Andy Lee Bryan Vera Final ress Conference

DiBella Entertainment Press Release

Earlier this afternoon, Lou DiBella, of DiBella Entertainment, hosted the final press conference for “Noche De ‘Maravilla'” featuring WBC Diamond belt Middleweight Champion, and top three pound-for-pound fighter, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (47-2-2, 26KO’s), who will be taking on undefeated European Champion “Dazzling” Darren Barker (23-0, 14 KOs), this Saturday, October 1st, at Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, NJ. The show will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing at 10:00 P.M. ET/7:00 P.M. PT, opening with the much anticipated rematch between “Irish” Andy Lee (26-1, 19KO’s) and Bryan Vera (19-5, 12KO’s).

 

 

All four of the televised fighters were in attendance and took turns speaking to the large number of media who turned out to attend the presser which was held at The Palm Restaurant, on West 50th Street, in New York City.

 

DiBella kicked things off, thanking everyone for coming and talking about the exciting card in store for Saturday night outlined, “This is going to be a great card on Saturday night,” said DiBella.

 

“Not only are the televised fights going to be great but the off-TV undercard is going to be terrific as well. In boxing we have to offer entertainment from the second people get in their seats until they leave, and that’s what we have Saturday night.

 

“In the main event, we have, who I believe to be the number one fighter in the world, Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez being challenged by a young man, who has been grossly underestimated by the press and frankly disrespected, in Darren Barker.

 

Of most interest to Irish fans is Lee’s revenge mission against Brian Vera, who holds the win over Lee’s otherwise unblemished record.

 

DiBella explained, “In the opening fight, we have a tremendous match-up with Andy Lee, who has established himself as one of the best middleweights in the world, taking on the tough-as-nails Bryan Vera. Andy is on the verge of challenging for a championship, but he has that one notch on his record that he wants to get rid of, and that’s his loss to Bryan Vera.

 

“This is an interesting fight because both Andy and Bryan are much better fighters than they were a few years ago when they first met, and both have a lot to prove in this fight. This fight was made because Andy Lee wanted this fight, not because he needed it, and I think that says a lot about Andy and his team.”

 

Lee has wanted this rematch since the night he was beaten and Vera has been made a number of previous offers to face the Limerick fighter. “This fight has been three-and-a-half years in the making. I have wanted it since the day after the first fight. I have been longing for this fight, and finally it’s here.

 

 

“I want to thank Lou and HBO for making this fight happen and giving me this opportunity. I have had a great training camp, and I am ready for this, and ready to prove myself on Saturday night. I’m not looking past Bryan Vera or anything, but after I beat him, I’m going to take my ringside seat and, with all due respect to Sergio and Darren, I am ready and want to fight the winner.”

 

Although already having chalked up a win against Lee and gone on to bolster his roster with wins over the likes of Sebastian Demers and Sergio Mora, Vera once again goes into the fight as the betting underdog.

 

“I am grateful for this opportunity to fight Lee again Saturday night. I have paid my dues, and worked very hard to get to this point. I have become a much better fighter since our first fight and everyone will see that come fight night. I have tremendous respect for Andy for taking this fight, because I recognize that he didn’t have to take this fight. I expect to put on an exciting performance Saturday night, and take my career to the next level,” said Vera.

 

“Noche de ‘Maravilla’: Martinez vs. Barker” is being presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Sport, and Caesars Atlantic City, and is sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6PM ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:30PM ET. HBO will begin live coverage at 10:00PM ET.

 

Tickets for “Noche de ‘Maravilla'” are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster retail outlet, or in person at the Boardwalk Hall box office.