LAS VEGAS (March 5, 2014) – MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. has won the right to host the Saturday, May 3 mega-fight between 10-time and Five-Division World Champion and current WBC Welterweight World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather against Argentine power-puncher and WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana.

“We are honored to host another one of Floyd Mayweather’s epic championship fights at MGM Grand,” said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. “The MGM Grand Garden Arena has been Floyd’s home for many years and he always thrills the fans inside the Arena and those watching worldwide.”

“We are so delighted that Floyd will be fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the 12th time,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “It is truly Floyd’s home away from home and as we always say, when Floyd fights at MGM Grand, it stands for ‘Mayweather gets money’ because of his ability to sell every seat in the house.”

“Floyd Mayweather will be coming home once again on May 3 when he faces Marcos Maidana at MGM Grand in Las Vegas,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “With 11 of his previous fights being held at MGM Grand, Floyd has become the venue’s greatest sports franchise, so it is only fitting that he face one of his toughest challenges here in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas.”

Mayweather has fought and won some of his most memorable battles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, including wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and most recently Canelo Alvarez last September. This will be the ninth consecutive time that Mayweather fights at MGM Grand and 12th appearance overall.

Mayweather is known for breaking records every time he steps into the ring as evidenced by his appearances at MGM Grand as well as the facts outlined below:

Mayweather’s last five fights have been sellouts.
Mayweather’s September 2013 fight against Canelo Alvarez shattered gate records totaling more than $20 million.
MGM Grand displays Mayweather “Home of the Champion” banners on the exterior of the building.
The official weigh-in for the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight in September at the MGM Grand Garden Arena set a record of more than 12,000 fans in attendance, making it one of the biggest weigh-ins in the history of the sport.
It is very rare for events to use souvenir tickets, but it is a Mayweather standard to create tickets with a fight graphic. At his last fight against Canelo, Mayweather had artist Richard Slone develop a one-of-a-kind piece printed on all of the tickets.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $550 and $350, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of two (2) at the $350 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Mayweather vs. Maidana, a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the third fight of a lucrative six-fight deal with SHOWTIME Networks Inc.

More details about the event, including undercard bouts, will be announced shortly.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to annual events including Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and the Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

The March 7 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will feature up-and-coming Lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev (26-6, 16 KOs) and former Lightweight world title challenger Marvin Quintero (25-4, 21 KOs) in the 10-round Lightweight main event.

Friday’s show, from Pala Casino in Pala 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 8, at 7 p.m. The card is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions.

New PictureCommentators:
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. Leopoldo González, filling in for 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 will anchor the studio. Cuban comedian Bonco Quiñongo will join Trejos as a special guest in studio this week. Quiñongo has previously appeared on ESPN Deportes radio to talk boxing with Trejos.

Main Event:
Russia’s Nugaev, who resides in Los Angeles, has won his last four fights by knockout and is coming off a first-round knockout win over Mario Hermosillo. In his previous fight, he scored a fifth-round knockout win over Jose Hernandez on Friday Night Fights. After that fight, ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael wrote: “Nugaev is a fun fighter to watch. He’s an aggressive brawler who lets it all hang out when the bell rings, and it was no different in his methodical destruction of Hernandez, who gave it his all but was simply outgunned. It was a good action fight.”

Mexico’s Quintero is looking to rebound from a 12-round split decision loss to IBF titlist Miguel Vazquez. Quintero said of Friday’s fight, “I think the Russian (Nugaev) is strong, a brawler. He has a pretty good reach and huge experience.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated Bantamweight Roman Morales (17-0, 9 KOs) against Khabir Suleymanov (16-3, 6 KOs). California’s Morales is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Roberto Castaneda, while California’s Suleymanov is looking to continue his winning ways following an eight-round unanimous decision win over Juanito Rubillar.

Opening Fight:
Friday’s show will open with a six-round bout between undefeated Welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (19-0, 10 KOs) and Michael Balasi (10-3, 7 KOs).

Upcoming Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Fri, Mar. 21

9 p.m.

Vanes Martirosyan (33-1-1, 21 KOs) vs. Mario Alberto Lozano (27-4, 20 KOs) — 10 rounds, Junior Middleweights

Morongo Casino, Cabazon, Calif.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

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

*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.

LONDON (March 5) – Alfredo Angulo will be looking to seize his opportunity when he battles fellow Mexican star Canelo Alvarez in a fight set to be an edge of the seat thriller.

The 31-year-old originally from Mexicali, in Baja California, the twelfth largest state in Mexico, battles his countryman Canelo this weekend on BoxNation at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in a fight which is expected to go down as one of the very best this year.

A likeable and affable character outside the ring, Angulo has graduated from the school of hard knocks and has fought tooth and nail for the opportunity which presents itself on Saturday night when he will look to humble one of boxing’s glamour boys.

“Every fight is important, but this one is more special because all of the fans in Mexico will know that the winner of this fight is the number one Mexican fighter,” Angulo said. “It’s a huge fight for Mexico and it’s a huge fight for Canelo and me. Everyone can have their own opinion on who will win the fight. My fans know what I do in the ring and they know what to expect on Saturday night.

“My hand will be raised. I’m ready now and I will give the fans my best performance against Canelo. You will see the best Alfredo Angulo on Saturday,” he said confidently.

The light-middleweight star joined up with esteemed trainer Virgil Hunter in 2012 and the pair have looked impressive together, with Angulo giving Erislandy Lara, the man many regard as the best 154 pounder in the world, his toughest fight to date in his last bout.

Canelo himself is looking to bounce back from defeat in his last fight to pound-for-pound ace Floyd Mayweather but Angulo is determined to make it two miserable nights in a row for the 23-year-old star.

“Canelo has gained a lot of experience the last couple of years, he’s a fighter that has fast hands and he can also box if he wants to, so those are maybe some of the attributes, some of the things that I have to look out for,” said Angulo.

“All I do is fight, and I let my fighting do the talking for me. Canelo knows that I’m a good fighter. I’m just glad that I have Virgil on my side to help me construct a game plan and figure out the styles,” he said.

“I am happy that I’m facing another Mexican, because as all the fans know, everybody knows when two Mexicans get in the ring it’s a guaranteed show, it’s a guaranteed exciting show. And March 8th, don’t expect anything different,” Angulo stated.

‘El Perro’, or ‘The Dog’, as he is affectionately known, has lived in the shadow of his Mexican foe Canelo since forging his professional career, but he knows victory in his upcoming fight will allow him to step out of that in the hope of finding sunlight against boxing’s best.

“God willing, it’s going to be that way [getting in the Floyd Mayweather sweepstakes]. That’s what I want, that’s what I’m working for, and it will happen that way [by beating Canelo],” said Angulo.

“But as far as who I want to fight next, I’m not thinking about that. I’m just thinking about Canelo Alvarez right now, that’s on my mind, and it’s not up to me. It’s up to my team. It’s up to Golden Boy, Richard Schaefer, to decide who I’ll fight next. I’m not worrying about that. The most important thing for me right now is Canelo Alvarez,” he said.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday from 2am. 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, 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.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 5th, 2014) — Tom Egan was just a wide-eyed, 20-year-old novice with an ear-to-ear grin when he fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championships in his native Ireland four years ago, unaware of the pressure he was about to face.

“I had literally just put on a pair of gloves for the first time less than two years before that fight,” Egan said.

The bright lights of mixed martial arts’ biggest stage and the pressure of fighting in front of more than 15,000 native fans in Dublin overwhelmed the young, inexperienced Egan (7-4, 6 KOs). He lost that night by first-round knockout, and yet despite relocating to the United States a year later to further his professional career, he’d love nothing more than an opportunity to return home and do it all again.

“To go back to Dublin and win, and do it with the UFC, would mean a lot to me,” said Egan, who will fight on the undercard of “CES MMA XII” against Chip Moraza-Pollard (7-6, 4 KOs) in a three-round middleweight bout at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., on Friday, March 14th, 2014.

“I recently watched that fight again, and I was looking at myself thinking, ‘Wow, what a big smile I had on my face!’ Being able to fight on that stage was like growing up wanting to be in an action movie and then within two years you’re starring in the biggest action film in the world.

“It was definitely a lot of pressure, but it was meant to happen, because now I’m in the United States and I have a great life here. It’s been a great run.”

Tickets for “CES MMA XXII” are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Egan, who grew up in Kildare, a small town with a population under 9,000 in County Kildare, and speaks fluent Gaelic, relocated in 2010 to the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester, an area heavily-populated by Irish-Americans rich in Irish history and culture. He immediately felt right at home.

“I’m big into Irish history. I grew up speaking Gaelic and continue to study and speak it. I’m very passionate about it, and there’s a huge amount of Irish culture here,” Egan said.

“There’s no shortage of people who speak Gaelic, too, or who are familiar with fighting.”

Shortly after settling in, Egan met former Dorchester boxer and Ireland native Sean Mannion, who fought for the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight world title at Madison Square Garden in 1983. Egan soon became a part of Mannion’s circle, which includes many former fighters, some of Irish descent.

“Believe it or not, there are a lot of guys in there 50s who have some sort fighting background, whether it’s amateur or professional,” Egan said. “Sean and a lot of his buddies are still here. I knew those were definitely the guys I wanted to surround myself with.

“I’m not into MMA for the money, fame or recognition,” he continued. “I initially came here to better my fighting career. I’m not in this for anything other than the mental, physical and spiritual test. I truly believe MMA is the ultimate of those tests. That’s the reason I do it. I literally do it to test myself.”

Egan made his U.S. MMA debut in November in 2010, beating Eric Attard by second-round knockout, and has since become a fixture on the regional circuit, including his last two fights with CES MMA. He beat Aldo Santos in August of 2013 at Twin River before losing his last fight in November to veteran Harley Beekman.

“That was disappointing for me,” Egan said. “I trained hard — maybe a little too much mentally and physically in preparation. Maybe I overthought it. I was a little burnt out going into the cage, and it was too late that night to make adjustments.

“No excuses. Harley absolutely won the fight. With this fight coming up, I learned a lot from my last time out. I learned a lot about myself. I feel like my preparation has been far greater both mentally and physically. I’m excited to get back in there.”

Moraza-Pollard is coming off back-to-back losses, but has appeared in bouts for both Reality Fighting and the Bellator Fighting Championships and has faced a handful of New England’s top welterweights, including Keith Jeffrey and Brett Oteri.

“He’s got a lot of experience. I’m taking him very seriously,” Egan said. “I feel like a win over Chip would help me get back on the right track. A win over anyone, anywhere would get me on the path again and back to where I want to be.”

The main event of “CES MMA XXII” features Providence lightweight Luis Felix (10-7, 3 KOs) facing seven-time UFC vet Drew Fickett (42-20, 3 KOs) of Tucson, Ariz., who has won 31 bouts by submission.

Looking to keep the momentum going from his win over Chris Woodall in November, former TUF vet Chuck O’Neill (12-6, 4 KOs) of East Bridgwater, Mass., will battle Dade City, Fla., welterweight Roger Carroll (13-10) in a three-round bout. Caroll has won 11 bouts by submission. Lightweight contender Andres Jeudi (5-2, 1 KO) of Somerville, Mass., will face Brendan Rooney (5-1) of Shelton, Conn.

Also on the undercard, rising featherweight star and Johnson & Wales alum Charles Rosa (6-0, 3 KOs) of Boynton Beach, Fla., will return to Twin River for the fourth time in a three-round bout against Philadelphia veteran Brylan Van Artsdalen (9-9, 1 KO), an eight-time Bellator veteran.

Marshfield, Mass., featherweight Brendan Fleming (3-2) will take on Baltimore’s Robert Sullivan (3-1); fellow featherweight Josh LaBerge (8-4, 3 KOs) of Fall River, Mass., will battle Philadelphia’s Steve McCabe (6-14, 5 KOs); Tommy Venticinque (0-1) of Warwick, R.I., will face Rick Rivera of Springfield, Mass., in a welterweight bout; and Winthrop, Mass, featherweight Kyle Bochniak (1-0) will aim for his second win of the year when he faces Marius Enache (1-2) of Philadelphia.

Unbeaten in 20 fights with twelve knockout victories to his credit – EU-Champion Mirko Larghetti will be facing Marco Huck for “The Captain’s” WBO Cruiserweight World Championship on March 29. The Velodrom in Berlin, Germany will play host to Huck’s 13th defense of the title he acquired back in August of 2009. If successful, the prodigy of coach Ulli Wegner will equalize Johnny Nelson’s record for most title defenses in the cruiserweight division.

Actually, it should have been IBF Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez in a title defense vs. Pawel Kolodziej on March 29. However, “Iron Man” Hernandez is still suffering from gastritis after picking up a viral infect in mid-February and is not able to prepare for this date.

Huck on the other hand, who was last seen defending his WBO Belt against compatriot Firat Arslan via TKO on January 25, kept up his fitness level and is more than happy to defend his world championship in Berlin just two months later. “I was on holidays in Dubai when I was asked about the possibility to fill in for my teammate Hernandez. It will be a real cracker against Larghetti, who will suffer his first defeat against me,” said 29-year-old Huck, who is never in a dull fight. His 31-year-old opponent from Italy begs to differ: “I will shock Huck in front of his fans and rip the title away from him.”

Tickets are available at www.eventim.de. All previously purchased tickets for the boxing event at the Velodrom Berlin on March 29 remain valid.

Donnie Nietes will rematch Moses Fuentes on May 10 for a Jr. Flyweight title according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The rematch is from a draw that took place last March 2nd.

LAS VEGAS (March 5, 2014) – Mexican boxing superstar and former world champion Canelo Alvarez, hard-hitting countryman Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” pay-per-view undercard fighters worked out in front of a throng of media and adoring fans on Wednesday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena lobby.

Canelo (42-1-1, 30 KOs) and the dangerous Angulo (22-3, 18 KOs) will square off in what is expected to be a slugfest in the 12-round super welterweight main event this Saturday, March 8, LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Undefeated two-division world champion and current WBC Super Bantamweight titleholder Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will defend his title against former three-time world champion Cristian “El Diamante” Mijares (48-7-2, 22 KOs) in Saturday’s co-feature. In the second world title fight of the evening, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion “King” Carlos Molina (22-5-2, 6 KOs) will defend his title against undefeated Jermall Charlo (17-0, 13 KOs).

A 10-round lightweight fight between former two-time world champion Jorge “Niño de Oro” Linares (35-3, 23 KOs) and exciting Japanese contender Nihito Arakawa (24-3-1, 16 KOs) will open the pay-per-view telecast. Lightweight contender Ricardo Alvarez (23-2-3, 13 KOs), brother of Canelo, will face late-replacement Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (28-3, 26 KOs) on the non-televised undercard after WBC Lightweight Champion Omar Figueroa Jr. pulled out due to injury.

Tickets for the event promoted by Golden Boy Promotions are on sale and priced at $600, $400, $200 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Movie theater tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Below is what the fighters said at Wednesday’s workouts:

CANELO ALVAREZ:
“My main concern when we are this close to a fight, is always my weight and making the weight. Although I’m on weight and it will not be a problem, that is always my concern this close to a fight. All of the hard work in the gym is done.

“Between the fans, my family and myself, I’m always motivated for my fights. The support I get has always motivated me. I fight for them, on behalf of them. Everything I have is because of the fans. I know I’m young and they have so much faith in me. I can just be who I am and continue to work as hard as I can.

“Angulo presents a difficult challenge because he’s a fighter who can punch and take a great punch. I know I have to prepare and establish my game plan early. But you know how it can be with game plans. Sometimes, once a fight starts, you have to do what you have to do win and that’s what I am going to do on Saturday.

“Obviously a knockout would be beautiful; that’s what the fans like, an impressive knockout. But I never go into a fight looking for knockout. If it comes, it comes.

“Everyone says Angulo is the stronger guy, but I think I’m the strongest.”

ALREDO ANGULO:
“Style-wise, this is a great matchup for the fans and both of us. Fans are going to get a great fight.

“I’m ready to chase him or fight him like a true Mexican warrior.

“I plan to test him like he’s never been tested before. I don’t think anyone has ever hit Canelo as hard as I’m going to hit him.

“I’m totally relaxed and confident. Camp was amazing and I am in unbelievably great shape.

“There were a couple times when I was in the immigration detention center (January-August 2012) that I wanted to quit. But my team of lawyers always motivated me, wouldn’t let me stay down for too long and kept telling me that justice would prevail and that I shouldn’t give up.

“I always dreamed of being a headliner on a major card, and here it is. I am so ready for Saturday.’’

LEO SANTA CRUZ:
“This is going to be a great fight, a war. I have a lot of respect for Mijares, who was a great champion and is still very fast. His style can be complicated which is why I’ve been working in the gym with southpaws who are like him.

“I feel [Cesar] Seda was stronger, younger and faster than Mijares.

“I never enter the ring thinking I’m going to lose, so if he says he can see something in me that indicates that, well, he is very wrong. I am going to stop him.’’

CRISTIAN MIJARES:
“This is such a great opportunity for me. I totally feel like I’m catching Leo at the right time. He’s a great, young champion and I know this is going to be a difficult fight. But I have too much experience for him, too much overall speed.

“I think Leo found out in his last fight that he is vulnerable. I can see in his face, the look in his eyes, that he’s going to lose on Saturday. I am very confident.’’

JERMALL CHARLO:
“This fight is a stepping-stone in my career. In order to be the champion that I want to be, I have to get past this obstacle. He has the title, he has what I want.

“It’s going to take hard work, guts and determination. It’s going to take everything I’ve prepared for to stay in there and battle with him. I need to stay focused and be able to deal with everything that he brings into the ring – the shots behind the head, low blows, I’ll be ready for everything. We’ve all seen Molina fight and I’ve prepared in a way that he can’t surprise me with anything.

“I’m not fazed by the spotlight or the world championship. This is where I belong. I trained hard and will leave it all in the ring.

“I already feel like a world champion and I’m here to prove that I’m ready for this level. I’m going to show everyone that I’m here and that I’m going to be here for a long time.”

JORGE LINARES:
“The battle has already started; we just haven’t shot the first bullet yet. But we are both ready for war. We need to be.

“It’s difficult to knock him down but it’s not impossible. He certainly won’t fall with one punch, and that’s why I’ve prepared for 10 rounds of action..

“You can’t compare my style with Figueroa Jr. We are completely different fighters. I have to break him [Arakawa] down with my speed and intelligence. I can’t fall into his territory and fight his fight.

“I think there is a better chance that the ref stops this fight than it ending in one punch. I’m going to break him down little by little.

“This is the biggest opportunity for me at this point in my career. My mind is just set on winning. It’s been a long time coming so I know I need to be ready for this opportunity. Whoever they put in front of me I can beat.

“Fighting here at MGM pumps me up even more. It gives me a little something extra every time I fight in Las Vegas. I won my first title here in Vegas [at Mandalay Bay], but the difference is now people know who I am and they give me respect.”

NIHITO ARAKAWA:
“I’m not looking at this as a personal challenge but as a challenge as a Japanese boxer and for all Japanese boxers. I’m representing my country, I’m representing Japan.

“[In my last fight] I just did what was natural, which is to fight until the bell rings. I didn’t win but I fought my fight. I’m going to fight with the same style and aggressiveness, but this time I will get the win.

“I’m very happy to get the nickname ‘The Japanese Rocky.’ It’s an honor to earn a reputation like that after just my first fight in the United State. It’s an honor to represent my country with this nickname.

“Spirit-wise, I won’t change. I will fight until I win. I’ll fix my defense and the issues I had against Omar [Figueroa Jr.] to ensure that I get a win. I have a huge opportunity and I’m going to take advantage of it.”

RICARDO ALVAREZ:
“[On the injury to Figueroa Jr.]: That’s the way boxing is. These types of things happen. But I’ll be fine. I’m just happy to be able to fight on this card.

“I always work hard. Whenever the world title opportunity comes up I will be ready. I’ll just keep working hard and the world title shot will come.

“In my last fight, I had a fighter that was moving a lot. It probably wasn’t’ the best for my style, but you learn each time you step in the ring. This time, I’m going to move forward and be aggressive. I’ll keep my style that I’ve always had to satisfy the fans.

“Omar and Sergio [Thompson] have similar styles so the late change doesn’t bother me that much. I’ve prepared for a world title fight so I’m ready for everything.

“There is some sense of pride [fighting on the card with my brother]. I’m so happy for him and all of his success. But it’s important for me to break away from that and fight my own fight. At the end of the day, Canelo will not get in the ring with me.”

# # #

“TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo,” a 12-round super welterweight fight taking place Saturday, March 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. In world title fights on the undercard, two-division World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will defend his WBC Super Bantamweight World title against former three-time World Champion Cristian Mijares and Carlos Molina will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight Championship against undefeated Jermall Charlo. Carlos Molina vs. Jermall Charlo is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing. The four-fight telecast, which opens with a 10-round lightweight bout between Jorge Linares and Nihito Arakawa, will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” will be broadcast in over 400 select movie theaters across the country.

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $600, $400, $200 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Movie theater tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

QUEENS, NY (March 5, 2014) – On Saturday, April 5th, 2014, New Legend Boxing returns to Resorts World Casino New York City with another action-packed night of professional boxing. This will be the sixth “International Fight Night” promoted at the casino by New Legend Boxing. Experience the excitement up close and personal as some of the best local professional fighters compete in a world class venue.

Scheduled to compete on this exciting card with opponents to be named shortly are Super Bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez 16-0 (11KO’s) of Brooklyn NY (Santiago, Dominican Republic); Junior Middleweight Frank “Notorious” Galarza 12-0-2 (8 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY; Super Bantamweight Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez 10-1 (8KO’s) of Queens, NY (Bayamón, Puerto Rico); Welterweight Rajiv Bhattacharya 9-0 (6 KO’s) of Stamford, CT (United Kingdom); Middleweight Timothy McDermott, Pro-Debut of Yonkers, NY (County Kerry, Ireland); Junior Middleweight Rich Neves 6-1-1 (3 KO’s) of Garden City, NY; Jay Rodriguez 2-0-1 (2KO’s) of Queens, NY; Junior Middleweight Gary Beriguette 3-0 (2KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY (Santiago, Dominican Republic); Super Middleweight Devaun Lee 1-0 of Jamaica, NY.

About New Legend Boxing

New Legend Boxing, Inc. was formed in October 2006′ by Felipe Gomez and Kevin O’Sullivan. “We wanted to give local fighters an opportunity to further their careers in their own community and eventually bring them to the next level” said Gomez. “I believe we have been successful in building a solid stable of local fighters that have become serious contenders.”

New Legend Boxing first began working with Super Bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez, when he was just 4-0 (2KO’s). Since then Dominguez has gone on to win the NYS Title at 118 pounds and the WBA-FEDECARIBE at 122 pounds. Dominguez is now ranked #12 by the WBA with a perfect record of 16-0 (11KO’s). Frank “Notorious” Galarza of Brooklyn, NY came to New Legend Boxing when he was 4-0 (1 KO). The talented Junior Middleweight is coming off a stunning 2nd round knockout over previously unbeaten John Thompson 14-1 (5 KO’s) this past January 17th on ShoBox. Galarza now boasts a record of 12-0-2 (8 KO’s) and is ranked #26 by the WBC. Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez 10-1 (8KO’s) made his claim to fame on September 21st, 2013 with a dramatic knockout over Leon Moore 30-2 (24 KO’s) in the 9th round of a scheduled 10 round bout for the WBA-FEDELATIN Championship. Vazquez is currently ranked #14 by the WBA

Don’t miss a great evening of entertainment!
Tickets on sale now…

GENERAL ADMISSION $50 / RINGSIDE $125* / VIP RINGSIDE (First Row) $150* and May be purchased online at: www.newlegendboxing.com or by calling 718-487-4474 *V.I.P. RINGSIDE & RINGSIDE will be sold on a first come, first served basis…
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. All Bouts Subject to Change

110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11420

Directions and Transportation: Http://rwnewyork.com/visit-resorts-world

CORPORATE ADVERTISING SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE

LAS VEGAS (March 4, 2014) – As hundreds of fans and media stood in lines that stretched from the sidewalk outside the main doors to the make-shift ring inside the lobby of MGM Grand in Las Vegas, popular Mexican boxing superstar and former World Champion Canelo Alvarez, his opponent this Saturday, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, and five-of-the-six other fighters who’ll compete on “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo,’’ made their official entry into the hotel Tuesday afternoon.

In what’s expected to be a slugfest in the main event this Saturday, March 8, on SHOWTIME PPV® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), Canelo (42-1-1, 30 KOs) will face the double-dangerous Angulo (22-3, 18 KOs) in the 12-round super welterweight main event.

In world title fights that precede Canelo vs. Angulo, undefeated two-division world champion and current WBC Super Bantamweight titleholder Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will defend against crowd-pleasing, former three-time world champion Cristian “El Diamante” Mijares (48-7-2, 22 KOs) and IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion “King” Carlos Molina (22-5-2, 6 KOs) will defend against undefeated Jermall Charlo (17-0, 13 KOs), who missed the arrivals, but was due at MGM Grand later on Tuesday. A 10-round lightweight fight between former two-time world champion Jorge “Niño de Oro” Linares (35-3, 23 KOs) and exciting Japanese contender Nihito Arakawa (24-3-1, 16 KOs) will open the telecast.

All of the fighters were welcomed enthusiastically by the appreciative fans, but the biggest and loudest cheers were for Canelo, who entered MGM Grand lobby wearing sunglasses and a smile. He was quickly surrounded by fans and media as cameras clicked and TV cameras rolled. Each boxer signed autographs, posed for photos and completed press interviews.

Tickets for the event promoted by Golden Boy Promotions are on sale and priced at $600, $400, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Movie theater tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Below is what the fighters said upon their arrivals on Tuesday.

CANELO ALVAREZ:
“I had a very relaxed camp, but, at the same time, I was very anxious to get back in the ring.
“More than the style difference [between Mayweather and Angulo], I’m just happy to be back in the ring. It’s a tough fight, but I’m very confident.

“I learned a lot from fighting Floyd, but I’m ready to get back in the ring to maintain the path that I was on before. This is what I love to do. I live to fight and we’re ready for Saturday.

“I’m fully concentrated on this fight. What happened in September is in the past. I’m focused on Saturday and Angulo.

“I’m here for the fans. That’s what I fight for.”

ALREDO ANGULO:
“Every fight is important, but this one is more special because all of the fans in Mexico will know that the winner of this fight is the No. 1 Mexican fighter. It’s a huge fight for Mexico and it’s a huge fight for Canelo and me.

“Everyone can have their own opinion on who will win the fight. My fans know what I do in the ring and they know what to expect on Saturday night.

“My hand will be raised. I’m ready now and I will give the fans my best performance against Canelo. You will see the best Alfredo Angulo on Saturday.

“Amir [Khan] and Andre [Ward] told me that I’m ready. They told me this is my time.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ:
“I’ve been in the gym training really hard so when fight day comes I can give them my best.

“It’s a huge motivation to be fighting in a big co-feature on a pay-per-view event like this. It would be a dream come true for me to fight in a main event. But I need to win to get that opportunity.”

CRISTIAN MIJARES:
“Leo is a great fighter, but in this sport you win some and you lose some. Come Saturday, I’m coming to win.

“It’s a great honor to be on this card with this Canelo and Angulo. We’re going to do our best to put on a show.”

CARLOS MOLINA:
“I’m more eager and hungry than I’ve ever been for a fight in my life. I can’t wait to walk in that ring. This is what I’ve worked for, this is what I live to do.

“This guy is undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me. I’m still the champion and I’ll still be the champion on Saturday.”

JORGE LINARES:
“This reminds me of 2007 when I won my first world title, the only difference is that was at Mandalay Bay instead of MGM Grand.

“I respect Arkawa’s game. I respect what he did with Omar [Figueroa Jr.], but I’m a different fighter. The ‘Asian Rocky’ won’t last very long on Saturday night.”

NIHITO ARAKAWA:
“I’m grateful to be back in the United States and this time I’m going to win.

“My last fight was a war, but I didn’t come out with the win. This time, we’ll put on another war, but the result will be different.”

# # #

“TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo,” a 12-round super welterweight fight taking place Saturday, March 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. In world title fights on the undercard, two-division World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will defend his WBC Super Bantamweight World title against former three-time World Champion Cristian Mijares and Carlos Molina will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight Championship against undefeated Jermall Charlo. Carlos Molina vs. Jermall Charlo is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing. The four-fight telecast, which opens with a 10-round lightweight bout between Jorge Linares and Nihito Arakawa, will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” will be broadcast in over 400 select movie theaters across the country.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @elperro82, @leosantacruz2, @diamantemijares, @DinamitaAB, @YeyoThompson, @JorgeLinares, @FutureOfBoxing, @mgmgrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #CaneloAngulo and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Bronx, NY (March 5, 2014) Long Island fan favorite Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin returns to action in the main event of “ROCKIN FIGHTS 13” on Thursday, APRIL 24 at The Paramount in Huntington, New York, it was announced today by Joe DeGuardia, Founder and President of Star Boxing.

Advance pre-sale tickets available to Star Boxing Fans for “ROCKIN FIGHTS 13″starting at $50 go on sale Thursday, March 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com) using the code word STAR.

Public sales will begin on Friday, MARCH 7 at 12:00 p.m. ET through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com), the Star Boxing website (StarBoxing.com) and The Paramount Box Office, phone (631) 673-7300.

“We’re thrilled to bring Cletus back to The Paramount in his first headlining slot of our “Rockin Fights” series. Right after his sensational comeback fight in November fans inundated our office with calls wanting to know when he would be fighting again.”

“With each our of past 12 events at The Paramount selling out in advance, I strongly encourage fans to purchase their tickets as early as possible.”

The 27-year-old Seldin, 12-0-0 (9KO’s), will be making his eighth appearance at the venue where his electrifying performances have been a huge part of the tremendous renaissance Star Boxing has built on Long Island over the last two years.

Seldin made his highly anticipated comeback on November 22 at The Paramount dominating veteran Gilbert Venegas over eight rounds in front of a standing room only crowd at The Paramount.

Seldin injured his right hand in the win over Venegas and underwent successful hand surgery to repair damage caused during the fight.
The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue in Huntington, New York, 11743. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

ABOUT STAR BOXING ®
Star Boxing Inc. celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2012. The company has produced some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star Boxing continues to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star Boxing is proud that is has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow them on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook at Star Boxing.

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:
Opened September 30, 2011 this 1,555-capacity live entertainment venue, located in downtown Huntington, Long Island, New York, features; concerts, comedy, boxing, community and other special events in a club/theater setting. With over 30,000 Facebook fans, The Paramount was recently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as the #24 highest attended club-venue worldwide (January-June 2013). A Ticketmaster venue, booked by Live Nation, TheParamount hosts nearly 200 events per year and in less than two years since its inception, has quickly established itself as the premier music venue onLong Island, NY. Some artists who have recently taken the Paramount stage include; Billy Joel, Pitbull, Don Henley, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, ZZ Top, Counting Crows, Primus, Matchbox 20, The Blues Brothers, Limp Bizkit, & many, many, more.

EAGLE AUTOMALL “THE BIRD IS THE WORD”
Eagle Auto Mall has a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying customers’ needs. Feel free to browse our inventory online, request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing! If you don’t see what you are looking for, click on CarFinder, fill out the form, and we will let you know when vehicles arrive that match your search! Come out to Eagle Auto Mall and discuss your options.
At eagle Auto Mall, our friendly staff look forward to serving you!
1320 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY 11901 Sales: (866) 495-3038

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:
Nestled upon 8 private acres of Long Island’s north shore is the Fox Hollow, which features a state of the art event venue, fine dining restaurant and an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Owned & operated by the Scotto Brothers, their Above & Beyond philosophy in providing each & every guest with superior services and amenities is paramount. Visit the Fox Hollow online at www.TheFoxHollow.com & www.TheInnAtFoxHollow.com

ABOUT CAMELOT LIMOUSINE:
Official Sponsor of the Paramount Boxing Series, Camelot Limos is a family owned and operated business located in Nassau County, with over 25 years of professional experience; serving satisfied clientele since 1984. The owners of Camelot Specialty Limos are very active in the business and play a major role in the company’s day-to-day operations. Camelot Specialty Limos, Inc. is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau. www.camelotlimo.com

ABOUT WBAB 102.3:
WBAB 102.3 is the home of Long Island’s Classic Rock anchored by their Long Island Rock ‘N’ Roll Morning Show with Roger and JP. For more information or to listen online, visit their website at
www.wbab.com and follow them on Facebook.com/1023wbab and on Twitter @1023wbab.

Bethlehem, PA: The Tomasz Adamek-Vyacheslav Glazkov battle for the IBF North American Heavyweight title on March 15th at the Sands Casino Resorts Bethlehem, PA will have some competition for the most exciting fight of the event. The undercard is jam-packed with exciting match-ups that are sure to please the in-house audience at Sands.

Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
The seven-fight card event will showcase Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (21-2-2, 9 KO’s), of Johannesburg, South Africa, as he collides with Denis Grachev (13-2-1, 8 KO’s), a Russian living in San Diego, CA, in the ten round co-feature that will air as part of the NBCSN Fight Night broadcast beginning at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT. Chilemba (#2) and Grachev (#7) both are rated in the top ten of the hot light heavyweight division by the WBC.

Ronald Cruz
Another ten round match features welterweights Ronald Cruz (20-2, 15 KO’s), of Bethlehem, PA, against Kermit Cintron (34-5-2, 28 KO’s), of Reading, PA in a showdown for bragging rights across Southeastern Pennsylvania. The 27-year-old Cruz is the most popular fighter in the area and has knocked out his last three opponents-Rodolfo Armenta, of Rio Rico, AZ; Alberto Morales, of Miami, FL; Hector Munoz, of Albuquerque, NM.

Kermit Cintron
The 34-year-old Cintron turned pro in 2000 and won the vacant IBF world welterweight title in 2006 when he knocked out Mark Suarez, of Riverside, CA. After successful defenses against Walter Matthysse, of Santa Fe, Argentina, and Jesse Feliciano, of Las Vegas, NV, Cintron lost the title to Antonio Margarito, of Tijuana, Mexico, in 2008. In his last fight Aug. 2 in Miami, OK, Cintron earned a ten round decision over Jonathan Batista, of the Dominican Republic.

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Photo Credits: Mike Gladysz/Main Events
Lightweight prospect Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (14-0, 7 KO’s), of Philadelphia, PA, takes on Chazz McDowell (6-4-1, 1 KO), of Yonkers, NY, in an eight-round contest. The 24-year-old Dargan is considered one of the best prospects in the country at 135 pounds. In his last fight on Nov. 16th in the co-feature spot on a special afternoon edition of Fight Night on NBC, he out-pointed lefty Michael Brooks, of Nassau, LI, over ten rounds. McDowell, also 24, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Frank Santos De Alba in front of the crowd at Sands on January 25th and is looking to get himself back on track. Including Dargan, the combined record of McDowell’s last five opponents is 50-2-2.

More up-and-comers appear on the rest of the card: Jerome Rodriguez (6-0-2, 2 KOs), of Allentown, PA, vs. Brandon Williams (3-0), of Rochester, NY, six rounds, junior welterweights; Nathaniel Rivas (2-0), of Berlin, NJ, vs. Terrell James (1-1-1), of Philadelphia, four rounds, welterweights; Luis Acevedo (pro debut), of Bethlehem, PA vs. Josh Crespo (1-1-1, 1 K0), of Springfield, MA, four rounds, super bantamweights.

Co-promoter and Hall of Fame matchmaker J Russell Peltz feels this is a very diverse undercard; he said “There is something for everyone on this undercard. The winner of Chilemba-Grachev will join the pool of potential world-title challengers at 175 pounds. Cintron can resurrect his career by beating Cruz and Cruz, by winning, can move back into the world rankings at 147 pounds. Dargan, one of the best youngsters at 135, cannot afford to stumble against McDowell, who has never been stopped and shown the ability to hang in there with the best at 130 and 135 pounds.”

Main Events’ Matchmaker and VP of Operations Jolene Mizzone likes the competitive balance on this March 15th card; she said, “It is refreshing as a matchmaker to have a card with so many evenly matched pick ’em fights where anyone on the card has a chance to win.”

About March 15th:

The March 15th edition of NBCSN Fight Night at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem features the twelve-round heavyweight match-up between Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov for the IBF North American Heavyweight Title and IBF #2 Position Eliminator. The co-feature is a ten round light heavyweight match-up between Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba and Denis “The Pirate/Drago’s Son” Grachev. Doors open at 6:00 PM ET. The co-feature and main event will be broadcast live on NBCSN Fight Night at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT. Tickets start at $55 and are available through TicketMaster.com (key word: Peltz Boxing). The card is presented by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions, and Pushka Promotions in association with BAM Boxing and Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on March 15th.
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.

FOLLOW US:

Official hashtag: #FightNight

www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
www.nbcsports.com
Twitter: @NBCSN
Facebook: facebook.com/NBCSports
www.peltzboxing.com
Twitter: @PeltzBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/PeltzBoxingPromotions
www.pasands.com
Twitter: @Sands_Bethlehem
Facebook: facebook.com/SandsCasinoResortBethlehem

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 4, 2014)–On Saturday afternoon, April 19th, Scott Quigg will make the 3rd defense of the WBA Super Bantamweight title when he takes on number-one contender and interim champion, Nehomar Cermeno in a 12 round bout that will be televised LIVE on AWE beginning at 3pm eastern / 12 noon pacific.

Boxing fans across the United States can enjoy this world championship bout live via the PlayStation®3 system via the Sony Entertainment Network Live Events Viewer. The price is $9.95 for approximately three hours of world class boxing which includes the Quigg – Cermeno main event. PS3 viewers may subscribe early to the event.

The fight will originate from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

“This is a terrific fight between a world champion in Quigg and the interim champion in Cermeno,”said AWE President Charles Herring.

“Quigg was very impressive on AWE back in November and he will look to stay undefeated against Cermeno who brings in a ton of experience.”

Quigg of Bury, England is undefeated with a record of 27-0-2 with 20 knockouts and is a 7-year professional.

He won the WBA Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Santiago Allione. He made 2 defenses of the title before capturing the British title with a 7th round stoppage over Jason Booth. Quigg defended the British crown once and then took on Rendall Munroe for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title.

That bout ended in a technical draw after a cut to Munroe forced the bout to be halted in the 3rd round. Quigg then scored a 6th round stoppage in the rematch.

In his first defense, Quigg was held to a draw with highly regarded Yoandris Salinas. In his last bout, Quigg dismantled Diego Silva (29-2) in two rounds on November 23, 2013.

Cermeno of Panama City, Panama via Barcelona, Venezuela has a record of 22-5-1 with 13 knockouts.

Cermeno won his first 19 fights which included winning the WBA Fedecaribe Bantamweight title in just his 7th start with an 8th round stoppage over Dioberto Julio (15-4-1). He then won the WBA Fedlatin Bantamweight title with an 10 round unanimous decision over Leonardo Fernandez (12-2-2). He added the WBC Fecarbox title to his mantle.

Cermeno won the WBC interim Bantamweight title with a 12 round split decision over classy champion Cristian Mijares (36-4-2) and defeated Mijares via unanimous decision in the rematch. He made one more defense of that title with an 11th round stoppage over Alejandro Perez (22-3-2).

Cermeno then lost two debatable split decision to reigning WBA champion Anselmo Moreno. He also has a draw with Salinas.

Cermeno has won two in a row which includes winning the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title with a 12 round split decision over undefeated Oscar Escardon (22-0) August 10, 2013

The network is currently available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country and worldwide. The new website for AWE is www.awetv.com

AWE is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network -the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. AWE delivers informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live boxing events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective.

For more information, please visit www.awetv.com

MEDFORD, Mass. (March 4, 2014) – Promoter John “The Quietman” Ruiz, former two-time World Boxing Association heavyweight champion, announced today that the new American Fighting Championship (AFO) will promote a Pro-Am mixed-martial-arts show Saturday night, April 26 at Tyngsboro Sports Center in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

The new AFO’s inaugural event under Ruiz’ ownership tentatively calls for professional fights, in addition to the launching of “The Battleground Series: Redemption” amateur tournament, which will feature some of New England’s top fighters in various weight classes.

All participating fighters in the tournament will receive commemorative items. Each weight-division winner will be awarded a world-class championship belt (see below), while a traveling trophy will be presented to the gym producing the most champions.

(belt designed and created by Johnny Masis)

“Not only do I want fighters to be recognized,” Ruiz explained, “I also want MMA gym wars for bragging rights. I think that’s missing in MMA. I was a pro boxer but fighting is fighting. I wanted to create a tournament to determine who the best fighters and gym is in New England. I want to promote my gym (Quietman Sports Gym) and its fighters, of course, but AFO shows will also promote participating all MMA fighters and gyms in New England so the public knows which gyms have the best fighters. We’re all very excited and looking forward to launching the new AFO with this tournament.”

Pro and amateur MMA fighters interested in fighting on the Apr. 26 AFO show should sign-up by registering as soon as possible at www.afomma.com.

“The Battleground Series: Redemption” tournament competition will continue on a monthly basis, in a one-loss elimination format, with divisional champions eventually crowned.

Full details about the Apr. 26 show will soon be announced, including fight match-ups, ticket information, times, etc.

Please contact Deb Cronin at 617.680.2648 with inquiries regarding the new AFO sponsorships and/or advertising opportunities. For more information about the AFO and Quietman Sports Gym, please visit www.afomma.com, www.quietmansports.com, www.facebook.com/QuietmanSports or www.facebook.com/afomma.com.

LAS VEGAS (March 4, 2014) – In addition to the recently announced lightweight battle between Ricardo “Dinamita” Alvarez (23-2-3, 13 KOs), older brother of Canelo and hard-hitting Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (28-3, 26 KOs), of Cancun, Mexico, the March 8 undercard for “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” will feature five more can’t-miss bouts for those in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In a junior lightweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds, unbeaten Australian star “Wild” Will Tomlinson makes his United States debut against Texas’ Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes. Plus, two more rising stars from the 130-pound weight class face off when Mexico City’s Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas battles Puerto Rico’s Abner Cotto. 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz Jr. takes on Jovany “El Cepillo” Fuentes in an eight-round super bantamweight bout preceded by a six-round junior welterweight bout starring unbeaten Keandre Gibson against Antonio “Tony” Wong. In the opening match on March 8, Australian prospect Steve Lovett faces an opponent to be announced in a six-round light heavyweight contest.

In addition to the exciting main event on “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs Angulo,” there are three more fights on the SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View portion of the card: undefeated two-division world champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will defend his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title against former three-time world champion Cristian “El Diamante” Mijares (48-7-2, 22 KOs); “King” Carlos Molina (22-5-2, 6 KOs) will risk his IBF Junior Middleweight Championship against undefeated Jermall Charlo (17-0, 13 KOs) and former two-time World Champion Jorge “Niño de Oro” Linares (35-3, 23 KOs) will take on exciting Japanese contender Nihito Arakawa (24-3-1, 16 KOs).

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $600, $400, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Movie theater tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

A native of Sydney, “Wild” Will Tomlinson (21-0-1, 12 KOs) was an amateur standout who competed in the 2007 World Championships before becoming a professional boxer in July 2008. Winner of several pro titles, including the Australian, New South Wales State, WBO Asia Pacific, WBO Oriental and IBO Inter-Continental belts, the 27-year-old won the vacant IBO super featherweight crown in November 2011 by defeating Alan Herrera. Tomlinson has successfully defended his title three times, most recently against Malcolm Klassen on May 16, 2013.

On a quest to get back to his winning ways after tough decision losses to fellow prospects Francisco Vargas and Andrew Cancio, Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes (18-3, 5 KOs) has everything to gain this Saturday when he tackles Tomlinson. The exciting 25-year-old up-and-comer hopes he can get his year off to a rousing start with a victory in his first Las Vegas appearance since 2008.

A representative of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (18-0-1, 13 KOs) stepped up in a big way in 2013, scoring victories over Ira Terry, Cristian Arrazola, Brandon Bennett and Jerry Belmontes that proved that he was ready to make his push for a world title in 2014. That push begins on March 8 against Abner Cotto.

Owner of 235 wins as an amateur, Caguas, Puerto Rico’s Abner Cotto (17-1, 8 KOs) has done the family name proud ever since he put the gloves on. The cousin of Miguel and Jose Cotto, 26-year-old Abner has won all but one of his professional bouts, most recently stopping Daniel Ruiz in four rounds in September 2013. On Saturday, it’s a pivotal meeting against Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas.

Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz Jr. (9-1, 6 KOs), of South El Monte, Calif., continues to impress with each victory and despite being a pro for less than a year, the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team member has shown poise way beyond his years. Fresh off a seventh-round technical knockout over Carlos Rodriguez last December, the 21-year-old will look to show the continuing evolution of his fight game against Bayamon, Puerto Rico’s Jovany Fuentes (5-3, 4 KOs), a potent puncher who has won three of his last five bouts.

St. Louis’ Keandre Gibson (8-0-1, 3 KOs) will look for his ninth win as a pro against Tijuana, Mexico’s Antonio “Tony” Wong (12-6-1, 7 KOs). A 2006 National Golden Gloves champion and Junior Olympics Bronze medalist, the 23-year-old Gibson is seen as having world championship potential, but he will be put to the test by Wong.

In the opening bout of the card, 28-year-old New South Wales native, undefeated Steve Lovett (7-0, 5 KOs) puts his unblemished record on the line as he makes his United States debut against an opponent to be announced.

“TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo,” a 12-round super welterweight fight taking place Saturday, March 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. In world title fights on the undercard, two-division World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will defend his WBC Super Bantamweight World title against former three-time World Champion Cristian Mijares and Carlos Molina will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight Championship against undefeated Jermall Charlo. Carlos Molina vs. Jermall Charlo is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing. The four-fight telecast, which opens with a 10-round lightweight bout between Jorge Linares and Nihito Arakawa, will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” will be broadcast on over 400 select movie theaters across the country.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CaneloOficial, @ElPERRO82, @leosantacruz2, @diamantemijares, @DinamitaAB, @JorgeLinares, @FutureOfBoxing, @yeyothompson
@MGMGrand, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm follow the conversation using #CaneloAngulo and become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LONDON (March 4) – Amir Khan has backed stablemate Alfredo Angulo to upset the odds when he clashes with fellow Mexican star Canelo Alvarez this weekend.

The pair will meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in front of what is expected to be a sold out arena, with Canelo being tipped as the favourite in the fight which will be broadcast live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Khan, who has trained with Angulo ever since the pair joined forces with esteemed trainer Virgil Hunter back in 2012, has rallied behind his light-middleweight companion and backed him to produce the goods this Saturday night.

“Alfredo has looked great in the gym and you can see an intensity in his eyes that he’s ready for this,” said Khan. “It’s not going to be an easy fight against Canelo because Canelo is a slick boxer and moves quite well but Angulo showed against Lara how good he is at cutting off the ring. Angulo might be seen as the underdog but under Virgil you’ve seen the progress he’s made and you can be sure he’ll force Canelo to work every minute of every round,” he told BoxNation.

“Alfredo has shown he can follow instructions and stick to the game plan and I’m sure Virgil has devised the right strategy for this fight. It’s not going to be easy but I know Alfredo is ready and can get the win,” Khan said.

The former unified light-welterweight star has seen firsthand the damage ‘El Perro’, or ‘The Dog’, can dish out having sparred with him on a number of occasions.

“There’s a close bond between everyone at Virgil’s gym and we all get fully behind whoever has a fight coming up. I’ve sparred with Alfredo to help get him ready for this one and we’ve done some great work over the last few weeks,” he said.

“Sharing the ring with him I know what he’s bringing to this fight and believe me it won’t be an easy night for Canelo. He’ll have to win Alfredo’s respect in there because this guy keeps coming forward and doesn’t take a back step,” said Khan.

Canelo is coming off a dominating points loss last September to pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather.

Nevertheless, Khan is refusing to underestimate Canelo and believes that the Mexican icon with the movie star looks will be motivated to get back to winning ways, which has seen him lose only once in his distinguished career.

“Neither of these guys will want to lose because of what is at stake with them both being proud Mexican’s. It’s going to be an excellent fight because they’re both at the top of their game. I know Canelo is coming off the loss to Mayweather but he’s still a great fighter who’s looking to bounce back and show he’s still one of the best out there,” said Khan.

Angulo also is looking to return from a loss in his last fight, which came in much more controversial circumstances against Erislandy Lara after he was unable to continue due to damage to his left eye, which Angulo’s team claimed was the result of being ‘thumbed’.

The 31-year-old had had twice floored the Cuban and was beginning to exert his will in the fight before it was stopped in the 10th round.

But this opportunity against Canelo represents one Khan believes Angulo has been waiting for since he started boxing.

“With Alfredo this is the chance he’s been waiting for his whole life. He wants to prove that he’s the best Mexican fighter out there and he has the style to make any fight he takes part in exciting to watch. I know what this means to him and I think that’s going to drive him on to prove to everyone how good he really is,” said Khan.

“I’m expecting Alfredo to be the aggressor in the fight and for Canelo to try and counter and use his boxing skills. Alfredo’s skills are underrated and you don’t really get an idea of the subtle things he does well until you get in the ring with him. He’s got serious power in either hand and has the ability to knock Canelo out,” added Khan.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday from 2am. 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, 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.

LAS VEGAS (March 4, 2014) – Perennially top-ranked middleweight Yushin “Thunder” Okami (29-8) makes his World Series of Fighting debut on March 29, as he battles Svetlozar Savov (12-4) on the NBCSN-broadcast main card of “World Series of Fighting 9: Carl vs. Palhares.”

Additionally, a featherweight matchup between Brenson Hansen (5-2) and Boostayre “Bullit” Nefarios (2-1) has also been added to the night’s WSOF.com-streamed preliminary card.

“I was already excited for World Series of Fighting 9, but the addition of Yushin Okami against Svetlozar Savov to our live NBCSN broadcast leaves no question that this is the best card we’ve ever put together,” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. “This card now has some of the world’s most established talent, as well as some of the top up-and-coming names in the sport. This truly is a card you do not want to miss.”

“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.

The 32-year-old Okami, of Kanagawa, Japan, is a judo black belt who owns career victories over MMA notables Alan Belcher, Hector Lombard, Nate Marquardt, Mark Munoz, Anderson Silva and Mike Swick, among others. He now meets 25-year-old Bulgarian prospect Savov, who boasts 11 stoppage wins among his 12 career victories.

Hansen has already fought three times under the World Series of Fighting banner, earning wins over Josh Montalvo and Tom Marcellino before suffering a hard-fought split-decision loss to Freddy Assuncao at January’s World Series of Fighting 8 event. Meanwhile, Nefarios makes his World Series of Fighting debut. The son of longtime MMA veteran Marvin Eastman, Nefarios is a well-known name on the Las Vegas fight scene after fighting several times in Sin City as an amateur before making the transition to the pro ranks.

With the two additions, the World Series of Fighting 9 lineup now includes:

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.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (March 4, 2014) — Grammy Award-winning singer/ songwriter, actor and author ASHANTI will sing the National Anthem at the rematch between Fighter of the Decade MANNY PACQUIAO and undefeated two-division world champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY, JR. Pacquiao and Bradley will be battling for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title, Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The world welterweight championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

“I’m such a huge fan of Manny Pacquiao! I have family in the boxing business — Howard Davis, Jr. and Dyah Davis,” said Ashanti. “When I found out we were sitting next to each other courtside at the Knicks game, I said to my Dad, ‘We should take a picture!’ I told Manny I was a big fan and was so excited when he asked me to sing the National Anthem at his upcoming fight and I can’t wait. I actually love boxing! Manny’s such a champion and I can’t wait to cheer him on!”

“Ashanti and I first met on February 5 in New York when we found ourselves sitting next to each other courtside at a Knicks game,” said Pacquiao. “I told her I was a big fan and asked her if she would sing the U.S. National Anthem at my fight against Timothy Bradley. She quickly checked her schedule and then said she could and she would. The Knicks may have lost that night but I felt like the biggest winner in the world when I walked out of Madison Square Garden.”

Ashanti’s forthcoming album, the highly-anticipated “Braveheart” will be released Today! Tuesday, March 4, on her label Written Entertainment, where she is the CEO, and distributed by eOne Music. The album features the heart-wrenching single, “Never Should Have,” that won the 2013 Soul Train Award for Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance. “Braveheart” also includes the tracks “I Got It” featuring Rick Ross and “First Real Love” featuring Beenie Man. Ashanti made her directorial debut for her video “The Woman You Love” featuring Buster Rhymes and produced by LT Hutton.

Ashanti burst onto the music scene with her smash hit, self-titled debut album “Ashanti.” It landed the No. 1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week. Her first week showing set a SoundScan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart’s history, granting her a spot in Guinness Book of World Records. With her hit song, “Foolish,” Ashanti also secured the No. 1 top spot on SIX Billboard charts simultaneously, including Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Airplay, The Billboard 200, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks, Hot 100 Airplay, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Hot 100! “Foolish” stayed on the Billboard charts for 11 consecutive weeks. She made Billboard history by having her first three chart entries land in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. She is the first female to accomplish this feat, previously only attained by the Beatles.

That year she was awarded eight Billboard awards. Her album “Ashanti” topped the Billboard Album Chart and also won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. In addition, that year she won two American Music Awards and the Soul Train Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year Award. In addition to her Grammy, she’s also received multiple Soul Train Awards, a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award, a Comet Award (Grammy Equivalent in Germany), Lady of Soul Awards, a Teen Choice Award and Nickelodeon’s Kid Choice Award, along with many other nominations including an MTV movie award nomination and an NAACP Image Award Nomination for her role as Kera in “Coach Carter.”

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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.

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.

London (4 March) Hennessy Sports are proud to introduce the rules and fighters for the MaxiNutrition Knockout, which will be shown live on Channel 5.

Starting on March 15 at Rivermead, Reading, eight boxers from the light heavyweight division will fight it out over four live events to become the MaxiNutrition Knockout champion and in doing so the British champion.

THE FIGHTERS

Bob Ajisafe – Dean Francis – Danny McIntosh – Travis Dickinson – Matty Clarkson
– Leon Senior – Lee Duncan – Tony Hill

THE RULES

The fighters have been seeded and drawn into four quarter-finals.

One side of the draw holds the coveted British and Southern Area light heavyweight titles and the other holds the prestigious English light heavyweight title.

Channel 5 will broadcast the quarter-finals in two programmes, each featuring two live contests, the first at Rivermead, Reading, on March 15th and the second on March 22nd, live from Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield.

The winners of each quarter-final will then be drawn to meet in two semi-finals, competing over 10 x 3 minute rounds for the English title and 12 x 3 minute rounds for the British, which will be shown live in programme three.

The final will be contended over 12 x 3 minute rounds, as the British champion and English champion from either side of the tournament battle it out in programme four to become the MaxiNutrition Knockout champion and claim the Lord Lonsdale belt.

All contests will be under British Boxing Board of Control supervision, with a referee and three scoring judges.

If any boxer pulls out due to injury, they will be replaced by one of the losers from the previous round, chosen on a points scoring system.

If one of the finalists pulls out, the highest scoring semi-final loser will take his place. If both losers scored the same in the semis, there will be a count-back to the quarter-finals.

If the scores are still level, the name will be drawn.

The event will be completed over a maximum of six months and the contests will be over ten and the full 12 championship rounds.

Each of the four live events will be supported by a quality undercard, to ensure maximum entertainment for the event spectators and, where necessary, for the TV audience.

FIRST SET OF QUARTER FINALS

RIVERMEAD, READING, MARCH 15
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

BOB AJISAFE VS DEAN FRANCIS
British Light Heavyweight title

LEON SENIOR VS TONY HILL
Southern Area Light Heavyweight Title

SECOND SET OF QUARTER FINALS

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

DANNY MCINTOSH VS TRAVIS DICKINSON
English Light Heavyweight Title

MATTY CLARKSON VS LEE DUNCAN
English Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator

PLUS

KID GALAHAD VS SERGIO PRADO
Vacant European Super Bantamweight Title

SEMI FINAL 1
Venue & Date: TBC
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

BOB AJISAFE OR DEAN FRANCIS

VS

LEON SENIOR OR TONY HILL
British Light Heavyweight title

SEMI FINAL 2

Venue & Date: TBC
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

DANNY MCINTOSH OR TRAVIS DICKINSON

VS

MATTY CLARKSON OR LEE DUNCAN
English Light Heavyweight title

THE FINAL

Venue & Date: TBC
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

WINNER OF SEMI FINAL 1

VS

WINNER OF SEMI FINAL 2
British Light Heavyweight title
MaxiNutrition Knockout Champion

Legendary former world champion Erik Morales was forced to postpone his March 22nd bout with Jorge Paez Jr. due to a hand injury suffered in training according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

BAYAMON, P.R. (March 3, 2014) – Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, Top Lightweight Contender Mauricio Herrera, WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, heavyweight contender Malik “King” Scott, , WBO International Junior Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez and Former WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon are deep in training camp for their respective March 15 bouts in Puerto Rico live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT).

Here is what the fighters have to say about how their camps are going and how they feel about the night of action coming up on Saturday, March 15, at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez.

Where are you training and when did you start?

Danny Garcia: “I’ve been training in Philadelphia for about eight weeks.”

Mauricio Herrera: “I started training the day I signed for this fight. I’ve been training out of Riverside, Calif. at a gym called Capital Punishment Gym with my trainer Jose Torres.”

Deontay Wilder: “I’m training back home in Tuscaloosa, Ala.. I’ve been training non-stop since my last fight but officially started sparring on Feb. 17.”

Malik Scott: “I’ve been training at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym since about mid-January.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: “I have been training at the Caimito Gym since the beginning of January. It is the same gym used by Tito Trinidad for many of his fights and also by Oscar De La Hoya while he was in Puerto Rico.”

Daniel Ponce de Leon: “I’ve been training for about a month at my gym in Montebello, Calif..”

If you had to pick the most challenging camp moment, what would that be and why?

Danny Garcia: “Losing weight and sparring is always the toughest challenge in training camp.”

Mauricio Herrera: “This camp has not only been the toughest, but it’s been the smartest. I have changed things that didn’t work for me in my past camps and implemented more things that work.”

Deontay Wilder: “I would have to say it’s working with the Wladimir Klitschko camp. A lot of great moments all around with that camp. I came with questions and left with answers.”

Malik Scott: “We’ve had a smooth training camp so we haven’t had one.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: “The whole camp has been somewhat challenging because it is the first time I am training in a different gym that is far from the one I normally use.”

Daniel Ponce De Leon: “The most difficult situation for a fighter is to make weight. I recognize that I was struggling in my last two fights to make the junior featherweight division.”

What are your thoughts on your opponent now that you are deep in training?

Danny Garcia: “Mauricio is a tough fighter but I am 110 percent ready; come March 15 it will be another epic performance by me.”

Mauricio Herrera: “I don’t see Danny Garcia as any different than anyone else. I don’t want to hold him way up on a pedestal the way his dad does. Danny Garcia is just like me. We both bleed and we both feel pain.”

Deontay Wilder: “I think Malik will come to fight and make this heavyweight showdown one of the best to come this year. So many people are super excited about this matchup that they can’t stop talking about it and that’s what the heavyweight division needs. I love the excitement and I’m very happy to be a part of bringing the division back to where it once was.”

Malik Scott: “All my thoughts are on staying focused and getting ready for March 15.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: ” This will be a difficult fight for me. I am sure that it will be different than the first one.”

Daniel Ponce de Leon: “Juan Manuel Lopez is a tough fighter. He has power and I know he will never lose his power. I expect a tough fight.”

How do you feel about fighting in Puerto Rico?

Danny Garcia: “Fighting in Puerto Rico is a dream come true. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to give my fans in Puerto Rico a great show.”

Mauricio Herrera: “I feel great about fighting in Puerto Rico. There is a lot of love for the sport of boxing in Puerto Rico, so that gives me more incentive to bring everything I’ve got to the ring. In the end, I’ll fight anywhere. The ring can be in Puerto Rico, Riverside or Las Vegas. It’s a different crowd but the ring and my desire to win is the same.”

Deontay Wilder: “I’m super excited about fighting in Puerto Rico. I look at it like this beautiful island, beautiful weather and beautiful people. I love traveling and one day want a home there near the beach.”

Malik Scott: “All I know is, inside the ring it will be like home.”

Juan Manuel Lopez: “I am super happy to be fighting in Puerto Rico and I see it asa great opportunity for my career.”

Daniel Ponce De Leon: “I feel fine about fighting in Puerto Rico. I don’t have any pressure. I know I am in his house but a lot of people will enjoy the fight.”

The fighters participating on the “Garcia vs. Herrera” televised fight cardhave also taken to social media, sending out updates and photos from their training in anticipation of their March 15 bouts:

Danny Garcia – @DannySwift, http://instagram.com/dannyswiftgarcia

Mauricio Herrera – @elmaestro1

Deontay Wilder – @BronzeBomber, http://instagram.com/bronzebomber

Malik Scott – @MalikKingScott, http://instagram.com/215king

Juan Manuel Lopez – @Juanma_Lopez, http://instagram.com/juanjuanmalopez

Daniel Ponce de Leon – @DanielPoncedeL1, http://instagram.com/danielponcedel1

“Garcia vs. Herrera,” a12-round WBC Super Lightweight World Title on Saturday, March 15, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Swift Promotions in association with PR Best Boxing and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event, Deontay Wilder vs. Malik Scott, is a 12-round WBC Final Heavyweight eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). In the main event on the SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT) portion of the card, former world champions Juan Manuel Lopez and Daniel Ponce de Leon square off in a 10-round rematch for the WBO International Junior Lightweight Title.

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $150, $200 and $400 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now at www.tcpr.com and by calling 787-792-5000.

NEW YORK, March 3, 2014 – HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards and produced 18 multi-part boxing editions since 2007, will look at the upcoming world welterweight championship rematch between Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten titleholder Timothy Bradley Jr. with 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY 2, a set of three shows debuting SATURDAY, MARCH 29 (midnight-12:30 a.m. ET/PT). Spanning three weeks, the three unique programs will offer inside access to the two elite fighters and their camps as they prepare for their intriguing welterweight title showdown April 12 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“‘Pacquiao-Bradley 2’ is the ideal event to take the ‘24/7’ franchise and develop new ideas and programming, while continuing to provide viewers a compelling look at the intensity of the fighters as they prepare for this highly anticipated showdown,” noted Bernstein.

The second edition of 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY 2, debuting SATURDAY, APRIL 5 (11:30 p.m.-midnight), will be a traditional “24/7” presentation. The third show debuts THURSDAY, APRIL 10 (8:30-9:00 p.m.) on location from Las Vegas two nights before the high-stakes welterweight bout and will capture the energy and intensity of fight week.

Debuting immediately after the “HBO Boxing After Dark” doubleheader that begins at 10:00 p.m., 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY 2 will chronicle the road the two fighters have taken since their controversial first meeting in June 2012 and show how they visualize their highly anticipated rematch.

Born amid poverty in the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), 35, has met every challenge to become a worldwide star, capturing world titles in eight different weight divisions. He is the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province of his homeland, winning reelection to a second term last year. Now, Pacquiao is determined to overcome the setback he experienced in 2012 when he and Bradley first tangled on the Las Vegas strip.

Timothy Bradley Jr. (31-0, 12 KOs), 30, is battled-tested and fearless, having scored wins in his remarkable pro career over the likes of Devon Alexander, Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Marquez. Bradley’s triumphs over Provodnikov (named the “Fight of the Year” by the BWAA) and Marquez last year propelled the undefeated champ into the elite fighter category.

Pacquiao is expected to surround himself with a trusted contingent of family and friends as he works in the Philippines and then in Hollywood, Cal. with longtime trainer Freddie Roach. Team Bradley, under the guidance of trainer Joel Diaz, will hold camp in Bradley’s hometown of Palm Springs, Cal.

“Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2” takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

PHILADELPHIA (March 3, 2014)–On Friday night, March 21st, Eric “Outlaw” Hunter will take on Yenifel Vicente for the USBA Featherweight title that will headline a big night of boxing at Harrahs Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

Hunter of Philadelphia was a 2004 U.S. Olympic alternate and has a record of 17-3 with 9 knockouts and is looking to redeem himself after he controversially disqualified against Mike Oliver back on September 13, 2013.

In that bout, It was ruled that Hunter connected on an illegal punch that sent Oliver to the canvas and the bout was halted just 50 seconds into the bout.

Hunter, who turned pro in 2005, has wins over Tyrell Samuel (9-1), Jules Blackwell (7-0-2), Wilshaun Boxley (5-1) and Jerry Belmontes (17-0).

Like Hunter, Vicente will be looking for redemption as he is coming off an 8 round majority decision defeat to Juan Antonio Rodriguez (25-4) On January 10th in Tacoma, Washington.

Vicente took that bout, which headlined ESPN Friday Night Fights on just 5 days notice.

The native of Miami, Florida has a record of 25-2-2 with 17 knockouts and has two wins over Mario Rosario (3-0 & 4-1), Lioborio Solis (5-0-1), Carlos Fulgencio (10-1-1), former world title challenger Francisco Lorenzo (34-6), Hector Avila (47-4), Luis Zambrano (9-1) and Jorge Diaz (17-2). Along the way Vicente capture the Dominican Super Bantamweight title, WBA Fedlatin Super Bantamweight title, WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title and Interim WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title.

The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds

In the eight round Lightweight co-feature, Victor Vasquez of Philadelphia (16-8-1, 7 KO’s) will fight Osnel Charles (9-8-1, 1 KO) of Atlantic City in a rematch of their January, 22, 2011 fight that was by Charles via six round majority decision.

In six round round bouts, Tony Ferrante (12-5, 7 KO’s) will take on Pedro Martinez (6-7, 3 KO’s) in a fight featuring Philadelphia based cruiserweights.

Miguel Cartagena (11-0, 4 KO’s) will fight in a six round Flyweight bout against Omar Soto (23-11-2, 15 KO’s) of Mexico City, Mexico.

In four round bouts:

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

Lightweight Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia, Featherweight Robert Irizarry (1-0-1) of New Jersey, pro debuting Featherweight Ramir Hilliard and Super Middleweight Vincent Floyd (0-0-1) of Philadelphia will see action against opponents to be named.

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 http://www.webtix.net/

Springfield, NJ: Totowa, NJ-based promoter Main Events won the purse bid for the IBF-mandated eliminator for the #1 position in the IBF’s light heavyweight ratings between #2-ranked Dmitry “The Hunter” Sukhotsky (21-2-0, 16 KOs) and #4-ranked Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko (19-2-0, 13 KOs). The purse bid was held this morning at the IBF offices in Springfield, NJ. The winner of the fight will become the mandatory challenger for Bernard Hopkins’ IBF Light Heavyweight Title.

Main Events plans to add the elimination bout to the Friday, April 4th edition of NBCSN Fight Night featuring the USBA Heavyweight Championship battle between Steve Cunningham and Amir Mansour at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Dudchenko, 35, is originally from Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine and now resides in Los Angeles, CA. He is currently the IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion. This will be his first fight in the Northeast and his first since signing with Main Events. “The Gladiator” has won sixteen straight bouts in a row (seven by knockout) dating all the way back to May 16, 2008 with his first round TKO of Chris Eppley in Evansville, Indiana.

Sukhotsky, 32, of Barnaul, Russia will make his east coast debut on April 4th. He has only fought once in the United States, on July 14, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV where he lost to Cornelius White via unanimous decision. However, “The Hunter” has won his last three fights in a row – all by knockout – dating back to December 8, 2012 with his first round TKO over Volodymyr Borovskyy in Podolsk, Russia.

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, said, “Sukhotsky versus Dudchenko is going to be a war that deserves this kind of exposure in the United States. The winner will be in line to challenge Bernard Hopkins for the IBF Light Heavyweight Championship, so it’s great that fight fans will get to see this eliminator.”

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 the IBF Light Heavyweight Eliminator between Anatoliy Dudchenko and Dmitry Sukhotsky. 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.

Las Vegas (MARCH 3, 2014)–Golden Boy Promotions interim WBA Light Middleweight champion , Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will join the talented list of other world champions at the inaugural BOX FAN EXPO this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Lara, who’s one of the most avoided fighters in boxing, was one of the most decorated amateur boxers to come out of Cuba. His ability to hit and not be hit makes him a very special fighter. Currently he’s the mandatory to challenge Floyd Mayweather Jr. for his WBA world title.

“I love the fans because they support the best fighting the best and right now I’m being avoided by all the champions in my division. It’s going to be nice to spend time with them at the BOX FAN EXPO”

Spanish translation
“Admiro a los fanáticos del boxeo porque ellos apoyan a las mejores peleas y ahora mismo todos los campeones de mi división me evaden. Será bueno pasar tiempo con los fanáticos en el BOX FAN EXPO”

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: 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

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.

GATINEAU, QUEBEC, Canada (March 3, 2014) – World-rated welterweight Antonin Decarie (29-2, 9 KOs) will headline the seventh installment of the popular Fight Night Series on March 28, 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 very excited to market Punching Grace and our fighters to 70-million potential households in the United States on all major cable and satellite outlets,” EOTTM president Camille Estephan said. “Our series is old school boxing in an intimate environment. Punching Grace brings real-life boxing to viewers. They’re close to the action in the ring, as well in the back area before and after fights.

“By airing our show in the US on pay per view, we are able to showcase our top fighters like Antonin Decarie, as well as build young fighters on our own network, in HD to a much larger audience. It is the way of the future. We have made an investment in technology and its quality production offers viewers behind-the-scenes access in locker rooms before and after fights. Our plans also include fan interaction. We’ve been developing a network of sports bars around the world that air our fights, as well as press conferences, weigh-ins, training sessions, interviews and much more. Eventually, Punching Grace will be a full entertainment network, not just for boxing.”

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

Decarie, the popular Quebec boxer who is rated No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), takes on former Mexican welterweight champion Pablo “Sepulturero” Munguia (19-4, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Decarie’s last fight was an impressive second-round stoppage of Cesar Chavez (21-5) this past month. The French-Canadian boxer has won two in a row since he dropped a 10-round decision to Luis Carlos Abregu (34-1, 28 KOs) last April for the vacant WBC Silver Championship. Manguia has won three straight, including a 10-round decision over previously unbeaten Canadian-based Samuel Vargas (15-0-1) last December in Mexico.

In the 10-round co-feature, Lebanese-born Montreal super featherweight Baha Laham (12-1-2, 5 KOs) faces southpaw Roody Pierre-Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) for vacant WBC Continental Americas title.

The undercard will feature many of Canada’s most exciting prospects including Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs) vs. Georgian super middleweight George Beroshvili (8-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout; 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 Decarie and the Mar. 28, please visit www.eottm.com, www.PunchingGrace.com or www.IntegratedSportsNet.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd, @DecarieBoxing and @IntegratedPPV.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 3rd, 2014) — “CES MMA XXII” will be a judgment night of sorts for two of the region’s brightest stars as they prepare for a challenge unlike any other.

Hard-hitting heavyweight John Johnston will put his undefeated record on the line against a former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) contender for CES’ vacant title and lightweight Luis Felix will face one of mixed martial art’s most polarizing figures Friday, March 14th, 2014 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I.

Tickets for “CES MMA XXII” are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Now 5-0 with five knockouts following another win in January, Johnston will battle 37-year-old Ohio native Josh Hendricks (19-9, 5 KOs) for CES MMA’s vacant heavyweight title in a five-round bout. This is a major step up for Johnston, the Melrose, Mass., native, who has yet to fight past the second round in any of his previous five bouts. The furthest any opponent got was 46 seconds into the second round back in September of 2011, and that one ended in typical Johnston fashion when the big heavyweight put a bloodied, battered Shaun Durfee to sleep for good with a hard right cross.

Like Johnston, Hendricks rarely goes the distance — just twice in 21 bouts — but his experience in the cage might be the biggest hurdle Johnston has to overcome. Hendricks has been fighting professionally since 2002. His career peaked between 2005 and 2007 when he won 10 of 11 bouts, nine of them ending in the first round, to earn a spot on the UFC 91 undercard in 2008. The thrill wore off quickly with a first-round knockout loss to Gabriel Gonzaga, but Hendricks has remained active by fighting at least once a year over the past five years, including a win over Bellator contender and Connecticut native Josh Diekmann at Twin River in 2011.

In addition to his five knockout wins, Hendricks’ impressive resume includes 12 wins by submission. Only two of his 21 fights have gone the distance — both wins — setting the stage for what could be a dramatic finish when he faces Johnston on the 14th.

For Felix (10-7, 3 KOs), his lightweight showdown against Arizona’s Drew Fickett (42-20, 3 KOs) represents another opportunity to beat a UFC vet while moving one step closer toward reaching the same goal in his own career.

The Providence native already owns wins over Joe Proctor and Marc Stevens and tends to fight his best on the biggest stage, but Fickett is a rare breed, a sturdy veteran with more than 60 fights on his resume before his 35th birthday.

Fickett’s remarkable efficiency, which includes seven fights under the UFC umbrella and bouts with Strikeforce, Dream and King Of The Cage, is even more impressive considering his past troubles in and out of the cage. Fickett battled alcoholism for several years, but has since rededicated himself to mixed martial arts and is looking to make one more run to the top.

Experience will be on his side. Among his most impressive bouts are a split-decision win over former UFC title contender Kenny Florian in 2004 before Florian’s UFC debut and a split-decision win over fellow Strikeforce and UFC vet Dennis Hallman in 2003. Fickett is also the first fighter to beat UFC lifer Josh Koscheck, submitting Koscheck via rear-naked choke at UFC Fight Night 2 in 2005.

At his best, Fickett is one of the top lightweights in mixed martial arts. Thirty-one of his 42 wins have come by submission and he’s only gone the distance 13 times in 62 bouts.

But Felix rarely wilts under the pressure. Working with Rhode Island-based boxing coach Vic Fagnant and former CES MMA lightweight champ Mike Campbell, who has helped with strength and conditioning, Felix expects to be the strongest he’s ever been when he returns on the 14th. Since losing to Joe DeChaves in October of 2010, a loss that dropped his record to 5-6, Felix has won five of his last six bouts. The turnaround began with the win over Proctor, the Quincy, Mass., native who went on to star on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Live and has since been a fixture on UFC undercards.

Several undercard bouts at “CES MMA XXII” could steal the show, including the highly-anticipated middleweight bout between UFC vet Thomas Egan (7-4, 6 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass., and Plymouth, Mass., veteran Chip Moraza-Pollard (7-6, 4 KOs) a former Reality Fighting and Bellator contender. Egan, born and raised in Kildare, Ireland, starred on UFC 93 in Ireland.

Looking to keep the momentum going from his win over Chris Woodall in November, former TUF vet Chuck O’Neill (12-6, 4 KOs) of East Bridgwater, Mass., will battle Dade City, Fla., welterweight Roger Carroll (13-10) in a three-round bout. Caroll has won 11 bouts by submission.

Also on the undercard, rising featherweight star and Johnson & Wales alum Charles Rosa (6-0, 3 KOs) of Boynton Beach, Fla., will return to Twin River for the fourth time in a three-round bout against Philadelphia veteran Brylan Van Artsdalen (9-9, 1 KO), an eight-time Bellator veteran.

Marshfield, Mass., featherweight Brendan Fleming (3-2) will take on Baltimore’s Robert Sullivan (3-1); fellow featherweight Josh LaBerge (8-4, 3 KOs) of Fall River, Mass., will battle Philadelphia’s Steve McCabe (6-14, 5 KOs); Tommy Venticinque (0-1) of Warwick, R.I., will face Rick Rivera of Springfield, Mass., in a welterweight bout; and Winthrop, Mass, featherweight Kyle Bochniak (1-0) will aim for his second win of the year when he faces Marius Enache (1-2) of Philadelphia.