PROVIDENCE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES – Joey Spina: “This will be my first main event fight since 2005. I’m 31 years old and this is my year. I will fight for a world title before I leave boxing. I am now ready to give everything have. I’m putting together a good team, no hanger-ons anymore. All I have to do is hit you with one punch, either hand. I guarantee that I will knock out my opponent February 6th. I’ll show everybody why I’m called ‘The KO Kid.’ I knock people out..”
Joey McCreedy: “Come February 6th there’s going to be a war. I know it; Bobo knows it. I’m going to give everything I have – blood, sweat and tears. That’s the way it is in boxing. It’s going to be a great night. I’ve been sparring 10, 12 rounds for an 8 round fight. I’m going to be in shape for it.”
Bobo Starnino: “I’ve been working so hard with Dr. (Roland) Estrada, Chucky Sullivan and the other trainers at Big Six Academy. It got to the point where I was going to vomit. Dr. Estrada put a bucket in the ring and told me to vomit into that and keep working. So, I really can’t stomach him (McCreedy). I’ve been at war for two months and it won’t end until February 6th. I have more experience than you. I’ve got more gym wars than you’ll ever have in your boxing life. I’m a gladiator I’m going to take it to you. That belt is coming home with me. This is a fight everybody wants to see. I’m not playing this time. You’re good, tough and have a lot of heart. Afterwards, I’ll buy you a drink, but for now you’re my enemy, my prey.”
Sean Eklund: “I’ve been training hard. Eddie’s 10-0 so he has to be doing something right. Both of us could have continued fighting nobodies but what would that mean? We both stepped up. I’ll be ready on the 6th.”
Micky Ward (Sean Eklund’s uncle and head trainer: “I want to thank Jimmy for signing Sean to a CES contract. It’s a great opportunity for him. He’s an up-and-comer. Anybody who isn’t in great shape shouldn’t be fighting. I’ve trained his ass off and he’s coming to fight. I’m not going to say like a lot of trainers that he’s in great shape. He’ll do the talking that night in the ring.”
Eddie Soto: “February 6th will be one big fight. I’m taking him lightly. I’m working hard. It’s going to be a war. He wants to give me my first loss. That’s tough to do in my hometown. It’s not going to happen.”
Jesus Caro: I’ve been working hard in the gym. We have multi-sparring that’s helped a lot to get ready for this fight. I have to work my job and then go to the gym for my family. Jimmy (Burchfield) will get me where I want to be. February 6th is going to be a great night of fights.”
Keith Kozlin: “I’m really excited about fighting back at Twin River. It’s a great card and will be a great night of boxing. I’m proud to be part of it. I’ve been working hard and I’m ready to go.”
Boxing Trainer John Bray Establishes Non-Profit Charitable Organization
January 15, 2009-In an effort to assist at-risk youth from the San Fernando Valley in obtaining both educational and athletic goals, John Bray has established the John Bray Boxing Foundation. John knows first hand how hard it is to grow up in a tough neighborhood where kids are not sure if they’re going to be successful or live long enough to see eighteen years old. John wants to reach the kids and let them know that success can be obtained through hard-work, discipline and giving grace to GOD.
The John Bray Boxing Foundation was formed in 2008 in conjunction with the John Bray Boxing Club, a boxing gym in San Fernando, California. The John Bray Boxing Club was later closed; however, the amateur boxers wanted to continue being a part of the Club and subsequently had to train at other gyms. The John Bray Boxing Club had much success by transforming at-risk youth in the neighborhood into outstanding amateur fighters as well as disciplined young adults and children.
John’s ultimate goal is to re-open the John Bray Boxing Club and provide children and teens from the Valley, a youth center equipped with a computer lab and boxing gym in order for them to achieve their goals. Bray is aware that it will not be easy, but he is however, up for the challenge and just wants to give back to the community. After suffering a near fatal stroke in 2001, John vowed that once he healed and got on his feet, he was going to ensure that kids had a place to go so they didn’t have to deal with the pressures of gangs, drugs and other influences that will ultimately lead to prison and/or death.
The Foundation will now sponsor the annual events of the John Bray Boxing Club and accomplish its mission by providing educational programs at the youth center including scholarships for well deserving students and amateur boxers. The Foundation will also sponsor the John Bray Boxing Club’s amateur boxers and associated equipment within the gym. The activities sponsored by the John Bray Boxing Foundation will be funded from various fundraisers, donations and boxing events.
If you would like to help with John’s effort and/or for more information on the John Bray Boxing Foundation please access www.johnbrayboxingfoundation.org or contact Jerry Gonzalez at 559-643-9313 or jerrygonzalez@csufresno.edu
Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions Open Workout Notes
Hackensack, NJ- Darwish Brothers Knockout Promotions’ first media event in support of their January 22 boxing show was a smashing success this past Monday. The fighters who will be participating at “Knockout Night” at the Meadowlands Sheraton Hotel put their skills on display in front of various members of the media, dazzling all in attendance at the Hackensack Police Athletic League with their boxing prowess. For close to two hours, the boxers held a captive audience as they performed boxing exercises that hinted at the excitement that is in store for the fans next Thursday night.
“We are very excited about next week’s show,” says Wally Darwish. “The card is full of top notch fighters matched competitively. There will be no walk in the park wins for anyone. We will find out what these guys are truly made of next Thursday. The fans are in for an entertaining night of action.”
Alex Perez, 9-0 (6 KO) of Newark, NJ will headline the card, supported by Archak TerMeliksetian of Fairview, NJ, Noriko Kariya of Jersey City, NJ, Victor Valenzuela of Passaic, NJ, Carlos Zambrano and Elvin Sanchez of Paterson, NJ and more. Full bout information will be announced shortly.
In addition to providing quality boxing action to the public, the Darwish Brothers have committed to donating a percentage of ticket sales for this event to the Totowa Tigers’ youth football program. The Darwish Brothers have long supported youth sports programs, recognizing the significance of instilling a positive self-esteem in young people.
“As young athletes growing up, we understand that kids involved in sports programs are less likely to get sucked into the streets,” says Wally Darwish. “That’s why we do whatever we can to help provide a better future for our youths. The bottom line is that the Darwish Brothers care.”
Tickets, priced $100 for Ringside and $50 for Reserved, are on sale now and moving fast. For more information on Knockout Promotions, visit http://www.darwishbrothers.com . For ticket purchase information and other inquiries, call (973) 339-9611. The Sheraton Hotel is located at 2 Meadowlands Plaza in East Rutherford, New Jersey.