MONTREAL (September 26, 2013) – While media attention has focused on Saturday night’s “The Return Of Superman” main event (airing live on HBO in the United States), featuring World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal world light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1, 18 KOs) in his first title defense against former world title-holder Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs), the remainder of this stacked card at historic Bell Centre in Montreal also showcases five other Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) world-class fighters in action.

First, former WBC, The Ring Magazine and lineal light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (22-2-1, 16 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since defeating Aleksy Kuziemski last December. His opponent is American George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-4-2, 16 KOs). The last time the WBC #2-rated Pascal did not participate in the main bout of a major event was back in December of 2007, when he faced Brian Norman at the Bell Centre. Joachim Alcine then successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title belt against Alfonso Mosquera in the main event.

Jean Pascal

“It is a privilege and a luxury to have Pascal’s participation in Saturday night’s event,” said President Yvon Michel of GYM. “He is still considered one of the biggest stars in the light heavyweight division and we all look forward to seeing him back in action. He’s fighting for all the right reasons on Saturday and it was good to see him happily smiling during training camp. Currently there is no opponent who is more important for Jean’s career than Blades. I expect an inspired performance from him as HBO executives watch him in action.”

The 39-year-old Blades has been a professional boxer since 1999. From his pro debut through 2007, he won 20 of his first 22 pro fights to join the ranks of world heavyweight contenders. In June of 2007, he had a world title shot against World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei (26-0-0), who won by 11th round technical knockout in Hungary. Blades has won his last two fights, most recently against James Morrow (12-19-3), on February 16 in his home state of Indiana.

Another world light heavyweight contender from Montreal, whose return has been long anticipated, is North American Boxing Association (NABA) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight champion, Eleider “Storm” Alavarez (12-0, 8 KOs). The WBA and WBO #4 Alvarez faces fellow Colombian, Edison “Pantera” Miranda (35-8-0, 30 KOs). Alvarez has won his last three fights by knockout, including the last two against the world-rated opponents Danny McIntosh and Nicholson Poulard. Alvarez wants his world title shot soon and a convincing victory on his part could precipitate many things in the short or medium term.

Eleider Alvarez (R) explodes

Miranda is a dangerous puncher, whose early meteoric rise resulted in a pair of unsuccessful world title fights, seeks to revive his career. According to his promoter Leon Margules, Miranda doubled his training workouts, “Edison is only 32 years old but he is aware that he must absolutely win September 28th because it is his last chance, explaining why he has trained in Florida with so much determination.
Because he and Alvarez are both Colombian, their fight is so much more personal, passionate and emotional for both warriors.”
Another GYM fighter patiently waiting to explode on the international scene, middleweight prospect David Lemieux (29-2-0, 28 KOs), will also be in action Saturday night at Bell Centre. Now ranked #14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and #15 by the WBC, Lemieux takes on American upset-specialist Marcus Upshaw (15-10-2, 7 KOs) . The latter is well-known in Quebec having shocked Quebec fighter Renan St-Juste three years ago in Quebec City “At 6′ 4” with an aggressive style, it is possible that David may look bad at times in this fight, but this is the kind of strong and complicated opponent that will allow David to grow,” Lemieux’ trainer Marc Ramsay commented. Lemieux has won his last four fights by KO and his opponents lasted a total of only six rounds during this sequence.

Welterweight Antonin Decarie (27-2, 7 KOs) fought his last two times before HBO cameras and, despite losing his last fight to Argentina Carlos Abregu (35-1, 28 KOs), he showed the right stuff to evolve into a potential world champion. The 30-year-old Decarie, rated #10 by the WBC, still has a very bright future ahead of him. He has also been selected to represent North America in the WBC’s World Cup tournament that should get underway in late 2013. In a six-rounder to stay active, Decarie will face the Frenchman Salim Larbi (17-3-2, 5 KOs) this Saturday evening. Larbi fought for the WBO world title as recently as 2012.

IBF I / C and NABA welterweight contender, IBF #3 rated Kevin Bizier (20-0, 14 KOs), of Quebec, will also be back in action after fully recovering from a painful ankle sprain. His opponent is veteran Giuseppe Lauri (53-14, 31 KOs), a native of Italy who now lives in Hungary. Bizier could be one of the main headliners of a GYM event tentatively scheduled for November in Quebec City.

Finally, Saturday night’s event will allow former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev (1-0, 1 KOs) to continue learning, this time in a six-round, light heavyweight fight. To demonstrate the confidence that GYM places in Beterbiev, in only his second professional outing, the Russian prospect will fight a veteran of 47 professional fights, Rayco Saunders (23-22-2, 10 KOs). It’s highly usual for a young prospect like Beterbiev, who hasn’t lost since a cut cost him an amateur match in 2003, to fight a veteran such as Saunders so early into his pro career.

“Superman Returns,” headlined by the world light heavyweight championship between defending champion Stevenson and challenger Cloud, is being presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
Saturday night’s gala event at Bell Centre promises to be memorable, featuring an awesome line-up of fighters in significant matches.

Doors at the Bell Centre will open Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Stevenson vs. Cloud on HBO in the U.S. is slated to start around 10:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets are available at Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $ 50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.: Yvon Michel (GYM) Group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers with a support frame in direct competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its founding nine years ago, GYM has promoted 109 events, some of which have made history in ticket and PPV sales like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of seven different GYM boxers have participated in 17 world title fights. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight in 2007, Jean Pascal won the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009, and since June 2013 Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC, The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight.

NEW YORK (September 26, 2013) – More than 100 people turned out last week for at Ring 8’s monthly meeting and its tribute to the late, great Emile Griffith, at historic Waterfront Crabhouse, in Long Island City, New York.

The six-time, three-division world champion Griffith (85-24-2, 23 KOs) was a fixture at Ring 8. His tribute included speakers such as his biographer, Ron Ross, Emile’s son, Louis, boxing historian Henry Hascup and Bobby Bartels, his former sparring partner and past president of Ring 8. Everyone enjoyed watched some of Griffith’s best fights, on a projector screen, against Dick Tiger, Luis Rodriguez, Jorge Fernandez, Andy Heilman, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, and the second Nino Benvenutti fight.

“We had a tremendous turnout to celebrate Emile’s life and boxing career,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “It was a fitting tribute to a very special man. We’re all better people for having known him.”

Ring 8 also selected its 2013 award winners at last week’s meeting. These awards will be presented, along with Fighter of the Year (to come), at the 27th annual Ring 8 Holiday & Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, December 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

2013 Ring 8 Award Winners

Uncrowned Champion: Gasper Ortega
Official of the Year: Deputy Commissioner Robert Orlando
Amateur Official of the Year: Dan Gant
Member of the Year: Carmine Rastelli
Professional Judge of the Year: John McKaie
Prospect of the Year: Sean Monahan
Professional Trainer of the Year: Bob Jackson
Amateur Trainer of the Year: Joe Higgins
Emile Griffith Good Guy Award: Sal Corrente
Long & Meritorious Service: Dr. William Lathan
50th Anniversary: Bobby Bartels & Lenny Mangiapane

The Ring 8 Holiday & Awards Ceremony in December has been dedicated to the the 50th anniversary of the main event fight between Lenny Mangiapane (L) and Bobby Bartels at Madison Square Garden. Bartels is a former Ring 8 president and Mangiapane is the current Ring 8 vice president.

both pictures by Stanley Janousek / Ring 8
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

San Diego, CA) –
The first challenge has been met with all fighters scheduled for this month’s “San Diego Fights” making their contracted weights:

Brandon Adams 155 lbs vs Francisco Rios Gil 155 lbs
Maurice Hooker 141 lbs vs Rynell Griffin 140 lbs
David Barragan 155.5 lbs vs Matt Dumais 156 lbs
Joe Perez 123 lbs vs Alfredo Madrigal 123.5 lbs
Diego Madrigal 130 lbs vs Luis Ventura 133 lbs

The festivities begin at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel located at 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego. Open to all ages, food and drinks will be served.

For a photo gallery of the weigh in by Stacey Verbeek, please click HERE

Giovanni De Carolis (20-4, 10 KOs) will challenge Arthur Abraham (37-4, 28 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental Championship at the EWE ARENA in Oldenburg, Germany on October 26. Abraham´s intention is not only to defend his title but also to show that he is ready for a third clash with current world champion Robert Stieglitz.

“Finally there is clarity for me,” said Abraham, who is currently ranked as the number one contender and mandatory challenger at super middleweight by the WBO. “Now I will have to study my next opponent on tape together with my coach Ulli Wegner. With the perfect preparation and strategy there is no doubt in my mind that I will leave the ring as the winner come October 26.”

Wegner has already examined the 29-year-old from Rome, Italy carefully. “He is a good technician who likes to mix it up offensively,” stated Wegner when asked about the current WBC International Champion De Carolis. “This will be a good test for Arthur. If he wins decisively, I will be more than excited about a third fight between him and Stieglitz in early 2014.”
Tickets for the big fight night at the EWE ARENA Oldenburg can be purchased at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.

Danbury, Connecticut (September 26, 2013) Former world title challenger and perennial contender Delvin Rodriguez is
winding down preparations for his junior middleweight clash with legendary and former three time World Champion Puerto Rican fighter Miguel Cotto set for Saturday, October 5 the Amway Center
in Orlando, Florida and Live on HBO ®

Relaxing after an early evening training session in his hometown of Danbury, Connecticut, Rodriguez spoke about his preparations for the fight.

“We spent the first two weeks of camp in the Dominican Republic working on strength and conditioning, especially running in the mountains. For the last six weeks we’ve been in Danbury doing the actual training and sparring.”

“The two weeks in the Dominican Republic were great for my body and it’s always nice to train at home as I have for this portion of the camp” continued Rodriguez, who has compiled a record of 28-6-3 (16KO’s) over his fourteen year career.

Rodriguez is currently world ranked #4 by the WBA, #9 by the WBO and #11 by the IBF and WBC and is coming off two sensational stoppages, a sixth round knockout of George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah on February 15 and an eighth round stoppage of Freddy Hernandez on May 24, both of which were televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing®

Rodriguez longtime promoter; “The two wins Delvin had earlier this year along with the wealth of world class experience he’s fought over his outstanding career has truly prepared him for this opportunity to fight Miguel Cotto. This will be his sixth fight in the junior middleweight division and he’s very comfortable at 154. He’s prepared very well for Miguel Cotto and I’m confident he will put on a terrific performance.”

Speaking about his game plan, Rodriguez stated, “I’m taller so it works for me to stay on the outside and keep Cotto on the end of my punches. I’ve got a longer reach which I intend to use.”

“It’s also important for me to use combinations in an effective manner. Keep the pressure, stay aggressive for the entire round and that’s where my conditioning will play a big role.”

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Miguel, our paths have crossed a number of times over the years and he’s always been a gentleman. He’s a certain Hall of Famer who earned everything he’s gotten, nothing was handed to him, it’s the perfect test for me.”

About being perceived as the underdog with talk of upcoming plans for Cotto’s future fights, Rodriguez was dismissive, “That plays no role at all, and I don’t pay attention to what the experts say about who will win. Just me and him in the ring, just the way we both like it.”

Rodriguez will be accompanied to the ring on the night of the fight by popular Dominican singer, EL Jeffrey, who will also sing the Dominican national anthem prior to the fight.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing Inc. celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2012. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star 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.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Robert Byrd has been tabbed the referee for the October 12 bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.

The judges will be judges Robert Hoyle, Patricia Morse Jarman and Glenn Feldman.

The commission also appointed the officials for the vacant featherweight world title bout on the undercard between former titlist Orlando Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) of Mexico and Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) of Puerto Rico.

After more questions for Kizer, the commission voted 5-0 on his recommendations of referee Kenny Bayless and judges Jerry Roth, Glenn Trowbridge and Ed Kugler, a judge from Colorado.

Alberto Morales 148 vs. Ronald Cruz 148.1
Jason Sosa 129.2 vs. Tyrone Luckey 130.2
Joey Dawejko 238.5 vs. Kevin Franklin 248
Juan Serrano 138.6 vs. Jerome Rodriguez 141
Billy Marks 297 vs. Dan Pasciolla 234
Arturo Trujillo 145.3 vs. Terrell James143.9
Johnny Portillo 122.1 vs. Chris Diaz 122.4

Venue: Sands Event Center Bethlehem (PA)
Promoter: Peltz Boxing Promotions, Bam Boxing Promotions & Legends of Boxing
First Bout: 8:00 pm

LOS ANGELES (September 25, 2013) — Hall of Fame promoter and Jenny Craig acolyte Bob Arum concluded his remarks at today’s final Julio César Chávez Jr. – Bryan Vera press conference at the Millennium Biltmore hotel with the proclamation, “Wait for the Weight!”

What would a Chávez Jr. fight week be without a concern about his official weight? It took up the majority of the questions during Tuesday’s media conference call that he and Arum hosted.

The contract weight for Saturday’s super middleweight rumble is a maximum of 168 pounds for the two fighters.

“Julio must be a Union man because he seems to be working for scale for this event,” said Arum with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

A member of Team Vera suggested that Tecate Light sponsor the official weigh-in and that Chávez change his middle name from César to Cerveza.

Friday’s official weigh-in will be streamed live from the Gold Room at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (506 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90071-2607), beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT via www.toprank.tv.

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

Chávez Jr. (46-1-1, 32 KOs), of Culiacán, México, making his 2013 debut in his first fight in the Los Angeles area in over two years, and Vera (23-6, 14 KOs), of Austin, TX, riding a 16-month, four-bout winning streak, will go mano a mano This Saturday! Saturday, September 28, under the stars, at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chávez vs. Vera will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Banner Promotions and Tecate, remaining tickets to Chávez vs. Vera, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $20 (plus applicable taxes and fees), can be purchased online at http://www.axs.com, by telephone at (888) 929-7849 or at the StubHub Center box office, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Suites are available by calling (877) 604-8777. For information on group discounts, please call (877) 234-8425.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.

Chicago, IL, Wednesday, September 25, 2013–Bobby Hitz announced today that Hitz Boxing will cap off its dynamic 2013 season with “Fight Night at the Horseshoe: The Black Wednesday Battle” on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN. Hitz’ annual tradition of holding a Thanksgiving eve, also referred to as “Black Wednesday” show began in the early 90’s when he promoted his wildly popular “Ramada Rumble” series at the O’Hare Ramada Inn and its been a staple of both the Chicago boxing and night life scenes ever since. The line up and ticket information will be announced shortly.

“This has been an awesome year for Hitz Boxing and there is no better way to close out this season than with our annual ‘Black Wednesday’ show, which is an excellent way to kick-off the holiday season for both hardcore and casual fans,” said Hitz. “Chicago fans love boxing and their support demonstrates how strong this sport is. We are excited to stage our sixth show this year and look forward to continuing this momentum in 2014!”

In addition to its “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” series in Hammond which was held on February 15, April 20, June 8 and September 13, Hitz Boxing returned to Illinois on August 30, with the launch of its “Night of the Rising Stars” at the Cicero Stadium.

“We are thrilled to be back in Illinois and appreciate the effort of Nancy Ilg and the Illinois Athletic Commission in working with us,” said Hitz. “The family atmosphere in Cicero, combined with the electric energy at the Horseshoe give us two exciting, yet unique experiences to provide local boxing fans.”

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.

The $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Caesars Entertainment Corporation property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gambling destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest, and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination and premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and winner of the 2009, 2010, 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the May 2012 OpenTable Diners’ Choice award, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, and a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Pub and Eatery.

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

Must be 21 years or older to gamble or attend events at The Venue. Know When To Stop Before You Start® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9WITH-IT © 2012 Caesars License Company, LLC.

26 September 2013 – Singapore: ONE Fighting Championship™ (ONE FC), the largest mixed martial arts organization in Asia with a 90% market share, announced today that Tune Talk has renewed its partnership as the official Telco of ONE FC. The sponsorship is a clear indication that the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has hit the mainstream in Asia. Tune Talk and ONE FC are set to dominate the industry with innovative content and marketing initiatives that will bring world class ONE FC action to fans of the fastest growing sport in the world.
CEO of ONE Fighting Championship, Victor Cui, stated, “This is one of the most exciting sponsorship announcements that I’ve made. This partnership will see the activation of ONE FC content across Malaysia at an unprecedented level. As a lead up to the biggest fight in Malaysian history in November, ONE FC and Tune Talk will roll out a massive campaign across all media platforms throughout the country. I’m thrilled to be working with Tune Talk and the Air Asia family as our extended partnership signifies another monumental moment for the sport of MMA and ONE FC.”

CEO of Tune Talk, Jason Lo, stated, “Tune Talk, the country’s fastest growing mobile prepaid operator is proud to present ONE FC in Malaysia again! We have seen Mixed Martial Arts explode across Asia over the past few years and Malaysia has an ardent number of followers throughout the country. Tune Talk is already fully invested in the sport of MMA through the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts Tournament (MIMMA) and we look forward to growing together with the sport. We continue to see the exciting potential in ONE FC and are proud to be associated with the top organization in Asia. Tune Talk is delighted to once again extend a partnership that benefits the loyal fans of Malaysia.”

ONE FC will be returning to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 15 November, 2013 at Stadium Putra. The inaugural ONE FC Welterweight World Title will be up for grabs as Malaysian Adam Kayoom battles Japanese slugger Nobutatsu Suzuki in one of the most anticipated battles of the year.

For more updates on ONE Fighting Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow on Twitter @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA.
About ONE Fighting Championship™
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Fighting Championship is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia.

ONE Fighting Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

About Tune Talk
Tune Talk is the fastest-growing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Asia, officially launching commercial services in Malaysia in 2009. Our target is to provide super low rates and exciting incentives to the market. Our prepaid service offers voice, SMS, data and BlackBerry packages that meet the demands for a simple, value-for-money product with easy accessibility and a wide distribution reach. As a member of the Tune Group of companies, we have the advantage of providing a completely unique lifestyle service with offers by Tune Money, Tune Hotels, Tune Insurance, BIG Loyalty Programme and AirAsia. For more information, please visit www.tunetalk.com.
About Tune Group of Companies
Tune Group is a conglomerate of lifestyle businesses co-founded by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun. The Tune Group of companies are Tune Air (a substantial shareholder of AirAsia), Tune Hotels, Tune Money (holding company of Tune Insurance), Tune Talk, Tune Box, Tune Studios, Tune Tones, Caterham F1 Team, Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR) and Educ8 Group (owner of Epsom College in Malaysia).

oronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, will present a live broadcast of GLORY 10 Los Angeles this Saturday, September 28, at Midnight (12 a.m.) ET.

Featuring a stacked fight card that includes a one-night, four-man, Middleweight (187 lbs/85 kg) World Championship Tournament and eight Superfight match-ups, the 10th installment of GLORY live will emanate from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

GLORY’s Middleweight World Championship Tournament pits #1 ranked contender Artem “The Lion” Levin (45-3-1, 33 KOs) of Russia against Jason Wilnis (19-2-1, 4 KOs) of the Netherlands, and Japanese standout, Kengo Shimizu (16-3-0, 13 KO’s) against California’s own, Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (14-4-0, 10 KOs).

Fast paced Lightweight action headlines Glory 10 Los Angeles, as world #2 contender Robin van Roosmalen (29-5, 19 KOs) tests himself against the heavy hands of Swiss striker Shemsi Beqiri (72-8, 31 KOs).

The full fight card for GLORY 10 Los Angeles live on Fight Network includes:

Main Card:
-Robin van Roosmalen vs. Shemsi Beqiri
-Davit Kiria vs. Murthel Groenhart
-Joe Schilling vs. Kengo Shimizu
-Artem Levin vs. Jason Wilnis
-Wayne Barrett vs. Rob Plotkin

GLORY Superfight Series:
-Aleksandr Stetcurenko vs. Karapet Karapetyan
-Brice Guidon vs. Jahfarr Wilnis
-Andy Ristie vs. Niclas Larsen
-Brian Collette vs. Randy Blake
-Albert Kraus vs. Ky Hollenbeck
-Johann Fauveau vs. Hinata Watanabe

Undercard:
-Xavier Vigney vs. Hyunman Myung
-Afam Egbochuku vs. Casey Greene
-Jermaine Soto vs. Melisk Baghdasaryan
-Ron Cruz vs. Francisco Garcia
-Daniel Valdez vs. Brian Del Rosario
-Charles Bisset vs. Matt Baker

* Fight Card Subject to Change

GLORY will return on Oct. 12 at 9 p.m. ET as Fight Network presents a live broadcast of GLORY 11 Chicago from the Sears Centre Arena, featuring the heavyweight world championship tournament, plus Nathan Corbett challenging world-ranked wrecking machine Tyrone Spong.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com.

For More Information Contact:

Fight Network
Chad Midgley
VP Programming & Production
chad@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

About Fight Network:

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on all major carriers in Canada, select countries in Europe and Africa, on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling,” and in North America via its programming on Sirius XM Channel 167 and its programming block on Pursuit Channel (www.pursuitchannel.com). Fight Network’s parent company Anthem Media Group also owns a significant interest in the Pursuit Channel and will be launching the Fantasy Sports Network (FNTSY) across North America in 2013.

(San Diego, CA) –
Bobby D Presents, the premier promoter of live boxing in San Diego, is at it again this Thursday night when he showcases talent from all over the country on the next edition of his famed “san Diego Fights” series at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kearny Mesa, a suburb of San Diego, CA. The five bout fight card will mark the ninth live boxing event California state hall of famer Bobby DePhilippis presents this year with two more to go until the end of the season. This Thursday night promises to be the most talent stacked one yet when in the main event undefeated super welterweight Brandon “Cannon” Adams (11-0, 7KOs) puts his unblemished record on the line when he takes on his most experienced opponent to date in Francisco Rios Gil (18-19, 12KOs) of Huatabampo, Mexico.

Adams Scores a Heavy Right Photo by Paul Gallegos
The twenty-four year old Adams from Watts, CA, is on a four knockout straight win streak and will look to end the night early for Rios Gil who in a thirty-seven pro fight career has faced the much tougher competition in the likes of Troy Corbin, Artemio Reyes and Mike Dallas Jr among others. The night will mark the first time that Rios Gil appears in San Diego while Adams, who made his pro debut in “America’s Finest City”, returns to this border city after three straight fights in Tijuana.

In the co-feature, San Diego welcomes back hard hitting light welterweight Maurice Hooker (11-0-1, 9KOs) to the ring at the Four Points after an impressive showing last July. Hooker of Dallas, Texas, only needed a little over two minutes to break the ribs of Tijuana tough guy Mario “Popeyin” Hermosillo en route to a first round stoppage. A month later Hooker went back home to score another knockout in the opening round of John Revish. Now Hooker, who is fresh off a Wild Card Gym stint helping former world champion Miguel Cotto with sparring, is ready to score another impressive stoppage of Las Vegas’ Rynell Griffin (7-17-2, 2KOs). Despite his much to be desired record, Griffin has proven to be a tough out going the distance against Bahodir Mamadjonov, former title challenger Ajose Olusegun and Archie Ray Marquez. In his last win, he took the “0” of Jose Emanuel Saenz.

In a special attraction super welterweight four rounder, the ultra popular David Barragan (5-0-1, 3KOs) of National City will look to impress his large and loyal following with another come from behind win. Known for spectacular finishes, Barragan was wobbled in his last fight before stopping the game Moses Alvizo in the first. Against Jose Martell back in February, Barragan met the canvas before fighting himself back in the game and walking away with a close unanimous decision. Barragan will face of against Los Angeles first timer Matt Dumais.

Two more fights flesh out the card.

The Four Points Sheraton is located at 8110 Aero Drive in San Diego. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm. Food and drinks will be served and the event is open to all ages. Tickets are still available by calling 619.420.8866 or by visiting www.SanDiegoFights.com.

Former World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion and Son of the Legend JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR., (46-1-1, 32 KOs), of Culiacán, México, makes his 2013 debut in his first fight in the Los Angeles area in over two years. He will go mano a mano against No. 1 contender BRYAN VERA 23-6, 14 KOs), of Austin, TX, who is riding a 16-month, four-bout winning streak, This Saturday! September 28, under the stars, at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chávez vs. Vera will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

BOB ARUM: It’s nice to be on this call and it will be good to see Julio César Chávez Jr. get back into the ring after an absence of a little over a year. Julio has a great fan base and everyone is anxious to see him perform at the StubHub Center on Saturday. We have a full card o nine bouts with some great prospects including Óscar Valdez, Jose Ramírez and Diego Magdaleno. It should be a really fun night. Now we can hear from Fernando Beltran on his feelings about the event.

FERNANDO BELTRAN: Hi everybody. I think it is going to be a very exciting night of boxing. Julio César Chávez will be back, which is very important, after almost a year absence. He is very hungry and is coming with everything for this bout, including Daniel Sandoval who is a knockout artist. It’s going to be a great night and we are going to have a packed house.

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: It has been a real good training camp. I have been training real hard for this fight for the past three months. I am excited to get back in the ring and am very happy to get back in the ring.

Can you confirm what the official weight will be for the fight?

BOB ARUM: We will take a look at what the fighters weigh tomorrow and then we will decide what the weight will be. There is ne determination on that. I know what Julio Sr. said but I know that he misspoke when he said it.

How do you feel about coming back after your first loss?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: It is very important to me. I am coming off a loss and I want to show everyone what I am capable of doing. I worked real hard and I am looking forward to getting in the ring to show everyone that I am back. Of course I want to regain the position where I was before the loss against Martinez.

There is a lot of talk about your present weight. Are you having trouble?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: I think it is time for me to move up to 168. That is the goal we have been working on for this fight. We want to do the best that we can to get near that weight. I just felt that at 160 my health was not going to be good. Health-wise I think that 168 is good for me and I would like to continue my career at 168. This is not a championship fight but I will be close to 168 for this fight.

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: The only way I will go to 160 is to fight Martinez again. That fight is so big that it would be worth the sacrifice to make.

How much do you weigh now and how much will you weigh tomorrow?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: I weigh 173 right now.

Julio, how do you feel about the talk about your training habits?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: People have to realize how hard I trained for this fight. It wasn’t easy making 160 but yet I became a champion at 160. I had four title defenses at 160, came within a couple seconds of knocking out the best 160-punder in the world. So you can’t say I wasn’t ready to fight in those fights. I made the weight and I showed everyone what I am capable of doing. I don’t think people realized how hard it was to make 160 and how much I had to sacrifice to make 160.

Bob do you think this reputation is warranted?

BOB ARUM: It is very difficult when a young man starts at the age that he did. He had a completely different body than the body that he has now. Now he has matured and he is a big, big kid. There are light heavyweights that look smaller than he does. We have to question ourselves whether he stayed at 160 too long even though he was able to make the weight because I really believe that if you struggle to make weight that you deplete yourself and you can’t give as good a performance than if you fight at a more natural weight. Julio is a big man and for him to get down to 160, he might still do it, but it would be a tremendous sacrifice for his health and his ability to perform in the ring. I am not a doctor or a nutritionist but I have been around the sport for a long time and that’s what I see.

Looking back, how do you feel about the suspension and smoking?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: You know, you make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. It happens, I am human. I thought it was excessive what I got but it comes with the territory. I need to show everyone what I am capable of doing. On Saturday night I want to give a great performance. I am really looking forward to erasing all of those bad memories that I had.

BOB ARUM: I want to go on record that there is nothing wrong with smoking pot. There is nothing wrong with Marijuana. Any sentence for an athlete that has smoked marijuana other than smoking while he is in the ring is unconscionable and wrong and now even WADA has said the same thing. Let’s be honest. There is nothing wrong with pot and it absolutely cannot be beneficial. I know what Julio said about doing wrong but I don’t think he did anything wrong by taking Marijuana two weeks prior to his fight with Martinez

BOB ARUM: The rules have changed and there is a doctrine that states that if the rules have changed it applies retroactively. So it was unfortunate. Those were the rules of the commission but those rules were preposterous and have now been changed and it should be specified.

Julio, what would you like to accomplish next in boxing?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: I am looking to win a world title at 168, something that no other Méxican has done. That is one of my goals and maybe move up to light heavy to win a title there. But all I’m thinking about now is how I look on Saturday and then I will think about what’s next. I know I am going to repeat myself, but I would sacrifice everything to make 160 because I do want that fight.

How is it working with your dad as head trainer?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: The most important thing is he is going to work my corner. He has always been in my training camps – supervising it and looking over what I am doing. But the key to all of this is he is going to be in the corner giving instructions. Before he would come up yelling and screaming and no one would know what is going one. He was doing it unprofessionally and now he is doing it professionally. He is now going to be in the corner giving me instructions and that is going to be very important.

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: My main trainer for this fight is Baldomir Valdinegro – he has worked with me for nine years and has always been in my corner and is the one in charge of the boxing aspect of this operation. And my strength trainer is the one that put me at 158 for my last couple fights at 160 and has worked real hard on my conditioning and meals. He is going to have me make the weight and do it the right way.

Has Sr. been in camp on a daily basis?

JULIO CEÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: He is in camp at least three days a week.

Have you spoken to Vera’s camp regarding weight?

BOB ARUM: To be frank, I have talked to Vera’s promoter Artie Pelullo and I will be having breakfast with him tomorrow morning in Los Angeles at the Biltmore hotel to discuss it. Artie is a professional promoter and we always seem to find a solution.

Will you be working with Robert Garcia for your next fight?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: I need to see how I do with this fight. The guys have been working real hard in this camp and I have to see how I look and how I feel. I am not saying ‘no’ to Robert Garcia or Freddie Roach. I just want to see what comes up next and we’ll go from there.

How is the cut you recently got in sparring?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: The cut is going very good. I suspended one week of sparring. I continued to train, never stopping and I am ready to fight.

BOB ARUM: I think Julio is an enormous talent and has always performed at a very high level. I am proud of his performances and even in the Martinez fight whereas throughout the fight Martinez was getting the best of him, Chávez didn’t quit and he almost pulled out the fight miraculously in the last round. I never doubt Julio’s performances. He is a great athlete and he always gives 100% in the ring.

I am proud of the way he fights. I am proud of the way he entertains the crowd and I think the adulation of the Méxican fans for Chávez Jr. is very well justified.

Julio’s father was great champion; Julio Jr. had no amateur background and became champion. How do you think he has handled that and should he be given credit for that?

BOB ARUM: I think he should get enormous credit. We all know about athletes whose fathers were world famous and how difficult it is for them to excel in the same sport. But I think he has carried himself well and become his own person. He isn’t a carbon copy of his father’s own style. He has his own style. And I think he has done very well. Boxing is a very tough sport and the fighters that succeed the most are the ones that come from impoverished backgrounds. He didn’t come from an impoverished background because of who is father was. He has dug deep and I am very proud of what he has done in the ring.

What damage was done to Jr. in the Martinez fight?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: After that fight, I didn’t have to go to the hospital – I wasn’t cut. There was nothing other than some scratches or bruises that you would normally get after being in a fight for 12 rounds. Other than that, I was fine and my body was fine. I never had to go to the hospital or anything else. I went to a nightclub right after the fight so you know I wasn’t hurt. Any reports to the contrary are totally false. I was fine. I could have gone another 12 rounds if I needed to. I don’t think he could have but I know I could have.

How comfortable will you feel with who will be in your corner?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: The important thing, I know those guys and I have been around those guys. Baldomir has been with me for nine years and my father knows him very well. Cornejo has been with me the last four years and my father knows him very well. The key is that my father is going to be in the corner. He is going to look professional – no more screaming and yelling and running up and making me lose my focus. I think it is going to be great for all of us.

How do you reflect on the long year away from the ring and all the changes?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: There has been a lot of changes in my life. I am coming off a loss and coming off a suspension. There have been a lot of things that happened in my career and my personal life. My girlfriend is pregnant and I am going to be a father for the first time. I think it has been a blessing that I have been able to concentrate on my personal life. I wasn’t ready to fight so this makes it great and I am ready to get back into the ring and concentrate on my professional life once again.

Do you know the baby’s sex? How do you feel about being a father?

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: It is a girl. It will be a new life for me. I am very happy and excited all the time. My girlfriend and I will have a baby in January and it changes a lot of things in your mind. Everyone knows how special a bond is with your daughter and I am looking forward to it.

BOB ARUM: Tickets are going very well at StubHub Center. I think there are less than 500 left. We may have to open the outer reaches of the stadium to accommodate more people. It’s going to be a great night of boxing. to watch Julio and Vera battle it out. We have a great middleweight fight with Matt Korobov vs. Grady Brewer. I want to thank HBO for airing the event and I want to thank Tecate for sponsoring who has been there for and been a great partner in our events.

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ JR: I want to thank everyone that is involved – Tecate, Top Rank, HBO. I am very happy and excited to get back in the ring and I want to give the fans a great fight which is what I always try to do.

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Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Banner Promotions and Tecate, remaining tickets to Chávez vs. Vera, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $20 (plus applicable taxes and fees), can be purchased online at http://www.axs.com, by telephone at (888) 929-7849 or at the StubHub Center box office, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Suites are available by calling (877) 604-8777. For information on group discounts, please call (877) 234-8425.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.

MONTREAL (September 25, 2013) — World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal world light champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1, 18 KOs) defends his crown for the first time this Saturday night against former Internatio0nal Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder ” Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs). The titanic collision will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal and will be televised live in the United States by HBO as part of its World Championship Boxing series.

“Superman Returns,” is being presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP ), in association with Mise- O -Jeu and Videotron .

The 36-year-old Stevenson, fighting out of Blainville, Quebec, won his world light heavyweight title by destroying “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs) in only 76 seconds this past June 8. That fight, however, is now a thing of the past. Stevenson’s immediate future is Cloud, 31, who has a style opposite of Dawson, a pure boxer, as opposed to the brawling Cloud, from Florida.

“My goal is to win by KO,” Stevenson said, “but I’m ready to do 12 rounds, if necessary, to show that I’m a complete fighter.”

Cloud believes Stevenson hasn’t fought anybody comparable to him in terms of quality opposition. “To win at this level of talent takes skill,” Cloud countered, “and power is secondary. Anyone can be hurt, if you give up. I guarantee that I will leave Montreal with all the belts.”

According to the president Yvon Michel of GYM, Cloud is the perfect opponent for the champion’s first defense. “Against Dawson,” Michel noted, “Adonis proved he was dangerous and against a seasoned fighter like Cloud, Adonis will have the opportunity to demonstrate his versatility and why his reign will last.”

Stevenson arrived in Montreal last Friday and Cloud two days later. Both are in great physical shape, as they showed during training workouts before the media on Monday and Tuesday. They were both obviously very eager to do battle in three days.

The powerful left-handed Stevenson is riding an eight-fight streak of knockouts over Dawson (KO1), Darnell Boone (KO6), Don George (TKO12), Noe Gonzalez (TKO2), Jesus Gonzales (KO1), Aaron Pryor Jr. (TKO9), Shujaa El Amin (TKO1), and Derek Edwards (KO3). In fact, the last time a Stevenson fight went to the limit dates back to 2007.

The 31- year Cloud lives in Tallahassee, Florida. During his illustrious career of more than nine years, he was the IBF 175-pound division world champion for four years. He won his title in 2009, earning a 12-round decision over Clinton Woods (42-4-1, 25 KOs) and successfully defended his world title four times. First, against former world champion Glen Johnson (50-13-2, 34 KOs), then versus an aspiring Fulgencio Zuniga (24-4-1, 21 KOs), followed by wins against Yusaf Mack (29-3-2, 17 KOs) and Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 8 KOs). His winning streak was stopped at 24, the same time as his reign as world champion, last March in New York as he lost a unanimous decision to the inimitable Bernard Hopkins (52-6-2, 32KOs).

According to The Ring Magazine, Cloud is ranked third among the best light heavyweights in the world, and he is considered the number one U.S. heavyweight contender. Cloud has only suffered one defeat during his professional career and he has never visited the canvas. Cloud has a definite advantage over Stevenson in terms of experience having fought a total of 123 rounds, including 68 world championship, almost as many total rounds (80) fought by Stevenson.

The Stevenson-Cloud final press conference will be held today in Montreal. Their official weigh in will take place this Friday (Sept. 27) at Delta Hotel in Montreal, starting at 1 p.m. ET.

Doors at the Bell Centre will open Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Stevenson vs. Cloud is slated to start around 10:30 p.m. ET with Stevenson in the red corner, the challenger Cloud in the blue corner.

Tickets are available at Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $ 50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.: Yvon Michel (GYM) Group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers with a support frame in direct competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its founding nine years ago, GYM has promoted 109 events, some of which have made history in ticket and PPV sales like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of seven different GYM boxers have participated in 17 world title fights. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight in 2007, Jean Pascal won the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009, and since June 2013 Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC, The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight.

London (25 September) Hughie Lewis Fury is in action this Sunday afternoon as he faces Dorian Darch at York Hall, Bethnall Green, London, on Miranda Carter’s ‘Sunday Rumble.’

The 19-year-old heavyweight bids to improve his perfect professional record to 10 straight victories when he enters the ring with the tough and durable 29-year-old, Darch.

Hughie has been sparring alongside the likes of his older cousin Tyson Fury, former IBF world cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham and “Fast” Eddie Chambers and will be looking to give his best performance to date.

Although hotly tipped to beat Mike Tyson’s famous record of becoming the world’s youngest ever world heavyweight champion, Hughie cannot afford to overlook Darch, who boasts seven wins from his eight professional contests to date.

The Aberdare-based heavyweight will certainly be looking to blemish the record of the teenage sensation over their scheduled six round contest this weekend.

Doors for Miranda Carter’s ‘Sunday Rumble’ open at 2pm, with boxing scheduled to start at 3pm.

Ticket Information

Ticket prices: £35 Unreserved floor or balcony; £45 Ringside.
£65 Front Row tickets are SOLD OUT

For tickets for Hughie please contact Joe on: 07568 566 872

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS

London (25 September) After yesterday’s rescheduled date was announced as February 8th 2014 at the Phones 4 U Arena Manchester, following Haye’s withdrawal from the original September 28th date, Tyson Fury gave this reaction:

“I’m so glad to have this fight rescheduled – in my opinion, he’s a classless pre-madonna, a diva, a no good wannabe Bollywood actor and I can’t wait to put him in his place,” Tyson said.

“There’s lots of honest and hard working people in this world and I believe I’m going to punish and poleaxe this money grabbing cry baby for all of them – he’s getting knocked spark out!

“He’s getting sorted out – I already didn’t like Mr Z list celebrity, Queen of the Jungle – but actions speak louder than words don’t they.

“I’m tired of him, he said he was going to knock Klitschko out and did nothing! Now he’s giving me the same talk – why do people believe him? He can dish it out but can’t take it.

“Mr Toemaker, your excuses are boring – you say you’re going to ‘expose me’ but the difference, Mr Excusemaker, is that every time I say I’m going to go out and do something, I go out and do it and that’s exactly what I was going to do this Saturday and 100 percent going to do on February 8th – nothing has changed, I’m still going to smash your face in, no excuses.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy also gave his reaction to the rescheduled date:

“I’ve pushed for this fight to be back on and I’m delighted it is, as I know this is a fight that Tyson wins in style, by way of the big KO,” Mick Hennessy said.

“David Haye really needs to step up as a man and make sure he’s there on February 8th, otherwise he will have zero credibility and will probably have to emigrate by public demand!”

Tickets previously purchased for the original date of September 28 are automatically valid for this new date of February 8. Alternatively, fans looking for a refund are advised to go back to their point of purchase before October 31.
FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS

Future Super Middleweight world title challenger George Groves will change trainers from Adam Booth to Paddy Fitzpatrick before he challenged IBF Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch on November 23rd.

“I am extremely happy to name Paddy Fitzpatrick as my new trainer going into what is the biggest fight of my life,” Groves said in a statement on Monday. “Paddy and I have worked closely together in the past and already have a very good relationship, one built over many years. Not only has he worked my corner for important fights, we have also spent a lot of time together when abroad on training camps, where Paddy has overseen a number of significant sessions.

“Although this is a fresh change for me, I’m working with someone I know and respect, and someone who knows my game inside out. We both know how the other works, so it won’t take long to hit the ground running.”

“His experience and knowledge of the game is world-class and he is, without doubt, the perfect trainer to help me prepare for my next fight,” Groves said. “He has a great energy, both in the gym and on fight night, and I feel totally comfortable in his presence. I’m looking forward to working with Paddy on a full-time basis and I’m excited to start adding many more tools to my arsenal. By the time Nov. 23 arrives, I’ll be better than ever. And more than capable of dethroning Carl Froch.

catBOX Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent signing of Joe Blurton to the catBOX roster of elite boxers. Joe Blurton is ready to begin his pro boxing career after being an MMA fighter since 2004. The MMA star has signed a multiyear deal with catBOX. The 5’11” Blurton will campaign as a welterweight (147 lbs). Bill Zuhdi, CEO of catBOX said, “Joe is the type boxer we want at catBOX, a man of integrity, tough, skilled, disciplined, and an exciting fighter who will go a long way in the welterweight division.” Joe also coaches striking at Conquest Martial Arts and Fitness in Yukon, Oklahoma. When not training for a fight, Joe works at Lucky Star Casino, in Concho, Oklahoma as a security officer and works at Cowboys in Oklahoma City as a bouncer. Joe lives in El Reno, Oklahoma.

Bethlehem, PA—Welterweight prospects Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, and Alberto Morales, Miami, FL, met today for the first time at the final press conference for their 10-round match Thursday evening, Sept. 26, at the Sands Bethlehem.

The seven-bout card will be streamed worldwide by Universal Streaming.

Cruz, who knocked out Rodolfo Armenta, of Rio Rico, AZ, in two rounds Aug. 10 in the same ring, has an 18-2 record, 13 K0s.

Morales, who lost a 10-round decision to Ray Robinson, of Philadelphia, PA, on Feb. 8 in Wilmington, DE, is 11-2-1, 8 K0s.

Also in attendance was junior welterweight Jerome Rodriguez, of Allentown, PA, whose six-round fight with Juan Serrano, of Killeen, TX, is one of six undercard fights beginning at 8p.m.

MORALES: “I’ve trained hard for this fight for the last six weeks and I’m in the best shape of my life. I really love to fight and I know I won’t have to chase anybody in this match. I’m gonna love it and I look forward to Thursday.”

CRUZ: “Morales says he loves to fight and I love to fight, also. On Thursday night, we’re going to find out who loves it more.”

ABOUT SEPTEMBER 26

The Cruz-Morales and Jason Sosa-Tyrone Luckey fights headline a seven-bout card at the Sands Bethlehem. Doors open at 7.30pm; first fight 8p.m. Tickets priced at $50 and $75 and $100 (luxury suites) can be purchased through the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com, www.SandsEventCenter.com, and www.Ticketmaster.com. In Bethlehem, tickets are available at Deja Brew, Inc., 101 West 4th Street (610-865-2739) and at Pronto Insurance Notary, 232 East 3rd Street (610-419-6790). The Cruz-Morales and Sosa-Luckey fights as well as the rest of the matches will be streamed live by www.ustream.tv/universalstreamingnetwork. The purchase price is $4.99 for the inaugural boxing telecast on the network, which will include interviews with Larry Holmes, Gerry Cooney, Earnie Shavers and Thomas Hearns, all of whom will be at ringside.. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and BAM Boxing in association with Legends of Boxing and the Sands Bethlehem.

PHILADELPHIA (September 24, 2013)—Last weekend two big shows on the east coast took place that featured some of the best prospects in the world plus the return on former Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey and fans all over the world can view each show for just $9.99 on www.pandafeed.tv

First on Friday night September 13th at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey, GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen promotions presented a nine bout that card that was headlined by undefeated Jr. Middleweight John Thompson (13-0) scoring an eight round unanimous decision over Brandon Quarles (10-2-1).

The show featured no fewer than eight undefeated prospects that saw impressive stoppage wins by Heavyweight Tyrell Wright (4-0, 2 KO’s); Light Heavyweight Jerry Odom (5-0, 5 KO’s) and Middleweight Godson Noel (2-0, 2 KO’s) plus wins by Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young (9-0); Lightweight Rickey Edwards (3-0); Pro debut Jr. Welterweight Sammy Teah.

The competitive card gad two draws as J., Middleweight Shakur Jackson (1-0-1) and Malik Jackson (0-1-1) plus Heavyweight Danny Danny Kelly (4-0-1) and Jamal Woods (3-8-1) fought to standstills.

That card can be ordered by clicking: http://pandafeed.tv/#!/watch/520b09795cb87f8d570e3df8

ROCKIN FIGHTS 10

On Saturday September 14th, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing put on Rockin Fights 10 at the Paramount in Huntington, New York and it was headlined by hometown hero and undefeated Jr. Welterweight Chris Algieri.

Algieri was in with veteran Wilfredo Acuna in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Algieri thrilled the hometown crown by scoring a stoppage after round seven that upped his record to a perfect 18-0 with 8 knockouts.

With the win, Algieri is now in line for a quality fight that could position him into the rankings.

In the co-feature, Clottey (37-4) came back after a twenty-two month layoff to pound out a ten round unanimous decision over a game Dashon Johnson in a Middleweight fight.

The four-bout card was opened up with wins by undefeated Jr. Middleweight Wendy Toussaint (2-0) and Heavyweight Constantin Bejenaru (4-0) who scored decisions over Koree Boyd and Excell Holmes respectively.

To order Rockin Fights 10, click: http://pandafeed.tv/#!/watch/5227f9d1aacfc2246600110a

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the bout between Heavyweights David Haye and Tyson Fury has been rescheduled for February 8th, 2014 after a cut suffered by Haye forced the postponement of the bout scheduled for this Saturday.

“News of the date in February is music to my ears,” Haye said. “I was absolutely devastated this weekend, and felt as though I’d let a lot of people down. But now, with this new date, I couldn’t be happier.

“My fans will still get the chance to see what they all wanted to see this weekend. They’ll get to see Tyson Fury sparked out in a spectacular fashion.”

“Sparring eight days before a fight is nothing new or unusual,” Haye said. “I’ve done this before fights in the past and never had an issue. Also, look at the history books. George Foreman sparred and got cut eight days before his ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ with Muhammad Ali, causing a six-week postponement. And Sugar Ray Leonard sparred and got knocked down five days before his fight with Marvin Hagler but still managed to go on and win.

“Foreman and Leonard are two of the greatest fighters of all time, so if it was good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for little old me.”

“Not only that, those guys were preparing to face the likes of Ali and Hagler, while I was preparing to fight Tyson Fury, a man whose greatest triumph to date is shedding a few stone on Belgium’s ‘Biggest Loser’ fat camp,” Haye said. “These things sometimes happen in training, and to suggest I decided against wearing a head-guard, or that the cut was premeditated, shows a clear lack of knowledge and understanding.

“This camp was no different to any other, aside from the fact it ended on an unlucky and sour note.”

“Tyson Fury might start to get brave now that he’s received a stay of execution — and he might call me names and accuse me of ducking him — but that will all be short-lived, I can promise you,” he said. “After hearing the nonsense he has come out with in the last few days, I’m even more determined to expose him in front of millions. And only the possibility of getting another chance to land punches on his massive head and doughy gut has helped cheer me up.

“The cut will heal, the fight will happen next year, and the fans will go home happy. The only difference now is that Tyson Fury gets an even nastier beatdown than he would have received first time round. Once again, I’d like to apologize to the fans for the inconvenience caused by the postponement, and also because they will now have to endure a few more months of rubbish spewing from the mouth of Tyson Fury. I had hoped to silence him for good on Saturday night.”

World Series of Fighting’s first-ever event in Florida continues to fill out, and a light-heavyweight matchup of Francisco “Kiko” France (8-3) vs. Hans Stringer (21-5-2) and a bantamweight contest of Chad “Robo” Robichaux (10-2) vs. Andrew “The Golden Boy” Yates (7-0) are the latest additions to the lineup.

Both matchups take place on the World Series of Fighting 6 preliminary card, which streams live on the promotion’s official website, WSOF.com, and precedes the night’s two-hour, nationally-televised main card on NBCSN.

Featuring the first championship bout in the promotion’s history with Josh Burkman vs. Steve Carl, “World Series of Fighting 6: Burkman vs. Carl,” takes place Oct. 26 at BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Fla.

Tickets for the event, which start at just $29, are currently on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000.

The live, two-hour NBCSN telecast of the World Series of Fighting 6 main card begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Preliminary bouts stream live on World Series of Fighting’s official website, WSOF.com, beginning at 6 p.m. ET, and venue doors open at 5 p.m. ET.

The 30-year-old France is a jiu-jitsu wizard who has earned all eight of his career wins by way of submission. A Finney’s Hit Squad fighter, France has competed professionally for more than five years and boast wins over UFC veterans James McSweeney and Cale Yarbrough. Most recently, France earned a first-round submission win over Dan McGlasson by way of armbar.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Stringer also makes his World Series of Fighting debut after having his planned first appearance scratched just one day before the scheduled bout. Stringer was expected to face longtime veteran Lew Polley at August’s World Series of Fighting 4 event, but Polley missed weight by more than 30 pounds and was ruled out of the fight.

The Blackzilians-trained Stringer has lost just once in his past 13 appearances. Seventeen of his 21 career wins have come by way of stoppage.

Meanwhile, “Robo” Robichaux is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and 14-year MMA veteran with extensive experience in both the professional and amateur ranks. Seventeen of his 19 total career wins have come by way of submission, including 15 first-round tapouts.

A Special Operations Force RECON Marine who also worked with the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service, Robichaux is also a veteran of several tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Yates also makes his first World Series of Fighting appearance. A member of MMA legend Wanderlei Silva’s famed Wand Fight Team, Yates turned pro in 2011 following an extensive amateur career of more than 25 fights. The 24-year-old has defeated all seven of his professional opponents, including four wins by way of submission and one by knockout.

Additional World Series of Fighting 6 bouts will be announced shortly.

About World Series of Fighting
World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

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

About BankUnited Center at UM
The BankUnited Center, an 8,000 seat multipurpose entertainment facility located on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus, hosts concerts, family shows, trade shows, lecture series, sporting events and the University of Miami men’s and women’s basketball teams. For more information call 305-284-8686 or visitwww.BankUnitedCenter.com. The BankUnited Center is located at 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146.

(San Diego, CA) –
Most fighters will tell you the reason they get into the sport is to fulfill a life-long dream, to follow a father’s or older brother’s footsteps or to escape a bad neighborhood. For hard hitting undefeated Dallas, Texas, light welterweight Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (11-0-1, 9KOs) it was something much more primitive than that.
“I love to fight, I like to cause pain to my opponent,” Hooker says with a smile and a Texan twang. “I was getting in trouble in school so my stepdad took me to the gym thinking I was going to get beat up and leave; well I did the beating up and liked it.”

A boxer/puncher who loves to use his jab and he is always looking for the knockout proven by his 75% KO ratio, Hooker joined the local gym at the age of fourteen and took off amassing ninety-seven amateur fights and only losing seven in a career that began at 119 pounds. After a number of local titles and tournament wins, “Mighty Mo” went pro in early 2011 surprisingly amidst jeers and boos.

“I was fighting a hometown favorite in St. Louis,” he explains. “I felt weird. Everybody kept telling me I was getting knocked out, it was first fight and he was undefeated with five knockouts, when I came out, I was booed. Once I figured he had no power, I began to outbox him. I felt I won the fight.”

Unfortunately the judges did not and awarded him with split draw. That is the closest of Hooker has come to losing, stopping nine of his next eleven opponents. Demond Brock, who went all four round with him in his fourth pro fight, is considered his toughest fight to date by the twenty-four year old. “He just wouldn’t go down. I hit him with everything and he took it all.”

Three years ago after that first fight, Hooker hooked up with Arnie Verbeek, a financier, who has helmed his career ever since, “it feels good to have him in my corner and watching over me. Gives me the chance to concentrate on training.”

One of the changes that Verbeek has brought to the team is the inclusion of San Diego-based trainer Vince Parra. Parra, better known as the trainer of world title challenger Mercito Gesta, Vista’s Aaron Garcia and #5 world ranked bantamweight Rolly Lunas, has nothing but high praise for the tall lanky fighter.

“He has a lot of tools, power, boxing skills and a good work ethic,” Parra mentioned. “We’ve been together for two fights, about three and a half months, and things are coming along.”

Hooker also feels that the fit is right with his new trainer, “things are coming along. I like the slight changes he is doing to my style and he is teaching me a lot, different stuff.”

The first fight Parra worked with Hooker, Maurice only needed a little over two minutes to stop Tijuana tough guy Mario “Popeye” Hermosillo in late July here in San Diego. A month later Hooker knocked out John Revish back home in the first round.

One of the ways that Parra has taught him new things is by taking him to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, CA. Once there and after seeing a spirited sparring session between Hooker and recent world title challenger Ray Beltran, Roach did not hesitate to hire Hooker’s services for his newest pupil, three division world champion Miguel Cotto. Cotto is slated to return to the ring in early October against Delvin Rodriguez.

“It’s been awesome, I thought he was a much bigger guy, he is actually kind of small,” Hooker shares with a chuckle. “He is very patient, very smooth, that is something that I am looking to learn from him.”

Hooker might also want to pick Cotto’s brain on the best road to stardom since Hooker wants to get where Cotto has been, “my dream is to be a champion in four divisions, 135, 140, 147 and 154. It’s going to happen.”

The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel is located at 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego. Tickets are available at SanDiegoFights.com or by calling 619.420.8866. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm.