Johannesburg, October 19 – Crowd-pleasing former world junior-welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia will fight unbeaten Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez of Mexico in the headliner of the “Night of Champions” tournament in Monte Carlo on November 7.

This bout replaces the WBA championship fight between Juergen Braehmer and Tommy Oosthuizen after the German sustained a hand injury in training. Frantic efforts to secure a highly-rated replacement for Oosthuizen were unsuccessful, although promoter Rodney Berman was delighted to get Provodnikov’s signature.

“He’s in great shape as he was in training,” said the South African, who reached agreement with Art Pelullo of Banner Promotions. “Provodnikov is all-action, a made-for-TV fighter who will add great value. I’m disappointed the Braehmer-Oosthuizen fight has fallen through, but I’ve been around long enough to know that such things are an occupational hazard.”

“We are working on finding a new date for the event,” said Braehmer’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland.

Provodnikov’s opponent is 23-years-old and unbeaten in 13 fights (although it is understood that five additional pro bouts are unrecorded).

Provodnikov (24-4, 17 KOs) has come off a remarkable run of five fights against top-level opposition: Tim Bradley jr, Mike Alvarado, Chris Algieri, Jose Luis Castillo and Lucas Matthysse.

“The Siberian Rocky” is a former WBO junior-welterweight champion rated number four by both the WBC and the WBO. His fight against Bradley in 2013 was named Fight of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America. More recently, his fight against Matthysse was another candidate for Fight of the Year.

On the undercard, cruiserweights Youri Kalenga (21-2, 14 KOs) and Roberto Bolonti (36-4, 25 KOs) will fight a 10-rounder.

Additionally, Venezuelan Charlie Navarro’s (25-7, 20 KOs) will meet David Avanesyan (20-1-1, 10 KOs) of Russia for the WBA Interim welterweight belt.

Also, Yonfrez Parejo (16-1-1, 7 KOs) of Venezuela, the WBA’s number one-ranked bantamweight, defends his Interim belt against Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakiyanov (25-1, 18 KOs)

Rounding out the tournament is a fight for the WBC Silver super-bantamweight title between French champion Amor Beladhj Ali (14-3-1, 2 KOs) and Qiu Xiao Jun (17-2, 7 KOs) of China.

Prichard Colon became symptomatic in his dressing room following his bout with Terrel Williams Saturday afternoon at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA. Within moments, he was under the care of EMTs and was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital. He suffered a brain bleed as a result of an injury during the bout and underwent immediate surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. His condition remains critical. Prichard’s family has requested that their privacy be respected at this time. Updates will be provided when appropriate. We ask that everyone join us in praying for Prichard and his family.”

– Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment

HBO Sports serves up a double dose of world title boxing action with the presentation of the world middleweight unification title fight GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. DAVID LEMIEUX and the flyweight showdown ROMAN GONZALEZ VS. BRIAN VILORIA, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 on HBO. The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live coverage at New York’s Madison Square Garden, called all the action, available in HDTV. The hard-hitting bouts will be presented along with the previously announced “HBO World Championship Boxing®” event featuring the world junior welterweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Dierry Jean in Omaha, beginning at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

These two fights took place Saturday, October 17, live on HBO Pay-Per-View® in what was viewed as a highly anticipated pay-per-view card with 160-pound attractions Golovkin and Lemieux headling the event and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez seeking to re-affirm his standing as the consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world versus a challenge from Brian Viloria.
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 25 (9:00 a.m.) and 26 (11:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 25 (3:30 p.m.) and 27 (11:00 p.m.)
® HBO World Championship Boxing is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 17th, 2015) – With two more impressive highlight-reel knockouts on their resumes, Demetrius Andrade and Hank Lundy are ready for whoever’s willing to accept the challenge in their respective weight classes.

Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) stopped Argentinian Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-3) at the 50-second mark of the second round Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Junior Middleweight Title in the main event while Lundy disposed of Carlos Winston Velasquez (23-22-1) 23 seconds into the fifth round of the co-main event to bring home the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Lightweight Crown.

The dual main event headlined CES Boxing’s “Gold Standard” card, promoted in association with Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.

Fighting for the first time in 16 months, Andrade – the former world title-holder in the WBO – made quick work of Pucheta, sending him to the canvas twice in the opening round, the first time courtesy of a straight left hand and again just seconds later with a right uppercut. Already on wobbly legs, Pucheta gave it a go in the second round, but Andrade laid him out flat with another right, sending the pro-Andrade crowd into an uproar.

Andrade will now vault back into the WBO rankings, where he says he’s ready for the “big boys” at 154 pounds, whether that’s World Boxing Association (WBA) junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, WBC middleweight champ Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, or anybody else in that weight class.

“Everybody else can get the big fights. Why can’t I get the big fights?” Andrade said. “Lara calls out Delvin Rodriguez and he gets that fight, but I can’t get Lara. He can go in and barge in on Canelo’s press conference and get that fight. Why can’t I get the same thing? I called him a bitch, nationally!

“No disrespect to any fighter because anyone who gets in that ring, I have high respect for, but it’s time for me to showcase what I really have against the guys everyone thinks is No. 1.”

Showing no signs of ring rust, Andrade came out firing Saturday and could get his shot real soon.

“This layoff, I just took the time to get better physically, spiritually, mentally, just all around, to be better myself,” he said. “Once I found out I was fighting September 17th, I always keep the synthetic oil in, but I had to get the motors running again. Here we go, man.”

For Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs), this is familiar territory. The former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champion and former No. 1 contender in the WBC, Lundy has settled back into the 135-pound weight class following a brief stint at 140 and also hopes to contend for a world title by the end of 2015.

He, too, came out fast Saturday, dropping the scrappy, tough Velasquez in the second round and again at the bell in the fourth, but Velasquez refused to quit. He continued to eat lefts and rights and even jawed with Lundy during exchanges, practically charging at his opponent after picking himself up off the canvas at the end of the fourth.

Seeking his first win in three fights, Lundy finally ended it in the fifth with another trademark flurry, backing Velasquez into the corner before the referee stopped the fight.

What’s next for “Hammerin’” Hank?

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring in December,” Lundy said. “Our mission this year is to stay busy, stay active, get that world title, and that’s what I’m going to do.

“Now I’m back at 135 and you see the punching power, you see the hand speed. No one is going to stop us.”

Lundy suffered back-to-back losses to Thomas Dulorme and Mauricio Herrera at 140 and also had a bout with Petr Petrov scrapped when he failed to make this 135-pound weight limit taking the fight on eight days’ notice. On Friday, he clocked in at a lean 134, removing any doubt as to whether or not he can still fight at lightweight.

“I’m still a lightweight,” he said. “They threw me under the bus. They didn’t give me credit for taking a fight on short notice, but I showed you today. I came in at 134. I think I was a little lower than that, but the commission didn’t want to show that off!

“What it is, before I was going up and down in weight, but now, as a veteran, we’re eating and living right. I have a mentor, Bernard Hopkins. When you have an icon around like that who lectures to you, you have no choice but to take it and feed off it. I’m living proof.”

Unbeaten Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (10-0, 7 KOs) kept his perfect record and his knockout streak intact, stopping South Carolina’s Kevin Cooper at the 1:33 mark of the second round.

Cooper succeeded where Gray’s last six opponents failed by making it past the opening round, but not without hitting the canvas courtesy of a left hook in the closing seconds. Cooper made it through the first, but didn’t last much longer in the second. Gray finished the bout with a left uppercut, sending Cooper to his knees. He made it to his feet before the 10 count, but referee Danny Schiavone wisely waved it off. Gray has now won his last seven bouts by knockout, six in the first round.

New Haven, Conn., featherweight Josh Crespo (5-2-3) won for the second time in as many fights, out-working the game Greg Coverson of Detroit to earn a 58-55, 60-53, 60-53 unanimous decision.

Crespo benefitted from a first round knockdown, catching Coverson lunging and countering with a clean left hook. Coverson survived and gained some momentum in the later rounds, but Crespo proved too quick and too elusive.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Nate Millier (7-0-1, 5 KOs) impressed in his United States debut, stopping Queens veteran Borngod Washington 40 seconds into the second round. Millier opened the round with a flurry, backing Washington into a corner and unloaded with wide left and right hooks, forcing Schiavone to give Washington a standing eight count. Washington began complaining of a shoulder during the break in the action and could no longer continue.

Donnie Nietes retained his WBO Light Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Alejo at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Alejo was cut under his right eye in round and around his left eye in round four. Nietes suffered a cut around his left eye in round six.

Nietes, 107.8 lbs of Bacolo, PHL won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109 twice and is now 37-1-4. Alejo, 107.4 lbs of Guadalupe, MX is 21-4.

Albert Pagara scored a6th round stoppage over former world title challenger William Gonzalez in a scheduled 12-round Super Bantamweight bout.

Pagara dropped Gonzalez with a right in round six and the fight was stopped at 2:52 of round six.

Pagara, 121.8 lbs of Cebu City, PHL is 25-0 with 18 knockouts. Gonzlez, 120.6 lbs of Managua, NC is 27-6.

Jessie Magdaleno remained perfect by scoring a 1st round stoppage over Vergel Nebran in a scheduled 10 round Featherweight fight at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona.

Magdaleno dropped Nebran in round one with a left to the body. Seconds later a second left to the body crumpled Nebran to the canvas for the 10 count at 2:22 of round one

Magdaleno, 127 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is 22-0 with 16 knockouts. Nebran, 123 1/2 lbs of Paranque, PHL is 14-10-1.

Francisco De Vaca won a 6-round unanimous decision over Francisco Proano in a Super Bantamweight bout.

De Vaca, 121 3/4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 13-0. Proano, 121 3/4 lbs of Chihuahua, MX is 11-3.

LAS VEGAS (October 17, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced tonight during its live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami,” the quarterfinal stage matchups and brackets for its historic, one-night, eight-man tournament that will crown its winner the new number one contender in the promotion’s coveted lightweight (155 pound) division, at “WSOF 25: Eight-Man Lightweight Tournament,” on Friday, Nov. 20, live on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz.

Additionally, a lightweight co-main event pitting Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High against fellow battle-tested star and World Series of Fighting newcomer Estevan “El Terrible” Payan was announced for WSOF 25.

“We are excited about the star-studded lineup and incredible matchups we have assembled for the first World Series of Fighting one-night tournament in history,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. “Combined with an outstanding co-main event between Jason High and Estevan Payan, this is a must-see event for any fight fan.”

In one tournament bracket, Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-11) of Miami, Fla., coming off another “Fight of the Month” performance at WSOF 23 in September, will square off with rising star Rich Patishnock (6-2) of East Stroudsberg, Pa., while Brian Foster (23-7) of Sallisaw, Okla., fresh off a thunderous, first round (:32) KO of previously unbeaten LaRue Burley at WSOF 23, will collide with streaking submission wizard Joao Zeferino (18-6) of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

In the opposite bracket, wrestling and submission ace Brian “The Bandit” Cobb (20-8) of Bakersfield, Calif. will battle Firas Zahabi-trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Mike “The Martian” Ricci (10-4) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, while Islam Mamedov (12-1) of Jersey City, N.J. via Derbent, Dagestan, Russia will put his phenomenal, 11-fight winning streak on the line against five-time, one-night tournament winner and Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Jorge “Macaco” Patino (38-15-2, 1 NC) of Houston, Texas via Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The winner of the quarterfinal stage bout between Palomino and Patishnock will meet the winner of the fight between Foster and Zeferino in the semifinal stage of the single-elimination affair, and the winner of the matchup between Cobb and Ricci will face the winner of the bout between Mamedov and Patino in the semifinal stage of the tournament.

The two semifinal stage victors will face off against each other for the tournament championship and the right to challenge reigning, undefeated World Series of Fighting lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

High (18-5) of Kansas City, Mo. will look to establish his presence in the World Series of Fighting lightweight division after defeating top-level competition elsewhere in the U.S. as well as in Japan, where the 34-year-old made his initial mark in the sport by collecting wins in the now defunct DREAM and K-1 promotions, and followed up his stellar performances overseas with a perfect, 3-0 run in the Strikeforce cage.

Another former Strikeforce standout, the 33-year-old Payan (16-8, 1 NC) of Tempe, Ariz. has also scrapped with notable adversaries, and has imposed his will with dangerous punching power. Payan is looking for his second straight victory after scoring a third round (2:45) KO on Roberto Young with a barrage of punches on June 6.

Priced from $29.99, tickets for “WSOF 25: Eight-Man Lightweight Tournament” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office as well as online at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

World Series of Fighting will announce additional details concerning the format and rules of the tournament soon.

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

Gennady Golovkin continued to make his case as boxing’s number one fighter and attraction as he scored an 8th round one-sided beatdown of David Lemieux to retain his WBA and WBC Interim and win the IBF Middleweight title at a sold-out Madison Square Garden

Golovkin dominated the action and did as he wanted as he set the tone with a piston like jab in round one.  In round five, he sent Lemiux to the canvas from a short right hand.  Golovkin continues the assault with thunderous punches that started to bloody the face of the Canadian.  Finally in round 8, Golovkin landed a big flurry of punches that forced referee Steve Willis to mercifully stop the bout at 1:32 of round eight.

Said Golovkin, “I feel great, it was a great fight”

“I felt his power, but I was strong tonight
and my punches hurt him.”

“He is a great champion and I’m glad to beat him.”

“I want all the belts, now I have two. The winner of Cotto/Canelo
for sure.”

“I’m not sure who will win that fight, but I want to fight the winner next.”

“I’m staying at 160 until I have all the belts.”

Said Lemieux, “I feel like the referee called the fight too early. I am fine. When he stopped it I wasn’t event on the mat, I can keep going.

“I have a lot of respect for Golovkin as a fighter. We prepared well for this fight but I feel like I waited too long to take some shots tonight and that really hurt me.”

“I want another chance at Golovkin and I will take advantage of it.

said referee Steve Willis, “I had to do something”

“David is very competitive fighter and as long as he was able to throw punches he was going to keep on trying but his chances of winning were decreasing as the fight went on”

“Against a guy(golovkin) like that he was going to get really hurt and I’m here to protect the fighters health and that’s my top priority ”

“I couldn’t let him continue to receive punishment ”

“I gave him every chance I could and i still hesitated too much. It was over.”

Said Lemieux manager Camile Estephan, Camille:
“It was too early to stop the fight. That punch that Golovkin threw didnt even bring David to the mat. David fought valiantly, he showed a lot of heart and skills. But Golovkin’s defense was great, I think that his defense is underestimated.

Said Bernard Hopkins, “Today was a great night of boxing. David did a great job and put on a great performance. But today Golovkin was better and proved that he deserves to be the unified middleweight champion.

Roman Gonzalez remained perfect with a 9th round stoppage to retain the WBC Flyweight title over Brian Viloria.

In round three, Gonzalez sent Viloria to the deck with a perfect counter right.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as Viloria did well to the body bit Gonzalez’s furious punching battered the face of Gonzalez.  In round nine, Gonzalez landed a right to the head that backed Viloria up to the ropes and then landed a hard flurry of punches until the bout was stopped at 2:53 of round nine.

Gonzalez, 111.4 lbs of Managua, NIC is 44-0 with 38 knockouts.  Viloria, 111.4 lbs of Waipahu, Hi is now 36-5.

Said Viloria, “Roman is a tremendous fighter. I have nothing but respect for him. I had prepared for a different Roman and he surprised me with his defense and his speed. I do feel like the fight was stopped prematurely, I feel good and can keep going. If I had an opportunity to take him on again I would. I feel like I learned a lot today and would use that for the next time around.”

Heavyweight Luis Ortiz annihilated Matias Ariel Vidondo in round three of their scheduled 12-round WBA Interim Heavyweight title bout.

Ortiz dropped Vidondo in round two from a left and ended things in round three when he landed a crushing left that made Vidondo land face first at 17 seconds of round three.

Ortiz, 237.8 lbs of Miami, FL is 23-0 with 20 knockouts.  Vidondo, 261 lbs of Rosario, ARG is now 20-2-1.

Said Ortiz, “I deserve this win and deserve to fight the best. Vidondo did hit hard but he wasn’t good enough to face me. Everyone can see that I dominated the fight. I want to fight the best and I want Golden Boy Promotions to keep its promise and get me the best. I am ready for Klitschko, I know he is running from me. I am going to come after him. I am just ready to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

Taureano Johnson won a 12-round unanimous decision over Eamonn O’Kane on a Middleweight elimination bout.

It looked like it was going to be an early night as Johnson dropped O’Kane twice in round one.  First from a double right hook and again from a sweeping right hook.

Johnson was able to grind out the tough rounds in close and win by scores of 119-107, 118-108 and 117-109.

Johnson, 159.4 lbs of Nassau, BAH is 19-1.  O’Kane, 160 lbs og Belfast. IRE is 17-2-1.

Said Johnson, “This is my first time going 12-round and man does it feel good. It was a tough fight, no matter how many times O’kane went down he kept coming at me. I have respect for him as a fighter. Winning this title eliminator really makes everything for me come full circle and legitimizes me as a true threat in the middleweight division. You know this was a great fight that everyone enjoyed a true brawl, very Mexican Style. This is the beginning for me, the sky is the limit.”

Ruslan Madiyev won a 4-round unanimous decision over Sean Gee in a Welterweight bout.

Madiyev scored a knockdown in round two from a right hand.

Madiyev, 139.6 lbs of Karagabda, KAZ won by scores of 40-35 twice and 39-36 and is now 6-1. Gee, 142.6 lbs of Chicago, IL is now 2-3.

Said Madiyev, “I’m very happy with my performance, it was an honor to
fight on such a big card here at Madison Square Garden.”

“He was a little awkward but I was able to figure him and
win the fight.”‘

“Thanks very much to Gennady for having me on his card. I look
forward to fighting again as soon as possible.”

Lamont Roach Jr. won a 6-round unanimous decision over Jose Bustos in a Lightweight bout.

Scores were 59-55 on all cards for Roach, 131.4 lbs of Washington, DC who is now 9-0. Bustos, 130.4 lbs of Ciudad, MX is now 7-6-3.

Said Roach, “Bustos came to fight. He was not backing down throughout the fight but I did not feel threatened by him. I feel like I dominated the fight and was giving him my all. I wanted to end the fight impressively via knock out but he has a strong jaw. This is my last six-rounder and will move up to eight rounds in my next fight, very excited to go there.”

Maurice Hooker won a split decision over Ghislain Maduma in a 10-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Hooker dropped Maduma in round three with a left hook. Maduma came to back in round six to rock Hooker several times on the ropes before Hooker spit out his mouthpiece.

Hooker, 139.4 lbs of Dallas, TX won by scores of 95-94, 95-93 and Maduma took a card 95-93.

Hooker is now 19-0-2. Maduma, 139.2 lbs of Montreal is 17-2.

Said Hooker, “I think the fight went a good pace and Maduma was a good fighter. He came prepared to fight. I knew I had him from the first round when I hit him with my left. By the fourth round, I grew confident that I was in the lead once I dropped him. But I grew too confident I think and that is when he caught me by surprise in the sixth round. I wasn’t as focused as I should have been so I made sure to listen to my corner and keep him at a distance with my jab for the remaining rounds. I feel that I am ready for a bigger fight and feel confident I can make a statement at 140 pounds. I would love a shot at Broner or any Golden Boy Promotions fighter at 140 pounds, like Antonio Orozco, I can take him.”

Follow all the action as Gennaady Golovkin takes on David Lemieix battle for the WBA/WBC Interim and IBF Middleweight titles.  The action kicks off at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a 3 fight undercard featuring Roman Gonzalez defending the WBC Flyweight title against Brian Viloria; Luis Ortiz and Matias Vidondo for the WBA Interim Heavyweight title as well as Taureano Johnson taking on Eamonn O’Kane in an IBF Middleweight elimination bout.

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Round 1 Golovkin controlling with the jab..Hard right over the top..

Round 2 Hard left hook and right from GGG….Right..Hard jab..Big right…Hard combination staggers Lemieux..

Round 3 GGG lands a jab..Right from Lemieux..Bg left hook from GGG…Body head combo..

Round 4 Double jab from Lemieux…Huge left from GGG rocks Lemieux…Big flurry on the ropes..

round 5  Lemieux lands a nice combo…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES LEMIUEX

Round 6 Hard right from GGG..Left hook from Lemiuex…GGG landing some hard power shots…Big left from Lenieux…GGG lands an uppercut

Round 7 Lemieux face becoming bloody..Doctor checking bloody nose..2 hard rights from GGG…he is dominating

Round 8 Hard left to the bODY RIGHT TO THE HEAD…2 MORE PUNCHES AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED…TKO FOR GENNADY GOLOVKIN

Round 1 Right from Viloria…uppercut from Gonzalez..Right from Viloria..Hard uppercut and right from Gonzalez

Round 2 Right to body from Viloria..Left to body from Gonzalez…Uppercut from Viloria..Double left hook

Round 3 COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES VILORIA..Wicked 5 punch combo…4 more shots to the head..2 left to the body from Viloria…4 hard shots rock Viloria..

Round 4 Good right from Viloria…Hard straight from Gonzalez..5 punch combination..Viloria answers with combo…Trading left hooks

Round 5 Right from Gonzalez…Right over the top..Right inside..left to body from Viloria…Left from Gonzalez…Viloria working body..Right from Gonzalez

Round 6 Right from Gonzalez..right to body from Viloria..Body shot…Gonzalez nice body head combo..uppercuts on the inside…3 more flush uppercuts..

Round 7 bodyshot/uppercut combo from Gonzalez..right over the top 3 more rights..

Round 8 Right to body from Viloria..2 left hooks..hard uppercut on inside from Gonzalez..Viloria’s face is swelling bad..2 lefts and right…Viloria backpeddling…Nice 3 punch combo from Viloria..

Round 9 Left to body from Viloria..3 rights to th head from Gonzalez..Body combo THAT SETS OFF A BIG FLURRY ON THE ROPES AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED…TKO GONZALEZ

Round 1 Ortiz stalkin

Round 2 BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES VIDONDO

ROUND 3 HARD LEFT AND DOWN GOES VIDONDO FACE FIRST AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Fight starts in close..Johnson lands to the body..Hard left buckles O’Kane..DOUBLE RIGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES O’Kane..aNOTHER RIGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES O’KANE…

ROUND 2 Johnson rips O’Kane with 3 hard rights…Inside left..2 chopping rights….right

Round 3 Left from O’Kane..right from Johnson..Hard left from O’Kane..Combo to the head…trading rights…Left to body from Johnson…Hard uppercut from Johnson…Double right from Johnson..left to body…solid right

Round 4 Left to the body from Johnson…straight left..double right from Johnson..Uppercut…

Round 5 3 punch comb from O’Kane..right to the body

Round 6 Right from O’Kane..O’Kane trying to work inside…uppercut and left from Johnson..Body shot

Round 7 Johnson rocks O’Kane with several rights

Round 8 Right from O’Kane..O’Kane bleeding from the forehead…

Round 9 Left from Johnson..O’Kane lands 2 shots…Right from Johnson

Round 10 Right from Johnson

Round 11 3 rights from O’Kane…

Round 12 O’Kane pressing…right from O’Kane…

Johnson wins 119-107, 118-108 and 117-109

Lamont Peterson won a 12-round majority decision over 2008 Olympic Gold medal winner Felix Diaz at the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Peterson, 144 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 114-114 and is now 34-3-1. Diaz, 144.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 17-1.

In a battle of undefeated Welterweights, Terrell Williams scored a dubious stoppage over Prichard Colon

In round five, Colon was deducted two points for a low blow. In round seven, Williams was deducted a point for hitting Colon in the back of the head. In round nine, Williams landed a huge flurry that was punctuated by a left hook that sent Colon to the canvas. Seconds later, Colon was dropped by a right hand. After the ninth round, Colon’s corner started taking their fighter’s gloves off. The corner believed it was the final frame but referee Joe Cooper stopped the fight.

Williams of Los Angeles, CA is now 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Colon, 148.8 lbs of Orocovis, PR is now 16-1.

Colon was later taken to a local hospital after throwing up and passing out in his locker room.

WBO International Junior Middleweight Title

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE
Providence, R.I.
21-0, 14 KOs
153 ½

DARIO FABIAN PUCHETA
Buenos Aires, Argentina
20-2, 11 KOs
152 ½

David Carmona won a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Rodriguez in a Super Flyweight rematch at the Auditorio Blackberry in Mexico City

Carmona dropped Rodriguez in round six.

Carmona is 20-2-5. Rodriguez is 12-3.

Hugo Guameros won a 6-round unanimous decision over Victor Franco in a Super Flyweight bout.

Guameros is 8-1-1. Franco is 2-3.

Andrzej Fonfara won a terrific 12-round unanimous decision over Nathan Cleverly in a Light Heavyweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.

Cleverly landed the quicker combinations early  Fonfara came back and landed thudding shots inside that caused Cleverly to become a bloody mess from his nose in round 7.  The two traded on the inside and for the better part of the fight they no stood no further then a few inches from one another.

Fonfara landed a staggering 474 of 1413 punches while Cleverly landed 462 of 1111.

Fonfara of Chicago won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 and is now 28-3.  Cleverly of Wales is now 29-3.

Kohei Kono retained the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decsision over former three-time champion Koki Kameda in a historic battle of Japanese fighters.

Kono seemed hurt in round two, but he was able to land a perfect right that sent Kameda to the canvas. In round three, Kameda was deducted a point for low blows. Moments later, Kameda was deducted another point for a low blow.

In round seven, Kameda was cut over the right eye.  In round nine, Kono was deducted a point for holding Kameda’s head down.

Kono won by scores of 116-108, 115-109 and 113-111 and is now 31-8-1.  Kameda is 31-2.

Seanie Monaghan remaned undefeated as he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Donovan George in a Light Heavyweight bout at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York

In round two, Monaghan suffered a cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. George hurt his right hand in round three.

Monaghan, 174 1/2 lbs of Long Branch, NY won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 26-0. George, 175 lbs of Chicago, IL is now 25-5-2.

Brad Solomon won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ray Serrano in a Welterweight bout.

Solomon, 147.4 lbs of Louisiana won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 26-0. Serrano, 148 lbs of Philadelphia is 21-3.

Follow all the action as Light Heavyweights Nathan Cleverly and Andrzej Fonfara engage in a 12-round Bout.  The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with a WBA Super Flyweight title bout between Kohei Kono and Koki Kameda

Page will refresh automatically

Round 1 Fonfara starting fast..Good combination from Cleverly..Uppercut snaps back Fonfara’s head..

Round 2 Nice combination from Cleverly..Uppercut..combination..Combiation..

Round 3 Great action on the inside

Round 4 Nice uppercut from Cleverly…Little right from Fonfara..

Round 5 Good right from Cleverly..

Round 6 Nice left from Cleverly..Body shot and left hook..Fonfara lands 2 big shots at the bell

Round 7 Fonfara lands an uppercut..Cleverly bleeding from the nose..

Round 8 Fonfara landing heavy shots

Round 9 Cleverly lands 8 in a row

Round 10 The fighters have broken the compubox record for Punches landed and thrown for a Light heavyweight bout

Round 11 

Round 12 Big right from Cleverly

115-113, 116-112 twice for Fonfara

RECORD BREAKING PUNCH STATS

474- 1413 for Fonfara; Cleverly was   462- 1111

Round 1

Round 2 Left from Kameda..Kono seems hurt..Kono takes a knee from a low blow..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KAMEDA…

Round 3 KamedA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR  LOW BLOWS.  KAMEDA DEDUCTED ANOTHER POINT FOR A LOW BLOW

Round 4 Rights from Kono

Round 5 Flurry from Kameda..Left

Round 6 Kono lands Insert shortcodea hard right

Round 7 Kameda is cut on the right eyelid..

Round 8 Kono lands a couple of rights and an uppercut

Round 9 KONO deducted a point for holding Kameda’s head down.  Big right from Kono

Round 10 Trading combinations on the inside

Round 11 Right drives Kameda back

Round 12 Kono lands 2 rights..

115-109, 116-108, 113-111 for KONO

Kono landed 362-1039 punches; Kameda    317-769

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., this Saturday, October 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Fight Network’s World Series of Fighting broadcast will air live nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on NBC Sports Network.

In the star-studded welterweight main event, Jon Fitch battles Yushin “Tunder” Okami in a clash of experienced superstars.

“We are excited to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino and the state of Connecticut, where we showcased our brand of world championship MMA action in front of a highly passionate audience earlier this year,” said WSOF president Ray Sefo.

“Beginning with Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami, two of the best 170-pound athletes in our entire sport,” continued Sefo, “we are assembling another card loaded with some of the top superstars and emerging stars in MMA, and we look forward to giving fans another memorable night of fights.”

In the co-main event, WSOF heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov will put his coveted title on the line for the first time when he squares off with seasoned contender Derek “Caveman” Mehmen.

In other action on the live Fight Network telecast, superstars Vinny Magalhaes and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill will make their respective WSOF debuts against each other in a light heavyweight contest.

Also returning to the cage will be local favorite “Notorious” Nick Newell, who will take on Tom Marcellino in lightweight action.

The promotion will also crown its first flyweight champion in history as surging stars Magomed “Gladiator” Bibulatov and Donavon Frelow throw down for the crown.

All the action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

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

For More Information Contact:

Fight Network
Chad Midgley
VP, Content
chad@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

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

About Fight Network:

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., all major carriers in Canada, over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, a programming block on Pursuit Channel (www.pursuitchannel.com), on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling,” and its programming on Sirius XM Channel 167. Fight Network’s parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. launched Fantasy (FNTSY) Sports Network (www.fantasysportsnetwork.com) across North America in March 2014 and also holds a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel.

Hyannis, Massachusetts [October 16, 2015] – Boston Boxing Promotions presents the return of Northeast Heavyweight Champion Jesse Barboza (10-1-1, 6 KO’s) as he returns to the ring in his hometown of Hyannis, MA on Saturday, November 28th at Barnstable High School to take on veteran Francisco Mireles (17-9, 5 KO’s) in an eight-round heavyweight fight.

“I want to stay active and fight tough fighters with good winning records”, Barboza said, “and I’m so glad to be fighting for the second time in a row in my hometown. I knew back in August when I fought in Cape Cod that the community would be receptive to pro boxing and I’m glad we’re coming back.”

Mireles, a surprisingly agile 270 pound athlete, has been in the ring with some of the sport’s best including former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, former Cuban national champion Glendy Hernandez and former world title challenger Lateef Kayode. He’s also well traveled and has fought at a variety of interesting venues including Coliseo Angel ‘Cholo’ Espada in Puerto Rico, Magic City Casino in Florida and The Playboy Mansion in California.

“I look forward to coming to the United States to fight Barboza”, said the Spanish speaking and Mexican born Mireles, “I love when people see me and realize that despite my big belly, I’m light on my feet and have boxing ability. People can boo me on the way in, but they’ll cheer me on the way out. Jesse better be ready.”

Boston Boxing Promotions’ first foray into Cape Cod was a success over the summer. The event featured five professional boxing matches, was attended by a capacity crowd of over 800 spectators and featured two knockouts that will be in consideration for KO of the year. Full length video of the bouts from that night are available online at www.CapeCodBoxing.com in anticipation of Boxing’s returning to Cape Cod on November 28th.

The November 28th event will be presented by Boston Boxing Promotions. Boston Boxing Promotions is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. To learn more about the promotion, you can follow them on Twitter @BostonProBoxing, join the promotion’s official Facebook page “Boston Boxing Promotions,” and visit the promotion’s website www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com .

Kell Brook has been forced out of his IBF World Welterweight title clash with Diego Chaves at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, October 24 after sustaining a rib injury in sparring.

Brook was set to make the third defence of his belt against the dangerous Argentine, but having spent time in hospital with the injury and taking the advice of medical experts following scans, the Sheffield star will now look to face Chaves later in the year.

The Sheffield show goes ahead with the Sky Sports debut of Chris Eubank Jr topping the bill as he defends his WBA Interim World Middleweight title against American Tony Jeter, Gavin McDonnell defends his European Bantamweight strap against former World title challenger Jeremy Parodi, along with a host of exciting young talent on the bill.

“It’s always a bitter blow when an injury causes a fight to be postponed, especially so close to the event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell picked up a rib injury in sparring yesterday and spent most of the day at hospital yesterday. Kell was desperate to fight but it was simply impossible and we will now look to reschedule the bout for the end of the year.”

Matchroom Boxing will make a full statement on Monday regarding details of full refunds and partial refunds to those fans still attending the show.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of boxing ‘wonder kid’ David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez to a promotional contract.

Benavidez, already 10-0, 9 KOs as a super-middleweight professional, hails from Phoenix and is the younger brother of undefeated Interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Jose Benavidez Jr.

Considered a boxing prodigy by many, Benavidez has been trained since age two by his father Jose Benavidez Sr. He turned professional at 16, but was forced to ply his trade in Mexico until age 18, when he was legally allowed to fight in the United States. The ultra-talented youngster has already sparred with many of the best fighters in the world including Kelly Pavlik, Gennady Golovkin and Nobuhiro Ishida to name a few He has also trained at the Wild Card Gym with Freddy Roach.

“I feel really blessed,” said Benavidez of the promotional deal. “It’s a great opportunity for me and great for my career. I am excited to step up to this big stage and show everybody how hungry I am and what I’m about. I want to show my skill level to the boxing world.”

Benavidez caught the eye of Lewkowicz while sparring in the Virgin Islands with Sampson Boxing fighter Julius Jackson.

“Like any other boxer my goal is to become champion, but I’m also looking forward to coming up the ranks and showing everyone who I am. But I’m only 18, so we’re taking our time. When Sampson says it’s time to step up, then I will.”

The young fighter says his relationship with his father has been key to his success.

“It’s a great father/son relationship, he’s like my best friend. We don’t always agree on everything but he’s the one who taught me everything I know, so I am grateful for everything he has given me.”

“I’m really happy about this deal. Sampson works with the best people in boxing,” said Jose Benavidez Sr. “We saw what he did with Maravilla Martinez and he’s been around many years doing a great job. We’re happy to be with him.”

Benavidez Sr. says his son is a boxer with an occasional tendency to brawl. “He moves his head a lot and throws good combinations. He’s very relaxed and thinks a lot in the ring. He also has great killer instinct.”

Benavidez’s manager David Garcia, who also handles his world champion brother, says the boxing world can expect big things from this new pairing of promoter and up-and-coming fighter. “I’m proud that David has joined Sampson’s promotional stable. Sampson has guided many fighters to the top. With hard work and Sampson’s guidance, David will be in some of the most exciting fights of the next few years.”

Garcia also explains why the young man turned pro at such an early age.

“He had developed so much physically by 16. He was already 6′ 2″ and had so many skills. He was already sparring with world champs. The amateur level didn’t offer him any further opportunity to develop. So he took the natural course of turning pro.”

Promoter Lewkowicz is the one who gave Benavidez his unique fight moniker of El Bandera Roja/Red Flag. “I gave him that name because he is a red flag to all the super middleweights in the world to watch out. They are all now in danger.”

Lewkowicz, renowned for his eye for young talent, says that Benavidez has everything he looks for in a prospect.

“I am very happy David chose to work with me. He is a future star in boxing. It’s his destiny. His brother is a champion and so will he be. He is the real thing and I am proud to be the one to guide him to where he belongs at the top of boxing.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

LONDON (16 October) – Pound-for-pound ace Gennady Golovkin believes his unification world title clash with fellow hard-hitter David Lemieux will rank alongside some of the middleweight divisions best ever.

The Kazakh assassin will put his WBA and IBO world titles on the line in a 160-pound meeting with Canada’s IBF champion Lemieux this Saturday night at the iconic Madison Square Garden, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The showdown pits together two of the world’s biggest punchers, who average a near 90% knockout ratio between them, with the electrifying Golovkin saying that the clash will be an all-action affair to follow the great battles of the past.

“This is a true fight, an original fight. It’s going to be a present for people. Boxing isn’t a game; it’s very important who the true number one is. This is my big test and my first step to history and to a new story,” said Golovkin.

“This is my first unification fight and my first pay-per-view fight. It’s about being a true warrior and not just a business man. I love to fight, it’s that simple. I’m looking to knock him out.

“I’m more motivated than ever because it’s a unification fight and a pay-per-view. I keep saying it’s an ‘old school’ fight because this will be a classic fight.

“It’s like a long time ago when Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard all fought; it will be in this same style,” he said.

The 33-year-old has waited a while for his big break and now in front of a sold out 15,000 arena at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden he is ready to grab his chance to prove himself against a formidable champion in Lemieux.

“I know I’m 33 years old but I feel like I’m 22 years old. I didn’t feel any pressure to get these big fights but I know every step is bigger and I know Lemieux is a strong guy, a dangerous guy. Everyone knows my style and it’s a very interesting fight for the fans and for television.

“Madison Square Garden is my second home. It’s very important and special that the fight is sold out. People in the United States understand my style and that’s amazing for me.

“I really appreciate the support of the fans. Madison Square Garden is a very special place with a great history so it’s an honour to fight in front of these fans,” Golovkin said.

The middleweight division is brimming with talent, with a host of title fights lined up to prove who the undisputed number one is in the division.

Next month WBC champion Miguel Cotto defends his belt against Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, with Ireland’s Andy Lee putting his WBO strap up for grabs against the undefeated Billy Joe Saunders, plus Peter Quillin faces American Danny Jacobs.

An intriguing time looms over the 160-pound weight class with Golovkin eager to take on all comers.

“It’s a very interesting first step for me and Lemieux to see who goes onto the next step to prove who the best in the middleweight division is,” said Golovkin.

“There are three or four top pay-per-view fighters – we’re all in the same situation. Maybe the next step for me will be the winner of Cotto or Canelo, Andy Lee or Saunders, or Jacobs and Quillin. It’s a very interesting situation and this is only the first step,” he said.

This weekend’s thrilling card will also see another of boxing’s most talented fighters in action when Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez will look to make it 44-wins unbeaten when he defends his WBC flyweight title against the tough Brian Viloria.

Golovkin v Lemieux is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415, online and app) this Saturday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customer

LONDON (16 OCTOBER) ‘Lightning’ Lenny Daws will get a deserved second shot at the European super-lightweight championship on December 5 when he meets Spaniard Ruben Nieto for the vacant crown, LIVE on Channel 5.

The 36-year-old Daws, 30-3-2 (11 KOs), dropped a highly-contentious decision to former champion Michele Di Rocco in Italy in 2013, but has since bided his time, strung together five wins on the bounce, and now gets a stab at Di Rocco’s recently-vacated belt.

Morden’s Daws has won pretty much everything else on the domestic scene, including two British, an English and Southern Area super-lightweight titles. He also bagged his second EU super-lightweight title in November 2014 with a thrilling tenth-round stoppage win over Frenchman Chaquib Fadli, televised on Channel 5.

All that’s left for Daws to do is win what he feels is rightfully his – the European championship – and then land a shot at a version of the world title in 2016.

Nieto’s motivation is much the same. He too dropped a close decision to Di Rocco when the Italian reigned as European champion, and he too has previously held the EU belt. The Madrid-native also boasts impressive decision wins over Jean Pierre Bauwens and Samuele Esposito and is regarded as one of the best super-lightweights in Europe.

Nieto, 32, holds a record of 16-1 (8 KOs) and, on December 5, will fight outside of Spain for only the second time in his five-and-a-half year pro career.

*** The venue for Daws-Nieto, as well as ticket information, will be announced early next week ***

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Tickets are on sale now for the Christmas world championship boxing extravaganza at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 19th December headlined with an amazing THREE world fights featuring the Best of British.

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee finally puts his world title on the line against rival Billy Joe Saunders in the highly anticipated showdown that everyone has been waiting to see.

Irishman Lee, one of the world’s most exciting fighters, won the title with a dramatic knockout of the previously undefeated Matt Korobov and must now face his mandatory challenger – Saunders.

The undefeated Englishman has claimed the records of four unbeaten fighters in a row in his last five fights, including a victory over Chris Eubank Jnr. and now aims to realise his dream by beating Lee to become world champion.

WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan returns to action one final time this year as he makes the second defence of his title against a top challenger to be announced.

The Manchester hero is the new star of British boxing following his mesmerising victory over Diego Magdaleno this month when he destroyed the American challenger inside two rounds with a fearsome display of power-punching.

The new WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith makes his opening defence of the world title as he begins his reign.

Liverpool ace Smith demolished America John Thompson in seven round this month to lift the world title with some devastating punching and aims to show that he’s the top man in the 154lb division.

An action-packed card will also feature former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Paul Butler as continues on his comeback towards a second record-breaking world title at a lighter weight class, plus Lancashire super-lightweight hot-shot Jack Catterall, with both in championship title action.

With more title fights to be added and an undercard full of the best British prospects all in action, Boxing Day has come early for fight fans.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.com

Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Gennady Golovkin 159.4 – David Lemieux 159.8
(WBA/WBC Interim/IBF Middleweight title
Roman Gonzalez 111.4 – Brian Viloria 111.4
(WBC Flyweight title)
Luis Ortiz 237.8 – Matias Ariel Vidondo 261
(WBA Interim Heavyweight Title)
Eamonn O’Kane 160 – Taureano Johnson 159.4
(IBF Middleweight Eliminator)

NEW YORK CITY (Oct. 15, 2015) – K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions today hosted the final press conference for the Golovkin vs. Lemieux undercard prior to Saturday’s stellar sold-out night of boxing set for the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden and produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View on October 17.

Roberto Duran, Panamanian former world champion in four weight classes, and one of the greatest boxers of all time, also stopped by the undercard press conference. He reflected briefly on his storied career and named Madison Square Garden as the home of his most memorable fights. Duran also spoke about his excitement for the fantastic bouts schedule for the Golovkin vs. Lemieux undercard on Saturday, October 17.

Below is what the fighters and their promoters had to say:

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, Consensus #1 Pound-For-Pound Fighter in Boxing
and WBC Flyweight World Champion:

“I’m ready for this fight and will give my best. I don’t like to speak much, but I will say I had a great camp and feel strong and in good condition to win Saturday’s fight. I’m thankful and feel blessed that I am able to fight, and I am ready to give the fans a good fight.”

Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria, Four-Time World Champion in Two Weight Divisions:

“I live, breathe and eat boxing. I try to keep in shape so I can fight as much as possible. I have prepared myself very well for this fight. I am doing a disservice if I don’t give it my best on Saturday. Fighting a guy like Gonzalez, the number one pound-four-pound fighter in the sport, is a big challenge. He is as big as it gets for me, in my career. He is the biggest challenge I’ve faced to date. I’m going to show you the best Brian Viloria you’ve ever seen. I’m prepared to take the title from Roman.”

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions:

“We just got word from Madison Square Garden this morning that every ticket is sold out at the box office for this fantastic night of boxing on October 17. With four fights on the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast including three undercard fights, you have a fantastic broadcast worth the cost.

“This undercard has great international flavor, for fighters from Kazakhstan, Canada, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bahamas, Ireland, Argentina and other places to come to New York and sell out Madison Square Garden without a local favorite. These quality matchups that include the undercard are the reason fans responded.

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“These undercard fights are going to be explosive on Saturday. These guys have the experience, pedigree, and amateur background to put on great fights for the fans. These fighters have a lot at stake and are hungry for victory.”

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz, Interim WBA Heavyweight World Title Undefeated Contender:

“I’m a man of very few words; I just know how to fight. In the ring, I’m totally different from how I am in front of a microphone.”

Matias Ariel “El Matador” Vidondo, Interim WBA Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“It feels great to be here. I’ve had so many obstacles in my life before getting to this point. I love boxing and it is this love that has kept me in this sport. I’m close to getting my degree in medicine; that is what I do when I am not boxing.

“When I was first notified about this fight, I was ecstatic, to be able to be here and fight for Oscar De La Hoya, that is a dream because I look up to him. It’s a dream to be here in this city. I don’t want to make up from this dream.”

Tureano Johnson, Middleweight Contender:

“This is a great opportunity for me to show the talent that I have. On Saturday, I will put on a spectacular show. If you don’t know me now, you will definitely know my name after Saturday. This fight goes beyond Eamonn O’Kane, I want to fight guys like Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux and that is what I will do after I defeat O’Kane.”

Eamonn “King Kane” O’Kane, Middleweight Contender:

“Wow, it’s a dream to be at the mecca of boxing Madison Square Garden to showcase my talent. I look forward to delivering on October 17.”

Lamont Roach Jr., Lightweight Prospect:

“This is by far the hottest undercard I’ve fought on since making my professional debut. I can’t wait for October 17.”

Tammy Ross, Vice President at HBO Sports:

“While Saturday’s main event is a contest for super stardom, the undercard sets the stage for fighters seeking to capture a piece of their own stardom. Three fights Saturday night are as high in quality as they are in stakes. The winner of Johnson-O’Kane could become a major player in the same division as the winner of Golovkin-Lemieux. The winner of Ortiz-Vidondo will soon hope to challenge Wladimir Klitschkofor the heavyweight crown. From the main event to the undercard, these are all fighters that love to give fans their money’s worth in the ring.”

Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council:

“I believe that working together works and I am very proud to see K2 and Golden Boy Promotions to work together to bring the fans what they want to see which is the best fights possible, and that is what we have with this fantastic card on October 17 at Madison Square Garden.”

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management and is sponsored by Corona Extra, BI Group and Tsesnabank. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. ET and the first fight begins at 7:05 p.m. ET.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBo

PROVIDENCE (October 15, 2015) – The long, often contentious stretch of inactivity for undefeated super welterweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) finally ends this Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The 2008 U.S. Olympian from Providence returns to the ring for the first time in 16 months to fight former South American champion Dario Fabian “El Gallo” Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International super welterweight championship

The 27-year-old Andrade hasn’t fought since June 14, 2014, when he annihilated the then No. 1 mandatory contender Brian “The Lion” Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs) in seven rounds, showcased on HBO, in his first and only World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defense.

“I’ve been there, done that,” Andrade spoke about his return. “It was kind of like when I was an amateur turning pro; I think, I didn’t fight for eight months. Yeah, it’s finally hit me that I’m fighting again, but this is something I’ve done all my life, and it should have been happening on a regular basis. Training camp was great. Inside and outside of the ring (during his ring hiatus), I’ve been preparing for life-changing stuff, not just this one fight. But I’m fully focused on this fight against a tough, hungry opponent.”

Andrade, whose WBO title was stripped a few months ago for inactivity, originally captured the vacant WBO super welterweight championship November 9, 2013, also aired on HBO, by way of a 12-round decision over previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs).

“I’m in the best shape of my life,” Andrade added, “physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m going to look spectacular Saturday night doing what I do best.”

Tickets are still on sale, ranging from $200.00 to $25.00 (excluding fees). Call 401.261.3755 to purchase tickets.

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam.