Valuev extends contract through 2011
Three weeks ahead of his clash with John Ruiz for the vacant WBA heavyweight title, Nikolai Valuev has extended his contract with Sauerland Event and the cooperation with Don King through 2011. The decision came easily, said the Russian Giant. “I am happy we got everything sorted out last Saturday. I am glad I just missed one day of practice,” he stated. “Five years ago I joined Sauerland Event and ever since then my career has taken a much more professional and organised course.”
The next highlight could follow on August 30 when Valuev comes face-to-face with Ruiz in Berlin. “I want to win the title back,” the former WBA champion (48-1, 34 KOs) said.
Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer was equally delighted about the contract extension. “We have proven in the last couple of years that we can work together well,” Meyer said. “We look forward to continuing the successful cooperation. Nikolai´s signature is a very important part of our future plans. Everybody was convinced that it would be best to sign the contract before the next fight. For us it was important to show Nikolai that he has our full backing. The axis between St. Petersburg, Berlin and Fort Lauderdale will remain alive.”
DIBELLA INKS KERMIT CINTRON
Former Welterweight Champion Newest Addition to DBE Roster
NEW YORK (August 8, 2008) – DiBella Entertainment has signed former welterweight champion Kermit “The Killer” Cintron (29-2, 27 KO’s) to a promotional agreement. “I am happy to work with Kermit,” said DBE head Lou DiBella. “He is a tough, quick, aggressive fighter in the ring and a class act out of it. It’s a wide open welterweight division. Kermit is a devastating puncher and certainly has the ability to win another world title.”
“I’m definitely happy,” Cintron said. “I think that Lou DiBella has the right people around him. He’s a very good promoter who can take me back to the top.”
Cintron captured the IBF Welterweight title in 2006, knocking out Mark Suarez (25-3, 13 KO’s) in the sixth round. Cintron then made two successful defenses in 2007, the first in July with a second round knockout of highly touted Argentinean Walter Dario Matthysse (26-4, 25 KO’s) in Atlantic City. Cintron followed that impressive win when he pulled off a tenth round knockout of an extremely game Jesse Feliciano.
Cintron is looking to get back into the thick of the division after dropping his title to Antonio Margarito (37-5, 27 KO’s). “Kermit is still a young man in the prime of his career, and losing to a fighter the caliber of Margarito is certainly no disgrace,” said DiBella. “Kermit is an intelligent athlete who knows exactly what he has to do to get to the top of the most talented division in boxing. We will help him get there.”
WBO SANCTIONS JULIO-VARELA BOUT FOR 154 LB. LATIN TITLE
TOTOWA, NJ (August 12, 2008) – The August 13 bout between Joel Julio and Jose Varela will now be sanctioned as the WBO 154 lb. Latin Title, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The bout, which will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL, will remain a 10 round contest. Both the Julio-Varela and the Greene-Torres bouts will be broadcasted live on ESPN2’s “Wednesday Night Fights”, beginning at 9:00 pm ET.
Julio (33-1, 30 KO’s) is ranked #4 by the WBC and the IBF, #2 by the WBO, and #6 by the WBA. The 23-year-old Monteria, Colombia native has stopped 21 opponents within the first three rounds. He has won his last six bouts, three by knockout. In his last bout on April 30, 2008, Julio defeated Ishe Smith (W 10).
Varela (23-3, 16 KO’s) has won five of his last six bouts. The 31-year-old Chinandega, Nicaragua native has stopped 11 opponents within the first three rounds. On October 13, 2006, Varela captured the WBC Continental Americas Jr. Middleweight Championship by defeating Manuel Gomez (W 12).
Spina fighting way out of funk
“August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI
PROVIDENCE (August 12, 2008) – Power punching Joey “KO Kid” Spina is fighting his way out of a funk that started nearly two years ago when he lost his first pro fight to Providence cross-town rival The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., who, ironically, tops the August 22nd “August Annihilator” pro boxing card that Spina is fighting on in the co-feature.
WBC rated No. 20 contender Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), star of The Contender Season One, fights Donny “The Savage” McCrary (24-7-2, 13 KOs), star of The Contender Season Three, in the 12-round main event for the NABF Interim super middleweight title, headlining “August Annihilator” at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
“August Annihilator” part is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network. The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.
Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion takes on former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round super middleweight bout. Since his only loss to Manfredo, Spina has won three straight against Shannon Miller, Henry Mayes and David Whittom.
Now rated No. 12 by the WBO as a light heavyweight, Spina has rededicated himself and is working with a new head trainer, Jose Santos. “The loss started a downward spiral because I really didn’t think I’d lose,” Spina explained. “And I broke my hand in that fight. Now, I’m focused on my career, living back at home in Providence (rather than Las Vegas), and fighting to get back to where I was. It was tough fighting in six-round bouts after being in 10 and 12 round fights. I made six figures (vs. Manfredo) and then I was fighting for a few thousand. I was fighting at 176 and I’m making my way back to super middleweight. This fight is at 170. I fought a long time at 168 and I think I’m stronger at that weight, but I’m rated at light heavyweight, and I’ll fight anywhere between 168 and 175.
“This is a big fight for me. Strohl’s 27-5 with 21 knockouts. He’s a big puncher who has come down from heavyweight. I boxed him a lot when I lived in Las Vegas. He’s slow but very strong and always in great shape. I know all about him and I’m a better boxer. I’m going to win impressively, if not by knockout, I’ll outbox him badly. He’s going to be right in front of me and he’ll keep coming. I have to sit down on my punches. I haven’t been getting as many knockouts because the opposition has been better than the guys I fought earlier in my career. I can still put people to sleep.”
On the undercard in a pair of six-round super middleweight bouts, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) faces Lowell (MA) brawler “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs) in an old fashioned throw-down.
Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), squaring off against Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Former world title challenger, Greek featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), takes on Adawirky Lopez (1-0), who is a Pan-Am Games gold medal winner, in another six-round match.
Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) tangles with pro debuting Clarence Smith in a four rounder. Providence junior lightweight Omar Pena, who was a 9-time New England Golden Gloves champion, managed by Gary “Tiger” Balletto, fights an opponent to be determined. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “August Annihilation” are priced at $40.00, $50.00 (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club SOLD OUT) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Events Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth (2nd floor) at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in Providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “August Annihilation.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
STAR BOXING RETURNS TO ATLANTIC CITY WITH ALL NEW JERSEY DOUBLE HEADER
WORLD RATED JERSEY BOXERS, “MIGHTY” MIKE ARNAOUTIS AND KEVIN “KINGPIN” JOHNSON SHARE CENTER STAGE SEPTEMBER 5, 2008
Bronx,NY – Aug 11, 2008 On September 5th at the Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns with yet another sensational night of boxing. Mike Arnaoutis and Kevin Johnson, two of Star’s top fighters will be showcasing their goods in a special double feature.
“I’m really looking forward to this card,” said CEO of Star Boxing Joe DeGuardia. “Anytime you have either of these guys fighting as the main event on a show it’s going to be an exciting night of boxing. Now that we have both Kevin and Mike on the same card together, I can only begin to imagine what Bally’s is going to be like that night. We feel that both Mike and Kevin are ready to challenge for major world titles and we expect them to both look spectacular and put on a great show come September 5th,” stated DeGuardia.
Ken Condon, Sports and Entertainment Consultant for Bally’s Atlantic City states that once again, “Bally’s Atlantic City will host an incredible night of boxing action on September 5th. Both main events feature, not only local fighters, but local fighters that excite fans and leave everything they have in the ring. Arnaoutis has really connected with the Atlantic City fans, and we’re excited to get a look at Kevin Johnson during his rise to top of the heavyweight division. This is shaping up to be must see fight card.”
In the main event WBO #11, IBF #14″Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (19-2-2, 9KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on power punching Nasser Athumani (20-6, 16KO’s) of South Egg Harbor, NJ in a ten round jr. welterweight contest.
Arnaoutis has become a fan favorite here in the U.S., particularly in his adopted hometown of Atlantic City, for his non-stop, always exciting, aggressive style. Bally’s will be packed with Arnaoutis’s large Greek fan base, waving their flags, banging their drums and chanting for the “Pride of Greece”, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis.
JOHNSON TAKES ON FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP
In the second co-main event of the evening the WBA #7 rated heavyweight in the world, and top American heavyweight hopeful Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (19-0-1, 6KO’s) of Asbury Park, NJ takes on former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Bruce “The Atlantic City Express” Seldon (38-6, 34KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ. Johnson has continuously climbed the heavyweight ranks since he first turned pro back in 2003 and a win over Seldon should solidify his position for a heavyweight championship bout. This fight is very important for Johnson not only for what a victory does for his career, but also it is a chance to take care of a personal vendetta against Seldon. Seldon has been calling out Johnson for some time now and Johnson has seemingly had enough. Upon receiving a direct letter from Seldon, Johnson called his promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing to set the fight up so that he can once and for all send the former world champion Seldon into retirement.
A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are priced at $90 and $60 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1(800)736-1420 or going online to ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823- 2000 or by going online to www.starboxing.com
Albert vs. Duran Title Fight Headlines
“KnockOut Poverty” All-African Pro Boxing Show
Tuesday night, Sept. 23 at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City
NEW YORK CITY (August 12, 2008) – The IBF African light middleweight title will be on the line September 23 when veterans Eromosele “Bad Boy” Albert and Ossie Duran square-off in the 12-round main event for the vacant IBF Continental African light middleweight title, headlining “KnockOut Poverty,” presented by Bob Duffy’s Ring Promotions on September 23 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
“KnockOut Poverty” is a landmark event to help fight poverty in Africa. Grammy Award-winning, UN Goodwill Ambassador Youssou N’Dour and friends are among the many stars scheduled for the historic evening of entertainment, music and boxing. N’Dour and other musical legends are scheduled to perform between fights with proceeds from the event going to the All For Africa charitable organization.
Former IBA Continental title-holder Albert (21-2, 10 KOs), born in Nigeria and now living in Miami, is a two-time Nigerian Olympian whose father used to wake him at 4:30 every morning for a 2-hour, 16-mile barefoot run before heading to school. Albert reportedly had an amazing 568 matches during his 16-year amateur boxing career.
Albert’s first victory of note was a 12-round decision in 2005 against Dorian Beaupierre for the IBA Continental belt. Three fights later, Eromosele registered a 10-round win by decision versus the future star of The Contender reality television series, previously unbeaten David Banks (10-0-1). The most significant win to date for “Bad Boy” was by 10-round decision against former world champion Luis “Yori Boy” Campas (88-9) on ESPN in 2007. A seventh-round knockout of Daniel Edouard (18-1-2) followed, setting the stage for Albert’s last fight (May 17, 2008) versus undefeated young contender James Kirkland (21-0) on ShoBox for the NABO light middleweight championship, in which, Eromosele was stopped for the first time in his pro career.
Former Commonwealth light middleweight and welterweight champion Duran (23-6-1, 9 KOs) born Osumanu Yahaya in Ghana and now residing in London, won an eight-round decision versus David Kirk in 2001 for the WBF Pan-European welterweight championship and later that same year, Ossie added the WBF European welterweight belt to his growing collection via a victory by 10-round decision against Delroy Millis in London. The Commonwealth welterweight title came next thanks to Duran’s 12-round victory by decision against Joshua Okine (10-1-1) in Ghana.
Duran’s most notable triumph was a third-round stoppage of Jamie Moore (20-1), current British lightweight champion, on June 26, 2004 in Northern Ireland for the vacant Commonwealth light middleweight championship.
Duran briefly moved in with a relative in Providence and he kicked-off 2007 with an impressive performance against Jonathan Reid (34-4), star of The Contender Season One, taking an eight-round decision in a near shutout performance. Ossie’s impressive win against Reid positioned him for his last bout (June 1, 2007) on ShoBox, albeit a loss by 10-round decision to, ironically, the same fighter Albert lost to in his last fight, undefeated rising star Kirkland.
“KnockOut Poverty” is a special card featuring all African fighters in four bouts. In the 10-round co-feature, ex-IBA champion Evans “African Warrior” Ashir (29-3, 15 KOs) from Kenya, faces an opponent to be determined.
Also on the card in an eight-round bout, two-time world title challenger, light heavyweight Jaffa “The African Assassin” Ballagou (45-6, 39 KOs), from Togo, takes on multiple World Muay Thai champion Manu Ntoh (17-14-1, 10 KOs), from Cameroon. Another bout is being made to fill-out the card.
For ticket and sponsorship information call 212.351.0111 or go online to www.allforafrica.org.
All For Africa
All For Africa (“A4A”) is a non-profit organization that serves as a platform for individuals, corporations and other organizations to actively get involved in, design and coordinate economically sustainable projects in Africa. All for Africa believes that the quickest route to realizing Africa’s true potential is through the effective collaboration between the “for profit” and the non-profit stakeholders in Africa’s future.
Mark ‘Oaktree’ Brown set for big night in Atlantic City
Heavyweight Mark ‘Oaktree’ Brown has been added to the card of the Fight Night Productions promoted ‘Casino Battle Royale’ event which is to be held in Atlantic City, NJ later this year.
Fight Night Productions CEO, Jarvis Robinson, on making the announcement said “I am so pleased to have Mark on the card. I think it was a forgone conclusion he would be added after the magnificent show he put on at the Salem fight back in June. I just couldn’t leave him out. He’s a true star. He made that event a huge success and will help make the ‘Casino Battle Royale’ an even bigger success.”
‘Oaktree’ will be looking to add to his already excellent 13 – 1, with six by way of knockout, record after the disappointment of just a few weeks ago when his opponent, Maurice Wheeler, failed to turn up for the weigh-in prior to the ‘Battle on 422’ event.
Brown, who could barely hide his joy of being on the card, said “I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present. (His birthday is the16th August). This is a big event. I will be up for it. I’m an entertainer, that’s what I do. I fight and entertain. I’ll steal the show. Get me in the ring, don’t care who with, I’ll beat them, cos that’s what I do and I do it with style. You should call me the Entertainer.”
It is expected that further announcements will be made over the coming week as negotiations with two current World Champions, a former World Champion and two National Champions to head up the event are close to being completed.
ESPN2 Friday Night Fights Returns to Mohegan Sun
Live boxing action in the Arena on Friday, August 29th
UNCASVILLE, CT (August 12, 2008) – North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Cruiserweight (200 lbs.) champion Matt Godfrey (16-1-0, 9 KOs) is set to defend his title against Emmanuel Nwodo (22-4-0, 18 KOs) in an ESPN2-televised main event live at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, August 29th. The action begins at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $75.00, $45.00 and $30.00 and are on sale now at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call any Ticketmaster Charge by Phone number; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.
Godfrey, of Providence, Rhode Island won the title on April 6, 2007 at Mohegan Sun with an explosive second round TKO over Felix Cora, Jr. This will be his second title defense. Godfrey’s record also contains notable wins over Lloyd Bryan (TKO 4), Danny Batchelder (WDEC 12), and Shaun George (TKO 1).
Nwodo, from Enuga, Nigeria, but living in Baltimore, Maryland, is coming off an impressive win over former Cruiserweight champion Ezra Sellers by a KO in the second round. He also counts another former champion, Imamu Nayfield, among his victims with a first round stoppage. He turned pro in Kenya, but since emigrating to the U.S. he has built up an impressive 11-1 record with 9 KOs.
A thrilling and action-packed undercard will be announced soon and will include local favor ites Matt Remillard and Brian Macy.
For more information on this and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
YUSAF MACK LOOKS TO TAME OMAR “PIT BULL” PITTMAN ON SEPTEMBER 26TH AT THE NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY IN PHILADELPHIA 2 TITLE MATCHES WHICH INCLUDES DERRICK “POOH” ENNIS TAKING ON TROY BROWNING IN EXCITING CO-FEATURE
PHILADELPHIA (AUGUST 11, 2008)—On Friday night September 26th Yusaf Mack looks to take one step closer towards fighting for the Light-Heavyweight championship of the world when he takes on the rough & tough Omar Pitman for NABA & Pennsylvania Light-heavyweight titles that will highlight a great night of boxing at The National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia.
This packed evening of boxing will be promoted by Joey Eye Boxing and will be webcasted live all over the world.
The co-feature will have big implications as rising Jr. Middleweight Derrick “Pooh” Ennis battles the crafty Troy Browning over ten rounds for The Pennsylvania State title.
Mack of Philadelphia has quickly made a splash in the Light-Heavyweight as he has won two straight since moving up from Super Middleweight.
Mack has a record has a record of 25-2-2 with fifteen knockouts.
Mack was 17-0-2 when he won the vacant USBA Super Middleweight title with an eighth round stoppage over Shannon Miller at The Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia.
Mack defended that title three times against Richard Grant, Thomas Reid & Christian Cruz.
Those victories catapulted Mack into an IBF elimination bout against the power punching Alejandro Berrio.
Unfortunately Mack’s undefeated streak came to an end in a high paced, give and take brawl with Berrio as the Colombian scored a sixth round stoppage.
Mack got back in the ring one year later with a victory over Jose Juan Velasquez on ESPN-2 which facilitated a fight with the granite chinned Librado Andrade as part of the high-profile Manny Pacquiao – Marco Antonio Barrera Pay-Per-View rematch on October 6th. 2007.
Mack did the unthinkable as he dropped Andrade in the first round. But problems making the 168 pound limit caught up to Mack and Andrade scored the seventh round stoppage.
Mack moved up to Light-Heavyweight and has won two straight including a boxing clinic ten round unanimous decision over 22-2-3 Daniel Judah on June 4th.
Pittman, of Philadelphia, is a gritty customer has a record of 15-4-1 with eight knockouts.
Like Mack, Pittman has spent much of his career as a Super Middleweight. Pittman has been somewhat of a streaky fighter as he won nine of his first ten fights. After suffering two consecutive losses in 2005, Pittman then racked up for consecutive victories which included a second round stoppage over Victor Paz (9-2) in front of a national television audience on Versus.
Pittman fought to a draw with Dhaifir Smith before winning two split decisions over Demetrius Davis.
In Pittman’s last outing, He gave world ranked Jean Pascal more then a scare as he rocked the Canadian on several occasions before losing a unanimous decision on January 11th in Hollywood, Florida.
In the co-feature, Ennis & Browning will not only be vying for the Pennsylvania State title but for an opportunity at the next level up the Jr. Middleweight ladder.
Ennis of Philadelphia will bring a record of 15-2-1 with twelve knockouts.
Ennis won his first nine bouts, six by stoppage, before fighting to a draw with Maxell Taylor (12-2). After a first round knockout, Ennis received a coved spot on the widely popular SHO BOX series on SHOWTIME against Allen Conyers.
That bout, which took place on February 16, 2007 produced fireworks throughout the bout that lasted just 5:36.
In round one, Ennis rocked Conyers and has the New Yorker in serious trouble. In round two, Conyers turned the tables and stopped Ennis in a thrilling fight.
Ennis scored two victories after the Conyers setback only to be stopped by Alphonso Williams in three rounds in a bout that Ennis was dominating until he got caught with a left hook in the third round.
Ennis has rebounded to score three knockouts in a five week span which includes his last outing against Enrique Gallegos on July 26th in Tunica, Mississippi.
Browning has a record of 20-2-1 with eight wins coming early.
The Willingboro, New Jersey native has had his career split up into two parts.
From 1991-1998, Browning racked up an undefeated record of 17-0-1 before taking a eight year hiatus from the ring.
When he returned in 2006, Browning scored three consecutive victories which included a momentous upset as Browning scored an easy unanimous decision victory over one of the top prospects in boxing when he defeated Julio Cesar Garcia (40-2).
In that bout, Browning beat Garcia to the punch all night and taught the kid a boxing lesson for ten rounds.
Since that fight, Browning had suffered his first two professional losses when he lost decision to highly regarded Delvin Rodriguez (21-2-1) & most recently to Pawel Wolak (20-0) on May 17th.
An exciting undercard will be announced shortly that will be feature ladies sensation, Olivia “The Great” Fonseca, heavyweight Pyabb Beale plus other bouts.
First bout is at 7:30 pm & Tickets for this loaded night of boxing cost $100 for VIP, $50 for ringside, and $40 for General Admission and can be purchased at the Next Level at 4043 Lancaster, Ave. PH (215) 758-5071 or Bottom of the Sea at 714 South Street (215) 627-9512 and by calling Joey Eye Boxing at 267-304-9399