Spina rededicates himself
for loyal fans
January 28, 2009
PROVIDENCE (January 28, 2009) – World
rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina, former USNBC and IBF
Intercontinental champion, has rededicated himself for his loyal fans as
he prepares for his next fight February 6 at Twin River Event Center in
Lincoln, Rhode Island.
Spina (23-1-1, 16 KOs), rated No. 14 by the WBO and No. 15 by the WBC,
takes on Kansas veteran Matt Gockel (12-9, 7 KOs) in the 8-round main
event. Spina, who holds victories against former world champion Carl
Daniels and super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, has had a
somewhat sputtering pro career that he’s vowed to turn around starting
Feb. 6.
“I’ve been like the weather – sometimes hot, sometimes cold, dedicated
and not so focused at times,” he explained. “I’m 31 with a 23-1-1 record
and I don’t plan on fighting until I’m 40. I’m ready to do what I’m
capable of doing in the ring. I’m going to bust my butt this year,
fighting better and better fighters, and then get in position to fight
for a title next year. I want a chance to fight for a world title and be
considered a real contender. That’s my goal. Fans either love or hate
Joey Spina, either way they love to watch me fight. I want to thank my
loyal fans for supporting the ‘KO Kid’ for the past 10 years. Hearing
their yells is inspiring.
“I’m sharper than I’ve ever been. I’ve been working on my balance,
shifting my hips, and pressing forward with my hands up. I’m going to
wear down opponents. I already have seen a difference. Throw in a slip,
force my opponent to go backwards, and then put them to sleep. Gockel is
coming down from cruiserweight to fight at light heavyweight; I’m going
back up because I can fluctuate between 168 and 175. I’m strong at
either weight. He’s not going to be able to stand in front of me. The
“KO Kid” is back!”
Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-2, 2 KOs) faces
“Irish” Joey McCreedy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Lowell (MA), again in a rematch
of a draw they fought to last year, for the vacant Eastern Boxing
Association (EBA) super middleweight title in the 8-round co-feature.
Former 4-time U.S. national amateur champion Bobby Harris will be
inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special
“February Frenzy” card ceremony. Burchfield established the CES Ring of
Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special
achievements and contributions to New England boxing. CES Ring of Honor
inductees include Rocky Marciano, Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Marlon
Starling, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully Ray Oliveira, Gary Balletto
and Demetrius Andrade. Harris reached the 1992 U.S. Olympic Box-Offs and
captured a gold medal at the 1993 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The
Worcester (MA) resident went on to a 20-2-1 (13) pro record as a
heavyweight and last fought in 1999.
Harris will be in the corner of his younger brother, unbeaten Worcester
cruiserweight Adam “The Hitman” Harris (10-0, 7 KOs), who will fight
Philadelphia boxer David Williams (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.
Undefeated Pawtucket fighter Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto
(10-0, 4 KOs) meets another Lowell native, Sean Eklund (6-2, 1 KO), who
will have his uncle and head trainer, “Irish” Micky Ward, in his corner
for their 6-round bout for the EBA New England lightweight belt.
Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are U. of Connecticut graduate
Brian Macy (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Anthony Pietrantonio (4-2, 3 KOs);
Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Olade “One
Shot” Thomas (1-3, 0 KOs); W. Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith
Kozlin (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Daren Graham (1-4, 1 KO); Worcester heavyweight
Rashad Minor (1-0, 1 KO) in his CES debut vs. Shawn McLean (2-4, 1 KO);
Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland making his pro debut vs. Kevin
Varnadore (0-4); Providence junior welterweight “Steamin’” Josh Beeman
(4-2-2, 2 KOs) vs. Jamar Saunders (2-1, 1 KO).
Tickets for “February Frenzy” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO, $35.00,
$45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and limited $150.00
(Jimmy’s Platinum Club) and are available to purchase by calling CES
(401.724.2253/2254), going on line at cesboxing.com or twinriver.com, at
Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster
location. Source/PR - Bob Trieger
