Tulsa, OK- Undefeated heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman is relaxed and ready to take care of business tomorrow night against Ken Murphy of Chicago, Illinois. Kauffman, 14-0 (11 KO), of Reading, PA will fight Murphy in a six-round bout on the undercard of the Gary Shaw Productions/Holden Productions-promoted show at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, OK..
Kauffman checked in at a trim and ready 224 pounds, three pounds heavier than his previous fight with Malachy Farrell in December which was televised on ShoBox: The Next Generation. His opponent weighed in at 230.
“This is just another day at the office for me,” said the cool-minded heavyweight prospect.
“I want to knock him out. He doesn’t need to go the distance with me. Expect a great show because I will be victorious.”
Although Murphy, a one-time cruiserweight title challenger, is considered past his best days, Travis’ father and trainer Marshall Kauffman is not taking the more-experienced veteran lightly.
“Ken Murphy is a ‘stay-busy’ opponent but you can never take those fights for granted because those are the guys that upset you. Every fight for Travis is a stepping stone and a learning experience so we’re looking to get as much out of this fight as we can to prepare for our bigger tests down the line.”
For more information on Travis Kauffman, visit his official website at http://www.myspace.com/travis_kauffman
“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’
Friday, Jan. 16; Telecast Begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT
Two talented fighters with a combined record of 39-0-1 will collide when Leonilo Miranda (24-0, 23 KOs), of Mexico, faces Orlando Cruz (15-0-1, 6 KOs) of Puerto Rico in the main event tomorrow/Jan. 16, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The featherweight 10-rounder is one of three fights on the ShoBox telecast. In the others from the Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, Okla., Marvin Quintero (14-1, 11 KOs) of Mexico will be opposed by ShoBox alum Nick Casal (18-3-1, 14 KOs) of Chicago in an eight-round lightweight bout and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell, Jr. makes his pro debut against Antonio Reyes (3-2) of Dallas in a four-round 26-pound match.
NOTE: THURSDAY’S WEIGHTS – Miranda and Cruz weighed 127 pounds; Quintero and Casal weighed 131 ½ pounds; Russell tipped the scale at 127, Reyes 125.
LEONILO MIRANDA
“I expect this to be the biggest, most difficult fight of my career but I am real excited about the opportunity to fight on such a major network like SHOWTIME and I am ready to showcase my talent and skills. Fighting on SHOWTIME makes this an even bigger fight.
“I know Cruz is a dangerous fighter, who doesn’t know the meaning of losing, but I am prepared and confident I will come out victorious.
“I do not put a lot of pressure on myself to win by knockout. The main thing for me is to fight my fight. I like to apply pressure but I can box, too. If the knockout comes, it comes.
“I like opponents who come to me and won’t run, but I am prepared for anything. Fans can count on me giving 110 percent. This will be a great fight.’’
ORLANDO CRUZ
“I can box and slug and I have a lot of solid amateur experience fighting in the 2000 Olympics for Puerto Rico, so, yes, I feel very good about my chances. I’ve seen video of Miranda and know he’s got a great record. But I don’t think Miranda has ever fought anybody of my caliber.
“This was already the biggest fight of my life but the fact it is on SHOWTIME and will be shown all over makes it even more important for me than it already is. I have taken this fight very, very seriously, and prepared for it like it is a world championship fight.
“This is my chance to make a name for myself and for people to see what I am about. I thank (promoter) Gary Shaw and SHOWTIME for the opportunity. Hopefully, after this fight I will be in the top 10.’’
MARVIN QUINTERO
“I am 100 percent Mexican, born in Culiacan, but raised and have lived almost my entire life in Tijuana. I got my first name, Marvin, from my father, who always loved the way Marvin Hagler fought, so he named me after him.
“I don’t fight like Hagler, but I hope one day to have the same kind of success. Friday could be the start for me because it is such a great opportunity.
“I know Nick Casal is very strong and comes to fight, but I’m very prepared and ready to give a great performance. The key for me is to fight smart and not get wrapped up into making it a war. If I can avoid the ropes, box and do everything I have done in training, I will come out on top.
“I feel an obligation to the fans and the SHOWTIME network to give a great performance.’’
NICK CASAL
“This is a major big fight for me, but one that measures up perfectly for both of us. No way, this is not going to be a great fight.
“I need to win this fight and look good doing it, which I plan on doing. I feel I need to prove to myself more than anybody else that I can do this and that I am a contender.
“To give anything less than 100 percent is totally unacceptable. I’m definitely looking forward to Friday.’’
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“I am feeling good and ready to perform. I’m not nervous at all. I’m more excited than anything.
“I can’t wait to show the fans what they missed had I fought in the Olympics. Look for a lot of speed and a lot of power.
“I think the main difference I’ve noticed so far training as a pro is that I can take my time a little more and pick my spots. In the amateurs with its computer scoring, it actually made it more difficult for me.
I wasn’t able to do the types of free-style things I wanted to do. But in the pros, I can.’’
ANTONIO REYES
“I think quite possibly that they made a mistake fighting me for his first pro fight, but we all have to start somewhere. I believe all fighters should fight good fighters to get experience. You are only as good as the guys you fight.
“This is not an easy fight for either of us, but I know he is going to have to be at his best. Nobody wants to start his pro record with a loss, but this is my chance and I’m stoked, super excited and really looking forward to fighting on SHOWTIME.
“He was a great amateur champion and I know he has quick hands, but this is such a huge opportunity for me. I want to test him early and work his body because I’m not so sure he’s tasted real body shots before. He had better bring his “A” game because this is going to be a wonderful fight.’’
TOMMY MORRISON RETURNS TO THE RING
Who’s Your Daddy Productions is pleased to announce that it has reached a promotional agreement with two time World Heavyweight Champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison. Morrison has embarked on a comeback which will continue as part of the only complete combat sport event in the world, Ultimate Xplosion.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to promote such an accomplished and controversial fighter. Mr. Morrison fits the mold that embodies “Who’s Your Daddy Productions,” Intrigue, Controversy and a c omplete disregard for authority. Mr. Morrison’s comeback is alive and well and will continue in the US under our label” states WYDP Director of Operations. “Who’s Your Daddy Productions” has paved new roads in combat sports over the last six years by combining all combat sports on one event. This format along with innovations in production format and distribution gives “Who’s Your Daddy Productions” an opportunity to become a major p layer in 2009. “We truly believe we have found a winning formula that will take the combat community by storm in the next calendar year.”
Tommy Morrison comments, “I am happy to have finally found a team that shares the same vision as me, regaining the world heavyweight title.” Who’s your Daddy Productions invites the world to view Mr. Morrison’s first fight under “Who’s Your Daddy” label at Ultimate Xplosion 12 on January 31 , 2009. Mr. Morrison’s opponent is to be announced and will be broadcast on WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV .
Ultimate Xplosion 12 will be headlined by Mia St John. This opportunity was made possible only after Mr. Morrison was subjected to a battery of medical tests by personnel appointed by “Who’s Your Daddy Productions” and Morrison was pronoun ced fit to compete and free of any disqualifying medical conditions. “I told everyone in the world that I was clean and I have proven it once again,” Tommy Morrison. All of Mr. Morrison’s fights will be available exclusively by internet PP V on GOFIGHTLIVE.TV. THE DUKE IS BACK AND HE IS HUNGRY; The question is does he have enough left in the tank to get it done? Only time will tell!!!!