CROMWELL, Conn. (Feb. 3, 2014) — Veteran boxing judge Stephen Epstein, 58 of Cromwell, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and family last Thursday (Jan. 30) at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Epstein judged 30 world title fights, including three in Las Vegas. He was a member of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as a founder and member of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his two daughters, Alyssa Epstein, of Manchester, CT and Michelle Jenison of Waverly, Iowa? his sister Susan Epstein of Brookfield,CT? two grandchildren, Anthony and Dayton? three nieces, Rebecca and Jessica Coatsworth and Monique Quiles; and one nephew Damon Quiles of Brookfield.

LONDON (Feb. 3) – Tyson Fury is looking to put a frustrating year behind him as he eyes a summer showdown with the enigmatic Dereck Chisora.

The Manchester heavyweight returns to action on February 15th at the Copper Box Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation, where he faces experienced Argentine Gonzalo Omar Basile following a tumultuous end to 2013.

Fury had been all set to face former WBA heavyweight world champion, David Haye, last September, but the fight was pulled after the Londoner sustained a cut eye in sparring with only a week out from the clash.

The fight was consequently re-arranged for this February before Haye yet again pulled out, citing a shoulder injury which was claimed could force his retirement.

Failure in the fight coming to fruition initially proved very difficult for Fury to overcome, though, he is now pleased just to be stepping back into the ring.

“I’m not frustrated – I’m just in a happy place,” Fury told BoxNation. “I’m happy I’ve got a fight lined up. I’m happy that I’ve got a deal on the table. I couldn’t be any happier. Training is going well, everything is good. 2014 – new year – and I’m hoping it’s going to be a fresh start after all that’s gone on over the past year or so.

“I’m just looking forward to getting in there now and fighting someone who’s actually going to turn up and fight,” he said.

Rejuvenated and ready to go, Fury has got his old spark back and insists that he is the most lethal boxer in the world when in such a mood, firing a warning shot to Basile ahead of their bout.

“A fit, motivated Tyson Fury is probably the most dangerous fighter on the planet,” he declared.

“As I’ve said in the past, it’s pretty easy to beat me but then on the other hand it’s pretty hard to beat me because to beat me you’ve got to knock me out. To knock me out you’ve got to stand in front of me and to stand in front of me you’re going to be hurt yourself,” Fury warned.

“And if you can take the punishment like I can take it then we’re going to be in for a treat, but if you can’t, then it’s going to be an easy night for me. But if you can then it’s going to be an easy night for you. If not, then – hell!” he said.

The 25-year-old faces off against an experienced campaigner in Basile, who is the current IBF Latino heavyweight champion, and has accumulated an impressive 61 wins in 70 contests.

Should Fury come through that challenge, a blockbuster rematch against Dereck Chisora, who headlines the February 15th card with his fight against Kevin Johnson, is in the pipeline for the summer.

The bout between the pair, who share a great deal of respect for one another, will be a high stakes affair with a shot at world title glory for the victor.

“There’s not a chance [Chisora will duck out of a fight]. We fought before me and Del Boy, a 12 round slugfest, back in the summer of 2011. I’m happy that he’s worked his way back up and that he’s fighting me again,” said Fury.

“It’s going to a great fight again. I know he’s not going to pull out, and 100% he’s going to be there, because he’s a fighting man like myself – he’ll fight anybody.

“I’m just happy that one of us is going to fight for the world title. Chisora’s already had a shot and it would be nice for me to have a shot this time. I’m just looking forward to it,” he said.

“All will be unveiled this year. We’ll know if Tyson Fury is any good or if he is just the hype job that people think he was – six months and we’ll know,” Fury said.

Fury vs. Basile & Chisora vs. Johnson is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) on Saturday 15th February. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

SAN DIEGO (FEBRUARY 3RD, 2014)–This past Saturday, Lee Selby won the European and retained the British Featherweight title with a 6th round stoppage over former world title challenger Rendall Munroe in a scheduled 12 round fight at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

The fight was shown LIVE in the United States on AWE

It was trouble for Munroe at the very end of round one when Selby rocked Munroe with a straight right hand. In round six, Selby landed a right hand that drove Munroe into the corner and kept Munroe in the corner for the better part of a minute and continued to land shots until a hard left hook spun Munroe’s face around and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

Selby, 125 1/2 lbs of Wales is now 18-1 with 7 knockouts. Munroe, 124 1/4 lbs is now 27-4-1.

2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Anthony Joshua scored a 3rd round stoppage over Dorian Darch in a scheduled 6 round Heavyweight bout.

Joshua ripped Darch with a hard combination on the ropes at the end of the 1st frame. Joshua landed several hard shots in round two and then landed a ripping left hook that sent Darch into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 51 seconds of round 2.

Gary Buckland registered a 12 round split decision over former world champion Gavin Rees in a spirited battle that was an British lightweight elimination bout.

The action started off quick with Rees landing the to the body with the right hand. They stood in the “phone booth” for much of the fight with Rees continuing to work the body and Buckland countering with short uppercuts on the inside. In round five, Buckland started to up his activity level but in the next round, Rees got back to landing some thudding body shots as well as mixing rights to the head.

Buckland’s activity level picked it up again in round eight as he started to back Rees up on the ropes. As the rounds went on, Buckland’s activity rate was very consistent. Both guys continued to dig deep but Buckland probably got the 10th frame when he landed a right hand that drove Rees back to the ropes. Rees’ right eye started to shot from all the contact in this intense battle. Both guys wanted it in the 12th and this fight that could have gone either way. In the last last 30 seconds alone, Rees rocked Buckland with a hard right but Buckland came right back with furious combination.

Buckland, 134 3/4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-113 and 115-114 while Rees got a card 116-113.

Buckland is now 28-3. Rees, 135 lbs is now 37-4-1.

In a terrific back and forth battle, Dale Evans scored a 8 round decision win over Erick Ochieng in a Welterweight bout.

It was a slug fest with both guys being rocked throughout the bout.

Evans, 148 1/4 lbs won by a 77-76 tally in the referee’s scorecard and is now 8-1-1. Ochieng, 148 3/4 lbs is 14-3.

Boxing returns to AWE on Saturday March 1st with the much anticipated WBO Lightweight title bout between Ricky Burns and Terence Crawford LIVE from Glasgow, Scotland. The action begins at 3 pm eastern / 12 noon pacific

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

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

For more information, please visit www.awetv.com

Cecilia Braekus (24-0, 7 KOs) defeated Myriam Lamare (22-4, 10 KOs) at the Nordic Fight Night in Frederikshavn, Denmark to retain her WBC, WBA & WBO Female Welterweight titles.

The pound-for-pound number one put on a dominant performance to earn a unanimous decision victory over Lamare, who was floored in the seventh round but able to last the distance.

‘’The only reason Lamare was still standing was her twenty years of experience,’’ said Braekhus. ‘’Me and my new coach Otto Ramin have trained explosively and that came through in this fight.’’

“Cecilia was very strong, and an incredibly good boxer,” said Lamare. “For me, the time has come to step down. I wish Cecilia all the best in her career.”

In the evening’s Swedish main event Erik Skoglund (19-0, 10 KOs) successfully defended his European (EU) title against Adasat Rodriguez (9-3-1, 6 KOs). The Spanish challenger, who was cut above the left eye in the seventh round, put on a brave display but was ultimately outworked and outclassed by Skoglund, resulting in a twelfth round TKO.

Also in action was Mateusz Masternak (31-1, 23 KOs). ‘’The Master’’ scored a fourth round knockout victory over Sandro Siproshvili (27-18, 13 KOs). The Polish cruiserweight took control of the early rounds before landing a big right hand in the fourth, which sent his opponent to the floor and down for the count.

GOBBLER’S KNOB, (Groundhog Day 2014) — At approximately 7:25 A.M. ET today, Punxsutawney Phil — the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators — emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA, and proclaimed, in his native Groundhogese, that Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO would regain the WBO welterweight title when he rumbles again with undefeated defending world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY on Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas., Nev. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, the world welterweight championship rematch between these pound-for-pound titans will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, Bradley is going to get iced — Manila Iced — when he faces the Pacquiao Polar Vortex,” said the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound quadruped during his annual news conference. “Pacquiao is going to Arctic blast Bradley off his world championship throne. Can Bradley win the rematch? He has a better shot of making it across the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee in one day.”

Wearing a traditional Barong, El PHILipino was headed to Pittsburgh International Airport to catch a flight to Los Angeles International Airport where he will join members of the Pacman Nation in welcoming boxing’s only eight-division world champion when he arrives today on Philippine Airlines flight 102 at 6:40 p.m. PT.

When pressed for a definitive answer on whether Bradley had a chance to defeat Pacquiao, Phil astounded the media by answering in Tagalog and in English.

Quoth the groundhog, “Hinding-hindi na. Nevermore.”

**********************************************

When Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani Province of the Philippines, and Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

Both fighters will be hosting press conferences announcing their rematch fight this week in Los Angeles on Tuesday and New York on Thursday .

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

Gilberto Ramirez scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Don Mouton in a scheduled 10 round bout at the Laredo Energy Center in Laredo, Texas.

Ramirez dropped Mouton with a right hook that had Mouton fall through the ropes. Seconds later, Ramirez landed a left and right that sent Mouton to the canvas for a 2nd time and the fight was stopped at 1:31

Ramirez, 166 lbs of Mazalton, MX is now 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Mouton, 162 3/4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 12-8-1.

2012 U.S. Olympian Jose Ramirez scored a 1st round stoppage over Javier Perez in the 1st round of their scheduled si round Welterweight bout.

Ramirez landed a vicious left hook that set up four more vicious shots that dropped Perez and referee Jon Schorle stopped the fight at 2:32 of round one.

Ramirez, 141 1/2 lbs of Avenel, CA is now 8-0 with 6 knockouts. Perez, 143 lbs of Miami, FL is now 8-7.

Angel Hernandez scored a 3rd round stoppage over Eddie Ramirez in a scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

It was a good back and forth brawl until Hernandez landed a barrage of punches on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:42 of round three.

Hernandez, 135 1/2 lbs of McAllen, TX is now 8-1 with 4 knockouts. Ramirez, 137 3/3 lbs of Laredo, TX is now 6-15-1.

Monte Carlo (February 1, 2014) In front of a packed house of cheering boxing fans in Monte Carlo and millions watching around the world on Saturday night, WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin stormed to a seventh round stoppage of Ghana’s Osumanu Adama at the Salles des Etoiles.

The knockout, Golovkin’s sixteenth in a row and tenth world title defense improved Golovkin’s record to 29-0 (26KO’s) and boosted his knockout ratio to 89.66, the highest among the active world champions and the highest in the history of boxing’s glamour division. With the loss Adama fell to 22-4 (16KO’s).

Utilizing his full arsenal of power shots from each hand and a bazooka like left jab, Golovkin controlled the action from the outset, drilling the Chicago resident to the canvas at the end of the first round.

Dropping the valiant Adama again in the sixth and seventh, referee Luis Pabon called a halt to the action at the 1:20 mark of the seventh stanza.

“I feel terrific, I’m very happy with my performance. From the opening round I was confortable with the fight and felt good about my power and the pace of the fight” said Golovkin. “He was a tough opponent but I was never hurt during the fight.”

Asked in the ring by TV commentator Brian Mitchell about future bouts, Golovkin stated, “I want to fight Sergio Martinez to prove who’s the best middleweight.”

Stated Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions, “We’re very thankful to the Royal Family and Golden Gloves along with SBM Monte Carlo for their help in putting on this sensational event.”

“Gennady performed in the manner that we believe he’s the best middleweight in the world. Adama was a very tough opponent but Gennady was truly on his game tonight.”

In regards to what’s ahead for Golovkin, Loeffler stated “Right now we have offers out to three HBO approved fighters for April 26th at Madison Square Garden and we look forward to returning to New York City with Gennady.”

“We’d also like to thank the countries who purchased this fight giving Gennady’s millions of fans around the world the opportunity to see his performance.”

Chicago, IL, Saturday, February 1, 2014-The always exciting super middleweight Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (12-0, 9 KOs) stopped veteran Skylar Thompson (12-11, 10 KOs) with a fifth round TKO in front of a packed ballroom during “Horseshoe Presents: Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere” in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Jimenez, who returned to the ring for the first time since his no contest to Derrick Findley (20-12, 13 KOs) in September of last year, looked sharp as he opened his 2014 boxing season.

“Hitz Boxing kicked off our 2014 campaign in great fashion and our guys really entertained the fans with their strong performances,” said Bobby Hitz. “Mike, Nick, Fidel and Roy all looked impressive and we are expecting big things from them this year.”

In the first fight of the night heavyweight Nick Asberry (3-0, 3 KOs) of Waukegan, IL won by unanimous decision over Holland, Michigan’s Raymuno Lopez (4-7, 2 KOs), as did Fidel Navarrette (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Highland, IN who beat James Owens (5-15, 2 KOs) of Milwaukee in a super featherweight bout. Chicago welterweight Roy Navarro (4-1, 3 KOs), who suffered his first loss in a close match to Nick “Bad Boy” Ramirez (4-0, 1 KO) in November, returned to winning form with with a third round TKO over Thomas Amaro (2-4, 2 KOs) of Holland, MI.

Hard working light heavyweight Simon “The Punisher” Buettner (5-1, 3 KOs) of Carpentersville, IL came up short in his effort to remain undefeated as he lost to Waterloo, Iowa’s Greg Sykes (4-0, 2 KOs) by unanimous decision. Light welterweight Joey “The Celtic Predator” Hefferle (1-0, 1 KO) also of Carpentersville was victorious in his pro debut as he stopped Justin ” Gauthier (0-3) of Green Bay, WI 1:26 into the first round. Hard hitting new comer Eddie Ramirez of Aurora, IL dropped Mateo “Babyface” Soto (0-4) of Grand Rapids, MI at the 1:25 mark in the first round of their light welterweight bout.

On Friday, February 28, Hitz returns to Hammond, Indiana’s The Venue for its wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” as it partners with Banner Promotions for a card to be featured on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights.” Earlier in the month boxing legend “Iron” Mike Tyson hits The Venue stage for “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” on Saturday, February 8. Tickets for both are available at ticketmaster.com.

ABOUT HITS BOXING
Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of the actuality show “Hitz Boxing,” a web series which has amassed over 5 million internet views. Over the year’s the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

For more information, please visit: www.hitzboxing.com.

Alan Patrick scored a 3 round unanimous decision over John Makdessi in a Lightweight bout.

Patrick, 156 lbs of Rio de Janiaro, BRA won by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 and is now 12-0. Makdessi, 155 lbs of Montreal is now 12-3.

Chris Cariaso scored a 3 round unanimous decision over Danny Martinez in a Flyweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 on all cards for Cariaso, 125 lbs of Tucson, AZ and is mow 16-5. Martinez, 126 lbs of San Diego, CA is now 17-5.

Nick Catone scored a 3 round split decision over Tom Watson in a Middleweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 and 29-28 for Catone and 29-28 for Watson.

Catone. 186 lbs of Brick, NJ is now 10-4. Watson, 186 lbs of Southampton, UK is now 16-7.

Al Iaquinta scored a 3 round unanimous decision over Kevin Lee in a Lightweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 twice and 28-27 for Iaquinta, 155 lbs of Garden City, NY and is now 8-2-1. Lee, 156 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI is now 7-1.

Lee Selby

2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Anthony Joshua scored a 3rd round stoppage over Dorian Darch in a scheduled 6 round Heavyweight bout.

Joshua ripped Darch with a hard combination on the ropes at the end of the 1st frame. Joshua landed several hard shots in round two and then landed a ripping left hook that sent Darch into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 51 seconds of round 2.

Joshua, 241 1/2 lbs is now 4-0 with 4 knockouts. Darch, 241 lbs, is 7-3.

Gary Buckland registered a 12 round split decision over former world champion Gavin Rees in a spirited battle in a British lighteight elimination bout.

The action started off quick with Rees landing the to the body with the right hand. The stood in the “phone booth” for much of the fight with Rees continuing to work the body and Buckland countering with shirt uppercuts on the inside. In round five, Buckland started to up his activity level but in the next round, Rees got back to landing some thudding body shots as well as mixing right;s to the head.

Buckland’s activity level picked it up again in round eight as he started to back Rees up on the ropes. As the round’s went on, Buckland’s activity rate was very consistent. Both guys continued to dig deep but Buckland probably got the 10th frame when he naded a right hand that drove Rees back to the ropes. Rees’right eye started to shot from all the contact in this intense battle. Both guys wanted it in the 12th in this fight that could have gone either way. In the last last 30 seconds alone, Rees rocked Buckland with a hard right but Buckland came right back with furious combination.

Buckland, 134 3/4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-113 and 115-114 while Rees got a card 116-113.

Buckland is now 28-3. Rees, 135 lbs is now 37-4-1.

In a terrific back and forth battle Dale Evans scored a 8 round decision win over Erick Ochieng in a Welterweight bout.

It was a back and forth slugfest with both guys being rocked throughout the bout.

Evans, 148 1/4 lbs won by a 77-76 tally in the referee’s scorecard and is now 8-1-1. Ochieng, 148 3/4 lbs is 14-3.

New York, NY / West Orange, NJ (1/31/14) – In his US debut, Australian light heavyweight contender Blake Caparello scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Elvir Muriqi to headline ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at the Richard Codey Arena, in West Orange, NJ. Caparello was very consistent fighting out of the southpaw stance as he landed hard shots to the head and body. Muriqi was precise with his right hand at times, but it was too few and far between the work rate of the Aussie. Caparello, 174.5lbs., of Victoria, Australia, won by scores of 100-90, and 98-92 twice, and is now 19-0-1. Muriqi, 171½lbs., of New York, NY, is now 40-6.

“It was a tough fight,”said a victorious Caparello. “I used my angles and quick hands. I love that I was fighting in America. The fans were all against me, but it was an awesome experience.”

In front of his passionate hometown fans, Muriqi announced his retirement after the fight, citing not being able to pull the trigger.

ROSA (R) TOO MUCH FOR DIAZ

The always-exciting and dynamic Luis Rosa scored a eight-round unanimous decision over Jorge Diaz in a junior featherweight bout. Diaz was sneaking in some solid rights to the face over the first couple of rounds. Rosa scored a knockdown in round three. A good back-and-forth exchange broke out in round four and Rosa landed a left that sent Diaz to the canvas a second time. Diaz showed tremendous grit as he fought hard on the inside and as he sustained a terrific beating. Over the final two frames, Rosa landed some hard shots and had Diaz holding on, but he was able to make it to the final bell. Rosa, 122.1lbs., of New Haven, CT, won by scores of 80-70, 79-71 and 78-72, and is now 16-0. Diaz, 121.7lbs., of New Brunswick, NJ, is now 17-3.

“It was a great experience,”said Rosa. “This fight will open doors for more national television fights. I am happy for this opportunity. I want to dedicate this fight to my friend Jordan Jacques who is battling cancer.”

HERNANDEZ-HARRISON (R) IMPROVES TO 20-0

Dusty Hernandez Harrison remained perfect by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Tim Witherspoon Jr. in a welterweight bout. It was a good hard-fought battle with both guys landing powerful shots on the inside. Harrison used his size and hand speed to get the better of the action. Witherspoon had a brief moment at the end of round three when landed a hard body punch that doubled over Harrison. Harrison landed some solid uppercuts in round four and began to pound the body in round five. It was a good competitive fight with Harrison winning the majority of the exchanges. Harrison, 146.2lbs., of Washington, DC, won by scores of 78-74 on all cards, and is now 20-0. Witherspoon Jr.,146.5lbs., of Philadelphia, is now 10-4-1.

Cecil McCalla remained perfect by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Eric Mitchell. McCalla, 152lbs., of Randallstown, MD, won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56, and is now 17-0. Mitchell, 153.8lbs., of Philadelphia, is now 23-11-1.

CRUZ (L) SCORES SENSATIONAL KO OVER SANTIAGO

Louis Cruz turned in a devastating performance as he scored two knockdowns en route to a stoppage victory at 2:59 of round one over Jose Santiago in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout. Cruz, 135½lbs., of Bronx, NY, is now 6-0, with four knockouts. Santiago, 134.8lbs., of Bayamon, PR, is now 3-5.

Rickey Edwards scored a four-round unanimous decision over Justin Robbins in a lightweight bout. Scores were 40-36 across the board for Edwards, 135½lbs., of Paterson, NJ, who is now 4-0. Robbins, 135½lbs., of Springfield, MO, dropped to 2-5.

YOUNAN (L) ANNIHILATES ALLEN IN ONE

The 19-year-old phenom Junior Younan remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage over Thomas Allan in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout. Younan dropped Allen just seconds into the bout with a left hook and finished with a barrage on the ropes that forced referee Benji Esteves to call a halt to the bout at 1:09 of round one. Younan, 166½ lbs of Brooklyn, who has yet to see beyond the two-minute mark as a pro, is now 3-0, with three knockouts. Allen, 160lbs, of St. Joseph, MO, is now 1-4.

Wanzell Ellison was workmanlike in pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Villalba in a junior lightweight bout. Scores were 60-54 on all cards for Ellison, 130.9lbs., of Newark, NJ, who improved to 10-0-1. Villalba, 134.2lbs, of Juarez, MX, is now 4-6-2.

Freeport, Long Island’s junior middleweight sensation Patrick Day scored three knockdowns and stopped Guillermo Ibarra just 91 seconds into the first round of their scheduled six-round bout. Day, 154.2lbs, is now 6-0-1, with three knockouts. Ibaraa, 152lbs, of Phoenix, AZ, is now 11-5.

Undefeated Mikey Faragon scored a first-round stoppage over Ivan Zavala in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout. Faragon dropped Zavala and he was counted out at 1:06. Faragon, 142½lbs, of Guilderland, NY, is now 19-0, with nine knockouts. Zavala, 145½lbs, of Los Angeles, is now 6-5-1.

Patrick Farrell (9-2-1, 5 KO’s) scored a first-round stoppage over Lucas St. Claire (3-4) in a cruiserweight bout.

Samuel Teah registered a four round unanimous decision over Andrew Bentley (1-2) in a lightweight bout. Scores were 40-36 on all cards.

Gennady Golovkin, 159.2 vs. Osumanu Adama, 159.2
Ilunga “Junior” Makabu, 193.5 vs. Ruben Angel Mino, 199.3
Max Bursak, 159.72 vs. Jarrod Fletcher, 159
Nkonsinathi Joyi, 106.9 vs, Rey Loreto, 107.6
Roman Belaev, 146.2 vs. Dean Byrne, 146

Monte Carlo Boxing Bonanza
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Salles des Etoiles (Venue)
Monte Carlo
Presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa,
K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and SBM-Monte Carlo

Crowned, and then uncrowned, IBF Junior Lightweight champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (19-0, 12 KOs) is having two reactions to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s decision to change his January 3 title-winning and devastating KO over former, and now current, champ Argenis Mendez to a “No Decision.”

“First off, I could not disagree more,” said Barthelemy. “This decision to take away my title is a terrible one. The referee did not call a foul that night, so how can a commissioner over-rule him by watching TV, weeks later? I am better stronger and more talented than him and I knocked him out. Now I have to do it again.”

But Barthelemy’s other reaction is just as significant: “If they put me in the ring with Mendez again, I will hurt him again. They haven’t done him any favors by making him fight me again. His legs were going weak with every punch I even touched him with. And now I know exactly how to get to him, so it’ll be even worse next time. I was glad he survived to fight another day, but he is making a mistake fighting me again.”

Barthelemy’s co-promoter, Luis DeCubas agrees that the Minnesota Commission’s decision was wrong for a number of reasons.

“First of all, it’s ludicrous that my fighter trains hard, does nothing wrong, and becomes World Champion only to have an inexperienced Commission unilaterally take his win away without a hearing. Rances is the champion of the world everywhere but in the eyes of the revered boxing body called the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. There is a reason there are not more world title fights in that state. There’s no instant replay in boxing in Minnesota. If the rules were interpreted improperly, the commission can change the outcome. However, the referee didn’t do that. The referee did not rule that a foul was committed that night, so how can a commission in an office play second referee weeks later? That’s not fixing a misinterpretation, that’s acting as a second referee and it sets a very dangerous precedent in boxing.”

Margules, who also co-promotes Barthelemy, agrees that a rematch with Mendez is a horrible idea… for Mendez.

“Rances couldn’t miss this guy. They’re leading him to another ugly knockout. In fact, if that fight proved anything, it’s that there’s not a 130-lb champion or contender in the world that can contend with my guy.” said Margules

Barthelemy agrees and followed up with: “I DARE any 130-lb fighter in the world to get in the ring with me. I have developed my skills to the point where I am the best boxer in the world at my weight. What happened to Mendez was just the first of many.”

Margules continued: “I know Commissioner Ken Peterson thinks he’s doing the right thing, but he does not understand the rules of boxing that requires only the referee to call a foul. The referee did not do that and the KO Rances earned in the ring should stand. Now Rances will just give Argenis Mendes another ass-whipping. Barthelemy is at a point in his career where he is improving every day and would beat any fighter in the world at his weight. Hopefully the television networks recognize what a great talent he is, and how this horrendous reversal in Minnesota impacted him financially, and as they have done in the past with other fighters, who were wronged, give Rances Barthelemy the chance to prove he is indeed the best in the world at his or any weight.”
ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING

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

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

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

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA — January 31, 2014 — Tonight in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the much-anticipated match-up between Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmer (14-4-1, 3KO) and North Carolina’s Noel Echevarria (11-1, 6KO) will light up Harrah’s Casino. Originally scheduled for a ten-round American Boxing Association (ABA) title fight, the match-up will now be an eight-round eliminator bout. The winner will go on to fight for the ABA Featherweight Championship Title.

“We are excited for this eliminator bout,” said ABA Executive Director Rick Alston. “We had hoped that Farmer and Echevarria would be fighting for the title tonight, but we’re taking the right steps to make sure that the best American fighter becomes the ABA Champion.”

As it was originally scheduled for a title fight, the ABA will donate 10% of the original sanctioning fee to the Boys and Girls Club of America, as it does for all of its sanctioned events.

The fight will take place tonight, January 31st at Harrah’s Philadelphia. Doors open at 6:30, and first bell is at 7:30. The card is promoted by Joey Eye Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at the Harrah’s Philadelphia Gift Shop for $100 (VIP), $75 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission).

#######

The American Boxing Association (ABA) was created to allow for American boxers to have a belt to fight for and defend with a sense of national pride. Like our counterparts in Great Britain, and other parts of the world, the ABA aims to provide an opportunity for American citizens to fight for and defend a patriotic title. The opportunity is available for all American boxers with requisite experience, drive, and dedication.

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 31, 2014)–Tonight during the ESPN’s Friday Night Fights broadcast, the pairings for the much anticipated Boxcino 2014 tournament will be revealed to the world. The broadcast will begin at 9 pm eastern time.

The Tournament, which was announced on Wednesday will feature two weight divisions with eight fighters competing in each division and will be broadcast live over five editions of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

Lightweight Participants
Yakubu Amidu (19-4-1, 18 KO’s)
Fedor Papzov (14-0, 9 KO’s)
Miguel Gonzalez (22-3, 16 KO’s)
Miguel Angel Mendoza (21-2-2, 21 KO’s)
Fernando Carcamo (15-5, 12 KO’s)
Chris Rudd (12-1, 8 KO’s)
Samuel Neequaye (21-0, 16 KO’s)
Petr Petrov (32-4-2, 15 KO’s)

Middleweights Participants
Sena Agbeko (15-0, 15 KO’s)
Vitalii Kopylenko (22-0, 12 KO’s)
Brandon Adams (12-0, 8 KO’s)
Raymond Gatica (13-2, 7 KO’s)
Daniel Edouard (23-4-2, 12 KO’s)
Donatas Bondorovas (18-4-1, 6 KO’s)
Cerresso Fort (17-2-1, 11 KO’s)
Willie Monroe (15-1, 6 KO’s)

Tony Ferrante 196.5 – Anthony Caputo Smith 199.5
(Pa. State Cruiserweight title)
Naim Nelson 136 – Christian Steele 137.4
Tevin Farmer 126.5 – Noel Echevarria 125.5
Anthony Prescott 148.5 – Jovan Sosa 144
Roberto Irizarry 127 – Arthur Parker 126
Jarrell Miller 273 – Jon Hill 238
Ievgen Khytrov 164 – Romon Barber 1615

Venue: Harrahs Philadelphia
Promoter: Joey Eye Boxing
1st Bell: 7:30 pm est

LONDON (Jan. 31) – Gennady Golovkin is hoping his outstanding 2013 can push him to even greater heights in the new year by beating the biggest names in the middleweight division.

The unbeaten Kazakhstani assassin has become one of boxing’s most feared punchers after brutally blasting his way past all four challengers last year to amass a record of 28 wins with 25 knockouts.

The 31-year-old will be looking for much of the same when he steps back into the ring this Saturday night in Monte Carlo when he defends his WBA middleweight world title against Ghanaian contender Osumanu Adama.

Though Golovkin has his eyes on bigger prizes, he refuses to overlook the tricky Adama.

“It’s going to be a great fight. It’s a new year but I think it’s going to be the same like last year – a great year – with lots of great fights starting with Saturday night. I’m ready,” said Golovkin.

“I’ve seen Adama and he’s a strong guy and it’s not an easy fight for me. This is boxing, it’s a serious business, it’s not a game, so I take every fight very seriously.

“He’s hungry, he has good motivation for this fight, he’s a good athlete and is a strong guy. It’s a great opportunity for him but also for me,” he said.

Adama, who brings a record of 22 wins, 16 by way of knockout, and only three defeats, is confident that he can stun the boxing world by beating Golovkin.

The 33-year-old is sure his speed and power will pose new problems to the unrelenting Kazakh.

“I’m prepared for this fight. I was born for fights like this and I’m ready to fight anyone in the world. Now is the time to fight Golovkin,” Adama said.

“The fighters he’s fought in the past haven’t had the speed and power that I’ve got. I’m a very powerful fighter and I’ve been in with some very good boxers. All African’s are willing me on and I’ll have a lot of fans coming to Monte Carlo to support me,” he said.

“If you want to be the best you have to fight the best. He’s the best up and coming middleweight but I also feel like I’m the best – every boxer feels like they’re the best. I will be the first person to beat Gennady Golovkin,” Adama said confidently.

Should Golovkin come through the fight victorious he has plans to set up some of the biggest fights possible in 2014.

Tom Loeffler, Golovkin’s promoter, has his eyes on a potential superfight with Argentine kingpin and reigning WBC middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez, with WBO champion Peter Quillin also a name being mooted.

“We can offer significant purses for somebody to fight Gennady. He’s crossed that barrier where everybody knows who he is now. The finances on his fights are there, where there are big fights,” said Loeffler.

“We would love to make a unification fight at some point down the road, if the politics can get worked out. It would be a great fight with Peter Quillin, who’s also an undefeated champion but Sergio Martinez would certainly be at the top of the list,” he said.

“In order to prove you’re the best you have to fight the best and that’s where we think Gennady’s the best and obviously Sergio and his promoters and handlers think he’s the best and that’s the only way to find out,” Loeffler stated.

Golovkin vs. Adama is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Saturday from 5pm. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

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

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

Here are the weights ahead of tomorrow´s Nordic Fight Night in Frederikshavn.

WBA, WBC & WBO Female Welterweight Titles
Cecilia Braekhus: 65,8 kg
Myriam Lamare: 64,9 kg

EU Light Heavyweight Title
Erik Skoglund: 79,1 kg
Adasat Rodriguez: 78,9 kg

Cruiserweight
Sandro Siproshvili: 90 kg
Mateusz Masternak: 90,5 kg

Weigh-in video:
http://www.youtube.com/NordicFightNight

For all weights and pictures, please visit www.sauerlandpromotion.com.

To get in the spirit of the Super Bowl, former NFL All-Pro linebacker Takeo “TKO” Spikes will join blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and analyst Teddy Atlas ringside as a special guest tonight on ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Spikes will discuss boxing and give his Super Bowl prediction during the show.

Details on tonight’s ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange N.J. on ESPN MediaZone.

Bout #
BLUE CORNER

RED CORNER
1
Nick Asberry
Waukegan, IL
2-0, 2 KOs
234
Heavyweights
4 Rounds
Raymundo Lopez
Holland, MI
4-6, 2 KOs
233
2
Fidel Navarrete
Highland, IN
3-0-1, 3 KOs
126.5
Super Featherweights
4 Rounds
James Owens
Milwaukee, WI
5-14, 2 KOs
124.5
3
Joey “The Celtic Predator” Hefferle
Carpentersville, IL
Pro Debut
137
Light Welterweight
4 Rounds
Justin Gauthier
Green Bay, WI
0-2
137.5
4
Eddie Ramirez
Aurora, IL
1-0, 1 KO
140
Light Welterweight
4 Rounds
Mateo Soto
Grand Rapids, MI
0-3
133
5
Roy Navarro
Chicago, IL
3-1, 2 KOs
147
Welterweights
4 Rounds
Thomas Amaro
Holland, MI
2-3, 2 KOs
146
6
Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez
Chicago, IL
11-0, 8 KOs
174.5
Supper Middleweights
4 Rounds
Skyler Thompson
Rockford, IL
12-10, 10 KOs
175
7
Simon “The Punisher” Buettner
Carpentersville, IL
5-0, 3 KOs
175
Light Heavyweights
4 Rounds
Greg Sykes
Waterloo, IA
3-0, 2 KOs
172

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
Media credential requests for “The Horseshoe Presents: Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere” must be emailed to jvmoore@gestaltonline.com by 3:00 PM on Friday, January 31.

For full consideration, please include the full name of each person you are applying for, as well as media affiliation, telephone and working email address.

Please also indicate if you are a photographer or a reporter.

Please be sure to include a working email address, as bounced confirmation emails will result in removal from consideration.

Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of “Hitz Boxing,” a web series which has amassed over 5 million views. Over the years the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

CHESTER, PA (JANUARY 31 2014)–
TONIGHT at Harrahs Philadelphia, Cruiserweight contender Tony Ferrante will be looking to take out over one years worth of frustration on Anthony Caputo Smith when the two meet for the Pennsylvania state Cruiserweight title that will headline a 7 bout card promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia thought he had the biggest win of his career last January 19th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden when he brutally knocked out undefeated Isa Akberbayev in the final round of their bout.

Later, Ferrante tested positive for a banned substance. Something he still denies to this day and even fought that matter in court.

But tonight will mark a new begging for Ferrante, who has a record of 12-4 with 7 knockouts.

“Training went great and I can’t wait to be back in there.”, Said Ferrante.

“He (Caputo Smith) doesn’t belong in the rong with me and after my last fight I am confident. He really is not a Cruiserweight. He is just a guy who can not make 175 anymore.”

Ferrante believes he has something to prove after the events of the last year.

“This is absoloutly redemption. Everyone knows I got railroaded in New York. All New York said that it was impossible for me to go from 175 pounds to 200. Everyone knows that is my natural weight. The bottom line is the other guy had a ton of money behind him and in this business, it’s all about the money.”

That was then and now Ferrante looks forward to the showdown with Caputo Smith.

This will definitely be a knockout. I trained hard for this fight and I don’t see him being able to stay with me for more than a couple rounds.”

Ferrante – Smith will headline the 7 bout card that will also feature:

Naim Nelson (10-0, 1 KO’s) battling Christian Steele (4-7-2, 2 KO’s) in an 8 round Lightweight bout.

Tevin Farmer (14-4-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Noel Echevarria (11-1, 6 KO’s) in an 8 round Featherweight bout.

In six round bouts:

Jarrell Miller (7-0-1, 7 KO’s) will fight Jon Hill (6-4, 5 KO’s) in a Heavyweight bout.

Ievgen Khytrov (1-0, 1 KO) will square off with Roman Barber (4-6, 3 KO’s) in a Middleweight affair.

four round bouts:

Anthony Prescott (2-2-1, 1 KO) will fight Jovan Sosa (1-0) in a welterweight tussle.

Robert Irizarry (0-0-1) will box Arthur Parker (1-9-1, 1 KO) In a Featherweight bout.

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

For media credentials and more information, contact:

Marc Abrams at 856 287 7611 or phillyboxing@gmail.com

BROOKLYN, NY (JANUARY 31, 2014)–On Thursday night, February 27th Dmitry Salita’s Star of David Promotions will present another edition of the popular Brooklyn Brawl series at the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn.

In the main event, popular Steve Bujaj (10-0, 7 KO’s) of New York takes on upset minded prospect Elvin Sanchez (6-2-1, 5 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ in a New York State Cruiserweight title bout scheduled for 8 rounds with bragging rights on the line.

Billed as best prospect in New York City by Trainer of Champions Billy Jiles, Steve is looking to make an impression in his second “Brooklyn Brawl” appearance. Sanchez is coming off a KO win over previously undefeated 13-0 Venroy July.

This fight promises to deliver fire works in a very competitive cross roads title fight.

In the 8 round co-feature hottest Polish prospect Michal “TNT” Chudecki (8-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Poznan, Poland is looking to make a home for himself in Brooklyn, NY and win his first title as he takes on veteran and former New York State Lightweight Champion Edwin Valdez (12-10-2, 9 KO’s) of New York.

Chudecki is looking to impress his fans state-side and carry the proud tradition of Polish boxing to the international stage at Brooklyn Brawl.

Exciting middleweight prospect Peter “CocoLoco” Reyes (4-0, 2 KO’s) of New York will look to keep his undefeated record in tact as he fights the very durable and tough Paterson, New Jersey native Michael Mitchell (2-3-2) in a bout scheduled for 4 rounds.

Three-time Golden Gloves National champion and Jr. Middleweight prospect Steven Martinez (13-1, 10 KO’s) of Bronx, NY will be ending his long lay off as he is looking to make a name and statement in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds.

Also featured on the card is U.S. Iraq Army veteran Shawn Cameron (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY. Shawn is an undefeated middleweight prospect training out of Gleason’s Gym. Shawn will be honoring the Wounded Warriors with his performance and will be accompanied into the ring by a fellow US army veteran

Also appearing on the show will be undefeated Jr Welterweight prospect Dimash Niyazov (4-0-2, 3 KO’s) of Staten Island, NY, who is coming off a fight of a sensational fight of the year candidate with Raphael Luna, will take on Carlos Nieves of Bronx, New York in a 4 round bout.

Golden Gloves champion and current lightweight prospect Marcos Suarez (1-0-1) of Bronx, NY will look to continue his climb up the ranks in his 3rd professional bout against Jean Hernandez of Bronx, NY in a bout scheduled for 4 rounds.

Also seeing action will be Akil Auguste (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY in a Middleweight bout as well as Super Featherweight Angel Garcia (6-2, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn in four round bouts.

Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing will are $125 (VIP); $100 (Ringside), $80, $60 & $40.

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.”