LARA FACES GRADY BREWER ON JANUARY 29

Press Release: January 13, 2009

Former Cuban amateur star Erislandy Lara has made his mark in the professional ranks with the same speed and impact that his blistering combinations make on his opponents, and after just nine fights, he appears to be ready to graduate to the next level. On Friday, January 29, the undefeated rising star will be featured in a 10-round junior middleweight bout that will push Lara to the limit as he takes on 154-pound standout and the winner of the second season of “The Contender,” Grady Brewer. Lara vs. Brewer will be the opening bout of the Fox Sports Net telecast headlined by Campillo vs. Shumenov II from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Former amateur star Erislandy Lara (9-0, 5 KO’s) has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks since defecting from Cuba in 2008, and in just nine professional fights has dazzled boxing insiders and fans alike with his speed, power and poise. Fresh off of a near-shutout win over veteran Luciano Perez in his first 10-round fight last December, Lara will up the ante once again when he takes on seasoned contender Grady Brewer in a ten round junior middleweight bout.

“This is a big opportunity for me and I'm happy to be fighting a quality opponent like Grady Brewer,” said Lara. “I know he's going to come ready to fight, but so am I, and I want to make a statement by giving the fans my best performance yet.”

The story of Lawton, Oklahoma’s Grady Brewer (26-11, 15 KO’s) is the classic tale of a fighter who came up the hard way, but in 2006, Brewer finally got his chance to shine as a competitor on the hit reality series “The Contender.” By the end of that year he scored three victories and defeated former World Champion Steve Forbes to take home the series crown. Since then, Brewer has put together four more wins, three by knockout and is eager to pin the first loss on Lara’s record on January 29.

“There's no denying Lara's talent, but he's not ready for me or this fight,” said Brewer. “I've paid my dues the hard way and now it's time for me to make my move. This ain't the amateurs and I'm going to let Lara know that on January 29.”

“Fight Night With De La Hoya and Hopkins: Campillo vs. Shumenov II” features the 12-round Light Heavyweight World Championship rematch between Spain’s Gabriel Campillo defending his WBA crown against Las Vegas resident Beibut Shumenov. The evening of boxing will be presented by KZ Event Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, with Campillo vs. Shumenov presented in association with Sampson Boxing LLC. The bout will be televised live on Fox Sports Net (FSN) and its regional sports network affiliates beginning at 11 pm ET / 8 pm PT (check local listings). Doors will open at 6 pm and the first bell rings at 7 pm.

Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing, which will be hosted by and attended by future Hall of Famers Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins, are priced at $150, $125, $100, $50 and $40 (general admission standing room tickets). Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.