Luis Collazo scored a stunning 2nd round stoppage over Victor Ortiz in a battle of former Welterweight title holders at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Not much happened over the 1st rounds with Ortiz looking for the big shot and Collazo got in a few counters. The end came suddenly and with a big thud as Ortiz landed a straight left but Collazo landed a perfect right hook to the jaw that spun Ortiz to the ropes and on the canvas and was counted out by referee Benji Esteves at 2:59 of round 2.

Collazo, 146 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 35-5 with 18 knockouts. Ortiz, 146 1/2 lbs of Ventura, CA is now 29-5-2.

“I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to win,” said Collazo. “I went through hard times and maybe I wasn’t ready before, but I was ready today.

“When I was in the locker room, the joy, happiness and excitement hit me that I have the opportunity to perform in Brooklyn in front of my fans and the people I grew up with here,” he continued.

“I knew Ortiz was going to come out and be aggressive and I had to stay focused and stick to the game plan. People say that I can’t punch, but I guess they’re wrong.”

“I’m good,” said Ortiz. “I got caught. No big deal. It happens. I put my heart out there.”

Eddie Gomez scored a 7th round knockdown en route to a 10 round unanimous decision over DeQuann Arnett in a battle of previously undefeated Welterweights.

Gomez controlled most of the first six rounds with solid power punching and using some good body work. Arnett would sneak in the occasional right hand that kept Gomez honest. In round seven, Gomez landed a thunderous body punch that sent Arnett to the canvas. Arnett got to his feet but Gomez opened up with a barrage of punches that had Arnett staggered. Arnett recovered enough to attempt to time Gomez’wide power shots and even got through with a few of his own shots.

Gomez, 147 1/4 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 16-0. Arnett, 148 1/2 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 11-1.

Gomez continued to be the leader down the stretch and he cruised home with the victory.

“I just took my time in there and did what I had to do,” said Gomez. “Now I’m just happy.”

Gomez continued, “I should have gone to the body earlier and I think I could have gotten him in four or five rounds. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to get this fight. I took full advantage and worked hard.”

“This is the beginning for me not the end,” said Arnett. “I am going to come back stronger and will take this and learn from it.”

Super prospect Gary Russell Jr. scored a tremendous 4th round stoppage over Miguel Tamayo in scheduled eight round Featherweight bout.

Russell controlled the 1st three round with fast hands as featured a rights to the body. In round four, he landed a huge right that hurt Tamayo and a follow up right dropped Tamayo for the ten count at 1:04 of round four.

Russell, 126 3/4 lbs of Capitol Heights. MD is now 24-0 with 14 knockouts. Tamayo, 126 1/2 lbs of Obregan, MX is now 14-8-2.

“I felt good in the ring tonight,” said Russell Jr. “I paced myself and worked towards what I wanted. I felt prepared. I went through six weeks of training and I rose to the occasion.

Russell Jr. continued, “I am looking toward the future and getting a shot at a world title.”

In non-televised undercard action, some of New York’s most exciting young prospects showcased their skills with impressive wins.

Barclays Center regular “Sir” Marcus Browne (9-0, 7 KO’s) of Staten Island made the most of his seventh appearance at the arena as he went the distance against Shreveport, LA’s Kentrell Claiborne (4-9, 3 KO’s) in a six-round cruiserweight bout. The 2012 U.S. Olympian was happy that his opponent had a “head made of stone” so that he could get more experience in the ring.

“I got some good rounds in,” said Browne. “I’m learning how to be a distance fighter and to prove I could keep my composure.”

Local Bronx up and comer Emmanuel “Manny” Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KO’s) went the distance against Victor Sanchez of Houston, TX (5-8-2, 2 KO’s) in an eight-round featherweight matchup that saw Gonzalez winning nearly ever round on all three judges’ scorecards despite a point deduction for holding in the seventh round. Gonzalez also looked at his eight-round bout as a learning experience.

“This is the first eight-rounder that I’ve fought [that has gone the distance] in about a year and a half,” said Gonzalez. “I definitely got a little winded, but I will work even harder next time and continue to be undefeated.”

Newly-signed Golden Boy Promotions prospect Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn put on a strong performance in a four-round super lightweight fight against Jose Valderrama (3-7, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico in Ochoa’s inaugural performance as a member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable.

In the first fight of the evening, Rafael Vasquez of Brooklyn, NY (10-1, 8 KO’s) scored a first-round technical knockout over Bradley Patraw (10-7, 5 KO’s) of St. Paul, Minn. in featherweight action that was scheduled for eight rounds.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the complete televised undercard for the April 12th rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley has been set.

In a WBA Super Lightweight title bout Khabin Allekhverdiev will defend against Jesse Vargas. Ray Beltran will take on Roman Martinez in a Lightweight bout and Bryan Vazquez will defend an interim 130 lb title against Jose Felix Jr.

“All three of them are competitive fights,” said promoter Bob Arum said. “So I guess whichever fight the press and the fans seem like most is the one we’ll make the semifinal. I think they’re all good fights. Beltran-Martinez is the one I want to see more than the others, so we’ll see if the press and the fans agree with me. But overall, I think we’re looking at some good, entertaining fights on the card.”

“This (Beltran – Martinez) is a really interesting crossroads fight,” said Top Rank’s Moretti said. “Both guys have had wars with Burns. Neither guy has ever been in a bad fight. Beltran is a strong puncher who makes good fights. Rocky has been in a lot of good fights. I expect fireworks. I wouldn’t be shocked if both guys hit the canvas.”

On Allekhverdiev – Vargas:

“This is the first chance we’ve had to expose Khabib in the United States since we signed him because of the injury and the mandatory, and he’s in with Jessie, who is dropping back down to 140 pounds,” Moretti said. “It’s an interesting matchup. The winner is probably going to get a big payday after this fight.

“I’ve seen Khabib on tape. He’s a very competent fighter and [Top Rank matchmaker] Brad [Goodman] has watched Vargas train in the gym and thinks he is doing marvelously,” Arum said. “We could see an upset.”

“We believe Jose Felix’s stock is on the rise,” Moretti said. “Hopefully, the card on April 12 will provide him a platform to show what he has against a more experienced, action fighter in Bryan Vasquez.”

(PHILADELPHIA, PA JANUARY 30, 2014)– Banner Promotions, Inc. will present a new boxing tournament that will develop boxing’s newest stars. The Boxcino 2014 Championships will be a single-elimination, two weight class tournament that will feature eight fighters in both the lightweight and middleweight divisions.

The tournament will consist of five shows, to include a preliminary round, semi-finals and finals in each division. The inaugural event will take place on February 21, 2014 at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada.
ESPN will televise the Boxcino 2014 tournament that will air on ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presented by Corona Extra.

Each preliminary round will feature four, 6-round bouts. The winners will move on to the semifinals, which will be 8-round bouts. The finals of both the lightweights and middleweights will be contested at 10 rounds each.

A “most valuable boxer” will be voted by the fans and will be given a specially designed ring.

“We are looking forward to showcasing this tournament on Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “It will give fans the opportunity to see some of the best up-and-coming fighters in the sport and follow them throughout the Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates season. ESPN did a similar tournament back in 1997, which was won by future four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas. We hope to find another diamond in the rough like we did that year.”

“This will be one of the most unique tournaments that boxing has seen in a long time,” said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“We are excited at the concept and we believe that new stars will be born. The fans will watch these fighters grow and the fighters know that a great performance will make them a major player in the sport.”

Lightweight Division:
Yakubu Amidu: Los Angeles (22-4-1, 18 KOs)
Fernando Carcamo: Ciudad Obregon, Mexico (15-5-0, 12 KOs)
Miguel González: Cleveland (22-3-0, 16 KOs)
Miguel Angel Mendoza: Aguascalientes, Mexico (21-2-2, 21 KOs)
Samuel Neequaye: Accra, Ghana (21-0-0, 15 KOs)
Fedor Papazov: Russia (14-0-0, 9 KOs)
Petr Petrov: Madrid, Spain (32-4-2, 15 KOs)
Chris Rudd: Covington, Tennessee (12-1-0, 8 KOs)

Middleweight Division:
Brandon Adams: San Diego, California (12-0-0, 7 KOs)
Sena Agbeko: Accra, Ghana (15-0-0, 15 KOs)
Donatas Bondorovas: Chicago (18-4-1, 6 KOs)
Daniel Edouard: West Palm Beach, Florida (23-4-2, 12 KOs)
Cerresso Fort: St. Paul, Minnesota (17-2-1, 11 KOs)
Raymond Gatica: Austin, Texas (13-1-0, 7 KOs)
Willie Monroe, Jr.: Rochester, New York (15-1-0, 6 KOs)
Vitalii Kopylenko: Kiev, Ukraine (22-0-0, 12 KOs)

TV Schedule:
Date
Time(ET)
Round
Location
Networks
Fri, Feb. 21
9 p.m.
Lightweight Quarterfinal Round
Edgewater Casino,
Laughlin, Nev.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Feb. 28
9 p.m.

Middleweight Quarterfinal Round

Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Hammond, Ind.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Mar. 28
9 p.m.
Lightweight Semifinal Round
4 Bears Casino,
New Town, N.D.
ESPN, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Apr. 18
9 p.m.
Middleweight Semifinal Round
Turning Stone Casino,
Verona N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, May 23
9 p.m.
Lightweight & Middleweight Final Round
Turning Stone Casino,
Verona N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Argenis Mendez got his IBF Jr. Lightweight title back after the Minnesota commission ruled his January 3rd bout with Rances Barthelemy a no contest after the deciding blow that caused a 2nd round stoppage came after the bell.

“This a great day for boxing. The decision proves there is justice and integrity in the sport,” Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion and Mendez’s promoter, said in a statement to ESPN.com.

Ken B. Peterson, Minnesota’s commissioner of the department of labor and industry, agreed. He wrote in his ruling, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.com, that he had reviewed video of the fight — which was nationally televised on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” — and the materials submitted by attorneys for both sides.

“In addition, I have considered input provided by referee Peter Podgorski and consulted with an ad hoc committee of the Minnesota Combative Sports Advisory Council regarding this grievance,” Peterson wrote. “My decision in this case is that the fight will be ruled a no decision.”

“The video replay presented by both parties as evidence clearly shows the knockout punch was after the bell had sounded. No evidence was presented that Mr. Barthelemy intentionally threw foul punches. The punches were an accidental foul which caused the knockout that ended the fight.”

“I think this is the right result. You never know until the decision comes down how it will go,” attorney Patrick English, who represents Mendez, told ESPN.com. “It looks as though they consulted the referee, which I am pleased to have seen.”

“I think they were wrong because the referee did not call a foul and my understanding of the rules is the only person who can call a foul is the referee,” said Barthelemy’s promoter Leon Margules. “He is the only person who can say it’s a foul, so it’s a bad interpretation of the rules.”

Toronto – Just two days removed from a live broadcast of Victor Ortiz vs. Luis Collazo from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another blockbuster live boxing card this Saturday, Feb. 1, at 12 p.m. ET from Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco, headlined by undefeated WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin making the first defense of 2014 against former title challenger Osumanu Adama.

Presented by Fight Network, Octapixx Live, K2 Promotions, Golden Gloves and GGG Promotions, Golovkin vs. Adama headlines the event titled, “Monte Carlo Night of Champions.”

Golovkin (28-0, 25 KOs) is USA Today and Ring Magazine’s fan favorite 2013 fighter of the year. Boasting the highest KO percentage among active major titleholders, Golovkin fought four times last year, destroying Gabriel Rosado, Nobuhiro Ishida, Matthew Macklin and Curtis Stevens.

Adama (22-3, 16 KOs) has never been stopped in professional competition. The Ghana native last challenged for the title in March 2012, dropping a hard-fought decision against former IBF champion Daniel Geale.

In other action, Australia’s Jarrod Fletcher (17-1, 10 KOs) battles Max Bursak (29-1-1, 12 KOs) for the WBA Continental middleweight title, Roman Belaev (12-0, 10 KOs) clashes with Dean Byrne (17-2-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental welterweight title, South Africa’s Nkosinathi Joyi (24-2, 17 KOs) throws down with Rey Loreto (17-13, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBO light flyweight championship, plus Joyi’s compatriot Ilunga Makabu (15-1, 14 KOs) faces his toughest test against unbeaten Argentinian knockout artist Ruben Angel Mino (20-0, 20 KOs).

Fight Network’s live afternoon broadcast from Monaco kicks off at 12 p.m. ET and is expected to run approximately four hours.

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

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (January 30, 2014) – Hall of Famer “Iron” Mike Tyson is the youngest World Heavyweight Champion of all-time and in 1987 he was voted “World’s Most Popular Athlete.” The living legend became a boxing promoter last year, partnering with Garry Jonas to form Iron Mike Productions, which has announced its new monthly boxing series, “KO Kings of Tomorrow,” starting February 22, at Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Tyson, of course, isn’t the first world champion who turned to promoting after retiring from the ring. He joined a select list of fighters who became boxing promoters, including Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali (see photo gallery below), Roy Jones, Jr., Oscar de la Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Tyson also announced that he will perform his acclaimed one-man show, “Undisputed Truth,” on Feb. 20 at Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The IMP boxing series will be broadcast worldwide as low-cost pay-per-view events over Universal Streaming Network, live from Sands Bethlehem Event Center, for only $4.99 via http://www.ustream.tv/universalstreamingnetwork.

The Feb. 22nd “KO Kings of Tomorrow” is loaded from top to bottom, featuring many of the top contenders and prospects in the world. World-rated featherweight Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-1, 11 KOs) takes on Mexican invader Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza (36-28-2, 28 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The World Boxing Association (WBA) rates Marrero, a native of the Dominican Republic, as its No. 9 rated 126-pounder in the world. The slick southpaw lost a close 12-round decision (116-111, 115-112, 114-113) in his last fight (August 23, 2013) to Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar for the WBA Interim title.

Two-time Dominican Republic Olympian Juan Carlos Payano (14-0, 8 KOs) faces battle-tested Mexican veteran German “Panteonero” Meraz (46-28-1, 25 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Payano had more than 520 amateur matches and he is currently the WBA’s top-rated contender (No. 2, the top spot is unrated), as well as ranked No. 10 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 15 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

One of the best prospects in the world, Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (2-0, 2 KOs), meets Mississippi’s upset-minded Tirobio Ball (4-1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round Special Welterweight Attraction. Lubin, fighting out of Orlando (FL), was considered Team USA’s No. 1 overall prospect for the 2016 Olympics prior to him signing a promotional contract with Iron Mike Productions last October 1 on his 18th birthday. The explosive southpaw captured a gold medal at the 2012 National PAL Championships, among his many significant accomplishments as an amateur boxer.

Cuban light heavyweight Humberto “El Don” Savigne (11-8, 8 KOs), fighting out of Miami, squares off against former world title challenger Tommy Karpency (21-4-1, 14 KOs) in another 10-round bout. Savigne is rated No. 4 by the WBA. Karpency is a local favorite from Adah, Pennsylvania, who took then-World Boxing Organization (WBO) 175-pound champion Nathan Cleverly the full distance in 2012.

Another powerful southpaw, Cuban-born super featherweight Alexei “The Mexican-Cuban” Collado (17-0, 16 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against tough Mexican veteran Edgar “Basuras” Riovalle (36-16-2, 25 KOs) in an eight-round match-up. The 25-year-old Collado, who defected to Ireland and now lives in Miami, has stopped all but one of his 17 opponents as a professional. Riovalle has been knocked out only once in his last 14 fights dating back to 2010.

Another standout IMP prospect, Orlando featherweight Dennis Galarza (2-0, 1 KO), plans to continue impressing in a scheduled four-rounder versus Jesus Gonzalez (1-1), of Mexico. Also fighting on the undercard in a six-rounder are a pair of unbeaten welterweights, popular Moossen (PA) resident “The Who Can Mexican” Samuel Vasquez (11-0, 7 KOs), the two-time All-Army and Armed Forces Champion, and Dominican Republic fighter Berlin “The Rock” Abreau (7-0., 5 KOs). Azerbaijan middleweight Farid Aghaev will make his pro debut in a four-round fight vs. an opponent to be determined.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets priced at $200.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 are on sale and available to purchase at the Sands Event Center Bethlehem Box Office, http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/, all TicketMaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-800-745-3000.

To inaugurate the “KO Kings of Tomorrow” series one lucky ticket holder will be selected to sit ringside with “Iron” Mike.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m. ET.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/
ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMike Productions, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

LONDON (Jan. 30) – Irish sensation Carl Frampton is one step away from a mega-money showdown against Mexican superstar Leo Santa Cruz.

The undefeated super-bantamweight ace will first have to get past Hugo Cazares, live and exclusive on BoxNation, when the pair meet on April 4th in a showdown at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

The show, billed as ‘This is Belfast’, will see Frampton take on the former two-time world champion in front of what is expected to be yet another sold out arena, with BoxNation being the only place left to catch the rising star.

“Hugo Cazares is a former two-weight world champion from Mexico who brings a lot of experience and skill with him,” said Frampton. “I can’t wait to get back in front of the amazing Belfast crowd and secure my shot at the WBC world title.

“I have progressed so much in the last twelve months both in the boxing ring and out of it, and I believe that the next twelve months will bring me even more success and more importantly the world title.

“It’s fantastic to be boxing at home for the fourth consecutive time and to be fighting a former two-weight world champion in a final eliminator for the world title,” he said.

‘The Jackal’ is convinced he will overcome Cazares to set the mood ahead of a huge sporting weekend in Belfast.

“It’s going to be such a big weekend for Belfast sport, I’ll be boxing on the Friday night and the Ulster Rugby team will be playing in the Heineken Cup Quarter-Final at Ravenhill on the Saturday,” Frampton said.

“Hopefully I can set the tone with a big victory and it will be a successful weekend all-round for Belfast. The whole city will be buzzing,” he said.

The 35-year-old Cazares, though, is equally determined to reclaim his spot back at the top of the sport and is unfazed by having to fight in Frampton’s backyard.

“April the 4th is my chance to put myself back on the world stage. I am a former champion and I have fought all over the world so going to Belfast is no problem for me,” he said.

“Frampton is a very good fighter but no one can stand in my way on my journey back to a world title,” vowed Cazares.

Boxing veteran and manager of Frampton, Barry McGuigan, knows that this fight is not an easy one for his young protégé and he will need to be at his peak to overcome the hardened Mexican.

“In Hugo Cazares, Carl faces a very experienced man who has been there and done it. He has won world titles in two weight divisions, including winning his second away from home in Japan, so he is no stranger to partisan crowds,” warned McGuigan.

“Carl will have to be at his best to beat this man and I believe he will, convincingly, and in doing so Carl will become the mandatory challenger to the WBC world champion, Leo Santa Cruz,” he said.

The prospect of a superfight with Santa Cruz, should Frampton come through, represents a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ contender with two, come-forward, all-action fighters going at it.

Middleweight hopeful Conrad Cummings is also set to make his home debut in front of the Odyssey Arena crowd on an action packed undercard that will feature an array of title fights.

Frampton vs. Cazares, and many more great fights, can be seen live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546). Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
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WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY (JANUARY 29, 2014)–This Friday night at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, Three members of the GH3 Promotions will be in action with two being featured in prominent fights as part of ESPN Friday Night Fight’s televised portion of the 12 bout card.

In the main event. popular Light Heavyweight Elvir Muriqi takes on undefeated Australian Blake Caparello in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. In the potentially exciting co-feature, Jorge Diaz battles undefeated Luis Rosa in a Featherweight bout scheduled for 8 rounds. Also seeing action will be undefeated undefeated Super Featherweight Wanzell Ellison, who will be making his debut under the GH3 Promotions banner when he fights Esteban Villalba.

Muriqi of New York has a record of 40-5 with 24 knockouts feels a win over Caparello (18-0-1, 6 KO’s) is a must and has been completely focused in making that a reality.

“Training camp was good,” said Muriqi, who was training for a fight with former world champion Zsolt Erdei before Erdei bowed out of the fight. “The only thing that changed with the opponent switch was that I had to have southpaw sparring. That is not a big deal as people saw how i performed against Antonio Tarver a few years back who was not only a southpaw but the best Light Heavyweight in the world at that time.”

Muriqi has been mostly off the radar since the narrow loss to Tarver, knows that this is a spot to get back in the Light Heavyweight mix.

“This is a 2nd chance. A great opportunity to get in the mix. This is great for me to be back on television here in America and I am looking for better things after this. I will have a lot of fans here for me and I am not about to let them down”

Caparello is a virtual unknown here in the United States but Muriqi did as much scouting as he could.

“He is an awkward guy and he is undefeated. I know he will fight hard but this will be new to him to come here and fight on the road.”

Diaz of New Brunswick, New Jersey has a record of 17-2 with 10 knockouts and will be looking to redeem himself after his last appearance when he was stopped in four rounds bu Yenifel Vicente on ESPN Froday Night Fights.

“My training has been pleasing”, said Diaz.

Diaz who makes for action fights is not taking this fight lightly.

“I think me getting this opportunity has to do with our records and I am here because of the opportunity that he is presenting me with.”

Despite Rosa being from nearby Connecticut, Diaz does not know much about the 15-0 fighter.

“This is really the first I have heard of him. I have received feedback that his style is similar to my last opponent and that he likes to come forward.”

Most fighters that are coming off of stoppage defeats usually look for a soft touch to get back in the win column, By taking this fight, Diaz is proving that he is a what the old school pundits would call a “Real Fighter” by getting right back in with an undefeated opponent.

“I took this opportunity. I don’t want to waste anybodies time. I just want to get right back in the mix of things.”

Ellison of Newark, New Jersey will be battling Esteban Villalba in a bout scheduled for six rounds.

“Everything is going good,” Said Ellison. “I have been training for a long time and I am ready.”

“I do not know much about my opponent. It doesn’t matter because it will be the same outcome no matter who it is. It will be a knockout. The time is now. Friday I will show who I am, Venom!!”

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75 and $40, and can be purchased by calling
1 (888) 612-4191 or by visiting https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/BOX/Online/default.asp#

LONDON (Jan. 30) – BoxNation subscribers get a chance to assess whether Kazakh crusher Gennady Golovkin is the most explosive puncher presently active in boxing – as many experts are suggesting – when he makes a ninth defence of his WBA World Middleweight crown live on the Channel of Champions this Saturday evening.

‘Golden Gennady’, 31, has knocked-out 25 of his 28 pro opponents – including each of his last 15 – inside the scheduled distance and, eager to secure the superfights that will vault him among the sport’s biggest earners, he’ll be hoping to extend the streak against tough Ghanaian Osumanu Adama at the Salle des etoiles Monte Carlo.

The 33 year old African challenger, known as ‘Machine Gun’, lasted the full 12 round trip in an abortive IBF challenge to Australia’s Daniel Geale in March 2012 and boasts a stoppage victory over Russia’s Roman Karmazin, a former IBF light-middle titlist. Therefore, expect him to take some shifting.

Watch the action live and exclusive on BoxNation, the Channel of Champions (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) from 5pm. Join at www.boxnation.com

One man brutally aware of the carnage Golovkin is capable of wreaking is Birmingham’s Matt Macklin who was punctured by a crippling body shot from the Kazakh in round three of his world title crack last June.

On Tuesday evening, boxing writer Glynn Evans called the triple world title challenger at his Marbella training base to get the inside skinny on ‘GGG’ and analyse how Saturday’s championship action might pan out.

“Living in Marbella now, I’m contemplating driving across to see the fight live.

I think Gennady has to be placed behind only Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward on the pound-for-pound list right now. He’s on around the same level as Guillermo Rigondeaux – a completely different fighter – but that’s the level he’s at.

People bang on about Golovkin’s strength and power but, having shared a ring with him, I was most impressed by his boxing ability. His footwork is outstanding and he’s got such good judgement of distance. His timing and accuracy are both exceptional. He wastes absolutely nothing.

And he is a seriously devastating puncher with both hands, without really looking for it (the finish). The left hook that finished me broke my ribs and there was no way I could do anything about it. It’s the leverage that he generates rather than brute force that makes him so formidable.

His shots, including the hooks, tend to be long and looping. He’s definitely at his best from long range. He uses a very good jab to soften you up and his power tends to be at the end of his punches. It’s his timing that makes him so dangerous. He’s happy to stay outside and cleverly coax you on to his punches.

He’s also really aggressive. From the moment the bell rings, he’s on ya, looking to take you out. But he’s so patient, relaxed and economical when he stalks ya. It’s all so effortless. He’s able to apply intense pressure without throwing many punches or exerting much pressure himself. He’s a master at getting opponents to burn nervous energy. Against me, he was bowling forward in second gear, I was darting backwards in fifth! He’s a very, very impressive operator.

Mind, all the talk of him dropping down to light-middle for a superfight with Floyd Mayweather is bull. Golovkin’s not a big middleweight but he’s definitely a middleweight. He might physically be able to cut to 154 but he’d not be able to perform down there.

Moving up to super-middle to get his megafight would be far more logical. I think he’d be far too much for Carl Froch who likes to fight at mid and long range himself. However, Andre Ward, who’s an expert at smothering and fighting up close, has the style to give Golovkin big problems. That would be a very intriguing fight.

I’m actually quite familiar with Adama because I considered using him as a sparhand when I was preparing for my fight with Golovkin. An agent showed me quite a few clips and he seemed pretty tough, the type you could get decent rounds out of. For whatever reason, it never materialised.

I know Adama took Daniel Geale to points in a world title challenge over in Oz so he must be pretty durable. From what I saw, he was pretty orthodox. He wasn’t especially awkward like a lot of the African lads are. He seemed pretty rugged and capable, appeared to have a decent left hook but didn’t really do anything unique.

To give himself any kind of chance against Golovkin, Adama needs to hold the centre of the ring, attempt to push Gennady back and take away some of his leverages. In my opinion, Golovkin isn’t great up close, fighting inside. Adama needs to close the gap and attempt to work Golovkin over with uppercuts. He needs to meet fire with fire, just like Ricky Hatton did with Kostya Tszyu.

That was my initial intention after studying Golovkin before we fought. However, Buddy McGirt, my coach at the time, persuaded me to try to box him. It’s conceivable that a middleweight version of Buddy (ex IBF light-welter champion) could’ve succeeded with those tactics but my strengths and attributes are different. By the time I realised that I needed to adapt our gameplan, I was already really under the kosh. Gennady’s jab busted me up and I had to work so hard, so early.

Unless you’re a middleweight Guillermo Rigondeaux – and from what I’ve seen Adama isn’t – the worst possible thing you could do against Golovkin would be to try to outbox him. He’s got a very good jab and his footwork is far too good.

Osumanu needs to try to make it a gruelling, draining affair. He’s been 12 rounds three times whereas Golovkin is yet to complete ten. All fighters’ timing and reactions deteriorate as they become more fatigued. It’s a case of getting Gennady into the second half of the fight. Easier said than done!

Unless Golovkin turns up sick, injured or seriously overlooks Adama, it’s hard to give the African any hope at all. But no fighter is invincible.

Remember Vince Phillips upsetting a prime Kostya Tszyu when nobody gave him any kind of chance. He just dug in, kept firing back and ultimately broke Kostya’s heart.

Still, I think a repeat of that is unlikely here. If Adama gambles on engaging early and gets sloppy, he could get taken out immediately. He’s wiped out 15 of his 28 victims within three rounds. More likely, Golovkin will systematically break him down and bust him up by mid way.

I see Adama constantly under pressure, not winning any rounds. Curtis Stevens started boldly against Golovkin but once he tasted his power and got knocked down in round two he withdrew into his shell.

Golovkin is an expert at knocking the ambition out of you. I can’t see Adama making it past round seven or eight. ”

Watch the action live and exclusive on BoxNation, the Channel of Champions (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) from 5pm. Join at www.boxnation.com

San Diego (January 29, 2014)–Thus Saturday afternoon at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales, Lee Selby (17-1, 6 KO’s) will defend his British Featherweight and vie for the vacant European Featherweight crown when he takes on Rendall Munroe (27-3-1, 11 KO’s) that will headline a fantastic afternoon of boxing on AWE.

The show begins at 3pm est / 12 noon pac and will feature a Lightweight bout between Gary Buckland (27-3, 9 KO’s)and former world champion Gavin Rees (37-3-1, 18 KO’s) as well as an appearance by 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Anthony Joshua (3-0, 3 KO’s)

Selby of Barry Wales has been having a solid camp and is taking nothing lightly.

“Training is going well. He is a southpaw but everything is on track,”said Selby. “Munroe is very tough and experienced and has only lost to world champions. It will be a very credible win as he has defeated guys who have gone on to win world championships.”

Knowing that the European belt is a gateway to world supremacy, Selby feel that he is close to realizing a dream.

“All I need is a win and after this it’s on the road to a world title. Once I win this title, I want to defend it one or two times and look for a world title eliminator. I feel that I am very close as a guy I already defeated in Viorel Simon is being mentioned as a possible opponent for WBC champion Jhonny Gonzalez.”

“Gonzalez is the guy I would like to fight as I consider the WBC belt the highest regarded title.”

Selby feels that a big performance on Saturday will enhance himself to the American fight fans.

“This is a massive opportunity to showcase my talent and for people can see me across another continent. Hopefully the American fans can see my style that I like to mix it up and good I have boxing skills.”

About AWE Live Boxing

For 2012, AWE earned 2 of the 6 Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” candidates, beating out all other networks except HBO which earned three. AWE also showcased live all 2012 David Price fights. In 2013 AWEhas featured the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over Price, bouts with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew, who just fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale and possibly the two most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran as well as the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves.

The network is 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.

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

Sherman Oaks, CA – (Jan. 29) Make way, Chris Arreola! There’s another “Nightmare” in the Goossen Tutor Promotions stable of boxers, as promoter Dan Goossen today announced the signing of veteran world title challenger and world-ranked contender, Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan.

The 6-0 tall, 27-year old Armenian native, who has lived in Glendale, California since emigrating there with his family at age 4, has compiled an impressive 33-1-1 record with 21 knockouts in his nearly nine years as a professional boxer while fighting under Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. banner. The orthodox-style super welterweight was recently ranked as the #1 contender in most of the world sanctioning organizations. He formerly held the NABF Super Welterweight and NABO Junior Middleweight titles.

“I’m really excited about signing with Goossen Tutor Promotions,” Martirosyan exclaimed. “I see a very bright future ahead of us. I do want to thank Bob (Arum) for all his support the last seven years, I am very grateful and wish them the best of luck.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 29, 2014) Undefeated junior welterweight professional boxer Chris Algieri held a fan friendly “Meet and Greet” this past Sunday in Las Vegas where he is preparing for his ESPN Friday Night Fights debut on FEBRUARY 14 in his hometown of Huntington, New York.

“It was a great opportunity to meet some terrific kids in Las Vegas and talk about their health and nutrition,” said Algieri, also a pre-med student specializing in clinical nutrition. “Las Vegas has been a terrific place to train with excellent sparring and I’m looking forward to putting on a career best performance on FEBRUARY 14.”

The event was held at the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Known as “The Fighting Pride of Huntington, New York, Algieri,
18-0-0 (8KO’s) will challenge world ranked Emanuel “The Tranzformer” Taylor
, 17-1-0 (12KO”s) on ESPN Friday Night Fights/Rockin Fights 12
at The Paramount in Huntington, New York, presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Advance tickets, priced at $200, $150, $100, $60 and $50 for “ESPN Friday Night Fights/Rockin Fights 12” are available through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000). Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or on their website www.starboxing.com and through The Paramount Box Office, (631) 673-7300.

The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue in Huntington, New York, 11743. Doors on the night of the event will open at 7:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

ABOUT ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will begin at 9 p.m. ET live on ESPN2,

Watch ESPN and broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.
ESPN Deportes will re-brand its coverage as Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) with some telecasts on Saturdays.

ESPN2 Commentators/Studio:

Blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and ringside analyst Teddy Atlas will return to describe the action for ESPN2. Both are recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA): Atlas (2001), Tessitore (2010). Studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN), will return for his second season providing all the latest boxing news and highlights. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn), who last year became the series’ first-ever on-site reporter, will contribute to Friday Night Fights in English, and Noche de Combates (Fight Night) in Spanish.

ESPN Deportes Commentators/Studio:

Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights with Pablo Viruega for Noche de Combateson both ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez will join Trejos and González in studio throughout the season, with Osuna providing reports and interviews.

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, The Paramount hosts nearly 200 events per year and in less than two years since its inception, has quickly established itself as the premier music venue on Long 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.

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.

Unified 140 pound champion Danny Garcia will defend his crown against Mauricio Herrera on March 15th in Puerto Rico according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Danny has talked to me for the last year and a half, saying, ‘We have to look at doing one of my fights in Puerto Rico.’ This is something he really wanted so, finally, I felt that this was a great opportunity for Danny to go to Puerto Rico and defend his title,” said Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “I am sure Puerto Rico will welcome him with open arms. He wants to represent the U.S. and Puerto Rico, given the heritage that he has. I am very happy to be able to fulfill his dream to bring him to the island and have him fight there.”

“Herrera is a good fighter and he beat Provodnikov,” said Schaefer, adding that Golden Boy signed him about 10 days ago. “Herrera is very excited about this fight. He sees it as a tremendous opportunity and is not worried at all about fighting Danny in Puerto Rico.”

“Danny has fought everybody the past few years,” Schaefer said. “He is clearly the man at 140 pounds and when you are the man you have a big target on your back. Whether Mauricio Herrera will be able to do something about it I don’t know. But I do know Mauricio Herrera comes to fight and will be ready.

“He knows what it means for him, his career and his family. He’s totally fired up for this opportunity. Herrera doesn’t have the same name recognition or the same credentials like Matthysse or Judah, but it is those kinds of fights that are sometimes most dangerous if Danny is looking past him.”

Schaefer said he also finalized two other bouts for the card:

• Top American heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder (30-0, 30 KOs), 28, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist from Tuscaloosa, Ala., will take a major step up in opposition against Malik Scott (36-1-1, 13 KOs), 33, of Philadelphia in the opening Showtime bout.

• In a fight that will be part of the Showtime Extreme coverage of preliminary fights, Juan Manuel Lopez (33-3, 30 KOs), 30, of Puerto Rico, and Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon (45-5, 35 KOs), 33, both former junior featherweight and featherweight titleholders, will meet in a rematch at junior lightweight. Lopez knocked out Ponce De Leon in the first round in 2008 in Atlantic City, N.J., to win a junior featherweight title.

Floyd Mayweather and the Timothy Bradley – Ruslan Provodnikov war highlighted the 2013 BWAA Awards which were announced Tuesday according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

It is the second time Mayweather has won the award. He also won in 2007, the last time he fought at least two times in a calendar year.

The pound-for-pound king was dominant as ever last year and Tuesday won Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year honors.
“It is a great honor to be voted by the BWAA as fighter of the year. To be recognized by this organization is special and I truly appreciate it,” Mayweather said in a statement given to ESPN.com. “I also want to congratulate the other winners and also recognize my fellow nominees, whose achievements in the ring this past year afforded them nominations too.”

“I have dedicated my whole career to being the best and because of that I have been on top for 17 years,” Mayweather said. “Hard work and dedication got me there and awards like these help keep me there too. On behalf of myself and the entire Money Team, I thank you so very much.”

“It’s unbelievable. I can’t even imagine, Timothy Bradley in a fight of the year,” Bradley said after ESPN.com had informed him that he had won. “It takes two people willing to engage in that type of action so I gotta give major props to Ruslan Provodnikov for bringing the best out of me. We put it all on the line. We put our lives on the line. I hope that all the fans really appreciated that night.

“I have talked to so many different people who say it was the best fight they have seen in a long time or that it is the best fight they have ever seen, and I’m a part of it. Who would think Timothy Bradley would be in a fight of the year and win the fight of the year? It’s a huge accomplishment.”

Freddie Roach won his sixth Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award, a BWAA record, thanks in large part to his work with Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Provodnikov.

“It’s nice to be back in the mix. We had a bad year (in 2012) and we had a much better year (in 2013),” Roach told ESPN.com. “No. 6? I love being recognized for what we do but without the fighters I wouldn’t be here.”

The Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year went to Al Haymon, whose list of clients is long and impressive, including Mayweather, junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia, welterweight titleholders Marcos Maidana and Shawn Porter, former welterweight titlists Adrien Broner and Devon Alexander, interim welterweight titlist Keith Thurman, junior welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse, junior featherweight titlist Leo Santa Cruz and top heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder. All of them have earned career-high purses under the powerful Haymon’s guidance.

Other awards:

The Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award to boxing was a tie between Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels and famed broadcaster Colonel Bob Sheridan.

The Sam Taub award for excellence in broadcast journalism went to former two-division titleholder Paulie Malignaggi, who is still an active fighter but has blossomed in his role as a color analyst on Showtime and Fox Sports 1 boxing telecasts.

The Marvin Kohn Good Guy award will be collected by ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, who was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.

Former welterweight titleholder Paul Williams, whose career end abruptly when he was paralyzed from the waist down in a motorcycle crash in 2012, has kept an inspiring upbeat attitude and was voted winner of the Bill Crawford award for courage in overcoming adversity.

In previously announced awards, this writer was voted winner of the 2013 Nat Fleischer award for excellence in boxing journalism, a career achievement award that can only won once and is voted on by past winners, and Sandy Grady was selected as the A.J. Liebling award winner for outstanding boxing writing.

Winners will be honored at the BWAA annual awards banquet, which will take place in May or June at a site to be determined.

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 28, 2014)–On Friday night, February 7th Greg Robinson’s Power Productions will present a special night of professional boxing at the National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia.

In the special 4-round main event, 17 year-old Milton Santiago Jr. will make his anticipated pro debut against Moses Molina in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Santiago of Warminster, Pennsylvania had an amateur record of 184-12 and won a staggering 59 tournaments is ready for the occasion.

“I feel great and this is a dream come true. I believe that I am the youngest professional in Pennsylvania.”

Santiago has been preparing with professionals and is not worried about going into the paid ranks.

“I spar with a lot of professionals,” said Santiago. “They are all grown men and I beat them up. I feel I am very strong and I am ready to turn pro.”

Santiago started boxing at 5-years old and had his first fight at 8.

The Junior at William Tennant High School is will have some support from the faculty from the school.

“My English teach will be at the fight. When some of my teachers found out what I do, they were happy for me and shocked. Boxing helps a lot with school because it helps me stay focused with both studying and boxing.”

Santiago says he likes watching Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Felix Trinidad.

He also receives a lot of moral support and advice from some of the top professionals in Philadelphia.

“Hassan Young gives me good advice but I also talk with Jesse Hart, Bryant Jennings and Danny Garcia as well.”

Outside of the ring, Santiago is your typical kid as he enjoys playing video games with his brothers and playing sports in the neighborhood.

“I have been wanting to turn pro for a while now and I can not wait until February 7th.”

His dad, Milton Santiago Sr. is his trainer and explains his reasons for his son get the special dispensation to turn pro.

“This would have been his last year with headgear in the amateurs anyway. After January 1st, he would have had to fight without it.”, said the older Santiago.

“He isn’t your typical 17-year old. He spars very well with the older professionals. There have been promoters who told me they could not believe he is 17. He is so relaxed in the ring. To him it is just like unwrapping a candy bar. In fact sometimes in the corner, he has to tell me to calm down.”

Santiago will fight this fight at the 140-pound eight limit but he plans to campaign as a Lightweight.

The rest of the card is as follows:

In an eight round Super Featherweight bout, Frank Trader (10-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named.

In six round bouts:

Anthony Flores (9-4-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Ramesis Gil (8-7-5, 5 KO’s) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in a Super Featherweight bout.

Denis Douglin (15-3, 9 KO’s) of Marloboro, NJ battles Orlando Membreno (12-18-1, 11 KO’s) of Barcelona, Spain in a Middleweight bout.

Lenroy Thomas (16-3, 8 KO’s) of St. Petersburg, FL will see action in an Heavyweight bout against an opponent to be named.

In Four round bouts:

Emanuel Folly (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take part in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Sultahn Staton (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will compete against Mike Eroza (0-1-2) in a Lightweight bout.

Angel Concepcion (5-0) of Newark, NJ will battle Maurice Amaro (2-5, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Carlos Lopez (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Humacao, Puerto Rico will fight in a Middleweight bout.

Tickets for this special evening of boxing cost : $75 Ringside, $50 for Floor seats and $40 For General Admission and can be purchased by calling Power Productions at 267-584-5196; Moz at 215-500-7435 or at Ticketmaster.com

THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD AT CHICKIE’S & PETES AT 6PM ON 11000 ROOSEVELT BLVD. IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA. FOOD AND BEVERAGE WILL BE SERVED.

The Jan. 31 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presented by Corona Extra will feature undefeated Light Heavyweight contender Blake “Il Capo” Caparello (18-0-1, 6 KOs) and Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi (40-5, 24 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Friday’s show, from the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange N.J., will take place Super Bowl weekend and is less than 20 miles from MetLife Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLVIII.

The show will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. ESPN Deportes will televise the fights Sunday, Feb. 2, at 2 a.m. The card is promoted by Dibella Entertainment.

New Picture (37)
Watch Teddy Atlas and Joe Tessitore preview Friday’s main event

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

Atlas Fight Plan:
Former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will be Atlas’ sparring partner in this week’s “Fight Plan” segment during which Atlas will illustrate what Friday’s headliners will need to do to win.

Main Event:
Australia’s Caparello, who will be making his U.S. debut, scored a 12-round unanimous decision win over Allan Green in his last outing, while Muriqi, who hails from N.Y., is looking to continue his winning ways following an eight-round majority decision win over Paul Vasquez.

“I’m a boxer-mover. I like to use angles, long punches and quick hands,” Caparello said. “Elvir (Muriqi) is a strong, solid fighter. We’ve had a good look at him. He’s the type, if we want to make an impression, we have to beat him good. That’s our plan.”

“When you fight a lefty, you can never look great but as long as I win, that’s what matters,” Muriqi said. “I’m pretty good with lefties and think I’m going to surprise a lot of people.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated Featherweight Luis “KO King” Rosa (15-0, 7 KOs) against Jorge Diaz (17-2, 10 KOs). Connecticut’s Rosa is coming off a third-round TKO win over Andre Wilson, while New Jersey’s Diaz is looking to rebound from a fourth-round TKO loss to Yenifel Vicente.

Additional Fight:
Friday’s show will open with an additional eight-round bout between undefeated Welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (19-0, 11KOs) and Tim Witherspoon Jr. (10-3-1, 2KOs), son of former Heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon.

Upcoming Schedule:

Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Location
Networks
Fri, Feb. 7
9 p.m.
Norberto González (20-2, 13 KOs) vs. Roberto García (33-3, 22 KOs)—10-rounds, Middleweights
UIC Pavilion , Chicago
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri, Feb. 14
9 p.m.
Chris Algieri (18-0, 8 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Taylor (17-1, 12 KOs) —10-rounds, Junior Welterweights
Paramount Theater, Huntington, N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
*Schedule subject to change

Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also 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. For the latest ESPN.com boxing news and analysis follow @ESPNBoxing.

Las Vegas (JANUARY 28, 2014)–Boxing legend and four division world champion Roy Jones Jr. has confirmed that he will appear at the inaugural Box Fan Expo this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Jones, who was the former Middleweight, Super Middleweight. Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight champion of the world will be in attendance to meet his fans at his own booth and will be available to sign autographs and photo-ops.

Jones will also have merchandise to sell to his fans with pricing detailS to follow.

” I’m looking forward to meeting all of the boxing fans at BOX FAN EXPO. It’s going to be a wonderful experience and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”, said Jones Jr.

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.

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

NEW JERSEY (January 28, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev (26-6-1, 16 KOs), who is ranked WBA # 3, WBC # 7 and IBF # 9, is issuing a challenge to WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Mikey Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs), if the Oxnard, California based fighter were to move up to the Lightweight division.

“If you move up to 135 you need to go through me, a real fighter,” said Nugaev. “Not Gamboa who will run the entire fight. If you want a fight, then fight me…if you want to bore the fans on HBO, fight Gamboa. Just like you, I’m a warrior with a lot of heart, who wants to put on a great show for the fans. Let’s make it happen. ”

In 2013, Nugaev made big strides in his career, going undefeated in four bouts winning them all by knockout. Promoter Gary Shaw believes his fighter is on the brink of greatness.

“Since returning to the U.S. from Russia in 2013, Nugaev has been unstoppable,” said Gary Shaw. “No one has been able to withstand his aggressive come forward style. He’s the type of fighter everyone loves to see because he is all action.”

“A fight with Mikey Garcia, who I believe is one of the best pound for pound fighters in boxing, and Nugaev, would be sensational. If Garcia moves up to 135, HBO should consider making this a main event. This would be one hell of a fight for the fans.”

OTTAWA, Canada (January 28, 2014) – Undefeated North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion Ghislain “Mani” Maduma (15-0, 9 KOs) will make his first NABF title defense Wednesday night, February 5 against Mexican knockout artist John Carlo Aparicio (26-7, 21 KOs), live on pay per view from New City Gas in Montreal, Canada.

Eye Of The Tiger Management (EOTT) will launch its new Boxing Lounge Series with a strong top-to-bottom card, which will be available to watch worldwide as a $19.99 PPV event being streamed in high-definition via www.PunchingGrace.com. Maduma vs. Aparicio will be the 12-round main event and world-class welterweight Antonin Decarie (28-2, 8 KOs) faces Cesar “El Dolar” Chavez (21-5, 9 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.

“This series is made to be seen on the screen in HD,” EOTTM president Camille Estephan explained. “IPTV is the future in terms of watching entertainment. Our series is old school boxing with cigars, Scotch, tables and seats for 500, in an intimate environment. It really looks great on the screen. PunchingGrace will bring real-life boxing to viewers. They’ll be close to the action in the ring, as well in the back area before and after fights. It is available worldwide and we’re also developing a network of bars around the world to take it. We’re very excited about this undertaking.”

The 29-year-old Maduma, who lives in Montreal, is world rated at No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Maduma, who is also the reigning WBC Continental 135-pound title-holder, is coming off of one-sided unanimous decision (120-108, 119-109, 118-110) victory last September over Fermin De Los Santos (24-14-2, 16 KOs), who had been unbeaten in his previous 15 fights.

“This is going to be a big year for me,” Maduma said. “Everything is in place for me to accomplish my goal of becoming world champion. First, though, I need to take care of business with Aparicio, a tough Mexican veteran with a lot of experience. I never look past one fight to another.

“The lightweight division is exciting but lacks a big name right now. Our division has a lot of good fighters and I plan to emerge as the lightweight champion of the world. I have all the tools to dominate opponents and I’m gaining the experience I’ll need to beat the very best.”

Aparicio is a former WBC Mundo Hispanic super featherweight and WBC FECOMBOX light welterweight champion.

“Ghislain has blazing hand speed, power and accuracy,” commented Estephan, who promotes Maduma. “He’s explosive and always in top condition. He wants to win the world title this year and that’s our plan. Ghislain has always been a very special talent. He was a young father at 18 and has three children. As an amateur, all he did was work, go to school and compete in tournaments. He didn’t have time to train back then. Ghislain, like all of our fighters, now does extensive strength-and-conditioning workouts at highly-respected Centre Claude Robillard alongside Canadian Olympians.

“There are always doubters in boxing. They doubted me when I talked about (EOTTM stable-mates and world title challengers) Bermane Stiverne and Dierry Jean. They’re missing the boat with Ghislain, too. Not only is he going to be a world lightweight champion, he’s going to be the No. 1 lightweight in the world and a major headliner.”

“Boxing Lounge” also features Decarie, the popular Quebec boxerwho is rated No. 11 by the WBC. Decarie’s last fight was this past September, in which he won a six-round decision versus Salim Larbi (17-3-2), after dropping a 10-round decision to Luis Carlos Abregu (34-1, 28 KOs) last April for the vacant WBC Silver Championship.

“After Antonin’s loss to Abregu,” Estephan noted, “he came back to fight a bigger opponent, Larbi, who is really a light middleweight. Coming off a loss, Larbi was a very tough opponent, and a good test for Antonin. He will face another good test in this upcoming fight so he can get back into world title contention. He’s not too far off right now. Adjustments have been put in place so that he’ll be ready to take advantage of his next opportunity to get a world title shot.”
The undercard will showcase many of Canada’s most exciting prospects such as super middleweight Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout; light middleweight Mian Hussain (7-0, 4 KOs) and lightweights Ibrahim “Fireman” Kamal (9-1, 6 KOs), Michael “L’Unique” Gadbois (9-0-2 (3 KOs) and Chris Plaitis (5-0-1) in separate six-round fights; and welterweight Mitch Louis-Charles (2-1-1, 1 KOs) and light heavyweight Erik Bazinyan (2-0, 2 KOs) in four-round matches.

All opponents will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Feb. 5th show is a private event that is already sold-out. Tickets are not available to purchase but fans all over the world may watch all of the action live on www.PunchingGrace.com

For further information about Maduma, Decarie and the Feb. 5 show, visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd, @GhislainMaduma and @DecarieBoxing.

oronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents live professional boxing action promoted by Golden Boy Promotions at Barclays Center in Brooklyn this Thursday, January 30, at 9 p.m. ET, featuring one of the best matchups of the year as former world champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Brooklyn’s own Luis Collazo collide in a pivotal showdown for the WBA International welterweight title.

In the 10-round co-main event, New York phenom Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez will meet top Florida prospect Daquan “King” Arnett in a clash of junior middleweight unbeatens.

In the televised opener, undefeated top super featherweight contender Gary “The Lion” Russell Jr. faces Mexico’s Miguel “Yaqui” Tamayo.

“I’ve got a lot of friends and fans in New York and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center for the first time,” said Ortiz. “This is a big fight for me. I missed being in the ring and even though Collazo will be a tough challenge, I’m going to win in spectacular fashion.”

“Ortiz is a former world champion and you have to respect that, but Barclays Center is my home and he’s going to find that out the second he leaves the locker room,” said Collazo. “I need to win this fight and make a statement if I want to get a shot at a title and I plan on doing just that.”

“I have no excuse not to win,” said Gomez. “This is my city, my building and my people. If Arnett thinks he can come into my backyard and beat me, he is definitely mistaken.”

“You don’t see fights like this too often and I respect Gomez for stepping up and putting his ‘0’ on the line, just like I am,” said Arnett. “This is going to be a great fight between two of boxing’s top young prospects and I have no doubt that I’m going to leave the ring with the victory.”

One of boxing’s most charismatic young stars, 26-year-old “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO’s) fighting out of Ventura, Calif. has made headlines in and out of the ring, not only as a fighter, but also as an entertainer. First, as a former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles against the best in the boxing business including Floyd Mayweather, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Antonio Diaz and Josesito Lopez proving that he will not back down from any challenge. He has also crossed over into the bright lights of Hollywood as a member of the cast of ABC’s hit series “Dancing With The Stars” and most recently as part of the film “Expendables 3,” which comes out next year. Now with his acting skills pushed aside, Ortiz has the gloves back on and on Jan. 30 he faces a stern test in Collazo.

A proud native of Brooklyn, NY, Luis Collazo (34-5, 17 KO’s) is a former WBA Welterweight World Champion who held the belt from 2005-2006. Since then, the 32-year-old southpaw has continued to fight and beat the best with back-to-back wins at Barclays Center and a recent victory in September of this year on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes. Now making his second appearance on the new hit sports network and fourth appearance at Barclays Center, Collazo is more ready than ever to step into the ring as he makes his case for a world title shot when he battles Ortiz.

Twenty-one-year-old Eddie Gomez (15-0, 10 KO’s) is the latest Bronx, NY product to make his mark on the boxing world. The young star is showing no signs of slowing down as he prepares for what is likely to be the biggest year of his professional career. Fresh off of wins over Javier Gomez, Luis Hernandez and Steve Upsher Chambers, Gomez is ready for all comers, beginning with Arnett on Jan. 30.

Hailing from Winter Park, Fla., 20-year-old former amateur star Daquan Arnett (11-0, 7 KO’s) has already garnered rave reviews for his talent and his willingness to test himself against tough competition every time he steps in the ring. In 2013, Arnett defeated then unbeaten Brandon Quarles and once-beaten Miguel Zuniga, putting him in a big co-main event against Gomez to kick-off 2014.

The non-televised undercard features top local standouts “Sir” Marcus Browne, Emmanuel “Manny” Gonzalez, Zachary Ochoa, Rafael Vazquez and Steven Bujaj.

Ortiz vs. Collazo is a 12-round fight for the WBA International welterweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Fight Network’s televised broadcast airs live at 9 p.m. ET.

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

With Seven straight wins from Seven fights, Aberdeen’s Matthew McAllister returns to action for the first time since his win over Scottish Title challenger Billy Campbell in November last year.

Taking part in a stacked twelve fight card at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, McAllister takes on former International Masters Welterweight Champion William Warburton in a Six round contest on Prospect Boxing’s “Lock, Stock and Twelve Smoking Fights” which also features Rhys Pagan competing for his first professional and WBO European Title Champion Iain Butcher returning to action.
With a excellent start to his career in the paid ranks, McAllister is enjoying his boxing, with his main highlight so far fighting on the undercard of his brother Lee’s European title shot “I have really taken to the pro game and enjoy the training side of it. The highlight of my seven fights, is fighting on the undercard of my brother’s (Lee McAllister) European title fight February 2012. I was boxing in front of Three thousand people in my home town and it was on Sky Sports so that was a good experience for me.
With all the success in the ring, the Welterweight picked up an injury last year, which lead to him being out for most of 2013 “I hurt my knee in training. I went to get it looked at and it was my crucite ligament I ruptured. This lead to me being out for Six months while I recovered from it. I had to do a lot of strength work on my legs to get myself back in shape, it was horrible not managing to train.
Returning to action in November, the 25 year old changed trainers to former Ricky Hatton trainer Bob Shannon “When I came back after the injury, I contacted Bob about coaching me. I moved down for my training camp and it went really well, as we both clicked and I feel we made a good team. I will definitely be working with him in the future.
He adds “My plan for this year is to Stay unbeaten and win the Scottish title, then I will be looking to push for a British or Commonwealth title shot next year. I last fought in November last year, and by the time ‘Lock Stock’ show comes it will be nearly three months, I cant wait to get back into the ring and impress the fans on February 28th.
“Lock Stock and Twelve Smoking Fights” takes place at the Ravenscraig Sports Facility on Friday February 28th 2014.
Headlined by Rhys Pagan, the show will also see the professional début of JP McGuinness, Ryan Love and Shayan Rahmat. Returning to action is Iain Butcher, Scott Edgar, George Thomson and Billy Campbell. George Thomson, David Drummond, Michael McGurk and Matthew McAllister also feature on the card, while the line up is completed by former Commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince completes the line up.
Tickets are priced at £30 and £50 and available from the fighters directly or by calling 01224 632218 or 01698 338 888 where Credit/ Debit Cards are accepted. Further details on @ProspectBoxing on Twitter, and www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing

San Diego, CA) – Yesterday evening at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the new home for live professional boxing in San Diego, all the participants for the last edition of “San Diego Fights” for the year presented by Bobby D Presents got past their first challenge of the event by beating the scale.
Known for competitive fight cards and his “Boxing at its Best” motto, California boxing hall of fame promoter Bobby DePhilippis closed off his 2013 season last November with the best night of professional boxing San Diego, CA, had seen in a long time. A night of knockouts, back and forth action and an all-out night of club fights atmosphere was lived by the nearly sold out crowd. DePhilippis together with his outfit Bobby D Presents and in association with Caribe Promotions are committed to keep it going with a mega-fight card that guarantees to start the New Year with a bang in their first fight event of 2014 in their running boxing series “San Diego Fights” all set for Friday, February, 28th, at the new home for San Diego live professional boxing, the Crown Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley.

WBC #7 ranked flyweight Kenia Enriquez (8-0, 4KOs) of Tijuana will make her U.S. debut in the first Bobby D Presents fight card of 2014. Photo Credit: BoxeoTijuana.com

“Last year was a great year for us and we closed it off in spectacular fashion moving our event to a new venue,” DePhilippis said regarding 2013. “Now we look to keep it going and this first fight card we have planned will only set the bar for the New Year.”

In the main event, once beaten junior welterweight interim WBC Latino champion Yordenis Ugas (15-1, 7KOs) from Miami, Florida, by way of Cuba travels all the way across the country to defend his title against San Diego’s own Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (9-0-1, 3KOs) in a scheduled ten round bout. The twenty-seven year old Ugas has gotten back in the win column after suffering his lone loss early last year to Johnny Garcia via split decision. Since then, he has defeated his last four opponents, stopping two of them before the distance, and captured the WBC Latino strap. For Robles, 2013 was a productive one, as he remained undefeated fighting three times. Two wins over the always-tough Adolfo Landeros sandwiched in his best win to date, a forth-round knock out of hard-hitting Joshua Marks.

Now Robles will have to prove his mettle against a sure to be difficult opponent in the skilled Cuban Ugas in his first title fight.

In the special attraction co-main event, the WBC ranked #7 female flyweight in the world, the twenty-year-old Kenia Enriquez (8-0, 4KOs) will make her much-awaited U.S. debut versus an opponent to be determined. Enriquez has set the boxing scene in her native Tijuana on fire since going professional in the summer of 2012 with an exciting boxer/puncher style that quickly gets the crowd to its feet as she looks for the knockout with either fist. Enriquez has proven she is the best fighter in Tijuana short of Jackie Nava by quickly climbing the world rankings as well as being named the 2012 Prospect of the Year by the Tijuana boxing commission. Newly signed to Bobby D Presents, Enriquez is ready to take her show on the road.

Also featured on the card will be local favorites Prince “Tiger” Smalls (2-0-1) in featherweight action and super middleweight Ulises Sierra (4-0-1, 3KOs) in four rounders as well as out-of-towners Joet Gonzalez (5-0, 1KO) of Los Angeles, CA, and heavyweight prospect Thanasis Michaloudis (8-0, 7KOs) of Florida by way of Greece.

The Crown Plaza Hotel is located at 2270 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, CA. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first punch thrown an hour later at 7:30 PM. Tickets available online by visiting www.SanDiegoFights.com or by calling (619) 420-8866.

CHESTER, PA (JANUARY 28, 2014)–This Friday night at Harrahs Philadelphia, now Featherweight Tevin “American Idol” Farmer will look for his 8th consecutive victory when he takes on Noel Echevarria in an eight round bout for the ABA Featherweight title.

Farmer of Philadelphia has a record of 14-4 with three knockouts and has been undefeated since linking up with Mark Cipparone and Club 1957 Management.

Farmer of Philadelphia has been preparing for a good fight from the 11-1 Echevarria.

“Camp has been great and everything is going smoothly,”said Farmer. “I had the opportunity to work with three-time world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley and it has prepared more for this fight better than any other.I only know that my opponent is 11-1 and he is coming to win. I know he will be ready. I hope he is in shape because when I beat him down I want no excuses. We are coming ready”

Farmer started his career 7-4 and now is staring at 15-4 with a win over Echevarria. The winning streak is not just a coincidence.

“I have surrounded myself with a better team. I have better knowledge and have been having much better training.”

Farmer always kept faith and worked hard to get to this point.

“I always envisioned good things. With better guidance I might not have taken those fights so early on in my career. Now at this point in my career, I am ready for whatever comes my way.”

A pair of former world title challengers will square off on February 15th when Dereck Chisora will meet Kevin Johnson in London according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Johnson comes in with a great record and is name that fans know,” Chisora said at a news conference on Monday in London. “This is by no means an easy fight. He’s taken Tyson (Fury) and Vitali (Klitschko) the distance and he stopped (mandatory world title challenger Alex) Leapai. I’m excited and looking forward to it.”

“Dereck faces the well-respected American Johnson, who Tyson beat on points just over a year ago,” said promoter Frank Warren. “He’s got a win over the current WBO No. 1 Alex Leapai, plus he took Vitali Klitschko the distance in their world title fight. It’s unfortunate that Rudenko pulled out injured. It’s not ideal, but things happen and Dereck’s a pro. But he knows he can’t afford to slip up.

“The name of the game is for Dereck and Tyson to look good and come through winners at the Copper Box Arena and then in the summer I’ll look to get an all-British final eliminator sanctioned by the WBO for the world title in a big grudge match, with the winner going on to challenge for the world title. I’m very excited to be working with Tyson, (uncle and trainer) Peter (Fury) and (promoter) Mick (Hennessy) and making the fights that the fans want to see.”

Said Chisora, “I have to beat Johnson and then Tyson is waiting for me in a world title eliminator, which is a great incentive to really do a demolition job on Johnson.”

“The heavyweight division has been wide open for a long time but not many people have been there to go and smash the titles off the Klitschkos,” he said. “Wladimir promised to fight the winner out of me and Chisora in the first fight and I never got the fight against him. Good riddance to Vitali, Grandpa robot, he wouldn’t fight any real opposition and he retired because he knew I was coming for him. I just can’t wait to get the rematch in the summer against Chisora and then get to take Wladimir’s head off.

“I’m glad that me and Chisora will be a final eliminator. Wladimir can either vacate the WBO title or fight me. I see a 100 percent improvement in Chisora. He’s a lot fitter and stronger, he’s better conditioned and a real athlete now. I’m focused on beating Basile first, then it’s Chisora. The first fight was a good one, but I hope that this fight is one of the best ever all-British heavyweight fights.”

Because of an injury forcing Jonathan Gonzalez to withdraw, tough veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (33-3, 22 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas, via Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, will step in to face Monterrey, Mexico’s Norberto “Demonio” Gonzalez (20-2, 13 KOs) in the Friday Night Fights-televised 10-round middleweight main event on Friday, February 7, 2014, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

33-year-old Garcia makes a worthy substitute opponent to say the least, as he has lost just one fight in the last decade and that to legendary champion Antonio Margarito.

Presented by Mike Tyson and Garry Jonas (Iron Mike Productions), Dominic Pesoli (8 Count Productions) and Leon Margules (Warriors Boxing), Garcia vs. Gonzalez will also feature a 10-round, televised co-feature between undefeated featherweight prospect Kamil Laszczyk (15-0, 7 KOs) of Warsaw, Poland, and Nicaragua’s Daniel “El General” Diaz (20-5-1, 14 KOs), plus 18-year-old welterweight prospect Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (2-0, 2 KOs) opening the telecast in a four-rounder vs. TBA.

Tickets for “Friday Night Fights” are priced at VIP $151, VIP Ringside $101, Ringside $76, Mezzanine $51 and General Admission $31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000), the 8 Count Productions Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740.

The switch in combatants became necessary on Saturday when Puerto Rico’s “Mantequilla” Gonzalez hurt his shoulder sparring and found he couldn’t lift arms above his head. Gonzalez visited the hospital this morning and underwent tests confirming a muscle pull that requires adequate healing time.

A victory over Garcia would still be a step forward for the 32-year-old “Demonio” Gonzalez, who got his career back on track with a surprise upset over Michael “Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira last November at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

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About Iron Mike Productions(IMP)

Previously known as Acquinity Sports, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotion company co-founded and led by CEO Garry Jonas. In partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

About Warriors Boxing

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

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

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

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

ABOUT 8 Count Productions

8 Count Productions, Home Of The Best In Chicago Boxing, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland.

Fighters currently under the 8 Count Productions banner include; IBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Andrzej Fonfara, middleweight contender Donovan George, world-class junior welterweight prospect Adrian Granados, former world title challenger Edner Cherry, super middleweight prospect Paul Littleton, middleweight prospect Viktor Polyakov and welterweight prospect Jaime Herrera.

For more information on 8 Count Productions please visit their new website, www.8countproductions.com.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.8countproductions.comorwww.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Mike Tyson Web Site – miketyson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/miketyson
Twitter: @MikeTyson @IronMikeProd

World renowned boxing promoter Don King is thrilled to welcome back his former three time world champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga. Rarely do boxers love to fight the way Ricardo Mayorga does. He always fought with the reckless abandon and fearlessness of a teenager in a street brawl. Mayorga last fought in March 2011 against Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Nevada and immediately announced his retirement from the sport. However, growing up in the rough streets of Managua, Nicaragua, instilled a fire in him that still burns to this day and he recently announced that he has decided to return to boxing. With Don King as his exclusive promoter, Mayorga is set on becoming world champion once again.

Who can forget Mayorga’s comments after his shocking 3rd round KO of the late Vernon “The Viper” Forrest to become WBC Welterweight Champion in 2003. The first thing Mayorga said after winning his first title was that he needs a cigarette and a beer!

King is looking forward to meeting with Mayorga in the next few weeks to plan out the return of “El Matador”.

King has already met with his partner Vlad Hrunov to negotiate Mayorga’s fight with Dmitry Chudinov in Russia. “I can’t wait to get the Matador back in action” said King “I love Ricardo Mayorga and I am very happy to see him come out of retirement. I believe he can become the people’s champion again….” “He is one of the most promotable fighters in the world and I look forward with great anticipation on promoting him and the great people of Nicaragua.”

“Viva Nicaragua!!”

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (January 27) – Fighters for the Victor Ortiz vs. Luis Collazo card gathered at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, N.Y. to workout for the media and hold a press conference before their respective Thursday, Jan. 30 fights at Barclays Center airing live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former WBC Welterweight World Champion
“We’re so ready, we’ve had the best sparring partners and we’re ready to get in the ring. Training camp was really good.

[On experiencing “ring rust”] “Absolutely not, I’m completely 100 percent confident. I have no ring rust whatsoever.

“I’m not at all concerned about my jaw, I feel great and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“This is my first time fighting in Brooklyn and I’m excited. I don’t have any words to say, nothing bad, nothing good. I’m here for the victory.”

LUIS COLLAZO, Former WBA Welterweight World Champion
“I’m really excited and humbled by the opportunity. I just want to give the boxing fans a great fight and a great outing. I’ve been waiting a long time for a fight of this caliber.

[On Ortiz’s strategy] “He can do what he wants, but I know on fight night I will be ready. If he wants to dance, I’ll be the bull.

“This fight is for my future. I’m trying not to look past it, but this victory here means everything to me. It means I have a future. If not, I have to start all over again from scratch.

“Preparation has been great. I’ve got a great team. We’re just getting stronger and feeling great.

“I’ve been counting down for weeks waiting patiently for this. I was motivated before getting this fight, but this has escalated my motivation.

[On supporting the Nephcure Foundation] “As a fighter, we fight to give the fans entertainment. To be a champion fighting for your life, you have to be champion in your heart.”

EDDIE GOMEZ, Undefeated Super Welterweight Prospect
“We’ve had six or seven hard weeks of training camp, doing everything we have to do to prepare for the fight.

“We [Gomez and Arnett] fought in the amateurs. I beat him and knocked him down three times. So now we’re going back at it again. He’s improved a lot but somebody’s ‘0’ has to go.

“We’ve grown and developed a lot both power-wise and ability-wise.

[On fighting at Barclays Center] “It’s a short drive from my house. I love fighting there. I have a lot of people coming to see me.

[On what to expect Thursday] “You can expect fireworks. I have everything, speed, power and whatever it takes to get the ‘W,’ I’ll be doing it.”

DAQUAN ARNETT, Undefeated Super Welterweight Prospect
“This fight is a great opportunity and a great stage to be on during Super Bowl week.

“I feel like I’m an all-around fighter. I can box, I can punch, I can sit in the pocket and fight inside and outside. The main thing is I can adjust and adapt to anything.

“I think these are some great, fan-friendly fights. I like to give the fans what they want to see.

[On fighting Gomez as amateurs] “It keeps coming up, but all I can say is we’re men now. We keep growing up and we’ll see what happens on Thursday. We were kids then, running around the ring throwing punches.

“I expect a good entertaining fight, something the fans will love to see. This will get both of us back on TV again. It will definitely be a win on my end.

“We are going to have a great show Thursday night so everyone get your tickets.”

GARY RUSSELL JR., Undefeated Super Featherweight Prospect
“I had a fun training camp. A lot of people approach this as a job, I understand that but for me, training camp was fun because I’m fighting a southpaw and I’m a southpaw.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m the oldest of six boys and all of us our southpaws.

“We’re animals, soldiers and warriors and I’m looking forward to bouncing around six, seven, eight rounds.”

MARCUS BROWNE, 2012 U.S. Olympian & Light Heavyweight Rising Star
“This is my sixth time fighting at Barclays Center and I’m ready to go out and take another step forward in my pro career.

“I just have to do what I have to do and keep carrying on with my career.”

ZACHARY OCHOA, Undefeated Super Lightweight Rising Star & Newly Signed GBP Fighter
“Fighting at Barclays Center is a good experience for me because it’s the best arena in the world. It’s a great thing that’s convenient for people and people from Brooklyn love to fight.

“Signing with Golden Boy was a beautiful thing for me. I couldn’t really get fights. For someone with my work ethic who trains all year it was disappointing not to get fights. But Golden Boy saw something in me and I’m excited they decided to sign me.

“Teachers in school used to say I wasn’t going to graduate, but I graduated high school, got accepted to college and I chose a different path.

“I am blessed with talent and I am so hungry to be the best, that’s why I call myself Zungry.”

EMMANUEL GONZALEZ, Undefeated Featherweight Prospect
“We have a great main event, great co-main event and I just hope everyone up here is ready. I know I’m ready and I hope everyone comes out and supports a great show.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, Former Two-Division World Champion & FOX Sports 1 Color Commentator
“This is such a stacked card for it being in the middle of Super Bowl week here in New York. The whole city is buzzing.

“I am excited looking at this whole line up, it’s really a great card we have here.

“Everything in New York City is electric. It is a perfect time for a card like this. Tickets start at 25 dollars, which you just can’t beat.

Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets
“Our venue has become a place where the local fighting community aspires to become future champions.

“I am looking forward to seeing one of Brooklyn’s stars, Luis Collazo, in action.

“We really want Brooklyn to be a destination for fans that are coming to the New York metropolitan area as part of their plans before the big game on Sunday night.”

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Ortiz vs. Collazo is a 12-round fight for the WBA International Welterweight title on Thursday, Jan. 30 presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and Casamigos Tequila. Barclays Center doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bell sounding at 6:30 p.m. ET. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $25, $43, $80 and $160 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK. A limited number of suites are available for the event. For more information on how to reserve one, please call 718-BK-SUITE (718-257-8483).

Bayamon, Puerto Rico’s Roberto J. Acevedo (8-1, 5 KO’s) returned to the ring in sensational fashion last Friday night at Resorts International in Atlantic City, New Jersey, by crushing highly touted Russian prospect Ilshat “The Sheriff” Khusnulgatin in less than a round.

Appearing for the first time since suffering a controversial decision last March in Chicago, Acevedo made his first fight as a light heavyweight count by dropping and stopping Khusnulgatin (11-1, 6 KO’s) with an impressive series of powerful right hands.
The end came at 2:09 of the first round.
With the stunning victory, 26-year-old Acevedo reasserted himself as one of the top Puerto Rican prospects.
“I felt strong,” said Acevedo. “My hands went well and I could hurt him and finish him off. With the blessing of God, we were able to work and show that we are here to stay.”
Acevedo, who took the fight on only seven days’ notice, spoiled Khusnulgatin’s promotional debut with top boxing outfit Main Events. The 23-year-old Khusnulgatin stands nearly six feet four inches tall, and was being touted as a new star in boxing. Ranked #14 by the WBA, Khusnulgatin shares the same management and trains with WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev.
Acevedo is managed by Free Agent Boxing Management. He will be returning to the ring in March, looking for a regional title.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® has confirmed that the eagerly awaited The Ultimate Fighter® Brasil: Team Wanderlei vs Team Sonnen season will be available exclusively on the organization’s new digital subscription service UFC® Fight Pass™.

The first episode of TUF Brasil will be available, on demand, on UFC Fight Pass from 7pm PT/10pm ET on Sunday, March 9, just hours after airing on Brazilian television. Each new episode will then be available every Sunday at the same time.

Filming has already begun in Sao Paulo, Brazil and the bad blood between coaches Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva has already resulted in incidents which UFC president Dana White could only describe as “crazy”, “nuts” and “absolute insanity.”

Bad blood has been on the boil between three-time UFC title challenger Sonnen and the legendary “Axe Murderer” for years and now that they are in close proximity to each other day-in, day-out, the pair is struggling to keep their mutual dislike in check.

Sonnen said: “I don’t quite know what to make of it down here. Wanderlei has already been an experience, to say the least. He’s like a cartoon character, he gets angry and runs out of words and steam starts to come out of his ears. He’s a caveman. But I feel sorry for him so I’m helping him get to where he wants to go – retirement.”

Former PRIDE FC world champion Silva said: “Sonnen messed with the wrong guy. Now his time has come. He’s fearful, afraid of me. For everything he said – now he has a payback. I’m here because of Brazil and the Brazilian fans. I’m going to give them what they want – the most exciting season of TUF ever.”

In addition to airing the entire series, UFC Fight Pass will also take subscribers behind the scenes with regular updates from Chael Sonnen, a teaser for which can be seen here.

UFC Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik said the addition of The Ultimate Fighter Brasil makes UFC Fight Pass a must-have for all MMA fans.

He said: “We’re excited to confirm that UFC Fight Pass subscribers won’t miss any of the action from what is certain to be a crazy season of The Ultimate Fighter Brasil. Subscribers will be able to catch each installment on demand, within hours of the show airing on television in Brazil.

“March continues to be a huge month for UFC Fight Pass. On March 1, we have our second exclusive fight card, live from Macau, featuring top welterweight Dong Hyun Kim taking on the returning John Hathaway, a heavyweight battle between Matt Mitrione and Shawn Jordan and former No.1 featherweight Hatsu Hioki in a must-win fight against Ivan Menjivar.

“Then, on March 8, UFC Fight Pass will be the only place to see the stacked UFC London card, headlined by the No.1 ranked Alexander Gustafsson risking his title shot against knockout specialist Jimi Manuwa. The event will also feature a great flyweight fight between Ian McCall and Brad Pickett, Melvin Guillard taking on fellow TUF alumnus Michael Johnson and a battle between unbeaten welterweights with Gunnar Nelson taking on Omari Akhmedov.

“All that, plus the UFC Fight Pass Prelims, unrivaled access to the world’s biggest MMA fight library and now TUF Brasil – March is a huge month for UFC Fight Pass.”

UFC Fight Pass has already launched in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, with a $9.99 price point per month in all four markets. The service will be rolled out in other markets shortly, with content varying according to local television blackout rules.

All bouts live and subject to change. Visit UFC.com and UFC.tv for more information.

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