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For Immediate Release ~ Lyndhurst,
New Jersey - One thing
you can count on at any Wayne Johnsen fight is that
his faithful "Wayniacs" will make their presence
felt. Wayne "Lights Out" Johnsen's deep and
growing fan base always packs the house anytime he fights.
Standing and cheering from the opening bell until long
after the final punch is thrown, the "Wayniacs"
make you feel like you're at a soccer stadium somewhere
in Europe. There is already a buzz in North Jersey as
word spreads that he will be making his homecoming debut
when he fights in his hometown of Lyndhurst on October
29.
"My fan base is great. From playing
multiple sports all around the tri-state area I have
made a lot of friends. There're from all over Connecticut,
Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. It's great,
they're loud and they give me that extra push to win.
I also coach football at Lyndhurst High School so all
my players come out. It's going to get really loud on
October 29th.
Born and raised in Lyndhurst, New Jersey,
Johnsen is an all-around athlete. While on a football
scholarship for the University of New Haven, Johnsen
blew out his knee and turned to boxing to stay in shape.
"I hurt my knee playing college football,"
says the 29-year-old. "I had 3 surgeries on my
knee and was getting back in shape. I decided to box
to stay in shape. Some trainers noticed me and said
I had a lot of raw talent, so I started boxing."
Having only a handful of amateur fights,
Johnsen has been successful since turning pro in 2003,
compiling a record of 17-3 with 9 KOs. In 2007, Johnsen
was given the opportunity of a lifetime when he was
selected and then qualified to compete in the third
season of the popular television boxing reality series
"The Contender."
From the onset, Johnsen's raw athletic
ability made an impression on the show's trainers.
Sugar Ray Leonard was quoted as saying,
"When I think of Wayne Johnsen I think of a winner."
The hall of fame fighter also served as the show's host.
After beating Miguel Hernandez in the
first round of the tournament, Johnsen fell short in
the semifinals against Jaidon Codrington.
Johnsen is looking to rebound after suffering
a tough decision loss to veteran Sam Soliman in his
last fight.
"I've been trying to have a fight
here for 4 years. It's a great venue and it's right
in my backyard. I am fired up to get in the ring. Lyndhurst
is going to be treated to an exciting night of action
on October 29 and I am excited to be part of a card
that is stacked with talented fighters."
Wayne will be part
of an action-packed card that features former world
champion Vivian Harris, undefeated up-and-coming prospect
Lujan Simon, as well as former decorated amateur standouts
Carlos Zambrano and Alex Perez.
"This is my debut too," says
new promoter and fellow Lyndhurst resident Mike Indri.
"I couldn't find a more fitting way,
in my premier event, than to have Wayne Johnsen, Lyndhurst's
hometown hero, fighting at our landmark Medieval Times.
It's great for Wayne, its great for Dignity Promotions
and its especially great for Lyndhurst."
The event, "Knockout Knights",
will be the first boxing event held at Medieval Times
since 1997.
"I am proud to
deliver such a quality card for our great fans. Our
premier event will feature big names and exciting young
prospects. Dignity Promotions is committed to bringing
a competitive, action-filled night of boxing on October
29th." Said Indri, President and CEO of Dignity
Promotions.
"Knockout Knights" is expected
to have 8 exciting bouts. The Medieval Times Castle
is located at 149 Polito Avenue in Lyndhurst, NJ.
Tickets are priced at $50.00 (Ringside), $40.00 (Reserved),
and $30.00 (General Admission). VIP-Corporate tables
are also available.
To
purchase tickets, call (201) 741-4994, go to www.dignityboxing.com,
or call the Medieval Times Box Office at (201) 933-2220.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., first bout begins at 7:30 p.m.
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