LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 15, 2013) – Surging KO artist Chris “Gritz” Gruetzemacher (11-1) of Glendale, Ariz. will square off with fellow fast-rising star Jerrod Sanders (11-1) of Oklahoma City, Okla. in a World Series of Fighting featherweight (145 pounds) preliminary card bout at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, June 14.

A bantamweight (135 pounds) contest between emerging force Carson “Little Juggernaut” Beebe (13-2) of Schaumburg, Ill. and undefeated submission ace Joe Murphy (6-0) of Huntington Beach, Calif. has been added to the preliminary card as well, World Series of Fighting announced today.

“We are excited to add another pair of matchups to our preliminary card that will showcase a collection of the sport’s brightest up and coming athletes and future champions,” said World Series of Fighting President and six-time world kickboxing champion Ray Sefo. “Since we launched our promotion last year, World Series of Fighting has made a commitment to building a roster of its own stars, so fighting as many potential future stars at our live events is critical in order to ensure that these athletes gain the necessary competitive experience to take their careers to the next level.”

The 26-year-old Gruetzemacher has been on fire since 2009, winning his last 10 fights. He has defeated each of his last seven opponents by way of (T)KO or submission, including four consecutive (T)KO victories.

Likewise, Sanders has notched nine straight wins. The 33-year-old has finished his last three opponents – two by way of submission and the third via TKO.

Beebe, the 24-year-old younger brother of bantamweight submission specialist Chase Beebe, is looking to return to the win column after he dropped a unanimous decision to Rolando Velasco in his last effort on Nov. 15, 2012. Prior to that, Beebe had reeled off seven consecutive victories.

The 25-year-old Murphy has been unstoppable since he made his professional debut with a first round (2:01) submission (armbar) victory over Orlando Aspericueta on May 1, 2009. Five of Murphy’s six wins to date have come by way of submission, including his last bout, an April 14, 2012 matchup with Tyler Weathers that Murphy won by way of armbar in the second round (2:56).

Tickets for the World Series of Fighting event, priced from $29 (plus applicable service fees), are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000.

The four-bout main card will air live on NBC Sports Network, beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

In the welterweight (170 pounds) main event and a long-awaited rematch, Jon Fitch (24-5) of Fort Wayne, Ind., will square off with fellow superstar Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman (25-9) of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The second meeting between the 35-year-old Fitch, a member of San Jose, Calif.-based Team AKA, and the 32-year-old Burkman, a winner of four consecutive fights, comes slightly more than seven years after Fitch submitted Burkman with a rear-naked choke in the second round (4:57) of their initial encounter that, coincidentally, also took place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, streaking stars and fearsome submission aces Tyson “Man of” Steele (10-1) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada and Steve Carl (19-3) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa will face off at welterweight (170 pounds).

Also slated for battle on the main card is heavyweight rising star and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rolles Gracie (8-1) of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, who will face off with Dave Huckaba (21-4) of Sacramento, Calif.

Undefeated prospect Justin Gaethje (8-0) of Denver, Colo. will collide with Brian Cobb (20-7) of Bakersfield, Calif., in a lightweight (155 pounds) contest and the first televised main card bout of the night.

In preliminary card action, battle-tested submission specialist John Gunderson (34-14) of Houston, Tex. will be pitted against Dan “The Upgrade” Lauzon (16-4) of Bridgewater, Mass. in another lightweight tilt. All 16 of Lauzon’s professional career victories have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Grappling wizards Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm (21-2) of Spokane, Wash. and Jacob Volkmann (15-4) of White Bear Lake, Minn. will meet at lightweight.

Fellow undefeated prospects Krasimir Mladenov (9-0) of Borica, Bulgaria and Kendrick Miree (5-0) of Atlanta, Ga., will square off at middleweight (185 pounds).

Doors at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will open at 4:30 p.m. PT and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
Based in Las Vegas, Nev., 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 www.WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

About The Joint
The Joint is a 4,000-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven Luxury Suites, a VIP Studio Level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “Best Concert Venue” in Las Vegas Review – Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” awards 2010 – 2012, “Best Music Venue” in 2012 Las Vegas Weekly Awards, “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine in 2011, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com in 2011, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the 2010 Pollstar Awards, and “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best 2010 awards. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and ground-breaking artists including Paul McCartney, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Arcade Fire, Avenged Sevenfold, Rise Against, Paramore, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue created the successful concept of rock ‘n’ roll residencies with Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits, Mötley Crüe in Sin City, Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Democracy and Def Leppard VIVA Hysteria! as well as Tiësto In Concert, featuring the world’s No. 1 electronic DJ and producer Tiësto. For additional information, visit www.thejointlasvegas.comor call 702.693.5583 or 702.693.5000.

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.

(Atlantic City, May 15) – Haroon Khan (1-0) will be starting his American adventure sooner rather than later as he takes on Vicente Medellin (0-5) on the undercard of the Lamont Peterson vs. Lucas Matthysse clash this weekend in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The younger brother of former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan got off to a winning professional start in his debut fight against Brett Fidoe last month in Sheffield, England where he won a unanimous decision over four rounds.

The 22-year-old will now be showcasing his talents on Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in a four round bantamweight clash against 25-year-old Medellin.

Time permitting, Khan vs. Medellin will be featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME® in the United States. In the United Kingdom, highlights of the bout or, time permitting, the bout in its entirety, will be shown as part of Sky Sports 1 HD’s coverage of the event on Sunday May 19 from 12.30 a.m. BST.

A 2010 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist, Khan is ready for a tough encounter when he takes on the sturdy American and is looking to put on a dazzling performance in his second professional fight.

“I’m really pleased to be fighting on such a big card in the United States so early in my career,” said Khan. “Gaining this type of experience is really going to help me in my career and I’m thrilled to be given the chance to take part in this bill. It was great to get the win under my belt in my pro-debut fight last month and I’ll be looking to continue by winning in style against Vincente Medellin. He’s a tough, durable opponent, so I will need to be on my ‘A-game’ if I want to get the victory.”

Oliver Harrison, Khan’s trainer, said, “I’m pleased with how Haroon is progressing. He’s a talented fighter and has been putting in the hard work that is required of anyone who wants to make a big splash in the professional game. Each day he’s improving and getting better and this type of experience is only going to help him on as a fighter. We’re ready to go and can’t wait for fight night.”

Asif Vali of Khan Promotions, said, “It’s fantastic that we’ve managed to get Haroon on this card. We want Haroon to stay busy and to be fighting regularly on these types of shows. Making his debut on Amir’s bill in Sheffield last April and now to be fighting in the United States the month after on a world championship bill helps build a solid foundation to help him grow into the top level fighter we know he will become.”

British welterweight ace Lee Purdy will challenge Devon Alexander for Alexander’s IBF Welterweight World Title on the card, with London 2012 Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo also featured on the card.

ABOUT PETERSON VS. MATTHYSSE:

Peterson vs. Matthysse, a 12-round 141 pound catch-weight fight, will take place Saturday, May 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) immediately following ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. GUERRERO Epilogue. In the co-main event, IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander defends his title against IBF number four rated welterweight contender Lee Purdy. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the United Kingdom the event will be televised live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday 19 May at 12.30 a.m. BST.

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

10 ROUNDS – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Andy “Irish” Lee vs. Daryl Cunningham
Limmerick, Ireland Detroit, MI
29-2, 20 KO’s 28-4, 11 KO’s
161 lbs. 162 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Delen “The Sniper” Parsley vs. Louis Rose
Brooklyn, NY Los Angeles, CA
10-0, 3 KO’s 6-1, 2 KO’s
161 lbs. 162 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Lamar “The Boxing Que” Russ vs. Russell “Spiderman” Jordan
Fayetteville, NC Rochester, NY
12-0, 7 KO’s 15-9, 10 KO’s
162 1/2 lbs. 162 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Tor Hamer vs. Maurenzo Smith
Harlem, NY Houston, TX
19-2, 12 KO’s 11-5-2, 8 KO’s
229 lbs. 244 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Neuky Santalesis vs. Aaron Chavez
New York, NY Boca Raton, FL
4-0, 3 KO ‘s 3-2-1, 1 KO
131 lbs. 129 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – CRUISERWEIGHTS
Jay Rodriguez vs. Andre Ward
Brooklyn, NY Washington, DC
Pro Debut 1-1-2, 1 KO
195 lbs. 199 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Angel Suarez vs. Eliezer Agosto
Guaynabo, PR San Juan, PR
Pro Debut 1-2, 1 KO
128 lbs. 128 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Louis Cruz vs. Michael Carreras
Bronx, NY San Juan, PR
2-0, 2 KO 0-2
139 lbs. 141 lbs.

Tickets for the event are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55 for general admission. 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). A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door tomorrow evening.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and sponsored by Manfredi Auto Group, Newlio.com, and Everlast. The event will be available live via broadband through GFL.tv and will be broadcast on SNY tape-delayed. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former two division world champion David Haye had to withdraw from his June 29th fight with former world Heavyweight title challenger Manuel Charr due to a left hand injury.

“I’m absolutely gutted to have to pull out of this fight on June 29,” Haye said. “I pick up injuries now and again in training, and sometimes carry them into fights, but this was one I simply couldn’t recover from in time. I need to rest it up for at least four weeks.

“I apologize to Manuel Charr and to everybody involved with the promotion. But most of all I want to say sorry to the thousands of fans who bought tickets to the fight. I felt it was important to let them know about the cancellation as soon as possible, so they can now make other plans. As soon as I am told I can resume full training, my loyal fans will be the first to know.”

Omar Figueroa will take on Japan’s Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight championship on July 27th in San Antonio on Showtime according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We got everything confirmed,” said Golden Boy Promotions Schaefer said. “Mr. (Akahiro) Honda is an honorable guy and we have a deal. I talked to [Showtime Sports boss] Stephen [Espinoza] to see if the fight would be OK with him for that card. He likes Figueroa very much and he liked it a lot. He saw what a big hit Omar was on the Canelo-Trout undercard.”

“I think the likelihood of Broner going back to 135 pounds after the fight with Paulie is remote, which means he would vacate the title and the (Figueroa-Arakawa) winner would have the title,” Schaefer said. “Broner probably would stay at welterweight or go down to junior welterweight, but I don’t think he will go back to lightweight.

“I’m excited for Omar. He obviously has been coming along very nicely. He’s a very exciting fighter. Now, to be able to bring him back to San Antonio, where he obviously has a fan base and had almost 40,000 people cheering for him last month, is amazing. I’m happy for the young man to get an opportunity to fight for a world title. Omar takes risks when he fights and, as his promoter, I’m on the edge of my seat watching him. He goes for it and that’s what people want to see. So I’m happy for him to get this chance.”

Bethlehem, PA – Hard-hitting Ray Narh steps in against Ronald Cruz in a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight on Friday evening, June 14, at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. The match-up is part of a triple header telecast on NBC Sports Network Fight Night beginning 8PM ET.

The Narh-Cruz contest is part of the big NBC Sports Network Fight Night series tripleheader. On tap are a pair of-world class fights featuring heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings, of Philadelphia, PA, against Andrey Fedosov, of Shuya, Russia, in a 10-round contest and Sergey Kovalev, of Chelyabinsk, Russia, against Cornelius White, of Houston, TX, in a 12-round fight for the No. 1 slot in the IBF world light-heavyweight rankings.

Narh, 34, steps in for Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL. Herrera suffered a lower back injury last week while training to face Cruz. He will be on the shelf for six weeks.

Ray Narh

A pro since 2001, Narh is 25-2, 21 knockouts, but has not fought since May 7, 2011, when he was stopped in three rounds by Mike Alvarado, of Denver, CO, on the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

Originally from Ghana, Narh won the vacant Pennsylvania lightweight title in 2006 when he stopped Ramazan Paliani in the loser’s Philadelphia backyard. He also has wins over former WBA featherweight champion Freddie Norwood, of St. Louis, MO, and Steve Quinonez, of Palm Springs, CA.

Cruz, 26, of Bethlehem, has not boxed since Sept. 21, 2012, when he lost for the first time, dropping a 10-round split decision to Antwone Smith, of Miami, FL, at the Sands. His record is 17-1, 12 K0s.

Ronald Cruz

ABOUT FRIDAY, JUNE 14

The Jennnings-Fedosov, Kovalev-White and Cruz-Narh fights top a seven-bout card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. Doors open at 6;15pm ET. Tickets priced at $50 and $75 and $130 (luxury suites) can be purchased through the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com, www.SandsEventCenter.com, and www.Ticketmaster.com. In Bethlehem, tickets are available at Deja Brew, Inc., 101 West 4th Street (610-865-2739) and at Pronto Insurance Notary, 232 East 3rd Street (610-419-6790). NBC Sports Network will televise the Jennings-Fedosov, Kovalev-White and Cruz-Narh fights, beginning at 8 pm ET, Friday, June 14th. The card is promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions, Hitz Entertainment and Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

NEW YORK, NY, May 14 – Early today, Six-Time and Four-Division World Champion Robert Guerrero appeared in New York State Supreme Court for Queens County where all firearm possession charges were dismissed in connection with his March 28 arrest at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Guerrero pled guilty to disorderly conduct, a violation and not a crime, was fined $250 and ordered to complete 50 hours of community service which he will be allowed to perform in his home state of California.

Guerrero was arrested on March 28 when checking in his luggage at JFK while returning to training camp in Las Vegas following a press tour in connection with his May 4 fight against Floyd Mayweather. As he was checking in, he made sure to advise authorities that they needed to be aware that he had a firearm, which was unloaded and in a locked safe box within his luggage which was to be checked. Guerrero was carrying no ammunition and was within his legal right to possess such firearm in the state in which he resides.

“I’m pleased that the District Attorney’s Office considered my case carefully and resolved it fairly,” said Guerrero. “I never intended to violate New York law, but I know that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Lesson learned. I’m happy this incident is behind me and looking forward to returning to the ring as well as serving my community as ordered by the court.”

Rodney Berman of South Africa’s Golden Gloves has confirmed that Hall of Famer, Michael Buffer will be doing ring-announcing duties for the final of the “Monte Carlo Million Dollar Super Four” tournament in Monaco on July 13.

Berman says it is only fitting that the legendary announcer, known for his catchphrase “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble”, does duty at such a major tournament. “He is a true professional and perhaps the only announcer whose presence resonates internationally,” said Berman. “He’ll be one of a number of stars at the final.”

Berman confirmed that WBA and IBO middleweight world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, who fought on the first card in March, will attend the final.

An invitation has also been extended to WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko to attend, not least to support countrymen Max Bursak and Dmytro Kucher, who fight on the “Million Dollar” undercard.

Golden Gloves intends upon developing a carnival theme in the buildup with meet-and-greet sessions and autograph signings adding to the mystique and magic of Monte Carlo.

Hot-running Edwin Rodriguez (23-0, 15 KOs) of the US and Denis Grachev (13-1-1, 8 KOs) of Russia will meet in the “Super Four” final for a US $1-million purse, to be split 60/40.

Co-headlining be the title fight between WBA and IBO light-welterweight holder Khabib Allakhverdiev (18-0, 8 KOs) and former champion Souleymane M’baye (40-4-1, 22 KOs).

On the undercard, European middleweight champion Max Bursak (26-1-1, 12 KOs) will defend against the UK’s Prince Arron (23-4-1, 5 KOs), while Ilunga Makabu (13-1, 13 KOs) and undefeated Dmytro Kucher (21-0, 15 KOs) will fight for Kucher’s WBC International cruiserweight belt.

MACAO (May 14, 2013) – Chapter two of the Zou Shiming era will begin when the two-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time Amateur World Champion returns to the ring and headlines an exciting card featuring two world championship fights – WBO/WBA flyweight champion Juan Estrada vs. Milan Melindo and IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich vs. Mauricio Muñoz – Saturday, July 27, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. Promoted by Top Rank and Sands China Ltd., in association with Tecate, ZOU SHIMING: Fists of Gold II ticket details will be announced soon; Fists of Gold II ticket holders will be able to purchase advance tickets for November’s Pacquiao vs. Rios event during an exclusive period prior to general public sales. Details are to be announced at a later date.

The fantastic night of entertainment is Sands China’s latest world-class sporting event, part of its multi-tiered entertainment strategy aimed at diversifying Macao’s tourism economy through the varied offerings of its Cotai Strip Resorts, contributing to the city’s development into one of Asia’s top entertainment hubs and a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China held the highly-successful greater China debut of Ultimate Fighting Championship last November, and has hosted and sponsored numerous sporting events with some of the world’s most well-known athletes – from basketball greats Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming to tennis legends Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, and golf sensations like Rory McElroy and Lee Westwood. Zou Shiming’s recent April 6 professional debut had all the right ingredients and became another high-octane crowd pleaser, selling out tickets in advance. It was televised internationally to more than 30 countries, including to the U.S. via HBO 2 and in China on CCTV5.

“The exciting matches taking place at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena on July 27 highlight the fact that boxing is a major global sport,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

“Deciding to host Zou Shiming’s professional debut in April was a great move – for Sands China and for Macao,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. “We hosted a very successful event, and we remain committed to bringing the world’s best entertainment to Macao, helping to increase the diversity of attractions available. We’re extremely pleased to welcome Shiming back a second time in July for Fists of Gold II.”

“I was very pleased with how quickly Shiming learned what I was teaching during our first training camp and he is the hardest worker in the gym,” said Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. “This time our main focus will be on getting him to punch harder. Shiming will need to learn how to sit down on his punches to maximize their power. I cannot wait to start working with him again.”

Zou (1-0), from Guizhou, won his professional debut April 6, via a dominant four-round unanimous decision over gritty Eleazar Valenzuela of Mexico. One of the most popular Olympic athletes in China, Zou was the world’s greatest light flyweight, capturing gold medals in the World Amateur Championships in 2005, 2007 and 2011, along with gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. He also owns an Olympic bronze medal from the 2004 games, making him his nation’s first Olympic medallist in boxing as well as its first boxing gold medallist in the World Amateur Championships and the Olympics. He signed with Arum’s Top Rank at a press conference in Beijing in January.

Zou, who now campaigns as a flyweight, will be graduating to a six-round bout when he faces Jesus Ortega (3-1, 2 KOs) from Hermosillo, México. A stablemate of world flyweight champion Juan Estrada, the hard-hitting Ortega is an exciting prospect who is entering this fight on a roll, having won his last two fights – his most recent a third-round knockout victory against Arcadio Sanchez on April 19.

“Jesus and I are from Sonora, México,” said Alfredo Lopez, Ortega’s trainer. “This is the state in Mexico that has produced champions. The great Julio César Chávez was born here and became champion. Orlando Salido – champion; Tyson Marquez – champion; and current WBO world champion Juan Estrada, with whom we currently train. We know Zou well and have seen him fight. He was a very decorated amateur fighter. But Jesus is no amateur. Jesus spars with the best flyweights in the world, including Juan Estrada and Tyson Marquez. On July 27, Zou Shiming will become another stepping stone on the path to where we are going with Jesus, and that is to become Sonora’s next world champion. Viva México! Viva Ortega!”

In addition to Zou’s return, the event line-up includes an undercard highlighted by two 12-round world championship fights. WBO/WBA flyweight champion Juan Estrada (22-2, 17 KOs), of Hermosillo, México, will be making the first defense of the titles he won from Brian Viloria on April 6 at the CotaiArena. Estrada will be facing undefeated Milan Melindo (28-0, 11 KOs), of Manadue, Philippines. Melindo, the number one contender and mandatory challenger, earned his shot at the title by knocking out once-beaten Tommy Seran in the fourth round on the April 6 card. Undefeated IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich (16-0, 8 KOs), a native of Russia, now fighting from Oxnard, California, will be making his first title defense against No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger Mauricio Muñoz (26-3, 12 KOs), of San Juan, Argentina. Gradovich captured the world title on March 1 when he dethroned defending champion Billy Dib via a split decision. Muñoz earned his title shot by defeating previously unbeaten contender Luis Franco in his last fight, October 13, 2012. The international telecast will open with a 10-round heavyweight rumble between undefeated contenders Andy Ruiz, Jr. (18-0, 12 KOs), of Mexicali, Mexico, and Joe Hanks (21-0, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles.

The undercard will also feature Genesis Servania (19-0, 6 KOs), of Cebu City, Philippines, in an eight-round super bantamweight bout against Konosuke Tomiyama (23-5-1, 8 KOs), of Tokyo, Japan; Paul Fleming (17-0, 12 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, in an eight-round super featherweight bout against Mike Tawatchai (26-1-1, 17 KOs), of Bangkok, Thailand; and Dodie Boy Peñalosa (10-0, 8 KOs) and Dave Peñalosa (5-0, 3 KOs), both from Cebu City, Philippines, in separate six-round featherweight and four-round super bantamweight bouts, respectively. Their opponents will be announced at a later date. Fleming and the Peñalosas were all knockout victors on the April 6 card.

ZOU SHIMING: Fists of Gold II kicks off at 6 p.m. on July 27 at the CotaiArena. Once details are announced, ticket sales will be available at all CotaiTicketing box offices* and can be booked online at www.CotaiTicketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK) / 4001 206 618 (mainland China). Tickets will also be available at Tom Lee Outlets, K11 Select and through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies) at www.HKTicketing.com, or by phone at +852 3128 8288.

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 14, 2013) – Hard-hitting upstart Wayne Barrett (1-0, 1 KO) of Queens, N.Y. will compete on the biggest stage of his young professional fight career when he faces off with fellow undefeated Muay Thai stylist Mike Lemaire (9-0, 3 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. in a middleweight (187 pounds/85 kilograms) Superfight contest at the first-ever GLORY championship series kickboxing event in the U.S. at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, N.Y. on Saturday, June 22.

The 27-year-old Barrett, a former Georgia State Golden Gloves amateur boxing champion and martial artist since the age of 10, has become a dangerous force in the ring with his thorough mix of striking skills and ability to read his opponents while splitting his training camps between Brooklyn, N.Y. where he works under boxing mentor Kelly Richardson, and Atlanta, Ga. where he trains alongside the likes of fellow GLORY competitor Eddie “Showtime” Walker and other world-class fighters.

After amassing a near-perfect amateur kickboxing and Muay Thai record of 19-1, with 15 of his wins coming by way of (T)KO, Barrett made his professional debut in Queens, N.Y. on Feb. 22 against Strahinja Ivanovic, a fighter with 12 professional fights under his belt. Barrett quickly overcame Ivanovic’s experience advantage, landing a right hook to the head that sent Ivanovic to the canvas for the 10-count at the 2:43 mark of the bout’s second round.

Lemaire, a 26-year-old protégé of retired, former world Muay Thai champion Melchor Menor, burst onto the national fight scene on Feb. 9 when he defeated three consecutive opponents in one night to capture the developmental Road To GLORY USA middleweight tournament championship and earn a multi-year contract with GLORY. Lemaire scored KOs on two of his three tournament opponents, including championship round adversary Walker.

A native of France, Lemaire began studying Judo at age 4 and later transitioned to Karate and kickboxing after he reached the age of 12. It was in 2007, the year he moved to the U.S. that Lemaire became immersed in Muay Thai.

Tickets for GLORY 9 New York, priced from $48 (plus handling fees), are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.

The event will be headlined by a star-studded, eight-man tournament featuring a lineup of top light heavyweight (209 pounds/95 kilograms) martial arts fighters. Slated for action in the one-night, single-elimination contest is world champion Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong (69-6-1 43 KOs) of Boca Raton, Fla. via Suriname; KO artist Brian Collette (19-1, 16 KOs) of Norfolk, Va.; developmental Road To GLORY USA light heavyweight tournament winner Dustin Jacoby (9-3, 7 KOs) of Arenzville, Illin.; four-time world champion Danyo Ilunga (51-4, 41 KOs) of Germany; Muay Thai sensation Filip Verlinden (40-9-1, 16 KOs) of Belgium; Aerts-protégé Mourad “The Silent Power” Bouzidi (75-20-2, 34 KOs) of Tunisia; world Muay Thai and Karate champion Steve McKinnon (42-5, 29 KOs) of Australia; and Michael Duut (38-3, 17 KOs) of The Netherlands.

The GLORY 9 New York light heavyweight tournament’s quarterfinal stage matchups will be announced soon.

In one of several other Superfights scheduled for the event, heavyweight superstar and former secret service agent Daniel “The Savage Samurai” Ghita (46-9, 35 KOs) of Romania will face Muay Thai champion Brice Guidon (28-8, 13 KOs) of France.

Hard-hitting “Bazooka” Joseph Valtellini (8-1, 7 KOs) of Toronto, Ontario Canada will square off with fellow rising star Francois Ambang (9-2, 4 KOs) of Mechanicsville, Va. in a welterweight (170 pounds/77 kilograms) Superfight.

Valtellini has earned six of his eight professional career victories in New York. Ambang emerged the winner of the development, eight-man, developmental Road To GLORY USA tournament, created to identify new talent and potential future champions for GLORY’s championship series, at New York City’s Capitale on March 22.

Phil Nurse protégé Brett Hlavacek (8-1, 3 KOs) of New York, N.Y., the runner-up in the developmental Road To GLORY USA tournament on March 22, will face three-time Muay Thai titlist Paul Marfort (10-5, 4 KOs) of Orlando, Fla. at welterweight.

Additional Superfights will be announced soon.

Doors at Hammerstein Ballroom will open at 5 p.m. EST and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.gloryworldseries.com.

About GLORY:

GLORY World Series (www.gloryworldseries.com) is the world’s premier kickboxing league, producing live events across the globe featuring one-night, 16-man ‘Grand Slam’ tournaments and 8-man ‘Slam’ tournaments, which are open to only the best fighters in each of six different weight classes. The fight series also includes events with traditional, single bouts.

With television deals spanning every continent, online live video streaming of all shows and the world’s largest online martial arts library, GLORY is one of the world’s most widely distributed sporting organizations.

Owned and operated by Glory Sports International (GSI), the organization has offices in the UK, Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the US. Its personnel include an unprecedented mix of accomplished entrepreneurs and senior level executives from the diverse worlds of finance, sports marketing, television and martial arts fighting.

In 2013, GLORY launched the Road To GLORY tournament fight series to identify and develop new kickboxing talent in the United States, Japan and elsewhere around the globe into future champions and superstars of the sport.

The wait for Marco Huck (35-2-1, 25 KOs) is almost over. On June 8, the current WBO Cruiserweight Champion will lace-up his gloves for the very first time in his home city of Berlin, Germany after two and a half years on the road. The 28-year-old will take on interim-titlist Ola Afolabi (19-2-4, 9 KOs) at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in his eleventh defense of his belt and the third against the Brit.

“All good things come in threes”, said Huck, who is currently in the hot phase of his preparations. “So far Afolabi hasn’t been able to find a way to beat me and it won’t be any different this time round.” And of course the prodigy of Ulli Wegner wants to prove that he does not just talk the talk but also walks the walk. Hence, he will not be holding back during this week’s training as the sparring has just begun.

“We have laid down the foundations. Now we are waiting to see if Marco is able to stick to the tactics we worked on when he is under the pressure of sparring”, explained coach Wegner. “Afolabi will present a difficult challenge, partially due to Fritz Sdunek standing in his corner. However, I’m sure that we have the best sparring partners possible.”

The fact that he is fighting in his own backyard makes the third encounter with the Brit even more special for Huck. “I’m so excited to be back in Berlin and I want to give the boxing fans in Germany´s capital a real spectacle,” promised the champion. “That is why I will be giving it a 100 percent during my preparation. The spectators inside the Max-Schmeling-Halle have a real barnburner to look forward to.”

Tickets for the big fight night at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany are available at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 14th, 2013) — These last few weeks have been like a midterm cram-session for Vladine Biosse, except this fighter is no wide-eyed freshman.

The popular super middleweight, dubbed “Mr. Providence” by his hometown fans, is working with new trainer Paul Andrade for the first time as he prepares for Friday’s showdown against Latif Mundy (10-5, 4 KOs) at Twin River Casino. Like any new relationship between a fighter and his trainer, this one is a work in progress, so Biosse (14-2-1, 7 KOs) will lean heavily on his own experience in Friday’s eight-round co-feature while implementing as much of Andrade’s game plan as possible.

“I’m learning things I never knew before,” Biosse said. “My mind is expanding. I’m just soaking it all in.”

The Biosse-Mundy fight is one of nine on Friday’s card, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports. “The New Era” also features the eight-round main event between undefeated female bantamweight Shelito Vincent (8-0) of Providence and South Carolina’s Angel Gladney (8-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) International title.

Tickets for “The New Era” are $41.00, $76.00, and $126.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.shop.cesboxing.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.

After losing to Marcus Upshaw in January, Biosse decided to make changes within his camp. Andrade, the father of former Olympian and Providence native Demetrius Andrade, replaced Orlondo Valles, who trained Biosse from the start. The opportunity to add a new voice and expand his network intrigued Biosse.

“I really didn’t want to leave Orlondo,” Biosse said. “I wanted to add another point of view. He and I have worked together since 2007. He started me off. I didn’t even know how to throw a punch before I worked with him. Nothing against his style, or his ability to train, but I reached the point where I felt I was at a standstill, and you should never feel stagnant in anything you do in life.

“He wanted to do it his way, and I wanted to do it the way I felt comfortable doing it. No hard feelings – we just parted ways.”

Upon working with Andrade, Biosse spent two weeks in California last month training and sparring at the infamous King’s Boxing Gym in Oakland, the home of undefeated super middleweight champion Andre Ward and countless other pros.

“It was an eye-opener,” he said. “Sometimes when you’re in this game you get so close-minded about things and you don’t get the understanding of what goes on elsewhere until you go there yourself and witness what goes down at a world championship level. Seeing how it’s done firsthand is awesome – very motivating. Sometimes it’s what you need to get back on track.”

In order to shake off the loss to Upshaw in January, Biosse will need to take care of business Friday against the dangerous Mundy, a tough Philadelphia native who’s gone toe-to-toe with some of the elite middleweights in boxing, including Ossie Duran, Matt Korobov and Patrick Majewski. This will be Biosse’s first fight at Twin River since he dominated fellow Providence native Joey Spina almost one year to the date in May of 2012.

“There’s nothing better than being in Rhode Island and fighting in front of your fans,” Biosse said. “This guy is a tough fighter. He comes right at you. He’s a skilled fighter – a very tough fighter – and I take nothing away from him. I know he’s coming to win. So am I.”

The undercard features seven bouts, most of which are regional showdowns, starting with Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (9-1, 7 KOs) stepping up to face undefeated power-puncher Tylon Burris (5-0, 3 KOs) of Hartford, Conn., in a six-round bout. Super middleweight Rich Gingras (12-3, 8 KOs) of Attleboro, Mass., a former contestant on The Contender reality television series, will battle the red-hot Joey Gardner (11-5-1, 1 KO) of Woonsocket, R.I., in a six-round bout.

The always-busy Falowo, who’s known for throwing a high volume of punches from start to finish, will have his hands full with Burris, who has raised eyebrows in New England following an impressive knockout win over previously-unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Kevin Cobbs in November. Falowo has won his last three bouts, all by knockout, since suffering his first loss in May of 2012.

The Gingras-Gardner showdown came to fruition after Providence’s Alex Amparo was forced to withdraw from his scheduled rematch with Gardner due to a rib injury. Gardner, who has won his last three fights, will instead face Gingras, a former cruiserweight now looking to make his mark in the super middleweight division.

Also on the undercard, Boston’s Maceo Crowder (2-0, 1 KO), the half-brother of former U.S. Olympian and Providence native Demetrius Andrade, will return from a three-year absence to face Harwich, Mass., veteran Paul Gonsalves (4-3, 3 KOs) in a four-round super middleweight bout; and welterweight Jon Smith (1-0) of Cranston, R.I., will battle newcomer Oscar Diaz of Hartford, Conn., in a four-round bout. In a six-round special attraction, former Cranston amateur standout Nick DeLomba will make his professional debut against Portland, Maine native Jimmy Smith (0-0-0); the latter is returning to the ring for the first time in more than a year after his debut was cut short due to an accidental head butt. Smith and DeLomba faced one another twice as amateurs with each fighter winning once.

Hyannis, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (5-1-1, 3 KOs) will take on West New York, N.J., challenger Phillip Triantafillo (2-2, 1 KO) in a four-round bout, and Springfield, Mass., welterweight Zack Ramsey (3-0, 3 KOs) will return to face Hyannis’ Robert Brando-Hunt (0-3) in a four-round bout. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

CES is proud to announce its May 17th event will be held in honor of those affected by the recent Boston Marathon bombings, along with all the first responders, fire fighters and law-enforcement officials who worked tirelessly in the aftermath of such a senseless tragedy. On May 17th, “This one’s for Boston!”

Also on May 17th, former New England Patriots fullback and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Pass will receive the CES Special Recognition Award, and an additional ceremony will be held in memory of the late Matthew Cariglio Sr., a dear friend of the Classic Entertainment & Sports family.

Three-time world title challenger and former reality television star Peter Manfredo Jr., “The Pride Of Providence,” will also be on hand beginning at 6 p.m. for a special meet-and-greet outside the arena. Manfredo Jr. will also provide televised color commentary alongside play-by-play host Patrick Sullivan.

Twin River Casino is an exciting gaming, dining and entertainment destination, located in Lincoln, R.I., just 45 minutes from Boston and 10 minutes from Providence. Twin River features more than 4,700 slot machines, many virtual gaming options with black jack and roulette tables and more. This unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000-plus square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, the legendary Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse and Wicked Good Bar & Grill, as well as 13 other dining outlets.

NUTLEY, NJ (May 14, 2013)—This past Friday night, John “Apollo Kid” Thompson and Antoine “Action” Douglas remained perfect with bog victories at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

Thompson and Douglas are promoted by Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

Thompson scored an eight round unanimous decision over Geovanni Rodriguez in a Jr. Middleweight bout that was televised live on SHOWTIME’s acclaimed series SHO BOX: The New Generation.

Douglas scored a ninety-eight second destruction over Coy Witt in what was a scheduled six round Middleweight bout.

Thompson looked spectacular as he scored four knockdowns and finished the fight in style as he dropped Rodriguez twice in the final frame en route to the victory that read 78-70; 78-70 & 78-71.

Thompson, 24 years-old of Newark, New Jersey is now 12-0 was making his national television debut.

“I know I still have things to work on”, said Thompson

“I used my movement and I know I have to use my head”

On the four knockdowns, Thompson said, “I went for it. I landed a couple of jabs. Against the southpaw, I landed those jabs and stepped over with the right hand”

On wanting a knockout, “It’s a win. A knockout would have been a plus. I thought I had him in the 8th round but for some reason the referee stepped in and I actually thought he was stopping the fight”.

On Winning on National Television, “It means a lot. I hope the right people were watching”.

On trainer Buddy McGirt, “Buddy has been a great asset to me. Expect to see more improvements with each fight”

Douglas of Washington, DC is now 7-0 with five knockouts after his win.

Douglas dropped Witt twice and finished the fight by knockout Witt cold with a booming right hand.

“It was a team effort. He was reaching in and my coach (Kay Karome) told me to step over and land the right hand”, said Douglas.

“Every fight and victory is a step up. I am in great position knock away all obstacles and keep moving. I want to thank my team in my promoters Vito Mielnicki and Greg Cohen, my coach Kay Karome, my manager Billy Mielnicki plus all the family and fans that have supported me.”

Douglas will be back in action on June 15th at South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey.

Both fighters are managed by William Mielnicki

LOS ANGELES (May 13, 2013) – A fan-friendly, action-packed fight card highlighted by three important 12-round bouts which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions on Saturday, June 8, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., was formally announced by Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya today at La Fonda Restaurant in Los Angeles.

In what should be a slugfest in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, hard-hitting, former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion and current No. 2 rated WBA welterweight contender Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (33-3, 30 KO’s), of Santa Fe, Argentina will defend his WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Championship against tough-as-nails upset-minded Josesito Lopez (30-5, 18 KO’s) of Riverside, Calif.

In co-featured 12-round fights, top-rated super welterweight contenders Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (22-2, 18 KO’s), of Los Angeles by way of Mexicali, Mexico and Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KO’s), of Houston by way of Guantanamo, Cuba square off while and Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins (33-2-1, 13 KO’s), of Philadelphia takes on promising, undefeated Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (20-0, 10 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, for Hopkins’ USBA Junior Middleweight Championship and Charlo’s WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship.

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are available at AXS.com or by phone at 1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849), as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

Live preliminary fights will be shown on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

See below for what the fighters, their camps and De La Hoya said on Monday:

MARCOS MAIDANA

“I know Josesito is a great fighter. I know he likes to stand and trade and fight. That’s what I do and that’s why it’s going to be such an exciting fight.

“My plan is to go toe-to-toe. I don’t know what Josesito is going to do, but that’s what I plan to do. Pressure is the key to the fight.

“I’m feeling great. I’ve been in Oxnard, California for over a month already. I love training there. The weather is great and it’s where my coach (Robert Garcia) is. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to defend the honor of Argentina.

“The 147-pound division is where I feel best. I didn’t feel that way at 140. Now I’m free and I can eat more. My body is different and you can see the definition.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“When you’re fighting a heavy puncher like Maidana, you have to be smart. The move up to 154 pounds helped me now that I’m back at 147. Now I feel I’m a true welterweight. I feel great in the gym; stronger and faster.

“I’m so excited about this fight and I’m the one receiving the punches. I can only imagine how excited the fans are. Years ago before I was at this level I thought, ‘Man, this would be an exciting fight. I would love to get in there and bang with him.’ Now we’re here. It’s a hell of a match-up. It could be the fight of the year.

“This is a fight I have to win. It’s a fight that keeps me on the map. This is where I want to be and I’m working my ass off.

“He’s a strong puncher and I like to think I have a little punch myself. In the ring I just have to be smart whether it’s defense on the inside or boxing on the outside. I have to be the smarter fighter and whatever works that’s what I’m going to have to do.

“We have to be smart and shoot our jab. We have to pick our spots and not let him. He’s an inside fighter and he likes to bang. Well, I like to bang too. I’ve got to be in a position where I want to be, not where he wants me to be.”

ALFREDO “EL PERRO” ANGULO

“This is my third fight after my time off and conditioning-wise I’m feeling like my old self, feeling like I used to feel. There’s no doubt I’ll be in better condition than I was for my last two fights. There was just too much time off. Now, I’m in a rhythm.

“It’s going to be a very good fight, the bull versus the matador. I have a lot of respect for Lara. He’s a really good fighter and he wants to show he’s the best, but he’s going to have to come out and fight.

“He may think he’s just going to box, but he’s going to fight.”

ERISLANDY LARA

“There’s always a lot at stake when I fight, so I know I can’t look ahead or take Angulo for granted. He is my total focus now. After I win on June 8; I can start thinking about a world title shot again.

“Angulo is a good fighter. I give him a lot of credit. He always comes to fight. I’ve worked very hard and am preparing for the best Angulo possible.

“The fact that I’m favored to win means nothing. Once the bell rings, it doesn’t matter what the odds are. It’s what you do in the ring that counts.

“Style-wise this is a perfect fight for me because Angulo likes to come forward. It’s the classic boxer versus the puncher. I expect to put on a boxing clinic, so you can expect a smart fight from me.

“Obviously, the most important thing is for me to win, but I want to put on a great show for all the fans.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA

“We should have called this ‘High Stakes’ because you have the welterweight division where you have Floyd Mayweather. The winner between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez automatically puts himself in line and at the front door knocking to fight the very best.

“This is how important this event is. This is high stakes here for everyone on this card. Saturday, June 8 will be explosive, that’s for sure.

“What’s most exciting for Alfredo Angulo’s team is that he’s just now putting everything together and really learning the craft of boxing under Virgil Hunter. It’s going to be very exciting to see him fight such an incredible fighter like Erislandy Lara.

“Stephen Espinoza (Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME SPORTS) has now taken SHOWTIME to a whole new level. This is the home of boxing and it will continue to be the home of boxing for many years to come.”

KEN THOMPSON, Josesito’s Lopez’ Co-Promoter

“Here we go again…one more time in L.A. and in every city thanks to SHOWTIME. We have the best fighter in the world in Josesito Lopez, the ‘Riverside Rocky.’

“When Josesito and Marcos Maidana enter the ring for the main event on June 8, no judges will be needed. This fight will end with one great fighter laying in the middle of the ring, while the other great fighter will be standing and getting his hand raised in victory and that fighter is the ‘Riverside Rocky,’ Josesito Lopez.”

LUIS DECUBAS JR., Erislandy Lara’s Manager

“This is going to be a great fight. We’re happy to be on such a great card. Erislandy is ready. He knows he is in with a very tough, aggressive fighter.

“Angulo is a hungry and determined fighter, but so is Erislandy. We’re excited about fighting on June 8.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Marcos Maidana’s Trainer

“We’re training hard for this fight and we know what type of fight we have in front of us. We cannot take this fight lightly.

“We’ve gotten some great sparring in for this fight and I know Josesito and his coach have done the same. We’re actually pretty good friends with Henry (Ramirez). We just know this is a fight that fans are really going to enjoy.

“We know both fighters’ styles and we know this could turn out to be one of the best fights of the year. As everyone who has seen the last few of Maidana’s fights knows, he is starting to use his jab a little more and using a little more footwork, in and out, so we’re going to fight smart. I know this will be end up in a war and whoever is the best conditioned has the best chance to win.

“I fought most of my fights on SHOWTIME so I’m just so happy to be part of SHOWTIME again.”

HENRY RAMIREZ, Josesito Lopez’s Trainer

“Josesito has been living with me at my place the last few weeks. He wanted to do it and it was his idea. This way there are no distractions. Just eat, sleep and think boxing. It’s been working out great.

“The return to 147 pounds will do him a lot of good. I think the time off will do him a lot of good, too, but we didn’t really plan to be off this long.

“This fight, Josesito and Maidana, is a Fight of the Year candidate. Robert Garcia and I are good friends, but this is a sport and I know he has been preparing Maidana like I’ve been preparing Josesito.

“This will be a terrific fight.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Alfredo Angulo’s Trainer

“I want to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy. This is going to be a great fight. We have great respect for Lara, who’s a great Cuban fighter, but we know what a big chance this is for us.

“I believe Angulo has been judged a little harshly; after all, he has only had two fights after spending nine months in detention. That’s tough for a fighter to be away that long. His first comeback fight lasted a minute. The last fight, he went 12 strong rounds and closed the show. He’ll be even better on June 8.

“I don’t think the styles will make a difference. The winner will be who wants it more. I expect Alfredo to hit another level. He’s prepared and excited to fight Lara.

“Don’t miss it. Tell a friend.”

Promoter Hani Darwish of The Darwish Brothers proudly announces that the Diving Horse Cabaret and Steakhouse (www.divinghorseclub.com) will be providing the beautiful round-card girls and hosting the 21+ After Party for The Darwish Brothers Presents: “Extreme Fighting Championships: MMA MANIA” on Saturday, May 18, in the Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

A DO NOT MISS event of an unheard of scale for Atlantic City, “Extreme Fighting Championships: MMA MANIA” will feature popular Paterson, New Jersey, battler Montsir “Monster” Mohammad taking on New York’s Christopher Vallaro for the EFC Light Heavyweight Championship in the main event and Nick “The Brick” Mauriello against Frank Doyle for the vacant EFC Super Welterweight Championship.

Tickets for “Extreme Fighting Championships: MMA MANIA” are priced at $46, $67, $100 and $125 Cageside and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, at the EFC website: www.efcmma.com, or at the Trump Taj Mahal box office on fight night.

Offering the finest in adult entertainment, the Diving Horse is the only real gentlemen’s club in Atlantic City and Cape May County, New Jersey, and features a Steakhouse, three bars, and a VIP area, as well as the top stars in adult entertainment on a nightly basis.

In addition to the beautiful round-card girls who will be working the show as representatives of the club, the 21+ After Party starts immediately following “Extreme Fighting Championships: MMA MANIA” and will offer reduced admission to ticket holders, as well as the beautiful adult film star Asa Akira as the night’s headline entertainment.

“I am proud to partner with a classy gentleman’s club like The Diving Horse,” said Hani Darwish. “They have long been the premier club of its kind in the area and by providing some of their beautiful girls for the round-cards, it makes an already sensational event that much better.”

ATTENTION FANS: The Darwish Brothers and the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City are announcing a very special $10 Bonus Slot Dollar opportunity to attendees of their next sensational MMA show.

Ticket buyers to the Saturday, May 18, “Extreme Fighting Championships: MMA MANIA” event in the Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal can bring their ticket to the promo booth, sign up for a Trump card, and will then receive $10 free bonus slot dollars on to the card, which can be used at any slot machine at the Taj on fight night.

Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout is at 8 pm. All bouts subject to change.

For more information on the EFC or our fighters, visit our official website: www.efcmma.com.

WARNING: All EFC events sell out. Purchase your tickets now before it’s too late

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Zou Shiming will headline his second card in Macau, China on July 27th that will also feature two world title bouts and be televised on HBO 2 and Uni Mas.

“We’re very pleased with the way the show came together,” said Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum, who has long wanted to open the potentially lucrative Chinese market to world-class boxing. “I think everyone enjoyed our first show there and we’re looking forward to doing more.”

Featherweight Evgeny Gradovich (16-0, 8 KOs) of Russia will make his first title defense against mandatory challenger Mauricio Munoz of Argentina (26-3, 12 KOs) in one of the title bouts. Also, Juan Francisco Estrada (24-2, 18 KOs), who won a decision against Brian Viloria to claim a pair of world flyweight title belts on the April 6 undercard, will return to Macau for his first defense, a mandatory against the Philippines’ Milan Melindo (29-0, 12 KOs), who also won on the April undercard by knocking out Tommy Seran in the fourth round.

“I think Estrada-Melindo will be well-anticipated [in Macau] because Estrada looked so good there against Viloria and Melindo knocked a guy cold on the undercard and now they are fighting each other,” Arum said.

Also on the card — in a fight that will air in the United States on same-day tape delay on UniMas’ “Solo Boxeo Tecate” series — undefeated heavyweight prospects Andy Ruiz (18-0, 12 KOs), born in Mexico and living in California, and Joe Hanks (21-0, 14 KOs), of Newark, N.J., will square off in a scheduled 10-round bout that could go a long way to producing a heavyweight prospect to watch.

“After the first show, that night, they asked us when could we come back,” Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti said of Venetian officials.

“I’m looking forward to every one of these fights. Estrada-Melindo is a guaranteed fight of the year candidate with the way these guys like to go at it. Gradovich is in an interesting division against a good opponent. When you can put together two undefeated heavyweights it means something and has an immediate impact on the division and then you have Zou, who they love in China.”

“[Top Rank matchmaker] Bruce [Trampler] says that Andy Ruiz is a future heavyweight champion in the post-Klitschko era,” Arum said. With three Macau cards scheduled, Arum said his company is not done.

“We’ll have three in Macau this year and we’re working on a show at the Venetian in Singapore for whenever they want it, maybe October,” Arum said.

LAS VEGAS – MAY 13, 2013 Rocktagon Worldwide is taking flight and soaring to new heights, and it all begins with a major announcement that is guaranteed to rock the promotion to its very core.

After 26 shows in two and a half years, Rocktagon MMA CEO James Jeda has announced the promotion would be launching its first-ever all pro national tour in July.

According to Jeda, the tour is slated for a variety of major markets monthly with limited pro-amateur cards still being showcased in a few select areas.

This move marks a more serious tone for Rocktagon as it continues its march towards mainstream expansion. For fans, this means bigger cards and more exciting fights.

In a statement released on Friday, Jeda was direct in his explanation of why he felt now was the time to make such a bold move:

“We have the infrastructure, talent and television coverage in place to make an impact on the national level.”

The national pro tour is expected to kick off in July with the first event being held in El Paso, Texas. More news regarding the event date and bouts featured on the card will be coming soon.

Jeda also announced the fight card scheduled for June 8 has been moved to August 10. There should be no worries for Indiana fans looking to get their Rocktagon fix, as the event will still take place in Indianapolis.

For those unaware, Jeda suffered a mild heart attack in late April due to significant blockages in his main arteries. He has continued to soldier on despite his ongoing health situation in making good on appearances and overseeing Rocktagon’s day-to-day operations.

After serious consideration and suggestions from his doctor, Jeda has decided to take some time off. With cardiac rehab already underway, the decision was made to push the Indiana event back two months while still moving forward with the Ohio and Texas dates.

This momentary hiatus should prove beneficial in helping Jeda return to full health. Thankfully, he is surrounded by an all-star team who will ensure that business goes on as usual and things continue to run smoothly.

Rocktagon MMA will return on June 15 with Rocktagon XXVII “Prepare for Battle” at the UAW Event Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The main event will feature a showdown between Tiawan “The Rising Dragon” Howard and Quinton McCottrell. Doors open at 6:00 pm with fights starting at 7:00 pm. Tickets starting at $35 are available online at www.RocktagonWorldwide.com, or in person at participating Discount Drug Mart locations.

To find out more about Rocktagon MMA, please visit www.RocktagonWorldwide.com or text MMA to 36000. Fans may also follow Rocktagon MMA on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter

Montreal, Monday, May 13th 2013 – InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) have reserved the dates of Saturday, December 7th and Saturday, January 25th at the Montreal Bell Centre for the postponed Bute vs. Pascal bout.
Both promoters reserved two dates in order to afford HBO some options. Both promoters plan to discuss the two options with HBO Executives in a few weeks time before announcing the exact rescheduled date.

All tickets purchased will be accepted
All fight fans who have purchased tickets already can hold on to them for the December 7th or January 25th rescheduled date. Fans can also purchase tickets to this historic event by visiting www.evenko.ca, through InterBox, through GYM (514) 383-0666, and by contacting the club de boxe Champion (514) 376-0980.

BIG BEAR, CA (May 13, 2013) Having started training in the mountains of Big Bear, California for his eighth world title defense, WBA and IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin has become the best man standing in the division.

Golovkin will defend his titles against Ireland’s Matthew Macklin on Saturday, JUNE 29 at the MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut in a bout that will be broadcast as the main event on HBO, beginning at 9:45 PM ET/PT.

With an undefeated record of 26-0-0 with 23KO’s, Golovkin’s 88% knockout ratio is the highest among any middleweight champion in the history of the sport. Additionally, his last thirteen bouts have ended by stoppage, the highest active knockout streak of any current champion.

“Gennady has truly distinguished himself as the most exciting, biggest punching and most active fighter in the middleweight division” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “Looking through the division, WBC titlist Sergio Martinez has proven to the best, however he is not available until next year due to injuries suffered in his valiant win over Martin Murray last month”.

“Felix Sturm has all but disappeared since losing his title, although Gennady has offered him an opportunity to fight for his title back in Germany.”

“Daniel Geale relinquished his WBA “Super” title status in order to avoid having to face Gennady. Although he still has the IBF Title, we don’t see him wanting to face Gennady in a unification bout in the near future. ” continued Loeffler.

“WBO belt holder Peter Quillin has been stuck fighting on undercards as opposed to main event status granted to a marketable, hard punching, world champion such as Golovkin.”

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is one of the most popular fighters in the division. Fans have been clamoring to see a fight between him and Gennady, the division’s two hardest punchers. We would certainly welcome the opportunity to face him in a mega-event for the fans.”

Golovkin’s title defense against Macklin on JUNE 29 will be his third this year and fourth since debuting in the US and on HBO last September with a dominant fifth round stoppage of European Champion and top rated WBA contender Grzegorz Proksa.

Since the Proksa knockout, Golovkin has become one of the most talked about fighters in the sport.

This year Golovkin has fought at two of the premier boxing locations in the world, stopping Gabriel Rosado on JANUARY 19 in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden, ‘The Mecca of Boxing” and most recently knocking out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida on MARCH 30 in Monte Carlo, a stunning stoppage that has become a top candidate for the 2013 Knockout of the Year.

Continued Loeffler, “Gennady told us that he wanted to stay busy in 2013, and that he would fight anyone from 154 to 168 anywhere in the world. Right now he’s on pace to fight up to five times this year, quite the contrast from many other top champions who are only fighting twice a year. Now that HBO is firmly behind him, we have the budget to go after high profile opponents such as Matthew Macklin.”

Golovkin arrived in Big Bear on Thursday, MAY 2, and weighed in at 166 at The Summit High Altitude Training Center according to his noted trainer Abel Sanchez.

Due to an injury picked up in sparring to head liner Alex Montgomery, the May 24th card at Cleland Miners Club has now been rescheduled to Friday June 28th at the same venue. In addition to the injury to Montgomery, Fauldhouse fighter Sean Watson has also endured a personal problem which has seen him struggle to make the original date .

With two of the original four scheduled home fighters having to come off the bill, promoter Paul Graham explains it was the logical choice to reschedule the show to a later date “Alex has picked up a cut in sparring, its quite a deep one so we need to give him time to get over it. Its not great, but we will monitor the situation closely and hopefully get him on a another show in due course.
“I spoke to Sean (Watson) and he explained that he wouldn’t be able to make the original date, but the new date gives him some much needed breathing space. We will confirm his opponent closer to the bout and look forward to seeing him back in action.
On the rescheduled bill, undefeated Welterweight Rhys Pagan (5-0) faces Hungarian Joseph Garia over six rounds, and Ayr’s Martin McCord will make his long awaited professional debut.
Also in action is recently crowned Irish Super Featherweight champion James Tennyson (6-0), who previously fought in last December’s Prospect Boxing show in Wishaw, is pencilled to take on Imre Nagy over six rounds.
While the fighting line up may have changed, Graham confirms the other entertainment will still go ahead as promised “ The ticket price will still include entertainment in the form of Tam Cowan, and few singers and it also does include a bit of food as well. The club is quite a small venue, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the layout of the hall gives it a unique atmosphere to what should be a entertaining night.

Prospect Boxing present an evening of Professional Boxing the pro debut of Martin McCord and the return of Sean Watson and Rhys Pagan and Irish Super Featherweight Champion James Tennyson in a four fight card at the Cleland Miners Welfare Club on Friday June 28th.
Also included in the ticket price are a meal and an appearance by BBC Off the Ball presenter Tam Cowan.
Tickets priced £35 are available from the boxers or by calling 01698 338 888 .
Further information available from www.prospectboxing.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing or via twitter @ProspectBoxing

May 13, 2013 – Undefeated lightweight contender Darley Perez (28-0, 19 KOs) has signed on to fight explosive Cuban superstar Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) in the co-feature of an HBO telecast taking place on June 8th, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The main event that evening will be a light heavyweight title tilt between Chad Dawson and Adonis Stevenson. Perez vs. Gamboa is a strong addition to an already stellar night of boxing.

Darley Perez is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions, while Yuriorkis Gamboa is promoted by 50 Cents’ SMS Promotions.

Perez is battletested but Gamboa will be his toughest test to date. A win could put either fighter in line for a major opportunity. Perez knows what is on the line and welcomes the challenge.

For Perez, he feels this step up in competition is coming at the perfect time in his career and he has been ready for this kind of test for quite some time.

“I wouldn’t dare take Gamboa lightly, I’ll train hard for a tough fight and he’d be well-advised to do the same because I’m a top fighter. I will prove to everyone that I am a world-class fighter and the rest of the world will figure out what I already know after June 8th,” said Perez.

Gamboa, with his aggressive style, has emerged as one of the best fighters to defect from Cuba. He’ll look to continue his winning ways on fight night.

“I keep looking to prove my worth and will now do so in trying to win a 4th world title in a third weight class, the lightweight division,” Gamboa said. “I like challenging myself. June 8th I plan on showing my best yet again.”

Gary Shaw, Perez’s co-promoter, knows how ready his fighter is for this opportunity and is also aware of the fact that a win for Perez would be considered a significant upset. However, he thinks that if people were educated enough on Perez’s ability then they wouldn’t see it as that shocking an outcome.

“You have to understand that we’ve been waiting on an opportunity like this for Perez to make his mark. Some may feel like it is Darley’s chance to pull off the shocking upset, but I see it as more of a coming out party. We’ve had him caged in waiting for the chance to unleash the beast and we could’ve pulled the trigger a couple fights back and then the world would be aware of his chances in this fight. But because we knew that an opportunity like this was only a matter of time we waited and now he will show he’s been a top contender all along,” Shaw said.

“The fight on June 8th between Yuriorkis Gamboa and Darley Perez is going to be very exciting.” said Curtis Jackson (AKA 50 Cent). “Gamboa has been training really hard and his fighting style is aggressive while Perez showcases a calmer demeanor in the ring which will make for a very competitive showing.

Alex Camponovo, general manager of Thompson Boxing Promotions said, “Darley Perez is not a simple opponent, he has the necessary tools to back up his undefeated record and he will be ready to fight a guy like Gamboa. We are excited to get him this opportunity and we trust in his ability.”

NEWARK, NJ (May 13, 2013)—This past weekend, New Jersey’s number one amateur boxing team, The Elite Heat / McGirt Boxing Team traveled to Quebec, Canada and were dominant at the esteemed Adidas Cup.

The team which consists of 12 boxers that range in ages 9-18 competed in 31 bouts against some of the best in Canada and came away with an astonishing 27-4 record in those bouts.\

The roster consisted of some of the best Jr. Olympic youngsters in the country.

Kavon Robertson (12 Years Old, 85 lbs)—2011 National PAL Champion, 2012 Ringside World Champion. Won the championship in Quebec

Malik Nelson (12 Years old 75 lbs.)—2012 Jr. Golden Gloves Champion, 2012 Ringside World Champion, 2013 National Silver Gloves champion. Won the championship in Quebec.

Vito Mielnicki (11 Years old, 75 lbs)—2011 and 2012 National Golden Gloves champion, 2012 Ringside World Champion, 2011 Title National Champion. Won the championship in Quebec.

Mudah Salaam (15 Years old, 132 lbs.)—2012 Silver Gloves National Champion. 3rd Place in Quebec

Jahlil Hackett (10 Years old, 80 lbs.) —2012 Title National Champion. 3rd Place in Quebec

Zahir Salaam (9 years old, 70 lbs.)—2012 Adidas National Champion. Won the championship in Quebec

Zyaad Hassan (11 Years old, 85 lbs.)—Won the championship in Quebec.

Oscar Lopez (13 Years Old, 101 lbs.)—2nd Place in Quebec

Steven Ramirez (13 Years old, 106 lbs.)—3rd place in Quebec

Jeremy Saldana (15 Years Old, 141 lbs.)—Won the championship in Quebec

Jeffrey Rodriguez (15 Years old, 152 lbs.)—Won the championship in Quebec

Jonel Larenzo (19 Years Old, 132 lbs.)—Won the championship in Quebec.

What made these accomplishments even more impressive is that the all of the Elite Heat / McGirt boxers had to win 2 or 3 bouts to win their championships and the kids also had to fight up in weight and age.

The team showed skills, power and ability to box and were much more skilled then their Canadian opponents.

The Elite Heat / McGirt Boxing team is a grass roots team that are looking to build and groom the best boxers from the ground up.

The Elite Heat / McGirt will next travel to Washington, D.C ad take on the best amateur fighters from the nation’s capital.

The team is supported by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions and is coached by Charles Johnson, Bernard Hackett and Muhammad Salaam

Huntington, NY (May 12, 2013) Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returned to professional boxing’s Long Island home, The Paramount in Huntington, New York on Saturday night with another installment of their sold-out Rockin Fights series.

“This was our eighth event at The Paramount and the fans who continually turn out in droves, each time packing the house, have really made this a special place for professional boxing” said DeGuardia.

In the main event, longtime heavyweight contender Vinny Maddalone had the Long Island faithful on their feet cheering on his third round knockout of previously undefeated Richard Carmack of Kansas City, Missouri.

With crunching hooks to the body and power shots to the head throughout the first two rounds, Maddalone, 37-8-0 (27KO’s), earned the stoppage, drilling the beefy Carmack, 12-1-0 (10KO’s), to the canvas in the third round as referee Tony Chiaranto called a halt to the proceedings at the 2:57 mark.

“This was a terrific performance for Vinny and we’re looking to a bigger fight in the division in the coming months” said DeGuardia.

In the eight round light heavyweight co-main event, Buffalo, New York’s Lionell Thompson scored an upset over the returning Yathomas Riley of Augusta, Georgia. A hotly contested battle over the course of the bout, although it appeared Riley may have had a shot of winning the close rounds, Thompson, 14-2-0 (9KO’s) was declared the winner by scores of 77-75 twice and 79-73.

Returning to the ring from a three-year absence following a wrongful incarceration on a murder charge, Riley, 8-1-0 (6KO’s) suffered his first defeat as he couldn’t shake the 3 year ring rust.

Headlining the undercard, touted Huntington prospect Alan Gotay improved to 5-0-0 (2KO’s) with a thrilling performance over Brooklyn’s Bryan Acaba, earning the stoppage at the 1:58 mark of the sixth round in their lightweight bout in a fantastic fight. The valiant but outgunned Acaba fell to 3-4-0 (2KO’s) in the fight which saw celebrity guest LL Cool J enthusiastically cheering the efforts of both boxers.

Hicksville’s junior welterweight newcomer Anthony Karperis got back on the winning track with a sharp looking four round decision over Carlos Nieves of the Bronx.

Dropping Nieves in the fourth from a hard overhand right,
Karperis, 4-1-0 (2KO”s) was declared the winner by scores of 40-35 on all three cards. It was another exciting fight on the great card.

Pro debuting Dave Meloni of Westbury, New York, had a rough start to his pro career as he was dropped and stopped in the first round by Brooklyn’s Soumana Abdoulaye. Giving Meloni a chance to recover from an early knockdown, referee Eddie Claudio stopped the featherweight bout at the 1:54 mark of the opening stanza. Abdoulaye’s record moved to 2-6-0 (1KO).

Opening the show in a four round middleweight bout, Uniondale’s Marcus Beckford and Carlos Lopez of the Bronx fought to a crowd pleasing, action filled majority draw. Scores were 39-37 for Beckford and 38-38 on the other two cards. Beckford now 0-0-2 and Lopez 0-1-1.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:

Opened September 30, 2011 this 1,555 capacity live entertainment venue located in downtown Huntington, Long Island, features concerts, boxing, comedy, community and other special events. Booked by Live Nation, the Paramount has hosted over 150 events in its first year of operation and quickly established itself as the premier music venue on Long Island. Some recent acts to take the stage include Pitbull, Taking Back Sunday, The Pixies, Elvis Costello, Warren Haynes, Willie Nelson, Brand New, Goo Goo Dolls, Primus, Marilyn Manson, Korn, The Wanted, The Script, Panic! At the Disco and many, more.

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:

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

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions wishes to thank his promotional partners (Eye of the Tiger, Vito Mielnicki and GH3 Promotions, and Pitbull Promotions) and congratulate all four of his fighters who scored impressive victories on Friday, May 10, in Miami, Oklahoma.

Fighting in the night’s main event and live on ShoBox: The New Generation Canada’s Dierry “Dougy Style” Jean (25-0, 17 KOs) won his 12-round IBF elimination bout with a spectacular, one-punch TKO 4 (2:01) over Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (17-4-2, 6 KOs).

Jean took a few rounds to study the tricky southpaw Pendarvis before unloading his paralyzing right hand. Pendarvis rose bravely, but a follow-up barrage rightfully brought the stoppage. Jean is now the mandatory challenger for the IBF Super Lightweight Championship.

“Dierry made the most of his USA premium cable debut. He not only won his fight but did so in a way that establishes him as a top contender and will create added anticipation when he does challenge for a world title,” said Cohen. “He laid out a good fighter with that right hand and sent a message to the rest of the division. My promotional partner on Dierry, Camille Estephan, and I know that after his next fight, Dierry will be crowned junior welterweight champion of the world.”

In the night’s nationally televised co-feature, junior middleweight John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson IV (12-0, 4 KOs) dominated formerly undefeated Giovany Rodriguez (8-0, 5 KOs) of Puerto Rico, scoring four knockdowns over eight one-sided rounds.

In an eye-opening performance, Thompson kept his composure and let his advantages in speed and talent dominate Rodriguez. Thompson was moving in for the kill when the final bell rang.

“That was the most controlled performance John has ever given,” continued Cohen. “(Co-trainers) Buddy McGirt and John Thompson III have done a terrific job with John. He’s developing into a very solid prospect at 154 lbs.”

In the chief supporting bout of the undercard, GCP’s unbeaten welterweight Cecil McCalla (16-0-0, 6 KOs) scored a six-round unanimous decision over respected veteran Abel Perry (18-7-0, 9 KOs) and middleweight Antoine Douglas moved his record to 7-0-0, 5 KOs by making quick work (TKO 1 @ 1:36) of fellow Virginian Coy Witt (now 2-4).

“All my fighters did exactly what we hoped they’d do,” said Cohen. “Cecil and Antoine both continued their climbs with solid wins over decent opposition. Both guys made it look easier than people thought they would. It was a great night for GCP and our fighters. I want to thank my partners, Camille Estephan, Vito Mielnicki and GH3 Promotions and Pitbull Promotions and the staff at the Buffalo Run for a terrific event. The future is bright for all of our guys who fought tonight.”

Rances Barthelemy will meet Fahsi Sakkreerin on June 21st in Minnesota in an IBF Jr. Lightweight elimination bout that will be broadcasted on ESPN Friday Night Fights according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“The main event [is] between two of the world’s top 130-pound fighters,” Warriors Boxing promoter Leon Margules said in announcing the card. “While ‘Mountain Boy’ Sakkreerin is a lesser-known commodity over here, he’s well known in Asia as a very tough fighter. Rances is coming off a closer-than-expected performance in his last fight, so he’ll be looking to return to his dominant form. I expect both main event fighters to show up ready for all-out action. They both know what’s on the line. The winner will fight for a world championship.”

In the co-feature, middleweight Caleb Truax (21-1-1, 12 KOs), 29, from Osseo, Minn., will take on Chicago’s Donovan George (24-3-2, 21 KOs), 28, in a scheduled 10-rounder.

“The co-main event between one of our local heroes, Caleb Truax, and Donovan George will be huge for fight fans in this area,” said Tony Grygelko of Seconds Out Promotions. “Caleb is a very hard puncher and so is Donovan, so we don’t expect a distance fight. It will be bombs away in there. This will be a good old-fashioned middleweight war, and I’m very happy to be promoting it for Minnesota fight fans.”

Former world champion Vic Darchinyan scored an impressive third round stoppage over Javier Gallo in a scheduled ten round Super Bantamweight bout in Laredo, TX.

Darchinyan dropped Gallo three times in round two and finished the bout with a perfect left hand that dropped Gallo for a fourth time in round three.

Darchinya, 123 1/2 lbs of Armenia is now 39-5-1 with twenty-eight knockouts. Gallo, 123 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 18-7-1

2012 Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez scored an explosive first round knockout over Rocco Espinoza in a scheduled six round Featherweight bout.

Espinoza scored three knockdowns with the first coming from a body shot, the second from a right to the head and third coming from a booming right hand and the fight was stopped at 2:58 of round one.

Valdez, 127 3/4 lbs of Nogales, MX s now 5-0 with four knockouts. Espinoza, 127 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is now 4-7

In a battle of undefeated Jr. Welterweights, Kendo Castaneda scored a four round majority decision over Victor Rosas.

Scores were 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 for Castaneda, 139 lbs of San Antonio, TX and is now 4-0. Rosas, 140 1/4 lbs of New Laredo, TX is 2-1.

WOODBURY, NY (May 10, 2013) This afternoon the Official Weigh-In was held for Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “ROCKIN FIGHTS 8 event set for Saturday, MAY 11 at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.
Below are the results from the weigh-in;

Ten Rounds, Heavyweights
Vinny Maddalone, Queens, New York, 36-8-0 (27KO’s) 229LBS.
Richard Carmack, Kansas City, MO, 12-0-0 (10KO’s), 324LBS.

Eight Rounds, Light Heavyweights
Yathomas Riley, Augusta, GA, 8-0-0 (6KO’s) 173LBS.
Lionel Thompson, Buffalo, New York, 13-2-0 (9KO’s) 176lBS.

Six Rounds, Lightweights
Alan Gotay, Huntington, New York, 4-0-0 (2KO’s) 134LBS
Bryan Acaba, Brooklyn, New York, 3-3-0 (2KO’s) 134LBS.

Four Rounds, Junior Welterweights
Anthony Karperis, Hicksville, New York, 3-1-0 (2KO’s) 139LBS
Carlos Nieves, Bronx, New York, 0-2-0 141LBS.

Four Rounds, Featherweights
Dave Meloni, Westbury, New York, Pro Debut 127LBS.
Soumana Abdoulaye, Brooklyn, New York, 1-6-0 126LBS.

Four Rounds, Middleweights
Marcus Beckford, Uniondale, New York, 0-0-1 159LBS.
Carlos Lopez, Bronx, New York, 0-1-0 159LBS.

The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue, Huntington, New York, 11743. For directions and more information, please visit their website at www.paramountny.com

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7PM with the first bell at 8PM.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

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

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:

Opened September 30, 2011 this 1,555 capacity live entertainment venue located in downtown Huntington, Long Island, features concerts, boxing, comedy, community and other special events. Booked by Live Nation, the Paramount has hosted over 150 events in its first year of operation and quickly established itself as the premier music venue on Long Island. Some recent acts to take the stage include Pitbull, Taking Back Sunday, The Pixies, Elvis Costello, Warren Haynes, Willie Nelson, Brand New, Goo Goo Dolls, Primus, Marilyn Manson, Korn, The Wanted, The Script, Panic! At the Disco and many, more.

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the May 4th showdown that saw Floyd Mayweather record a unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero did over 1 million Pay Per View Purchases

“We still don’t have complete numbers, but we’ve seen the dish numbers and some of the cable numbers to be comfortable saying we will definitely exceed 1 million buys,” said head of Showtime Sports Stephen Espinoza on Friday. “We can’t tell how much it will exceed 1 million, though. That’s going to be determined by the reporting [from cable systems] that will come in over the next few weeks.

“We are absolutely satisfied,” Espinoza said. “We are pleased with the result. From a financial perspective, we are completely satisfied. We consider it a success. From a programming and fight fan standpoint, we consider it to be a very successful event.

“Looking at the numbers, for Floyd do to a million buys, and conceivably more, when it was one of his lesser-known pay-per-view opponents in the last six or seven years, that is a testament to his drawing power. Would we have liked to match the Cotto numbers or the De La Hoya numbers? Absolutely. Was that realistic? No, not with an opponent not nearly as well-known as Cotto or De La Hoya.

“I would have loved to [do 1.5 million buys] but the more accurate fight to compare it to is Ortiz. I take nothing away from Guerrero. He was a game competitor. He fought hard and belongs in the top tier at 147 pounds, but from a pure business perspective, he is not particularly well known and [has] not been in huge, marquee fights. So we are happy with the results.”

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Espinoza said of getting a Mayweather-Alvarez fight finalized. “There’s a lot of negotiating left to do, but often the biggest hurdle is convincing one fighter or the other to take the fight. That hurdle has been cleared. I truly believe Mayweather wants Canelo and that Canelo wants Mayweather, and that’s half the battle.”

Dierry Jean secured a world title shot as he scored a fourth round stoppage over Cleotis Pendarvis in an IBF Jr. Welterweight elimination bout at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

It was a competitive fight for the first two plus round as Pendarvis landed some nice hooks to the body and Jean landed some solid rights. Jean was cut badly around the right eye from a headbutt in round three.

In round four, Jean landed a booming right hand to the head that dumped Pendarvis on his back. Pendarvis stumbled to his feet but was able to continue. It did not last long as Jean jumped all over Pendarvis and hit him with with some vicious shots before referee Garry Ritter stopped the bout at 2:01 of round four.

Jean, 139 1/2 lbs of Port Au Prince Haiti will now look for a world title shot with a record of 25-0 with 17 knockouts. Pendarvis, 139 3/4 lbs of Long Beach, CA is now 17-4-1.

“The cut was bad,’’ said the 31-year-old Jean, who was born in Haiti but has lived in Canada since he was 10. “I couldn’t see anything. But my corner did a great job with it, and then I caught him with a perfect right hand. I was very surprised the referee let it go so long after the first knockdown but I knew I had to keep fighting and finish the job.

“I’m just so excited to finally be in a position to be getting a shot at the world title. I don’t care who it comes against. I feel I’m ready for anybody.

“Pendarvis was a good fighter and he surprised me a little bit with his counter-punching. But I thought I was winning all the rounds. So the fact he was ahead on one scorecard is surprising to me.’’

The loss snapped a six-fight winning streak for Pendarvis. “This is very disappointing,’’ he said, “but I just got caught with a great punch. I went into a shell after I got up and felt I was blocking most of his punches, but there are no excuses. I’ll be back.’’

In a battle between undefeated Jr. Middleweights, John Thompson scored a eight round unanimous decision over Geovanni Rodriguez.

Thompson boxed well over the first three rounds. In round four, Thompson landed a little right hand that made Rodriguez glove hit the canvas and was correctly ruled a knockdown. Later in the round, when it seemed Rodriguez steadied himself, he was dropped again form a hard jab.

Rodriguez started to get a little closer in round’s five and six and landed some good shots with both hands in those rounds. Thompson came back to have a solid round seven with his jab. Rodriguez came out in round eight and fought with some passion for the first time in the fight. That was short lived as Thompson landed a big right hand that sent Rodriguez to the canvas. With Rodriguez clearly hurt, Thompson landed a booming right that sent Rodriguez down for a fourth time in the bout. Rodriguez was able to make it to the final bell but Thompson was comfortably ahead and won by scores of 78-70, 78-70 and 78-71.

Thompson of Irvington, NJ is now 12-0. Rodriguez, 155 1/2 lbs of Trujillo, PR is now 8-1.

“I’m happy with the win but I know I can do better,’’ he said. “I still need to jab more. I should be able to dominate with the jab. But he was a good fighter. I definitely felt I had him out in the final round, but once he started to hold I knew the fight was going the distance. My speed and defense were the keys to my win tonight.’’