Holyfield-Botha PPV Going Global
Posted on | April 8, 2010 | No Comments
Saturday night at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (Apr. 6, 2010) – Boxing fans all over the world will be watching Saturday night’s “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event, headlined by 4-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield challenging World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha, live from the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas.
“The Legend Returns,” presented by Crown Boxing, is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
It also will be shown in more than 20 countries, including live broadcasts in Brazil, Mexico, China and the United Kingdom (channel 480 on Sky, streaming on www.primetimelive.co.uk). The card is available on www.gofightlive.tv PPV outside of the U.S., Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, China and Mexico.
Holyfield (42-10-2, 27 KOs), coming off of a controversial 12-round majority decision loss December 20, 2008 in Switzerland to then World Boxing Association champion Nicolai Valuev, takes on Botha (47-4-3, 28 KOs) in the 12-round main event.
In the 10-round co-feature, Las Vegas cruiserweight Henry Namauu (5-3, 3 KOs), the former UNLV boxer and 2006 National Collegiate Cruiserweight Champion, faces dangerous Texan Rayford Johnson (5-4, 3 KOs). Former IBF cruiserweight champion “King” Arthur Williams (46-16-1, 30 KOs) tests unbeaten Utah prospect Valente Tinajero (8-0, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.
Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts is Las Vegas featherweight Rocco Santomauro (3-0) vs. Karl Hammer (1-2), Las Vegas super featherweight Crystal Hoy (3-1-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jennifer Han (0-1-1), Detroit lightweight Joel Flores (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, St. Louis welterweight Lawrence Hughes (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Las Vegas’ Juan Alcolea (2-1, 0 KOs), Las Vegas lightweight Jesus Gutierez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jonathan Garcia, and Phoenix super bantamweight Alexis Santiago (2-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Brice Yeniki (0-4). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00, are available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267.
Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET). Go on line to www.crown-boxing-inc.com or www.worldboxingfederation.net for additional information
-IS-
Floyd “Money” Mayweather Camp Notes
Posted on | April 8, 2010 | 1 Comment
Bring On The Heat . . . Training Camp Intensity Like Never Before
The mood has been very serious in the Mayweather Boxing Gym as superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather prepares for his May 1 showdown against WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. Since arriving back in Las Vegas on March 4 following publicity stops at the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game and a three-city media tour, Mayweather has made the gym his home, sometimes doubling-up boxing sessions before heading outside to run like a hare through the streets, parks and hills of Las Vegas. Never one to cut corners and already known for his intense, high-level workouts, Mayweather is pushing himself to a new level that is even amazing his own team. He knows the caliber of fighter that Shane Mosley is and the undefeated Mayweather, with a record of 40-0, is ready to make Mosley the 41st notch on his belt.
“I have kept my mind focused on training for this fight with very few distractions. Everyone knows I am pretty much an open book with plenty of access to my gym when I am training for a fight,” said Mayweather. “But for this one it’s different. I recognize what Mosley brings to the ring and he’s going to be one hell of an opponent. He’s one of the best fighters of this era and he’s been talking a lot about knocking me out. That is not going to happen and on May 1 people are going to see another side of me. I am ready to capitalize on this opportunity and come fight night, I will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that I am the best in the world.”
“Floyd always trains with intensity and passion but this camp is unlike others in that he has a singleness of purpose and a focus that is phenomenal,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “I can only imagine what is going to happen to Shane Mosley on May 1.”
Lights, Camera, Mayweather . . . Another 24/7
Wherever Mayweather goes the 24/7 cameras are not far behind. The Mayweather family is back on HBO®’s 24/7 starring none other than Floyd himself along with the ever-famous trainer Uncle Roger and father Floyd Sr. The tight-knit clan can’t wait for the premier on April 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT. when they too plan to watch “the rest of the story.”
“I’m an entertainer, and the upcoming 24/7 will be the best one yet. The cameras have been rolling since the fight was announced, and you know you’re going to see something exciting when you follow me. Fans will not want to miss it,” said Mayweather. “Marquez tried drinking his own urine last time around, and people do crazy things when they know they have to face the best fighter in the world. Hopefully Mosley got the memo that drinking pee doesn’t work. Let’s see what he tries to do. Nothing, absolutely nothing works when you have to face me.”
Mayweather Hosts Foundation Dinner
Decked out in fancy black-tie attire only the Champ could pull off, Mayweather hosted the First Annual Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Benefit Dinner at the MGM Grand premier ballroom last Friday night, April 2 in Las Vegas. The event was attended by nearly 250 guests and raised money to fund the Foundations’ generous charitable work throughout the Las Vegas community. The Foundation, which Mayweather started in 2007, has a mission statement of empowering and encouraging community alliances, impacting youth leadership and strengthening family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism and education. The funds raised at the dinner will be allocated among various programs in the areas of education, community outreach, mentoring programs and a youth summer camp. Dinner honorees, recognized for their service to the community, included comedian George Wallace and local school Matt Kelly Elementary.
“I want to thank Floyd and his Foundation for honoring me at their first gala event,” said Wallace. “Floyd is an integral part of this community and he gives back generously. Last year he helped me fund bicycles for kids in need and if it wasn’t for his help, those kids might not have received those special gifts. I commend Floyd for his work and achievements as a boxer and as a man.”
“The event was extremely successful and the funds raised will go directly to improving our community,” said Mayweather. “Although I am very focused on my May 1 fight, giving back is always a nice break, whether it is feeding the homeless or working with youth in Las Vegas is something that is very important to me. It’s something I’ll continue to do over the next month and beyond.”
Spring Break!
It might have been Spring Break for Floyd Mayweather’s kids last week, but that only meant they could spend more time with their dad in the gym who was hard at work. No strangers to supporting their father ringside or while training, his four children Koraun, Zion, Iyanna, and Jirah (ages 6-10) came to the gym everyday to give their dad encouragement and great happiness by them just being there. As the boys Koraun and Zion continue to find their own love for boxing while learning from Roger or getting tips from their grandfather Floyd Sr., his beautiful girls Iyanna and Jirah made sure they were having fun and smiling with their Dad kissing them throughout the day. After the hard work was over, Mayweather took time to step away from the “office” to have some fun with this brood as the entire clan celebrated Zion’s ninth birthday with a trip to the movies to see “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” followed by a night at the Thomas and Mack Center to see WWE Smack Down with his two sons.
“My kids are my life and when they have Spring break and can spend more time with me it is just the greatest feeling,” said Mayweather. “Boxing is in the Mayweather blood, so they’re no strangers to the gym. To see them here enjoying boxing is great. Having them around just gives me extra motivation to go out and do my job.”
About Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking?
Boxing superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and welterweight mega-star, five-time World Champion and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, are set to meet on Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a spectacular bout which will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets, priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
HBO’s Emmy®-Award-winning all-access series “24/7” premieres an all new edition when “24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” debuts Saturday, Apr. 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT. The four-part series will air for three consecutive Saturday nights before the finale airs the night before the welterweight showdown in Las Vegas.
The Mayweather vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
Tags: Boxing > camp notes > Floyd Mayweather Jr. > Shane Mosley > training > welterweights
KAREEM “COOL BREEZE” COOLEY LOOKS TO GO TO 2-0 THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA
Posted on | April 8, 2010 | No Comments
Former amateur standout looks for consecutive knockouts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA (April 8, 2010)—This Friday night at The Arena in South Philadelphia, one of the most decorated amateurs in recent Philadelphia boxing history, Kareem “Cool Breeze” Cooley will look to go to 2-0 when he takes on Puro Pairol in a scheduled four round Super Featherweight bout as part of a seven bout card promoted by Greg Robinson’s Power Productions in association with River Edge Beverage Company.
Cooley of West Philadelphia scored a thrilling third round stoppage over Sidell Blocker in his first outing back on February 26th at The Arena thinks the bout with Pairol will showcase a better performance.
“The first fight was amazing and I was nervous”, said the twenty-two year old.
“I will go in there being me and doing what I do best”
Cooley, who works out at The Joe Hand Boxing Gym had a stellar amateur mark of 103-18, was a seven time Golden Glove champion, two-time Silver Glove champion and a multiple time Mid-Atlantic champion.
Cooley started boxing at age seven under the guidance of his grandfather and former fighter Roland Cooley.
The elder Cooley is joined in the corner by Ron Hammonds as lead trainer and is managed by Doc Nowicki, Jim Williams and Joe Hand Sr.
In the main event, undefeated Featherweight, Coy “Pretty Boy” Evans (7-0-1, 1 KO) will take on battle tested Morris Chule (11-10-1, 8 KO’s) in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $100 (ringside); $75 (VIP); $65 (Super Box); and $40 (floor seating) and can be purchased by calling the following Locations:
1st bout is 7:30
Ticketmaster 215-336-2000
The Arena 267-687-7560
Total Car Care 267-912-8747
G’s Auto 267-784-8797
Atpro 609-871-3552
Bozy Ennis 267-237-0354
Tags: Boxing > Kareem Cooley > Philadelphia > Puro Pairol > Sidell Blocker > The Arena
Estrada prepared to spoil Lora’s unbeaten record
Posted on | April 8, 2010 | No Comments
NEW YORK (April 8, 2010) – Chicago welterweight “King” David Estrada believes a win this Saturday, in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC FECOMBOX title against unbeaten Orlando “Olympico” Lora, could resuscitate his career.
Estrada (23-6, 14 KOs) vs. Lora (26-0-1, 18 KOs) headlines a special Saturday show on ESPN2, live from Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California.
“With this fight on national television,” 1996 PAL amateur champion Estrada explained, “I have to win it. It could put me in the top 10. I don’t know too much about Lora other than he’s taller than me and hasn’t fought anybody. He has a padded record. The only good fighter he’s faced is Hicklet Lau (DEC8), a crafty lefthander and a good friend of mine from when I lived in Miami. I’m sure Hicklet took that fight on late notice.”
Estrada recently signed a promotional contract with Boxing 360. “I feel good,” Estrada said about signing his new deal. “They’re going to do the right thing. We had a relationship that was built before I signed.”
If Estrada upsets Lora, he has his sights set on WBC champion Andre Berto, who stopped “King” David in the 11th round of their 2007 fight. “First, though, I want to fight (Luis Carlos) Abregu again. (Abregu won by a 10-round split decision.) Everybody knows I really won that fight. I know they’d be a different outcome in both of those fights. I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever been.”
Estrada has been in a similar situation as he faces Saturday night against Lora. In 2005, Estrada stopped previously undefeated Chris Smith (19-0-1) in the 11th round. “King” is hoping for a boxing déjà-vu!
HOLYFIELD-BOTHA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Posted on | April 7, 2010 | No Comments
Evander Holyfield: “I’m happy to have the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas again. Everything that’s happened to me has been here – in 1984 I had to win Saturday and Sunday to make the Olympic team. In 1990, 1993, 1996 and 2000 I won the heavyweight title here. Las Vegas has been the place that’s given me the opportunity to be the person I am. I’m thankful for Botha giving me an opportunity to fight for a title again. My goal has simply been to be undisputed heavyweight champion. I’m a person – I think my attitude is good when people tell me I can’t do something — I’m driven by what people say I can’t do to prove I can. I’m not disappointed by decisions. I felt I beat Valuev. I won’t quit seeking to do my best and Saturday night you’ll see me give my all. If not enough, I’ll make adjustments.
“To be perfect is to reach my goal. I thought I did it in 1999 against Lennox (Lewis). Here, in 2010, and it’s going to be a great fight. I’m telling you, Saturday night, I’ll look better than I used to be.”
Frans Botha: “I’m defending my title against one of the greatest legends of all-time. This will make my resume perfect. I’ve fought some of the best and Evander is one of the best. Saturday night, I’m prepared for this. Evander had talent and experience. I’m getting in there knowing it’s going to be a tough fight. ‘The White Buffalo’ is roaming the prairie. I’m going to end your career, make you retire. The Buffalo is charging.
“I’m very grateful to be here. Me and Evander would have fought 10 years ago. I was No. 1 and he was champion. It didn’t work out. You’re a legend. You’ve fought some of the greatest, but I have to stop that. Saturday night you’re going to see a helluva fight.”
Henry Namauu: “I’m going to take advantage of what has been given to me. I’m not much for words; I just show up to fight.”
Rayford Johnson: “I’m guaranteeing Saturday night that I’ll win. My losses are losses, but I’m coming to fight and win.”
Arthur Williams: “I’m honored to be on a card with Evander Holyfield and Frans Botha. It’s a big card. I’m excited and ready to fight. My last fight I had a tragedy in my family. No excuse, I thought the referee stopped the fight prematurely, and I was winning. I’m ready to get it on. When all the smoke and dust clear, I’ll be standing.”
FACT SHEET
WORLD BOXING FEDERATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS – PPV
EVANDER “The Real Deal” HOLYFIELD FRANS “The White Buffalo” BOTHA
4-Time World Heavyweight Champion World Boxing Federation Champion
Atlanta, GA Newport Beach, CA by way of South Africa
42-10-2 (27 KOs) 47-4-3 (28 KOs)
CO-FEATURE
10 ROUNDS – CRUISERWEIGHTS
HENRY NAMAUU RAYFORD JOHNSON
2006 National Collegiate Cruiserweight Champion Dangerous Opponent
Las Vegas, NV Austin, TX
5-3 (3 KOs) 5-4 (3 KOs)
6 ROUNDS – CRUISERWEIGHTS
“King” ARTHUR WILLIAMS VALENTE TINAJERO
Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Unbeaten Prospect
Pensacola, FL Roy, UT
46-16-1 (30 KOs) 8-0 (4 KOs)
4 ROUNDS – FEATHERWEIGHTS
ROCCO SANTOMAURO KARL HAMMER
Las Vegas, NV Clearfield, UT
3-0 (0 KOs) 1-2 (0 KOs)
4 ROUNDS – FEMALE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
CRYSTAL HOY JENNIFER HAN
Las Vegas, NV Tucson, AZ
3-1-2 (2 KOs) 0-1-1
4 ROUNDS – LIGHTWEIGHTS
JOEL FLORES TBA
Detroit, MI
3-0 (3 KOs)
4 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
LAWRENCE HUGHES JUAN ALCOLEA
St. Louis, MO Las Vegas, NV
3-0 (3 KOs) 2-1 (0 KOs)
4 ROUNDS — LIGHTWEIGHTS
JESUS GUTIEREZ JONATHAN GARCIA
Las Vegas, NV Watsonville, CA
1-0 (1 KO) 1-0 (1 KO)
4 ROUNDS – SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
ALEXIS SANTIAGO BRICE YENIKI
Phoenix, AZ Las Vegas, NV
2-0-1 (1 KO) 0-4
(All Fights and Fighters subject to change)
WHAT: “The Legend Returns” PPV
WHEN: Saturday, April 10, 2010 – 9 PM/ET 6 PM/PT
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
PROMOTER: Crown Boxing
PAY-PER-VIEW INFORMATION: Distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
PAY-PER-VIEW ANNOUNCERS: Al Bernstein (color) and Trip Mitchell (blow-by-blow)
INFORMATION: Doors open at 4 PM/PT, first bout 4:30 PM/PT, and first PPV bout 6:00 PM/PT (9:00 PM/ET) — www.crown-boxing-inc.com or www.worldboxingfederation.net
TICKETS: $25.00, $75.00, $150.00 and $250.00 available to purchase at www.UNLVtickets.com or by calling 702.739.3267
Tags: Boxing > Evander Holyfield > fighting > Francois Botha > heavyweights
JOE HAND BOXING GYM’S OWN ANTHONY BURGIN SET TO COMPETE THIS SATURDAY AT THE EASTERN REGIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON
Posted on | April 7, 2010 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA (April 7, 2010)—This Saturday night, Anthony Burgin will be looking to give himself a belated birthday present.
Burgin, who turned eighteen today (April 7) will be competing in the finals of the Eastern regional’s of the 2010 Golden Gloves that will be held at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Burgin came to the Joe Hand Gym six months ago with his trainer Orlando Perez.
Burgin started boxing at age fourteen when his step mother encouraged him to take up the sport.
Burgin was a quick study as he was recognized as one of the top amateurs in the talent rich city. He has amassed an impressive record of 24-3 and was a 2008 National Jr. Olympic champion at 106 lbs. Later in the year he claimed a Mid-Atlantic championship. In 2009 he made it to the semi-finals of the National Golden Gloves at 119 lbs.
Burgin, from the Kensington section of Philadelphia attends Philadelphia Military Academy where he has learned discipline that he has instilled in his boxing career.
Burgin has aspirations of becoming a professional boxer and lists Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Bernard Hopkins as his favorite fighters.
While at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym, Burgin trains with his younger brothers Nicholas and Nathan.
There also will be a special celebrity boxing exhibition that will feature Mike Fera, who is the president of Local 592 and head of the Cement Masons taking on Liam Mulvy, who is a currant boxing documentary producer as well as a former amateur boxing champion in the United Kingdom.
The competition is sponsored by Joe Hand Promotions with all proceeds going to the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Computer Lab.
This is the fifteenth year that Joe Hand Promotions has been involved with this great event.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling Joe Hand Promotions at 1-215-364-9000.
The doors open at 6pm with the first fight beginning promptly at 6:30
The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street.
ABOUT THE JOE HAND BOXING GYM
Started by Joe Hand Promotions in 1995, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym has been a community landmark for over 15 years. Joe Hand, Sr., a retired Philadelphia police detective, saw the gym as a safe place for Philly’s children and young adults to come and hone their skills in boxing or spend time learning computer skills for their futures.
A world of opportunity is right here, as kids are mentored by educators and athletes, guiding them down what can be a difficult path. The Joe Hand Boxing Gym offers regulation boxing rings, brand new equipment, and a modern computer center where children from the community can participate in the educational process.
Tags: Anthony Burgin > Blue Horizon > food pantry > Joe Hand > regional GOlden Gloves
THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY SILICON VALLEY MONTEREY BAY CHAPTER ANNOUNCES ROBERT GUERRERO AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE 2010 “MAN OF THE YEAR”
Posted on | April 7, 2010 | No Comments
PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotion
April 7, 2010 – Former three-time world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, joins forces with the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as it launches its 2010 Man & Woman of the Year competition on April 7th to raise money for cancer research and patient services.
Guerrero, along with 11 other candidates, will compete to see who raises the most money, but the most important reason candidates participate is for families like this year’s Boy and Girl of the Year, Aidan Bowen and Emily Pepper. Aidan & Emily are local children who have faced the challenge of blood cancers and will provide inspiration and motivation to the candidates through sharing their personal stories.
“Throughout my career as an amateur competing in the Olympic trials and also as a professional, I’ve been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world, but nothing can compare to the fight my wife Casey is going through,” said Guerrero. “Casey, whom I’ve been with since I was 14 years old, was diagnosed with Leukemia in November of 2007. It’s been difficult juggling my boxing career while being by my wife’s side, not to mention the duty of being a dad. We have two small children, Savannah (5) and Robert Jr. (3) and together we want to give them the best possible life. There is no doubt in my mind that Casey is the real fighter in this family. My love for her is eternal, so I’m going to do my best to help raise money in an attempt to become the “Man of the Year”. Together lets make a difference in knocking out leukemia.”
Every dollar raised counts as one “vote.” The male and female candidates with the most “votes” will be awarded the title of 2010 Man & Woman of the Year at a Grand Finale Gala on Friday, June 18 at the Silicon Valley Capital Club, and then are entered into the competition for National Man & Woman of the Year.
The money raised by candidates over a ten week period is used by LLS to fund research seeking cures and better therapies, and to provide information and support so that patients have the best possible outcomes throughout their cancer experience.
Please support Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in his efforts to become the 2010 Man of the Year. All donations are greatly appreciated. Your donation is tax deductible and will support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society programs. Donations can be made by clicking here.
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Tags: Boxing > Casey Guerrero > Robert Guerrero > The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society > World Champion > World Championship Boxing
BARKER: I’M GOING TO PROVE I’M THE BIGGEST FIGHTER IN THE COUNTRY
Posted on | April 7, 2010 | No Comments
By Michael Emons
DARREN Barker believes he is ‘the biggest fighter in the country’ – and has vowed to prove it on Friday.
Barker, 27, the current British and Commonwealth middleweight champion, has a chance to add the vacant European belt to his collection at Alexandra Palace in north London.
He fights former French champion Affif Belghecham, 35, knowing a victory would take him closer to a shot at a world title.
“I’ve seen a bit of Belghecham on You Tube and he looks a tough, dangerous opponent,” said Barnet-based Barker, who is undefeated from 21 professional contests.
“But he walks forward so his style suits me down to the ground and I know I’ve got more than enough to beat him.
“I’m in great shape, the shape of my life, and I’ve got the faster hands, movement and skill.
“Winning the European title can open big doors for you and I would get into the top ten in the world rankings. I will be on the verge of a world title shot should I win this.
“But I’m trying to not look too forward although this is an exciting time and a big opportunity for me.
“This will prove myself as a worthy British and Commonwealth Champion and prove to everyone that I’m number one in the country.
“This is a massive chance for me and a great opportunity to showcase my skills and what I’m capable of. I truly believe I’m the biggest fighter in the country at the moment.
“To fight at the Alexandra Palace for the European title is a dream come true and I will put on a good show.
“I live only a couple of stops away from Alexandra Palace so hopefully there will be loads of fans there to cheer me to victory.”
Barker has held the Commonwealth title since November 2007 and secured the British Championship in November when he beat Bristol’s Danny Butler.
The Barker v Belghecham contest is the chief support fight to the main event that sees Audley Harrison and Michael Sprott battle for the vacant European Heavyweight Championship.
Fighting on the undercard are two other former Prizefighter champions as welterweight winner Michael Lomax and light-welterweight champion Gavin Rees are both in action.
Popular light-welterweight Chris Evangelou is also on the bill, as are Tottenham cruiserweight Terry Dunstan, Sunderland heavyweight Danny Hughes, Coventry featherweight Troy James and Merthyr light-welterweight Ryan Evans.
Tickets for the show cost £30 and £60 and are available from www.seetickets.com or 0871 230 7148. All the action is also live on Sky Sports 1 and in HD from 10pm on Friday.
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