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01/09/2008 Archived Entry: "Karmazin Dedicates Upcoming Bout to To Fallen NYPD Officers"
Former Champ, Roman 'Made in Hell' Karmazin Dedicates Upcoming Bout to To Fallen NYPD Officers
Press Release
NEW YORK--When former IBF 154-pound world champion Roman "Made in Hell" Karmazin, steps in the ring on January 19 at Madison Square Garden to defend his WBA Intercontinental super welterweight championship, he will be fighting for much more than himself. The Russian-born immigrant from St. Petersburg, who came to hte United States to pursue his dreams of becoming a world champion boxer, will dedicate his fight to slain New York City Police officers and fellow Russian immigrants Eugene Markshalik and Russell Timoshenko, who were killed in the line of duty in March and July 2007, respectively.
"These guys, Russell, Evgeni, they were immigrants like me," Karmazin said. "Their families came here to realize happiness, to stand on their own two feet and to be proud of what they accomplished in life. That is why I am dedicating this fight in their memory—to make sure they and their bravery are not forgotten."
Karmazin (36-2-1, 23 KOs), now living in Los Angeles, will defend his title against Alex Bunema (26-9-2, 14 KOs), from Kinshasa, Zaire, in a match featured on the HBO Pay-Per View telecast during the "Bring on the Titans" event headlined by Felix "Tito" Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.
Karmizin realized his professional dream by capturing his first world title in 2005, winning a unanimous decision over champion Kassim Ouma. He is coming off a sterling third-round knockout over former two-time 154-pound world champion Alejandro "Terra" Garcia on Nov. 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Karmazin, 35, proved why he has always been considered one of the best junior middleweights in the world with an absolute destruction of Garcia where the Russian looked fantastic.
"As fighters, we take risks every time we step in the ring as it is hard to become champion and stay there when the competition is so strong," Karmazin said. "But it is nothing compared to putting your life on the line to protect people and hope that you live to see another day."
Karmazin will wear the name of the fallen officers, as well as a NYPD patch, on his robe and trunks when he enters the ring. Karmzin's attorney Steven Bash hopes to get in touch with the families of both Russell and Eugene, and have Roman meet with them and personally invite them to the show.
"What we are doing, should be something that all people should do no matter their background and affiliations, and that is to honor the families of those who have sacrificed to make the lives of others better and safer," said Bash, himself an immigrant from the former Soviet Union whose mother brought him over in her arms.
"Roman would like to show his great respect and appreciation for these two young men and fellow immigrants, Russel Timoshenko and Eugene Marshalik, whose unfortunate sacrifice is part of our ongoing freedom to succeed in the United States."
