Jimmy Lange To Fight Mario Lopez In LA Boxing Exhibition

ByBoxing Press

After earning his 35th victory on March 12, Jimmy Lange (35-4-2, 24 KOs), former star of The Contender TV show, is headed back to Hollywood. The NABA US Super Welterweight Champion will fight actor/host/author Mario Lopez (Extra, Saved by the Bell, Dancing with the Stars) in a three-round celebrity exhibition bout at the Sports L.A’s KO Cancer charity event on Wednesday, April 6 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

“I’m honored to be part of such a worthy cause and help raise money and awareness for the City of Hope. I look forward to stepping into the ring with Mario to see what he’s got. I just hope that the referee doesn’t need to step in to give Mario time to be ‘saved by the bell’,” said Lange, who combines movie-star looks with a cool, calm demeanor both in and outside of the ring – providing a perfect personality and experience for this event.

Benefiting City of Hope, one of 40 national Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, the event will honor three boxing luminaries whose lives have been depicted on the big screen: former world champions Micky Ward (“The Fighter”) and Jake LaMotta (“Raging Bull”) and “First Lady of Boxing” Jackie Kallen (“Against the Ropes”). Prominent attorney Robert Shapiro will serve as master of ceremonies at the event which will also feature a pair of heavyweight fights.

Lange appeared on the first season of the NBC reality boxing show in 2005 where he developed a loyal following. While he lost in week eight, viewers voted him back as a “Fan Favorite” where he won his return bout. Since his reality show appearance, Lange has captured the WBC’s USNBC and Continental America’s 154-pound titles while averaging 5,000 hometown fans at the Patriot Center.

Although Lange is quick to point that he still has unfinished business in the ring as he continues to challenge for a world championship, the 13-year veteran has also expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment world once he retires from boxing. In fact, he had a small role in “The House That Jack Build” and is cast in “Five Good Years,” currently in pre-production.

Catch the next Jimmy Lange Boxing event on September 10, 2011 at the Patriot Center.