Reading, PA – Heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman will face his most experienced opponent to date on January 16, 2009 at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, OK. Ken Murphy, a veteran of 47 professional fights from Chicago, Illinois, will attempt to derail the unbeaten fighter in a six-round undercard matchup. Murphy once challenged for the WBA cruiserweight title and has consistently fought tough opposition throughout his career..
“I know the guy has a lot of experience,” says Travis Kauffman, 14-0 (11 KO) of Reading, PA. “I believe that every fight for me is a step-up, regardless of their records. I prepare for every fight like it’s a world title fight. I’m ready to put on a great performance for the fans.”
The show is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions/Holden Productions. To purchase tickets call (918) 699-7777.
For more information on Travis Kauffman, visit http://www.myspace.com/travis_kauffman .
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham – Wants His Cruiserweight Crown Back – Returns To Training.
Former IBF cruiserweight champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, has returned to training at the James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia just three weeks after losing his crown by close split-decision to Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek in what most media and fans alike described as one of the Fights Of The Year at the Prudential Center in Newark New Jersey on December 11th 2008.
After chatting with ‘early bird’ gym mates, Gee Culmer, Darren Fallen and Marianne “Golden Girl” Marston, about the fight Steve got down to business. After his normal warm-up, Steve went straight into a full work-out session.
Ever willing to pass on his knowledge and experience to fellow fighters, Steve then spent a little time advising British featherweight, Marianne Marston, on reflex bag techniques. After which he took a little time to talk about his return to training. “It feels real good, I am real excited to get back into the gym. The team made me take the three weeks off, it’s good, I got a good amount of rest. But, now it’s back to the schedule of dominating the cruiserweight division. I still believe that I’m the best cruiserweight in the world. I don’t think any of them out there can beat me. I don’t think I got beat on December 11th it’s just the points on the knockdowns. But, you know, I’m going to prove in ’09 that I am the greatest cruiserweight in the world.”
When asked if he had any other fights in mind if the rematch with Adamek isn’t forthcoming soon ‘USS’ Cunningham replied “I want to fight by the end of April, I’d love to fight in March or early April. We’re working on that with Don King. But I pray in Jesus’ name that we get the rematch right away. The buzz is hot, everybody wants to see a rematch. It’ll be money and Television will be there, so I’m excited. I’m just praying for the rematch man. If it doesn’t come we’ve got other avenues to go. We’ll go for all of them. I say in Jesus’ name I will be the two time world champion in ’09.
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham is intent on getting back in the ring as soon as possible and whilst it’s clear that Steve wants the rematch more than anything else and we can only hope that Tomasz Adamek’s management and promotional team agree to one soon, but if it is not to be Steve is determined to get fighting and start shaking up the cruiserweight division as early as possible in 2009.
Boxing fans deserve the opportunity of watching another scintillating battle between the two best cruiserweights in the world, if you agree go to www.wewantarematch.com and sign the petition.
Murray “I will shine in 2009”
British lightweight champion John Murray is aiming to make an early impression in 2009 and he believes he will become one of Britain’s new boxing stars this year.
The Manchester lightweight defends his British crown against Lee McAllister at the Robin Park Centre in Wigan on Saturday, 17th January 2009 in a fight that will be shown live on ITV4.
The Hennessy Sports show also features British boxing’s new biggest star, Manchester heavyweight Tyson Fury, who will have his second professional fight after an impressive knockout pro debut in December.
Murray makes the first defence of his British Title after winning the vacant belt by stopping former British champion and fellow Hennessy Sports boxer Lee Meager in July.
The unbeaten 24-year-old trained all over Christmas and New Year, so is in the mood to make challenger McAllister pay for ruining his festive period.
“2009 could be a massive year for me,” said Murray.
“I can’t wait for this first defence. I want to show people what I’m made of and McAllister is going to pay for ruining my Christmas as I had to train all over it.
“Lee’s a quality operator and he’s worked hard to deserve his chance as mandatory challenger. He has built up a good record and following up there in Aberdeen and I hope a few of them come down on the night of the fight to make it a crackling atmosphere.
“I’ve trained all over Christmas and New Year for this, but the sacrifices make me even hungrier, and McAllister is going to get it for ruining my Christmas.
“If you want to make it to the top you need to do it and show your dedication, so I had no problem training on Christmas Day and staying in on New Year’s Eve.
“I’m looking to have a busy year and show everyone what I’m made of. I’m looking to be European champion by this time next year.”
Tickets are available via the Ticketline Box Office on 0871 424 4444 or the web on www.ticketline.co.uk