The Hilton Anaheim hosted the opening press conference for the scheduled SHOWTIME televised New Years Eve World Championship doubleheader at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, where Don King and Dan Goossen met with the press to discuss what everyone who is anyone should be doing with their New Year’s Eve plans this year.
The legendary King addressed the fact that his fighter Tavoris Cloud’s (23-0, 18 KOs) title defense may be in peril after receiving word that challenger Zsolt Erdei injured himself in training. “I think Tavoris Cloud is the best light heavyweight in the world and the only way to do be the best is to fight everybody and anyone,” said King.
“We’re not going to quit on this. Dan and I will find someone to replace Erdei in the event that he decides to escape like a thief in the night.”
Promoter Dan Goossen entertained the crowd at the Hilton Anaheim while talking about his champion fighter, Rico Ramos (20-0, 11 KOs) his scheduled battle against Cuban slugger Guillermo Rigondeaux (8-0, 6 KOs). “As a promoter, I strive to give the fans competitive fights, and if you don’t know much about these two fighters I promise you are in for an incredible treat.
“We know that Rigondeaux is a very competitive opponent with an outstanding amateur career, but he is going to be stepping into the ring on New Year’s with a world champion in Ramos who has a lot more experience as a professional fighter.”
WBA super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos was intent on retaining his belt, stating “I worked hard for this title. I’m working hard and I’m very dedicated to doing whatever it takes to win. Watch out on Dec. 31, because I’m going to keep this belt and stay undefeated.”
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and interim champion Guillermo Rigondeaux also took a break from training camp to come speak to the press about his upcoming title fight with Ramos.
“I’m not here to talk a lot. I’m ready, I’ve had a great camp and I’m ready to fight 100 percent on Dec. 31 and show everyone that I am the champion. I’m going to walk out of the ring with the belt. “
Night of the Heavyweights: Video Material & Helenius Stats
Videos from WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin, who will take on Cedric Boswell in Helsinki on Saturday night, and WBA&WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Robert Helenius, who will clash with Dereck Chisora for the vacant European Heavyweight Title. Both videos can be found on Team Sauerland´s webpage www.boxing-online.com.
ROBERT HELENIUS BY THE NUMBERS
12.000 – expected attendance at Hartwall Areena (sell-out)
9.998 – Current attendance record for a boxing fight at Hartwall Areena (Asikainen vs. Gevor, November 2008)
27 – current age
24 – age when he made his professional debut in Germany
22 – age when he won the silver medal at the European Amateur Championships
16 – wins as a professional
14 – age when he started boxing
12 – number of rounds the EBU Heavyweight Title fight is scheduled for
11 – KO victories
10 – number of fights – and wins – on German soil
9 – round in which he knocked out Samuel Peter and Siarhei Liakhovich
8 – round in which he knocked out Lamon Brewster
7 – round in which promoter Kalle Sauerland has predicted Helenius to KO Chisora
4 – number of languages Helenius is fluent in
3 – number of former world champion Helenius has knocked out
2 – children with fiancée Sandra (Chillie und Kingston)
1 – position in the WBO Heavyweight Rankings
0 – losses
Markussen to face Bendall at TV2 Fight Night in Herning on December 17
Rudy Markussen (36-2, 23 KOs) will be looking to add Steven Bendall (29-6, 14 KOs) to his list of KO victims when they clash at the TV2 Fight Night in Herning on December 17. Ever since his comeback last year, the “Hardhitter” has made quick work of his opponents, stopping Christophe Karagoz in the sixth-round before back-to-back first-round KO wins over Dejan Ribic and Michael Recloux. Next in line is Bendall. “I look forward to fighting in Herning again,” Markussen said. “Bendall is the last obstacle between me and a title fight so I will try to get him out of the way as soon as possible. I will not under-estimate him but I don´t think he can keep up with my power. I will knock him out.”
Bendall comes off a contested points loss against up-and-coming German middleweight star Dominik Britsch (26-0, 9 KOs). “Bendall is a tough opponent, very experienced and not easy to fight against,” promoter Nisse Sauerland said. “Rudy has big things coming up – but only if he gets past Bendall. He needs to take one step at a time. This is like a title eliminator for Rudy and I expect him to rise to the occasion and lay the foundation for a huge 2012.”
Tickets for the TV2 Fight Night are available at www.billetnet.dk.