U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada plans to retire Charles ShuffordJan. 25 at Foxwoods Resort CasinoPROVIDENCE– Strengthened by his devastating knockout of James Northey last October, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (10-1, 2 KOs) plans to knock his next opponent, former world heavyweight title contender Charles Shufford, into retirement after their January 25th 10-round, co-main event on “Champions of Tomorrow” at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
The Las Vegas-based Shufford (20-7-1, 9 KOs), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO in 2001, holds victories against former world champion Lamon Brewster, Elieser Castillo and Jimmy Thunder.
“Shufford’s going to be my biggest test to date and I love fighting at one of the best casino in the world, Foxwoods,” Estrada said. “It’s going to be a great show with a lot of talented fighters in action. Shufford’s very experienced. He’s beaten one world champion and been in with another. I just want to take advantage of this opportunity and make some noise in the heavyweight division. Shufford’s beaten a lot of good fighters but I’m going to retire him like I did to (Robert) Wiggins and (Najee) Shaheed.
“This year I hope to stay injury free and get as many fights as possible. I’m working hard and only took a week off after my last fight. Actually, I was supposed to take a week off, but went back to the gym two days early. I worked through the holidays and started a new tradition, starting training at 11 PM on New Year’s Eve and being in the ring when the clock struck midnight. In 2008, I want to stay busy, win a regional title of some sort, and then take on a top 20 fighter. This is going to be my year.”
Jason, 26, was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record, also becoming the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. Highlights of his amateur career included representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics and capturing a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-American Games.
During his illustrious amateur career, Estrada defeated some of today’s leading professionals including former world title challenger DaVarryl “The Touch of Sleep” Williamson (24-5, 20 KOs), unbeatens Malik Scott (30-0, 10 KOs) and Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes (28-0-2, 24 KOs), Malcolm “The Showstopper” Tann (23-4, 12 KOs), Felix “Bad News” Cora, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs), and “Famous” Michael Simms (19-7-1, 13 KOs).
Estrada recently opened his gym, “Big Six Boxing Academy” in Providence, and signed a new promotional contract extension with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. “I want to help give kids off the streets with lots of energy like I was a place to go and learn how to box,” Estrada explained. “I hope to have 10-12 kids and eventually I’d like to have amateur fights there every other Friday night to start with like I had at the old Coventry where we had fights every Friday. We took care of some issues and I’m happy to still be fighting for CES.”
“Champions of Tomorrow,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., will be taped live and air on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. on CN8 and will also stream online at http://www.cn8.tv/. Following the broadcast, the show will be available ON DEMAND to Comcast Digital Cable customers for at least one week. “Champions of Tomorrow” will also air on Cox Sports Television on February 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for “Champions of Tomorrow” are priced at $40.00, $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Two VIP Presidential Suites are also available (call CES for details as well as sponsorship opportunities). To purchase tickets or for additional information contact CES (1.401.724.2253/2254 - http://www.cesboxing.com/) or Foxwoods (1.800.200.2882/www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
CONTACT: Bob TriegerFull Court Press
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