News: Kermit Cintron; Cristobal Cruz; Bobby Gunn

Kermit Cintron overcame a slow start with a determined come-from-behind rally versus interim WBC junior middleweight titlist Sergio Martinez, on Saturday night at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida – earning the former IBF welterweight champion and WBC # 15 rated 154 lbs. challenger, a majority draw, as seen on HBO’s Boxing After Dark. Cintron (30-2-1, 27 KOs) from Reading, PA, by way of Carolinas, Puerto Rico, rebounded from a cut and knockdown at the hands of Martinez by utilizing effective aggression and “signature” Cintron power punching to stay competitive with the speedy champ..

“After reviewing the fight, I know that I was knocked down in the seventh round and I am not questioning the draw and Martinez keeping his belt. Still, I know I am one of the best welterweights in the world and will prove it when I defeat Miguel Cotto, if he gives me the opportunity,” said Cintron.

“Kermit Cintron has proved that he can compete against any fighter between 147 and 154 pounds. Now Kermit is eyeing a return to the welterweight division for a showdown with Miguel Cotto, should Cotto defeat Michael Jennings for the vacant WBO welterweight crown on February 21,” said DBE president Lou DiBella.

DiBella went on to say that Cintron will be at ringside at Madison Square Garden for Cotto vs. Jennings to cheer on his countryman in hopes of setting up a New York City showdown on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend between two of the world’s best fighters and the best two Puerto Rican welterweights on the planet. “Cintron vs. Cotto at Madison Square Garden will be one of the hottest tickets in boxing this year and has all the makings of a fantastic fight. Let’s not forget that Kermit and Cotto’s only losses came against Antonio Margarito,” stated DiBella.

Prior to his draw against Martinez, Cintron was coming off a unanimous decision victory over former IBF 140 lbs. champion Lovemore N’dou on the Taylor-Lacy DBE-promoted show, seen on HBO this past November 15, in Nashville, TN. The Cintron-Martinez pairing came about when a scheduled January clash between Martinez and Joe Greene was scratched and a proposed Martinez-Daniel Santos bout also fell through – giving the always opportunistic Cintron a chance to move up in weight and secure another HBO appearance.

One of boxing’s hardest punchers, Cintron won the vacant IBF title in October 2006 with an impressive display of power punching – halting Mark Suarez in six one-sided rounds in Palm Beach, Florida. Cintron would go on to successfully defend his IBF crown on two occasions – both knockout victories – over Walter Dario Matthysse and Jesse Feliciano, respectively.

Banner Promotions Congratulate Cristobal Cruz

Golden Gloves and Banner Promotions would like to congratulate International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Cristobal Cruz for retaining the title on February 14 at the Palais des Sports in Saint Quentin, France. The first-ever world title fight held in the city of 60,000 in northern France was a great success – the main event and undercard bouts produced some exciting matchups, drew a capacity crowd at the arena, and was televised on Canal+ and other networks throughout in Europe as well as networks in Africa and 44 countries in Latin America.

Cruz, now 38-11-1 with 23 knockouts, of Tijuana, Mexico, and challenger Cyril Thomas, 33-3-4 with 10 knockouts, of Saint Quentin, both gave strong efforts in a good fight.

Several rounds were close and the momentum shifted back and forth – Cruz, making his first defense of the title he won in October, 2008, pressed forward and kept a relentless pace, Thomas boxed and counterpunched effectively at times, and after six rounds the fight was scored 58-56 Cruz, 57-57, 57-57.

Cruz rallied and swept the seventh and eighth rounds on all three scorecards, won the ninth on two scorecards, then swept the tenth round. Thomas finished the fight strongly – he swept the eleventh round, then won the twelfth round on two scorecards, as well – but Cruz won a unanimous decision by scores of 115-113, 115-113, 116-112.

“Fight Knight” a Hot Ticket! February 25th show at the Medieval Times Castle selling fast

Lyndhurst, New Jersey (February 18, 2009) -In recent weeks, there has been a buzz amongst boxing fans all across North Jersey. They are all in great anticipation for the professional boxing card scheduled for February 25th at the Medieval Times Castle in Lyndhurst, NJ. The event cleverly titled, “Fight Knight”, has been selling tickets at a brisk pace. After putting together a stellar show in its promotional debut this past October, Dignity Promotions have teamed up with David Feldman’s, Felko Promotions to stage another great boxing event.

“We had such a positive response from our first show at Medieval Times. Fans leaving the venue that night were already asking me when our next show will take place,” said Dignity Promotions’ Mike Indri.

“Our goal was to put on a great show at a fair price for the boxing fans, and I truly believe that we accomplished that, especially looking at how well the fans have responded for this upcoming event. So far ticket sales have been going well.”

The card features 3 fighters making their professional debuts.

Lightweight Danny Valle comes from a rich boxing background. Valle is the grandson of notable trainer Victor Valle Sr., an accomplished trainer in the 1980s who has trained numerous world champions such as former world champion Billy Costello and Gerry Cooney. His father, Victor Valle Jr., is the current trainer of former heavyweight world champion Oleg Maskaev.

Union City native Nelson Roldan will “finally” be stepping into the squared circle as a professional. The popular and rugged 160 lb. “gym war” veteran plans to impress with his long-awaited opportunity.

Another fighter making his pro debut is former University of Delaware Linebacker Kyle White. White has trained with notable fighters such as Shaun George and current jr. welterweight champion Kendall Holt. The Hoboken resident will be competing in the 168 lb. super middleweight division.

Headlining the card will be cruiserweight title challenger Bobby Gunn. Gunn, the current WBC USNBC champion, will now be fighting for the vacant WBA NABA Cruiserweight crown. A victory would help him move him one step closer to a fight against an elite 200 lb. fighter.

There are 8 scheduled bouts on the fight card.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $40 Reserved, and $60 for “On The Glass” seats.
$75 Floor Seats and VIP Tables (which includes a pre-fight “Meet & Greet”) are also available for purchase.

For tickets and information, please call (610) 291-0806, (201) 741-4994 or visit www.Dignityboxing.com