Undefeated Featherweight southpaw Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (19-0, 14 KOs) will meet former Featherweight titlist Cristobal “Lacandon” Cruz (39-13-3, 23 KOs) July 6 in the 10-round main event on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra. Friday’s card, presented by Sampson Boxing and Greg Cohen Promotions, will air at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3 from Las Vegas.

Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside for ESPN2 HD and ESPN3 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino describing the action, while studio host Bernardo Osuna will present all the latest boxing news and highlights. Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights), with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio.

ESPN2 and ESPN3 will look back at the best of Friday Night Fights for the month of June and will discuss Kelly Pavlik.

Main Event:
The Dominican Republic’s Fortuna, trained by Pablo Sarmiento (who also trains Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez), enters Friday’s fight following one of his career-best wins, a first-round knockout over previously undefeated Yaundale Evans.

After that fight, ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael wrote: “Fortuna is dynamic with tremendous power and speed. Fortuna has scored some highlight-reel knockouts in his young career and added another one with a crushing stoppage of Evans. Ninety seconds into the fight, Fortuna staggered Evans with a left hand to the head and then heavily floored him with another left hand to the head and a right hand on top of the head as he was falling to the mat. He trapped him on the ropes, tagged him with a few shots and then hammered him with another left hand to drop him again, this time face first, as [the] referee stepped in at 2 minutes, 2 seconds.”

Mexico’s Cruz brings a wealth of experience into the ring with him, having fought former and current titlists Orlando Salido, Luisito Espinosa and Jorge Solis. He will look to rebound from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Juan Carlos Burgos.

Co-Feature:
Friday’s co-feature will pit undefeated Heavyweight Magomed “Mago” Abdusalamov (14-0, 14 KOs) against Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm (13-1-1, 9 KOs). Russia’s Abdusalamov, who has won all of his fights by knockout–10 in the first-round,– is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over previously undefeated Jason Pettaway. Washington D.C.’s Byarm will look to rebound from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Bryant Jennings.

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like on Facebook.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

LONDON (July 3, 2012) — WealthTV, the latest destination for boxing’s premier live events, will telecast this Saturday’s heavyweight showdown between undefeated rising star Tyson Fury and American fan-favorite Vinny Maddalone, live starting at 5 p.m. ET from Hand Arena in Clevedon, Somerset, United Kingdom.

The undefeated 6′ 9″ Fury (18-0, 13 KOs), fighting out of Cheshire, UK, is the reigning Irish heavyweight champion, who is rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Council (“WBC”). The charismatic 24-year-old giant has defeated four previously unbeaten opponents – Dereck Chisora (14-0), Neven Pajkic (16-0), Marcelo Luiz Nascimento (13-0) and Rich Power (12-0) – in his last seven fights.

Tyson Fury, ranked in the top 10 worldwide by The Ring Magazine and promoted by Hennessy Sports, is coming off an impressive win. In April, Fury scored a third-round technical knockout win over Martin Rogan to clinch the Irish title.

Tyson faces a tough fight as he takes on popular American brawler and proven veteran, Vinny Maddalone from Queens, New York. Maddalone played the role of gatekeeper in the heavyweight division having fought world champions Evander Holyfield, Tomasz Adamek, Jean Marc Mormeck and Al “Ice” Cole during his 13-year professional boxing career.

Maddalone is coming off multiple wins by technical knockout including against Chris Koval (TKO4) and Mike Sheppard (TKO1). Maddalone is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

“With an undefeated record, top 10 world rating by the WBC, and a massive 6’9″ physique, the young Tyson Fury is an exciting rising star and must-see heavyweight. We’re extremely pleased to showcase this world-class boxing card live to our viewers,” stated Robert Herring, Jr. vice president, WealthTV.

WealthTV, demonstrating that it’s dedicated to becoming a powerhouse in world-class live professional boxing, will follow-up the Fury v. Maddalone card with a major PPV event scheduled a week later, on July 14, 2012. The July 14th PPV card features Australian’s three-time champ Anthony Mundine taking on Bronco McKart.Mundine has beencalled one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the coveted 154 lbs weight class and has called out the champ in this division.

WealthTV is available nationally on Verizon FIOS TV, channels 169 and 669 in HD, and AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with more than 100 cable systems across the country.

For more information about Fury vs. Maddalone go on line to www.wealthtv.com.

About WealthTV

WealthTV is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network -the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. WealthTV delivers informative shows that provide invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from better etiquette to live world-class boxing, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective. For more information, please visit

For more information, contact:
Sarah Nunez
WealthTV
Phone: 858-270-6900

For more information on Vinny Maddalone please visit www.starboxing.com/maddalone.html

Go on line www.hennessysports.com for more information about the July. 7 show.

Follow us on twitter @hennessysports

Saturday 7th July – Fight Card

**Please note the bill is subject to change

12 x 3 minute rounds – International Heavyweight contest

TYSON FURY (Manchester / Nutts Corner) vs. VINNY MADDALONE (New York, USA)

12 x 3 minute rounds – European Bantamweight Title

LEE HASKIN (Bristol) vs. STUART HALL (Darlington)

6 x 3 minute rounds – Middleweight Contest

CHRIS EUBANK JR (Brighton) vs. TBA

8 x 3 minute rounds – Light Welterweight Contest

LENNY DAWS (Morden) vs. DEAN MILLS (Bridgewater)

8 x 3 minute rounds – International Welterweight Contest

SAMUEL VARGAS (Ontario, Canada) vs. TBA

6 x 3 minute rounds – Middleweight Contest

PHILL FURY (Lancaster) vs. ANDREW PATTERSON (Birmingham)

6 x 3 minute rounds – Light Heavyweight Contest

RICKY POW (Bristol) vs. JODY MEIKLE (Scunthrophe)

4 x 3 minute rounds – Welterweight Contest

MICHAEL GRAYSON (Bristol) vs. JASON NESBITT (Birmingham)

4 x 3 minute rounds – Bantamweight Contest

MICHAEL RAMABELETSA (Bristol) vs. Ashley Lane (Northampton)

4 x 3 minute rounds – Welterweight Contest

TAMUKA MUCHA (Reading) vs. LIAM GRIFFITHS (Bognor Regis)

ATLANTIC CITY (JULY 3, 2012)—This Saturday night at Ballys in Atlantic City, a championship night of boxing will be headlined by Polish import Patrick Majewski battling Chris Fitzpatrick for the vacant NABF Middleweight title.

The card, promoted by Peltz Boxing can be seen LIVE all over the world at 7:30 pm eastern / 4:30 Pacific on www.gfl.tv for a price of just $9.99

The card can be ordered and accessed by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Peltz_Boxing_at_Ballys__Majewski_vs_Fitzpatrick/1563

Majewski of Radom, Poland and now resides in Atlantic City has a record of 18-1 with twelve knockouts, won his first seventeen bouts which included wins over Jimmy Lubash (13-1), Latif Mundy (8-0), Joseph Gomez (17-2-1). He won the WBO NABO Middleweight title with a ten round unanimous decision over Marcus Upshaw. In his next bout he was upset when he was stopped in the sixth round against Miguel Torres.

Majewski got back to his winning ways on April 7th when he stopped former three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols in three rounds.

Fitzpatrick of Cleveland, Ohio has had a similar rise as Majewski as he won his first fourteen bouts that included win over Anthony Pietrantonio (5-0); Richard Gibson (4-1) and Scott Sigmon (16-2). He suffered his only loss when he dropped a unanimous decision to upset specialist Jose Medina.

In his last bout, Fitzpatrick scored sixth round stoppage over Ken Dunham on February 4th.

In a six round Jr. Welterweight bout, Naim Nelson (6-0, 1 KO) takes on Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1, 1 KO) of Lebanon, PA.

In a six round Cruiserweight bout, Dan Biddle (8-2, 5 KO’s) of Delaware battles Pedro Martinez (6-5, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia

In a six round Light Heavyweight bout, Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (11-0, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Mojeed Okedara (9-5, 8 KO’s) of Nigeria.

Harvell is coming off two explosive knockouts.

Osnel “Prince” Charles (9-3, 1 KO) of Atlantic City squares off with Raphael Luna (4-5-1, 1 KO) of Albany, NY in a six round Lightweight bout.

Super Prospect, Jesse Hart (1-0, 1 KO) will be making his East Coast debut when he takes on Steven Chadwick (0-3) of Jacksonville, FL in a four round Middleweight bout.

Hart is coming off a thirty-three second knockout in his pro debut that took place on June 9th on the Manny Pacquiao – Timothy Bradley undercard and he is the son of former legendary Philadelphia Middleweight Eugene “Cyclone” Hart.

Heavyweight Mark Rideout of Philadelphia makes his long awaited pro debut when he battles Randy Easton (0-0-1) of Williamsport, PA

In a battle of pro debuting Welterweights, Anthony Prescott of Cherry Hill, NJ takes on Philadelphian DeAndre Phillips.

“This is a terrific card with some very interesting things to look at”, said Marc Abrams who will be calling the action ringside.

“Majewski brings an International feel plus he can really fight against a tough kid in Fitzpatrick. There is a good back story in the Biddle – Martinez fight as Tommy Barnes now trains Biddle and he used to train Martinez. Harvell is really improving and has blasted out his last two opponents in scary fashion and he now has to be looked at as a legitimate prospect in the Light Heavyweight division. Charles is always in entertaining fights. Naim Nelson is a young guy to keep your eye on. Jesse Hart has been talked about for years as possible the next great Philadelphia champion and he signed a great deal with Top Rank. Combine that with the mastery of a Russell Peltz card and the fans will get more than their monies worth on July 7th”

GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1300 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices. Check the event page for details.

If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network

Join us at: www.GFL.tv or https://www.facebook.com/GoFightLive.tv or twitter.com/GFL or youtube.com/Gofightlive or inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

NEW YORK – July 2, 2012 -NBC Sports Group will partner with Main Events to produce a second season of the network’s successful primetime boxing series Fight Night. The Saturday night boxing series will expand from six telecasts to-up-to 16 and will showcase compelling match-ups between some of the world’s best fighters.

NBC Sports Group will continue to work with Main Events and Hall-of-Fame matchmaker J Russell Peltz, to once again feature a multi-promoter strategy for the series. Designed to produce the best quality fights, the collaboration allows any promoter the opportunity to get their boxers involved in these programs and allows viewers the ability to see world class match-ups that would not otherwise take place.

“We are once again reaching out to all promoters to get involved in the series.” said Kathy Duva, president, Main Events. “The multiple promoter format worked incredibly well during season one and we are hoping to continue to build on the momentum. All fighters who are willing to further their careers by engaging in compelling, interesting, meaningful matches are welcome.”

“This series is the best thing that has happened to boxing in years,” said Hall-of-Fame promoter/matchmaker J Russell Peltz. “In just four shows, we have seen the emergence of US heavyweight prospect Bryant Jennings and junior middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado. We have shown matches between world-rated fighters and that’s something you rarely see these days on television. On top of that, the fights have been promoted the old-fashioned way, in sold-out noisy venues in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Bethlehem and Newark. This is the way boxing was meant to be.”

“Fight Night has been a tremendous success. The unique approach to have multiple promoters competing to put fights on the NBC Sports Network has allowed us to produce compelling match-ups and incredibly exciting shows” said Jon Miller, President, programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “NBC’s is committed to the property and we are looking forward to expanding the series from six telecasts to-up-to 16.”

Two dates have already been scheduled for the 2013 calendar, and additional dates will be announced as they are confirmed. A minimum of six telecasts will take place each year on the NBC Sports Network, and up to two broadcasts will air each year on NBC.

As part of the agreement, an additional Fight Night telecast has also been added to the 2012 calendar. The show will air on Saturday, December 22 on NBC, from 4-6 p.m. ET. The fight card will be announced at a later date.

2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE

(All Times ET and subject to change)

Saturday, December 22 4-6 p.m. NBC

Saturday, January 19, 9-11 p.m. NBC Sports Network

Saturday, March 9, 2013 9-11 p.m. NBC Sports Network

Kenny Rice will continue to serve as the play-by-play commentator for all telecasts, and will be

joined by Hall-of-Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach and cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores. Chris

Mannix will continue to serve as the ringside reporter for each telecast.

FIGHT NIGHT 36: The NBC Sports Network will continue to use its all-access 36 series to compliment the Fight Night telecasts. In 2012, individual Fight Night 36 episodes featured fighters Zab Judah and Eddie Chambers. The collaboration between Fight Night 36 and Fight Night allowed fans a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes prior to each fight and see how the boxers train, spend time with their family and interact with fans.

About Fight Night: NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night series is collaboration between NBC Sports, Main Events and J Russell Peltz. The series premiered on January 21, 2012 with Freddie Roach and BJ Flores on the call, and Kenny Rice serving as reporter.

The first Fight Night telecast featured heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings and Maurice Byarm and originated from Philadelphia’s historic Asylum Arena. In 2013-2014, the series will feature 12 original telecasts on the NBC Sports Network and up to four broadcasts on NBC.

According to the Klitschko Twitter account, WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will meet undefeated yet unheralded German Manuel Charr on September 8th in Moscow, Russia.

Klitschko, 44-2 with forty knockouts will be making the ninth defense of the currant reign as champion and will take on Charr who is 21-0 eleven knockouts

Eddie Chambers will undergo surgery today to repair an injury he suffered during his June 16th NBC Sports Network “Fight Night” battle against Tomasz Adamek.

Chambers revealed, “At the end of the first round I felt something rip. I remember thinking ‘Hey, that didn’t feel right’. It turns out I the tore a tendon that connects my bicep to the bone. I am having surgery to repair that.”

Chambers is anxious to get back in the ring, “Once I have the surgery, I will do physical therapy for about 2 months. I will keep in shape physically. You know running, and anything that doesn’t require upper body, etc. Just to stay in shape and stay ready so that once I get back it’s not going to take as long to get ready for fighting. I want to get back into a fight as soon as I possibly can after that.”

Cornelius Bundarge scored his second knockout victory over former two-division champion Cory Spinks to retian the IBF Jr. Middleweight champion at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Bundrage dropped Spinks with a perfectly timed right hand and that set the tone for the rest of the fight. The fight was sloppy with punching in the clinches, holding and takedowns that marred the action along with a handful of low blows from Bundrage.

Spinks began to tire in the middle rounds but he stayed competitive with a decent body attack.

In round seven, Bundrage dropped Spinks with a hard right to the head. The back of Spinks head slammed off the canvas and he was able to get to his feet. It wouldn’t be for long as Bundrage landed a sweeping right hand that sent Spinks down for a second time in the round. Spinks, clearly with his legs gone tried to ecscape Bundrage for the rest of the round but he was sent down just as Ray Corona stopped the bout at 2:32 of round seven.

Bundrage, 153 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 32-4-1 with nineteen knockouts. Spinks, 153 3/4 lbs of St. Louis is now 39-7.

Sensational Featherweight prospect blasted out Christopher Perez in three rounds of a scheduled ten round bout.

Russell dropped Perez in round two with a wicked combination. In round three, Russell landed a blistering left that knocked Perez through the ropes. Perez continued but ate a combination that sent him down for a third time. The fight was over when Russell landed a perfectly time right hook and referee Pat Russell stopped the fight upon the fourth knockdown of the fight (Third of the round) at 1:41 of round three.

Russell, 126 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 20-0 with twelve knockouts. Perez, 126 1/2 lbs of Culican, MX is now 23-3.

Jr. Middleweight contender Erislandy Lara bloodied, battered and butted his way to a easy ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez.

Lara worked very well to the body and mixed in combinations to the head. Hernandez began to swell from the right eye in early as round three and Hernandez was cut around the left eye from the fifth round. In round seven, Lara was deducted a point for a blatant headbutt that caused bleeding from the right.

That seemed to energize Hernandez but he was outskilled in every facet as Lara landed some hard counter shots and short shots while being able to stay clear of any flush shots of Hernandez.

Lara, 155 lbs of Guantanamo, Cuba won by scores of 95-94, 98-91 and 99-90 and is now 17-1-1. Hernandez, 154 1/4 lbs of Mexico City is now 30-3-1.

Former world champion Cristian Mijares scored a ten round unanimous decision over Eusbio Osejo in a Super Bantamweight bout in Auguscaliantes, Mexico.

Mijares, 123 lbs is now 46-6-2. Osejo, 122 lbs of Managua, Nicaragua is now 21-11-2.

Felipe Orucuta stopped Richard Garcia in round two of their Super Flyweight bout.

Garcia hurt his left leg early in round two but was able to fight on and then shortly after that was cut with a right hand that dropped him and the fight was waved off.

Orucuta, 115 lbs of Ciudad, MX is now 24-1 with twenty knockouts. Garcia, 115.3 lbs of Manila, Philippines is now 23-14-1.

Rodrigo Garcia remained undefeated with a eight round unanimous decision over Juan Rivera in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Garcia, 154 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is now 11-0. Rivera, 156 lbs of Auguscaliantes, MX is now 20-8.

Michael Perez destroyed Eric Cruz in round two of a scheduled ten round Jr. Welterweight bout in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Perez dropped and bloodied Cruz from a vicious uppercut in round one. In round two, Perez was in control and landed another hard shot to the face of Cruz and Cruz turned his back and the fight was waved off at 2:58 of round two.

Perez, 135 1/2 lbs of Lares, Puerto Rico is now 16-1-1 with ten knockouts. Cruz, 140 lbs of Vega Baja, PR is now 16-10-3.

Jeffrey Fontanez remained perfect by scoring a first round stoppage over Pedro Hernandez in a scheduled six round Lightweight bout.

Fontanez dropped Hernandez twice with right hands to the body and the second resulted in the two count at 2:31 of round one.

Fontanez, 133 lbs of Caguas, PR is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Hernandez, 128 lbs of Aguada, PR is 6-6-1.

Samuel Figueroa stooped Orlando Falcon in round of their scheduled four round Welterweight bout.

Figueroa dropped Falcon with a left to the chin. Falcon got to his feet but the referee stopped the bout at 2:24 of round one.

Figueroa, 146 lbs of Anasco, PR is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Falcon, 150 lbs of Toa Alta, PR is now 2-3.

Edgardo Lopez scored six round unanimous decision over Jesse Padilla in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Lopez, 129 lbs is now 5-0. Padilla, 132 lbs of Toa Baja, PR is now 2-15-2.

CORONA, CA (June 30, 2012)— WBO number-two ranked Ruslan Provodnikov scored a scintillating second round stoppage over Jose Reynoso in a scheduled ten round Jr. Welterweight bout at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The bouts were seen LIVE all over America on ESPN 2 and promoted by Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing

Reynoso tried to move in round one and showed off his awkward style from his southpaw stance.

In round two, Provodnikov started getting to Reynoso with short shots. He caught Reynoso with a huge right to the head that sent Reynoso down for referee Raul Caiz Jr.’s ten count and the bout was over at 1:52 of round two.

Provodnikov, 140 lbs of Berezov, Russia is now 22-1 with fifteen knockouts. Reynoso, 138 ½ lbs of Riverside, CA is now 16-4-1.

“This is a payoff for a long three month training camp. I spent the first two months with Manny Pacquiao”, said Provodnikov

“The priority was to work the body and finish on top. The outcome was because of the work with Manny as he moved a lot and it improved my footwork”

Christopher Martin scored two knockdowns on body shots and stopped Roberto Castaneda in round six of their scheduled eight round Super Bantamweight bout.

It was a close fight early with both guys getting in some quality offense. At the end of round five, Martin landed a perfect right to the body that sent Castaneda down to his knees for a knockdown. Martin tried to jump on Castaneda in round six. Late in that round, Martin landed a thudding left to the body that sent Castaneda down for a second time. Castaneda was up at the count of nine but the fight was stopped by referee Jerry Cantu at 2:31 of round six.

Martin, 122 lbs of Chula Vista, CA is now 24-2-3 with seven knockouts. Castaneda 120 ½ lbs of Mexico is now 20-2-1.

In the televised opener, Aaron Acevedo & Daniel Martinez fought to a majority draw in a four round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 for Martinez while that score was over ruled by two scores of 38-38.

Martinez, 130 lbs of San Bernardino, CA is 0-0-1. Acevedo, 129 lbs of Moreno Valley, CA is 1-0-1.

Oscar Godoy scored a four round unanimous decision over Roberto Crespo in a Welterweight bout.

Godoy, 146 ½ lbs of Watsonville, CA won by scores of 40-36, 40-36 and39-37 and is now 7-2. Crespo, 147 ½ lbs of Riverside, CA is now 4-2.

Former Light Heavyweight & Cruiserweight champion turned Heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek will jump right back in the ring on September 8th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as he will headline an afternoon Pay Per View to accomadate Polish television according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

No opponent has been announced but it will not a rematch with Eddie Chambers. Chambers lost a close unanimous decision to Adamek on June 16th. Chambers is due to have surgery on his left bicep which hurt in the first round of the June 16th bout.

“At the end of the first round, I felt something rip,” Chambers said Thursday. “I remember thinking, ‘Hey, that didn’t feel right.’ It turns out that I tore a tendon that connects my bicep to the bone. I am having surgery on Monday to repair that.

“Once I have the surgery, I will do physical therapy for about two months. I will keep in shape physically, you know, running, and anything that doesn’t require the upper body, etc., just to stay in shape and to stay ready so that once I get back it’s not going to take as long to get ready for fighting. I want to get back into a fight as soon as I possibly can after that.”

“Tomasz wanted to stay active and we wanted to try out the pay-per-view in Poland again,” said promoter Kathy Duva. “We discussed with Ziggy and Tomasz about trying to do it for the June 16 fight, but that fight was on NBC (Sports Net) in the United States (at night), which is like 4 or 5 in the morning in Poland, so that didn’t work for a pay-per-view over there.

“So we decided it might be worth trying to do one of these shows with Tomasz in Newark in the afternoon. He wants to fight in the U.S. and work at rebuilding his audience here.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world champion Hasim Rahman has pulled out of his WBA World title challenge with champion Alexander Povetkin on July in Germany due to a wrist injury.

“He was working out and he had excruciating pain in his wrist because of the cyst,” said Rahman’s promoter Greg Cohen said. “His trainer, Eddie Mustafa (Muhammad), stopped the session and had him go to the doctor. He had an MRI. ‘Rock’ wanted to have a cortisone shot, but the doctor said it wouldn’t help. So he had surgery (Thursday) morning. Everything went fine. He’s out for two weeks. Really, it’s a minor thing, but obviously we have to postpone the fight.”

“All of us were looking forward to the event,” Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer said, “but it is our responsibility to deliver world-class boxing to the spectators inside the arena and the audience at home in front of their TVs. Therefore, after hearing (about) the injury of Alexander’s opponent, we had to cancel the whole show.”

“Our contract calls for a postponement if there’s an injury,” Cohen said. “From our perspective, the fight will be postponed. We’re the mandatory, and Povetkin has to make his mandatory defense. I expect Rahman and Povetkin will be fighting each other in their next fight. It’s a matter of the German TV date.”

“It was a pretty substantial cyst around the wrist, and he said from time to time he had discomfort, but never a big deal,” Cohen said. “‘Rock’ is not a complainer. He didn’t have it checked out. (Wednesday) he said it was like a sledgehammer hitting his wrist every time he punched. He saw the doctor, had the surgery. He did the right thing. Now we have to reschedule the fight.”

“They were disappointed to hear the news but appreciative that as soon as we knew we informed them,” Cohen said. “We hope to have a new date worked out with them soon.”

Jose Reynoso – 138.5 lbs. & Ruslan Provodnikov – 140 lbs.

Chritopher Martin – 122 lbs. & Roberto Castaneda – 120 lbs.

Angel Osuna – 155.5 lbs. & Dashon Johnson – 156 lbs.

Aaron Acevedo -129 lbs. & Daniel Martinez 130 lbs.

Tatina Anderson – 135.5 lbs. & Lizette Medel – 131 lbs.

Robert Crespo – 147.5 lbs. & Oscar Godoy – 148.5 lbs.

Photo credit: Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing Promotions

Promoters: Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing Promotions

Venue:

Omega Products Outdoor Venue

1681 California Avenue

Corona, CA

Tickets available tomorrow at the Omega Products starting at 6:00 pm.

Prices $75, $45, $30

Doors open 6:00 pm

First bout 6:30 pm

ESPN Telecast: 7:30pm

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz had surgery to fix a broken jaw that he suffered in his surprising ninth round loss to Josesito Lopez on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

During a visit with Ortiz on Monday morning, Ortiz manager Rolando Arellano said Ortiz wrote down on a piece of paper “exercise the rematch clause” because he wants to face Lopez (30-4, 18 KOs) again, as is his contractual right, even though Ortiz likely won’t fight for the rest of this year.

“Victor broke the jaw in the fifth round. He felt a weird sensation because he couldn’t close his mouth all the way,” Arellano said. “So he was holding his glove underneath his jaw to keep it closed because it was hanging open. Victor fought four or five rounds with a broken jaw and every time he would throw punches, he would take his glove away from his jaw and it would just drop. He said every time he got hit on it, it felt like someone was slicing open his body it hurt so much. He didn’t know what was going on.”

Arellano said Ortiz eventually began to gag on “thick blood in his mouth. The doctors said it was extremely dangerous because he had internal bleeding, which they said they could tell by the thickness of the blood. This was a lot more serious than anyone anticipated at first when we just thought he had a broken jaw.”

“Of course, we want the rematch, just like Victor wrote down for me, but I just want to make sure this young man is OK,” Arellano said. “It was an exciting fight and we were winning but it was just one of those things that happen in boxing. It’s always unpredictable.

“Victor was down because the injury happened, but this is part of the sport. We know that we live by the sword and die by the sword, and we can’t stand here and cry about it. You lick your wounds and move forward.”

Orange, CA (June 25) – The city of Corona becomes boxing central when Thompson Boxing
Promotions and Banner Promotions bring their two sets of warriors to the forefront
this Friday.

Russian born Ruslan Provodnikov (21-1, 14 KOs) and Riverside born Jose Reynoso (16-3-1,
3 KOs) star in the main event at Omega Products International in Corona. The popular
outdoor event will also be televised on ESPN2 “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS”.

Reynoso, 27, is a very crafty southpaw boxer who continues to improve in every aspect
of the combat sport. Trained in Riverside, the lefthander has fought a number of
talented opponents and has not lost a bout in three years. Reynoso is riding streak
of seven fights without a loss.

“Jose Reynoso is prepared and ready to win. We are happy to bring this fight close
to home and give Reynoso’s fans a thrilling night of boxing.” said Ken Thompson
president of the Southern California boxing firm. “June 29 will mark the first time
that we promote an ESPN event from our very own Omega Products Outdoor Arena and
we hope to be great hosts to co promoter Art Pelullo and the Worldwide Leader in
Sports.”

Provodnikov, 28, trains in Las Vegas and has only one loss on his record. That came
against another Riverside prizefighter a year ago in perhaps the “Fight of the Year”
with Mauricio Herrera. The Russian bomber is ultra strong and has a seek-and-destroy
mentality inside the ring.

Tickets are priced at $75, $45, and $30. They are available now and may be purchased
by calling 714-935-0900.

In a junior bantamweight fight Mexicali’s Roberto “Azabache” Castaneda (20-1-1,
15 KOs) makes his first appearance in the U.S. against Christopher Martin (23-2-3,
6 KOs). The 21-year-old power puncher Castaneda looks to impress the American crowd
with his art of the knockout abilities.

Martin, 25, a slick boxing young veteran out of San Diego, attempts to snap a three-fight
winless streak. He’s an exceptional boxer who can fight any style. Power punchers
are his favorite meal. Don’t be fooled by his lack of knockouts. He’s taken down
many power punchers in his still young career.

Junior middleweights Dashon “Flyboy” Johnson and Angel Osuna are no strangers to
boxing fans in the Inland area. Johnson (13-5-3, 4 KOs) fights out of nearby Escondido
and has both power and speed. Osuna (7-3-1, 4 KOs) fights out of the desert area
of Coachella. It’s an evenly matched bout and both fighters have proven to possess
action prone styles.

Female prizefighters Lissette Medel (6-1-1) and Tatina Anderson (5-1-1) are set
for their rematch in a four round junior lightweight fight. They met each other
last year in Primm, Nevada in a bout that ended in a draw. Medel fights out of Maywood
and Anderson trains in Las Vegas. Their first encounter was a doozy.

A welterweight match pits Riverside’s Roberto “Puerto Rican Prince” Crespo (4-1)
against Watsonville, California’s Robert Godoy (6-2, 3 KOs) in a four round contest.
Every north versus south fight has proven to pack a little extra.

Others included on the fight card will be Russian junior lightweight Evgeny Chuprakov
(3-0, 2 KOs), Riverside’s Aaron Acevedo and debuting Daniel Martinez of Lake Elsinore.

About the venue:
Omega Products Outdoor Arena
1681 California Avenue
Corona, California

Doors open at: 6:00 PM
First fight: 6:30 PM
ESPN telecast: 7:30 PM

Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions, Ken Thompson/Thompson Boxing, JEG Boxing, ESPN & the Edgewater Casino Resort Presents a night of world class boxing on July 20th at The Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. The main event & co-main event will be televised live on ESPN’S Friday Night Fights on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN 3 at 9 p.m. ET.

In the ten round main event, former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos, 29-1 with 19 knockouts of Tijuana, Mexico will look to make it five straight wins when he takes on Cesar Vazquez, 25-0 with 16 knockouts of Mexicali, Mexico in a ten round Super Featherweight bout for the WBO Latino Junior Lightweight Championship.

Burgos, 24 years old is ranked No. 2 by the WBO and No. 4 by the IBF and is one of the hottest fighters in the 130 pound division. Since he came up just short in his title opportunity to the distinguished Hozumi Hasegawa, Burgos has had four signature victories which include wins over previously undefeated Luis Cruz and former world champion Cristobal Cruz. In the fight with Cristobal Cruz, which took place on February 24th, Burgos claimed the WBC Silver Super Featherweight belt.

Vazquez, 26 Years old, has been perfect and is looking to impress the nationwide audience as he makes his American debut. He is coming off a 3rd round knockout over Carlos Medlin on January 21st.

Promoter Art Pelullo said “This is an important fight with a lot on the line. The winner will be on a short list to receive a title shot. Everybody knows that when two Mexican fighters square off there is also a lot of pride on the line as well so I expect this to be an explosive fight”

“Burgos is on a serious quest to get a world title shot again and Cesar Vazquez will put it all on the line to derail those dreams,” said co promoter Ken Thompson, “It will another thrilling night of boxing as two Mexican warriors try to make a name for themselves and place their careers on the limelight.”

President of JEG Boxing Daren Libonati said “I am thrilled to partner with Edgewater Casino in bringing this action packed card to Laughlin. “

An exciting co-feature and undercard will be announced shortly.
All Bouts are subject to change without notice.

Edgewater Casino Resort
2020 South Casino Drive, Laughlin, Nevada
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
First Fight: 6:00 PM

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT LIVE
Atlantic City, NJ—Two of Atlantic City’s top ring prospects, light-heavyweight Lavarn Harvell and lightweight Osnel Charles, will be in action Saturday evening, July 7, in the Grand Ballroom of Bally’s Atlantic City.

Topping the seven-bout card is a scheduled 10-round contest for the vacant NABF middleweight title, featuring Patrick Majewski, of Atlantic City, against Chris Fitzpatrick, of Albany, NY. First fight 7.30 pm.

Harvell, 24, is fresh off a first-round knockout June 13 in Newark, NJ, over Brian Donohue, of Philadelphia, PA. He takes on Mojeed Okedara, of Silver Springs, MD, in a six-round contest.

A pro since 2008, Harvell (right) is 11-0, 6 K0s. He has scored three knockouts in 2012, having previously blasted out Anthony Pietrantonio, of Youngstown, OH, in three rounds and Tommy Connelly, of Charleston, AR, in one.

Okedara, 37, is originally from Nigeria, where he claims a 9-5 record with eight knockout victories, one of them earning him the Nigerian super middleweight belt in 2009.

This will mark Okedara’s first fight in the USA and he has knocked out his last four opponents.

Charles, 28, dropped his last start, a six-round decision to Chris Finley, of Detroit, MI, on May 19 in the same ring. He is 9-3, 1 K0, and looking to make a fresh start against Raphael Luna, of Albany, NY, in a six-rounder.

Luna, 30, is 4-5-1, 1 K0, and has not fought since losing an eight-round majority decision to Luis Rodriguez, of Puerto Rico, on Sept. 11, 2010, in Albany.

Also appearing in his East Coast debut is two-time National Golden Gloves champion Jesse Hart, of Philadelphia, who takes on Steven Chadwick, of Jacksonville, FL, in a four-round middleweight contest.

Hart, 22, son of 1970s middleweight contender Eugene Cyclone Hart, knocked out Manuel Eastman, of Albuquerque, NM, in his pro debut June 9 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley card at the MGM in Las Vegas, NV.

Three additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT JULY 7

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

Former world champion Rico Ramos scored an eight round majority decision over previously undefeated Efrain Esquivias in a Super Bantamweight bout at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California.

It was a highly contested bout and the first fight for Ramos since losing his title to Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Ramos, 122 lbs of Watts, CA won by scores of 78-74, 78-74 and 76-76 and is now 21-1. Esquivias, 123 lbs of Carson, CA is 16-1.

“He was tough, I knew he was going to be tough,” said Ramos. “He came forward at me a lot like I remember from fighting him in amateurs, but we prepared for that and we were ready for him. He went hard to the body, and so I came back with body shots of my own, and I was landing the cleaner shots. It feels great to be back in the win column. I’ll be coming back for my belt soon.”

Matt Villanueva remained undefeated by scrapping out an eight round unanimous decision over Bruno Escalante in a Super Flyweight bout.

Villanueva was cut from the left eye from the second round on but was able to fight through it in the exciting bout.

Villanueva, 114 1/2 lbs of Palmdale, CA is now 8-0-1. Escalante, 115 lbs of San Carlos, CA is now 5-1-1.

“That was the toughest fight I’ve ever had,” said Villanueva of his opponent. “He came to win, and he was much stronger than I thought. The kid can take a punch, he was taking everything but the kitchen sink. I really thought that the ref was going to come in and stop it on a few occasions when I was getting him against the ropes and just tagging him, but he stuck in there and made it exciting.”

In what was on paper a formality before a September 15th Pay Per View showdown with Saul Alvarez, Victor Ortiz was supposed to walk through late replacement and blown up Jr. Welterweight Josesito Lopez.

But one problem, Lopez did not receive the memo as the upstart from Riverside, California pulled off a shocking stoppage victory after round nine of their twelve round Welterweight bout at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Lopez, who fought through a shut right eye, took the bout on short notice after a failed drug test to Andre Berto.

The fight was a terrific back and forth brawl that saw many ebbs and flows and drama throughout the fight.

The action started early for which Lopez through wide and looping shots that crunched off the face of Ortiz. Ortiz landed some hard lefts and drove Lopez back to the ropes and even tried roughhouse tactics. In round five, Ortiz landed a hard left hand to the back of the head of Lopez that was an illegal blow and Lopez took several minutes to get himself together.

The action continued at a furious pace as both landed tremendous shots and the fight seemed to be close heading down the stretch.

Towards the end of round nine, Lopez landed a wide left hand that slammed off the side of the face of Ortiz. Ortiz sat in his stool and announced to referee Jack Reiss that he could not continue due to a possible broken jaw.

With those action, Ortiz loses a potential seven figure pay day with the WBC Super Welterweight champion Alvarez and Lopez great performance announces him as a player in the 140 & 147 pound divisions.

Lopez, 144 1/2 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 30-4 with eighteen knockouts. Ortiz, 146 1/2 lbs of Ventura, CA is now 29-4-2.

All Lucas Matthysse needed was one big right hand and he landed it just before the end of round five and he stopped former world champion Humberto Soto after round five of their scheduled ten round Jr. Welterweight bout.

It was Soto who boxed well over the first two rounds as he used some quick combinations. Matthysse started getting his power shots going, particularly to the body in round three. Soto rebounded to get back to boxing in round three. Matthysse started revving up the heavy artillery at the end of round as started landing power shots to the head and body. Matthysse landed a heavy right hand that sent Soto stumbling back to the ropes. Soto’s momentum off the ropes pushed him right into a huge right and dropped Soto for the first time in his career just seconds before the bell rang to signify the end of the round. When Soto got to his corner, the team waved off the fight at end of round five.

Matthysse of Argentina is now 31-2 with twenty nine knockouts. Soto of Los Mochis, MX is now 58-8-2.

Good looking Jr. Middleweight prospect Jermell Charlo scored an impressive fifth round stoppage over Denis Douglin in a scheduled ten round bout.

Charlo looked good over the first couple of rounds as he landed right hands by mixing them up between leads and working behind the hab. Douglin had a good round three as he found success working the body. That was short lived as Charlo got back to the right hand in round four and landed a booming right that sent Douglin flat on his back in round five. Douglin got to his feet but stumbled and referee Wayne Hedgepath stopped the bout at 1:12 of round round five.

Charlo, 153 3/4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Douglin, 154 lbs of Marlboro, NJ is now 14-2.

Good looking Lightweight prospect Omar Figueroa made short work of Alain Hernandez by scoring a first rouns stoppage in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Figueroa jumped all over the smaller Hernandez and landed some hard shots. Figueroa then worked the body that pushed Hernandez back to the ropes. An ensuing flurry forced referee Jose Cobian to stop the bout just ninety-four seconds into the contest.

Figueroa, 137 lbs of Weslaco, TX is now 18-0-1 with fifteen knockouts. Hernandez, 137 lbs is now 18-11-1.

Follow all the action LIVE as it happens as former Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz takes on Josesito Lopez. The card will have a four fight undercard beginning at 7pm ET / 4 PM PT featuring Former world champion Humberto Soto battling Lucas Matthysse in an important Jr. Welterweight affair. A pair of Jr. Middleweight prospects will square off as undefeated Jermall Charlo takes on Denis Douglin. There will also be an appearance by undefeated Lightweight Omar Figueroa.

12 Rounds–Welterweights–Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s) vs Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO’s)

Round 1: Ortiz good body shot…Lopez lands a combination…Righthand..Double left from Ortiz…Lopez lands a left…10-9 Lopez

Round 2 Ortiz lands a jab,,,Lopez lands 2 lefts to the body…Ortiz lands a left and right that hurts Lopez…Hard left..Hard shots from both guys…Hard right from Lopez…2 lefts to the body..right hand…Ortiz lands a straight left….19-19

Round 3 Straight left from Ortiz..Lopez lands a hard right..and left and another right…looping right…29-28 Lopez

Round 4 Ortiz lands a combination…Left hook from Lopez…Ortiz lands at the bell 38-38

Round 5 Lopez lands a right and left/body…Ortiz lands a uppercut…Ortiz hits Lopez in back of head…Left from Lopez..left hook..good right..48-47 Lopez

Round 6 Lopez landing nice combinations…Ortiz answers with a left..Uppercut..Good combination..57-57

Round 7 Lopez lands an overhand right…Counter from Ortiz..Lopez lands a uppercut…Ortiz gets in a straight left..They are warring on the ropes..3 big shots from Lopez..67-66 Lopez

Round 8 Uppercut from Lopez..another uppercut lands..left hook..short right and a body shot…Ortiz lands a right hook…77-75 Lopez

Round 9 Nice left from Ortiz…Straight left..Left hook from Lopez…right…great exchange..Lopez chasing Ortiz at the end of the round…87-85 Lopez

Round 10

10 round Jr. Welterweights–Humberto Soto (58-7-2, 34 KO’s) vs Lucas Matthysse (30-2, 28 KO’s)

Round 1 Soto busier…good combination…Matthysse left hook…10-9 Soto

Round 2 Soto lands an uppercut…Landing combinations..Right backs up Matthysse..Leads right from Matthysse..20-18 Soto

Round 3 Matthysse lands a body shot…Hard right to the chin..Uppercut/Left hook..Straight right..Soto fighting back…Nice left hook…Right /Left …Soto lands a 3 punch combination…29-28 Soto

Round 4 Soto lands a left to the body…Matthysse lands an uppercut..Soto lands a jab…Matthysse lands a left…right from Soto..Right makes Soto stumble..Soto lands a jab that backs Matthysse up…39-37 Soto

Round 5 Soto lands a combination…Matthysse lands a right..Uppercut and hook to the body..Hard left hook..Left hook..leooping right,…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SOTO JUST BEFORE THE END OF THE ROUND...47-47 SOTO’S CORNER STOPS THE FIGHT

Round 6

10 Rounds–Jr. Middleweights–Jermell Charlo (17-0, 8 KO’s) vs Denis Douglin (14-1, 8 KO’s)

Round 1: Charlo lands a right and a jab….Douglin lands a left..Combination from Charlo..Double Jab/Right Hand..Nice combination (Jab/Right Hand)…10-9 Charlo

Round 2 Charlo reaches with the right…Good right…Good right behind a double jab..Good right wobbles Douglin…20-18 Charlo

Round 3 Douglin works the body..Another body shot..Left..left to the body…29-28 Charlo

Round 4 Right from Charlo..Good right…Left/Right..3 punch combination..39-37 Charlo

Round 5HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DOUGLIN..HE GETS TO HIS FEET…STMBLES AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

8 Rounds–Lightweights–Omar Figueroa (17-0-1, 14 KO’s) vs Alain Hernandez (18-10-2, 10 KO’s)

Round 1 Figueroa lands a combination…Nice left from Hernadez…Good right from Figueroa..Good body shot..Another body shot…Figueroa LANDS A COMBINATION AND REFEREE JOSE COBIAN STOPS THE FIGHT

REFRESH BROWSER FOR INSTANT UPDATES

Mike Dallas Jr. scored a sixth round stoppage over Javier Castro in a Jr. Welterweight bout Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California.

Dallas showed superior hand speed over the first five plus rounds. Both guys were cut as Castro started to bleed in round one and Dallas in round four from numerous head clashes.

In round six, Dallas rocked Castro with a big right hand and Castro was hurt. Dallas jumped on Castro and uncorked twenty shots then referee Lou Moret stopped the bout at 2:06 of round six of the scheduled twelve round bout.

Dallas Jr., 140 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is now 19-2-1 with eight knockouts. Castro, 140 lbs of El Paso, TX is now 26-5.

Brandon Gonzales remained perfect by scoring a eight round unanimous decision over Elie Augustama in a Super Middleweight bout.

Gonzales boxed well and featured a strong uppercut and right hand. Gonzales did have to fight through some adversity as he was cut over his left eye for the second straight fight in the fourth round. With blood streaming for half of the fight, Gonzales gutted it out as Augustama was only looking to connect with right hands.

Gonzales, 164 lbs of Sacramento, CA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 16-0. Augustama, 164 lbs of Miami, FL is 6-5.

Joshua Conley made it three straight knockouts when he took out an overmatched Donte Stowers in round two of their scheduled four round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Conley dropped Stowers at the end of round one. He was all over Stowers and sent him to the canvas and referee Lou Moret stopped the bout at 1:24 of round two.

Conley, 157 lbs of San Bernadino, CA is 3-0 with all wins coming early. Stowers, 153lbs of Victorville, CA was making his pro debut

Former Light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver was suspended after a drug test following his draw with Lateef Kayode on June 2nd came up positive.

“That is correct. Mr. Tarver tested positive for a banned substance,” George Dodd, the executive officer of the California commission, told ESPN.com.

Dodd said the commission has suspended Tarver — who earned $1 million for the fight — and fined him $2,500.

“We had a brief conversation and he said that the commission had gotten back the drug test results and that Tarver’s was dirty,” said Kayode’s manager Steve Feder. “I didn’t know the substance at the time and they were notifying the people they had to notify, so I felt like I had to give the commission time to do their job and that I wouldn’t say anything until I got the confirmation of the drug.”

“Mr. Tarver has the right to appeal the suspension and view the opening of the ‘B’ sample and the analyzing of the ‘B’ sample,” Dodd said.

Also, Andre Berto tested positive for the steroid norandrosterone last month, forcing his rematch against fellow former welterweight titlist Victor Ortiz, which was scheduled for Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, to be canceled. The card is going ahead with Ortiz facing substitute opponent Josesito Lopez.

Ironically, Tarver is scheduled to work the card as a Showtime analyst. The network has not yet decided whether he will remain on the telecast.

“We have no comment at this point,” Showtime spokesman Chris DeBlasio told ESPN.com.

“We were taking pictures together and having a good time and then I get this news. It’s crazy,” Feder said. “Why would a guy do this? Why would he tarnish a stellar career? I’ve been a fan of his. And he has this great job with Showtime (as an analyst). I have to say I shake my head and say, ‘Why would he jeopardize this?’

“I want to believe somebody influenced Tarver to do this and that he would know better because I don’t want to believe he would initiate this. It’s still his fault though and he has to take the blame for it, but I actually feel bad for him. I feel bad for my fighter as well.”

“I told Lateef and he said, ‘Oh, man, I can’t believe it.’ He was shocked and then he started thinking, ‘I wonder if that’s how he came on late like he did? Maybe that’s what the drug was and he was able to come on late.’ Lateef said maybe it started to kick in because he said he didn’t really feel anything on Tarver’s punches earlier in the fight and then he really started to come on. He had this energy or something. Maybe that was the steroid?”

CARLTON, MINNESOTA – Two of the most talked about prospects the State of Minnesota has to offer will square off against one another with more than just local bragging rights on the line as Cerreso Fort meets Dave Peterson this Saturday night at the Black Bear Casino Resort. GFL.tv has secured the rights to the broadcast, which will be shown via internet pay-per-view on a delayed basis.

Fort (12-0-1, 10 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota has been one of the most regarded young fighters in the area since he turned pro back in June 2008. In his last outing, Fort rebounded from his lone blemish (a split decision draw) with a second-round stoppage of Cheyenne Ziegler this past February in Saint Paul.

Peterson (13-0, 8 KOs) of Mounds View, Minnesota is a 6’1” southpaw known as the “The Prodigy.” Outside of two wins at the famed Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Peterson has remained a local treasure as he has defended his home turf on numerous occasions. Now with the world watching, Peterson looks to make a statement against the equally undefeated Fort in Saturday’s eight-round main event for the Minnesota State Light Middleweight title.

In the six-round special feature, cruiserweight sensation Al Sands (3-1, 3 KOs) of Duluth, Minnesota takes on the well traveled Voshon Daniels (6-6, 4 KOs) of Louisville, Kentucky.

In a six-round rematch that promises action, Hector Orozco (5-11, 5 KOs) of Hopkins, Minnesota takes on undefeated Jamal James (5-0, 4 KOs) of Minneapolis, Minnesota for the second time, this time the vacant Minnesota State Welterweight title on the line. In their last encounter this past May, James eked out a six-round nod.

In another six-round special attraction, light middleweight Michael Faulk (2-1) of Saint Paul aims defend his home turf against fellow former national level amateur standout Richard Hargraves (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of San Francisco, California. Both fighters are ending long layoffs and plan on getting back in the game with a victory.

In a four-round bout between debuting light heavyweights, Jerome LaBarge takes on Matthew Karaja of Bark River, Michigan.

Cory Thompson of Duluth begins his professional journey against Stanley Lewis (0-5) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a four-round super middleweight bout.

Charles Goodwin (1-0, 1 KO) takes on debuting Cory Briggs of Duluth in a four-round heavyweight bout.

In the scheduled opener, Davalance DePoe of Bismarck, North Dakota meets John Kingbird in a four-round heavyweight encounter.

Middleweight contender Caleb Truax will handle the guest analyst duties for the broadcast.

The world class event is promoted by Draw Events. Tickets for Saturday’s live event in Carlton are available online at Ticketfly.com.

About Go Fight Live

GFL is a pioneer in internet sports broadcasting. Over the years, GFL has broadcast more than 1,300 live events with over 6,000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, iPhone, iPad, as well as other internet ready devices. Check the event page for details.

GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights and entertainment video for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at GFL.tv

Join us at: GFL.tv or on Facebook or at Twitter and on YouTube or for inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

The Elite Heat Boxing Team is made up of an extremely special group of inner city kids who have chosen the sport of boxing as their focus and have obtained monumental success on a national level. Based out of the Elite Heat Boxing Gym in Newark NJ, the kids who make up “the team” can be seen on a daily basis honing their craft with the dedication and drive rarely seen in any athletes other than the most successful world champions on the planet. Their days start at the crack of dawn where these kids are literally doing road work with the vigor and passion that it takes to be a champion. We are talking about 8 year olds – 14 year olds that have made the commitment to focus their energy on something positive, stay off the streets & in addition to their intense training regimen they are required to attack their school work with the same dedication and intensity.

In 2011 The Elite Heat Boxing Team had 5 Team members win National Championships at the Junior Golden Gloves Tournament in Mesquite Nevada at The Casablanca Sports Complex. This unprecedented level of success was the culmination of all the hard work and sacrifice that these kids put in for a year leading up to the National’s. This year “The Team” is looking to improve upon last year’s results and aim to have 17 Team member’s win National Championships at the Junior Golden Gloves in July 2012.

Between the 17 Team Member’s, coaches & chaperones, there are many airline tickets, uniforms, equipment, hotel rooms, meals, rental vans and entrance fees that need to be paid for. I cannot think of a better, more positive cause to donate to. I am asking you to look into your hearts and open up your wallets to assist these special kids in their quest to become National Champions. The truth is whether they win or lose at the Junior Golden Gloves in July, all these kids are already champions. The courage, discipline and honor they display on a daily basis to get to this point is truly remarkable. Please join The Elite Heat Boxing Team as a sponsor/donor, it feels good to be a part of the winning team!

(Please contact Mr. Vito Mielnicki at 973-738-3982 or via email at vmsplash2003@aol.com to make your much appreciated contribution to The Elite Heat Boxing Team)

Top Rank signed undefeated Welterweight Jesse Vargas on Wednesday.

Vargas was with Mayweather Promotions and appeared on Floyd Mayweather Pay Per View undercards before signing with famed manager Cameron Dunkin and going to Top Rank.

“I wanted to be with the Top Rank team, and here I am,” said Vargas, who became a promotional free agent recently when his agreement with Mayweather Promotions expired.

“Jessie Vargas is a top-10 welterweight who not only wants to win a world championship but is looking to be a star in the sport,” Dunkin said. “I talked to several people about signing him, but when it was all said and done, these guys [Top Rank] gave him a really good deal — financially and with the opportunities.”

“I think Jessie is still in the learning process, but he showed me a lot of willpower in a really tough fight with Lopez where I thought he pulled out the fight in the last two rounds,” Goodman said. “What impressed me the most was when he fought on ‘ShoBox’ and he easily beat a really rough, tough guy like Lanardo Tyner. He was a young kid fighting a man.

“Slowly and gradually, we’ll groom him until we think he’s ready to fight for a title. He’s just going to get better.”

“Everyone at Top Rank is very excited about Jessie,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said

“I am planning to be very busy, fighting three, four times a year,” Vargas said.

Quotes taken from espn.com

(DUBLIN, CALIF.) – Congratulations to WBA, WBC Super Middleweight Champion Andre
Ward and his wife, Tiffiney Ward, on the birth of the fourth child. Their son,
Micah “Champ” Ward, was born this morning, June 21, and tipped the scales at eight
pounds and 10 ounces.

“It is with great joy that we share the arrival of our son,” the couple said in
a statement. “We thank God that we are all healthy. We are enjoying this moment
with our family and are happy to share the good news with our boxing family too!”

Mother and baby are both doing great and the whole family is excited to welcome
the newest addition. The couple has three older children, Andre Ward, Jr., Malachi
Ward and Amira Lecian Ward.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 20, 2012)—On Saturday night July 7th at the beautiful Pennsylvania Convention Center, James Shuler Gym Promotions presents a night of boxing that will feature some of the best boxers in Philadelphia.

In the main event, Former world title challenger and currant USBA Light Heavyweight champion, Yusaf Mack will take on upset minded Sabou Ballogou in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Mack of Philadelphia has a record of 30-4-2 with seventeen knockouts and is coming an impressive performance when he scored an emphatic twelve round unanimous decision over former four-time world title challenger Omar Sheika on April 28th in Atlantic City.

Mack previously challenged for the IBF World championship and gave undefeated champion Tavoris Cloud all he wanted before being stopped in the eighth round.

Mack has victories over Donnell Wiggins (21-4-2); Jose Juan Vasquez (16-1-1); Daniel Judah (22-2-3) & Chris Henry (23-1)

Mack’s only setbacks have been to world champions Cloud, Alejandro Berrio, Glen Johnson and former world title challenger Librado Andrade.

Ballogou of Paris, France has a record of 8-5 with three knockouts.

He is a former IBC International and IBF Pan African Middleweight champion and is coming off a performance when he dropped an eight round unanimous decision to highly regarded and undefeated Derrick Webster in what was Ballogou’s American debut.

In that bout, Ballogou dropped Webster twice in round seven and Webster seemed seconds away from being knocked out before the bell rang to signal the end of the round. Webster was able to compose himself and hang on for the victory.

In the six round co-feature, newly crowned Pennsylvania Light Heavyweight champion Dhafir Smith (26-22-7, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Bobby Jordan (8-3-1, 4 KO’s) of Norfolk, VA.

In a four round Featherweight bout, former U.S. Olympic Alternate Eric Hunter (15-2, 8 KO’s) of Philadelphia takes on Jason Rorie (6-15-2, 3 KO’s) of Winston-Salem, NC

All below bouts are four rounders:

Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-2-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Cassius Clay (0-3) in a Lightweight bout

Alex Barbosa (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be announced in a Bantamweight bout.

Tyrone Crawley Jr. (2-0) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be announced in a Welterweight bout

Wahid Raheem (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Isaac Suarez (7-1, 3 KO’s) of Lancaster, PA

Kareem Macfarland (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Saud Clark (1-0, 1 KO) in a battle of Philadelphia based Welterweights.

Terrell James will make his pro debut against Terrell Boggs (0-4) of Philadelphia in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Greg Jackson will make his pro debut against Vaughn Anderson (0-2) of Philadelphia in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Corey Morley will make his pro debut against Randy Easton (0-0-1) of Williamsport, PA in a Heavyweight bout.

Orlando Lewis (4-2, 4 KO’s) of Vineland, New Jersey will make his return after a four year hiatus when he takes part in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

There will also be appearances by some of the best amateur fighters in Philadelphia such as 2011-2012 National champion Rasheen Brown, Tony DuBose and Isiah Gibbons

Tickets are $100, $65, and $35 and can be purchased at

James Shuler Gym (750 North Brooklyn Street)
Spencer’s Barber Shop (4045 Lancaster, Ave)
Buster Custus at 215 416 1282

LOS ANGELES (June 19, 2012) – Former Three-Time World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto will seek to join rare company among active fighters with 60 wins as he pursues his 60th professional victory when he faces the always-dangerous and hard-hitting Lucas Matthysse in a battle of world-ranked super lightweights in the co-featured fight on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, June 23 live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

Soto (59-7-2, 34 KO’s), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, will battle Matthysse for the vacant WBC Continental Americas super lightweight title and look to extend his current 15-fight winning streak. He’ll also look to push himself higher in the world ratings where he is already rated number two by the World Boxing Council (WBC), number three by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and number seven by the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Matthysse (30-2, 28 KO’s), whose concussive power led him to scored nine knockdowns in a fight against former World Champion DeMarcus Corley, has won his last two fights and will be making his fifth start in the United States on Saturday night. Matthysse’s only losses came via controversial split decisions to former World Champions Devon Alexander and Zab Judah in a pair of fights that many ringside observers felt Matthysse won. A native of Trelew, Argentina, Matthysse is rated number four in the world by the WBC, number six by the WBA and number eleven by the WBO.

Soto and Matthysse’s 12-round fight will immediately precede what should be an exciting 12-round main event between former World Champion, Kansas native Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s) who now resides in Ventura, Calif., and contender Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO’s) of Riverside, Calif.

Tickets priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50 are available online at www.staplescenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000 or at STAPLES Center box office.

If triumphant, Soto at 32 years old, will join a handful of active fighters with 60 or more wins, including James Toney, Jorge Arce, Jose Luis Castillo, Luis Ramon “Yori Boy” Campos and Pongsaklek Wonjongkam.

“Winning 60 fights would be great, but winning another world title is what I really want,” said Soto who turned professional at 17 years old in September of 1997. “I’ve always worked very hard in training trying to learn different things. I’ve always been very dedicated in the gym. Matthysse is a great fighter with a very respectful power punch. I’m going to fight a very intelligent fight. I’m going to follow my corner’s directions and go in there and outbox him and be the smarter fighter.”

A terrific counter-puncher with good overall skills and movement, the crowd-pleasing 5-foot-7 ½-inch Soto has fought excellent opposition throughout his career, including former World Champions David Diaz, Jesus Chavez, Joan Guzman, Jorge Solis and Kevin Kelley.

Soto captured the WBC super featherweight title in December 2008 and the WBC Lightweight World crown in March 2010. He made three successful defenses of the 130-pound belt and successfully retained the 135-pound crown on four occasions.

One of his most memorable title defenses came in a close, unanimous 12-round decision win over the brave and determined Urbano Antillon in a spectacular, fast-paced, give-and-take slugfest on Dec. 4, 2010 in Anaheim, Calif.

“I thought I won more clearly than the judges had it (115-112, 114-113 twice), but without a doubt it was the toughest fight of my career,” Soto said. “There were a lot of rough tactics from him (Antillon threw Soto to the canvas three times), but I expected that which is why I never became frustrated by it.”

Four of Soto’s defeats and both of his draws came during his first three years as a professional. Soto’s last loss came via a controversial fourth-round disqualification in June 2008. He is coming off of a unanimous 10-round decision over Claudinei Lacerda last April 7 in Cancun, Mexico.

Matthysse, a solid amateur before turning professional in June 2004, will look to turn what Soto hopes will be a boxing match into a brawl. The Argentine, who is well known for his thudding power, would be undefeated if only he’d received the benefit of the doubt in two very controversial and questionable points losses to Judah and Alexander (in which he knocked both of them down) in what amounted to home games for them.

The younger brother of retired former welterweight world title challenger Walter Matthysse, Lucas is comingoff of two knockout wins in his native Argentina. In his lone outing this year, he scored a dominant sixth-round technical knockout win over Angel Martinez on Feb. 10. Prior to that, on Dec. 9 the 5-foot-9, 29-year-old knocked out Sergio Priotti in the fourth round.

Before that, Matthysse fought three left-handed former world champions in a row – Judah on Nov. 6, 2010, Corley on Jan. 21, 2011 and Alexander on June 25, 2011.

A two-fisted slugger who tends to start slowly, Matthysse spotted Alexander an early lead but rallied to drop him with a right hand in the fourth. He rocked Alexander in the seventh, eighth and tenth rounds, but it wasn’t enough as he lost by one point on one of the scorecards (95-94), by three on another (96-93) while winning by three (96-93) on the third card.

“I was robbed,” Matthysse said. “I gave it my all and it was a tough fight, but I thought I won. He’s lucky he won the fight.”

The aggressive-minded Matthysse obliterated Corley in a fight in Argentina, flooring him twice in the fifth round, once in the sixth, three times in the seventh and three times in the eighth. The referee finally halted the slaughter at 2:00 of the eighth.

Against Judah, Matthysse also overcame an early deficit before coming on strong in the late rounds, registering a knockdown in the tenth round and dominating the 11th and 12th stanzas. However, he came up on the wrong end of a split decision by the scores of 114-113 twice and 113-114.

“In Argentina, I win this fight,” Matthysse said. “Around the world, I win this fight, but he got the home decision. Zab never hurt me. I fought my fight and pressured him the whole time and I closed the championship rounds. I clearly won.”

Regarding his upcoming assignment against Soto, Matthysse, a tattoo artist in his spare time outside the ring, said, “It’s very simple, I need to go to war. I need to put a lot of pressure on him and I need to work hard and win every round. That’s the gameplan – go to war. I’m going to leave it all in the ring.”

“Ortiz vs. Lopez,” a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Championship taking place Saturday, June 23, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. The co-feature will see former Three-Division World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto battle Argentinean knockout artist Lucas Matthysse in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title which is presented in association with Baja Boxing Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.goossentutor.com, www.thompsonboxing.com, www.staplescenter.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @josesitolopez, @goossentutor,@thompsonboxing,@SHOsports, @STAPLESCenterLA; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.facebook.com/goossentutor, www.facebook.com/ThompsonBoxing or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.