A press conference was held to officially announce the next installment of the NBC Sports Network “Fight Night” boxing series. On December 8, 2012, a Philly-centric fight card will take place at Temple University’s Pearson / McGonigle Hall on Broad Street in North Philly. The NBCSN broadcast will begin at 9PM ET.
North Philly native and #5 heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings, 15-0, 7 KOs, takes on Bowie Tupou, 22-2, 16 KOs, of Tonga, in the 12-round main event with Jennings’ USBA heavyweight title on the line. The 10-round junior lightweight co-feature bout is an intriguing face off between North Philadelphian Teon Kennedy, 17-2-2, 7 KOs, who’s coming off a world title challenge, and the undefeated Texan Jerry Belmontes, 17-0, 5 KOs. Kennedy is moving up in weight for the fight.
Presser Photos & Video
From the lobby of the fight venue, Hall of Fame promoter J Russell Peltz, a Temple University Grad, conducted the press conference, and along with Jennings and Kennedy spoke about the upcoming blockbuster event promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, Goossen Tutor and BAM Boxing.
J Russell Peltz: “This building opened in 1969 and I’ve been a (Temple Basketball) season ticket holder ever since. But I never thought I’d be promoting a fight here, certainly not on national television. “Fight Night” is probably the most successful boxing series going right now on television because the fights are actually competitive. You don’t know who’s going to win or lose.”
Teon Kennedy: “I’m glad to be fighting in Philly again. I haven’t fought here in two or three years. So I’m happy to be on this card right in my backyard. I live right around the corner.”
“This fight I have to win. I’m trying to showcase my skills. When I come to fight, I will be trying to knock him out. No crazy stuff, I’ll still be playing it smart, but I’m trying to knock him out in at least the sixth or seventh round. He’s a good fighter, but I know I’m better than him, and I will be coming to fight.”
Bryant Jennings: “This is an opportunity that I’ve been waiting for. Every fight I dream of, and the outcome is to have a win. I don’t care how it comes, knockout, unanimous decision, split decision. As long as I win.”
“Everybody knows me for my work ethic. I’m a heavyweight running ten miles, ten and a half miles, in less than an hour and a half. My work ethic speaks for itself. So you can tell that I want this.”
“I’m so happy to be fighting at McGonigle Hall. This is my backyard. The track is right out there. I’ve put in endless miles on that track. I’ve scuffed up my sneakers. I did a million pull-ups and dips on the bars out there. So this is definitely my backyard.”
“I don’t take my opponent lightly. I take everybody seriously. So I’m quite sure that you know I’m going to go out and I’m going to fight my hardest. I’m going to do what I got to do. I ain’t looking for no knockout, I’m just looking to win, make it look good, and I’m on to the next one, like Jay-Z said.”
“We have a month left, four weeks exactly, and I’m ready right now. I’m always ready ahead of time. I hope to see you on December the 8th.”
