Pemberton-Crawford Presser

10.08.04 – Tempers flared at today’s “The Dream Continues” press conference between IBU middleweight champ Scott “The Sandman” Pemberton (28-3-1, 23 KOs) and challenger James Crawford (40-7-2, 2NC, 17 KOs) at Dave & Buster’s in Providence Place mall. “The Dream Continues,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES), will be held Friday night over, October 29 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

It’ll be taped live and air in primetime Saturday, October 30, 7:30-10:00 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network to 6.2 million homes from Maine to Maryland, as well as broadcast on tape delay in up to 20-million additional households nationwide.

Pemberton, also the NABF super middleweight title-holder, is rated No. 3 by the WBC, No. 11 by the WBO and No. 14 by the IBF. He has won 16 of his last 18 fights with one draw. Pemberton, fighting out of New Bedford (MA), will defend his IBU belt in the 12-round main event against Crawford, of Iowa, who lost (KO8) his IBF title shot to then champion Sven Ottke.

In the 10-round co-feature unbeaten “Bad” Chad Dawson (14-0, 10 KOs) defends his WBC Youth middleweight belt against undefeated Darnell Wilson (8-0-1, 6 KOs), of Lafayette (IN). Dawson, fighting out of New Haven, is rated No. 26 by the WBC. Wilson was a 1996 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team alternate, as well as a 1993 National Golden Gloves champion.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard in separate bouts are three Providence fighters: unbeaten super middleweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (12-0, 9 KOs), undefeated cruiserweight prospect Matt Godfrey (5-0, 3 KOs) in his first six-rounder, 2004 Everlast National amateur champion; junior welterweight “Steamin Josh Beeman (2-1), 2000 Eastern Olympic Trials gold medallist. Woonsocket middleweight junior middleweight Reynaldo Rodriquez (5-0, 2 KOs) also is slated to fight on the card.

“This is one of the greatest cards CES has ever promoted,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “We have two world championship fights and one of the brightest prospects in boxing, Matt Godfrey. We’re excited to be back at our second home, Foxwoods, and on CN8, The Comcast Network again.”

Tickets, priced at $100.00, $65.00 and $45.00, are available by calling CES’ corporate headquarters at 401.724.2253/2254, Foxwoods’ box office at 800.200.2882, or going on line at www.foxwoods.com. For additional information call CES or visit its web site at www.cesboxing.com. Call 610.627.0606 or 203.288.7111 for television advertising or broadcasting opportunities.

PRESSER QUOTES

(Crawford was on a conference call from his Iowa training camp.)

James Crawford: “This is the first time I’ve had two months notice. Usually I only have 3 or 4 weeks. I thank Scott for the opportunity. I’m in great shape and ready for a great fight. Scott is a great veteran fighter. I’m coming to win and make a great fight.

“Everybody who comes into somebody’s hometown knows there’s no chance (to win a decision). You can’t go the distance (and win). I’m going to land shots. I don’t want it to go the distance and it won’t. Scott’s taller and has longer arms. I’ve got to slip (punches), get in, and land shots. I know I can punch and I’m coming to land the shot.”

(At this point Pemberton jumped into the conversation)

Scott Pemberton: “No excuses when I bust your ass?

Crawford: “You better be in great shape.”

Pemberton: “You’re going to land (punches) on my chin?”

Crawford: “You have no chin.”

Pemberton: “You’ve had twice as many fights as me and have half the knockouts.Bring you’re ‘A’ game mother _____. I’m going to kick your ______.”

Crawford: “I hope you’re in great shape. Your last fight you looked like _____ and you fought a bum. I’m gonna kick your ass. You can talk all you want in front of your hometown press, but Oct. 29th it’s just going to be me and you in the ring, and we’ll see what happens.”

(Back to the live press conference)

Scott Pemberton: “I apologize for my language earlier. James Crawford has been in with a lot of decent guys like Jeff Lacy and he’s fought for the world championship…..now all of a sudden he’s training like he should have a along? Bull ____!”

Chad Dawson: “For all the fans I disappointed, I hope you come back and see me. I’ve got something in my bag of tricks. I’m going for a knockout, I always do. I’ll have something special for you.”

Matt Godfrey: “Everything is happening fast. I’ve had five fights in five months and my sixth Oct. 29th. This will be my first six-round test. I will pass; it’s only a matter of what grade I get. I’m a world-beater and when all is said and done, 18 to 24 months (from now) I’ll be wearing a legitimate world title belt around my waist. I’m not afraid of anybody. Halfway through 2006 I will be a world champion.