PROVIDENCE (June 3, 2010) – Fireworks will be delayed but only for a few days, exploding in the four-cornered ring July 9 when ESPN Friday Night Fights comes to Twin River Event Center for the “Let Freedom Ring” pro boxing card, presented by Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in Lincoln, R.I.
The main event features NABO lightweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Association, in his first title defense against challenger John John “The Hammer” Molina (20-1, 16 KOs), ranked No. 9 by the NABO.
“We’re bringing ESPN here to this beautiful casino,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield announced. “We want to thank ESPN. We’ve switched things around a little to have Hank Lundy defend his NABO title against John John Molina. It’s going to be an unbelievable fight. We’re very excited about this fight. Molina comes to fight and this will be the toughest fight of Hank’s career.”
New England and EBA super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-4-2, 6 KOs), trained by “Irish” Micky Ward and fighting out of Lowell (MA), makes has first middleweight fight in the 8-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.
The potential Fight of the Night could turn out to be a special 6-round bout in which Providence’s Vladine Biosse (6-0, 4 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, puts his undefeated record on the line in his stiffest test to date against Quincy (MA) light heavyweight Chris Traietti (8-2, 5 KOs), a college graduate and Iraq War veteran.
“We’re building New England boxing back to where it once was years ago when intense rivalries were developed between fighters from neighboring cities and states,” Burchfield added. “Pride and bragging rights were always at stake and that’s where we’re at now. Some of the best young talent in New England will be featured July 9 on ‘Let Freedom Ring.’ We’ll celebrate the birth of this great nation with another evening of competitive, entertaining fights. Fireworks will be going off all night in the ring.”
Quincy (MA) welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (2-1, 1 KO) plans to avenge her only loss against Providence’s Kali Reis (2-0 1 KO), who won a hotly-contested 4-round decision in their first meeting, in a 6-round rematch.
Providence firefighter Eric Estrada makes his long-awaited pro debut as a cruiserweight in a 4-round match versus TBA. Estrada, whose brother is 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, was perfect as an amateur with a 6-0 record, including victories in the New England Golden Gloves Tournament and Rocky Marciano Tournament.
Roxbury (MA) super middleweight Maceo Crowder (2-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, takes on Worcester (MA) mixed martial arts fighter Ralph Johnson, making his pro boxing debut.
Also slated to fight in 4-round bouts against opponents soon to be announced are Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (5-1, 3 KOs), Woonsocket (RI) super middleweight Joe Gardner (4-1-1, 1 KO), Lincoln light welterweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs), and Fall River (MA) middleweight Dustin Reinhold (1-1, 1 KO). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “Let Freedom Ring,” priced at $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Let Freedom Ring.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Press Conference Quotes
Joey McCreedy: “I’m fighting at 160 and that’s where I’m going to stay for the rest of my l career. My career has been a rollercoaster ride; I let a lot of people down because I didn’t train right sometimes. Come July 9th my career is going to change. I’m young, only 25. I fight like Micky (Ward) and Vinny (Paz). I don’t back up. I will knock out my opponent – I don’t care who it is – and make a statement July 9th on ESPN.”
Vladine Biosse: “I’m always excited to know I’m on a card and putting on a good show. That’s what I enjoy doing – showcasing my talent. I want to be world champion. A lot of people have doubts and don’t think I can do it, but all my life I’ve come out on top. To the top I’m going and nobody can take that away from me.”
Keith Kozlin: “There a lot of talent up here. It’s a good card and I’m proud to be part of it. My last fight didn’t go the way we would have liked. You learn from mistakes and I’m going to get back in the win column.”
Diego Perreira: It’s been awhile since I last fought. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve been out for over a year. I have a new coach and new manager. For those who’ve seen me fight, I’m aggressive and hit hard. Now you’ll see hard jabs, good movement and a better Diego on July 9th.”
Maceo Crowder: “I’m focused on July 9th. It gets better for me every fight. It doesn’t matter who I fight, I’ve always been like that.”
Joe Gardner: “I had been trying to get back into boxing for a few years. I finally did against Vlad – he’s a tough guy – but I’ll be better this time.”
Kali Reiss: “It’s been over a year since I last fought. This is a redemption fight, my first 6-round fight. I’m coming to fight and show my skills. I’m stronger and better.”
Eric Estrada: “I’m excited to be making my pro debut July 9th at Twin River. I’m proud to represent the Providence Fire Department, CES and the Big Six Academy. Training camp has been doing well with my father training me and brother always supporting me.
Dustin Reinhold: “I’m very excited to finally be fighting on one of these cards. I’ve seen so many fighters on these shows and I was supposed to fight a few times. I broke my hand and re-broke my hand, but I’m finally fighting on this card. I’ve always dreamed of fighting professionally. I’m happy to be doing this.”
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