News: Batchelder Ready For Whitaker; Noche de Boxeo; More

When heavyweight contender Danny “Danny Boy” Batchelder (25-6-1, 10 KO’s) steps back into the ring tonight against perennial heavyweight contender Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KO’s) in Redondo Beach California, he intends to chop down the big man, who has a 7 inch height advantage over him..

Batchelder stated “I will outwork him, especially when I get inside; I’ll make sure to keep my work rate up, higher than his. I’ve always been good against tall guys anyway.” Batchelder stated that he knows Whitaker from previous fights; watching tape on him and sparring fighters similar to Whitakers style. Batchelder also said that beating Whitaker tonight will help bring him back into the heavyweight title picture “Lance has been in the ring at the top level, and I am going in the ring against a guy who has again, been to the top, a place that I want to be at, and will be after I beat Lance!”

Batchelder, has been in against a who’s who of heavyweights to include close decision losses to James Toney, Brain Minto and Matt Godfrey, is returning to the ring for the first time since being stopped in the fifth round against former WBO world heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster in August 2008. Batchelder had a couple of fights scheduled; one against Otis Tisdale that the card was cancelled and one against prospect Bowie Tupou that was canceled due to an injury during Batchelder’s training camp.

This fight is taking place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, CA and is being promoted by Southbay Promotions. Tickets are still available by calling 310-303-0116 and are priced $35, 50, 75, 100, 200, and $250. Doors open at 7pm.

New Boxing series launches in Los Angeles

By Carlos Medina

Los Angeles, CA July 15, Big Star Promotions and KWHY-TV, channel 22 will host a press conference this Thursday, July 16 to announce the launch of their exciting new boxing series “Noche de Boxeo.” The press conference will be held at the El Gallito Restaurant located at 3800 E. Olympic Blvd. in Los Angeles (one block west of Indiana) and will begin at 11:30am.

“Noche de Boxeo” will be a monthly series on KWHY-TV, bringing the fight fans of Los Angeles tomorrow’s stars today in competitive fights. The inaugural card will be held on July 30th and will be broadcast live on channel 22. In the main event East L.A.’s Aron Martinez will put his 10-1-1 record on the line against another local prospect, Santiago Perez in an 8-round Welterweight contest. Perez, who brings an 11-2-2 record last fought in October of last year, winning an 8-round decision over Michael Santos. His record includes wins over Sergio De La Torre and Felipe Santana. Martinez is a busy fighter who will see action for the third time this year, having picked up wins over Hilario Lopez and Freddie Barrera in June and April respectively. His lone loss was against undefeated prospect Abdon Lozano.

In the co-main event Jose Celaya will attempt to get back on the winning track after his loss to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. when he faces Oakland’s Tony Hirsch in a 6 round Jr. Middleweight bout. Celaya still sports a terrific 31-4 record but needs to look impressive to silence critics. Prior to losing to Chavez Jr., he eked out a split decision to the always-tough Juan Pablo Montes de Oca. Hirsch, who is 8-2-1, is also looking to rebound., having lost a decision to undefeated Demetrius Andrade last time out. He’s no stranger to upsets, having knocked out previously unbeaten Derek Hinkey in February of last year.

A special attraction will feature the popular “Mighty” Mike Anchondo moving up in weight to take on Nicaraguan Octavio Narvaez in a six-round Welterweight contest. Anchondo, 28-2, is on the comeback trail. After taking two years off, he returned in April with a six-round decision over Hector Alatorre. His lone defeats were to world rated Darling Jimenez and former WBO Champion Jorge Barrios. Narvaez has been in the ring with two world titlists, Vivian Harris and Vicente Mosquera. He has fought most of his career at Jr. Middleweight and should provide a test for Anchondo.

The press conference will be open to the public. Among those in attendance will be Emmy Award-winning commentators Fernando Paramo & Marcelino Avila.

For more information you can contact William Torres at (323) 228-2753 or Carlos Medina at (702) 572-5675.

Classy boxing classes work wonders at Firewalker

Wolverhampton’s leading independent gym, the Firewalker Health Club has reported a significant growth in the popularity of its boxing classes, proving it claims that by providing the right quality and environment, people don’t have to feel intimidated about learning the noble art.

“Spit and sawdust isn’t exactly the most appealing prospect for anyone who has wanted to learn how to box for keep-fit purposes,” said Firewalker trainer Joby Clayton. “It’s fair to say that some boxing gyms can appear a bit threatening – and then at the other end of the scale there’s boxercise, which just doesn’t really offer anything in the way of actual boxing skills”.

He added: “We’ve been determined to provide a safe, clean and friendly setting in which true professionals teach real boxing techniques and fitness to a very high standard – and it’s worked. Bookings are up almost 40% so far this year”.

Founded by former world champion Thai Boxer Kirkwood Walker, the Firewalker gym has an unrivalled reputation for martial arts, but through Clayton and former amateur boxer Kevin Blower, traditional yet innovative boxing classes have now become just as popular.

Wolverhampton’s World Champion female boxer Lyndsey Scragg, who is a regular at the Salisbury Road-based gym commented: “There’s clearly a market for people who are interested in taking up boxing and want to get in shape from something far more meaningful and structured than boxercise. Firewalker is an excellent place to learn how to box properly”.

In addition to its boxing and Thai boxing classes, Firewalker’s increasing range of health and lifestyle facilities also include a fully equipped fitness suite, yoga studio, a nursery, as well as a beauty salon.