Press conference for Sergio Martinez vs. Sergiy Dzinziruk
December 5, 2009, Sergio Martinez is surrounded by fans after his battle with Paul Williams at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N. J. Photo: Jim Wyatt
NEW YORK, NY (Feb 9, 2011) – Wednesday, the WBC Middleweight showdown between Sergio Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sergiy Dzinziruk (37-0-0, 23 KOs) who hails from the Ukraine was formally announced. Also in attendance were Irishman Andy Lee (24-1-0, 18 KOs) and a gentleman from Edinburgh, Scotland, Craig McEwan who will battle it out on the undercard in what has been billed as a “Celtic War.” Both bouts are to be held March 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and broadcast live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Below are quotes from the participants, all four of whom are southpaws:
Martinez, who is 35 years-old, and now resides locally in Oxnard, CA said: “I know Dzinziruk is the best champion at 154 pounds. He will make for a great fight. This will be the year that I become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I’m training very hard to make sure this is the best fight to bring to the fans.”
December 03, 2005, in Magdeburg, Germany, Sergiy Dzinziruk won the WBO Light Middleweight Title with a 12 round unanimous decision victory over Daniel Santos.
Dzinziruk, who is 34 years-old, and has his residence in Hamburg, Germany, stated: “I am very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who worked on my behalf to make this fight happen. I am training very hard to make this opportunity and I want to make the most of it in the ring.”
The Irishman, Lee, who is 26 years-old, was born in London, England but now trains with Emanuel Steward in Detroit, Michigan, added: “Unfortunately, the only time most people have seen me fight was when I lost, because it was on ESPN. I don’t intend on letting that happen again. Now we’re on HBO, which has always been our team’s goal. I want to thank my new promoter, Lou DiBella, for this opportunity.”
With Andy Lee getting an assist from Emanuel Steward and Craig McEwan getting help from Freddie Roach, this also becomes a battle of who's the best trainer.
McEwan, who is from Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Hollywood, CA where he gets personal attention from trainer Freddie Roach, said: “I’ve known Andy for a long time, dating back to the amateurs. I always thought if we would fight again it would be for a championship. I guess I will have to get through him to get my shot at a championship.”
Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “When this fight was first brought to me, I said no. Sergio Martinez said yes. Martinez has all the qualities of a star and wants only the best fights. This is a great fight for boxing because not only are Martinez and Dzinziruk great fighters, they’re entertainers. Boxing is about entertainment and these guys bring it. The MGM Grand is already over half sold out for this event. Get your tickets for what will be a great night for the sport of boxing.”
Craig McEwan hasn't fought since his mixed decision win over Danny Perez at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. back on July 23, 2010. Photo: Jim Wyatt
Sampson Lewkowicz, Martinez’s advisor: “The press is wrong for trying to be a matchmaker. Everyone wants to be matchmaker, but HBO got it right. This is the best fight that can be made at this time.”
Gabriel Sarmiento, Martinez’s trainer: “This is a very good challenge for Sergio Martinez. Sergio is training very hard and you will see it on March 12.”
Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “Boxing is all about the best fighting the best. No one wants to see easy fights. When great fighters fight great fighters, that is when boxing is at its best. Everyone in Europe knows about Dzinziruk, and after March 12 everyone will know about him as well. Sergiy Dzinziruk will be the next middleweight champion of the world.”
Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “I think this is going to be a great fight. Martinez and Dzinziruk are two of the best fighters in the world fighting in the prime of their lives.”
Tickets for the event are priced at $450, $250, $125, $75, and $50 and can be purchased online at http://www.mgmatfoxwoods.com/, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.
