Dennis Holbaek: "You can keep Pittsburgh. I love Philly!"
29.10 - When IBC lightweight champion DENNIS "THE MENACE" HOLBAEK is introduced before he rumbles with "The Pittsburgh Kid," IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora, on REAL FIGHTS!, the pay-per-view extravaganza, Saturday, November 9, do not be surprised to hear "from Kolding, Denmark, by way of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!" - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania???? Holbaek has NEVER even fought in the U.S.!!!
"I love Philadelphia," said Holbaek. "I knew what an important decision it was to pick the right city to train in for this world title fight, not to mention my debut in the United States. Spadafora is expecting to fight a European-style boxer, but I have become a 'Philly fighter' and I love it! Training at Shuler's gym with guys like Tim Witherspoon and Terrence Cauthen has been incredible. I wanted to immerse myself in the Philly atmosphere. It is the best decision I have ever made. Philadelphia has it all over Pittsburgh."
Just how Philly is Holbaek?
"I love this city," continued the Holbaek. "I have watched the 'Rocky' films over and over. I ran up those same museum steps he ran. I ran the same route he ran in the first movie. The Eagles are my team. Donovan McNabb is such an exciting player. The Eagles are much more fun to watch than the Steelers. If I could, I would vote for Ed Rendell over Mike Fisher!"
Rendell the Mayor of Philadelphia is the Democratic candidate running for Governor against Republican Mike Fisher, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Attorney General.
Holbaek, 43-1 (22 KOs), whose amateur career included four national titles and two Scandinavian championships, turned professional in 1994 and won his first 34 bouts, which included the IBC jr. lightweight and lightweight titles, and the European jr. lightweight title. That streak included a 12-round decision over former world champion Tom "Boom Boom" Johnson. Holbaek avenged his only loss and regained his Eurpoean by defeating Boris Sinitsin. In his last fight, he recaptured the IBC lightweight title, winning a 12-round decision over John Bailey. Contractual problems with his former promoter, Bettina and Mogens Palle, have kept him out of the ring since his last fight, February 9, 2001, but not out of the gym.
"Fights kept mysteriously falling through, so I was always in the gym training in case a last-minute fight was presented to me. It never happened. But now I have the biggest fight of my life to look forward to and I cannot wait. I plan to carry both the Danish and Philadelphia flags into the ring. My passport may say I am a Dane, but inside my chest beats the heart of a 'Philly Fighter.'"
The Spadafora - Holbaek IBF-IBC lightweight title unification bout headlines REAL FIGHTS!, the pay-per-view extravaganza, Saturday, November 9, at the beautiful Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort, in Chester, WV. REAL FIGHTS! will also feature former world champion Raul Balbi vs. Antonio Ramirez, in a 10-round lightweight bout; undefeated 2000 U.S. Olympian Jermain Taylor vs. Johnny Rivera, in a 10-round middleweight fight; and Dominican lightweight champion Victoriano Sosa, the IBF's No. 5-rated lightweight contender, in a 10-round fight against an opponent to be named.
Promoted by Michael Acri Boxing Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, the PPV telecast will begin at 9 P.M. EST / 6 P.M. PST. It will be distributed by iN DEMAND with a suggested retail price of $24.95. Call your local cable/satellite provider for details.
