Bayamon, Puerto Rico — Undefeated 17 year-old Phenom Milton Santiago Jr. weighed in for his scheduled 4-round Jr. Welterweight bout with Carlos Lopez (4-4) that will take place Thursday night at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Santiago (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Warmisnter, PA weighed in at 139 lbs. while Lopez checked in a 140 lbs.

The bout is part of a Golden Boy Promotions card that will broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 8 PM EST.

Las Vegas (JUNE18th, 2014) – Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein has confirmed that he will appear at the inauguralBox Fan Expo this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Al Bernstein is best known to a national audience as the voice of boxing, first for ESPN, and now as the analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing. This Hall of Fame broadcaster is considered by many as the most recognizable and respected boxing commentator and is in his 34th year in television.

Al has now moved into the internet on www.BoxingChannel.tv ,a boxing video website with a large worldwide audience that features Al as host and executive producer. He also hosts an online show, Al Bernstein’s Boxing Hangouts, giving Al a chance to talk boxing and provide programming for boxing fans around the globe.

Quote from Al Bernstein:
“This is just the event that boxing has needed to energize its fan base and add new fans. I am so happy to be able to participate. The Box Fan Expo gives the whole boxing community a place to gather together and celebrate the sport.”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate, Meet and Greet their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as autograph sessions, photo ops, weigh in, face off with your favorite fighters and buy merchandise.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email: info@boxfanexpo.com

For more info go to: www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

BROOKLYN (June 18, 2014)– Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is a certified two sport threat. A world-class kick boxer who will headline a SPIKE TV main event this weekend, as well as a blue-chip heavyweight prospect who wants to restore excitement to the region in the same manner as fellow Brooklyn natives Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson.

Along the way, however, the 25-year-old Miller, who is backed by Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions, knows the importance of giving back, and keeping proper perspective. That’s why he has signed on to be a spokesman for The NephCure Foundation, a non-profit organization which seeks to work on helping develop treatments and potential cures for kidney disease, specifically targeting Nephrotic Syndrome and focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a cause of Nephrotic syndrome.

The 6-4, 255-pound Miller took time out for kickboxing training for his Glory 17 feature bout against legend Mirk Cro Cop, on Saturday, June 21(9 PM ET, SPIKE TV; from Los Angeles) to speak up about why he’s aligned with NephCure.

“As a professional athlete I feel blessed to fight on television, and I feel responsible to bring awareness to such important issues as kidney disease, as well as to make people aware and to find a cure,” Miller said. “I feel this is my responsibility, and more so since Nephrotic Syndrome is five times more likely to strike African-Americans.”

As a boxing pro, Miller’s primary aim is to build his 9-0-1 (9 KOs) record to the point where he can secure a title shot, and win a world title, which will help restore the reputation of the division which has long lacked American star power. Promoter Salita believes “Big Baby” has all the traits needed to step up to the biggest stages. “I see in him the hand speed, the power, the mobility, the ring smarts…all the traits needed to bring the heavyweight championship to Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller,” Salita said. “He is taking it step by step, and Star of David is proud to be associated with this young superstar to be.”

Miller wants to take care of some unfinished kickboxing business on Saturday, when he brings his 22-1 mark in with the Croatian sensation Cro Cop, who boasts a 22-8 record. They clashed last March, with the Croatian taking a disputed decision. Miller vows to obtain revenge.

Miller has been impressed with the focus and determination of the people affiliated with The NephCure Foundation, the Philly-based non-profit which is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS. He’s asking his rooters to learn more about NephCure, which is comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, and their aim to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them.

For more information about The Nephcure Foundation, please click here. http://www.nephcure.org/home.

For up to date information on Jarrell MIllers’ next boxing match, please log on to http://www.dsalita.com/

Monte Carlo, June 18 – The boxers at the “KO at the Casino” bill in Monte Carlo came face to face for the first time this afternoon at the glittering casino venue ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

All eight fighters were on hand for what promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves called “a historic event”.

The tournament is headlined by Martin Murray’s WBC silver middleweight bout against Max Bursak of Ukraine.

It is Murray’s first fight in the principality and Bursak’s third, having previously both own and lost in Monaco.

“I’ve had some good days here, some bad,” said a philosophical Bursak, who remarked that he had done tremendous work in the gym and in the mountains in preparation for Saturday.

Refusing to dwell on past ill fortune in fights against world champions Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez, Murray said that he wanted to produce a fight that reflected what excellent condition he is in.

“We are both in great shape, but I’m a level above Bursak and I will show that.”

The temperature was turned up when Berman said that this fight was essentially an eliminator for the world title, not least because, he says, WBC champion Miguel Cotto is said to be contemplating a return to junior-middleweight. He has also reached out to IBF champion Sam Soliman.

If the Murray-Bursak fight offers a fair degree of intrigue, the WBA/IBO minimumweight title fight between South Africa’s Hekkie Budler and Thailand’s Pygmy Kokietgym pits two of the best little men of boxing against one another.

Budler has grown in stature in the past 12 months and enjoys international recognition as the best fighter at the weight, a status he hopes to underscore on Saturday.

Said manager-trainer Colin Nathan: “Hekkie almost has an angelic face, but wait until Saturday. You will see an awesome, devastating performance from the number one in the world.”

Meanwhile, the cruiserweight fight between Mateusz Masternak of Poland and Youri Kalenga of the DRC via France could well be the most explosive of the night. Both look in terrific condition and bring high KO percentages to the match-up.

Their mutual respect was evident with the Pole crediting Kalenga with good power.

“He’s really strong, a tough puncher with a big left hook. But Saturday will be my day.”

Speaking on behalf of his boxer, manager Gary Hyde said that the value of Kalenga’s first ever training camp would be well evident at the weekend.

“He’s never had the benefit of a proper camp before – and he’s still been winning. He’s been devastating in sparring. He broke one Irish guy’s jaw and damaged another’s ear drum. I expect he’ll do some serious damage come Saturday.”

Berman enthused about the quality of talent on show and praised Monte Carlo for endorsing big-time boxing. The venue, built in 1910, is more used to attracting the high rollers, but casino bosses said they wanted to open it up to a wider audience with boxing the perfect vehicle to do so.

The tournament will be opened by South African Johnny Muller against Doudou Ngumbu, of the DRC, in a light-heavyweight clash

Known as one of the most exclusive vacation destinations in the world and situated on the Mediterranean Sea in South West Europe, Monaco attracts millions of visitors each year. The Monte Carlo Casino, owned and operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, it is the premiere casino destination in Europe. The Monte Carlo Casino continues to attract some of the wealthiest and most well-known celebrities and aristocrats throughout the world.

TICKET SALES
Monte-Carlo SBM

Tel: (+377) 98 06 36 36

ticketoffice@sbm.mc

BROADCAST DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

Philadelphia (June 18) – Down but far from out. A term that has been used many times in many aspects of life but for 21 year-old Flyweight contender Miguel Cartagena of Philadelphia, it couldn’t be more true.

Back on April 24, Cartagena entered the ring for his bout with Timur Shailezov with a perfect record of 12-0. Cartagena had been improving with each performance and it was thought his bout with Shailezov would have been another solid victory.

Unfortunately Cartagena was hurt and dropped in the 1st round. He was never able to recover and was stopped in round three.

For many young fighters, that loss could have been a confidence and career killer. But Cartagena went back to the drawing board and is looking to resume what many have predicted for him and that is a path to the world championship.

Young Miguel will be back in action in July when he looks to get back on the pursuit of a world title.

“It’s a part of boxing, no excuses he was the better man tonight. I’ll be back stronger than ever. This is just a minor set back for a major comeback,” were Cartagena’s words after the TKO defeat.

Cartagena is set to make is return to the ring within 6 weeks. “I’ve had plenty of time to rest, recover and spend time with my family and friends, but I was back in the gym a week after my last fight,” Continued Cartagena.

His manager Mark Cipparone of Club 1957 Management see’s big things for Miguel’s future despite having a loss on his record, “We will take one fight at a time and build Miguel back up mentally to where he was before his last fight. When I see Miguel Cartagena, I see a future world champion. We have a great team, great trainers and a great support group for Miguel and all of my other boxers”.

Corpus Christi, TX (June 18) – “The Corpus Christi Kid” Jerry Belmontes will return to his Texas hometown to face Puerto Rico’s Abner “Pin” Cotto in the 10-round junior lightweight main event of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! on Thursday, August 7 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Also featured on the card will be a stacked lineup of Texas’ finest that will be looking to put on a show for their local fans including Austin’s KeAndre Gibson who will face an opponent to be named in the eight-round junior welterweight co-main event. Also taking to the ring will be Kingsville’s unbeaten Oscar Cantu who meets San Antonio’s Joseph Rios in an eight-round bantamweight bout that will open the televised portion of the card.

Also featured at the American Bank Center will be San Antonio’s Jairo Castaneda (5-0, 2 KOs) and Robstown’s Greg Gutierrez (9-2, 2 KOs) and Robert Vela (8-0-1, 5 KOs). The evening will also showcase some of Corpus Christi’s finest with Ernest Reyna (4-1), Julian Gilden (4-0, 4 KOs) and Jeremy Longoria (4-3, 1 KO) looking to shine in front of their hometown fans.

Unbeaten in four fights in his hometown of Corpus Christi, Jerry Belmontes (19-4, 5 KOs) will fight in front of his home fans for the first time since April of 2013 when he steps into the ring on August 7. The bout against Cotto will also be the 25-year-old’s first since his April 26 showdown with amateur rival and WBC Lightweight World Champion Omar Figueroa Jr. where Belmontes gave a supreme effort, only to lose a disputed 12-round split decision. Vowing to get back into the title hunt and earn a shot at a rematch w Figueroa Jr., “The Corpus Christi Kid” wants to make a statement against Cotto.

Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico’s Abner Cotto (17-2, 8 KOs) has the style to trouble any fighter at 130 pounds, including Belmontes. Cotto is looking to get back in the win column after a hard-fought loss to highly touted Francisco Vargas in March but he knows he is coming into enemy territory to prove he has what it takes. The cousin of recently crowned WBC Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto, 26-year-old Abner is determined to one day bring another title to the family and his first step is defeating Belmontes on August 7.

Fresh from a spectacular fourth round knockout over John Nater in May, 24-year-old KeAndre Gibson (10-0-1, 5 KOs) will be fighting in front of his Texas fans once again when he battles an opponent to be named. A versatile prospect that many believe will be ruling the junior welterweight division one day, Gibson has won three of his last five fights by knockout and he’ll be bringing the thunder again in Corpus Christi.

A multi-talented boxer who is making a name for himself on the Texas scene, 23-year-old Oscar Cantu (7-0, 1 KO) will seek his eighth straight win when he meets 32-year-old Joseph Rios (13-9-2, 4 KOs) on August 7. The current WBC USNBC Super Flyweight Champion, Cantu is coming off of an eight-round win over Felipe Castaneda in March. Rios is no stranger to fighting unbeaten opposition, as five of his last six foes were undefeated and he put losses on three of those five opponents’ records, making him a dangerous test for Cantu.

Belmontes vs. Cotto, a 10-round junior lightweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija Battah Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly AutoParts. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. CT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT.

Individual tickets priced at $12, $17 and $25 as well as group table packages priced at $600, $800 and $1000, plus applicable fees and service charges will go on sale Friday, June 20 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Tickets will be available for purchase by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, the American Bank Center at (361) 826-3000 by Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @Swanson_Comm, @Jerry_Belmontes, @pincotto, and @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LONDON (June 18) – World title challenger Gary Russell Jr believes experience will prove pivotal when he faces the talented Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO featherweight crown this weekend.

The pair are two of the hottest talents in the 126-pound division, having enjoyed glittering amateur careers, with both men now competing to capture their first world title when they do battle this Saturday night, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist Lomachenko has not taken the easy option since turning professional, with his first fight a victory over the skilled Jose Ramirez before a split decision loss in an historic bid for the world title against the hardened Orlando Salido.

With only two professional bouts under his belt, Russell Jr, who has built up a record of 24 fights with 24 wins before taking his first stab at a world title, believes that Lomachenko isn’t prepared for what is coming his way at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

“I feel like this is something I’ve worked for for so long. I think that it is destiny, and I believe that some people who haven’t, they’re about ready to find out,” said Russell Jr.

“My team and I had a game plan when turning professional. You see these guys before that have been stellar amateurs and can’t make the necessary adjustments as professionals.

“We wanted to get the rounds in; we wanted to learn the ins and outs as a professional before we competed for a world title. We had a minor hiccup here and there, but other than that we stayed on course and we’re right on track.

“This is an occupation, this is what we do, and it’s something that I excel at. You know I can’t wait,” he said.

The Washington DC born star has taken some flak in recent times about the level of competition he has faced but he insists those fights will be to his benefit as he challenges for the world title.

“There’s going to be criticism [no matter what]. My dad told me you could never please everybody. You know we wanted to get to maybe 23-0, you know 22, 23-0 before we competed for a world title,” said Russell Jr.

“One of the reasons why is based on the fact that you can be an elite amateur, but when you become a professional it’s a completely different world.

“You’re not going the full rounds, you know you’re going 10, 12 hard rounds with guys that are putting in that extra work, and this is the only way that you can gain experience by getting these rounds in. We don’t want to take things like that for granted by not getting the rounds in,” he said.

The 26-year-old southpaw was named the 2011 Ring Magazine ‘Prospect of the Year’ but will now go in against a fighter in Lomachenko who is being fast tracked to the top.

However, Russell Jr is adamant that despite the buzz around the Ukrainian his is a style that cannot be imitated, which will prove to the detriment of Lomachenko when they share the ring.

“I think my hand speed will definitely be a big factor. I understand you could probably bring guys in to kind of mimic my style, but if they have the hand speed they don’t have the punching ability, and if they have my punching ability they don’t have my hand speed.

“There’s no way possible for them to duplicate what it is that I’m going to bring to the table on June 21,” said Russell Jr.

The gifted Lomachenko though has questioned the level of competition Russell Jr has stepped in with so far, believing that the men he has gone up against in his two professional bouts have been of a higher calibre than anyone the American has faced so far.

“I haven’t see all the fights, and I didn’t see all his opponents, but as far as I saw I can probably compare a few guys who were close to Jose Ramirez, but I’ve never seen any of them being as far as Salido,” said Lomachenko.

The 26-year-old ace is grateful for his second shot at a world title and believes he has learned from his initial challenge earlier this year with the Mexican Salido, who was stripped of his chance of winning the vacant WBO title at the time after failing to make weight.

“I learned how to adjust to professional boxing, because I’ve never been in the ring so much. But I think just fighting the 12 rounds with Orlando Salido I got to experience more than if I would be fighting just regular level guys for two years,” Lomachenko stated.

“I’m not looking at it like a ladder, like I’m stepping up or stepping down. I just have another chance to fight for the title, and you know this is my dream and desire is to get one and I have a chance and I’m going to take it.

“After the Salido fight I didn’t know who it was going to be, Gary Russell or somebody else. I didn’t care, I just said make me the fight for the title,” said Lomachenko.

This Saturday night’s card also sees the return of Robert Guerrero who headlines against Yoshihiro Kamegai, with the tricky Devon Alexander back in action against Jesus Soto Karass.

Earlier that evening on BoxNation Martin Murray challenges for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title when he takes on Max Bursak in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Russell Jr. vs Lomachenko is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 18, 2014) – Former world lightweight champion and pound-for-pound all-action fighter BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS of Oxnard, Calif. makes his eagerly-anticipated 2014 debut when he takes on one-time interim world champion DIEGO “La Joya” CHAVES of Buenos Aires, in a 10-round welterweight battle, Saturday, August 2, in The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109). The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®. The telecast will also include the first title defense of World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champion “The Pride of Las Vegas” JESSIE VARGAS against undefeated contender ANTON “The Pick Hammer” NOVIKOV, of Kopeysk, Russia. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. PT with the first bout beginning at 4:00 p.m. PT. The HBO telecast, a split-site tripleheader, will begin at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 107-3-1 (60 KOs) — a winning ratio of 96 percent with over half of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, tickets to the Rios vs. Chaves / Vargas vs. Novikov world championship event go on sale This Friday! June 20 at 10:00 a.m. PDT and will be available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $100, $150 and $200. Room / ticket packages will also be available.

“This is a do or die fight for me. I know this fight is very important for my career. I am training extremely hard,” said Rios from his Oxnard-based training camp where he has been ensconced for the past six weeks.

“I cannot wait to be in the ring and perform in front of my hometown crowd,” said Vargas. “I am very happy that my first world title defense will be in my hometown and that my friends, family and fans will all be part of it.”

“The entire boxing world always eagerly anticipates Brandon Rios’ return to the ring. His in-your-face style of fighting keeps fans glued to the action,” said Top Rank president, Todd duBoef. “The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be hosting boxing at the highest level on August 2 as HBO will open the telecast with local hero Jessie Vargas in his first world title defense.”

Rios (31-2-1 (22 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., is on the hunt for his second world title in as many weight divisions. Thirteen of his last 16 victories have come by way of knockout. One of boxing’s most exciting fighters, Rios is known for his all-action fan-friendly fighting style. His trainer, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion and 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, calls it a “throwback” style with a warrior’s mentality that screams excitement. Highlight knockout victories on Rios’ resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon, John Murray and Mike Alvarado. Alvarado, the natural 140-pounder, entered that fight as the undefeated WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender. Many consider it 2012’s Fight of the Year. In their exciting rematch, which took place on March 30, 2013, Rios lost a close decision for the vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. It was considered a finalist for the 2013 Fight of the Year award. In his last fight, on November 24, 2013, he lost a unanimous decision to Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao, headlining a pay-per-view event that emanated from Macau, China.

Chaves (23-1, 19 KOs), of Buenos Aires, is a power puncher who stalks his opponent with only one goal — THE KNOCKOUT! His victory by knockout ratio of 83% proves it is usually “mission accomplished” for him. Chaves will be making his Las Vegas debut on this card in only his second fight outside his native Argentina. He captured the WBA interim welterweight title in 2012, knocking out defending champion Ismael El Massoudi in the second round. Chaves’ one-year title reign included a successful title defense against José Miranda, where he scored another second-round stoppage. He lost the title to Keith Thurman last July. Chaves’ last fight was a third-round TKO of Juan Godoy on February 15. He is currently world-rated No. 7 by the WBA and No. 10 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Vargas (24-0, Nine KOs), of Las Vegas, Nevada, will be making his world champion debut a homecoming. He captured the WBA super lightweight title on April 19 in Las Vegas, winning a unanimous decision over undefeated defending champion Khabib Allakhverdiev. It was a close and competitive fight that proved Vardas’ grit as he bit down hard during the championship rounds to pull away with the victory and the world championship belt. Vargas has proved himself a very popular ring performer in his hometown with nearly half of his fights taking place in Las Vegas. His impressive resume includes victories over former world champions Stevie Forbes and Vivian Harris and top contenders Josesito Lopez, Lucky Boy Omotoso, Ray Narh and Lanardo Tyner.

Novikov (29-0, 10 KOs), of Kopeysk, Russia, is a southpaw with good skills and movement. After a strong amateur career he seamlessly made the transition into the professional ranks in 2006. He captured the World Boxing Council Silver welterweight title in 2012, winning a unanimous decision over Karlo Tabaghua. He returns to the ring fresh from a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Javier Castro on May 17 in Fresno, California, where he blitzed him winning every round on the three judges’ scorecards.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing and twitter.com/trboxeo.

For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitan_lv or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecosmopolitan.

Fight week is here, and featherweight champion Georgi Karakhanyan (23-3-1) defends his title for the first time agains Rick Glenn (14-2) in the co-main event of “World Series of Fighting 10: Branch vs. Taylor.” The event takes place at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, June 21 and will be televised live on NBCSN at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT local time).

The championship tripleheader topped by a main event of David Branch (13-3) vs. Jesse Taylor (27-9) for World Series of Fighting’s inaugural middleweight title, as well as the world’s no. 1 ranked women’s strawweight and current World Series of Fighting champion Jessica “Jag” Aguilar (17-4), who will defend her belt against Japanese contender Emi “The Kamikaze Angel” Fujino (13-7).??

Additionally, the main card will include intense matchups of lightweights Tyson Griffin (16-7) vs. Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (17-6) and featherweights Nick Lobosco (7-0) vs. Lance Palmer (7-1).

In the headlining bout of the WSOF.com-streamed preliminary fights, heavyweight sluggers Dave Huckaba and Derrick Mehmen will go toe-to-toe in an fight that is sure to produce fireworks.

Georgi4.jpg
Georgi6.jpg

Georgi Karakhanyan

What are your thoughts and impressions of your next opponent, Rick Glenn?

“He deserves the title shot. He’s 2-0 in the World Series of Fighting. He’s long and lanky with a style like Erik Koch and Anthony Pettis. He has a great coach – Duke Roufus, whom I respect. My last two World Series of Fighting opponents, Waylon Lowe and Lance Palmer, were very tough and so is Rick Glenn. I don’t underestimate him but I’m coming into this fight with lots of confidence.”

Are you making any special preparations for Rick Glenn?

?”I’m just sparring with a lot of tall southpaws. This will be my fourth southpaw opponent and I think I’m a very bad match-up for southpaws because of my roundhouse kicks. I’m unbeaten versus southpaws (3-0).

“I’m going to stay on my game and come up with new things. You know, I don’t want to be a boring fighter; I want to put on an exciting show for the fans. I’ve put an extreme amount of time in this sport and I haven’t fought the way that I expect myself to fight. I keep going to the gym every day to become the fighter I’ve always visualized. I haven’t fought the way I want to fight.”

Where would you rank yourself among the world’s best featherweights?

“For sure Top 10, even Top 5. I’ve faced tougher opponents during my first two fights in World Series of Fighting than some guys in other organizations. I’m willing to take chances and I’m willing to fight all of the top guys to climb up the ladder.”

Mehmen.jpg
Mehmen_3.jpg
Derrick Mehmen quotes & tweets:

“I’ve said it before, you can’t fix stupid,” Mehmen said in one of his tweets. “@Badmanhuckaba the 21st the world will see (how) delusional your really are.”

“After I whoop @BadmanHuckaba a**, who’s next? Might as well set that s*** up @MMAWorldSeries”

“He’s got some power in his hands and he’s a brawler,” said Mehmen, who has never been knocked out. “He doesn’t have a whole lot of technique or anything … but I’m impressed that he’s a tough guy. … He’s got a punchers chance. I’ve got the power, technique and I’m more well-rounded. I can take it to the ground if I want, but I don’t have to take it to the ground. He’s not taking me down. If I do take him down I’m going to dominate him. He’s got nothing for me on the ground, for sure. The only chance he has to win this fight is one lucky punch.”

QwzhrAMUuac8Lp3i85jJqnUSUyztiUY6jyhB-aLC8NE.jpg
wiCdOaeZLsrxCn7zvD9OSHLxuap_JhoS1kEsYfwuGig.jpg

Dave Huckaba quotes:

“He’s got a big mouth really,” Huckaba said. “He’s badmouthed my family and me. He’s disrespectful to the sport. MMA is a sport of respect, man. It’s a sport of two men doing battle, it’s not about trash talking. He’s just a young kid that doesn’t know any better.

“He’s not even that good of a fighter, man. He’s got an overhand right and grappling and that’s about it.… I’m going to knock him out.”

Huckaba started training at 31 (no BJJ, wrestling, martial arts training prior)

“I mostly train in my garage and I still beat up top-level fighters. I still beat up people from the world’s biggest MMA gyms. There’s no other way to explain my success other than ‘heart’ and putting in the work. I’m just a gifted athlete.”

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

About NBC Sports Network

NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2013, the Premier League and Formula One. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Action Sports Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, The Crossover, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk and The Dan Patrick Show. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC. Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space featuring Peacock High-Limit gaming and Asian gaming amenities; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $4 million in rare music memorabilia; Body English Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary, Spa & Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise housing world-famous pool parties REHAB Sunday and RELAX Monday; live music/entertainment venues The Joint and Vinyl; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants Culinary Dropout, Nobu, The Ainsworth, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Pink Taco, Mr. Lucky’s Café and ?Fú; a state-of-the-art fitness center and trendsetting retailers John Varvatos, Affliction, Love Jones, Rocks The Jewelers and Rock Paper Photo. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit hardrockhotel.com. Follow Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Atlantic City, NJ—Former world-title challenger Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, ends his 26-month layoff Saturday evening, Aug. 23, when he boxes Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL, in the scheduled 10-round welterweight main event in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The Jones-Herrera contest tops a seven-fight card which will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv First fight is 7.30 p.m.
Jones (left), 31, has not boxed since June 9, 2012, when he was stopped late in the 11th round by Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, in their contest for the vacant IBF welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas, NV. At the time of the knockout, Jones was far ahead on all three scorecards.
Since that loss, Jones has relocated to Henderson, NV, and has been training in various gyms in Las Vegas, working with different trainers: Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Miguel Diaz.
A pro since 2005, Jones has a 26-1 record with 19 knockouts. He has beaten Sebastian Lujan, Jesus Soto-Karass (twice), Henry Bruseles, Irving Garcia and Juliano Ramos.
“Two years late for work but it’s better late than never,” Jones said. “I’m excited to be back in actionclip_image006 at Bally’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on August 23. I can’t wait to show the fans something special.
“I’ve always stayed in shape. I’ve been ready to fight for some time, but I didn’t like the terms. I cannot wait forever. If I can get one solid win under my belt, I’ll be back in the mix and ready for the best at 147 pounds.”
Herrera (right), 25, comes into this off the biggest win of his career, a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Michael Finney, of Pahrump, NV, on March 29 at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.
A pro since 2009, Herrera is 11-2-1, 6 K0s. He has a straight-ahead aggressive style and it should mesh well with Jones’ boxer-puncher attack.
“This is a terrific opportunity for me,” Herrera said. “It’s a big step up but I’m excited to test myself at the next level. Mike Jones is one of the best in the world at 147 pounds and I need to prove to myself and to others out there that I can compete at that level.
“We’ve been asking for this fight ever since we heard Mike was fighting again and now it’s here. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Herrera has won four in a row since losing a close, but unanimous eight-round decision to Adrian Granados, of Cicero, IL, early in 2012 in Chicago, IL.
Six additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT AUGUST 23

The Jones-Herrera fight tops a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Wilkes-Barre, PA: NBCSN Fight Night will showcase the IBF Eliminator between Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi for the #1 position in the IBF light heavyweight ratings this Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m. ET. The winner will be awarded the chance to challenge IBF and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins for his IBF title.

NBC Sports Group’s Fight Night broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Kenny Rice, analyst B.J. Flores and reporter Chris Mannix call the action.

Leading off the Fight Night telecast, will be an all-Philly showdown between Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title.

Anatoliy Dudchenko
Photo Credits: Zhanna Popova

Originally from the Ukraine, Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko now resides in Los Angeles, CA and has reunited with legendary trainer Jesse Reid for his first fight since signing with Main Events. Dudchenko, 35, has an impressive 68% (13 of 19) knockout-to-win ratio. He has also won 16 straight decisions, 10 by stoppage, dating to 2008. Anatoliy is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Robert Woge in Germany on October 26, 2013 for the IBF Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Title. “The Gladiator” is excited to make his NBCSN Fight Night debut, “Fighting on television in America is everything I’ve wanted when I started boxing. I watched Roy Jones on TV and that is what I wanted to be. I was in TV in Europe, but this is a bigger audience in America and I am excited to be fighting on Fight Night.”

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Courtesy of:
Christel Boxing

Nadjib Mohammedi, 29, is from Gardanne, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, and makes his U.S. Fight Night debut on June 21. Mohammedi has an impressive knockout-to-win ratio at 58% (20 of 34). He has registered 10 consecutive victories dating to 2011, with eight by knockout. Nadjib’s most recent victory was a sixth round KO of Oleksandr Cherviak on November 30, 2013 for the WBA Continental Light Heavyweight Title. Mohammedi said only one thing about this fight, “Only one trajectory, the victory.”

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

In the co-feature, Karl “Dynamite” Dargan will defend his USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title against Anthony Flores. The undefeated Dargan won his title on November 16, 2013 against Mike Brooks in a 10-round unanimous decision victory on the Special Edition of Fight Night broadcast on NBC live from Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. After that, he defeated Chazz McDowell on the undercard of the sold-out Adamek-Glazkov Fight Night show at the Sands Casino Resort on March 15. “This is bigger than a fight for Philly bragging rights,” Dargan said. “I am not looking passed him but I am playing passed him. I respect anyone who has the heart to step into that ring with me and all I can do is look forward to the future.”

Anthony Flores
Photo Courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions

Dargan’s opponent will also be making his Fight Night debut on June 21. Anthony Flores is coming off a stunning upset victory over then-undefeated Mike Faragon on April 4 in a six-round unanimous decision win in Parsippany, NJ. Flores has two consecutive wins this year but this will be the first 10-round fight of his career. Flores is excited to make his Fight Night debut, “It’s exciting to fight on NBCSN. People are always saying they want to see me fight. They have no excuses now, they just have to turn on the TV and watch me. I am really grateful for this opportunity.”

“We are excited to have more top boxers making their debuts in big bouts on Fight Night,” said Gary Quinn, vice president of programming & planning for the NBC Sports Group.

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, said, “Both of these Fight Night bouts are important and will be all-action. Three out of four of these fighters are making their Fight Night debut and also their debut on national television in the US, so it’s a great chance to see them in action before the winners move onto bigger fights.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The card is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing is proud to announce the signing of 2013 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion and undefeated welterweight professional Eddie “The Barber” Ramirez (4-0, 3 KOs) to a promotional contract.

22-year-old Ramirez, from Aurora, Illinois, will make his debut under the Warriors banner on their Friday, July 25, show entitled “Conquerors”, which will be presented in association with 8 Count Productions, Seconds Out Promotions and Marines Promotions and be broadcast live worldwide on ESPN Friday Night Fights from Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

In the night’s 10-round welterweight main event, red-hot rejuvenated contender Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (35-3, 23 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas, will look to continue his hot streak by taking on hard-hitting and dangerous Breidis “Khanqueror” Prescott (27-5, 20 KOs) of Miami, via Barranquilla, Colombia.

In the 10-round middleweight co-feature USBA Middleweight Champion and WBA #15, IBF #13, and WBO #11-rated Caleb “Golden” Truax (23-1-2, 14 KOs) of Osseo, Minnesota, will face Sonora, Mexico’s Rogelio “Porky” Medina (32-6, 26 KOs) in a non-title fight.

Opening the telecast will be the return of wildly popular Chicago native Mike Lee (12-0, 7 KOs). Having graduated at the top of his class with a Finance degree from The University of Notre Dame, Lee, a Subway spokesperson and philanthropist, faces an opponent to be announced in a six-round light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for “Conquerors” are priced at VIP $151, VIP Ringside $101, Mezzanine $51 and General Admission $31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000), the 8 Count Productions Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740. More information will be available shortly at 8CountProductions.com.

Ramirez had an outstanding amateur career, he not only won the Chicago Golden Gloves last year, but was voted Best Boxer for the entire tournament. He was also a 2013 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions finalist.

“Eddie will make an outstanding addition to our stable,” said Leon Margules. “He enjoys tremendous popularity in one of our home bases of Chicago and is a highly skilled welterweight with all the tools to become a force in the division. We’re happy he chose Warriors Boxing as his Promoter.”

The opponent for Ramirez’s six-round fight will be announced shortly.

###

About Warriors Boxing

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

About 8 Count Productions

Founded in 1997 by Dominic Pesoli, 8 Count Productions is the Home Of The Best In Chicago Boxing. 8 Count Productions has consistently presented the highest-quality professional boxing events in greater Chicago and is the home of top-10, world-rated light heavyweight Andrzej Fonfara.

For more information on 8 Count Productions, please visit 8CountProductions.com, Facebook.com/8CountWarriors,
Twitter.com/8CountBoxing and Instagram.com/8CountBoxing.

About Seconds Out Promotions

When retired professional boxer Tony Grygelko found himself unable to stay out of the gym, he realized that his passion for the sport was something he couldn’t deny. At age 29, Grygelko formed Seconds Out Promotions.

By utilizing the vast boxing knowledge of world-class trainer Ron Lyke, Grygelko and Seconds Out Promotions found instant success.

Through determination, integrity and hard work, Seconds Out Promotions strives to become a leading fight promotional company in the world, by giving young fighters the ability to showcase their talents to a worldwide audience, along with offering our fans the highest quality programming available.

Seconds Out Promotions was created to bring the very best fights to all fans and participants worldwide. Seconds Out Promotions is committed to the recruitment and development of the best and brightest young fighters to help achieve our mission. Seconds Out Promotions continues to expand its web and television presence, and is establishing itself as one of the fastest-rising fight promotions in the world.

For more information on Seconds Out Promotions, visit their website at: www.SoBoxing.comor their Twitter: @soboxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, K2 Promotions won the purse bid to stage the WBA/WBO/IBF Heavyweight championship bout between Wladimir Klitschko and IBF number-one contender Kubret Pulev.

K2 bid $7,250,131 to easily top the only other offer, which was for $5,290,144 by Pulev promoter Sauerland Event. The proceedings took place at IBF headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey.

According to the IBF, K2 Promotions has 90 days to put on the fight, although it is likely to take place on Sept. 6 in Hamburg, Germany, according to K2 Promotions.

The purse bid took place because K2 and Sauerland were unable to make a deal. Klitschko is entitled at 80 percent of the winning bid ($5,800,105), and Pulev is entitled to the remaining 20 percent (a career-high $1,450,026).

“I think it’s a very good fight. You have an undefeated guy who earned the right to fight Wladimir by winning his eliminator,” said Tom Loeffler, the managing director of K2 Promotions, who represented it at the purse bid. “Pulev is considered one of the best guys in the division, so it’ll be a test for Wladimir, but we think Wladimir is at a different level than anyone else in the heavyweight division.”

“I was ringside when Wladimir defended his belts a few weeks ago. It was a walk in the park for him against Leapai,” Pulev said recently. “When Klitschko meets me inside the ring, I will cause him real problems, to say the least. I will show the fans worldwide that Klitschko is no invincible machine and fulfill my dream.”

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Anthony “Flawless” Flores (11-4-1, 6 KOs) is coming off a major upset victory over then-undefeated Mike Faragon. On June 21, he’ll face undefeated Karl “Dynamite” Dargan in a challenge for Dargan’s USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Flores is looking to take down another undefeated opponent but will he be able to match Dargan’s speed? The scouting report for this fight is below:

Category
Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Anthony Flores
Age
28
26
Record
15-0 (7 KOs)
11-4-1 (6 KOs)
Strength
Dargan is a boxer with great speed. He is elusive, making him tough to hit. He has great amateur experience as well.
Flores has experience in the ring against top competition. He is coming off a huge upset win over then-undefeated Mike Faragon, so he may have a better mental outlook coming into this fight.
Weakness
Dargan is not very busy and has not yet been tested against the top competition.
Flores has four losses. He has been stopped once so his chin is questionable.
Experience
Dargan’s amateur experience is better than Flores. He has sparred with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and “Sugar” Shane Mosley.
Even though Flores lost, he went the distance with Arash Usmanee, a former contender. He has fought better opposition than Dargan.
Power
When Dargan puts his punches together he is very powerful.
Flores’ power is fairly comparable to Dargan’s. Neither fighter is a one-punch knockout artist.
Speed
Dargan gets the edge with regards to speed. “His speed has the ability to take away his opponent’s offense,” according to Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone.
Flores has average speed.
Endurance
This will be the second ten-rounder of Dargan’s career (the other was unanimous decision victory over Michael Brooks when he won his USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title) and he has only had one eight-rounder. His endurance has not been tested.
Flores has never fought in a ten-rounder before. He fought in one eight-rounder which he lost via split decision (Arash Usmanee, October 8, 2010).
Defense
Dargan’s best asset is his defense. He has never been stopped although he has been down. He has a tendency, however, to lose focus at times.
Flores’s offense is his best defense.
Chin
The undefeated Dargan has been down before and has always managed to get back up.
The only time Flores was stopped he was fighting at a lower weight. He has not been stopped since moving up to lightweight.
Style
Dargan is a boxer with quick hands and quick feet.
Flores is an ‘in your face’ offensive fighter. He is a crowd pleaser.
Intangibles
Rather than sit around waiting for the big fight, Dargan would rather stay busy. He has legendary trainer Naazim Richardson in his corner. Richardson is a top trainer and also Dargan’s uncle.
After Flores’ fourth loss he took almost three years off to redefine himself. After upsetting Faragon, he wants to stay in the mix with top level competition.
Crowd Support
Dargan is from Philadelphia so expect a decent crowd of his supporters at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Also with his highly publicized relationship with R&B singer Lil’ Mo, expect there to be a lot of her fans hoping to catch a glimpse of “Dynamo” together.
Flores is also from Philadelphia so he should have a significant number of supporters in the crowd in Wilkes-Barre as well.
The Match-Up
Dargan is looking to prove he is ready to take on the next level and is facing a fighter who is coming off of a major upset victory. Flores will be looking to take down another undefeated opponent as the underdog.
Will Flores be able to capitalize on the confidence he built up from his last fight?
Will Flores be able to handle Dargan’s speed and how will that effect Flores’ offense?
Will Dargan seize the opportunity to make a statement on national television?
Is Dargan looking past Flores to bigger and better things and not concentrating on the opponent in front of him?

“Flores dominated Ramesis Gil whereas Dargan struggled against him and only defeated him by two points, so it is hard to say how this fight will play out,” said Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone. “Flores is also coming off a major victory against an undefeated opponent. That kind of ego boost can make a fighter dangerous.”

Anthony “Flawless” Flores
Photo Courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said, “We are really looking for Dynamite to make a statement. Flores is an opponent who will make Dargan fight and try everything he can to go home with the win. It should be a very interesting bout.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The card is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

FOLLOW US:

Official Hashtag: #FightNight
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
www.nbcsports.com
Twitter: @NBCSN
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NBCSports
www.peltzboxing.com
Twitter: @PeltzBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/PeltzBoxing
mohegansunpocono.com
Twitter: @mspocono

New York, NY – FOX Sports teams with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson’s Iron Mike Productions for the first time on Thursday, July 10 (10:00 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes creating an impressive week of boxing, as Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Live! delivers a pair of bouts on Wednesday, July 9 (10:00 PM ET).

“Our commitment to the sweet science is stronger than ever and we’re excited to deliver boxing fans back-to-back nights of fights,” said FOX Sports SVP, Programming, Research & Content Strategy Patrick Crakes.

Golden Boy’s Wednesday night fights, live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, feature former world title contender Alfonso Gomez (23-6-2, 12 KOs) battling Ed Paredes (35-3-1, 23 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight main event. Additionally, Oscar De La Hoya’s cousin competes, as 19-year-old phenom Diego De La Hoya (5-0, 4 KOs) brings his boxing pedigree to the ring against U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. (10-0, 7 KOs).

On Thursday night, Iron Mike Productions makes its FOX Sports debut with three thrilling matchups, including a main-event IBF Junior Lightweight Championship bout. Argenis Mendez (21-2-1, 11 KOs) makes his third title defense and looks to redeem himself following a lackluster performance in his first fight with Rances Barthelemy (19-0, 13 KOs). In that fight, Barthelemy knocked Mendez out in a controversial finish to end the 2nd round. The Minnesota Combat Sports Commission later ruled that the knockout took place after the bell, overturning the original ruling that Barthelemy won by knockout.

In the co-main event, No. 3 ranked light heavyweight fighter Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs) takes on a top contender to be named at a later date. Additionally, FOX Sports 1 showcases one of the sport’s most popular young fighters in Erickson Lubin (5-0, 5 KOs), who fights in his first 8-round bout in the welterweight division.

Hall of Fame boxing commentator Colonel Bob Sheridan calls the action from Miami on FOX Sports 1 alongside former IBF light middleweight champion and Raul Marquez. Tyson appears on the broadcast prior to the Thursday bouts. Meanwhile, former WBC featherweight champion and WBO World Super Bantamweight champion, Daniel Ponce de Leon joins Mauricio Cardenas to call the action for FOX Deportes.

Las Vegas, Nev. – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced that EA SPORTS UFC® is now available at retail stores throughout North America and will be in stores June 20 in Europe for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system. Heralded by USA Today as a “must buy” and credited for “setting the standard for next generation fighting games” by Sports Illustrated, EA SPORTS UFC is built from the ground up exclusively for the new consoles and captures the human athleticism, physiology and emotion of the athlete like nothing before it. To make sure the game stays connected to the sport, post-launch, players will receive free roster updates, which include the addition of new and upcoming fighters.

EA SPORTS UFC re-writes history by making Bruce Lee, the “Father of Mixed Martial Arts,” an unlockable fighter in the game. When fans beat career mode on pro difficulty or higher, they will unlock the legend and can test his legacy against the best of the best in the UFC across four different weight classes.

“The UFC is the first new major sports league partnership for EA SPORTS in over a decade and from day one, our team was committed to creating the first next generation sports game,” Dean Richards, General Manager, EA SPORTS UFC. “We aimed to capture almost every detail of the sport, from the way the fighters look to how they move to how they fight in the Octagon. I couldn’t be more proud of the final product and can’t wait for our fans to get their hands on it.”

“It was a huge day for the UFC and for fight fans when we signed our partnership with Electronic Arts two years ago,” Dana White, President, UFC. “Now people all around the world will be able to experience our sport through a whole new generation of videogames. EA SPORTS UFC looks incredible and we are extremely excited for people to see and play the game.”

Powered by EA SPORTS IGNITE technology, EA SPORTS UFC brings to life the action, emotion and intensity inside the Octagon®. The next-generation of True Player Motion not only showcases the diverse, powerful and fluid of attacks of elite mixed martial artists through Precision Movement, Dynamic Striking and Strategic Submission Battles, but also brings the combatants to life with Full Body Deformation and Real-Time Exertion. The simulation of Human Intelligence takes leaps forward with the strategic and adaptive MMAi system and is expressed through the most realistic characters ever created in a sports game.

Assets:
To download the updated EA SPORTS UFC fact sheet and assets, please visit the EA press site at http://info.ea.com.

EA SPORTS UFC is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver. The game is rated T by the ESRB and PEGI 16; visit www.esrb.org and www.pegi.info for more information. Become a fan of EA SPORTS UFC on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/easportsufc and follow us on Twitter via http://www.twitter.com/easportsufc.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and SPORTS UFC®. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, the UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S. which includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. UFC also owns over 100 UFC GYM® locations, UFC.TV (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC 360 (the internationally distributed magazine), a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and Twitter: @UFC.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world. In fiscal year 2014, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news. EA SPORTS, SSX, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA TOUR, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

FRESNO, CA (June 17, 2014) – Fresno California’s welterweight boxer, Marcos Antonio Hernandez (1-0) has recently signed with world renowned advisor, Al Haymon. With the addition of Haymon on his team, Hernandez will now fight on the undercard of Robert Guerrero vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai this Saturday, June 21 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

At age 21, Hernandez stands 6’2 and was born and raised in Fresno California. He had a successful armature career where he won numerous tournaments before turning pro at age 20. Trained by his father Joey Hernandez, Marcos is excited about signing with Al Haymon and fighting on the Guerrero vs. Kamegai undercard.

“My father and I have been working very hard to make a name for ourselves,” said Marcos Hernandez. “My mentor and good friend coach Peter Lopes is the person responsible for getting me seen by Luis Decubas Jr. and opened the doors to be with Al Haymon. I know with hard work, I can become something special in this sport. I’m looking forward to fighting on Robert Guerrero’s undercard this Saturday.”

“Marcos is a very good kid with a ton of athletic ability.” said mentor Peter Lopes. “I’ve seen him dunk a basketball, he really moves well for a kid that stands 6’2. He’s tough and he’s hungry as hell. He was sparring with Robert Guerrero for the last few weeks so I know he can hang with the best of them. He learned a lot sparring with Robert and I know he’s going to shine this Saturday.”

Sherman Oaks, CA (June 17 2014) Looking to continue his march through the division, world ranked and undefeated light heavyweight contender Thomas “Top Dog” Williams, Jr. takes on his toughest challenge to date when he faces former WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Gabriel “El Chico Guapo” Campillo in the 12-round main event of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra™ on Friday, August 1 from the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington it was announced today by Goossen Promotions.

The Williams-Campillo battle, promoted in association with Sampson Boxing, will be televised live on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.

Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions, said, “Thomas Williams, Jr. has been impressive on Friday Night Fights this season and Gabriel Campillo was part of what may have been our best card last year at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, so we are expecting a dogfight.”

“Little Creek Casino Resort and the Squaxin Island Tribe are very excited to be bringing the ring back to the Skookum Creek Event Center for the latest in our ESPN Friday Night Fight series,” said Little Creek CEO Michael Starr.

Advance tickets priced at $40 can be purchased by calling (800) 667-7711 or online at www.Little-Creek.com. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 4:30 p.m. The Little Creek Casino Resort is located at 91 W. State Route 108, Shelton, Washington 98584 (one hour southwest of Seattle).

Said Dan Goossen of the clash of world contenders, “These are the type of fights that make or break a young upcoming fighter like Williams. Three of Campillo’s losses have been more than controversial, they have been outright travesties, and with a potential world title opportunity at stake, he knows this is his chance to right all the wrongs. This is why our matchmaker Tom Brown believes this is a terrific matchup for the fans and ESPN viewers and why it will tell us everything we need to know about Williams.”

“We’ve brought some outstanding events to Little Creek Casino Resort and to their supportive fans in Washington State and I believe this one has the makings of being a real war involving world class boxers,” continued Goossen.

Currently ranked #6 by the WBO, #8 IBF and #9 WBC, Williams of Fort Washington, Maryland has compiled a record of 17 victories, 12 of them by knockout with no losses.

With two explosive knockouts under his belt this year, Williams will be looking to land the big one on Campillo.

In his first visit to the Little Creek Casino Resort on January 24, Williams had to climb off the canvas, and return the favor in scoring an exciting first round stoppage of world ranked contender Cornelius White earning an ESPN Sports Center Top Ten Highlight.

In his next bout from Rancho Mirage, California, Williams knocked out former world title challenger Enrique Ornelas in the third round on April 24 in a bout also telecast on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Fighting out of Madrid, Spain, the former World Champion Campillo, having held the title in 2009-2010, has built a record of 23-6-1 (10 KO’s) in a 12-year career, which has been marked by numerous questionable decisions against world-class competition. Campillo, currently ranked #14 by the IBF, also holds the distinction of being managed by Sergio Martinez, the former Middleweight World Champion.

In his most recent notable bout in Chicago on August 16, 2013 and televised by ESPN Friday Night Fights, Campillo battled recent world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara, who on May 24, 2014 found himself on the wrong end of a close decision loss against hot-shot Light Heavyweight World Champion, Adonis Stevenson.

In his fight against Fonfara, Campillo gave the hard hitting Polish native all he could handle through the first seven rounds, using an excellent jab, and a tight defense; but in the eighth round Campillo was rocked hard by the hometown favorite and in the ninth stopped from a barrage of punches. At the time of the stoppage Campillo was ahead on the scorecards.

Within his other losses are three highly controversial decisions, a split decision to World Champion Tavoris Cloud in February 2012, a January 2010 split decision to Beibut Shumenov (losing his World Championship) and a majority decision draw to Karo Murat in September 2008, who went on to be the mandatory bout against the ageless Bernard Hopkins.

The semi-main event and undercard will feature some promising Washington-state prospects for the “Little Creek Brawl V” event, which will be announced shortly.

For more information on WILLIAMS vs. CAMPILLO, follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter at @GoossenBoxing, Dan Goossen at @DanGoossen, Thomas Williams Jr. at @TopDoggJr and the Little Creek Casino Resort at @Little_Creek. Use hashtag #WilliamsCampillo.

ABOUT LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT
Named in 2013 as “Boxing’s Venue Of The Year” by Northwest Fight Scene Magazine, The 190-room Little Creek Casino Resort is also known for it’s world class amenities, casual and fine dining options, and offering the latest in both electronic and table gaming, concerts and entertainment, truly making it an unmatched destination for the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.little-creek.com or call 800-667-7711.

ULSA, OK (June 17, 2014) – The public has spoken and BattleGrounds MMA (www.battlegroundsone.com) has listened. Due to popular demand, the promotion led by Olympic wrestling gold medalist Kenny Monday will take its highly-anticipated, one-night, eight-man welterweight (170 pounds) tournament, which will award its winner a $50,000 grand prize, to a national audience with a live pay-per-view telecast on Friday, October 3 from BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla.

BattleGrounds MMA ‘O.N.E.’ will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing, beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on October 3 on both cable and satellite pay-per-view carriers iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH and Avail-TVN. The price point for the live pay-per-view telecast as well as other details will be announced soon.

All tickets that have already been purchased for the event, which was originally scheduled to take place on June 27, will be honored by BOK Center on October 3.

“This is a tremendous step forward for our two year old company that will allow us to bring BattleGrounds MMA’s world-class competitive platform to a live, national audience for the first time,” said BattleGrounds MMA President Monday. “We truly appreciate all the support and enthusiasm that the fans and our fighters have shown us. On October 3, we are going to show our gratitude by giving MMA fans throughout the U.S. the opportunity to take in all the action live from their homes.”

The tournament affair marks the first one-night, eight-man MMA contest in Tulsa since UFC 4 on Dec. 16, 1994.

Slated for action in the tournament are submission aces Dennis “Superman” Hallman (53-14-2, 1 NC) of Yelm, Wash. and Cody “AK Kid” McKenzie (15-4) of Spokane, Wash.; undefeated upstart and 2012 NCAA national wrestling championships runner-up Chris Honeycutt (4-0) of Fresno, Calif.; two-time, one-night tournament winner Brock Larson (37-8) of Brainerd, Minn.; Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fioravanti (24-11) of St. Louis, Mo.; Urijah Faber protégé David “Bulletproof” Mitchell (14-4) of Lower Lake, Calif.; Roan “Jucao” Carneiro (16-9) of Atlanta, Ga.; and Trey “That Just Happened?” Houston (11-2) of Bixby, Okla.

In the tournament reserve matchup, undefeated prospect Marcus “Milk” Sanchez (4-0) of Tulsa will take on Anderson “The Spider” Silva sparring partner Jordan Smith (18-6) of Kaysville, Utah. Should one of the tournament’s quarterfinal stage winners is unable to re-enter the cage for the semifinal stage due to injury, the victor of the reserve matchup will take the injured combatant’s place in the tournament.

In non-tournament, Superfight action on the card, Ryan Couture (7-3) of Las Vegas, Nev. will collide with Jonny “The King of Late Night” Carson (11-6) of San Francisco, Calif. in a lightweight (155 pounds) showdown and seasoned veteran Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-7) of Tulsa, Okla. will battle Jen “Tink” Aniano (0-2) of Kalamazoo, Mich. in an atomweight (105 pounds) scrap.

About BattleGrounds MMA

BattleGrounds MMA (www.battlegroundsone.com) is a world championship professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion designed to place combative sports athletes on a major stage in the most challenging and exciting format possible: one-night, single-elimination tournaments that reveal the toughest competitors in their respective weight divisions. Launched by Olympic wrestling legend Kenny Monday and Bryan O’Rourke in 2012 as a regional organization in Tulsa, OK to unearth promising new talent in one of MMA’s biggest hotbeds, the promotion is quickly capturing the hearts of fans nationwide as it brings about an exciting new era in the world’s fastest growing sport.

About the BOK Center:

The BOK Center is Tulsa’s state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue that opened in fall 2008. The 19,199-seat arena is home to the WNBA Tulsa Shock and the CHL Tulsa Oilers. The BOK Center was designed to host major concerts, family shows, ice shows, and other world class entertainment. Owned by the City Of Tulsa, the BOK Center is part of Vision 2025, a project to grow economic and community infrastructure for future generations. In 2011, the BOK Center won the prestigious International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Venue Excellence Award.

About SMG

Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 14.4 million square feet of exhibition space and over 1.75 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s Reliant Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions, catering and special events division, SAVOR, currently servicing more than 100 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com.

With only four days until “World Series of Fighting 10: Branch vs. Taylor” takes place at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, June 21, fighters are putting the finishing touches on their training camps and game plans.

The event will be televised live on NBCSN at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT local time) and features a championship tripleheader topped by a main event of David Branch (13-3) vs. Jesse Taylor (27-9) for World Series of Fighting’s inaugural middleweight title, as well as a co-main event of World Series of Fighting featherweight champion Georgi Karakhanyan (23-3-1) vs. Rick Glenn (14-2).

In the night’s third title fight, the world’s no. 1 ranked women’s strawweight and current World Series of Fighting champion Jessica “Jag” Aguilar (17-4) will defend her belt against Japanese contender Emi “The Kamikaze Angel” Fujino (13-7).

Additionally, the main card will include intense matchups of lightweights Tyson Griffin (16-7) vs. Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (17-6) and featherweights Nick Lobosco (7-0) vs. Lance Palmer (7-1).

Glenn1.jpg
glenn_8.jpg
Rick Glenn

Rick Glenn is an aggressive 25-year-old striker from Iowa, who now lives and trains in Milwaukee with standup wizard Duke Roufus at the Roufusport MMA academy. At 6-feet tall, he looks to use his reach on Saturday to defeat Karakhanyan.

on training with Anthony Pettis:

“Anthony is a weight class above me, he’s got the UFC belt and I’ve been training with him for three years now. Heck yeah, training with Anthony helps my confidence a lot.”

Rick Glenn’s thoughts about Georgi Karakhanyan:

“He’s really athletic and well-rounded. Seems like a respectful guy. I’m going to beat him by staying sharp, don’t make mistakes and take it to him. I’m going for the finish.”

“Growing up my dad always told me, ‘It’s either you or them. How bad do you want it? And I want this title really bad. I’m not looking to get my ass kicked.”

O1Cug45-A9COy__WXNxvGFPm-jEFV58A7Z8woM62Bts.jpg

5Ub9tm-wnzqNHewL_B98ij9_s9neph_MmPGyv9pmeTw.jpg
Nick Lobosco

Nicky Lobosco is a heavy-handed featherweight fighting with St. Charles MMA in Missouri. The high school wrestling coach made a splash at WSOF 6 when he scored a vicious knockout of Fabio Mello with a head kick and punches. He will take on a very highly regarded prospect in Team Alpha Male fighter, Lance Palmer.

Big Stakes vs. Lance Palmer?

“I’m moving up. Every time I fight I want someone better. This is a chance to prove that I’m The Next Big Thing. I believe I’m world-class caliber and I’m always ready to prove it.

“I’m explosive. I’m pretty athletic and powerful so don’t blink.”

Impressions of Lance Palmer

“He seems like a tough guy, he pushes the pace and comes to fight. His whole team does that. I think he’ll come hard and be aggressive. I’ll just stay ready for everything.

“Wherever I see an opening is where I go. If I see an opening on the ground then I’ll take it there. If I see someone is uncomfortable standing then I’ll keep it standing. I do whatever it takes to win big. But I don’t do stupid stuff. A knockout in the 15th minute is the same as a knockout in the first minute. A knockout is a knockout. I’m going to take my time and I’m going to find an opening.

“There isn’t any bad blood between us. He’s focused on getting ready and I’m focused on getting ready. I’m not a big trash-talker; you can say whatever you want but at the end of the day you’ve got to fight, so it doesn’t really matter. Somebody could call me out, tell me I look stupid or act stupid, but I don’t really care.”

Big Name Gyms

“?There’s nothing wrong with being at a big name gym. Everyone has their own style and me training here in Missouri is my style. I’ve trained at big name gyms – in fact a few years back I helped Dominick Cruz get ready for two of his camps and it was awesome. I loved being around those guys and the camaraderie was great. But it depends on you personality … and I’m comfortable working with my people.

“When I box, I don’t box with MMA guys, I box with professional boxers. When I wrestle, I wrestle with a guy that is 7th in the nation in judo and a wrestler who competes internationally. I don’t practice with guys who just do MMA. I practice each sport ‘as is’ and I practice with people that focus on those individual sports. And that’s to my advantage and why I do what I do.”

# # #
About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier profesional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

About NBC Sports Network

NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2013, the Premier League and Formula One. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Action Sports Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, The Crossover, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk and The Dan Patrick Show. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC. Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space featuring Peacock High-Limit gaming and Asian gaming amenities; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $4 million in rare music memorabilia; Body English Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary, Spa & Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise housing world-famous pool parties REHAB Sunday and RELAX Monday; live music/entertainment venues The Joint and Vinyl; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants Culinary Dropout, Nobu, The Ainsworth, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Pink Taco, Mr. Lucky’s Café and ?Fú; a state-of-the-art fitness center and trendsetting retailers John Varvatos, Affliction, Love Jones, Rocks The Jewelers and Rock Paper Photo. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit hardrockhotel.com. Follow Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 17th, 2014) — The good thing about Julian Lane’s drunken rant two years ago on The Ultimate Fighter is it’s helped keep him relevant in a sport where many once-promising prospects find themselves on the side of a milk carton within a few years.

“Everyone wants to fight the douchebag with the Mohawk,” he said.

That includes Providence lightweight Luis Felix, who’ll face Lane for the vacant CES MMA title in the five-round main event of “CES MMA XXIV” scheduled for Friday, June 27th, 2014 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

Tickets for “CES MMA XXIV” are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

A rugged, 5-foot-10 brawler from Mansfield, Ohio with a strong wrestling background, Lane (6-3-1, 1 KO) began his pro career in 2011 with four consecutive wins, including a first-round submission win over Joe Helland at Bellator 66, but he’s more commonly known in mixed martial arts’ circles for his antics on TUF: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson, the 16th season of the popular reality series.

The video of a visibly intoxicated Lane trying to initiate a fight with teammate Dom Waters before breaking down in tears quickly went viral, as did Lane’s now infamous cries of, “Let me bang, bro!” to his other teammate Michael Hill, who tried to play peacemaker.

Lane lost his only fight that season and never got a contract offer from the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), but while most reality TV misfits disappear once their 15 minutes of fame expire (e.g., Angelina from Jersey Shore), Lane has achieved remarkable sustainability in a world where fighters come and go like seasons.

“I got a little drunk and acted crazy,” Lane admits, “but that shit happens everyday out here.

“I’m sure people judge me based off of that, but I’ve had no problem getting fights. It’s publicity. That’s the way I look at it. The whole world knows who I am. It got my name out there and gave me exposure, whether it’s good or bad. I just take it for what it is.”

Lane insists he’s a different fighter — and a different person — than the one audiences caught a glimpse of on TUF, and while his appearance on the show didn’t pay immediate dividends, not getting the call at such a young age (just 23 at the time) might’ve been a blessing in disguise.

“That was only my first year as a pro,” Lane recalled. “I feel like I kind of got ahead of myself, but everything happens for a reason. I didn’t get the ticket to the UFC, but maybe I would’ve gotten there and lost three fights. Now I have time to prepare, so when I do get there I’ll be ready.”

Like everyone else in the MMA world, Felix (11-7, 4 KOs) has seen the video of Lane’s meltdown on TUF and heard all the jokes, but what happened on the show has nothing to do with how Felix is preparing for the fight on the 27th.

After knocking out 63-fight veteran and former UFC standout Drew Fickett in March, Felix is another step closer to punching his own ticket to the big show in his seventh year as a pro, meaning every fight is bigger than the last.

“Nothing you do outside of fighting and training really comes into play once the fight starts,” Felix said. “No matter how crazy you act, or pretend to be, or how nice some guys might be outside of the cage, it doesn’t play into what you do once you’re inside that cage.

“I don’t judge him based on what he did on the show. That’s more for the general public to enjoy.”

Felix himself is a prime example of why one should never judge a book by its cover. Outside the cage, Felix is polite and relaxed, a humble, jovial star in a sport often overflowing with redundant machismo and arrogance, but once the bell rings, he’s all business, tenacious and unrelenting in dissecting his opponent.

What’s even more impressive is Felix’s self-described ability to “flip the switch” when the pressure’s on. In addition to Fickett, the Providence native has also beaten former TUF alumni Marc Stevens and Joe Proctor, cementing his status as the type of fighter who saves his best for the sport’s biggest stage.

“I can’t speak for everyone, but the cage is my comfort zone,” Felix said, “and my current fight is always the biggest one. I like it. I enjoy that pressure. I thrive off it.

“It actually brings out a better fighter in me knowing how big the fight is. At times, I’ve fought down to the level of my competition. All these fights against guys who are supposed to be better than me, it’s a mental thing. That’s why I enjoy it.”

Though he admits he doesn’t pay too much attention to video, Felix has browsed the Lane library to get an idea of what he should expect on the 27th.

“When I see his style, I think of him more as a brawler,” Felix said. “He’s a tough kid. He can take a punch. Who knows what I’ll see from him that day. There have been times where I haven’t looked that great myself, so I can’t judge him off that.”

Lane shares Felix’s general disinterest in studying video — “Game plans usually don’t work out how they’re supposed to,” he said — but he watched enough to pick up on some of Felix’s tendencies, particularly his use of the southpaw stance despite being a right-handed fighter.

“That means all of his power is in his right,” Lane said, “so I don’t have to worry about his straight left.”

While Felix is often lauded for his exemplary high-school wrestling background, Lane notes that he, too, exceled on the mat as a teenager, wrestling in more than 800 matches.

“A lot of guys don’t know that I’m a wrestler,” he said. “I love fighting wrestlers, especially ones who like to stand up. Once they get hit, they resort to their wrestling, and that’s what I like. I like to stand and bang. If they want to wrestle, that’s their mistake.”

Felix and Lane fighting one another for a title next Friday proves there are second chances in mixed martial arts. Both fighters have made their share of mistakes. Lane’s have been well documented, but Felix dealt with his on his own, learning to treat the sport as a career instead of just a hobby and fighting with a renewed sense of purpose.

They’re both chasing the same dream, and one of them will move another step closer on the 27th.

“I’m ready to get this belt,” Lane said, “and hopefully get my ticket to the UFC, too.”

“I’m preparing myself to face the best he has to offer come fight night,” Felix added. “I have to prepare myself the same way.”

The undercard of “CES MMA XXIV” features the Twin River debut of UFC vet Ricardo Funch (8-4, 4 KOs) of Ludlow, Mass., who’ll face welterweight Brett Oteri (12-5, 1 KO) of Dedham, Mass.; and the return of Providence heavyweight Greg Rebello (17-5, 9 KOs), who’ll take on Kennesaw, Ga., native Aaron Johnson (12-8, 1 KO).

Also on the card, East Providence, R.I., vet Dinis Paiva (4-5, 1 KO) faces Joe Cushman (11-5, 3 KOs) of Bridgewater, Mass., in a featherweight bout; lightweight Andres Jeudi (6-2, 2 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass., battles Framingham, Mass., vet Saul Almeida (15-5); and female flyweight sensation Kaline Medeiros (2-3, 1 KO) of Fall River, Mass., faces Brigitte Narcise of Fairfield, N.J., in Narcise’s pro debut.

Fan-favorite Willie Brown (2-0) of Meriden, Conn., returns to battle J.A. Dudley (6-11) of Plainfield, N.J., in a light heavyweight bout; Providence’s Keenan Raymond (1-0) puts his record on the line against Dorchester featherweight James Murrin (1-0); featherweight Pete Rogers Jr. (1-1, 1 KO) of Norwich, Conn., faces Mike Lamm (0-1) of Newton, Mass.; and Providence vet Joe Reverdes (1-3) returns to battle newcomer Randy Campbell of Elizabeth, N.J., in a bantamweight bout.

NEW YORK (June 17, 2014) – Can Chad Dawson be “Bad” again? Can the former two-time light heavyweight world champion bounce back from two consecutive knockout losses and look sharp after a one-year hiatus? Can he regain his status in the division he once dominated?

Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., will look to answer those questions when he takes the first step in his comeback against George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-5, 16 KOs), of Indianapolis, Ind., in the featured bout on Saturday, June 21, live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (10-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles, makes his 10-round debut when he takes on 2004 U.S. Olympic team captain Devin “Devastatin’” Vargas (18-3, 7 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio.

The SHOWTIME EXTREME fights take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., where later that evening live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) another former world champion on the comeback trail Robert Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), of Gilroy, Calif., takes on Japan’s hard-hitting Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-1-1, 21 KOs) in the 12-round main event. In a compelling matchup in the co-feature, unbeaten, yet untested Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., meets perhaps the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO), of Ukraine, for the vacant WBO Featherweight World Championship. Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander (25-2, 14 KOs), of St. Louis, battles always dangerous Jesus Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight match that will open up the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader.

Dawson, 31, relocated to Las Vegas from Connecticut to train and has reunited with former trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. While questions about his career trajectory abound, Dawson still feels there’s much ‘Bad” Chad to be had.

“I’m coming off losses in my last two fights, but nothing’s changed,” said Dawson, who’ll be fighting for the first time since he was on the wrong end of 2013’s Knockout of the Year – a one-punch, 76-second KO against current WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis Stevenson. “I’m just back to being myself. I’m working hard with Eddie and doing the right things. I’ve been training for this fight for about two months.’’

Once considered one of the most talented pound-for-pound boxers in the world and the last fighter to defeat Bernard Hopkins, Dawson also owns victories over Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson (twice each), Tomasz Adamek and Adrian Diaconu. But that was in the past. Dawson’s focus is on the future.

“I’m getting ready for the second chapter of my career,’’ he said. “I’m back to Bad Chad.”

Blades has won two of his last three outings, the loss coming via fifth-round TKO in his most recent fight last Sept. 28 in Montreal to former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal, the first boxer to defeat Dawson.

Breazeale, a 6-foot-7, 28-year-old quarterback at Northern Colorado University, didn’t turn to boxing until he was 23 years old. Despite a late start and limited amateur experience, he was the super heavyweight representative on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team.

Since turning pro in November 2012, Breazeale has kept busy. This will be his third fight in 2014 and 11th in 19 months. A big, strong boxer-puncher with good skills and movement, he won his first nine fights by knockout, all inside four rounds, until winning a lopsided eight-round decision over veteran Nagy Aguilera on April 3.

“I stayed right in the gym after my last fight,’’ Breazeale said. “You’ve got to stay on top of it – you never know when you’ll get a phone call. For this fight, I’ve been going through different sparring partners, guys who have been around the game, have a little bit of experience.

“Amateur and pro [boxing] are completely different. I’m a different fighter now. Amateur is all about scoring points and not imposing your will on your opponent. I’m punching with a lot more power now. I’ve always had a ton of power, but power and explosiveness are things I’ve been trying to focus on in this camp.

“One, it’s a crowd-pleaser; two, it makes for a great fight. Usually when you put power and explosiveness together, you end up getting a KO and of course, that’s what I’m always looking for as a heavyweight.”

Vargas, who lost in the second round of the 2004 Olympics, turned pro in November 2004. The 6-foot-3, 32-year-old went 17-0 at the outset of his career, but has fought only sporadically since.

“Devin took a little break after his last fight (a KO 3 loss to Jason Bergman on March 28, 2014) but he’s been in the gym,’’ his father/trainer Ray Vargas said, “He’s already at around 224. He’s faster at that weight, but I don’t want him any lower than that against this guy.’’

“Devin knows that this is his one shot – he knows it is two Olympians against each other. Like I told him, ‘Listen, you win this fight, a couple more fights, pay your house off.’ That’s the way we’re looking at it. To me, that’s a successful career – if you can pay your house off. He’s got a damn good job.’’

Brian Custer will call the SHOWTIME EXTREME action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst.

In non-televised fights that begin at 2 p.m. PT: Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (8-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, vs. Michael Grenga (15-14, 15 KOs), Lagos, Nigeria, 6 rounds, light heavyweights; Sharif Bogere (24-1, 16 KOs), Las Vegas, Nev., vs. TBA, 8 rounds, lightweights; Michael Hunter (4-0, 3 KOs), Van Nuys, Calif., vs. Jerry Forrest (7-1, 6 KOs), Lafayette, La., 8 rounds, heavyweights; Fabian Maidana (pro debut), Santa Fe, Arg., vs. Alejandro Arteaga (3-8, 1 KO), Bakersfield, Calif., 4 rounds, welterweights; and Mark Anthony Hernandez (1-0), Fresno, Calif., vs. Dante Spinks (0-1), San Diego, Calif., 4 rounds, super welterweights.

# # #

Guerrero vs. Kamegai is a 12-round fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by
Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event Gary Russell Jr. faces Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko in a
12-round showdown for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title and in the opener Devon Alexander
will face off against Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight match up. It will take place at
StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air as the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main
event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio
programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available
online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office
(Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-
8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.homedepotcenter.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/shosports, www.twitter.com/StubHubCenter, www.twitter.com/GhostBoxing, www.twitter.com/MrGaryRussellJr, www.twitter.com/VasylLomachenko and www.twitter.com/TheRealDevonA, follow the conversation using #GuerreroKamegai or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/StubHubCenter.

NEW YORK (June 16, 2014) – Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley (29-1-1, 21 KOs) and unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Julian “J Rock” Williams (16-0-1, 10 KOs) are this month’s scheduled Ring 8 guest speakers tomorrow night (Tuesday, June 17 starting at 7 p.m.) at historic Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City, New York.

Born in South Carolina, Bradley fought out of New York City and captured the WBO 160-pound title in 1995, defeating David Mendez by way of a 12th round technical knockout. He made six successful world title defenses during the following two years, winning five and fighting Otis Grant to a draw. Bradley’s world title fight victims were Dario Victor Galindez (TKO1), Randy Smith (TKO2), Lonnie Beasley (DEC12), Somin Brown (DEC12) and John Williams (TKO8).

Managed and trained by Stephan Edwards, Williams is a 24-year-old out of Philadelphia who is rated No. 3 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and No. 10 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA).

In 2013, Williams defeated former world champion Joachim Alcine by eight-round decision, followed by a World Boxing Council (WBC) junior middleweight title fight against 19-0 Hugo Centeno, Jr. that ended in a “no contest” due to an accidental head-butt.

Williams has stopped his last three opponents, Orlando Lora (29-4-2) and Freddy Hernandez (30-6) in three rounds, and Michael Medina (26-4-2) by eighth-round TKO this past May on the Adonis Stevenson-Andzej Fonfara undercard at Belle Centre in Montreal.

“Lonnie Bradley was a great fighter whose career was cut short due to a detached retina,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “He was fun to watch. In 1995, right before he won the world title, he won a 10-round decision over Apolinar Hernandez in Hauppauge (NY) for the New York State middleweight title. We’re delighted to have Lonnie and junior middleweight prospect Julian Williams as this month’s speakers. The junior middleweight division is one of the hottest in boxing and Julian’s one of the top 154-pound prospects. He’s another good prospect from a long line of tough Philly fighters.”

About Ring 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

Las Vegas (JUNE 16th, 2014) – IBF welterweight champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter and top trainer Kenny Porter has confirmed that they will appear and have a Booth at the inaugural Box Fan Expo this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Shawn Porter is one of the brightest rising stars and top welterweight boxers in the world. He is trained and managed by his father Kenny Porter. Shawn Porter won the IBF Welterweight Championship Title after defeating Devon Alexander. Porter then defended his title by knocking out one of the top stars in the welterweight division, Paulie Malignaggi in the fourth round. Hailing from Cleveland, a 2006 Stow High School graduate, and after sporting one of the most decorated amateur careers in US history, Shawn made a smooth transition to becoming a professional in 2008. He is currently undefeated with 24 wins and no losses.

Shawn Porter Quote:
“I’m looking forward to the Box Fan Expo. It’s going to be a great and exciting opportunity for me and my Dad to reach out to the public, and meet many boxing fans, from all over who have supported me. We’ll have the Team Porter booth for my fans to come ask questions, take photos and get autographed shirts and dvd’s. Its going to be an exciting time for the boxing community and I’m honored to be a part of it”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate, Meet and Greet their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as autograph sessions, photo ops, weigh in, face off with your favorite fighters and buy merchandise.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email info@boxfanexpo.com

For more info go to:www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” took a break from training camp for this Saturday’s showdown with Jesus Soto Karass to throw out the first pitch for his hometown St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Father’s Day. Alexander was joined by his children, Cesily and Devon Alexander Jr.

The 27-year-old Alexander (25-2, 14 KOs) returns against the hard-hitting Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs) in the opening bout of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Las Vegas –The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced that Bangor, Maine, childhood home of UFC® president Dana White, will host the state’s first ever UFC event at Cross Insurance Center on Saturday, August 16. UFC® Fight Night will showcase local talent, in addition to some of the sport’s top contenders. The five-round main event will be announced in the coming days.

“I’m so excited to finally bring the UFC to Maine,” UFC president Dana White said. “People in Maine have been asking me to bring the UFC there for a long time, so we’re bringing a great card to Bangor on August 16! I love Maine, I have a home and family there, and I’m really looking forward to this event!”

UFC Fight Night is a treat for locals, as Lincolnville native and 13th-ranked middleweight Tim Boetsch (17-7, fighting out of Sunbury, Pa.) comes home to face No. 14 contender Brad Tavares (12-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Kailua, Hawaii). Boasting an impressive resume that dates back nearly a decade, Boetsch holds wins over C.B. Dollaway, Hector Lombard, and Yushin Okami. This August, “The Barbarian” takes on one of the division’s rising stars in Tavares. After making his debut on The Ultimate Fighter® Season 11, Tavares quickly racked up seven UFC wins, including a five-fight unbeaten stretch, and he will return to the Octagon on Boetsch’s home turf with the intent to spoil his opponent’s homecoming.

Plus, fans will witness a heavyweight showdown between two former collegiate athletes as Shawn Jordan (15-6, fighting out of Baton Rouge, La.) takes on Jack May (7-1, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.). Jordan, a former star fullback at LSU and member of the 2007 National championship team, has used his superior athleticism and power to successfully transition into the world of mixed martial arts. With 11 knockout victories to his name, “The Savage” is primed and ready for a run at UFC gold. Standing in his way, is the 6-foot-8 kickboxing specialist and former college basketball standout May. With six of his seven victories by way of first-round knockout, May will be no easy feat for Jordan. The Savage takes on “The Outlaw,” with the victor a step closer to becoming one of the division’s elite.

In addition, Tom Watson (16-7, fighting out of Southampton, England) takes on UFC newcomer Sam Alvey (24-5, 1NC) in a middleweight matchup.

Don’t miss this chance to watch the best fighters in the world compete at the UFC’s first ever event in Maine. More fights to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT go on sale June, 20 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $150, $100, $75, and $50. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at Cross Insurance Center box office. Ticket prices do not include applicable service charges.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 19 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT will air live on FOX Sports 1, at 10:00 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 16, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FOX Sports 2 at 8:00 PM ET/5 p.m. PT.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and on Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.
###

West Deptford, New Jersey (June 16, 2014)–On Saturday, July 12, Heavyweight contender, Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon returns to the ring after a two-year absence when he takes part in an 8-round bout at the Riverwinds Community Center in West Deptford, New Jersey.

The show is promoted by Witherspoon’s Silver Spoon Promotions.

Witherspoon (30-3, 22 KO’s) of nearby Paulsboro, New Jersey established himself as one of the top American Heavyweights as the St. Joseph’s University graduate won his first twenty-three bouts with wins over the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmadge Griffis (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1) before suffering his 1st defeat to future two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola via controversial disqualification.

Witherspoon went on to win three win a row which was highlighted by an entertaining 8th round stoppage over Adam “The Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1). That fight was voted Ring Magazine’s 2008 Heavyweight Fight of the Year. Witherspoon then dropped a fight to future two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson.

Witherspoon went on to score 4-consecutive knockouts which included a devastating 3rd-round destruction over Tyson Cobb (14-2).

Witherspoon is looking ti get back into the win column and facilitate his championship run following his 3rd-round stoppage defeat to then undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on April 28, 2012 in a bout where Witherspoon had Mitchell badly hurt in several occasions.

“I feel good and rejuvenated after the layoff,” said Witherspoon.

“I haven’t been out this long because I wanted to. I had several fights fall through, so I decided to start my own company and do my own shows and I can’t wait until July 12 to put on a great event not far from where I live,” said Witherspoon.

Witherspoon’s opponent will be named shortly.

In the six-round co-feature, undefeated Middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will be back in action.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 14-0 with 7 knockouts has been raising the level of competition and has past each test with flying colors.

LaManna is coming off a solid performance when he scored a 8-round unanimous decision over Ashandi Gibbs on April 12 in Atlantic City.

Lamanna’s opponent will be announced.

In six round bouts:

Jr. Middleweight Louis Cream (3-0) of Camden, NJ will fight Ismael Garcia (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ in a battle of undefeated Jr. Middleweights.

Tim Witherspoon Jr. (10-4-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle undefeated Jeff Lentz (3-0, 1 KO) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ in a Welterweight battle.

In Four round bouts:

Kevin Womack Jr. (4-5-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Anthony Prescott (3-3-1, 1 KO) of Cherry Hill, New Jersey in a Welterweight bout.

Pro debuter’s in Lightweight Steven Ortiz of Philadelphia and Welterweight Nick Valiere of Forked River, New Jersey will participate in 4-round bouts.

Tickets are on sale now for $105 (ringside), $65 (Reserved) and $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at Riverwinds Community Center (856-251-0990), Big Spoon (856-472-0443) and Don’s Barber Shop (856-423-2800)

Last Friday night (June 13) at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, one of the world’s best super featherweights, Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee (21-2-1, 10 KOs) returned to action with an eight-round decision over California’s Juan Ruiz (23-13, 7 KOs).

In the ring for the first time since his brave showing against WBO #1 ranked lightweight Raymundo Beltran in April, Usmanee fought off frustration over Ruiz’s veteran tactics to clearly win seven rounds.

Usmanee’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says he was happy to see the Ruiz fight serve its purpose.

“Ruiz has gone the distance with a long list of top fighters and, true to form, he gave Arash eight rounds of work. One of the judges scored it a draw, but the other two were watching the fight and gave Arash a wide decision.”

The victory puts Usmanee back into contention at his natural weight of super feather. Against Beltran, Usmanee started out quite well, but fighting on short notice against a larger opponent, he eventually tired and dropped a unanimous decision.

“Arash deserves another shot at the super featherweight championship and that’s what we’re after,” continued Cohen. “He beat Rances Barthelemy everywhere but the scorecards and had a draw against the then-champion Argenis Mendez. Those are the top two guys in the IBF at 130 lbs. We’re going to keep him busy and wait for the winner of the upcoming Barthelemy vs. Mendez rematch or a fight against any of the other top super featherweights in the world.”

June 16, 2014 – After Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KO’s) dethroned Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16 KO’s) to capture the WBO 140-pound title this past Saturday night on HBO, Gary Shaw Productions Puerto Rican contender, Thomas Dulorme (21-1, 14 KO’s), gave a statement on the matter.

“From the beginning, I have always said that Ruslan Provodnikov is not ‘Superman’. Many people were selling him as something out of this world, and I really wanted to fight him on this same date, but they did not want it. We knew that the throne of Ruslan would not last long, and one of the reasons is his style. Lots of people said that I was crazy for wanting to fight him, but now I just have to congratulate Chris Algieri for his great performance”, said Thomas Dulorme, who currently at 140 pounds is ranked #2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), #3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), #4 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and #8 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

“I want to fight the best fighters available in my division, and Algieri is one of them” said Dulorme, who is trained by renowned trainer, Robert Garcia in Oxnard, California. “A fight with Algieri would be something I would welcome very much.”

In his last bout, Dulorme captured the NABF Junior Welterweight title, when defeated former undefeated Californian, Karim Mayfield (18-1-1, 11 KOs), by unanimous decision in a HBO live televised bout on March, 29 2014.

“Dulorme has always wanted to fight the top fighters in the division,” said Gary Shaw. “Algieri proved he’s an elite fighter with his recent victory against Provodnikov to capture the WBO title. I believe Algieri vs. Dulorme would be a great fight for the fans. These are the type of fights the fans want to see.”

Hot Cuban light heavyweight prospect Sullivan Barrera (11-0, 6 KOs), who dazzled audiences at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA with his six-round unanimous decision victory over Larry Pryor on April 4, will face off against Lee “The Silverback” Campbell aka Alpha Male (7-0, 3 KOs) of Larinburg, NC in an eight-round light heavyweight battle. Campbell is also coming off a victory at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on April 4. He defeated Roberto Acevedo in an eight-round majority decision. Campbell is replacing Jeff Lacy, who was originally scheduled to take on Barrera but had to pull out due to managerial complications.

About the change of opponents the undefeated Barrera said, “I just want to fight. I am grateful that Campbell stepped in so I can keep this opportunity to fight on June 21. I am ready for whoever steps in the ring against me.” Campbell, also undefeated, replied, “I thank God for the opportunity to fight Barrera. Secondly, I want to thank Main Events for their support. I pray that all fighters exit the ring without serious injury. I am confident in my coach and team that we will give the fans a great show. I look forward to future opportunities.”

Acevedo vs. Campbell
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Another undefeated prospect, Khalib Whitmore (5-0, 4 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA is scheduled for four rounds of light heavyweight action but his opponent is still to be determined. Whitmore is coming off a second round KO over Antonio Liles on January 25, 2014 at the Sands Resort Casino in Bethlehem, PA.

Local favorite, Erik Spring (1-0), of Reading, PA and Jamil Gadsden (0-4) of Newark, NJ will meet up for four rounds of junior middleweight action. Spring made his professional debut on April 24, 2014 with a four-round majority decision victory over Lionel Charles at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. Gadsden is looking for his first professional victory since making his professional debut in 2012.

In an all-Jersey showdown two junior middleweights will make their professional debuts. Hakeem Bryant of Middletown, NJ and Al Johnson of Vineland, NJ are scheduled to face each other for four rounds.

Smith vs. Romero
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Finally, Wellington Romero (3-0, 1 KO), the undefeated light welterweight from Newburgh, NY who defeated then-undefeated Gerald Smith on March 29 at the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall on the undercard of the Kovalev-Agnew fight will return to take on Mack Babb (0-2) of Brooklyn, NY for four rounds.

Jolene Mizzone, Main Events’ matchmaker, wanted to showcase Barrera on this undercard and to include a lot of local talent, “Barrera is an up-and-coming prospect that is eager to stay busy to show he belongs in the competitive light heavyweight division. The rest of the card is packed with local boxers looking to showcase their talent in front of their hometown fans.”

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “There are six undefeated fighters on this card (two facing each other) and two pro debuts (also facing each other). Everyone is matched well. This should be incredibly exciting for the fans in attendance at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The undercard is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

FOLLOW US:

Official Hashtag: #FightNight
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
www.nbcsports.com
Twitter: @NBCSN
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NBCSports
www.peltzboxing.com
Twitter: @PeltzBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/PeltzBoxing
mohegansunpocono.com
Twitter: @mspocono