Jimmy Lange to Face “White Tiger” March 6 at Patriot Center

Posted on | January 8, 2010 | No Comments

Virginia Contender to Defend WBC USNBC Title against Chase Shields on World-Class Boxing Card

FAIRFAX, VA (January 8, 2010) — Ice Promotions officials announced that on Saturday, March 6, 2010, Junior Middleweight contender Jimmy Lange (31-3-2, 21 KOs) of Great Falls, VA will continue his climb towards a world title shot as he defends his World Boxing Council (WBC) U.S. National Boxing Championship (USNBC) 154-pound title against Chase “The White Tiger” Shields (29-3-1, 14 KOs) of Houston, TX at the Patriot Center. The 12-round title bout will headline a world-class professional boxing card showcasing top fighters from across the region and country. Tickets for the event, presented by Valcourt Building Services, start at $30 and can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets.

“I’m excited that JD Brown (matchmaker) and our promotional team were able to put this fight together. From what we I’ve learned and by looking at his record, Chase Shields is an extremely-talented boxer with good punching power. This could very well be the toughest fight thus far in my career,” said Lange. “However, I am completely confident that my trainers, Don Turner and Jimmy Glenn, will create the best strategy for me to defeat him. I can’t wait to go ‘tiger’ hunting.”

Voted “Fan Favorite” on the first season of The Contender television series, Lange has headlined all eight pro shows at the Patriot Center in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. On May 2, 2009, he captured his WBC title in a bout against Frank Houghtaling, who retired at the start of the 6th round after absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment including a first-round knockdown. In his most recent fight held last September against former Contender teammate Jonathan Reid, Lange displayed an effective jab and retained his title when Reid failed to show for the 10th round.

“From fighters, trainers, promoters and all others in the boxing community, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without all of their tremendous support,” continued Lange, currently rated #10 by the North American Boxing Federation and #30 in the world by the WBC at 154-pounds. “As always, I tip my hat to all of them, many of whom have been by my side since the very beginning. Once again fighting in front of the greatest fans in the world is an honor and a privilege, and for this I thank them.”

Meanwhile Shields, a former strong safety on the Texas Southern University football team, has also drawn big crowds since turning pro in 2002. Shields stepped up in competition in his last fight held on December 3, 2009, where he faced former world title contender Juan Carlos Candelo. Shields initially dominated his former sparring partner, winning the first two rounds and knocking the cagey veteran down in the third, but ultimately fell short when Candelo came back to stop Shields with a 7th round TKO. A tough, powerful puncher with the ability to switch from an orthodox stance to south paw during a fight presents a real challenge for Lange.

“I’m very excited about fighting Jimmy Lange,” said Shield who trains at Houston’s Main Boxing Gym under veteran trainer Bobby Benton. “I’ve seen some footage of him and he’s a good fighter who reminds me of Jason Papillion. It’s definitely a step up in competition and will be a good test for me.”

Both fighters hold victories against their one common opponent, veteran Joshua Smith. Lange defeated Smith via 10-round decision in 2003, while Shields earned a pair of six-round decisions against him in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Tickets, priced at $30, $60, $85, $100, $125, $200, $300 and $500 (plus applicable service charge), can be purchased through Ticketmaster by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com, calling 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including the Patriot Center box office (703-993-3030).

Look for future updates online at www.ipboxing.com.