(June 30, 2009) DiBella Entertainment is proud to announce Marcus “Too Much” Johnson, one of the brightest young prospects boxing has to offer, as the latest to join the DiBella Entertainment stable. Johnson will be co-promoted by DBE and Antonio Leonard Productions, and managed by James Prince..
Johnson (16-0, 13 KOs), a resident of Houston, Texas, is undefeated through his first 16 bouts, with all but three coming via knockout. In his last bout, Johnson, 23, stopped former top contender Julio Caesar De la Cruz in seven rounds. Under the DiBella Entertainment banner, Johnson expects the big wins to keep on coming.
“Being with Lou DiBella is going to help dramatically,” said Johnson. “He’s going to push to get my name out there and get me recognized. He will get me a title shot.”
Johnson’s conquests have hardly been limited to just the professional ranks. A former US national champion at 178 lbs., Johnson holds amateur victories over the likes of Anthony Dirrell and DeAndrey Abron.
Johnson plans to campaign at 168 lbs. as a pro, but those amateur days, he says, were invaluable to his growth as a fighter.
“My dad taught me a professional style growing up,” said Johnson, who is coached by his father, James. “As an amateur I was sparring with professionals. I got exposed to many different styles. It has helped me out a lot.”
In Marcus Johnson, DiBella and Leonard believe they are investing in one of boxing’s best young practitioners. Part of their plan for Johnson is to make him a household name his skill dictates he should be.
“Marcus Johnson was a tremendous amateur and a spectacular young athlete,” said DiBella. “He has been flying under the radar for some time. With the proper team by his side, the potential for his future is limitless. I plan to provide the backing he needs to become a star.”
Said Leonard, “I am so excited about this kid. He has all the goods. Being with Lou DiBella is the best move for him. No one is better at keeping young fighters active. I can see Marcus fighting for a world title within a year.”
Like his new promotional team, Johnson has been waiting for his big break, and is confident that his will have on him top of the boxing world in no time.
“I have moved a lot slower than I had hoped,” said Johnson. “Now we are taking a new step towards bigger and better things.”
DEREK “POOH” ENNIS SET TO FACE JOHN MACKEY AT THE ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA ON JULY 10TH
PHILADELPHIA (June 30, 2009)—Rising Jr. Middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis will take on the tough and durable John Mackey in a six round bout as one of the main undercard bouts on July 10th at The Arena in Philadelphia that will be a part of a huge night of boxing that will feature Two title fights and will be broadcasted across the country on ESPN 2.
The card is promoted by Blaine Garner’s Shalyte Entertainment in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing.
Ennis, of Philadelphia boasts a record of 17-2-1 with twelve knockouts
Ennis is on a roll as he has racked up five consecutive victories with three coming by knockout and is looking to get back in the ring after a couple of unforeseen circumstances have cancelled his last two bouts.
Ennis was scheduled to fight Joshua Onyango this past Friday night in Sailsbury, Maryland when Onyango was in an automobile accident on his way to the weigh-in.
Ennis successfully made the 154 pound limit and is in great shape and ready to ride the momentum of the win streak.
Mackey of Montgomery, Alabama has been in tough and has come through very nicely as he has a record of 11-3-2 with five knockouts.
Mackey won his first nine bouts which included victories over Timmy Leonard (3-0-1), Tony Cygan (12-1), and Alex Mancea (7-1). In his most recent fights, Mackey has suffered a few losses but most of them have been disputed.
Take for instance his last two bouts. He dropped an eight round split decision to Cecil McCalla (6-0) and drew with Jesse Nicklow (19-1-1) in front of a pro-Nicklow crowd. Ringside observers thought that Mackey could have won both fights.
The Nicklow took place this past June 18th.
In the main event on July 10th, Matt Godfrey will defend his NABF Cruiserweight title against Shawn Hawk while Shaun George and Chris Henry will engage in a ten round Light Heavyweight tussle.
Tony Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia risks his undefeated record against Billy Bailey for the WBF All-Americas Light Heavyweight title.
Those are just four of the eleven bout card which will include Coy Evans, Olivia Fonseca, Jackie Davis and undefeated Super Featherweight Issac Suarez.
THE ARENA IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF SWANSON AND RITNER STREETS IN SOUTH PHILADELPHIA
Tickets for this exciting night of boxing cost $45 for advanced; $60 for Ringside; $65 for VIP and can be purchased by Calling The Arena at 267-687-7560; Shalyte Promotions at 215-287-7949 or Le Crown Barbershop at 215-927-5027—–FIRST BELL WILL NOW BE AT 7PM EASTERN TIME
Ortiz Takes Fight On Short Notice And Takes Care Of Keyes Quickly
June 30 (Anderson, In) – “Big” Ty Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) wasted no time inside the ring against Justin Keyes (0-1, 0 KOs) on Saturday, June 27th. The talented and powerful heavyweight took the fight on short notice, but looked impressive as he knocked out Keyes with a devastating right hand in the 1st round (2:00) of scheduled four round fight.
The pair of heavyweights exchanged some punches in the center of the ring when the bell rang until Ortiz stalked and cornered Keyes and eventually placed a perfect right-hand onto the left temple of Keyes dropping him on his back.
“Ty (Ortiz) has really good punching power in both hands,” said Octavius James, C.E.O. of One In A Million Inc.
“Despite this being a short notice fight for (Ty), he was overwhelming just like he was in his first fight,” added James. “He trains as hard as anyone I have seen and its definitely paying off for him.”
The Big Bear, CA native made his professional debut back in April at the sensational fight card dubbed “Date With Destiny” against Justin Sule (1-1, 1KO) also in the first round (2:16).
“I can definitely see the growth from my first fight and having my trainers Carlos Jones & Marty Jakubowski gives me that added bonus and experience,” said Ortiz. Every fight is a learning experience and this will go down as another stepping stone for me in what I hope to be a very successful career.”
“I just want to thank Octavius for giving me the opportunity.” Ortiz said.
Octavius James’ One In A Million Inc. will return to the ring when the WBC International Super Lightweight and NABC Lightweight world champion “Merciless” Mary McGee makes her triumph return to the ring the location and date to be announced soon.