TalkingBoxing News
Marciano Award for John Duddy
MON November 20 - Newly crowned IBA World middleweight title-holder
"Ireland's" John Duddy, rated No. 8 by the WBO and No. 10 by the WBA, will be presented the prestigious Rocky Marciano Award as a distinguished champion on December 3 at the Boxerama XXV awards luncheon, celebrating the 25th American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, Inc. (AAIB), in White Plains, New York.
The AAIB was co-founded in 1968 by the late, undefeated world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano and Stephen B. Acunto, Dean of American Boxing Coaches and James J. Walker Award winner.
Ireland-native Duddy (18-0, 15 KOs), now fighting of out Queens (NY), won a unanimous 12- round decision September 29 at The Theatre in Madison Square Garden against former world champion Luis Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas (88-9) for the IBA World middleweight title.
"John Duddy reminds me of Jimmy 'Baby Face' McLarnin, the former world welterweight champion who I used to spar with," Acunta said. "I really admired the way John fought a former world champion (Campas) who had 96 fights to his 17.
The humble Duddy is, of course, greatly honored to be receiving the Marciano Award. "It's hard to describe in words how I feel about receiving this award," John remarked. "Two years ago, Bernard Hopkins received it. I need to do a lot more to live up to the standards of the Rocky Marciano Award winners. It's more than I could ever imagine.
"Rocky was a very exciting fighter. His fights against Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott were unbelievable. I've watched a lot of his fights on tape. Rocky Marciano will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxing champions of all-time."
"KO King" Guthrie returns Nov. 30
MON November 20 - CHARLESTON, South Carolina (November 20, 2006) - IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion William "KO King" Guthrie returns to action November 30, headlining in an eight-round bout on the "Thursday Night Fights" show at The Plex in Charleston, South Carolina.
"Thursday Night Fights" is presented by Jim Kelley Promotions in association with Silverhawk Championship Boxing.
Guthrie (34-3-2, 27 KOs), former IBF light heavyweight champion, is coming of a scintillating performance on July 29 in Boise, Idaho stopping Luke Munsen (19-5) in the fifth round of their pay-per-view fight for the vacant IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight title. In eight fights since his comeback, Guthrie is unbeaten with six wins and two draws, including victories in his last four bouts. Guthrie takes on Mike Eatman (9-6, 6 KOs) In the eight-round main event on Nov. 30.
"I'm 39 and can't take anybody lightly," Guthrie said. "Guys like this (Eatman) are real dangerous. They get a few losses, start being used, and get more active. They're opportunists who fight to beat a name. They're dangerous. These fights are all about getting back to the big dance. My last fight was a big dance but I mean THE BIG DANCE (world title fight). I'm looking forward to fighting the best in the light heavyweight of cruiserweight divisions."
In the six-round co-feature, unbeaten cruiserweight Shane " Irish Hitman" Benfield (14-0, 8 KOs) makes his Silverhawk Boxing debut against an opponent to be determined. "I'm an old school, entertaining fighter," Shane remarked. "I talk smack and put people on their backs. I have world class potential and heart. Silverhawk is going to try and help me get the most out talent and ability. I leave it all in the ring."
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