-- PRESS RELEASE --
Immediate Release  

VASILY JIROV vs MICHAEL MOORER
  ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
AT THE PECHANGA RESORT AND CASINO
 
BOUT TO BE TELECAST LIVE ON FOX SPORTS NET'S
"BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD"
 
 
LOS ANGELES, November 10th – They are former world champions who have each
excelled in two weight divisions.  But after their heavyweight battle on
Thursday, December 9 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California,
only one can move forward in the world heavyweight rankings. Will it be two-time
heavyweight and former light heavyweight champion Michael Moorer, or former
cruiserweight king Vassiliy Jirov?  We'll find out when Goossen Tutor Promotions
presents this high-voltage showdown between two of boxing's hardest punchers, in
a 12 round bout which will be televised live on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show
Period."
 
Doors open at 4pm  and the first bout starts at 4:15pm (PT.) The main event
starts at 5:30pm (PT.) 
 
"We are thrilled to be back on the "Best Damn Sports Show Period," said Dan
Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions. "All sports fans enjoyed our first telecast
with James Toney and Rydell Booker in September, reflected in the tremendous
rating we received, they'll want to stay glued to their television sets for this
one, which pits two world rated heavyweight contenders against each other in a
fight that has major world title implications.  Both Jirov and Moorer need a win
on December 9, and each fighter packs the type of firepower to end it with one
punch.  This will be a great one."
 
The first Goossen Tutor promoted Best Damn Heavyweight Fight on FSN drew BDSSP's
highest primetime rating in the show's three year history.
 
Vassiliy "The Tiger" Jirov (33-2, 29 KOs) has made his name in the boxing
business with a combination of a 'never say die' attitude and a relentless
attack that leaves few opponents standing.  A 1996 Olympic Gold medallist for
Kazakhstan who also won the Val Barker Cup as the outstanding boxer of the
Atlanta games, Jirov – who now makes his home in Arizona – ruled the
cruiserweight division as world champion from 1999 to 2002. After losing a very
close decision to James Toney in 2003 – a fight many media outlets named 'Fight
of The Year,' Jirov decided to move up into the heavyweight division, where he
won his first two bouts by knockout. In March of this year, Jirov was the
underdog when he squared off against highly regarded and #1 world rated Joe Mesi
in Las Vegas, but after scoring three knockdowns of the unbeaten contender,
there would be no underestimating "The Tiger" in the heavyweight division
again.  And even though he lost a highly controversial decision by one point on
each judge's scorecard, Jirov had put his stamp down as a true heavyweight
contender to watch.    
 
"Fighting and beating the former two-time world heavyweight champion puts me
right into the heavyweight title picture," said Jirov. "I'm going to show
everyone that I'm a bigger puncher as a heavyweight, something my recent
opponents will vouch for." The storied career of Michael Moorer (46-4-1, 36 KOs)
began in 1988, and throughout the early 90's "Double M" terrorized the light
heavyweight division, winning a WBO world championship that he defended nine
times before jumping to the heavyweight division in 1991.  Moorer's success
continued among the big boys, and in 1994 he became the first southpaw to win
the world heavyweight championship when he scored a stirring 12 round decision
win over Evander Holyfield in 1994. 
 
After he lost the belt to Hall of Famer George Foreman later that year, Moorer
regained the crown with a decision win over Axel Schulz in 1996, and he defended
his title twice before losing a courageous battle to Holyfield in their 1997
rematch. Moorer took a three-year break from the ring, but since his return in
2004, the Pennsylvania resident has compiled a 7-2-1 record with five knockouts,
and he knows he is just one victory away from becoming a player again in the
wide-open heavyweight division.
 
"This is it," said Moorer. "Do or die. I'm my strongest when everyone counts me
out. Come December 9, they will be counting Jirov out."