Three weeks ahead of his clash with John Ruiz for the vacant WBA heavyweight title, Nikolai Valuev has extended his contract with Sauerland Event and the cooperation with Don King through 2011. The decision came easily, said the Russian Giant. “I am happy we got everything sorted out last Saturday. I am glad I just missed one day of practice,” he stated. “Five years ago I joined Sauerland Event and ever since then my career has taken a much more professional and organised course..”
The next highlight could follow on August 30 when Valuev comes face-to-face with Ruiz in Berlin. “I want to win the title back,” the former WBA champion (48-1, 34 KOs) said.
Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer was equally delighted about the contract extension. “We have proven in the last couple of years that we can work together well,” Meyer said. “We look forward to continuing the successful cooperation. Nikolai´s signature is a very important part of our future plans. Everybody was convinced that it would be best to sign the contract before the next fight. For us it was important to show Nikolai that he has our full backing. The axis between St. Petersburg, Berlin and Fort Lauderdale will remain alive.”
Mike Arnaoutis And Kevin Johnson Share Center Stage September 5th
Bronx,NY – Aug 11, 2008 On September 5th at the Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns with yet another sensational night of boxing. Mike Arnaoutis and Kevin Johnson, two of Star’s top fighters will be showcasing their goods in a special double feature.
“I’m really looking forward to this card,” said CEO of Star Boxing Joe DeGuardia. “Anytime you have either of these guys fighting as the main event on a show it’s going to be an exciting night of boxing. Now that we have both Kevin and Mike on the same card together, I can only begin to imagine what Bally’s is going to be like that night. We feel that both Mike and Kevin are ready to challenge for major world titles and we expect them to both look spectacular and put on a great show come September 5th,” stated DeGuardia.
Ken Condon, Sports and Entertainment Consultant for Bally’s Atlantic City states that once again, “Bally’s Atlantic City will host an incredible night of boxing action on September 5th. Both main events feature, not only local fighters, but local fighters that excite fans and leave everything they have in the ring. Arnaoutis has really connected with the Atlantic City fans, and we’re excited to get a look at Kevin Johnson during his rise to top of the heavyweight division. This is shaping up to be must see fight card.”
Mike In the main event WBO #11, IBF #14″Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (19-2-2, 9KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on power punching Nasser Athumani (20-6, 16KO’s) of South Egg Harbor, NJ in a ten round jr. welterweight contest.
Arnaoutis has become a fan favorite here in the U.S., particularly in his adopted hometown of Atlantic City, for his non-stop, always exciting, aggressive style. Bally’s will be packed with Arnaoutis’s large Greek fan base, waving their flags, banging their drums and chanting for the “Pride of Greece”, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis.
JOHNSON TAKES ON FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP
KJaction In the second co-main event of the evening the WBA #7 rated heavyweight in the world, and top American heavyweight hopeful Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (19-0-1, 6KO’s) of Asbury Park, NJ takes on former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Bruce “The Atlantic City Express” Seldon (38-6, 34KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ. Johnson has continuously climbed the heavyweight ranks since he first turned pro back in 2003 and a win over Seldon should solidify his position for a heavyweight championship bout. This fight is very important for Johnson not only for what a victory does for his career, but also it is a chance to take care of a personal vendetta against Seldon. Seldon has been calling out Johnson for some time now and Johnson has seemingly had enough. Upon receiving a direct letter from Seldon, Johnson called his promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing to set the fight up so that he can once and for all send the former world champion Seldon into retirement.
A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are priced at $90 and $60 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1(800)736-1420 or going online to ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823- 2000 or by going online to www.starboxing.com