Press Release: Undefeated featherweight prospect Jason Litzau makes his first appearance on HBO on December 16, 2006 against Jose Hernandez in a ten-round co-feature bout on HBO's Boxing after Dark broadcast. The main event will feature what is expected to be a ten-round middleweight war between Edison Miranda and Willie Gibbs. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami will host and the telecast will begin at 9:30 pm ET/PT. “This fight card is an example of B.A.D. returning to its roots,” said Main Events' Carl Moretti. “Two pick’em fights with no titles on the line—just four contenders vying to become future stars.”
Litzau (20-0, 18 KO’s) has knocked out his last four opponents. The 23-year-old St. Paul, MN native has stopped 13 opponents within the first three rounds. On July 15, 2005, “The American Boy” captured a split-decision victory over John Nolasco on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” broadcast. The bout was selected by ESPN.com as one of 12 “Unforgettable Bouts” from 2005. Following the electrifying 10 round contest, FNF blow-by-blow announcer Joe Tessitore summarized the feelings of those at ringside when he commented, “He [Litzau] is so fun to watch.” In his last bout on October 20, 2006, Litzau blasted Sammy Ventura in two rounds (TKO 2).
Hernandez (21-3, 13 KO’s) has won 15 of his last 16 bouts. The 30-year-old Round Lake, IL resident’s sole loss during this string was to Antonio Escalante on May 20, 2006, in a bout expected to be nominated for “Fight of the Year” honors (L 8). In that bout both fighters tasted the canvas while battering each other for eight punishing rounds. In his last bout on Aug 25, 2006 Hernandez defeated Lenny DeVictoria on (W 8).
Miranda (26-1, 23 KO’s) has stopped 16 opponents in the first round. The 25-year-old Miami, FL resident by way of Buenaventura, Colombia unsuccessfully challenged IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham on Sept 23, 2006, losing a highly-controversial unanimous decision. Miranda broke Abraham’s jaw and at one point was forced to wait nearly five minutes for the doctor and Abraham’s corner to decide whether they would allow the fight to continue (L 12). Miranda knocked out his first 21 opponents as a professional.
Gibbs (20-1, 16 KO’s) has won his last three bouts, two by knockout. The 30-year-old Philadelphia, PA native captured the vacant USBA middleweight crown in his last bout on March 10, 2006, when he stopped Lenord Pierre in the final round of their 12 round bout (TKO 12). Gibbs has stopped 11 opponents within the first three rounds. He is ranked #15 by the IBF.
Exciting welterweight prospect Joel Julio (28-1, 24 KO’s) will compete on the non-televised portion of the undercard. Julio barely defeated Cosme Rivera in a 12 round war in his last bout on October 27, 2006, despite getting knocked down in the last round.
