Heavyweight contender Danny Batchelder (25-6, 12 KO’s) steps back into the ring for the first time since losing to former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster in August. Danny’s climb back up the heavyweight ladder does not get any easier as he is scheduled to take on former world title challenger Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5, 27 KO’s) on July 17th in Redondo Beach California. Batchelder steps back into the ring for the first time since last August, although two fights have fallen through, the first against Otis Tisdale when the whole card was cancelled and then a fight against Bowie Tupou that Danny had to pull out of due to an abdominal injury.. With Lance Whitaker, Danny has another chance at the heavyweight crowns, taking on an opponent that has been to the top.
“Lance has had some big fights. He beat Maskaev, he was in against Ibragimov, so he has ring experience, but I feel my tenacity and my will to win will be the difference in this fight. I feel that I have more to prove than Lance does and I want to get to where Lance has been, so I’m definitely going to be coming with everything I’ve got!” remarked Danny on his opponent, “Im sure he’s thinking that he should be able to beat me and a win or two for him probably could get him back into title contention. He does have a name in boxing. I’m sure he is planning on getting a win here and move on to bigger things.”
Danny Batchelder wants to win this fight and work it into a rematch with either James Toney or Brian Minto, but is planning to take it one step at a time. “Lance would be the biggest name on my resume as far as an opponent I’ve beaten. Toney should have been that name, but as far as getting the actual win, Lance will be a good name to beat. I’m sure some opportunities will come up after this fight. I’d like to be smart after this fight, take a few fights, get some wins underneath me. After that, you never know, maybe a guy like Chris Arreola or one of these up and comers gets a loss, and they need a come back fight, there I am. A win against one of those guys would put me into an even bigger situation. I just want to climb up this ladder and do it as smart as I can.”
Tickets for the Danny Batchelder vs Lance Whitaker are still available and can be purchased by calling 1 702 656-9570.
TEAM DARCHINYAN REAFFIRMS ALLIANCE WITH GARY SHAW
LAS VEGAS, NEV. (June 28, 2009) — World super flyweight champion VIC “Raging Bull” DARCHINYAN and his manager Elias Nassar announced today, from Darchinyan’s Las Vegas-based training camp, that they will be extending their relationship with promoter Gary Shaw … FOR A LIFETIME!
“I am so please and honored by their trust and faith in me and my abilities,” said Shaw. “I am truly humbled. But for all the credit Vic and Elias give me, the real credit goes to Vic and his team for in the end, they are the ones producing great fights for the fans and Vic Darchinyan is the most exciting fighter in the world. He is conquering more worlds than Alexander the Great with no end in sight. The real wonder of our relationship is that we have never had a signed piece of paper between us. Just a handshake and a hug. It’s a beautiful friendship and I look forward to working with them on developing more talent from Australia, Armenia and Russia for many years to come.”
Darchinyan (32-1, 26 KOs), already a two-division world champion with knockout victories of world titleists Cristian Mijares, Jorge Arce, Irene Pacheco and Dmitri Kirillov, moves up to challenge IBF bantamweight champion Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko (26-1, 22 KOs), Saturday, July 11. The fight will be broadcast live from the Bell Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)
CARMEN BASILIO RECEIVES HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
CANASTOTA, NY – JUNE 27, 2009 – Canastota’s boxing legend Carmen Basilio added another title to his Hall of Fame resume on Saturday, June 27th – high school graduate.
Drafted as a teenager, Basilio served in the Marines during World War II and, because of his military service, never received his diploma. That changed today when the 82-year old Basilio was presented with his high school diploma along with Canastota High School’s Class of 2009.
“This is another championship day for me,” beamed a proud Basilio.
After his years in the service, Basilio entered the world of professional boxing and captured the welterweight and middleweight titles and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
Following the graduation ceremony at Canastota High School, Basilio visited the Hall of Fame.
For more information, please call 315.697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com