Boxing In Canada: Bute vs. Andrade II Undercard Announced

It is with much pleasure that InterBox and Golden Boy Promotions unveil the bouts that will headline the undercard for the Collision
at the Colisee Main Event final that will feature IBF Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute (24-0-0, 18 K.O.) vs. #1 rated mandatory contender Librado Andrade (28-2-0, 21 K.O.).

These two top super middleweights will collide in their much anticipated rematch at the Pepsi Colisee in Quebec City on Saturday, November 28th 2009 live on HBO and Canadian PPV (Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw).

Undercard bouts include a second IBF title bout, two boxers from Quebec City, and includes six boxers with undefeated records. This card, created by InterBox and Golden Boy Promotions, is certain to entertain!

Guzman and Funeka fight for the IBF Lightweight title, Bute vs. Andrade II is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and InterBox, with Funeka vs. Guzman being presented in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing.

“Everyone knows what a great fight Bute vs. Andrade II is and now we’ve got an equally intriguing co-main event with Funeka and Guzman,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions.

“Guzman has long been established as one of boxing’s best, but Funeka is a rising star who will make Joan fight every minute of every round. This is a fight that could steal the show on November 28.”

“We are extremely proud to be bringing two world title bouts to Quebec City,” said Jean Bedard, president of Groupe Sportscene/ InterBox. “Thanks to our partners, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO, as this will be without question one of the biggest boxing
events in Canadian history.”

East London’s Ali Funeka (30-2-2, 25 KO’s) built a well-earned reputation back home in South Africa with his imposing 6 foot 1 frame, exciting style and punching power. Yet despite his victories over world-class opposition such as Zahir Raheem, it was his 12
round battle with Nate Campbell in February that truly showed the world what Funeka could do.

Despite losing the bout via majority decision, Funeka stamped his name on the world map and he plans on doing it again this November against Joan Guzman.

“I respect Joan Guzman and everything he’s accomplished, but he’s too small to deal with me,” said Funeka. “I will overpower him, send him back to 130 pounds and show him how true lightweights fight.”

A 1996 Olympian with over 300 amateur wins, Joan Guzman (29-0, 17 KO’s) is widely considered to be the greatest fighter ever to hail from the Dominican Republic. It’s a distinction the 33-year-old takes seriously, as evidenced by the world titles he has held
in the junior featherweight and junior lightweight divisions.

The owner of victories over the likes of Javier Jauregui, former world champions Agapito Sanchez, Jorge Rodrigo “La Hiena” Barrios and current world champion Humberto Soto, Guzman will look to celebrate his 30th professional victory by winning the lightweight championship on November 28.

“This is my first fight in Canada and I’ve heard how great the fans are, so I plan on giving them a show this November,” said Guzman. “A third world title means a lot to me and I plan on leaving everything in the ring in order to take that belt home with me.” Cote fights for the Canadian title

Hard hitting Pier-Olivier Côté (8-0-0, 6 K.O.) is getting ready for the toughest test of his young career. Cote will have to perform at his best in front of his hometown crowd as he is set to face tough journeyman Jason Hayward (6-7-0, 2 K.O.) from Canada with the Canadian Super Featherweight title on the line.

Born in Charlesbourg, the Quebec City Young Gun will get a taste of what it is like to fight in his home ring for the first time since
turning pro. Additionally, this will be the first 10-rounder of his pro career. Cote will be looking to score his 7th KO in 9 fights with InterBox, and has registered 5 consecutive victories by KO.

Also hailing from the Quebec City region, Kevin Bizier (6-0-0, 3 K.O.) will be looking to add a seventh victory to his pro record when he laces up the gloves against American James Wayka (16-8-1, 8 K.O.) in a welterweight bout scheduled for 6 rounds. Bizier, a former 7-time Canadian amateur champion, will be disputing his 4th professional bout in seven months, and his first at home in Quebec City.

Undefeated prospects Hector Sanchez (18-0-0, 8 K.O.), from Puerto Rico, and Craig McEwan (16-0-0, 9 K.O.), from Scotland, both from the Golden Boy Promotions Stable, will also take part on the card. Both will dispute 8-round bouts against opponents to be confirmed at a later date.

This Event will mark the first time in over 30 years that HBO broadcasts from Canada. HBO is set to broadcast two outstanding World title bouts for this historic occasion. The Guzman vs. Funeka and Bute vs. Andrade II bouts will be televised as of 9:30 PM on Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw and will be aired live across the 49 Cage Aux Sports Restaurants across the Province of Quebec.