January 8, 2009 (East Los Angeles, CA) – – Recently signed Goossen Tutor Promotions fighter Shawn “El Chamuko” Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) is set to continue his knockout path in 2009 when he challenges Jeffrey Osborne Jr. of Davenport, Iowa, and a veteran of 21 professional bouts on Saturday, January 24 in Minnesota’s Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hinckley..
Estrada, the 2008 U.S. Olympian from East Los Angeles has come a long way in the past few months since his return from Beijing, China where he experienced two of three of the most difficult losses in the 23 young years of his life; the loss of his father to kidney and liver ailments; and his loss by decision to eventual Olympic Gold medallist, Great Britain’s James Degale. His third loss took place years before when his older brother succumbed to gang violence.
“So much has changed in the past few years, but it’s all inspirational to me. My life continues to flourish through my 2-year old daughter Alyssa and now my professional career. I’m looking forward to making 2009 memorable for my family, my fans and me. It’s all about moving ahead and growing from my life’s experiences.”
“I have control over my destiny. I know to be a world champion I need to dedicate myself to achieving that goal. I will do the work it takes to make it there no matter how difficult the task,” continued Estrada.
Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions understood the mission Shawn and his managers laid-out prior to sealing their professional relationship. “Having to endure what he did in China, his dad unable to travel with him and ultimately succumbing almost simultaneously as his son was eliminated from the Olympics inspires Shawn daily knowing how his dad battled every second of every day to be there for him.” “These are significant challenges that most people do not have to encounter for many, many years later in life. Shawn lived it, mourned it and now is inspired by it.
On being informed that this born and bred Californian was scheduled to fight in hockey country on January 24th, the always affable Estrada pointed out, “I know enough about hockey that their fans always love a good fight, and I promise I won’t disappoint them.”
When told that the Los Angeles Times named him one of the “Faces To Watch in 2009” describing him as “…a tough, furious-punching prospect who offers unmistakable similarities to the probably retiring “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya,” Estrada said “I’m more Pit-Bull than a Golden Boy.”
Inside the ring opponents are finding Estrada a “Hot Prospect” looking to leave his opponents “Out Cold” as he continues his rise to world prominence.
The “Out Cold” boxing extravaganza is being presented in association with Seconds Out Promotions. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for “Out Cold” are $55, $35 and $20. To purchase tickets, visit the Grand Casino Mille Lacs or Grand Casino Hinckley box offices or call Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Andy Murray targeting boxing’s Grand Slam
Brian Peters believes that the name Andy Murray is going to become very familiar to sports fans this year – and he’s not talking about the Tennis player. Irish boxing has it’s own rising star in Cavan’s Andy Murray and having just signed a managerial deal with Peters his new manager believes he can be Ireland’s next big boxing hero.
The 3 time Irish Senior amateur champ turned professional in 2005 and remains undefeated having so far racked up 16 straight wins while hardly losing a round and claiming Irish titles at both lightweight and light welterweight.
However he’s also had to endure frustrating periods of inactivity but Peters is promising to keep him busy as he guides him towards a European and even World titles.
“Andy’s an exceptionally talented fighter but he has all the other attributes as well to make it to the very top,” enthused Peters. “He’s very marketable, he’s level headed, he has a great work ethic and he’s very focused on what he wants to achieve in boxing.
“His career has been a slow burning one to date but I believe he will really take off this year. His last win for the Irish lightweight title was very impressive. He won every round in that fight and McDonagh has gone on to have a couple of good wins since then.”
On turning pro Murray had signed with London based manager Michael Helliet but a lack of opportunities on the U.K. scene led Murray to return home. Peters said, “Mickey is a good boxing man but things just didn’t work out for Andy in England and with the pro scene buzzing here at the moment it makes sense for him to be based here.
“He’ll train up in Belfast at John Breen’s gym and that gym is really on a high with guys like Paul McCloskey, Martin Rogan and Stephen Haughian having had such a good 2008.”
Murray is delighted to have signed terms with Peters and believes it will prove the key to him fulfilling his undoubted potential.
“It was a very easy decision to make signing with Brian,” said Murray. “You only have to look at what he’s done for professional boxing in Ireland in the last few years and the job he’s done with people like Bernard Dunne, Paul McCloskey and others. Even last year when I wasn’t under contract with him he kept me busy with fights and it was great to get some TV exposure as well.”
While Peters begins working on the medium and long term goals of European and World titles Murray is happy to take it one fight at a time. “I just want to keep stepping up each and every time until I’m ready for those big fights. I know I’m not the finished article yet and you want to learn from each and every fight but I’ve no doubt Brian will deliver those fights for me and then when the chance at a major title comes along I’ll be ready for it.
Murray’s first outing under the new arrangement will come on February 7th when he features on Stephen Haughian: The Homecoming card at the Craigavon Leisure Centre with Peters planning on keeping him busy throughout 2009 and delivering some significant opportunities.
“Andy’s fight on February 7th should shake off any ring rust he’ll have and allow him to get an understanding with his new trainers, John Breen and Eamonn Magee. After that we’ll be looking to step up the level of competition and start directing him towards the European title. I have no doubt that Andy is capable of becoming European champion and once he’s at that level the world’s his oyster.”
Credit crunch hits boxing
Boxing is beginning to feel the pinch of the worldwide recession according to two of the UK’s leading boxing promoters.
Speaking to Steve Bunce on Setanta Sports News Frank Warren, who manages Amir Khan and Enzo Maccarinelli, said the sport needed to be careful. He said:
“The economy is hard. Times are hard for everybody so we’ve all got to cut our cloth accordingly. We’ve got some cracking young fighters and there’ll be some great fights coming up on TV.
“2009 will be a challenge but I think it’s going to be an exciting challenge and one we’ll get through.”
Darren Sutherland’s manager Frank Maloney pointed to the upcoming world title fight between Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley as an example of the credit crunch. He said:
“You look at it and you realise there’s a major title fight happening in America and tickets are selling for $25, which is unheard of.”
A year ago $25 would have been worth £12.50. Maloney added:
“The last time I did a ticket for that price was when I started out 25 years ago.”
Warren’s Olympians set for February debut
British boxing promoter Frank Warren today revealed when his three Olympians would make their debuts. Warren signed gold medallist James DeGale, Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin to his Sports Network stable at the start of December.
Speaking to Steve Bunce on Setanta Sports News Warren said that boxing fans could see all three in action very soon. Describing their debuts as ‘a big night for British boxing’ he said:
“On Saturday 28th February Matt Skelton’s fighting Martin Rogan; and the three Olympians will make their debuts on that card. That’s at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.
“It’s the start of their journey and their quest to win world titles. It’s a very exciting time for British boxing.”