Huntington, New York, October 25—Star Boxing’s Australian sensation Zac Dunn was spectacular in his United States debut on Saturday night at The Paramount.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia presented the 21st installment of the popular “Rockin’ Fights” series before an enthusiastic crowd. The undefeated IBO Super Middleweight World Champion Dunn (19-0, 15 KOs Melbourne, Australia) faced veteran tough guy Derrick Findley (22-17-1, 14 KOs Gary, IN), and the duo engaged in a “Fight of the Year” type fight over 10 rounds. Dunn won the thrilling split decision by two scores of 95-94, while the third judge had the same score in favor of Findley.

From the opening bell, the raucous crowd knew they were in for a barn-burner, as the Australian and Findley went toe-to-toe, throwing bombs in a nonstop fashion.

Midway through the second round, Findley caught Dunn pulling back after an exchange with a big left, dropping the Aussie on the seat of his pants. Dunn jumped right up and continued his attack on Findley, dominating the rest of the round.

The pattern continued for the remainder of the fight with Dunn as the aggressor and throwing at an extremely high volume of punches, while Findley countered with huge shots of his own.

The final three rounds saw Dunn’s relentless pressure and sustained head and body attack increase as he outpaced the cagey and gutsy veteran. The crowd sensed Dunn’s quest for another knockout, yet when the bell sounded for round 10, both fighters roared out from their corners and let it all hang out. The crowd rose to its feet and roared its approval. Dunn, continuing his late fight dominance, captured round 10, which sealed the deal for him.

DeGuardia, who never disappoints the Paramount fight brethren, had this to say about the main event: ”What an incredible fight tonight here at The Paramount. Zac Dunn and Derrick Findley showed unbelievable heart and the desire to win. This ranks among the most captivating fights I’ve seen all year and Dunn clearly showed what an incredibly TV and fan friendly-style he has.”

The undercard featured hometown favorite Junior Lightweight Anthony Karperis (11-2, 4 KOs), who lost for only the second time when he was shockingly stopped in the second round by Tyrone Luckey (8-4-1 6KO). Luckey dropped Karperis a total of five times in the two rounds, as Karperis did not seem his usual, energetic self. Making 130 pounds for the first time in his career may have zapped Karperis of his strength.

Cruiserweight Constantin Bejenaru (10-0-1, 3KOs) remained undefeated, as he outboxed and outfought Joel Shojgreen (8-2, 7 KOs) over the eight-round battle, winning the unanimous decision.

Undefeated Junior Welterweight prospect Danny Gonzalez (10-0-1, 4 KOs) looked terrific as he destroyed normally durable Justin Johnson (6-10-4).

Popular Female boxer Alicia Napoleon (4-0 4KO) was scheduled to fight for the IWBF Junior Middleweight title. But opponent Kita Watkins was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to a medical emergency with her 10 year old son. Since she has no opponent to lace up her gloves against, DeGuardia offered Napoleon the opportunity to make her debut as a television personality. Napoleon showed her tremendous versatility, performing as well behind the mic as she does in the ring, handling ring interviews and color commentary with ringside commentators Gerry Cooney and Randy Gordon.

ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2015) – The “Locked n’ Loaded” main event between Isaac Zarate (12-1-2, 2 KOs) and Heriberto Delgado (11-3-1, 6 KOs) ended in a majority draw Friday night with two judges seeing it even at 76-76, and the third scoring it for the southpaw Zarate (78-74).

Both fighters had their moments, and most of the rounds were razor sharp close. Delgado, looking to stop a three fight-losing skid, came out hungry. He peppered Zarate in the opening stanza, and Zarate, for his part, returned the favor.

Each round was fraught with drama. The fight had more of an ebb and flow than the California coastline. The back and forth action lasted the full eight round rounds, with neither fighter backing down from the confrontation.

“It’s not the decision that I trained for, but I have to live with it,” Zarate said. “He’s a tough opponent that came to fight.”

“I think I did enough to get the win,” Delgado said afterward. “I guess the fight was closer than I thought.”

In the co-main event, heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (10-0, 10 KOs) of San Francisco continued his knockout winning streak by dispatching Quincy Palmer (9-8, 9 KOs) of Little Rock, Ark. in the second round.

After feeling him out in the first, Mitchell moved on Palmer in the second. He punched him into a neutral corner and unloaded a series of headshots that dropped Palmer cold.

“I never go in thinking knockout, but when I feel it, I go for it,” Mitchell said. “I knew I hurt him early in the round. Once I had him in the corner, it was game over.”

Former IBF world champion Jhonatan Romero (28-1, 15 KOs) of Colombia had everything going for him against Arturo Badillo (20-9, 18 KOs) of Mexico. The junior featherweight was in mid-fight form right from the start. Romero dropped Badillo in the first round with a pinpoint combination.

In the fourth, Romero dialed up another combination that sent Badillo into the ropes and onto the ground. In addition to showcasing a sharp offense, Romero displayed a stingy defense that never allowed Badillo to get going. Badillo’s corner ended up throwing in the towel at the :59 mark of the fourth round.

“It felt great to be back in the United States fighting again,” said Romero, who’s last four wins have come in his native Colombia. “I want to get a world title shot soon. That’s all I’m thinking about.”

Junior middleweights Miguel Trejo (3-0, 2 KOs) and Cesar Hernandez (0-1) thrilled the sold-out crowd with non-stop action. Trejo, fighting out of Anaheim, Calif., earned a unanimous decision win by being the more accurate puncher. Hernandez, from Lathrop, Calif., was extremely busy and landed his shots, but it was Trejo that ultimately caused more damage.

Opening the “Locked n’ Loaded” card were a pair of junior welterweights. Jared Papazian (2-0, 2 KOs) of West Hills, Calif. jumped on Benjamin Vinson (1-5, 1 KO) of Vancouver, Wash. early and often. Papazian, who doubles as an MMA fighter, stunned Vinson in the second round with a three-punch combination. In the third, Papazian poured it on, prompting referee Jerry Cantu to call the fight at the 1:56 mark.

“Locked n’ Loaded” was presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #LockednLoaded and #ThompsonBoxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Manny Pacquiao will retire after his fight in April to pursue a seat in the Philippines senate.

“I’m telling you what he told me last week at dinner in New York,” said Bob Arum. “We talked very seriously and he said, ‘Bob, hopefully, by the middle of May I will have been elected senator in the Philippines and at that point I cannot engage in boxing because I need to focus on the senate and I have to be in attendance.’

“Manny told me this fight on April 9 will be his last fight.”

“There are hundreds of congressmen but if he wins the senate seat he has to be there to do the work. They do the real work in the senate in the Philippines, not just make a lot of b——t speeches like they do in the congress,” Arum said. “It’s a real job and if Manny is serious about wanting to be president, these six years in the senate would be like an audition and for him to show his people that he really is a serious politician.”

“Manny told me this would be his last fight and I’m not sad about it because he’s going on to a political career which will require a lot of mental acuity, so you don’t want him to stay in boxing too long,” Arum said. “If he stays in boxing a little too long his mental faculties might be somewhat impaired.”

Pacquiao’s opponent is not set, although there are some names on a short list, including junior welterweight titlist Terence Crawford (26-0, 18 KOs). Arum is promoting his defense against Montreal’s Dierry Jean on Saturday night in Crawford’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, and Arum said a strong performance from Crawford would give him the inside track on the fight with Pacquiao.

Arum said that England’s Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs), a top welterweight contender and former unified junior welterweight titleholder, is also in the mix.

Arum named Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley Jr. as two other candidates.

“My deal with Manny is that after I have my conversations with all the likely contenders I go to Manny and (adviser) Michael (Koncz) and lay everything out and let them pick who Manny wants to fight,” Arum said. “I gather information, I explain to them the details of each deal and if they ask my opinion I give them my opinion.”

Arum said he also has had people in the Middle East — Dubai and Qatar — contact him about hosting a Pacquiao fight. But that has happened regularly for years and nothing has come of it.

“There’s always been a lot of talk but all it’s been is talk, so my feeling is we would do it in Las Vegas,” Arum said.

Terence Crawford made his case for a fight with Manny Pacquiao as he defended the WBO Super Lightweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Dierry Jean at the Centurylink Arena in Omaha, Nebraska

Just before the end of round one, Crawford landed a straight left and right hook that sent Jean to the canvas.  Crawford continued to beat up Jean over the course of the bout.  Crawford dominated the bout from the southpaw stance as he only occasionaly ate right hands.  In round nine, Crawford dropped Jean again with a couple of chopping shots to the top of the head.

Crawford came out in round ten and hurt Jean several times before landing a hard combination that sent Jean into the bottom ropes and referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight.

Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska is 27-0 with 19 knockouts.  Jean of Montreal, QUE is 29-2.

Andy Ruiz Jr. battered Raphael Zumbano Love over eight rounds to win a unanimous decision in a Heavyweight bout.

Ruiz, 248 3/4 lbs of Imperial Valley, CA won by scores of 80-72 two cards and 80-70 on the 3rd card and is now 26-0.  Zumbano Love, 247 3/4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is now 37-12-1.

Mikael Zewski scored a 5th round stoppage over Ayi Bruce in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

In round five, Zewski landed a big uppercut that was followed by a left and right to the head that sent Bruce to the canvas.  Bruce tried to get up but was counted out at 1:41 of round five.

Zewski, 149 1/2 lbs of Trois-Riverst, QUE is 27-1 with 21 knockouts.  Bruce, 149 1/2 lbs of Accra, GHA is 15-12.

Former world featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich won a 8-round split decision over Aldomir Silva in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Gradovich, 127 3/4 lbs of Oxnard, CA won two cards by 79-71 and 78-74 scores while Silva took a card 77-75.

Gradovich is 20-1-1.  Silva, 127 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 19-9.

Julian Rodriguez remained undefeated with a 4-round unanimous decision over Alvaro Ortiz in a Welterweight bout.

Rodriguez, 143 1/4 lbs of Hasbrook Heights, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on two cards and 39-37 and is now 11-0. Ortiz, 140 lbs of Ciudad, MX is 7-5-1.

Alex Saucedo remained undefeated by scoring 2 knockdowns en route to a 6-round unanimous decision over Angel Martnez in a Welterweight bout.

In round five, Saucedo dropped Martinez from a chopping right hand. In round six, Saucedo dropped Martinez with an accumulation of punches on the ropes.

Saucedo, 142 1/4 lbs of Oklahoma City, OK won by scores of 60-52 twice and 60-54 and is now 19-0. Martinez, 141 1/2 lbs of Empalma, MX is 12-8-1.

Alfredo Martinez registered three knockdowns en route to a 4-round unanimous decision over Darin Hampton in a Welterweight fight.

In round two, Martinez dropped Hampton with a series of body shots. Martinez continued to batter Hampton by scoring another knockdown just seconds later. In round four, Martinez scored another knockdown from a left to the body.

Martinez, 142 lbs of Scotts Bluff, NE won by scores of 40-33 on two cards and 40-34 and is now 5-0. Hampton, 141 1/2 lbs of Kansas City, MO. is 1-2.

Zsolt Daranyi scored a 2nd round stoppage over Sean Rawley Wilson in a scheduled 4-round Jr. Middleweight bout

Daranyi dropped Wilson with a right hand at the end of the opening frame. In round two, Daraanyi landed about 25 unanswered blows with most being body shots until the bout was stopped at 1:55 of round two.

Daranyi, 153 lbs of Toronto, CAN is 5-0 with 5 knockouts. Wilson, 153 3/4 lbs of Lavista, NE is 5-16-1.

Follow all the action as WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Terence Crawford defends against Dierry Jean.  The action begins at 9:30 PM ET / 8:30 CT

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BBTV are back on Saturday October 31st, with a live free boxing stream featuring Black Flash Promotions latest professional boxing show. The action comes live from the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury from 7.30pm.

The show will feature all unbeaten boxers. Topping the bill in his first six round fight is highly rated super-featherweight Zelfa ‘Brown Flash’ Barrett. Zelfa has been gathering rave reviews and was recently shown to a wider audience on Sky Sports when he fought on a Matchroon Boxing show. This will be his 7th pro fight within the first year of his career and he hopes to continue his fast paced regular fights and build his pugilistic education. But it wont be long before the talents of the ‘Brown Flash’ are there for everyone to see. Zelfa has the potential to be a world class boxer, don’t miss the future of British boxing on BBTV.

Young Michael Gomez jr will look to continue his unbeaten run in his 5th outing. The son of the former British boxing legend, Gomez Jr is a chip off the old block with talent in abundance and has all the capabilities to emulate his fathers success, a star in the making.

WATCH ONE OF OUR LAST LIVE SHOWS HERE

‘Fat Boy’ is back! After getting married recently, Salford’s tough stylist Chris ‘Fat Boy’ Monaghan will have his 3rd fight under Black Flash Promotions. Monaghan is tipped for big things as a pro and is one to watch, always exciting and comes to fight.

Former Cameroon and Commonwealth games heavyweight champion Blaze ‘The Lion’ Mendouo will continue his pro career at Cruiserweight after shedding 4 stone in weight to get to the weight. From a podgy short walk forward heavyweight, ‘The Lion’ is now a trim, chiselled cruiserweight, light on his feet and fitter than he has ever been. At 30, he knows time is not on his side and wants to take the division by storm. Having fought against some of the best heavyweights in the world as an amateur and being able to absorb the punches, at cruiserweight he feels much stronger and feels he has kept his heavyweight punching power.

Local Bury favourite Fahim Mohammed, will make his home town debut after recently joining coach and promoter Pat Barrett at his gym, the Collyhurst and Moston in Manchester. Barrett is not one to just take on any fighter, but he has seen something in Fahim that he likes and believes he can become a very good boxer. After getting injured in a serious car accident and getting involved in the wrong circles, the Bury youngster, still only 19, has come to Barrett to help turn his life around and continue his career under his new coach after having two fights already he is ready to fulfil his Hugh potential.

Making a debutant appearance on a Black Flash show will the exciting Sam ‘Hitman’ Hyde, this cruiserweight power house is trained by former champions, Ensley Bingham and Maurice Core at the Champs Camp, and will be a very welcome addition to an already nice small hall running order.

The bill is topped off with the much anticipated professional debut of female boxing sensation Laura ‘Cyclone’ Kelly, granddaughter of the great Manchester fighter and world title challenger, Edward ‘Cyclone’ Kelly. The ‘Cyclone a multi National champion and top European amateur has always dreamed of being a professional boxer and under Black Flash Promotions has been given that chance. She is determined and confident she can blast herself up the world rankings and be fighting the top female boxers in the world within the next couple of years, her journey starts on October 31st Halloween night in Bury with us.

#BBTVLIVE – for Twitter information and Links about show and Live updates.

Don’t miss this great night of boxing action on Halloween!

Tickets for the show are still available from @BlackFlashPromo at £30 and £60 Ringside.

If you would like to attend the boxing show in a press capacity please email info@britishboxers.co.uk

LOS ANGELES (October 23, 2015) – An exciting night of boxing hit the Coachella Valley tonight as fans were treated with a stellar card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Joining in the festivities, International Hall of Fame Boxer Michael “Jinx” Spinks hosted a special meet and greet at the Special Events Arena ahead of the televised fights and fans cheered on as International Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach appeared ringside in support of his fighter Franke “Pitbull” Gomez. Also, Golden Boy Promotions fighters IBF Bantamweight World Champion, Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Joshua Franco, Angel Bojado and Jesus Soto Karass attended to cheer on their favorite fighters during the night.

In the main event of the night Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (18-0, 10 KOs), of So. El Monte, Calif. took on Ruben “Kanelito” Tamayo (23-7-4, 15 KOs) of Cuidad Obregon, Mexico in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout. Diaz Jr. displayed his dominance over Tamayo landing effective and accurate blows to Tamayo’s head and body that slowly wore Tamayo down. Tamayo proved to be a resilient fighter as he continued to engage with Diaz Jr. throughout the night but it was Diaz Jr. who gained the victory via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 100-90.

“I knew Tamayo was going to be taller and we made sure to land effect counter shots to get the victory,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I knew was going to be tough, but I knew I was winning decisively throughout the night. When I started to land the combinations I would make sure to come back out to prevent Tamayo from reaching me. Overall I feel I proved I was a tough fighter and can adjust to any style.”

“Diaz Jr. was a fast puncher, but I thought the fight was very even and was surprised at the unanimous decision,” said Ruben Tamayo. “This is not the end for me, I am going to learn from this experience and continue to fight. Boxing is my passion and I will continue to do it as long as I can.”

Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (19-0, 13 KOs) of East Los Angeles, gave the fans the something to cheer about as he took on Tijuana’s Jorge “Pantera” Silva (19-10-2, 15 Kos) in a 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Both fighters exchanged blows each not willing to give up to the other. In the third and fourth rounds the crowd erupted into a “Frankie, Frankie” cheer as Gomez cornered the tough Silva in the ropes. By the end of the fight, fans were on their feet cheering on their favorite fighter. Gomez proved to be victorious, winning the bout via unanimous decision with scores of 100-90 by all three judges.

“Silva was a tough fighter,” said Frankie Gomez. “I kept giving him all I could but he kept coming, he has a lot of heart. I knew the way to win this was to outbox him, but I also wanted to make sure the fans were entertained. I could hear the fans shouting and that gave me more motivation to not only win but give them a great fight.”

“The people know I am a fighter that comes to fight,” said Jorge Silva. “I have a lot of heart and I think I showed them that tonight. Although I did not get a victory today, the people were the true winners because this was the fight of the night.”

Paulis “The Killer” Ritter (1-1) of Long Beach, Calif. returned to Fantasy Springs for a second time facing Relonzo Richard Jr. (0-1) of Landcaster, Calif. in a four-round heavyweight bout. Richard had a taste of the mat three times but showed great heart in going the full four rounds but it was Ritter who secured a victor with scores of 38-35, 37-36, 37-36 for a unanimous decision win.

“I love the crowd at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,” said Paul Ritter. “The fans are so energetic and it motivated me to win this fight. Although I won the fight, I am unsatisfied. I want to see the tae and get back into the gym to make sure that next time I’m in the ring I am better.”

Part of the RingTV live stream, local favorite Alberto Fundora (6-0, 2 KOs) of Coachella, Calif. and Richard Romero (3-1, 3 KOs) of Commerce, Calif. really gave the fans exciting brawl when the super middleweight bout went all six rounds. Both fighters stuck it out neither giving up to the other. By round five, it was clear Fundora was the stronger fighter as a few punches stunned and shook Romero. Fundora finished the fifth and sixth rounds strong and secured a unanimous decision victory with judges scoring the fight at 59-55, 58-56 and 58-56.

“I was boxing in front of my hometown and I knew I had to perform,” said Alberto Fundora. “I trained very hard for this fight, I had a great camp and strong sparring partners because we knew Romero had a great amateur background and was professionally undefeated. Tonight I took advantage of his weaknesses and finished the fight strong.”

Hailing from Indio, Calif. Marco Magdaleno (1-0, 1 KO) made his family proud winning his first professional fight by defeating Philip Bounds (0-1) via first round knockout.

“It feels so amazing to become a professional,” said Marco Magdaleno. “I know I made my family and my hometown proud tonight. I am looking forward to the future, the sky is the limit for me.”

Melsik Baghdasaryan (3-0, 1 KO) of Glendale, Calif. defeated Diego Padilla (1-2) via majority decision 38-38 39-37 and 39-37 in their scheduled four-round welterweight fight.

“Padilla was a tougher fighter than I thought he would be,” said Melsik Baghdasaryan. “But luckily I always train very hard for each fight, I don’t let records faze me. But I knew after the first round of this fight, that I had the advantage.”

Opening up the night and the RingTV live stream, KeAndre Gibson (14-0-1, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri, kept his undefeated intact when he knocked out Thomas Howard (8-5, 4 KOs) 55 seconds into the second round.

“This fight was all mental for me,” said KeAndre Gibson. “I knew this fight was going to be at a higher weight and I didn’t know what to expect so I had to make sure I was focused and stayed on my game plan. That proved to be effective tonight and I secured a good victory.”

Diaz vs. Tamayo was a 10-round featherweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card also streamed live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork,visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

By Norm Frauenheim–

PHOENIX, Ariz. – For Rob Brant, there was only relief. For Louis Rose, there was only frustration. For both, there were only cheers from a Celebrity Theatre crowd entertained by the middleweights throughout a close battle in a ShoBox-televised bout Friday night.

In the end, Brant’s experience appeared to just enough for a majority decision over Rose, whose corner men stormed out of the ring in anger at the 96-94, 95-95, 96-94 scores.

“He’s tough to beat and I knew he would be,’’ said Brant (18-0, 11 KOs), a Saint Paul, Minn., fighter and 2010 national Golden Gloves champion who relied on his educated jab for a narrow victory. “It seemed like every time I hurt him, he came back storming back.’’

In the end, one question was inevitable:

What about a rematch?

“It’s not up to me,’’ Brant said. “I’ll leave that up to my management.’’

Initially, Rose (13-3-1, 5 KOs) didn’t want to talk. He said he was too disappointed.

But when asked about a rematch, he didn’t hesitate.

“Oh, yeah, absolutely,’’ he shouted in his crowded dressing room.

For Brant’s management, however, there’s risk in another bout with Rose, whose life on the Los Angeles streets included eight months when he slept in old car.

Rose, who has no amateur experience, only figures to get better.

His quick feet and athleticism made him an elusive target in the early rounds against Brant repeated missed with right hands. Over the last five rounds, Brant began to catch Rose with head-rocking lefts. Yet, Rose was always able to quickly recover with combinations of his own.

On the televised undercard, Brooklyn heavyweight Jarrell Miller (15-0-1, 13 KOs) lived up to the first half of his Big Baby nickname. He was way too big for Ahror Muralimov (14-2, 11 KOs) of Taskkent. The 280-pound Miller walked down Muralimov, stopping him out with an overhand right in the third round.

The Rest

Light-heavyweight Samuel Clarkson (17-3, 11 KOs) of Cedar Hills, Tex., scored a second-round stoppage of Lavarn Harvell (15-2, 8 KOs) of Atlanatic City, N.J.

Phoenix super-featherweight Keenan Carbajal (8-2, 5 KOs), wearing the white trunks with red lettering once worn by Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal, used his leverage, scoring a couple big knockdowns for a third-round KO of Angel Monrreal 5-7, 3 KOs) of Mexico.

Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy Nichols (1-0, 1 KO) was credited with three knockdowns in the first round for some quick work in his debut — a stoppage of Jeremiah Davis (0-1), a Phoenix fighter whose stumbled more often than he threw punches.

Tough super-bantamweight Jose Silveria (16-18, 7 KOs) of Mexico threw harder shots and landed them often enough for a majority decision over Emilio Garcia (9-2, 2 KOs) of Phoenix .

Oct. 23, 2015 – HBO Sports® debuts an all-new installment of “2 Days” when the feature segment returns Saturday, Oct. 24 at 12:15 a.m. (ET/PT) with a behind-the-scenes look at boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez, one of the sweet science’s brightest superstars.

“2 Days” is a revealing and intimate look at a 48-hour span in the life of a boxer in the lead-up to one of his fights and the next edition will focus on Mexican native Canelo Alvarez. HBO cameras followed the 25-year-old powerhouse puncher — who has ended 32 of his 47 pro fights in knockout fashion –prior to his first fight of 2015 when he met James Kirkland in a thrilling World Championship Boxing event at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX.

Canelo’s charisma coupled with his fan-friendly firepower in the ring and a commitment to challenging the game’s elite warriors has made him one of the sport’s top attractions.

HBO air times include: October 25 (11:45 a.m.), 26 (11:45 a.m. & 2:15 a.m.) and November 2 (1:45 p.m.), 3 (11:30 p.m. & 4:45 a.m.), 4 (10:45 a.m. & 10:00 p.m.), 6 (5:30 p.m. & 1:50 a.m.), 7 (10:45 a.m.), 14 (11:45 p.m.), 20 (1:15 a.m.) and 21 (12:15 p.m.).

HBO2 air times include: November 8 (3:30 a.m.), 12 (8:15 p.m.), 14 (11:05 a.m.), 18 (11:00 a.m. & 12:15 a.m.), 20 (7:00 p.m.) and 21 (4:30 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

“2 Days” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

Canelo is slated to return to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 21 when he challenges middleweight title-holder Miguel Cotto for the lineal 160-pound world championship at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The event will be carried live on HBO Pay-Per-View® at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 23, 2015) Performing spectacularly this past Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,548 at “The Mecca of Boxing”, Madison Square Garden, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin’s eighth round stoppage of David Lemieux was watched by millions worldwide.

“Gennady’s performance in the ring and the response from fans across the globe continues to define him as one of the best and most marketable fighters in boxing,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of of K2 Promotions. “He clearly rose to the occasion on the sports’ biggest stage in his finest performance against another champion.”

Among the countries reporting top ratings for the Middleweight World Championship Title Unification are Mexico, Germany, Poland, Kazakhstan, Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The international sporting event was telecast in over 120 countries from “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

The fight was produced and distributed live in the United States by HBO Pay-Per-View, generating over 150,000 buys. It will be replayed by HBO this Saturday, October 24 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT, paired with the thrilling co-feature from Madison Square Garden, WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez’s stoppage of former four-time world champion, Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria.

Improving his perfect record to 34-0 with 31 knockouts, Golovkin added the IBF Middleweight World Title to his existing WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim” Middleweight World Titles. His 91% knockout ratio is the highest in middleweight championship history.

Additionally, the victory over Lemieux, (34-3, 32KO’s), represented Golovkin’s 21st consecutive knockout and 15th consecutive world title defense moving him within five defenses of boxing legend Bernard Hopkins’ record of 20 in the middleweight division and past Hall of Famer Carlos Monzon’s middleweight streak of fourteen consecutive title defenses in the division.

Star Boxing’s undefeated Zac Dunn (18-0, 15 KOs) weighed in at a fit and ready 168.02 lbs., and veteran Derrick Findley (22-16-1, 14 KOs), who easily made weight at 165 lbs., hit the scales today at the Inn at FOX HOLLOW for tomorrow night’s Super Middleweight Main Event (Saturday night, October 24) at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Due to the 11th hour injury to original opponent Denis Douglin earlier in the week, Dunn’s American unveiling will not be in defense of his IBO Super Middleweight Championship, and is instead a 10-round contest.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia, the Star Boxing president, has choreographed a thrill-packed undercard to accompany the Dunn vs. Findley headler.

In one co-featured attraction, undefeated ?Alicia Napoleon, 155.6 lbs (4-0, 4 KO’s/Lindenhurst, NY) will make her Paramount debut against Kita Watkins (7-13, 1 KO/Tyler, TX) for the IWBF Interim Woman’s World Title. Watkins has yet to weigh in.

In the second co-feature, Hicksville’s Anthony Karperis, 130.4 lbs (11-1, 4 KO’s), on the heels of his devastating KO win on the last Rockin’ Fights show, returns in an eight-round Super Lightweight bout against Tyrone Luckey, 130 lbs (7-4-2, 5 KO’s/Middletown, NJ).

In a “Battle of the Boroughs” for Brooklyn bragging rights between two Star Boxing standouts, unbeaten Constantin Bejenaru,199.4 lbs (9-0, 3 KO’s/Brooklyn) will square off against Joel Shojgreen, 197 lbs (8-1, 7 KO’s/Queens) in an eight-round Cruiserweight contest.

Queens native and a definite crowd pleaser, Danny Gonzalez, 139.2 lbs (9-0, 3 KO’s/Woodhaven, NY), puts his career unbeaten streak on the line when he takes on tough Justin Johnson, 140 lbs (6-9-4/Pittsburgh, PA) in a Junior Welterweight matchup.

The Australian import Dunn is now ranked #8 by the WBC, and has reeled off 18 straight professional victories without defeat, including 15 by way of knockout. Fighting exclusively in Australia as a professional, Dunn will be making his American debut at The Paramount in the 10-round super middleweight headliner.

Dunn comes off a snazzy 12-round decision over the well-thought-of Max Bursak, the winner of 31 career fights, to take the vacant IBO title on June 27 to secure the belt at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Australia. His previous five triumphs were all scintillating knockouts in seven rounds or less. Two ultra-impressive KOs were second round annihilations of Beibi Berrocal, a 14—time winner, on March 6, and Kyung-Suk Kwak on March 16, 2014, setting the stage for Zac’s shot at the title. Dunn did not disappoint the Australian faithful.

Findley, replaced Dennis Douglin who suffered a perforated ear drum sparring, is certainly ring-ready. He comes off a third round TKO of the veteran Antwun Echols just a week ago on October 17th in Indiana. Findley is a 31-year-old native of Chicago, fighting out of Gary, Indiana.

For more information visit official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 21
Red Corner

Blue Corner
Zac Dunn
10 Rounds
Derrick Findley
168.02

165.08
Melbourne, Australia

Gary, Indiana
18-0, 15 KO

22-16-1, 14 KO

Anthony Karperis
8 Rounds
Tyrone Luckey
130.4

130
Hicksville, NY

Middletown, NJ
11-1, 4 KO

7-4-2, 5 KO

Alicia Napoleon
IWBF Women’s World Title
Kita Watkins
155.6
8 Rounds
Lindenhurst, NY
08
Ft. Worth, TX
4-0, 4 KO

7-13, 1 KO

Constantin Bejenaru
8 Rounds
Joel Shojgreen
199.4

197
Brooklyn, NY

Queens, NY
9-0, 3 KO

8-1, 7 KO

Daniel Gonzalez
6 Rounds
Justin Johnson
139.2

140
Woodhaven, NY

Pittsburgh, PA
9-0-1, 3 KO

6-9-4

Phoenix, Ariz. (Friday, Oct. 23, 2015) – Tonight at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Uprising Promotions light heavyweight Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs) will be returning to action to face once-beaten Lavarn Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs), with the bout airing live on ShoBox: The New Generation. The broadcast will go live on Showtime at 11:00 PM EST (8:00 PM MST), featuring Clarkson vs. Harvell as the opening contest on the televised tripleheader.

“I’m going to try to brutally hurt this guy,” Clarkson said this morning. “I feel really good. Camp was hard and really tough, but now it is time to have fun. I’m not taking Harvell lightly, but we’re going to get the job done.”

Both fighters weighed in just under the contracted weight of 177 pounds (176.9) on Thursday night at the We-Ko-Pa Resort Casino. Friday night marks the second appearance by Clarkson on ShoBox in just three months, following up a third round TKO of highly regarded prospect Jerry Odom in July.

“This is a blessing to be presented with another opportunity like this on Showtime,” Clarkson continued. “I’m glad to be back.”

Since his win over Odom, Clarkson picked up a third straight stoppage win by recording a first round TKO of Rayford Johnson in August, which was his sixth overall victory of the past year. In addition to the Odom win, that impressive streak also includes a decision over former world title challenger Cedric Agnew in February. The run of success has seen the Texas native gain increasingly more attention around the boxing community, and he currently finds himself as the sixth-ranked light heavyweight in the United States and 26th overall in the world.

For more information on Uprising Promotions and to keep up with all of our latest news, make sure to check out www.UprisingPromotions.com and follow us on social media: @UprisingNYC

As heavyweight contender Amir Mansour continues to move his career forward, the honors and awards continue to roll in.

On Sunday, October 18, Mansour was honored with two Briscoe Awards, which pays tribute to Philadelphia’s past and present ring greats, at Xfinity Live in South Philadelphia.

Mansour, who trains at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym in Philadelphia, and former cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham earned “Fight of the Year” honors for their epic 2014 heavyweight battle in Philadelphia. On April 4 at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, Mansour sent Cunningham to the canvas twice in the fifth round while Cunningham rallied to score a knockdown of his own in the 10th and earn a close unanimous-decision win.

Seven months later, Mansour, who grew up in Penns Grove, NJ, delivered a “Knockout of the Year” performance with a devastating seventh-round KO over Fred Kassi. Not only did it earn him a second Briscoe Award, but Sports Illustrated also named it the “Knockout of the Year.”

In front of his hometown fans, Mansour was very proud to be honored at the Briscoe Awards.

“It means a lot coming from a small town in South Jersey to win this award,” said Mansour during an interview with Marc Abrams of Abramsboxing.com. “Philadelphia has always been the mecca of boxing in the tri-state area and throughout the country. You know, to come up in Philly training with these guys and being recognized as just as good as these guys, if not better, as one of the best Philly fighters, it’s a blessing.”

This year on October 13, in front of another nationally televised audience, Mansour (22-1-1, 16 KOs) battled undefeated Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) to a 10-round draw. Although Mansour was disappointed with his performance, he proved to the fans he has a fan-friendly style. It was evident on social media that fans believed Mansour pulled off the win, and although the score cards told another story, fans voiced their opinions praising the aggressive come-forward fighting style that Mansour brought to the fight.

“You can’t win every single round, but I am really disappointed in myself because I shouldn’t have given him one round,” said Mansour. “I introduced him to a whole other world with this sport. I knew that going into this fight I was the best fighter that he ever stood in front of, so I knew that I was going to take him somewhere that he never was before and make him uncomfortable. I have to take my hat off to the guy, he did come to fight and he gave it his best shot, and he had the heart to get in there with me, which is something that a lot of these guys don’t have.”
Certainly the fans enjoyed Mansour’s performance and look forward to seeing him back in the ring very soon.

“Hopefully we can do some more fighting with PBC (Premier Boxing Champions),” said Mansour. “(Promoter) Al Haymon is doing a wonderful thing for this sport. He is keeping everyone busy. He is keeping boxing in front of the American people. It is a blessing to have a man like that to come in and do what he is doing.

“I wouldn’t mind fighting anyone. I will fight anybody. All I know is that I want to get back in there as soon as possible and stay busy, hopefully against a big name.”

Brooks, CA (October 23, 2015)- NABF Super Bantamweight Champion, Manuel “Tino” Avila of Fairfield, Calif. will take on the Mexican warrior Angel Beranza of Mexico City, Mx at the beautiful Cache Creek Casino Resort next Saturday, October 24. This fight will also co-feature Ruben Garcia of Cancun, Mx, along with Sacramento’s own Alberto Torres, Xavier Vigney of Antioch, Ca, Ryan Bourland of Vacaville, Ca and the pro-debut of Sacramento’s Pedro Moreno.

This past August 8th, undefeated Manuel “Tino” Avila 18-0 (8 KOs) as the underdog in the fight, scored a sensational TKO victory over Yoandris Salinas of Cuba via Miami, for the Interim NABF Super Bantamweight Title. Avila has recently teamed up and is now managed by boxing’s Grandmother, Kathy Garcia and is trained by Max and Sam Garcia. Avila with his new team will now take on Angel Beranza in a ten round Super Bantamweight match up.

A true Mexican warrior, Angel Beranza 36-33-2 (28 KOs) of Mexico City, Mx has fought seventy-one fights. His last few fights included great prospects with undefeated records such as, Joet Gonzalez, Joseph Diaz, and Joel Diaz Jr. Beranza is a fighter that must be beat in order to move up to the next level.

The co-main event will feature undefeated super bantamweight Ruben Garcia 14-0-1 (5 KOs) from Cancun, Mx. Garcia has been recently signed by Don Chargin Productions and Paco Presents Boxing and is managed by Jorge Marron and Andy Perez. This will only be Garcia’s second time fighting in the United States and will be up against his toughest opponent yet against Rafael Rivera on October 24th.

An undefeated Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera 19-0-2 (14 KO’s) of Tijuana, will be fighting in California for his first time. With his impressive record on the line, Rivera is excited to showcase his talent and move up for his next challenge. Rivera stated, “I have been dreaming about this opportunity and I can’t wait to fight in the United States.”

The show will also feature four more exciting fighters: Sacramento’s own featherweight Alberto Torres 5-0-2 (2 KOs), the impressive 6 feet 9 inches heavyweight Xavier Vigney 2-0 (1 KO) of Antioch, Ca, the always exciting cruiserweight Ryan “Rhino” Bourland 7-1 (3 KOs) of Vacaville, and the successful amateur Pedro Moreno of Sacramento fighting his pro debut.

Avila vs. Beranza headlines a night of world-class professional championship boxing presented by Don Chargin Productions and Paco Presents Boxing in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Cache Creek Casino Resort. This fight will be dedicated to the memory of Don Chargin’s longtime friend Dean Chance and a long time member of the Don Chargin Production and Paco Present’s family: Rebecca Alvarez. Doors open at 5:00 pm, the first bell rings at 6:00 pm.

Tickets, priced at $65, $95 and $125, are on sale now and available for purchase at Cachecreek.com, Tickets.com and PacoPresentsBoxing.com.

The weigh-in will take place at the Cache Creek Casino Resort on Friday, October 23rd and is free to the public. The official weigh-in time is 3:00 pm.

For more information on Paco Presents Boxing, visit pacopresentsboxing.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/pacopresentsboxing and Twitter @PacoPresentsBox.

Baltimore, MD (October 23, 2015) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions will provide area fans with Olympic style boxing on Thanksgiving eve by presenting “Knock the Stuffing Out” Wednesday, November 25 at Michaels Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Tickets are on sale now by calling 410-375-9175 or logging onto Baltimoreboxing.com. Individual tickets purchased in advance start at $25, reserved seats are $35, reserved tables for 10 are going for $350, individual VIP seats are $50 and VIP tables of 10 are priced at $500. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first fight begins at 8.All VIP ticketholders receive a complementary buffet an hour before the first fight.

In association with “Knock the Stuffing Out” Baltimore Boxing is donating tickets and hosting a 50/50 raffle for the Colon Cancer Alliance to help fight this dangerous disease.

One of the deadliest forms of cancer, the Colon Cancer Alliance‘s mission it to knock colon cancer out by championing prevention, funding cutting-edge research and providing quality patient support service. The Colon Cancer Alliance is a proud member of the National Health Council’s Standards of Excellence Certification Program.

“We’re committed to knocking out colon cancer,” said Allison Ornitz, Development Coordinator of the Colon Cancer Alliance. “The event with Baltimore Boxing is raising awareness and that gets us one step closer to fulfilling our mission. Colon cancer is largely preventable and when people get screened, we know lives are getting saved.”

Topping “Knock the Stuffing Out” is an exciting heavyweight battle between Baltimore Boxing’s Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager and Drew Ryan of West Virginia. Haneschlager is a heavy handed fighter with a large fan following in Maryland and Ryan is yet to lose, compiling a 7-0 record.

Baltimore Boxing’s Donald Wallace battles fellow Baltimorean Tyrell Boyd in the co-main event of the evening. Wallace, who continues to improve with every fight, lost a controversial decision to highly regarded Sharif Rahman last month at the Olympic Qualifiers in Philadelphia.

Multi time champion Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey, Courtney Hartlove, Allen Burris, Tommy Coe. Jr, Stefon McCray, Sean Veazy and Ernest Hall will each appear in separate undercard bouts.

More bouts will be announced shortly and Baltimore Boxing is also having canned food drive to make sure those unable to afford food will be able to enjoy their Thanksgiving. The food drive is being hosted by Merritt Park Baptist Church in Dundalk.

“It’s a pleasure to be back at Michael’s Eighth with some of our best talent,” said Jake Smith. “I’m proud to have the Colon Cancer Alliance working with us for this event and we’re going to help them raise funds and awareness on fight night. We’re really looking forward to putting on a great show for the community and sending them home happy for Thanksgiving.”

For more information on the Colon Cancer Alliance, please visit CCAlliance.org. To get more information on Baltimore Boxing Promotions, go to Baltimoreboxing.com.

Contact: Matt Yanofsky (Publicist) – 551-206-0578 or @kopublicity

Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The main event features Terence Crawford defending his title against Dierry Jean in a 12-round junior welterweight bout.

The telecast kicks off with the exclusive replay of the Gennady Golovkin vs. David Lemieux middleweight unification fight plus the flyweight showdown Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs. Brian Viloria. Both fights took place Oct. 17 at Madison Square Garden.

Official Weights from Omaha:

Terence Crawford: 140 lbs.
Dierry Jean: 140 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #CrawfordJean

Phoenix, Arizona (October, 23, 2015) – Tonight!! at The Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell will step into the ring for his national television debut against Samuel Clarkson in a 8-round Light Heavyweight that be part of a tripleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation (10:30 ET/PT) on SHOWTIME.

Harvell, who is promoted by GH3 Promotions weighed in at 177 pounds (same as Clarkson)

Harvell of Atlantic City has a record of 15-1 with 8 knockouts is looking forward to the exposure and the opportunity on Friday night.

“I had a great camp and had lots of different sparring between Virginia and Newark, New Jersey,” said Harvell.

Harvell got an up close and personal look at Clarkson as he was ringside for Clarkson’s 3rd round stoppage over Harvell’s GH3 Promotions stablemate, Jerry Odom on July 17th.

“I was at his last fight. I think he is pretty one dimensional. He doesn’t do well with boxers.”

Harvell is looking at this as his time to shine and doesn’t feel he needs payback for the fight against Odom.

“I look at this as just a fight between him and I. It’s just me and the other fighter.”

Harvell, who turned professional in 2011, has had a few stops and starts to his career, but at still just age 25, he feels it is his time to become a name in the 175-pound division.

“I believe it is about time that I started receiving the television bouts. I am ready for it and I always knew that I would be here. Now I have to show up and put on a great performance.”

“A win puts me on a new level. This will open up doors that weren’t opened before. When I win, I will become a player in the Light Heavyweight division. I am ready. It is my time to shine and on Friday night, I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster, Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez & Welterweight Hector Frometa to the GH3 Promotions stable.

LONDON (23 OCTOBER) Lenny Daws and Ruben Nieto will contest the vacant European super-lightweight title on Saturday, December 5 at Carshalton’s Westcroft Leisure Centre, Hennessy Sports are pleased to announce.

The scheduled 12-rounder will be screened LIVE on Channel 5 as both Daws and Nieto look to become European champion at the second attempt.

“I’m delighted to have this European title fight in my own back yard,” says Daws. “This is the chance I’ve been waiting for and it’s great to not have to travel abroad for it this time.

“In fact, I haven’t boxed this close to home for many years now, so it will be extra special if I can deliver my loyal fans a European championship on December 5. I can’t wait.”

The 36-year-old Daws, 30-3-2 (11 KOs), dropped a highly-contentious decision to former champion Michele Di Rocco in Italy in 2013, but has since bided his time, strung together five wins on the bounce, and now gets a stab at Di Rocco’s recently-vacated belt.

Morden’s Daws has won pretty much everything else on the domestic scene, including two British, an English and Southern Area super-lightweight titles. He also bagged his second EU super-lightweight title in November 2014 with a thrilling tenth-round stoppage win over Frenchman Chaquib Fadli, televised on Channel 5.

All that’s left for Daws to do is win what he feels is rightfully his – the European championship – and then land a shot at a version of the world title in 2016.

Nieto’s motivation is much the same. He too dropped a close decision to Di Rocco when the Italian reigned as European champion, and he too has previously held the EU belt. The Madrid-native also boasts impressive decision wins over Jean Pierre Bauwens and Samuele Esposito and is regarded as one of the best super-lightweights in Europe.

Nieto, 32, holds a record of 16-1 (8 KOs) and, on December 5, will fight outside of Spain for only the second time in his five-and-a-half year pro career.

*** Tickets priced at £100 and £40 can be purchased from the Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 ***

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TACOMA, Wash. – The World Boxing Association-NABA United States super middleweight championship will be on the line when Mike Gavronski squares off against Dashon Johnson in the main event of Brain Halquist Productions’ Battle at the Boat 103 on Nov. 7 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

The title fight will be a rematch for the two super middleweights as they went the full 10 rounds in a thrilling bout on Jan. 9 with Gavronski winning by unanimous decision, appearing as the 98-91, 98-91, 95-94 winner on the judge’s scorecards.

“Both of these guys leave everything they have in the ring when they fight,” promoter Brian Halquist said. “They will battle. That was certainly the case when they fought the first time. Both landed huge punches in an action-fueled bout. We expect the sequel to be even better.”

The 29-year-old Gavronski (20-1-1, 12 KOs) has been unstoppable in his hometown of Tacoma, posting a perfect record of 7-0 at the Emerald Queen Casino.

Gavronski made a name for himself locally as an amateur when he captured three Tacoma Golden Gloves championships before turn pro five years ago. He made his pro debut on Jan. 9, 2010 at the Emerald Queen, defeating Darren Anzai by third-round TKO.

Unbeaten through his first 14 fights, Gavronski suffered his only loss to date on July 11, 2014 when he dropped a 10-round decision to current WBC Silver middleweight titlist Tureano Johnson in a match for the vacant WBC Continental Americans middleweight title.

Gavronksi responded by winning his next six bouts, including a 10-round unanimous decision over Laatekwei Hammond on Aug. 15 at the Emerald Queen.

“The Emerald Queen Casino crowd loves Mike not because he’s simply a Tacoma native, but because of what he does each and every time he steps into the ring,” Halquist said. “Mike always puts on a show. He never backs down and has an iron jaw.”

Gavronski’s mettle should once again be tested against Johnson (17-19-3, 5 KOs).

Johnson rebounded from his loss to Gavronski to win his last two contests, including a unanimous decision over Elias Espadas in his most recent bout on Aug. 27.

Johnson is also a former MMA fighter, posting a career record of 9-2-0 while appearing on two UFC Fight Night cards.

Tickets are available through the EQC box office and all Ticket Master Outlets. Doors open at 6 p.m. with preliminary bouts starting at 7 p.m.

The semi-main event features a clash of powerful middleweights when undefeated Isaac Tadeo (5-0-0, 3 KOs) faces Cameron Sevilla-Rivera (6-1-1, 5 KOs) in a bout that should showcase plenty of power as the two fighters have combined to KO 8 of their 13 opponents.

In the featured undercard bout, Jeremy McCleary of Buckley, Wash., and U.S. Army veteran Heath Cline meet in a battle of featherweights.

For more information please visit www.Halquistproductions.com.

###

ABOUT BRIAN HALQUIST
Brian Halquist Productions is the Northwest premiere fight promotion company creator of the famed “Battle at the Boat” boxing series promoting more than 17 years and 100 fights at the Emerald Queen Casino. BHP has also built the largest professional MMA series on the USA’s west coast with “CageSport MMA” promoting more than 40 fights. Brian Halquist Productions has promoted events for ESPN, ShowTime and HBO and featured on Showtime’s historic boxing event in St Lucia, West Indies. Brian Halquist Productions has been promoting fights and concerts for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest.

Due to the lingering effects of hand surgery, Felix Verdejo will not fight as scheduled on October 31 in Kissimmee, Florida.

“I’m very sad about all this,” said Verdejo, a 2012 Olympian. “I wanted to give back all the love the fans in Kissimmee have given me with a good fight, but they deserve the best of me, and in order to give my best inside the ring, I need to be 100 percent ready.”

“We understand Felix’s frustration and disappointment not being able to go through with this fight,” Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti said. “Unfortunately, the hand has just not recovered enough to fight as originally planned. Felix will continue his rehab and we will reschedule his next fight as soon as possible.

“He’s got to continue the rehab he’s been doing, and in another week, we’ll make assessment on when he will go.”

By Norm Frauenheim–

He calls himself Unknown. For unknown Louis Rose, it’s a nickname and a lot more. It sums up where’s he been and maybe provides the motivation for where he hopes to go.

He used to spend his nights sleeping in an old car.

For eight months, he says, that was home.

No address there. Not much of a future, either.

But futile dreams from restless hours on an eroded front seat of a rusting car are gone.

These days, Rose is risking real dreams as a middleweight without amateur experience against plenty of tough challenges, including Friday night against unbeaten prospect and 2010 national Golden Gloves champion Rob Brant at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix in Showtime’s ShoBox: The Next Generation (10:30 p.m. ET/PT).

The non-televised portion of the card – a Greg Cohen, Roy Jones Jr. and Iron Boy joint promotion – is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. (PT).

Rose’s chances? Not good. In Brant, he faces a fighter with an amateur pedigree similar to that Ievgen Khytrov, a former Olympian and a Ukrainian prodigy who knocked him out in the first round of a bout in Tulsa last November.

Brant (17-0, 11 KOs) is thought to be among the best in that new generation ShoBox advertises. The 25-year-old fighter from Saint Paul, Minn., had a reported amateur record of 101-22. That means he’s well-versed in all the fundamentals, finesse and tricks.

Rose isn’t. He grew up trying to figure out where he’d find his next meal. There are some lasting lessons in learning that kind of footwork, too. Lately, Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs) has displayed some instinctive resiliency, perhaps a byproduct of his homeless days.

He came back from the devastating loss to Khytrov with a stubborn display of athleticism. In two bouts, both in Arizona, he scored stoppages of then-unbeaten Milorad Zizic in March and Andrew Hernandez in August.

In both, he fought as if he knew what was at stake. He battled to keep an optimistic future intact, which is a long way from the dead-end he saw every time he woke up from those long nights in that old car.

Rose, 26, turned to boxing when there wasn’t much else. He didn’t know his dad. He didn’t know much about his family. One day, he walked into a Long Beach gym, looking to work off some anger. He decided he’d rather hit a bag or a sparring partner instead of an old steering wheel. That’s when he ran into Panayotis Carabatsos, a former Greek amateur and today the owner of a popular Los Angeles restaurant.

Carabatsos liked what he saw. He offered to train Rose. Eventually, the relationship grew from that of trainer and fighter. Rose moved in. He almost became a son for Carabatsos and his wife, Hanah.

Before long, Rose began to adopt some of the Greek culture. That’s evident today. His robe is split into two colors, American on one side and Greek on the other.
It is just one part of an evolving identity, which might allow him to one day become The Great Unknown.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Last Saturday night’s Pay Per view between Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux generated 150,000 buys.

“It will do just over 150,000 buys, which was the number we originally based things on when we talked to [Lemieux promoter] Golden Boy about making the fight to determine how much Lemieux would need and what Gennady would need,” said K2”s Tom Loeffler said.

“I thought it would have a good chance to break 200,000, but with all the college football games and no way to predict the Mets would be playing the Cubs — a high-end playoff series — it was tough,” he said. “A lot of people were watching baseball in those big markets, but overall, we were happy with the event. When you can sell every single ticket to Madison Square Garden and generate a gate of over $2 million, you’re happy.”

HBO Sports senior vice president Mark Taffet, who runs HBO PPV, said the event was a strong first-time pay-per-view effort for Golovkin, regarded by many as a future face of boxing in the wake of Floyd Mayweather’s retirement last month.

“Golovkin-Lemieux met or exceeded every benchmark of success which was set going into the event,” Taffet told ESPN.com. “The PPV buys solidly met expectations even amidst the Mets-Cubs national telecast registering the highest-ever TBS baseball playoff viewership, including the PPV-critical markets of New York and Chicago. This, combined with the palpable excitement of the sold-out crowd in Madison Square Garden and the in-ring performances by Gennady Golovkin and [co-feature winner Roman] ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, encourage us that the next great era of boxing has begun and will continue with the highly-anticipated [Miguel] Cotto-Canelo [Alvarez)] megafight on Nov. 21.”

“But we’ve always taken risks to get Gennady where he’s at,” Loeffler. “And so we thought it was the right step at this point. It was worth it. We generated a lot of money with the pay-per-view, delay rights from HBO, the closed circuit and the international revenue.

“A lot of people focus on the American market, but he had one of the highest rated international shows in the U.K. on BoxNation, on SAT.1 in Germany and the biggest channel in Russia. He was also on Polsat, the biggest channel in Poland, for the first time. And on top of that, the Garden told us we broke the merchandise record for any boxing event there: over $122,000.”

“He is the type of fighter who can fight on HBO and still have a significant budget or have a big fight on pay-per-view,” Loeffler said. “I thought we gave the fans a lot of value with considering the ticket prices and the price of the pay-per-view. It was their first time on pay-per-view, and even though we thought it might break 200,000, we certainly don’t look at it as a negative. The fight still generated more than the license fee would have been from HBO, and the international sales were very strong, as were our sponsorships.”

PHOENIX (Oct. 22, 2015) – The six fighters who’ll be fighting on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Oct. 23, live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., made weight Thursday on their first attempts inside The Lucky Saloon at Fort McDowell Casino in Fort McDowell, Ariz.

Undefeated Rob “Bravo” Brant (17-0, 11 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., faces Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title in the main event. In eight-round co-features, unbeaten Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., will face Ahror “Aha” Muralimov (14-1, 11 KOs), of Houston, Texas via Uzbekistan, in a heavyweight match and Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City will face Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, in a light heavyweight scrap.

A scheduled fight between unbeaten Filipino prospect Harmonito Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) and Angel “El Gato” Luna (11-1-1, 6 KOs) was cancelled Wednesday due to problems with travel.

On Friday, all but Clarkson will be making their ShoBox debuts.

The Weights: Brant weighed 158½ pounds, Rose 159; Miller tipped scale at 280½ pounds, Muralimov 238; and Harvell and Clarkson both weighed 177 pounds.

Tickets for the event, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Iron Boy Promotions, GH3 Promotions, Fight Card Promotions, Salita Promotions and Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $65 Ringside, $50 reserved and $30 general admission and are available online at www.celebritytheatre.ticketforce.com.

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to the weigh-in:

ROB BRANT

“I’m really excited about this fight. This is definitely the biggest step-up for me in my career, fighting on a premium network and headlining for the first time. At one point, I probably didn’t think it was possible. But it’s what you work for. When you make that step from amateur to pros this is what you work for and where you want to get.

“Rose is a really tough guy, very determined, and you know he wants to win very badly. There are different circumstances and we are on opposite sides of the spectrum; he’s been homeless and knows what can happen if he doesn’t have success. He knows he has to win. He has his defensive flaws and may not have huge power but he is very athletic and must be respected.

“There is no way I take him lightly. Rose knows what he’s fighting for and what another loss could mean. I know what he’s fighting for. I fight for all my reasons, too.

“I’m not going out thinking I need to knock him out or impress anyone. I think, in victory, it will be impressive enough because of the opponent he is. That’s basically my mindset before every fight. I want the win, I know I’ll have to work to beat him but I’m not going to force it. I’ll take the “W” anyway I can.

“I like where I’m at in my career. I feel I’ve been groomed properly and that I’m improving and taking away positives from each guy I fight. I feel I’m becoming more of a puncher-boxer. In the amateurs, I relied on speed and boxing. But in the pro’s you fight differently. I’ve been staying in the pocket more.

“This is going to be a great fight on Friday night.’’

LOUIS ROSE

“I keep beating guys I’m not supposed to. I guess I love being the underdog. I love it when people say this and that and that I have no chance.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There’s really nothing he can do to beat me. I don’t want to go back to where I was before. This is my opportunity and I can’t let it slip away.

“This fight certainly is another step up, but I feel I am continuing to improve in all areas. I still have my looks, so I haven’t been hit in the face that much. I think my power has been the biggest difference for me. I’m hitting harder than I was before.

“I always work hard. I stay in the gym. I’m very hungry. I think this is my time. Some describe my style as awkward but I consider it more one-of-a-kind. I can box or pressure you. I think tomorrow I will be the pressure guy.

“I feel I’ve fought the better opposition. Give me his opponents and give him my opponents and see how I compare.

“I spar with tough guys. I don’t think he is better than some of the unbeaten guys I’ve fought. Brant can be totally ready but there’s nothing he’s going to be able to do that I won’t be able to do.

“This is my opportunity of a lifetime. I am going to win this fight. I’m not taking anything away from Brant – he’s still a lot better than other guys at this point. It’s going be a very rough fight. My game is to make you mad, get you off your game and then take advantage.

“I’m going to stick with nickname forever – even when I’m known.

“I’m beyond excited about fighting in the main event on ShoBox. This is a tremendous accomplishment for me. I’ve come a long way but I couldn’t have done it without discipline and a ton of hard work.”

JARRELL MILLER

“I was born to do this. I was born to kick ass. Some guys play football, some play basketball, but I’m here to hurt you.

“I started to box two years after my kickboxing career. Actually, I made more money kickboxing, but I’m still young so I decided to focus 100 percent on boxing. It’s not that big a transition although some of the basics were different, of course.

At 27, I feel I’ve really honed into what I’m supposed to do. I’m ready to put on a show. I am what the heavyweight division is missing. No one has bought into my story yet, my martial arts background, etc., but once they see me knocking out all these guys, they’ll remember.

“I weigh 280 pounds, but I’m not an out-of-shape 280. I’m strong and mean, solid. I swing for the fences.

‘This is a big step for me, my first eight-rounder, my first time on SHOWTIME. I really want to hurt and impress people. Maybe in a couple more fights I’ll start looking to get in some rounds. But not tomorrow. I want to not just hurt you but destroy you.

“I’m used to fighting shorter guys, I’ve sparred with them for this fight. I’ve done my homework, I’ll be fine and I’m really excited about this fight.

“I have a team that’s been there, I’m the only one who hasn’t. I want this bad, I want to hurt guys every fight, I’m looking for KO’s. I’m not one of those who say ‘if the knockout come, it comes.’ That’s not me at all. I’m not about ‘ifs.’ I’m going to bring it.”

AHROR MURALIMOV

“I know it’s important for me to be aggressive, get inside, give him lots of head movement, stay busy and stay behind the jab. The jab may be the key.

“I lost to Rossy in my last fight but he had a lot of experience and he knows how to survive. So I feel I have a lot to prove in this fight. I can’t afford to make another mistake.

“This is a good fight for me on Friday. I’m confident and ready.

“I’m honored and very excited to be fighting on my first ShoBox. This is such a major opportunity for me. You’re going to see a side of me you’ve never seen.

LAVARN HARVELL

“This is my biggest opportunity and my toughest fight to date, fighting on ShoBox against Clarkson. It is my introduction to American boxing fans on television so it doesn’t get more exciting than that. I’ve fought two southpaws before and I’ve seen Clarkson, who I know is a good fighter.

“I’ve had management and promotional issues but they are all in the past. I’m ready to fight and want to make a good impression

“This is also my first eight-rounder, but it is a step-up fight for both of us. I like to box and use movement but I am totally prepared to fight and win.”

SAMUEL CLARKSON

“I had great sparring and a lot of positive people around me for this camp. I am in a great place; everything has been great.

“We want and are always looking for the bigger fights, but this is another step, and we’re ready.

“I’ve won six straight fights. After I lost to Jesse Hart, I was listening too much to what others had to say. But now I believe in myself. I feel like my timing, skills, reflexes, everything basically, is better than ever.

“I’m not that familiar with Harvell and I’ve prepared for everything, but mostly I concentrate on what I have to do. I’ve had solid sparring so I’m really prepared for this fight.

“I’ve been knocked down and got up to win. I’ve been cut and won with blood. No one can take my heart away from me win, lose or draw. I’m a fighter. I know what it’s like to deal with adversity and win. I’ll fight anyone.’’

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About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Fresh off his 3rd round stoppage over Matias Vidondo, Luis Ortiz will jump right back in the ring on December 19 when he takes on Bryant Jennings at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Top Rank has the opening fight on the telecast (10:15 p.m. ET/PT) and made a 10-round junior lightweight bout between former featherweight titlist Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters, who is moving up in weight, and big puncher Jason Sosa.

“With a mix of speed, power and amateur pedigree that is second-to-none, Luis Ortiz has quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division,” said Ortiz promoter Oscar De La Hoya. “Luis is so hungry to continue his rise in the division that he has agreed to fight an enormously talented opponent in Bryant Jennings just two months after Luis’ destruction of Matias Vidondo.”

Said Jennings promoter Gary Shaw, “It’s my pleasure to bring another great heavyweight showdown to the boxing fans, with Bryant Jennings taking on an undefeated fighter like Luis Ortiz. The fans know that I have always, and will continue, to put on real, competitive fights.”