TAMPA, FL (September 17, 2005) — Star Boxing, Square Ring, Inc., Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones, Jr. have decided to forego selling advertising space on the ring mat and corner pads for their October 1st World Light Heavyweight Championship match and give it to the Red Cross where they will place their Disaster Relief number, 800-HELP-NOW..
Both fighters were born and raised in Florida where hurricanes and tropical storms brush by or blaze right through their towns almost every year. September a year ago, hurricane Ivan wreaked havoc on Pensacola, destroying scores of homes and businesses in its path. Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances both tore through Vero Beach and Orlando and brushed by Tampa, Tarver’s respective training camp, childhood home and present home. Needless to say, Katrina’s devastation has hit close to the heart.
“It gives me great honor to have the opportunity to make a difference and bring about awareness to the world of the devastation and the importance of the relief efforts needed after hurricane Katrina,” said three-time World Light Heavyweight Champion Antonio Tarver. “Ever since September 28, I’ve trained with a heavy heart and my prayers go out to all that have lost. I urge people to make a difference as we help rebuild the great state of Louisiana. Donations can be made directly to the red cross through my web-site at www.antonio-tarver.com.”
“I know from personal experience how devastating a natural disaster can be,” said Roy Jones Jr. “Immediately after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast I wanted to create a way to help the unfortunate victims of this tragedy. I encourage everyone who watches me fight on October 1st to pick up the phone and make a donation to assist our friends and neighbors who really need our help now.”
“I am honored that we have the ability to help in this worthy cause,” said Joe DeGuardia, President/CEO of Star Boxing. “We are all deeply saddened by the hurricane’s devastating effect and I am pleased that we are able to make this significant contribution.”
Tarver-Jones 3, presented by Star Boxing and Square Ring, Inc., will take place at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL.
The Tarver vs. Jones 3 pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT on October 1, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to over 50 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your daily Tarver vs. Jones 3 updates, log on to log onto www.HBOPPV.com.