CANASTOTA, NY –JUNE 5, 2009 – A “Night of Rising Stars” featuring several of today’s exciting contenders and champions is planned for Friday, June 12th as part of the 20th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, June 11-14th in Canastota, NY. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Rusty Rail Party House in Canastota, NY and consist of fight highlights, speeches, photograph and autograph opportunities and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are priced at $50 each..
Among today’s rising stars to be highlighted include top-ten heavyweight contender Kevin “The Kingpin” Johnson, 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute, two-time welterweight champion Kermit “The Killer” Cintron, WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto and WBO interim junior middleweight champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams.
Legendary Hall of Fame trainer and HBO expert commentator Emanuel Steward will host the evening.
“It’s always exciting to meet a rising star as they march towards stardom in the sport of boxing,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “There’s a sense of excitement that surrounds these athletes and it will be great for fans to see them.”
“To have Emanuel Steward hosting the night is a thrill for us and should make for a truly memorable night for boxing fans who attend the festivities.”
In addition to the “Night of the Rising Stars,” the June 11-14th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2009.
Living inductees to be honored include bantamweight champion Orlando Canizales, heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, junior lightweight champion Brian Mitchell, matchmaker / publicist / promoter Bob Goodman, promoter Akihiko Honda, journalist Hugh McIlvaney and broadcaster Larry Merchant. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 20th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.
EBU honours Team Sauerland as “Promoter of the Year
The European Boxing Union (EBU) has honoured Team Sauerland as “Promoter of the Year”, it was announced during last weekend´s General Meeting held in Alghero (Sicily, Italy). Sports director Hagen Doering received the award from president Bob Logist. “We feel honoured and are very proud,” Doering said. “The award confirms the very high level of our shows.” Team Sauerland currently boasts two European champions – Marco “Captain” Huck (cruiserweight) and Karo Murat (super-middleweight).
RAMIRO CARRILLO RETURNS TO ACTION IN CHICAGO ON JUNE 26TH
CHICAGO, IL (June 8, 2009) Fully recovered from a minor training injury, sensational junior welterweight prospect Ramiro “EL LOBITO” Carrillo will make his highly anticipated return to action on Friday, June 26th at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” at the UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
The 18 year old former amateur standout made his pro debut on April 24th with a stunning first round knockout of Steve Hall at the UIC Pavilion. Originally scheduled to face Oscar De La Cruz on May 29th, Carrillo is now ready to return for their five round bout. The 32 year old De La Cruz brings a record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s) into the battle with Carillo.
Said Pesoli, “It was a minor injury that is now fully healed and we’re very happy to add Ramiro to the card on June 26th. He was fantastic in his pro debut and the fans we’re thrilled to see him.”
Carillo’s amateur career included two Chicago Golden Gloves Championships along with three Junior National Golden Gloves titles in addition to winning the National Blue and Gold Tournament. His overall record was 207-13.
Born in Mexico , Carillo, the youngest of three boys now calls Chicago his home. He is managed by longtime Chicago businessman and boxing manager, Ernesto Pedroza.
Said Pedroza, “It was a little disappointing not to have Ramiro ready for the card on June 26th. But he’s ready to go now and the Chicago fight fans are in for a real treat. De La Cruz is much more experienced but we feel confident that Ramiro will be able to take care of business on the 26th..”
Tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3”, starting at $31, are on sale now through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Headlining “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” is an outstanding junior welterweight showdown between undefeated Chicago fan favorite, Ivan Popoca and Tulare, California’s Hector Alatorre.
The eight round co-feature at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” is a super middleweight title fight between Chicago ’s Andrzej “THE POLISH PRINCE” Fonfara and Rockford , Illinois ’ Skyler Thompson for the WBF All-Americas Super Middleweight Title.
In a special feature attraction, Chicago fan favorite Rita “LA GUERA” Figueroa and Lynnwood , Washington native Tammie “THE TASMANIAN DEVIL” Johnson will square off once again in a rematch of their draw on March 27th at the inaugural “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT”.
The undercard features Chicago natives; featherweight Juan Bailon along with welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho in separate bouts.
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
Additional information on this card will be announced shortly.
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.