Vinny Paz vs. Micky Ward -“Rumble at the
River,” March 14 at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE (February 27, 2008) – Two popular blasts from the past, Vinny
Paz and “Irish” Micky Ward, will be in opposite corners on March 14 as
honorary captains of Team Italy and Team Ireland, respectively, for
the Italian-Irish themed “Rumble at the River” pro boxing show at Twin
River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
“Rumble at the River,” part of “The Budweiser Night at the Fights”
series at Twin River, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic
Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in association with Twin River,
Budweiser and Tournament of Contenders.
World super middleweight challenger “The Pride of Providence” Peter
Manfredo, Jr. (28-5, 13 KOs), star of The Contender I television reality
series, headlines “Rumble at the River” against Shane “The Irish Hitman”
Benfield (17-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
Paz is a former 5-time world champion who won 50 pro fights, while Ward
participated in three “Fights of the Year,” highlighted by his famed
trilogy fighting Arturo Gatti. “Vinny Paz and Micky Ward are two of
boxing’s all-time great warriors,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said of the
two charter members of CES’ Ring of Honor. “They have both kept their
fires burning in boxing, Vinny as a television analyst and Micky as a
trainer. Many young fighters, especially in New England, are involved in
the sport because they watched these two fighters in action. We’re
thrilled that they are involved in ‘Rumble at the River’ as team
captains. I’m very happy to call Vinny and Micky my personal friends.
They know what boxing has done for them and they give a lot back to the
boxing community. They’ll be available to pose for pictures and sign
autographs. Our unbeaten heavyweight contender, “Baby” Joe Mesi, will
also be there for fans to meet.”
Mesi ESPN Friday Night Fights In-Studio Guest
Undefeated heavyweight contender “Baby” Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), who is
slated to headline the April 4 ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show at Twin
River, will make his third appearance as ESPN2 FNF “In Studio” guest on
this Friday (Feb. 29) night. Mesi will review the Joe Louis documentary,
Klitschko-Ibragimov heavyweight unification fight, Pavlik-Taylor II and
preview Vasquez-Marquez
