CAGE RAGE AND PROELITE TO JOIN FORCES!!!
Posted on | September 6, 2007 | No Comments
BRITAIN’S CAGE RAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
GETS KNOCKOUT BACKING
FROM NEW PARTNER, PROELITE
“Cage Rage Championships” Will Be Showcased
Under ProElite’s Global Live Events Division – EliteXC
London (Sept. 6, 2007) – Sensational news for Mixed Martial Arts fans in the United Kingdom. Cage Rage, Britain’s original MMA brand and leader since 2002, is about to get bigger – and better.
ProElite, Inc. [PELE.PK], an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class MMA events, today announced the acquisition of Cage Rage Championships (CRC), Britain’s premier MMA organization.
The formal announcement of the new partnership was made by Gary Shaw, President of EliteXC, the respected live fight division of Los Angeles, Calif.-based ProElite.
“This is an exciting day for all of our organizations, but the biggest winners will be fans in the U.K.,’’ Shaw said. “In a short span of eight months, EliteXC has already got the well-deserved reputation for staging sensational fights with the world’s top fighters.
“With the acquisition of Cage Rage Championships, ProElite and EliteXC continues to establish itself as the fast-growing, premier MMA organization in the world.
“I look forward to developing young English fighters and turning them into true world champions, ala Ricky Hatton in boxing.’’
ProElite’s partnership will help secure CRC’s foothold as the UK’s No. 1 MMA organization, as well as provide the resources needed to expand the company’s operations into an international fight brand.
Under the expert leadership of Shaw, who also is a world renowned boxing promoter – he staged Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe vs., Jeff Lacy and many other major prizefights around the world – EliteXC’s brand will adopt CRC into it’s global strategy and feature British talent in what is purported to be the fastest growing sport in the world.
“Cage Rage is king in the U.K., and this deal will help ensure the organization attains its true potential,” said Irishman William Kelly, Chief Operating Officer of ProElite. “Britain excels in MMA, and we are truly excited by the way Cage Rage has gained popularity and mesmerized the imaginations of fight fans around the world. The British bull dog spirit is alive and well – and we will help Cage Rage bark even louder across Britain and Europe.
“ProElite’s involvement is an important step in our company’s growth and development, as we emerge as the premium MMA organization in Britain,” added Andy Geer, co-founder and promoter of five year old Cage Rage. “The EliteXC brand is held in the highest esteem in fighting echelons, and we are honored by their support.
“This partnership will help us achieve our goals, and the world will be watching as we give audiences the premier experience in MMA. As we move forward, the national brand of Cage Rage will continue to back British talent to the hilt and pitch it against the very elite of international fighters in our own inimitable style.”
Offered Dave O’Donnell, co-founder and promoter of Cage Rage, who introduced MMA to Britain with Geer in 2002: “Our fight nights will reap the benefit of ProElite’s support, as we continue to show audiences the breadth of athleticism and excitement this sport embodies. Our goal is to help MMA shake off its ‘underground’ image and showcase the true skills and commitment required to reach the top in this fight format, which combines no less than four Olympic combat disciplines.”
Cage Rage returns to Wembley Arena on Saturday, Sept. 22, when EliteXC presents Cage Rage 23 before what is expected to be another sell-out crowd
Media powerhouse and broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. brought MMA into the mainstream of British sports when it started broadcasting live televised Cage Rage events on its primetime Saturday night schedule. All Cage Rage Championship events are broadcast live on Sky Sport 3.
ProElite’s CEO, Douglas DeLuca, took notice and immediately pursued CRC as a television-friendly brand.
“I’ve produced hundreds of TV shows over the years and instantly recognized the character in Dave and Andy’s presentation of the sport. In our efforts to build a world media presence, CRC was a natural choice,’’ DeLuca said.
International interest has never been higher with the promotion being beamed to fight fans in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Korea, Japan and other fight savvy territories.
Said Kelly Perdew, President of social networking division ProElite.com, “Cage Rage is one of the most exciting MMA events we have streamed on www.ProElite.com. We are looking forward to bringing more of the same live interactive action to fans worldwide. Watch the live stream on Sept. 22 on proelite.com.
TICKETS FOR CAGE RAGE 23 “UNBELIEVABLE” ARE NOW ON SALE AND CAN BE SECURED AT:
Discover the world of ProElite at
About ProElite, Inc. (www.proelite.com)
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem, all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM.
About Cage Rage Championships (www.cagerage.tv)
Cage Rage Championships (CRC) is the original European mixed martial arts brand, established in 2002 by Dave O’Donnell and Andrew Geer. CRC promotes and produces 6 marquis live MMA events at the Wembley Arena per annum. European audiences enjoy CRC events on pay TV in certain markets, while British TV audiences enjoy live broadcasts of CRC events on Sky Sports 3. In early 2006, Cage Rage Championships launched Cage Rage Contenders, an ‘up-and-comers’ event promotion for new fighters to showcase their skills. The Contenders shows have been expanded to the Republic of Ireland, where the biggest Contenders show to date took place in The Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland on May 26th, 2007.[7] This is the first Cage Rage event to be held outside the UK.
DAVID DINKINS JOINS SHOWTIME NETWORKS
Posted on | September 5, 2007 | No Comments
Showtime Networks Inc. Appoints Dinkins, Jr.
To Oversee Production of All Sports Programming Telecasts
NEW YORK (Sept. 5, 2007) – Showtime Networks Inc. has hired long-time sports producer David Dinkins, Jr. to oversee production of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) telecasts for the premium television network, it was announced today by Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager, Showtime Sports & Event Programming. From 1987 to the present, Dinkins has been the primary producer of the Showtime Championship Boxing series.
“David is one of the most dedicated and creative men in television,” said Hershman, who has overseen the Sports & Event Programming department for nearly five years. “He has been an invaluable asset to our boxing franchise and will now add his creativity, insight and experience to our burgeoning MMA programming.”
With Showtime Sports expansion into mixed martial arts, Dinkins will be tasked with building the new EliteXC and ShoXC programs. While there has been explosive interest in this combat sport, SHOWTIME is the first and only premium television network to televise MMA.
When asked about the future of MMA on the network, Dinkins said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to put our stamp on a new and growing sport. We plan to be innovative while maintaining the same high quality that viewers have come to expect from our boxing telecasts.”
In 1981 Dinkins became a staff producer at CBS Sports. During his six years at the network, he covered all the major sports leagues, NCAA events, various world championships and the Pan Am Games. Twice he received Sports Emmy® Awards for his production work on NFL games.
In 1987, Dinkins left CBS to pursue an opportunity with SHOWTIME to help establish its new boxing franchise. Having been one of the top boxing producers at CBS, it was an easy transition into the rapidly growing business of boxing on premium television.
Page 2
Dinkins Jr. Joins Showtime Networks Inc.
During this time, Dinkins continued to produce events for ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC as well as a number of major sporting events including the Olympic Games and Mike Tyson pay-per-view programs. He consulted on Mark Burnett’s “The Contender” and with The Football Network.
Aside from his television work, Dinkins is on the board of Fisher House, a foundation that provides transportation and housing for the families of injured military personnel to visit their relatives while they are hospitalized. Recently he also became a board member of The Caring Place, a facility created by colleague and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING color analyst Al Bernstein and his wife Connie to help families touched by cancer.
The newest Showtime Networks executive is the proud son of New York City’s first African-American mayor, David Dinkins, Sr.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.
MAYORGA vs. VARGAS TO BATTLE ON NOVEMBER 23
Posted on | September 5, 2007 | No Comments
MAYORGA VS. VARGAS PREVIEW
By: Patrick McElligott
On November 23, Fernando Vargas is scheduled to meet Ricardo Mayorga. The fight was originally planned for September 8, but a “routine” blood test showed Vargas was suffering from an iron deficiency. This fight, which pits two of boxing’s “bad boys,” might not have the significance it would have several years ago – but it still is generating a lot of interest.
Mayorga, who was born on October 3, 1973, has held the WBA and WBC welterweight titles, and the WBC jr. Middleweight crown. Most of his victories have been against the 2nd and 3rd tier opponents in these divisions. However, he does have three important wins.
After his first fight with Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis ended in a no contest after 2 rounds, due to serious cuts both warriors suffered from a head butt, Mayorga scored an intense knockout in 5 rounds in their return match.
More importantly, Mayorga knocked out undefeated WBC champion Vernon Forrest in the 3rd round of their unification bout, and then won a close decision in their return match. Forrest was coming off of two convincing victories over Shane Mosley, who many people believed was boxing’s pound-for-pound best at that time.
But Mayorga’s limitations were exposed in three big fights after that: first, Cory Spinks easily outboxed him in December of 2003; then Felix Trinidad TKOed him in 8 brutal rounds in October, 2004; and Oscar De La Hoya
blasted him out in 6 rounds in May of 2006.
Vargas was born on December 7, 1977. He had an outstanding amateur career, going 100-5, and he did well in the Jr. Olympics, the Olympic Festivals, the World Jr. Championships, and the Pan American Games.
In December of 1998, Fernando captured the IBF jr. middleweight crown when he forced tough Yori Boy Campus to quit after the 7th round. His prime came in two decision wins in defenses of this title: in December ’99, he beat Winky Wright, and in April 2000, he beat tough Ike Quartey.
But eight months after the Quartey fight, he was TKOed in 12 by Felix Trinidad. Six months later, Vargas won the WBA and IBA jr. Middleweight titles. Then, in a September 2002 grudge match, Vargas was TKOed in 11 by
Oscar De La Hoya.
On 2-25-06, Shane Mosley TKOed him in 10 intense rounds, and 5 months later, Mosley devastated him in 6 one-sided rounds.
Vargas had some legal problems in 2001, and was sentenced to 3 months in jail. But his record in that arena pales in comparison to Mayorga’s. In July 2003, Mayorga was reportedly arrested for hitting a woman who was attempting to collect a $7500 debt; in June ’04 he was reportedly jailed for threatening a man with a pistol, and then punching him; in September ’04, he was arrested on suspicion of raping a 20-year old woman; and in early 2007, he was arrested on two fraud charges in one week – the first for a $56,000 debt to a car dealer, and the second for 3 bad checks totaling $87,000.
Vargas is more than 7 years past his prime. He has had a long, intense career – especially when his 105 amateur fights are taken into consideration. He has had injuries including when he broke his right hand before his pro debut, and the chronic back problems that reduced his ability to bend at the waist in the Mosley fights. He has taken a lot of punishment in fights, including in his four loses to three of the best of this era.
Mayorga is the Don Jordan of this generation. He continues to direct cheap insults at women in his opponents’ lives, from Spinks’ late mother, to De La Hoya and now Vargas’s wives. In 2004, he had announced plans to retire, and he seems to be fighting primarily as a means of paying his bills. Like Jordan, his record is plunging as he nears the end of the road.
The fight is scheduled to be at 162 pounds. Vargas can’t make the lower weights, partly because of his age, but more so due to his back. Years ago, it would seem unlikely that Mayorga’s round-house punching would have posed much of a threat to him. But Fernando has lost much of his defensive skills.
A fair case can be made for either man winning this one. There is little chance of it going the distance. And there is almost no chance of any rounds being boring.
TITLE FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AND MCC MERGER CULMINATES WITH ANNOUNCER LINEUP
Posted on | September 5, 2007 | No Comments
MIDWEST SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, L.L.C. SETS ANNOUNCER LINEUP FOR MIDWEST CAGE CHAMPIONSHIP AND TITLE FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
Des Moines, IA- September 5, 2007 – Fast on the heels of the completion of its merger, Iowa’s largest fight promotion company has secured a long term agreement with two top MMA (mixed martial arts) announcers. Midwest Sports Entertainment Group, L.L.C., operating as Midwest Cage Championship and Title Fight Championship will include Shawn T, and T. Scott in all live MMA events produced by the company. Dates are confirmed for the 95KGGO/Buccaneers arena, with other venues being added.
Both announcers have extensive backgrounds as announcers and DJ’s, as well as significant experience with MMA. “Combining strengths and talents was the reason, and the basis for the merger. The addition of Shawn T and T. Scott is an absolute extension of that plan” commented Scott Casber, MSEG partner and veteran broadcaster. “The collective talent, knowledge, and experience these guys deliver will immediately raise the level of information and entertainment fight fans receive” Casber added.
Shawn T’s experience can be traced to the infamous Toad Holler where he announced early, amateur fights for well known fighters Josh Neer, Jeremy Stephens, Victor Moreno, and MSEG partner/UFC vet John Halverson. Shawn T has also been heard on market leading radio stations KGGO, and Laser 103. “It’s awesome seeing the incredible growth of MMA first hand. Iowa is an important fight market that continues to send its best competitors up the ranks. My opportunity, through MSEG, to contribute to that process means a lot to me. I’m very grateful.” offered Shawn T.
T. Scott’s MMA pedigree is extensive and well rounded. Training with many of the same competitors he announces, engagements at Iowa’s largest venues including Wells Fargo Arena, and Hilton Coliseum, his experience as a promoter and manager prove he walks the walk, as well as talks the talk. T. Scott also holds a weekly residency at one of Des Moines hottest entertainment venues, DMX at Vieux Carre, each Wednesday night.
T. Scott’s primary focus will be play-by-play and commentary for television broadcasts and web casts. Shawn T serves as ring announcer. Both newly confirmed announcers join MSEG announcers Scott Casber, and KGGO’s Clutch to complete the top-notch roster.
Fans first chance to see the entire announcing staff is the September 29, Vengeance X event at the 95KGGO/Buccaneers Arena.
Complete details are available at: http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com
BANNER PROMOTIONS FIGHT CARD SET FOR SEPTEMBER 16th
Posted on | September 4, 2007 | No Comments
FRED NORWOOD VS SHAMIR REYES
HEADLINES FIGHT CARD
ON SEPTEMBER 16 AT NORTHERN QUEST CASINO
IN AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON
Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions will present a sensational fight card on Sunday, September 16, 2007, in the Pend O’reille Pavillion at Northern Quest Casino, located at North 100 Hayford Road in Airway Heights, Washington.
In the 10-round jr. lightweight main event, former two-time WBA featherweight world champion Fred “Lil’ Hagler” Norwood, 41-1-1 with 22 knockouts, of St. Louis, Missouri, will fight Shamir Reyes, 18-5-2 with 7 knockouts, of Brooklyn, New York.
Norwood, now 37 years old, returned to the ring in June, 2006, after almost six years off and has won four straight fights since then. Nicknamed “Lil’ Hagler” for his lefthanded “seek and destroy” style reminiscent of former middleweight world champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Fred is looking to regain the form that he had when he fought the best in the division in his world championship days. From May, 1999, to September, 2000, he fought five current, former, or future world champions in a row, all in featherweight world title defenses, going 4-1 in those fights – Antonio Cermeno (W12), Juan Manuel Marquez (W12), Takashi Koshimoto (KO9), Julio Pablo Chacon (W12), and Derrick Gainer (TKOby11).
26 year-old Reyes is a nine-year professional veteran and tough lefthander, as well, and is ready for the biggest challenge of his pro career.
Also: 6 ROUNDS, HEAVYWEIGHTS
SHANE ANDREESEN, 7-0, 4 KOs, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, vs MIKE MONCRIEF, 1-4-1, 1 KO, Las Vegas, Nevada.
6 ROUNDS, FEATHERWEIGHTS
ANDREW CANCIO, 5-0, 5 KOs, Blythe, California, vs TBA.
4 ROUNDS, JR. WELTERWEIGHTS
RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV, 4-0, 3 KOs, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, vs TBA.
6 ROUNDS, MIDDLEWEIGHTS
MAXIM VLASOV, 8-0, 1 KO, Samara, Russia, vs SAM HAYNES, 5-2, 4 KOs, Portland, Oregon.
4 ROUNDS, HEAVYWEIGHTS
JONTE WILLIS, Debut, Tacoma, Washington, vs TBA.
All bouts are subject to change without notice.
Doors open at 5:00 P.M., first fight at 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time)
Ticket prices: $35, $60, $70.
Tickets are available at Northern Quest Casino Box Office – 509-340-6700, and Ticketswest – 800-325-SEAT, and www.ticketswest.com.
MYSPACE MESSAGES FROM HARRIS TO WITTER SET STAGE FOR SEPTEMBER 7TH BOXING BATTLE
Posted on | September 4, 2007 | No Comments
Witter’s web war with Harris
After winning the web war with his mandatory challenger, Junior Witter is confident of victory again when he defends his WBC Light-Welterweight Title against Vivian Harris at the The Dome at Doncaster Lakeside on Friday, 7th September.
‘The Hitter’ makes his second world title defence against former WBA champion Harris (New York/Guyana) following an exchange of hostile emails with his opponent.
Witter (Bradford/Doncaster) claims he got the better of ‘Vicious’ Harris over the internet and is confident of doing the same on the Hennessy Sports show which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
“He found my website on MySpace and left a couple messages for me through it after his fight with Juan Lazcano,” said Junior.
“I would rather not get into a slanging match with him, but if he wants one then I will win that as well.
“His messages weren’t that original or funny. I didn’t go on MySpace to do that sort of thing, but I sent replies back in the end and I’ve not heard anything since from him.
“He can say whatever he wants, but it won’t make any difference on the night because I’m keeping my belt.
“We are both boxers, not brawlers, so it will be technical but I think my speed will win on the night.
“Once he starts feeling my power, he won’t have an answer, just like with the emails.”
The Hennessy Sports show in association with title partners GoldenPalace.com will be screened live on Sky Sports and also features the English Super-Flyweight Title fight between Robert Nelson and Andy Bell in an all-Yorkshire encounter.
Also in action is top domestic lightweight Lee Meager, who meets Hungarian Laszlo Komjathi in an international ten round contest.
Hennessy Sports Proudly Present
“Vicious Hitters” @ the Doncaster Dome
Friday 7th September 2007.
Doors 6pm, Boxing Starts 6.30pm.
Ticket Prices:
· Premium Ringside £200 – Reserved with access to VIP Bar
· Inner Ringside £150 – Reserved with access to VIP Bar
· Outer Ringside £60 – Reserved
· Premium Unreserved (ground floor tiered) £50
· Unreserved (balcony) £40
For Tickets call the Box Office on: 01302 370777 or book via the web: www.the-dome.co.uk
12 x 3 WBC Light Welterweight World Championship
Junior Witter (Bradford ENGLAND) vs Vivian Harris (New York USA)
10×3 English Super Flyweight Championship
Robert Nelson (Bradford) vs Andy Bell (Doncaster)
10 x 3 Lightweight
Lee Meager (Salford) vs Laszlo Komjathi (Hungary)
6 x 3 Lightweight
Nadeem Siddique (Bradford) vs Tom Glover (Maldon)
4 x 3 Light Middleweight
Andy Butlin (Huddersfield) vs Ben Hudson (Cambridge)
4 x 3 – Light Heavyweight
Danny Grainger (Chesterfield) vs TBC
4 x 3 – Lightweight
Femi Fehintola (Bradford) vs Matthew Martin Lewis (Colchester)
ends
SAM PETER STARTS TRAINING CAMP EARLY, READY TO MAKE A HUGE IMPACT ON THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION
Posted on | September 4, 2007 | No Comments
Hungry Peter Preparing for his Prey
“Nigerian Nightmare” reports to camp a full eight weeks before his October 6 title challenge.
The hungry tiger has waited so long for this meal that he is already sharpening his fangs, months before the kill.
Mandatory #1 Heavyweight challenger Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter has jumped through so many of boxing’s circus hoops and waited so long to pounce on a heavyweight champion that he is already preparing diligently for the hunt of his dreams. Finally scheduled to challenge WBC King Oleg Maskaev on October 6 at Madison Square Garden, Peter began training a full eight weeks in advance of his big day.
Promoter Dino Duva says a Samuel Peter this motivated and hungry is bad news for Maskaev. “He reported to camp eight weeks before the fight. That means you will see the best Sam Peter ever. A new heavyweight champion will be crowned that night and God help Oleg Maskaev.”
In his previous outing, Peter turned in a career-best performance while establishing his dominance over James Toney. Duva says he’s very impressed by the devotion his young slugger is showing as he nears his destiny. “When he fought James Toney in January, Samuel looked the best he’s ever looked. That was because of a five-week training camp. At the time it was his longest. Sam knows that the opportunity to challenge for the heavyweight championship is the chance of a lifetime and he’s working harder than he ever has to take home the belt.”
Manager Ivaylo Gotzev says his man will not only win his first title on October 6, but also light up the once-greatest division in boxing. “We’re putting the heavyweights back in business with this fight. There will be a lot of buzz after this fight when people watch what the new king does to the old one.”
Watching the mice play their games, waiting for his time to strike, Samuel Peter is all done playing. Already hard at work sharpening his reflexes, power and precision, on October 6, the young tiger will be coming with more bite than ever before.
Tickets priced at $400, $250, $150, $100 and $50 (over 14,000 tickets will be $150 or less!) are on sale at the Garden box office and all Ticketmaster locations or by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-7171, 201-507-8900, 631-888-9000, or 914-454-3388. Ticketmaster purchases are subject to convenience charges.
The main event will also be televised on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
DE LA HOYA AND LEONARD MAKE FRIENDLY WAGER ON FIREWORKS FIGHT CARD
Posted on | September 4, 2007 | No Comments
FAMED FIGHTERS—OSCAR DE LA HOYA AND SUGAR RAY LEONARD—
MAKE IT PERSONAL WITH FRIENDLY BET ON WINNERS OF
SEPTEMBER 15 “FIREWORKS” FIGHT CARD
LOS ANGELES (September 4, 2007)–Famed pugilists Oscar De La Hoya and Sugar Ray Leonard have made a “friendly” bet on two bouts between fighters from their respective camps, making the September 15 “Fireworks” boxing event, featuring Juan Manuel Marquez against Rocky Juarez in the main event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on pay-per-view, that much more explosive.
In the first bout, and opening the pay-per-view telecast that evening, Francisco “Panchito” Bojado will represent De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. His opponent Steve Forbes, will represent the Leonard-hosted ‘The Contender’ Series, as runner-up from Contender Season Two. In the other bout, Golden Boy pugilist and former junior middleweight champion Kassim “The Dream” Ouma will battle Contender first season winner Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora. The winners of the bouts will decide the winner of the bet between De La Hoya and Leonard with both decorated fighters agreeing that the loser will provide ring card girl duties between the first and second round of the main event. If it’s a draw with one bout a piece for each side, De La Hoya and Leonard will share ring card duties.
“Ray wanted to bet me that his guys will beat my guys, and I’m extremely confident that he will be the one embarrassing himself as a ring card girl on September 15, I know Bojado and Ouma will win because I never make a bet I can’t win,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions.
“I can’t think of a better way to top off a night of “Fireworks” than by seeing Oscar climb into the ring during the Marquez vs. Juarez fight dressed as a ring card girl. I know I’m not the only one who wants to see that,” said Sugar Ray Leonard, Contender Series Host.
In addition to the bragging-rights bet, and as part of the relationship between the two companies to help promote the September 15 fight card and the start of the Contender Series third season, De La Hoya and the four fighters will join Leonard during a special appearance during the Tuesday, September 11 episode of the third season of The Contender which starts tonight and can be seen on ESPN Tuesday nights at 10:00 PM EST and 7:00 PM PST. In return, Leonard will travel to Las Vegas for fight week and work as a part of the broadcast team for the September 15 show.
“Fireworks” features four televised fights headlined by the WBC World Super Featherweight Championship bout between current champion Juan Manuel Marquez and 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Rocky Juarez. The evening also includes a middleweight showdown between former World Champion Kassim “The Dream” Ouma and ‘The Contender’ season one winner Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, a battle for the IBF World Featherweight Title between Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Martin Honorio and a super lightweight battle pitting former Olympian Francisco “Panchito” Bojado against former World Champion and ‘The Contender’ season two runner-up Steve Forbes.
“Fireworks”, a night of world-class professional boxing, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Productions and Tournament of Contenders and sponsored by Tecate, Rock Star Energy Drink and Southwest Airlines. For more information please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.
Tickets for this unforgettable night of boxing, priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, are on sale now at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Tickets are sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s stores and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
The “Fireworks” pay-per-view telecast featuring Marquez vs. Juarez, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 61 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your Marquez vs. Juarez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
PHOTO BELOW: Courtesy Tommy Baynard (Contender Photographer); More pictures available by request.
The Bets On . . . . On site at the taping of the September 11 episode of start of the third season of the Contender Series, which starts tonight on ESPN (10:00pm ET/7:00PT), boxing’s best “The Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya-flanked by Golden Boy Fighters Kassim Ouma and Francisco Bojado —face off with legendary fighter and Contender host Sugar Ray Leonard also flanked by former Contender stars Sergio Mora and Steve Forbes as De La Hoya and Leonard make friendly bet as to what fighters will be victorious Saturday September 15 on Fireworks boxing night at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on pay-per-view.
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