Cory Spinks/Verno Phillips and Devon Alexander/Miguel Callist

ST. LOUIS— Spinks will defend his International Boxing Federation junior middleweight championship against former three-time world champion Verno Phillips while Alexander, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas champion, will take on World Boxing Association FEDELATIN champion Miguel Callist.

All boxers were on hand today to discuss the event. Civility ruled the day until Spinks, who had just praised his opponent, asked for “a moment of silence for Verno Phillips’s career because I’m going to put it to rest in St. Louis on March 27.”



An incensed Phillips grabbed a microphone and challenged Spinks. “Nobody’s taken my heart away in my career and Cory Spinks isn’t going to do that. You don’t punch. Don’t run and hide. Come to fight.”

The 21-year-old emerging 140-pounder Alexander spoke confidently. “I’m on the rise. I’m a man on a mission to become undisputed champion of the world.”



Miguel Callist is happy to have an opportunity to display his skills. “I know this is going to be a tough fight but I’m one of the best kept secrets in boxing. I’m glad that Devon Alexander has accepted this challenge. So many people don’t want to fight and I’m glad Devon does.”

Cory Spinks: “I know Verno is a veteran that knows his way around the ring. But I want a moment of silence for Verno Phillips’s career because I’m going to put it to rest in St. Louis on March 27.”

Verno Phillips: “I’m glad to have the opportunity to fight for the IBF 154-pound championship. I will be a red lion on March 27 and very raw.”


Directly to Cory Spinks: “Nobody’s taken my heart away in my career and Cory Spinks isn’t going to do that. You don’t punch. Don’t run and hide. Come to fight.”

Devon Alexander: “I’m on the rise. I’m a man on a mission to become undisputed champion of the world. I train every day for that. I want to unify at 140 pounds before moving up to 147.

“Thanks to my trainer Kevin Cunnigham, the best trainer in the world, Don King and everyone at Scottrade Center.”

Miguel Callist: “I know this is going to be a tough fight but I’m one of the best kept secrets in boxing. I’m glad that Devon Alexander has accepted this challenge. So many people don’t want to fight and I’m glad Devon does.

“I grew up watching Roberto Duran in Panama and now I’m here in St. Louis to make my mark on March 27. I will do my best and I will win.”

Kevin Cunningham (trainer and manager of both Cory Spinks and Devon Alexander): “We’ve got Cory Spinks. He’s the present. We’ve got Devon Alexander. He’s the future. Both are in tough fights.



“Miguel Callist is no joke. He’s a continental champion. Devon’s going to have to be ready. Somebody is going to leave that fight with two championship belts.

“Verno Phillips is a very respected three-time world champion. He’s for real. Cory’s going to have his work cut out for him.

“It’s going to be a great night of boxing on March 27 with two guys from St. Louis risking their titles.”

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worlwide

Matthew Macklin set to do battle with former World Champion Yori Boy Campas in Dublin

Put the house on it – the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night looks set to be a sure fire candidate for the 2008 “Fight of the Year” with Irish middleweight champ Matthew Macklin set to do battle with former World Champion Yori Boy Campas at the National Stadium, Dublin on March 22nd.

In 2006 both men were involved in two of the best, if not the best fights of that year – and on the same night. The 29th of September, 2006 is a date neither Macklin or Campas (or indeed any boxing fan) will forget in a hurry.

In Manchester Macklin lost a brave bid for the British light middleweight title against Jamie Moore after 10 torrid rounds of phone booth warfare while just a few hours later on the other side of the Atlantic Campas gave John Duddy the fright of his life losing on a close decision after 12 back and forth rounds of action.

For Macklin this fight represents a major step up in class having moved up a weight in 2007 and successfully recovered from the Moore loss with 3 straight stoppage victories. Campas has shared the ring with some of the modern greats including Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad.

Incredibly his fight with Macklin will be his 103rd outing as a professional with the Mexican warrior having turned pro at the age of 15. In his 20 year pro career he’s compiled an amazing record of 91 wins (73 of them by KO) and just 11 defeats and picked up the World light middleweight title along the way.

Now 36 Campas is determined to prove that he still belongs at the highest level but Macklin who will have new trainer and former two weight world champ Buddy McGirt in his corner in Dublin believes that an impressive win will bring his title ambitions into sharper focus.

“It’s a real step up in class for me and just what I need,” said the Birmingham based Irishman. “Campas is a very seasoned pro, you only need to look at the names on his record to see that.”

It will be the Arizona based Mexican’s second successive trip to Europe and having been beaten by former European champion and world rated Amin Asikainen in Helsinki he’ll be hoping for better luck in Dublin. Macklin has already studied that bout and believes that the seventh round defeat for Campas was not a true reflection of the fight.

“I thought the stoppage was very premature. Campas was still on his feet and firing back and he looked disgusted that it had been stopped. Up until then the last guy to legitimately stop him was Oscar De La Hoya and there was certainly no disgrace in that.

“I won’t really be looking to stop him because when you look for the stoppage it never comes. You have to be patient and anyway I want to get back to boxing a bit more as that side of things was neglected a bit when I was with Billy Graham. People forget that I was a very good amateur boxer and I need to get back to using those boxing skills.

“To be honest it will be difficult to do that with this fight because with the style Campas fights there’s nearly always fireworks and if it does become that kind of fight I won’t be found wanting.”

Macklin flies out to McGirt’s gym in Vero Beach, Florida this weekend to begin a month long training camp in the Sunshine State. “Part of the reasoning behind linking up with Buddy was to get me boxing more again,” explained Macklin.

“Obviously Buddy was a tremendous fighter himself and I’ve been really impressed with him as a trainer. You only have to look at how he turned Arturo Gatti from a brawler to a boxer to see the kind of influence he can have on a fighter so I’ll be hoping for a similar transformation.”

McGirt says he’s excited about working with Macklin. “I’m really looking forward to working with Matthew. I’m currently working with Paul Smith who I took on after working with him on the Contender T.V. series. He trained and sparred with Matthew when they were both in Billy Graham’s gym and Paul highly recommended Matthew to me so I’m excited about it.

“I know all about Campas, he’s a tough, tough veteran who’s been in with everybody and he is still a dangerous guy so it’s a good challenge for Matthew.”

Campas says he won’t be drawn into any trash talking or bold predictions ahead of the fight but promised, “I can only tell the people that they will see a real fight, I can guarantee that.”

His manager Joe Diaz added, “Yori is an incredible guy. He turned pro when he was just 15 and 20 years later he’s still competing at the highest level. He’s ageless and if people think he’s slipping because he got stopped by Asikainen they’re very much mistaken. The fight’s available to watch on YouTube for all to see and anyone can see that It should never have been stopped.

“Yori Boy wasn’t hurt, what happened was that the sponsors logo on the ring came loose and Yori’s feet got caught up in it. He got tagged with a few shots as he was trying to untangle himself and then the referee jumped in and stopped it. It was a crazy decision.

“I don’t make any excuses but in this case people can make their own minds up. After the fight Yori Boy didn’t even have a bruise but the other guy had 28 stitches over his eye and a broken hand. Anyway that’s behind us now. You have to move on and we plan on doing that in Dublin.”

The undercard for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night is headed by an eagerly anticipated Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Cavan’s Andrew Murray and Belfast’s James Gorman. The two first met last December at the Kings Hall in Belfast with Murray winning on a technical decision after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round left Murray unable to continue.

Under Boxing Union of Ireland rules the fight went to the referee’s scorecard and Murray kept his unbeaten record intact courtesy of the early lead he had taken. However even the new champion admitted that the outcome was unsatisfactory and both men are keen to do it all over again and settle affairs more conclusively.

The card will also feature Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez. Despite only having arrived in his adopted hometown of Cork in mid January the 22-year-old former world Amateur Champion has already racked up two quick fire wins in the pro ranks.

Perez’s manager Gary Hyde believes that with his amateur pedigree the power punching Cuban will bring the world heavyweight title back to Cork.

Another unbeaten heavyweight on the card is unbeaten Belfast banger Martin Rogan. The former Irish Amateur Champion is closing in on a shot at the Irish Professional heavyweight title and will have his first scheduled 8 round contest on next months card.

Irish professional’s Aidan Mooney and Leon Senior will also be in action.

Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 go on sale from 9am tomorrow morning (Friday, February 15th) from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

Bobby Gunn to Headline at the Fort McDowell Casino March 22nd!

Former IBA cruiserweight champion Bobby Gunn 18-3 (15 KO’s) will be returning to the ring on March 22nd to headline a card at the Fort McDowell Casino in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Gunn, who turned pro in 1989, is happy to return to the state where he had many of his early career bouts.

“I am thrilled to be fighting again in Arizona. This wouldn’t be possible without my attorney George Kokkalenios and friend Kyle White who helped with the negotiations to make this fight happen. I also appreciate Dave Feldman, and Lenny Hayko of Felko Promotions for giving me the opportunity to headline their card”, said the heavy handed Gunn.

The former WBO world title challenger is also relieved to be making his return to the ring after a seven month layoff. “I am excited about my return, as well as fighting in front of many of my friends and family from Arizona. To prepare for this fight, I have been working with my old trainer Chuck McGregor. Chuck is one of the best trainers I’ve ever had. My goal for this year is to establish myself in the light heavyweight division, because I will be much stronger then I was as a cruiserweight”, said Gunn who will fight at 180 lbs on the 22nd. For tickets, call 610-291-0806

Bas Rutten, 'Never Back Down'

Below is a link to a series of "E-card" vignettes featuring Bas Rutten and the stars of the feature film 'Never Back Down,' releasing in theaters on March 14. http://www.neverbackdownthemovie.com/ecard/ And some stills from the filming of the vignettes here: http://flickr.com/photos/11137752@N03/sets/72157603871317944/ There is also a photo gallery of Sean Faris, who was in attendance at the EliteXC event in Florida this past weekend, with Bas Rutten, Kimbo Slice and others. http://www.flickr.com/photos/11137752@N03/sets/72157603932675362/ ---"It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't." - Martin Van Buren

GADIEL ANDALUZ SCHEDULED TO RETURN ON MARCH 14TH IN CHICAGO‏

Puerto Rican newcomer Gadiel Andaluz will return to the Cicero Stadium squared circle on Friday, March 14th at MARCH BADNESS, another evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Andaluz thrilled the packed Cicero Stadium crowd making his pro debut on January 25th with a devastating third round knockout of Marsay Buggs, a video of which can be viewed on Youtube.com

The hard punching Andaluz is scheduled to battle fellow Chicagoan Nick Arellano, 1-2 in a four round lightweight bout. Arellano is coming off a four round decision victory over Greg Dziubek on February 1st in Chicago.

Said Pesoli, “Gadiel looked terrific in his pro debut and our fans really

enjoyed seeing his performance. He’s been working diligently at JABB since he arrived back in Chicago six months ago and we’re very happy to have him back on MARCH BADNESS.”

MARCH BADNESS is headlined by an outstanding lightweight clash between former world champion Javier “EL Chatito” Jauregui and world ranked contender Miguel “EL Anestesista “Huerta.

Along with Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, MARCH BADNESS is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico’s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.

Tickets for MARCH BADNESS are available in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions offices at 312-226-5800. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.

The full MARCH BADNESS card is as follows;

Javier Jauregui vs. Miguel Huerta, twelve rounds, lightweights

Brandon Rios vs. Alvin Brown, eight rounds, lightweights

Victor Polyakov vs. Derrick Findley, eight rounds, middleweights

Leo Martinez vs. Jose Navarette, six rounds, lightweights

Gadiel Andaluz vs. Nick Arellano, four rounds, lightweights

Eric Estrada vs. TBA, super bantamweights

The Master of Ceremonies for MARCH BADNESS will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

For more information on Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, please visit

www.toprank.com


CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998


Bernie Bahrmasel

Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com

Manfredo-Benfield Headline “Rumble at the River”March 14 at Twin River Event Center

PROVIDENCE, RI – World super middleweight challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr. returns to the ring March 14, headlining “Rumble at the River,” against Shane “The Irish Hitman” Benfield, in an Italian-Irish themed pro boxing show at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. “Rumble at the River,” part of “The Budweiser Night at the Fights” series at Twin River, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in association with Twin River, Budweiser and Tournament of Contenders.

Photo of Jaime Clampitt, promoter Jimmy Burchfield and Peter Manfredo, Jr.
(By Emily Harney)



Manfredo (28-5, 13 KOs), star of The Contender I television reality series, fights Benfield (17-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Coming off of a 10-round loss by decision to former world champion Jeff Lacy on the Mayweather-Hatton pay-per-view card, Peter hopes to rebound against Benfield, who dropped a 12-round decision in his last action to DeAndrey Abron for the NABO belt that Manfredo once held. IWBF lightweight champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (18-4-1, 7 KOs), fighting out of Cranston (RI) defends her crown against battle-tested Belinda “Brown Sugar” Larcuente (23-20-3, 9 KOs), the GBU junior welterweight title-holder from New York City, in the 10-round co-feature. Clampitt is a 3-time world champion, while 20 of Larcuente’s last 21 bouts, dating back nearly five years, have been against world champions. “St. Joseph’s (March 19) is a very important Italian holiday as St. Patrick’s Day (Mar. 17) is for the Irish,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “We decided to promote an Italian-Irish themed show on the preceding weekend of the two holidays. We’re happy and excited about this concept and plan to make it an annual event at Twin River. Even though we have a lot of Italian and Irish fighters on this card, some matched against each other, we’ll also have a few other ethnic groups represented and it’ll all add up to a great night of boxing.” In the chief supporting bout on the undercard, Stoughton (MA) cruiserweight Chris McInerney (9-1-1, 6 KOs) faces former New England title-holder Tim “The Hammer” Flamos (19-4-1, 7 KOs), of Brockton, in a six-round bout of a rematch McInerney won by sixth round TKO last December. Unbeaten Russian middleweight Andre Nevsky (3-0, 3 KOs), of Worcester (MA), meets his toughest test to date in a four-round bout versus Eric Pinarreta (2-1, 2 KOs), of New Bedford (MA). USBA No. 4 super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (20-1-1, 15 KOs), of Providence; light heavyweight “Irish” Joey McCreedy (6-1, 4 KOs), of Lowell (MA); unbeaten Lynn (MA) flyweight Isander Beauchamp (3-0) and Providence junior welterweight Diego Pereira making his pro debut are also on the card against opponents to be determined. All fights and fighters are subject to change. Manfredo, Spina, Flamos and Pinarreta are on Team Italy; Benfield, Clampitt, McInerney and McCreedy comprise Team Ireland. Tickets for “Rumble at the River” are priced at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and may be purchased by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at http://www.cesboxing.com/ or http://www.twinriver.com/, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ http://www.twinriver.com/) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET. (Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Rumble 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.)


PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Peter Manfredo Jr.: “I would like to apologize to all my fans for my performance against Jeff Lacy. I’m very focused for this fight. I had a bad 2007 but everything happens for a reason. I have the desire to fight again. I’m doing this for me, my family, my friends and my hometown. Shane better bring his A game. I would also like to wish Matt Godfrey best of luck in Germany. (Godfrey fights Rudy Kraj in a WBC cruiserweight title elimination bout on March 8.) I feel it’s his time.” Shane Benfield: (by phone) “I’m ‘The Hitman’ and Peter should know that. I will make sure everyone in Providence knows they call me ‘The Hitman.’ Vinny Paz is a good friend of mine and I will make him proud. I’m excited to fight and I’m coming to fight. Peter is a big star from The Contender and I can’t wait to beat him.” Jaime Clampitt: “I’m so excited to finally fight here at Twin River. I was supposed to fight here a few times but the fights fell through. I’m finally getting my chance and I will make the best of it. Jimmy Burchfield is like a father to me and he has stuck behind me through everything and I want to thank him for that. My opponent (Belinda) is very tough and very slick, but I look forward to breaking her down and getting a huge win on my record.” Joey Spina: “I try to knock everyone out and the 14th will be no different. I’ve been sparring a lot and looking good. I can’t wait to get back in the ring.” Chris McInerney: “It was a good fight last time. He wants a rematch, so I will give it to him. I’m happy and excited to be fighting for CES and this is a great card to be on. I hope to see everyone at the fights.” Joey McCreedy: “This is a great card with Peter and Jaime on top. I’m honored to be on it. I’m coming off a great win where I showed heart and determination. I will do the same thing on this card. I’ve been training hard and it will show.” Andre Nevsky: “I’m very excited. I’m going to have a big knockout.” Eric Pinarreta: “I want to thank Team Nevsky for taking the fight. He’s a good fighter but I’m going to beat him. I will see everyone at The River.” Isander Beauchamp: “I’m very happy to be fighting for CES and I can’t wait to knock someone out. Please come to see me on the 14th. You won’t be disappointed.” Diego Pereira: “This is my pro debut and it’s going to be huge. I’m for real and I’m here to stay.”

CONTACT:Bob Trieger, Full Court Press

Undefeated middleweight prospect Victor “THE UKRAINIAN TIGER” Polyakov will face Derrick “SUPERMAN” Findley at Cicero Stadium on Friday, March 14th

Undefeated middleweight prospect Victor “THE UKRAINIAN TIGER” Polyakov will face Derrick “SUPERMAN” Findley at Cicero Stadium on Friday, March 14th as part of MARCH BADNESS, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

Tickets for MARCH BADNESS are available in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions offices at 312-226-5800. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.

A member of the 2004 Ukrainian Olympic team, the 26 year old Polyakov,
7-0 with six knockouts, has thrilled Chicago crowds with his stunning power since turning professional in November 2006.

Said Pesoli, starting his second decade of promoting with the MARCH BADNESS event, “This is a very good test for Victor, it’s his first eight rounder and in Findley he’s facing a real tough kid with a lot more pro experience. We’re expecting Victor to have a huge 2008 and this fight is hopefully the first step in that direction.”

Said the Chicago based Polyakov, “I’ve got the Kryptonite ready for Superman. He’s a very solid fighter and I’ve been working hard in preparation for my fight with him. The Chicago fight fans have been terrific to me and I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance.”

In his last bout, which can be viewed on Youtube.com, Polyakov scored a devastating first round knockout of Brad Hill on December 14, 2007.

A resident of Gary, Indiana, the 23 year old Findley, 10-2 (6KO’s), has won four in a row since battling 2004 US Olympian Gold Medal winner Andre Ward in November 2006, dropping a six round decision.

This is Findley’s second appearance at Cicero Stadium, his first being a six round war with Jorge Gonzalez on February 17, 2006 which was broadcast on SOLO BOXEO. He is promoted by Octavius James’ Merrillville, Indiana based One In A Million Incorporated. .

MARCH BADNESS is headlined by an outstanding lightweight clash between former world champion Javier “EL Chatito” Jauregui and world ranked contender Miguel “EL Anestesista “Huerta.

Along with Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, MARCH BADNESS is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico’s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.

The full MARCH BADNESS card is as follows;

Javier Jauregui vs. Miguel Huerta, twelve rounds, lightweights
Brandon Rios vs. Alvin Brown, eight rounds, lightweights
Victor Polyakov vs. Derrick Findley, eight rounds, middleweights
Leo Martinez vs. Jose Navarette, six rounds, lightweights
Gadiel Andaluz vs. Nick Arellano, four rounds, lightweights
Eric Estrada vs. TBA, four rounds, super bantamweights
Javier Estrada vs. TBA, four rounds lightweights

The Master of Ceremonies for MARCH BADNESS will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

The open to the public weigh-in for MARCH BADNESS will take place on Thursday, March 13th at 7pm at EL Jimador Restaurant, 1600 N. Mannheim Rd in Stone Park, just north of Lake St.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

For more information on Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, please visit
www.toprank.com

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998

Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worlwide

WBC INSTALLS GIOVANNI LORENZO AS #1 CONTENDER; Undefeated challenger presses for June battle against WBC champ Kelly Pavlik

TOTOWA, NJ– The WBC has released its February ratings and undefeated middleweight contender Giovanni Lorenzo has been installed as the #1 mandatory challenger to WBC champion Kelly Pavlik, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. Although honored by the ranking Lorenzo makes it clear that he wants to fight Pavlik “today” and not wait for the mandatory term to expire.

“Everyone knows that a fight between me and Kelly will be an all action, knockdown fight,” said Lorenzo. “Someone's 0 will have to go and most definitely it will be by brutal knockout. I was the first one to congratulate Kelly back stage after he won the title in Sept, and I will be the first one to take it from him on June 7th . . . if he can get his promoter to agree to the fight.”
Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KO’s) has stopped his last eight opponents. The 27-year-old Washington Heights, NY resident by way of Jerringa San Cristobal, Dominican Republic has knocked out 15 opponents within the first three rounds. In his last bout on Dec 17, 2007, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Lorenzo blasted Ulises Duarte in one round (KO 1).


For more info: MAIN EVENTS, Donald Tremblay

DAVID DIAZ OPEN WORKOUT; THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH—12NOON @JABB BOXING GYM

CHICAGO, IL, World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion David Diaz will host his only open workout on Thursday, March 6th at JABB Boxing Gym (410 N. Oakley, Chicago, IL 60612) beginning at 12 NOON CST.



Diaz is currently training for his battle with Ramon Montano set for Saturday, March 15th at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., which will be broadcast live as part of UNFINISHED BUSINESS, headlined by the highly anticipated rematch of JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ and MANNY PACQUIAO for the WBC and vacant Ring Magazine Super Featherweight World Championship.

Said Diaz, “The Chicago fight fans and media have always been very supportive and I’m glad to open up my workout to them on Thursday. We had a big crowd at our last one before the Morales fight and it was great to see everyone.”

Chicago native Diaz brings a record of 33-1-1 (17KO’s) into the bout with Las Vegas resident Montano, 14-3. In his last bout, Diaz defended his title in an epic battle against boxing legend Erik Morales on August 4, 2007 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL, before 10,000 Chicago fight fans.

The fistic debate about which fighter is the best finally will be settled when World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ defends his title against three-division world champion MANNY PACQUIAO in a 12-round battle for pound-for-pound supremacy.

Promoted by Top Rank Inc. and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions, Marquez-Pacquiao II will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for Marquez-Pacquiao II,priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are on sale at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Macy's West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide