7/2/07 - Tom Dodge“THE YOUNG GUNS” By Tom Dodge www.keeppunching.com After nearly three decades as an editor in the newspaper business, I had witnessed that scene many times before. But this time it was different. As the newly appointed publicist for Keeppunching Entertainment, I was involved in helping organize the media blitz for Alexandria’s Heath Nichols upcoming NBA Junior World Lightweight Championship. The press conference had a vaudeville feel with the banter between fight promoter David Rivas from Rivas Warriors Boxing and matchmaker Kerry Daigle from Keeppunching.com. After a welcome from our gracious host – Mike Smith from Copeland’s in Alexandria, the fight card was discussed in a talk show format. July 14 at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, there will be a double main event with two title fights – along with Nichols, Detroit’s Damian Fuller will fight Mexico’s Carlos Gamez for the NBA World Lightweight Championship (www.nbaboxing.com). As a former sports editor – I know the easier to follow a story the better. so I am pulling some breakout quotes for your readership and consideration for any stories that might be written before the big event: 
About Damian Fuller:David Rivas – “Damian Fuller is action packed. If you have ever seen him fight, when he gets in the square circle he is just throwing everything. He is not scared to mix it up with anybody. When he hits somebody, you can hear it throughout the arena.” About Carlos Gamez: David Rivas – “Carlos Gamez is a traditional Mexican fighter. They only know one speed and that is 100 miles per hour and they are coming right at you. I hope he has a strong chin because Damian is going to let him know what happens if you come right at him.” About Daniel Garcia: Kerry Daigle – “Daniel is a typical Hispanic fighter who has a tremendous left hook. He will put a left hook to the liver and looking to knock you out with every punch he throws. There is no secret to what he is looking for – he is looking to knock you out, period.” David Rivas – “He is very fluid in the ring. He will move around and counter punch a little bit and he is going to feel out his opponent. But once he has his plan in mind, it is just about closing the deal.” About Michael Martinez: Kerry Daigle – “Michael won over Joey Hixon in a recent fight about six weeks ago. He has won national championships including being the four time All-Marine champion. He is a tremendous fighter – no holds barred – ‘El Torito de FIerro’: “The Iron Bull.” David Rivas – “When Michael gets in the ring, he is really quick with his right hand and uses it to his advantage. When he uses it, you are going to see the opponent step back about two steps.” 
About Wilford Scypion Jr:Kerry Daigle – “Wilford Jr. is walking in his father’s footsteps and that is some big shoes to fill. Willford Sr. fought Marvin Hagler for the undisputed middleweight championship of the world. Wilford Jr. is a very different type of fighter, very careful to throw the short shot and he will put you out very quick.” David Rivas – “In the last fight, the guy taunted Wilford a little bit. I looked down for a second and when I picked it back up, the guy was knocked out – laying between the ropes. Wilford is very tough and very strong.” 
About Heath Nichols:Kerry Daigle – “He comes right at you and he doesn’t mind taking a punch to give two. Heath is coming after you and he is looking to take you out – that is no secret.” About Nichols moving up from four rounds to a 10 round fight: Kerry Daigle – “He is really going to have to step it up to be able to fight a formidable opponent. He is stepping up to a title in just his sixth pro fight. History is going to be made for Rapides Parish.” David Rivas – “The time is now and Heath Nichols is going to be the guy that gets it done for Alexandria and the entire CENLA area. Heath is like a hungry bear in the woods. He is looking for anything he can get to. When he gets to the fight, his opponent is going to know he is going to be in for a long night – or a short one. I believe Heath is going make it happen.” Heath Nichols – “It is a big step up for me, moving up to 10 rounds. But I am training tremendously hard for this fight. I know I am going to be the underdog since I have only had five pro fights and I will face a guy with more experience. I will give all that I have in the ring and I will leave it in the ring. I hope the guy can take a punch because I know I can pack one.” Trainer Alfredo Hernandez – “He has been the underdog before, but he has come out on top. We are grateful for the opportunity. We feel sorry for Bobby Aucoin as he hurt his hand, but when we saw the door crack open a little bit, we are going to run through that door.” Ticket information: For tickets call Ticketmaster at 1-800-488-5252 or the Coushatta box office at 1-800-584-7263. You can visit www.coushattacasinoresort.com or www.ticketmaster.com online for your tickets. ALL FLOOR SEATS (RINGSIDE) will have FREE BEER for those ticket holders. Bronze (floor seating) is $100, Silver (main floor seating) is $150 and Gold (ring side) is $200. Reserved stadium seating is $40 CONTACTS: Promoter: David Rivas of Rivas Warriors Boxing Promotions, RIVASWARRIORS@AOL.COM Matchmaker/Publicity Director: Kerry Daigle, Keeppunching Entertainment, LLC, www.keeppunching.com , KERRY@KEEPPUNCHING.COM , 337.288.8510 Assistant to the Matchmaker/Promoter: Beau Williford, prd2box@hotmail.com , 337.257.3501 Publicity: Tom Dodge, tdodge3@yahoo.com , 337.692.5809 Media Relations/Sponsorships: Amber Burkeholder, burkholderamber@yahoo.com , 337.344.1857 Vice President of Operations: Mickey Daigle, mickeydaigle@cox.net 
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