Their first meeting in 2003 ended in a controversial draw. On Friday, February 27, nearly six years later, light heavyweight standouts Glen Johnson and Daniel Judah finally get the opportunity to settle the score when they headline ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.
“This is one of the fights I’ve been waiting to get back, and now the time is here,” said Johnson. “I know I won the first fight with Judah, and I will take care of the injustice of that draw on February 27th.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight a great fighter like Glen a second time, but this time, I’m bringing my own judges,” said Judah. “I beat him once and I’ll do it again, this time by knockout.”
In the co-featured bout of the evening, junior welterweight prospect Jesus Pabon kicks off his 2009 campaign against an opponent to be determined. Also in action is unbeaten 2008 US Olympic team alternate Danny O’Connor.
Johnson vs Judah II headlines a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing. The ESPN2 Friday Night Fights broadcast begins at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
Tickets for this event, priced at $152, $102, $52, and $22, will go on sale Monday, January 26th and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or TicketMaster.com.
One of the fight game’s true heroes, Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson (48-12-2, 33 KOs) is a former light heavyweight world champion and 2004 Fighter of The Year who, at 40, remains the most feared man in the sport today. Currently ranked #1 by the WBC, and the winner of four of his last five bouts by knockout, with the only loss coming via a highly controversial decision to Chad Dawson last April, Johnson is on a quest to right the wrongs inflicted on him during his career, starting with his rematch with Judah.
A member of the famous fighting Judah family, 31 year old Daniel Judah (23-3-3, 10 KOs) is a slick southpaw with speed and savvy in the ring, who is looking to get a long overdue world title shot in 2009. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Judah has been in the ring with the likes of Eric Harding, Julian Letterlough, Darnell Wilson, and Yusaf Mack over the course of his 10-year pro career, and fresh off an impressive 12 round win over Jaffa Ballogou last December, he’s peaking at the right time for his return bout with Johnson.
San Juan, Puerto Rico native Jesus Pabon (13-1, 8 KOs) has done his island proud with his two-fisted attack and determination to win. Coming off a 2008 that saw him go 3-0 (including a decision win over 11-1 Bulmaro Solis in August), the 28-year old southpaw is ready for a step up to the big time in 2009.
23-year old southpaw Danny O’Connor ended a stellar 95-8 amateur career with an alternate spot on the 2008 US Olympic team, and he has carried that success into the pro game, where he is 2-0 (1 KO) since turning pro last September. On February 27th, he looks to keep the momentum going.
Huck, the Cook!
Four days ahead of his second title defence against Geoffrey Battelo, European Cruiserweight Champion Marco “Captain” Huck showcased some special skills when he visited Riesa´s famous pasta factory “Teigwaren Riesa”. Together with two cooks, the 24-year-old prepared a special pasta dish. “I really love cooking,” Huck said. “A healthy living and the right food are very important for an athlete. During the hard training camps, I have to eat many, many noodles. My last meal before a fight is always pasta.”
Huck certainly enjoyed the special training session. “My mother has taught me how to prepare nice dishes for myself so I am glad I could prove my talents today.”
His fight name, however, will remain “Captain Huck” rather than “Huck, the Cook”.
“Fight Knight” Return to the Castle February 25th at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ
An exciting night of boxing action returns to Medieval Times on Wednesday, February 25.
Mike Indri of Dignity Promotions has teamed up with Dave Feldman’s Felko Promotions and Urban Auto Spa to bring you another great night of boxing from the Castle in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The event is aptly titled “Fight Knight”.
The main event features Hackensack, New Jersey’s all-action cruiserweight, Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn (21-3-1, 17 KOs) taking on Brad Gregory (11-2, 9 KOs) of Wichita, Kansas, in what looks to surely be an all-out slugfe st. Gunn will be defending his WBC USNBC belt in this scheduled 10-round bout.
The exciting fight card will include some of the tri-state areas finest young talents.
Returning to the Medieval Times “Castle” will be highly touted former national champion Mike Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) and Peru’s best amateur champion, featherweight, Carlos Zambrano (4-0).
Rounding out the card will be undefeated power punching Light-Heavyweight Jason Escalera (4-0, 4 KOs), as well as fellow Union City resident Nelson Roldan, a tough middleweight, and Hoboken light-heavyweight Kyle White, both of who will be making their professional debuts.
Additional bouts will be added and announced soon.
“We are pleased to bring back another great night of boxing action,” said Dave Feldman, “There will be seven or eight great bouts, along with celebrity appearances.”
“We are looking to continually build and provide quality events for all the great boxing fans of New Jersey,” added co-promoter Mike Indri. “The last time we staged a show at the Castle we received a very positive response from the fans and we are looking forward to treating our loyal supporters to another entertaining night of action-packed boxing”
Tickets are reasonably priced at $40 Reserved, and $60 for “On the Glass”…Ringside, as well as VIP Tables – on the floor – all of which will soon be available for purchase. For Tickets and information please visit www.Dignityboxing.com. Further Event details will be announced in the coming weeks.