News: Barrios vs. Lozada; Jesse Brinkley; Teddy Atlas Foundation

LOS ANGELES, October 12 – Following an unforgettable homecoming on August 8, former world champion Jorge Rodrigo “La Hiena” Barrios will look to extend his amazing Argentinean unbeaten streak to 31 on Saturday, November 21, when he takes on Mexico City banger Michael Lozada for the WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship in the main event of HBO Plus’ “Next Boxing Generation” at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina..

In the co-featured bout, another one of Argentina’s favorite sons, unbeaten junior welterweight knockout artist Lucas Matthysse, will take on an opponent to be determined in a WBO Latino title bout.

Barrios vs. Lozada is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box, will air live on the HBO Plus service in Latin America beginning at 10pm local time.

Seen by most boxing observers as the best fighter to come out of Argentina in the last 25 years, Tigre’s Jorge Rodrigo “La Hiena” Barrios (48-4-1, 34 KO’s) is getting his second wind when it comes to building on his already impressive resume. A former World Champion at 130-pounds, Barrios made a successful jump to 135 pounds in August with a win over Moises Castro that earned him the interim WBO Latino Lightweight title. On November 21, the 33-year old hopes to take out Michael Lozada and move even closer to a lightweight world title shot.

A native of Tijuana who now makes his home in Mexico City, 26-year-old Michael Lozada (32-5-1, 25 KO’s) is known for two things – excitement and power. When he puts both of them together, fans can’t get enough of this Mexican knockout artist. A seven year veteran, Lozada is a former WBA Fedebol and WBC FECARBOX champion who challenged for the junior lightweight world title against Edwin Valero in 2007. With an 11-1 record since that bout, Lozada has won four in a row, all by knockout and he’ll be coming for war against Jorge Barrios.

Unbeaten in 25 professional fights with 22 knockouts, Buenos Aires’ Lucas Matthysse (24-0, 22 KOs) strikes fear in his opponents with each swing of his fists. The brother of former world title challenger Walter Matthysse, the younger Lucas is believed to have even more potential than his talented older brother. Currently ranked fourth in the world by the WBO, Matthysse plans on making another statement in front of his Argentine fans on November 21 by scoring another knockout victory in this schedule12 round bout.

“Next Boxing Generation,” which was launched in August of 2008 by Golden Boy Promotions in association with HBO Latin America Group, features the top up and coming Latin American fighters in boxing today in exciting bouts that will appeal to fans across all demographics. In a little over a year, the series has seen fights take place throughout Mexico as well as in Argentina, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, the United States and Uruguay.

A full slate of undercard bouts and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

BRINKLEY – “I’LL FIGHT ANYONE AT 168!”

Reno, NV (October 12th, 2009) – World ranked supper middleweight, Jesse Brinkley, is calling everyone out at 168 lbs.

“I want Green, Bika, Bute, Stieglitz…and everyone else in the division.” Says Brinkley. “I would love to fight all of the guys in Showtime’s super-six tournament too, but they are all locked up until 2012.”

Brinkley has been on a two-year tear. He is 8-0 (5 KOs) since June of 2007. Within that time, he became the WBC USNBC super middleweight champion with a spectacular eleventh round knockout over Otis Griffin. He dominated his cross-town rival, Joey Gilbert, this Valentines Day in what turned out to be the biggest fight to take place in Reno, NV in decades. And he is coming off of a terrific performance against top Baltimore super middleweight Mike Paschall in July; which resulted in a unanimous decision victory.

In a career that has spanned over twelve years, the 32 year-old Brinkley compiled a record of 34-5 with 22 knockouts.

“Jesse Brinkley is one of the best super middleweights in the world and he deserves a shot at a world title.” Says Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Terry Lane. “We’ve discussed big fights for Jesse with several promoters, but the other fighters, promoters, and managers always pass him up for an easier option. That is terrible for boxing.”

“I am just shy of 40 pro fights.” Added Brinkley. “Bute has 24, Froch has 25…and they are champions! I’ve had ups and downs in my career, but who doesn’t? I’ve passed the test of time and it’s my turn to get a shot!”

Jesse Brinkley is currently rated #5 by the IBF, #9 by the WBC, and #13 by boxrec.

‘Friday Night Fights’ Teddy Atlas Hosts 13th Annual Foundation Dinner Thurs., Nov. 19th

Boxing trainer/ESPN2 Fight analyst Teddy Atlas joined by NY Giants star running back Brandon Jacobs and Colorado Rockies pitcher Jason Marquis in memory of Atlas’ father at annual Dr. Theordore A. Atlas Foundation Dinner at Hilton Garden Inn on Staten Island, New York.

AT HILTON GARDEN INN ON STATEN ISLAND New York, October 12—Boxing trainer and ESPN2 Friday Night Fights analyst Teddy Atlas continues to fight the good fight.

In his undying efforts to improve the quality of life for those in need in memory of his Good Samaritan father, every year he enlists the support of sports and entertainment celebrities to attend the annual Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation Dinner.

One of the most looked-forward-to galas on the Autumn New York banquet circuit, this year’s 13th annual benefit is set for Thursday night, November 19, once again at the Hilton Garden Inn on Staten Island. Two headliners – New York Giants star running back Brandon Jacobs and Colorado Rockies standout right handed hurler and New York product Jason Marquis – will be on hand to support the cause.

The Sopranos stars Tony Sirico and Joe Gannascoli, and Sex and The City and Law & Order star Chris Noth join what will be a long list of personalities expected at this year’s blockbuster, including members of both the Jets and Giants. Comic Jeff Pirrami returns as host of the festivities which will include a wide array of celebrities, a memorabilia auction, and the presentation of the annual “Teddy” Awards.

Tickets are priced at $200, while Gold tables of 10 are available at $5,000, Silver tables of 12 at $3,000, Bronze tables of 14 at $2,800 by calling 201-293-2606, or emailing jillrothstein@yahoo.com. Log onto www.dratlasfoundation.com for more information.

The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 1100 South Avenue in Staten Island, New York. Over one thousand supporters attend the “Teddy” Dinner, along with numerous celebrity athletes and actors who show their support for the work of the Foundation. Notable sports names including Bill Parcells, Eric Mangini, Chad Pennington, Curtis Martin, Gary Sheffield, John Franco, John McEnroe, George Foreman, Michael Moorer, Sugar Ray Leonard, Pete Rose and Harry Carson. Entertainment and television luminaries such as Chris Noth, Chuck Zito, Danny Aiello, Tony Siricco, Max Kellerman, Bob Papa, Joe Tessitore, Mike Franscesa and Steven Baldwin have attended the Dinner to help raise awareness and funds in support of the Foundation.

The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to individuals and organizations in need, and focuses primarily on the needs of children. It was founded in 1997 by boxing trainer, commentator and motivational speaker Teddy Atlas to honor the memory of his father, Dr. Theodore Atlas, a Staten Island physician who for 55 years provided medical services to his community. His spirit of giving is embodied in the Foundation that bears his name. The Foundation comes to the aid of people in a variety of difficult situations, people who have nowhere else to turn for help, people who would otherwise fall between the cracks. And it does so in a very direct and very real way. Once the Foundation identifies a person or family in need, it immediately moves to help, and avoids any bureaucratic obstacles which might damage the recipient’s pride.

In addition to helping thousands of individuals and families in their times of need, the Foundation has engaged in larger endeavors such as creating incentive programs in schools to encourage and motivate students, creating a food pantry on Staten Island to insure that children do not go to bed hungry, and distributing turkeys at Thanksgiving and toys at Christmas to families that don’t have the financial resources to properly celebrate the holidays. There is so much more work to be done, and the Foundation remains committed to the mission of bringing help to people in their time of need, no matter how great or small the call.