News: GBP, DiBella Donate To Haiti; Banner Feb. 27 Fights in South Africa; More

Despite the cancellation of the January 30 Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto Welterweight World Championship bout due to the tragic events in Haiti (the country where Berto’s family is from and that he represented in the 2004 Olympics) Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and AEG have decided to continue with the sale of official Mosley vs. Berto fight merchandise in order to raise funds to assist those affected by the earthquake, with all net proceeds of these sales going to the Red Cross in support of relief efforts in Haiti..

These items (which are sure to become valued collectibles) are now available at Team LA STAPLES Center, The Fight Museum at Mandalay Bay, online at www.GoldenBoyStore.com, or by calling 1-888-483-2652 (Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm PST).

HEKKIE BUDLER VS. JUANITO RUBILLAR HEADLINES CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT CARD AT EMPERORS PALACE IN KEMPTON, SOUTH AFRICA, ON FEBRUARY 27

Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves and Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions will present a sensational championship fight card on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at Emperors Palace, located at 64 Jones Street in Kempton Park, South Africa. All bouts will be televised live on Supersport starting at 7:00 P.M. (19:00 hrs) local time.

In the main event, Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler, 13-0 with 5 knockouts, of Gauteng, South Africa, will face Juanito Rubillar, 48-13-7 with 23 knockouts, of Manila, Philippines, in a 12 round bout for the vacant IBO light-flyweight world title.

The 20 year-old Budler won the IBO All Africa light-flyweight title in April, 2009, and has made two successful title defenses. He made his pro debut in July, 2007, and will be facing his most experienced and accomplished opponent yet in Rubillar.

Rubillar, who will turn 33 years old five days before the fight, has a two-fight winning streak, which includes winning the WBC Continental Americas light-flyweight title in his most recent fight in November, 2009. A 15-year professional veteran, he has also challenged for the WBC and WBA light flyweight world titles.

Former WBO flyweight and light-flyweight champion “Baby” Jake Matlala has been advising Budler during his preparations for the fight. Promoter Rodney Berman told Boxing News, “Jake has been instructing Hekkie to pace himself for a gruelling battle that could conceivably go down to the wire, and I suspect his insight could prove pivotal in this championship fight.”

Battle In The Ballroom Kicks Off 26th Season With New Wrinkle

Great Boxing Action With A Punch From Mixed Martial Arts

Opening Night Is Wednesday, February 10th Irvine Marriott

Tickets go on sale today for Opening Night of the 26th season of Battle In The Ballroom shows at the Irvine Marriott, so make plans now to be at the Marriott on Wednesday, February 10th for a great night of boxing with a little mixed martial arts thrown in. Besides the over 800 season seat holders who have renewed for 2010, and the three new sponsors who have come on board this season, join the tens of thousands of sports fans who know that in Orange County on six nights a year, the Battle In The Ballroom fights are the most unique and exciting place to entertain clients and friends!

The large crowd expected for the Wednesday, February 10th will not be disappointed. Undefeated heavyweight 10-0 Joe Hanks returns to continue his climb into the heavyweight rankings, meeting 16-4 Shannon Miller in his toughest test to date. After a Ballroom battle that saw over $200 tossed into the ring, Chika Nakamura returns to meet Jennifer Barber in a female fight that is as evenly matched as possible. Nakamura is 8-1 and Barber is 9-1, and fans should not miss this fight. Santa Ana’s Jimmy Garcia returns to the ring facing 2-0 Manuel Delcid. Plus, another heavyweight match up see’s Hollywood’s Chris Davis meeting Kourtney Boden out of Henderson, NV.

Promoter Roy Englebecht will again do what was so successful at the December 17th show, as he will add another combative sport to the card and put on two mixed martial arts bouts. The Ballroom crowd liked the action, so returning on the 10th will be 3-1 Chris Saunder vs 2-0 Andy Morales in what will be a 156 pound battle. And out of LA it will be undefeated Marcus Kowal facing Las Vegas’s Titus Holmes in another MMA war.

The Battle In The Ballroom also welcomes new 2010 sponsors including the OC law firm of Callahan & Blaine, Crane Rental Service, and National Therapeutic Services as well as returning sponsors Tecate, SC Fuels and BDS Marketing.

Tickets priced at $32 and $40 are available online at www.battleintheballroom.com. Season Seats for 2010 are available as well on www.battleintheballroom.com. For sponsorship information, to secure a vendor table at the show, or for special group discounts, contact Drew Englebrecht at fightpromotions@gmail.com or 949-760-3131.