WOBURN, Mass. (October 30, 2005) – It’s been eight and one-half years since Roy “House of” Payne (19-12-4, 6 KOs) won a four-round decision against John “House of Rain” Rainwater (10-11-3, 3 KOs). The Worcester cruiserweights disagree about why they haven’t had a rematch, each accusing the other of ducking out of their cross-town rivalry, throwing many more barbs than punches over the years..
All of the trash talking ceases November 19 when Payne and Rainwater get it on in the eight-round main event for the vacant Massachusetts Cruiserweight title in Expressway Jam 2, presented by NER Promotions, at Freeport Hall (IBEW) in Dorchester (MA).
Payne, a U.S. Army veteran and college graduate, has four in a row and 10 of his last 11 fights. His only loss was mired in controversy, a 10-round loss by decision in 2003 to Tim Flamos, whose only career losses were to Rainwater, for the Mass title. Payne is 14-2-1 in the last seven years.
“This fight is very, very important for my career, especially after what happened two years ago (his loss to Flamos),” the always-talkative Payne said. “I never thought that I’d get an opportunity like this again. To fight for a title, any title, is a plus and I’m so thankful for the opportunity. It’s my second opportunity and I intend to make the best of it and do everything I can to bring the belt home.
“I took that fight (against Rainwater) on short notice and still dropped him twice. I was living in Washington D.C. at that time and I fought Rainwater in Boston. I moved to Worcester in 1997 and have lived here ever since. I guess ‘Runwater’ still thinks he’s champion, but that will all be settled November 19. I’ll be the new champion.”
Rainwater never lost the state title belt in the ring (forfeited without a defense) and he has faced stiffer competition than Payne, primarily Joe Mesi and Arthur Saribekian. John’s coming off a four-round split decision victory against Dan Conway (11-4) last May.
“This fight means everything to me,” Rainwater explained. “I was the first to win the Mass. cruiserweight title and it’ll be nice to win it again and hopefully get ranked in the world. I don’t just want to be the Massachusetts champion again. I want more; I want this to be a stepping-stone.
“I’ve fought better opponents (than Payne), just look at our records. I’ve lost to some good guys. Unfortunately, when I fought Mesi, I blew out my elbow and have had three surgeries. I’ve sparred with world champions like John Ruiz. I’m confident. His last fight he weighed 210 pounds; I’m never above 200. He needs to make weight and I’m fighting at my natural weight. I was born and raised in Worcester. I’ve lived here my whole life; he moved here. Bring extra security because I want to make sure he shows up. It’s been two years, off and on, that this fight has fallen through.”
The scheduled six round co-feature finds former World Junior Olympic and 10-time U.S. national champion Marvin “Much Too Much” Cordova (5-0, 4 KOs), from Colorado and fighting out of Las Vegas, where he is trained by Floyd Mayweather, Sr., against experienced Connecticut welterweight Shakha Moore (9-10-3, 1 KO).
Slated to fight on the undercard is Brooklyn super bantamweight Roberto Benitez (2-0, 1 KO), a member of 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team and 10-time national champion. Also on Expressway Jam 2 is former six-time Irish champion, undefeated heavyweight James Clancy (4-0, 1 KO), now fighting out of Dorchester, against Anthony Ottah, from New York City; Lowell light heavyweight Joey McCreedy (1-0, 1 KO) squares off against Brockton’s Huston Crayton (0-2); Lowell junior welterweight Sean Eklund (0-2) faces Carlos Felipe Reyes (0-4), from North Carolina; South Boston middleweight Matt Ryan makes his pro debut versus Michael Rayner (0-3), of North Carolina. All fighters and bouts are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $50.00 (ringside) and $30.00 (general admission). Tickets may be ordered by going to www.ticketweb.com, calling NER (781.932.1190) and will be on sale at the doors the night of the show. Doors open at 6 pm., first bout at 7:30 pm.
New England Ringside Promotions is a division of New England Ringside whose boxing interests also include a monthly magazine, six weekly radio shows, popular web site (www.newenglandringside.com), and Fightography (sells classic boxing pictures – www.fightography.photoreflect.com). For more information about New England Ringside Promotions, New England Ringside or advertising/sponsorship inquires visit its web site or call 781.932.1190.