TalkingBoxing News
Litzau Featured on ESPN Classic
MON March 20 - On Tuesday, March 21 at 8:00 pm ET, undefeated featherweight Jason Litzau’s July 15, 2005 split-decision victory over John Nolasco will be featured on ESPN Classics “Classic Boxing” series, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The 10-round bout, which was originally broadcast on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” program, was selected by ESPN.com as one of 12 “Unforgettable Bouts” from 2005.
Litzau (17-0, 15 KO’s) is a 22-year-old native of St. Paul, MN. In his last bout on Jan 28, 2006—on the undercard of Arturo Gatti-Thomas Damgaard—Litzau dismantled two-time world title challenger Carlos Contreras to earn a sixth round stoppage (TKO 6). Among those at ringside impressed by Litzau’s performance was legendary champion Pernell Whitaker, who described Litzau as “sharp”.
"I am honored that ESPN would select my fight against Nolasco as an ‘instant’ classic", said Litzau. He joked, "I am only 22 years old and already I am a classic.
“But seriously, there will be a lot more classic fights before my career is over. I just hope that the ESPN2 Friday night fight decision-makers give me another chance to fight on their show before I get too old," Litzau added with a smile. "I can't wait to fight on TV again!"
Silverhawk Challenges Fight Academy, Johnston Wants Hatton
MON March 20 - Silverhawk Boxing, on behalf of former
two-time
world champion Stevie "Lil' But Bad" Johnston, has issued a challenge
to
Fight Academy for a title fight May 13 at Foxwoods Resort Casino
against IBF & WBA junior welterweight champion Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton.
"I'm personally asking Hatton's promoters, Dennis Hobson and Robert Waterman, to accept our challenge for Hatton to defend his belts against America's top junior welterweight contender, Stevie Johnston," Silverhawk Boxing owner Dennis Rider said. "Stevie's beaten the world's best fighters the last 10 years and he's proven to be most deserving of a world title shot against Hatton.
"Styles make fights and Hatton-Johnston would be a classic puncher-boxer match between two world-class, champion fighters. The public wants to see Hatton in against an opponent who isn't just going to stand in front of him. Stevie Johnston is the answer."
For more information about Silverhawk Boxing visit its web site at www.silverhawkboxing.com. Much more on the proposed Johnston-Hatton, May 13th title bout.
"The Caribbean Tank" On The Move
MON March 20 - Caribbean heavyweight champion Sherman “The
Caribbean Tank” Williams (28-10-2, 15 KOs) takes on Adenilson “Maguilinha”
Rodrigues (18-3, 14 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature March 31 for the
vacant
NBA Intercontinental heavyweight championship at the new Ybor City
Multi
Fight Complex in Tampa, Florida.
Former two-time World Boxing Council lightweight champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston (38-3-1, 17 KOs) fights light welterweight knockout artist Luis Ernesto Jose (24-4-2, 22 KOs) in the 10-round, non-title main event on the Mar. 31 show, co-promoted by Silverhawk Boxing and Ringsports Boxing Promotions.
“I’m looking forward to the fight,” Williams said. “It is very significant for me. I don’t take anybody lightly, but I want to fight for the world heavyweight championship, and that’s why this fight is so important. By the end of this year, God willing, I’ll get a world title shot. I’ll shock the boxing world. I’m going to sneak up on one of these heavyweight champions and take his title belt.”
Brazilian-native Rodrigues is riding a six-fight win streak into his bout against Williams. “I’m not worried about my opponent because I’m in great shape – I just sparred eight tough rounds without any problems – and I’m confident,” Sherman noted. “I’ll be in super dynamic shape for this fight. I’ve been doing a lot of running and cardio work. Technically, since I’ve been working with (trainer) Buddy (McGirt), my style hasn’t changed, but we’ve worked on some weak sports, troubleshooting, and concentrated on my weight.”
Williams, 33, is quick to note that for his last three fights – all victories -- his weight has dropped from 263 pounds last October, to 258 in December, and 248 for his last fight February 24. Sherman says he’ll weigh between 242 and 245 for (More…..) 2 – Williams-Rodrigueshis March 31st fight, his lightest in nearly three years.
During his 8-½ years fighting as a professional, the battle-tested Bahamian Williams has wins against Frank Wood, Al “Ice” Cole and Cisse Salif, to name a few of the more notables, and he fought to a draw versus former world title challenger Jameel McCline.
Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first bout at 7:30 PM. Tickets, priced at $75.00 (VIP), $40.00 (reserved) and $25.00 (general admission) are available through TicketMaster. For more information call 813.223.7788.
Williams and Johnston are promoted by Silverhawk Boxing, managed by
Rider
Boxing, and trained by McGirt. For more information about Williams,
Johnston, or Silverhawk Boxing go to www.silverhawkboxing.com.
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