PROVIDENCE (May 20, 2009) – Super
middleweight “Irish” Joe McCreedy has developed into one of New
England’s favorite fighters, based on support he’s received from his
growing legion of passionate fans from Lowell, the same Massachusetts
city that produced one of boxing’s all-time most popular ring warriors,
“Irish” Micky Ward.
EBA super middleweight champion McCreedy (10-2-1, 5 KOs) is matched
against veteran Willis “The Prophet” Lockett (11-7-5, 5 KOs) on Friday
night’s (May 22) “Rage At The River” show, promoted by Jimmy
Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River
Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
McCreedy is as tough as any fighter, evident by his performances since
his first loss. After starting out his career with victories in his
first five pro bouts, Joe suffered his first lost in October of 2006 to
Andre Hemphill. McCreedy’s jaw was broken early but he kept fighting
until it was fractured in the second place, which resulted in the ending
of the fight in the third round. Joe’s boxing career was in jeopardy but
the former high school running back came back strong one a year and a
half later to beat previously unbeaten Bay State rival Chris Traietti
(7-0) by 6-round decision.
Two fights later, the now 24-year-old McCreedy lost a 6-round decision
to Henry Mayes but Joe avenged that loss in his next fight, defeating
Mayes by 6-round decision. A natural Irish-Italian, Massachusetts-Rhode
Island throw-down was arranged between two CES boxers, McCreedy and
Richard “Bobo the Bull” Starnino, last August in which the two fought
non-stop, toe-to-toe to a 6-round draw. McCreedy then outclassed veteran
Joe Johnson to set-up a rematch against Starnino this past February. In
another fan-friendly brawl an even better conditioned McCreedy won an
8-round decision for the vacant Eastern Boxing Association title, much
to the joy and delight of his many vociferous backers in the stands.
“Joe McCreedy is a brawler who fights like Vinny Paz and Micky Ward,”
promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “He gives fans their money’s worth every
fight. He just keeps coming straight ahead and Joe’s very dangerous. I
think he’s at the top of his game right now. His fan base is growing
fast because he gives them what they enjoy. He’s fun to watch. There’s
no such thing as a boring fight with Joe McCreedy.”
The 8-round main event puts world-rated light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid”
Spina (24-1-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, against veteran
Tiwon Taylor (26-14-1, 19 KOs), former Carolina Boxing Association
title-holder, who has been in against world champions Adrian Diaconu,
Fabrice Tiozzo and Lou Del Valle. Power-punching Spina is rated No. 12
in the WBA and WBC, No. 13 by the WBO and No. 15 by the IBF.
Middleweight James McGirt, Jr. (19-2-1, 9 KOs) makes his CES debut in a
6-round bout versus Patrtick “La Sasa” Perez (25-4, 14 KOs), while Ward
works the corner for his nephew and another Lowell fighter, lightweight
Sean Eklund (6-3, 1 KO), against Jose Guzman (3-4-1) in a 4-round match.
The Legends Meet & Greet
James “Buddy” McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs), former IBF light welterweight and
WBC welterweight champion, past Boxing Writers of America Association’s
Trainer of the Year, as well as “Irish” Micky Ward (38-13,27 KOs), EBU
light weight champion and 3-time participant in Ring Magazine’s Fight of
the Year, will be joined by Gary “Tiger” Balletto (31-3-2, 26 KOs),
former IBU lightweight champion and star of The Contender III, for a
very special meet-and-greet May 22nd with “Rage At The River” show
ticket holders. They will be available in the entrance area of the Twin
River Event Center between 6-7 PM/ET to sign autographs, pose for
pictures and talk to fans. They had a combined 142-22-3 (101 KOs) pro
record.
Also world featherweight title challenger Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris
(9-1, 4 KOs) versus TBA in a 6-round bout, as well as supporting 4-round
matches are Providence cruiserweight Jay Holland (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Chris
“The Archbishop” Boykins (0-3), Pawtucket light welterweight Diego
Periera (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Melchor Guillen, Jr. (1-0) and Providence light
welterweight Omar Pena (1-0-1, 0 KOs) vs. Omar Brito (1-1, 1 KO). All
fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “Rage At the River” are priced at limited $25.00 SRO,
$35.00, $45.00 (Bronze), $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold - includes a
free $15.00 play that night at Twin River) and limited $150.00 (Jimmy’s
Platinum Club - includes a free $25.00 play that night at Twin River)
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, or any TicketMaster location. Source/PR
