TORONTO, ON – (Monday, March 1, 2010)
Considered by many to be Canada’s top boxing prospect, Orangeville, Ontario’s Logan Cotton McGuinness (9-0, 4 KO’s) is about to take a major step forward in his young career this Saturday at the Casino De Montreal.

Not only is Canada’s top lightweight stepping up his competition by facing Mexican warhorse Pedro Navarrete (24-6-3, 13 KO’s), but he’ll do it as a lean, mean, and far stronger junior lightweight.

“Logan has been making 135 lbs. almost too easily,” said his promoter, Adam Harris, MD of Hennessy Sports Canada.

“We think he can make 130 on a controlled schedule, and emerge as a very, very dangerous 130 lb. fighter, without compromising any of the qualities that have already made him the best in the country at 135 lbs.”

He’ll need all that strength and more against Navarrete, who has proven himself to be not only durable, but flat-out dangerous.

In June of 2006 he flew to Japan and went 10 spirited rounds with Jorge Linares, then considered the world’s top boxing prospect, en route to a hard-fought unanimous decision loss.

In his last fight, this past January, Navarrete halted a two-fight losing skid in violent fashion, demolishing Adrian Tellez in the seventh round to set up his test against McGuinness.

“Navarrete is by far the toughest fighter I’ve ever had to face,” said the 22 year-old McGuinness.

“Not only has this guy been in there with some of the best in the world, but he’s shown he’s more than just a guy who can go rounds. This guy steps into the ring to win every time out. And win big.”

“A win over a guy like Navarrete will show the world that I’m one of the best young fighters out there.”

Trainer Chris Johnson – the man who honed Steve Molitor into one of the best Junior Featherweights in the world – sees nothing but great things ahead for his young protégée.

“It’s rare that you have a guy as gifted as Logan, but at the same time, so eager to learn. I tell this kid something once, and it’s like he’s been doing it all along.”

“That’s why when you look at Logan’s career, you see such eye-popping improvement every time out. To the point where, in just his tenth pro fight, he’s more than ready to face a quality thirty-three fight veteran like Navarrete.”

Also appearing on the card will be Hennessy Sports’ newest signing, all-action welterweight Samuel Vargas (1-0, 1 KO)

“This kid is a promoter’s dream,” said Harris.

On March 27th at Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario, that mission can finally be accomplished when Molitor (ranked #2 by the IBF) faces South African Takalani Ndlovu (30-5, 18 KO’s, IBF #1) for the now vacant IBF Junior Featherweight world title, during the main event at Rumble at Rama XI.

“All I’ve been thinking about is becoming a two-time champion, and nobody is going to get in my way,” Molitor said. “Especially Ndlovu.”
Molitor and Ndlovu are more than familiar with each other.

In July of 2007, in Molitor’s first of five successful title defenses, the Sarnia, Ontario-born fighter capped off a spectacular showing by stopping Ndlovu in the ninth round in a fight many point to as Molitor’s finest performance.

“As good as I was the first time against him, Ndlovu’s crazy to think he has a chance of beating me in a rematch.” Molitor said. “I’m here to not only regain my title, but to show the world I’m even better now than I was during my first title reign. That means laying an even more convincing beating on Ndlovu this time around.”

For Ndlovu, March 27th offers the South African a chance to show the world that he’s a better fighter than the one that was dominated so thoroughly by Molitor in their first fight.

“I have earned my mandatory spot in the IBF rankings, and the fact that I’m now # 1 and Steve # 2, speaks volumes. This time around it will be far different from the last time I fought Steve,” Ndlovu said.

“I’m not overconfident, but the fact that I have agreed to go back to Canada, shows my mindset for this fight. This is most likely my last chance to win the IBF world title and I’m prepared to do what ever it takes to beat Steve. Come March 27th, people will see a different Takalani Ndlovu from the last time, and a different Steve Molitor. I may even stop Steve.”

“This fight has been the by-product of patience, resiliency, and some tough, tough negotiations,” said Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management. “Ndlovu’s promoter, Branco Milenkovic, was the IBF Promoter of the year, and deserves some credit in making this happen. He was tough but fair.”

“But the important thing is it’s a done deal. And we have a truly great fight between two hungry, determined fighters looking to be called the best in the world.”

There’s more to Rumble at Rama XI than just the mouthwatering main event.

In the evening’s co-feature, Canadian Heavyweight champion, Greg “The Steel Pole” Kielsa (11-0, 5 KO’s), of Brampton, Ontario, defends his title against Toronto’s Neven Pajkic (11-0, 5 KO’s), over 10 rounds.

And in a special added 10 round attraction, burgeoning female superstar, Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton, of the Philippines, via San Francisco, California, faces Toronto’s Lisa “Bad News” Brown for the vacant WBA Super Bantamweight world championship.

“Orion Sports Management is thrilled to be able to put on a card like this. We’ve got two world title fights, and a rare showdown between undefeated Canadian Heavyweights fighting for the national title,” Tremblay said proudly.

“We just signed Ana Julaton to a two-year Canadian promotional contract, and we’re sure she’s going to turn some heads both inside and outside the ropes.”

“But we put her in tough. Lisa Brown has a track record of winning, and comes to fight every time out.”

“In addition, we are staging three scintillating undercard fights, featuring Felix Mercedes, Justin Fountain, Jason Douglas, and Stephan Boyd in top-to-bottom the best fight card we have ever put on at Casino Rama.”

Rumble at Rama XI will be promoted by Orion Sports Management, in association with Casino Rama.

Casino Rama has played host to Molitor’s past nine fights, and has welcomed his army of fans for some of his most exhilarating triumphs, and his gut-wrenching setback to Caballero.

“We’re so proud to have Steve topping off another great night of fights at the Casino, which is undoubtedly the home for world class boxing in Canada,” said Jeff Craik, VP Marketing for Casino Rama. “Every time Steve steps into the Casino Rama ring, the place just erupts. And now, with his fans by his side, he has an opportunity to become a two-time world champion at the place that really is a second home for him.”

Tickets for Rumble at Rama XI are $125, $75, $50 and $25 and are available in-person at the Casino Rama Box Office, and at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000 and online at www.casinorama.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.

Also, check out the video footage to go along:

Saturday January 16th 2010 (8pm)

Ticket Prices:
$35.00 and $25.00

Clancy’s Box Office Hours:

Monday – 6pm till 9pm
Wednesday – 6pm till 9pm
Saturday – 12pm till 3pm

Contact Information:

Channell – 905 366 0202

225 Traders Blvd. East., Unit #5
Mississauga, ON L4Z 3L8

WHY BUY YOUR TICKETS FROM DIRECTLY FROM CLANCY’S?

Each ticket purchased from Clancy’s will entitled the purchaser to be entered into a draw to win a Clancy’s Boxing Academy Prize Pack. The prize pack consists of the following:

1. PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION WITH CHRIS JOHNSON AND LOGAN MCGUINNESS.
2. EVERLAST PRIZE PACKAGE FEATURING: JACKET, HAT, KEY CHAIN AND BOXING GLOVES

HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FROM CLANCY’S BOXING ACADEMY

Simply purchase your ticket online via Pay Pal button and then attend at Clancy’s gym at one of the above times to pick up your tickets. It is that simple.

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The routine will include cardio blast, pad work with Chris Johnson and sparring.

Location:

225 Traders Blvd. East., Unit #5
Mississauga, ON L4Z 3L8
647-668-7469

The eight round showdown will be the evening’s co-feature, just prior to nineteen year-old Filipino phenom “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (14-0, 12 KO’s) defending his WBO Junior Bantamweight world title for the first time, against Mexico City’s Alejandro Hernandez (22-7-1, 11 KO’s).

Molitor rebounded from his devastating loss last November to unified 122 lb. world champion Celestino Caballero with a hard-fought split decision win this past June over Heriberto Ruiz to capture the IBF’s number two ranking, guaranteeing himself a spot in an IBF world title eliminator.

Molitor followed up the win over Ruiz with a convincing 5^th round KO over Dario Azuaga at Rumble at Rama IX, and is looking for another impressive outing to further serve notice that he’s ready to reclaim his world crown.

“I hate changing opponents like this, but these things can’t be avoided. That’s boxing,” said Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management.

“Steve has enough pressure trying to maintain his number-two ranking with the IBF, and a last -minute replacement doesn’t make his job any easier, especially when it’s a quality fighter like Saez.”

“This is a must win fight for Steve, and his job just got a little more difficult. But nothing in this sport is easy when everybody is gunning for you.”

Held in Casino Rama’s state-of-the-art 5,200 seat Entertainment Centre, the Rumble at Rama series has firmly established the Casino as the premier venue in which to see the Big Time Excitement of a world-class fight in Ontario.

Both the Sonsona-Hernandez and Molitor-Saez fights will be broadcast in Canada on TSN on Saturday, November 21^st, beginning at 10:30 PM, as well as on Solar Sports in the Philippines, and on a national carrier in Mexico.

The eight round showdown will be the evening’s co-feature, just prior to 19 year-old Filipino phenom Marvin Sonsona (14-0, 12 KO’s) defending his WBO Junior Bantamweight world title for the first time, against Mexico City’s Alejandro Hernandez (22-7-1, 11 KO’s).

Molitor rebounded from his devastating loss last November to unified 122 lb. world champion Celestino Caballero with a hard-fought split decision win this past June over Heriberto Ruiz to capture the IBF’s number two ranking, guaranteeing himself a spot in an IBF world title eliminator.

Molitor followed up the win over Ruiz with a convincing 5th round KO over Dario Azuaga at Rumble at Rama IX, and is looking for another impressive outing to further serve notice that he’s ready to reclaim his world crown.

“We need Steve to be as sharp and focused as possible when the IBF decides to proceed with either an eliminator, or a title fight to fill a vacancy,” said Allan Tremblay, President of Orion sports Management.

“And believe me, Escobar will make sure Steve is sharp.“

“Don’t let an 11-8-1 record fool you, Escobar is a tough as they come. He’s won two in a row, and just scored a unanimous decision over a fighter with a 14-1 record.”

Indeed, Escobar’s 11-8-1 resume has the makings of a very dangerous mirage, should Molitor not be fully prepared for war.

Escobar is coming off the biggest win of his career, a unanimous decision over hard-punching Julian Aristule. Combine that momentum with the fact that the energized Escobar has never been stopped, and has nothing to lose, and Molitor may be looking at a battle of survival as opposed to a chance to get in some rounds.

Held in Casino Rama’s state-of-the-art 5,200 seat Entertainment Centre, the Rumble at Rama series has firmly established the Casino as the premier venue in which to see the Big Time Excitement of a world-class fight in Ontario.

Tickets for Rumble at Rama X are $125, $75, $50 and $25 and are available in-person at the Casino Rama Box Office, and at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000 and online at www.casinorama.com.  Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.

Dubbed FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, the series will focus a powerful spotlight on both the boxers and promoters involved in the groundbreaking tournament from the kickoff press conference in July 2009 through the Final tournament bout slated for 2011.

Watch Episode 1 in normal or high quality.

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McGuinness (7-0; 3KOs) will face Hugo Pacheco (6-9; 6KOs) of Mexico City in a scheduled 6 round lightweight bout.

View McGuinness’ post-fight interview.

Source: The Toronto Star

In the co-feature, Steve Molitor scored his first knockout win in more than a year, dropping Dario Azuaga twice before finishing him in the fifth round

The fight, the Sarnia native’s second since losing his IBF 122-pound belt last November, was meant to keep him busy while the muddled title picture in his weight class clarifies itself.

Azuaga entered the fight with 64 knockouts in 75 wins, but the undersized and overmatched Paraguayan never threatened Molitor.

After a first round in which both men wanted to counter and neither wanted to lead, Molitor (30-1, 12 KOs) increased the pressure in the second, belting Azuaga’s body with right hooks. He scored his first knockdown in the fourth, landing a hard left to Azuaga’s face.

In the fifth, he crumpled Azuaga with a hard hook to the ribs, and after rising from that knockdown Azuaga wilted under another Molitor flurry.

The bout was Molitor’s first since reuniting with trainer Chris Johnson, and his latest step on a journey his promoters hope will lead to a world title shot.

“We’ve got our game back and we’ve got our confidence back,” Molitor said.

“It was definitely a fight for me to show that I’m still at the world-class level.”

Morgan Campbell

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The eight round Molitor-Azuaga showdown is the co-main event of the evening, and will immediately precede the WBO Junior Bantamweight world title battle between champion Jose Lopez (39-7-2, 32 KO’s) and undefeated 19 year-old upstart Marvin Sonsona (13-0, 12 KO’s).

Molitor rebounded from his devastating loss last November to unified 122 lb. world champion Celestino Caballero with a hard-fought split decision win over Heriberto Ruiz to capture the IBF’s number two ranking, guaranteeing himself a spot in an IBF world title eliminator.

“Escobar ran into some travel restrictions from the Argentine authorities,” said promoter Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management.

“We were very lucky to have a quality veteran like Azuaga available. He’s been around the block more than once, but his 64 KO’s are more than proof that he packs a punch.

Aside from Sonsona-Lopez, and Molitor-Azuaga, Canadian Heavyweight champion, Greg “The Steel Pole” Kielsa (10-0, 5 KO’S) will also step through the ropes on the Rumble at Rama IX undercard, when he takes on dangerous veteran Kevin Montiy (17-6-1, 13 KO’s), as will all-action warriors Justin Fountain, Felix Mercedes, and Pedro DeMello against separate opponents.

Held in Casino Rama’s state-of-the-art 5,200 seat Entertainment Centre, the Rumble at Rama series has firmly established the Casino as the premier venue in which to see the Big Time Excitement of a world-class fight in Ontario. Rumble at Rama IX takes place on Friday, September 4th, with the undercard bouts getting underway at 8:00 pm. Both the Molitor-Azuaga fight and the WBO title match between Lopez and Sonsona will be televised on TSN in Canada, and with national carrier coverage in both the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

Tickets for Rumble at Rama IX will be $125, $75, $50 and $25 and are available in-person at the Casino Rama Box Office, and at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000 and online at www.casinorama.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.