Press Releases
NEWS ON: Andre Berto, Bryant Cruz, Don George
Andre Berto Travels to Haiti with Fellow Professional Athletes and Global Ambassadors
(LOS ANGELES, CALIF.) – Haitian Olympian and former two-time World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) is driven to not only rebuild his native Haiti, but also promote the natural beauty and vacation opportunities that exist in the island nation. In an effort to accomplish both of those goals, he joined the Jack Brewer Foundation and several professional athletes for a trip to Haiti, April 26-29, as part of their Global Ambassador Tour.
Berto and his fellow ambassadors made several stops during their four-day trip, connecting with local citizens and young people at every visit. “I plan to have a consistent presence in Haiti, it's a beautiful place and I want to share everything it has to offer,” Berto said. “There's still a lot of rebuilding work to be done in certain areas and we will continue to assist in those efforts, but I also plan to showcase Haiti's beaches and stunning natural beauty as a legitimate travel option.”
As the first boxer ever to represent Haiti in the Olympic Games, Berto wants to provide the opportunity for aspiring athletes to represent their country in major international events as well. He had several meetings with local officials about his goal to build boxing gyms and a youth center in Haiti for the youngsters in the area. Berto met several children who are looking to become the next Haitian Olympian during the delegation's visit to Cite Soleil, one of the poorest slums in the world. In conjunction with a program called the Haitian Initiative, the JBF delegation provided meals to approximately 300 kids as well as participating in a large soccer game with the neighborhood children.
Berto was inspired by all of the kids who came to meet him and take pictures with their own Haitian champion. One young boxer even showed Berto his pugilistic prowess and the two-time World Champion put on the mitts and helped him hone his boxing skills during their visit.
In addition to Cite Soleil, Berto and the JBF delegation visited a facility operated by Helping Hands for Haiti, an organization focused on rehabilitative medical efforts that provides and fits prosthetics for those in need.
Last week's trip was Berto's second in the last six months and he looks forward to returning to Haiti following his next fight. Berto will travel to northern California in the next few weeks to resume training with Virgil Hunter in his Oakland area gym. He sparred for the first time just prior to his trip to Haiti and is excited to open training camp this month for his first fight of 2014, tentatively slated for late summer.
BRYANT “PEE-WEE” CRUZ MEETS WITH FANS AHEAD OF UPCOMING MAY 16TH BOUT
TAKES ON OSNELL CHARLES ON THE UNDERCARD OF
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT'S
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CARD
LIVE AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
New York, NY (5/6/14) – Last night, Westchester County's most popular and promising fighter, Bryant “Pee-Wee” Cruz (10-0, 6KO's), took time out of his busy training schedule to take part in a special meet-and-greet at his sponsor bar/restaurant – Mickey Spillane's, in Eastchester, NY – for a number of his adoring fans. The undefeated junior lightweight prospect sat for hours talking with fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. Cruz even received a surprise visit from his DBE stable-mate, undefeated and fast-rising female star Heather “The Heat” Hardy. Cruz, who recently signed an exclusive co-promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment and New Legend Boxing, is set to face Osnell Charles on DiBella Entertainment's upcoming ShoBox: The New Generation card live from the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT. The bout against Charles is scheduled for six rounds and will be one of the featured undercard bouts of the evening.
“It was great for Pee-Wee to give back to his fans and to actually be able to have a conversation with them and interact with them. He is always so appreciative of their support, so this was a great way for him to thank them personally. We expect a big crowd to make the trip up to Foxwoods on May 16, and Pee-Wee is totally focused on the task at hand and putting on a spectacular performance for everyone coming out,” said manager Kevin Crowley.
“I am always in the gym, always training, so being able to do stuff like this is a nice breath of fresh air for me. It also gives me the opportunity to give back to my fans, who have been so supportive of me thus far during my career,” said Cruz.
While Cruz was all smiles yesterday, when asked about the upcoming fight his demeanor quickly changed.
“This is a huge opportunity for me and my career. When I beat Joshua Reyes back in February, the Showtime execs were there watching and from what I have been told, they were very impressed. Being on this upcoming ShoBox undercard will give me the opportunity to once again showcase my talents to them. I know how important it is for me and my team that I don't just win but that I do so in impressive fashion. That's what my trainer Ryan O'Leary and I are working toward everyday in the gym. I know that my manager Kevin Crowley and promoters DiBella Entertainment and New Legend Boxing will get me the opportunities that I need to bring my career to the next level and it is my job to not let them pass me by.”
Tickets for the upcoming ShoBox: The New Generation card are priced at $125, $85 and $45, and may be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods' box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods box office. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Chicago, IL Tuesday, May 6, 2014–Chicago boxing sensation Donovan “Don Da Bomb” George (25-4-2, 22 KOs) will get a shot at the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight title on Saturday, May 17, when he travels to Colombia to fight Alexander Brand (22-1, 18 KOs) of Bogota, Columbia. George returned to the ring with a sixth round TKO of Troy Lowry (28-14, 17 KOs) on April 18, of this year.”This is a tremendous opportunity for Donovan, and he deserves this shot at a world title,” said Bobby Hitz. “He works so hard everyday and it is paying off for him.” George had been scheduled to headline Hitz Boxing's June 20th installment of “Fight Night at Horseshoe Hammond” when this bout was presented to his team. “I've been in the gym training for a June fight, but when this fight presented itself a couple of days ago I took it. You don't pass up a title shot, ever!” said George. “This is why I stay in shape, stay ready. I'm going to South America to represent Chicago, Hitz, Round 3, and Team Boom. I expect to return with a belt.”George signed with Hitz Boxing and Round 3 Productions earlier this year.”Donovan is a special fighter who is going to impress international boxing fans and bring the title back to Chicago,” said Frank Mugnolo, president of Round 3 Productions. “Bobby and I are proud of him.”
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