April 24, 2009 (Las Vegas, NV) – Image Copyright 2009 Richard T. Slone | Sloneart.com – Multi-award winning artist Richard T. Slone has been selected as the official artist of the Ricky Hatton vs. Manny Pacquiao super fight, which takes place May 2nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Slone, an internationally renowned artist, will exhibit his artwork at the MGM Grand during the weekend of the fight. The artist was commissioned to paint his view of the two boxing superstars doing battle and has created a spectacular painting that will serve as the official artwork of the fight.
The two fistic warriors emerge from Slone’s golden yellow hues. The artist has masterfully captured their likenesses and all the action of a super fight. The superb, powerful colors and painterly lines capture all the intensity and kinetic energy that has become Slone’s trademark – earning him international acclaim and a 2009 Sports Artist of the Year nomination. The artwork is now released in a limited fine art edition and posters. Slone’s ‘Hatton vs. Pacquiao’ painting also graces the cover of Ring magazine’s current issue. In addition to exhibiting at the MGM Grand during fight weekend, fight fans and art collectors can catch Slone’s art year round at the Memorabilia Museum at the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort were Slone has a permanent exhibit at the Museum where many of his originals and prints are sold..
Slone, the Official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, has become one to the most sought after artists of his era and has become a staple at boxing’s mega events. He was also the official artist of DeLaHoya vs. Pacquiao, Hatton vs. Malignaggi and many more of the big fights in the last decade.
Hatton vs. Pacquiao is the perfect expression of the thrill of competition that boxing and Richard T. Slone fans alike will find easily identifiable. His editions often sell out prior to the event. If you’re interested in learning more about the art we encourage you to act now to avoid disappointment, more information can be found online at www.sloneart.com
Slone’s art has become a staple at high profile events around the globe. Collectors of his art range from celebrity clients and high-roller gamblers, to college kids who collect Slone designed apparel. Slone is best known for his vividly colored images that capture detailed expression and motion, the kinetic captured in his work has brought critical acclaim. Considered to be a leader in the new generation of sports artists, Slone follows a long tradition of artist’s who have painting boxing such as George Bellows, Thomas Eakins and in more recent decades, LeRoy Neiman. Owners of his originals include Donald Trump, Nelson Mandela, Hugh Hefner and Muhammad Ali. He is the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, an official artist of the UFC and at only 34 years of age is one of the most accomplished emerging artist’s in the world. Earlier this year the National Geographic came to an agreement to publish his work over the next ten years. He is nominated for Sports Artist of the Year 2009.
PACMANHITMAN.COM GIVES FANS ALL ACCESS TO PACQUIAO VS. HATTON
Top Rank Inc. and Golden Boy Promotions Create State of the Art Website for Optimal Access to Information About “The Battle of East and West”
LOS ANGELES (April 23) – An exclusive web-based event site www.pacmanhitman.com has been created as the official online destination for Pacquiao vs. Hatton “The Battle of the East and West” mega-event slated for May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View, allowing fans behind-the-scenes, all-access and up-to-date reports as the fighters prepare to enter the ring.
The micro-site was created by Top Rank Inc. and Golden Boy Promotions, the event’s promoters, to attract fans using new media methods that complement traditional avenues normally used to promote a world championship boxing event. Through exclusive videos, news updates and photos, including up to the minute reports and breaking news features that will continue through fight week, the site allows fans to take an in-depth look at the fighters including their backgrounds, personalities and preparations for the most important fight of their respective careers. In addition, online media efforts are in place to further mobilize fans on other sites they visit by presenting highly-engaging expandable advertisements that double as a micro version of pacmanhitman.com. This aggressive online campaign is a first for these top promotional companies as they make a conscious effort to reach the online consumer.
“We are extremely excited to add this dimension to our promotional efforts,” said Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank Inc, who has been at the helm of the company for over 10 years. “We know this gives fans an extra opportunity to become emotionally vested in the outcome of next Saturday’s fight while being a part of this worldwide event.”
In addition to being the official online hub for Pacquiao vs. Hatton updates and news, pacmanhitman.com also features contest opportunities for visitors to the site. Anyone who logs on can enter to win a pair of gloves signed by both Pacquiao and Hatton. Further, there are different variations of the site specifically designed for veterans and active duty personnel who are being driven from a major site-wide promotion on Military.com. For veterans, there is a “Jet-a-Vet” promotion, where a veteran will win a trip for two to the fight, attend the weigh-in and be a part of the presentation of the national anthem in the ring on fight night (www.pacmanhitman.com/vet). For active military members, there is a Twitter campaign that engages this particular audience to win an additional pair of autographed gloves.
“This marketing effort is unlike anything we have done for a fight,” said Bruce Binkow, Chief Marketing Officer of Golden Boy Promotions. “Through collective efforts presented on this site, we hope to reach an additional audience and turn them into fight fans who will want to watch Pacquiao and Hatton on May 2nd. The internet is a powerful tool, and we are very encouraged by the traffic we see already. We hope this effort gets as many people excited about our event as possible.”
Pacquiao vs. Hatton – “The Battle of East and West,” a 12-round bout for Hatton’s IBO and Ring Magazine World Junior Welterweight titles, is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The championship bout, scheduled for Saturday, May 2, will be produced and distributed by HBO-Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
HBO Sports’ all-access reality series “PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7” will premiere episode #3 in HD on Saturday, April 25 at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. Episodes #1 & 2 are available on HBO ON DEMAND.