FAIRFAX, VA  – Junior middleweight contender Jimmy Lange (29-3-2, 20 KOs) has a new opponent for the World Boxing Council (WBC) United States National Boxing Championship (USNBC) Super Welterweight (154-lb) championship fight coming to the Patriot Center on May 2.  After his previously-confirmed challenger (Ryan Davis) unexpectedly backed out, Ice Promotions officials confirmed today that Frank Houghtaling (19-15-5, 4 KOs) of Albany, NY, has accepted to fight the popular Great Falls, VA boxer in the 12-round Main Event title fight.

Houghtaling (Ho-telling) has won three regional titles and fought tough competition during his career, including a victory over former world champion Livingstone Bramble.  The cagey veteran was stopped by Matthew Hutton in the seventh round of their IBF International Welterweight title bout two years ago and dropped a ten-round decision to former world champion Sharmbra Mitchell at DC’s Lincoln Theatre.  He and Lange share a common opponent in Kevin Collins.  Houghtaling is 2-1 against the New York fighter, while Lange suffered his first pro setback to Collins in the boxer’s third pro bout.

As a member of the legendary Cus D’Amato’s Catskill (NY) Boxing Club, Houghtaling trained alongside former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson with top trainer Kevin Rooney.  He entered the Army and turned professional while stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington before returning to New York.  In 2001, he joined the Air National Guard and plans to return to the Army National Guard this May. While in the military, he earned an undergraduate degree in business administration/human resources and is currently studying for his Master’s in Divinity at Mid American Baptist with the intention of becoming an Army chaplain.

 Lange, a Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, VA) High School graduate rose to 21-1-1 over his first five years, earning an unmatched regional following in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. In 2003, he scored high marks and won fans at the national stage with his impressive third-round TKO of former WBF light heavyweight champion Homer Gibbins live on ESPN2’s Tuesday Night Fights. His fame rose to new heights as a “Fan Favorite” on season one of the boxing TV series The Contender, with hosts Sylvester Stallone and “Sugar” Ray Leonard.  Since the show, Lange has headlined all six pro cards held at the Patriot Center, drawing more than 5,000 fans to each. In 2007, he captured the WBC’s 154-pound Continental Americas’ championship belt with an eight-round TKO rematch win over Fontaine Cabell. 

An exciting fight card featuring up to 10 bouts of top professional local and regional boxers will be showcased. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first fight set for 7:30pm.  Tickets, priced at $20, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $300 and $500 (plus applicable service charges), can be purchased through Ticketmaster by logging onto ticketmaster.com, calling 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including the Patriot Center box office. For group sales and sponsorship opportunities, please call (703) 536-6060.