PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 7, 2013) – Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and his father/trainer Angel Garcia opened their Philadelphia training camp for the media on Wednesday as they prepare for their upcoming showdown against power-punching Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse.

Garcia (26-0, 20 KO’s) will defend his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Titles against WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Matthysse (34-2, 32 KO’s) in the 12-round co-featured bout of “THE ONE” MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO” on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The fight will be produced and televised live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Also joining the Garcia family at newly opened DSG Boxing Gym was boxing legend and Golden Boy Promotions Partner Bernard Hopkins .

Here’s what the participants had to say on Wednesday:

DANNY “SWIFT” GARCIA:

“This fight is very exciting for me. We are part of the biggest night in boxing and I will be ready. I feel like I was born for this – fighting at this level on the biggest stage in boxing.

“Every fight is important to me. I am training as I always do but I have a new gym so it is nice to be able to train in privacy. What better way to invest in my future in boxing than investing in my own gym. We built in the same neighborhood where my Dad grew up. We are Philly through and through. I love having my own gym.

“As for Matthysse, he has power but I have power, too. I fought a lot of guys with power. Trust me, I plan to take away his power, make him miss and make him pay.

“If he [Matthysse] opens up early to try to get me out of there, trust me, he’s making a big mistake. He tries that and the fight’s going to be over quickly!

“I’m not going to skip anything for this fight in training. I am going to work just as hard. I know what I have to do September 14, and I plan to do it the right way, the smart way.

“To me Matthysse is just a regular fighter. He already has two losses. I don’t consider him one of the best. He doesn’t even have a world title and when he fought for one,he lost. Let’s see what happens when I show him different looks, back him up, work angles. I can fight backing up. Can he?

“I thought his fight with [Zab] Judah was a close fight. I know I can’t make this a close fight. I am going to stick to my fight plan, give him different looks and be smart. I’m definitely not going to give him something easy. He’s going to have to earn anything he gets in the ring that night. Let’s see if he knows how to earn it.

“It doesn’t matter who’s stronger. It’s who’s smarter. I always find a way to win.

“I definitely learn every time I get in the ring. I learned a lot in the Judah fight. Things changed quickly but I was happy for the experience. It taught me a lot.

“I think this fight will give me a new level of respect. I feel that after this fight I am going to show people I am one of the best 140-pounders to ever put on a pair of gloves.”

ANGEL GARCIA:

“My job is not to worry about Matthysse. I am not worried. He doesn’t put fear in me. His coach doesn’t put fear in me. His people don’t put fear in me. His country doesn’t put fear in me. Nobody puts fear in me. The only one I fear is God.

“Nobody is beating us, not right now, not tomorrow and not in the future. Believe this, on September 14, Matthysse is going to get his ass whooped.

“Danny is the most underrated champion there is and I am the most underrated trainer. But it doesn’t matter to me. As long as I know and as long as Danny knows and we’re happy, then I don’t care what the world says.

“You can love me or hate me but it doesn’t matter. I believe in me and I believe in Danny. I always tell Danny that hard work and dedication pay the bills.

“I’m not going to look to Floyd Mayweather yet because we have Matthysse first. We are going to worry about Matthysse. Floyd has Canelo, so they have got to worry about each other.

“You never underestimate. Never, never, never take the cake and eat it before you light the candles. I’m not going to worry about Floyd. He has his own thing and Danny has his own thing. We are going to worry about Matthysse and September 14.

“The fans should be glad and happy for such a stacked main and co-main event on PPV. The fans should be happy and love all four of them. They shouldn’t hate one and love the others; they should love all of them. This is about the fans. The fans will get the benefit.

“Matthysse is going to lose September 14. We aren’t coming to lose. The best man will win and it’s going to be Danny.

“In the fight, I think Matthysse will come out, try to prove a point and try to get into Danny’s head as the killer. But he’s not a killer, he has nothing. He isn’t a killer.”

BERNARD HOPKINS:

“It’s important that this fight is happening. It’s happening at the right time. That is a really, really exciting event with a massive card that is bringing a lot of attention. And then you add Danny Garcia and Matthysse and it makes it even better.

“This is a fight that I see as 50/50. I get asked all the time in fights who I think is going to win and who I think has the better chin. This is a fight that is not going to go 12 rounds. And if it does go 12 rounds, I don’t think either fighter is going to be the same in whatever he does next. That’s how important this fight is to the fans but also in the careers of the two fighters.

“There are big things after this fight and the winner will finally be the undisputed champion in that division. Right now, I think it is Danny Garcia, who has three major titles. So he is, right now, the guy to beat at that weight division.

“I think this fight boils down to who has the better strategy, the better chin and who can adapt and change strategy in the course of the race. This is the type of fight where both fighters must be on top of their game. Danny’s weaknesses must be kept to a minimum. Matthysse’s weaknesses must be kept to a minimum.”

“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous punching WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale on June 25, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also will be available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

IRVINE, Calif. – Aug. 8, 2013 – Boost Mobile, a leader in the no-contract wireless industry with its exclusive Monthly Unlimited with Shrinking Payments no-contract service, is uniting with WSOF, 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.

To celebrate its entrance into the partnership, Boost Mobile is unveiling the “Cage Rattler of the Night” award, a first-ever fan-voted award at WSOF 4 taking place on Aug. 10 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., and airing live on the NBC Sports Network at 7:30 p.m. PDT.

“The WSOF partnership is a great way to showcase Boost’s willingness to go to the mat to give MMA fans a voice in their sport,” said Steve Gaffney, vice president-Corporate Marketing, Boost Mobile. “We are looking forward to WSOF 4 to unveil the Boost Mobile Cage Rattler of the Night award, which will be determined by the fans. Building on Boost’s commitment to consumers, with its $55 Android Monthly Unlimited no-contract plans, the fighter receiving the most votes will receive a $5,500 cash prize.”

During the fight, fans will be asked to tweet the fighter’s last name, with the hash tags #RATTLETHECAGE #WSOF4, for the fighter who demonstrates the most heart or who came out of nowhere for a comeback knockout – whatever it means to “rattle the cage” in the minds of fight fans everywhere. The fighter with the most votes will not only be designated as the Boost Mobile Cage Rattler of the Night but also will receive $5,500 during a WSOF 5 ceremony Sept. 14 in Atlantic City, N.J. For details and official rules, fans can visit www.twitter.com/boostmobile.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Boost Mobile,” said Keith Evans, chief operating officer, WSOF. “The ability to integrate with our fans watching the fights on the NBC Sports Network and then having them vote to determine what fights they like is an invaluable asset as we both increase our footprint in our respective businesses.”

In addition, Boost will also be executing local marketing efforts leading up to each fight, including radio remotes with fighter appearances and ticket giveaways at Boost retail stores, on-site activities at each fight and social media content featuring behind-the-scenes video and interviews of fighters.

Boost Mobile offers no-annual contract[1] wireless phones and service, including the $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinking Payments[2]. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, Web[3], email and calls to 411. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.

About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinking Payments no-contract service, where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 279 million people and with no long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from BlackBerry, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola and Samsung, ranging from entry-level to Android™ smartphone devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, Kmart-Sears, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® Cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.

About World Series of Fighting
Based in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world, 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.

London (8 August) Former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Michael Sprott believes Tyson Fury is hungrier than ever ahead of his big British showdown with David Haye.

Sprott is in Belgium sparring with Tyson to help him prepare for the biggest fight of his career to date, when he takes on Haye at the Phones 4 U Arena Manchester on September 28th, live on Sky Sports HD Box Office.

“He is very hungry and he really wants it – he knows that there are big things that can come from this,” Sprott said.

“If he gets passed David Haye then the Klitschko’s will have to fight him.”

Michael, a former English, British, Commonwealth and EBU-EU heavyweight champion, joined the camp this week and has been impressed by the 24-year-old undefeated heavyweight.

“He uses his jab well, he’s a big man, long arms and very difficult to measure,” Sprott said.

“He has six weeks left to the fight, but he is already looking very good.”

Sprott, who boasts 37 wins with 17 knockouts, has faced the likes of Robert Helenius, Edmund Gerber, Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Dimitrenko in his last five fights and has been joining all aspects of training.

“It’s really good but really hard work – I’m getting involved with the all the training and circuits, it’s good training,” Sprott said.

“It’s a great training camp and we’re really enjoying it over here as well,” Sprott said.

Ticket Information

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NUTLEY, NJ (August 7, 2013)—Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated Light Heavyweight prospect Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom to a promotional contract.

Odom of Washington, D.C was a prized amateur where he competed in the 2012 Olympic trials, 2012 Golden Gloves champion and 2012 National PAL tournament runner-up.

Since turning professional, Odom is 4-0 with all of his wins coming via first round knockout.

“I am very happy to sign with GH3”, said Odom.

“I am looking forward to getting my career on the move. I am expecting the best to come”

Odom has completed one semester of collage at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida where he majored in Media Communications.

“I will continue to go to school so after boxing I have something to fall back on”

Said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki “Jerry is a terrific prospect and at age 20 years old, he has shown tremendous power already and we expect to be a world champion”.

Odom will make his debut under the GH3 Promotions Banner on September 13th at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.

Chicago, IL, Wednesday, August 7, 2013–Bobby Hitz has announced expanded line ups for Hitz Boxing’s two upcoming “Fight Night” series cards. On Friday, August 30 at Dimar Ortuz joins the “Night of the Rising Stars” card at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, IL, which also includes Antonio Canas, Ricardo Chavez, Fidel Navarette, Roy Navarro, Adan Ortiz and Semajay Thomas. Two weeks later Johnny “Wite Boi” Determan will be added to the September 13 installment of “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at The Venue inside of the Horseshoe Casino in Hammon, IN, which will also feature Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez, Frank “Time Bomb” Scalise, Simon “The Punisher” Buettner, Russell “Rocky” Fiore, Chad McKinny, Genaro Mendez, Rob Menigoz and Nick Ramirez. Tickets for both events are on sale now at hitzboxing.com

“Being able to stage two fights in two weeks speaks to the wealth of talent we have in the Hitz Boxing stable,” said Hitz. “These guys are working hard and the fans will be treated to two great nights of boxing.”

As the matchups are being finalized Hitz also announced that Determan of Omaha, NE, who is 7-0 (6 KOs), has agreed to a super flyweight fight against James Smith of Detroit, MI, who is also 7-0 (5 KOs), at the Horseshoe.

“I commend Johnny and James for agreeing to this match-up because both fighters are willing to test themselves against someone with an unblemished record,” said Hitz. “Both of these young boxers know that to be the best you have to beat the best, this is going to be a great fight.”

ABOUT HITZ 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 “Hitz Boxing,” a reality show airing on YouTube 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.

DEERFIELD, Fla. (August 7, 2013) – International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez (21-2, 11 KOs) has been training in England for his first world title defense on August 23, airing live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, against challenger Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs), from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Mendez vs. Usmanee represents the main event on the intitial event promoted by Iron Mike Productions, “Tyson Is Back!”, a scheduled 12-round war between the 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian (Mendez) and Afghanistan-native (Usmanee) who lives in Montreal.

Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which is presenting “Tyson Is Back!” in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Mendez, rated No. 2 in the world by The Ring Magazine, fights for the first time since he captured his IBF belt this past March, dismantling defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado (26-1-1) in a rematch that ended with a sensational knockout in the fourth round.

IBF No. 13-rated Usmanee is a five-time Canadian National amateur champion who is a former North American Boxing Association (NABA) super featherweight and World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas lightweight champion.

Mendez lives in Miami but trains in England with his head trainer, Lee Beard. Mendez checked in last week from training camp, to report, “We’re in the final stage of training camp. I had a strenuous workout last Saturday in the mountains. Working out there is so tough. I need to go past my regular training limits to defend my title. Only weeks remain for me to get ready to fight for my country, Dominican Republic.”

“We are almost ready for August 23rd. My speed will be a big problem for Usmanee. I’m the best Dominican fighter and as world champion I must be 100-percent ready for this and all my fights. I’m the best super featherweight on this planet.”

“I know how to get the best out of people and Mendez came out like a caged beast in his last fight to win the world title,” Iron Mike Productions CEO Garry Jonas said. “Argenis is the best fighter in the world at 130 pounds, hands down. He leads an incredible team we have here for years to come.”

“We have no doubt in our company that Argenis Mendez is the best super featherweight out there at this time,” Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta added. “We are witnessing an athlete who has all the elements to become an elite boxer and future pound-for- pound fighter. Fans at Turning Stone, or those watching on ESPN, will see an exceptional fighter in Argenis Mendez.”

The 12-round co-feature on “Tyson Is Back” matches undefeated Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-0, 11 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, against WBA No. 4 Jesus Cueller (22-1, 18 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight championship.

Providing chief support are a pair of 10-round fights featuring Cuban knockout artist Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (16-0, 15 KOs) and welterweight Ed “The Lion” Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs). Collado, now fighting out of Miami, takes on Mexican featherweight Hugo “Guerrero” Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs), while Paredes faces another tough Mexican, Noe “Platanito” Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs). Collado is rated No. 14 by the WBA and No. 15 by the IBF. Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13.

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan “Big Youth” McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell “Spiderman” Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert “Prince” Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.

Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.

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

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

(San Diego, CA) – California boxing hall of fame promoter Bobby DePhilippis and his company Bobby D Presents are gearing up for their next mega fight slated for Friday, August 30th, at the home for southern California professional boxing, The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in San Diego, CA. Bobby D Presents is coming off their very successful fight card last month where undefeated knock out artist Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker stopped Tijuana tough guy Mario “Popeye” Hermosillo in one round while lightweight Leon Spinks III struggled but remained undefeated under the watchful eye of his legendary grandfather “Neon” Leon Spinks who was in the house along with over one thousand other San Diego fight fans.

For August 30th, DePhilippis will present the return of local hometown favorite Amaris “Diamond Girl” Quintana (6-1-2, 1KO) as she comes back after a year hiatus out of the ring. Quintana, known for his come forward aggressive style, will face the always feared TBA for six sure to be explosive rounds. The female flyweight is coming off her first loss at the hands of Sindy Amador but is determined not only to get back in the win column but to get back in the groove to demand a rematch.

In the co-main event, undefeated super lightweight Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (8-0-1, 3KOs) will look to put another spectacular performance for six rounds or less this time against the much more experienced Rynell Griffin (7-16-2, 2KOs). In his last fight in April, Robles stopped hard hitting Joshua Marks in four rounds with a barrage of punches started by a thundering body shot. In Griffin of New Orleans, Robles will face a fighter who not only has more fights than he but has faced the much tougher opposition in the likes of title challenger Olusegun Ajose, up and coming prospects Archie Ray Marquez, Antonio Escalante and Rances Barthelemy.

In a special attraction six rounder, 2012 USA Olympian heavyweight Michael Hunter (1-0, 1KO) will put his undefeated record on the line when he takes on Mexican Francisco Mireles (15-7, 4KOs) of Agua Prieta, MX. Hunter of Las Vegas is trained by Jeff Mayweather of the famed boxing clan and will look to prove his mettle against a Mireles who is coming a six round unanimous decision win over Noe Zamora. In Hunter’s pro debut back in March, he stopped fourteen fight veteran Chad Davis in three rounds.

Also featured on the card will be San Diego’s featherweight Priest “Tiger” Smalls (1-0-1), Las Vegas knock out artist welterweight 8-0, 7KOs) and a sure to be war between featherweight Luis Ambrosio (1-0, 1KO) and Christian Cartier (0-2).

The Four Points Sheraton is located at 8110 Aero Drive in San Diego, CA. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm. This is an all-ages event with plenty of parking available. Tickets available now at www.SanDiegoFights.com.

NEW YORK (Aug. 7, 2013) – Undefeated heavyweight Deontay Wilder, most would agree, is a work in progress. He’s not your typical work in progress, however — unless you consider his record of 28-0 with 28 knockouts run of the mill.

Still, the question on most everyone’s mind: Does the former amateur standout and the last male American to medal in the Olympic Games possess the skills and talent to one day became a world champion?

The 6-foot-7, 27-year-old Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will try to extend his winning and knockout streaks when he faces former world heavyweight champion Sergei “White Wolf” Liakhovich (25-5, 16 KO’s), of Scottsdale, Ariz., by way of Vitebsk, Belarus, in the 10-round main event of a tripleheader this Friday, Aug. 9, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In two excellent 10-round co-featured scraps, Francisco “El Bandito” Vargas (16-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Tijuana, Mexico, takes on southpaw Brandon “The Untouchable” Bennett (16-0, 7 KO’s), of Cincinnati, Ohio, in a clash of unbeaten junior lightweights with almost identical resumes, while up-and-coming unbeaten junior middleweight Jermall “The Hitman” Charlo (14-0, 10 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, gets tested for class when he opposes world-ranked Antwone Smith (23-4-1, 12 KO’s), of Miami, Fla.

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. Doors open at 5 p.m. PT. The first live fight is at 5:30 p.m. PT.

ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood is looking forward to Friday’s triple treat, particularly the two televised fights that will precede the heavyweight bout.

“The jury is still out, of course, on Wilder, who is taking at least a baby step up by fighting a former world champion,’’ Farhood said. “The other two fights are really good, solid matchups, with the two unbeatens fighting their toughest opponents to date.

“Vargas is clearly taking a step up in class. He turned pro at 25, which is obviously much older than the usual Mexican prospect, but he is very exciting and throws a lot of punches. Bennett is a lefty who’s been brought along carefully. This is definitely a step up for him, too. But both guys are highly schooled and have looked very good in their fights. This is a prototypical ShoBox matchup.

“Jermall Charlo is beginning to emerge from his twin brother, Jermell’s shadow. It is inevitable that they are going to be compared because they fight in the same division. This is a big step up for Jermall, facing a fighter who has made a career of beating unbeaten prospects This should be a supreme test for Charlo, who has never gone past six rounds while Smith has been six rounds or more 13 times.’’

Wilder, who didn’t start to box until he was 21, only had 30-35 fights in the amateurs but earned the bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He was the least experienced member on the U.S. team yet was the only one to medal.

Since turning pro in November 2008, Wilder has feasted on his foes, mostly demolishing each and every one of them. He has not gone four full rounds in a fight. Sixteen of his fights have ended in the first round, including a 70-second destruction of 2000 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Audley Harrison in his last start on April 27. Six of his fights were over in the second, three were done in the third and three were finished in the fourth.

Currently ranked No. 6 in the WBA and WBO, No. 15 in the IBF and No. 30 in the WBC, Wilder has had one scheduled 12-round fight and three scheduled 10-rounders. This will be his third start in 2013 after fighting six times in 2010, 2011 and 2012. To his credit, he doesn’t take long layoffs between outings.

“I honestly don’t have any time off,’’ he said. “I’m always up in the gym. When people call somebody a ‘gym rat,’ I am definitely that. This is my job and I take it seriously whether I’m outside the ring or inside. The only way to get better is to train and practice hard. The most time I’m off after a fight is maybe a week. After that, I’m training and waiting on the next fight. When I go to camp, I don’t go to camp to get in shape. I go to camp to put shape on top of shape. I’m never out of shape.’’

Wilder has been trained since the outset of his pro career by Mark Breland, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist and former two-time WBA welterweight world champion.

“Deontay is great to work with, he does what I tell him to and he’s willing to try anything I say, which is all I can ask,’’ Breland said. “He’s sparring 10 rounds and we’re coming off a great camp. He’s really improved a lot since we started. Honestly, we did not anticipate the knockouts; in fact, we are trying to get him to box and move more, which he’s beginning to do. He’s got good power in his right hand and a great 1-2 punch. So we’re trying to develop his jab. But his power his just overwhelming right now.

“Two greats thing about Deontay are his willingness to learn and his work ethic. He knows he’s still learning and has the right attitude. He’s hungry and works hard in the gym. His shoulders are too tight when he boxes; once he relaxes a little and is able to loosen his shoulders, he will be even more dangerous. It’s all about relaxing, but that comes with experience.

“This is another stepping stone, but there’s no way we take Liakhovich lightly. There are still little things he can do that Deontay’s never seen. Deontay knows he has to be at the top of his game every fight.”

Wilder, who went pro at age 23 in November 2008, will be making his ShoBox debut. He won the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title with an eye-opening third-round knockout over previously undefeated Kelvin Prince last Dec. 15 on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

“I’m excited to be in the main event on ShoBox on SHOWTIME,’’ Wilder said. “I was on the (network) when I broke Price’s jaw. We’re just trying to reach our goal. I’m glad to have a great opponent. I can’t wait to perform on Aug. 9. It’s the Bomb Squad!’’

Liakhovich won the WBO heavyweight title with a 12-round decision over Lamon Brewster on April 1, 2006, and lost it on a 12th-round TKO to Shannon Briggs the following Nov. 4. He’s fought only five times since and is coming off a ninth-round TKO loss to Bryant Jennings on March 24, 2012.

The 6-foot-4, 37-year-old Liakhovich, who’ll be making his first start for trainer and former WBA super welterweight, WBA middleweight and WBC light heavyweight world champion Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum, didn’t perform well against Jennings. But the usually tough and durable 14-year-pro is confident he still has what it takes and has enough left to score what would be a major upset.

“I’ve been working with Mike McCallum in Las Vegas for over two months,’’ said Liakhovich, who’s counting on his vast advantage in experience and natural athletic ability to take Wilder into unchartered waters. “My main sparring partner is a tall guy like Wilder. I’ve fought a lot of tall guys – (6-foot-6½-inch unbeaten Robert) Helenius, (7-foot-tall, former WBA heavyweight champion Nicolay) Valuev. You need to find the key how to do certain things for this kind of opponent, but it’s not so difficult.

“Wilder is a good fighter, his record speaks for itself. But I’m not looking over him, I’m looking forward. On Aug. 9, I will put everything on the line, and I’m coming to win.”

Vargas and Bennett will be making their ShoBox debuts. Both have similarities besides their records. They are close in age (Vargas is 28, Bennett is 25), both were terrific amateurs (Vargas was a 2008 Olympian for Mexico, Vargas won the majority of his 300 bouts), both have about the same amount of experience as professionals, both are stepping up in class and both need to win this kind of fight, by far their toughest to date, to take the next step in making the transition from prospect to contender.

One major difference between the fighters: Vargas is known more for his punching prowess, Bennett for his boxing ability.

The 5-foot-9 Vargas didn’t turn pro until he was 25. But the three-year pro has been kept busy, fighting four times in 2010, five times in 2011, six times in 2012 and twice this year. Three of his fights were aired on SHOWTIME EXTREME, the most recent last Jan. 26 when he knocked out Ira Terry in the second round. Vargas, the WBC’s No. 25-ranked contender, scored three knockdowns en route to a third-round TKO over Christian Arrazola in his last outing on May 17.

“Francisco usually comes to L.A. to train, but he trained in Mexico for this fight,’’ manager Joel De La Hoya said. “It’s always complicated fighting a southpaw, but hopefully everything comes out all right. I think Bennett’s going to be a little slicker than the last guy Francisco fought, but I don’t think Bennett has faced anyone like Vargas. It will be a great fight for both kids.”

Said Vargas, an eight-time Mexican national amateur champion, “I like to dominate the ring. I plateaued a bit after my pro debut, but we’re making up time, ready to take that place we seek. We are on track. I love Mexico, but work is in the United States. I will not waste more time. I’m ready for success.”

The 5-foot-6 Bennett is a stablemate and lifelong friend of Adrien Broner and Rau’shee Warren. All are co-managed by Al Haymon and Mike Stafford, and trained by Stafford. This will be his third outing in 2013 after one fight in 2011 and 2012. Bennett’s been triumphant via points in his last four starts, including a unanimous six-round decision over Arturo Santiago this past July 5.

Bennett, a natural right-hander who turned pro at the age of 20 in May 2008, describes his style “like Pernell Whitaker mixed with a little Sugar Ray Leonard.’’ He’s always felt his style was better suited for the pros. “I felt like I would be a better pro than amateur because I’m a counterpuncher,’’ he said. “When a person makes a mistake, I counter off of it. I just feel like it was a better style for the pros.’’

Bennett is hopeful 2013 is his breakout year. “I’ve been in camp a long time, this whole year, and haven’t had a break,’’ he said. “I went right back to work after my last fight. I’ve had two fights this year, and I’m with Adrien when he’s in training camp. I’m real excited to get on SHOWTIME. I’m ready.’’

Regarding his opponent, Bennett says, “I’ve seen Vargas fight. He just tries to bring the pressure. I know that’s what he’s going to try to do. We’ve got a game plan for that. He’s going to bring the pressure, but I’m going to bring the pressure back to him.”
Charlo, who is one minute older than Jermell, has won eight consecutive fights by knockout. The virtually untested 6-foot-tall, 23-year-old will be making his ShoBox debut after two appearances on SHOWTIME EXTREME. This is his first scheduled 10-round match.

A top amateur before going pro at 18 in November 2008, Charlo dropped Luis Hernandez two times in the first round and won by second-round TKO in his last fight on June 1.

“I didn’t take any time off after my last fight,’’ Charlo said. “I’ve been sparring with my brother, too, this camp. We haven’t sparred in a long time – probably five years. We don’t spar much because it gets kind of intense and a little bit over-the-top, so (trainer) Ronnie (Shields) doesn’t let us spar that often. I’ve probably done 30 rounds with Jermell; we’ve been getting it on. It was real good work.’’

Shields is delighted with the brothers’ progress. “They’re absolutely great to work with, and they’re both doing great,’’ he said. “I’m very happy with their progress. Jermall is making a name for himself, which is good, and with him going with Al Haymon only makes it better. They’re totally different fighters. Jermall is more of a puncher than a boxer. But both are very focused.’’

The trainer acknowledges that Smith, a solid veteran, will likely present Jermall with his toughest test but that these are the kinds of fights all young up-and-comers have to take at some point. “Antwone Smith is a tough fighter but we have to fight tough fights to get to the upper echelon,’’ Shields said. “This is the latest step for Jermall, a stepping stone that we have to go through.’’

Charlo is looking forward to the challenge. “I think Antwone’s full of experience,’’ he said, “but everything is an experience to me. He has a lot of tricks and stuff, so I’m going to fight him off of how I’ve been training and keep the game plan with Ronnie. I’ll go at him.’’

The 5-foot-8 Smith, 26, is the IBF’s No. 9-ranked junior middleweight. The seven-year pro has won two fights in a row, including a 10-round decision over former two-time WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo last Feb. 1. In his outing before last, Smith scored one of his career-best victories, a 10-round decision over previously undefeated, hometown favorite Ronald Cruz on Sept. 21, 2012.

Smith is 2-1 on ShoBox, winning a 10-round decision over Richard Gutierrez and by ninth-round TKO over previously undefeated Henry Crawford in May and November 2009, respectively. He lost via TKO 9 to Lanardo Tyner in July 2010.

Unlike other young fighters, Smith came up the hard way — an underdog matched tough, and he only reached his current level by winning a number of fights he was expected to lose (he defeated Aaron Torres, 2004 Colombian Olympian Juan Novoa, previously undefeated former Mexican national amateur champion Norberto Gonzalez and Gutierrez to name a few).

“I’ve added a strength program to my training since I moved up from 147,’’ Smith said. “This time, it’s been my whole camp. I’m real pumped-up to see how I feel and how my power and stamina increases. I feel like I’ve been born again. I’m more alive. I haven’t felt this good, mentally and physically, in years. I’m focused and ready. Charlo is taller than me, but everybody is taller than me. That’s not a factor.

“Charlo’s a little arrogant, but I love that. I’m here to give him a reality test. He thinks everything comes easy. Basically, he’s been fighting a bunch of cab drivers, a bunch of bus drivers. He thinks he’s done something. He’s talking big noise, but he’s never been past six rounds, and they’re worried about that.

“He’s looking to go in, get in a couple of hard shots and get the guy out of there. But you hit a guy with experience and he doesn’t go anywhere, you’ve got a problem and the rounds keep going on and on. You’re in water you’ve never been in. When the water gets deep, we’re going to see if he can swim.

“I’m just hyped up with his arrogance. He’s got a video on YouTube – ‘Oh, I’m fighting Antwone Smith. He’s ranked number 10 in the world, but I’m going to take that.’ Well, I didn’t get here easily and he won’t take it from me easily. Every day I walk in the gym, I watch that video. It pumps me up for my training session. It motivates me. He ain’t been in what I been in.’’

Those in attendance will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with Three-Division World Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley, who will meet and greet ticketholders, sign autographs and take pictures from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/BronzeBomber, www.twitter.com/Elbandito130, www.twitter.com/futureofboxing and www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighter®, The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s® long-running reality series, which launched the careers of more than 100 UFC fighters and produced champions such as Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans and Matt Serra and season winners including Michael Bisping, Ryan Bader and Nate Diaz, will be holding tryouts for its 19th season in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Middleweight (185lbs) and light heavyweight (205lbs) fighters are invited to attend the season 19 casting on Tuesday, August 27, ahead of Wednesday night’s UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: CONDIT vs. KAMPMANN 2, also in Indiana.

Middleweights were most recently featured on season 17, The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen, where Kelvin Gastellum emerged the winner; while light heavyweights were last featured on season 8, The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir, with the victory captured by Ryan Bader.

This September, the series moves to its new home on FOX Sports 1 with the two-hour season premiere of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate, featuring UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and fierce rival Miesha Tate, set to air Wednesday, September 4 at 11 PM ET.

The Ultimate Fighter 19 candidates must be between 21 and 34 years old, be able to legally live and work in the United States, have a minimum of three professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights, and hold a verifiable winning record. Applications, which should be completed and brought to the tryouts, can be found online at http://www.ufc.com/tuf19. Tryout details are provided below:

Where:
The Westin Indianapolis
50 S Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204
*Tryouts will be held in the CAPITOL ROOM

When:
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Registration begins at 7:00AM
Tryouts begin at 9:00 AM.

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

Applicants will be notified at the end of the tryouts if they have been selected to advance in the selection process. Successful candidates will be required to be present at final casting in Las Vegas on September 2, 2013.

Questions can be directed to: tufcasting@ufc.com.
###

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, moving to FOX Sports 1 in September 2013.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries, to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly 2.4 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, UFC FIT®, an in-home fitness and nutrition program, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club® affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

August 7th, 2013 (Tacoma, WA) – Northwest fight fans are in for a treat when two of the Northwest’s most exciting heavyweights clash on August 24th at the Emerald Queen Casino to take what they believe is rightfully theirs, the CageSport Heavyweight Title. Current champion, Anthony Hamilton (9-2), earned the heavyweight title back in December of last year when he defeated Bill Widler via KO, 38 seconds into the match. Coming up, he’ll have a fearless opponent in previous heavyweight champion, Matt Kovacs (8-11).

In the semi-main event, top northwest bantamweights and submission specialists, Jeff Hatton (7-3) and Josh Rettinghouse (8-2), will put on what is expected to one of the more action packed bouts of the night. Rettinghouse is coming off an impressive first round knockout victory over Zach Skinner at CageSport XXV.

Tickets for Halquist Productions’ CageSport XXVI, set for Saturday, August 24th, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Emerald Queen Casino box office and through Ticketmaster. Prices range from $35 for general admission and up to $100 for VIP front row tickets.

Hamilton, the current CageSport heavyweight champion, is coming off three straight dominating victories giving him tons of momentum going into his first attempt at defending his title. All three of those victories have come in less than two minutes into the first round which includes two knockouts and one arm bar submission. Also on his resume is a 4-0 amateur record along with wrestling for Highline Community College and earning All American Honors for the program in 2000.

Kovacs will go into CageSport XXVI looking to earn the title that he once held. In 2010 he defeated a tough 19-5 Corey Williams via first round TKO to earn the vacant heavyweight title in dominating effort.

This will not be Kovacs’ first time in the cage with Hamilton. In 2011, they faced each other in a title match on another northwest promotion where he came out on the losing side due to submission via strikes. When Kovacs enters the cage against Hamilton for the second time, he’ll look to use his experience with high pressure fights to his advantage as he’s been in seven professional title fights over his 19 fight career.

“We have an exciting card coming up with our heavyweight title on the line,” said promoter, Brian Halquist. “Fight fans all across the United States will be able to watch CageSport events by the end of the month when the United Fight Alliance will syndicate our show to over 100 million homes, giving the northwest fight scene the attention that it truly deserves.”

Halquist Productions’ CageSport MMA continues to be the most prominent MMA series in the Northwest. UFC fighters: Miesha Tate, Bryan Caraway, Sam Sicilia, Mike Chiesa, and many more have all participated in past CageSport events, showcasing their abilities on their way to national stardom. For more information about Halquist Productions and CageSport XXVI including a full fight card, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the official Facebook and Twitter Pages of Halquist Productions, CageSport MMA, and Battle at the Boat.

BROOKLYN, NY (August 7, 2013)—On Thursday night August 22nd at The Fight Factory Arena in Brooklyn, Dmitry Salita’s Star Of David Promotions presents “Brooklyn Brawl Bragging Rights”.

“”The show features fighters from different parts of New York that are fighting to climb up contender status. With the return of world championship boxing to Brooklyn fan enthusiasm is at an all-time high. The talent pool in New York is tremendous. The goal for the series is for fighters to show their skills and connect with fans on a grass roots level.” said Salita.

The show lineup includes:

Undefeated Enver Hallili (3-0, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY will take on once defeated former Amateur standout Treysean Wiggins (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Newburgh, NY in a 6 round welterweight clash. Undefeated Brooklyn’s Glenford Nickey (2-0, 1 KO) will take on his toughest test to date when he takes on rugged Bronx contender Joshua Nieves (2-2, 2 KO’s) in a four round Super Featherweight clash. Undefeated middleweight Brooklyn contender Pete Reyes (2-0, 1 KO) will tussle with Bronx veteran Juan Zapata (2-6-1, 1 KO) in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

A cross roads fights between cruiser weight Brooklyn resident Myron Kadyrov (3-2, 2 KO’s) and Armin Mrkanovic (6-2, 3 KO’s) of Queens is expected to produce fireworks in a bout scheduled for six rounds.

Welterweight pro debuters Mack Babb of Brooklyn and Java Sosa of the Bronx will both look to get their first pro win as they square off against one another in a 4 round bout.

Appearing in a four round bout will be Brooklyn fan favorite Super Featherweight, Angel Garcia (5-2, 2 KO’s); ,Five-Time Detroit Golden Gloves champion and Kronk Gym Super Middleweight Anthony Barnes (1-0, 1KO) will take on Joe Yeardon (2-4-2) of Berlin, New York in a bout scheduled for four rounds; Two-Time golden gloves champion and Amateur standout Wessley Ferrer of Brooklyn will be make his pro debut in a four round Lightweight bout; Featherweight Trevis Hall (3-1-1, 1 KO); Golden Gloves champion Marco Suarez of the Bronx will all also make his pro debut in a four round Super Middleweight bout.

Rounding out the show will be Rajiv “Badabing” Bhattacharya (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Brooklyn’s Starret City Boxing Club looking to capture the New York State Welterweight title in an bout scheduled for eight rounds.

“The New York theme is very strong. All of our fights are local rivalries for Bragging Rights. Great fights top to bottom.” finished Salita

The show will feature a special musical performance by New York upcoming pop sensation Describe who will look to entertain the crowd with his soulful energy in a special live performance.

Tickets are priced at VIP $100, Ringside $75 and General Seating $45

for more information and tickets call 646 -401-5657 or visit www.Dsalita.com or www.fightfactoryny.com.

Fight Factory Arena is located at 24 Cobek court, Brooklyn, New York 11235

PHILADELPHIA (August 7, 2013)—This past Friday night, Welterweight Ray Robinson (16-2, 7 KO’s) made an emphatic statement as he scored a spectacular 7th round stoppage over Ray Narh to capture the USBA Welterweight title.

The fight was the featured bout of a six fight card that was streamed live to the entire world as the inaugural fight card on www.pandafeed.tv

In the co-feature, Samuel Neequaye (21-0) remained undefeated and captured the NABA Lightweight championship with a 10 round unanimous decision over Dorin Spivey in what was a toe to toe war.

“This event surpassed our high expectations”, said Blow by Blow announcer and Pandfeed.tv co-founder Marc Abrams

“The action in the ring was incredible with the two championship bouts and we had a great number of buys from all parts of the globe. We were only able to promote the fight for one week and we are very confident and encouraged by what the future holds. We will be announcing our next boxing event later this week and we also will be announcing several MMA events as well.”

“We want to thank Champs Management and we already have a commitment from them to broadcast a championship fight card this fall”

During the broadcast, Abrams was joined by legendary world champion Bernard Hopkins as well as former world Middleweight title challenger Dave Tiberi.

“Fans should order the replay to watch these six fights and listen to the wisdom of Hopkins as he is broke the fights down perfectly”

In a six round Light Heavyweight bout, Taneal Goyco scored a controversial six round majority decision over NABA Interim Super Middleweight champion Frankie Filippone.

Omar Douglas made it 9-0 as he scored a 3rd round stoppage over DeWayne Wisdom in a Lightweight bout.

Andrew Farmer went to 17-2 with a six round split decision over Hector Marengo in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Joey Tiberi is now 10-1 with his four round unanimous decision over Miguel Antonio Rodriguez in a Lightweight bout.

The August 9 edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will feature Lightweights Rustam “The Mongoose” Nugaev (24-6, 14 KOs) and Jose “El Loco” Hernandez (14-6-1, 6 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Friday’s show from Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon Calif., will air live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2, WatchESPN and broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+. ESPN Deportes will televise Friday’s fights on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. The card is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions.

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

Pacquiao-Rios Interviews:
Both shows will include taped interviews with Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) and Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs). Both fighters visited ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., headquarters on Monday. While at ESPN they participated in an ESPN.com chat, interviewed with ESPN the Magazine, appeared on First Take and more. Photos

Rios and Pacquiao will meet in a 12-round Welterweight bout Saturday, Nov. 23, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena in Macau, China. The fight will be available on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Main Event:
California’s Nugaev is coming off a fourth-round knockout win over Daniel Attah. In his previous fight he scored an eighth–round knockout win over previously undefeated Jonathan Maicelo. After that fight ESPN.com boxing writer Dan Rafael wrote: “Nugaev wound up scoring a highlight-reel upset knockout over Maicelo. Nugaev and Maicelo fought a good, competitive, toe-to-toe slugfest that came to an abrupt end when Nugaev caught Maicelo with a clean and powerful right hand that dropped him face-first before he rolled over on his back.”

Texas’ Hernandez is looking to build momentum following an eighth-round TKO win over previously undefeated Tony Luis.

“The first thing that comes to mind with this guy we’re fighting (Nugaev) is that he’s tough,” Hernandez’s trainer Richard Best said. “You can see in his fights that he tries to wear his opponents down with pressure. He’s a tall guy, and comes in forward. He’s not too technical, but we are not underestimating him.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s 10-round co-feature will pit undefeated Jr. Lightweight Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (13-0, 9 KOs) against California’s Gabriel “The Ghost” Tolmajyan (13-2-1, 3 KOs). Pedraza, a 2008 Olympian for Puerto Rico, scored a seventh-round TKO win over Sergio Villanueva in his last fight, while Tolmajyan is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jorge Maysonet Jr.

Upcoming Schedule:

Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Location

Networks
Fri., Aug 16
9 p.m.
Andrzej Fonfara (23-2, 13 KOs) vs. Gabriel Campillo (22-5-1, 9 KOs)—12 rounds, Light Heavyweights
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri., Aug 23
9 p.m.
Argenis Méndez (21-2, 11 KOs) vs. Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs)—12 rounds, Jr. Lightweights
Turning Stone Casino, Verona, N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
*Schedule subject to change

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

New York, NY (8/7/13) – Next Wednesday, on August 14, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s SMS Promotions return to B.B. King Blues Club and Grill with an exciting eight-bout card. The event will be the latest installment of NYC’s popular Broadway Boxing series.

Already announced fighting on the card are New York natives Tor Hamer (20-2, 13KO’s) and Boyd Melson (11-1-1, 4KO’s), both seeing action in separate eight-round bouts. The heavyweight Hamer will face off against hard-hitting Kertson Manswell (23-7, 17KO’s), while Melson will fight a rematch against Brooklyn’s Jason Thompson (5-6-3, 4KO’s). Melson and Thompson fought to an entertaining six-round draw last year.

SMS-promoted former amateur standout Donte Strayhorn (2-1) is set to see action against Justin Robins (1-2) in a four-round junior welterweight matchup. SMS stable-mate Luis Olivares (4-0, 3KO’s) was also set to see action on the card, but unfortunately was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury during training.

Also appearing on the card in separate six-round bouts will be super middleweight Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen (16-0-1, 10KO’s) and hard-hitting lightweight Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart (7-0, 5KO’s). Allen returns to the ring for the first time in a little over a year when he takes on heavy-hitting Michael Gbenga (13-8, 13KO’s) in a six-round super middleweight contest. The promising up-and-coming Cowart ,who recently signed with DBE, will square off against former NY Golden Gloves Champion Chazz McDowell (6-3, 1KO).

Also seeing action on the card will be undefeated prospects Patrick Day (4-0, 2KO’s) and Neuky Santelises (5-0, 4KO’s), both of whom are moving up into their first six-round matchups. The Brooklynite Santelises carries dynamite in both hands and is coming off back-to-back devastating first-round knockouts. Santelises will look to make it three in a row when he takes on Bronx’s upset-minded Joey Arroyo (3-3-1) in their six-round junior lightweight showdown.

The bout on August 14 will already be the fifth of this year for the DBE promoted Day, who is a former #1 amateur in the U.S. and a national champion. Day successfully made his debut in January, also at B.B. King Blues Club, with a devastating one-punch first-round knockout of Zachariah Kelley and has looked impressive in each outing since. He is scheduled to take on an opponent TBA in a six-round junior middleweight matchup.

Rounding out the card will be New York fan-favorite and four-time NY Golden Gloves champion Sonya Lamonakis (7-1-2, 1KO) taking on five-time NY Golden Gloves champion Tanzee Daniels (4-2-1, 1KO) in six-round female heavyweight showdown. Lamonakis and Daniels are no strangers to one another inside the ring, having fought three times in the amateurs and twice already in the pro ranks. Lamonakis, a New York City school teacher, earned both victories as a pro, while Daniels holds the 2-1 edge from the amateurs. Daniels is hoping to even the score, while Lamonakis is looking to close out this ‘best-of-seven series’.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and SMS Promotions and sponsored by SMS Audio, Manfredi Auto Group, Newlio.com, and Everlast. SNY will broadcast the event tape-delayed.

Tickets for the event are priced at $125, $100 and $75. The $55 general admission seats are already completely sold out. Tables are also available for purchase for this event, with VIP Tables going for $1,000 per table (5 seats at $200 per seat), Ringside Tables for $500 (5 seats at $100), and $375 tables (5 seats at $75). Tickets are available for purchase by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577.

LINCOLN, R.I. (Aug. 7th, 2013) — Rob Font has the utmost respect for his opponent in Friday night’s title bout at Twin River Casino, not to mention a unique description of his worthy adversary.

“He’s like the black Chuck Liddell,” Font said of Chris Foster, whom he’ll face Friday, Aug. 9th, 2013 in a five-round bout for Classic Entertainment & Sports’ vacant mixed martial arts featherweight championship.

“He’s got great hands, but likes to take it to the ground, too. You have to be prepared for everything when you face a guy like him. I’m definitely going to bring it to him.”

Font-Foster might not pack the same global punch as some of Liddell’s classic Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) wars, such as his two title fights against Randy Couture or his showdown against Wanderlei Silva in 2007, but, given what’s at stake, it might be the most important regional bout of 2013.

The Boston native Font (6-1, 1 KO) has won five consecutive bouts since suffering his first career loss last year and is now ranked No. 3 in the northeast among 145-pounders, while Foster (7-2, 4 KOs), a Meriden, Conn., enters Friday’s bout ranked fourth following the biggest win of his career against Andres Jeudi in April. As far as title bouts go, this is a classic in the making, featuring two worthy opponents anxious to fight the best in their weight class, a possible prelude to this region’s next great rivalry.

“I want to face the toughest fighters — the tougher the better,” Foster said. “Font’s a real, tough dude. I’ll need to bring my ‘A’ game Friday night.”

“I always want to keep testing myself,” added Font. “This is a great opportunity for both us. We’re fighting for CES’ first featherweight championship. We’re making history. That’s huge.”

Foster narrowly beat Jeudi by split decision in a five-round bout in April, and Font faced an equally tough test that same month against the previously-unbeaten Lucas Cruz. Font won by unanimous decision, but had to fight his way back following a close shave in the second round.

“I learned a lot about myself in that fight,” Cruz said. “It got scary in the second round when he got my back. He had me in a choke, but I got out of it.”

Strange as it seems, Font has actually fared better against fighters with significant reach advantages, as was the case when he outworked the 6-foot-1 Saul Almeida in February. Font kept his taller opponent at bay with an effective jab, showcasing what might be his not-so-secret weapon against Foster.

“He’s got pretty good boxing skill,” Foster said, “but I have a good boxing background, too. It’ll be a good, back-and-forth battle. I can see him switching it up — stand-up, takedowns. I’ll be expecting whatever comes my way.”

“This will be explosive,” countered Font. “He throws a lot of combinations. He’s a great boxer. He has that great jab, too, so I’ll definitely be trying to split that jab and utilize my own. My jab is my best weapon, so I’ll be keeping it in his face the whole night — lots of leg kicks and jabs. Hopefully that sets up the big left- and right-hook combinations.”

With so many similarities between the two fighters, this one might come down to the intangibles. Foster fought five full rounds in his last bout; Font has never trained for or fought in a five-round bout. That has the potential to be a difference-maker if this fight goes past the third, but Font hopes his new training regimen will keep him fresh in the event this one goes the distance.

After struggling to make weight in his fight against Cruz, Font switched up his diet.

“I’m eating like a big boy now — eating my vegetables,” he said with a laugh.

As a result, he entered fight week feeling stronger than ever without having to worry about cutting too much excessive weight in advance of Thursday’s weigh-in.

“I’m lighter than I’ve ever been,” Font said. “I’m ready to go. I’m in great shape. I have to be knowing there’s a chance I might have to go five rounds.

“After that Cruz fight, I went to Sacramento to work at [UFC veteran] Urijah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness. I came back a week later and started my camp for this fight. It’s been a long time since I started eating clean and my weight has been right on point.

“The only advantage is he has gone five rounds. Mentally, he knows what it takes. I hope it doesn’t go five rounds, but I know I can go five. I’m in shape.”

In the end, Font thinks it’ll come down to “who wants it more,” which sounds clichéd until you consider the fact both he and Foster are so evenly-matched.

“His two losses were by submission, so he has holes in his game, but I’m sure he’s working on them,” Font said. “There’s lot of pressure, and the crowd will be going wild. It’ll be a great fight.”

Added Foster: “I want to go as far as I can in this game and fight whoever comes my way. Rob Font is at the top, so I’m glad to have this opportunity to fight him.”

“Gold Rush” will also feature a welterweight showdown between former UFC veteran and Bridgewater, Mass., native Chuck O’Neil (11-5, 3 KOs) and Brazilian Gil de Freitas (14-5, 4 KOs), now training out of Team Link in Ludlow, Mass.

Tickets for “Gold Rush” are $36.00, $56.00, $101.00 and $126.00 and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or through any TicketMaster location. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.

The undercard also features the Rhode Island debuts of UFC veteran Tom Egan (5-3, 4 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass. (by way of Ireland), and Delray Beach, Fla., welterweight Charles Rosa (3-0), who will fight in separate three-round bouts. Egan will face Framingham, Mass., middleweight Aldo Santos (3-1, 1 KO) while Rosa will battle Silvester Murataj (0-1) of Rocky Hill, Conn.

Fan-favorite Dinis Paiva Jr. (3-4, 1 KO) of East Providence, R.I., will face Rob Sullivan (1-1) of Baltimore, Md., in a bantamweight bout and Springfield, Mass., lightweight Damien Trites (6-5, 1 KO) will return to Twin River against Fayetteville, N.C., veteran Andrew Osborn (6-5, 1 KO). Also returning to Twin River, Salem, Mass., bantamweight Matt Doherty (1-0, 1 KO) will battle Johnny Campbell (5-4, 3 KOs) of Plymouth, Mass., while Brazilian Juliano Coutinho (3-1, 2 KOs) clashes with Providence’s Eric Bedard (5-3, 3 KOs) in a highly-anticipated heavyweight bout. Bantamweight Sophanarith Am (1-0) of Revere, Mass., will face Johnston, R.I., newcomer Devin Pilkington and Cheyenne Vasquez (0-0) of Boston will battle Framingham’s Terrell Clark (1-0, 1 KO) in a middleweight bout. All fights and fighters subject to change.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Gold Rush.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must enter through the West entrance).

DEERFIELD, Fla. (August 6, 2013) – A stacked undercard showcasing world-class boxers, promising prospects and local favorites has been announced by Iron Mike Productions for its inaugural event on August 23, “Tyson Is Back!”, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which is presenting “Tyson Is Back!” in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

“Tyson Is Back” features a World Championship doubleheader, airing live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, and headlined by International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez (21-2, 11 KOs) in his first world title defense against IBF No. 13-rated Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs) in the 12-round main event.

Unbeaten Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-0, 11 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, against WBA No. 4 Jesus Cueller (22-1, 18 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight championship.

Providing chief support are a pair of 10-round fights featuring Cuban knockout artist Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (16-0, 15 KOs) and welterweight Ed “The Lion” Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs). Collado, now fighting out of Miami, takes on Mexican featherweight Hugo “Guerrero” Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs), while Paredes faces another tough Mexican, Noe “Platanito” Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs). Collado is rated No. 14 by the WBA and No. 15 by the IBF. Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13.

“The quality of our undercard is spectacular,” Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta said. “On any other ESPN Friday Night Fights card, Ed Paredes and Alexi Collado would be fighting in the main event and co-feature. This is the debut show for Iron Mike Productions, so we wanted to load-up the card from top to bottom. Paredes is No. 3 in the world and one of the most avoided welterweights. The fact Carlos Burgos turned down a fight against Collado gives everyone and idea of what top opponents feel about Alexei.”

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan “Big Youth” McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell “Spiderman” Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert “Prince” Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.

Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on sale and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.

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

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

LOS ANGELES, August 6 – The time has come for Super Featherweight Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson, as the top contender from Cancun toget his long-awaited shot at a world championship when he faces WBC Super Featherweight Titleholder Takashi Miura on Saturday, August 17 at Plaza de Toros in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

In the 10 round co-main event of the Televisa and FOX Deportes televised card, Yesenia “La Nena” Gomez collides with Arely “La Gemela Diestra” Valente in an all-Cancun rubber match for the WBC Youth Flyweight Championship, and in the televised opener, former world champion Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton battles Celina Salazar in a featherweight bout.

Thompson vs. Miura, a 12 round bout for Miura’s WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Cancun Boxing de Pepe and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui and Quintana Roo Tourism. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Televisa broadcast will air in Mexico on Channel 5 beginning at 10:30 p.m. CT and the FOX Deportes broadcast will air at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT in the United States

To purchase tickets call Carlos Milhe at 011 52 984-184-8420

Currently on the most torrid streak in boxing today, Cancun’s Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (27-2, 25 KO’s) has not just won 13 consecutive bouts over the last three years, he’s won 11 straight by knockout, winning the WBC FECARBOX and WBC International Silver titles in the process. Coming off a fourth round stoppage of Gustavo Sandoval on May 18, the 29-year-old plans on making the most of his big opportunity on August 17.

Tokyo southpaw Takashi Miura (25-2-2, 19 KO’s) is a similarly dangerous fighter when the bell rings and with five straight wins (including three consecutive KO’s) the 29-year-old will be bringing the heat against Thompson. A longtime Japanese champion at 130 pounds who defended his belt five times, Miura added a world championship to his resume on April 8, 2013 when he dropped Gamaliel Diaz four times before stopping him in the ninth for the WBC crown he defends in Mexico next month.

After a rough 1-2 start to her pro career that included a April 2012 loss to Arely Valente, Yesenia Gomez (6-2, 3 KO’s) rebounded in remarkable fashion, winning five straight. In March of 2013, Gomez got even with Valente, winning a ten round decision to take the WBC Youth title, and she successfully defended her crown with a first round TKO of Blanca Diaz in May.

20-year-old rising star Arely Valente (11-1, 6 KO’s) has stayed extremely busy since turning pro in 2011, fighting all comers as she pursues a world title. In October of 2012, the hard-hitting Valente stopped Liliana Ordonez in six rounds to win the vacant WBC Youth title, but she would lose the belt to a previous victim, Valente, via ten round decision on March 16 of this year. On August 17, she gets her shot at redemption.

A stellar amateur boxer who has carried that success into the pros, Filipino-American Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton (12-3-1, 2 KO’s) is a former WBO and IBA world champion on the road back to the title. Winner of two straight, the 33-year-old from San Francisco has become a fan favorite in Mexico, where she has fought three of her last four bouts.

San Antonio’s Celina Salazar (4-1-2, 1 KO) is a rising star in the 122-pound weight class, with her only pro loss coming against world-renowned Melinda Cooper in September of 2012. Owner of victories over Nohime Dennisson and Christina Ruiz (twice), the 24-year-old is well-prepared for the fight of her life against Julaton.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

LINCOLN, R.I. (Aug. 6th, 2013) — What others might consider a passing fancy or status symbol means far more to Bridgewater, Mass., welterweight Chuck O’Neil.

“I’m not doing this to be cool or have pictures on Facebook,” O’Neil said matter-of-factly.

O’Neil, ranked No. 1 by his peers in the northeast, is instead continuing a journey to get back to the stage most fighters only dream of reaching. A former contestant on the Ultimate Fighting Championships’ The Ultimate Fighter reality television series in 2011, O’Neil has won his last two bouts inside the cage and is perhaps one or two more victories from another date with destiny. This time, O’Neil hopes to stick around for a while – perhaps the rest of his career if things go well.

“I want to get back there and stay there,” said O’Neil (11-5, 3 KOs), who’ll face 10th-ranked Brazilian Gil de Freitas (14-5, 4 KOs) on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013 on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Gold Rush” mixed martial arts event at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I.

“So many guys are concerned with going to the UFC, but won’t take the tough fights. They just want to get there. That’s not me. I’m going to keep pushing, whether I’m a fill-in or I get back there the normal way. There’s still that same fire under my butt.”

O’Neil’s road back to the top hasn’t been easy; in December, he made his Twin River debut with a hard-fought win over local fan-favorite Keith Jeffrey, one of the top welterweights in the northeast, and then survived an early scare in June against last-minute replacement Ralph Johnson, who caught him on the chin in the opening seconds before eventually tiring out and succumbing to O’Neil’s ground game. With Johnson on his back unable to defend himself, O’Neil won by knockout (excessive blows) a minute and a half into the fight, escaping Twin River with another much-needed win.

The uncertainty between who and where he’d be fighting prior to the bout against Johnson (several potential bouts fell through before the event in June) took its toll on O’Neil, but the early scare also reminded him to never take anyone – or anything – for granted, a lesson he won’t need to learn the hard way against de Freitas.

“I remember sitting in the locker room [before the fight in June] thinking, ‘Let’s just get this over with,'” O’Neil said. “It was a weird situation going through so many different opponents and changing venues, but there’s no excuse.

“I came out stupid, and Ralph came out with guns blazing. Luckily, I had the wherewithal to grab him on the way down and finish him. Even though he might not have been a top-ranked guy, you have to treat everyone like they are.”

That same rule will apply to de Freitas, a member of Team Link in Ludlow, Mass., and arguably the toughest opponent O’Neil has faced since he battled the UFC’s Chris Cope and Marcus Davis in back-to-back fights in 2011. Though de Freitas has lost three of his last five fights, he’s faced some of Brazil’s premier welterweights; the three opponents he’s lost to during that stretch have 72 combined wins, including Erick Silva, who’s appeared on five UFC cards since April of 2011 with three wins to his credit.

“This fight is exactly what Gil is looking for,” said de Freitas’ trainer, Marco Alvan. “He’s at the point in his career where he needs to challenge the guys who’ve been there to prove he belongs there, too. Chuck is as good as it gets. He’s No. 1 for a reason.

“Gil needs to win this fight and win it convincingly to put himself in the conversation. Being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, I predict he’ll win by submission late in the second round or early in the third. His Jiu-Jitsu skills will show up in the fight.”

Stamina worked in O’Neil’s favor when he fought Johnson, who took the fight on short notice and ran out of steam midway through the opening round, but de Freitas has gone the distance 12 times in 19 fights, so he’s accustomed to the workload.

“He won’t gas out,” O’Neil said of de Freitas. “He’s super tough. He comes from a great camp and has a fought a laundry list of tough opponents. He’s a power-puncher who loves to get your back to the cage and dirty-box you. He won’t back down, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. We’ll put on a good show. I’m really looking forward to this fight.”

O’Neil’s aware the UFC is always right around the corner, and there’s always a possibility of the right people watching on fight night, as evident by the fact Boston’s John “Doomsday” Howard recently punched his ticket back to the big stage after winning four consecutive fights under CES’ promotional guidance. If he makes it back, O’Neil will do so as a stronger, more mature fighter both in and outside of the cage. As much as his experience on TUF made him a household name, he credits his outside influences with helping him develop through the years.

“Honestly, it’s about having the right people around you,” he said. “My coach, Nate Ryan, doesn’t just make me a better fighter, but he helps me in my career as a person, too, helping me mature. Having a guy like that around me is huge.

“I went through that phase in 2005 and 2006 when I first started training mixed martial arts walking around talking about, ‘Oh, yeah, I fight!” but that means nothing. I’ve grown up in this sport. I know what it takes now and I’m more concerned about winning and growing as a fighter, not trying to be a jackass.”

Along with the O’Neil-de Freitas showdown, “Gold Rush” will also feature a historic featherweight battle between prospects Rob Font (6-1) of Boston and Chris Foster (7-2, 4 KOs) of Meriden, Conn., for the vacant CES MMA title.

Tickets for “Gold Rush” are $36.00, $56.00, $101.00 and $126.00 and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or through any TicketMaster location. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.

The undercard also features the Rhode Island debuts of UFC veteran Tom Egan (5-3, 4 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass. (by way of Ireland), and Delray Beach, Fla., welterweight Charles Rosa (3-0), who will fight in separate three-round bouts. Egan will face Framingham, Mass., middleweight Aldo Santos (3-1, 1 KO) while Rosa will battle Silvester Murataj (0-1) of Rocky Hill, Conn.

Fan-favorite Dinis Paiva Jr. (3-4, 1 KO) of East Providence, R.I., will face Rob Sullivan (1-1) of Baltimore, Md., in a bantamweight bout and Springfield, Mass., lightweight Damien Trites (6-5, 1 KO) will return to Twin River against Fayetteville, N.C., veteran Andrew Osborn (6-5, 1 KO). Also returning to Twin River, Salem, Mass., bantamweight Matt Doherty (1-0, 1 KO) will battle Johnny Campbell (5-4, 3 KOs) of Plymouth, Mass., while Brazilian Juliano Coutinho (3-1, 2 KOs) clashes with Providence’s Eric Bedard (5-3, 3 KOs) in a highly-anticipated heavyweight bout. Bantamweight Sophanarith Am (1-0) of Revere, Mass., will face Johnston, R.I., newcomer Devin Pilkington and Cheyenne Vasquez (0-0) of Boston will battle Framingham’s Terrell Clark (1-0, 1 KO) in a middleweight bout. All fights and fighters subject to change.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Gold Rush.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and must enter through the West entrance).

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 6, 2013) – It’s fight week in Ontario, Calif., and fans are invited to attend Friday’s “World Series of Fighting 4: Spong vs. DeAnda” official weigh-ins.

Dave & Buster’s, located in Ontario at 4821 Mills Circle, hosts the proceedings, and fighters are scheduled to step on the scale at 4 p.m. PT local time. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Those who can’t attend the weigh-in can still watch the session on World Series of Fighting’s official website, WSOF.com.
The NBC Sports Network-televised World Series of Fighting 4 event takes place this Saturday, Aug. 10, at the nearby Citizens Business Bank Arena and features a light heavyweight showdown between world kickboxing champion turned unbeaten MMA upstart Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong (1-0) and fellow hard-hitting knockout artist Angel “The Dream” DeAnda (11-2).
Tickets for the huge, 10-fight event start at just $29 and are on sale at AXS.com, the Citizens Business Bank Arena box office and charge-by-phone at (888) 929-7849.
In the night’s co-feature, red-hot Marlon Moraes (10-4-1) of Jupiter, Fla., battles fellow fast-rising bantamweight Brandon “Hot Rod” Hempleman (9-1) of Boise, Idaho. The 25-year-old Moraes is coming off his fourth consecutive victory – a stunning first-round knockout of rival star Tyson Nam by way of head kick at March’s World Series of Fighting 2 event – while Hempleman is a winner of six consecutive fights.
In other main card action, World Series of Fighting president and six-time world kickboxing champion Ray Sefo (2-1) of Las Vegas will shed his business attire and briefcase and put on his fighting trunks and combat gloves to face heavy-handed knockout artist Dave Huckaba (20-5) of Sacramento, Calif.
Additionally, undefeated phenomenon “Notorious” Nick Newell (9-0) of Springfield, Mass., squares off with fellow lightweight Keon “The Black Assassin” Caldwell (9-1) of Moultrie, Ga. And in the night’s first main-card contest, Tyson Griffin (16-6) of Santa Rosa, Calif., meets fellow lightweight star Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (17-7-1) of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Saturday night’s live, two-and-a-half-hour NBC Sports Network telecast of the World Series of Fighting 4 main card begins at 7:30 p.m. PT local time (10:30 p.m. ET). The night’s preliminary bouts stream live on WSOF.com.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
Based in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world, 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.
ABOUT CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA
Citizens Business Bank Arena, built and owned by the City of Ontario, operated by AEG Facilities, includes 9,500 fixed seats with additional “portable” seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey and 10,832 for basketball. The 225,000 square foot venue features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts ice hockey and a variety of other sporting competitions, concerts, family shows, special events, conventions, school and community activities as well as private events. The Arena is home to Ontario Reign, an ECHL Premier AA Hockey Team. The venue is the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.1 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway. For more information and future updates please visit: CBBankArena.com
ABOUT NBC SPORTS NETWORK
NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2013, the Premier League and Formula One. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Action Sports Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, The Crossover, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk and The Dan Patrick Show. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

The highly anticipated light heavyweight clash between “Chicago’s Polish Prince” Andrzej Fonfara and former world champion Gabriel “El Chico Guapo” Campillo set for Friday, August 16 has now been declared an International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Title Eliminator. The winner will be ranked #1 by the sanctioning body.

The Fonfara/Campillo 12-round clash headlines “THE BIG FIGHT 2, ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS AT U.S. CELLULAR FIELD,” the first outdoor professional boxing card in over fifty years in the Windy City.

“We’re very happy the I.B.F. has declared the Fonfara/Campillo bout an official world title eliminator,” said Frank Mugnolo, President of Round 3 Productions.

“There has been a sensational amount of interest in this unique boxing event at U.S. Cellular Field and the declaration from the I.B.F. adds another layer of intrigue. Every fighter wants to compete for a world title.”

Continued Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, “It’s been an honor to have promoted Andrzej since he turned professional and we’re thrilled to provide him with this opportunity towards a world title.”

The Fonfara/Campillo bout is presented in association with Sampson Boxing.

“THE BIG FIGHT 2, ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS AT U.S. CELLULAR FIELD” is presented by Round 3 Productions, 8 Count Productions, Warriors Boxing and Ulrich Knockout Promotions along with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.

The historic boxing event is headlined by a 12-round light heavyweight clash between “Chicago’s Polish Prince” Andrzej Fonfara and former world champion Gabriel “EL Chico Guapo” Campillo.

Also featured will be the “Can’t Miss” heavyweight rematch of Artur “The Pin” Szpilka of Wieliczka, Poland and Chicago’s “Merciless” Mike Mollo, scheduled for ten rounds.

In a special attraction televised bout, Chicago’s Adrian “EL Tigre” Granados will face off against undefeated Mansfield, Ohio’s Mark Salser for the IBA Junior Welterweight Title over eight scheduled rounds.

Additional undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

The last professional outdoor boxing event held in Chicago took place over 50 years ago. “THE BIG FIGHT” was held at Comiskey Park on SEPTEMBER 25, 1962 and was headlined by the Heavyweight World Championship between Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson.

U.S. Cellular Field is located at 333 W. 35th Street, one block west of the Dan Ryan Expressway. For this memorable evening the ring will be set up just behind home plate with the grandstand serving as the backdrop. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the first at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Advance tickets starting at $32 are on sale now through Ticketmaster (www.Ticketmaster.com, phone, 1-800-745-3000) and through The Chicago White Sox(www.whitesox.com)in addition to the U.S. Cellular Field Box Office.

8 COUNT PRODUCTIONS/ROUND 3 PRODUCTIONS

8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland.

Joining forces with Frank Mugnolo’s Round 3 Productions in 2011, their partnership is currently among the premier boxing promotional firms in the United States.

Fighters currently under the 8 Count Productions/Round 3 Productions banner include; IBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Andrzej Fonfara, top rated junior welterweight prospect Adrian Granados, former world title challenger Edner Cherry, undefeated middleweight prospects Paul Littleton and Viktor Polyakov in addition to welterweight prospect Jaime Herrera.

For more information on 8 Count Productions/Round 3 Productions please visit their new website, www.8CountProductions.com. Follow them on Twitter at 8 Count and Facebook at “8 Count Productions/Round 3 Productions”.

WARRIORS BOXING

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

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

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

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

THE ILLINOIS SPORTS FACILITIES AUTHORITY

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority is the developer, owner and operator of U.S. Cellular Field, home of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox. www.isfauthority.com.

Jack Culcay (14-1, 10 KOs) wants his title back! Therefore, the former WBA Intercontinental Champion has to beat Guido Nicolas Pitto (18-1, 7 KOs). As well as Marco Huck’s WBO title defense against Firat Arslan, Culcay vs. Pitto will be another rematch staged at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany on September 14. They first fought each other this April. Back then, the amateur world champion of Milano 2009 suffered his first defeat as a pro against the Argentinian, losing via controversial decision.

“I am happy to get a new chance against Pitto,” said Culcay, who can hardly wait to redeem himself. “When we first met each other inside the ring, I delivered the more precise blows but didn’t seem to do enough on the judges’ scorecards.” In their second encounter, the 27-year-old super-welterweight wants to show that he has drawn the right conclusions. “I need to be far more active in the rematch. I want to beat Pitto. On points or by stoppage – it does not matter to me.”

Besides the WBA Intercontinental Title, a spot in the WBA’s ratings is up for the grabs for the prodigy of coach Fritz Sdunek. Culcay: “There is a lot at stake and I will definitely take this chance!”

Tickets for the big fight night at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle on September 14 can be purchased at www.eventim.de, www.easyticket.de and www.boxen.com.

London (6 August) As sparring begins for undefeated heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury, trainer and uncle Peter Fury is “very happy” with the contributions of Michael Sprott and Dillian Whyte.

The former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Sprott and the undefeated Whyte have joined Tyson, 24, at his training camp in Belgium this week to help him prepare to take on David Haye at the Phones 4 U Arena Manchester on September 28th, live on Sky Sports HD Box Office.

“They’re both over here starting off the sparring and it’s nice to have the work,” Peter said.

“It’s a good atmosphere, they’re both really good lads – they’re both sparring really well and putting up really good spars.

“It’s great to get the sparring going as Tyson loves it – he’s a fighting man and he loves the hard runs, pads and especially the sparring, that’s what he enjoys the most.”

Sprott brings a wealth of experience to the team, a former English, British, Commonwealth and EBU-EU heavyweight champion.

Boasting 37 wins with 17 knockouts, he has faced the likes of Danny Williams, Matt Skelton, Audley Harrison, Ruslan Chagaev, Robert Helenius and Kubrat Pulev.

Dillian Whyte is an undefeated heavyweight prospect, boasting a perfect professional record, with nine wins from nine, including six knockouts since his debut in May 2011.

Both are a similar size to Haye, but Peter insists it is not a case of trying to copy Haye.

“It’s not so much the same styles as David Haye, they’re not the same as Haye – we are using them to work on certain things with Tyson,” Peter said.

“We haven’t got them over here to emulate Haye, but they are perfect preparation for Tyson.

“Sprott and Whyte are both top lads and consummate professionals and that’s what boxing is all about.

“They have come in here and they’re doing the job – it’s very good and I’m very happy.”

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DEERFIELD, Fla. (August 5`, 2013) – Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, has partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which makes its promotional debut August 23 with the presentation of the “Tyson Is Back!” event, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

“Tyson Is Back” will feature a World Championship doubleheader, airing live on the 2013 season ESPN Friday Night Fights finale.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez (21-2, 11 KOs) headlines in his first world title defense against Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs) in the 12-round main event.

In the 12-round co-feature, undefeated Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Jesus Cueller (22-1, 18 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim featherweight title.

“This is something I never anticipated,” Tyson said about promoting. “I’m very excited and looking forward to catering to the public. It’s really all about insuring a good night of boxing. I’m grateful to (Acquinity Sports CEO) Garry Jonas and Vice President of Boxing Operations) Henry Rivalta for welcoming me into the boxing promotions business with open arms.

“I’m am thrilled, bringing my first fight as Iron Mike Productions to the Turning Stone Casino for ESPN2. Upstate New York is very special to me and brings back nostalgic memories when I was a determined amateur on the rise. I want to be there and guide my fighters as they take these same stepping stones in their quest for greatness. We plan to put on an exciting and entertaining fight on August 23rd.”

“We are very excited about partnering with Mike Tyson,” Iron Mike Promotions CEO Garry Jonas said. “He brings so much to the table. We are promoters; Mike’s already the best boxing promoter in the business because, when Mike talks, boxing people listen. Mike can bring more attention and exposure to a fighter than anyone else out there. With his continued success and rise as an entertainer, Mike’s progression into being a very successful promoter made a lot of sense.

“I appreciate very much that Mike, his wife Kiki, and brother-in-law Azim, chose us to partner with. It validates the things we’ve been doing in boxing for the past two years, as well as the plans that we have. We plan on doing things differently. I think boxing fans and sports fans in general will appreciate what’s to come.

“I wanted to thank Brian Kweder and ESPN for going out of their way to get Iron Mike’s debut event on air. ESPN being in 115 million homes allows all of Mike’s fans to tune in, giving our fighters maximum exposure. Mike started his boxing career on ESPN, so I think it’s fitting he starts his promotional career there as well.”

Dominican Republic native Mendez, rated No. 2 in the world by The Ring Magazine, fights for the first time since he captured his IBF belt this past March, when he destroyed Juan Carlos Salgado (26-1-1) in a rematch culminating with a sensational knockout in the fourth round. Mendez now fights out of Miami.

IBF No. 13-rated Usmanee, a native of Afghanistan who fights out of Montreal, is a five-time Canadian National amateur champion. The Greg Cohen-promoted challenger is a former North American Boxing association super featherweight and World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas lightweight champion.

Marrero, the WBA’s top-ranked featherweight at No. 2 (No. 1 unrated), is a stylish southpaw from the Dominican Republic who has defeated Emmanuel Lucero (DEC10), Fernando Wary Beltran (TKO3) and Mauricio Martinez (TKO4) in his last three fights.

Argentine-invader Cuellar will be fighting out his native country for the first time as a professional. The 26-year-old, rated No. 4 by the WBA, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino, Interim Fedalatin and Argentine featherweight champion.

“This show is a great way to close out the 2013 season on ESPN Friday Night Fights,” added Henry Rivalta, COO Iron Mike Promotions. “I want to thank Brian Kweder (ESPN FNF programming director) for giving us this tremendous opportunity, as well as Turning Stone for hosting our new company’s first event. We’re going to put on an action-packed card, featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent in the world, who will be fighting in competitive, entertaining fights.

“I’m very happy to be part of this team of individuals, led by Gary (Jonas) and Mike (Tyson), and running our stable of great, young fighters. Mendez and Marrero are prime examples of the type fighters Iron Mike Productions, as Acquinity Sports, developed during the last two years. There is only one Mike Tyson and his presence and input insures that we will be a force in boxing for years to come. Our goal is to give loyal boxing fans what they really want and August 23rd is going to be the start of something very special for all of us.”

Undercard fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 go on sale today, Monday, August 5 at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.

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

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.