New York, NY (11/4/16) – One of the most popular fighters in the New England area, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-1, 1 KO), born in New London, CT, but now hailing from Providence, RI, will be honored tonight at the 12th Annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Dinner as their “Fighter of the Year” for 2016. Held in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun Casino, in Uncasville, CT, Vincent will be the first female boxer to receive the honor.

Vincent is coming off of her highly publicized grudge match against Brooklyn’s Heather “The Heat” Hardy that took place on August 21, at the Ford Amphitheater, in Coney Island, NY. Nationally televised by NBC Sports Net, Vincent entered enemy territory engaging her adversary in an exciting 10-round battle with the vacant WBC International female featherweight title at stake. For years, Vincent had been a very vocal ringside observer at Hardy’s fights in New York, taunting her rival and building up anticipation for their eventual showdown. Vincent and Hardy lived up to the hype, maintaining a frenetic pace throughout their action-packed bout and combining to throw 1,430 punches overall. Though Vincent would lose a majority decision, both the media and fans lauded her passionate performance and she would like nothing more than to gain revenge in a rematch.

Before turning pro in October 2011, Vincent was a Connecticut State, Connecticut Golden Gloves, and National Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. Quickly becoming a fan favorite in the New England area with her all-out brawling style, Vincent won the Women’s International Boxing Association (IBA) International junior featherweight title with an eight-round unanimous decision over Angel Gladney in May 2013. Moving up to competing in 10-round bouts the following year, Vincent seized the Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) World junior featherweight title in November 2014 with a decision victory over the tough Jackie Trivilino. Defending her UBF belt against Christina Ruiz in April 2015, Vincent also picked up the Women’s IBA junior featherweight title with a dominant 10-round unanimous decision. Managed by Mike Criscio and trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., Vincent signed with DiBella Entertainment in 2016. Throughout her career, Vincent has been a mainstay in the state of Connecticut, fighting there 10 times thus far, with six victories at Foxwoods Resort Casino and four at Mohegan Sun.

“I’m very excited that Shelly Vincent will be our first female recipient of the ‘Fighter of the Year’ Award,” said John Laudati, President of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. “The committee saw her match against Hardy and were really impressed with how great a fight it was and how well Shelly handled herself during the buildup, promoting the bout and the sport, helping to put women’s boxing back in the spotlight. In my opinion, their fight stole the show that night in Brooklyn. Choosing Vincent for this award was not a hard decision to make for the board of directors.”

“Shelly is very deserving of this award and I commend the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame for naming her as its first female recipient,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “It shows that Shelly has been a great ambassador for women’s boxing as she continues to elevate the sport and bring it mainstream attention. She proved against Hardy that not only is she a great fighter but that she has a tremendous heart as well and her loyal following will grow because of it.”

Former British, Commonwealth and WBA Continental Cruiserweight Champion Ovill McKenzie has pulled the curtain on a glittering career after being diagnosed with a heart condition.

Derby-based McKenzie won 25 of his 38 professional bouts, with 13 coming by knockout.

Trained by Martin Bowers at Canning Town’s famous Peacock Gym, McKenzie came within touching distance of winning World honours – at 11 days notice – when he controversially drew to Argentina’s Victor Emilio Ramirez in a challenge for the IBF World Cruiserweight title in Buenos Aires in October 2015.

The hard-hitting McKezie won his first professional title when he stopped Peter Haymer in the second round at York Hall to claim the Vacant Commonwealth Cruiserweight crown in September 2006. In 2011, all-action McKenzie moved down to Light-Heavyweight and scored a first round TKO win over Jeff Evans to pick up the Light-Heavy Commonwealth title.

He went on to make two successful defences of the Light-Heavy title against Tony Dodson and Welsh icon Enzo Maccarinelli.

Post-Maccarinelli, McKenzie lived up to his nickname by slaying a trio of Brits. Tony Conquest, Jon Lewis Dickinson and Matty Askin were defeated against the odds, with the conqueror placing credit for his success on the support structure of Bowers and promoter Frank Warren.

“I was never the favourite to win those fights, I was coming from Light-Heavyweight and, even today, I can make that weight easily,” said McKenzie, looking back on his wins. “I’m was never the favourite, they were the home fighters who called me in at late notice.”

McKenzie announced his retirement via his Twitter account earlier today, stating: “It is with great sadness that I announce that I am retiring from boxing. I have been diagnosed with a heart condition.

“I can no longer pursue my dream of being a World Champion. I would like to take this time to thank everyone from my team to the fans!

“As disappointed as I am about the situation, it has been a great pleasure getting to perform for you all and I have to keep my chin up!”

Frank Warren and everyone at Queensberry Promotions and BoxNation wish Ovill the very best in his future endeavors.

Fort Washington, Maryland (November 4, 2016)–A pair of Uudefeated junior welterweight’s collide in a top undercard as Kent Cruz (11-0, 6 KO’s) takes on Darius Ervin (3-0) as part of a big night of boxing Saturday night at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

The card which is promoted by King’s Promotions, will feature undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox battling Juan Rodriguez in the eight-round main event.

The 23 year-old Cruz is coming off his biggest win to date, when he scored 8 round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Rickey Edwards on September 3rd in San Antonio.

The St. Louis native is ready for another win over an undefeated opponent.

“Camp went great. I had great sparring and just good training for this bout,” said Cruz.”I know Ervin is tall and rangy and likes to work from the outside.”

Cruz started to generate a little buzz after his win over Edwards and he became a name on some prospect lists.

“I got good feedback after that win. It was a great win to showcase my skills, and coming back so quick is good as I need to stay busy.”

Even though it was an impressive performance in the NBC Sports Network televised fight, Cruz believes he could have been even better against Edwards.

“I felt I could have stopped him. What I learned in that fight is when I get a fighter hurt and I need to finish him. I should have worked the body more and I could have stopped him.”

With a win on Saturday night, Cruz sees himself making a big move in 2017.

“I am hoping for big things next year. I am looking to get in the mix for a regional title, which will get me ranked and just stay active.”

Ervin, who is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina but now calls Los Angeles home is not in the least awed by Cruz’s big win over Edwards.

“My camp went well. I took this fight on short notice, but that isn’t a big deal. We stay ready, so we don’t have to get ready. Cruz is a decent fighter, but no disrespect, I do not feel he is on my level. I just focus on what I have to do in there and not focus on him. I am on weight and ready to go,”said Ervin.

Ervin is a strong minded fighter, who knows what a win can do for him.

“I am self motivated. He fought a good fighter in his last fight,, but he didn’t fight me. He doesn’t have my skills. Signing with King’s Promotions has given me motivation and I thank them for the opportunity. I don’t care what anybodies record is, because I am in the gum everyday and I stay in shape. Weather I have a fight or not, I am always fine tuning and staying in shape. I am the King and I am ready to defend my throne. I just know I am going to bring my best and I hope he brings his.”

In a six-round bouts:

Luther Smith (5-1, 4 KO’s) of Bowie, MD will fight Mike Marshall (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Bronx, NY in a cruiserweight bout.

Jordan White (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will take on Jose Elizondo (2-1) of San Antonio, TX in a junior featherweight bout.

Marcus Bates (4-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Franisco Muro (3-4, 1 KO) of Tucson, AZ in a junior featherweight affair.

In four-round bouts:

Greg Outlaw, Jr. of Bowie, MD will make his pro debut against Lamont White (0-4) of Waldorf, MD in a junior welterweight bout.

Just Hurd of Accokeek, MD will make his pro debut against Hector Mercado (2-8, 1 KO) of Veracruz, MX in a junior middleweight bout.

Patrick Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Edgewood, MD will square off with Hakeem Atkinson (2-5, 1 KO) of Atlanta, GA in a super middleweight bout.

Tickets are now on sale for $75, $60 & $40 by calling 301-899-2430 or by logging onto www.kpboxing.com

LONDON (4 November) – Amir Khan says it would be an ‘honour’ to fight Manny Pacquiao after the Filipino superstar said he would be open to the matchup.

Eight-weight champion Pacquiao was speaking ahead of his eagerly anticipated world title clash with Jessie Vargas this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation.

And despite stating that Khan was a ‘friend’ he hinted a future clash would be something that he would be willing to make happen, prompting the Bolton boxer to state his readiness to do battle.

“Manny is great fighter and one of the best around,” Khan told BoxNation.

“It would be an honour to share the ring with him and would be a very entertaining fight for the fans. I know Manny well and he is a friend of mine but sometimes you have to put that to the side as boxers.

“It’s important for my hand to fully heal after my operation but it’s feeling good and I want to make the biggest fights possible as soon as it’s 100% – no matter who it’s against,” he said.

29-year-old Khan also believes that despite his losses to Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao is still a very dangerous opponent to go in against.

“Manny is still one of the top welterweights in the world. He’s got great speed, power and creates good angles. I think our two styles mix well and would make for an edge-of-the-seat sort of fight,” said Khan.

“There are definitely some things I can take advantage of against him and I believe being the younger and more youthful fighter would help.

“We’re both all-action fighters and like to attack so it would be a really intriguing fight,” he said.

37-year-old Pacquiao has put his political responsibilities on hold as a senator in the Philippines as he looks to claim another world title this weekend against WBO champion Vargas.

Khan feels that Pacquiao will have too much for the American and is tipping his old stablemate to do the business at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

“I think Manny’s movement and style will be too much for Vargas to handle,” said Khan.

“He’s going to be too quick and elusive and I expect him to win on points. He seems very focused on this fight because he knows how important it is to win it.

“Beating Vargas and winning a world title will help set up more big fights and prove he still has a lot to give,” he said.

Pacquiao v Vargas is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/Online & App) this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV).

BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

17,000 tickets were sold on the opening day of sales for Anthony Joshua’s IBF World Heavyweight title defence against Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on SHOWTIME in the US.

Joshua defends his crown for the second time in his third fight in a row against American opposition – with limited tickets remaining on sale priced £40 to £500 from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000. VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Joshua’s clash with Molina tops a huge night of action in Manchester as Dillian Whyte faces bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC title.

Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Heavyweight wrecking ball ‘King Kong’ Luis Ortiz fights in Europe for the second time after clashing with Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on November 12 and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated welterweight contender Wesley “King Wes” Tucker.

A skilled counter puncher with above average power, Tucker (12-0, 7 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, had over 250 amateur bouts and won several championships including the Toledo Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves, and Junior Olympics multiple times.

The 29-year-old southpaw started boxing at age 8 years old and already has 18 years boxing experience.

“My ring generalship is my greatest asset in the ring,” said Tucker, “tall, small, bigger, I’ve already seen it all and I know what to do to beat them.”

Tucker will make his debut fighting under the Salita Promotions banner on Saturday, November 12, at their “Detroit Brawl” event at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit, when he faces North Carolina’s Richard Hall in a six-round battle.

Sponsored by Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, $63, $38, and $28 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.

A father of five, Tucker says family plays a major role in his life and the reason he is a tireless worker in the gym.

“They are my push and motivation for everything I do. They come to the gym with me a lot at least three times a week. And my mom, she loves what I do. She’s my number one fan.”

Tucker’s manager, David McWater who arranged the deal with Salita, says he’s happy to have another of his fighters under their promotional banner.

“I’m really excited about Wesley signing with Salita Promotions,” he said. “We started working with Dmitry when we signed Antonio Nieves with him and he’s been a gem. I believe he’s THE up and coming promoter in the USA and are excited to get our guys in on the ground level with him. Wesley is a wonderful kid who has overcame a lot of adversity to get to this spot. I am confident he will make the most of this opportunity.”

Salita says he’s going to go to work immediately on his new fighter’s career.

“Wesley has as much skill and experience as any fighter in boxing,” he said. “his 250 amateur fights mean he’s seen it all and done it all. There isn’t the same learning curve with a fighter with that much experience. We will immediately be looking to move him into the top 10 and an eventual world title shot in the next year or two. I thank him and his team for joining my growing stable of fighters.”

On November 12, Tucker joins a full cast of local and international prospects on Salita’s “Detroit Brawl,” including a trio of undefeated Detroit bantamweights: James Gordon Smith (10-0, 6 KOs), Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) and Zach Shamoun (4-0-1, 3 KOs); as well as Russian cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (12-1, 7 KOs); Georgian super lightweight Giorgi Gelashvili (5-0, 3 KOs); and undefeated UK-based bantamweight Muheeb “Flashy,” Fazeldin (8-0-1, 3 KOs) in separate bouts.

More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 5:00 pm and the fights begin at 6:00 pm.

###

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!

For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com.

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar

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.

NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2016) – This election season, boxing fans will vote for the greatest knockout in the 30-year history of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. A Knockout Bracket consisting of 32 of the most dramatic and memorable KOs of the past 30 years launched on Friday, and an ultimate winner will be revealed during the Dec. 10 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader.

The 32 candidates are into broken into four regions – heavyweights, middleweights, welterweights and the lighter weight divisions – with some of the greatest fighters of the last 30 years facing off in this unique tournament.

In the opening round of the heavyweight region, former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield will square off with current WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder, while Hall of Famer Felix Trinidad takes on former champ Lucas Matthysse in the welterweight region.

The 16 matchups in the round of 32 launched on Friday at www.showtimeknockouts.com, and the winners will advance to the next round of voting beginning Nov. 14. Subsequent rounds will continue over the next six weeks until the ultimate reveal Dec. 10 on SHOWTIME.

Fans can join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SHObestKO.

About Showtime Networks:
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA (November 4, 2016) – Top undefeated featherweight prospect DANIEL “Twitch” FRANCO, (14-0-3, 9 KO’s) is winding down training camp in anticipation of his IBF-USBA Featherweight Title fight against also undefeated DERRICK MURRAY, (13-0-1, 5 KO’s) on Thursday, November 10 at the Hilton in Washington, D.C.

FRANCO vs. MURRAY will take place in the main event at the Fight for Children’s 9th Annual FIGHT NIGHT. More information is available at their website FIGHT NIGHT

Promoted by Roc Nation Sports, Franco is featured in the outstanding new mini-documentary,
“I Am Boxing, Now You Know”.

Training Camp Photos/Team Franco

DANIEL FRANCO

“Every day, I’m doing my roadwork in the mountains at Claremont Hills, six miles per day. If I’m not sparring I’m running in the morning, if we’re sparring than I’ll go later in the day after we’ve trained.”

“I’ve sparred all over the Los Angeles area for this fight, in Oxnard, Los Angeles, Glendale and in Rancho Cucamonga at my home gym, Warzone Boxing Club. I like to switch it up and work with different boxers.”

“Most recently I’ve been working with Chris Avalos and a 2012 Olympian from Russia named Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev, both have given me excellent work.”

“There was no change in my training from the opponent switch (Jose Haro to Derrick Murray), I have a little more tape on Murray. They’re both orthodox but they both switch up to southpaw at different times and I’m prepared for either.”

“Clearly this is the biggest fight of my career, a win earns me the IBF-USBA Featherweight Title and a world ranking, it’s a very important step.”

“Traveling to Washington, D.C. actually benefits me for this fight. I can completely focus on Monday while I’m traveling all day just on the fight with just a very limited amount of interruptions, I can be in my own world and take time to meditate on the fight.”

“I haven’t really been to East Coast so this is a great opportunity for me. I’m looking to put on a show and to impress the fans at this prestigious event. And then I’m going to do some sightseeing in Washington, D.C.”

RAY CHAPARRO, Manager of Franco

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our team. Daniel has looked very sharp in sparring and he’s fully prepared for victory. Thursday night will be a special night for us in Washington, D.C., and we’re excited to be a part of this extraordinary event.”

SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @DanielTwitch, @FightNightDC, @RocNation
Instagram: @DanielTwitch, @FightNightDC, @RocNationSports

Pensacola, Florida: Yesterday, Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) held an open workout for members of the media in advance of his upcoming fight on November 19 against Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (11-0, 9 KOs) for the NABF Light Heavyweight Title on the Kovalev-Ward “Pound For Pound” HBO Pay-Per-View televised undercard live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Chilemba and Jones
Photo Credits: Scott Foster/Main Events

Click Here For Photos – Credit: Scott Foster/Main Events

Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba

Question: How did you become a boxer?

Chilemba: “I was born in Malawi. When I was 14 one day I was walking around and friend of mine asked me if I want to come to the boxing gym with him. I looked in the window and I was just drawn to it. When I saw boxing I thought, ‘Wow that’s me.’ I walked in and asked them how to start and they said I could start now. I took off my flip flops and that was the beginning.”

Q: Have you done anything new to prepare for this fight?

IC: “I have been a professional fighter for ten years. During that time, I have figured out what works for me. I have been sticking to that stuff but we keep adding new stuff too. Now that I am working with Roy Jones there is a lot of new stuff added to my routine. He has added things to improve my style. But as far as conditioning goes I stick to the same. Everything has been going well so far.”

Q: Did you know about Roy Jones as a child?

IC: “Growing up I looked up to Roy. When I started boxing the fighter I most wanted to be like was Roy Jones. As far as movements and putting combinations together, I would sit at home and play Roy Jones’ DVD and try to take his talent and make into mine. It is very overwhelming that I am actually here today.”

Q: Have you fought in front of an audience this large before?

IC: “I believe so. When I fought in London it was as big and when I fought in Russia it was as big too. Being on this card is huge to me. I am fighting in the spotlight. I have the opportunity to get back on TV. I am really looking forward to it.”

Q: What can you tell me about your opponent?

IC: “I don’t know much about him. He is tall. I love fighting tall fighters (laughs). I know he is a well-accomplished amateur. Even though he only has 11 pro fights I believe he has all of his experience from the amateurs. He is undefeated. However, that doesn’t bother me at all. All I want to know is he good enough to be on my level?”

Q: Why do you enjoy fighting tall fighters?

IC: “It is easier to hit higher than lower (laughs). Listen, it doesn’t make any difference whether you are tall or short, it comes down to how intelligent and how quick and how much you really want what you are doing. That will determine if he really belongs at this level. All I know is that I will come out of the fight victorious. I cannot say I will go in with Mike Tyson-like defense. I will go in with one plan, if that doesn’t work I will adapt. I love to have all the tools with me.”

Q: What is your strongest tool?

IC: “My will. My heart. I am determined to get somewhere. That is my strong-suit. My will is what keeps me going.”

Q: Are you planning to continue to train with Roy?

IC: “Yes, of course. I think this will be me until my body can take no more.”

Q: What is it like to be trained by Roy?

IC: “It is amazing. It is something I cannot express. I cannot believe I am here training with my idol.”

Q: What has he taught you?

IC: “As a fighter growing up I looked up to him. I copied everything he does and tried to make it into my style. Before now I did not understand why he does the things he does. I just copied what I could see on the TV and my computer. Now I am here and he has explained to me why he does what he does and how to take a step one after the other. It is amazing. It is mind-blowing.”

Q: Why do you think you are going to win?

IC: “I believe in myself. I believe in my abilities. I want to prove to the world that I still have everything and I will be the great fighter I have always wanted to be. Gvozdyk is just something in my way that I am going to destroy.”

Q: You seem like such a nice guy. How can you say you are going to destroy something?

IC: “I never thought of myself as nice. It is my nature to be nice to people who are good to me. But when it comes to boxing I have goals that I want to accomplish as a fighter and anyone that I am fighting is like a block in my way. There is no nice way to penetrate through that and in order to do that I have to destroy. When it comes to fighting I am no longer a nice guy. Outside the ring you can be nice but inside the ring you cannot. That is what I am trying to do.”

Roy Jones Jr.

Question: What can you tell me about Isaac and how did you two get connected?

Jones: “Isaac is very good. He is one of the top-ranked light heavyweights in the world today. He is a very good fighter. I first saw him fight about six or seven years ago and I thought he could be something special. I called him and told him I would like to work with him. The only thing was he was fighting Sergey Kovalev. So I told him that we would wait until after that fight and then he should come to train with me. This guy can fight. I know he can fight. We decided that after the Kovalev fight we would get together. He came here to see me after the Kovalev fight. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. I saw where he had been lacking. Now we are working to correct those things.”

Q: Why do you train fighters?

RJ: “Because I love it. I love giving back to the sport. I feel it would unfair if I didn’t give back to others what I have gained. I love the competition. I love the underdog. I love taking fighters to the next level. The reward for me is that I was able to effect somebody’s life. I was able to take what God gave me and pass it on to somebody else and make their life better as a result. The fact that I can use what God gave me and help make somebody else better that is what I get out of this.”

Q: Talk about working with Isaac.

RJ: “I love training Isaac. His whole career he wanted to be like me. So many people have told him that he can’t be like Roy Jones Jr. They told him to quit trying to fight like Roy Jones Jr. But what they really meant is that they don’t know to teach him to fight like me but instead they told him he just couldn’t do it. I understand how to teach him. He can do some of the things I do. He can’t be Roy Jones Jr. There is only one Roy Jones Jr. I can’t be him and he can’t be me. I wanted to be like Muhammad Ali, that is why I started boxing. I can’t be Muhammad Ali. We always draw a picture of what we want to be in our minds. Now he can learn a lot of reasons why I do the things I do and he can be a better student of the game.”

Q: How far has he come along since you started working together?

RJ: “Isaac has come a long way in a short period of time. I am not so surprised because he had a lot of my movements down already but he just didn’t know why he was doing them. The more we work together the better he is going to get. It is just a matter of time. I am really impressed with him. From what I can tell he wasn’t having a good time in camp in the past. That is what Roy Jones is all about, having a good time while training. You must enjoy your job. If you don’t enjoy your job, then why are you doing it? I enjoy training. I enjoy teaching him.”

Q: What is your prediction for the fight?

RJ: “I think it will be a good fight. I understand Gvozdyk is a very good fighter. Isaac has never been knocked out. Isaac is relentless. He loves what he does. He was in the ring with the toughest puncher in the world, Sergey Kovalev, and even Kovalev couldn’t knock him out.”

Q: What are Gvozdyk’s best attributes?

RJ: “He is a straight puncher. He has power in both hands. He is not a bad fighter at all. I like him. He is quick.”

###

Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound For Pound”, a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA light heavyweight title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and is sponsored by the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Corona Extra, Zappos, JetLux and Monster Products. 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. Tickets are available on axs.com and the T-Mobile Arena box office.

Follow the conversation using #KovalevWard. FOLLOW US:

www.kovalboxer.com
@KrusherKovalev
@SergeyKovalev_Official
/thekrusher
/kovalboxer
www.andresogward.com
@AndreWard
@AndreSogWard
/AndreSogWard

www.mainevents.com
@Main_Events
@Main_Events
/MainEventsBoxing
/MEBoxingSeries
www.throneboxing.com
@RocNation
@RocNation
/RocNation
/RocNation
www.insidehboboxing.com
@HBOboxing
@HBOboxing
/HBOboxing
/HBOsports
www.mgmgrand.com
@MGMGrand
@MGMGrand
/MGMGrand

www.t-mobilearena.com
@TMobileArena
@TMobileArena
/TMobileArena

Toronto, Canada – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an action-packed weekend of premium live mixed martial arts action, beginning tonight, Friday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. ET, when TKO 36: RESURRECTION emanates from TOHU Cite des Arts du Cirque in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

On Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ET, Fight Network will televise the live prelims for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DOS ANJOS vs. FERGUSON from Mexico City, Mexico.

In the TKO 36: Resurrection main event, former TKO mainstays will collide as former Shawn Tompkins pupil “The Polish Hammer” Chris Horodecki (21-6-1, 1NC) returns for his first bout in over a year against Quebec’s own Derek “The War Machine” Gauthier (7-6), a representative of Montreal’s world-famous Tristar Gym. In other featured bouts, Horodecki’s teammates Jesse “The Body Snatcher” Ronson (15-8) and Malcolm “X” Gordon (8-2) will take center stage against Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu disciple Jimmy Spicuzza (7-3) and Speedy Gym’s Dimitri “No Stress” Waardenburg (11-7), respectively, while House of Champions MMA product Josh Hill (14-2) meets undefeated Tristar Gym disciple Xavier “The Breadman” Alaoui (7-0) and Ontario native Lindsay Garbatt (3-1) clashes with France’s Maguy Berchel (5-1-1) in a featured women’s bout. Top Canadian prospects will also be featured as Jo Vallee (4-1) faces Fritz Paul (10-3) in a middleweight affair, plus TJ “The Truth” Laramie (3-1) throws down with France’s Damien Peltier (6-5) in a featherweight showdown.

The UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DOS ANJOS vs. FERGUSON prelims include a bantamweight showdown between Mexico’s own Erik “Goyito” Perez (16-6) and well-rounded Brazilian veteran Felipe “Sertanejo” Arantes (18-7-1, 2NC), a featherweight contest pitting Mexican Marco “Psycho” Beltran (8-4) against former UFC title challenger Joe Soto (16-5), a welterweight matchup between Mexico’s Erick “Perry” Montano (8-4) and American Max “Pain” Griffin (12-3), plus bantamweights will kick off the televised festivities when Mexico’s Henry “Bure” Briones (19-5-1) squares off against once-beaten Brazilian Douglas Silva de Andrade (23-1, 1NC).

Formerly known as UCC, TKO MMA was a staple of Canadian MMA in the early-to-mid 2000s and helped launch the careers of pioneers Georges St-Pierre, Patrick Cote, Mark Hominick and Sam Stout, as well as current UFC light heavyweight Steve Bosse. Over the course of its run,m the promotion also featured names like former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk and former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

Morristown, NJ (November 4, 2016) – Saturday night’s pro boxing event at the Morristown National Guard Armory in Morristown, New Jersey has been cancelled.

Tickets can be returned at the point of purchase

German promoter Sauerland Events has inked a new television deal with ProSiebenSat1, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We have been working hard in developing new talents in German boxing,” Team Sauerland managing director Freddy Ness said. “This year we saw [former] amateur world champion Jack Culcay win the WBA [junior middleweight] championship. This weekend, 24-year-old Tyron Zeuge challenges for the WBA super middleweight world championship. Next year this deal will give the youngsters a massive platform and keep the momentum going in the search for the new stars whilst also giving a chance for [former light heavyweight titleholder] Juergen Braehmer and [former super middleweight titleholder] Arthur Abraham to win back their world titles in 2017.”

LONDON (Nov. 4, 2016) – Undefeated IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua (17-0, 17 KOs) and challenger Eric Molina (25-3, 19 KOs) went face-to-face Friday at the kickoff press conference at Dorchester Hotel in London to formally announce their heavyweight world title fight on Saturday, Dec. 10, live on SHOWTIME from Manchester Arena in Manchester. There were 17,000 tickets sold on the first day to purchase tickets.

Joshua, a British sensation and the 2012 Olympic Games heavyweight gold medalist, will be making the second defense of the title he won over Charles Martin last April 4. Joshua knocked out previously unbeaten Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round last June 25 in his initial defense.

Molina will be getting his second opportunity at a world title. Molina has won two straight since challenging WBC title holder Deontay Wilder in 2015, including a 10th-round TKO over former world champion Tomasz Adamek last April 4 in Poland.

Here’s what the heavyweights said:

ANTHONY JOSHUA:
“I don’t think that I’ll be rusty. I’m not going to say camp is smooth or great because it’s always tough and exhausting for the body. I needed a break because I live in the gym, it’s what I’ve been doing since I was 18 and I haven’t taken my foot off the gas since. The task is to express myself under the bright lights in the arena and show what we’ve worked on in the dark corners of the gym.

“I started preparing my body for camp and then training for this date. I don’t want to mention Wladimir Klitschko too much because that’s not the relevant opponent – Eric Molina is the man that will stand across the ring from me on December 10. He’s a tough competitor and represents a strong challenge to me. We are competing for my belt and the guys that want to become world champion raise their levels by 50-60 percent.

“There’s nowhere to hide on fight night. There’s no change in my focus for Eric. Wladimir doesn’t enter the equation for me. People will talk about him and I’ll answer the questions, but that’s as far as it goes. He’s not in my mind, Eric is.

“It takes courage to step into the ring. Deontay Wilder is known as a one-punch KO artist and Eric stood up to his power, so it shows that he’s here to push the champion and take my title.

“I don’t get involved in other people’s issues or stories, it’s nothing to do with me. It wasn’t that long ago that no one cared what I was doing, so I don’t really have to prove myself to anyone aside from myself.

“The division has been blown wide open but they’ve been saying that for a while and they will keep saying it until someone dominates the division again. It’s not so much about brand and hype, it’s about guys like Eric that come with true heart and are gladiators and fight for the love of the sport, and leave everything in the ring on fight night.

“There’s a lot at stake and with Sky Sports and SHOWTIME behind us, this is a big stage to show what you have got. I’m serious about what I do and about moving forward. I don’t have a script, I can only speak from the heart; whatever Eric’s destiny is, that’s what will happen on the night. If his destiny is to become heavyweight champion, so be it. But my destiny is to carry on the path I am on and put in a dominant performance on an explosive night of boxing in Manchester.”

ERIC MOLINA:
“I’ve been in these fights before. I have no amateur experience so I’m learning no the job — and I’m getting better every fight. I fought five rounds against Wilder with a busted ankle, so everything you saw from me was done on one ankle. That’s the kind of guy this young man is facing. I fight with everything I’ve got. Even if I’m hurt, I still fight, because I know that one punch at any given moment can win me the fight. Anything can happen in the heavyweight division.

“I knew this fight was coming my way because nobody wants to fight him. Let’s be real. All the other fighters want to go and fight other guys and for the other belts and not face Anthony Joshua. I’m a guy that’s been in with Wilder – no one wants to fight Wilder, but I did, and that’s why I’m in London today and will be in Manchester on Dec. 10 putting it all on the line, body and soul. I want that IBF belt, I don’t have the option to go for another belt or down another route. This is it for me, and that means he’s going to have the toughest fight of his career, I can guarantee that.

“Tomasz Adamek had never been KO’d, so the momentum from that win in Poland was big. I felt it was time to take time off from work and put 100 percent into this.

“Back home, people know me as a certain type of fighter. On day one of my career I lost in the first round and that’s why on the back of my shirt it says ‘The Art Of Bouncing Back.’ Those aren’t just words. Boxing is the most brutal sport when it comes to trying to bounce back. Once you lose, everybody is gone from your side. There are fighters out there that say they want to bounce back but they don’t have the guts to put themselves in a position to do it. I put myself in the fight with Wilder and I went to Poland and beat Adamek to bounce back and show people who I am.

“You have to prove yourself in this sport and then you can claim the rewards. I didn’t have an easy road to get here, I’ve had to do it the hard way and I’ve earned my way here.’’

About Showtime Networks:
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

ORANGE, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2016) – Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Ukraine checked in at 146.6 lbs. while Chicago’s Jaime Herrera measured 146.2 lbs. at Thursday’s weigh in (Shelestyuk will defend his NABO welterweight title).

Shelestyuk vs. Herrera is the 10-round welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader set for Friday, Nov. 4, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT(delayed on the West Coast) from Omega Products Event Center in Corona, Calif.

In the co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs), of Catskill, N.Y. by way of Moldova, weighed 198.2 lbs. and Stivens “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, came in at 197.5 lbs. The pair collide in a 10-rounder for thevacant WBC International and WBC Continental Americas titles.

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, weighed 134.3 lbs., while challenger and local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, Calif., measured 134.9 lbs. Freitas vs. Mendez is scheduled for 8-rounds.

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing, Hitz Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are priced at $100 (ringside) and $70 (reserved).

Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event (Friday) at the Omega Products Event Center will call booth beginning at 3:30 PM PT. The Omega Products Event Center is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881.

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

FULL WEIGHTS BELOW

Taras Shelestyuk 146.5 – Jimmy Herrera 146.25

Constantin Bejenaru 198.2 – Steve Bujaj 197.5

Vitor Jones Freitas 134.25 – Manuel Mendez 135

Ruben Villa 125.9 – Aaron Lopez 125

Xolisani Ndongeni – Juan Garcia Mendez 136.5

Danny Andujo 114.8 – Saul Sanchez 115

Jerry Larios 143.8 – Jose Gonzalez 142.9

Final quotes (courtesy of SHOWTIME)

TARAS SHELESTYUK

“Herrera is a good fighter, a tough fighter. I know he has defeated some good fighters like Mike Jones, who was a top fighter who’d been off a couple years. But I’m 100 percent ready. I expect a very tough and exciting fight but I expect to be much stronger and smarter.

“I’m excited for all the attention this fight and I are getting. I’ve always known that fans in America have known me but maybe now more than before. I think in the next year, I can become even more well-known.

“I’ve been working on strength and becoming more powerful. I think my boxing skills are already good, but my speed and power are better than before. I feel in sparring that I’m punching harder.

“I like to work the body. I like the fact you land enough of them early, they take a toll late. That’s one thing good about fighting as a pro. I feel good about my career; I hope to be fighting some of the best fighters in the division within a year.

“I’m sure Herrera will probably try and come at me; there’s no chance he can beat me at boxing. I like guys who come forward. They are good for me because I can counter and move side to side. And I’m ready to fight on the inside if necessary.

“I know I can improve on my last ShoBox fight. I made it closer than it should have been. If we had it over again I think I maybe stop him just because of what we’re been working on in the gym.

“Sparring with Shane Mosley has been huge for me. He’s such a great fighter. When I was younger, I’d watch his fights. Now we spar. He’s older but still very good. He knows all the tricks and gives me a lot of advice that helps me in and out of the ring. Everything he’s said to me, I’ve tried to apply.”

JIMMY HERRERA:

“I’ve been working a full two months for this fight so I’m ready. This is going to be a very good test for both of us, a great fight. He’s a good European boxer, another unbeaten for me. But I don’t feel like I’m coming in as the underdog at all. He’s got his strengths, I’ve got my strengths.

“There has to be a purpose for every punch. Each has to count. If he opens up and makes a mistake, I have to take advantage. I need to get him out of his rhythm early, force him out of his comfort zone and make him fight my fight.

“I’ll be the aggressor. But I’d love if he was the aggressor. I just think, though, knowing him, he’s going to try to box and win the rounds that way. I work all the time coming forward and that’s what I’ll do tomorrow.

“A kid from Chicago, like me, it’s hard to get anywhere in boxing without connections, so finally after fighting so long without a manager, I signed with Cameron Dunkin. I always knew I could be a good boxer, but never figured I’d be a boxer. But look at me know, I’m fighting on SHOWTIME and this fight couldn’t be coming along at a better time.”

CONSTANTIN BEJENARU:

“I feel your amateur career gives you a good foundation, like a beginner, but once you turn pro it’s a total different game. It doesn’t matter who has more experience as an amateur. As professionals, we all have to do our jobs here.

“I don’t know Bujaj, but I saw his fight with Junior Wright so I know he is tough.

“I feel this is a big step for me. He’s 16-0, a good fighter who can punch or box, and this is for a belt. This a good fight for both of us.

“I work hard for every fight and this was no exception. We know we have to pay attention to detail. This is a dangerous guy but I am very confident.

“I definitely don’t expect an easy fight. I have to press the action. I need to make him as uncomfortable as I can.

“I don’t have a lot of pro knockouts but boxing isn’t just about power. Boxing is intelligence and mental; it’s not just a street fight for me.

“This is my second fight on ShoBox. I’m so happy to be back again after that last win over Zubov. The goal is to keep busy, come back early next year and then sometime by next year be ready to fight for a major title of some type.”

STEVE BUJAJ:

“I’m looking forward to this fight, my first on network TV, to see where I’m at. The way I feel, I’ve got everything to win, everything to lose. This either pushes me to the next level, or I stay where I’m at.

“I’m ready for any kind of fight. I’m a versatile fighter and I will have the height advantage.

“I feel ready now for the bigger fights, the additional exposure on SHOWTIME, the ratings, the titles, all of it. But I definitely will be even more after Friday.

“I don’t feel this is going 10 rounds. I feel I’ll break him down and eventually stop him. I feel I’ve got the skills and definitely the heart. I’m healthy and ready to go.

“I saw his last fight on ShoBox, and thought it was pretty decent. He’s pretty short for a cruiserweight. Although we’re both from New York, I’d never heard of him before.

“Camp went awesome with lots of sparring. In Las Vegas. I trained with Mayweather fighters like Ronald Gavril, Badou Jack and Caleb Plant. It’s been four years since I’ve fought a left-hander but I do not consider it factor.”

VITOR JONES FREITAS:

“I thank God and both my uncles for helping me get to where I am, for teaching me and for guiding me in every step of my life and in boxing. Without their influence and what they’ve done for me since I was 11, I feel I’d be dead today.

“I’m very excited about this fight and the opportunity to fight better guys. This for me is all about taking advantage of the opportunity.

“I’m getting more and more experience. My goal is to work hard and, like my Uncle Acelino, make good fights and become a world champion”

“We’ve studied Mendez’ fighting style and have a lot of respect for his trainer, Joel Diaz. I know Mendez is very strong and comes forward. I don’t know if he likes it when his opponents attack from the sides but I’m ready to fight him on the sides, head-on and toe-to-toe.”

MANUEL MENDEZ:

“This is my ninth fight with Joel and we know each other very well. Through the bad and good, he’s been there for me.

“I’m sure Freitas has confidence in his ability but like any other undefeated fighter he does well until he hits the wall, which is what Joel wants me to make him do. He wants me to punish him, take my time.

“I feel have I have natural power, can take a punch and have heart. Hit me as much as you want, but watch out once I connect and turn things around. My goal always is to break them down, starting with the body.

“I may not have the pedigree of some of these guys, but I’m learning defense, how to pace myself, staying poised and most importantly, just how to fight. The more experience, the more mature you become.

“Tomorrow I just want to be me and listen to Joel in the corner. I wouldn’t want to be standing in from of me. If he wants to stand and bang, let’s do it. I guarantee he’s the one going back after the first few moments.”

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS – November 3, 2016 – As any reader of boxing comment sections, message boards and Twitter can attest, boxing fans are ready to see today’s champions step up and fight the best. Rogelio Casarez (13-5, 5KO) is the anti-cherry picker, dubbed “El Loco,” perhaps because he flew to China as an underdog to face an undefeated fighter, or maybe because he wants to put the NABF title he took from that fighter on the line as soon as possible in a fight with any of the top fighters in his division.

At 26 years old, Casarez knows the clock is ticking. “I started boxing late, at 20 years old. I always loved to fight, and I decided to learn the fundamentals and make a run at a title.” He didn’t waste any time, facing Jamel Herring in only his seventh fight, a fight that ended in a second round stoppage. “About an hour after the fight, as we sat on the balcony at the Hard Rock, Rogelio promised me he’d get a title,” recalled co-manager Brandon Foster of Bad Dawg Boxing Management. “And he did. He went to China and won the NABF title. He doesn’t want the easy fights. He wants a World Title, and he’ll take all comers to get it.”

Since his 12-round unanimous decision win over Romanakit Boontree (8-1, 5KO) in Chengdu, China in July, Casarez has had one fight in his adopted hometown of Batesville, Arkansas, which ended in a unanimous decision win over twelve rounds versus Louisiana’s Blake Franklin (12-9-2, 3KO). Casarez is the current holder of the NABF Junior Lightweight Title and the IPBU World Super Lightweight Title.

The ride has been unexpected and exciting for the fighter, who was born and raised in Guatamala, where his parents still live. “I began working with my dad on our family farm when I was six years old. At 16, I left to the United States to make a better life. My parents are very proud of me, and none of us could have foreseen that I would end up fighting in China, and doing the things I’ve been fortunate enough to do during my boxing career,” said Casarez.

“I went to China and won this title. I wasn’t supposed to, but I did what I had to do, and by the grace of God, I won. Now I want an opportunity to show the rest of the world what I can do, and I’m ready to put my title on the line to do it,” said Casarez. “I’m calling on promoters, matchmakers, managers and networks to give me that shot. Let the other guys pick cherries. I’m here to fight.”

For more information on Bad Dawg Boxing Management, contact Brandon Foster at 870-613-4585.

LAS VEGAS (November 3, 2016) – The remarkable journey of Demond “Body Shot” Brock, from prison into the boxing ring, has led him to a 10-round main event showdown Friday night, November 18, with North American Boxing Association (NABA) United States lightweight champion Reynaldo Blanco (13-2, 7 KOs) in the latest installment of the popular “Knockout Night at the D” series, airing (9 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network live from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center tent.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

Hall of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call the action from ringside, along with roving reporter Sean Wheelock, on CBS Sports Network. Known for introducing the top stars of professional wrestling to the ring for 20 years, Justin Roberts will join the legendary CBS Sports Network broadcast team in Las Vegas for the Nov. 18 show to enhance the entrances of the “Knockout Night at the D” boxing stars of tomorrow.

Brock (12-3-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of New Orleans, learned how to box in the Louisiana State Penitentiary, where he was sentenced at the age of 15 for armed robbery. He served a 14 ½-year sentenced and he ended up with a 39-1 record with 17 knockouts. Upon his release, Brock won the Ringside Tournament and he was the No. 1 ranked welterweight in the United States. Brock reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials and finished his amateur career with an outstanding 54-3 record. He left prison a completely different person; much calmer and cerebral, which he totally attributes to becoming a boxer.

(L-R) — Brock & Jones
(photo by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / RJJ Boxing Promotions)

In his last fight (June 10), Brock defeated previously unbeaten Chuy Gutierrez (14-0-1), headlining a “Knockout Night at the D” show at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, retaining his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States lightweight title in his first title defense. Brock, 35, originally captured his title belt in 2015, by way of an 8-round unanimous decision over
Oscar Valenzuela (9-1-1).

Living legend and 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. has been training Brock in Pensacola, Florida, for his Nov. 18th fight with Blanco. “I love Demond’s energy and his will to learn,” Jones noted. “He has been very enthusiastic, doing everything asked of him and more, each day in the gym. Everybody will see what a talent Demond is November 18th. He has a lot of upside in this sport and the heart of a champion.”

“Having an opportunity to train with somebody like Roy Jones, Jr. is a great opportunity for me,” Brock said from training camp. “I’m learning new things every day from one of the greatest boxers of all-time. This is truly a blessing and I’m grateful to have everybody on my team working so hard to make me the best I can be.”

Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino junior middleweight title-holder Daniel “El Duro” Rosario Cruz (11-1, 10 KOs), a legitimate knockout artist from Puerto Rico, meets past Mexico welterweight champion an proven upset specialist Norberto Gonzalez (22-8, 13 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature.

Rising Las Vegas junior lightweight Randy Moreno (6-0, 5 KOs) steps up in class in the television opener in his first scheduled 6-round bout against Mexican veteran Daniel Perales (7-5-1, 4 KOs)

Keeping with its goal to showcase young talent based in Las Vegas, junior flyweight Marina “Rocky” Ramirez (2-0), fighting out of Idaho, and pro-debuting cruiserweight Jason Beauchamp are slated to be fighting in separate 4-round bouts.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $1,000.00 VIP booth (includes 15 admissions), $50.00 VIP ringside, $25.00 and $15.00 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. PT.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.dlvec.com, www.thed.com, www.royjonesjrboxing.com, www.knockoutnightboxing.com

Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/dlvec, www.Facebook.com/thedlasvegas

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @bodyshot brock and @_randymoreno

RIVAL BOXING GEAR & EQUIPMENT is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series. www.rivalboxing.com, @rivalboxinggear
About the D Las Vegas: the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.

About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center: Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @dlveventscenter.

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. Based in Las Vegas, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as undefeated super welterweight John Vera and former 3-time world super bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, along with Tony Lopez and Hanzel Martinez, lightweight Demond Brock, super featherweight Randy Moreno, cruiserweight Irsael Duffus, bantamweight Max Ornelas, super lightweight Emanuel Robles, middleweight Rolando Garza and light heavyweight Adrian Taylor.

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. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/

Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora had to be separated by security and filming was halted at Sky Sports studios this evening as they faced-off in the ‘Gloves Are Off’ ahead of their WBC World Heavyweight title eliminator at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on SHOWTIME in the US.

The bitter London rivals sat face-to-face for 22 tension-filled minutes of filming with Johnny Nelson the man in the middle, before Whyte accused Chisora of ducking a clash with Anthony Joshua – lighting the fuse for the pair to leap to their feet, leading to security stepping in and filming ending.

Whyte and Chisora had earlier come head-to head for their first press conference for their Manchester showdown, and while the pair behaved there was a sense of unease in the air that boiled over as they renewed hostilities at Sky Sports.

“After a fairly mild press conference, Dillian and Dereck made their way to Sky Sports HQ to film the ‘Gloves Are Off’,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We were 22 minutes into an entertaining exchange when tempers flared and the pair had to be separated by security.

“We decided to cancel filming and let the fighters calm down and return to camp. The show will still be aired on Sky Sports in the build-up to December 10.”

Whyte and Chisora clash on a huge bill in Manchester as Anthony Joshua MBE defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against American challenger Eric Molina.

Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Heavyweight wrecking ball ‘King Kong’ Luis Ortiz fights in Europe for the second time after clashing with Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on November 12 and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Friday November 4. Tickets priced £40 to £500 will be available from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

LOS ANGELES (November 3, 2016) – On November 4th, International Boxing Association Featherweight Title holder and rising Golden Boy Promotions contender Manuel “Tino” Avila (21-0, 8 KOs) will take on former WBO International featherweight title holder Jose Ramirez (27-5-2, 16 KOs) headlining popular SoCal boxing sensation LA FIGHT CLUB for a featherweight bout scheduled for ten rounds.

In anticipation for Avila’s return to the ring, Golden Boy Promotions caught up with the fighter for an exclusive Q & A session.Below is what Avila had to say:

You recently made the shift to start fighting in the featherweight division. Why did you decide to do this?

I decided to make the shift from bantamweight to featherweight because I loved the extra power I felt in my punches. Being a featherweight feels right to me – my body is perfect for this class. It’s also opened up a wider range of fighters to take on. With more fighters to take on, I can improve my boxing and move up within the ranks.

What do you know about your opponent?

I know that he will come forward in the ring – in boxing everyone has a chance to win, and just as much as I want to win, he will to. He’s fought big opponents, and I am expecting him to put on the pressure and to land punches that will hurt. On paper, he’s a tougher opponent that I have faced in the past, but I’m confident I can defeat him.

What does boxing mean to you?

Boxing is a way of life. I dedicate all I have to it – I work multiple jobs to maintain my family, and on top of that I still find the time to be a professional boxer. Boxing is what motivates me and wakes me up in the morning, and especially with my new child on the way – I need to make it to the top. At twenty-four, I know where my priorities are.

Looking at your career, where would you say you are?

I think I am a couple of fights away from a title shot. I am at a better weight suited for my body, and I’ve been more active. This will be my third fight as a featherweight, and I’m excited for the opportunity to maintain my undefeated status at 126 pounds. I’m in a stacked division, and there are many different opportunities for me to develop more experience.

What have been some of your most notable fights?

I think my most notable and memorable fight was against Yoandris Salinas for the interim NABF super bantamweight title. Going into the fight, I was called the underdog, and was expected to lose. However, I was able to take over the fight and get the stoppage. I would also say that the fight against Ricky Lopez was important to build me up because it was the first time I got a cut on my face, and was able to finish the fight. Additionally, my fight with Enrique Quevedo was important because I hurt both of my hands, and was still able to get the unanimous decision.

What kind of fighter would you describe yourself as?

I am calm in the ring. I don’t feel pressure that easy. I would also describe myself as focused. I can take on anyone. I’m also very resilient, I’m able to withstand tough opponents and prove that I am strong in the ring. When I’m not in the ring, I’m fun, goofy, and love life.

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

I’m so excited to finally eat at Thanksgiving this year! The past couple of years I’ve always been training for a fight in December, and I am looking forward to eating everything and anything from tamales to posole, to the turkey and stuffing. I’m also looking forward to spending time with my wife and family. I am beyond thankful for them and all the support they have given me over the years. Especially my wife – she understands more than anyone the sacrifice it takes to be a boxer.

What are you looking forward to in 2017?

I’m so excited for my beautiful daughter to be born, and to be a dad. I’m also excited to keep fighting despite the obstacles, and be able to hopefully get a chance at a title fight. I want the recognition. I want people to know who I am.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Avila vs. Ramirez, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, November 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are starting at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets in advance before they sell out for the remaining dates taking place November 4 and December 2.

A war of words erupted between bitter Irish Welterweight rivals Tyrone McKenna (11-0-1 3 KOs) and Sean Creagh (4-0 2 KOs) at today’s heated press conference at Belfast’s Malone Lodge Hotel. The undefeated foes meet face-to-face in the ring this Saturday, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

McKenna has been a busy boxer lately. Three fights in just over four months have kept the Belfast man extremely active at a pivotal stage of his career. On Saturday McKenna faces the toughest test of his career against the supremely confident Creagh. Both men are putting their undefeated records on the line in what promises to be an explosive contest.

“He hasn’t tasted defeat yet so he’s very confident going into this fight,” said McKenna. “He’s been running his mouth on Twitter in the build-up to Saturday’s fight but he knows deep down that he’s scared of me. He can’t beat me; not a chance.

“After I knock out Sean Creagh I’ll be pushing for domestic titles. This fight isn’t going past four rounds. I’m too good for him and we both know it. I can deal with anything he throws at me; there’s only going to be one winner come Saturday night.”

“I’m really looking forward to this one,” said Creagh. “He says that I’m a White-Collar pro so he better back that up on Saturday. All I can say to Tyrone is you better leave your ASICS at home, you can’t knock me out if your’re on the back foot.

“If you look through his record, who has he fought? He’s only had three stoppage wins in twelve fights. He goes on like he’s Gennady Golovkin but he doesn’t have any power. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m all about in front of the BoxNation cameras. I’m going to knock Tyrone out.”

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this show on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.490), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

Like
Tweet
+1
Forward to Friend

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (November 3, 2016) – The M-1 Challenge 72 main card is set with the recent announcement of four interesting bouts, headlined by M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko’s title defense against former title-holder Murad “Hunter” Abduleav, November 18 in Moscow, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 72 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

In addition to the rematch between Kunchenko (14-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0) and Abdulaev (15-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0), the lightweight fight between former champion Artiom Damkovsky and Alexey “Ataman” Makhno had already been announced by M-1 Global.

Undefeated Russian middleweight Artem Frolov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), a strong striker and Combat Sambo master, faces American opponent Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fiorvanti (26-14-0, M-1: 4-3-0) battle with future title fight implications on the line for the winner.

Frolov is coming off a three-round unanimous decision over Rafael Xavier at M-1 Challenge 70, while Fiorvanti is considered a good all-around fighter who is a former M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger.

In a featherweight bout, fully recovered Kurbaneli Abdusalamor (6-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0) faces fellow Russian Timur Nagibin (7-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0). Abdusalamov has won four fights in a row, including his last 13 months ago against American Lee Morrison, which ended in a 3-round majority decision for the Russian fighter before he was sidelined with injuries.

Lightweight Damir Ismagulov (8-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), a native of Kazakhstan fighting out of Russia, meets Brazilian Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (16-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0). Ismagulov has won his last three fights, including a 3rd-round knockout of Raul Tutarauli in the M-1 Challenge 66 Fight of the Night. Pereira is coming off a non-title fight loss by decision to M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko.

Croatian middleweight Kristijan “Klitschko” Perak (9-3-1, M-1: 0-2-1) returns to action against Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzads (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0). Perak is seeking his first M-1 victory, Nadzhafzads hopes to improve his unbeaten M-1 record to 3-0.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72: Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia
Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia

INFORMATION

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

With a 43-year history of televising the biggest fights in pro boxing, HBO Sports takes an in-depth look at 2016’s most-anticipated matchup of undefeated fighters as they prepare for their light heavyweight unification title fight in ROAD TO KOVALEV/WARD. The special debuts SATURDAY, NOV. 12 at 12:30 a.m. ET/PT, immediately following the “HBO Boxing After Dark” replay that begins at 11:00 p.m.

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 13 (11:45 a.m., 4:00 a.m.), 14 (8:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m.), 16 (5:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 17 (3:15 a.m.), 18 (6:45 p.m.) and 19 (5:15 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 15 (3:40 p.m., 11:35 p.m.), 17 (9:00 p.m.), 18 (1:00 a.m.) and 19 (10:50 a.m.)

The special will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand, and at hbo.com/boxing, as well as other new media platforms.

Russian-born Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs), 33, has taken over the light heavyweight division in meteoric fashion with an aggressive style and overwhelming knockout power. He certified his status as an elite fighter two years ago by dominating ring legend Bernard Hopkins. Now, after locking up three title belts, Kovalev is looking to take his superb career to the next level.

Hailing from Oakland, Cal., 32-year-old Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) was a super middleweight champion before his recent move up to light heavyweight. Ward’s domination of the 168-pound division included wins over Chad Dawson, Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham, Allan Green and Mikkel Kessler. Undefeated since age 14, he is the last American male to win an Olympic gold medal (2004) in boxing. Ward boasts a wide assortment of skills that gives him an edge with many seasoned boxing observers.

The special visits the training camps of Kovalev and Ward as they prepare for their light heavyweight unification title showdown.

ROAD TO KOVALEV/WARD is narrated by Liev Schreiber.

“Kovalev vs. Ward” takes place Saturday, Nov. 19 at T-Mobile Arena in Los Vegas, NV and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT).

For more information, visit hbo.com/boxing; become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/HBOBoxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #KovalevWard.

###

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields took to social media today to announce the opponent for her much anticipated pro debut on the lead-off freeview telecast of Kovalev-Ward “Pound For Pound” on Saturday, Nov. 19 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shields is set to face decorated fellow American Franchon Crews in a four-round middleweight bout, with each round timed at two-minutes. This will not be the first time the two have faced off. In their first matchup Shields, then a 16 year old, upset Crews, the top-ranked American women middleweight, during the 2012 Olympic Trials, the first U.S. team trials for women’s boxing. Crews will also be making her professional debut.

Fans can catch the freeview telecast which includes the live Shields vs. Crews bout, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT on the Pay-Per-View events channel prior to the official telecast, and to be announced cable, satellite, and telco channels. The freeview will also be available through livestreaming on HBO Boxing’s YouTube channel. Tickets for Nov. 19 are available at AXS.com and the T-Mobile Arena Box Office.

Philadelphia, PA—A pair of cruiserweights hoping to make some noise in the division—Lamont Capers and Garrett Wilson—collide in a six-round fight Friday evening, Dec. 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philly.
Topping the eight-fight card is a 10-round junior lightweight fight with Tevin Farmer, of North Philadelphia, defending his NABF junior lightweight title against Dardan Zenunaj, of Albania. First fight is 7 pm.
Capers (left), 25, of Hawley, PA, turned more than a few heads earlier this year when he upset Nick Kisner, of Baltimore, MD, over eight rounds in Atlantic City, NJ. Kisner’s record was 16-2-1 at the time, Capers was 5-8.
After following the win over Kisner with another victory, this time in Philadelphia against Pedro Martinez, Hawley goes after the big one when he takes on Wilson, a former top contender and a man considered to be the “policeman” of the cruiserweight division.
“Fighting a big name (like Wilson) is exciting” Capers said. “I am looking forward to testing my skills against someone who has been through it already. I am ready and there is nothing to be afraid of, whether it’s in my backyard, his backyard or anyone else’s backyard. It’s all a mind game to me and if I can overcome it then I will be comfortable.
“A win over Garrett Wilson will boost my career and lead to greater fights. I am not intimidated. I have God on my side and I have not been intimidated by any fighter. Most of the guys I fought had winning records. Those I lost to wouldn’t fight me a second time now that my mindset has changed for the better. I’m getting hyped for this fight just by talking about it. We’ll see who is better, me or him. Not taking anything away from anyone but we will see who has been training the hardest.”
Wilson (right), 34, of South Philadelphia, is an eight-year pro with a 16-11-1 record, 9 K0s. He is a former USBA and NABF cruiserweight champion and is known for fighting the best cruiserweights and, on occasion, heavyweights in the world. Only twice in his 28-fight career has he faced an opponent with a losing record.
Among his victims are Omar Sheika, Andres Taylor and Chuck Mussachio and he gave heavyweight title challenger Czar Glazkov all he could handle in 2013, losing a 10-round decision in a fight Wilson took on 72 hours’ notice.
The only foe common to Capers and Wilson is Pedro Martinez, whom Wilson twice beat, once by decision, once by knockout.
Capers could be catching Wilson at the right time since the Philadelphian is coming off a pair of losses to Keith Tapia and Guillermo Jones.
“Not sure I really lost to Keith Tapia,” Wilson said. “It could have been a draw. I definitely beat Guillermo Jones. Everyone there (Pittsburgh, PA) knew I won the fight and they booed the decision but Jones was with Don King so what can you do.
“That’s all behind me. My goal now is to simply hurt people. I have nothing left to prove; I just want to hurt people. That’s my goal!”

ABOUT DECEMBER 2

The Capers-Wilson fight is part of the big Tevin Farmer vs. Dardan Zenunaj Philly Fight Night at the 2300 Arena, located at 2300 South Swanson Street in South Philadelphia (between Ritner & Porter, Front and 2nd Streets). The Dec. 2 card is sponsored by Parx Casino and Coors Light. Doors open at 6 pm; first of eight fights at 7pm. Tickets are $40, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and 2300 Arena (267-273-0945). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com. The Dec. 2 card is promoted by Peltz Boxing, DiBella Entertainment, BAM Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions.

PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2016) – This Friday undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia will host a canned food drive in an effort to fight hunger at the Xfinity Store (3903 Aramingo Ave.) in Philadelphia.

Garcia will be host the food drive beginning at 4pm and will be at the store until 6pm

Garcia, who will meet Samuel Vargas in a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, November 12 at the Liacouras Center, has teamed up during this promotion with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans have been encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold has been donated and will provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need.

WHO: Danny Garcia, undefeated welterweight champion

What: Danny Garcia will meet with his fans as he hosts a canned food drive for this in an area of need.

Where: Xfinity Store
3903 Aramingo Ave.
Philadelphia, PA.

When: Friday, November 4th at 4pm – 6 pm

Tickets for the live event on November 12th, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Top ranked has signed 16 year-old amateur star Gabriel Flores Jr. to a promotional contract, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Why did we sign a 16½-year-old — I think is because the younger we sign fighters the longer the guys in Top Rank feel they’ll have me around,” the 84-year-old Bob Arum joked at the final news conference for the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas undercard at the Wynn resort.

“I think he’s the youngest fighter Top Rank has ever signed. He’s a tremendous prospect, ranked No. 1 in his weight division in the amateur ranks. He has great natural skills and ability. Our matchmakers believe that will make him a star.”

“I know a lot of people have high expectations of me and I plan on exceeding all of them,” said Flores, who started boxing at age 7. “It wasn’t easy getting to this point. I lost my mother at the age of 12. It was gang-violence-related. It took my mother away from me. She got shot in the back. They said if she would have made it she would have been paralyzed. She didn’t make it, but right now, today, she’s looking down on me and she’s smiling right now.”

“I could have just gave up on my dreams but giving up on my dreams would have been giving up on my mother,” Flores said. “I’m just grateful to be in this position and want to make her proud.”

“My mom wasn’t the only one I lost in my family,” said Flores, one of six children. “I lost my uncle to gang violence. That’s why I look forward to fighting in my hometown so I can promote anti-gang-violence. I want the kids to know right from wrong and the consequences. I want to stop the violence in the city I was born in and the city I love.”

“I’d say I’m a pure boxer. I like to keep my distance and use my jab and my straight punches, but if it comes down to it, I can fight on the inside,” Flores said. “I can do anything it takes to win. My favorite boxer of all time is Roy Jones Jr. Sometimes I’ll do a little showboating like he does, and sometimes I do that little jump-in hook.”