Marco “Captain” Huck will make his second defence of the European Cruiserweight Title against Geoffrey Batello in Riesa on January 24 after challenger Vadim Safonov has been hindered by an injury. Unbeaten in 18 fights, Batello boasts an impressive record of 15 KOs. “Batello is an excellent challenger for Captain Huck,” Sauerland Event general manager Chris Meyer said. “The fight against him will be more difficult than the one against Safonov. We know Batello very well. He has been in full practice and is in top shape. And his fight record speaks for itself..”
In the last six months, the 29-year-old Belgian has been a sparring partner at the Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin where he proved to be a tough opponent for Sauerland´s cruiserweights. “He is very dangerous,” head coach Ulli Wegner said. “He is very athletic, very dynamic and very offensive-minded. Marco really needs to be on alert.”
Captain Huck (23-1, 18 KOs) is looking forward to his first bout in 2009. Fighting top opponents is business as usual for the 24-year-old. “If you want to reach the top, you have to defeat the best fighters,” he stated. “Weak opponents do not help your development at all. The European Cruiserweight Title will be at stake in Riesa and that certainly means a lot. I have been practicing for six weeks now. I know Batello from sparring. He is good, but I am better.”
Huck became European champion last September when he stopped Jean Marc Monrose in the last round. Also in action will be Enad Licina, Alexander Abraham, Cengiz Koc, Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Arthur Hein.
Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion returns to the ring February 3rd in Brooklyn, New York
NEW YORK (12 Jan 2009) – Rafael “El Torito“ Concepcion (12-3) returns to the ring February 3rd 09 against former World Champion Kermin Guardia (37-8) in Brooklyn, New York.
This will be Concepcion’s second fight back since his enthralling battle with Jorge Arce last September in Mexico. Rafael has his sights firmly set on becoming world champion again. Kermin Guardia is a very experienced ex World Champion and Rafael knows that he cannot afford to let his guard down against Guardia.
The event will be promoted by Gleason’s Gym who is returning to the promotional fold and will stage a series named “Tuesday Night Fights”. The shows will be presented on the first Tuesday of every month in Brooklyn NY with the first show being held on February 3rd. Headlining will be the Rafael Concepcion vs Kermin Guardia bout which will be held over 8 rounds in the Super Flyweight division.
Rafael Concepcion last fought on November 29th in Panama, disposing the overmatched Emerson Nisperusa in 2 rounds. This was on the back of a very courageous loss in a fight of the year candidate versus Jorge Arce.
Rafael’s management team Optimum Sports Agency is keen to see their charge back at the top of the division. Rafael’s Manager, Damon de Berry, says “It is a rebuilding process. We have options and we have our goals, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves. Kermin Guardia will be a tough fight.”
Rafael Concepcion won the interim WBA Super flyweight Title by stopping the highly favored AJ Banal in Banal’s backyard, in the Philippines, in 10 grueling rounds in July of last year.
RILEY COME HOMES: LIGHT HEAVY PROSPECT TO DISPLAY SKILLS IN FRONT OF HOME FANS
Star Boxing’s fast rising light heavyweight prospect, Yathomas Riley (4-0,3KO) will return home to Florida when he fights on the undercard of the Hard Knocks at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL, Wednesday January 14th against Evjeny Stardoubstev (pro-debut).
Riley burst onto the scene in 2007 stopping Borngood Washington on February 15th at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Riley’s upcoming bout on the 14th will mark the first time Riley, the former 2006 National PAL and 2006 National Golden Gloves champion, fights in his home state of Florida since entering the professional ranks. Riley four fights as a pro, in order, took place in Connecticut, Brooklyn, Atlantic City and North Carolina.
“I have fans from coast to coast,” stated Riley. “I did most of my training up in New York in 2008, so it was good to be able to showcase my skills in the Northeast. But I am really excited to be fighting in Florida on the 14th in front of all my fans and family who have been there supporting me since day one.”
After a relatively busy 2008, Riley is gearing up for an even bigger and more active 2009. “I’d fight every week if I could. I love fighting, it’s my life. I had a great first year with my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing, and I only see 2009 being that much better. Everything is going great right now with my training and my team. I am going to be making a lot of noise in 2009 that’s a promise.”
The bout is being promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.