Tyson Fury – Steve Cunningham Press Conference “A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words”

Fury vs. Steve Cunningham fight, which is scheduled to take place the afternoon of April 20th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, a heated exchange ensued between Fury and Cunningham. The photo above clearly captures the continued antagonism that took place during the customary post press conference face off photo session. There is no love lost between the two heavyweight contenders. The unplanned press conference exchange set the stage perfectly for the battle to come. They say a picture says a thousand words…

Catch the whole press conference here: http://www.ustream.tv/mainevents

On April 20 card L to R: Adam Kownacki, Sevdail Sherifi, Tyson Fury, Curtis Stevens, Dynamite Dargan, and Steve Cunningham

Photo Credits Wojtek Kubik Photography

FIGHT INFO:

April 20th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York features a 12-round heavyweight battle between Tyson Fury and Steve Cunningham in the main event. Curtis Stevens will take on Derrick Findley in the 8-round middleweight co-feature. Six additional bouts are planned for the undercard. The main event and co-feature will be broadcast 4PM ET on NBC as a special 2 hour afternoon presentation of NBC Sports Fight Night. The card is presented by Hennessy Sports and Main Events.

The main event is an official IBF Heavyweight Voluntary Eliminator fight for the #2 position. The winner must meet #1 or the leading available contender to establish the mandatory challenger for Heavyweight King Wladimir Klitschko.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $100, $250 and $500. Tickets are available at the Madison Square Garden box office, through Ticketmaster 866-858-0008 and at ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices include a $5 Facility Surcharge. Ticketmaster purchases are subject to a Ticketmaster Surcharge. Wheelchairs, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available 212-465-6035.

PABLO CESAR CANO WITHDRAWS FROM MARCH 16 FIGHT AGAINST MANUEL PEREZ FIGHT AFTER COMING DOWN WITH THE FLU

LOS ANGELES, March 14 – The vacant NABF Super Middleweight Championship will be on the line when unbeaten Marco Antonio Periban of Mexico City takes on Colombian power-puncher Samuel Miller in the main event at the Grand Oasis Resort in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico on Saturday, March 16. The fight was elevated to the featured bout of the evening after Mexico’s Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano was diagnosed with a severe flu and high fever forcing him to withdraw from his fight with Manuel Perez, which was originally scheduled as the main event. Periban and Miller will square off in a 10-round battle that will be broadcast on FOX Deportes in the United States and Televisa in Mexico.

In the 10-round junior featherweight co-featured fight, recent world title challenger Alberto Guevara battles Jose Alfredo Tirado, who is stepping in to replace Jesus Jimenez following Jimenez being too far off weight to participate as scheduled. Plus, in non-televised undercard action, Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares takes on “Dangerous” David Rodela, while rising stars Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez and Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. enter the ring eager to add victories to their records.

Periban vs. Miller is presented by Golden Boy Promotions Pepe Gomez Promotor Deportivo and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui, The Grand Oasis Cancun, Quintana Roo Tourism and Cancun Tourism. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:00 p.m. CT. The Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 and begins at 10:30 p.m. CT and the FOX Deportes broadcast will air at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

28-year-old Marco Antonio Periban (19-0, 12 KO’s) begins his fistic year this Saturday after a 2012 that saw him continue his march toward a world title shot with four consecutive victories over Jesus Nerio, Gerardo Diaz, Lester Gonzalez and Francisco Sierra. Although he expects a tough fight from Colombia’s Miller, he also plans on coming out of the ring with his 20th straight victory while making a statement that he’s ready for the elite at super middleweight.

Colombian veteran Samuel Miller (25-6, 22 KO’s) has tested himself against the best for years, facing opposition like David Lopez, Brian Vera and Marco Antonio Rubio. Approaching his ten-year anniversary as a professional, the 33-year-old is hitting a power stride with his last 10 wins all coming by way of knockout, including six in the first round.

Fighting out of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, 22-year-old Alberto “Metro” Guevara (16-1, 6 KO’s) is one of the junior featherweight division’s top young stars. In his last fight in December 2012, Guevara went 12 rounds with IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in his first world title fight and learned several valuable lessons that he will implement in his upcoming 10-round bout against Culiacan’s Jose Alfredo Tirado (18-10, 11 KO’s). A professional since 1999, the 33-year-old Tirado is a former Mexican and WBC FECARBOX super flyweight champion who feels he has the experience to upset the younger Guevara.

Back in the win column after losses to tough competition in Antonio DeMarco and Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson, former Two-Division World Champion Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares was in top form in defeating Hector Velazquez last October. Now the 27-year-old from Venezuela hopes to keep the momentum going when he takes on Oxnard’s “Dangerous” David Rodela (16-7-3, 7 KO’s) in Cancun. The 30-year-old Rodela is always a tough test for anyone he steps into the ring with and fight fans can expect that he will be in Linares’ face from the first bell to the last.

The nephew of former World Champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, 19-year-old Los Angeles native Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez (7-0, 5 KO’s) has been a quick study in the family business, winning all seven of his fights as a professional. Blessed with speed and power, the always exciting Ramirez has victory number eight on his mind come March 16 when he meets up with Mexico City’s Aaron Olivares (6-3, 2 KO’s).

2012 United States Olympian Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) has made a smooth transition to the world of professional boxing, winning both of his bouts since debuting last December with a unanimous decision win over Vicente Alfaro. In February, Diaz scored his first pro knockout, finishing Jose Ruiz in the second round. On Saturday, he will face Chetumal’s Alberto Cupido (7-7-2, 6 KO’s) in a six-round junior featherweight match-up.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.quequi.com.mx, www.FOXDeportes.com and www.televisadeportes.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/PeriodicoQuequi, www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes and www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/periodicoquequi and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

Weights from Rhode Island

LINCOLN, R.I. (March 14th, 2013) – Listed below are final weights for all the participants in Friday night’s professional boxing event, “Unfinished Business,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports on March 15th, 2013.

PETER MANFREDO JR.

38-7, 20 KOs

Providence, R.I.

168 ½

WALTER WRIGHT

14-3, 7 KOs

Seattle, Wash.

170

JOE GARDNER

10-5-1, 1 KO

Woonsocket, R.I.

167

REYNALDO RODRIGUEZ

6-5-1, 3 KOs

Woonsocket, R.I.

167

THOMAS FALOWO

8-1, 6 KOs

Pawtucket, R.I.

162

JULIO GARCIA

6-3, 3 KOs

Boston, Mass. (Rincon, Puerto Rico)

170

EMMANUEL MEDINA

2-3-1, 2 KOs

Quincy, Mass.

164

BENNY COSTANTINO

7-2, 4 KOs

Warwick, R.I.

164

PAUL GONSALVES

4-2, 3 KOs

Harwich, Mass.

173 ½

KEVIN COBBS

6-1, 2 KOs

Burlington, Vt. (Willimantic, Conn.)

173 ½

PATRYK SZYMANSKI

5-0, 2 KOs

North Bergen, N.J. (Wroclaw, Poland)

147 ½

ANTONIO CHAVES FERNANDES

2-8-1

Brockton, Mass.

147 ½

VANESSA GRECO

1-2-1

Queens, N.Y.

115 ½

NOEMI BOSQUES

1-0

St. Petersburg, Fla. (Providence, R.I.)

113 ½

‘CFC FIGHT NIGHT’ FACT SHEET

WHAT: Live Professional Boxing

WHO: UBF US-NORTHEAST LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)

“Irish” Joey McCreedy (13-6-2, 6 KOs), Lowell, MA

Michael “Flash” Walchuk (9-8, 2 KOs), Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS, IBO INTERNATIONAL & UBF INTER-CONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS (10)

Osumanu Adama (20-3, 15 KOs), Joliet, IL

Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer (30-14, 16 KOs), Lawton, OK

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

“Vicious” Vivian Harris (29-9-2, 19 KOs), Sanford, FL

Shakka Moore (11-8-3, 2 KOs), Norwalk, CT

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Chris Traietti (10-3, 6 KOs), Quincy, MA

Tyler Seever (13-12-1, 11 KOs), Saint Joseph, MO

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Eddie “Thunder” Caminero (7-7, 7 KOs), Lawrence, MA

Russell Lamour (2-0, 1 KO), Portland, ME

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Boban Simic (1-0, 1 KO), Chicago, IL

Tyler King (pro debut), Boston, MA

BANTAMWEIGHTS (4)

Mike Martin (pro debut), Lowell, MA

Josh Crespo (0-1-1), New Haven, CT

(All Fights & Fighters subject to change)

WHEN:

Saturday, March 16, 2013

WHERE:

Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA

PROMOTER: Chicago Fight Clubs Promotion

TICKETS:

$42.00, $77.00 (floor) and $102.00 (ringside) and may be purchased online at the www.TsongasCenter.com; by phone at 866.722.8780; or at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell Box Office.

INFORMATION:

www.cfcpromotion.com, www.TsongasCenter.com, www.irishjoemccreedy.com or on Facebook/CFC Promotions LLC for additional information.

DOORS OPEN: 7:00 p.m. ET FIRST BOUT: 8:00 p.m. ET

ABOUT TSONGAS CENTER AT UMASS LOWELL: Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is a Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) managed facility. Global spectrum is the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 100 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Ovation Foods Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company and Paciolan, the leading provider of venue establishment ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

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TICKETS FOR “MAY DAY: MAYWEATHER VS. GUERRERO” ON SATURDAY, MAY 4 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT

LAS VEGAS (March 14, 2013) – When tickets went on sale Tuesday, March 12 for the May 4 WBC Welterweight World Championship mega event featuring Eight-Time and Five Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather against Six-Time and Four-Division World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., the public responded with a massive rush to the box office and online ticket outlets.

Within twelve hours of going on sale, less than 1,500 seats remained for the Cinco de Mayo weekend event. It’s obvious fans are clamoring to see boxing’s biggest attraction, Mayweather, return to the ring against the determined, hard-hitting Guerrero in addition to a second world championship bout between WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon and Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares as well as a soon to be announced roster of top flight undercard action.

“Boxing fans know what they get when they purchase a ticket to a Floyd Mayweather fight,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. “Floyd is the biggest attraction in the sport and the public has responded with a brisk buying pace which has led to tickets almost being sold out in one day. This will be another great night for all of those lucky enough to be in the arena for another Mayweather experience.”

“This is a testament to the interest in Floyd Mayweather and, I believe, in the inspirational story of Robert Guerrero and his will to win both in boxing and in life,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. “Tickets sold quickly and without reservation for this blockbuster event on the Cinco de Mayo weekend as sports fans understand the magnitude of what it means to be a part of this tremendous night of boxing.”

“MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero,” a 12-round fight for Mayweather’s WBC Welterweight World Championship is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Also featured will be Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Abner Mares, a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon’s WBC Featherweight World Championship.

Remaining tickets for “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” priced at $1,500, $1,250, $800 and $600, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.floydmayweather.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter at @FloydMayweather, @GHOSTBOXING, @DanielPonceDel1, @abnermares00,@MayweatherPromo, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @mgmgrand and @SHOSports, follow the conversation using #MayDay or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.facebook.com/GhostFans and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

NELSON & YORGEY LOOKING TO SHINE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN VALLEY FORGE

VALLEY FORGE, PA (March 14, 2013)—TOMORROW NIGHT!!! The first professional boxing card at the Valley Forge Casino resort will take place that will feature undefeated Lightweight Naim Nelson and Jr. Middleweight Harry Joe Yorgey in the co-featured bouts.

The show promoted by Kings Boxing Promotions will have a little something for everyone on this special night of boxing.

Nelson of Philadelphia is the currant Pennsylvania Lightweight champion will take on Georgi Kevlishvilli in an eight round bout.

Yorgey will look to get back in the win column when he takes on Julius Kennedy in an eight round bout.

Nelson (9-0, 1 KO) will look to stay perfect when he takes on battle tested Kevlishvilli (12-4, 3 KO’s)

Yorgey of Bridgeport, PA will look to reestablish himself as a top flight Jr. Middleweight contender after a disappointing defeat on Showtime to Jermell Charlo and he will take on Julius Kennedy (7-3-1, 3 KO’s) of Windsor Hill, Maryland.

In a six round Lightweight bout, Esteban Rodriguez (6-5-1, 1 KO) of Lebanon, PA will fight underrated Tevin Farmer (8-4-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia

In a six round Welterweight bout, Jerome Rodriguez (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA squares off with hard punching Rafael Montalvo (2-2, 2 KO) of Pottsville, PA

In a four round Jr. Welterweight affair, Sammy Quinones (1-1, 1 KO) of Pottsville, PA fights Korey Sloane (2-5) of Philadelphia

Travis Thompson (4-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Pottstown, PA will battle Joshua Arocho (3-6-2, 2 KO) of Vineland, NJ in a four round Lightweight bout.

Opening up the night will be a four round Jr. Lightweight bout that will see the pro debut of Sultahn Staton Philadelphia and Kenneth Brown (0-1) of Philadelphia

Tickets for this historic evening cost $125 (VIP); $75 (Ringside); $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the following locations:

Kings Promotions
440 Elm Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-587-5950

Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 1st Ave.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-768-3288
www.vfboxing.eventbrite.com

Empire Surplus Home Center
2741 Bernville, RD
Leesport, PA 19533
610-926-0500

ARREOLA VS. STIVERNE WBC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATION BOUT

Sherman Oaks, CA (March 14) – The beat goes on. Riverside’s Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) will fight Bermane Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) of Las Vegas on Saturday, April 27 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California said Dan Goossen, president of Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Arreola and Stiverne, the WBC #1 and #2 world rated heavyweights, respectively, face each other in the “Boxing Before Dark” 12-round WBC World Championship Heavyweight Elimination main event, with the winner guaranteed to immediately fight for the World Championship.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus fees, will go on sale this Saturday, March 16 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box-Office (open Monday-Saturday) or online at AXS.com or call AXS at 888-929-7849.

Rescheduled after Arreola was forced to postpone a previously scheduled fight with Stiverne due to illness, the crowd-pleasing heavyweight was thrilled with the new date.

“I’m glad we were able to reschedule this terrific heavyweight matchup so the boxing fans can look forward to an exciting night of action on HBO® with the heavyweight showdown between Cristobal Arreola and Bermane Stiverne,” said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming, HBO® Sports.

“The illness that forced me to pull out of the fight was unfortunate but I am very happy to once again be healthy and thankful to my promoter Goossen Tutor and HBO for rescheduling my fight,” stated Arreola. “Being less than 100% against an opponent like Stiverne and in a fight of this magnitude would not have been the best decision for my career. I’m back in training camp, completely healthy and fully motivated for April 27.”

Said Dan Goossen, “Heavyweights, especially hard-hitting, aggressive heavyweights, always get the fans excited, and this is a perfect fight to display that excitement.”

Said Stiverne, “The thing about Arreola is he’s a tough customer, but I have noticed that all of his opponents seem to fight the same way. They come into the ring with great intentions before falling into his traps. They have a game plan but they seem to forget. They follow the plan for a few rounds and then they let him take over. I will not do that. I’m bringing my ax to the fight and I’m going to chop the tree down.”

“Arreola is successful at intimidation but you can’t intimidate me. The fans are going to see the best Bermane Stiverne there is. I plan to impress and move to the next level.”

“This fight with Arreola became personal for me after the postponement. I’ve been going back and forth for so long waiting for this fight to happen that I’m now taking this personally. Time spent with my friends and family has been taken away from me, so it’s good he and I are finally going to get it on in Southern California on April 27.”

“It’ll be a great fight between Arreola and Stiverne,” Stiverne’s promoter, Don King, predicted. “It’s the next step in bringing the world championship back to America. The fight is a must see.”

In addition, being showcased that night will be Olympian twin brothers from Norwalk, CA, Javier (13-1, 5KOs), the 2008 US Olympian and Oscar Molina (2-0, 1KO), the 2012 Mexican Olympian. Also featured in a 4-round bout, the pride of the Ten Goose Gym, up-and-coming Juan Funez (1-0) of Van Nuys.

Doors open at Citizens Business Bank Arena at 2:30 p.m. The first bout starts at 3:00 p.m. with the scheduled 12-round bout between Arreola-Stiverne to begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Arreola-Stiverne showdown will be the opening bout of a special presentation of HBO® World Championship Boxing at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT.

UFC® HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CAIN VELASQUEZ FACES ‘BIGFOOT’ SILVA AT UFC® 160 IN LAS VEGAS ON MAY 25

Las Vegas, Nevada –UFC® heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez meets Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva on Saturday, May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a rematch between two of the sport’s most dynamic competitors. Velasquez and Silva previously met at UFC 146, with Velasquez emerging victorious. Now the two will meet for the sport’s biggest prize – the UFC heavyweight title.

After avenging his only career loss and regaining the title at UFC 155 last December, Velasquez (11-1) now prepares for the first challenger in his second reign atop the heavyweight division. This Memorial Day Weekend, he’ll meet Bigfoot Silva (18-4), who earned the shot at the UFC title with impressive back-to-back knockout wins over Travis Browne and Alistair Overeem.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos also returns to the Octagon® on May 25 to battle Mark Hunt, a winner of four straight, including consecutive knockout victories over Cheick Kongo and Stefan Struve.

In addition, rising light heavyweight star Glover Teixeira takes on New Zealand’s James Te Huna and lightweight Gray Maynard battles red-hot Canadian TJ Grant.

Tickets for UFC®160: VELASQUEZ vs. BIGFOOT 2, presented by BUD LIGHT®, go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $800, $600, $400, $250, $125 and $75. Tickets will be available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable service charges.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 21 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC®160: VELASQUEZ vs. BIGFOOT 2 will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, and in Canada on BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

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

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

GOLDEN GLOVES BOSS WARNS CHAMPION ‘GGG’ AHEAD OF ‘MONTE CARLO MILLION DOLLAR SUPER FOUR’ 30th MARCH 2013 in Monaco

New York, NY (3/14/13) – As the date of Gennady Golovkin’s title fight in Monte-Carlo looms, Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman has issued a stark warning to the WBA and IBO middleweight champion: “Underestimate Nobuhiro Ishida at your peril.”

Unbeaten Golovkin makes his seventh title defence against the Japanese boxer, who is considered an underdog against one of the world’s best fighters, in Monaco on March 30.

Berman’s fighters have a remarkable knack for upsetting the odds, none more impressive than Corrie Sanders, who stopped heavy favourite Wladimir Klitschko in two rounds for the WBO heavyweight title 10 years ago.The late Sanders was a prohibitive underdog, but he stunned the doubters with the performance of his life.

Berman also promoted the heavyweight championship fight when Lennox Lewis was knocked cold by unheralded Hasim Rahman inside five rounds in 2001.

One of Berman’s earliest world championship promotions saw unbeaten Olympic champion Kennedy McKinney derailed by little-known South African Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu for the IBF super bantamweight title. Ring Magazine named it 1994’s “Upset of the Year”.

“I must admit, it’s a bit freakish, which is why I learned long ago never to underestimate anyone in boxing,” said Berman. “Some of the least likely boxers go on to do great things.”

Another such example occurred in 1996 when Sugarboy Malinga, who had lost nine fights, was matched with ferocious puncher Nigel Benn for the WBC super middleweight title. Few gave Malinga a chance, but he captured a split decision in Benn’s UK backyard.

Berman was again the mastermind when former lightweight champion Dingaan Thobela knocked out Glenn Catley to win the WBC super middleweight title 13 years ago. It was an extraordinary upset that demonstrated Thobela’s power.

Africa’s greatest promoter was again on hand when low-key Phillip Holiday challenged vaunted Miguel Julio for the vacant IBF lightweight title in 1995. The Colombian was on a run of 27 stoppages, but this time it was Holiday who inflicted the stoppage, winning by TKO in the 10th round against every expectation.

Ratanopol Sor Vorapin had made 10 defences of his IBF minimumweight title when he faced Zolani Petelo, another Golden Gloves star, in 1997. Yet the tiny South African overwhelmed him, inflicting a fourth-round stoppage.

“Complacency is every boxer’s biggest enemy, let this be a warning to Golovkin. Ishida will do him no favours,” said Berman.

Golovkin versus Ishida is the headliner on the “Monte-Carlo Million Dollar Super Four” tournament that features four of the world’s best super middleweight and light heavyweight boxers, plus a clash for the European junior middleweight title.

The “Monte-Carlo Million Dollar Super 4” is distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite Pay-Per-View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH and Avail-TVN in the United States and in Canada via Bell TV for a suggest retail price of only $24.95. In addition, the event will be available via online Pay-Per-View at: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Gennady_Golovkin_vs_Nobuhiro_Ishida/1896

The event is promoted by Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves. The Golovkin-Ishida bout is promoted in association with K2 Promotions, while the Rodriguez-Maderna and Erdei-Grachev bouts are promoted in association with DiBella Entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the SBM Reservations Department by phone at: +377 98 06 36 36 (10 am to 7 pm) or email: ticketoffice@sbm.mc.

ELVIR MURIQI NOT LOOKING PAST VASQUEZ THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY

WHPPIANY, NJ (March 14, 2013)—This Friday night at the beautiful Birchwood, Manor in Whippany, New Jersey Light Heavyweight contender Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi will take on Paul Vasquez in an eight round main event of a great night of boxing promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

Muriqi of New York City has a record of 39-5 with 24 knockouts and he knows a win over Vasquez will put him on the road to a big a fight.

“I feel good and excited”, said Muriqi

Muriqi is coming off a fifteen month layoff but has had a good camp and is not looking past Vasquez

“I haven’t fought in a while and he has nothing to lose. I am excited to be back and especially to fight in front if my fans in the New York / New Jersey area”

Muriqi will look to get a big win and start the journey to a possible title opportunity with a specific titlist in mind.

“I do not know much on Vasquez. A win will hopefully keep me active which should get me a shot at the top guys and I would love to fight WBA champion Beibut Shuemneov.

That fight is the main event of a stacked card that will feature undefeated prospects and action packed fights

In what will most certainly be an six round Heavyweight slugfest, John Lennox (10-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret, NJ will take on Patrick Farrell (8-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ

In a four round Jr. Welterweight affair, Danny Gonzalez (1-0) takes on Carlos Nieves (0-1) of New York

In a four round super featherweight fight, Glenford Nickey (1-0) battles Anolan Rigal (1-3-1) of Johnson City, NY

In a four round Welterweight, new GH3 Promotions signee, Anthony “Juice” Young (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Ronnie Jordan (1-1-1) of Ohio

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tyrell Wright (1-0) of Jersey City, NJ will box Moses Marshall (0-0-1) of Springfield, MA

Popular Jr. Welterweight, Vinny O’Brien (3-2, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ takes on Anthony Smith (1-1) of Brooklyn, NY

Rounding out the card will be the pro debut of New York’s Ricky Edwards as he fights Moses Molina (1-3, 1 KO) of Bridgeton, NJ in a four round Lightweight bout.

Tickets are priced at $150 (VIP Ringside—which includes a cocktail hour and tickets in the 1st two rows—WHICH BEGINS AT 5:30); $100 Ringside and $50 for General Admission and can be purchased by going online at www.gh3promotions.com; www.eliteheatgym.com or calling Elite Heat Gym at 862-772-2532

The Birchwood Manor is located at
111 N Jefferson Rd Whippany, NJ 07981

VIDEO: Ruslan Provodnikov

VIDEO: Timothy Bradley

VIDEO: Bradley – Provodnikov Final Press Conference

Video: Jesse Vargas

VIDEO: Wale Omotoso

VIDEO: Bob Arum

LOADED BROADWAY BOXING CARD ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL 4 FEATURING FORMER WORLD CHAMPION YURI FOREMAN AND CONTENDERS GABRIEL BRACERO, LUIS DEL VALLE AND WBA #6 RATED WELTERWEIGHT IONUT “JO JO” DAN

New York, NY (3/13/13) – On Thursday, April 4, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) will return to Roseland Ballroom for the latest installment of its Broadway Boxing series. The stacked 11-bout card will feature a number of DBE’s top young prospects and contenders including former WBA junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman, 29-2, 8KO’s, Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (16-1, 11KO’s) and WBC #6-rated welterweight Ionut “Jo Jo” Dan Ion (30-2, 17KO’s). Also appearing on the card in separate bouts will be two of 50 Cent’s fighters out of his SMS Promotions stable, Luis Olivares and Donte Strayhorn.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Manfredi Auto Group, Newlio.com and Everlast. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $45.

“Our event on April 4 is possibly the most talent-laden Broadway Boxing card we have ever staged,” stated promoter Lou DiBella. “From top to bottom, this card features an amazing array of talent including former world champion Yuri Foreman and title contenders Jo Jo Dan, Gabriel Bracero and Luis Del Valle. We are also featuring some of the most promising prospects on our DBE roster, as well as two of 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions young stars. 50 will be in attendance with his fighters, truly making this a can’t-miss card for New York fight fans.”

“Both Luis and Donte have the skills to be very successful in boxing,” said Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. “I’m excited to have them on the upcoming Broadway Boxing card and to see their progression in the sport. I’m glad they are a part of SMS Promotions.”

After a two-year hiatus from the ring, the popular Brooklynite Foreman signed a promotional contract with DBE earlier this year and quickly returned to action, winning a six-round shutout decision over Brendan Baue on the DBE-promoted card on January 23, at BB King Blues Club. Foreman looked rejuvenated against Baue, boxing beautifully throughout their six-round contest, as his surgically repaired knee seemed to be a thing of the past. The 32-year-old Foreman is looking to reposition himself for a significant fight in the junior middleweight division some time before the end of 2013. Foreman’s bout is scheduled for six rounds against an opponent TBA.

Making his fourth straight appearance at Roseland Ballroom will be fellow Brooklynite and junior welterweight contender Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (21-1, 4KO’s). After dropping a decision in an absolute war to former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley on January 21, 2012, Bracero has reeled off three consecutive victories as he looks to reposition himself in line for another significant fight in the junior welterweight division. Bracero will see action in an eight-round bout against an opponent TBA.

Looking to put himself back into the win column after suffering his first pro defeat in a decision loss to multiple world champion Vic Darchinyan will be Puerto Rico’s Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (16-1, 11KO’s). The 26-year-old Del Valle, who made a name for himself early in his career fighting on DBE’s popular Broadway Boxing series, looked as though he was ready for a world title opportunity before being derailed by the longtime top-rated world champion and now resurgent contender Darchinyan on HBO’s Boxing After Dark on September 29, 2012. Since the defeat, Darchinyan has relocated his training camp from Puerto Rico to Mexico and is now training at the famed Romanza Boxing gym in Mexico City, Mexico, under the watchful eye of Hall-of-Fame trainer Nacho Beristain.

Fighting for the second time under the DBE banner will be the former two-time world title challenger Ion. The former NABA light welterweight champion Ion, a native of Romania, but now living and training in Montreal, Canada, has only two losses as a professional both coming in world title bouts to former WBC welterweight champion Selcuk Aydin. In those bouts, Ion traveled into Aydin’s backyard and put forth a great effort in two equally action-packed fights, only to come up on the wrong end of two very close decisions. Aydin went on to lose his title to 2012 “Fighter of the Year” candidate Robert Guerrero, who just recently defended his championship with a brutal 12-round unanimous decision over Andre Berto.

In his DBE debut in December of last year, Ion scored a devastating fifth-round TKO over Franklin Gonzalez. Rated as the number six welterweight in the WBA world ratings, Ion hopes to secure another title shot sometime this year. Both Ion and Del Valle’s bouts are scheduled for eight rounds against opponents TBA.

Additional bouts on the card and opponents for Foreman, Bracero, Del Valle and Ion will be announced very shortly.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and sponsored by Manfredi Auto Group, Newlio.com, and Everlast. SNY will broadcast the event tape-delayed. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $45. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® EPISODE EIGHT RESULTS

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighter® returned to FX on Tuesday night with the eighth episode of the season – “Bag of Tools”. New Zealander Dylan Andrews, who fights out of Gold Coast, Australia, claimed a majority decision win over Zak Cummings of Kansas City, Mo.

Andrews, 15-4-1 in mixed martial arts, used his strong grappling to outpoint Cummings, 15-3, in only the second decision of the season, capturing Team Jones’ third win of the competition.

Also in episode eight, one of the most highly anticipated and exciting Coaches Challenge to date. Held at ‘Dig This’ in Las Vegas, the coaches’ faced-off in three different competitions while driving excavators. Team Sonnen coach, Chael Sonnen, pulled off a come-from-behind win in the final seconds of the challenge – after having led the first half of the course – to claim the $10,000 prize and eternal bragging rights over Team Jones coach, Jon “Bones” Jones.

A full recap is available at ufc.com.

Results after episode eight:

Team Sonnen – coached by UFC® light heavyweight Chael Sonnen – (4-3)

Luke Barnatt (1-0, TKO win over Gilbert Smith in episode 2)

Uriah Hall (1-0, KO’d Adam Cella in episode 3)

Zak Cummings (0-1, lost a UD to Dylan Andrews in episode 8)

Tor Troeng (0-1, lost to Josh Samman via KO in episode 6)

Jimmy Quinlan (1-0, submitted Clint Hester in episode 7)

Kevin Casey (0-1, lost a UD to Collin Hart in episode 4)

Kelvin Gastelum (1-0, submitted Bubba McDaniel in episode 5)

Team Jones – coached by UFC® light heavyweight champion Jon Jones – (3-4)

Clint Hester (0-1, submitted by Jimmy Quinlan in episode 7)

Josh Samman (1-0, defeated Tor Troeng by KO in episode 6)

Bubba McDaniel (0-1, submitted by Kelvin Gastelum in episode 5)

Gilbert Smith (0-1, TKOd by Luke Barnatt in episode 2)

Collin Hart (1-0, defeated Kevin Casey by UD in episode 4)

Adam Cella (0-1, KOd by Uriah Hall in episode 3)

Dylan Andrews (1-0, defeated Zak Cummings by UD in episode 8)

The Wild Card fight was reintroduced this season, providing an opportunity for fighters who have lost in the preliminary fights to get back in the competition. Coaches Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen were given the opportunity to make their own selections, choosing Bubba McDaniel and Kevin Casey, respectively. Fighters who lost their preliminary fight by TKO were not eligible for the Wild Card bout.

The series resumes next Tuesday, March 19, on FX at 9 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings for Central and Mountain Time). In that episode – “The Wild Card” – A fighter calls out a competitor to fight in the next round. Both teams unite for a Thanksgiving feast. Two preliminary losers, McDaniel and Casey, then battle for a chance to get back in the competition when they throw down in the Wild Card fight. Then, UFC President Dana White reveals the quarterfinal match-ups.

For more show information, and your chance to play the TUF Fantasy Tournament, visit ultimatefighter.com and follow us on Twitter @TUFonFX or on Facebook.com/TUF.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series Sons of Anarchy and Justified; the miniseries American Horror Story: Asylum; the upcoming drama series The Americans; the acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, BrandX with Russell Brand, and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell; and the upcoming comedy Legit. The network’s library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX’s other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with UFC and NCAA football.

PABLO CESAR CANO MEETS MANUEL PEREZ ON MARCH 16 AT THE GRAND OASIS RESORT IN CANCUN, MEXICO IN A MAIN EVENT BOUT BROADCAST ON FOX DEPORTES IN THE UNITED STATES AND ON TELEVISA IN MEXICO

LOS ANGELES, March 13 – Welterweight contenders collide at the Grand Oasis Resort in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico on Saturday, March 16 when Mexico’s own Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano and Manuel Perez square off in a 10-round battle that will be broadcast on FOX Deportes in the United States and Televisa in Mexico.

The co-featured attraction will be a 10 round fight for the vacant NABF Super Middleweight Championship between unbeaten Marco Antonio Periban of Mexico City and Colombian power-puncher Samuel Miller.

Plus, recent world title challenger Alberto Guevara battles Jesus Jimenez in a fight to also be televised by Televisa. In non-televised undercard action, Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares takes on “Dangerous” David Rodela, while rising stars Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez and Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. enter the ring eager to add victories to their records.

Cano vs. Perez is presented by Golden Boy Promotions Pepe Gomez Promotor Deportivo and sponsored by Corona, Periodico QueQui, The Grand Oasis Cancun, Quintana Roo Tourism and Cancun Tourism. Doors open at 5:45p.m. CT and the first fight begins at 6:00p.m. CT. The Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 and begins at 10:30p.m. CT and the FOX Deportes broadcast will air at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (25-2-1, 19 KO’s) made a big impression in his 147-pound debut last October, going 12 rounds with WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and scoring an 11th round knockdown before losing a controversial split decision. On March 16, the 23-year-old Cano begins his road back to a world title.

Hawaii-born Manuel Perez (19-8-1, 4 KO’s) has won several regional titles, but his sights are set on the big names at 147 pounds. Stepping up his game in a big way in 2012, the 28-year-old won three out of four bouts last year, including wins over Edgar Santana and Jose Miguel Cotto. Now he will begin his quest for the welterweight crown with a pivotal showdown against Cano.

The great nephew of former World Champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, 19-year-old Los Angeles native Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez (7-0, 5 KO’s) has been a quick study in the family business, winning all seven of his fights as a professional. Blessed with speed, bujaj and power, the always exciting Ramirez has victory number eight on his mind come March 16 when he meets up with Mexico City’s Aaron Olivares (6-3, 2 KO’s).

Uchiyama to defend crown against Parra

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Super Featherweight Takashi Uchiyama will defend his title against Jaider Parra on May 6th in Tokyo.

“I wish to keep winning until my ultimate confrontation with another interim titlist, Yuriorkis Gamboa,” said Uchiyama, who is coming off an eighth-round knockout of then-undefeated interim titlist Bryan Vasquez on Dec. 31.

WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION CANELO ALVAREZ AND WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN “NO DOUBT” TROUT OFFICIALLY SET TO UNIFY 154-POUND DIVISION ON SATURDAY, APRIL 20 AT THE ALAMODOME IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (March 13) – Unbeaten Mexican superstar and WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez and undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout are set to square off in a 12-round, WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight on Saturday, April 20 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in a fight which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®(10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT).

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona andAT&T. The fight will air live on SHOWTIME and is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Alamodome box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Canelo, who started training for the fight in his hometown of Guadalajara before moving camp to Santa Monica, Calif., is already familiar his opponent’s fighting style and abilities as he was ringside for Trout’s December 1, 2012 victory over Miguel Cotto in New York and also watched Trout defeat his older brother Rigoberto Alvarez in Guadalajara in February of 2011.

“Austin Trout impressed me with his win over Miguel Cotto and my brother,” said Canelo, who will be making his sixth title defense against Trout. “But I feel that in boxing, it’s my time now, and I will show Trout why I am the best in the division. Champions should fight each other because that’s what true champions do. I know he will be a tough challenge, but I’m confident I will be the unified champion at the end of the night. Beating him will make a statement, and in so doing, I plan to avenge my brother’s loss to him and bring victory home to Mexico too.”

The WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Trout, whose performance over Miguel Cotto in December helped further establish him as a force to be reckoned with, is ready for his next contest against Canelo.

“I’m absolutely ready to face Canelo and all of his fans who will be out in full force in San Antonio that night,” said Trout, the 27-year old southpaw from Las Cruces, New Mexico who will be making his fifth title defense. “Although he is a true champion, I don’t believe he has had the ring experience or has faced the competition he should have in order to be able to handle the skills that I will show him when we fight April 20. I have already defeated his brother and taken his belt, and I plan on making it two for two against the Alvarez’s in my in my quest to be the best. I have no doubt that I will retain my title and takes his with me too. I can’t wait.”

“Canelo has proven with each challenge he has faced that he is getting better and has fast become a superstar in the sport not only because of his talent, but also because of his unbelievable fan base that continues to grow every time he fights,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “Austin Trout is an incredible fighter with superb boxing skills and a great champion in his own right. I’m very excited to see what happens when these two fighters meet in the ring on April 20. Golden Boy is going back to Texas in true Texas fashion with a huge fight at the Alamodome in San Antonio, the home of great boxing fans who love and appreciate the sport. It’s going to be a great night for everyone involved.”

“We are very excited to work with Oscar de la Hoya, the entire Golden Boy Promotions team, Canelo Promotions and SHOWTIME on this sensational event,” said Texas boxing legend and former World Champion Jesse James Leija of Leija and Battah Promotions. “Boxing fans in Texas have a terrific opportunity to be part of a memorable evening headlined by two of the sports finest competitors.”

“At just 22 years of age, Canelo’s appeal is undeniable and still growing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager for SHOWTIME Sports. “His first appearance on SHOWTIME last fall resulted in record ratings for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. We are thrilled to have him headlining once again when he will face the toughest opponent of his career. Austin Trout, likewise, helped set a ratings record on our network last December when he upset future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto with an impressive, coming-of-age performance. Canelo vs. Trout is exactly the type of fight that SHOWTIME has become known for – a match-up between two of boxing’s brightest stars in which the outcome is impossible to predict. Naturally, as a programmer, I am thrilled to deliver this world championship unification to SHOWTIME subscribers. As a fight fan, I can’t wait to be ringside at a raucous Alamodome.”

“We are pleased to join Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leijah & Battah Promotions in bringing this highly coveted match-up to our city,” said Michael Sawaya, Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Facilities Director of the Alamodome. “San Antonio has long been a host for many championship events and this world title bout continues our long tradition.”

The pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, 22-year-old Canelo Alvarez (41-0-1, 30 KO’s) has proven himself worthy of standing side by side with his country’s modern day boxing greats, both in the ring and outside of it. A fighting phenom who has been a pro since 2005, Canelo ran through all comers on the local circuit before winning the NABF welterweight title in 2009, before beginning his attack on the international boxing scene. In 2010, Canelo had a breakout year with wins over Jose Miguel Cotto, Luciano Cuello, Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore N’dou, and by 2011 he was a world champion, defeating Matthew Hatton for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Canelo, who has truly become a superstar in Mexico with millions tuning in every time he fights, has since defended his title successfully five times, defeating Ryan Rhodes, Alfonso Gomez, Kermit Cintron, Sugar Shane Mosley and Josesito Lopez. On April 20, he will look to unify the division against Austin Trout in front of an adoring crowd as he fights in Texas for the first time.

Long considered one of boxing’s most underrated gems, Las Cruces, New Mexico’s Austin “No Doubt” Trout (26-0, 14 KO’s) took the long road to recognition in his pro career after a successful run as an amateur. Willing to go anywhere to fight anyone, the talented Trout built up win after win while waiting for his shot at the gold. That shot came in February of 2011 when he faced Canelo’s older brother Rigoberto for the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship. Despite fighting in Alvarez’s backyard in Guadalajara, Trout’s boxing skills prevailed as he won a 12-round decision and the title. Still looking to convince the boxing world that he was the real deal, Trout successfully defended his title with wins against David Lopez, Frank LoPorto and Delvin Rodriguez, setting up a December 2012 showdown with Puerto Rican icon Miguel Cotto. Again, Trout stepped up when the pressure was highest, winning a 12 round unanimous decision over Cotto in a career best performance that he hopes to top on April 20.

For information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/leijabattahPR, www.twitter.com/CaneloOficial, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/Alamodome and www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CaneloTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsport.

Stieglitz ahead of Abraham rematch: “I only borrowed him my title, now I want it back!”***

Robert Stieglitz (43-3, 24 KOs) feels very confident. The 31-year-old
super-middleweight will face off with Arthur Abraham (36-3, 28 KOs) in their
hotly anticipated rematch on March 23. Stieglitz is hoping to avenge his
loss on points back in August of last year when the pair meets up for a
second time at the GETEC-Arena in Magdeburg. But according to Stieglitz
himself, their next fight will be a whole different story and he will ensure
that the WBO Title finds its way back to Magdeburg.

Robert Stieglitz, you lost your WBO Title against Arthur Abraham on August
25. Now you had some time to reflect on the fight. What are your thoughts?

Robert Stieglitz: I’m not the kind of person to look back and dwell on the
past – I always have my sight on what lies ahead. Of course, I have mixed
feelings when I reflect the happenings of that night. Although I did lose on
points and consequently my title, I do believe that it was a great fight in
front of a huge crowd at the o2 World in Berlin. The fans were ecstatic –
hence, the big interest in the rematch. The important thing to me is that I
only borrowed him my title and now I want it back.

Many experts said that Abraham could only beat you by knockout. How
surprised were you when he won the fight via unanimous decision?

Robert Stieglitz: First of all, I have to admit that he did better over the
whole twelve rounds from a boxing point of view. However, he did not manage
to knock me out and improve his KO ratio. Secondly, the cuts I suffered in
rounds four and five had a big impact on my performance for the duration of
the bout. I wasn’t able to pressurize him as much as I wanted to and make
life difficult for him towards the end of the fight. So no, I wasn’t
surprised by the result. I was mostly annoyed by my own performance and the
cuts.

What kind of mistakes have you made out from your first clash with Abraham?
Did you change anything during your preparation this time round?

Robert Stieglitz: You will always have to deal with setbacks. Then it is
important to sit down and find out what went wrong. You shouldn’t make the
same mistakes twice. My coach Dirk Dzemski and I have been analyzing the
fight. But I won’t get into too much detail about what I will do differently
this time. Everyone knows, even Arthur himself, that I win fights with my
technical ability, agility and work rate.

The rematch with Abraham is just around the corner. How satisfied are you
with your progress?

Robert Stieglitz: Everything is going according to plan. I have gotten
through a successful operation on my hand and won a buildup fight within
three rounds in Barcelona in January. We have also been to training camp in
Bavarian Forest during February. We have been running through the snow and
added some new elements to my training. My fitness coach Alfred Segerer has
come up with a program specified to my needs. Therefore, it is all good.

Would you say that it is easier to prepare for Abraham as you have already
stood inside the ring with him?

Robert Stieglitz: Yes, I believe it is, as I now know what Arthur Abraham
looks like when he is in good shape. It makes it easier to adjust to his
style. Of course, it is the same for him. Although I have to say that he
hasn’t seen the best of Robert Stieglitz yet.

The first fight between the two of you took place in Abraham’s hometown of
Berlin. Would you say that he had an advantage and do you have the advantage
now that the rematch will be held in your own backyard, Magdeburg?

Robert Stieglitz: I don’t think that you can call it an advantage. What
matters is that I traveled to Berlin as the world champion and now he is
coming to my home as the current champion. He even said himself that he will
be entering “The Lion´s Den“. That takes a lot of courage and we both have
given us credit for that. I believe that the atmosphere will be even more
electrifying in Magdeburg than it was in Berlin. We will see how he handles
that.

How important is this fight for the future of your career? Is it an all or
nothing situation for you as well as for Abraham?

Robert Stieglitz: Both of us have been asked this question before our first
fight and now everybody is excited about the rematch. There is no point in
discussing if this is all or nothing for us. We should be happy about the
fact that Germany currently has two world-class super-middleweights who will
fight it out for a world championship. Both of us have the ability to get
back to the top even if we should lose.

What is your prediction for March 23?

Robert Stieglitz: The winner and world champion will be Robert Stieglitz. I
will take the borrowed WBO Title back to the city of Magdeburg, back to my
promoter SES.

What happens if you should actually win? Will we witness Abraham vs.
Stieglitz III or are you aiming for a unification bout against the winner of
Kessler vs. Froch II?

Robert Stieglitz: I don’t believe that it would be appropriate to discuss
the future at this point of time. That is a topic for after March 23.

Tickets for the big fight night at the GETEC-Arena in Magdeburg, Germany can
be purchased at www.eventim.de.

Tyson Fury sets-up camp in Canada To Sink Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham

GATINEAU, Quebec, Canada (March 13, 2013) – Before making his much anticipated United States debut, undefeated heavyweight contender Tyson Fury (20-0, 14 KOs) has set-up training camp to sink two-time world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (25-5, 13 KOs), north of the border at beautiful Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

Team Fury’s home-base is far from the home of this massive Irish-Manchurian but Lac-Leamy has quickly become Tyson’s second home. The gorgeous facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a premium gaming experience in Canada. On the premises is the stunning Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel, providing five-star accommodations fit for a boxing superstar such as Fury.

Fury vs. Cunningham headlines an exciting event, co-promoted by Hennessy Sports and Main Events, on Saturday afternoon, April 20, airing live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Their 12-round main event is an official International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Voluntary Eliminator for the No. 2 position, pitting No. 8 rated Fury against the No. 12 ranked Cunningham. Also rated No, 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 6 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Fury is the reigning Irish heavyweight champion.

“I have had training camps all over the world,” the charismatic Fury said, “and so far Casino Lac-Leamy ranks right at the top. I have everything at my disposal here – atmosphere, facilities, and nearby running trails – to get me in the best shape of my career for April 20.”

Already considered one of the best heavyweights in the world, ranked No. 9 by The Ring Magazine, Fury will battle Philadelphia fan-favorite Cunningham with the winner earning a shot at the IBF No. 1 ranked fighter – currently Kubrat Pulev – to become the mandatory challenger to current heavyweight king and future Hall of Famer, Wladimir Klitschko.

“I truly feel I’m ready to conquer the heavyweight division,” the outspoken Fury remarked. “Steve Cunningham is the toughest test of my career, but I’ve made a name for myself by passing those tests again and again. I’ve taken camp to Canada this time in order to make sure that trend continues.”

Fans may tune-in to watch the expected action-packed fight at 4 p.m. ET on NBC as part of a special 2-hour afternoon presentation of NBC Sports Fight Night. This marks only the third time boxing has been on network television in the U.S. since 1993.

Tickets, starting at $25, are available to purchase at Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.com.

Follow Fury at @Tyson_Fury and Hennessey Sports @HennessySports.

For more information on NBC Sports, Lonsdale, Liquid and S3 Media, please visit:

www.nbcsports.msnbc.com

www.Lonsdale.com

www.s3media.co.uk

www.L1quid.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

Chisora’s boxing license re-instated

According to Dabn Rafael of espn.com, former Heavyweight title contender Dereck Chisora had his boxing license re-instated by the British Boxing Board of Control

Chisora lost a lopsided decision to world titleholder Vitali Klitschko in Germany in February 2012. At the postfight news conference he was in the mood to fight again, igniting an ugly brawl with former titleholder David Haye of England.

Haye, on hand to work the British broadcast of the bout, and Chisora got into a verbal tussle at first, but Chisora then got up from the dais and walked toward Haye in the back of the room to confront him. They wound up in a nasty fight during which Haye allegedly cracked a bottle over Chisora’s head.

“I’m glad that this whole episode is finally behind me and I can carry on with my boxing career in my own country and with a British Boxing Board of Control license,” Chisora said in a statement. “I would like to thank everyone who has kept faith in me over the troubled months and I look forward to repaying their loyalty with my performances in the ring as opposed to my action outside of it. I’d like to particularly thank the Luxembourg Boxing Federation for their support.”

“I’m delighted that the British Boxing Board Control has made the right decision and reinstated Dereck’s license, and the slate is now clean,” said Choria’s promoter Frank Warren. “He is an exciting fighter who always gives 100 percent. We will announce who Dereck will be fighting at Wembley Arena shortly, but it’s great to have him back in action, and we’ve got some big plans for him.”

SEASON TWO OF JIM ROME ON SHOWTIME RETURNS THIS WEDNESDAY WITH ICE CUBE, FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND RONDA ROUSEY

LOS ANGELES (March 12, 2013) – JIM ROME ON SHOWTIME returns for its second season tomorrow, Wednesday, in front of a studio audience with guests Ice Cube, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Ronda Rousey, Dhani Jones and Dr. Harry Edwards. The episode premieres at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

Media mogul, actor and rapper Ice Cube sits down with Rome for a one-on-one interview to give his thoughts on current sports and entertainment topics including the L.A. Lakers, the Oakland Raiders, and his new album.

Coming together in a free forum discussion, the first female UFC champion Ronda Rousey, noted sports sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards, and former NFL star Dhani Jones join Rome to debate cheating, sex and religion, and how all three play such a large role in today’s sporting world.

Plus, undefeated, eight-time world champion boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather joins the program via satellite to tackle Rome’s 10 Questions segment. Mayweather recently announced a unique, groundbreaking revenue-sharing arrangement with Showtime Networks Inc. and its parent company, CBS Corporation. He returns to the ring May 4 to face Robert Guerrero in “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV®.

When Rome asks Mayweather what the one thing is that he won’t mess with, Mayweather responds, “A married woman.” To which Rome replies, “Good answer. Good policy.”

JIM ROME ON SHOWTIME, in its second season on SHOWTIME, airs Wednesdays with multiple replays each week on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME® and availability on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND.

Following are excerpts from this week’s episode:

JIM ROME: Do you trust Dwight Howard at this point?

ICE CUBE: No. Not yet. Not till he re-signs. That’s what it’s all about. How could we when he could just get up and leave on a whim. Until he makes the commitment to the Lakers, how can I make the commitment to him? I love Dwight. I want to see him a Laker. I think he can get up there on the wall and be champion for the Lakers. So it’s on him. Him not being committed has to affect his play. It has to. What’s going to determine it for me is if he remains long-term with the Lakers. And he wears the Laker jacket, you know what I mean. It seems like right now he’s a visitor.

ROME: Between Kobe, LeBron and Michael Jordan, who do you got as the best ever and why?

ICE CUBE: Kobe’s never been cut. I don’t think LeBron’s got the mental fortitude like Kobe Bryant has. I think it’s just what he had to go through in Italy. I just think he’s cut from a different cloth. No disrespect to Michael Jordan and years ago you would never hear me say this. I just think Kobe had the benefit of looking at Michael in a way. I think he’s kept his body in more condition than anyone has ever seen and he’s doing things 17 years later that are just amazing. He never walked away from the game and came back. For some reason I just think Kobe is the true definition of a baller, with nothing else on his mind.

ROME: What’s the difference between someone like Kobe Bryant and Ray Lewis, who have bounced back from adversity, and Tiger Woods? Why hasn’t he bounced back? What’s the difference between him and all the other guys that have come back?

RONDA ROUSEY: I think Mike Tyson said it best when he said a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter. I think you need to enjoy what you’re doing and compartmentalize what you are doing with your professional life. Whenever I see Tiger Woods play golf, he looks pretty miserable. If he could just enjoy what he’s doing and have fun out there and return to where he was at the beginning then I think he can.

Top highlight from Rome’s Quick Hits:

ROME: Used to be the question wasn’t whether or not (Tiger) Woods would run down Jack, but rather how badly he’d smash his mark. But it says here he won’t get there. And it won’t be because of his knee, Achilles, driver, putter or rebuilt swing. It’ll be because of sex. He had too much of that and not nearly enough heart.

Rome’s Sincerely Yours takes on the Bracket Guy in your office pool:

ROME: This year, you’re even more insufferable now that you’ve gone online with all your garbage. Now, you’re the jerk who drops all his 12-5 upsets into his Twitter timeline. Bad enough you’re going to lose all nine pools you entered. You’re also going to lose all 12 of your followers because they’d all rather get catfished than get subjected to one more of you sleeper picks with a ‘please retweet’ chaser. Tell you what; this year, instead of laying out your Elite 8, why don’t you go get an elite date. And don’t talk about your NCAA picks until someone asks you about them, because no one will. Bracket Guy, you are a 16-seed in this tournament we call life. A guaranteed loser every single year.

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About Showtime Networks Inc.:

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Arthur Abraham: “Stieglitz doesn’t have the power to threaten me

March 23 shall represent another glorious day for Arthur Abraham (36-3, 28 KOs). Then he will meet Robert Stieglitz (43-3, 24 KOs) for their hotly anticipated rematch inside the GETEC-Arena in Magdeburg, Germany. The 33-year-old Abraham captured the WBO Super-Middleweight World Championship last August when he beat Stieglitz on points in his hometown of Berlin. This time the champion is making his way to his opponent’s backyard. In the following interview, he reveals what kind of performance can be expected from him.

Mister Abraham, the last time people saw you putting on the gloves you beat Frenchman Mehdi Bouadla by technical knockout on December 15. Were you satisfied with your first title defense at super-middleweight?

Arthur Abraham: I guess that I showed quite a good performance against Bouadla. There might have been some details I could have done better but in the end, I dominated my opponent that night and took care of him early. In preparation to that fight Mister Wegner told me his expectations and I must have fulfilled most of them. Anyway, he didn’t complain to me afterwards.

March 23 will mark the second time you are going to face Robert Stieglitz. Is there anything left you can surprise him with – or could he surprise you?

Arthur Abraham: Stieglitz hasn’t seen the best that Arthur Abraham has to offer in our first fight whereas he might have already shown everything he’s got. I have some words for him: Beware, because our rematch is going to be much tougher than the first fight! I’m training as hard as ever for this clash. After all, the crowd deserves to be entertained. My training regime is pure torment – and I love it.

Is it easy for you to adjust to Stieglitz’s style because you already fought him before?

Arthur Abraham: Definitely, I already beat him and I got all the knowledge and tools to do it again. He can’t really alter the way he fights but I should not underestimate him. Stieglitz wasn’t a world champion for nothing, defending his title a few times before I took it off him. He still has the ambition to beat me. Therefore, I have to sit down again with my coach and develop a game plan to defend my belt.

Do you feel better prepared in comparison to the first fight against Stieglitz?

Arthur Abraham: I feel prepared just as well. My coach and the rest of the team make me feel like that I can beat him for a second time. I still have a lot left inside my tank and want to defend my title a few times. My shape and motivation are the fundament for me still being the WBO Champion after March 23.

You will step inside the arena as the defending champion. The first fight versus Stieglitz saw you as the challenger. Do you have a different mindset with the belt around your waist?

Arthur Abraham: My attitude is still the same. I want to be the one standing tall. If I would think differently, I could capitulate before the fight has even happened. To defend a world championship is quite different than to challenge for a title. I have experienced both situations. Therefore, I know that Stieglitz will be fired up to get his hands on the WBO Belt again. But I won’t let him. My will and winning mentality will outlast his.

Can you please tell us about the punching power of Robert Stieglitz? Are you worried about it?

Arthur Abraham: I have respect for every opponent I face inside the ring. All I can say is that I have fought opponents with much more pop. I can assure you first-hand that he isn’t feather-fisted but Stieglitz doesn’t have the power to threaten me.

The first fight was staged in your hometown of Berlin. For the rematch, you have to go to his backyard – will this be a special challenge to you?

Arthur Abraham: Indeed, this fight is going to happen in his hometown of Magdeburg but this won’t work to his advantage as he might think. Years ago, my coach Ulli Wegner guided Sven Ottke to his biggest successes at this very arena. I feel confident that more than half of the crowd will side with me come March 23. Moreover, Berlin isn’t that far away either. For one night only, the city of Magdeburg will be my backyard. The people who might boo me at the beginning will be the ones who will cheer me the loudest after the fight.

The first time you fought Stieglitz, you followed the game plan of winning the fight on points. Are you planning for a stoppage win this time around?

Arthur Abraham: First and foremost, I plan to win – it doesn’t matter if I beat him on points or get it done early. To win by knockout is always like the cherry on the cake but you can’t plan such things beforehand. I still haven’t reached the top of my game as a boxer and I know that I can do even better. I know that I will be more aggressive in the rematch. It will be a much more intense encounter and the crowd will see if my opponent can put up some resistance – or not.

Tickets for the big fight night at the GETEC-Arena in Magdeburg, Germany can be purchased at www.eventim.de.

Sutor announces title fight opponent, undercard at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino’s April 12 Friday Night Fights

DOVER, Del. — Ed Sutor, President and CEO of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, announces the fight card for the Friday Night Fights series event on April 12, in the Rollins Center®.

Heavyweight superstar Amir “Hardcore” Mansour of Penns Grove, N.J., a crowd favorite in the Rollins Center, is eager to protect his perfect record of 17 wins, 13 by knockout, in the headliner against Devin Vargas of Toledo, Ohio, with 18 wins – seven by knockout – and two losses. Mansour holds the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship title.

Vargas, a two-time National Heavyweight Golden Gloves Champion, represented the U.S. as team captain for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. His only professional losses were handed down by two elite, world-class fighters, Andrzej Wawrzyk (26-0, 13 KOs) and Kevin Johnson (28-3-1, 13 KOs). Notably, one of Johnson’s losses was a 12-round decision with current World Boxing Council Champion Vitali Klitschko.

Fighters on the undercard include unbeaten, 18-year-old top welterweight prospect Dusty Harrison (13-0, 8 KOs) of Washington, D.C. “Dusty Harrison is a favorite in the D.C. Metropolitan area and at only 18 years old has already made a name for himself on the boxing circuit,” said Ed Sutor.

“The boxing events at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino are major promotions, and that is a terrific venue,” stated Harrison. “I am preparing for the challenge on April 12, and it’s great that hundreds of my fans from the D.C. area will be there supporting me.”

Also on the undercard are super featherweight, multiple title champion “Queen” Ronica Jeffrey (11-0, 1 KO), light welterweight Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana (27-4, 18 KOs), super featherweight Omar “Super O” Douglas (7-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight John “Church Boy” Bowman (5-0-1), lightweight Joey Tiberi (8-1, 5 KOs) and cruiserweight Lamont “Problem Solver” Singletary (4-0, 2 KOs).

Tickets are on sale for between $50 – $225 and may be purchased by calling VIP Services at 800-711-5882 or visiting doverdowns.com. The first bout will begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Will call will be open from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit doverdowns.com for updates.

Event, times and card are subject to change or cancellation without notice. For media credentials and interview or photo requests, please contact Lisa Rollins at lrollins@doverdowns.com.

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About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of approximately 2,500 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 41,500 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.

AALAN MARTINEZ FOCUSED ON DEFEATING CRUZ

March 12, 2013-Mexico’s Aalan Martinez (14-1-1, 10 KOs) is a days away from the biggest opportunity of his career and a chance to jump up dramatically in the ranks as he squares off with the WBO’s #2 ranked featherweight in the world Orlando Cruz (19-2-1, 9 KOs). The 12 round contest is scheduled to be the main event of a Telemundo telecast, from the Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

The undertone of this fight will be the WBO Latino featherweight title on the line as well as the Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry, which is one of the richest rivalries in all of boxing.

However, the most compelling aspect to the fight has to be the fact that you have two fighters putting it all on the line against one another in order to further themselves in a division filled with potentially lucrative payoffs. For Martinez, he has the chance to earn a victory against a highly acclaimed fighter in Cruz, who was a former Olympian.

“I’m so excited; I just want the day to get here already. This is the part of the camp where you take things easy and it’s all about the mental preparation. I’ve played this fight out in my head and considered so many different outcomes, but every single one of them ends with me victorious,” Martinez said.

Martinez is very aware of what a win would mean for his career, but he feels that merely winning isn’t enough and he is looking to make a statement.

“I’m focused on the task at hand, but my goal isn’t just winning the fight. I’ve prepared my body to outperform myself on every level and this will be my chance to really gain the attention of the entire boxing community. I’ll go out there and perform the way I know how; with just one impressive performance I can totally shakeup the landscape of the division,” Martinez said.

Mario Yagobi of Boxing 360 is Martinez’s promoter and he isn’t underestimating the difficult task that awaits Martinez on Saturday night. However, he knows that a win would put his fighter’s name in the mix with all the top talent of the featherweight division.

“This will be a coming out party of sorts for Aalan and we are all very proud of what he’s been able to do in boxing so far, but I know that he won’t be satisfied until he is triumphant on Saturday. This is a difficult challenge and usually the more difficult the challenge the greater the reward and a win over this kind of opponent could lead to some truly interesting fights,” Yagobi said.

Aalan Martinez is promoted by Boxing 360. For more information on Martinez please visit www.boxing360.com.

Cerebral Gardner takes on hometown rival Rodriguez Friday in Ocean State showdown

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 12th, 2013) — They keep challenging him, and all he continues to do is win.

Since returning to professional boxing in 2010 following a seven-year layoff, super middleweight Joe Gardner (10-5-1, 1 KO) has made quite a living outsmarting and outboxing some of the region’s top fighters, yet the Woonsocket, R.I., native continues to be one of the most sought-after targets by would-be opponents hoping to score a knockout against the seasoned veteran.

“They all try to knock me out, and it doesn’t work,” Gardner said, “but I’ll take it if they want to keep coming at me.”

Enter fellow Woonsocket native Reynaldo Rodriguez (6-5-1, 3 KOs), who has answered the challenge and will look to play the spoiler role against his former training partner Friday, March 15th, 2013 when he and Gardner square off in a special six-round super middleweight bout on the undercard of “Unfinished Business,” presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

Gardner and Rodriguez have shared more than gym space; they’ve also faced some of the same opponents, most notably Warwick, R.I., native Keith Kozlin, who has a draw and a win against Rodriguez and a loss against Gardner. Likewise, Gardner has also faced New England foes Vladine Biosse, Elvin Ayala and Brian Barbosa and recently handed Providence’s Alex Amparo his first career loss in a unanimous-decision win in November.

Despite his relative familiarity with Rodriguez, Gardner is expecting the unexpected Friday night, especially now that Rodriguez no longer trains at the Woonsocket Boxing Club.

“The last few times I’ve seen him, he’s always looked different,” Gardner said of Rodriguez. “The first time he fought Keith [in the draw] he looked great, but then during the camp before the second fight he kept talking about how he was going to knock him out and how he felt stronger than ever, and he ended up fighting the wrong fight.

“I hope he brings that fight [Friday], but I doubt it.”

The 35-year-old Rodriguez hasn’t won since he knocked out Richard Starnino in 2011 and was thoroughly outclassed by Kozlin in July, losing every round on two of the three scorecards, but the familiarity between he and Gardner – in addition to their past relationship – makes this one of the most intriguing of the regional showdowns slated for Friday’s undercard at Twin River.

“You’ve got to think in his mind he knows the fight he fought against Keith was totally wrong,” Gardner said. “When he’s in tip-top shape, he’s a sturdy guy.”

Regardless of what Rodriguez does, Gardner’s game plan will be the same as always – box on the outside, pick his shots, and frustrate his opponent into making mistakes. It’s a cerebral approach that has worked well for Gardner in recent years.

“I think more than the other guys do. That’s been my biggest advantage in the last year or two,” Gardner said. “They come out balls to the wall in every fight looking for that one knockout punch. That might work for world-class guys, but not for guys on my level. If I see you a few times, I can usually pick you apart. My game is boxing on the outside. I just hope I can work my pace over the course of six rounds.”

Peter Manfredo Jr. (38-7, 20 KOs) will face Seattle, Wash., native Walter Wright (14-3, 7 KOs) in the 10-round super middleweight main event of “Unfinished Business.”

Tickets for “Unfinished Business” are $40.00, $60.00, $100.00 and $150.00 (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.

Also on the undercard, Boston middleweight Julio Garcia (6-3, 3 KOs) – trained by former heavyweight world champion John Ruiz – will face Thomas Falowo (8-1, 6 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., in a six-round bout while light heavyweight Kevin Cobbs (6-1, 2 KOs) of Burlington, Vt., who is looking to bounce back from his first career loss in November, will face hard-htting Paul Gonsalves (4-2, 3 KOs) of Harwich, Mass., in a four-round bout.

Warwick, R.I., super middleweight Benny Costantino (7-2, 4 KOs) is also back in action and looking to bounce back from his loss in July as he faces Quincy, Mass., veteran Emmanuel Medina (2-3-1, 2 KOs), who appeared in a nationally-televised bout on ESPN2 in January. Unbeaten, 19-year-old Polish welterweight Patryk Szymanski (5-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of North Bergen, N.J., will make a special appearance in a six-round bout against Antonio Chaves Fernandes (2-8-1) of Brockton, Mass. Jesse Barboza (5-1-1, 3 KOs), a Barnstable, Mass., heavyweight, will return to Twin River for the first time since 2010 when he faces Jeramiah Witherspoon (2-2-1, 1 KO) of Altoona, Pa., in a four-round bout, while female bantamweight Noemi Bosques (1-0), a St. Petersburg, Fla., native who now trains in Providence, will face Queens native Vanessa Greco (1-2-1) in a four-round bout. All bouts are subject to change.

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

Burns leaves Warren for Matchroom Sports

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Lightweight champion Ricky Burns has left promoter Frank Warren in favor Matchroom Sport

“I’m delighted that my future has been resolved, and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter of my career,” Burns said. “It’s been a frustrating time since the Kevin Mitchell win in September, but now I’m just focused on May 11 and putting in a great performance.

“I would love it to be in Glasgow. My last two fights were there, and the atmosphere was just electric. I’ve got great fans in Scotland, and it means a lot to box in front of them.”

“I’m delighted to welcome the WBO lightweight world champion Ricky Burns to the team,” said Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn. “Ricky is an outstanding fighter and a hugely popular sporting figure in Scotland. We are looking forward to a massive show on May 11 in Scotland on Sky Sports [the United Kingdom subscription sports network with which Hearn has an exclusive deal] as we begin our journey with Ricky.”

“Since being promoted and managed by Frank Warren, Ricky Burns has earned just approaching three-quarters of a million pounds and has had seven world title fights in just over two years,” Richard Maynard, Warren’s publicist, said in a statement on Warren’s behalf. “Ricky Burns is under binding promotional and management contracts. Following the announcement by Eddie Hearn that Ricky Burns has signed with him, W. Promotions Limited [Warren’s company] and Frank Warren are suing Burns for substantial damages.”

“He is not under contract because Burns has terminated this agreement,” Hearn said. “If Frank wishes to argue whether Ricky has grounds to terminate, then, no doubt, this will be discussed in a court of law. It’s very similar to what just happened with Tony Bellew.”