HAMMOND, IN.-The promise of a knock-out victory led to a heated scuffle between Ruben “The Modern Day Warrior” Galvan and defending IN.B.A. Lightweight Champion Jaime Alvarado supporter days before their third match-up, and up-and-coming lightweight favorite Johnny Novak called out former IBF Champion Paul Spadafora at the official press conference for Octavius James/ One In A Million Inc. “Civic Center Rumble.”
Tickets for the Sep. 23rd “Civic Center Rumble” are on sale now, starting at just $25, and the first bell will ring at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Hammond Civic Center Box Office 219-853-6378 or through any Ticket Master outlet 312-559-1212 or www.TicketMaster.com .
The usually quiet Alvarado (6-4-2, 4 KOs), originally of Mexico City, told fighters, fans and reporters, through corner man and interpreter Efrain Ramos, he planned to knock out Galvan (26-9-2, 9 KOs).
“Alvarado’s right, that there’s going to be a knock-out in this fight, but it ain’t going to be me, I can tell you,” Galvan responded.
Shortly after the press conference, Horseshoe security personnel had to separate Galvan and Ramos, who continued to promise an Alvarado knock-out victory.
“There’s no way I’m going to let him come into my house, because that’s what I consider this place, Horseshoe Casino to be, my house, and say he’s going to beat me by knockout,” Galvan said.
Things between Galvan and Alvarado have been heating up since their second battle in April. The win gave Alvarado the State Titlt belt.
“Clearly, there’s a lot of tension between the two fighters and their supporters, and I know that’s going to carry over into the ring at ‘The Rumble’,” said Octavius James, CEO of One In A Million Inc. “Ruben’s reputation and Jaime’s belt are both on the line in a big way, and I think the fans will benefit the most.”
Also at the pre-fight event, Novak (18-1, 6 KOs) challenged Spadafora (38-0-1, 15 KOs), inactive since July 2004, to a match, claiming he could decisively beat the popular Pittsburgh fighter “anytime, anywhere. This is my time.”
LaPorte, Indiana light heavyweight Nick Cook (14-1-1, 8 KOs) and defending NABC Champion Jeff “Boom Boom” Baker (14-2, 7 KOs) faced off for the first time. Both fighters said they expected a good match-up, but, when pressed for details, both refused to reveal any game plans. “I’ll let my fighting do my talking for me,” said Baker.
“If you want to see my strategy, come out to the fight September 23rd,” added Cook. “That’s where you’ll see it all.”
For more information on the “Civic Center Rumble” and other pre-fight activities, contact One In A Million Inc. at 866-438-7372