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Showing posts with label Fres Oquendo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fres Oquendo. Show all posts

Saturday, July 25, 2009

BRUCE "THE ATLANTIC CITY EXPRESS" SELDON READY FOR FRES OQUENDO THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN CHICAGO

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ- This Friday night, former WBA Heavyweight champion of the world Bruce "The Atlantic City Express" Seldon will take on former two-time world-title challenger Fres Oquendo, in Chicago, and Seldon just wrapped up what he calls the most complete camp he has ever had.

Seldon has been training relentlessly for a fight that he is touting as "My heavyweight championship fight."

"This fight means everything to me", said Seldon.

"This is a tremendous opportunity, to fight for the NABA title, and this win will get me ranked by the WBA. A victory will put me right in the thick of things in the heavyweight division. This is the first step for me to get the title back."

"I've been through alot. I have faced adversity, I have kept on working, hoping, for one more opportunity. I realize I am running out of chances, I have worked as hard as possible, pushed myself to the limits, day and night, for this fight and everyone will see the results of my work on Friday night. Fres is a highly respected and formidable opponent, he has been in with top guys and performed very well, but I am up for the challenge. The calendar may say I am 42 years old but I feel like I am 30 again. Friday night cannot get here soon enough."

Seldon, 40-7 with thirty-six big knockouts, is 5-1 in his last six bouts with all of his wins coming by stoppage. He is co-managed by Jim Kurtz and Joe Thompson. Kurtz has seen the same things out of the former WBA champ in the gym.

"Bruce is incredibly focused. I haven't seen the fire in him like this in such a long time, if ever. It's remarkable for a man at Bruce's age (forty-two) to be able to be competitive at this level and he really seems to have found the fountain of youth. There may be alot of 40+ heavyweights still actively fighting, but there is one thing different about Bruce. He took almost eight years off after he lost his title. That is eight years that his body and mind weren't subjected to the daily rigors of the sport. Bruce is 100% mentally and physically ready for this challenge and we fully expect Bruce to be victorious on Friday evening" said Kurtz.

Oquendo of Chicago has a record 30-5 with nineteen knockouts will be getting into the ring just four weeks after taking out Mark Brown in three rounds in the same UIC Pavilion ring.

The Oquendo/Seldon scheduled ten round bout for the NABA Heavyweight Title headlines "WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4", an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productiions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

BRUCE “THE ATLANTIC CITY EXPRESS” SELDON LOOKS TO ROLL INTO CHICAGO AND DERAIL FRES OQUENDO ON JULY 24TH

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ— Former WBA Heavyweight champion of the world, Bruce Seldon looks to make it three in a row as he battles former two-time world championship challenger Fres Oquendo on July 24th at The UIC Pavilion in Chicago in a fight that will be contested for the interim NABA Heavyweight championship.

The heavy handed Seldon, 42, of Atlantic City, New Jersey brings in a record of 40-7 with thirty-six knockouts which includes a recent run of 5-1 with all five wins coming inside the distance. Seldon’s last 17 victories have all come via stoppage and 26 of Seldon’s last 27 victims have not made it to the final bell.

“This is a very important bout for me. I want to thank Fres for taking the fight. In the past year I have signed to face Brian Minto, they all agreed to fight me, and then they either pulled out of the agreement or there were other circumstances that led to those bouts being postponed”, said Seldon.

“A win here puts me right in the thick of the WBA Rankings and anyone who has seen my recent fights knows that I can still punch with anyone in the division. I always come in great shape and expect to win. Fres is a true professional and he has fought at the highest level before so we both know how crucial a win here is.”

“After my win over Gabe Brown on May 15th I was back in the gym that Monday. I am ready for this fight and plan on winning and getting back into the elite of the Heavyweight division.”

Oquendo of Chicago has a record 30-5 with nineteen knockouts will be getting into the ring just four weeks after taking out Mark Brown in three rounds in the same UIC Pavilion ring.

The Oquendo/Seldon scheduled ten round bout for the NABA Heavyweight Title headlines “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 4”, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productiions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

Monday, December 15, 2008

James Toney defeats Fres Oquendo, Andre Ward stops Esteban Camou


Heavyweight James Toney (71-6-3, 43 KOs) won a tactical twelve round split decision over Fres Oquendo (29-4, 18 KOs) on Saturday night at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Camazon, California. Toney prevailed on two cards 115-112, 114-113, while Oquendo was up 116-111 on the third card. Oquendo, who closed the bout stronger, was deducted a point in round eight for a low blow that cost him a draw.

Super middleweight contender Andre Ward (17-0, 12 KOs) was impressive in stopping hard-hitting Esteban Camou (23-5, 19 KOs) in the third round. Ward dictated the pace from the beginning of the fight and outboxed Camou for most of the fight. Ward hurt Camou against the ropes and threw non-stop until referee Pat Russell stepped in and stopped the bout at 2:46. “He was a tough fighter, but I eventually wore him down,” said Ward, who is tentatively scheduled to fight in February in his hometown of Oakland.

Andre Ward (L)



2008 U.S. Olympian Shawn Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) dropped Shaun Spaid (3-3, 2 KOs) twice before the mismatch was mercifully called off by referee Dr. Lou Moret 47 seconds into the first round.



See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

No Holds Barred: Frank Shamrock

No Holds Barred: Frank Shamrock

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-15T18_41_14-08_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with the legendary mixed martial arts fighter Frank Shamrock.

Frank has just revamped his web site, FrankShamrock.com (http://frankshamrock.com/), and added numerous user-friendly, social networking features, where one can sign up for free as a member.

We had a wide-ranging discussion beginning with the web site, and covering his view of his fight with Cung Le this past March, what his next fight may be, the prospects of a mixed martial arts fight with his brother Ken Shamrock, what has happened to EliteXC, his role in that company, the state of mixed martial arts, the need for a fighters' union in MMA, and more.

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).

Make sure to check out my regular weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we had the pleasure of speaking with one of the most knowledgeable people alive in the sport of boxing, the legendary matchmaker Johnny Bos. Right after the marathon of televised fights on Saturday, December 13, we had a lengthy discussion by telephone about the fights themselves and also numerous pressing issues in boxing. We began with the Yuri Foreman-James Moore junior middleweight fight, won by Foreman by a lopsided ten-round unanimous decision (Johnny is Yuri's matchmaker). We also analyzed the Kendall Holt-Demetrius Hopkins, James Toney-Fres Oquendo, Wladimir Klitschko-Hasim Rahman, and Shawn Estrada-Shaun Spaid fights, as well as the Tomasz Adamek-Steve Cunningham and Joseph Agbeko-William Gonzalez fights from Thursday, December 11. Interspersed in our discussion were commentaries on why boxing is killing itself today, why young fighters are not being developed properly, how boxing is more "crooked" today than in the past, which major promoter has a history of putting on the best and most competitive cards, the many obstacles Johnny is trying to overcome to continue working in boxing, and more. Johnny is a one-of-a-kind personality and a genuine throwback to the glory days of boxing, so this interview should stimulate some very lively and absolutely necessary discussion about the fate of the sport and business of boxing. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.com

Enjoy!
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See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

“FAST” EDDIE CHAMBERS ON THE ROAD TO THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AS HE FACES CISSE SALIF THIS SATURDAY



PHILADELPHIA— This Saturday night at The Morango Hotel & Resort in Cabazon, California, IBF number-six ranked Heavyweight in the world, “Fast” Eddie Chambers will look to get closer to his ultimate goal in bringing the Heavyweight championship of the world back to Philadelphia.

Chambers, 32-1 with eighteen knockouts takes on veteran Cisse Salif on the undercard of James Toney- Fres Oquendo bout, which will be televised by Versus.

Chambers is taking nothing for granted as he has had a tough training camp in Philadelphia.

“I treat every fight like it’s a world championship fight” said Chambers, just hours away from boarding a plane to California.

“Opportunity and success comes disguised as hard work and we worked very hard for this fight. Salif has been in with some of the best fighters in the world and has a good knockout record so he has to be respected.”

“A win here gets me right back to where I was before the Povetkin fight as I believe I should be in line to take on one of champions in the division. Everyone knows why David Haye ran away from me after we accepted terms for a fight with him.”

“I feel that I am the première fighter in the Heavyweight division at this point in time. I have a great team with my promoter’s Goossen-Tutor and Score America and trainer in Rob Murray Sr. We are ready to what we have to do to become The Heavyweight champion of the world.”

See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Friday, August 22, 2008

Third time the charm in Germany for Ruiz

LAS VEGAS– Two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) broke Las Vegas training camp today and he departed for Germany in quest of his third world title. Ruiz is traveling with his advisor and attorney, Tony Cardinale, and head trainer, Manny Siaca, Sr.

The WBA vacated the title due to an injury to Ruslan Chagaev, declaring him “champion in recess,” and ruled that the top two rated contenders fight for the title. Ruiz, rated No. 2 by the WBA, takes on the No. 1 contender, 7-0, 320-pound Nikolai Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs), who won a controversial 12-round split decision 2 ½ years ago against defending champion Ruiz, on August 30 in Berlin for the WBA crown.

Ruiz also lost a majority decision to Chagaev in Germany. “I believe the third time will be the charm – my first win fighting for the third time in Germany – and I’ll bring home my third world championship belt,” Ruiz said before he left. “I heard that Valuev has been swimming to train for our fight. Good. He’s going to need that because I’m taking him into deep water before knocking the giant out. Timber! The deeper the fight, the deeper the water’s going to be for him. I know what I can do to him. I beat him the first time but they gave him the decision.

“Everything about training camp was good. I worked very hard to get ready for this fight. I’ve been working on a lot of stuff with Manny like more balanced punching and a few new moves. When we get into the ring I want him to be thinking about what he’s going to do with me. He’s not going to fight the same guy he did the first time. You can’t let him stand there or he’ll throw punches all night long. I’m going to take the fight to him and make him move around. I’m going to stay on him, surround him, and show him different angles and more combination punching.”

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights and defeated three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Ruiz getting another WBA title shot‏

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina– The World Boxing Association ruled today at its Directory Meeting that WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev will be considered “champion in recess” due to an injury and that he has until June 26, 2009 to fight for the title.

Negotiations have started between representatives of the WBA’s top two rated heavyweights, ex-WBA champion Nikolai Valuev and former two-time WBA title-holder John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs), respectively, to fight for the WBA “regular” heavyweight championship belt. The Valuev-Ruiz will be obliged to fight Chagaev by June 26, 2009.

“We’re happy to get an opportunity to fight for the WBA title again,” Ruiz said from Argentina.

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz, living in Las Vegas, is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Ruiz-Valuev rematch for WBA championship

LAS VEGAS– Soon after it was announced that WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev had pulled out of his July 5 mandatory title defense against former WBA title-holder and No. 1 contender, Nikolai Valuev, due to another injury, John Ruiz, through his advisor and attorney, Tony Cardinale, contacted World Boxing Association officials demanding that, in accordance with WBA rules and regulations, the championship be vacated and negotiations ordered to begin for a title fight between Valuev and former 2-time world heavyweight champion, WBA No. 2-rated John “The Quietman” Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs).

Chagaev, who won the WBA belt on April 4, 2007 by winning a 12-round majority decision against Valuev, hasn’t made a mandatory title defense (due by April 4, 2008) because of a series of injuries, fighting one voluntary defense (WDEC12 vs. Matt Skelton, Jan. 19, 2008).

“We know that the WBA will follow its rules and regulations,” Ruiz said. “It’s already well past the time he’s had to make a mandatory defense and the WBA heavyweight title belt is being held hostage. We don’t need a hostage negotiator to take politics out of the heavyweight division. The WBA just has to do the right thing to move forward and give boxing fans what they deserve. The heavyweight division has been at a standstill in the WBA and it should follow its rules and order the top two rated contenders to fight for the title.”

In its last correspondence to the WBA, Team Ruiz anticipated Chagev being physically unable to defend his title against Valuev and informed the WBA that it would demand that the WBA follow its regulations if Chagaev sought a second postponement of his mandatory title defense.

Team Ruiz’ demand is pursuant to the following WBA Championship Regulations:

5.- DEFENSE OF THE TITLE
5.1 WBA TITLE DEFENSE

5.1.12 If a World Champion recognized by the World Boxing Association fails to comply with his obligation to defend the title on the date indicated by the Regulations, or fails to comply with his obligation for a World Championship fight, duly approved by the World Championships Committee, or fails to comply with any rule of the World Boxing Association, the Committee shall recommend the President and the Directory of the Association that his title be declared vacant.

8.- PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN A TITLE IS DECLARED VACANT

8.1 A World Championship may be lost because a of breach of the contract for a World Championship fight, or because of inability to fight, or because the period given by the World Championships Committee is over, or by failure to comply with the required weight at the weighting time, according to what is established in article 12.1 of the Regulations that Govern the World Championship Matches, however a World Championship can only be obtained as a result of a fight duly authorized by the World Championships Committee.

8.2 In the event that a World Championship is declared vacant, the two (2) Official Contenders shall fight for the vacant title, and for this, they shall be granted a period of no more that THIRTY (30) days to negotiate an agreement under the best possible conditions, with a duly qualified promoter. If they fail to negotiate the agreement within the time indicated, the Director of the World Championships Committee shall call a Purse bid. The World Championships Committee can open the fight to Purse Bid before the period given is over, as long as the parties (Champion or Challenger) state his unwillingness to negotiate an agreement for a world title fight.

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and Jameel McCline during his 15-year pro career.


Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Friday, April 25, 2008

2-time world champion John Ruiz walks for U.S. Military Troops‏

LAS VEGAS– Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz still be part of the ESPN Radio 1100, The Dream Team marching to show support for U.S. military troops next Wednesday morning (April 30), starting at 9 AM/PT, in Las Vegas.

Seat Williams, host of “Afternoon Gridlock” on ESPN 1100, has organized The Dream Team to march approximately three hours from Las Vegas City Hall to Nellis Air Force Base in order to help raise awareness and donations for troops and their families.

Ruiz joins The Dream Team that includes former world heavyweight boxing champion “Iron” Mike Tyson, former UFC champion Randy Couture, Williams, and Nellis Air Force Base troops.

“Our soldiers serve all over the world to help keep us free,” Ruiz said. “Joining this march is just my way of showing support for the troops. They are real heroes and should never be forgotten for the sacrifices they make every day for us. I’m honored to have been asked to participate in this great cause. I have a new team and I’m no longer held back from doing things that I really want to get involved in like this.”

Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) is the former 2-time WBA heavyweight champion presently rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, No. 6 by the IBF, and No. 10 by The Ring magazine. The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.

Monday, April 21, 2008

2-time world heavyweight champion John 'The Quietman' Ruiz, Ruiz rated high, still avoided "Team Ruiz"

LAS VEGAS– Former two-time world heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz used to be the Rodney Dangerfield of boxing as well as one of its most avoided fighters. Now, though, the new Ruiz has gained respect in many circles, particularly after his impressive win against 4-time world title challenger Jameel McCline, yet, John remains the opponent champions and top contenders alike least want to fight.

Top American contender Ruiz and European challenger Alexander Dimitrenko are the only heavyweights rated among the top six in the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation. Rated No. 2 and No. 3 by the WBA and WBC, respectively, and No. 6 by the IBF but, unlike Dimitrenko, Ruiz is also ranked in the top 10 by The Ring magazine.

“After so many years of not being respected,” Ruiz said, “it’s exciting to know and feel that I’m finally being recognized as one of the top heavyweights in the world. I’m glad. It’s been a long time coming. I’m ready to clean-up the heavyweight division and I’m willing to fight any of the reigning champs or other top contenders.

“I can’t wait for my next fight. I’m so much more confident fighting this time around, throwing more punches and combinations, just being more aggressive in the ring. I’m motivated more today than I ever was in the past. I changed my whole team and it’s really made a big difference, especially having Manny Siaca, Sr. as head trainer. I’ve learned so much from Manny. We’ve been working hard and it’s paying off.”

Ruiz (43-7-1, 29 KOs) has fought himself back into position for another world title shot, coming off an impressive 12-round decision on March 8 in a near shutout performance (119-109, 118-110, 117-111) against McCline, who is his previous fight had three times floored new Samuel Peter, returning to the vintage days when “The Quietman” first won a world title with a 12-round decision against legendary Evander Holyfield in 2001.

The Puerto Rican-American Ruiz is the first and only Latino heavyweight champion of the world. He has fought in 10 world championship fights, defeating three world heavyweight champions -- Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tony Tucker – in addition to beating top contenders such as Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo, Kirk Johnson and McCline during his 15-year pro career.

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Shaun George vs Chris Byrd May 16th On ESPN!‏


Shaun George vs Chris Byrd May 16th On ESPN!


For years, Shaun George has waited patiently for his chance to rise to the top of his division. His journey comes to a head on May 16, when the Brooklyn native faces former two-time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd on ESPN's Friday Night Fights in Las Vegas, NV. The fight will be contested at the light-heavyweight limit of 175 pounds.

"This opportunity means everything to me," says George, 16-2-2 (7 KO). "I'm ready for this step up on May 16. I've been waiting for this kind of fight my whole life. I believe I'm a better fighter and I'm ready to prove it. I know I'm the underdog, but I also know I will come out on top."

Shaun George is currently riding a three-fight winning streak following a dubious decision loss to Alexander Gurov in his opponent's home country. During his last fight, George shut out difficult journeyman Thomas Reid over ten rounds. Reid was a late-replacement for Eric Harding, who withdrew the week of the fight. George was a decorated amateur, winning two New York Golden Glove titles, as well as US National Amateur and Junior Olympic titles. He is trained by the venerable Tommy Brooks and promoted by Hall of Fame Promotions.

George's adversary, whose impressive mark reads 40-4-1 (21 KO), is no slouch either. Byrd has posted victories over heavyweight mainstays David Tua, Vitali Klitschko, Fres Oquendo and Evander Holyfield, among others. A silver medalist in the 1992 Olympics Games, "Rapid Fire" is a sure-fire future Hall of Famer.

"I know he's fast and that he fights intelligently," George concedes. "That doesn't concern me. It won't be about what Chris Byrd can do, but what I can do. This is my time to shine, Chris Byrd just happens to be the opponent set before me.

Shaun George's manager, Hall of Fame inductee Lou Duva, is confident with his fighter's prospects. "I've never seen him this excited about a fight before," says George's manager Lou Duva. "He wants this win, he's training to win and he's going to win.

"I know what this kid's abilities are. Shaun is a good, strong light heavyweight. He throws a lot of combinations and does what it takes to win. I like everything I see about him."

A recent press release issued by the Byrd camp made mention of Byrd's post-George intentions. George says his only concern is on the challenge he has signed to face. "He can look past me all he wants, talking about fighting Jones, Tarver and Calzaghe. My only focus is on the fight in front of me."

Adds George, "The light heavyweight division is the best division in boxing and this fight will show why. I'm bringing my A game and I expect him to do the same."

The Shaun George-Chris Byrd bout is promoted by Banner Promotions.

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