PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 17, 2009) – Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Danny O’Connor fights Friday night for the first time as a professional in Rhode Island, continuing the native New Englander’s tour that also includes appearances in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Danny has also fought in Florida and Montreal, Canada. New England and EBA super middleweight champion, “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-3-1, 6 KOs) takes on “The Next Great Champ” winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (20-6-2, 8 KOs), in the 8-round, non-title main event on the Irish-themed “Autumn Classic” card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I..
O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate from Framingham (MA), provides chief support on the undercard as Friday’s special attraction against dangerous James Hope (4-2, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.
Twin River is only a 40-minute drive from O’Connor’s home in Framingham. “Fighting in front of family, friends and my fans gives me extra motivation,” said O’Connor, who has trained the past three years in Rhode Island. “It helps me compete that much better. I feel I’m in shape to not only go six rounds, but two more.”
O’Connor, who made his pro debut in September of 2008, already will be fighting in his 10th pro fight. “I like being busy,” Danny explained. “I’m young and in shape. I’m focused on my conditioning and improving every day and each fight. I go in and do what I have to do to win. I think the area I’ve improved in the most is relaxation. I’ve come into my own as a boxer. I’m comfortable in the ring and have gotten great experience. I’m taking it one fight at a time, working on little stuff to get better.”
Four-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs) starts her comeback just 8-months since the birth of her daughter, Neyla, against WBAN No. 3 rated Rachel Clark (4-2-1, 3 KOs) in the 6-round, junior welterweight co-feature.
Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, tangling with 24-fight veteran Jeffrey Osbourne; Long Island (NY) light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), the 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion, against pro-debuting Anthony “Cruiser” Mitchell; Worcester (MA) heavyweight Rashad Minor (2-1, 2 KOs) facing pro-debuting Albert Garren; and Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder, whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, making his pro debut against Terrance Anderson (2-2, 1 KO).
Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Autumn Classic.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Vazquez Jr. and “Poblanito” ready for Battle Friday
Miami, FL: Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia have arrived fit and ready for their battle of this Friday, November 20, 2009 at the popular Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
WBO Latin Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. will defend his title for the third time against hard punching veteran Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia in a bout schedule for 12 rounds and being billed “Youth Vs. Experience”.
Vazquez Jr. of Bayamon, Puerto Rico is ranked #5 WBO #12 WBA and #15 WBC, is 25 years old and has been a pro for almost 3 years. He will be making the 4th defense of his title and brings a record of 16-0-1-13 KO’s.
“Poblanito” of Mexico City, Mexico on the other hand is a tested veteran of 43 fights in his 15th year pro career, he has wins over former world champion Rafael Marquez, Mauricio Martinez, Adonis Rivas and Francisco Tejedor and is a 3 times world title challenger with a record to 36-7-20 KO’s.
There will be a party for the weight in that is schedule for Thursday, November 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and will be open to the public. It will be held at Aventura Sports Bar 3415 W. Highway 192 in Kissimmee and there will be a live remote from RUMBA 100.3 FM and the Budweiser Ring Girls and fighters will be in attendance.
There will be a total of 7 fights schedule with the first bell at 8:30 PM. The event is being promoted by Tuto Zabala, Jr.and All Star Boxing, Inc. “The New Generation”. The main event will be televised live at 11:35 PM by the Telemundo Network.
Tickets are already on sale at the Kissimmee Civic Center 201 E. Dakin Ave., Downtown Kissimmee, FL or by calling 407-935-1412. Prices start at only $15.00 (in advance)
Talon’s Hope and Todd fight for Titles
On November 20th at the National Guard Armory, Saint Paul, Minnesota, an event promoted by SecondsOut Promotions sees Kerry “The Great White” Hope (12-2) and James “The Sandman” Todd (2-1) take on local favorites for the WBF and Minnesota state titles. Hope now takes on middleweight and local favorite Caleb Truax (13-0) over 10 rounds in the main event of the evening. Hope has taken the opportunity at late notice as Carl Daniels the original opponent dropped out. Hope is now looking to take the opportunity with both hands and take the title back to Wales. Hope was originally scheduled to fight on the card so is prepared and ready to go, he has already made a winning start since coming over to the US with a solid points win over the tough Danny Zee the title fight is being sponsored by www.ultimateboxingresults.com. Todd takes on Mohammad Kayango (14-2) for the same belts over 10 rounds in the co main event, Todd has been training hard since taking the opportunity over a month ago and is ready to shock the world with victory over the more experienced Kayango. Todd made his US debut 6 weeks ago when victory was taken from him from home town judges over 4 rounds when having former amateur star Dean Peters Jr out on his feet in the 4th and final round, but time got the best of him and he was unable to finish the job inside the distance, now with 10 rounds the Welshman will have no excuses this title bout is also being sponsored by www.ultimateboxingresults.com. Both Welshmen we part of Team Calzaghe back in the UK and are now part of Talon Boxing and based in Lake Arrowhead, California under trainer John Tandy.