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03/19/2009 Entry: "CES Signs James McGirt, Jr."
CES Signs James McGirt, Jr.
Press Release
PROVIDENCE (March 19, 2009) – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES) announced today that it has signed super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. to an exclusive, multi-year promotional contract.
The 26-year-old McGirt (19-2-1, 9 KOs), born in Brentwood, New York and now fighting out of Vero Beach (FL), is scheduled to make his CES debut on “River Rage” on May 22 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. James is trained by his father, James “Buddy” McGirt, 2-time world champion and former Trainer of the Year
“CES doesn’t give-up on fighters after a loss as long as he has learned from a set-back and shown me he still has fire burning in his stomach to be a world champion,” Jimmy Burchfield said. “We build champions and give personalized care to all of our fighters. I remember Scotty Pemberton getting knocked out by Hector Sanjurjo. We didn’t give up on Pemberton and he came back to be the No. 1 contender in the world and fought for the world title. It’s not always about the money; it’s about getting the job done.
“My reputation and word is my bond. James’ father Buddy was a champion – he’ll always be a champion – and he’s trained a lot of world champions. We are going to work together as a team to make James a world champion. He’s a very gifted boxer with a great pedigree. CES is a supportive team and everyone is delighted to add a talent like James to our growing stable that includes world-class fighters like Matt Godfrey, Jason Estrada and Joey Spina.”
Growing up, James used his natural athletic ability to play basketball, a sport he believes he’d be playing professionally somewhere today if he hadn’t given it up to box. McGirt’s tremendous quickness and athleticism was good enough for James, Jr. to earn a basketball scholarship to St. Petersburg Junior College, but boxing flowed through his veins and he decided to pursue boxing on a fulltime basis.
Off the hardcourt and into the four-cornered ring, James had a solid 44-4 amateur record, including gold medal performances in the Sunshine State Games and Southeast Regional, in addition to reaching the quarterfinals of the U.S. Championships twice and semifinals of the National PALs.
“My last name is a big part of me and my career,” James remarked. “I’m Buddy’s son. It’s in the genes. He was a great fighter and he’s one of the hottest trainers in boxing today. I’ve gained a lot of experience just being his son. The pressure is always going to be there because of who I am. I’ve been around this sport a long time and I know expectations are high.
“I’m very excited to get back in the ring. It’s been too long. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Mr. Burchfield and I’m grateful to him for giving me this great opportunity. I’m going back up to super middleweight. I had nothing left, no life after three rounds, at 160. I’m in the process of moving back up to 168, but we’re not jumping right up. This fight will be at around 164-165. I want to be a world champion.”
McGirt’s opponents always bring their A game, trying to defeat James and his famous father, which has often proven to be dangerous for James. “Yeah,” Buddy agreed, “but we have to let James’ action do the talking. The rest will take care of itself. Jimmy Burchfield is a great guy and I’m thankful for this opportunity he’s giving to my son.”
So, in many respects, it is last call for James McGirt. “It’s a new beginning,” his manager Dennis Witherow commented. “Jimmy is a straight forward guy who has been in this industry for a long time. He understands the job a promoter needs to do to take his fighter to the next level. We are all very happy that James has signed with CES.”
Go to www.cesboxcing.com for more information about Classic Entertainment and Sports.
