American heavyweight contender Danny Batchelder, 25-7-1 (12), will be traveling to Berlin Germany to take on former Olympian super heavyweight and fast rising heavyweight prospect, Kubrat Pulev, 6-0 (4), on March 13th. The fight will be part of the undercard of the Marco Huck vs. Adam Richards bout for the WBO cruiserweight title..
For Batchelder, it marks the first return to the ring since dropping a decision to former contender Lance Whitaker in July. Batchelder has trimmed down to 220 lbs and has been very focused on his training leading up to this fight. Recently he has been in talks with an Australian promoter to bring him down under. The contract would have been for him to fight a couple of fights, get a few wins and then take on the popular Aussie fighter John Hopoate, 12-4 (11). That contract fell through recently and he was contacted to fight Pulev. Batchelder said that if the Pulev camp thinks he is coming to be just an opponent, he has another thing for them.
Kubrat Pulev was the Bulgarian representative in the 2008 Olympic games, losing in the first round to Columbia’s Oscar Rivas. In his amateur career, Pulev owns a win over another rising heavyweight prospect, Odlainer Solis in 2002.
AL BERNSTEIN HOSTS MARCH 12 CROWN BOXING
Hall of Fame boxing announcer Al Bernstein will again serve as official host for the next Crown Boxing Friday Night Fights, March 12 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino.
Al will be on hand to interact with fans, sign autographs and make himself available for photo opportunities. The six bout card features Las Vegas battler Brian Battease against Alex Martinez in a lightweight match, but Al points out that the value of Crown boxing goes well beyond the main event. “I have traveled all around the world announcing and appearing at boxing matches for the last 30 years, and I can tell you that no one makes more competitive and fun matches than Crown’s matchmaker Frank Luca,” Al said. “These cards are perfect for the newcomer to live boxing, as well as the aficionados. The ticket prices are affordable, the fights are exciting, and it all takes place in a pleasant and intimate atmosphere,” he added. For ticket information call 702-365-7075, or visit the Orleans box office.
Bernstein, who is celebrating his 30th year as a network broadcaster, will next be seen on Showtime Championship Boxing on Saturday, March 27th announcing the Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament match between Arthur Abraham and Andre Dirrell. He will be joined at ringside by Gus Johnson and Antonio Tarver, with Jim Gray handling the interviews. For more information on this telecast log on to www.sports.sho.com
Fire to make her ring return at BB Kings on March 31st
Talented female boxer Keisher “Fire” Mcleod-Wells will make her ring return March 31st at BB King Blues Club and Grill in Times Square, New York City. The bout will be promoted by Dibella Entertainment. The evening named Broadway Boxing will feature a card of promising New York fighters
This will be Mcleod-Wells’s first bout since her controversial decision loss to the undefeated Laura Ledezma in her backyard of Panama.
Manager Damon de Berry says “It has been a frustrating time for Fire as I have had difficulties getting bouts and finding suitable opponents willing to face her.” The highly decorated amateur boxer has not fought now for 6 months and is looking forward to getting back into the ring on March 31st.
Since her last bout there has been a change in her team also, with training duties now resting with trainer Marcos Suarez. “Marcos has really helped, I feel as if I am improving all the time” says Fire.
Keisher “Fire” Mcleod-Wells’s bout will be in the Flyweight division with an opponent yet to be determined for the March 31st date.