August 22, 2006 Clearwater, FL Rock Solid Boxing in association with the LCO Casino and in accordance with the LCO Tribal Boxing Commission officially announce veteran World Class referee Steve Smoger will be the referee in charge for the upcoming IBA World Cruiserweight Championship between Bobby Gunn and Shannon Landberg on September 16 “Night of Champions” in Hayward, Wisconsin..
Steve Smoger is a current member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame and considered by many to be the top referee in boxing today. Smoger has already been the third man in the ring for 5 World Championship bouts in 2006 including the WBA Light Heavyweight Title fight between Silvio Branco and Manny Siaca in Italy; the WBA Middleweight Title fight between Felix Strum and Maselino Masoe in Germany; the WBO Light Welterweight Title between Miguel Cotto and Paul Malignaggi and the WBO Lightweight Title between Acelino Freitas and Zahir Raheem just to name a few. From Roy Jones, Jr. to Bernard Hopkins to James Toney to Diego Corrales, Steve Smoger’s resume reads like a “Who’s Who” of Professional Boxing.
The very capable and accomplished Mark Nelson will be taking the undercard duties and his resume is one that is impressive as well. His last 3 refereeing duties were all World Title bouts, including the IBF Light Middleweight World Title fight between Roman Karmazin and Cory Spinks this past July. He has been the third man in the ring for fights featuring Winky Wright, Joe Calzaghe, Bronco McKart and Verno Phillips.
“We are more than pleased to have the experience and professionalism that Steve Smoger brings to our event. His reputation and credibility are second to none and he has a proven, accomplished track record in dozens of Title bouts. I have shared this news with both Bobby Gunn and Shannon Landberg and they are relieved that we have such a capable referee to handle the duties for this very important IBA Title fight. Additionally, Mark Nelson is as fine a referee as there is in the business and we are confident that he will provide a safe and fair environment for the undercard bouts on “Night of Champions”. Everyone at Rock Solid Boxing and the LCO Casino are genuinely excited to have such a professional and accomplished officiating crew to ensure the safety and integrity of all of our scheduled bouts.” Joe “Mack” McEwen, Rock Solid Boxing
“Night of Champions” will be held at the LCO Casino in Hayward, WI on Saturday September 16, 2006. The pre-fight press conference and weigh-in will be held Friday September 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Casino and is open to the public. Tickets are on sale now at the LCO Casino box office 1-800-526-2274 or on the web at www.lcocasino.com