Tecate, the No. 1 Mexican cerveza in Southern California, announced today its title sponsorship of the 9th annual Oscar de la Hoya Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting the Oscar de la Hoya Foundation. One of the most anticipated golf fundraisers of the year, the star-studded event is designed to raise funds for the organization’s various initiatives that benefit newcomer and second generation Hispanics in East Los Angeles..
Philanthropists and celebrities alike, including Oscar de la Hoya, will swing with Tecate for charity on Monday, August 18 at the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, Calif. All proceeds will be donated to projects supported by the Foundation, such as the Cecilia Gonzalez de la Hoya Cancer Center, which provides diagnostic and treatment options for cancer patients, as well as the Oscar de la Hoya Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit and the Oscar de la Hoya Labor and Delivery Center, all located at the White Memorial Medical Center.
De La Hoya commented, “I’m extremely proud and excited that we are in the 9th year of this tournament as it has been very successful in contributing to East Los Angeles community. We are also happy to have Cerveza Tecate as the title sponsor as it brings another level of national exposure and excitement to the event.”
Carlos Boughton, Tecate’s brand director added, “As the title sponsor of the last two Oscar de la Hoya Celebrity Golf Classic tournaments, we are aware of the positive role that the Oscar de la Hoya Foundation plays in the daily lives of our loyal Hispanic consumers in Southern California. Cerveza Tecate is proud to align itself with such a vital organization whose programs support those in need and make a positive impact in our communities. We consider our partnership with the Foundation to be an ideal opportunity to give back to the community and look forward to a very successful fundraising event.”
The format of the 2008 Oscar de la Hoya Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic is “Two Man Modified Best Ball,” where teams of five individuals with full handicap will be able to complete a round at the Lakeside Golf Club. At the end of the day, participants will be invited to cocktails, dinner and an awards reception in the clubhouse.
For more information on the Oscar de la Hoya Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, including sponsorship and participation opportunities, contact Armando Gaytan at (213) 489-5631.
To learn more about Cerveza Tecate’s presence in the Los Angeles community and title sponsorship of the tournament, contact Ana Cerón at (310) 578-7050.
Don King to Announce Plans for Boxing Event In Chengdu, China, during 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
Legendary promoter Don King arrived in Beijing, China, today (Tuesday) and will be holding a press conference here on Wednesday (Aug. 13) where he will announce his plans to promote a boxing event in Chengdu, China. The boxing card will be staged in November and is planned to be presented at the Chengdu National Stadium.
After the Beijing press conference, the China Boxing Association has invited King to attend Olympic boxing.
King and the Chinese government pledged to donate part of the proceeds of the boxing event to help rebuild Chengdu, which was devastated by an earthquake in May. King will visit Chengdu and host a press conference there with the city’s Mayor Ge Lin on Thursday (Aug. 15).
King has been to China before. He promoted in Beijing what was to have been the third meeting between then World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John “The Quietman” Ruiz and former four-time heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield on Aug. 5, 2001.
The fight—with King and both fighters in Beijing preparing for the match—was postponed just nine days prior to the event after John Ruiz sustained a neck injury that forced him to withdraw.
King’s presence in China drew positive attention to the country, especially in the sports world, which was appreciated by the Chinese as officials were vying to become the host of the 2008 Olympic Games at the time. King was particularly outspoken in his support of China’s Olympic bid.
Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.
WBO Sanctions Julio-Varela Bout For Latin Title
The August 13 bout between Joel Julio and Jose Varela will now be sanctioned as the WBO 154 lb. Latin Title, it was announced today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. The bout, which will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL, will remain a 10 round contest. Both the Julio-Varela and the Greene-Torres bouts will be broadcasted live on ESPN2’s “Wednesday Night Fights”, beginning at 9:00 pm ET.
Julio (33-1, 30 KO’s) is ranked #4 by the WBC and the IBF, #2 by the WBO, and #6 by the WBA. The 23-year-old Monteria, Colombia native has stopped 21 opponents within the first three rounds. He has won his last six bouts, three by knockout. In his last bout on April 30, 2008, Julio defeated Ishe Smith (W 10).
Varela (23-3, 16 KO’s) has won five of his last six bouts. The 31-year-old Chinandega, Nicaragua native has stopped 11 opponents within the first three rounds. On October 13, 2006, Varela captured the WBC Continental Americas Jr. Middleweight Championship by defeating Manuel Gomez (W 12).