Boxing News: Jose Antonio Rivera – John Scully

ByBoxing Press

2006 CES Ring of Honor inductees Godfrey-Batchelder headlines “Night of the Rising Stars” Sept. 23 Pro-Am show in Hartford

World Boxing Association super welterweight champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera and retired boxer and present trainer “Iceman” John Scully will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony at the September 23rd “Night of the Rising Stars” Pro-Am boxing show at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Rivera (38-4-1, 24 KOs), of Worcester (MA), is a three-time world champion. Last May, he captured the WBA title by flooring defending champ Alexandro “Terra” Garcia five times en route to a decisive 12-round decision. It marked the first time that Scully had worked Rivera’s corner as his co-head trainer.

Scully (38-11, 21 KOs) captured a Bronze medal at the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials and fought Henry Maske for the IBF light heavyweight title in 1988. Now a highly regarded trainer, he also handles Lawrence Clay-Bey, Israel “Pito” Cardona and Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver.

Rivera and Scully join charter members Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, of Hartford, and “Irish” Micky Ward in the CES Ring of Honor, which honors some of the great modern era New England boxers.

“This is our way of honoring and thanking some of the best fighters in New England history,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “Jose and John are class acts in and out of the ring. We’re delighted to induct them into our Ring of Honor. They are inspirations to all of the young fighters on this card.”

“Night of the Rising Stars,” promoted by Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES), is dedicated to the memory of the late Hartford-based trainer Johnny Duke. Hartford’s ageless star Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep (230-11-1, 65 KOs), three-time world featherweight champion, also will be honored at the Sept. 23 pro-am show. Three top amateur matches are also planned.

In a cruiserweight unification bout, USNBC and NABA title-holder Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (12-0, 7 KOs), now rated No. 10 by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBA, puts his belts on line against WBC Continental Americans champion Danny “Boy” Batchelder (24-2-1, 11 KOs), ranked No. 12 by the WBC, in their 12-round main event.

Undefated prospect Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (10-0, 7 KOs), of Manchester (CT), moves up in weight to fight undefeated Jose Hernandez (6-0, 2 KOs), for the vacant WBC Youth super featherweight championship in the 10-round co-feature.

In an eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction, 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (6-0, 1 KO), of Providence, faces NAMA North American title-holder Cliff “Tyson Twin” Couser (26-10-2, 14 KOs).
Hartford-native Cardona (35-6, 27 KOs), the former USBA & NABF lightweight title-holder, takes on intra-state rival Shaka Moore (9-10-3, 1 KO, of Norwalk (CT), in a six-round Special Welterweight Attraction.
In a newly announced bout, former U.S. Nationals amateur heavyweight gold medalist Tony Grano (4-0-1, 4 KOs), of Hebron (CT), tangles with Mike Miller (2-3, 2 KOs) in a four rounder.

Another Hartford native, USBO super bantamweight Oliver (15-0, 7 KOs), of Hartford, squares off against Oscar De La Cruz (4-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout, while exciting middleweight knockout artist (four 1st round KOs in 4 fights) Enrique “El Palo” Palau (4-0, 4 KOs), of Worcester (MA), meets veteran James North (8-13-2, 2 KOs). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Night of the Rising Stars,” promoted by Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. are now on sale at the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000) or by going on line at www.cesboxing.com. Ticket prices are $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, $100.00 and $150 Platinum VIP (not including Connecticut taxes).

Special VIP corporate tables are also (8 seats per table) available for $3,000.00, which includes a full-page ad in the program, banner (supplied by sponsors) at the event and two live ring announcements. For more information call 401.724.2254.