounds.”
*** For more information on HAYEMAKER 5 and other upcoming Hayemaker shows, please visit the official website at www.hayemaker.com.
HYLAND ON ALERT FOR NAPA
IRISH prospect Paul Hyland could be in line for a shock crack at European bantamweight champion Ian Napa.
Hyland (12-1) is set to challenge the Englishman if he defeats fellow Dubliner Eugene Heagney in their home city on Thursday 18th December.
The Irish champion and Heagney settle their differences in a six rounder on the big show at Dublin City University.
Promoter Frank Maloney said: “Ian has a defence lined up next month, but after that it could be Paul’s chance.
“I think Ian is the best bantamweight in Europe by a long way, but Paul is one of the rising contenders and a serious threat.
“If Paul keeps improving his chance to challemge for the European title will come sooner rather than later..
“Napa takes on all comers and what a night it would be if Paul faced Ian and Darren Sutherland box on the same bill.”
Hyland, 24, was based in England early in his professional career but is settled back in Ireland. He lifted the national super-bantamweight crown in July outpointing tough Marc Callaghan
Heagney, 24 (7-1), was stopped in eight rounds in a Irish bantamweight title fight by Colin Moffett 12 months ago.
He got his career back on track in July outpointing Kemal Plavci in a four rounder and is in the mood to cause a big upset.
All eyes will be on Irish Olympic bronze medallist Sutherland who faces Georgi Iliev in a six round super-middleweight clash on his eagerly awaited professional debut.
Rendell Munroe’s European super-bantamweight title defence against Italian champ Fabrizio Trotta tops the DCU bill which will be televised live in Britain and Ireland by Sky Sports.
London based Irishman Martin Power (19-3); the former British bantamweight champion faces a tough test against Gary Davies (7-2-1).
In a special attraction Craig Watson (13-2) defends his Commonwealth welterweight title against Adnan Amar (22-1), a protégé of Dubliner Brendan Ingle.
A third title bout on the bill sees Jason Booth (30-5) risks his Commonwealth bantamweight crown against Sean Hughes (15-7-1).
Kiko Martinez (19-1), who knocked out Bernard Dunne in seconds, boxes a six rounder on the undercard.
Tickets for the big Dublin bill cost 100 Euros and 50 Euros and are available from www.frankmaloney.com, www.ticketmaster.ie. To order from Ireland by phone call 08 18 719300, and from UK 0871 226 1508.
