Promoter Michael Acri announced today that Wednesday, June 24 would be the new date for the ring return of former IBF Lightweight Champion “The Pittsburgh Kid” PAUL SPADAFORA. A sprained ankle postponed Spadafora’s 2009 debut, originally scheduled for March 31. Spadafora (41-0-1, 16 KOs), will headline an all-action card at Pittsburgh’s Amphitheatre at Station Square (125 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Penn. 15129.) The show will begin at 7:30 p.m..
“I am chompin’ at the bit to get back into the ring and have never felt stronger. I’m in great shape,” said Spadafora, who is scheduled to fight 10 rounds as a junior welterweight against an opponent to be named soon.. “I can’t wait to fight in front of my hometown fans again.”
The undercard will feature two Pittsburgh favorites, undefeated lightweight “Lightning” Rod Salka (7-0, 2 KOs), and welterweight Jose “The Prince” Caraballo (5-3, 1 KO), the professional debut of heavyweight Tommy Poe, from Wheeling, WV, and additional bouts.
Tickets, priced at $103.00 (Ringside), $53.00 (Reserved) and $23.00 (General Admission), go on sale Tuesday May 26, and can be purchased at the Amphitheatre’s box office (Monday-Friday, Noon to 4 P.M.), all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, Blue Eagle Sports (726 Broadway Ave., McKees Rocks, Penn. – 412-331-4884) or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. For additional ticket Information, call 814-455-8309.
“El Paz” Ready For May 29th Chicago Rematch With Jaime Sandoval
Amidst the sweltering early summer heat at Chicago’s JABB Boxing Gym, lightweight veteran Juan Carlos “EL PEZ” Martinez prepares for his rematch with Jaime “SUPERFLY” Sandoval at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 2” at the UIC Pavilion on Friday, May 29th. “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 2” is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
Said the San Luis Potosi , Mexico native Martinez , “I feel very good about this fight, I know that I can beat him again. My training has been terrific both here and in Mexico so I’m good to go.”
“Juan Carlos is in great shape. He’s been sparring in Chicago with Carlos Molina, Gadiel Andaluz and Eric Estrada. We’re expecting a tough fight from Sandoval but we expect to be victorious” said trainer Victor Mateo.
The Sandoval/Martinez ten round bout for the WBF Americas Lightweight Title is a rematch of their terrific battle on October 19, 2007 at Cicero Stadium, won by Martinez in an epic eight round bout that saw both warriors bruised and battered as they fought to a very close finish in front of their legions of loyal fans. Martinez was declared the victor by scores of 78-74, 78-74 and 77-75.
Since beating Sandoval, the 27 year old Martinez has fought five times, most recently battling former world champion Guty Espadas Jr. in an excellent ten round war, losing a close split decision by scores of 94-97, 94-96 and 98-92 on April 4th in Tamaulipas , Mexico .
In his six year career, he has compiled a record of 15-10-1 with seven knockouts.
The 27 year old Sandoval, younger brother of former world champion Jesus Chavez, has built a record of 15-3-1 with 12 knockouts since turning professional five years ago.
The co-main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 2” will feature sensational bantamweight prospect Eric “EL LOCO” Estrada in his toughest test against El Paso , Texas native Olvin Mejia of Laredo , Texas .
Also featured on the seven bout card will be Chicagoans Sergio Montes De Oca, Russell Fiore, Sergio Cristobal, Juan Carlos Fernandez, Jose Hernandez and Tony Maldonado.
Advance tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 2”, starting at $31, are on sale now through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com..
Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com
Four fighters for Hamburg: Alexander Dimitrenko, Alesia Graf, Susi Kentikian and Alexander Alekseev
With a heavyweight fight between two top three contenders and two world championship fights featuring titleholders Susi Kentikian and Alesia Graf, plus other high profile fights, the July 4th “Universum Champions Night” at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg promises to offer a high quality boxing show.
On the eve of his 27th birthday, WBO Inter-Continental beltholder Alexander Dimitrenko (29-0, 19 KOs) takes on highly regarded “Fast” Eddie Chambers (34-1, 18 KOs). Of course, a win over Chambers would be the nicest birthday gift “Sascha” could give himself.
The fights were was officially announced at a press conference aboard the famous “Rickmer Rickmers” sailing ship permanently moored in Hamburg as a floating museum. Alexander Dimitrenko: „This is a big step towards a world championship fight and I’m particularly pleased that I can do it in Hamburg for the Hamburg fans.“
The unbeaten Alexander „Sascha“ Dimitrenko of the Universum boxing stable, who is currently ranked within the Top 5 in all sanctioning bodies, has been patiently awaiting for a possivble world title fight against one of the Klitschko brothers. Ranked #1 WBO he is close to fight against world champion Wladimir Klitschko and also his the #2 WBC position could give him a world title fight soon but due to delays of fights he still has to wait and couldn’t fulfil his big dream. Dimitrenko: „I would have liked to have boxed against Povetkin, but Chambers is an equally big challenge. He barely lost against Povetkin. I want to do better. An impressive victory is important. My primary goal is not to knock him out, but if the chance there, I will not hesitate.“
He confirmed his great position in order to become the mandatory challenger with excellent fights against Timo Hoffmann, Derric Rossy and especially with his spectacular knockout win over Luan Krasniqi in November 2008 in Düsseldorf. He demonstrated his great boxing skills and his endurance to come closer to become world champion. He continues to work hard with his coach Fritz Sdunek in order to stay on track for a world title fight.
The American „Fast“ Eddie Chambers (34-1, 18 KOs) of Philadelphia has the experience of 35 fights and is ranked within the Top 3 in the American heavyweight division and because of his age he is seen as one the hopeful American heavyweights. He is currently ranked #3 IBF (one ahead of Dimitrenko) and #5 WBC. In the IBF Heavyweight Elimination Tournament (in order to become mandatory challenger and fight against Wladimir Klitschko) in November 2007 / January 2008 he suffered his first defeat when he lost in the “big finale”. In his last fight since he impressed, he claimed the US heavyweight title and in his last bout in March 2009 he defeated the former WBC champion Samuel Peter. Regarding Chambers, Dimitrenko stated: “We’re in the ring to see how fast he really is. And we’ll see how he is with big people like me. Povetkin and Peter are significantly smaller than me.”
Susi Kentikian will have another fight in front of her hometown fans in Hamburg
Also featured on the card is the unbeaten “Killer Queen,” WIBF/WBA flyweight champion Susi Kentikian (24-0, 16 KOs), who is coming off an impressive win over Elena Reid. Susi Kentikian: “I was very satisfied with my last fight. I had a great day. I left Elena Reid no chance. Bu the end of the first round one could see she had too much respect for me.”
Kentikian’s opponent will be announced in the next few days. “No matter who it is, I want to continue to develop and win over people with my all action fighting style.”
GBU/WIBF world champion Alesia Graf back in the ring in Hamburg
Fours years after her last fight in Hamburg, WIBF/GBU jr bantamweight world champion Alesia Graf (23-1, 9 KOs) will also be featured on the huge card at the Color Line Arena on July 4. After a few fights in her hometown of Stuttgart and her last win over stable mate Magdalena Dahlen in March 2009 in Rostock, the “Tigress” Alesia will demonstrate her boxing skills to the fans in Hamburg. Alesia Graf: “I’ve boxed twice in Hamburg, but in a small venue. I am now looking forward to the arena. Boxing there has always been my dream. In my last fight, I learned a lot when I outboxed Magdalena Dahlen. Now it can go on.” Graf’s challenger will be announced shortly.
Cruiserweight hopeful Alexander Alekseev seeks another world title shot
Cruiserweight Alexander Alekseev (17-1, 15 KOs) will also see action as he seeks another world title shot. He was surprisingly upset by Victor Ramirez in January in a bout for the vacant WBO interim belt by technical knockout in round 9. He’s coming off a decision win in early May against Max Alexander. Alexander Alekseev: “I went the full distance for the first time, even though I should have done more, especially at the end of the fight,” he stated. “However I haven’t lost sight of my goal to become world champion.”
Additional fights for the „Universum Champions Night“ on July 4th at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg will be announced within the next weeks.
Tickets are available from 18 Euro at:
CTS-Eventim Hotline: +49-1805-5 70 000 at all known Ticket Shop or at www.boxing.de