TalkingBoxing News
Spadafora Returns March 9th
WED, January 31 - MICHAEL ACRI BOXING PROMOTIONS, in association with Carlos Linas' Clip Boxing and Dennis Baxter's Blue Cap Promotions, presents the 2007 ring debut of "The Pittsburgh Kid," undefeated former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion PAUL SPADAFORA! Spadafora, in a 10-round jr. welterweight bout, will headline an action-packed card, Friday, March 9, at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. The first bout will begin at 7:30 P.M. The following night, superstar comedian Jay Leno, star of NBC's "Tonight Show," will be performing at the same venue.
Spadafora (39-0-1, 16 KOs), ended a two year hiatus from the ring last November, knocking out Panchita Zepeda in the fifth round. The victory marked the beginning of a personal quest to win another world title -- this time in the junior welterweight division. Spadafora captured the IBF world lightweight title in 1999, upsetting the heavily-favored Israel Cardona, winning a lopsided decision. After successfully defending his world championship belt eight times during his four-year reign, he vacated the title to move up to the 140-pound division.
Details on Spadafora's opponent, the undercard and ticket information, will be announced in the near future.
Ibragimov Returns vs. Thompson on 'BDSSP'
WED, January 31 - With a combined record of 49-2-1, it is amazing that Timor Ibragimov (21-1-1, 13 KOs) and Tony Thompson (28-1, 17 KOs) haven’t already received a well-earned shot at the World Heavyweight Title. So on Friday, February 16, at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California, these highly-avoided warriors will do things the old fashioned way by fighting each other and leaving no doubt as to which fighter is truly the most deserving contender.
Ibragimov-Thompson, which is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing, will be telecast live on a special boxing edition of Fox Sports Net’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period”.
“This is a rare meeting of two fighters at the top of their games who could have easily fought journeymen while waiting for a shot at the world championship,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing. “I respect both men for putting it all on the line, and I’m expecting a great fight on February 16th.”
A talented fighter approaching his prime, Uzbekistan’s Timor Ibragimov (21-1-1, 13 KOs) is ready to make his move on the elite in the heavyweight division. A 1996 Olympian for his home country, Ibragimov relocated to the United States shortly after turning pro and has since impressed fight fans with his versatility in the ring.
Ibragimov would lose his only pro fight in June of 2006 via 12 round decision to future title challenger Calvin Brock, but with temperatures in the outdoor arena sailing past the 100 degree mark, it was obvious that the 32-year old was hampered by circumstances out of his control. Well-rested and eager to return to the ring, Ibragimov looks to have an impressive comeback fight against Thompson on February 16.
Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (28-1, 17 KOs) is an imposing 6-5 southpaw who is coming into his own at the age of 35. A seven year pro who is unbeaten in 24 fights since his only loss (via four round decision to Erik Kirkland) in 2000, the Maryland native went 3-0 in 2006, with his biggest win coming in June, as he easily outpointed highly regarded Dominick Guinn over 12 rounds to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title.
Miranda-Green Battle on HBO, March 3rd
WED, January 31 - Without question one of the most exciting fighters in the world today, Uncrowned Middleweight Champion, Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda will make his long-awaited debut in his newly adopted home of Puerto Rico on Saturday, March 3rd when he takes on hard-hitting rising star Allan ‘Sweetness’ Green on a star-studded HBO World Championship Boxing card featuring Miguel Cotto’s WBA welterweight title defense against number one contender Oktay Urkal.
This stellar doubleheader, which is presented by Top Rank, with Miranda-Green being presented in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing, will air live on HBO from the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico has become like a second home to me,” said Miranda, a native of Colombia. “I love to train there and the people treat me like one of their own. I can’t wait to fight in front of the people of San Juan on March 3rd, and I promise to treat them to another knockout victory against Allan Green.”
A two-fisted knockout artist with an aggressive style that has made him a must-see performer for fight fans, 26-year old Edison Miranda (27-1, 24 KOs) truly arrived on the boxing scene in 2005, when he made his United States debut with a win over Sam Reese. Since then, fight fans around the globe have adopted ‘Pantera’, and he has responded with knockout wins over Howard Eastman, Sherwin Davis, and most recently, Willie Gibbs. The only blemish on his record is a controversial decision loss in Germany to IBF Middleweight ‘Champion’ and hometown favorite Arthur Abraham, a bout rightfully slammed as one of the worst officiated bouts in recent history. The Uncrowned World Champion, who broke Abraham’s jaw in two places in the bout, refused to be discouraged by this miscarriage of justice though, knowing that as the number one contender in the world, he will have his day very soon.
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, unbeaten Allan ‘Sweetness’ Green (23-0, 16 KOs) has thrilled the boxing world not only with his ability to outbox his opponents, but with his tendency to knock them out as well. Talented and confident, Green scored the knockout of the year in 2005 when he took out highly-touted Jaidon Codrington in just 18 seconds, and he’s gone 5-0 since, including wins over tough veterans Anthony Bonsante, Emmett Linton, and Jerson Ravelo. On March 3rd, the one time Light Heavyweight moves down to Middleweight and he’s ready for anything Miranda will throw at him.
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