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Atlantic City, NJ (February 1, 2012) – On one of the biggest weekends in sports, boxing will take center stage on the eve of Super Bowl XVLI when Dee Lee Promotions LLC, in association with the Tropicana Casino and Resort present Super Brawl I on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in the Tropicana Showroom. The night features co-main events. First slated is a 10-round brawl for the vacant NABA Lightweight Championship with Dorin Spivey (40-6-0/29 KO’s) of Portsmouth, VA and Philadelphia, PA native, Victor Vasquez (14-5-1/7 KO’s) going toe-to toe. The other featured bout pits Philadelphia’s own and Atlantic City favorite, Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon (29-2-0/21 KO’s) vs. Greenville, KY native, David Saulsberry (7-4-0/7 KO’s). Witherspoon, an all-around athlete has an arsenal of skills he brings to the ring. He considers each fight just one step closer to a title shot and hopes to follow the path of his cousin, two-time world heavyweight champion, “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon.

The remainder of the Super Brawl I undercard features seven scheduled bouts showcasing several of boxing’s rising stars: featuring boxing’s rising stars: From Philadelphia, PA Dennis “The Assassin” Hasson (11-0-0/3KOs) vs. Bayamon, Puerto Rico William Santiago (6-7-1/2 KO’s); From Norfolk, VA Frankie “The Freight Train” Filippone (8-2-0/2 KO’s) vs. Kenton, OH Harley Kilfian (9-8-0/8 KO’s); From Newark, DE Joey Tiberi (6-1-0/4 KO’s) vs. Independence, MO Steve Cox (2-3-0/1 KO’s); From Norfolk, VA Dorset Barnwell (5-0-0/3 KO’s) vs. New York, NY Jon Bolden (2-3-0/2 KO’s); From Philadelphia, PA Keenan Smith (4-0-0/1 KO) vs. Detroit, MI Chris Finley (2-3-0/2 KO’s); From Atlantic City, NJ Isiah Seldon (5-0-0/2 KO’s) vs. Virginia Beach, VA Kenneth Moody Jr. (2-2-2/1KO). The evening will also feature a female 4-round bout with Cleveland, OH featherweight, Carla Torres (3-2-0) and Bronx, NY featherweight, Nydia Feliciano (3-2-3).

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout slated for 8:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $40, $55, $75 and $100 and can be purchased at the Tropicana Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000 or Dee Lee Promotions at 856.692.1206.

About Dee Lee Promotions, LLC
Dee Lee Promotions, LLC is owned and operated by New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Diane Fischer of Vineland, NJ. Fischer has earned a reputation not only as a premier matchmaker who has presented some of the most memorable and entertaining boxing contests in the country, but as woman who has been innovative and overcome gender barriers in an industry dominated by men. Her industry awards and distinctions include: New Jersey Promoter of The Year; Undercard Fight of the Year; Best Girl Fight of The Year; The First Time Six World Title Belts [Pay Per View] appeared on one card (Atlantic City); The First All Girl Fight on the East Coast; The first woman ever to promote an all girl fight card in Baton Rouge Louisiana; The first woman promoter ever to promote a World Title Fight in Panama City; The first male or female promoter to present a title fight in Delaware; The first woman promoter to promote/co-promote a Heavyweight Championship Fight on HBO, Ray Mercer, and Wladimir Klitschko on June 29, 2002; the fight also was aired on PPV in Germany and was the first Heavyweight Championship promoted by a female in that country. To contact Dee Lee Promotions LLC., call 856.692.1206.

About Tropicana Casino and Resort
Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring 2,078 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 25 shops, 15 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the official Web site at www.tropicana.net.

For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.tropicana.net/facebook or follow us on Twitter at www.tropicana.net/twitter.

Tropicana Entertainment Inc. (“Tropicana Entertainment”) owns and operates 8 casinos and resorts in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and New Jersey. In addition, the Company owns a development property in Aruba. Tropicana Entertainment properties collectively have 5,750 rooms, 8,300 slot positions and 240 table games.

At today’s Licensing hearing for Pound for Pound king Floyd Mayweather, it was revealed that he will take on Miguel Cotto May 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Part of the licensing hear for Mayweather was to make sure he had an opponent and when asked, Mayweather responded with Cotto.

The hearing took place due to Mayweather’s plea to a assault charge that will land him in jail for eighty-seven days.

If granted the License, the fight will bring in major revenue for Las Vegas, which was part of the rationale for Mayweather’s delayed sentence.

It’s official. Boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather will return to the ring, step up in weight and challenge three-division World Champion Miguel Cotto for his WBA Super Welterweight World title in what will be a gargantuan showdown between two future Hall of Famers who bring excitement and fierce competition every time they step into the ring. Mayweather vs. Cotto will take place on Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be televised live on pay-per-view.

Mayweather, a seven-time world champion in five weight classes, is excited to be facing the heavier, much-tested Cotto, who is the pride of Puerto Rico and has the experience, heart and determination to give pound for pound king Mayweather the toughest fight of his career.

“Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing,” said Mayweather, whose only other fight at super welterweight came in a World Boxing Council (WBC) world title win over Oscar de la Hoya in May 2007. “It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto’s reign as champion will come to an end on May 5.”

Cotto, coming off of the second defense of his title, a spectacular tenth-round technical knockout win over Antonio Margarito in December 2011, is ready to face Mayweather and believes he is Mayweather’s most competitive career challenge to date.

“I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing,” said Cotto who true to his warrior spirit that has distinguished his entire career has accepted this challenge to face the undefeated Mayweather. “I’ve never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me. I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like…great and exciting fights. That is what the sport of boxing is all about; making the fights that the fans want and deserve to see. On May 5, stay tuned, because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather.”

In addition to agreeing to the terms of the bout which will take place on Cinco de Mayo, one of boxing’s biggest weekends, both fighters have agreed to Olympic-style drug testing for the fight.

“Floyd always asks us to find the best available competition for him to fight and we have found that in Miguel Cotto,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO, Mayweather Promotions. “This is a very risky fight for Floyd as Miguel is a solid 154-pound champion who has already proven to have great boxing abilities and to be a very competent and strong puncher. This is a big test for Floyd, but as always I believe, he is the superior fighter with unmatched skills. This will make the difference and lead to another Mayweather victory the night of May 5.”

“What we have here are two champions of amazing caliber set to meet in the ring on May 5 and give boxing and sports fan one of the most compelling match-ups in the sport’s history,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions. “Floyd Mayweather has already achieved worldwide recognition as one of the best fighters ever and Miguel Cotto is one of the greatest fighters of this era. I commend both fighters for agreeing to the fight each other on one of the biggest weekends for boxing and also commend them for agreeing to participate in Olympic style drug testing, a precedent set by Floyd, which continues to uphold the integrity of the sport.”

The undefeated Mayweather, (41-0, 25 KO’s), a seven-time world champion in five weight divisions, remains boxing’s biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley. His last fight against then WBC Welterweight World Champion Victor Ortiz on September 17, 2011 not only showed his boxing skills, as he took the younger Ortiz to school in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth stanza. He is also no stranger to appearing on the classic Mexican celebratory weekends such as Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day as his fight with Cotto will mark the fifth fight of his career to land on one of those weekends. Mayweather returns to face Cotto in an attempt to capture his eighth world championship.

Cotto (36-2, 29 KO’s), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, has held a world title every year since 2004 while winning 16 of the 18 world championship bouts in which he has fought. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter and one of its greatest of all time, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defending it six times before vacating it to capture the WBA Welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. After losing the WBA title to Margarito in July 2008, Cotto won his second welterweight belt in February 2009, knocking out Michael Jennings in the fifth round to become the WBO Welterweight champion. He lost the title in his second defense in November 2009, but captured the WBA Super Welterweight title in June of 2010 at Yankee Stadium in New York by stopping then-undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman. Cotto successfully defended that title by stopping Two-Division World Champion Ricardo Mayorga in the 12th round in March of 2011 and, in his last fight, finally avenged his loss to Margarito, once again retaining his title and giving him true peace of mind.

Mayweather vs. Cotto, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBA Super Welterweight World title, is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. More information on Mayweather vs. Cotto, including ticket prices, pay- per- view information as well as press tour dates and cities, will be announced shortly.

LOS ANGELES (January 31) – Due to a left biceps injury sustained while training on Monday, January 30, Andre Berto will be unable to compete in his scheduled February 11 SHOWTIME televised bout against Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., forcing a cancellation of the event on that date. All parties involved are actively seeking a possible postponement date for Ortiz vs. Berto II.

Information regarding previously purchased tickets being honored for a possible postponement date will be released as it becomes available or, alternatively, ticketholders can contact their place of purchase for refunds.

More information will be announced as it becomes available.

Four top cruiserweights showcased their talents today in Frankfurt prior to Team Sauerland´s big show at the Fraport Arena on Saturday night. In four days, IBF Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (25-1, 13 KOs) and two-time world champion Steve Cunningham (24-3, 12 KOs) will meet again, while Enad Licina and Alexander Alekseev clash for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title. “I deserve to be world champion and I will prove my worth on Saturday night,” Hernandez told the press after today´s session. “He is good, but I don´t consider him a world champion,” Cunningham said of his opponent. “I am here to take home the title and become world champion for a third time.”

Meanwhile, Licina (21-3, 11 KOs) has vowed to leave the ring victorious against Alekseev (22-2, 20 KOs). “I grew up in Frankfurt and I want to give my fans an entertaining fight,” he said. “Aleeksev is an accomplished fighter but I am tough and I will beat him.” Said Alekseev: “I need to win. I want to be the new European champion.”

In the third title fight of the night, European Light Heavyweight Champion Eduard Gutknecht (22-1, 9 KOs) makes his first mandatory defence against Vyacheslav Uzelkov (25-1, 16 KOs). “He is a very strong opponent but I will remain the champion,” Gutknecht said.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (JANUARY 31, 2012)–15-0(5KO’s) Featherweight Jerry Belmontes is now a promotional Free Agent. Belmontes, of Corpus Christie, Texas, gained his freedom from Marines Promotions after an ugly one -year year dispute between promoter Julio Marines and manager Adrian Clark which left Jerry out of the ring for nine months.

Clark and Belmontes both are overjoyed with the release but realize that the free agent process will be difficult and stressful. “The year dispute with Marines Promotions was tough but I imagine the free agency process will be more difficult than what we endured with Julio” said Clark.

I’ll work to get Jerry a deal that makes the most sense down the road” Clark said. A two-plus year age gap separates the two but Belmontes at 22 believes in Clark, 25 and his ability to get things done.

“He stuck by me the whole way thru:, Said Belmontes.

Even when things looked really bad he continued to work and eventually got me free. As happy as I am, I’m just ready to fight”

Belmontes has wins over the likes of Tommy Atencio (4-1) and Gil Garcia (2-0) and is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Justo Vallecillo last June 24th.

The two will put their heads together and look to sign with a promotional company soon.

Dan Rafael of espn.com has confirmed that WBA/WBC Super Middleweight champion ANdre ward has been named the 2011 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA)

“I want to thank God for giving me the strength to put in the work year after year to get to this point. I also want to thank my manager, James Prince, my promoters Antonio Leonard and Dan Goossen, everyone who is a part of Team Ward, as well as all of my family, friends, and loyal fans who have been behind me all these years,” Ward, 27, of Oakland, Calif., said. “This award is just as much for them as it is for me.

“Even in the midst of receiving this tremendous award, Team Ward is not going to let up. In 2012 and beyond we’re going to push forward and, God-willing, we can be considered for these awards every year. It’s easy to get comfortable at a time like this, but I can assure everybody that I’m going to continue to put in the work to be the best that I can be. I’m going to stay humble, keep God first and, with that, the best is yet to come.

Ward, who was also named ESPN.com fighter of the year, won the award over nominees Nonito Donaire, Wladimir Klitschko, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I’m very proud of all of what he has accomplished since the day we signed him,” said Goossen, who has promoted Ward for his entire career. “He’s been a joy to work with and a tremendous fighter inside the ring. It’s been a great ride, but the irony of it all is I think we’ve just begun. There’s a lot more to accomplish and showcase with Andre. You don’t have an athlete like this that comes around too often in the history of our sport. He has the fabric and makeup of the great ones. I just think he’s headed for greatness.”

Ward will have familiar company when he receives his award. Virgil Hunter, who has trained Ward since he picked up gloves as a boy, won the Futch award for trainer of the year.

“I’m very happy for my trainer and Godfather, Virgil, for winning this prestigious award,” Ward said. “I’m probably more excited for him than I am for myself. I’ve always wanted him to win this award because he is one of the hardest working trainers in the game.”

Said Goossen, “As proud of Andre as I am, I am equally proud to see Virgil get something I believe he is due. He’s a different breed of trainer. From the fundamentals to the mental aspect, he is right there with the best.”

Junior middleweights Delvin Rodriguez and Pawel Wolak will share the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier award for fight of the year. Their first bout, which headlined on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” on July 15 at the Roseland Ballroom in New York, was a rousing all-action slugfest that ended in a majority draw. Many view it as the best fight in the history of “Friday Night Fights” and it will be remembered as an intense battle during which Wolak fought through massive swelling that closed his right eye.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former two-time Welterweight champion Andre Berto injured his arm in training today which now puts in doubt his February 11th rematch with former champion Victor Ortiz.

“He had to go the hospital to get it checked out and he is hurt. I know the fight is in jeopardy of not happening on that date. It didn’t sound good,” one source said.

On whether the fight would be postponed, another source said, “When one of the guys in the fight is in the hospital for an arm injury two weeks before the fight, that is bad news.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Five-time world champion Cory Spinks won a unanimous decision over Sechew Powell on Saturday at the Shrine Mosque in Springfield, Mo., in an elimination bout to determine the IBF junior middleweight No. 1 ranking, and hometown cruiserweight B.J. Flores moved closer to a world title match by stopping Colombian veteran Hugo Pineda.

Spinks (39-6, 11 KOs), a former undisputed welterweight champion and subsequent two-time IBF junior middleweight champion, had been thought by some to be near the end of his career after losing the IBF 154-pound crown to Cornelius “K9” Bundrage in 2010.

Spinks rededicated himself to the sport but was still the underdog entering the ring this past weekend to face Powell (26-3, 15 KOs), the IBF No. 5-ranked contender. Spinks swept all three judges’ scorecards 116-112 and 115-113, twice.

“I was in perfect condition and felt like I could do anything I wanted during the fight,” Spinks said. “Powell thought he was going to pressure me, that I would be old and run from him. I think he was surprised when I stood toe to toe with him and was the one bringing the pressure.

“He became more aggressive in rounds six and seven, and a local reporter wrote that I was in trouble, but Powell didn’t give me anything I couldn’t handle. I knew he was swinging for the fences in those rounds, so I let him go because I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Spinks also noted that he feels like a young fighter.

“I’m only 33 years old, I feel like new money right now,” Spinks said. “I performed well in this fight, my second match with new manager Scott Hirsch and trainer Anthony Ham. I’ve won five world titles, I have a name and I think I bring a lot to the table for a marquee name, a world championship fight or both.”

Promoter Don King attended the fight and was impressed.

“Sechew Powell is a good, dangerous fighter, and certainly no light touch for Cory,” King said. “I was proud of him on Saturday night.

“When he trains right and applies himself to the sport both mentally and physically, there is no question he poses a significant threat to anyone at or near 154 pounds.”

Trainer Anthony Ham was pleased with Spinks’ performance as well.

“Cory was in the best shape of his life,” Ham said. “He dominated the fight with his jab and right hook. This is our second fight together, and I feel like Cory has won 20 of the 22 rounds since we teamed up. I think he will be even better in his next fight.”

Manager Scott Hirsch said he had a reason for wanting to work with Spinks.

“I felt the reports a few years ago of Cory’s demise were greatly exaggerated,” Hirsch said. “I agreed to work with him because I felt he was just too good and had a lot left in his tank. He proved me right on Saturday against one of the best fighters in his division. The Spinks Jinx is back and ready to wreak further havoc in boxing.”

Highly ranked cruiserweight B.J. Flores (27-1-1, 17 KOs) availed himself well against notable veteran Hugo Pineda (39-6-1, 28 KOs). Flores’ supporters from his hometown of Springfield, Mo., filled the historic Shrine Mosque, and Flores gave them what they came to see.

“I was calculated but aggressive in the first few rounds,” Flores said. “By the third, I knew where I was going to go. I cut him over the right eye in the second round with a left hook, and I floored him in the fourth. Every time I hit him I felt like I hurt him.

“I was going up and down with punches to the head and body, which confused him. Then I caught him with a good straight right hand for a knockdown in the fourth round. He barely made it up from that.”

Flores wobbled Pineda again in the fifth round beforePineda’s corner threw in the towel near the end of the sixth.

Promoter Don King liked what he saw in Springfield, Mo.

“I give B.J. a lot of credit,” King said. “He’s built a big following for himself in Springfield, and he gave the crowd a good show.

“I enjoyed the people in Springfield and B.J. wants big fights and a world title shot, so the Show Me State is definitely in the mix.”

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New York (January 30, 2012) – This past Saturday at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, Boxing360’s light heavyweight prospect, “The Notorious” Travis Peterkin (4-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, winning a unanimous decision with the scorecards reading 40-36 across the board.

After recording three consecutive first round knockouts to start of his career, Peterkin, who faced Steve Tyner (2-3-1, 2 KOs) in a four round bout, went the distance for the first time, dominating the action from the opening bell.

Peterkin who fights out of Brooklyn, NY went on to say, “It was defiantly a good win for me but I feel I could have done better. Tyner was a step up but I fought smart and came out with the victory. I’m healthy and I’m ready to go right into my next fight. I’m looking forward to seeing what Boixng360 has lined up for me. I’m excited about 2012.”

Trainer Bernard Peterkin said, “I feel it was a good victory for Travis. He hasn’t been past the first round in two years since the amateurs. He showed great poise versus a guy who shatters dreams for prospects. Travis is young and that four round experience is something he’s never experienced in 104 bouts as an amateur. He’s with the big boys now and we expect that.”

Boxing360 promoter Mario Yagobi was happy with the result stating, “Peterkin showed he can go rounds if need be. In this sport you can’t always knock everyone out early. The experience gained from this fight is great for Travis and I know he learned a few things in the process. I want to get him back in the ring as soon as possible.”

This bout was promoted by Boxing360 in association with the Turning Stone Resort & Casino. For more information please visit www.boxing360.com

According to TMZ.com, former undisputed Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Tyson will be inducted during the ceremony at American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL on March 31. As has become tradition, WrestleMania XXVIII takes place the following day.

Iron Mike tells TMZ, “I am honored to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. I was the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, but the most fun I ever had in the ring was with WWE.”

Tyson’s history with the WWE goes back to 1998 when, after a confrontation with Stone Cold Steve Austin on Monday Night Raw, Tyson served as special enforcer for the main event at WrestleMania XIV between Austin and Shawn Michaels (see above).

Tyson made his return to the WWE last year, when he hosted Monday Night Raw.

Other non-wrestlers in the WWE Hall of Fame include Drew Carey, Pete Rose and William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

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NEW YORK (January 30, 2012)—This Past Saturday night at The beautiful Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Tony “TNT” Grano (19-2-1, 15 KO’s) threw his name in the Heavyweight title mix with a thrilling third round stoppage over Brian Minto (35-5) in an NABF Elimination bout.

The bout headlined a card that was seen all over the world LIVE on www.gfl.tv

Boxing fans who missed the card can now watch the entire show for just $9.99 by clicking:
http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Pro_Boxing_Fight_Night__Grano_vs_Minto/1313

It was Minto who controlled the action over the first two rounds and he even landed a right over the top that sent Grano to the canvas but that punch was ruled a slip.

In rounds three, Grano landed a chopping right hand that sent Minto to the canvas. When Minto got to his feet he was clearly shaken up but he was clearly on rubbery legs. Minto showed tremendous heart as instead of holding he stood and fought Grano toe to toe. That proved to be his undoing as Grano landed another hard right that deposited Minto on the floor and the fight was stopped immediately.

With the win, Grano puts himself in position to take on winner of the Jonathon Banks – Nikolai Firtha bout for the NABF title and a high ranking by the WBC.

In the co-feature, once beaten cruiserweight contender Eric Fields (20-1) put on an impressive boxing display with an eight round unanimous decision over Derrick Brown (13-7-3)

Fields worked behind a good jab and mixed in lead right hands to to keep Brown off balance and cruised to his ninth consecutive victory since his only professional defeat.

With one shocking right hand, Ela Nunez (11-11-1, 3 KO’s) scored a knockout victory over Jackie Trivilino (8-4-2)in round two of their scheduled six round Woman’s bout.

Ryan McKenzie (10-0, 9 KO’s) kept his perfect streak alive as he went to 9-0 with an impressive American debut and a second round stoppage over Richard Starnino (9-7-2) in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Local favorites Brian Clookey (4-0-1) and Derrick Evans (3-0) remained undefeated with victories over Ariel Espina(8-20-3)l and Bakari (0-3) respectively.

In the Evans – Bakari bout, it was controversy from the beginning as the two fighters jawed, held and even got in some illegal punches before Bakari was disqualified in the third round.

Impressive prospect Travis Peterkin made it 4-0 with his first distance victory over the rough Steven Tyner (2-3-1) in a four round Light Heavyweight bout.

Marc Abrams, Stephanie Kula and Joe Antonacci called the action LIVE on gfl.tv

GFL now offers full access to over 5,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1100 live events with over 5500 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.

If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network

Join us at: www.GFL.tv or twitter.com/GFL or for press inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

IBF Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (25-1, 13 KOs) will face two-time world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (24-3, 12 KOs) in a hotly-anticipated rematch in Frankfurt on Saturday night. Boxing-online.com has caught up with the 27-year-old Cuban.

Q: Yoan Pablo, you will be facing Steve Cunningham for the second time on Saturday. Are you upset about giving him a rematch?

YPH: “No, not at all, much on the contrary. I am happy to fight him again. I will show everybody that I am the better fighter. If there are any doubts, I will erase them.”

Q: The first fight came to a controversial ending. Cunningham believes you could have fought on despite the cuts. What´s your take on that?

YPH: “Well, it wasn´t me who stopped the fight, but the referee after consulting the ring doctor. One of the cuts was very deep, the risk of getting a serious injury would have been too big in my opinion. And the blood was affecting my vision. Who knows what could have happened.”

Q: Are you upset about the fact that everybody discussed the ending of the fight? After all, you knocked him down in the first round…

YPH: “Of course I was upset. I performed well on that night and I deserved to win. Everybody should respect that. Cunningham should have respected that, too.”

Q: How will the second fight go?

YPH: “I hope it will not be as bloody as the first fight. I hope for a fair fight – I will be fighting fair. It´s my goal to win the rematch and put an end to the discussions about the first fight.”

Q: Has your life changed after winning the world title?

YPH: “Not really. I am the same person I was before. But when walking around in Berlin, I get recognized by more fans.”

Q: If you win on February 4, what will be next for you?

YPH: “I will take some time off. Every athlete needs breaks. I have trained very hard in the past months and I just want to spend some time with my family. Then I will quickly return to training for my next fight. But I am not thinking that far ahead. All that matters now is the rematch against Cunningham on Saturday.”

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Chris Algeiri 143lb – Chris Smith 141lb
Cletus Seldin 144 1/2 lb – Tyler Pogline 144 lb
Rich Neves 147 1/4lb – Anthony Birmingham 148lb
Adam Willett 208 lb – Aaron Kinch 260 lb
Raul Nuncio 159 lb – Anthony Jones 158 lb
Issouf Kinda 141lb – Angel Rios 144 lb
William Shammar Whitt 140 lb – Jayson Sia 138 1/2lb

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT CARD
Brian Minto 218 ½ – Tony Grano 222
Eric Fields 202 – Derrick Brown 201
Ryan McKenzie 174 – Richard Starnino 176 ½
Jackie Trivilino 126 ½ – Ela Nunez 176
Travis Peterkin 174 – Steven Tyner 171
Brian Clookey 187 – Ariel Espinal 188
Derrick Evans 170 – Bakari 175

Venue: Turning Stone Resort & Casino
1st Bell: 7:30 pm eastern

Broadcast: www.gfl.tv

Two-time world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (24-3, 12 KOs) has arrived in Frankfurt, Germany. On February 4, the American veteran will face IBF Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (25-1, 13 KOs) in a hotly-anticipated rematch at the Fraport Arena. Cunningham and his team – Naazim Richardson, Mark Osborn, Khalib Whitmore and Jonathan Adderly – landed on Wednesday. On Friday, they paid a special visit to AFN Wiesbaden (American Forces Network). “It´s great to catch up with AFN and connect with my military brothers and sisters,” Cunningham said. “I am ready for a battle with Hernandez on February 4. I am going to tear the title away from him and bring it back to America.”

Ruslan Provodnikov scored a sixth round stoppage over David Torres in a scheduled ten round Jr. Welterweight bout in Airway Heights, Washington.

It was noticeable early that Provodnikov’s size and strength was going to be a problem for Torres as Provodnikov dropped Torres midway through round one with a perfectly timed right. Provodnikov continued to power forward with a diversity of punches with Torres only able to fend off with an occasional uppercut. Provodnikov started using more of a bodt attack in the fourth and fifth and it was wearing on Torres.

In round six, Provodnikov landed a huge right hand that sent Torres down for a second time. Clearly hurt but trying to fight back, Torres showed a lot of courage only to be blasted on the ropes that sent him down for a third and final time and the fight was stopped at 2:53 of round six.

Provodnikov, 140 lbs of Berezoa, Russia is now 21-1 with fourteen knockouts. Torres, 137 lbs of Othello, Washington is now 21-3-2.

Former world title challenger Ji-Hoon Kim scored a ten round unanimous decision over Yakibu AMidu in a Lightweight bout.

It was an entertaining fight with Amidu have a little success with his right hand and body work. Kim started to rev up the engines and landed some solid right hand that drover Amidu back to the ropes and Kim took most of the later rounds.

Kim of South Korea won bu scores of 98-92; 97-93 and 96-94 to raise his mark to 23-7. Akibu, 132 lbs of Los Angeles is now 17-3-1.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former world Heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola will be in action on February 18th against once-beaten Eric Molina in Corpus Christie, Texas.

The bout will be part of a card that will feature Paul Williams battling Nobuhiro Ishida and IBF Light Heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud taking on Gabriel Campillo.

“We’ve come to an agreement with (Molina promoter) Don King to have Molina challenge Cris,” Dan Goossen, Arreola’s promoter said Thursday. “Cris is a world class heavyweight and we’ll find out where Molina is. We expect a good fight, a good challenge and we certainly believe Cris will come out on top. And between Molina, his camp and Don, they believe they will pull the upset.”

“The game plan is simple — we’re looking to fight for the world title this year, end of story,” Goossen said. “Cris has every opportunity to make history and accomplish the goal that was set many years ago when he started out, to have him to be the first Mexican-American to hold a heavyweight championship.”

“This fight is very important because it will tell me where I’m at,” Molina said. “If I win, it’ll mean greater things ahead for me. If I lose, I’ll know that I had my shot. But I don’t plan to lose.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather must reapply for a Nevada License of February 1st before being able to fight as planned on May 5th in Las Vegas.

Mayweather, who is due to report to prison on June 1st will most likely have to answer questions about his pleas before the five member board granting him permission to fight on May 5th

Cicero, Illinois (January 26, 2012) – On Friday, February 17, 2012, boxing returns to the Cicero Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, when SM Promotions presents “International Rumble in Cicero”. Former super-middleweight slugger, Sammy Merza (16-1, 12 KOs), now full time boxing promoter, created SM Promotions with the goal of bringing boxing back to the” Windy City” in spectacular fashion.

“This is the night of undefeated fighters” said Merza. “I’m looking to showcase a plethora of young talent, fighters that want to remain undefeated. I want to kick off 2012 with a bang and this card has all the ingredients for a great show. Chicago’s boxing community is in for a treat.”

The 10 round main-event will showcase, undefeated IBF female super featherweight champion, Amanda Serrano (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. TBA. In the co-feature, lightweight sensation, Joel Diaz Jr. (7-0, 6 KO’s), fresh off his spectacular performance on ShoBox, returns to action. Polish native and heavyweight amateur standout, Joey Dawejko (6-0, 2 KOs), looks to extend his winning streak. Local talent stepping into the ring are Chicago’s hometown fighters, middleweight Ramon Valenzuela (6-0, 1 KO), middleweight Ninos Abraham (6-0-1, 2 KOs), and Ricardo Chavez (Pro Debut). Washington’s super middleweight Mike Gavronski (5-0, 4 KOs), New York’s lightweight Bryan Akaba (2-0, 1 KO) and Mexico’s Sergio Montes de Oca (5-1) round out the card. Bouts subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (773) 716-9111.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26, 2012) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto participated in a media conference call to discuss the upcoming rematch of the 2011 Fight of the Year on Saturday, Feb. 11, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Ten months after their classic slugfest that was named 2011 “Fight of the Year” (USA Today, Ring Magazine), Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s), of Ventura, Calif., and Berto (28-1, 22 KO’s), of Winter Haven, Fla., will square off again. The eagerly awaited 12-round fight is a rematch of a fiercely contested, multiple-knockdown affair on April 16, 2011, that Ortiz won by a unanimous decision (114-112, 114-111 and 115-110) while capturing Berto’s World Boxing Council (WBC) 147-pound title. Both fighters were knocked down twice in the fight, with Berto being dropped in the first, Ortiz going down a round later and each of them hitting the deck in a wild sixth round that many called the “Round of the Year” for 2011.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Wednesday’s call:

ANDRE BERTO: “We’ve already had a tremendous camp and right now we’re going through the motions every day. We’re excited about Feb. 11 and getting to Vegas for a fight of this magnitude. It’s going to be go time”.”

How important was it for you to get back in the ring and beat Jan Zaveck the way that you did?

ANDRE BERTO: “I think it was tremendously important after you go through the situations that I went through not to dwell on it for too long but to just jump back in action. And that’s what I did. I just wanted to take a little time off and put this fight together for me and I jumped right back into action.”

Did you get a lot of confidence from that?

ANDRE BERTO: “It definitely helped, but at the end of the day I know I can fight. If I had a bad night or if you have a bad day at the gym, at the end of the day you know you’re going to be able to know how to fight.”

What’s the most important thing Tony Morgan has done for your career since you started working with him?

ANDRE BERTO: “Me and Tony are pretty much like family. We started in this game together when I was like 10, 11 years old. It’s just been our dream to win a world title and to be at any type level of this fight game. He taught me a lot about loyalty, he taught me a lot about family. We had a lot of big dreams, but then again we never really thought that we’d get to this point coming from such a small town that we came from.”

How did losing the first fight of your career affect your psyche? Did it have a major affect on you?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. It played with my mind a bit. You get to a point where I think any fighter would be affected by that. But you just brush it off, get back on your feet and get back in there. And that’s what I did.”

Did it take another fight to build up that confidence?

ANDRE BERTO: “No. In my last fight I went in there like nothing happened. I went in there and went straight to work like nothing happened at all. At the end of the day, you like to be realistic. That loss put a lot of different things in perspective. It made me get back and work hard and made me understand what kind of team and what type of family I have around me. They were very supportive. If I’m in this boxing thing or not, I still have that love from my family and my friends. Like I said, I have that support so I’m good.”

You seemed a little bit tired in that first fight. Is that true and is that something you’ve been working on since then?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. I believe when we trained for that fight I don’t think we trained like we were supposed to. I believe that’s something that fighters go through. You get in a situation where you have a lot of success and you stay in your own little circle, your own little box instead of trying to look out and find the best situations for you. I think I suffer from that because after that fight I found out I was anemic and I had to really reach out to find some help with that because it got to be pretty serious. I learned I needed to take a lot better care of my body.”

Do you feel that you’re past that and you’ll be in a lot better condition for this fight?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. We’re working hard and having our doctors checking on me to make sure my levels are up and making sure I’m getting all my vitamins that I need to continue to push to have the best training sessions. Before, we were so old school in everything. We didn’t take vitamins or protein shakes or none of that, it was just hard work. But anybody knows that if you’re a world-class athlete you have to train and you have to take care of your body like you are a world-class athlete. And that’s something that we’re really getting into, and we’re trying to take all the right precautions now.”

You had estimated after the fight that maybe Ortiz was on some illegal substance and then you backed off. Is that something you still believe?

ANDRE BERTO: “No. Ortiz was just better that night.”

LOU DIBELLA: “That’s also not going to be an issue in this fight as both fighters agreed to drug testing and there will be drug testing on this fight and it’s not going to be an issue for anybody. Both sides have to go out there and do the right thing and both agreed to testing. I think that’s a big step to take away some of the innuendo and the problems that do exist in our sport. But all you can ask the fighters to do is say ‘Ok, I’ll be tested.’ And that’s what these two fighters have done.”

When will the drug testing start?

ANDRE BERTO: “I believe they’ve already tested me twice for this fight — urine tests and blood tests.”

How was that for you?

ANDRE BERTO: “It was different, but I went through that as an amateur so it wasn’t something completely different.”

Andre, you know that Victor had to go in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his actions against Floyd Mayweather. Do you see it as an issue or advantage for you?

ANDRE BERTO: “I’m not sure. I’m a clean guy when I’m in there. We just want to make sure our team watches out for any type of incidental situations.”

Are you bummed out that there is no fight at stake in this bout?

ANDRE BERTO: “Probably a little bit, but like I said, right now I’m just trying to make good fights. I’ve won two titles now and I’m just resorting back to why I fell in love with this sport, (and getting) back to the basics. This fight right here is a fight that I wanted, a fight that the people wanted. It’s going to be an exciting one and that’s the only thing that I’m worried about”

What does it say about you that you’ll take a fight of this magnitude?

ANDRE BERTO: “It says a lot about both of us. You see a kid go through a lot of success, but then again go through a lot of criticism and a lot of hate. On both sides I believe. To lose your first fight and come back and win another world title and give it up to hopefully make another exciting fight. And the same thing for Ortiz – he came off a loss against Floyd, he ended up getting knocked out, but he overcame that and came back to fight another exciting fight. It shows where we come from. It’s in my heart, it’s in my passion to just put on exciting fights. When we’re done with our careers I don’t believe we’ll have any regrets.”

Is this a better chance for you or Ortiz?

ANDRE BERTO: “I think it’s a good fight for both of us. I lost the fight and came back and won a world title. I could have gone a different route but I wanted to take this one. Ortiz lost to Mayweather. Either way you look at it, you’re putting together two young guys that love to fight and put on an exciting show.”

How have things changed since the first fight against Ortiz?

ANDRE BERTO: “A lot of things. We’re definitely a lot smarter, we definitely matured a lot more. We had a chance to put a lot of different things in perspective, not just in my boxing career but in life in general. So I think it definitely helped me for the better.”

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I’ve been working hard and keeping it positive. There are no worries in the world right about now, and Berto is certainly not one of them. At the same time I know I have to be tremendously tough for this guy, both in and out of the ring. I’m not a guy who has to sit there and run his mouth. The thing is, at the end of the day, the boxing gloves will do the talking. Apparently Berto has a chip on his shoulder. Well I have a few chips on my shoulder due to the first Berto fight – it didn’t end the way I wanted it to end – and my last fight wasn’t the greatest. So my roller coaster is re-launching right now. I want to climax. I’m nowhere near ready to pull back, not now or in the near future. It’s going to be a great fight, I will be victorious once again and I will not take no for an answer.”

When you fought Andre could you sense that he was wearing down physically in the end of the fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “No, not at all. It was the same Berto I trained for, actually better. The only difference – there was a beast in there with him.”

What do you need to do to match his improved strength in the ring?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “Once again it comes back that I’m the underdog. That’s the story of my life. I don’t really mind it one bit. At the same time, let’s not forget this much – I was a 140-pounder in the first fight. Now, I’m a natural 147.”

Victor, you say you’re always an underdog. Is the scrutiny fair?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “It’s the game. I’m just here. I’m just here to live another day and become one of the greatest boxers of all time. Obviously people go through their ups and downs, but I’m having fun and I’m enjoying every moment of going through my ups and downs. At the end of the day I’m just trying to be one of the greats.”

Do you like being the underdog?

“No way, man. Not one bit. That’s good though. I enjoy being that person that’s always counted out.”

Why do you think people count you out after you won the first fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t know. That’s my only question. At the end of the day I don’t really care what anybody believes but me. I’m ready for this guy once again.”

What is your point of view of having a fight of this caliber that isn’t a title fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t mind it. Given the circumstances that this guy wants to fight me, I am more than willing to give him a shot. Why not? He gave me a shot.”

What do you expect different in the ring from Berto?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t really know, but I’m preparing for the best Berto there is possible, along with my corner. If he’s gotten any better than, hey, that’s awesome. That’s what we’re expecting. We’re expecting the best Berto to be present and I’m ready.”

How’s your mental state of mind coming off a loss to Mayweather.

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t think I lost. (I still) believe in myself. I still see myself as a world champion. I will never bow down to not being a world champion because it wasn’t right how it happened in my eyes. Once again, I’m counted out by Berto’s team. To me it’s perfectly fine. I don’t care. I’m going to show him why I beat him the first time.

“It’s Berto’s second chance, not mine. What do I lose? Nothing. At the end of the day it’s going to be a great fight.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscarDeLaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

“Berto is a good fighter, but I never saw him as great, not even when I was at 140 and I was coming up to challenge him — which is why I challenged him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a dangerous fighter but I don’t fear him. I have no respect for him, I’m not scared of him, nothing like that. At the end of the day I will win this once again.”

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. It will air live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

About Showtime Networks Inc.:

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

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

LOS ANGELES, January 26 – To round out the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing tripleheader headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment have announced two more high-impact fights from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, Feb. 11..

In a 10-round junior middleweight showdown before the main event, Cuban star Erislandy Lara returns for the first time since his controversial fight against Paul Williams to battle fellow contender Ronald Hearns. Opening the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing broadcast will be a 10-round featherweight matchup which will see unbeaten Gary Russell Jr., the consensus 2011 “Prospect of the Year” award winner, look to continue his meteoric rise against Dat Nguyen.

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The co-featured fights will see top contenders Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns square off and 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr. take on Dat Nguyen. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard telecast will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

One of Cuba’s greatest amateur boxers and the owner of three consecutive national championships and one world championship, Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KO’s) defected from his homeland in order to chase glory as a professional and he is well on the way to achieving that goal. Unbeaten in his first 16 professional fights, Lara was the victim of one of the most controversial decisions in recent history last July when judges awarded former World Champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams a 12 round decision win in a fight most observers believed the Guantanamo native won. Undeterred, the 28-year-old will be back in the ring on Feb. 11 and is determined to be the lone judge on fight night.

The name “Hearns” is royalty in boxing circles thanks to the exploits of soon-to-be inducted Hall of Famer Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. The Hitman’s son, 33-year-old Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (26-2, 20 KO’s), is doing his best to continue the family business into the next generation. A professional since 2004, the lanky boxer-puncher has won five of his last six fights, with the only loss coming in a middleweight title bout against Felix Sturm in 2011. Now back at 154 pounds, Hearns feels stronger, faster and ready to issue Lara his second straight defeat.

Named the 2011 “Prospect of the Year” by ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The Ring Magazine, 23-year-old Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s) earned those accolades the old fashioned way – by fighting. The Maryland southpaw was 6-0 last year, fighting as often as possible, dazzling fans and opponents alike along the way. Now ready to make his move on the featherweight elite, Russell can’t wait to surpass his 2012 campaign with even more big wins.

Vietnam native Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KO’s) is an ultra-tough competitor known for his straight-ahead style and willingness to go toe-to-toe with anyone who dares step into the ring with him. Winner of six of his last seven bouts, the 29-year-old, who now makes his home in Vero Beach, Florida, is hoping that a win over the unbeaten Russell will be the catalyst for a 2012 to remember for him.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscarDeLaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

Elyria, OH – January 26, 2012 Rocktagon MMA Worldwide will add a stage next to the cage at Elite Series 15 on February 25th in Elyria, Ohio. Following the fights, nationally know band Mushroomhead will bring their high-energy, theatrical performance to the Rocktagon Arena as the Main Act.

This event marks the East Coast debut of Rocktagon MMA’s premium Rock –n- Rage shows. According to CEO James Jeda, also a music executive, the cross promotion will add value to the show for everyone involved. “The bottom line is that fighters need to get in front of more people. Rock –n- Rage shows draw a bigger crowd and help amateurs increase their exposure while giving fans more for their money,” Jeda explains. “Given the current state of the music industry, an event like this will also allow bands to reach a broader audience. We want to do it to help the bands, the fans, and especially the fighters.“

Rocktagon MMA is the only amateur national fight series in the country and will hold events in at least nine states this year before concluding the season with the amateur Regional and National Championships. Rock –n- Rage premium shows will combine MMA events with national musical performances in select markets.

Jeda believes raising the bar in amateur promotion is necessary to keep pace with professional fight leagues. “Tools like our national championship series and Rock –n- Rage shows will bring amateur fighting to where it needs to be, the forefront.”

ELITE Series 15 takes place Saturday, February 25th at the Rocktagon Arena located at 4377 Midway Mall in Elyria, Ohio. To find out more about Rocktagon MMA, please visit www.rocktagonmma.com. Fans may also follow Rocktagon MMA on Twitter at Rocktagon_MMA, like Rocktagon MMA on Facebook at facebook.com/rocktagonmma, or text “MMA” to 28553.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, World Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins will take on Chad Dawson in a rematch of their aborted October 15th bout. The rematch will take place on April 28th in a more appropriate venue at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The first bout ended in a controversial no contest which was originally ruled a stoppage victory for Dawson when he threw Hopkins down to the ground in the second round of their fight and Hopkins could not continue with a damaged shoulder.

“I have a chance to settle the bull—- from the first fight and straighten that all out,” Hopkins said. “A real athlete don’t want to win something on a disqualification or a no-decision or get something handed to them without doing the work. I’m ready to go.

“Dawson has a chance to prove to the world what he thinks he can do to me and I have a chance to prove that he’s not going to do what he thinks he’s going to do.”

“Richard (Schaefer) and I have made a deal and we have presented the fight to HBO,” said Dawson’s promoter Gary Shaw. “We’re working on the numbers but I congratulate Hopkins on his willingness to take a fight that a lot of people said he would not take again. As for Chad, he can’t wait for the rematch. He believed he was going to beat him in the first fight and he believes he will stop him in this fight.”

“We haven’t agreed on the number yet, but HBO is would like to do this fight and they told us they are OK with April 28,” Schaefer said

“The shoulder is good,” Hopkins said. “I wouldn’t be going in this early to start getting ready if it wasn’t.”

“I think it’s a perfect place for the rematch,” Schaefer said.

“Since 2001, when I was 35 and I beat (Felix) ‘Tito’ Trinidad (to become undisputed middleweight champion in 2001), I’ve been hearing I was too old,” Hopkins said. “Now it’s 12 years later and I’m older, heavier and feel little things I didn’t feel 10 years ago, natural things that are supposed to happen to you. But I’m ahead of the game against any 47-year-old who took a punch or never took a punch. I’m in great shape and ready to do this again.

“It’s time to correct the first fight and let people get what they paid for, this time not on pay-per-view. They paid for a fight. They didn’t come to see a round-and-a-half and then have that ending. It happened. You move on and you go ahead and give the people what they want and I’m pretty sure Dawson thinks the same thing and that he will be overconfident and think I will be easy to beat.”

“Since 2001, when I was 35 and I beat (Felix) ‘Tito’ Trinidad (to become undisputed middleweight champion in 2001), I’ve been hearing I was too old,” Hopkins said. “Now it’s 12 years later and I’m older, heavier and feel little things I didn’t feel 10 years ago, natural things that are supposed to happen to you. But I’m ahead of the game against any 47-year-old who took a punch or never took a punch. I’m in great shape and ready to do this again.

“It’s time to correct the first fight and let people get what they paid for, this time not on pay-per-view. They paid for a fight. They didn’t come to see a round-and-a-half and then have that ending. It happened. You move on and you go ahead and give the people what they want and I’m pretty sure Dawson thinks the same thing and that he will be overconfident and think I will be easy to beat.”

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
NEW YORK (January 25, 2012)—This Saturday night, two of the most exciting Heavyweights in the east will take part in a twelve round war when Tony Grano takes on former world title challenger Brian Minto.

The fight can, which will originate from the Beautiful Turning Stone Resort and Casino and will be streamed LIVE all over the world on GFL.TV for a price of just $9.99 and can be ordered by clicking:

http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Pro_Boxing_Fight_Night__Grano_vs_Minto/1313

Minto of Butler, PA has a record of 35-4 with twenty-two knockouts and challenged some of the best Heavyweights in the world.

He won his first eighteen fights which included a memorable tenth round stoppage over Vinny Maddalone on an ESPN 2 main event. After losing to former Heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs, Minto then went on to win nine in a row which included the rematch with Maddalone on the Antonio Tarver – Roy Jones 3 HBO PPV and with former world title challenger Axel Schulz. Minto went on to win seven more which was highlighted by a win over then undefeated Donnell Holmes (31-0-2)

Minto put up a great effort before being stopped by former world title challenger Chris Arreola in an HBO televised bout. Minto moved down to cruiserweight and challenged for the WBO World championship but was stopped by champion Marco Huck in Germany. Minto will be coming off a fourteen month layoff since his bout which was a second round stoppage over Pierre Karam on October 29, 2010.

Grano of Hartford, Connecticut has a record of 18-2-1 with fourteen knockouts.

He went 14-0-1 with twelve knockouts to begin his career which was highlighted by a first round stoppage over Lenroy Childs (13-1)

After suffering his first pro loss, which was a come from behind stoppage by Mark Brown, Grano came back two fights later with a stunning fourth round stoppage over previously undefeated and highly regarded Travis Kauffman 918-0) that was nationally televised on SHO BOX.

Grano avenged his only pro defeat to Brown before being stopped in two to Nicolai Firtha. In his last bout, Grano stopped Dominique Alexander in six rounds on April 9th

In the eight round co-feature, Eric Fields will battle Derrick Brown in an eight round Heavyweight attraction.

Fields of Ardmore, Oklahoma has a record of 19-1 with fifteen knockouts and won his first eleven bout which included an explosive first round destruction of former IBF Cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis.

Fields lost his only fight to former WBO champ Ola Afolabi and is now on a eight fight winning streak which includes his last fight when he stopped former world title challenger Rubin Williams in the second round of their September 2nd fight.

Brown of New York is a knockout artist as eleven of his thirteen wins have come early.

Brown has been in with the likes with then-undefeated Jean Francois-Bergeron (14-0); Former world title challenger Matt Godfrey (15-0); Former world title challenger Jonathon Banks (17-0); Undefeated knockout artist Jeremiah Graziano (9-0) and in his last bout undefeated Heavyweight prospect Seth Mitchell (18-0-1).

Brown is capable as he has a win over Frank Wood (26-3) and a draw with Alfredo Escalera Jr. (14-0).

A terrific undercard has been assembled as local favorite and multi-time Turning Stone Fighter of The Night Jackie Trivilino (8-3-2, 1 KO) will battle the durable Ela Nunez (10-11-2, 2 KO’s) in a female six round Super Featherweight bout.

Undefeated knockout sensation Ryan McKenzie (8-0, 8 KO’s) of the Bahamas looks to stay perfect when he takes on Richard Starnino (9-6-2, 3 KO’s) in a six round Light heavyweight bout.

In a four round Cruiserweight bout, undefeated Brian Clookey (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) battles Ariel Espinal (8-19-3, 4 KO’s).

In a four round Super Middleweight bout, Travis Peterkin (3-0, 3 KO’s) takes on Steven Tyner (2-2-1, 2 KO’s)

In a four round Super Middlweweight bout, Schiller Hyppolite (2-0, 1 KO) battles James Denson (4-7, 2 KO’s)

Rounding out the card will be undefeated Derrick Evans (2-0, 2 KO’s) and Bakari (0-2) in a four round Light Heavyweight bout.

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– Friday, January 27, 2012 8:00pm ET featuring Cut Throat MMA Invasion 5 Aurora, La Sierra, Aurora, Illinois. In the main event, for the Cut Throat MMA Middleweight Title, Sam Ferguson (2-1-1) of Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu fights Ryan Kirwan (2-3). Ferguson is coming off a first round TKO victory in his last fight, and shows the evolution of the Gracie-schooled fighter. Ferguson’s other victory also came via first round KO so don’t let his home gym fool you, he is an all-around MMA fighter. Kirwan has hit a tough skid, but a victory against Ferfuson will erase his last three fights in a split second. Kirwan also likes to do damage with his fists, as both of this victories have come via KO or TKO stoppage. This could be a wild fight if the athletes decide to keep it standing, someone is bound to drop. It could also be a classic grappling contest, although one that Ferguson should have the advantage. So expect Kirwan to want to turn this into a kickboxing match, which might be just fine for Ferguson. Either way, both gladiators are coming out guns blazing as this is not only the main event, but a title fight, and it would be the first title for either man in their budding MMA careers. In the co-main event, Tom Shoaff fights Anthony Nichols. Being the co-main event is a huge step for these two, so don’t be surprised if they have “fight of the night” and impress the audience with their performance. Both Shoaff and Nichols are well rounded so it will be who can dictate the pace of the fight that might decide who the winner will be. The fighter with the best cardio conditioning will have an edge in this battle.

– Friday, January 27, 2012 8:00pm ET featuring TaKe-On Productions presents Battle at the 7 Train XI at the 7 Train Theatre in Flushing, New York. The card featured at hotly anticipated main event, along with the semifinals of the 155 lb “Rising Stars” 8-man tournament. If you love the striking game, this is the event for you. TaKe-On always puts together great Muay Thai events that feature high level striking with blistering kicks, punches, knees and elbows. In the main event, Turan “The Tornado” Hasanov (6-4) out of the Fight Factory in Brooklyn, New York battles Sean Hinds (15-5) from Mushin MMA in New York City. Hasanov is a fast paced fighter who likes to throw punches in bunches. Look for him to come out using all 8 striking points right from the opening bell. For Hinds, he has a more eclectic style as he has traveled the world and picked up various different styles and methods of Muay Thai. Hinds utilizes primarily stiff punches and kicks along with a very strong clinch to do his damage. This bout will be a matchup of one fighter who looks to constantly strike and put the pressure on while the other fighter is more methodical in his approach and a great counter puncher as well. In one of the 155 lb tournament fights, James Gregory (4-0) from Cool Hearts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, fights Andrilo “Jr” Suarez (2-0) from American Killer Bees in Queens, New York. Both Gregory and Suarez won by decision their last fight and for one of them, a victory here will keep their record perfect and also put them into the finals of the “Rising Stars” Tourney. Gregory has twice the experience as Suarez and will look to capitalize on that by giving Suarez a bunch of different angles when he throws his strikes. For Suarez, he will probably come out hands down and chin up, which has proven very successful in his career so far. In the second bout in the 155 lb tournament, Akio Nakasone (2-0) from The Wat in New York City battles Freddy Cheung (1-1) from Sitan Gym in Queens. Nakasone won his previous bout by decision, while Cheung won his by KO, the only fighter to do so. Both fighters are just getting their Muay Thai careers going and for one of them, a victory here already places them in the finals of the tourney.

– Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:30pm ET featuring Elite 1 MMA – Heavy Hitters, Casino New Brunswick, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. In the main event, for the Elite 1 MMA Light Heavyweight Championship, Chris Johnson (2-2) fights Dana Dickeson (1-1). Johnson is coming off a victory in his last fight for Elite 1 where he won by rear naked choke in the first round. Johnson likes to bang on his feet, but is also a competent grappler as his last victory showed. For Dickeson, he is looking to get the fight to the ground where he won his first bout via TKO, and deliver some ground and pound on Johnson. With both gladiators liking to fight on the mat, this could be a contest where the wrestling and grappling is nullified and it turns into a boxing or kickboxing match. If that happens, don’t expect the fight to go the distance as these two beasts will be throwing heavy leather. In the co-main event, for the Elite 1 MMA Welterweight Championship, Richard Arsenault (1-2) battles Ricky Goodall (6-4). Arsenault is coming off of a long layoff, so ring rust might be a factor in this bout. It could also be a positive as it gave Arsenault time to hone his craft and come back a completely different fighter. For Goodall, who has 3 times the cage experience as Arsenault, look for him to test Arsenault early to see where his cardio conditioning is go for the win in the opening round. If that happens fans should be treated to a barnburner of a fight, because this bout if for a title and that tends to lend itself to fighters pushing the action even more.

Other events this week:

Boxing: Pro Boxing Fight Night – Grano vs. Minto, Jan 28, 2012 7:30pm ET. Star Boxing Rockin’ Fights at the Paramount, Jan 28, 2012 7:30pm ET.

Pro-Wrestling: Future Stars of Wrestling (free view): Jan 26, 2012 10:00pm ET. Impact Zone Wrestling(free view): Jan 28, 2012 8:00pm ET.

GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv

***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1100 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices. Check the event page for details.

If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network

Join us at: www.GFL.tv or twitter.com/GFL or youtube.com/user/Gofightlive or inquiries contact press@gfl.tv

New York, NY – January 25, 2012 – This Saturday night history will be made at Resorts in Atlantic City as the debut of Team Snooki Boxing will feature a trio of Irish brothers. The Hyland Brothers comprised of Patrick “Pajo” Hyland (Featherweight, 24-0, 11 KOs, Irish Featherweight Champion, Former I.B.F Intercontinental Featherweight Champion, Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Champion, and WBF World Featherweight Champion), Eddie Hyland (Super-Featherweight, 16-1, 6 KOs, Former Irish Super-Featherweight Champion),and Paul Hyland (Super-Bantamweight, 20-2, 6 KOs, Irish Super-Bantamweight Champion, and former EU Super-Bantamweight Champion).

The Hyland Brothers will headline a night of boxing at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Patrick will put his undefeated record on the line against tough super featherweight Manny Lucaro (26-8 (14 KOs), Paul will face an opponent to be named and Eddie will be up against Franklin Gonzalez (14-0, 10 KOs). While in the United States, they are trained by two- time World Champion, Tracy Patterson and their father, Paddy who has trained them since birth. The event, to be titled “The Irish Invasion,” will mark the first time that three brothers, who are all Irish champions have fought on the same card in America.

It will be a great test for Paul Hyland as Lucero has faced the cream of the crop in the boxing world.

He has faced he pound for pound best in Manny Pacquiao as well as world champion Daniel Ponce DeLeon and undefeated prospects Valdimer Periera, Jorge Diaz and Diego Magdaleno

“We are incredibly excited to introduce The Hyland Brothers and Team Snooki Boxing. We’ve seen what these boys can do, and expect nothing less than continued success and ‘living up to the hype’ for each of them here in the States,” said Mike Pascale, Vice President of Final Round Promotions. “The Irish Invasion” will be presented by Final Round Promotions on Saturday, January 28th, 2012.

A packed undercard has been assembled that features one of the top Heavyweights in the United States plus a bevy of undefeated prospects.

Derric Rossy of Medford, New York has a record of 25-5 with fourteen knockouts was just one fight away from fighting for the Heavyweight championship of the world and will look to get on track when he takes on veteran Livin Castillo (16-10, 10 KOs) of Atlantic City.

This will be a good test for Rossy as Castillo has fought just about every top Heavyweight such as Jean-Marc Mormeck, Oleg Maskaev, Alexander Povetkin, Bruce Seldon, Eddie Chambers and Chazz Witherspoon to name a few.

Three undefeated prospects will look to keep their perfect marks intact as Jr. Lightweight Chazz McDowell (4-0,1KO) of Yonkers NY battles Phil Nazario (0-1) in a four round bout.

Former world amateur Heavyweight champion, Joey Dawejko (6-0, 2KO’s) battles Alvaro Morales (6-10-6) of Las Vegas.

Newark, NJ based Middleweight John Thompson (4-0, 1KO) will take on Andre Espeut (2-3, 1 KO) of Morristown, NJ in a four round bout.

Anthony Gangemi of Mine Hill, NJ will make his pro debut against Esau Tatum (0-1) out of Pine Bluff, Arkansas in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be pro debuting Moses Molina of nearby Bridgeton, NJ battling Desi Williams (0-3) of Wilson, NC in a four round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appeared on WFAN and MSG Network’s “The Boomer and Carton Show” on Wednesday, December 14 to announce the latest venture in her growing empire which is the formation of Team Snooki Boxing.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and Resorts Hotel Casino.. For additional information please visit www.thehylandbrothers.com, www.resortsac.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Boxing fans can save $25 on any ticket over $100 by using a special promotion code “TSB”

Atlantic City, NJ—USBA cruiserweight champion Garrett Wilson returns to action when he takes on fellow-Philadelphian Pedro Martinez in a scheduled eight-round contest on Saturday evening, Feb. 25, in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City. First fight is 7.30 pm.

Topping the seven-bout card is a scheduled 10-round welterweight contest between undefeated Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, PA, and hard-hitting Allen Conyers, of The Bronx, NY.

Wilson (right), 29, is back at Bally’s for the first time since his last-minute, come-from-behind one-punch knockout over game challenger Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ. That 12th-round knockout came in Wilson’s first defense of his USBA cruiserweight title.

He had won the vacant title April 23 at Caesar’s Atlantic City when he pounded out a unanimous 12-round decision over former world-title challenger Omar Sheika, of Paterson, NJ. A pro less than four years, Wilson is 11-5-1, 5 K0s. He is ranked No. 9 in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 24 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Martinez, 28, asked for this assignment, despite his deceiving record of 6-4, 3 K0s. In his last fight Aug. 13 at Bally’s, Martinez avenged a previous setback by turning the tables on Elvin Sanchez, of Paterson, NJ, and winning on points.

The win over Sanchez was Martinez’ only previous fight at Bally’s. Wilson is 3-0 there.

Style-wise, this should be an excellent fight to watch. Neither man is big on defense and both men like to walk forward and slug it out.

Wilson is managed and trained by Rodney Rice. Martinez (left) is managed and trained by Mike Plebani.

In a six-round contest, middleweight Fred Jenkins, Jr., of Philadelphia, PA, takes on Alando Swain, of Trenton, NJ. Jenkins is 4-0, 2 K0s, while Swain is 4-1, 1 K0. A six-round welterweight match features DeCarlo Perez, of Atlantic City, NJ, vs. Rafael Montalvo, of St. Clair, PA. Perez is 6-1, 2 K0s; Montalvo, 1-1, 1 K0.

Three four-rounder fights complete the card.

Tickets priced at $50 and $75 can be purchased at the offices of Peltz Boxing Promotions (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

In Bethlehem, PA, tickets are available at Pronto Notary, 232 East Third Street, Bethlehem, PA 18105. The phone number is 610-419-6790. Tickets in Bethlehem, PA, also are available from Lemuel Rodriguez at 484-893-9359