Fight to Educate

Press Releases

One year later unbeaten light welterweight

Danny O’Connor returns to site of pro debut

Sheika-Echols headline Sept. 23 card at Verizon Center in Manchester

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 17, 2009) – A lot has changed for unbeaten light welterweight prospect Danny O’Connor since he made his pro debut one year ago in the same charity event and site that the Framingham (MA) boxer fighter returns to fight next Wednesday (September 23).

The 23-year old O’Connor takes on Patrick “Raging Bull” Cape (6-7, 3 KOs) in the 8^th annual “Fight To Educate” pro boxing card at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The 8^th annual “Fight To Educate,” presented by MB Tractor & Equipment, in association with Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, will benefit the SEE Science Center, Bobby Stephen Fund for Education, and The Veterans Count Club.

O’Connor, 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate and National Golden Gloves Tournament winner, defeated Jose Guerrido by second-round technical knockout in the seventh annual “Fight To Educate” at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester. Since then during a busy first year as a professional the popular, talented southpaw has extended his perfect pro record to 8-0 (2 KOs).

“The ‘Fight To Educate’ and Verizon Arena are special to me because I made my pro debut there last year,” O’Connor said. “Plus, it’s great to fight so close to home and on the same show as my good friend, Edwin (Rodriguez). I’m really excited to be fighting back there. In the last year, I’ve gained a lot of valuable experience and adjusted to the pro game. I’ve settled down; more relaxed and learning how to better set-up my shots. Everything comes off of my jab, which is my most effective punch, and the punch I’ve most improved since my pro debut. I’m learning more each fight. Part of the pro process is learning and I’ll be doing that until I retire. People there next Wednesday night will see a much improved fighter than when I fought there last year.”

Light heavyweight Omar Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs) is now facing a fellow 3-time world title challenger, Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols (31-12-4 (27 KOs), in the 10-round main event.

Undefeated Worcester (MA) prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs), a 2-time U.S. national amateur champion, squares-off against experienced super middleweight Robbie Tovar (15-4-1, 5 KOs), former NABC Latino title-holder, in the 8-round co-feature.

New Hampshire native Richard Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), star of The Contender IV television reality television series, as well as the former World Ringside heavyweight amateur champion, meets 26-fight veteran light heavyweight Robert Davis in an 8-round Special Light Heavyweight Attraction.

Spinks Legends

This year’s special guests are the legendary Spinks family boxers – Hall of Famer Michael “Jinx” Spinks (31-1, 21 KOs), the1976 Olympic gold medalist who became the first light heavyweight champion to win the undefeated world heavyweight championship as a professional; Michael’s brother, former world heavyweight champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist “Neon” Leon Spinks and his son, Cory “New Generation” Spinks, the 5-time world and reigning IBF junior middleweight champion.

Also in the undercard, undefeated heavyweight Faruq “The Dream” Saleem (38-0, 32 KOs) faces upset specialist Shawn McLean (3-4, 2 KOs), while Bronx (NY) super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) fights Joel Lopez (0-3) in six and four round bouts, respectively.

Tickets are priced at $10 (seniors, veterans and students only), $25 and $50 and available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office, any TicketMaster location, on line at www.ticketmaster.com, or call 603.868.7300 to charge. For more information go to www.fight2educate.com. First bout will be at 8 PM/ET.

-GB-

CONTACT:

Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

8^th annual “Fight To Educate” a homecoming for Granite State native Richard Gingras

Shieka-Hubinger headline Sept. 23 card Sept. 23 at Verizon Center in Manchester

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 10, 2009) – New Hampshire native Richard Gingras, star of The Contender IV television reality television series, will be fighting in New Hampshire for only the third time as a pro when he enters the ring September 23^rd in the 8^th annual “Fight To Educate” charity event at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.

Three-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs) takes on unbeaten Czech Republic light heavyweight sensation Adam Hubinger (13-0, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), former World Ringside heavyweight amateur champion, fights Robert Davis in an 8-round Special Light Heavyweight Attraction. “It’s a little nerve-racking but the best place for me to fight,” the Claremont (NH) fighter said about fighting in front of so many fans in nearby Manchester. “It’s great for my fans, family and friends to follow me as I grow as a fighter. They inspire me, leading up to the fight, but once I step into the ring I block them out and then it’s only me, Peter Manfredo, Sr. (his head trainer) and the guy standing in front of me (his opponent).”

Fighting his entire pro career as a ( very light) cruiserweight, Gingras will be fighting at his natural 175-pound weight for the first time on Sept. 23^rd, his first fight since he participated in The Contender IV. “I learned from fighting on The Contender that it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you look like,” Richard explained, “but that it’s all about right hands and left hooks. Fighters are given a chance to be just as good, or better, than their opponent. You just have to go out and get ‘em.

“I’ve always had a what-if attitude about fighting at the weight I’m supposed to be -- light heavyweight. It feels more professional instead of just fighting somebody and I’m much more comfortable. All of the amateur titles I won – World Ringside, 2-time New England Golden Gloves and Rocky Marciano Tournament -- were at heavyweight. I’ve fought guys over 225 pounds and I only weighed 188-190 as a cruiserweight (200 pound limit). This will be my first fight as a light heavyweight. The weight came off easy when I started working so hard with Peter. I still eat the same but this is my natural fighting weight. I’m chiseled; I was carrying a lot of water weight around. I’m still an aggressive, strong, power puncher, but now I’m lighter on my feet and I throw more punches.”

Unbeaten Worcester (MA) prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs), a 2-time U.S. national amateur champion, battles veteran super middleweight Robbie Tovar (15-4-1, 5 KOs), former NABC Latino title-holder, in the 8-round co-feature.

2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (8-0. 2 KOs), who made his pro debut at last year’s “Fight To Educate” show, meets an opponent to be determined in a 6-rounder. O’Connor, a Framingham (MA) native, captured gold medals at last U.S. Future Stars, in which, he was selected Outstanding Boxer of the tournament, and National Golden Gloves Championships.

Also in the undercard, undefeated heavyweight Faruq “The Dream” Saleem (38-0, 32 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined, while Bronx (NY) super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) fights Eric Clinton in six and four round bouts, respectively.

-GB-

CONTACT:

Bob Trieger

Full Court Press

978.664.4482

bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Rodriguez plans to drop “La Bomba” on Manchester

8th annual “Fight To Educate” pro boxing card

Sept. 23 at Verizon Center

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 4, 2009) – Unbeaten Worcester (MA) prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez continues September 24 on his mission to establish himself as a future world champion, fighting in the 8-round co-feature on the 8^th annual “Fight To Educate” charity event, at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

In the 10-round main event, 3-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs) battles unbeaten Czech Republic light heavyweight sensation Adam Hubinger (13-0, 10 KOs).

The new-and-improved Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs), a 2-time U.S. national amateur champion, is matched against veteran super middleweight Robbie Tovar (15-4-1, 5 KOs), former NABC Latino title-holder. “I don’t know much about him other than he’s Mexican,” Rodriguez said, “so I know he’s tough and coming to fight. I’m looking forward to a good fight. I want to be tested so I can keep improving. I’ve been sparring with Peter (Manfredo, Jr.) and I’m ready to go eight hard rounds if necessary. I’m in tremendous shape, stronger than ever, and I want to continue showing everybody that I’m a world-class up-and-coming prospect.

“There’s a lot of pressure fighting so far from home, but I perform better under pressure. I’m hungrier to prove myself fighting in front of so many people who know me. I don’t want to let down my family, friends, fans or myself. That’s why I love to fight close to home and Worcester isn’t too far from Manchester.”

Granite State favorite Richard Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), star of The Contender IV and fighting out of nearby Claremont (NH), is also fighting in an 8-round bout against Robert Davis.

2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (8-0. 2 KOs), who made his pro debut at the “Fight To Educate,” faces an opponent to be determined in a 6-rounder. O’Connor, a Framingham (MA) native, captured gold medals at last U.S. Future Stars, in which, he was selected Outstanding Boxer of the tournament, and National Golden Gloves Championships.

“I’m excited to be fighting on the same card as my friend, Danny, for the first time, and Rich Gingras,” Rodriguez added. “I was here as a fan last year supporting Danny, who made his pro debut. I also enjoy be part of a fund-raiser like this that’s going to help so many worth causes.”

Also in the undercard, undefeated heavyweight Faruq “The Dream” Saleem (38-0, 32 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined, while Bronx (NY) super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) squares off against Eric Clinton in six and four round bouts, respectively.

-GB-

CONTACT:

Bob Trieger

Full Court Press

978.664.4482

bobtfcp@hotmail.com