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Showing posts with label Joey “KO Kid” Spina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joey “KO Kid” Spina. Show all posts

Monday, May 18, 2009

McCreedy’s bandwagon filling up fast;Joey “KO Kid” Spina vs. Tiwon Taylor headlines Friday night’s show at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE– Super middleweight “Irish” Joe McCreedy has developed into one of New England’s favorite fighters, based on support he’s received from his growing legion of passionate fans from Lowell, the same Massachusetts city that produced one of boxing’s all-time most popular ring warriors, “Irish” Micky Ward.

EBA super middleweight champion McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KOs) is matched against veteran Willis “The Prophet” Lockett (11-7-5, 5 KOs) on Friday night’s (May 22) “Rage At The River” show, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

McCreedy is as tough as any fighter, evident by his performances since his first loss. After starting out his career with victories in his first five pro bouts, Joe suffered his first lost in October of 2006 to Andre Hemphill. McCreedy’s jaw was broken early but he kept fighting until it was fractured in the second place, which resulted in the ending of the fight in the third round. Joe’s boxing career was in jeopardy but the former high school running back came back strong one a year and a half later to beat previously unbeaten Bay State rival Chris Traietti (7-0) by 6-round decision.

Two fights later, the now 24-year-old McCreedy lost a 6-round decision to Henry Mayes but Joe avenged that loss in his next fight, defeating Mayes by 6-round decision. A natural Irish-Italian, Massachusetts-Rhode Island throw-down was arranged between two CES boxers, McCreedy and Richard “Bobo the Bull” Starnino, last August in which the two fought non-stop, toe-to-toe to a 6-round draw. McCreedy then outclassed veteran Joe Johnson to set-up a rematch against Starnino this past February. In another fan-friendly brawl an even better conditioned McCreedy won an 8-round decision for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association title, much to the joy and delight of his many vociferous backers in the stands.

“Joe McCreedy is a brawler who fights like Vinny Paz and Micky Ward,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “He gives fans their money’s worth every fight. He just keeps coming straight ahead and Joe’s very dangerous. I think he’s at the top of his game right now. His fan base is growing fast because he gives them what they enjoy. He’s fun to watch. There’s no such thing as a boring fight with Joe McCreedy.”

The 8-round main event puts world-rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, against veteran Tiwon Taylor (26-14-1, 19 KOs), former Carolina Boxing Association title-holder, who has been in against world champions Adrian Diaconu, Fabrice Tiozzo and Lou Del Valle. Power-punching Spina is rated No. 12 in the WBA and WBC, No. 13 by the WBO and No. 15 by the IBF.

Middleweight James McGirt, Jr. (19-2-1, 9 KOs) makes his CES debut in a 6-round bout versus Patrtick “La Sasa” Perez (25-4, 14 KOs), while Ward works the corner for his nephew and another Lowell fighter, lightweight Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO), against Jose Guzman (3-4-1) in a 4-round match.

Also world featherweight title challenger Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (9-1, 4 KOs) versus TBA in a 6-round bout, as well as supporting 4-round matches are Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Chris “The Archbishop” Boykins (0-3), Pawtucket light welterweight Diego Periera (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Melchor Guillen, Jr. (1-0) and Providence light welterweight Omar Pena (1-0-1, 0 KOs) vs. Omar Brito (1-1, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.



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, May 12, 2009

Meet the new “KO Kid” Spina Headlining “Rage At The River” May 22 in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE– World rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina has had an overall attitude adjustment but he still possess the same devastating power punching ability as always as he gets set to headline the May 22nd “Rage At The River” show at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), 31, is rated among the top 15 in all four major boxing organizations – No. 12 by the WBC and WBA, No. 13 by the WBO, and No. 15 by the IBF.

The rugged Italian-American from Providence, former IBF Inter-Continental and USNBC super middleweight champion, has won four straight since suffering his only pro loss in 2006 to cross-town rival, Peter Manfredo, Jr., in which, Spina suffered a broken left thumb in the early goings. Joey, admittedly, hasn’t been fully focused since then but he has a refreshing new look on life and boxing, which has resulted in a born-again dedication aimed at fully preparing him for a world title shot in the not too distant future.

Prior to his fight against Manfredo, Spina had been on a roll having defeated former world champion Carl Daniels, veteran Anwar Oshana and then, in his career-defining fight to date, stopping Jesse Brinkley with a single body punch in the 11th round of their 2006 throw-down on ESPN that Joey was trailing in.

“I’ve been discouraged since the Manfredo fight,” Spina said. “I’ve been focused, only off and on, but I’m ready now for a big fight at 175, or I can get down top 168 for the right opportunity. I’m a fighter; I knockout guys. I was disappointed in my last fight (WTKO1vs. Matt Gockel) because I wanted to knock him out cold, not hurt him, but put him to sleep. The referee stopped the fight before I could. I’m not looking past my next fight (May 22 vs. 26-14-1, 19 KOs Tiwon Taylor in a scheduled 8-rounder) but, after that one, I want a few good fights and then a title shot. I’d want to get Jaidon Codrington in the ring. I’ll expose him more than (Sakio) Bika did. And I’d like a title shot against (Carl) Froch, a good fighter and tough guy like me. A few more fights and I’ll be ready for him.”

Spina, who is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., has a new manager, Eddie Imondi, who managed Ron Sandler and Dino Dennis, as well as promoted several world title fights. “I’ve known Joey since he was a kid and I believe he has the potential to be world champion,” Imondi remarked. “He can punch and has a good record with only one loss. Joey’s training real hard for this fight. I told him a fighter only has a short career and that I’d take care of the business end for him. He’s listening to me and making adjustments. We have a very good relationship. Boxing is in my blood and I love it. I’ve also known Jimmy Burchfield all of my life. I’ve followed Joey’s career and when I heard that he was looking for a new manager, I took over his contract.”

Spina appreciates Imondi’s support and welcomed him into his corner. “Eddie used to promote and he brought a few guys to world title fights,” Joey added. “His background is the big reason I signed with him. I have two great trainers, Eddie Mustpha Muhammad will be back working my corner with Jose Santos, and I know that I can punch with anybody. I’m starting to box better, too. The guy I’m fighting (Taylor) is a cute fighter with a good right. I’m going to be aggressive but slip and slide, move my head more. He’s going to looking for my big left hook, but I’m going to drop him with my right. I’m more confident now in my right than my left hook. I’m going to break him down.”

Burchfield’s belief in Joey hasn’t wavered since day one when Spina turned pro with CES in 2001, despite the fighter’s somewhat up-and-down career, in and out of the ring. “There’s a new Joey Spina,” Burchfield claimed. “He’s always had talent but now Joey has a new team to take care of his business with me. It’s like family. I want all of my fighters to be as comfortable as possible so all they have to do is just concentrate on boxing. They need to be supported by quality people – managers, nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches, and better sparring partners. I see great things for Joey. He’s one of the hardest punchers in boxing and all he needs is to be 100-percent focused.”

Tickets for “Rage At the River” range from $25.00 to $150.00. To purchase tickets or for more information about Spina, “Rage At The River” or CES call 401.724.2253/2254 or visit www.cesboxing.com.

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

Thursday, April 30, 2009

“Rage At The River” reunion for McGirt & Ward;Joey “KO Kid” Spina vs. Tiwon Taylor headlines May 22nd show at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE– Legendary boxers James “Buddy” McGirt, Sr. and “Irish” Micky Ward began a friendship in 1986 that continues today. They will reunite May 22nd at “Rage At The River,” promoted Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc. (CES), as head trainers of fighters on that show.

McGirt, 2-time world champion in two different weight classes and former Trainer of the Year, will be training his son, middleweight James McGirt, Jr. (19-2-1, 9 KOs), who’ll be making his CES debut in a 6-round bout versus an opponent to be named. Ward, a participant in three Fights of the Year, will handle his nephew, lightweight Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO), against Jose Guzman (3-4-1) in a 4-round match.

“I think it’s great and I’m excited to be working the same show as Micky,” Buddy said. “He fought on my undercard in 1986, 16 years later were in opposite corners -- I had (Arturo) Gatti – and now we’re together again. Micky Ward was one fighter I didn’t want to fight. I always felt that, if he wanted to, he’d be a trainer. They don’t make fighters like Micky Ward anymore. We’re good friends.”

Ward remembers beating Jesus Carlos Velez (KO6) on Buddy’s undercard (Feb. 21, 1986) in Atlantic City. “Two years later I stopped Joey Ferrell in the first round,” Micky laughed and jokingly added, “the same fighter Buddy beat by (10-round) decision on that same 1986 card. I broke his rib. I was amazed by Buddy. I was in my fifth fight and he was close to fighting for a world title. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I want to be like him.’ I never wanted to fight him, though. Until the end of his career, he only lost to world champions, twice to the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Pernell Whitaker. Buddy’s a good guy, great fighter and trainer, and we’re friends. I’m enjoying the challenge of being a trainer but, I’m not on the same level as Buddy, who has trained a lot of world champions.”

World-rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, headlines in an 8-round fight versus veteran Tiwon Taylor (26-14-1, 19 KOs), former Carolina Boxing Association title-holder, who has been in against world champions Adrian Diaconu, Fabrice Tiozzo and Lou Del Valle. Power-punching Spina is rated No. 12 in the WBA, as well as No. 13 by the WBC and WBO

The Legends Meet & Greet

James “Buddy” McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs), former IBF light welterweight and WBC welterweight champion, past Boxing Writers of America Association’s Trainer of the Year, as well as “Irish” Micky Ward (38-13,27 KOs), EBU light weight champion and 3-time participant in Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year, will be joined by Gary “Tiger” Balletto (31-3-2, 26 KOs), former IBU lightweight champion and star of The Contender III, for a very special meet-and-greet May 22nd with “Rage At The River” show ticket holders. They will be available in the entrance area of the Twin River Event Center between 6-7 PM/ET to sign autographs, pose for pictures and talk to fans. They had a combined 142-22-3 (101 KOs) pro record.

Also on the card in separate 6-round bouts are EBA super middleweight champion “Irish” Joe McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KOs) against Victor Paz (9-7-1, 1 KO) and world featherweight title challenger Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (9-1, 4 KOs) versus TBA.

Supporting the show in 4-round matches are cruiserweight Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, light welterweight Diego Periera (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Pablo Tejada (2-9-1, 0 KOs) and Omar Pena (1-0-1, 0 KOs) vs. Ramon Santos (0-1). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Rage At the River” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

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

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

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

Friday, April 24, 2009

Curtain goes up for “Rage At The River” Joey “KO Kid” Spina headlines May 22nd show at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE – The beginning of a new Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) professional boxing series kicks-off May 22nd as world rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina headlines “Rage At The River” at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“Rage At The River,” presented by CES in association with Twin River, launches a New England-based series at Twin River and Memorial Hall in Plymouth. Rehearsals were held earlier this year at both venues and the series goes into full swing May 22 in Lincoln and June 12 in Plymouth.

“This series will include some fighters positioning themselves for title fights and also provide valuable exposure for some of the best young talent in New England,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield explained. “What we are providing, though, is an evening of entertainment, not just competitive pro boxing, with singing, dancing and much more.”

Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, is rated No. 12 in the WBA, as well as No. 13 by the WBC and WBO. He takes on veteran Tiwon Taylor (26-14-1, 19 KOs), former Carolina Boxing Association title-holder, who has been in against world champions Adrian Diaconu, Fabrice Tiozzo and Lou Del Valle, in the 8-round main event. “Joey Spina is one of the most exciting and hardest-hitting fighters in the world,” Burchfield noted. “He’s like Rocky Marciano in the sense he can be losing after six rounds and suddenly put his opponent to sleep with a single punch.”

Young middleweight James McGirt, Jr. 19-2-1, 9 KOs), from Vero Beach (FL), makes his CES debut in the 6-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.. McGirt is trained by his father, former 2-time world champion and Trainer of the Year, James “Buddy” McGirt.

Also on the card in separate 6-round bouts are EBA super middleweight champion “Irish” Joe McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KOs) against Victor Paz (9-7-1, 1 KO) and world featherweight title challenger Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (9-1, 4 KOs) versus TBA.

Supporting the show in 4-round matches are cruiserweight Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, lightweight Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO) – trained by his uncle, “Irish” Micky Ward – vs. Jose Guzman (3-4-1), light welterweight Diego Periera (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Pablo Tejada (2-9-1, 0 KOs) and Omar Pena (1-0-1, 0 KOs), managed by former EBU lightweight champ Gary “Tiger” Balletto, vs. Ramon Santos (0-1). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“We’re very excited about James McGirt, Jr. making his CES debut,” Burchfield commented. “Everybody involved with or part of Team CES is looking forward to watching James showcase his world-class talent and reload en route to a world title shot. McCreedy has proven he’s a straight- forward fighter that fans love to see in action. He wants to step-up his career and we’re going to give him that opportunity. Sandy is called, ‘Lil’ Tyson,’ because she looks up to and fights like Mike used to. I think she’s like a female Vinny Paz; she may get bloody but Sandy keeps punching. Sandy’s an exciting, marketable fighter who is risking a world title shot (WIBA) lined-up for her later this year in Bosnia. Sean Eklund lost his last fight but most people felt that he really won that fight. I don’t know what his uncle (Micky Ward) has been doing with him, but he showed tremendous improvement and looked the best we’ve seen in his last fight. Jay Holland has trouble finding sparring partners because he’s so tough. He also has a great following. Diego and Omar are two bright prospects from Rhode Island who both have a lot of upside.”

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

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Spina rededicates himself for loyal fans “February Frenzy,” Feb. 6 at Twin River Event Center, RI

PROVIDENCE– World rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina, former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental champion, has rededicated himself for his loyal fans as he prepares for his next fight February 6 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs), rated No. 14 by the WBO and No. 15 by the WBC, takes on Kansas veteran Matt Gockel (12-9, 7 KOs) in the 8-round main event. Spina, who holds victories against former world champion Carl Daniels and super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, has had a somewhat sputtering pro career that he’s vowed to turn around starting Feb. 6.

“I’ve been like the weather – sometimes hot, sometimes cold, dedicated and not so focused at times,” he explained. “I’m 31 with a 23-1-1 record and I don’t plan on fighting until I’m 40. I’m ready to do what I’m capable of doing in the ring. I’m going to bust my butt this year, fighting better and better fighters, and then get in position to fight for a title next year. I want a chance to fight for a world title and be considered a real contender. That’s my goal. Fans either love or hate Joey Spina, either way they love to watch me fight. I want to thank my loyal fans for supporting the ‘KO Kid’ for the past 10 years. Hearing their yells is inspiring.

“I’m sharper than I’ve ever been. I’ve been working on my balance, shifting my hips, and pressing forward with my hands up. I’m going to wear down opponents. I already have seen a difference. Throw in a slip, force my opponent to go backwards, and then put them to sleep. Gockel is coming down from cruiserweight to fight at light heavyweight; I’m going back up because I can fluctuate between 168 and 175. I’m strong at either weight. He’s not going to be able to stand in front of me. The “KO Kid” is back!”

Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-2, 2 KOs) faces “Irish” Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), again in a rematch of a draw they fought to last year, for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association (EBA) super middleweight title in the 8-round co-feature.

Former 4-time U.S. national amateur champion Bobby Harris will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special “February Frenzy” card ceremony. Burchfield established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special achievements and contributions to New England boxing. CES Ring of Honor inductees include Rocky Marciano, Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Marlon Starling, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully Ray Oliveira, Gary Balletto and Demetrius Andrade. Harris reached the 1992 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs and captured a gold medal at the 1993 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The Worcester (MA) resident went on to a 20-2-1 (13) pro record as a heavyweight and last fought in 1999.

Harris will be in the corner of his younger brother, unbeaten Worcester cruiserweight Adam “The Hitman” Harris (10-0, 7 KOs), who will fight Philadelphia boxer David Williams (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Undefeated Pawtucket fighter Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (10-0, 4 KOs) meets another Lowell native, Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO), who will have his uncle and head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward, in his corner for their 6-round bout for the EBA New England lightweight belt.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are U. of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Anthony Pietrantonio (4-2, 3 KOs); Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Olade “One Shot” Thomas (1-3, 0 KOs); W. Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Daren Graham (1-4, 1 KO); Worcester heavyweight Rashad Minor (1-0, 1 KO) in his CES debut vs. Shawn McLean (2-4, 1 KO); Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland making his pro debut vs. Kevin Varnadore (0-4); Providence junior welterweight “Steamin’” Josh Beeman (4-2-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jamar Saunders (2-1, 1 KO).

Tickets for “February Frenzy” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5::30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.

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