London (26th May 2011) The Commonwealth Boxing Council Secretary, Mr Simon Block has confirmed that the upcoming British Heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and champion Dereck Chisora will now also see the Commonwealth Heavyweight title contested for.
Tyson Fury said “I was really pleased to receive the news that the Commonwealth title will also be on the line, I’m obviously going the traditional route by winning the English title first then the British and Commonwealth next, then I will be going after European and genuine World honours.”
“I’m promising boxing fans around the world this is going to be a sensational performance from me and I’m going to show them why I’m the next big thing in world boxing.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing him on Tuesday at the press conference; this is one not to be missed.”
The “Big Brawl to settle it all!” showdown is set to take place at Wembley Arena on Saturday July 23rd.
Byrne Notice – Big Hitting Adams Set For Tough Debut on June 4th
Burnt Oak Middleweight Mark Adams is on the verge of having his childhood dream of being a professional boxer come true. As 25 year old Adams is set to pro-debut against Guildford’s tough battler Louis Byrne at the Olivia Goodwin Main Events promoted ‘Search & Destroy’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 4th June 2011.
Some ten years ago a rather unfit and overweight, weighing in at a whooping fifteen stone, fifteen year old Mark stepped into the boxing gym for the very first time, and loved it. So much so that by time his sixteenth birthday came around Mark had not only lost all his excess weight but was just a few weeks away from undertaking his first boxing match.
Adams opted to fight on the unlicensed boxing circuit, as the style was more akin to the pro ranks, than go the increasingly technical amateur route. A choice that see him win all ten of his fights, seven by way of stoppage, as well as win various titles and tournaments.
His exciting all action style, and his indisputable punching power, soon made Adams one of the biggest draws on the local unlicensed circuit. It also attracted the increasing attention of pro boxing aficionados, who suggested he should think about becoming a pro-licensed fighter.
The increasing lure of a pro career, fueled by the constant praises from local pro boxing fans, lead to discussions with his coach and the decision was made to successfully apply for a pro-boxing license.
Earlier today Adams took a little time to talk about his boxing career to date as well as his transition to the pro ranks, “Yeah, I’m debuting on June 4th. I’ll be fighting Louis Byrne.
I used to do unlicensed boxing, I didn’t really do amateurs, I now regret that, I wish I’d gone into the amateurs, yeah I regret that I’ve done unlicensed and not amateurs, but it classes as experience.
Saying that unlicensed is more like professional boxing than amateurs, which is completely different.
I had ten fights, had seven knock outs, all wins though. I took the British titles, Southern Area title and I won the Prizefighter in it as well. I had some good fights, some tough fights, but that’s what you train for, tough fights.
I’m looking forward to June 4th, I’ve trained hard. Training for the pros is a little different to the unlicensed, not much though as it’s mainly fitness. Unlicensed is two minute rounds, now I’m going into threes.
I’ve noticed that now I’m a professional people respect me more, like people buy tickets of me now where before they didn’t want to come and watch unlicensed. So it’s a good thing now I’ve gone pro, for myself, my family and everything.
Mark ‘Pee Wee’ Adams versus Louis Byrne will be part of the fifteen bout undercard supporting the Ryan Barrett – Geoffrey Munika International Masters lightweight Title fight at the Olivia Goodwin Main Events promoted ‘Search & Destroy’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 4th June 2011.
Tickets, priced £35 (Standard seated) and £50 (Ringside) for the ‘Search and Destroy’ event are available on-line now at www.tkoboxoffice.com, in person at The TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or from any boxer appearing on the show. For further information call: 07960 850645
Ruiz-Alcantara Part Deux in Reno
Former amateur standout Michael Ruiz Jr. aims to take care of some unfinished business tomorrow night at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada, as he takes on Jonathan Alcantara in a six-round super bantamweight rematch on the undercard of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights-televised Chris Arreola-Kendrick Releford heavyweight showdown.
In their first meeting, which took place last November on the undercard of Andre Ward’s victory over Sakio Bika in Oakland, California, was a fiercely-contested six-round split decision draw. Alcantara (4-4-2) of Novato, California played the role of boxer-mover for much of the bout. Ruiz (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, California pressed the action for the most part, but was never quite able to pin Alcantara down and punish him has he had done his previous six professional opponents.
The November bout was not a hallmark Michael Ruiz Jr. performance, but the Fresno-based prospect feels it was more of an aberration than an indication. “Nothing about him really surprised me,” says Ruiz, who is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. “The only thing that surprised me was myself. The first time we fought, I couldn’t really get a hold of myself. My rhythm was off. I just have to go out there and do what I do.”
Ruiz’ manager Repo Ric, who had taunted and jawed at Alcantara and his team during the weigh-in, gained respect for the Novato resident’s skills and determination by the end of the fight in November. “They had a close fight the first time,” admits Repo. “It really could have gone either way. [Alcantara] is very powerful and very durable. He could go the distance with just about anybody out there. He is a little heavier than Mike, but we are not going to use that as an excuse.”
“We want to show the fans and the world that we are coming back for this guy,” says Repo, who put together the rematch. “Now we know about this kid. We didn’t know he was heavier or durable like he is and could go the rounds. We need to show who Mike Ruiz really is. He has a lot to prove in this fight. Hopefully we get to show it on national TV, on ESPN2.”
The first Ruiz-Alcantara encounter was more of a technical boxing match than the all-out action fight many had expected when it was signed. Both men started out cautious as they moved through the feeling out process. Now that they know what to expect, fight fans in Reno should get to their seats early as the rematch could be a corker from the opening bell this time around. “I am better prepared,” admits Ruiz, who agrees that the action will likely get heated much earlier. “In the first fight we didn’t trade much really. But this time I know what he brings, so I am going to look for that. I’m ready to go.”
Tickets for the event, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at the Reno Events Center, Eldorado and Silver Legacy’s ticket offices.