LAS VEGAS, NV (December 3, 2008) World ranked cruiserweight BJ Flores got an offer this week that fighters work their whole lives for, a world title shot. The only problem was he was offered the fight on four days notice..
“Sports Network called me on Tuesday and offered me a shot at the title against Enzo Maccarinelli for the vacant WBO belt in a fight to be held in England this Saturday. It’s a fight I’m very interested in, but I told the promoter; at least give me a couple of weeks to prepare. They told me it was a “take it or leave it” proposition.”
Maccarenelli, currently ranked #3 by the WBO was scheduled to face #2 ranked Johnathon Banks until the latter was forced out earlier this week with an ankle injury. Flores is currently ranked # 5 by the WBO.
Said Flores, “I’ve been training for the last two months in Las Vegas without a fight being scheduled, all I said to Sports Network is give me three weeks and I’ll be happy to come over and beat Maccarinelli.”
“In his last fight which was broadcast in the United States on Showtime, David Haye pretty much used Maccarinelli as a punching bag so I’m not sure why the WBO would have him ranked so high or let his promoter dictate the terms.
Typically, in this country, promoters give boxers at least a few weeks notice before a world title fight, obviously over there they do things differently.”
Flores, 21-0-1 (13KO’s) is also world ranked #2 by the IBF. # 8 by the WBA and #13 by the WBC..
Having last fought in February of this year, an ESPN2 televised unanimous decision over Darnell Wilson, Flores spoke about the time off and his new training regimen.
“I would have liked to have fought more often this year, but the time off has truly allowed me to maximize my efforts in training and conditioning. Right now, working with Jacob Chavez in Las Vegas, we’ve really taken it to another level in regards to the shape I’m in. My next fight, people are not going to recognize me.”
Flores also wanted to thank his loyal team; managers Jerry Giuliano and Megan DeAndrea, adviser Lou Mesorano and his father Frank and the entire Flores family for all of their support.
Watson, Amar Set For Commonwealth Clash In Dublin
In one of the most anticipated welterweight contests on the European boxing scene, Craig Watson and Adnan Amar are set to clash on a massive fight card, held on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at The Helix, located on the campus of Dublin City University in Dublin, Ireland.
The pair collide as chief support to Rendall Munroe’s European super bantamweight title defense against granite-jawed Italian champion Fabrizio Trotta.
Watson, 13-2 (4), puts his Commonwealth title at risk against top challenger Adnan Amar, 22-1 (6), but much more is at stake in this crucial crossroads battle for both men.
25 year old Amar has been moving through the ranks since turning pro in 2001 but kicked his career into overdrive over the past year, winning four bouts and capturing the English and Midlands Area welterweight titles.
The Nottingham stylist has been most impressive during that streak, gaining three of the six knockouts on his record including a third round stoppage of Canadian middleweight Ian Mackillop.
But Amar will be stepping up to a higher level of competition when he faces Craig Watson, the steel-tough Manchester battler who punched his way into the headlines as an amateur by flooring celebrated rival Amir Khan.
Watson, also 25 years of age, has been thrown into the deep end on more than once occasion since joining the paid ranks just over three and a half years ago but the experience has helped the southpaw develop a bruising, take no prisoners approach that has proven difficult to overcome.
A win over previously undefeated prospect Michael Lomax in July, 2007 was a breakthrough for Watson but it was his shattering upset of heavily favored Ali Nuumbembe a year ago that brought the Mancunian the coveted Commonwealth crown.
After failing in a bid for the European Union belt against highly skilled Italian Daniele Pettruci in Rome, Watson got back on the horse in May with a superb performance against Matthew Hatton to retain the Commonwealth title for the first time
The Commonwealth prize will be up for grabs when the bell rings in Dublin on December 18, but Watson and Amar will also be vying to move up the Continental ladder as the winner will be within striking distance of a top ten post in the European ratings.
Spirits are running high between the two opposing camps and each fighter will carry into the conflict the hopes and dreams of their dedicated followings, ensuring a matchup to remember and a worthy chief support contest to the main event.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents “Out To Conquer The World” headlined by the debut of Irish Olympic Bronze Medallist Darren Sutherland and European Super Bantamweight Champion Rendall Munroe’s title defense against Italian Champion Fabricio Trotta along with full undercard support, on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at The Helix in Dublin, Ireland.
Tickets, priced at €50, €60 and €100, are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office on 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS1 starting at 8PM.
CERVEZA TECATE INVITES CONSUMERS TO MEET RENOWNED BOXERS JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ AND SERGIO MORA
Boxers to appear as part of Tecate’s Mobile Boxing Ring tour
As a sponsor of the Dec. 6 De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao bout, Cerveza Tecate invites adult consumers in Las Vegas to be a part of the excitement of this match during a meet-and-greet session with Golden Boy Promotions champions, Juan Manuel Marquez and Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, at Tecate’s first-ever Mobile Boxing Ring tour.
The mobile boxing ring will create excitement among Las Vegas boxing fans, bringing them the opportunity to participate in autograph and photo sessions with two of the most talented fighters. Making stops in key locations around the city, the mobile ring tour will also feature radio personality Piolin, and the popular Chicas Tecate to enhance the consumer experience.