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By: William Holmes
The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of March 18th to March 25th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.
ESPN to Televise WBC Heavyweight Championship Bout between Stiverne and Arreola
ESPN will exclusively televise the 12-round WBC Heavyweight Championship fight and rematch between Bermane Stiverne (23-1-1) and Chris Arreola (36-3) on May 10th at 8:00 p.m. ET. This bout will take place at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, California and will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. It will also be available online through WatchESPN.
This card is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Goossen Tutor Promotions. “ESPN has a long history of carrying world class boxing events, but this certainly ranks up there with the best we’ve televised,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “Dan Goosen and Don King deserve credit for having the vision to distribute this match to as many households as possible and we are thrilled to be televising the fight.”
Amir Khan to Face Luis Collazo on Mayweather Card
It has been announced that Amir Khan will face Luis Collazo in a 12 round welterweight co-main event of “The Moment: Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana” on Showtime PPV.
“I’m looking forward to fighting in Las Vegas once again, and my intention on May 3 is to make a statement that I belong on this big stage,” said Khan. “Luis Collazo might be coming off of a big win, but I am in incredible shape and am ready for this challenge. A win on May 3 is what I need to prove that I truly am one of the best welterweights in the sport.”
“Defeating Victor Ortiz in January was just the beginning,” said Collazo. “Facing and beating Amir Khan on the biggest stage in the sport is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will take full advantage of this and put myself in the best position to face the winner of the main event. I hope Khan is ready because Brooklyn is coming to take him down.”
Iron Mike Productions Teams with Famed Gleason’s Gym
Iron Mike Productions and Gleason’s Gym are joining forces in efforts to revitalize the New York boxing scene. Gleason’s Gym is located on 77 Front Street in Brooklyn, NY and once housed Mike Tyson and will now serve as the headquarters for Iron Mike Productions to recruit local amateur fighters aspiring to enter the pro ranks.
“The combination of Gleason’s Gym and Mike Tyson is sure to make an impact in the boxing community,” stated Bruce Silverglade, owner of Gleason’s Gym, the oldest boxing gym in the United States. “The Recruitment Center will be a magnet for top prospects from around the world.”
Tureano Johnson Looks To Go To War with Stevens
Gary Shaw Productions undefeated middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (14-0) is training hard for his upcoming bout with Curtis Stevens (26-4) taking place at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on Friday April 4th.
“I would like to thank my promoter, Gary Shaw, for making this fight possible. On April 4th, the world will be introduced to Tureano Johnson. This has been a long, hard road for me filled with blood, sweat, and ruthless determination. I have been begging for this opportunity to pit my skills against the so-called best in my division. However, it is easier said than done in this world of boxing. No one would fight me until now. I respect Curtis Stevens. He is a strong, hard-punching fighter who has been in with the best. But he can’t and won’t beat me. To all the fans, don’t miss this fight on NBC Sports. I’m sure it is going to be a throw-back fight. It has been said that I’m not the most “technical” fighter out there. Well it’s true. I like to mix it up, throw hard punches, and get a little barbaric in the ring. I’m coming to fight and win impressively. After April 4th, I know I will get the fights I deserve.” said Johnson.
Collegiate Boxers Ready to Rumble in Florida
The United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) announces the 2014 National Championships of Men’s and Women’s boxing in Miami Florida from April 3-5, 2014. The national championships will conclude with the finals starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday April 5, 2014 at the Herbert Wellness Center- 1241 Dickinson Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146 on the University of Miami campus.
Benefit Supporting Injured Boxer Angel Osuna
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino are pleased to be hosting a benefit supporting injured Coachella boxer Angel Osuna on Wednesday, April 2nd.
This past December, the middleweight fighter was severely injured during his boxing match at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Osuna spent the past several months recovering from his brain injury, where he was not able to support his young family. This fundraiser will help provide funds to Osuna and his family during this unfortunate time and alleviate strain with medical costs.
As part of the benefit, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians will present Osuna with a check donation. Lee Espinoza of the Coachella Valley Boxing Club, Doug Welmas, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Chairman and Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia will be on hand to speak during the benefit.
The benefit begins at 6:00pm inside the LIT Ultra Lounge at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Included with the $20 cover charge will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, live DJ, raffle and the opportunity to take photos with the following evenings Golden Boy Live! “Night of the Heavyweights” boxers. All proceeds from the door and raffle will go directly to Angel Osuna.
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe with approximately 1,610 acres of reservation land in the Coachella Valley. The Tribe owns several business enterprises including Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Goals include growing and diversifying its business ventures to increase employment in the Coachella Valley, increasing the support of community programs, continuing to pursue economic self-sufficiency and preserving and educating the public about Cabazon culture. For more information, call toll free (800)827-2946 or visit www.FantasySpringsResort.com.
