LOS ANGELES, Jan.13th—On February 10th, live from The Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, California, WBC Champion, Oscar “Chololo” Larios will defend his title against former WBC Champion, Wayne “The Pocket-Rocket” McCullough in a highly anticipated 12-round WBC Super Bantamweight Championship bout and Andre Ward, the sole US 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in a Special Attraction 6-round bout..
Larios-McCullough is the first event of a new multi-fight deal between Goossen Tutor Promotions and FSN, which airs on FSN’S Best Damn Sports Show Period at 8:00 PM local, and is hosted by Tom Arnold and John Salley. Hot off the success of the BDSSP’s September 23rd top-rated bout between James “Lights-Out” Toney–Rydell Booker and the December 9th Michael Moorer-Vassily Jirov fight, promoter, Dan Goossen expects Larios-McCullough to be another exciting slugfest. “It’ll be non-stop competitive action with true ‘ Fight of the Year’ potential — guaranteed to entertain fight fans everywhere,” says Goossen.
Defending his title for the 9th time, the 27 year-old Larios—known to his countrymen as the “Mexican Warrior,” boasts an impressive 54-3-1 record with 35 KO’s. Tall and muscular, Larios has brutal power in both hands and hasn’t lost in 15 consecutive bouts. Represented by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Larios has fought and beaten the world’s top-ranked contenders, including impressive knock-outs over Napapol Kiatisakchokchai, Kozo Ishii and Willie Jorrin.
“Golden Boy Promotions is extremely proud to work with Goossen Tutor Promotions. We look forward to a great match-up between a true Mexican warrior, Oscar “El Chololo” Larios and a skilled fighter such as Wayne McCullough, who carries a boxing resume that speaks for itself. On February 10th, fight fans will experience a fantastic fusion of heart and talent, ” stated Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and fighting out of Las Vegas, former WBC Champion, Wayne McCullough is as tough as they come—boasting a 27-4 record with 18KO’s. Trained by Freddie Roach and promoted under Goossen Tutor Promotions, McCullough—boxing’s 1992 Olympic silver medalist is one of the true stars in the fight game. McCullough has fought 10 current or former world champions; winning six times convincingly while still going the distance in four tough losses.
“This is an exciting time for me,” says McCullough. “When I first signed with Goossen Tutor Promotions; Dan promised me a world-title fight. And I promised Dan that if he got it for me—I’d win it. Well, Dan kept his promise… and now, I intend to keep mine!”
At his best, McCullough wears down opponents with relentless pressure and nonstop punches. He’s tough, durable and has the stamina to keep a fast pace for 12 full rounds. Known for having the “best chin” in the business, McCullough is very experienced against top fighters. But will it be enough to beat Oscar Larios? “Larios is a tough SOB—but so am I,” boasts McCullough. “This is it for me—nothing can stop me now. I want, no—need to get my title back! I’m training very hard for this fight and I’ll do whatever it takes to win. The fans are in for a real treat on February 10th.” “I’m very eager to step into the ring against Wayne McCullough, who I know will be there to go toe-to-toe with me. I have been following his career for years and I am very honored to have the opportunity to fight against a top fighter like him. However, I will be prepared for him when he tries to stop me from achieving my ninth world title defense,” stated Larios. “Larios is a great champion,” says Goossen. “But Wayne McCullough and I go back to the days of his first professional bout. Outside the ring, Wayne is one of the nicest men in the world—intelligent, well-spoken. But inside the ropes, he’s one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen—a real Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Larios-McCullough is a sports fan’s dream fight—two world-class boxers going nose-to-nose, punch-for-punch, with neither fighter taking a backward step. Simply put—it’s a war!”
In a Special Attraction bout to the main event, Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Roy Jones Jr.’s Square Ring presents a 6-round Super Middleweight Bout between Andre Ward and Kenny Kost. Andre Ward, the 20 year-old from Oakland, California, won his professional debut by knockout just weeks after winning the light-heavyweight Gold Medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Already a fan favorite, Ward is known for his strong faith in God and a quick left-hand—“both,” he says, “ keep me blessed.”
“As exciting as it was to win the gold for my country, I’m now fighting for my life—my professional career,” says Ward. “I beat three world champions in Athens and nothing will stand in my way of winning the gold in the professional ranks. Kenny Kost is a tough, undefeated fighter. But that’s what I want. I’m ready to take-on all comers!” Kenny Kost, from St. Paul, Minnesota, boasting an 7-0 record with 4 KO’s, is not impressed with Ward’s confidence—real or imagined. Kost has all the motivation he needs to take Ward apart. “I could go undefeated for 20 more fights and nobody would take notice,” says Kost. “But one KO-victory over the Olympic Gold Medalist and I’m an instant star. Tell Ward that I’m coming to knock him out!”
Tickets are priced at: $400 VIP ringside; $125 ringside; $65 reserved; $50 General Admission. Tickets are available January 15 at the Palace Gift Shop (24 hrs.), or phone credit card through Palace Gift Shop at 1-866-4-PALACE or through any tickets.com outlet, including the Internet at http:www.tickets.com.