MUNICH, Germany (February 15, 2007) – Five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill defends his World Boxing Association cruiserweight title against the opponent he sent into retirement with his first and only loss more than a decade ago, Henry “The Gentleman” Maske, headlining “The Revenge” pay-per-view event on March 31 from Olympahalle in Munich, Germany..
“The Revenge,” promoted by WHS International, will be broadcast live in the United States on cable and satellite pay-per-view starting at 4 PM/ET, 1 PM/PT. The event is being distributed for pay-per-view by Integrated Sports and will be available via iN Demand, DirecTV and TVN for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. In addition to the Hill-Maske 12-round main event, other broadcast fights on the card will soon be announced.
Back on November 23, 1996 at the same Olympiahalle venue, WBA light heavyweight champion Hill won a 12-round split decision (116-113, 115-113, 112-116) in a unification bout against IBF light heavyweight title-holder Maske, who had previously announced that it would be his retirement fight.
Hill (50-5, 23 KOs) has had 11 fights (7-4, 3 KOs) and captured two WBA cruiserweight championships since his fight against Maske, who has stayed retired until his announcement last year to challenge Hill to a rematch.
Among Hill’s other most notable victims during his 22-year pro career have been Bobby Czyz (D12), Frank Tate (D12 twice), Fabrice Tiozzo (D12 & TKO1), and Lou Del Valle (D12). His five losses have all been to world champions – Tommy Hearns (D12), Roy Jones, Jr. (KO4), Dariusz Michalczewski (D12) and Jean Marc Mormeck (D12 & TKO9).
“I didn’t really think he’d ever come out of retirement, unless it was years ago, but it’s tough for guys who are competitors to stay retired,” Hill said about Maske’s comeback. “After he watched me win the world title again last January (2006 – D12 vs. 30-0 Valery Brudov), he felt he needed to try it again. I won the title from a credible opponent who was 16 years younger than I am. Maske didn’t let himself go. He stayed fit and stayed in boxing doing commentary.
“I’ve always been a guy who moves around a lot and is able to go 12 rounds (19-3 record in 12-round fights). He’s more of a counter-puncher; typical European, Eastern Bloc southpaw. He’s a frontrunner who starts out fast.”
Maske (30-1, 11 KOs), who ruled the IBF light heavyweight division for three years (1993-96), holds victories against the likes of Graciano Rocchigian (D12 twice), Iran Barkley (TKO9), Charles Williams (D12) and Anthony Hembrick (D12). The 1988 Olympic gold medal winner Maske seeks revenge against the only man ever to defeat him as a professional, Hill.
“When Virgil Hill won the world championship again,” Maske explained his reason for returning to the ring, “I decided to challenge him and I thank by management team for giving me this chance.”