King Arthur Abraham is convinced that the huge Armenian community in California will lift him to victory in his Super Six World Boxing Classic semi-final bout on May 14. The 31-year-old (32-2, 26 KOs), who takes on undefeated WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Andre Ward (23-0, 13 KOs) at The Home Depot Center, is currently shaping up on Usedom, a small German island in the Baltic Sea. Last week, SHOWTIME´s Fight Camp 360 crew caught up with the former tournament point leader in his training camp. “I am looking forward to returning to America and clinch a big victory on May 14,” King Arthur said. “Los Angeles has a huge Armenian community and I intend to put on a great fight for my loyal fans. Their passionate support really means a lot to me. It will give me additional motivation. Ward is a strong fighter but with the help of my countrymen I will defeat him.”
Fans can purchase tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-234-8425. Tickets are available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100.
David Price vs. Rafael Butler on 4/27
DAVID PRICE steps up in class to face Raphael Butler next week and insists the American is better than future rival John McDermott.
The 6ft 8in man mountain has his first hometown fight in more than two years when he faces vastly experienced Butler (35-9) over eight rounds at Liverpool’s Olympia on Wednesday April 27.
The Olympic bronze medallist (9-0) is due to face McDermott in a British title eliminator in June, but said: “I think this fella is better John McDermott from what I have seen.
“McDermott is a step up but if I get through this I could view that as an easier fight.”
Price has been criticised over the level of opposition he has faced, but the Minnesota man has knocked out 28 of his opponents and there can be no complaints.
Recently Price stopped Osborne Machimana, who had beaten former WBO champion Corrie Sanders. Through no fault of Price or his team the South African turned up out of shape.
Price added: “All we got given was Machimana’s record so we had to agree for the fight. We could have said we didn’t fancy the fight because of his record, but he came in bad shape.
“I am sure this Butler is going to come in shape. He also competes in MMA and won in that sport recently so I am sure he will be in shape.”
Promoter Frank Maloney fired back at the knockers saying: “I don’t agree with the criticism of David’s opponents.
I am the one who picks his opponents. I am the one who has to guide his career and I agree the opponents with David’s trainer Frannie Smith.
“He gets in there and fights them. He does what he has got to do.”
In a mouth-watering main event British featherweight champion John Simpson (22-7) faces Liverpool’s Commonwealth king Stephen Smith (11-0) in a rematch.
In their first meeting last year Smith took a controversial points decision, but Simpson bounced back by taking Martin Lindsay’s British crown.
Also on the bill is British flyweight champion Paul Edwards (8-0). He has a non-title fight against Kevin Coglan (2-2)
The rest of the undercard is stacked with local talent including Liam Vaughan (1-0), John Quigley (1-0), Kevin Satchell (4-0), Ryan Farrag (2-0), and Steve Harkin (5-1-1).
The show will be televised live by Sky Sports.
Tickets priced £35 and £65 are available0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com.
Shiflett defeats Chisolm
BALTIMORE, MD (April 18, 2011) Friday night in Millersville, Maryland, Chris Middendorf and UNITED BOXERS thrilled a crowd of over 1,000 Maryland fight fans with a sensational eight bout event at the Maryland Sportsplex.
In the main event of the evening, Baltimore’s Russ “The Hammer” Shiflett improved to 11-0-1 (5KO’s) with a dominating shutout six round decision over Willie Chisolm, 6-11-0 (3KOs) in their cruiserweight battle. Scores were 60-54 on all three judges’ cards.
Welterweight James “Keep em Sleepin” Stevenson of Baltimore returned to action with a six round unanimous decision over Jose Angel Roman of Valdosta, Georgia. Scores were 60-54, 60-54 and 59-56. With the win Stevenson improves his undefeated record to 14-0-0 (10KO’s) while Roman falls to 11-31-5 (5KO’s).
Local fan favorite Jessie ‘The Beast” Nicklow wasted no time in his scheduled six rounder against Steve “The Spoiler” Walker of Hannibal, Missouri. Dropping Walker three times, Nicklow earned the stoppage at the two minute mark of the initial stanza, improving to 21-2-3 (8 KO’s) while Walker went back to .500 with record of 26-26-0 (18KO’s).
Emmanuel “The Tranzformer” Taylor proved to be too much for Chicago native Guadalupe Diaz as the punishment proved to be more than Diaz could handle, choosing not to answer the bell for the third round of their welterweight bout. Taylor ups to 11-0-0 with eight knockouts while Diaz falls to 5-9-3 (1KO).
Cruiserweight prospect “Slick” Nick Kisner continued to look sharp with a four round unanimous decision victory over Montana veteran Leo Bercier. Kisner is now 8-0-0 with five stoppages while Bercier falls to 8-16-1 (4KO’s). Scores were 40-36 on all three cards.
In a four round lightweight battle, newcomer Tevin Farmer of Philadelphia won a four round over Baltimore’s Angelo Ward. Scores were 40-35 on all three score cards, both boxers moving to 1-1-0.
Baltimore based junior middleweight prospect Mischa Christensen, 3-1-0 (1KO) took a four round unanimous decision over Stephen Franklin, 0-3-0. Judges scored the bout 40-36 on all three scorecards.
Rounding out the card Washington D.C.’s Jarell Mason Jackson, 8-5-1 (4KO’s) and Michael Rayner 6-16-0 (5KO’s) of Fayetteville, North Carolina battled to a four round draw in the super middleweight division.
Details of the next United Boxers event will be announced shortly.