LOS ANGELES, November 18 – After a whirlwind journey that led him to the top of the boxing world on October 31st, the night he took the IBF bantamweight title from Joseph Agbeko, Yonnhy Perez is rightfully enjoying the fruits of his labor while being celebrated back home in his country of Colombia all week. The week begins for Perez on November 19th, as WBA President Gilberto Mendoza recognizes Perez as a Colombian hero and invites him to the general assembly of the organization’s 88th convention in Medellin..
Following this presentation, Perez and his promoters, Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, travel to the Hotel Caribe in Cartagena on Friday, November 20th, for the official Yonnhy Perez Hometown Victory Press Conference, which will be attended by not only the local media, the President of the Colombian Boxing Federation, and many local Council members and sports dignitaries, but by Cartagena Mayor Judith Pinedo.
The next stop on Perez’ tour will be an emotional one, as he visits the gym where he learned the sport of boxing. While there, he will meet with his original trainer and also donate money, clothing, and equipment to the gym.
Finally, Perez and his team will wrap the week up on Saturday, November 21st with a celebration in the neighborhood where he grew up, Barrio La Delicias. This celebration – which was put together by Belsario Hurtado, the President of the local youth program, Project Cartagena – will include a parade, music, dancing, and food, and is capped off by a speech from the champ himself, who will let the youth of his neighborhood know that anything is possible if you work hard.
Yonnhy Perez is living proof.
VICENTE ESCOBEDO TO COMPETE IN THE “RUN TO FEED THE HUNGRY” ON THANKSGIVING MORNING IN SACRAMENTO, CA CHARITY RACE TO AID THE SACRAMENTO FOOD BANK & FAMILY SERVICES
LOS ANGELES, November 18 – For years, 2004 United States Olympian and current lightweight contender Vicente Escobedo has been fighting his way to the top of the boxing ranks, but on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, he begins a fight of a different sort as he captains Team Escobedo in the 10k “Run to Feed The Hungry” in Sacramento, California.
“This is a very important run for me because I think we need to help our communities and remember those who are less fortunate, especially around this time of year,” said Escobedo, a native of Woodland, California (a Sacramento suburb). “I know we all can get distracted at times with what’s going on in our own lives, but when an opportunity like this comes up, it’s the best feeling in the world to be able to give back and help our neighbors out. I’m going to be out there running with my team on Thanksgiving and I’d love to add some more members to our team before November 26.”
“Run to Feed The Hungry” has been aiding the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services since 1994 and consists of a 10k run or 5k Run / Walk at California State University, Sacramento, beginning at 8:45am PT for the 10k run and 9:05 am PT for the 5k Run / Walk. In 2008, over 28,000 participants attended the event, raising $750,000.
“I urge all boxing fans to come out and support Team Escobedo in Sacramento as this is a great cause and one I plan on supporting every year. If you can’t make it out I encourage everyone to visit Feed The Hungry’s website or find a way to support a local charity during this holiday season,” said Escobedo.
For more information on Team Escobedo, visit https://secure2.merchantcart.net/fth/teamwebpage.cfm?pID=5725
For more information on the “Run to Feed The Hungry”, visit http://runtofeedthehungry.com.
Phil Williams Comments on Team Changes, and Rematch Prospects
Minneapolis, MN- Following a narrow split decision loss at the hands of Matt Vanda, Phil Williams has cut ties with trainer Chuck Dazkiewicz, and moved assistant trainer Jacque Davis into the head role.
“I just don’t think Chuck was bringing me to the level that I need to be at as I move forward in my career”
Williams’ loss to Vanda on November 13 will stand as Dazkiewicz’s final appearance in Williams’ corner, and Williams would love to have the next chapter of his career open in a rematch with Vanda. A fight he feels would play out far different than the first.
“I didn’t know what ten rounds would be like so I held back a little, now I know I can go ten and could have gone twelve, if we fight again I’ll knock him out”
Williams does feel he should have earned more respect than he received on November 13. Although winning the fight handily on onejudge’s card, Williams says he wasn’t credited enough for his ability to box behind a stiff jab against a fighter with nearly five times his experience.
“My jab did land and it did hurt him. If you watch the fight with the sound off you get a different fight, he had a loud crowd behind him, and it was a much different fight than the one Bonsante and the broadcasters were calling”
Phil Williams and his team have a positive stance on the fight, and take nothing away from Matt Vanda’s performance, but still feel that it is a very winnable fight should the rematch come to fruition. Williams feels he can fight until he is 40, and believes there is plenty of opportunity in the super middleweight division.
“I could fight tomorrow, my body isn’t breaking down, and I could go twelve rounds right now. In thirteen fights I’ve shown you that I like to fight the best possible opposition and that won’t change”
Phil Williams vs. Matt Vanda set an attendance record at Grand Casino Hinckley and aired in front of a regional audience on FSN North.
Phil Williams’ future plans will be announced shortly.