Philadelphia, PA: Steve “USS” Cunningham (26-6-0, 12 KOs) has more motivation than ever to defeat Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (20-0-0, 15 KOs) on Friday, April 4th at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA and live on NBCSN Fight Night. Cunningham said, “This isn’t about a belt or about winning, this time I need this for my family. I need to make money. I have to get a new house for my daughter’s condition. I am fighting for another pay day and to keep going. ”

Steve “USS” Cunningham
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events

His opponent did not fight professionally for over nine years while he served time in Schuylkill Federal Correctional Institution in Minersville, PA for drug possession, though he spent any free time training and honing his boxing skills behind bars. Steve took a very different path to get here. He learned to box while serving in the United States Navy but he believes both men are equally as hungry, “I know Mansour speaks about how hungry he is and how his time in prison made him so, but I don’t have time to waste either. I am fighting for something much more important.”

The two men sparred together when Mansour was first released from prison. Cunningham said, “I have worked with him on one fight. It was a good learning experience for me. He was much stronger and much hungrier. He is older but very powerful. Those years in prison kept him young. I have seen him fight numerous times. He is pretty good but I believe Steve Cunningham beats Mansour. It won’t be easy. I think he makes for a rough fight. I can get gritty and grimy with him; if I need to be I will.”

Mansour & Cunningham
Photo Courtesy of Darryl Cobb Jr.
Mansour was emotional when he reflected on their sparring sessions, “When I got home in 2010, Steve was the first person I saw. He was fighting a southpaw and needed a sparring partner. I was so happy that I performed well with a world champion after an eight and half year layoff that I was literally crying.”

Cunningham’s strategy for this fight is simple, “My strategy is to be me, but the best version of me with added things. With Adamek I should have won but some people said I could have stepped it up a bit. Well this time I am going to step it up a lot. If I can stop him, I will. Opposition brings out the best in me.”

The 37 year old heavyweight will compete in front of his hometown crowd for the first time since March 29, 2003 when he defeated Demetrius Jenkins in an eight round unanimous decision victory at the historic Spectrum. Cunningham promises to put on a show for his hometown crowd, “This will be the best Steve Cunningham the world has ever seen.”

Main Events CEO, Kathy Duva, said, “Both Cunningham and Mansour, though very different, have very compelling stories with fighting styles to match. It’s also a fight that belongs in Philadelphia, which adds another dimension to what is sure to be a battle in the ring.”

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.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live European doubleheader this Saturday, March 22, beginning at 4 p.m. ET with a live broadcast of Cage Warriors 66 from Ballerup Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, immediately followed by Enfusion Live from Dublin, Ireland at approximately 6 p.m. ET.

A vacant welterweight title fight headlines Cage Warriors 66 as home favorite Nicolas Dalby takes on Ukraine’s Sergei Churilov, while Swedish-born Norwegian prospect Jack Hermansson faces Spaniard Enoc Solves Torres.

The full fight card for Cage Warriors 66 live on Fight Network includes:

-Sergei Churilov vs. Nicolas Dalby (welterweight title)
-Mohsen Bahari vs. Bruno Carvalho
-Damir Hadzovic vs. Tommy Maguire
-Martin Akhtar vs. Toni Tauru
-Jack Hermansson vs. Enoc Solves Torres
-Robbie Olivier vs. Martin Svensson

Fight Network’s live HD broadcast of Cage Warriors 66 will be aired nationwide in Canada, as well as internationally as part of Fight Network’s expansion on ZON in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, D-Smart in Turkey, ZAP in Angola and Mozambique, and OSN across the Middle East and North Africa.

Meanwhile, Enfusion’s 15th live edition features Hicham El Gaoui vs. Adian Brooks, Tomasz Bukowski vs. Tristan Tate, Mark Casserly vs. Alexandros Chatzichronoglou, Iman Barlow vs. Lorena Klijn and Ilias Bulaid vs. Paul Norton.

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

SHERMAN OAKS, CA (March 19, 2014) “HOMEWARD BOUND” is headlined by the return of former world title challenger and Glendale, California resident Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan in a WBO Inter-Continental 10-round junior middleweight Championship bout against tough Mexican Mario “Aguila” Lozano set for this Friday, MARCH 21 at the Morongo Casino Resort Spa. The event will be televised LIVE on ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra, 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

“We’re very excited to see Vanes make his debut with us close to home and at the beautiful Morongo Casino,” said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. “Fans on hand at the Morongo Casino and those watching on ESPN Friday Night Fights are in for an outstanding evening of entertainment and what I believe will be a statement performance by Vanes against a very tough fighter in Lozano, who has never been KO’d.”

The Official Weigh-In for “HOMEWARD BOUND” which is Open to the Public will take place on Thursday, MARCH 20 in the VIBE Night Club at the Morongo Casino Resort Spa at 2:00 p.m. PT.

Martirosyan addressed his training camp and mindset heading into his debut with Goossen Tutor Promotions and new trainer Joe Goossen. Click on the 2-minute link below.

Vanes Martirosyan talks about his new fire towards boxing

Complete Fight Card below.

About Morongo Casino Resort Spa:
Morongo (morongocasinoresort.com) is the premier gaming resort in California. Located in Cabazon, California, in the scenic Coachella Valley, Morongo is a prime getaway for residents of Orange County, Ontario, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Los Angeles. Earning the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for nine consecutive years, Morongo offers 310 well-appointed rooms and suites, a 150,000 sq. ft. casino floor, ten restaurants and lounges and continuous world-class entertainment offerings. One of the largest tribal gaming facilities in the country Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is owned and operated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

For more information, follow Dan Goossen/Goossen Tutor on Twitter @DanGoossen, @GoossenTutor and Vanes Martirosyan @VanesBoxing.

FIGHT FACTS

WHAT: “HOMEWARD BOUND” ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions

WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

WHO: Super Welterweights-Ten Rounds
Vacant WBO Inter-Continental Junior Middleweight Title
Vanes Martirosyan, 33-1-1 (21 KO’s), Glendale, CA vs.
Mario Lozano, 28-4-0 (22 KO’s), Chihuahua, Mexico

Lightweights-Ten Rounds
Anthony Peterson, 32-1-0 (21 KO’s), Washington D.C. vs.
Marcos Jimenez, Dominican Republic (20-4, 13 KOs)

Junior Welterweights-Four/Six Rounds
Abel Ramos, 8-0-1 (4 KO’s), Phoenix, AZ vs.
Rodolfo Armenta, 13-12-1 (9 KO’s), Los Mochis, MX

Welterweights-Four Rounds
Vatch Martirosyan, 2-0-0 (1 KO), Glendale, CA vs.
Gustavo Lopez, 0-1-1, King City, California

Heavyweights-Four/Six Rounds
Razvan Cojanu, 7-1-0 (3 KO’s), Los Angeles, CA vs.
Avery Gibson, 3-4-2 (1 KO) Los Angeles, CA

Super Lightweights-Four Rounds
Kevin Watts, 4-0 (2 KO’s), Los Angeles, CA vs.
TBA

Welterweights-Four Rounds
Tevin Watts, 1-0 (1 KO), Los Angeles, CA vs.
Vincente Guzman 0-3-1, Upland, CA

Featherweights-Four Rounds
Manny Robles, Jr., 5-0 (2 KO’s), Los Angeles, CA vs.
TBA

WHERE: MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA
49500 Seminole Dr.
Cabazon, CA 92230
(951) 849-3080
Doors 3:30pm, First Bell 4:30pm
LIVE TV 6:00pm (all times PT)

Las Vegas – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) and Las Vegas are teaming up for the third annual UFC International Fight Week™ July 1-6, 2014. The weeklong celebration for fans around the world returns with its biggest plans yet and something for everyone including entertainment, dining, arts, 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 of Las Vegas – UFC 175 and The Ultimate Fighter® 19 Finale and multiple events offered around town every day.

Several of the hottest locations in Las Vegas will host UFC themed events and fans will have access to UFC stars and celebrities. The UFC Fan Expo® will also return with new activities, youth and adult, grappling and martial arts tournaments, fan contests, live performances showcasing Las Vegas talent, more main stage activities, and exciting experiences for fans to interact with fighters. Other fan favorite activities will return including a pool party with Octagon Girls®, training sessions with fighters, a free concert, weigh-ins and more. Appearances, activities and on-sale dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets and event details are available at www.UFCFightWeek.com. UFC Fan Expo tickets are on sale NOW at www.UFCFanExpo.com.

“Two of the world’s most recognizable brands, UFC and Las Vegas, have developed a strong and successful partnership that delivers unrivaled excitement to millions of loyal fans around the world,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “UFC International Fight Week provides fans with unprecedented access to UFC stars and no destination matches the passion and energy like Las Vegas.”

During UFC International Fight Week, tens of thousands of fans head to Las Vegas, the UFC’s hometown and fight capital of the world, to meet UFC fighters and talent, experience what Vegas has to offer and witness action-packed events. Some of the most memorable UFC events in history have taken place around Fourth of July weekend. To date, the UFC has hosted more than eighty events in Las Vegas, which have drawn more than half a million fans. The last UFC International Fight Week event generated more than $146 million in economic impact for Las Vegas.

UFC Fight Club® members will enjoy exclusive members-only benefits during UFC International Fight Week including VIP access at select events, 10% off discount offer on UFC Fan Expo tickets, The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale and UFC 175 pre-sale offers and more. For more information on becoming a UFC Fight Club member visit www.ufcfightclub.com.

Get your VIP package today! The UFC VIP Experience packages together your tickets with behind-the-scenes access to the official weigh-ins, backstage tours, meet and greet and autograph signings with top UFC stars, Q&A sessions, and photo opportunities, access to an in-arena VIP party room, a chance to hold the championship belt inside the Octagon® and more!

To book travel for UFC International Fight Week visit www.lasvegas.com/ufc or www.ufcfightweek.com. Stay connected with UFC International Fight Week news on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/UFCFightWeek), Twitter and Instagram (@UFCFightWeek).

Assets: To view the UFC International Fight Week sizzle, please visit www.UFC.com (full link: http://www.ufc.com/media/ufc-intl-fight-week-sizzle).

About 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.

About the LVCVA
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With more than 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and 10.8 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.LasVegas.com.

WBO Youth Champion Tyron Zeuge (12-0, 6 KOs) finally has his first title defense rescheduled. Probably one of the biggest talents at super middleweight, the 21-year-old will go up against equally unbeaten Gheorghe Sabau (10-0, 6 KOs) on April 5 in Rostock, Germany.

Actually, that fight should have gone ahead a week earlier in Berlin but this event was cancelled due to unfortunate events. “That’s no problem to me. Now I will enjoy my next victory near the Baltic Sea”, says the prodigy of Karsten Roewer in a relaxed manner.

Then again, Zeuge’s coach already reminds him to be wary inside the ring. “After an intense study of Sabau’s latest fights I can say that he will be no push-over for Tyron. He tries to make his opponents fight the way he wants them to. Tyron has to make him adapt from the start and not the other way around!”

Zeuge promises to take Roewer’s words seriously: “It’s natural that I gained a lot of confidence due to my experiences so far as a professional boxer. I know that the key to victory is to listen to my coach – almost always.”

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.

The March 21 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will feature former Jr. Middleweight world title challenger Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-1-1, 21 KOs) and Mario Lozano (27-4, 20 KOs) in the 10-round Jr. Middleweight main event.

Friday’s show, from the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, Calif., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. ESPN Deportes will televise the fights on Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m. The card is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Commentators:
New Picture (1)Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn), filling in for Joe Tessitore, will be ringside with Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will present all the latest boxing news and highlights. Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights with Pablo Viruega for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on both ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, while Claudia Trejos and Leopoldo González will anchor the studio. ESPN Deportes boxing analyst and Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez will join Trejos and González in studio to discuss referee Tony Weeks’ decision to stop the Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo fight in the 10th round. Cortez will also discuss the second-round stoppage between Ponce De Leon and Juan Manuel Lopez.

Main Event:
California’s Martirosyan, a 2004 U.S. Olympian, is looking to rebound from a 12-round split decision loss in a world title challenge to current WBO Jr. Middleweight titlist Demetrius Andrade. Mexico’s Lozano is looking to get back to his winning ways following a 12-round unanimous decision loss to Charles Hatley.

“I know Lozano is a good puncher and he’s a really good fighter,” Martirosyan said. “In this fight, you’re going to see the best Vanes you’ve ever seen.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s 10-round co-feature will pit Lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (32-1, 21 KOs), brother of current IBF Junior Welterweight titlist Lamont Peterson, against Marcos “El Tigre” Jiménez (20-4, 13 KOs). Washington D.C.’s Peterson is coming off a second-round TKO win over Dominic Salcido, while Puerto Rico’s Jiménez scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez in his last outing.

Upcoming Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Fri, Mar 28

9 p.m.

Boxcino Lightweight Semifinals: eight rounds each

Chris Rudd (13-1, 8 KOs) vs. Petr Petrov (33-4-2, 14 KOs)

Miguel González (23-3, 16 KOs) vs. Fernando Carcamo (16-5, 13 KOs)

4 Bears Casino,
New Town, N.D.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Apr 18

9 p.m.

Boxcino Middleweight
Semifinals: eight rounds each

Brandon Adams (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Raymond Gatica (14-2, 9 KOs)

Willie Monroe Jr. (16-1, 6 KOs) vs. Vitalii Kopylenko (22-0, 12 KOs)

Turning Stone Casino, Verona, N.Y.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Apr 24

9 p.m.

Josesito López (31-6, 18 KOs) vs. Aron Martínez (19-2-1, 4 KOs)—10 rounds, Jr. Welterweights

Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs, Calif.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates Social Media:

· Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook.

· Score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

· Follow ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo.

· For the latest ESPN.com boxing news and analysis follow @ESPNBoxing.

Cuban heavyweight contender Odlanier Solis has spent the last two weeks in Turkey to get ready for his WBC international heavyweight championship bout this Saturday (March 22nd) in Tekirdag against US veteran Tony Thompson. Promoter Ahmet Oner used the long and proud history of his home country to get Solis heated up for the clash of former Klitschko foes.

“We went to the cinema to watch ‘300: Rise of an Empire’. The next day I took Solis to ancient graves from the times of the Ottoman empire”, says Oner. “I wanted to show Solis that he is in a country which has seen a lot of big and important battles over thousands of years. I expect him to enter the ring on Saturday with the same attitude of old Ottoman fighters when they went to war. This is a do or die fight. If Solis beats Thompson I will lead him to another world title fight. But if he loses it might be all over.”
2004 Olympic gold medalist Solis was deeply impressed from the historic sites. “I love Turkey, especially the hospitality of the people here”, says Solis. “And I see the long history as 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.”
As additional motivation, Solis’ family flew in from Miami and arrived in Istanbul today. “Having my wife and my boys here with me is the final missing piece”, adds Solis. “I will not disappoint them as I will not disappoint my fans in Turkey and all around the world. I will beat Tony Thompson and go on to become world champion!”
The WBC International championship between Solis and Thompson headlines a show promoted by Ahmet Oner / Arena Boks Sportif and will take place this Saturday (March 22nd) in Tekirdag, Turkey, about 150 km west of Istanbul at the Mediterranean Sea. The show will be broadcasted live in about 50 countries including Turkey (Kanaltürk), Germany (sportdigital in association with Sky), the United Kingdom (Boxnation) and many more.
In the co-feature promising German-Turkish prospect Agit Kabayel takes own the hard-hitting Nigerian Gbenga “Bang Bang” Oloukun for the WBC Mediterranean heavyweight championship.

Philadelphia (March 19, 2014)–Lightweight contender Miguel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez (23-3, 16 KO’s) is looking for big things in 2014. First on his agenda is defeating Fernando Carcamo (16-5, 13 KO’s) on March 28 at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota as part of the semifinal round in the Boxcino 2014 tournament.

Gonzalez defeated Miguel Angel Mendoza on February 21 via split decision in the quarterfinal round and now looks ahead to the power punching Carcamo.

“Everything is great. Training is good and we have been in camp since a week after the Mendoza fight. I am getting the proper preparation,” said Gonzalez.

Although Gonzalez won the fight, he wasn’t totally satisfied with the fight due to Mendoza.

“I think the guy who I was in there with wasn’t quality. I can’t judge my performance other than I was too quick for him.”

Gonzalez is now turning his attention to the hard charging Carcamo, who scored the only stoppage of the quarterfinal round when he took out previously undefeated Samuel Neequaye in two rounds.

“Carcamo is a stand up fighter. He is basic with a left hand. We have had the right sparring for this fight and I am coming in with confidence. I am here to win this tournament and he is just another guy.”

“I see myself as the champion of this tournament and this will lead to being a mandatory contender for a world title.”

With that confidence level, Gonzalez feels he is the man to beat as the semifinals commence.

“It has been a great tournament so far. I can not wait to go to North Dakota and put on a great show and it will be just one more fight left to win Boxcino. After I win this fight, I will go home and rest for a week with my daughter and her mother and start preparing for the final,” finished the Cleveland based contender.

PUERTO RICO (February 19, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions newly signed amateur stars, Luis Paredes and Jean “Chapito” Rivera will be making their pro debuts this Saturda, March 22 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on the undercard of Jose Pedraza (15-0, 10 KOs) vs. Alberto Garza (26-6-1, 21 KOs).

Both fighters speak on their upcoming bouts and fighting in their native land of Puerto Rico. Both fighters stand 5’7 with Paredes fighting at featherweight and Rivera campaigning at bantamweight.

The 20-year old Luis Paredes will be facing Josue Class who will also be making his pro debut.
Amateur Championships: Title Open Tournament, PR Caguas Tournament, Florida State Open Tournament, Annual Julian Jackson Boxing Championship
“Making my pro debut in Puerto Rico is very exciting.” said Paredes. “I want to perform at a high level and show my people what I’m made of. This is what I’ve been working toward my whole life and now it’s time to shine. I’ll be looking to knockout my opponent if I have him hurt. If the fight goes the distance, I’m ok with that as well, as long as I coming out on top. I want to make my promoter Gary Shaw happy.”

18-year old Jean Rivera will square off against another fighter making his pro debut, Kevin Vazquez.
Amateur Championships: PR Caguas Tournament, PAL Championship, Title Championship, Florida State Open Tournament, Annual Julian Jackson Boxing Championship

“The time has finally come for me to make the move to the pros and I can’t wait.” Rivera said. “I don’t know much about my opponent, but I know what I have to do once I step in the ring. I’m going to dictate the action from the opening bell. I’m coming to fight my fight. I’m not going to let this guy get into any type of rhythm. I want to thank Gary Shaw for turning me pro.”

LAS VEGAS (March 18, 2014) – World Series of Fighting hosted a media conference call on Tuesday with “World Series of Fighting 9: Carl vs. Palhares” headliners Steve Carl and Rousimar Palhares, as well as main-card competitors Marlon Moraes, Josh Rettinghouse, Josh Burkman and Tyler Stinson. Joining the fighters on the call was WSOF President Ray Sefo and WSOF Executive Vice President Ali Abdelaziz.

“World Series of Fighting 9: Carl vs. Palhares,” 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 beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT local time).

The following are highlights from the conference call:

RAY SEFO:
On the possibility of Nick Newell fighting for a world title:
“You know Nick has been making a lot of noise about fighting for the title and I do think he deserves a shot at fighting for that title. Ali and I have spoken about it but there is still not 100 percent confirmation on when that would happen. But without a doubt Nick Newell is definitely in line for that title shot. The kid has proven himself time and time again. He’s an amazing fighter and a huge inspiration to many. I think it’s about time we stepped up and gave him that opportunity.”

ALI ABDELAZIZ:
“This is best fight card we’ve ever put together and the best fight card of the year. You don’t know what’s going to happen I don’t know what’s going to happen in the main event. Next week we are going to make a big announcement that is really going to change the face of MMA. It’s going to be big news and exciting for the fans. Everyone knows the UFC is No. 1 and we are competing against ourselves every day to be No. 1. There will be separation between the UFC and us and then there will be everyone else.

“I knew Marlon (Moraes) before World Series of Fighting. I believe that Marlon is the best 135-pounder in the world. I believe he can beat anyone in any organization. I believe he has grown and is so talented. He can wrestle with ground game. He’s one of the best strikers in the sport. The sky is the limit for him. On the other hand, Josh Rettinghouse has fought an Olympic bronze medalist (Alexis Vila) and he out-wrestled him. I believe this fight is so competitive and I believe a lot of people are overlooking Josh. I believe this is going to be the best fight of the night.”

STEVE CARL:
“This is an amazingly stacked card. Not even as a competitor but even as a fan I’m ready to watch this and compete. I can’t wait for next weekend. It’s going to be a blast.

“(Rousimar) is definitely a very talented fighter and deserves to keep fighting. I don’t know if giving him a title shot right away was really deserving. But at the same time all the controversy surrounding him really does put him in a perfect spot to be in a title spot because there will be so many people tuning into this fight. Whereas if he was just fighting a regular fight on this main card there wouldn’t be as big a buzz. But now that he’s back in it for a title shot the whole world is watching.”

Q: What is your plan if Palhares is immediately going to your legs in this fight?
“Quite simply if he wants it to turn it into a leg-lock war my goal is to simply keep it a fight and that’s about it. Wherever this fight goes he has the ability to go to the leg-lock from wherever. I need to stay aware to where my legs are in comparison to his body and I need to keep this to a fight instead of getting deep into a leg-lock where I’m no longer able to fight but rather just have to defend myself.”

ROUSIMAR PALHARES:
“I am excited for this opportunity and we will make an exciting fight on Saturday night. I am so grateful to the WSOF for this opportunity.”

MARLON MORAES:
“I’m happy with the opportunity and that they gave Josh the chance now. It’s time to show everybody what I’ve been working on and to be the best. I can’t wait.”

Q: How is the transition been from Muay Thai to full-cage fighting?
“It was hard. I had a hard time finding myself inside the cage because it’s a different sport. But as I moved to the United States I started to train with different guys with different styles of fighting like wrestlers and Jiu Jitsu. My trainers are showing me the things I need to use in MMA fights.”

JOSH RETTINGHOUSE:
“Marlon’s a great fighter and I’m a big fan of his. I honestly didn’t expect this opportunity but of course I’m going to jump all over it. I think it will be really exciting and you’ll have to tune in.”

JOSH BURKMAN:
“I’m excited to get back in there. I didn’t have a great performance last time out. So I’ve just gone back and looked at a lot of things I was doing, including fight week. And I believe I’ve fixed a lot of those things. I think I was really comfortable going into the fight with Steve Carl. I think the biggest problem I had with my winning streak was that it made me a little complacent in where I was and what I was doing. When you lose it creates that frustration and that adversity and makes you question things to get better. And I think that’s all that fight did was make me better at my training and a little more disciplined. And I think it will make for the best performance of my career going forward and starting with this fight.”

TYLER STINSON:
“You saved the best for last. I’m just so excited to get back in there and ready to show Ray and Ali that I’m capable of fighting world-class fighters and Burkman is just that. He’s not on the conference call yet. I don’t if he’s just too Hollywood or if he’s just scared to talk to me, but I’m going to go out there and do what I do and knock his lights out.”

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
Mike Corey vs. Shane Kruchten
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.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (March 18, 2014) – After completing his first week of training camp at his Hollywood-based Wild Card Boxing Club with Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, Hall of Fame trainer World-Famous FREDDIE ROACH had a few observations he wanted to share as they prepare for their rematch challenge of undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY. Pacquiao-Bradley 2 will take place Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT:
“Manny started the week a little slow due to jetlag but finished off strong on Saturday. He was just brilliant in his sparring on Saturday. His footwork was effortless, his hand speed was blazing and his power is as good as it’s ever been.

“We are training for big game in this fight. Manny knows he is going to have to hunt Bradley down and close the show this time. The first fight with Bradley was so easy for Manny that after six rounds he just took it easy on him. Not this time. Our Mantra is ‘Close the show. No mercy.’ You don’t have don’t have to be a groundhog to know that Bradley’s days as welterweight champ are numbered. It’s Last Call for Bradley on April 12.

“Manny is really motivated for this fight. We decided no matter how many fights we have remaining, we are determined to run the table and win every one. And when it is over it is going to be as world champion. And that can only happen with a total and absolute victory over Bradley.

“Bradley says he fought Manny last time with two bad feet. I don’t remember him coming into the ring in a wheelchair. He hurt his feet when Manny connected his power punches on him. Manny hit Bradley so hard it broke his ankles.

“For Bradley to say ‘Manny doesn’t have the hunger anymore and it’s never coming back’ and ‘Manny no longer has his killer instinct,’ that tells me that Bradley is still suffering from the concussion Provodnikov laid on him.”

Pound for pound titans PACQUIAO (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani Province in the Philippines, and defending world champion BRADLEY (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., will go mano a mano in their eagerly-anticipated WBO welterweight championship rematch. This will also be Pacquiao’s first fight in the U.S. since 2012.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley 2 premieres Saturday, March 29 at Midnight ET/PT on HBO. Show 2 debuts Saturday, April 5 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT and show 3 debuts Thursday, April 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT two nights before the high stakes welterweight title bout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 are priced at $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges. There will be a total ticket limit of 12 per person with a limit of 10 per person at the $1,000, $800, $600, $400 and $250 price levels and a limit of two (2) per person at the $150 price level. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
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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 #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.

Las Vegas, Nevada – In the aftermath of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) organization’s 20th anniversary, the UFC is kicking off its next two decades with a fresh twist on its storied reality television series, The Ultimate Fighter®. For the first time ever, the series’ 20th season will feature an all women cast in the UFC’s newest weight division and a new title for the winner – that of UFC champion.

In addition to the lucrative contract with the UFC, the winner of this season of The Ultimate Fighter® will be crowned the UFC strawweight division’s inaugural champion.

Women in the 115-pound division are invited to attend the official tryouts in Las Vegas, Nev. on Monday, April 28. Candidates must be female, between the ages of 21 and 34 years of age, have the legal ability to live and work in the United States, and have professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight experience – holding a winning record (with verifiable records). Applications, which should be completed and brought to the tryouts, can be found online at http://www.ufc.com/tuf20. Tryout details are provided below:

Where:
Palace Station Hotel, 2411 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
Tryouts will be held in the Grand Ballroom

When:
Monday, April 28
Registration begins @ 8:00 a.m. PT

Fighters will be required to grapple & hit pads. Please bring appropriate gear.

*Applicants will be notified at the end of the tryouts if they have been selected to participate in the casting finals process. If selected, applicants must be prepared to stay in Las Vegas until May 1.

Questions can be directed to: tufcasting@ufc.com

The Ultimate Fighter, which debuted in 2005, has launched the careers of more than 100 UFC fighters and produced champions such as Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans and Matt Serra and season winners including Michael Bisping, Ryan Bader and Nate Diaz.

The Ultimate Fighter 20 will begin filming in May and premiere on FOX Sports 1 on Sept. 10

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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 more than100 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.

Atlantic City, NJ: Light-heavyweight contender Lionell “Lonnie B.” Thompson (15-2-0, 9 KOs) hopes to continue his climb into the world title picture when he boxes Radivoje Kalajdzic (14-0-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round contest next Saturday evening, March 29, at Boardwalk Hall.

The Thompson-Kalajdzic match tops a stacked card in support of the scheduled 12-round main event between WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) and undefeated challenger Cedric “L.O.W.” Agnew (26-0-0, 13 KOs) in a HBO-televised contest.

“Lonnie B” Thompson
Photo Credits:
Larry Levanti/Main Events
Thompson, 28, of Buffalo, NY, gave his career a boost in 2013 with wins over Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ (a second round RTD at Bally’s in Atlantic City, NJ); Yathomas Riley, Panama City, FL (an eight round unanimous decision at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, NY) and Ryan Coyne, of St. Louis, MO (a ten round unanimous decision at Resorts International Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ).

A pro since 2009, Thompson is ranked No. 8 by the WBA. Thompson was a five-time Golden Gloves Champion in New York State. He has trained with world champions and top contenders including Chad Dawson, Carl Froch and Lucian Bute.

Kalajdzic, 22, is from Zenica, Bosnia, but now lives in St. Petersburg, FL. He has won all 14 of his pro fights, 10 by knockout, since turning pro in 2011. He has knocked out his last three opponents in the first round: Samson Onyango of Newark, NJ; Charles Hayward of Philadelphia, PA; and Otis Griffin of Sacramento, CA (all in Tampa, FL). All three were quality opponents with a combined record of 53-26-2 at fight time.

In an eight-round junior middleweight match, Wilky Campfort (16-1-0, 9 KOs) returns to Atlantic City for the second time this year when he takes on Khurshid Abdullaev (6-0-1, 3 KOs).

Wilky Campfort
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Campfort, 29, of Ft. Lauderale, FL, earned an eight-round split decision over Atlantic City’s DeCarlo Perez in a toe-to-toe brawl on Jan. 24 at Resorts International Casino and Hotel in Atlantic, City, NJ. Abdullaev, 24, is originally from Russia but now resides in Oxnard, CA. He is undefeated in six professional bouts with three knockouts (third round against Khalik Memminger May 11, 2013; third round against Alexey Kulikov on April 27, 2010; and first round against Dmytro Bolotskyy on February 27, 2010).

Local favorite Ismael Garcia (5-0-1, 3 KOs), of Vineland, NJ, and southpaw DuShane Crooks (6-0-0, 4 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, meet over six rounds in a battle of undefeated junior middleweight prospects. Garcia has knocked out his last three opponents (Michael Sunkett in the second round on August 24, 2013; Alando Swain in the sixth round on June 1, 2013; and Kenneth Moody in the first round on July 27, 2012).

Crooks has a tendency to knockout is opponents early. In six professional bouts he has four knockouts. He knocked out Michael Taylor on November 12, 2011 in the first round, he finished Tyrone Braswell in the first round on August 12, 2011 and then took out his brother, Tyshone Braswell, in the first round a month later on September 17, 2011 in Tyshone’s professional debut. In his professional debut, Crooks also knocked out On’rey Towns on May 21, 2011 in the second round.

Wellington Romero
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Wellington Romero (2-0-0, 1 KO), who represented the Dominican Republic in the 2012 Olympics, takes on Gerald Smith (3-0-0, 1 KO), of Philadelphia, PA, in a four-round junior welterweight match. The 23-year-old Romero is coming off a first round knockout of Ismael Serrano, of Bethlehem, PA on January 24th at Resorts International Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. Smith, 28, is.

Adam Kownacki
Photo Credits: Mike Gladysz
Popular heavyweight Adam Kownacki (5-0-0, 5 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, looks for his sixth knockout in six pro fights when he meets Excell Holmes (2-2-1, 1 KO), of Buffalo, NY, over four rounds.

Super middleweight Rafael Jastrzebski (4-7-1, 1 KO), 32, of Atlantic City, and Mike Mitchell (2-3-2), 36, of Paterson, NJ, collide in a four-rounder.

The total combined records for the entire event is 91-11, 64 KOs vs. 76-5, 42 KOs.

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.

MONTREAL (March 18, 2014) – Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) has been developing world-class boxers in Canada the past few years and now, thanks to its hi-definition network (PunchingGrace.com) and popular Fight Night Series, American fight fans may watch top contenders and prospects from North of the Border before they fight on United States-based networks like HBO, Showtime and ESPN.

The seventh installment of the popular Fight Night Series will be Friday night, March 28, featuring World-rated welterweight Antonin Decarie (29-2, 9 KOs), also airing live on pay per view from Lac Leamy Casino in Gatineau, Ontario, Canada.

Fight Club Series, presented by Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM), is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 7:00 p.m. ET – 4:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via DIRECTV, iN Demand, DISH, and Avail-TVN. The event may also be watched worldwide on PPV at www.PunchingGrace.com.

“We’re giving our fighters opportunities to be seen fighting outside of Canada, through PunchingGrace and PPV in the US, by expanding our borders,” EOTTM promoter Camille Estephan explained. “Their fights will be available to watch in close to 70-million U.S. households alone.”

EOTTM heavyweight Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne was virtually unknown in the U.S. until his last fight, in which he won a unanimous decision on HBO in convincing fashion against Chris Arreola. WBC #1 Stiverne and #2 Arreola will fight again May 10 on ESPN, at a site to be determined, for the WBC title vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko.

Stiverne’s stable-mate and fellow Haitian, junior welterweight Dierry “Dougy Style” Jean (25-1, 17 KOs), was introduced to the American public on ShoBox, which led to him challenging IBF world champion Lamont Peterson. Jean lost a 12-unanimous decision but proved that he belong among the elite 140-pounders in the world.

“People all over the world are going to know Bermane because of the exposure he’s going to get fighting on ESPN (not ESPN2 that Friday Night Fights is on), but the main ESPN station that shows professional football and other leading sporting events,” Estephan said. “He is fortunate to have that window of opportunity. He’s a heavyweight with power and balls who has the footwork of a lightweight. He’s deadly serious about what he’s doing. We don’t just want him to win the world heavyweight title, we want him to win and defend it many times. He’s not looking past Arreola and is preparing to fight him like they’ve never fought before. They’re the top two heavyweights in the world without a world title.

“Dierry Jean didn’t lose to Peterson because of his ability. Peterson was at his best, his experience and ability to adjust were the difference. Dierry will be fighting in late April, early May, on his way back to the top. He also has the advantage of being able to fight at junior welterweight or lightweight.”

WBC #8/IBF #13 Decarie burst on the American boxing scene on HBO, when he upset previously unbeaten Alex Perez, and the popular French-Canadian parlayed that into another high-profile appearance on HBO, albeit losing a 10-round decision to Luis Carlos Abregu.

Decarie faces former Mexican champion Pablo “Sepulturero” Munguia (19-4, 11 KOs) Mar. 28 in the 10-round main event.

Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST
Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST

The next EOTTM hidden jewel who most American boxing fans may not know yet is WBC #3/IBF #5 lightweight Ghislain “Mani” Maduma (16-0, 10 KOs), the reigning NABA and NABF champion. “Maduma is going to burst on the scene – the same show as Dierry fights – in an IBF eliminator,” Estephan noted. “People watching him fight are going to ask where this guy came from because he hasn’t fought on a major network yet. He is an awesome talent.”

The next wave of EOTTM fighters soon to be introduced to American fans include super middleweight Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs), who takes on George Beroshvili (8-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Mar. 28.

“Schiller has tremendous talent and the super middleweight division is big in Canada having produced Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Adonis Stevenson,” Estephan concluded. “He learned from his only loss and had to make an attitude adjustment. Another fighter who is going to make big news is welterweight Mian Hussian. He has two brothers who are fighters and all they do is box – sleep, eat, train — and then do it all over again the next day. He has a lot of power, plus he’s fast and mean. All he lacks is experience. And don’t forget middleweight (IBF #8, WBO #11, WBC #13) David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs). He came up a little too fast but now he’s back and we’ll have some big news about him very soon. And we just signed Steven Butler, a promising 18-year-old who was the youngest Canadian National Team champion.”

Other Mar. 28 undercard fights include lightweight Chris Plaitis (5-0-1) vs. Jesus “Diamante” Perez (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round match; super middleweight Pascal Villeneuve (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Francois “The Tank” Miville (6-1, 2 KOs) and Mitch Louis-Charles (3-1-1, 2 KOs) vs. Guillaume Coude (2-0, 1 KO), cruiserweight Samer Baraket (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Sandy Pembroke (3-7, 1 KO), and heavyweight Zack Bunce (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Steven Harvey (4-1, 2 KOs) in four-round fights.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

For further information about EOTTM and Punching Grace, as well as the Mar. 28 show, please visit www.eottm.com, www.PunchingGrace.com or www.IntegratedSportsNet.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @IntegratedPPV.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 18th, 2014) — As far as out-of-town fighters are concerned, Chris Chatman has had so much success at Twin River the casino might want to consider adding his name to the deed.

The hard-hitting fan-favorite from Jersey City will return to his second home Friday, March 28th, 2014 when he faces The Contender alum Grady Brewer in the eight-round middleweight main event of Classic Entertainment & Sports’ upcoming professional boxing card at the Event Center.

The event also features the return of Cape Cod, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (7-1-1, 5 KOs); unbeaten Providence middleweight KJ Harrison-Lombardi (5-0-1); welterweight Nick DeLomba (2-0) of Cranston, R.I., and undefeated Springfield, Mass., welterweight Zack Rasmey (6-0, 3 KOs).

Tickets for the event 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.

Originally from San Diego, Chatman (11-3-1, 5 KOs) first won over the Rhode Island crowd in 2009 when he fought tooth and nail against former Olympian and Providence native Demetrius Andrade, at the time the toughest fight of Andrade’s young career. He returned two years later with a knockout win over Rahman Yusubov and made his third appearance at Twin River in July of 2013 by beating hometown favorite Thomas Falowo by unanimous decision.

The muscular, 5-foot-8 southpaw has become an unlikely fan-favorite in Rhode Island with both his colorful interviews at press conferences and no-nonsense approach in the ring. Now, with the crowd firmly in his corner, he’ll face the veteran Brewer (30-18, 16 KOs), who fought alongside Rhode Island’s Gary “Tiger” Balletto on Season 2 of The Contender and won the $500,000 cash prize by beating former world-title challenger Steve Forbes by split decision in the finals.

Like Chatman, Brewer is no stranger to New England; the Lawton, Okla., native fought in 2008 on the undercard of the CES and the Tournament of Contenders’ co-promotion at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, beating Season 2 teammate and former light middleweight world champion Cornelius Brundage by split decision. In 2009, he stopped unbeaten Nigerian prospect Albert Onolunose in the second round of their scheduled 12-round bout and two years later handed world-title challenger Fernando Guerrero — 21-0 at the time — the first loss his career via fourth-round knockout. Brewer has also faced World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, current World Boxing Organization (WBO) champ Andrade and unbeaten Russian prospect Matt Korobov in his 15-year career.

With Chatman-Brewer at the top, the undercard is stacked with the region’s top talent, including rising stars DeLomba and Harrison-Lombardi, who’ve quickly become household names in Rhode Island. A protégé of Balletto, DeLomba will fight a four-round bout in his first appearance since September while Harrison-Lombardi will aim to keep his perfect record intact in a four-round bout against Jason Bakanowski (0-1) of Worcester, Mass., following his win over Antonio Fernandes in February.

Coming off a knockout win over veteran Arthur Saribekian in November, Barboza will look to stay on track against East Stroudsburg, Pa., heavyweight Glenn Thomas in a four-round bout while Ramsey 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.

LAS VEGAS, (March 18, 2014) – On March 29, when World Series of Fighting welterweight champion Steve Carl and challenger Rousimar Palhares headline World Series of Fighting 9, live on NBCSN, fans will find out who is the better fighter, but who is the smartest World Series of Fighting fan? For the first time ever, that question will be answered when fans participate in SHOUT TV’s “Champions Challenge” game.

The stakes are high as the fan that racks up the most points will win a new Ducati Monster street bike valued at nearly $10,000.

While stars such as Marlon Moraes, Josh Rettinghouse, Yushin Okami, Josh Burkman and Tyler Stinson compete in the cage, fans watching the event live at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel or on television at home can collide “mano y mano” in a battle of wits for cash, prizes and a Ducati 696 motorcycle.

The popular “Champions Challenge” game allows fans to intellectually spar against one another during this and other live events by trying to predict the outcomes of certain scenarios such as, “Which fighter will land the most leg kicks?” or “Which fighter will win?”

The challenge will be played during the World Series of Fighting 9, 10 and 11 live events thanks to a recent partnership between the skyrocketing Las Vegas-based pro fight league and SHOUT TV, the leader in real-time fan engagement.

“After the fights, somebody’s riding home on a brand new Ducati,” said SHOUT TV CEO Darl McBride. “SHOUT is partnering with World Series of Fighting to bring a new twist to cagefighting. Instead of just wondering which fighter will win, fans will be asking themselves ‘How big of a prize can I win tonight?’ Why just be a fan or a spectator when you could be a player or a participant? Think of it as a series of intellectual cage matches for fans.

“We think SHOUT and World Series of Fighting are very synergistic. Why should fighters be the only winners? Why can’t the fans win, too?”

“SHOUT TV is the leader at engaging and entertaining sports fans in trivia and one-on-one competitions, so they’re a great fit for World Series of Fighting and our fast-growing international expansion,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. “MMA fans are the most rabid and loyal fans in the world, and this free application offers one more tool for fans to interact and win valuable prizes while watching our world-class athletes fight during live broadcasts.”

SHOUT TV’s real-time challenges have engaged and entertained fans competing against each other during the Super Bowl, soccer, NFL, NBA and MLB games, as well as the Daytona 500, Oscars, Grammys and reality shows like “The Bachelor.”

Signing up and competing in the SHOUT fan competitions is free and fast. SHOUT can be downloaded by visiting the Apple, iPhone or Android stores (using search word: “Shout”). SHOUT can also be downloaded from this link: http://www.shout2win.com. Prizes awarded to fan winners during the WSOF events will range from gift cards to Amazon or Starbucks ($5 up to $25) to iPads and Xboxes, all the way up to the Ducati Monster.

About SHOUT

SHOUT TV is led by CEO Darl McBride and other Founders who share a love of sports and mobile technology. Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz al Saud recently became SHOUT’s largest investor, providing the capital to fuel SHOUT’s growth plans. In addition to McBride, he joins a team of investors that also includes Deron Williams of the Brooklyn Nets, Ron Heinz, Partner of Signal Peak Ventures and a number of successful angel investors. Prince Abdullah, 47, and grandson of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, is a prominent businessman and industrialist who also has a love of football, both American and soccer style.

The company’s mobile Android and iPhone Apps provide engagement for fans before, during and after live events. SHOUT keeps fans excited and engaged with a platform for continuous interaction whether or not they are physically at the event. Through the “game within a game” concept and model, SHOUT gives brands and fans a broad new arena in which to engage, making every event a richer and better experience for all. For more information about partnerships, sponsorships and upcoming event opportunities, visit www.shout2win.com. #Shout or contact us at 844-SHOUT2WIN.

SHOUT – The Ultimate Fan Challenge. Watch. Play. Win

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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.

Atlantic City, NJ—Undefeated middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, of Millville, NJ, tackles his first eight-rounder and his toughest foe when he boxes Ahsandi Gibbs, of Tampa, FL, on Saturday evening, April 12, in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The LaManna-Gibbs contest will serve as the semifinal to the 10-round junior lightweight main event which features Jason Sosa, of Camden, NJ, against Michael Brooks, of Nassau, LI. First of seven fights is 7.30 p.m.

LaManna (right) 22, is unbeaten in 13 fights since turning pro in 2011. He has scored seven knockouts.
He is one of the most popular fighters in South Jersey. This will mark his seventh fight in Atlantic City and his fourth at Bally’s, where he shut out Joshua Robertson, of Lynchburg, VA, over six rounds in his last fight Sept. 28.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring,” LaManna said. “After my last fight I was in numerous training camps, helping guys prepare, so I’ve always been in the gym. I’m definitely not looking for any more six-month layoffs.

“As far as Gibbs goes, from what I know he’s a non-stop pressure fighter, but he’s nothing that I haven’t seen before. I want to make a statement. Expect clip_image006fireworks on April 12. I want to thank my team for getting me ready—Vinny Ponte, Raul Rivas, Rashiem Jefferson, Hassan Hamid-El, Jermaine Clark. I’m looking forward to the next step up in my career.”

It’s a solid step-up fight for LaManna, who insists he’s ready to go to the next level. His biggest win was a six-round decision over veteran Josh Snyder, of Berlin, MD, one year ago in Atlantic City.

Gibbs (left), 35, turned pro in 2007 and is 10-3, 4 K0s, but has not boxed in three years. He has boxed better opposition, though he lost to James Kirkland, of Austin, TX; Ibahiem King, of West Palm Beach, FL, and Marcus Upshaw, of Jacksonville, FL. He has not boxed since losing to Kirkland.

“Originally, I took some time off to see what I wanted to do next,” Gibbs said. “Different situations caused me to fall out of love with what I was doing. I started to go to school and there wasn’t enough hours in the day to box, work, go to school and do all three the way they needed to be done.

“From the outside looking in, I began to see the mistakes I made going and decided to come back. I’ve been trying to get a fight for close to two years and they kept falling through for various reasons. I’ve been training with Arturo Ramos and I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been.

“I feel good about this fight. I’ve been ready for a long time. I don’t know much about my opponent other than what everybody that punches his name into Google knows. I won’t really know until the bell rings.”

Five additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT APRIL 12

The Sosa-Brooks and LaManna-Gibbs fights top a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City and it will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

PUERTO RICO (February 18, 2014) – Undefeated super featherweight contender, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (15-0, 10 KOs), is ready to battle Mexico’s, Alberto “Kichis” Garza (26-6-1, 21 KOs), for the vacant International Boxing Organization super featherweight title this Saturday March 22nd. The 12-round main event bout promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment will air live only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico on Direct TV at 9:00 P.M. EST.

Ranked WBC #9, IBF #8, WBA #11, and WBO #15, Pedraza knows he must perform at his highest level against Garza to remain amongst the top fighters seeking a world title shot. He vows to bring an entertaining fight to his audience, as he looks to bring back the glory of past Puerto Rican fighters.

“I feel honored to be fighting on television once again,” said Pedraza. “My promoter’s Gary Shaw, Javier Bustillo and Lou DiBella are doing a great job with my career. This fight with Garza is going to be very entertaining. He likes to come forward and I like to do everything. I’m expecting a rough fight, but I believe in myself and my ability to come out on top. I will do whatever it takes to win.”

Pedraza loves fighting in front of his people and they love to watch him. Garza, being from Mexico, will create an electrifying atmosphere as Puerto Rico is its number one rival. With the fight taking place at the auditorium Juan Pachin Vicens in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Pedraza will have his people behind him..

“Puerto Rico is looking for a hometown champion they can call their own and I want to be that man.” said Pedraza. “This Saturday I will continue to bring exciting fights to my fans. Garza is a very dangerous opponent, but that’s what motivates me to be the best. I’m ready for the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. I want to fight the best and it starts with Garza.”

“Pedraza brings an excitement to this fans that’s unbelievable” said Gary Shaw. “Garza is no pushover and Pedraza knows what he has to do. Pedraza will be ready. The fans are going to enjoy watching this fight. Everyone should be tuning in.”

Pedraza is a member of “Team Puerto Rico”, which is a collaboration between Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions, made with the goal of gathering the best of Puerto Rico’s boxing talents.

Having regained his WBO Super Middleweight crown from Robert Stieglitz, ‘’King’’ Arthur Abraham (39-4, 28 KOs) will make his first title defense against Nikola Sjekloca (26-1, 8 KOs) on May 3rd at the Velodrom in Berlin, Germany.

‘’Finally, I have the WBO belt back around my waist and I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon,’’ said Abraham, who following a short break is back in training . ‘’I gave so much blood, sweat and tears for my last fight – and it made me a world champion again. I will need to do the same to prepare for Sjekloca on May 3rd.’’

Coach Ulli Wegner: ‘’Sjekloca, has a good jab and tries to be very active. In his fight against Sakio Bika he also showed that he can take a punch, so Arthur cannot rely only on his power.

‘’If Arthur is able to put in another performance like he did against Stieglitz, he will prove that he is one of the best super middleweights in the world. He has clearly shown me that he is still ready to progress as a boxer.’’

The announcement of the world championship fight will come as good news for boxing fans in Berlin. Particularly, as it follows the postponement and cancellation of recent shows in the German capital due to illness and injury suffered by world cruiserweight champions Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Marco Huck.

‘’Following these recent developments, it was important for us to stage this world championship fight in Berlin,’’ said Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event. ‘’As the saying goes: the third time’s a charm.’’

Tickets for the WBO World Championship fight at the Velodrom in Berlin on May 3rd go on sale today and are available via eventim.de.

Philadelphia (March 18, 2014)–He pulled off the biggest upset in the opening round of the Boxcino 2014 lightweight tournament and now Chris Rudd (13-1, 8 KO’s) is ready to do it again when he takes on Petr Petrov (33-4-2, 15 KO’s) on Friday, March 28 at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.

The semifinal bout will be televised Live on ESPN, ESPNdeportes+ and WatchESPN.

Rudd of Covington, Tennessee was the least known of the eight participants in the tournament but he won a 7 round (Draw Breaker) decision over veteran Yakubu Amidu on February 21 in Laughlin, Nevada, reflected back on the win for a moment before setting his sights on Petrov.

“I did a pretty good job,” said Rudd. “I think I won that fight because of my head and foot movement.”

Rudd began preparing for Petrov almost immediately after his win over Amidu.

“I have been working hard in the gym. Petrov throws a lot of wild combinations and a wild hook. I have been working on that as well as my jab and staying out of range.”

Rudd has relished being the unknown fighter in the tournament as he believes that will only enhance his accomplishments.

“It does not matter being the underdog. I was talking with my brother and he said, the more that I can win, the better I look.”

Rudd knows he can win the tournament but knows he has a tough road ahead.

“I see me winning. Petrov is a good fighter and he will come hard. The other two fighters (Miguel Gonzalez and Fernando Carcamo) are good fighters. I see myself winning but I can not claim it until I have it,”finished Rudd.

Chester, PA (March 18, 2014)–This Friday night at Harrahs Philadelphia, Cruiserweight, Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante will look to get back into the win column when he takes on fellow Philadelphian Pedro Martinez (6-7, 3 KO’s) in a 6-round bout that will be part of a big night of boxing promoted Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

In the main event, Eric Hunter (17-3, 9 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Yenifel Vicente (25-2-2, 17 KO’s of Miami, FL in a 10-round bout for the USBA Featherweight title.

Ferrante of Philadelphia has been on the short end of bad circumstances over the past 15-months.

He has a record of 12-5 with 7 knockouts and is coming off a very controversial defeat to Anthony Caputo Smith for the Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title on January 31.

The bout was a close battle that saw Ferrante score a knockdown during the fight but Caputo got the split decision victory by scores of 95-94 twice and 95-94 for Ferrante.

“Caputo knows he lost that fight,” said Ferrante. “I am looking forward to fighting him again on March 9. We looked at the tape and when i knocked him down he got 15 seconds. But he admitted to me he lost the fight and told me he will give me a rematch.”

Ferrante is happy to get his second fight in less than two months as he had a tumultuous 2013 as when he thought he scored the biggest win of his career as he scored an explosive knockout over previously undefeated Isa Akberbayev but was later changed to a no-contest after a post fight drug test came up positive. Ferrante was never given a reason for the positive test and he is insistent that he never took any banned substance.

“It is beautiful to get back in the ring so quick. The situation in New York depressed me. The decision to Caputo played with my mind but I am happy to get back in there.”

When facing Martinez, Ferrante will be facing someone he is more than familiar with.

“I have sparred hundreds of rounds with Pedro. We worked in the same gym for years and sometimes would spar four times a week. This is not a fight I asked for but he was the only guy available that would fight.”

Ferrante knows that he needs to win in order to secure the coveted rematch with Caputo.

“I am not looking past him. He comes forward and likes to work the body. This is a good test for me and I am not looking past his record. I feel now that I am growing into my body and I can use my skills. This is going to be a great fight,” said Ferrante.

Besides that fight and the Hunter – Vicente fight, it will be a full night of action.

In eight round bouts:

Victor Vasquez (16-8-1, 7 KO’s) of Philadelphia will try to avenge an earlier loss to Osnel Charles (9-8-1, 1 KO) of Atlantic City in a Lightweight bout.

Miguel Cartagena (11-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Miguel Robles (12-3-2, 5 KO’s) of San Juan, Puerto Rico in a Flyweight bout.

In four round bouts:

Anthony Prescott (2-3-1,1 KO) of Cherry Hill, NJ takes on Anthony Miller (1-0, 1 KO) of Wilmington, DE in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Ramir Hilliard of Philadelphia, PA will make his pro debut in a Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Vincent Floyd (0-0-1) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a Super Middleweight bout.

Tickets are now on sale for $100 (VIP); $75 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Philadelphia Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on www.webtix.net

Julian Williams scored an explosive 3rd round stoppage over former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez in a scheduled 10 round Jr. Middleweight bout at the House of Blues in Boston.

Williams sent Hernandez to the canvas with the first punch of the fight with a perfect overhand right. In round three, Williams landed a crushing 6-inch left hook to the face of Hernandez that sent him down for the count at 35 seconds of round three.

Williams, 153 lbs of Philadelphia us now 15-0-1 with 9 knockouts. Hernandez, 153 lbs of Mexico City is now 30-7.

Alexdei Santos scored a 5th round stoppage over Sylvester Barron in a scheduled six round Heavyweight bout.

Santos rocked Barron several times during the fight before a barrage in round five that saw Santos land two crushing body shots and a nasty left hook that sent Barron to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:08 of round five.

Santos, 22 1/2 lbs of Lawrence, MA is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Barrin, 239 lbs of Seattle, WA is now 8-4.

2012 Olympic Silver Medal winner, John Joe Nevin scored a 6-round unanimous decision over Alberto Candelaria in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Nevin, 131 lbs of Ireland won by scores of 59-55 on all three cards. Candelaria, 129 1/2 lbs of Utado, PR is now 3-1-1.

Jamie Kavanagh scored a six round unanimous decision over Andres Navarro in a Lightweight bout.

It was a high paced fight with some good back and forth action but it was Kavanagh who landed three times the amount of punches and he landed the harder blows.

Kavanagh, 135 1/2 lbs of Dublin, IRE won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 and is now 16-1-1. Navarro, 137 lbs of Toa Boja, PR is now 9-5-1.

(San Diego, CA) – California Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Bobby D. Presents is ready to announce the second edition of his very successful live boxing series set for Friday, April 4th, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in the Kearny Mesa suburb of San Diego. Slated for the main event of a very special “San Diego Fights: Border War”, Tijuana’s own undefeated Kenia Enriquez (10-0, 5KOs) puts her perfect record on the line as she takes on the experienced Jolene Blackshear (8-4, 3KOs) of San Diego for the vacant NABF junior flyweight title in an eight round championship bout.

“Our last two shows have been some of the best I’ve done in over thirty years of boxing, I am sure this next one will not disappoint,” Bobby DePhilippis said regarding his next fight card. “Kenia has all the makings of a world champion and this will be her first shot at a junior title, we are really looking forward to it.”

Enriquez is coming off her first U.S. debut last month where she defeated the previously undefeated Noemi Bosques of St. Petersburg, Florida. Enriquez sent Bosques down in the first with a counter left hook and then went on to control the majority of the action with quick right hands and power punches to the body. Bosques had her moments but only to win one round on one of the official cards which came in at 60-53 twice and 59-54.

Philadelphia, PA: Less than three months after middleweight Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (26-4-0, 19 KOs) knocked out Patrick Majewski in the first round at Resorts International Casino and Hotel, he will take on the undefeated Tureano Johnson (14-0-0, 10 KOs) at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, April 4th. The Stevens-Johnson ten round fight will be the co-feature on the NBCSN Fight Night card that features the heavyweight showdown between Steve “USS” Cunningham (26-6-0, 12 KOs) and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (20-0-0, 15 KOs).

Stevens, who just celebrated his 29th birthday on March 10th, vowed to stay busy this year, “This is my life and my job. I like to fight and I don’t want to have a break too long. I could get a little bit too relaxed. Hopefully I can go six times this year.” “Showtime” fought four times in 2013 with a 3-1 record with two knockouts. And after his first round knockout of Majewski on January 24th he is ready for Johnson, “I am back to the old Curtis. It looks like he likes to fight. He likes to stay in the paint, in the dog house and get it on. He looks like a more aggressive Derrick Findley so this fight I might just stay toe-to-toe.”

Hall of Fame matchmaker, J Russell Peltz said this about the match-up: “This fight features Curtis Stevens, one of the most exciting middleweights in the division. It is going to be an explosive fight!” Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “We love Curtis. NBC loves Curtis. Everyone is thrilled that he’ll be back on Fight Night so quickly. Johnson fought on the undercard of one of our Fight Night cards (Adamek vs Chambers at the Prudential Center on June 16, 2012) and I was impressed by what I saw. This should be a good one.”

Johnson, 30, originally from Nassau, Bahamas, defeated Willie Fortune via unanimous decision in his last fight at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, CA on February 22, 2013. Tureano has only had three fights go the distance in his career (all unanimous decision wins) and has a 71% knockout-to-win percentage. However, Stevens is not intimidated, he said, “He has a lot of knockouts but when you check the guys that he has knocked out its guys with records that are like 6-30. That is what he is supposed to do. If he wasn’t knocking them out I believe that would be a problem.”

Tureano Johnson
Photo Courtesy of Gary Shaw Productions
This will be Johnson’s first ten round fight. This will also be Johnson’s first fight as a co-feature on a national broadcast. He said, “I would like to thank Main Events and my promoter, Gary Shaw, for making this fight possible. On April 4th, the world will be introduced to Tureano Johnson. This has been a long, hard road for me filled with blood, sweat and ruthless determination. I have been begging for this opportunity to pit my skills against the so-called best in my division. However, it is easier said than done in this world of boxing. No one would fight me until now. I respect Curtis Stevens. He is a strong, hard-punching fighter who has been in with the best. But he can’t and won’t beat me. To all the fans, don’t miss this fight on NBCSN. I’m sure it is going to be a throw-back fight. It has been said that I’m not the most “technical” fighter out there. Well it’s true. I like to mix it up, throw hard punches, and get a little barbaric in the ring. I’m coming to fight, win impressive, and after April 4th, I know I will get the fights I deserve.”

“Showtime” is training for this fight in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY. He said, “I like training in Brooklyn because I am more comfortable. It is home to me; my mind is clearer when I am around positive energy. I can’t be too secluded and bored. I need to be around family and friends. So I can just go about my day as regular as possible. It is best to just keep home and have fun.”

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 co-feature will be a ten round fight between Curtis “Showtime” Stevens and Tureano Johnson. 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 fights will be announced shortly.

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.