Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly plans to become Elliot Ness for the day on Friday – so he can bring down Douglas “Al Capone” Otieno. Cleverly will defend his title for the first time at the Kingsway Sports Centre in Widnes on Friday 12 December, live on Sky Sports. It’s his first fight since he sensationally defeated experienced Tony Oakey over 12 rounds in October to lift the title..
And although Otieno looks as if he can live up to his nickname with an impressive 18-1 record with 8 KOs, Cleverly says there will only be one winner.
“I am a massive fan of the film The Untouchables,” said Cleverly of the 1980s film which depicted how federal agent Ness finally caught up with legendary gangster Capone,
“Until now I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Al Capone because Robert De Niro is one of my favourite actors – but I’ll be out to get him on Friday!
“It’s great news that I’ve got a dangerous opponent because when I fight with a bit of fear then it brings out the best in me. I know that Otieno is going to come out swinging, but I’ll meet fire with fire,
“On paper, Tony Oakey was my toughest fight as a professional, but I turned it into one of my easiest because I was so fired up,
“It was a great feeling to lift the Commonwealth title, and a real confidence boost to beat a man like Oakey who was a former British and world champion,
“But this is just the start. I’m only 21 and I’ve only had 13 fights, so I’m still learning all the time,
“I want to make a few defences of my Commonwealth title, and then next year challenge Dean Francis for the British title and then think about making an impact on the world scene.
Philadelphia Boxing Community Gives IBF Champ Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham Rousing Send Off
Training camp is over for the reigning International Boxing Federation cruiserweight world champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham, and he has now relocated to Newark, New Jersey for the final few days preparation for his title defense against Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek on Thursday, 11th December at The Prudential Center.
A few days before he made the short journey north, Steve was given a rousing farewell by the local boxing community who turned out in force to show their support for Philadelphia’s only current world boxing champion. Steve and his wife/manager, Livvy, were clearly overwhelmed by the sea of well-wishers who had packed into the Fox and Hound sports bar on Thursday 4th December.
It wasn’t just boxing fans that braved the cold and rain to meet their hero as many local luminaries also attended the event – including Banner Promotions president, Art Pelullo. Super scribe, Ken Hissner. Former junior middleweight world champion, Robert ‘Bam Bam’ Hines. Philadelphia boxing historian extraordinaire, John DiSanto. Former football superstar, Manny ‘Bumper’ Howard, Mr Philly boxing himself, Percy ‘Buster’ Custus. – to name check them all would take a page alone so I apologise to those I have not mentioned.
After Steve had spent some time chatting and signing autographs with his fans, King of Prussia’s own soul sensation, Vanessa Lambre, sang an awesome a capella rendition of ‘summertime’ for Steve to kick the evening proceedings into full gear. When the clapping and cheering died down everyone took to their seats to watch a video of Steve’s December 2007 title defense against Marco Huck.
After the screening Steve thanked everyone for coming out to support him then added. “I’m feeling really good, I feel blessed and that God’s hand is on me again. You know, I feel like we’re fighting overseas again. I mean, I know I’m fighting here at home, in my own country. But it’s his home state. You know, they think it’s going to be a factor with all the Polish people there. I’ve fought in Poland. You Know, so that don’t mean anything. I feel great, man. I’m really looking forward to this and hope you’ll all come to Newark and cheer me on. If you can’t it’s on Versus so don’t forget to watch it.”
The International Boxing Federation World Cruiserweight Championship Title Fight between Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and challenger, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek is co-promoted by Kathy Duva’s Main Events and Don King Productions and takes place at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday December 11th 2008.
Tickets priced at $303, $153, $78, $53, $38 are on sale now and can be purchased at The Prudential Center box office or by calling TicketMaster on 201-507-8900.
TICKET ALERT, Jesse Brinkley vs. Joey Gilbert, February 14th in Reno
RENO, NV(December 5, 2008) Chet Koerner’s TKO BOXING Promotions and Reno’s “Let’s Get It On” Promotions have announced “CIVIL WAR”, the twelve round super middleweight bout between cross town rivals Jesse Brinkley and Joey Gilbert set for Saturday, February 14th at the Reno Events Center. A press conference to announce the fight will be held this Thursday, December 11th in Reno.
Tickets for “CIVIL WAR”, priced at $253.25, $153.25, $78.25 and 43.25** will go on sale at 12noon on Thursday at the Reno Events Center box office and Ticketmaster. Doors will open the night of the event at 6pm, with the first bell at 7pm.
Said Brinkley, “Gilbert and me should have fought in 2005 after The Contender series, but he’s always run from me. I’m glad the fight is finally happening, I would have beaten him three years ago and on February 14th I’m going to crush him.”
“He thinks he’s a tough guy and has tried to imply that I’ve run from him. Nothing is further from the truth. He’s not in my league and I’m going to prove that in the ring” said Gilbert.
Teammates on The Contender; Season One, Brinkley, 31-5-0 (12KO’s) and Gilbert, 17-1-0 (13KO’s) have been sworn enemies for the last three years.
“I’ve worked with Joey for a long time and he’s wanted to face Jesse in Reno for the last three years. This is a true old school boxing match; two guys from the same area who really dislike each other settling it in the ring” said Chet Koerner, President of TKO BOXING Promotions.
Said Terry Lane of “Let’s Get It On” Promotions, “Living in Reno, I’ve seen the passion that the fans have for this fight. With Jesse being from Yerington and Joey from Reno , it’s a real cross town rivalry. We expect a packed house for the fight, evenly divided for both guys.”
A terrific undercard for “CIVIL WAR” will be announced shortly.