LAS VEGAS (Feb. 11, 2014) – The five-fight, NBCSN-televised main card for World Series of Fighting 9 is now complete with the addition of three new contests, including welterweights Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman (26-10) vs. Tyler “The Evolution” Stinson (27-9), lightweights Ozzy Dugulubgov (5-1) vs. Johnny Nunez (4-0) and featherweights Mike Corey (12-3-1) vs. Shane Kruchten (11-2).

The three new bouts join a pair of previously announced championship matchups at “World Series of Fighting 9: Carl vs. Palhares,” which takes place March 29 at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

“We were already excited for this card with our welterweight champion Steve Carl facing Rousimar Palhares and Marlon Moraes facing Josh Rettinghouse for our inaugural featherweight title,” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. “But now we’re adding a big welterweight fight with two fan favorites in Josh Burkman and Tyler Stinson, as well as two key bouts that could see some of our developing contenders make a big statement in the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

“This card should be absolutely fantastic.”

Tickets for World Series of Fighting 9, which start at just $39, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at The Joint box office or by phone at (800) 745-3000. The night’s featured fights air live on NBCSN at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT local time) following preliminary bouts that stream on World Series of Fighting’s official website, WSOF.com.

Burkman, of Salt Lake City, returns to the decagon following a failed October attempt to claim the World Series of Fighting’s inaugural welterweight belt. The loss put an end to Burkman’s impressive five-fight winning streak that included World Series of Fighting victories over MMA notables Jon Fitch, Aaron Simpson and Gerald Harris.

Meanwhile, Stinson, who’s based in Denver, made his World Series of Fighting debut in January, earning a hard-fought TKO win over Valdir Araujo. The 28-year-old Stinson now boasts four consecutive wins and makes his first main-card appearance for the promotion.

Dugulubgov, who trains with Renzo Gracie’s team in New York, seeks his third straight World Series of Fighting victory. After outpointing Chris Wade at World Series of Fighting 2, Dugulubgov scored an impressive submission victory over Andrew Osborne with a second-round Achilles lock at September’s World Series of Fighting 5 event and now owns a four-fighting winning streak.

Nunez, who’s based at Las Vegas’ Syndicate MMA, made his pro debut in 2012 and has gone unbeaten at 4-0 with three stoppages. The impressive prospect now makes his World Series of Fighting debut.

Corey, a Team Curran fighter based in Chicago, fights for the first time under the World Series of Fighting banner. Seven of his 12 career wins have come by way of stoppage, including six submissions. The 29-year-old looks to rebound from a disappointing April loss but was unbeaten in his seven prior appearances.

Kruchten, a San Diego-based fighter who trains at The Arena, lost the first two fights of his pro career. However, he has since rebounded with 11 straight wins, including nine victories by stoppage. He now makes his World Series of Fighting debut, as well.

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: Dating back to December 2011,Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) has demolished all seven opponents that he has faced by knockout in an average of less than four rounds per bout. On Saturday, March 29 he’ll be looking to continue the streak and score his 22nd KO when he returns to the ring for his 2014 debut to defend his WBO World Light Heavyweight Title against undefeated challenger Cedric Agnew (26-0-0, 13 KOs) live from the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.Kovalev vs. Agnew will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Darkbeginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Presented by Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City, tickets for the light heavyweight world title showdown are on sale now through TicketMaster online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or via phone (800) 736-1420. Fans can also contact Main Events for tickets at (973) 200-7050. Ticket prices are $26, $51, $77 and $152. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ET. Undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

“I am excited to be back on HBO and for my first fight at Boardwalk Hall,” said Kovalev. “I promise to put on an exciting show!”

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Photo credits to Scott Heavey

A confident Agnew said, “I think as of now he has not seen a person of my skill level.” He added, “At the end of the day you have to fight world champions to be a world champion and be considered the best. He’s a world champion. I am looking to be considered one of the best.”

Cedric Agnew

Main Events’ President and CEO Kathy Duva said, “We’re thrilled that we’re able to bring Sergey to Atlantic City where we have been so successful in the past. You can’t miss a second of a Kovalev fight. There’s so much tension in the ring. You’re almost guaranteed to see an incredible knock out!”

“In 2013, the Sergey Kovalev secret was unveiled,” said Peter Nelson, director of programming, HBO Sports. “Last year, Kovalev had breakout performances in two televised fights on HBO. Kovalev has demonstrated the knockout artistry and ring activity that earn fans’ respect. In his March 29 return, Kovalev will face undefeated Cedric Agnew in his HBO debut. The Chicago-native Agnew knows what an upset of Kovalev’s momentum could mean to his career. Mark your calendars.”

“Caesars Atlantic City’s commitment to sponsoring some of the top sporting events on the East Coast is no more evident than with this March 29th HBO bout set for historic Boardwalk Hall,” said Kevin Ortzman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars, Bally’s, and Showboat Atlantic City. “As a boxing fan, I’m particularly intrigued to watch Kovalev, live in the ring, and see if his winning streak continues.”

Kovalev, originally of Chelyabinsk, Russia now residing in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, is notorious for knocking his opponents out early. Of his twenty-one career knockouts, six occurred in the first round, nine occurred in the second round and four occurred in the third round so look for Kovalev to be aggressive early and take out his opponent. Kovalev’s knockouts-to-win ratio is an astounding 91%. His meteoric rise through the light heavyweight ranks began just one year ago with his third round TKO defeat over former world champion Gabriel Campillo on January 19, 2013 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. “Krusher” followed that win with his destruction of Cornelius White in another third round TKO win on June 14, 2013 to become the mandatory contender for the IBF title. Kovalev immediately proceeded to challenge for the WBO World Light Heavyweight Championship against Nathan Cleverly in Cleverly’s backyard of Cardiff, Wales on August 17, 2013. He made a splash in his HBO debut by winning the title by fourth round TKO. He continued his title reign on HBO when he knocked out slick boxer Ismayl Sillakh in the second round in Quebec City, Quebec on November 30, 2013.

Cedric Agnew, of Chicago, IL, is also undefeated in 26 professional bouts with 13 of those coming by knockout. Agnew has gone the distance in his last four starts so look for him to take the dangerous Kovalev into deep waters. Agnew holds the USBA Light Heavyweight Title which he earned on April 12, 2013 in his twelve round unanimous decision over light heavyweight gatekeeper Yusaf Mack. With all of his fights taking place in Texas and the Midwest, this will be Agnew’s first fight on the east coast and his HBO debut. Promoter Kathy Duva said, “I’m thrilled that Cedric Agnew stepped up to fight Sergey. For an undefeated young fighter to take a fight that it seems no one else wants, that really says a lot about him. I’m sure he’ll be prepared come fight night and Kovalev will have a tough challenge in front of him.”

Historic Boardwalk Hall has been home to many boxing superstars, including the late Arturo Gatti whom Main Events promoted throughout his entire career. The last nine fights of Gatti’s illustrious time in the ring all took place at Boardwalk Hall, including the infamous Gatti-Ward II and III fights and Gatti’s knockout wins over Jesse James Leija and Leonard Dorin.

For fight updates go to www.mainevents.com, www.CaesarsAC.com, www.BoardwalkHall.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing, www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity, www.facebook.com/BoardwalkHall or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Main_Events, https://twitter.com/CaesarsAC, https://twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and https://twitter.com/HBOboxing.

About Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest casino entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 70 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (February 11, 2014) – Like many boxing promoters in North America, Hall of Famer “Iron” Mike Tyson’s stable of Iron Mike Productions (IMP) fighters are predominately Latino (see classic photo gallery below). Many of his top Latino fighters will be in action February 22 as IMP launches its new monthly boxing series, “KO Kings of Tomorrow,” at Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The IMP boxing series will be broadcast worldwide as low-cost pay-per-view events over Universal Streaming Network, live from Sands Bethlehem Event Center, for only $4.99 via http://www.ustream.tv/universalstreamingnetwork.

IMP’s Latino contingent of fighters are led by International Boxing Federation (IMP) junior lightweight champion Argenis “The Thunderstorm” Mendez and two-division world titlist Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman.

“The great Latino fighters in history are true legends of the ring,” Tyson said. “My business partner, Garry Jonas, and I are confident that our Latino fighters will always strive to reach the level of those gladiators.”

The Feb. 22nd “KO Kings of Tomorrow” card is stacked with IMP Latino contenders and prospects such as world-rated featherweight Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-1, 11 KOs), who faces Mexican invader Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza (36-28-2, 28 KOs) in the eight-round main event, plus two-time Dominican Republic Olympian Juan Carlos Payano (14-0, 8 KOs) versus Mexican bantamweight German “Panteonero” Meraz (46-28-1, 25 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature. Marrero is rated No. 9 by the World Boxing Association (WBO), while Payano is ranked No. 2 by the WBA (the No. 1 spot is unrated), No. 10 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 15 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Claudio Marrero (red trunks) Juan Carlos Payano (gold trunks)
(pictures by Rey Sanchez / Iron Mike Productions)

Cuban light heavyweight Humberto “El Don” Savigne (11-8, 8 KOs), rated No. 4 by the WBC, takes on Baltimore boxer “The General” Maxwell Taylor (18-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Cuban super featherweight Alexei “The Mexican-Cuban” Collado (17-0, 16 KOs), who is rated No. 15 by the WBA, plans to extend his perfect win streak against Mexican veteran Edgar “Basuras” Riovalle (36-16-2, 25 KOs) in an eight-round match.

Puerto Rican-American featherweight prospect Dennis Galarza (2-0, 1 KO) meets Jesus Gonzalez (1-1) in a four-round bout.

Rising star Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (3-0, 3 KOs) tangles with Tirobio Ball (4-1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round Special Welterweight Attraction. 2012 National PAL champion Lubin, fighting out of Orlando (FL), was considered Team USA’s No. 1 overall prospect for the 2016 Olympics prior to him signing a promotional contract with Iron Mike Productions last October 1 on his 18th birthday. Lubin fought on ESPN Friday Night Fights this past weekend for the second time in a row. The gifted southpaw registered his third consecutive first-round stoppage as his much more experienced opponent, Roberto Acevedo (13-13-1), was unable to answer the bell for the second round.

Also on the undercard in a six-round fight are a pair of unbeaten welterweights, popular Moossen (PA) resident “The Who Can Mexican” Samuel Vasquez (12-0, 8 KOs), the two-time All-Army and Armed Forces Champion, and Dominican Republic fighter Berlin “The Rock” Abreau (7-0., 5 KOs). Azerbaijan middleweight Farid Aghaev will make his pro debut in a four-round fight vs. an opponent to be determined.

Marrero, Payano, Lubin, Savigne, Collado and Galarza are promoted by IMP. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Other top IMP Latino fighters not in action Feb. 22 include Dominican Republic cruiserweight Lenin Castillo and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz, 2008 Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson, and Mexican super bantamweight Moises “Chucky” Flores.

Tickets priced at $200.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 are on sale and available to purchase at the Sands Event Center Bethlehem Box Office, visit http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/, all TicketMaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-800-745-3000.

To inaugurate the “KO Kings of Tomorrow” series one lucky ticket holder will be selected to sit ringside with “Iron” Mike.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m. ET.

Tyson will perform his acclaimed one-man show, “Undisputed Truth,” on Feb. 20 at Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/
Maxwell Taylor (18-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMike Productions, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

LOS ANGELES (February 11) – With the New Year underway, Golden Boy Promotions is already bolstering the roster of the premier team in boxing, announcing today the official signings of junior welterweight contender Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and 140-pound prospect Zachary Ochoa to promotional contracts.

“We welcome these two exciting boxers to the Golden Boy Promotions team, and we have big plans for them in the coming years,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Mauricio Herrera is one of the most underrated fighters in the sport, but he will get his chance to shine in March when he challenges Danny Garcia for the junior welterweight title. We’ve been watching Zachary Ochoa during our east coast events, and he has a bright future in a talent-rich division.”

“Being from Southern California, Golden Boy Promotions has always had a big presence, and I’m happy to be on the company roster,” said Herrera. “I’ve paid my dues over the years, and now it’s time to get my world title and the big fights. Golden Boy Promotions will help me get those fights. The world title, that’s up to me.”

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of the best promotional company in boxing,” said Ochoa. “I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work and I’ve made plenty of sacrifices over the years, never giving up the dream that one day I would get my chance to shine. That day is here, and I’m going to make the most of it.”Fighting out of Riverside, Calif., Mauricio Herrera (20-3, 7 KO’s) was one of the sport’s most underrated competitors on his way up the 140-pound ladder, but when he defeated current world titlist Ruslan Provodnikov in January of 2011, the word was out on this super lightweight secret weapon. Mike Dallas, Ji-Hoon Kim and Miguel Angel Huerta have also fallen against the 33-year-old, and on March 15, he will get his long-awaited shot at a world championship when he faces Danny Garcia in Puerto Rico.

Carrying on Brooklyn’s tradition of excellence in the ring, Williamsburg’s Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (5-0, 3 KO’s) is a decorated amateur boxer now making his mark as a professional prizefighter. In the gym since the age of 13, Ochoa went on to win several amateur titles, including two New York State Junior Olympics titles and the New York State Metro championship. After graduating high school, Ochoa turned professional on September 10, 2011 with a fourth round technical knockout of William Ware, and he has remained unbeaten, most recently winning a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Valderrama on January 30, 2014.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/elmaestro1 and www.twitter.com/ZacharyOchoa or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @ZacharyOchoa.

New York, NY (2/11/14) – Tomorrow evening with be a bittersweet night for Lou DiBella and his company DiBella Entertainment. The promotional company will host the premiere installment of the 2014 Broadway Boxing series with the final boxing show ever to take place at NYC’s famed and historic Roseland Ballroom. Having promoted a number of cards at the venue over the years and helping to grow the Broadway Boxing series into what it is today, the historic ballroom will be closing its doors in April after more than 50 years of operation at its current location.

The card, entitled “The Last Dance”, has had such a positive response with New York boxing’s adoring fan base that DBE has had to open up more seats at the last minute to accommodate the flood of calls and requests coming in for tickets. General admission standing room only tickets, priced at $35, will now be available at the door tomorrow evening. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Esteemed and longtime New York sports writer Tim Smith recently published an article in the Wall Street Journal on DiBella and Roseland. Below is a link to the article.

http://m.us.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702304558804579375121117697860-lMyQjAxMTA0MDEwMTExNDEyWj?mobile=y

Venice, CA (February 11, 2014) Boxing’s fastest rising superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin was named the World Boxing Association’s Boxer of the Month for January 2014, the fourth time he’s received the honor.

Golovkin improved to 29-0 with 26 knockouts as he defended his WBA Middleweight World Title for the tenth time on February 1 with a dominant seventh round stoppage of durable Osumanu Adama in his return to Monte Carlo.

“I’m very grateful to the WBA for this honor and I look forward to continuing to defend my middleweight title in future bouts” said Golovkin.

Stated Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions’ “Gennady’s performances are truly the talk of the international boxing world over the last 18 months since he first fought in the United States and on HBO.”

“Not only has Gennady stopped the last sixteen challengers but he’s dominated the fights from the opening bell while providing excitement in the ring that makes every fight must-see TV,” continued Loeffler.

Golovkin was last named WBA’s Boxer of the Month when he stopped Curtis Stevens on November 2 at Madison Square Garden, a performance that garnered the year’s third highest rating for a televised boxing event.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 11th, 2014) — The man who once put Roy Jones Jr. to sleep and earned a reputation as boxing’s toughest “Road Warrior” will test his luck in another city far from his home in Jamaica.

Glen Johnson, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) and The Ring world light heavyweight champion, will headline Classic Entertainment & Sports’ Feb. 21, 2014 card at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., when he faces veteran Jaime Velazquez of Pawtucket, R.I., in the 8-round main event of “Home Sweet Home.”

Velazquez (11-5-2, 6 KOs), 42, a former New England title contender in the mid- to late-1990s, will end a 15-year layoff in his long-awaited return to the ring Feb. 21st, and he’ll do it against one of the most prolific light heavyweights of this generation. Johnson (53-18-2, 36 KOs), 45, has been actively fighting for the past 25 years, a late-bloomer who didn’t turn pro until he was 20, but during that stretch he’s fought 11 world-title bouts and enjoyed an impressive run as the IBF and The Ring title-holder, which included his shocking knockout win over Roy Jones Jr. in 2004. Three months later, Johnson unified the light heavyweight title by beating Antonio Tarver and earned the Boxing Writer’s Association of America’s Fighter of the Year award.

Tickets for “Home Sweet Home” are available for $40, $100 and $126 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254.

Nicknamed “The Road Warrior” for frequently fighting — and winning — in his opponents’ hometowns, Johnson’s resume also includes a knockout win over the hard-hitting Yusaf Mack of Philadelphia and an inclusion in the Super Six World Boxing Classic in which he dropped to 168 pounds to replace an injured Mikkel Kessler and knocked out Allan Green before losing a close majority decision to World Boxing Council (WBC) champ Carl Froch in the semifinals.

Like the loss to Froch, many of Johnson’s setbacks have either been too close to call or have fallen under a cloud of controversy, including a disputed draw against Clinton Woods for the then-vacant IBF title in 2003 in Woods’ backyard in the United Kingdom, which Johnson avenged later that year by beating Woods unanimously for the belt. He faced Woods a third time in 2006 in the same country for the same belt and lost a close split decision in which one judge awarded the fight to Johnson by two points.

Following the trilogy with Woods, Johnson went on to beat former world champion Montell Griffin by 11th-round knockout and faced off twice against WBC title-holder Chad Dawson, losing both fights by narrow unanimous decisions. Johnson also challenged for the IBF title a third time against Tavoris Cloud and took a shot at the IBF super middleweight belt against Lucian Bute, going the distance against both fighters. Johnson pushed Cloud to the brink for 12 rounds and lost a unanimous decision despite landing more punches than Cloud, according to the CompuBox numbers.

In addition to knocking out 36 of his 73 opponents, a staggering 49 percent knockout rate, Johnson has only been stopped once in 25 years, proving his chin is as solid as his fists. The lone stoppage occurred in 1997 in the first of his 11 world-title belts against then-IBF middleweight champ Bernard Hopkins, the ageless wonder who, at 49, now holds the same light heavyweight title Johnson defended twice during the peak of his dominance in 2004. Born in Jamaica, Johnson moved to southern Florida at the age of 15.

Velazquez is best known for a series of memorable bouts on the New England circuit in the ’90s, including a thriller against former world-title challenger Scott Pemberton and a six-round battle against Richard Grant, who later went on to face former super middleweight world champ Jeff Lacy. Velazquez also went the distance with former IBF contender Gabriel Hernandez and fought two draws against Holyoke, Mass., cruiserweight Darren Whitley.

“Home Sweet Home” also features the homecoming of Providence native Toka Kahn (9-0, 6 KOs), a highly-decorated amateur and now undefeated super featherweight prospect fighting under the promotional guidance of Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing. Kahn will fight in his hometown for the first time since 2012 in a six-round bout.

“The Vermont Bully” Kevin Cobbs (7-1, 2 KOs), now fighting out of Fall River, Mass., will end his year-long layoff in a four-round light heavyweight bout while Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (10-2, 7 KOs) will return for the first time since his loss to Chris Chatman in July of 2012 in a separate six-round bout. The undercard also features the return of undefeated Providence middleweight K.J. Harrison-Lombardi (4-0-1), who will star in a four-round bout, and the Twin River debut of Louisiana cruiserweight Alvin Varmall (1-0, 1 KO), also fighting in a separate four-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

BOSTON (Feb. 10) – Boxing will experience the luck of the Irish when the popular Golden Boy Live! series fittingly heads to Boston for a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day celebratory night of fights on Monday, March 17. Golden Boy Promotions is teaming up with Murphy’s Boxing U.S.A. and Back East Promotions to bring boxing back to Beantown for a stellarfight card at the House of Blues that will air live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes. In the welterweight main event scheduled for 10 rounds, local hero Danny O’Connor takes on Virginia’s Andrew Farmer and the co-feature will see one of Ireland’s favorite sons, Dublin’s Jamie Kavanagh face off against an opponent to be named in an eight-round lightweight bout.

The card will feature a host of New England’s top talent including undefeated heavyweight Alexis Santos in the six-round televised opening bout against an opponent to be determined, debuting 2012 Irish Olympic Silver Medalist John Joe Nevin, as well as Ryan Kielczewski, Billy Traft, Rashidi Ellis and others in non-televised action.

“I can’t imagine there can be a better place to have a boxing event on St. Patrick’s Day than in Boston,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We’ve partnered with Ken Casey and his company and we’re going to bring the great boxing fans of this city the fights they want and deserve. On March 17, the only place to be in Boston is at the House of Blues.”

“There has been a huge resurgence of boxing in Boston and it’s exciting that a global promotional company like Golden Boy Promotions has taken notice and is coming to Boston to partner with us,” said Ken Casey, founder of Murphy’s Boxing U.S.A. and Back East Promotions, as well as a founding member of the legendary Irish punk band the Dropkick Murphys. “St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is the perfect way to kick off this new partnership and this will hopefully lead to bigger and better fights here in Boston, home to some of boxing’s most loyal fans.”

Southpaw Danny O’Connor (23-2, 7 KO’s) is one of New England’s most popular fighters and the 28-year-old is more amped up than ever to put on a show on St. Patrick’s Day for his fans. A professional since 2008, O’Connor has won nine of his last 10 bouts, with the only loss coming via a highly-controversial split decision defeat to former World Champion Vivian Harris last October. On March 17, O’Connor will look for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and live up to the St. Patrick’s Day hype in his hometown.

Front Royal, Virginia’s Andrew Farmer (17-2, 7 KO’s) has no problem traveling into O’Connor’s backyard and after winning 13 of his last 14 bouts, the 28-year-old has confidence that when the bell sounds, he’s got the goods to upset the hometown favorite.

Twenty-three-year-old Dublin native Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh (15-1-1, 7 KO’s) returns to the ring since suffering the first loss of his career against Daniel Ruiz last December. Now, he’s excited to be back and making his Boston debut on St. Patrick’s Day, when his loyal fans will undoubtedly be out in force to cheer him on.

In the Golden Boy Live! televised opener, it’s a six-round heavyweight bout, with Lawrence, Massachusetts’ 24-year-old Alexis Santos (12-0, 10 KO’s) looking for his seventh first-round knockout when he meets up with an opponent to be determined.

In undercard action, Mullingar, Ireland’s John Joe Nevin, a 2012 Olympic silver medal winner for Ireland, makes his highly-anticipated pro debut in a four-round bantamweight bout against San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Alberto Candelaria (3-0-1, 2 KO’s).

A full lineup of Massachusetts’s natives will feature Quincy’s Ryan Kielczewski (18-0, 4 KO’s), who puts his unbeaten record on the line in his six-round junior lightweight meeting with an opponent to be named. Super middleweights collide in a four-round bout when Dorchester’s Billy Traft (3-0, 1 KO) faces Marion newcomer Mike Schneider. Somerville’s Rashidi Ellis (3-0, 2 KO’s) takes on Schenectady, New York’s Bryan Abraham (6-18, 6 KO’s). Also scheduled for four rounds in the welterweight division Stoneham’s Greg Vendetti (4-1-1, 2 KO’s) meets Akron’s Damon Antoine (11-52-2).

O’Connor vs. Farmer, a 10-round welterweight bout is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Murphy’s Boxing U.S.A. and Back East Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The House of Blues doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET and the first fight starts at 5:30 p.m. ET. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $150 (reserved seating), $100 (reserved seating) and $40 (general admission) are available for purchase now at the House of Blues Box Office, the Orpheum Theater box office or online at http://m.concerts.livenation.com/event/01004C389CC1B5BE, www.murphysboxingusa.com or www.backeastpromotions.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.murphysboxingusa.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/murphysboxing, www.twitter.com/DOC_Boxing and www.twitter.com/HOBBoston, www.twitter.com/dropkickmurphys, www.twitter.com/kendkm, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit FOXSports.com and become a follower on @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes.

Las Vegas, Nev. – EA SPORTS™ UFC® kicks off 2014 with the first look at the future of sports video games. EA SPORTS UFC Gameplay Series: Next-Gen Fighters is a new video that spotlights how EA SPORTS UFC will bring the next-generation of videogame athletes to life by recreating the real-world athleticism, physiology and emotion of world class fighters in ways never possible before. By leveraging the latest technology to capture and deliver the most true-to-life likeness and motion of each fighter, a new bar has been set. In the world of EA SPORTS UFC, Anthony Pettis has his swagger, Georges St-Pierre respects the opposition and Jon Jones really gets to be Jon Jones. Watch all these athletes come to life in EA SPORTS UFC Gameplay Series: Next-Gen Fighters now.

EA SPORTS UFC Gameplay Series is a collection of developer videos that go deep into the core features of EA SPORTS UFC with brand new gameplay details and all-new in-game footage. Be on the lookout for more videos in the coming weeks that explore dynamic striking, submission battles, living world, and much more.

EA SPORTS UFC is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver and will be available for the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB and PEGI; 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.

To download assets, please visit the EA press site at http://info.ea.com.

The next generation of MMA fighting begins spring of 2014 when the first EA SPORTS UFC game will be released for the Xbox One and the PS4. Pre-Order: http://www.easports.com/ufc/buy/US.

About EA Sports®
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, NCAA® Football, PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

About UFC®
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.

Monday, February 10, 2014 Bobby Hitz announced that following February 28th’s “Fight Night at the Horseshoe,” which will be featured on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights,” Hitz Boxing will return to Elk Grove Village on Friday March 7, for “Horseshoe Presents: Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere” and then return to Hammond for another “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” in mid April. On Friday, January 31, Hitz kicked off its 2014 campaign with an exciting fight card at a jam packed Belvedere Events & Banquets.

“We came out of the gates this year with guns a blazing. We are staging four fights in four months and we added two dynamic boxers to our already stacked stable,” said Hitz. “Our growing fan base, organizational capacity, talented roster of fighters, partners and growing list of sponsors puts us in a position to have a great year.”

Last week Hitz announced the signing St. Louis light heavyweight Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne (21-2, 9 KOs) as well as hot super middleweight prospect Donovan “Don Da Bomb” George (24-4-1, 21 KOs) of Chicago. The George deal was secured in partnership with Round 3 Productions.

The Horseshoe Casino, Mercedes of Naperville, BL Autogroup, Title Boxing, Miller Brewing and Power Hour Nutrition sponsored the January card.

“Our sponsorship inventory provides current and potential partners with excellent value at a competitive price,” said Hitz. “Additionally, our VIP hospitality packages, ringside seating and customized group packages are great for corporate outings.”

Hitz has partnered with Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions in bringing ESPN2′ “Friday Night Fights” to the Horseshoe later this month, and with Round 3 Productions’ Frank “Muggs” Mugnolo in the signing of George.

“Working with a longtime friend like Artie on the upcoming Horseshoe bout is awesome, he is old school like me and values relationships,” said Hitz. “Hitz Boxing has dominated the Chicago boxing scene since 1991 and our new relationship with Round 3 opens up some interesting and exciting opportunities.”

Tickets for the February 28 “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” card and the March 7, “Horseshoe Presents: Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere” are available at hitzboxing.com.

London (10 February) James DeGale MBE is out to “send a statement” when he defends his WBC Silver super middleweight title against the undefeated Gevorg Khatchikian at the City Academy, Bristol, on March 1st, live on Channel 5.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medallist, DeGale, feels that after his performance in Bristol, Badou Jack may not even want to face him in their WBC sanctioned final eliminator.

“You can really expect me to go in there and do the business – I can’t see this going the full 12 rounds – I’m looking to send a statement to Jack,” DeGale said.

“After this performance, I’m not too sure if he’s (Jack) going to want to fight me, but, he’s going to have to if he wants a chance at that world title.

“But, I’m taking it one fight at a time and I’m looking forward to this one on March 1st.”

James meets the Netherlands based Khatchikian ahead of his WBC sanctioned final eliminator against Mayweather Promoted Badou Jack.

With the Jack contest in the private negotiation period, DeGale headlines a packed show in Bristol against the former IBO Youth champion, Khatchikian, who successfully extended his record to 20-0 two weeks ago.

Also scheduled to fight on the March 1st show is Bristol’s own British bantamweight champion Lee Haskins, undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Lewis Fury and a whole host of talent, including local Bristol fighters Dan Sarkozi, Lee Nutland, Ashley Lane and Dane Kelly, along with Gloucester’s Wayne Ingram and Weston Super-Mare’s Liam Hunt in his professional debut.

Accreditation

For fight accreditation for March 1st please email: Leeb@hennessysports.com for an application form.

Applications need to be submitted on or before Friday 21st February 2014. You will be notified of your accreditation status by close of business (5.30pm) on Monday 24th February 2014 via Email.

Ticket Information

Tickets for March 1st are priced from £35 and are available to purchase from the following box office today:

Sanigar Events box office: 0117 949 66 99

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
For more information on Channel 5, Maximuscle, Liquid and Hennessy Sports

LONDON (Feb. 10) – Boxing’s modern day ‘Cinderella Man’ Stuart Hall makes the first defence of his IBF bantamweight title in a North East derby against Martin Ward.

The diamond of Darlington steps back into the ring for the first time since his unforgettable crowning when he overcame Vusi Malinga in an enthralling 12-round, toe-to-toe clash, to win the IBF belt last December.

Hall’s subsequent rise from a party boy, who days were spent indulging in drink and drugs, to a world champion boxer who now has the world at his feet is something of a fairytale.

The 33-year-old will make his first defence at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on March 29th, when he challenges County Durham’s Ward, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

It has only been little over six weeks when Hall was last in the ring but the bantamweight ace admits he can’t wait to get back in and use the momentum from his last fight to blast his way past Ward in front of an expectant North East crowd.

“My adrenaline has been pumping since becoming champion against Malinga and I just can’t wait to get back into the ring again,” Hall told BoxNation. “I fought so hard to win the world title and I’m going to defend it even harder. Ward’s a good fighter but he’s not been through what I went through to get this belt and there’s no way I’m giving it up. It’s a North East derby and not only is a world championship on the line but also pride.”

“We’ve never had anything like this in the past up here, where two local lads are fighting each other for a world title. It’s going to be an exciting night, there’s going to be drama but I’ll be walking out that ring with my belt – there’s no doubt about that,” Hall said confidently.

It is the memory and experience from his emphatic win over Malinga which Hall believes will see him through on the night.

That fight is regarded as one of the best domestic scraps in 2013 and the Darlington star is sure there will be many more similar nights just like it, starting with his next one.

“It was a great night [against Malinga] and one I will never forget – everything just clicked,” said Hall.

“Going into the fight there was some tension but I loosened up early on and just started going to work. It was my shot and I wasn’t going to let it go and at times I even surprised myself.

“I showed I had something, which you don’t truly know you’ve got until you get there, so I gritted my teeth, saw the fight through and made sure I finished strong. It was a really entertaining fight for the fans and I hope to be in many more fights like that and give the people what they want to see,” he said.

“I’m certain my fight with Ward will have that same buzz because we’re both hungry and the atmosphere will be electric on the night,” Hall said.

The IBF bantamweight world champion is also hoping to bring the biggest fights to the UK and has eyes on unifying the belts in the near future.

“I hope we can bring the biggest names across here for the British fans and put on some huge shows. But I’ll fight anyone and anywhere – it doesn’t matter to me. I want to take on the biggest names in the division and I’m sure there’s going to be some great fights for me down the road,” Hall stated.

“There are some great domestic fights to be made but there’s also a chance to unify the belts against the likes of Anselmo Moreno and Shinsuke Yamanaka – those would be some top fights,” he said.

Another British star who will have his chance at world title glory is Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli when he takes on Germany’s formidable Juergen Braehmer for the WBA light-heavyweight title.

At 33 years old, the clash taking place in Rostock, Germany on April 5th, and live and exclusive on BoxNation, represents a final chance for the former WBO cruiserweight titlist to capture the 175 pound world title.

Hall vs. Ward & Braehmer vs. Maccarinelli is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546). 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 £10* 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. 449), 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 £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Main Event: CageSport Featherweight Title
Drew Brokenshire def. Talon Hofman 4:16 RD3 Rear Naked Choke

Semi Main Event
Julian Erosa def. Mike Joy 2:28 RD2 TKO (punches)

Undercard
Katie Howard def. Miriam Cardoso UD (29-28)(29-28)(30-27)
Reagan Benedetti def. Cheryl Chan 2:32 RD2 Arm Triangle Choke
Paul Njoku def. Rob Cann SD (29-28)(29-28)(27-30)
Eduardo Torres def. Trevor Sojot 4:53 RD1 Triangle Choke
Chaz Jordan def. Zach Conn UD (29-28)(29-28)(30-27)
Kario Issac def. Arjay Murphy 5:00 RD2 TKO
Woo Johnson def. Rico Rough 0:30 RD1 TKO
Raven Guice def. Ricky Carrillo UD (29-27)(29-27)(29-28)

BOLTON (Feb. 8) – Rising star Haroon Khan got 2014 off to a great start after a dazzling points victory in his fourth professional bout.

The Bolton starlet had too much for his Yorkshire opponent, Francis Croes, on Friday night’s Sheffield bill, as he put on his best performance since turning professional last year.

From the get-go Khan dominated his 25-year-old foe, using his fast footwork and counter punching to offset his challenger’s come-forward style. As the fight progressed it was the super-flyweight Khan landing the more hurtful and telling blows pushing back the unrelenting Croes.

Croes proved to be a very game opponent but as the bout continued it was Khan who was becoming the aggressor in the fight as he wore down the Middlesbrough man, landing some beautiful combinations in the fourth and final round that stopped Croes in his tracks.

The 22-year-old’s hand speed was notable throughout the fight as he picked off the slower Croes the more the fight went on. In the end, though, it went to the scorecard with Khan winning a landslide victory 40-36.

It was a very mature display by Khan who showed the progress he continues to make under trainer Oliver Harrison, with the youngster delighted with his night’s work.

“It was a really good fight and I’m happy with how I did in there,” said Khan. “Croes was a tough opponent and he kept coming forward which forced me to use my boxing skills and counter him. The more the fight went on, though, I felt I was taking over and you could see that. It was my best performance since turning professional and I think that’s just a reflection of the work I’ve been doing with Oliver Harrison because I’ve been learning so much,” he said.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist is happy to get the year off to such an emphatic start and is out to make it one to remember.

“This is going to be a big year for me. I want to get my head down, keep learning in the gym and get as many fights under my belt as possible. The last year I’ve picked up so much since turning professional and I want to keep that up,” said Khan.

“I’m going to be very active in 2014 and I have no doubts that it’s going to be a great year for me because I’m eager to learn and improve and I know I have the right trainer and team around me to do that,” he said.

Trainer Oliver Harrison was also pleased with how his young prospect performed.

“Haroon did very well in there,” said Harrison. “I scored him an 8 out of 10 which is very good in my book because I don’t usually give such high ratings. I definitely think it was his best performance since he turned pro and I’m very happy with the progress he keeps on making in the gym. If he keeps learning he can go very far in the sport,” he said.

Khan is aiming to be out again soon with an announcement to be made in due course.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 8th, 2013) – AXS TV’s Inside MMA announced Friday that undefeated Melrose, Mass., heavyweight John Johnston will fight for the vacant CES MMA championship March 14th, 2014 at Twin River Casino against former Ultimate Fighting Championships veteran Josh Hendricks.

The 6-foot-4 Johnston (5-0, 5 KOs) is fresh off his fifth knockout win in as many tries after stopping William Baptiste just 1 minute, 49 seconds into the opening round of their scheduled three-round bout Jan. 24th courtesy of a vicious head kick that sent both fighters crashing to the canvas.

Training out of Sityodtong in Boston, Johnston has yet to fight past the second round, winning four of his five professional bouts by first-round knockout. Facing Hendricks (19-9, 5 KOs), a Mansfield, Ohio native, will be a major step up for Johnston. The first and only time he fought at Twin River, Hendricks submitted Josh Diekmann via triangle choke in the opening round of their heavyweight bout, one of Hendricks’ 12 career submission victories.

Between 2005 and 2007, Hendricks amassed an impressive streak in which he won 10 of 11 bouts with one no contest, earning him a spot on the UFC 91 card in November of 2008 in Las Vegas, where he lost to Gabriel Gonzaga.

The March 14th card will also feature the return of Bourne, Mass., welterweight Chuck O’Neil (12-6, 4 KOs); Providence lightweight Luis Felix (10-7, 3 KOs) and Boynton Beach, Fla., welterweight Charles Rosa (6-0, 2 KOs), a graduate of Providence’s Johnson & Wales University. For more information or to pre-order tickets, visit www.cesmma.com.

Late replacement Roberto Garcia scored a 10 round split decision over Norberto Gonzalez in a Middleweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Each fighter took a scorecard 95-94 while Garcia won the deciding card at 96-93.

Garcia of Texas is now 34-3. Gonzalez of Mexico is now 20-3.

Kamil Laszczyk scored an eight round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Daniel Diaz in a Featherweight bout.

Laszczyk controlled most of the fight as he dropped Diaz at the end of the 1st round. Diaz had some brief moments with the 4th round being his best frame.

Laszczyk, 125 lbs of New Jersey via Poland won by scores of 79-72 twice and 78-73 and is now 16-0. Diaz, 125 lbs of Nicaragua is now 20-6-1.

18-year old prospect Erickson Lubin scored a stoppage after the 1st round when Roberto Acevedo did not come out for the 2nd round.

Lubin won the 1st round but he did not seem to be in any real danger. He complained of a hand injury and the fight was stopped.

Lubin, 147 lbs of Orlando, FL is 3-0 with 3 knockouts. Acevedo of Puerto Rico is now 13-13-3.

Milton Santiago Jr. 138.5 – Moses Molina 136.5
Anthony Flores 138.6 – Ramesis Gil 139.2
Sulton Statan 138 – Mike Eroza 137.5
Frank Trader 130.8 – Israel Suarez 128.5
Emanuel Folly 122 – Michael Varela 129.5
Derrick Webster 164.2 – Julio Garcia 169
Antonio DuBose TBA – Michael Haigood 125.5

Promoter: Greg Robinson’s Power Power Productions
Venue: National Guard Armory
1st Bell: 7:30 pm est

Chicago, IL, Friday, February 7, 2014–Bobby Hitz announced today that Hitz Boxing has signed light heavyweight Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne (21-2, 9 KOs) of St. Louis to a promotional contract.

“Adding Ryan to our already stacked roster of fighters gives the Hitz stable another dangerous big man to go along with Fres Oquendo and Andrey Fedosov,” said Hitz. “”He is a perfect addition to our team.”

Coyne, who has previously held the WBC US cruiserweight as well as the WBA Fedelatin cruiserweight titles expressed his excitement in joining the Hitz Boxing team.

“Bobby is a boxer’s promoter, who goes the distance for his fighters,” said Coyne. “I know I am with a great organization.”

ABOUT HITZ BOXING
Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of the actuality show “Hitz Boxing,” a web series which has amassed over 5 million internet views. Over the year’s the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

For more information, please visit: www.hitzboxing.com.

IBF Junior Middleweight Champion “King” Carlos Molina (22-5-2, 6 KO’s) took a break from training yesterday to hang out with all-time-great “Iron” Mike Tyson in Chicago.

Molina, 30, is deep in preparations for his upcoming fight, his first title defense against unbeaten, but unproven, Jermall Charlo (17-0, 13 KO’s) on the Showtime PPV undercard of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo on March 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“We always have a good game plan going in and we’ll have one this time,” said Molina. “We have to train to beat him a number of different ways because you never know what will happen on fight night.”

Molina says he’s not taking 23-year-old Charlo, rated #5 IBF, #5 WBO, #13 WBC, lightly, despite his being unproven against top-flight opposition.

“It’s hard to tell what he’ll bring,” said Molina. “But he’s undefeated, so you have to take him seriously. I’ll be ready for anything.”

Molina is sparring, once again, with undefeated cruiserweight contender Dimar Ortuz, among others.

“Dimar gives me a lot of movement and fights me on the inside and the outside. And he’s very strong, so no matter who I fight on fight night, they’re never as strong as he is.”
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 it’s 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.

Date and venue are set for Marco Huck’s (37-2-1, 26 KOs) next title defense. The WBO World Cruiserweight Champion will lace his gloves again on May 3 at the MHP Arena in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Moreover, this one could feature a special occasion: If Huck wins, he would equal the record for most title defenses at cruiserweight!

“I am excited to have my next bout in Ludwigsburg,” said the 29-year-old titlist, who beat Firat Arslan just two weeks ago in Stuttgart – a 30 minutes car ride from the MHP Arena. “The atmosphere at the Arslan fight was of the charts and I expect nothing less come May 3.”

The chance to establish a record adds motivation for Huck: “It is giving me a vital kick. I am still dreaming to step up to heavyweight to be honest. But to achieve this milestone would definitely mean something special to me.” Johnny Nelson (WBO Champion from 1999 to 2006) is currently the lone record holder.

Kalle Sauerland: “Marco did show in his rematch with Firat Arslan that he is not only one of the best cruiserweights in the world, but a great showman.” The promoter recollects: “As Marco entered the arena he was booed by about 90 percent of the crowd – and when he left, everyone was cheering him. Only a fighter like Marco Huck can do this and on May 3 we will witness it again.”

Huck’s opponent for his record-setting attempt will be announced in a short as well as the pre-sale of tickets for the event in Ludwigsburg.

London (7 February) Kid Galahad will challenge Sergio Prado for the vacant European super bantamweight title with home crowd advantage at Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, on March 22nd, live on Channel 5.

The undefeated Ingle trained former WBC International and British super bantamweight champion, Galahad, says “it doesn’t matter who it is” as he bids to add the famous belt to his name and move towards the world level.

“The European title is just another stepping stone,” Galahad said.

“It’s a good title to have but it’s just another step – Naseem Hamed had that same title, Frampton had it, Rendall Munroe had it – all quality fighters have held that belt.

“I want to clean up domestically, get the European and then get myself onto the world level – by the time I get there, in two or three fights, I’ll be 100 percent ready.”

Galahad comes into the contest with real momentum, having emphatically stopped the previously unbeaten English champion Jazza Dickens in his last contest.

The 23-year-old Qatar born Sheffield fighter extended his unblemished record to 15 wins, by producing a stunning 10th round knockout over the Liverpudlian to win the famous Lonsdale belt and is determined to continue his ascent towards the very top.

But Prado will be looking to spoil any such progress.

The 31-year-old former Spanish champion is the current EBU-EU champion and will be coming to the United Kingdom for nothing less than a victory in Galahad’s backyard.

However, Galahad, who has won his last four contests by knockout, is uncompromising in his preparations and confident he will produce another memorable night for his Yorkshire fans.

“I’ve seen one or two clips of Prado and he looks like a decent kid, he can come forward, he’s strong, he can box and he’s there to win,” Galahad said.

“But, it really doesn’t matter who it is – you can’t take anybody lightly, you’ve got to train like it’s your last fight and that’s how champions are made.

“The day you underestimate any fighter is the day you’ll get beat and March 22nd is going to be no different.

“I’m in good shape, I’ve been ticking over since my last fight and I feel fantastic – I can’t wait.”

Having won the purse bid to stage the contest, Hennessy Sports are delighted to bring Galahad back to Yorkshire.

“Barry is a fantastic talent and I truly believe he is the future of the super bantamweight division,” Promoter Mick Hennessy said.

“I believe Barry is destined for big things and this is another step for a great fighter.”

Also scheduled to fight on the show is a whole host of talent, including former WBC world light welterweight champion Junior Witter, Sam O’maison, Tom Mcassey, Atif Shafiq, Karl Bell, David Howe and Callum Hancock.

The rebuilding process continues for David Price (16-2, 14 KOs) when he returns to action on March 8th at the Max-Schmelling-Halle in Berlin.

‘’I am looking forward to getting back into the ring and picking up where I left off in Stuttgart,’’ said Price. ‘’Obviously, I wouldn’t complain if the outcome is the same but I am hoping for a bit more resistance this time. I’d like to get a bit more ring time so I can show everyone what I have been working on and what I am capable of.’’

The British Heavyweight will start a four-week training camp this weekend when renowned US coach Tommy Brooks travels over to Liverpool. ‘’Things are going great with Tommy,’’ said Price. ‘’We have been focusing a lot on my jab and developing that into my main tool. Other than that, it’s back to basics, making sure we do the simple things well.’’

Price is no stranger to the German capital, having previously spent time in the Team Sauerland gyms. ‘’The last time I was in Berlin was for a Sauerland training camp, working with Kubrat Pulev, just before I fought for the British title back in 2012,’’ reveals Price. ‘’I have some good memories from my time in Berlin. It’s a great city and I am looking forward to fighting there on March 8th.’’

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘It was important for us to get Pricey back in the ring as soon as possible. He did a good job against a limited opponent in Stuttgart but now we must start stepping it up. Berlin is fantastic city and is very accessible from the UK, so we will be expecting a lot of fans to make the trip over to support the big man. We will announce his opponent in the coming weeks.’’

The former British and Commonwealth Champion is the latest addition to the Team Sauerland show at the Max-Schmelling-Halle. IBF Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (28-1, 14 KOs) tops the bill, as he makes his first voluntary defence against the highly rated Pawel Kolodziej (33-0, 18 KOs). Tickets are available at eventim.de.

Main Event- CageSport Featherweight Championship
Drew Brokenshire 144
Talon Hofman 144.5
Contract Weight: 145 Lbs.

Semi Main Event
Julian Erosa 145.5
*Mike Joy 150
Contract Weight: 145+1 Lbs.

Undercard
Miriam Cardoso 113.5
Katie Howard 115
Contract Weight: 115+1 Lbs.

Reagan Benedetti 115.5
Cheryl Chan 116
Contract Weight: 115+1 Lbs.

Arjay Murphy 134.5
Kario Isacc 136
Contract Weight: 135+1 Lbs.

Raven Guice 168.5
Ricky Carrillo 168
Contract Weight: 170+1 Lbs.

Zach Conn 171
Chaz Jordan 170.5
Contract Weight: 170+1 Lbs.

*Woo Johnson 157
Rico Rough 156
Contract Weight: 155+1 Lbs.

*Trevor Sojot 143.5
Eduardo Torres 141
Contract Weight: 140+1 Lbs.

*Camps came to a financial agreement to offset the weight difference.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another live edition of Golden Boy Live! this Monday, February 10, from Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, TX.

Fight Network’s live broadcast will kick off at 10 p.m. ET.

Winner of four straight bouts, including an impressive seventh-round technical knockout of Luis Ramos Jr. last November, junior welterweight prospect Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. is back against Puerto Rican power puncher John Nater.

In the co-main event, unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. is scheduled for 10-rounds in the welterweight division versus Peter Oluoch,

In other featured bouts, Julian Williams takes on Alex Buenma, Terrell Gausha meets George Sosa and Luis Torres clashes with Milton Ramos.

Southpaw sensation Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (17-2, 14 KO’s) may hail from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but if the 22-year-old keeps delivering performances like his recent seventh-round stoppage of Luis Ramos Jr., fans in San Antonio are likely to adopt him as one of their own. Maldonado Jr., former amateur star who bounced back from two 2012 losses to win four consecutive bouts, three by knockout, is definitely a fighter to watch in 2014.

Desoto, Texas’ Errol Spence (10-0, 8 KO’s) has stayed busy since his stint as a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, and as he’s compiled a perfect professional record, he has fought in California, Florida and Nevada, only visiting his home state once. But on Feb. 10, the hard-hitting 23-year-old southpaw will be back in Texas in search of his eleventh professional victory.

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.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Feb. 7) – Winner of four of his last five bouts, top Puerto Rican prospect John Nater will step up to test welterweight prospect Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. this Monday, Feb. 10 in the main event of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! series at the Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, TX. Nater replaces former World Champion Steve Forbes, who was pulled from the bout due to a failed pre-fight medical exam.

In the eight-round welterweight co-main event, unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. takes on Florida’s Peter Olouch and opening the televised portion of the card fans will see an intriguing 10-round junior middleweight showdown between rising star Julian “J-Rock” Williams and longtime contender Alex Bunema.

A professional since 2011, hard-hitting Bayamon prospect John Nater (13-4, 10 KO’s) has the fight stopping power in his fists to turn the outcome of any bout in his favor. A 23-year-old starting to come into his own as a fighter, Nater has won his last two bouts against Ruddy Veloz and Wander Guerrero by first round knockout and he’d like to finish his work early once again on Feb. 10 against Fidel Maldonado Jr.

In the previously announced co-featured fight, Desoto, Texas’ Errol Spence Jr. (10-0, 8 KO’s) will now take on Peter Oluoch (12-6-2, 6 KO’s) in front of his home state fans. Oluoch, a native of Kenya who now fights out of Pahokee, FL., Oluoch is coming off of a big win over 16-1-1 top prospect Jake Giuriceo and he’s seeking the upset once again when he faces Spence Jr.

One of boxing’s top prospects across all weight classes, 23-year-old Philadelphia native Julian “J-Rock” Williams (14-0-1, 8 KO’s) continues to impress with each outing, most recently stopping Orlando Lora in three rounds last December. Already a winner over former World Champion Joachim Alcine, Williams will kick off his 2014 campaign against Congo-native Alex “The Technician” Bunema (31-10-2, 17 KO’s). Now making his home in Memphis, Tenn., Bunema has faced off with some of the best in the business including Sergio Martinez, Vince Phillips, Jermain Taylor and Bronco McKart and now he will attempt to stop Williams’ unbeaten string.

Also in action this Monday will be Spence’s 2012 U.S. Olympic teammate Terrell Gausha (12-2, 6 KO’s), who has won seven straight, five by knockout, since competing in the London Games. On Feb. 10, 26-year-old Cleveland’s Gausha, will battle Trenton, New Jersey’s knockout artist George Sosa (13-5, 13 KO’s) in an eight-round middleweight bout.
In undercard action, Texas’ finest will take to the ring to thrill their local fans. In four-round bouts, San Antonio welterweight Kendo Castaneda (5-0, 1 KO) faces McAllen’s Randy Fuentes (3-1-1), debuting junior middleweight Gibran Ruiz meets fellow San Antonio native John Arrevalo (1-1), promising featherweight up and comer Joseph Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio battles Dallas’ Jesus Garza (2-3-1), Austin’s Marco Solis makes his professional debut in a junior welterweight match against San Antonio’s Danny Sanchez (0-6) and another hometown favorite, junior featherweight Mario Barrios (1-0) takes on Laredo’s Manuel Rubalcava (1-6).

A six-round welterweight fight will pit Laredo’s Luis Torres (5-3-3, 1 KO) against Waco’s Milton Ramos (9-4-2) and in a six-round junior welterweight contest, Austin’s Travell Mazion (6-0, 5 KO’s), who is trained by former world champion Ann Wolfe, will face an opponent to be named. The junior welterweight opener, scheduled for four rounds, will see 19-year-old phenom Justin DeLoach (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Georgia, Louisiana meeting Agua Prieta, Sonora Mexico’s German Valdez (2-3-1, 1 KO).

Maldonado Jr. vs. Nater is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Cowboys Dancehall doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT and the first fight starts 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.
Tickets, priced at $100, $65, $35 and $24, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges are available for purchase now by phone by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, m@leijabattahpromo.com or text “Tickets” to 210-556-7390. Tables are also available for $260 plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/LeijaBattahPR, www.twitter.com/atriscokid and www.twitter.com/cowboysdancehall, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and Leija*Battah Facebook Page. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 and FOXDeportes.com, visit FOXSports.com and become a follower on @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes.

SAN ANTONIO (February 7, 2015) – Unbeaten super bantamweight sensation, Mario Barrios (1-0, 1 KO) returns to the ring Monday, February 10th against Manuel Rubalcava (1-6) at the Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio, Texas.

Barrios, who was an amateur standout, faces a durable opponent in Rubalcava who’s never been stopped before, after having faced five undefeated opponents. The 18-year old prodigy, who stands 6’0 tall, feels his career is heading in the right direction and plans on shinning come fight night.

“I’m happy to be fighting in my hometown once again,” said Barrios. “I know Rubalcava will be a step up in competition and I’m not taking this fight lightly. He’s went the distance in all his fights so I know he can take a punch. I’m going to put on a great show for all the fans that’ll be in attendance. My game plan is to go out there and dictate the fight.”

“I’m very thankful to everyone on my team, my trainers, managers and family. Since turning pro last November, I feel I’m ready to take the boxing world by storm. With each fight I’m hoping to gain the experience to prepare me for the next level. I’m looking to make an impact in 2014.”

Roberto Garcia 155 vs. Norberto Gonzalez 157 Kamil Laszczyk 125 vs. Daniel Diaz 125 Erickson Lubin 147.5 vs. Roberto Carlos Acevedo 145.5 Ahmad Cheikho 147.5 vs. Francisco Rios-Gil 148
Junior Wright 199 vs. Galen Brown 193
Patryk Szymanski 154 vs. Daniel Hicks 152
Kristin Gearhart 140 vs. Allanna Jones 141
Jose Felix Quesada 135 vs. Christopher Jackson 134.5

Venue: UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
Promoters: Iron Mike Productions, 8 Count Productions, Warriors Boxing
TV: ESPN Friday Night Fights

Tickets for “Friday Night Fights” are priced at VIP $151, VIP Ringside $101, Ringside $76, Mezzanine $51 and General Admission $31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000), the 8 Count Productions Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced today that it will celebrate Black History Month by taking part in a series of events and appearances nationwide throughout the month of February.

UFC® stars such as flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, Uriah Hall, Rashad Evans, Anthony Johnson, Tyron Woodley and Phil Davis will visit multiple cities across the United States to take part in community and charitable events, media tours and other appearances. The tour will visit New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

FOX Sports commentator Karyn Bryant will also participate.

The following cities will be visited throughout the celebration:

· Monday, Feb. 24 – New York City with Demetrious Johnson & Uriah Hall

· Tuesday, Feb. 25 – Philadelphia with Demetrious Johnson & Uriah Hall

· Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Washington, D.C. with Rashad Evans & Anthony Johnson

· Thursday, Feb. 27 – Atlanta with Rashad Evans & Anthony Johnson

· Friday, Feb. 28 – Los Angeles with Phil Davis & Tyron Woodley

**Talent subject to change

UFC.com/BHM will also be home to exclusive content chronicling the coast-to-coast celebration. More information on the tour, including schedules and stops in each city, will be announced in the days to come.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo, Beijing and Singapore, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which airs on FOX Sports 1.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries and territories, to nearly 882 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly 2.7 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.