HOLLYWOOD, FL, January 23 – It’s taken two long years, three wins and three knockouts, but on Friday, January 30th, Juan Urango will finally get the opportunity to win back his IBF junior welterweight title when he takes on Herman Ngoudjo for the vacant crown at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. Needless to say, Urango can’t wait for his chance to shine once again. “Every day since January 20, 2007, I’ve thought about winning my title back,” said Urango, who lost his belt via a hard-fought decision to Ricky Hatton that night..
“I’ve put in the hard work, knocked out every one that was put in front of me, and now I’m ready to do the same to Herman Ngoudjo. Even though we’re in his hometown, I don’t care, because he’s not going to hear the final bell.”
Since the Hatton fight, the 28-year old southpaw from Monteria, Colombia has been in devastating form, stopping Nasser Athumani and Marty Robbins and knocking out Carlos Wilfredo Vilches, with none of the fights getting past the fifth round. Now Urango (20-1-1, 16 KOs) is looking for his fourth straight KO against the aggressive Ngoudjo (17-2, 9 KOs), a native of Cameroon who now makes his home in Montreal.
“Ngoudjo is a good fighter, I respect him, and I’m not taking him lightly,” said Urango, “but if he thinks he can stand in front of me and trade punches, he’s crazy. He doesn’t have the punch to hurt me and while he has a good chin, it can’t take the punishment I’m going to deliver. I’ve waited too long for this moment to be denied now.”
Tickets are priced at $40, $75, $125 and $200 and can be purchased at the Bell Center Box Office: 1-877-668-8269 or online at www.geg.ca
Dunne could Cruz to the World Title
Art Pelullo, Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions claim they can help Bernard Dunne realise his World Title dreams by offering the Dubliner a shot at Cristobal Cruz and his IBF Featherweight title. Mexican, Cruz (37-11-1) defends his title against rated French pugilist Cyrill Thomas (33-2-4) in St Quentin, France on Valentines night. If the World Champion emerges from that bout unscathed and still in possession of his title Egan claims he would be more than willing to take on the Brian Peters managed Dunne.
Neilstown native, Dunne (27-1) has bemoaned, in the press this week, the fact his career seems to have stalled somewhat and it appears his boxing dreams and goals maybe caught up in a complex web of boxing politics, but Egan and Banner Promotions are willing to talk to Peters about a potential Cruz Dunne World Title fight.
Egan, who has recently reached an agreement with Art Pelullo and Banner Promotions, that he believes will revolutionize the sport in Ireland, also stated that Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions would be more than willing to have the fight in Dunne’s hometown Dublin.
“Bernard is a brilliant fighter and the biggest name in the Super Bantamweight division despite not holding a title a present. He would still be a big draw at Featherweight. It is a shame he hasn’t had a World Title fight confirmed as of yet, but if Cruz emerges victorious from his February 14 defense Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions could offer Bernard a shot at the IBF Featherweight title, which could be held this summer in Dublin or the States. Art Pelullo is one of the most powerful and influential boxing promoters in the world and is eager to arrange that fight. As a boxing fan and a very good friend of Bernard I would love to see him achieve his goals, dreams and potential. If he was willing to move up to Featherweight we would offer him a shot at Cruz and the World Title he craves,” Egan explained.
World Champion Andre Berto to be Honored by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez at Haitian History Month Ceremony
(WINTER HAVEN, FLA.) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) will receive a special proclamation from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez at the Fourth Annual Haitian History month ceremony on Tuesday.
The event, which will take place at 10 a.m. on January 27 in the heart of Downtown Miami, will celebrate the closing of the Haitian Independence and History Month. Mayor Alvarez will present Berto with a proclamation in honor of his contributions to both the sports world and the community. The month-long celebration of Haitian history is an important part of Miami-Dade County’s Initiative to create understanding and appreciation among different cultures and traditions.
Berto, the son of two Haitian immigrants, represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games as a one-man boxing team. He recently joined the Board of Directors of the Carma Foundation, an organization founded by Melky Jean, the sister of music superstar, Wyclef Jean. The organization works to improve the health of the poor and vulnerable women and children in Haiti. The Carma Foundation has chosen to spearhead several small projects addressing the needs of education, skill development and job creation of women and children in Haiti.
In addition to his efforts outside the ring, the 25-year-old is coming off his second successful title defense over former world champion Luis Collazo. Already being touted as a legitimate “Fight of the Year” candidate, Berto’s unanimous decision win over Collazo moves his record to a perfect 24-0 with 19 victories coming by knockout.
Following his appearance at the Foruth Annual Haitian History month ceremony, Berto will travel to Tampa for the Super Bowl.