TalkingBoxing News
Arnaoutis Returns, Sheika vs. Muriqi on May 9th
MON April 14 - Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing has outdone itself as they present a terrific twin bill of matches on May 9, 2008 emanating from Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ. In the first co-main event recently crowned USBA Jr. Welterweight champ "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis (18-2-2, 9 KO's) making his first title defense against the undefeated Lanardo Tyner (19-0, 11 KO's) in a 12 round bout.
"Mighty Mike" looked very impressive in his last bout, March 6, 2008, winning the vacant USBA JR Welterweight tile in dominating fashion from tough guy Harrison Cuello. A huge throng of fellow compatriots were there waving the flag of Greece, banging their war drums and cheering on Mike and the same is expected on May 9th.
Lanardo Tyner is very excited to get this opportunity and says he will be Mighty Mike's Achilles' heel. Since Lanardo turned pro, he has laced a path of destruction on the way to an undefeated record. Tyner is a very outgoing personality and said, "The world has been asking who Lanardo Tyner is and on May 9th they will find out along with Mike Arnaoutis". The second co-main features a highly entertaining fight, as two popular battle tested veterans battle in a 10 round Light Heavyweight fight. Two of the most action oriented fighters will compete for survival as, #15 WBA Elvir Muriqi (35-4-1, 22 KO's) takes on Omar Sheika (27-8, 13 KO's) in what promises to be an explosive match-up.
Muriqi bounced back from his controversial majority decision loss to Antonio Tarver with an impressive fourth round TKO of Jameel Wilson on January 31, 2008. Elvir has made a commitment to himself to challenge for the Light Heavyweight title by years end but has a tall task in front of him in the ever- so-tough Sheika.
Omar Sheika returned to the ring September 29, 2007, with a TKO victory over Tiwon Taylor. Sheika had been out of action for 2 years before that, taking time out to refresh his body and re-energize his career. Omar has been in many memorable battles including two savage fights with Scott Pemberton. Omar has challenged for the world title on three separate occasions during his career but believes a win over Muriqi will put him back into title contention. Both Muriqi and Sheika have previously been in ESPN 'fights of the year', so this promises to be a very exciting matchup.
"Once again I am happy to be able to give our loyal fans what they want, we have a spectacular line up with something for everyone to enjoy, " said Star Boxing head honcho Joe DeGuardia. "Both of these fights are main events, so fans will be able to see two main events in one night, and I know we will see plenty of fireworks on May 9th".
Ken Condon, Sports and Entertainment Consultant for Harrah's Entertainment, echoes those sentiments stating, "Bally's Atlantic City has always been a terrific venue for championship boxing and has hosted some tremendous bouts throughout the years. This is certainly no exception. With the exciting fighters on this card we are sure to see some tremendous action that will not disappoint."
The bouts will be telecast on the popular "Friday Night Fights" series on ESPN2 in association with Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ.
Doors: 7pm First Fight: 7:30pm Tickets are priced at $90-$60 and are available at all ticketmaster outlets and online at http://www.ticketmaster.com
Byrd to Face George May 16th On ESPN!
MON April 14 - For years, Shaun George has waited patiently for his chance to rise to the top of his division. His journey comes to a head on May 16, when the Brooklyn native faces former two-time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd on ESPN's Friday Night Fights in Las Vegas, NV. The fight will be contested at the light-heavyweight limit of 175 pounds.
"This opportunity means everything to me," says George, 16-2-2 (7 KO). "I'm ready for this step up on May 16. I've been waiting for this kind of fight my whole life. I believe I'm a better fighter and I'm ready to prove it. I know I'm the underdog, but I also know I will come out on top."
Shaun George is currently riding a three-fight winning streak following a dubious decision loss to Alexander Gurov in his opponent's home country. During his last fight, George shut out difficult journeyman Thomas Reid over ten rounds. Reid was a late-replacement for Eric Harding, who withdrew the week of the fight. George was a decorated amateur, winning two New York Golden Glove titles, as well as US National Amateur and Junior Olympic titles. He is trained by the venerable Tommy Brooks and promoted by Hall of Fame Promotions.
George's adversary, whose impressive mark reads 40-4-1 (21 KO), is no slouch either. Byrd has posted victories over heavyweight mainstays David Tua, Vitali Klitschko, Fres Oquendo and Evander Holyfield, among others. A silver medalist in the 1992 Olympics Games, "Rapid Fire" is a sure-fire future Hall of Famer.
"I know he's fast and that he fights intelligently," George concedes. "That doesn't concern me. It won't be about what Chris Byrd can do, but what I can do. This is my time to shine, Chris Byrd just happens to be the opponent set before me.
Shaun George's manager, Hall of Fame inductee Lou Duva, is confident with his fighter's prospects. "I've never seen him this excited about a fight before," says George's manager Lou Duva. "He wants this win, he's training to win and he's going to win.
"I know what this kid's abilities are. Shaun is a good, strong light heavyweight. He throws a lot of combinations and does what it takes to win. I like everything I see about him."
A recent press release issued by the Byrd camp made mention of Byrd's post-George intentions. George says his only concern is on the challenge he has signed to face. "He can look past me all he wants, talking about fighting Jones, Tarver and Calzaghe. My only focus is on the fight in front of me."
Adds George, "The light heavyweight division is the best division in boxing and this fight will show why. I'm bringing my A game and I expect him to do the same."
The Shaun George-Chris Byrd bout is promoted by Banner Promotions.
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