John Poore Returns To Boxing

On Dec. 16 Card At New Alhambra

Heavyweight John Poore, of Boothwyn, PA, makes his first start in nine

months when he boxes Chris Riley, of Chicago, IL, in a scheduled eight-round contest Friday evening, Dec. 16, at the New Alhambra, Swanson & Ritner Streets, next to Forman Mills in South Philadelphia. First fight at 7.30 pm.

Welterweights Miguel Figueroa, of Camden, NJ, and Jose Medina, of North Philadelphia, collide in the 10-round main event. CN8 will televise the card on a delayed basis to more than six million homes along the East Coast from Maine to Virginia.

Poore, 34, has not boxed since March 25 when his undefeated streak was snapped in a fifth-round knockout loss to Robert Hawkins, of North Philadelphia, at the Wachovia Spectrum. Poore did well in the first round, but Hawkins, more experienced against tougher opposition, took over in the second and Poore’s corner threw in the towel in round five. It was Poore’s first setback after 16 consecutive knockout wins.

Prior to the Hawkins fight, Poore had scored his most impressive win when he knocked out hard-hitting Will Perryman, of Clarksdale, MS, in four rounds Nov. 12, 2004, at the New Alhambra. Poore had been in trouble late in round three when Perryman hit him with four consecutive uppercuts, driving Poore into a neutral corner before the bell sounded. Poore knocked Perryman down twice in round four, the second time for good.

Riley, 33, has a record of 4-2-1, 2 K0s. In his last fight Feb. 11 in Marrionette Park, IL, Riley knocked out Eric French, of Joliet, IL, in four rounds. Riley has never been stopped.

Five additional bouts complete the Dec. 16 program.

Tickets for the Dec. 16 card are priced at $35, $45 and $50. They are on sale at Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000).