Boxing News Boxing News
Nagging back pain has caused promoter Don King to scuttle plans to fly from the United States to Turkey today to join his friend Ahmet Oner ringside tomorrow at the rematch of undefeated WBC Silver welterweight champion Selcuk Aydin in a highly anticipated rematch against Jo Jo Dan. Oner and King co-promote Aydin.
“My back slides out on me from time to time and my doctor thought it would be best for me not to board an international flight today,” King said from his home in South Florida.
King especially wanted to be at Aydin vs. Dan II due to the fact Oner had announced he will contribute 25% of the proceeds from the event to help victims of the recent earthquakes in eastern Turkey. The fight will take place in Aydin’s hometown of Trabzon, and Oner is also a native of Turkey.
“Ahmet Oner and Selcuk Aydin are Turks who will give back to their home country tomorrow night, and I wanted to be there to support them and help draw attention to the especially hard-hit city of Van.
“I want Ahmet and Selcuk to know I will be there in spirit, and I wish them the best with their fundraising effort at the fight. Two big earthquakes in just over two weeks have left the survivors in need of help, and I want the people of Turkey to know my thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Oner commented at a recent press conference in Istanbul about the plight of people in eastern Turkey.
“We want to show the people that we care for them,” Oner said. “The people in Van have suffered badly from the tragedies. It is important to let the world know that these people need help. We can only do our little part, but we hope that more people follow our lead.”
