Boxing Update: Butler Out, Hawkins In Against Guinn At River Rock

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler suffered a detached retina during training and had to withdraw from his fight at River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond , British Colombia, on December 28.

He has been replaced by Robert “Big Philly” Hawkins, 22-10 with 7 knockouts, of Philadephia, Pennsylvania, who will now fight Dominick Guinn , 28-5-1 with 19 knockouts, of Houston, Texas, in the 10 round heavyweight main event.

Hawkins is a veteran who has fought many of the best heavyweights in the world, including current WBC heavyweight world champion Oleg Maskaev and WBC interim champion Samuel Peter. Although he hasn’t beaten the top fighters in the division, Robert does have several impressive wins to his credit against a number of heavyweight up-and-comers.

Local heavyweight standout Shane “Shotgun” Andreesen, 9-0 with 5 knockouts, of Qualicum Beach, B.C., will battle Corey Williams, 7-8-2 with 4 knockouts, of Torrington, Wyo., in a six-round bout.

South African light flyweight prospect Hekkie Budler, 3-0 with 3 knockouts, will make his U.S. debut in a four-round bout against an opponent to be announced. A former amateur standout, Budler was the 2005 South African national amateur champion at 105 pounds, and had a reported amateur record of 140-10.

Four more exciting supporting bouts, to be announced, are scheduled to complete the card. All bouts are subject to change without notice.

Ticket prices: $39, $59, $125, $195, $249. Tickets available at: River Rock Box Office – 604-247-8562; Ticketmaster – 604-280-4444; and online at www.TicketMaster.ca and www.RiverRock.com.
Doors open: 4:30 P.M.
First bout: 6:00 P.M.