James DeGale wants to fight on Martin Rogan’s undercard after being blown away by the new Commonwealth heavyweight champion’s defeat of Matt Skelton on Saturday. DeGale hailed Belfast hero Rogan as an inspiration following his KO win over the Bedford puncher in Birmingham.
The 23-year-old received a mixed reception from some Irish supporters in the crowd, following his semi-final win over Darren Sutherland at the 2008 Olympics.
But DeGale says he’s looking forward to a possible fight at Kings Hall and converting the fans.
“The Irish love their boxing and to fight in Belfast would be an honour,” said DeGale.
“The atmosphere for a Rogan fight would be absolutely amazing after what he did to Skelton on Saturday.
“He’s a real warrior and it made me realise what I need to do to make it to the top in professional boxing.
“My opponent was very negative and it’s hard too look good when someone is covering up all the time, but I won every round.
“I can’t wait for my next fight so I can build on my performance on Saturday.
“People only saw a fraction of my potential in Birmingham. There’s so much more to come from me, and I was straight back in the gym on Monday morning to work on a few things.”
Meanwhile DeGale’s 2008 Olympic team mates, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders are also keen to appear in Ireland following stoppage wins in Birmingham on Saturday.
Gavin, also 23, has Irish ancestory with his parents coming from Dublin.
“I’d love to fight in Ireland, north or south,” said Gavin. “Other than another fight in Birmingham, I can’t think of anywhere more I’d like to box next.”
Saunders, 19, added: “I used to watch tapes of all the great Irish boxers when I starting out as an amateur, and they were a real inspiration.”
Details of the next show featuring the Olympians will be announced later this week.
ALEXANDER USTINOV new European ‘EBA’ Heavyweight Champion!
Undefeated Russian new prospect ALEXANDER USTINOV (14-0-0) became last week (thursday Feb. 26th) the new European ‘EBA’ Heavyweight Champion after beating by TKO on the 5th round to previously undefeated Ukrainian star MAXIM PEDYURA (11-1-0). Ustinov weighed at the official scale 139 kgrs. (2,02 m.) and Pedyura 109 kgrs. (1,89 m.)
Full report & collection of pictures from this Championship fight at the official European website www.europeboxing.com
RAYMOND “TITO” SERRANO TO MAKE NATIONAL TV CO-FEATURE DEBUT ON MARCH 6TH ON ESPN 2
On Friday night, March 6th, another in the long line of great fighters from Philadelphia will be unleashed on the world as nineteen year-old wunderkind, Raymond “Tito” Serrano will look to keep his impressive undefeated record in-tact as he takes on Jay Krupp as the co-feature on a nationally televised show that will emanate from the Mohegan Sun & Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Serrano of North Philadelphia has built up an 8-0 record with five big wins coming by knockout.
Serrano has been preparing for this fight with some intense sparring with some of the best welterweights in the world.
“I was in camp with Delvin Rodriguez (who will be fighting Shamone Alvarez in the main event on March 6th) and I have been working with Mike Jones”, said Serrano
“I am excited to be the co-main event on ESPN 2 as it’s a great opportunity to showcase my skills to the world. I have a great team around me and I have to thank my promoter, Joe DeGuardia for this great opportunity for everyone to see me.”
Serrano has one of the best young trainer’s in former Philadelphia bantamweight, Danny Davis and the trainer sees his pupil on the fast track.
“I see the progress. He is turning into a complete fighter and he is just nineteen tears old.” said Davis
“He has a great promoter in Joe DeGuardia and he is moving him well. All Raymond has to do is train and stay focused and he will be a fighter that people will have to watch out for.”
DeGuardia, who is one of the better promoters and is a former fighter himself sees a lot of promise for the young Serrano.
“We are looking forward to featuring Raymond Serrano on March 6th at the Mohegan Sun on ESPN2. It will be a night of firsts for Raymond (first eight
rounder, first nationally televised co-feature) against perhaps his toughest opponent to date. Although he is only 19 years old, we are confident in
Raymond’s skill level and ability to become a world champion in the welterweight division. Boxing fans should be sure to catch Raymond Serrano
on March 6th as he takes a huge step in that direction.”
The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing in association with Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort. A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are priced at $75.00, $45.00 and $30.00 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1 (800)745-3000 or by calling any Ticketmaster Charge by Phone number; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office subject to availability or by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000.
Website: www.StarBoxing.com
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