Eager to regain his former standing as the top bantamweight in Britain following a 13 month hiatus, Martin Power returns to the ring on the big boxing bill at The Helix at City University in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday, December 18, 2008. Power streaked to the top during the first phase of his career, making the most of a five year run by winning the British title and holding it through two defenses while turning back such difficult opposition as Ian Napa, Dale Robinson, Isaac Ward, Rocky Dean and Shinny Bayaar..
But the 28 year old Londoner ran into a very large roadblock in the towering form of the nearly 6 foot tall undefeated South African bantam Tshifhiwa Munyai in June, 2006 as the pair tangled for the vacant Commonwealth title.
Although Power was ahead on two scorecards after eight frames, the long reach and accurate combination punching of late replacement Munyai had taken it’s toll by the ninth as the British champion was stopped midway through the round.
A return bout with Munyai proved even more fruitless as the giant South African was on the form of his life, slashing through Power’s defenses to convince Team Power to pull their man out in the fourth.
Despite putting in an excellent performance during a rematch with Ian Napa in November of last year, Power failed to lift his old British title but did succeed in proving that he was far from finished and ready to rebound given more measured steps of opposition.
That comeback begins on Thursday, December 18 when Power, 19-3 (8), encounters 26 year old Liverpool area super bantamweight Gary Davies, 7-2-1 (5), in a scheduled six round bout.
Davies is a former British masters/central area super bantam titlist who has only lost one of his last nine contests. Three of Davies’ last four opponents have not gone the distance and the St. Helens man is determined to make a name for himself by drawing his smaller adversary into a slugfest that he believes Power cannot win.
But win Power must if he is to realize his ambitions toward the British and Commonwealth titles and the contest with Davies has a very good chance of being the fight of the night on a very competitive bill at The Helix in Dublin.
The card is headlined by the pro debut of 2008 Irish Olympic Bronze Medallist Darren Sutherland, who meets Hungary’s Georgi Iliev, and European super bantam champion Rendall Munroe’s title defense against Italy’s Fabricio Trotta.
Two Commonwealth title fights are also on tap as welterweight champ Craig Watson meets Adan Amar and bantamweight kingpin Jason Booth confronts challenger Sean Hughes.
Former British and Commonwealth light middleweight champion Jamie Moore, currently the Irish titlist, will place his three year, ten bout win streak on line as he tunes up for an upcoming European title clash while ex-European super bantamweight boss Kiko Martinez, undefeated Cork based super middle prospect Gary O’Sullivan and popular Dublin super bantam Paul Hyland are all scheduled to fight on the bill.
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.
“SOLO BOXEO TECATE” VISITS LOS ANGELES FOR ITS LAST TIME, PRESENTING NO. 1 URBANO ANTILLON
The authentic bold Mexican cerveza Tecate brings the power of boxing to Los Angeles’ aficionados during the last challenge that the weekly boxing series will feature from the city. The exhilarating Friday night will be broadcasted live as part of Telefutura’s programming.
“Solo Boxeo Tecate” showcases the eagerly awaited homecoming of Urban Antillon (24-0, 17 KO’s) as he encounters Juan Ramon Cruz (15-5-1, 11 KO’s) in 10 rounds of Lightweight action. Ranked No.1 by WBC, Antillon is only one step away to fight for the World Title, after conquering the NABF and NABO Super Featherweights Titles last September during his “Solo Boxeo Tecate” bout against Daniel Attah. On the other side of the ring, Puerto Rican, Juan Manuel Cruz will challenge his opponent with the same successful techniques he used to defeat No. 10 Miguel Angel Huerta last year.
“We will continue to find innovative ways to connect with adult consumers and launch programs to enhance their experience during the 2009 boxing events.” said Carlos Boughton, brand director for Tecate brand equity.
Additionally, Brian Viloria (23-2, 13 KO’s) from Waipahu, Hawaii will face Benjie Garcia (13-10-3, 1 KO’s) from San Diego, Calif. in 10 rounds of Super Flyweight action.
Tickets Now On Sale For “Slugfest 2009”
December 10 (Merrillville, In) – “Slug Fest 2009” will mark the return of both Jimmy “Fighting School Teacher” Holmes in the Main Event and “Merciless” Mary McGee in the Co-Main Event, for the Friday, January 23rd, 2009 card when Octavius James/ One In A Million, Inc. in association with Miller Lite call class back into session at the Radisson Hotel @ Star Plaza in Merrillville, In.
A Portion of the Proceeds from this special night will be donated to the Gary Police Athletic League, whose facilities were damaged during the floods that devastated the region, to help purchase them new boxing equipment. The Gary P.A.L. program offers youth an opportunity to better themselves inside and outside of the ring thanks to John Taylor and all his efforts.
“This is an opportunity not only for our fans to enjoy a sensational night of boxing at an incredible venue, but also a chance to help give back to Coach Taylor and (Gary P.A.L.) program that has provided so much to the region over the years,” said One In A Million, CEO Octavius James, of what is shaping up to be an electric night.
In the Main Event, middleweight Jimmy “Fighting School Teacher” Holmes (17-1-2, 9 Kos) will use the New Year to get back on track, as the DeMotte, Ind. resident has been out for months due to injury.
In the Co-Main Event, lightweight “Merciless” Mary McGee (15-0, 9 KOs) looks to stay unblemished, as she makes her much anticipated return to the ring for the first time since successfully defending her coveted NABC Lightweight World Championship at U.S. Steel Yard back in August.
Also Hobart’s undefeated welterweight Ed Ochoa (6-0, 6 KOs) will also be on the card as he squares off against an opponent TBA. This explosive event will also feature Light Heavyweight “The Bulldog” Jimmy Perez Jr. (3-1, 1 Kos) of Hammond, IN., while powerhouse welterweight Marcus Thompkins (2-0) of Michigan City will attempt to stay unbeaten.
Very skilled middleweight Josh Crouch of Schererville (2-0) and a young Chicago-product Orphius Waite (3-0, 3 Kos) look to continue to their young and impressive careers.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at $100 for VIP, $75 VIP ringside, $50 ringside, and $30 general admission. They are available from any Ticket Master location at (219) 791-1234, (312) 559-1212, (866) 438-7372 or
www.TicketMaster.com.
The Radisson Hotel @ Star Plaza is conveniently located at I-65 & US 30 in Merrillville, IN.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The first bout is at 8 p.m.
For more ticket information about this event or future events visit us at: www.oneinamillionboxing.com