Cruiserweight prospect “Awesome” Aaron Williams is in Las Vegas, sparring with unbeaten light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson, in preparation for his potential career-changing fight May 9 against former Cuban amateur champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez at Jako-Arena in Bamberg, Bayern, Germany.Nine-time amateur champion Williams (19-1-1, 13 KOs), born in Cleveland and fighting out of Las Vegas, is trained by former light heavyweight champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, who is also getting Dawson ready for his May 9th rematch against Antonio Tarver..
The 23-year-old Williams is coming off a win by eighth-round knockout of David Williams last November in North Dakota, in which, Aaron was selected as “Fighter of the Night.”
Williams was living up to his nickname, “Awesome,” until he was caught by a punch he didn’t see and stopped last May by Jose Luis Herrera on ESPN. Williams, however, has rebounded nicely with two straight wins and now he’s stepping-up in class to face southpaw Hernandez, who lives and fights out of Germany.
“I’m going over there to win,” Williams said from training camp in Las Vegas. “I have to do what I do best and nothing else matters. Fighting him over there, once the bell rings, everything goes out the window. I know he’s highly rated but I take every fight the same. Sparring with Chad helps a lot because he’s a tall southpaw like Hernandez. I helped Chad get ready for his first title win and now we’re helping each other out.”
Hernandez’ lone loss as a pro was to former world champion Wayne Braithwaite by 12-round technical knockout a year ago. Presently riding a 4-fight win streak, Yoan Pablo is rated in the top 15 of all four major boxing organizations – WBC #9, WBA #12, WBO #13 and IBF #14.
“Aaron is a top prospect and this is the type fight he had to take and must win in order to become a legitimate contender and future world champion,” Williams’ promoter Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.) said. “He’s a pleasure to work with and has a rich amateur pedigree. Training under Eddie and sparring with great fighters out in Las Vegas like Dawson have really helped Aaron develop. Beating a fighter overseas like Hernandez, who is rated high by so many major organizations, certainly should move Aaron right into the top 15 world cruiserweight ratings. He has monster-like power and learns every time out. CES is sending another of its young guns and top prospect to Europe and this fight can help make him a worldwide commodity in boxing.”
Travis Kauffman Headlines King’s Promotions Boxing/MMA Card on May 30 in Reading
Reading, PA – King’s Promotions is proud to announce the first boxing/mixed martial arts hybrid show in Lehigh Valley history. “Pain on Penn Street”, scheduled for May 30 at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA, will feature the region’s most exciting young combatants in professional and amateur contests.
In response to growing concerns regarding the economy, the first 500 tickets will be priced at “Buy one, Get one Free” of equal value. “With the way the economy is going, everything is tight,” says promoter Marshall Kauffman. “With this special promotion, the people can go out and enjoy themselves for the night without breaking the bank. General admission tickets wind up at $12.50 each; you can’t even get a haircut for that price.”
In the main event, highly-regarded heavyweight prospect Travis Kauffman will make his first appearance in his hometown since being featured on national television this past December. In his Showtime debut, Kauffman knocked out Malachy Farrell in three rounds. He has since scored two more impressive knockouts, dominating Ken Murphy and Cliff Couser in succession. Kauffman was initially slated to perform on an earlier date but a minor injury pushed back his ring return.
“There’s no place like home,” says the 23-year-old Kauffman, 16-0 (13 knockouts). “The Reading fans have a special place in my heart and I want to put on a great show in my hometown.”
Local sensation Julio Cesar Matthews will fight in the co-featured slot against an opponent to be named. Matthews, 7-0 (5 knockouts), is coming off an impressive outing against underrated William Gill. Gill turned a lot of heads with his near-upset of Jaidon Codrington last year on The Versus Network. Since returning from an 11-year-absence last March, Matthews has remained active against commendable opposition.
The MMA action will consist of local amateurs from The Cage MMA Academy, based out of Temple, PA.. Ten MMA contests will be displayed in total.
Tickets, priced at $65.00, $50.00, $35.00 and $25.00, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Sovereign Center Box Office at 700 Penn Street in Reading (610-898-7200) or at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com). First 500 tickets sold are buy one, get one free.
RAKOCZY RETURNS AFTER ONE YEAR LAYOFF
Former WBC Lightweight world champion, Jessica “The Ragin” Rakoczy (29-3, 10 KO’s) returns to the ring April 23, 2009 at the Tachi Palace Casino in LemooreCA, in a rematch against New York, N.Y.’s Belinda Laracuente (23-24-3). Rakcozy took a year off while nursing her body as she was pregnant and gave birth on November 16th 2009, to a healthy 7 lbs 9 oz baby boy, whom she named Jesse Jr.
“Words can’t describe what its like being a mother for the first time.” said Rakcozy. “I’m very blessed to have Jesse Jr. in my life. I’m very appreciative to Christian Printup who stuck with me through this layoff. My goal is to comeback strong and prove to everyone that I’m an elite fighter. I can’t wait to get in the ring and perform to my best ability.”
In Rakoczy’s last fight against Cindy Serrano on April 17, 2008, Jessica won every round on all scorecards, proving she has the skills to compete at the highest level. With that victory, Rakoczy captured the NABF title, and looks to defend it come fight night with hopes of recapturing the WBC world lightweight championship.
The “Best of Both Words PFC/Boxing” card is promoted by the Palace Fighting Championships in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. Tickets priced $60, $50, $40 and $30 are available at www.tickets.com or the Tachi Palace Box office by calling (559) 924-7751. For more information visit www.palacefightingchampionship.com or