Las Vegas (Sep 10, 2008) – JOEL CASAMAYOR, Two-Time World Champion- “I want to thank Juan Manuel Marquez for taking this fight because not everyone is willing to fight me. I’m ready for this fight on Saturday.”
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ – Three-Time World Champion – “I’ve prepared myself very well for this fight. I will put my whole Mexican heart in the ring. I will use my boxing knowledge and fifteen years of experience in the ring on Saturday night..”
“This fight is for my Mexican people.”
IGNACIO “NACHO” BERISTAIN, Marquez’ trainer “The only thing I can tell you about Saturday night is it’s going to be a dark night.”
“Joel is the best 135 pounder out there but I know Juan Manuel and how well he trained for this fight. I know it will be a great night for us and we’ll get the victory.”
JAIME QUINTANA, Co-Promoter for Marquez of Romanza Boxing
“You have seen throughout Juan Manuel’s career that he has always risen to any challenge put in front of him. On Saturday night, he will rise to the occasion again and get a third belt in another division.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
“Juan Manuel is a top 10 fighter in the world and has proved himself in epic battles against some of the sports greatest fighters.”
“Juan Manuel is a quality fighter who comes from a tradition of great fighters. He is now the most popular fighter in Mexico. He has shown why all Mexican fans love him because of his heart and determination.”
ROGER BLOODWORTH – Casamayor’s Trainer
“I’m really excited to have these two great fighters in the ring together on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss this show on Saturday!
LUIS DECUBAS JR. – Casamayor’s Co-Manager
“Joel is prepared for war.”
“This is a great fight for all boxing fans. This is not just for the Mexicans, but the entire boxing community.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions“Joel spent many years in the amateurs and then won a gold medal in 1992, which is the highest honor you can achieve in the amateurs, and now Joel is considered one of the best lightweight fighters in the world.”
MARK TAFFET – Senior Vice President of HBOPPV & HBO Sports – “Then there is a great co-main bout that features two promoters and that matchup might be as interesting as the bout itself. . . Mora vs. Forrest II and finally, we are also presenting a rising star for Golden Boy in Victor Ortiz.”
KEITH KIZER – Executive Director of Nevada State Athletic Commission
“It can’t get any better than this great fight. We have great promoters, great fights and a great venue.
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Casamayor vs. Marquez, “The Challenge” will be a 12-round bout for the Ring Magazine World Lightweight title. Mora-Forrest II will be the co-feature 12-round bout for the WBC World Super Welterweight title. Casamayor vs. Marquez is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and Mora-Forrest II is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Tournament of Contenders, Gary Shaw Productions and Fight Knight, LLC. The world title doubleheader is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Cazadores Tequila, Affliction Clothing and Southwest Airlines andwill take place on September 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The Casamayor vs. Marquez and Mora vs. Forrest II pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Casamayor vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
Slone Unveils Official Casamayor/Marquez Artwork
Multi-award winning artist Richard T. Slone has unveiled his latest work of art, a pre-fight action painting of boxing stars Joel Casamayor and Juan Manuel Marquez.
The acrylic on board masterpiece is 18 inches by 24 inches and has masterfully depicts two of the most respected boxers of their era. Casamayor vs. Marquez are painted in full action prior to their upcoming world championship fight which will be held Saturday September 13th, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
An exclusive edition of museum quality fine art prints has been released. Although this is one of the smallest edition’s Slone has ever produced and is expected to become a highly sought after piece of art.
Slone’s medley of colors and captured expression brings this image to life. The angle created by Slone brings new perspective to the battle, placing the viewer inside the ring for what is anticipated to be one of the year’s best fights. Slone’s choice of lines and color make this a bold statement and serve as a clear reminder why Slone was nominated for 2008 Sports Artist of the Year.
“This fight is a fans fight, anyone who follows boxing knows how important and exciting this fight will be. It’s my first time painting either fighter and the time is now right” said Slone, who’s artwork is becoming a staple at high profile fights. Collectors of his art range from celebrity clients and high-roller gamblers, to college kids who collect Slone designed apparel. Slone is best known for his vividly colored images that capture detailed expression and motion. Considered to be a leader in the new generation of sports artists Slone follows a long tradition of artist’s who have painting boxing such as George Bellows, Thomas Eakins and in more recent decades, LeRoy Neiman.
Limited Edition ‘Casamayor vs. Marquez’ artwork is available for sale during the events at MGM Grand or you can reserve/order online, to inquire about purchasing Slone’s artwork please contact info@sloneart.com.
Richard T. Slone has been hailed by the media as the next great artist. His work is widely collected by art collectors and high-society. Owners of his originals include Donald Trump, Nelson Mandela, Hugh Hefner and Muhammad Ali. He is the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, an official artist of the UFC and at only 34 years of age is one of the most accomplished emerging artist’s in the world. Earlier this year the National Geographic came to an agreement to publish his work over the next ten years. He is nominated for Sports Artist of the Year 2008.
In Casamayor vs. Marquez, Slone has captured two of the world’s most respected fighters. Casamayor vs. Marquez will be an essential element in any Slone collection.