QUEENS, NY (November 19, 2014) – This Friday night, November 21 at Resorts World Casino New York City, New Legend Boxing returns with a packed night of boxing.

In the main event, Bryant “Pee Wee” Cruz (12-0, 6 KO’s) of Port Chester, New York will risk his undefeated record when he takes on Engleberto Valenzuelä (9-3, 3 KO’s) of Mexico in a Super Featherweight bout scheduled for 8 rounds.

Cruz knows that this is a good measuring stick as Valenzuela has fought some undefeated fighters including hot shot prospect Felix Verdejo.

“I have seen one film on him and I know he has fought some undefeated guys. I think he freezes when he steps up in competition,”said Cruz.

Cruz is doing all the right things to keep his record perfect as the competition gets better.

“I am working hard everyday. I am giving 110%. I am starting to see with each fight, It is getting tougher. I know each fight will be hard and I know I can’t take anyone lightly. I am just going in there and I am doing what I have to do to win.”

A win on Friday night, could be the springboard to a big 2015 for Cruz.

“I am trying to get those television fights in 2015. I know I will step up the competition and keep climbing the ladder and up the rankings. I know all that will come as I am staying focused and not being distracted,”finished the 24 year-old Cruz.

In a Ten round Bout:

Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ takes on former Lightweight champion Miguel Acosta (29-7-2, 23 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a Lightweight bout.

In six round bouts:

Treysean Wiggins (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Newburgh, NY will battle battle tested Jason Thompson (5-7-4, 4 KO’s) of New York in a Welterweight fight.

In a Jr. Welterweight bout, Chris Galeano (4-0) of Bronx, NY will take on Villi Bello (1-0) of San Pedro de Macrois, DR

Allan Phelan (6-2, 4 KO’s) of New York via Ireland will look for his 7th consecutive win when he takes on Angel Albelo (4-7-2, 1 KO) of Kissimee, Florida in a Super Featherweight clash.

In four round bouts:

Devaun Lee (3-0, 1 KO) of Jamaica, Queens, NY will fight Obafemi Bakari (1-0) of Staten Island, NY in a battle of undefeated Middleweights.

Jose Miguel De La Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) of Queens, NY will fight Mack Babb (0-4) of Brooklyn, NY in a Welterweight bout.

In a Jr. Middleweight bout, Renan Ruiz (4-1, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will square off with Ismael Aulet (1-3) of Puerto Rico.

Former Irish Amateur standout Noel Murphy will make his pro debut against Anthony Smith (1-3) of Brooklyn in a Welterweight bout.

New Legend Boxing has tickets available, priced at General Admission $50, Reserved Seating $75, Ringside $125 and Ringside VIP $150 may be purchased by online at www.NewLegendBoxing.com or by calling (718) 487-4474.

Resorts World Casino New York City is located 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, N.Y. 11420. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first fight starts at 7:30 PM.

New Legend Boxing
Info@NewLegendBoxing.com
(718) 487-4474

German KO star Vincent Feigenbutz (16-1, 15 KOs) will now face the Latvian ‘Viking’ Oleg Fedotovs (18-17, 12 KOs) when he makes his UK debut on November 22 on the undercard of the domestic grudge rematch between Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Fedotovs replaces Lorenzo Di Giacomo who was forced to pull out a scheduled bout with the 19 year-old super middleweight due to a hand injury. ‘’It doesn’t matter who my opponent is,’’ said Feigenbutz. ‘’I’m still aiming for an impressive performance and to make it an early night.”

Cleverly v Bellew II is exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office on 22 November with George Groves, Anthony Joshua MBE, James DeGale MBE and World title defences for Scott Quigg and Jamie McDonnell also on the bill. skysports.com/cleverlybellew.

NEW YORK (Nov. 19, 2014) — At last night’s monthly meeting, attended by 85 members, Ring 8 wanted to let Chris Algieri know that they are in his corner for Saturday’s fight against Manny Pacquiao in Macao, China.

“We wanted to show our support to Chris and decided to make this sign and send a picture of us to the media,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy explained. “Chris is one of our own, from New York, and Ring 8’s 2014 Fighter of the Year

MACAO, CHINA (November 18, 2014) — Fighter of the Decade Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, and New York’s undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion CHRIS ALGIERI, who has Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management, a Masters degree in Clinical Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Upsets Inside the Ring, will host their final press conference Wednesday, November 19, at The Venetian Macao.

The press conference will be streamed Live to the U.S. via www.toprank.tv, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Pacquiao (56-4-3), the Filipino icon, defends his WBO welterweight title against Algieri (20-0), the scholar-fighter, Saturday, November 22, at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Arena. Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Banner Promotions and Tecate, the Pacquiao vs. Algieri world welterweight championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Joining Pacquiao and Algieri will be their respective trainers Freddie Roach and Tim Lane, promoters Bob Arum, Joe DeGuardia and Ed Tracy, President and CEO of Sands China Ltd.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacAlgieri to join the conversation on Twitter.

New York, NY – November 18, 2014 ­ Bellator 131 knocked out the competition on Saturday, November 15 with record ratings for the emerging MMA franchise under new president Scott Coker. The Bellator 131 main event between Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar (11:50pm-12:16am) drew 1.8 million viewers, peaking at 2 million, making it the most-watched and highest­rated MMA fight on cable in 2014.

The Ortiz-Bonnar fight ranks as 2nd highest-rated MMA fight telecast in all of television with Men 18-34 and Men 18-49, including broadcast, in 2014. Also, Ortiz-Bonnar ranked #2 in its timeslot in all of cable with Men 18-34 and Men 18-49.

“Bellator 131 was an incredible event that had something for everybody, and I’m thrilled to see our efforts were so well-received by our fans,² said Coker. ³I’m very proud of our entire Bellator and Spike family for all of the hard work they put resulting in these record-breaking ratings. The most exciting thing for me is the knowledge that that we are just getting started, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the future.”

Bellator 131 ratings breakdown:

Bellator 131 ­ Ortiz vs. Bonnar ­ 11:50p
1.8 million viewers

Bellator 131 ­ 10:11p
1.3 million viewers

Bellator 131 ­ 9p
994,000 viewers

Overall, the entire fight card delivered (9:00-12:16) delivered 1,241,299 viewers, a record for Bellator MMA on Spike TV.

Bellator 131 was a knockout with social media as well ­ as it was the most tweeted Bellator event in Spike history. Reach on Facebook and the associated video views were also record highs for Bellator.

About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 93.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

ORANGE, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2014) – It’s been a busy year for top lightweight prospect Jose Roman. He earned a knockout win in April, and the following month captured a vacant regional belt. Roman followed that victory with a successful title defense in September. On Friday, he looks for his fourth quality win of the year against Jose Luis Ramirez (7-1-1, 4 KOs) of Tijuana, Mex.

Roman vs. Luis is the 8-round co-main event of Thompson Boxing Promotions “Locked n’ Loaded” show taking place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif., Friday, Nov. 21.

By all accounts, Roman (18-1-1, 12 KOs) is having one of the best years of his young career. A boxing free agent in 2013, Roman signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions and debuted with a win last November. Since then, he’s won four in a row and has been learning from one of the top trainers in the game – Joel Diaz.

“He’s bringing a new style in that he’s more active, he’s letting his combinations go,” Diaz said. “When we started working with him about a year ago, he was throwing one or two punches at a time, now he’s flowing with combinations.

“He used to stay behind, now he’s pushing the tempo. His footwork and defense has improved. He’s getting better everyday. The more time we spend with him, the more he learns.”

“On top of being active, Joel wants me to use my length and height to help control fights,” said the 26-year-old Roman. “I can definitely see the improvements. I’m starting to become a more complete boxer.”

For an exclusive look at the Roman training camp, please click here, or on the graphic above.

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40, $60, and $100, and are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

The main event features Artemio “King” Reyes (22-2, 18 KOs), a power-punching welterweight prospect out of Riverside, Calif., taking on Christopher Degollado (11-3, 9 KOs) of Monterrey, Mex.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with KCAL 96.7 FM Rocks!, KOLA 99.9 FM, and LATV Networks.

For additional information please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ThompsonBoxing. To follow the conversation on social media, please use hash tags #ThompsonBoxing, #LockednLoaded.

CORK, Ireland (Nov. 18, 2014) – Fresh off of his devastating 12th round knockout of previously undefeated No. 2 contender “Dangerous” Denton Daley (12-1) this past Saturday night, as the official WBA mandatory challenger, Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight champion Youri “El Toro” Kalenga (21-1, 14 KOs), has set his sights next on WBA “regular” champion Denis Lebedev (26-2, 20 KOs) with a loftier goal to eventually unify all the world titles.

“I want to fight Lebedev next and my promoter, Michael King (King Sports Enterprises), will bring that fight to Los Angeles,” Kalenga said. “Once I beat Lebedev, I will take on the other world champions – (IBF) Yoan Pablo Hernandez, (WBO) Marco Huck or (WBC) Grigory Drodz. Give me any and all of them!”

The 26-year-old Kalenga, the Congolese fighter who lives in France, captured the Interim WBA title this past June in Monte Carlo, taking a 12-round split decision (116-112, 115-113, 113-115) over Mateusz Masternak (32-1).

Last Saturday evening, in front of 6,000 partisan fans in the first world heavyweight championship bout held in Mississauga, Canada, hometown favorite Daley was dropped by Kalenga in the ninth, displaying heavy-handed combinations that bludgeoned him helplessly to the mat. Daley trailed badly on the scorecards going into the final round and the former college basketball player decided to go for broke. Kalenga finished him off, though, with two more knockdowns in the 12th round. Referee Charlie Fitch halted the action at the 1:52 mark after a three-punch explosion left Daley out on his feet before going unconscious and motionless on the canvas for several moments.

An aggressive fighter and vicious puncher, Kalenga embodies his nickname – “El Toro” – relentlessly coming forward, throwing powerful bombs from all different angles. His style promises to make him a hit with fans all over the world.

Fighting in Daley’s backyard wasn’t a problem for Kalenga, whose last seven fights have been in seven different countries – Canada, Monaco, Ireland, Spain, France, Latvia and Germany.

“I love to fight and for me it doesn’t matter where,” Kalenga noted. “If I fight in my opponent’s territory, he thinks that he has the advantage but, once every one clears out of that ring before the first bell, it is just me and him. Of course, the officials will sway towards the home fighter, so, that’s why I go for a knock out.”

Kalenga’s last five fights have been under the guidance of international boxing manager Gary Hyde (Nowhere2hyde), who also manages WBA Super & WBO super bantamweight champion Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 KOs), the two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist; former WBO middleweight champion Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (31-1, 18 KOs), the current IBF middleweight mandatory challenger; Georgian junior welterweight prospect Levan “The Wolf” Ghvamichava (13-1, 10 KOs) and French junior middleweight title-holder Michel Soro (23-1-1, 13 KOs.

“Youri is tough, rugged, brutal fighter and, at 26, he will be a big force at 200 pounds,” Hyde commented. “Youri has raw power in both hands and he’s also a showman. He’s going to be a huge star once U.S. fans get to see him in action. He didn’t want to leave the final outcome to the judges, hence, scoring a devastating knockout in round 12. Daley was game and he did put up a good fight.”

Kalenga is now the mandatory challenger for Lebedev, whose last fight was a second-round stoppage of Pawel Kolodziej (33-0) this past September. The Russian southpaw had lost his WBA title belt May 17, 2013 to WBA “Champion in Recess” Guillermo Jones (KO11), but Lebedev was reinstated as WBA champion after Jones failed a post-fight drug test.

Lebedev, however, has never fought outside of Russia and Europe, so for Team Kalenga to make a fight in the United States with Lebedev is a long-shot unless it goes to purse bid and King Sports Enterprises wins.

“Youri’s promoter, King Sports, has huge resources and it is very keen on delivering world title fights,” Hyde added. “I am confident that Michael King, CEO of King Sports, will put this fight with Lebedev on in California.”

Meanwhile, outside of Europe, Kalenga is the best-kept secret in the cruiserweight division, if not in all of boxing.

In the ring, like a charging bull on Red Bull, Kalenga just keeps coming forward with bad intentions. He made a major statement in his North American debut last weekend. Now, his goal is to settle the score in the WBA with Lebedev, before attempting to unify the world cruiserweight title.

(San Diego) –
In boxing, a belt is not an accessory but an identity. Once a career is over, success is not measured in a win/loss record, money in the bank, magazine covers or possessions but in how many world titles were collected. Ever since Tijuana’s Kenia Enriquez (12-0, 6 KO) laced up the gloves at the tender age of thirteen the dream has been the same.

To capture the world title.

Things since then might have changed, different trainers, different gyms, different scenery but the goal has never changed. Tonight after two years and twelve fights as a professional Enriquez gets her first opportunity for a world title when she faces the much more experienced Ana “La Bronca” Arrazola (20-10-3, 13KO) of Mexico City for the vacant World Boxing Organization female flyweight title in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

In Kenia’s eyes, the title comes right at the perfect time. “At first my plan was to wait until next year to look for a shot at the title but thanks to my promoter Bobby DePhilippis the opportunity is here. I am ready. My whole life has led to this. All those early mornings, running all those miles, all those afternoons in the gym, sparring, working the bags, the years of learning from my father, my last trainer Gerardo Espinoza and now Don Romulo Quirarte, it has led to this.”

To read more, Please click HERE

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. “San Diego Fights” is presented by Bobby D. Presents with Mossy Automotive Group, Pepsi,
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, DGS Construction and Car Czar. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm. For more info, please dial (619) 420-8866 or visit BobbyDPresents.net.

Former Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute injured his back and his December 6 bout with Roberto Bolonti has been called off accring to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

InterBox promoter Jean Bedard announced that while Bute-Bolonti is off, the card will go on with former light heavyweight champion and Quebec star Jean Pascal having his co-featured bout against Donovan George elevated to the main event.

“Even though it’s sad news for Lucian and his fans, the Dec. 6th gala is important for Jean Pascal’s future and the world of boxing,” Bedard said in announcing that the show, an Integrated Sports pay-per-view in the United States, will go on.

VALLEY FORGE, PA (November 18, 2014)–On Saturday night, November 22, 18 year-old Samuel Berman will make his professional debut when he takes on Jamikey Woods (0-1) of Statesville, NC in a 4-round Welterweight bout at the Valley Forge Casino & Resort.

The show is promoted by Kings Promotions.

In the main event, Dennis Hasson (16-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Taneal Goyco (6-8-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a 8-round Light Heavyweight bout.

Berman who attends Nethacton High School in Collageville, PA had a brief amateur career where he went 10-5, feels right now us the right time to turn professional.

“I felt like it is a good time to turn pro,”said Berman, “I have a pro style so I know it fits and I am ready for the pro ranks.”

Berman will have a lot of support from the his friends, family and faculty from the high school.

“I have a lot of people behind me. It’s cool that teachers are interested and in my area, I feel like a hometown hero. I will have a decent amount of my classmates at the fight as well.”

Berman is not resting on his laurels of just being a professional boxer as he has his sights set as continuing his education after his senior year.

“I am thinking about going into nursing. It’s something I am interested in and maybe at some point, I will be able to fix up the guys I beat up in the ring.”

He does not know much about Woods but he has a string declaration for his opponent.

“I only know that he is 0-1. But I know I will knock him out, so I all I want to say to him is on November 22—TIMBER!!!”

6 Round Bouts:

David Grayton (9-0, 8 KO’s) will take on an opponent to be announced in a Welterweight bout.

In Four Round Bouts:

Sulhtan Staton (3-0, 2 KO’s) takes on Ramon Ellis (4-13-2, 2 KO’s) in a Lightweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (0-1) of Pennsauken, NJ will battle Eliezar Mendez (1-0) of Reading, PA in a Jr. Lightweight fight.

Martin Lagunas Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Ruskin, FL will take on an pro debut Diamond Mitchell in a Welterweight fight.

In a featherweight contest, Johnnie Rolon of Florida will make his pro debut against fellow pro debuter Ruben Swain of Ohio.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling Kings Boxing at 610 587-5950

ESPN will present extensive pre- and post-fight coverage across its platforms in English and Spanish of the 12-round Welterweight title fight between WBO Welterweight titlist Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) and undefeated fast-rising challenger Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs), who started the year off with a February win over Emanuel Taylor on ESPN Friday Night Fights. The fight, from the Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena in Macau, China, will be produced and distributed live by HBO-Pay-Per-View on Saturday Nov. 22, at 9 p.m. ET.

Highlights:

Television
· SportsCenter:

o Pre- and post-fight coverage, including interviews with both fighters on Thursday, Nov. 20, during the 8 p.m. hour and planned live coverage of the Friday, Nov. 21 weigh-in.

· ESPN Deportes/ESPN International:

o Golpe a Golpe: Jorge Eduardo Sánchez and analyst Juan Manuel Márquez will provide live coverage of Friday’s weigh-in with reporter Bernardo Osuna reporting from Macau on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. A special pre-fight and post-fight show with Sánchez, Márquez and Osuna will air Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., respectively.

o ESPN will also air Golpe Golpe in Mexico and Central America.

o News and information platforms will also have pre- and post-fight news and analysis throughout the week.

Digital
· ESPN3:

o Coverage of the press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8:30 a.m., and weigh-in on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m., will be live on ESPN3 via WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider. ESPN3 will also carry the Pacquiao vs. Algieri Red Carpet Non-televised Bouts Show on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m.

· ESPN.com:

o Comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-fight features, videos and blogs from Dan Rafael, Brian Campbell, Nigel Collins, Bernardo Pilatti, HBO’s Kieran Mulvaney, Osuna and ESPN the Magazine’s Brett Forrest.

o “Fight Credential,” ESPN.com’s home page for all Pacquiao vs. Algieri coverage, will be updated with features, video, photos and social media from all platforms throughout the week and through the fight.

o Making the Rounds, ESPN.com’s original boxing show, previews the fight with HBO boxing analyst and ESPN SportsNation host Max Kellerman, Rafael and Campbell.

o ESPN3 live streams of Wednesday’s press conference, Friday’s weigh-in and Saturday’s Red Carpet Non-televised Bouts Show.

o Additional video, including, HBO’s Under the Lights: Pacquiao-Algieri, HBO’s 24/7 Pacquiao/Algieri and more.

o “Five keys to victory” feature, which highlights what each fighter needs to do to win.

o “In their own words” Q&A with each fighter. View Pacquiao Q&A; View Algieri Q&A.

o Former opponents of Pacquiao and Algieri discuss what each fighter must do to win. View Q&A with Eric Morales; View Q&A with Ruslan Provodnikov; View Q&A with Timothy Bradley Jr.

Schedule of Pacquiao vs. Algieri Coverage Across ESPN Platforms:
Date
Time (ET)
Coverage
Network/Platform
Wed, Nov 19
8:30 a.m.
Pacquiao vs. Algieri Press Conference
ESPN3, ESPN.com
Thurs, Nov 20
8 p.m.
Interviews with Pacquiao and Algieri
SportsCenter on ESPNEWS
Fri, Nov 21
7 p.m.
Pacquiao vs. Algieri Live Weigh-in
ESPN3, ESPN.com, SportsCenter on ESPN

Golpe a Golpe: Weigh-in Show
ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
Sat, Nov 22
7 p.m.
Pacquiao vs. Algieri: Red Carpet Non-televised Bouts Show
ESPN3, ESPN.com

8 p.m.
Golpe a Golpe: Pre-Fight Show
ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

2 a.m.
Golpe a Golpe: Post Fight Show
ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola injured his elbow and is off the December card that is on ESPN2.

“He had surgery on his elbow after the fight with Stiverne, and it is just not responding in the gym the way it should, so it’s best to give him a little more time before he’s in an actual fight,” Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions, Arreola’s longtime promoter, told ESPN.com.

Said Henry Ramirez, Arreola’s trainer, “When we initially went to see the doctor after the Stiverne fight, he recommended that Chris have Tommy John surgery, but since he’s not a pitcher and we didn’t have a year to take off, they did a scope instead. Coming back, the elbow just wasn’t ready yet to fight on Dec. 11. But Chris is in the gym and he is training. He’s using his left, but he’s going easy on it and not doing any hard sparring. He hasn’t been able to really turn loose with it and let it go yet.”

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns for its latest edition TUESDAY, NOV. 18 (11:00-11:30 pm. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has been the host of HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988, the show is a provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing.

On this edition of THE FIGHT GAME: a review of Sergey Kovalev’s dominant win over legendary pugilist Bernard Hopkins in their light heavyweight title unification fight and a look at where Kovalev goes from here as Michelle Beadle conducts a satellite interview; a recap of the Nov. 15 Wladimir Klitschko-Kubrat Pulev heavyweight title fight; a preview of the Nov. 22 welterweight title showdown between superstar Manny Pacquiao and challenger Chris Algieri; the latest boxing news with Max Kellerman; new rankings for THE FIGHT GAME’s Pound for Pound List and Gatti List; and commentary from Lampley.

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 18 (3:50 a.m.), 19 (6:30 p.m.), 21 (12:30 p.m.), 24 (2:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), 27 (9:15 a.m.), 29 (1:45 a.m.) and 30 (11:15 a.m.), and Dec. 3 (5:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 20 (9:45 a.m.), 22 (8:45 a.m., 2:00 a.m.) and 28 (8:30 p.m.), and Dec. 6 (12:30 p.m.), 9 (5:15 p.m., 11:15 p.m.), 17 (8:30 a.m.) and 19 (12:15 p.m.)

HBO On Demand® availability begins: Nov. 20. The show will also be available on HBO GO®.

Immediately following the program, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for exclusive overtime segments hosted by Lampley.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

NEW YORK (Nov. 18, 2014) –- An IBF super middleweight elimination bout between 168-pound contender Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (23-1, 16 KOs), of Flint, Mich., and veteran spoiler Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards (27-3-1, 14 KOs), of Las Vegas, has been confirmed as a 12-round co-feature of a SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition quadrupleheader on Friday, Dec. 19, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Quebec.

For the switch-hitting Dirrell, the elimination bout for the IBF’s No. 2 position behind No. 1 James DeGale and champion Carl Froch will be his first start on SHOWTIME and fifth overall since getting injured against then-undefeated Arthur Abraham in his second Super Six World Boxing Classic fight on SHOWTIME on March 27, 2010.

Dirrell had scored a knockdown in the fourth and was comfortably ahead of the Armenian on all scorecards heading into 11th. About a minute into the round, Dirrell slipped on a wet canvas and Abraham blatantly hit him while he was down, knocking Dirrell out cold and resulting in Abraham being disqualified. Dirrell suffered neurological issues as a result of the punch, withdrew from the tournament and was sidelined for 21 months.

A fixture on SHOWTIME before the injury, Dirrell is quickly approaching the peak form he exhibited when he entered the Super Six and was regarded by many as one of boxing’s fastest-rising contenders. Dirrell has won his last five fights, three by stoppage.

“I’m excited to be back on the fast track and I’m ready to show that this is definitely where I belong,” Dirrell said. “It takes time to move back to the top, but I like to improve myself each time I step into the gym. I almost feel like I’ve been overworking myself in the gym to prove that I’m back.

“But I feel like I’m there and ready for a title shot. And, when the time comes to prove that I’m ready, I won’t leave any doubt.’’

A 2004 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist and the older brother of WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony Dirrell, Andre scored a second-round TKO in his return to the ring on Dec. 30, 2011, but didn’t fight again until February 2013. He’s been victorious in both his fights in 2014, winning his last via fourth-round TKO over Nick Brinson on Oct. 8.

After blasting out Vladine Biosse two starts ago, the 31-year-old Dirrell called out IBF Champ Froch, who was the unbeaten WBC 168-pound champion when he dealt Dirrell his lone loss via a controversial, 12-round split-decision in his native England in the first Super Six fight for both fighters on Oct. 17, 2009.

“I know I won that fight against Froch,” Dirrell said. “I think everyone knows I won that fight. He’s the one opponent I want and the fact that he’s a world champion again is just icing on the cake. I don’t think I’ve ever been defeated and I want that title shot. Hopefully he doesn’t retire because I know the world wants to see that rematch.

“I want to fight the best at 168. I want to unify the division, but if my brother does that first then I will move up to 175. I have a lot of work to do in a little amount of time – I want to fight for about five more years – and if Anthony runs me out at 168 then I’ll go up to 175.”

Before Dirrell gets his shot at a title he must first defeat a power-punching opponent who has a knack for upsets.

“This guy may have power, but power-punchers are the best opponents for pure boxers, for slick guys like me,” Dirrell said. “That’s when I’m at my best. I’m not even looking at his power – his will and determination in the fight will be more important than his power.

“I know he’s going to be at his best when he steps in the ring on Dec. 19. He’s been in some tough fights, but I don’t think we’ve seen the best from him yet. I’m not worried about anything but getting the job done and I know I will when the time comes.”

Edwards, who once fought light heavyweight kingpin Adonis Stevenson when he was campaigning at 168 pounds, is coming off perhaps the most unlikely result of the year, a stunning 1:01, first-round knockout of previously-unbeaten, top-five ranked Badou Jack on ShoBox: The New Generation last Feb. 28 on SHOWTIME.

An extreme longshot going in, Edwards twice dropped Jack, the first coming with an overhand short right 32 seconds into the match. Moments later, Edwards registered another knockdown from a right followed by a glancing left hook. Jack stumbled to his feet but the referee had seen enough and waved off the bout.

“I’m definitely confident going in against Andre,” Edwards said. “He’s a different fighter than Jack. He had a good amateur background and fought some of the best super middleweights in the Super Six, but I see some things I can exploit in Andre. I know I’ll need to force the action on him and be the aggressor.

“A win like this would put a lot of other fighters on notice; let guys know that I can deal with the speed of a fighter like Andre and the power of a guy like Jack. And it would give me the confidence to fight anyone.’’

A “traveling underdog” who has fought from 161 to 185 pounds, Edwards, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C., is known for an ambidextrous style of fighting. Despite only six amateur bouts, he won his first 25 fights – more than 50 percent by knockout – after turning professional in October 2002.

And while he’s never faced an opponent with the speed, amateur pedigree and as naturally athletic as Dirrell, he knows that a second consecutive upset victory could forever change his life.

“I’ve never been this motivated for a fight,” said the 34-year-old Edwards. “A win like this would put a lot of things on the table, open up a lot of doors and opportunities. It’s definitely the biggest fight of my life.

“There’s no tomorrow. It’s just one night. I need to seize the moment and lay it all out on the line. This is my one big shot.”

In the main event on Dec. 19, hard-hitting WBC and The Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (24-1, 20 KOs) will defend against Dmitry “The Hunter” Sukhotskiy (22-2, 16 KOs), of Russia.

Kevin Bizier (23-1, 16 KOs), of Quebec, will face the only man to defeat him, Canadian-based Romanian Jo Jo Dan (33-2, 18 KOs) in a 12-round IBF welterweight eliminator – the winner to face World Champion Kell Brook – in the second clash of a four-fight telecast. The opener will feature the SHOWTIME debut of two-time Russian Olympian Artur Beterbiev (6-0, 6 KOs), who twice beat WBO/WBA/IBF Champion Sergey Kovalev in the amateurs. Beterbiev meets fellow unbeaten Jeff Page Jr. (15-0, 10 KOs), of Andover, Kansas, in a 10-round light heavyweight scrap.

Tickets for an event presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron, range from $25 to $250 and are on sale in the branches of the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec (418) 691-7211 or 1 (800) 900-7469, online at www.billeteck.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980.

The hotly anticipated cruiserweight clash between Mateusz Masternak (33-2, 24 KOs) and Jean Marc Mormeck (37-5, 23 KOs) has been confirmed for December 5 at the Palais des Sports in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France.

Masternak, who returns following the fourth-round stoppage of Ben Nsafoah, is ready to get his world title ambitions back on track when he travels to Hauts-de-Seine to face the legendary French cruiserweight on his home turf.

‘’Mormeck is a great boxer,’’ said Masternak. ‘’He may have struggled at heavyweight but as a cruiserweight he is still very dangerous. I will need to be 100% prepared, but I believe in myself and I believe I can beat him.

‘’I have no fear of fighting in France. A boxing ring is a boxing ring no matter where in the world you are. I have fought away from home before and I know what to expect.

‘’This is a massive fight for me. If I win I will put myself back in the mix for a shot at a world title. But at the moment, I can’t risk looking past this fight. This is the most important fight of my career. It’s a fight I must win!

The Polish ‘Master’ has a tough task ahead of him. His opponent Mormeck is a former two-time world champion, who following a brief spell at heavyweight has returned to the cruiserweight division with the sole intention of reclaiming his belts.

‘’My goal is to challenge for world titles,’’ said Mormeck. ‘’This fight will pave the way for me. This is not a dream. This is a reality. I have been world champion before and I will become world champion again.

‘’I don’t study my opponents before a fight. That’s not my thing. I have watched only three rounds of Masternak, but for me that is enough. He is former European Champion with a decent record so I know he will be a tough opponent and I’m expecting a good fight.’’

‘’This is a fascinating match up,’’ said Masternak’s promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’There is a lot at stake for both men. It’s a fight that neither can afford to lose. Mormeck is a quality fighter. He has been in with and beaten many of the best. On December 5, Mateusz has the chance to prove he belongs at world level by beating a former world champion in his own backyard!’’

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

QUEENS, NY (November 17, 2014) – On Friday night, November 21 at Resorts World Casino New York City, New Legend Boxing returns with a packed night of boxing.

In the main event, Bryant “Pee Wee” Cruz (12-0, 6 KO’s) of Port Chester, New York will risk his undefeated record when he takes on Engleberto Valenzuelä (9-3, 3 KO’s) of Mexico in a Super Featherweight bout scheduled for 8 rounds.

One of the featured undercard bouts will see the pro debut of Ireland standout amateur Noel Murphy making his pro debut against Anthony Smith (1-3) of Brooklyn, New York in a 4-round Welterweight bout.

Murphy, just 20 years-old of Cork, Ireland and now residing in Yonkers, New York is excited to begin his career in the paid ranks after completing an 116 amateur.

“The professional game is more active. I competed for Ireland but when I got the opportunity to turn professional and come to New York, I took it,”said Murphy. ” It feels great to be in New York. I can get the best experience and best sparring here.

In Smith, all Murphy knows is that he is fighting an opponent who is a native New Yorker.

“All I know is that he is from Brooklyn but that doesn’t bother me. I have prepared for the fight.”

When asked about his style, Murphy looks to be a crowd pleaser.

“I can do a bit of everything but I focus on my power shots,” finished Murphy.

In a Ten round Bout:

Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ takes on former Lightweight champion Miguel Acosta (29-7-2, 23 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a Lightweight bout.

In six round bouts:

Treysean Wiggins (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Newburgh, NY will battle battle tested Jason Thompson (5-7-4, 4 KO’s) of New York in a Welterweight fight.

In a Jr. Welterweight bout, Chris Galeano (4-0) of Bronx, NY will take on Villi Bello (1-0) of San Pedro de Macrois, DR

Allan Phelan (6-2, 4 KO’s) of New York via Ireland will look for his 7th consecutive win when he takes on Angel Albelo (4-7-2, 1 KO) of Kissimee, Florida in a Super Featherweight clash.

In four round bouts:

Devaun Lee (3-0, 1 KO) of Jamaica, Queens, NY will fight Obafemi Bakari (1-0) of Staten Island, NY in a battle of undefeated Middleweights.

Jose Miguel De La Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) of Queens, NY will fight Mack Babb (0-4) of Brooklyn, NY in a Welterweight bout.

In a Jr. Middleweight bout, Renan Ruiz (4-1, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will square off with Ismael Aulet (1-3) of Puerto Rico.

New Legend Boxing has tickets available, priced at General Admission $50, Reserved Seating $75, Ringside $125 and Ringside VIP $150 may be purchased by online at www.NewLegendBoxing.com or by calling (718) 487-4474.

Resorts World Casino New York City is located 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, N.Y. 11420. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first fight starts at 7:30 PM.

New Legend Boxing
Info@NewLegendBoxing.com
(718) 487-4474

Venice, CA (November 17, 2014) Boxing’s fastest rising star, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN was honored by the World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) this past week being named their “Fighter of the Month” for October 2014.

On October 18th, Golovkin added the WBC Interim Middleweight Title to his collection of world titles with a second round stoppage of MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO in front of a standing-room-only record crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. He is now the mandatory challenger to full champion MIGUEL COTTO.

The knockout of Rubio improved Golovkin’s record to 31-0-0 (28KO’s), while serving as his 18th straight knockout. His knockout ratio of 90.32 is the highest among all active champions and the highest in the history of the middleweight division.

“I’m honored to win the WBC interim title and very thankful to be named the ‘Fighter of the Month’,” said Golovkin who is planning to soon visit the WBC’s Mexico City headquarters for the official presentation of his new belt.

Said WBC President MAURICIO SULAIMAN, “We are glad to have Gennady in the ranks of world champions of the Council. He told me at the end of the fight with Rubio that his dream was to have the green belt and he did it and now wants to be the overall champion.”

“He is an attraction in the business, besides being a great person and fighter.”

Stated TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 PROMOTIONS; “This is a tremendous honor from the WBC for Gennady. With the huge crowd on hand and Gennady’s sensational performance, October 18th was a special night and we look forward to many more in the future.”

“He continues to distinguish himself as the most exciting and most internationally marketable star in boxing.”

Golovkin is slated to defend his world titles against former world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY on February 21st in Monaco, his third world title defense in the world’s most glamorous tourist location.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Nov. 17, 2014) – Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME bring boxing fans a 154-pound world title showdown between WBA Super Welterweight Titlist Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-2-2, 12 KOs) and former IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-6, 12 KOs) in the Friday, Dec. 12 installment of SHOWTIME BOXING Special Edition.

“Lonestar Battle: Lara vs. Smith” is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and will take place at the Illusions Theater at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, live on SHOWTIME (10:15 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Lara and Smith were originally scheduled to meet on Friday, May 2 in Las Vegas to kick-off Cinco de Mayo Weekend, but Lara withdrew from the fight to face Canelo Alvarez on July 12 on SHOWTIME PPV®. In a tightly contested fight, Lara dropped a close 12-round split decision to Canelo. Now, Lara is looking to reassert himself as one of the top 154-pound fighters in the world while Smith is looking to reclaim his piece of the world championship.

Also on the card is once-beaten super middleweight contender Badou Jack (17-1, 11 KOs) who will face Samuel Clarkson of Cedar Hill, Texas (12-3, 7 KOs) as he looks to climb back as a top contender in the 168-pound division. Additionally, promising undefeated junior middleweight and Mayweather Promotions rising star Chris “Sweet” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs) of Dayton, Ohio, who will take on once-beaten Steve “Hitman” Martinez (15-1, 12 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in the 10-round co-feature. The matchup showcases two power-punchers who have combined to knock out 13 of their last 16 opponents.

Tickets, priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday Nov.18 at noon CT and may be purchased by calling The Alamodome Box Office at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com.

“This is a fight I wanted and I’m happy that it’s finally going to happen,” said Lara. “We’ve had words in the past but now it’s time to see who the better fighter is. I’m the champion and Ishe Smith is going to realize that I’m on another level once he steps in the ring with me. I have a great team behind me and you’re going to see the best junior middleweight in the world in the ring on Dec. 12. Make no mistakes about it I’m coming to dominate.

“This is a fight I needed, the fight I wanted to secure my legacy in the sport of boxing,” said Smith. “There’s a chink in Lara’s armor, I’m fully ready to expose it on Dec. 12. I’ve always played the underdog role. I love when people count me out. I will become a two-time champion, crowned a champion again for the greatest city in the world Las Vegas.”

“I’m thankful for another opportunity to showcase my talents,” said Pearson. “I believe success is when opportunity meets preparation and I’m prepared. I will allow my performance to tell the rest of the story.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME,” said Martinez. “Chris Pearson is a great prospect and my dream was always to fight the best in my division. This is the second go around for this fight. My respect to Mayweather Promotions who kept their word and put this fight together again.”

“I’m very excited to get back in action,” said Jack. “I’m ready to put on a fan-friendly fight in a great fight town.”

Slick southpaw Lara, 31, graduated from the renowned Cuban Amateur Boxing Program and migrated to the U.S. to pursue a professional boxing career. As a young contender, he suffered a controversial loss against Paul Williams. Since then he has established himself as one of the sport’s most prominent fighters highlighted by a TKO of Alfredo Angulo and a 12-round unanimous decision over Austin Trout on Dec. 7, 2013 which earned him the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship.

After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Ishe Smith, 36, finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF Junior Middleweight Title on Feb. 23, 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title. He subsequently lost his title on September 14, 2013 by a close split decision to the always-tough Carlos Molina. Coming off of a second-round knockout over Ryan Davis on May 2 of this year, Smith will attempt to win his second world championship in a span of less than two years.

The 31-year-old Jack was undefeated and on the verge of a world title shot before getting caught with a punch in the first round against Derek Edwards this past Feb. 28. The hard-hitting Jack, of Las Vegas by way of Stockholm, Sweden, rebounded in his next bout with a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Jason Escalera on Aug. 30. Jack is looking for another win on Dec. 12 to climb back into contention for a world title at 168 pounds as he faces Texas’ Clarkson.

Pearson, 24, compiled an outstanding record of 96-8 in the amateurs and was a 2011 U.S. National Champion at 165 pounds. A natural right-hander who fights left-handed, Pearson went 3-0 in the World Series of Fighting matches. Two of the victories were noteworthy, as they came against Olympic Games medalists (2008 gold medalist Bakhyt Sarsekbayen and 2012 bronze medalist Yamaguchi Florentino). Due to an injury, Pearson will be fighting for the first time since February, when he won a close eight-round split decision over Lanardo Tyner on ShoBox: The New Generation. Pearson, despite going down in the sixth, won the toughest test of his career by the scores of 78-73 twice and 75-76. Prior to that fight, Pearson registered a 1:44, first-round knockout over Acacio Ferreira on Dec. 6, 2013 also on ShoBox.

Martinez, 24, promoted by Star of David and Square Ring, was also an accomplished amateur, going 103-17 while winning three New York Golden Glove titles as well as a National Golden Glove title. A pro since Aug. 2009, Martinez will be seeking to establish himself as a legitimate prospect with the first significant victory of his career. Martinez is a poised fighter with a good punch. He went 11-0 at the outset of his career before suffering his lone setback on an eight-round split decision to lefty Dennis Douglin in Jan. 2012. He has gone 4-0 with three knockouts since, including a fifth-round TKO over Antonio Fernandez in his most recent start last May 15. This will be the third fight of the year for Martinez, who is making his SHOWTIME debut.

For more information, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and follow on Twitter with @mayweatherpromo, @ShoSports, @LaraBoxing, @IsheSugarShay, @_ChrisPearson or @BadouJack. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromo and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at theboxingblog.sho.com. Also, follow the conversation using #Lonestarbattle.