LAS VEGAS (July 3, 2009) – Good things often come in small packages, no more evident than in the Flyweight Division of “The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” promotion, which has been launched and is drawing worldwide interest from boxing fans of all ages.
On-line voting at www.GreatestEver.com allows boxing fans from around the world to select the greatest boxer in each of the original eight weight classes, highlighted by the all-time pound-for-pound “Greatest Ever.”
The eight categories represent the eight original weight-class divisions: Strawweights are included in the Flyweight category; Super Middleweight in the Light Heavyweight division. Many fighters fought and won titles at a number of different weights. As far as possible they have been nominated in the division that they made their biggest impact. Fighters have not been nominated on the basis of whether they would beat another fighter in that division, though this is, of course, a consideration. More importantly is their overall record, who they fought at the time, as well as the impact they made on the boxing world, and indeed the world around them. All nominees are listed in the voting section at www.GreatestEver.com.
The nominations committee was 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 (broadcaster and head of boxing for pan-European sports channel Eurosport) and Ron Borges (boxing journalist and Hall of Fame committee member).
The 10 Flyweight nominees with brief bios, listed in no particular order, follow:
Jimmy “The Mighty Atom” Wilde – 137-52 13 ND (99 KOs)…Welsh…..IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1910-1923…..first official (IBU) world flyweight champion…..one of the lightest world champions of all-time, weighing between 98-108 pounds…considered by many to be the greatest United Kingdom fighter of all-time..Notable Victories: Johnny Rosner, Young Zulu Kid, George Clarke and Young Jennings.
Pascual “El Terrier” Perez – 84-7-1 (57 KOs)…Argentinean…IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1952-1964…1948 Olympic Champion…first loss came in 52nd pro fight…first Argentinean world champion…..Notable Victories: Yosioshi Shirao, Dai Dower amd Donny Ursua.
Ricardo “Finito” Lopez – 51-0-1 (38 KOs)…Mexican…..IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1985-2002…..record holder for most consecutive title bouts without losing (26)…47-bout win streak ended with technical draw (head butt vs. Rosendo Alvarez)…defended WBC Strawweight title 21 times, also WBA and WBO Strawweight and IBF Junior Lightweight champion…Notable Victories: Hideyuki Ohashi, Saman Sorjaturong, Manny Melchor, Kermin Giardia, Alex Sanchez, Rosendo Alvarez, Will Grigsby, Ratanapol Sor Vorapin and Zolani Petelo.
Michael “Little Hands of Steel” Carbahal – 49-4 (33 KOs)…IHOF inductee…American…..Pro Years: 1989-1999…1988 Olympic Silver Medalist…..4-time World Champion…Notable Victories: Will Grigsby, Pedro Feliciano, Muangchai Kittkikaem, Humberto Gonzalez, Josue Camacho and Jorge Arce.
Chartchai Chionoi — 1-18-3 (36 KOs)…Thai…Pro Years: 1959-1975…3-time WBC Flyweight champion…Notable Victories: Salvatore Burruni, Bernabe Villacampo, Walter McGowan (2), Efren Torres and Fritz Chervet.
Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan – 32-1-1 (26)…Armenian…Pro Years: 2000-Present…2000 Armenian Olympian…lives in Sydney, Australia…..WBA, WBC and IBF Super Flyweight champion…former IBF flyweight title-holder…..fighting July 11 for IBF Bantamweight title vs. Joseph Agbeko…Notable Victories: Irene Pacheco, Dimitri Kirilov, Glenn Donaire, Victor Burgos and Cristian Mijares.
Sot Chitalada – 26-4-1 (16 KOs)…Thai…Pro Years: 1983-1992…2-time WBC Flyweight champion…now teaching MMA in California…..Notable Victories: Gabriel Bernal (2), Yong Kang Kim and Jung Koo Chang.
Khaosai Galaxy – 49-1 (47 KOs)…Thai…IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1980-1991…defended WBA 19 times, winning 16 by KO…longest title reign of any WBA Flyweight title-holder…..Muay Thai fighter…..Notable Victories: Eusebio Esponal and Israel Contreras.
Miguel “El Maestro” Canto – 61-9-4 (15 KOs)…Mexican…IHOF inductee…Years Pro: 1969-1982…lost first pro fight and went on to become WBC Flyweight champion…..holds record for having 13 15-round title fights…Notable Victories: Shoji Oguma (3), Susumi Janagata, Betulio Gonzalez and Antonio Avelar.
Benny Lynch – 81-12-15 (34 KOs)…..Scottish…IHOF inductee…Pro Years: 1931-38…learned skills in carnival booths…considered to be the greatest Scottish boxer of all-time…Notable Victories: Small Montana, Peter Kane and Jackie Jurich.
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 October 2-4 at the Paris Las Vegas, commencing that Friday with an official welcome reception and official weigh in for the following evening’s professional boxing show, presented by Sterling Promotions, and featuring Team USA versus Team Europe, 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.
The Retired Boxers Foundation (RBF) is the official charity for The World’s Greatest Ever Boxer. RBF 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 (914.941.3366) Smart Ticket Solutions (847.917.8497); 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.