CKP'S MICHAEL GRANT FACES MARTINEZ APRIL 18 ON ESPN2

05.04 - Heavyweight contender Michael Grant, who's promoted by Cedric Kushner Promotions, meets Gilberto Martinez in the 10-round main event on a nationally televised card April 18 in Lemoore, Calif.

The 6-foot-7-inch Grant, originally from Chicago and now living in Norristown, Pa., has a record of 37-2 with 28 knockouts.

The 30-year-old Grant, who met Lennox Lewis for the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation heavyweight championships during 2000, has won six straight by knockout: Carlton Johnson in the fifth round Jan. 24 in Philadelphia; James Walton in the fourth Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C.; Robert Davis in the third Aug. 3 in Ledyard, Conn.; Anthony Willis in the second June 1 in Las Vegas, Nev.; Joe Lenhart in the fifth April 13 in Chester, W. Va.; and Reynaldo Minus in the fourth March 9 in Pittsburgh.

"We've worked hard and have six straight wins by knockout, and now we're ready for bigger fights the rest of this year," said Grant.

The 36-year-old Martinez, from Roseville, Calif., has a record of 15-7-1 with four knockouts, including a mark of 7-1-1 with five knockouts for his past nine fights.

Martinez, a southpaw, is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over former World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs Jan. 17 in Lemoore.

The card, presented by George Chung's American Champion Sports and held at the Palace Indian Gaming Center, is televised by ESPN2.