LOS ANGELES, CA (October 11, 2012) WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady Golovkin is headed to Southern California this weekend to begin training at The Summit in Big Bear, California with heralded trainer Abel Sanchez.

Prior to the start of training, Golovkin, Sanchez and Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions will attend the HBO televised epic double-header at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California featuring world title bouts between Nonito Donaire and Toshiako Nishioka and Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado.

Although specific details on his upcoming fight have not been finalized, Golovkin is anxious to get back into training.

“Gennady has been at home now for about a month with his family in Germany,” said Sanchez. “His next fight will take place before the end of the year and I felt it was better to start camp now.”

“Daniel Geale and Gennady have until December 31, 2012 to fight each other according to the WBA middleweight resolution”, said Loeffler. “Even though Geale is a warrior, he has spoken about fighting everyone else except Gennady. We should have an official announcement shortly about GGG’s next fight”

Golovkin made his US and HBO televised debut on September 1, stopping European champion and #3 WBA ranked Grzegorz Proksa in the fifth round at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.

“The response from Gennady’s last fight has been sensational and we know the boxing world is very interested in when he is fighting again. Gennady is just as excited to get back in the ring” said Loeffler.

ABOUT K2 PROMOTIONS

K2 Promotions currently promotes the unified heavyweight champions, Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. Over the last decade, K2 Promotions has promoted the most heavyweight championship title bouts of any promoter worldwide. K2 Promotions is one of Boxing’s most respected promoters showcasing boxing’s biggest events in the US and Europe at some of the world’s premier venues.

For more information, please visit their website at

K2 Promotions

New York/St. Charles, Mo. (October 11, 2012) – Tomorrow night former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (30-4-1, 18KO’s) will step back into the ring and continue on his comeback trail as he takes on Raul Munoz (21-15-1, 16KO’s) in a 10-round middleweight bout. Highlights of the bout will be aired on ShoBox: The New Generation. In the ShoBox main event blue-chip prospect Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (10-0, 6KO’s) looks to keep his unblemished record intact when he takes on Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmer (7-3-1, 1KO) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

In the televised co-feature, undefeated up-and-coming prospects Jonathan Cepeda (12-0, 11KO’s) and Lamar Russ (10-0, 6KO’s) will square off in an eight-round middleweight bout. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rumble Time Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Universal Promotions SHOWTIME® will begin live coverage at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

“I feel great. Physically and mentally I feel I am on the top of my game,” said Taylor.

Photo by Tom Casino
“I am ready to go out there and make a statement. I want to show the world that I am ready for the best that the middleweight division has to offer. I fully expect to be fighting for a world title belt sometime early next year.”

The bout on Friday will be Taylor’s third consecutive fight on the SHOWTIME® network since returning to the ring in December of last year. Taylor went on a two-year hiatus from the ring following his early departure from the coveted Super Six Tournament in the super middleweight division. Taylor has since moved back down in weight to where he ruled as the undefeated middleweight champion of the world from 2005-when he ended Bernard Hopkins’ record-setting reign-to 2007. In Taylor’s most recent outing in April, he won a dominant 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Caleb Truax. Taylor is hoping to work his way into another title shot in 2013, but he must first get by Munoz.

“In order for Jermain to return to championship form he has to stay busy,” said promoter Lou DiBella, who has promoted Taylor from his first professional bout. “Skills need to be rediscovered and confidence needs to be built. An active, prepared and confident Jermain Taylor can still be a force to be reckoned with at the highest level of the middleweight division.”

Photo by Tom Casino

“It took us about five years to get our first crack at the world title so I knew once we returned that it was going to take us some time to get Jermain back to where he was when he beat Hopkins,” said trainer Patrick Burns. “I am extremely happy though where Jermain is right now. Physically he has been there for some time now, but more important was his mental aspect. He needed to get back to where he was mentally and to get that confidence back, and I can assure you that it is there. That is what excites me the most about Jermain right now. He has his confidence back and knows that he has the ability to once again be the best middleweight in the world.”

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rumble Time Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Universal Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $40, and can be purchased through the Ameristar Casino or by calling (314) 267-2204. Doors open at 5:30PM with the first bout scheduled for 6:00PM.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 11, 2012) – Even though he won their first fight in October of 2011, unbeaten super middleweight Alex Amparo didn’t hesitate when asked to face Nick Lavin again next Thursday at the Twin River Event Center.

“We have the kind of style that makes for a great fight,” Amparo said before adding, “This time, I think it’ll end differently. I don’t think it’ll go four rounds.”

Amparo (4-0, 2 KOs), a Providence, R.I., native, won the first fight by majority decision, 39-37, 38-37, 38-38. Lavin (2-3, 2 KOs) thinks he at least earned a draw. They’ll settle the score for good Thursday, October 18th, 2012 on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Closing Statement” boxing show in a four-round super middleweight bout.

“He better be the one worrying about surviving, not me,” said a confident Lavin, who lives and trains in Shelton, Conn., under the guidance of local instructor Kasey Coon. “I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve never trained harder for a fight than I have for this one.

“I’ve been talking about this since the last one ended. A win would open some doors for me and breathe some life back into my career.”

Lavin is facing a major crossroad as he prepares for Thursday’s fight. The loss to Amparo in 2011 dropped him to 2-2. Then he got knocked out by Paul Gonsalves in the final seconds of their light heavyweight bout in March.

Since then, he’s switched trainers, leaving former Hartford title contender John Scully for Coon – nothing personal; Scully was out of town from time to time working with light heavyweight world champion Chad Dawson, so Lavin needed someone with deep roots in the area who would be available more often. He and Coon linked up through the Lion’s Den in Middletown, Conn., and have been working together since the end of the Gonsalves fight.

“We just clicked,” Lavin said. “My jab feels a lot sharper, my movement’s better – I’m making people miss a lot more. I’m working angles a lot better. Everything is falling into place.

“In the first fight, I was reckless. I played into his game plan and brawled with him. This time I’m going to try to step back a bit and box him a little more.”

Amparo is equally confident, pointing to his own workout regimen, which has changed in recent months. He’s split up his training between his new conditioning coach, Shane Cronan, and his current boxing coach, Jose Santos.

“With Shane, it’s pure conditioning,” Amparo said. “In the past it was difficult because I’d try to squeeze my boxing and conditioning into my sessions with Jose, but now I’ll meet Shane in the morning and work with Jose at night, or vice-versa – train with Jose in the afternoon and hit the hills with Shane at night.

“Now I’m able to focus more on my boxing strategy when I’m in the gym with Jose. One of the things I noticed in the past was I’d be able to implement the game plan for one or two rounds and then I’d get sloppy toward the end because my conditioning wasn’t there. Having that base now is the most important thing.”

The end result is a leaner, stronger Amparo capable of fighting effectively over the course of four rounds.

“My power has improved a lot since last year,” he said, “and [Lavin] is still going to be there to get hit with those shots. He won’t be able to stand up to it. I faded toward the end of the last fight and it didn’t allow me to exert myself 100 percent in the final round. If I was in the shape I’m in now, I would’ve got him out of there.”

The first bout between Lavin and Amparo last year was fought at 175 pounds. Amparo has since dropped to 168 and has several local fighters on his radar – “I won’t mention any names because I spar with some of them,” he laughed – but the path to the top starts with Lavin next Thursday in a fight both sides need to win, albeit for much different reasons.

“This is kind of the story of my life,” Lavin said. “I’ve been knocked down so many times, not just in boxing but in life in general. You’ve got to put it past you and keep moving forward. That applies to boxing as well. I’m ready this time. I’m coming hard.”

The main event of “Closing Statement” features an eight-round battle interstate rivals Joseph “Chip” Perez (9-1, 3 KOs) of East Hartford, Conn., and Hartford’s Chazz “Magnificent” McDowell (6-2, 1 KO) for the vacant New England Junior Lightweight title. Providence female bantamweight Shelito Vincent (4-0) will face Ivana Coleman (0-1) in a four-round rematch.

Sparks will fly in the heavyweight division when hard-hitting Alexis Santos (6-0, 5 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., puts his undefeated record on the line against Providence’s Josh Harris (8-6-1, 6 KOs). The show also features two additional regional battles as former The Contender reality television star Rich Gingras (11-3, 7 KOs) of Attleboro, Mass., returns to face Providence’s Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight bout and newcomers Jon Smith of Cranston, R.I., a former three-time New England Golden Gloves champion, and Dinis Paiva Jr. of East Providence, R.I., who has five professional mixed martial arts fights under his belt, square off in a four-round welterweight bout.

“The Vermont Bully” Kevin Cobbs (5-0, 1 KO) of Burlington, Vt., will look to keep his perfect record intact when he faces tough veteran Alexander Mancera (8-4-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., in a four-round light heavyweight bout and middleweight Thomas Falowo (7-1, 5 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., will battle Ontario, Canada veteran Michael Walchuk (9-6, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Woonsocket, R.I., middleweight Joey Gardner (8-5-1, 1 KO) will face Philip Burnette (2-5, 1 KO) of Myrtle Beach, S.C., in a six-round bout. Providence junior lightweight Toka Kahn (2-0, 2 KOs) will also be featured on the undercard in a separate four-round bout.

Tickets for “Closing Statement ” are $40.00, $75.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.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.

NEW YORK (October 11, 2012) – Three generations of the Maine-native Gamache family will be in one corner on October 27 as unbeaten light middleweight Stevie Gamache (3-0, 1 KO) fights on the “Rising Olympian Star In The Big Apple” pay-per-view event, showcasing unbeaten 2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam “World Kid” Ali (15-0, 9 KOs), live from Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York.

“Rising Olympian Star In The Big Apple,” presented by Sadam Ali’s World Kid Promotions, will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay per view via iN Demand, DISH Network and Avail-TVN for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The 29-year-old Gamache will have his grandfather, Joe Sr., as his chief second and his father, two-time World lightweight champion Joey Gamache (55-4, 38 KOs) as an assistant trainer and cut-man. “It was a lot easier fighting than watching my son fight,” Joey said. “My father got Stevie into boxing. I was traveling all of the time. I took Stevie with me for my fights when I could, trips to France and California, and he got familiar with the sport that way. I see a lot of me in him; the trademark body punching, plus he has a good jab and knows how to box. We don’t have identical styles, he moves well.”

Stevie, who fights Jose Angel Ortiz (4-10-1) in a four-round bout on the Oct. 27th card, took seven years off from boxing, graduating from Berkley College in New York with a degree in business management. “Stevie weighed more than 200 pounds and I mentioned coming to the gym to work out,” Joey continued. “He did and wanted to fight, winning two fights in the Golden Gloves, and then he turned pro. Things have changed today where you see more school educated people in boxing.”

The Gamache family is well known at home in Lewiston, Maine. Stevie, who lives in Manhattan, is unable to build off of his last name there because professional boxing is banned in Maine. “It’s too bad because Stevie and two of my nephews, one a pro and the other an amateur, can’t work off my name back home,” Joey concluded. “There was no boxing action going on in Maine, but boxing shouldn’t have been banned there. I think boxing should have been put on hold, not banned, in Maine. It’s unfortunate because Stevie really wanted to fight in Maine.”

Chicago welterweight Jermaine “Too Sweet” White (17-5, 9 KOs) challenges 23-year-old Ali in the 10-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) International 147-pound title. In 2008, Ali became the first Arab-American ever to represent the United States in the Olympic Games.

World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX cruiserweight champion Santander “The Demolition Man” Silgado (22-0, 18 KOs), world rated at No. 8 by the WBC and No. 11 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), takes on veteran Gary “Pit Bull” Gomez (19-13-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Silgado is a seven-time Colombian National Champion who now fights out of Brooklyn.

Brownsville super middleweight Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (22-3, 16 KOs), a gold medalist at the 2002 US National Championships, fights an opponent to be named in a eight-round bout.

Egyptian cruiserweight Ramada “Holy Man” Yasser (7-0, 5 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line vs. TBA in a six-round bout. Also fighting on the undercard in four round bouts are single-fisted Queens light heavyweight Michael Costantino, who was born without a right hand, in his four-round pro debut vs. TBA, Brooklyn bantamweight Jennifer Santiago faces Louisiana invader Ivana Coleman (0-1), and Brooklyn light middleweight Shawn Cameron makes his pro debut. vs. New York City’s Mamadou Doumbia (1-0). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00, $100.00 and $50.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling 917.807.3630 or 917.655.5254 in Brooklyn and Queens, 718.744.8855 in Manhattan, or 201.914.9392 in Staten Island and New Jersey.

For more information about “Rising Olympian Star In The Big Apple,” go online to www.SadamAliBoxing.com or www.integratedsportsnet.com.Sadam Ali can be followed on Twitter @realworldkidali.

SINGAPORE (Oct. 11, 2012) – Glory Sports International announced today the appointment of respected sports business professional Graeme White as Chief Operating Officer of GLORY World Series, the world’s No. 1 professional kickboxing league.

Based in Singapore, Graeme will report to GLORY Managing Director Marcus Luer and work closely with the various heads of GLORY business units based in Amsterdam, London and Kuala Lumpur.

Bringing a wealth of operational and business affairs experience with him, White has worked internationally at a senior management level, developing and delivering many of the world’s highest profile events and brands, including the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and Roots of Fight.?

“We are excited to welcome Graeme to the GLORY team, said Luer. “His blue-chip commercial sports expertise extends across broadcast, marketing, event operations, and complex contract negotiations, and he possesses an in-depth knowledge of how to successfully develop and monetize various revenue streams for international properties and brands.”

Most recently, White played an integral role in building the Roots of Fight brand of mini-doc films and licensed apparel that includes legendary fight names such as Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee and the Gracie family. Previously, White successfully managed diverse global teams and stakeholders, and was responsible for developing and overseeing key broadcast and commercial components of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.

“The opportunity to join the GLORY team and to take the world’s premiere kickboxing league to the highest level of sport was incredibly attractive. I am looking forward to being part of the team that elevates GLORY World Series to a truly exceptional sports property,” said White.
In his new role, he will be responsible for developing business plans and strategic initiatives, supporting and managing the overall co-ordination and P&L between the GLORY offices and assisting with various commercial negotiations and arrangements.

The announcement of White joining GLORY’s management teams comes off the heels of GLORY 2 Brussels, the biggest kickboxing event in Brussels history on Oct. 6 that was headlined by the highly-anticipated return of all-time heavyweight great Remy ‘The Flying Gentleman’ Bonjasky, who earned a decision over rising star Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva.

GLORY’s next stop will be the historic PalaLottomatica arena in Rome on Nov. 3. The event, GLORY 3 Rome ‘Final 8’, will be headlined by an eight-man single-elimination tournament that will award it’s 70 kilogram (154 pound) winner a Grand Prize of $300,000.

On Dec. 2, GLORY will head to Makuhari Messe (formerly Nippon Convention Center) in Tokyo where it will produce a 16-man, single-elimination heavyweight tournament stacked with an unprecedented collection of the world’s greatest big men.

For more information visit www.gloryworldseries.com

About GLORY:

The GLORY World Series (www.gloryworldseries.com) is the world’s premier stand-up fighting league, staging events across the globe and offering up to $1,000,000 in prize money to successful fighters in 16-man grand prix tournaments which are open to only the very best fighters in each weight class.

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 already.

Owned and operated by Glory Sports International (GSI), the organization has offices in Holland, the UK, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Its personnel include prominent hedge-fund investors, the pioneering sports marketing agency Total Sport Asia and several executives from the Golden Glory and It’s Showtime team.

NEW YORK, NY (October 10, 2012) Long Island fan favorite Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin returns to the squared circle this Saturday night, OCTOBER 13 in the eight round co-main event at Star Boxing’s “Westbury Wars”, a sensational evening of world class professional boxing at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury.

Sporting an unblemished professional record and known for his show stopping knockouts, the 26-year-old Seldin, 8-0-0 (5KO’s), will clash with Chicago based spoiler, Carl ‘The Assassin” McNickles, 8-3-0 (6KO’s).

Speaking upon his return from training camp in Florida, Seldin was very enthusiastic about his upcoming fight in the iconic venue.

“It’s my first scheduled eight rounder and just like my last three bouts, I hear that McNickles will truly test me and won’t be an early knockout victim,” said Seldin. “I haven’t seen any tape of him, I’ve just heard that he likes to fight in the middle of the ring, which is exactly the last place he should want to be.”

“I’m also anxious to fight at Westbury, it’s been the home of hundreds of world class performers and I’m sure that I will have a huge amount of fans there. My last four fights have been at The Paramount in Huntington and it’s been sold out each time.”

Said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing about Seldin’s upcoming bout, “Cletus has truly energized the Long Island fight crowd and has become a must-see attraction. He has scored highlight reel knockouts thus far but McNickles is a smart and tough fighter who will provide a very stern test for Cletus.”

“Many world class performers have had their best nights at Westbury over the years, we’re hoping that Cletus has one of those nights.”

In Seldin’s last bout on JULY 28, he knocked out highly touted Puerto Rican prospect Jonathan Garcia in the first round.

About his training camp in Florida, Seldin stated, “I had some terrific sparring with (former world champion) Joan Guzman. Excellent battles that really made me more confident for this fight and the future.”

“My conditioning is outstanding. The more rounds I sparred with Guzman each day the better I felt. While I’m known for knocking out people early, I’m actually proud of my boxing skills, maybe this fight I can put them on display.”

The 28-year-old McNickles, 8-3-0 (6KO’s), has fought all over the country facing numerous top prospects.

In his last outing on St. Patrick’s Day, MARCH 17, McNickles fought hometown favorite Danny McDermott at Madison Square Garden, winning a very close majority decision in an epic, back-and-forth battle.

“Westbury Wars” is headlined by a highly anticipated ten round battle for the New York State Junior Welterweight Title between undefeated African prospect Issouf Kinda, now based in New York City, and former world title challenger “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis, a native of Greece, now residing in Astoria, New York.

Advance tickets for this theatre-in-the-round seating event, priced at $150 for Gold Circle VIP, $60 for Ringside Reserved and $30 for Mezzanine Reserved, are available at Live Nation, charge by phone at 800-745-3000, at the Westbury Box Office or through the Star Boxing office by calling (718) 823-2000 or on their website, Star Boxing.

Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:30pm. Event, date and time are subject to change. Tickets are subject to applicable service charges.

After the fights boxing fans can dine at Marco Polo’s Restaurant in the Viana Hotel and Spa and receive 15% off their meals by presenting a ticket stub from the event. The Viana Hotel and Spa is located at 3998 Brush Hollow Road in Westbury, New York.

The NYCB Theatre at Westbury is located at 960 Brush Hollow Road in Westbury, New York, 11590. For directions and more information please visit their website at The Theatre at Westbury. For Westbury membership information, visit Westbury Membership

October 10, 2012 – Super-welterweight prospect, Keandre Leatherwood (10-1, 7 KOs) makes his way back to the squared circle this Friday October 11, 2012, when he battles Marcus Brooks (7-10, 3 KOs) at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The scheduled 6-round bout is promoted by Ring of Dreams in association with Boxing 360.

Leatherwood, who hails from Birmingham, Alabama, has vowed to put more effort into his boxing career as he looks to rally off his last performance, where he stopped Mikel Williams by means of a third round knockout.

“After tasting defeat for the first time in my career against John Jackson, the light bulb went off in my head and I realized I need to be in the gym 24/7.” said Leatherwood. “I’ve made the adjustment to my training regimen and now I’m feeling confident in my ability to fight at the championship level. Boxing 360 is keeping me busy and I’m excited to be fighting this Friday.”

“I really believe Keandre has the talent to be a world champion,” stated Boxing 360 promoter Mario Yagobi. “I know if he focus’ on his career, he’ll put himself in position to fight at the next level. Right now I’m working on getting him ranked and we are taking it one fight at a time. As soon as I feel he’s ready to step it up, we’ll be in a significant fight.”

NEW YORK (Oct. 10, 2012) – Fans get an opportunity to watch a boxer regarded as the most promising prospect from Puerto Rico since superstar Miguel Cotto when talented lightweight and former international amateur standout Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (10-0) faces southpaw Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer (7-3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in the eight-round main event this Friday, Oct. 12, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The co-feature at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Mo., is a grudge match between power-punching Dominican Jonathan “El Conquistador” Cepeda (12-0, 11 KOs), of Jersey City, N.J., and fellow unbeaten Lamar “The Boxing Que” Russ (10-0, 6 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla. Russ lost via disputed disqualification to Cepeda in the finals of a Golden Gloves tournament in March 2007 and will be seeking revenge in the eight-round middleweight match.

Also, highlights from a fight featuring Jermain Taylor against Raul Munoz and a live interview with Taylor, a former undisputed middleweight champion, will be shown during the telecast.

The 5-foot-9, 23-year-old Pedraza is unbeaten and untested and has been brought along slowly, but he seemingly possesses the tools to oneday perhaps become as well-known – and successful — as his Puerto Rican predecessors, prolific prizefighters such as Cotto, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez and Wilfred Benitez.

Said Cotto: “We wish the best to Pedraza on Friday night. Looking forward to a great performance on ShoBox.’’

Pedraza, who began boxing at the age of 12, fought 170 times in the amateurs and was a three-time Puerto Rican national champion. He represented Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympic Games, and was the gold medalist at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Since turning pro at 21 on Feb. 18, 2011, he has seldom lost a round.

“The next couple of months we’re going to see the present and the future of Puerto Rican boxing,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood. “On Dec. 1, Cotto, a future Hall of Famer, will be fighting at Madison Square Garden on SHOWTIME and on Friday the fighter that has been called the best prospect since Cotto is fighting on ShoBox.’’

This will be Pedraza’s fifth fight in 2012, his sixth consecutive scheduled eight-round bout and his second start on ShoBox. In his last fight, he registered one knockdown en route to taking a unanimous eight-round decision over Jose Valderrama on Aug. 31. Three fights ago, Pedraza won his ShoBox debut with a unanimous eight-round decision over Gil Garcia on April 27.

“Judging by what we saw from Pedraza last time on ShoBox, you can be sure he’ll be punching for a knockout (on Friday),’’ Farhood said.

The versatile, ambidextrous Pedraza, who can box or slug, trains the vast majority of the time at the Albergue Olimpico Gym in Salinas. Albergue Olimpico Gym is the Olympic training center in Puerto Rico – the equivalent of Colorado Springs in the United States.

“I just want to tell all the people who are coming to the fight and all of the people watching on TV — get ready because I’m going to put on a show,” Pedraza said.

Farmer, a replacement for Allan Benitez who withdrew because of an elbow injury, accepted this assignment this past weekend.

An awkward boxer and natural counter-puncher who’ll be spotting Pedraza three inches in height, the 5-foot-6, 22-year old Farmer has won three in a row and five out of his last six. In his last start, he pitched an eight-round shutout against Rasool Shakoor on July 28.

Farmer, a pro since February 2011, is known for his willingness to fight anybody anywhere – even if it means taking a significant step up in class versus a foe he knows nothing about.

“I’m not familiar with my opponent at all,’’ the self-managed Farmer said. “I haven’t seen videos. I know my capabilities. I’m slick and fast and I know I’ve faced tougher. Fighting me will be a step up for him, not a step up for me. I don’t have a promoter backing me, I’ve done this alone.’’

Farmer feels fighting as a lightweight is significant. “I was actually struggling to make weight,’’ he said. “Look at my losses; they were all at 130 or under. So now I’m fighting at 135.”

If bloodlines mean anything, Farmer will win. He says he’s related to the legendary Joe Gans, an all-time great world lightweight champion considered to be one of the best boxers in history, pound-for-pound.

The opening bout of the telecast is a classic ShoBox matchup between unbeaten fighters at similar stages of their careers. Both feel they are elite prospects and are willing to prove it by fighting each other. The result could provide each three-year professional a good barometer of where they’re at and how close they are to taking the next step to contender status.

“If you haven’t seen Cepeda, you’re going to love him,’’ Farhood said. “He’s a pure puncher with a knockout artist’s mentality. Russ is a lanky boxer-puncher who stands in the pocket, so it should be a great action fight.’’

While a defeat wouldn’t be disastrous for either guy, the outcome may be more important to the aggressive-minded, 5-foot-9, 28-year-old Cepeda, a three-year pro who got a late start in the sport and didn’t begin to box until he was 20. He had a brief amateur career, going 24-4 (all the losses were to former world title challenger Danny Jacobs) before turning pro in November 2008.

Cepeda has won nine in a row by knockout, including a 1:42 first-round TKO over Orphius Waite last Aug. 2. He dropped Waite twice before it was stopped. This will be his second fight since walking away from a head-on collision last November on the New Jersey Turnpike.

“There was one lane open, and there was about a 70- or 80-year-old man who fell asleep at the wheel and hit me straight on at 80 miles an hour,’’ Cepeda said. “I was with a female friend. She broke her shoulder. She had a dog with her and the dog went through the windshield.”

Miraculously, Cepeda escaped mostly unscathed. “I had injuries to my shoulder and back and a couple of flesh wounds, but nothing serious,’’ he said. “I went through physical therapy. Luckily I was able to recover 100 percent. I had angels of my own that day, my Mom’s birthday.’’

Cepeda has had to overcome a lot besides the automobile accident. “I had personal problems,’’ he said. “I’m from the streets where there were gangs, violence. But I went to Florida, went to school, got an education. I saw a whole different life. Now, I’m real happy. I just want to look good and let everyone know I’m the new kid on the block and I demand my respect. I love fighting. I’m excited, happy that this opportunity came along. I’m going in there to take him out.”

Russ, a 6-foot-2, 25-year-old college graduate, is fighting for the first time since registering a career-best fourth-round knockout over previously undefeated Jose Alonzo last April 14. This will be his third fight of the year, after fighting just once in 2011. It is his eight-round debut.

Before turning pro at the age of 22 in October 2009, Russ was an accomplished, top five-ranked amateur who won the vast majority of his nearly 300 bouts. But it’s the DQ defeat to Cepeda that continues to gnaw at him.

“When I fought him in the amateurs, I was disqualified – it was just a bad call,” said Russ, who spars with WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. “We knew we’d run into him one of these days, and this is it. It’s personal, because I feel like he owes me one. As soon as we were offered this fight, we jumped on it. Jonathan is a great guy and he’s got great skills but I feel like I’m the better, hungrier fighter. I deserve this. It’s going to be an interesting fight.”

Regarding his nickname, “The Boxing Que,” he said. “I’m in a fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, at Fayetteville State University. I graduated with a business administration degree in 2011.”

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside alongside Farhood. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $40 and can be purchased through the Ameristar Casino or by calling (314) 267-2204. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6 p.m.

MONTREAL (October 10, 2012) – The main players in the opening act of the “Fast & Furious 3.0” series for the 2012-2013 season are in town for this Friday night’s (Oct. 12) event at the Bell Centre, as slugger Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (18-1, 15 KOs), of Longueuil, takes on brawler Donovan “Da Bomb” George (23-2-1, 20 KOs), of Chicago, Illinois, in the main event.

The winner will become the mandatory challenger to the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion, Englishman Carl Froch. Stevenson returned to Montreal this past Sunday from his Detroit training camp with his cornermen, Dereck Colemon and Jayvan Hill.

“It is unfortunate for George because I’m hungry and I’m getting my rage on him,” Stevenson said. “It will hurt Friday when I am victorious. I want to dedicate this fight to my trainer, Emanuel Steward, who is still hospitalized. I know what a triumph means for my career, so my mind is totally focused on my opponent.”

George, a 27-year-old American, held his training camp in Florida. He respects his opponent but he is unabashed, “Stevenson is dangerous at the start of fights but he is not invincible. When we find ourselves fighting past the eighth round, I’ll be in my comfort zone. I put everything I have on the line for this fight, I will fight with all my energy and I’ll win decisively. I will be the next No. 1 contender.”

George has been in Montreal since Monday, along with her father and coach, Peter George, and his promoter, Leon Margules, of Warriors Promotions, who has no doubt about the outcome of this battle: “We are very excited about this opportunity for Don. It’s been a fight he wants and he is confident of victory by knockout. I want to thank Yvon Michel and everyone at GYM for their hospitality.”

The “Fast & Furious Series 3.0” at the Bell Centre is a co-presentation of Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron. In addition to Friday night’s show, the other reserved series dates are December 14, February 8 and May 3.

Stevenson won his last five fights by knockout against opponents with an impressive, combined record of 107-8. In his most recent appearance in the ring, last April at the Bell Centre, he stopped Noah Gonzalez (28-1, 20 KOs) in the second round to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Championship. Stevenson is world ranked No. 2 by the IBF.

George, who has never been knockout, surprised the world-class boxer Cornelius White (16-0, 15 KOs) with a stunning first-round knockout in February of 2011. On March 17 of this year, George made his debut on HBO and despite his defeat by 10-round decision, he imposed his rhythm to fight, while Edwin Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) avoided combat to save himself with a victory by points (96-94, 97-93 and 99-91).

Powerful 23-year-old Laval boxer David Lemieux (26-2, 25 KOs) returns in the 10-round co-feature against tough Mexican fighter Alvaro “The Cobra” Gaona (15-1, 12 KOs), the WBC Fecombox champion since 2010 and professional since 2005. He is reputed to be hard hitting, aggressive and courageous as indicated by his 12 knockouts in 15 wins.

In addition, aspiring world light heavyweight title challenger Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (9-0, 5 KOs) and welterweight Kevin Bizier (17-0, 12 KOs) have very important battles on the horizon next year. First, though, NABO champion Alvarez faces Hungarian Daniel Regi (15-6, 7 KOs) in an eight-round match on the undercard, while NABA title-holder Bizier confronts Polish Litkiewicz Patrick (6-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Undefeated GYM heavyweight prospects Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (11-0, 6 KOs) and Didier “Big Daddy” Bence (5-0-0, 2KO), respectively, face Joey Dawejko (7-1-1, 3 KOs),of Philadelphia, and Harold Sconiers (18-24-2, 11 KOs), of Florida, in eight and six round fights. Last but not least, London, England-based John O’Donnell (25-2, 11 KOs), a protégé of Adam Harris of Hennessy Sports Canada, will battle Dominican Thomas Mendez (16-2, 9 KOs) in an eight rounder.

The Fighting charities:

As announced at the launch of the series last month, GYM presents a fight for a charitable cause between two people uninitiated to the sport of boxing in a clash of three, two-minute rounds, under the supervision of Boxing Quebec. The challenge is for a $2,000 donation presented to a charitable organization chosen by the winner. The purpose of the exercise, in addition to serving as a good cause, is to give two people an opportunity they could never imagine a day fighting in the ring and preparing to live the same emotions as real boxers. The first charity fight matches Pullman, 3424avenue Park vs. Filet 219 rue Mont-Royal O as Gabriel Jauvin, sommelier at Pullman, crosses gloves with Denis Lessard, the butler of Filet in the light heavyweight division. The two boxers have chosen as their respective charities the foundation of Père Sablon and foundation Ali and Princes Street.

GYM President Yvon Michel expects a record crowd for the gala Fast & Furious weekend: “We’re presenting the most significant battle in Canada of 2012, headlined by two brawlers, Stevenson and George, who are both powerful hitters, in addition to the explosive Lemieux and Gaona co-feature. We’ll also have some of the best prospects in boxing in the country fighting with Alvarez, Bizier, Rivas and Bence. It all adds up to a spectacular evening, rich in emotions and all this at a price to suit any budget.”

This popular series is available everyone in the comfort of their homes via television through Canal Indigo, Bell TV, and Shaw TV, as well as on Wealth TV in the United States.

GYM wishes to thank its key sponsorship partners, including Pierre Bibeau, Loto Quebec; Robert Dépatie, Videotron; Pierre Dion, TVA Sports; Jacques Aubé, Evenko; Charles Benoit and Martin Spalding, Astral Radio; Marc Roberge, Coors Light; Martin Trudel and Guy St-Pierre, Tonikgroupimage; Marcel Savard, BLlitho: Houston restaurants, Adidas and Rival. Almost all of the aforementioned sponsors have been with GYM since the beginning of its adventure and their participation is as important as much as it is appreciated.

The public is invited on Oct. 12th to Bell Centre for the innovative and popular GYM Boxing Series, “Fast and Furious.” Tickets are on sale now at the Bell Centre, on evenko.ca, and by calling GYM at (514) 383.0666 at the following prices:

One Event Season

$ 40.50 $144 ($36 per ticket)

$ 70.50 $246 ($61.50 per ticket)

$110.50 $382 ($95.50 per a ticket)

Ringside $160.50 $552 ($138 per ticket)

Tables (8) $226.08 $774.96 ($193.74 per ticket)

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.:

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers by a support coaching and management, especially in competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM is active in recruiting talent and organization of events. Since its inception eight years ago GYM presented 105 events and some made history in ticket sales and PPV buys, like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced over 300 hours of TV Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the US. A total of six different GYM boxers participated in 16 world championship fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007, and Jean Pascal the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 10, 2012) – Fights fans might have a hard time recognizing Shelito Vincent when she enters the ring for her fifth professional bout next week at Twin River Casino.

Thanks to the work of her new strength and conditioning coach, Gerdy Abelard, Vincent will unveil a leaner, more muscular, physique Thursday, October 18th, 2012 when she faces Ivana Coleman in a rematch of their bout in July, and if anyone happens to forget who’s standing in the opposite corner, the roar of the crowd should provide a friendly reminder.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in New London who doesn’t have a ticket yet,” said Vincent (4-0), who was raised in Connecticut and now fights out of Providence, R.I. “Given the fact I’ve got all these people coming here to watch me fight, it’s going to be hard to beat me with all my family and friends in attendance.”

Coleman (0-1), who lost to Vincent by unanimous decision in July, will face an uphill battle in next week’s rematch, especially with Vincent beginning to peak both physically and mentally. She’s reached a comfort level with her new trainer, Peter Manfredo Sr., and has been pushing her body to the limit during camp while maintaining proper nutrition under the guidance of her strength and conditioning coach.

“I feel amazing,” Vincent said. “Everything is on point in this camp. Gerdy has been telling me what to eat, when to eat – just keeping my diet up to par. He’s totally transformed me. I can’t even describe it. You’ll just have to wait and see.

“I’m super fast and super strong; the other day in sparring I landed a body shot and the girl almost hit the floor. I’ve never felt this good or this ready.”

Vincent promises the rematch will be “easier” than the first fight since she’s in the best shape of her life, and perhaps she’ll get that elusive first knockout after studying what she did wrong the first time she faced Coleman.

“I dropped my hands a little bit and played around too much,” Vincent said. “I waited too much. The uppercut was there all night. She was just bigger than me, but this time I’ll be more her more size. I’m going to stay inside more and move less.

“I really think I might get the stoppage,” she continued. “Not to take anything away from her – she’s got a strong right hand – but I already know what she’s got. I’m going to be all over her this time.”

The main event of the Oct. 18 show at Twin River, which is titled, “Closing Statement,” and is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, features an eight-round battle interstate rivals Joseph “Chip” Perez (9-1, 3 KOs) of East Hartford, Conn., and Hartford’s Chazz “Magnificent” McDowell (6-2, 1 KO) for the vacant New England Junior Lightweight title.

“Closing Statement” also features two, four-round rematches, the first between Providence, R.I., super middleweight Alex Amparo (4-0, 2 KOs) and Nick Lavin (2-3, 2 KOs) of Shelton, Conn., who will face another again almost one year to the date of their first showdown in October of 2011, a fight Amparo won by majority decision, 39-37, 38-37, 38-38, at Twin River.

Sparks will fly in the heavyweight division when hard-hitting Alex Santos (6-0, 5 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., puts his undefeated record on the line against Providence’s Josh Harris (8-6-1, 6 KOs). The show also features two additional regional battles as former The Contender reality television star Rich Gingras (11-3, 7 KOs) of Attleboro, Mass., returns to face Providence’s Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight bout and newcomers Jon Smith of Cranston, R.I., a former three-time New England Golden Gloves champion, and Dinis Paiva Jr. of East Providence, R.I., who has five professional mixed martial arts fights under his belt, square off in a four-round welterweight bout.

“The Vermont Bully” Kevin Cobbs (5-0, 1 KO) of Burlington, Vt., will look to keep his perfect record intact when he faces tough veteran Alexander Mancera (8-4-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., in a four-round light heavyweight bout and middleweight Thomas Falowo (7-1, 5 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., will battle Ontario, Canada veteran Michael Walchuk (9-6, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Woonsocket, R.I., middleweight Joey Gardner (8-5-1, 1 KO) will face Philip Burnette (2-5, 1 KO) of Myrtle Beach, S.C., in a six-round bout. Providence junior lightweight Toka Kahn (2-0, 2 KOs) will also be featured on the undercard in a separate four-round bout.

Tickets for “Closing Statement ” are $40.00, $75.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.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.

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

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (October 10, 2012) — Jorge Pazos arrived today at Orlando International Airport in advance of next Friday’s October 19 bout against Orlando Cruz. Cruz just last week announced he was a “Proud Gay Man,” – the first active boxer having pronounced so, in boxing history. Photos are below, and in the video link below, Pazos discusses nest week’s bout.

Video is in Spanish, we will have quotes in English soon. Also view here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKFpxt6J9Fk

Pazos, (20-4, 13 KOs) from Guamuchi, Sinaloa, Mexico is fighting for only the second time outside his home country.

Orlando Cruz (18-2-1, 9 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a member of the 2000 Puerto Rico Olympic Team and is and currently ranked No. 4 Featherweight by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Cruz will defend his WBO NABO featherweight title against Pazos and a win against should position Cruz for a world title shot.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 10, 2012)—This Friday night at the National Guard Armory, former amateur standout Miguel Cartagena will look to make it six for six when he takes on the experienced Jose Rivera in a six round bout that will headline a show promoted by Power Productions.

Cartagena, the twenty-year old native of Philadelphia has blitzed through his first five opponents by scoring a first round and two second round knockouts and in his two unanimous decision victories he did not lose a round in either.

Miguel was a top amateur prospect before joining Battlestrong Boxing which is comprised of the management duo of Moz Gonzalez & Eddie Woods

Cartagena and Rivera were scheduled to fight on July 27th in Atlantic City but Rivera refused to fight after the bout was cut from six to four rounds.

“We were very upset when that happened”, said co-manager Moz Gonzalez

“Miguel trained very hard and both guys were in the ring. Now there is no questions that this is the main event and it’s a six round fight. Miguel is going to show Rivera what would have happened on July 27th but now he gets to have a great win as a main event fighter in his hometown”

Rivera of New Rochelle, New York should prove to a test for Cartagena as he will facing his fifth undefeated fighter in a row and seventh overall and he has yet to be stopped against the likes of former Olympic Alternate Qaíd Muhammad, Knockout artist Jonathan Gonzalez and WBC Caribbean champion Elton Dharry.

For more information on Miguel “No Fear” Cartagena go to www.battlestrongboxing.com

LONDON (Oct. 10, 2012) – On Tuesday, at the five-star The May Fair Hotel on Berkeley Street in Central London, former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan, Richard Schaefer, Stephen Espinoza and Asif Vali met with the top British and European sports media to formally announce the upcoming showdown between Khan and undefeated Carlos Molina on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, live on SHOWTIME.

Khan vs. Molina is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

The former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion, British superstar Amir “King” Khan (26-3, 18 KO’s) is ready to bounce back under the guidance of new trainer Virgil Hunter following a controversial defeat to Lamont Peterson last December and an upset loss to Danny Garcia this past July. The 25-year-old Bolton, England native won a Silver Medal in the 2004 Olympics and owns wins over Marco “El Chino” Maidana, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah and Marco Antonio “Baby Faced Assassin” Barrera.

Former National Amateur Champion Carlos Molina (17-0-1, 7 KO’s) has passed all his tests to date but faces his toughest test in Khan. After debuting in 2007, the talented 26-year-old from Norwalk, California has showed skill, patience and poise in the ring while defeating Manuel Leyva, Glenn Gonzales and Marcos Jimenez.

AMIR KHAN
, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“I am excited for this fight. It will be in LA where I hope to see my UK fans and American fight fans. I am sure Carlos Molina will have his fans turn up in support of him. And we can finish the year with a bang.

“Molina is an undefeated fighter and all undefeated fighters are dangerous fighters. This fight is a step up for him and, in a way, it’s a step up for me too coming of a loss. I have to win this fight and I have to win it in good fashion.

“I’ve seen him fight. He is very skillful but he is beatable. I can win this fight but I need to win convincingly. This is the time to prove myself and I will do just that on December 15.”

On new trainer Virgil Hunter
:

“We have spoken quite a bit already. We discussed the fact that I am an offensive fighter but now it is time to be a smart fighter, to win fights with my brain.

“He told me that he wants the type of fighter-trainer relationship where we get along really well together, where we don’t just see each other at the gym. We will watch tapes together and work out our game plan together. With Virgil, that is a style that will work for me.

On Boxer vs. Brawler
:

“My main style was to be a boxer using my brain. But when you start to win so comfortably, you can forget the meaning of being a boxer. You can get drawn into ‘fights’. What Virgil and I spoke about is going back to boxing, smart boxing. I think that is what Virgil Hunter has to teach me, to stick to a game plan. At times in the past, you go out there and I see ‘red’ and go all-out, forgetting the game plan. I think Virgil will get me to use all of my speed, ability and skill at the right times.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“The television rights for Amir Khan’s next fights were very hotly contested in the U.S. In the end, the decision was made by Amir and his team to go with SHOWTIME because of the commitment they showed to Amir.

“Carlos Molina is a very skillful fighter. We started promoting him at Golden Boy Promotions when he was 3-0 or 4-0. He is now 17-0. No, he is not a big puncher but he is very, very skilled inside the ring. He is undefeated and when a fighter is undefeated he has that something extra.

“Amir Khan knows that this is a big opportunity for Carlos Molina so he will not underestimate this man.

“Carlos is a former National Amateur Champion. He has fought good competition as a professional and consistently stepped up throughout his career. He and his team, which includes
Clemente Medina, the very talented trainer, and Frank Espinoza

, the very experienced manager in the U.S., they feel that Carlos Molina is ready. And they know this is their big opportunity. It will be up to Amir Khan to prove them wrong.

“We at Golden Boy Promotions are very proud of our relationship with Amir, his family, Asif and the rest of Khan Promotions. This is the next chapter in the career of Amir Khan. He has a new beginning on December 15 at 140 pounds and eventually, we expect, at 147. It is time to look forward and Amir is ready. He is taking Carlos Molina very seriously.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA
, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports

“There are a number of fighters making their SHOWTIME debut this year and others returning after several years away from our network, among them are the biggest names in the sport today – Victor Ortiz, Canelo Alvarez, Miguel Cotto

, and we are very excited to add to that list Amir Khan.

Over the years, SHOWTIME has televised some of the best of British Boxing. Most recently, Joe Calzhage, Ricky Hatton and Carl Froch. And again, it is my pleasure to etch Amir Khan’s name to that list.

“I had the pleasure to get to know Amir over the years and the reason why he was a top priority for me when I began at Showtime is that he has the rare combination of being charismatic, articulate and personable outside the ring and being incredibly entertaining inside the ring. In short, he is a television executive’s dream.

“There are only a handful of fighters that are truly recognizable to boxing’s most casual fans, to American sports fans at large. They are
Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao

, Miguel Cotto and Amir Khan.

“On December 15, we will have a supportive Hispanic American fan base coming out for Carlos Molina and a rabid UK and international fan base for Amir Khan. That adds up to a recipe for a very compelling event to close out an incredible year of boxing on SHOWTIME.”

ASIF VOLI,
Khan’s Manager:

“When we came back from Las Vegas (following the Danny Garcia

fight), people said that Amir Khan was finished. Well, Amir Khan is not finished. In fact, he’s only just begun.

“He knew after that loss that he needed to make a change. He faced up to that fact with his team, with the press and, above all, with himself. He said, ‘I have to do it my way because I am the only one who has to train and make that sacrifice and I am the only one going into that ring.’

“So, he has rededicated himself and he is ready to reclaim a World Championship. And I, along with his team, who are a very loyal and close knit group, have every faith in this champion that he will rise again.”

Ticket prices and on sale information will be announced shortly. 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.

BROOKLYN, NY (October 10). When world championship boxing returns to Brooklyn, New York for the first time since 1931 at the brand new Barclays Center on Saturday, October 20, it will do so with one of its own. Reigning WBA World Welterweight Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, fresh off of a masterful championship capturing upset of undefeated Ukrainian Vyacheslav Senchenko in Senchenko’s hometown of Donetsk, will attempt to defend his title for the first time in his home borough against rugged Mexican Pablo Cesar Cano.

Malignaggi, sure to be the hometown favorite, is part of a long legacy in the squared circle. Brooklyn has been the birthplace of some of the biggest and most storied names in the history of boxing. As Malignaggi prepares for Cano, a reflection on the shadows hovering over his homecoming reminds us just how much glory there is in the Brooklyn boxing tradition. No shadow extends farther than that of Brooklyn’s most famous fistic son.

Kid Dynamite . . . Iron Mike . . . .Tyson.

The youngest heavyweight world champion of all time, defeating Trevor Berbick for the WBC title in 1986 at only 20 years of age, Tyson won a unification tournament with decision wins over James “Bonecrusher” Smith (WBA) and Tony Tucker (IBF) to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in 1987. Any dispute to the claim was laid to rest with a legendary 91-second knockout of Michael Spinks the following year.

Tyson would win his first 37 bouts before being defeated in what many regard as the biggest upset in the history of boxing and perhaps all of sport, a tenth-round knockout at the hands of James “Buster” Douglas. Personal turbulence led to a prison term in 1992, but Tyson wasn’t done with boxing yet. He returned to the ring in 1995 and went on to win two more heavyweight titles with knockout wins over Frank Bruno (WBC) and Bruce Seldon (WBA) in 1996. Tyson was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Tyson is but one in the pantheon of Brooklyn’s finest. See below for information on other Brooklyn champions, the neighborhoods they hailed from and briefs on their careers.

Brooklyn’s Champions

Riddick Bowe (Brownsville): “Big Daddy” Bowe represented the United States at the 1988 Olympic Games, winning a super heavyweight silver medal. In 1992, Bowe defeated Evander Holyfield for the undisputed heavyweight crown, holding the title until a rematch with Holyfield the following year. Bowe would add the WBO Heavyweight title with a 1995 knockout of Herbie Hide and became the first man to stop Holyfield in their third and final fight later that year.

Mark Breland (Bed-Stuy): Breland won the gold medal at welterweight at the 1984 Olympic Games. In 1987, he stopped Harold Volbrecht in seven rounds to win the WBA Welterweight title and regained vacant WBA title in 1989 with a first round knockout of Seung-Soon Lee.

Shannon Briggs (Brownsville): The big punching Briggs defeated George Foreman for the ‘linear’ heavyweight crown in 1997 and won the WBO Heavyweight belt with a dramatic twelfth round knockout of Sergiy Lyakhovich in 2006.

Paddy DeMarco (Navy Yard): DeMarco won two out of three against the great Sandy Saddler in non-title affairs and won a decision over Jimmy Carter for the World Lightweight title in 1954.

Joey Giardello (Flatbush): While much of his fighting glory would come in Philadelphia, Giardello’s toughness and guile were born on the streets of Brooklyn. Giardello won the World Middleweight title from Dick Tiger in 1963 and was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Junior Jones (Bushwick): “Poison” got off the canvas to win a decision over Jorge Eliecer Julio in 1993 to win the WBA Bantamweight title. In 1996, he became the first man to defeat Marco Antonio Barrera and won the WBO Super Bantamweight crown in the process, dropping the Mexican great and forcing his corner to enter the ring for a forfeit/disqualification in the fifth round.

Zab Judah (Brownsville): Judah won the IBF Junior Welterweight title in 2000 with a fourth-round knockout of Jan Bergman. In 2003, a decision over DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley gave him the WBO Junior Welterweight crown. Judah’s finest hour came in 2005 when he knocked out Cory Spinks to win the undisputed welterweight title. Since then Judah, added one more title belt to his collection in knocking out Kaizer Mabuza in seven rounds for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight title in 2011.

Solly Krieger (Williamsburg): Born Danny Auerbach, Krieger claimed the National Boxing Association Middleweight crown with a majority decision win over Al Hostak in 1938. Krieger also had a huge rivalry with the great Billy Conn, dropping Conn en route to a decision win in their first of three bouts.

Paulie Malignaggi (Bensonhurst): When Malignaggi defends against Cano it will be as a two-division champion. Malignaggi won a decision over Lovemore N’Dou for the IBF Junior Welterweight title in 2007.

Eddie “Cannonball” Martin (Park Slope): Martin won recognition from the New York State Athletic Commission as the world bantamweight champion with a split-decision victory over Abe Goldstein in 1924. Martin would later lose a pair of 1928 Junior Lightweight title shots to Todd? Morgan, the second at the famed Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

Michael Moorer: Moorer was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Pennsylvania before coming under the tutelage of Emanuel Steward at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit. Moorer stopped Ramzi Hassan in five for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight title in 1988. Moving to Heavyweight, Moorer stopped Bert Cooper in 1992 to win the WBO Heavyweight belt. A decision over Evander Holyfield in 1994 made him the first southpaw universally recognized as heavyweight world champion. Moorer would later win a vacant IBF belt with a decision over Axel Schultz in 1996.

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (Brownsville): Born Eddie Gregory, Muhammad knocked out Marvin Johnson in 1980 to win the WBA Light Heavyweight title. Muhammad is famed today as a trainer of multiple world champions.

Lou Salica (Bensonhurst): A Flyweight bronze medalist at the 1932 Olympics, Salica won the New York State Athletic Commission World title at bantamweight with a decision over Tony Olivera in 1939. He added the National Boxing Association title in 1940 with a decision over Georgie Pace to earn universal recognition as the champion.

World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.barclayscenter.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BarclaysCenter, @loudibella, @DannySwift, @terrible100, @PaulMalignaggi, @KIDCHOCOLATE, @DAlexandereal, @KOKING_Bailey, @DanielJacobsTKO, @Eddiegomez718, @SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BrooklynBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

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NEW YORK, October 10 – On Saturday, November 17 boxing’s most electrifying young star, Adrien “The Problem” Broner will step up in weight to challenge the hard-hitting WBC Lightweight World Champion Antonio DeMarco at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey in the main event of HBO World Championship Boxing®.

In the co-main event, two of the United States’ top hopes for heavyweight world championship glory will clash when undefeated Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell takes on once-beaten Johnathon Banks in a 12-round bout for Mitchell’s NABO heavyweight title. The fight was originally scheduled for July 14, but was rescheduled when Mitchell suffered a hand injury forcing him to withdraw from the original date.

“I’m not coming just to win this fight, I’m coming to knock DeMarco out,” said Broner. “This fight is speed vs. power and it’s going to be just another day in the ring for me. Going up in weight is going to be different and I know he can hit, but you can’t hit what you can’t see and I’m too fast and furious for him. Power is nothing if you can’t connect; it’s like moving a sack of rocks.”

“This is another tough fight that has been presented to me and I’m going to do everything to keep my WBC title,” said DeMarco. “Broner talks a big game but he’s never been in the ring with a hungry Mexican fighter like me. I wanted this fight from the moment it was offered to me because I know I’ll be the first person to beat Broner and put him in his place. When I put my hands on him, he’ll regret his decision to move up to my division.”

“It’s taken a while, but I’m happy to finally be back in action and fighting a great opponent like Johnathon Banks,” said Mitchell. “I love fighting in Atlantic City because I know my fans from Maryland and the D.C. area will be out in force cheering me on. I am going to give them all a great fight.”

“I’m looking to steal the show on November 17” said Banks. “I’ll prove what a true boxer at the highest level can do against a football player. The winner of our fight should be next in line for a title shot. I plan on making sure that winner is me.”

“This is the perfect doubleheader the week before the Thanksgiving holiday because I guarantee that when it’s over, you’ll be thanking these four boxers for two great fights,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Broner vs. DeMarco is a great mix of styles and we’ll see how Adrien handles the move up to lightweight against a hard and accurate puncher like DeMarco. The heavyweight fight between Mitchell and Banks should produce an American heavyweight ready to fight for a world title, and I can’t wait to see who prevails.”

“I applaud HBO for making this fight a reality because this is the type of fight that boxing fans around the world can appreciate,” said New Jersey based promoter, Gary Shaw. “My fighter, world champion Antonio DeMarco, is a warrior and a proud champion who brings nothing but pure excitement to the ring. Broner has never face a fighter like DeMarco or his level of competition. For Antonio it’s another fight in which the challenger talks about upsetting the champion, but DeMarco knows what he needs to do to retain his title.”

“Atlantic City’s reputation was built on hosting boxing’s most talented and feared fighters competing in mega-championship bouts that are still talked about to this very day,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment. “Boardwalk Hall is synonymous with legendary names like De La Hoya, Hopkins, Gatti, Holyfield, Tyson, and on November 17th Broner, DeMarco, Mitchell and Banks will add to that traditional.”

“Fight fans from coast-to-coast should circle November 17 on their calendars because we have a terrific night of boxing programming lined up,” said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President, Programming, HBO Sports. “A lot of questions will get answered, including will Seth Mitchell continue to fast-track through the heavyweight division and can Adrien Broner move up in weight to the 135-pound division and capture a world title belt? The competition in Johnathon Banks and Antonio DeMarco, respectively, will be formidable and we look forward to an exciting night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.”

Broner vs. DeMarco, a 12-round fight for DeMarco’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, November 17 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Caesars Atlantic City and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at, $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, go on sale on Thursday, October 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET and will be available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Unbeaten, charismatic and getting better with each fight, 23-year-old Adrien “The Problem” Broner (24-0, 20 KO’s) has already won a world championship at 130 pounds, knocking out Vicente Martin Rodriguez in three rounds in November of 2011. He then defended his belt with a fourth round technical knockout victory over then undefeated of Eloy Perez in February and stopped Vicente Escobedo in July. Now, the Cincinnati phenom looks to close out an exciting year on November 17 when he will introduce his improved speed, power and dynamic style to the lightweight division staring with Antonio DeMarco.

Despite Broner’s fast start in the fight game, Tijuana southpaw Antonio DeMarco (28-2-1, 21 KO’s) believes he will be the first man to solve “The Problem” in the ring. A professional for over eight years, the 26-year-old banger first won the WBC Interim Lightweight World Title in 2009, but lost the belt to Edwin Valero in 2010. Since then, he has looked unstoppable, winning the WBC crown in October of 2011 with an 11th round stoppage of Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares and then defending the title twice, knocking out Miguel Roman in five rounds and John Molina in just 44 seconds.

A former standout linebacker for Michigan State University, Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (25-0-1, 19 KO’s) found his true calling in the prize ring and he has quickly built a reputation as the kind of fighter that can reinvigorate the heavyweight division. The 30-year-old is soft spoken outside the ring, but a ferocious competitor between the ropes, and the Maryland resident has blasted through top contenders Timur Ibragimov and Chazz Witherspoon in a combined five rounds, with the latter bout showing that Mitchell not only has the power to succeed, but the heart as well.

Three-time national amateur champion Johnathon Banks (28-1-1, 18 KO’s) has earned a PhD in the ring thanks to his work with Emanuel Steward and Wladimir Klitschko over the years and now he’s ready to make his run for the heavyweight title. A professional since 2004, Banks’ only loss came in a cruiserweight title fight against Tomasz Adamek in 2009 and after that fight, the 30-year-old from Detroit has put together an 8-0-1 record, the perfect way to lead into the biggest fight of his nine-year career.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing, www.twitter.com/AdrienBroner, www.twitter.com/De_Marco07 www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall, www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BronerDemarco or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

ABOUT CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 73 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s properties operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

New York/St. Charles, Mo. (October 10, 2012) – This Friday, October 12, in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation, blue-chip prospect Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (10-0, 6KO’s) looks to keep his unblemished record intact when he takes on Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmer (7-3-1, 1KO) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

In the televised co-feature, undefeated up-and-coming prospects Jonathan Cepeda (12-0, 11KO’s) and Lamar Russ (10-0, 6KO’s) will square off in an eight-round middleweight bout. SHOWTIME® will begin live coverage at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Also featured on the ShoBox telecast will be highlights of former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (30-4-1, 18KO’s) in his bout versus Raul Munoz (21-15-1, 16KO’s), a 10-round middleweight matchup taking place earlier in the evening.

In his first ring appearance since winning the Prizefighter Tournament in the U.K. this past June, Tor Hamer (18-1, 11KO’s) faces Dominque Alexander (23-14-1, 11KO’s) in an eight-round heavyweight matchup. Hamer decisioned Marcelo Luiz Nascimento (16-3) in the first round of the tournament, before annihilating Tom Dallas (15-2), stopping him at just 29 seconds into very first round in the semi-final bout of the tournament. In his final matchup, Hamer decisioned tournament favorite and former world title challenger Kevin Johnson to win the trophy. Hamer is looking to cement himself as the elite American heavyweight in 2013, but first he must get by Alexander.

Hometown favorite Dannie Williams (21-2, 17KO’s) will be looking to get back into the win column as he takes on Rynell Griffin (6-10-2, 2KO’s). The bout is scheduled for eight rounds in the lightweight division. Williams is coming off a hard-fought decision loss to former NABF champion Hank Lundy on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” back in March of this year. Williams started off well against Lundy, dropping him in the first frame, but eventually went on to lose a 10-round decision. Lundy is looking to get himself back under the bright lights of SHOWTIME® and would love a shot at “Sugar” Raymundo Beltran, who decisioned the aforementioned Lundy in his last bout.

Fellow hometown fighters Kevin Engel (19-6, 16KO’s), Chris Rapa (6-0, 4KO’s) Nick Reeder (3-0, 2KO’s) and Jose Ponce (3-0, 3KO’s) and will all see action on the undercard in separate bouts. Engel is scheduled to take on Shannon Miller (25-48-8, 18KO’s) in a six-round light heavyweight matchup. Rapa, Reeder and Ponce are all scheduled to appear in four-round bouts. The heavy-handed Rapa, who has stopped all four of his knockout victims in the very first round, is scheduled to take on Zachariah Kelley (pro-debut) in a middleweight matchup. Heavyweight Reeder squares off against Keith Jackson (1-0-1, 1KO) and Ponce will face pro-debuting Quintell Thompson.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rumble Time Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Universal Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $40, and can be purchased through the Ameristar Casino or by calling (314) 267-2204. Doors open at 5:30PM with the first bout scheduled for 6:00PM.

October 10, 2012 – Undefeated welterweight contender, Vitaliy Demyanenko (20-0, 12 KOs) returns to the ring this Thursday October 11, 2012, at the Remington Park Racing Casino in, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He’ll face veteran journeyman, Roberto Valenzuela (65-63-2, 32 KOs) in a scheduled 6-round bout.

In his last fight, Demyanenko, who’s promoted by Boxing 360, dominated Ayi Bruce (22-8, 14 KOs), winning all eight rounds as the judges’ scorecards read 80-72 across the board. Vitaliy looks to march forward with his career and continue climbing up the welterweight rankings.

“After spending the summer in my homeland of Russia, I’m ready to get back in fighting mode,” said Demyanenko. “I’ve been working hard in the gym and I’ll be ready to take on Valenzuela this Thursday. I know he has a lot of experience, but I’m a young hungry fighter with a goal to be a world champion. I won’t be denied when we face each other.”

“Demyanenko is looking fantastic and I can see him in a big fight in the near future,” said Vitaliy’s promoter Mario Yagobi of Boxing 360. “Right now I’m working on getting him to 25-0. After we reach that milestone, I’m going to put him in a meaningful fight, hopefully for a regional title on a televised m show.”

Nathan Cleverly aims to be a big hit across the Atlantic when he takes on unbeaten Ryan Coyne, subject to WBO approval, next month in his American world championship title debut. The Welsh star will co-headline on a big triple world title card promoted by Golden Boy Promotions at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday 10th November.

With his fight also being televised live across America on Showtime and on BoxNation in the UK, he knows a top performance against Coyne will lead to unification fights against WBA king Beibut Shumenov and IBF title-holder Tavoris Cloud.

Coyne, known as the Irish Outlaw, is undefeated in 21 fights and holds a number two ranking with the WBA and is at number ten with the WBC.

Cleverly isn’t worried about risking his unbeaten record and title away from home and is promising an exciting showing to win over his new audience.

He said, “From what I’ve seen of Coyne he looks strong, comes forward and likes to have a fight. I’m not afraid to stand and trade either so it will be exciting for the fans when we exchange punches,”

“Coyne looks gutsy and will give it his all as he’s got a lot to lose on his home patch. It’s a high risk strategy to go over there and put my record and title on the line, but I want to make a big statement that I’m here and ready for the best,”

“America is the market every fighter wants to crack and this is a really exciting and challenging opportunity for me.”

“Once I’m through this fight then I’m straight on the case for Shumenov, Cloud and Hopkins, they’re the guys I want next year.”

Promoter Frank Warren, who has previously taken his former stars Naseem Hamed, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe to America, added, “With Shumenov and Cloud reluctant to come over here and fight Nathan, we’ve taken the bull by the horns and Nathan is heading to America. It will be a great experience for him and he’ll get fantastic American TV coverage on Showtime,”

“Out of Shumenov, Cloud and Hopkins, he’s the youngest and freshest of the bunch and I believe that Nathan has the beating of all of them,”

“First he has to get through Coyne who by no means is an easy fight for him and will look to end Cleverly’s American dream.”

October 9, 2012 – In pure throwback style, undefeated middleweight prospect, Tureano Johnson (13-0, 10 KOs), recorded two knockouts in four days when he traveled to the Dominican Republic and defeated Jonalis Reyes on September 29th, followed by a third round stoppage of Jose Morla on October 2nd.

Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Johnson who hails from the Bahamas is on the fast track up the middleweight rankings. Known for having power in both hands, Johnson seeks a meaningful fight next time out.

“Right now I’m feeling really strong and all my punches are accurate,” said Johnson. “I’m going to continue to work hard in the gym and see what the big boss Gary Shaw has lined up for me. I know GSP is working hard to get me right back in the ring. I feel I’m ready to step up the competition.”

“Tureano is an incredible fighter with a great work ethic,” Shaw said. “That’s all you can ask for when you sign a blue-chip prospect like Johnson. The fact the he went to the Dominican Republic and won two fights in four days by knockout lets me know I have a great fighter on my team. I’m working hard to get him on a bigger stage next time he steps in the ring.”

In the amateurs, Johnson represented the Bahamas in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and is considered the best fighter to ever come out of his native land.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 9, 2012) – Two of Brooklyn’s finest, boxers Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Danny “The Golden Child” Jacobs, participated in a media workout on Tuesday at the legendary Gleason’s Gym as they continue to prepare for their important and historic fights on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the first-ever boxing event at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In one of four world championship fights televised live on SHOWTIME®, the popular Malignaggi (31-4, 7 KO’s) will defend his WBA welterweight world championship against Pablo Cesar Cano (26-1-1, 20 KO’s) of Tianepantia, Mexico while former world title challenger Jacobs (22-1, 19 KO’s) meets Josh Luteran (13-1, 9 KO’s) of Blue Springs, Mo., in a middleweight match on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Here’s what Malignaggi and Jacobs had to say on Tuesday:

Paulie Malignaggi

“The whole motivation was not just to defend a world title but to put on a show for Brooklyn.

“I’m here is to win and look spectacular and really make a statement.

“I expect Brooklyn to be in the house, that’s for sure.”

Danny Jacobs

“To have gone through what I’ve gone through in the past year and a half (his battle with cancer and paralysis caused by a large tumor on his spine), to have this opportunity and attention, to have people say I appreciate you, it’s an amazing feeling.

“To have this amazing Barclays’ card on October 20, it’s going to be historical.

“The doctors told me I would never be able to box again. It was the crazy part of me that wanted to do what the doctors told me I couldn’t do.”

***

World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great” faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

October 9, 2012 – Golden Boy Promotions super-welterweight contender, Erislandy Lara (17-1-1, 11 KOs) ranked No. 1 in the WBC, and his team are preparing for war as they get ready for their upcoming title elimination bout against WBC No. 2 rated, Vanes Martirosyan (30-0, 20 KOs).

Team Lara is training in Houston, Texas, where his trainer Ronnie Shields is putting together a superb game plan to face the undefeated Top Rank fighter.

“Lara is looking sharp right now and he’s going to make a statement when he steps in the ring with Vanes,” said Shields, who has trained Martirosyan in the past and knows him very well. “Although I think Vanes is a good fighter, Lara is on another level. We are working hard and it will show on fight night”

After defeating Freddy Hernandez (30-3, 20 KOs) and Ronald Hearns (26-3, 20 KOs) in his last two fights, Lara feels his relationship with Shields is growing stronger every day.

“I have a ton of respect for my team because they give me all the right advice to be successful,” stated Lara. “The trust we have for one another makes for a great partnership. They know how bad I wanted this fight. Martirosyan doesn’t know what he’s got himself into and I will punish him on fight night.”

“My strength and conditioning coach, Edward “Jack” Jackson, has got me in tip top shape and Ronnie Shields with assistant coach Hylon Williams Sr. are doing their part as well to make sure I’m 100% ready for this fight. I’m happy with my team and together we are unstoppable.”

Erislandy and Vanes are fighting each other on a Top Rank card who won the purse bid to promote the fight, which takes place at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 10, 2012. This will be the first time in two years that these two heated rivals will have their fighters facing off against one another. The fight will be televised by HBO.

“Lara is in top physical and mental form for this fight. He is the best Jr. Middleweight in the world and he’ll keep proving it fight by fight,” said manager Luis DeCubas Jr. “We will make a statement on HBO November 10th!”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 9, 2012) – The best show in town this fall just got even better.

Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports has added former amateur standout Toka Kahn of Providence, R.I., to its latest installment of the 2012 Thursday Night Fight Series at Twin River Casino, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012.

The 20-year-old Kahn, who is trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., will fight a four-round junior lightweight bout on the undercard of CES’ “Closing Statement” as he aims to keep his perfect record intact in just his third professional bout.

Born in Liberia, Kahn moved to Philadelphia at the age of six before eventually relocating to Providence. As an amateur, he won the 2010 National Golden Gloves Championship and brought home silver and bronze medals in the 2011 and 2012 U.S. Championships, respectively. Kahn made his professional debut in June with a second-round knockout win over Jonathan Caban in Providence and recently stopped Jamil Winfield in the opening round of their scheduled four-round bout Aug. 18 in Atlantic City.

“Adding Toka Kahn to this already-stacked lineup on October 18 is an honor and a privilege,” Burchfield said. “I’ve watched him grow up as an amateur and become not only a successful fighter, but a remarkable young man as well. This is a a must-see event with an all-star lineup, and it’s only fitting that one of Rhode Island’s brightest young stars will be on the card.”

Tickets for “Closing Statement ” are $40.00, $75.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.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 eight-round main event features a bit of regional flair with two of the newest additions to CES’ roster as Joseph “Chip” Perez (9-1, 3 KOs) of East Hartford, Conn., battles Hartford’s Chazz “Magnificent” McDowell (6-2, 1 KO) for the vacant New England Junior Lightweight title. The McDowell-Perez showdown is one of 10 fights on the card, which also includes two long-awaited rematches

“Closing Statement” also features two, four-round rematches, the first between Providence, R.I., super middleweight Alex Amparo (4-0, 2 KOs) and Nick Lavin (2-3, 2 KOs) of Shelton, Conn., who will face another again almost one year to the date of their first showdown in October of 2011, a fight Amparo won by majority decision, 39-37, 38-37, 38-38, at Twin River.

Also, Providence female bantamweight Shelito Vincent (4-0) will face Ivana Coleman (0-1) of Slidell, La., for the second time in four months. Vincent won the first bout convincingly, sweeping all four rounds on each of the scorecards in July to earn a unanimous-decision win.

Sparks will fly in the heavyweight division when hard-hitting Alex Santos (6-0, 5 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., puts his undefeated record on the line against Providence’s Josh Harris (8-6-1, 6 KOs). The show also features two additional regional battles as former The Contender reality television star Rich Gingras (11-3, 7 KOs) of Attleboro, Mass., returns to face Providence’s Richard “Bobo The Bull” Starnino (9-9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight bout and newcomers Jon Smith of Cranston, R.I., a former three-time New England Golden Gloves champion, and Dinis Paiva Jr. of East Providence, R.I., who has five professional mixed martial arts fights under his belt, square off in a four-round welterweight bout.

“The Vermont Bully” Kevin Cobbs (5-0, 1 KO) of Burlington, Vt., will look to keep his perfect record intact when he faces tough veteran Alexander Mancera (8-4-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., in a four-round light heavyweight bout and middleweight Thomas Falowo (7-1, 5 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., will battle Ontario, Canada veteran Michael Walchuk (9-6, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Woonsocket, R.I., middleweight Joey Gardner (8-5-1, 1 KO) will face Philip Burnette (2-5, 1 KO) of Myrtle Beach, S.C., in a six-round bout.

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