FLASH QUOTES: GLORY 2 BRUSSELS HEAVYWEIGHT OPPONENTS DANYO ILUNGA AND ALI CENIK

BRUSSELS, Belgium (Oct. 5, 2012) – Two heavyweight contenders collide on Saturday night as Remy Bonjasky’s protégé Danyo Ilunga meets the hard-hitting Turkish fighter Ali Cenik in a bout that will mark the winner as a definite emerging force at the upper-end of the weight class.

Ilunga has a flamboyant style reminiscent of his trainer, the much-decorated multi-time champion ‘Flying Gentleman’ Bonjasky. The flashy stuff isn’t for Cenik – he dresses sharp, but he keeps his fighting simple and he likes to get close and get busy with combinations and hard body kicks.

There’s a lot of hype around Ilunga at present and his training under Bonjasky adds something to it. But Cenik doesn’t care who anyone trains with and at GLORY 2: BRUSSELS, which takes place at the Vorst Nationaal Arena in the Belgian capital, he intends to show Ilunga that names are only names.

“I’ve been trying to combine speed with my knockout power and for sure I am looking for the knockout,” he says. “I know Ilunga’s style is similar to Remy’s – a lot of tricks, a lot of combinations, a lot of counters. But I am more powerful. And the flying knee is something we all know is coming so, I am prepared to avoid it. And maybe not only avoid it – maybe there will be something waiting there for him.”

Cenik is fighting on the same card as Gokhan Saki, the lightning-fast and super-explosive heavyweight who has a devoted army of fans worldwide thanks to his string of knockout wins and his utter fearlessness in the ring. Cenik and Saki are both of Turkish origin – although Saki grew up in the Netherlands – and Cenik sees ‘The Rebel’ as an example.

“I am very proud of Gokhan Saki, he is a fighter with much success, and while I don’t compare myself with him yet I hope that I can one day be talked about in the same way as him. I am always trying to do my best and trust me I will be going forward, I wont take one step backward and I will be firing heavy shots until I knock him out,” he affirms.

Those last words draw a laugh from Ilunga when they are repeated to him.

“Haha! I don’t think so. He has to talk like this of course but I am very sure he knows I am not some easy opponent. I will say this – I am not sure I am going to knock him out but I am sure he is going to lose this fight. One hundred per cent,” smiles the African warrior.

Ilunga is now based in Germany but still has a fierce pride in his homeland, which he pays tribute to by wearing traditional tribal dress to the ring when he fights. Its a distinctive get-up and there is certainly no danger that Ilunga will be mistaken for anyone else on his way to battle.

“Its just to show that I am from Africa. Its my African roots, I want to show it. I am from Congo and that’s what I want to show. The Congo warriors use it and so I use it too,” he explains, before outlining why he thinks Cenik has bitten off more than he can chew in accepting this match.

“I have my own style – but I do try to fight smart like Remy because he is a very clever fighter, that’s what I try to learn from him. He doesn’t fight like other fighters, who are only running forward and punching. He always gives his best but he is not an ‘open’ fighter – he has a good guard and he closes his guard and doesn’t take a lot of shots.

“As we can see, a lot of other fighters only go forward and punch but they take a lot of punch also. And so I try and avoid damage like Remy does. Every fighter has his own style but I am sure of course that mine is a little bit like Remy.”

Remy doesn’t disagree. He also says that Ilunga is probably the most talented fighter he has coached and that if he continues on his present path, he is going to achieve great things in the sport and become the best in the world in his weight class. Does Ilunga agree with that assessment?

“Of course. I focus on it and that’s why I train so hard, I have to work hard to grow the right way. But with Remy and with my focus I can be one of the best.”

Doors at Vorst Nationaal Arena will open for GLORY 2 Brussels at 16:30 local time and the undercard fights will commence with MMA rules bouts at 17:00. The main card will begin at 19:00 local time.

The live stream of the event will begin on GloryWorldSeries.com at 10 a.m. EST/7 a.m. PST/16:00 CET with the first undercard bout, a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) rules contest, and continue with the main card.

For more information visit www.gloryworldseries.com

About GLORY:

The GLORY World Series (www.gloryworldseries.com) is the world’s premier stand-up fighting league, staging events across the globe and offering up to $1,000,000 in prize money to successful fighters in 16-man grand prix tournaments which are open to only the very best fighters in each weight class.

With television deals spanning every continent plus a groundbreaking online video streaming system and the world’s largest online martial arts library, GLORY is one of the world’s most widely-broadcast sporting organizations already.

Owned and operated by Glory Sports International (GSI), the organization has offices in Holland, the UK, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Its personnel include prominent hedge-fund investors, the pioneering sports marketing agency Total Sport Asia and several executives from the Golden Glory and It’s Showtime team.

GLORY 2 BRUSSELS WEIGH IN RESULTS: ALL FIGHTERS MAKE WEIGHT

BRUSSELS, Belgium (Oct. 5, 2012) – Remy Bonjasky and Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva were among the top names who hit the scales in Brussels today for the heavyweight fight that headlines the Glory 2 Brussels world-class kickboxing event at Vorst Nationaal Arena tomorrow/Saturday, Oct. 6.

Bonjasky is making his return to the ring after a three-year absence caused by a recurring eye injury. After several operations and the all-clear from doctors he is picking up the gloves again and says he has plenty left to prove.

His opponent is the rising Brazilian star Silva. He respects Bonjasky’s achievements in the sport but won’t be showing him that in the ring during their headline fight. Instead Braddock, who came very close to beating former heavyweight champion Badr Hari earlier this year, wants to take the Amsterdam man out in as decisive a manner as possible, to show the kickboxing world he means business.

In the co-main event, the incredibly explosive Gokhan ‘The Rebel’ Saki meets with Tunisian heavyweight Mourad Bouzidi. This fight matches two combatants who are at the smaller end of the division in size but are at its very top in terms of threat – one solid shot from either will send the other back to the dressing rooms early.

Those two fights crown a card which has already been described as the best to be staged in Europe for several years. From top to bottom it is stacked with a mixture of champions, rising stars and new blood which underlines GLORY’s status as the premier league in kickboxing and guarantees a night of knockout action.

Highlights of the card include the 97kilo meeting between Danyo Ilunga, pretege of Remy Bonjasky, and Turkish prospect Ali Cenik, who has blasted his way from the Bosporus to Brussels for this meeting of contenders. Cenik hopes to emulate the exploits of fellow Turkish fighter Gokhan Saki while Ilunga represents both Bonjasky Academy and his native Congo.

Nieky Holzken was last in action on the Glory 1: Stockholm card in April, where he stopped Swedish standout Alex Harris with the kind of body shots that a prime Mike Tyson would have been proud of. On Saturday night he faces Belgian veteran Murat Direcki and he will need every trick in his book to get the upper hand.

Fight fans should also watch out for Jamal Ben Saddik, who turned 22 on Thursday. He is young in years but big in ambition and as he hails from Golden Glory, he has a lot to live up to. His staredown with Jahfar Wilnis was the most intense of the weigh-ins and the fight is not likely to go the distance.

At 79 kilos there is a classic match of styles as the aggressive Murthel Groenhart of Mike’s Gym, Amsterdam faces the Belgian prospect Marc de Bonte, a Muay Thai stylist who has a very high level of technical precision and a big knockout ratio. And at heavyweight we get to see Filip Verlinden and his boxing skills against the heavy forward pressure of the Japanese-Brazilian Fabiano Cyclone.

The full weigh in results from Friday’s official weigh-ins are as follows:

Heavyweight Main Event:
Remy Bonjasky (105.1 kilos) vs. Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva (107.9 kilos)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event:
Gokhan Saki (103.5 kilos) vs. Mourad Bouzidi (105)

78kilos catchweight match
Murat Direkci (77.6) vs. Nieky Holzken (78)

Heavyweight
Filip Verlinden (95.2) vs. Fabiano “Cyclone” Aoki (101)

79kg catchweight:
Murthel Groenhart (78.7) vs. Marc de Bonte (78.2)

Heavyweight:
Igor Jurkovic (101.6) vs. Gregory Tony (will weigh in late by prior agreement)

Heavyweight:
Mark Miller (94.3) vs. Koichi Pettas (99.1)

Heavyweight:
Jhonata Diniz (103.5) vs. Sebastien Thielen (late replacement; will weigh in late by prior agreement)

Heavyweight:
Jahfar Wilnis (107.5) vs. Jamal Ben Saddik (133)

71kilo catchweight
Marat Gregorian (71 kilo) vs. Alex Vogel (68.2)

97kilo catchweight
Danyo Ilunga (97.3) vs. Ali Cenik (97.3)

Lightweight (70 kilos)
Andy Ristie (70) vs. Nordin Ben Moh (&0)

MMA welterweight (77kilos)
Yuya Shirai (75.5) vs. Tommy Depret (76.1)

MMA light-heavyweight (93kg)
Jason Jones (93) vs. Tatsuya Mizuno (91.8)

Doors at Vorst Nationaal Arena will open at 16:30 local time and the undercard fights will commence with MMA rules bouts at 17:00. The main card will begin at 19:00 local time.

For more information visit www.gloryworldseries.com

About GLORY:

NONITO DONAIRE CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

BOB ARUM: I am delighted to be on this call. Everybody that has any connection with boxing is excited about this card. The 122 lb. championship that will be defended by Nonito Donaire is going to be a classic. I had the opportunity to watch Toshiaki Nishioka when he fought Rafael Márquez and he is a terrific fighter and we know that Nonito is one of the great fighters in boxing but he’s going to have his hands full. I believe that his fight with Nishioka will be as exciting and as interesting as the co-feature with Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado at The Home Depot Center. We have sold over 5,000 tickets and looking for a crowd of around 7,000 which will be a virtual sell-out.

CAMERON DUNKIN: This is a fight that Nonito has wanted for a very long time. Nishioka is a great fighter. This is the kind of fight that Nonito, who is one of the great fighters fighting today and also in history, these are the kinds of fights that you get excited about because this is really a historic fight.

ROBERT GARCIA: Nishioka is a great fighter and the best in the division. He is ranked as the best super bantamweight in the world. It’s going to be a really tough fight but Nonito has been training really hard and he has to come out and perform and do what he’s been doing so far.

NONITO DONAIRE: Training camp has been going excellent. We had our last sparring yesterday and we are mentally prepared and physically prepared for this big fight next weekend and we are going to put the game plan in the works and come out of this fight victorious.

What do you think about the fact Nishioka has not fought much recently?

NONITO DONAIRE: I think that being older and being a veteran their record is never as bad as it is. We have been training really hard for this fight – we don’t want to take any chances at all. I believe when we are at this level and at this age and even if he hasn’t fought in a while he can be very dangerous.

You have been winning and dominating but three fights in a row without a spectacular KO…

NONITO DONAIRE: We have been fighting the fights and getting the victories and I think that’s what counts most. These guys I have been fighting are world champions and they are at the top of their game. Sometimes you don’t get the results that people look for. People expect a lot from me. We have been trying to change things up to get different results. Against Nishioka we can’t let our guard down and going back to the old Nonito Donaire style of fighting smart.

Nishioka has not been stopped since his second pro fight in ’95 – how much would it mean to get the KO?

NONITO DONAIRE: When it comes it comes but the proper game plan will show my power which is what I was known for – lightning fast counters that were knocking people out because they never saw it coming. No matter how tough you are, if you don’t see where it’s coming from, you don’t expect it and it will knock you down.

ROBERT GARCIA: We all know when the guys move up in weight the punches get stronger and the opponents have all been world-class fighters so it is more difficult to get the KO. It won’t be easy against Nishioka but at the beginning of training camp Nonito told me he wanted to come in and do it the way he used to do it – picking them apart little by little then knocking them out. He’s been doing it in training against lightweights, super lightweights – he’s been landing beautiful punches and combinations and I have no doubt he will do it against Nishioka. I am not pushing or asking for the knockout but in training he has been doing the right thing and if he performs like he did in training I will be happy with him.

How do you think Nishioka will try to get the job done?

NONITO DONAIRE: One thing he will try to do is land the straight that is difficult to do against me. Aside from that, I haven’t seen any tape that he can do damage with. He did great against Márquez, but Márquez is a lot slower than me. A lot of those punches won’t land with me with power. But we are very worried and very mindful of that advantage he has.

How much is he being a southpaw a problem for you?

NONITO DONAIRE: It is not so bad. I have sparred with a lot of southpaws over the years. Darchinyan was a notable southpaw and I knocked him out. And Márquez was one of the guys I took apart as well when I did decide to turn it on. We are mindful he is a southpaw. I try to do the things that are difficult for me against a southpaw and that’s one thing we figured out.

How is the drug testing going?

NONITO DONAIRE: Pretty good. A couple of days ago they showed up at my door and took 4 tubes of blood – the last time they only took 2. You never know when they’ll come in. I really believe in it. It’s good for boxing – it’s random so you really can’t hide anything at all.

Do you think it has a future in boxing?

NONITO DONAIRE: I think it will and it should be a part of boxing. For me I do the things that I do for the fans and the love of the sport. The only thing that comes out of it is good – it will gain fans.

Where do you see yourself in a year from now?

NONITO DONAIRE: Moving up to 126 pounds is another option that we have. We are looking to stay at 122 for a bit but I can work my body to be ready for 126. There are fighters at 122 that I have not faced yet and they know who they are and I am fine with facing any of them.

ROBERT GARCIA: Yes, this guy is very experienced. He is one of those guys that has been there for so many years and has done everything with every type of opponent but inside the ring he has not been with a Nonito, who stings the way he stings and has the power that he has. He hasn’t seen that and that is going to be the difference. Nonito has the power and the speed and Nonito knows what punches are going to be coming.

NONITO DONAIRE: Nishioka has power and he knows how to set it up. He’s a veteran and knows the tricks that can frustrate a fighter – that’s what we don’t want to fall into. We have a great game plan and we are ready for whatever it is.

NONITO DONAIRE: Every fight makes you stronger. Every fight makes you smarter. Going into the fight you know what you want to do. I know I am a better fighter going into this fight because of the tough fights I have had.

What about the Mathebula fight?

NONITO DONAIRE: We took it to him. We showed power. Even against a taller guy we showed we could out-speed him and get by his longer reach. We can bring that into this fight as well.

NONITO DONAIRE: The last three fights were experimental. This fight we are going back to boxing and being unexpected. We relied on the power in the last three fights but this fight we will come out throwing lots of punches.

What do you think about the co-feature?

NONITO DONAIRE: I’ll be watching that fight. That’s going to be a great fight. My fights don’t need to be fight of the year. I just go out and do what I need to do. Rios and Alvarado will go out and do what they do and make it exciting for everybody but there is no pressure for me to out-do that fight.

Would you want a fight against Abner Mares?

NONITO DONAIRE: I hope so, but that is up to the promoters, the networks and the fans. We are always willing to fight anybody.

BOB ARUM: Everybody who loves boxing come out to The Home Depot Center because they are going to see a card second to none. Two great fights and a terrific undercard and tickets reasonably priced. Almost all of the tickets are sold except for the $35 tickets. So for $35 you can watch history.

NONITO DONAIRE: I want to thank everyone and let them know that this is very exciting for me. Thanks to Bob and Top Rank for making it happen. Rios-Alvarado is going to be an incredible, incredible fight and you don’t want to miss it. I know Nishioka will go all out and I will go all out. Excitement will be in the air on October 13.

****************************

The Super Powers of the junior featherweight and the junior welterweight divisions will go mano a mano, in a sensational night of championship boxing. Top-Five pound for pound fighter and four-division world champion NONITO “Filipino Flash” DONAIRE vs. WBC Diamond Belt super bantamweight champion TOSHIAKI NISHIOKA, and undefeated former world lightweight champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS vs. undefeated No. 1 junior welterweight contender “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Teiken Promotions and Tecate, the Donaire vs. Nishioka / Rios vs. Alvarado championship doubleheader will take place Saturday, October 13 under the stars at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Both fights will be televised Live on HBO®, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

These four gladiators boast a combined record of 131-5-4 (86 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with 2/3 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Remaining Tickets for The Home Depot Center’s Donaire-Nishioka / Rios-Alvarado championship event, priced at $150 (sold out), $75 (Almost sold out) and $35, can be purchased online at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Suites are available by calling 1-877-604-8777. For information of group discounts, please call 1-877-234-8425.

WBO/IBF junior featherweight champion Donaire (29-1, 18 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in the Bay Area of San Leandro, Calif., enters this fight riding an 11-year, 28-bout winning streak.

Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KOs), of Hyogo, Japan, boast an eight-year, 16-bout winning streak in his own right, including eight world title fights.

Rios (30-0-1, 21 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., is on the hunt for his second world title in as many weight divisions. He enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 12 fights by knockout.

Alvarado (33-0, 23 KOs) of Denver, has won 10 of his last 13 bouts by stoppage en route to a career-high No. 1 world rating.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing.

JOEL DIAZ JR. IS NOT FIGHTING ON NOVEMBER 17TH

October 5, 2012 – Boxing 360, has been informed that a press release sent out by promoter Sterling McPherson of Las Vegas, stating that its fighter, Joel Diaz Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs), will be fighting on November 17th at the Edgewater Casino Resort in Laughlin, NV, against Robert Osiobe, 13-5-0 (6 KO’s) is false information.

“I have no idea who Sterling McPherson is and the fact that he’s putting out a press release regarding my fighter Joel Diaz Jr. is against the law.” said Boxing 360 promoter Mario Yagobi. “I have my legal team ready to move forward if this press release is not rebutted. I’ve never once spoken to McPherson in my life, let along given him or anyone from his promotional team the right to promote Joel Diaz Jr.”

“I’ve never been approached by anyone from McPherson’s company in regards to them promoting Joel, so I have no knowledge of this fight,” stated Mike Criscio who manages Joel Diaz Jr. “Mario Yagobi and I have talked and we want to put a stop to this false information that has been made public. Joel Diaz is not fighting on November 17.”

UFC Champion Ben Henderson to appear, USAF to enlist recruits during MMA event Oct. 13 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

DOVER, Del. — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, in association with Cage Fury Fighting Championships, will present its first ever professional Mixed Martial Arts event on Saturday, Oct. 13. Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion Ben Henderson of Glendale, Ariz., will be on hand to sign autographs and have photographs taken with fans. Twelve recruits from Dover Air Force Base will participate in an enlistment ceremony into the US Air Force Reserves.

There are now nine fights on the card including five professional and four top-prospect amateur bouts. Of the professionals, Aung La N Sang of Md. is featured in the main event against Jason Louck of Iowa. Mike Wilcox of N.J. will fight Ray Elliot of Md. in the co-main event. Anton Berzin of Penn. vs. Walter Howard of N.J. Myron Baker of Md. will fight Ben Syers of N.Y. Sergio Da Silva of N.Y. vs. Gregory Saumenig of Md. All professional bouts will be three 5-minute rounds.

Four amateur fights are featured on the undercard: Lamar Dent of N.J. vs. Joshua Vann of Del.; Mike Shipman of N.J. vs. Ibrahim “Abe” Toure of Del.; Arnold Nelson of N.J. vs. Derrick “Flash” Bradley II of Penn.; Andrew Hom of Del. vs. Damon Bonner of N.J. All amateur bouts will be three 3-minute rounds.

The first bout will begin at 6 p.m. in the Rollins Center®. Doors open at 5 p.m. Will call will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. Tickets are still available at $55 – $125 and may be purchased by calling VIP Services at 800-711-5882 or visiting doverdowns.com. Event, times and card are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit doverdowns.com for updates.

For media credentials and interview or photo requests, please contact Lisa Rollins Butler at lbutler@doverdowns.com.

# # #

About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of approximately 2,500 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 41,500 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.

“STERLING NIGHT OF FIGHTS” HITS THE EDGEWATER CASINO RESORT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 IN LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2012) Sterling Promotions, led by longtime Las Vegas based boxing promoter Sterling McPherson presents “Sterling Night of Fights” on Saturday, NOVEMBER 17 at the world-famous Edgewater Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada.

“We’re very excited to work with the Edgewater Casino Resort team on this terrific event and look forward to a long and fortuitous relationship with them by providing the best in world class professional boxing” said McPherson, also announcing that this event will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN International.

Ticket information will be announced shortly.

Headlining the debut “Sterling Night of Fights” is a sensational ten round lightweight clash between highly touted, hard hitting, undefeated prospect Joel Diaz, 11-0-0 (10KO’s) of Palmdale, CA and Nigerian master Robert “Super” Osiobe, 13-5-0 (6KO’s).

Just 20-years-old, Diaz has turned heads across the country with his stunning knockouts over the last two years. Training with the highly regarded Abel Sanchez in Big Bear, CA, the busy Diaz will be fighting for the sixth time in 2012.

A native of Nigeria, now based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada, Osiobe is coming off his career best victory, winning a hard fought ten round battle over Jose Hernandez on AUGUST 18 in Tacoma, WA.

Said McPherson, “This is just the type of battle that fans should come to expect with this series. Diaz is risking his undefeated record against a very crafty, much more experienced veteran in Osiobe, the clash of styles is a fight fan’s dream.”

Featured in the co-main event is outstanding Youngstown, Ohio lightweight prospect Chris Hazimihalis, hailing from the same city as numerous former world champions including Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik.

With an undefeated record of 9-0-0 with seven stoppages, Hazimihalis will face off against an opponent to be announced in a scheduled eight rounder.

In a special feature attraction women’s bout, Las Vegas’ attractive newcomer Marcela Cornejo, 1-0-0 (1KO), will enter the ring in a scheduled four rounder with an opponent to be announced shortly.

Four other excellent bouts have also been announced for “Sterling Night of Fights.”

Junior welterweights will clash in a scheduled six rounder as undefeated southpaw, knockout artist, Luis “EL Animal” Cerda, 6-0-0 (6KO’s) of Santiago de Chile, Chile battles Cameron Krael, 2-3-0 (2KO’s) of Las Vegas.

Just 21 years old, this will be Cerda’s fight bout in the United States while the tough as nails 20-year-old Krael will be fighting for the sixth time in 2012.

Also in the junior welterweight division, tough Mexican prospect Javier Loya, 7-1-0 (6KO’s) battles Edgar Zubia, 3-1-0 (1KO) of Hobbs, New Mexico in a six round bout.

Loya will be looking to starting another winning streak, having won seven in a row before being stopped by uber prospect Jose Benavidez in the fourth round in an outstanding scrap on AUGUST 4 in Las Vegas.

Super middleweights from Arizona will also be represented with Yuma’s Jose Gonzalez, 1-2-1 challenging William Schmidth, 1-2-2 (1KO) of Chandler.

In the heavyweight division, heavy hitting undefeated prospect Duane Mobley, 5-0-0 (4KO’s), of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, will clash with veteran Chad Davis, 4-10-0 (3KO’s) of Phoenix, AZ in a scheduled four round bout.

More details on this action packed evening of world class professional boxing will be announced shortly.

The Edgewater Casino Resort is located at 2020 S. Casino Drive in Laughlin, Nevada. For more information, please visit their website at www.edgewater-casino.com

ABOUT STERLING PROMOTIONS

A former standout professional boxer, Sterling McPherson has promoted professional boxing events around the world since 1987, including many involving boxing legend Mike Tyson among hundreds of other world title fights.

For more information, please visit the Sterling Promotions website at www.SterlingMcPherson.com

ABOUT THE EDGEWATER CASINO RESORT

The Edgewater Casino Resort is a beautiful resort destination in the heart of Laughlin, Nevada, resting on the west bank of the cool Colorado River. The Edgewater’s 26-story Sedona Tower stands out against a desert landscape of blue skies and majestic mountain ranges.

The Edgewater offers exciting gaming, exceptional dining and entertaining events. The perfect place for a relaxing vacation retreat or getaway, the Edgewater is also an excellent choice for weddings and reunions, business functions, meetings and events. Discover the Edgewater for a legendary guest experience.

BRANDON RIOS / MIKE ALVARADO Media Conference Call Transcript

BOB ARUM: It’s really nice to do a boxing show where all you hear are accolades. Most of the time there are one or two guys complaining but this show is just tremendous. The media can’t wait to see Alvarado against Rios. Even before the first punch has been thrown, people are touting it as the ‘fight of the year.’ I think it could end up as the fight of the year. Mike Alvarado is a tremendous fighter who always brings it to the ring. He’s thrilled fans and now he gets this opportunity on HBO Boxing After Dark stage against Brandon Rios. [Saturday, October 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT]

HENRY DELGADO: I expect an action-filled fight. They have the same styles. Neither one of them will be taking a step back. It’s going to be non-stop.

MIKE ALVARADO: Camp is going well and I expect a good boxing performance. It’s going to be a very entertaining fight for the people. I am going to get in there and do what I do and that’s fight ’til the finish. I know it’s going to be a great, thrilling, non-stop, action fight. And I can’t wait.

You have moved camp out of Denver, which is a little unusual…

MIKE ALVARADO: Just to get my mind clear of everything. I wanted no distractions at all. I wanted to get my training down to a ‘T’. This is the biggest fight of my career coming up.

Are you happy you weren’t in Denver for the debate?

MIKE ALVARADO: Yes, I am happy I was away from all the hoopla of the debate. I heard all about it from my friends. It was crazy.

Can you tell us what the trek has been like for you to get to this point?

MIKE ALVARADO: It’s been a long, rocky road but I am happy where I am right now and excited for this fight. I am ready for this fight. I am blessed that Top Rank and HBO and my team are all here to help me push through it. I am ready to reach that next level now. I have been training so hard for this fight. I have been away from my family to make this fight a great performance. I can’t wait for October 13.

How does it make you feel when people say how excited they are to see this fight?

MIKE ALVARADO: I don’t really hear or pay attention to what the other people say. I just try to stick to my game plan. It will make me train harder because people are expected to see a high level fight. I am looking forward to it and I know I need t put on a good performance. I am going to do the best I can to win this fight, to put on a great show and be victorious on that night.

Do you feel you are a slugger and that your boxing is underrated?

MIKE ALVARADO: My boxing is definitely underrated. I am not just a slugger, I can also box ’til the end. I have learned a lot about myself in that ring. The fight (against Prescott) never took a toll on me. It was a good war with Prescott and has only made me that much stronger. I have the skills and I am ready to do this.

Will Rios history of trouble making weight affect your preparation?

MIKE ALVARADO: I am thinking in my mind that Brandon is training the best that he can. He hasn’t made weight in his past couple fights but now he is moving up in weight and fighting somebody bigger and stronger. I am sure his nutrition is good and he is having a great camp. That makes me more humble and more focused to be ready.

You are 32 now, do you feel an urgency?

MIKE ALVARADO: I don’t care about my age. I know I am at the level now. Right now, this is where I am meant to be. I feel young in the game and am ready to perform.

Do you feel rusty since you have fought only twice this year compared to 5 times the year before?

MIKE ALVARADO: No. I don’t feel rusty at all. After my last fight we didn’t want to do anything to risk this next fight. We were looking for something big after the last fight and we are blessed that we got this fight. It is only my second fight of the year but it is worth it. I will not be rusty – I will be ready for it. Maybe it would have been nice to have another fight between then and now but it is what it is. I will just do what I do, put everything in to it and win.

How do you mentally get through it when it is such a tough fight?

MIKE ALVARADO: I have always been good in pressure situations. I love to win and put on a good show. It’s something I’ve always been good at.

Do you do anything different to prepare for this fight, which may be your toughest fight yet?

MIKE ALVARADO: I know that this is going to be a tough fight and I know I am prepared for it and confident. I look forward to a good fight. I maintain my focus on my training. I stay strong.

HENRY DELGADO: I think Mike makes the fights tougher than they are. He is a gladiator. He is a warrior. And he has a lot of skills that we haven’t even seen yet. For this fight, we have a different kind of game plan going. We are going to try and stick to our game plan but like I said, the warrior always comes out. He’s going to be in position to dominate the whole fight. We have some surprises coming.

What makes you believe that Brandon is tailor-made for you?

MIKE ALVARADO: My boxing skills are underrated. I am going to keep him at bay. He is going to be right there in front of me so I can do anything I want with him. I can fight his fight. I can bang with him. I can do whatever I want with him. It will be my fight. I will control the pace.

Do you think you’ll be able to push him around?

MIKE ALVARADO: I don’t plan to. I’ll try my best to do it but I don’t know. I can see myself throwing him around being the stronger fighter, but then again I may not want to waste my time – I may just want to keep him outside. We’ll see. We have a lot of options.

You were an undefeated two-time high school wrestling State Champion. How has your background as a wrestler helped you in boxing – i.e. making weight and training?

MIKE ALVARADO: It has helped me as far as my discipline, which I learned at a young age. As far as making weight, I have been on a scale since I was 5 years old to make weight. So the discipline in that area has always been there. Learned the ins-and-outs of it so it has always been there.

MIKE ALVARADO: Wrestling taught me how to push myself when the going got tough. I learned how to mentally and physically control all areas.

You traded the high altitude training of Denver for training in California. Do you miss it?

MIKE ALVARADO: Traditionally I would go home to the elevation before going back to the fight. Your blood cells get smaller when you go to the higher elevation. I never tested it. I always came from training in high elevation down to lower at the fight. I am fighting in it and training in it. My endurance is good right now. In my heart I know this fight is going to go toe-to-toe. I think it has its advantages, training at a high elevation, but at the end of the day, you still have to get in there and fight.

Have you ever sparred with Rios?

MIKE ALVARADO: No, I never sparred with him. I met him through a couple of professional events. My trainer knows who he was from the amateurs.

HENRY DELGADO: Don’t miss this fight. It is going to be ‘Must See TV.’ Mike is going to bring the arsenal and Rios better be ready.

MIKE ALVARADO: I am ready for this fight and make sure everybody tunes in. I’m not going to put on a bad performance. Never have. It’s going to be an explosive, entertaining fight.

CAMERON DUNKIN: This is a fight that Brandon really asked for and it was a fight that I was real hesitant to take, of course. I wanted to get him a couple of other fights and I talked to trainer Robert Garcia about that. When it presented itself, Brandon was so excited and I didn’t want to disappoint him so we went to work on this fight and boy, everyone is very excited about it.

ROBERT GARCIA: As everyone knows Brandon was a big lightweight and hasn’t fought at lightweight in about a year. The last two fights he couldn’t make weight – he was fighting at about 140. People don’t realize that Brandon was so big and so strong that he will be comfortable at 140.

BRANDON RIOS: Training camp has been excellent. I am 100% holed up. I am confident. I am focused. This is one of the best training camps since I fought Peterson. I am ready to show the world and everybody what I can do at 140 now. 135 was good for me but now I am ready for 140.

How tough of a fight do you expect this to be?

BRANDON RIOS: This is going to be a tough fight. Alvarado is a tough jr. welterweight. Our styles are similar. He likes to come forward and I like to come forward. I don’t like to play a chess game. I like to go in and handle business and he likes to do that too. It’s going to be one helluva fight. The fans are going to love it and I’m going to come out victorious in this one.

What do you think about people mentioning this could be “Fight of the Year”?

BRANDON RIOS: I don’t really focus on that stuff. If it happens, it happens. We can’t talk about that right now because we haven’t fought yet. It’s pretty cool that people are saying that. That it could hit the “Gatti list” – that would be awesome.

Do you think it will be a tough fight?

BRANDON RIOS: Yes I do, because if he fights the way he has been fighting it is going to be one helluva fight. It is going to be one of those fights that is like a Gatti-Ward. I am going to go out and fight like I always do. If he changes, it won’t be like that. But if he comes to fight it going to be a great fight.

Will you try to tame Brandon or let him fight a war?

ROBERT GARCIA: We all know how Brandon fights. I’ll have to remind him of the little things — like keep your hands up, keep your chin down. That’s my job during the minute break and during the fight. During the fight, Brandon is focused on my voice only and he follows instructions. The word is Brandon has won with no defense, but his last five or six fights he has won and not been tired at all – so we have to get in there and throw a lot of punches and get on the inside and work – that’s his defense. People think he has no defense but I disagree. In his last five fights he fought great fighters and his best defense was his offense.

Do you feel your power will transfer to 140?

BRANDON RIOS: I was 140 making 135 comfortably. I always had the power. I could have fought at 140 and had the power. Now I will be fighting at 140 and hitting like a 147 pounder. That power is going to follow me wherever I go. The power never leaves a fighter. I will be ready 100% and the power will be there right with me.

How do you feel about not making weight?

BRANDON RIOS: I didn’t let my fans down. I don’t feel anything like that. If you can see the videos, I was trying to make weight. It would be a different story if I didn’t try to make weight and I came in heavy and looked heavy but I did try to make my weight. In my last two fights I knew it was starting to get hard. I felt good in the fights but the weight was starting to get harder. I put that behind me and now I am ready for a new division.

What kind of fight do you see against Alvarado?

BRANDON RIOS: The fight I see is we both come forward and I strike him and it is a bloody massacre of a fight. It’s going to be one of those fights that people are going to be on their feet the whole time. I told Robert since I started boxing I have been waiting for that type of fight and I hope this is that fight.

Do you feel ready to take a punch from a bit 140-pounder such as Alvarado?

BRANDON RIOS: I am ready to take a punch from a heavyweight-pounder. I don’t do it just to do it. I love my job. I love to fight. I love hitting people in the face and I love getting hit. If a heavyweight punches I will still love it and still have smile on my face. There is no difference from a lightweight to a junior welterweight to a welterweight to a heavyweight. It makes no difference to me.

Alvarado said his boxing skills are underrated. Do you buy that he won’t make it a war?

BRANDON RIOS: I’ll be ready for whatever he brings to the table. If he doesn’t want to fight – that’s good for me. If he wants to fight, it’s better for me. I’m not worried about what he brings. I have to worry about what I do when I go in there and fight. We are very confident. In this training camp we were very focused. We haven’t done much media. I want to prove a point in this fight and shut him up.

What are you expecting in this fight that you haven’t seen before? Alvarado’s manager says he makes fights harder than they should be and that he has great boxing skills that have never been seen and that they have some surprises…

ROBERT GARCIA: It shows me that he doesn’t even know what he’s saying. I’ve only seen him fight the same way. Now they are going to show different skills? If I have a fighter with so many skills…I have no idea what he’s talking about. We are prepared for a war. If he wants to change his style to a boxer, well, good luck to him.

BOB ARUM: On Tuesday at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles, the four fighters will host a Media Workout. Mike Alvarado will be there at Noon as well as Toshiaka at 12:30 p.m., who arrives in Los Angeles tonight (Oct. 4). At 1:00 p.m. Brandon Rios will be there and at 1:30 p.m. Nonito Donaire will be there. On Thursday, rather than hold a press conference where everyone makes speeches, we are going to have roundtables where the press can go from fighter to fighter to interview these principles and I think that’s going to be a lot more fruitful than the droning that goes on in these press conferences. Friday will be the weigh-in and Saturday, UNDER THE STARS, at The Home Depot. Tickets are going unbelievably well. This may be the biggest attendance maybe in many years, for boxing at The Home Depot. We have sold nearly 5000 seats as of now and they are moving very well. We hope to have between 6-7000 seats sold the night of the fight. You give people quality and they respond. One of the things we’ve done is keep the prices reasonable. The $150 tickets are sold. There are a couple $100’s remaining and the rest – $75 and $35. We priced it right for the fans for them to see great fights.

BRANDON RIOS: Everybody out there in the LA area – come to the fight. If not, watch it on HBO. The haters – keep hating. I am going out there to make a statement – a knockout.

****************************

These four gladiators boast a combined record of 131-5-4 (86 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with 2/3 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Remaining Tickets for The Home Depot Center’s Donaire-Nishioka / Rios-Alvarado championship event, priced at $150 (sold out), $75 and $35, can be purchased online at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Suites are available by calling 1-877-604-8777. For information of group discounts, please call 1-877-234-8425.

Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KOs), of Hyogo, Japan, boast an eight-year, 16-bout winning streak in his own right, including eight world title fights.

Alvarado (33-0, 23 KOs) of Denver, has won 10 of his last 13 bouts by stoppage en route to a career-high No. 1 world rating.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing.

VIDEO: AUDLEY HARRISON–WATCH ON WEALTH TV

Single-Fisted Boxer Michael Costantino Makes Pro Debut on Oct. 27 Brooklyn PPV

NEW YORK (October 4, 2012) – Single-fisted boxer Michael Costantino will fulfill his dream on October 27 when he makes his professional debut on the “Rising Olympian Star In The Big Apple” pay-per-view event, featuring undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam “World Kid” Ali (15-0, 9 KOs), live from Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York.

“Rising Olympian Star In The Big Apple,” presented by Sadam Ali’s World Kid Promotions, will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DISH Network and Avail-TVN for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The 33-year-old Costantino, fighting out of Queens, was born without a right hand. He participated in two New York City Golden Gloves Tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals one year, and he plans to make a statement in his scheduled four-round pro debut against an opponent to be determined.

“This is a dream come true for me,” the property manager in Brooklyn and Queens explained. “I always loved boxing. I was an athlete growing up, playing all sports, and a friend got me into boxing when I was 16. I thought boxing was a beautiful but hard sport and I respected individuals in boxing. I tried boxing and enjoyed it.

“I have to thank Sadam and David Ali for giving me this opportunity. I know Sadam from the amateurs. I’m taking it as one fight at a time. My goal is to show people that anything is possible. I had no problem getting licensed. Fighting on pay per view is important because, the more people who see what I’m doing, the better. I’m just focusing on this fight but I definitely want to show people that anything you put your mind to is possible.”

The youngest boxing promoter in America, 23-year-old Ali is an undefeated welterweight prospect who is taking on former Indiana State champion Jermaine “Too Sweet” White (17-5, 9 KOs), of Chicago, in the 10-round main event.

Santander “The Demolition Man” Silgado

Seven-time Colombian National champion Santander “The Demolition Man” Silgado (22-0, 18 KOs), the World Boxing Council FECARBOX cruiserweight champion, faces battled-tested veteran Gary “Pit Bull” Gomez (19-13-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Silgado, now fighting out of Brooklyn, is world rated at No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 11 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Brownsville super middleweight Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (22-3, 16 KOs) fights an opponent to be named in a eight-round bout. Stevens won a gold medal at the 2002 US National Championships as an amateur and he has defeated world champion Carl Daniels in the pro ranks.

Newly crowned World Boxing Federation Intercontinental light middleweight champion Mike “El Cangri” Ruiz (17-7, 9 KOs) drops back to his natural welterweight division to face and opponent to soon be determined. He is coming off his 10th round TKO title-winning performance July 21 against hometown favorite Paul Delgado in Atlanta.

Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts are Maine light middleweight Steven Gamache (3-0, 1 KO), the son of former world champion Joey Gamache, and Brooklyn light middleweight Shawn Cameron in his pro debut. Brooklyn bantamweight Jennifer Santiago meets Louisiana invader Ivana Coleman (0-1). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00, $100.00 and $50.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling 917.807.3630 or 917.655.5254 in Brooklyn and Queens, 718.744.8855 in Manhattan, or 201.914.9392 in Staten Island and New Jersey.

For more information about “Rising Olympian Star In The Big Apple,” go online to www.SadamAliBoxing.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.Sadam Ali can be followed on Twitter @realworldkidali.

FRANKLIN LAWRENCE TO BATTLE DOMINICK GUINN ON OCTOBER 27TH IN COMMERCE, CALIFORNIA LIVE ON WEALTHTV

COMMERCE, CA (October 4, 2012)—On Saturday night October 27th, boxing comes to the beautiful Commerce Hotel Casino in Commerce, California for a night of world class professional boxing.

The show is presented by Top Marquee Promotions and Commerce Hotel & Casino and will be broadcast live all over the United States by WealthTV.

In the main event, Franklin “Yah Yah” Lawrence will face the experienced Dominick Guinn in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Lawrence, 18-2-2 with thirteen knokouts of Indianapolis, Indiana is the hottest Heavyweight in the country as he has won six straight bouts via knockout and hasn’t lost in over three years.

In this run of stoppages, Lawrence has defeated contenders Lance Whitaker (35-6-1), former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada (16-3); Jason Gavern to win the WBC Caribbean championship and in his last bout he scored a seventh round stoppage over Homero Fonseca on September 8th as part of the Andre Ward – Chad Dawson undercard in Oakland.

Guinn of Houston, Texas via Hot Springs, Arkansas has a record of 34-9-1 with twenty-three knockouts has faced just about every notable Heavyweight in the past decade.

Guinn won his first twenty-four bouts and with wins over former world title challenger Michael Grant & Duncan Dokawari (22-1), Guinn was universally recognized as the top American Heavyweight. Guinn suffered his first defeat to former world title challenger Monte Barrett and has also faced former world champions James Toney & Sergei Liakhovich as well as former world title challengers Eddie Chambers and Tony Thompson.

Guinn has victories over former world title challengers Phil Jackson and Audley Harrison and has also beaten contenders Jean Francois-Bergeron (27-1) and Jonnie White (21-0). Guinn Is coming off a first round knockout over Stacy Frazier on June 8th.

There will be a pre-sale for tickets at Casino Services Desk located on the main floor.

Seeing action in the ten round co-feature will be undefeated Jr. Welterweight Samuel Kotey Neequaye of the boxing rich area of Accra, Ghana.

Kotey has a record of 18-0 with fourteen knockouts and made a splash in his American debut when he scored a decisive ten round unanimous decision over Federico Flores Jr. on September 22nd in Verona, New York.

Also seeing action in a six round bout will be former amateur standout Jr. Lightweight, Omar Douglas (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Wilmington, Delaware and the ladies of SoCal Bantamweight’s Cassie Trost (1-1) and Selene Roman squaring off in a four round Bantamweight bout.

“We are proud to present a heavyweight fight of this caliber with our partners at Top Marquee Promotions, says John Griffo Business Development Director of Commerce Casino, our ballroom is a great venue there is not a bad seat in the house. With a Heavyweight Championship for Lawrence or Guinn card plus a group and Neequay on the of talented local fighters this event will rock LA.”, said Gloria Hammelef of the Commerce Casino

Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketweb.com, www.commercecasino.com and range from $45-$200

ABOUT COMMERCE CASINO

Commerce Casino—the largest poker casino in the world—has nearly every form of poker: Texas Hold ’em, 7-Card Stud, Omaha, Pot Limit, Mexican Poker, Pineapple, Draw, Low-Ball and many others. Other table games offered include Baccarat and EZ Baccarat—with the most tables in the West—Pai Gow, Pai Gow Tiles, Blackjack and more. Amenities include a Crowne Plaza Hotel, full-service spa, choice restaurants and a convenient location near Rodeo Drive, Disneyland and the great Los Angeles nightlife. Commerce Casino is home to the $20 million Los Angeles Poker Classic, and horseracing fans can enjoy off-track betting action at the Commerce Casino Racebook. 2

Commerce Casino is located at 6131 East Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040, just off the Santa Ana (5) Freeway at the Washington Boulevard Exit. For more information, visit www.commercecasino.com or call 323.721.2100.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS * UFC On FX: BROWNE vs BIGFOOT

Las Vegas, Nevada – Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva will enjoy a 20 lbs weight advantage when he collides with 6ft 7inch heavyweight Travis Browne tomorrow night on the stacked UFC on FX card from the Target Center, Minneapolis.

The 6ft 4inch “Bigfoot” used every available pound, hitting the uppermost heavyweight limit of 266 lbs for tomorrow’s five round main event against the undefeated Browne, who scaled 246 lbs. The two goliaths then locked eyes for several intense moments before vowing to win inside the distance tomorrow.

“His size doesn’t matter, I’m a big guy too,” said Browne. “I’ve got to go out there and give my best – because if I do that I know I can finish this fight impressively.”

“I’m ready,” said Silva. “I’m ready to show the entire UFC what I can really do and this fight won’t go more than two rounds.”

The four-fight UFC on FX card will be broadcast live on FX this Friday at 8pm ET/PT, with preliminary fights airing live on FUEL from 5pm ET/2pm PT. A new episode of the Ultimate Fighter will air immediately following UFC on FX.

All official results from the weigh-in at the Pantages Theatre:

UFC on FX main card:

Heavyweight: Travis Browne (246) vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (266)
Welterweight: Jake Ellenberger (170) vs. Jay Hieron (170)
Flyweight: John Dodson (126) vs. Jussier Formiga (126)
Welterweight: Justin Edwards (170) vs. Josh Neer (171)

Fuel TV prelims:

Lightweight: Jeremy Stephens (156) vs. Yves Edwards (156)
Lightweight: Michael Johnson (156) vs. Danny Castillo (156)
Lightweight: Jacob Volkmann (155) vs. Shane Roller (156)
Featherweight: Bart Palaszewski (146*) vs. Diego Nunes (146)
Flyweight: Darren Uyenoyama (125) vs. Phil Harris (125)

Lightweight: Carlo Prater (156) vs. Marcus LeVesseur (156)

Facebook prelim:

Welterweight: Aaron Simpson (171) vs. Mike Pierce (171)

(* Palaszewski scaled 147lbs initially, and was given 1hour to make weight on second attempt)

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

The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

In 2011, 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 FX and FUEL TV. This includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 150 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions. 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 two million followers on Twitter.

Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed UFC magazine, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, and JAKKS Pacific articulated action figures.

HBO BOXING AFTER DARK TRIPLE-HEADER OCTOBER 27, 2012 AT THE TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

Totowa, New Jersey (October 4, 2012) – Gary Shaw Productions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Universal Promotions, Prize Fight, Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing, and Zanfer Promotions showcase an exciting triple-header boxing event on October 27, 2012, set to take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The three bouts will be televised live on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

“The Oneida Indian Nation is pleased to have HBO Boxing After Dark return to Turning Stone Resort Casino.” said Oneida Nation Spokesperson Dan Smith. “Our first-ever HBO boxing event in September drew rave reviews, and we expect this month’s card to highlight Turning Stone even further as a top venue in Central New York and across the country for elite-level sports and entertainment.”

The 10-round main-event features WBC No. 1, WBA No. 3 and WBO No. 13 ranked undefeated Puerto Rican sensation, Thomas Dulorme (16-0, 12 KOs), who will have his stiffest test to date, when he takes on the WBC No.11 ranked hard-hitting Argentine, Luis Carlos Abregu (33-1, 27KO’s).

Dulorme, has had a stellar start to his career with wins over the heavy-handed Venezuelan, Charlie Navarro (22-5, 17 KOs), and his most recognized victory comes against former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (39-19-1, 23 KOs).

“I am very grateful to Gary Shaw for giving me the opportunity to be fighting on HBO for the first time,” Dulorme said, a fighter represented promotionally by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. “This is what every fighter dreams and I am extremely excited to showcase my skills on an international platform.”

“Abregu is a good fighter and I know this is a tough fight, so I am preparing thoroughly to be in the best possible shape for fight night. My trainer Bonilla and I have been working hard in the gym and we want to dedicate this victory to the people of Puerto Rico. I will fight hard to not disappoint my fellow Puerto Ricans and the entire Latin community.”

“Thomas Dulorme is one the most exciting and promising young fighters in all of boxing and on October 27th he will prove it against Abregu live on HBO.” said Lou DiBella.

“We’re happy and excited for this opportunity.” said Universal promoter Javier Bustillo who promotes Dulorme with Shaw and DiBella. “Dulorme will show the world what he is made of and we are confident that Dulorme will beat Abreu and become a world champ soon.”

Abregu, is no stranger to the big stage as he lost a hard fought unanimous decision to current WBO Welterweight champion, Timothy Bradley Jr. (29-0, 12 KOs), who in his last fight defeated Manny Pacquiao. The Abregu vs. Bradley fight was televised live on HBO. Since the loss, Abregu is on a four-fight winning streak, all of which he won by KO.”

“Dulorme has never been in the ring with a hard puncher like me,” said Abregu. “I will break him down with power shots, something he’s never experience before. A win against Dulorme will put me back on track to fight for a world title. Nothing is going to stop me from coming out victorious.”

The co-feature will showcase San Francisco’s undefeated WBO/NABO Jr. Welterweight champion, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (16-0-1, 10 KOs), as he will defend his NABO title vs. Southern California’s, Mauricio Herrera (18-2, 7 KOs), in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds. Both fighters look to take advantage of their HBO debuts.

Earlier this year in the month of May, Mayfield ranked No. 6 in both the WBO and WBA, scored a devastating knockout against former undefeated prospect, Raymond Serrano (18-1, 8 KOs). Looking to capitalize on his most impressive win, Mayfield is ready to show the world why he belongs with the elite fighters in his loaded division.

“My golden opportunity has finally arrived and I’m not going to let it pass me bye.” Mayfield said, “I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity to fight on HBO and I earned everything the hard way, by winning in the ring. Come fight night, Herrera better be ready for a war, because I’m coming out guns blazing.”

Eager to get back in the win column, Herrera ranked No. 8 in the IBF, is looking to rebound from a loss to undefeated contender Mike Alvarado (33-0, 23 KOs), is .

“Mayfield is a good fighter, but I believe I have better boxing skills then he does,” stated Herrera. “I’ve faced the better competition and my experience will guide me to victory. I’ll be ready for anything Mayfield brings to the ring.”

Opening the HBO telecast will be a 12-round IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD title bout between champion, Miguel Vazquez (31-3, 13 KOs) and No. 1 contender, Marvin Quintero (25-3, 21 KOs). Both fighters hail from Mexico and look to bring an exciting bout to an already action packed card.

Vasquez is riding a 10-fight winning streak and has only tasted defeat against undefeated world champions, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (41-0-1, 31 KOs) and Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs), both of which were above the lightweight division where he is the current IBF Champion. Feeling unbeatable at lightweight, Vasquez is determined to come out victorious when he steps in the ring with Quintero.

“I believe I’m the best lightweight champion in the world,” said Vasquez, “My only losses have come against the best fighters in the world in higher weight classes. I’m unstoppable at lightweight and Quintero will realize who the real champion is when we face each other on October 27th.”

Quintero is undefeated in his last five bouts, winning all of them by knockout. Being that this is his first world title opportunity, he wants to prove he’s an elite fighter and a win against Vasquez will do that.

“As a fighter you always dream of becoming a world champion and my time has come to show the world that I’m for real,” says Quintero. “Vasquez is a great champion, but come fight night, I’m going to take his title and end his reign as IBF Champion.”

Quintero is trained by Romulo Quirarte, who also trains Antonio Demarco, the current WBC Lightweight Champion.

“I want to thank HBO, the Turning Stone Resort Casino, and all the promoters who’ve united to make this event a reality,” stated lead promoter Gary Shaw. “The card is stacked from top to bottom as the undercard will showcase some of the best young prospects in boxing. We will announce those fights soon. Everyone should tune into HBO on October 27th, because this is going to be an explosive night of boxing.”

Tickets for the October 27, HBO Boxing After Dark event range from $25 to $75 and are on sale at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office. Call (315) 361-7469 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com. Doors open up at 6:30 p.m. and the undercard begins at 7:30 p.m EST with the HBO live national broadcast starting at 10:15 p.m. EST.

Undefeated Super Middleweight Edwin Rodriguez Targets World Champions & Top Contenders

WORCESTER, MA (October 4, 2012) – Fresh off his thorough destruction of previously unbeaten Jason Escalera last Saturday night on HBO Boxing After Dark, undefeated Dominican dandy Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) is targeting world champions and top 10 contenders in the super middleweight division.

The only problem for Rodriguez last Saturday evening was getting glitter from Escalera’s trunks off his face.

“I’m ready to fight the best at 168-pounds,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to make a major statement in my last fight and did. I’ve feel that I’ve earned a world title shot. I trust my promoter, Lou DiBella, and manager, Larry Army, to get my world title shot as soon as possible. I’ll fight anybody they put in the ring with me, whether it’s a world champion, or a top contender. My time is now.”

Having gained invaluable experience sparring with the likes of past and present world champions such as Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Daniel Geale, and Jean Pascal, the 27-year-old Rodriguez has developed into a complete fighter in the past year working with head coach Ronnie Shields in his last four fights.

The super middleweight division is still somewhat muddled. World Boxing Council (WBC)/World Boxing Association (WBA) World champion Andre Ward is clearly the contemporary King who has options to pick-and-choose his next opponent. However, if the WBC strips him for also being the WBA champion, something that governing body has threatened to do, Rodriguez could be involved in a box-off as the No. 3 contender along with relatively unknown Nikola Sjekloca ranked No. 1, one spot ahead of veteran Sakio Bika.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) title-holder Froch has his dance card full with a title defense November 17 vs. Yusaf Mack, followed by a contractually required rematch in the spring with the former champion he defeated for the crown, Lucian Bute, and later next year a mandatory against the winner of the October 12th IBF title eliminator between Adonis Stevenson and Donovan George. (Rodriguez defeated George this past March by 10-round unanimous decision for the United States Boxing Association championship.)

Therefore, the most likely title shot opportunity for Rodriguez, at least in the immediate future, is December 15 against World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Arthur Abraham in Germany.

“We’re confident in traveling to Germany to fight Abraham,” Rodriguez’ manager Larry Army remarked, “as long as it’s broadcast in America in case there’s questionable judging. We believe Edwin is ready right now to face any of the world champions. If we’re unable to secure a world title shot, we want to fight the best available top 10 contender like Jermain Taylor or Kelly Pavlik, and even Andy Lee would make for a good fight.

“Edwin has fought three B+ fighters in his last three fights – (Will) Rosinsky, George and Escalera. Edwin is always looking to challenge himself and he’s approaching his peak. He is ready to make his mark in the super middleweight division.”

Rodriguez is rapidly building a strong following, too. He’s also rated No. 4 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBA, as well as No. 9 by The Ring Magazine, in addition to fighting seven times on national television: twice on HBO (headlining Boxing After Dark once vs. Escalera), three times on Showtime (twice in the ShoBox main event), and twice on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

His last six opponents had an accumulative record of 96-7-3 when they stepped into the ring to face Rodriguez. What’s missing from his boxing resume is a world title and/or victory against a top 10 contender.

Rodriguez represents the future of the super middleweight division. If he’s offered the Dec. 15 title fight against Abraham, the future could come sooner rather than later.

Follow Edwin Rodriguez on Twitter @labombaboxing.

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® FRIDAYS EPISODE 4 ‘CAN’T FIX STUPID’

Las Vegas, Nevada – Team Carwin and Team Nelson are now even heading into the fourth episode of The Ultimate Fighter® Fridays. Watch this week to see who will move one step closer to being the next Ultimate Fighter and winning a lucrative contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship®? Tune in Friday night on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Episode synopsis:

Dana treats the fighters to a special outing away from the house. After Roy uses a bizarre method to pick the next matchup, one fighter’s weight problem puts his future in jeopardy. Then, two more welterweights face off in the Octagon®.

Click here to view TUF™ Fridays Episode 4: ‘Can’t Fix Stupid’

Editor’s note:

This week’s episode will air immediately following UFC® on FX: BROWNE vs. BIGFOOT on FX

Results after episode three:

Team Carwin (1-1)

Sam Alvey (0-1, lost to Joey Rivera by decision in episode 3)

Bristol Marunde

Mike Ricci

Neil Magny (1-0, defeated Cameron Diffley by decision in episode 2)

James Chaney

Eddy Ellis

Igor Araujo

Matt Secor

Team Nelson (1-1)

Dom Waters

Michael Hill

Cameron Diffley (0-1, lost to Neil Magny by decision in episode 2)

Colton Smith

Jon Manley

Nic Herron-Webb

Joey Rivera (1-0, defeated Sam Alvey by decision in episode 3)

Julian Lane

For more show information, bios, videos and photos, visit ultimatefighter.com and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter under our new name @TUFonFX or on Facebook.com/TUF.

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 and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. In 2011, 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 FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 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 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 over two million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, and a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series Sons of Anarchy and Justified; the miniseries American Horror Story, which earned 17 primetime Emmy® Awards, tying for the most nominations of any program this year and the most nominations for a miniseries in basic cable history; the acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, Legit, BrandX with Russell Brand, and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. The network’s library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX’s other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with UFC and NCAA football.

BJ FLORES TO NOW FACE DAVID MCNEMAR THIS SATURDAY IN SPRINGFIELD, MO

SPRINGFIELD, MO (October 3, 2012)—Once-beaten David McNemar has stepped in for the injured Ahmed Samir and will take on world rated BJ Flores in a ten round Cruiserweight bout that will be contested for the NABA and NABO titles at the Shrine Mosque.

McNemar of Parkersburg, West Virginia has a record of 13-1 with ten knockouts, is coming off his lone defeat which was a razor thin unanimous decision to undefeated and world ranked Ryan Coyne (16-0) on June 25, 2011.

The decision was close to the point that the verdict was booed in Coyne’s hometown of St. Louis.

This will be the fourth fight in fifteen months for Flores (27-1-1, 17 KO’s) as he has scored stoppages over Nick Iannuzzi (16-2) & in his last bout he stopped Hugo Pineda (39-5-1) on January 28th in Springfield.

“I am looking forward to fighting in front of my hometown fans again”, said Flores.

“After Samir pulled out, we offered the fight to five or six undefeated guys but McNemar was the one who stepped up to the plate and accepted. I know he is coming to win, so I expect a tough fight but at the end of the day I am ranked very high across the board and it’s very possible and even likely that I will fight for a title in my next fight , so I can’t look past McNemar

More than 2900 fans are expected at the Shrine Mosque and all the high end $120 tickets are gone. The fight will be televised by local CBS affiliate KOZL

The undercard will see Joell Godfrey (14-8-1, 6 KO’s) of East St. Louis battle Galen Brown (38-20-1, 23 KO’s) of St. Joseph, MO in eight round Heavyweight bout.

Will Grover (7-1, 7 KO’s) of Springfield will take on pro debuting Devian Golden in a four round Cruiserweight bout.

Kevin Bookout (4-1, 1 KO) of Springfield battles Frankie Paines (12-3, 10 KO’s) of Colombia in a six round Cruiserweight bout

Pro debuting Landon Dirks will take on Dakota Talbot (0-2) in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Dillon Cook (1-0) of Seneca, MO boxes Jimmy Hendrix (PD) in a four round Middleweight fight.

Rounding out the card will be Yankton Southern (2-5, 2 KO’s) of Springfield fighting Daniel Miranda in a Jr. Welterweight bout

Tickets cost$ 120 (SOLD OUT), $ 60, $30 & $ 20 and can be purchased at the Shrine Mosque or www.metrotix.com

PROFESSIONAL BOXER ORLANDO CRUZ ANNOUNCES HE IS A “PROUD GAY MAN”

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (October 3, 2012) — Orlando Cruz, a professional boxer from San Juan Puerto Rico (18-2-1, 9 KOs), former Olympian and currently ranked No. 4 Featherweight by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), is announcing today that he ”Is a proud gay man.”

Cruz is the first openly gay man in boxing history. “I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself,” said Cruz. “I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.”

Orlando Cruz began boxing at the age of 7 and posted an amateur career record of 178-11. He won 7 Puerto Rico National Title’s and spent 4 years on The Puerto Rican National Team. Cruz won 7 Gold Medals, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze in various international tournaments. His amateur career culminated as a representative of the 2000 Olympic Team in Sydney, Australia. 2000 Olympic teammates included former world champions Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon.

Cruz made his professional debut on December 15, 2000 and won his first world title on March 22, 2008 (vacant IBA Featherweight Title) and a regional title on October 14, 2011 (WBO Latino Featherweight title). His next fight is scheduled for October 19 at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida in which he will defend his WBO NABO title against Jorge Pazos. A win against Pazos should position Cruz for a world title shot.

Orlando Cruz is sitting down with Telemundo’s Jessi Losada in an exclusive tell-all that will air next week.

See attached open letter is Spanish and English From Orlando Cruz and Cruz photo.

Below are the links to Orlando Cruz Fight Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3vhleZ5mkU

For More Information:

Ed Keenan, EMC Events, keenan@emcevents.com, (609) 399-1330

——————————————————————————–

PROFESSIONAL BOXER ORLANDO CRUZ ANNOUNCES

HE IS A “PROUD GAY MAN”

Orlando Cruz is sitting down with Telemundo’s Jessi Losada in an exclusive tell-all that will air next week.

See attached open letter is Spanish and English From Orlando Cruz and Cruz photo.

Below are the links to Orlando Cruz Fight Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3vhleZ5mkU

KINGS BOXING RETURNS TO THE RIVEREDGE HOTEL ON NOVEMBER 10TH IN READING, PA

READING, PA (October 3, 2012)—On Saturday night November 10th, Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Boxing Promotions presents a great night of boxing at the Riveredge Hotel in Reading.

In the main event, undefeated Jr. Middleweight Grayson Blake will take on Robert Shockwell in a bout scheduled for six rounds.

Blake of State College, PA has a record of 5-0 with two knockouts and has a signature win over then undefeated DeCarlo Perez (5-0-1). In his last bout, the thirty year-old Blake scored a fourth round stoppage over Corey Preston on February 25th.

Sockwell of East Stroudsburg, PA has a record of 4-2-1with all wins coming via knockout. The twenty-five year old southpaw has two consecutive stoppages which his second round stoppage over Terrell Boggs on August 31st.

Seeing action in a six round co-feature will be Jr. Lightweight Frank De Alba.

De Alba of Bayamon, Puerto Rico who now calls Reading home has a record of 4-1-2 with two knockouts. De Alba has won two straight which includes a win over undefeated Andrew Bentley and his bout when he scored second round stoppage over tough Philadelphian Paul Fernandez on August 11th. De Alba’s opponent will be named shortly.

Jeremy Stauffer of Reading, PA (7-2-1, 6 KO’s) of Reading, PA battles Dan Biddle (9-2, 5 KO’s) of Hockessin, DE in an intriguing six round Cruiserweight bout.

Popular Heavyweight William Miranda (6-5-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will engage in a six round bout against an opponent to be named.

In a four round Super Featherweight bout, Sammy Quinones will take on debuting Charles Mack of Philadelphia in a four round bout.

There will be more bouts added.

Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing ranging from $75 (VIP); $50 (Ringside); $30 (General Admission) and can be purchased by calling Kings Boxing (610-587-5950); Riveredge Hotel (610-376-6711); Dino’s Wings & Things (610-921-9898) or at www.kingsboxing.com

1st bout is at 7:15—Doors open at 6:15

There will be a press conference Tuesday at 6:30pm at Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe
320 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania 19602

IT’S OFFICIAL: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ABNER MARES DEFENDS AGAINST WBA BANTAMWEIGHT SUPER WORLD CHAMPION ANSELMO MORENO NOV. 10 AT STAPLES CENTER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 3, 2012) – Oscar De La Hoya formally announced yesterday at ESPN Zone L.A. Live that undefeated Abner Mares (24-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., would defend his WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship against WBA Bantamweight Super World Champion Anselmo Moreno (33-1-1, 12 KO’s), of Panama City, Panama, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, Nov. 10, at STAPLES Center live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In other televised fights, exciting, hard-hitting junior middleweight Alfred Angulo (20-2, 17 KO’s), of Los Angeles by way of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, will make his highly anticipated return in his initial start under trainer Virgil Hunter and first fight in a year against Raul Casarez (19-2, 9 KO’s) of Edinburg, Texas. Undefeated IBF Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz (21-0-1, 12 KO’s), of Lincoln Heights, Calif., who is coming off an eye-opening fifth-round TKO win over former world champ Eric Morel, will make his second defense against an opponent to be determined. A fourth bout will be announced soon.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at the STAPLES Center Box Office.

Mares vs. Moreno is a 12-round battle for Mares’ WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship promoted by Golden Boy Promotions taking place on November 10 at STAPLESCenter in Los Angeles. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.staplescenter.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AbnerMares00, www.twitter.com/ChemitoMoreno, www.twitter.com/ElPerro82, www.twitter.com/STAPLESCenterLA, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #MaresMoreno or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

What Mares, Moreno, Santa Cruz, Angulo and De La Hoya said yesterday:

ABNER MARES

“It’s an honor to be headlining at STAPLESCenter, but I really don’t think about it. I’m just excited to be fighting a guy like Chemito, who people say is a pound-for-pound fighter, which he is. The fans have been asking for a fight like this for a long time. I think they’re happy that it is going to happen.

“I’m also excited for my hometown fans and friends, who’ll get the chance to see this fight live, but I know I can’t get caught up with stuff like that. This is a big fight for me, for both of us, and a great opportunity to showcase my talents.

“Chemito hasn’t lost in 10 years. He is a very difficult fighter, very talented, a technical, defensive fighter who knows his way around a ring. This is a tremendously hard fight for me, but one I wanted. I’ve been training very hard.

“I don’t want people to like me; I want them to respect me. I want to fight the best. The big winners on Nov. 10 will be the fans.

“I’d like to thank everyone responsible for making it happen. I look forward to defending my title and giving it all I have.”

ANSELMO “CHEMITO” MORENO

“After I beat Vic Darchinyan (Dec. 3, 2011, on SHOWTIME), I made a challenge to all the top fighters at 118 and 122. I got this offer and I took it. I am moving up to 122 pounds because that’s where the money and the big names are.

“I wanted a challenge at 122 pounds and this is a big one. This is a great opportunity. Abner Mares is a great champion. I’m looking forward to Nov. 10 and fighting a fellow champion of the world.

“After this fight I will sit down with my team to see what I want to do next – whether I want to stay at 122 or move back down to 118.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I think people really started noticing me after my last fight against Morel (Sept. 15). I go places now and people recognize me more than ever before.

“It’s great to be fighting again so soon and I thank everyone involved for keeping me busy. I’ve been training really hard, and I think I’m getting better with each fight. It doesn’t matter who I fight because I train the same for all of them and will never underestimate any opponent.

“This will be my first fight at STAPLES so it is very exciting for me. I hope a lot of people come out.”

ALFRED “PERRO” ANGULO

“I really want to thank my lawyers, everybody really, who helped clear up all my visa issues so that I could fight again. Without them, there is no way I would be in L.A. today and getting ready for a fight.

“I also want to thank Golden Boy and SHOWTIME. I’m working now with Virgil Hunter and will be very prepared to go at it on Nov. 10.

“It’s really great to be back in business, doing what I really want to do.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA

“I’m extremely proud to put this type of show together for the fans. We have a tremendous card once again, a quadruple-header that is showcasing some of the best fighters in the world. Whether you are at STAPLESCenter on Nov. 10 or watching on SHOWTIME, this will be an exciting night of boxing.

“I’d like to thank everyone responsible for making this event a reality, especially those at STAPLESCenter and Stephen Espinoza of SHOWTIME.

UNBEATEN YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI TAKES ON JORGE SILVA ON FOX SPORTS NET & FOX DEPORTES HEADLINER ON OCTOBER 6 IN SACRAMENTO, CALIF.

LOS ANGELES, October 3 – About to begin his attack on the elite of the welterweight division, top-ten world rated Japanese contender Yoshihiro Kamegai will make his second United States appearance on Saturday, October 6 when he battles Tijuana, Mexico’s Jorge “El Pantera” Silva in the main event of a FOX Sports Net and FOX Deportes televised card at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California.

Plus, always-exciting former World Champion Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares returns to action to face Hector Velasquez in the 10-round lightweight co-main event.

Kamegai vs. Silva, a 10-round welterweight bout, headlines an exciting night of boxing action presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don Chargin Productions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports Net broadcast will air at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. FUEL TV will rebroadcast the fight on November 25 at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $20, $35, $45 and $60 are available for purchase at the Sacramento Convention Center Box Office, online at www.tickets.comor by calling Paco’s Restaurant in Woodland (530) 669-7946.

Fighting out of Sapporo, 29-year-old Yoshihiro Kamegai (21-0, 18 KO’s) is a dynamic boxer with knockout power who has emerged from the Japanese fight scene as a contender in the welterweight division. In October of 2011, he made his United States debut with an impressive sixth round technical knockout win over Hector Munoz in Las Vegas. Now, after two more wins back at home in Japan, he is back to face his toughest test to date in contender Rivera.

With heart, power and an aggressive attack, Tijuana’s Jorge Silva (19-2-1, 15 KO’s) always delivers fireworks on fight night. A four year professional who has scored wins over then 118-fight veteran Roberto Valenzuela and unbeaten prospect Alvaro Robles, the 20-year-old up-and-comer is currently the owner of wins in five of his last six fights, including two in a row. On Saturday, he makes his United States debut against one of Japan’s finest.

Looking to bounce back from two exciting and hard-fought upset losses to Antonio DeMarco and Sergio Thompson, former Two Division World Champion Jorge Linares (31-3, 20 KO’s) begins his comeback on October 6 and he has put in countless hours in the gym preparing to make a run at a third divisional title. A former champion at 126 and 130 pounds, the 27-year-old Venezuelan is still in his physical prime and mentally, he is stronger than ever and ready to take a step forward against Velasquez.

Tijuana’s Hector Velasquez (52-17-2, 35 KO’s) has faced a “Who’s Who” in boxing throughout his 19-year career, including Manny Pacquiao, Rocky Juarez and Edwin Valero, and he hasn’t backed down from anyone. Now 37, Velasquez’ goal is to put on great fights for the fans and leave it all in the ring every time out and in Linares, he will have an opponent who shares the same philosophy, making this a potential barnburner.

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comor www.FOXDeportes.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page or www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Announces 2012 Award Winners

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 3, 2012) – North American Boxing Federation (NABF) heavyweight champion Tony “TNT” Grano has been named the 2012 Connecticut Professional Boxer of the Year by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

Grano and the other 2012 award winners – Elvis Figueroa, Conn. Amateur Boxer of the Year; Dick Flaherty, Official of the Year; Mitchell Etess, Contributor To Boxing – will be honored November 17 at the 8th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The 2012 CBHOF Hall of Fame inductees are former World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight champion “Tremendous” Travis Simms, former World Boxing Union (WBU) middleweight titlist “Dangerous” Dana Rosenblatt, five-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach, promoter Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.), manager George Cruz and the late manager/promoter Lou Viscusi.

The 31-year-old Grano (20-2-1, 16 KOs), fighting out of Hebron (CT) by way of Hartford, is the first recipient of Conn Boxer of the Year award as a professional and amateur. He was selected as the amateur winner in the inaugural year of the CBHOF, after Grano captured a gold medal at the 2005 U.S. National Championships and silver medal at the National Golden Gloves Tournament.

The hard-hitting Grano, now promoted by legendary Don King, has had two significant fights this year, stopping Brian Minto (35-4) in the third-round of their NABF title eliminator, and knocking out former world title challenger DaVarryl Williamson (27-6) in the fourth round this past June for the vacant NABF title. Grano is rated No. 10 in the world by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Figueroa, who celebrates his 16th birthday on Monday, is a light heavyweight from New Haven who has a 19-3 amateur record. He is a two-time Silver Gloves champion, who captured a gold medal at this year’s National Junior Olympics Tournament in Mobile, Alabama.

Flaherty is an International boxing judge and retired referee. Now living in G;astonbury (CT), he has judged a reported 26 world championships since he started in 1987, including the recent Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Josesito Lopez match in Las Vegas. Dick started refereeing in 1969 and he recently retired in that role. Although he primarily refereed fights held in New England, he was the third man in the ring for three world title fights, including Sergio Mora’s upset of the late Vernon Forrest for the WBC light middleweight champion at Mohegan Sun in 2008.

Mitchell Etess

Etess, who lives in East Lyme (CT), is the Chief Executive Officer of the Mohegan Sun Gaming Authority. He first came to Mohegan Sun in 2004 and served as CEO and President of Mohegan Sun. Mitchell was responsible for overseeing management and operations at Mohegan Sun, which developed into one of the premier venues in the United States for boxing.

Tickets for the 8th annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $75.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860-.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.com for additional information about the CBHOF.

INVICTA FC AIMS TO KNOCK OUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH KANSAS CITY NON-PROFIT HOPE HOUSE

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Oct. 3, 2012) – World championship women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion Invicta Fighting Championships has partnered with Kansas City-based Hope House, a non-profit shelter and service for victims of domestic violence, in order to provide both moral and financial aid for those who have suffered, and to support National Domestic Violence Awareness Month that is observed annually in October.

To kick off its “Knock Out Domestic Violence” campaign, Invicta FC has added to its online store a catalog of new Knock Out Domestic Violence and Invicta FC co-branded merchandise. All proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will be donated to Hope House.

Additionally, Invicta FC is calling on all fans to wear clothing bearing the color purple, a traditional symbol of strength and courage and the theme color for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, while attending its live event at Memorial Hall in Kansas City on Saturday, Oct. 6 or while watching the live, free-of-charge stream of the event.

“The foundation of Invicta FC is a collection of women who are empowered as a result of physical and mental training they experience in martial arts, so this partnership is a means of reaching out through Hope House, an incredibly devoted vehicle, to those who have had traumatic experiences and could benefit from the comfort and support of our athletes and our organization,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.

“Hope House is pleased to partner with Invicta FC” said CEO, MaryAnne Metheny, “an organization dedicated to empowering women feels like the right match for us.” “Our goal for women entering our services is to help work through their issues. With time, support, encouragement and a helping hand, it’s amazing what transformations can take place. Once on their feet again, they are able to thrive on their own and feel that sense of empowerment.”

Hope House (www.hopehouse.net) works with more than 10,000 survivors of domestic violence annually. Together, it’s two secure locations in the Kansas City area feature a shelter that can house as many as 122 women and children as well as a family care center, therapy space, administrative offices and community training facilities.

Since 1987, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been observed annually with three goals in mind – to mourn those who have died as a result of domestic violence, to celebrate those who have survived and to connect those who work to end violence.

In 1989, Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has been passed every year since.

Tickets for Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama, priced from $25, are on sale at Memorial Hall box office (913-549-4853), online at Ticketmaster.com and InvictaFC.com and by phone at (800-745-3000). Doors at Memorial Hall open at 5 p.m. CST and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. CST.

The live stream of the event on InvictaFC.com will begin at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST with the event’s six-bout preliminary card and continue with the eight-bout main card.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships (www.InvictaFC.com) is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

ANTHONY JOHNSON TO COLLIDE WITH D.J. LINDERMAN AT INAUGURAL WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING MMA EVENT

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Oct. 3, 2012) – Ferocious, hard-hitting superstar Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (13-4) of Boca Raton, Fla. has signed an exclusive, multi-fight agreement with World Series of Fighting and will face off with fellow sensation D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman (14-3) Yreka, Calif. in a featured light heavyweight (205 pounds) contest at the promotion’s inaugural Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, live on NBC Sports Network from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 3.

In the co-main event, bantamweight (135 pounds) submission wizard Miguel Angel Torres (40-5) of East Chicago, Ind. will lock up with two-time national Muay Thai champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Marlon Moraes (8-4-1) of Jupiter, Fla. via Nova Friburgo, Brazil.

“With the addition of these two matchups, we have assembled a complete main card that we feel is stacked from top to bottom with some of the finest talent in the sport of MMA,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. “MMA has an opportunity to expand its reach on Nov. 3 thanks to the NBC Sports Network platform and World Series of Fighting is going to be sure to make the most of this opportunity in order to take our great sport to unprecedented, new heights.”

The 28-year-old, 6-foot-2 Johnson has been on fire of late, winning three consecutive fights – two by KO – in a fourth month span. In his last start on Sept. 21, Johnson took out three-time NCAA National Wrestling Champion Jake Rosholt, with a head kick in the second round (4:22) of their matchup in Tulsa, Okla.

Johnson, a native of Dublin, Ga. and a member of the fearsome Blackzilians fight squad in South Florida, has blazed a trail through the sport since he made his professional debut in 2006, earning 9 of his 13 career victories by KO or TKO, three of which came by head kick. On June 12, 2007, Johnson made his first big statement in the cage, crumbling Chad Reiner with a barrage of punches just 13 seconds into their UFC Fight Night matchup

Like Johnson, the 29-year-old Linderman, is looking to notch his fourth consecutive victory. In his last effort on July 13, the 6-foot-2 Linderman scored a furious TKO on Dale Mitchell with an onslaught of punches. Just one month earlier, he earned a unanimous decision over rising star Mike “300” Hayes, snapping Hayes’ six-fight win streak.

As a heavyweight, Linderman claimed a pair of championships and has earned 9 of his 13 career conquests by way of KO or submission.

The 31-year-old, 5-foot-9 Torres, a Brazlian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former protégé of famed trainer Carlson Gracie, Sr., is looking to rebound from a first round (3:18) KO (punches) defeat at the hands of Michael McDonald on April 21.

Torres exploded onto the MMA scene in 2010, scoring a stunning 10 second TKO on Larry Pulliam with a series of punches, before going on to win his next 19 fights. After losing a unanimous decision to Ryan Ackerman in his 21st start, Torres ran to another 17 consecutive victories, winning the world bantamweight title from Chase Beebe in the now-defunct World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) promotion, along the way, and defending the crown three times.

The 24-year-old, 5-foot-6 Moraes has established himself as a highly-aggressive, dangerous force on both his feet and on the ground in the hybrid sport of MMA since his professional debut five years ago, earning six of his eight career wins by way of KO or submission. He will look to secure his third straight win after scoring a 47 second KO (punch) on Jarrod Card on April 13.

A student of Muay Thai since the age of nine, Moraes used his speed and ring smarts to capture two titles in the stand-up fighting sport before picking up Jiu-Jitsu at age 15. After arriving in The United States, he joined forces with UFC lightweight (155 pounds) KO artist and countryman Edson Barboza to advance his career.

Tickets for the inaugural World Series of Fighting event, priced from $19.99, can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at all Caesars Entertainment and Ticketron outlets and by phone at 800-745-3000. .

The live NBC Sports Network telecast of the World Series of Fighting event will begin at 10:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. PST.

In the heavyweight main event, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (17-9) of Minsk, Belarus will square off with fellow hard-hitting KO artist Devin Cole (20-9) of Medford, Ore.

In other main card action, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Gregor Gracie (7-2) of Rio de Janeiro will face off with red-hot prospect Tyson Steele (9-1) in a welterweight (168 pounds) contest.

In another welterweight bout, Josh Burkman (23-9) of Salt Lake City, Utah will battle fellow star Gerald “Hurricane” Harris (21-4) of Tulsa, Okla.

Fast-rising star Ronys Torres (25-4) will meet dangerous submission specialist Brian “The Bandit” Cobb (19-7) of Bakersfield, Calif. in a lightweight matchup.

In an undercard scrap, seasoned warrior Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (16-6-1) Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of Brazil will take on submission expert T.J. O’Brien (19-5) of Prole, Iowa at lightweight.

Additional undercard bouts will be announced soon.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
Based in Las Vegas, Nev., the fight capital of the world, World Series of Fighting 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 between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit www.MMAWSOF.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 is the 24/7 cable platform for NBC Sports’ rich heritage of unmatched storytelling, best-in-class production and utilizing broad promotion to make big events bigger. Now in more than 79 million homes, NBC Sports Network serves sports fans by airing coverage of the Olympic Games and Trials as well as the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France, major college football and basketball, and horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown, among other events. The network’s original programming, such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point and NBC SportsTalk, exemplifies NBC Sports’ ability to tell stories and provide meaningful, relevant content. The network is also home to the best outdoor programming on television. NBC Sports Network, which prides itself on serving sports fans across multiple platforms, is distributed via cable, satellite and telco operators throughout the United States.

PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the newest member of the Caesars Entertainment family and is a full partner in Total Rewards™. The hottest property on the Las Vegas Strip with 2,500 beautifully designed guest rooms and suites showcasing the best views in town, Planet Hollywood encompasses more than 100,000 square-feet of gaming, several lounges, nine restaurants including KOI, Strip House, the award-winning Spice Market Buffet and LA’s Pink’s Hot Dogs, and the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara. The mega resort is also home to PEEPSHOW, the sexy striptease spectacular starring bombshell Holly Madison, and Grammy® Award-winning recording artist CeeLo Green will premiere his new Las Vegas resident show, “CeeLo Green is LOBERACE” in Feb. 2013. The property is encircled by Miracle Mile Shops with more 170 specialty stores and restaurants. For more information, please visit www.planethollywoodresort.com or caesars.thedigitalcenter.com to access media materials and request high-resolution images. Find Planet Hollywood on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Planet Hollywood, along with all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts, including Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Imperial Palace and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, proudly prohibit adding hidden resort fees to hotel guest room rates. For information on No Resort Fees visit www.caesars.com/vegasnoresortfees.

Huck with WBO Super Champion Status in sight

November 3 has a real treat in store for true boxing fans. Current WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco Huck (34-2-1, 25 KOs) and his challenger Firat Arslan (32-5-2, 21 KOs), a former WBA Champion, will meet at Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle/Westphalia, Germany. There are many reasons, why the matchup between the two Germans, promises to be an exciting one.

“The Gerry Weber Stadium feels like a second home to me,“ said Huck during Tuesday’s press conference at the arena. “This is where I became WBO World Champion and also defended my title for the sixth time. But this time around, I have a special goal in sight. If I should be able to defend my title for the tenth time, I will be awarded with the status of the WBO Super Champion.” If Huck is successful in his quest, he would be the first German boxer to do so. But that is definitely not going to be a walk in the park for the 27-year-old.

Huck: “I would have preferred not to fight Firat. He is a very nice guy on a personal level. I watched his last fights and I know that he is a really tough opponent.” Coach Ulli Wegner shares that opinion. “It is going to be an exciting fight. Marco always showed his class in Halle/Westphalia and boxed very clever. He became world champion here after beating Victor Emilio Ramirez and later on won a war against Ran Nakash. But it won’t be easy against Firat as he is physically very strong.”

The challenger from Suessen, Germany, was seemingly pleased with all those compliments. He is definitely planning on taking full advantage of this chance. “I have a lot of respect for Marco and the fact that he is willing to take me on inside the ring. The other world champions didn’t give me an opportunity. Marco has a lot of power in his punches, but I believe that I will be victorious. I am stronger than the punches thrown at me. I will give it my all,” said the 42-year-old.

Arslan: “I know that I can still mix it up with the guys at the top. I want to be the world champion once more. The only thing that is important to me right now is November 3. I am excited about every fan coming to the arena.
That will generate the atmosphere which such a great fight deserves.” The preparations for the title bout are already in full swing. “It is going to be a very emotional fight. Firat is extremely determined and convinced of his own abilities,” said Dieter Wittmann, the coach of Arslan.

Tickets for the fight on November 3 can be purchased on www.eventim.de and www.gerryweber-world.de.

Team Peterson nets low Peterson – Judah purse bid

Headbangers Promotions which is headed by Lamont Peterson’s manager/trainer Barry Hunter won the purse bid to stage the IBF Jr. Welterweight championship bout between Peterson and former world champion Zab Judah for $50,000 according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“The fight must be done in 90 days, or by Jan. 2, 2013,” said Lindsay Tucker of the IBF.

“My thing is I’ve been around a long time and financially I’m OK in life,” Judah told ESPN.com. “I know that I need that title for the Zab Judah train to stay afloat. So we’re gonna be there. We’re coming to D.C., with a game plan. I’m in top shape right now. You can ask anyone in the gyms in Las Vegas. I’ve been killing guys in the gym.

“We are in. I know the bigger picture. I know what Zab Judah winning means. I said I ain’t doing this only because of the money. I’m fighting because I still love the sport and I love what I do, and I know I’m good at it. I’m doing pretty fine in life. I’m not starving. I ain’t never worked in my life. Boxing is all I ever did and I live great and every time my back is against the wall, like with this here fight, I pull it out.”

“I’m ready for this fight,” said Judah, who turns 35 on Oct. 27. “I don’t know if Peterson is ready. I’m here to show everybody that I’ll still reign. I know what I gotta do even with my last performance (against Paris) being great. I was disappointed with that purse. I was mad. I wasn’t going to do the fight. But it wasn’t about money. I live to do what I do. I know I can fight and I know where my mind is at. I’m doing things right. It’s the same thing with this fight with Peterson.”

WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ABNER MARES TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST WBA BANTAMWEIGHT SUPER WORLD CHAMPION ANSELMO MORENO ON NOVEMBER 10 AT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES, October 2 – Sporting a combined record of 57-1-2 with 25 knockouts with three world championships in two weight classes, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Abner Mares and former WBA Bantamweight Super Champion Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno prove that great fighters come in small packages. On Saturday, November 10 the fight true boxing fans have been waiting for is here, as Mares looks to defend his crown against a hungry Moreno who is stepping up in weight class in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

Also featured will be IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz defending his title against opponent to be determined in a 12-round bout as well as Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and Raul Casarez squaring off in a 12-round junior middleweight battle.

“I feel faster and stronger at 122 pounds and now that I’m used to this weight class, I’m going to be more dangerous than ever for anyone who steps in the ring with me,” said Mares. “I love this fight with Moreno. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but I know I’ll get the win on November 10 with the help of my hometown fans in Los Angeles.”

“I’d like to thank Mares for taking this fight as this is the type of moment every fighter waits for and dreams about,” said Moreno. “I’m ready to show the world what I can do. I promise my fans that I will put on a great show like always and leave the ring with the belt.”

“You always hear boxers saying that they want to fight the best competition,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. “Mares and Moreno are not just talking the talk, they are walking the walk. These two are the best of the best and to see them in the ring together on November 10 is going to be a special night for the sport. We are continuing our promise to put on the best fight cards top to bottom and with Mares-Moreno, bantamweight champ Leo Santa Cruz defending his title and the highly anticipated return of Alfredo Angulo in a brawl against Raul Casarez, fans will be on their feet cheering all night long.”

“STAPLES Center is incredibly excited to host this much anticipated fight between Mares and Moreno,” Lee Zeidman, STAPLES Center General Manager. “Los Angeles is home to true boxing fans and this fight will definitely be one they will not want to miss.”

“This fall, with world-class championship fights from marquee venues around the country, we have assembled perhaps the strongest SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING run in our 25 year history,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “With upcoming fights at the Barclay’s Center and Madison Square Garden, this telecast from STAPLES Center solidifies the network’s commitment to premiere boxing. Abner Mares has come of age on this network as he has consistently challenged himself against the toughest men in his division. November 10 will be no different, as Abner takes on one of the most skilled fighters in boxing, the current bantamweight world champion, Anselmo Moreno. I expect an explosive fight to cap off yet another big night of fights on SHOWTIME.”

“I’m looking forward to defending my title in front of my hometown fans,” said Santa Cruz. “It’s always very motivating to have my friends and family support me and I’m excited for November 10.”

“It’s very exciting to have my comeback fight in my second home of Los Angeles,” said Angulo. “I have been working really hard to give the fans a good show like they are used to because I am here thanks to their support. ‘El Perro’ is back!

“This is the opportunity I have been looking for and I will train hard to make the best of it,” said Casarez.

Mares vs. Moreno is a 12-round battle for Mares’ WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship promoted by Golden Boy Promotions taking place on November 10 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at the STAPLES Center Box Office.

A representative of the 2004 Mexican Olympic team, Guadalajara native Abner Mares (24-0-1, 13 KO’s) now makes his home in the Los Angeles area in Hawaiian Gardens, where he has become one of the most popular fighters to emerge from the area in years. That’s no surprise given his affable personality, willingness to take on all comers and warrior-like style in the ring, but most important to his fans is the character he’s shown in navigating the ups and downs of life in the fight game. In 2010, he began to make his move on the big-time boxing scene with a hard-fought and controversial draw against Yonnhy Perez and an exciting win over Vic Darchniyan. However, it was his win over Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko for the IBF Bantamweight World Title in August of 2011 that made him a champion and catapulted him into the spotlight. After a successful defense against Agbeko in their December 2011 rematch, the 26-year-old Mares won his second divisional world title in April with a 12-round victory over former Two-Time World Champion Eric “Little Hands Of Steel” Morel that earned him the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship belt. He now looks to defend against another tough customer in Moreno.

Fighting out of Panama City, Panama, 27-year-old Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno (33-1-1, 12 KO’s) had been one of boxing’s best kept secrets for years, but the man with the amazing 27-fight winning streak is unknown no longer thanks to his remarkable skill set and willingness to fight anyone. A professional since 2003, Moreno won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship title in May of 2008 with a 12-round decision win over Volodymyr Sydorenko. After that, eight successful defenses followed before Moreno made his United States debut with another defense of his crown, this one a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision win over former World Champion Vic Darchinyan. Firmly established as one of the best young champions in boxing, Moreno stopped David De La Mora in nine rounds on April 21, 2012. Now he will step up in weight to challenge Mares in one of the biggest fights of 2012.

Coming off of a career-defining win over Eric Morel on September 15 in which he handed the former world champion his first ever knockout loss, IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz (21-0-1, 12 KO’s) of Lincoln Heights, Calif. will jump right back into the ring on November 10 eager to keep the momentum going. Just 24 years old, “Teremoto” went from prospect to champion in 2012, when he stopped veteran Alejandro Hernandez in January and then won his first world title in June with a dominant win over Vusi Malinga. Now with the fifth round stoppage over Morel under his belt, the sky’s the limit for this young Mexican-American phenom.

A devastating puncher with a pressure-filled style that has broken down many of the junior middleweight division’s top contenders, Alfredo Angulo’s (20-2, 17 KO’s) only goal left is to win world championship gold. Originally from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, but now fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., the 30-year-old contender has been chomping at the bit to return to the ring for the first time since his candidate for “Fight of the Year” war with James Kirkland in 2011. With the immigration issues that kept him out of the ring since that fight cleared up, he is ready to return and prepared to show that he still has the exciting form that saw him finish Joachim Alcine, Gabriel Rosado, Harry Joe Yorgey and Joel Julio.

Nicknamed “El Tigre” for his ferocious attacking style in the ring, Edinburg, Texas’ Raul Casarez (19-2, 9 KO’s) is unbeaten since 2006, and on November 10 he has the opportunity he has been waiting his entire career for, to fight on SHOWTIME against a highly-rated contender. For the 25-year-old, a win over Angulo will not only extend his 11-fight unbeaten streak, which includes a March win over J.C. Candelo, but it will place him among the top contenders in the division and put him on the fast track to a world title shot.

“MUAY THAI AT THE MECCA 2” RETURNS TO THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

New York, NY (October 2, 2012) – TaKe On Productions, New York’s premiere Muay Thai promotion, and MSG Sports announced the highly anticipated return of full contact Muay Thai Kickboxing to The Theater at Madison Square Garden in “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

Tickets start at $35.00 and go on sale Tuesday, October 2, at The Garden box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Muay Thai and MMA gyms throughout NY, NJ, CT and PA and at www.thegarden.com. TaKe On VIP ticket packages will also be available via www.TakeOnProductions.com, along with the full fight card, fighter information, and other exciting content.

The historic “Muay Thai at the Mecca” proved to be the biggest sanctioned Muay Thai event ever in United States history and already “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” is building up to surpass the celebrated event. “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” will feature UFC veteran Ryan “The Lion” Madigan alongside undefeated Take On heavyweight slugger, Brian Collette who will collide with WBC Champ Steven Banks and undefeated Take On middleweight champion, Nick Vaughan will face Phil LeGrand, who may be his toughest opponent yet.

“The debut of Muay Thai kickboxing at Madison Square Garden earlier this year was nothing short of fantastic,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “The Garden is excited to continue our partnership with TaKe-On Productions and bring the thrilling sport back to its many fans with “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on November 10.”

“Following our overwhelmingly successful partnerships with MSG Sports on both ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca’ in March, and ‘Battle at Bally’s II’ in August, TaKe On Productions is thrilled to return to Madison Square Garden. TaKe On continues to deliver to our fans record-breaking events featuring today’s top fighters, non-stop action, and highlight reel knockouts,” stated TaKe On CEO Mike Gasparski.

“After the tremendous success of our first MSG show, it’s only natural that TaKe On returns to the Mecca for another historic event. ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca 2’ on November 10th will set the new standard in our sport as the biggest Muay Thai event the US has ever seen,” added TaKe On President Eddie Cuello.

Four title fights will highlight this explosive fight card including the hard hitting undefeated TaKe On cruiserweight Champion, Ariel Abreu (6-0; Camp Undefeated/NY) as he puts his belt on the line. Additionally, WKA women’s 105 lb. champ Jess Ng (7-1 Sitan/NY), 125 lb. champ Prairie Ruglio (Girl Fight MMA/NJ), and men’s Pro WKA Champ Justin Greskiewicz (18-9-3 Cool Hearts/PA) will all look to defend their crowns.

Cyrus “Black Dynamite” Washington (50 wins, 48 KO’s), arguably the most exciting North American Muay Thai fighter to enter the ring, will headline the 22 bout card. Washington, now fighting out of Long Island’s Militia MMA, spent years as a pro fighter living and training in Thailand. He has fought and defeated international superstars and is looking to build his fame on his native land.

Other marquee names featured on the “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2,” which will include representatives from a total of 26 premiere Muay Thai kickboxing gyms, are:

Jay Matias (16-6, Sitan Gym/NY) trains under World Champion Muay Thai coach Aziz Nabih. He is the WKA North American Lightweight Champion, and was recently named 2012’s top Muay Thai Prospect by “Muay Thai Is Life” &“THEGARV.com.”

Tarek Rached (26-3, AFC Kickboxing/NY) with over 100 amateur fights, this Ronkonkoma, NY native has won World Championships in WAKO, WKA, and WPKA.

Eddie Maritnez (20-8) has recently won a world title at the Arab Boxing World Championship in Dubai with a seventh-round knockout of Russia’s Illman Arskahanov.. He holds the TaKe On record for most Knockouts via headkick!

Many others top fighters will appear including: Elijah Clarke (Renzo Gracie/NY), Pawel Zawatowski (New York Jiu Jitsu), Kate Allen (Cool Hearts/PA), and Sean George (CeeThree Athletics/CT).

Visit www.TakeOnProductions.com for the full fight card, highlights from past events, fighter features and more.

About the Madison Square Garden Company

The Madison Square Garden Company is a fully-integrated sports, media and entertainment business. The Company is comprised of three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive the Company’s overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content that the company creates, produces, presents and/or distributes through its programming networks and other media assets. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the New York Liberty (WNBA), and the Connecticut Whale (AHL). MSG Sports also features the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, track and field and tennis. MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. MSG Media’s television networks consist of regional sports networks, MSG Network and MSG+, collectively referred to as MSG Networks; and Fuse, a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Networks also include high-definition channels, MSG HD and MSG+ HD, and Fuse includes its high-definition channel, Fuse HD. MSG Entertainment is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in the Company’s diverse collection of venues. These venues consist of Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, the Chicago Theatre, the Forum in Inglewood, CA, and the Wang Theatre in Boston, MA. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

About TaKe On Productions

TaKe On Productions burst onto the fight scene in 2009, and rapidly became the top Muay Thai fight promotion company on the East Coast. TaKe On has brought fight fans seventeen exciting Professional and Amateur Thai boxing events, including the US’s largest event in history “Muay Thai at the Mecca”, the legendary “Battle at the Beacon”, and the $10K Pro Tournament where 8 Pro fighters competed in a one night to take home the title and the prize. Take On events always showcase the best local, national, and international talent, from up and coming prospects to seasoned veterans of the sport. For more information, visit www.TaKeOnProductions.com

Double Debuts order of the day, as Prospect step up title search for Butcher

Saturday night sees Prospect Boxing stage their first show of the new
professional boxing season at the Rivals Gym, Wishaw. In what promises
to be an action packed evening 2 local fighters make there pro debut
and head liner Iain Butcher steps up to 8 rounds.

“I see this as a step to the British title eliminator,which is what I
am chasing “Said Butcher. “Ive been putting in the training,my
opponent has changed and now I’m fighting Bulgarian Stefan Slavchev
,who from what I’ve seen is experienced and a good operator”

Looking to build upon his previous win over Liverpool’s Phil Smith in
June at the the same venue ,the flyweight is looking to go one better
“While I was glad to get the rounds in, and it was a learning
fight,this time I can see a knockout happening “

Returning after nearly six months out, Rhys Pagan will be fighting for
the first time under the ‘ Prospect Boxing’ banner. Looking forward to
putting his new fighter to action, manager Paul Graham sees the
Sanquar man’s fight with Matt Seawright as a potential show stealer
“After speaking to Rhys earlier I know he’s keen to progress and show
the crowd his potential. He has fought twice before ,but has only
picked up the one knock down -and he’s vowed to do it again this
time!”

Bellshill’s Kris Hughes makes way for welterweight Billy Campbell,who
replaces the “Badger” after picking up a broken hand against Ghanaian
Richard Commey last month. After taking the call at short notice ,
Campbell makes his debut against Wishaws Mark Bett .

“While the notice wasn’t great, I am really grateful to Campbell for
answering my call and keeping the card going. He’s really putting in
the effort in the gym, and cant wait for fight night and give his
family and friends a good show”

Also making the debut on the night is Wishaw’s Mark Parvin ,who takes
on Sid Razack. “Mark has vowed to be good shape and he has been
promising to give Razack a hard time. His last few outings up in
Scotland, he has lost by points but Parvin tells me he wont be leaving
Scotland with a points loss this time” proclaims the former pro
referee .

Completing the five fight card, Middleweight Ryan Scott returns after
nearly a 4 year hiatus.

Prospect Boxing are pleased to confirm their next show “The Specials”
on Sat October 6th 2012 at Rivals Gym, Wishaw. Tickets are priced £30
and by calling 01698 338888 and their will be a limited availability
on the door.

UFC On FX: BROWNE vs BIGFOOT

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization returns to Minneapolis this Friday for an all-action card at the Target Center, which will be broadcast on FX at 8pm ET/PT, immediately before an all-new episode of The Ultimate Fighter Fridays airs.

Following on from last Saturday’s heavyweight thriller, which saw Stefan Struve knock out Stipe Miocic, two other top heavyweight contenders collide as undefeated Travis Browne takes on Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.

The 6ft 7inch, 250lbs-plus Browne has showed rapid improvements to both his striking and submission games, knocking out Struve and tapping Chad Griggs in two of his last three fights.

Meanwhile, “Bigfoot” has the opportunity to reassert himself at the top of the division with a victory and, able to match size with Browne, will be looking to unleash the devastating ground and pound which famously accounted for his win over Fedor Emelianenko.

In the co-main event, top welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger has a chance to avenge his first professional defeat when he takes on the returning Jay Hieron. Ellenberger – a winner of 10 of his last 12 fights – has thunderous power in his fists and has stopped the likes of Mike Pyle and Jake Shields. Hieron, though, is more motivated than ever in his first UFC fight in seven years and is in the form of his life, having only dropped one controversial split decision since 2007.

Also on the four-fight FX card, elite flyweights John Dodson and Jussier Formiga clash in a fight to determine the No.1 contender for newly-minted UFC 125lbs champion Demetrious Johnson. Dodson believes he is the one man in the division who can match speed with the reigning champ, but first must contend with the other-worldly submission skills of the best flyweight in Brazil, the 27-year-old Formiga.

Travis Browne said: “I’m happy to be back. I haven’t fought since April and missed out on a huge opportunity when my opponent dropped out of UFC on FOX. But fighting Bigfoot on FX – in the main event – is a great opportunity for me, too. The heavyweight division is more stacked than ever, it is so hard to get into the top five right now, and everyone is looking so impressive, so you have to be consistently impressive.

“I’ve had some good wins, and I’ve had wins where I wish I could have shown more. The key now is to fight at the best of my ability for every fight. I’ve got a huge chance against a big name in Bigfoot, he’s beaten some top guys, and I’ve got to go out there and show the best of myself. I’m always looking to finish, but if it goes five rounds I am ready.

“If I do that, I know I can impress and move up the rankings. I feel I am better than ever and it is my time to shine.”

“Bigfoot” Silva said: “This is a very important fight for me, and I won’t let it go past the second round. It is a five round fight but, five rounds or three rounds, I don’t like decisions on my record. I will do my best to finish Travis Browne inside two rounds. He’s the second or third person I’ve fought who is bigger than me, but it does not matter, it is no problem. I know I can take him down to the ground and ground and pound him – for sure that is where I am very dangerous. But I have been training very, very hard on my standup. He is a very tough guy, undefeated, but I am so, so confident I will beat him inside two rounds.”

Jake Ellenberger said: “I’m a completely different fighter from the one he beat all that time ago. He’s a different fighter, too, so the first fight has nothing to do with Friday. I’m going to be happy to avenge that defeat, for sure, but it isn’t like I’ve been thinking about it since the fight. I feel I can win this fight and get back to the top of the division and challenge for the title. That’s the reason I am here.

“I know I can compete with the best but I will never look past any opponent. That is where you lose consistency and have disappointing fights. I’ve learned to be more patient when I hurt someone, and I feel I’ve tightened up a lot of things since my last fight. I realize now I’ve got 15 minutes to finish fights and I think you’ll see this new maturity in my fight this Friday.”

Jay Hieron said: “I’ve never had anything handed to me, and I’m glad it went this way. It is a shame UFC 151 got cancelled, as it would have been cool to fight in my hometown of Vegas, but I am just glad I’m going to fight in the UFC. I always believed I belonged in the UFC, that I was as good as the guys in the UFC.

“It is tough, living in Vegas, living in the UFC’s home town, and seeing all these big cards all the time. I have cornered on big UFC shows and wondered when I would be back in the Octagon myself. I had people ask me if I was an amateur fighter, because why wasn’t I in the UFC? I’ve had great runs, beaten top guys, but it just wasn’t my time. Either I was signed or I was injured, it just never worked out for me to come back to the UFC, but I never got deterred.

“I couldn’t ask for a better comeback fight than Ellenberger. I beat him before, and I will beat him again. I fought him back in 2006 and he was a hot prospect, he didn’t know he could lose and I beat him on points. I know he’s super-tough, and a much different fighter with a ton of experience, but I know I can beat him again. I know him very, very well.

“I beat him in our fight and then I cornered Mike Pyle and Martin Kampmann against him. Jake’s last loss was to Martin and we spent a lot of time breaking down Jake’s style so Martin could take advantage of his weaknesses. I feel I know what Jake brings to the Octagon as well as anyone. I taught him how to lose.”

John Dodson said: “This is a huge fight for me, and a big one for the division, a No1 contender’s match. Right now, everyone is trying to figure out who is who in the 125lbs class. Who fits where and who belongs at the top. Formiga is the best fighter in Brazil, he’s got phenomenal BJJ and his striking has improved a lot too. I will prove why I deserve the title shot. I think he will try to strike, because he cannot take me down. Not him, not anyone. Many have tried, all have failed.

“I want the fight against DJ. We are the two fastest fighters in the UFC and I want to match my speed against his. Some people say he’s the fastest, some people say I am. We got to fight to see who is the fastest. I really want to match what I got against what he’s got. But I have to make a statement Friday night against Formiga. I will knock him out. If I stop him – or can you imagine if I tap him out – I’m doing a triple summersault – a 360 – off the cage.”

Jussier Formiga said: “I’ve been waiting for this chance to fight in the UFC for years and, finally, there is a flyweight division so I can showcase my skills. I know Dodson is a powerful striker and is very fast, but I am a BJJ and judo black belt and am looking forward to the fight. I’ve been working very hard on my punches and have a good uppercut, and I am looking forward to showing this in the fight. I am looking forward to the whole UFC experience. I can’t wait to show the UFC fans what I can do.”

The four-fight UFC on FX card will be broadcast live on FX this Friday at 8pm ET/PT, with preliminary fights airing live on FUEL from 5pm ET/2pm PT.

Then, also on FX, at 10pm ET/PT The Ultimate Fighter continues with “Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson – Can’t Fix Stupid”. In this episode, UFC President Dana White treats the fighters to a special outing away from the house. After coach Roy Nelson uses a bizarre method to pick the next matchup, one fighter’s weight problem puts his future in jeopardy. Then, two more welterweights face off in the Octagon.

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

The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

“Hearns Returns” on October 12th to Taylor, Michigan

The entire boxing community is cordially invited to witness a very special event, celebrating the history and future of the sweet science.

George Kaltsas and Hitman Entertainment present “Hearns Returns – The Duel down the River” – an eight bout spectacular, featuring the best young talent in boxing from the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit, Michigan

The exclusive celebration will honor six division World Champion Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, who was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York for leaving his indelible mark on the sport of boxing and giving fight fans around the world a lifetime of breathtaking memories in the ring!

The All-Time Great fighter set the standard for Kronk Gym excellence, and the eight canvas warriors representing the renowned facility will display their talents in what is sure to be an exciting evening of prizefighting.

Headlining the event will be WBA Middleweight title challenger Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (26-3, 20 KOs) in an eight round special attraction. The talented boxer/puncher will begin his campaign toward an eventual Championship opportunity in one of the most exciting divisions in all of boxing.

In the six round co-main event of the evening, Junior Middleweight sensation Tony “Super Bad” Harrison (9-0, 8 KOs) will light up the ring with another devastating knock-out performance. The 22 year old Emanuel Steward protégé has his sight set on Championship gold and is quickly tearing up the 154 pound rankings.

In an additional six round feature, current WBC USNBC Welterweight title holder Lanardo Tyner (26-8-2, 16 KOs) will make his first defense after brutally stopping previously undefeated Welterweight prospect Charles Hatley in just one round. The experienced fight veteran boasts impressive victories over former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Vivian Harris and current Welterweight contender Antwone Smith.

Also showcased on the packed bout sheet will be Junior Welterweight KO artist Chris Hazimhalis (9-0, 7 KOs) from Youngstown, Ohio, slick Welterweight prospects William McElroy (2-0, 0 KOs) and Leandre White (2-0, 1 KO) of Detroit, Michigan, Bantamweight Prospect Anthony Gallerani from Livonia, Michigan will be making his 4 round pro debut, and amateur standout and Junior Middleweight prospect Anthony Barnes of Huntington Woods in a 4 round pro debut as well.

The highly anticipated event will be streamed live across the globe from the Taylor Sportsplex in Taylor, Michigan, and will be available via webcast.

Tickets for the Special event are on sale now at HitmanTickets.com, and start at $25. Exclusive $70 Ringside VIP and $50 Floor VIP seats are limited in number so act now and purchase your tickets for what should prove to be a very memorable event!

For additional information, please call 313-262-6381

BLUE CHIP PROSPECT JOSE PEDRAZA VS. ALLAN BENITEZ HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

New York/St. Charles, Mo. (October 2, 2012) – On Friday, October 12, DiBella Entertainment will return to the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles MO, with an exciting edition of ShoBox: The New Generation. Headlining the card will be Puerto Rican amateur star, and blue-chip prospect, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (10-0, 6KO’s) taking on Robert Garcia trained Allan Benitez (7-1, 1KO) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

In the televised co-feature, undefeated up-and-coming prospects Jonathan Cepeda (12-0, 11KO’s) and Lamar Russ (10-0, 6KO’s) square off in an eight-round middleweight bout. The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions. SHOWTIME® will begin live coverage at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Also featured on the ShoBox telecast will be highlights of former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (30-4-1, 18KO’s) in his bout versus Raul Munoz (21-15-1, 16KO’s), a ten-round middleweight matchup which will take place earlier in the evening.

Jose Pedraza (L) vs. Allan Benitez

At just 23 years old, Pedraza is one of the highest regarded prospects in all of boxing. Pedraza’s stellar amateur career saw him represent his native Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympics and win a silver medal at the 2009 Amateur World Championships, before turning pro in February 2011 with a first-round TKO over Felix Rivera. His bout against Benitez will be his second on SHOWTIME, but the first as the featured bout of the evening.

“After my last fight against Valderrama (August 31), I only rested for a week and then got straight back in the gym,” said Pedraza. “For this fight the training has been very intense. I have sparred with former world title contender Mario Santiago, world champion ‘Rocky’ Martinez and Luis Rosario, who is a very good amateur boxer. I am looking forward to putting on a great performance on the 12th and taking another step towards fulfilling my ultimate goal of winning a world championship.”

A native of Mexico, now living and training with Garcia in the boxing hotbed of Oxnard, Calif., Benitez has rattled off seven wins in a row after dropping his pro-debut in a close four-round decision. Benitez last saw action in August of this year, winning an exciting six-round unanimous decision over Osnel Charles at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

Jonathan Cepeda (L) vs. Lamar Russ

Cepeda had a limited but successful amateur career, sporting a 22-3 record with all three losses coming against former blue-chip prospect Danny Jacobs. Cepeda competed in the National Golden Gloves and twice won the Florida Golden Gloves tournament. Since turning pro, Cepeda has impressed in each and every outing. With devastating power in both hands and an aggressive seek-and-destroy mentality, Cepeda has the ability to end a fight with one punch.

Russ was an accomplished amateur, winning the North Carolina State title six times, before turning pro in 2009. At just 25 years old, Russ is just coming into his own as a professional. Like Cepeda, Russ is a come-forward fighter who likes to press the action and mix it up with his opponent. Russ is coming off his most impressive victory to date; a fourth-round TKO over previously unbeaten (13-0) Jose Alonzo. Prior to his bout with Alonzo, Russ won a six-round unanimous decision over Marcus Upshaw.

Taylor returned to the ring in December of last year. In his most recent outing, he won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Caleb Truax. Taylor, who is currently rated number six in the WBC, eight in the WBO and 14 in the IBF, is working his way back into title contention and hopes to get another shot at the coveted middleweight championship sometime in 2013.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $40 and can be purchased through the Ameristar Casino or by calling (314) 267-2204. Doors open at 5:30PM with the first bout scheduled for 6PM.