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Former Champ Jeff Lacy Returns To The Ring To Face Undefeated Prospect Sullivan Barrera on June 21 |
Wilkes-Barre, PA: The undercard for the June 21 match-up between Anatoliy "The Gladiator" Dudchenko (19-2, 13 KOs) and Nadjib Mohammedi (34-3, 20 KOs) is shaping up to be just as exciting as the main event. The highlight of the undercard is an eight-round light heavyweight fight between undefeated prospect Sullivan Barrera (11-0, 6 KOs) and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Jeff Lacy (26-4, 18 KOs). This will be the toughest fight of Barrera's career thus far and an opportunity for both men to establish themselves as players on the light heavyweight scene.
According to Main Events' matchmaker, Jolene Mizzone, "This is a very important fight for both fighters in a very hot division. I went through about eight different opponents for Barrera that accepted the fight then backed out. Jeff reached out to me and asked for the fight. Barrera took about five minutes to accept the fight. Here you have two guys who really want to fight each other and have something to prove. Jeff was scheduled to fight about four times in the last year or so but all of the fights fell apart. This is an opportunity for both guys to prove they belong in the light heavyweight mix."
Barrera, 32, is coming off an impressive six-round unanimous decision victory over Larry Pryor at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on April 4. This was Barrera's first victory since signing with Main Events earlier this year. This will be the first big test of Barrera's undefeated career. He said, "I am excited and happy that I was finally able to get an opponent for June 21. I want to continue to move my career forward and I am ready to fight." When asked about fighting Lacy, Sullivan said, "My game plan hasn't changed. I have seen Lacy fight before and, even though he was inactive for a while, he is still a fighter and when he gets in the ring he is going to try to win. We have a game plan put together and I am ready to fight."
"I would like to thank Main Events for the opportunity to once again showcase Sullivan. We are confident and ready to show the world that we can compete with the top guys in the light heavyweight division. We look forward to the victory June 21," said Barrera's co-manager Luis Molina. His other co-manager, Egis Klimas added, "This will be his toughest fight to date but a win over Lacy would propel Sullivan to the next level in the light heavyweight division. We think he is up to that challenge."
Jeff Lacy, 37, is a seasoned veteran who is coming off a third-round TKO victory over Martin Verdin on November 30, 2013 in Baton Rouge, LA. Lacy began his pro career with Main Events in 2001 after competing as a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. He fought under the Main Events banner until mid-2002. In the ensuing years, he remained undefeated and held the IBF Super Middleweight Title from 2004-2006, until suffering his first pro defeat to Joe Calzaghe. After taking some time off following a string of losses at super middleweight, Lacy is looking to make in impression as a light heavyweight. Lacy said, "I'm really looking forward to working with Main Events again and this match-up with Barrera really excites me. I am happy to return back to the ring after so many of the fights that I've had that were scheduled only to fall apart."
Roger Bloodworth, who trained Lacy for much of his career and has worked with heavyweight Tomasz "Goral" Adamek for the last several years, will work Lacy's corner on June 21. He said, "I don't know too much about Barrera. I watched one tape on him. I think he is a little bit taller than Jeff so I think this is a good fight for Jeff to see where he is at after his long lay-off."
Main Events' CEO Kathy Duva said, "I always enjoy when one of our past fighters comes back, even if it's just for one fight. Our split with Jeff was acrimonious but it's great that we can work together again now. The boxing business has always been one where you fight like dogs one day and turn around to work together the next. It's one of the things I love about it. Because of that, Sullivan is getting a big opportunity to make a name for himself and I can't wait to see how the fight plays out."
About June 21:
June 21 features Anatoliy "The Gladiator" Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSNFight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl "Dynamite" Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Nighttelecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The remainder of the undercard will be announced shortly. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.
NBC Sports Live Extra:
NBC Sports Group's live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets - will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.
All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via "TV Everywhere," which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs. |
- BET delivers you a lesson in #HIPHOP like you've never had before. Pioneers, Icons, MCs, DJs, B-Boys, Graf ---- all the elements in this 4-Part HIPHOP Documentary. #TheMessage
Tune In on Wednesday, June 11th:
In the 2nd installment of The Message, we take it to the South, talk the East Coast/ West Coast war and the G.O.A.T.S: Tupac and Biggie.
Ray Allen's monster dunk in game 1 of the NBA Finals got us thinking about his vicious throwdowns in his younger days.
UNCASVILLE, CT -- In the main event at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, world-rated contender Henry Lundy took another step towards a long awaited world title shot by stopping the son of legendary Hall of Famer Pipino Cuevas, Gerardo Pipino Cuevas, Jr., at 2:23 of the second round.
Lundy, 138 lbs., Philadelphia, PA, stalked Cuevas, 138 ½ lbs., Mexico City, Mexico, from the opening bell and never let him get comfortable. The win brings Lundy’s record to 25-3-1, 12 KO’s, while Cuevas falls to 17-12, 15 KO’s.
“I am ready for anyone,” said Lundy. “135 is where I want to be but if I have to go up to 140 or even 147, I don’t care, I want a world title belt around my waist.”
World rated WIBA International champion Shelly Vincent, 122 ¾ lbs., New London, CT, returned to the ring for the first time in six months with a unanimous decision win over veteran former title contender Lakysha Williams, 122 ½ lbs., Philadelphia, PA. The win raised Vincent’s undefeated mark to 11-0, 1 KO while Williams falls to a deceptive 9-19-3, 1 KO record.
In the most impressive win of his young career, Jimmy Williams, 152 ¼ lbs., New Haven, CT, scored an impressive first round knockout victory over cross-town rival Christian Lao, 152, New Haven, CT. The time of the stoppage was 1:57 and with the win, Williams upped his record to 6-0-1, 3 KO’s and added the Connecticut State Super Welterweight Title to his resume. Lao falls to 5-3-1, 2 KO’s.
BONUS FOOTAGE
World-rated female welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes, 144 ¼ lbs., Marshfield, MA, had her hands full with undefeated Althea Saunders, 140 ½ lbs., Atlantic City, NJ, in their six round fight. Both had their moments of success, and it was a very hard fight to score as neither landed any really telling blows. In the end the judges called it a draw, 58-57 Lopes, 58-56 Saunders and 57-57. The draw leaves Lopes with a record of 10-2-2, 1 KO, while Saunders suffers her first blemish at 3-0-1.
In his first fight in over a year, Kevin Cobbs, 183 lbs., Willimantic, CT, used his superior reach and conditioning to ward off the relentless charge of Willis Lockett, 189 lbs., Tacoma Park, MD, in their four round fight. Lockett landed some big shots, but Cobbs was able to answer back every time. In the end Cobbs walked away with the unanimous decision by scores of 39-37, 40-36 and 39-37. Cobbs’ record now stands at 8-1, 2 KO’s while Lockett falls to 13-14-5, 5 KO’s.
In the evening’s opening professional fight, Joe Wilson, 151 ½ lbs., Hartford, CT, and Ethan Pena, 153 lbs., Providence, RI, battled hard in their four round encounter, but in the end it was the slick boxing and defense of Wilson that won the judges over. Pena had success, especially to the body, but Wilson was the busier of the two in pretty much every round. Final scores were 39-37, 39-37 and 40-36. The win pushed Wilson’s record to 2-1, while Pena falls to 2-2, 1 KO.
The card was presented by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports and the matchmaker was Ted Panagiotis. CES Boxing returns next Friday, June 6th at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI. That show is headlined by a New England light heavyweight championship fight between two former title challengers, Rich Gingras and Jaime Velazquez. Tickets are available by calling 401-724-2253 or visiting CESBoxing.com.
Amateur Results:
Anthony Marsella, Jr., Smithfield, RI – W3 – Scott Sullivan, New Bedford, MA
Gary Balletto, Jr., Providence, RI – W3 – Eric Anderson, New Haven, CT
Khiary Gray-Pitts, Worcester, MA – W3 – Ray Oliveira, Jr., New Bedford, MA
Miguel Teo, Marlboro, MA – W3 – Godfrey Campbell, New Haven, CT
Isaac Perez, Providence, RI - W3 – Danny Pena, Providence, RI
The Elm city Empire seems to be the chant for the local residents of the Elm City, this group seems to be the hottest and latest "Talk of the Town." So just who is the Elm City Empire I begin to ask myself. They have flooded the streets with their parties being renowned for having the best dj’s, scrumptious catering services as well as bringing our favorite celebrity guests such as Slick Rick to rock the mic and mingle with the locals from the Hamden and New Haven areas. I had to find out who this group was, who the key players are and what are their future plans. I had the opportunity to kick it with one of the group’s main players Ping “The Topic King” who I would describe as being the hype man, the grinder and their ear to the streets.
We set up a meeting at their current home base The Talk of the Town; located at 940 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT. As I walk into the establishment I am greeted by Mr. Topic King himself we begin to discuss the mission of The Elm City Empire and what their organization is all about. He begins by telling me who they are which happens to be 3 local promoters who decided to join forces and combine their efforts to bring sexy back. They want to form a commission that offers unity in the community amongst local promoters in the New Haven, CT area. He stated that each promoter that is a part of the commission would gain full support from their team by promoting their events to assure success for everyone. The visionary behind this “empire” is Alton Outlaw a long time New Haven resident. He is described as being the brain behind the creation he and his partner Dana Griffin are the “business” of the Empire. Together they work to attain sponsorship from local businesses as well as promotion with New Haven’s very own 94.3 WYBC. Through their tireless efforts local residents had the pleasure to be entertained by a true hip hop legend Slick Rick. Topic King says his role is more to get the folks in the building. He uses his previous promoting experience and lifelong ties to New Haven as a successful tool to draw in the masses by means of social media such as Facebook and InstaGram.
The true mission of The Elm City Empire is to be known as the go to group, Elm City’s “Dream Team” when you think of having or attending a tasteful mature event that has flair and pizzazz. They want their name to be synonymous with having the hottest events at the hottest venues in Connecticut drama free for the grown and sexy. So now I know what the buzz is all about in the elm, I guess the Empire already struck and they will continue striking back. Next time you’re looking for something to do around town come to an Elm City Empire event their "catch phrase" is....It's the EMPIRE BABY..... YOU won’t be disappointed.
Written by: KeeKee Dee
ELM CITY EMPIRE PRESENTS SLICK RICK @ TALK OF THE TOWN, HAMDEN CT
(PHOTOS BY GOMIS OF
BUD MENCH MEDIA GROUP)
www.streetconnfinementphotos.ning.com
When you search www.fightkings.com you would have seen the countless boxing interviews and reviews of the fight game by our correspondent, Pattee Mak. She is usually thinking outside of the box and not only goes after boxers to interview but goes after many different interesting individuals/topics to cover. This time the tables have turned and fightkings is excited to interview her along with the Producer and Director, Stephen “Stix” Josey the CEO of Stix Productions and CEO of MSJ Productions, Film & Music and the Associate Producer, Chris Josey of MSJ Productions, Film & Music regarding their upcoming movie “Temporary File”. The movie is about FBI Agent Jackson who is played by Stix, who is assigned to a special case known as the temporary file. Agent Jackson then discovers that due to
corruption within the bureau, those are his true enemies. Pattee was casted as “Linda” in the film.
FKT: WOW Pattee, We are so excited for you. Congratulations. How did this role come about?
Mak: I ran into an old friend of mine, Mark Del Negro. We started chatting about the ins and outs of the movie business and I mentioned to him that I would love to get into acting. A few weeks later Stix and Mark were chatting and he told Mark to text me to ask me if I would play his wife Linda in a movie. I was honored and so excited that I jumped to the opportunity. Linda’s name came about in honor of Stix’s late mother who recently passed away on October 1, 2013. It was funny because I knew little about the film and I didn’t know if I would have a speaking role or not. As we were driving there, I started to think to myself, hmmm wife… What kind of scene will I be playing? Would I have to kiss my friend?
FKT: You played Linda in the movie and this is your fist movie role. Did the acting come easily for you?
Click here for the remainder of the interview: http://bit.ly/PatteeMakActress
Mizgin Demircan is a Swedish music artist that is making her debut here in the United States with her sexy, fierce music and intoxicating voice, best known for her single "Get U Off". She is turning heads and rocking stages, boasting raw, enthusiastic energy and an eclectic sound.
A true artist to her core, Mizgin dreamed of hitting the top of the charts ever since she first started singing, writing, and performing as a young girl. Growing up in Bollnäs, a small town in Sweden, the musical scene was limited and she had trouble finding things to participate in as a singer. Nevertheless, she threw herself into everything she could find, including school shows, small venues and local events. For a while she tried taking dance classes but somehow always ended up practicing at home in front of the mirror and creating original moves that felt more like her own style. While she occasionally draws inspiration from others, Mizgin is primarily self-taught and loves adapting and re-creating things into something new and different. She believes that allowing your individuality to pour out of you unfiltered is what makes a successful artist.
In 2008, Mizgin went out on a limb and auditioned for the popular Swedish TV show Körslaget, a competition in which seven celebrities return to their respective hometowns and each select 20 singers for their own choir. The seven teams then compete until just one is left standing. Hanna Hedlund was the celebrity singer leading Mizgin's team. They worked hard, dedicating three months of their life to practicing and performing each round before ultimately winning the competition. It was a thrilling experience that only intensified her desire to succeed.
Mizgin always felt like she was meant to do something great with her life and has worked incredibly hard to make that vision a reality. Armed with the knowledge that things are never handed to you in life, she chased after her dream with infectious enthusiasm. In 2013, she traveled to America with Oscar Andersson, a long-time friend who was planning to start a music company in Sweden. Serendipity brought her together with Kama, the talented production duo that would ultimately become her producers here in the United States, as well as co-writer Nav Ramasamy and talent manager Kelly Newton of Jack N Jill Management.
Her single "Get U Off" was originally slated for one of the biggest pop stars in the world, but Mizgin was so struck by the song that she knew she wanted it more than anything. She approached her producers and told them that she was not leaving until the song was hers. "You wanted someone hungry," she told them. "Well, I'm starving." True to her word, she did not leave the studio until her producers agreed to give the song to her. "They looked at me like I was crazy," Mizgin admits, "but in the end that's who I am." In everything that she does, she continues to inspire those around her with her infectious passion and dedication. Music is not just her dream, it is her life -- and nothing is going to keep her from making it a reality.
"The only thing that is endless in life is your imagination, so never be afraid to use it and believe in it. If you want something, go get it; no one is going to get it for you. You may get help along the way, but the only one that can truly take you where you want to go is you." --Mizgin
For interviews contact Tara at Tarathomas@tarathomasagency.com
OVERVIEW, CREDITS, BACKGROUND & LINKS:
Mizgin's Manager is Kelly Newton of Jack N Jill Management (Universal Music, Ralph Lauren, Zales, MTV, Neiman Marcus)
Single Release Date: May 05,2014
*Went number 1 in Sweden iTunes chart within a few hours of release
Video Release Date: May 05, 2014
*Currently Trending for YouTube Most Watched page already.
Get You Off produced by Kama (multi-award nominated pop production duo comprised of John Sarris and Andrew Boss)
Get You Off was written by John Sarris, Andrew Boss and Nav Ramasamy
Mix - Phil Tan (3x Grammy winner mixes for Katy Perry ,Wiz Khalifa, Rihanna, Usher, Beyonce, Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey)
Master - Colin Sing (Icono Pop, Ludacris, 2Chains, Leona Lewis, Kimbra, Justin Bieber)
Carter B Smith - Video Director (NERD, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, 311, Bush, Wu-Tang Clan, Shooter Jennings, Wycleff Jean, Snoop Dog, Iggy Pop, Stone Temple Pilots,)
Phillipa Davis - Video Producer (Dead Presidents, New Jack City, Manny & Lo)
Joseph Victorine - Director of Photography (HBO, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Betty Who)
Joey Falsetta - Photography / 1st Assistant Director - world famous photographer
Teaser was cut by Carter B Smith and Joseph Mordecai
Label is HighJAC Productions / Fresh Muzik distribution through indie powerhouse Entertainment One
Mizgin Get You Off is now available for sale on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Shazaam, Spotify and many more online retailers and streaming sites.
Artist Vevo page is currently being build but it is not live yet.
Here are all the current inks to all artist sites, iTunes and Official Music Video:
www.twitter.com/officialmizgin
www.facebook.com/mizginmusic
www.instagram.com/iammizgin
http://smarturl.it/rsbidz
http://smarturl.it/getyouoffvideo
Get your next project distributed at @Raphenom.
My person goal, and struggles: I'm an artist some one who likes to create, write, and imagine. I imagine a better life, a better world - a world without judgment, pain and suffering. I write a lot about person experiences - my struggles as a human, as a woman and as a girl from an ethnic background. I have been judged for so many things by so many people, but I refuse to give up or give in. I have an illness, I have spent too much time in hospitals and beds, yet that will not keep me down either. Life is a journey and everyone has different paths and goals - Mine is to create, to share, to learn, to follow and lead when I need to or have to - I would follow unto the ends of the earth for someone who believes in me and I in them, I would give no less than my best, and I would lead you to all I know that is good on this earth if it was to help you in some way! I'm kind hearted, yet been hurt - I cry not for myself, I shed no tears for my pain, I cry for others, I cry for you, I cry for the hurts of the world - creation is inspiration, and inspiration is a step toward hope, and hope is something everyone could use at least once in their life time!
With all my heart, soul, mind, body, and spirit I wish you all the very best this earth and world has to offer!
Marija Cairns - DV869R - Thank you! xx
Photo by Kelly MacDonald
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT JIMMY Williams of New Haven, Conn., right, will battle Christian Lao of nearby Meriden for the vacant Connecticut State Junior Middleweight Title Saturday, May 31st, 2014 at Mohegan Sun. Williams is 5-0-1 since turning pro in January of 2013 while Lao is coming off a draw and a win since his return to boxing in October.
Jimmy Williams always knew he and Christian Lao would cross paths at some point.Christian Lao of Meriden, Conn., is coming off a win over fellow Connecticut native Joe Wilson Jr. in November. (CES photo by Kelly MacDonald)
As professional boxers from neighboring towns in Connecticut, they've fought on the same card before and have even sparred against one another. They consider each other friends.
Pleasantries aside, Saturday night won't be another run-of-the-mill sparring session when Lao and Williams step foot inside the same ring. This time, the fight counts. No headgear, no boundaries - just a throwback border war with more than state bragging rights on the line.
On Saturday, May 31st, 2014, Lao and Williams will face one another for the Connecticut Junior Middleweight State Title in the six-round co-feature of Classic Entertainment & Sports' pro-am boxing event at Mohegan Sun Arena, a fight several years in the making since Williams turned pro in 2013.
Tickets for the event are priced at $40, $65 and $125 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
"If I want to be the best in the world, I have to start in Connecticut," said Williams, a New Jersey native who now lives in New Haven. "Once I dominate here, I can move on to bigger and better things. The time is now.
"This is what you live for. To fight the guy next door, with all that pressure on you, it's what you dream of."
This will be an interesting contrast in styles between two fighters moving up in weight to meet at 154 pounds. A former college football player at Southern Connecticut State, Williams (5-0-1, 2 KOs) relies mostly on his power, while Lao (5-2-1, 2 KOs) is more of a finesse fighter who'd prefer to outbox his opponent rather than get into a slugfest in the middle of the ring.
"I'm more of a counterpuncher," Lao admits.
In recent fights, Lao has shown the ability to keep his distance and pick his spots, most notably in his win over fellow Connecticut native Joe Wilson Jr. in November. It's Williams who needs to prove he can handle an elusive opponent with fancy footwork. The last time he fought someone similar to Lao, he wound up with a draw against Atlantic City's Greg Jackson, a frustrating night for Williams, who failed to cut off the ring and impose his will.
"That's something I've worked on for hours and hours in the gym," Williams said. "I know guys want to avoid my power, so they'll try to outbox me. I need to be more physical and learn to trap guys in the corner."
"I move around on my toes, and I'm flashy, but I can mix it up and fight on the inside, too," Lao added. "His advantage is his body size. He's taller and longer. He likes to keep his distance."
Williams knows he needs to use his height and reach to keep Lao at the end of his jab while also being wary of Lao's ability to counterpunch. He also has to cut off the ring better than he did against Jackson. It's all part of a game plan he's been implementing beyond the border, spending his weekends for the past two months in Brooklyn sparring with unbeaten prospects Sadam Ali and Frank Galarza.
"To go into their backyard and spar, it helps me make a name for myself," Williams said. "I did eight rounds with Galarza the other day. They keep inviting me back. I got in the ring with Ali. These guys are hungry. They're at the point in their career that when they spar they give it their all. I've learned so much.
"I can't wait to show everyone what I've been working on these past few months."
For Lao, a Meriden native who trains under the guidance of East Hartford's Mike Conroy, it's about being the best in Connecticut once that final bell rings. He has a draw and a win since his return in October, erasing the memory of his lopsided loss to Gabriel Duluc in 2012, while Williams continues to climb the ladder in Connecticut following his win over Evincii Dixon in November, the same Dixon who fought Lao to draw a month before losing to Williams.
They knew they'd meet up at some point. They just never figured it'd be this soon.
"I'm really excited for this," Williams said. "I know some of his weaknesses and I know what he brings to the table, but I also know this will be a totally different fight.
"I'm ready for whatever he's got. I've seen him at his worst, and I've seen him get the best of me in sparring. I've got a good feeling. I'm going to adjust to whatever he tries to do."
Said Lao: "Once that bell rings, I'm here for business. I'm here to fight. It doesn't matter who it is. This is about proving who wants it the most. Who deserves to be in that spot, to own that belt and represent Connecticut? This will put my name out there. Who's the best in Connecticut? My name will pop up. That's what I want."
Saturday's main event features world-rated lightweight Hank Lundy (24-3-1, 11 KOs) of Philadelphia battling Mexican challenger Pipino Cuevas Jr. in a 10-round bout. Coming off back-to-back wins, Lundy is now ranked No. 9 in the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Lundy's 10-round fight against Cuevas Jr. headlines a dynamic card that also features the return of female bantamweight sensation Shelito Vincent and light heavyweight slugger Kevin Cobbs, plus the addition of an exciting amateur undercard replete with the region's most sought-after talent, including Gary Balletto Jr. and Ray Oliveira Jr., sons of two well-respected fighters who dominated the regional circuit at the turn of the 21st century.
Cobbs (7-1, 2 KOs), a veteran from Willimantic, Conn., will face Willis Lockett (13-13-5, 5 KOs) of Maryland in a four-round bout in Cobbs' first fight in more than a year, while Vincent (10-0, 1 KO) battles Philadelphia's Lakeysha Williams, a veteran of 30 fights, in a six-round bout. Also on the undercard, female welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak-Lopes (10-2-1, 1 KO), a former world-title challenger, will face Althea Saunders (3-0-1) of Atlantic City in a six-round bout. In other regional action, Hartford's Wilson Jr. (1-1) faces Ethan Pena (2-1, 1 KO) of Providence, R.I., in a four-round bout.
On the amateur portion of the show, Oliveira Jr., a 165-pounder who trains out of On Point Boxing in New Bedford, Mass., will face Khiary Gray of Camp Get Right in Worcester, Mass. Also from Camp Get Right, 140-pounder Phil Davis will battle Cranston, R.I., amateur Javier Nieves of 401 Boxing, and Kendrick Ball Jr. of Worcester and Camp Get Right will face Edmond Worley of Lowell, Mass., in a 185-pound bout.
New Haven, Conn., middleweight Godfrey Campbell faces Miguel Teo of Marlboro, Mass.; and Smithfield, R.I., light welterweight Anthony Marsella Jr. battles New Bedford's Scott Sullivan. Balletto Jr., a middleweight also fighting out of Cranston, will face New Haven's Eric Anderson of Elephant In The Room Boxing Club. All amateur bouts are three rounds, unless otherwise noted.
-- CES --
Photo courtesy of Classic Entertainment & Sports
LIGHTWEIGHT HANK LUNDY of Philadelphia, Pa., who returns to the ring Saturday, May 31st, 2014 at Mohegan Sun against Pipino Cuevas Jr., has a long list of potential opponents in his quest for a world title, including title-holders Yuriorkis Gamboa, Richar Abril and Terence Crawford.
Regardless of race, creed or color, world-title challenger Lundy will face anyone to win the belt
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 21st, 2014) -- Philadelphia boxer Hank Lundy doesn't see colors when it comes to targeting a potential opponent for a world-title bout, except, perhaps, green, which he could make a whole of in his next big fight.
To paraphrase the self-proclaimed "Can Man" himself, Adrien Broner -- another possibility for Lundy -- "Anybody can get it!"
"If my mom wants to rumble, we'll rumble if the money's right!" Lundy said with a laugh.
Coming off a big win over Angelo Santana four months ago on Showtime's ShoBox: The Next Generation, Lundy (24-3-1, 11 KOs) is within earshot of his first world-title bout. He's ranked No. 9 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) among lightweights and has won back-to-back fights since losing to Viktor Postol in March of 2013.
The time is now, and a win next weekend against tough, Mexican challenger Pipino Cuevas Jr. at Mohegan Sun could set the stage for Lundy's most important, and most lucrative, fight against any of the current title-holders.
"I hope it's real soon," said Lundy, whose 10-round bout against Cuevas Jr. is the main event of Classic Entertainment & Sports' pro-am boxing card Saturday, May 31st, 2014.
"I've been dying to fight for a world title. I've paid my just dues. I've fought undefeated fighters. Everyone they've put in front of me, I've fought. I never ran from nobody. When my time comes, it better come soon."
Tickets for the event are priced at $40, $65 and $125 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Cuevas Jr., the son of former welterweight world champion Pipino Cuevas with 28 fights under his belt and 15 wins by knockout, might be considered a small obstacle on Lundy's path to championship glory, but Lundy knows better than to look too for ahead.
In July of 2012, Lundy stepped into the ring against little-known journeyman Raymundo Beltran on ESPN2, putting his 22-1 record and No. 1 world ranking on the line. Lundy lost the bout by majority decision, costing him a shot at Antonio DeMarco's WBC title. DeMarco eventually lost it four months later to Broner while Lundy instead traveled to the Ukraine to face Postol, who beat him by unanimous decision to push him further out of the rankings.
Lundy's worked hard to get back into the championship picture at 135 pounds, beating former world-title challenger Olusegun Ajoseand Santana in back-to-back fights, so Lundy is taking nothing for granted next Saturday against the heavy-handed Cuevas Jr.
"With the Santana win and the win over Ajose, everyone started taking notice again," Lundy said. "This is a different 'Hammerin'' Hank you're seeing. I'm back on top.
"I feel better than ever. I'm ready to fight for a world championship tomorrow."
No one with a world title at 135 pounds has taken the bait yet, forcing Lundy to stay busy and press the issue with the sanctioning bodies by continuing to win and win decisively -- no risk, no reward, regardless of what's at stake with each fight.
"There are a lot of guys who think they can beat me, but won't fight me, so I have to keep taking fights like this against guys with records like mine where I can go in there and show them I'm a force to be reckoned with and I'm not going to be beat," Lundy said.
The list of names on his radar hasn't changed much, whether it's fighters he was supposed to face once before (Lucas Matthysse), fighters he's already beaten who now have world titles (World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Richar Abril), or those who've flown under the radar, until now, such as unbeaten World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Terence Crawford or interim WBA lightweight champ Yuriorkis Gamboa. The winner of the Gamboa-Crawford showdown scheduled for June 28th could decide Lundy's next opponent, pending the outcome of next weekend's fight.
Lundy wouldn't even mind taking a swing at Broner, a former sparring and training partner who recently came under fire for what the WBC deemed racially-insensitive remarks following his decisive win over Carlos Molina on May 3rd, a post-fight outburst Lundy felt sent the wrong message to boxing fans.
"I respect everybody," Lundy said. "When we get in that ring, it's war, but at the end of the day, I try to treat everybody as a human being in this world. We have so much negativity going on with race. Growing up, we got along with every color and race. I see no color. We're all people at the end of the day.
"The question isn't whether or not I'd fight him," he continued. "The question is whether or not he'd fight 'Hammerin'' Hank. Everyone knows what I'm about. I just finished camp with him, but at the end of the day it's about making money and getting to that next level."
With Broner now fighting at 140, and sometimes higher depending on the opponent, and Lundy trying to reestablish himself in the 135-pound division, a showdown between the two might never happen, but as long as Lundy continues winning in dominant fashion like the way he did against Santana, his time will come. The brash, outspoken Philadelphia slugger hopes it's sooner rather than later.
"I want that shot at a world title. You might even catch me at 147!" Lundy said. "At the end of the day, I'm a veteran in this game. I'm crafty. I'm ready to take these guys to a dimension different than anything they've ever seen before."
Lundy's 10-round fight against Cuevas Jr. headlines a dynamic card that also features the return of female bantamweight sensation Shelito Vincent and light heavyweight slugger Kevin Cobbs, plus the addition of an exciting amateur undercard replete with the region's most sought-after talent, including Gary Balletto Jr. and Ray Oliveira Jr., sons of two well-respected fighters who dominated the regional circuit at the turn of the 21st century.
Cobbs (7-1, 2 KOs), a veteran from Willimantic, Conn., will face Willis Lockett (13-13-5, 5 KOs) of Maryland in a four-round bout in Cobbs' first fight in more than a year. Also on the undercard, New Haven, Conn., junior middleweights Jimmy Williams (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and Christian Lao (5-2-1, 2 KOs) will battle for state bragging rights in a six-round bout; and female welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak-Lopes (10-2-1, 1 KO), a former world-title challenger, will face Althea Saunders (3-0-1) of Atlantic City in a six-round bout. In other regional action, Hartford, Conn., light middleweight Joe Wilson Jr. (1-1) faces Ethan Pena (2-1, 1 KO) of Providence, R.I., in a four-round bout.
On the amateur portion of the show, Oliveira Jr., a 165-pounder who trains out of On Point Boxing in New Bedford, Mass., will face Adam Paolino of Warwick, R.I. New Haven, Conn., middleweight Godfrey Campbell faces Miguel Teo of Marlboro, Mass.; and Smithfield, R.I., light welterweight Anthony Marsella Jr. battles New Bedford's Scott Sullivan. All amateur bouts are three rounds, unless otherwise noted.
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