JOE HAND/PELTZ BOXING RETURN TO THE BLUE HORIZON ON MARCH 6; MIKE JONES DEFENDS TITLE IN OPENER
PHILADELPHIA, PA—After a successful five-year run at the New Alhambra in South Philadelphia, Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Joe Hand Promotions, Inc., is returning to the Legendary Blue Horizon, on Friday evening, March 6. Unbeaten prospect Mike Jones, of North Philadelphia, PA, will headline the card in a defense of his North American Boxing Association (NABA) welterweight title.
“We’re going back to our roots,” said promoter J Russell Peltz. “I have a lot of wonderful memor ies of the Blue Horizon, beginning when I first went there to watch a fight as a junior in high school in 1963 and through all those years promoting there, beginning with my first one in 1969.”
Hand and Peltz have reached an agreement with the Blue Horizon to promote six fights within a 12-month period, beginning with cards on March 6 and May 1. In addition, Hand will stage the Eastern Regional Golden Gloves championships there on Saturday evening, April 11.
“I am excited to return to the Blue Horizon to promote world-class fights in 2009,” said Joe Hand, Sr. “There is so much history within the four walls and we are honored to promote live boxing at such a storied site. Everyone on my team is going to do everything we can to make the Blue Horizon the premiere destination for live boxing in 2009 and beyond.”
Jones, 25, is the hottest ring prospect in the city. His 16-0 record includes 14 knockouts. He is ranked among the Top 15 in the world at 147 pounds by both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
“Joe Hand and I are involved with some of the best young prospects Philly has seen in years,” said Peltz. “This will give them a chance to display their talent at one of boxing’s most popular arenas.
Peltz Boxing was a staple at the Blue Horizon from 1969 through 2001, showcasing some of the world’s best fighters on cards televised by USA Network, ESPN 2 and PRISM.
Tickets for the March 6 card are priced at $45 and $60. They are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. (215-765-0922) and at the offices of Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. (215-364 -9000). They also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com .
ASHLEY SEXTON is ready to shed the L plates and race to the British flyweight title.
Flash Ash has had just three fights, but steps up to eight round class at Fenton Manor, Stoke on Friday.
Sexton (3-0) hopes a win will catapult him towards a crack at the winner of the vacant British and Commonwealth title clash between Chris Edwards and Wayne Bloy which tops the bill.
The Cheshunt kid has taken a hastily arranged fight against Fikret Remziev Kurdov at just four days notice.
Sexton, 21, gets his chance because Mark Thompson has been forced to pull out of his final eliminator for the Commonwealth flyweight title against Philip Kotey because of a broken hand.
Manager Mickey Helliet has already compared his man with Charlie Magri, who won the British eight stone title after just three fights in December 1977.
Sexton won his first two professional contests on points, but in December showed he carried a decent dig stopping Georgian Levan Garibashvili in three rounds.
As an amateur he won four national titles, and confidently predicts he'll taste more glory punching for pay.
He said: "Because of my amateur experience and class of boxers I have mixed with, I feel really confident I can clean up the division in quick time.
"I would like to fight the winner of Chris Edwards-Wayne Bloy if the British Boxing Board of Control would allow it."
The all-action co-promotion with Impact Boxing also features another of Sexton's biggest rivals Paul Edwards. Among the local fighters on the bill are English lightweight champion Scott Lawton and heavyweight Alex Ibbs.
Tickets for 'Stoking the Fire' which is being televised live by Sky Sports are selling fast and can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.com . Prices £35 and £70.
