TalkingBoxing News
ShoBox Heats Up with Four Unbeatens
THU May 5 - Two unbeaten former Golden Glove champions from Brooklyn - Yuri Foreman and Sechew Powell - will put their unblemished records on the line this Friday night (May 6) when DiBella Entertainment in association with Foxwoods Resort Casino will present a main event and co-feature of all undefeated fighters at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. [Powell Q&A :: Foreman Q&A]
The event will be televised live by Showtime as part of their ShoBox series. In the main event, rising undefeated junior middleweight Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell (15-0, 9 KO's) will do battle against fellow unbeaten prospect Cornelius "K9" Bundrage (21-0, 13 KO's) in a ten round bout. In the co-feature, Yuri Foreman (17-0, 7 KO's) will face Kevin "KO" Cagle (16-0, 12KO's) in a scheduled eight round junior middleweight showdown. As is always the case with fighters appearing on ShoBox, these fighters on the rise are looking to use this stage to take that next step to stardom - moving from prospects to contenders.
Powell will be making his third ShoBox appearance in less than a year, most recently scoring an eight round unanimous decision victory over Patrick Thompson on January 21, 2005. In his first ShoBox televised fight, he won a hard fought victory over the tough and rugged Grady Brewer on June 17, 2004. A highly decorated amateur, Powell will be looking to cement his status as a contender in the junior middleweight division with a victory over Bundrage. This bout will be Powell's fifth in the state of Connecticut.
Bundrage represents Powell's toughest test to date. The Detroit native is coming off of a second round TKO victory over veteran Jonathan Corn on February 18, 2005. He enters the fight with Powell riding a streak in which he has knocked out eight of his last nine opponents, with four of his last five bouts not going past the second round. Bundrage is looking to put himself on the boxing map with an upset over Powell in front of a national television audience.
Foreman, originally from Haifa, Israel, will be making his ShoBox debut on May 6th. In his most recent bout on February 24, 2005, Foreman scored a unanimous decision victory over Jesus Soto at the Manhattan Center in New York. Prior to that, he scored a second round TKO victory over Shakir Ashanti at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2004. Like Powell, Foreman is no stranger to fighting in Connecticut and will be doing battle there for the fourth time on May 6th.
Greensboro, North Carolina's Kevin Cagle enters the Foreman bout coming off of consecutive knockout victories. In his last bout on March 5, 2005 he scored a devastating first round knock out over Shannon Freeman. Prior to that, he scored a second round TKO over the always tough Anthony Simpkins on December 11, 2004. Cagle will look to continue his winning ways and spoil Foreman's rise in junior middleweight ranks.
"With four undefeated fighters, this show can't miss," stated DiBella, "Sechew and Yuri are looking to prove that they are genuine contenders and not just prospects. They have real competition in front of them."
"Foxwoods has become the home for major boxing events, and we are once again pleased to present another top fight card to the Northeast," said Tom Cantone, vice president of entertainment and marketing for Foxwoods.
"This card exemplifies what ShoBox: The New Generation is all about, talented prospects matched tough," said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox.
The event will have a TV start time of 11:00 PM ET/PT on May 6th and will emanate from the Fox Theater at Foxwoods.
Tickets priced at $60, $45 and $25 are on sale and available by calling the Foxwoods Box Office at 1-800-200-2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com. Doors open at 8:00 PM, first fight at 9:00 PM.
Duva, Diaz Definitely onto Something
THU May 5 - Shortly before his fighter Oscar Diaz fought an ESPN2-televised showdown against rugged Jesse Feliciano, legendary manager/trainer Lou Duva said the fight would be a “does he or doesn’t he have what it takes” type crossroads fight for the 22-year-old. So now that Diaz has won a thrilling ten-round decision that delighted fans and stole the show, what is Duva’s prognosis for the young slugger?
“Oscar is definitely onto something. My opinion is that I’m happy with the way it turned out. He showed tremendous heart and he’s definitely the kind of fighter that fans will always want to see. I have a feeling he will be involved in several fights like the other night, those two tore the house apart. The really put on a show, and that makes him one of the most marketable young fighters in boxing. We’ll be looking to put him in a title fight against any available champion as soon as possible.”
Duva, who serves a surrogate father role to the fighter, says part of him worries about Diaz’ natural tendency to turn easy fights more difficult, but realizes it is just “El Torito’s” nature. “I got a lot of calls from people saying that was a hell of a fight. It’s tough for Oscar,” he explained, “because when he fought like more of a boxer against Ebo Elder (his only loss), I had just as many people calling me and saying ‘what the hell was that?’ That’s why I picked this kind of opponent for Oscar, because I knew he’d have to fight with him. I’d rather Oscar fight fighters that he has to show what he’s really made of to beat.”
Promoter Dino Duva of Duva Boxing says he’s equally impressed with the grit and determination Diaz has consistently shown against a very respectable level of opposition. “Oscar won another fan-pleasing war against fellow Latin warrior Jesse Feliciano the other night. Clearly he’s re-confirmed his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the world. And I think just as clearly, he has earned the chance at a world title fight.”
Manager Duva says it’s the desire Diaz shown that impresses him most. “He told me after the fight he wanted to impress the crowd so much that he was trying to knock the guy out from the fifth round on, rather than fight a safer fight. Tommy (trainer Brooks) and I had to laugh. He was so disappointed he didn’t get the knockout, all he kept saying was ‘I want a rematch. I want a rematch.’ Can you imagine? He beats the guy and he wants a rematch?”
So it’s a passing grade for Diaz from his hall-of-fame manager. He has what it takes.
“Oscar is a good kid, not only in the ring, but outside. He’s dedicated, a kid you want around you all the time. He’ll do well in boxing. He works so hard to improve and he always brings incredible amounts of excitement. I like what I see for his future."
Legacy in Balance for Corrales, Castillo
THU May 5 - DIEGO CORRALES: “On paper, this has the potential to be as exciting a fight as you will see. I definitely feel that at some point, it will be bombs away. Look at our resumes. We both have fought the best guys and have a lot of knockouts. I really do not see how it can go the distance with each of us dropping bombs on each other in the middle of the ring. I love these kinds of fights. It has been a long camp, but I am so ready.
“Everything about Castillo impresses me. He is a consistent, true champion who always finds a way to win. I respect his power, but I am not concerned about getting knocked down. Because I know I will get up.
“This fight is so big for me. To be fighting in my new hometown is very exciting. These kinds of fights are what legacies are made of and I want to be remembered as one of the best ever in my weight class. Establishing the jab is very important. I have become dependent on it. But all the questions about who has the best chin, who has the best power, will be answered Saturday. There may even be some answers to things we have not thought of yet. This is going to be a classic and I am thankful to SHOWTIME and everybody involved for making it happen.”
JOSE LUIS CASTILLO: “It took me a while in my last two fights to get warmed up, but if Corrales comes to me, this fight is going to be a brawl with each of us taking our best shots at one another. The winner will be the one who is the strongest and the most prepared.
“I keep hearing how big and strong Corrales is, and how hard a hitter he is, but we will all find out Saturday. I do not know who has the advantage; I have been busy and he has been resting. Mentally, it is hard fighting as often as I have, but physically I am great. I had a great camp and am in top shape.
“We both know that this is a very big fight, one that is important to both our careers. I feel that respect-wise a victory would put me at the same level as Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. For me, this is my biggest fight since the first one with (Floyd) Mayweather.
“I am not concerned about whether Corrales has a good chin or not. I just hope when I hit him, he does not get up. This fight is not going the distance and might even end really early.”
In a highly anticipated match-up and Fight of the Year candidate, the two best 135-pound boxers in the world will square off when two-time WBC champion Jose Luis Castillo (52-6-1, 45 KOs) takes on WBO champion Diego “Chico’’ Corrales (39-2, 33 KOs) in a world lightweight title unification bout Saturday, May 7, 2005, on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, talented Juan Manuel Marquez (43-2-1, 33 KOs) will defend his IBF/WBA featherweight titles against Victor Polo (34-4-3, 21 KOs), who is the WBA No. 5 featherweight contender.
"Speedy” Trains with Judah; Prepares for June Bout
THU May 5 - Las Vegas Junior Welterweight prospect Al "Speedy" Gonzales (16-2-1) went eight (8) tough rounds today with undisputed Welterweight Champ Zab Judah in Las Vegas, today. Judah is getting ready for his May 14th title defense. Gonzales is training for a June fight to be announced.
“Speedy”, no stranger to world championship training camps, said that he and Judah will be working together the rest of the week. Gonzales’ world-class trainer, Jesse Reid was very pleased with what he saw today, “this is the best I’ve seen of Al. He’s been training for 5 weeks and he’s looking better each day.”
Zab and his father / trainer, Yoel, we’re equally complimentary and chose to work the rest of the week with Gonzales.
“I’m very happy to be working with a fighter of Zab Judah’s caliber; he’s the real deal said Gonzales. This is a great opportunity and I hope to learn from the experience and use it in my next fight. Zab’s a great guy and I thank him for letting me work with him.”
Next week, “Speedy” moves on to “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather’s camp as the Junior Welterweight and pound for pound champ prepares for his June 25th mega fight with Arturo Gatti.
Gonzales is training for a yet to be finalized bout in June. He’s looking forward to a much talked about showdown with Paul Malignaggi this fall. “Let the little fella keep yapping”, said Gonzales’ co-manager Patrick Doljanin, referring to Malignaggi. “Maligwannabe is a poser and everyone in boxing knows it. A skeptical Doljanin went on to say, “The guy is a chicken*** with no power, heart or skill. He’ll find a way to back out of fighting Speedy, just watch. I’m not convinced his people are ready to take off his diaper”
"Merciless" McGee Ready to be One in a Million's Baby
THU May 5 - Octavius James/ONE IN A MILLION INC., the Midwest's premiere pro boxing team, today announced its intentions to sign Gary's "Merciless" Mary McGee, one of the nation's top female boxing prospects, to join its stable of top fighters.
McGee plans to make her pro debut in "Friday Night Fights," May 20th, at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, in Merrillville, IN just weeks after competing in the finals of the Chicago Golden Gloves and becoming Champion in her division.
Boxing fans across the Midwest have been watching McGee closely and the explosion in popularity of women's boxing has fans clamoring for more, said Octavius James, CEO of ONE IN A MILLION INC.
"There's no doubt Mary is going to make an exciting career for herself and give fans the best in boxing," James said. "She's exciting, talented, and we know we can help her reach the top of the women's boxing world."
McGee has racked up an impressive amateur record under amateur coach John Taylor, head of the award-winning Gary Police Athletic League boxing team. Along with competing in boxing shows and tournaments, she has been frequently invited to box in exhibition shows across the Midwest.
McGee's debut on the "Friday Night Fights" means the up-and-comer will share the spotlight with reigning NABF Cruiserweight Champion Ali Supreme, IN.B.A. an Indiana State Lightweight Champ Johnny "Kid One In A Million" Novak and Chicago's Undefeated Middleweight prospect Michael "The Midnight Stalker" Walker, Light Welterweight Ruben Galvan, "The Fighting School Teacher" Middleweight Jimmy Holmes and Mexico City's Lightweight Jaime Alvarado will round off the card.
"We have great plans for Mary, and to start her off with the kind of fighters we'll have on "Friday Night Fights,' you just can't get a better start to a pro career. We are excited about making her our "ONE IN A MILLION BABY," James said.
For tickets or more information on "Merciless" Mary McGee and "Friday Night Fights" May 20th at the Radisson Hotel @ Star Plaza, Merrillville, IN call 866-438-7372,Star Plaza Box Office 219-769-6600 or Any Ticket Master Location 312-559-1212.
Visit us at: www.oneinamillionboxing.com
