Professional Boxing Returns to Holyoke for only second time in 50 years

Posted on | May 12, 2011 | No Comments

 

Whitley-Hall Headlines “Homecoming” June 25

HOLYOKE, Mass. (May 12, 2011) – Professional boxing returns to Holyoke for only the second time in the past half-century, the first since 2000, on June 25 when American Fighting Organization (“AFO”) presents, “Homecoming,” at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke.

 

Boxing’s roots in Holyoke date all of the way back to 1896 and Valley Arena, a converted Gas House, was a regular venue for “smokers” boxing shows Monday nights from 1926-1960. The great Rocky Marciano made his pro debut there March 17, 1947, knocking out Lee Epperson in the third round. Hall of Famer Willie Pep fought there a dozen times in the forties, as did his fellow HOF inductees Sandy Saddler, Beau Jack, Sixto Escobar and Fritzie Zivic. World champions Tony DeMarco, Paddy DeMarco, Lou Ambers and Lou Salica, 1932 Olympic bronze medalist, also fought as pros in Valley Arena. A pair of world heavyweight champions, Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott, respectively, refereed a wrestling match and fought a boxing exhibition there. Pro cards were also held in Holyoke at City Hall, Falco Field, and the Paper City Athletic Club.

 

“Homecoming” features three Holyoke fighters and two others from nearby Springfield. “We’re very excited to bring pro boxing back to Holyoke,” AFO director of boxing operations Artie DePinho said. “Holyoke has a long, rich boxing tradition dating back more than 100 years. Our show will showcase some solid veterans and great young talent in exciting, competitive fights.”

 

In the eight-round main event, former Massachusetts super middleweight champion Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley(24-25-3, 11 KOs), of Holyoke, takes on former Interim World Boxing Association (“WBA) light heavyweight titlistRichard “The Destroyer” Hall (29-8, 27 KOs) at a 190-pound catch-weight in a battle of contrasting styles between veteran southpaws. Whitley’s never-quit style has resulted in him never being stopped in 52 pro bouts, while Hall has knocked out 27 of his 29 victims.

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Whitley’s 16-year pro career includes fights against world champion Manny Siaca, as well as world title challengers Kabary Salem (twice), Randy Griffin and Rico Hoye. Hall, who defeated Anthony Bigeni by second-round knockout in their 1999 Interim WBA light heavyweight world title fight, defeated former world champion Byron Mitchell 3 ½ years ago, in addition to testing world champions Roy Jones Jr., Dariusz Michalczewski (twice) and Glen Johnson.

 

Super featherweight and fan favorite Joseph “Chip” Perez (5-1, 2 KOs) returns home to fight in the six-round, co-feature against an opponent to be determined. Pro debuting junior welterweights Jair “Da-Bully” Ramos, of Waterbury (CT), and Robbie Hunt, of Hyannis (MA), square-off in a four-round bout.

 

Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts is Holyoke light heavyweight Pedro “Tyson” Gonzales in his pro debut vs. TBA, Springfield light heavyweight Reinaldo Graceski (1-0) vs. Kevin “KTAY Z UNKL” Cobbs (1-0, 1 KO), and Springfield welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-6-1, 1 KO) vs. Greg Hackett (2-8), All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

Tickets are priced at $40.00, $50.00 and $100.00 and are available at or by calling (413.534.7366) the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke (70 Nick Cosmos Way), as well as going on line at www,afomma.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

 

Tom Brands to appear at Gotch Celebration in Humboldt, Iowa, Talks to Takedown

Posted on | May 12, 2011 | No Comments

He may have been born in Omaha, Nebraska but the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes will always be an Iowa kid at heart living with the history of Frank Gotch in his backyard.

Raised in Sheldon, Iowa not too far from Humboldt, Brands was not only aware of Gotch, he studied him. Brands told me that he thought “Gotch could have been a contender for Olympic Gold.” Brands himself a World and Olympic Champion (96) would know. He’s been coached by Gable, has practiced with and competed alongside some of the best the world has to offer.

Tom Brands will join Mike Chapman, Tony Ersland, Bruce Reimers, Brad Rheingans, Jim “Baron” Raschke, Bill Smith, Bob Steenlage and others at the Frank Gotch Open House.

Please make a point to be there and join together as we salute the memory of Frank Gotch at the Rustix Restaurant at 716 Sumner Ave, Humboldt, Iowa on Thursday May 19th.

Buy a brick in the sidewalk that will lead to the new 8ft tall statue of 1 of wrestling’s greatest athletes. Frank Gotch.

Wrestling Links (5-12-11)

Posted on | May 12, 2011 | No Comments

Supporting female wrestling Melissa Anderson’s passion CANOE Wrestling Melissa Anderson has been out of the TNA spotlight for more than a year now, but that doesn’t mean that she hasn’t been busy. In fact, she might be among the most-traveled female indy workers out there, having fought across the continent over … See all stories on this topic » CANOE

Supreme Nacho: Angels set record with masks ESPN In what could go down as one of the most unique ballpark giveaways of all time, the Los Angeles Angels were still getting plenty of attention Wednesday for their wrestling mask night. Courtesy Doug Padilla ESPNChicago.com’s Doug Padilla took part in … See all stories on this topic »

Redding Amateur Wrestling Club finishes meet in fifth place Record-Searchlight By Record Searchlight staff The Redding Amateur Wrestling Club placed fifth at the North AreaWrestling Association Championships at Shasta High School over the weekend. In the Pee Wee division, Red Bluff’s Riley Blanchard took first at 45 pounds, … See all stories on this topic »

North Korean Wrestlers Could Visit South Korea Next Year: Official Bernama SEOUL, May 12 (Bernama) — North Korean wrestlers could come to South Korea early next year for a continental competition, an official here said Thursday. “South Korea will host the Asian WrestlingChampionships from Feb 16 to 19 next year, … See all stories on this topic »

Wrestling club getting popular Tbo.com Quite simply, over the last decade, there has been no better teacher of the sport of wrestling in Pasco County. But now DeWalt is taking steps to ensure that his program remains one of the top programs in the county, even with competition from Sunlake … See all stories on this topic »

5 People Who Could Bring Managers and Stables Back to Pro Wrestling Bleacher Report Much has been said over the past few years about the loss of managers in wrestling. We all can name some guys that have failed to get a big as they could, simply because they weren’t great on the mic. Guys like Jack Swagger, Amazing Red, … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

Nittany Lions announce wrestling recruiting class Centre Daily Times UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson announced an eight-member recruiting class Wednesday. The class features seven high school seniors along with Matt Brown, who started his career wrestling for Sanderson and will join the … See all stories on this topic »

Austin rules out wrestling return The Sun By JEFF ROWE STEVE AUSTIN has quashed speculation of a wrestling comeback by insisting he has no intention of returning to the ring. Stone Cold took part in filming the latest series of WWE’s Tough Enough reality TV show, which saw grappling wannabes … See all stories on this topic »

No WWE return for Dave Batista, Chooses Hollywood over wrestling Examiner.com Batista has chosen to pursue his acting career in Hollywood instead of a return to the wrestling ring that made him famous world-wide. According to a Wednesday report by WrestleZone.com, Batista has several major film opportunities that will pay him … See all stories on this topic »

Arm-wrestling legend Cleve Dean passes Moultrie Observer Cleve Dean of Pavo became an internationally known arm-wrestling champion. He won matches throughout the United States. He competed around the world. Preliminary reports claim he died of a heart attack near Stockbridge, Ga., Tuesday. … See all stories on this topic »

 

Pascal vs. Hopkins Tickets Still Available

Posted on | May 12, 2011 | No Comments

May 12, 2011

WBC AND RING MAGAZINE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JEAN PASCAL AND FORMER TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BERNARD HOPKINS TO SETTLE THE SCORE ON MAY 21st at the Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada CHAD DAWSON VS. ADRIAN DIACONU SET FOR CO-FEATURED BOUT ON BOTH BOUTS TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO’S’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® DOUBLEHEADER

A FEW TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!

Tickets available at Bell Centre Box Office By phone: (514) 790-2525 or 1 877 668-8269 Order online: www.evenko.ca Tickets: from $47.00 to $518.00 (taxes and service charges included) VIP Table for 6 persons: from $2,956.14 to $4,665 per table (taxes and service charges included)

In anticipation of the championship fight between PASCAL vs. HOPKINS will take place at the Bell Centre on Saturday, May 21st, here are the media activities scheduled for the week of May 16th :

 

BROOK – I’LL BE THE FIRST TO STOP LOVEMORE N’DOU

Posted on | May 12, 2011 | No Comments

‘Special K’ vows to wow home Sheffield crowd on June 25

Kell Brook says he will be the first fighter to stop tough Australian Lovemore N’dou when the pair fight in Brook’s hometown of Sheffield on June 25.

Brook admits this is the ‘toughest test of his career so far’ but the 25 year-old is determined to put on a great show at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre and extend his unbeaten record to 24 fights as he continues his quest for a World Title.

N’dou’s credentials speak for themselves –the battle-hardened veteran of 62 fights (48 wins) and has never been stopped. The 39 year-old will ask plenty of questions of the talented Sheffield fighter, stepping out for the first time as a Sky Sports Saturday Night Fight Nightheadliner under his new promoters Matchroom Sport.

“N’dou been in with top, top names and never been stopped, he’s a tough and game champion,” said Brook. “It’s a great motivation for me as I want to be the first to stop him. It’s in Sheffield with my home fans roaring me on and I’m running past the venue every day thinking ‘on June 25 I’m going to have a sell-out show in there and I’m going to put on the best performance of my life’.”

It’s Brook’s first hometown fight since beating Ernie Smith in May 2005 in just the seventh pro date of his career. With the venue just down the road from Brook’s home, ‘Special K’ is promising local fans a great fight with plenty of action.

“I hope I stop him in the 12th round because I want to give the crowd what they have come to see,” said Brook. “There will be a lot of action and I’ll be chucking in a lot of shots and I want to hurt him, and if it goes 12 rounds then I know it’s going to be a great show because I don’t have boring fights.

“I train for 12 rounds in every fight but I’ve got more drive for this one because with N’dou he’s been in with big names and no-one’s really hurt him, so when I’m looking at that big hill, instead of taking the short track home I’m doing the long route and pushing myself to the limit.”

By the time June 25 comes around, it will have been over six months since his last fight, where he destroyed Philip Kotey inside two rounds at the Echo Arena in Liverpool to defend his WBO Inter-Continental title for the second time. Brook has since been stripped of that belt but is looking to the future and is aiming to show he can be a World class fighter and entertainer in the mould of fellow Sheffield star Prince Naseem Hamed.

“I’ve got a new lease of life now – I’ve signed with Matchroom Sport and Eddie Hearn and he’s saying good things to me so we’ve got a bright future ahead.

“I can be a Champion and a crowd-pleaser at the same time, I know I can. Brendan Ingle had me in the ring from 9 or 10 years-old and he gets you doing stuff that the crowd will love. I’ve got it all in my locker, it just hasn’t come out yet – but I think that will start when I fight N’dou and I go to the later rounds and you’ll see all different kinds of Kell Brook.”

Tickets for Kell Brook v Lovemore N’dou, plus a full undercard to be announced soon are available from Matchroom Sport priced £30 unreserved, £50 ringside and £80 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

 

Mixed Martial Arts Links (5-12-11)

Posted on | May 11, 2011 | No Comments

USADA Chief Official Criticizes Drug Testing Policies in MMA Bloody Elbow by Mike Fagan on May 11, 2011 3:00 PM EDT in UFC News Ask UFC President Dana White about steroids and PEDs, and he is quick to repeat the refrain about MMA being the only sport drug tested by the government. The argument is typical promoterspeak, … See all stories on this topic »

UFC, Spike TV at the Heart of Bellator’s Future in MMA Bloody Elbow As MMAPayout.com’s Jose Mendoza points out, we are seeing a new trend as networks fight over sports content: Although some may wonder what the correlation is between this deal and MMA, you don’t have to search too long to realize that there is a … See all stories on this topic »

Mixed Martial Arts: UFC 131 ESPN (blog) By Mike Whitman/Sherdog.com Sherdog.com on Wednesday confirmed that the UFC’s request for the cageside judging aide has been approved by the Vancouver Athletic Commission. “Anything we can do to give the judges another tool is great,” Marc Ratner, … See all stories on this topic »

Martinez’s absence felt by Couture ESPN (blog) Throughout his illustrious mixed martial arts career, former UFC heavyweight/light heavyweight champion Randy Couture has been nothing short of professional. He never gloated after a victory, nor offered an excuse following a defeat. … See all stories on this topic » ESPN (blog)

Baker beats cancer, wins fight, gets girl Yahoo! Eurosport UK US MMA expert Dave Meltzer says a lot of fighters have said that mixed martial artssaved their lives. For Bryan Baker it’s not a cliché. Bryan Baker has faced five fights in the last year, four while under heavy medication to battle leukemia, … See all stories on this topic » Yahoo! Eurosport UK

The Heat hopes to bring the hurt to JLC London Free Press If the Heat lives up to his own billing, the first professional mixed martial arts card in London is in for one hell of a main event. “Hey, I’m in Hollywood, man,” Pariysan said. “If the phone goes quiet, it’s because I had to put it down because I see … See all stories on this topic »

Top 10 Middleweights: Intrigue Grows at 185 MMAFighting.com We haven’t updated our rankings of the Top 10 middleweights in mixed martial arts in quite some time because, frankly, Anderson Silva has made it a boring division. That’s not to say Silva is boring: When he’s on his game, he’s as exciting as any … See all stories on this topic »

 

Blogs

How’s Taste My Tweet Tweet? Mixed Martial Arts on Twitter for the … By Anton Tabuena Anton Tabuena of BloodyElbow.com compiles the week’s most interesting bits from the MMA and UFC twitter world. This week features the UFC Fighter Summit, Chan Sung Jung vs Mark Hominick, the octagon girls, and more. Bloody Elbow – http://www.bloodyelbow.com/

MMA Lawsuit — You JACKED My Brother’s Remains!! | TMZ.com By TMZ Staff The heads of the MMA clothing company TapouT have been accused of STEALING the cremated remains of their fallen co-founder … and illegally giving away… Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment… – http://www.tmz.com/

 

ANDRE WARD & ARTHUR ABRAHAM SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SEMIFINALS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Posted on | May 11, 2011 | No Comments

Ward’s Trainer To Abraham: “Your promoters have lost confidence in you”

Abraham To Ward’s Camp: “Talk Doesn’t Matter – I’m Here To Destroy Him”

Wednesday, May 11 at Arnie Morton’s The Steakhouse in Burbank, Calif.

BURBANK, CALIF. (May 11, 2011) – The final press conference for the kickoff of the Semifinals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic turned tense on Wednesday at Arnie Morton’s The Steakhouse in Burbank, Calif., just three days before tournament favoriteAndre Ward defends his WBA super middleweight title against former world champion Arthur Abraham, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

In a detailed and lengthy speech, Ward’s trainer, Virgil Hunter, told Abraham that his trainer and promoters are displaying a lack of confidence in him to win on Saturday by demanding neutral judges and officials for the Semifinal showdown.  Abraham’s promoter responded that they were trying to protect their fighter and claimed that the referee in the Ward-Mikkel Kessler Group Stage 1 bout did not fairly officiate the match.

The Ward-Abraham winner advances to the tournament Final against the winner of the Carl Froch–Glen JohnsonSemifinals showdown.  The tournament champion earns the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup and global recognition as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter.

The 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, Ward (23-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., has emerged as the tournament favorite after impressive triumphs in Group Stage bouts over Kessler and Allan Green, as well as Sakio Bika.

Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs) entered the Super Six as a favorite alongside Kessler. But after emerging from Group Stage 1 as the points leader with a knockout over Jermain Taylor, he is now trying to bounce back from consecutive tournament losses to Andre Dirrell and Froch in Group Stages 2 and 3, respectively.

In a non-televised undercard fight, heavyweight world contender and popular Southern California slugger Chris Arreola will try to stay on track for another opportunity of a world championship when he takes on Nagy Aguilera.

The event is co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard Productions and Sauerland Eventand sponsored by Corona.

What the participants had to say on Wednesday:

ANDRE WARD:

“I’m born and raised here in America and I don’t talk that much. I think everyone in this room understands that. There’s not much else to say. I’ve prepared the way I’m supposed to prepare, the way a champion is supposed to prepare.

“I respect Arthur Abraham, it’s going to be a tough fight. I want to be a great fighter, but I’m not there yet. These are the kind of fights that you have to take and you have to win to be a great fighter.

“I won’t hear the crowd, I won’t hear anybody on Saturday night.  I’m locked in. I’m here to defend my belt and to keep my belt right here in America.”

“My first goal is to win and I know winning in this sport takes care of a lot of problems.

“Sugar Ray Leonard came from a totally different time. Fighting on the network that he fought on, having Howard Cosell, it was just a totally different ballgame. Oscar De La Hoya had the Hispanic community and different things like that, so you have to look at those situations because I’m in a different time. It might be a little bit harder to get the exposure and the just due.”

“At the end of the day, the way my father raised me was to put my nose down to the grindstone and keep working and allow God to open those doors in due season. So I’ve never begged for it and I’ve never demanded it.  I just have to understand that I have to keep working and it will come. “

“I appreciate everyone who attends the fights, but it comes down to going home and kissing my wife and kids, keeping my title and moving on with my career. But with that being said, I think I take the risks I’m supposed to take. I think I do what I’m supposed to, but if you get enough people saying one thing, people start to believe it. I think my fight with Kessler was a very entertaining fight but it’s not me taking punishment so people think it’s not entertaining. From a little boy, I was never taught to get the best bout trophy, I was always taught to get the best fighter of the night. That’s the way it is because whoever I am when my career is said and done, nobody’s going home with me.”

“My coach has always taught me from day one, he’s always wanted me to be a master and masters are able to fight into their late 30s and early 40s like Bernard Hopkins and Glen Johnson. I’m just going to continue to naturally evolve and I hope everyone enjoys my fights.  But, ultimately, it’s about winning in this sport. “

ARTHUR ABRAHAM:

“I don’t have to speak much.  We just want to perform in the ring and we don’t have to do much talking.  We’re here to win in the ring.

“Of course my trainer and my promoter respect me.  There’s no question of that.  In Europe, we don’t talk very much. I’m here to win.

“I have a lot of respect for Andre Ward.  He’s a technically sound boxer.  But that talk doesn’t matter when we get in the ring on Saturday. I’m here to win and I’m here to destroy him.

“I’m very happy to be part of this tournament.  This tournament started well for me and it will end well.

“I had to make some adjustments to my style for moving from middleweight to super middleweight and then we had to make some more after the losses.  We have made the necessary adjustments.”

DAN GOOSSEN, Ward’s Promoter:

“I really do believe in the concept of this tournament and think it’s terrific. We’ve had some challenges getting to this point but I really feel it’s the best thing for this sport because you have the best fighters fighting the best on a continual basis. Because of that, there is no need to sit there and think anything other than that it’s great for our sport.”

WILFRIED SAUERLAND, Abraham’s promoter):

“We liked the idea of the tournament when we first heard about it.  There have been some issues but it’s still a good idea because it brings together the best in the division.  And it’s still not finished.

“There has been a lot of uproar about us asking for a new referee but that was in the contract – a contract is a contract.

“Virgil, we asked for a neutral referee because the referee in the Ward-Kessler fight gave a very bad performance.

“Dan complained that Andre had to travel 500 miles for this fight.  Arthur has travelled over 40,000 miles for this tournament.”

“Dan is a good host and we have a good understanding.  We look after him in Germany and he looks after us here.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Ward’s Trainer:

“I’ve been appalled as some of the things that have happened to this point. If Andre wasn’t perceived as a threat, I don’t believe we would have ever heard complaints about the referees like we have. Andre Ward still to this point has not gotten the recognition that he deserves.

“Arthur, this is to you: By complaining about the officials, your promoters are saying they have lost confidence in you. Don’t let anyone speak to you about the officials. Your promoters have lost confidence in you. It’s as simple as that.”

JAMES PRINCE, Ward’s Manager:

“We have respect for Arthur Abraham and his accomplishments in boxing, but come Saturday it’s going to get real hot in the ring. You were a great fighter at 160 pounds but I feel like your advisors have tricked you into placing you into a different weight division where you don’t belong. I want to extend my warmest hospitality and welcome you to the States, but that’s where it ends.”

ULLI WEGNER, Abraham’s trainer:

“I’m really looking forward to seeing an exciting fight on Saturday night.

“I know it will be a very difficult fight for us and I’m hoping that the better man will win.

“I hope that we have a fair fight and we put on a good fight for the fans.

“Now we’re done with the talking and we’re ready to get inside the ring.”

CHRIS DeBLASIO, SHOWTIME Director of Communications

“The Super Six World Boxing Classic has been dramatic and competitive as much as it’s been contentious and compelling both inside and outside the ring since this tournament was announced in July of 2009. The results of which have made the Fight Camp 360 program: Inside the Super Six World Boxing Classic can’t-miss television for sports fans. The SHOWTIME sports documentary series has revealed the business of boxing, the personalities in this tournament and of course the tournament fight themselves like no other show has ever done on television before and we’re very proud of that.”

CHRIS ARREOLA:

“I cannot overlook Nagy Aguilera. This man is a tough fighter. I’m in this shape for him, to fight him. Not to look at two or three fights from now. My main motivation right now is him. Every fighter I’ve ever boxed I’ve respected and now I’m respecting boxing, the sport I love.

“I would love to see this type of tournament for the heavyweights. I don’t think it would ever happen but it would be a great thing.

“I’m a Ward guy, always have been. I try to emulate him. Not only his fighting but his training and that he works so hard. I think he’s the best American fighter right now. And I’m No. 2, but I think Ward by far is the best.”

NAGY AGUILERA:

“It’s a difficult opponent for me, especially coming off of a loss.  But this time I’m focused and I’m training hard.

“Arreola said that boxing is his wife.  Well, boxing is my life.  I had a lot of problems in my fight against Antonio (Tarver) and now I’m just focused and ready to win.

“My training went well. We’ve been preparing for eight weeks.”

Tickets are available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).  Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-234-8425.

For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive photos, fight highlights and interviews, plus to view all episodes of the acclaimed documentary series FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at www.WorldBoxingClassic.com.

 

Announcer Hayes Coming Back to Where it all Began

Posted on | May 11, 2011 | No Comments

Announcer Hayes Coming Back to Where it all Began   Ring announcer Amy Hayes, “The Lady of the Ring” will make her return to the Chicago area on Wednesday, May 18, at Hitz Boxing’s ‘Rosemont Rumble’ at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.   The main event of the evening will pit red-hot Irish middleweight contender Andy Lee (25-1, 19 KOs) against tough veteran Alex “The Technician” Bunema (31-7-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round battle for the NABF and NABA Middleweight Championships.   More than just another assignment on her boxing world tour, Rosemont holds a special place in Hayes’ heart, as does promoter Bobby Hitz, whom she credits with giving her, her first big break.   The Michigan-born Kentucky resident says she took a few years off during her marriage, but has come back full-force since her separation in 2007. Lately, Hayes has been working internationally but says she always has time for Hitz.   Is it true Bobby Hitz gave you your big break in ring announcing?   Bobby was the first person to put me in front of a big audience in legitimate, sanctioned professional bouts.   I had been thinking about becoming a ring announcer since I was 17.  I had always enjoyed ring announcers, even on wrestling. They had a female announcer in the 80s I used to watch. One night, when I was 21 in Detroit where I was raised, I was at the Palace (of Auburn Hills) working for a different promoter, doing public relations and managing the ring card girls. That’s where I met Bobby Hitz. He invited me to be the ring announcer for his fight series in Rosemont.   He already had an established ring announcer, but he gave half the fights to me. We shared the responsibilities. Bobby gave me the opportunity to be a real ring announcer and I wasn’t just doing the deep undercard, I was doing half of the show!   I knew from the moment I got in front of that boxing crowd, being there and the way it felt, what I wanted to do.   You were gone for a while. What happened?   I took a break and got married and took some time off, which now I wish I hadn’t done. You learn from your choices. It wasn’t the kind of marriage I wanted and I missed my job and friends and my old life. If you’re not with someone good for you, you lose your spirit.   I went through a really rough time. I believe in marriage but this one was no good and I was so depressed and tapped out. The life was sucked out of me. I missed boxing, but I didn’t know how to make my return.   Since the marriage ended, I’ve been working more and more. I’ve been working a lot in Mexico and Romania and the Philippines and Italy and I’ve done some local fights in Kentucky and Cincinnati, but Bobby invited me to work for him and I’m very happy about it. I love Chicago. It’s a city where I feel absolutely comfortable. It really is like going home for me. I fit in there. Maybe because I’ve never had any bad experiences in Chicago and Bobby is easy to work with. The crowds are also fantastic.   How did you become the world-famous ring announcer you are now?   I got my big break with Dan Goossen in 2001.   I did a Top Rank show one at the Playboy mansion on ESPN and while I was there, they talked to me about doing a pictorial as a female ring announcer. Even though it was hard to do, I turned it down. But then in 2001, I got a second call from Playboy offering it to me again. This time I thought at least it will be attached to something I care about; it isn’t just about modeling, so I did it.   Because of the pictures, Fox Network wanted to do an interview, so I went to New York and did it. Before I found where I was supposed to go, I was walking around the building and Fox and Friends was wrapping up. Someone from that show asked me why aren’t you on our show?   It’s the #1 morning news show and this was before 9/11. They were a lot of fun and known as a fun variety show that also did news. After the interview, I went back to my room and Fox called me. They said ‘guess what? We’re going to hook you up as a guest host on Fox and Friends all week and then interview you on Fox Sports.   I had worked hard for ten years and felt maybe it wouldn’t go anywhere. At that point, I had been on Friday Night Fights and Tuesday Night Fights four or five times. Even some Sunshine Network in Florida and met some big names, but it was still sometimes tough to get anybody to take me seriously and then suddenly, I’m doing a Playboy pictorial and was on Fox news channel for four or five hours a day for a week.   I came home and got a phone call from Dan Goossen’s company. They said we want you to do all our fights on FSN Sunday. You’ll be on television every weekend. That’s when it really took off.   Why aren’t there more female ring announcers?   I don’t really get it because in every other sport and media format, women are doing more work. Boxing is the last frontier somehow.   The outstanding Andy Lee main event will be backed up by fellow Irishman Henry “Western Warrior” Coyle (13-2, 10 KOs) vs. TBA; exciting pressure fighter Yakubu Amidu (18-2-1, 16 KOs) vs. Gerardo Robles (13-9,6 KOs) of Kansas, imposing Chicago heavyweight Dave Latoria (8-0, 4 KOs) vs. Detroit’s Phillip Jewel (4-6-1, 3 KOs), Chicago lightweight Russell “Rocky” Fiore (4-1-1, 4 KOs) vs. Cleveland’s pro debuting Kevin Walker, Chicago light welterweight George Esho (0-1) vs. Washington’s Lalo Neal (3-10-1), Chicago middleweight Ramon Valenzuela Jr. (4-0, 1 KO) vs. California’s Loren Myers (7-11-1, 2 KOs) and Chicago heavyweight Felix Abner (2-2, 1 KO) vs. TBA.   Tickets for the Rosemont Rumble are $100 ringside and $30 General Admission and are available thru Ticketmaster, The Rosemont Theater Box Office or atfanfueled.com. THIS JUST IN: TICKETMASTER TICKET SPECIAL! PURCHASE FOUR (4) GENERAL ADMISSION SEATS AT REGULAR PRICE ($30) AND RECEIVE A FIFTH TICKET FREE! MAKE SURE TO ENTER THE CODENAME: HITZ TO RECEIVE THE BONUS TICKET! All bouts are subject to change. Hitz Boxing is a proud member of the Boxing Promoters Association. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is located at 5555 N. River Road in Rosemont. All bouts are subject to change. On fight night, doors open at 6:30 and fights start at 7:30.   For more information, visit www.hitzboxing.com.

 

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