OtG Press Room | Tue. Jan. 25, 2010

Welterweight prospect Joseph Judah (5-1, 1 KOs) has just been added to the IBF Jr. Welterweight title fight card promoted by Main Events & Super Judah Promotions, on Saturday, March 5th at the Amerihealth Pavillion at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. 

Joseph Judah said "Words cannot express how excited I am to get back in the ring on the undercard of this highly anticipated boxing event.  I'm hungry for success in the boxing business and I am training hard in the gym looking forward to a great year in 2011.  "When I step in the ring on March 5th, the boxing world can expect a dominating victory."

Joseph Judah said "I have had several fights fall thru due to various reasons.  I want to thank Main Events & Super Judah Promotions for this opportunity to show the world what Joseph Judah can do in the boxing ring."  

In the main event, Zab "Super" Judah (40-6, 27 KOs) will face Kaizer Mabuza (23-6-3 14 KOs), for the vacant IBF Jr. Welterweight championship.  In the co-feature, 2008 USA Olympian Saddam "World Kid" Ali (11-0, 6 KOs) will face TBA.

To get Joseph Judah fight tickets for March 5th in Newark, New Jersey go to http://www.ticketmaster.com or 

http://www.prucenter.com/default.asp?id=87&objid=875

To find out more information on Main Events visit their website at http://www.mainevents.com

To find out more information on Super Judah Promotions visit their website at http://www.superjudahpromotions.com

OtG Press Room | Tue. Jan 25, 2010

Sure, $5 can get you a Value Meal but in the Creation Nation, it can help build a family’s hope (and maybe even win you a great piece of art)!

As humans, we have a propensity to complain or not be satisfied with life, to one degree or another. However, we often take for granted the fact that we and our families have good health. Affliction often comes with a heavy price, not just causing pain for an individual but his or her family as well. The pain doesn’t just physically hurt; it takes a brutal toll on the mind as well.

Lisa Millim is a friend of our family and, at age 40, she’s suffering from metastatic cancer. Originally diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 37, Lisa went the distance with the disease, ultimately beating it into remission. Every three months since, Lisa had gone for follow-up examinations and was assured she was cancer-free. However, in September, 2010, after checking into a hospital for severe stomach pains, a CT scan discovered the cancer had returned and spread to her liver, kidneys, ovaries and lungs. Just two months before her 40th birthday, Lisa would be told she only had up to 18 months to live. Not “at least.” “Up to” 18 months. A mere year-and-a-half.

Lisa and her family were understandably puzzled as to why, after many blood tests, they were told she was cancer-free, while the disease insidiously made its way through her body. The response? “Not all cancers show up in blood tests.” Seemingly, blood testing was a routine measure due to its relatively lower cost to the hospital. After a second opinion at Loyola University, the worst was confirmed. The cancer, which embedded itself in Lisa’s stomach lining, was inoperable.

That said, the treatment Lisa is currently receiving won’t cure her cancer but it’s possible that it can slow down its spread. If the treatments work to their full potential, she’ll need to receive them for the rest of her life.

As of now, Lisa cannot return to work and her family’s medical expenses have become a terrible burden. Prescriptions and appointment co-pays are incredibly expensive and Lisa has even forfeited vital medication due to its cost.

Lisa has been married to her husband John (who I’ve known since elementary school) for over ten years and she has two daughters, Lora and Melissa, and two stepdaughters, Jennifer and Amanda. Her first grandchild is due in April. With so much to live for, this loving family needs as much relief as humanly possible.

Here’s where YOU come in…

Many of you know me as the Managing Editor of Maxboxing.com but just as many, if not more, know me as a portrait artist/painter and have visited my site www.coyoteduran.com. I’ve created art featuring some of some of the most iconic fighters and celebrities and have welcomed visitors to my site from all over the world. I’ve done my fair share of commissions and always welcome the possibility to create more personalized pieces for potential customers. However, this time, I’m making an offer that I challenge you to refuse. Starting today, January 22, I’m kicking off my own raffle to benefit the Millim family.

For just $5 per ticket, you get your name included in a drawing that could win you the FIRST PRIZE: an original 16” X 20” acrylic painting by Yours Truly of ANY subject (well…almost any subject. Nothing immoral or dreadfully offensive, please). Yes, that’s right. Just $5 can buy you a shot at securing a full-color commission valued at $300. And there’s no limit on how many tickets you can buy and 100% of all profits go straight to Lisa and her family.

*And that’s not all that’s up for grabs!*

Second prize (Part One!): a custom painted boxing glove of any subject of the ticket winner's choosing, courtesy of Chris Guzman. Guzman is a member of the League of Visual Excellence as well as the official artist of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame in Belfast, New York. The glove has become the signature "canvas for Mr. Guzman because it's fun, portable and represents hos his subjects- in one way or another- have fought to get where they are today. In that very spirit, Lisa is no different,. You can find a TON of Chris' examples right here at our team page. Just click the "Photos" tab, then click on the GUZMAN GLOVES, LLC. section!

Second prize (Part Two!): an original watercolor painting of Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney, done for the second printing of Pat Dwyer’s book Professional Boxing in the 1980's. A Look Back

Third prize: a credential pass from the Hasim Rahman-Monte Barrett fight in Chicago (from August 13, 2005), signed by former World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman, former heavyweight titlist Chris Byrd, Matt Zegan, Fres Oquendo, Barrett and commentators Rich Marotta and Barry Tompkins

Fourth prize: a credential pass from the Lamon Brewster-Andrew Golota fight in Chicago (from May 21, 2005), signed by veteran cutman Jacob "Stitch" Duran, HBO's Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant, former heavyweight titlist Lamon Brewster and former Undisputed Welterweight Champion Cory Spinks

Fifth prize: a credential pass from the Fernando Vargas-Javier Castillejo fight  in Chicago (from August 20, 2005), signed by Vargas.

As much as I encourage you to give from your heart, the raffle will have to come to an end sometime. Ticket purchases via snail mail must be postmarked by February 28 and electronic payment via PayPal is also available at THIS link!

For further information how to make your ticket purchase and/or where to send payment, please email me at artofthepaw@yahoo.com and visit www.coyoteduran.com for further updates. For more information on Lisa, her March 5th benefit and how to make direct donations, please visit www.lisamillimfundraiser.myevent.com.

Just think. That same $5 you’d spend getting that little value meal might just win you something pretty cool. Even better, you’ll get the satisfaction of helping a family who’d appreciate a life with many tomorrows and no complaints.

Coyote Duran
Managing Editor, Maxboxing.com
Ratings panel analyst, THE RING Magazine

OtG Press Room | Wed. July 21, 2010

Former WBO and IBA world champion Bronco “Superman” McKart (52-9-1, 31 KOs) will be going for his third world title on September 18 in his hometown of Monroe, Michigan, where he will take on an opponent to be announced for the vacant UBO World Middleweight title.

A true veteran of the game, McKart made his professional debut in 1992 and won the Michigan State and WBC International light middleweight titles on his way to his first shot at a world championship in 1996 where he stopped Santos Cardona from Puerto Rico to lift the WBO crown.

McKart lost the WBO title to future Hall-Of-Famer Winky Wright, but it was a close call and Wright only narrowly escaped with a split decision. After four consecutive victories McKart found himself in position to win his second world title the following year, and once again he succeeded when he clearly outpointed Eric Holland to win the IBA title.

He successfully defended the IBA belt against Ronald Weaver, and in 2000 he finally secured a long-awaited rematch with Wright, who this time won an uncontroversial unanimous decision. The pair would fight a third and final time two years later, this time for the IBF World title that Wright had won after surprisingly loosing the WBO version to Harry Simon in South Africa. Wright won again when McKart was disqualified for excessive low blows.

In 2004 McKart challenged for the WBA world championship at “The Mecca of Boxing”, Madison Square Garden in New York, but came up short and lost a decision to undefeated champion Travis Simms. After that fight, McKart decided to move up to middleweight in search for his third world title. After twelve years and twelve title bouts at 154 Lbs., six of those for world championships, victories over top class names such as Aaron Davis, Santos Cardona, Glenwood Brown, Ronald Weaver, Jason Papillion, Michael Lerma and Alex Bunema, it was time to look for new challenges at a higher weight.  

Despite mixed results, McKart has established that he can compete at world class level at 160 Lbs. A victory over Enrique Ornelas, where he captured the NABF championship, a draw with fellow former world champion Raul Marquez and competitive defeats against Kelly Pavlik and Roman Karmazin are testaments to this fact. This past February, McKart won an Inter-Continental title by outclassing tough Columbian Jose Berrio, and he is now ready to fight for the UBO world title in his quest to become a three time, two-division world champion on September 18.

Mayor Cory A. Booker, and other dignitaries were joined by former WBA World Welterweight Boxing Champion Zab "Super" Judah and Professional Boxer and Newark native Alex "The Brick City Bullet" Perez to kick off the City of Newark's 2010 Super Summer Initiative today. The kick off celebration took place in Nat Turner Park which is Newark's largest municipal park, located at 251-289 18th Avenue at the corner of Boyd Street and Muhammad Ali Avenue.

Polish boxing fans have come to anticipate thrilling action from one of their Polish compatriots whenever they come to Prudential Center in Newark NJ. Expect the red and white Polish banners to fly and cheering to be exuberant as the tradition continues on July 16th. Adam Kownacki, fresh off of a 4th round KO of Yohan Banks, is scheduled to face 230lb Damon Clement of Ohio.

It was formally announced this past weekend at the Boxing Hall of Fame inductions The World Famous 5th Street Gym, which was first opened in 1950 by Chris Dundee and his brother Angelo, is once again going to reopen in its original home. Although the original building was torn down on the corner of 5th and Washington, it was rebuilt with a beautiful new design in 2002. A plaque commemorating the 5th St Gym and Angelo Dundee adorns the wall of the building today. Angelo Dundee,Tom Tsatas, Dino Spencer and Matt Baiamonte (Angelo’s chief trainer and protégé) are going to finally resurrect the famous gym that closed in 1992.

OtG Press Room | Sun. July 4, 2010
The hype is picking up for the UBO All-America lightweight title fight on July 31 at the Civic Center in Rayne, Louisiana featuring local power-puncher Rock Hard Mighty Mason Menard (11-1, 9 KOs). Promoter Chad Broussard is hoping to announce the opponent for Menard soon, but tickets are already on sale and can be purchased online by logging on to www.boxncar.com The place is going to be packed! Last time we promoted on a Thursday and there was barely any room left, and this time it’s on a Saturday so just watch. It’s gonna be a great night, said Broussard. A fantastic undercard will include undefeated prospects "Blazin' and Amazin" Todd Manuel (3-0), Bobby The Prodigy Bryant (4-0), Bailey Bobbitt (2-0) and Ashley Alvarado (1-0), as well as Gary Bergeron (11-5) and Rickey Kinney (5-2).

Irish legend McGuigan was ringside when Casey stormed to victory in the super-bantamweights the last time Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one night tournament was staged at York Hall, Bethnal Green – and as the super-middleweights take to the venue in a week’s time, the former world champion said they had to match his countryman’s determination if they want to pocket the £32,000 winner’s cheque.

Former British Super Bantamweight champion Matthew Marsh is to fight for the vacant Commonwealth (British Empire) belt against unbeaten prospect Kris Hughes. The Marsh-Hughes title clash is scheduled to be on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted IBF Super Bantamweight World Title fight between Steve Molitor and Jason Booth at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear on Friday 23rd July.

Cork's Cuban sensation's Alexei Acosta, Luis Garcia and Mike Perez will be looking for a hat trick of wins on Saturday, June 26th when they look to extend their unbeaten records on the Yanjing Beer Fight Night at The Neptune Stadium in their adopted city.

Last Saturday night Hammersmith’s Heavyweight contender Ali Adams (9-2-1) moved one step forward to the title shot he’s been longing for. His championship credentials were verified following a top class performance that proved to be too much for his opponent Mark Lewis, who decided to quit at the end of the third round.

On July 31, 21-year-old hard-punching lightweight prospect Mason Menard (11-1, 9 KOs) will get the opportunity to win the Universal Boxing Organization All-America Lightweight title when he faces an opponent to be announced at the Civic Center in his hometown of Rayne, Louisiana. The fight will be promoted by Chad Broussard and his Boxncar Promotions.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Joseph Judah (5-0, 1 KOs) has just been added to a fight card promoted by R&R Promotions, on Saturday, June 19th at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati, Ohio.