Fight to Educate

8^th annual “Fight To Educate” pro boxing card returns to Manchester

Sept. 23 at Verizon Center

MANCHESTER, N.H. (August 28, 2009) – Professional boxing returns September 23, showcasing some of New England’s top prospects at the 8^th annual “Fight To Educate” charity event, live 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.

“We are extremely excited about the 8^th annual ‘Fight To Educate’ pro boxing show at the Verizon Wireless Center,” said Stephen Singer, Chairman, Fight to Educate Executive Board. “It promises to be an evening of unparalleled excitement including a first-class buffet, heart-pounding pro boxing, and boxing legends in attendance. There will also be a live auction showcasing the fund-raiser with several uniquely autographed memorabilia items. It’s going to be a knockout event once again.”

Three-time world title challenger, New Jersey light heavyweight Omar Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs), headlines against unbeaten Czech Republic fighter Adam Huninger (13-0, 10 KOs), in the 10 round main event.

Undefeated Worcester middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs), 2-time U.S. national amateur champion, and Granite State favorite Richard Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), star of The Contender IV and fighting out of nearby Claremont (NH), are also fighting on “The Maul In Manchester” card in separate 8-round bouts.

2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (8-0. 2 KOs), who made his pro debut at the “Fight To Educate,” faces Julias Edmonds (5-5) 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.

“Our show will focus more this year on local talent like Framingham’s Danny O’Connor, Worcester’s Edwin Rodriguez and New Hampshire’s own Rich Gingras,” explained Cedric Kushner, President of New York-based Gotham Boxing. This combined with the solid main event, as well as the favorite category of the show - the living legends in attendance – should more than double last year’s crowd.”

Undefeated heavyweight Faruq “The Dream” Saleem (38-0, 32 KOs) and Bronx (NY) super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) are scheduled to fight on the undercard in six and four round bouts, respectively, against opponents to be determined.

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.

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT: SEE Science Center, The Bobby Stephen Fund for Education and the Veterans Count Club, all non-profit organizations qualifying under the section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.