According to Dan Rafael of espn.com the multi-time WBC Heavyweight title eliminator bout between Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne will e re-scheduled for April 27 at a site to be determined most likely in California.

The was due to take place this Saturday but Arreola fell ill.

“He’s not back in training yet but he’s feeling better,” said Arreola’s promoter Dan Goossen said of Arreola, whom he expects will return to training by the end of the week. “He wants to get rid of the bug entirely but he’s happy with the date, and I’m glad it’s right around the corner.”

“I’m in the process of trying to finalize a site,” Goossen said. “But I’m looking to do the fight out here in Los Angeles. It’s a great fight for California. I’ve got three or four places that I’ve got in mind but nothing concrete yet.”

“I spoke to Don (King). He’s aware of everything,” Goossen said. “I spoke to the WBC (which is sanctioning the bout). Everyone’s been informed. (HBO was) anxious to do the fight in the first place and that didn’t wane just because Chris got sick. Once they knew a late April date would work that’s what we started to target.

NEW YORK (March 6, 2013) – Promising undefeated junior middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. (17-0, 9 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., will make his 10-round debut when he meets KeAndrae “Lightning” Leatherwood (17-2, 10 KO’s), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the main event this Friday, March 8, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, Calif.

In the co-feature, promising Puerto Rican, Braulio “Unstoppable” Santos (9-0, 8 KO’s), of Carolina, P.R., puts his unbeaten record on the line against Kevin Hoskins (7-1, 5 KO’s), of Los Angeles, in an eight-round junior lightweight bout.

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first bell sounding at 5:15 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

The 6-foot-1½-inch, 22-year-old Centeno, a former amateur standout, will be making his ShoBox and 2013 debut. He has shown steady improvement since turning pro in March 2009 and has impressed not only fans and media but also two current world titleholders he’s sparred with, WBA Welterweight Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and WBO Middleweight Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin.

Said Malignaggi, who utilized Centeno as a sparring partner about a year and a half ago: “We worked on a few occasions and I actually thought a lot of the kid. He was intelligent with a good head on his shoulders, picked his shots well, possessed good focus in the ring, transitioned well from offense to defense and back and his balance was excellent.

“I’ll be greatly surprised if he isn’t a world champion some day, and I don’t say that about a lot of guys.”

“I was very fortunate to have him as a sparring partner,” said Quillin, who’s sparred upwards of 100 rounds with Centeno. “He’s definitely got it. The ability is there. He does a lot of things well. He has good range on his punches and he knows how to put them together. He likes to turn it up and knows how to do it. He’s been boxing a long time and has a lot of experience.

“He may not be a natural, but he makes it look easy. He did great with the kind of work I wanted in sparring and he always brought out the best in me. Some guys spar for a week and leave, but I always noticed something different about him. If he stays focused and hungry, the sky’s the limit.”

One of the latest rising stars to hail from Oxnard, the ambidextrous Centeno registered six consecutive knockouts at the outset of his career, then won six fights in a row by decision. In his last fight, he scored a seventh-round technical knockout win over Allen Conyers on the Amir Khan vs. Carlos Molina undercard on Dec. 15, 2012 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Centeno scored a knockdown in the first and Conyers did not come out for the seventh.

After fighting twice in 2009 and three times in 2010, the lanky Centeno fought six times in both 2011 and 2012, but he will enter the ring Friday after having nearly three months of rest.

“Actually, I had my longest break for the holidays,” he said. “I took off about two weeks, then got back in the gym. I started the New Year sparring with Peter Quillin, helping him get ready for his next fight, but the fight was postponed. Peter’s hired me to help him for his last three fights because I can fight as a southpaw and stay as a southpaw and I move pretty well.’’

Regarding his upcoming assignment, Centeno, who’s never been dropped as a pro or amateur, says, “I’m always ready to face anything in the ring. I know how to fight as a southpaw, I know how to fight as a righty and I know how to fight on the inside, but the key is the jab because I’m such a lanky fighter.

“They say Leatherwood has quick hands, but my Dad watched a couple of tapes and said he’s a little slower than most 154’s. He fights more at 160 and 168. He’ll fluctuate up and down. He waits a little and tries to get off a strong one-two. He waits for his chance to land that big overhand right, so as long as I box, I should be great, but I don’t underestimate anyone. I train like I’m fighting for a world title. I’ll be ready.”

Centeno is trained by his father, Hugo Sr. In boxing, fathers working with their sons hasn’t always been a ticket to success, but the Russell’s (unbeaten featherweight Gary Jr. and Gary Sr.), and Garcia’s (Danny and Angel) are making it work and, of course, Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be reunited with Floyd Sr. for his fight against Robert Guerrero, who is trained by his father, Ruben, on Saturday, May 4, on SHOWTIME PPV from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

“My Dad’s a full-time coach,” Hugo Jr. said. “He was an amateur boxer and always dreamed of going pro, but he got into a motorcycle accident. I used to watch fights on television with my dad and his brothers and I just loved it. My Dad taught me a little bit about it and I just loved the adrenaline rush that you’d get (from watching). When I turned seven, I told him, ‘Take me to the gym,’ and he took me and I’ve never stopped since. I love it. He started coaching when he started coaching me and he stuck to it.”

Leatherwood, an aggressive-minded 5-foot-10-inch, 24-year-old who resides in Atlanta, is also making his ShoBox and 2013 debut. He went 3-0-1 in 2012 after suffering his lone defeat in his last fight of 2011, his first scheduled 10-round fight which he lost to the son of hard-hitting former World Champion Julian Jackson, John Jackson, via a sixth-round technical knockout. Leatherwood won his last start via a six-round decision over Marcos Primera last Dec. 8.

“I’ve seen a couple of videos on Centeno,” Leatherwood said. “But I really don’t know too much about the guy. I’m just looking at him as my next victim.”

Santos, an outstanding amateur, was a member of the Puerto Rico National team for two years before turning pro in February 2011. An aggressive boxer with excellent punching power, the 5-foot-5½-inch, 23-year-old has won his last three fights by knockout, including a first-round technical knockout win over Terrence Walker in his last fight on Feb. 23.

“My style in the ring is explosive, with bad intentions, because I’m waiting for the big punch,” said Santos, who is fighting in the continental United States for the third time. “I go forward, waiting for my time.”

Hoskins, like Santos, also fought two weeks ago, scoring a first-round knockout win over Eduardo Rivera on Feb. 21. A three-year pro, the 5-foot-5-inch, 22-year-old possesses good skills and movement and a solid punch. He is also one of 16 children, which might explain his fighting prowess.

“I have six sisters and two brothers on my mom’s side, and I have six sisters and a brother on my dad’s side,” he said. “My dad’s kids live in San Francisco. I’m the middle of my mom’s kids, so most of us are out of the house. We grew up in the same house, though. My dad passed away when I was seven. I was raised by my grandmother and grandfather. I’m the only boxer in the family.”

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/HugoBoss805 and www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

BROOKLYN, March 6 – New York area favorites Michael Perez of Newark, Eddie Gomez of The Bronx and Staten Island’s 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne will step into the ring in exciting preliminary action on Saturday, March 9 when they head up an action-packed undercard leading up to the IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship between Bernard Hopkins and Tavoris Cloud at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

The co-main event, a clash between undefeated Florida knockout artist Keith “One Time” Thurman and former World Champion Jan “Mr. Sympathicus” Zaveck in a 12-round bout for Zaveck’s WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Championship, will also be telecast on HBO World Championship Boxing.

Newark’s Michael “The Artist” Perez (18-1-1, 10 KO’s) bounced back from the lone loss of his career in January 2012 against top prospect Omar Figueroa by stopping Eric Cruz in two rounds in June and decisioning Fidel Maldonado Jr. in August. He rode that success all the way to Madison Square Garden in December where he defeated Fernando Carcamo via an eight-round unanimous decision. Saturday night, Perez will look to continue his upward momentum when he faces Las Vegas’ Lonnie Smith in a 10-round lightweight showdown.

Las Vegas’Lonnie Smith (14-4-2, 10 KO’s) wants to follow Perez’ road to redemption after tough losses against former world title challenger Vicente Escobedo and tough competitor Mason Menard in 2012. Before those defeats, the 26-year-old Smith had run off nine straight wins, including victories over David Rodela and Eduardo Arcos. On Saturday, he looks to get back in the win column against a hungry Michael Perez.

Twenty-year-old junior middleweight phenom Eddie Gomez (12-0, 8 KO’s) is coming off of a six-round unanimous decision victory over Luis Hernandez in December 2012 and the Bronx product is back in action this weekend, making his second appearance at Barclays Center. In the opposing corner will be Javier Gomez (14-10, 10 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico, who will look to put the first loss on Gomez’s record in a six-round junior middleweight contest.

2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne (2-0, 2 KO’s) will make his New York professional debut this Saturday night and expects his fans to be at Barclays Center in full force. The 22-year-old National Amateur Champion and Three-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion turned professional in November 2012 and has already racked up two wins by knockout. In his November debut, he defeated unbeaten Codale Ford in three rounds and then dispatched the hard-hitting Ritchie Cherry in one round on December 15 in Los Angeles. He will face Mobile, Alabama’s Josh Thorpe (1-2) in a four-round lightweight bout as he looks to add another win to his resume.

Also in action will be Two-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion Steve “Superman” Bujaj (8-0, 6 KO’s) who will engage in a four-round cruiserweight fight with Philadelphia’s Zeferino Albino (4-15-3, 2 KO’s). Brooklyn battlers Juan Dominguez (12-0, 8 KO’s) and Frank Galarza (8-0-1, 4 KO’s) will also answer the bell, with Galarza squaring off against Los Mochis’ Guillermo Ibarra (7-1, 4 KO’s) in a six-round junior middleweight fight and bantamweight Dominguez facing an opponent to be determined in an eight-round bout. Debuting Brooklynite Claude Staten Jr. will get to fight at home in his first pro bout when he faces New Orleans’ Mike Hill (0-1) in a four-round bantamweight tilt.

# # #

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round fight for Cloud’s IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T, Ford and Rocawear. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round fight between top rated undefeated contender Keith Thurman and former World Champion Jan Zaveck for Zaveck’s WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Championship.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $85, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

PHILADELPHIA (MARCH 5, 2013)—On Friday night March 29th, Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions will present ESPN Friday Night Fights featuring the NABO Middleweight champion Brian Vera. Vera will take on upstart Lithuanian Donatas Bondorovas in the twelve round bout that will headline a night of boxing at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York that will be broadcast live as part of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Vera of Austin, Texas has a record of 22-6 with 13 knockouts.

Vera started of 2013 with a bang as he stopped former world Jr. Middleweight champion Sergiy Dzinziruk in ten rounds at the Turning Stone Resort Casino on January 25th.

In that bout, Vera dropped Dzinziruk twice in round one and once in the tenth to retain his NABO Middleweight title.

Vera is currently ranked #1 by the WBO & #6 by the WBC.

The thirty-one year old has some great wins over the likes of Samuel Miller (17-1); Max Alexander (14-1-1); Vera put the first loss on future world title challenger Andy Lee. Vera also has wins over Sebastien DeMers (31-2) and two victories over former world champion Sergio Mora with the latter coming in his last bout on August 11th.

Bondorovas of Chicago via Kaunas, Lithuania has a record of 17-3-1 with 6 knockouts.

The thirty-three year old has been a pro since 2002 and has some quality wins over Brian Johansen (7-0); Marlon Thomas (36-7-1) and two wins over David Thomas (10-2-2). The latest was a 2nd round stoppage over Thomas on February 15th.

Bondorovas is riding a five fight winning streak.

In the exciting co-feature, Brazilian and world ranked Light Heavyweight Jackson Junior will defend his WBO Latino Light Heavyweight championship against Umberto Savigne.

Junior of San Paulo, Brazil is undefeated with a record of 14-0 with 12 knockouts. The twenty-seven year old Junior has a 1st round knockout over undefeated Marcus de Oliveira (15-0-1) as well as a 9th round stoppage over undefeated Pedro Otas (23-0) to capture the Brazilian Light Heavyweight title. He captured the WBO Latino title with a 6th round stoppage over Jose Alberto Clavero (37-9-1). In his last bout, Junior made an explosive American debut when he stopped former U.S. Olympian Dante Craig in one round on January 25th at the Turning Stone Casino Resort.

Savigne of Miami, Florida via Cuba has a record of 10-1 with 7 knockouts. He is on an eight bout winning streak which includes a 6th round stoppage over former three-time world title challenger Richard Hall for which Hall captured the WBA Fedlatin & WBC Fecarbox Light Heavight championship. In his last bout, Savigne scored a ten round unanimous decision over Dhafir Smith on November 30th, 2012.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first undercard bout starting at 7:30 p.m. The Friday Night Fights telecast begins at 9 p.m on ESPN , ESPN Deportes and will be available online through WatchESPN.com and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app.
Tickets prices from $25 to $70. Call the Turning Stone box office at (315) 361-7469 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 6th, 2013) — Aside from being a little older, and perhaps a bit wiser, the Peter Manfredo Jr. you see today is much different than “The Pride Of Providence” who rose to fame nearly eight years ago as a fan-favorite on the hit, reality television series The Contender.

As he continues his comeback, which began in November with a victory at Twin River Casino, Manfredo Jr. (38-7, 20 KOs) finds himself balancing life both in and outside of the ring, first as a husband and father, and then as a professional boxer.

Nowadays, each morning begins at 4 as Manfredo Jr. commutes to Boston for his day job. Then it’s back to Rhode Island to hit the gym in preparation for his Friday, March 15th, 2013 showdown against fellow Contender alum Walter Wright (14-3, 7 KOs) before finally heading home to Connecticut with his wife and three children.

The mileage adds up, but it’s worth putting in the extra work moonlighting as a laborer and boxer as long as Manfredo Jr. can avoid the pitfalls that have plagued so many fighters in the aftermath of their professional careers.

“I would never put my kids in this game,” said Manfredo Jr., whose 10-round bout against Wright will headline Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Unfinished Business” boxing card next Friday at the Twin River Event Center.

“There are no happy endings, not even for some of the best fighters in the world. Joe Louis died broke. Sugar Ray Robinson died broke. Muhammad Ali is like a vegetable now. There are no pensions or retirement funds. Why do we keep fighting? We’re living within our means when we’re fighting. When you’re not fighting, how do you make ends meets?

“At the end of the day, when you’re 30-something years old and you’ve put your whole career into boxing and now you have to get up to go to work, it’s tough to keep up. There aren’t any happy endings in this business, but maybe someday when I’m retired I can be a spokesperson for kids.”

Since he announced his comeback last year, Manfredo Jr. has made it clear he’s fighting to provide for his family. Asked what he would consider a “happy ending,” he said, “I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do in boxing.

“I’m probably the one percent who’s made it to where I’ve been. I’ve fought some of the best fighters in the world. I fought Joe Calzaghe in front of 30,000 in Wales. I fought Sakio Bika. I fought Jeff Lacy. I fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I’ve fought on HBO, ESPN – all over the world. I won a [International Boxing Organization] world title. If it were to end today, it’d be perfect.

“Now, I’m just doing it for the extra money. It’s a trade, like when guys fought during the Great Depression. God gave me this gift, and I’m going to use it. I’ll do it until I can’t do it anymore.”

Balancing both careers hasn’t been easy, but the fight in November against Rayco Saunders (a 10-round unanimous-decision win) allowed Manfredo Jr. to shake off the ring rust. Now it’s business as usual as he prepares to face Wright, a Seattle, Wash., native and former quarterfinalist on Season 2 of The Contender, who will be fighting for the first time since 2010.

“I feel good,” Manfredo Jr. said. “I’ve been in the gym a lot, whereas before when I was preparing for the last fight I hadn’t been in the gym for a whole year.

“I definitely feel an improvement. Things are a lot better than last time. At the same time, I didn’t get to go to camp [in California with trainer Freddie Roach] because I’m working full-time, but I still feel good as I’m moving along. Everything is coming back to me. I’m getting and now I have to work everyday at 4 a.m. and hit the gym after that, but I’m getting it done. I’m excited for this fight.”

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.

The undercard of “Unfinished Business” features an array of intriguing regional showdowns, starting with an intra-city battle between Joey Gardner (10-5-1, 1 KO) and Reynaldo Rodriguez (6-5-1, 3 KOs) of Woonsocket, R.I. The former training partners will go toe-to-toe in a six-round super middleweight special attraction.

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.)

CHESTER, PA (March 6, 2013)—On Friday night April 19th, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia as Joey Eye Boxing and David Feldman presents a night of championship boxing as Dhafir “No Fear” Smith defends the Pennsylvania State Light Heavyweight championship against the popular Anthony Caputo Smith in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Dhafir Smith of Philadelphia is considered one of the last “Throwback” fighters as has fought anybody at anyplace at anytime.

Smith of Upper Darby, PA has the most deceiving record of 26-23-7 with four knockouts but that doesn’t even begin to tell the story.

To say Smith has faced top flight competition is an understatement. He has taken on the likes of Dennis Sharpe (13-0-1); Ian Gardner (12-1); Shaun George (8-0-1); Artur Shekhmurzov (10-0-1); Chuck Cavallo (2-0); Max Alexander (2-0); Wayne Johnsen (8-0); Henry Buchannan (11-0); Nick Cook (14-1); Mike Paschall (10-0); Curtis Stevens (14-1); Andre Ward (11-0); Adonis Stevenson (10-0) ; Kingsley Ikeke (23-3); Jerson Ravelo (18-3); Jesus Gonzalez (25-1); Cornelius White (16-1); Marco Antonio Periban (14-0)

He has victories over Henry Mayes (5-0); Brandon Mitchum (25-4-1); Jonathan Reid (34-6); John Johnson (12-1); Former world Super Middleweight champion Jeff Lacy (25-3).

Smith won the Pennsylvania state title with a ten round unanimous decision over Tony Ferrante on May 4th, 2012. In his last bout, Smith dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Umberto Savigne (9-1) on November 30, 2012.

Caputo Smith Kennett Square, PA has a record of 13-1 with ten knockouts is a fan favorite in the Delaware area. He turned pro in 2009 and the twenty-seven year old won his first thirteen bouts before being stopped by Kevin Engel on August 31, 2012.

Seeing action in the six round co-feature will be popular lightweight Victor Vasquez.

Vasquez of Philadelphia has a record of 16-7-1 with seven knockouts and is always in action packed fights.

Vasquez has quality wins over Thomas McCuiston (1-0), Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) and Angel Rios (9-5). The “Blood and Guts” Warrior of Philadelphia has been in many memorable scraps. He is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Esteban Rodriguez on January 26th at Harrahs Philadelphia. This will be his 7th bout at Harrahs Philadelphia.

Vazquez ‘opponent will be announced shortly.

Appearing in six round bout’s against opponents to be named will be Jr. Welterweight Julio Dejesus (7-3-3, 4 KO’s) of Chester, PA; Undefeated Middleweight Thomas “Cornflake”LaManna (10-0, 6 KO’s) of Millville, PA; Super Bantamweight Alex Barbosa (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia);

In four round bouts will be Welterweight Anthony Prescott (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Cherry Hill, NJ; Female Jr. Welterweight Althea Saunders (3-0-1) of Atlantic City and Former UFC star Waylon Lowe of Philadelphia who will be making his pro debut.

Opponents and additional bouts will be announced.

Tickets are now on sale for $125 (VIP); $65 (Ringside) and $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Philadelphia Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David

Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on http://www.webtix.net/

LOS ANGELES (March 6, 2013) — Bradley vs. Provodnikov takes place on Saturday, March 16, under the stars at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and is promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Banner Promotions and Tecate. Timothy Bradley has been a world champion since 2008, first as a junior welterweight, where he twice unified the titles, and now as a welterweight. Timothy will be making the first defense of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title he won by beating Manny Pacquiao last summer. The bout will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:15 P.M. ET / PT.

(Listen to the entire call here.)

TODD DuBOEF: This is exciting getting Timothy back in the ring and I know he has the fire. When we first met with Timmy and got his career going under Top Rank we knew we had a special person who had a special sparkle and had an incredible ability to fight. I think he has delivered. This fight is in southern California, where Tim has not fought in a while and The Home Depot Center is a special arena. On March 16 it is going to be electric.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: I want to thank Top Rank, Cameron Dunkin, my wife and my team, The Home Dept Center and HBO. Training camp has been going well and I am 100%. I can’t wait to get into the ring on the 16th. It is a big challenge and I am excited about it. I know Ruslan Provodnikov is a tough guy and is going to bring the fight to me. I am confident I am going to get the job done and I am going to be victorious once again.

JOEL DIAZ: Camp is going great. Sparring days — Tim has not had a bad day – he has been looking really good. As far as getting ready for the fight, Tim could fight this weekend, that’s how ready he is. We don’t take anyone light, no matter who it is or what style he has. Ruslan has his style and I know he is training really hard because this is a great opportunity for him. I watch Provodnikov fights every night and know what he is and he’s not going to change very much. I know he has power in both hands, but to catch Tim Bradley is going to be very hard. Tim is really smart and now his punching power has now increased because we made some adjustments. You are going to see a different Tim Bradley on the 16th and don’t be surprised if it doesn’t go the distance.

Is this a statement fight for you?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: Every fight from here on out is a statement fight, especially coming after the Pacquiao fight. I am looking to make a statement in this fight and I am looking to damage this guy. I am looking to put this guy out. I don’t want to go 12 rounds with this guy. The longer he stays around the more confident he will get so I want to get him out of there as soon as possible.

How does Provodnikov match in power with others you have fought?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: I don’t know about his knockout power. I’m not worried about his power. He needs to worry about my power. I am not worried about anything he is going to bring. He is going to stand in the middle of the ring. I know exactly how to beat this guy – outbox him. Provodnikov has to worry about me, I am not worried about him.

How are you at 147?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: The speed is still there and the power will be there. In camp we have been working on a lot of techniques and turning over my shots and making them harder and more effective. The sparring partners are asking what am I doing differently because my shots are a lot harder now.

One of your sparring partners beat Ruslan? Have you spoken to him about that fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: Mauricio [Herrera], he’s a tough cookie. He always comes in great shape and has good defense. We sparred yesterday. He told me “you come to fight, every single day,” and he makes me work hard. He told me don’t exchange with him. He will apply pressure the whole fight but it is smart pressure. He is going to eat a lot of shots but will always be in front of your face.

How as your life changed since the Pacquiao fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: The Pacquiao made me grow as a person and as a fighter and it made me realize who was important and who was not important and what is important in my career. What is not important is what people’s perception of me is. Everyone has an opinion and they can say whatever they want to say but it’s not going to stop me from what I do and that’s kick but in the ring. What’s important is my family and I pay attention to my career and stop worrying about everyone else’s career and what they are making. I just need to focus on my career and my life. Stop reading all this garbage that all these people are writing about me. I stopped reading columns – I used to read it all the time now I don’t read it at all.

What were the things that upset you the most?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: I don’t get any credit after the Pacquiao fight, whatsoever. People talk about me, my style, that I’m boring. Some people talk about my wife, my kids. People sent me death threats after the fight because I won undeservingly. I should have given the belt back. A lot of different things went on. I can talk all day about things that people said about me. But it doesn’t matter – none of these people are going to get in the ring with me. People can say whatever they want – it is a free country – so I am going to say whatever I want, when I want to say it and how I want to say it. Those people don’t know me at all. If you get to know me, if you know what I go through, how I train and you still talk crap about me, then you have the problem. No one knows what I go through to prepare for my fights. People need to sell papers I guess. I am the nicest guy you will ever meet on the street, ever.

How did you get death threats?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: Mail and phone calls. I didn’t report anything. I am in my house and nobody will mess with me when I’m in my house. I didn’t really take them seriously. People were mad but I didn’t think they would come to my house and take me out I don’t think that would ever happen.

TODD DuBOEF: The result of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight was a very tough result for everybody in the sport and very tough for a lot of people. Fortunately Tim, Monica and myself have been able to communicate. There was no handbook for what the result of the fight was. No one knew how to handle it. We had death threats, Tim had death threats and it was a very spirited blogosphere campaign that we all got sucked into. Fortunately we have a healthy relationship moving forward and we are looking to keep him active and making the biggest fights we can for him.

Were you following the WBO’s re-judging of the fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: I laugh at that. Were there 5 judges at Pacquiao-Márquez III?

TODD DuBOEF: I get the questioning here, but look at the Big 12 when they just looked at a basketball game last week between Kansas and Iowa State, was it? People can say what they want about those judgments. We are on a very forward moving model.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: There is a difference when you view it live and when you view it on TV. Completely different.

What are your thoughts on the Pacquiao KO in his last fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: Do you want the devils side or do you want to good side of me? One side said ‘that’s what you get for not re-matching me.’ The other side said ‘that was a helluva fight and I can’t believe what just happened.’

Was there still a foot problem that made you forego a December fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: My feet were not 100%. In the back of my mind I was thinking about if I was ready or not. I also did not want the rematch with [Lamont] Peterson. It was a combination of the two things but mainly I did not want to fight Peterson.

TODD DuBOEF: For the December fight we were talking with both [Robert] Guerrero and [Andre] Berto. We had offers with them and we had accepted the fight with both of them. HBO was brokering a deal for us in December and we were going to go to Marlins Park [Miami, Fla.] and we were waiting for them to wrap that up; but both of them declined the fight and decided to fight each other – those were the real other offers that we were looking at. Then it came down to Peterson and Tim expressed that he already fought and beat this guy — been there, done that — so let’s go onward and upward and that was it. The Gamboa fight was a thing for March, we tried to get that confirmed but Gamboa didn’t want the fight either.

Did you train differently for this fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: I worked on a lot of technique. Just technique – turning our punches and sitting down on our punches. It’s showing in the ring. It’s way different now. My punches are a lot harder – a lot more solid. The power is there – I am hurting guys in camp. I was lacking technique and I think a lot of people are going to see it in this fight. I come out and throw my right and put my body into it and I think I am going to do some damage in this fight.

Joel do you think Timmy will be stronger in this fight?

JOEL DIAZ: Yes, I think he will be. Punching power? Yes. For the Pacquiao fight we wanted to execute Manny’s strategy – movement, technique but the injury made us survive for the fight. But this guy that comes straight forward, he is just a target in front of you. Now I have Tim hitting a lot harder. I can tell from the sparring partners that were going six or eight rounds that now can’t handle two rounds. We made some changes and they are working really well. I will tell you this – Ruslan will come forward, but he will only come forward until I decide he will not come forward. I will tell Tim we do now want him coming forward, just like the Pacquiao fight. By the eleventh or twelfth round [of the Pacquiao fight], who was pushing the other guy back? Tim was. Tim does what I tell him to do and when I tell him to push Ruslan back, Tim will do it. When I told him to push the fight back, he was pushing Pacquiao back. Ruslan is a straightforward fight. He has power but he is going to come forward until I say so.

Will Ruslan be easier to hit than Manny Pacquiao?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR: Oh heck yes. Pacquiao is tough to hit – he is good defensively.

JOEL DIAZ: Pacquiao is really smart, but at the same time, Tim is the same way. Pacquiao was throwing punches from every angle and missing most of them.

Are you concerned with what Freddie Roach brings to the table?

JOEL DIAZ: Freddie Roach is not my concern. My concern is the fighter. Freddie Roach was just a name that was created. I think Freddie Roach lost the love of the sport. He created a name and it’s out there but he doesn’t have the compassion for the sport that he had a few years ago. I’ve seen it in the last Márquez fight. I’ve seen it in the fight before, the third fight with Márquez. Freddie Roach is the least of my concern for any fight. I just focus on the fighter. Freddie Roach is always trying to play mind games. Freddie says Tim is going to run – that is just Freddie playing mind games. They don’t know how we are going to fight. He is trying to get under Tim’s skin. At the end of the day Tim is going to be a winner, and that’s what matters.

TODD DuBOEF: We have not only this main event but also a lot of other Los Angeles area guys on the card and we hope everyone comes out to see them. It is now time for one of the elite fighters in the world, Tim Bradley, to get back in the ring so we can see him shine.

JOEL DIAZ: On March 16 you will see a different Tim Bradley and a more explosive Tim Bradley.

MATT ROWLAND, BANNER PROMOTIONS: We are very happy for the opportunity that Tim Bradley and Top Rank has given us and we know that Ruslan will make the most of it.

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: First of all I want to say Happy Birthday to my trainer Freddie Roach. I haven’t seen him yet today but I’ll see him in about an hour. Freddie I will give you your present on March 16. Training is going very well. I am happy with everything.

FREDDIE ROACH: Ruslan is becoming a better fighter all the time. When he sparred with Pacquiao he learned Pacquiao’s style. He knows how to fight and he knows the art of boxing. He is looking pretty good and we’re doing what we need to get ready for this fight. We are fighting a very good boxer who can move if he needs to move. Ruslan’s working the jab and cutting the ring off. Everything is in place right now. The game plan is there. We have a couple more days of sparring to go and we’ll be there.

Joel Diaz stated that you have lost your love of the sport of boxing. That you are now just a brand name.

FREDDIE ROACH: I could tell him where to go but he doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know what I do every day. He doesn’t see me in the gym working with these fighters. I know he’s just saying it to get under my skin. I have a game plan and the right fighters to carry that game plan through and on the 16th we’ll see who’s the better coach or who’s the better man.

In retrospect do you think it would have been better to fight Bradley than Marquez?

FREDDIE ROACH: No. Part of life in boxing is losing and we have no regrets whatsoever. We felt like we didn’t need to redeem anything with the Bradley fight because we thought we won so easily. Most of the public in the world knew Pacquiao won. Just three people [Bradley and two judges] and Bradley’s trainer thought Bradley won – so you have four guys against the world. We are not worried about that.

Do you see a time in the future where the rematch with Bradley would happen?

FREDDIE ROACH: I don’t see a need for a rematch but if the business makes sense it will happen.

How do you feel about the weight switch?

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: I think everything is going to be fine. The training camp is great and I feel great at 147. I do weigh a little more and it is easier now than it normally is at this time two weeks out.

Do you plan to stay at 147 or go back down?

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: I don’t know what my plans are going to be after this fight. Realistically I have always been waiting for a fight against Tim Bradley and I would have taken the fight with him at 140 or 147. I think I can beat him at any weight class.

FREDDIE ROACH: Ruslan is a very good 147-pounder who happens to be able to make 140. 147 is easier to make but it is still no walk in the park. We have to watch his diet. He weighs about 153 right now so he is in striking distance. He feels pretty strong at the weight and I think he will be a better puncher at the weight. I like him at 147 more than I like him at 140.

How many fights have you been his trainer?

FREDDIE ROACH: I have trained him the last three fights, I just haven’t been able to get to the fight with him because of conflicts with Pacquiao and other fighters. I had my friend and assistant Eric Brown help me out a bit and he did a great job. Right now everything is falling into place and I’ll be in the corner this time also. (fourth fight in camp, first fight in corner).

How do you feel about the possibility of Ruslan getting the win against Bradley where Manny didn’t?

FREDDIE ROACH: I never really think about that. I keep them separated. What happened, happened and there is nothing we an do about it. This is a big fight for Ruslan – the biggest fight of his life. It is a great opportunity and I’m happy he has the opportunity. I always thought he was stronger and the bigger puncher of the two. I love his chances to win by knockout.

MATT ROWLAND: Ruslan is taking this fight because it is the biggest fight we could make. He is fighting Tim Bradley who has only fought welterweight twice. So we are not dealing with a big welterweight and he wasn’t a big puncher at 140 so he shouldn’t be a big puncher at 147, so weight will definitely not be an issue.

Bradley is using a sparring partner that beat Provodnikov…

FREDDIE ROACH: I think he is a different fighter than the one that lost. I think it is a smart thing for them to do. We got the best sparring partners we could to emulate Bradley. We spent a lot of money going out and getting the right guys and they did the same thing. The thing is when they get in the ring at match up on fight night it won’t be anything like the sparring. That’s how you get ready for big fights.

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: I heard that Bradley is using Herrera for sparring but they don’t know what kind of preparations I had for that fight or what kind of trainer I had. My training camp now is completely different and I don’t think I lost that fight anyway. I have been improving and with my new trainer and strength-and-conditioning coach [Gavin MacMillan] working with me and I going to be even more different than I was in the last couple of fights.

Why do you think you were not at your best for that fight?

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: Unfortunately at that time and did not have the conditioning that I have now. I didn’t have everything that I have now. First of all I came into the country a lot later. I didn’t have the money to get a full training camp that I do now – I didn’t have the right trainer and I didn’t have the right sparring. Now everything is different. It has been different every fight after that fight.

What went through your mind when you found out about this opportunity?

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: I knew that my title shot was coming. There was talk of Brandon Rios who I know didn’t want to fight me. When this opportunity came around I said ‘yes’ right away. I think this is even a better opportunity. This win would mean a lot more than anybody at my weight.

Are you bothered by Joel Diaz’s statements about you?

FREDDIE ROACH: I met the person [Joel Diaz] maybe twice in my life. I see him around the boxing game. I know that he had a good record. He seems like he did a great job with his fighter. My fighter and I get along well. It’s not about the trainers. My fighter is the one who’s going to win the fight, not me. Whatever he says, I don’t care. I don’t have time to be mad at someone. I don’t read anything he says; I just don’t have time for that. I’m sure he is a nice person outside of the ring. This fight is very important for Ruslan and me and the entire camp and we want to win the fight.

FREDDIE ROACH: We know the style of our opponent and we have some tricks up our sleeves. He’s going to see some things he hasn’t seen before. He is right on cue with everything he needs to be ready for this fight. He’s getting better and better and we still have two more days of sparring to go. We just have to maintain and stay sharp right now, all the hard work has been done. We’re ready to go.

How will the movement of Tim Bradley affect Ruslan?

FREDDIE ROACH: It is obviously a big challenge but have a very good game plan. We will make that ring small – one that we can set up traps. We are fighting a world champion – this is for all the money. It’s the biggest fight of his life and we are going to do everything we can to win the fight.

MATT ROWLAND: We think it’s the right fight at the right time.

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV: Everyone should come out and support us in this fight because you will never forget it.

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Remaining tickets to the Bradley-Provodnikov world welterweight championship event, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, can be purchased online at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Suites are available by calling 1-877-604-8777. For information of group discounts, please call 1-877-234-8425.

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

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2013) – Top contender Argenis “The Thunderstorm” Mendez (20-2, 10 KOs) gets another shot at International Featherweight Boxing (IBF) Juan Carlos Salgado (26-1-1, 16 KOs) on Saturday night (March 9) in the 12-round main event, live on HBO Latino from The Hanger in Costa Mesa, California.

Mendez recently returned from an eight-week training camp with his trainer, Lee Beard, in England.

“I’ve been working hard to get ready for this fight,” Mendez said. “I’m excited to be fighting once again for the world title and on HBO Latino. I’m going to take care of unfinished business. I’m not going to leave the final result in the hands of the judges this time. I’m coming back with the belt for my family and team, Acquniity Sports, and my country, Dominican Republic.”

Mendez earned his title shot in the Salgado rematch, as the 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian did the first time around, winning IBF title eliminators to become the mandatory challenger again. In 2011, Mendez easily won a 12-round unanimous decision (117-110, 117-110, 117-111) over Cassius Baloyi (37-5-1) in South Africa.

Eight months later, Mendez challenged Salgado in his native Mexico, dropping a closely contested and controversial 12-round decision (114-112, 114-112, 115-110), in which Mendez decked Salgado in the final round.

Mendez, now living in Miami, bounced right back, winning a 12-round unanimous decision (117-109, 116-110, 115-111) from Martin Honorio (32-7-1) last July in another IBF title eliminator. Honorio is the only common opponent for Mendez and Salgado; the Dominican having won a pair of 12-round decisions, the Mexican one.

Mendez can become Acquiniity Sports’ first world champion. “I’m very happy with Mendez’ progress and I’m very confident that he will become our first world champion this Saturday night,” Acquinity Sports CEO Gary Jonas commented.

“Our business started a little more than a year ago and Mendez will be our first world champion,” added an equally confident Henry Rivalta, Acquinity Sports’ Vice President of Boxing Operations. “In the first fight, Mendez should have done a little more early in the fight. He beat-up Salgado near the end of the fight, but the judges must not have felt that he did enough to beat the defending world champion in his home country. Mendez doesn’t plan for this fight to go the full distance. He’s in great shape after going through a rigorous training camp with his trainer, Lee Beard. Salgado won’t be fighting the same Mendez this Saturday night. Argenis is hungry and eager. He felt that he won the last fight and believes he’ll win this fight.

“Fighters don’t get many opportunities like this and Mendez is going into the fight to knockout Salgado. He dominated the fight against Honorio to win the IBF title eliminator and become Salgado’s mandatory challenger. We’re proud of Argenis for all the hard work he’s put in and behind him 100-percent. He has a great team with Lee and his manager, Jose Nunez. We’re ready to celebrate with a parade back home when Mendez becomes world champion.”

Mendez was also a world-class amateur boxer, compiling an eye-opening 238-13 record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance in the 2005 Pan-American Games. He captured a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships.

Salgado and Mendez are rated No. 2 and No. 7, respectively, by The Ring Magazine.

Mendez’ fellow countryman and stable-mate, Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman, captured world titles in two weight classes prior to signing a promotional contract with Acquinity Sports. Guzman, however, will fight Vincente “El Loco” Mosquera, tentatively scheduled for May 31, for the Interim World Boxing Association super lightweight title.

Go online to www.AquinitySports.com for additional information about Mendez or his stable-mates. Follow Acquinity Sports on Twitter @AcquinitySports, or friend is at Facebook.com/AcquinitySports.

NEW YORK (March 6, 2013) – Golden-era heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Dempsey, and legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum lead a star-studded cast of 20 inductees into the second-year New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF)

The second annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.n. ET), April 2O, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“This is an exceptional group of inductees,” NYSBHOF and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “We are inducting legitimate New Yorkers in the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. All of these inductees have a significant impact on New York State boxing during their respective times. There are many other potential inductees but this is only our second year. We’re confident that any deserving people who haven’t been inducted yet will be inducted in due time. There’s a process we’re following. New York State was the driving force in boxing for more than a half-century and remains a major player in the sport, so we’ll have many, many great boxing people to choose from over the years.”

Posthumous participants being inducted along with Dempsey (61-6-9, 50 KOs) are the first great Italian boxer based in America, featherweight Johnny Dundee (83-32-20, 17 KOs); two-time world featherweight champion Sandy Saddler (144-16-2, 103 KOs) Sandy Saddler, who is best known for his epic rivalry with Willie Pep; and world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom (207-39-26 (19 KOs).

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF are Bronx middleweight Joey Archer (61-6-9, 50 KOs), three-division world champion from the Bronx, Iran Barkley (43-19-1 (27 KOs); Brooklyn’s Mark Breland (35-3-1, 25 KOs),1984 Olympic gold medalist and two-time world welterweight titlist, Levittown light heavyweight Bobby Cassidy (59-16-3, 27 KOs); world heavyweight challenger Doug Jones (30-10-1, 20 KOs), Brooklyn’s world bantamweight and super bantamweight champion Junior Jones (50-6, 28 KOs), Brentwood’s light welterweight and welterweight champion James “Buddy” McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs), Brooklyn’s world light heavyweight champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (50-8-1, 39 KOs).

Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF with Arum (Top Rank) are Shelly Finkel, manager of a NYSBHOF inductee from last year, Mike McCallum, as well as Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker; Tony Graziano, who managed last year’s NYSBHOF inductee, Carmen Basilio, and world welterweight champion Billy Backus; Brooklyn’s Larry Merchant, arguably television’s greatest boxing analyst; posthumously: Teddy Brenner, longtime matchmaker for Madison Square Garden (1959-1973), boxing’s premier blow-by-blow announcer on television and radio, Don Dunphy; powerful promoter Mike Jacobs, and Dempsey’s promoter, Tex Rickard.

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission and Waterfront Crabhouse. Duffy also has revealed that Ring 8’s plan calls for a monument to be built in Long Island City with every NYSBHOF inductee’s name inscribed.

The inductees were selected by NYSBHOF nominating committee members, including Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

“I believe the people on our nominating committee are second to none for any nominating committee in boxing,” Duffy added. “They’re all very knowledgeable and passionate about boxing in New York State.”

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

Last year’s Inaugural Class included Basilio and McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, and Emile Griffith, as well as the late “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri.

Non-participant inductees from the Class of 2012 included judge/HBO analyst Harold Lederman, coach/instructor Steve Acunto, trainer/cut-man Jimmy Glenn and, posthumously, trainers Gil Clancy and Ray Arcel, Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer, New York Daily News boxing reporter/cartoonist Bill Gallo, and referee Arthur Mercante, Sr.

Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult ($125.00 for Ring 8 members in good standing) and $50.00 for children, and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Tickets are available to purchase at the Waterfront Crabhouse (2-03 Borden Ave in Long Island City), or by calling Mazzarella at 718.729.4862 or Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Mazzarella and Duffy.

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

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

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

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

New York, NY (3/6/13) – On March 30, top-rated light heavyweight contender Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (20-1-1, 9KO’s) will look to wrestle away the WBC silver light heavyweight title from defending champion Tony Bellew (19-1, 12KO’s) when the two meet in the main event on Matchroom Sport’s promoted card taking place at the Echo Arena in Bellew’s home city of Liverpool. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds and is promoted by Matchroom Sport, in association with DiBella Entertainment. SKY Sports will televise the championship card in the U.K., while WealthTV will air the event in the U.S.

“I have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a very long time,” said the WBC #4, IBF #9, WBO #13 and WBA #14-rated Chilemba. “Bellew is a very worthwhile opponent and I am not underestimating him on any level, but my team and I are extremely confident going into this fight. I know that fighting on foreign soil is never easy, but whether it is by KO or on points, I only see this fight ending in one way, and that is with my hand being raised as the clear-cut winner.”

For Chilemba, this will be his second fight training under the tutelage of highly regarded trainer and former world champion, James “Buddy” McGirt. Chilemba feels that his work with McGirt has made a huge difference in his game and plans to show it on March 30.

“Working with Buddy has been great. Buddy is a fantastic trainer and he has improved on my skills greatly. I needed someone who could take me to that next level and that’s exactly what Buddy has done. Training in the U.S. has been great; the training and the sparring I get here is superior to anywhere else I have ever trained in my life. The vibe and atmosphere in the gyms are very motivating and it drives me to work harder day in and day out.”

“In addition to Isaac being a terrific fighter, he has an absolutely remarkable story of his upbringing and his journey to this point in his life,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “The things that this young man has had to endure to get to where he is now, it is a true testament to the type of person that he is and the character that he has. His fight against Bellew is the biggest opportunity of his career, and we fully expect him to show his championship colors and come out victorious on March 30th.”

The road to glory for Chilemba has been anything but easy. Born in Blantyre, Malawi (one of the poorest countries in the world), Chilemba was one of 10 siblings, in charge of helping to raise his younger brothers and sisters while his single mother would leave for months at a time, looking for work to help support their large family.

Around the age of 14, Chilemba discovered boxing and began training and fighting while still looking after his younger siblings. At 16, both of Chilemba’s parents passed away, leaving him fully in charge of his family.

The South African-native turned pro at just 18 years old, scoring a second-round TKO over Thamsanga Tindleni, on October 19, 2005. By mid-2008, Chilemba had won 11 of 12 fights, with eight by knockout. The lone blemish came against Willbeforce Shihepo, with Chilemba losing a six-round decision. However, Chilemba avenged that defeat in a rematch four months later, earning a six-round points victory. During this period, he also scored an impressive eighth-round TKO victory over 10-0-1 David Basajjamivule.

With his record standing at 11-1, 8KO’s, Chilemba took on Charles Adamu for the vacant African Boxing Union super middleweight title, winning a dominant 12-round unanimous decision, on September 13, 2008, at Emperor’s Palace, in Kempton Park.

Chilemba’s next three fights saw him take on a trio of opponents whom had a combined record of 42-1-1, with Chilemba winning three consecutive 12-round unanimous decisions, picking up the vacant IBO super middleweight, WBC International light heavyweight and WBO African light heavyweight titles in the process.

On November 6, 2011, in one of the most anticipated fights to take place in South Africa in years, Chilemba took on fellow red-hot South African prospect, Thomas Oosthuizen (13-0), with the outcome being ruled a split decision draw. The bout against Oosthuizen would be Chilemba’s last at super middleweight.

Looking to make a name for himself outside of his native country, Chilemba faced the dangerous Maxim Vlasov (19-0) in Tulsa, OK, winning a 10-round unanimous decision, in his first fight outside of South Africa.

The performance against Vlasov, which shown on the nationally televised ESPN Friday Night Fights, caught the eye of a number of stateside promoters, including Lou DiBella. After one more bout in South Africa-another dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Vikapita Meroro (20-1) to regain the vacant WBC International light heavyweight title-Chilemba came back to the States, signing a long-term exclusive promotional contract with DiBella Entertainment (DBE). In his first bout under the DBE banner, Chilemba scored a vicious second-round TKO over James Bostic on the undercard of Sergio Martinez’ middleweight title defense against Darren Barker on October 1, 2011, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

In February 2012, Chilemba returned to ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, winning an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over former world-title challenger, and longtime contender, Edison Miranda.

Promoting a tripleheader to be televised by HBO on September 29, 2012, DiBella decided to match Chilemba, now rated by all four major sanctioning bodies, against the undefeated former two-division world champion Zsolt Erdei (also promoted by DBE). The winner of the bout would clearly cement themselves as one of the top dogs in the 175lb. division, with a title shot looming. However, weeks before the bout was to take place, Erdei pulled out of the contest after suffering two broken ribs in training. Chilemba remained on the card in an off-tv stay-busy fight, but he missed out on an opportunity to showcase his budding skills on one of boxing’s biggest platforms, HBO.

“The fallout with Erdei was definitely a frustrating moment in my career,” said Chilemba. “These things happen in boxing all of the time though, and I am a professional, so I just took it in stride and knew that I would get another opportunity soon. Everything happens for a reason, you just have to keep your faith.”

Not looking past the task at hand, Chilemba does have one fighter in his immediate sites, and that would be light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson.

“I want Chad badly,” stated Chilemba. He has both the WBC and Ring Magazine titles, and those are the two titles that I want more than anything else. At the end of the day, I will fight whomever my team puts in front of me, and whoever it takes for me to be recognized as the number one light heavyweight in the world, but the fight with Chad is definitely the one I am ultimately looking for.”

The March 8 edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will feature Victor “Mermelada” Cayo (31-3, 21 KOs), who once fought for the Junior Welterweight title, and Emanuel “Tranzforma” Taylor (16-1, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Friday’s show from the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, and will be available online through WatchESPN.com and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app. The card will also air live on ESPN Deportes+, the new digital extension of ESPN Deportes, and will air tape delayed on ESPN Deportes Sunday, March 10, at 3 a.m. The card is promoted by Sampson Boxing.

Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action for ESPN2 HD, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will provide the latest boxing news and highlights. Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call this week’s fights for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights) with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Friday’s studio show will discuss the March 9 title fight between Light Heavyweight titlist Tavoris Cloud and Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins, 48, is looking to break his own record in becoming the oldest fighter to win a world title. ESPN.com boxing writer Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) will be at Saturday’s fight from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., covering the fight for ESPN

Main Event:
Dominican Republic’s Cayo has won his last four fights, three by knockout. He won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vladimir Baez in his last fight and enters Friday’s bout with big fight experience, having fought former and current titlists Nate Campbell, Marcos Maidana, Julio Diaz and Lamont Peterson.

Maryland’s Taylor, has won his last two fights and is coming off one of his best wins, a sixth-round TKO over Raymond Serrano. After the fight Rafael wrote: “Serrano started off well enough, appearing to edge Taylor in the first two rounds, but then it was all downhill. Taylor began landing nice short punches when the fighters were on the inside, and did a good job on defense to avoid most of what was coming back. He was really in a groove landing combinations and controlling the action when he badly hurt Serrano against the ropes in the sixth round. With Taylor landing a barrage of unanswered blows, (the) referee stepped in to call off the fight at 1 minute, 42 seconds.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s 10-round co-feature will pit undefeated Heavyweight Magomed “Mago” Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) against Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs). Abdusalamov scored a second-round TKO win over Jameel McCline in his last fight, while Bisbal is looking to win his 17th straight fight, following a sixth-round TKO win over Alex Gonzalez.

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

Heavyweight contender Manuel Charr has to undergo surgery in Cologne today because of a meniscal tear. He already had the injury going into his last fight against Yakup Saglam on February 22nd in Galti, Romania.

“I was in pain and couldn’t stand properly but I wanted to fight anyways”, says Charr. “Lots of fans recognized that I was overweight. That’s because I could barely move in the last part of training camp. All I did was standing in front of the heavy bag and throwing some combinations. I couldn’t do any roadwork at all. Still I wanted that fight because I am so focused on my big goal to become heavyweight champion of the world. And I won’t be stopped on my way – not even by a serious injury!”

Former world champions Ruslan Chagaev and Firat Arslan withdrew from fighting Saglam last December. Charr took the fight – even with a meniscal tear. “I know how it feels to be ducked and avoided so I wanted to give Yakup the chance to fight at all”, states Charr. “I am a fighter and I know that he is a fighter, too. We just cannot stand preparing for a fight which is canceled last minute. That’s why I took the risk and stepped into that ring.”

The “Diamond Boy” didn’t look too good in the first round of the bout against Saglam. Obviously he was distracted by the injury. Still he fought his way into the bout and dominated the second round before Saglam had to give up due to an old shoulder injury.

“I know that this was quite risky. It could have been the other way around very easily. But in the end I won so it was worth taking the risk. No I can undergo surgery and then prepare for my next fights.”

After today’s surgery Charr will be hospitalized for a week before he can start rehab training. “Of course, I want to return to action as soon as possible but I also know that I got to take one step at a time”, says the “Diamond Boy”. “If everything goes well I might be back in regular training in three or fours weeks. But of course, we have to see how the surgery goes first and then listen to what the doctors say.”

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighter® returned to FX on Tuesday night with the seventh episode of the season – “His Fist on My Face”. Decorated grappler Jimmy Quinlan, from Methuen, Mass., overcame Marietta, Ga, Clint Hester’s power to claim a second round submission win.

Undefeated in mixed martial arts, Quinlan, 3-0, secured the win by rear naked choke at 1:45 of the second round, successfully unseating Team Jones’ No. 1 pick in the process. With the win, Team Sonnen moves ahead 4-2 in the preliminary round fights.

A full recap is available at ufc.com.

Results after episode seven:

Team Sonnen – coached by UFC® light heavyweight Chael Sonnen – (4-2)

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

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

Zak Cummings

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 – (2-4)

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

In the final preliminary fight of the season, Team Sonnen’s Zak Cummings faces off against Team Jones’ Dylan Andrews.

The series resumes next Tuesday, March 12, on FX at 9 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings for Central and Mountain Time). In that episode – “Bag of Tools” – Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen face off in the most unique, and difficult, Coaches Challenge ever. After Cummings and Andrews face off in the last preliminary fight, Dana forces the coaches to decide on the Wildcard matchup.

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®

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.

FX

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 withW. 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.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (March 5, 2013) — Fresquez Productions held a press conference today to announce its next boxing event, “Mayhem,” headlined by 14-time, three division world champion Holly “The Preachers Daughter” Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs) – the recognized pound-for-pound Queen of Boxing – against challenger “Merciless” Mary McGee (20-1, 11 KOs) on Saturday night, May 11 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.

“Mayhem,” presented by Fresquez Productions in association with Route 66 Casino Hotel, will feature Holm defending her International Boxing Association (IBA) junior welterweight title in the 10-round main event against former NABC World lightweight titlist McGee, who fights out of Gary, Indiana.

“Holly Holm has repeatedly proven that she’s the best pound-for-pound women’s fighter in the world,” promoter Lenny Fresquez said. “Mary McGee is a bright, talented boxer who earned this world title shot. She impressed us all last December in her fight on the Holm-Prazak card at Route 66 Casino Hotel. Unlike others that call-out Holly, only to break negotiations because they were never serious, Mary is stepping up to the plate like a real fighter.”

The 31-year-old Holm (32-2-3, 9 KOs) has defeated a Who’s Who list of woman boxers from the 140 through 154-pound weight classes, including Ann Sophie Mathis, Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice).

Go on line to www.FresquezProductions.com or www.rt66casino.com for more information about “Mayhem”

For the first time since the birth of the Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament, there will be an entry fee for the combatants to secure their spot. Following months of varied delays and postponements due to a variety of reasons—including issues with fighters’ visas, reports of underground fighting, fixed fights and more—the Committee has brought upon this announcement.

“We have gone above and beyond to bring this tournament into fruition, and have dealt with one obstacle after another,” said Sadahura Takinawa, President of the Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament. “After exploring various options to eradicate these ongoing issues involving our international fighters, we have decided that the best course of action is to issue an entry fee so that the fighters will have to put money out of their pockets to reserve their spot within the tournament, and to show that they are serious and ready for competition. To ensure the fighters will take this seriously, the entry fee will be a substantial amount, though we cannot disclose the specific number at this time. We will continue with this tournament as one of the most highly regarded fighting competitions in the world, and will not tolerate the ongoing disgrace that some of the fighters have bestowed upon it. This fee will go into effect immediately, and any fighters’ who are unable to meet the financial obligations will be forced to withdraw their name from the competition.”

Since last summer the Committee has been anxious to get the tournament underway, but has been forced to acknowledge various problems surrounding the fighters involved.

“Our Committee Chair has been anxious to sound the gong to get this started, and has been nothing short of disgusted at the progression of the drama,” said Takinawa. “We have dealt with such lies, ongoing accusations, and deceit from fighters who are regarded as world champions, and it has left a bad taste in our mouths. Issuing this entry fee was a last resort, but a necessary one.”

The Committee has gone on to announce the entry deadline fee for the fighters to reserve their spot is March 15, and upon all of the fighters paying their way, each combatant will have 30 days to prepare for the tournament, and will need to be in Tokyo within two weeks of the deadline.

This unique tournament is one of a kind, as it encompasses all of the diversified martial arts and boxing disciplines across the world, and brings the most elite fighters in each discipline together to compete in a winner take all, single elimination tournament with the grand prize being the purse of $1 million and eligibility to fight in any tournament worldwide.

IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend against undefeated Franciso Pianeta on May 4th in Manheim, Germany according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

The bout will be televised in the United States by EPIX

“I have a lot of respect for Francesco Pianeta. He is young, a southpaw and has an immense fighting spirit,” Klitschko said. “He will do anything to reach his goal. I am warned and will prepare myself very intensively.”

“I was in Wladimir’s camp as a sparring partner last year. I saw his weaknesses and will use them for me,” Pianeta said. “I know many experts see me as the underdog but I like this role and will shock the boxing world when I knock out Klitschko.”

“Mannheim is a special place,” Klitschko said. “I started my second career there with my victory against Chris Byrd in 2006. The atmosphere has always been great.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Featherweight prospect Gary Russell Jr. fractured his left hand during his unanimous decision victory over Vyacheslav Gusev this past Saturday night in La Vegas.

“They have told him to rest it for four or five weeks and he should be good to go,” said publicist Julie Goldsticker.

“Ponce De Leon has been holding that belt for me,” Russell said before facing Gusev. “I hope he beats (Abner) Mares (on April 20) and then fights me. I also want to get my hands on Gamboa. He’s undefeated and I want to get my hands on him before anyone gives him a loss. He’s a really reckless fighter. He takes too many chances and gets hit too much.

“I would love to fight those guys. I’m on the edge of my seat every time Gamboa and Lopez fight because I don’t want anyone to beat them because I want to do it. I know Lopez lost a couple of fights already, but I want to put another ‘L’ on him. I know I have the skills and talent to beat them.”

Marcos Nader (16-0-1, 2 KOs) is aiming for his biggest career success to date. Originally, the Austrian already had the chance to achieve greatness on November 2 of last year. The 23-year-old took on current EU-Champion Roberto Santos (18-6-3, 10 KOs) at the Multiversum Schwechat, near the airport of Vienna, Austria. After twelve thrilling rounds the fight went to the scorecards and the judges called it a draw (115:114, 114:114 and 114:114).

“I did review the fight on tape a couple of times. It was a close call but I believe that I did enough to win it,” said Nader at the official press conference on Tuesday. And the big hope of Austrian boxing is planning to put on a great show for the rematch on April 13. “I am extremely motivated. We did learn a lot during the first fight and will bring the title to Austria.”

Coach Otto Ramin agrees with his prodigy: “We will make it a lot easier for the judges. Marcos won’t leave any doubts on who the winner is come April 13.”

However, beating Roberto Santos will not be an easy task. Unsurprisingly, the Spaniard wants to hold on to his beloved EU-Title. “Of course it won´t be easy fighting in front of a hostile crowd. But the pressure is bigger on Marcos as he is fighting in his backyard,” said the reigning champion. “My preparation is very professional. I have already started with sparring. The training will get even more intense over the coming weeks. I will be in great shape and win the fight.”

Tickets for the big show at the Multiversum Schwechat, Austria on April 13 can be purchased at www.multiversum-schwechat.at and www.boxen.com.

REVEL BEACH, N.J. (Mar. 5, 2013) – World Series of Fighting announced exciting Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) undercard action today, featuring local product Kris McCray (8-4) of Toms River, N.J. in a middleweight (185 pounds) scrap against battle-tested Danillo “Indio” Villefort (13-4) of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Waylon Lowe (13-4) of Philadelphia, Pa. squaring off with Cameron Dollar (11-4) of Colorado Springs, Colo. in a featherweight (145 pounds) tilt, from Ovation Hall at Revel in Atlantic City, N.J. on Saturday, March 23.

No strangers to Atlantic City, having fought there nine times (combined) professionally, Ozzy Dugulubgov (3-1) of Hackensack, N.J. will go up against undefeated prospect Chris Wade (5-0) of Long Island, N.Y. in a catchweight (160 pounds) bout.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and welterweight (170 pounds) upstart Igor Gracie (5-3) of Rio de Janeiro will face Rich Patishnock (4-1) of Whippany, N.J.

The six-bout preliminary card will be topped by a featherweight collision between streaking Duke Roufus protégé Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn (12-2) of Milwaukee, Wisc., and undefeated submission specialist Alexandre”Pulga” Pimentel (12-0) of Rio de Janeiro.

A stacked main card will be televised live on NBC Sports Network, headlined by the heavyweight showdown between superstars Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (19-9) of Minsk, Belarus and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (15-3) of Boca Raton, Fla.

In the bantamweight (135 pounds) co-main event, red-hot 29-year-old star Tyson Nam (12-4) of Portland, Ore., will face off with two-time national Muay Thai champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Marlon Moraes (9-4) of Jupiter, Fla., via Nova Friburgo, Brazil.

“We are excited to bring the World Series of Fighting brand of MMA to Atlantic City, where some of the greatest fights in history have taken place,” said World Series of Fighting President and six-time world kickboxing champion and two-time Hall of Famer, Ray Sefo. “Andrei Arlovski, Anthony Johnson and Marlon Moraes are all coming off superb performances on our inaugural fight card, and Tyson Nam has been on fire of late, so we felt that it was essential to showcase these stars at the top of our first card on the East Coast.”

Also slated for action on the five-bout TV card are welterweight sensation Josh Burkman (24-9) of Salt Lake City, Utah, who will collide with former UFC star Aaron “A-Train” Simpson (12-4) of Phoenix, Ariz., and former PRIDE Fighting Championships superstar and WEC champion Paulo Filho (23-4) of Rio de Janeiro, who will face off with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt David Branch (11-3) of Brooklyn, N.Y., in a middleweight bout.

Explosive finisher J.Z. Cavalcante (16-6) of Deerfield Beach, Fla., via Brazil, will take on unbeaten, emerging star Justin Gaethje (7-0) of Greeley, Colo., at lightweight (155 pounds).

Coming off his second consecutive victory, a unanimous decision over Mike “300” Hayes Dec. 16, Arlovski, a 33-year-old, 6-foot-4-inch, former UFC heavyweight champion, shined in the main event of the inaugural World Series of Fighting card Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, crumbling fellow power puncher Devin Cole with a barrage of blows in the first round (2:37).

Likewise, the 28-year-old, 6-foot-2-inch Johnson dominated D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman in the first-ever World Series of Fighting co-main event, scoring a first-round (3:58) KO of Linderman with a punch. The victory was Johnson’s fourth straight.

Nam made waves Aug. 25 when he pulled off a stunning upset on reigning Bellator bantamweight champion Eduardo Dantas, scoring a first-round (1:36) KO (punch) in a non-title bout in Brazil. Nam will put a four-fight win streak on the line in his World Series of Fighting debut.

The 24-year-old Moraes shocked the world on the first World Series of Fighting card, beating former WEC champion Miguel Torres to the punch repeatedly for the majority of three rounds en route to being being awarded a split decision victory. The win was Moraes’ third straight.

Tickets, priced from $39, are on sale and available for purchase at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000) and at Ticketmaster.com.

Doors at Ovation Hall at Revel will open at 5:30 p.m. EST and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The live NBC Sports Network telecast of the World Series of Fighting event will begin at 9:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. PST.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
Based in Las Vegas, Nev., the fight capital of the world, World Series of Fighting (“WSOF”) 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 REVEL
Revel is smoke-free and features more than 1,800 rooms with sweeping ocean views. A member of the American Express Gold Hotel Collection, the resort houses a 130,000-square-foot casino with more than 2,000 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, electronic tables and a Poker Room. Designed to embrace its natural surroundings, Revel curates a collection of daylife and nightlife experiences crafted to bring the outside in and the inside out. Indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, lounges, and a 32,000-square-foot spa provide guests with a relaxing resort, while an outstanding collection of 14 restaurant concepts from award-wining chefs and restaurateurs, live entertainment featuring marquee acts and international artists, nightclubs, a casino that feels like a theatre and a collection of boutiques in The Row tailor to each guest’s passions. Revel was most recently named one of the Best Hotels in the Northeast by Amtrak’s Arrive magazine and one of the Top 10 Best New Hotels in the U.S. by Gayot.com.

To start your Revel journey, visit www.revelresorts.com. To receive the latest updates on Revel, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revel and follow @revelresorts on Twitter and Instagram. Revel is located on the Boardwalk at Revel Blvd in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

ABOUT NBC SPORTS NETWORK
NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in nearly 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. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown, 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, NFL Turning Point, Caught Looking, NBC Sports Talk, and Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Chicago heavyweight “Merciless” Mike Mollo (20-4, 12 KOs) says he’s thought it over and there is only one fight that make sense for him right now.

“I want the Artur Szpilka rematch. That’s the only fight I want.”

Mollo suddenly finds himself a hot commodity after the back-and-forth war he and Poland’s Szpilka waged on February 1 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. Despite fighting through a mask of blood from cuts caused by accidental fouls, Mollo had the undefeated Polish fighter on the floor twice before being knocked out by a perfect shot in round six.

The 33-year-old had been fielding offers to face other fighters, but has now made up his mind: the rematch with Szpilka (13-0, 10 KOs) will be next.

“I want this rematch because of all the injustices in the last fight. I was winning! I should have never been allowed out for the sixth round with the cuts I had from elbows and headbutts. It should have been stopped and gone to the scorecards, like any other professional boxing match, but instead they sent me out to slaughter unable to see.”

Mollo maintains that referee Celestino Ruiz (especially) made several serious errors in judgment during the fight that prevented him from winning.

“He (Ruiz) was cursing at me! You can hear it on TV. He deducted a point from me for nothing and started warning me he would disqualify me. Not to mention all the fouls from Szpilka he missed. Even if you were at the fight, watch it on TV. Get a better look at the ESPN version and you’ll see what I was dealing with. He told my corner my cuts were from legal punches after he had officially ruled they were from fouls. It was a disgrace.”

Mollo says given time to prepare properly, he knows he has what it takes to derail the Szpilka express in a second fight.

“I know my abilities. I know how hard I punch. There’s not a man in the heavyweight division that can take it when I crack them. I wasn’t 100% for the first fight. I was lacking in some areas, and had some ring rust. Plus I broke my toe on Thanksgiving and couldn’t run all of December. I only had four weeks to get in shape. I know if we fight again with a different ref and everybody watching to see if they try to cheat me, it’ll be different.”

Despite losing, Mollo says his performance against Szpilka has raised people’s awareness of him at home and in the boxing world.

“Finally people got to see me for who I am. They got to see my abilities and will and my desire and see what Mike Mollo is about.”

After putting on the kind of unforgettable display of heart and desire that Mike Mollo put on in his last fight, there are plenty of lucrative avenues he could take. But first he has a score to settle.

“I want Szpilka. That’s what needs to be done. So let’s do it.”

TORONTO, ON – (MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2013) Kitchener, Ontario’s “Dangerous” Denton Daley claimed his first of what promises to be many important boxing titles with a lopsided 10 round unanimous decision over former light heavyweight world champion Richard Hall, to capture the NABF Cruiserweight crown.

Daley (9-0, 5KO’s) utilized his obvious edges in hand and foot speed to confuse Hall (30-12, 28 KO’s) early, and batter him late, enroute to the impressive win.

All three judges had the fight 100-90 for Daley, who had nothing but praise for the cagey Hall after the verdict was read.

“I learned a lot this fight,” Daley said afterward.

“Hall is such a warrior, and knows all about making the right moves at the right time. One inch this way, or one inch that way. And you’re not in the proper position to land. This is the kind of fight that makes you a better fighter, and allows you to finish off guys like this.”

Despite Daley’s praise for Hall, his right hand found a consistent home all over Hall’s head and body, throwing it from every angle violently and effectively.

After the cagey Hall was on the wrong end of a cat and mouse game over the first four rounds, he came out aggressively in the fifth, attacking Daley in a corner with both hands before the sharpshooting prospect battled back with a series of concussive rights to take emphatic control of the fight.

The offensive display from Daley continued through the seventh, when a fusilage of Daley rights opened a cut over Hall’s right eye, and had the veteran of four world title fights wobbling noticeably.

“He’s a tough tough fighter who knows how to survive in the ring. This was a real test for me.”

In the evening’s co-feature, Ghislain Maduma of Montreal (13-0, 9 KO’s) and Mexican Josafat Perez (13-5-1, 8 KO’s) battled for the vacant WBC Continental America’s Lightweight title, with Maduma surviving the bloody battle with a tenth round TKO win.

A strong Maduma right hand in the first opened a cut over Perez’ right eye, and set the tone for the blood that was to come.

The second round saw crimson flow from both fighters after a headbutt split Perez open just to the left of his nose by the brow, and opened Maduma up just over the right eye. Madua answered the adversity with a quick hand that sent Perez to the canvas.

The pitch battle continued through the middle rounds with Perez scoring some effective counters, and Maduma pressing the pace with a stiff jab and crisp rights to the head and body.

Eventual, Maduma’s pace, conditioning, and diligent work from his cutman, Bob Prince, began to tell, as the blood from above his eye subsided, and his pace seemed to quicken that much more, despite Perez’ best efforts that included a crunching uppercut along the ropes in the sixth that saw Maduma take his first unsure steps of the fight.

In the seventh, Maduma blasted several lefts and rights that landed square on the jaw of Perez and foretold the punishment that was to come in the 8th as Maduma picked up the pace even more, adding debilitating body shot to his repertoire that further weakened the game, but now dangerously weary and increasingly vulnerable Perez.

By the tenth, the courageous and game Perez finally succumbed to the Montrealer’s onslaught after two crushing Maduma body shots sent the Mexican down to a knee. After beating referee Dave Dunbar’s count, Perez indicated that he was done.

Toronto cruiserweight Chukwunoso Okafor (3-1-1, 1 KO) was out-worked over four rounds by Mexico’s Benito Quiroz (8-2, 7 KO’s). Scores were 39-37, 39-38, 39-37 all for the fresher Quiroz, who broke down the noticeably exhausted Okafor with crushing shots to the body throughout the fight.

In the opening bout of the evening, Toronto welterweight Junmar Emon raised his record to 5-1 (1 KO) with a hard fought 6 round split decision over Brampton’s Jeremy Abbott (3-4, 2KO’s).

Scores were 59-54, 57-56, and 57-58.

A crisp counter right hand early in round one that sent Abbott crashing to the canvas proved to be the difference for Emon, who battled through a nasty cut over his right eye for most of the fight, not to mention Abbott’s long jab and effective lateral movement with the heavier, all the while landing the cleaner, more effective punches.

NEW YORK (March 4, 2013) — World championship boxing returns to EPIX this month. Two- division world champion “King” ARTHUR ABRAHAM will defend his WBO super middleweight crown against the former champion he dethroned, ROBERT STIEGLITZ, in a rematch of their “Fight of The Year”-contender of last summer. Abraham-Stieglitz II will be televised live ringside from GTEC Arena in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT, exclusively on EPIX, the premium entertainment service. EPIX will stream the fights live on EpixHD.com and on the EPIX app on Xbox consoles and Roku players as part of a special free trial offer for boxing fans.

These two gladiators boast three world titles between them and a combined record of 79-6 (52 KOs) — a winning percentage of 93% and a victory by knockout ratio of 66%.

In addition to the Abraham- Stieglitz world super middleweight championship rematch, the live EPIX telecast will feature undefeated No. 1 heavyweight contender ROBERT “The Nordic Nightmare” HELENIUS, risking rank and record in the co-main event.

Abraham (36-3, 28 KOs), a native of Armenia who lives in Berlin, certainly lived up to his ring name, King Arthur, when he ruled the middleweight division as an undefeated world champion. He captured the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight crown in 2005, knocking out Kingsley Ikeke in the fifth round. He successfully defended his title 11 times – seven by way of knockout – during his four-year reign. The contenders he defeated as middleweight champion had a combined record of 298-18-6 when he fought them, including Shannon Taylor, Kofi Jantuah, Edison Miranda, Lajuan Simon and Raul Marquez. In search of bigger challenges, Abraham vacated his title and moved up to super middleweight to compete in the Super Six tournament in 2009. After knocking out former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in the opening bout, he lost his next three and was eliminated from the tournament. In 2012 he righted his ship, knocking out Pablo Farias in the fifth round to claim the WBO European super middleweight title. Two fights later, he upset Stieglitz, winning an exciting 12-round unanimous decision. In his last fight, Abraham successfully defended his new title, knocking out Medhi Bouadla in the eighth round last December 15.

Stieglitz (43-3, 24 KOs), a Russian native who fights out of Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, enters his title challenge having won 12 of his last 13 bouts. Stieglitz captured the WBO super middleweight title in 2009, knocking out undefeated defending champion Karoly Balzsay in the 11th round. He successfully defended the title six times against contenders who had a combined record of 160-23-7 when he fought them during his three-year reign. He lost the title to Abraham last August 25. In his last fight, Stieglitz traveled to Barcelona, Spain and knocked out Michal Nieroda in the third round on January 26.

Helenius (18-0, 11 KOs), a native of Sweden who fights out of Berlin, Germany, boasts knockout victories over former heavyweight champions Lamon Brewster and Samuel Peter as well as top contenders Dereck Chisora, Siarhei Liakhovich, and Attila Levin en route to becoming the WBO’s No. 1 heavyweight contender. In his last fight, on November 10, 2012, he defeated Sherman Williams by unanimous decision.

About EPIX

EPIX® is the newest premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases, classic library titles, plus original films, comedy, music and sports events on TV, on demand, online and on devices. Launched October 2009 as the first multiplatform premium network with online accessibility for subscribers through EpixHD.com, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of TV Everywhere for American consumers. EPIX was the first premium network to launch on Xbox 360®consoles, first on Android™ tablets and phones, first on Roku® players and soon to be the first to launch on PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system. EPIX is available to authenticated subscribers on hundreds of devices including Apple® iPads®, iPhones®, Kindle Fire tablets, Samsung® Smart TVs and Blu-ray™ players and more. Today EPIX remains the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up from new Hollywood hits to original programs on all platforms and provides more movies than any other premium network.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.

For more information about EPIX, go to www.EpixHD.com. Follow EPIX Sports on Twitter @EPIXsports and on Facebook www.facebook.com/EPIXsports.

March 4, 2013 – Junior middleweight prospect Alantez “SLYAZA” Fox (10-0-1, 4 KOs) remains undefeated after earning a victory in his 11th pro fight. Fox defeated Greg Hackett in a 6 round bout on a card that took place at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland, Fox’s home state.

It was a shutout performance from Fox as he cruised to a unanimous decision victory. He displayed some high level boxing skills and managed to win every round on the judges’ scorecards. It was his second victory this year and he isn’t looking to rest on his laurels.

“I did what I trained to do and that was beat my opponent,” Fox said. “I was looking to get some real work in and we accomplished that. We’ve been working on some things in the gym, but experimenting in camp is different than executing in real time. I’ll take everything I possibly can from this performance and gear up to make my next appearance inside of the ring.”

Fox has stayed very busy in the last 6 months and no one would blame him if he were to soak in his recent victory, however Fox is determined to keep active while admitting he’s capable of deciding the moments for appropriate rests.

“I know my body well enough to know when to push it and when to slow it down. As of now I’m ready and able to continue making strides in my career. I’m in a good place mentally and physically, but my team knows that I won’t hesitate to take my breaks if and when I need them. For now, I’m more interested in becoming the best fighter I can possibly be,” Fox said.

“I’m already looking for another opponent for Alantez,” said his promoter Mario Yagobi of Boxing 360. “He’s coming along very well and I see him getting better with each fight. He’ll be back in the ring sometime in the near future.”

Alantez Fox is promoted by Boxing 360. For more information on Fox please visit www.boxing360.com.

Looking forward to his next show on March 8th at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, Bellshill based promoter Paul Graham admits the logistics of his biggest show to day has kept him busy in the weeks to build up “We have twelve fights on the card, and to match the fighters so there in competitive and meaningful fights has been tough. On a few occasions I have agreed a fight, only for the fight to fall through down to injury or something else. But this is boxing, so you do expect it but I take it on the chin.

With twelve fights on the March 8th card, which is called ‘The Steelmen Return’, the headlining fight sees Stranraer’s Paul Allison take on Glasgow’s Gary McCallum for the vacant Scottish Middleweight title. With each fighters being represented by Prospect Boxing and Chris Gilmour, both promoters seem confident “I am confident Gary can win this fight. He had a fantastic 2012 and he has really come on in form. I hear he is training hard and has some good sparring and I can see him making it a hard nights work for Paul Allison” said Chris Gilmour.

Unsurprisingly Prospect Boxing owner Paul Graham, who promotes Paul Allison disagrees “Paul has had some time out since his last fight with Eubank Jnr. He tells me he is feeling fresh and has had a ‘proper training camp’ as he describes it. He is a good mover and has a good engine on him and those two factors will be the difference in this fight.

With a chief supporting slot on the under card, twenty year old Iain Butcher, from Jerviston returns in an six round fight in the Flyweight division, but a bigger test could lie in wait for him reveals his promoter “We have asked for Iain to be made mandatory for the British title at Flyweight. We are looking to get him that fight within the year, and are confident that we can make it.

He added “Iain showed his maturity in his recent win over Michael Ramabalesta to lift his first title. I am confident we will see a strong performance on March 8th from him again and he will pick up his seventh straight win.

With a 2-0 record, Wishaw butcher Mark Parvin looks to extend his wins as he returns with a six round fight in the welterweight division. “Mark is a hungry fighter, he wants to keep busy. He has fought at Ravenscraig as an amateur and I know he is looking forward to fighting there again as a professional” Explains Paul Graham.

Also looking for his third win, Wishaw based Light Middleweight Ryan Scott returns overcoming an injury “Ryan’s first fight was in 2008, but didn’t fight again till last year. Unfortunately he picked up an injury that cost him a slot on our December show. At age 29 he cant wait around so were looking for a strong performance from him.

Making their pro debut on the Ravenscraig card are duo Martin Taylor from Livingstone and Wishaw based Alex Montgomery who fight in the Light Welterweight and Super Middleweight division respectively.

In the Super Featherweight division, Fauldhouse battler Sean Watson returns after a disappointing draw in his last fight against Spanish fighter Ryan Peleguer. Looking to go a step further and pick up the win, he is expected to have a tough night against James Ancliffe “Sean was frustrated after his last fight, he had a good camp and worked hard, only for it to finish on a technical draw. But we cant dwell on that, and James Ancliffe will be here to cause as many problems as he can. He’s got a good jab on him and will look to upset the odds” confessed Paul Graham.

After moving to Prospect Boxing Last year Sanquhar’s Rhys Pagan has continued to show his class to build up a respectable 4-0 record, and this time his manager and promoter is expecting much of the same “Rhys confidence is improving with every fight. He is showing that he is a good fighter with a varying variety of punches and for a 19 year old he really has a lot in his arsenal, in my stable I think he is one who could go far if he continues his development.

Another fighter looking to continue his development as a Professional, is Glasgow’s Jordan McCorry who currently holds a 4-0 record. After a recent win over Jason Nesbitt, his promoter Chris Gilmour thinks he McCorry has a bright future “We had a late change of opponent which involved Jason Nesbitt coming in at short notice, but that didn’t seem to phase Jordan and he boxed brilliantly to a points win. If he can keep in the gym and keep his head down he could certainly lift titles in the future.

After a successful debut in Paisley in October, Glasgow brawler Darren McAdam expectations are high that he will impress again “For his first fight, you don’t always expect them to pick up a KO, but he did a good job on Damien Dinwiddy, who had only had one fight himself. As a welterweight he seems quite heavy handed, which we hope develops into a exciting style” said Chris Gilmour.

With a recent British Masters title win under his belt, Cumbernaulds Mitch Prince returns to action, as 2013 looks like a year that could see him move on to bigger things “Mitch has been in good form and this year we hope to have him fighting more often. In his last win against Ideh Ockuko, he put on a good performance and boxed well. I can see how he has improved with each fight. Also recently announced as a late addition Welterweight George Thomson will be looking to build on a successful début he made in St Andrews Sporting Club last year.The Stirling fighter is fighting in a 6 round attraction.

Prospect Boxing and Chris Gilmour present ‘The Steel Men Return’ an evening of Professional Championship Boxing at Ravenscraig Sports Facility on Friday March 8th. Headlined by Gary McCallum v Paul Allison for the Vacant Scottish Middleweight Title.

With a 11 fight under card featuring Rhys Pagan, Mark Parvin, Sean Watson and Ryan Scott. Jordan McCorry, Darren McAdam, Mitch Prince and Martin Taylor makes his pro debut in the Light Welterweight division while Alex Montgomery makes his debut in a Super Middleweight bout.While George Thomson is a late addition to the card.

NEW YORK (March 4, 2013) Just six weeks after a dominant knockout performance in his nationally televised debut, 22-year-old top prospect Emmanuel “The Tranzforma” Taylor will return to battle this Friday night, MARCH 8 against world ranked veteran Victor Cayo at Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.

The Taylor/Cayo scheduled ten round junior welterweight clash is the main event this week on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

On JANUARY 25 in front of a sold out crowd at The Paramount in Huntington, New York, Taylor, 16-1-0 (11KO’s) stopped once beaten and highly regarded Philadelphia based prospect Raymond Serrano during the sixth stanza in a bout broadcast nationally on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME®.

Photo by Ed Diller

Tapering down his training in anticipation of this week’s main event, Taylor discussed the Serrano stoppage in their scheduled ten rounder and the upcoming battle against Cayo.

“It was actually easier than I thought it would be, I was thinking a late stoppage. But after the third round I knew I had him, I was hurting him with everything that I threw” said the Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland resident.

“It was a great way to show the boxing world what I was capable of and I’m looking forward to this Friday night against Victor Cayo” continued Taylor who is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® and guided by the team of David Price and Doc Nowicki.

“The support I’ve had in the Baltimore area has always been very strong throughout my pro and amateur career and the recognition from the Serrano fight has been great.”

Speaking about Cayo bout, Serrano stated, “I’m very familiar with him, Lamont Peterson, who’s like a mentor to me beat him in 2011. I’ve had very good sparring for the fight with Kermit Cintron, James Stevenson and Demetrius Hopkins, I’m ready.”

“Doesn’t matter where the ring is, Long Island, Atlantic City, I’m going to take care of business.”

“Emmanuel is a very talented prospect who looked outstanding against Serrano,” said DeGuardia. “This is a another step up but I’m confident he’s prepared for this opportunity and is going to give another nationally televised audience a terrific performance.”

Taylor’s amateur record was a stellar 186-26 highlighted with five titles at the National Junior Golden Gloves Championships.

Taylor vs. Cayo will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights (10 PM Eastern on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, online through WatchESPN.com, and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app.)

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing Inc. is celebrating 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.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 4th, 2013) – As he continues to rewrite his future in professional boxing, Peter Manfredo Jr. must first revisit his storied past, reliving his glory days as a fan-favorite on the hit reality television series The Contender.

With Joey Spina unable to fight due to an injury, thus squashing what was shaping up to be a highly-anticipated rematch between two of Rhode Island’s most beloved fighters, Manfredo Jr. (38-7, 20 KOs) will now face fellow Contender alum Walter Wright (14-3, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event of “Unfinished Business” Friday, March 15th, 2013 at the Twin River Event Center, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports.

“I like Walter from The Contender Season 2, and I’m also glad he’s stepping up on just two weeks’ notice,” said Manfredo Jr., who rose to fame in 2005 when he reached the finals of the show’s inaugural season. “That’s why he’s a true contender.

“I was training and preparing for Joey Spina, so now I have to get mentally ready for a whole different fight and fighter, but, at the end of the day, the fans will see a great fight.”

Wright, a Seattle, Wash., native and former quarterfinalist in Season 2 of The Contender, hasn’t fought since a six-round unanimous-decision win over Joshua Snyder in 2010, but he’s remained active throughout his layoff, most notably as a training partner for James Kirkland during Kirkland’s preparation for bouts against Alfredo Angulo and Carlos Molina, which were held in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Wright had also been preparing for his own comeback in June against Omar Henry, but that fight fell through at the last minute.

“I’m even more excited about this bout than I was for the potential Joey Spina-Peter Manfredo rematch,” Burchfield said. “The Contender has thrilled boxing fans for years with its candid, in-depth look at the sport of boxing, and its showcasing of great, young talent, and both Peter and Walter are two of the brightest, most successful stars to emerge from the fray.

“Because of their determination and perseverance, they’ve succeeded where other Contender alums have failed, and they’re both as hungry as ever to make another run at a world title, so it’s only fitting they meet face-to-face in front of what will be a sold-out crowd at the beautiful Twin River Casino on March 15th.”

In 2006, Wright won his opening bout on Season 2 of The Contender in convincing fashion, beating Andre Eason 50-44 on all three scorecards before losing in the quarterfinals to future world champion Cornelius Bundrage. Later that year, Wright returned for the Season 2 finale at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and defeated fellow castmate Vinroy Barrett by fourth-round knockout. Proving his success under the bright lights was no fluke, Wright faced off against then-unbeaten junior middleweight Dan Wallace in January of 2007 on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights and scored a knockout win in the eighth and final round.

For Manfredo Jr., “The Pride Of Providence,” this is the second fight of his much-heralded comeback, which began in November with a unanimous-decision win over Rayco Saunders at Twin River. Tickets for the event 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.

The undercard of “Unfinished Business” features an array of intriguing regional showdowns, starting with an intra-city battle between Joey Gardner (10-5-1, 1 KO) and Reynaldo Rodriguez (6-5-1, 3 KOs) of Woonsocket, R.I. The former training partners will go toe-to-toe in a six-round super middleweight special attraction.

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.)

March 4, 2013 – Former junior welterweight world titlist Kendall Holt will be moving up to 147lbs after spending the majority at or around the 140lb weight limit. The move to welterweight is coming at a time in Holt’s career where he is in search for the biggest fights he can possibly get. With a division like welterweight filled with named opponents and the name Holt recognized in boxing circles across the world, it is fitting that the move be made now.

Holt will prepare his body for the change and he believes that it should come more naturally than most, he feels that his body and boxing desires are directly synced up at this stage in his career.

“The time is right for me to make this transition to welterweight, I feel like I’ve still got a lot of fight in me and what better way to exercise it than to be in a division with so many interesting match ups. It isn’t just what I want, it’s also what my body is telling me to do and my body is telling me that I’m going to be a physically better fighter in the move up,” Holt explained.

There won’t be a shortage of opponents at welterweight with names like Victor Ortiz, Andre Berto, and Timothy Bradley to name a few. Holt is anxious to start mixing it up and ruffling up the welterweight feathers.

“I’m trying to get as far as I can and I’m looking to make this welterweight run count. I’m not some kid coming into the division, I am a proven fighter with a recognized name and I’m looking to land some of the most interesting fights that can be made. The good thing is I the division is stacked 1-10 and I’m looking to knock one of those guys out of their spot.”

(PUERTO RICO) March 4, 2013 – Puerto Rican knockout artist, light welterweight Jorge Maysonet Jr., is earning a reputation for being one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. The heavy handed purists is a former member of Puerto Rico’s National team, but he is making a name for himself in the pro ranks with the destructive nature he demonstrates on his opponents. Maysonet Jr. is undefeated with 10 knockouts in his 11 wins, and of those 10 KO’s, 9 of them have come in the 1st round. Maysonet Jr. is trained by his father, Jorge Maysonet Sr. and the two have drawn some unique similarities with one another.

Maysonet Sr., a former Olympian, had 22 professional wins with as many knockouts. He possessed the kind of devastating power that sent chills down the back of his opponents and he maintained his 100% KO rate until he retired. Maysonet Jr. is following in his father’s footsteps to a certain degree and the unique symmetry between the two as it relates to power is not a coincidence.

“I don’t practice knocking people out, but the knockouts keep coming. It comes natural to me, maybe because of my father or maybe because I’m good at taking advantage of the moment. There is no secret to my success in the ring, I just want to finish more than the other guy,” Maysonet Jr. explained.

Maysonet Sr. is proud that his son is becoming such a force in the ring and he feels that Jr. has not reached his peak yet and, as scary as it sounds, could be getting even stronger.

“My son is passionate about what he does, he’s a master at seizing the moment. Jorge is strong, but he will get better by polishing his skills and that will lead to an increase in power. He’s a real threat in the ring right now, imagine how much more power he’ll possess a year from now,” Maysonet Sr. said.

There are many prospects in boxing that have come along with gaudy KO ratings, but most were successful by circumstance. Maysonet Jr. is a real power house and only boxing guys with years under their belt can tell the difference, guys like his global promoter Gary Shaw.

“I’ve been in this business and I’ve seen these guys that think they can hit, guys hyped by their record. The difference between Jorge Jr. and the rest is he knows how to hurt people on both physical and technical levels. He’s got real power, good old fashioned power. When you watch him in the ring you get a sense of the old school combined with the new, it truly is a special thing to witness,” Shaw said.

“Before I became a promoter I was on the New Jersey boxing commission and was at ringside for some of Maysonet Senior’s fights, and now years later I’m promoting his son. These two are one of the best father-son / trainer-son duos in boxing. We are all excited about their future.

Javier Bustillo and Leon Margules who jointly promote Maysonet Jr. with Shaw feel they have a rising star on their hands.

“Puerto Rico generates some of the best boxing talent in the world and Maysonet Jr. will be the next star to come emerge from the island.” said Javier Bustillo. “Very rarely do you see a fighter with the skills and power that Junior possesses. Right now he’s the cream of the crop.”

“Jorge is a special fighter, one that has the charisma to captivate the masses. Every boxing fan loves to see the knockout and Maysonet Jr. is a knockout machine. The future is bright for Junior and Puerto Rico should be excited about their rising star.” said Leon Margules

Maysonet Jr. is flying under the radar in Puerto Rico, in the shadows of Jonathan Gonzalez (16-0-1, 13 KOs), Thomas Dulorme (17-1, 13 KOs) and Jose Pedraza (12-0, 8 KOs) to name a few. The young phenom is on a quest to make a name for himself and prove to the world he is the best fighter to come from the island since Tito Trinidad, another knockout artist.

“Make no mistakes about it, I’m fighting to give my countrymen a reason to rise up and feel good about boxing like in the days when “Tito” was king of the boxing world. Puerto Rico needs someone to rally behind and that person is Me.” concluded Jorge Maysonet Jr.

Maysonet Jr., who is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Warriors Boxing, is part of Team Puerto Rico, a group dedicated to showcase the best talent from the island.