As part of the “I AM A MAN” weekend commemorating the 41st anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s untimely death in Memphis TN, on April 4, 1968, Prize Fight Boxing and DiBella Entertainment will be on the famous Beale Street in downtown Memphis this Friday (April 3rd) live on ESPN2 Friday Night fights. Prize Fight is honoring the Memphis Sanitation workers who stood firm in their fight for civil rights during the 1968 sanitation strike, some of the actual men and women from that time will be in attendance as Prize Fight salutes them..
“Saluting these brave men and women is the least we can do for all they did for their generation and ours, Prize Fight is humbled by their contribution and as fight promoters we appreciate their strength and courage they epitomize the word fight.” Russ Young.
Headlining the night’s events is Randell Bailey (38-6, 34 KO?s) of Miami Fl, going head to head in a scheduled 12 rounds IBF Jr. welterweight eliminator against Bronx, NY’s Frankie Figueroa (20-2, 13 KO’s). The winner will be in line to fight for the Jr., IBF Welterweight title.
Heavyweight knockout king Cedric “The Boz” Boswell (28-1, 22KO?s) of Atlanta, is scheduled for 8 rounds of action when he steps in against Harold Sconiers (15-19, 10 KO?s) who hails out of Tampa Fl.
Undefeated Jr., lightweight sensation Mark Davis (11-0, 4KO?s) looks to continue his winning streak when he goes against Nogales AZ?s, Steve Gonzalez (7-2-1, 4KO?s).
Rounding out the card are three undefeated prospects. 2008 Olympic team alternate Shawn Porter (6-0, 5 KO?s) steps up his game against Eloy Suarez (10-4, 5KO?s) of San Antonio TX, in a scheduled four round middleweight bout. Heavyweights Tor Hamer (4-0, 4 KO?s) of New York and Kelsey Arnold (1-1-2) from Hurron TN, are scheduled to go four rounds.
Recent Prize Fight acquisition Dominic Wade (1-0, 1KO) of largo MD, will test his leather against Luis Hodge (5-7-1, 3KO?s) of Tampa Fl, Wade recently came of an outstanding pro debut at the Fitzgerald Casino, where he KO?d his opponent in less than 30 seconds scheduled for four rounds.
The entire card is FREE to the public.
Travis Kauffman Returns to ShoBox: The Next Generation on May 1
Reading, PA – Undefeated heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman returns to the nationally televised spotlight on May 1 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA. The fight will air on the Showtime series ShoBox: The Next Generation. Kauffman will face an opponent to be named in the broadcast opener alongside prospects Luis Carlos Abregu and Marvin Quintero. The show will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions.
“I’m excited that Showtime is having me back,” says Kauffman, 16-0 (13 KO), of Reading, PA. “I enjoy being in the spotlight. I train my butt off whether I’m on TV or off so I’m always ready to put forth my best effort.”
Kauffman’s first appearance on ShoBox came against once-beaten Malachy Farrell, also at the Chumash Casino. The two big men dueled it out for three, exhilarating rounds, fighting at a pace more customary to boxers 100 pounds lighter than them. Kauffman became the first person to knock down and knock out the durable giant.
“It was my first TV fight and I got a little over-excited. But I took care of business early, and I plan to take care of business on May 1.”
Kauffman has fought twice since then, dominating his opponents with his natural punching power. His last fight, a first round knockout win, came against Cliff Couser, who had previously knocked out world title challengers Monte Barrett and James “Quick” Tillis.
“I believe every fight I get better. I’m two fights better than I was the last time people saw me.”
Though only 23-years-old, Kauffman is a mature, well-spoken young man with his priorities in the proper perspective. His ultimate goal is to bring the heavyweight gold back to the United States. First he must clear this next hurdle.
“I have to stay disciplined and focused. You gotta live a clean life in this business. I’m a father of two with a newborn who is a month and a half. This is the life I have to live to provide for my family. I was always told ‘If you put your mind to something, you can move mountains.’
“I believe I can move mountains.”
RAY MANCINI TO DANCE IN LAS VEGAS FOR CANCER CHARITIES
The Caring Place Will Host Spectacular Multi-Charity Fund-Raiser
Boxing Champion Ray Mancini will be one of the celebrities competing on behalf of a cancer-related charity in the Dancing With The Las Vegas Stars-A Battle Against Cancer event on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at Rain Nightclub at the Palms Casino Resort. The event is sponsored by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN); CCCN has sponsored the $25,000 prize money that will be awarded 100% to the participating charities.
Six cancer-fighting charities each have a celebrity competing in the event’s ballroom dance competition. Mancini will dance for The Caring Place, a center that provides services at no charge that support, educate and empower individuals, children and families on their journey with cancer. Connie Bernstein, wife of Showtime Boxing Announcer Al Bernstein, is co-founder of The Caring Place and the Board Chair. Al serves on the center’s Board of Directors.
“I have announced Ray Mancini matches and have seen him come away with some amazing victories, and now we will get to see him compete on the dance floor to help fight cancer,” Al Bernstein said. He added, “I know his many fans will want to vote for him and support his efforts. Ray is selfless in his efforts to help people and his participation in this event demonstrates that.”
The public’s votes will decide the contest; votes are being sold via the website www.DancingWithTheLasVegasStars.com for $1 each prior to the event, with each vote’s proceeds going to each charity. Votes will also be sold for $1 each at the event. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster; the $50 ticket price includes show, one drink, and appetizers.
The other charities participating are Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Speedway Children’s Charities. Master magician Lance Burton will serve as master of ceremonies.
The Caring Place is the only center of its kind in southern Nevada, and it was created to provide an oasis for individuals and families on their journey with cancer, in order to enhance their quality of life. Programs at The Caring Place began in February of 2008 and include complementary therapies such as Yoga, Meditation and other healing arts, Wellness Seminars, Support Groups and Art Therapy. All programs and services are provided at no charge; in addition, they are available not only for those journeying through cancer, but also for their family, friends and caregivers.