Ray Leonard on Talksport now(ish)....

G-man · Post by **G-man** » 06 Feb 2007, 11:30

...Ray's on Hawsbee & Jacobs after the news talking about FLoyd's comments on Rick and some US v Uk Contender programme.

http://www.talksport.net

G-man · Post by **G-man** » 06 Feb 2007, 11:44

Anyone catch it?

Ray Leonard says he's captaining a US team over here on March 30th including Grady Brewer and K-9 Bundrage against a UK team captained by Barry McGuigan which will include Ross Minter, Anthony Small & Wayne Alexander to be held at the Newcastle Arena.

Lenny · Post by **Lenny** » 06 Feb 2007, 11:53

Sounds interesting, how many rounds will the fights be over?

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 06 Feb 2007, 12:17

Sounds like the first bit of matchmaking involving that deal warren has with the contenders.

Surely an ITV card, when its confirmed. Sounds nice - good to see Alexander back in the ring quickly.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 06 Feb 2007, 12:29

G-man wrote:Anyone catch it?

Ray Leonard says he's captaining a US team over here on March 30th including Grady Brewer and K-9 Bundrage against a UK team captained by Barry McGuigan which will include Ross Minter, Anthony Small & Wayne Alexander to be held at the Newcastle Arena.

Is it wrong of me to be intrigued/excited by this??!

I think they just might have something here. If they can hold that list of fghters together I would certainly watch it!

G-man · Post by **G-man** » 06 Feb 2007, 13:10

WHO WILL BE A CONTENDER?!

American and Britain haven't exchanged blows for years - but the special relationship will be put under strain as the two countries take each other on in Newcastle on March 30 in Ryder-Cup style boxing match.

Seven fighters from each country will face off on a allegedly promoted "Contenders" card at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle.

With national pride at stake, points will be awarded to each team for a win, with the team with the most points being declared the winner of the Sugar Ray Leonard Cup.

Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan is set captain the British team, while American legend Leonard will be in charge of the Americans.

Both men were in London at a press conference today to promote the event, alongside Warren.

Competitors included former WBO light-middleweight title contender Wayne Alexander, as well as stars from the US series of Contender.

Croydon puncher Alexander, 24-3, will be joined by
Ross Minter 16-1-1
Paul Smith, 18-0
Anthony Small, 15-0
Paul Buchanan, 8-0-1
Martin Concepcion, 11-3, and
Nigel Wright, 17-2

The US team will be familiar to British viewers through the Contender series, and is made up of
Alfonso Gomez, 15-3-2
Walter "Two Guns" Wright, 13-2
Grady Brewer, 22-11
Jerson Ravelo, 17-2
Freddy Curiel, 16-6
Cornelius "K9" Bunderage, 25-2, and
Miguel Espino, 13-2-1.

And with tickets competitively priced at £25, £40 and just £75 for ringside, the show is expected to sell out.

Although the concept is new to the UK, the Contender television series in the States - on which it is based - proved to be a huge international success, with both Leonard and Sylvester Stallone throwing their weight behind it.

"I'm delighted to be bringing UK boxing fans something different," said Warren.

"International matches have been a huge success in the amateurs, and I'm sure the professional side of things will be no different.

"It's great to have Barry and Ray on board, and I'm sure they will help instill an ultra-competitive spirit into their teams."

The show will not be shown live on television, but will instead be broadcast in a series of six, one-hour programmes on ITV in the UK and ESPN in America.

As well as featuring the fights, the TV programmes will also delve behind the scenes, interviewing the boxers and giving a more in-depth look at their lives outside of the ring.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 06 Feb 2007, 13:44

http://www.itv-boxing.com/News/Story_Pa ... 11,00.html

Neri · Post by **Neri** » 06 Feb 2007, 14:36

Looks excellent. This could be a really good thing for our fighters to gain some US exposure and make a name for themselves. Very exciting stuff.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 06 Feb 2007, 15:10

Sounds excellent, imagine if the likes of Ross Minter can become as known as the likes of Mora / Manfredo is stateside. Minter has alot of tools aswell.

Lets hope its how it sounds and not some hash up job.

coneye · Post by **coneye** » 07 Feb 2007, 04:40

I doubt very much Ray and Frank just decided all this , over a freindly chat last week , this sort of thing takes time and planning.Explains why Joes fighting Manfreddo next, niced bit of publicity for both shows and sick note gets what should be an easy fight again.

Talk about British promoters playing the fans like fools,Sick note must have shares in Frankies buisness to allow them too throw away, any legacy has a great boxer , by being part pf this crap .well thought out and very buisness like but crap just the same

hitman_hatton1 · Post by **hitman_hatton1** » 07 Feb 2007, 06:35

i definitely don't see us winning this.

aside from small and alexander, it's an average team.

the yanks will batter us. :(

Neri · Post by **Neri** » 07 Feb 2007, 13:44

hitman_hatton1 wrote:i definitely don't see us winning this.

aside from small and alexander, it's an average team.

the yanks will batter us. :(

Don't be so negative.

Paul Smith isn't an average fighter, nor is Ross Minter.

SticknMove · Post by **SticknMove** » 07 Feb 2007, 14:17

I think it's a great idea. It has a lot of novelty appeal and there could be some really competitive fights to be made on paper (better than watching a bill where the majority of fights are one-sided prospect v journeyman looking for a paycheque). The reality may be different, but at least both sets of fighters will be there to win and realise where they're at in their careers.

Apart from the exposure, it could provide a genuine stepping stone for some of our lads from where they are at the moment.

Rocky Balboa · Post by **Rocky Balboa** » 08 Feb 2007, 12:38

I am hoping the best for all the UK team, but especially Anthony Small. I remember when he was at Fitzroy Lodge; he's a really nice person, not flash like most people think he is.

Let's go Anthony!