FURTHER FIGHTS ADDED TO BOXNATION EARLY 2013 SCHEDULE
The Home of Champion BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) has confirmed further big fights to its early 2013 schedule featuring some of the biggest and best LIVE action from America.
Hard-hitting Argentinian Lucas Matthysse defends his Interim WBC World Light-Welterweight Championship against Hank Lundy on Saturday 26th January LIVE from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.
Matthysse is one of boxing’s most exciting fighters with 30 stoppages from 32 wins and only two debatable points losses to Zab Judah and Devon Alexander. This year he’s had three big KO wins against Angel Martinez, Humberto Soto and Ajose Olusegun and a win against Lundy could see him face heavy-handed countryman Marcos Maidana.
Danny Garcia, who flattened Amir Khan to take his WBA Super and WBC World Light-Welterweight titles, defends against six-time world champion Zab Judah on Saturday 9th February LIVE from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
It’s set to be an explosive fight with Angel Garcia, Danny’s outspoken father and trainer, already clashing with Judah at a press conference to promote the fight and Danny promising to “lay out” Judah .
WBC World Featherweight Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon makes the first defence of his title against top Puerto Rican Jason Velez on Saturday 2nd March LIVE on BoxNation.
Heavy-handed Ponce, a two-time world champion at two weights, has stopped 35 of his 44 wins and won the title in September, defeating Johnny Gonzalez.
On Saturday 9th March, Bernard Hopkins aims to break his own record to become the oldest fighter to win a world title when he challenges IBF Word Light-Heavyweight Champion Tavoris Cloud, LIVE from the Barclays Center.
WBO World Champion Nathan Cleverly will be keeping a close eye on the outcome as he will be looking to meet the winner in a unification clash next year.
Already in the BoxNation schedule is Frankie Gavin’s British Welterweight title against Jason Welborn on Friday 18th January LIVE from Walsall Town Hall that also features two further title fights: The Vacant British Lightweight Championship between Martin Gethin and Ben Murphy, plus the Vacant Midlands Area Cruiserweight Championship between Chris Keane and Shane McPhilbin.
Plus LIVE from the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, on Saturday 2nd February, an all-German showdown between European Light-Heavyweight Champion Eduard Gutknecht and Juergen Braehmer that includes the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship between champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Eric Fields.
Maryland's undefeated light-middleweight prospect, Alantez "Sly as A" Fox (8-0-1, 4 KOs), makes a quick return to the ring when he faces in-state rival Julius Kennedy (7-2-1, 3 KOs) on January 12, 2013. The 6-round bout will take place at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland as both fighters will have hometown fans cheering them on.
Fox, who stands 6'5, brings a unique look to the boxing ring with his enormous height and reach advantages. In his last fight on December 8th, Fox demolished veteran Jimmy LeBlanc via first round TKO. Promoted by Boxing 360, Fox is looking forward to a busy 2013.
"As promised, my promoter Mario Yagobi is keeping me active," Fox said. "I just fought earlier this month and now I have another fight scheduled for January. The more I fight the better and more comfortable I feel in the ring. I'm happy to be fighting under the Boxing 360 banner and I feel together we will make some big noise next year. I'll be ready to go every time my name is called."
"What I love about Fox is he's the type of fighter that will take on all challenges," said Boxing 360 promoter Mario Yagobi. "I have big plans for Alantez and I can see him fighting for a regional title by the later part of 2013. There is no doubt in my mind the he has all the tools to become a world champion. He's a great addition to Boxing 360."
BRADLEY SAUNDERS REFLECTS ON A PERFECT YEAR
Bradley Saunders V Peter McDonagh
North East boxing star goes from fledgling newcomer to top 25 in his first year in the professional ranks.
The 26 year old Light Welterweight from Sedgefield ended his explosive first year with five out of five wins including three stunning KO’s against some very heavily experienced opponents.
After an extensive amateur career spanning over 15 years and 183 fights, Bradley secured Gold, Silver and Bronze medals on the Commonwealth and world stage and over a dozen national titles. With a 90% win record, Saunders can arguably boast having the best amateur career statistics of this millennium.
Bradley Saunders Commonwealth Silver Medal
The pugilistic specialist decided to turn professional following this unrivalled amateur career and completed his highly anticipated debut at the ‘home of boxing’, York Hall in Bethnal Green, many miles from home in February this year. He rewarded his many travelling fans for making the 500 mile round trip with a 3rd round knockout of the resilient Jason Nesbitt.
Fast forward to ten months later and a little closer to home in Manchester when Bradley Saunders was compensated for all his hard work by beating highly ranked Peter McDonagh in his first eight round contest. This win propelled Saunders through the ranks and capped off a truly memorable year for the new pro.
“I think I’ve had a good year and been active throughout, I couldn’t ask for more really. To fight the likes of Peter McDonagh in only my 5th fight proves I’m not far away at all. I can’t wait to drop back to Light Welter and really make my mark.”
Signed by Frank Warren Promotions, the hard hitting athlete has showcased his talent on all the top shows in 2012 such as the controversial David Haye V Derek Chisora fight where he was forced to go the distance for the first time against the durable Kevin McCauley.
“”I couldn’t thank Frank Warren and his family enough for what they are doing for me.” Said Saunders of his promoter.
Bradley Saunders Left Uppercut
For the first four fights, the skilful novice only completed half of the scheduled rounds due to stopping the unfortunate challengers early on. Jason Nesbitt, Danny Dontchev and Ivan Godor all felt the full wrath of the hard hitting welterweight and couldn’t manage to get past the halfway mark against the force in front of them.
It was the ultimate fight in November against the well-respected, dangerous Peter McDonagh that went the distance and thrilled fight fans on a very famous show that witnessed boxing history as ex-cricketer Freddie Flintoff won his professional debut.
The hard working star is now looking to continue the fast paced path to glory by stepping up to championship level in 2013. In the 10 short months since turning professional, questions are being asked just how quick the County Durham talent can begin to win titles.
Saunders’ answered “Doesn’t matter how long it takes for me to get it but I want the British title. I’ve always dreamed of winning the Lonsdale Belt and keeping it.”