EDWIN VALERO, ANTONIO PITALUA AND JESUS CHAVEZ INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2:00 pm ET/ 11:00 am PT
The bell has already rung for the April 4 “Lightweight Lightning” main event between undefeated KO artist Edwin Valero and the hard-hitting Antonio Pitaula when the two pugilist joined each other on an international conference call this week and exchanged heated blows. The call also featured Jesus Chavez, who is excited to be fighting in his hometown of Austin, Texas and is seriously training for a bout against the extremely talented Michael Katsidis, a fight he needs to win.
“Lightweight Lightning,” an unprecedented four-bout pay-per-view card features Valero vs. Pitalua in a 12 round bout for the vacant WBC World Lightweight Crown, Casamayor vs. Diaz in a 10 round lightweight bout, Katsidis vs. Chavez in a 10 round lightweight bout and Hernandez vs. Escobedo in a 10 round bout. The four-bout lightweight extravaganza will take place on Saturday, April 4th at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX.
The bouts are presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines and will air live on pay-per-view beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT with a suggested retail price of $39.95.
Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, $35 and $25, are on sale now and may be purchased at the Frank Erwin Center box office, by phone at (512) 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or online at TexasBoxOffice.com. Tickets are also available at Texas Box Office Outlets including select H-E-B stores located in Austin and surrounding areas.
*Robert Diaz of Golden Boy Promotions provided translation for this bilingual conference call
CONFERENCE CALL INTRODUCTION
David Itskowitch, Golden Boy Promotions: Thank you everybody for joining us today. I’ll just briefly give some information on the show. We’re very excited about this show. It features four lightweight fights featuring some of the best talent in the division. It’s going to come from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas on the University of Texas at Austin campus. It will be available live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 pm Eastern/ 6 pm Pacific, with a suggested retail price of $39.95. We’ve got tickets still available starting at just $25 and they’re available at the Erwin Center box office by phone at 800-982-2386 or online at texasboxoffice.com. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. I’d like to thank them for helping to make this event possible.
The four fights that are going to be featured on this show; we’re going to start the broadcast off with Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez versus Vicente Escobedo. The next fight on the broadcast will be Michael Katsidis versus Jesus Chavez, then Joel Casamayor versus Julio Diaz, and then finally ending the night would be a world title fight for the WBC World Lightweight Championship; Edwin Valero versus Antonio Pitalua. So top to bottom really a stacked card; we’re very excited about it. It is kind of unprecedented to have this much talent and this many world champions; we have six world champions on the show. Now I want to start turning it over to the fighters. I’ll introduce each one to say a few words before we open up to questions answers. First to say a few words – he’s got a record of 24 and 0 with 24 knockouts; never has to hear of the scorecards being read. From Bolero Alto, Venezuela he’s a former Junior Lightweight World Champion, now moving up to Lightweight for the first time. He won his first 18 bouts via first-round round knockouts. Edwin Valero.
David Itskowitch: Next to say a few words with a record of 46 and 3 with 40 KOs; fighting for his first world title, another hard-hitting fighter from Monteria, Columbia; Antonio Pitalua – Antonio.
Antonio Pitalua: I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I want to thank Oscar De La Hoya. I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. I know who Edwin Valero is. I’ve followed his career and on April 4 he will also know who Antonio Pitalua is. I want to dedicate this to all the Latin; all the Hispanic community, and especially to all the Mexicans which is my second home.
David Itskowitch: Okay, thanks a lot. Last and certainly not least…he is from Texas; so he’s the home town favorite on this show. He’s a two-time world champion; he’s got a record of 44 and 4 with 30 KOs. He’s going to be fighting Michael Katsidis who many of you have probably seen is kind of a Arturo Gatti style type fighter and comes forward, cuts, gets knocked down, gets back up; Jesus “El Matador” Chavez – Jesus.
JESUS CHAVEZ
Jesus Chavez: Well thank you very much for having me here on this phone conference. I am very excited to be fighting here in Austin, fighting a great fighter such as Michael Katsidis, and I’m sure it is going to be a great night of boxing.
EDWIN VALERO vs. ANTONIO PITALUA
Q. Antonio and Edwin – this card, it has a lot of top Lightweight challengers and contenders in the 135 pound division, and given what happened a few weeks ago with Marquez knocking out Juan Diaz and then talking about wanting to move up to Junior Welterweight, this pay-per-view sort of seems like that opportunity for somebody to really truly shine and make themselves the guy in the lightweight division to watch out for.
Edwin Valero: First, I’m very happy to be fighting for the WBC and that’s the only organization I’m interested in. If Marquez moves up in division vacating the other belts, it’s of no interest to me. I’d light to fight the best in this division; I’d like for Marquez to stay in the Lightweight division as I consider him a 130 pounder naturally. So if he goes up to 140 it would really not be to fight the best. I’d like to fight me and once he fights me he can move on to fight at a different division and go up in weight, but at this point I’d like to fight the best fighters out there.
Q: I look forward to watching him train in person. I have one other question for Edwin – have you ever seen any tapes of Antonio Pitalua and can you describe Pitalua’s style for fans and media who may have never seen a Columbian fight before?
Edwin Valero: Well I know Antonio Pitalua; I saw him in his last fight in Monterey, Mexico against Jose Armando Santa Cruz and I can tell you that he’s a very aggressive, very strong fighter. He’s a warrior with a lot of will to win.
You can tell he can punch; he has a pretty heavy punch. But unfortunately I can’t help make his dreams come true; I’m not going to allow it.
Q: Mr. Pitalua, can you respond to Mr. Valero?
Antonio Pitalua: Yes, I know Edwin was there at my fight in August – in my last fight with Santa Cruz. And I want the public to know – I want everybody to know that I am a very aggressive fighter. I love to exchange toe-to-toe and that’s me; that’s my style. And I know I’ve heard rumors out there that Edwin Valero is challenging Juan Manual Marquez and stepping me aside but you know what, that’s okay – that’s fine because on April 4th the world – the Hispanics, the whole world are going to know who Antonio Pitalua is. He’s not going to stop my dream of becoming a world champion.
Q: There’s been a lot of talk of Edwin challenging Juan Manuel Marquez or maybe even Manny Pacquiao, and are you overlooking Antonio Pitalua and not giving him the respect?
Edwin Valero: No, no, no – I’ve never said I disrespect him; on the contrary, he’s a good fighter. But I know of my capacity. I know what I can do, and I know what Pitalua brings. And he’s a fighter that on the night of the fight he’s going to roll; he’s going to fall. He’s too slow for me. I’m too fast, I’m too strong for him, and I want to fight the best. He’s a good fighter, but I’m up for bigger and better things.
Q: Antonio what are your comments on Edwin’s answer?
Antonio Pitalua: I respect what he’s saying; that’s fine. But let’s see – let’s see what happens on April 4. I know my capacities. I can take a punch. I fought my entire career – most of my career in Mexico. Edwin knows what Mexican fighters bring to the table and I’ve fought all tough fighters. I want to know who has he fought that’s tough. Yes he can punch, but can he take a punch? And on April 4 we’ll see because I can punch.
Kelly Swanson: On my goodness. Buy your tickets immediately.
Q: Edwin Valero, what is your medical situation? It’s my understanding that you’re not able to be licensed in every State in the Union. Do you have any concerns about your medical situation? Do you feel 100% comfortable that you’re not putting yourself in harm’s way other than the normal thing that all boxers go through as far as fighting?
Edwin Valero: Every fighter that steps in the ring runs a risk of being injured or being hurt. And I am in no more risk than any other fighter. You know, because of the procedure, because of the surgery that I had – I want to clarify, it was an accident that I had many years ago on a motorcycle. It was very minor it wasn’t what it’s played out to be. It was outside of my brain; it wasn’t that they took my brain out, washed it and put it back in, and it was nothing like that. It was a vein that erupted and they took care of it. I’ve been to doctors all over the world. I’ve been to Argentina, I’ve been to Panama, I’ve been to Venezuela. I have seen all the best doctors in America.
I actually saw the doctor that performed the surgery on Marco Antonio Barrera; Doctor Madrazo and they’ve all told me the same that I’m clear to fight; that I’m okay; that I don’t run any more risks than any other fighter.
In December I was in the Philippines and a doctor — the President actually — as a gift gave me an exam and they cleared me as well out there. So I want to repeat that I’m in no more danger than any other fighter, to suffer any more injuries or anything because of what I have. But it could happen to any one of us like it happened; and you mentioned a little while ago with the Jesus Chavez, Levander Johnson fight in the past.
Q: This of course will be your first fight in the lightweight division; you have obviously had, all of your wins by knockout at Junior Lightweight. And I wonder how confident are you of the power that you possess as a Junior Lightweight which is tremendous obviously. How well do you think it will carry up to five pounds?
Edwin Valero: Oh definitely. I feel very strong at Lightweight. Out of my 24 fights about 14 or 15 were at Lightweight. In the beginning of my career as there weren’t titles or anything on the line, I didn’t see a need to drop down to the 130 pound division; so again, most of my fights at the beginning of my career were at lightweight. So I feel very strong, feel very fast – I’d like to stay here for a few years, bring out some heat in this division; face the toughest opponents out there, and in the future, move up to 140 where I think I can also do something in boxing.
Q: You know this fight is taking place on the Golden Boy card because of the purse bid and the relationship with the Pitalua people, and I know that you have signed with Top Rank. What have you and Top Rank talked about as far as what your plans would be if you are able to capture this belt and take care of your business against Pitalua?
Edwin Valero: Right now there’s nothing concrete done. We haven’t sat down and really negotiated or talked anything beyond Pitalua. Right now on my mind everything is Pitalua. It’s set on Pitalua; I have to finish this man first before we can have a sit down and discuss future plans.
Q: Edwin, how do you like training in Southern California again? You trained here – you were based here and you trained here like back in 2003 and 2004 and then you were gone for a number of years and now you’re back training in the Southern California area. Does that that means anything to you?
Edwin Valero: Well first, it was 10 months that I lived here in Los Angeles. I enjoyed it; I was working here, fighting here, living here, but obviously when they pulled my license in 2004 I had to leave in 2005, first, Panama, Argentina and then I landed in Japan. I was there for a few years with my promoter from Teiken Boxing, Mr. Honda. After a while, living there and raising my family and my kids, it wasn’t the ideal place that I wanted there for my family. So I spoke to Mr. Honda I needed a trainer that would train me personally that was dedicated to me all the time, and unfortunately in Japan I had a trainer, but he had many other fighters as well. We came out to the U.S.; at first I was in Las Vegas with Kenny Adams, but he became a little ill — he has a problem with his heart — and just a situation that happened and it was an emergency change.
And now I’m here in Los Angeles with “The Professor” Robert Alcazar and I feel very, very happy. We’ve clicked phenomenally and it’s been a great click. We both think alike; we have many same ideas and I think together we can do a lot of good things in boxing.
Q: I had one final question for who’s on representing Edwin. What’s the exact status been of Edwin’s licensing in Texas? New York kind of changed their – his status. Is Texas still the only place he’s licensed currently?
Reynaldo Sol Arceneaux: Yes, his manager Jose Castillo and his promoter are negotiating and dealing that and making sure what all the requirements are so that they can start opening up and licensing him in other states.
Q: But right now it’s just Texas?
Reynaldo Sol Arceneaux: Right now it’s just Texas, correct.
Q: Edwin at 24 and 0 you decided to move from Junior Lightweight to Lightweight. Did you move up because you couldn’t make the weight or you moved up to get better fights? And also at 24 and 0; 24 knockouts, are we going to see 25 and 0 with 25 knockouts after this fight?
Edwin Valero: Yes, to the first question – yes it was costing me a lot of trouble; a lot of sacrifice to make 130 pounds. We felt it was time to move up; that’s why we vacated the belt and moved up to 135 and gained a little bit of weight and I feel strong and I feel good here.As far as your second question, well you know, that’s what we’re looking forward to on April 4th, to have the hand raised. And as I said before, I mentioned Antonio Pitalua brings the perfect, perfect style for him to fall and get knocked out. He’s perfect for me; Antonio Pitalua is perfect.
Q: Okay great. And a question for Antonio – you’ve got I think, 13 knockouts in a row. What’s your comment about Edwin’s comment?
Antonio Pitalua: I respect his words; I respect what Valero says, but I repeat to you; I haven’t lost since 2000. I’ve been winning by knockouts since then. All his words; whatever he says, the wind takes him. I don’t get damaged; I don’t get hurt from his words. We will see on April 4. He says I bring the perfect style, well you know what? He brings the perfect style for me too. And we’ll see who brings out the best of whom.
Q: I’ve got a question for Edwin. Now Edwin, obviously with your exciting style and your obvious knockout power, you’re one of the most talked about Junior Lightweights and now Lightweights, especially among the media and stuff.
But this is your first big Pay-per-view. I mean, not a lot of fans know of your fights, for the ones that have seen you on YouTube or really try to make it a point to check out your fights. So I was wondering if you could kind of tell us what it means to you to be finally featured on a big card like this?
Edwin Valero: I feel very fortunate to be on this card and I want the whole public to get what they’re paying for and give them a great, great fight. And I want to thank the people at Golden Boy also for putting this card together. And I’m just very happy and very fortunate that we’re, you know, being able to be on the card.
JESUS CHAVEZ
Q: Jesus Chavez, I’ve read your background; you’ve had some real perils in your life both in the boxing ring and outside the ring and I wanted to know what it really means to you to be able to have a fight in Austin of this magnitude where obviously you’re loved by your fans. Is there some vindication for your overall career and the things that have happened, to be able to fight in front of your hometown fans?
Jesus Chavez: Obviously I feel very excited to be fighting here in Austin. It’s not going to be a hard task for me. The magnitude of the fight really – I have been there before so that doesn’t bother me. In Austin, I’ve fought here before also and I don’t think that’s going to bother me at all, so I feel very comfortable. I’ve hoped for something like this opportunity and I’m very happy; very motivated and I think it’s going to be a great fight.
Q: This card, it’s a lot of top Lightweight challengers and contenders in the 135 pound division, and given what happened a few weeks ago with Marquez knocking out Juan Diaz and then talking about wanting to move up to Junior Welterweight, this pay-per-view sort of seems like that opportunity for somebody to really truly shine and make themselves the guy in the Lightweight Division to watch out for. Do you think that a winner or the guy that looks the best on the card really might have a mandate to become that number one lightweight?
Jesus Chavez: I think that this fight card completely will eliminate some of those questions asked by the fighters whose capabilities are going to shine over others. And I think that yes, it’s an opportunity for these fighters to become number one. But you have to understand Juan Manuel Marquez still has not moved up; he still remains the champion and he still remains the target.
Q: Jesus, I just wanted to ask you; and I know that I’m going back a couple of years here, but after your unfortunate fight with Levander Johnson, I know you took about a year and a half off and then you came back and you were stopped in the third round by Julio Diaz.Did you feel like you were ready mentally after what happened with Levander Johnson to come back and fight because I was a little surprised that you got stopped in the third round of that fight against Diaz.
Jesus Chavez: Well correction – I think that Julio Diaz did not stop me. If you saw the fight you would know that I had a knee injury. I think that that was probably the luckiest day for Julio Diaz to become champion of the world. Was I ready to fight? I was. Was I willing to win? I was. And I think that next time a question like is being thrown at me regarding me being knocked out by Julio Diaz, you need to look at the tape once again.
Q: Okay, that’s fair enough. I didn’t know about the knee injury so that’s my bad and I apologize for that Jesus. So you were – you don’t have any lingering effects psychologically from the Levander Johnson thing?
Jesus Chavez: The Levander Johnson incident, it’s a topic that will always linger in my mind and in my heart. It’s a very sad and unfortunate situation that I had to go through something like that, but I have Levander Johnson’s family’s support to continue on and to fight not only for the cause that I’m fighting for, but also to carry on and have Levander Johnson’s name lifted every time my arm gets lifted.
Q: Yeah and now – of course now that you’ve mentioned it, the memory is coming back to me about the knee injury so again, my sincere apologies on that. That was my lack of research so I’ll try not to let that happen again. Jesus you mentioned in your earlier answer to me when I asked about the person that looks the best on the card making a statement about being potentially number one; you brought up the fact that indeed Juan Manuel Marquez is still in the division and has not given up the title, and has not decided yet to 100% move up to Junior Welterweight. I wonder, is he the person in the division that you believe is number one at the moment, despite all the different belts that are out there and the person that you would aspire to face? Or would it be perhaps Julio Diaz in a rematch or what are your goals if you can take care of your business on this undercard?
Jesus Chavez: Well first of all on the undercard, my business is with Michael Katsidis. And I do know and I do understand that Juan Manuel Marquez became the man at 135 pounds when he beat Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz. Yes, I think that’s a fight that I am interested in. Any fighter at Lightweight Division would hate to see him move up, but that is his choice, his prerogative, and if he wants to leave everything on the table for everybody else to fight each other, I’m up for whatever comes up. But I think that, Juan Manuel Marquez is the at man at 135 right now.
CONFERENCE CALL WRAP-UP
Q: Can I ask a question for David? I know you had kind of looked at San Antonio for this card a little bit. Was it a matter of thinking it was a better fit for Austin or lack of a venue here; availability or what – how did that come down?
David Itskowitch: It came down to venue. We talked to the people at the Spurs’ arena, but they had something in that building that they couldn’t clear out. We’d always kind of eyed Austin and we liked Austin. You know Jesus is from there…And then there’s the Texas Relays are that weekend in town so they’ll be a lot of people in town looking for something to do on Saturday night. You know we were leaning Austin’s way and then we got a push when the building wasn’t available in San Antonio.
Q: I see; okay. What is the aim for this? I guess is kind of Richard’s baby. Is this supposed to be kind of a tournament or is it just a single card or what’s the idea?
David Itskowitch: Obviously it started out – our thought was to have a tournament, but though Edwin is obviously signed with another promoter so, his participation and further bouts couldn’t be guaranteed. You know, maybe you could refer to it as kind of, you know, a de facto tournament. Maybe the guys that win will fight each other but, you know, we couldn’t guarantee it because we can’t speak for Edwin. So I think it’s also just kind of a way to shake things up in the Lightweight division with so much talent in it; have some cream rise to the top, and move on to the bigger fight.
David Itskowitch: I just want to remind everyone – get your tickets. These fights are hot fights; they’re going to be good fights. Get your tickets if you’re in Austin. If you’re not in Austin you can see it on pay-per-view and thanks again for joining the call everyone.
END OF CALL
Tags: Antonio Ptaula > Austin > Boxing > Casamayor vs. Diaz > Cerveza Tecate > Edwin Valero > Hernandez vs. Escobedo > Jesus Chavez > Michael Katsidis > Southwest Airlines > Texas
More Celebrities Sign Up For Kronk’s Knockout Fundraiser
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
PRESS RELEASE
19/03/2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Anita Ruiz (248) 917-1793
Where will Aretha Franklin be celebrating her birthday this coming Wednesday? Where will Philip Anselmo of the platinum-selling world renowned, Pantera and Down, be partying loud and proud? Where will Jim Lampley of HBO fame be the master emcee?
Answer: The Kronk Foundation’s mega fundraiser. It will be Metro Detroit’s biggest bash, and it will pack quite a punch.
It will be a great, fun-filled event – loaded with celebrities, good food, even better wine and all sorts of goodies at a live and silent auction. But act quickly: The tickets are going fast.
If you want to assuage your guilt, remember this – it’s for fabulous cause: The Kronk Gym and the good work it does.
The Kronk Gym is internationally known for turning out champion boxers. Its founder, Emanuel Steward, has become a legend of the ring.
But fewer people know all the good work Kronk does for the youth of Metro Detroit, helping to instill in them a sense of pride and respect for their community.
To celebrate its storied history and to raise money so it can help even more kids, The Kronk Gym Foundation is holding its first annual fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the Townsend Hotel, in Birmingham, MI.
The proceeds from this event will help expand youth activities, which will be housed in the new Kronk Gym.
Since its founding in 1969, the Kronk Gym has provided a recreational outlet for many youngsters in the metropolitan Detroit area. Through the coaching and guidance they received, some of these youths went on to become world-class athletes. More of them became world-class citizens.
To perpetuate this legacy, Emanuel Steward created the Kronk Gym Foundation this year, a nonprofit organization committed to making a difference in the well-being of youth through character-building, education and recreation. The program’s goal is to provide recreational facilities, in addition to mentoring and tutoring, for the overall development of youth in Metro Detroit.
Emanuel Steward says, “For many youngsters who have unfortunate home lives, the Kronk Gym and its programs are crucial.
“They are the difference between a life on the streets and a life of accomplishment.”
Special awards will be given to people who have shown the caring side of the boxing and sporting worlds. Among the recipients will be Sugar Ray Leonard, Detroit’s own Thomas Hearns, Don Barden, former Michigan Boxing Commissioner and boxing humanitarian Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum, long-time Kronk supporter Sam Lafata, among others.
The live auction will feature items sure to turn the head of boxing fans: Many one of a kind items and several pairs of autographed boxing gloves signed by Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquaio, Wladimir Klitschko and other world class champions. There will also be priceless experiences to bid upon.
Honorary chairs for the event are the current Heavyweight Champion of the World Wladimir Klitschko and former Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis.
Sponsors include former Detroit Red Wing Igor Larionov, whose private label wines will be featured at the reception, and Italmoda, the Eurostyle furniture store in Royal Oak; and Bentley of Troy, where you don’t have to sacrifice quality, luxury or reliability.
The VIP Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. The general reception and silent auction will start at 6:30 p.m.
Ticket are $500 for the VIP reception ($5,000 for VIP tables) and $200 for individual tickets. They can be purchased at www.KronkGymFoundation.com or by calling (248) 917-1793.
To make a Donation log onto www.KronkGymFoundation.com and choose from Limited Edition Kronk Merchandise. It’s a good way to support the Kronk Gym Foundation, while doing a good deed for the community. For information about the Foundation, call (248) 917-1793.
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Tags: Boxing > Don Barden > Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum > Emanuel Steward > Jim Lampley > Lennox Lewis > Manny Pacquaio > Oscar De La Hoya > Sam Lafata > Sugar Ray Leonard > The Kronk Gym > Thomas Hearns > Wladimir Klitschko
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
March 17, 2009 – Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
The WBC has obtained a donation from the Roomate Hotel of furniture for 75 bedrooms that the WBC will donate to professional boxers with very limited financial conditions in Mexico, especially to former world or national champions as well as to those who are indigent, but who were professionals for at least five years.
The first two boxers to receive this donation of a bed with a base and its mattress, a wooden closet 24-inch television, a desk and a minibar are Víctor Rabanales from Chiapas and Raul “Baby” Juárez from Mexico City. Rabanales is a former WBC bantamweight champion of the world who was for a time under the influence of drugs, but recovered after a rehabilitation program of several months that was sponsored by the WBC. He is married and has two little children. Juárez was a three-time Mexican national champion and fought unsuccessfully for the world title two times. He is also married.
The WBC declares a day or mourning for Jean Deswert, a fine boxing gentleman who dedicated so much for so many years to boxing. Mr. Deswert, who was born in 1926, was a well-known referee and judge for the European Boxing Union and WBC, a member of the WBC Ring Officials Committee, and a great leader of the Royal Belgian Boxing Federation.
CES Signs James McGirt, Jr.
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
PROVIDENCE (March 19, 2009) – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) announced today that it has signed super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. to an exclusive, multi-year promotional contract.
The 26-year-old McGirt (19-2-1, 9 KOs), born in Brentwood, New York and now fighting out of Vero Beach (FL), is scheduled to make his CES debut on “River Rage” on May 22 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. James is trained by his father, James “Buddy” McGirt, 2-time world champion and former Trainer of the Year
“CES doesn’t give-up on fighters after a loss as long as he has learned from a set-back and shown me he still has fire burning in his stomach to be a world champion,” Burchfield said. “We build champions and give personalized care to all of our fighters. I remember Scotty Pemberton getting knocked out by Hector Sanjurjo. We didn’t give up on Pemberton and he came back to be the No. 1 contender in the world and fought for the world title. It’s not always about the money; it’s about getting the job done.
“My reputation and word is my bond. James’ father Buddy was a champion – he’ll always be a champion – and he’s trained a lot of world champions. We are going to work together as a team to make James a world champion. He’s a very gifted boxer with a great pedigree. CES is a supportive team and everyone is delighted to add a talent like James to our growing stable that includes world-class fighters like Matt Godfrey, Jason Estrada and Joey Spina.”
Growing up, James used his natural athletic ability to play basketball, a sport he believes he’d be playing professionally somewhere today if he hadn’t given it up to box. McGirt’s tremendous quickness and athleticism was good enough for James, Jr. to earn a basketball scholarship to St. Petersburg Junior College, but boxing flowed through his veins and he decided to pursue boxing on a full time basis.
Off the hardcourt and into the four-cornered ring, James had a solid 44-4 amateur record, including gold medal performances in the Sunshine State Games and Southeast Regional, in addition to reaching the quarterfinals of the U.S. Championships twice and semifinals of the National PALs.
“My last name is a big part of me and my career,” James remarked. “I’m Buddy’s son. It’s in the genes. He was a great fighter and he’s one of the hottest trainers in boxing today. I’ve gained a lot of experience just being his son. The pressure is always going to be there because of who I am. I’ve been around this sport a long time and I know expectations are high.
“I’m very excited to get back in the ring. It’s been too long. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Mr. Burchfield and I’m grateful to him for giving me this great opportunity. I’m going back up to super middleweight. I had nothing left, no life after three rounds, at 160. I’m in the process of moving back up to 168, but we’re not jumping right up. This fight will be at around 164-165. I want to be a world champion.”
McGirt’s opponents always bring their A game, trying to defeat James and his famous father, which has often proven to be dangerous for James. “Yeah,” Buddy agreed, “but we have to let James’ action do the talking. The rest will take care of itself. Jimmy Burchfield is a great guy and I’m thankful for this opportunity he’s giving to my son.”
So, in many respects, it is last call for James McGirt. “It’s a new beginning,” his manager Dennis Witherow commented. “Jimmy is a straight forward guy who has been in this industry for a long time. He understands the job a promoter needs to do to take his fighter to the next level. We are all very happy that James has signed with CES.”
Go to www.cesboxcing.com for more information about Classic Entertainment and Sports.
Tags: Boxing > Brentwood > CES > Classic Entertainment and Sports > Dennis Witherow > FL > Hector Sanjuro > Inc. > James "Buddy" McGirt > James McGirt > Jason Estrada > Jimmy Burchfield > Joey Spina > Jr. > Lincoln > Matt Godfrey > NY > Rhode Island > Scotty Pemberton > Twin River Event Center > VERO BEACH
ST.PATRICKS DAY THEMED SHOW NOW AVAILABLE ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV FOR FREE!!!
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | 1 Comment
NEW YORK (March 19, 2009)—Boxing fans all over the world can now witness a tremendous night of boxing that took place last Saturday night at the Dorchester Armory in Dorchester, Massachusetts when a fight card filled with some of the best Irish boxers in the world took place and fan can now witness all the action on www.gofightlive.tv FREE of charge!!!
In the main event, Patrick Hyland remained undefeated with a ten round unanimous decision over Carlos Guevara.
This was an action filled eight bout card that featured one of the top prospects in boxing as Danny O’Connor. O’Connor took out eleven fight veteran Charles Wade inside of one round and thrilled his hometown fans.
This was a night of knockouts and great fights and fans can tune in now on www.gofightlive.tv
“This was a great card and a raucous atmosphere”, said David Klarman, vice-president of www.gofightlive.tv
“To not only have top notch fighters such as Hyland and O’Connor compete in fights around St. Patrick’s Day adds to the viewing quality for fans all over the world. We hop that some of the great fans of Ireland can see some of their homebred fighters mature from prospects to contenders”
CONATCT
Tags: Alex Santos > Antonio Chavez-Fernandes > Atlantic City > Boxing > Brockton > Caminero > Carlos Guevara > Celtic Pride Promotions > Dan Conway > Danny O'Connor > Dorchester > Dorchester Armory > Eddie Hyland > ESPN2 > Framingham > Gary O'Sullivan > IBA > Justin Palau > MA > Mark Porter > Mark Vaz > Mark Vaz Boxing > Massachusetts > Nicaragua > North Attleboro > Packy Collins > Puerto Rico > Quincy > Raphael Jaszdebski > St. Patrick's Day > Steve Detar > Steve Jaegar > Taunton
MTAGWA BOXES MEDINA IN MINI-WORLD WAR MAY 1 AT BLUE HORIZON
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
PHILADELPHIA, PA—Crowd-pleasers Rogers Mtagwa, of South Philadelphia, and Ricardo Medina, of Mazatlan, Mexico, will go at it for 10 rounds or less in their featherweight main event Friday evening, May 1, at the Legendary Blue Horizon, 1314 North Broad Street. First fight 7.30 p.m.
Throw out the records in this one!
If you thought Mtagwa’s Nov. 7 fight with Tomas Villa was a Fight-of-the-Year candidate for 2008, wait until you see this one!
Mtagwa, 29, is rated No. 9 in the world as a super bantamweight (122 pounds) by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), No. 14 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). This fight will be contested at 130 pounds.
In his fight Nov. 7 in Tucson, AZ, Mtagwa got off the floor in the ninth round and knocked Villa down three times in the 10th in a sensational turnaround. The win improved Mtagwa’s record to 25-12-2, 18 K0s..
Prior to that, Mtagwa had earned a 10-round decision over Aldo Valtierra, of Mexico City, on March 7, 2008, at the New Alhambra in South Philadelphia.
Mtagwa, former United States Boxing Association (USBA) and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) featherweight champ, has beaten contenders Fernando Trejo, Joe Morales and Art Simonyon and has been in there with world champions Agapito Sanchez and Valdemir Pereira as well as top contenders Orlando Salido, Martin Honorio and Billy Dib.
Medina, 38, is 31-33-5, 17 K0s, and like Mtagwa, he rarely gets an easy assignment. Medina’s six-round draw last year with Lenny DeVictoria at the Blue Horizon was voted Philadelphia’s Fight of the Year for 2008. Previously, he had out-pointed DeVictoria in 2007.
A pro since 1988, Medina has fought them all and his list of opponents reads like a Who’s Who of big little men around the world: champs Paulie Ayala, Guty Espadas, Jr., Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Enrique Sanchez; contenders Gerardo Martinez, Cuauhtemoc Gomez, Hugo Dianza, Zahir Raheem, Marcos Licona.
Matgwa is 5-foot-5, Medina 5-foot-6.. Neither man knows how to fight backing up. Neither man will have to look hard to find the action.
This will be the second fight card back—after an eight-year hiatus–at the Blue Horizon for Hall-of-Fame promoter J Russell Peltz, who began his career there as a 22-year-old in 1969. On March 6, welterweight Mike Jones, of North Philadelphia, knocked out Dairo Esalas, of Miami, FL, in front of a packed house of 1,327. Peltz is promoting this card, the second of six within a 12-month period at the Blue Horizon, with Joe Hand Promotions, Inc.
Tickets for the May 1 are priced at $45 and $60. They are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. (215-765-0922) and at the offices of Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. (215-364-9000). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com.
# # #
Tags: Agapito Sanchez > Art Simonyon > Billy Dib > Blue Horizon > Boxing > Cuauhtemoc Gomez > Enrique Sanchez > Fernando Trejo > Gerardo Martinez > Guty Espadas > Hugo Dianza > Joe Morales > Jr. > Marcos Licona > Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson > Martin Honorio > Mexico > orlando salido > Paulie Ayala > Philadelphia > Ricardo Medina > Rogers Mtagwa > Valdemir Pereira > Zahir Raheem
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s English ‘Golden Girl’ On May 9th Philly Title Card
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston & Team ‘USS’ Cunningham PHOTOS (taken by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro):
For Immediate Release
London, UK/Philadelphia PA, USA – 19th March 2009
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s English ‘Golden Girl’ On May 9th Philly Title Card.
In February ‘08 legendary Heavyweight boxing champion of the world Smokin’ Joe Frazier simply said “She’s going to be the Champ.” and his son former Heavyweight contender Marvis said “Marianne is the hardest working (training), committed fighters I have seen in a long time. She’s very hard for any fighter to deal with. She’s strong, fast and accurate, has lots of
combinations and punches hard, so hard it’s like being hit by a Heavyweight.”
In April ‘08 Jnr. Middleweight world champion Robert ‘Bam Bam’ Hines said “Marianne’s an exciting fighter who’s got it all. One thing for sure she’s going to be the Champ…soon.”
Then in November ‘08 IBF Cruiserweight Champion Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham was so impressed with her that he invited her to be part of his team.
Now after various well publicised false starts Philadelphia based English Bantamweight Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston, who was originally brought to America by the legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier in a blaze of publicity, will finally have her long awaited debut, virtually one whole year later than planned, on the undercard of Brian Cohen’s WBO Light Heavyweight title fight in South Philadelphia on the 9th May 2009.
In February ‘08 Marianne took the huge step of traveling thousands of miles from her home in London, England to Philadelphia to train full time under the personal tutelage of Smokin’ Joe Frazier and his son Marvis at their North Philadelphia landmark gym after Frazier had advised her to spend six months training with him so he could get her fully prepared for her debut.
Just 58 days after making the commitment Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s gym closed. Shortly after Marianne moved her “home” gym to Percy ‘Buster’ Custus’ James Shuler Memorial Gym and continued to train for her professional debut which was to be the ill fated Casino Battle Royale event in Atlantic City.
Smokin’ Joe is not the only World Champion to be impressed by Marianne’s natural talent as not long after she moved gym Cruiserweight King Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and his wife and manager Livvy, who are also based at the West Philadelphia gym, invited her to be part of their team.
After promoter Ivan Cohen confirmed on Wednesday that Marianne is to be on the card a very pleased Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham said of his protégé “What a great opportunity for Marianne. She has the heart, work ethic and determination of a true champion. This May she’ll be on her way, watch out for ‘Golden Girl’!”
Marianne, who is currently in London, will be returning to Philadelphia shortly to go into training camp with Team ‘USS’ Cunningham’s head coach Anthony Chase, spoke briefly on the news. “I’m so honoured that Ivan is to have me on the card of this important fight. I also must thank him as he has offered me sparring with two of his female fighters to help in my preparations. I can’t wait to get back to Philly to prepare with Chase, Steve and Shar’ron. They are great trainers, Shar’ron has been awesome, her techniques really suit my style and in the short amount of time I have had to work with Chase he took me to another level altogether. As for Steve, what can I say he is a great fighter and his advice has been unbelievable. My fighting style has changed thanks to them, I feel that I am a total fighter now. I’m ready to fight now and can’t wait until May.”
Marianne’s fight will be part of the Ivan Cohen promoted WBO Light Heavyweight title fight featuring Philadelphia’s Brian Cohen on May 9th 2009 at the South Philadelphia High School. The co-feature will headed by Gabrielle Rosadl. Also on the card will be Marianne’s regular sparring partner Christina Leadbeater from New Jersey. The full card is expected to be announced shortly.
www.mariannemarston.com
For tickets and further details for the event contact:
Ivan Cohen
Tel: 215 755 815
Tags: Atlantic City > Boxing > Brian Cohen > England > James Shuler Memorial Gym > Joe Frazier > London > Marianne Marston > Marvis Frazier > Percy Custus > Robert Hines > South Philadelphia > Steve Cunningham > UK > WBO Light Heavyweight Title > women's boxing
GERMAN FIGHT NEWS
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
Results of “This is SHIDO!” 8
On last Sunday, March 1st 2009, Shidokan Germany has held the 8th edition of “This is SHIDO!” in the Octagon of the Sakura Dojo in Lossburg.
Results:
C-Class
-77 kg: Max “Maximus” Schmid (GTT Akademie Metzingen) vs. Serkan Gorsoy (Shidokan Dojo Aargau/Schweiz). Winner Max Schmied after 0:25 minutes in round 1 via Sidechoke.
-93 kg: Michael Heist (Sakura Dojo Lossburg) vs. Albert Ivelic (Shidokan Dojo Aargau/Schweiz). Winner Albert Ivelic after 2 rounds by points (14:8)
Welterweight 4-Man-Tournament -77 kg
1. Semi-Final: Matthias Merkle (GTT Akademie Metzingen) vs. Daniel Talmon (Sakura Dojo Lossburg). Winner Matthias Merkle after 2 rounds by points (10:8)
2. Semi-Final: Max “Maximus” Schmid (GTT Akademie Metzingen) vs. Brendan Kilfoyle (Team Catacombs/USA). Winner Brendan Kilfoyle after 2 rounds by points (6:0)
Final: Matthias Merkle (GTT Akademie Metzingen) vs. Brendan Kilfoyle (Team Catacombs/USA). Winner Matthias Merkle after 2 rounds by points (14:11)
B-Class
-84 kg: Michael Heist (Sakura Dojo Lossburg) vs. Igor Montes-Kircher (Team German Oak Stuttgart). Winner Michael Heist after 1:00 minutes in round 1 via Mata Leao.
Then next edition of “This is SHIDO!” is scheduled for late April/early May. The competition is open to athletes of any styles and organizations. Detailed info (in German and English) can be found at http://www.shidokan.de/veranstaltungen/thisisshido/index.html
KIRU – The Beginning on March 22nd in Prüm
On March 22nd Shidokan Germany will host the first show of the new series “KIRU” with the title “The Beginning” in the Kongresszentrum in Prüm (Germany). Fighters from Brazil, France, Switzerland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland and Germany will battle for glory.
Fight-Card
Titlematch A-Class -84 kg:
Levi da Costa (Brazil) vs. Yayah Lalane (France)
B-Class Fight -84 kg:
Nelson dos Reis (Luxembourg) vs. Michael Heist (Germany)
B-Class Fight -84 kg:
Igor Montes-Kircher (Germany) vs. Tomasz Jeruszka (Poland)
C-Class European Grand Prix -70 kg (8-Man-Tournament):
– Lukasz Kasniewski (Poland)
– David Adam (Germany)
– Eric Touré (France)
– Hichame Chabane (France)
– Fabio Konder (Italy)
– Serkan Gorsoy (Switzerland)
– tba
– tba
C-Class Fight -77 kg:
Matthias Merkle (Germany) vs. Jordan Bloch (Poland)
C-Class Fight -77 kg:
Marek Chwalibogowski (Poland) vs. Ibrahim Moginot (France)
C-Class Fight -65 kg:
tba vs. Ediz Bektas (Germany)
Shidokan Germany is still looking for Fighters to fill the free spots. If you want to compete, please contact Shihan Peter Angerer via E-Mail at info@shidokan.de
All athletes who compete in C-Class matches will receive free travel, hotel (also for one coach). NO professional fighters are allowed to enter C-Class fights!
Tickets are available starting at only 20 Euro via the website of European BJJ Champion Jörg “Marshmallow” Lothmann of the German Top Team at http://www.akita-inu-dojo.de/Kartenvorverkauf.html
Impressum
Verantwortlich im Sinne des Presserechts:
German Vale Tudo
Peter Angerer
Kammweg 11
72829 Engstingen
Telefon: +49-171-3140149
Erreichbar unter: info@germanvaletudo.de
Website: http://www.germanvaletudo.de
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Tags: Germany > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Sakura Dojo > Shido
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