Boxing Press Conference: Kevin Houston Brings Thai Champion To Britain
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Harvey Sports International’s chief Kevin Houston announced this morning that he will hold a night of Championship Boxing at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, England on Tuesday, 5 December. The event, billed as “The Kings Cup” is to commemorate the birthday of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The fight night features two international championship bouts: transplanted Ugandan and Commonwealth Featherweight Champion Jackson Asiku of Rugby, England vs. ex-British Champion Roy Rutherford of Coventry and former WBA Super Bantam Champion Yoddamrong Sithyodthong of Thailand vs. Coventry based South African stylist Harry Ramogoadi for the vacant WBF Super Featherweight title.
Kevin Houston confirmed that contracts had been signed for the fight and the attending British Boxing Board of Control representative sang the praises of Houston, saying that he is a “doer” and not just someone who just talks about ideas; he makes them happen. The representative closed by wishing Kevin all the best, on behalf of all the BBBofC.
Kevin Houston talked of his meeting with the King of Thailand back in 2002. “The King is passionate about boxing”, said the promoter and added that on th King’s birthday there was always a boxing tournament held.
The King had asked Kevin why he didn’t arrange a boxing tournament in the UK to showcase some of the Thai Boxers? “The King gave me the inspiration to do this tournament,” said the promoter and added he said he felt immensely proud and honoured to be given the opportunity. Houston talked about the support he’d received so far and stated that this would be a “massive event” for boxing and for Coventry.
Roy Rutherford said he respected “Action” Jackson Asiku as a fighter and Houston said he believed that Rutherford would win the contest, saying that he should not be underestimated. Houston talked of Rutherford’s “super fitness” when entering the ring, saying that Roy is a “super guy who never lets anyone down.” Houston also praised Jackson, saying that he was a good boxer who had taken the fight at last minute. He called him a gentleman in the sport.
Sithyodthong, a former WBA Champion, was born in Surin, Thailand and this will be his second fight on European soil. Houston has signed a three fight deal with the boxer to fight on future cards.
Harry Ramogoadi is a South African based in Coventry and on Wednesday of this week, won the British Masters title.
There will be more press conferences particularly regarding these two fighters nearer the fight night.
Houston caused a smile among those attending the press conference when he talked of bringing the ladies along to fight nights, “You have to look after the Missus!” he said, “it’s important that they’re happy too!”
Houston added that he will be announcing the tournament to the Thai people on Sunday when he visits a Thai Temple in Birmingham.
He said that the “Don King of Thailand” will be attending the Coventry fight night at the Ricoh Arena, to which Houston said he was surprised at because he expected him to be at the Kings own event in Thailand on that date. Apparently the boxing community are so thrilled that Houston is doing this event that they want to support it.
Houston talked about doing a tournament next year in which he’ll bring over 10 Thai’s and have a televised “Contender” style knock-out! To bring the best boxers of Thailand over to fight the best English, Welsh and Scottish Boxers. He talks of the Kings Cup as being the first Kings Cup, which will progress each year.
The promoter then spoke about the December fight night as being a “Show”: “You’re going to be entertained!”, he said.
The Kings Cup Tournament will be a black tie dinner show, including a three course meal along with Rod Stewart and Tom Jones musical tribute acts.
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www.kings-cup.co.uk
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