HARTFORD (November 16, 2007) – Mixed-martial-arts fighter Dan “The Upgrade” Lauzon is scheduled to make his pro boxing debut on November 24 against Las Vegas high profile defense attorney Marc “The Defender” Saggese (3-0, 3 KOs), known as the toughest pound-for-pound lawyer in the world, in a four-round cruiserweight bout televised on “Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford” show, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford..
Another MMA fighter, former WBO heavyweight title challenger, Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams (3-0 MMA record), challenges NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey in the 12-round main event. Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), now training in Hartford with his new trainer John Scully, recently became the No. 1 rated contender in the World Boxing Council. Godfrey, also ranked No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 6 by the World Boxing Association, meets his toughest opponent in Williams (42-5-1, 35 KOs), fighting out of Long Beach (CA).
“Pinnacle FiteNite: The Heat’s On In Hartford,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment, Inc. (CES), in association with Sports Entertainment & Media, Inc., will be taped live and air on dates and times to be determined across the country on numerous Comcast regional stations including Comcast West, American One Network, Cox Network in Rhode Island, Fight Network in Canada, Sports Net New York, GTV in Africa, as well as internationally on KOTV. Pinnacle FiteNite is produced by 21 Lakes and distributed by Integrated Sports. Award-winning Al Bernstein will handle the blow-by-blow duties, while former NFL placekicker Benny Ricardo and unbeaten heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi will be the color commentators.
Lauzon (7-2 in MMA), fighting out of East Bridgewater (MA), is the youngest UFC fighter of all-time having made his debut at the age of 18 years, 5 months and 14 days. His older brother, Joe, starred in The Ultimate Fighter 5 television reality series and rates as one of UFC’s top 15-pounder fighters. Dan specializes in the disciplines of wrestling and jiu-jitsu in MMA.
“The biggest difference between boxing and MMA is the take-down factor,” Lauzon explained. “In boxing, you can plant your feet and throw good punches, but in MMA you can’t stand in the pocket because you’re concerned about take-downs. I’ve been an MMA fighter six years, the last two I’ve boxed, and I’ve been a lot more comfortable in MMA. But I feel comfortable boxing now and that’s why I’m making my pro debut. I don’t mind standing and throwing punches. I think you’ll see a lot more boxers crossing over to MMA than UFC fighters getting into boxing, I’m not really concerned with this fight and I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready to stay in the pocket and throw bombs.”
Undefeated Las Vegas-based cruiserweight prospect Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs), former nine-time United States amateur champion, fights former WBO Latino heavyweight champion Kendrick “The Apostle” Releford (14-9-2, 5 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature. Manchester’s (CT) Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs), the former WBC Youth super featherweight champion managed by Jackie Kallen, faces John “The Hammer” Trotman (6-9, 1 KO), former Caribbean title-holder, in a six-round bout.
Also fighting on the undercard is USNBC & WBC International champion super middleweight champion Joey “KO Kid” Spina (20-1-1, 15 KOs), of Providence, in a six-pounder versus upset specialist Brian “The Assassin” Norman (15-4, 4 KOs); Hartford junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (2-1, 2 KOs) fights TBA in a four-round match. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $35.00 (Bronze), $50.00 (VIP Silver), $100.00 (VIP Gold), and $150.00 (limited Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Group discounts are available. Discount tickets are being offered to members of the Connecticut police and fire departments, men and women active in the U.S. military, and students. VIP Presidential Tables (total of 10 tables, 8 per table) are available by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254. Call CES at 401.724.2253/2254, the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261) and Connecticut Restoration (860.528.6800), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com, to order tickets or for more information. Visit www.pinnaclefitenite.com for additional information. Doors will open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:45 PM/ET.