WORCESTER, Mass. (Mar. 29, 2010) – When undefeated prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez drilled veteran George “The Rooster” Armenta with a lethal left hook to the body, stopping their ESPN Friday Night Fights bout at 47-seconds of the opening round, many boxing fans had memories of another New England boxer famous for his left hook, “Irish” Micky Ward. “It was a perfect shot,” Rodriguez described the aforementioned hook. “Micky Ward was so good at it and I’ve been practicing to get better. As soon as I hit him, I knew that he was hurt. I held back with the right but I knew he’s strong and, if he came back, I was going to take him out..”
Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), made his nationally televised debut March 19 against Armenta (13-6, 11 KOs), who had knocked out 2000 U.S. Olympian Dante Craig and extended current WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and top contender Sechew Powell the full distance. Armenta had never been floored before, never mind stopped, until he was cracked by the Dominican Republic-born super middleweight Rodriguez.
“I did break a sweat,” Rodriguez jokingly said about the 47-second stoppage, “but in the locker room before I came out to the ring. I’m here for the long run, though, and will be world champion. I’m well-grounded; I don’t get carried away about what’s said about me being a top prospect or fighting on national television. I need to continue working hard. I’m traveling a long road to become world champion. I want to improve every fight.”
Rodriguez, the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist, will be back in action April 30 against Kevin Engel (17-2, 14 KOs). Edwin will be fighting for the first time on a ShoBox: The New Generation card in an 8-round co-feature.
Rodriguez is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, managed by Elite Management (Larry Army), and trained by Peter Manfredo, Sr. Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about Edwin and his team.
Kingsley Ikeke Defends NABA Super Middleweight Title
George “Monk” Foreman III returns
(Tacoma, WA) Brian Halquist Productions and the Emerald Queen Casino bring pro-boxing back to the Northwest, Saturday April 3, 2010, with Battle at the Boat 76. Doors open at 6 pm, with the first fight at 7 pm. This event will feature the return of George “Monk” Foreman III, leading up to the main event, which will display the talents of NABA Super Middleweight Champion, Kingsley “Sharp Knuckles” Ikeke (26-3, 14 KO’s) vs. Zane “The Train” Marks (17-4, 10 KO’s).
Ikeke last fought in August of 2009. That night, Ikeke won a hard fought split decision over Canadian Mark Woolnough to lay claim to the NABA title. Currently ranked 10th in the world ratings, Ikeke is in a prime position to advance in the boxing world. Kingsley Ikeke will be defending his title against Zane Marks (17-4-1, 10 KO’s) as the fight card’s main event. Marks will be making his return to boxing, bringing speed and agility to the ring. He will try to remain quick on his feet against the crafty Ikeke on fight night.
The Co-main event will be a six round rematch between heavyweights Andrae Carthron (3-5-2) and Freddie “Soulja” Miller (1-1-1). With two heavyweight fighters carrying a lot of power behind their punch, this fight is bound to be entertaining. These two had an epic brawl back in June 2009 that ended in a draw. They will battle again in what promises to be one of the most anticipated rematches in recent history.
Making his return to the Emerald Queen Casino will be George “Monk” Foreman III (6-0, 6 KO’s). Foreman will attempt to maintain his perfect record on April 3.
Also on the card is an array of local fighters including Seattle’s Heavyweight Vincent Thompson (1-0) who trains out of Bumblebee Boxing Club. Thompson will face California’s DJ Linderman (pro debut). Vancouver, Washington’s John Heath and Tommy Davis will both make their pro-debut in a cruiserweight contest and Seattle’s Darren Anzai (0-1-0) fights Portland, Oregon Super Middleweight David Combs (1-0-1).
The Fight Card
Kingsley Ikeke (26-3, 14 KO’s) vs. Zane Marks (17-4, 10 KO’s)
Freddie Miller (1-1-1) vs. Andrae Carthron (3-5-2)
George Foreman III (6-0, 6 KO’s) vs. Dale Mitchell (pro debut)
DJ Linderman (pro-debut) vs. Vincent Thompson (1-0)
Tommy Davis (pro debut) vs. John Heath (pro debut)
Paul Mpendo (6-5-3, 3 KO’s) vs. David Lopez (3-2-1)
Darren Anzai (0-1) vs. David Combs (1-0-1)
TICKETS
Available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office 1-888-831-7655 and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Or online at www.ticketmaster.com
Ticket Prices: **VIP Ringside $100 – Reserved $60 – General Adm. $30
**All VIP ticket buyers will be invited to a pre-party function at the EQC Bridge Nightclub starting at 5:00 pm.
Get up to date information at: www.Halquistproductions.com
Dominic Vea begins final preparation after Melbourne tour with Danny Green
With just over a week to go until his first bout in 8 months, Dominic Vea, is back in Sydney after joining Danny Green’s promotional tour to Melbourne. The Melbourne tour involved daily work-outs and sparring sessions against Green.
Vea (12-1, 10KO), the current OPBF and WBO Oriental cruiserweight title-holder, faces Anthony McCracken (11-4, 4KO) on 8 April. ‘The Dominator’ is primed and ready to rumble against a respected opponent.
Dominic says, “the trip to Melbourne with Danny was excellent preparation. It was great to spend four intense days training and sparring against him. His team is very professional and I learnt a lot from touring with them. With just over a week to go until my bout against McCracken I’m in good form and can’t wait to get in the ring.”
Vea has one more session with Green on Thursday before beginning his final week of preparation at Mt Druitt’s Core Strength Gym.
A late venue change sees the event, which also features Jamie Pittman, Michael Bolling and Billy Dib move from Star City Casino to Le Montage Function Centre, 38 Frazer St, Lilyfield.
Sellout Near – Seven Bout Card At Marriott
It will be a big night this Thursday evening at the Irvine Marriott’s Battle In The Ballroom, as 14 professional fighters enter the ring to treat fight fans to a night of non-stop combative entertainment!
With less than 20 tickets remaining for a show that will feature five pro boxing bouts and two pro mixed martial arts bouts, be sure to secure your tickets immediately or the April fools joke may be on you. If tickets become available please call the Irvine Marriott on Thursday at (949) 553-0100 and ask for the fight office.
Two undefeated heavyweights will see action….Freddie Roach’s newest prospect and anticipated future star will be in introduced to Ballroom fans….and the return of 2-0 Hugo Centeno Jr will be just some of the evening’s highlights.
Due to a family emergency, 11-0 heavyweight Joe Hanks’ bout against 16-4 Shannon Miller has been temporarily postponed. Miller has agreed to appear on the next Battle In The Ballroom show on June 24th to fight Hanks, and stated that “this will give me even more time to train”.