MANCHESTER, N.H. (August 28, 2009) – Professional boxing returns September 23, showcasing some of New England’s top prospects at the 8th annual “Fight To Educate” charity event, live at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire. The 8th annual Fight To Educate, presented by MB Tractor & Equipment, in association with Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, will benefit the SEE Science Center, Bobby Stephen Fund for Education, and The Veterans Count Club..
“We are extremely excited about the 8th annual ‘Fight To Educate’ pro boxing show at the Verizon Wireless Center,” said Stephen Singer, Chairman, Fight to Educate Executive Board. “It promises to be an evening of unparalleled excitement including a first-class buffet, heart-pounding pro boxing, and boxing legends in attendance. There will also be a live auction will showcase the fund-raiser with several uniquely autographed memorabilia items. It’s going to be a knockout event once again.”
Three-time world title challenger, New Jersey light heavyweight Omar Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs), headlines against unbeaten Czech Republic fighter Adam Huninger (13-0, 10 KOs), in the 10 round main event.
Undefeated Worcester middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs), 2-time U.S. national amateur champion, and Granite State favorite Richard Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), star of The Contender IV and fighting out of nearby Claremont (NH), are also fighting on “The Maul In Manchester” card in separate 8-round bouts.
2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (8-0. 2 KOs), who made his pro debut at the “Fight To Educate,” faces Julias Edmonds (5-5) in a 6-rounder. O’Connor, a Framingham (MA) native, captured gold medals at last U.S. Future Stars, in which, he was selected Outstanding Boxer of the tournament, and National Golden Gloves Championships.
“Our show will focus more this year on local talent like Framingham’s Danny O’Connor, Worcester’s Edwin Rodriguez and New Hampshire’s own Rich Gingras,” explained Cedric Kushner, President of New York-based Gotham Boxing. This combined with the solid main event, as well as the favorite category of the show – the living legends in attendance – should more than double last year’s crowd.”
Undefeated heavyweight Faruq “The Dream” Saleem (38-0, 32 KOs) and Bronx (NY) super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) are scheduled to fight on the undercard in six and four round bouts, respectively, against opponents to be determined.
Tickets are priced at $10 (seniors, veterans and students only), $25 and $50 and available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office, any TicketMaster location, on line at www.ticketmaster.com, or call 603.868.7300 to charge. For more information go to www.fight2educate.com. First bout will be at 8 PM/ET.
Professional Boxers and Mixed Martial Artists Get Roasted For a Good Cause!
La Habra, California – On Sunday September 6, 2009, Convicted Artist Inc. has the honor of presenting the first of its kind live comedy roast of elite mixed martial artists and professional boxers at the scintillating Jon Lovitz Comedy Club in HOLLYWOOD ‘S Universal Studios City Walk. Convicted Artist has teamed up with its partners to help raise money to rebuild the recently destroyed La Habra Boxing Foundation’s Club located in La Habra, California. The club was established from an old church in 1981 by one of Southern California’s highest recognized Vietnam Veterans and boxing trainer David Martinez. Mr. Martinez opened the La Habra Boxing Foundation to allow youngsters to constructively channel their energies into a self-confidence building sport. Over ten World Boxing Champions have been trained from Mr. Martinez’s boxing club.
The Roast is an event in which top MMA & Boxing stars are subject to publicly bearing comedic insults, praise, and outrageous true and untrue stories and heartwarming accomplishments by top comedians in which they all take in good faith. Elite fighters including KJ Noons, Rob McCullough, Mighty Mo, Saad Awad, Kimo Leopoldo, Richard Schiller, Dave Cryer, Georgi Karakhanyan will have shots taken at them including Boxing & MMA trainers such as John Bray of the TV Reality Show “The Contender”; cut man & trainer David Martinez, Masters Hall of Fame Inductee & former IFL Sabres Striking Coach, Joe “Striker” Hanlin; and Tony Salazar of Advanced Boxing Techniques.
The Roast will be hosted by well renowned boxing writer “Big Dog” Benny Henderson Jr. of Convicted Artist and co-hosted by Bob Carroll & Ron “The Yacman” Yacovetti. Comedy Headliners include Eliot Chang, Greg Wilson, Amir K, Aaron Westly, the Funny Lady, Temptation, TC, the Philly Cat, the Deacon and a special appearance by Reggie Warren Jr.
Convicted Artist is a true social art network that focuses on artistic freedom of expression and collaboration of talent. The Roast will also include music and art created before your eyes all presented in the unique vibrant atmosphere always created by Convicted Artist.
We would like to give special thanks and recognition to the following contributors: John Bray Boxing Foundation, IBN Sports, ConvictedArtist.com, Energy Party Crew, North Town Gym, Wilner & O’Reilly APLC, Fight Engine, New Era Fighting, El Paso Custom Graphics, Sports Academy, King of the Cage, Tuff N Uff, Convicted Artist Magazine, G Gabor Mereg (Pro Photo), JAGS MMA, Called Out MMA, Griffis Realty Investments, Barbie Mafia and Painter of the Stars Paul Bryan Jr.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program running from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Tickets are only $20 general admission and $30 VIP. All ticket sale proceeds go to La Habra Boxing Foundation. Tickets are available online at http://www.thejonlovitzcomedyclub.com/.
Deroy Beaton To Make Pro Debut
Gladiator Gym’s Deroy Beaton is scheduled to make is professional debut September 11 in Philadelphia at the Legendary Blue Horizon. Beaton signed a managerial contract with Gladiator Management August 10 in Trenton at the NJ State Athletic Control Board office. The former NJ Golden Glove champ is scheduled to fight Jason Sia of the Philippines. Beaton walked into Gladiator Gym on his 30th birthday with no experience and went on to have a great amateur career with coach Shawn Darling. He finished the amateurs with a 15-5 record. In addition to his Golden Glove Championship he also finished with two runner up spots in state competition. Originally from Guyana, Beaton looks to make a big splash on the professional scene. He trains daily at Gladiator Gym which is located at 120 N Main St in Forked River NJ. For more information on Beaton go to: www.gladiatorboxing.net.