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Moore Will Open
ESPN2 Telecast on June 4, 2008
Source: Press Release
May 6, 2008 |
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Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore,
15-0 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of
Queens, New York, will open the telecast of ESPN 2’s Wednesday Night Fights
on June 4, 2008.
The show, which is being promoted by Tommy Gallagher, will take place at the
Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. Light heavyweight Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15
KOS), of Philadelphia, is expected to headline the card.
Moore’s opponent for the eight round opener is Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin,
14-1-4 (6 KOS), of Baltimore. Arvin has fought draws with two undefeated
fighters: Jose Angel Rodriguez, who was 12-0, and Darnell Wilson, who was
2-0.
Moore, who in his last fight impressively beat veteran J.C. Candelo of
Colombia by 10 round decision on March 15 at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu
Theater, had initially planned on returning to Pennsylvania’s Pocono
Mountains to train for this bout.
Instead he opted to travel to Italy for two weeks to help prepare IBF junior
welterweight champion Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi for his May 24 rematch
against South African Lovemore N’dou in England.
“I can’t wait to open the ESPN show,” said Moore. “I’ve been waiting a long
time to have a year like I plan on having this year. I hope to acquire a lot
of new fans by giving an impressive performance.
“Paulie’s speed will help me prepare for anyone,” he continued. “Everything
is falling into place. The victory against Candelo set the stage for the
ESPN fight. Good things are happening, and preparing with a fighter like
Paulie will only benefit me.”
Matchmaker Bruce Silverglade thought it was a good idea for Moore to work
with Malignaggi. “These guys are not bosom buddies, but they’ve trained
together at Gleason’s and will give each other great work. James went over
there more as a friend than a sparring partner. I’m sure the sparring
sessions will be very spirited.”
Malignaggi has great respect for Moore, and knew he was getting a handful
when he invited him to Italy. “Don’t let his (boyish) looks fool you,” said
Malignaggi. “He’s vicious in the ring. He’d knock his mother out if she was
in the ring with him.”
PHOTO: James Moore (left) and Paulie Malignaggi share a laugh at a recent
boxing function in New York. Photo: Robert Mladinich |
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