The contracts have been signed and filed with the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, Feb 9th. Brooklyn will be the host site on Saturday, March 24th when Zab “Super” Judah fights in his native borough for the first time in his storied pro career vs. “The Iceman,” Detroit’s undefeated Vernon Paris. This is the mandated junior welterweight elimination bout for the right to become the number one contender in the IBF.
Tickets for the bout, which will take place at the Aviator Sports and Event Center, located at Floyd Bennett Field, are priced at $200, $100 and $75 and may be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922, or online through www.peltzboxing.com.
The intimate Aviator has hosted several boxing events in the past, but this bout, to be televised as part of the new Fight Night Boxing Series on the NBC Sports Network, will be its biggest boxing event, by far. The non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7:30 p.m., the NBC Sports Network Fight Night broadcast will begin at 10 p.m. ET on Mar 24th.
Rated number four in the world by the IBF and a new face in the junior welterweight division, Paris has an unblemished record of 26-0, 15 KO’s. He and Judah, (41-7, 28 KO’s), the charismatic former five-time world champion in the junior welterweight and welterweight ranks, will face off in a classic crossroads fight. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for the IBF’s newly-crowned Junior Welterweight king, Lamont Peterson of Washington, D.C.
Judah, who expressed his delight at the prospect of making his Brooklyn debut enthused, “All I want to say is, I love Brooklyn!!!”
Vernon Paris was not shy when he challenged Judah, ” If you think Kostya Tszyu had him dancing in the ring wait ’til you see what I’m going to do Zab! He will be ready for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or at least as a back up dancer in one of his friends videos.”
“Since the inception of our talks about the NBC Sports Network Fight Night Boxing Series, fights like this one have been our focus,” promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events, explained. “Interesting, competitive crossroads matches like Judah-Paris will be the backbone of this project. Since word of this match-up began to leak out leading up to last month’s purse bid, reaction from fans has been extremely positive. Main Events is proud to be able to give Zab the opportunity to fight in Brooklyn for the first time. There is no doubt that this will be an exciting night for both the fans in the arena and those who will be watching on NBC Sports Network.”
The Aviator Sports and Events Center offers free parking. You can also take public transportation via the Q35 MTA bus from the Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College subway station.
Promoted by Main Events in association with Super Judah Promotions and Peltz Boxing. Be sure to tune into NBCSN for all the action following the NCAA basketball tournament!
NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)
Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA
Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. – Site TBA
To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/
Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports
IN DEPTH WITH BRADLEY SKEETE
Glynn Evans talks to unbeaten welterweight Bradley Skeete ahead of his late addition to Kevin Mitchell’s undercard tomorrow night at the York Hall.
Mitchell’s return against Felix Lora will be live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) starting at 8pm.
Name: Bradley Skeete
Born: Tooting, south London
Age: 24
Family background: I live in Penge with my mum and dad and I’ve got an older brother and sister. I’ve a two year old daughter Alyssia who lives in Coventry with her mum. I’m saving for us all to have a place together.
Trade: I work at my trainer Alan Smith’s commercial cleaning firm, cleaning communal areas.
Nickname: ‘Super’ Skeete
What age did you become interested in boxing and why? I was only seven when my mum first let me go to the gym. My dad worked for Sid Khan who later became my amateur coach at the Earlsfield club. I grew up with his two sons who both boxed.
What do you recall of your amateur career? I stayed with the Earlsfield and Sid Khan throughout my entire amateur career. All told, I had 94 bouts, 72 wins. I lost in three schoolboy finals and an NABC final before finally winning my first national title, the 2005 NABCs.
I then went in the senior ABAs three times. In 2008 I lost to Steve Turner of the Army in the English semis. Basically, I just had an off night. We boxed again shortly after in the Haringay Cup and I knocked Steve out in the fourth round. In 2009, I got to the final against Oldham’s Ronnie Heffron. He came out very fast, caught me on my eye which closed, and, after two counts, the ref stopped it. I was fine but that’s amateur boxing for you. No disrespect to Ronnie Heffron. He’s a very good fighter. In 2010, I lost a majority to Dudley O’Shaughnessy in a London semi, which could have been the national final. We were probably the two best in them that year.
I boxed 20 plus times for England and probably the highlight of my amateur career was my first call up at 13, when I won the junior Four Nations. That was a very good feeling.
I got a bronze at the Commonwealth Feds in Liverpool, gold at a multi-nations in Bosnia and boxed at the European Unions in Italy and the 2006 Junior World Championships in Morocco. I was on squads with the likes of Amir Khan, George Groves, Billy Joe Saunders and Steven Smith.
I really enjoyed my amateur career. Sid, my coach, really did treat me like his own son and I met lots of really nice people whom I’ve stayed in touch with. Myself and James DeGale have been very friendly since we shared a room on an England v America show when we were 16 or 17. We’ve been on holidays together.
Why did you decide to turn pro when you did? I was tempted to turn after Ronnie beat me in the ABA final but desperately wanted an ABA title and thought it might be ‘My Time’ so stayed on a year. However, once I lost my GB squad place after the Commonwealth Feds I knew it would be hard to get back on before London 2012 and reasoned I could be close to a pro title by then.
Tell us about your back up team: I’m managed by Dean Powell and promoted by Frank Warren Promotions. I’m coached by Alan Smith and Eddie Lam at Keddle’s gym in Orpington. For the ABAs I trained with Jimmy Mac (McDonnell, DeGale’s pro trainer) but it was quite a distance over to his gym in Loughton and I didn’t want people thinking I was living off James’s name. I’d known Al since he coached at Marvels Lane in the amateurs and knew I could get on with him and trust him. I also work with a conditioner called Bob MacDonald. I really wish I’d known him for the amateurs. He does mad stuff like flipping tyres, whacking ’em with sledgehammers, pulling weighted sleighs and training with weighted vests but the difference he’s made in just a year is unbelievable.
What’s your training schedule? Which parts do you most and least enjoy? I’m always in the gym. I’m not one for going out partying. My life revolves around work and training. At most, I’ll take a few days off after a fight so I’m always ‘good to go’.
My cleaning job ain’t strenuous. I’ll work from nine till about 1.30 p.m, emptying bins, hoovering and cleaning, then rest afternoons before hitting the gym around six, Monday to Friday. I have Saturdays off then train with Bob on Sunday.
My routine is loosen up, a 15 minute skip, 6-8 rounds shadow, 6-8 rounds pads or bag, then onto my core work, the crunchies. I’ll finish with a mad six minute ‘double jump’ skip. If a fight’s coming up, I spar Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and do a lot more pads on Tuesdays and Thursdays, touching up mistakes, thinking tactics for the next spar. After training, I run three or four miles every day.
The best bit is sparring, the next best thing (to fighting). We go around all the London gyms and oblige anyone around my weight. I do a lot with (ex British light-middle champ) Sam Webb who Al also trains. My least favourite bit is track work, the Sunday morning sprints or hill sprints up Greenwich Park.
Describe your style? What are your best qualities? I’m a tall rangy counterpuncher. My jab is my key; sets up my back hand and all my combinations. After I stopped Johnny Greaves in my second pro fight (legendary Kronk trainer) said I reminded him of a young Tommy Hearns which was a lovely compliment.
What specifically do you need to work on to fully optimise your potential as a fighter? Improve my ‘inside’ game. Being so tall, I seldom need it.
What have you found to be the biggest difference between the pro and amateur codes? The roughness and toughness of the opponents. On my debut, I ‘clashed’ heads with Billy Smith and it really hurt me. You can hit these guys with everything yet they just drag you about and rough you up. I don’t like to call them ‘journeymen’ because they make our sport. Without them, us prospects wouldn’t be able to learn our trade or get the rounds in.
Who is the best opponent that you’ve shared a ring with? I’ve always said it was the late Gary Barker who I boxed twice. We had a win each but he was different class. He was awkward but had all the moves and was very skilful.
All time favourite fighter: Naseem Hamed. He was ‘The Man’! As a kid,I bought nothing but Adidas!
All time favourite fight: Corrales-Castillo I, when Diego got dropped twice but got up and ‘done’ him.
Which current match would you most like to see made? Pacquiao-Mayweather but if it doesn’t happen now it’ll spoil it. I think Mayweather would be too cute, too accurate. Sometimes Pacquiao can rush in.
What is your routine on fight day? I always go out with my mum to Bromley and buy something new, a new tracksuit or trainers; something to make me feel good. We’ll have breakfast out and just chill. I’ll get water for the venue, pack my bag and watch a film or tele until Al comes to collect me around 4.30. I’ll be at the venue about six and sort out my music. If I’m on later, I’ll watch the first few bouts from ringside. It’s crucial to stay relaxed. I definitely don’t psych myself up to tear the opponent’s head off!
Entrance music: Last time it was Skepta: ‘Hold On’
What are your ambitions as a boxer? Right now, I’m just about getting wins and looking good but, by the end of 2012, I’d like to be knocking on the door for a British title shot. I’d like to go through the Southern Area and English title routes, take all the steps, go right through the levels. Like all boxers, I dream of being world champion one day.
How do you relax? I like to spend time with my daughter, taking her to the park or for trips to safari parks and stuff. I also enjoy going to other (boxing) shows and supporting mates who are boxers.
Football team: Arsenal
Read: I’m not a book man but I get the Boxing News every now and then.
Music: I’m easy going. I listen to anything.
Films/TV: I’m not really a TV person but I like films with Denzil Washington or Jason Statham in.
Aspiration in life: That everyone knows my name and that I’m a good Dad to my daughter.
Motto: Hard Work. Dedication.
***Kevin Mitchell’s return against Felix Lora headlines the show which can be seen live and exclusive on the New Undisputed Home of Boxing BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546) on Friday 10th February from 8pm.***
BoxNation is the first dedicated subscription boxing TV channel in the UK to bring together the biggest names in amateur, domestic and international boxing with an unbeatable schedule of matches from across the globe.
For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.tv and hit the “Subscribe Now” button and choose your subscription package. Simple!
Lundy predicts pain March 30th against Dannie Williams
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 14, 2012) – Reigning North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has heard all the threats from Dannie Williams as the two prepare to face one another for Lundy’s title on Friday, March 30th, 2012 at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s MGM Grand Theater.
There’s speculation that Williams’ vow to “hurt” Lundy didn’t actually come from Williams himself, but there’s no doubt who the voice is behind Lundy’s most recent response.
“Everything Hammerin’ Hank say comes out my mouth,” Lundy said, “and I do [it].
“So, if I tell you I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. I told David Diaz I was going to knock him out, and I knocked him out. And I’m telling you, I’m going to take your heart, I’m going to crush it up, I’m going to break you down, and I’m going to knock you out.
“I put that on my kids. I’m going to hurt you. You’re going to feel what real pain is about.”
Lundy’s 10-round showdown against Williams (21-1, 17 KOs) is the main event of “All In,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, and will air live on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights,” along with the 10-round co-feature between World Boxing Council U.S. National Boxing Council (WBC USNBC) middleweight champion Elvin Ayala (25-4-1, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., and Hector Camacho Jr. (53-4-1, 28 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Philadelphia’s Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs) has risen to No. 4 in the WBC and is seeking his first title defense after capturing the belt in April against former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez, also broadcasted on “Friday Night Fights.” Williams, a Saint Louis native, has won nine consecutive bouts – six by knockout – since suffering the first and only loss of his career against Eloy Perez in 2009 and is now ranked No. 11 in the WBC and No. 1 in the NABF.
The buzz began in late December when Williams’ promoter, Rumble Star Promotions president Steve Smith, issued a press release in which Williams was quoted as saying, “I hurt guys I fight. Lundy can talk all he wants, but that’s going to happen to him, too.”
Lundy – one of boxing’s most celebrated road warriors – challenged Williams to face him on his turf.
“If y’all aren’t coming to Philadelphia, Rhode Island, or Connecticut to fight ‘Hammerin’’ Hank, then we don’t have a fight,” Lundy said. “I’m tired of going into people’s backyards.”
The only problem, according to Williams, is the initial boast didn’t come from the fighter, but rather his promoter – a minor drawback that has done little to suppress the excitement since Williams remains as confident now as he appeared to be in December.
“I guess they just wanted to spark the fight,” Williams said, “but, yeah, I feel I can hurt him.
“I’ve got speed. I’ve got power. Hank is talking a lot of smack like I’m not supposed to be in the ring with him, or that I haven’t fought anybody. He’s writing me off already. That’s his biggest mistake.”
Lundy has repeatedly referred to the discrepancy in competition between the two fighters. Since 2010, Lundy has won five of his last six fights, and the combined record of his opponents during that stretch is a remarkable 120-9-3. Since losing to Perez, Williams has faced five opponents with 10 or more losses; his last opponent, 37-year-old journeyman Fernando Trejo, has twice as many losses (18) as Lundy’s last six opponents combined.
“You fought a bunch of nobodies,” Lundy said. “Then you have the damn audacity to talk trash to me.”
“He said I haven’t fought anybody? We’ll see when I step up and fight him,” Williams countered.
The one advantage Williams might have is anonymity; Lundy has appeared on ESPN five times in the last year and a half, while Williams made his network television debut in August with a knockout win over Antonio Cervantes.
“They’re mad because they ain’t got nothing on me – no television footage, nothing on YouTube,” Williams said. “I’ve got a lot of people wondering who I am.”
Conversely, Williams has watched several of Lundy’s recent bouts – “Only a few times,” he said. “I don’t need to watch it” – to sharpen his game plan for March 30th.
“I know he comes to fight, but he moves a lot trying to be slick and he gets careless sometimes,” Williams said. “He’s never fought a fighter like me who’ll come at him every round – a fighter that can box and that can punch, too. I didn’t win national titles as an amateur with knockouts; I won them by boxing.
“I don’t think he can hurt me. He thinks he’s fast, but I don’t think he’s faster than me.”
The long-running feud will finally be settled March 30th. Lundy has yet to meet his match inside the ring, but it appears he’s met his equal in terms of unapologetic confidence. Lundy has never faced an opponent he didn’t think he could beat, and Williams is equally fearless, even if he hasn’t done all the talking himself.
“All I want is my opportunity,” Williams said, “and he’s just another person in the way.”
Tickets for “All In” are $40.00, $65.00, and $125.00 (VIP ringside) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, or the Foxwoods box office at 800.200.2882, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.
For more information on the undercard, stay tuned to www.cesboxing.com