SAN CARLOS, CA (October 7, 2011) World Bantamweight Champion and consensus Top 5 Pound For Pound Fighter Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire will swing open the doors to his boxing gym for a public workout TOMORROW, October 8th at 1pm.
Nonito’s home training quarters, Undisputed Gym, located at 883 E. San Carlos Avenue in San Carlos, California, will host the public workout.
Fans and media are encouraged to attend this unique experience to watch Donaire participate in a full training session as he prepares for his world title defense against Omar “EL Huracan” Narvaez on Saturday, October 22nd in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, “The Mecca of Boxing” in New York City.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, the Donaire-Narvaez world title tilt will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)
Remaining tickets to Donaire vs. Narvaez, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets (additional fee for Ticketmaster orders.)
Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in the Bay Area of San Leandro, Calif., is a consensus top-five pound for pound fighter. He enters this fight riding a nine-year, 25-bout winning streak, which includes an IBF/IBO flyweight title knockout victory of defending champion Vic Darchinyan, and a fourth-round blasting of former WBA bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko last December. However, Donaire’s most impressive victory occurred in his last fight, on February 19, when he knocked out defending WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel in the second round, ending Montiel’s 25-bout winning streak while also claiming his third world title in as many weight divisions. Ten of Donaire’s last 11 victories have come by way of knockout.
Narvaez (35-0-2, 23 KOs), of Cordoba, Argentina, a two-time Olympian, will be making his U.S. debut. The undefeated southpaw captured his first world title – the WBO flyweight championship – in his 12th professional fight, knocking down interim champion Adonis Rivas in the seventh round en route to a dominant unanimous decision in 2002. Narvaez successfully defended his title 16 times during his seven-year reign before vacating it in early 2010 to campaign at a heavier weight class. He won the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title in May 2010, pitching a near shutout to win a unanimous decision over Everth Briceno. Narvaez, one of South America’s most popular fighters, has successfully defended his new title three times, all by unanimous decision, against opponents who had a combined record of 54-2 when he fought them.
Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Originator of the Modern Boxing Belt Turns 90
October 4 — Union City, NJ — The past weekend was one of great joy for the Sahaghian family and Sartonk Designs, which celebrated Ardash Sahaghian’s 90th birthday. Surrounded by loved ones, the pioneering craftsman enjoyed dinner and dancing on Saturday night at a local Mediterranean restaurant. Familiar Armenian and Greek tunes brought the bright-eyed Sahaghian’s lively spirit to the dance floor with fellow patrons.
The weekend was topped off with a trip to a farm in upstate New York, where the family spent hours walking through orchards, picking apples, and enjoying sweet desserts. The time spent on the farm harked back to Sahaghian’s childhood in his native Romania, where he went fruit picking with his brother and friends. Now, at 90, a little less agile but still full of vigor, he and his wife, Nazeli, picked enough apples and tomatoes to give out to family and friends. “It was heart-warming to see them so joyful, walking arm-in-arm, taking in the fresh air. They got lost in the fun of the experience, forgetting both age and ailments,” commented Edward S. Majian, Ardash and Nazeli’s grandson and President of Sartonk Designs.
Of course, the weekend could not have been complete without conversations about work. As the originator of modern championship boxing belts over three decades ago, the elder Sahaghian still consults Sartonk Designs, providing valuable insight and experience. “So, this order you’re working on must be completed in a few days, right?” asked Ardash, while savoring his slice of strawberry shortcake. “Absolutely, but let’s enjoy the cake right now,” replied Edward with a smile, knowing his grandfather’s unparalleled work ethic all too well.
The Sahaghian family extends their deep appreciation to all the heartfelt birthday wishes they’ve received from friends in the boxing community!
Vassell fights on November 12th; Buckland to fight on November 26th
HATTON PROMOTIONS will stage two top quality Championship cards in November.
The blockbuster bills in Oldham and Newport will be screened live by British broadcasting’s undisputed home of boxing, Sky Sports.
Manchester’s Commonwealth welterweight champion Denton Vassell headlines at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday November 12.
The bill will also include unbeaten heavyweight Richard Towers, former European super-featherweight champion Stephen Foster Jr, Tommy Stubbs, Kieran Farrell, Dezzie Higginson, Tom Shaw, Adam Little, Tom Scott and Ryan Davies.
Two weeks later on Saturday November 26, the Hatton Promotions juggernaut travels down to Newport Centre, South Wales.
Heading the card will be Cardiff’s newly crown British super-featherweight champion Gary Buckland.
Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon is putting together a top class undercard that will delight fans.
Former European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe, 2008 Olympian Joe Murray, Jez Wilson and Tom Doran will all feature.
Opponents for the major contests will be announced in the next ten days and both shows start at 6.15pm.
Tickets are now available for both shows priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755222 or log onto www.hattonboxing.com