LAS VEGAS — June 8, 2014 — Professional Boxing Manager Cameron Dunkin has signed Youngstown-based fighter Willie Nelson (21-1-1 12KO). Nelson, who is from Cleveland but trains in Youngstown with Jack Loew, is excited about the signing, saying “I feel like Cameron is the missing piece in my team. He’s the person that can get me the fights and exposure I need to move forward in my career.”

“I’m very happy with this signing,” said Dunkin. “Jack Loew is a tremendous and, in my opinion, underrated trainer. He did a great job with Kelly Pavlik, and he’s doing a great job with Willie. Willie has the potential to beat any junior middleweight in the world. He’s a really good boxer, a really good puncher, and shows a lot of heart. I’m really excited to be working with him.”

Nelson scored a spectacular first round knockout over Darryl Cunningham on the undercard of last night’s Cotto-Martinez PPV event.

HBO Sports presents SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. MIGUEL COTTO, the replay of their highly anticipated world middleweight title fight, SATURDAY, JUNE 14 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO. The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live coverage at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden, calls all the action, available in HDTV.

In the hottest prizefight of the first half of the year, Martinez and Cotto — two of boxing’s most celebrated superstars — met for the first time in the ring on Saturday, June 7. The showdown was carried live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. Cotto, in a career-defining performance, captured the middleweight title belt with a dominating display. The fight was stopped in round 10.
Immediately following the replay, HBO presents the previously announced “HBO Boxing After Dark®” doubleheader from Brooklyn headlined by the world junior middleweight title fight between Ruslan Provodnikov and Chris Algieri.
Other HBO playdates for all bouts: June 15 (9:30 a.m.) and 17 (12:25 a.m.)
HBO Signature playdates for all bouts: June 15 (3:00 p.m.) and 16 (12:30 a.m.)
® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Cecilia Brækhus (25-0, 7 KOs) successfully defended her WBC, WBO & WBA Female World Welterweight titles with a unanimous points victory over Jessica Balogun (24-4, 12 KOs) at the Sport and Congress Center in Schwerin, Germany last night.

Balogun proved a tough opponent but was ultimately outclassed by Brækhus. The judges scored the fight 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 all in favour of the pound-for-pound number one.

‘’It was a tough fight, but I expected that. Jessica is one of the toughest fighters around,’’ said Brækhus. ‘’All in all I was pleased with my performance. We had been working on some new things in the gym, improving my footwork and movement, and I think that showed tonight. Of course there are always things I feel I could have done better. But I am very happy!’’

Said Balogun: ‘’Cecilia is great fighter. She has very good technique. I think I focused too much on the knock out and forgot about my own technique, and that’s where in went wrong for me. But I would love to fight her again!’’

Following her second victory over Balogun, Brækhus is now looking to clean up the division and add the IBF crown to her impressive haul of titles.

‘’I would like to fight for the IBF belt next,’’ said Brækhus. ‘’I already hold the WBC, WBA & WBO titles and now I want to unify the division and become the first female fighter to hold all four belts.’’

Brækhus also admits she would willing to move up or down in weight in order to cement her legacy as the pound-for-pound queen.

‘’I want to fight the best there is. If that means moving up or down in weight to fight other champions then so be it. I am ready for the challenge.’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’It was a good fight and a good win for Cecilia. Credit to Balogun, she is tough lady and gave Cecilia another ten hard rounds. There are still lots of options available to Cecilia and we will be sitting down in the coming weeks to discuss what’s next for the ‘’First Lady’’.’’

Miguel Roman scored a upset when he stopped former world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon in round nine of a scheduled 10-round Super Featherweight bout at Estadio de Beisbol in Ciudad Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Roman scored a knockdown in round six and finished off a weary De Leon in the 9th when he landed about 20 unanswered blows as De Leon was squatted down in the corner.

Roman, 127 1/2 lbs of Chihuahua, MX is now 46-11 with 35 knockouts. De Leon, 129 lbs of Chihuahua, MX is now 45-7.

Macos Reyes scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Octavio Castro in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Catro, 159 lbs is now 32-1. Reyes, 157 lbs is now 16-13-2.

Follow all the action Live from Madison Square Garden when Sergio Martinez defends the Middleweight championship of the world against 3-division champion Miguel Cotto. The action begins at 9 PM eastern time with a 3 fight undercard featuring Andy Lee taking on John Jackson, Jorge Melendez battling Javier Maciel and a rematch between Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and Marvin Sonsona.

12 ROUNDS–WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–SERGIO MARTINEZ (51-2-2, 28 KO’S) VS MIGUEL COTTO (38-4, 31 KO’S)

Round 1 COTTO KNOCKS MARTINEZ DOWN 3 TIMES…10-6 Cotto

Round 2 Hard lefts from Cotto…Martinez looks shakey...20-15 Cotto

Round 3 Combination from Cotto..3 punch combo from Martinez…Hard right from Cotto..quick right from Cotto….right from Martinez..29-25 Cotto

Round 4 Martinez jabbing..left from Cotto..Left buckles Martinez..good right..Hard left from Martinez..hard left..39-34 Cotto

Round 5 Right from Cotto…Right hook from Martinez..Hard left from Cotto..right and left to head..49-43 Cotto

Round 6 Left gook from Cotto.3 hard shots on the ropes..right hook from Martinez..left hook from Cotto..hard left hook and a body shot…59-52 Cotto

Round 7 Left to body from Martinez…left…2 body shots from Cotto…good cunter right buckles Martinez..hard left hook..Good body work…hard right..Right hook from Martinez at the bell…69-61 Cotto

Round 8 Cotto lands 2 inside..Jab from Martinez..right from Cotto..Hard left hook..Big right from Cotto..79-70 Cotto

Round 9 Straight left from Martinez..Counter right rocks Martinez..big uppercut…landing thudding shots…Jab…MARTINEZ GLOVES TOUCHES CANVAS….89-78 Cotto

Round 10 THE FIGHT IS STOPPED JUST AFTER THE BELL RINGS

10 ROUNDS–SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS–WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR (23-3-1, 19 KO’S) VS MARVIN SONSONA (18-1-1, 15 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Sonsona lands a left and down goes VAZQUEZ..10-8 Sonsona

Round 2 Straight left from Sonsona..3 punch combination…20-17 Sonsona

Round 3 Sonsona lands 3 body shots..crisp combo…straight left..30-26 Sonsona

Round 4 Vazquez lands a left to the body..right to head..39-36 Sonsona

Round 5 Good exchange…Vazquez lands a right...48-46 Sonsona

Round 6 Hard combo from Sonsona…Sonsona docked a point for hitting on the breadk…57-55 Sonsona

Round 7 Good combination from Sonsona…67-64 Sonsona

Round 8

SONSONA WNS BY MAJORITY DECISION 96-92 TWICE AND VAZQUEZ WINS A CARD 96-92

10 ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–JORGE MELENDEZ (28-3-1, 26 KO’S) VS JAVIER MACIEL (28-3 ,20 KO’S)

Round 1 Maciel lands 2 rights to the head…10-9 Maciel

Round 2 Melendez working combinations…Good in fighting...19-19

Round 3 Melendez lands a right..right and left..29-28 Melendez

Round 4 Maciel lands an uppercut…Melendez docked a point for a low blow…Good straight right by Melendez..Uppercut from Macial and a hard RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MELENDEZ…38-36 Maciel

Round 5 Maciel landing hard shots on the ropes..Melendez with a 3-punch combination…driving Maciel back..47-46 Maciel

Round 6Hard body shots from Melendez..right to head..body shot…nice right..56-56

Round 7 Right from Melendez..Maciel teeing off on Melendez in the corner..66-65 Maciel

Round 8 Maciel lands 3 to 1 in the corner..right from Melendez…76-74 Maciel

Round 9 Hard right from Maciel..Melendez lands a hard right at the bell…86-84 Maciel

Round 10 Melendez lands a hard right and stuns Maciel…solid right…Macial now coming back…right to the heas…95-94 Maciel

97-91, 96-92 and 94-94 for Maciel

10 ROUNDS–JR MIDDLEWEIGHTS–ANDY LEE (32-2, 22 KO’S) VS JOHN JACKSON (18-1, 15 KO’S)

Round 1 Jackson going to the body…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES LEE…10-8 Jackson

Round 2 Jackson lands a straight left on the ropes..Jackson lands 2 nice counter rights..20-17

Round 3 Jackson lands a nice right…30-26 Jackson

Round 4 Jackson lands a jab..Lee lands a left to the body..Jackson gets in a body shot..3 rights…Hard left..40-35 Jackson

Round 5 Jackson lands a counter right to the body..Lee gets in a counter left but gets tagged on the ropes and THEN LEE LANDS A PERFECT LEFT AND JACKSON IS KNOCKED OUT

Marvin Sonsona evened the score with Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by scoring a 10 round Featherweight bout.

Sonsona dropped Vazquez early in round one from a straight left hand. The fight was filled with fouls and lacked action throughout the bout.

Sonsona won by scores of 96-92 twice while Vazquez took a card 96-92.

Sonsona, 125 3/4 lbs of the Philippines is now 19-1. Vazquez, 125 1/2 lbs is now 23-4-1.

Javier Maciel scored a 10-round majority decision over Jorge Melendez in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Maciel came out aggressive as advertised. Melendez got into the fight with solid round’s two and three. Round four proved to be a disaster ans Melendez was docked a point for low blows and then was put on the canvas from a hard right. Melendez had a nice bounce back round five as he landed some solid combinations. Melendez continued to get back into the fight with power shots.

Maciel started taking control again in round’s seven, eight and nine as he forced the action. The two battled with power punches being thrown by both.

Maciel, 154 lbs of Argentina won by scores of 97-91, 96-92 and 94-94 and is now 29-3. Melendez, 153 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 28-4-1.

Former world title challenger Andy Lee was down but not out and came back to score a stunning 5th round stoppage over John Jackson in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight.

Jackson floored Lee in round one from a powerful right hook. Jackson continued to beat Lee to the punch and landed three consecutive rights to the head in round five.

In the fifth round, the two exchanged on the ropes. Lee was buckled and then out of nowhere he landed a perfect right uppercut and Jackson was knocked cold and the fight was stopped immediately at 1:07.

Lee, 154 lbs of Ireland is now 33-2 with 23 knockouts. Jackson, 152 lbs of the Virgin Islands is now 18-2.

Superstar in the making, Felix Verdejo scored a 1st rouns stoppage over Engelberto Valenzuea in a scheduled six round Lightweight bout.

Verdejo scored one knock down and continued the assault until the bout was stopped at 1:17 of round one.

Verdejo, 134 1/2 lbs is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Valenzuela, 134 1/2 lbs is now 8-2.

Jose Lopez scored a 8-round unanimous decision over Raul Hidalgo in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Lopez, 121 1/4 lbs won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 14-0. Hidalgo, 122 1/4 lbs is now 21-11.

Jose Pedraza made quick work of Arturo Uruzquieta by scoring a 1st round stoppage in a scheduled 6-round Lightweight bout.

Pedraza landed hard effective punches throughout the short contest and eventually sent Uruzquieta to the deck. Upon getting to his feet, the fight was stopped at 2:19 of round one.

Pedraza, 132 1/2 lbs is now 17-0 with 11 knockouts. Uruzquieta, 131 3/4 lbs is now 15-6

Willie Nelson scored a 1st round stoppage over Darryl Cunningham in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Nelson dropped Cunningham with a hard right. He scored a 2nd knockdown with a barrage of punches. Cunningham goto to his feet but was very unsteady. The ringside doctor called a halt to the action at 2:43 of round.

Nelson, 157 lbs is now 22-1-1 with 13 knockouts. Cunningham, 156 1/2 lbs is now 29-7.

Jantony Ortiz made a successful pro debut by scoring a 1st round stoppage over Elio Ruiz in a scheduled 4-round Super Flyweight fight.

The time was was 2:45 of round one for Ortiz, 113 1/2 lbs of Puerto Rico. Ruiz, 114 1/2 lbs is now 1-5.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS FARINA / TOP RANK

MAIN EVENT
Emmanuel Lartey 145
Steve Forbes 145
Contract Weight: 145 Lbs.

SEMI MAIN EVENT
*Cameron Sevilla-Rivera 165
Daryl Gardner 159
Contract Weight: 160 Lbs.

UNDERCARD
Jared Teer 146.5
Marcelino Pineda 145.5
Contract Weight: 147 Lbs.

Chris Wheaton 127
Jeremy McCleary 131.5
Contract Weight: 135 Lbs.

Ricardo Madonado 135
Manuel Mendez 136
Contract Weight: 136 Lbs.

Harrison Bevens 161
Cole Milani 158.5
Contract Weight: 161 Lbs.

Jared Torgeson 220.5
Mike Hayes 229
Contract Weight: Heavyweight

*The Sevilla-Rivera camp came to a monetary agreement with the Gardner camp to offset the weight difference.

New York City (June 7, 2014) On Friday evening in front of a huge crowd of fans, all four fighters from the upcoming “G4” boxing extravaganza hit New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

With the sensational artwork of their Saturday, July 26th event looking down from the “Mecca of Boxing’s” world famous marquee, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, DANIEL “The Real Deale” GEALE, BRYANT “By By” JENNINGS and MIKE “The Rebel” PEREZ posed for photos. The were joined by their promoters Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions.

“G4” is headlined by the World Middleweight Championship between World Boxing Association “Super Champion” and International Boxing Organization Champion Golovkin and Two-Time World Champion Geale.

Co-featured at “G4” is the highly anticipated 12-round World Boxing Council Heavyweight Title Eliminator between Jennings and Bryant.

Both fights will be televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

GOLOVKIN VS. GEALE is presented by K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Grange Old School Boxing. JENNINGS VS. PEREZ is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions along with Antonio Leonard Promotions.

Advance tickets for “G4” priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 can be purchased starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 10, at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN VS. GEALE via Social Media, follow HBO Boxing on Twitter at @HBOBoxing and Facebook at /HBOBoxing, in addition to on Twitter at Gennady Golovkin/@GGGBoxing, Daniel Geale/@RealDealGeale, Tom Loeffler – K2 Promotions/ @TomLoeffler1 and Gary Shaw Productions/@GaryShawBoxing. Use the hashtag #GolovkinGeale to join the conversation on Twitter.

For fight updates on JENNINGS VS. PEREZ via Social Media, follow HBO Boxing on Twitter at @HBOBoxing and Facebook at /HBOBoxing, Bryant Jennings on Twitter at @BYJennings, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions at @TomLoeffler1 and Gary Shaw Productions at @GaryShawBoxing. Use the hashtag #JenningsPerez to join the conversation on Twitter.

Hugo Centeno Jr. scored a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Gerardo Ibarra in a Middleweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, California.

Centeno, 160 1/2 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 21-0-1. Ibarra, 162 1/2 lbs of Houston, TX is now 14-1.

Francisco Santana scored a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Eddie Gomez in a We;terweight bout.

Gomez boxed well early and buckled Santana in round threet from a right hand. Santana started getting it going over the second half of the fight and had a good round six. Santana continued to outwork Gomez and won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.

Sanatana, 148 1/4 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is now 20-3-1. Gomez, 149 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 16-1.

Yudel Jhonson scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Norberto Gonzalez in a Jr. Middleweight bout at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Jhonson dropped Gonzalez with a hard left in round six. Jhonson dominated and again floored Gonzalez in round nine with a right hook. Gonzalez tried to rally in the 10th as he landed some good straight rights but it wasn’t enough as Jhonson won by scores of 97-91 on all three cards.

Jhonson, 154 lbs of Cuba is now 16-1. Gonzalez, 154 lbs of Mexico is now 20-4.

Sammy Vazquez scored a 3rd round stoppage over Jay Krupp in a scheduled 10-round Welterweight bout.

Vaszquez scored a knockdown in round one from a straight left. In round two, Vazquez dropped Krupp from a left to the body. In round three, Vazquez landed a hard combination that was finished off by a straight left sent Krupp down for a 3rd and final time at 1:19 of round three.

Vazquez, 147 lbs is now 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Krupp, 150 lbs is now 17-7.

Prized amateur Ievegn Khytrov scored a 3rd round stoppage over Chris Chatman in a scheduled 6-round Middleweight bout.

Chatman rocked Khytrov with a straight left in the 1st round. Khytrov got it together and in round three he landed a booming left sent Chatman to the canvas. Chatman got to his feet but the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round three.

Khytov, 160 lbs is now 5-0 with knockouts. Chatman 160 lbs is now 12-4-1.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 6th, 2014) – As promised, Rich Gingras left no doubt in his second attempt at a regional title.

Facing the savvy veteran Jaime Velazquez of Central Falls, R.I., Friday in the main event of CES Boxing’s “Unstoppable” professional boxing card at Twin River Casino, Gingras captured the vacant New England Light Heavyweight Title via fourth-round knockout, sending Velazquez crashing to the canvas with an overhand right at the 1-minute, 41-second mark.

For Gingras (14-4-1, 9 KOs), it was sweet redemption after fighting to a draw against Providence’s Vladine Biosse last summer for the N.E. Super Middleweight Title. In the weeks leading up to the fight, Gingras promised to bring the belt home and not leave the decision in someone else’s hands.

After three hard-fought, back-and-forth rounds, Gingras finished Velazquez for good with back-to-back overhand rights, the second catching Velazquez flush on the temple. Velazquez got off to a good start, landing uppercuts at will until Gingras readjusted his footwork and tightened up his defense. From there, it was all Gingras, who proved to be the stronger, more aggressive fighter in the end.

Velazquez has now lost back-to-back fights since returning to boxing in February while Gingras won for the first time since May of 2013 when he beat Rhode Island’s Joe Gardner.

In the middleweight co-feature, Thomas Falowo (12-2, 8 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., made quick work of 24-fight veteran Jose Ramirez (11-14) of Albuquerque, N.M., stopping Ramirez with a right cross to the chin at the 1:51 mark of the opening round. Ramirez let his guard down as he moved forward and Falowo simply caught him while on his back foot, sending Ramirez crashing to the canvas. Ramirez tried to get up, but lost his balance on the way up and did not beat the count, resulting in a knockout for Falowo.

Since losing to Chris Chatman in July, Falowo has now won back-to-back fights, including a disqualification win over Jaison Palomeque in February.

Six days after fighting on the amateur portion of a CES pro-am card in Connecticut, promising Worcester, Mass., middleweight Khiary Gray-Pitts (1-0, 1 KO) made his long-awaited professional debut Friday, stopping well-traveled veteran On’rey Towns (0-5) in the third round of their scheduled four-round bout.

Pitts’ speed was too much for Towns to handle, and once Pitts established his footwork and began to cut off the ring, he finished Towns for good with a hard left hook just 27 seconds into the third round. A former New England Golden Gloves champion, Pitts finished his amateur career last weekend with a win over Ray Oliveira Jr.

Heavyweight Donnie Palmer (5-0-1, 5 KOs) kept his perfect record intact in the opening bout, stopping Kansas City’s John Orr (1-4) at the 2:06 mark of the second round. Facing a taller opponent, Orr did his best to fight on the inside, but the 6-foot-10 Palmer kept his opponent at bay with short, effective punches and eventually landed the finishing blow with an overhand right, sending Orr tumbling to the canvas after a back-and-forth opening round.

Fighting for the second time in six days, Willimantic, Conn., light heavyweight Kevin Cobbs (9-1, 3 KOs) stopped savvy veteran Borngod Washington (3-15) of Queens in the second round of their scheduled four-round bout. Though Cobbs dominated the opening round, Washington came out strong in the second until Cobbs caught him on the temple with a short, left cross, sending Washington to the canvas. Washington made it to his feet, but referee Joey Lupino stopped the fight at the 2:28 mark, Cobbs’ second win of the year and third consecutive win dating back to 2013.

Hyannis, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (9-1-1) returned to Twin River on Friday and won a hard-fought, 39-37, 39-37, 40-36 unanimous decision over Forrest City, Ark., veteran Jamal Woods (4-12-3) in a fight much closer than the scores indicated. For the first time in his career, Barboza wasn’t the tallest fighter in the ring, so it took him a round to adjust to Woods’ 6-foot-3 frame. Once he did, he began working the body effectively, but Woods fought back and closed the gap with a strong third round. Heeding the advice of his trainer, Jeff Gonsalves, who told him to empty the tank in the final round, Barboza dominated the final three minutes to put the finishing touches on his fourth consecutive win and his fifth in his last six fights.

Streaking Jr. Lightweight Tevin Farmer scored the biggest win of his career by defeating previously undefeated Emanuel Gonzalez in a 10-round bout the House of Blues in Boston.

Farmer dominated the action boxing beautifully from his southpaw stance. He continued to box at his pace and never let Gonzalez get into any type of rhythm. Farmer was dominant with countless straight lefts for which Gonzalez had no answer for.

Farmer, 129 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. He won his 9th consecutive fight and is now 16-4-1. Gonzalez, 130 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 14-1.

Daniel Martz scored the biggest win of his career when he credited with a 3rd round stoppage over previously undefeated Alexis Santos after Santos could not continue after an ankle injury.

Martz sent Santos to the canvas in the first round and it appeared that Santos hurt his foot. Martz jumped on Santos but Santos tried to throw power shots in return. After the round Santos was in obvious pain. Santos went down several more times due to the intense pain in his ankle. Santos tried his best but after the 3rd round the fight was stopped.

Martz, 255 lbs of Clarksburg, WV is now 11-1-1 with 8 knockouts. Santos, 223 lbs of Lawrence, MA is now 13-1.

Jamie Kavanagh stopped veteran Michael Clark in round four of a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout.

Kavanagh was dominant until he landed a body punch that sent Clark down in the 5th and the fight was stopped at 2:49 of round five.

Kavanagh, 135 lbs of Dublin. IR is now 17-1-1 with 8 knockouts. Clark, 135 lbs of Columbus, OH is now 44-11-1.

Danny Kelly remained undefeated by scoring a 1st round knockout over Eric Newell in a scheduled four round Heavyweight bout.

Kelly sent Newell down in the first round from a booming right hand and the fight was stopped upon Newell getting to his feet and the bout was stopped at 2:45.

Kelly, 242 lbs of Washington, DC is now 6-0-1 with 5 knockouts. Newell, 265 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is now 7-3-2.

Saturday’s HBO Pay-Per-View telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT with fights from the “Mecca of Boxing” – Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The main event of the evening features a battle for the middleweight championship of the world when former three-division world champion Miguel Cotto and current middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez meet in a 159-pound fight scheduled for 12 rounds.

Official Weights from New York:

Miguel Cotto: 155 lbs.
Sergio Martinez: 158.8 lbs.

Felix Verdejo 134.5
Engelberto Valenzuela 134.5

Jose Lopez 121.2
Raul Hidlago 122.2

Jantony Ortiz 113.5
Elio Ruiz 112.2

HBO will present both episodes of 24/7 Cotto/Martinez back-to-back tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT and tomorrow (Saturday, June 7) at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #CottoMartinez

BROOKLYN (June 6, 2014) – The “Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov, the reigning WBO junior welterweight champion, will kick off Fight Week for his title defense at Barclays Center with a fan appearance, This Sunday! June 8, at the Nets Shop by Adidas at Coney Island located at 3015 Stillwell Ave. between Surf Ave. and the Boardwalk, across the street from the original Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog stand and next to the historic Wonder Wheel. Provdnikov will be meeting and greeting his fans from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M.

Provodnikov defends his world title against undefeated scholar-brawler CHRIS ALGIERI of Long Island,Saturday, June 14, at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®,beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted by Banner Promotions and Top Rank®, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, remaining tickets to the Provodnikov-Algieri world championship event, priced at $31, $56, $86, $106 and $206, can be purchased online via Ticketmaster by visiting www.barclayscenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group tickets are also available by calling 855-GROUP-BK. For information on individual suites, please call 718-BK-SUITE.

About the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets, presented by SW24 Security, were officially launched in April 2012 and play their home games at Barclays Center located at the crossroads of Brooklyn, Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues. A member of the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, the Nets advanced to the NBA Playoffs in 2013 and 2014.

Prior to its relocation to Brooklyn, the team was called the New Jersey Nets. Starting in 1977, the Nets played their first four seasons in New Jersey at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, before moving in 1981 to Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford (later renamed Continental Airlines Arena and IZOD Center). They remained in East Rutherford for 29 seasons until relocating to the Prudential Center in Newark in 2010. The Nets have reached the postseason 19 times, won four Atlantic Division titles and two Eastern Conference Championships, reaching the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. Prior to joining the NBA, the team was a member of the ABA and was called the New York Nets. Playing their home games at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, the Nets won two ABA championships in
.

HBO BOXING PRESENTS: “2 Days: Ruslan Provodnikov”
All times are ET/PT.

HBO replay times include: June , 12 (1:30 p.m.) and 14 (11:30 a.m.).

HBO2 replay times include: June 8, (2:30 p.m.), 10 (10:00 a.m.) and 13 (4:50 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.).

For fight updates go to www.banner-promotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/banner-promotions or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/bannerboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.

LAS VEGAS (June 6, 2014) – Just last week, World Series of Fighting made headlines when promotion officials announced a major partnership renewal with NBC that will see the organization air live events on the major network twice this year – and many more times in years to follow. The promotion’s inaugural NBC-broadcast event, “World Series of Fighting 11: Gaethje vs. Newell” now takes place July 5 at Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla.

World Series of Fighting 11 is headlined by a lightweight championship bout with the exciting Justin Gaethje (11-0) putting his belt on the line against the extremely tough and talented “Notorious” Nick Newell (11-0). Also on the card, a highly anticipated welterweight rubber match takes place as we see Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Jon Fitch (25-6-1, 1 NC) take on Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman (27-10). Both Fitch and Burkman boast a win over each other, so this bout is for bragging rights.

Additionally, newly signed lightweight Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (31-13-2) debuts against Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (18-7-1) and Cody “Bam Bam” Bollinger (15-2, 1 NC) faces a dangerous 14-year veteran in Pablo Alfonso (9-5) in an intriguing bantamweight contest.

Tickets for the event start at just $39 and go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, June 7 at Ticketmaster.com or WSOF.com. Doors at the Ocean Center will open to fans at 1 p.m. ET local time, with an NBCSports.com-streamed undercard beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The live, NBC-broadcast four-fight main card begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

On the holiday weekend where we celebrate America’s independence, World Series of Fighting is continuing its tradition of celebrating the men and women who make it all possible. All military members with a valid military I.D. receive two free tickets at the box office the morning of the event, while tickets last.

“We’ve been talking about it for some time now, and we’re thrilled to see all of the pieces falling perfectly into place for our first show on NBC,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. “With World Series of Fighting 11 taking place over the holiday weekend in Daytona, the world’s most famous beach, we are anticipating fireworks from the Fourth to continue in the cage. I know that it will be another great night of fights for all of our fans.”

Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is a member of Colorado’s Grudge Training Center and has already earned World Series of Fighting wins over Rich Patishnock, Dan Lauzon, Brian Cobb and Gesias Cavalcante. Fighting professionally since 2011, the 25-year-old is undefeated in his first 11 career fights, and 10 of those have ended via stoppage, including nine by knockout.

“Notorious” Nick Newell will be challenging Gaethje for his lightweight championship when the cage doors close. The inspirational Newell, who shares an identical record (11-0) with his opponent, last defeated Sabah Fadai at World Series of Fighting 7. It was his second submission victory in as many fights under the World Series of Fighting banner, having previously dispatched of Keon Caldwell at World Series of Fighting 4 with a modified guillotine choke that earned him a top play on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

When Jon Fitch (25-6-1, 1 NC) and Josh Burkman (27-10) met for the second time in their careers at World Series of Fighting 3 event Las Vegas, Burkman was determined to return the favor from when Fitch submitted him with a rear-naked choke seven years earlier. Despite being the underdog going into the fight, Burkman succeeded in a victory that earned him a “Submission of the Year” nomination at the World MMA Awards. Both fighters have earned victories since World Series of Fighting 3, with Burkman scoring an impressive first-round knockout over Tyler Stinson on March 9 and Fitch beating Marcelo Alfaya at World Series of Fighting 6.

Melvin Guillard is well-known as one of the most explosive and dangerous knockout artists in all of combat sports. Fighting professionally since he was just a teenager, Guillard is one of the most athletically gifted strikers in the sport today and is capable of ending any fight in a single punch. Meanwhile, Gesias Cavalcante is a well-respected veteran of the sport who has fought previously for Strikeforce and DREAM and now competes for the fourth time under the World Series of Fighting banner. The 31-year-old Brazilian is 2-1 with the promotion with stoppage victories over T.J. O’Brien and Tyson Griffin, and his only loss in that span came due to a cut against current champ Gaethje.

Bollinger made his promotional debut at World Series of Fighting 8 in January and took a unanimous decision against Tyson Nam, giving him back-to-back wins. Alfonso brings a three-fight winning streak to the bout, including a first-round submission of former WEC champ Miguel Torres at World Series of Fighting 6 this past October.

# # #

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide 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.

David Price (17-2, 15 KOs) and Yaroslav Zavorotnyi (16-6, 14 KOs) weighed in today ahead of their heavyweight clash at the Sport and Congress Center in Schwerin, Germany on Saturday night.

Price weighed in at 114.5 kg, while his opponent Zavorotny tipped the scales at 111.8 kg.

Said Price: ‘’I feel in great shape. I am ready for Saturday night. Zavorotnyi is a tough guy and I will treat him with the same respect I do every opponent. This is yet another step forward in my rebuilding process. I look forward to completing my European adventure in style!’’

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a stacked live Cage Warriors Fighting Championship doubleheader from The Forum in London, U.K. this Saturday, June 7, with the first Cage Warriors 69: Super Saturday main card kicking off at 1 p.m. ET.

Showcasing a pair of main cards headlined by championship fights, Fight Network’s live doubleheader will be aired nationwide in Canada, as well as internationally as part of Fight Network’s expansion on ZON in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, D-Smart in Turkey, ZAP in Angola and Mozambique, and OSN across the Middle East and North Africa.

The first bill at 1 p.m. ET is topped by a vacant middleweight championship showdown between Jack Hermansson (7-2) and Norman Paraisy (14-3-2). In the co-main event, female UFC bantamweight veteran Rosi Sexton (13-4) returns to Cage Warriors to face undefeated Polish standout Joanna Jedrzejczyk (5-0). In other notable bouts, Australian lightweight Damien Brown (10-6) meets undefeated Brit Tim Wilde (4-0), while unbeaten British featherweight Arnold Allen (7-0) takes on Poland’s Marcin Wrzosek (7-2).

Headlining the second main card at 4 p.m. ET, Stevie Ray (14-5) battles Curt Warburton (13-4) for the vacant Cage Warriors lightweight title. The line-up also includes Jack Marshman (14-5) vs. Bola Omoyele (7-2), plus Australian “Ultimate Fighter Nations” veteran Ben Alloway (13-5) vs. Mohsen Bahari (7-1) and Norwegian UFC veteran Simeon Thoresen (17-4) vs. Jake Bostwick (14-8).

The full Cage Warriors 69: Super Saturday fight cards are below:

Main Card (1 p.m. ET):
-Jack Hermansson vs. Norman Paraisy – vacant middleweight title
-Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rosi Sexton
-Damien Brown vs. Tim Wilde
-Arnold Allen vs. Marcin Wrzosek
-Suleiman Bouhata vs. Graham Turner
-Jason Cooledge vs. Brad Wheeler

Main Card (4 p.m. ET):
– Stevie Ray vs. Curt Warburton – vacant lightweight title
-Jack Marshman vs. Bola Omoyele
-Ben Alloway vs. Mohsen Bahari
-Jake Bostwick vs. Simeon Thoresen
-Bruno “B.C.” Carvalho vs. Jack Mason
-Martin Delaney vs. Damir Hadzovic

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

For More Information Contact:

Fight Network
Chad Midgley
VP Programming & Production
chad@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

Fight Network
Ariel Shnerer
Programming & Communications Manager
ariel@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

About Fight Network:

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on all major carriers in Canada, select countries in Europe, across the Middle East and North Africa on OSN, on select U.S. carriers including a programming block on Pursuit Channel (www.pursuitchannel.com), and on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling,” and its programming on Sirius XM Channel 167, as well as its recent acquisition of My Combat Channel. Fight Network’s parent company Anthem Media Group Inc. also owns a significant interest in the Pursuit Channel and launched Fantasy Sports Network (FNTSY) across North America in March 2014.

LAS VEGAS — June 6, 2014 — Standout Welterweight Zsolt Darayni has inked a deal with Professional Boxing Manager Cameron Dunkin and Top Rank Boxing ahead of his professional debut. The signing comes on the heels of Daranyi’s win at the Istvan Bocskai Memorial Tournament earlier this year. Daranyi beat a former 2012 Italian Olympian and world class fighters from Russia and Romania to win the international title. Widely considered to be the best amateur boxer in both Canada and Hungary, Daranyi’s amateur accolades include winning four National titles in Canada and two in Hungary, as well as becoming the Ringside World Champion in 2011.

Daranyi has been boxing as long as he can remember. He began his study of the sweet science with his father at the age of three in his native Hungary. After moving to Canada as a young child, and watching his idols, Roy Jones, Jr. and Lennox Lewis fight on television, he convinced his parents to take him to Sully’s Boxing Gym in Toronto, where he began training to compete. Daranyi had his first amateur bout at the age of ten, and had six more before meeting 1992 Olympic Bronze Medalist Chris Johnson. Johnson would become Daranyi’s coach and remains his head trainer to this day. He currently trains at Kim Gym in Mississauga.

Despite his success in amateur competition, Daranyi made the decision to become a professional after AIBA rule changes mandated that amateurs fight without headgear. Not wanting to risk injury, or shorten the length of his career, and knowing that trainer Chris Johnson had been preparing him to fight in a professional style over the prior four years, he made the decision to join the professional ranks. “I knew from the age of fifteen that I wanted to be a professional fighter,” said Daranyi. “The sport is in my blood. It is in my nature. I know this is what I’m meant to be doing.”

“It’s an honor to sign with Cameron Dunkin and Top Rank,” said Darayni of the signing. “Cameron is the best manager in the world. I get along very well with him. I know he’s a good person. Top Rank is the best promoter in the world. I really believe I have all the right people around me.”

Daranyi’s faith also plays a prominent role in his life and career. “I have always believed in and prayed to God. Eight months ago, my family and I became newborn Christians. In my first fight after becoming a Christian, at the Istvan Bocskai Memorial Tournament, I felt stronger with Jesus Christ by my side. I have always believed in myself, but with Jesus by my side, I feel unstoppable. He has great plans for me, and I believe I’m going to help a lot of people, so I’m very excited.”

For his part, Cameron Dunkin is happy to see the signing come to fruition after three years of watching Daranyi grow as a fighter. “I’m very excited about Zsolt turning pro. His trainer Chris Johnson contacted me three years ago, and I’ve been watching him since that time. I have all the respect in the world for Chris, not only as a trainer, but as a man. I’m really excited because of Zsolt’s love for Jesus Christ. He is so level-headed and has his life in order. I look for really big things from him.”

On Daranyi signing with Top Rank, Dunkin said, “I think Top Rank is perfect for him. I signed another young man from Canada a few years ago with Top Rank, Mikael Zewski who is now 23-0 and they have done a great job with him. I’m really looking forward to Top Rank doing big things in Canada with both of these young men.”

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Daranyi now lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with his father, Zsolt Sr., his mother Magdi and younger sister Sabrina, 10. Daranyi also has two older siblings not living at home. Brother Tibor is 28 years old, and sister Gina is 20. Daranyi is fluent in English and Hungarian, and enjoys spending time with family.

EDMONTON (June 6, 2014) – World Series of Fighting announced today that they have signed Canada’s top heavyweight mixed martial artist, Smealinho “The Prince” Rama. A fighter of Albanian and Greek descent, Rama now resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, “The Prince” is less than two weeks removed from a knockout victory over Tim Hague. Just prior to that, he garnered a lot of attention for his victory over then-undefeated and highly touted Olympic wrestler, Steve Mocco. Rama walked into that fight a heavy underdog against the D-1 wrestling champion, but quickly showed that he was up to the task and used his striking and cardio to take the fight to Mocco, walking away with an impressive unanimous decision victory.

“I’ve been very impressed watching Rama’s career develop,” said WSOF Canada Executive Darren Owen. “He gets better every fight and he’s always looking to finish whether he is looking for the knockout or on his feet or a submission on the ground. I know that he wants to fight the best WSOF has to offer and soon he’ll be doing just that. At only 22 years old, he’s got a bright future ahead of him, and I’m looking forward to watching him fight under our banner.”

Rama said of the signing: “I’m very excited to sign with the World Series of Fighting. They are the biggest promotion in Canada and one of the best in the World. I want to fight for the WSOF Canada title and then the WSOF World title. I want to fight the best guys in the world and I know with WSOF I’ll get the opportunity to show what I’m capable of.”

The next installment of WSOF takes place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada June 7th with “World Series of Fighting Canada 2: Loiseau vs. Lewis.” Tickets start at $50 and are available at Ticketmaster.ca.

About WSOF Canada

World Series of Fighting Canada is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups with the top Canadian fighters. For more information please visit WSOFCanada.com. Follow World Series of Fighting Canada on Twitter @WSOFCanada.

LONDON (June 6) – British middleweight Martin Murray says he has unfinished business with WBC champion Sergio Martinez as he eyes a rematch with the sensational Argentine.

The balletic Buenos Aires banger takes on Puerto Rican legend Miguel Cotto this Saturday night in a megafight at New York’s historic Madison Square Garden, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

And, 31-year-old Murray, who ran the slick southpaw Martinez very close last year, losing somewhat contentiously on points in front of a hostile Argentine crowd, believes ‘Maravilla’ will prove too big for Cotto, who is moving up from light-middleweight.

“I think Martinez is going to win. I’ve seen them at the press conference beside each other and Martinez looks a lot bigger. I don’t know if it was the camera angle or what but Martinez just seemed a lot bigger to me,” Murray told BoxNation.

“When I fought Martinez there was a size difference between me and him, so he’s not really the biggest, but I just don’t think Cotto is big enough for middleweight. Martinez is fast and he punches hard and I think he’s going to outwork Cotto.

“I know Cotto himself will be bringing up a lot of qualities but I feel that Martinez is going to beat him,” he said.

However, the St Helens pugilist doesn’t believe that Martinez is unbeatable, and with respected trainer Freddie Roach now in Cotto’s camp he will have a man in his corner who may be able to execute the perfect strategy for the fight.

“Anyone who gets their tactics or gameplan right will beat Martinez. If you make him fall short with his punches everytime he comes in, and don’t stand and be a target for him – those are the right tactics for him,” Murray said.

“That’s the tactics I used, and no doubt Freddie Roach would have been watching his last fight which was against me and working on those types of tactics because he’s a great trainer.

“So having Freddie Roach will be a big advantage for Cotto. However, tactics aside I just think Martinez will come out victorious on the night,” he said.

Murray is currently preparing for his next outing on June 21st when he faces Ukrainian Max Bursak in Monaco, another fight you can see live on BoxNation.

The bout will be for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title, which could set up a fight with the victor of Martinez and Cotto, something which excites Murray.

“I’ve got to get past my next fight, so obviously I don’t want to look too far ahead. In an ideal world I win my fight, put in a good performance, and that pushes me forward to a fight with the winner of those two, which I would take all day long. My next fight is for the WBC Silver title so maybe that might help. I just leave it to my team but hopefully we can get the winner,” he said.

There is no doubt in Murray’s mind who he would prefer to fight, with the steely middleweight keen to put right the blemishes on his record 29-1-1 record.

“I would fight Cotto and would love to share the ring with him, but I’ve got unfinished business with Martinez. There are two blemishes on my record that I want to put right – Sturm and Martinez,” he said

“I would love a rematch with Martinez, but loving it and getting it are two totally different things. I’m not to sure I would get it but I would like the chance to right the wrongs on my record. I want the rematch with Martinez and hopefully we can get it made,” said Murray.

Martinez vs. Cotto is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

And to celebrate a super stacked summer schedule, this week BoxNation are waiving the £8 registration fee for all Sky subscribers. Just use offer code ‘HEAVYWEIGHT2’* when subscribing at www.boxnation.com to make sure you don’t miss out.

-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

*Free Registration Offer: Free registration for subscribers joining with offer code: HEAVYWEIGHT2 online. Offer is valid until midnight on Sunday 8th June and available to Sky TV customers only. Terms and conditions apply.

Star Boxing’s middleweight contender, ‘Comanche Boy’ George Tahdooahnippah steps back in the ring as the boxing main event today, June 6, 2014 in Xtreme Fight 19 at the Grand Casino Hotel Resort in Shawnee, OK. Xtreme Fight Night combines world class boxing, MMA, and championship kickboxing on the same night. Tahdooahnippah and Codale Ford both weighed in at the Grand Event Center in the Grand Casino Hotel Resort, Shawnee, OK. The bout will be contested at 168lbs Super Middleweight limit.

“This is my first fight at 168lbs in a few years and I feel great. I feel strong and confident as always. I will take care of business and win. I never take anyone lightly, but I will pick him a part, then put him down. I am ready for war,” said Tahdooahnippah.

WATCH THE NEW “Comanche Boy Motivation” video on YouTube!!!
CLICK HERE:

Comanche Boy and his team ready for war at the Grand Casino Hotel Resort

Tickets are $35, $55, $65 and ringside tables for $600. Tickets can be purchased at the Grand Event Center box office in the Grand Casino Hotel Resort, in Shawnee, OK, www.grandboxoffice.com, or by calling (405) 964-7263

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow them on twitter.com/starboxing and Facebook.com/starboxing

Hall of Fame boxer Aaron Pryor will be Teddy Atlas’ sparring partner in this week’s “Fight Plan” segment which will air tonight during ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/WatchESPN.

The “Fight Plan” — during which Atlas illustrates what Friday Night Fights headliners need to do to win — was taped yesterday afternoon at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y. Details on tonight’s edition of Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., can be found on ESPN MediaZone.

This weekend the IBHOF will hold its annual induction ceremony. This year’s inductees include two-division champion “The Pride of Wales” Joe Calzaghe, six-division champion “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and three-division champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad. For a complete list of this year’s inductees, please visit the IBHOF’s website.

LAS VEGAS (June 6, 2014) – Three of boxing’s hottest prospects will be featured at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. on Friday, June 27, as ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® presents an exciting tripleheader that will help prove whether these young stars are ready for prime time.

In the main event, Maryland’s Dominic Wade battles New York’s Nick Brinson in a clash of middleweights. Plus, two 2012 U.S. Olympians attempt to remain unbeaten as welterweight southpaw Errol Spence Jr. meets Pennsylvania’s Ronald Cruz and light heavyweight “Sir” Marcus Browne squares off with veteran Yusaf Mack. All three bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds.

Heading out west to the Fight Capital of the World for the first time as a professional, 24-year-old Largo, Md.’s Dominic Wade (15-0, 11 KOs) has had numerous dominant performances on the East Coast, thrilling many fans along the way. Coming off a second-round technical knockout over Marcus Upshaw in April, Wade is more than ready for his headlining spot on SHOWTIME.

Albany, N.Y.’s Nick Brinson (16-1-2, 6 KOs) is a veteran of nearly six years, and with a 9-0-1 record in his last 10 fights, the 26-year-old is approaching the biggest bout of his career at precisely the right time. A New York State and WBC International Silver Champion who owns a 2013 win over Jorge Melendez, Brinson believes that he has the tools to pin the first loss on Wade’s perfect record.

A stellar amateur who represented the United States in the 2012 Olympics, Errol Spence Jr. (12-0, 10 KOs) appears to be on his way to even more success as a professional, as the powerful southpaw from Desoto, Texas has finished seven of his 12 wins in the first round. Included on this list are respected foes like Brandon Hoskins and Raymond Charles, but the 24-year-old has also shown the ability to go the distance, evidenced by his eight-round unanimous decision win over 15-0-1 Emmanuel Lartey.

Born in Manati, Puerto Rico and now fighting out of Bethlehem, Pa., the popular Ronald Cruz (20-3, 15 KOs) has built quite a following with his hard-nosed style in the ring. A former WBC Continental Americas champion who has defeated Prenice Brewer, Jeremy Bryan and Hector Munoz, the 27-year-old is coming off of a tough decision loss to former world champion Kermit Cintron this past March, but his effort in defeat gained him even more credibility.

The fighting pride of Staten Island, N.Y., 2012 United States Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (10-0, 7 KOs) has soared up the light heavyweight ladder since his professional debut in 2012, and after wins over veteran competitors like Kevin Engel and Otis Griffin, the talented 23-year-old is ready for a step up against the well-regarded Yusaf Mack on June 27.

A proud member of Philadelphia’s fighting fraternity, 34-year-old Yusaf Mack (31-7-2, 17 KOs) still has the fire to battle the best and he expects to give Browne a rude welcome to big-time boxing. Hoping to snap a three-fight losing streak, the former USBA, NABF and NABA champion knows that a win will put him back on the right track for a world title.

Wade vs. Brinson is a 10-round middleweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 2 p.m. PT on fight night with the first bell sounding at 2:30 p.m. PT and the first televised bout starting at 6:30 p.m. PT. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), immediately following the premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Lara.

Tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now at The Joint Box Office, online at AXS.com or by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.hardrockhotel.com, follow on Twitter at @ErrolSpenceJr., @Marcus_Browne, @hardrockhotellv and @SHOSports follow the conversation using #SpenceCruz and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxi

INDIO, Calif. (June 5, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions, Francisco Santana, who weighed-in at 148.2 pounds, gears up for his upcoming fight against Eddie Gomez, who measured up at 149 pounds. The 10-round co-main event showdown will air tomorrow/Friday, June 6 from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., on ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

“I’m confident in my skills, and want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw for supporting me when nobody else believed in me. In my last fight I scored a 3rd knockout against Jorge Pimentel, so I feel my punches are very powerful at this point in my career.”

“I’ve been in there with the tougher guys. My three losses were against some of the top guys in their division. Karim Mayfield wasn’t undefeated, but he was one of the top contenders. Jermell Charlo, I don’t take anything away from him, he’s right there close to winning a world title. I can say that I’ve been matched tough, I’ve been tested and I know what to expect and how to overcome that.

“He doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. We’re both two fighters with two hands and all it takes is one punch to win the fight.

“I’m just excited to do what I’ve been put here to do, and that’s to win a world title. This is my journey, it hasn’t always been easy, but a win on Friday will put me one step closer.

“Whether he is tested or untested, right now my will and my determination to keep climbing to the top is above and beyond. I think I’m in a good spot. Obviously he’s a pretty young kid and I’m sure he’s thinking he’s just going to out-power me, but I’m going to prove him wrong tomorrow night.

“On paper I don’t have more power, but I know I can pack a punch. I’ve faced the bigger guys, junior middleweights and middleweights, so I know that I can end the fight with one punch.”

He collects exotic pets, dyes his hair outlandish colours and brings a ferocity to the ring starkly at odds with his boy-next-door persona.

Hekkie Budler might fight in boxing’s lightest weight division – he is the WBA and IBO strawweight division – but he ranks among South Africa’s biggest boxing heroes and crossover stars.

In a country where racial divisions still exist, Budler is popular among both black and white fans, who adore him for his buzzsaw style and the excitement he generates.
In a fortnight, on June 21, he will reveal himself to a European audience when he fights Pigmy Kokietgym on the “KO at the Casino” tournament in Monte Carlo.
Martin Murray tops the card against Max Bursak for the WBC’s Silver middleweight belt.

Although Budler (25-1, 8 KOs) has held the IBO belt since 2011, he only shot to real prominence last year when he outboxed countryman Nkosinathi Joyi, a former IBF champion. Joyi, who once enjoyed recognition as the division’s top man, was dominated by a man who used to idolise him.

Two subsequent fights produced two stoppage wins and also the interim WBA belt (later elevated to full championship standard). Perhaps more importantly, the 26-year-old is many experts’ pick as the number one fighter in the division.

Although he has fought overseas previously, in the US and Canada, this will be his first foray into Europe. His buildup has been outstanding – “I’m going brilliant and am fit already” – and he is looking forward to fighting Kokietgym (52-6-2, 22 KOs), the Thai veteran on a run of 10 straight wins.

“I’ve watched him fight on YouTube. He’s very strong, very capable and tough,” says Budler. “He’s a come-forward fighter and a good body puncher. I’m convinced I will beat him though. I have to with so much out there.”

Indeed, Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman is negotiating with IBF champion Katsunari Takayama for a potential unification bout in October, provided Budler is successful later this month.

Budler will potentially have more than just the Japanese to focus his mind in late 2014. He is getting married in November and is preparing for an altogether different ring.
Fortunately his fiancée, Roxy, is used to his passion for exotic pets. He owns two one-metre-long iguanas, but had to get rid of his python, which kept biting him.

“The damage to my hands was too hectic and my trainer didn’t approve.”

Budler’s lone career defeat came against fellow South African Gideon Buthelezi, who dominated him on points in 2011. Budler hints at “other issues” playing a role in the setback, but he does concede that he had the wrong gameplan and failed to listen to his corner.

“I learned my lesson. I was undefeated and was getting cocky. The loss made me work harder and made me improve my defence. I’m always learning and wanting to learn more. Every day I learn something new.”

A decorated amateur who earned his national Springbok colours, his early heroes were Baby Jake Matlala and Oscar De La Hoya. More latterly it was Joyi, Budler telling his friends: “I wish I could be like him.”

Having since done that and more, his ambitions are no less lofty. “I want to be considered one of the best boxers to ever come out of South Africa.”

Monte Carlo on June 21 is another step towards fulfilling that goal.

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

NEW YORK (June 6, 2014) – One day before three-division world champion and the Pride of Puerto Rico MIGUEL COTTO challenges World Boxing Council (WBC)/The Ring middleweight champion and Argentina’s favorite son SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTÍNEZ, opinions are flying on who will emerge victorious. Below, please find some select celebrity predictions. Cotto vs. Martínez will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, Saturday, June 7, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, from the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden.

“Both are excellent fighters. And most have Martinez winning this match. And no disrespect to Sergio – who I love, but are you kidding me? How can I not root for my fellow Boricua?! I’d be run outta town! Win, lose or draw, Miguel Cotto!”
– Rosie Perez

“I’ve met both of these incredible fighters with such a wonderful demeanor outside the ring and the question is who has the most boxing ingredients left at this point in their career? Sergio always will have that power which never leaves a boxer even past his prime and Cotto will always have that knowledge to break down an opponent during the fight. A slight edge to Cotto but don’t bet the house. Good luck to two great fighters and decent men!”
– Sugar Ray Leonard

“I am a big Cotto fan. I think he’s out-matched in this fight. He’s the smaller guy plus his hand speed isn’t faster. I’d love for Cotto to beat this guy but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
– Brandon Jacobs

“Sergio by close decision. He must use his smarts or Cotto will take it.”
– Micky Ward

“Martinez will take it. He’s bigger, stronger, and more physical.”
– Reggie Miller

“This will be a defining moment for Cotto. If he gives his absolute best and uses everything he has learned from his experience in boxing he will give a great account of himself. I would like to see him do well because he has gotten some bad breaks in his career. He is going to have to cut Martinez off in the ring because is a great mover. He’s like a tango mover when he boxes. My personal opinion I think this is going to be one of the greatest fights of the year. I am looking forward to taking my wife on a great date night to celebrate our fifth anniversary.” ?
– Mike Tyson

“It is an interesting fight for the boxing world and also for Team Cotto. Cotto should win by decision.”
– Felix Trinidad

Promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, Top Rank®, DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Maravilla Box, PS4, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, the Cotto vs. Martínez World Middleweight Championship event will take Saturday, June 7, at the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET /
6:00 p.m. PT.

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Cotto (38-4, 31 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, who has sold more tickets to The Garden than any other fighter in this millennium, will attempt to become Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion while Martínez (51-2-2, 28 KOs), of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has never lost a world championship fight, defends the title he first won in 2010. Both gladiators boast a combined record of 89-6-2 (59 KOs) – a winning percentage of 92% and a victory by knockout ratio of 66%.

HBO will present both episodes of “24/7 Cotto/Martínez” back-to-back Friday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday June 7 at 11:30 a.m. All times are ET/PT.

Face Off: Cotto/Martínez HBO Replay Schedule (All times ET/PT):
June 6 (8:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.) and 7 (10:30 a.m.)

Remaining tickets to the Cotto vs. Martínez world middleweight championship event, priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.dbe1.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.maravillabox.com, Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/DiBellaentertainment, facebook.com/TopRankMiguelCotto, facebook.com/maravillabox and facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/hboboxing, twitter.com/realmiguelcotto or twitter.com/maravillabox. Use the Hashtag #CottoMartinez to join the conversation on Twitter.

On Friday, July 25, 2014, Leon Margules (Warriors Boxing), Dominic Pesoli (8 Count Productions), Tony Grygelko (Seconds Out Promotions) and Julio Marines (Marines Promotions) proudly present “Conquerors”, an ESPN Friday Night Fights tripleheader, to be broadcast worldwide, live, 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.

As always, a huge contingent of “Domers” are expected to be on hand to support their “Fighting Irish.”

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.

34-year-old Roberto Garcia was last seen winning his second consecutive Friday Night Fights main event on May 1 in Miami by way of impressive TKO 6 against former top contender Victor Cayo. Since rededicating himself to boxing last year, Garcia has been on an eye-opening tear. Despite taking the fight on very short notice, he took a 10-round decision over always tough Norberto Gonzalez in February.

31-year-old Breidis Prescott has spent the last seven years as a top professional, earning a reputation for fight-ending power. Best known for his KO 1 over international superstar and British Olympian Amir Khan, Prescott also holds a victory over current WBA champion Richard Abril and waged an unforgettable war with PPV fighter Mike Alvarado.

30-year-old Truax was on a roll in 2013, but stuttered in January by fighting to a draw with fringe contender Ossie Duran in a Friday Night Fights co-main event. Before that, Truax had put away two local rivals (UD 10 over Matt Vanda and TKO 4 over Ceresso Fort) and scored a nationally televised TKO 6 over former contender Donovan George. The victory over Fort garnered him the USBA and Minnesota State Championships. Truax’s only career loss was to world champion Jermain Taylor and Truax had Taylor down in round nine.

25-year-old Rogelio Medina has been a solid contender since turning pro in 2007 in his native Mexico. Medina earned a return engagement to Friday Night Fights on the strength of his performance against top-level contender Jonathan Gonzalez on May 1. Showing heart, power, determination and toughness, Medina went life and death in a scintillating war with Gonzalez. He lost the decision but won a legion of new fans with his grit.

26-year-old Lee, a Wheaton, Illinois, native, graduated at the top of his class, earning a degree in Finance in 2009 from the University of Notre Dame. It was at Notre Dame where Lee first stepped into a boxing ring. A three-time Notre Dame boxing champion, Lee won the Chicago Golden Gloves in 2009. As a professional, the immensely popular Lee has fought on the undercards of some of boxing’s biggest events. This will be Lee’s second fight in his hometown. He turned professional at the very same UIC Pavilion in 2010.

“I’m happy to be heading back to Chicago with another fantastic show,” said Leon Margules. “This tripleheader will be the show of the summer in a city becoming known for its resurgence of professional boxing. Both main events are sensational action fights and with Mike Lee coming home, it’ll be an unforgettable event for the fans in Chicago who have been so good to us.”

“I’m very excited to once again be working with our good friends from 8 Count, Seconds Out and Marines Promotions,” said Luis DeCubas. “I’ve said this before: the UIC Pavilion is the best venue for boxing in the Midwest and one of the best in this country.”

“I’m especially proud to host another world-class event here at home in Chicago,” said Dominic Pesoli. “Three top-notch, televised fights showcase our great city to fans across the world. Add in an undercard full of promising local prospects and we have another great evening of excitement for our fans.”

On fight night, doors will open at 6:00 pm CT with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago.

The night’s undercard, packed with local favorites, will be announced shortly.

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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.

LONDON (June 5) – Trainer Freddie Roach has claimed Sergio Martinez ‘has nothing left’ as the Argentine defends his middleweight world title against Miguel Cotto this weekend.

Hall of Fame trainer Roach and WBC champion Martinez have been involved in a heated exchange, with the pair refusing to hold their tongues ahead of this Saturday night’s megafight at Madison Square Garden, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Hostilities between both camps were heightened earlier this week when it was claimed Team Cotto were against the 39-year-old Martinez wearing a knee brace in their bout, stating that it could be hazardous to the Puerto Rican star.

However, the New York State Athletic Commission ruled in favour of the Argentine Martinez, who will now be allowed to wear the supportive sleeve on the right knee which he injured during his bout with Britain’s Martin Murray last year.

“There are no issues with the sheath I will be using for my knee on fight night,” said Martinez. “Once the commission saw what it actually was I was using, they were completely okay with it. It was very hard for me to come back from this [the knee and shoulder injury], but I have an excellent team behind me, and more than that I have my ego and that is what drove me to get back to where I was before the injuries occurred. I don’t know who brought up the issue about the sheath I am wearing on my knee. Whether it was the commission or Cotto’s team directly I am not sure,” he said.

“The only one who will pay for it though is Miguel Cotto on June 7th. I feel great, and you will see that come Saturday night. I am totally 100% healthy. My doctor told me that I only need to wear it as a precaution, so I am following my doctor’s orders,” Martinez added.

Cotto’s trainer, Roach – who teamed up with the 33-year-old last year – has been vocal during fight week, questioning Martinez’s chin and claiming that he is shot as a fighter.

“Sergio is in over his head on this one. We worked on fighting southpaws and have it down to a science now. Miguel will have no trouble with Sergio’s style. Working opposite Miguel with Manny Pacquiao gave me great insight to Miguel’s flaws,” said Roach.

“It taught me his weaknesses and during this camp I was able to eliminate them. The wear and tear of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr fight ruined Martinez. He has nothing left. Miguel is the fresher fighter,” he said.

Despite having only been with Cotto for one fight – his impressive third round stoppage of Delvin Rodriguez last October – the respected Roach believes they have the perfect gameplan to overcome Martinez.

“Winning this fight will be about ring generalship. Miguel must keep himself in a good position and control the ring. This is what we have worked on for nine weeks in training camp. Miguel never knew how to do this before we began working on it,” he said.

“Miguel will have to cut the ring off, stay off the ropes and stay out of the corners. He now knows how to do it. He is a great student and one of the most disciplined fighters I have ever trained,” claimed Roach.

This will be the second time that a Roach fighter goes up against Martinez, with Chavez Jr the first, with the Mexican losing conclusively on points despite dramatically knocking down ‘Maravilla’ in the final round.

The slick, unorthodox Martinez, is now looking to get one over on Roach again, riled by all the talk that has preceded the clash with Cotto.

“Regardless of what Freddie Roach says, Cotto will get beat up on Saturday night. Freddie Roach is a joker and a big talker. He was saying how a cyclist cannot beat a world champion, and look at what happened with Chavez,” said Martinez, in reference to a past claim by Roach about his cycling background.

“He says Chavez only trained for 5 days for that fight, but that is not my fault, it is both Chavez and his team’s fault. Freddie is a good trainer and a good business man, he knows how to sell a fight,” Martinez said.

Martinez vs. Cotto is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

And to celebrate a super stacked summer schedule, this week BoxNation are waiving the £8 registration fee for all Sky subscribers. Just use offer code ‘HEAVYWEIGHT2’* when subscribing at www.boxnation.com to make sure you don’t miss out.

etoria, South Africa: Real Steel Promotions’ Electric Storm Tournament scheduled to take place tomorrow Pretoria, South Africa has been postponed. Cruiserweight Thabiso Mchunu was scheduled to participate in a ten-round undercard bout against Brazilian Julio Cesar Dos Santos, which has been postponed along with the rest of the show. According to a notice posted on Real Steel’s website the show was postponed “[d]ue to logistical reasons and circumstances beyond our control.”

http://www.realsteelpromotions.co.za/

According to Thabiso’s co-promoter Damian Michael of Show Pony Promotions, “It is not an ideal situation when something like this happens at the last minute but unfortunately that is the nature of the boxing business in a third world country. Now we are going to focus on returning to the United States to fight and winning a world title.”

“We are so sorry to hear that this event will not take place as planned. I cannot imagine how upset Thabiso and Damian must be.” said Kathy Duva of Main Events, Mchunu’s co-promoter. “We are working with Damian to find another fight for Thabiso and will continue with our plans to bring Mchunu back to the US later this year.”