CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions Announce Co-Promotional Agreement with Jamaine Ortiz

ORLANDO, FL (October  2024) – CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions are excited to announce a co-promotional partnership with top jr. welterweight contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs). 

Ortiz’s first fight under the new agreement will take place on Boxlab Promotions’ popular “Night of Champions” card, scheduled for November 1, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event will be televised live worldwide on DAZN.

Ortiz will face battle tested Mexican warrior, Gilberto Espinoza (13-2, 8 KOs), from Tijuana, MX, in a 10-round main event bout for the WBA Continental USA Jr. Welterweight title, setting the stage for a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown. This fight represents a pivotal moment in Ortiz’s career, as he looks to reestablish his standing in the jr. welterweight division.

This event is brought to you by Boxlab Promotions in association with CES Sports and Undisputed Promotions. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 (Standard Admission-3A), $100 (Ringside), are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

“I’m really excited to be co-promoted by two great promoters like CES Boxing and Boxlab,” stated Ortiz, who fights out of Worcester, Massachusetts. “This is the right move for me at this juncture of my career, and I’m confident that together, they will get me where I need to be in the sport. I’ve always had big goals, and this partnership will help me reach them. My fight with Espinoza is going to showcase what I’ve been working on, and I’m going to shine on the international stage.”

“Jamaine Ortiz is an excellent fighter, and we are excited to start this co-promotional agreement with CES Boxing,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “Jamaine is a top-tier talent, and we believe this partnership will bring him even closer to realizing his full potential. We’re committed to working together to secure the best opportunities for his career, and November 1st will be the start of an incredible journey with him.”

“This co-promotional partnership is a game-changer for Jamaine Ortiz and a great step forward for CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions,” stated Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., Founder of CES Boxing. “Jamaine has shown he’s one of the best fighters in the world at 140, and by joining forces with Boxlab, we’re positioning him for even bigger opportunities on the world stage. This is a win for all of us, and we look forward to seeing him shine on November 1st.”

Ortiz, who gave WBO jr. welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez all he could handle in February, is eager to get back into world title contention. He believes that this co-promotional agreement is the perfect move for him at this stage of his career.

“My goal is to get back into a world title fight, and I know that with the support of CES and Boxlab, I can get there,” concluded Ortiz. “It all starts on November 1st against a tough opponent in Espinoza, and I’m ready to put on a show for the fans and make my mark again.”

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Undefeated Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero, Jr. to take on 10-0 Mandeep Jangra

Headlining RJJ Boxing show this Thursday in Toppenish, WA

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SUPER WELTERWEIGHT DANTE KIRKMAN

 

Stanford University Senior Dante Kirkman secures Second Pro Victory

PALO ALTO, CA (September 5, 2024) – Dante Kirkman, the 22-year-old welterweight prospect from Palo Alto, CA, and current Stanford University student, secured his second professional victory this past Saturday, August 31, 2014. Kirkman defeated Miguel Soto-Garcia (1-4) from Mexico City by unanimous decision in a 4-round bout promoted by Lion’s Den Promotions at the Marriott on Broadway in Oakland.

Kirkman, who continues to balance his academic pursuits with his boxing career, displayed an impressive punch output in this fight, dominating every round from start to finish. The victory came in front of a supportive Bay Area crowd.

“It feels great to get my second win as a pro,” said Kirkman, who is sponsored by Victor Conte’s SNAC nutrition. “Every fight is a learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase what I’ve been working on in the gym. Fighting in the Bay Area is special to me. The support from the local community means everything, and I wanted to make sure I put on a good show for them. There’s nothing like the energy of fighting at home. This victory is another step forward in my journey.”

After making his professional debut in May of 2024, Kirkman, who goes by the nickname “Inferno” is hoping to secure two more fights by the end of the year. He is coached by former world title challenger Eddie Croft.

“I’m eager to stay busy and continue building momentum,” concluded Kirkman. “The more experience I gain, the better I’ll become. Coach Eddie Croft and I have a great connection. We’ve been working together for a long time, and he knows how to bring out the best in me. Our chemistry is strong, and I trust him completely in preparing me for each fight. My goal is to fight two more times this year, keep improving, and keep climbing the ranks. After I graduate from Stanford, it’s all boxing moving forward.___________

 

Introducing the Team USA Boxing Squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Olympics in Paris are just about here, and boxing should be one of the most watched sports, and Team USA are confident that will leave Paris with a medal around their neck. The only thing is NBCUniversal who will be airing the Olympics will most likely force-feed the viewing audience with non-stop swimming events, which are nothing but bore-fests.

Considering, for the most part, no one besides these kid’s parents and relatives ever watch a High School of College swim event – there is no reason whatsoever why they spend so much airtime on them.

What they should be airing is more Boxing and Wrestling – not these sports were no contact is involved. People have become soft enough – why make them even softer by airing these non-physical time sports.

Then there is LeBron James playing on the Olympic Basketball Team for the fourth time and making him one of the Team USA’s Captains. How ridiculous is that!!

It is not enough for this Glory King to make billions of dollars in professional basketball as well as previously appear at three prior Olympic Games – now he has nerve to deprive some college kid or another qualified – less famous – basketball player from getting on the squad. 

Besides James, part of the same star-studded squad also features former MVPs Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Joel Embiid on the team!

How this is permitted is simply insane and so terribly unfair.

The Olympics are for the most part a joke when these professionals play from any Country. 

Though almost every year the Olympic committee attempts to remove either boxing or wrestling, the original Olympic sports from the Games, they continue to be complicit in these shenanigans with these professional athletes.

One of the only true amateurs left are the Olympic Boxing and Wrestling Teams.

Good luck to all of them.

2024 Paris Olympics Lineup

Men’s Boxing Team

Roscoe Hill – Flyweight

Roscoe Hill is an exceptional talent competing in the men’s flyweight division at the Paris Olympics. He has won a gold medal at the 2022 AMBC Elite Championships and a silver at the 2021 Elite World Championships. He is extremely evasive and punches from an impressive variety of angles, making him a nightmare to face. At 29 years old, Hill will be the oldest boxer on Team USA.

Jahmal Harvey – Featherweight

Jahmal Harvey, the featherweight fighting out of Maryland, will aim to make a splash at this summer’s games. He won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games, which qualified him for the 2024 games. He will be one of the main medal hopes for Team USA.

Harvey throws a high volume of punches, but he is thoughtful with his shots, not wasting many. His accuracy ensures he is extremely difficult to beat in the amateur code.

Omari Jones – Welterweight

Omari Jones will be competing in the welterweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He made a name for himself at his first-ever international tournament, winning a silver medal at the 2021 Elite World Championship.

Jones earned his place when boxing in the first Olympic Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, placing among the top four in the 71 kg weight division. He performs very well in competitions and has shown he has what it takes to navigate the rounds.

Joshua Edwards – Super Heavyweight

24-year-old Joshua Edwards, fighting out of Houston will be competing in the super heavyweight division in Paris. He has enjoyed a successful amateur career, including winning gold at the 2021 USA Boxing Elite National Championships.

Edwards is not your traditional-looking super heavyweight at six feet three inches tall and weighing around 220 pounds. His speed when attacking and evading attacks makes him stand out from many competitors. He’s defensively astute and looks set to have a memorable 2024 games.

Women’s Boxing Team

Jennifer Lozano – Flyweight

Jennifer Lozano will be competing in the women’s flyweight division in Paris. She has won a plethora of amateur honors, including two National Golden Gloves and two USA Boxing Elite National Championships.

Lozano is an aggressive fighter who starts fast and takes it to her opponents, meaning she often builds up early leads in her amateur bouts. She has the quality and the desire to make a name for herself in Paris.

Alyssa Mendoza – Featherweight

20-year-old Alyssa Mendoza, fighting out of Idaho, made the Team USA squad for the Paris Olympics by winning each of her fights at the final world qualification tournament in May. Mendoza qualifying for the 2024 games is a brilliant story after she went 5-8 in 2018.

Mendoza comes forward in her fights and takes it to her opposition – and this will be no different in Paris. The Idaho native has shown her toughness – which she will need to make a splash in the summer games.

Jajaira Gonzalez – Lightweight

The 27-year-old lightweight Jajaira Gonzalez won several youth tournaments in boxing before taking a break in 2018 to concentrate on her mental health before COVID-19 struck and Gonzalez got a regular job.

She found her way back into boxing and collected a bronze medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, which punched her ticket to Paris. Gonzalez is by her admission a more well-rounded fighter who now realises the importance of defence and offence. If Gonzalez can fight her way to a medal in Paris, it would surely be one of the most memorable Olympic stories.

Morelle McCane – Welterweight

Morelle McCane secured her place in the welterweight division after securing a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games. McCane is also the first female boxer from Cleveland, Ohio, to qualify for an Olympic Games.

She has had a successful amateur career, amassing a record of 50-5. She picks her punches well and can throw in high volume with impressive accuracy. Can the 4 x National Golden Gloves champion win the biggest prize in amateur boxing?

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Towering 6’3” Filipino Middleweight Blazen Rocilli Signs Managerial with Boxing VIP

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 24, 2024) – Filipino boxer Blazen Rocilli (6-0, 5 KOs), a promising 21-year-old middleweight from Waipahu, Hawaii, now training in Las Vegas, NV, has officially signed a managerial agreement with Andrew Bocanegra, President of Boxing VIP. Rocilli, standing at an impressive 6’3” and fighting out of the southpaw stance, is unique for his size. He is the tallest Filipino in the sport and is poised to make significant strides in his boxing career under this new partnership.

Rocilli is trained by the highly respected coach Richard Barrientes at the Pound-4-Pound boxing gym in Las Vegas, known for hosting some of the best training camps in boxing. With an incredible work ethic, Rocilli has quickly become a notable figure in the super welterweight division.

“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Andrew Bocanegra and Boxing VIP,” said Blazen Rocilli, who’s family back in the Philippines is from the city of Ilocos Norte. “I believe this partnership will elevate my career to new heights and provide me with the opportunities I need to showcase my skills on the biggest stages. I have a great team behind me now and I’m looking forward to my future in boxing.”

“Blazen Rocilli has the makings of something special in the boxing world,” said Andrew Bocanegra, confident in Rocilli’s potential. “His talent, combined with his massive height and southpaw stance, makes him a problem for anyone in the super welterweight division. As a tall Filipino boxer, he brings a unique style and presence to the ring that I believe will captivate fans and unite the Philippine community. In my opinion, he can become the next Filipino superstar.”

Rocilli, a promotional free agent, inspired by the legacy of Filipino boxing legends, expressed his aspirations for his career. “I want to follow in the footsteps of great Philippine fighters like Manny Pacquiao and others. They have set a high standard, and I am determined to honor their legacy by working hard and striving for greatness in every fight.”

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Two-division world champion Maureen Shea returning to the ring on Aug. 9^th in Worcester, MA

 “Punch-Out at Polar Park II”

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 24, 2024) –  Two-time, two-division world champion Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea (30-2-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in more than two years on the August 9^th (Aug. 10 rain date) “Punch-Out at Polar Park II” card, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) in conjunction with Kendrick Ball’s Camp Get Right Boxing, at beautiful Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.

A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim World Featherweight and International Female Boxing Association (IBF) World Bantamweight Champion, Shea faces Beata Dudek (4-2, 4 KOs), who fights out of Hungary by way of her native Slovakia. She competed in the 2022 IBA Women’s World Championships as an amateur.

The centerpiece of a revitalized City of Worcester, the state-of-the-art Polar Park will host the second installment of  “Punch-Out at Polar Park” at the home of the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate Worcester Red Sox (WooSox).

All of the action will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

The Greg Hill Foundation will receive a portion of the proceeds to continue improving the lives of local families in need. It has donated more than $20 Million to more than 9,000 different beneficiaries. Go to www.thegreghillfoundation.org for more information.

“Maureen is a friend, and we are very happy to have her fight on our show,” promoter Chuck Shearns commented. “When our fighter, Josniel Castro, relocated to Florida, Maureen was extremely gracious and helpful to us. That’s the kind of person she is.”

Shea, 43, has had a solid 17-year pro career. She’s riding an 18-fight unbeaten streak with 17 victories and one draw. The Mexican American fighter from the Bronx (NY), who now lives in Delray Beach (FL), trains and is a strength-and-conditioning coach at DS Boxing in Boca Raton, Florida.

“I’m better than ever,” Shea spoke about fighting at her age. “I have a balanced life, so why not fight? It’s not about proving myself. I have experience and I’m strong, I love this sport and I’m following the path. I’m going to give it a good run and hopefully I’ll get another world title fight. I’m at peace in my life. I’ve always stayed busy, and boxing has never left me. I started training again in 2022 and I wanted to see what would happen. It’s a challenge boxing in my forties, but there is a lot of BS. I’m doing this now for me. I started at 17 and women couldn’t fight in the amateurs. I got to No. 1 in the world. I learned a lot in the amateurs – I only had 11 fights — of what not to do in the pros. I was misdiagnosed with bi-polar and was on a lot of medication, It’s the reason I moved to California. I have seasonal affect disorder. It rejuvenated my life and off of medications. And I have a platform and a voice for young women in boxing. I started to box again, but the lapses  in years that I had were from deeply emotional struggles.

“I also want to prove that life in boxing isn’t over at 40 if you age gracefully and do not lose your spirit. I’m good and getting better. People come up to me and say I must have found the Foundation of Youth. I’ve been through so much boxing that nothing affects me. I’m adaptable.”

Shea has always been a huge New York Yankees fan, often wearing the famous pinstripes while boxing, although she probably won’t be doing so fighting in the Triple A home of the Boston Red Sox.

“I’ve always loved baseball,” she added. “Mo Vaughn (former Red Sox star) is a friend of mine. I do my strength training at his performance center in Boca Raton. And when I fought in Mexico, I danced with Nomar Garciaparra (another former Red Sox star). I love baseball. When Top Rank had a show at Yankee Stadium, I really wanted to fight on that show, but now I’m fighting at a beautiful ballpark. Boston has always had great fans and I think they will appreciate my style.  I have friends driving up from New York City, and others are coming from Boston and even New Hampshire. I’m excited to display my skills there. Chuck (Shearns) is a great guy. He told me he always wanted to have a women’s fight on his (Polar Park) card and I’m honored to be fighting on this show.”

Shea has fought outdoors twice, in 2007 on a show held in the parking lot outside of the Eldorado Resort Casino in Reno (NV), in which the temperatures hit 114 to go along with the high altitude. The other time was in 2011, when she defeated Diana Ayala by way of a 10-round majority decision for the WBC Interim World Featherweight title, in Los Mochis, Mexico. She clearly remembers how bitter cold it was on that December night.

Based on her past experiences, Shea shouldn’t be concerned about fighting outdoors in Worcester during August, and  she also has another reason to be on “Punch-Out at Polar Park II.”

“I’m excited to be fighting on the same show with Josniel (Castro),” Maureen explained. “We’ve been stablemates for a few years, and I’ve worked out with him a lot. I don’t need to fight. What more can I achieve? I’m doing this because I still can.”

The only returning “Punch-Out” fighter from last year’s pro card, dangerous prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (12-1, 8 KOs), will take on Jerry Bradford (9-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round match for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) U.S. Junior Middleweight title. Castro vs. Bradford was elevated to the main when the original headliner, Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley vs. Anthony “Vicious” Vieira, was postponed until a later date.

Undefeated heavyweight Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (8-0, 7 KOs), a popular fighter from Scituate  (MA), clashes with Mexican veteran Jose “Olympico” Humberto Corral (20-33, 12 KOs) in an eight-round match.

Four-time New England Golden Gloves Champion Keno Luna (2-0, 2 KOs), a promising junior middleweight prospect from Worcester, is back in action in a four-round fight versus Izaiah Vargas (1-10).

Three locally based boxers will be making their pro debuts: Millbury welterweight Justin Laporte, who fought last year on the amateur part of the card, vs. Tymar Miles (0-2), Worcester junior middleweight Jhon “D-Wave” Devers Rodriguez vs. Igor Santos (0-1) and Worcester welterweight “Grafton Hill’s Favorite Son” Daniel Docimo vs. Tracey Coppedge (0-3).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are available for purchase at Polar Park’s box office (508.500.888) and online at www.polarpark.com/boxing,  priced at: $205.00 (Field Level VIP) – located around home plate on the field level, access to an exclusive field level bar); $125.00 (VIP DCU Club) – located on the third floor, access to an exclusive indoor area with a bar); $105.00 (VIP Ticket) – located in the first four rows of section 6-11 – seats are padded and wider than the average seat; $75.00 (Home Plate Reserved – rows 5-11 with a great view of the ring; $55.00 (Reserved) – located down the first and third base lines; $165.00 (Family Four Pack) – four reserved tickets (call 508.500.8888).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email all inquiries for details to  [email protected].

Doors open at 5 p.m. ET, first bout at 6 p.m. ET.

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Boxer Robert Guerrero Named San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductee

SAN JOSE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2024 INDUCTEES JOHN ARRILLAGA, ROBERT GUERRERO, MIKE HOLMGREN, KERRI WALSH JENNINGS, TO BE HONORED AT INDUCTION CEREMONY IN NOVEMBER, 2024

SAN JOSE, CA (July 19, 2024) – The San Jose Sports Authority will mark the 29 th year of the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame honoring South Bay sports legends when it inducts four new members on Wednesday, November 13th at the SAP Center at San Jose. The inductees hail from the upper echelon of collegiate, professional, Olympic and international competitions. Although from different sports in different eras, they have made a lasting impact both on and off the field of play. 

The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees are:

• John Arrillaga (Builder/Philanthropist): After arriving at Stanford in 1955 on a basketball scholarship, Arrillaga became an all-conference player. He then spent the next six decades helping shape the university’s overall athletic program into a national collegiate role model. A pioneering Silicon Valley developer, Arrillaga used his resources and expertise to build state-of-the-art sports facilities. He funded hundreds of scholarships while offering wisdom and moral support to Cardinal athletes. A signature feat was his 2006 construction of Stanford Stadium in less than nine months. He died in 2022.

• Robert Guerrero (Boxing): Gilroy native Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero fought his way to world championships in two different weight divisions to become the most accomplished boxer in Santa Clara County history. His nickname was spawned by the way his elusive style haunted opponents who couldn’t corner him. At age 15, Guerrero won a Junior Olympics gold medal before turning professional and winning the IBF Featherweight title in 2006. Three years later, he claimed the IBF Super Featherweight championship. His career 38-6-1 record included 20 knockouts.

• Mike Holmgren (Football): Bay Area native Mike Holmgren spent some of his most formative years as a coach at Oak Grove High School in San Jose, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator from 1975 to 1980 before starting a journey to two Super Bowl championships as a San Francisco 49ers assistant coach and another as the Green Bay Packers’ head coach. In 2005, he guided the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance. Holmgren’s career NFL record of 174-122 included 13 postseason head coaching victories, seventh most in league history.

• Kerri Walsh Jennings (Volleyball): A five-time Olympian, Santa Clara born Kerri Walsh Jennings became the face of beach volleyball during its 21st century rise in popularity. She and partner Misty May-Treannor won gold medals at Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, followed by a bronze medal at Rio de Janeiro in 2016. As a multi-sport athlete at Archbishop Mitty High School, she led the Monarchs to three state volleyball titles and a basketball state championship. At Stanford, she was a four-time volleyball All American and won two NCAA titles.

“San Jose’s incredibly rich and diverse sports history makes the Hall of Fame selection process very difficult each year,” said Charlie Faas, Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority Board of Directors. “The Class of 2024 is a wonderful representation of the deep and meaningful impact athletes and coaches with South Bay connections have made in their respective sports, locally, nationally and internationally. We are excited to welcome these four remarkable individuals into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.”

Each inductee will be recognized with a bronze plaque permanently installed on the concourse at the SAP Center at San Jose. Including the 2024 inductees, there will be 131 South Bay sports icons enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The annual induction is an event of the San Jose Sports Authority, San Jose Arena Authority, SAP Center Management/San Jose Sharks, and the City of San José. The event benefits Special Olympics Northern California and high school sports programs.

Executive Director John Poch of the San Jose Sports Authority states, “The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 represents all that we value, including integrity, work ethic, sportsmanship, and excellence. Individually and collectively, their accomplishments, both in the Bay Area and across the world of sport, are the stuff of legend. We look forward to honoring their legacies in November at our Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the SAP Center in San Jose.” The event kicks off with a reception followed by dinner and induction ceremony. For information and to purchase event tickets visit our website at sjsa.org/hof.

SJSHOF Class of 2024 / Detailed Bios

John Arrillaga – Few people make the sort of enduring and indelible mark on their university that John Arrillaga achieved during his time at Stanford. He has been called the most influential figure in the history of Cardinal athletics. Arrillaga grew up in a blue-collar Southern California household before earning a basketball scholarship as a 6-foot-4 Stanford forward. In 1957, he famously led a comeback and scored the winning points with three seconds remaining in a stunning upset of the University San Francisco, then ranked No. 4 in the nation. A three-year starter, Arrillaga was named first team all-conference and a third team All American after the 1959-60 season. After graduation, he and partner Richard Perry founded one of the Santa Clara Valley’s most successful development firms as the region transitioned from fruit orchards to high-tech startups. Arrillaga used the knowledge and wealth he acquired to dramatically transform Stanford’s athletic plant into one the nation envied. Six different sports facilities are named after him and his family, along with numerous other Stanford projects and programs across the campus. He sponsored more than 300 scholarships and endowed several dozen, including those utilized by such well-known Cardinal athletes as golfer Tiger Woods, swimmer Katie Ledecky and football running back Christian McCaffrey. Arrillaga was also known for his personal touch in sharing his advice and acumen to each generation of Stanford student-athletes, sometimes during barbecues at his home for teams that had won national championships. His most famous undertaking was the personal supervision of Stanford’s new football stadium construction in 2006, which Arrillaga managed to finish in less than nine months so that the team would not miss any scheduled home games. In 2013, his $151 million donation to Stanford was the largest single such gift from a living individual to the university. In 2009, the school presented him its highest honor by awarding Arrillaga the Degree of Uncommon Man.

Robert Guerrero – As a young boy growing up in Gilroy, Robert Guerrero learned to box under the watchful eye of his father, Ruben, a former amateur champion in the sport. Early on, as Guerrero frustrated opponents with the way he eluded punches, he earned a nickname of “The Ghost.” He won a Junior Olympics gold medal at age 15 and turned professional three years later. Fighting at 126 pounds, he won his first 12 pro fights, including a 2004 technical knockout of former world champion Enrique Sanchez. Guerrero kept progressing up the featherweight ladder until 2006, when he defeated champion Eric Aiken in Los Angeles to claim the International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title when Aiken failed to come out of his corner for the ninth round. Guerrero’s subsequent title loss to Orlando Salido was altered to a no contest after Salido tested positive for steroids following the bout. Guerrero then chose to move up a weight class to 130 pounds and in 2009 claimed the IBF Super Featherweight championship in a 12-round unanimous decision over South Africa’s Malcolm Klassen. A big money fight was scheduled next, against lightweight champ Katsidis of Australia, but fate intervened. Guerrero’s wife, Casey, was diagnosed with leukemia and informed that she needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Guerrero took a one-year break from competition to see her through the procedure and recovery. With the transplant a success, Guerrero finally met Katsidis in 2011 for an interim title and won a 12-round decision. “The Ghost” next set his sights on the welterweight championship belt held by Floyd Mayweather. The matchup came together after Guerrero’s unanimous 12-round decision over title contender Selcuk Aydin at HP Pavilion (now SAP Center) in San Jose. In May of 2013, Guerrero’s muchanticipated bout against Mayweather took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. “The Ghost” was a heavy underdog but earned international respect by holding his own for 12 rounds against Mayweather before losing on a decision. A dozen more fights followed for Guerrero, many of them nationally televised. They included a memorable and bloody 12-round decision against Japan’s Yoshihiro Kamegai in 2014, as well as a 2015 comeback victory over Aron Martinez in 10 rounds after Guererro had been knocked to the canvas in the fourth round. After “The Ghost” announced his retirement in 2017, the ring has lured him back more than once. But with his lifetime record of 38 wins, six losses and one draw, Guerrero’s championship reputation and legacy are secure.

Mike Holmgren – The Super Bowl triumphs of Mike Holmgren had modest beginnings. In 1975 at Oak Grove High School in San Jose, football coach Phil Stearns was tipped off about Holmgren, then a bright young assistant coach at another Bay Area prep program. Stearns hired the 27-year-old Holmgren as Oak Grove’s offensive coordinator. For the next six seasons, Holmgren gave Oak Grove’s opponents fits with an imaginative offense while also teaching history and performing in a faculty rock band with a 1950s repertoire and featured his vocals as “Manifold Mike.” After winning a 1978 CCS title with Stearns, Holmgren left Oak Grove in 1980 to join the San Francisco State coaching staff and a year later was hired to coach quarterbacks at Brigham Young University under LaVell Edwards. Holmgren helped the Cougars win the 1984 national championship as he developed future pros Steve Young and Robbie Bosco. San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh took note. In 1986, he hired Holmgren to coach the Niners’ quarterbacks. His six seasons with Joe Montana and Young, three of them after being promoted to offensive coordinator, helped produce two Super Bowl victories and the NFL’s top-ranked offense. The Green Bay Packers gave Holmgren his first head coaching opportunity in 1992 and by 1995 had steered the franchise to its first division title in 23 years. A year later, as Holmgren developed quarterback Brett Favre into a league MVP, the Packers won their first Super Bowl championship since 1967. Green Bay repeated as NFC champions in 1997. Two years later, Holmgren accepted the Seattle Seahawks’ offer to become their head coach and general manager, then built the organization into a perennial winner with five division titles and the Seahawks’ first Super Bowl appearance after the 2005 season. Holmgren is one of just seven men to coach two different franchises to a Super Bowl and was the first to post 75 NFL victories with two teams. He was Seattle’s all-time winningest head coach when he resigned following the 2008 season, concluding his combined overall career with a 174-122 won-loss record. Holmgren grew up in San Francisco, where he played quarterback at Abraham Lincoln High and earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the Trojans’ 1967 national championship team.

Kerri Walsh Jennings – No one was more influential in beach volleyball’s ascension as an Olympic sport than Kerri Walsh Jennings, who grew up in the South Bay but went on to conquer the world. Her three Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal as a USA athlete brought millions of television viewers to the competition and inspired millions of others to take up the activity on their local sand. At San Jose’s Archbishop Mitty High School, Walsh Jennings split her time between basketball and volleyball and led both teams to four straight Central Coast Section titles. The Mitty volleyball team also won three state championships, while the basketball team won three Northern California titles with one state championship. Her career continued at Stanford, where she was named a first team All-American all four of her years with the Cardinal, while contributing to two NCAA title teams. At age 22, Walsh Jennings made her first Olympic trip as a member of America’s indoor volleyball team in 2000 to Sydney. After the USA failed to win a medal as Walsh Jennings dealt with shoulder issues, she was approached by American teammate Misty May-Treanor to make the conversion to the beach game. Walsh Jennings accepted the offer. The twosome became the most successful duo in history. They blended brainy strategy and athletic talent to dominate their sport between 2002 and 2012, winning gold at the Athens, Beijing, and London Games. In the leadup to the Greece competition, Walsh Jennings and May-Treanor won 90 straight matches and never lost a set en route to the top step of the Olympic podium Kerri’s wedding to fellow beach volleyball player Casey Jennings followed in 2005, as Walsh Jennings and May-Treanor began another 112-match winning streak that concluded with 2008 Olympic gold in China against the host country’s top-ranked team, Tian Jia and Wang Jie. Over the next three years, Walsh Jennings gave birth to two children and was five weeks pregnant with her third in 2012 as she began her next Olympic quest with May-Treanor. They again outclassed the field at the scenic Horse Guards Parade grounds venue near Buckingham Palace in London. Walsh Jennings and May-Treanor won their 21st straight match at the Games and defeated fellow Americans April Ross and Jennifer Kessy in straight sets for another gold medal. When May-Treanor subsequently announced her retirement, Walsh Jennings invited Ross to be her partner in the runup to the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. Following the birth of her third child, Walsh Jennings found quick chemistry with Ross as they qualified for the USA team. They reached the semifinals in Rio but lost to Brazil’s Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas de Freitas. It was the only defeat suffered by Walsh Jennings during her entire Olympic career. Two days later, she and Ross won the bronze medal match over another Brazilian duo, Larissa Franca and Talita Antunes. At age 38, Walsh Jennings once more stood on the medal podium, wrapping up her final Games as the most decorated beach volleyball player, male or female, in the sport’s history.

About the San Jose Sports Authority: The San Jose Sports Authority is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility, and civic pride through sports. Serving as the City’s sports commission since its inception in 1991, the Sports Authority has provided leadership and support to attract and host hundreds of sporting events in San Jose and the South Bay. The Sports Authority also supports and operates community, youth and amateur sports programs, including the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame and the REACH Youth Scholarship Program. To learn more, visit www.sjsa.org.

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 Undefeated Middleweight Dayan Depestre Signs with Trifon Petrov

Miami, Florida – Trifon Petrov has signed the undefeated Cuban prospect, Dayan Depestre to a multi-year managerial deal. 

Dayan Depestre was born in Cuba, but now resides in Miami. The undefeated Middleweight was Cuban National Amateur Champion before moving to the United States and turning professional. 

Depestre currently has a record of 3-0 (3KOs) as a professional boxer. His only blemish was a split decision draw against fellow undefeated Euri Cedeño. Depestre took the Cedeño fight on a very short notice because of the opportunity to fight on DAZN. 

“The Cedeño fight was a blessing in disguise. I took the fight on a one week notice and we fought to a draw, but it allowed me to showcase my skills in front of somebody like Trifon Petrov,” said Depestre. 

Trifon Petrov who also manages Euri Cedeño took notice of Dayan Depestre during that fight. 

“I was ringside, and it was a phenomenal fight to watch between two of the best young fighters in the weight class. Cedeño, who’s fighting under the Top Rank and ESPN banner now, has been on a tear before and after the Depestre fight. Dayan was the only fighter who gave Euri any problems,” said Trifon Petrov. 

Depestre trains under Rodolfo Campo at the Alpha Pro Center in Miami. 

“I met with Rodolfo and Dayan in Miami a couple of weeks ago, and we had a great conversation that led me to signing Dayan. I am excited to add another top Middleweight to my team,” added Petrov. 

Dayan Depestre is scheduled to return to the ring on September 6th in Houston on a televised show by DAZN and promoted by Red Owl Boxing. In the main event on that card, we will see another fighter managed by Trifon Petrov in the undefeated Welterweight Thanjhae Teasley.

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Undefeated Super Welterweight Alejandro Luis Silva Signs Promotional Agreement with Camponovo Sports

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 1, 2024) – Camponovo Sports is excited to announce the signing of undefeated super welterweight Alejandro Luis Silva (22-0-1, 17 KOs) from Posadas, Misiones, Argentina, to a long-term promotional agreement. Silva, the next super star from Argentina, is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on August 10, 2024, headlining the next CBN Promotions card at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.

Alejandro Luis Silva, who brings an exciting skill set to the ring to go along with exceptional power and undefeated record, is excited about signing a promotional agreement with Camponovo Sports. Silva gives his thoughts about this new chapter in his career as he has big plans to land a momentous fight by the end of the year.

“Signing with Camponovo Sports is something that I’ve been looking forward to since I fought for Alex back in November of 2023,” said Silva, who now trains in Paramount, California. “Alex Camponovo has many years of experience in the sport of boxing and I know he can move me in position to fight for a world title, which is my ultimate goal. This partnership is a major step forward in my career, and I am eager to showcase my abilities to the world.”

Argentina has a rich history of producing world-class boxers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Legends like Carlos Monzón, who dominated the middleweight division in the 1970s. More recently, fighters like Sergio Martínez and Marcos Maidana have captured global attention with their thrilling performances and championship reigns, showcasing the standing talent and fighting spirit that Argentina brings to the boxing world. Alex Camponovo is excited to have signed Silva, one of the top talents from Argentina.

“Argentina has produced some of the best boxers in the world and I believe Silva will be the next breakout star from his country,” said Alex Camponovo, President of Camponovo Sports. “”His talent is special, and I have plans to make him a rising star in the super welterweight division. We believe he has the potential to achieve great things, and we are committed to supporting him every step of the way.”

Silva’s return to the ring on August 10 will be his first fight of 2024. CBN Promotions has network deals in place with FOX Deportes, Fubo Sports, Stadium TV, Gray Television and Estrella TV, giving Sila the exposure needed to gain recognition around the world.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring on August 10,” Silva concluded “Headlining a card at Thunder Studios and fighting live on network television is a dream come true. I’ll be ready to put on a spectacular performance for all the fans.”

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Former Welterweight Contender Irish Pat Murphy  dies at age 74

Story by Henry Hascup 
Irish Pat Murphy, known as Paddy was born in West New York, NJ, the second son born to Patrick and Alma on June 1st, 1949.  His family and friends all called him “Paddy”, but he is known to many others as “Irish Pat Murphy” as he was known during his boxing career.  He started boxing at a young age and turned professional at the age of 18 years old, becoming a very popular boxer, winning his first 25 bouts. 

One day after Pat’s 10th pro fight his father, Pat Sr., who had worked his corner, passed away. Although he continued to win, Irish Pat missed his father’s presence in his corner. In 1967, he was named New Jersey’s Fighter of the Year. His first loss came against welterweight contender Donato Paduano as the Main Event in Madison Square Garden.

His career brought him to a number of different countries around the world, and he fought 3 world champions along the way, including top billing as a main event at Madison Square Garden.  He was inducted into the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995 and into the Hudson County Hall of Fame in 2008.

One day after Pat’s 10th pro fight his father, Pat Sr., who had worked his corner, passed away. Although he continued to win, Irish Pat missed his father’s presence in his corner. In 1967, he was named New Jersey’s Fighter of the Year. 

He fought ring greats such as Billy Backus, John Stracey, Mustafa Hamsho, and Rocky Mattioli. His final career record was 34-14-2 (16 KOs).

Paddy and Denise enjoyed being surrounded by and raising their many dogs and birds over the years, including Spats, Taylor, Spencer, Finnegan, Clancy, Sookie, and Carly.  Paddy doted on them as much as they doted on him.

To his family, he was a supportive husband, brother, and uncle.  Family was everything to Paddy, and he loved spending time with his many nephews and nieces, and their children as well, as the family expanded.

Paddy also loved baseball, and for many years, participated in a pick-up game on Sunday mornings, in James J. Braddock Park and Weehawken Stadium with friends.  When that ended, he started playing stickball with family and friends on Sunday mornings, a tradition that still exists 30 years later.  Paddy would often repeat the phrase, “it’s not about the game, it’s about the gathering”, indicating his love for his time spent with his family and his friends.

For some, he will be remembered for his boxing career, which certainly provided a number of thrills and memorable moments for many.  But his friends and family will remember mostly the humor, the big laughs, the one-liners, the sports, the games, and the countless number of moments over the years that Paddy has provided for all of us, and it’s a legacy that will endure for many, many years to come.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Denise, but they have been devoted to each other for almost 60 years.  He is also survived by his siblings Dennis, Brian, Sheila, and Terry.  He was preceded in death by his father Patrick, his mother Alma, and his brothers Neil, and Daniel.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 28th from 4pm to 8pm at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094. A final viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 11am.

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Tayden Beltran vs Cesar Villarraga

Headlines CBN Promotions June 22 Show

LONG BEACH, CA (May 22, 2024) – CBN Promotions returns with another exciting night of boxing as unbeaten lightweight, Tayden “The Butcher” Beltran (8-0, 4 KOs), is set to square off against the seasoned contender Cesar Villarraga (10-9-1, 5 KOs) in an 8-round main event clash. All the action will take place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

In the 6-round co-main event, undefeated super lightweight, Juan Sanchez (7-0, 6 KOs) puts his unblemished record on the line against an opponent to be announced. Sanchez, known for his one punch knockout power and elevated ring IQ, seeks to continue his ascent up the ranks of is weight division.

The entire event will be broadcast live in 160 million homes on Fubo Sports, Fox Deportes, Stadium, Gray TV, and tape delayed on Estrella TV. Doors open and at 5:30 pm PT and the festivities will commence with a live WATCH PARTY showing MEXICO vs. JAMAICA for the COPA AMERICA 2024 beginning at 6:00 pm PT on FOX Deportes – drink and food specials will be available for FUTBOL & BOXING! First bout starts at 8:00 pm PT.  Tickets priced $60, 100, $125 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810

“We’re thrilled to offer another electrifying night of boxing, showcasing some of the best undefeated prospects in Southern California,” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “In addition and prior to the ring action, everyone will have the opportunity to watch a great soccer game between Mexico vs. Jamaica for the Copa America 2024 for what will be a truly exciting family event,” continued Camponovo. “Inside the ring fans will see a lineup of highly skilled fighters and evenly matched bouts, this show guarantees an unforgettable experience for boxing fans in Long Beach and beyond.”

“We anticipate another great show for all our fans watching live on television and those in attendance.” Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios said. “We extend a warm invitation to the Long Beach community and neighboring areas to join us. It’s a lively, atmosphere for the entire family where everyone can enjoy thrilling boxing matches.”

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Super lightweight Leonardo Rubalcava (6-0, 2 KOs) from Jurupa Valley, CA, will face an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).

Super bantamweight Jose Bravo (3-0, 3 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, will battle an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).

In a battel of two undefeated super bantamweights, Hector Lopez (4-0, 3 KOs) of Compton, CA, will face Nestro Varala (4-0, 2 KOs), from Lindsey, CA. (4-rounds).

Featherweight Jared Hermosillo (ProDebut), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).

Opening up the show will be super middleweight Aristides Garcia (Pro Debut), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. Ratavious Thrasher (0-2), from Mobile, AL

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, Shoe Palace – Community comes first, Northgate Market – Authenticity Delivered, Car Shield – USA’s #1 Auto Protection Company, and Mezcal La Reliquia.

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Kevin Brown vs Idalberto Umara

Headlines Boxlab Promotions Card in Orlando, FL, May 31

 

WBA Super Lightweight Continental Title

ORLANDO, FL (May 22, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions proudly presents “Night of Champions” an electrifying night of boxing set to take place at the prestigious 

Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida, on May 31, 2024. Fans around the world can witness the action-packed event live on DAZN, featuring unbeaten rising stars from around the globe.

Headlining the event is a 10-round WBA Continental super lightweight title clash between two formidable warriors. Kevin Brown (4-0, 3 KOs), the highly decorated Cuban amateur standout from Camaguey, Cuba, now training in Las Vegas, will put his undefeated record on the line against Idalberto Umara (12-2, 8 KOs), from Holguin, Cuba, now training out of Miami, FL. With both fighters boasting impressive records, the main event promises to be a thrilling showdown that will captivate fans worldwide.

In the 8-round co-main event, unbeaten heavyweight sensation Gurgen Hovhannisyan (5-0, 5 KOs), representing Los Angeles, CA, will step into the ring against the hard-hitting Luis Pascual (19-10, 17 KOs) from Mexico City, MX. With Hovhannisyan’s devastating knockout power and Pascual’s aggressive style, the co-main event guarantees fireworks as these two heavyweights collide in an explosive shootout.

“We are thrilled to showcase some of boxing’s top talent on this card,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, as he expressed his excitement about the event. “This event will showcase a plethora of undefeated fighters looking to make a name for themselves and we are confident that fans will be treated to an unforgettable night of action-packed boxing.”

This event is brought to you by Boxlab Promotions in association with Undisputed Promotions. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 

(Standard Admission-3A), $90 (Standard Admission-2A), $100 (Standard Admission-1A), are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Super lightweight Hendri Cedeno (12-0, 10 KOs), from La Romana, Dominican Republic will face Matt Conway (22-3, 9 KOs), from Pittsburgh, PA. (6-rounds).

Super bantamweight Angel Barrientes (10-1, 6 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV, will face Junior Pizzati (5-1, 3 KOs), from Kenner, LA. (6-rounds).

Super featherweight Kaipo Gallegos (4-0-1, 3 KOs), from Las Vegas, NV, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

Super welterweight Angel Ilarraza (9-0, 4 KOs) from Ocala, FL, will face Orlenis Licea (1-2-1) from Tampa, FL. (6-rounds).

Super welterweight Yan Marcos (10-0, 6 KOs), from Havana, Cuba, will battle Ronnie Austion (10-2, 7 KOs), from Las Vegas, NV. (6-rounds)

Featherweight Chavez Barrientes (8-0, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

Middleweight Zeleck Ruiz (3-0, 3 KOs), from Cocoa Beach, FL, will battle Arthur Brown (2-1, 2 KOs), from Cumberland, Maryland. (4-rounds).

Super lightweight Aaron Aponte (8-2-1, 2 KOs), from Hialeah, FL, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

Super welterweight Antraveous Ingram (6-0, 2 KOs), from Kissimmee, FL, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

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Barrientes Twins, Chavez and Angel, Sign Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 8, 2024) – Two of boxing’s brightest young rising stars, Chavez and Angel Barrientes, have officially inked a promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions, a prominent company in the world of boxing promotions based out of Orlando, Florida. This partnership marks a significant breakthrough in the promising careers of these talented young fighters.

Trained by their father, Richard Barrientes, and managed by longtime boxing specialist Bob Santos, Chavez and Angel Barrientes are eager to get back on track with their promising boxing careers. Hailing from the boxing-rich city of Las Vegas, Nevada, the twins are working endlessly at the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym, refining their techniques, and preparing themselves for the next level of competition.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the twins are of Philippine and Mexican decent, and plan on captivating both regions, as well as their fellow American’s here in the states. At age 21, they both envision staying busy and rising up the rankings with Boxlab Promotions.

“We are happy to sign a promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions,” said Chavez Barrientes. “We know that staying busy is very important, and we plan on fighting as much as possible. I’m healthy and ready to take my career to the next level. With Boxlab behind us, we are going to make some noise.”

“We’ve put in a lot of hard work to get here, and we truly believe that with the help of our team and the experience of Boxlab Promotions, we can do amazing things in the boxing world,” said Angel Barrientes. “We are still growing into our bodies, and we are only going to get stronger. This is perfect timing to be signing with Boxlab Promotions, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

“We are ecstatic to welcome Chavez and Angel Barrientes to the Boxlab family,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “They are exceptional talents with a bright future ahead of them, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional boxing.”

With this new partnership in place, boxing fans can expect to see the Barrientes twins fighting on a continuous basis. Both Chavez and Angel are scheduled to make their Boxlap Promotions debut on May 31, 2024, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL.

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Boxlab Promotions Partners with Leon Media Network for Orlando Fight Nights

ORLANDO, FL (May 8, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions is proud to announce its partnership with Leon Media Network for the upcoming fight nights on May 31, 2024, and June 8, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL. This collaboration marks an exciting opportunity for both organizations to spotlight Boxlab fighters through dynamic content across various video platforms and social media channels.

With this partnership, Leon Media Network will produce engaging content to showcase the talent of Boxlab fighters, providing fans with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights. In addition to creating compelling video content, Leon Media Network will host live shows surrounding the fights and feature Boxlab boxers and trainers across its popular podcasts.

Among the podcasts where Boxlab fighters and trainers will be featured are the innovative “Ask The Experts” boxing podcast, hosted by four-time Emmy-nominated boxing producer and on-air talent, Curran Bhatia. Additionally, Boxlab personalities will be highlighted on the “Double Jab” podcast, hosted by Bxngtv and award-winning boxing play-by-play announcer, Rich Quinones.

“I am absolutely thrilled about this partnership with Boxlab Promotions and the work we will be doing with their team in the upcoming weeks and months,” said Mike Leon, Chief Content Officer of Leon Media Network. “Amaury and the team have an incredible operation, and some of the best up-and-coming fighters across different weight classes, and we are going to help them spotlight this talent, which is already making waves in the fight game.”

Boxlab Promotions, led by Amaury Piedra, is rapidly becoming a well-established promoter, nurturing and showcasing emerging talent in the boxing world. This partnership with Leon Media Network represents a significant step in expanding the reach and visibility of Boxlab fighters, elevating their profiles on a global scale.

“I am really excited to be working with Leon Media Network and their incredible team,” stated Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “They have some of the best voices in the fight game, they have editors who have created some of the best sports content seen on major sports outlets, and we can’t wait to leverage them to help us promote our fighters and events further.”

Boxlab Promotions’ next event titled “Night Of Champions,” takes place at the Caribe Royale Orlando hotel on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Orlando, FL. This action-packed night of fights will be broadcast live on DAZN, bringing the excitement of top-tier boxing directly to fans around the world.

Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 (Standard Admission-3A), $90 (Standard Admission-2A), $100 (Standard Admission-1A), are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

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Christian Carto Takes on Jesus Martinez This Friday Night at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia

Atif Oberlton, Bree Howling, Stephanie Han and David Whitmire Part of Loaded Undercard

Philadelphia (May 8, 2024) -THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at The Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, bantamweight contender Christian Carto will take on Jesus Martinez in a eight-round bout that will headline a seven bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto of Philadelphia is 21-1 with 14 knockouts. The 27 year-old is an eight-year professional is riding a four-fight winning streak.

Carto has wins over Alonso Melendez (14-1), James Smith (12-1) and Hector Andres Sosa (12-1). Carto is coming off a second round stoppage over Ardin Diale on January 12th at Live! Casino.

Martinez of Miami is 35-20-1 with 16 knockouts. The 13 year veteran has wins over Jonathan Burgos (9-2-1), Miguel Martinez (20-2), Angel Berrio (14-2), Martinez was stopped in six-rounds to Emmanuel Rodriguez on March 9th in Atlantic City.

A great undercard has been assembled featuring Bree Howling (6-0, 2 KOs) of Calgary, Canada taking on Nancy Franco (19-19-2, 5 KOs) of Guadaljara, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.

Atif Oberlton (9-0, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Juan Francisco Lopez Barajas (8-1, 4 KOs) of Mexico in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Ibrahim Robinson (6-1-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore takes on DeMarcus Layton (9-6-1, 6 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight contest.

Steohanie Han (7-0, 2 KOs) of El Paso, TX fights Michaele Nogue (2-4-1) of Egg Harbor, New Jersey in a lightweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

David Whitmire (4-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Nelson Morales (4-14, 1 KO) of Scranton, PA in a welterweight tussle.

Muhammad Robinson (6-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore fights David Thomas (6-6-1, 2 KOs) of Orange, Texas in a super lightweight bout.

Tickets may be purchased at https://www.axs.com/events/536863/ring-wars-tickets?skin=livecasinohotelphiladelphia

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Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing Signs Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender Junior Younan

New York Times coined ‘boxing prodigy’ Ready for Top Stars

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK (May 2024) –Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated super middleweight Junior Younan to an exclusive promotional contract.

“I am super excited to be part of Star Boxing. As a fighter who was born and raised in New York, I feel like it’s a natural fit. Thank you to Joe DeGuardia for the opportunity and I promise to deliver many special nights of boxing,” said Younan.

“We are very excited about signing Junior, who is extremely talented and blessed with fast hands and boxing aptitude. We are looking forward to having him on our shows and will announce his next fight within the next couple of days.  We plan to keep him busy and by the end of the year feel he will be ready for anyone in the division. The fight we would love to make is with Edgar Berlanga, a true ‘Battle of Brooklyn’, it would be a huge attraction here, and a win would have him in the front of the line for Canelo (Alvarez), (David) Morrell, (David) Benavidez, all of the champions at 168,” said Star Boxing President, Joe DeGuardia

Younan, 28 of Brooklyn, New York is 19-0-1 with 11 knockouts.

Younan was a decorated amateur boxer who compiled a 90-5 record before turning professional in 2013 at the age of 18. Once dubbed by The New York Times as “a boxing prodigy” as a 10-year-old, Younan was a two-time National Junior Golden Gloves champion, the 2011 National Junior Olympic championship, and at one point was the No. 1-rated junior boxer in his weight class by USA Boxing.

Younan turned professional on November 9, 2013, with a first-round stoppage over Kenneth Taylor Schmitz in Brooklyn. On his way to his undefeated record, Younan has amassed some quality wins, including defeats over tough seasoned fighters such as Mike Guy and Dauren Yeleinusinov at the Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY). In his last outing, Younan won a unanimous decision over Ramses Agaton on November 24, 2023, in Cancun, Mexico.

Younan’s first bout for Star Boxing will be announced in the coming days.

___________

Undefeated Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor 

looking forward to fighting in Atlantic City on May 11th

NEW YORK CITY (May, 2024) – Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs) is looking forward to fighting May11th at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The 6’ 4”, 27-year-old Taylor is matched against Lawrence King, Jr. (2-1, 1 KO), of Rochester (NY), in a four-round bout on a card presented by Boxing Insider Promotions (BIP).

“Atlantic City loves a strong heavyweight,” BIP promoter Larry Goldberg said. “Pryce Taylor is a future star in the heavyweight division. Boxing Insider Promotions is excited to work with Pryce a second time and to feature him May 11 at Tropicana Atlantic City.”

Taylor has family roots in New Jersey, and he’s confident in having a lot of support fighting in Atlantic City.

“My dad was born in Cape May, which is only an hour away from Atlantic City, and I have relatives all over that area,” Taylor explained. “My grandmother had 13 kids and I have a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins coming to my fight.”

In his most recent fight, Taylor went the four-round distance for the first time as a pro, albeit a “shutout” performance, winning each round on all three judges’ scorecards this past March 7^th versus Antonio Torres (4-1).

“I’m learning all the time and in my last fight I learned that it’s hard to stop guys who really don’t want to fight,” Taylor noted. “When you hit as hard as I do, opponents start covering up as soon as they get hit. As long as the outcome in the end is a win, my dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world remains alive.”

A decorated  U.S. amateur boxer, highlighted by his two New York Golden Gloves Championship titles, Taylor was also a four-time runner-up in USA National Championships, including one to super heavyweight Joshua Edwards, who has qualified to represent Team USA in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Taylor has only been working with his manager, NYC-based lawyer Keith Sullivan, for five months. Sullivan, who is a former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Athletic Commission, has scheduled him for five pro fights during that relatively short period, which is an exceptionally impressive pace in today’s modern era. One fight was canceled due to the opponent failing an eye exam at the weigh-in and Sullivan spent hours working the phone trying to secure a last-minute replacement to no avail.

Sullivan and Pryce adopt the old-school mentality that a fighter needs ring experience and to be kept active if they are going to be a world champion. “I always tell my fighters to exclusively focus on the fight in front of them, and just know that I am working on the two behind that,” Sullivan explained. “Pyrce is developing impressively and I’m making sure he is pushed at the right pace, but not to his detriment. He has world-title power and size, and I am putting him in position for the right opportunities.”

Last year, Taylor had seven wins fighting for New York in the Team Combat League (TCL), which is a one-round, team format competition. Technically-speaking, the wins are not part of his professional boxing record, but Pryce has benefitted from that experience, and he is competing again this season for NYC Attitude.

Taylor played basketball for one season at Corning Community College in upstate New York, and now is gradually making a name for himself in pro boxing circles.

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MEET THE 2024 USA OLYMPIC BOXING TEAM

USA OLYMPIC BOXING TEAM NOTEBOOK

There is only one remaining Olympic World Qualifying event on May 25-June 2 in Bangkok, Thailand. Seven USA Boxing representatives will compete, and they must finish in the top 3, 4 or 5 to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, depending on their weight classes:

MEN

51 kg – Roscoe Hill – Spring, TX – must finish in top 4 to qualify

64.5 kg. – Emilio Garcia – Laredo, TX – must finish in the top 5

80 kg. – Rahim Gonzales – Las Vegas, NV – must finish in top 3

92 kg. Jamar Talley – Camden, J – must finish in top 4

WOMEN

54 kg. – Shera Mae Patricio – Waianae, HI – must finish in top 4

57 kg. – Alyssa Mendoza – Caldwell, ID – must finish in top 4

75 kg. – Naomi Graham – Fayette, NC – musts finish in top 4

MEDIA SUMMIT

USA Boxing is hosting a media summit June 13-14 at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Florida Springs, CO. All the qualified US Olympic Boxing Team members will be there and available for interviews.

HEAD COACH BILLY WALSH

“Jahmal Harvey is a complete boxer that can fight orthodox and southpaw. He can fight long distance and short distance and he will be one of our favorites for gold in Paris.”

“Jajaira Gonzalez is the engine of the team. She is going to take her fire to the podium in Paris.”

“Jenny Lozano is a battler from Laredo (TX) who has plenty of heart and power. She will find her way to winning a medal in Paris.”

“Josh Edwards is small for his weight class, but he’s as skillful as any of the super heavyweights out there, and he will cause some big upsets when we get to Paris.”

“Morelle McCane is a powerful athlete from Ohio who will be a strong candidate for gold in Paris.”

“Omari Jones has silky, classic skills and he’s nice and long. A very polished and classy boxer and his style of boxing make him a strong candidate for the podium in Paris.”

Men

JAHMAL “Hard Rock” HARVEY

Hometown: Oxon Hill, Maryland

Weight Class: Featherweight – 125 lbs. – 57 kg

Age & Birthday: 21 – November 19, 2002

Qualified for Olympics by finishing first at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile

Become the first American since 2007 to  capture a gold medal  at the 2021 Elite World Championships when he did so in 2021

Introduced to boxing by his football coach who was also was a boxing trainer…..at 18, he trained and sparred with 2020 U.S. Olympic boxers and current undefeated professionals, Keyshawn Davis and Duke Ragan

Gold Medals

2023 Pan American Games

2020 USA Boxing Elite National Championships

2021 Elite World Championships

JOSHUA EDWARDS

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Weight Class: Super Heavyweight – 203+ lbs. – 92+ kg

Age & Birthday: 23 – May 1, 2000

Qualified for Olympics by finishing first at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile

The first super heavyweight from Houston to be an Olympian since George Foreman who won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City

Relatively small for a super featherweight at 6’ 3”, 220 pounds, but he compensates with his speed and defense….started boxing at the age of 6….his father trained at the same gym as Muhammad Ali

Gold Medals

2023 Pan American Games

2021 USA Boxing Elite National Championships

OMARI “Banger” JONES

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Weight Class: Welterweight – 156 lbs. – 71 kg

Age & Birthday: 21 – November 7, 2002

Qualified for Olympics by finishing top 4 in the first World Olympic Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy

Started boxing at the age of 8 after he started in karate…..volunteers in community including a backpack drive….avid golfer and golf fan…..currently enrolled in a business program from Valencia College

Gold Medals

2023 Gee Bee International Tournament

2023 Czech Republic Grand Prix

2022 USA Boxing International Invitational

2020 USA Boxing Elite National Championships

ROSCOE HILL

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Weight Class: Flyweight – 112 lbs. – 51 kg

Age & Birthday: 29 – November 9, 1994

Qualified for Olympics by placing _____ at the final Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand

Started training at George Foreman’s gym…his father was a boxer who trained with Hall of Famer Foreman under the tutelage of another Hall of Famer, Archie Moore…

Captured a silver medal at the 2021 Elite World Championships and bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games

Gold Medals

2022 AMBC Elite Championships

EMILIO GARCIA

Hometown: Laredo, Texas

Weight Class: Lightweight – 139 lbs. – 63.5 kg

Age & Birthday: 21 – February 28, 2023

Qualified for Olympics by placing _____ at the final Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand

Bakes, especially cookies, to celebrate his success in the ring or when he has downtime….hoping to become the first male Olympian in any sport to come from Laredo (teammate Jennifer Lozano is the first Olympian to qualify from Laredo)

His father trained Emilio and built a gym in the backyard, “Baby Joey’s Boxing Cub,” which was named in memory of Emilio’s older brother who passed away as an infant

Gold Medals

2023 Gee Bee International Invitational

(Most Technical Boxer Award winner)

2022 USA Boxing International Invitational

2021 USA Boxing Elite National Championships

ROBBY “RAHIM” GONZALES

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Weight Class: Light Heavyweight – 176 lbs. – 80 kg

Age & Birthday: 28 – April 8, 1996

Qualified for Olympics by placing _____ at the final Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand

Won the 2020 USA Trials and seemed destined to compete at the 2020 Olympics, but COVID derailed his bid…..

Only American to capture gold at the World Championship and 2022 AMBC Elite Team

Gold Medals

2021 Elite World Championships

2023 Strandja International Tournament

2023 Gee Bee International Tournament

(Outstanding Boxer Award winner)

2022 AMBC Elite Championships

2018 Elite National Championships

JAMAR “No Mercy” TALLEY

Hometown: Camden, New Jersey

Weight Class: Heavyweight – 203 lbs. – 92 kg

Age & Birthday: 24 – February 2, 2000

Qualified for Olympics by placing _____ at the final Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand

Hoping to become the first Olympian from Camden since 1928…..

Gold Medals

2023 Gee Bee International Invitational

2022 AMBC Championships

Women

JENNIFER “La Traviesa” LOZANO

Hometown: Laredo, Texas

Weight Class: Flyweight – 110 lbs. – 50 kg

Age & Birthday: 21 – November 24, 2002

Qualified for Olympics by finishing second at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile

First Olympic boxer ever from Laredo….started boxing to develop defensive mechanics to bullying …..fighting to inspire women to chase their dreams….grew up on both sides of the border….grandmother tragically passed away in 2019 causing mental health issues she had to overcome

Gold Medals

2020, 2021 & 2023 USA Boxing Elite National Championships

2022 AMBC Elite Championships

2018 & 2019 National Golden Gloves Tournament

MORELLE “Big Blessed” McCANE

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Weight Class: Welterweight – 146 lbs. – 66 kg

Age & Birthday: 29 – January 20, 1995

Qualified for Olympics by finishing second at 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile

After her first amateur match, her brother passed away and she stepped away from boxing and has been channeling that devastation into discipline in boxing

2020 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team Alternate…..fifth boxer and first  female boxer from Cleveland to qualify for The Olympics….an Associate of Applied Business graduate 

Gold Medals

2023 Gee Bee International Invitational

2022 USA Boxing International Invitational

2018 & 2021 National Golden Gloves Tournament

JAJAIRA GONZALEZ

Hometown: Montclair, California

Weight Class: Lightweight – 132 lbs. – 60 kg

Age & Birthday: 27 – February 13, 1997

Qualified for Olympics by finishing third at 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile

Born into a boxing family: her  father Jose trained her and two brothers who were pros – two-time world featherweight title challenger Joet Gonzalez (26-4, 15 KOs) and Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (13-0-1, 12 KOs)

Dominated competition in the junior and youth ranks….finished second at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials after which she took off three years to focus on her mental health for anxiety

Gold Medals

2022 AMBC Elite Championships

2016, 2017 & 2022 USA Boxing National Championships

SHERA MAE PATRICIO

Hometown: Waianae, Hawaii

Weight Class: Bantamweight – 119 lbs. – 54 kg

Age & Birthday: 21 – November 11, 2002

Qualified for Olympics by placing _____ at the final Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand

Her father, Lyndon, was a boxer who trained with Brian Viloria, who was a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team…..started boxing at the age of 9…..seeking to become Hawaii’s first female Olympic boxer and inspire the next generation of boxers from Hawaii….grew up in a rough area on the west side of Oahu known for heavy gun violence

Gold Medals

2024 US Olympic Team Trials

2023 National Golden Gloves Tournament

2022 USA Boxing National Championship

2022 USA Boxing Summer Festival

ALYSSA MENDOZA

Hometown: Caldwell, Idaho

Weight Class: Featherweight – 125 lbs. – 57 kg

Age & Birthday: 20 – August 17, 2003

Youngest member of 2024 Team USA…..her goal is to put Idaho on the boxing map….very family oriented….coached by her father and part of a large family

Gold Medals

2022 USA Boxing Elite National Championships

2022 USA Boxing Summer Festival

2022 National Golden Gloves Tournament

(Outstanding Female Boxer Award winner)

2019 USA Boxing Youth National Championships

2019 National PAL Tournament

NAOMI GRAHAM

Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Weight Class: Middleweight – 165 lbs. – 75 kg

Age & Birthday: 34 – May 15, 1989

2020 US Olympian…..first active female military member to represent USA Boxing….homeless at the age of 21….joined the U.S. Army in 2013 and two years later became a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program….the lone U.S Olympian in boxing

Gold Medals

2020 US Olympic Team Trials

2019 & 2020 Strandja Invitational Tournament

2019 Pan American Games

2019 BoxAm Tournament

2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships

2014, 2015 & 2016  National PAL Tournament

USA OLYMPIC BOXING TEAM NOTEBOOK

There is only one remaining Olympic World Qualifying event on May 25-June 2 in Bangkok, Thailand. Seven USA Boxing representatives will compete, and they must finish in the top 3, 4 or 5 to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, depending on their weight classes:

MEN

51 kg – Roscoe Hill – Spring, TX – must finish in top 4 to qualify

64.5 kg. – Emilio Garcia – Laredo, TX – must finish in the top 5

80 kg. – Rahim Gonzales – Las Vegas, NV – must finish in top 3

92 kg. Jamar Talley – Camden, J – must finish in top 4

WOMEN

54 kg. – Shera Mae Patricio – Waianae, HI – must finish in top 4

57 kg. – Alyssa Mendoza – Caldwell, ID – must finish in top 4

75 kg. – Naomi Graham – Fayette, NC – musts finish in top 4

MEDIA SUMMIT

USA Boxing is hosting a media summit June 13-14 at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Florida Springs, CO. All the qualified US Olympic Boxing Team members will be there and available for interviews.

HEAD COACH BILLY WALSH

“Jahmal Harvey is a complete boxer that can fight orthodox and southpaw. He can fight long distance and short distance and he will be one of our favorites for gold in Paris.”

“Jajaira Gonzalez is the engine of the team. She is going to take her fire to the podium in Paris.”

“Jenny Lozano is a battler from Laredo (TX) who has plenty of heart and power. She will find her way to winning a medal in Paris.”

“Josh Edwards is small for his weight class, but he’s as skillful as any of the super heavyweights out there, and he will cause some big upsets when we get to Paris.”

“Morelle McCane is a powerful athlete from Ohio who will be a strong candidate for gold in Paris.”

“Omari Jones has silky, classic skills and he’s nice and long. A very polished and classy boxer and his style of boxing make him a strong candidate for the podium in Paris.

___________

 

 

WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin Haney Confirmed for Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 4, in Las Vegas

Box Fan Expo – the Largest Boxing Fan Event held in the U.S – the Ultimate Boxing Fan Experience

Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite

Las Vegas (April 9, 2024) – The Former Undisputed Lightweight Champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin Haney has confirmed that he will appear at the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Haney will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend. 

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III. 

Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

Haney will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Haney will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy at his Devin Haney Promotions “DHP” booth. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as the “The Dream”. 

Devin Haney joins Mia St. John, Edgar Berlanga, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Roy Jones Jr., Erik Morales, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Devin Haney

Devin Haney, widely known as “The Dream,” is an accomplished professional boxer with an undefeated record of 31 wins and has emerged as one of the sport’s most exciting and promising talents today. The two-division champion left no doubt when he was elected Sports Illustrated 2023 ‘Fighter of the Year.’ Haney’s style is characterized by a unique blend of speed, agility, and ring intelligence, making him a formidable opponent in the super lightweight division. On December 9, 2023, during his much-anticipated hometown debut at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Haney delivered a masterful performance over Regis Prograis, claiming victory and simultaneously securing his status as a two-division champion in his debut at 140 pounds. Haney’s success extends beyond his defeat over Prograis, as evidenced by his historic achievement on June 5, 2022. At just 23 years old, Haney boldly pursued his dream of becoming an undisputed world champion.

In a remarkable feat, he attained the title of the youngest undisputed world champion and the first undisputed lightweight world champion in the modern four-belt era by dethroning then-champion George Kambosos. Haney’s subsequent defense of his undisputed world title, including a successful rematch against Kambosos and a notable victory over 3-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, further solidifies his place among boxing’s elite. On the business front, Haney is his own promoter under Devin Haney Promotions, which he runs with his father and BWAA’s 2023 Manager of the Year, Bill Haney, putting him in a unique position to control his legacy and career. Devin Haney is known for his dedication to his community and philanthropic efforts. He actively engages in initiatives that promote youth development and support underprivileged communities, reflecting his commitment to giving back

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

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Honoring Mutah Beale’s Family Legacy

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 28, 2024) – The Badou Jack Foundation, led by three division boxing world champion Badou Jack, proudly announces the launch of a fundraising initiative, dedicated to building a mosque and educational center in Puerto Rico, honoring the former Tupac Shakur Outlaw, Mutah “Napoleon” Beale’s family and serving communities in need worldwide.

Mutah Beale expressed heartfelt appreciation, stating, “I want to give a big thanks and shoutout to Badou, the peoples champion inside and outside the ring, also thanks to the Badou foundation for its tremendous work, helping those most in need all around the world, with its consistent support and helping communities around the world. Keep pushing, we are all rooting for you.”

Badou Jack echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m honored to be a part of this project with my good friend Mutah Beale. His life story is so inspiring for us. And it’s beautiful to see he’s building a masjid in the name of his parents and little brother. I want to thank everyone that being part of this project and donating for this cause. May Allah bless all of you.”

“Napoleon” was a well known and popular figure in Tupac Shukur’s “Outlawz” prior to turning to the religion of Islam and relocating his family to the Middle East. As one of the most profound members of the group, he witnessed both his parents murdered inside their home at the age of 3. His tragic and heroic story inspired the biography streamed on Amazon Prime, “Napoleon, Life of an Outlaw”.

The Badou Jack Foundation aims to create a lasting impact in Puerto Rico by providing a sacred space for worship and community engagement.

Supporters are encouraged to contribute, with certain donation levels landing a personalized call with “Napoleon” Beale and Badou Jack.

For more information and to DONATE, visit: https://www.launchgood.com/campaign/sadaqah_jariyah_masjid_in_puerto_rico#!/

About the Badou Jack Foundation:

The Badou Jack Foundation, dedicated to “Giving Children a Fighting Chance in Life,” uplifts communities and provides opportunities for those in need through various initiatives worldwide.

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Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect

Pryce Taylor has made successful Move from Basketball to Boxing

NEW YORK CITY (March 19, 2024) – Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs) has successfully transitioned from basketball to boxing and today the 27-year-old prospect is on the rise as an undefeated prize fighter.

Taylor said he brought his legs from the courts into the ring. He first dunked a ball when he was in eighth grade, four inches shorter than the 6’ 4” Taylor is today. Pryce admits missing basketball but quickly notes that he could still play, not necessarily on a team, because he’s not in basketball shape anymore. “I’m in boxing shape,” he proudly noted.

A decorated U.S. amateur boxer, highlighted by his two New York Golden Gloves Championship titles, Taylor was also a four-time runner-up in USA National Championships, including one to Joshua Edwards, who has qualified to represent as a super heavyweight for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Last year, Taylor had seven wins fighting for New York in the Team Combat League (TCL), which is a one-round, team format competition. Technically-speaking, the wins are not part of his professional boxing record. Taylor has benefitted from that experience and will be competing this season as well.

Taylor played basketball for one season at Corning Community College in upstate New York. “I stopped playing basketball six years ago,” Taylor said. “I’ve had 60 fights (amateurs, pros and TCL) and believe the best boxers get there with sparring experience. So, I’ve been getting a lot of experience. I have a good skill set and know what I need to do in the ring.

“My mindset is to do what other boxers don’t do. All boxers learn the basics, but everything they want to throw, I already throw myself, and I know how to counter there’s. Anything they throw I’m able to defend.”

Taylor has been placed on the fast track by his manager, New York City-based attorney Keith Sullivan, who has discovered that it’s not easy finding suitable opponents for Taylor, who because of his size, amateur pedigree and participating in the TCL, is much more advanced than his three pro fights may indicate.

Another invaluable part of Taylor’s development is sparring established heavyweights such as Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, Otto Wallin, Vladyslav Sirenko, and Brandon Glanton to name a few of the more notables.

Taylor made his pro debut last December, stopping Mike Diorio in the opening round, followed January 27 with the exact same result versus Gabriel Aguilar Costa. In his most recent action in March, Taylor went the distance for the first time as a pro, pitching a four-round shutout for a unanimous decision against Antonio Torres (4-1), 40-36 three times.

In his last fight, held at Sony Hall, Taylor came out to the ring and paraded around the ring afterwards with an Irish flag draped around his massive shoulders (see above picture).

“Keith (Sullivan) knew there would be a lot of Irish fans there to watch an Irish fighter (Emmet Brennan) fighting after me,” Taylor explained. “He figured it was a good way to engage the large Irish crowd, so he draped me in the Irish tri-color flag.  He was right, the Irish in attendance absolutely loved it, and I made some more fans.”

Basketball loss is boxing’s gain; Pryce Taylor is a legitimate prospect with tremendous upside.

In addition to managing Pryce Taylor, Keith Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner with the New York State Athletic Commission, and longtime boxing lawyer, also manages IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) and Bronx middleweight prospect Nisa Rodriguez (1-0), in addition to co-managing World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 12-rated welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.

___________

WBA No. 14 super featherweight

William Foster III added to “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3” 

This Saturday night at The Palladium in Worcester, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (March 19, 2024) – One of the Northeast’s elite contemporary prizefighters, New Haven (CT) super featherweight William “The Silent Assassin” Foster III (16-1, 10 KOs), has been added to this Saturday night’s “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP).

All of the “Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” action will be streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Foster was a celebrated amateur boxer who captured top honors in the 2012 and 2014 New England Golden Gloves Championships, as well as taking a Silver Medal at the prestigious National Golden Gloves runner-up in 2014.  Ranked No. 14 in super featherweight division by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Foster is the reigning WBA Fedecentro Champion who will face an opponent to be finalized in an eight-round, non-title fight.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $45.00 (standing room), $50.00 (balcony), $90.00 (mezzanine), $125.00 (floor) and $650.00 (booth of 4) and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net. Tickets will be available for purchase Saturday night at the Palladium’s box office.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

___________

TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR THE 8^th ANNUAL 

ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME AWARDS & INDUCTION WEEKEND

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (March 19, 2024) — Tickets are on sale for the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) 8th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held Friday September 27th, Saturday September 28th, and Sunday September 29th, 2024 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel. 

The ACBHOF induction weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 27th with the “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception where you can engage in an meet & greets with legendary figures: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, $60.00 admission fee online and at the door, and Saturday September 28th, Fight Fan Experience will offer boxing enthusiasts an immersive interactive experience showcasing stunning artwork, exhibits, and boxing memorabilia and so much more: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, free admission

The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday evening September 28th, red-carpet formal Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere. Join us as we honor all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with boxing royalty and special VIP guests.  

On behalf of Hard Rock Atlantic City, we are proud to welcome back Atlantic City’s Boxing Hall of Fame. This exciting event offers boxing enthusiasts a wonderful experience to interact and meet some of the most influential and legendary names in boxing history. Hosting unique events such as the ACBHOF continues to provide us with the most diverse entertainment line-up in Atlantic City,” stated Mike Woodside, VP of Entertainment & Marketing, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

 Tickets can be purchased by visiting: Ticketmaster | ticket prices are: $125.00 & $60.00

Please visit our website for event tickets, room reservations and full event schedule and itinerary by visiting us at: www.acbhof.com  

“We eagerly anticipate the induction of these distinguished individuals chosen for the “2024” Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. We look forward with great enthusiasm to celebrating and paying tribute to this exceptional group, whose contributions have played a significant role in establishing Atlantic City as a globally recognized boxing Mecca.” – Ray McCline, President, Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 

“Thank you esteemed colleagues for selecting me for a prestigious position such as an inductee in the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame! This is a great honor and I salute you all. Moreover, Atlantic City has been great to me throughout my career and I have fond memories of the many fights fought there while pursuing my Championship journey. I look forward to seeing you all in September 2024.” – James Buster Douglas

“Atlantic City holds many great memories from my boxing career, where I experienced triumph and defeat. The iconic Boardwalk Hall marked the start of my recognition on the world boxing stage, establishing me as one of the best globally. I’m humbled and forever grateful for being inducted into Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame rich boxing history. Thank you for this extraordinary recognition.” – Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez 

“I cherish the memories from my time in Atlantic City, where numerous significant moments unfolded in my life. I’m so proud to be honored by A. C. Boxing Hall of Fame, particularly at this juncture in my life when it might seem that the efforts I invested to achieve championship status are overlooked by many. I’m humbled by this recognition” – Paul Williams 

2024 INDUCTION CLASS:

  FIGHTERS: James Buster Douglas, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Tyrone Mitchell Frazier, Mario Maldonado and Eva Jones-Young CONTRIBUTORS: James “Buddy” Mcgirt, Bruce Blair, Sampson Lewkowicz, Eric Bottjer, Randy Gordon, Guy Gargan POSTHUMOUSLY: Howard Davis Jr., Jay Larkin, Eddie Cotton PIONEERS: Eric Seelig, George Godfrey, Joey Giardello 

A special thanks to our partners, sponsors and supporters: Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Flagship Hotel-Club Boardwalk Resorts, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Irish Pub -Atlantic City, Sampson Boxing, Sparbar Ltd, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Tennessee Ave Tobacco Company, Fight Night Apparel, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, CM 3D Crystal’s, Chris Guzman Gloves and Patrick Killian Arts.

For more information, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s website at: www.acbhof.com

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Pioneering Ring Announcer Ramblin Ralph Velez to be Featured on Undisputed Video Game!

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 14, 2024) – Renowned ring announcer Ramblin Ralph Velez, hailing from Phoenix and Las Vegas, has inked a deal with Steel City Interactive to feature in what is poised to be the most monumental boxing video game in history, “Undisputed”.

Velez, who has graced the rings of boxing icons like Jake Paul, Showtime PPV, and DAZN, and currently holds the honor of being the personal ring announcer for Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions, has embarked on the initial steps for his virtual debut by flying to Sheffield, England, for scanning. With over 100 boxers set to be showcased in the game, Velez and Jimmy Lennon are the chosen announcers.

“To share this project with my mentor, friend, and hero Jimmy Lennon is a blessing,” said Velez, who also serves as the primary ring announcer for Seddiqi Sports in Abu Dhabi. “I’m eager to carve out a legacy for myself and be part of history. My heartfelt thanks to ASH and Todd Grisham for recognizing my contribution to the game.”

Joining Velez and Lennon in “Undisputed”, veteran Hall of Fame referee Kenny Bayless is also featured, available in the game’s early release on Steam.

The game has secured partnerships with major sanctioning bodies like the WBC and established a collaboration with TURKEY ALSHEIKH and Riyadh Season, solidifying its position as a groundbreaking venture in combat sports gaming.

“It’s a childhood dream come true,” continued Velez. “From creating myself in video games as a kid to now being featured authentically, showcasing my profession – it’s truly incredible. I hope this platform serves as inspiration for youngsters worldwide. Regardless of where you come from, with hard work and belief, you can defy the odds and turn your dreams into reality.”

With its global appeal and immersive experience, the “Undisputed” video game is poised to revolutionize the gaming landscape, offering enthusiasts an unparalleled boxing simulation.

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Former Lightweight Contender Jimmy Heair passes away at age 71

Story by Henry Hascup

The former lightweight and junior welterweight contender, active from 1971 to 1989, passed away at Shearer Richardson Nursing Home in Okolona, Mississippi, on March 7, 2024, at the age of 71.

James Elkin Heair was born in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 1952, and compiled a record of 99-34-1 (KO 65/KO by 11).

During his career, he defeated Chango Carmona, Raul Montoya, Jamie Campos, Miguel Mayan, Angel Mayoral, Arturo Pineda, Gerardo Ferrat, Lorenzo Trujillo, Rudy Hernandez, Javier Muniz, Jesus ‘Chucho’ Alonso, Rocky Ramon, Joe Medrano, Freddie Harris (for the Tennessee State and Southern Light Welterweight Titles), and Jimmy Corkum.

He also fought and lost to great fighters such as Roberto Duran, Pete Ranzany (for the North American Boxing Federation Welterweight Title), Nicolino Locche,  Armando Muniz (for the United States Welterweight Title), Dave ‘Boy’ Green, Harold Weston, Hector Thompson, Rudy Barro, Adriano Marrero, Jose Peterson, and Arturo Leon.

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World Champion Miyo Yoshida Signs with 

NYC Attorney and Boxing Manager Keith Sullivan

NEW YORK CITY (March 11, 2024) – Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) has signed with New York-based lawyer Keith Sullivan.

Yoshida, 35, is a three-time, two-division world champion having captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight crowns twice in 2019 and 2021. A native of Japan, she moved to Manhattan last year, trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, and is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

She is one of 23 female world champions from Japan, only the sixth to capture world titles in two or more divisions.

“Keith Sullivan is an excellent lawyer with an undisputed reputation,” Yoshida said. “I believe that he will be able to advance my career forward by becoming my manager. He was highly recommended, and I am happy he is part of Team Miyo. ”It will also broaden the scope of my career.”

“Miyo is a great story on many levels, both in and out of the ring,” Sullivan commented. “She was a single mom in a foreign country coming off a loss, took that fight on two weeks’ notice and dominated her way to another World title,” Sullivan commented. “She has a lot of fight still in her. It’s an honor to work with someone as professional and respectful as Miyo.”

Last December, Yoshida put on a boxing clinic in San Francisco, replacing injured Avril Mathie on less than two weeks’ notice to defeat defending IBF bantamweight title-holder Ebanie Bridges (9-1) by way of a dominant 10-round unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 97-93).

“Without a doubt,” Yoshida talked about her title fight against Bridges, “this match was my greatest career achievement.  I want to get stronger than I am now and continue to be a great champion.”

A single mother of daughter her, Mina, Miyo is known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, where she is a revered role model back, and for that reason as well as her success in the ring, Yoshida received the 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award.  

“Many senior Japanese women have paved the way for me without giving up,” Miyo added. I would like to follow in their footsteps and pave the way for my juniors. Women’s boxing in the United States is by far the largest market. In Japan, you get used to fighting against Japanese styles. In the U.S. there are so many various fighting styles. It’s always interesting. The support and scale of women’s boxing is superior in the U.S. than in Japan.”

Ten years ago, Yoshida moved from Kagoshima, Japan, to Hawaii to learn kickboxing because she wanted to change her life. She kickboxed and learned MMA before turning to boxing at the age of 26. After two years out of boxing to take care of her baby, she made her professional debut at the age of 28. Miyo started boxing because as a kickboxer, she often sparred boxers and enjoyed the challenge of the sport.”

Sullivan also manages Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (2-0, 2 KOs), standout amateur Nisa Rodriguez, the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland, Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs).

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3-Time World Champion Fernando Vargas

 Confirmed for Seventh Annual

Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 4, in Las Vegas

Box Fan Expo – the Largest Boxing Fan Event held in the U.S – the Ultimate Boxing Fan Experience

Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite

Las Vegas (March 6, 2024) – Three-Time world champion Fernando Vargas has confirmed that he will appear at the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with a mega fight that will take place later that evening in Las Vegas, featuring boxing star Canelo Alvarez.

Vargas will be joined by his sons Emiliano, Amado and Fernando Jr., who will hold a Meet & Greet with their fans at the Vargas Dynasty booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend. 

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III.  

Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

Vargas will make his fifth appearance at this years’ Expo. Vargas and his sons will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Vargas and the Vargas Dynasty will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “El Feroz”. @vargasdynasty_

Vargas joins Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced. 

About Fernando Vargas

Fernando Vargas, is a retired American boxer of Mexican descent. Vargas is a 3-Time world champion with a Pro record of 31 wins 5 losses and 22 KO’s. He who won a bronze medal as an amateur at the 1995 Pan American Gamesin Mar del Plata. His nicknames include “Ferocious”, “The Aztec Warrior” and “El Feroz”. Vargas was the youngest open national champion at 16 yrs old. The youngest boxing Olympian at 18yrs old and holds the record in boxing history as the youngest to become jr. middleweight champion at 21 years old. Some of Fernando’s notable wins came against 5 world champions which includes, Raúl Márquez, Yori Boy Campas, Ike Quartey, Javier Castellejo and Winky Wright. Some of his most notable fights came against Oscar De La Hoya, Félix Trinidad, Shane Mosley, and Ricardo Mayorga. Vargas was a very popular and fan favorite of American cable TV giant HBO.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

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Weights from El Paso, Texas

Philadelphia (February 29, 2024) –Weights for Friday night’s card at The El Paso County Coliseum.

Stephanie Han 134.5 – Nikola Izova 136

Jorge Tovar 163 – Keithland King 160

Amy Salinas 113 – Alexis Mone 115 

Bree Howling 117 – Noemi Bosques 118 

Brittany Sims 119 – Beata Dudek 118

Victor Aranda 154.5- Tevin Watson 155 

Alex McGee 124.5 – Jose Gabriel Colotla 126

Eljah Akana 213.5 – Calvin Barnett 253

Danielle Perkins 178 – Timin Nagy 180.5

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Wise Owl Boxing To Become Complete Management Firm

Management Company looking to add strategic partners to the management team to provide comprehensive services to fighters both inside and outside of the ring

LOS ANGELES (January 29, 2024)– Wise Owl Boxing is pleased to announce additional services to professional boxers under it’s management platform.

The company, headed by Mark Habibi, is looking to not only sign and expand its growing roster, but provide many supplemental and business services both inside and outside the ring.

.”I want to set Wise Owl Boxing apart from the competition. Our goal is to provide our fighters with a full-service management platform and to provide them the best representation available, so they excel both inside AND outside of the ring. We care about our fighters and want to make sure they have all the resources available they need to set them up for success”.

Wise Owl has a two-part strategy to increase its presence in boxing management.

The first involves collaborating with other managers to form alliances and create synergies. The second involves forming alliances with strategic partners/investors to create a full-service management team of preferred vendors/contractors that can assist the fighter with all their affairs outside of the ring.

Wise Owl is currently involved in the co-management of some fighters while it’s exclusively managing others.

The company believes that by being open to co-managing fighters, it allows more options for the fighters, thus creating more opportunities. “Joining forces is something I absolutely welcome. If there’s an opportunity to get involved with a great fighter I’m all about it. It’s all about energy. If the energy is right then the synergy could be tremendous and the fighter will benefit,” continued Habibi.

Wise Owl is also actively forming alliances with strategic partners/investors who will become preferred vendors/contractors of Wise Owl Boxing and will create a complete management team that can assist with all aspects of the fighter’s life.

These alliances range from attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, doctors, real estate agents, financial advisors, publicists, photographers, videographers, brand/marketing specialists, commercial/media agents, etc. These preferred vendors/contractors will be available to the fighters to provide advice and guidance. Fighters have no commitment to hire any of these consultants, but these consultants will be available upon request.

“The goal is to provide a full-service management team that can help the boxer from A-Z and provide assistance with just about anything. I don’t think any of the other managers out there are doing this and I want to go above and beyond for my guys”.

Wise Owl Boxing currently manages the careers of WBC ranked #1 super welterweight Charles Conwell, former world title contender Brandon Adams, DeAngelo Evans and Javon Woodard Jr.

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Split-T Management Signs Undefeated Bantamweight Contender Johanna Wonyou

NEW YORK (January 24, 2024) – Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated bantamweight contender Johanna “Wonder” Wonyou.

Wonyou will be co-managed by boxing’s premier manager for female fighters Brian Cohen and Block One Sports.

“Johanna is a terrific young fighter who has a ton of talent and is a major player in the bantamweight division. In her last bout she dominated an undefeated fighter in her opponent’s hometown. She has been the most avoided fighter in the division, but we (along with Block One Sports) expect to have her in title contention very soon, and we expect her to be a terrific fighter for a long time.” said Cohen

Wonyou, 23 years-old of London, England via France, was a Youth Amateur Gold Medal Winner and three-time French Amatuer champion.

Wonyou has a record of 9-0 with two knockouts.

Wonyou is a four-year professional who already is a major player in the bantamweight division.

Wonyou already has two wins over Wendellin Cruz. Cruz was undefeated at 5-0-1 before the first fight.

On March 12.2023, Wonyou captured the Commonwealth Boxing Council Bantamweight Title with a fourth round stoppage over Egine Kayange in Kent, England. In her last outing, Wonyou captured the European Bantamweight title with a 10-round shutout over previously undefeated Simona Salvatori (8-0) on May 5, 2023 in Lazio, England.

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 Former Japanese welterweight champ, Shoji Tsujimoto  passed away at age 75

Joe Koizumi reported

Shoji Tsujimoto, 75, former Japanese welterweight champ, passed away on December 23. Having scored an excellent amateur mark of 92-10, 46 stoppages, and gained some national amateur belts, the tall, handsome, and stylish southpaw turned professional as he entered Yonekura Gym presided by former world challenger Kenji Yonekura (who failed to win the world fly and bantam belts from Pascual Perez and Jose Becerra in 1959 and 1960). Tsujimoto entered the world top ten by defeating ex-champ Eddie Perkins on points (unanimous; 49-48, 49-47, 50-47) in 1974 and became the very first Japanese boxer to have an ambitious crack at the world welterweight belt against Jose Pipino Cuevas in his first defense, though, only to be demolished in six hard-fought rounds in Kanazawa in 1976.

Having registered twelve defenses of his national belt to his credit, Shoji, 27-4-2, 14 KOs, hung up gloves for good after his forfeiture of the Japanese title to Akio Kameda (who later challenged Aaron Pryor and Terry Marsh in 1982 and 1987). Tsujimoto established a security enterprise after his retirement and opened Esaka Boxing Gym in 1993—thanks to the financial support of his elder brother Hidemori (who fought Carlos Teo Cruz, Eddie Perkins, etc.). Shoji produced Japanese 115-pound champ Koki Moribe (12-1-2, 2 KOs), who retired because of an eye ailment. It is said Tsujimoto suffered such a serious sickness to enter a sanatorium some ten years ago. May his soul rest in peace.

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PRIME VIDEO AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE NEW MULTIYEAR RIGHTS AGREEMENT BEGINNING IN 2024

NEW YORK—December 7, 2023—Today, Prime Video and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) announced a landmark, multiyear rights agreement to deliver viewers the boxing industry’s most significant events, providing fans with year-round access to the best matchups featuring the biggest stars in boxing.
 
PBC features over 150 active fighters across various weight divisions, including top contenders and current world champions. Since its debut in 2015, PBC has presented the biggest mega-events in the sport of boxing, including 2023 blockbusters David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant, Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan Garcia, Errol Spence vs. Terence Crawford, and Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo. The addition of a world-class sports property like PBC is another one of the many benefits that come with Prime, which provides unparalleled savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.
 
Prime Video will distribute PBC’s industry-leading pay-per-view (PPV) events in the U.S, with the first event anticipated for March 2024. PBC PPV fights will be available for all viewers to purchase, regardless of Prime membership. Additionally, in the U.S. and select countries, Prime Video will exclusively stream a PBC Championship Boxing series of events, showcasing top matchups among boxing’s current and rising stars. Details on specific cards, dates, and locations will be announced at a later date. In addition to the live PBC events, Prime Video will continue to grow its Original sports content offerings, with behind-the-scenes PBC docuseries, live weigh-ins, as well as on-demand access to previous events, highlights, archival footage, and more.
 
“We are thrilled to join with Premier Boxing Champions to bring the best boxers in the world to Prime Video, and to give more fans than ever the chance to experience these must-see events,” said Marie Donoghue, VP, U.S. sports content & partnerships, Amazon. “With live coverage of PBC action throughout the calendar year, Prime Video continues to bring viewers in the U.S. and around the world the best in sports.”
 
“Premier Boxing Champions is very proud to partner with Prime Video to showcase our world-class boxers and events. With Prime’s incredible reach and unprecedented marketing power, we’re very excited to reach new audiences for our sport as we continue to present the most exciting, competitive and biggest fights in Boxing,” said Bruce Binkow, CEO, Integrated Sports, exclusive agency for PBC. 
 
Fans will be able to watch PBC live at home or on the go, and across hundreds of compatible devices, streaming from the web, or using the Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, game consoles, and connected TVs. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit amazon.com/howtostream.

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FINAL DAY OF U.S. OLYMPIC BOXING TRIALS LIVE ON PEACOCK THIS SATURDAY, DEC. 9 AT 1 P.M. ET

America’s Top Boxers to Compete at Cajundome in Lafayette, La.

Winners at Trials Will Advance to U.S. Olympic High Performance Selection Camp in January

STAMFORD, Conn. – Dec. 7, 2023 – Peacock will stream live coverage of the final day of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing this Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. ET from the Cajundome in Lafayette, La. The 13 boxers who win their weight class this weekend will advance to the High Performance Selection Camp in January, where they will be among the few selected to compete for spots on the U.S. Olympic team competing in Paris next summer.

Due to their strong finishes at the vaunted 2023 Pan-American Games, Team USA has already pre-selected five boxers for Paris 2024: Jajaira Gonzalez (women’s 60 kg), Jahmal Harvey (men’s 57 kg), Jennifer Lozano (women’s 50 kg), Morelle McCane (women’s 66 kg), and Joshua Edwards (men’s 92+ kg).

The best boxers in America will be competing this weekend for the chance to represent their country on the biggest stage in international athletics. On the men’s side, 2022 elite national champions Dedrick Crocklem and Jordan Roach, as well as two-time youth national champion Benjamin Johnson, are all expected to step into the ring this weekend.

On the women’s side, defending U.S. Olympic Trials champion and four-time national champion Lupe Gutierrez headlines the field. Additionally, 2022 youth world champion Yoseline Perez, two-time youth national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El, and 2021 Junior Pan-American Games champion Kayla Gomez are also all expected to compete this weekend.

Live coverage on Peacock will begin on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. ET. David Austin will announce the action alongside 2016 Rio Olympian and 2012 world championship bronze medalist Mikaela Mayer.

Preliminary rounds will be available live and on demand on the USA Boxing website Monday-Thursday at 6 p.m. ET and Friday-Saturday at Noon ET.

A full schedule of NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials will be announced at a later date.

NBC Sports has brought boxing to millions of viewers across the country beginning with the first-ever live televised fight in 1939, when Lou Nova defeated Max Baer at Yankee Stadium. Over the decades to follow, NBC Sports’ coverage of the sport showcased stars including Joe Louis, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Larry Holmes.

Peacock’s expansive programming features live coverage including Big Ten Football and Basketball, Sunday Night Football, Notre Dame Football, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, and much more.  Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

Broadcast Team

• • Announcers: David Austin / Mikaela Mayer

How To Watch – Saturday, December 9 (all times ET)

• • Streaming: Peacock (LIVE), NBC Sports app

Date	Time (ET)	Platform
Sat., Dec. 9	1-5 p.m.	Peacock, NBC Sports app

 

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Wise Owl Boxing Signs Undefeated Junior Welterweight DeAngelo Evans

LOS ANGELES (October 25, 2023) –Wise Owl Boxing has signed Undefeated junior welterweight DeAngelo Evans

Evans, 25 years old of Kemersville, North Carolina, has a perfect record of 7-0 with seven knockouts.

“It is meaningful that a manager like Mark Habibi is interested in me, because it feels like my hard work is paying off,” said Evans. “I really want my name in the mix and want people to know who I am in boxing, and I feel with this new management, I can see that in my future.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity to manage DeAngelo Evans aka “Muscle”. He’s an exciting young fighter that checks all the boxes. He’s got the look; the charismatic personality and he can fight. His high-pressure style is exciting to watch which is reflected by his outstanding record of 7-0 w 7KO’s. We can’t wait to showcase this young talent and get him signed with a top-notch promoter asap,” said Mark Habibi of Wise Owl Boxing.

” It’s a blessing to be able to co-manage a great young fighter like Deangelo Evans, who has all of the potential to become a world champion in the future,” said co-manager Lamont Rosborough.

Evans began boxing at the age of 19 as he came across boxing while in college at Averett University, where Evans was a wrestler. Evans, who was the first in his family to attend college, stayed there for two years before dedicating himself to boxing.

Evans did not have an amateur career as he learned his trade by sparring with professional fighters.

“After my first day in the gym, I took the sport very seriously and stopped wrestling. I have always loved 1-on-1 sports and love working with my hands, as I love to cook, paint and draw.”

Evans turned pro on April 17, 2021, with a second-round knockout of Joel Franklin in Aiken, South Carolina. In his most recent outing, Evans stopped Kelvin Smith on August 5th in Danville, Virginia.

Evans is trained by former professional fighter Marcus Luck.

Evans, who works as a boxing teacher, is looking to get back in the ring on December 16th in Rock Hill, South Carolina at The Rock Hill Sports and Events Center.

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Toronto’s undefeated light heavyweight

Kareem Hackett now No. 14 in WBA ratings

LOS ANGELES (October 19, 2023) – Newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), a first for a Toronto fighter, has cracked the WBA world ratings at No. 14.

Hackett was a 4-1 underdog in his most recent fight this past September 20^th in Plant City, Florida, against undefeated Australian Clay Waterman (11-0). Toronto native Hackett became the first boxer from his hometown to capture the WBC Intercontinental title, nearly pitching a complete shutout in the process, as  only one judge gave his opponent a single round (100-90, 100-90, 99-91).

In a thoroughly dominant performance, Hackett effectively used slick hands, distance and movement for his impressive victory, for which he was rewarded with a new title belt and No. 14 world rating in the WBA.

“This win was significant because I’m the first fighter from Toronto to win this title, and I was a 4-1 underdog against an experienced Australian opponent, and I went 10 rounds for the first time,” promotional free agent Hackett said. “It was a solid win; I was strong from start to finish, in good shape and my work rate increased with each round. The WAB rating just came out and I’m No. 14 in the world. By the end of this year, I’d like to crack the top 10 and next year, I’d like to trend toward a world title fight against Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev, whichever one is the belt holder. I know Bivol very well from a lot of his training camps. I’ve developed a lot since then, though.”

The added exposure he gained from defeating Waterman on the ProBox stream will most certainly pay dividends in 2024.

“More people know me after my last fight on ProBox TV,” Hackett added. “This opportunity changed the way a lot of people view me, even from the commentators: former world champions Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Manuel Marquez and Chris Algieri.”

Now a resident of North Hollywood (CA), Hackett lives only a block away from where he trains at Brickhouse Boxing Club, where he is trained by rising coaching star Julian Chua and former heavyweight boxer, Malik Scott.

“This is my second home,” Hackett noted. “I train at Brickhouse seven days a week, including holidays. I just go from home to the gym and back. I’m a lot more comfortable living here in a strong community.”

Hackett, 33, has gained invaluable experience from sparring sessions with world boxing champions such as his 3PM stablemate, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, as well as Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Sergio Mora, Mathew Macklin, David Benavidez, and Dmitry Bivol, as well as undefeated prospect Darius Fulghum.

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‘He loved them kids:’ Family, boxers remember legendary boxing coach Mike Stafford

The fact Cincinnati Golden Gloves head coach Mike Stafford grew up to be a nationally and internationally acclaimed boxing coach is still a surprise to his oldest brother, Gary Stafford. Boxing was “the last thing we would’ve thought he’d get into,” Gary, 76, said about his quiet, humble brother.

Mike died Sept. 6 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of Olympic-level boxing coaching and impacting countless adolescent lives in his hometown of Cincinnati.

Mike’s childhood friends first introduced him to the sport, Gary said. He started coaching in 1991 when one of his sons, also named Mike, wanted to start training at Golden Gloves Gym, a boxing program founded by Cincinnati pizzeria icon Buddy LaRosa, at the Millvale Recreation Center.

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RDR Promotions This Friday at Smalls Restaurant and Events at 3:30 PM ET

Rashan Adams Battles Jabril Noble in Battle of Undefeated Prospects on Saturday, October 21st at Harrahs Philadelphia in Chester, PA

Isaiah Johnson Takes on Paulo Cesar Galdino

Plus Undefeated Tahmir Smalls, David Calabro, Jalique Holden, Frankie Lynn, Francisco Rodriguez, Monyae Gregory and Erron Peterson

Philadelphia, PA (October 19, 2023) — This Friday afternoon at Smalls Restaurant and Events (1649 West Hunting Park Ave.), RDR Promotions will host the weigh-in for a big night of boxing that will take place a night later at Harrahs Philadelphia. The weigh in will take place at 3:30 PM

ABOUT OCTOBER 21ST

In a mouthwatering battle of undefeated prospects, Rashan Adams (5-0, 4 KOs) takes on Jabril Noble (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a six-round junior lightweight bout. that will be featured on a a huge night of boxing on Saturday, October 21st at Harrahs Philadelphia in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The 12-bout card is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Rising junior welterweight prospect Isaiah Johnson will take on Paulo Cesar Galdino in the eight-round featured contest.

Johnson of Philadelphia is 8-0 with six knockouts. The 21-year-old has been electric in his early career and is coming off a third-round stoppage over Marquis Hawthorne on May 27th.

Galdino of Sao Paulo, Brazil has a record of 12-7-2 with eight-knockouts. The 31-year-old has wins over Emerson Braz (4-1-1), Osvaldo de Melo Costa (3-0), Daniel Gonzalez (20-3-1). Galdino is coming off back-to-back draws with undefeated fighters Narciso Carmona (10-0-) and Myquan Williams (19-0-1) with the latter coming on June 9th in Verona, New York.

Also, in six-round bouts:

Tahmir Smalls (10-0, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Eduardo Rafael Reyes (11-19, 6 KOs) of Mexico in a super welterweight contest.

Tariq Green (4-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Dewayne Williams (4-7-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

David Calabro (2-0, 2 KOs) of Aston, PA fights Jeffrey Williams (0-1) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight tussle.

Jalique Holden (4-0, 3 KOs) of Wilmington, DE fights Daniel McCall (0-1) of Stone Mountain, GA in a super featherweight contest.

Frankie Lynn (2-0, 2 KOs) of Chester, PA tangles with Anthony Young (0-6) of Philadelphia.

Francisco Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pleasantville, New Jersey fights Braulio Avila (3-16, 1 KO) of Mexico in a lightweight fight.

Monyae Gregory (1-0, 1 KO) of Owings Mills, Maryland takes on Maurice Clemons (1-4) of Riverdale, GA in a middleweight fight.

Erron Peterson (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Eliezer Olmeda (3-4) of Gloucester, NJ takes on Raekwon Butler (5-6, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY in a welterweight bout,

Tickets are $65, $75, $100 and $130 and can be purchased at [email protected]

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Brackets set for Team USA at 2023 Santiago Pan American Games

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 19, 2023) – The 13 boxers representing Team USA at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games over the next nine days at the Centro de Entrenamiento Olimpico have learned their opening bout opponent, as well as their potential pathway to the top of the podium in Santiago, Chile. Full first day opponents can be seen below.

Heavyweight Jamar Talley (Camden, N.J.) will start things off for USA Boxing on Friday, Oct. 20, when he will step into the ring against two-time Olympic Champion Julio Cesar La Cruz of Cuba. The lone session of the day will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Saturday, Oct. 21 will see three Americans begin their tournament. 2021 Elite World Championship silver medalist Roscoe Hill (Spring, Texas) will face Cuba’s Alejandro Claro Fiz in the first session of the day, which starts at 10:00 a.m. ET. The evening session, which begins at 5:00 p.m. ET, will have Jennifer Lozano (Laredo, Texas) and Robby “Rahim” Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) representing the red, white and blue.

Lozano will go head-to-head against Ecuador’s Susan Aguas, while Gonzales will meet a familiar opponent in Christian Javier Pinales of the Dominican Republic. Gonzales and Pinales faced each other during last year’s semifinal bout of the AMBC Elite Championships, with Gonzales taking the 4-1 decision.

Team USA will have a busy Sunday, as four boxers will begin their Pan American Games tournament.

2022 Youth World Champion Yoseline Perez (Houston, Texas) will start the team for the day against Yeni Arias, the 2020 Olympian from Colombia, while Omari Jones (Orlando, Fla.) faces Angel Llanos Perez of Puerto Rico. They will both be in the first session of the day.

The second session on Sunday will feature three-time amateur World Champion Jajaira Gonzalez (Glendora, Calif.) and 2023 GeeBee International Tournament champion Emilio Garcia (Laredo, Texas). Gonzalez’ first opponent will be Garinder Takhar of Canada, while Garcia takes on Jesus Nazaret Cova Romero, who won gold earlier this year at the AMBC Elite Boxing Championships.  

Featherweight duo Alyssa Mendoza (Caldwell, Idaho) and Jahmal Harvey (Oxon Hill, Md.) will begin their tournament on Monday, Oct. 23. Mendoza, who is scheduled to be in the first session of the day, will meet Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh, while Harvey, the 2021 Elite World Championship gold medalist, will take on the winner of the opening round matchup of Panama and Guyana.

Tuesday, Oct. 24 will feature Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio), Naomi Graham (Fayetteville, N.C.) and Johsua Edwards (Houston, Texas) tournament debuts.

McCane, who secured a bye in the opening round of the 66 kg division, faces Nicole Vega Moya of Costa Rica, while reigning Pan American Games Champion Graham earned a bye and will wait to see if she will face either Cuba or Mexico in her opening bout.

Super heavyweight Edwards earned his own bye and will begin his tournament against either Chile or Ecuador.

This year marks the 19^th edition of the Pan American Games, which has brought 174 boxers from 27 different countries to Santiago hopes of earning their place at next summer’s Paris Olympic Games 2024.

Team USA is being guided at these Games by USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.), National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), as well as National Development Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.)  along with assistant coach Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas).

Click here to stay updated on USA Boxing’s time in Santiago, including athlete stories, daily schedule, livestream and more.

2023 Pan American Games Team Opening Bouts

Friday, Oct. 20^th

92 kg: Jamar Talley, Camden, N.J./USA, vs. Julio Cesar La Cruz/CUB

 

Saturday, Oct. 21^st

50 kg: Jennifer Lozano, Laredo, Texas/USA, vs. Susan Meylin Aguas Chala/ECU

51 kg: Roscoe Hill, Spring, Texas/USA, vs. Alejandro Claro Fiz/CUB

80 kg: Robby Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, vs. Christian Javier Pinales/DOM

 

Sunday, Oct. 22^nd

54 kg: Yoseline Perez, Houston, Texas/USA, vs. Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda/COL

60 kg: Jajaira Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif./USA, vs. Garinder Takhar/CAN

63.5 kg: Emilio Garcia, Laredo, Texas/USA, vs. Jesus Nazaret Cova Romero/VEN

71 kg: Omari Jones, Orlando, Fla./USA, vs. Angel Llanos Perez/PUR

 

Monday, Oct. 23^rd

57 kg: Alyssa Mendoza, Caldwell, Idaho/USA, vs. Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh/CAN

57 kg: Jahmal Harvey, Oxon Hill, Md./USA, vs. winner of PAN vs. GUY

 

Tuesday, Oct. 24^th

66 kg: Morelle McCane, Cleveland, Ohio/USA, vs. Nicole Vega Moya/CRC

75 kg: Naomi Graham, Fayetteville, N.C./USA, vs. winner of CUB vs. MEX

92+ kg: Joshua Edwards, Houston, Texas/USA, vs. winner of CHI vs. ECU

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CountryBox Inks Major Distribution Deal

Wildly Popular Series To be Shown Live on All Major Cable and Satellite Providers Beginning with This Tuesday Night’s, September 5th card

Undefeated Justin Biggs in Action

Chann Thonson Takes on Nikolai Buzolin for WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE –Jimmy Adams Promotions is pleased to announce a distribution deal that will see the popular CountryBox series be televised all over the United States on all major Cable television and Satellite providers.

The deal will begin with this Tuesday night’s (September 5th) six bout card from the Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee.

The card will go into 100 million homes on the following channels on each Cable/Satellite Provider:

Dish Network–Channel 218

Comcast/Xfinity –Channel 1495

Fios–Channel 662

Frontier–Channel 162

ATT U-Verse–Channel 459/1459

Spectrum–Channel 189

GCI–Channel 142

Cincinnati Bell–636

Buckeye Cable–Channels 161/572

Direct TV–Channel 242

Plus on the web on www.countrybox247.com and FITE.TV

The fight card will feature undefeated Junior Middleweight Justin Biggs (12-0, 10 KOs) vs Eric Bossler (6-4, 5 KOs)

llightweight Chann Thonson (14-0, 11 KOs) talking on Nikolai Buzolin (9-5-1, 5 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Title

Plus undefeated fighters Erick Arrellano (6-0, 4 KOs), Emes Orta (4-0, 4 KOs) and Jaquan Carty (2-0, 1 KO) plus local favorite Kevin Torian.

Fans watching will also be treated to the sounds of country music star Rodney Collins.

The action begins at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT and 5 PT.

The fights will be called by Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster Marc Abrams and two-time NFL All-Pro Albert Haynesworth.

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Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Fighting in LA for first time in initial 8-rounder

LOS ANGELES (August 31, 2023) – Undefeated prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) will experience a few firsts on September 16^th in his toughest test to date during his young professional career versus veteran Mexican fighter Ricardo Adrian “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs) at Commerce Casino and Hotel in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, will be fighting in L.A. for the first time in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

“I’m excited to be fighting on a good card on DAZN,” Fulghum commented. “I’ve built a good network there (in LA at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood) and I’ll have a lot of people coming from home (Texas), too.

“Nothing really changes in training (preparing for his first eight-rounder at a lighter weight). Every time I had a four or six round fight, I prepared for it like it was a 12-round fight. Same for this fight but with even more focus.”

Luna has become a “gatekeeper” having fought top prospects at various stages of their respective careers such as (16-0) Albert Ramirez, (19-0) Diego Pacheco, (30-0) Eric Bazinyan and (16-3) Ryota Murata. Luna’s most notable fight was a draw with 21-2 Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.

“I’m not putting pressure on myself to get a knockout,” Fulghum said, “Every fighter will tell you, if a knockout comes, it comes. My style is wear-and-tear to break down my opponent. Will I take a knockout? Yes, but I’m not planning for it.”

Fulghum will be fighting for his fourth time in five months, a pace that perfectly suits “DFG” as he transitions from light heavyweight to super middleweight, fighting Luna at a 172-pound catchweight.

“I’d like to ramp it up even more because it builds my experience,” Fulghum explained his accelerated pace of development. “I haven’t suffered any damage in my fights and I’m always in the gym training.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. All of his amateur accomplishments were achieved while he attended college.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

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Split-T Management signs Undefeated Shamara Woods

NEW YORK (August 16, 2023) – Split-T Management has signed undefeated junior lightweight Shamara Woods.

“I am very excited to be working with Shamara Woods. She has a great story being that she is a single mother. She had an extensive amateur career and will make a huge impact when she is seen by a bigger platform. Thanks to ProBox and Chris Glover, Shamara will get that opportunity. I believe that Shamara has the capability to become a world champion and be a very marketable fighter inside and outside of the ring,” said Brian Cohen of Split-T Management.”

Said Woods, “I am super excited to sign with Brian and Split-T Management. I have seen him sign great fighters since 2018, I see that he has brought so many fighters to world titles, and it is great to sign with him. I am expecting to obtain a world title. My goal is to win world titles 130, 135 and 140 lbs.”

Woods, who is 2-0 is 27 years-old of Allentown, PA, and began boxing at the age of 14. She embarked on an amateur career that saw her compete in 37 fights and won the WBA International Amateur Title and three Undisputed Promotions Titles.

Dubbed ‘Pure Pefection”, Shamara also has a background in Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

Woods, who is a single mother of a seven year-old boy, turned professional on April 1st with a unanimous decision over Sarah Click in Orlando, Florida. Woods followed that up with a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Samone Da Silva on May 12th in Orlando.

Boxing runs in the family as her father was an amateur boxer.

Woods is trained by Fernando Arroyo and Rashad Mays.

Woods will be in action this Saturday against 31 fight veteran Rocio De Leon Query in the Dominican Republic.

Woods will come right back in action as she will fight on Probox TV on September 20th in Plant City, Florida.

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SATURDAY: Luis Nery-Froilan Saludar Junior Featherweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Streaming action from Metepec, Mexico, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

(July 7, 2023) — Mexican former two-division world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery returns in a 10-round main event against Filipino former title challenger Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar this Saturday, July 8 at Recinto Ferial Metepec in Metepec, Mexico.
 
The 28-year-old Nery will look to continue his campaign towards another title run in the competitive junior featherweight division.
 
Promoted by Zanfer Promotions, Nery-Saludar and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Nery (34-1, 26 KOs) burst onto championship scene in October 2017 with a fourth-round TKO against then-unbeaten champion Shinsuke Yamanaka to capture the WBC bantamweight crown. Three years later, he defeated Aaron Alameda to win the WBC junior featherweight title via 12-round unanimous decision. Nery suffered his first defeat in a title unification bout versus WBA king Brandon Figueroa in May 2021. He is 3-0 with two knockouts since the Figueroa loss and is coming off a 11^th-round knockout over former title challenger Azat Hovhannisyan in a Fight of the Year-level battle. Saludar (33-6-1, 23 KOs) is a 13-year pro who unsuccessfully challenged Sho Kimura for the WBO flyweight title in 2018. He has given stiff tests to former world champs Andrew Moloney and Daigo Higa. The 34-year-old is coming off a first-round TKO win over countryman Crison Omayao last October.

In other streaming action from Metepec, Mexico:

• Junior welterweight standout Carlos Sanchez (24-1, 19 KOs) will take on Marcos Gonzalez (22-3, 11 KOs) in a 10-round clash. Both are coming off April wins, with Sanchez beating Alexander Duran via six-round technical decision and Gonzalez defeating Josue Veraza via 10-round unanimous decision.
   
• In a 10-round junior middleweight fight, Jorge Garcia Perez (25-4, 21 KOs) will square off against Ricardo Bañuelos (18-9-1, 7 KOs). Both fought on the same card last month. Perez scored a seventh-round knockout win over Hector Andres Reyes, while Bañuelos lost to Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez via eight-round unanimous decision.
   
• Rashib Martinez (20-2-1, 9 KOs) will face Ernesto Garcia Flores (10-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight tilt.
   
• In a swing bout, flyweights Luis Rodriguez (8-3, 3 KOs) and Juan Carlos Barrientos (5-2, 3 KOs) will collide in a fight scheduled for four or six rounds. 

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East-West Massachusetts Boxing Showdown

Lynn’s James Perkins vs. Pittsfield’s Steven Sumpter title fight

To Headline “Pandemonium at The Palladium”

 August 19^th in Worcester

QUINCY, Mass. (June 28, 2023) – East meets West! On August 19^th on the “Pandemonium at The Palladium” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), a pair of unbeaten boxers, James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) and Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (8-0, 7 KOs), put their sterling records on the line at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Perkins vs. Sumpter will be the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Middleweight Championship.

“Pandemonium at The Palladium” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

Perkins is a gravedigger from Lynn, which is located on the east coast of the Bay State, while Sumpter hails from Pittsfield in Western Massachusetts. they will be fighting in Central Mass., in Worcester.

It’s so rare in boxing today that unbeaten prospects square off against each other, rather than take the less risky route to build-up records.

“I am excited to be hosting my first show in Worcester at the historic Palladium,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “The Palladium hosted a bunch of unforgettable events, and this is going to be added to the list.”

An old saying in boxing is that styles make fights. If that’s the case, Perkins vs. Sumpter has the potential to be an instant classic, because Perkins is a seek-and-destroy fighter and Sumpter a solid boxer-puncher.

Perkins, 30, fought to a draw in his 2019 pro debut and he’s won his last 12 fights in a row, including a four-round knockout of Larry Smith this past June 30.

“I’m looking forward to this fight with Sumpter,” Perkins said. “I think it’s going to be my toughest test so far and I welcome the challenge. I think it’s going to be a fun fight night for the fans as well.”

The 29-year-old Sumpter moved up in weight last November, capturing the vacant Massachusetts light heavyweight title by taking an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Edet Mkpanam (8-0).  Sumpter recently knocked out Miguel Angel Suarez in the opening round of his most recent fight.

“I think this fight is a great opportunity,” Sumpter remarked. “Another chance at fighting yet another undefeated fighter early in my career just makes me go even harder than I did before. To be headlining a good distance away from home is still a good feeling. I have a lot of supporters and I know they’ll make the trip regardless.

“I don’t know a lot about Perkins. I’ve seen him fight once and I wasn’t impressed. I think he’s a pretty good fighter, but I don’t think he has what it takes to come out on top.”

Other fighters slated to be in action on “Pandemonium at The Palladium” include two undefeated Holyoke boxers, Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (11-0, 6 KOs) and super welterweight Carlos Castillo (7-0, 4 KOs), two unbeaten Springfield fighters, super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs) and (his brother) super lightweight Calixto Cruz (2-0, 0 KOs), and former celebrated amateur Felix Parrilla (7-0, 6 KOs), the New Haven (CT) featherweight.

Additional fights and fighters will soon be announced.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

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Split-T Management’s Khail Coe, Javier Zamarron and Trinidad Vargas Remain Undefeated

NEW YORK (JUNE 27, 2023) – Three Split-T Management fighters were impressive in keeping their undefeated records intact with victories this past Saturday night.

In New York, light heavyweight Khalil Coe stopped Buneet Bisla in round seven of their eight-round fight at The Madison Square Theater.

Coe was impressive from the ouetset as he dropped Bisla with a jab in the opening frame, Coe was credited with a second knockdown in the round as he landed a right that Bisla down again,

Coe continued to dominate as he bloodied those of Bisla. In round seven, Coe landed a hard uppercut that clearly hurt Bisla. “The Big Steppa” followed up with a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage.

With his second consecutive stoppage win, the Flemington, New Jersey native remained undefeated at 6-0-1 with four knockouts. Bisla of British Columbia, suffered his first defeat and is now 7-1.

In Milwaukee, junior lightweight, Javier Zamarron took out Prentice Canada in the second round of their six-round junior lightweight bout at The Harley-Davidson Museum.

The 22 year-old Zamarron thrilled the hometown crowd as the native of Sheboygan was dominant in his outing that saw hm go to 4-0 with three knockouts,

In Philadelphia, bantamweight Trinidad Vargas boxed his way to a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Rivera at the 2300 Arena.

Vargas showed the boxing skills that made him a 13-time National Amateur Champion.

Vargas, 20 of Grand Prairie, Texas won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Rivera was making his pro debut.

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“Punch-Out at Polar Park”

TICKETS ON SALE

August 4^th outdoor Pro-Am show in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (June 22, 2023) –Tickets are now on sale for the August 4^th (Aug. 5 rain date) “Punch-Out at Polar Park”, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) in conjunction with Kenrick Ball’s Camp Get Right Boxing, at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Tickets are priced at $205.00 (Field VIP), $155.00 (VIP), $75.00 (Home Plate Reserved) and $45.00 (Reserved), and available for purchase at Polar Park’s box office (508.500.8888), and onlineThe pro card will start after amateur boxers from throughout New England compete in the inaugural Carlos Garcia Tournament, named after the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame trainer who founded and operated the highly successful boxing program at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester for four decades.

Doors open at 5 p.m. ET with the first amateur match starting then (6 p.m. ET), the pro card starts at 7 p.m. ET.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email all inquiries for details to  [email protected].

INFORMATION:

Website: polarpark.com. cgrboxing.com

 at polarpark.com/boxing.

 

PRO CARD

Main Event – Light Heavyweights (8)

Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (20-1-3, 12 KOs), Worcester, MA

Oscar “Moustro” Riojas (28-16-3, 16 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexic

Co-Feature – Heavyweights (8)

Sean Bey (7-0, 7 KOs), Providence, RI

Quinton Sumpter (6-1, 4 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

Super Featherweights (6)

“King” Kevin Walsh (9-0, 4 KOs), Brockton, MA

Philip Davis (3-5-2, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA

Welterweights (6)

Josniel “TG” Castro (9-1, 7 KOs), Boca Raton, FL by way of Puerto Rico

TBA

Light Heavyweights (4)

Neal Sullivan (0-0-1), Worcester, MA

Michael Medeiros (0-4), Nahant, MA by way of Brazil

Welterweights (4)

Robert Degaetano (pro debut), Douglas, MA

Micheal “Titan” Taylor (1-5, 0 KOs), Cortland, NY

Female Super Bantamweights (4)

Melanie “Pitbull” Costa (1-0, 1 KO), Norton, MA

Sarah “Switch Kick” Cluck (1-5-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL

(card subject to change) 

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Card Shaping Up for Ponytail Promotions and CNC Promotions Presents World Class Boxing on Saturday, June 24th at The Patapsco Arena in Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland (June 22, 2023)–World class boxing returns to Baltimore on Saturday, June 24th as Ponytail Promotions and CNC Entertainment presents a big night at The Patapsco Arena.

In the featured contest, Mack Allison IV takes on an opponent to be named in a eight-round super featherweight bout.

Allison of Baltimore is 16-3-1 with 11 knockouts. The 25 year-old is a seven-year pro who is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Lonnie Jackson Jr. on April 22nd in Baltimore.

An 11-bout card has been assembled and it will include an eight-round super middleweight bout between Tyrell Boyd (8-, 8 KOs) of Baltimore and Derrick Vann (4-7) of Philadelphia.

In a six-round bout, Dravontay Speed Rawls (13-1-1, 8 KOs) of Glenarden, MD fights Jose Rodriguez (6-2, 2 KOs) of Puerto Rico in a super featherweight bout.

In four-round bouts, Deshawn Chase (2-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on debuting Alberto Boites Salazar of Hampton, Virginia in a welterweight bout.

Walter Sanders (2-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

La’Vay Lawrence (2-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC fights an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

In a battle of pro debuting welterweights, Anwar Wingate of District Heights, MD fights Shawn Randolph of San Antonio, Texas.

Isiah Branch (1-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore takes on debuting Robert Hough of Houston in a heavyweight contest.

Christopher Glenn (3-0) of Hagerstown, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a featherweight bout.

Ricky Sanabria of Salisbury, MD makes his pro debut against Christopher Dixon of San Antonio, TX in a welterweight bout.

Pro debuters Juan Pablo Guillen Arancibia of Annandale, VA and Jaden Webb will square off in a featherweight bout.

Tickets can be purchased at ponytail-promotions.eventbrite.com or call 410-499-5361

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Former World Champion Tevin Farmer Takes on Avery Sparrow This Saturday Night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (June 20, 2023) – THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, Former IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Tevin Farmer returns to action when he takes on Avery Sparrow in a mouthwatering 10-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

Farmer of Philadelphia, 30-5-1 with six knockouts, will be making his first appearance in nearly three and a half years. The 32-y ear-old won the IBF Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Billy Dib on August 3, 2018 in New South Wales, Australia. Farmer made four successful defenses of the crown with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonesca (22-1-1), Jono Carrol (16-0-1) Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer dropped the belt to Joseph Diaz Jr. on January 30, 2020 in Miami. Farmer also has wins over Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-1), Emanuel Gonzalez (14-0), Viktor Chernous (15-1-1), Angelo Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prexott (30-2), former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1), and Darden Zenunaj (12-2).

Sparrow of Philadelphia is 11-4 with four knockouts. The tough 29 year-old who will fight anybody at any time has wins over Anthony Burgin (10-2), Israel Henriquez (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1-1), former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1) and Matt Conway (20-2). Sparrow dropped his last bout to William Foster III on July 23, 2022, in Philadelphia.

On the undercard in six-round bouts, Dezmond Lucas (6-1, 3KOs) of Bronx, NY fights Elijah Vines (5-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Jenn Gonzalez (9-19-1, 5 KOs) of Santa Teraza, Nicaragua in a featherweight contest.

Derrick Webster (29-4, 14 KOs) of Glassboro, NJ fights an opponent to be named in a super middleweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Gustavo Morales (1-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA battles Najee Belcher (0-2) of Las Vegas in a welterweight contest.

Luis Gonzalez Colon (5-1, 4 KOs) of Aibomito, Puerto Rico faces off against Efrain Cruz (4-6-1, 1 KO) of Viequez, Puerto Rico in a super lightweight bout.

Trinidad Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) of Grand Prairie, Texas boxes Artimus Sartor (4-3, 1 KO) of Cincinnati, Ohio in a bantamweight fight.

Ticket prices are. $200 VIP, $100 ringside, $75 preferred and $60 GA and can be purchased at the following Link:

 

https://2300arena.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=97

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Top Rank Boxing Partners with WSC Sports to Generate AI-Powered Highlights and Joins WSC Sports Creators Program by Making Archive of World’s Greatest Boxing Footage Available to Content Creators

Through partnership with Top Rank, WSC Sports For Creators Program now provides content creators access to Top Rank’s archive of footage, allowing creators to legally utilize top boxing video content

Top Rank to maximize full value of archived video content while tapping into the power of the creator economy

Las Vegas and Tel Aviv (June 6, 2023) — Top Rank, the worldwide leader in boxing promotions, and WSC Sports, the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) powered sports video content, today announced a partnership to transform the way Top Rank creates and distributes fight highlights.

Real-time fight highlights will now be automatically generated using the WSC Sports platform. This will bring fans more content than ever before and will be ready to watch just moments after the action happens in the ring. Top Rank’s entire video content archive, spanning more than 50 years, will also be incorporated into the WSC Sports platform to unlock this content treasure trove, with any type of video compilation now available to Top Rank in minutes. 

In addition, Top Rank will be joining the WSC Sports For Creators Program, an innovative new solution providing value to both media rights holders and creators. Through the WSC Sports for Creators Program, content creators now have access to the world’s greatest boxing footage from Top Rank’s archive. This content is free to use and can be distributed across the creators’ social media platforms, all while avoiding copyright infringement. Creators can find any moment from any Top Rank fight in seconds, creating highlights or compilations using WSC Sports’ AI-based platform. The WSC Sports for Creators Program enables rights holders to maximize the full value of their archived video content while tapping into the power of the creator economy. This unique revenue share model expands the reach of Top Rank content, reaching new fans in a more grassroots way, and introduces young boxing fans to the legends of the sport. 

“We’re delighted to partner with WSC Sports and use their AI technology to deliver the best possible fight highlights experience to the fans”, said Brian Kelly, Top Rank’s Chief Revenue Officer. “We’re excited to be pioneers with WSC Sports and their mutually beneficial ‘Creators Program’ that will allow Top Rank’s content to be used by creators and shared to their audiences across their social media channels. This inventive approach means more eyeballs on our content and provides a fresh revenue opportunity for all involved.”

“Top Rank’s innovative approach combined with WSC Sports’ technology empowers creators to grow their brands while unlocking new revenue opportunities,” said Daniel Shichman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, WSC Sports. “With WSC, creators can easily generate and monetize content utilizing fight footage of the all-time greatest, including Ali, Tyson, Hagler, Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and of current greats like Tyson Fury, Shakur Stevenson, and Vasiliy Lomachenko without the risk of making IP infringements.”

For more information on the WSC Sports for Creators program visit wsc-sports.com/wsc-for-creators. 

About Top Rank

Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

About WSC Sports 

WSC Sports automates the creation and distribution of highlights for over 300 leagues and broadcast partners across the globe, including the NBA, ESPN, YouTubeTV, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A, and DAZN.

Utilizing advanced AI and machine learning technologies, WSC Sports’ proprietary platform analyzes live sports broadcasts, identifies each and every event that occurs in a game, and in real-time creates and publishes customized short-form videos. This enables sports media rights owners to maximize the use of their content, creating new revenue streams and a personalized fan experience on every platform for every type of fan.

For more information, visit wsc-sports.com.

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July 1: Abdullah Mason and Tyler McCreary Added to ESPN+-Streamed Undercard of Jared Anderson-Zhan Kossobutskiy Heavyweight Showdown at Toledo’s Huntington Center

Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori heavyweight co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 2, 2023) — Two Ohio-born talents have joined the pre-Independence Day celebration as part of the ESPN+-streamed undercard to the heavyweight doubleheader featuring Toledo’s Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event on Saturday, July 1 at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 
 
Cleveland native Abdullah Mason will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round lightweight fight against Tobias Green, while Toledo-born junior lightweight Tyler McCreary will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) is a 19-year-old prodigy who was considered one of the brightest talents in U.S. amateur boxing before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. Mason debuted as a pro the following month with a second-round TKO over Jaylan Phillips. In 2022, Mason went 5-0 with four knockouts. The southpaw phenom plans to be just as dominant this year after a first-round knockout over Erick Garcia Benitez in April and a sixth-round TKO win over Desmond Lyons last month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard. Green (10-3, 3 KOs) is a 27-year-old Floridian who returns after an eight-round decision win against Ryan Schwartzberg last October. 
 
McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) is an almost nine-year pro who is on the comeback trail. Following his 2019 showdown against former two-division world champion Carl Frampton, the 30-year-old experienced a near-two-year layoff before losing to Manuel Rey Rojas in 2021. Last month, however, he overcame another layoff to score a first-round knockout against Jake Bornea in Toledo.

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Boxer Wilfried Florentin, 22, was shot dead

By Henry Hascup

Young boxer Wilfried Florentin, 22, was shot dead on Sunday morning, April 30, 2023, following a dispute in a night bar in Bonneuil-sur-Marne (Val-de-Marne). The 35-year-old suspect, who is the subject of a European arrest warrant, was nabbed on May 1 “at Brussels airport, on his way to Côte d’Ivoire,” according to the Créteil prosecutor’s office. “He will be handed over to the French authorities by the Belgian authorities,” the same source added. The victim was cared for by firefighters outside the establishment, then driven to the hospital early Sunday morning. The prosecutor’s office disclosed that he died a little later on Saturday from his injuries. Eyewitnesses told the investigators that the suspect and the victim had a dispute at the crime scene. Wilfried Florentin was crowned European junior champion in the -200 lb class in 2019. He had subsequently won his first three professional fights by knockout, according to the reference site BoxRec The Brussels Times May 1, 2023

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Janibek: “The Middleweight Division Runs Through Me!”
 Janibek will defend his WBO middleweight world title against Steven Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California
Janibek-Butler and the Jason Moloney-Vincent Astrolabio WBO bantamweight world title tilt will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 10, 2023) – WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuky is ready to take out his frustrations on Steven Butler. After calls to unify against the division’s other champions were not answered, Janibek will defend his world title against big-punching Canadian contender Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, rose the ranks in 2021 with knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He picked up the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round blitzing of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated his title. Janibek made the first defense of his title in November, turning back the stiff challenge of British champion Denzel Bentley. Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) has won four straight bouts, all in Canada, since back-to-back defeats.

Following a recent training session, this is what Janibek had to say:
 
“I give all the credit to Steven Butler for accepting this fight. In a division full of ducks, Butler is a true warrior. I know he will come to fight, and we will give the fans a great show.”
 
“Demetrius Andrade gave up his title to avoid fighting me. He ran eight pounds up the scale. He is the ultimate duck. Jaime Munguia turned down a shot at the title to fight weaker opposition. They are the two ducks, but I am the champion now.”
 
“I called out the division’s other champions, and they didn’t answer. Butler answered the call. I am fighting Saturday to prove a point. I will knock out Butler in devastating fashion.”
 
“The middleweight division runs through me now. I am here to stay. While the other champions continue not to fight, I will challenge the best and knock out everyone in my path.”
 /7 p.m. PT.

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RDR Promotions Presents: Fair Ones IV on Saturday, May 27th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania

Undefeated Fighters Paul Kroll, Isaiah Johnson, Tahmir Smalls, Eron Peterson, Nimal Farmer, Edwin Cortes and Steve Cunningham Jr. on a Packed Card that will also Feature Sam Teah

Press Conference on Friday, May 19th at 2 PM at Frame Restaurant (222 Market Street) in Philadelphia

Newtown, PA (May 10, 2023)–RDR Promotions will present a loaded night of boxing on Saturday night, May 27th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

The card will showcase some of the best undefeated talent in the Philadelphia area.

Heading up the card will be Paul Kroll (9-0-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia taking on Eduardo Rafael Reyes (11-18) of Mexico in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Kroll of Philadelphia has wins over Shinard Bunch (2-0), Luke Santamaria (11-1) and Mark Dawson (9-0-1). Kroll is coming off a draw with Marquis Taylor on February 18, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

Reyes is coming off his best win as he got the nod over Brian Agustin Arregui (7-0) on December 9, 2022,

In a eight-round bout, Samuel Teah takes on Andrew Rodgers in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Teah of Philadelphia is 19-4-1 with eight knockouts. The 35 year-old Teah has big wins over current world champion O’Shaquie Foster (8-0), David Gonzales (8-0-2), Maynard Allison (9-2), Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1), Sonny Fredrickson (21-1) and his last bout he defeated undefeated Enriko Gogokhia (13-0-2) on March 4th in Ontario, California.

Rodgers of Elkhart, Indiana is 7-11-2 with two knockouts. The 30-year old Rodgers has quality wins over Greg Outlaw (8-0), Thomas Velasqiez (10-1-1) and Willie Shaw (14-3). Rodgers is coming off a loss to Angel Flores on January 13th in Santa Ynez, California.

In six-round bouts:

Isaiah Johnson (7-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, New Jersey fights Marquis Hawthorne (8-17, 2 KOs) of Waco, Texas in a junior welterweight bout.

Tahmir Smalls (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia fights on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Erron Peterson (3-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Nissan Anderson (0-3-2) of Tampa, Florida in a middleweight bout.

Nimal Farmer (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Rah’quand McDaniel (1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a welterweight contest.

Soslan Alborov (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia squabbles with Antonio Allen (1-15-1,1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight tussle.

Donte Turner (3-2, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis, Missouri fights an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Edwin Cortes (3-0) of Millville, New Jersey fights Jeffery Williams (0-1) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight bout.

Nasir Mickens (2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on Braulio Avila (3-15, 1 KO) of Mexico super featherweight bout.

Tariq Green (2-2-1) of Philadelphia fights Courtney Williams (0-2-1) of Milwaukee in a middleweight fight.

Steve Cunningham Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight bout. Cunningham is the son of former two-time cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham.

THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT FRAME RESTAURANT (222 MARKET STREET IN PHILADELPHIA ON FRIDAY, MAY 19TH AT 2 PM

TICKETS ARE $65, $75, $125 and $175 (VIP Cocktail) and can be purchased by emailing [email protected]

 

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King’s Promotions Makes Forth Worth, Texas Debut on Thursday, April 27th at The El Corral West Nightclub

Reading, PA (April 19, 2023) — On Thursday night, April 27th, King’s Promotions will present a full night of professional boxing at The El Corral West Nightclub (4824 South Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76115 in Fort Worth, Texas)

Taking part in six-round bouts will be :

Amy Salinas (4-4) of Las Cruces, New Mexico against an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

Kenneth Taylor (11-2-2, 6 KOs) of Tyler, Texas fighting Dan Abram (6-3, 2 KOs) of Kansas City in a lightweight contest/

In Four-Round fights:

Emmanuel Tennison (3-5, 2 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas will battle Devon Jones (4-9-1) of Irving, Texas in a super welterweight fight.

Alexis Mones (0-0-1) of Fort Worth, Texas will take on Brittany Sims (2-3, 2 KOs) of Salem, Oregon in a bantamweight fight.

Jesus Guzman (0-0-1) of Fort Worth, Texas squares off with debuting Miguel Angel Perez of Dallas,Texas in a flyweight contest.

Debuting welterweight Jake Reynolds of Fort Worth will fight Alfred Moss Jr. in a welterweight fight.

Killa Attry (6-0, 2 KOs) of Bronx, New York will take on Karen Dulin (5-26-1, 3 KOs) of Newport, Rhode Island in a super featherweight fight.

Terrion Claybon (5-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles will take on Jamarius Phillips (0-1) of McKinley, Texas in a super lightweight bout.

Emmanuel Moreno (2-0) of Wichita Falls, Texas battles Brett Yuschock of Mount Carmel, PA in a bantamweight fight.

Tickets Start at $25 as well as $40, $80, $100 and $200 and can be Purchased at The Following Link:

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

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Split-T Management’s Joseph Hicks Jr. Remains Undefeated with Second Round in Detroit

NEW YORK (April 19, 2023)-Super middleweight prospect Joseph Hicks Jr. remained perfect by stopping Noah Kidd at the end of round two of their six-round fight at The Motor City Casino in Detroit.

The 29 year-old Hicks beat up Kidd to the point where Kidd did not want to come out for round three.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is 6-0 with five knockouts.

Hicks is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Split-T Promotions.

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Junior Wright Scores Vicious 1st Round KO over Brian Howard in Essington, PA

Mark Dawson Jr. and Rasheen Brown Get Wins

Essington, PA (April 19, 2023)–Junior Wright scored a devastating first round stoppage over Brian Howard that headlined an entertaining three-bout card at the Clarion Hotel in Essington, Pennsylvania.

The card was promoted by RDR Promotions.

Both fighters set a fast pace by throwing hard power shots from the opening bell. Wright then uncorked a hard left hook that landed squarely on the chin that put Howard flat on his back and knocked out cold. The fight was waved off immediately by referee Eric Dali at 2:!7.

With the win, Wright of Philadelphia by way of Evanston, Illinois scored his second consecutive highlight-reel knockout, and raises his mark to 20-4-1 with 17 knockouts. Howard of Philadelphia is 15-6.

Mark Dawson Jr, won a six-round unanimous decision over gritty upset-specialist Javier Mayoral in a welterweight contest.

Dawson of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54, 60-53 and 59-55 to raise his record to 11-1-1. Mayoral of New Orleans is 5-3-1.

Rasheen Brown shook off a 15-month layoff with a six-round unanimous decision over Eric Manriquez in a featherweight bout.

Brown of Philadelphia won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 12-1. Manriquez of Houston is 7-16-1.

Photos by Darryl Cobb Jr.

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New international sports federation established to secure the future of boxing as an Olympic sport  

Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallists, Lauren Price and Richard Torrez Jr, will be Athlete representatives on the Interim Executive Board of a new international federation for boxing 

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, 13 April 2023 – A collection of Boxing leaders from National Federations across the world have created a new, not-for-profit, international federation, World Boxing, which aims to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. 

World Boxing has been established in response to the persistent issues surrounding Olympic-style boxing’s existing international governing body, whose failure to address the IOC’s longstanding concerns over sporting integrity, governance, transparency and financial management has placed boxing’s future as an Olympic sport in doubt. 

World Boxing will seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plans to work constructively and collaboratively to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s ongoing place on the Olympic competition programme.   

World Boxing will put boxers’ interests at the centre of decision-making and its ways of working will be underpinned by rigorous governance practices designed to create a sustainable and inclusive global sporting structure where boxers from around the world can compete knowing that the integrity of the sport is guaranteed and competition is fair. 

As part of its launch announcement World Boxing, made five pledges detailing its priorities for the sport, its commitment to boxers and its aims as an organisation.  The five pledges are: 

·         World Boxing will keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic movement  

·         World Boxing will ensure the interests of boxers are put first  

·         World Boxing will deliver sporting integrity and fair competitions 

·         World Boxing will create a competition structure designed in the best interests of the boxers  

·         World Boxing will operate according to the strongest governance standards and transparent financial management  

World Boxing will ensure the views of athletes are represented at the highest level of decision-making and have a male and female boxer (with voting rights) on its Executive Board which will be elected by members at the organisation’s inaugural Congress in November 2023.    

In the period between the launch of World Boxing and the inaugural Congress it will be led by an interim Executive Board made-up of representatives from boxing organisations in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden and the USA.  It will be overseen on a day-to-day basis by Interim Secretary General, Simon Toulson, who has extensive experience in international sport having previously led the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). 

The two Athlete Representatives on World Boxing’s Interim Executive Board are Tokyo 2020, middleweight gold medalist, Lauren Price from Wales and the USA’s super-heavyweight silver medallist, Richard Torrez Jr. 

To ensure that boxers have a strong voice in shaping the work of World Boxing, the two athlete representatives on the Executive Board will be supplemented by an Athletes Committee, made up of three men and three women, that will be responsible for representing the views of boxers worldwide and providing advice, guidance and opinions to World Boxing.   

Lauren Price said: “From being eight-years-old it was my ambition to go to the Olympic Games and once I took up boxing, everything I did was focused on working towards that goal.  To finally achieve it and then win a medal has been the highlight of my career and even though I am now a professional, I do not think anything will ever match what I did at the Olympics.   

“Going to the Olympics is life changing and I cannot imagine a Games without boxing.  It provides a massive platform for the sport and for the boxers.  Without it, the boxers will suffer and the sport will be damaged so something has to be done to make sure boxing continues to be part of the Olympic Games.” 

Richard Torrez Jr added: “Winning a medal for my country at Tokyo 2020 was the best moment of my career.  To take that opportunity away from the next generation of boxers would be devastating for them as athletes and disastrous for the sport.  It is absolutely vital that boxing remains part of the Olympic Games and I am going to do everything I can to make sure that happens.” 

World Boxing will be led by an Executive Board and a President who will be elected by members at the organization’s inaugural Congress in November 2023.   Membership applications are open and many National Federations, across the world, have already indicated their interest in joining World Boxing and running for election. 

In the period leading up to the inaugural Congress, World Boxing will be led by an Interim Executive Board made-up of representatives from eight countries across four nationalities.  It includes a male and a female Athlete Representatives and an Interim Secretary General, who does not have voting rights.   

The current members of the Interim Executive Board are: 

·         Matthew Holt, Chief Executive, GB Boxing 

·         Tyson Lee, President, USA Boxing 

·         Karin Mattsson, Board Member, Swedish Boxing Federation 

·         Michael Mueller, Secretary General, German Boxing Association  

·         Karina Picson, Boxing Competition Official, the Philippiines 

·         Lauren Price, Athlete Representative  

·         Richard Torrez Jr, Athlete Representative 

·         Boris van der Vorst, President, Dutch Boxing Federation 

·         Keith Walker, Chair, Boxing New Zealand 

·         Simon Toulson, Interim Secretary General (without voting rights) 

Matthew Holt, Chief Executive, GB Boxing explained: “It is vital that boxing continues to remain at the heart of the Olympic movement and to achieve this we need to re-establish a relationship of trust between those that the govern the sport and all of its stakeholders.  World Boxing aims to deliver this by creating a financially transparent organisation with strong governance structures that delivers sporting integrity and fair competition and acts in the interest of boxers and the sport.” 

Tyson Lee, President, USA Boxing, said: “The loss of Olympic status represents an existential threat to boxing that will have a negative impact on the sport at every level from grassroots clubs to the higher ends of professional boxing.   World Boxing aims to prevent this.  It will create a sporting structure designed to suit the best interests of boxers and ensure they continue to have the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games.” 

Boris van der Vorst, President, Dutch Boxing, added: “World Boxing represents a coming together of people whose interest is solely in creating a better future for boxers and ensuring the sport continues to be a major part of the Olympic Games.  Honesty and integrity will be central to World Boxing which is underpinned by strong governance procedures and has embedded the principle of independent, third-party oversight into its constitution to ensure it has rigorous, enforceable, governance structures that will drive ethical and transparent decision making.” 

World Boxing’s Statutes have been developed following wide-ranging research of best practice in global sporting governance and cover every aspect of World Boxing’s operations including: safeguarding; the health and safety of boxers; refereeing and judging; competition manipulation; election protocols; codes of behaviour and equality and inclusion.  World Boxing’s statutes and all its rules and policies are publicly available on its website at www.worldboxing.org. 

Central to all of these is the principle of independent, third-party oversight and enforceability which World Boxing will ensure by working with the leading independent provider of sport-specific arbitration and mediation services, Sport Resolutions, to create a third-party ethics and judicial procedure that is completely separate from the organisation and will oversee any potential issues and disputes. 

To ensure sporting integrity, World Boxing’s competitions will also be subject to independent, third-party scrutiny with the appointment of external assessors who will oversee and report on all aspects of competition management including refereeing and judging and the appointment and role of officials. 

This operating structure reflects the approach taken by the IOC’s Boxing Task Force (BTF) for Tokyo 2020 when Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) was appointed to provide an independent assessment and review of refereeing and judging at the qualification events and the Olympic tournament.   

It will make sure that all World Boxing competitions are subject to independent, third-party oversight and deliver fair competition for the boxers where the outcome is determined solely by performance in the ring.   

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May 20: Andrew Moloney-Junto Nakatani World Title Showdown & Nico Ali Walsh’s Return Highlight Haney-Loma UNDISPUTED ESPN-Televised PPV Prelims at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Moloney-Nakatani and the return of Ali Walsh will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Haney-Lomachenko & PPV undercard fights will be broadcast live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (April 10, 2023) — A world title fight and the grandson of “The Greatest” take center stage on Saturday, May 20 as part of the ESPN-televised prelims to the PPV main event headlined by undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney’s title defense against former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The two-fight telecast is headlined by the vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title showdown between Australia’s former world champion Andrew Moloney and Japan’s undefeated former WBO flyweight titlist Junto Nakatani.
 
Opening the broadcast will be undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, in a scheduled eight-rounder against a to-be-determined foe.
 
Moloney-Nakatani and Ali Walsh’s return will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
The Haney vs. Lomachenko main card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, the event’s exclusive digital distributor in the United States, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and is priced at $59.99 across all distributors.
 
The PPV undercard features a 10-round junior lightweight co-feature between two-division world champion Oscar Valdez and Adam “BluNose” Lopez in a rematch of their 2019 battle.
 
In the PPV opener, rising lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla will take on big-punching Namibian contender Jeremia Nakathila in a 10-round clash. 
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Devin Haney Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $104, plus applicable service charges, are on sale now at axs.com.
 
Moloney (25-2, 16 KOs) hopes to become a two-time world champion in the city where Joshua Franco upset him by unanimous decision back in June 2020. The two fought twice more, with a controversial no contest and second Franco decision victory closing the chapter on their trilogy. Following the third Franco fight in August 2021, Moloney regrouped in December 2021 with a clear points victory over Froilan Saludar. In 2022, he fought three times, including a pair of homecoming appearances on the Devin Haney-George Kambosos Jr. cards in Melbourne, Australia. Moloney, ranked No. 2 by the WBO at 115 pounds, earned the title shot with a 10-round decision over Norbelto Jimenez last October for the WBO International strap.
 
WBO No. 1 junior bantamweight contender Nakatani (24-0, 18 KOs), a 25-year-old southpaw from Inabe-gun, Mie, Japan, ranks among the hardest lighter-weight punchers in boxing. An eight-year pro, Nakatani captured the vacant WBO flyweight world title in November 2020 with an eighth-round knockout over Giemel Magramo. Nakatani defended his flyweight crown twice, bloodying and stopping Angel Acosta in four rounds and knocking out Ryota Yamauchi in eight. He vacated his title to move up to junior bantamweight and scored a one-sided decision over former unified world champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr. last November. 
 
Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs) moves up to his first scheduled eight-rounder nearly two years removed from his pro debut. He made his Las Vegas debut last April at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, obliterating Alejandro Ibarra with a left-right combination in the first round. Ali Walsh righted the only blemish on his record last August, stopping Reyes Sanchez in the second round of their rematch with a body shot. Sanchez lost a majority decision to Ali Walsh in December 2021. He made his 2023 debut in February, outlasting the rugged Eduardo Ayala en route to a convincing six-round unanimous decision.

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Martin Outpoints Lolo in Philly

King’s Promotions fighters Albright and Robinson get Stoppage wins

Bednarek and Ellis Remain Undefeated

PHILADELPHIA (April 10, 2023) — James Martin scored a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Roudly Lolo in a junior middleweight bout that highlighted a five-bout card at the 2300 Arena.

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

The fight was tactical, but had some solid pockets of action where Martin used experience and boxing ability to keep Lolo at bay.

Martin of Philadelphia won by a score of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 10-3-1. Lolo of Harrisburg, PA is 5-1-2.

Kamil Bednarek remained undefeated by scoring three knockdowns en-route to a first round stoppage over Gonzalo Andreasen in a super middleweight contest.

The time of the stoppage was 2:54 for Bednarek of Dzierzoniel, Poland is now 12-0 with seven knockouts. Andreasen of Buenos Aries, Argentina is 10-11.

Albright rebounded nicely from his first defeat by stopping tough David Thomas in the sixth and final round of their welterweight bout.

Quadir Albright of Philadelphia got the stoppage at 1:34 and raised his record to 7-1 with seven knockouts, Thomas of Orange, Texas falls to 6-6-1

21 year-old Ibrahim Robinson made his King’s Promotions debut a memorable one as he stopped Jahqwon Humbert in the opening round of their four-round welterweight bout.

Robinson dropped Humbert twice before the fight was stopped.

Robinson of Baltimore is 5-0-1 with five knockouts. Humbert of Raleigh, North Carolina is 2-1.

Ali Ellis needed just twenty seconds and one left hook to take out Khalid Betha in their four-round heavyweight bout.

Ellis of Philadelphia is 2-0 with two knockouts. Betha of Jersey City, New Jersey is 0-3.

King’s Promotions will be back on April 27th in Fort Worth, Texas and May 2nd at Live! Casino Hotel in Philadelphia. Both events will be officially announced this week.

Photos by Darryl Cobb Jr.

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Undefeated Irish Sensation Feargal McCrory on Friday, April 14th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Plus Undefeated Gian Garrido, Naheem Parker, Miguel Garcia, Juan Davilla

Philadelphia (March 29, 2023)–- On Friday night, April 14th, R and B Promotions will make it’s Philadelphia debut when they present an 11-bout card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Taking part in the six-round main event will be undefeated Feargal McCrory taking on Eduardo Pereira Dos Reis in a lightweight fight.

McCrory of Coalisland, Northern Ireland is 13-0 with six knockouts. The 30 year-old is a eight-year professional who has wins over Jay Carmey (5-1-2)Callum Busutil (2-0) and Brayan Mairena (10-2-1). McCrory stropped Aelio Mesquita in one-round on February 11th in Atlantic City.

Dos Reis of Brazil is 24-11 with 19 knockouts. The 33 year-old is a 15 year-pro with wins over Thiago Cristino Bento (1-0), Daniel Lima Santos (4-1).

In Six-round bouts:

Gian Garrido (9-0, 7 KOs) of Flushing, New York takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight contest.

Naheem Parker (5-0, 2 KOs) of Camden, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout,

In four-round bouts:

James White (1-0, 1 KO) of Warwick, PA fights debuting Wilfiried Aby of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight bout.

Seeng Voong (0-1) of Philadelphia takes on Miguel Garcia (1-0) of Somers Point, NJ in a junior lightweight tussle.

Juan Davila (2-0, 1 KO) of Franklin, New Jersey fights Tony Johnson (0-1) of Tucson, Arizona in a lightweight clash.

Rahiem Davis Cooke (1-4) of Philadelphia battles Genesis Wynn (1-3) of Denver in a welterweight fight.

Thomas Santiago of Philadelphia makes his long awaited pro debut against an opponent to be named in a super middleweight fight.

In a battle of pro debuting junior middleweights, Jamar Lynch of Philadelphia faces Allen Otto of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Daniel Bean of Old Bridge, New Jersey makes his pro debut against Donald Hoskins II (0-0-1) of Kalamazoo, Michigan in a heavyweight bout.

Leonidas Soprandis (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Greece takes on pro debuting Adrian Lescay Baro of Miami Gardens, Florida in a junior welterweight contest.

Tickets are $60, $75, $100 and $175 and can be purchased by clicking the following link.

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=448

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GYM BOXING SERIES

MONTREAL CASINO 

BARRIERE VS. MARSHALL

April 20, Montreal Casino Cabaret

Osias, Pellerin, Gavrilovic, Menoche and Kubicki in action

MONTREAL (March 29, 2023) — Canadian Heavyweight Champion Alexis Barrière (9-0-0, 7KO) Returns to the ring on April 20 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. His opponent, 34-year-old Mike Marshall (6-4-1, 4KO), of Danbury, Connecticut, is the reigning New England Heavyweight Champion.

 

Barrière returns to the ring just one month after a brilliant points victory on March 18 against Zamig Atakishiyev (8-1-1, 6KO), of Azerbaijan. Barrière, 27, a former member of Canada’s National Team, has been the most active boxer in the country for the past two years. Despite the COVID pandemic and the slowdown in activities, April 20^th will be his 10th fight in his 25- month pro career.

 

This event is presented by Mise-O-Jeu in collaboration with Bell Media.

 

“I am extremely impressed by Alexis’ development and progress over the past 2 years,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “We are happy with this collaboration with New Era for the promotion of Alexis’ fights and I thank Yan Pellerin and Peter George for their trust. Alexis Barrière is a skilled, young heavyweight with strong fundamentals and superior ring intelligence. He has everything it takes to become a very big popular star.”

 

A total of 6 fights will be presented. fresh off his most dazzling career win last month over Francy Ntetu (17-5-0, 4KOs). light heavyweight Terry Osias (11-0-0, 5KOs) will be showcased in the co-feature, The 36-year-old Osias, who will be fighting his 10th fight at the Casino de Montréal, had to put his career on hold for more than a year, drawing on his great determination and  profound resources to overcome a serious illness. Now, totally recovered and more resolute than ever, he intends to make up for lost time.

 

Undefeated flyweight Alexas “Iron Lady” Kubicki (6-0-0, 0KO), 19 years old only and already world ranked IBF #4, WBO #10, and WBC #14, is in an eight-round Special Female Attraction. The gifted southpaw has had an impressive career to date. In her last 2 fights, she has already registered 10-round victories against former world champions Isabel Millan (29-9-2, 9KO) and Maria Salinas (25-9-6, 7KO), both hailing from Mexico.

 

Also in action is veteran Yan Pellerin (13-2-0, 5KO), who  once again trades his status as a promoter for that of a boxer. This ever-popular former NABO Light Heavyweight Champion will face 27–year-old Mexican Alexis Olmos (7-4-0, 3KOs) in a 6-round clash.

 

Also on the program are light heavyweight Petar Gavrilovic (5-0-0, 1KO) and the explosive Kevin Menoche (7-0-0, 5KO).

 

Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ca, on the www.groupeyvonmichel.ca website, or by contacting GYM directly at [email protected].

 

Without advertising interruptions, will be available in French and English on the www.GYMboxe.tv platform for the modest sum of $29.99.

 

Card subject to change.

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SATURDAY: Tony Yoka-Carlos Takam Heavyweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Streaming action from Paris begins at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT

(March 7, 2023) — French Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka will return in a 10-round main event this Saturday, March 11, against former world title challenger Carlos Takam at Zenith Paris in Paris, France.
 
Yoka-Takam and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT.

Yoka (11-1, 9 KOs) had a decorated amateur career that included wins over Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgović and Joe Joyce, the latter of whom he defeated to earn a gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Yoka turned pro in 2017 and notched 11 victories before suffering a majority decision loss to Martin Bakole last May. The 30-year-old contender is eager to regain his upward momentum in the heavyweight rankings. Takam (39-7-1, 28 KOs) is a Cameroonian-born contender who represented his homeland in the 2004 Olympics and challenged Anthony Joshua for the unified heavyweight crown in 2017. In his last fight, he ended Arslanbek Makhmudov’s knockout streak by forcing him to go 10 rounds for the first time.
 
In other streaming action from Paris: 

• British light heavyweight Dan Azeez (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in a 12-round battle against Frenchman Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2 KOs) for the European title. The 33-year-old Azeez is inching closer to a world title shot and is coming off an eighth-round TKO win over former world champion Rocky Fielding last December.
   
• Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price (2-0, 1 KO) makes her 2023 debut in an eight-round welterweight tilt against Naomi Mannes (6-1, 4 KOs). The Welsh standout is coming off a TKO win in October, while Mannes lost in a bid for the European title in November.
   
• Undefeated middleweight Farrhad Saad (8-0-1) returns from a two-year layoff versus Britain’s Macaulay McGowan (17-3-1, 3 KOs).

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Marques Valle, Otha Jones III and Joseph Hicks All Get Victories

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 27, 2023)–Three Split-T Management fighters came home with victories over the past five days.

It all started on Wednesday night as junior middleweight Marques Valle remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Jarrod Tennant in Plant City, Florida.

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to keep his unblemished mark at 8-0. Tennant of Los Angeles falls to 8-2.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions

Saturday night in Orlando, Florida, Otha Jones III won a six-round unanimous decision over 63-fight veteran Raymond Chacon.

The bout, which took place at The Caribe Royale Resort saw Jones win by scores of 60-54 on all cards to raise his record to 6-1-1.

Jones is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Also on Saturday. Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with a tough six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Quintyne in a super middleweight contest.

Hicks was sent to the canvas at the end of the opening frame. Hicks showed heat by shaking off the first round and coming back to get the better of the next five rounds in the crowd-pleasing fight.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan won by scores of 57-55 and 57-56 twice to raise his record to 5-0. Quintyne is now 4-1.

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

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Xander Zayas: “I Will Become a Top Contender in 2023!”

Zayas returns against Ronald Cruz on Saturday, April 1 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa LIVE on ESPN+
 Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com

MIAMI, Fla. (March 2, 2023) – Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) is one month away from his first fight of 2023. The Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom will face nine-year veteran Ronald “Diablo” Cruz in the eight-round co-feature to the WBO featherweight world title clash between Robeisy Ramirez and Isaac Dogboe on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. 

Zayas signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the fast track to stardom ever since. In 2021, the 20-year-old prospect notched six wins, four of them via stoppage. The following year, Zayas decisioned Quincy LaVallais in March, captured the vacant NABO junior middleweight title in August by knocking out Elias Espadas, and defended that title against Alexis Salazar in December. Zayas’ road to contender status continues against Cruz (18-2-1, 12, KOs), a Los Angeles native who has never been stopped and is coming off a close decision loss to Damian Sosa last August.

Following a recent training session, this is what Zayas had to say:
 
“I am working extremely hard in the gym because I want 2023 to be the year in which I position myself as one of the top contenders in the division.”

“I know what I want, and I know what it will cost me to achieve it, but each of the sacrifices I make every day in the gym are paying off, and I do it with the intention of looking better every time I get into the ring. That motivates me. I strive to be better every single day because every time I step into the ring, I do it with the intention of raising the flag of my Island even higher.”

“I respect my opponent, Ronald ‘Diablo’ Cruz. He is an experienced rival; he is a former WBC Latino regional champ. I know he is motivated and excited for this opportunity. He will bring out the best of me in the ring. Once the bell rings, I’m there to do a job.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and available to purchase at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

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Dylan Price wins WBO Global and WBC Continental Bantamweight Titles with Unanimous Decision over Jobert Alvarez in Chester, PA

Devin Price Stops Matias Arriagada in Opening Round to Win Pro Debut

CHESTER, PA (FEBRUARY 20, 2023)–Dylan Price remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over gritty Jobert Alvarez to win the WBO Global and WBC Intercontinental; Bantamweight title in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Elevations Event Center in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The special two-fight card was promoted by Price Promotions.

Dylan Price, who had nine-time and four division world champion Nonito Donaire in his corner, was quick and started his flurries as he mixed up his attack by landing head and body shots. Alvarez was extremely game as he would often try to land his own combinations in return. Price landed the much harder punches, and snapped the head back of Alvarez on several occasions. Price was urged on by a supportive fan base. Alvarez kept Price honest with some solid combinations, but never put any fear into Price and the undefeated Sicklerville, New Jersey fighter continued his pressure and effective punching until the final bell.

The world-ranked Price won by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice to raise his mark to 16-0. Alvarez of Renton, Washington via General Santos City, Philippines is 20-5-2.

The co-feature opener saw the impressive pro debut of Dylan’s 18 year-old brother Devin Price.

Price stopped 16-fight veteran Matias Arriagada in the opening round of their junior welterweight fight.

Price dropped Arriagada three times with two of them coming on body shots. The fight was halted at 2:07.

Price is 1-0 with one knockout. Arriagada of Buenos Aires, Argentina is 6-11.

The fight card was called by former world champions Paulie Malignaggi and Nate Campbell along with world class blow by blow announcer Marc Abrams,.

The night also featured a full night of entertainment that featured internationally renowned singers and comedy acts was streamed on www.profetsplus.com and is available on demand.

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Emmanuel Rodriguez Decisions Sharone Carter in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ–- This past Saturday night, Emmanuel Rodriguez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Sharone Carter that headlined a six-bout card at The Showboat Hotel Carousel Room.

The near-capacity crowd saw a show promoted by R and B Promotions.

Rodriguez of Newark, NJ won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 13-0. Carter of Saint Louis, MO is 13-6.

Feargal McCrory remained undefeated with a 95 second knockout over Aeilo Mesquita in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

McCrory dropped Mesquita with a right hand that sent him to the canvas for the 10-count.

McCrory of Northern Ireland is 13-0 with six knockouts. Mesquita of Brazil is 21-10-1.

Justin Figueroa remained undefeated by stopping Rahiem Davis Cooke at the end of round three of a scheduled four-round junior middleweight bout.

In round three, Figueroa dropped Cooke with a big combination that put Cooke on the canvas. Cooke’s corner stopped the fight after the round.

Figueroa of Atlantic City is 3-0 with three knockouts. Cooke of Philadelphia is 1-4.

Cali Box made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Davon Hall in a scheduled four-round cruiserweight bout.

Box hurt Hall several times with overhand rights during the round. Box landed a hard right that was followed by a left hook the ropes that forced a stoppage at 2:19.

Box, 184 1/2 lbs of Brick, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Hall 183.5 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 0-5.

In a spirited battle of pro debuting lightweights. Miguel Garcia won a four-round unanimous decision over Cristian Castro.

Garcia of Atlantic City won by scores 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is 1-0. Castro of Red Bank is 0-1.

John Vallejo remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Angelo Thompson in a junior middleweight bout.

In round three, Vallejo dropped Thompson with an overhand left.

Vallejo of Newark, NJ won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 2-0. Thompson of Irvington, NJ is now 0-6.

 

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Split-T Management’s Ardreal Holmes & Asa Stevens Get Wins Over The Weekend

Holmes Decisions Villareal in SHOBOX: The New Generation^® Main Event

Stevens Scores Stoppage in California

 

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 20, 2023)–Two Split-T Management fighters remained undefeated with solid victories over the weekend.

Friday night in Topeka, Kansas, Ardreal Holmes won a 10-round split decision over Ismael Villareal in a battle of previously undefeated junior middleweights.

The bout headlined a SHOBOX: The New Generation and was broadcasted LIVE on SHOWTIME^®.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, who was making his second appearance on SHOBOX, boxed very well from the outside as he used his 6’2″ frame to box from the outside and landed some solid combinations on the inside against the charging Villareal.

Holmes was very effective with his straight left hand and well-timed uppercuts.

Holmes won by tallies of 97-93 and 96-94, while a third card somehow gave Villareal a 96-94 edge to keep his perfect record intact at 13-0.

“I felt like he won two, three rounds,” Holmes said. “I don’t know where that one card came from. I feel like I dominated the fight and felt like he might have gotten two or three middle rounds, but that was the max. I felt like I out-jabbed him and out-fought him. I felt like this was a step-up from last time I fought, and this was a tougher fight. I’m only 13 fights in so I’m going to keep improving.”

 

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

 

Saturday night in Pomona, California, Asa Stevens remained undefeated with a stoppage over veteran Jenn Gonzalez after the second round of their four-round featherweight clash.

Stevens dropped Gonzalez in the opening round and continued the assault in the second round. Gonzalez called it a night after the second round.

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii is now 4-0 with two knockouts.

The 22 year-old Stevens is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

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Lightweight Prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas & Undefeated Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco Added to Robeisy Ramirez-Isaac Dogboe Card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

Ramirez-Dogboe and Xander Zayas-Ronald Cruz headline stacked card streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+

Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com

TULSA, OK (Feb. 14, 2023) — Two of Top Rank’s brightest young talents—lightweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas and undefeated Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco—are set to return on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Vargas, who is coming off a unanimous decision win against Francisco Duque last week, will face an opponent to be named in a four-round lightweight clash. Polanco, who was originally scheduled to fight in January, will make his Top Rank debut in a six-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be determined. The two join an already stacked card headlined by the interim WBO featherweight title bout between Robeisy Ramirez and Issac Dogboe and the eight-round co-feature between undefeated Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas and Ronald “Diablo” Cruz.
 
Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
 
Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs) was a seven-time national amateur champion before turning pro in May 2022 with a first-round stoppage over Mark Salgado. In October, “El General” signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank and made his debut with the company with a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Martinez. Under the guidance of his father and trainer, Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, the 18-year-old set his sights on becoming Prospect of the Year in 2023. 

Check out Vargas’ latest interview on our new podcast series, Top Rank: Unbox’d.
  
Polanco (8-0, 5 KOs) turned pro before the Tokyo Olympics, earning wins in Mexico and in the Dominican Republic. After losing by split decision to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov in his opening bout, Polanco continued his professional career with a third-round knockout win over Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin. “El Rayo” ended 2021 with a decision win over Jonathan Jose Eniz before going 2-0 in 2022. The 24-year-old was initially scheduled to return on the Efe Ajagba-Stephan Shaw undercard in January, but an injury sidelined his opponent.

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Julian Rodriguez Takes on Kashon Hutchinson in Main Event on Friday, March 10th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA

James Bernadin Battles Jesus Vazquez in Co-Feature Bout

Plus King’s Promotions Fighters Jonathan Rodriguez, Thanjhae Teasley, Mikenna Tansley, Francis Oran and Devin Young

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – February 14, 2023 –On Friday night, March 10th, King’s Promotions will be back at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with a huge night of boxing that will be headlined by a terrific eight-round welterweight bout between Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez and Kashon Hutchinson.

Rodriguez of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey has a record of 21-1 with 14 knockouts. The 28-year-old Rodriguez is a 10-year professional was a former amateur standout who has wins over Neyeine Muang (1-0-2), Angel Figueroa (3-0-1), King Daluz (12-2-2), Darlo Feman (14-2), Anthony Laureano (13-0) and Jose Lopez (29-7-2). In his last bout, Rodriguez suffered his only defeat when he lost to two-division world champion Jose Pedraza on June 12, 2021, in Las Vegas.

Hutchinson of Reading, PA is 10-5 with two knockouts. The record does not tell the story with Hutchinson as he has won seven bouts in a row. The 29-year-old Hutchinson is a seven-year pro who has wins over James Martin (4-0), Edgar Torres (8-0-1), and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Rasheed Johnson on October 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.

In the eight-round co-feature, surging lightweight, James Bernadin looks to stay undefeated when he takes on once-beaten Jesus Vasquez.

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA is 10-0-1 with six knockouts. The 30-year-old Bernadin is a five-year professional who has defeated Sheldon Deverteuil (1-0-1), Osvaldo Morales (4-0-1), Edgar Torres (8-2-1), Kenny Robles (9-1) and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision from Clay Burns on January 20th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Vasquez of Englewood, Colorado is 10-1 with two knockouts. The 31-Year-Old Vasquez is also a five-year pro and has a win over Nathan Trepagnier (1-0). Vasquez has won four-straight fights. In his last fight, Vasquez won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Lopez Esparza on April 1, 2022 in Jalisco, Mexico.

A massive undercard is being assembled and already tabbed for March 10th will be:

In an eight-round bout, Mikenna Tansley (5-2, 2 KOs) of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada battles Moni Trejo (3-3-1, 1 KO) in a bantamweight fight.

Six-Round Bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight fight.

Thanjhae Teasley (5-0, 2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Demarcus Layton (8-4-1, 3 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight contest.

Johnny Spell (7-0, 4 KOs) of Pittsburgh fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Dwyke Flemmings Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) of Paterson, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight fight.

Francis Oran (1-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA fights John Carmona (0-2) of Fargo, ND in a heavyweight contest. Oran is co-promoted with Jeter Promotions.

Devon Young (2-0, 1 KO) of Aiken, SC fights Lamir Riley (2-0, 1 KO) of New Cumberland, PA in a heavyweight battle.

Jesse Oltmanns Jr. (0-1) of East Stroudsburg, PA (1-1) takes on Marlon Haywood (0-4) of Kankakee, IL in a heavyweight fight.

Tickets are on Sale now for $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

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Kings Promotions signs Dominican prospect 

Anibal Cleto Francisco 

Reading, Pa. – February 2, 2023 – Kings Promotions continues to grow their stable of Dominican fighters by adding rising middleweight sensation Anibal Cleto Francisco to their roster on a multi-year promotional agreement. 

The 22-year-old Francisco holds a perfect record of 10-0 (9KOs) as a professional boxer. 

In his last fight on July 2nd, Cleto Francisco won the WBA Fedelatin Middleweight title with a fifth round knockout over Venezuelan veteran Yeison Gonzalez (16-7). 

Anibal Cleto Francisco, who is trained by Roberto Peralta, is scheduled to fight on February 24th in his native country on a card promoted by Shuan Boxing in association with Kings Boxing. 

Anibal Cleto Francisco is managed by Harry Polanco and advised by Trifon Petrov. 

Harry Polanco who manages Cleto Francisco is excited to partner up with Kings Promotions. 

“I’ve worked with Anibal since the beginning of his professional career. He is one of the most dedicated fighters I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I’m happy we are able to partner up with a big promoter from the United States, so we can take the next step in his career. He has a very fan-friendly fighting style, and I know the fans in the US will love him when he gets the opportunity to fight on the big stage and national television,” said Polanco. 

For Cleto Francisco signing with Kings Promotions is a dream come true. 

“Since I started boxing I always wanted to get the chance to go to America and compete with the best. I’m very grateful to Harry Polanco for making this opportunity a reality. Adding Trifon Petrov as my adviser and Marshall Kauffman as my promoter is the next step of my development as a professional boxer. I can’t wait to represent my country on the biggest stages in America”, said Cleto Francisco.

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Brian Howard Takes on Junior Wright In Heavyweight Showdown on Saturday, March 4th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania

 

Mega Card to Feature as Many as 16 Fights

First Bout 5 PM ET

NEWTOWN PA (January 26th, 2023)–On Saturday March 4th, RDR Promotions will present a massive night of boxing at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

 

The potential 16 bout card will be headlined by heavyweights Brian Howard and former world title challenger Junior Wright Squaring off in an eight-round bout.

 

Howard of Loganville, Georgia has a record of 15-5 with 12 knockouts. The 42 year-old Howard has wins over Yuwshua Zadok (1-0), Chris Stallworth (9-2), Alex Guerrero (12-0-1), Shawndell Winters (8-0), Carlos Negron (20-2). Howard is coming off la oss to Efe Ajagba on April 10, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

Wright of Evanston, Illinois is 19-4-1 with 16 knockouts. The 36 year-old Wright has victories over Nick Reader (3-0-1), Nick Kisner (12-0-1). On May 21, 2016, Wright challenged Beibut Shumenov for the WBA Cruiserweight title. Wright was stopped in 10 -rounds in a fight that took place in Las Vegas. Wright is coming off a vicious third-round stoppage over Colby Madison on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

 

In a six-round bout, undefeated lightweight Rashan Adams steps up to face veteran Oscar Barajas.

 

Adams of Philadelphia is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 24-year-old is coming off a first round stoppage over Kevin Smith on October 22, 2022 in Philadelphia.

 

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico is 18-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 32-year-old Barajas had defeated Roxie Lam (7-1) as well Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2). Barajas has developed into a “Philly-Killer” as he has defeated two favorites from the City of Brotherly Love in Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1).

 

In Six-Round Bouts:

 

Daiyaan Butt (13-2, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

 

Mark Dawson (10-1-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

 

Laquan Evans (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Eliezer Olmeda (3-2) of Gloucester City, NJ in a welterweight bout.

 

In Four-Round Bouts:

 

Isaiah Johnson (6-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

 

Nimal Farmer (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

 

Nasir Mickens (2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Juan Gutierrez (0-3) of Esteil, Nicaragua in a super bantamweight fight.

 

Dominique Mayfield (2-1) of Philadelphia takes on Jerome Aiken (1-6-1, 1 KO) of Annapolis, MD in a heavyweight bout.

 

Ghandi Romain of Union City, NJ will make his pro debut against Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

 

Erron Peterson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tariq Green (2-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

 

Najeem Johns (2-0, 2 KOs) of Darby, PA tussles with Leonidas Fowlkes (2-12-1) of Winchester, VA in a super lightweight battle.

 

Brendan O’Callaghan (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Soslan Alborov (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

 

Seeing action against opponents to be named will be heavyweight Jonathan Wiles (0-2) of Philadelphia, featherweight Rasheen Brown (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia and junior welterweight Roberto Gomez (5-1, 5 KOs) of Mexico City.

 

First Bout at 5 PM ET

 

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

 

Tickets are $200, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at The Following Link

 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

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JAKE PAUL SET TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON FEBRUARY 26TH IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS JOINS FORCES WITH TOP RANK AND ESPN+ IN THE UNITED STATES TO PRESENT JAKE PAUL’S MOMENT OF TRUTH AS A BOXER

FORMER TWO DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BADOU JACK “THE RIPPER” WILL FACE ILUNGA MAKABU IN CO-MAIN EVENT FOR THE WBC CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE

MVP RISING PHENOM ASHTON “H20” SYLVE ALSO SET TO MAKE RETURN TO RING AFTER VIRAL KNOCKOUT IN OCTOBER

NEW YORK, NY – January 27, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, younger brother of Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, February 26, 2023. The main event, titled “The Truth,” will also feature two-weight world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” challenging WBC Cruiserweight world champion Ilunga Makabu in the co-main event. The card will also showcase Ashton “H2O” Sylve, an MVP undefeated fighter, as he is set to face former WBC world title challenger Maxwell Awuku (48-5-1, 33 KOs), from Accra, Ghana.
 
Paul vs. Fury will stream live on ESPN+ PPV (2PM ET / 11AM PT), the exclusive digital distributor for the event in the United States. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $49.99
 
Paul and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul went on to record a scintillating one-punch knockout of Tyron Woodley, who stepped in as a late replacement for a rematch of the pair’s August 2021 clash. Paul is giving Fury another chance next month so he can silence the critics who claim he has yet to fight a professional boxer. The 26-year-old Cleveland native started his pro boxing journey in January 2020 and will go head-to-head with Fury, a more experienced boxer from a prominent boxing family.
 
Paul, who boasts a professional record of 6-0 with 4 knockouts, continues to make waves in the boxing world. His latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva, won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, by dropping Silva in the 8th round. Paul began his pro career in January 2020 with a stunning debut against British YouTube star AnEsonGib and a subsequent, jaw-dropping knockout of former NBA star Nate Robinson in November 2020. From there, “The Problem Child” shocked the industry with a first-round KO of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April 2021 and two wins over Woodley, including a vicious knockout which won him ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of The Year. 
 
“The moment of truth has finally arrived,” said Paul. “On February 26^th, I will get in the ring with a ‘real boxer,’ an 8-0 fighter from a storied fighting family and show the world the truth about who Jake Paul, the boxer really is.”
 
Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury began boxing at the age of 12. He had 12 amateur fights, winning two regional titles and reaching the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. In 2021, he fought three times, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard, earning his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career. 
 
“Jake Paul has already achieved more than anyone thought possible when we started this journey three years ago. Six professional fights, five pay-per-views, over $150 million of revenue generated and viral moment after viral moment,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “Jake is an undeniable pay-per-view star and we are delighted to collaborate with Top Rank and ESPN+ to distribute this massive event between two of boxing’s biggest names to millions of homes in the United States. Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Ministry of Sport and Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises for their vision and commitment to putting on this event.”
 
​​”Jake Paul and Tommy Fury have fan bases that extend far beyond the world of boxing,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “We are thrilled to partner with MVP and distribute this event on pay-per-view in the U.S., including ESPN+ PPV as the exclusive digital platform.”
 
“We are very excited about the upcoming event featuring Jake and Tommy in Riyadh and look forward to welcoming them to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” stated Chairman of Skill Challenge Entertainment, His Highness Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 
 
“With the consumption of YouTube content per capita in Saudi Arabia remaining one of the highest in the world, the highly anticipated bout featuring one of its most renowned personalities-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, will be amongst the most-viewed events globally. The excitement of this being his biggest challenge to date is very appealing as he takes on a legitimate boxer in Tommy Fury,” he added.
 
The Paul vs. Fury event is co-produced by Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises (SCEE) and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), in association with Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank. The U.S. pay-per-view telecast is available on ESPN+ PPV. 
 
For more information follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, @ESPNRingside, and @ESPNPlus or Instagram via @JakePaul, and @MostValuablePromotions.

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Mass. Middleweight Champion Anthony Andreozzi fights in the danger zone

“Turf War 4” on Feb. 18^th in Melrose, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (January 12, 2023) – Newly crowned Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) will make his first title defense on the “Turf War 4” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), February 18^th at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

Andreozzi, who captured the vacant title last November with a 6-round majority decision in Bridgewater (MA) versus Julien Baptiste, faces challenger Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), of Pittsfield (MA), in the 6-round main event.

“Turf War 4”, which will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com, will mark Granite Chin’s first promotion in Melrose, which is located in Greater Boston.

“Anthony has gone from an 0-2 guy nobody knew or cared about to one of the more exciting guys on the Massachusetts scene,” GCP President Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a gusty guy. There’s no other way to put it. He is willing to fight all the guys in the area and earn his keep. Nothing has been given to him, it has been earned. On February 18^th, he’s going to have a 6’ 3” opponent in front of him who is athletic. It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments Anthony can make. It is going to be two polar opposite styles in the ring, which usually makes for an exciting fight.”

Andreozzi, of Swansea (MA), marches to a different beat in boxing. “I really like danger, the more dangerous the opponent, the better,” he explained. “I like a challenge. I’m more comfortable each fight with chaos; the harder, the better. Defending my title has no effect on me because I don’t fight for belts. I took a few pictures and gave the belt to my coach.  I out dogged my opponent in the last fight. He was confident in his jab, but I took his away. Confidence can betray you sometimes.

“I took a year off and now I’m back. I heard my opponent is a gym boxer; he looks good punching, but he’s not tough. He beat two nobodies and was knocked out in his last fight by a bum. I made a promise to my wife because the fight is too close to Valentine’s Day and I’m cutting weight. We can’t go out for dinner, but I promised her a special gift: I’m going to make him quit! Whether it’s on the stool or in the ring, he won’t be able to go the distance with me.”

The reported 6’ 3” Jones, of course, doesn’t agree with Andreozzi’s bold prediction. He didn’t have much of an amateur career with only 13 matches. He played baseball and basketball but started boxing because of his pent-up aggression that he can use in the ring.

“I’ve been out of the ring almost a year,” Jones remarked, “but I’m confident going into this fight. I’m confident in my skills and ability. It’s going to be a good fight. I saw my opponent fight my friend, Carlos Castillo (Nov. 2021), and I was at his last fight. He came in on the B side and made his way to a belt.

“I was an aggressive guy before, but I’m going back to boxing more to take advantage of my abilities. I’m not concerned about a 6-round fight for the first time because I usually spar 6 or more rounds. I just need to come in ready and confident. An impressive ability will help me climb the ladder and move forward with my career.”

Former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Fairfield, ME, returns to the ring for the first time in 10 months to bang with Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs), of Fall River, MA., in the 6-round, co-featured event for the vacant USBF title.

Another former New England Champion, welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), will be in a bounce back fight after his impressive performance this past December at famed Madison Square Garden, albeit in a loss to undefeated U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (7-0, KOs).. Ohan’s opponent is in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match with veteran Puerto Rican fighter Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs).

Indian welterweight Vaibhav Singh “Ahir Boxer” Yadav (9-2, 7 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against William Parra Smith (4-13-1, 3 KOs), of Alaska, in a 6-round bout. Yadav is a former WBC Asia Silver and Asian Boxing Federation welterweight champion.

Also fighting on the undercard in a pair of 4-rounders is New Jersey welterweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), the former ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title holder, versus an opponent to be determined; and Framingham (MA) cruiserweight Kevin “Lucky” Lewis (0-1) vs. Jeremiah David Austin (0-1), of Woburn (MA).

Tickets are on sale and priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating). Go online to purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or from any of the participating fighters.

 

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Polish Power: Unbeaten Heavyweight Prospect Damian Knyba Inks Multi-Year Promotional Contract with Top Rank
Knyba’s ring return will be announced shortly

(Jan. 11, 2023) — Undefeated heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba, a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, has inked a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

The 26-year-old Knyba, who was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, is scheduled to return in April on a to-be-determined card.

“Damian Knyba is a supremely talented heavyweight, and he is already a fan favorite among the passionate and knowledgeable Polish fans. I expect Damian to take a big leap forward in 2023,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
“I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Golota, Tomasz Adamek, and Adam Kownacki. With all due respect to those who paved the way, my dream is to surpass them and become the first Polish heavyweight world champion,” Knyba said. “I know there is a long road ahead of me, and I am ready for this journey. This is another milestone I’ve hit with my team, including my manager Lukasz Kownacki. With Top Rank behind me, the sky’s the limit.”
 
Knyba (10-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in June 2021 and went 4-0 with two knockouts before the calendar hit 2022. He made his United States debut in May 2022 with a six-round decision over Terrell Jamal Woods and followed that up with a first-round stoppage over Santander Silgado in Ranson, West Virginia. After a homecoming victory in Poland in October, Knyba received the call to fight on Top Rank’s Teofimo Lopez-Sandor Martin bill at Madison Square Garden in December. The Polish flags were out in full force as Knyba battered Puerto Rican veteran Emilio Salas en route to a second-round TKO. The Salas demolition earned Knyba a promotional contract and the distinction of becoming the first Polish heavyweight to be signed by Top Rank.

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Imperial Boxing Signs Featherweight Emanuel “El Trompo” Moreno to a Multi-Year Managerial Deal

Wichita Falls, Texas (January 11)- Imperial Boxing has signed Wichita Falls native, featherweight Emanuel “El Trompo” Moreno to a multi-year managerial deal. 

The 18-year-old Emanuel Moreno is a six-time National Champion, with an amateur record of 141 wins and only 15 losses. 

Moreno started boxing at age six with Coach Mike Zapata. The duo won multiple national titles before Moreno made the jump to the paid ranks in November. In his professional debut, Moreno won a unanimous decision against tough veteran Christian Alejandro Silva in Oklahoma City. 

Trifon Petrov of Imperial Boxing is very happy to be able to add Emanuel Moreno to his team.

“Manny is a special talent. He is the full package, from amateur pedigree, to charisma, to fighting style. When Manny Moreno steps in the ring, he keeps you captivated. He has all the tools to become not just a world champion, but one of the best fighters in his generation,” said Petrov.

Moreno was a very sought-after fighter, but ultimately, he chose to sign with Petrov. 

“I had a lot of interest from a lot of other managers, but ultimately Trifon Petrov made a lot of sense for me. The work he’s done with his other fighters speaks enough. I’m very grateful for his belief in me, and with his guidance I am sure that I will reach my dreams in this sport. Being a professional is an exciting challenge for me. I have been perfecting my craft since I was six years old, and it’s time to show the world what I can do. We’ve put in countless hours in the gym, and on the road fighting and being ranked among the top amateurs in the country. I am now looking forward to the future, competing on the professional level and working my way up to the top of this sport. I have ambitious dreams, and I feel I can achieve them all with Gods favor and in Gods Time. I’m very thankful for my family. My team. My friends and fans who have supported me on this journey. This is only the beginning,” said Moreno.

Emanuel Moreno is expected to be back in action in February. 

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION^® TO FEATURE SIX UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS IN EXCITING TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

Legendary Trainers Buddy McGirt and Ronnie Shields Will Guide Young Undefeated Prospects Sean Hemphill and David Stevens in Main Event of the Popular Prospect Series from Bethlehem, Pa

NEW YORK – December 29, 2022 – Two former Trainers of the Year will lead their young and undefeated fighters into the first SHOBOX: The New Generation card of 2023 as James “Buddy” McGirt’s promising super middleweight prospect Sean Hemphill faces off against Ronnie Shields-trained prodigy David Stevens in a tripleheader set for Friday, January 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.

The three undefeated matchups include fighters with a combined record of 61-0-1 and 43 knockouts. This marks the second consecutive year SHOBOX^® will open the new year featuring a tripleheader in which all six fighters enter fight night without a loss.

Four of the six fighters hail from the state of Pennsylvania with Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) of New Orleans, La., set to make his highly anticipated SHOBOX debut when he faces nearby Reading native, Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs), in an eight-round super middleweight bout. In the co-main event, Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Artem Brusov (12-0, 11 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. The telecast opener pits two up-and-coming Pennsylvania fighters as Reading’s Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) and Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KOs), from Ellwood City, put their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

In 2002, McGirt – who worked the corner for such greats as Arturo Gatti, Antonio Tarver, Hasim Rahman and Sergey Kovalev – was named the Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year. A year later, in 2003, Shields – who has previously worked with such greats as Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield – was named Trainer of the Year by the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

The 27-year-old Hemphill was all set to make his SHOBOX debut last February against Joe George before suffering an injury in training forcing the cancelation of the fight. In October, the Hemphill-Stevens fight was called off as well during fight week because of injury.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“We enter our 22^nd year of SHOBOX with a card that features six undefeated boxers who all had solid amateur backgrounds,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “To have two young American standouts in our main event with Sean Hemphill and David Stevens facing each other this young in their careers just shows their yearning to take that step up. It’s the goal and desire of all these young fighters to turn from prospect to contender and we give them that chance and set the stage on SHOBOX.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Hemphill vs. Stevens – Eight-Round Super Middleweight Main Event

Hemphill made his pro debut in 2019 and has already reeled off 14 consecutive wins after a standout amateur career. In his last bout nearly a year ago in January, Hemphill scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeyson Minda in front of his hometown New Orleans fans. The 27-year-old known as “Silky” fought three times in 2021, four times in 2020 and six times in 2019. Stevens will be the first undefeated opponent of Hemphill’s career with multiple wins. Hemphill is managed by Adam Glenn, son of the late Jimmy Glenn, who owned the beloved Jimmy’s Corner bar in Midtown Manhattan and was a well-known, iconic figure in boxing circles. Hemphill was a member of Team USA during a stellar amateur career (55-12) that saw him rise to become one of the top light heavyweights in the country. His nickname “Silky” is an amalgamation of his dad’s nickname from his kickboxing days (“Spyder”) and his smooth fighting style – spiders produce silk.

“I am excited for the opportunity to fight on a big platform like SHOWTIME,” Hemphill said. “I have envisioned this for a long time, and it’s unfortunate I wasn’t able to make my SHOBOX debut in 2022. I have been hungrier than ever to display my skills and talent. I don’t know much about Stevens, but I am focused on what I have to do and handling business. A win will elevate me in every way possible. It is going to open people’s eyes and open the door for bigger fights and opportunities.”

Stevens fought three times in 2022. His busy schedule includes a second-round stoppage of Loris Barberio on July 23 and a first-round TKO of veteran Colby Courter on May 28. The 22-year-old Stevens of Reading, Pa., has stopped four of his last five opponents, relying on a polished skillset and aggressive, hard-punching style. He started boxing when he was 11 and went 60-8 in the amateurs. Among his amateur highlights, he is a two-time Junior Olympic gold medalist, a Silver Gloves champion, Ringside champion, USA Boxing Youth national champion and a Youth World Championships qualifier. 

“I am excited and anxious and ready to fight and show my talent to the world. When the fight was cancelled, I was disappointed because we could not get another opponent on short notice. I think Hemphill is decent. He is not better than me. A win will elevate me and open more doors for other opportunities. Fighting on SHOBOX is very motivating and it makes me push harder in camp.”

Oberlton vs. Brusov – Eight-Round Light Heavyweight Bout

The 24-year-old Oberlton has picked up three wins in 2022, most recently a second-round TKO over Christian Thomas. An active amateur, Oberlton competed in approximately 100 amateur fights where he won many tournaments, including the U.S. National Junior Olympics and was a two-time National Golden Gloves champion. Oberlton placed second at the United States Olympic Trials and was a favorite to be part of the Olympic team in 2020 before deciding to turn pro instead.

“This is a great opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” Oberlton said. “I am just ready to go in there and prove myself. This is more about what I do rather than what he can do. This will be my official launch to ascend into the light heavyweight division.”

The 31-year-old Brusov is a native of Russia currently training in South Florida. He made his United States debut in late 2021 making fast work of Courtney McCleave with a first-round TKO in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He had a 101-22 amateur record and received bronze, silver and gold medals in national and international competitions.

“I am excited, and this is a good fight and opportunity for me,” Brusov said. “I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he is a tall southpaw, and I am ready to fight to show everyone what I can do in the ring. I know he was a good amateur, but so was I. I will win this fight. SHOBOX is a famous series, and this is a good chance for me to show people who I am.”

Gonzalez vs. Morales – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Gonzalez, from Reading, Pa., just over 40 miles from Bethlehem, will feel right at home on January 20. The 21-year-old has fought twice at Wind Creek Events Center, scoring first and second-round stoppages. All eight of the power-punching Gonzalez’s wins have come by way of knockout, and each stoppage has come inside of two rounds. Gonzalez fought five times in 2021, the year he turned pro, and most recently scored a second-round TKO over Eric Manriquez on December 10. The lone blemish on Gonzalez’s record is a six-round draw against Cuban prospect Ivan Jimenez. Going by the ring moniker “Gifted”, Gonzalez has sparred with Philadelphia’s unified 122-pound world champion Stephen Fulton Jr.

“This will be my first fight on national television, and I am thankful for this opportunity to showcase my skills to the world and show what I am all about,” Gonzalez said. “Morales is a tough fighter. He is a southpaw, awkward. I don’t think he is anything too special, but he is tough. A win will take me to the next level as people will see the type of skills that I have.”

The 29-year-old Morales was born in San Antonio but currently resides in Ellwood City, just outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. A crafty southpaw, Morales has relied mostly on his boxing ability to build his perfect 9-0 record but has shown off his power with recent back-to-back first-round KOs in March and June of this year. Morales stepped up to eight rounds for the first time in his most recent fight in October, a unanimous decision over 30-fight veteran Jesus Ramon Perez. Morales has two unanimous decision wins over previously undefeated fighters and will look to take another opponent’s ‘0’ on January 20. Morales, a former Marine, won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves at 141 pounds in 2016 and turned pro the following year.

“This fight has been a long time coming,” said Morales. “I have worked very hard for this, and I look forward to showing off my complete skillset on January 20th. I don’t know much about Gonzalez, but I do know that I plan on taking it to him and getting this win. I have been working hard my whole life for an opportunity like this and getting a win on this platform would mean everything to me.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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‘HE ANNOYED ME’ – BAKHODIR JALOLOV TALKS HARPER KO AND TOP 10 CLAIM

LOS ANGELES, DECEMBER 13 – Bakhodir Jalolov believes he is already among the top 10 best heavyweights in the world – as he warned his rivals not to make him angry.

The giant Jalolov extended his frightening professional record to 12-0 (12 KOs) last weekend when he stopped the helpless Curtis Harper in the fourth round.

Jalolov has revealed the plan was to get at least six rounds under his belt in California but deliberate headbutts by Harper annoyed the ‘Big Uzbek’ who decided enough was enough.

After flooring Harper in the third, 6’7” Jalolov bludgeoned his American rival in the fourth and forced the referee to step in after 1:53 of the round.

The 2020 Olympic champion insists he should now be considered among the best 10 heavyweights in the world but will use 2023 to make that official.

“If I had followed my game plan a little bit better against Harper, it would have gone more than four rounds because the plan was to go six rounds with this guy, minimum, to get some experience,” Jalolov told Probellum.com.

“But it just so happened that he annoyed me a little bit with headbutts. I never try to go and hurt people, I try to go and do my best, land my punches, and not get hit.

“I would rate my performance as six out of 10, just because I didn’t really have a training camp for this fight. I was in Uzbekistan with the amateur team. My coach was with Bivol at this time in Dubai, so we only had a little bit of conditioning, a few sparring sessions and that’s why I needed two rounds to catch the rhythm and then get my timing.”

Jalolov was left only satisfied with his latest shuddering KO win and, ominously for the rest of the division, says he cannot see the ceiling on his potential.

“I believe that I can be in the top 10 right now and fight anyone in the top 10,” Jalolov stated.

“It’s just that every everyone has their own time, and my time is just not there yet. And we’re not in a rush. I’m following the plan of my team and when the time comes, I’ll be ready. I’m 28 years old. I’m not even in my prime yet, and when I get there, I will make everything the way it should be.

“Honestly, at this point, I just don’t see the limit to my potential. I’m just starting. I’m just barely getting into the pro game and I’m working with my coaches, I’m learning so much new stuff.   We are just starting to build a tank for 12 round fights.  So honestly, I just don’t know where the limit is, but I know that I’m going to improve and get much, much better.”

The Uzbek hero now has the heavyweight contenders in his sights but, confident against anyone in the world, Jalolov says he will let the ratings dictate whom he faces.

But finding sparring partners is more problematic with some fighters said to be demanding a small fortune to help Jalolov prepare.

“I’m not going to call out anyone,” he added.

“That’s not how we’re raised, and our parents don’t teach us that way. It is why there are rankings in boxing and if someone wants to fight me okay, and if they don’t want to fight me, okay. I’m not going to call out anyone or disrespect anyone. That’s not how we are raised.

“Sometimes we have to spar two guys at the same time, maybe we get two cruiserweights at the same time. There are always some guys that that are willing to step in the ring and help me. But it’s just hard to find really good quality sparring partners. And sometimes when that sparring partner is really good, that makes me go hard too and sometimes they get hurt. And I don’t really want to do that, I don’t want to hurt anyone in sparring, I’m just trying to get my work in.”

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Top Ranked Contender, Trainer, and Movie Actor “Irish” Bobby Cassidy passes away at age 78

Bobby Cassidy, born April 19, 1944, is a former professional boxer who fought from 1963 to 1980. Although born and raised in New York, Cassidy is of Irish lineage and fought under the name, “Irish” Bobby Cassidy.

Cassidy was a southpaw (left-handed) who was world-rated in the junior middleweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. In 1975, he was ranked number one in the world as a light heavyweight by the World Boxing Council.

In 1963, Cassidy, from Levittown, Long Island, New York, scored a one-punch, 39-second knockout in his professional debut at Sunnyside Garden. He went on to compile a ring record of 59 wins, 16 losses, three draws, one no contest and 27 knockouts. Among the notable fighters that he defeated were Don Fullmer, Jimmy Dupree, Tom Bethea, Isaac Logart, Ramon Ranquello, Tommy Hicks and Christy Elliott. He also fought world champions Luis Manuel Rodríguez, Rodrigo Valdez and Alessandro Mazzinghi.

In a six-month span of 1973, Cassidy fought Dupree three times, for a total of 30 rounds. Both light heavyweights were ranked in the top 10 at the time. They fought to a draw in the first fight, Dupree won a split decision in the second fight and Cassidy won a unanimous decision in the third. The final meeting was held at Madison Square Garden’s Felt Forum. Cassidy dropped Dupree three times in the fight. The Dupree fights were part of stretch during which Cassidy fought eight consecutive opponents ranked in the Top 10.

Throughout his career he fought main events in both the old and current Madison Square Garden.

After his boxing career, Cassidy began training fighters and has worked with two world champions, WBC light heavyweight champion Donny Lalonde and WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley. He also trained Ugandan contender Godfrey Nyakana.

As an actor, Cassidy has appeared in three films, Rocky, Uncle Joe Shannon and This Thing of Ours.

In 2007, his son, boxing writer Bobby Cassidy Jr., wrote a play, Kid Shamrock, based on his life and boxing career. It has been produced Off Broadway three times. In June 2007 at the Producers Club. In February 2011 at the Atlantic Theater Company, Stage 2, and in November–December 2011 at TADA! Theater. The cast has featured several former boxers, including John Duddy, Seamus McDonagh and Mark Breland. The most recent production was directed by former WBO heavyweight champion Michael Bentt.

Cassidy was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001, the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2018.

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to his son Bobby Jr., and the rest of his family members!

BoxRec: Bobby Cassidy

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Top Rank Signs Blue-Chip Talents Brian Norman Jr. & Rohan Polanco

Norman and Polanco will make Top Rank debuts January 14th on the Efe Ajagba-Oscar Rivas undercard at Turning Stone Resort Casino

(Dec. 7, 2022) — Top Rank has signed a pair of undefeated standouts, Atlanta-born welterweight Brian Norman Jr. and Dominican junior welterweight Rohan Polanco, to multi-fight promotional agreements.
 
Norman and Polanco will make their Top Rank debuts Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino on the ESPN+-streamed undercard of the heavyweight main event between Efe Ajagba and Oscar Rivas.
 
“Brian and Rohan are elite talents with world championship potential, and we expect 2023 to be the start of something special for both young men,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
The 22-year-old Norman (22-0, 19 KOs) comes from a fighting pedigree. His father and trainer, Brian Norman Sr., fought the likes of former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal during a 28-fight professional career that spanned from 2003-2011. The younger Norman has gained invaluable experience in the gym working alongside Terence “Bud” Crawford, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. He turned pro in January 2018 and went 11-0 in his first year in the paid ranks. Norman bested Flavio Rodriguez by technical decision in March 2020, earning a hard-fought victory on a nationally televised card. He won four fights in 2021, including a fifth-round TKO over Benjamin Whitaker and a trio of knockout victories in Atlanta. Norman, who hopes to leap toward title contention in 2023, is managed by Fighters First Management.
 
Norman said, “I’m thankful for this opportunity. I worked hard to get here and will work even harder to push my limits. January 14th will be my first fight in over a year, so I have to put on a big show. I’m doing everything in training camp to make sure I exceed my own expectations.”
 
“This is our first fighter signed with a major promotional company, and we couldn’t be any happier that it is Top Rank,” said Jolene Mizzone, President of Fighters First Management. “We look forward to working together and getting Brian Norman, Jr. to that championship level.”
 
Polanco (8-0, 5 KOs) turned pro before the Tokyo Olympics and went 4-0 with two knockouts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In his opening Olympic bout, he lost a split decision to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov. “El Rayo” made his stateside debut last November, knocking out Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin in three rounds. Two weeks later, he won a unanimous decision over Jonathan Jose Eniz. Polanco won two fights in 2022, most recently knocking out noted journeyman Dedrick Bell with a second-round body shot.
 
Polanco said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to sign with Top Rank. I’ve devoted my life to boxing, and I’m blessed to share my talent at this level. I’ll step in the ring again January 14th at Turning Stone, and I look forward to putting on a show for the fans. I want to thank God, my family, my trainer Hector Bermudez, my manager Gary Hyde, and all my supporters along the way. If you don’t know my name, you’re going to know it soon. See you in January!”
 
“I’m delighted Rohan signed with the best promoter in boxing,” Hyde said. “I’m sure Top Rank will guide my guy to the top, and he will soon be in the mix of an already exciting 140-pound division.”

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HOLIDAY HAVOC: FIGHTNIGHT LIVE CAPS 2022 CALENDAR WITH TWO DECEMBER SHOWS, STARTING FRIDAY NIGHT IN NEWTOWN PA

Series is Powered by Everlast; FloSports subscription plans start at $12.50 per month.

Online: https://www.flocombat.com/events/7949902-fightnight-live-nedals-promotions

Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Dec. 6, 2022) – The air will be chilly but the action fiery in December as FloSports FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast plans two consecutive weekends of outstanding, fan-friendly shows. The action opens on FloCombat and Facebook as popular platform partners with Nedal’s Promotions on Friday, Dec. 9, for an outstanding eight-bout event live at 7 p.m. from the Newtown Athletic Club in Pennsylvania.

“FIGHTNIGHT LIVE caps the year with some Mistletoe Mayhem and we are proud to feature this Nedal’s Promotions card as we showcase great events in back-to-back weeks,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “Rising superstar Shinard ‘Showtime’ Bunch takes on former world title challenger ‘Hammerin’ Hank Lundy in an electric main event where both warriors have something to prove here at the crossroads. Siddique Farooqi and Michael Woods – founder of NYFIGHTS.com – will be on the call to heat up the Newtown Athletic Club.”  

As part of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s blockbuster multi-event deal with FloSports, Friday’s 7 p.m. card will air in its entirety on FloCombat. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE plans to continue to deliver a regular slate of boxing and MMA cards via the subscription-based FloSports platform. Fight fans can witness every explosive knockout and drama-dripped decision from regional rising stars – as well as the 10,000-plus events streamed annually by FloSports via the web, the FloSports mobile app (iOS and Android), or connected TV platforms such as AppleTV, Roku, FireTV, Vizio and others – for as little as $12.50 per month. Fight fans can subscribe with a monthly or annual membership today at https://www.flocombat.com/ to be ready for a full schedule of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE events in 2022. 

Additional FIGHTNIGHT LIVE programming – such as event previews, some undercards and highlights – will be available through the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook channel, which boasts nearly 88,000 fans and almost 100,000 followers, and on the Everlast page which is followed by more than 441,000.

In Friday night’s main event, super lightweight contender Bunch (19-1-1, 16 KOs), of Trenton, N.J., via Queens, N.Y., will look to continue his rise in a formidable 10-round test against the veteran and former world-title challenger Lundy (31-11-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia. Popular area battlers Daiyaan Butt (12-2, 5 KOs) and John Leonardo (8-1-1, 4 KOs) are also featured, while area up-and-comers Devin Gantt (1-0, 1 KO) and Juan Davila (1-0, 1 KO) look to defend unblemished records in separate contests on the eight-bout card.

Now in its fifth season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is the fan-friendly platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on creating a home for rising combat sports stars and regional boxing and MMA promotions. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 990 fighters and 26 promotions during 65 live event broadcasts from 27 different cities and three countries since May 2017, and in doing so, the platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.  

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of Annapolis, Md., the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally via FloSports, through web, mobile devices (both iOS and Android) and connected TV solutions, such as Roku, FireTV and AppleTV. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.flocombat.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

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Marques Valle Remains Undefeated with Disqualification Win Over Luis Midyael Sanchez

NEW YORK (December 6, 2022) -This past Friday night in Plant City, Florida, super welterweight Marques Valle remained undefeated with a disqualification win over Luis Midyael Sanchez in the second round of their scheduled six-round bout.

Valle is managed by Split-T Management.

Valle was dominant in the over the five-plus minute fight, to the point where Sanchez was constantly holding. Sanchez was deducted two points in the second round for his hugging. He did not get the message as he continued to grab Valle, and finally the referee saw enough and pulled the plug on the fight at 2:22.

Valle, who had his perfect knockout record stopped, is now 7-0 with six knockouts.

The 23 year-old native of Wesley Chapel, Florida is promoted by Pro Box Promotions.

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January 14: Efe Ajagba-Oscar Rivas & Guido Vianello-Stephan Shaw Heavyweight Doubleheader Coming to Turning Stone Resort Casino LIVE on ESPN

Ajagba-Rivas & Vianello-Shaw will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec 3, 2022) — The Top Rank on ESPN 2023 slate kicks off with a high-powered heavyweight doubleheader Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
 
The 10-round main event is a battle of big-punching Olympians, as Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba looks to author a signature win over Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas. In the 10-round co-feature, 2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello takes a seismic step up in class against fellow unbeaten Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw.
 
Ajagba-Rivas and Vianello-Shaw will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ and includes a 10-round junior lightweight tilt between Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Abraham “El Super” Nova.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), tickets priced from $49 to $89 go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. ET, with pre-sale for TS Rewards Members on Thursday, Dec. 1, and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“The heavyweight division is loaded with talent, and we have two 50/50 matchups that will see a pair of contenders emerge at Turning Stone,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, quickly established himself as one of the division’s heaviest hitters following his pro debut in July 2017. He tallied six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts, using his 6’6 frame and sledgehammer right hand to dispose of his opposition. Last April, Ajagba utilized his right hand to blast out Brian Howard in a Knockout of the Year contender. Following an October 2021 decision defeat to Frank Sanchez, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round.

“I am injury-free and ready to show the world what I can accomplish when I am 100 percent,” Ajagba said. “I respect Oscar Rivas for accepting the challenge. We will give the fans a great show, but I will be victorious on January 14^th.”
 
Rivas (28-1, 19 KOs) is a 2008 Colombian Olympian who moved to Montreal in 2009 to start his professional career. He notched his signature professional victory at Turning Stone in January 2019, knocking out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the 12th round. His only blemish came six months later when he traveled to England and dropped a unanimous decision to Dillian Whyte after knocking Whyte down in the ninth round. Since the Whyte defeat, Rivas has fought twice, knocking out Sylvera Louis in three rounds and outlasting Ryan Rozicki by unanimous decision in an all-Canadian showdown while winning the WBC Bridgerweight title. After multiple prospective bouts fell through, Rivas will enter the Ajagba match coming off a nearly 15-month layoff.
 
Rivas said, “I’m extremely happy to be back in the ring in Verona where I had a lot of success not too long ago. I’m proud of my WBC Bridgerweight title and will be defending it soon, but this opportunity Top Rank gave us at heavyweight was too good to pass up. I also have a lot of respect for Ajagba, and while I agree with him that it will be spectacular for the fans, my skills and my experience will be the difference.”
 
Vianello (10-0-1, 9 KOs), the fighting pride of Rome, turned pro with great fanfare in December 2018 and won his first seven bouts by stoppage in three rounds or less. His momentum stalled following a 2020 draw against Kingsley Ibeh and an injury-plagued 2021 that saw him fight once. Vianello came back in July and knocked out Rafael Rios in four rounds. Three months later, he returned home to Rome and had thrilled the local fans with a dominating eight-round decision over Jay McFarlane.
 
Vianello said, “Stephan Shaw is a good, undefeated fighter, but I fight better when presented with top opposition. I look forward to fighting on ESPN as part of a great heavyweight doubleheader.”
 
Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs), from St. Louis, Missouri, is one of America’s most talented big men, a 6’4, 235-pound boxer-puncher who has knocked out three of his last four foes. He made his Top Rank debut in January, becoming only the third man to knock out Philadelphia’s iron-chinned Joey Dawejko. Shaw tallied three knockdowns in just 2:35 to wipe out Bernardo Marquez in July and then preserved his date against Vianello with an eight-round shutout over Rydell Booker on Nov. 22 in New York City. Shaw will receive his nationally televised big break a decade removed from winning U.S. National and National PAL gold medals as an amateur.
 
“I’m excited. This is my time to shine. This is my moment,” Shaw said.  “I’m ready to go out and there and have some fun. I won’t be under the radar after beating Guido. He’s a good boxer, but I am superior. I will prove that on January 14^th.”
 
Nova (21-1, 15 KOs), born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, is returning to the junior lightweight ranks after briefly testing the featherweight waters. Last January at Turning Stone, Nova knocked out late replacement William Encarnacion in the eighth round. That knockout led to an ESPN-televised co-feature in June against southpaw Cuban dynamo Robeisy Ramirez at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. After four competitive rounds, Ramirez knocked Nova out with a left hand in the fifth. Nova returns to the friendly Turning Stone confines against Lopez (16-3, 6 KOs), a native of Glendale, California, who is making his junior lightweight debut. Lopez last fought in May against Encarnacion, surviving knockdowns in the first and third rounds to eke out an eight-round unanimous decision.
 
In other undercard action:

• Junior featherweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (8-0, 3 KOs), the 19-year phenom who went 5-0 with three stoppages in 2022, will fight in his first scheduled eight-rounder.
   
• Rising junior lightweight Haven Brady Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs), who won four fights in 2022, makes his 2023 debut in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.
   
• Junior welterweight prospect Bryce Mills (10-1, 4 KOs), the local favorite from Liverpool, New York, aims to increase his winning streak to five against Margarito Hernandez (3-3-1) in a six-rounder.
   
• Cleveland-born light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) fights in his first scheduled six-rounder against fellow unbeaten Emmanueal Austin (6-0, 6 KOs).

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Elijah Pierce Stops Juan Carlos Pena in Two Rounds

Baltimore, Maryland (November 21, 2022) –Super Bantamweight contender Elijah Pierce notched his second consecutive second round knockout as he took out Juan Carlos Pena in Oklahoma City.

 

Pierce, who is promoted by Jeter Promotions and is now ranked number-35 by the WBC, after winning the WBC USNBC title on the last Jeter Promotions card on October 15th at the Hall! at Live Casino Hotel Maryland, registered those two early victories in just over a month. They are the first two fights under Jeter Promotions and Pierce has not disappointed.

 

After a feeling out first round, Pierce picked up the pace in round two, as he dropped Pena with a counter left midway through the round. Pena beat the count, but was visibly hurt. Pierce then knocked down Pena for a second time with a right hook. The referee waived the count immediately awarding Elijah Pierce the knockout victory with the time of the stoppage 2:15 of round two, 

 

Pierce picked up his 7th consecutive victory, improving his record to 16-2 with 14 knockouts. Pena is now 32-9 and was coming off of a split decision loss to former world title challenger Stephon Young.

 

Elijah will be back for his third fight in three months when he is back on December 9th at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The combined record of Pierce’s last four opponents is 58-10.

 

Elijah wants all the big fights in the division. Carlos Castro, Azat Hovhannisyan, TJ Doheny, Liam Davies, Gamal Yafai or any of the Golden Boy prospects which includes Hector Valdez, Rudy Garcia, Katsuma Akitsugi.

 

Elijah is managed by Trifon Petrov and Jessie Tanksley. He is trained by his father Andy Pierce, plus Aaron Salamone and Alain Felipe. 

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Giovanni Marquez and Omar Rosario Remain Undefeated With wins in Texas and Puerto Rico

NEW YORK (November 21, 2022) -This past Saturday night, welterweight prospect Giovanni Marquez and junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario remained undefeated with wins in Texas and Puerto Rico.

Marquez and Rosario are managed by Split-T Management.

The 21-Year-old Marquez stopped Luis Valentin Portalatin in round three at The Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe, Texas.

Marquez dropped Portlatin three times, with the finisher coming from a vicious right hand that slumped Portalatin to his knees in the third round.

With the win, Marquez of Houston, Texas is 4-0 with three knockouts.

Marquez began boxing at the age of 12 as he is the son of former U.S. Olympian, world junior middleweight world champion and current broadcaster Raul Marquez.

Marquez had an amateur record of 75-12, which culminated in winning the National Golden Glove tournament this past August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was named the Most Outstanding boxer in the tournament.

Marquez, who won the 152-pound National Golden Gloves, will begin his pro career around 145-pounds, with the goal to campaign as a junior welterweight.

Saturday in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, junior welterweight Omar Rosario stayed undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera.

Scores were 60-54 on all cards for the 24 year-old Caguas native, who is now 9-0. Rivera, also from Caguas, Puerto Rico is 4-1-1.

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank.

Photos by Hosanna Rull / iRull Photos / El Tigre Management.

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Mike Ohan, Jr. lands dream fight vs. U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson

Dec. 10 at Madison Square Garden

QUINCY, Mass. (November 10, 2022) – Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike Ohan, Jr. (16-1, 9 KOs) is preparing for his potential career-changing fight on December 10^th against 2020 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (6-0, 4 KOs) at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Johnson vs. Ohan, Jr. is a scheduled 8-round welterweight match on a Top Rank card, headlined by a Heisman Night fight featuring Teofimo Lopez against Jose Pedraza, which will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Ohan, Jr. isn’t overly concerned about fighting a much-hyped prospect, who is promoted by event promoter Top Rank,, at the mecca of boxing on a much larger viewing platform.

“I’ll embrace it,” Ohan, Jr. “I’ve fought a lot of top guys in the amateurs like Jamaine Ortiz, who just fought Vasiliy Lomachenko. I feel like I belong at the top level with them, but they started competing earlier than me in the amateurs. I was 16-17 and had a lot of catching up to do.   

“This is what all the years of me working so hard has been for. It’s been a dream of mine even as a kid, before I started boxing. It’s starting to payoff; I need to executive the game plan on fight night.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of Mike and what he has accomplished so far in boxing,” Ohan’s promoter, Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a great guy with great work ethic, and he has a ton of heart. He jumped all over this opportunity when it was presented. This is why guys fight; to hopefully get a chance to shine at an event like this at Madison Square Garden. Mike grinded and grinded, now he has his well-deserved opportunity at stardom.”

Ohan, Jr. is the son of a retired pro boxer, (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who served as a sparring partner for the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

The 24-year-old Johnson, fighting out of Cleveland, was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer who was a member of the 2020 .USA Olympic Boxing Team. He was a 2-time winner of the USA National Championships (2016 & 2017), as well as a gold medalist at the 2016 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, and 2014 USA Junior Olympic National Championships.

“He’s a great fighter,” Ohan, Jr. talked about his upcoming opponent. “Everything he does, he’s excellent at, not just good. I have to bring my A game to prove I belong. All the greats have adjusted to the situation and that’s what I have to do. I’ve put in all the blood, sweat and tears. Whatever he throws, I’ll be ready.”

Fighting in Madison Square Garden is the ultimate venue for Ohan, Jr. along with most fighters. Some may feel that the cards are stacked against Ohan, Jr., but he clearly isn’t worried about all the hoopla associated with fighting at MSG on ESPN+ against the event promoter’s highly touted boxer.

“It’s just going to be me and him in the ring,” Ohan, Jr. concluded. “Madison Square Garden is an historic place. Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson…all the greats have fought there. I love boxing history and I’m blessed to be fighting there. I do live closer to New York City than him and I’m sure people will come out for me.

“At the end of the day, though, everybody will know who I am. An impressive performance will raise my stock, but I’m going in the ring to win!”

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Seven Split-T Management Fighters Pick Up Wins

 

Ortiz, Stevens, Brady, Johnson, Conto, Zamarron and Vargas Get Hands Raised in Fight in The United States and Puerto Rico

 

NEW YORK (November 4, 2022) -Seven Split-T Management fighters had their hand raised in fights throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

 Wednesday night in Puerto Rico, Willito Ortiz stopped Bryan Rodriguez in the opening round of their super lightweight bout. Ortiz landed some hard shots that put Rodriguez to the canvas. Rodriguez had enough as he sat on his knee and took the full count of 10 at 2;05.

 

Ortiz of Bayamon, Puerto Rico is 1-0 with one knockout.

Saturday in San Diego, Asa Stevens remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous over Mychaquel Shields in a super bantamweight bout.

 

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii won by scores of 40-35 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Shields was making his pro debut.

 

Stevens is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

Saturday in New York, two Split-T prospects remained undefeated with impressive victories.

Haven Brady Jr. moved up to eight-rounds and won a unanimous decision over Eric Mondragon in a junior lightweight contest.

 

Brady of Albany, Georgia won by tallies of 79-73 twice and 8-74 to raise his record to 8-0. Mondragon of Maywood, California is 8-1-1.

On the same card at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and streamed on ESPN+, 2021 United States Olympian, Tiger Johnson pitched a shutout and won a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Garcia in a junior welterweight bout,

 

Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Garcia of Brawley, California is 15-2.

 In Philadelphia, heavyweight Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage in a scheduled six-round main event at the 2300 Arena.

 

Bryant shot right out of his corner, and went after Conto. The Philadelphia native engaged in a back-and-forth brawl and dropped Bryant with a hard left hand just before the bell sounded to end the opening frame. In round two, Conto continued to pound away until Bryant was weary, and the fight was stopped by the corner at 2:13.

 

Conto of Philadelphia is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Bryant of Pittsburgh is 6-2.

 

Brady, Johnson and Conto are promoted by Top Rank.

 

In Milwaukee, two more Split-T fighters got victories on a card at The Tripoli Shrine Center.

 

Rolando Vargas of Milwaukee moved to 8-1 with a split decision win over Charles Garner (6-2) in a junior welterweight bout.

 

Javier Zamarron made an explosive pro debut with an opening round knockout of Ahmond Rayshaun Oates in a featherweight bout.

 

Zamarron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin dropped Oates three times before the fight was finally halted in the opening frame.

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Syracuse light middleweight Amir Anderson 

goes from tears to gold for USA Boxing 

2022 Youth World Championships, November 14-26 in La Nucia, Spain

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 4, 2022) – Syracuse light middleweight Amir “Cashman” Anderson has gone from being bullied in school to one of the faces of USA Boxing’s immediate future.

The 18-year-old Anderson has already captured top honors at the 2022 Summer Festival National Championships, 2022 USA Boxing National Qualifier, 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, 2019 USA Boxing Junior National Championships and 2019 Eastern Regional Open in his young career.

Now, though, he’s preparing for his first international tournament, the Youth World Championships, November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain.

Anderson started boxing in 2012, after his mother advised him to go to a gym to learn how to be tougher skinned.

“In my younger years,” he explained, “I used to cry instead of fighting back, when I was bullied. My mother wanted me to be tougher. I went to the gym and have never turned back.

“USA Boxing has changed me mentality-wise towards life. I’ve learned so much and I’m a believer. No matter what, even if I lose, go on to the next fight, and keep working hard to be the best I can. I’ve been on Team USA twice. Not a lot make it once, never mind twice. I’ve only lost three times in 30 tournament fights.”

Anderson is excited to be competing in his first international tournament to prove himself at a higher level. He has set high standards for himself, his next chapter starting later this month in Spain.

“It’s a blessing, I can’t wait,” Anderson spoke about going to the Youth World Championships. “I can’t wait to compete against the best in the world. I’ve proven myself as the best nationally. I want to get gold at these championships and a belt at the 2022 Nationals. I want to compete at the 2024 Olympics (Paris) and be a multi-gold medalist in international boxing.”

Self-described as a “mental frustration” to fight, Anderson is a well-rounded, all-around Olympic-style boxer with a high upside. He can move around the ring or fight in the pocket with great success, orthodox or southpaw style, and from all ranges – close, mid and long.

“I’m grateful to represent my country,” Anderson concluded. “I’m honored and proud of myself. I always want to represent the USA and go around the world to show what a great country we live in.

“I want to also represent people who are battling anything in their lives, because I’ve had issues, and I’m still pushing myself to be the best.”

The only tears Amir Anderson may shed now will be the result of his major successes in his very bright future.

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Sonny Conto Stops James Bryant in 2

PHILADELPHIA (OCTOBER 31, 2022) — Heavyweight Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage in a scheduled six-round main event at the 2300 Arena.

The fight card, which drew an enthusiastic crowd, was promoted by Joe Hand Promotions,

Bryant shot right out of his corner and went after Conto. The Philadelphia native engaged in a back-and-forth brawl and dropped Bryant with a hard left hand just before the bell sounded to end the opening frame. In round two, Conto continued to pound away until Bryant was weary, and the fight was stopped by the corner at 2:13.

Conto of Philadelphia is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Bryant of Pittsburgh is 6-2.

In the co-feature, rising 21-year-old prospect Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Larry Fryers in a junior welterweight bout.

Mills of Liverpool, New York won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-1. Fryers of Yonkers, New York is 11-6-1.

Everlon Still took a four-round unanimous decision over Tariq Green in a super middleweight fight.

Still of Voorhees, New Jersey won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 3-2. Green of Philadelphia is 2-2.

Carlos Marrero won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyree Arnold in a junior welterweight bout.

Marrero of Bridgeport, Connecticut won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 4-8-3. Arnold of Philadelphia is 1-5/

Shane Slocumb made a successful pro debut with a second-round stoppage over Jonathan Wiles in a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:58 for the Philadelphia native Slocumb, who is now 1-0 with one knockout. Wiles of Philadelphia is 0-2.

James White stopped Kenyan Williams in round three of their four-round light heavyweight contest.

The time of the stoppage was 2:39 for the debuting White of Warwick, Pennsylvania. Williams of Winchester, Virginia is 0-3.

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David Navarro and Joseph Hicks Get Stoppage Wins in Atlantic City

NEW YORK (October 28, 2022) -Split-T Management fighters David Navarro and Joseph Hicks Jr. scored second round stoppage victories on Friday night at Ballys Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Their fights were part of the non-televised undercard of a SHOBOX: The New Generation card

Navarro of Los Angeles stopped Luis Domingo Hernandez in round two of their six-round super featherweight bout.

The 22 year-old Navarro hurt Hernandez in the second frame after a hard flurry of punches. Navarro was able to finish the fight at 1:02 to raise his record to 5-1 with three knockouts. Hernandez falls to 14-7-1.

Hicks took out Luis Solis also in round two of their six-round middleweight bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan landed a hard combination that sent Solis to the deck, and the fight was stopped at 2:52 of round three. Hicks kept his perfect mark intact as he is now 3-0 with three knockouts.

Hicks says his brief encounter with Solis was a learning experience. “I learned to try to get warmer in the dressing room before I come out. I didn’t feel warm in the first round, but besides that I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

Hicks was a stellar amateur where he was elected Captain of Team USA Boxing, National Golden Gloves Champion 2019. Three-time Eastern Elite Qualifier Champion (2017, 2018, 2019) & a five-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Solis is 25-15-4.

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

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SONNY CONTO TO TAKE ON JAMES BRYANT IN MAIN EVENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH AT 2300 ARENA IN SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Popular South Philadelphia heavyweight Sonny Conto will take on James Bryant in the six-round headline bout on Saturday, October 29th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Conto will be fighting just a mile from his home in South Philadelphia and will look to thrill his large hometown fan base when he takes on Bryant.

The 26 year-old Conto has a record of 10-0 with eight knockouts. This will be the third appearance for Conto at the 2300 Arena. In Conto’s last bout in Bensalem, Pennsylvania on May 13th, he stopped Justin Rolfe in three rounds.

Bryant of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a record of 6-1 with four knockouts. The 37-year-old Bryant is on a three-fight winning streak, which includes his most recent outing when he decisioned Thomas Hawkins on March 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh.

Tickets at $55, $75, $100 and $150 are on sale: https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=436

Bryce Mills (9-1, 4 KOs) of Liverpool, NY will look for his fourth consecutive victory when he takes on Larry Fryers (11-5-1, 4 KOs) of Yonkers, NY via Clones, Ireland, in a six-round junior welterweight bout. This will be the third consecutive appearance for Mills on a Joe Hand Promotions card, as he has wins over Daiyaan Butt, as well as a September 1st victory defeating Carlos Marrero.

Devin Gantt (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, NJ will see action in a four-round featherweight bout following his impressive third-round stoppage over Taijiro Arakawa on September 1st.  

Tariq Green (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will take on Everlon Still (2-2, 1 KO) of Voorhees, NJ in a four-round super middleweight contest.

Carlos Marrero (3-8-3) of Bridgeport, CT will be fighting Tyree Arnold (1-4) of Philadelphia, PA in a four-round junior welterweight fight.

Shane Slocumb of Philadelphia, PA will be making his pro debut in a heavyweight fight against Johnathan Wiles (0-1) of Philadelphia, PA.

In a battle of pro debuting light heavyweights, James White of Warwick, PA battles John Pratt of Philadelphia, PA.

Tyler Zwicharowksi (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a four-round middleweight fight.

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Split-T Management Fighters David Navarro and Joseph Hicks in Action on Tonight in Atlantic City

NEW YORK (October 21, 2022) -Tonight, Split-T Management fighters David Navarro and Joseph Hicks will see action at Ballys Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Their fights will be part of the non-televised undercard of a SHOBOX: The New Generation card (9:30 pm ET/PT).

Navarro of Los Angeles will take on Luis Domingo Hernandez in a six-round super featherweight bout.

The 22 year-old Navarro has a record of 4-1 with two knockouts. A two-year professional, Navarro is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Gavin Guaman on March 11th in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Hernandez of the Dominican Republic is 14-6-1 with nine knockouts. The 28 year-old Hernandez is a nine-year pro, who will be making his United States debut, and he is coming off a defeat to Juan Carlos Camacho on February 26th in The Dominican Republic.

Navarro weighed 127.6 lbs. Hernandez was 126.8 lbs.

Hicks will take on Luis Solis in a six-round middleweight bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is 3-0 with three knockouts. The 28 year-old Hicks is still in his rookie year as a pro and he is coming off a first-round stoppage over Jonathan Batista on August 10th in Detroit.

Hicks was a stellar amateur where he was elected Captain of Team USA Boxing, National Golden Gloves Champion 2019. Three-time Eastern Elite Qualifier Champion (2017, 2018, 2019) & a five-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Solis of Yucatan, Mexico is a veteran as he is 25-14-4 with 21 knockouts. At 30 years-old, Solis is a 12 year-pro. He has wins over Ricardo May (1-0), Angel Cano (2-0), Cristian Aguilar Galaz (4-0), Mario Cauich (1-0), Luis Antonio Fitch (19-3), former world champion Cristobal Cruz, Nery Saguilan (38-9-1), Roberto Carlos Dominguez (1-0). Solis is coming off a defeat to Lorenzo Simpson on November 6, 2021 in Baltimore.

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October 29: Robeisy Ramirez-Jose Matias Romero Confirmed as Lomachenko-Ortiz Co-Feature at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN+

Jessie Magdaleno was forced to withdraw from the Ramirez fight with a hand injury

NEW YORK (Oct 21, 2022) — Rising featherweight contender Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez will fight Argentina’s Jose Matias Romero in a 10-round showdown Saturday, Oct. 29 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Romero replaces former world champion Jessie Magdaleno, who was forced to withdraw from the bout with a hand injury.

Ramirez-Matias will serve as the co-feature to the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jamaine Ortiz lightweight main event, streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

“The opponent does not matter. I will put on a show October 29 in New York City,” Ramirez said. “I have the utmost respect for Romero, who took the fight on short notice. But once we get in that ring, I am coming full steam ahead at him for the win. ‘El Tren’ will not be derailed.”

Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, is coming off a sensational one-punch knockout over Abraham Nova and is closing in on a world title opportunity. Romero (26-2, 9 KOs) has won two fights since back-to-back decision defeats to top lightweights Michel Rivera and Isaac Cruz. He’s now at his natural weight and hopes to stun Ramirez under the Garden lights.

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Elijah Pierce Stops Daron Williams in 2nd Round to Win WBC USNBC Super Bantamweight Title

Hanover, Maryland (October 18, 2022)–Elijah Pierce announced himself as a serious contender in the 122-pound division as he stopped Daron Williams to win the WBC USNBC title in front of a huge crowd at the Hall at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland.

This was the ninth consecutive crowd pleasing show promoted by Jeter Promotions at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland.

Jeter Promotions signee Pierce dropped Williams three times and dominated the fight. Pierce, who will continue to surge up the rankings, has a record of 15-2 with 12 knockouts. Williams of Maryland is now 9-2.

“Jeter Promotions is excited for the future of Elijah. Based on his performance, we see a really bright future and he will be a force at 122 pounds. He has been fighting guys two divisions above his best and more natural weight. Tonight we saw him at 122 lbs, and you saw the results against a quality opponent.

With the win, Pierce puts the 122-pound division on high alert.

Francois Scarbono Jr, won a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Antonio Dunton-El in a super featherweight clash. The rounds were very close, but Scarbono took all three cards to raise his mark to 3-0. Dunton-El is 2-1-2.

Mansaborie Condie remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Brandon Clark in a super middleweight bout. Conde dropped Clark in the opening round en-route to his seventh victory without a loss. Conde is now 7-0. Clark is 2-4.

Jaqeeem Hutcherson and Ernest Hall battled to a six-round majority draw in their ABF Atlantic Super Featherweight title bout. Scores were 59-55 for Hutcherson and 57-57 twice. Hall is now 4-2-1. Hutcherson is 6-1-1.

Joseph Veazey remained undefeated by stopping Rashad Kilpatrick in round two of their six-round welterweight clash. Veazey dropped Kilpatrick in the opening frame. Veazey ended things in round two when he landed a big flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 46 seconds. Veazey is now 8-0 with five knockouts. Kilpatrick is 5-2. 

“Veazey can really fight and he has the intangibles that could make him a star. I look forward to Joey’s progress as he develops into a serious prospect.”

Derrick Vann took a six-round split decision over A.J. Williams in a super middleweight fight. Vann took two cards by 58-56 tallies. Williams won a card by a score of 59-55. Vann is now 3-6. Williams is 6-2.

Brandon Chambers remained undefeated with a six-round majority decision over Vit Y in a battle for the ABF USA Super Bantamweight title. Scores were 59-55 twice and 57-57 for Chambers, who is now 9-0-1. Y is 7-2-1.

Stacy Selby remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Maurice Anthony in a welterweight bout. Anthony landed a punch in the opening round that made the knee of Selby touch the ground. That was the high point of the fight for Anthony as Selby won the rest of the fight and took the score cards by 39-37 and 38-37 twice. Selby is now 4-0. Anthony is 3-5.

In a battle of debuters, Jeffrey Yu stopped Mateo Diaz in round two of their featherweight contest. The time of the stoppage was 2:22 for Yu.

Ahmad Muhammad Jones remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Kani Burnside in a super lightweight contest. Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 twice for Jones, who is now 3-0. Burnside is 1-1.

Dwayne Holmes won a four-round unanimous decision over Rensley Washington III in a super bantamweight fight. Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Holmes, who is now 3-0. Washington is 1-2.

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MCGRAIL DELIVERS BEAT DOWN ON ESPINOZA AT PROBELLUM LIVERPOOL II 

LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 15 – Peter McGrail broke the spirit of Alexander Espinoza and forced a sixth-round stoppage with a masterclass display in front of his fans.

The majestic McGrail dropped the tough Nicaraguan with a peach of a backhand in round four at Probellum Liverpool II at the Eventim Olympia and continued to systematically dismantle his experienced rival.

McGrail, one of the stand-out world amateurs of his generation, was ready to dish out further punishment at the start of round six but Espinoza’s corner threw in the towel and retired their forlorn fighter.

A proud son of Liverpool, McGrail moves to 5-0 (4 KOS) as a pro having made the sternest test of his career appear impressively straightforward.

McGrail said: “This was my first time topping a bill and the crowd were unbelievable.

“I thought it was a good performance, it wasn’t 10 out of 10, but overall, I am happy.  It was a step-up on paper so I’m happy to get him out of there, because he went 10 rounds with Kash Farooq last year.

“I am overwhelmed by the support and can’t wait for the next one already!”

Jazza Dickens won the vacant IBO world featherweight title after a hard fought 12 rounds with tough South African Lerato Dlamini.

Dickens has twice failed in his attempts to win world titles, but it was third time lucky for the popular 31-year-old, who was awarded the win on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

Roared on by huge support, Dickens was given the win 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112 by the officials and will now target the biggest fights in the division, against Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington.

An emotional Dickens said: “I have been working for this for 18 long hard years.

“But I did it with my fans, we did it together.  Tonight, I am going to celebrate with everyone in Liverpool.”

Steven Cairns extended his perfect professional record by controlling his six-round fight with Angelo Turco.
Cairns, who won 60-53 on the scorecards, said: “The holding from Turco was a little bit frustrating but this is boxing and that is just another bit of experience.”

Joe McGrail came through the “toughest fight” of his fledgling career, as he survived a cut and a damaged hand to record a clear points win.

McGrail defeated Nicaraguan Alexander Taylor 59-55, with brother Peter watching on from ringside, to move to 6-0, but 19-year-old Joe said that didn’t tell the whole story.

He sustained a cut by the side of his left eye and hurt his hand, both in the second round.

McGrail said: “It was the toughest fight I’ve had so far as a pro.
“In the second round I got a cut after an accidental elbow and then, in the same round I’ve hurt my right hand.  I didn’t throw it much after that, my coach told me to feint with it and throw it to the body, where it was soft.”

Undercard Results:
Frankie Stringer 40-36 Lee Hallett
Blane Hyland 60-54 Mikey Young
John Edwards 40-36 Simas Volosinas

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Press Conference Notes: Tensions Rise as Haney & Kambosos Ready for Second Undisputed Showdown

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ Saturday from Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne, Australia) at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

MELBOURNE, Australia (Oct. 14, 2022) — Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney and former champion George Kambosos Jr. re-exchanged “pleasantries” at the press conference two days shy of their showdown at Rod Laver Arena.

The combatants talked some trash, but it was Haney’s father/trainer, Bill Haney, who stole the show. He presented Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) — or at least attempted to — a copy of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” a reference to Kambosos post-weigh-in mind tricks before their first bout back in June. Kambosos was none too pleased and knocked the book off the dais.

Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) dominated Kambosos to unify all the belts at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, and a little more than four months later, the world’s top lightweights will do it again.

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast live in prime time SATURDAY (taking place Sunday afternoon local time) on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m PT.

Undercard bouts — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT — include twin brothers Jason & Andrew Moloney in separate contests. Jason Moloney will take on Thailand’s Nawaphon Kaikanha in a final eliminator for the WBC bantamweight world title, while Andrew Moloney battles the Dominican contender Norbelto Jimenez for the vacant WBO International junior bantamweight strap. 

In a special world title attraction, Cherneka Johnson (14-1, 6 KOs) will make the first defense of her IBF junior featherweight world title against Australian two-time world champion Susie “Q” Ramadan (29-3, 12 KOs).

At Friday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Devin Haney

“It’s great to be back here in Melbourne. I made history here. And it won’t be no different on the 16th. The name of the game is to hit and not get hit. I’m a student of the game. So, that’s what I follow. I might be one of the best defensive fighters in boxing. But on the 16th, I’ll look to show more offense.”
 
“They’ve been quiet. But every time they open their mouth, it’s a different excuse. They talk this quiet stuff, but they keep making up excuses. Now it’s the coach. Then it was the referee, because I was holding. Every excuse in the book. But why did you fire your whole team? If you truly felt like I was holding too much, why did you fire your whole team?”
 
“There are a lot of big fights out there to be made. I’ve been calling out Loma for a while. But my main focus is on getting past George Kambosos. Then we can talk about what’s next.”

George Kambosos Jr.

“I’m physically and mentally focused on this fight right now. Nothing else matters. Whatever was said or whatever was done…I’m zoned in on this moment. Nothing will break my focus. I’m not interested in anything else. I’m interested on Sunday and what I do then.”
 
“The changes have been made. You learn from your losses. You come back a better fighter. So, I’ve made my changes. I’ve looked at certain things. I’ve gone back to my roots as well. We’re just focused. I’m not going to give anything away. I’m just zoned in. Sunday is when I’ll do my talking. We’ll see who laughs last.”
 
“He’s got a fantastic jab. But we have put in fantastic work to not only evade his jab, but whatever he tries to bring. It doesn’t matter. Did I let him jab too much? He’s got a great jab. But that’s why boxing is the sweet science.”

Bill Haney (Devin Haney’s Father/Trainer)

“Going into the first fight, we knew that George possessed things that are on an elite level. Our preparation was to outbox him. We wanted to do that and we wanted to do that convincingly based on the unknown. We didn’t know what we were going to get in Australia. To our surprise, we’ve met some wonderful people. The Australian government has been totally supportive. We feel this is a second home. Unlike the Kambosos’ over there, who make excuses after excuses. And we’re all tired of hearing them.”
 
“Devin gave me one job today. He told me to go out and get this for George. It’s
‘The Art of War’ [by Sun Tzu]. If you can hand it to him over there. We want him to be well prepared and not misinformed. What excuse is he going to have on the 16^th?”

Jason Moloney

“He has a very impressive record. You don’t become ranked as number 2 in the world without being a very good fighter. I’ve prepared for a very tough fight. He’s obviously had his whole career in Thailand. He’s been very successful over there. But I feel that he’s been a big fish in a small pond. I plan to welcome him into the world stage and show him the next level in this sport.”
 
“This is my dream, to fight for a world title and become world champion. And this is the final hurdle. I’ve been working extremely hard. I’m very motivated to go out there and win this fight.  I’ll do whatever takes. You saw a great performance last time, and this time will be even better.”

Nawaphon Kaikanha

“This is my first time fighting as a professional outside of Thailand. I’m very excited. At the same time, I feel honored that I’ve gotten the chance to fight in Australia in this beautiful country. It’s a very hospitable country, and I’m happy to be here.”
 
“All those 46 knockouts were not a product of luck. I worked hard for it. I trained hard for it. It’s the same for this fight. I have been training really hard for this fight.”

Andrew Moloney

“This is the perfect fight for me right now. I’ve had a very busy 14 months. This is my fifth fight in 14 months. I’ve worked my way up the rankings. And, Norbelto is ranked at number two in the world, and I feel like this is the perfect fight for me. I’m going to take his ranking. I’m going to put on the best performance of my career this Sunday and earn myself the opportunity to fight for a world title next.”

Norbelto Jimenez

“I have had two world title opportunities. I’m looking forward to this third opportunity. I have seen Moloney fight. I know him very well. I have a good record, thanks to God and to my manager, Belgica Peña, president of Shuan Boxing, and we’re coming for more.”

Cherneka Johnson

“Susie has a lot of experience. She’s been in the game for a long time. She’s paved the way for women’s boxing here in Australia, so I’m just excited to take on this match.”

Susie Ramadan

“I’ve fought in Melbourne for a very long time. Obviously, I’ve had a couple of fights overseas. But I’ve won the WBC and the IBF title here in Melbourne, so everything comes in threes, I guess. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Follow the Top Rank YouTube Channel for daily fight week content ahead of Haney-Kambosos 2.

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PETER MCGRAIL DELIVERS CHILLING PROBELLUM LIVERPOOL II PREDICTION 

LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 14 – Peter McGrail delivered a chilling big fight prediction when he came face-to-face with Alexander Espinoza for the first time ahead of Probellum Liverpool II. 

World-champion-in-the-making McGrail headlines a packed card at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday night and has vowed to make light work of the hardest fight of his professional career, in front of his raucous fans.

The co-main event sees Jazza Dickens face dangerman Lerato Dlamini for the vacant IBO world featherweight title and the pair exchanged pre-fight barbs at Thursday’s press conference.

A confident Dlamini told host Ali Drew that he plans to cause a major upset and KO his rival, which prompted Dickens to ditch the pleasantries and set the South African straight.

Big fights for McGrail and Dickens are supported by a host of talented prospects, including Joe McGrail and Steven Cairns, with the action live and free to watch on Probellum.com.

Super bantamweight star, Peter McGrail said: “I see a one-sided fight, with me hitting him loads and him not hitting me much at all. “I hope his training camp has gone well and good luck to him on Saturday night, because he is going to need it.”

Alexander Espinoza, known as ‘Supernova’ said: “I won’t say a round in which this fight will end but it is all about me and I am going to be the winner.  I can promise everyone a good fight.”

‘Lights Out’ Lerato Dlamini said: “I think I am going to stop Jazza in the later rounds.
“I won’t get a decision in his backyard, so I think I am going to stop him.”

Jazza Dickens, a two-time world title challenger, replied: “I was going to welcome him to Liverpool but now he’s going home with a bandage on his head!  I see me getting my arm raised and getting this win in front of a crazy crowd here in Liverpool.”

Key fighter imagery from the press conference and event artwork can be found HERE 
(Please credit Probellum if used) 

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You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter

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It’s all in the name…

James “Savage” Hagler, Jr. vs. Scott “Bombz” Lampert

 “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night”

Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 23 in Bridgewater, MA 

QUINCY, Mass. (October 14, 2022) – Atlanta light heavyweight James “Savage” Hagler, Jr., the grandson of the late, great Marvelous Marvin Hagler, returns to New England to fight Scott “Bombz” Lampert on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 23) in the 4-round, co-featured event on the inaugural “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

The Pro-Am card will pay tribute to the late Farrell, the highly respected trainer from Quincy (MA), who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. A share of the proceeds will be donated to Old Colony Hospice.

Hagler (3-1, 1 KO), whose last name is an obvious target, fought for the first time in the Bay State this past  May in Dedham (MA), when he defeated Heitor Mangaravitte Senra by way of a 4-round unanimous decision. Bridgewater is only 7 miles from Brockton, where Hall of Famer Hagler lived and fought out of during his marvelous reign.

“Every time I fight,” Hagler, Jr. said, “my opponent is at his best because of my last name. They get bragging rights if they beat me. They get in the spotlight. I make sure I always bring my A game. I’m always fighting my opponents’ best. I’m not going to play with him. I won’t be taking him lightly. He’ll be at this best like all my opponents who know that they can make a name by beating me.

“It’s exciting for me to be fighting so close to Brockton; closer than my last fight in Massachusetts. I call Brockton my second home. I was there a lot as a kid, visiting my grandfather, and I played football for a year at Dean College.”

Hagler’s opponent, Lampert (3-6, 2 KOs), is psyched to fight Hagler, saying, “I love it! You couldn’t watch his grandfather fight and not be a Hagler fan. I think it’s cool. The only problem is that it’s hard for my family and friends to go watch me fight on Thanksgiving Eve in Bridgewater (Lampert is from Dover Plains, NY.

“It’s going to be bombs away. They call me ‘Bombz’ for a reason. I got my nickname from my original coach, John ‘Bombz’ Carlo. I’m his protégé, but that’s also my style. I’ve also trained at Champ’s Gym in Danbury (CT). I want a dog fight like most of my fights: exciting and violent.”

“This fight has all the components to make for an old-school, high-action 4-round fight,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti commented. “Scott brings a ton of pressure, and every punch is his fastball. Hagler looks to be more on the outside and catch guys coming in. It is the kind of fight that could have been scheduled for 3 rounds and it still most likely wouldn’t go the distance. Someone is going to catch someone; I don’t see it ending any other way.”

The main event is a 6-round confrontation between Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KOs), of Swansea, and Woburn’s Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs) for the vacant Massachusetts State Welterweight Championship.

Fighting on the pro undercard in 4-round bouts is Brockton heavyweight Kirk Wilmont (1-0, 1 KOs) vs. Aquilla Prote (0-1), and pro-debuting Brockton junior welterweight Stephen Davis faces an opponent to be determined.

Additional pro matches, as well as the amateur portion of the card, will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at  https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com

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OLYMPIC CHAMP AND BRITISH TITLE ELIMINATOR ADDED TO SHEFFIELD SHOW

LONDON, OCTOBER 14 – The undercard for Probellum Sheffield just got a whole lot spicier with the addition of an Olympic gold medallist and another British title eliminator.

Sunny Edwards defends his world flyweight title against Felix Alvarado on Friday, November 11 at the Utilita Arena in the Steel City, with Jack Bateson vs Shabaz Masoud providing the fan-approved chief support bout. 

And Probellum can today confirm the rest of the card, which makes its debut promotion in Sheffield among the best shows staged in the UK this year – and tickets start at just £35. 

Olympic middleweight champion Hebert Conceição is a special addition to the show as he makes his UK debut in an eight-round contest. 

The Brazilian hero, 2-0 in the pros, won gold in Tokyo after producing a stunning final round knockout of his Ukrainian opponent and his route to the top of the professional ranks takes him through Sheffield next month. 

Thomas Essomba and Marcel Braithwaite will battle it out for the right to fight for the British super flyweight title, at Probellum Sheffield. 

Injury delayed their final eliminator but on November 11 the pair – both former opponents of world champ Edwards – clash in a bout that is sure to go down well with British boxing fans. 

Sheffield-based Essomba vs Braithwaite, of Liverpool, comes before super bantamweights Bateson and Masoud meet in a final eliminator for the British title, of their own.

One of Great Britain’s most decorated female amateur fighters, Lisa Whiteside, is also set to return to action at Probellum Sheffield, next month. 

The ‘Lionheart’ brought an end to a near-three year spell out of the ring, in July, when she dropped the experienced Jasmina Nad, en route to a points win in Newcastle. 

Whiteside gears up for world title fights down the line, with a fight in Sheffield, the city in which she was based when part of the Great Britain amateur squad. 

The undercard is then packed out with some of Yorkshire’s most talented young fighters, with Sheffield’s ‘Golden Kid’ Kyle Yousef looking to extend his 17-0 record. 

Also fighting out of the Steel City, super lightweight Levi Kinsiona (9-2) – known as ‘The Real Deal’ – appears, as does unbeaten light heavyweight Khalid Ayub (3-0). 

They are joined by Sheffield-based Nicolie Campbell – the ‘Pretty Boy Assassin’ – as well as Leeds’ unbeaten Ishmael Davis (9-0) and Bradley Cousins, a light heavyweight prospect from Doncaster. 

Tickets for one of the UK’s best shows of 2022 can be bought here, via fighters or by searching for ‘Probellum Sheffield’ at Ticketmaster. 

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