SAULT STE. MARIE, MI (April 14, 2004) “ It will be a war between world-rated contenders when undefeated WBC Continental Americas / NABF / NABO / IBA Continental light-heavyweight champion RICO “SUAVE” HOYE returns fresh from his biggest professional victory in another title defense against WBA Latin American light-heavyweight champion DANNY “DANNY BOY” BATCHELDER rumble in the Main Event of the May 20 edition of SHOBox: The New Generation, which will be televised nationally on SHOWTIME, beginning at 11 P.M. EDT (Live) / 11 P.M. PDT (Tape Delay). The championship card, promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and Fight Night, Inc., will emanate from the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Hoye and Batchelder have a combined record of 37-1-1 (24 KOs) — a winning percentage of nearly 95%!
Hoye, 16-0 (13 KOs), from Detroit, MI, has tallied six opening round knockouts and defeated all 16 opponents he has faced since making his pro debut in mid-2001, in a total of 49 rounds! He returns fresh from his most impressive victory “ a first-round blasting of WBC Continental Americas/NABF light-heavyweight champion Donnell Wiggins, on the March 18 edition of SHOBox. Since that victory, the four-belt champion has seen his stock rise with career-high world-ratings of No. 8 WBO, No. 11 WBC and No. 15 WBA. A hard counter-puncher with impressive moves, Hoye’s smooth, fluid style has earned him the nickname “Suave.” The stylish fighter put his skills to the test when he made his SHOWTIME debut on the June 5, 2003, “ShoBox: The New Generation” telecast. He pitched a virtual shutout against undefeated Prince Badi Ajamu, 15-0-1, winning a unanimous 12-round decision on scores of 118-109, 118-109, and 117-110. He followed that victory with a second-round knockout of Etienne Whitaker on October 11, 2003, to capture the vacant NABO light-heavyweight title.
Batchelder, 21-1-1 (11 KOs), is coming off a career-best victory over previously undefeated WBA Latin America champion Laudelino Jose De Barros, 17-0, winning a tough 12-round split decision in January. It was an exciting fight that earned a standing ovation from the crowd. More importantly, it provided Batchelder a breakthrough into the world rankings, where he currently is world-rated No. 12 by the WBC and No. 13 by the WBA. A native of the dairy farms of Greenwich, NY, the strapping 6’1 Batchelder now resides in St. Petersburg, FL, where he continues to learn his boxing craft under the tutelage of world-class trainer Dan Birmingham, who also trains undisputed super welterweight champion Winky Wright and undefeated super middleweight sensation Jeff Lacy.
The undercard will also feature undefeated female jr. welterweight bombshell Mary Jo Sanders, 7-0 (2 KOs), from Auburn Hills, MI, and undefeated featherweight sensation Mario Santiago, 7-0 (4 KOs), from Puerto Rico.