Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr., and the City of Hammond, today officially welcomed Octavius James/One In A Million Inc.

(FEB 8) Hammond, IN – Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr., and the City of Hammond, today officially welcomed Octavius James/One In A Million Inc. Long awaited Feb. 24th “Slugfest 2006,” calling the show “the beginning of a new era of professional boxing for the City Of Hammond.”

“We have a long and fantastic sports history in Hammond, and anyone who has attended a One In A Million show knows they put on great shows for their fans,

Said McDermott. “I believe this kind of high caliber show will open doors and inspire others to bring their professional sporting events to our city, and we’re excited to have them.”

Tickets for the “Slug Fest 2006” are on sale now, starting at $25. The doors of the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl, doors open at 7 p.m., and the first bout will be at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office 219-853-6378 and Ticket Master 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com

Two of Hammond’s most exciting athletes are IN.B.A. State Lightweight Champion Johnny Novak 14-1 (6 KO’s) and Light Heavyweight Guy Solis 11-6-1 (4 KO’s), fighting the final bout of his winning career, will thrill their hometown fans. The card will also feature the return of light heavyweight sensation Nick Cook 13-1 (7 KO’s), of LaPorte, following an 18-month layoff.

The card will also be a homecoming for former Welterweight veteran and Hammond Sports Hall of Fame’s Jack “Kid” Callahan, now promoting with One In A Million Inc.

“The City of Hammond has always been a great sports town, and the Civic Center has been the site of some of the best moments in boxing in the Midwest,” said Callahan. “This is a homecoming for me, so I’m excited about starting a new boxing era here.”

I’m very excited to be a part of this arena’s boxing rebirth, Callahan Said.