IBF BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION YOHNNY PEREZ READY FOR JOSEPH AGBEKO AND “SUPER FOUR” TOURNEY

Posted on | November 23, 2010 | No Comments

ORANGE, CA (November 23, 2010) – In the midst of what he is calling the best training camp of his life, IBF bantamweight champion Yohnny Perez is looking forward to leaving his gym and heading to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington for his December 11th showdown with Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko, who he defeated in their exciting first bout in October of 2009.

“This training camp has been great, I’m in the best shape of my life, and I can’t wait to put on a great show for my fans on December 11th,” said the unbeaten Perez (20-0-1) a native of Cartagena, Colombia who is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.

The Perez-Agbeko rematch, which will be televised on Showtime Championship Boxing beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) , is the first in the network’s “Super Four” bantamweight tournament. In the other semifinal matchup on December 11th, Vic Darchinyan battles Abner Mares, who fought Perez to a 12 round draw in their title bout on May 22nd.

“The Darchinyan-Mares fight is a great matchup and I can’t wait to see it,” said Perez. “Of course, Mares and I have some history, so I wouldn’t mind settling the score with him, but it doesn’t matter who I fight next as long as I walk out of the ring as the bantamweight champion of the world.”

Two notable fighters won’t be participating in this tournament though, Fernando Montiel and Nonito Donaire, robbing fight fans of even more intriguing matchups.

“It’s disappointing that Montiel and Donaire don’t want to test themselves against the best in the division, but things like this don’t surprise me anymore,” said Perez. “I’m just happy that there are four true warriors in this tournament, and when it’s over, the world will know who the best is. I’m getting ready for a tough fight with Agbeko on December 11th, but I’m confident that when the “Super Four” is over, I’ll be the winner.”

ST. LOUIS-AREA FIGHTERS ADDED TO STRIKEFORCE EVENT DEC. 4 IN GATEWAY CITY ON SHOWTIME®

Posted on | November 23, 2010 | No Comments

Lee Brousseau Faces Mike Glenn; Ben Brown Meets J.W. Wright

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2010) – Four Missouri mixed martial artists, including three from St. Louis and the area, will compete in two fights formally announced by STRIKEFORCE for the non-televised portion of STRIKEFORCE: Henderson vs. Babalu on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a light heavyweight (205 pounds) match, Lee Brousseau (7-2), of River Wood, Mo., will be opposed by Mike Glenn (6-4) of Springfield, Mo., while Ben Brown (1-0), of St. Louis, will take on J.W. Wright (pro debut) of St. Louis by way of Steelville, Mo., in a 130-pound catchweight bout.

In the main event of a stacked card on STRIKEFORCE’s return to Scottrade Center, MMA superstar Dan Henderson (25-8) of Temecula, Calif., faces former STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight world champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral (36-8) of Brazil in a rematch between world-class 205-pounders.

Other televised fights: Former world heavyweight champion Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva (14-2), of Coconut Creek, Fla., by way of Brazil, confronts the older brother of STRIKEFORCE heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, Valentijn “The Python’’ Overeem (28-23), of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Paul “Semtex’’ Daley (25-9-2) of Nottingham, England, battles Scott “Hands Of Steel” Smith (17-7, 1 NC), of Elk Grove, Calif., in a matchup of explosive welterweights (170 pounds), former world champion and exciting local favorite “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-6, 1 NC), of Granite City, Ill., goes up against 2000 Olympic Games silver medalist Matt “The Law” Lindland (22-7) of Oregon City, Ore., in a middleweight (185 pounds) scrap and football legend, the remarkable Herschel Walker (1-0), of Wrightsville, Ga., will clash with Scott Carson (4-1), of Lake Forest, Calif., in a heavyweight fight.

Tickets are on sale at Scottrade Center, online at Ticketmaster.com and Strikeforce.com or by phone (800) 745-3000. Doors at Scottrade Center will open for the event at 6 p.m. CT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the first televised main card fight will begin at 9 p.m.

Brousseau has won three of his last four fights, including a 1:21, first-round submission (guillotine choke) over Oscar Glover in his last start on Aug. 21.

“I’m absolutely looking to make amends on Dec. 4,’’ said Brousseau, who was submitted (rear-naked choke) by Francisco France in his STRIKEFORCE debut last May 15 at Scottrade. “Honestly, I just got caught. I’d love to have a rematch. I don’t talk down to anybody and have respect for everybody that does what we do, but I don’t feel he is that much better than me. It just turned out he took advantage of an opportunity before I could. He deserves credit.’’

Shortly after the loss, Brousseau became a fulltime member of Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. Squad in nearby Granite City, Ill. “I’d been going there on and off for two-and-a-half years, but I decided after my fight in STRIKEFORCE to go there all the time,’’ said Brousseau, a native of Brockport, N.Y.

Brousseau’s other loss came on a second-round submission to Greg Lofink on Oct. 11, 2009. They rematched on April 11, 2010, and Brousseau won in 18 seconds (TKO, punches).

“Before I can think about a rematch with France, I know I have to win on Dec. 4,’’ said Brousseau, who went 4-0 at the outset of a career that began in 2006. “I’m definitely looking forward to fighting at home and showing the fans what I’m all about.

“My coaches tell me Glenn is a tough, scrappy guy who is decent all-around and not bad anywhere. He is definitely going to be a tough opponent. This should be a great fight. I’m looking forward to it.’’

Glenn, who was born, raised and still resides in Springfield, Mo., is confident he can regain his winning ways in his STRIKEFORCE debut.

“I am 100 percent ready, physically and mentally, and totally motivated for this opportunity,’’ said Glenn. “In this fight you have two fighters with a lot to prove. This means a lot to both of us and it is our chance to move up. It ought to be a very exciting fight from start to finish.’’

The 6-foot-1, recently turned 33-year-old Glenn was an excellent athlete at Parkview High in Springfield. He was the starting quarterback in football and the Most Valuable Player on the baseball team. He gravitated to combat sports after graduation.

“I boxed and kick-boxed and my brothers boxed,’’ Glenn said. “Then, I got into Jiu-Jitsu. After about three weeks, I was submitting my instructor.’’

Glenn made his MMA debut in September 2007. “I don’t exactly know how to describe my style,’’ he said. “I consider myself a true mixed martial artist and feel I can do it all, whether on the ground or standing.’’

Regarding his opponent, the longtime member of the Springfield Fight Club said, “I don’t know a lot about Brousseau but from what I’ve seen on film he’s athletic, strong and likes to bang. In a lot of ways, he actually reminds me a lot of me, although I may have the advantage in the ground game.’’

Wright, 34, will be making his professional and STRIKEFORCE debut. The 5-foot-7 married father of two boys was born in Steelville, Mo., and moved to St. Louis at the age of 16.

Wright fought amateurs several years ago but has been doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the last 14 years. In 2008, he earned a Royler Gracie black belt.

“Getting that black belt is what really got me going and thinking MMA would be the way to go,’’ Wright said. “There aren’t a lot of American-born black belts.

“I’ve been training and doing well against MMA fighters and, now, especially since small fighters like me who only weigh around 130 pounds are getting opportunities, I decided to go for it. Before, nobody wanted to watch us little guys, just the heavyweights.

“I know Brown is a well-rounded MMA fighter and solid in all the disciplines. He’ll obviously be a tough opponent. But I’m definitely prepared. I’ve competed all my life.’’

Wright is a full-time instructor at his own school, Grappling Concepts in St. Peters, Mo. He won the Black Belt Pan American Games in Irvine, Calif., in April 2010. It is the biggest tournament of its kind the world with over 2800 competitors.

Brown (2-2), who was born in St. Louis and always lived in the area, is an instructor at Jesse Finney’s MMA in St. Louis. He’s won his last two fights by submission, but will be making his first start since winning by rear-naked choke over Brian Jordan on May 5, 2007. All of Brown’s fights have ended in the first round.

Growing up, the 5-foot-7, 25-year-old trained in Muay Thai, Pancrase, Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu. He became interested in wrestling in middle school. He was an all-state wrestler at 119 pounds at Lafayette High in Ballwin, Mo., before attending the University of Missouri.

“I knew I wouldn’t have time to wrestle and study at Mizzou,’’ he recalled, “so one day I googled ‘intramural wrestling’ and stumbled on a website, Mezzo Pankration Club, which met at rec centers a few times a week. That was the first time I really trained in all the aspects in one place.’’

Brown went 6-0 in the amateurs before turning pro. “I’ve been a competitive guy since I became involved in combat sports when I was seven or eight,’’ he said. “I’ve always felt I was on the path of what I was supposed to do, and now I am doing it.’’

His four pro fights emanated in mid-Missouri; this is his first fight in St. Louis. Ironically, he was at the last STRIKEFORCE event in The Gateway City – as a spectator.

“My dad and I had tickets and during the fights we were kind of joking around about how cool it would be once I got to fight on a great card like that one. Who knew I’d be fighting on the next STRIKEFORCE card in my hometown? This is really cool and a tremendous opportunity.

“I know Wright is a tough Jiu-Jitsu guy with a Sambo background, but I’m really looking forward to fighting him in front of my family and friends. It’s an honor for me to fight on such a great show.’’

TICKETS FOR PASCAL-HOPKINS SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING BOUTARE ONE OF THE HOTTEST BUYS IN CANADA

Posted on | November 23, 2010 | No Comments

Less Than 1,000 Tickets Remain For Dec. 18 World Title Fight
At The 16,333-Seat Pepsi Coliseum Live on SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2010) – Future Hall of Famer and two-division world champion Bernard Hopkins will challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight belt-holder Jean Pascal on Saturday, Dec. 18, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) in a bid to become the oldest fighter in the history of boxing to win a world title, but he’ll have to do so in front a predominantly pro-Pascal sell-out crowd at the 16,333-seat Pepsi Coliseum in Québec City, Canada.

According to Pascal’s promoter, Groupe Yvon Michel, more than 15,000 tickets were purchased within 48 hours of the on-sale date. More than 6,000 tickets were sold within the first 30 minutes. Twelve thousand tickets were obtained in the first two hours.

A superstar north of the border, Pascal (26-1, 16 KOs) is one of the most popular boxers in Canada. The Haitian-born Canadian resident has made three successful defenses in Canada since winning the WBC 175-pound crown with a unanimous decision over Adrian Diaconu on June 19, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

An emerging superstar, Pascal is coming off a career-best, upset victory over Chad Dawson, who was considered a top-5 pound-for-pound fighter and the best light heavyweight in the world.

The age-defying, 45-year-old Hopkins won the World Middleweight title on SHOWTIME in 1995 and successfully defended it 20 times, solidifying his place as one of the most prolific 160-pound world champions in history.

Hopkins created a dynasty over his incomparable 22-year career, boasting a resume with signature victories over, among many others, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Winky Wright and Kelly Pavlik.

The 28-year-old Pascal, who was just 5 years old when Hopkins turned pro in 1988, is hoping to start a dynasty of his own in front of a raucous hometown crowd.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports®, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, along with access to the SHOWTIME Sports Facebook® and Twitter® pages, please go to http://Sports.Sho.com.

THE 7TH ANNUAL MITCHELL ALLEN BOXING SHOWCASE TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 4TH AT 2PM

Posted on | November 23, 2010 | No Comments

WATCH SOME OF THE TOP AMATUER FIGHTERS ON THE EAST COAST COMPETE IN THIS TRADITIONAL EVENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA (November 23, 2010)—On Saturday afternoon, December 4th, some of the best amateur fighters will be on display at the 7th annual Mitchell Allen Boxing Showcase will take place at the Sheppard Recreation Center on 5700 Haverford Avenue in Philadelphia.

This special event will pit the finest boxers from Philadelphia taking on an elite team from New York City.

Special guests will include former Pound for Pound king, Roy Jones Jr., Former lightweight world champion Nate Campbell; Currant IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, ; Top heavyweight contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers; Jr. Welterweight prospect Steve Upsher Chambers; Top Welterweight contender Mike Jones as well as top Super Bantamweight Teon Kennedy.

The fighters noted are all committed to Jesus Christ and this event will help deliver the message that there is an alternative to a life on the streets and show the youth something constructive can be done with their lives.

The event starts at 2pm

For more information please contact Dave Price 267.246.7182 or daveprice@tmail.com

AFO Thanksgiving Massacre this Wednesday in Mansfield, MA

Posted on | November 23, 2010 | No Comments

Mansfield – The American Fighting Organization will hold its annual “Thanksgiving Massacre” event this Wednesday November 24th at the Holiday Inn Event Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the night before Thanksgiving.

“The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest party nights of the year.” Said AFO President Pete Dilorenzo, “Almost everyone has the next day off and we always show our audience a good time.”

Per tradition, this year’s Thanksgiving Massacre show will raise money to help feed families through the Greater Boston Food Bank. At last year’s event, proceeds helped feed over 100 families for Thanksgiving. This year, the goal is to double that figure.

In the main event, the AFO lightweight title will be at stake when defending champion Joey Proctor (4-0, 3 submissions), who trains out of UFC lightweight Joe Lauzon’s gym in Bridgewater, puts his championship and unbeaten record on the line when he fights tough Rhode Island resident Luis Felix(5-6, 1 KO, 2 submissions) of Team Rockstar.

In the co-feature, New England MMA mainstay Dan Bonnell (11-7, 3 KO’s, 5 submissions) rides a two fight win streak into his 145 pound fight with AFO constant Brian Marino (4-1, 2 KO’s, 2 submissions). For Marino, who has fought all five of his MMA bouts inside an AFO cage, it will be his last MMA outing for at least a few years before he begins service in the United States Army in 2011.

Rounding out the professional portion of the card will be the debut of Team Sityotong’s Lewis Coropa against Connecticut’s Matt Kaponis (1-1, 1 KO), the 145 pound match up of Waikru’s Franklin Isabel (2-4, 2 submissions), against Fernando Perez (2-4, 1 KO, 1 submission) and 135 pounders Theo Desjardin (0-3) seeking his first pro victory against Pennsylvania’s Doug Sonier (0-10), who also will be looking for his first pro win inside the cage.

A full amateur undercard will also be featured. Entire card listed at www.AFOMMA.com. The event will be recorded for DVD’s produced by www.NESportsTV.com and for a TV special to be announced soon. Select fights will also be featured on AFO Proving Grounds, the AFO’s weekly TV series that airs on My TV New England every Saturday at 11AM.

Andre Ward and Sakio Bika Showtime Championship Boxing Conference Call Highlights

Posted on | November 22, 2010 | No Comments

Andre Ward and Sakio Bika participated in a national media conference call on Monday to discuss their upcoming world title fight on Saturday, Nov. 27, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

Ward (22-0, 13 KOs) will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight championship in front of his hometown fans for a second time against the tough, dangerous Bika (28-4-2, 19 KOs) of Sydney, Australia, via Douala, Cameroon.

The Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament points leader, Ward has already secured his spot in the tournament Semifinals and will face Bika outside the tournament.

Bika will be making his third world title appearance in a world title fight. Two of his most noteworthy victories came when he crushed Peter Manfredo, Jr. (TKO 3) in November 2008 and when he outpointed Sam Soliman across eight rounds in October 2007.

In the first fight of the split-site doubleheader on SHOWTIME, “King” Arthur Abraham will meet Carl “The Cobra” Froch in the final Group Stage 3 bout of tournament for the vacant WBC super middleweight world title. The world title match will be televised on same-day-delay from the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland.

Here’s what the principals had to say on Monday:

ANDRE WARD:
“I’m so excited. It’s been a year yesterday (Nov. 21, 2009) since I won my world title and I’m focused and locked in on defending my title. That’s all me and my team has ever focused on. Not just becoming a champion but being a defending champion and striving for great challenges like Sakio Bika. I’ve prepared myself for a fight like this years in advance. I’m prepared for Sakio and I know he’s prepared for me. And I know we’re going to put on a great show on Saturday.”

Does it matter to you that this is not a Super Six fight?

“Absolutely not. At the end of the day my championship belt is still on the line and at the end of the day I’ve got to show up and get the job done. And I’ve got a guy on the other side of the ring that’s trying to hurt me. For me personally there’s no let down. This is as big as it gets. There’s really no problem with this not being in the tournament. Everyone understands why it’s not in the tournament but this is a fight so as far as myself and my team it’s business as usual.”

Why aren’t you fighting Andre Dirrell on Saturday night?

“I think Andre Dirrell’s team has already said why we’re not fighting Saturday night. Apparently, Andre’s got some neurological issues and I’ll leave it at that. I think with the writers and the media it’s their job to be able to figure out what’s true and not true and I just have to take whatever comes. I take Dirrell at his word and I hope he gets better soon and that we can see him back in the ring.

“When you sign a contract it’s a binding agreement and we were legally bound to fight Dirrell in our third fight. Personally, it’s not something you want to do; that’s a friend of yours, your family knows one another. It’s not really an ideal situation. But at the end of the day I’ve been fighting for a long time and I was prepared to do what I agreed to do. I think some of the fans blew things out of proportion. A lot of people weren’t talking and there really wasn’t much to say and it would have probably just made things worse.

“I think it’s unfortunate people think Dirrell and I were trying to take the fight off the table and that we were working together. That’s personally not who I am. I was always going to do what I had to do.

“I’m just as hungry as any opponent I’m fighting. I’m just as desperate as any opponent I’m fighting. I take this game very, very seriously. Having a championship and defending it means the world to me. I’m sure Sakio thinks this is a huge opportunity for him but this is a huge opportunity for Andre Ward as well.

“Becoming a great finisher like Sugar Ray Leonard is something we’re definitely working on and it’s something that’s going to keep showing up as we keep moving up and improving.

“I don’t really have any outside distractions. I keep a low profile and I don’t need an entourage. The guys that are around me are either family or they have a job to do. So I keep a tight circle. I really don’t have a lot of people pulling on me. I just think people over the years know where I stand and we just kind of set the tone from there. At this stage in my career I just don’t really have a lot do deal with in terms of outside distractions.

“At this point, Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham and Lucian Bute are non-factors. It’s all about Sakio Bika right now. I’ll take a line from Vince Lombardi: Success demands singleness of purpose. I’m locked in on Sakio Bika and Saturday night.”

SAKIO BIKA:
“This is a very big opportunity for me. I just want to take care of my business and make a big upset even though I’m not in the tournament. I was very disappointed at the start that they didn’t include me in this tournament. I am very happy for Andre Ward for giving me this opportunity.

“I think I’m one of the best fighters in the world at 168 pounds. Since 2006 I’ve challenged everyone but no one wants to fight me. I challenged Mikkel Kessler and I’ve challenged others. I was disappointed I wasn’t selected at the start but I’m just very happy for this opportunity to get a chance to win this fight on the 27th.

“I just have to show the world that I’m the best fighter. I will show Andre Ward that. I have this great opportunity. I just have to try and do my best.

“I know Andre has a very good style. He moves a lot and will be very tough. On the 27th everyone will see what I will bring to beat Andre Ward. I don’t need to say too much about his style. It will be an exciting fight on the 27th.

“Every time I go in there I’m trying to win the fight. I’m prepared to go the whole 12 rounds. If I could knock him out I’d be so happy. I’m looking forward to showing Andre Ward my power.

“I’m prepared for Andre Ward on the inside and the outside. We can handle him from the inside and the outside. We are prepared for whatever game plan Andre has for us.”

Do you think Andre Ward might be underestimating you as a fighter?

“No. Andre Ward is a professional fighter and this is a business. He was preparing for Andre Dirrell and now he has prepared to fight me.”

DAN GOOSSEN, Goossen Tutor Promotions:
“None of this could have been possible without SHOWTIME and Ken Hershman’s intestinal fortitude to keep everything moving in this Super Six Tournament which I believe the best is yet to come. This Saturday we’re going to have Froch and Abraham opening up this telecast and then to wind up the main bout with Andre Ward against Sakio Bika. I’m looking forward to Saturday night and seeing Andre Ward continue his path to becoming one of the best fighters pound for pound in the world today.”

DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO of Golden Boy Promotions:
“I know they call Glen Johnson the ‘Road Warrior’ but that would also be apt for Sakio. When you look at his record he’s really fought the best of the best in their backyard. … Going into someone’s backyard and taking them on is nothing new for him. It’s not something that fazes him at all. We expect him to come out with a victory this weekend. He’s an offensive machine who keeps coming and coming and coming. I think his style and Ward’s style are going to mesh for just a really great fight.”

MURIQI DEFEATS JUDAH IN BROOKLYN BY DECISION

Posted on | November 22, 2010 | No Comments

Light Heavyweight Gets back in title contention in All New York Showdown; Rosinsky and Melson thrill rabid fan bases with victories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BROOKLYN (NOVEMBER 22, 2010)—This past Saturday night in front of an over flow crowd at The Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, Light Heavyweight contender Elvir Muriqi scored an impressive ten round unanimous decision over Daniel Judah in a battle of New York fighters that highlighted an eight bout card that was promoted by Rob Diaz Havoc Boxing Promotions.

Muriqi was the better man as he attacked the body of the southpaw Judah. Judah went down to the canvas on three separate occasions, claiming low blows but Muriqi was never docked any points.

Muriqi, dubbed “The Kosovo Kid” won by shutout margins of 100-90 on two cards and a third card read 99-90.

“It was an OK performance after a thirteen month layoff”, said Muriqi
“The more active I stay and if I get enough preparation time, I can beat any Light Heavyweight in the world.”

The co-feature saw a battle of two undefeated Light Heavyweights from Brooklyn as Will Rosinsky scored a eight round unanimous decision over Yasin Rashid.

U.S. Army captain Boyd Melson had to get off the canvas in round one to comeback to score a for round unanimous decision over Andrew Jones in Melson’s long awaited pro debut.

Melson donated his entire purse to Stem Cell Research

FULL RESULTS

10 rounds—Cruiserweights—Elvir Muriqi (38-5) 183 lbs of New York U DEC over Daniel Judah (23-7-3) 189 lbs of Brooklyn, NY…scores 100-90; 100-90 & 99-90

8 Rounds—Light Heavyweights—Will Rosinsky (13-0)168 ½ lbs of Queens, NY U DEC over Yasin Rashid (7-1) 168 ½ lbs of Brooklyn, NY…Scores were 80-72; 80-72 and 78-74

4 Rounds—Cruiserweights—Joel Castillo (6-0) 180 lbs of Brooklyn, NY DQ 1 (2:45) over Rayshawn Myers (3-5) 179 ½ lbs of Cleveland, OH

4 Rounds—Middleweights—Boyd Melson (1-0) 155 lbs of Brooklyn, NY U DEC over Andrew Jones (0-2-1) 151 lbs of Buffalo, NY…scores were 38-37 on all cards

4 rounds—Cruiserweights—Stivins Bujac (3-0) 199 lbs of New York, NY U DEC over Hamid Abdul Mateen (0-1)167 lbs of Brooklyn, NY..Scores were 40-34; 39-35 and 39-35

4 Rounds—Jr. Lightweights—Joshua Arocho (1-3, 1 KO) 126 ½ lbs of Vineland, NJ TKO 4 (0:14) over Allan Phelan (0-1) 127 lbs of Queens, NY

6 Rounds—Jr. Lightweight—Emanuel Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KO’s) 128 lbs of Bronx, NY TKO 2 2:02) over Juan Melendez (2-5-1) 130 lbs of Canovanas, PR

4 Rounds—Lightweights—Chazz McDowell (3-0) 133 lbs of Bronx, NY U DEC over George Santiago (0-1) 133 lbs of Brooklyn, NY…Scores were 40-36 on all cards

SHOBOX STANDOUT EDWIN RODRIGUEZ CHANNELING ARTHUR ABRAHAM FOR SPARRING SESSIONS WITH CARL FROCH

Posted on | November 22, 2010 | No Comments

NEW YORK (Nov. 22, 2010) – Following two dominant ShoBox stoppages, Edwin Rodriguez (17-0, 13 KOs) drew the attention of Carl Froch (26-1, 20 KOs) and his trainer Robert McCracken. Just days after an exciting ninth-round TKO over James McGirt Jr. on the Nov. 5 telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation, Froch and McCracken flew Rodriguez across the pond to help them prepare for the Super Six World Boxing Classic clash with Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KOs) for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight title on Saturday, Nov. 27, on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT) on same-day-delay from Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland.

Said Froch of the 24-year-old Worcester, Mass. resident, “Rob and I picked Edwin as we heard he is a great fighter with ambition, which is always important with sparring partners, as it means they try to be successful during the spar.”

The aggressive Rodriguez studied Abraham’s style to best mimic the German’s ring prowess while sparring with Froch. “I have a tight defense like Abraham and have kept my hands up in the gym so Carl can work on opening Abraham’s defense and get ready for a KO,” said Rodriguez.

After facing the hard-hitting Brit in person, Rodriguez is thoroughly impressed and appreciative of the experience. “This has been a good opportunity for me to train with an elite athlete like Carl. I have seen firsthand that he is a world class fighter. I can’t see how Abraham will beat Carl. Abraham has good defense but Carl has a hard and accurate punch.”

Froch, however, is not the only one leaving a lasting impression. After a workout last week, the former WBC Super Middleweight champion said, “Sparring with Edwin has been brilliant. He is very fast, can punch with both hands and stays there at times like Abraham will [during our fight]. I feel he has far more natural ability and speed than Abraham.”

In the second bout of the split-site doubleheader on SHOWTIME, unbeaten Andre Ward (22-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBA 168-pound crown against Sakio Bika (28-4-2, 19 KOs) live from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

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