Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois
Promoter: Hitz Boxing
MAIN EVENT 10 ROUNDS,
NABA AND NABF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Alex Bunema 158 vs. Andy Lee 160
Yakubu Amidu 132 vs. Damon Antoine 134
Henry Coyle 161 vs. Keith Collins 160
Russell Fiore 136 vs. Aaron Lucky 142
Felix Abner 226 vs Keon Graham 234
George Esho 136.5 vs Nalo Leal 136.5
Ramon Valenzuela 159 vs. TBA
David Latoria 230 vs. Phillip Jewel 213
O’BRIEN AND EL HARRAK TO DONATE FOLLOWING UPCOMING BOUTS
New York, NY (May 18, 2011) – Junior middleweight contender DeAndre Latimore and prospects Sid El Harrak, Denis Douglin, Vinny O’Brien, and Delen Parsley have all joined Team Fight to Walk.
Created by unbeaten junior middleweight and West Point graduate Boyd Melson in association with Justadollarplease.org, Team Fight to Walk’s mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries.
Globally recognized as one of the best 154 pound fighters on the planet, Latimore, 22-3 (17 KO’s), is working towards landing another world title bout. The hard hitting Las Vegas based St. Lucian dropped a controversial decision in 2009 to then titlist Cory Spinks, but has won three of his last four bouts to put himself back in the mix.
“I’m very happy to be helping out,” said Latimore. “I know many people that are paralyzed and becoming involved makes me feel like a better person because I know that I’m helping those in need.”
Although he’s only fought twice as a professional, O’Brien, 2-0 (2 KO’s), has already made a splash in the North Jersey area. The charismatic and likeable East Hanover resident is a crowd pleasing fighter who brings a bevy of fans to support him. He’s also agreed to donate a percentage of his purse following his fight Friday evening in Newark, NJ.
Known as “The Messenger”, El Harrak had an outstanding 52-8 amateur record and turned pro in 2008, declining an opportunity to represent Morocco in the Olympic Games. Based out of Santa Clara, CA, El Harrak has an excellent 10-1 professional ledger and will donate a percentage of commission from ticket sales following his June 17 bout.
“I chose to get involved because helping make a difference in ones life is a beautiful thing,” said the talented welterweight. If everyone was willing to lend a helping hand to hose in need, a lot could be done and the world would be a better place to live in.”
Like El Harrak, Douglin, 12-1 (8 KO’s), is a 23 year old with the heart of a champion. The Morganville, NJ native and 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion decided to become involved with the cause after hearing about the daily struggles that people suffering from severe must endure.
Parsley, also an unbeaten rising star, is 5-0 with 2 knockouts and is quickly becoming a fan favorite in his native New York City. The former Junior Olympic Champion didn’t think twice about joining.
“Everyone deserves a chance to enjoy life to its fullest potential,” Parsley said of joining Team Fight to Walk. “It also feels great to help others that are having their hardships in life.”
With five new members representing Team Fight to Walk and a number of others expected to join the fight in the near future, Dr. Patricia Morton, Director of The Spinal Cord Injury Project, is thrilled by the generosity of the boxing community.
“I am awed by passion and commitment of these fighters to find a cure for all people with spinal cord injuries,” said Dr. Morton, who launched JustADollarPlease.org. “We are deeply grateful for what they are doing for this entire community.”
Tax deductible donations can be made at Justadollarplease.org and Team Fight to Walk’s website, Teamfighttowalk.com, will have more information along with updates shortly.
Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Undefeated Junior Welterweight Sting Bwalya!
Greg Cohen, Founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions, is proud to announce the signing of junior welterweight prospect Hastings Bwalya (7-0, 5 KOs) to a promotional agreement.
The deal marks a reunion between fighter and promoter, as Cohen had a promotional agreement with Bwalya with his previous boxing company.
Bwalya, who goes by the nickname Sting, was a former 2008 Zambian Olympian who made his reputation in heated sparring sessions with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, competing evenly with Mayweather in terms of speed, power and defense.
As a professional, Bwalya has continued to impress with his amazing hand and foot speed and sharp combination punching.
Sting will make his debut fighting under the GCP banner in a six-round welterweight battle against Jamar “Sandman” Saunders on June 11 on the undercard of fellow Greg Cohen Promotions fighter and former undisputed and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman’s fight against Galen Brown at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi.
“Sting is one of the brightest future stars in boxing,” said Cohen of his reacquired fighter. “His talent is amazing to watch and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a staple on the premium cable networks as one of the world’s best junior welterweights. I am extremely happy he has rejoined me in my quest to make him a world champion.”
For more information, visit www.gcpboxing.com.