January 22, 2013 – Southpaw middleweight contender Sergiy Dzinziruk is preparing for his January 25th contest against hardnosed Texan Brian Vera on a Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions promoted edition of ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at the middleweight limit and will be televised live from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. A win over the gritty Vera could mean big things for Dzinziruk as he looks to put himself in position for a world title opportunity.

Dzinziruk defeated Daniel Santos in 2005 to win the WBO junior middleweight championship, a title he successfully defended 6 times. The former junior middleweight champion from the Ukraine by way of Hamburg, Germany will be looking to impress in front of a national audience, using his high level boxing ability to out maneuver his opponent Vera, a fighter with a more brute style.

“I’ve been working very hard in the gym, but specifically I’ve been working at getting the most out of my natural abilities. I have all the tools needed to become the very best and being aware in the ring doesn’t just come from the defensive side of things, you have to know your limits and capabilities offensively and be willing to push yourself further each time,” Dzinziruk said.

In his last outing, Dzinziruk took on Puerto Rican prospect Jonathan González and the two fought to a draw, although Gonzalez missed weight and had a 7lb weight advantage over Dzinziruk. Still, Dzinziruk was able to negate the weight disadvantage and stifle Gonzalez, boxing his way around the bigger man.

“I felt like my last time out I didn’t capitalize on every opportunity that was presented to me, it was my fight to grab and it slipped away because I let it. I’ve prepared to get back into the win column and anything less is unacceptable, I will define the moment and not let the moment define me,” Dzinziruk said.

This time around Dzinziruk will be fighting an opponent in Vera that has made a career out of digging deep in his most dire moments. Vera is coming off of an impressive victory over perennial contender Sergio Mora in August of last year.

“I respect every opponent, but Vera is a different monster,” Dzinziruk said. “The guy never quits and he is always willing to take the fight to the most uncomfortable places possible. I’m willing to go wherever is necessary, but it won’t be Vera calling the shots because I’m going to dictate the pace and control the fight. My preparation for this fight has put me in the best possible shape, and with my conditioning I will systematically break my opponent down and reestablish my position amongst the division’s elite.”

Gary Shaw, Dzinziruk’s co-promoter, is excited to get his fighter back in action and in front of a large commercial audience. Shaw feels that his fighter is in title contention right now and a win would only bolster those chances.

“Sergiy is a dangerous fight for any of the belt holders in the division and I could see him in a title fight by the end of 2013,” Shaw said. “If you look at the landscape of the division you realize it’s a deep division filled with opportunity, Sergiy fits right in that picture and his abilities make him easy to matchup with just about anybody. A win over a guy like Vera puts him right there in title contention.”

PHILADELPHIA (December 18, 2012)—On Friday night January 25th, Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions and Greg Cohen Promotions will present ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights featuring the former WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Sergiy Dzinziruk. Dzinziruk will take on perennial contender and world ranked Brian Vera in a twelve round bout for the NABO Middleweight championship that will headline a night of boxing at the Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, New York that will be broadcast live as part of ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights.

Dzinziruk of the Ukraine by way of Hamburg, Germany has a record 37-1-1 with 24 knockouts. In 2005, He won the WBO Jr. Middleweight championship with twelve round unanimous decision over Daniel Santos and made six successful defenses en route to compiling a perfect 37-0 record. On March 12, 2011, Dzinziruk moved up to challenge the great Sergio Martinez for the world Middleweight championship. Dzinziruk fought a valiant fight before being stopped in eight rounds.

In his last bout, despite giving up seven pounds in weight to undefeated Jonathan Gonzalez, Dzinziruk was able to box his way to a draw on September 1st as part of a card that was televised on HBO Boxing After Dark

Dzinziruk is currently ranked number-nine by the WBC and eleven by the WBO at Jr. Middleweight.

Vera of Austin, Texas has a record of 21-6 with 12 knockouts and is generally in some classic brawls that make his fights very television friendly.

The thirty-year old has some great wins over the likes of Samuel Miller (17-1); Max Alexander (14-1-1); Vera put the first loss on future world title challenger Andy Lee. Vera also has wins over Sebastien DeMers (31-2) and two victories over former world champion Sergio Mora with the latter coming in his last bout on August 11th.

The ten round co-feature will pit the undefeated Jr. Welterweight Tony Luis against Miguel Gonzalez.

The twenty-four year old Luis (15-0, with 7 KO’s) of nearby Cornwell, Ontario is coming off a spectacular first round stoppage over thirty-seven fight veteran Andres Ledesma on September 1st at The Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

Gonzalez of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 20-3 with 15 knockouts and has had solid wins over Tyrone Harris and Humberto Toledo . Gonzalez will be looking to get back in the win column after dropping a ten round unanimous decision to Michael Dallas on February 17th.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first undercard bout starting at 7:30 p.m. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9 p.m.

Tickets prices from $25 to $70. Call the Turning Stone box office at (315) 361-7469 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

Coordinator Welcome to the September 1st HBO Boxing After Dark Conference call. At this time all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later there will be an opportunity for live questions and comments. Instructions will be given at that time. As a reminder, this call is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference call over to our host, Marc Abrams. Marc, please go ahead.

Marc Thank you. I want to welcome everyone to the September 1st HBO Boxing After Dark Conference Call. It’s a great double-header of boxing by Banner Promotions, Gary Shaw Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, K2, Matchroom Sport, Warriors Boxing, and Universal Promotions of Puerto Rico in the Main Event – the WBA Middle-Weight Championship featuring undefeated champion Gennady Golovkin, 23-0 with 20 knockouts at Kazakhstan taking on the European Middle-Weight Champion, Grzegorg Proksa at 28-1 with 21 knockouts at Poland. We’re opening up the show at 9:45 p.m. Eastern and Pacific will undefeated Puerto Rican Jonathan Gonzalez, 15-0, 13 knock-outs taking on former world champion Sergiy Dzinziruk. Sergiy’s undefeated at junior middle-weight where he’s coming back down. That will be for the WBC Continental America’s Championship. Tickets can be purchased at Turning Stone for $75, $70, $45, $35, and $25, and that number there is 315-361-7469 or www.ticketmaster.com.

To introduce everyone on the call, the CEO of Gary Shaw Productions, Mr. Gary Shaw.

Gary Shaw: Thank you, Marc. I just want to thank everybody for getting on the call, our promotional partners, especially my partner Artie Pelullo from Banner Promotions, Warriors, K2, Matchroom and Universal. This, once again, shows that, if promoters cooperate with one another, they can put on a great show with fighters that don’t necessarily just belong to themselves. We have a great opening bout in Gonzalez and Dzinziruk. It should be a real war. I’m not sure that this fight lasts all 12 rounds, but it is a great, great opening fight for HBO. Obviously, in the Main Event, everybody’s been waiting to see Golovkin fight here in the U.S. Unfortunately, Pirog got hurt, but we were lucky enough to get Proksa from Matchroom and Barry Hearn giving us a great fight against Golovkin. Both of those guys can really swing and that’s another fight that, personally, I don’t see going 12 rounds. But, at any rate, HBO is going to have a great night of boxing on September 1st, and behalf of Artie and myself, I thank you all and we look forward to your questions.

Go ahead, Marc.

Marc Any of the other promoters want to give any opening statements?

Barry Hearn: Hello. Can I say something, Artie and Gary from Barry Hearn and the Matchroom Boxing. It’s just … here. We’ve got a rare sunny day in England and we’re looking forward to some better weather coming out to you guys. We’ve made no doubt about the selection of this fight for us, obviously, Proksa is coming off a big knock-out win on the European title scene and to get a phone call and the opportunity when Pirog hurt his back was a real blessing for us and one that we thank God for and look forward to delivering in style. More importantly, for a fighter like Grzegorz Proksa, the opportunity to appear on HBO, the world’s leading boxing station as far as the perception of fight fans around the world goes is a massive honor and, you know, at the same time it comes with a huge obligation and a demanding fight.

There is no question that the current world champion is an excellent fighter. We have the upmost respect for him. His knock-out record speaks for itself. He’s in for a really tough fight against; I think two of the them represent the two biggest punches in the middle-weight division. Both have a huge knock-out percentage. Both have the ability to take men out with single shots, and I think HBO is in for an exciting fight. If it goes the distance, I’ll be astonished. I think one of these guys is going to … the other guy because that’s the way they fight. These European fighters – these guys are tough. These guys are really tough. We look at our fighters – some in America and some in England – we question ourselves whether they are really tough enough to be in the professional fight game now and the answer is often no. But you will not be disappointed on September 1st. We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Gary and Arty on this. For me, I’m now – I’m getting very old. I’m extremely selective about what fights I watch because I don’t like to waste my time. I would not miss this fight for a million and one dollars and I look forward to seeing you when we fly out there and (unclear).

Gary Shaw: Thank you.

Marc Tom, did you want to say something?

Tom Loeffler Yeah, I wanted to add also as Gary had mentioned, we have a lot of respect from the Golovkin fight for Proksa when Pirog got injured. It seems like there was no hesitation from their side to take the fight, which is a little bit unusual when it comes to picking opponents for Gennady in the past. As he mentioned, both fighters are big punchers. I think this will be a very exciting middle-weight championship fight and I just wanted to also acknowledge and thank Gary Shaw and Artie Pelullo for working together on this particular fight. I think a lot of people know that the original Main Event was planned as Pirog versus … and there was a lot of interchangeable parts there were … and just the fight with … and then Golovkin was going to fight Pirog and Pirog got injured and now it’s Golovkin and Proksa, but it’s a great headline fight and championship fight and will be actually a great month of boxing for the middle-weight division in September so we’re really looking forward to this fight and the debut of Gennady Golovkin on HBO and in the United States.

Marc I guess we’ll start with the co-feature about Jonathan Gonzales and Sergiy Dzinziruk. I know we got Jonathan on the line and his promoters Leon Margules and Javier Bustillo. Leon, do you want to introduce your team?

Leon Margules: Sure. I first of all want to thank Gary and I want to thank Artie for the opportunity on HBO and Turning Stone and everybody who was able to put this great card together. You know, Jonathan, Javier, and I and Gary signed Jonathan out of the Olympics after the 2008 games and I’ve been his promoter his entire career. He has never turned down an opportunity and when this opportunity arose, which I think he’s been waiting for since his first day, Gaby said, no – they want to fight badly. Please, please make that fight. So it just shows you the kind of fighter he is and those of you who have seen him know he fights with bad intentions and tries to stop everybody that gets … So we’re really excited his career move forward. I know Javier and I, who worked together from day one with Jonathan, are excited and I know Gaby, his advisor and long-time friend is also excited about this opportunity.

Marc Gaby, do you want to let Jonathan make an opening statement?

Gaby Penagaricano: Sure, sure. Hi everybody. Jonathan, (Speaking Spanish).

Jonathan (Speaking Spanish)

Gaby Jonathan is very thankful to the promoters and to HBO for the opportunity to trust in him and his capabilities to get this very important fight for this career. So thank you.

Gary Is Dzinziruk on yet?

Marc Not yet.

Gary Okay, then, why don’t you open up questions to whatever press is on and has questions.

Coordinator I’m just showing both of them to the call now.

Gary Okay, then why don’t you have the operator open up the lines for any questions.

Coordinator Alright, let’s go with our first question in the queue.

Victoria Hello. How are you today?

Coordinator Good, thank you. Please go on with your question.

Victoria My name is Victoria …, Chicago … My question is to the promoters. Why promote this in the United States and New York was chosen to be the place for this double-header? And why from all the time, in the past couple of years – 2012, 2012 was chosen to be the fight of Golovkin and Proksa in the United States?

Gary Let me just make sure I understand the question. Was the question why are we promoting this in the United States?

Victoria Why, from all the times, September 2012 was chosen to get the fight and why New York from all the cities?

Gary Well, if the question was why are we promoting it in the United States, it’s because it’s on HBO and HBO does the majority of all their telecasts here in the United States. That’s why it has to be on primetime here in the United States. And I know that all four fighters on this card want to be on HBO.

Victoria Why, from all the cities in the United States, New York was chosen to be the state to do the fight on. Why it’s not in Vegas, Chicago, etc., etc.,

Gary Because it’s in New York, that’s why. Next question, operator, please.

Coordinator Alright, and our next question please. Caller, go ahead with your question, please.

Mike Yes, this is Mike Waters with Syracuse Post-Standard here in Syracuse, New York. This question is for Arthur. Turning Stone has had a number of major boxing events, but it’s been awhile since we’ve had some of the big events like Laila Ali versus Jacqui Frazier. What about the Turning Stone facilities in the Main Event Center attracted you? What made you want to bring this kind of card to Turning Stone?

Joshua Roy: I’ll actually pick up and talk on behalf of Artie. If not, Gary, go ahead and jump in.

Gary No, go ahead. Go ahead.

M What brought us to Turning Stone, actually in Syracuse, is when we have an event of this kind of level, we present it to a number of venues around the company. Frankly, Turning Stone wanted it more. They liked the quality of the event. They want to bring a big boxing event their venue and, just for what you had said, there hadn’t been one there for a long time. When this opportunity came around and they saw the quality of the fight between the co-feature and the main event, it was kind of a no-brainer and they jumped at it.

In working with Turning Stone, which has been top notch and Greg … Promotions who helped facilitate the building with us and Gary, everything just sort of fell into place and it’s been very smooth and hopefully the event goes as smoothly as everything has been leading up to it.

Mike Thank you. Any of the other gentlemen on the call want to add to those remarks?

Let’s go ahead and go on to the next question.

Josh Hi. This is Josh McDaniel with Leave It In the Ring Radio. This is for Jonathan Gonzalez. You know, you’ve got 15 wins – 13 by knock-out and just like your promoter earlier said – … were bad intentions. Because you’re fighting a veteran like Sergiy, do you feel like you kind of have to be more careful and not look for the knock-out but yet, if it comes it comes but if it doesn’t it doesn’t?

Gary Is Gaby on?

Gaby Yes.

Gary Did you hear the question?

Gaby Hello. I am translating.

Gaby Jonathan says not one bit. He has one plan and that is go – go and make pain on his opponent and that he will fight his same style as always, an aggressive knock-out artist.

Josh Thank you.

Gary Alright. In the meantime, let’s go to the next question.

Eric Rayz We can’t because Sergai just came out of the gym to be ready with us.

Barry Kristof, are you well?

Krzysztof Zbarski I’m fine, thank you.

Barry That’s good. Looking forward to seeing you, pal.

Gary I guess we’ll segue to the Main Event. We got Tom Loeffler with Gennady Golovkin and Barry Hearn who is in England and Kirstof … is with Grzegorz Proksa. Does Genaddy want to do any opening statements?

Gennady Yes. Hello. It’s me. It’s Gennady.

Gary Okay. Anything in opening?

Gennady Yes. I’m happy to go to my first fight in America in the United States and … I’m happy now.

Marc Kirstof, is Grzegorz with you?

Kirstof He’s with us. He’s with us on the phone.

Marc Does Grzegorgzhave any opening comments?

Grzegorz No, not really. I’m really happy to … fight. … waiting for all of my life. Right now, …, I’m really happy that my opponent with be Gennady Golovkin, the … champion, and I can’t wait for the fight date.

Marc I guess open it up for questions for Grzegorz and Gennady.

Mike Hi. This is Mike Woods from ESPN New York. The question is for Mr. Proksa. We haven’t seen you fight. Can you describe your style for us and what you bring to the table against Golovkin that’s Turning Stone?

Grzegorz You want me to tell you might strategy straight-ahead or what?

Mike Your fight style – how you fight – what sort of fight do you believe it’s going to look like?

Grzegorz It will be tough fight. It will be tough fight for sure. I’m ready for hard work. I know Gennady – like I said in the beginning, I respect my opponent but I believe in my work, what I’ve done, up to today and to get ready for a fight. What can I say more? Everything will appear crystal clear September.

Mike And Grzegorz, do you believe that Gennady is the toughest foe that you’ve fought to this point?

Grzegorg I think one of the three tough guys what I fought with … discipline … Yes, I believe yes.

Mike He is the toughest or did you say one of the three toughest?

Grzegorg Yes. Like you understood – three of the toughest.

Mike Okay – who were the other two? Who were the other two toughest?

Grzegorg One guy I don’t remember his surname. He is from Russia.

Grzegorg I hear more questions so I don’t know which one I need to answer.

Mike For Tom Loeffler – Tom, Mike Woods with ESPN New York – I’m wondering – I’m trying to get a sense of the stakes here for Golovkin and Proksa so not assuming that Proksa is going to be too high a hurdle to climb for Golovkin, but if Golovkin wins, what would be next for him? Tom, are you there?

Tom If Gennady is successful on September 1st, which we’re all confident that he would be, then we’re pretty much open. I mean we’ve made it clear that he would fight in the middle-weight division. There is a great fight the same night with … and … fighting. Naturally, it would be interesting to make the original fight with Pirog, which Gary was proposing who is undefeated and a WBO champion. Also, two weeks later there is the fight with Martinez and Chavez. Really, any of those fighters would be great for Gennady and he’s made it clear that he wants to fight the best in the middle-weight division and we think fighting Proksa in the debut on HBO is a great step in that direction.

Gary This is Gary.

Tom Hi Gary.

Gary I would not sell Proksa short. It is going to be a very, very tough fight. They are two huge punchers and this is a – to answer where Tom was going – this is a very, very … division. Both … and … and Chavez (unclear), so it’s just a fight that I wouldn’t sell either fighters off.

Gary The HBO audience is in for …

Tom I agree with what Gary said and I certainly wasn’t trying to sell Proksa short. Proksa’s a great fighter himself and I really think that, as a European champion and a big puncher and the way he has unconventional style being a south paw and moving around a lot, it’s going to be a terrific fight. Really, to get back to the question, is Gennady would fight anyone, but he certainly has to get by Proksa first and if he’s successful then he’s open to fighting, really, anyone.

Mike Great. Thanks so much guys. Have a great fight. Thanks for your time.

M Is there going to be …, please?

Norm This is Norm Frauenheim. I’m from 15Rounds and this question is for Gennady. Gennady, I’m curious – how difficult do you think it will be to create a marketable name and create a successful career in the United States? The question I’m asking, I guess, is Vassili Jirov was the first Kazakhstani fighter to try to do that. Most people would say his career was kind of mixed results. First, if you could answer the first question about the challenge of coming to the U.S. and then do you hope to surpass what Vassili Jirov did?

Gennady I think the win is great. I mean winning is great. I looking great. America public is great, too.

M Abel Sanchez I think the translator is with Gennady, so it might be clearer if Abel might answer the question with him so we can understand what Gennady is saying and then he can answer.

M That would be great. Thanks, Abel

Abel Really what he is trying to say is that it’s up to him to put on a good show and look great and the American public will take to him. If it’s a bad fight, then obviously, he’s not going to be marketable, but we think that he’s the best middle-weight in the world and if he does what he’s supposed to do, then the American public will buy the next HBO or the future pay-per-views that he will be on.

Norm Has he – Abel, could you ask him has he talked to Vassili Jirov about his own experience in trying to be a pro in the United States?

M Hold on. He said he did speak with him to try to gauge how to do it, but Vassili’s answer to him was every fighter is different. You go out and you do what you do. You’re in a division that is different from my division. …, obviously, are not household names so he’s in a division where there are a lot of great fighters and he will make his own mark.

Norm Okay, yeah, that sounds a lot like Vassili. Anyway, thanks a lot.

M Thank you.

Gary Yes, we have Sergiy on.

M Yes, I’m going to put him on now. He has an interpreter ready?

Sergiy Dzinziruk Hello.

M We’re ready for your questions.

.

Coordinator We do have some questions I’m picking up now.

Marc Does Sergiy want to make a statement?

Coordinator Well, we do have some questions. Do you want to do the statement first?

.

Victoria This is Victoria … … in Chicago. My question is to Gennady and to Sergiy. My question is about how do you think your body is adapting to switching the climates, time zones flying from Europe to the United States. How much time to you need to adapt to the United States and how far away from the fight are you coming to New York?

Abel I can answer for Gennady. My name is Abel Sanchez. I’m his trainer and he’s been here for approximately three months so the adjustment period was maybe a week and a half to two weeks and he’s quite adjusted to not only the climate but the time change and the training schedule.

Eric Okay. Let me translate the question for Sergiy. (translated question and answer)

As far as the first question is concerned, he usually comes one and a half to two months before the fight so by the time of the flight, he’s already adapted to the climate. He spars regularly before the fight so right now he’s been in the United States about three to four weeks. He doesn’t feel any discomfort. He’s been sparring regularly so he’s fine.

… will be flying from Los Angeles which is where he is right now.

Victoria Then my next question is where is Gennady staying right now once he came three months to the United States. If Sergiy’s in L.A., where is Gennady staying?

Abel Gennady trains in Big Bear, California.

Victoria Thank you.

Coordinator We’ll go on to our next question.

Matt Hi. This is Matt Harris of MaxBoxing.com. This question is for Golovkin. You’ve had lot of fights like evaporate or just fall apart. How happy are you to finally get one opportunity on HBO? What can you tell me about the like the fascination you experienced … against … or against … in the WBA and those fights …

Gennady Okay, answer. I’m happy with my fight on HBO. I think …

Matt Sorry. I must have not heard that. Yeah, I guess … on the line?

Gary Operator, can you go to the next question?

Mike Hi. This is Mike Woods with ESPN New York again. This question is for Abel Sanchez. Abel, we’ve talked before about Gennady, but would you mind repeating sort of what the upside is on this bid and how it compares to other people – other notables you have trained in your decades in the force?

Abel You know I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of great fighters, but this one is by far the best one that I’ve ever worked with at any period of time in their careers. He just – I think the 350 amateur fights and all the international experience has made him such a serene fighter – such a composed fighter and the one thing that he does have – he possesses lethal power on each end, so to me, he’s probably the best I’ve ever worked with.

Mike And remind us, please, who you have worked with.

Abel Terry Norris, … Norris, Miguel Gonzalez, … Compass, Paul Vaden, to name a few.

Mike You know, when you talk like that, that does put a little extra pressure on the guy. Does that worry you at all speaking in that manner saying he’s the best you’ve ever worked with and that’s with Terry Norris in the mix? Are you worried that puts too much pressure on the guy?

Abel No, not at all because of the vast international experience in some of the big tournaments he was in. He was in the Olympics. He was a silver medalist in the Athens Olympics. I think that he’s very secure in who he is. It’s just a matter of the transition from the European fighter, from the amateur fighter, to the American style that’s conducive to a good HBO fight – good pay-per-view fight. He understands what his role is here and he’s allowing us to develop and to change his style to suit American TV.

Mike Can you give a little quick low-down on what some of those changes are and how you activate them?

Abel I needed to make sure that he understood what his plusses were. His plusses – he’s a big puncher, so we needed to initiate and he understands he needs to initiate where in the past in some of the earlier fights that he had, he was sitting back waiting to counter punch. We need to be the aggressor. We need to make sure they understand who they’re in there with. Not to make it a long, drag-out boring fight – to make it a fight – to make the public want to see him again. He understands that completely. He understands the American public wants to see a knock-out. Whichever round it is, they want to see a knock-out. That’s one of the things that was very important to make him understand the quicker the better. He’s going to get paid the same whether it’s one round or 12 rounds.

Mike Excellent. Great stuff. Thank you, Abel. I appreciate it.

Marc I’d like to say thanks everyone for being on here again. Tickets range from $25 to $75 at 315-361-7469. I’d like to thank everyone who has been on the call. I’d also like to thank everyone at HBO – Ken Hershman, Kerry Davis, and Peter Nelson. Again, it’s Saturday, September 1st at 9:45 Eastern and Pacific time. It will be a great night, great double-header, world championship boxing. Thank you everyone for being on the call.

M Thank you. Good-bye.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com., an intriguing world unification doubleheader is in the works for a potential August 25th date on HBO featuring WBO Middleweight champion Dmitriy Pirog and IBF champion Daniel Geale as well as WBA Super Welterweight champion Austin Trout taking on WBO champ Sergiy Dzinziruk.

“It’s very close. We’re 99 percent done,” Said Artie Pelullo, who promotes Pirog and is the co-promoter of Dzinzuruk. “I’m very excited about the opportunity for Pirog to be on HBO and for Dzinziruk to be back on HBO. These four fighters are among the best in their respective weight classes, and it’s been a long time coming that they are on HBO.”

“These are two very interesting, pick ’em fights,” said Garry Shaw, who promotes Geale, co-promotes Trout with Greg Cohen and co-promotes Dzinziruk with Pelullo, who also promotes Pirog. “We’ll come out with someone important at 154 and definitely someone important at 160. So I really like this card. I really believe there will be two people who come out of these fights who will be important to boxing in these two weight divisions.”

It looked as though Lukas Konecny was destined to be one of Boxing nearly men. He had nearly won the European Union title when he lost a split decision to Ruben Varon in 2004 fighting away from home in Spain. His performance was good enough to see him fight Michele Piccarillo for the European title 18 months later; again it wasn’t to be as he lost a close unanimous decision in Italy despite dropping Piccarillo in the second round. Over the next couple of years Konecny stayed busy while waiting for his next opportunity. It finally came when he got his shot at a world title in the spring of 2008 against then undefeated Sergei Dzindziruk, he gave the champion all he could handle over twelve rounds before losing a majority decision. Many fighters would slip away after coming up short on those occasions, not the mentally strong Konecny he continued to keep busy whilst believing in his own ability. Finally last September the Czech Republic fighter won the big one when he beat Matthew Hall to claim the vacant European Light Middleweight title. He’s already defended the title once and is preparing for his second defence on 27 May when he meets mandatory challenger Hussein Bayram. The 32 year old sports a 46-3(22) record and will hope that he can put on an impressive performance in front of his adoring fans and set himself up for a world title fight, he’s currently ranked WBC 6 & WBO 2.

Hello Lukas, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You will be fighting Hussein Bayram, what are your thoughts on that fight, what do you know about Bayram?

Lukas Konecny – I have studied Bayram’s videos. He is a strong fighter who uses his wits in the fight. He will not give me the victory as a present for sure. That much is certain.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought many times in Prague but never your hometown of Usti nad Labem, what does it mean to you to fight in your hometown? How many fans do you believe will turn up?

Lukas Konecny – That’s not quite right, I fought Aziz Daari in a EU Championship on 17 October 2003 in Usti. Nevertheless the upcoming fight is something very special for me. I am looking forward to seeing my fans at the arena. This is my 50th professional fight and first mandatory defence and the opportunity to perform in Usti makes me really proud. I am sure that the 6,500 hall will be sold out.

Anson Wainwright – You were supposed to fight Rhodes last September but he was forced to pull out through injury and you fought Matthew Hall. You both have a similar style and met each other in the centre of the ring and neither of you let up fighting until the end when you stopped Hall in six. Can you talk us through this fight?

Lukas Konecny – Mathew Hall was able to keep a good pace in the first rounds but I noticed that he will not sustain the pace till the end. I knew I will have him under control by the half. And of course I took the first chance I got. This was my and my trainer’s strategy.

Anson Wainwright – What did it mean to you to win the European title at the second attempt?

Lukas Konecny – I was the happiest man after the victory. I am the first professional boxer in the Czech history to win such a valuable title in boxing. You probably could imagine how proud of it I am. I made boxing history in the Czech Republic with this achievement. It doesn’t matter that I won the title at my second attempt.

Anson Wainwright – You’re ranked highly by 2 of the main sanctioning bodies, are you targeting anyone in particular? What do you think of the current champions WBA Miguel Cotto, IBF Cornelius Bundrage & WBO Sergei Dzindziruk?

Lukas Konecny – I would immediately fight again Sergei Dzinziruk. I have an old score to settle with him. If one of the judges had kept his eyes really open, I wood have became the new champion. Maybe it is my destiny to sort things out at the second attempt. Anyway the WBO Championship is a declared goal for me.

Anson Wainwright – The Czech Republic isn’t known for it’s Boxers, can you tell us how you first became interested in Boxing?

Lukas Konecny – My father was a boxer. He sparked my interest in boxing. As an amateur I went to Magdeburg and got there a chance to develop further. The then president of the amateur club was Ulf Steinforth. 2000 he founded the professional boxing team SES and I switched to pro boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You are considered the best fighter from Czech Republic, what can you tell us about the Boxing scene in your homeland, are there amateurs coming through?

Lukas Konecny – Since my and other amateur boxers, like Rudolf Kraj for example, big achievements, the Czech boxing sport gained more attention. I am coaching currently the Czech national team and I can say, there are more and more young people getting into boxing.

Anson Wainwright – You were a very good amateur and actually represented Czech Republic in Athens at the 2000 Olympic games. Can you tell us about that experience? What amateur titles did you win and what was your final record?

Lukas Konecny – My training as an amateur was an important and very solid basis for me. Actually I am a man, who seeked and found his own style. I was Czech national champion and won a number of tournaments, especially in my time later in Magdeburg. I got the final touch in Germany but nothing would have been possible without my strong will to win.

Anson Wainwright – Who are your team members, your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Lukas Konecny – I usually train in Usti and Praghe but the last eight weeks before fights I spend in Magdeburg with my coach Dirk Dzemski. My manager is also in Magdeburg. My promoter Ulf Steinforth made for me possible to come to the point where I am now. He is the person I owe a lot because he trusted in me when I lost the European championship.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing to relax?

Lukas Konecny – In the short free time I take care about my family. I am married and have three children. My family is the most important project for me.

Anson Wainwright – What goals do you have still in Boxing?

Lukas Konecny – It’s quite simple/clear: I want to be a world champion.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Light Middleweight division?

Lukas Konecny – Lukas Konecny boxes his way up, no matter who has the crown I will take it away from him. I want to become the first Czech world champion.

Thanks for your time Lukas, keep up the good work

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Claudia Bocanegra was present at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods to capture the vivid moments of Sergio Martinez title defense victory over Sergiy Dzinzurak plus Andy Lee’s thrilling comeback knockout over Craig McEwan

Sergio Martinez continued his domination of the middleweight division by scoring an impressive 8th round KO over Sergiy Dzinziruk. Martinez dominated from the outset as he scored well from the outside and easily moved away from the jab of Dzinziruk. By the fourth Martinez began to open up and score more easily. Mid round, a left hand in the midst of a 4 punch combo caused Dzinziruk to take a knee. Martinez continued his dominance and scored a knockdown on a jab left hand at the end of round 5. Dzinziruk had perhaps his best round in the 7th when he finally opened up and landed some good jabs and left hands, but Martinez stormed back in the 8th and scored an early knockdown on a counter left hand. Dzinziruk rose on shaky legs only to be knocked down by a second counter left hand. He gamely fought on but one more flurry from Martinez dumped Dzinziruk on the seat of his pants and referee Arthur Mercante Jr. called the fight at 1:43 of round 8. Martinez notches another big win and improves to 47-2-2 with 26KOs while Dzinziruk loses his 0 and drops to 37-1 23KOs.

Middleweight’s Andy Lee and Craig McEwan fought an exciting ten round scrap that ultimately saw Lee come from behind to score an impressive KO. Lee started well and landed some strong right hooks over the first two rounds, a few of which visibly bucked the legs of McEwan. But McEwan began to find his rhythm in round 3 and started timing Lee with straight left hands and right hooks. Rounds 4-6 saw McEwan land some good shots which appeared to sap Lee’s strength and put him in retreat. Lee rebounded in round 7 though and began to turn the tables, landing some good right hooks that helped close the gap in the scorecards. A jab right hand combo at the end of round 9 dropped McEwan hard and Lee did all he could to finish him off. He had to wait till round ten when he landed a sweeping overhand left to the McEwan’s chin who dropped hard to the canvas. Referee Steve Smoger called off the fight without a count at 56 seconds of round ten. Lee showed heart in his come from behind victory and runs his record to 25-1 with 19KOs. McEwan loses for the first time as a pro and falls to 19-1 10KOs.

Featheweight Javier Fotuna of LaRomana, Dominican Republic scored a highlight reel KO in the first of HBO’s televised fights, knocking out a truly game Derrick Wilson (Miami, FL) in the eighth round. Wilson came to win and threw punches with reckless abandon from the start of the fight. Fortuna had the superior skills though and was able to time Wilson and land a perfect counter right that dropped him in the 3rd. Wilson rose and continued to fight hard which allowed him to survive the round. He arguably won the fourth round as he tagged Fortuna repeatedly with right hands but was again knocked down in the 6th via a left hand, right hook, left hand combo. Wilson had a good round 7 but was dropped for the third time mid-way through the 8th on a straight left hand. Again he rose and fought back gamely but ultimately paid the price for his bravery as Fortuna landed a perfect straight left counter that put Wilson out cold. Referee John Callas called the fight without a count at 2:27 of round 8. Fortuna is now 14-0 with 11KOs while Wilson slips to 8-2 2KOs.

Welterweight Thomas Durlorme of Carolina, Puerto Rico needed only two rounds to dispatch his over matched opponent Guillermo Valdes of Miami, FL. It was obvious from the opening bell that Durlorme was going to earn himself a stoppage; the only intrigue in the fight was how long it would last. Valdes was knocked around the ring for all of the first round and continued to take a beating in round 2 until referee Dick Flaherty intervened 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the round and saved Valdes from further punishment. The stoppage was premature but Valdes (now 12-3 3KOs) clearly had no chance and should be thankful he didn’t have to fight on.. The win keeps Durlorme unbeaten at 10-0 9KOs.

In the lone female bout of the card, heavyweight’s Sonya Lamanokis of Turner Falls, MA earned a unanimous decision over the formerly unbeaten Tanzee Daniel of Brooklyn, NY. From the opening bell both fighters stood toe to toe and fired shots to the body and head. This trend continued for each of the six rounds and seemingly made for a difficult fight to score. When the scores were announced though, the judges were in agreement and gave the fight to Lamanokis by scores of 58-56 and 59-55 (twice.) Lamanokis keeps her 0 and runs her record to 4-0 2KOs while Daniel slips to 4-1 1KO.

Light heavyweight Seanie Monaghan of Long Beach, NY battered Jackson, Missippi’s Billy Cunningham over 4 one-sided rounds to earn himself a unanimous decision. Monaghan pressed the action throughout the fight and consistently landed good left hooks to the body. Despite his best efforts, Monaghan never had Cunningham in trouble but did more than enough to earn scores of 40-36 across the board. He improves to 6-0 4KOs while Cunningham drops to 5-9 4KOs.

In the opening bout of the evening, junior middleweight Abraham Lopez (2-1-1) of Oxnard, CA outworked his opponent Andrew Jones (0-4) of Buffalo, NY over 4 rounds to claim a unanimous decision. Lopez battered Jones all fight with strong lead right hands and almost put him away in rounds 3 and 4. Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 (twice.)

POST FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Sergio Martinez: “I want no easy fights. They (Paul Williams and Dzinziruk) are two different fighters. Paul Williams and Dzinziruk have different tactics. Dzinziruk is a very smart fighter but I beat him at his own game – the jab. It was supposed to be a technical fight.”

“(He wasn’t hit with) nothing special. I wasn’t hurt. I felt one punch, behind my head, but that happens in fights.”

“There was no emergency (after he was cut). It was just the moment to finish.”

“(How low can he go to make a Manny Pacquiao fight) Probably 154.”

“(Head trainer filling in for his brother Gabriel) Pablo (Sarmiento) did a perfect job.”

“Cotto would be a good fight. I just want to fight the best. If Cotto is man enough, he will ask to fight Sergio Martinez.”

“I will not stop until I am recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “McEwan put on one of the gutsiest performances. He was leading after eight rounds and Lee had to do something dramatic.”

“I’m proud of Andy Lee’s performance. I’ll talk next week with Manny (Stewart, Lee’s manager/trainer). It won’t be Sergio (for Andy) the next fight. This made Andy an HBO fighter – the best thing he can do.”

“It was a terrific show. It turns out Dzinziruk was the right fight. This proved that he (Sergio) is a Hall of Fame fighter. Dzinziruk is an excellent fighter but Sergio may be the best fighter in the world.”

“Pound-for-pound, (Sergio) he is the best fighter in the world. Tonight you saw why he’s going to the Hall of Fame. He is the best middleweight from Argentina since Carlos Monzon.”

“We want the biggest fight out there.”

“That’s not up to me (making a Martinez-Miguel Cotto fight). It’s up to Bob (Arum). Maybe Cotto will be man enough to ask Bob to fight Sergio? Arum’s been lining up bum after bum after bum to fight Manny Pacquiao and Cotto. People should be lining up to fight him (Sergio), the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “Sergio Martinez not only is the best 160 pound fighter in the world but he may be the best fighter in the world. I’ve been in this business since 1961 and I’ve never seen anybody with more hand speed than Sergio Martinez. We still have the best 154-pound fighter in the world. There isn’t a 154-pound fighter in the world we wouldn’t fight.”

Artie Pellulo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “We have the best junior middleweight in the world; Lou has the best middleweight in the world and one of the best, if not the best fighter in the world. Dzinziruk got up and knew he was fighting the best in the world. The better man won tonight; he fought the best middleweight in the world.”

Andy Lee: “Overall, I wasn’t happy with my performance. I hurt him early in the fight and I think that worked against me. I loaded up too much. I got into that habit and it was tough to get out. In the middle rounds I thought I was losing the fight. It was a big opportunity so I said to myself if I’m going to lose he’s going to have to kill me.”

“Basically I was flat-footed until I switched it up. Eventually I caught him at the end. I was fortunate but I deserved it. I don’t know what round it was but something inside me said I was going to take it.”

“He boxed very good. It was hard; we’re friends. I respected him before the fight and more now.”

“Sergio has great speed. He’d be a tough challenge for me.”

“I won the ninth, 10-8, but knew I needed a big finish and not leave it to the judges. One, two – he was on the ground. It wasn’t my best performance but it was a great victory. It was a hard fought fight. I showed courage and heart. I will get better.”

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO
SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK
WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion
2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996
Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine
46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)
158.8 LBS. 158.8 LBS.

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

162.6 LBS. 161.4 LBS.

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

126.0 LBS. 125.0 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIEL

Four-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion Five-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

226.2 LBS. 253.2 LBS.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

145.0 LBS. 144.0 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILLY “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

174.2 LBS. 173.8 LBS.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

149.4 LBS. 150 LBS.

MASHANTUCKET, CT (Mar. 10, 2011) – The final “Diamond Elite” press conference was held today at Comix in Foxwoods Casino Resort. The WBC Middleweight Diamond Championship showdown, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk, will be on HBO World Championship Boxing along with Andy Lee vs. Craig McEwan in a “Celtic War.” All four fighters and representatives from their respective camps were in attendance.

Below are quotes from the participants:

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “I think it’s going to be a tremendous night of boxing. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the property. Foxwoods is great and it’s been a pleasure working with the staff here.”

“This will be on television – HBO Sports – and it’s a very competitive card with the two fights on TV real TV fights. Sergio Martinez is the Fighter of the Year and had the Knockout of the Year. He’s fighting a guy who is a technically sound fighter with a great jab and defense. Sergiy will find out that he’s not in with just another fighter. I expect a very competitive fight.”

“I want to thank our sponsors: Corona, the Dominican Republic Tourism Board and Hennessey.”

“We have as terrific undercard off TV with some terrific fighters. We have a female heavyweight from New York, Sonya Lamonakis, fighting another fighter from New York (Tanzee Daniels). If you like women’s boxing, this is going to be a war.”

“This sport needs everybody pulling together. We’ve had four major promoters working together without a single problem. That’s how to elevate boxing and bring it back.

“We’re having ‘Celtic War’ five days before St. Patrick’s Day. I’m proud to promote Andy Lee. The winner of this fight will establish himself for the fighter he is. It’s the first opportunity for Craig and Andy on HBO and its stage and legitimacy.”

“My partner and one of the best judges of talent in the world is Sampson Lewkowicz. He scours the world looking for the next Sergio Martinez.”

“Some people will be a little surprised – Gabriel Sarmiento won’t be in Sergio’s corner because of a personal issue. His brother, Pablo, will be in Sergio’s corner. He’s trained Sergio before. Gabriel ran the camp until the final day of camp last Friday.”

“It’s no secret that I didn’t like this fight. HBO twisted my arm but I give them credit. This is the best possible opponent in the world to fight Sergio. Sergio agreed to fight him despite giving up his middleweight belt. He wants to leave a legacy of fighting the best and there’s no doubt that Sergiy is the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“This is what’s at stake (Diamond belt). It costs about $50,000 and has diamonds all over it. The stakes are big.”

“This (Martinez) is one of the most talented athletes and people I’ve ever worked with. Sergio is concerned with people and he has a sense of community and integrity. His nickname, ‘Maravilla,’ marvelous and he is indeed, marvelous.”

“Sergio promised me to speak in English at the next press conference. He has a great teacher and he’s done a great job.”

Sergio Martinez: “I thank HBO, WBC, my promoter, advisor, trainers Gabriel and Pablo, and my team. This Saturday you will see the best Sergio Martinez. This fight is for Argentina.”

Kery Davis, HBO: “We really have a special night of programming with the premier of the Runnin’ Rebels documentary immediately followed with world championship boxing starting at 10:30 eastern, 7:30 pacific. Sergio was a relatively unknown boxer but he beat Kelly Pavlik and followed that with unquestionably the Knockout of the Year against Paul Williams. Sergio is good looking, intelligent and he has charisma. The sky is the limit for him. He is fighting the challenge of his life. Many feel Sergiy Dzinziruk is the No. 1 154 pounder in the world. He is relatively unknown. When you put the best middleweight in the world against the best junior middleweight in the world, you should never apologize, and we don’t. Lee and McEwan are trying to make names for themselves and statements. They’re looking forward to fighting the winner of the main event. Sergio and Sergiy are stepping-up to take the challenge. Sergiy is stepping-up in weight. Sergio is fighting the toughest guy. We’re looking forward to a great night of programming.”

Scott Butera, Foxwoods Resort Casino, President & CEO: “Here at Foxwoods, we have a long-standing tradition with the sport of boxing and have hosted some of the boxing world’s most high profile fights and some of the world’s greatest athletes. As North America’s largest resort casino there are few venues in the Northeast more fitting to host this World Middleweight Championship bout featuring Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk than MGM Grand at Foxwoods and our world-class MGM Grand Theater. The event’s equally exciting undercard, dubbed the ‘Celtic War,’ pits the Andy Lee and Craig McEwan.

“And we have a ‘Who’s Who’ of industry vets on property for the big event, including Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, and Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Promotions, as well as none other than Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“We’re always thrilled to showcase Foxwoods to a national audience, and HBO’s live broadcast of Saturday’s event will provide a great vehicle for us to do just that. We’re grateful to everybody in this room. Let’s have a great night on Saturday.”

Robert Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions: “This is what boxing is about – four promoters working together to give the public two great fights. McEwan is in a tough fight but he’s more than ready. I can tell you that for a fact. He is fighting for his family, country and himself. Remember, there years ago what happened not too far from here (Lee was knocked out by Bryan Vera).”

Craig McEwan: “This is a big stage for me. I’m ready to put on a big show and show everybody what I’ve got. Andy’s a great guy but Saturday is business. Afterwards we can go out for a pint. I’ve always wanted the (WBC) green belt and this fight will get me one step closer to that.”

Andy Lee: “Everything has been said. Craig, I know well, but I have a job to win this fight. Afterwards we can be friends. I’ve trained 100-percent and want to thank Sugar Hill and Roger Lee. I’ve had the best camp ever, in Florida, with a lot of sparring and conditioning. We’ve left no stone unturned.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “This is a tremendous fight, deserving to be at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. I’m happy because it is a great fight. I want to thank HBO for putting Sergiy on their card because he’s truly a great fighter. It may not turn out the way Lou and his team think.

“I am a cancer survivor. If you’re over 40, get a PSA test. It saved my life and it could save yours.

“To Lou and Sampson, thanks for taking this fight and I give a lot of credit to them because Sergio had the opportunity for an easier fight. But they took the challenge and I have a lot of respect for Sergio. I represent the best 154-pounder in the world, the single best in the world at 154 pounds, and he wanted this fight. It’s a big step up; up in weight for the fight, and they didn’t want it. I know at the end of the day, no matter what Sergio and Sampson say, it is an impossibility to knockout Sergiy. We will leave here with a win; I guarantee it!”

Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “I’ve put on more than 30 shows at Foxwoods since 1992. HBO and Ross Greenburg have a heckuva fight. They went out of their way to make it. They have the two best: best middleweight and best junior middleweight, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s going to be great – two guys who know they need to win to move on. Boxing rewards you for winning and both know everything’s on the line. After Martinez knocked out Paul Williams, the fight we get is against the best middleweight in the world. We called Sergiy and he said make the fight. Both are in harm’s way. It’s going to be a very good show because they both know they have to win.”

Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Sergio Martinez: “This is my first time here at Foxwoods and it’s wonderful. HBO chose this fight because it’s the best money can buy. Gary Shaw says he guarantees he’ll win the fight. His partner, Artie Pellulo, didn’t say that. Sergio Martinez, if he doesn’t knock him out, he will beat him up. He went from 154 to 160 to be the best. There was no catch-weight because the champion is a middleweight. Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez is the champion of the people, champion of the press; the champion of everybody on earth, inside and outside the ring. I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Pablo Sarmiento, trainer of Sergio Martinez: “Every training camp for Sergio gets better than the last. Saturday you will find out that it’s the best Sergio you’ve ever seen. The challenger is a great fighter and we respect him.”

Sergiy Dzinziruk: “I want to thank everybody for this opportunity and Sergio Martinez, especially, for the opportunity to fight in such a big fight. It’s a dream come true for me. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great fight and I will be victorious at the end of the night.”

Bob Yalen, representing the WBC: “On behalf of the WBC, Jose and Mauricio, to Sampson, Sergio on behalf of the year you had, and Lou for promoting such a great fighter and fighter, let me present these plaques to all three of them.

“I’m a historian. I don’t think people realize how great a fight this is in the ring. Argentina and Europe have a great history of middleweight fighters. The Ukraine has built a great history. These are two great fighters. I thank HBO for allowing it to happen and Foxwoods for bringing it here.”

“DIAMOND ELITE FACT SHEET”

WHAT: “Diamond Elite” professional boxing show

BOUTS:

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO

SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion WBO Light Middleweight Champion

2010 Fighter of the Year The Ring #8/1996 Ukraine Olympian

Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine

46-2-2 (25 KOs) 37-0 (23 KOs)

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs) 19-0 (10 KOs)

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs) 8-1-2 (2 KOs)

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIELS

4-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion 5-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO) 4-0 (1 KO)

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs) 12-2 (3 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN BILL “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs) 5-8 (4 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA Buffalo, NY

1-1-1 0-3-1

(ALL FIGHTS AND FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2011

WHERE: MGM Grand at Foxwoods

PROMOTER: “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

BROADCAST: The main event and co-feature will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM/ET / 7:30 PM/PT.

TICKETS: $450.00, $250.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office, online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, calling MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1.866.646.0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

INFORMATION: Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET, first HBO fight at 10:30 PM/ET.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

One of the top trainers in boxing, Gabriel Sarmiento will not be in the corner with his man, World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez when he takes on Sergiy Dzinzurak this Saturday night at The Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Gabriel won’t be in the corner because of some personal issues,” promoter Lou DiBella said, although he would not say what the particular reasons were. “It’s private, so there’s not much I can say about it. But Gabriel was with Sergio in training camp all the way, so they have worked on everything together.”

Taking over as the head of Martinez’s corner is Pablo Sarmiento, Gabriel’s brother. Pablo Sarmiento is a regular member of Martinez’s training staff and has worked in his corner for several past fights, DiBella said.

“Gabriel was with Sergio through the close of camp [last] Friday,” DiBella said. “We knew about this, but we didn’t feel the need to announce it until we had to. We are comfortable with Pablo. This is not an excuse no matter happens in the fight, and we know this is a very tough fight. Sergio said it will make no difference and that he had the best training camp he has ever had. Both of the Sarmientos were there in camp.”

Said Martinez, the consensus fighter of the year for 2010: “Pablo is from the same school [as Gabriel], so this will be OK. It’s nothing that is a surprise. I am well-trained and ready

NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 3, 2011) – Yesterday’s media conference call featured Middleweight Champion, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez in advance of his “Diamond Elite” clash with WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk on March 12 from the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods, airing live on HBO World Championship Boxing. Also on the call were Martinez’ advisor Sampson Lewkowicz, and Lou DiBella, the promoter of the event.

Below are quotes from the call’s participants:

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez:

“It definitely wasn’t a lucky punch (vs. Paul Williams II). Anybody who has seen the tape – it’s not too long – see me throwing the same punch six times and landing five and then I knock him out. It was a premeditated punch, not lucky.”

“Like Lou said, he wants me to knock this boy out; however, people don’t know the quality of this champ to knock him out. I need to do the job and I’m ready to fight, if I knock him out or go the distance. But I will predict a knockout. I’m ready for either.”

“I’m very happy and content that I finally got my dues (after Williams II) to be recognized. It’s because of the hard work in the gym that I was able to come up with this victory.”

“I never want an easy fight. I want to fight the best. Mayweather cannot fight me; Manny Pacquiao cannot fight me. So, I need to fight somebody very challenging and the best opponent, or the best challenger, is Sergiy Dzinziruk. Nobody else is left.”

“Everybody’s wrong. The fight was officially made by HBO and HBO got the best available opponent, Dzinziruk, because he has the credentials. I didn’t lose the title, only for a few months, because after I beat Dzinziruk, whoever is at 160 (pounds) I want to fight, regardless of whom it’ll be. And I have no issues with that and nobody forced me to fight because I only want to fight the best.”

“I believe that in a way I gave up the title because I have a promise to fight Zbik and I needed to give up the title. However, I’m very proud and honored to be fighting for the Diamond belt that, I believe, is the most beautiful belt I’ve ever seen. There is lots of prestige to be part of that and I thank the WBC for this great opportunity and the WBC never closed to door to me, to the contrary, the WBC opened the door. Today, I am who I am.”

“It’s really a pity in my case because of problems fighting opponents or challenges. I’m not thinking of going up to 168 (pounds) because I’d be too small physically. So, I plan to stay at 160 for the rest of the year and then see what it takes for the future. I believe I’m too small for ’68. I will give too much of an advantage to 168-pounders.”

“I’m surprised that he (Dzinziruk) talked like that (“Sergio isn’t special”). But he will find out March 12th that he was wrong. I believe I have something special.”

“Really, this is the hardest training camp I’ve ever had. Former two-time champion, Daniel Santos, is with me, who fought Dzinziruk, and the other (sparring partner), Austin Trout, is the WBA 154-pound champion. I have the best sparring partners I can get.”

“I know very well…I’ve fought similar guys (to Dzinziruk) several times in Europe, but the problem is, no press in America know them. I’m used to it and he will use all of his intelligence against me and wait for me to make a mistake to counterpunch. I know what I need to do to avoid any complications. So, I have no problem with that.”

“It was very hard and sad to give up the title. I wanted to defend that title every time I could until the end of my career. But at this time I’m happy with the outcome, if my next fight after this I will recoup the title. I will demand to fight for the title, on behalf of my promoter, if he wants me to fight at 160, so (the winner of) Zbik and Chavez Jr. must face me or give up the title to me.”

“It (Feb. 21 was his birthday) was a very happy day for me. I got up at four in the morning, as normally, and finished training at 10 o’clock at night. It was no different except that I received phone calls of congratulations from all over the world and that was happy for me. But I worked normal like every day.”

“I will never celebrate – I dislike parties – after the fight. I like to be with my close friends and have dinner. That’s special. No, I won’t party after any fight. I don’t like parties.”

“I need to dictate the pace of the fight. I will not allow him to dictate. I’m the champion and I want to be the pound-for-pound best. So, I need to prove I can dictate the fight. The strategy I plan to use is being discussed. I just started discussing it with my trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento, because we do that the last week. For now, the only thing I do is training like I would train for any other fight.”

“It will be very good for Cotto, for me, and the fans so maybe it can happen in 2011.” (In regard to a fight between Martinez and Miguel Cotto.)

Martinez’ Advisor, Sampson Lewkowicz:

“I’m very happy to be part of Team Martinez and I definitely believe I have an excellent promoter who did a great job bringing Martinez to this position. Let’s hear from the champion, a great champion in and out of the ring, Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez.”

“He (Sergio) will not get in the ring with somebody who doesn’t have the stature. He will not do it.”

“He’s never talked about money. Every time when there are negotiations with Sergio Martinez and his team, there never was an issue and that is unheard of. He is the champion of the press; he is always available for the press.”

Statement from Martinez’ Trainer, Gabriel Sarmiento (read by Martinez’ strength-and-conditioning coach Cicilio Flores):

“Gabriel apologizes. He couldn’t be here today and in fact he’s training Javier Fortuna right now, who will also be on the undercard. Victor Cayo, he’s training him now, as well as Victor Gonzalez. Again, he apologizes for not being on this conference call. It’s very important to him but all he needs to say is his fighter, Sergio Martinez, is having the best training camp and one of the hardest training camps. In fact, he is hitting harder today than his last fight against Paul Williams. He is guaranteeing a knockout. He is very excited about this fight and he isn’t taking Dzinziruk lightly at all.

Promoter of “Diamond Elite” and Martinez, Lou DiBella:

“I want to point out that, even since our call (on Tues., Mar. 1), tickets are moving very, very well at Foxwoods. I’m urging people to get their tickets as quickly as possible, particularly at lower price ranges because those are moving very quickly and there are still some great ringside seats available. But I’m very, very happy with the performance of the event at the site and I think we’re going to have a great crowd at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods. As everyone knows it’s going to be televised by HBO Sports and Andy Lee and Craig McEwan are in the opening fight.

“The fact that this fight is happening is a tribute to the type of champion Sergio Martinez is. In a lot of ways this is a no-win fight: this is the best fighter in the world, Dzinziruk, that no one knows. He is a very difficult guy to fight because of his defensive style, because of his great jab, his movement, and he’s a very well skilled guy. He’s really unknown in this country, but this is the fight HBO wanted. They wanted Sergio in a difficult match-up and it’s typically Sergio Martinez’ way. Sergio said, ‘Put him in front of me and I’m going to fight him,’ and he is. He is the boss and that’s why he’s become the ‘People’s Champion.’ He lost his WBC title and he’s now fighting for the Diamond title. Honestly, he’s doing that because he’s fighting the best and this is why he has captured the imaginations of so many boxing fans and why everybody is looking forward to March 12th to see this fighter and what he brings.

“Certainly, I’m proud to have Sampson Lewkowicz, the great boxing guy and one of the smartest men in the sport and great judge of talent, as my partner and Sergio’s advisor. I wouldn’t be promoting Sergio Martinez if Sampson didn’t bring it to my attention and that’s been one of the most fortunate things to happen to my company in recent years. Certainly, promoting Sergio Martinez has been an absolute pleasure.”

“Obviously, Sergio is looking for the biggest fights possible. We pursued the possibilities with Cotto and had conversations with Arum but the fight didn’t materialize. He (Arum) wasn’t interested in reaching out beyond his stable. But this is the most difficult fight; this is the toughest fighter out there. I said it’s a no-win situation, but if Sergio knocks this guy out at least intelligent people in boxing and the people who’ve seen Dzinziruk fight will know what an accomplishment it is.

“It’s just unfortunate that with a fight of this degree of difficulty, that the public doesn’t know the opponent. The opponent is a champion in his own right. He’s in his mid-thirties and never lost a fight and has had loads of successful title defenses. He’s a very, very good fighter. And this is consistent with Sergio’s pattern: from Kermit Cintron to Paul Williams, to Kelly Pavlik, to Paul Williams, and now to Sergiy Dzinziruk. There’s not a single fighter in the sport, not one, that’s gone through a ‘Murderer’s Row’ like that in recent fights. And like I said, that’s a credit to the greatness of Sergio Martinez.”

“One thing that makes Sergio so unusual is, yeah, I felt the way I felt, but his attitude was, ‘if they think this is the hardest guy, put him in front of me.’ There haven’t been guys like that I’ve had. I’ve promoted guys before that don’t shy away from challenges, but I’ve never had a guy like this whose attitude is: if you think this guy is the hardest, then that’s who I want to fight.”

“If HBO holds true with that as their principle goal, forward through the rest of the year and holds everybody to the same standard, then you’ll never hear a peep out of us about them insisting on us fighting anybody. And the truth is, what Sergio said is 100-percent the reality because he didn’t make a peep out of fighting Dzinziruk because he realized that’s who they wanted him to fight, and when he knew he was going to be paid appropriately, he was gung-ho to do it. “

“Sergio is studying English and his teacher is Nadia (Sergio’s translator). She’s really good and after he beats Dzinziruk, I’m going to twist his arm to say a few words in English at the press conference.”

“People who want to watch Cotto will have to pay about $50 to watch it and the same people, in all probability if they’re boxing fans and have HBO, will go back-and-forth. They’ll buy pay-per-view and go back-and-forth to watch both shows because that’s how hardcore boxing fans are. But I’m confident people want to see Sergio Martinez and that we have a great doubleheader on HBO that people will watch. So, sometimes, there are two fight cards in one night and it’s unfortunate. I prefer that there be only one – it’s better for the sport but people who have HBO don’t have to pay extra money to see this fight but they have to pay $50 to see Cotto. So, I’m guessing that even the people buying the Cotto show will switch the channel to watch Sergio Martinez.”

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50, and are available now through the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the box office at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 1, 2011) – Today’s media conference call featured WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziurk in advance of his “Diamond Elite” clash with Middleweight Champion, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez on March 12 from the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods, airing live on HBO World Championship Boxing. Also on the call were Dzinizruk’s co-trainer, Buddy McGirt; his advisor, Harry Kazandjian; Josh Roy from Banner Promotions, his co-promoter; and Lou DiBella, the promoter of the event.

Below are quotes from the call’s participants:

WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk:

“It makes me very excited to know they think that highly of me. I want to thank HBO for making this fight happen. It’s a lifetime opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to fighting Sergio Martinez.”

“So far, no problems with my weight, and I feel comfortable with this weight. I’m fighting big sparring partners. Yes, I’m a 154-pounder but I’m going to fight at 160 and let’s see what happens. I feel very confident with this weight.”

“I’ve mentioned before that 30 is just a number. I feel like I’m 20 years old and I want to keep fighting and winning titles. I’m very comfortable at my age.”

“I don’t do anything out of the ordinary except live a clean life. I’ve had the same training regimen and have just added to it with experience. The main thing is discipline. If something is not right, I don’t do it. Fighting is my life, my world. All I know is how to box. I make sure my lifestyle – my health – I take care of. I’m healthy. I love fighting and want to win a few more titles. I have great discipline.”

“We have watched (tapes) in the past and more recently of Sergio’s fights. He is a great fighter and a great champion, but there’s nothing special. He is just another fighter in front of me and I hope to win.”

“With Buddy McGirt we have our game plan. We’re not thinking about what Sergio can do, we’re thinking about what we can do. There will be a lot of surprises, lots of pressure on Sergio, (for me) to win the fight.”

Dzinziruk’s Co-Promoter, Josh Roy of Banner Promotions:

“Lou and Team Martinez have reasons to be worried. Everybody knows Lou doesn’t say something like that lightly. Sergiy is the best junior middleweight in the world. He is 37-0 with 24 knockouts. He’s never lost; he doesn’t know how to lose. And it’s not like he’s been protected, he’s 7-0 in world title fights. He has made a concerted effort t to come here (to the United States).”

“I want to credit Lou, Team Martinez and Sergio. He didn’t take a soft touch after fighting Paul Williams. He’s going all out.”

“We have complete confidence in Sergiy. He’s bringing his A game; it’s all he knows. HBO will be pleased with the outcome, how it looks, and it’ll highlight Sergiy as a star.”

“I want to thank HBO, Foxwoods and DiBella Entertainment for the opportunity to get Sergiy this fight, on behalf of Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions.”

“A lot has been made of weight because Sergiy is a junior middleweight. Sergio was a junior middleweight until (three fights ago when he fought Paul Williams (in their first fight). Essentially, they’re the same weight and have been for most of their careers. It’s not like Manny Pacquiao fighting Oscar de la Hoya.”

Dzinziruk’s Advisor, Harry Kazandjian:

“We’re very excited to be on the air with HBO. As Josh and Lou mentioned, it’s a tough fight for both fighters, Sergio as well as Sergiy. Sergio has proven that he’s the man in the (middleweight) division. We have all of the confidence in Sergiy. There will only be one winner at the end of the night. We wish both, good luck. “

“We hope to win. Sergiy has trained hard and March 12th American fans will see where he’s been all these years. Today is Sergiy’s birthday. We’ll celebrate that a little later, He’s turning 35. A few days ago it was Sergio’s birthday.”

Dzinziruk’s Co-Trainer, James “Buddy” McGirt:

“I want to thank Harry, Sergiy and his camp for bringing me onboard. I respect Sergiy. He said that he wanted to maintain his trainer for the past 37 fights (Olesksander Polishchuk). I said I was here to help, not take anybody’s job. I have no ego and it’s an honor for me to work with guys like him. At the beginning (training together), they looked at me, but as time went on they picked-up everything. I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to work with Sergiy.”

“He (Sergiy) is down with precision punches. You’d think he was a typical European fighter but he isn’t. He has a phenomenal jab and a better left – the difference in this fight. You see guys sparring, no, they’re more awkward than Sergio. It took them a round to figure them out and then Sergiy was dancing to his beat.”

“Sergio Martinezx is a great fighter with great hand speed. We’re working on certain tools to eliminate his speed and make our game plan better than him.”

“The key to defending an opponent with hand speed is to nullify it, not out-speed ‘em. Sergiy has the perfect punch to nullify – his right jab. I heard about it but didn’t believe it until I saw it. The jab controls the temp and makes him (opponent) think and then, it’s a whole different ball game.”

Promoter of “Diamond Elite”, Lou DiBella:

“We have a great event March 12th at Foxwoods. The undercard is terrific with HBO televising the fight between Andy Lee and Craig McEwan in ‘Celtic War’ – top Irishman versus top Scotsman prospects. There’s some tremendous talent on the undercard with Javier Fortuna fighting Golden Boy Promotions’ Derrick Wilson; ‘Boo Boo’ Andrade is one of the best prospects; Thomas Dulorme is one of the best young fighters out there.”

My champion, Sergio Martinez, is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. He has another beast in front of him for the fifth time in a row. Since the beginning I’ve said I didn’t like this fight. Technically, he (Dzinziruk) is one of the best I’ve seen. The kid is very sound. This is his toughest fight and probably the toughest fighter Sergio has faced. Sergiy isn’t well known here but he is the top ’54 pounder. It’s a terribly difficult fight for Sergio but it’s what he wants. HBO has very good fight. I’m worried but I have faith in my champion who understands the challenge.”

“The $50.00 tickets are completely sold out. Affordable $75.00 tickets are available but I’m anticipating that they’ll be going fast. Tickets are going well.”

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and are available now through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the box office at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

NEW YORK, NY (Feb. 25, 2011) – The MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office has released a small amount of $50.00 tickets today for the March 12 “Diamond Elite” championship boxing event, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. There will be no additional tickets available at that price level after this small release.

“This is it,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We wanted to give fans one last opportunity to get in at this price point because the first batch went so quickly. The way tickets are moving makes it clear that Sergio Martinez is the fighter who the people want to see.”

Tickets are going fast and the remaining $50.00 tickets are not expected to last through this weekend. Other tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, and $75 and on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), the World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Emeritus and The Ring Magazine middleweight champion, headlines against World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk (37-0, 23 KOs), in a 12-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council Diamond middleweight title.

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT.

Ethnic rivals Andy Lee (24-1, 18 KOs) of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs) battle in the 10-round “Celtic War” co-feature, matching two of the top middleweight prospects in the world. A solid undercard is also on tap, featuring undefeated Dominican featherweight Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (13-0, 10 KOs) and 2008 U.S. Olympian, junior middleweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (12-0, 8 KOs).

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

NEW YORK, NY (Feb. 24, 2011) – “Irish” Micky Ward, more popular now than ever after the success of the Oscar-nominated movie about his life, The Fighter, has been invited by promoter Lou DiBella to be a special guest March 12 for the “Diamond Elite” event at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Emeritus and The Ring Magazine middleweight champion, 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), takes on World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk (37-0, 23 KOs), in the 12-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council Diamond middleweight title.

The chief supporting fight is “Celtic War,” pitting exciting middleweights Andy Lee (24-1, 18 KOs) of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs), in a 10-round bout of ethnic rivalry with potential world title shot implications for the winner.

The Martinez vs. Dzinziruk and Lee vs. McEwan fights will be broadcast on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.

Ward has many direct ties to the March 12 event. Here are the seven degrees of Micky Ward, in association with the “Diamond Elite” event, with quotes from the consensus 3-time Fight of the Year participant:

Lou DiBella: The last four fights of Ward’s career (2002-2003), including the famed Gatti-Ward trilogy, were by far his most lucrative with approximately $3-million in purse earnings. By no coincidence, Micky was promoted by DiBella Entertainment for the final four fights of his 18-year pro career. “Lou is a good guy and a man of his word. He promised to make me a lot of money and he did. And all we needed was a handshake deal.”

Sergio Martinez: The Boxing Writers Association of America (“BWAA”) will hold its annual awards dinner May 6 in Las Vegas. Martinez will receive its 2010 Fighter of the Year, named in honor of the great Sugar Ray Robinson, while Ward receives the 2011 James A. Farley Award for Honesty and Integrity in Boxing. “Sergio is a great fighter, one of the best in the world today. He’s also a good person.”

James “Buddy” McGirt: Ward got to know the former two-time world champion and 2002 Trainer of the Year, Buddy McGirt, up close and personal in 2002-2003 when McGirt trained Gatti for all three fights of their epic trilogy. “Buddy was a great trainer and great fighter himself. I’m still good friends with him today.” McGirt is Dzinziruk’s co-trainer.

Andy Lee: Besides the obvious “green” connection linking their Irish heritage, Ward was the color commentator for the PPV airing of Lee’s most dramatic knock-out on March 16, 2007, against former world champion Carl Daniels in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. “Andy is a good, stand-up boxer who has a lot of talent.”

Freddie Roach: Another BWAA recipient in May – third year in a row and fifth time overall as the Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year – Freddie Roach, like Ward, is a Massachusetts native. Ward’s first amateur match at the age of seven was against Freddie’s younger brother, Joey. “I’ve known Freddie my whole life. I never fought Freddie because he’s older than me. I never really thought back then that Freddie would become the trainer he is today.”

Foxwoods: Although Ward never boxed in MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods, he did fight four times in different venues at Foxwoods, winning three times against Steve Quinonez, Louis Veader and Mark Fernandez. Micky lost in the Bingo Hall to Antonio Diaz by 10-round decision on HBO. “I have great memories of fighting at Foxwoods. It’s still one of my favorite places for boxing.”

HBO: Micky fought six times on HBO (three times vs. Gatti, Jesse James Leija, Diaz and Shea Neary). “My experiences on HBO were excellent. HBO was really good for me. Everything was great, from Larry Merchant to Jim Lampley, who were MC’s at my retirement party, to everybody else at HBO.”

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and Super Welterweight champion Sergiy Dzinzurak met the media on Wednesday to announce their world Middleweight title clash set for March 12.

World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez talks about his March 12 title defense against Serguy Dzinzurak

Promoter Gary Shaw talks about the March 12 battle between Sergiy Dzinzurak and Sergio Martinez as well as Tim Bradley, Alfredo Angulo and Chad Dawson

WBO Super Welterweight champion Sergei Dzinzurak talks about his March 12 showdown with World Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez

NEW YORK, NY (Jan 25, 2011) – The consensus 2010 Fighter of the Year, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez is gearing up for another banner campaign in 2011. It all starts on March 12 when Martinez, the recognized champion at middleweight squares off with reigning World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion, Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The winner will walk away with the prestigious World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Diamond Championship at middleweight.

In the co-feature attraction, two of Western Europe’s best, and most exciting pugilists, Andy Lee of Ireland and Scotland’s Craig McEwan do battle in a ten round “Celtic War” in the middleweight division.

“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. Lee vs. McEwan will be presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Both bouts will be broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm ET / 7:30pm PT.

Tickets for “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk,” are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and will go on sale Wednesday, January 26, at 10:00am ET through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwood.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

“March 12 is what world class boxing is all about,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Sergio Martinez is proving that he has no interest in resting on his laurels by taking on an accomplished champion such as Sergiy Dzinziruk. Once again, ‘Maravilla’ will show why he is not only the 2010 FIghter of the Year, but also the people’s champion.

“Those looking for a good ole fashioned knock down, drag out war to ring in St. Patrick’s Day will be fulfilled when Andy Lee and Craig McEwan duke it out. Both are old school sluggers with proud roots. Get your tickets now, because with such great action assured, they will not last.”

Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs), 35, is coming off the biggest year of his professional life. Last April, he won the middleweight championship, in just his second bout at the weight class, with a dominating 12-round victory over Kelly Pavlik at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Seven months later on November 20, Martinez, a native of Argentina by way of Oxnard, California, returned to Boardwalk Hall to face Paul Williams in a rematch of his razor thin majority decision loss to Paul Williams, which was widely heralded as one of the best fights of 2009. If their first showdown was Fight of the Year, Martinez left no doubt in 2010 in what was certainly the Knockout of the Year. Just a minute into the second round, Martinez landed a booming overhand left that knocked Williams out cold and sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. To cap off 2010, Martinez was lauded by nearly ever publication and organization – including ESPN, the Boxing Writers Association of America, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, MaxBoxing.com, BoxingScene.com, AOL Fanhouse, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, El Paso Times, San Antonio Express-News, Secondsout.com, and The Ring Magazine – as Fighter of the Year.

“I believe my next fight could be my best fight of my career because my boxing is getting better, I am physically stronger, and I am stronger mentally,” said Martinez. “My rival is a great fighter and a great champion for several years now but on March 12 he will fight the best Sergio Martinez and the fans will witness a spectacular show and the best fight of my career.”

Dzinziruk (37-0, 34 KOs), 34, has held the WBO 154 lb. title since 2005 when he decisioned Daniel Santos in his adopted home of Germany. Since then, the native of Ukraine has defended his title successfully six times, including his last bout which served as both his American debut and debut under the joint promotional banner of Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. In that bout, on May 14, 2010, in Santa Ynez, California, Dzinziruk systematically broke down Daniel Dawson en route to a tenth round stoppage.

“First of all, it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved to fight such great champions” said Dzinziruk. “I really appreciate the opportunity to fight Sergio Martinez and show the world how good I am. I am looking forward to the fight and I am very excited. I have not tasted defeated yet and I want to keep it that way. My team and I know how much work was done by Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions to make this fight and it is greatly appreciated. We’re looking forward to a great fight with Sergio Martinez.”

Lee (24-1, 18 KOs), 26, is riding a nine fight winning streak since his lone career setback: a loss to Bryan Vera in 2008. Since then, the Emmanuel Steward-trained Irish slugger has compiled some of the best wins of his career over the likes of experienced veterans James Cook, Willie Gibbs, Michael Walker, and former world title challenger Mamadou Thiam. Lee is ranked #5 by the WBA and #14 by the WBC.

“I’m looking forward to fighting,” said Lee. “This fight gives me the chance to prove how good I am. McEwan is a very good boxer. He will test me, but it’s a test I welcome. I’d like to thank my management and Lou DiBella for making this fight and giving me the chance to showcase my skills on HBO. I plan on showing everyone how good I am on March 12.”

McEwan (19-0, 10 KOs), 28, was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, but now lives in California where he trains with the world renowned Freddie Roach. McEwan is coming off the biggest win of his career on July 23, 2010, when he took a decision from former world title challenger Danny Perez. McEwan also holds a victory over Bryan Vera, the man who handed Lee his lone defeat. McEwan is ranked #12 by the WBO.

“Andy Lee is a good fighter, but I’m at my best when I fight good fighters,” said McEwan. “I’m excited to have the chance to fight on HBO and show everyone what I can do.”

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra