Arce tunes up for world title shot with stoppage over Santos


Jorge Arce tuned up for a world title shot this June with a seventh round stoppage over Cecilio Santos in a scheduled ten round Bantamweight fight in Ciudad, Sinaloa, Mexico.

It was an action filled fight with the bigger Arce getting through and trying to impose his will but Santos, who has three times fought for a world title washitting Arce and even caused a cut over Arce’s right eye.

The two came out firing in round seven until Arce caught Santos with a thudding left to the body that sent Santos on his knees for the ten count at fifty-eight seconds of round seven.

Arce, 119 lbs of Los Mochis, Mexico will now face Eric Morel for a Bantamweight crown on June 26th on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. – John Duddy card in San Antonio with a record of 54-6-1 with forty-one knockots. Santos, 119 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-14-3.

Joksan Hernandez got through two first round knockdowns to score a stoppage victory over Miguel Beltran in the tenth and final round round of their Super Featherweight bout.

Beltran dropped Hernandez in round one with a left hook and then a left to the body dropped Hernandez for a second time as Beltran seemed to be in control of the contest. Hernandez seemed to be coming on late in the bout as in round seven he got through with two hard uppercuts that knocked out the mouthpiece of Beltran. In the final frame, Hernandez just continued to move his hands and a tired Beltran crumbled to the canvas and took the ten count at 2:08 of the final round.

Hernandez, 131 lbs is now 18-2 with eleven knockouts. Beltran loses for the first time and is now 22-1.

Alonso Lopez remained undefeated with a close unanimous decision over debuting Misael Juarez.

Lopez, the son of former minimumweight king and Hall of Famer Ricardo Lopez, is now 4-0.




Kessler wins Super Middle crown in barnburner with Froch


Mikkel Kessler won the WBC Super Middleweight championship and muddled up the Super Six World Boxing Classic standings as he took a twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Carl Froch at the MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark.


The fight was a boxing match early as Kessler tired to establish his jab by coming forward in an effort to make an imprint on the awkward style of Froch. Froch’s punch of choice was the right hand and he landed several of them early including a thudding right in round four. Froch had a solid round five as he was dominant with the right hand as he landed at least three good ones in that frame. The punches were starting to show their effect as blood appeared on the face of Kessler in the sixth round.


The fight turned in round eight as Kessler landed his own right hands and staggered Froch with a big shot. That punch caused bleeding on the bridge of Froch’s nose. Kessler landed some nice counter shots over the next few rounds with Froch landing hard looping rights but one at a time. Kessler opened up round eleven with a nice three punch combination. Froch answered that with a nig right of his own. The fight picked up in that round as Kessler would gain some advantage by landing a big right/left hand combination. Round twelve was frenetic as both fighters went for it as they put everything on the line as they stood at war toe to toe. They both landed huge shots and rocked each other in desperation, Froch to keep his title and Kessler fighting to still be a factor in the Super Six Classic. These two great champions fought hard and with the class right until the final bell with back and forth action.


“There was a lot of desperation coming off the Ward fight,” said Kessler, who resides in Copenhagen, Denmark. “But this was my night. I had a lot of people from my country say that I was finished. It is nice to get my belt back and show them.”


“I (studied) his fights and he isn’t good fighting backwards,” Kessler continued. “I hurt him with the straight right hand (eighth) and I saw it turn. Then he fought my fight instead of his.”

“In my last two fights I’m starting to look like a fighter,” joked Kessler after the fight. “No more modeling! I have to be careful of the cuts. I have to move my head more.”

“I thought I did enough to win,” said Froch, a proud Englishman who showed little sign of disappointment. “I had him hurt two or three times. Actually, I know I had him badly hurt three times. It’s my fault though. If I had put it to him more and if I had sustained the pressure I could have gotten him out of there. No one has been able to do that. I wasn’t able to do that.

“It was very close but if we were in my hometown in Nottingham, it would have gone my way with the same scores. There will be people who say it was robbery but I won’t take anything from Mikkel Kessler. I thought I did enough but that’s boxing.”

Kessler, 167 lbs of Copenhagen, Denmark became a three-time champion as he won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 to raise his impressive mark to 43-2.

Froch, 167 1/4 lbs of Nottingham, England loses for the first time and is 26-1

SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SCOREBOARD

Record Fighter Points

1-1 Arthur Abraham 3

1-1 Mikkel Kessler 2

1-1 Carl Froch 2

1-1 Andre Dirrell 2

1-0 Andre Ward 2

0-0 Allan Green 0




Joey Gilbert Returns to Reno May 22nd


Reno, Nevada — The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino and Let’s Get It On Promotions are pleased to announce “Reno Xtreme Fights IV”, May 22nd. Reno’s own Joey Gilbert (18-2, 14 KOs) will make his return to the ring against veteran Anthony Bartinelli (20-13, 13 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout. Tickets are on sale now.

Gilbert is coming off of an impressive fifth-round knockout victory against Ivan Stovall in August. The Bartinelli fight will be Gilbert’s first fight back in his hometown since his twelve-round unanimous decision loss to local rival, Jesse Brinkley.

“I just want to get in the ring again,” said Gilbert. “I felt great in my last fight, and I would like to have a shot at a big name at middleweight.”

Bartinelli is a tough veteran from Phoenix, Arizona who is known for taking fights with the best middleweights in the world. Bartinelli recently went the distance with middleweight world title challenger Elvin Ayala and contender Albert Onolunose. Although he has traveled the world and faced off with the best fighters around, Bartinelli looks at this fight as being his chance to make a name for himself in boxing.

“I’ve wanted this fight with Joey Gilbert for a couple of years now,” says Bartinelli. “This could be my big break.”

Both fighters are known for being brawlers with power and good chins.

“This fight has the makings of a war,” says Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Tommy Lane. “Both stand toe-to-toe and are not afraid to get hit while trying to knock the other out.”

This will be the fourth installment of “Reno Xtreme Fights,” the successful professional boxing/MMA series. Other boxers slated to fight on the card are Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales (11-0, 9 KOs) and Chad “Chadillac” Forrester (1-1). Mixed martial arts fighters currently slated are Reno’s own Rick “The Holy Terror” Reeves (9-2) and Kristin “Barbie” Molina (1-1).

Fight card subject to change. More details will be announced shortly. Ticket information is below.

Reno Xtreme Fights is a boxing and mixed martial arts series of events between Grand Sierra Resort & Casino and Let’s Get It On Promotions. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the fight on Saturday, May 22nd with the first bout at 8 p.m. in the Grand Theatre. Tickets are $75, $55 and $35. Tickets for a King’s Row Booth for four are $1,000 which includes an exciting spot to get close to the action with light appetizers and one bottle of alcohol included. To purchase tickets or for more information: please call 1.800.648.3568 or visit www.grandsierraresort.com.

ABOUT LET’S GET IT ON PROMOTIONS:

Reno, Nevada based Let’s Get It On Promotions was founded in 2000 by legendary boxing referee Mills Lane. In early 2005 he was joined by sons Terry and Tommy in the operations of the company. Along with super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, Let’s Get It On Promotions also promotes middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales, lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev, lightweight prospect Bayan Jargal and highly regarded brothers Tyler and Derek Hinkey. They have consistently promoted world class boxing events on a national basis.

About Grand Sierra Resort and Casino:

Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (GSR) is in the heart of Reno/Tahoe. GSR is northern Nevada’s most complete resort destination with nearly 2,000 guest rooms and suites. The property offers a wide variety of accommodations for the everyday business traveler to the complete family vacation with amenities that include 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, branded retail shopping, headliner entertainment, a cinema, a 50-lane championship bowling center, outdoor thrill rides, aqua golf driving range, an 85,000 square foot casino with 24 hours of heart-pounding action plus so much more. GSR is a proud member of Summit Hotels and Resorts, a prestigious brand of Preferred Hotel Group. For more information, please visit www.grandsierraresort.com or to make reservations call 800-648-5080.




Collazo – Aydin is OFF

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com the proposed Welterweight showdown between former WBA champ Luis Collazo and Selcuk Aydin will not happen due to Collazo not feeling he can make the weight plus he is unhappy with the financial terms of the fight.

“We are not fighting at 147 [pounds] anymore,” daid Collazo’s trainer Nirmal Lorick. “We told Don (King) a couple of weeks ago he was having trouble with the weight and that we’re not fighting at 147 anymore. The inactivity has been a real problem for Luis. He feels his body has been through enough and he’d rather move up in weight to fight someone else. We’re looking for a fight with [junior middleweight titlist and new middleweight champ] Sergio Martinez.”

“We waited around for months thinking we’d have the rematch with Berto while the purse bid kept getting rescheduled,” Lorick said. “Then Berto got an exception to fight Mosley [in a January fight that was ultimately canceled] and we were supposed to fight Aydin for the interim [title].

“Then the fight was delayed over and over,” Lorick continued. “It’s ridiculous. Now, they say Luis should go over there, lose the weight and fight for no money? By the time Don gets paid, they take out the taxes, Luis ends up with nothing. Training camp alone costs us $15,000 to $20,000. But the weight is really the issue. We are not going to put Luis’ health in danger by making that weight anymore.”




Weights From St. Paul, MN!

Caleb Truax 162.5 Phil Williams 163 (Minnesota State Super Middleweight Championship)
Joey Abell 241 Josh Gutcher 245
Ismail Muwendo 130 David Laque 131
Antwan Robertson 117 James Owen 121.5
Charles Meier 158.5 Dan Copp 158

MMA:
Zach Juusola 160 Shaine Emmons 160
Elias Jones 142 Travis Reddinger 142

Promoter: Seconds Out Promotions
Venue: St. Paul Armory
Tickets: ticketweb.com




Jimmy Bivins Annual Charity Boxing Classic invades North Olmsted!

North Olmsted, Ohio – April 23, 2010 –The annual Jimmy Bivins Classic is one day away! Warner Promotions in association with the VFW Men’s Auxiliary post 7647 and the Old School Boxing Club are done putting the final touches on the show and look forward to bringing professional boxing back to the Cleveland market, in nearby North Olmsted, Oh. The Jimmy Bivins classic will be headlined this year by Cleveland lightweight prodigy Yuandale “Money Shot” Evans against the power punching Rey “The Prosecutor” Hernandez in a six round lightweight attraction. The event will take place on Saturday, April 24th from the Soccer Sportsplex, 31515 Lorain Road, in North Olmsted, and has a total of six professional bouts on the card.

Evans, (6-0, 4 KO’s) will be fighting in northeast Ohio for the first time since he turned professional last August. He is coming off a second round TKO over Juan Baltierrez on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins/Roy Jones Jr fight just thirteen days ago.

As an amateur, Evans was one of the best in the nation. He was the 2009 Cleveland Golden Glove champion, and won a bronze medal at the 2009 USA National Championships.

Hernandez, (6-7, 6 KO’s) is coming off the best win of his professional career in Februray. In his last fight he knocked out Noah Zuhdi in the first round. Zuhdi was an undefeated prospect with a perfect record of 9-0 at the time. Hernandez has won four of his last five bouts overall.

The co-featured bout will present the long anticipated professional debut of Lorain’s Wilkins Santiago, as he squares off with Torrence King (1-6) from Columbiana, OH in a four round Middleweight clash. Santiago was originally scheduled to make his debut on the “ESPN Friday Night Fights” event at the Wolstein Center in February. King’s record is a bit misleading as he has fought very tough opposition. The combined record of his opponents is 30-5

Also featured on the crowd is lightweight sensation Julius Leegrand (2-0), from East Cleveland. Leegrand was also an amateur standout in his days, as he was the 2005 Cleveland Golden Glove Champion. Leegrand will be matched up against Francisco Portillo (0-3) of Dennison, OH in a four round lightweight contest. Leegrand will look to become the first person to stop the game Portillo inside the distance.

Making his professional boxing debut will be Cleveland’s Chris Lozano, the NAAFS Middleweight champion in the world of mixed martial arts, as he will take on Albany, NY’s Reggie Scott (1-0) in a four round Light Heavyweight attraction bout. Lozano, who has some amateur boxing experience, wants to make his mark in the world of professional boxing, just as he has in the world of MMA.

Another fighter making his professional debut is Jr. Middleweight Rogelio Sanchez, from Fort Wayne, IN. He will go toe to toe with Stephen Scott (1-0), from Albany, NY over four rounds.

Opening the action will be Rock Hill, South Carolina’s James Hope (5-4, 4 KO’s) in a four round welterweight clash with Toledo’s Gabriel Morris (1-5-1).

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the first bell set for 7:30 PM.

Tickets for the Jimmy Bivins Charity Boxing Classic are charitable donations as 100% of the proceeds are donated to the VFW Post 7647. Ticket prices start at just $20 for general admission. There are also $50 VIP Ringside tickets, and tables seating eight for $600. Tickets can be purchased at the North Olmsted Soccer Sportsplex, VFW Post 7647, or by calling 216.854.0485 or 440.258.8117.

About Jimmy Bivins

Jimmy Bivins fought out of Cleveland whose professional career ran from 1940 to 1955. Although he was never given the opportunity to fight for a world title, despite at one point being the number one contender in both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions, Bivins fought and defeated many of the great fighters of his era. In recognition of his achievements in the ring, among other things, he defeated eight of the eleven world champions he faced. Bivins was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.

About Warner Promotions

Warner Promotions is a boxing promotional company, based out of Cleveland. They served as the co-promoter for the ESPN Friday Night fights event at the Wolstein Center on February 19th. A newly formed, Cleveland based company, owned by Ron Warner, and run by Antonio Castro, Warner Promotions has four boxing events planned for 2010, and will be signing the top local boxers to compete in their events. For further information, please visit www.warnerpromotionsllc.com.




CLARK FACES PIRES FOR NABA BELT!


Former WBO Title Challenger and NABF champion Michael ‘Cold Blood’ Clark (39-5-1 18kos) will meet Jason Pires (22-3-1 9kos) on May 7th for the vacant NABA-U.S. junior welterweight title. Promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing, the 7 bout card will be held at the Twin River Event Center in Providence, R.I. Active and undefeated in his last 5 bouts, Clark looks to climb back into contention with a win in the 9 round main event. Tickets for the show can be obtained by calling (401) 724-2253.




KARPENCY SET FOR MURAT


WBA#12, WBC#15 light heavy Tommy Karpency (19-1-1 11kos) is set to face WBO#2, WBC#3 Karo Murat (21-0 13kos) for Murat’s WBO Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Title on May 1st at EWE-Arena in Oldenburg, Germany. The clash will serve as the televised co-feature under the much anticipated WBO Cruiserweight Title between champion Marco ‘Kapt’n’ Huck (28-1) and American challenger WBO#5 Brian ‘The Beast’ Minto (34-3). A winner of eight straight, Karpency, just 23 years old, aims to upset the undefeated Murat in the scheduled 12 rounder promoted by Sauerland Event.




LYELL RETURNS AS SUPER WELTERWEIGHT


Former IBF Middleweight Title Challenger Billy Lyell (21-8) returns to the ring on Friday May 7 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia. Since losing to IBF champ Sebastian Sylvester (33-3) on Jan. 30th, Lyell has shed pounds and will campaign at super welterweight. He will face veteran super welter Martinus Clay (13-24) in the eight round main event. The six bout card is being promoted by Simons’ Promotions, and tickets can be obtained by calling Steve Simons at (304)290-0291.




MMA on GFL This Weekend


Let’s Get It On MMA Series – Friday at 10PM ET on GFL
Canada’s Let’s Get It On MMA Series is a bold new MMA tourney that will span 9 shows with 32 competitors fighting for a $25,000 purse! For event information or to purchase a pass for online viewing, go to http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=653.

At this event, LGIO will kick off the first round of its 170-pound west tourney. The main event of this event will feature a fight that could easily slide onto any UFC or StrikeForce event, as former UFC competitors Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald will battle Matt “Suave” Horwich in an anticipated encounter. Also, in addition to the $25,000 prize money awarded to both the Canadian 155-pound and 170-pound LGIO tournament winners, StrikeForce will award both champions fight contracts in its Challenger Series.

Each month LGIO MMA events will go back and forth to these two host locations as the tournament unfolds over a nine month period culminating with the finals on Dec 10th at the River Cree Resort and Casino, pitting the best in the west at 155 and 170 against the top counter parts coming out of the east at the same weighs.

At the helm of this promotion is Elaine McCarthy. If that name sounds familiar to you, keep in mind she is married to “Big” John McCarthy who is regarded as one of the top officials in the sport of MMA. However, that’s where John’s involvement ends. “This is entirely my promotion and John has absolutely nothing to do with this. People are asking if he is going to be officiating at my shows, and the answer is always the same …no. In fact there have been days because of the hectic pace of the promotion where we don’t even see each other”. McCarthy boasts an impressive resume on her own having been the former event coordinator for the UFC when it started in 1993. She is the current program coordinator of the international MMA officials training course known as COMMAND and successfully runs one of the biggest MMA gyms in southern California.

Main Event: Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald (23-13) vs. Matt “Suave” Horwich (24-13-1) – 185 lbs.
Co-Main Event: Colin Daynes (3-0) vs. George Belanger (4-2) – 170 lbs.
Jordan “Young Guns” Mein (13-6) vs. Victor “The Professor” Bachman (5-2) – 170 lbs.
Ryan “The Kid” McGillivray (9-4) vs. Andrew Buckland (11-6) – 170 lbs.
Jaret Evans (1-0) vs. Jose Rodriguez (4-0) – 170 lbs.
Aaron Berke (4-1) vs. Advin “Bosnian Bad Boy” Omic (4-2) – 170 lbs.
Nolan “The Minister” Clark (3-7) vs. Dan “Torture” Chambers (10-15) – 185 lbs.
Brandt Dewsberry (1-0) vs. Robert Curtis (1-2) – 170 lbs.
Corey “Pequeno” Knapp (2-12) vs. Rob Roy (2-3) – 145 lbs.

Night of Reckoning III – Friday at 10PM ET on GFL
GFL and Empire Fighting Championship, one of the fastest-growing MMA promotions in the United States, will present Night of Reckoning III this Friday, April 23rd, starting at 10:00 PM ET live from the Harrah’s Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. The event will feature a main event light heavyweight title fight between Kiko France (4-0) and Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s own Chris Davis (9-2). The co-main event will feature Daisy of Love star and Ultimate Fighter season 7 contestant Jeremiah Riggs (3-3) taking on Keith Johnson (5-3), a former Alabama High School State Wrestling Champion. For event information or to purchase for live online viewing, go to http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=651

Undefeated Kiko France is set to return to the Empire Fighting Championship at Harrah’s Tunica Casino 4/23 against Chris Davis in a heavyweight bout. France (4-0) has been on a tear since making his pro debut in July 2008 and has not been out of the first round in any of his four fights. In fact his longest fight lasted only 82 seconds. In his last debut France submitted Tony Roberts in 53 seconds.

France serves as the head Brazilian jui jitsu instructor at American Top Team of Missouri. France is a black belt in Brazilian jui jitsu and is also two time Pan-American champion, two time Brazilian State Champion, two time NAGA champions, Braziliero Champion and Brazilian National Champion.

Davis (9-2), out of Headhunters Combatatives in Tuscaloosa, Al comes into the fight with France on a two fight winning streak. Both wins were by TKO in the first round. In January Davis knocked out Brian Imes halfway through the first round. “The Professional” has fought allover the south and has only been defeated by Vinny Magalhaes and Jeremy Horn.

Tyler Sory, the President of Empire Fights is excited to have France vs. Davis headlining the show. “It is going to be a tough fight for Kiko,” explained Sory. “Kiko has walked through everyone we have put in front of him and Chris Davis is no joke. This guy has knocked out some really good fighters and Kiko shouldn’t take him lightly. Everyone knows Kiko is a stud on the ground but Davis has an underrated ground game and we expect Davis to really bring it April 23rd. Whoever wins this fight deserves to be our new light heavyweight champion.”

Main Event: Pro – Chris “The Professional” Davis (9-2) vs. Kiko France (4-0) – for light heavyweight (205 lbs.) title
Co-Main Event: Pro – Keith Johnson (5-3) vs. Jeremiah “Big Rigg” Riggs (3-3) – 170 lbs.
Pro – Chris Hall (3-1-1) vs. Tony Way (5-0) – 145 lbs.
Pro – Joel Cooper (8-1) vs. Doug Larson (5-0) – 170 lbs.
Pro – Anthony “Superman” Jones (1-0) vs. Tim Galluzzi (0-0) – 145 lbs.
Pro – Cory Holder (10-12) vs. Austin Lyons (2-1) – 160 lbs. (catchweight)
Pro – Jonathan Mackles (6-1) vs. Matt Hamilton (9-6) – 135 lbs.
Pro – Benjamin “Benji” Baker (3-0) vs. Goldman Butler (1-2) – heavyweight
For more information or to purchase the event click here.




MMA Weekend Review on GFL


Ring of Combat – Friday
Action on Friday night’s Ring of Combat XXIX did not disappoint fans. It started hot and heavy and continued till the end. The event started off with Ryan Vacco dominating his opponent, landing a takedown, securing mount and rain down shots until Justin Greskiewicz left an opening for Vacco to take his arm and win the fight via armbar. With the victory, Vacco stays undefeated at 3-0 and sets the stage for a night of punishment. Nick Pace vs Jose Adrino would have won crowd-pleasing fight of the night, if that was an award. People may remember Nick Pace from Bellator’s KO of the year in a flying knee KO of his opponent. Pace didn’t disappoint fans in this fight, as he landed what can only be described as a piledriver on Adriano. With a deep choke submission, to a tap out submission in the co-main event, the night ended with Demetrius Richards saying, “I’ll tell you what, I’ve never been hit that hard in my life.” Was Richards victorious in his ROC Light Heavyweight title fight against champion Gian VIllante…… there was a “TKO due to possible broken arm” and to see all the action and find out who came out on top, visit www.GoFightLive.tv and see all the action for yourself!

Wild Bill’s Fight Night 26 – Saturday
Deluth, Georgia played home toWild Bill’s Fight Night 26and the theme of the night was “come from behind”, as several fighters survived tough first rounds only to pull out victories later on. The event saw early KOs and heavy handed fighters testing their opponents. From blood to battle, suplexes to submissions, Wild Bills Fight Night 26 had it all. Visit www.GoFightLive.tv to see what you missed in Georgia.

Asylum Fight League 28 – Saturday
Philadelphia’s The Arena played host toAsylum Fight League 28on Saturday night. Deric Sonnenblick, in his debut, pulled off a slick ankle-lock submission over his opponent. This fight seem to set the tone for the event as submission victories were plentiful, even in the 2 title fights Asylum had for it’s fans. With an arm triangle, triangle choke and event a guillotine submission, the action was fast in Philly. Find out if Dennis “The Menace” Bermudez stayed perfect at 5-0 with the belt, or if James Seipel pulled out the victory and became Asylum Fight League’s newest title holder. Check out GoFightLive.tv for the full fight videos and see for yourself. And be prepared for Asylums next event, Battle at the Beach on Saturday, June 12th in Atlantic City, only on www.GoFightLive.tv

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MMA on GFL This Weekend

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Let’s Get It On MMA Series
GFL is carrying two great cards this Friday night — the first is Canada’sLet’s Get It On MMA Series, a bold new MMA tourney that will span 9 shows with 32 competitors fighting for a $25,000 purse! This show starts at 10PM ET Friday. For event information go to http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=653.

The tournament begins April 23rd in the west at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton and will then travel east the following month May 21st to Casino Lac- Leamy in the Ottawa Gatineau region. Each month LGIO MMA events will go back and forth to these two host locations as the tournament unfolds over a nine month period culminating with the finals on Dec 10th at the River Cree Resort and Casino, pitting the best in the west at 155 and 170 against the top counter parts coming out of the east at the same weighs.

At the helm of this promotion is Elaine McCarthy. If that name sounds familiar to you, keep in mind she is married to “Big” John McCarthy who is regarded as one of the top officials in the sport of MMA. However, that’s where John’s involvement ends. “This is entirely my promotion and John has absolutely nothing to do with this. People are asking if he is going to be officiating at my shows, and the answer is always the same …no. In fact there have been days because of the hectic pace of the promotion where we don’t even see each other”. McCarthy boasts an impressive resume on her own having been the former event coordinator for the UFC when it started in 1993. She is the current program coordinator of the international MMA officials training course known as COMMAND and successfully runs one of the biggest MMA gyms in southern California.

Night of Reckoning III
Also playing Friday is Night of Reckoning III, live on GFL from Harrah’s in Tunica, MS starting at 10:00 PM ET! For more information on Night of Reckoning III click on http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=651

Undefeated Kiko France is set to return to the Empire Fighting Championship at Harrah’s Tunica Casino 4/23 against Chris Davis in a heavyweight bout. France (4-0) has been on a tear since making his pro debut in July 2008 and has not been out of the first round in any of his four fights. In fact his longest fight lasted only 82 seconds. In his last debut France submitted Tony Roberts in 53 seconds.

France serves as the head Brazilian jui jitsu instructor at American Top Team of Missouri. France is a black belt in Brazilian jui jitsu and is also two time Pan-American champion, two time Brazilian State Champion, two time NAGA champions, Braziliero Champion and Brazilian National Champion.

Davis (9-2), out of Headhunters Combatatives in Tuscaloosa, Al comes into the fight with France on a two fight winning streak. Both wins were by TKO in the first round. In January Davis knocked out Brian Imes halfway through the first round. “The Professional” has fought allover the south and has only been defeated by Vinny Magalhaes and Jeremy Horn.

Tyler Sory, the President of Empire Fights is excited to have France vs. Davis headlining the show. “It is going to be a tough fight for Kiko,” explained Sory. “Kiko has walked through everyone we have put in front of him and Chris Davis is no joke. This guy has knocked out some really good fighters and Kiko shouldn’t take him lightly. Everyone knows Kiko is a stud on the ground but Davis has an underrated ground game and we expect Davis to really bring it April 23rd. Whoever wins this fight deserves to be our new light heavyweight champion.”




Truax Out for Revenge against Williams!


St. Paul, MN (April 21, 2010) – When Osseo’s Caleb Truax dropped a devastating decision to Minneapolitan Phil Williams in the 2005 Minnesota Golden Gloves, his sights were set on immediate revenge. Mission failed. Williams jolted to the professional ranks just one year later and Truax followed shortly thereafter.

“I always wanted payback”, Truax said looking back to the defeat from five years ago. “The problem was he turned pro before the next Golden Gloves tournament so it wasn’t possible.”

This Friday at the St. Paul Armory, Truax will have his long awaited shot at redemption; though it won’t be easy. As professionals, the two Minnesotans have taken different paths. Williams, 11-3 (10 KO’s), is recognized for his devastating one punch power. He knocked a number of opponents out cold, becoming a YouTube hit in the process, but has suffered three setbacks of his own.

At 14-0 (9 KO’s), Truax is a gifted boxer-puncher known for thoroughly punishing opponents before ending their night. With the always dangerous Williams eager to get back on track following two tough defeats, Truax recognizes the importance of sticking to the game plan.

“I feel that I will outbox him” said the University of Minnesota graduate. “I respect his power but he doesn’t throw the sharpest punches, so I don’t think he will be able to catch me. He will feel my power if anything because I have nine knockouts and have stopped some rugged opponents.”

In addition to personal bragging rights, the winner can claim to be the top local fighter with Minnesota’s State Super Middleweight championship set to be on the line in this highly anticipated ten round main event.

The co-feature matches up dynamic power punching heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell of Coon Rapids, MN against Iowa based veteran Josh Gutcher. Abell, 25-4 (24 KO’s), is amongst the hardest hitters in boxing. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds, but most expect the outcome to be out of the judges’ hands.

Also scheduled to appear on the undercard are Ismail Muwendo, David Laque, Antwon Robertson, James Owen, Charles Meier and Dan Copp.

In addition, two MMA bouts as well as a four round boxing exhibition are slated to take place on this action packed night.

Tickets for the “St. Paul Brawl” are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP and are available at ticketweb.com. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bell is slated for 8.

The St. Paul Armory is located at 600 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55101.

When retired professional boxer Tony Grygelko found himself unable to stay out of the gym, he realized that his passion for boxing was undeniable. At age 29, Grygelko formed Seconds Out Promotions. By utilizing the vast boxing knowledge of world-class trainer Ron Lyke, Grygelko and Seconds Out quickly became a hit.

Through determination, integrity and hard work, Seconds Out strives to become a top promotional firm by giving young fighters the ability to showcase their talents to a worldwide audience, along with offering fans the highest quality of entertainment. Seconds Out is committed to recruitment and development of the best and brightest young fighters to help achieve our mission.

Seconds Out Promotions’ current stable of pugilists includes undefeated prospects “Golden” Caleb Truax, Marcus Oliveria, Michael Faulk, Ismail Muwendo, dynamite fisted Heavyweight Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell, Willshaun Boxley, Charles Meier, Jon “The Ironman” Schmidt, and Mohammed Kayongo.

For more information, go to www.soboxing.com or text “fights” to 95495.




DANNY “SWIFT” GARCIA LEADS A PARADE OF PHILLY’S FINEST BOXERS TO FIGHT ON FRIDAY, MAY 7TH AT THE ARENA (formally The New Alhambra) IN SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA (April 20, 2010)—On Friday night, May 7th, boxing returns to the Arena (Formally The New Alhambra) in South Philadelphia as prized prospect, Danny “Swift” Garcia will risk his undefeated mark when he takes on tough Christopher Fernandez in a ten round Jr. Welterweight bout that will headline a big night of boxing that will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Tecate and Joe Hand Promotions and will be televised all over the country on Telefutura.

Garcia of North Philadelphia has been perfect in his sixteen fights as a pro and has scored ten knockouts.

The twenty-two year has been matched tough and come through with flying colors as evidenced by the high quality opponents that he has fought early in his career.

In just his fourth pro bout, Garcia fought and scored a six round unanimous decision over former four-time world title challenger, Julio Gamboa (28-12-2) on May 3rd, 2008.

On June 12th, 2009, Garcia took out Pavel Miranda (16-3) and quickly followed that up by blasting out former three-time world title challenger Oscar Leon (28-9) just two months later.

Garcia made an emphatic statement as he returned to his hometown to score a “Highlight Reel” second round destruction of Enrique Colin (29-5-3) on December 2nd at The Liacouras Center on Bernard Hopkins-Enrique Ornelas undercard.

In his last outing, Garcia won a ten round split decision over the experienced Ashley Theophane (25-3-1) on February 26th in El Paso, Texas.

Garcia has been hailed by many as the next world champion from the talent laden city of Philadelphia.

Fernandez of Salt Lake City, Utah brings in a mark of 19-9-1 with eleven knockouts.

He has shared the ring with some of the best fighters in the world such as Currant WBC Super Lightweight champion Devon Alexander and former IBF Jr. Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi.

In the bout against, that took place last April against Malignaggi, Fernandez landed a hard left hook and briefly rocked the Brooklyn, New York native but that wasn’t enough in dropping the unanimous decision.

An exciting undercard that features some of the best prospects from Philadelphia has been assembled.

In the six round co-feature, Karl “Dynamite” Dargan will take part in a Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Like Garcia, Dargan was a highly decorated amateur and has raced out to a perfect record of 7-0 with three wins coming by knockout.

Dargan of Philadelphia will be making his second appearance in his hometown as he scored a six round unanimous decision over Samuel Santana on December 2nd at The Liacouras Center.

Dargan’s brother, Mike “Sharp” Dargan will be returning to the ring after a five year absence.

Dargan, 1-1 will see action in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Another former amateur star, Julian Williams of Philadelphia will be making his long awaited pro debut against an opponent to be named in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout.

There will be more bouts featuring some the best fighters in Philadelphia announced shortly.

Tickets for this memorable night of boxing are priced at $100; $65; and $45

The Arena (Formally The New Alhambra) is located at : 7 W. Ritner St. (Corner of Swanson and Ritner) , Phila, PA. 19148

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at:

Joe Hand Boxing Gym
543-547 North 3rd Street
215-271-4263

Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Or

The Arena (Formally The New Alhambra)
267-687-7560




A day after confessing to wife’s death, Valero hangs himself in jail

According to various published reports, currant WBC Lightweight champion hung himself in a jail cell just one day after confessing to stabbing his wife to death in Venezuela.

According to the Associated Press, the former lightweight champion used the sweat pants he was wearing to hang himself from a bar in the cell, said his lawyer, Milda Mora.

Valero’s 24-year-old wife, Jennifer Carolina Viera, was found dead in a hotel room halfway across the country Sunday, and police said the fighter emerged from their room telling hotel security he had killed her.

Valero was found hanging in his cell early Monday by another inmate, who alerted authorities in the police lockup in north-central Carabobo state, Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores told reporters. He said Valero still showed signs of life when they took him down, but they were unable to save him and he died about 1:30 a.m. ET.

Last month, he was charged with harassing his wife and threatening medical personnel who treated her at a hospital in the western city of Merida. Police arrested Valero following an argument with a doctor and nurse at the hospital, where his wife was being treated for injuries including a punctured lung and broken ribs.

The Attorney General’s Office said in a statement that Valero was detained March 25 on suspicion of assaulting his wife, but his wife told a police officer her injuries were due to a fall. When the boxer arrived moments later, he forbade Viera from speaking to the police officer and spoke threateningly to the officer, prosecutors said in a statement.

A prosecutor had asked a court to keep Valero in jail, the Attorney General’s Office said. But a judge instead allowed him to remain free under certain conditions, including that he appear in court every 90 days, said Mora, his lawyer.

Mora told The Associated Press that after the incident, Valero was held for nine days in a psychiatric hospital in Merida, where he underwent police-supervised rehabilitation. She said people close to the fighter posted bail on April 7 and he was allowed to go free.

Promoter Bob Arum, the founder of Top Rank who had been promoting Valero, said the fighter had never displayed such behavior and was “very polite, well spoken, sort of funny.”

“It’s obvious now, in retrospect, that he should have been institutionalized during this period, but it’s silly to play the blame game,” Arum said. “Now, in retrospect, he clearly should have been getting help.”




Valero arrested for murder of his wife


Multiple published reports have been reporting that WBC Lightweight champion Edwin Valero was arrested today for the murder of his wife in Venezuela.

The Associated Press reported that Venezuelan Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores said Valero was arrested after police found the body of his 20-year-old wife in a hotel in Valencia. Valero left the hotel room around dawn on Sunday and allegedly told security that he had killed Jennifer Viera, Flores said.

Flores told state television that police found three stab wounds on Viera’s body. He said Valero was transferred to a local police precinct, “where we are headed to take samples needed for the investigation of the case” and to question the boxer.

Prosecutors will charge Valero in the killing “in the coming hours,” the Attorney General’s Office said in a statement.

Valero’s lawyer, Milda Mora, did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment.

The 28-year-old fighter is a household name in Venezuela and he has a huge image of President Hugo Chavez tattooed on his chest, along with the country’s yellow, blue and red flag.

His all-action style and 27-0 record — all by knockouts — earned him a reputation as a tough, explosive crowd-pleaser. Venezuelans call him “Inca,” alluding to an Indian warrior, while elsewhere he has been called “Dinamita,” or dynamite.

The former WBA super featherweight and WBC lightweight champion has been in trouble with the law before.

Last month, Valero was brought up on charges of harassing his wife and threatening medical personnel who treated her at a hospital in the western city of Merida. Police arrested Valero following an argument with a doctor and nurse at the hospital, where his wife was being treated for a series of injuries, including a punctured lung and broken ribs.

Valero entered a Venezuelan rehab center March 28 for treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, Mora said at the time. The boxer’s attorney said Viera was injured when she fell down a flight of stairs at the couple’s home while checking a water tank on the roof.

The Attorney General’s Office said Valero was detained March 25 on suspicion of assaulting his wife, but his wife told a police officer her injuries were due to a fall. When the boxer arrived moments later, he forbade Viera from speaking to the police officer, and spoke threateningly to the officer, prosecutors said in a statement.

The Attorney General’s Office said a prosecutor had asked a court to order Valero jailed but that the judge instead placed him under a restraining order that barred him from going near his wife, a condition he repeatedly violated.

The Venezuela daily El Universal also reported that Valero had been arrested recently after a neighbor called authorities and claimed the boxer struck his mother and a sister.

“I’ve never hit my little sister and much less my mother,” Valero responded at the time, in comments published by Venezuelan television station RCTV’s Web site.

Valero shot to fame when he won his first 18 fights by first-round knockout, setting a record that has since been eclipsed by Tyrone Brunson. Valero last fought in February, stopping Antonio DeMarco in an entertaining fight in Monterrey, Mexico.

Valero was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2001 that resulted in a cerebral hemorrhage, and because most jurisdictions refused to license a fighter who sustained a brain injury, he was unable to fight in the United States. The boxer wound up fighting mainly in Japan and Latin America, where he won his first title in 2006.

While Valero had little trouble in the ring, outside of it was another matter.

Along with accusations of domestic violence in Venezuela, Valero was charged with drunken driving in Texas, which is the primary reason he was denied a U.S. visa.




Bute stops Miranda in three to retian Super Middle crown

Lucian Bute scored a third round stoppage over Edison Miranda on an explosive uppercut in front of a raucaus crowd at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada.

Bute boxed well over the first two rounds until the action heated up in the third frame. Miranda landed his best punch of the fight early in the frame when he got through with a solid straight right. That only upped Bute’s pace as he landed a nice combination that was followed by that heard turning uppercut that put Miranda on the canvas. Miranda got to his feet but staggered backwards and the fight was stopped at 1:20 of round three.

Bute, 167 lbs of Romania is now 26-0 with twenty-one knockouts. Miranda, 167 lbs of Carolina, Puerto Rico is now 33-5.




Martinez lifts Middeweight crown from Pavlik in Atlantic City


Some thought Sergio Martinez was robbed out of a victory just four months ago at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Boardwalk Hall when he fought Paul Williams. Well just a few yards away in the same building and a different opponent, Martinez got his just due as he won the undisputed Middleweight championship of the world by scoring a unanimous decision over Kelly Pavlik at historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

After a non-descript round one, Pavlik was cut from a possible butt around the left eye. That gave Martinez confidence as he began to drop his hands and land some slick combinations to take the second. Pavlik had a dcecent round three as he scored with some right hands. Round four saw Martinez gain alot of confidence as he began to showboat around as he landed some hard hooks and than he buckled Pavlik with a hard 1-2. In round five, Pavlik started getting through with solid rights over the top and the incited the pro-Pavlik crowd of chants of “Kelly Kelly Kelly”..

In round seven, Pavlik landed a little uppercut on the inside and combined with the feet of the two men getting tangled, Pavlik was awarded a knockdown. Pavlik punctuated the round with a hard right over the top. Martinez got back to boxing in round eight as he landed some nice small combinations to steal the round. The fight turned in round nine as Martinez battered Pavlik with hard quick combination’s with the champions face being reduced to a crimson mask as blood streamed down from both side of his face. It was much of the same in the tenth as Martinez landed some nice straight lefts that had the face of Pavlik looking like mince meat. Martinez started the twelth by moving in but landed some nice straight lefts and Pavlik looked the like the same fighter who lost to Bernard Hopkins in the very same ring nineteen months ago.

Martinez, 159 1/2 lbs of Madrid, Spain won by scores of 116-111; 115-111 and 115-112 (15rounds.com had it 115-113) to become a two-time champion and is now 45-2-2.

Pavlik, 159 1/2 lbs of Youngstown, OH is now 36-2.

Glen Tapia remained undefeated with a spirited four round unanimous decision over James Winchester in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Tapia got the better of the action as he landed several barrages and had Winchester in trouble on a couple of occasions. Tapia dropped Winchester early in round two with a big right hand and almost ended the fight with one of those flurries that had Winchester bleeding from both the nose and mouth. Winchester tried to giad the young Tapia with some “smack talk” and the end of round tghree, but Tapia stayed composed and cruised home for the victory of 40-35 on all cards.

Tapia, 152 lbs of Passaic, NJ is now 6-0. Winchester, 153 1/2 lbs of Greensboro, NC is now 10-4.

Prized prospect Matt Korobov was less than impressive yet cruised to an eight round unanimous decision over Joshua Snyder in a Middleweight bout.

Korobox was slicker and landed the cleaner combinations but seemed ti run out of gas midway through the fight. Snyder was unable to capitalize with the exception of a few brief moments when he was able to trap Korobov against the ropes.

Korobov, 160 lbs of St. Petersburg, FL won by scores of 79-73; 79-73 and 78-74 to remain undefeated at 11-0. Snyder, 159 1/2 lbs of Berlin, MD is now 8-5-1.

Mike Jones remained undefeated as he battered Hector Munoz all over the ring and the bout was stopped in round five of their scheduled ten round Welterweight bout.

Jones ripped Munoz with hard shots to the head and body while using an effective jab to keep the gritty Munoz off og him. Munoz showed a terrific chin as he endured many vicious shots without ever going down.

The fine came when Jones landed some hard shots to the head that had Munoz rocked all over the ring and one huge right to the head that was preceded by four big power shots had referee Benji Esteves stop the bout at 2:03 of round five.

Jones, 146 lbs of Philadelphia will now look for a possible HBO debut on June 5th at Yankee Stadium with a record of 21-0 with seventten knockouts. Munoz, 146 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is now 18-3-1

Chris Hazimihalis dropped Ramon Ellis in round one and needed just eighty-eight seconds to score the first round knockout in their scheduled four round Lightweight bout.

hazimihalis dropped Ellis with a big right hand. Ellis got to his feet and when the action resumed Hazimilhalis swarmed Ellis and the fight was stopped.

Hazimihalis, 136 lbs of Youngstown, OH is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Ellis, 138 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-5

The son of the legend, Ronald Hearns annihilated Delray Raines inside of one round of a scheduled eight round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Hearns dropped Raines with a big right hand in the first minute of the bout. Hearns finished the deal off with a booming right that sent Raines down for the ten count at 1:47 of round one.

Hearns, 155 lbs of Southfield, MI is now 25-1 with nineteen knockouts. Raines, 157 lbs of Paris, AR is now 17-8-1.

In a mild upset, Vincent Arroyo stunned previously undefeated by scoring a knockout in the final round of their scheduled eight round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Bryan dominated the first seven round as he boxed very well using a nice right hand behind singe and double jabs. Bryan knocked out Arroyo’s mouthpiece on two ocassions as he got through with solid hooks.

Seemingly well ahead on the cards, Arroyo caught Bryan with a big left hoof that sent Bryan back towards the ropes. With Bryan squatting on the bottom rope and on his way down, Arroyo blasted Bryan with two hard shots and knocked him at 1:13 of the final round.

Arroyo, 142 lbs of Amherst, NY is now 10-1 with seven knockouts. Bryan, 142 lbs of Paterson, NJ suffers his first defeat and is now 13-1.

Former hot Heavyweight contender, Dominick Guinn stopped Terrell Nelson after round seven of a scheduled eight round bout.

Guinn Dropped Nelson in round one from a big over hand right. Guinn dominated the actionm for most of the fight with exceptions of brief offense from Nelson. In round seven, Guinn landed two huge right hands that drove him back and in trouble. Nelson failed to answer the bell and Guinn got the stoppage victory.

Guinn, 229 1/2 lbs of Houston, TX and is now 33-6-1 with twenty-two knockouts. Nelson, 252 lbs of Plainfield, NJ is now 8-10.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra




Guerrero takes out Walker in Two!!


Fernando Guerrero thrilled the hometown fans as he stopped Michael Walk in round two of a scheduled ten round Middleweight bout at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

Walker tried to crowd Guerrero early in the first but Guerrero got some distance and began to land some hard shots late in the round. Guerrero then turned it up in round two as he landed about thirty unanswered blows (some were blocked by Walker’s gloves) on the ropes for which Walker showed little resistance for and the bout was stopped at 1:49 of round four.

Guerrero, 160 lbs of Salisbury, MD is now 18-0 with fifteen knockouts. Walker, 161 lbs of Chicago, IL is now 19-4-2

“The crowd was a little bit off so I had to spice things up,” Guerrero joked. “I said I was going to go with him and fight an exciting fight. I’m going to be the new face of boxing, that’s a promise. I work hard like I’m going for a world title in every fight.”

“I’m pretty disappointed,” Walker said. “I think I could still go. He caught me with a shot but I was recovering. I should have moved when he was hitting me. It’s just a lesson learned.”

Shawn Porter remained perfect as he took out Raul Pinzon at 2:39 of round one of a scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Porter landed some solid head and body shots and used his jab. Porter landed a perfect right that sent Pinzon down on his stomach for the ten count at 2:39 of the opening frame.

Porter, 158 1/2 lbs of Cleveland, OH is now 14-0 with eleven knockouts. Pinzon, 161 lbs of Barranquilla, Colombia is now 17-5-1.

“I tried to follow the gameplan, use my speed and set up the body shots,” Porter said. “I set him up for the overhand right with the body shots.

“I can’t said I’m disappointed that I didn’t get that many rounds. It was a great effort and performance. I know his weight slowed him down. He was definitely too slow for me tonight.”




Thompson stops Beck in four

Tony Thompson dominated Owen Beck by scoring a fourth round stoppage in a scheduled ten round Heavyweight bout of former world title challengers at The New Daisy Theater in Memphis, Tennessee.

Thompson scored a knockdown in the first frame as he caught Beck with a right hand that staggered Beck and then a right to the top of the head sent Beck to the canvas. Thompson continued land solid shots as Beck was reaching in with his punches. Thompson landed at least three thudding right hands on the ropes that forced the corner of the over matched Beck to throw in the towel at 2:50 of round one.

Thompson, 248 lbs of Washington, D.C. is now 34-2 with twenty-two knockouts. Beck of Nashville, TN is now 29-5.

“Hammerin” Hank Lundy scored three knockdowns en route to ten round unanimous decision over Tyrese Hendrix in a Lightweight bout of undefeated fighters.

The fireworks started early as Lundy scored a knockdown from a huge left. Both men fell down but Lundy’s punch was more emphatic. Replays showed the it should have been ruled a double knockdown. Lundy then landed a big left that dropped Hendrix for a second time in the opening frame. Lundy kept up the power punching and hurt Hendrix throughput the affair.

In round six, it was the right hand that floored Hendrix for a third time in the fight. Hendrix showed a lot of courage and tried to fight back and even landed a few solid shots but it was Lundy who thwrarted any chance of a miracle come back from Hendrix as he landed some solid head shots and mixed in some body work.

Lundy, 135 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 100-88; 99-88 and 98-90 to remain undefeated at 18-0-1. Hendrix, 134 1/2 lbs of Gainesville, GA is now 18-1-1.

Lanard Lane remained undefeated as he scored an easy six round unanimous decision over former four-time world title challenger, John Brown in a Jr. Welterwerigt bout.

Lane boxed well and was never tested and even had Brown in trouble in the waning seconds of the contest.

Lane, 142 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 12-0. Brown, 142 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is now 24-18-2.




Weights from Atlantic City


Kelly Pavlik 159.5 – Sergio Martinez 159.5
Mike Jones 146 – Hector Munoz 146
Matt Korobov 160 – Josh Snyder 159.5




Lundy aims for NABO crown

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 16, 2010) — Undefeated lightweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy is putting his undefeated record on the line tonight as he faces Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1) for the vacant NABO title in the co-feature of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” at the New Daisy Theater, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports in conjunction with Prize Fight Boxing.

Tonight’s 10-round bout will air on ESPN2 beginning at 10 ET. Lundy (17-0-1) is coming off seven consecutive victories, including four knockouts. The 10-round main event on tonight’s card will feature heavyweight Owen “What The Heck” Beck against Tony Thompson.

Tonight is Lundy’s first fight since he beat Richard Abril by split decision Jan. 22 in Boston. Overall, “Hammerin’” Hank has won four of his last five bouts by knockout and enters tonight’s NABO title fight with a distinct edge in endurance and power. Hendrix hasn’t scored a knockout since July of 2009 and hasn’t fought since November.

In other CES news, tickets for “Spring Fever” on May 7 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I., are on sale now for $35, $50, $75 and $100 and can be purchased online at www.CESBoxing.comor by calling 401-724-2253. New Bedford’s Jason “School Boy” Pires will headline “Spring Fever” in the 8-round main event and the undercard will feature the return of former University of Rhode Island football star Vladine Biosse, who hasn’t fought since November due to a hand injury. Those who purchase tickets in the $75- and $100-range (Jimmy’s Platinum Club) will also receive $15 of free play at Twin River in addition to free passes to Jimmy’s exclusive VIP After Party.

Also, a special press conference to announce “Spring Fever” will be held Wednesday, April 21 at Twin River’s Wicked Good Bar & Grill beginning at 2 p.m. This event is open to the public.




“Paul Nave Going The Distance”


Former WBF Welterweight Champion, Paul Nave, returns to the ring as a middle-aged pro boxer at 48 in his quest to win 20 professional bouts and another possible shot at a world title. He’s one of the oldest licensed California state professional boxers. He’s his own Event Promoter, Ticket Manager and Boxer. He must also make time to train between the many hats he wears. He’s a single Dad raising his 6-year-old son PJ and is the owner of Nave Tax Preparation and Mortgage Lending. It’s a hectic life. He’s surrounded by zany boxing related characters, family, friends and hanger-oners. He has a multi-million dollar home in upscale Marin County, not exactly the breeding ground for professional boxers, and a loving 23-year-old daughter Raquel, who is a model in Paris. His motto in life, which is vividly apparent in the ring, is ‘Never Ever, Ever, Give Up, Never!’

* Comcast SportsNet Bay area cable channel 40, Direct TV and Dish Network * 10 Show Series to run weekly for 2 ½ months on the same day and time * April 18th to June 20th, 2010 * Show will televise during Prime Time and be re-aired three times weekly * Total Households 4,400,000.

Executive Producers:

Vern Glenn: Vern Glenn Production Company and Sportscaster at KRON TV.

Steve Van Dis: Emmy-nominated reality television producer and native of Marin County. Steve spent years in Los Angeles producing for Mark Burnett Productions, BBC World, NBC, ABC and other production companies that have taken him to the far corners of the world. He produced two seasons of The Contender for ESPN and has a real feel for the boxing world and the style of a compelling sports drama. Other shows he’s produced include Mark Burnett’s Survivor and The Apprentice, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, NBC’s Great American Road Trip and Clash of the Choirs. He has also produced several documentaries for the History Channel and The Discovery Channel. He is thrilled to be working on his home turf with Paul Nave and plans to bring California an exciting and heartfelt reality series on one of Marin’s hometown heroes.

Paul Nave: Former WBF Welterweight Champion. Current professional boxer, President of Liberty Boxing Enterprises, LLC and owner of Nave Tax Preparation and Mortgage Lending.

Please click on the following link for a sample of the reality show series pitch reel:

For further information, please see:
www.libertyboxing.com




War Machine vs. Tex Johson at Wild Bill’s Fight Night on GFL


For the past month everyone in the MMA community has been asking….is it still on? Is War Machine vs Tex Johnson on Saturday, April 17 at Wild Bill’s still on? The answer is YES!!!

Despite War Machine’s recent arrest outside a San Diego bar that landed him on TMZ and a spit bag over his face, the fight is still on for Saturday, April 17!

In February of 2009, he legally changed his from Jon Koppenhaver to War Machine. He had one of the best fights in the history of MMA PPV. He’s starred in a porn movie with Digital Playground. He’s several times faced legal action outside the cage. To raise money for his attorneys, he’s put on ebay all his memorabilia from his MMA fights including some of his most personal items – his liver, his kidney and his sperm for sale!

And in only eight days, the MMA legend known as War Machine will come to Atlanta to fight local standout Tex Johnson in the main event of Wild Bill’s Fight Night on Saturday, April 17!

Wild Bill’s Fight Night is not new to the spotlight of the MMA industry hosting many of the country’s top fighters, and with that controversy has not been far away either. The last Wild Bill’s Fight Night featured Junie Browning, one of MMA’s most controversial fighters. After hosting Junie in the main event, War Machine had to be next!

But the War Machine vs Tex Johnson fight was in jeopardy only last week when War Machine was arrested at a San Diego bar for allegedly carrying deadly weapons, which turned out only to be his fists! See TMZ story by clicking here.

Now it’s on for Saturday, April 17 and War Machine will bring his 10-3 record to Wild Bill’s to fight the 6-2 Tex Johnson in his hometown.




Berto tears bicep in win over Quintana


According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto slightly tore a bicep muscle in his eighth round stoppage win over Carlos Quintana this past Saturday in Sunrise, Florida.

“But my tendons are still intact as they can see,” Berto said. “So I am gonna have to ice it and rest for a few weeks so the swelling can go down [and] then start rehab.”

“But the doctor said it should be fine,” Berto said. “Not a serious tear, just needs time to heal.”

The report indicated that Berto would need six to eight weeks to recover.




“HAMMERIN” HANK LUNDY WILL LOOK TO MAKE TYRESE HENDRIX SING THE BLUES THIS FRIDAY IN MEMPHIS ON ESPN 2

PHILADELPHIA (April 13, 2010)— This Friday night at The New Daisy Theater in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the best Lightweight prospects in the world will be on display for the whole nation to see as “Hammerin” Hank Lundy will battle Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1, 7 KO’s of Gainesville, Georgia) in a bout that will feature two undefeated Lightweights.

The bout will be seen all over America on ESPN 2 at 10pm eastern/7pm Pacific.

Lundy of Philadelphia has a record of 17-0-1 with ten knockouts has been on a roll and relishes the opportunity to knock off yet another undefeated fighter.

He has already defeated two undefeated fighters (Esteban Almarez and a drubbing stoppage of then 10-0 Jason Cintron) and had a disputed draw with then 8-0 Darnell Jiles in Jiles hometown, which is the only blemish on the Lundy’s impressive ledger.

“I can’t wait for this fight on Friday night”, said Lundy.

“I have had a great camp at Joe Hand Boxing Gym with world class sparring. I am going to tune Tyrese up like a Jimmy Hendrix guitar. I see the championship in my near future. This bout is for the NABO title so a win gets me ranked by the WBO. I know the two champions Juan Manuel Marquez and Michael Katsidis better be watching because I am gunning for them after I take care of Tyrese.”
Lundy is very excited about the prospect of fighting in Memphis.

“Memphis is a great town and the fans on Beale Street will get the opportunity to watch the best thing to hit this area since Elvis. That ring on Friday night will be my Graceland and I will decide when it’s time for Hendrix to leave.”

Lundy is managed by Ivan Cohen, who two decades ago was the manager of IBF Jr. Middleweight champion Buster Drayton.

“Lundy has so much natural talent and he works extremely hard in the gym. He takes nothing for granted and that’s why we believe that Hendrix will be on “sleeping on That Midnight Train to Georgia” after Hank takes care of him.” said Cohen.

Lundy is trained by long time Philadelphia trainer Sloan Harrison and strength and conditioning coach Brian Cohen.

Lundy just added one of the best up and coming trainers, Danny Davis who is known for his extraordinaire pad work which improved Lundy’s already lightning hand speed.




Maidana injures back; fight with Bradley postponed about a month


According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBA Interim Super Lightweight champion, Marcos Maidana injured his back and his June 19th bout with WBO champion, Timothy Bradley has been postponed.

“Maidana got hurt and the fight will be postponed for about a month,” said Bradley’s promoter Gary Shaw.

“They confirmed that Maidana hurt his back but that he still wants the fight, but that he’s needs roughly 20 days [off],” Shaw said. “They said he still wanted the fight, otherwise, I could have switched back to [Luis Carlos Abregu]. I will take them at their word that it’s Maidana’s back and that he still wants to fight Tim.”

“I’ve been on the phone with HBO but we need to work with HBO and Agua Caliente to find the right date that works,” Shaw said.




“Pain on Penn Street” Kauffman/Koval Press Conference Quotes and Photos—FIGHT ON GFL


Reading, PA (April 13, 2010) – Boxing fans and media filled Blind Hartman’s Tavern Monday night for the kick-off press conference announcing the Pain on Penn Street pro-am fight card to take place May 22nd at the Reading Eagle Theater at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA. The fight card will consist of seven pro bouts, as well as five amateur bouts and three titles will be up for grabs. The show will be promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the main event, Reading’s Travis Kauffman (19-1, 15 KOs) will face Chris Koval (24-6, 18 KOs) from Youngstown, OH for the vacant WBF Intercontinental Heavyweight championship. In the co-feature, Reading’s Keenan Collins (12-5-2, 8 KOs) will clash with George Rivera (11-5, 4 KOs) of Virginia for the WBF Americas Super Welterweight title.

The pro undercard will also include Reading’s Oscar Van Penovaroff, Derrick Webster of Glassboro, NJ and Joseph Judah of New York.

In amateur action, Derek Goldsborough of Reading faces Perry Young of Philadelphia for the Cadet Heavyweight Championship of PA (15-16 year olds).

Promoter Marshall Kauffman: Reading, PA has a great history in boxing, and we’re trying to continue to keep the sport of boxing alive here in Berks County. We have a great pro-am boxing card on May 22nd at the Sovereign Center. In the main event we have Reading’s own Travis Kauffman, who is 19-1 with 16 knockouts, facing Chris Koval of Youngstown, Ohio with a record of 24-6 with 18 knockouts. They will be fighting for the WBF Intercontinental Heavyweight title, the first heavyweight title bout to be held in Reading. In the heavyweight division, one punch can change a fight. In this fight we will have two heavyweights with big punching power, so look for some fireworks on May 22nd.
Travis Kauffman: I’m the first heavyweight from Reading to fight for a title, and I promise come May 22nd, this belt is coming home with me! I‘ve been killing myself in training, and I truly believe it will be a knockout. I want to thank Chris Koval for coming to Reading, but he’s going to have an even longer trip back home when he gets knocked out.

Chris Koval: I want to thank Marshall for the opportunity to fight for this title. I got a lot more notice for this fight than I usually do, so I’m definitely going to be in shape, I’m definitely going to bring it, so you should all come out and watch a great fight.

Keenan Collins: For the last two years it’s been a little rocky for me, but I’m not losing anymore, I guarantee it! I just want to fight, and I’m training hard.

Derrick Webster: I’m bringing the heat! If you’re looking for power, I’m bringing it. If you’re looking for speed, I’m bringing it. I’m promising everybody here another knockout!

Oscar Van Penovaroff: I’ve been training real hard improving on my skills and I hope to score a knockout….. because I like to knock people out!

Brian Jones (Trainer of Webster): I want to thank the city of Reading and Marshall for putting us on this card. Derrick Webster is dedicated to this craft. I think it’s going to be a real exciting fight, and I think you guys are going to love it.

Trainer Dean Williams: I’m proud to be on this card with my young prospects. I’ve been doing a lot of good things with Marshall for ten years now. I’m really happy to be part of this card.

Trainer Jim Ruoff: Marshall and I go back long way…. he’s a great promoter and a great friend. I’m real excited to have the young man I’m working with make his debut here in Reading at the Sovereign Center.




COY EVANS “UNLEASHES” THE POWER AND STOPS CHULE IN THREE IN SOUTH PHILLY

PHILADELPHIA (April 11, 2010)—This past Friday night at The Arena in South Philadelphia, Featherweight Coy Evans remained undefeated with an explosive third round stoppage over Morris Chule.

Evans of Philadelphia is now 8-0-1 with two wins coming by knockout. Both of those stoppages have come in the last three fights.

Evans dropped Chule twice in round two, first from a counter right that clearly hurt Chule. Towards the end of the frame, a series of hard right hands dropped Chule for a second time.

Evans showed lightning quick hand speed and a huge right knocked Chule out cold midway through round three and the fight was stopped immediately at the 1:51 mark of round three.

“It was a good fight”, said Evans.

“My corner just wanted me to stay calm and they said the knockout will calm and that’s what I did. I am happy and I have a great team with my promoter Greg Robinson, trainer Bozy Ennis and managers Moz Gonzalez and Eddie Woods plus Unleashed Power drink with River Edge Beverage Company. I know when I listen to my corner that I will be victorious”

“We are very happy”, said Greg Robinson of Power Productions.

“Coy is starting to come into his own. He is 3-0 with two knockouts since we signed him. This was another steppingstone towards a world title. I expect that Coy will be fighting for a regional title in the next twelve months.”

FULL RESULTS

8 ROUNDS—Featherweights—Coy Evans (8-0-1, 2 KO’s) 124 ½ lbs of Philadelphia TKO 3 (1:51) over Morris Chule (11-11-1) 125 ½ lbs of Pahokee, FL

4 Rounds—Jr. Lightweights—Keenan Smith (1-0) 130 lbs of Philadelphia UD over Luis Esquilin (1-4-1) 127 lbs of Philadelphia…Scores were 40-36 on all cards

4 Rounds—Light Heavyweights—Maurice Amaro (1-2) 171 lbs of Philadelphia U DEC over Joe McKenzie (0-1) 170 ½ lbs of Philadelphia…Scores were 40-36 on cards

4 Rounds—Lightweights—Purol Pairol (1-0-1) 130 ½ lbs of Cuba U DEC over Kareem Cooley (1-1) 133 lbs of Philadelphia…Scores were 39-37 on cards

The next Power Productions show will be Friday, June 18th at The Arena




Holyfield stops Botha in 8th


LAS VEGAS (April 10, 2010) – Hall of Fame-bound Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield added the World Boxing Federation heavyweight title belt to his overcrowded trophy case, stopping defending champion Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 8th round last night in the main event on “The Legend Returns” card, promoted by Crown Boxing, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Botha (47-5-3, 28 KOs) came out throwing bombs for the first five rounds, buzzing Holyfield (43-10-2, 27 KOs) a few times. Holyfield came on strong at the end of the fifth, taking full control of the fight in the sixth and seventh by throwing letting his hands go and throwing effective combinations.

In the eighth round, Holyfield dropped Botha with a right hand and when a damaged Botha got to his feet, Evander overwhelmed his South African opponent until referee Russell Mora called an end to the fight.

“He is a very good defensive fighter,” Holyfield said after the fight. “He’s a smart fighter, too. His right hand had a lot of power and he’s also a very quick big man. I gave myself a 7. I can get better. I’d been off a long time and I know I can get better. I want to come back very soon.”

“Evander is a great fighter,” Botha remarked. “He capitalized on my mistakes. I thought I had him going early. I have to go home and sit down with my team. Who knows (about his future plans)? We’ll see how he goes forward.”:

In the co-feature, hometown favorite Henry Namauu, 2006 National Collegiate champion at UNLV, stopped a game Rayford Johnson in the seventh round of their back-and-forth battle of tough cruiserweights. Referee Tony Weeks halted the action when Namauu unleashed a series of unanswered, power-packed punches.

Former IBF cruiserweight champion “King” Arthur Williams recorded his 47th career victory, winning a unanimous 6-round decision against previously unbeaten Valente Tinajero (8-1).

Complete Results

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Evander Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs), Atlanta, GA WTKO8 (2:05) Frans Botha (47-5-3, 28 KOs), Newport Beach, CA

(Holyfield wins World Boxing Federation title)

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Henry Namauu (6-3, 4 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WTKO7 (2:43) Rayford Johnson (5-5, 3 KOs), Longview, TX

Arthur Williams (47-16-1, 30 KOs), Pensacola, FL WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 59-55) Valente Tinajero (8-1, 4 KOs), Roy UT

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Lawrence Hughes (4-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV DC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37) Juan Alcolea (2-2, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEMALE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Jennifer Han (1-1-1), Tucson, AZ WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Crystal Hoy (3-21-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Rocco Santomauro (4-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-26) Karl Hammer (1-3, 0 KOs), Clearfield, UT

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS

Alexis Santiago (3-0-1, 1 KO), Phoenix, AZ WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Brice Yeniki (0-5), Las Vegas, NV

Post Fight Press Conference Quotes

Evander Holyfield: “People talk and you act like it doesn’t bother you when they call you old and senile. I’ve been telling people since 1992 when I lost to Riddick Bowe that I was going to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I won 2 but not the third. It’s never been about money. I was brought up poor and never had anything. I was taught to have goals and to never quit.

“Botha gave me an opportunity. People talk about my legacy. It’s about who you’ve fought. They can’t deny me; I fight the best. I always want to fight somebody to get a little credit if I beat ‘em. When I decided to comeback it wasn’t because I’m the type that says he’s one of the best. This is a new era and I didn’t think I’d be in this era. I was laughing a little when I fought George Foreman. He was 42 and I was 29. I rally didn’t want to fight him. He didn’t beat me but he did become world champion again. What I learned from that fight was George said it wasn’t about age but that I will give my all.

“You can’t let people tell you what you can do. I fight because I want to. I wouldn’t be the person I am without opportunities.”

Frans Botha: “I’m honored to fight in Las Vegas and to fight a great champion. Evander Holyfield is the real deal, a true champion and warrior. I can’t feel ashamed to lose to a great champion. I think he’s going to rule again. He has the skill, power and determination, everything to get that title again.”




‘Hammer’ Time hits airwaves!


PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 10, 2010) — Electrifying lightweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy of Philadelphia will face his toughest test to date Friday night, April 16, in the co-feature of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” at the Omni New Daisy Theater in Memphis, Tenn.

Lundy (17-0-1, 10 KOs) will battle fellow unbeaten lightweight Tyrese ”Head Honcho” Hendrix (18-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round NABO title bout. The event is co-promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports and Prize Fight Boxing Promotions in conjunction with Goossen Tutor.

The main event Friday will feature heavyweights Owen “What The Heck” Beck (29-4, 20 KOs) and Tony Thompson (33-2, 21 KOs) squaring off in a 10-round bout, but Lundy and Hendrix could steal the show in what is expected to be a hard-fought battle. Lundy is currently ranked No. 2 in the NABO while Hendrix is ranked sixth.

Lundy last fought on Jan. 22 at The Roxy in Boston, Mass., beating tough challenger Richie Abril (12-1-1) by split decision. Hendrix hasn’t fought since November of 2009 when he earned a unanimous decision victory over Marteze Logan. Lundy has won each of his last seven fights — four by knockout — with the only blemish on his record being a controversial draw against Darnell Jiles Jr. in 2008.

Visit CESBoxing.comfor more information on Lundy’s quest for the title, in addition to news and information about CES’ upcoming events, including “Spring Fever,” which will be held Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I. Tickets for that event ($35, $50, $75 and $100) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Website or calling 401-724-2253.

Photo by Emily Harney/CES