'Storm' brewing June 8 in Montreal; Alvarez defends NABO light heavyweight title against Hawk; Lemieux returns to action

MONTREAL (May 18, 2012) - Undefeated North American Boxing Organization ("NABO") Light Heavyweight Champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez (8-0, 5 KOs) makes his first title defense on Friday, June 8 against Native American challenger Shawn "The Sioux Warrior" Hawk (23-1, 19 KOs), headlining the fifth and final edition of this year's popular GYM Fast & Furious Boxing Series, at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal. Alvarez, a 28-year-old Colombian native who lives in Montreal, is on the fast track to stardom in the 175-pound division.  The 2008 Colombian Olympian captured the NABO title belt last December, stopping Emiliano Cayetano (21-3) in the opening round.  Alvarez, who is rated No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization ("WBO"), won all eight rounds in his most recent fight against Rayco Saunders (22-15-2) this past April. "On June 8," Alvarez said about his 10-round main event, "it will be my first fight as the main event of the GYM series and I'm very proud. In the ring, I intend to justify the confidence they have placed in me, and put on a good show for the Quebec public. Shawn Hawk is a fiery young boxer who has determined to win, but I am sure that I have what it takes to keep my belt in my adopted country."   The 27-year-old Hawk, fighting out of Atlantic City (NJ), is riding a five-fight win streak, his last four coming since he dropped down in weight to compete in the light heavyweight division.  Hawk's victims at 175 pounds have included Henry Buchanan (20-2), Otis Griffin (23-8-2) and Rubin Williams (29-10-1) for the Sovereign Nations title. ExcitingMontreal middleweight David Lemieux (25-2, 24 KOs) is a caged lion after being sidelined with a right hand injury he sufferedlast December in his fight against Joachim Alcine (33-2-1, 19 KOs).  The 23-year-old Lemieux, ranked No. 23 by the World Boxing Council ("WBC"), takes on tough Mexican-American Jaudiel "Negro" Zepeda (12-5-1, 9 KOs), who gave Renan St-Juste (23-3-1, 15 KOs) all he could handle in his last fight. "With this fight," Lemieux predicted, "I restart my career. I know I have disappointed many of my supporters but I recently learned a lot and have matured. I cannot wait to reconnect with the action. Without looking too far ahead, of course, I dream of fighting rematches against (Marco Antonio) Rubio and Alcine in the near future." Fighting on a stacked undercard are a trio of talented, unbeaten heavyweights --Oscar "Kaboom" Rivas (10-0, 6 KOs), Eric Barrack (7-0, 6 KOs) and Didier Bence (4-0, 2 KOs).  Rivas's opponent will be announced shortly.   Barrack was spectacular on April 20 in his victory by second-round knockout of rugged Sandy Pembroke, fighting out of British Columbia. This time around Barrack faces another former Canadian Olympic boxing champion, Sheldon Hinton (11-8-1, 4 KO), of Alberta, in a six-round bout. Barrack intends to make a powerful statement as one of the best, young heavyweight Canadian boxers with another spectacular knockout. Bence, who has been out of the ring since last December due to a facial injury, is rapidly developing. His battle-tested opponent, Stéphane "Brutus" Tessier (3-28-1, 1KO), of Longueuil, promises to push young Bence in their six-round match. Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is exciting middleweight Ahmad Cheikho(6-4-2, 5K), also fighting out of Montreal, who is a protégé of Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management). One additional fight will soon be announced. The GYM Fast and Furious Boxing Series is an innovative and unique event at the Bell Centre, featuring seats and close to the action. These events are also available to watch on PPV in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV. TICKETS ON SALE: Please note that tickets will be available at the Bell Centre box office, evenko.ca or at GYM (383.0666), starting at $60.00.