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kenyan_cheena · 06-18-2006, 11:10 PM

(continuation of post #39)

In Los Angeles, Heavyweight Boxing Federation competitor Sam McVey made a surprise appearance at the jam-packed Staples Center for the first of the IBL's American selection trials. McVey accompanied a pair of close friends and likely IBL competitors to the trials and dismissed the possibility that his employers would be upset with his presence at an IBL event.

"It's all boxing, man," said the undefeated 8th seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament when interviewed by ESPN reporter Jaqueline Meadows. "I'm here to support my boys. If Mr. Vincennes can't appreciate that, too bad, man."

McVey went on to introduce his two friends: 20 year-old Los Angeles-born Middleweight James Toney and 18 year-old fellow Oxnard native Roberto Garcia, a Lightweight.

Considered one of the most talented boxers in the nation, Toney fell short of a spot on the Olympic team when he was beaten by Pittsburgh's Harry Greb in the selection semi-final. Greb was then surprisingly KO'd by Michael Spinks in the final, who famously went on to achieve Olympic gold for the USA in Sydney.

"I'm looking forward to some redemption, some payback," said Toney confidently. "I'm tellin' you right now, James Toney is gonna be the last man standing when the Middleweight tournament is over. See what Spinks did? The brother moved up to Light-Heavy because he knows that the Middleweight division'll be too hot for him."

Born just four months apart, Garcia and McVey grew up in the same Oxnard neighbourhood and have been friends since their early teens.

"He's like a big brother, you know?" said Garcia. "We've grown up together. We started boxin' together and I'm really excited that we'll both be fighting professionally at the same time. The future is real bright for us, I gotta say."

Garcia is regarded as perhaps the most powerful puncher amongst the American Lightweights, something that did him little good when he ran into eventual gold medallist Pernell Whitaker early during the Olympic selection trials. Whitaker clearly outboxed the Californian and Garcia will be hoping to turn the tables in the professional ranks.

"Just watching Sammy V's first four fights has given me so much inspiration," Garcia said. "I feel that I have a good shot at winning the World Championship. I wouldn't be competing if I didn't."

Toney and Garcia are just two of the many hopefuls present at the IBL's Californian selection trials. No doubt, the coming week will unearth a plethora of Pacific coast boxing talent for the IBL to run their gaze over...

(to be continued)

06-18-2006, 11:10 PM	#45 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,175	(continuation of post #39) In Los Angeles, Heavyweight Boxing Federation competitor Sam McVey made a surprise appearance at the jam-packed Staples Center for the first of the IBL's American selection trials. McVey accompanied a pair of close friends and likely IBL competitors to the trials and dismissed the possibility that his employers would be upset with his presence at an IBL event. "It's all boxing, man," said the undefeated 8th seed in the HBF's World Championship tournament when interviewed by ESPN reporter Jaqueline Meadows. "I'm here to support my boys. If Mr. Vincennes can't appreciate that, too bad, man." McVey went on to introduce his two friends: 20 year-old Los Angeles-born Middleweight James Toney and 18 year-old fellow Oxnard native Roberto Garcia, a Lightweight. Considered one of the most talented boxers in the nation, Toney fell short of a spot on the Olympic team when he was beaten by Pittsburgh's Harry Greb in the selection semi-final. Greb was then surprisingly KO'd by Michael Spinks in the final, who famously went on to achieve Olympic gold for the USA in Sydney. "I'm looking forward to some redemption, some payback," said Toney confidently. "I'm tellin' you right now, James Toney is gonna be the last man standing when the Middleweight tournament is over. See what Spinks did? The brother moved up to Light-Heavy because he knows that the Middleweight division'll be too hot for him." Born just four months apart, Garcia and McVey grew up in the same Oxnard neighbourhood and have been friends since their early teens. "He's like a big brother, you know?" said Garcia. "We've grown up together. We started boxin' together and I'm really excited that we'll both be fighting professionally at the same time. The future is real bright for us, I gotta say." Garcia is regarded as perhaps the most powerful puncher amongst the American Lightweights, something that did him little good when he ran into eventual gold medallist Pernell Whitaker early during the Olympic selection trials. Whitaker clearly outboxed the Californian and Garcia will be hoping to turn the tables in the professional ranks. "Just watching Sammy V's first four fights has given me so much inspiration," Garcia said. "I feel that I have a good shot at winning the World Championship. I wouldn't be competing if I didn't." Toney and Garcia are just two of the many hopefuls present at the IBL's Californian selection trials. No doubt, the coming week will unearth a plethora of Pacific coast boxing talent for the IBL to run their gaze over... (to be continued) __________________ The Heavyweight Boxing Federation The Heavyweight Boxing Federation: Tournament Group Standings The International Boxing League MLB: 1958 and Beyond... Last edited by kenyan_cheena : 06-22-2006 at 10:39 PM.