Well-known MMA promoter Roland Sarria of Rage in the Cage, California-based Neworld Promotions, and boxing power manager Ivaylo Gotzev of Elite Boxing Management, have partnered up to produce “Phoenix Rising”, a much-anticipated revival of world-class professional boxing, on October 17 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The main event will feature former cruiserweight champion and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov (37-3-1, 31 KOs) returning to the ring for the first time in two years to take on Kansas veteran Dominique Alexander (18-7-1, 9 KOs)..
And in the main supporting bout, Phoenix native and star of The Contender series, Eric “Dynamite” Vega (8-4-1, 6 KOs) will face heavy-fisted former world champion Kelvin “Konkrete” Davis (24-10-3, 17 KOs) in an all-action cruiserweight showdown.
Traditionally a very boxing-friendly city, Phoenix has seen a lull in world-class events in recent years. Gotzev says he hopes the powerful partnership he has formed with the two promotional firms will bring about a “Phoenix Rising” for the local boxing scene.
“We are committed to keeping top-level shows like this one coming to Arizona, where the fans are enthusiastic supporters of world-class action. Vassiliy is the perfect fighter to help us bring boxing back to the area. He moved to Phoenix after the 1996 Olympics and has lived here ever since. He trains in downtown Phoenix at Central Gym and Joe Diaz’s Gym.”
Ironically, Jirov’s last Phoenix appearance was his sold-out 12-round IBF Cruiserweight Title Defense against Jorge Castro in 2002 at the very same Celebrity Theatre
Gotzev himself has been heavily associated with the Phoenix area. He was previously involved in the electrifying and unforgettable Kostya Tszyu vs. Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez mega-fight at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum that set a state record for highest gross, as well as the first heavyweight championship fight in Arizona history, 2006’s thrilling Shannon Briggs vs. Sergei Liakhovich showdown at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Also on the undercard, Arizona will get its first look at former amateur world champion and now undefeated light heavyweight Ismayl Silakh of the Ukraine (9-0, 8 KOs).
Standing 6’ 3” tall with a smooth boxing style to go with two iron fists, Silakh is reminiscent of the stars of yesteryear and one of the best up-and-coming prospects in all of boxing. He will face Phoenix veteran Freeman Taft.
Also scheduled is an intriguing showdown between Phoenix super lightweight Eddie Brooks (8-2, 3 KOs) and Sweden’s undefeated Shadi Hamsho (10-0, 2 KOs).
Brooks’ only two losses are to top prospect John Molina, while Hamsho has, so far, looked terrific in his young career, fighting almost exclusively in his adopted home state of California.
Tickets for “Phoenix Rising” are available at the Celebrity Theatre box office, online at www.celebritytheatre.com or by calling 602.267.1600. They are priced at $25 and $50 with a limited number of Gold Circle VIP seats available for $100.
FRANCISCO CONTRERAS AND ANDRES TAYLOR HIT HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND THURSDAY NIGHT
LAS VEGAS, NV (August 27, 2009) Sensational prospects Francisco “THE PHENOM” Contreras and Andres “TAYLOR MADE” Taylor hit Hagerstown, Maryland this Thursday night, August 27th on the “BALLROOM BOXING” event at Hager Hall.
Promoted by Chet Koerner’s TKO BOXING Promotions, junior welterweight Contreras and cruiserweight Taylor are amongst the most talked about prospects in boxing.
Said Koerner, “Boxing fans are always looking for the next champions and superstars of the sport and we truly believe Contreras and Taylor have all the attributes needed. They both have outstanding knockout power and the fans at Hager Hall are getting a unique opportunity as both of these fighters continue on the ascent of their young careers.”
The 25 year old Contreras, 9-0-0 ((KO’s), a native of the Dominican Republic, now based in Irvington, New Jersey, made his US debut with a devastating first round knockout of Gustavo Mejia, stunning the crowd at Michael’s Eighth Ave. in Glen Burnie, Maryland on June 18th. The knockout of Mejia kept Contreras’ streak of knockouts perfect through his first nine fights.
Contreras will face Mexico ’s Julian “BABY” Rodriguez, 17-16-4 (11KO’s), in a scheduled six rounder on Thursday night. The 28 year old Rodriguez has faced numerous top fighters in his eleven year career including Steven Luevano, Rolando Reyes, Dominic Salcido and Vicente Escobedo.
Fighting out of Johnstown , Pennsylvania , the heavy handed Taylor , 9-1-1 (5KO’s), will face Tennessee native Joseph Harris, 10-8-0 (7KO’s), in a six round bout.
Taylor is coming off a crunching fifth round stoppage on August 1st of Roy Ashworth at the Sovereign Bank Baseball Stadium in York , PA. Harris has won his last four in a row, three by knockout.
Hager House is located at 110 Key St. in Hagerstown , Maryland . Tickets and further information can be obtained by calling 301-797-4410.
STEVE UPSHER CHAMBERS TO BATTLE AARON DRAKE IN CO-MAIN EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 11TH AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON
PHILADELPHIA (AUGUST 27, 2009)—On Friday night, September 11th at The Legendary Blue Horizon, rising Jr. Welterweight Steve Upsher Chambers gets back in the ring after a nine month absence when he takes on the veteran Aaron Drake that will be one of two co-features on Public Safety Night.
Public Safety night will honor Police Officers and Firefighters in the Philadelphia area.
The card is promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.
Chambers of Philadelphia has a record of 19-1-1 with five knockouts and is coming off nine month layoff where he battled a foot injury but is ready to on September 11th.
In his last bout, Chambers won a unanimous decision over Ben Ankrah last December 5th.
Despite facing top competition, Drake has a solid record of 13-6 with nine knockouts.
The native of Kansas City, Kansas has shared the ring with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Nick Casal, Adrian Mora, Adrian DeCarie and Jorge Paez Jr.
Drake is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Chris Hill this past March 13th in Kansas City, Missouri.
In the other co-feature, it will be an eight round Jr. Middleweight tussle, Darren Fallen (12-4-1, 6 KO’s) takes on rugged Joshua Onyango (14-17-1, 11 KO’s)
In an intriguing six round Jr. Featherweight bout, Joselito Collado (8-0, 2 KO’s) of Queens, NY battles local favorite Jules Blackwell (8-2-2, 3 KO’s) of Phoenixville, PA Phillip McCants (7-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia tries to shake off three years worth of rust when he battles unbeaten prospect Glenn Tapia (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Passaic, New Jersey.
In a six round Lightweight bout, Isaac Suarez (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Lancaster, PA battles Mondre Pope, (1-0-1) of Virginia.Former New York Yankees farm hand Richard Brown (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida will take on Kevin Hood (5-11-1) of Coatesville, PA in a four round Heavyweight affair.
Joe Alonzo of Philadelphia will be making his pro debut against William “The Scool Teacher” Brown (4-3, 2 KO’s) in a four round Welterweight bout.
Philippine sensation, Jason Sia makes his pro debut against fellow debuter Deroy beaton in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout
Popular ladies welterweight, Jackie Davis (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Victoria Cisneros (3-6-2) of Albuquerque, New Mexico in a ladies Welterweight bout Darrell Jones (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on the popular Achmad Tuba (1-0) of Nazareth in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout.
Fresh off his Pro debut knockout on May 15th, heavyweight Makiti Ku-Tima will see action in our round bout against debuting Phillip Brown of Wilmington, Delaware.
The show will be streamed LIVE!!!! All over the world on www.gofightlive.tv
Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM
The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA