THE ART OF BOXING – CHAMPS GET PUT ON CANVAS
Hall of Fame artist Richard T. Slone selected to paint Freitas vs. Diaz Superfight

Commisssioned for the Superfight; a large Slone original

Philadelphia (April 16, 2007) - Renowned artist Richard T. Slone has been commissioned by Banner Promotions to paint the upcoming World Championship Boxing unification event featuring Acelino “Popo” Freitas versus Juan “El Torito” Diaz in the HBO televised fight live from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut on Saturday, April 28th , 2007.

Slone has completed two original paintings for the event that will be used in marketing the fight. Uses will include the official posters, program covers and event merchandise.

“I’m honored to team up with Banner Promotions to paint their big event” said Slone, “This is a very compelling fight and it’s going to be great. It’s a big event which is also Foxwood’s 100th fight, so they chose to commemorate it and it’s a great honor.”

Banner Promotions president Art Pelullo said, “I think Richard is one of the most talented young artists in the world today and that’s why we wanted him to make these commemorative paintings for Foxwoods 100th fight. I think he adds a lot of class to any promotion. Everybody at the press conference in New York just couldn’t believe his artwork. We reached out for him and really appreciate his work.”

Slone spent the last month creating two large paintings depicted what he feels will transpire on April 28th in the highly anticipated world lightweight title unification fight between World Boxing Organization champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas (38-1, 32 KOs), from Salvador, Brazil and undefeated World Boxing Association champion Juan “El Torito” Diaz (31-0, 15 KOs), from Houston, Texas.

The paintings are officially licensed by Banner Promotions and are available in posters and on other merchandise at the event and through various other outlets including www.banner-promotions.com

Richard T. Slone has been hailed by the media as the next great artist. His work is widely collected by art collectors and high-society. Owners of his originals include Donald Trump, Nelson Mandela, Hugh Hefner and Muhammad Ali. He is the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the official artist of the UFC and at only 32 years of age is one of the most accomplished emerging artist’s in the world. Earlier this year the National Geographic came to an agreement to publish his work over the next ten years.

Banner Promotions® is one of the world’s leading professional boxing promotion companies and offers the premier sporting events. Owned and operated by Arthur Pelullo, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA., Banner Promotions promotes some of the sports biggest names including Acelino “Popo” Freitas and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.

Promoted by Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions and Don King/Don King Productions, the Freitas-Diaz will be broadcast live by HBO (delayed on the west coast) beginning at 10 P.M. ET/PT

# # #

Slone Art® Company media relations
info@sloneart.com

Related Internet links:
Banner Promotions official site (www.banner-promotions.com)
Richard T. Slone official site (www.sloneart.com)