LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2015) – Heavyweight “Bronco” Billy Wright (46-4, 37 KOs) speaks on his amazing career as a 50-year heavyweight contender and his upcoming fight against Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-2, 20 KOs) on March 13, 2015. The fight will take place at the We Ko Pa Casino in Fort McDowell, Arizona.

Tickets priced $20 general admission, $35 and $50, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Bronco Billy Wright at (702) 524-3331.

The We Ko Pa Casino is located at 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. first fight is at 7:00 P.M.

PITTSBURGH, PA. (Feb. 19, 2015) – Pittsburgh favorite and undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez tipped the scales at 147 ¼ pounds and Emmanuel Lartey measured 146 ½ pounds during Thursday’s official weigh-in for tomorrow’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader.

Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs), who has knocked out nine straight opponents, and Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, who has never been knocked down, will meet in the 10-round welterweight main event, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In the co-feature of the Goossen Promotions tripleheader, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweight Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout. Savigne measured 176 pounds and Baker weighed-in at 174 pounds.

In the opening bout of the telecast, talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match. Marrero stepped-in at 126 ¼ pounds while Rizo was at 126 pounds.

Advance tickets priced at $238, $100, $60, $40 and $25 for students and military with valid ID (Box Office Only), plus applicable fees, for “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” are on sale through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6 p.m. with the first bell at 6:30 p.m.

Here’s what the fighters had to say before Thursday’s weigh-in:

SAMMY VASQUEZ
“This fight is definitely going to be exciting. I can’t talk trash about Emmanuel – he’s a tough guy who has faced two U.S. Olympians and never been dropped. So there’s not much I can say about him.

“I’m looking to open up some flaws. I’ve seen a couple of things I can do to maybe make him hit that canvas.

“I hope everybody tunes in. We’ve trained hard and this is just the beginning. It’s the start of 2015 and by the end of the year I hope to be a top contender or get a title shot. But I have to get past Emmanuel first and that won’t be easy.”

EMMANUEL LARTEY:
“He hasn’t faced the type of guys that I’ve faced; he hasn’t faced the opposition that I have. He’s going to be surprised when he steps in the ring with me.

“No, I’m not worried about fighting in his hometown. I can win with a decision, but I’m going to be looking for the knockout to make an impression and make a statement.

“He’s definitely underestimating me. Sammy has built up his record with cupcakes.

“This is going to be a good test for him and a good test for me. I’m going to be the one walking out with a W.”

HUMBERTO SAVIGNE:
“I don’t take any opponent lightly. I know Baker is going to try to break me, but I’ve trained very hard and, in all honestly, I’m better than he is. Don’t take me wrong, I’m not overlooking him. I’m just determined to win, and I will, either by decision or knockout.

“I know I’m fighting a tough guy, but I’ve trained hard and this is my year. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such of great team.

“I feel that 2015 is my year. I’m ranked third in the WBC, and that’s only because I had six months of inactivity, otherwise I’d be second. After Baker, I want [Adonis] Stevenson.

“I suggest fans to get ready, sit back and enjoy because I’m going to give them a real show. I’m going to make Baker see fireworks.”

CRAIG BAKER:
“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for. I’m finally getting an opportunity to make a statement and surprise some people. I know I’m the underdog, but that doesn’t bother me. I’m undefeated for a reason. He’s the one with a loss on his record.

“A win would do wonders for my career. It would open up the door to some great opportunities.

“It will be an interesting fight. I’ll play it by ear, but I’m ready to be the aggressor and I’m ready to go 10 rounds.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO:
“I’m not intimidated by Rizo’s amateur accomplishments. If he says he trained hard, well, I trained ever harder than him. I think he’s the one that doesn’t know what he’s in for. Trust me – this is not going to be a day in the park. This is going to be a war.

“I wish Orlando Rizo good luck. He’s going to need it not to get knocked down.

“I’m not a trash talker. It’s simply not my style. I do all the talking I need to do with my fists in the ring.”

ORLANDO RIZO:
“I know this is not going to be an easy fight. I know Claudio Marrero is tough, but I’m ready for him. I’ve been training very hard for him. He better be ready, because I know I am.

“I don’t think he has ever fought anybody like me. My amateur credentials are impeccable. I’m a four-time military boxing champion, three-time Central American champion and former Nicaraguan and FECARBOX Champion. I also got a Bronze Medal in the 2007 Pan-American games in Brazil. So he better be ready for a tough fight, because I’m not going to make it easy for him.

“Claudio Marrero better have his A-game on, because I’m coming to take him down.”

# # #

CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website, www.consolenergycenter.com

Social Media: Follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter @GoossenBoxing, Sammy Vasquez on Twitter @TeamSVasquez, Showtime Sports @SHOsports and CONSOL Energy Center @CONSOLEnergyCtr. Use hashtag #VasquezLartey to follow the discussion.

For more information on Goossen Promotions view their website at www.GoossenPromotions.com. For additional information on Showtime Sports visit www.Sho.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2015) – The live, NBCSN-broadcast main card for the star-studded WSOF 19: Gaethje vs. Palomino Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that takes place at Phoenix, Ariz.’s Comerica Theatre on Saturday, March 28 is now complete with the addition of promising American Top Team light heavyweight Jake “The Honey Bear” Heun (7-3) against hard-hitting knockout artist Teddy Holder (8-1), and Dagestani standout Timur “Lucky” Valiev (8-1) faces gritty bantamweight (135 pounds) veteran Ed “Wild” West (18-9).

Additionally, the card has its NBCSports.com-streamed preliminary bout, as Clifford “Big Cat” Starks (10-2) meets undefeated Bulgarian Krasimir “The Wrestler” Mladenov (12-0) in a key middleweight (185 pounds) affair that could produce a future title challenger.

Heun and Holder’s bout serves as a reserve bout for WSOF’s four-man, light heavyweight tournament designed to crown the promotion’s inaugural 205-pound champion.

Ronny Markes vs. Thiago Silva at WSOF 19 and Matt Hamill vs. Vinny Magalhaes at WSOF 20 are featured in the official four-man bracket.

WSOF 19: Gaethje vs. Palomino will be headlined by a world lightweight (155 pounds) championship showdown between reigning champion Justin Gaethje and aggressive-minded, hard-hitting challenger Luis “Baboon” Palomino.

The evening’s four-fight main card airs live on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. MT local time), while preliminary bouts precede the featured contests and stream on NBCSports.com.

Originally from Alaska, Heun is now a resident of Coconut Creek, Fla. A former two-time cast member of The Ultimate Fighter, the American Top Team fighter is 5-1 in his past six contests, including a WSOF victory over Kendrick Miree. In November, Heun fought outside of the promotion and needed just 20 seconds to score a TKO win.

Holder, from Memphis, Tenn., makes his WSOF debut. In nine career appearances, Holder has yet to fight past the opening round. He has won seven bouts in a row, including five finishes in less than two minutes.

Valiev has quickly established himself as one of WSOF’s top bantamweight talents after picking up a hard-fought decision win over Isaiah Chapman and an impressive knockout victory of Adam Acquaviva. Originally from Dagestan, Valiev now trains in New Mexico with the famed Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA team.

West, of Tucson, Ariz., previously fought eight times under the Bellator MMA banner and now makes his WSOF debut. Fighting professionally since 2003, the 31-year-old West has earned nine of his 18 career wins by submission.

Originally from Sacramento, Calif., Starks now makes his home in Tempe, Ariz., and training with Arizona Combat Sports. A former Arizona State University wrestler, Starks owns back-to-back victories over Jacob Ortiz and Joe Yager.

Bulgaria’s Mladenov turned pro in 2008 but didn’t truly make an MMA push until 2011. Unbeaten through the first 12 fights of his career, Mladenov owns WSOF wins over Brendan Kornberger, Angel DeAnda and Kendrick Miree.

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for WSOF 19: Gaethje vs. Palomino, priced from $39.99, are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open for the event at 3 p.m. MST, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 4 p.m.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

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

ABOUT NBCSN

NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules proudly announces the signing of bantamweight Sergio “Time to Shine” Perales to a co-promotional deal, along with Julio Marines of Marines Promotions.

27-year-old southpaw Perales (24-2, 15 KOs) is a native of Brownsville, Texas, with an aggressive fan-friendly style, fast hands and good power. He turned professional at age 20 and had over 100 fights as an amateur. Currently ranked #5 in the IBF, Perales slowed his boxing career for a couple years to obtain his degree in nursing, but is now back full-time and looking to take on the world’s best bantamweights.

In his last fight, Perales won a thrilling TKO 10 over Texas rival and two-time world title challenger Raul Martinez. After nine rounds of action-packed brutality, Perales busy hands and sharp combinations finally wore Martinez down. After a knockdown, referee Rafael Ramos signified he had seen enough at the 35-second mark.

In May of 2013, Perales lost a very questionable decision to future world champion Stuart Hall. Fighting in Hall’s homeland of the United Kingdom, Perales appeared to outwork Hall in the majority of rounds, only to fall victim to a unanimous decision from the judges. The fight was for the IBF Inter-Continental Bantamweight Championship and propelled Hall into a world-title fight.

“I’m happy to be adding a fighter as exciting as Sergio to Warriors Boxing’s stable,” said Leon Margules. “He will step directly into the mix at 118 lbs and with his skills and exciting style, he will quickly become a favorite of fans worldwide. I have tremendous optimism for Sergio’s career.”

Julio Marines, who has been Parales’ promoter from the start of his career said “I think this deal is a great thing for Sergio. I’ve said for years that he’s the most talented bantamweight in the world. I’ve taken him as far as I can and now I’m trusting my partner Leon to take him to the next level. He’s done a lot of good for my other fighter, Roberto Garcia, and I know he’ll do the same for Sergio. We will take anyone in the world at 118 lbs. Sergio is a future world champion.”

# # #

About Warriors Boxing

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 19, 2015) — Legendary boxers Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson headline the 21-person 2015 Class of Inductees into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. It is a star-studded cast which includes many of the finest boxers in the sport’s history.

Rich Marotta, the Hall’s founder and chief executive officer, made the announcement Thursday during a news conference at the Roy Jones Jr. Fight Academy in Las Vegas.

Honorees for the third class of Hall of Famers were chosen in four categories: Nevada resident boxers; Non-Nevada resident boxers; Pioneers; and non-boxer participants.

Among the honorees are 11 men who have previously been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony will be held in Las Vegas in August at a site to be announced soon. Additional fan events will be held prior to and after the induction ceremony.

“We are very excited about our 2015 Class of Inductees,” Marotta said. “They are among the most glamorous and significant names in boxing history, and all have unmistakable connections to Nevada. We plan to make our induction weekend in August the best ever.”

Nevada-resident boxers (Three elected)

• Roger “The Black Mamba” Mayweather – Mayweather is a former world champion at both super featherweight (130 pounds) and super lightweight (140 pounds) whose 41 fights in Nevada are an NVBHOF record. He scored notable wins in Nevada over Vinnie Pazienza, Livingstone Bramble and Harold Brazier. Mayweather ended his career with a 59-13 record and 35 knockouts. He was also 8-5 in major world title fights. After his fighting days ended, he went on to become one of the sport’s elite trainers and currently trains out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

• Eddie Mustafa Muhammad – Born Eddie Gregory, Muhammad reigned as light heavyweight champion from March 31, 1980, when he stopped Marvin Johnson in the 11th round, until July 18, 1981, when he lost a 15-round unanimous decision to Michael Spinks. He compiled a 50-8-1 record with 39 knockouts and met all of the great 175-pounders of his era. He is now a highly sought after trainer who works out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

• Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia – Tapia won world titles at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight and was one of the most popular and exciting fighters of his time. Tapia, who struggled with drug addiction much of his life and died tragically at just 45 years of age in 2012, compiled a 59-5-2 record with 30 knockouts. Ring Magazine named his 1999 bout with Paulie Ayala in Las Vegas as its Fight of the Year. His life was chronicled in an HBO documentary simply called “Tapia”

Non-Nevada resident boxers (Seven elected)

• Muhammad Ali – Without question the most famous boxer ever, Ali was the first man to regain the heavyweight title and the first and still only man to hold the linear heavyweight title on three occasions. He was 56-5 with 37 knockouts in his legendary career, which began in 1960 after he won a gold medal as a light heavyweight at the Rome Olympics. Ali fought seven times in Nevada, going 5-2. He lost to Leon Spinks in a stunning 15-round decision at the then-Las Vegas Hilton in 1978 and then was stopped by Larry Holmes in 1980. He defeated Floyd Patterson, Ron Lyle, Jerry Quarry, Bob Foster and Joe Bugner in Nevada. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Sugar Ray Robinson – Widely regarded as the greatest fighter who ever lived, Robinson went 175-19-6 with 106 knockouts in a career that spanned 25 years. The Boxing Writers Association of America named its Fighter of the Year award after him. The Associated Press chose him as Boxer of the Century for the 20th century, as well as its best welterweight and best middleweight of the century. Robinson started his career 40-0 before a loss to Jake La Motta. He then proceeded to go 88-0-2 with a no contest in his next 91 bouts, giving him a stunning mark of 128-1-2. He fought in Nevada twice, losing to Gene Fullmer and Ferd Hernandez. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Marvelous Marvin Hagler – Hagler lost two of three fights to open 1976 that dropped his record to 26-2-1. But Hagler proceeded to turn his career around in a big way, reeling off a 36-0-1 streak that gained him recognition as arguably the greatest middleweight who ever lived. Hagler fought seven times in Nevada, including six world title fights. One of those was his third-round stoppage of Thomas Hearns in 1985 that many regard as one of the most exciting fights ever. He also lost a controversial decision to Sugar Ray Leonard in what turned out to be his final fight. He scored memorable wins in Nevada over Hearns, Roberto Duran, John Mugabi and Juan Domingo Roldan. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Lennox Lewis – The 1988 Olympic gold medalist lived up to the hype as a professional. He was 41-2-1 with 32 knockouts and avenged each of his defeats. He fought a number of his big fights in Las Vegas and defeated Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman, Oliver McCall and David Tua in world title fights in Nevada. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Marco Antonio Barrera – Barrera was 67-6 in his illustrious professional career, but could be a member of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame for three fights alone: His legendary trilogy with Erik Morales. They were three of the greatest matches ever and all were held in Las Vegas. Barrera won two of the three, including the 2004 bout that was named Fight of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Barrera also defeated Prince Naseem Hamed and Kevin Kelley in Las Vegas and suffered a loss to Manny Pacquiao.

• Felix “Tito” Trinidad – The big-punching Trinidad was 42-3 with 35 knockouts and participated in 10 world championship bouts in Las Vegas. His 1999 decision over Oscar De La Hoya was the best-selling non-heavyweight pay-per-view to that point, drawing 1.4 million sales. He also had a sensational slugfest win over Fernando Vargas in 2000, and had an impressive victory outdoors at Caesars Palace over David Reid. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Gene Fullmer – Fullmer fought Sugar Ray Robinson four times, going 2-1-1 in what were all world middleweight title bouts. He was 55-6-3 with 24 knockouts in his career. He was 2-0-1 in Nevada fights, all of which were for the middleweight title. He defeated Robinson and Benny Paret and drew with Dick Tiger. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Pioneer category (Five elected)

• James J. Corbett – Corbett was 14-4-3 with three no contests but had a rich boxing history in Nevada. Known as “Gentleman Jim,” Corbett fought in the first world title fight in Nevada when he was beaten in 1897 by Bob Fitzsimmons in Carson City. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Bob Fitzsimmons – Fitzsimmons became the first former middleweight champion to become heavyweight champion when he knocked out James J. Corbett in the 14th round in Carson City, Nev., on March 17, 1897. Fitzsimmons was 68-8-4 with 59 knockouts and 19 no contests. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Jack Johnson – Johnson retained the heavyweight title when he knocked out Jim Jeffries in the 15th round of a scheduled 45-rounder in Reno on July 4, 1910. Johnson became the first African American man to hold the world heavyweight title and he faced great racism. He often had to battle a so-called “Great White Hope.” Jeffries, the former champion, came out of retirement to fight Johnson in a bout that was dubbed “The Fight of the Century.” He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Joe Gans – Gans became the first African American boxer to win a world title when he claimed the lightweight title in 1906. He fought twice in Nevada, defeating Battling Nelson in Goldfield, Nev., in 1906 and stopping Kid Herman in Tonopah in 1907. He was 158-12-20 with 100 knockouts and six no contests. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Tex Rickard – Born George Lewis Rickard, Tex became the best-known boxing promoter in the first half of the 20th century. Rickard promoted heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey and in five fights together between 1921 and 1927, they grossed $8.4 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $114 million in 2014. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Non-boxer participants (Six elected)

• Lee Samuels – A former writer for the Philadelphia Bulletin, Lee Samuels became known as the best publicist in boxing when he was hired by Bob Arum. One of boxing’s good guys who has won multiple awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America, Samuels was always devoted to Arum, Top Rank and the company’s fighters. He was known for his detailed media notes and tirelessly spreading the word about boxing.

• Pat & Dawn Barry – The husband-and-wife duo are significant players in the amateur boxing business in Nevada and have helped thousands of kids by getting them started in the state’s amateur program. Their Las Vegas-based gym, Barry’s Boxing, is a place where many of the sport’s stars got their start and where numerous amateur tournaments are held. Among the many boxers that the Barrys developed are Augie Sanchez, Diego Magdaleno and Jesus Magdaleno.

• Steve Sneddon – The long-time boxing writer for the Reno Gazette-Journal, Sneddon was among the finest journalists in the country for decades. He traveled the world reporting on fights for the Gannett News Service and was ringside for many of the sport’s biggest events. He was known and respected by all of the major fighters for his honesty, accuracy and compelling writing on the sweet science.

• Dr. Donald Romeo – Romeo was the ringside physician for more than 10,000 in an era where the weigh-in was on the day of the fight. He had tremendous responsibilities but always looked out for the fighters’ best interests and was willing to pull a fighter from a card for health reasons no matter who objected. He was the doctor for the 1984 U.S. Olympic team and worked many major fights, including Muhammad Ali-Floyd Patterson.

• Chuck Hull – A classy, well-dressed man who was known for wearing a tuxedo into the ring, Hull is regarded as one of the great ring announcers in the sport’s history. A sportscaster at KLAS-TV, Channel 8, Hull announced most of the major fights in Las Vegas in the 1980s, including Larry Holmes-Gerry Cooney, Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns and Muhammad Ali-Holmes. He also was the ring announcer for the boxing matches at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

• Dr. Robert Voy – One of the most respected ringside physicians in the sport’s history, Voy was a fierce advocate for fighter safety and was heavily involved in the anti-doping movement. He was the chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee and served as the president of USA Boxing. He was known for treating many of the sport’s biggest stars, often for free when they were unable to pay.

Established in 2013, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) IRS tax-exempt corporation committed to helping boxing-related causes. In keeping with its mission, the NVBHOF will award its donations to several groups, organizations, clubs and schools working hard to promote the positive aspects of boxing. All donations, raffles, and ticket purchases to NVBHOF events are tax-deductible. To donate, please go to www.nvbhof.com/donate. For more information on the Hall of Fame, the induction ceremony or the Hall’s mission, phone 702-368-2463 or visit its website at http://nvbhof.com.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com. IBF Featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich will defend his title against mandatory challenger Lee Selby on April 25 in London.

“We’ve all agreed to the deal,” Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank, Gradovich’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “Gradovich is the true definition of a world champion because he fights anybody, anywhere, and it should be a great fight.

“It is a mandatory bout, so should Gradovich win, I’d like to make a unification bout for him after this. We expect him to beat Selby.”

“We are at this second finalizing contracts and will make a formal announcement next week,” Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, Selby’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “I can’t wait to bring this fight to the U.K. It’s a great fight, a true 50-50 bout, but I believe there is so much more to see from a Lee Selby. I’m very confident we will see a new IBF featherweight champion come April 25.”

Allentown, PA (February 19, 2015)–He is one of the hottest fighters on the east coast. He has become a prospect on everyone’s radar and this Saturday night, Jr. Lightweight Frank De Alba will look for his 13th consecutive victory when he takes on Jose Bustos for the UBF Jr. Lightweight All Americas title in the main event at the Econo Lodge.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

De Alba of Reading, PA has a record of 14-1-2 in and in addition to 12th straight wins, he is unbeaten in his last 14 bouts.

De Alba, who won a 8-round unanimous decision over Jesse Carridine last October 4, went right back in the gym shortly after that bout.

“Training camp has been great. I have been in camp for two months. I feel great and excited. I am ready and in shape and am 100% ready for Saturday,” said De Alba.

On Bustos, De Alba doesn’t seem to know much on the man who will trying to break that winning streak.

“I know nothing about him other than he is from Mexico. Mexican fighters always come to fight, so I know it will be an exciting fight.”

2015 plans to be a moving year for De Alba for prospect to contender and he knows that this fight could be a dangerous one.

“I know this is a big year. I have a good streaking going and by the end of the year I should have a good step up fight. First I am ready for Saturday and I have to start off on a good foot. I am ready to give my all.”

Bustos of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico has a record of 7-2-3 with 4 knockouts.

The 23 year-old is unbeaten in his last three which includes that last two victories. He is coming off a 10-round split decision over Hector Mendoza on April 11, 2014 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Juan Dominguez (17-0, 11 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Jose Cen Torres (13-6, 1 KO) of Merida, Mexico in an 8-round bout for the UBF All Americas Super Bantamweight title.

In 6-round bouts:

Super Middleweight John Magda (8-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will take on Jay Williams (3-4) of West Monroe, LA

Ivan Golub (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on David Lopez (4-11-3, 1 KO) in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Danny Kelly (6-1-1, 5 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Kevin Franklin (6-10, 3 KO’s) of in a Heavyweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Christian Molina (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Allentown, PA will fight debuting Stacey Harris of Washington, DC in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Robert Irizarry (2-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will battle Benjamin Burgos (2-10-1) of Mount Pocono, PA in a Featherweight bout. This bout is a rematch of a bout from May where Irizarry won a unanimous decision.

Christopher Booker of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Andrew Sosa (0-4-1) of Farmers Branch, TX i in a Middleweight bout.

Paul Koon (2-0, 1 KO of Philadelphia will battle Rex Harris (1-0-2) of Wikes-Barre, PA, in a Heavyweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $45 for General Admission and $60 for Ringside and can be purchased by clicking: www.kingsboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

The Econo Lodge is located at 1151 Building Drive in Allentown, PA

NEW YORK (Feb. 19, 2015) – For the second time, nearly one million uniformed military personnel serving abroad will be able to watch and support U.S. Armed Forces veteran Sammy Vasquez as part of a special agreement between SHOWTIME and the American Forces Network.

Vasquez, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, is featured in the main event of Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, which airs live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

“It means so much to have my brothers and sisters in my corner and supporting me every step of the way. It’s just an awesome feeling,” said the undefeated Vasquez. “The military has helped me get to this point in my career and it’s a huge honor to represent them. It’s nice to give them a little taste of back home from a soldier who’s been there before. I can’t wait to make them proud this weekend.”

The service men and women of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines stationed around the globe in over 1,000 outlets in more than 175 countries and on the high seas will have free access to Friday’s ShoBox telecast. All SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecasts are offered to AFN as part of a gratis license agreement between the networks. AFN also aired Vasquez’s last ShoBox appearance, a first round TKO of then-undefeated Juan Rodriguez Jr. on April 18, 2014.
To give those abroad a better opportunity to view Vasquez on Friday’s ShoBox, the three-fight telecast will be shown on a slightly delayed basis. The schedule:
· Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 7 a.m. ET on the AFN|sports channel.

· Noon for Greater Europe (CET)

· 2 p.m. local for Iraq

· 3:30 p.m. local for Afghanistan

· 8 p.m. local for North Asia (Japan, S. Korea)

Vasquez, who served in the National Guard from 2003 until 2012, was deployed to Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq for his first tour in ‘05-’06. He later returned to Iraq for a second tour in ’08-’09.

“My first tour was with the Second Brigade, which is not with the National Guard, but because of the high demand for soldiers needed over there, they started deploying the National Guard,” said Vasquez in April. “When I went the second time, I was at JSS Fallujah in Taji, Iraq. That was with the 56th Stryker Brigade. I was with the first National Guard Stryker unit to go over there.”

Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs) will be seeking his 10th consecutive victory by knockout when he takes on fellow southpaw Emmanuel Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, this Friday.

In the co-feature, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweight Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout. Talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match that will open the telecast.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LONDON (19 FEB) Former world champions Steve Collins and Richie Woodhall will cast their expert eye over Saturday’s (February 21) WBA Super world middleweight title fight between Gennady Golovkin and Martin Murray as part of Channel 5’s star-studded fight night team.

Collins and Woodhall will join Mark Pougatch in the studio, while Dave Farrar and respected American fight personality Al Bernstein provide commentary in Monte Carlo.

No stranger to big fight nights, Irishman Collins is a former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion who twice defeated both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn. He retired in 1997 with a professional record of 36-3 and was renowned for his toughness, aggression and hard-nosed approach to his craft.

Woodhall, meanwhile, was a former WBC world super-middleweight champion who boxed a number of quality, world-class fighters over the course of a ten-year professional career. He retired in 2000 with a 26-3 record and has since gained a reputation as one of Britain’s finest fight pundits and commentators.

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 (10 PM) ***

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For more information on Channel 5, MaxNutrition, Golden Gloves, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
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The February 20 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will feature the quarterfinals of the heavyweight portion of Boxcino 2015.

Friday’s show, from Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. ESPN Deportes will televise the fights on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. The card is presented by Banner Promotions.

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore will be ringside with Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will be on site presenting all the latest boxing news and highlights. Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on both ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Heavyweight Quarterfinal Matchups: Six Rounds Each

heavyweight_bracket_revisedJason Estrada (20-5, 6 KOs) vs. Lenroy Thomas (18-3, 9 KOs)
Donovan Dennis (12-2, 9 KOs) vs. Steve Vukosa (10-0, 4 KOs)
Andrey Fedosov (25-3, 20 KOs) vs. Nate Heaven (9-1, 7 KOs)
Razvan Cojanu (12-1, 7 KOs) vs. Ed Fountain (10-0, 4 KOs)

Heavyweight Division Bracket (bracket attached):

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 19) – After delivering an action-packed performance on Jan. 17, undefeated light heavyweight standout Vyacheslav “Lion Heart” Shabranskyy (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring on Thursday, March 12 to put his undefeated record on the line when he takes on hard-punching Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena (11-0-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event for Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (21-0-1, 15 KOs) versus “Wild” Will Tomlinson (23-1-1, 13 KOs). Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions, the night will be full of exciting action as top undefeated prospects and local Texan talent are featured on the card, from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 12, televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

In the non-televised undercard, undefeated Yamaguchi Falcao (3-0, 1 KOs) of Sao Mateus, Espirito Santo, Brazil, will compete in a six-round middleweight fight and rising knockout artist Travell “Black Magic” Maizon (9-0, 9 KOs) of Austin, Texas will fight in a welterweight eight-round event, both against opponents yet to be named. Brooklyn’s Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (9-0, 4 KOs) returns to the ring in a six-round super lightweight bout, while fellow east coaster, D’Mitrius Ballard (7-0, 6 KOs) of Washington, D.C. competes in a six-round super middleweight fight, also against opponents yet to be announced.

Rounding out the night, are some of Texas’ top undefeated prospects. First, San Antonio’s Joseph Rodriguez (8-0, 2 KOs) takes on John “Smiley” Herrera (4-9-2, 2 KOs) from Roswell, New Mexico in a six-round featherweight bout. Also, Armando Cardenas (8-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will fight in a six-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be announced shortly.

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 plus applicable taxes and service charges and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000, or in person at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center SE Box Office, Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

Coming off of an impressive technical knockout victory over Garrett Wilson on Jan. 17, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy is looking to continue his winning streak in 2015 when he faces Fabiabo “Pit Bull” Pena on March 12. A native of Zhytomyr, Ukraine and now making his home in Los Angeles, Shabranskyy is a powerful puncher who put together an impressive 2014 campaign, winning each of his five bouts, four by knockout.

Hailing from Miraselva, Parana, Brazil and now calling Pittsburgh, Penn. home, 27-year-old Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena is ready to make his second professional appearance in the U.S. Most recently, Pena faced Renilson Dos Santos in August and Dave Valykeo in December, quickly winning both bouts via knockout within four rounds. Now, the new Pittsburg native is looking to maintain his undefeated record against the fast-punching Vyacheslav Shabranskyy on March 12.

19-year-old Travell “Black Magic” Mazion is one of the top prospects in boxing, a fact evidenced by a perfect professional record in which he’s ended five fights in the first round. Now ready for his biggest year yet, Mazion is looking forward to start off the year strong when he makes his HBO Latino debut on March 12.

2012 Olympic bronze medalist, Yamaguchi Flacao of Sao Mateus, Espirito Santo, Brazil is looking to make a statement in his first bout of 2015. Making his professional debut in 2014, the 27-year-old is quickly becoming someone to watch out for in the middleweight division as he took on Fernando Najera in April, Jesus Cruz in July and Martin Fidel Rios in November winning all bouts by unanimous decision.

Brooklyn native Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa, is a promising 22-year-old talent who has gone undefeated since his professional debut in 2011. Most recently, Ochoa took on near-shutout wins over Luis Cervantes in August and Jose Miguel Castro in December. In his first fight of 2015, the impressive Ochoa hopes to maintain his record intact after he squares off against an opponent yet to be named on March 12.

In a super middleweight bout scheduled for six rounds, Washington, D.C.’s exciting prospect D’Mitrius Ballard is looking to continue his success as a professional boxer in 2015. The impressive super middleweight had great year in 2014, winning all his bouts via knockout all within the third round. Most recently, Ballard beat Thomas Gifford in a first round technical knockout in October and Hartford, Connecticut’s Tylon Burris in a third-round knockout in December.

San Antonio’s Joseph Rodriguez is a rising featherweight star looking to start of 2015 with a win when he faces off against John “Smiley” Herrera on March 12. Making a statement in 2014, Rodriguez beat Jesus Sandoval, Jeremy Longoria, Francisco Arellano and Jesus Garza all via unanimous decision.

A professional since 2010, John “Smiley Herrera” has had tough luck as a fighter and is looking to start off 2015 with a win. Having lost via decision on two of his last bouts in 2014, Herrera is motivated to bring Joseph Rodriguez a tough fight on March 12.

After winning via technical knockout on January versus Alberto Espinoza, San Antonio’s Armando Cardenas is hoping to continue his winning streak when he faces a yet to be announced fighter on March 12. A professional since 2013, Cardenas is quickly becoming a star in his home state, fighting and rising up the ranks almost exclusively in San Antonio.

Vargas vs. Tomlinson, is a 10-round NABF and WBO International Junior Lightweight bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Lejia*Battah Promotions. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT and is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. The Freeman Coliseum doors will open at 4:00 p.m. CT and first bout begins at 4:00 p.m. CT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.leijabattahpromo.com and www.freemancoliseum.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr, @HBOLatino, @elbandido130, @WillTomlinsonAU, and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/hbolatino orwww.facebook.com/LeijaBattah, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr,@elbandido130, @willtomlinsonau.

Feb. 19, 2015 – HBO Boxing presents “Road to Kovalev-Pascal,” a compelling special spotlighting the upcoming light heavyweight championship bout between undefeated knockout artist Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev defending his crown against Canada’s Jean Pascal. Their highly anticipated slugfest takes place Saturday, March 14 at the Bell Centre in Montreal and televised live on HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

The “Road to Kovalev-Pascal” special will premiere Saturday, February 28 at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT on HBO. It will preview the hot 175-pound title showdown between these two ring warriors who are making their 2015 debuts in this high-stakes battle. Kovalev, one of the sport’s top attractions, enjoyed a brilliant 2014 campaign, earning ‘Fighter of the Year” honors from Bleacher Report, USA TODAY, New York Post, Sports Illustrated.com, The RING, SherDog.com and UCNLive.com.

The 15-minute special will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

Other HBO playdates: March 3 (11:00 a.m.), 5 (10:00 p.m.), 8 (10:45 a.m.), 9 (3:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.), 11 (6:00 p.m. & 10:45 p.m.), 13 (1:15 a.m.) and 14 (10:00 a.m.).

HBO2 playdates: March 1 (12:00 a.m.), 2 (3:30 p.m.), 4 (1:10 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.) 6 (11:10 a.m.), 7 (7:00 p.m.), 10 (1:00 a.m), 13 (10:45 p.m.) and 14 (7:45 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

LONDON (19 FEB) Super-middleweight Rocky Fielding has watched stablemate Martin Murray prepare for a number of big fights over the years, but never has he seen the St. Helens man look as well-prepared as he is just days before his WBA Super world middleweight title fight with Gennady Golovkin on Saturday night (February 21), LIVE on Channel 5.

The 27-year-old Fielding trained alongside Murray in South Africa for the duration of camp and has seen the progression up close. He knows the challenger is more than ready.

“Boxers often say they’ve had the best camp of their life and they couldn’t be any fitter, but I’ve been around Martin a long time now and I’ve never seen him look better,” said Fielding. “He’s been at the top for a while now and knows how to prepare for big world title fights. He knows what he’s done right and wrong in the past and I think he’s nailed it this time.

“He was very serious and professional in this camp. When it was time to switch on, we all met up, did our stuff and got on with it. There wasn’t much talking or joking around. We’d relax a little bit at dinner time, but that was about it. It was all very serious. Even the chefs in the hotel would be given set meals by Martin’s nutritionist and then go away and sort them. There was no stone left unturned.

“Fitness-wise, he’s on another level for this fight. I’m a good runner and can handle myself against most people, but Martin was overtaking me on all of our runs. He wouldn’t have looked out of place on the South African running team.”

Although Fielding has witnessed drastic improvements in Murray on a daily basis, he is under no illusions as to the extent of the challenge his friend faces in Monte Carlo this weekend.

“I rate Golovkin very highly,” said Fielding. “He’s a very good boxer with good punch power.

“His opponents have always given him a bit too much respect, though. He’s got power and they think they should just stay away and survive.

“Martin has been in at the top and he can take a good punch. He’s been in there with (Sergio) Martinez and (Felix) Sturm, who can both punch a bit, and he always seems to be comfortable and able to adapt to whatever his opponent does. Martin has a good defence and he’s very clever in the ring.

“From what I’ve seen of Martin in the gym, and from what I’ve heard him and Oliver discuss, I really think an upset is on the cards this Saturday. They’re working on some good things that could really mess Golovkin up. They’re looking to get in his head.

“Golovkin can hit hard, we know that, but nobody has come back at him yet and roughed him up. They haven’t got physical with him and pushed him about. I think Martin can do that and still stay tight defensively.”

Should Murray perfect his game plan and do everything he has practiced in the gym, Fielding sees no reason why Britain won’t be celebrating a new world middleweight champion in the coming days.

“If Golovkin doesn’t get Martin out of there in four rounds, I think we’re on to a winner,” he said. “But we’re expecting a tough, gruelling fight.

“Golovkin has said he thinks it might go twelve rounds, but I think he’s bluffing. He’ll fight the same way he always does – he’ll come out all guns blazing.

“If Martin can get through those first three or four rounds and then come back with his own shots, I can see him taking over in rounds seven, eight, nine and ten. If Golovkin doesn’t bang Martin out, what’s the game plan? I don’t think he can keep up with Martin for twelve rounds.

“Martin can match him with everything but power. He can match him for boxing skills and he can match him for defence, ring generalship and experience. This is far from an easy fight for Golovkin.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 (10 PM) ***

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For more information on Channel 5, MaxNutrition, Golden Gloves, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
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www.goldengloves.co.za
www.k2promo.com

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It’s official! Klara Svensson (15-0, 5 KOs) will challenge Erica Anabella Farias (21-1, 10 KOs) for the WBC Female World Light Welterweight Championship on May 2. The fight will take place in Denmark, at a venue to be announced shortly.

‘’It has always been my dream to challenge for a world title,’’ said Svensson. ‘’All the hard work, all the blood, sweat and tears, has been building towards this moment. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m only months away from realising my ultimate goal.

‘’I’m thankful for the opportunity. I have the chance to write my name in the record books. It’s not a vacant title. I’m facing a real, proven world champion, and that will make my success even sweeter. I will be bringing the belt back home to Sweden.’’

Standing in her way is the current WBC title-holder Erica Anabella Farias, a two-weight world champion who has fought and beaten many of the world’s best female boxers.

‘’Farias is a great boxer,’’ said Svensson. ‘’But I’m confident in my own ability and I’m confident I can beat her. I knew this fight was coming. I’ve been preparing for it since I won the interim WBC title against Marie Riederer last September. My coach Joey Gamache and I have been working on the perfect game plan. On May 2, I’ll be ready to put that plan into action.’’

The two boxers paths may have crossed earlier if it were not for a 3kg weight difference in the amateur ranks. Both fighters announced themselves on the amateur scene by claiming silver medals at the 2006 World Amateur Boxing Championships in New Dehli, Svensson competing at the 63kg limit and Farais at 60kg.

Nine years later, they meet at the very highest level, with the prestigious WBC Female World Light Welterweight title on the line. In a fight, promoter Nisse Sauerland has described as ‘’fantastic match up’’ between the ‘’two best female boxers in the light welterweight division.’’

‘’This is a fantastic match up, fitting of its world championship status,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’We have the two best female boxers in the light welterweight division going toe-to-toe in a genuine 50-50 fight.

‘’Klara’s two best performances have come winning and defending the WBC interim title. She has earned her shot at the world title and we fully expect her to take it. We hope the whole of Sweden and Scandinavia can get behind her and cheer her to victory on May 2.’’

Svensson’s WBC World title challenge will be available to watch live in Sweden on TV10 and via Viaplay.se. ‘’We have a long tradition of showing world class boxing on our channels,’’ said Per Nunstedt, Head of Viasat Sports Sweden. ‘’And of course it is incredibly exciting that we have a Swedish boxer Klara Svensson competing at this level.’’

Further information regarding Klara Svensson’s WBC Female World Light Welterweight Championship challenge, including venue and ticket details, will be announced in the coming days.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 18) – Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions bring a championship doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 21 to The Centro de Espectaculos La Roca in Epazoyucan, Mexico set to air on Televisa and FOX Deportes. In the evening’s main event, Mexico City’s Victoria Argueta (13-1, 4 KOs) defends her IBF Female Minimumweight crown in a rematch against Guadalajara, Jalisco’s Nancy “Chatita” Franco (13-6-2, 4 KOs) and unbeaten Guadalajara, Jalisco star Horacio “Violento” Garcia (28-0, 20 KOs) will fight Merida, Yucatan’s Jose “Relampago” Torres (13-6, 1 KOs) for the WBC intercontinental super bantamweight title in the night’s co-main event.

Winner of four straight championship fights, 24-year-old Victoria Argueta is a 4-foot-10 ½-inch powerhouse who is determined to keep the world title she took from her Feb. 21 opponent, Nancy “Chatita” Franco. A professional since 2010, Argueta successfully defended her belt last August against Alondra Garcia, and will defend her title for the second time against Franco on Feb. 21.

The former IBF Female Minimumweight champion, 25-year-old Nancy “Chatita” Franco is on a mission to regain her crown. After a near-shutout win over Ivoon Rosas last August, nothing would be sweeter than to become a world champion again at the expense of the young lady she lost the belt to in May of last year, Victoria Argueta.

Currently ranked 11th in the world by the WBC and 12th by the IBF, Horacio “Violento” Garcia believes 2015 is the year he earns his world title shot. After a 2014 campaign in which he went 5-0 with five knockouts, all within five rounds, it’s hard to argue with the 24-year-old, who is showing the best form of his six-year professional career.

Looking to get back on the winning track, 23-year-old Jose “Relampago” Torres has the speed befitting his nickname and the style to give any opponent difficulty on fight night. Winner of two of his last four bouts, with the only losses coming against unbeaten Carlos Carson and top contender Chris Avalos, Torres will be a stern test for Garcia’s title aspirations.

Argueta vs. Franco II, is a 10-round bout for Argueta’s IBF Female Minimumweight Title, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions. The FOX Deportes broadcast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT and the Televisa broadcast airs on Canal 5 at 10:30 p.m. CT.

For more information visit us at www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXDeportes.com, www.televisadeportes.com and www.canelopromotions.com.mx, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloPromotion, @TD_Deportesy @FOXDeportesvisit our facebook page www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportesand Instagram us on @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Tacoma, Washington (February 18, 2015) Still riding an incredible wave of momentum from their first two shows in the US, Super Fight League returns to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma for show number three, this Saturday, February 21st at 7:00PM. Once again, fans will be treated to a stacked card including two title fights, this time in the men’s 145lb and 170lb divisions.

In the main event of the evening, Tacoma’s own Drew “The Eternal Fire” Brokenshire (10-2) will face rival Julian “Juicy J” Erosa (13-2) for the SFL America Featherweight Championship. The two men have fought before, with Brokenshire handing Erosa his first professional loss back in 2012. Fans can expect fireworks, as both fighters have promised an explosive finish.

Hailing from Yakima, the man known as “Juicy J” has been on a roll as of late, winning his last 3 fights in convincing fashion, including a 2nd round knockout of Harrison Bevens last December to capture the SFLA Lightweight Championship. Brokenshire on the other hand, will be looking to get back on track after suffering a defeat in August of last year against Russian fighter Alexander Sarnavskiy. The bad blood is obvious between these two men, and Erosa has been extremely vocal in his desire to avenge his earlier defeat. With two enormous and vocal fan bases expected to be in attendance, the atmosphere will be electric inside the EQC’s showroom for this main event war.

The card’s semi-main event will see another new champion crowned, as undefeated Ben “Flat Top” Fodor (4-0-1) faces Lakewood, Washington native Wes Golden (4-5) for the vacant SFL America Welterweight Championship.

Better known as the Seattle Superhero Phoenix Jones, Ben Fodor is one of the most exciting fighters in the Pacific Northwest today. On Saturday, he’ll trade in his mask for a mouth guard and step in to the cage to do battle. After fighting Enumclaw’s Tyson Cunningham to a controversial draw in a championship bout at the last Super Fight League America show, Fodor will be looking to finally leave the arena with gold around his waist on Saturday night.

Taking the fight on just a week’s notice, Wes Golden will be looking to shock the world in this fight with a big win against his toughest opponent yet. The heavy-handed Golden has multiple TKO victories to his credit, and should prove to be a worthy opponent in this highly anticipated championship match.

Super Fight League 37 America will round out the evening with six stellar undercard bouts, each featuring the best in up-and-coming local talent. Fans packed into the arena can look forward to thrilling action inside the cage from start to finish. The undercard is as follows:

Hector Lopez (3-0) vs. Arjay Murphy (2-4-1)
Paul Njoko (3-1) vs. Sean Gee (1-0)
Aaron Martin (2-2) vs. Jesse Hardenbrook (0-0)
Bobby McIntyre (2-0) vs. Will Hunt (1-4)
Trent Tyler (3-5) vs. Kina Peneueta (1-1)
Shane Sargent (0-1) vs. Victor Barajas (0-2)

Doors open this Saturday, February 21st at 6:00PM with the first fight scheduled for 7:00PM. Some tickets for Super Fight League 37 America are still available through the EQC box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations and start at only $35. Super Fight League 37 America is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions and Cagesport MMA. For more information, please visit www.brianhalquistproductions.com and the Cagesport MMA Facebook page.

NEW YORK/TORONTO (Feb. 18, 2015) – A super weekend of mixed-martial-arts and kickboxing action is on tap this weekend on Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including live airings of M-1 Challenge 55 and KSW 30: Genesis, as well as pre and post-fight coverage of UFC Fight Night 61: Bigfoot vs. Mir.

Denis Smoldarev

M-1 Challenge kicks things off Saturday morning (Feb. 21) at 10 a.m. from Tbilisi, Georgia. The main event pits past M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Denis Smoldarev (9-1-0), known as the Brock Lesnar of Estonia, against Maro Perak (23-4-1). Former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Kenny “Deuce” Garner (14-8-0), fighting out Port St. Lucie, Florida, takes on Chechnya prospect Aslambek “Titan” Musaev (5-1-0).

Also fighting on M-1 Challenge 55 is 20013 WMMA champion and hometown favorite Nodar Kudukhashvili (7-1-0) vs. American middleweight Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fioravanti (25-12-0) and undefeated Ukrainian featherweight contender Pavel Vitruk (12-0-0) vs. Germany’s Max Coga (10-3-0), as well as unbeaten lightweights Artiom Damkousky (19-0-0), of Belarus, vs. Azerbaijan challenger Heydar Mamedaliyev (7-0-0).

The MMA action continues on Fight Network at 1 p.m. ET with the live airing of KSW 30: Genesis from Posnan, Poland. Welterweights take the spotlight as hometown hero “The Tasmanian Devil” Borys Mankowski (16-5-1) faces Russian foe Michail “The Lonely Wolf” Tsarev (29-4-0) in the main event. In the co-feature, Rafal Moks (10-6-0) meets Aslambek Saidov (15-4-0) in a battle of Polish fighters.

Saturday night’s exciting programming on Fight Network continues at 5 p.m. ET with the showing of Ring of Combat 47 from January 24, 2014 in Atlantic City, NJ, featuring American lightweights Chris Wade vs. Pat Defranco and Frankie Perez vs. Mike Santiago.

Fight Network’s highly acclaimed news shows, Fight News Now: MMA Edition and Fight News Now Extra, respectively, follow at 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. ET.

Final Fight Championship: Futures 1 MMA, from April 1, 2014 in Croatia, commences and 9:00 p.m. ET the furious action concludes with Final Fight Championship: Futures 1 Kickboxing, starting at 11 p.m. ET, from March 2, 2014 in Croatia.

The UFC takes center stage Sunday on Fight Network. A live pre-fight show for UFC Fight Night 61: Bigfoot vs. Mir begins at 5:00 p.m. with a live post-fight show airing at 11:30 p.m. ET with highlights and the live press conference.

Brazilian heavyweight Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (18-6-0) fights at home in the UFC Fight Night 61 main event against former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir (16-9-0), fighting out of Las Vegas.

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CORK, Ireland (Feb. 18, 2015) – International boxing manager Gary Hyde (NoWhere2Hyde Management) has announced the signing of one of the best Ireland-born heavyweight prospects in decades, “Irish” Con Sheehan, to an exclusive contract.

The 25-year-old Sheehan, who registered a remarkable 203-18 amateur record, is scheduled to make his professional debut March 13 in the United Kingdom on a show to air on Eurosport. The rugged yet athletic Irishman from Clonmel, the largest town in the County of Tipperary, plans to join one of his former Irish National teammates, undefeated IBF super bantamweight champion Carl Frampton, as world champion in the not too distant future.

The 6′ 5″, 235-pound Sheehan is a six-time Irish National Senior Division champion, winning four titles at heavyweight and two at super heavyweight, who also captured a gold medal at the prestigious European Championships. In 2008, he became the youngest Irish Senior heavyweight champion at the tender age of 18, and he won a total of 13 Irish championships at various levels of competition.

“I have followed Con’s amateur career all the way through from the beginning and we had discussed the possibility of working together for some time now,” Hyde said. “Con is a physical specimen of a man as well as an extremely talented fighter. We are delighted to add him to our growing stable of top fighters.”

Legendary Irish sports pundit Jimmy Magee commented, “Con Sheehan is a big, modern day giant of a heavyweight who fights with the fluency of a middleweight.”

Hyde also manages present, past and future world champions such as World Boxing Association (WBA) Super & World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion and two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist, Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs), WBA Interim cruiserweight champion Youri “El Toro” Kalenga (21-1, 14 KOs), former WBO middleweight champion and current International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1 mandatory contender Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (31-1, 18 KOs), three-time Cuban National champion, super bantamweight Marcos Forstal (1-0, 1 KO), and world amateur champion Blagoy Naydenov.

Follow Sheehan on Twitter @ConSheehan89, as well as Hyde at @NoWhere2Hyde and friend him at www.facebook.com/gary.hyde.50?fref=ts.