VERO BEACH, Florida (January 12, 2009) – The new-look middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KOs) has developed an invaluable relationship, like a younger brother, with former world light heavyweight and current title challenger Glen Johnson as they’ve sparred together for their upcoming fights..
McGirt’s takes on veteran Angel “Toro” Hernandez (28-7, 16 KOs) Friday night (Jan. 16) on ESPN2 in a 10-round co-feature against from Key West, Florida. Hernandez, who took “Winky” Wright 12 rounds in their 2003 IBF light middleweight title fight, is a former NABF title holder. Johnson fights Daniel Judah on February 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.
McGirt and his father/head trainer, “Buddy,” drove 2 ½ hours back and forth from Vero Beach to Miami in order to spar with Johnson. James got much more out of the sessions than merely great work in the ring.
“I got some great work but started a friendship,” James explained. “Glen is an older fighter who schooled me about what it’s like to be a pro boxer. He let me know what to do and what not to do. I really respect him a lot for that.”
“Glen and his entire team treated us very well for the whole camp,” Buddy McGirt added. “They offered to put James up but I wanted him to understand the sacrifices it takes in this game. I really want to thank Glen Johnson. He’s a great guy. He talked to my son when they sparred and afterwards, too. He took a liking to my son and talked to him a lot. It’s one thing when I tell James something – I’m his father and trainer – but coming from Glen really meant a lot to James.”
James’ manager, Dennis Witherow, completely agrees with the McGirts. “In this sports there are few men like Glen,” he commented. “He knows the ups and downs and I am thankful that he has been willing to share that with James. He has earned everything he’s gotten from this sport and, hopefully, he gets his much deserved shot at another world title soon.
“In James last fight with Marcus Upshaw (10-round majority draw on Nov. 11), I let James know exactly what was coming from the crowd. We love our fans and I want them to know we listened. We have followed the advice of President-Elect Obama and made a CHANGE. I hope they all watch ESPN2 on Friday so they can see for themselves what the new James McGirt is all about.”
Mexican warrior Hernandez has defeated J.C. Candelo and Frankie Randall and has fought, in addition to Wright, Kassim Ouma, Roshii Wells and Raymond Joval, who McGirt defeated last year by 10-round decision against for his most significant victory to date.
“Hernandez has been in there against a lot of good fighters,” James remarked. “But I know that I’ve put in a lot of good work and I’m ready for a great fight.”
Two-time world champion “Buddy” McGirt switched his son’s training methods back to more old-school routines and he’s convinced James is prepared to take the next step. “Hernandez is very tough,” he commented. “I was there for his fight against Winky and I remember it very well. I know how he fights and what he’ll try against my son. We’re prepared for the best of Hernandez. James was great throughout training camp. I know my son and what he has to do. I’ll take partial blame for his two bad performances (loss to Carlos DeLeon, Jr. and draw with Upshaw). I was lax on some things. I know how to get the best out of him and that’s what we’ve worked so hard on in this camp. I’ve been down the road James is going down. I’ve been there, done that, and now all I want is to see James accomplish his goal so he can take good care of himself and his kids. We’ve had the best work possible and done everything. Now it’s all up to James.”
“February Frenzy” features old-time boxing
PROVIDENCE (January 12, 2009) – Old-time boxing returns Friday might, February 6 as Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) presents “February Frenzy,” featuring many of New England’s most promising prospects, at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
The 8-round main event pits Providence light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina, rated No. 14 by the WBO, against veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker. Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs) is the former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental champion, while Missouri invader Walker (22-19, 16 KOs) once held the MWBA title.
In the 8-round co-feature, Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-2, 2 KOs) meets “Irish” Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), in a rematch of a draw they fought to last year, for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association (EBA) super middleweight title.
In a 6-round bout for the vacant EBA New England lightweight crown, unbeaten Pawtucket fighter Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (10-0, 4 KOs) meets another Lowell native, Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO), who will have his uncle and head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward, in his corner.
“We have 10 big fights on February 6th,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield (CES president) said. “It’s headlined by one of the most exciting fighters around, Joey ‘KO Kid’ Spina. Our co-feature is like it’s from the old days of boxing, when nobody walked away from anybody. Joey McCreedy is an Irish fighter from Lowell. He’s fighting a rematch against Bobo Starnino, an Italian fighter from Providence. They fought to an exciting draw in a non-stop bout last year. They’re going to let it all hang out in the ring.
“CES is a grassroots promotional company. The entertainment dollar will be spent very wisely in 2009 because of today’s economy. CES shows are entertaining from the opening bell, through intermission, right to the final second of the last fight. We’re offer the whole package and fans are leaving as the ask when the next CES show is going to be.”
Undefeated cruiserweight Adam “The Hitman” Harris (10-0, 7 KOs), of Worcester (MA), makes his CES debut in a 6-round battle against Philadelphia boxer David Williams (5-2-1, 2 KOs).
Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are U. of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Brockton (MA) super middleweight Steve Detar (8-9-1, 1 KO), former Mass. State champion; U.S. Coast Guard seaman Phillip “Killa” Miller (4-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Providence, vs. Sam “Showtime” Brown (4-4-2, 1 KO); Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Olade “One Shot” Thomas (1-3, 0 KOs); Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA; Worcester heavyweight Rashad Minor (1-0, 1 KO) in his CES debut vs. TBA; Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland making his pro debut vs. TBA.
Tickets for “February Frenzy” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5::30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “February Frenzy.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Joey McCreedy: “We’re going to have a great fight February 6th. I’m in great shape, almost at weight. I’m ready to go to war. I respect Bobo. Once we step through the ropes, respect goes out the window. I guarantee that this will be the fight of 2009.”
Sean Eklund: “People know that Jimmy Burchfield promotes great fights from top to bottom. I could have fought more stiffs but all that would do is blow up my record. This is a great opportunity for me. Eddie must be doing something right, he’s 10-0. I’m coming into this fight in great shape. Micky’s working me like I’ve never been worked before. I want to thank CES for signing me.”
Rashad Minor: “Five months ago I didn’t think I’d be up here. I couldn’t have better people behind me – a great fan base, friends, family, my manager, coaches. I’ve been through trials and tribulations and I’m going to bring the heavyweight championship here to Worcester. I’m going 100-percent in the gym. No more problems out of me; all good and glory. I couldn’t ask for more love from Worcester and now I’m going to start giving it back.”
Adam Harris: “I haven’t fought since November of 2007 at the Blue Horizon (in Philadelphia). My ex-promoter sold me a lot of dreams and then he lost interest. Everything went downhill from there. I was training on The Cape (Cape Cod) with Kippy Diggs, who was good friends with Mr. Burchfield. We sat down and I’ve joined Team CES. I’ve comeback (from Philadelphia) to Worcester, where I started and never should have left. I’m here to make a statement February 6th. My brother (Bobby) is in my corner as my second for the first time. I’m going to fulfill the steps he once walked and bring the cruiserweight title to Worcester.”
Octavius James’ One In A Million, Inc. Gearing up for “SLUG FEST 2009”
January 12 (Merrillville, In) – On Saturday, January 17th, Octavius James’ One In A Million, Inc. will be hosting a meet and greet with our stable of young and upcoming fighters. Our state-of-the-art facilities at 8789 Louisiana St. Suite B, Merrillville, In. will be open and available to the media and public.
Come and meet Jimmy “The Fighting School Teacher” Holmes, Ed Ochoa, “The Pitbull” Jimmy Perez Jr., Josh Crouch, Marcus Thompkins, Orphius Waite and the NABC Lightweight World Champion “Merciless” Mary McGee before they all step into the ring for “SLUGFEST 2009” on Friday, January 23rd at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, In.
All fighters will be available for pictures, autographs and interviews. For any questions about this meet and greet or future O.I.A.M. events, please contact us at (866) 438-7372 or visit www.oneinamillionboxing.com.
Tickets are on sale now for “SLUGFEST 2009” 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 is located at I-65 & US 30 in Merrillville, IN.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The first bout is at 8 p.m.