Kassim Ouma Fights Roman Karmazian on Boxeo De Oro July 14

LOS ANGELES (June 22, 2005) – Just two days before the best middleweight in the world, Bernard Hopkins, puts his title on the line against top contender Jermain Taylor, the best super welterweight in the world, Kassim Ouma, will do the same when he squares off against number one challenger Roman Karmazin on Thursday, July 14, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This 12 round IBF 154-pound championship contest headlines a very special edition of HBO Latino’s hit series “Oscar De La Hoya Presents Boxeo De Oro” (10pm ET/PT), which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions.

“I am a true world champion,” said Ouma, a native of Uganda. “That means I am the champion of all people around the globe, and I am honored to defend my title on HBO Latino, so all my Latino fans can see ‘The Dream’ do what he does best – win.”

“We’ve always wanted the ‘Boxeo De Oro’ series to showcase the best fighters in boxing, and when the opportunity arose to have Kassim defend his title on HBO Latino, the decision was a no brainer for us,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya.

Only 26 years old, Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma (21-1-1, 13 KOs) is not only one of the premier fighters in the world today, he is also one of boxing’s most compelling young men. Born in war-torn Uganda, Kassim was kidnapped and forced into military service when he was just a child. After years of combat, Ouma discovered boxing, and during an international competition in 1998, he defected to the United States at the age of 19.  He made his professional debut later that year, and since then he has thrilled fans with his frenetic work rate and joy in the ring. After beating the best the 154-pound division had to offer, the southpaw finally earned a world title on October 2, 2004, when he won a unanimous decision over Verno Phillips to grab the IBF championship. In his last bout, on January 29, 2005, Ouma was outstanding in defeating tough challenger Kofi Jantuah over 12 rounds.

One of boxing’s top junior middleweight contenders for years, St. Petersburg, Russia’s Roman ‘Made in Hell’ Karmazin (33-1-1, 21 KOs) is focused on just one thing as he puts himself through the daily rigors of training – winning a world championship. A nine-year veteran of the prize ring, the 32-year old mandatory title challenger with the heavy hands is currently riding a five fight unbeaten streak that includes a stoppage of previously unbeaten Spaniard Jorge Araujo, a TKO of British prospect David Walker, and a decision win over former world champion Keith Holmes of the United States. What made these wins more impressive is that Karmazin won all three fighting in his opponents’ home countries. On July 14, Karmazin will travel to Ouma’s adopted homeland to try to make this trio of wins a quartet.

For tickets, priced at $35, $50, $75 and $150 please call 702-284-7777, or visit
www.orleansarena.com.

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.