(Tucson, Arizona) – Desert Diamond Casino and Golden Boy Promotions are at it again. On Friday, October 10, 2008, top pugilists from around the world will assemble at the Diamond Center for a showdown in the ring. Headlining the card is local favorite David “The Destroyer” Lopez taking on Colombia’s Samuel Miller for the WBC Latino Middleweight Title. Ticket prices range from $40 to $125 in advance and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased as any Ticketmaster location, by calling 520-321-1000, by contacting the Desert Diamond Casino Box Office, or by visiting www.desertdiamondcasino.com..
Doors open at 4:00 PM; fights starts at 4:30 PM. Select bouts will be televised.
The WBC Latino Middleweight Title is on the line in the evening’s televised main event. Nogales’s pride, David “The Destroyer” Lopez (36-12, 23 KOs), recently defeated Billy Lyell at the Diamond Center on August 1st. He’s returning to take on Colombian prospect Samuel Miller (19-2, 16 KOs).
The televised co-main event features one of boxing’s greats. Kevin Kelley (60-8-2, 39 KOs), aka Flushing Flash, is a former WBC world champion and has battled it out with the likes of Naseem Hamed, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Erik Morales. He’ll face rising star “Dangerous” David Rodela (10-1-3, 6 KOs).
Austin “No Doubt” Trout (14-0, 10 KOs), out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will compete in the 8-round jr. middleweight event as part of the undercard. He faces Baton Rouge’s Chris Gray (9-7, 1 KO).
On the undercard, the 2005 Junior Olympics bronze medalist, Jermell Charlo (5-0, 4 KOs), is taking on Lucas Galle (4-2). His twin brother, Jermall Charlo (1-0, 1 KO), will face Mario Hernandez (2-0, 1 KO).
Other fighters include heavyweights Eric Woods (3-0, 2KO) against Matthew Thompson (2-1-1, 1 KO).
Lightweight Hylon Williams (4-0, 1 KO) will compete in six rounds; his opponent has not yet been named.
Treena Parvello, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said,
“Desert Diamond Casino is so honored to host David Lopez’s title fight on October 10th. We’ve all been waiting for this opportunity and the fans are going to love to witness it live and in person!”
Desert Diamond Casino on Pima Mine Road, Desert Diamond Casino♦Hotel on Nogales Highway, and the Golden Ha:san in Why, Arizona, are enterprises of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Further information can be found at www.desertdiamondcasino.com or by calling 866-DDC-WINS.
David “The Destroyer” Lopez
The mere mention of his name sets off fans all across Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico. David “The Destroyer” Lopez, (36-12, 23 KOs), has become known as Sonora’s favorite son, drawing thousands to his bouts and inciting mob-like enthusiasm, entering and leaving the ring to the unceasing chanting of “Lopez.” With an NABO number one ranking, this southpaw has truly earned every win, taking on the best anywhere, anytime, and always fighting to the end. Lopez emerged on the pro scene in 1995 at the age of seventeen. After receiving mixed results, he regrouped and came back as the true “Destroyer” on August 6, 2004 where he left with not only a win but an IBA World Championship Title over Kirino Garcia. The second half of his career has been packed with Desert Diamond Casino appearances, all of which have been thrilling bouts. Highlights include a TKO win over former WBO World Champion Lonnie Bradley, his Kirino Garcia match, and his stoppage of Shay Mobley in January of 2006.
One of this 30-year-old’s most notable fights came on June 9, 2006, in Fort Worth, where he took on one of the most feared fighters around, Epifanio Mendoza. After being written off before the fight even started, Lopez caused a huge upset in the Texas town, surprising the crowd with a clear-cut knockout of Mendoza in round six, giving him the NABF Middleweight Title.
The past few years has given Lopez even more acclaim, going eight for eight following his Mendoza win. On April 19, 2008, Lopez earned an undercard spot in Vegas at the Hopkins/Calzaghe match where he ended the fight in round five with a TKO win over Ryan Davis. Two months later he challenged and conquered the then undefeated Michael Walker as
part of TeleFutura’s main event. His latest victory came on August 1st of this year when he took on and took out Billy Lyell at Desert Diamond Casino.
Lopez’s Key Fights:
• 6-9-06 vs. Epifanio Mendoza for the Interim NABF Middleweight Title- Won (KO
RD 7)
• 8-8-04 vs. Kirino Garcia for the IBA Middleweight Title- Won (UD)
• 7-21-03 vs. Fernando Zuniga for the IBA Americas Middleweight Title- Won (TKO
RD 6)
Samuel Miller
29-year-old Samuel Miller, (19-2, 16 KOs), is perhaps one of the most promising unknown fighters around. Born and raised in Arboletos, Colombia, Miller has emerged as a top prospect. In June 2008, ESPN.com listed Miller as number two in the top twelve “Most Exciting Colombian Fighters in Recent Years.” His paper resume—filled with mostly KO wins— doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Those that have seen him fight elicit images of a warrior; he doesn’t back down and he never gives up.Miller’s career began back on August 30, 2003, when he earned a quick knockout in front of a hometown crowd. He repeated that feat ten more times—plus a win by points—before venturing beyond Colombia and landing in Florida. In fact, he would go 17-0 before facing his first defeat at the hands of veteran Darrell Woods in March 2007. Despite the majority decision loss, Miller’s “Friday Night Fights” performance has been described as a scorching battle and a wild slugging match.
His impressive showing led to another highly anticipated fight; he faced eventual Contender contestant Brian Vera, who was at the time undefeated. The final outcome—another majority decision loss for Miller—has been controversial to say the least. For Miller it was another example of how close he was to breaking out. Seven months after the fight he returned home to face a fellow Colombian, who he soundly beat.
Miller’s Key Fights:
• 5-11-07 vs. Brian Vera in Miami, Oklahoma- Lost (MD 10 RDs)
• 5-2-07 vs. Darrell Woods in Tampa, Florida- Lost (MD 8 RDs)
• 7-28-06 vs. Jason Naugler in Hollywood, Florida- Won (UD 8 RDs)
Kevin Kelley
Former world champion, Kevin Kelley, (60-8-2, 39 KOs), is a member of an exclusive group of fighters. They’re the best of the best and have fought and stood their ground against the strongest and most talented pugilists in the world. With a 20-year career, the “Flushing Flash” has a mountain of a resume; he can boast entering the ring with Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Derrick Gainer.
The two-time New York Golden Gloves Champion’s debut showing, back on September 8, 1988, was the start of a 41-bout winning streak. During that time he took home the New York State Featherweight Title and the WBC Continental Americas Featherweight Title, the latter of which he defended on a later date. But his highlight came on December 4, 1993 when he went toe-to-toe with Gregorio Vargas for the WBC Featherweight Title. Twelve rounds later, in the City of Reno, Kelley emerged as the newest world champion. The Brooklyn native would go on to successfully defend that belt two additional times.
Kelley’s title wins didn’t stop there. He became the owner of the World Boxing Union Featherweight Title in February 1996. He held on to it for over a year, including defending it against fellow southpaw, Derrick Gainer, with a round-eight knockout. His biggest fight came on December 19, 1997, when he challenged Naseem Hamed for the WBO Featherweight Title.
Kelley fell in round four, but the fight at New York’s Madison Square Garden would go on to be named Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year.
Kelley’s Key Fights:
• 9-28-06 vs. Carlos Hernandez in San Antonio, TX- Won (UD)
• 7-13-02 vs. Humberto Soto for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight Title- Won
(MD)
• 12-19-97 vs. Naseem Hamed for the WBO Featherweight Title- Lost (KO RD 4)
• 12-04-93 vs. Gregorio Vargas for the WBC Featherweight Title- Won (UD)
David Rodela
Oxnard, California’s “Dangerous” David Rodela, (10-1-3, 6 KOs), is a top prospect in the super featherweight division. His amateur career—highlighted by seven national championships—has been nothing less than encouraging for this 26-year-old. In 2004 he was a quarterfinalist at the US Olympic Trials, and a finalist in Mexico’s Olympic Trials. Tragedy struck shortly afterwards; Rodela was involved in a near-fatal vehicle accident, leaving the boxer hospitalized for months. Questionable actions on the part of his newly-signed promotional company led to Rodela fighting in his debut bout just eight months post-accident.
His showing was impressive but resulted in a draw.
If Rodela’s body was hurting he sure didn’t let it show. Despite returning to rehab, Rodela continued to compete in the ring, including his premier televised bout at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills on July 12, 2005. He earned a KO win in round one over Sean Rogers. His first title showing—for the California Welterweight belt—came in September of 2006. After eight rounds he and Cleotis Pendarvis settled for a draw. Rodela’s latest fight occurred in August of this year. He traveled to the Philippines to face Arnel Porras in his first ten-round fight of his career. Rodela, however, was unwilling to let it go that long; he stopped Porras
within round three.
Rodela’s Key Fights:
• 4-4-08 vs. Ramon Ayala in Cabazon, CA- Won (KO RD 4)
• 7-12-05 vs. Sean Rogers on ESPN at the Playboy Mansion- Won (KO RD 1)
TREIBER TAKES ON THE ROAD IN OCTOBER! ALL STAR RING ANNOUNCER TAKING ON ALL COMERS
CHICAGO (October 7, 2008) Nationally known ring announcer Thomas Treiber hits the road this month calling out introductions to the finest in professional boxing and mixed martial arts.
This past Thursday, Treiber was part of “THE DREAM MATCH” media tour emceeing the Chicago stop for the Oscar De La Hoya/Manny Pacquiao battle taking place on December 6th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas..
“They literally called me the night before and offered me the job. It was a great experience at the Sears Tower Skydeck and a pleasure to work with Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank” said Treiber.
September proved a huge month for Treiber with an ESPN2 stint in Austin , Texas , working with world ranked junior middleweight James Kirkland in his homecoming bout on September 5th.
“ Austin was terrific, we we’re at the newly renovated Austin Music Hall and the crowd was outstanding. It was my first chance to see James Kirkland in person and he truly has future world champion written all over him.
Fresh off his first visit to the capital city of Austin , Texas , for the final ESPN2 Friday Night Fights of the 2008 season, Treiber, who also ring announces in Spanish, headed to Arizona on September 12th, for a Fox Sports En Espanol broadcast from the Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler , just outside of Phoenix .
It’s always nice to hit new cities and venues. While I’ve been to Phoenix many times, it was great to work in Chandler at their beautiful new venue at the casino.” said Treiber.
This past Saturday night, Treiber held fort at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary , Indiana for “NO MERCY” an outstanding mixed martial arts card presented by Fight Card Entertainment.
Commented Treiber, “The card was outstanding and the fans truly created a terrific atmosphere. The event was presented by Fight Card Entertainment and was outstanding from start to finish.”
On Thursday, October 16th, Treiber will return to the Windy City to host the annual charity boxing event for the Mike Ditka Foundation at the Park West Theater.
Friday, October 17th will see Treiber hosting the action packed 8 Count Productions professional event at Cicero Stadium. “I’ve worked numerous boxing shows with 8 Count Productions, many of which have been at Cicero Stadium. It’s a terrific venue with very knowledgeable fans which makes it a fun place to work. They come to see great fights and have a good time which makes my job that much easier.”
On Saturday, October 25th, Treiber heads to the Columbia, South Carolina Township Auditorium to handle the “play by play” duties of the Fox Sports Net broadcast of an eight bout professional boxing card featuring an outstanding super middleweight bout between Jean Paul Mendy and Jason Naugler.
“Along with ring announcing boxing events around the world, I also have extensive “play by play” broadcast experience which is another part of the boxing business I truly enjoy” said Treiber.
Thomas Treiber has been amongst the most visible and versatile ring announcers in boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling for the last seventeen years. His credits include work on HBO, Showtime, CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports Net, Spike TV and Pay Per View events. He can be contacted through his website at www.thomastreiber.com