LONDON (March 21) – David Price conqueror Tony Thompson has vowed to make easy work of another rising British heavyweight in Tyson Fury.

The American steps back into the ring this weekend in Istanbul, where he faces off against the skilled Cuban Odlanier Solis for the WBC International heavyweight championship, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The heavyweight veteran, who upset the odds by twice beating the highly touted Price, believes he can do the same thing to Fury and has questioned the level of competition the Manchester man has taken on so far.

“He [Fury] is a loudmouth guy, he’s talking his way into big fights and hasn’t done anything. At least David Price’s people had the gumption and balls to put him in with a live heavyweight. Tyson has never been in the ring with anyone like me,” said Thompson.

“All of his opponents pose a threat to him simply because he can’t fight. But they haven’t put him in there with anyone who is capable of exposing him, although a few people almost did it. If [Steve] Cunningham was a legitimate heavyweight he would have stopped Fury easily. A couple of other guys would have beat his ass,” he said.

A fight with the 25-year-old Fury also presents an easier task than the one Price posed and he has called on Team Fury, who are preparing for Dereck Chisora on July 26th, to make the fight happen.

“He’s just been mouthing off about me and I’m the type of guy if you want to talk that trash let’s do it. I’m not running from anybody. If he wants to do it, let’s do it. Tell Peter Fury, or whoever is running the show there,” said Thompson.

“I think it would be a good fight for the fans. He’s not that great of a fighter but he’s a huge guy and will pose a challenge to anybody but I will expose him easily. As a matter of fact, I think it’s an easier fight than the David Price fight,” he stated.

First though, the 42-year-old, who has twice challenged for the world title by taking on Wladimir Klitschko and losing, has his eyes fixed firmly on Olympic gold medalist Solis, with the winner being pushed into number two in the IBF rankings.

“I’m excited [about this fight],” said Thompson. “If Odlanier comes in in good shape I think it will be a good fight for the fans. I’m looking forward to the fight and am excited for the fans and also myself because I can get back in at number two.

“Solis is a legitimate guy and I can’t afford to take my attention of him for a minute. I’m not thinking of anyone except Solis but once that fight is over I want anyone that is going to get me closer to Wladimir, those are fights I want. The fight with Solis makes me number two in the IBF, that’s one fight away from the mandatory shot again,” he said.

‘The Tiger’ is coming off a loss to the undefeated Kubrat Pulev, a fight which he says he took at late notice following his victory over Price. Against Solis he will be up against it again as he goes in with a fighter who has a glittering amateur background and only one defeat on his record, that coming against Vitali Klitschko in 2011.

Solis is settling into Turkey well having arrived early and is determined to put on a show for the fans watching around the world.

“I love Turkey, especially the hospitality of the people here,” said Solis. “And I see the long history as an obligation to deliver a great fight. This country and the whole continent have seen big wars. And the next epic battle is coming up this Saturday.

“Tony Thompson doesn’t know what’s coming for him. My only goal is to become heavyweight champion of the world. And I won’t let anybody stop me on my way. I will beat Tony Thompson and go on to become world champion,” he declared.

Tony Thompson vs. Odlanier Solis is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/490HD & Virgin Ch.546) this Saturday at 8pm. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

osé Pedraza 129 vs. Alberto Garza 130

Rey Ojeda Marco 135 vs. Fernando Torres 135
Kenny Galarza vs.150 vs. Miguel Munguia 151
Jesus Rojas 127 vs. Juan Beltran 131
Daniel Rosario 151 vs. Carlos Garcia 151
Alberto Mercado 133 vs. Angel Pascual 132
Edwin Rodriguez 117 vs. Hector Gonzalez 118
Luis Rosario peso 124 vs.Felix Caraballo 124
Luis Paredes 124 vs. Josue Class 125
Jean Carlos Rivera 119 vs. Kevin Vazquez 120

Main Event: WBC United States Cruiserweight Title
Stivens Bujaj 196.5
Victor Barragan 192.5

Featured Bout
Jeremy McCleary 126
Corben Page 126.5
Contract Weight: 128 Lbs.

Undercard
Juan Carlos Rodriguez 156
Cameron Sevilla-Rivera 158
Contract Weight: 157 Lbs.

Sean Quinnett 144.5
Jared Teer 146
Contract Weight: 147 Lbs.

Josh Solis 159.5
Harrison Bevens 161
Contract Weight: 161 Lbs.

Jared Torgeson 199
Jon Jackson 195
Contract Weight: 200 Lbs.

Cole Milani 153
Mark Garcia 156.5
Contract Weight: 161 Lbs.

GILROY CA, March 21, 2014 – Multiple world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), who’s co-manager by Bob Santos and Luis Decubas Jr., has signed an agreement with world renowned adviser, Al Haymon.

After a long layoff, Guerrero is eager to get back in the ring and start another run toward a world title. With the addition of Haymon, sky is the limit for Guerrero, who will most likely be returning to the ring in the very near future.

“Signing with Al Haymon was a team decision and together we feel with no doubts that this was the best move for my career,” said Guerrero. “Team Guerrero and Team Al Haymon are united as one and together we are going straight to the top. Al has proven to be the most successful adviser in boxing, getting his fighters the biggest fights, and I’m thrilled to be working with him and his team. I’m hungry and I’m ready to get back in the ring. My goals are still the same and that’s to be the best fighter I can be and give the fans great performances.”

“I want to thank Bob Santos and Luis Decubas Jr. for bringing Al Haymon on board. I also want to thank Al Haymon for bringing me on his team and supporting me on my future endeavors. I’m looking forward to being in big fights moving forward and 2014 is going to be a great year for me. I can’t wait to get back in the ring for all my fans.”

Tomorrow (Saturday, March 22nd) Cuban Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis and US veteran Tony “The Tiger” Thompson collide in Tekirdag (Turkey) for the vacant WBC international heavyweight championship. At today’s official weigh-in Solis brought 257 lbs. (116.7 kg) to the scale while Thompson weighed in at 266.5 lbs (120.9 kg).

Asked if he felt a specific pressure before this important fight, Solis stated: “I never put myself under pressure. If I worried about the future I couldn’t perform the way I do. I take every fight and every opponent serious. Thompson is no difference. I go in there to beat him and to continue my way to become heavyweight champion of the world.”
When Tony Thompson was asked if he felt old at age 42, “The Tiger” answered: “I’m not getting older, I’m getting sexier every day! I know that I still have it. And after Saturday night Solis will know that as well. My age is no factor – but my experience might be. I will shock Solis and do to him what I did to David Price.”

In the co-feature 21-year-old heavyweight prospect Agit Kabayel will face his toughest test so far in Nigerian Gbenga Oloukun for the vacant WBC Mediterranean championship. Kabayel weighed in at 237 lbs. (107.5 kg) while his opponent was slightly heavier at 241.5 lbs (109.5 kg). While Kabayel vs. Oloukun is officially the co-feature for Solis vs. Thompson the fight might end up stealing the show because both men are known as heavy hitters who will probably just go in there and bang it out. “I know that Oloukun is a strong guy but I always focus on myself”, says Kabayel. “He has to adjust to my style not the other way around. As long as I am at my best nobody can beat me.”

The show in Tekirdag, Turkey, will be promoted by ARENA Boks Sportif / Ahmet Oner and broadcasted live in Turkey (Kanaltürk), the UK (Boxnation), Germany (sportdigital in association with Sky) and about 50 other countries worldwide. The live broadcast starts at 9.35pm (21.35h) Central European time.

Tickets for the Thursday, May 1, 2014, “Noche de Combates,” a special edition of ESPN Thursday Night Fights, at the iconic Hialeah Park in South Florida go on sale on Saturday, March 22.

Tickets for “Noche de Combates,” are priced at $20, $35, $50 and $100 and go on sale starting Saturday, March 22, and can be purchased at ticketforce.com, as well as hialeahpark.com, and also at the Hialeah Park Racing & Casino box office. For more information, call the special Boxing Hotline at 786-483-7444.

###

EVENT INFORMATION

ESPN Thursday Night Fights at ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Race Course’

Warriors Boxing Presents ‘Noche de Combates’ At Hialeah Park on Thursday May 1, Live International Television Broadcast on ESPN

Historic Hialeah Park, “the world’s most beautiful race course,” will enter into a new and exciting era of sports entertainment when Warriors Boxing presents “Noche de Combates,” a special edition of the popular ESPN Thursday Night Fights, on May 1, 2014 at this iconic South Florida venue.

According to promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, the ten-round welterweight main event that evening, matching accomplished veterans Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (34-3, 22 KOs) of Weslaco, TX and Victor “Mermelada” Cayo (32-4, 23 KOs) of Santo Domingo, DR, should be an action-packed affair.

“Garcia is on the comeback trail and he’s won three straight fights dating back to last August,” commented Margules. “He fought for the WBC International Light Middleweight title against Antonio Margarita in 2010. He lost a unanimous decision, but that’s the only defeat on his record dating back to 2004.”

“Cayo is also trying to work his way back into title contention as well,” Margules said. “He lost a tough fight last year against a real good fighter named Emmanuel Taylor. But in his most recent bout, he knocked out his opponent in the first round!”
In the televised ten-round middleweight co-feature, undefeated Jonathan “Mantequilla” González (17-0-1, 14 KOs) of San Juan, PR will put his near-perfect record on the line against an opponent to be determined.

The undercard will include a ten-round light heavyweight bout featuring knockout artist Yunieski Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs) of Havana, Cuba, who will put his perfect record on the line; a six-round middleweight bout in which James McGirt, Jr. (22-3-1, 11 KOs) of Vero Beach, FL, will return for the first time since 2010; a six-round middleweight scrap between Inocente “El Lucero Spirituano” Fiz (16-0, 10 KOs) of Havana, Cuba, and Devon Moncrieffe (9-2, 4 KOs) of Kingston, Jamaica; and a six-round cruiserweight affair featuring undefeated Cuban Vilier Quinonez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Havana.

Hialeah Park & Casino is located at 2200 E 4th Avenue in Hialeah, FL. On fight night, Thursday May 1, 2014, gates will open at 6:30 PM ET and the first fight will be at 7:00 PM ET. All bouts are subject to change.
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 it’s 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.

MINNESOTA, March 21, 2014 – Puerto Rican twin brothers, Carlos and Juan Velasquez, are set to fight this Saturday at The Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota. Both fighters will campaign at super-featherweight in scheduled 6-round bouts. Carlos Velasquez (15-1, 11 KOs) will face Willshaun Boxley (6-9-1, 4 KOs) while Juan Velasquez (11-1, 5 KOs) will square off against Philip Adyaka (4-4, 2 KO).

“I’m looking forward to a big 2014,” said Carlos Velasquez. “I’ve learned a lot since my last fight. I’ve been working hard and I’m feeling incredible. I have some new members of my team that have been pushing me to new limits. I just want to stay busy this year and make an impact in the division.”

Juan Velasquez makes his return after a long layoff. His last fight was in April of 2012 in which he won a 4-round unanimous decision. Against Wisdom, he’ll be looking to shake off the rust and get back to fighting on a regular basis.

“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my career and I feel I’m ready to take it to the next level.” Juan Velasquez said. “My goal is to stay active and improve with every fight. I’m in great shape and ready to put on a great show for the fans in Minnesota.”

The Velasquez twins are promoted by Warriors Boxing and G & A Promotions and managed by Luis Decubas Jr. and Bob Santos. Both fighters also scheduled to fight May, 1, 2014 on ESPN “Friday Night Fights”.

Tacoma, WA (March 21, 2014) – Stivens Bujaj (11-0, 8 KOs) and Victor Barragan (12-7, 3 KOs), a fight that was just announced two days ago, added an intriguing twist today to the Battle at the Boat 95 main event going on this Saturday at the Emerald Queen Casino. The fight will now be fought for the vacant WBC United States Cruiserweight Title (USNBC).

The title was previously held by Michael Seals (17-0, 13 KOs), who fought for the vacant title once in 2012 and has since gone down in weight to fight in the light heavyweight division leaving the title vacated once again.

Barragan has already had the title once in his stable, defeating former world champion, Arthur Williams (46-15-1, 30 KOs), via seventh round TKO in 2009 in a fight that some boxing enthusiasts considered to be a fight of the year candidate.

Bujaj, who has stated that he’ll be ready to take a shot at a top ten cruiserweight by the end of the year will certainly get a huge boost with a victory this weekend over a very tough Victor Barragan.

Tickets for Battle at the Boat 95, scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA are still available and can be purchased at the EQC box office and online through Ticketmaster.

Doors open at 6 PM with the first fight scheduled for 7 PM. You must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. For more information about Battle at the Boat 95 and all other Halquist Productions events, please visit www.halquistproductions.com (currently being re-designed) and the official Facebook and Twitter pages of Battle at the Boat and CageSport MMA.

About Halquist Productions
Promoter, Brian Halquist started Halquist Productions in 1989 when he promoted up and coming heavyweight boxing contender, Joe “The Boss” Hipp. In 1997, the Emerald Queen Casino and Brian Halquist Productions started the popular northwest boxing series, “The Battle at the Boat,” bringing boxing back to the Pacific Northwest. Halquist Productions is the Northwest’s premier fight promotional company and has promoted events on Showtime, HBO and ESPN and also a co-produced Showtime’s historic boxing event in St. Lucia, West Indies. The Battle at the Boat continues to be the longest running boxing series out of any casino in the United States.

ANNY MCINTOSH
VS
TRAVIS DICKINSON

Above
McIntosh (left) – 12st 6lbs 4oz
Dickinson (right) – 12st 6lbs 4oz

MATTY CLARKSON
VS
LEE DUNCAN

Above
Clarkson (left) – 12st 6lbs 7oz
Duncan (right) – 12st 6lbs

KID GALAHAD
VS
SERGIO PRADO

Above
Galahad (right) – 8st 9lbs 7oz
Prado (left) – 8st 10lbs

Ticket Information

March 22nd

Unreserved tickets for March 22nd are priced at £35, with ringside seating priced at £100 and the last remaining few are available on the door tomorrow night subject to availability

SECOND SET OF QUARTER FINALS

PONDS FORGE ARENA, SHEFFIELD, MARCH 22
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

DANNY MCINTOSH VS TRAVIS DICKINSON

MATTY CLARKSON VS LEE DUNCAN

PLUS

KID GALAHAD VS SERGIO PRADO
Vacant European Super Bantamweight Title

SEMI FINALS

Venue & Date: TBC – 10th May
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

THE FINAL

Venue & Date: TBC – 27 September
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS

Philadelphia, PA (March 20, 2014)–This Friday night at Harrahs Philadelphia,
Eric “Outlaw” Hunter will take on Yenifel Vicente for the USBA Featherweight title.

Hunter and Vicente weighed in at 125.5 lbs for their fight.

The 10-round bout will highlight a big card promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

Hunter (17-3, 9 KO’s) of Philadelphia was a 2004 Olympic Alternate and his manager, Club 1957 Management’s Mark Cipparone feels that the 27-year old Hunter is ready to finally take that next step into being a top contender at 126 pounds.

“This is definitely the time for Eric to shine,” said Cipparone.

“He is in the best mind frame I have seen him since we got together. Others who have been with him longer feel that it is the most focused he has been for any fight in his career. Eric’s talent has never been questioned. It was just putting everything together. He is just 27 and we believe his best years are ahead of him. He has been around a while but he turned pro at 18. Some of those spots he may not have been ready but I think that he needed those fights to realize the opportunity he has on Friday and what it could lead to.”

Towering heavyweight giant Skipp “Strictly Business” Scott (16-1, 10 KOs), the 6′ 8″ native of Houston, Texas, would like to set the record straight about his upcoming fight with heavily hyped, but untested Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (11-0, 8 KOs).

The two mammoth heavyweights (Washington stands 6′ 5″) will collide in the 10-round co-main event on Thursday, April 3, when Golden Boy Live! presents “Night Of The Heavyweights,” a tripleheader of heavyweight action on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, from the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

In the 10-round main event, unbeaten Cuban Luis Ortiz will take on long-time top contender and world-title challenger Monte Barrett and, in the televised opener, 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale will face veteran Nagy Aguilera.

Scott, who started boxing in 2006 after acquiring a black belt and having 85 fights as a kickboxer, has decades experience in the combat sports, and says he feels the hype around Washington is unwarranted.

“Besides being represented by Al Haymon, what’s he really got going for him that would make him the favorite over me?” asked Scott about Washington. “I’m not saying I’ve been in with the world’s best, but he’s never fought anyone remotely challenging. I’ve at least fought for a title against a guy 23-6. Washington is a football player who came to the fight game late. His biggest win was against 41-year-old Sherman Williams. Why would anyone call me a test for him? Wait until the fight is over to call anyone the ‘next American heavyweight.'”

Scott, who has run off his 16 straight wins since losing his professional boxing debut while finding the switch from kickboxing to boxing awkward against Aaron Lyons, says he’s also bringing in two secret weapons to his corner on fight night.

Legendary Hall of Fame Trainer Jessie Reid will serve as his co-trainer, along with well-respected Houston boxing staple, Aaron Navarro.

Reid has handled the careers of such greats as Roger Mayweather, Lamon Brewster, Johnny Tapia, Orlando Canizales, Reggie Johnson and Bruce Curry among the 23 World Champions and over 40 world-rated boxers he’s worked with.

And Navarro worked the opponent’s corner in Washington’s last fight, against the very same, and now 12-14-1, Arron Lyons, and got a good look at him.

“Jessie Reid knows how to beat anybody,” continued Scott. “His record speaks for itself. And Aaron got a close-up chance to study this guy and knows all his strengths and weaknesses and trust me when I say we’re going to be exploiting all of them. If you take away all his hype, you have a toss-up fight between two guys who are hungry to prove they’re the next big thing. I realize I’ll be fighting basically in his backyard, but I want a fair shake from the officials and fans and I promise you, I will make the most of it. I’m the fighter people will be excited about after this is all over.”

New York, NY (3/20/14) – Earlier today all of the fighters for tomorrow night’s DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing card weighed in at the NYSAC office in downtown Manhattan. Below is the complete bout sheet, with weights, for tomorrow night’s card.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

8 ROUNDS – JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Heather Hardy vs. Nydia Feliciano
Brooklyn, NY Bronx, NY
8-0, 2 KO’s 7-4-3
121 lbs. 119 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Joe Smith vs. Michael Gbenga
Long Island, NY Washington, DC
14-1, 11 KO’s 13-11, 13 KO’s
178 lbs. 172 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Patrick Day vs. Duane King
Freeport, NY Reidsville, NC
6-0-1, 3 KO’s 4-2, 2 KO’s
153 lbs. 151.4 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Lamar Russ vs. Tony Hirsch
Fayettville, NC Oakland, CA
14-1, 7 KO’s 15-6-2, 6 KO’s
160 lbs. 160 lbs.

4 ROUNDS -JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Chris Galeano vs. Azamat Umarzoda
Bronx, NY Las Vegas, NV
2-0 0-2
155 lbs. 155 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Joel Diaz vs. Jose Angel Beranza
Palmdale, CA Santa Ana, California
14-0, 12 KO’s 36-29-2, 28 ,KO’s
130 lbs. 129 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Eduardo Alicea vs. James Johnson
Cleveland, OH Kileen, TX
5-0, 3 KO’s 7-1, 7 KO’s
165.4 lbs. 159 lbs.

4 ROUNDS -LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Joseph Williams vs. PJ Cajigas
Far Rockaway, NY Franklin Park, IL
1-0, 1KO 1-3, 1 KO
177.8 lbs. 173.8 lbs.

Tickets are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $45, and can be purchased tomorrow night at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Las Vegas (MARCH 19, 2014)–One of the most decorated and famous female professional boxers of all-time, Mia “The Knockout” St. John has confirmed her appearance at the inaugural BOX FAN EXPO this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

St. John is the former WBC, IFBA and IBA world champion who gained popularity by appearing on some of the biggest undercards in boxing history that were headlined by Oscar De La Hoya. She also has appeared on the cover of Playboy and appeeared on many of the popular talk shows all over the world. Mia has done countless charity work.

“What an honor to meet and greet my fans at Box Fan Expo. Can’t wait for you to join me for an exciting Mexican independence fight weekend. Come meet me to get a signed autograph and take a picture with me at my Booth!”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate and join their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as meet and greets, autograph sessions, photo ops and you can weigh in and face off with your favorite fighters.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:
U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email info@boxfanexpo.com

For more info go to:www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Mia St. John on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MiaStJohnBoxer

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

PLEASE NOTE : see link at bottom of page for our Press Media kit.

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause.. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

Atlantic City, NJ: 28 year old light heavyweight Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson (15-2-0, 9KOs) is looking to keep his streak of three straight wins alive as the highlight of the undercard of the Kovalev-Agnew fight at Boardwalk Hall on March 29 with his ten round match-up against the undefeated Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (14-0-0, 10 KOs) originally of Zenica, Bosnia.

Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson
Photo Credits: Larry Levanti/Main Events
Lonnie’s three straight victories include two unanimous decisions, one on December 14, 2013 against Ryan Coyne in ten rounds as the co-feature on NBCSN Fight Night at Resorts in Atlantic City, NJ, the other an eight round unanimous decision victory over Yathomas Riley at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, NY on May 11, 2013, and a second round TKO against Chuck Mussachio at Bally’s Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ on February 23, 2013. He said, “It is very important for me to keep the momentum going after three straight wins but I really don’t focus on that. I just don’t plan on losing for the rest of my career. I just think about dominating every opponent I get in the ring with.”

Thompson has not lost since September 21, 2012 when he suffered a third round TKO (on nine days’ notice) at the hands of Main Events stable mate Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, who is coincidentally defending his WBO Light Heavyweight Title in the main event on March 29. Lonnie reflects on the Kovalev fight as a great learning experience and a chance to prove he can get right back in the ring. He said, “After the Kovalev fight I came right back and I think a lot of people are overlooking that. A lot of guys take a loss and take like ten months off. I came in as an opponent and dominated my next three opponents. I didn’t take the easy fights. I came in with all odds against me.”

Thompson vs. Coyne
Photo Credits: Larry Levanti/Main Events
Lonnie is originally from Buffalo, NY but he is training for this fight in Manhattan, NY at Mendez Boxing. He said he has a great sparring partner to help him prepare to fight Kalajdzic, “I have a sparring fighter that fights exactly like him but just a little more aggressive. My sparring partner is Russian and he works out perfect to prepare me for this fight. He doesn’t speak the language but he is strong as hell. I’m ready.”

The undefeated Kalajdzic has a 71% knockout-to-win-ratio but Thompson’s manager, Kevin Diever, does not think that will matter, “He has never faced anybody with the competition of Lionell. He has a protected record. Lionell is quicker and has the ability to destroy this guy. This time he is both physically and mentally prepared. He is going to have contend with the best version of Lionell.”

According to Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone, Kalajdzic wanted this fight, “This is a fight where the opponent called and specifically asked to fight Thompson. Getting opponents for Lonnie is not easy. Kalajdzic is young and hungry and he wants to fight the guy that no one wants to fight. That says a lot about him. This will be Kalajdzic’s biggest test to date.”

About March 29th:

March 29th features the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title showdown between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (23-0-1, 21KOs) and Cedric Agnew (26-0-0, 13 KOs) from the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic, City, NJ. The broadcast will begin live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 10:00 PM ET/PT with the Thomas Dulorme vs. Karim Mayfield co-feature. The event is presented by Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City. Tickets are on sale now through TicketMaster online at www.ticketmaster.com or via phone (800) 736-1420. Fans can also contact Main Events for tickets at (973) 200-7050. Ticket prices are $26, $51, $77 and $152. Doors will open at 6:30 PM ET.

For fight updates go to www.mainevents.com, www.CaesarsAC.com, www.BoardwalkHall.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing, www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity, www.facebook.com/BoardwalkHall or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Main_Events, https://twitter.com/CaesarsAC, https://twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and https://twitter.com/HBOboxing.

About Caesars Entertainment:

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest casino entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 70 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 20th, 2014) – Getting motivated to fight and actually stepping through the ropes and trading blows with an opponent has never been a problem for Cranston, R.I., welterweight Nick DeLomba.

“I’ve always had structure in the gym,” DeLomba said, “but I never had it in my life.”

With a new team in his corner, DeLomba (2-0) has finally found that much-needed balance between boxing and life outside of the gym, putting the 24-year-old welterweight on a collision-course with greatness in a region littered with talented 147-pounders.

The real measure as to whether or not DeLomba has turned the corner will come Friday, March 28th, 2014 when the Gary Balletto protégé steps back into the ring in a four-round bout on the undercard of Classic Entertainment & Sports’ professional boxing event at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. It will be DeLomba’s first fight since he beat Evincii Dixon by unanimous decision in May.

Shortly after that fight, DeLomba parted ways with his former trainers and went through a brief transition period where he essentially trained himself until he linked up with Rhode Island-based boxing coach Vic Fagnant. The two have worked together since the start of 2014 and DeLomba has noticed an immediate improvement in his life both in and outside of the gym.

“It’s a tremendous difference,” he said. “I pick up things quickly. Vic says I’m one of the few who listens to what he says and then goes out and does it. My angles are much better, my positioning, technique – he’s made a big difference in my life.

“He makes it so that every part of my day is about being a professional, whether it’s my diet, sleeping plan, what I’m doing, or who I’m with. He touches base with me every morning and every night when I leave the gym. It’s what I needed.”

Even as DeLomba debuted in 2013 with back-to-back wins in a pair of six-round bouts – a rare feat considering most fighters start out with four-rounders – he found himself doing most of the work on his own without much help from his previous trainers. He actually fired his camp twice during the preparation for the bout against Dixon and still let them work his corner the night of the fight.

“That whole camp was the turning point for me,” DeLomba said. “Even when it came time for the fight, I was in the locker room preparing and they were nowhere to be found. They were somewhere out in the crowd while I was wrapping my own hands.”

Through it all, DeLomba won the fight, picking himself up off the canvas following an early knockdown and dominating the final five rounds to earn the unanimous decision.

“It was like another day at the gym to me,” he said.

After beating Dixon, DeLomba agreed to fight Connecticut’s Carlos Hernandez in November, but showed up two pounds heavy at the weigh-in. Though the two camps tried to reconcile, the fight fell through, leaving DeLomba embarrassed, but determined to right the ship in 2014.

“I was in transition at the time,” he said. “I had no trainers, Gary was in and out of the hospital with infections, we had no heat at the gym – everything that could have went wrong did go wrong. Those two pounds killed me.

“I was really just training myself and getting up in the morning to push myself. Gary’s motivation is what drove me. When I was in the gym freezing because we had no heat, I’d look up at his posters and find my motivation. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

But DeLomba needed more than motivation. He needed someone reliable in his corner. Shortly before the scheduled bout in November, Fagnant reached out to DeLomba to invite him to his gym to do some pad work and get some sparring. The two already had a brief history; as an amateur, DeLomba spent six months training with Rhode Island prospect Anthony Marsella Jr., who was Fagnant’s student at the time. After the weigh-in fiasco, DeLomba eventually decided he wanted to work with Fagnant on a full-time basis.

“It was an easy transition,” DeLomba said. “We’ve got a great team. Vic also trains [Providence-based MMA fighter] Luis Felix and he and I push each other all the time. I helped push him for his last fight [on March 14th]. It’s an all-around solid team.”

The real test comes next Friday when DeLomba puts Fagnant’s tutelage to work inside the ring. It’s a chance to erase November from his memory and focus on a fresh start to 2014.

“I can’t wait,” DeLomba said.

The main event on March 14th features Jersey City, N.J., light middleweight Chris Chatman (11-3-1, 5 KOs), the eccentric, entertaining fan-favorite who is 2-1 lifetime at Twin River, facing The Contender Season 2 champion Grady Brewer (30-18, 16 KOs) of Lawton, Okla., in an eight-round bout.

Tickets are priced at $41, $76 and $126 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Players Club at Twin River. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

With Chatman-Brewer at the top, the undercard is stacked with the region’s top talent, including rising star KJ Harrison-Lombardi (5-0-1) of Providence, who will aim to keep his undefeated record intact in a four-round middleweight bout against Jason Bakanowski (0-1) of Worcester, Mass.

Coming off a knockout win over veteran Arthur Saribekian in November, Cape Cod, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (7-1-1, 5 KOs) will look to stay on track against East Stroudsburg, Pa., heavyweight Glenn Thomas in a four-round bout while Springfield, Mass., welterweight Zack Rasmey (6-0, 3 KOs) takes on veteran Shakha Moore (11-19-3, 2 KOs) of Norwalk, Conn., in a six-rounder.

Louisiana cruiserweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), who made his Twin River debut in February with a knockout win over Andre Ward, will return to face Devon Mosley (0-0-1) of Capitol Heights, Md., in a four-round bout and Chattanooga, Tenn., lightweight prospect Ryan Martin (3-0, 2 KOs) will face Justin Robbins (2-5, 1 KO) of Springfield, Ill., in a four-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Philadelphia, PA: Roberto Acevedo (8-1-0, 5 KOs), the 27 year old sensation from Puerto Rico, who stunned the crowd at Resorts International Casino & Hotel with the first round knockout of Ilshat “The Sherriff” Khusnulgatin on January 24th, will make his Main Events debut on Friday, April 4th at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA against Lee Campbell (6-0-0, 3 KOs), 36, of Laurinburg, NC. In addition to making his Main Events debut, Acevedo will also make his Philadelphia debut.

Roberto is a fighter who has defeated all the odds. Doctors told him on two separate occasions (once after he suffered three gunshot wounds as the victim of a drive-by shooting and once after he was hit by a drunk driver) that he would never fight again. He came back after both injuries to then turn pro a few years later.

Roberto Acevedo
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
His opponent, Lee Campbell built up his undefeated record almost exclusively in his home state of North Carolina. Only one of his fights took place elsewhere, his last fight, a majority decision win over Anthony Mack at Fitzgerald’s Casino and Hotel in Tunica, MI on August 24, 2013. This will be his first fight in the northeast.

Acevedo is very excited to make his Main Events debut, “I am very happy and positive with all the work that is being done in the gym for this fight. After my last fight I got back in the gym only two days after returning to Puerto Rico. I want to thank my new promotional banner Main Events and my manager Free Agent Boxing for these new opportunities.” He also added, “Regarding my opponent we know very little as there was a last minute change. Now we will be doing the necessary changes to bring another victory to Puerto Rico. Team Acevedo all the way!”

Roberto is managed by his brother Jose, who said, “Roberto is a future world champion in the making. He is back with his amateur trainer for the past year and has made several very strong improvements. In his last fight he showed the boxing world that he’s a fighter to keep a close eye on. He is not impressed or overwhelmed by records. Roberto is a hard worker; he deserves and is working hard for what is coming his way. We are very happy with the fast and steady move that Main Events has in plan for him.”

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “Roberto scored a huge upset win over Ilshat. When the spotlight was on him, he really stepped up and that’s what we look for in fighters. We’re putting him in with an undefeated opponent again and I can’t wait to see what he does this time.”

About April 4th:

The event features a ten-round bout for the USBA Heavyweight Title between Steve “USS” Cunningham and USBA champion Amir “Hardcore” Mansour live on NBCSN Fight Night from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. The Fight Night broadcast will begin at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing in association with BAM Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions. The undercard will include a ten round middleweight match-up between Curtis “Showtime” Stevens and Tureano Johnson. The remaining undercard fights will be announced shortly. Tickets are on sale now at www.comcastTix.com and the Liacouras Center Box Office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT on April 4th.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

With a record 423 Fight Club OC Season Seats sold for the fourth season of Southern California’s only hybrid fight series, mark your calendar for Opening Night of Season 4 when Fight Club OC kicks things off on Thursday evening at 7:30pm April 17th in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center.

Seven Bout Pro Show To Light Up
Fight Club OC Show on April 17th

9-0 Scott “The One” Alexander
What a night of action packed fights Fight Club OC boxing matchmaker Whit Haydon and MMA matchmaker Mel Valenzuela have assembled! You won’t want to miss a punch, kick, or takedown, as the April 17th show will be a night full of some of the best young fighters So Cal has to offer, headlined by undefeated heavyweight prospect Scott Alexander and solid OC MMA prospect Curtis Millender!

Undefeated Curtis Millender
In Boxing Action…

Scott Alexander at 9-0 is ready for a big comeback after only two bouts in the past year, but at only 24 years of age he is ready to start his climb up the heavyweight rankings. Alexander fought four times at the Irvine Marriott so fans will remember this Mohammed Ali look-a-like! He will be meeting veteran Giovani Sarran at 4-6.

Fight Club OC fans will also witness three other undefeated boxers in their Hangar debuts. Top Russian jr super welterweight prospect 8-0 Sukrab Shideav meets Chicago’s 3-0 David Thomas….and LA’s 6-0 super middleweight Ronald Ellis will be featured in a six rounder.

Neeco “The Rooster” Macias
Fight Club OC fans will fall in love with 3-0 Neeco “The Rooster” Macias who at 3-0 has one of the most unique fighter walkins in the sport. Macias will face 2-3 Julian Cruz out of Long Beach. Anaheim will be represented as Tony Thompson makes his pro debut at 154 pounds…and another pro debut will see Bakersfield Edwin Maldonado meet Palmdale’s Lionel Kelly in a jr featherweight four rounder. Also in boxing action will be David Imoesiri from Long Beach making his pro debut in the heavyweight division vs. TBA.

In Mixed Martial Arts Action…
Fight Club OC fans are saying he is the best mma prospect in all of Orange County, so they can decide when Fullerton’s 4-0 Curtis Millender looks to stay perfect, but he will be in a battle as he faces another Huntington Beach Bad Boy in veteran MMA warrior John Mercurio. Millender out of the UFC gym in Fullerton is trained by top coach Billy Burke.

Huntington Beach’s 6-1 Joe Murphy
If that bout isn’t enough, we’ve got Huntington Beach’s 6-1 Joe Murphy vs South Gate’s 6-0 Victor Henry. Need we say more…6-1 vs 6-0…WOW. Murphy is a World Series of Fighting veteran and is trained by Billy Burke and Cleber. Henry is in good hands as he trains at CSW with former UFC champion Josh Barnett.

Las Vegas – As part of UFC International Fight Week™, thousands of fans from all over the world will celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts (MMA) during UFC Fan Expo® July 5-6 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. During the two-day event fans will have access to the sport’s biggest names, interact with industry icons and more than 150 vendors, participate in exhibitions, fighter autograph and training sessions, and enjoy other special events and competitions. The UFC Fan Expo will culminate with the exciting conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter® 19 Finale on Sunday, July 6 at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Tickets and VIP packages for the UFC Fan Expo are on sale NOW at www.ufcfanexpo.com. Tickets for Saturday, July 5 are priced at $45, while tickets for Sunday, July 6 are priced at $40. A two-day pass is also available and is priced at $60. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now and save, as ticket pricing will increase at the door. Ticket on-sale for The Ultimate Fighter® 19 Finale will be announced at a later date.

This marks the fifth UFC Fan Expo held in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009, with additional UFC Fan Expos being held in Boston, London, Toronto and Houston.

Activities, appearances and sessions will be announced in the coming weeks. Current highlights include:

· 50+ UFC stars and celebrities

· Youth and adult, grappling and mixed martial arts tournaments

· Autograph sessions with fighters

· Q&A sessions with fighters and personalities

· Training and development sessions with some of the most influential figures in MMA

· Live performances that showcase Las Vegas’ entertainment

· Interactive fan events

To receive the latest news and updates on UFC Fan Expo, exclusive deals and discounts, Training & Development sessions and more, sign up for the official Expo newsletter (www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter) or follow @UFCFanExpo.

About UFC International Fight Week™

UFC International Fight Week™ returns to the Fight Capital of the World July 1-6, 2014. The weeklong celebration includes something for everyone from entertainment, dining and arts to charitable events, shopping and, of course, all things UFC. The event will also feature for the first-time ever, two huge fight cards in one weekend in the UFC’s hometown – UFC® 175 and The Ultimate Fighter® 19 Finale. Other fan favorite activities will return including UFC Fan Expo, a pool party with Octagon Girls®, training sessions with fighters, a free concert, weigh-ins and more! Tickets and event details are available at www.UFCFightWeek.com.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, the UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S. which includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. UFC also owns over 100 UFC GYM® locations, UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC 360 (the internationally distributed magazine), a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and Twitter: @UFC.

ck Culcay (16-1, 10 KOs) wants to make his breakthrough in 2014. “Either a World or European Championship, I am going to fight for one of those titles before year’s end.” But before the 28-year-old can think of such possibilities, he has to beat Salim Larbi (19-4-2, 7 KOs) on April 5 in Rostock, Germany.

However, the Frenchman wants to get his hands at Culcay’s WBA Intercontinental Belt. Larbi: “I already fought for a world title in 2012, where I came up short. Though, this experience will help me to beat Culcay.” The 26-year-old lost against Lukas Konecny in a fight for the WBO Interim World Championship.

Still, Culcay seems to be relaxed despite those challenging words. “I won’t let Larbi stop me on my way to the top!” If anything, “Golden Jack” wants to improve his knockout ratio to 11 early wins in 18 fights, after having won his last two bouts by decision.

Fight fans are also going to witness a rematch at Stadthalle Rostock, as Dominik Britsch (28-1-1, 9 KOs) will clash again with Soufiene Ouerghi (6-3, 4 KOs). The last time these two fought in December, Britsch won via controversial decision. This time, the middleweight from Germany does not want to leave any doubts.

In the main event on April 5 at Stadthalle Rostock Juergen Braehmer will defend the WBA Light Heavyweight Championship versus former cruiserweight titlist Enzo Maccarinelli. There are still a limited number of tickets available via www.eventim.de

BROOKLYN, NY (March 20, 2014) – Its no secret that Brooklyn native and current WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo is hoping to land a shot at facing pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather and on his quest he has received the support of Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Yormark called a possible Mayweather vs. Collazo bout a “Dream Fight” for Barclays Center.

“How great would it be for Brooklyn if the favorite son of Brooklyn fights this legendary fighter Floyd Mayweather? I think that goes down as, in many respects, the rational for what we want to do here,” Yormark told Mitch Abramson of Boxing Scene.

“Getting a chance to fight Floyd and prove I’m the best is definitely the goal,” said Collazo. “Now, getting a chance to fight Floyd at home [Brooklyn], that’s a whole different ballpark. That’s a dream.”

Mayweather is set to face Marcos Maidana on May 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, while Collazo has set eyes on Amir “King” Khan. No official statements have been made.

“Amir Khan up next and then, Floyd at home, that would be ideal,” said Collazo with a grim smile. “I’m very proud Mr. Yorkmark thought of me and Mayweather as Brooklyn’s ‘Dream Fight,’ that makes me truly proud of my roots, of Brooklyn.”

Washington, D.C., (March 19, 2014)- Fresh off of his exciting victory on ESPN Friday Night Fights, undefeated 19 year-old teenage welterweight prospect Dusty Hernandez-Harrison will be appearing at the Chick-fil-A at 16003 Crain Highway in Brandywine, MD this Saturday, March 22 to test one of their signature recipes while taking photographs and signing autographs with fans.

The Brandywine location of the immensely popular, billion dollar food chain has been a longtime supporter of Dusty and his career, both in the amateurs and professionally. The gracious boxer frequents the suburban Washington, D.C. Chick-fil-A location and is often greeted with a fanfare of autograph and photo requests by both patrons and employees.

Noticing Dusty’s growing admiration, on the professional sports and entertainment scene and largely on social media, Chick-fil-A wants to return their appreciation and has announced that Dusty and his friends, family and fans will be on site this Saturday to try some of their new menu items as well as some of Dusty’s classic favorites. Recently, the young boxer’s fan base has grown to include well know celebrities, receiving tweets from the likes of actor Mark Wahlberg, rappers Wale and Fat Joe, six-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens, and the World’s Greatest Poker Player and 9-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Ivey to name a few.

While taking a brief break from the ring, Dusty welcomes every opportunity to meet his fans, sign autographs and take photos, which fan appreciation has become a signature of the young star throughout his career. “I appreciate all the people that support me and what I’m doing. They show their appreciation for me when I am in the ring and travel all the way across the country so I think it will be good to spend time with them here at home.” Hernandez-Harrison said. Jovially, Dusty added that “The best part is that I don’t have to watch my weight right now which is important when I am preparing for a fight so I can eat as much as I want.”

In his last outing on national television, Dusty scored a six-round unanimous decision over hard punching Hawaiian Michael Balasi. Coming off of his latest victory, Dusty remained undefeated and improved his record to 21-0 with 11 KOs and is looking forward to fighting in his native Washington, D.C. in 2014.

Saturday, March 18
3:00 p.m. MENU TASTING AND FAN APPRECIATION AT CHICK-FIL-A
Location: 16003 Crain Highway, Brandywine, MD 20613

Philadelphia (March 19, 2014)–Back on February 21, Fernando Carcamo (16-5, 13 KO’s) scored the only knockout in the quarterfinal round of the Boxcino 2014 lightweight tournament. He will look to continue to that momentum when he takes on Miguel Gonzalez (23-3, 16 KO’s) in the semifinals which will take place on March 28 at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.

The bout was be televised Live on ESPN, ESPNDeportes+ and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM Eastern.

Carcamo of Ciudad, Mexico looked terrific in dispatching previously undefeated Samuel Neequaye in the 2nd round and now he turns his attention to the accomplished Gonzalez who has been on a roll as of late.

The performance over Neequaye did not just happen by coincidence as Carcamo put in the work needed to impress the audience who was watching around the world.

“It was all a part of the training camp we had. It was the best preparation that I ever had and I was happy to materialize it with a knockout and it was even better that it was the only stoppage of the quarterfinals,” said Carcamo.

Carcamo respects Gonzalez but he feels that this fight should be another where he will have his hand raised at the end of the fight.

“He is a pretty good fighter but he has weak points and we will attack them and break his spirit.”

Carcamo knew going into the tournament that it would be a great chance to showcase his ability and become a player in the lightweight division.

“I am just really motivated. I know this will take me to a completely different level and get me really close to a title shot. I am 100% into this and looking forward to this fight and want to give the fans what they want,” finished Carcamo.

Andreas Evensen (17-3-1, 6 KOs) announced his return to boxing this week following a thirteen-month hiatus from the sport. The Norwegian fighter will make his comeback at the Nordic Fight Night on April 12th at the Blue Water Dokken in Esbjerg, Denmark against Kakhaber Avetisian (32-21-1, 15 KOs).

‘’Boxing is the sport I love,’’ said Evensen. ‘’But it took a break and a change of environment for me to rediscover my passion. Now I have it back, I realise that there is so much more I want to do and accomplish – I have unfinished business!’’

To prepare for his return, Evensen has enlisted the help of Ricky Burns’ trainer Billy Nelson and based himself at the renowned Scottish coach’s Glasgow gym.

‘’Billy is a very hard trainer, much like my former coach Helge Wærøy. While I am very thankful for everything Helge did for me, I felt the time was right for a change. Billy is able to offer a fresh pair of eyes and a new perspective, which I need in order to develop.’’

Evensen is currently sparring with WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Scott Quigg. The 28 year-old believes this will give him an extra edge when he steps into the ring on April 12th.

‘’Sparring with a world champion is the perfect preparation for this fight. I have been getting some really tough work in the gym with Scott. When I face Avetisian in Esbjerg I will be approaching the fight as though I am facing a world champion.’’

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night in Esbjerg are available at billetten.dk.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 20, 2014) – The Illusions Theater at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas will be the center of the boxing world on Friday, April 18, when FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes air the latest edition of Golden Boy Live! in one of the sport’s premier hotbeds. In the main event, Alan Sanchez of Fairfield, Calif. will square off against Tijuana’s warrior Jorge “Pantera” Silva of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a 10-round welterweight fight guaranteed to produce plenty of hard-hitting action.

Plus, 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. will be back in his home state for a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named in the co-main event. The card will also feature an all Texas showdown between San Antonio contender Raul Martinez and Brownsville’s Sergio Perales, hot Austin prospect Travell “Black Magic” Mazion, unbeaten San Antonio up and comer Joseph “The Texas Mongoose” Rodriguez Jr. and the professional debut of fan favorite and former amateur star Ryan “Cowboy” Karl of Houston. The day will start with a card stacked with local amateur fights during the day leading up to the main card of professional fights.

But that’s not all as on Thursday, April 17 Leija*Battah Promotions will present an additional night of professional boxing at the same venue featuring local fighters. All patrons who purchase a ticket for the Golden Boy Live! event will receive a free general admission ticket to the Thursday card, with those purchasing a ticket in rows 1-5 for Friday’s event receiving the same seating for April 17. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the first bell scheduled to ring at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Sanchez vs. Silva, a 10-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. On Thursday, April 17 the Illusions Theater doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the first fight starting at 5:30 p.m. CT and on Friday, April 18 the Illusions Theater doors open at 12:00 p.m. CT for a full slate of amateur bouts, with the professional fights beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT and the FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $112, $74, $52 and $25, are on sale now and may be purchased by calling the Alamodome Box Office at 800-745-3000 or Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com

A 23-year-old with a bright future in boxing, Fairfield’s Alan Sanchez (12-3-1, 6 KOs) has come a long way in just 16 fights, defeating top level foes like Manuel Leyva and Artemio Reyes. Even though he lost his most recent bout in September in San Antonio via decision to WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo, he learned several valuable lessons that he will apply against Silva.

Jorge “Pantera” Silva (19-5-2, 15 KOs) of Tijuana is not lacking in experience, as he has been facing anyone and everyone since turning pro in 2008, including Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and Yoshihiro Kamegai. At 22-years-old, he hopes to get back on the winning track against Sanchez and will be pulling out all of the stops in search of victory.

Coming off of a successful Texas homecoming in February that saw him knock out Peter Oluoch in four rounds, Desoto’s Errol Spence Jr. (11-0, 9 KOs) is back in the Lone Star State on April 18 and he’s in search of another crowd-pleasing victory. Then again, that’s what the 24-year-old southpaw has been doing consistently since he made his professional debut in November of 2012.

The fighting pride of San Antonio, Raul “The Cobra” Martinez (30-3, 18 KOs) has always represented his city well and he is in route to becoming one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. Still looking for his first shot to a world title, Martinez has won two of his last three bouts and should he be victorious on April 18, his chances are looking stronger than ever. Brownsville’s Sergio Perales (21-1, 15 KOs) is no one’s stepping stone and after going 3-1 in his last four bouts, including an 83 second stoppage of former world title challenger Lorenzo Trejo last December, his confidence is sky high heading into his bout with Martinez.

A protégé of women’s boxing legend Ann Wolfe, Austin junior welterweight Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (7-0, 6 KOs) is already seen as having the tools to become a world champion in the future and he’s only 18-years-old. A blistering puncher with speed for days, Mazion has won his last two fights in San Antonio and he’s happy to be back again on April 18.

Signed to Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions, 21-year-old Joseph “The Texas Mongoose” Rodriguez Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) is coming off of a big 2013 campaign in which he won four consecutive fights without a loss, including three victories in his hometown of San Antonio. On April 18, he will be back at home to face off with Bay City, Texas’ Francisco Arellano.

One of Texas’ top young boxers, Ryan “Cowboy” Karl won several championships during his amateur days, but now he’s ready to test the professional waters. On April 18, the Houston native will make his debut in his home state in a four-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/LeijaBattahPR, www.twitter.com/silvapantera and www.twitter.com/errolspencejr, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and Leija*Battah Facebook Page. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, visit FOXSports.com and become a follower on @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes.

New York, NY, March 20, 2014, Lion Heart Boxing Promotions, Ltd., a Boxing Promotion and Sports & Entertainment Company based in Kinnelon, New Jersey (USA), is pleased to announce the Dubai encore and follow up to its successful promotion of the first-ever live professional boxing event in Abu Dhabi history,
Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island.

Lion Heart Boxing Production will bring world class live professional boxing to Dubai by producing a version of its acclaimed Thursday Night Fights series as Thursday Night Fights UAE. The Inaugural event for Thursday Night Fights UAE will be held on May Day (May 1st) hence the event subtitle “May Day Mayhem.”

Lion Heart has been involved as consultant in several Dubai boxing promotions but May Day Mayhem will be the first live professional boxing event promoted by Lion Heart Boxing Promotions as lead promoter in Dubai and will feature former IBF Heavyweight Champion Francois Botha (born 28 September 1968, in Witbank, Mpumalanga), also known as Frans Botha and nicknamed “The White Buffalo,” a South African and perennial Heavyweight Contender.

Botha has had a very distinguished career as a heavyweight boxer, having fought several of the top world heavyweight champions of his time, including Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, Axel Schulz, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. Botha had a victory in 1995 against Germany’s Axel Schulz to win the IBF heavyweight Championship, suffered a fifth round knockout to Mike Tyson, and had the famous fight with Shannon Briggs which ended in draw. In addition to beating Axel Shultz for the IBF Title, Botha is a four-time world title challenger. Botha also has competed in numerous kickboxing and mixed martial arts events. He will take on an opponent to be announced.

In the co-main Event, Brazilian Welterweight Champion, Former Number 2 ranked Contender and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. trained Antonio Mesquita will commence his comeback against Dubai based French fighter Nordine Arik (17-2). In addition to featuring top boxers from the international scene such as Frans ‘The White Buffalo’ Botha, Antonio Mesquita, Nordine Arik, and Heavyweight Prospect Martin Horak (3-1), May Day Mayhem also will feature regional and local stars such as 2012 Fighter of the Year Mohammed Ali Bayat (4-0), Syrian Brawler Abdul Kabanni (3-2), Lebanese Amateur standout Rabih Fayad (1-0) and Emirati Muhmmed Alshbli (Debut).

Tickets will be available online and at all Virgin MENA stores, go on sale March 26, 2014, and are reasonably priced: VIP Table of Ten with F&B, AED10,000; VIP Ringside, AED500; Ringside, AED400; Reserved Seating, AED300; General Admission Seated, AED200; and General Admission Standing AED150.

The event will be held at The Emirates Golf Club’s “The Lawns” venue and will be televised as part of the Thursday Night Fights UAE television series. The Lawns has a capacity of over 6,000 but will be configured to hold 2,000 seats for May Day Mayhem.

Emirates Golf Club, host of the European Tour sanctioned Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, was the first all grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the club sports two of the city’s finest must-play courses, the Majlis and the Faldo Course, which is also the only 18 hole course in the region to offer night golf. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse, remains the most eye-catching in the region. The Majlis Course has been presented with numerous accolades over its 25 year history, the most recent of which were its 2012 ranking by Golf World magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in the World’ and its award for ‘Best Course Middle East’ in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2010 .

From the testing 18 hole Majlis and Faldo courses, to the equally challenging par 3, the Emirates Golf Club draws accomplished and casual golfers looking to improve their game.

‘The Emirates’ is so much more than a golf club, serving as the premier address for all things leisure. Its appeal is equally wide-ranging off course, with everything from fine dining to bar bites available alongside top-notch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a brand new spa.

Emirates Golf Club is conveniently located in the heart of ‘New Dubai’, easily accessible off Sheikh Zayed Road and opposite Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, and not far from Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. The Metro’s Nakheel station is directly located outside the main entrance, making the club within walking distance for leisure and restaurant guests during the cooler winter months.

Says, Edward Mendy, Lion Heart Boxing Promotions CFO, “We see the potential of the UAE as the next Boxing Mecca and are excited to be early movers in the space. We are really encouraged by our continued development and incremental success in the promoting Boxing as a professional sport in UAE. With May Day Mayhem and Thursday Night Fights UAE, Lion Heart Boxing Productions not only plans to introduce the Thursday Night Fights series to Dubai, but also intends to develop the series into a major UAE sporting brand for worldwide television export. Further, we see Thursday Night Fights UAE as an additional platform to facilitate the growth and further development of Arab boxers in general and Emiratis in particular.”

Thursday Night Fights UAE will be broadcasted live on Dubai Sports in the UAE and MENA Region, as well streamed lived worldwide on ESPN3. Additionally, Thursday Night Fights UAE will be rebroadcast on a delayed basis by Fox Sports in the MENA Region and via regional sports channels in the USA, which reach over 150 Million American cable homes. Lastly, Thursday Night Fights UAE will be syndicated regionally and in other markets, worldwide as feasible.

About Lion Heart Boxing Promotions (the Promoter)
Lion Heart Boxing Productions is a global Boxing Promoter and Sports Entertainment Company based in the U.S. The company was set up in 2001 for the sole purpose of providing top quality events with highest entertainment value and has promoted boxing events on four continents. The Company quickly earned a reputation as a producer of high quality fights and is well respected for its fair treatment of fighters and commitment to fighters’ rights. Lion Heart Boxing Promotions is proud to be the first promoter to stage a live professional boxing event in Abu Dhabi history and the first and only non-UAE Company to successfully promote a professional boxing fight in the UAE to date.

About Thursday Night Fights
Thursday Night Fights is proven as the oldest continuous live professional boxing series with its genesis in the USA. The fight series was started in Anchorage in 1988 and Lion Heart Boxing Productions has been promoting its version of Thursday Night Fights since 2001. Each year, from October to April, Thursday Night Fights produces 24 to 26 boxing shows with the highest entertainment at the Egan Center in Anchorage, Alaska with sellout crowds. While Thursday Night Fights shows have been promoted in other cities, Thursday Night Fights’ long and uninterrupted production streak in Alaska dating to 1988 makes Thursday Night Fights the longest continuous boxing series in history. Part of Thursday Night Fights already can be seen on national TV in the USA as The Alaskan Brawlers Reality Show, which debut January 9, 2013 on US cable network TruTV.

Contact Information
For more information about Lion Heart Boxing Productions, Ltd., Thursday Night Fights UAE, or the Thursday Night Fights series, please call Edward B. Mendy, Chief Financial Officer, at +1-973-650-9721 or +971-55-303-1016 (UAE) or write to him at ebmendy@gmail.com or 480 Laurel Lane, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. For print stories, JPEG photos of the fighters and events are available upon request by calling Serda Anderson, Vice President, Public Relations at (504) 628-7866.

You may also visit our website www.LionHeartBoxingProductions.com or the event-specific website www.YasIslandFights.com.

March 19, 2014 – INDIO, CA – The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino are pleased to be hosting a benefit supporting injured Coachella boxer Angel Osuna on Wednesday, April 2nd.

This past December, the middleweight fighter was severely injured during his boxing match at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Osuna spent the past several months recovering from his brain injury, where he was not able to support his young family. This fundraiser will help provide funds to Osuna and his family during this unfortunate time and alleviate strain with medical costs.

As part of the benefit, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians will present Osuna with a check donation. Lee Espinoza of the Coachella Valley Boxing Club, Doug Welmas, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Chairman and Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia will be on hand to speak during the benefit.

The benefit begins at 6:00pm inside the LIT Ultra Lounge at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Included with the $20 cover charge will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, live DJ, raffle and the opportunity to take photos with the following evenings Golden Boy Live! “Night of the Heavyweights” boxers. All proceeds from the door and raffle will go directly to Angel Osuna.

The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe with approximately 1,610 acres of reservation land in the Coachella Valley. The Tribe owns several business enterprises including Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Goals include growing and diversifying its business ventures to increase employment in the Coachella Valley, increasing the support of community programs, continuing to pursue economic self-sufficiency and preserving and educating the public about Cabazon culture. For more information, call toll free (800)827-2946 or visit www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

LOS ANGELES (March 19) – Following a spectacular victory over top featherweight contender Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in Mexico on Feb.15, Nicaragua’s Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado is now the latest addition to the Golden Boy Promotions roster, as the Los Angeles-based promoter is pleased to announce his signing to an exclusive contract.

“This is the most exciting moment of my career, and as a member of the Golden Boy Promotions team I know I’ll get every opportunity to achieve my dreams in this sport,” said Alvarado. “My win against Castellanos was just the beginning, and I hope to get a world title fight soon.”

“Rene Alvarado flew onto our radar with his win over Castellanos last month, and with his skill, determination and warrior spirit, we believe he has all the tools to become a world champion,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “He is a great addition to our team and we’re pleased to be working with him.”

Born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (20-2, 14 KOs) has been fighting professionally since 2008 and is a former Nicaraguan super bantamweight titleholder. Since moving up to the featherweight division in 2013, he has continued to shine, winning three straight bouts. The most important was the aforementioned Feb. 15, 2014 bout, when he stopped Castellanos in the ninth round to win the WBC Silver Featherweight Championship. Now he has his sights set on a world championship, a goal he hopes to achieve in 2014.

Rene Alvarado’s next match up will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Tacoma, WA (March 19, 2014) – Top ten American cruiserweight, Stivens “Superman” Bujaj (11-0, 8 KOs), is set to make his next appearance this weekend when he takes on California’s Victor Barragan (12-7, 3 KOs) in the 10 round main event of Battle at the Boat 95 at the Emerald Queen Casino. A six bout undercard is also scheduled throughout the evening, featuring Fife’s Cameron Sevilla-Rivera (2-0, 2 KOs) and Buckley’s Jeremy McCleary (2-0) who are on the fast track since making their professional debuts.

A limited amount of tickets for Battle at the Boat 95, scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA are still available and can be purchased at the EQC box office and online through Ticketmaster. Prices start at $25.

The 23 year old, Stivens Bujaj, has put the petal to the medal since making his professional debut in 2010, accumulating an 11-0 record with eight knockouts. In Bujaj’s last appearance, he earned the USA New York State cruiserweight title, knocking out Elvin Sanchez in the first round of the scheduled eight round bout. The success comes as no surprise to Bujaj, who after his last fight stated to www.secondsout.com that he wanted to take a shot at the top ten by the end of 2014. With only 11 professional fights on his undefeated record, Bujaj is certainly on the right track to become a true contender in the cruiserweight division.

In the final years of his amateur career, Bujaj competed in the prestigious New York Golden Gloves tournament, being named the heavyweight champion in both 2009 and 2010.

Bujaj’s opponent at Battle at the Boat 95, Victor Barragan, will be making his third appearance at the Emerald Queen Casino when he steps into the ring on March 22nd. Barragan’s career highlight came in 2009 when he TKO’d Arthur Williams (47-17-1, 30 KOs) in the seventh round for the interim WBC United States cruiserweight title.

Also scheduled is a stacked six fight undercard, all four rounds, featuring the Northwest’s most promising young boxers, including Fife’s hard hitting Cameron Sevilla-Rivera and Buckley’s amateur standout, Jeremy McCleary.

Jeremy McCleary (2-0) vs. Corben Page (4-8-1) at 128 Lbs.
Cameron Sevilla-Rivera (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Juan Carlos Rodriguez (1-2, 1 KO) at 156 Lbs.
Jared Teer (1-1) vs. Sean Quinnett (0-1) at 147 Lbs.
Harrison Bevens (debut) vs. Josh Solis (0-1) at 161 Lbs.
Jon Jackson (debut) vs. Jared Torgeson (debut) at 200 Lbs.
Cole Milani (debut) vs. Mark Garcia (1-1) at 161 Lbs.

Doors for Battle at the Boat 95 open at 6 PM with the first fight scheduled for 7 PM. You must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. For more information about Battle at the Boat 95 and all other Halquist Productions events, please visit www.halquistproductions.com (currently being re-designed) and the official Facebook and Twitter pages of Battle at the Boat and CageSport MMA.

About Halquist Productions
Promoter, Brian Halquist started Halquist Productions in 1989 when he promoted up and coming heavyweight boxing contender, Joe “The Boss” Hipp. In 1997, the Emerald Queen Casino and Brian Halquist Productions started the popular northwest boxing series, “The Battle at the Boat,” bringing boxing back to the Pacific Northwest. Halquist Productions is the Northwest’s premier fight promotional company and has promoted events on Showtime, HBO and ESPN and also a co-produced Showtime’s historic boxing event in St. Lucia, West Indies. The Battle at the Boat continues to be the longest running boxing series out of any casino in the United States.

“Steve Carl is a tremendous athlete, and I have a great deal of respect for him. He is the champion in an extremely tough welterweight division. I’m blessed to be in a position to challenge him for his title, so now I need to go out there and do my best and show the world that I deserve that belt more than he does.”

“I am working hard every day in camp with Team Nogueira. My team has been very good for me, both in supporting me through a transitional period and helping me prepare for one of my biggest fights to date. I get to work out in the gym with several legends in the sport, and they are pushing me every day to become the best fighter I can be.”

“I am confident in my skills and abilities here at any weight, but I feel great at 170 pounds. I don’t want to underestimate my opponent, but I think that I’m capable of becoming welterweight world champion at the World Series of Fighting, or any other organization for that matter.”

“I don’t have much to say about the past at this point. I am focusing all of my energy on this fresh start with World Series of Fighting and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue fighting elite fighters on an internationally televised and well respected organization.”

“I was approached by several organizations and had many offers on the table, but I felt that World Series of Fighting was the best option for me at the moment. Their welterweight division is very deep with top talent like Steve Carl, Jon Fitch, Josh Burkman, Tyler Stinson, Gerald Harris, and I am anxious to test myself against all of them.”

YUSHIN OKAMI QUOTES

Favorite meal: “Yakiniku”

Jushin “Thunder” Liger

The Okami family dogs

Follow Yushin on Instagram

“My manager told me I had been released from the UFC on the wire. I don’t remember my reaction much. I guess I was surprised at first, but I always prepare the worst when I lose, so I recovered my composure with time. Thankfully I received offers from many promotions as soon as my release was announced. I received offers from Japan, Asian promotion, and also promotions from Europe.”

“When World Series of Fighting presented an offer for me, I was very happy. WSOF is a new promotion, so history is going to be made here and now, and I plan on being a part of it. I think that the great opportunity to make history and the exposure with NBC made the difference for me. I think that the center of the MMA is North America.”

“My nickname actually comes from a Japanese pro wrestler named Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger. He is a great fighter, and our names rhymed so it stuck.”

“World Series of Fighting has several powerful middleweight fighters, and I know that this would be a better challenge for me. Svetlozar Savov has high physical ability and I feel his movement of one-on-one is very powerful. He is a young, energetic fighter with an aggressive fighting style. But my skills are more evolved, and I will put pressure on him at all times an attack him with a wider range of skill. I’m sure this will bring me a victory.”

“My main focus and only goal is to become the World Series of Fighting champion, and I’m going to start on that March 29 with Savov. Don’t miss it!”

# # #

“World Series of Fighting 9: Carl vs. Palhares,” which features a welterweight title fight between champ Steve Carl and challenger Rousimar Palhares, as well as Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Rettinghouse for the inaugural World Series of Fighting bantamweight title, takes place March 29 at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Tickets for World Series of Fighting 9, which start at just $39, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at The Joint box office or by phone at (800) 745-3000. The night’s featured fights air live on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT local time) following preliminary bouts that stream on World Series of Fighting’s official website, WSOF.com.

NBCSN-TELEVISED MAIN CARD
Champion Steve Carl vs. Rousimar Palhares – for welterweight title
Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Rettinghouse – for inaugural bantamweight title
Yushin Okami vs. Svetlozar Savov
Josh Burkman vs. Tyler Stinson
Ozzy Dugulubgov vs. Johnny Nunez

WSOF.COM-STREAMED PRELIMINARY CARD
Shane Kruchten vs. Mike Corey
Chris Gruetzemacher vs. John Gunderson
Sean Cantor vs. Bryson Hansen
Phil Dace vs. Danny Davis
Brenson Hansen vs. Boostayre Nefarios
Jimmy Jones vs. Rudy Morales
Gil Guardado vs. Jimmy Spicuzza

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier profesional 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 NBC Sports Network
NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2013, the Premier League and Formula One. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Action Sports Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, The Crossover, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk and The Dan Patrick Show. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC. Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space featuring Peacock High-Limit gaming and Asian gaming amenities; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $4 million in rare music memorabilia; Body English Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary, Spa & Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise housing world-famous pool parties REHAB Sunday and RELAX Monday; live music/entertainment venues The Joint and Vinyl; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants Culinary Dropout, Nobu, The Ainsworth, 35 Steaks + Martinis, Pink Taco, Mr. Lucky’s Café and ?Fú; a state-of-the-art fitness center and trendsetting retailers John Varvatos, Affliction, Love Jones, Rocks The Jewelers and Rock Paper Photo. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit hardrockhotel.com. Follow Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.