TalkingBoxing News
Star Boxing Inks Kevin Johnson
WED March 8 - Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, in a continuing quest to bring the best talent in boxing to fight fans around the world, is pleased to announce the signing of unbeaten heavyweight prospect Kevin ‘The Kingpin’ Johnson to a promotional deal.
“I am thrilled we where chosen by Kevin, who had practically every major promoter vying for him. I am confident that Kevin Johnson is the future world heavyweight champion,” said Star Boxing’s Joe DeGuardia. “He has all the physical tools, but more importantly, he’s got the heart and drive to be the best. We’re pleased to have this charismatic young man on the Star Boxing team, and we’re ready to unleash him on a heavyweight division in dire need of a star.”
Johnson will return to the ring on Star Boxing's next ESPN2 show on March 31 at Mohegan Sun against an opponent to be named. Born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the 26-year-old Johnson (8-0-1, 5 KOs) has been one of the most highly sought after heavyweights in the world ever since a 2004 campaign that saw him defeat veteran contender Robert Wiggins and battle to a highly controversial draw with unbeaten contender Timor Ibragimov.
Since then, the 6-5 boxer-puncher – a New Jersey State Golden Gloves champion who compiled a 14-2 amateur record - impressed boxing observers with a shutout decision win over fellow prospect William Cook, and sandwiched that victory with devastating first round stoppages of Karl Evans and Robert Kooser, the most recent being on Star Boxing show 5 weeks ago.
Outside the ring, Johnson, who cites his mother as his biggest inspiration, works in real estate and property management in his home state, and is the proud single parent of a six-year-old daughter, Fatima, who he has been raising since the death of her mother in 2002.
World Title Fight at Grand Victoria Casino
WED March 8 -
Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, and Octavius James' One in a Million Inc. present another outstanding evening of professional boxing on Saturday, March 25th at Grand Victoria Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana.
"We're thrilled to be returning to Grand Victoria Casino," said Pesoli. "Our last event was headlined by an outstanding world title bout between David Diaz and Ramazan Palyani. Both fighters put on a great show and we had a tremendous turnout of fight fans."
Pesoli noted the fans and Grand Victoria have been very supportive and he's pleased to bring another high-quality event to Southeast Indiana. "We've got a great main event, a terrific undercard featuring three undefeated prospects and, once again, Showtime's Jimmy Lennon Jr. will emcee," said Pesoli.
Headlining the evening is a women's world championship bout between Sumya "The Island Girl" Anani of Overland Park, Kansas and Terry "The Road Warrior"
Blair of Louisville, Kentucky who will battle in a ten round IBA Welterweight Title bout.
Anani's ten year pro career includes a decision over Christy Martin in 1998. Martin, at the time, was widely recognized as the best women's boxer in the world and
had been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Since her win over Martin, "The Island Girl" has defeated former world champions and contenders Belinda Laracuente, Stephanie Jaramillo, Jane Couch, Fredia Gibbs and Lisa Holewyne.
Blair, truly living up to her moniker, "The Road Warrior", has fought all of her pro bouts in her four year career away from Louisville and has posted solid road
wins over Shelby Walker, Andrea Nelson and Molly McConnell.
"Anani is widely recognized as one of the top woman boxers in the world and has been dodged by Lucia Rijker for a long time," stated Pesoli. "Blair is just a flat out tough woman and will fight anywhere against anyone. It should be a terriffic battle."
The undercard features three undefeated prospects. Middleweight Michael "The Midnight Stalker" Walker of Chicago, IL, Mike Gonzalez of Milwaukee, WI and middleweight Aaron Pryor Jr. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Pryor is trained by HBO analyst and trainer of numerous world champions Emanuel Steward. Pryor's father is legendary boxer, former world champion and Hall of Famer, Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor, Sr.
Additional information on this event will be announced shortly.
For tickets, call 312-226-5800 or Grand Victoria Casino at 1-800-GRAND-11.
For directions and information on Grand Victoria Casino, please visit their website at www.grandvictoria.com.
For information on 8 Count Productions and One in a Million Inc., please visit their websites at www.8countproductions.com and www.oneinamillionboxing.com .
For further information on Sumya Anani, please visit her website at www.sumya.com.
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