Erik Morales vs. Marcos Maidana in Main Event!

When I hear the phrase “Action Heroes,” the first thought that comes to mind are movie stars from the big screen–tough guys like Bruce Willis, The Rock, Vin Diesel, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steven Seagal, whose names shined brightly on theater marquees. These brawny actors from blockbusters past really gave the audience something to root for–and somebody to cheer on.

It’s now 2011 and for boxing fans around the world, the upcoming “Action Heroes” will offer their own version of marquee matchups with six fighters hoping to give the fans something to really cheer about.

I attended Tuesday’s press conference in Los Angeles where Oscar De La Hoya, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Ronald “Winky” Wright all stood tall–shoulder to shoulder–on stage as they officially announced “Action Heroes,” taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 9. Birmingham’s Matthew Macklin and Queensland’s Michael Katsidis were not in attendance on this day.

In April, the superstars of the ring will face off in the boxing ring in a stacked bill airing live on HBO Pay-Per-View. And the six combatants are international “action heroes” hailing from Mexico, Argentina, England, Australia and the U.S. The star-studded card will feature: Morales vs. Maidana, Wright vs. Macklin and Guerrero vs. Katsidis. With over 200 victories amongst these sluggers, there should be nothing but action in the squared circle. And as I notice that the tickets (already on sale) begin at just $25, the fans are promised a lot of action from this six pack of fighters.

The kickoff event took place at the ESPN Zone at L.A. LIVE, which was fittingly located right across the street from the Staples Center, where a large statue of De La Hoya, the “Golden Boy” himself stands. The luncheon also came on the heels of the NBA All-Star Game’s weekend festivities held at Staples, where superstars of the court squared off for West vs. East bragging rights.

Now these heralded six will fight for their own braggin’ rights as the world champions aim to add another win on their ledgers.

As the boxers made their way to the dais, the crowd stirred to see if there was going to be any tense “war of words,” so to speak. All four prizefighters–flanked by their respective teams–kept things very civil, polite and respectful. No trash talking, chair throwing or early fisticuffs amongst these champs.

De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, got the ball rolling by announcing to the crowd, “The reason why every fighter is on this card is that each one comes out to fight–each one gives it their all. And these are warriors willing to fight the best!”

All said they were up to the task in facing their opponents, each giving respect to their foes. Guerrero said Katsidis is a “huge pressure” fighter that “keeps punching and punching!” but he will be ready for this fight, which “The Ghost” believes could earn “Fight of the Night” honors.

Ring veteran Wright stated, “I’m glad to be finally fighting again.”

After defeats by Paul Williams and Bernard Hopkins, Winky said of his almost two-year layoff: “The problem was that nobody wanted to fight me. I beat Jermain Taylor…I didn’t get decisions.” The Florida fighter also took time to assure that fans will see the “true Winky Wright” on April 9.

Argentinean Maidana kept things short and sweet while at the mic. “I’m proud to be facing a legend,” he spoke of going against the beloved Tijuana warrior, Erik Morales. “But in this fight, I’m sure I will be world champion again.”

Right after Maidana’s brief statement, promoter De La Hoya commented with a smile, that the boxers prefer “to talk with their fists.” Speaking of the phenom from Buenos Aires, “Maidana has knockout power in both both hands and after that devastating body punch by Khan proved he is a great warrior!” He also added that the power puncher “has not been in a single boring fight; fans are in for a special treat.”

Maidana’s “Action Hero” counterpart, Mexico’s legendary “El Terrible” spoke with confidence during his turn in the spotlight. Trained by his father Jose Morales, the ring icon will be defending his WBC Silver light welter title. Being a champion is nothing new for this 18-year veteran.

De La Hoya reminded the assembled media, “He has epitomized the sport with his style, heart and courage–AND was the last man to beat Pacquiao!”

And Morales, who began his “comeback” last year, winces at any talk of retiring. The world titlist addressed these issues by asking us first, “Why should I come back?” He then answered his own question with, “It’s very simple. I didn’t deserve to go out the way I did. With hard work and dedication, I’m back.”

He also stood firm that he still belongs in the ring–and is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. Morales, 34, mentioned of hearing that Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, among many others, have said that they’re worried about the champion lacing up again. The hard-swinging Mexican gladiator shot back against Roach and any other critics with, “I admire your work and that you’re worried about me. But there’s something important you forgot…I beat his fighter–fair and square! Now I’m back because I want to be back–and I’m enjoying myself.”

While some have balked at him taking on such a tough hombre in Maidana, the Tijuana puncher remarked of his dangerous foe, “Marcos Maidana is ideal for me; that’s who I want to fight. Erik Morales is NOT done; I’m here to stay!”

Confirming the fighter’s resolve was De La Hoya. Oscar told the crowd, “Erik Morales feels REFRESHED!”

Come April 9, you will see if these “Action Heroes” in the boxing ring will rival those famous faces and action heroes on the big screen. From what I can tell after yesterday’s gathering, “El Terrible,” “El Chino,” “Winky,” “Mack The Knife,” “The Ghost” and “The Great” hope to bring their own box-office bonanza to fans around the world.

“Action Heroes” is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Erik Morales’ Box Latino and Universum Box Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools and Tres Generaciones. Wright vs. Macklin is presented in association with Winky Promotions and Guerrero vs. Katsidis is presented in association with Sampson Boxing.

Tickets: (800) 745-3000

Photos by Maria Hedrick.com