Berlin, Germany (July 14, 2009) — Andre Ward arrived in Berlin, Germany Tuesday to participate in the announcement of the SHOWTIME Sports Super Six World Boxing Classic. While on vacation, Ward became ill and was unable to attend the initial New York and Copenhagen press conferences. Said Ward, “I am disappointed that I was unable to make the first portions of the announcement tour but as soon as I was physically able, I flew out to join my fellow competitors. I am not 100 percent recovered from the flu but I feel it’s important to be here and I am excited about the tournament..”
Ward (19-0, 12 KOs), who is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Antonio Leonard Productions, is one of the super six fighters in the World Boxing Classic Super Middleweight Tournament. The others are Arthur Abraham, Andre Dirrell, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler and Jermain Taylor.
Vazquez-Santos
This friday on “Boxeo Telemundo” the puerto rican prospect Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.(15-0-1-12ko) will be facing the veteran Cecilio “Boga” Santos(23-10-3-13ko) who has fought for the world title 4 times. The fight will be the main event of the card will be held in the city of kissimmee FL. Vazquez will be defending his WBO Latin Super Batamweight title against the toughest opponent in his youngest career. Vazquez said I see it like a rock on my way that I have to break to move forward.” He also added “I will get him out of my way to win a world title, I prepared myself 150% and will win either way Friday.” Santos from mexico declared I will take Vazquez title and his undefeated record away, I will knock him out, I have fought a lot of good fighters.
Roberto Benitez returns to the Ring
Roberto broke his hand on his last opponent Vineash Rungea, early in a fight that took place in White Plains, New York. That was in October 2006, more than 2 ½ years ago. Benitez went on to win the fight, but the pain in his hand remained until this past Christmas.
Benitez who has been boxing since he was 10 years old has always dreamed he would be Champion of the World. When the hand refused to heal, and the pain didn’t go away, the dream remained.
After more than a year of rehabilitation and therapy, along with visits to Doctors all over the country, Roberto reveled his soul.
He said “Don’t worry God has a plan and it’s going to be alright, because I intend to box till I am 40, my hand will heal by then ! ! ! I’ll keep myself in top physical condition so that when it does heal, I’ll be ready.” A great attitude speaks !
Members of Team Benitez have witnessed an athletic feat as Roberto maintained his fitness since the day his hand was broken. This past Christmas as an answer to many prayers Roberto noticed that the pain was gone.
On the first of January 2009 Roberto hit a heavy bag for the first time without pain. Later that same month Team Benitez notified Star Boxing who promotes Roberto that he would soon be looking to Box again. In March Benitez took part in sparring for the first time in more than 2 ½ years. No ring rust to be found on him. Team Benitez announced that Roberto would be ready in May, and asked Star Boxing to find Benitez a fight.
While waiting for a return to the ring Team Benitez got a call from Don King’s office. They were looking for someone to push Elio Rojas in sparring. Elio was entering preparations to challenge for Takahiro Auo’s W.B.C. Featherweight Title. Benitez was just what Rojas needed, as the action was hot and heavy, one sparring session after another, for three weeks.
It was a pleasure for Team Benitez to help prepare Elio Rojas for his opportunity, as he will fight tonight July 14th in Tokyo Japan. We know Rojas is ready, and he will give a great performance, hopefully Elio will win the Crown.
Meanwhile Randall Wilds of Team Benitez has been talking with Joe DeGuardia the President of Star Boxing about a possible date for Roberto Benitez’s return to the ring. According to Joe, a date in the next few weeks is possible, as Star Boxing has been presenting shows just about as often as any promoter in the game.
For the fans that have been so loyal in waiting, thanks for your support. Roberto wants you to know that he has never left Boxing, and he plans on having a long career, if God be willing.
And for all Super Bantamweights a message from Roberto Benitez: “I want to fight anyone in the division, call my promoter to set up a match”.
Jessica Rakcozy Returns To The Ring July 16th at the Tachi Palace Casino
Former WBC female lightweight champion Jessica “Ragin” Rakoczy (30-3, 10 KO’s), steps back in the ring this Thursday July 16, 2009 at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore. Standing across the ring from Rakoczy will be veteran Jessica Mohs of Oklahoma City, OK. The two combatants face each other in a six round bout.
“I’m happy the Goossens have put me on this card” said Rakoczy. “I love fighting at the Tachi Palace Casino. I’m looking forward to bringing the fans to their feet come fight night. After this fight, God willing I win, I’m hoping that I can get a title shot soon after.”
“We are actively pursuing the biggest fights out there for Jessica. She has been one of the great women of the sport, in and out of the ring. She’s a fan favorite at Tachi, but I believe she is the type of fighter that can go into any arena in the world and win over the crowd.” said Craig Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions
This event is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at www.tickets.com or charge by phone 1-800-225-2277 and at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino gift shop. For more information visit www.goossentutor.com or www.tachipalace.com.