In response to complaints from Nikolai Valuev and Sauerland Event that Ruslan Chagaev and Universum are spreading incorrect information, the WBA clarified on Tuesday that Valuev is the WBA world champion and Chagaev is merely the champion in recess. A May 30th showdown between Valuev and Chagaev was derailed when Chagaev’s uncertain hepatitis levels caused the Finnish boxing commission to declare him unfit to fight. Since then, Chagaev and Universum issued press releases stating Chagaev is the WBA champion, a claim now refuted by Tuesday’s letter..
Chagaev has protested the Finnish ruling, and the matter is in the hands of the WBA. The sanctioning body’s attorneys have now put in writing that Chagaev’s status as champion in recess is “under review” and Valuev remains the world champion. Chagaev is expected to face IBF/WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko on June 20th in Germany, where the hepatitis regulations are looser than in Finland and most of the world.
The WBA’s attorney letter also states that neither Chagaev, Klitschko nor their representatives have requested a WBA sanction of the event, which “is unlikely to be granted.” Valuev and Sauerland will make no attempt to stop Chagaev from fighting Klitschko, but have demanded that Valuev’s status as champion not be further confused by a WBA sanction of Klitschko-Chagaev.
Mia St. John Launches Multi-City Book Tour in NYC
“The Knockout Workout- 3 Winning Steps to Improve Your Body & Your Life” (Wiley)
Begins in NYC with BWAA Dinner on June 12
Week of Media Appearances Concludes June 18 with Book Signing Event in Spanish Harlem
June 9, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA)-A pioneer of women’s professional boxing whose career has spanned more than a decade, Mia Rosales-St. John literally fought her way to the top. On the tenth anniversary of her Playboy magazine cover, the two-time WBC champion is more fit and healthy than ever.
In her newly released book, The Knockout Workout: 3 Winning Steps to Improve Your Body and Your Life (Wiley, $24.95) Mia uses her experiences as a fighter, champion and single, working mother of two to empower women to take control of their food and body issues and live their healthiest, happiest lives.
In addition to her innovative workout plan, Mia reveals some of the challenges she overcame along her life’s journey and shares the skills and mindset that helped her climb from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of her chosen profession.
“The Knockout Workout” includes step-by-step exercise instructions, championship mental strategies and clear, detailed photographs. This whole-body program is ideal for everyone, regardless of age or experience, who wants to get fit quickly.
For anyone who enjoys Mexican food (and who doesn’t), Mia supplies low-fat, heart healthy recipes that are quick and easy to prepare. Working with her mother, a native of Zacatecas, Mexico, Mia developed healthier, alternative recipes for her favorite meals that maintain the delicious, authentic flavor of her mother’s hometown.
After attending the Boxing Writer’s Association of America gala this Friday night, Mia spends the next five days making media appearances around New York City. She wraps up her week with a public book signing in Spanish Harlem on Thursday, June 18th at Chimney from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Presented in conjunction with La Casa Azul Bookstore, Chimney, the latest in El Barrio chic, is located at 2056 Second Avenue.
Mia’s book signing tour includes stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Chicago. For dates and information, visit www.MiaStJohn.com.
“The Knockout Workout” is available at retailers including Borders and Barnes and Noble and on-line at Amazon.com or www.LaCasaAzulBookstore.com.
THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS SIGNS DANIEL HERNANDEZ
The most talent-rich roster in California boxing just got richer today, as Thompson Boxing Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of unbeaten lightweight Daniel “El Travieso” Hernandez to an exclusive promotion deal.
“I’m very happy to have signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions as my promoter,” said South Gate, California’s Hernandez. “I have no doubt that Thompson Boxing Promotions will take my career to the next level and eventually lead me to a world championship.”
“We feel really good about becoming part of the Thompson Boxing Promotions family,” added Eddie Gonzalez, Hernandez’ manager. “This is something that I had my eye on and was trying to accomplish for the last eight months. I know that both parties will complement each other in this relationship.”
A month shy of his 20th birthday, Hernandez already has an impressive resume to look back on. 25-5 as an amateur, he won Golden Gloves and Desert Showdown Tournament titles, as well as the California Palace Award, and scored victories over highly regarded Chris Avalos, Jose Roman, and Oscar Molina, the twin brother of 2008 US Olympian Javier Molina.
But despite his amateur success, fight game insiders knew that the pro game would truly show what “El Travieso” could do in the ring, and he hasn’t disappointed yet, scoring six wins in six fights, with four of those wins coming by way of knockout. His performances on Thompson Boxing Promotions cards, his professional demeanor in and out of the ring, and his growing fan base prompted company President Ken Thompson to make Hernandez a part of a stellar roster that includes world champion Timothy Bradley, Yonnhy Perez, Juan Carlos Burgos, Josesito Lopez, Dominic Salcido, Mauricio Herrera, Patrick Lopez and Abraham Lopez.
“We’re pleased to have Daniel Hernandez on the Thompson Boxing team, and we’re looking forward to leading him up the ranks and eventually to a world title,” said Thompson. “He’s a talented young man, a diligent worker in the gym, and he’s got a lot of people in this area excited about his potential.”
Thousands Of Thunderbolts’ Fans Embraced “Tinley Park Rumble” Fighters During Action-Packed Homestand
June 9 (Merrillville, In) – During Octavius James’ One In A Million Inc.’s recent visit to Standard Bank Stadium, which is home to the two-time defending Frontier League champion Windy City Thunderbolts, the Midwest’s premiere boxing promotion added another top heavyweight for their Friday, June 12th event “Tinley Park Rumble” in the form of the Thunderbolts’ mascot Boomer.
The furry and blue powerhouse will guide the unbeaten and Midlothian’s own Josh Crouch (4-0, 4 KOs) to the ring for his upcoming fight against the ring savvy Josh Rodriguez (4-8, 3 KOs). “(Boomer and I) are both from the same neighborhood and Windy City are back-2-back champions and champions stick together,” said Crouch.
“I coached the Mid Crest Panthers and the kids are really familiar with Boomer and are always excited when they see him dancing around the stadium,” added Crouch referring to his Pop Warner football team he coaches out of the football field just south of the Thunderbolts.
Crouch along with Angel Hernandez, Bobby Jaskierny and Ed “2 Fast 2 Furious” Ochoa all visited the Thunderbolts on June 5th and June 6th to sign autographs and take pictures with children and adults alike. “Our fans really enjoyed getting a chance to meet the fighters before the “Tinley Park Rumble” and Boomer is excited about getting a chance to walk Josh Crouch down to the ring,” said Jim Rice, Thunderbolts’ Director of Group Sales.
“The Windy City staff and fans made our fighters feel like they were at home and we truly appreciate the way they opened the gates and gave us a warm welcome,” said Octavius James, C.E.O. of One In A Million Inc. “With the addition of Boomer to an already star-studded “Tinley Park Rumble,” this is going to be an event that brings those in attendance at the Holiday Inn/Tinley Park Convention Center to their feet all night long.”
Michael “Midnight Stalker” Walker (19-2-2, 12 KOs) vs. “Iron” Orphius Waite (5-0, 3 KOs) is a main event of the “Tinley Park Rumble,” with undefeated welterweight sensation Ed “2 Fast 2 Furious” Ochoa (8-0, 8 KOs) vs. rugged veteran Jessie Davis (11-12, 8 KOs), the electric Angel Hernandez (12-3, 10 KOs) is facing the always tough Guadalupe Diaz (5-4, 1 KO), Mokena’s own Bobby Jaskierny (3-1, 2 KOs) will battle Mexico’s Jose Guzman (5-2, 4 KOs) and middleweight Meegel Harper (1-0, 1 KO) faces another undefeated prospect when he squares off with Scott Wilson (1-0, 1 KO).
Tickets for “Tinley Park Rumble” are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50 and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (800)745-3000, (866) 438-7372 or www.TicketMaster.com.
The Tinley Park Convention Center, which is just 20 minutes from Northwest Indiana, doors will open at 7 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.