LOS ANGELES (Dec. 10, 2012) – Three of the fighters who’ll be fighting on CBS Television Network’s portion of an unprecedented boxing marathon on CBS and SHOWTIME® this Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena participated in a media workout Monday at the Ponce De Leon Boxing Gym in Montebello, Calif.

The three – undefeated IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz (22-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Los Angeles, his challenger, unbeaten Alberto Guevara (16-0, 6 KO’s) of San Diego, Calif. and 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz, of South El Monte, Calif. – each worked out for approximately 30 minutes.

The exciting, non-stop action fighter Santa Cruz will defend against Guevara in a battle of unbeatens while Diaz will make his pro debut in the opening bout of the live 90-minute CBS broadcast that will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Admission is free to the afternoon event that will also include three of Diaz’s U.S. Olympic teammates, Errol Spence of Brentwood, N.Y., Marcus Browne of Staten Island, N.Y., and Dominic Breazeale of Alhambra, Calif., who made their professional debuts on SHOWTIME’S ShoBox: The New Generation on Nov. 9.

In Saturday’s main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10:30 p.m. ET, delayed on the West Coast), former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion and British superstar Amir “King” Khan (26-3, 18 KO’s), of Bolton, England, makes his ring return against undefeated Carlos Molina (17-0-1, 7 KO’s), of Los Angeles in a fight for the vacant WBC Silver Super Lightweight Championship. The co-featured attractions on SHOWTIME will feature two 10-round bouts: knockout artist and 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (25-0, 25 KO’s), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., faces Kelvin Price (13-0, 6 KO’s), of Pensacola, Fla., in a clash of undefeated heavyweights for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Championship and Alfredo “Perro” Angulo (21-2, 18 KO’s), of Los Angeles, faces Jorge Silva (18-2-2, 14 KO’s), of Chula Vista, Calif., in a junior middleweight match.

The event will also be televised live by Sky Sports 1HD in the United Kingdom at 2:00 a.m. GMT on Sunday, December 16.

Sandwiched between the CBS and SHOWTIME telecasts will be a 10-round fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) between unbeaten welterweight Shawn “Showtime” Porter (20-0, 14 KO’s), of Cleveland, Ohio, and former World Champion Julio Diaz (40-7, 29 KO’s), of Indio, Calif.

Saturday’s event will feature Golden Boy’s Holiday Fanfest on the grounds of the Sports Arena that will include music, autograph sessions with boxing’s biggest stars, games, boxing memorabilia, a visit by Santa Claus at an Oscar De La Hoya Foundation-sponsored toy give-away (10:00 a.m.), and much more.

Tickets for the evening boxing session (SHOWTIME televised fight card) are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are on sale at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for the afternoon boxing session (CBS broadcast) will be free of charge as part of the Golden Boy Promotions Holiday Fanfest and can be acquired at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena box office.

Fans who present ticket stubs from the CBS event when purchasing tickets for the SHOWTIME event will receive a 20 percent discount. There is a limit of one discounted purchased ticket per ticket redeemed while supplies last.

Khan vs. Molina is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Santa Cruz vs. Guevara is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.

What the fighters said Monday:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“Considering that six months ago I was just a guy fighting on undercards to now being picked to headline and defend my title on free network television is hard to believe, but I’m so happy. It is a tremendous honor and something I am not taking lightly. I really want to thank my promoter, Golden Boy, my advisor, Al Haymon, CBS, SHOWTIME and everyone involved for making this happen.

“Winning the world title and making two defenses on SHOWTIME also had a lot to do with this happening for me, but this is also is validation for all the hard work I’ve put in my whole life. I wasn’t one of the guys in high school that once school was out went out and played. I went directly to the gym.

“I don’t drink or do any of that other stuff. I don’t go to clubs at night. I just train and fight; that’s basically been my life since I decided to dedicate 100 percent of myself to boxing. You can never learn enough in the gym and I continue to learn all the time.

“This is such an unbelievable opportunity. To fight on CBS is the greatest exposure you can get. I’ve always considered myself a hard worker, but I have worked even harder for this. I’m always a little nervous but I’m already a little more nervous than usual. Fighting in the main event on CBS is just so unbelievably great.

“I think I was about nine-years-old the last time there was a live fight on CBS (January 20, 1997, Bernard Hopkins KO 11 over Glen Johnson). I don’t remember watching it, but I’m sure my Dad did.

“Fans can look forward to seeing an exciting fight on Saturday. I know Guevara fought on one of my undercards once in Mazatlan, Mexico (July 30, 2011). I remember seeing him in the dressing room beforehand, but I didn’t see his fight. I know he’s a good boxer who will be looking at this as his opportunity of a lifetime. I felt the same way before my first title fight in June.

“I’ve fought boxers before. The way to beat them is to work the body, break them down, slow their movement and make them bang with me.

“This will not be an easy fight, but I’m ready and confident. I’m looking forward to winning on Saturday and then taking off for Christmas vacation, being able to kick back and relax for a while and eating some homemade tamales.”

ALBERTO GUEVARA

“I really can’t describe how happy I am to be fighting for a world title on such a great network like CBS. This is definitely as good as it gets. I’m very proud to be part of this event, but what’s important to me is to be able to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I understand that there are not a lot of people who know about me, but I’ve always felt that if I continued to do my job in the ring, the attention would come little by little. With this opportunity I can get a lot of recognition right away.

“I know what kind of fighter Santa Cruz is. I fought on one of his undercards in Mexico. He is a fighting machine. I’m more of a boxer who relies on his smarts and skills. I definitely don’t run, but I’m in there to use my boxing skills. When an opportunity comes for a knockout, I take it. In this fight, I know I need to dictate the pace.

“I come from a fighting family. My grandfather boxed. My oldest brother fought as an amateur. I have a brother, Pedro, who is 23, one year older than me and he fought for the IBF light flyweight title in August and lost a split decision to John Riel Casimero, so I’ve always received good advice.

“One of the important things for me in this fight is to always stay very conscious of what I am doing in the ring at all times. I have to fight smart to win because he is the champion.

“I think my greatest advantage is my brain. When I’m not fighting, I’m studying to be a lawyer. I’m in my fifth year of college at the big university in Sinaloa. I’m following in Pedro’s footsteps. He’s already a lawyer. I’m single and I split my time between studying and training.

“Although this will be my first fight in the United States, I have fought on big cards before. I have fought in front of 13,000 fans on undercards of Eric Morales’ fights in Mexico.

“When they called with this opportunity, we took the fight without hesitation. I said, ‘yes, absolutely, I want the fight.’ I never thought when we both fought on the same card that I would be fighting him for a world title so soon, but I always knew it was a possibility.

“I look forward to being able to showing fans what I can do. I have big plans to defeat Santa Cruz. I’m looking at Saturday as an early Christmas for me.”

JOSEPH “JO-JO” DIAZ JR.

“I think the timing is perfect for me to turn pro. I waited a little looking for the best fit, and Golden Boy fit the bill perfectly, so I’m very happy and ready to go. This is a dream come true, a blessing. Since I was 11 and started training at the South El Monte Teamsters Youth Boxing Club, I always wanted to be a pro fighter. I’m very excited about finally being able to showcase my skills.

“The Olympics was a disappointment, but a great learning experience. I’ve learned to live with it. You can’t change the past, so now I’m totally focused on fighting pro.

“All things considered I’m pretty calm. I’ll probably get a case of nerves in the dressing room on fight night, but once I get in the ring I’ll be ready to rumble. I work very hard and have a great team. They made the transition for me from amateur to the pro style pretty easy.

“I’m really thankful for all who have helped me get to this point, and can’t wait to fight on Saturday on CBS. Fighting on CBS is an incredible honor.”

###

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AmirKingKhan , www.twitter.com/CarlosMolina562, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #KhanMolina or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports .

PHILADELPHIA (December 10, 2012) Star Boxing, Banner Promotions and JEG Boxing present an evening of world-class professional boxing on ShoBox: The New Generation, Friday, January 25, 2013 at The Paramount in Huntington, N.Y.

(SHOWTIME, 10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Demetrius Adrade Freddy Hernandez

Headlining the event will be a sensational 10-round junior middleweight showdown between world ranked and undefeated Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (18-0-0, 13KOs) of Providence, R.I. and former world title challenger Freddy “EL Riel” Hernandez (30-3-0, 20 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Title.

Ranked #3 by the IBF, #3 by the WBO and #7 by the WBC, the 24-year-old southpaw Andrade is an amateur sensation with extensive international experience. He was considered the cream of the 2008 United States Olympic Team advancing to the quarterfinal round. He also won the Gold Medal in the 2007 World Championships, the first American do so since 1999.

Andrade’s 2012 campaign demonstrated his brutal knock out power with devastating early knockout wins over Angel Hernandez (KO in Round 2),Rudy Cisneros (KO in Round 1), , and Alexis Hloros (TKO in Round 2)..

However, Hernandez is certainly the biggest challenge of Andrade’s career. The hard-hitting Hernandez has faced numerous former world champions and contenders over his 11-year career and holds recent wins over Luis Collazo, Mike Anchondo and DeMarcus Corley.

On October 15, 2011, Hernandez dominated former world champion Collazo towards a ten round unanimous decision win. Most recently he challenged top contender Erislandy Lara on June 30, coming up short in a hotly contested 10-round bout in Indio, CA.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Demetrius to show the terrific fans at The Paramount and the ShoBox audience that he is deserving of his recognition as one of the best junior middleweights in the world. However, Hernandez is a tough, rugged fighter with a great deal of experience and is a true spoiler in the division,” said Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.

Stated Artie Pellulo of Banner Promotions, “We are very proud of Demetrius. This fight with Hernandez, which is a WBO Regional title fight is the next step towards a world championship.”

Tickets priced at $50, $100 and $150, will go on sale 10:00 am Friday through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000) or through The Paramount Box Office, (631) 673-7300 in addition to the Star Boxing Office, (718) 823-2000 or on their website, www.StarBoxing.com. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7PM with the first bell at 8PM.

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

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:

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

ABOUT MODELL’S SPORTING GOODS

Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell’s offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel for every level of play year round. The retailer operates 153 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. In addition to www.Modells.com, which services customers all over the country.

Headlining the event will be a sensational 10-round junior middleweight showdown between world ranked and undefeated Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (18-0-0, 13KOs) of Providence, R.I. and former world title challenger Freddy “EL Riel” Hernandez (30-3-0, 20 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Title.

Ranked #3 by the IBF, #3 by the WBO and #7 by the WBC, the 24-year-old southpaw Andrade is an amateur sensation with extensive international experience. He was considered the cream of the 2008 United States Olympic Team advancing to the quarterfinal round. He also won the Gold Medal in the 2007 World Championships, the first American do so since 1999.

Andrade’s 2012 campaign demonstrated his brutal knock out power with devastating early knockout wins over Angel Hernandez (KO in Round 2),Rudy Cisneros (KO in Round 1), , and Alexis Hloros (TKO in Round 2)..

However, Hernandez is certainly the biggest challenge of Andrade’s career. The hard-hitting Hernandez has faced numerous former world champions and contenders over his 11-year career and holds recent wins over Luis Collazo, Mike Anchondo and DeMarcus Corley.

On October 15, 2011, Hernandez dominated former world champion Collazo towards a ten round unanimous decision win. Most recently he challenged top contender Erislandy Lara on June 30, coming up short in a hotly contested 10-round bout in Indio, CA.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Demetrius to show the terrific fans at The Paramount and the ShoBox audience that he is deserving of his recognition as one of the best junior middleweights in the world. However, Hernandez is a tough, rugged fighter with a great deal of experience and is a true spoiler in the division,” said Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.

Stated Artie Pellulo of Banner Promotions, “We are very proud of Demetrius. This fight with Hernandez, which is a WBO Regional title fight is the next step towards a world championship.”

Tickets priced at $50, $100 and $150, will go on sale 10:00 am Friday through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000) or through The Paramount Box Office, (631) 673-7300 in addition to the Star Boxing Office, (718) 823-2000 or on their website, www.StarBoxing.com. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7PM with the first bell at 8PM.

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

CANASTOTA, NY – For a generation of boxing fans, Arturo “Thunder” Gatti was an unforgettable hero of the boxing ring. His many extraordinary battles were some of the most exciting and treasured wars of modern boxing history, and his large and loyal fan base has always maintained that he was one of the sport’s most valued performers. Today, the International Boxing Hall of Fame made it official by announcing that Gatti would be enshrined as a member of the IBHOF at their annual ceremony on June 7, 2013 in Canastota, NY.

Gatti, who compiled a 40-9, 31 KOs, record over his 16-year professional career, was elected in his first year of eligibility. Election to the Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor in the world of boxing.

He was a two-time world champion, winning the IBF junior lightweight title in 1995, and the WBC junior welterweight title in 2004. However, Gatti was a fighter who transcended boxing titles, and could pack arenas whether or not the championship was on the line. His string of sold out events at the cavernous Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City set records and earned him the nickname “The Bruce Springsteen of Boxing”, for his ability to attract fans and sell tickets.

His career included four bouts selected by The Ring as the “Fight of the Year” (1997, 1998, 2002 & 2003), and several other fights that were in contention through the years. Gatti was a staple on HBO, making his debut on the network with his December 15, 1998 title-winning effort against Tracy Harris Patterson at Madison Square Garden. His long-term contract with HBO ran until the end of his career in 2007.

Gatti’s thrilling style and ability to rally when seemingly on the brink of defeat branded him as the “Human Highlight Reel”. Of all his memorable performances, it is likely that Gatti is best remembered for his legendary trilogy of bouts with Micky Ward. The rivalry was named the second greatest boxing trilogy in history (behind only Ali-Frazier), and is permanently etched in the memory of everyone who watched these three rousing fights.

He fought his entire career with Main Events as his promoter and Pat Lynch as his manager, a rare exhibit of loyalty in modern day boxing.

“Arturo Gatti will live on in our memories, and the memories of his legion of fans, as a boxing legend,” said Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO. “Therefore, it is fitting that the Hall of Fame has chosen to include him among the many legends whose memories are preserved for all time in Canastota. I know that someday being included there meant a great deal to Arturo during his lifetime, as he spoke about it from time to time. His inclusion in the hall is an honor that he richly deserves.”

“I was extremely happy when I got the news that Arturo was inducted,” said Pat Lynch. “It was such an honor and a privilege to work with him. My only wish is that Arturo could be here to enjoy it.”

The International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony is the centerpiece of an all-star weekend in Canastota, NY, where boxing fans and fighters gather every year to honor the very best of the sport.

NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT

RE-AIR TIMES FOR BRYANT JENNINGS VS. BOWIE TUPOU

Wednesday, December 12, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, December 16, 12 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Tuesday, December 18, 10p.m. – 12 a.m.

Friday, December 21, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, December 21, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

(All times ET and subject to change.)

“FIGHT NIGHT 36: BRYANT JENNINGS” RE-AIRS

All times are ET:

Dec.13 at 8:30 p.m., Dec. 25 at 1:30 a.m.

2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE

(All times ET and subject to change)

Saturday, Dec., 22
4 p.m. ET
NBC
Bethlehem, PA

Saturday, Jan., 19
9 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
Mohegan, CT

Saturday, Feb., 23
10:30 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
TBA

Saturday, Mar., 9
10 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
TBA

Saturday, June 14
9 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
TBA

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

On DIRECTV NBC Sports Network has moved to channel 220.

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU

Twitter: #FightNight Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN

Facebook:facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports

Media Contact: Ellen Haley, Main Events, ehaley@mainevents.com

BROOKLYN (December 10, 2012) – Undefeated contender Santander “Cha Cha” Silgado (23-0, 18 KOs) will become Havoc Boxing Promotions’ first world title challenger when he takes on World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (24-1, 18 KOs) this Saturday night (December 17) in Russia. Team Silgado departed today for Moscow

Boxing clothing line giant Havoc Boxing is internationally known for creating and marketing its flashy, colorful trunks, robes and corner jackets, showcased by high-profile boxers such as unbeaten WBA Super and World Boxing Council (WBC) light welterweight champion Danny Garcia, newly crowned WBC lightweight title-holder Adrien Broner, and two-time World Champion Andre Berto, as well as past U.S. Olympians, Demetrius Andrade and Sadam Ali.

Havoc Boxing Promotions, however, is also a licensed New York boxing promoter and Silgado represents its first boxer in a world title fight. “People think of New York City boxing promoters as Lou DiBella and Joe DeGuardia,” Silgado’s promoter Rob Diaz (Havoc Boxing Promotions CEO) said, “but there are also a lot of other boxing promoters here like Havoc Boxing. At this stage for Havoc Boxing to have a fighter in a world title fight is huge, especially when Santander wins to become a world champion, elevating Havoc Boxing into that elite level in New York City boxing.”

Silgado, a seven-time National amateur champion in his native Colombia, Santander had nearly 200 amateur fights. Now fighting out of Brooklyn, WBC No. 6-rated Silgado is the reigning WBC FECARBOX and WBA Fedelatin cruiserweight champion.

Because most of his professional fights have been in South America – four of his last five have been in the U.S. – Silgado remains one of the best kept secrets in boxing, despite him knocking out 18 of his 23 opponents.

Trained by former world champion Kosta Tszyu, Lebedev has defeated future Hall of Famers James Toney and Roy Jones Jr., in addition to former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli and former European champion Alexander Alekseev. Lebedev’s lone loss as a professional was by a controversial 12-round split decision in 2010 to World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight titlist Marco Huck.

A year ago, Lebedev captured the interim WBA crown with a 12-round “shutout” decision over Toney, and he successfully defended that title this past April with a second-round knockout of Shawn Cox. The WBA eventually promoted Lebedev, who is ranked No. 4 by The Ring Magazine, to its World Champion when it downgraded Guillermo Jones to its “Champion in Recess.”

Silgado heading to Russia to take on Lebedev is like the Rocky IV storyline, in which, Rocky Balboa fought Ivan Drago, only this real fight features an unbeaten, Colombian Rocky.

“People don’t know too much about Santader Silgado because he’s not really battle-tested,” Diaz admitted. “The Russian has fought Toney, Jones and Huck. He has crushing power and Kosta Tszyu in his corner. And we’re going to Russia to fight him over there. I can tell you we weren’t too popular over there for the press conference and I don’t expect that to change before December 17th.

“Silgado hasn’t been in a fight of this magnitude, so I don’t know how he’ll respond, but we hope to turn the crowd’s energy to Santander’s advantage. We’ll see what type of fighter he is that night. I see him out-boxing the Russian and possibly knocking him out. That’s the game plan in place.”

Havoc Boxing would like to thank the following: Rich Komissar, Jolene Mizzone & Main Events, World Kid Promotions, Bob Duffy, Hamir Gonzales, Everlast, Rival, The WBA, Bean Post Pub, Marc Abrams, Felipe Gomez & New Legend Promotions, Vlad Hrunov and Denis Lebedev.

Go online to www.HavocBoxingNYC.com for more information or follow on Twitter @havocboxingnyc.

HAVOC BOXING PROMOTIONS: Based in Brooklyn and dedicated to the future of boxing, Havoc Boxing Promotions is a full-service promotional company fully committed to creating opportunities for upcoming boxers by promoting quality shows and marketing talent.

December 9, 2012 – Boxing 360 fighters, Keandre Leatherwood (12-1-1, 8 KOs) and Alantez Fox (8-0-1, 4 KOs), scored impressive victories on Saturday.

At the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina light-middleweight prospect, Keandre Leatherwood, battered around Marcus Primera (20-27-2, 13 KOs) for six rounds, hurting the journeyman several times before the final bell rang. The scorecards read 59-53 across the board all in favor of Leatherwood.

“I wanted to get some good hard rounds in and Primera hung in there.” said Leatherwood. “I had him hurt a couple of times and I thought he wasn’t going to make to the final bell, but he showed great heart and I give him credit for being a warrior and going the distance. I’m excited about the plans Boxing 360 has in store for me and I’m looking forward to a great 2013.”

At the Convention Center in Washington DC, undefeated light-middleweight standout, Alantez Fox, made quick work of veteran Jimmy LeBlanc (13-23-4, 5 KOs), by way of a first round TKO. After LeBlanc was stunned, Fox landed a barrage of punches, forcing the referee to stop the bout in the opening round.

“I felt really strong going into this fight and I wanted to make a good first impression fighting for Boxing 360,” Fox said. “Once I saw that he was hurt, I jumped on him and took him out of there. I’m still learning a lot about myself every I step in the ring. Mario Yagobi said he’s going to keep me busy in 2013 and I’m ready to take my career to the next level with Boxing 360.”

“Leatherwood and Fox are great kids and they have bright futures fighting for Boxing 360.” stated Yagobi. “I’m going to move them up properly and make sure they are in meaningful fights that will prepare them for the next level. 2013 will be a great year for all my fighters.”

Mikkel Kessler (46-2, 35 KOs) is the new WBA Super-Middleweight Champion following a spectacular third-round destruction of Brian Magee (36-5-1, 25 KOs). Fighting in front of a boisterous crowd of 10,127 fans at Jyske Bank BOXEN in Herning, the Viking Warrior sent his opponent down in the second round with a huge right to the solar plexus. Kessler followed it up and scored another knock-down – only for the bell to save the champion. Kessler kept landing in the third, and when Magee went down from a body shot again, the referee waved the bout off. “It feels great to be champion again,” Kessler said. “We planned to go to the body and it worked very well. I am back at the very top, I am ready for everybody out there at super-middleweight.”

Magee praised Kessler afterwards. “He is a great champion and he deserved to win today. I never recovered from the first knock-down, which was a huge shot from him. I tried my best but couldn´t beat Kessler tonight. Congratulations to him.”

The victory gives Kessler plenty of options. “This is another great win for Mikkel,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said. “2012 was a big year for the Viking Warrior. First he destroyed Allan Green with huge left, now he stopped the reigning WBA champion with his right to the body. We will now carefully plan the next steps. There are a lot of great fights to be made.”

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (December 9, 2012) – Following his knockout loss to Juan Manuel Márquez, Fighter of the Decade MANNY ”Pacman” PACQUIAO made a precautionary visit to University Medical Center.

“Manny was given a CT scan and the results were negative,” said Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s advisor. “We were in an out in just over an hour and Manny was in excellent spirits.”

Pacquiao returned to his penthouse suite in THEhotel for a family dinner followed by a viewing of his fourth fight against Marquez. As the DVD played, Pacquiao announced “Spoiler alert. I don’t think you are going to like how this ends!”

Pacquiao then issued the following statement to his fans:

“First and foremost I would like to thank God for keeping Juan Manuel Márquez and me safe during our fight on Saturday night,” said Pacquiao. “I want to congratulate Juan Manuel. I have no excuses. It was a good fight and he deserved the victory. I think boxing fans who watched us were winners too.

“To all my fans, I would like to thank you for your prayers and assure you that I am fine. I am looking forward to a nice rest and then I will be back to fight.

“On behalf of Jinkee and our family we would like to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.”

In a consensus Fight of the Year, Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), of the Philippines, ahead on all three scorecards 47-46, was knocked out by Márquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), of México, via a spectacular right hand, with one second remaining in round No. 6. It took place at the soldout MGM Grand Garden Arena, in front of 16,348 fans. Their four-fight rivalry now stands at 2-1-1 in favor of Pacquiao.

Pacquiao-Márquez 4 was promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wonderful Pistachios, Cinemax ‘Banshee,’ Smart Communications, Universal Pictures ‘Django Unchained’ and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

The Pacquiao vs. Márquez 4 telecast was produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® and available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com and at www.facebook.com/hboboxing. Use the hashtag #PacMarquez to join the conversation on Twitter. For Pacquiao vs. Márquez updates, log on to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Episode 12 – “Semifinal Showdown” – of The Ultimate Fighter® Fridays reality series aired Friday night on FX and featured this season’s semifinal matchups, teammate vs. teammate.

The first bout, featuring Team Nelson’s Jon Manley vs. Colton Smith, went to a third-round decision and ended with Smith as the victor after dominating the first two of third rounds. The second semifinal matchup saw Team Carwin teammates Mike Ricci and Neil Magny square off in the Octagon®. It appeared both men were evenly matched, but then, during the last minute of the first round, Ricci delivered the only knockout of the season, which left Magny briefly unconscious.

The two victors, Smith and Ricci, will now face off in the much-anticipated Finale on December 15th to decide who will win the lucrative contract with the UFC® and be named the next Ultimate Fighter.

Here’s what this season’s winning finalists had to say after their bouts:

Ricci: “I won the fight and I was excited, but I couldn’t help it, I broke down and I started crying. Because, the truth is, I would’ve rather win by a decision than to do that to him, cause it hurt. You have a teammate and you eat every night with them and you pray with them and you go for swims and you talk and you share things and then you do that to somebody…and it was hard for me. I know what it’s like to be Neil; I’ve been knocked out before. That feeling where you wake up and you don’t know what happened and all your dreams are shattered, all the opportunity you thought you had was gone. But if I didn’t do it to him, he would’ve done it to me, so I had no choice.”

Smith: “Feels great, I’m top two now. It’s been a long road; 4 weigh-ins, 4 fights, 4-0 in the house. I might not have been the best fighter, I might not have been the most skilled or the prettiest fighter, but I guarantee you, I’m the best fighter at the end of the day in the house.”

Here’s what UFC President Dana White and the two finalists had to say heading into the Finale:

Ricci: “I don’t think that Colton Smith can hang with me to be honest with you. I mean anything can happen, right? He’s a dangerous man, but if my A game is on, I’ll be able to stop Colton for sure.”

Smith: “Mike Ricci is a tough, tough dude. He has power in his hands, power in his kicks, elbows. He’s a very versatile fighter, but I’m going to go in there and I’m going to take his head off, I’m going to ground and pound, I’m going to look for the submission. He’ll break before I will, that’s guaranteed.”

White: “I think Ricci vs. Smith is going to be a good fight. These guys have consistently fought well, they won, and I think we ended up with the two best guys here, I really do.”

After 12 weeks of non-stop action and 30 fights, it all comes down to this moment.

Tickets for The Ultimate Fighter Finale on Dec. 15 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas are on sale and priced at $304, $254, $179, $154, $104 and $79. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the Hard Rock Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, www.thejointlasvegas.com or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000.

Results after episode 12:

Team Carwin (7-7)

Sam Alvey (0-1, lost to Joey Rivera by decision in episode 3)

Bristol Marunde (1-1, defeated Julian Lane by decision in episode 4, lost to Neil Magny by decision in episode 10)

Mike Ricci (3-0, defeated Dom Waters by decision in episode 9, defeated Mike Ricci by decision in episode 11, defeated Neil Magny by knockout in episode 12)

Neil Magny (2-1, defeated Cameron Diffley by decision in episode 2, defeated Bristol Marunde by decision in episode 10, lost via knockout to Mike Ricci in episode 12)

James Chaney (0-1, submitted by Jon Manley in episode 8)

Eddy Ellis (0-1, lost to Colton Smith by majority decision in epsiode 6)

Igor Araujo (1-1, defeated Nic Herron-Webb by majority decision in episode 5, lost to Colton Smith by decision in episode 10)

Matt Secor (0-1, lost to Michael Hill by split decision in episode 7)

Team Nelson (7-7)

Dom Waters (0-1, lost to Mike Ricci by decision in episode 9)

Michael Hill (1-1, defeated Matt Secor by split decision in episode 7, lost to Mike Ricci by decision in episode 11)

Cameron Diffley (0-1, lost to Neil Magny by decision in episode 2)

Colton Smith (3-0, defeated Eddy Ellis by majority decision in episode 6, defeated Igor Araujo by decision in episode 10, defeated Jon Manley by decision in episode 12)

Jon Manley (2-1, submitted James Chaney is episode 8, defeated Joey Rivera by decision in episode 11, lost to Colton Smith by decision in episode 12)

Nic Herron-Webb (0-1, lost to Igor Araujo by majority decision in episode 5)

Joey Rivera (1-1, defeated Sam Alvey by decision in episode 3, lost to Jon Manley by decision in episode 11)

Julian Lane (0-1, lost to Bristol Marunde by decision in episode 4)

A full recap is available at ufc.com.

For more show information, bios, videos and photos, visit ultimatefighter.com and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter under our new name @TUFonFX or on Facebook.com/TUG

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 2011, 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 now airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 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 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 over two million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, and 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 includes a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series including Sons of Anarchy, Justified and American Horror Story, and acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer and Wilfred. Its library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. The network’s other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with college football and the UFC.

Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) has entered the ring in Nuremberg, Germany on
two previous occasions. However, the fight against Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11
KOs) will be something special. For the first time ever, the prodigy of
Coach Ulli Wegner will make his way to the squared circle as the WBO
Super-Middleweight World Champion. Hence, King Arthur is very excited about
returning to Franconia.

Arthur Abraham, on August 25 you won an exciting fight against Robert
Stieglitz and consequently took over as the reigning WBO Super-Middleweight
World Champion. What has changed since then?

Arthur Abraham: I am just more relaxed than before. Of course, my finances
have also changed since then. But that is about it. Understandably, I was
very relieved once I had that belt around my waist.

Before you moved up a division, you were the IBF Middleweight World
Champion. Are you even more motivated than before, now that you won the
world title in the heavier division?

Arthur Abraham: Most definitely. My motivation is immense. Everybody would
be happy to call themselves a two-division world champion.

Does that effect your preparation in any sort of way?

Arthur Abraham: Your attitude towards training changes. When I was younger,
my mind was wandering around. But the more experienced you get, the more
focused you become and you start realizing that professional sport is a
serious business. I try to keep mistakes to a minimum – and I train a little
bit harder each day.

In which areas have you developed yourself in the last months?

Arthur Abraham: You develop on a daily basis in many different aspects such
as physically and you become more disciplined. I think that I work even
harder than ever before.

You are finally returning to Nuremberg. You have very special memories of
the city in Franconia…

Arthur Abraham: That´s correct. During my amateur days, I was part of 1. FC
Nürnberg and my coach back then was Uwe Schulz. We had some great times
together. In 1997, I became the International Champion of Germany as well as
the Bavarian Champion. Those are great memories.

After you turned pro, you had two fights in Nuremberg. The first was in 2003
against Cezary Piotrowski followed by a fight with Howard Eastman two years
later…

Arthur Abraham: Back then, I was part of the undercard for a main event. Now
I am returning for the first time as the main event of the evening. However,
I also have some painful memories of Nuremberg. I cracked my rips during the
Eastman fight. That hurt quite a lot and it showed in my performance.

This time you will be facing Mehdi Bouadla. What are your thoughts on him?

Arthur Abraham: Mehdi Bouadla is a real fighter. He is always looking for
one-on-one situations. I am hoping to stop him early in order for him not to
land as many hard shots in return. Those could be very dangerous.

What are your plans for the future?

Arthur Abraham: First, I want to win on December 15. Once the new year has
started, I will start thinking about my next steps. I want to hold on to my
title for quite a while!

Jose Nieves stopped Glenn Porras in round two of a scheduled;ed ten round fight at the Kissimme Civic Center in Kissimme, Florida

Nieves dropped Porras in round one with a four punch combination and again in the second from a crushing right hook to the head

Nieves of Carolina, P is now 21-2-3 with ten knockouts. Porras of the Philippines is now 28-4

Yordenis Ugas scored a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Cosme Rivera in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Scores were 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93 for Ugas, 140 lbs of Santiago, Cuba and is now 13-1. Rivera, 140 lbs of Cuican, MX and is now 35-15-3

Carlos Lacayo scored a four round unanimous decision over Giovanny Vasquez in a Featherweight bout.

Scores were 38-36 on all cards for Lacayo, 126 lbs who was making his pro debut. Vasquez, 126 lbs is 0-2.

LINCOLN, R.I. (Dec. 7, 2012) – Former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veteran Chuck O’Neil moved one step closer to returning to the big stage Friday night and halted Keith Jeffrey’s momentum with a 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 unanimous decision win in the main event of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Battle Tested” mixed martial events at Twin River Casino.

O’Neil (10-5) took control of the fight in the third and final round with a critical takedown, subsequently preventing Jeffrey (8-3-1) from unleashing his overhand rights, which, at that point, had been his most dangerous weapon.

Jeffrey, a Pawtucket, R.I., native, entered the fight having won each of his last three bouts since returning from a knee injury in 2011, but O’Neil’s takedown and poise on the ground in the final round turned out to be the difference. O’Neil, a former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter reality show, has now won two of his last three fights while Jeffrey suffered his first loss since 2010.

One of the most impressive wins of the night belonged to Providence’s Luis Felix (9-6), who submitted Ludlow, Mass., lightweight Jeremy Ross (6-4) just 1:21 seconds into the opening round via guillotine choke. The win was Lewis’ fourth in a row and first since October when he defeated former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veteran Marc Stevens in October.

Coming off back-to-back losses, Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Todd Chattelle (11-8) also made quick work of his opponent, using the guillotine choke to submit veteran Robby Roberts (8-15) of Orange, Mass., at the 1:35 mark of the opening round. Chattelle had lost both of his fights in 2012 prior to Friday’s victory after finishing 2011 with a perfect 4-0 record.

Salem, Mass., bantamweight Matt Doherty (1-0, 1 KO) started the night with a victory in his professional debut, stopping Terin Swanson (2-2) at the 1:54 mark of the second round with a series of unanswered blows. Swanson got off to a strong start with his ground game in the opening round, but Doherty answered the call in the second round and utilized his superior stand-up game to make quick work of Swanson, who had won his last two bouts entering Friday.

In the middleweight division, newcomer Joe Palazio (1-0) of Providence bounced back from a slow start and defeated Joe Cronin (2-0) of Mansfield, Mass., via submission with a guillotine choke at the 2:27 mark of the opening round. Cronin looked sharp early, but Palazio turned the tide with a short left hook and then finished Cronin with the guillotine for his first career win.

Chris Foster (6-2) of Middletown, Conn., and Thane Stimson (2-2) of nearby Canterbury went the distance in their featherweight bout with Foster hanging on for a 28-29, 29-28, 29-28 split decision win. Foster controlled the bout early, using a flurry of lefts and right to bloody Stimson’s face in the opening round, but Stimson regained control in the second round with his ground game. The third round went back and forth until Foster sealed it with a well-timed takedown in the closing seconds for a victory in his first fight in more than a year and a half.

Dinis Paiva of East Providence, R.I., evened his record at 3-3 in the bantamweight division with a hard-fought 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 unanimous decision win over Ithica, N.Y., native Josh Lange (1-1). In a tough fight to score, Paiva controlled the action on the ground to escape with the decision. Heavyweight Pat Walsh (2-0) of West Bridgewater, Mass., made quick work of Providence’s Eric Bedard (3-2), submitting his opponent via Kimura just 51 seconds into the opening round.

In one of the most highly-anticipated bouts of the evening, Boston lightweight Lucas Cruz (6-0) kept his perfect record intact by out-working and out-hustling previously-unbeaten Andres Jeudi (5-1) to score a unanimous, yet close, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 win. Both fighters traded blows throughout the fight, with Jeudi’s exceptional takedown defense frustrating Cruz at times, but Cruz sealed the win with a critical takedown in the closing minutes of the third round, preventing Jeudi from utilizing his stand-up game.

PHILADELPHIA – The weigh in was held tonight for Saturday night’s nationally televised NBC Sports Network Fight Night boxing event at Temple University’s Pearson / McGonigle Hall. Heavyweights Bryant Jennings, 15-0, 7 KOs, and Bowie Tupou, 22-2, 16 KOs take center stage in the main event as they battle 12 rounds for Jennings’ USBA heavyweight title. Junior lightweights Eric Hunter, 16-2, 9 KOs and Jerry Belmontes, 17-0, 5 KOs will in engage in a 10 round co-feature contest.

The NBC Sports Network Fight Night telecast will begin at 10PM EST on Saturday, December 8th. Fight fans will be able to catch a re-air of the show after the Pacquaio – Marquez fight, beginning 1AM Eastern, 10PM Pacific.

ABOUT DECEMBER 8TH

Pearson/McGonigle Halls, a 4,500-seat venue at Temple University located at 1800 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121. It has hosted both professional and amateur boxing in the past, but when NBC Sports Network broadcasts the sixth installment of its Fight Night series on Dec. 8, it will be the first professional boxing event held at Pearson/McGonigle Halls in over 19 years.

Nine bouts are planned for the Philadelphia card. The fight is promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with BAM Boxing. Tickets priced at $35, $50 and $75 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing at 215-765-0922 or going online at www.peltzboxing.com. Tickets also are on sale at www.comcastTIX.com.

“FIGHT NIGHT 36: BRYANT JENNINGS” RE-AIRS

All times are ET:

Dec. 7 at 12:30 a.m., Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 9 at 4 p.m., Dec.13 at 8:30 p.m., Dec. 25 at 1:30 a.m.

2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE

(All times ET and subject to change)

Saturday, Dec., 8
10 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
Philadelphia, Pa.

Saturday, Dec., 22
4 p.m. ET
NBC
Bethlehem, PA

Saturday, Jan., 19
9 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
Mohegan, CT

Saturday, Feb., 23
10:30 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
TBA

Saturday, Mar., 9
10 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
TBA

Saturday, June 14
9 p.m. ET
NBC Sports Network
TBA

To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/

On DIRECTV NBC Sports Network has moved to channel 220.

Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU

Twitter: #FightNight Twitter: @main_events @NBCSN

Facebook:facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing facebook.com/NBCSports

Vinny Maddalone 231 1/2 vs Byron Polley 268 ½
Angel Garcia 134 vs. Victor Galindo 133
Neuky Santalises 131 vs Micah Branch 132
Rob Garris 171 vs Abdellah Smith 174
Heather Hardy 122 vs. Ivana Coleman 123 ½
Bryant Cruz 129 1/2 vs. Jonathan Caban 130
Frank Galarza 152 vs Roberto Lopez 152
Juan Dominguez 121 vs. Jhon Alberto Molina 120

VENUE: Resorts World Casino
Promoters: New Legend Boxing, Old World Boxing, W.O.N Promotions (Main event in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing)

1st bell: 6 pm

Tickets prices are $50 General Admission, $125 Ringside and $225 VIP (Includes Open Bar & Buffet) and can be purchased by calling New Legend Boxing 718-487-4474 and/or logging on to www.NewLegendBoxing.com

A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the victims of Hurricane Sandy

For more information and/or media credentials,

Manny Pacquiao 147 – Juan Manuel Marquez 143
Yuriorkis Gamboa 130 – Michael Ferenas 130
Patrick Hyland 126 – Javier Fortuna 126

Photps by Chris Farina / Top Rank

LOS ANGELES, December 7 – It was the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fight of the Year” in 2010 and on Saturday, December 8, nearly two years to the day after this epic battle took place in Las Vegas, TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” Classics is pleased to present a replay of the 12-round battle between Amir “King” Khan and Marcos “El Chino” Maidana for the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship on TeleFutura beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Currently preparing for his December 15 showdown against undefeated Carlos Molina at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., British superstar Khan cemented his place on the pound for pound list on December 11, 2010, when he defended his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against the hard-hitting Argentinean Maidana. Early on, Khan controlled the fight with his speed and crisp punching, but the iron-chinned Maidana took everything Khan could throw at him and as the fight progressed, it became a fight to remember. Though Khan was forced to survive some rough moments in the late rounds, his courageous stand and early lead allowed him to win a close, but unanimous decision over Maidana in a bout that was celebrated around the world.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (December 7, 2012) – The people have spoken and they voted unanimously for Saturday’s welterweight battle between MANNY PACQUIAO and JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUEZ 4 — Act Four of their exciting and fistoric rivalry. Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum announced today that the MGM Grand Garden Arena and its 16,000-plus seats have completely sold out, producing a live gate in excess of $10.5 million.

“Manny and Juan Manuel may have unfinished business in the ring, but as far as the live box office, it’s business as usual – another sellout,” said Arum. “I encourage boxing fans in Las Vegas to go to their favorite MGM Resort International property to purchase their closed-circuit seats today because the projections are looking like a sell out there too.”

Pacquiao vs. Márquez 4 will be available via closed circuit at the following MGM Resorts International Las Vegas properties: ARIA, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York and Circus Circus. Tickets are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges. All seats will be general admission and will be available at each individual property’s box office.

Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs), of the Philippines, and Márquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs), of México, who have won world titles in 12 weight divisions between them, will go mano a mano and toe-to-toe in a 12-round welterweight battle.

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

The finale of the all-new editions of HBO’s all-access reality series 24/7 PACQUIAO/MARQUEZ 4 debuts Tonight! Friday, December 7 (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET/PT), the night before the high-stakes welterweight showdown. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand and HBO GO®.

Pacquiao-Márquez 4 is promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate, Wonderful Pistachios, Cinemax ‘Banshee,’ Smart Communications, Universal Pictures ‘Django Unchained’ and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

The Pacquiao vs. Márquez 4 telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com and at www.facebook.com/hboboxing. Use the hashtag #PacMarquez to join the conversation on Twitter. For Pacquiao vs. Márquez updates, log on to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com.

Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez (four fights; 2007-2010);
Azumah Nelson-James Leija (four fights: 1993-1998);
Bobby Chacon-Bazooka Limon (four fights: 1972-1985);
Joey Giardello-Dick Tiger (four fights: 1959-1965);
Sugar Ray Robinson-Gene Fullmer (four fights: 1957-1961);
Beau Jack-Ike Williams (four fights; 1948-1955);
Jersey Joe Walcott-Ezzard Charles (four fights; 1949-1952);
Sandy Saddler-Willie Pep (four fights: 1948-1951);
Sugar Ray Robinson-Jake LaMotta (six fights: 1942-1951);
Beau Jack-Bob Montgomery (four fights; 1943-1944);
Gene Tunney-Harry Greb (five fights: 1922-1925);
Jack Britton and Ted Kid Lewis (20 fights: 1915-1921).
Emile Griffith – Luis Rodriguez (4 times, 55 rounds), courtesy Jack Obermayer.

The original list was compiled by Steve Farhood.
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam-Daisuke Naito (courtesy Scott Shaffer)

(4 times, 32 rounds, 2002-2008, 2 wins for Wonjongkam, one for Naito, one draw)

Pacquiao and Marquez note: last fight ended in a draw but they never did a fifth fight

Stanley Ketchel – Billy Papke (Courtesy Don Stradley)

(Courtesy Michael Woods)

Sugar Ray Robinson-Carl Bobo Olson (4 fights)
Archie Moore vs Harold Johnson (5 fights)
Ezzard Charles-Joey Maxim (5 fights)
Kid Gavilan vs Billy Graham (4 fights)
Veeraphol Sahaprom vs Toshiaki Nishioka (4 fights)
Henry Cooper-Joe Erskine (5 fights)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Dec. 7, 2012) – No longer will Raymundo Beltran be known as Manny Pacquiao’s favorite sparring partner. He’s finally carved his own niche amongst the elite lightweights in professional boxing.

Fresh off his upset win over former top-ranked contender Hank Lundy in July, Beltran (27-6, 17 KOs) pieced together another brilliant performance Thursday night in Las Vegas, defending his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight title with a 98-92, 98-92, 97-94 unanimous decision win over Ji-Hoon Kim (24-8) at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in the main event of a special Thursday night edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

“I pray I get a shot at a world title. That’s what I want, and I believe that’s what I deserve,” Beltran said. “This is no time to stop or take easy fights. I have never shied away from a tough fight. I just needed the right fights under the right conditions, and Lundy and Kim were made to order for me.”

Kim entered the fight ranked No. 3 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 7 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and appeared to be in control of Thursday’s fight when he sent Beltran to the canvas courtesy of a hard, left hook midway through the opening round, but Beltran fought back, answering with a left hook of his own that dropped Kim at the bell.

Over the next nine rounds, Beltran out-worked and out-muscled Kim to win decisively on all three scorecards in what was his second consecutive victory and first since dethroning Lundy on ESPN in July.

“This was a great fight for Ray. He trained hard and fought harder,” said Beltran’s head trainer Freddie Roach. “We had Kim hurt a number of times, but Ray hurt his hand early, so we just stayed on Kim’s body. When Ray went down in the first round, I looked at him, and that’s when I knew he wasn’t going to go down again. Kim is a tough kid, but it was Ray’s fight. We want a title shot next.”

A former sparring partner for Pacquiao, who is also fighting this weekend in Las Vegas, Beltran toiled in anonymity before beating Lundy in what many considered the upset of the year. Under the guidance of his longtime manager, Steve Feder, Roach and promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. of Classic Entertainment & Sports, Beltran has finally escaped Pacquiao’s shadow and is now on the cusp of a shot at a world title in the 135-pound division.

“This has been long overdue for Ray,” Feder said. “He’s really put his work in. The biggest difference is his mindset. Being Manny’s sparring partner has been a blessing and a curse. It gave him tremendous experience, but in some ways it took him out of the picture because he’d have a hard time understanding he’s not just someone’s sparring partner.

“These last two camps, although we worked with Manny, we also brought in a lot of other sparring partners as well. We worked with Brandon Rios, who was really helpful, and we brought in strength and conditioning coach Rob Garcia, who really helped Ray step his game up. He had a really good camp. It was all about clearing his head, and having that belt gave him something to prepare for and defend.”

With Pacquiao simultaneously preparing for Saturday’s Pay Per View showdown against Juan Manuel Marquez – the fourth installment of their longstanding rivalry – he and Beltran worked together at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles.

“Manny has been such a great supporter for him,” Feder said. “Manny kept insisting that Ray understand what his role was and that he was not only there to support Manny, but to prepare for his own fight. Manny never put him in the position of just being a sparring partner. They were really helping each other.

“Being in this relationship with Manny has been phenomenal for Ray, but, as a fighter, he also needs to have his own identity,” Feder added. “He’s not walking into the ring with Manny; he’s walking in there on his own. At this stage in his career, the key for him is being able to identify himself as his own fighter.”

After beating Kim in front of a worldwide audience, the sky’s the limit for Beltran – originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico – who entered Thursday’s fight ranked No. 9 in the World Boxing Council (WBC). He’s keeping a watchful eye on the rest of the field, starting Saturday night on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight when IBF world lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez defends his title against unbeaten challenger Mercito Gesta.

“I will be watching,” Beltran said. “I want my shot. Tough fighters bring out the best in me and now I want to continue to fight the best.”

Added Burchfield: “We’ll challenge anyone in the 135-pound division, whether it’s Vazquez, Gesta, Richard Abril or Adrien Broner. We’ve seen first-hand what Ray is capable of inside the ring. No one’s worked harder, and, right now, there’s not a more dangerous fighter in this weight class.”

“Since our team at Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., joined forces with Global Boxing Promotions in 2010, we have diligently worked together to guide Mariusz Wach to the precipice of a world heavyweight championship. We fulfilled our obligation as co-promoters, utilizing our wisdom and relationships within the sport of boxing. Under the tutelage of Classic Entertainment & Sports and Global Boxing Promotions, Wach won five consecutive bouts, rose to No. 4 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings and achieved his lifelong dream Nov. 17th by challenging Wladimir Klitschko for the World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight titles.

“Wach put his faith and trust in us as co-promoters to guide him to the top. In turn, we put our faith and trust in Wach and the trainers he felt most comfortable working with in preparing for the opportunity to win a world title. Wach spent four months working exclusively with his team of trainers in preparation for last month’s title bout, fully trusting their guidance and judgment under the assumption they would act within the rules and regulations set forth by boxing’s most respected governing bodies.

“Without the benefit of any direct involvement in Wach’s training camp, we held Wach’s trainers to the same strict code of conduct and ethics we expect from all of our fighters, trainers and employees. CES and Global Boxing Promotions fulfilled its obligations as Wach’s co-promoters and expected his trainers to do the same in preparation for last months’ heavyweight title bout. We are disappointed to learn of the most recent allegations against Wach, and we hope these allegations do not diminish his valiant effort against Wladimir Klitschko.”

WBA Super-Middleweight World Championship:

Brian Magee: 76,2 kg

Mikkel Kessler: 76,1 kg

The IBF has sanctioned the Rances Barthelemy vs. Arash Usmanee fight on Friday, January 4, 2013, as an IBF Jr. Lightweight Title Eliminator. The winner of the Bout will be ranked number 2 in the world by the IBF at Jr. Lightweight.

Presented by Warriors Boxing and Bad Dog Productions in association with the Magic City Casino, live from Stage 305 in the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida. Barthelemy vs. Usmanee will serve as the 12-round junior lightweight main event on a show entitled “Friday Night Fights at Magic City Casino”.

The show will also serve as the year’s debut broadcast of the popular professional boxing series 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.)

In the co-featured televised bout that night, a couple of tough junior middleweight contenders will tangle, when young Puerto Rican powerhouse Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (15-0-1, 13 KOs) will take on highly regarded Philadelphian Derek “Pooh” Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs).

The undercard, which will be announced shortly, will feature several young local and international rising stars.

Tickets are on sale now on the Magic City Casino website www.magiccitycasino.com as well as in person at the Magic City Players Club. They are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $35.

Doors open at 7:30 pm and the first bell is at 8:00.

About Magic City Casino

Magic City Casino features 800 Las Vegas-style slot machines, 18-table Poker Room, outdoor concert amphitheater, multi-purpose indoor venue, seasonal live greyhound racing and multiple food and beverage outlets, among other state-of-the-art amenities. The casino is open every day (Sunday through Thursday: 10 am to 4 am; Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 5 am). For more information, visit www.magiccitycasino.com

Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs) will be travelling to Nuremberg, Germany next
week with a lot of self-confidence. The man from France will take on WBO
Super-Middleweight World Champion Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27KOs) on December
15. And the 30-year-old is prepared to cause a big upset in his first world
title bout. Although his training schedule keeps him very busy, he managed
to take out some time for a quick interview.

Mehdi Bouadla, you are currently riding on a wave of success. You won all of
your last four fights. How are you feeling ahead of December 15?

Mehdi Bouadla: Of course, I am feeling really good. My last bouts all went
to my full satisfaction. But I will feel a lot better once December 15 is
over and I am able to wear that WBO Belt around my waist.

The last time you found yourself on the losing side of a fight was against
Denmark´s Mikkel Kessler back in June 2011. What went wrong for you back
then?

Mehdi Bouadla: Kessler, who was boxing in front of his home crowd, was the
better boxer that night. It is as simple as that.

Did you learn any valuable lessons from that fight, something that might
help you against Arthur Abraham?

Mehdi Bouadla: Kessler and Abraham are two real champions. But that is the
only thing they have in common. Of course, I took something out of the fight
in Copenhagen, but I was a good boxer before that night anyways. The bout
against Abraham will be something completely different, as his style is
completely different to Kessler´s. The preparation for Nuremberg is going
really well. The training is very intense but that is the way it is supposed
to be.

Where do you see the strengths as well as the weaknesses of your opponent?

Mehdi Bouadla: I know that it won’t be easy against Abraham. He has tons of
experience and participated in many world title fights. Therefore, he knows
what the pressure feels like. You will understand that I cannot talk about
his weaknesses. I will reveal them to everyone watching the fight on
December 15.

What will your days leading up to the big night look like for you?

Mehdi Bouadla: We have almost completed my sparring and will travel to
Germany on Tuesday. Once we get there, I will try to relax and just keep my
focus. But it is always like that ahead of a fight. It has become part of my
routine.

What kind of person are you outside of the squared circle? What do you like
to do during your spare time?

Mehdi Bouadla: When I am not inside the gym of my hometown of Aulnay sous
Bois, I like to be around my family and friends. There is nothing better
than surrounding yourself with your loved ones. I also enjoy watching good
movies and sports in general.

What will be the outcome of the world championship bout on December 15? Will
it go the distance?

Mehdi Bouadla: Unfortunately, I can’t predict the future so I am not able to
tell you the way the fight will end. But I can promise you one thing: I will
definitely give it my all. No matter if the fight goes the distance or not.
I will push him from start to finish.

Tickets for the big fight night in Nuremberg are available at www.eventim.de
and www.boxen.com.

TOKYO, Japan (Dec. 7, 2012) – DREAM Lightweight (155 pounds/70 kilograms) Champion Shinya Aoki (31-6) will face battle-tested wrestling specialist Antonio McKee (28-4-2) at the DREAM Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event at Saitama Super Arena on New Year’s Eve.

The matchup was announced today by officials from DREAM and Glory Sports International, which is presenting the year-end show along with the GLORY 4 Tokyo – Heavyweight Grand Slam event.

Also announced was a middleweight (185 pounds/84 kilograms) fight between Melvin Manhoef (26-9-1, 1 NC) and Denis Kang (35-15-2, 2 NC) and a 139-pound catchweight meeting between former DREAM bantamweight (135 pounds/61 kilograms) champion Bibiano Fernandes (12-3) and Yoshiro Maeda (30-11-2) of Japan.

“Shinya Aoki is already a legend in mixed martial arts. His jiu jitsu and judo skills are just incredible and we are delighted to have him on the card for DREAM 18. The Saitama Super Arena is his home and the greatest matches of his career have been fought there. We expect another epic encounter on New Year’s Eve when he faces UFC veteran Antonio McKee,” said GLORY CEO Marcus Luer.

“With Melvin Manhoef and Denis Kang, we have a fight where the fans cannot afford to blink – there is so much power and skill in that fight that it is very, very unlikely to go the distance. And the fight between Bibiano Fernandes and Yoshiro Maeda will be a whirlwind, technical master class. Fernandes is one of the world’s top ten bantamweights while Maeda is as tough as they come. All the DREAM 18 fights are absolutely world class and we are very excited about them.”

Known as Tobikan Judan (‘Master of Flying Attacks’), Aoki is a grappling prodigy. An incredible 20 of his 31 career wins have been by way of submission and his victories include wins over Rich Clementi, Joachim Hansen and Eddie Alvarez. He has a ruthless killer instinct, exemplified by his breaking the arm of Mizuto Hirota at a 2009 New Year’s Eve event in the Saitama Super Arena.

McKee has fought for the UFC, the IFL and top Canadian promotion MFC in a career spanning 12 years. Only four fighters have ever managed to beat him, and three of those – Karo Parisyan, Jacob Volkmann and Chris Brennan – have also competed amongst the upper echelon of fighters in the UFC and PRIDE FC. McKee was set to fight Aoki at DREAM: Fight for Japan last May, but the bout fell through because of visa issues.

The Dutch dynamo Manhoef needs little introduction to fight fans in Japan or anywhere else. A huge fan favorite, Manhoef’s power and highly aggressive style combine to ensure that his fights rarely go the distance. He is one of only two men to ever stop Mark Hunt with strikes and he also has a win over Japanese legend Kazushi Sakuraba.

French-Korean middleweight Kang won a ‘Fight of the Night’ award for his clash with Michael Bisping in the UFC. A second-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Kang’s honors include being a finalist in the PRIDE FC Welterweight Grand Prix and winning a title in leading Korean promotion Spirit MC. He has wins over Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua and Akihiro Gono.

Fernandes won the 2009 DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix to become the organization’s first featherweight champion. After losing the belt to Hiroyuki Takaya, he moved down to bantamweight and won the DREAM Bantamweight Grand Prix.

Maeda has competed for many of the best organizations in the world, including PRIDE FC, DREAM, WEC, Pancrase and DEEP. He fought for the WEC bantamweight title against Miguel Torres at WEC 34 and holds wins over Chase Beebe and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert Micah Miller among others. He was also a quarter-finalist in the DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix.

‘GSI presents DREAM 18 and GLORY 4 Tokyo – New Year’s Eve Special’ – will commence at 4 p.m. JST with the DREAM 18 card and continue with the GLORY 4 Tokyo – Heavyweight Grand Slam, a one-night, 16-man, single-elimination tournament featuring the world’s top heavyweight stand-up fighters, including Semmy Schilt (39-6, 18 KO’s), Gokhan Saki (77-15, 53 KO’s), Daniel Ghita (44-7, 34 KO’s), Remy Bonjasky (77-14, 40 KO’s), Peter Aerts (104-30-1, 78 KO’s), Errol Zimmerman (76-16-1, 41 KO’s), Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva (32-8-1, 22 KO’s) and Sergei Kharitonov (22-7, 12 KO’s).

The winner of the heavyweight tournament will take home a Grand Prize of $400,000, and a total of $600,000 in prize money will be awarded to tournament participants.

For more information, visit www.gloryworldseries.com.

About DREAM:

Japan’s premier MMA organisation, DREAM has staged 23 top-class events in the course of its four-year history. Fighters that have stepped into the DREAM ring include Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Shinya Aoki, Joachim Hansen, Melvin Manhoef, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Eddie Alvarez, Todd Duffee, Gesias Calvancante, Marius Zaromskis.

About GLORY:

The GLORY World Series (www.gloryworldseries.com) is the world’s premier kickboxing, or stand-up fighting league, staging events across the globe and offering up to $1,000,000 in prize money to the winners of 16-man ‘Grand Prix’ tournaments, which are open to only the best fighters in each weight class. The fight series also includes 8-man tournaments and events with traditional, single bouts.

With television deals spanning every continent, plus a groundbreaking online video streaming system and the world’s largest online martial arts library, GLORY is one of the world’s most widely-broadcast sporting organizations.

Owned and operated by Glory Sports International (GSI), the organization has offices in Holland, the UK, Tokyo, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Its personnel includes a diverse mix of award-winning hedge-fund and private equity investors; principals from pioneering sports marketing agency Total Sport Asia; and senior level executives from several leading sports franchises, including WWE, FIFA, Golden Glory, Champions League and It’s Showtime.

Boxing’s most contentious rivalry is set to end with a knockout this Saturday night, live on Primetime (Channel 498 on Sky & Virgin On Demand).

Both Manny Pacquiao and Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez insist that they will flatten the other to conclusively prove who the superior fighter is as they clash for the fourth time in Las Vegas.

The previous three fights have all gone the 12 round distance and despite a draw in their initial encounter in 2004, and Pacquiao winning closely contested points decisions in the other two, the matchups have been the subject of much controversy.

Despite Pacquiao catching the judges’ eyes, many experts and fight fans believe that Marquez has been the rightful victor in their past encounters.

However, despite not getting the rub of the green, Marquez is adamant that this time round he has the tools to stop it going to the scorecards.

“A lot of people know what happened in the last three fights but I’ve prepared myself very hard because I want to give another great show. After this fight it might be the end of the chapters,” said Marquez.

“I’m trying to look for the knockout. Pacquiao said he wants to knock me out but I want to knockout him out. Manny is a strong fighter, he’s maybe the toughest I’ve fought. But I’m ready for this fight. I’ve trained very hard and I’m in great condition for the twelve rounds.

“This is the most interesting fight. I know I need to change something because he knows me – I need a perfect performance,” he said.

The Filipino star, who is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, claims he will be going into this bout as the aggressor, in a fight he believes will be the last between the two.

“We changed a little bit of our strategy for this fight. We studied his style and we’re ready for him. He knows how I like to fight which is getting in and out so I will be trying to counter-punch more,” said Pacquiao.

“My focus is on more aggression and if I have the chance to finish the fight early I will grab it. Marquez never accepted that he lost the last three fights so it’s up to me to show him in this one,” added the eight-division world champion.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez is live on Primetime for £14.95 this Sunday morning at 2am. To order visit www.primetimelive.co.uk or call 0871 200 4444.

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, World Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward suffered a shoulder injury that will him force him to postpone his January 26th title defense with Kelly Pavlik.

“He felt a little tweak when he threw a punch and stopped immediately,” Ward’s promoter, Dan Goossen, told ESPN.com on Thursday. “He didn’t really think it was that damaging at first but he certainly felt pain. He went to the doctor and followed up with an MRI (on Friday). It disclosed no tears, no rotator cuff injury, nothing of devastating proportions, but there was a lot of swelling and inflammation, so the key to healing is not using the arm for a few weeks.”

“Speaking to Andre about it, he said he has had nagging pain in his shoulder since he was a young kid, but nothing to the extent of what he felt this last time,” Goossen said.

“We’ve seen Andre fight through pain with a broken hand as recently as the Froch fight,” Goossen said. “If he says it’s painful and the prescription is to rest the arm, that’s what he will do.”

Holly Holm 138.8 lbs. Diana Prazak 138 lbs.

(all pictures by Will Fox)

WHAT: “Fire And Ice” Professional Boxing

WHO: IBA & WBF WOMEN’S LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS

MAIN EVENT (10)

HOLLY HOLM (31-2-3, 9 KOs), Albuquerque, NM 138.8 lbs.

vs.

DIANA PRAZAK (11-1, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, CA 138 lbs.

BANTAMWEIGHTS (8)

RAYMOND MONTEZ (5-2, 3 KOs), Albuquerque, NM 121.8 lbs.

vs.

TONY VALDEZ (6-6-3, 6 KOs), Espanola, NM 116 lbs.

FEMALE LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

VICTORIA CISNEROS (8-13-2, 3 KOs), Albuquerque, NM 138 lbs.

vs.

MARY McGEE (19-1, 10 KOs), Gary, IN 138.8 lbs.

LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

MATTHEW BACA (1-0, 1 KO), Albuquerque, NM 140.8 lbs.

vs.

DEREK PEREZ (pro debut), Albuquerque, NM 144 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

JASON SANCHEZ (pro debut), Albuquerque, NM 126 lbs.

vs.

GENE PEREZ (1-0), Belan, NM 125.2 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

SIJU SHABAZZ (pro debut), Las Cruces, NM 173.2 lbs.

vs.

RICKY VILLAFUERTE (pro debut), Albuquerque, NM 175 lbs.

(All Fights & Fighters subject to change)

WHEN: Friday, December 7, 2012

WHERE: Route 66 Casino Hotel, Albuquerque, NM

PROMOTER: Fresquez Productions, Inc.

INFORMATION: www.FresquezProductions.com

TICKETS: Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale at www.rt66casino.com and www.fresquezproductions.com or by calling (505) 884-7484

OTHER: WBA junior middleweight champion Austin Trout will be in attendance; Lerner Film will be shooting footage for a documentary about Holly Holm

DOORS OPEN: 5:30 PM/MT, FIRST BOUT: 7:00 PM/MT.