PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 4, 2012) – There’s a time and a place for everything in a boxer’s life, including the time to sit back and reflect on recent accomplishments. “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy, who vaulted to No. 2 among lightweights in this month’s World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings after dominating Dannie Williams this past Friday, will let the world know when he feels he’s done something significant.
Until then, it’s back in the gym mastering the craft that’s brought him to the brink of stardom.
“I appreciate being No. 2, but I’m not satisfied,” said Lundy, who defended his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title with Friday’s win and improved to 22-1-1. “I’ll be satisfied when I win that world title. Then we can talk.
“Right now, I ain’t done nothing yet.”
Lundy would rather let his peers do the talking, and, after Friday’s scintillating victory on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” – arguably his most complete performance to date – there’s plenty to discuss regarding Lundy’s chances of winning a world title in the competitive lightweight division.
At No. 2 in the world, he’s on the brink of a major title shot, just one spot ahead of Mexico’s Sergio Thompson (22-2, 20 KOs), who upset Jorge Linares – the former No. 2 lightweight in the world – via second-round knockout Saturday night in a WBC world title eliminator. Linares, who lost to current WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco in October for the then-vacant title, dropped to fifth in the rankings while Thompson, a former super featherweight, jumped to No. 1, though it’s still uncertain whether or not Thompson will get a mandatory shot at DeMarco’s title, so Lundy is still holding out hope that he’ll get the call if and when DeMarco is ready to fight.
“He’s tailor-made for me,” Lundy said of DeMarco, who is scheduled to defend his belt against an opponent to be determined on July 7 in California.
“I need that fight. I want that fight. He stands right in front of you and makes a lot of mistakes. I’m not going to run my mouth, but that’s the fight I want.”
On paper, it appeared Linares would take care of business against Thompson and face DeMarco in a highly-anticipated rematch for the world title in July, but Thompson’s upset victory Saturday in Mexico added an unexpected wrinkle to the championship picture. Though Thompson is the official No. 1 contender in the WBC, Lundy has faced tougher competition in recent years; the record of Lundy’s last seven opponents is a remarkable 140-10-3, which includes wins over former WBC world champion David Diaz and current World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Richard Abril.
Thompson, who entered April ranked No. 16 in the world among super featherweights, hadn’t fought above 130 pounds since June, and among those three bouts, only one came against an opponent with a winning record.
The years of hard work appear to have finally paid off for Lundy, who is now arguably the most logical, legitimate challenger for DeMarco’s world title.
“Everybody’s talking about all these other guys fighting for the title, but I should be fighting for it. I’m next in line. I’ve put in more work than anybody.
“Right now, I’m No. 2 in the world. They should make these champions start fighting the top contenders, or else strip them of their titles. I’ve never run from any fighter. I think the champs should do the same. Fight me!
“At the end of the day, it’s going to be an ass-whooping.”
Given DeMarco’s record (27-2-1, 20 KOs) and recent success in the lightweight division, Lundy would probably be the underdog if the two were to face one another for the title. No problem, says Lundy – he’s used to it by now.
“I was supposed to lose and get knocked out by Williams, too,” Lundy said. “Like I keep telling people, my will and determination to win always shows through. Even after getting knocked down [in the first round] I bounced right back up.
“The world should know by now not to go against me. Every time you put me in there against these guys I’m supposed to lose to, I end up winning the fight.”
Lundy suffered a flash knockdown against Williams in the opening round when his opponent hit him on the side of the temple with a hard right hand – Williams’ signature blow. Lundy’s glove touched the ground momentarily; he bounced right back up and went on to dominate the final nine rounds in a decisive, 97-92, 97-92, 98-91 win. The key was Lundy’s ability to soften the body and keep Williams at bay with his jab, which Williams couldn’t defend.
“At the end of the day, I’m a fighter,” Lundy said. “My corner tells me what to do, but sometimes you have to adjust. My main thing was to go to the body, which I did, but once he got in front of me, I noticed he couldn’t handle the jab.
“That’s what great fighters do. When you’re a great fighter, you learn to do certain things. I broke him down. The knockdown? He hit me on the temple. If anyone gets hit on the temple, they’ll get knocked down, but my knee never touched the ground. It was a flash knockdown – that’s it. I did what I had to do.”
Whether or not the current champions hold up their end of the bargain remains to be seen. For now, Lundy is back in the gym in his hometown of Philadelphia improving each day while waiting for the opportunity of a lifetime.
“This is my career,” he said. “Most fighters take six or seven months off after a fight. I stay in the gym 24/7 working on my craft. Most of these guys want to step up to the plate and face me. Go ahead. I’m always in the gym working.”
Gilberto Ramirez and Alan Hernandez ready to fight
GUADALAJARA, Jalisco. – The boxing card known as the “Road to Glory” promoted by Canelo Promotions and slated for April 14 in the city of Arandas, Jalisco, became official.
In this card, two Mazatlan’s stable mates Gilberto “Lefty” Ramirez and Alan “Explosive” Herrera will see action in an eight and ten round fights, respectively.
“Lefty” Ramirez will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Championship against Costa Rica’s Jaime “El Indio” Barboza while “Explosive” will face an opponent to be named later in the super featherweight division.
Both Ramirez and Herrera are camped in Guadalajara, Jalisco, along with a team that includes world champion Jose “El Torito” Rodriguez, their manager and promoter Jesus Zapari and their trainer Hector Zapari.
Both fighters are past the toughest stage of their training and look forward to fight night to show their progress in this 2012.
The last time Herrera fought was last February in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, when he won a lopsided decision in eight rounds over experienced Abraham “Cholo” Barajas.
Gilberto “Lefty” Ramirez has not fought since November 26 , 2011, where dispatched in four rounds Colombian puncher Samuel Miller, who had never been stopped before in his career.
The altitude of Arandas is similar to that of Guadalajara, which means no obstacles will hinder these Mazatlan boxers once in the ring.
The card on the “Road to Glory” Series will be broadcast on “Sabados de Corona’s” Channel 5 of Televisa.
World Champions Against Bullying
The Sulaiman Family, and WBC Word Boxing Cares are announcing a new program, World Champions Against Bullying. WBC President Jose Sulaiman, newly appointed Ambassador to the Non Violence Foundation, called for immediate action and support.
“This, much needed initiative, headed by Harris Haith, Coylette James and Roy Foreman, has been organized in response to the rising number of harassment incidents among our children. It is our conviction that children will respond to our champions; many of whom have come from difficult circumstances to take their place with the best in our society,” said President Sulaiman.
We are setting this motion with a Celebration of Heroes! An evening dedicated to those who have inspired us, and our youth. Please help us pay tribute to some outstanding leaders in the community, and join us for an evening of joy and laughter.
Our hearts to yours,
Jill Diamond
What: A Celebration of Heroes
When: Monday, May 14th, 2012
Where: Gotham Comedy Club
208 West 23rd St
New York, NY 10010
How: Reservations: 212. 367.9000
Our Heroes
Bruce Silverglade Imamu Mayfield
Chief Edward Kilduff Hon. Melvina Lathan
Boyd Melson Tamara Tunie
COMBATT Joe Mazzilli
Johnny Callas
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm VIP Reception in Vintage Lounge
7:00 – 7:30pm Seating for GA in Main Showroom
7:30 – 8:15pm Awards Presentation
8:15 – 9:00pm Comedy Show
Admission: GA: $25 cover plus 2 drink minimum per person. Show Only.
VIP: $100 cover. Includes admission to show & reception, unlimited wine & soft drinks during show & reception and VIP seating & a gift bag
Tickets: Available only through Gotham Comedy Club’s box office or online at www.gothamcomedyclub.com
Raffle: Be sure to get your raffle tickets for a chance to win RT coach Air Fare for 2,
Hotel Accommodations, and Event Tickets to the WBC’s 50th Convention in Cancun Mexico December 2-8! Raffle tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100.
A society is judged by the way it treats the weak. Our goal is not to be judged, but to inspire!
World Champions Against Bullying is an initiative of Total Life Harvest Charities
World Boxing Cares and Total Life Harvest are 501c3 Non Profit
The Non-Violence Project Foundation, created in honor of John Lennon, is a successful international youth education and leadership initiative promoting social change.
Welcome to
“A celebration of Heroes”
May 14, 2012
Gotham Comedy Club
New York City
Introducing The Heroes
The evening of May 14 is dedicated to those who inspire our youth
Imamau Mayfield
Former Cruiserweight World Champion
The Children’s Champion
COMBATT:
Larry Hazard and Rhonda Utley-Herring
A proud history of improving children’s lives
Tamara Tunie
Film, stage and television actress, director and produce
Chair Emerita of Figure Skating in Harlem
A role model and inspiration to our Youth
Chief Edward Kilduff
FDNY’s 34th Chief of Department
Inspiring, Protecting and Educating the Community
Joe Mazilli
Former NYPD, Officer (nine of those years with the Organized Crime Control Bureau)
Television Producer, Creator of Runaway Squad,
Bravery on behalf of our children
Melvina Latham
Chairwoman of the NYS Athletic Commission
Leadership and Dedication to boxing and young athletes
Bruce Silverglade
Owner of the world famous Gleason’s Gym and
Creator of Give a Kid a Dream Foundation
Tireless Support of Youth and Boxing
Boyd Melson
Multiple United States Amateur Boxing Championships
Creator of Team Fight to Walk
Compassion and Courage outside the Ring
John Callas
WBC Referee + Coach
Creator or Oak Boxing Academy
Ombudsman for CT Department of Children and Families
WBC/WCAB Ambassador of 2012