“CAYMAN KNOCKOUT” BOXERS HIT THE BEACH FOR OPEN PUBLIC WORKOUT
ELECTRIFIED BEACH CROWD GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH PRINCIPALS SET TO HIGHLIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT’S CARIBBEAN PRO BOXING EXTRAVAGANZA
George Town, Grand Cayman, (June 16, 2008) – A quintet of primary talent to be featured on Friday night’s pro boxing spectacular – along with promoter Dan Goossen and the Honourable Charles E. Clifford, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce — took to the beach on Grand Cayman today as part of an open workout to promote the event to be held at the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal in the Grand Cayman capital city of George Town and presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
Led by 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Andre Ward (15-0, 10 KOs) and 2000 Dominican Republic Olympic representative Jerson Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs) – whose scheduled 12-round NABO Super Middleweight Title bout – will be the featured main event on Showtimes’s “SHOBOX: The New Generation” telecast (11 PM ET/PT), the five boxers – endured the toasty but beachgoer-friendly 90-degree temperatures under bright, sunny tropical skies to display their well-conditioned physiques and well-honed skills hitting the mitts, shadow boxing and jumping rope. Defending USBA Heavyweight Champion “Fast” Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs), his challenger, Raphael Butler (31-4, 24 KOs) and former world champion and Irish Olympic Silver Medalist Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough (27-6, 18 KOs) were also participants in the workout session.
This was all followed by photograph sessions with Minister Clifford and Dan Goossen on the white beach sands, and in waist-high ocean waters with groups of the many excited fans who came to see the boxers who have traveled long distances to provide locals and tourists alike with a world class boxing event. The boxers also stayed after to sign personalized photos and posters for their throng of admirers.
FIGHTER QUOTES
Andre Ward: “I’m just excited to be here in the Cayman Islands for this unique event on the beach. I’m just read to go. I’m prepared. I’ve been away from my family. I’m getting antsy, so I’m just ready to go and fight on a beautiful island like this for my first title. I’m just excited to put on a show for the beautiful people on this island and for the Showtime audience on Friday night.”
“My first daughter was born a few days ago. My wife and I have 2 other boys and this is our first girl. Being mature now and have watched her go though three pregnancies, she is the real champion in our house and a big inspiration coming into this fight.”
“Jerson Ravelo is coming. He’s 31 years old and probably getting his last shot at making some noise in his career and the 168-pound division. I want to get the best Jerson Ravelo in the ring, because the best Jerson Ravelo is going to bring out the best in Andre Ward.”
Jerson Ravelo: “Good thoughts, man. I felt good about working out in there. I wish I was fighting right now actually. I didn’t get tired. The sun didn’t drain me. I ran this morning and it was just as hot. So, I am ready. Plus, I come from the Dominican Republic and we have the same type of weather. Before I came down here the weather back in New Jersey was 107 one day, 105 the next. I was running during the times that the sun was the hottest to get used to it, so I’m ready. I’m going for a win. I know Andre will be too. We’re both good fighters and whoever wants it most is going to wind up winning the fight.”
Eddie Chambers: “It was a nice thing. A lot of people showed up. This is the first time I’ve ever been to the Caymans and it’s a very, very beautiful place. So, I’m just so happy to show what I have down here to the people of the Cayman Islands. I’m expecting a victory, no matter how I get it. They should expect to see a lot more from me than they saw the last time. So, I’m gonna come out, box well and if a knockout comes, it comes.”
Raphael Butler: “It’s hot out here man, but it’s a good energy down here. The people down here are very excited about the fight, so I feel good about that. I’m definitely ready to go Friday night. I’ve been working really hard for this fight. So I’ll be ready to go in there and fight my fight. If I fight my fight, it won’t matter what Eddie Chambers brings.”
Wayne McCullough: “I live in Vegas now where it is very hot, but it is both hot and humid here. The heat doesn’t bother me, it’s just the humidity. But I’m in great condition and I’ll make it through it. This is a beautiful place and has great people. Good boxing fans for sure. I’m looking for a knockout on Friday night.”
