HDNET BRINGS YOU TEN HOURS OF MMA ACTION AND ANALYSIS THIS FRIDAY

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

Network’s coverage features the premiere of “United Glory, 1st Round” and “Sengoku Raiden Championship 15” LIVE from Japan
DALLAS (October 28, 2010) HDNet, your home for MMA, is at it again! This weekend, the network will deliver ten hours of premiere MMA programming starting tomorrow, Friday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

We kick off the night with a new “HDNet Fights Vault” featuring the four best fights from DREAM 10.

At 8:30 p.m. ET, Matt Lindland joins “Fighting Words with Mike Straka.” No stranger to controversy, “The Law” opens up about his legal battle with the U.S. Olympic Committee, his feud with UFC president Dana White, and his thoughts on Affliction and IFL.

UFC heavyweight Pat Barry and WEC lightweight challenger Anthony Pettis join Kenny and Bas on “Inside MMA” at 9:00 p.m. ET for a look back at Cain Velasquez’s historic victory at UFC 121. Mike Straka has exclusive on-site coverage including comments from the new champion and UFC President Dana White. Plus, Ron Kruck continues his “Inside America’s Gyms” series with a profile of Premier Fitness in Denver.

“HDNet Fights: United Glory, 1st Round” premieres at 10:00 p.m. ET. The event features both the first round of United Glory’s World Series of MMA and kickboxing. The MMA bracket is highlighted by Roan Carneiro (14-8) and John Alessio (30-13), while Gokhan Saki (72-13-1) is the favorite in the kickboxing draw. The broadcast team pairs Mauro Ranallo with Bas Rutten in a reunion of the beloved Pride announce team.

The evening culminates with the LIVE broadcast of “HDNet Fights: Sengoku Raiden Championship 15” at 2:00 a.m. ET from Tokyo, Japan. The event features former Olympic Judo Silver medalist Hiroshi Izumi (2-1) vs. James Zikic (18-6-2), Kazunori Yokota (11-3-3) vs. Brian Cobb (16-6), Maximo Blanco (6-2-1) vs. Kiuma Kunioku (34-23-9), plus the SRC Welterweight Grand Prix Semifinals and the SRC Asian Bantamweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals.

Don’t miss the packed weekend of MMA action, all beginning tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. ET on HDNet!

NEW WAVE OF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS TO BATTLE IN EXCITING TRIPLEHEADER ON FRIDAY, NOV. 5, ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

Undefeated Edwin Rodriguez Faces James McGirt Jr. in Main Event;
Dyah Davis Tangles With Aaron Pryor Jr. and Unbeaten Marcus Johnson Meets KO Artist Kevin Engel in Co-Features

Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET from Scheels Arena, Fargo N.D.

NEW YORK (Oct. 28, 2010) – One night before the final Semifinal spot in the Super Six World Boxing Classic is locked up, six up-and-coming super middleweights representing the future of boxing’s hottest division will square off in an exciting tripleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, Nov. 5, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

“Everyone knows about the Andre Wards, Carl Frochs, Arthur Abrahams and the other fighters in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, but we’re excited to show off some super middleweights that we’ll be hearing a lot from in the future” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox executive producer. “The Super Six currently in progress features the elite in the 168-pound weight class. On ShoBox, we are featuring the next generation of American super middleweights. This is the wave of the future in this division.”

Allan Green takes on Glen Johnson at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 6, in a Super Six World Boxing Classic Group Stage 3 bout on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). On Friday, the ShoBox lineup will feature three fighters whose fathers had distinguished professional careers.

Exciting power-puncher Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (16-0, 12 KOs) from Worcester, Mass., by way of the Dominican Republic, will face gritty young veteran James McGirt Jr. (22-2-1, 11 KOs) from Vero Beach, Fla., in a 10-round main event taking place at Scheels Arena in Fargo, N.D.

In the co-feature, Dyah Davis (18-1, 9 KOs) of Boca Raton, Fla., meets Aaron Pryor Jr., (14-2, 11 KOs) of Cincinnati, in an eight-round battle while Houston’s Marcus “Too Much” Johnson (19-0, 14 KOs) is looking to keep his perfect record intact when he takes on Kevin “The Hitman” Engel (18-3, 15 KOs) of St. Louis, in an eight-round affair.

Rodriguez, 25, is making his second appearance on ShoBox and first appearance in the main event. He is a former amateur star, having won the gold medal at the 2006 National Golden Gloves Championships and the gold at the 2005 U.S. National Amateur Championships, both at 165 pounds. He is currently rated No. 4 by the NABF and NABO.

Rodriguez, a boxer-puncher with excellent hand speed and power, has yet to fight past eight rounds in his career. He has won his last four fights by knockout or TKO and is coming off a fifth-round knockout win against another lefty, Ibrahiem King, in his last fight on June 24 in Worcester, Mass.

According to his manager Larry Army, Rodriguez has been training in Australia preparing world-ranked Top 15 super middleweight Daniel Geale for his Oct. 31 fight against former IBF middleweight champion Roman Karmazin. It’s the first true camp for Rodriguez who is also living with a nutritionist, Army said.

Fight fans will recognize McGirt’s name as his father and current trainer/cornerman is James “Buddy” McGirt, the former IBF Jr. welterweight and WBC welterweight world champion.

McGirt, a 27-year-old southpaw, has won three fights in a row, two by knockout, since his last loss on Jan. 16, 2009, a 10-round unanimous decision to former Jr. middleweight world title challenger Angel Hernandez. His only other career loss came on ShoBox against Carlos De Leon Jr., on April 11, 2008.

McGirt, who is No. 7 and No. 11 by the NABF and NABO, respectively, has never been scared to go after top opposition. Out of his 25 fights, only three opponents have had losing records. Both Rodriguez and McGirt have fought Brad Austin and Marcus Upshaw. Rodriguez TKO’d Austin in the third round in January, 2009, and McGirt won an eight-round decision against Austin in May, 2007. Against Upshaw, Rodriguez won a six-round decision in August, 2008, while McGirt fought him to a 10-round draw in November, 2008.

The Dyah Davis-Aaron Pryor Jr., eight-round co-feature has a scintillating back story in that both of their fathers fought each other twice as amateurs 34 years ago in history-altering bouts.

Fighting in the U.S. Olympic Trials in Aaron Pryor’s hometown of Cincinnati, Davis upset the world’s top-rated amateur Pryor at 132 pounds via decision then won another decision against him in the Olympic Box-Offs a month later. The wins earned Davis his place on the U.S. Olympic team where he went on to win the gold medal in Montreal.

“The second fight with him was a lot tougher,” said Howard Davis, who currently trains and manages MMA fighters for American Top Team. “The first fight was relatively easy for me but the second fight he was a little more prepared.”

He continued: “There are a couple of father-sons out there boxing so I knew it was bound to happen. You have Aaron (Pryor) and Ronald Hearns (son of Tommy). I didn’t know which one it would be but I was just hoping he would get a chance to get on TV; to be exposed and for everyone to get a chance to see who he is. I was just so excited and elated when I found out. This is a great opportunity for my son to show his wares.”

Davis, 29, has won nine fights in a row, the last two by TKO, since his only loss in April, 2007, to Tyrone Watson.

Dyah said he doesn’t have time to think about his father fighting his next opponent’s father, but could understand why people would want to talk about it. “I’m not thinking about that at all. I’m just looking at Aaron as another opponent and another guy that’s in front of me; someone who I can knock down and get out of the way. I’m not really trying to get too involved in the family stuff. I don’t want to get involved in that hype.”

McGirt Sr., coincidently, also fought Davis as a pro, KO-ing him in the first round at Madison Square Garden in 1988.

Aaron Jr., currently 32 and a five-year pro, was born when his father was 22-years-old and had a record of 13-0. Aaron Sr. won the WBA super lightweight world title two years later in

August, 1980, and made eight successful title defenses. He also won the IBF Jr. welterweight world title and made one successful title defense. He retired in 1990 and is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The son does not physically resemble his dad as Aaron Jr. stands 6-foot-4 inches tall while Senior is 5-6. “I’m definitely more of a boxer than a brawler, like my father,” Pryor Jr. said. “My father was pretty versatile. Even though he was known for brawling, he was a good boxer, as well. But my style is strictly boxing.”

Pryor has won two fights in a row, both by TKO, and is 3-2 in his last five fights. In his last fight on June 13, he TKO’d Willis Lockett.

The 24-year-old Johnson is ranked No. 7 by the WBC and No. 15 by the WBA at 168 pounds.

ShoBox fans saw Johnson win his April 30 fight by 10-round unanimous decision against previously undefeated Derek Edwards and on Oct. 2, 2009, when he decisioned Victor Villareal. Only Andre Ward stood in the way of a possible Olympic spot in 2004 as he beat Johnson twice, once in the Trials and later in the Box-Off.

Nov. 5 headliner Rodriguez handed Engel his last loss on April 30 on ShoBox. Engel wasn’t about to complain about facing another undefeated fighter on ShoBox. “It’s hard to say no to SHOWTIME,” he said. In his last fight on July 24 in St. Louis, he TKO’d Dominic Brown, who was making his pro debut.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Curt Menefee will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman, Andre Ward and, most recently, Cornelius Bundrage.

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 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Manfredo headlines ‘Homecoming King’ to begin final chapter of career

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

CES show Nov. 12 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 28, 2010) – IBO Middleweight Champion “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo Jr. returns to his roots Nov. 12, headlining “Homecoming King” in a 10-round, non-title fight against Colombian power-puncher Jhon Berrio (15-7, 11 KOs), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

“Homecoming King” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) in association with DiBella Entertainment and Twin River.

It’s been two years since Manfredo (35-6, 19 KOs) last fought in Rhode Island, but the star of The Contender, Season I reality television series obviously enjoys fighting in his backyard, sporting a 16-1 (10 KOs) pro record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) at Twin River.

“Fighting at home is a key for me because I’m very comfortable and it’s convenient being with my family, sleeping in my own bed, eating at familiar restaurants, training in my father’s gym, and running the same places,” Manfredo said. “Twin River is right down the street from where I work and, of course, there’s nothing better than fighting in front of my fans. A lot of people feel that there’s a lot of pressure fighting at home. I don’t have any pressure here. I’ve been fighting in Rhode Island since I was five years old. Boxing is still big here and the fans are great.”

The plan for the final chapter of the 29-year-old Manfredo’s career tentatively includes a win Nov. 12, successfully defending his IBO title on the January 14th ESPN Friday Night Fights show and then, hopefully, an IBF title fight against champion Sebastian Sylvester.

“Vinny Paz (fellow Rhode Islander) was an inspiration for me growing up and his first world title was for the IBF against Greg Haugen,” the IBF No 12-ranked middleweight explained. “When I first started hanging – not really hanging, but being around Paz – it was kind of weird because, as a kid, I looked up to him and now he’s watching me go through some of what he did as a fighter. It’s weird, but cool……awesome! Paz is a great guy. He left it all in the ring as a blood-and-guts fighter and I see myself being the same type of fighter. He never backed down from anybody and neither have I. I may not have beaten (Joe) Calzaghe or (Sakio) Bika, but I went toe-to-toe with ‘em. That’s why my fights sell out at Twin River. Fans here want to see a good fight – win, lose or draw. We’re entertainers and, just like Paz, I always want to give fans their money’s worth. Fans loved Paz for that and I believe fans feel that way about me. I idolized him and someday, I hope, we can sit down in retirement and talk about our IBF title belts and fights.”

Burchfield promoted Manfredo, who will be making his promotional debut for Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment), for Manfredo’s first 21 pro fights (2000-2004) prior to his CES release in order for him to participate in The Contender. “Everything has worked out great for me,” Manfredo noted. “Lou and Jimmy are working together on this fight so I can fight at home. I never meant to hurt anybody and did what I’ve done for me and my family. I think it’s cool that they’ve worked things out to help me. It all started for me with Jimmy and I love the guy. Lou hasn’t seen me fight live and this will give him an opportunity to see what he’s added to his stable. I think he’s the guy to get me that big shot for the IBF title. I have to get this fight out of the way, first, and look good doing it before moving on.”

In an intra-state battle, West Warwick’s (RI) Keith Kozlin (6-1, 4 KOs) faces Woonsocket’s (RI) Joe Gardner (6-1-1, 1 KO) for the vacant EBA New England Light Heavyweight Championship in the 6-round co-feature.

Providence cruiserweight Dante Wiggins, nephew of former Providence heavyweight Robert Wiggins will make his pro debut against an opponent to be determined. Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Marshfield (MA) junior middleweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (3-1, 1 KO) vs. Lisa Bolin (2-3); undefeated Providence firefighter Eric “Star” Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. upset-minded Tobias Rice (2-1, 2 KOs); Hyannis (MA) heavyweight Jesse “Bad News” Barboza (4-1, 3 KOs) attempting to avenge his only loss versus Winston Thorpe (3-0, 2 KOs); New Bedford super lightweight Jonathan Vazquez (2-0, 2 KOs) against Ernest Butts III (0-1); and Pawtucket (RI) middleweight Thomas Falowo making his much-anticipated pro debut against Odias Dumezil (2-4, 1 KO), a former sparring partner for world champion Andre Berto. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Homecoming King,” priced at $40.00, $60.00, $100.00 and $150.00 (VIP), are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

VIP LUXURY SUITE PACKAGES

VIP Luxury Suite packages are available for the first time at Twin River, which includes exclusive table seating in the venue’s only elevated section with private wait service and two drinks per person, plus VIP After Party passes and a 25-percent discount for pre-fight dining at Fred and Steve’s Steakhouse in Twin River. Other special perks for VIP guests are also included in this knockout package for parties ranging from six to 10 guests. For additional information or to purchase a VIP Luxury Suite package, contact Rick Provost, CES Group Sales Director, at 407.739.7490 or Rick.Provost44@gmail.com.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:00PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Homecoming King.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

America’s Top Featherweight: Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard Named Conn. Fighter of the Year again

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

MANCHESTER, Conn. (October 28, 2010) – Undefeated, 24-year-old NABF and NABO champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, arguably the leading American featherweight, will be honored Saturday night as the Connecticut Boxer of the Year for the second year in a row at the 6th annual Conn. Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Manchester resident Remillard joins former world light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson, of New Haven, as the only two-time winners. Hartford light heavyweight Eric Harding is the other Conn. Boxer of the Year winner.

“This is quite an achievement because boxing is what I do for a living and to have people stick by my side and acknowledge me as a great fighter is more than enough for me,” Remillard said. “Just to be part of the Connecticut Hall of Fame induction dinner is an honor. I think winning again this year means more to me because I’ve stepped-up in class, fighting better opponents and achieving more.

“I’ve been fighting 10-11 years and it’s great to see some of the people I’ve watched and met being recognized for their achievements and inducted into the Hall of Fame. It’s a great organization and the induction dinner is held at a beautiful place, Mohegan Sun. Someday, I hope to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.”

Remillard (22-0, 13 KOs), who won both of his 2010 fights, is rated No. 5 by the WBO as well as No. 6 by the WBC and WBA. Last January, Matt stopped Rafael Lora in the third round in his NABF title defense and in May, “Sharp Shooter” registered a win by fourth-round technical knockout versus Carlos Rivera, capturing the NABO featherweight crown and successfully defending his MANF belt.

Conn. Hall of Fame inductees this year include “Irish” Micky Ward, Troy Dorsey, F. Mac Buckley, Desi Clark, Sean Malone Sr., Bob Steele and Joe Tessitore.

For more information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame or Saturday evening’s induction dinner go on line to www.ctboxinghof.com
.
-MR-

AUDLEY HARRISON “OVERWHELMED” BY PUBLIC SUPPORT

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

UK fans backing Harrison to upset the odds against David Haye

Audley Harrison returned to Britain this week ahead of his World Heavyweight title fight with David Haye – and has been met with a wave of public support ahead of their grudge match.

Harrison has set up camp in Haye’s backyard of south London before moving up to Manchester ahead of the November 13 clash at the M.E.N Arena and the southpaw says he’s been inundated with supporters as his date with destiny draws closer.

“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from the British public,” said Harrison. “Through my Twitter page, Facebook and at AudleyHarrison.com, I have received thousands of messages of support and I am grateful that people are following my story and wishing me success.

“The majority of people understand my struggles and respect my determination and perseverance to overcome the odds and achieve my goals. As the fight draws close, David will be surprised to know that the British public are turning against him and I’ll be satisfying their wishes by defeating him and bringing his ego back down to Earth.

“It’s going to be tough, but I wouldn’t want it any other way – YES I CAN!”

After a gruelling high-altitude training schedule in Big Bear Mountain, California, Harrison landed at Heathrow on the day of his 39th birthday and according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, the challenger has been boosted by the reception he has received.

“It’s heart-warming to see Audley finally getting some support from the British public, after all he is just a guy from the street chasing a dream,” said Hearn. “He has shown unbreakable British spirit in never giving up and we all know the public love an underdog. Haye has said some pretty disgusting things over the recent weeks and unlike Audley, he seems to be in the game for all the wrong reasons.”

Official “Evolution 1” Weigh-in Event Friday, Oct.29th

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

Open to the Public – Autograph session to follow!

WHAT:

Official “Evolution 1” Weigh-in Event

Evolution Combat Sports Championship is proud to bring high quality MMA to Clovis, New Mexico! “Evolution 1” is stacked with compelling professional and amateur match-ups and features some of the top MMA Talent in the Southwest.

Join Evolution Combat Sports and “Evolution 1” contenders this Friday, October 29th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm MST at the Clovis Civic Center for the official weigh-in event.

Contenders will return to the Civic Center at 6:00pm MST for a meet and greet and autograph session. Media and fans are welcome!

WHO:

Evolution Combat Sports Championship “Evolution 1” Contenders

Professional Bouts:

205: Marcus Sursa vs. Buddy Roberts
170: Anselmo Martinez vs. Tim Stout
HVY: Josh Luna vs. Jeremiah Constant
125: Heather Clark vs. Kyane Hampton
185: Vadiano La Luz vs. Antonio Zamora
135: Bobby Huron vs. Paco Castillo
125: Melissa Steele vs. April Coutino
145: Diego Brandao vs. Michael Casteel
120: Karina Hallinan vs. Kelly Warren
125: Ya-Ya Anzaldua vs. Shimone Brooks

Amateur Bouts:

125: Jeremiah Cullum vs. David Mejias
135: Thomas Springs vs. Adrian Cruz
170: Duffy Simmons vs. Joshua Hernandez
170: Jacob Zamora vs. Peter Bouton
145: Bobby Mendez vs. Tim Slatton
155: Harvey Park vs. Javier Minjarez
155: John Sparks vs. Jaime Puga
135: Alan Lerma vs. Xavier Estrada
170: Julius Lindley vs. Lalo Chavez

WHEN:

Friday October, 29th
Weigh-in event: 1:00pm to 3:00pm MST
Autograph Session and Meet & Greet: 6:00pm MST

WHERE:

Clovis Civic Center

Clovis Civic Center
801 Schepps Blvd
Clovis, NM 88101

Ph:575-263-7000

“Evolution 1”, will take place on Saturday, October, 30th at the Curry County Events Center in Clovis, New Mexico. “Evolution 1” is also available via internet pay-per-view on www.gofightlive.tv for just $9.99! The fights will air live at 8:00pm ET.

For more information on Evolution Combat Sports Championships and the upcoming “Evolution 1” MMA event, please visit www.evolutioncombatsports.com.

“Evolution 1” tickets that were available on-line are now sold out!! Tickets can be purchased in Clovis at the following businesses: Sports Angle, Pro Sound and Glass Doctor.

Amateur Boxing On HALLOWEEN EVE- Everyone should attend in Costume

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | No Comments

Gleason’s Gym continues the monthly boxing series Saturday evening October 30, 2010.

Everyone is encouraged to dress up for Halloween. There will be prizes for the top three costumes.

The show will include amateur boxers that are part of our Monthly Boxing Series. The show will include JO, Novice, Senior and Master bouts. There will be male and female bouts.

The weigh in will begin at 4:00PM and the first bout will begin at 6:00PM.

All our bouts are pre-matched. They are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.

The ticket price is $20 per person. Children 6 and under are not charged. All gym members and registered amateurs with their books in hand pay $15 per person.

PRIZEFIGHTER PROPELS CHAMPS TO MAJOR TITLE SHOTS

Posted on | October 28, 2010 | 2 Comments

Casey and Rees both fighting for belts on home soil on November 6
Prizefighter winners Gavin Rees and Willie Casey both face major title fights on Saturday 6 November.

Welshman Rees takes on unbeaten Liverpool fighter John Watson for the vacant British lightweight title at the Newport Leisure Centre, while Irishman Casey meets fellow countryman Paul Hyland in the first ever all-Irish battle for a European belt as they fight for the super bantamweight title at the University Arena in Limerick – Hyland replacing Spaniard Kiko Martinez who has vacated the belt after having to withdraw from facing Casey through injury.

Rees claimed the Prizefighter light-welterweights crown in December 2009, beating Colin Lynes in the final at York Hall, Bethnal Green and was the first world champion to take part in the tournament, having lost the WBA light-welterweight belt he earned with victory over Souleymane M’baye in July 2007 with a twelfth round knock-out defeat at the hands of Andriy Kotelnik the following March.

“Big Bang” Casey was a revelation when he won the Prizefighter super-bantamweights title in May at York Hall in Bethnal Green, stopping Mark Moran in their quarter-final before the Limerick southpaw edged a breathless semi-final with Josh Wale through a split-decision and went on to score a unanimous decision in the final against Scottish reserve Paul McElhinney. Casey was unbeaten in five fights ahead of the night at York Hall, and since winning Prizefighter he’s taken that tally into double figures, knocking out Faycal Messaoudene in Cork at the end of June and then moving to Dublin in August where he outpointed Emiliano Salvini.

Title shots will be high on the agenda in the next outing for Prizefighter, as a high quality line-up of super-featherweights take over York Hall on November 20. Unbeaten British champion Gary Sykes is joined by popular WBU featherweight champ “The Mongolian Warrior” Choi Tseveenpurev, former England Commonwealth Games captain and Coronation Street actor Steve Bell, Prizefighter Lightweights semi-finalist Gary McArthur, recent British and European lightweight title challenger Gary Buckland and British and Commonwealth title challenger Scott Lawton.

Revenge is also on the menu for some as old rivalries are renewed. Sykes’ successfully defended his title against Kevin O’Hara in May and O’Hara has also fallen to Choi. The Mongolian Warrior knocked out Derry Mathews to take his featherweight title so the Liverpudlian has a score to settle there – with Stoke fighter Lawton also holding a victory over the former champ.

Tickets for Prizefighter Super-Featherweights are available now at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) – call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

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