Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Amir Khan will feature as chief support to Nicky Cook’s WBO World Super-Featherweight title defence at the ExCeL London on Saturday 6 December. There was a possibility that Khan would make his comeback on the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao undercard in Las Vegas on the same night, but Khan’s return will now be in Britain..
The 21-year-old from Bolton is working with new trainer Freddie Roach at his Wild Cards Gym in Los Angeles, and will remain in the US until a couple of weeks before the fight when he returns to Britain to finish off his training.
However, Roach will not be in Khan’s corner on the night due to his commitment to work with Pacquiao, instead Dean Powell – who trained Khan for his win over Michael Gomez in June – will be in his place.
Warren said, “I’m delighted to confirm that Amir will make his long-awaited return at the ExCeL on December 6. It’s all set to be a fantastic show for the fans in the capital featuring Britain’s only world champion Nicky Cook who makes the first defence of his title on his home patch, a make or break fight for Audley Harrison against Martin Rogan, all-action Anthony Small defends his title, plus an action packed undercard featuring out best talented prospects.”
Warren also added that there will be one more big title fight to be added to the card and further details will be announced at a press conference in London on Thursday (30 October) at a venue to be confirmed.
***FIGHT CARD***
FRANK WARREN PROUDLY PRESENTS
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008
ExCeL LONDON
TICKET MASTER: 0844 847 2500
SEE TICKETS: 0871 220 0260
FRANK WARREN: 01992 550 888
THE WBO SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD
Nicky Cook (Dagenham, England) vs. TBA
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (TBA)
Amir Khan (Bolton, England) vs. TBA
10 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Audley Harrison (Park Royal, London, England) vs. Martin Rogan (Northern Ireland)
THE WBA INTERCONTINENTAL LIGHT-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Anthony Small (Deptford, London, England) vs. TBA
10 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
Paul Smith (Liverpool, England) vs. TBA
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Derek Chisora (Finchley, London, England) vs. TBA
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Welterweight Contest
Jamie Cox (Swindon, England) vs. TBA
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
Liam Walsh (Cromer, England) vs. TBA
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Flyweight Contest
Michael Walsh (Cromer, England) vs. TBA
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
Ryan Walsh (Cromer, England) vs. TBA
James “Quick Draw” DuBois: Sensational in Cestus Management Debut!
By: Cestus Press
On October 25, 2008 , undefeated 130-pound Texas boxing phenomenon James “Quick Draw” DuBois (7-0-0 w/3 kos) made his Cestus Management debut a memorable one by completely dismantling hometown fighter Darryl Watson in brutal fashion. The end came at one minute, fifteen seconds of the second round as DuBois, using blistering hand speed, devastated Watson with powerful combinations. The fight took place on the under card of the Standing 8 Production’s “Explosion over the Midlands ” boxing event which was held at the Township Auditorium in Columbia , South Carolina . The local fans were stunned as DuBois (130 pounds) unleashed his entire arsenal and put on a clinic, completely dissecting the South Caroline native; with an impressive display of boxing aptitude and crushing punching power.
Right after the contest James said, “I felt great tonight and truly believe that i am going to have a big career, tonight was just the begining and I know that with Cestus Management by my side, I’m fully confident that I am on my way to the top.”
Mike Michael, who is Cestus Management’s founder, said, “Wow! “QUICK DRAW” looked incredible as he really showed tonight his speed, power, skills and punch repertoire; his understanding of distance and timing are phenomenal”. “The local fans went absolutely crazy when DuBois opened up his attack and landed blistering hooks and crosses to both the head and body.” Michael continued, “his opponent didn’t stand a chance as he was simply destroyed. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the start of a journey to the top for James ‘QUICK DRAW” DuBois.”
Cestus Management’s C.E.O., Gina Iacovou, said, “Anyone who knows a great fighter when they see one had to have been just mesmerized by James’ (DuBois) amazing skills. We all got a small glimpse tonight of a fighter that is a special talent and his opponent paid the price as “OUICK DRAW” displayed the talent and pedigree.” Iacovou added, “We (Cestus) have proven yet again that our eye for talent is impeccable and with the plans that we have for James, he will become a fighter that will be in great demand”.
Cestus Management is located in Vineland, New Jersey, and works with fighters of distinction from all across the world. For further information, media or otherwise, log onto www.cestusmanagement.com
RONNY RIOS SCORES FIRST ROUND STOPPAGE IN PRO DEBUT
FORMER AMATEUR STANDOUT IMPRESSES HUGE CROWD IN ONTARIO
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 25, 2008) Last night at the sold out Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, 18 year old Ronny Rios let his fists do the talking as he announced loud and clear in his pro debut that he is ready for the major leagues with a first round stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Fermin Perez.
The former amateur standout wasted no time as he moved aggressively from the opening bell with crunching body shots and wicked right hands leads to the head which wobbled Perez. Displaying his trademark fast hands, the super bantamweight raised the crowd from their seats as fans cheered on the stoppage at the 1:28 mark of the opening stanza.
Said the Santa Ana resident, “This was terrific, it’s a great feeling to turn professional. I was a little nervous before the fight but once the bell rang and we got to swinging it all came together pretty well. The fans were great and I hope to be back in the ring soon.”
Stated manager Frank Espinoza, “This was a perfect start to Ronny’s career. Fans now can see why I truly believe he can be a world champion. Just like Israel Vazquez and Martin Castillo, he’s very focused and well prepared. Before the fight it was nice and relaxed in his dressing room. He warmed up, hit the mitts, put on his robe and calmly walked to the ring.. He’s a real pro and didn’t seem to be the least bit affected by all the attention.”
Rios’ pro debut has been much anticipated for the last few months given his popularity in Southern California . His much heralded amateur career included first place finishes at the United States Men’s Nationals (twice), National Golden Gloves, World Golden Gloves, Under 19 Nationals, National Silver Gloves and the National Junior Golden Gloves.
Continued Espinoza, “After his last amateur fight he signed with the Espinoza Boxing Club in early September. Everyone who saw him fight as an amateur was looking forward to him turning pro. The fans tonight were thrilled with what they saw and I’ll have an announcement on his next fight in the near future.”
Rios is trained by Hector Lopez at the TKO Boxing Gym in Santa Ana.
The ESPINOZA BOXING CLUB was started in 1991 by Los Angeles area businessman Frank Espinoza. Espinoza has earned numerous accolades for his management skills from many boxing newspaper and internet writers.
In 2006, Espinoza was awarded the Manager of the Year award from the World Boxing Hall of Fame and inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
In the September 2008 issue of Ring Magazine, Espinoza was praised for his outstanding handling of the career of junior featherweight world champion and “Pound for Pound” superstar Israel “EL MAGNIFICO” Vazquez.
Vazquez is currently ranked on numerous Pound for Pound lists including # 4 by Yahoo Sports, # 5 by Ring Magazine and # 7 by ESPN.
Espinoza also has managed retired former world champion Martin “EL GALLITO” Castillo and currently manages world ranked Alex Valdez and Miguel “EL ANESTESISTA” Huerta in addition to undefeated prospects Manuel “SUAVECITO” Roman, Jesus “POLLO” Hernandez, Luis Ramos, Carlos Molina, Abraham Lopez and Ronny Rios.
For more information on The Espinoza Boxing Club, please visit their newly remodeled website at www.espinozaboxingclub.com