14.05 - DiBella Entertainment's unbeaten 2000 Olympic bronze medallist Clarence "Untouchable" Vinson will headline the "Salute to the United States Military" card at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. on Tuesday night, June 3, it was announced today by DBE president Lou DiBella.
ESPN 2 will televise in a special edition of "Tuesday Night Fights" beginning at 8:00 PM.
Vinson (12-0, 5 KOs) will try to extend his unblemished pro record to 13 straight when he tackles the veteran Heriberto Ruiz (27-2-2, 14 KOs, Los Mochas, Mexico) in the 10-round bantamweight main event. The three-time national champion fights out of Washington, DC. Vinson is coming off an eight round unanimous decision over Joey Garcia on March 29 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.
In the co-featured attraction, Olympic silver medallist Ricardo Williams Jr. will appear in a 10-round junior welterweight contest. After winning his first eight in impressive style, Williams now looks to rebound from his first career setback in the pro ranks, a 10-round close decision to Juan Valenzuela on February 15 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The Cincinnati, Ohio, lefthander has shown the talent and maturity to begin a new winning streak and become a presence in the junior welterweight division.
"We are privileged to salute our servicemen on this night's card," said DiBella. "The word hero is often misused in the sports world, but the brave young men and women of the U.S. military are true heroes, and it is an honor to honor them."
Three young rising stars promoted and advised by DBE will also see action on the card. Brooklyn native Paulie Malignaggi (12-0, 4 KOs), idle since November of last year due to injury, returns to the ring to face Shad Howard (9-3-3, 5 KOs) in a six-round junior welterweight bout. Jewish sensation Yuri Foreman (10-0, 6 KOs), who has scored three straight knockouts under the tutelage of new trainer Tommy Brooks, will step into the ring against Sammy Sparkman (15-9-1, 8 KOs) in a six round junior middleweight bout. Junior welterweight Emmanuel Clottey (19-5, 13 KOs) of Ghana faces Sal Lopez (18-4-2, 10 KOs) in an eight round bout.
Tickets are priced at $35 and $25, and are on sale now at the Mohegan Sun Box Office or Tickets.com (800-477-6849). For military personnel, with Military ID, Mohegan Sun is offering a buy one get one free ticket offer at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
