News Beat: Giampa, Byrd, Guzman, Shobox

VETERAN BOXING JUDGE RETIRES TO PURSUE CAREER AS BOXING CONSULTANT

Las Vegas, Nev. – Chuck Giampa, one of the top boxing judge’s in the world, has retired from his position as a boxing judge to pursue a career as a boxing consultant and continue as a sports columnist. Giampa was appointed as a judge in 1984 and has had an illustrious career, judging many memorable championship fights including the Holyfield-Tyson II “Bite Night” fight and the Holyfield-Bowe “Fan Man” fight. He has judged over 120 world championship fights in addition to many regional and international title fights in Italy, England, Wales, France, Germany, Panama, Argentina, Korea and Japan.

“I love boxing,” said Giampa. “I cherish the years I’ve had as a judge with some of the greatest people in the sport. I’m now going to the next level by becoming directly involved with the teams of these professional athletes.”

As an insurance broker since 1969, Giampa will also be the first insurance broker in Nevada specializing in the insurance needs of sports figures. He is president of Network Insurance Services, Inc. as well as Chuck Giampa & Associates, Inc., both based in Las Vegas.

STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM TRAINING WITH FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS BYRD TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS HELPING EACH OTHER PREPARE FOR BIG FIGHTS

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2008)—IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham isn’t sitting around waiting for his next fight. The champ is currently in Las Vegas helping former IBF Heavyweight champion Chris Byrd prepare for his maiden voyage into the Light-Heavyweight ranks when Byrd takes on Shaun George May 16th in Las Vegas.

Cunningham, 21-1 with eleven knockouts is in camp with Byrd for the fourth time and familiarity seems to bring success for the two fighters.

“It’s a great situation for me to be able to come out here and work with one of the craftiest and best boxers of the past decade.” said the currant Cruiserweight champ, “I think because we have similar lifestyle for which we have a strong belief in Jesus and we are devoted family men helped build a great friendship. Because of the friendship, I think we bring the best out of each other and want to push each other to make ourselves the best we can be.“

When asked about working with Cunningham, Byrd, 40-4-1 with twenty-one knockouts, said “Every time we work together, even for me who has been around the block, it’s a learning experience. Even more so now that I am a light-Heavyweight because of his speed and power. I can’t get away with anything with him. It’s very equal competition. He is the best cruiserweight in the world Bar None.”

“Because of out similar mentalities we are on the same page.”

Byrd and George will fight at The Cox Pavilion and the fight will be televised on ESPN-2

IRATE JOAN GUZMAN INSISTS HE WAS GOOD TO GO, READY TO FIGHT

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Lightweight Champion Joan Guzman doesn’t believe Scotland-native Alex Arthur, the interim champion, has the heart or desire to fight him for the full version of the title.

“I don’t understand what the hold up is,” said Guzman, who is promoted by San Diego-based Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “Forget everything you’ve heard or read from Arthur and his promoter about me having visa problems. It’s all a smoke screen.

“The truth is, I received my visa on April 24 and was ready to travel to Scotland the next day. I was packed and ready to go. I was excited.

“I could have easily fought him on the original date (May 3). I don’t know why the fight needed a new date other than the fact that Arthur is flat-out scared of me. He was looking for an excuse to postpone this fight because he knew he was going to get destroyed and embarrassed in front of his hometown fans.

“This only makes me angrier. I want to get my fists on him now more than ever before. This guy is in for a real beating. He’s going to get scotch-taped like you wouldn’t believe.”

Guzman was scheduled to defend his WBO 130 pound title this Saturday, May 3, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He received his visa a little later than expected, but he feels he got it in plenty of time for the fight to happen.

“The visa issue wasn’t even a big deal,” Guzman said. “All the paperwork was in order. I’m convinced Arthur is afraid of me. If he really wanted the fight he would tell his promoter to get us a new, immediate date. It has been nearly a week and we haven’t heard a thing.”

Star Boxing Announces VARGAS-BRUNELLI ADDED TO MAY 9 ESPN2 FIGHTS

Bronx, NY – Apr 30, 2008 – 2004 U.S. Olympic team captain Devin Vargas (15-0 6 KO) will battle Philadelphia tough guy Dave Brunelli (8- 3 3 KO) in an 8 round Heavyweight bout, May 9th, 2008, taking place at Bally’s Atlantic City and to be telecast live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

This will mark the television debut of Vargas who looks to place himself in the mix of young American Heavyweight prospects. Vargas had a storied amateur career culminating with a win over fellow undefeated prospect Chazz Witherspoon, which gave Vargas the Olympic team spot in 2004. Devin brings a crowd pleasing style into the ring with him and is very sound technically. He will face a stern test when he steps into the ring with Philadelphian brawler Dave Brunelli.

Brunelli does not have the amateur background of Vargas but has learned his trade the hard way, in the tough gyms of Philadelphia. Brunelli has become a fan favorite in the Philly area because of his brawling style and willingness to do what it takes to win. Brunelli is very excited about this opportunity and plans to make the most of it. Whatever happens, you can be assured that this will be an all action affair.
Star Boxing head Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the match, “I am very excited that the public will finally get a chance to see Devin Vargas in action. Devin is a good looking, young prospect and I expect big things out of him.”

The main event is a 12 round Jr. Welterweight fight between “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (18-2-2 9 KO) and Lanardo Tyner (19-0 11KO) for Arnaoutis’ USBA title.

Above: Devin Vargas

Tickets can be purchased from TicketMaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1 800 736-1420 or Star Boxing at 718 823- 2000. For media credentials, please click here.

Star Boxing

About Star Boxing
Star Boxing has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing’s stable features world- class athletes and has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.

To Read More About Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing Visit: http://www.starboxing.com

2004 U.S. OLYMPIAN ANDRE DIRRELL TO TAKE ON ONCE-BEATEN ANTHONY HANSHAW ON SHOBOX

Friday, May 2, 2008, at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez, California

NEW YORK (April 30, 2008) – In a match-up of top super middleweight prospects, undefeated 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell (14-0, nine KOs) will take on once-beaten Anthony Hanshaw (21-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Friday, May 2, live on SHOWTIME (ShoBox: The New Generation, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

In the co-feature, the promising and once-beaten Antonio DeMarco (18-1-1, 13 KOs) will take on undefeated Juan Castaneda (12-0, nine KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

The SHOWTIME event will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and originate from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.

Dirrell, who won the bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games, will continue his recent step-up in opposition. The hard-hitting southpaw is coming off of a third-round TKO over Shannon Miller on Feb. 1, 2008.

According to Dirrell’s trainer and grandfather, Leon Lawson, the former Olympian and 24-year-old Flint, Mich., native is ready for the next step.

“Andre has looked good with everyone he steps in the ring with,” said Lawson, who also trains Andre’s brother and fellow undefeated super middleweight prospect, Anthony. “He has been sparring with the best, and I know he can fight with the best.”

In June 2007, Dirrell faced his toughest opponent to date when he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow prospect Curtis Stevens on national television. The fans and many at ringside voiced their displeasure at the lack of action throughout the contest.

“A lot of the fans know that wasn’t me, but people are going to criticize,” Dirrell said. “I can understand how everybody felt about the fight, but that wasn’t me that night. They will see a lot better performance from me this time.”

Dirrell has studied Hanshaw’s fights on tape in preparation for their upcoming bout.

“I am just going to keep Hanshaw on the outside and put my punches together,” Dirrell said. “I will come away with a good outcome and a really good, crowd-pleasing performance. Just look out for a new Andre.”

Currently training at the Police Athletic League Gym in Winter Haven, Fla., Dirrell praised his upcoming opponent.

“Hanshaw is a good fighter. I have known him since the amateurs, and remember that he won five or six Ohio State Fair championships. Nobody else had done that. He is going to be my toughest opponent yet. There is no doubt about it.”

Hanshaw, a once-beaten legitimate prospect of Warren, Ohio, has an impressive training regimen of his own. He has been training in Houston, Texas, with 2003 World Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer of the Year Ronnie Shields.

Despite the fact that his upcoming opponent won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, Hanshaw said that his resume is more impressive.

“Dirrell is up and coming, but he is going to be a little bit too small,” Hanshaw said. “I am going to be too strong for him, especially with me coming back down from light heavyweight to my natural weight.

“Dirrell is a runner, but I’m going to be right on him. He still fights like an amateur. After I slow him down with the body shots, I’ll knock him out in the sixth or seventh round.”

Under the tutelage of Shields, the 30-year-old Hanshaw is in good company. The former three-time light welterweight Golden Glove Champion has trained Mike Tyson, Vernon Forrest, Pernell Whitaker and Evander Holyfield.

“Shields and I have been working on what we are going to do, and I’m going to be right there in Dirrell’s face,” Hanshaw said. “It is going to be a hell of a fight. I am going to take him out of there.

“Being trained by a guy like Ronnie gives me extra motivation. Knowing that he was worked with some of the best fighters in history makes me push it even harder. He is a hell of a trainer.”

A good judge of talent, Shields knows that Hanshaw has the skills to move to the next level.

“Hanshaw has a lot of potential, he always has,” said the renowned trainer. “The thing is you have to bring it out of him. That’s what we are trying to do now.

“Of course I’m confident that he has the abilities to beat Dirrell. Andre moves a lot and is a sneaky counter puncher, but I think Hanshaw is the bigger stronger guy and he should be able to impose his will. Dirrell wants to move, but Hanshaw will make him exchange punches.”

The sole blemish on Hanshaw’s record is a decision loss to future Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr., on July 14, 2007. Hanshaw was impressive in the bout, which was fought at 175 pounds.

Shields knows that this is an important fight for Hanshaw, especially coming off of the loss to Jones, Jr.

“Dirrell is a good fighter and this is a big step up,” Shields said. “Outside of Roy Jones, this is the biggest fight of his career. Hanshaw is focused and ready to prove that he has what it takes to become a champion.”

Play-by-play announcer Nick Charles and expert analyst/boxing historian Steve Farhood will call the action from ringside. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.

AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK RETURNS TO HP PAVILION THURSDAY, JUNE 5 AT 7:30 P.M.SPECIAL GUEST TOMMY MORRISON TO ATTEND AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK

American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank is proud to announce that Tommy Morrison will be in attendance at the June 5, 2008 boxing event. Morrison will be onsite on June 5, the night of the fights, at HP Pavilion and will be available for interviews with the media. He will also address season ticket holders, sign autographs for fans in attendance on the night of the fight and sit ringside to watch the action.

Tommy Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KO’s) won the WBO Heavyweight Championship in 1993 by beating “Big” George Foreman. That exposure captured the eye of Sylvester Stallone who immediately cast Tommy in the upcoming film “Rocky V”. Tommy played the tough, street wise character of Tommy Gunn. However, in 1997 he was forced to retire after testing positive for HIV. Morrison successfully disputed those results recently, which has opened the door for a boxing comeback. He has since fought twice knocking out both of his opponents.

For a bio of Morrison click on link below:

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=1465&cat=boxer

HEAVY WEIGHT MANUEL “EL TORO” QUEZADA TO HEADLINE JUNE 5 CARD

The June 5 edition of American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank will feature main event fighter Manuel Quezada (22-4, 15 KO’s), a native of Wasco, CA.

Bringing size and experience into the ring, Quezada brings an impressive string of wins dating back to February 23, 2006. This fighter with a heavy hand has won his last 11 fights and is hoping to keep that streak alive.

This will be Quezada’s second appearance at HP Pavilion; the last time was back in November of 2002 when he knocked out his opponent Sean Johnson in the second-round of a four-round match. Celaya will be fighting Las Vegas native Teki “African Prince” Oruh (14-1-1, 6 KO’s).

For a bio of Quezada click on the link below:

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=58846&cat=boxer
For a bio of Oruh click on the link below:

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=61173&cat=boxer

JOSE CELAYA AND RICARDO CORTES, TWO OF THE BAY AREA’S FINEST BOXERS TAKE ON EACH OTHER FOR A 10 ROUND JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

One of the most interesting match-ups in American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank history pairs Jose “Cuate” Celaya (31-4, 16KOs) out of Salinas, CA and San Jose native Ricardo “El Guero” Cortes (22-2-1, 15KOs) on June 5 at HP Pavilion at San Jose.

Celaya is very familiar with American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank, as this will be his sixth time fighting at the venue since 2002. His last fight was September 2007 at HP Pavilion when his fight was scheduled for ten-rounds but ended when he knocked out his opponent Steve Walker in the first- round.

Celaya has been undefeated when fighting at the Tank and will be looking to keep his winning record alive in June at American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank.

For a bio on Celaya click on the link below:

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=20892&cat=boxer

Cortes (22-2-1, 15 KO’s), a native of San Jose, is also no stranger to Bay Area boxing fans and American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank. Since the event began in 2002, Cortes has appeared 13 times at HP Pavilion this being his fourteenth. Cortes, a Super Middleweight, has been boxing professionally since he was 20 and is known for his powerful punches and skillful moves.

His last fight at The Tank was back in November of 2007, when he knocked out his opponent Joshua Onyango in the second-round of a ten-round bout.

Cortes has also fought the tough and experienced Jose Spearman to a six -round unanimous decision in front of a sold out crowd in Los Angeles on the under card of the HBO televised Paul Williams vs. Antonio Margarito Welterweight Championship fight in July 2007.

For a bio of Cortes click on the link below:

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=113472

RENOWNED BOXING ANALYST AL BERNSTEIN TO WRITE E-NEWSLETTERS FOR AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK

Radio host and boxing analyst Al Bernstein seems to do it all and now he can add American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank to his long list of credentials. Bernstein has signed on to write a series of six e-newsletters called “Al’s Insights” that will span throughout the 2008 AM&I Fight Night at the Tank season. Anyone can receive these e-newsletters from Al – sign up by going to www.fightnightatthetank.com or by clicking here. The e-newsletters will discuss recent boxing news, trends in boxing and analysis of upcoming AM&I Fight Night at the Tank events.

In the late 1970s, Bernstein wrote for Ring Magazine and Boxing Illustrated, providing feature articles and coverage of major fights. In 1980, he wrote Boxing for Beginners, an instruction-historical book on boxing.

In 1992 and 1996, Bernstein served as a boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympic Games. From 1999-2002, he served as a sports anchor for Fox 5 News in Las Vegas. Bernstein currently serves as a boxing analyst for Showtime and for 20 years was the boxing voice of ESPN. He served as analyst on the Top-Rank boxing series and wrote and hosted shows on ESPN Classic. For four years Bernstein hosted The Al Bernstein Sports Party on ESPN Radio 920 in Las Vegas; Bernstein lives in Henderson, Nevada.

For more information about the 2008 American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank season go to www.fightnightatthetank.com.

AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK INCREASES CROWD INVOLVEMENT WITH “YOU BE THE JUDGE”

Boxing is back, Bay Area! 2008 American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank is bringing back big fights, lots of excitement and, of course, hard hitting professional boxing matches with a twist. For this new season of AM&I Fight Night at the Tank there has been a new aspect added to increase crowd involvement and overall excitement. It’s called “You Be The Judge”. The crowd will get to judge the first four undercard bouts and choose their favorite boxer by round of applause. The fighter with the best fight and who receives the loudest crowd encouragement will win a trophy – the AMI Cup – and an extra $500 bonus to take home.

TICKET INFORMATION FOR AMERICAN METAL & IRON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TANK

Individual tickets can be purchased at the HP Pavilion ticket office, at Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout the Bay Area, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (408) 998-TIXS, (415) 421-TIXS or (510) 625-TIXS. For more information about season tickets or group discounts call (408) 999-6808 or go to www.fightnightatthetank.com.