Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions are pleased to announce their return to Belfast for another evening of action-packed boxing, this time at the Belfast Waterfront Hall on Saturday 18th February, televised live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The event will be headlined by Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Champion Jamie Conlan as he continues his quest for world honours in 2017. Belfast’s undefeated hero is within touching distance of achieving his lifelong ambition of challenging for and winning a world title and a win on February 18th will take him a huge step closer to his goal.

Winning the British Boxing Board of Control’s 2016 ‘Fight of the Year’ award cemented his reputation as one of Britain’s most exciting fighters and his all-action style has earned him a passionate following in his home city. Boasting a flawless record of 18 wins, 11 via knockout, the New Year promises to be a huge one for Conlan and it all begins on February 18th where he will look to produce another electric performance for his tremendous support.

Frank Warren said: “Belfast is a proud boxing city which always generates an incredible atmosphere at every event. The recent ‘Homecoming’ event on November 5th at the Titanic Exhibition Centre showcased the strength and depth of talent in Irish boxing and I believe we are coming into a golden era with Jamie right at the forefront.

“He has a style and determination that never fails to excite and is a great fighter for TV. The atmosphere his fans produce is special and that’s why I will do everything possible to make sure we secure Jamie his world title chance in Belfast in 2017.”

Tickets, booking information and a packed undercard will be announced next week. Further information will be available at www.frankwarren.com.

As the rounds went by, Deontay Wilder waited like a lion in the grass watching a herd of gazelle, anticipating the right time to strike against Artur Szpilka.

Making the third defense of his world heavyweight title on January 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Deontay Wilder continually pressed forward looking to score his 35th knockout in 36 professional fights.

Artur Szpilka was the first southpaw to face Wilder in nearly three years, and the Polish challenger kept the “Bronze Bomber” largely at bay early in the bout using his mobility and working behind his jab.

As the fight progressed, though, Wilder’s desire to land a crushing blow never wavered-and he finally found his opening late in Round 9.

With the round winding down, Szpilka lunged forward and ducked his head as he attempted to blast Wilder with a wide left hook. As Szpilka let his punch go, the champ promptly countered with a mammoth straight right that caught his opponent square on the jaw and sent him flailing to the canvas.

Wilder danced across the ring in celebration without even looking back at Szpilka, who ended up flat on his back with his arms outstretched over his head and his eyes staring blankly toward the arena rafters.

“It was a devastating right hand,” Wilder said in his locker room after the fight. “I knew from the time it landed that it was over.”

The lights-out punch continued Wilder’s reign as heavyweight champion. It also gained the nod from the staff of Premier Boxing Champions as PBC’s Knockout of the Year for 2016.

The crushing KO beat out Thomas Williams Jr.’s second-round blast of Edwin Rodriguez on April 30, Adonis Stevenson’s fourth-round stoppage of Williams on July 29 and Murat Gassiev’s first-round finish of Jordan Shimmell on May 17.

“[Szpilka] was trying to be a little slick, doing his job of moving, so it took a little bit longer than I expected to adjust to him,” Wilder said after the fight. “But no fighter can withstand my right hand for a long period of time. It just took the right moment.”

After the spectacular knockout, Szpilka was carried out of the ring on a stretcher and taken to a hospital for further examination before being released.

“When you get hit solid with this right hand, it’s bad news,” Wilder said. “When I got his coordination down, where he was going to be when I threw a punch and where he was going to put his head, it was over.”

Coming Thursday: the PBC Fight of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.

NEW YORK CITY (December 28, 2016) Tickets are moving very fast for the World Middleweight Championship on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Madison Square Garden between Unified Middleweight World Champion (WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO), GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, (36-0, 33 KO’s) and WBA Middleweight Champion and Mandatory Challenger, Brooklyn’s DANIEL “THE MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS, (32-1, 29 KO’s).

“We’re very happy with the results from a very strong pre-sale and the first days of sales particularly given that it was over the Christmas holiday weekend,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “We’re ahead of our pace from the last time Gennady sold-out Madison Square Garden in October 2015 especially with the strong added interest we’ve seen with Danny Jacobs being from Brooklyn. We look forward to another memorable evening inside the ‘Mecca of Boxing’ where the two best middleweights will fight each other in front of a capacity crowd.”

Presented by K2 Promotions, tickets for “MIDDLEWEIGHT MADNESS” priced at $1000, $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are now on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Golovkin and Jacobs have an extraordinary, combined 35 consecutive knockouts heading into this highly anticipated battle.

SOCIAL MEDIA — #GGGJACOBS

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
@GGGBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Daniel Jacobs
@DanielJacobsTKO – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

HBO
@HBO, @HBOBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Madison Square Garden
@TheGarden – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions)
@TomLoeffler1 — Twitter

BIRMINGHAM, AL (December 28, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) will defend his title in his home state for the fourth time, as he faces once-beaten challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk (33-1, 19 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 25, from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature the only American heavyweight world champion headlining his third primetime show on network television, after Wilder most recently stopped Chris Arreola after eight-rounds of action on FOX in July. The champion suffered hand and bicep injuries during the fight, but returns on February 25 fully healthy.

“I’m excited about defending my world championship for a fifth time and in front of my great fans at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on February 25,” said Wilder. “It’s always fun to display my talents in front of the hometown fans. It’s an opportunity that I always look forward to and it brings out the best in me. I’m healthy and I’m ready to put on a fantastic show.”

“I’m extremely motivated to fight for the heavyweight title against a great fighter like Deontay Wilder,” said Wawrzyk. “Fighting for the world title has always been my dream. To fight against such a great athlete as Wilder is an extremely difficult challenge, but one I am ready for. I have trained for this since I was a teenager. On February 25 I will step into the ring ready to fight and win against the most dangerous man on the planet.”

“The city of Birmingham is beyond excited to have Deontay return to defend his title,” said Birmingham Mayor William Bell. “He has become a great ambassador for our community and we can’t wait to see him compete once again.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale Thursday, December 29. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com. Fans can purchase the “New Year’s Package” through Monday, January 2 and receive two Upper Level Tickets for $35.

“We are thrilled that Deontay’s two surgeries went so well and that he rehabbed like the champ he is,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “As a result, he will be able to fight on February 25, in another defense of his WBC Heavyweight Championship against rugged Polish contender Andrzej Wawrzyk. We are not looking past Wawrzyk, but we believe we will find out that Deontay is back to full strength and ready for an active 2017, with major matchups ahead. We are happy to return to Deontay’s fighting home base of Birmingham, Alabama.We hope that Deontay’s fans will take advantage of the special ‘New Year’s Package’ being offered at this time. Happy New Year to all.”

“We are very excited that Andrzej Wawrzyk is getting the opportunity to challenge Deontay Wilder for the world title,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Andrzej has accomplished a lot in his career by becoming a top contender with a 33-1 record. This opportunity is a ‘feather in his cap,’ and with a victory, he will make history and become the first heavyweight champion from Poland. I expect Andrzej to make the most of this opportunity and Warriors Boxing is excited to be a part of it.”

“We are excited to work with DiBella Entertainment to bring the fourth heavyweight boxing championship to the state of Alabama,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of Bruno Event Team, a leader in delivering event excellence. “Deontay Wilder always puts on a great show and we encourage Alabama boxing fans to show their support for the Bronze Bomber.”

The heavyweight champion from Tuscaloosa is itching to get back in the ring after defending his title four times thus far with stoppages of Eric Molina, Johann Duhaupas, Artur Szpilka and most recently Arreola. Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. He was the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics until Shakur Stevenson and Nico Hernandez earned medals at the Rio 2016 games. The 31-year-old won the world title with a dominant decision over Bermane Stiverne in January 2015. This fight will mark the ninth time Wilder fights in his home state of Alabama as a pro.

Fighting out of Krakow, Poland, Wawrzyk has won six fights in a row, all inside the distance, since his lone defeat to Alexander Povetkin in 2013. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 27 fights after turning pro in 2006. Wawrzyk owns victories over Frans Botha, Danny Williams, Denis Bakhtov and Devin Vargas. He has won both of his previous starts in the United States, including a knockout of Mike Sheppard in September 2015 on a Wilder undercard at Legacy Arena.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

MONTRÉAL (December 27, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) is proud to announce the promotional contract signing of 2016 French Olympian Christian M’Billi Assomo to an exclusive promotional contact.He will settle in Quebec and make his professional debut there in early 2017.

Known in the ring as ”Le Solide” (The Solid), Assomo will arrive in Montreal at the beginning of January, when he will start working with world-class trainer Marc Ramsay and his outstanding team.

The spectacular 21-year-old Assomo has all the tools to achieve his goal of becoming world champion, as well as a great star in international boxing. As a Frenchman, his primary language is that spoken in Quebec, which will facilitate his adaptation and connection with the local media.

A native of Yaoundé in Cameroon, he moved at the age of seven to France, where he learned by chance to box at the Montargis Club. Assomo quickly developed into a powerful, serious tough and highly successful boxer. He became a major name on the international amateur scene in the middleweight division (165 lbs./75 kg).

A member of the French Army, Assomo had a truly impressive amateur record, capturing gold medals at the 2013 European Junior Championship, 2014 European Union Championship and European Olympic Qualification Tournament, as well as maintaining an unbeaten record (4-0) in the World Series of Boxing (WSB).

At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Assomo defeated Ukrainian Dmytro Mytrofanov and Ecuadorian Marlon Delgado prior tolosing in a furious battle to the eventual Olympic gold medalist, Arlen Lopez, ofCuba.

“At the outset,” GYM President Yvon Michel said, “we were interested in his talent, determination and willingness to do well. There’s also his engaging personality and he has the discipline to become the best. We are very excited to work with him. I am convinced that he has the potential to become world champion.”

“I am very pleased with this agreement with the Groupe Yvon Michel,” Assomo added. “I’m sure this is the beginning of a great adventure. I look forward to my first performance. GYM knew how to attract me: by its past, by the boxers it supports, by its structure,”

“After a good career among amateurs, rich in results,” French National Boxing Team coach John Dovi explained, “it is time for Christian to go into the pro ranks. His offensive style and overall boxing skills will allow him, I am sure, to reach the highest level.”

“I started following Christian M’Billi’s amateur career two years ago and his successes on the international scene were more than impressive,” Ramsey commented. “I am very happy to associate myself with such a disciplined and talented boxer. I see a very promising future for this young man.”

“Christian M’Billi fuels such high intensity,” GYM Vice President of Operations and Recruitment Bernard Barré noted. “Fans will be in ecstasy watching such a powerful and exciting pugilist.”

Assomo, who is currently training in France, fought his last amateur bout on December 3rd. The goal is to have him boxing on February 9 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.

Facts:

Age: 21 (March 26, 1995)
Birthplace: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Residence: Montargis, France
Division: Middleweight (165 lb in the amateurs)
Height: 5’9”
Stance: Orthodox
Nickname: ”Le Solide”

Performances;

Participant at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
Undefeated in the World Series of Boxing (WSB), 4-0 record
Gold medalist at the 2016 Olympic European Qualification Tournament
Gold medalist at the 2014 European Union Championship
Gold medalist at the 2013 European Junior Championship
Gold medalist at the 2015 French Championship
Record of 72-13-1
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. GYM is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.

It’s a holiday treat for HBO Boxing fans. Over four consecutive nights in late December, HBO will present six of the year’s standout fights, spotlighting some of the biggest names in the sport. Featured are signature wins by Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Gennady Golovkin, Roman Gonzalez and Andre Ward plus a leading candidate for “Fight of the Year.”

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 27, HBO will replay six major league showdowns from this year sprinkled over four consecutive nights. All the fights will also be available on HBO ON DEMAND® as well as the HBO NOW and HBO GO® services.

The “Boxing’s Best” lineup includes:

Tuesday, December 27 Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan &
11:00 p.m. ET/PT Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

Wednesday, December 28 Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook &
11:30 p.m. ET/PT Terence Crawford vs. Viktor Postol

Thursday, December 29 Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs. Carlos Cuadras
11:00 p.m. ET/PT

Friday, December 30 Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido
11:00 p.m. ET/PT

*Winners names are in italics, Vargas-Salido ended in a majority draw.

PHILADELPHIA – December 27, 2016 – Victory Boxing Promotions kicks off 2017 with “Super Brawl,” a ten-bout card featuring world class talent from Philadelphia and beyond, Saturday, January 28th at 2300 Arena in South Philly.

Jaron Ennis (8-0, 7KO) will showcase his talents at welterweight in his ninth fight since his professional debut in April of last year. Ennis, who took home his second Briscoe Award earlier this year for his outstanding amateur career, delivered a phenomenal performance in his sixth round stoppage of Marucs Beckford (3-5-3, 1KO) earlier this month. The Ennis family has deep roots in the Philadelphia boxing scene. The 19-year-old is trained by his father and former professional boxer, Derrick “Bozy” Ennis, and is the younger brother of Derrick “Pooh” Ennis and Farah Ennis, who were themselves accomplished professional boxers.

Another Philadelphia favorite, super bantamweight Manny “Major Pain” Folly (8-0, 6KO), continues his quest to remain undefeated, while setting an example for the kids in his community. The Philadelphia Police Officer splits his time between training for boxing and protecting his community and fellow Philadelphia residents. He turned heads in his last fight, a first round knockout win over Hungarian Tibor Nadori (9-7-1, 4KO) in November.

Philadelphia super lightweight Joshua “Hands of Stone” Jones (3-0-1, 2KO) returns in his first fight since winning a wide unanimous decision over South Carolina’s Corey Edwards (2-2, 1KO) at Victory Boxing’s November card at 2300 Arena.

Elite talent, and incredibly hard-hitting Canadian prospect Adam Daranyi (9-0, 9KO), looks to continue his perfect run in a six round bout at super welterweight. Mexican super lightweight Carlos Sanchez, who racked up an 11-0 record in 11 months in 2016, makes his first appearance in the City of Brotherly Love. UK talent Donovan Cameron (4-0, 4KO) also steps into the ring on January 28th in a super welterweight bout.

Amateur standouts Brandun Lee and Christian Camarena both make their highly-anticipated professional debuts on the card as well.

The card is the first of three events on the books for Victory Boxing Promotions in Philadelphia in the first half of 2017. In addition to January 28th, the promotion has scheduled events on March 31st and June 17th at 2300 Arena.

“We’re very excited about bringing some of the top Victory Boxing Promotions fighters to the 2300 Arena on January 28th, and again in March and June,” said Victory Boxing Promotions’ Owner & Promoter Chris Middendorf. “The community’s response there has been so positive, and we’re looking forward continuing to showcase these world class Philadelphia fighters in their hometown.”

Tickets for Super Brawl begin at $40, and are now on sale at victoryboxingpromotions.com. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and first bell is at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit victoryboxingpromotions.com.

Even before he signed a professional contract on his 18th birthday, Erickson Lubin had high expectations set upon him for 2016.

In 2013, Lubin was one of the United States’ top amateur boxers and being targeted as a surefire standout on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. However, the talented southpaw swapped that dream for another on October 1, 2013, when he turned pro and began his quest to become a world champion.

While Erickson “Hammer” Lubin has yet to fight for a world title, let alone obtain one, his decision to forgo a shot at Olympic gold has remained fruitful.

Lubin (17-0, 12 KOs) continued his ascent in the 154-pound division in 2016 by winning all four of his fights in dominating fashion-two by knockout and two by unanimous decision. With his perfect performance, the staff of Premier Boxing Champions selected Lubin as PBC’s Rising Star of the Year.

The 21-year-old Orlando, Florida, native beat out fellow young guns Justin DeLoach, Jarrett Hurd and Sergey Lipinets, all of whom convincingly moved up the ladder in their respective weight classes this year.

Lubin, who in addition to his “Hammer” moniker has dubbed his right hand “Jack” and his left “Sledge,” got his year started on January 31 with a 10-round decision over Mexico’s Jose De Jesus Macias in Immokalee, Florida.

While Lubin was unable to knock out Macias-a veteran who has never been stopped in 28 pro fights-he gained a fifth-round knockdown with a counter right hook and won every round on two scorecards, with the third judge giving him all but one round.

Lubin returned to the ring on June 18, scoring a third-round TKO of Daniel Sandoval in Chicago. In that bout, Lubin pounded the head and body of his Mexican opponent before hurting him with a body shot late in Round 3. While Sandoval did not go down, referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight at the 2:36 mark.

Less than a month later, Lubin jumped back in the ring against his third straight Mexican opponent, battling Ivan Montero in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 16. Montero entered the eight-round bout with a record of 20-1, and he gave Lubin his toughest test yet, as the fight went distance. In the end, though, the young southpaw proved his skills were superior, sweeping all three judges’ scorecards.

Lubin, who has never fought a boxer with a losing record, capped his year earlier this month in emphatic fashion with a second-round KO of Juan Ubaldo Cabrera in Los Angeles. In that bout, Lubin used both “Jack” and “Hammer” to drop Cabrera twice in Round 2 and gain his sixth stoppage in his last eight bouts.

As he continues to sharpen his skills with each passing bout, don’t be surprised if Erickson Lubin’s star continues to rise in 2017-perhaps all the way to the top of the super competitive 154-pound division.

Coming Wednesday: the PBC Knockout of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.

*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns with a special year-in-review edition WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has hosted HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988, the show is a provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 29 (2:30 p.m., 3:10 a.m.) and 31 (12:30 p.m.), and Jan 3 (10:00 p.m.), 5 (5:00 p.m.) 8 (9:00 a.m.), 11 (5:10 p.m., 11:30 p.m.) and 17 (3:20 p.m., 2:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 4 (10:30 a.m., 2:45 a.m.), 7 (12:30 p.m.), 9 (8:30 p.m.), 13 (11:30 p.m.), 15 (10:45 a.m.), 19 (3:35 p.m.) and 24 (5:55 p.m.)

The show is also available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

On this special edition of THE FIGHT GAME, Lampley reviews the year’s sights and sounds in the ring, and beyond, and looks ahead to the unpredictable 2017 boxing landscape. Max Kellerman joins Lampley to discuss the latest news. Also featured: the fifth annual boxing achievement awards, including Emanuel Steward Trainer of the Year, Fight of the Year, Fighter of the Year and Person of the Year, and the show’s end-of-year top ten pound-for-pound rankings.

Immediately following the show’s debut on Dec. 28, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for an exclusive overtime segment hosted by Lampley.

Entering the late stages of a competitive, action-packed fight with a vacant 135-pound world title at stake, Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey upped the ante in a thrilling three minutes that brought out the best in both men.

After Commey gained a questionable knockdown of Easter in the eighth round of their September 9 bout at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania, there was complete uncertainty to which fighter had the edge on the judges’ scorecards.

With a date with greatness up for grabs, Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey wasted no time going back at it in Round 9, which the staff of Premier Boxing Champions has selected as PBC’s Round of the Year for 2016.

Easter-Commey beat out three other worthy candidates: Round 9 of Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter, Round 2 of Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton and Round 4 of Adonis Stevenson vs Thomas Williams Jr. It was a closely contested round, with two of the judges siding with Easter and and one giving Commey the nod, which factored into Easter winning a split decision.

Just 10 seconds into Round 9, Easter and Commey moved into close quarters, exchanging heavy blows with both hands for nearly 30 seconds with little pause.
The fighters backed off nearly a minute in as they regrouped from the heated exchange and resumed a more measured approach working primarily with their jabs.

Commey, however, quickly ramped the action back up about 90 seconds into the round as the Ghana native began to let loose with his right hand coming behind the jab.

With a minute left in the round and a partisan crowd filled with family and friends from his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, rooting him on, Easter appeared to gain the upper hand as he pinned Commey against the ropes and landed a couple of solid rights during a flurry of punches.

After escaping the barrage, though, it was Commey’s turn to return fire as he landed a couple of rights before Easter responded with a head-turning left hook.

In the final 25 seconds, both fighters again exchanged rapid-fire blows before backing off just before the bell so that not only they could catch their breath, but that everyone watching could as well.

NEW YORK (December 26, 2016) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, has announced its 15-member Class of 2017. The sixth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 30, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“Once again, “said NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy, “we’re honoring New York’s finest in our sport. This is all about recognizing great fighters, as well as others involved in boxing, from the state of New York. We’re expecting another knockout night.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include Manhattan welterweight Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega (131-39-6, 69 KOs), Yonkers’ world heavyweight title challenger Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes (39-8-1, 22 KOs), Yonkers middleweight Doug “Cobra’ Dewitt (33-8-5, 19 KOs), and “The Bronx Bomber,” world middleweight title challenger Alex Ramos (39-10-2, 24 KOs)

Posthumous participants being inducted are Queens’ former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 KOs), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyeight world champion Jose “Chegui” Torres (41-3-1, 29 KOs), and “The Nonpareil”, Williamsburg middleweight world champion Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 KOs).

Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Queens’ International agent Don Majeski, Long Island matchmaker Ron Katz, Manhattan manager Stan Hoffman and past Ring 8 president/NYSAC judge Bobby Bartels.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.

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

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein and Jimmy Jacobs.

Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $70.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
About Ring 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

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

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions has announced the featured fighters for a special Sunday edition of his “Detroit Brawl” series on January 22, 2017, at Masonic Temple in Detroit.

In addition to Detroit fan favorite Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (30-10-2, 19 KOs) appearing in the eight-round main event will be an impressive group of local and international talents.

Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 and $60, Seating is $40, and $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and
Ticketmaster.com.

In separate eight-rounders will be recognizable former cruiserweight world title challenger “Hurricane” Junior Wright (15-2-1, 12 KOs) from Evanston, Illinois; transplanted cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (13-1, 8 KOs), from Magnitogorsk, Russia, now living in Detroit and Detroit’s all-action bantamweight James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs).

In six-round bouts will be welterweight KO artist Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (11-0, 10 KOs) from Houston, Texas, via Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan; resurgent Detroit welterweight “Lightning” Larry Ventus (7-11-1, 3 KOs); talented, undefeated bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (4-0, 3 KOs); 2016 Olympic alternate and undefeated middleweight Ardreal Holmes (4-0, 2 KOs) of Flint; and undefeated Toledo super middleweight prospect DeAndre Ware (8-0, 6 KOs).

In a scheduled four-rounder will be undefeated Detroit heavyweight and former National Golden Gloves champion Marcus Carter (1-0, 1 KO).

All opponents are, thus far, TBA, but matchmaker Dennis Turner is hard at work to make another spectacular night that these shows are known for.

On fight night, doors open at 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm. The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street in Detroit.

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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

About Greektown Casino Hotel
Your downtown playground, Greektown Casino Hotel is consistently voted Detroit’s Best Casino. Located right in the hub of the historic Greektown district it’s impossible to be any closer to the action. No matter what you want to play, Greektown Casino Hotel has your non-stop gaming action. From the newest slots and table games to live poker, Greektown Casino Hotel has 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices and so many thrilling ways to win!

Greektown Casino Hotel features a 30-story hotel with 400 stunning guestrooms and suites devoted to your comfort. And for your culinary needs, you can savor eclectic cuisine at one of their outstanding restaurants: Prism, Bistro 555 and The Market District.

For your special event or corporate gathering, Greektown Casino Hotel offers impeccable service in addition to a variety of exceptional spaces to help make your event an unforgettable experience.

For more information, visit them online at greektowncasino.com. Twitter:
@GreektownCasino.

CANCUN, Mexico (December 23, 2016) – The final installment of the 2016 “Cancun Boxing” series, presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Star Media, will air tonight (Friday, Dec. 23) in North America, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.

The event, which took place December 17, was held at Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, which hosted all the series events.

Hall-of-Fame announcer Al Bernstein and Sean Wheelock called the action live from ringside in Cancun, Mexico.

The main event was a scheduled 10-round World Boxing Council (WBC) International female bantamweight title fight between former world champions and Mexico City arch-rivals, Irma “Torbellino” Garcia (16-1-1, 3 KOs) and Mariana “Barbie” Juarez (43-9-4, 17 KOs).

Garcia, a former World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight titlist, rode a 9-fight win streak into her Dec. 17th showdown with the wildly popular Juarez, who is a former WBA flyweight and International Female Boxing Association (IFBA) super flyweight world champion.

In The 10-round co-feature, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior middleweight champion “King” Carlos Molina took on dangerous Mexican welterweight Diego “Demoledor” Cruz (17-3-1, 13 KOs), who was unbeaten in his last five bouts (4 wins, 1 draw).

Molina (27-6-2, 8 KOs), who has dropped down in weight to welterweight, had won his last five fights. During his outstanding 13-year professional career, Molina had defeated three world champions – Kermit Cintron, Cory Spinks and Ishe Spinks – and fought draws with two others, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., and Erislandy Lara.

The final three rounds of the exciting scheduled 8-round lightweight match between undefeated prospect Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre (15-0, 9 KOs), fighting at home in Cancun, and veteran Erick “Tiburon” Rosales (7-6, 2 KOs) will also be televised this evening.

CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia

Instagram: @pepegomez1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui,www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/

About Pepe Gomez: The first promoter in Mexico to bring together 100 world champions of all time in a night of stars called, NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS, on March 8, 2008, conducted in partnership with Don King’s first heavyweight fight in Mexico, where champions Oleg Maskaev, of Russia, faced Sam Peter, representing Nigeria, resulting in the Peter winning the WBC heavyweight title. He later defended and lost his title in Berlin to Vitali Klitschko. In his career as a promoter, Pepe Gomez has organized more than 1,000 boxing matches and other disciplines in contact sports, including MMA and Luca Libre. One of Pepe’s most important gratifying achievements is to have participated with Jose Sulaiman former president of the WBC at the 50th WBC convention where Muhammad Ali was given the honorary crown and green belt as all-time King of the Boxing World. Pepe Gomez has made many of these important and historical events possible from the wonderful vacation territory of Cancun, Mexico.

About Neon Star Media LLC: Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results. At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets. We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7.
About Grand Oasis Cancún: Grand Oasis Cancun is a beachfront, all-inclusive resort and spa with an on-site 9-hole golf course that is perfect for the entire family! The Grand Oasis Cancun is only 25 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown Cancun. Grand Oasis Cancun is Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort. Grand Oasis Cancun is distinguished by the grand pyramid structure as the center point of the property with 613-rooms in the center pyramid, and two additional buildings. Under an impressive crystal cupola the lobby of the hotel is characterized by its hanging plants and exotic gardens.

Lightweight contender Fleix Verdejo will return to the ring on February 3rd against Oliver Flores in Puerto Rico, in what will be his 1st bout since suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“To fight once again at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum is the continuation of a dream for me and also the opportunity to show the world that I’m ready to bring a world title to my island,” Verdejo said. “I can’t wait for Feb. 3. I want to share my joy with my people, and I also want to send a direct message to the WBO world champion, Terry Flanagan, that I’m not a tuneup fight for anyone.”

Ricky Marquez, Verdejo’s manager and trainer, said Verdejo will be as good as new despite the accident.

“We return to the island to clear all the doubts about Felix’s total recuperation and to show that the inactivity, instead of affecting him, has strengthened him physically and mentally,” Marquez said.

In the scheduled eight-round co-feature, featherweight prospect Christopher Diaz (19-0, 11 KOs), 22, of Puerto Rico, will take on Efrain Esquivias (17-5-1, 10 KOs), 33, of Carson, California. Esquivias has lost three fights in a row but is very experienced. He sent former junior featherweight world champion Rafael Marquez into retirement with a ninth-round knockout in a 2013 featherweight fight.

“I want to give the people that believe in me a big win,” Diaz said. “I want my fans from (hometown) Barranquitas and all the municipalities from the mountain to get to the Roberto Clemente Coliseum on Feb. 3, because I’m in charge of the fireworks in this party.”

TUNICA, MS (December 22, 2016) – Exciting welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. (21-1, 15 KOs) is set to battle former world champion Luis Collazo (36-7, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a special three-hour edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Thursday, February 2 from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas (17-3, 8 KOs) meeting Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava (17-2-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round matchup of hard-hitting welterweights plus Houston’s Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (13-0, 9 KOs) taking on Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez (15-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round battle of unbeaten super lightweights

“I’m eager to get back in the ring and give the fans a great fight,” said Vasquez Jr. “Fighting a tough veteran like Luis Collazo, who has a lot of heart and experience, is the type of fight I’m looking for. The fans are going to see a good fight between two guys who are hungry to get a victory. I can’t wait till the bell rings.”

“I’m totally stoked about this fight against Sammy Vasquez” said Collazo. “He is a talented fighter and I’m excited to test his abilities and the will that he has to win. This will be a good one.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $150, $75 and $35 and are on sale Thursday, January 5. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Vasquez has fought professionally since 2012, after serving two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships. The fighter out of Monessen, Penn., notched big victories in 2015 over Wale Omotoso in June and Jose Lopez in September. In PBC on FOX action in January, Vasquez stopped veteran contender Aron Martinez in the sixth-round in Los Angeles before suffering his first professional defeat to Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz in July.

One of Brooklyn’s most respected fighters,Collazo looks to make the most of his showdown with Vasquez on February 2. A world champion in 2005, Collazo has faced top fighters his whole career. Most notably in recent years, he delivered an electrifying second-round knockout over Victor Ortiz in December 2014. Collazo gave world champion Keith Thurman trouble in his last outing, staggering him with a body shot in the middle rounds before eventually losing to the undefeated fighter.

Ugas returned from a two-year layoff in August and has looked sensational in defeating undefeated prospects Jamal James by decision and Bryant Perrella by fourth-round stoppage. A sensational Cuban amateur, Ugas picked up a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and also owns gold medals from the 2005 World Amateur Championships and 2007 Pan American Games. Now fighting out of Miami, the 30-year-old looks to further establish his credentials for a world title shot.

Ghvamichava returns to the ring after an emphatic knockout of Breidis Prescott in July that saw him move up in weight and rebound from a defeat to top unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets. Trained by Virgil Hunter in California, Ghvamichava is originally from Poti, Georgia. Before the Lipinets bout, he carried a five-fight winning streak that included wins over previously unbeaten fighters Chris Singleton and Jonathan Garcia plus veterans Cosme Rivera and Sergio Reyes.

An undefeated prospect representing Houston, Karl had an excellent amateur career that ended with him ranked third in the nation in the 141-pound division. The 24-year-old won six times in 2015 including an October domination of Alfonso Olvera at the Dancehall in San Antonio. Now he is primed to reach contender status after dominating tough Mexican Luis Solis in June and stopping previously unbeaten Jose Felix Quezada in September.

A Chicago Golden Gloves champion, Ramirez knocked out seven of his first nine professional opponents and picked up five victories in 2015 including a decision over former world champion Cristobal Cruz. The 24-year-old most recently picked up his most impressive pro victory when he knocked out previously unbeaten Kevin Watts in September.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TOLEDO, OH (December 22, 2016) – Unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter (18-0, 14 KOs) will return to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio to defend his title against hard-hitting Puerto Rican Luis Cruz (22-4-1, 16 KOs) Friday, February 10 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV live from the Huntington Center.

Televised coverage on Bounce TV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features bantamweight world champion and three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren (14-1, 4 KOs) battling once-beaten contender Zhanat Zhakiyanov (26-1, 18 KOs).

“Being able to headline a big fight in my hometown after winning a championship is a dream come true,” said Easter. “My first dream was to win the world title and now I get to defend it in front of my people. I had great fan support at my last fight in Pennsylvania and I know everybody is even more excited to see me at home. A lot of people felt involved in helping me win that world title, and now we get to have a homecoming celebration. This is going to be big for the city. I can’t wait to showcase my skills.”

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m planning on putting on my best performance,” said Cruz. “I am going to fight for my home of Puerto Rico and become another world champion from the island. I know that Easter is a good fighter and he will have the fan support, but I am already training harder than I ever have. This is going to be an exciting fight, but I don’t expect it to go the distance.”

“I’m ready to get back in the ring,” said Warren. “I’m happy the fight is three days before my birthday because defending my title for the first time and winning will be the best birthday present. We’ve been checking out Zhakiyanov. I think it’s going to be a good show because he definitely isn’t a slouch. I’m just going to enjoy being a champion, defending my title and showing what I’m capable of.”

“I’m very happy to be fighting in the U.S. with a chance to become a world champion,” said Zhakiyanov. “I want to thank Warren for taking this fight, but it will be a big mistake. I’m coming to win and win impressively. This is going to be my statement that I am one of the best fighters in this division.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100 and $200, and are on sale Friday, December 23. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Toledo’s Easter and Cincinnati’s Warren will both look to show the Ohio crowd the skills that have made them world champions and potential big stars in the sport. Both fighters are making their first world title defenses and will do so in the friendly confines of the Buckeye State.

An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 25-year-old Easter picked up five-straight victories dating back to the beginning of 2015 before earning his world title opportunity against Richard Commey in September. Easter was successful in holding off the unbeaten Commey as he was able to earn a split-decision victory in a memorable fight. Now, Easter will step into the ring as the fighting pride of his hometown for the first time, with his sights set on an impressive performance.

Representing Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, Cruz’s last fight saw him in an entertaining back-and-forth scrap with lightweight contender Ivan Redkach in April that saw both men hit the canvas on their way to a narrow split draw. Cruz owns victories over Martin Honorio, Antonio Davis and Hevinson Herrera in a career that saw the fighter win his first 19 professional bouts.

A three-time Olympian, Warren competed for the U.S. in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 games before turning pro. The 29-year-old picked up victories over veterans Jose Luis Araiza, Javier Gallo, German Meraz and Jhon Alberto Molina leading up to his first world title shot in 2015. After dropping a controversial split-decision in their first fight, Warren defeated Juan Carlos Payano by majority decision in the rematch in June and became the first member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team to win a world title.

Fighting out of Petropavl, Kazakhstan, Zhakiyanov has won his last 21 fights since his only professional loss in 2008. Most recently he picked up an interim bantamweight title via a decision victory in 2015 over once-beaten Yonfrez Parejo. No stranger to fighting on the road, Zhakiyanov’s U.S. debut on February 10 will mark the 12th country that he has fought in as a professional.

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @RauSheeWarren, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

Atlantic City, NJ (December 22, 2016) – Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will return ti the ring in an eight-round junior middleweight bout on Saturday night, January 28th at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The bout will headline a card promoted by Rising Promotions.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 21-2 with nine knockouts.

The 25 year-old is coming off a defeat to undefeated Dusty Hernandez Harrison in a thrilling bout that took place on September 15th in Philadelphia.

In that bout, LaManna fought a good fight and had solid moments throughout the hotly contested bout that was for the USBA Welterweight title.

LaManna is moving back up to the 154 pound division where LaManna is undefeated (7-0 between 148-154 pounds) in the division for which he turned professional in 2011.

LaManna won his first 16 bouts, where enjoyed wins over Ashanti Gibbs and Jamaal Davis.

After suffering his first professional defeat to undefeated middleweight prospect Antoine Douglas, LaManna ripped off five consecutive victories that was highlighted by by a 4th round stoppage over Kendal Mena (20-3)

“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring at The Claridge! It’s like my adopted home in Atlantic City and the whole staff over there have been nothing but great to me and my Rising Star Promotions crew,” said LaManna. “My last fight with Dusty was a rough one for me, I feel I was robbed of a decision win or at least a draw. I took some time off, enjoyed time with family and friends but I’ve been training for the passed 2 months and camp has been going really well.”

“This is my second fight with new trainer Ray McCline and we expect to put on a show come January 28th.”

“I’m looking for big fights in 2017, possibly another title fight and TV exposure but my main focus is on January 28th.”

In the six-round-co feature, light heavyweight Chuck Mussachio (19-3-2, 5 KO’s) of Wildwood, New Jersey will fight Michael Mitchell (3-7-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, New Jersey.

Mitchell has faced terrific competition and has only been stopped once, and has fought four undefeated fighters.

Also scheduled to appear in a six-round bout will be:

Junior Welterweight John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ & super middleweight Gabriel Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ.

In four-round bouts:

Ernesto Perez of Vineland, NJ will make his pro debut against Courtney McCleave (2-5, 1 KO) of Concord, North Carolina in a junior middleweight bout.

Jamil Simmons of Pleasantville, NJ will make his pro debut against Tomas Romain (0-1) of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight bout.

Also scheduled to compete in four-round bouts will be heavyweight Quian Davis (4-0-2) of Mays Landing, NJ; junior welterweight Bryne Green (7-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Paulsboro, NJ; junior welterweight Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka, NJ; welterweight Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY & bantamweight Dallas Holden (1-0) of Atlantic City.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com

CASABLANCA, Morocco (December 21, 2016) – Moroccan amateur boxing sensation Mohammed Rabii will make his long anticipated professional debut February 18, fighting at home in Casablanca, at the Complexe de Sportif Mohammed V Arena.

The 23-year-old Rabii represented Morocco at this year’s Olympic Games in Brazil, where he captured a bronze medal in the welterweight division, losing a disputed decision (0-3) in the semifinals to Uzebek boxer Shakhram Giyasov, who then lost (0-3) in the championship final to Daniyar Yeleussinov. Rabii had defeated Yeleussinov, of Kazakhstan, in the gold-medal championship bout of the AIBA World Amateur Championships. An average of 6 million Moroccans viewed each of Rabbi’s Olympic matches, providing testimony to his celebrity status back home.

A gifted orthodox fighter, Rabii was the past World Series of Boxing Fighter of the Year, who signed an exclusive, multi-year managerial contract last October with Nowhere2Hyde Management, which is owned and operated by international manager Gary Hyde, of Cork, Ireland.

“We are delighted to have signed one of the best amateur boxers in the world,” Hyde said. “Mohammed has a great style with knockout power in both hands. He will kick-star his pro career in front of his adoring fans in Casablanca February 18th. He is a national hero, so, the plan is to take full advantage by building him up at home in Morocco.”

Two other boxers managed by Hyde, former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight Simpiwe Vetyeka and middleweight Gevorg Khatchikian, will fight in the main event and co-feature, respectively, against opponents to be determined.

Vetyeka (29-3, 17 KOs), fighting out of South Africa, is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBA. The only two pro losses for Khatchikian (24-2, 12 KOs), a Netherlander, have been to present super middleweight world champions James Degale (IBF) and Gilberto Ramirez (WBO).

Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 18 show in Casablanca, in which Rabii will be supported by three other Moroccan fighters.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @nowheretohyde,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/garyhyde, www.facebook.com/mohammadrabii

NEW YORK CITY (December 20, 2016) “The Mecca of Boxing” and The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden will host Unified Middleweight World Champion, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, (36-0, 33 KO’s) as he defends his titles (WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO) against WBA Middleweight Champion and Mandatory Challenger, Brooklyn’s DANIEL “THE MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS, (32-1, 29 KO’s) on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Golovkin and Jacobs have an extraordinary, combined 35 consecutive knockouts heading into this highly anticipated battle.
Presented by K2 Promotions, tickets for “MIDDLEWEIGHT MADNESS” priced at $1000, $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, will go on sale Christmas Eve, This Saturday, December 24th at 12:00 p.m. ET and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

“I love fighting at Madison Square Garden, it feels like my second home”, said Golovkin. “Danny is a great fighter, one of the best middleweights and a big test for me. I look forward to another ‘Big Drama Show’ in New York City.”

Stated Jacobs, “I’m excited about facing Gennady and proving I’m the best middleweight in the world. On March 18th I’m bringing all the belts back to Brooklyn with me.”

“We’re very excited to promote this outstanding matchup of the two best middleweights in the world, Gennady Golovkin and Danny Jacobs,” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “It doesn’t get any better than this, the World Middleweight Championship at The Mecca of Boxing, it’s truly going to be a memorable evening.”

“With Gennady’s previous fight at Madison Square Garden last October against David Lemieux selling out and Danny’s huge Brooklyn fan base, we anticipate tickets will move very quickly.”

“March 18th is a big night for the boxing world,” said Keith Connolly of Team Jacobs. “You have the two best middleweights in the world going head to head for the majority of the belts. What else could anyone ask for. This is a fight the boxing fans deserve.”

“We want to thank Al Haymon for all his tireless work over the last nine years helping put Danny into this position to have an opportunity to beat Gennady Golovkin, one of the best fighters in the world. Come March 18th Danny will come out on top and he will be taking all the belts back to Brooklyn, you can count on that”
Since his first fight in the United States and on HBO in September 2012, Golovkin has become one of the most talked about fighters in the world. In his last three fights, Golovkin has sold out Madison Square Garden, The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and The O2 in London. The battle with Jacobs will be the fifth time Golovkin has fought at Madison Square Garden.

In his last fight, on September 10, 2016 in front of over 19,000 fans at The 02, Golovkin stopped Undefeated Welterweight World Champion Kell Brook in the fifth round, his 23rd consecutive knockout and his 17th straight middleweight world title defense.

Born and raised in the boxing hotbed of Brownsville, New York which has produced many legendary world champions including Mike Tyson and Riddock Bowe, the heavy handed Jacobs has scored numerous highlight reel knockouts over his nine years as a professional.

In the most impressive fight of his career on December 5, 2015, Jacobs spectacularly knocked out longtime rival and then undefeated former middleweight champion Peter Quillin in the first round in Brooklyn, New York.

Sandwiched around the Quillin stoppage are two impressive knockouts of former world champion Sergio Mora, the first coming on August 1, 2015 in the second round in Brooklyn, New York. Most recently, Jacobs knocked out Mora in the seventh round on September 9, 2016 in Reading, PA.

One of the biggest punchers in the sport of boxing, Jacobs has won his last 12 fights, all by stoppage.

SOCIAL MEDIA — #GGGJACOBS

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin

@GGGBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Daniel Jacobs

@DanielJacobsTKO – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

HBO

@HBO, @HBOBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Madison Square Garden

@TheGarden – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions)

@TomLoeffler1 — Twitter

FRISCO, TX (December 20, 2017) – On Monday, December 19, 2016, Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) and James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) participated in an official press conference to kick off the announcement of their February 25 showdown at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Dubbed as “The Return”, the anticipated bout is a 12-round junior middleweight contest. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. local time and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

Below is what the fighters, promoters and other dais guests had to say at the press conference:

Miguel Cotto – Five-Time World Champion

“It’s good to be back. I’ve missed boxing and all I can say right now is that I’m going to bring my best, every day, at every training session. I’ll bring my best here on February 25 to face James Kirkland and hopefully take another victory for Puerto Rico. Thank you to everyone who made this fight happen.”

James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland – Former WBC Continental Americas & WBO NABO
Champion

“First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God for this opportunity and to my team and the people out there watching and those who will be attending the show. I definitely want to put on a great performance. I didn’t give it my all when I fought Canelo Alvarez. I didn’t prepare the way I needed to but I’m not going to bring any excuses to the table. This fight is to show my team, my fans and everyone who has followed and supported me, that James Kirkland is still in the race. Kirkland is still here to make a stand. Keep my name alive, please attend and watch it come February 25. It’s going to be a war.”

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

“One of Roc Nation’s core philosophies has always been to do things differently. When we began planning this event we took those words seriously, and partnered with the Dallas Cowboys organization to host the first professional sporting event at this facility, Ford Center at the Star. And what an epic event it will be, because returning to the ring for the first time in 15 months, will be Puerto Rican legend and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto. On February 25, Miguel will face off against the extremely dangerous James Kirkland, in what is sure to be an all-action fight that will thrill mainstream fans as well as boxing purists alike.

“This matchup will be one that sports fans simply cannot afford to miss. With Miguel’s return for his tenth Pay-Per-View fight, he is looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history, a man that will fight anyone, anytime, no matter what. Meanwhile, Kirkland has the power and ability to end Cotto’s return with one punch as he continues to electrify the sport with his captivating, action-packed style, and enters this fight in search of a signature win to boost him to true contender status.

“I want to applaud Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ vision in bringing a world class boxing event to Ford Center. This magnificent facility was built to host epic global events, and I am confident that on February 25 this venue will provide a unique and iconic setting for an action-packed bout.

“At Roc Nation, we are honored to be a part of this event, and are confident that February 25 will be a night that captivates the sporting world and alters the boxing landscape. For both men, much is at stake, and Roc Nation is thrilled to be the promoter that will deliver this event to a global audience.”

Jerry Jones – Owner, President & General Manager, Dallas Cowboys

“I’m really proud to be standing here today. When we thought about The Star, the Ford Center – this event center that we have here – the dream was to have a partner like we have with the city of Frisco and the education department of this area, and to join them in doing everything that we could to enhance the amateur sports experience for young people. We want Frisco to be an example so the visibility of what we do here is a big deal.

“This is very propitious to be here right now because we are, at this junction, having a great year. We have a lot of attention, right now. We have the nation interested in sports and interested in football, and they’ve got their eyes on us. Our dream when we built AT&T Stadium was for it to become a familiarity when it comes to sports, to be something like Madison Square Garden. To play and compete at Madison Square Garden is something. I feel the same way about The Star. Consequently, that’s a long winded way of saying, for us to have Miguel Cotto open our initial professional effort here at The Star is really a dream come true. I know him to be a competitor, I saw his fight with Canelo Alvarez and I know what a gamer he is.

“I must again mention that the capability of this building was meant to be versatile for all types of sports and entertainment events. I want to thank our partners the city of Frisco and the independent school district partnership. It’s energetic how exciting amateur athletics and the high school experience can be, and to interject that and join it at the hip with Miguel Cotto and have him and his accomplishments walk out there.

“We’re honored to partner with Roc Nation Sports. We’re proud to be JAY Z’s partner and we are proud of the group of athletes that he has put together. They mean business and they want their athletes to be as professional as the very sport that they represent so this is a ground breaking announcement from that stand point.
“We have 510,000 square feet in this building and we expect there to be over 10,000 people here to watch this fight. We’re look forward to a big fight. I admire these athletes–they are out there with no one else with them in that ring and they are giving everything that they have. We are honored that they are opening up the first professional event at The Star.”

Hector Soto – Vice President, Miguel Cotto Promotions

“I’m happy to be here at this field. Thank you to our partner Roc Nation Sports, Mr. Jerry Jones, Corona Extra and HBO Pay-Per-View for putting this event together. Thank you to James Kirkland’s team for accepting this challenge. Miguel Cotto is back in the ring for his return on February 25. I invite all of the Latinos and all of the boxing fans in Dallas to come out and support this fight. It will be a great show.”

Ann Wolfe – Trainer of James Kirkland

“I know everyone knows that I’m not one for all of the talking, even the sh*t talking or whatever. Every time that Miguel Cotto has entered the ring, I rooted for him to win. Every time that James Kirkland has entered the ring, even when I wasn’t there, I rooted for him to win. This is going to be the first time that that I won’t be rooting for Miguel to win. Now, a lot of people are saying this shouldn’t be Pay-Per-View. Bullsh*t, this should be Pay-Per-View because you know that if I’m with James, he is going to fight. Regardless of who Cotto is with, he is going to fight. So I’m telling you that it’s going to be a good fight. Somebody is going to get knocked out. So, come and see who it’s going to be.”

Tony Walker – Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

“On behalf of the Executive President of HBO Sports, Peter Nelson and the rest of our staff, I would like to say thanks for coming out. I want to thank Roc Nation – this is an outstanding main event and they are going to put together a great undercard as well. This is going to be a great boxing event for local fans to come and see. I also must thank Mr. Jones and the Dallas Cowboys – every time that we have been able to do a broadcast here, they have been so accommodating and we love coming back. We have been honored to have most of Miguel Cotto’s fights on HBO and HBO Pay-Per-View against the greats, Mosley, Mayweather Jr., and the two epic fights against Antonio Margarito. They were all great shows in the ring and they were great successes financially. The one constant in those fights was the effort that Miguel Cotto gave. Every show was a battle, fans got their money’s worth and left those nights thinking “I’ve got to see this again”. I want to say that James Kirkland has also brought that warrior spirit to all of his fights. Every show that we have seen him on, on HBO, he has owned the ring or has tried his best to. That clash on February 25 will be decisive and will provide the type of drama that we’ve come to love in the sport. The suggested retail price for Pay-Per-View is $49.95. We promise you a great broadcast that night.”

Greg Alvarez – Texas Combative Sports Program Manager

“We’re excited, once again, to have a big show come to Texas. Thank you to Mr. Jones, who promised us a couple of months ago that he will be pushing to have all of the big shows come to our state. This is a big show with two guys who are ready to fight. I’ve known James Kirkland since he was eight years old running around in Austin, fighting all the time. Miguel Cotto had his first two fights here in Texas and those were one of the first few fights that I worked on so I’m really excited to have him back. We’re a big happy family because you get to see how everybody develops over the years. To see fighters come up in Texas and to be a part of it makes us proud. Come out here to see this fight or get it on Pay-Per-View. Don’t blink, don’t close your eyes because that is the kind of fight it’s going to be.”

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

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ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto and Two-Time World Champion Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay and Ty Lawson.

ABOUT THE STAR
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL. Throughout 2017, The Star will welcome The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com/.

Former IBF World Light Flyweight and current IBF Flyweight World Champion John Riel “Quadro Alas” Casimero and his team have made the decision to relinquish his title and campaign in the super flyweight division.

Casimero (23-3, 15 KOs), who stopped Englishman Charlie Edwards in 10 rounds last September at the O2 Arena in London, will now go gunning for the 115-lb division’s top dogs including IBF World Champion Jerwin Acajas and Nicaragua’s Román “Chocolatito” González.

26-year-old Casimero, from Cebu City, Philippines, says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to join the greats of Philippines boxing.

“To win my third title would be a great honor for me and put my name in with some of the best fighters my country has ever produced,” said Casimero. “I will be immediately looking to make an impact and fight the big fights that allow me the opportunity.

Casimero’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, says Casimero is more than ready for the move.

“He’s so strong and he keeps growing,” said Lewkowicz. “It is time for John Riel to move up and secure his place in Philippines boxing history. It is our hope to quickly face Acajas and Chocolatito next year. That is what we will work to make happen.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

BROOKLYN (December 20, 2016) – Super middleweight world champion Badou Jack has endured a long road on the way to his highly anticipated super middleweight world championship unification showdown against James DeGale taking place Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

Jack comes from a unique background for a boxer but has persevered through the same struggles that professional fighters face every day. He’s faced obstacles that few are able to overcome and now, with a huge SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event looming, Jack is on the cusp of stardom.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Take a look below at some interesting facts that have led Jack to his January 14 showdown:

1. Jack was born in Sweden to a Swedish mother and Gambian father. He has
six siblings — two older sisters, two younger sisters and two younger brothers.

2. He started boxing on his own curiosity and has already gotten some of his
younger siblings interested in training. Professional boxing was banned in Sweden from 1969 through 2007

3. Began boxing in 2000 and took quickly to the sport before starting his
international amateur career.

4. Qualified for the 2008 Olympics for Gambia. He remains the only boxer to
ever represent the country in the Olympics and was the flag-bearer and one of three athletes to represent Gambia at the Beijing games.

5. Jack is the first Swedish-born man to hold a boxing world title since
Armand Krajnc held a middleweight title in 2001. The only other Swedish-born world champion was Ingemar Johansson, who famously won the heavyweight world title by knocking Floyd Patterson down seven times in one round on his way to a stoppage in 1959.

6. Came to the U.S. to pursue boxing after the Olympics and first began
training at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

7. Was discovered by former heavyweight world champion Shannon Briggs
and he temporarily moved to Miami to work with Briggs. He maintains a close relationship with Briggs today.

8. After moving to Las Vegas, Jack met Floyd Mayweather in 2012 while
sparring Andre Dirrell and eventually signed with Mayweather Promotions.

9. After winning his world title in 2015, he was a finalist for the Swedish
Athlete of the Year.

10. He traveled to Gambia earlier this year and last year, along with Ishe Smith,
to deliver training equipment and other donations to the country.

(Photo Credit: Instagram.com/BadouJack)

# # #

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

Additional action is featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME®and headlined by junior featherweight world champion and Brooklyn-native Amanda Serrano battling former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas. The telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT and features Ievgen Khytrov battling Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising contenders.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

50,000 tickets were sold in first period of ticket sales for the World Heavyweight unification blockbuster between Anthony Joshua MBE and Wladimir Klitschko on April 29 at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE.

Tickets which were available across Club Wembley, Matchroom Fightpass and on general sale via Wembley and StubHub have now sold out with the second batch of tickets to be released on January 16.

Coach packages have been made available in order to maximise the available capacity at Wembley and remain on sale via See Tickets by calling 0844 871 8808 or at www.seetickets.com with various pick up/drop off locations available.
A second batch of tickets will go on sale at midday on Monday 16th January 2017 exclusively via StubHub fromwww.stubhub.co.uk with tickets in all price brackets available. Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £400, £800 and £2,000 VIP plus booking fees.

Joshua MBE will face former World ruler Wladimir Klitschko for his IBF World Heavyweight title and the vacant IBO Championship as well as the WBA Super Championship on April 29, 2017 at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

It’s a holiday treat for HBO Boxing fans. Over four consecutive nights in late December, HBO will present six of the year’s standout fights, spotlighting some of the biggest names in the sport. Featured are signature wins by Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Gennady Golovkin, Roman Gonzalez and Andre Ward plus a leading candidate for “Fight of the Year.”

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 27, HBO will replay six major league showdowns from this year sprinkled over four consecutive nights. All the fights will also be available on HBO ON DEMAND® as well as the HBO NOW and HBO GO® services.

The “Boxing’s Best” lineup includes:

Tuesday, December 27 Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan &
11:00 p.m. ET/PT Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

Wednesday, December 28 Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook &
11:30 p.m. ET/PT Terence Crawford vs. Viktor Postol

Thursday, December 29 Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs. Carlos Cuadras
11:00 p.m. ET/PT

Friday, December 30 Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido
11:00 p.m. ET/PT

*Winners names are in italics, Vargas-Salido ended in a majority draw.

Fresh off of his crushing 7th round knockout of the previously unbeaten Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, top rated light heavyweight contender Sullivan “Sully B” Barrera has his next victim in mind.

The former amateur standout from Cuba wants to avenge his countryman Yunieski Gonzalez’s defeat to Jean Pascal. Shabranskyy is the only other fighter to defeat his compatriot.

“I knocked out Shabranskyy to get revenge for my friend and I will knockout Pascal too. We can fight anywhere in the United States. Hell, I would go to his country of Haiti and fight him. I just want to get my hands on him,” Barrera stated.

Barrera has been chasing Pascal for two years but has had no luck getting the former champion in the ring. With Barrera’s main two targets – Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev – locked in for a year rematch in the first half of 2017, Barrera knows a fight between himself and Pascal would produce a worthy challenger for either one of them in the second half of next year.

“I want a rematch with Ward or a fight with Kovalev but I know they are fighting again so I can’t just sit around. Pascal needs to man up and fight me. If he beats me he can get a Ward fight. If I beat him I can get a Ward rematch or a Kovalev fight,” said Barrera.

“I can’t fight in Canada but I am willing to fight him anywhere else in the world. I will fight him in the backyard of his parent’s house in Haiti if he wants. Pascal, you need to stop running from me and give the fans the fight they want. Did my knockout of Shabranskyy scare you? Me and you toe to toe is guaranteed to end in a knockout! Congratulations on your win on Friday but now it is time for me and you to get in the ring!”

Philadelphia, Penn./Rochester, New York (Dec. 19, 2016) -Willie Monroe, Jr. is ready for another major opportunity after a year where he defeated two world title challengers.

The native of Rochester, New York scored unanimous decision victories over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado in 2016 to put himself in position to be mentioned for an early-2017 bout with Canelo Alvarez or a world title opportunity with WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders. Monroe is also looking for showdowns with contenders David Lemieux and Curtis Stevens.

The recent win over Rosado netted Monroe the WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title.

Sporting a record of 21-2 with 6 knockouts has Monroe ranked number-5 by the WBA, number-8 by the WBO and number-13 by the WBC.

This week, Monroe became a member of #TeamEverlast as a endorser for the legendary Everlast brand.

“I am very thankful to be a part of #TeamEverlast. Joining this elite group of guys is a testament to my hard work and determination being recognized. I look forward to growing with Everlast in the coming years.”

“2017 is going to be an exciting year,” said Monroe. “I saw what it is like to be on that stage in 2015 when I faced Golovkin for the world title. This year I beat 2 world title challengers decisively, and now I am looking to keep that momentum and have a big year. You will see a lot more fight out of Willie Monroe. I have already proved myself as a boxer, and this year I will have to show other elements out of Willie Monroe.”

“It was a big stage to fight Golovkin, but I fought on a bigger stage on the Canelo undercard in front of 50,000 people, and I proved that I am one of the top guys in the division. I will prove that once again in 2017.”

“The most important thing for me is activity in 2017. There are fights to be made; Saunders, Stevens, Lemieux. I would fight all of those guys one after another. My team and I ended 2016 with fireworks; lets continue that show in 2017.”

“Willie put together an amazing 2016 in the final 6 months of the year. I am glad we got the deal with Everlast finalized. This serves as excellent momentum going into 2017,” said Adrian Clark (Strategic Partner to Willie Monroe, Jr.)

“Willie had an outstanding year,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo. “He showed his resiliency by coming back from the Golovkin fight. Great fighters take losses and come back stronger, and that is what Willie showed. He will be in a significant bout in early 2017, and he will prove again that he is one of the top middleweights in the world.”

LOS ANGELES (December 19, 2016) – Accomplished amateur and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis has signed-on to become the latest promising young fighter to join the newly formed promotional company Ringstar Sports, run by longtime boxing executive Richard Schaefer, who has already signed U.S. Olympian Carlos Balderas and Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez to the company.

“Being able to add a fighter like Eimantas Stanionis to our growing group of world class fighters is a great pleasure,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Stanionis is a very accomplished young man who works very hard at his craft. He could be the next great Eastern European fighter to come over to the U.S. and make it big. We expect him to make big waves in the welterweight division. Now that he has joined Ringstar we are looking forward to working with him and making his dreams a reality.”

“I’m very excited to be joining Ringstar Sports and I am looking forward to starting my professional career,” said Stanionis. “I’ve watched boxing my whole life and I always knew that Richard was a great promoter. He’s a very good man and I feel that my career is in good hands. I think I have the best team around me and they will help me get to where I want to go.”

Born and raised in Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis began boxing in 2007 and quickly took to the sport on his way to a 141-19 amateur record including four senior national championships and two youth national titles. He won gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to Rio for the 2016 Games.

Stanionis made his name with great performances in European amateur tournaments for years and years before his Olympic appearance. He won gold medals at the Slovakian Youth Grand Prix, the Amber Gloves tournament and the Danas Pozniakas Youth Memorial tournament in 2011. He continued his winning ways in 2012 with a gold medal at the Brandenburg Youth Cup and the Algirdas Socikas tournament, plus a bronze at the Klitschko Brothers Youth tournament.

The medals kept piling up in 2013 as he added golds at the Gee Bee tournament and another in the Algirdas Socikas tournament before taking home a silver medal in the 2014 European Union Championship. Stanionis was established as an Olympic frontrunner in 2015 after winning gold at the European Confederation Championship. In addition, Stanionis was unbeaten in eight fights in the German Bundesleague and will receive his bachelor’s degree in Sports Science in 2017.

“I am a hard puncher and I do whatever it takes to win,” said Stanionis. “I think boxing fans will be excited by my style. I want to be the first world champion ever from Lithuania. My goal is to make history.”

Interview Opportunities: Swanson Communications is pleased to arrange interviews with Eimantas Stanionis as well as Richard Schaefer. Send a request to contact@swansonpr.com or call 202-783-5500.