Griffin decisions McCreedy
O’Connor dominates, Clampitt shines

LINCOLN, R.I. (Nov. 20, 2009) – Otis “Triple OG” Griffin outlasted Joey McCreedy to win a unanimous 8-round decision tonight in the main event on the “Autumn Classic” pro boxing card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Griffin (21-6-2), best known for winning the “Next Great Champ, displayed his ring savvy and experience, successfully counter-punching McCreedy (11-4-1). “I’ve won in other fighter’s backyards, but I was concerned about the decision because I got robbed against Jeff Lacy. McCreedy fought his best. I thought I clearly won. He brought his A-game and really stepped-up. He wasn’t the same fighter we watched on tape. He obviously can take a good shot because I hit him with some good ones. Joey is a brawler and the plan was to make him pay when he missed and stay clear of trouble. It was Boxing 101. Next, I’d like to come back here and fight Joey Spina.”

Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect, 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (10-0, 3 KOs) pounded a game James Hope (4-3) from the opening bell for six solid rounds in a masterful display of boxing. O’Connor broke down Hope, hooking to the body from his southpaw stance and unloading unanswered rights and lefts to Hope’s head, in a dominating performance Danny easily took by 6-round decision. “I felt great tonight,” O’Connor commented. “It was my most complete fight. Everything we worked on so hard started to come out and when it watch out when it’s all there. It’s all about angles, like (Paul) Spadafora, and a total team effort. I couldn’t do it without my team behind me.”

Eight months after giving birth to her daughter and 20 months since her last fight, 4-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs) returned to the ring in triumphant fashion, out-working and out-classing Rachel Clark (4-2-1) en route to victory by way of a one-sided, unanimous 6-round decision. “It felt unbelievable,” Clampitt said after the fight. “After the first round I came back to the corner and told Kurt (Reader, head trainer) she was a lot faster than we thought. She had a great jab. I think my experience and body punching was the difference. It’s tough right now in women’s boxing and I give her credit for taking the fight. I’m very happy with my performance.”

Former U. of Rhode Island football player, Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (5-0) kept his undefeated record intact with a first-round TKO win against 25-fight veteran Jeffrey Osbourne.

Long Island light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith, Jr. (2-0) registered his second straight sensational knockout in the opening round, using a vicious left hook, followed by a powerful right that put Branden McGowen (0-1) to sleep midway through the opening round.

Worcester heavyweight Rashad Minor (3-1) knocked out Lance Gauch (1-2) in the second round, while Boston super middleweight Maceo Crowder (1-0), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, won his pro debut by stopping Duane King (0-1) in the third round.

RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER
Lincoln, Rhode Island

Nov. 20, 2009 – “Autumn Classic”

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Rashad Minor (3-1, 3 KOs), Worcester, MA                         WKO2 (2:47)                        
Lance Gauch (1-2, 1 KO), Hannibal, MO

LIGHT HEAVWEIGHTS
Joe Smith, Jr, (2-0, 2 KOs), Long Island, NY                        WTKO1  (0:45)                     
Brandon McGowen (0-1, 0 KOs), Eden, NC

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Otis Griffin (21-6-2, 8 KOs), Sacramento, CA           WDEC8 (78-74,78-75, 77-76)           
Joey McCreedy (11-4-1, 6 K)s), Lowell, MA

Vladine Biosse (5-0, 4 KOs), Providence, RI                         WTKO1 (1:25)                       
Jeffrey Osbourne (8-15-2, 3 KOs), Davenport, IA

Maceo Crowder (1-0, 1 KO), Boston, MA                             WTKO3 (1:38)                       
Duane King (0-1, 0 KOs), Reidsville, NC

LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS
Jaime Clampitt (20-4-1, 7 KOs), Warwick, RI             WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)         
Rachel Clark (4-3-1, 3 KOs), Fayetteville, NC

Danny O’Connor (10-0, 3 KOs), Framingham, MA   WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)         
James Hope (4-3, 4 KOs), Rock Hill, SC

Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.
Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Joey McCreedy: “I don’t do a lot of talking; I fight in the ring. I respect Otis for coming up here. He’s a great fighter. He’s been in the ring with (Jeff) Lacy and (Danny) Green, well, not for very long with Green. I said I’d knock him out in five and I will knock him out in five, or earlier. He’s a warrior and I’m a warrior. It’s going to be a great fight. After I win this fight I’ll be looking for bigger fights.”

Otis Griffin: “This is my first time this way in a long time. I spent a little of my life in New Jersey, but the chill isn’t welcome. I am a devout Christian. I’ve been fighting six years as a pro in four different countries and five title fights. My career started on a reality TV show. All through this I never remember being disrespected like Mr. McCreedy has. You have woken an angry giant. He’ll realize real killers don’t talk. Real killers don’t talk.”

Danny O’Connor: “I’m looking forward to a great night of fights tomorrow.”

James Hope: “I’m guaranteeing I’ll give the best I’ve got. You (O’Connor) can’t handle my best. No disrespect, I’ve got to put you out to continue.”

Jaime Clampitt: “It’s been tough coming back from having my baby. It’s been great. I want to thank all my fans in Rhode Island and Rachel.”

Rachel Clark:  “I’m always grateful to step in the ring. I thank Jaime. She’s not a slouch and neither am I. To be the best you have to beat the best. The best is yet to come.”

Vladine Biosse: “I want to thank Jeffrey for coming here and taking the fight. The way I feel, let’s get it on. This is my fifth fight and Jeffrey is a veteran. This fight will set the tone for my career. I always give everything to give fans what they came for. It’s going to be a great show. I’ve prepared very well. I leave it all in the ring. I’m coming to win.”

Jeffrey Osbourne: “I’m here to fight. I’m honored to get this chance. Biosse, let’s get it on tomorrow night.”

“AUTUMN CLASSIC” FACT SHEET

Name: “Autumn Classic” Pro Card

Date: Friday night, November 20, 2009

Venue: Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, RI

Promoter: Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.

Tickets: Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.

Information: Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Autumn Classic.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

4-Time world champion Jaime Clampitt returns toring as new mother
McCreedy-Griffin Headlines Friday Night’s “Autumn Classic” at Twin River

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 18, 2009) – Twenty months since her last fight and eight after she became a mother for the first time, 4-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt starts her comeback Friday night in “Autumn Classic,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

New England and EBA super middleweight champion, “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-3-1, 6 KOs) takes on “The Next Great Champ” winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (20-6-2, 8 KOs), in the 8-round, non-title main event on the Irish-themed pro boxing card.

Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs) won a 10-round decision March 14, 2008 at Twin River against Belinda Laracuente for the IWBF lightweight title. This past March 17 on St. Patrick’s Day – appropriately enough considering this show’s Irish theme – Jaime gave birth to her daughter, Neyla.

“I just felt so good after having my baby,” Clampitt explained when asked why she’s returning to the ring. “I missed the sport. So many people were saying I couldn’t or shouldn’t box again, but I’ve always liked challenges. Things are different today. So many women athletes have children.”

Clampitt, a Canadian native who lives in Warwick (RI), has run a boxing program for the past two years at a gym in East Greenwich (RI) called Battle Ground. She has about 40 clients and still trains a few amateur boxers. But she won’t be encouraging her daughter to become a boxer in the future. “It’s a tough sport,” Jaime said with a smile. “I don’t want her to fight. We’ll have plenty of things to do together, but, whatever she chooses, I will support her.”

Clampitt faces WBAN No. 3 rated Rachel Clark (4-2-1, 3 KOs) in the 6-round, junior welterweight co-feature.

Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, Danny O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), of Framingham (MA), faces dangerous James Hope (4-2, 4 KOs) in the 6-round special attraction.

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, against 24-fight veteran Jeffrey Osbourne; Long Island (NY) light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), the 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion, meets pro-debuting Brandon McGowen; Worcester (MA) heavyweight Rashad Minor (2-1, 2 KOs) squares-off against Lance Gauch (1-1, 1 KO); Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder, whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, makes his pro debut versus Duane King in his pro debut.

Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

O’Connor continues
New England tour
McCreedy-Griffin Headlines Friday Night’s “Autumn Classic” at Twin River

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 17, 2009) – Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Danny O’Connor fights Friday night for the first time as a professional in Rhode Island, continuing the native New Englander’s tour that also includes appearances in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Danny has also fought in Florida and Montreal, Canada.

New England and EBA super middleweight champion, “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-3-1, 6 KOs) takes on “The Next Great Champ” winner, Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (20-6-2, 8 KOs), in the 8-round, non-title main event on the Irish-themed “Autumn Classic” card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate from Framingham (MA), provides chief support on the undercard as Friday’s special attraction against dangerous James Hope (4-2, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Twin River is only a 40-minute drive from O’Connor’s home in Framingham. “Fighting in front of family, friends and my fans gives me extra motivation,” said O’Connor, who has trained the past three years in Rhode Island. “It helps me compete that much better. I feel I’m in shape to not only go six rounds, but two more.”

O’Connor, who made his pro debut in September of 2008, already will be fighting in his 10^th pro fight. “I like being busy,” Danny explained. “I’m young and in shape. I’m focused on my conditioning and improving every day and each fight. I go in and do what I have to do to win. I think the area I’ve improved in the most is relaxation. I’ve come into my own as a boxer. I’m comfortable in the ring and have gotten great experience.  I’m taking it one fight at a time, working on little stuff to get better.”

 Four-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs) starts her comeback just 8-months since the birth of her daughter, Neyla, against WBAN No. 3 rated Rachel Clark (4-2-1, 3 KOs) in the 6-round, junior welterweight co-feature.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, tangling with 24-fight veteran Jeffrey Osbourne; Long Island (NY) light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), the 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion, against pro-debuting Anthony “Cruiser” Mitchell; Worcester (MA) heavyweight Rashad Minor (2-1, 2 KOs) facing pro-debuting Albert Garren; and Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder, whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, making his pro debut against Terrance Anderson (2-2, 1 KO).

Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

McCreedy predicts he’ll stop
Griffin in 5
“Autumn Classic” Nov. 20 at Twin River

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 13, 2009) – New England and EBA super middleweight champion, “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-3-1, 6 KOs), fights his first real “name” opponent,  “The Next Great Champ” winner Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (20-6-2, 8 KOs), in the main event Nov. 20 on the Irish-themed “Autumn Classic” pro boxing show, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

McCreedy, the best boxer out of Lowell (MA)
since “Irish” Micky Ward, is coming in fresh off of a stunning first-round stoppage of Eddie Caminero on Sept. 4. McCreedy steps up in class against Griffin, who has been in against two world champions, Danny Green and Jeff Lacy, in their 8-round, non-title bout.

Griffin, in addition to winning Oscar de la Hoya’s “The Next Great Champ” reality television show, also held the NABO light heavyweight title two years ago. He has been a sparring partner for Mikkel Kessler and Chad Dawson in preparation for his throw-down with McCreedy.

“It’s a big step-up for me,” McCreedy said about his match against Griffin. “Otis is a great fighter and the first big name, from the television series, I’ve fought. My training for this fight has been great. I’m in the best shape of my life, 168 (pounds) right now (8 days before the fight). But it’s going to be plain old me. I’m going to put on a good show. I have no concerns going eight rounds, if I have to, because I went 8, toe-to-toe, with Bobo (Starnino). It’s not going eight; I’m saying five. I’m going to catch him early so he doesn’t get a chance to use his experience. I will knock him out.” 

Only 8-months since the birth of her daughter, Neyla, 4-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs), of Warwick (RI), returns to the ring against an opponent to be determined in the 6-round co-feature.

Providing chief support on the undercard is 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Framingham (MA), against dangerous James Hope (4-2, 4 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, versus 24-fight veteran Jeffrey Osbourne. Long Island (NY) light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), the 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion, meets pro-debuting Anthony “Cruiser” Mitchell; Worcester (MA) heavyweight Rashad Minor (2-1, 2 KOs) faces pro-debuting Albert Garren; and Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder, whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, makes his pro debut against Terrance Anderson (2-2, 1 KO).

Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

“AUTUMN CLASSIC PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

“Irish” Joey McCreedy:”What I just heard, I’ve heard my whole career – I’m going to take you out. My last opponent said that and look what happened to him. He went out on a stretcher.  I have to give him respect. He was in there with (Jeff) Lacy and he won that reality show. I never saw it. Everybody who knows me knows I give everything in the ring. I’m not much for talking unless my opponent does a lot of talking. I will knock him out…I will! I’m not holding back anymore. When I win this fight, I’m looking for a bigger fight on television. Even if he hits me with his biggest punch, he can’t hurt me. November 20th is going to be a war.”

Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (taped): “I’ve had an opportunity the past few weeks to spar with Chad Dawson and Mikkel Kessler. I know Joey McCreedy is a blue-collar guy who is coming to fight. Styles make fights. I have to get past his jab and get him out. If I don’t get him out, I’ll box his ears off.”

Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt: “My last fight was here. I’m very excited. Coming back (Jaime had a baby March 17th) is tough. Three people really supported in helping me make my decision to comeback to boxing – my husband, Ryan Hayes, trainer Kurt Reader and promoter, Jimmy Burchfield. The only question Jimmy had was if I was in shape. Here I am fighting November 20th.”

Danny O’Connor: “I live in Framingham, Massachusetts but the last three years I’ve trained in Rhode Island. I consider it my second home. I enjoy training and fighting here. I’ve been to a lot of shows at Twin River, too. A lot of my fans are coming. It’s going to be a great night.”

Vladine Biosse: “I look at myself as the hardest worker in boxing. I put in the work, in and out of the gym, two, sometimes three, times a day. This fight is very special. I’m on weight and very prepared to come in and do what I’m supposed to do – get him out of there. I’m bringing my URI guys and Rhode Island fans. I will be Irish for the night (there is an Irish theme for the show). It’s going to be a great show. I love what I do.”

Maceo Crowder: “It’s been a short while; I fought as an amateur only five years. My biggest inspiration is my brother, Demetrius (“Boo Boo”) Andrade (2008 US Olympian). November 20th is going to be my pro debut. I have my own identity. I don’t want publicity off of ‘Boo Boo.’ We’re two different people and two different fighters.”

“AUTUMN CLASSIC” FACT SHEET

Name: “Autumn Classic” Pro Card

Date: Friday night, November 20, 2009

Venue: Twin River Event Center, Lincoln, RI

Promoter: Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.

Tickets: Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.

Irish Theme for “Autumn Classic”
McCreedy-Griffin Headlines Nov. 20 at Twin River

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 9, 2009) – Irish eyes will be smilin’ again Nov. 20 when a stable of lucky leprechauns step into the ring for “Autumn Classic,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

New England and EBA super middleweight champion, “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-3-1, 6 KOs), faces his stiffest test as a pro when he takes on Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (20-6-2, 8 KOs), winner of “The Next Great Champ” reality television show, in an 8-round, non-title fight.

Danny O’Connor (9-0, 3 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate and an unbeaten junior welterweight from Framingham (MA), and 4-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs) -- returning to the squared circle after giving birth – will fight in a pair of separate 6-round bouts.

“Fans are going to think it’s St. Patrick’s Day all over again,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield joked. “Irish fighters are known for their toughness and that’s exactly how McCreedy, Clampitt, O’Connor and Joe Smith, Jr. fight. We’ll have a green-and-gold theme going with traditional Irish music, step dancers, bagpipes, Shepard’s Pie, green beer, plus a stacked card featuring some of the most talented, entertaining fighters in the Northeast.” 

Light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Long Island, is coming off his Knockout of the Night performance Halloween Night in his sensational pro debut. The 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion will be in action against an opponent to be determined in a 4-round bout.

Also scheduled to be fighting on the undercard in separate 4-round fights are undefeated Providence super middleweight Vladine Biosse (4-0, 3 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, enormous Worcester (MA) heavyweight Rashad Minor and Boston light heavyweight Maceo Crowder in his pro debut.

Rollback ticket prices for “Autumn Classic” are $25.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 and available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Autumn Classic.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)