Varrett
Out, Vargas Steps in Star's Unbeaten Heavy's to Collide in AC
May 8, 2009
(MAY 5) Star Boxing has been informed by
Monte Barrett that he has suffered an injury that has forced him to pull
out of his May 15th heavyweight clash with world rated (WBA #5, WBC #10,
IBF #14) Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson (21-0-1, 8KO). Barrett reportedly
suffered a cut while sparring that has left him ineligible to
participate in next weeks ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" main event being
held at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.
Fortunately a much better, more compelling opponent has emerged.
Replacing Barrett is 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Captain, and fellow
undefeated heavyweight prospect Devin Vargas (17-0, 7KO). Vargas, like
Johnson, is also promoted by Star Boxing. Vargas was scheduled to face
former WBA heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon on the undercard, but
jumped at the oppurtunity to fight in the main event against who many
believe to be the most highly regarded American Heavyweight.
Johnson vs. Vargas is a very intriguing fight. It matches two young,
undefeated heavyweight prospects each in the biggest fights of their
respective careers. The winner surely propels themselves into serious
title contention and can emphatically stake claim as the top American
heavyweight contender.
"We took the disappointing loss of an opponent and turned it into a
terrific situation with a much better fight," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO
and President of Star Boxing. "The Johnson-Vargas fight is a true
matchup of top heavyweights prospects. Both Kevin and Devin really have
stepped up and didn't take the easy way out. They both have the 'moxie'
that boxing fans and the heavyweight division want. More fighters should
be willing to step it up and fight the best opponents instead of finding
excuses to turn down fights. In Devin, Kevin has a much more skilled,
and talented fighter then he had in Monte, so we really want to commend
Kevin for taking such a dangerous fight on such short notice. We also
applaud Devin for stepping in and having the confidence to fight
Johnson, who many regard as the top heavyweight contender out there.
There is always something special about seeing two undefeated
heavyweights putting their 0's on the line." When asked why he would
match two of his hottest prospects against one another, DeGuardia was
quick to answer. "We believe in providing the absolute best
opportunities for our fighters, the networks, casinos and the fans. This
is a great opportunity for both Kevin and Devin, because the winner
clearly cements themselves as a top contender in the heavyweight
division. We work to put on the best fights we can and just because we
promote both fighters we are not going to let that get in the way of
opportunities for our fighters. We look forward to a great fight and
great show on May 15th."
The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, in association with
Harrah's Resort. A complete list of the undercard will be announced
shortly. Tickets are priced at $90 and $60 and can be purchased by
calling Ticketmaster at 1(800) 745-3000 or going online to
ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at
(718) 823-2000.
