Tweet
Jermain Taylor, undisputed middleweight boxing champion of the world, right, jokes with Kassim Ouma as they pose Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, after a Little Rock, Ark., news conference. Taylor is scheduled to defend his title against Ouma in North Little Rock, Ark., Dec. 9.
* * *
Oscar De La Hoya will deliver the Tampa Bay area an early Christmas gift this year when Winky Wright and Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy return to their hometown Saturday, December 2nd for "THE HEAT IS ON!"
Wright (50-3-1, 25 KOs) is featured in a crossroads bout against fellow former world champion Ike Quartey (37-3-1, 31 KOs) and Lacy (21-1, 17 KOs) is showcased in the co-main event against an opponent to be named.
"As a co-promoter of this event, I am honored to be associated with one of the best boxers today," De La Hoya said of Wright. "I know first-hand how tough Ike Quartey is since he was one of my toughest fights. This fight should be a war!"
[IMG]http://www.*********.com/1photos/oscar_tampa2.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://www.*********.com/1photos/oscar_tampa3.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://www.*********.com/1photos/oscar_tampa9.jpg[/IMG]
Quartey could not be present for the press conference but David Itskowitch of DiBella Entertainment read a brief statement on behalf of the former champion: "The real winners of this fight are the fans. Two of the best middleweights will be fighting that night. Millions watched me beat Forrest and they saw the judges give Vernon a gift decision. St. Petersburg boxing fans will be excited come December 2nd, but will be sad come December 3rd."
De La Hoya again took to the podium to introduce Lacy to the press: "He is an incredible talent and an explosive fighter. I am thrilled that I will get to see him fight live for the first time come December. Lacy had an obstacle in his career. I give him credit for going overseas to fight a great champion. I wouldn't have done it. Jeff Lacy wants to be, and will be again, a world champion."
Lacy was very excited to return to the ring and even more so to fight in front of his hometown fans. "I've got a goal. I'm going to redeem myself. Now that I've lost, I've got a greater burn inside of me," declared Lacy.
De La Hoya stood up again to introduce Wright: "Winky is one of the most feared fighters in the sport today. I didn't box him because I didn't want to be 35 and 5. He is the people's champion. We all know what happened in his last fight."
"I believe I am the uncrowned middleweight champion," Wright said. "I am looking to make this fight against Ike Quartey my first title defense. I know Ike. He's a hell of a fighter. There is no 'quit' in him. It is also an honor to have Lacy on my card. It is a dream of mine to one day hold a mega event here in Tampa with me, Jeff Lacy, and Antonio Tarver all on the card."
"I want to fight Antonio," Lacy interrupted with a grin.
"Maybe after I beat Floyd [Mayweather Jr.], Oscar and I can have a go-out fight too," said a smiling Wright.
* * *
"THE HEAT IS ON!" is promoted by Winky Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment. Tampa's own Terry Trekas of One Punch Productions is the site coordinator. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, priced at $35, $50, $100, $200, $350, $750 and $1000. Tickets can also be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or charged by phone at (813) 287-8844.
Comment