JACK LOEW, trainer of world middleweight champion KELLY “The Ghost” PAVLIK, read with great interest the remarks made earlier this week by Gary “The Rocket” Lockett, the No. 1 contender who will be challenging Pavlik for the title in June.
“I see where Lockett has become inspired by Joe Calzaghe’s victory over Bernard Hopkins in his U.S. debut and is predicting the same result against Kelly. Maybe Enzo Calzaghe can teach Lockett to slap like a girl — just like Joe,” said Loew
“You can get away with that style of fighting against a 43-year-old geezer, but don’t try that against Kelly.. That’s how rockets crash and burn. Kelly is having a camp that is second to none. We didn’t work this hard to win the title just to have Lockett and his troubadour trainer take it away from us. Kelly is going to launch Lockett back to Wales…without a plane.”
Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), from Youngstown, OH, makes his first title defense against mandatory challenger Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs), from Cwmbran, Wales, Saturday, June 7, at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Sports Network and Caesars Atlantic City, the Pavlik-Lockett world middleweight championship will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 9:35 p.m. EDT / 6:35 p.m. PDT in the U.S.
Vazquez-Marquez: The Trilogy
NEW YORK (April 30, 2008) – The best boxing on television continues this Saturday on SHOWTIME. The premium network will honor Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez for their unforgettable trilogy with the premiere of a two-hour documentary entitled Vazquez-Marquez: The Trilogy airing on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 3 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT. The Trilogy will re-air on SHO TOO on Tuesday, May 6 at 10 p.m. ET/ PT..
For exclusive behind-the-scenes video, fight highlights, photo galleries and more, fans and media should visit the dedicated Vazquez-Marquez page at SHO.com.
Vazquez-Marquez: The Trilogy takes viewers inside this incredible rivalry; a rivalry rooted in Mexican pride, fueled by warrior-like determination and cultivated by mutual respect for one another – a true rarity in sport. The in-depth documentary breaks down each of the three fights with opinions and analysis from the fighters, their managers and trainers, reporters and industry experts.
“The three fights between Vazquez and Marquez had all the elements you look for in any great sporting event – close competition, tremendous skill and athleticism and a touch of controversy,” said Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager SHOWTIME Sports & Event Programming. “We felt that these three fights deserved more than just a typical replay. Creating The Trilogy allowed us to explore all of the elements of these unforgettable performances in a fresh and interesting way, allowing fight fans to re-live this piece of boxing history in a brand new way.”
“We couldn’t have picked two more professional fighters, athletes or gentleman to be featured on our network. I want to thank them both for everything they have done for us as fans, and for putting on multiple performances that demonstrate boxing’s relevance in the crowded sports television landscape. Vazquez and Marquez helped us remain true to our promise to subscribers: to deliver the most compelling, meaningful and thrilling match ups on the first Saturday of every month.”