EDDIE CHAMBERS 30-1
(16) vs RAPHAEL BUTLER 30-4 (23)
/////////////////// ///////////////////
JERSON RAVELO 18-2
(12) vs ANDREA WARD 15-0 (10)
Truth be known: When it comes to EGOmaniacs in the world of
sports don't let anyone belittle the notion that fight
promotors TOP the list. Wednesday's pre-fight Presser
showcasing the June 20th "CAYMAN KNOCKOUT: CHAMPIONSHIP
BOXING" showdown seemed more like a Dan Goossen TALKATHON on
the mic rather than a main event introduction. Yet, we may
can cut him a little slack since he was probably a bit excited
to be boarding a plane immediately after the Presser bound for
the Caymans in order to begin promotions for the fight.
Nontheless, after rambling through
the sound system for about an hour, Goossen finally decided to
share speaking time with the 4 fighters headlining the card:
ANDRE WARD, JERSON RAVELO, EDDIE CHAMBERS & RAPHAEL BUTLER.
Although I had a long discussion with Butler prior to the
ceremony, he had little to say to the crowd when they handed
him the mic. Chambers followed suit and said very little.
Ward and Ravelo, on the other hand made,
the most of their time in the spotlight and did a great job of
selling excitement.
EDDIE CHAMBERS: "This is a great
opportunity for us to put on a good show, so let's make it
happen."
RAPHAEL BUTLER: "This is a great
opportunity for me and I'm really excited for this. You can't
take losses against a fighter. So many champions have
suffered losses in their careers and have come back to win
titles. Bernard Hopkins lost his first fight. I'm going into
this fight hungry. I'm coming in this fight to win."
JERSON RAVELO: "First of all I think
that "I" should have been on the Olympic team (representing
USA). Since I lost to Jeff Lacy in the trials - my entire
focus was to beat him on National TV so I could show the U.S.
they made a mistake in giving him the decision in the Olympic
Trials. The GOLD medal wasn't really my goal in those games
due to that bad decision. (Jerson went back his homeland
of the Dominican Republican, made their Olympic team and
fought Lacy AGAIN in the Olympics - losing again). Due to
injuries to my hand and back I've overcome so much in my
career in order to keep fighting. If THIS doesn't show
determination as a fighter, I don't know what does! Many
fighters would have given up. I've been through it all and
I'm still here, I'm determined and although I cheered for this
guy in the Olympics - this is a sport."
ANDRE WARD: "I'm thankful to GOD that I
won the Gold medal in the Olympics but people really need to
understand that THAT was almost 4 years ago. I mean they've
already got the 2008 team picked! I'm never going to relish
the victory of one accomplishment for too long even though I
don't think anything else I ever win will ever surpass that.
I'm on a mission right now. The winner of this fight is going
to receive a world ranking and through my partnership with
Goossen, ALL of us know the importance of this fight.
Although I respect Jerson, when that bell rings all that goes
out the window. I'm taking this as my FIRST world title fight
and THAT is my only focus."
