Boxing News: Ike Quartey Arrives in US

NEW YORK (June 3, 2005) – DiBella Entertainment's Ike “Bazooka” Quartey has arrived in the United States from his native Accra, Ghana, to complete his training camp and make final preparations for his fight against Verno Phillips which will be televised live on HBO on Saturday, June 18, from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN.

Quartey (35-2-1, 30 KOs) squares off against fellow former world champion Phillips (38-9-1, 20 K's) as the co-feature on the Glen Johnson vs. Antonio Tarver world light heavyweight championship card.

Quartey made his return to the ring a winning one after a five year hiatus on January 14 by disposing of Clint McNeil at Azumah Nelson Sports Complex in Accra via eighth round TKO.

When asked about his comeback Quartey said “I am back to win a world championship. I am back to cement my legacy. The next step on that journey is on June 18th.”

“Ike is in great shape and looks like he hasn't been away from the ring for five weeks,” said DBE President Lou DiBella, “let alone five years. His U.S. comeback fight is against a former two-time world champion and Ike will prove that he is ready for any fighter in the world.”

“I think it is going to be a fantastic fight between two great former champions,” said Arthur Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions, Inc., Phillips' promoter. “The winner goes on to be a player in either the 154 or 160 pound division, and I am very excited about Verno's possibilities.”

Verno Phillips had reeled off seven straight wins before losing a close unanimous decision to the highly regarded Kassim Ouma on October 2 of last year at Caesars Palace.

Quartey vs. Phillips will be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing on Saturday, June 18 at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT.