COURT RULES ANTWUN ECHOLS IS A FREE AGENT

June 12, Los Angeles - A United States District Court has ruled that the promotional agreement between Antwun Echols and Arthur Pelullo's Banner Promotions is void and unenforceable. In an 11-page Opinion, the Court held that the agreement lacked adequate compensation provisions and is thus indefinite as a matter of law.

Echols, who fights Anthony Mundine for the WBA Supermiddleweight Championship on August 6, indicated that he is happy about the ruling and "focused on preparing to win the World Championship."

Echols's attorney, Lamont Jones of Los Angeles, stressed that "Antwun Echols is unquestionably a promotional free agent."

He indicated that he expects Banner to appeal the ruling, but that the appeals process "will not affect Antwun's ability to pursue his career or align himself with another promoter if he chooses to do so."

Echols is regarded as one of boxing's hardest punchers. His only losses over the past seven years have come in two tough bouts with middleweight great Bernard Hopkins.

Echols's career record is 29 wins, 4 losses and one draw, with 26 knockouts.