PRESS RELEASE: Hartford CT (June 8, 2007) – Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has stacked the undercard of the June 9th doubleheader on Showtime. Headlined by the comebacking Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, Saturday’s event will take place at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
Headlining the undercard is America’s best hope to bring the heavyweight title back to the States—Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (14-0-1, 6KO’s). In March, the undefeated Johnson offered to step in for an ill Briggs and fight Sultan Ibragimov on short notice—a challenge that the new WBO Heavyweight Champion left unanswered. Johnson went on to fight later that month in South Carolina, and KO’d Curtis Taylor in one round. On June 9th Johnson will be taking on veteran Ron Guerrero (19-13-3, 13KO’s).
Hartford’s own Adelita Irizarry (0-1), a part-time corrections officer, is looking to make Tiffany Lucas (0-1) serve some hard time in the ring in a scheduled four rounder.
A Connecticut vs. New York rivalry is brewing at the Convention Center when New Haven super middleweight Elvin Ayala (16-2, 7KO’s) goes mano-a-mano with NY’s Dillon Carew (20-16-3, 12KO’s) in a scheduled six rounder.
The rivalry continues when Norwich's Shakha Moore (9-11-3, 1KO) goes up against Utica’s Jason Bouvouso (5-3, 1KO) in a six round welterweight clash.
Tampa’s Akinyemi Laleye (6-1, 3KO’s), known as “AK-47” for his two years of military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, is gunning for a shootout when he takes on Philadelphia’s Cameron Bright (1-8-2, 1KO) in a scheduled four-rounder.
The Bey Brothers, two of Cleveland's most decorated amateurs, are ready to showcase their skills for the Hartford fans. Mickey Bey Jr. (6-0, 3KO’s), a two-time National PAL Champion, 2002 National Golden Gloves and two-time US Jr. Olympic Champion, will take on Felix Fernandes (1-0) in six round welterweight clash. In a six round lightweight clash, the 2000 Jr. Olympics National Champion Cortez Bey (5-0, 4KO’s) will battle Sebastien Hamel (6-9-1, 1KO).
In the main event, former undisputed light heavyweight champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (24-4, 18KO’s) will vie for the vacant IBO title when he takes on Elvir “Kosovo Kid” Muriqi (34-3, 21KO’s). This world championship doubleheader will also feature Chad Dawson (23-0, 15KO’s) making a voluntary defense of his WBC light heavyweight world title against Jesus Ruiz (19-4,17KO’s).
Tickets are priced $35, $50, $100, $200 and $500, and are available through TicketMaster outlets, by calling (860) 525-4500, and at TicketMaster.com. Tickets also may be purchased at The Connecticut Convention Center by calling (860) 249-6000.
This event will also be televised on Showtime (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). The event is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and AT Entertainment.
About The Connecticut Convention Center
The Connecticut Convention Center is located on the eastern edge of Downtown Hartford, overlooking the beautiful Connecticut River and Adriaen’s Landing, the city’s exciting new riverfront district. With over 140,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000 square foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, it is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston, featuring exceptional highway access at the crossroads of New England, where Interstates 84 and 91 meet.
For information on Connecticut Convention Center, visit
http://www.ctconventions.com
