Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Argentinean welterweight slugger Cesar Miguel “La Joya” Barrionuevo to an exclusive long-term promotional contract.

Barrionuevo (30-3-2, 20 KOs), from Salta, Argentina, first turned the heads of the boxing world in January of this year, when he scored a devastating one-punch KO of capable Panamanian contender Azael Cosio in the quarter finals of the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight tournament.

In a dominant performance, the southpaw Barrionuevo had Cosio down once each in the first, second and fourth rounds then down twice in the fifth, the last of which was a single left hook that put Cosio to sleep.

He was then scheduled to face Pennsylvania’s Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez in the semi-finals, however, Vasquez elected to give up his chance for a green WBC belt and instead take a fight and lose to 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz last July.

In his seven-year professional career, the 27-year-old southpaw Barrionuevo has already held the Argentina (FAB) Welterweight and WBC Latino Welterweight Championships. The Cosio KO was the only time he has ventured outside his native Argentina to fight.

“I am happy to be joining Sampson Lewkowicz and his company,” said Barrionuevo. “I am ready to fight anyone in the world at 147 lbs and with him, I can get the fights I want. I have always said I just need the opportunities and I will do the rest.”

Lewkowicz, an expert at finding hidden boxing talent in foreign markets, says Barrionuevo has what it takes to be a top contender.

“He is 27 years old and still getting better with every fight,” said Lewkowicz. “Cesar is a talent who is coming to the North American market to make trouble for a lot of fighters. I am working on finding him a big fight to showcase his skills, whether against Diaz, or any other top-15 welterweight contender. He won’t be unknown for long once that happens.”
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.

Tony Bellew has vowed to shut BJ Flores up in style when they clash for Bellew’s WBC World Cruiserweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Bellew landed the WBC crown in a fairy tale night at Goodison Park when he got off the canvas in the first round to destroy dangerous South African Ilunga Makabu in the third round.

‘The Bomber’s’ first defence brings brash American Flores to Merseyside with Bellew believing the challenger has changed his tune – swapping the trash talk that saw him land the fight with respect – and Bellew says that doesn’t wash with him and is preparing a punishing night.

“The fight was made because of his mouth,” said Bellew. “He’s been following me around for two years, saying I’m not a Cruiserweight I’m a Light-Heavyweight, saying I couldn’t live with him – on Saturday night I am going to show him what I can do.

“When I say something, I mean it. Everything he’s said he’s meant it and he’s going to pay for it on Saturday night. He’s had two World title fights, or fringe World title fights, whereas I’ve done it the hard way. I’ve earnt every single thing that I’ve got. I’ve boxed in final eliminators against top fighters, and it’s going to show on Saturday night.

“He says he respects me, but I know he doesn’t. His playboy mates think I am an easy touch, but when he gets in the ring and I hit him with ten ounce gloves on, he’s going to feel it. He’s going to look across the ring at me and think, he looks a bit chunky, a bit flabby, but trust me, when I hit him for the first time he’ll think: what was that? The same thing Makabu thought. It’s a tall skinny fat lad from Liverpool with dynamite in both hands and you are going to feel it on Saturday night.

“It’s not trash talk; it’s brutal truth. On Saturday night I’m going to put it to bed.”

Bellew’s clash with Flores is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool Olympic gold medal star Luke Campbell MBE defends his WBC Silver Lightweight title against Derry Mathews.

Belfast star Ryan Burnett defending his British Bantamweight title against Liverpool’s Ryan Farrag, Sean Masher Dodd defends his WBC International Lightweight title against Francesco Patera, Tom Farrell faces Farid Hakimi for the WBA International Super-Lightweight title and Liverpool favourite Rocky Fielding is set for action.

Tickets are on sale now via www.echoarena.com or by calling 0844 8000 400 priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150. VIP tickets will be available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for Bellew vs. Flores 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.

LAS VEGAS (October 10, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced that it has tabbed four military veterans for action in three different bouts, including one that will air on its live NBCSN telecast (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT), to kick off it’s “Who’s The Toughest?” program at WSOF34: Foster vs. Shields, at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo. on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The league also announced that Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-4) has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled heavyweight matchup with former world champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-2) due to a knee injury. Rama will now face Kevin Sears (4-2).

“We are extremely excited to launch the ‘Who’s The Toughest?’ program with a group of four professional fighters that have served our country valiantly, and who have since been looking for a potentially career-changing opportunity to compete on a major stage,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

World Series of Fighting announced in May that it would be launching “Who’s The Toughest?” in order to provide military veterans who are active or aspiring MMA fighters, with the opportunity to compete under its promotion.

Leading off the live NBCSN telecast of WSOF34, Shane Kruchten (11-4) and Jeremy Mahon (5-4) – both U.S. Marine Corps veterans – will do battle in a 150-pound catchweight contest.

In a light heavyweight (205 pounds) matchup that will headline the WSOF34 preliminary bout card, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brandon Collins (3-2) will collide with Chris Morgan (0-0), who will make his professional debut.

The fourth veteran, former U.S. Army ranger Nicoli Navarro (3-1), will square off with unbeaten upstart Alan Gutierrez (2-0) at lightweight (155 pounds).

Shane Kruchten vs. Jeremy Mahon

The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old Kruchten of San Diego, Calif. saw action in the Iraq War in 2003 and 2004, and was subsequently awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon for his efforts in battle before retiring from the military with the rank of Lance Corporal.

Since turning professional in 2007, Kruchten has donated a portion of each of his fight purses to the Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation, a California-based retreat for veterans run by fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former World Series of Fighting competitor Chad Robichaux.

Kruchten’s start will bring an end to a two-and-a-half-year hiatus that he took following a loss to Mike Corey by way of second round (2:59) submission (rear-naked choke) in what was Kruchten’s World Series of Fighting debut. Prior to the defeat, Kruchten had reeled off 11 consecutive victories, 6 via submission and 3 via (T)KO.

The 5-foot-10, 37-year-old Mahon of Houston, Texas was deployed to Iraq during the initial invasion of the country in 2003, and later served as a security contractor in Fallujah, working to procure the safety of civilians there.

Before retiring as a Sergeant, Mahon earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as a Presidential Unit Citation. He runs a non-profit organization, DAWG Foundation, which trains dogs and offers them to veterans in need of everyday assistance.

Mahon is looking to notch his third straight victory following a second round (4:22) TKO (punches) of Davis Sylvester at Bellator 149 on February 19.

Brandon Collins vs. Chris Morgan

The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old Collins of Houston, Texas was also a recipient of a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during his eight-year stint (2004-2012) with the Marine Corps that saw him tour Afghanistan where he was a special operations officer and his unit’s martial arts instructor.

Collins was a member of his North Carolina base’s boxing team and, after relocating to California, he quickly transitioned to MMA.

Morgan, a 6-foot-3, 28-year-old resident of Denver, Colo. will make his first professional start after a three-year amateur career that saw him compile an overall record of 5-2. All 5 of his victories came inside the first round of action via (T)KO or submission.

Nicholi Navarro vs. Alan Gutierrez

The 6-foot, 30-year-old Navarro of Denver served in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regimen, a special operations unit, between 2004 and 2008, eventually reaching the rank of Corporal.

During his four-year tenure in the military, Navarro earned a Combat Infantry Badge, an Expert Infantry Badge and a Parachutist Badge.

Navarro is a student of retired, former Muay Thai world champion and UFC star Duane “Bang” Ludwig. All three of Navarro’s professional victories to date have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

While not a veteran, the 5-foot-11, 23-year-old Gutierrez of Skagit Valley, Wash. was born into and raised by a family of Marines, with his father, mother and brother all having served. Gutierrez dedicates each of his fights to his recently deceased brother.

Gutierrez made quick work of each of his first two professional opponents, to date, submitting Ryan Schecterson with a brabo choke in the first round (2:00) of action in Gutierrez’s professional debut on May 9, 2015, and scoring a first round (1:11) KO (punches) on Taylor Roberts on February 27.

Priced from $20, tickets for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” are on sale at the Budweiser Events Center box office, BudweiserEventsCenter.com, and by phone at 1-877-544-TIXX.

In the main event of WSOF34, reigning world welterweight (170 pounds) champion Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) will collide with number one contender and fellow decorated superstar Jake Shields (31-8-1).

In the welterweight co-main event, Paul Bradley (23-6), will make his promotional debut for World Series of Fighting and take on former top 10 world-ranked Yushin “Thunder” Okami (32-10).

Additional matchups for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” will be announced soon.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. With 32 events under its belt, the company will have produced 10 live events in 8 different U.S. markets in 2016, including 4 live dates between October 7 and December 31, when it heads to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the first time in history. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

About The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex
The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex, located in Loveland, Colorado, opened in 2003 and is owned and operated by Larimer County. The Ranch consists of the Budweiser Events Center, the Ranch-Way Feeds Indoor Arena and Livestock Pavilions, the First National Bank Exhibition Halls, and the Thomas M. McKee 4-H Youth & Community Building. The Ranch hosts more than 2,000 events annually and is home to the Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo. For more information, visit www.TREventComplex.com.

Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is the expert in hosting and entertainment, partnering with over 300 clients at 400 global properties to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum), Food Services & Hospitality (formerly Ovations Food Services) and Ticketing & Fan Engagement (formerly Paciolan). All three divisions are in place at the Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch, a 7,200 seat multi-purpose venue that is home to the Colorado Eagles of the ECHL and the Colorado Crush of the Indoor Football League. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.

Matchroom Boxing and the Casino de Monte-Carlo are delighted to announce a blockbuster night of World championship boxing on November 12 at Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo in ‘Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza’ live on Sky Sports.

One of the world’s most dangerous and exciting Heavyweights, Luis Ortiz, tops the bill as he looks to add to his 22 KOs from 25 wins as he takes on Malik Scott for the WBA Inter-Continental title – with Ortiz making his European debut in his first fight since teaming up with Matchroom Boxing.
WBA World Bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell defends his crown against Liberio Solis. It’s the fifth defence for the Doncaster ace, who followed his stoppage win over Javier Chacon with a pair of impressive wins over Tomoki Kameda in Texas last year and stopped Fernando Vargas in nine rounds at The O2 in London this April.
Former Super-Flyweight World ruler Solis boxes for the second time to become a two-weight World champion having severely tested WBC king Shinsuke Yamanaka in Japan in March, with both men hitting the canvas before the champion outpointed the Venezuelan challenger.
Stephen Smith has landed a second World title crack, challenging WBA Super-Featherweight kingpin Jason Sosa. Smith travelled to Connecticut to meet IBF ruler Jose Pedraza in April in his first outing for a World belt, and recovered from that points loss with a commanding win over Daniel Brizuela in his hometown of Liverpool a month later. Puerto Rican-American Sosa defends his strap for the first time having ripped the crown from Javier Fortuna in Beijing in June.
There’s a tasty rematch on the bill as Martin Murray looks to avenge his World title loss to Arthur Abraham as the pair clash for the WBO International Super-Middleweight belt – with Murray looking for revenge after suffering a split-decision loss for the German’s World title in November.
The Sporting Monte-Carlo has held two huge World title nights in the last two years, with pound-for-pound Middleweight king Gennady Golovkin defeating Martin Murray in February 2015 and Randy Cabellero outpointing Stuart Hall for the IBF Bantamweight crown in October 2014.
“It is an absolute honour to bring this huge night of World championship boxing to Monaco,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s been a wonderful few years for British boxing but to showcase this great sport in such a high quality environment is very exciting. This is going to be the most high profile fight night of the year and we are looking forward to putting on an exceptional night of boxing for Monte-Carlo, fans and all of our international broadcasters.”
“We are thrilled to host this new world class boxing event and to perpetuate the tradition of boxing in Monaco which had now become a major rendez-vous for the Casino de Monte-Carlo” said Pascal Camia, Executive Vice President, Casinos of Monaco. “From the gambling tables to the ring, the adrenaline will be flowing for a night of show and entertainment to be remembered.”
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
Tickets from 100€

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
T. +377 98 06 36 36 from 10am to 7pm, 7 days a week
ticketoffice@sbm.mc
montecarlolive.com
About Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer proposes a unique experience uniting well-being and gastronomy, offering its clients a resort like no other in the world: 4 casinos including the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino, 4 hotels (Hôtel de Paris, Hôtel Hermitage, Monte-Carlo Beach, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort), and 33 restaurants of which 4 on their own together make up 6 stars of the prestigious Michelin Guide. Known for its nightlife, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group offers an astounding choice of bars and concert halls. The Group, which is a talent scout and committed supporter of artistic creation, programmes musical events with daring artistic choices at the Sporting Summer Festival, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, La Rascasse and the Buddha Bar. Its nightclub, Jimmy’z, is one of the most reputable in Europe and has been for the past 40 years.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former junior welterweight world champion Aaron Pryor passed away this morning at the age of 60 in Cincinnati.

“We are heartbroken and sad to announce that our beloved Aaron passed away at home surrounded by his family at 5:57 a.m.,” Frankie Pryor, his widow, said in a statement. “He was known around the world as ‘The Hawk’ but to our family he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We appreciate the outpouring of condolences and sympathy and ask that our family be allowed time to grieve and mourn his loss. We will announce plans for a public memorial shortly.”

Pryor is survived by his wife, Frankie, sons Aaron Jr. and Antwan Harris, daughter, Elizabeth and grandsons Adam, Austin and Aaron Pryor III.

Cromer hero Liam Walsh moved a step closer to facing IBF World Super-Featherweight Champion Jose Pedraza after outclassing Andrey Klimov over twelve rounds last night at the Harrow Leisure Centre. Walsh produced a punch perfect performance to take a unanimous decision with scores of 119-108, 120-107 and 120-107 from the judges.

After a cagey opening round the classy Walsh began to take control of the fight, doubling up on his jab and landing some well-timed shots. It was more of the same in the third as Walsh looked the quicker and more agile of the two.

Walsh dropped his Russian opponent to the canvas with a straight right at the very end of the fifth round and Klimov was given the mandatory eight count. The rowdy ‘Farmy Army’ roared Walsh on as he dominated the latter rounds of the fight. Rochdale born Walsh continued to score with crisp jabs and right hands in the championship rounds and was triumphantly lifted into the air by his brother Michael after the final bell.

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk after the fight Walsh said: “I need to watch the fight back. Everyone has told me it was brilliant but I need to watch it back because I feel like I could have done better. I always want to win at all costs but a very close second is to keep fans entertained!

“Everyone is telling me it was a world class performance so maybe I’m being a bit daft. I felt in control and I felt like he couldn’t really hurt me. He was consistent, solid and he stuck to his guns. He didn’t force himself and he didn’t do anything crazy to leave gaps so it was difficult to prise him open.

After his impressive win over Klimov, Walsh now find himself in line to face Puerto Rican Champion Jose Pedraza. Stylish southpaw Walsh is willing to travel anywhere in the world to fulfill his destiny.

“I don’t know anything about the Pedraza fight yet, I haven’t given it any thought. If I had my way it would 100% be in Norwich, if not then we’ll travel away. Let’s travel to America. Let’s get booed out of the arena with all of the odds against me! Let’s be the underdog! I’ll perform under that pressure I’m sure. I’ll go anywhere to fight Pedraza. A ring is a ring to me!”

Former world flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada won a 10-round unanimous decision over Raymond Tabugon in a super flyweight bout at Estadio Francisco León García in Sonora, Mexico.

Estrada, 116 lbs of Sonora, MX won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 34-2. Tabugin, 116 1/2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-6-1.

Emanuel Navarrete won a 10-round split decision over Martin Casillas in a super bantamweight bout,

Casillas, 123 lbs of Zumpango, MX won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 99-90 is now 17-1. Casillas, 122 lbs of Ciudad, MX is 15-9-1.

Fight # 1
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Flyweight Contest
PRINCE PATEL WPTS4 (40-36) V PATRICK BARTOS

Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
JOHNNY COYLE WPTS6 (60-50) V GEIBOORD OMIER

Fight # 3
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
BEN SMITH WPTS4 (40-36) V CHRIS ADAWAY

Fight # 4
6 X 2 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
CHARLIE DRISCOLL WPTS6 (60-54) V MATT SEAWRIGHT

Fight # 5
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
D.P CARR WTKO1 (1:50) V ELEMIR RAFAEL

Fight # 6
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
SAM McNESS WTKO2 (0:30) V SAM OMIDI

Fight # 7
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
BOY JONES JNR WTKO6 (2.23) V TAMAS LASKA

Fight # 8
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
JEZ SMITH D8 V MACAULEY McGOWAN D8

Fight # 9
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
GEORGE JUPP WPTS8 (78-76) V JORDAN ELLISON

Fight # 10
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
RYAN GARNER WTKO3 (0:26) V ALEKSANDRS BIRKENBERGS

Fight # 11
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
MITCHELL SMITH WRTD4 V NORWIN GALO 10st 2lbs

Fight # 12
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
ARCHIE SHARP WPTS6 (60-54) V DAMIEN LAWNICZAK

Fight # 13
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
SANJEEV SAHOTA WPTS4 (38-37) V FONZ ALEXANDER

Yuri Alcantara made Brad Pickett tap at of the 1st round of their bantamweight bout

Alcantara rocked Pickett with hard strikes that bloodied his nose and then Alcantara got Pickett in an armbar and made Pickett tap at 1:59.

Alcantara, 136 lbs of Soure, BRA is now 33-7-1. Pickett, 136 lbs of London is 26-12.

Damian Stasiak submitted Davey Grant with an armbar in the 3rd round of their bantamweight bout.

The time of the tapout was 3:56 of round three, for Stasiak, 135 lbs of Lodz, POL and is now 10-3. Grant, 135 lbs of Bishop Auckland, UK is 10-3.

Leon Edwards submitted Albert Tumenov in the 3rd round of their welterweight bout.

In round three, Edwards got Tumenov on the ground and got around him into a rear naked choke and Tumenov tapped at 3:01.

Edwards, 169 lbs of Birmingham, UK is now 12-3. Tumenov, 169 lbs of Fairfield, NJ is 17-4

Mark Diakiese thrilled the hometown fans as he stopped Lukasz Sajewaky in the 2nd round of their lightweight fight.

Diakiese landed 7 hard shots on the cage that finally dropped Sajewsky and the fight was stopped at 4:20 of round two.

Diakiese, 156 lbs of Manchester, UK is 10-0. Sajewsky, 156 lbs of Gdnasnk, POL is 13-3,

Exciting heavyweight star Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz has joined forces with Matchroom Boxing as he plans an assault on the Heavyweight World titles.

Unbeaten Ortiz is one of the most feared fighters on the planet and has blasted away 22 of his 25 opponents inside the distance, with the vicious Cuban’s last two outings underlining his fearsome reputation as dismissed Bryant Jennings in seven rounds to land the interim WBA crown in December and then destroyed Tony Thompson in six rounds in March.

Ortiz is hunting down World honours and will make his European debut in November in his first fight under the Matchroom banner and the 37 year old monster revealed his excitement at his upcoming schedule.

“I always had faith in my manager and friend Jay Jimenez but I never expect this fast turn around and I’m so excited about the future,” said Ortiz. “God has been great to me and my family – I’m ready.

“I’m going to be very busy over the next few months and looking forward to boxing in many countries as we continue my journey to the Heavyweight World championship.”

Ortiz becomes Eddie Hearn’s first overseas acquisition and the promoter says he plans to get Ortiz out regularly to get him in line to land a World title shot.

“Luis Ortiz is one of the most exciting Heavyweights in the World and I am delighted to be working with him,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We plan to keep him very busy and let the fans enjoy his devastating power. Luis is an avoided fighter but we plan on giving him the profile that will make that impossible.

“First stop for ‘King Kong’ will be announced on Monday on a huge card in November and then we plan to get him out in the UK straight after, potentially on the Anthony Joshua card. I’m very excited to work with our first international fighter as we continue to expand into new markets.”

Former world title challenger Orlando Cruz stopped Gabino Cota in round seven of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

Cruz dropped Cota with a straight left in round two.

In round seven, Cruz landed a hard left hand that was followed by a vicious combination that sent Cota to the canvas.

Cruz 130 lbs of Quintana, PR is now 25-4-1 with 13 knockouts. Cota of Mexico is 19-7-1.

Sammy Valentin, Jr. stopped Joaquin De La Rosa in round four of their scheduled 6-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Valentin landed a left to the body that was followed up by 2 head shots that sent De La Rosa on his back and the fight was stopped.

valentin, 145 lbs is now 9-0. De La Rosa, 144 lbs is 6-1-1.

Diego Magdaleno won a 10-round unanimous decision over Art Hovhannisyan in a super lightweight bout at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles.

Both guys were cut over their eyes. Magdaleno, 137 lbs of Las Vegas won on all cards by a tallies of 99-91 and is now 29-2. Hovhannisyan, 137 lbs of Glendale, CA is 17-3-3.

“Entering the ring, every boxer has a chance to get the knockout-and that’s what I came for. However, I’m satisfied with the unanimous decision that I received tonight,” said Magdaleno. “Hovhannisyan was a tough opponent, but I was able to outbox him. The energy at LA FIGHT CLUB was one I have never seen before, and that definitely propelled me to put my all in to this fight, especially after taking a year off. I’m more ready than ever, and I’m looking forward to the new opportunities after winning this fight.”

“I knew what to expect from my opponent, but I feel like I didn’t fight as well as I should have. However, I did fight with my whole heart,” said Hovhannisyan. “Going forward, I’ll be looking over the tape with my coach to go over my mistakes and what I should work on. I want to thank Golden Boy for tonight’s event and this opportunity. The next steps are getting rest and healing my hand which was hurt in the fight.”

Damon Allen and Luis Arceo fought to a draw in a eight-round super lightweight bout.

Allen was bleeding from the nose in round five.

All three judges saw the fight 78-78. Allen, 136 lbs of Philadelphia is 10-0-1. Arceo, 137 lbs of Auguascalientes. MX is 28-15-5.

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight because Arceo had a ton of experience under his belt,” spoke Damon Allen. “I made the fight harder than it had to be. It was a learning experience, and we are definitely going back to the drawing board after this. I want a rematch.”

“I honestly feel like I was robbed,” said Luis Arceo. “Each time I would unleash my punches, he would run away. I was the tougher fighter, and I am glad that the judges saw that. I entered the ring as the underdog, and with this draw I feel like I was vindicated.”

Maricela Cornejo won a six-round unanimous decision over Eliza Olson in a female super middleweight bout.

Cornejo, 166.6 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 5-2. Olson, 167 lbs of Sam Bruno, CA is 9-7-3

.”I used my jab, and kept my distance because Olson is known as an unpredictable fighter,” said Maricela Cornejo. “I wasn’t pleased with the outcome-we all want to win via knock out-but I love the fact that I got to demonstrate good footwork and skills that will continue to empower women’s boxing. I’m excited to be a part of LA FIGHT CLUB, and I know that I’ll be back.”

Joseph Aguirre stopped Roberto Rivera in round five of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Aguirre dropped Rivera in the 5th with a body and shot and was stopped just seconds after getting to his feet at 1:45.

Aguirre, 136.8 lbs of Cancun, MX is 15-0 with nine knockouts. Rivera, 136.8 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 6-3.

“He had a tough punch, and his uppercuts were a wall that kept me from going in,” said Aguirre after his knock-out win. “I wanted to finish him off earlier, and I knew that I had to work him by starting with the body and working myself up. It was a tough match, but I got the knock out for being the better fighte

David Mijares stopped Jason Gavino in the 1st round of their scheduled 4-round welterweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:22 for Mijares, 139.4 lbs of Santa Monica, CA and is now 4-0 with 3 knockouts. Gavino, 140.6 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 3-4.

“I knew entering the ring I had to take him seriously, especially after one of his jabs to my lead hand,” said David Mijares. “I knew that my punch to the body had hurt him because I felt him shake. I am excited to go eat some food, and then hit the gym again to train.”

Opening up the night, Mexico City’s Marvin Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) won his first fight in afour-round welterweight bout against Jose Caro (0-4) of Tuscon, AZ with a left hook to the face leaving Caro unstable and leading the referee to stop the fight at 1:17 within the first round, landing Cabrera the technical knockout of the fight.

“It feels great to get my first win here at the Belasco,” spoke Cabrera. “I have made many sacrifices, especially leaving my entire family in Mexico, and this first win has proven it is worth it, and those sacrifices are paying off. It’s only the beginning.”

A purse offer was held today in New York for the WBC heavyweight interim championship bout between Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne. The winning promoter was World of Boxing with a bid of $3,165,000 dollars.

The purse offer for the mandatory defense of WBC heavyweight silver champion Johann Duhaupas against Carlos Takam was also held today in New York. The winning promoter was OPI2000, Salvatore and Christian Cherchi, with a bid of $235,000 dollars.

Promoter Frank Warren is set to showcase the very best of Irish Boxing live on BoxNation when he returns to Belfast to promote an action-packed show at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on 5th November.

Belfast’s Commonwealth Champion Jamie Conlan continues his journey towards a 2017 World title shot and is joined by Ireland’s Triple Olympian Paddy Barnes making his professional debut which should guarantee a huge crowd at the Titanic Centre.

Undefeated in 17 fights, Conlon, is arguably the most exciting fighter in Britain and recently secured the “Fight of the Year” gong for his April fight with Anthony Nelson in London but every one of his fights has been of a similar ilk. Conlon is close to a World title shot and is eager to build his already sizeable fan base and TV appeal to secure home advantage when he gets his chance panned for the Spring of 2017.

Debutant, Paddy Barnes, a Triple Olympian has represented Ireland in Beijing (2008) London (2012) and Rio (2016) and has twice captured Bronze. With another Olympic Games 4 years away the Belfast bruiser has set his sights on a professional career under the management of three-times World title challenger Mathew Macklin.

Team Fury Heavyweight prospect Con Sheehan, originally from Clonmel, hopes to continue his impressive start to life in the paid ranks with his fourth professional win. After taking out Radek Varak last time out at the Lancashire County Cricket Club, undefeated Sheehan is looking to impress in his native homeland.

Ireland is well represented on this stacked fourteen fight card which features Dubliners Sean ‘Big Sexy’ Turner, Stephen Ormond, Declan Geraghty and Sean Creagh. Exciting County Mayo Cruiserweight starlet Gary Sweeney looks to continue his impressive start to life in the paid code after showstopping back-to-back stoppage victories in his first two fights. Whilst Belfast’s Marco McCullogh and Steven Ward also appear.

Elsewhere, Belfast Welterweight talent Tyrone McKenna fights for his first professional title when he takes on Dublin’s Sean Creagh in a mouth-watering clash for the BUI Celtic title whilst Belfast’s Marco McCullogh faces Glasgow’s Michael Roberts Jr in a tasty Ireland vs. Scotland clash.

Warren said: “Belfast is always special when it comes to boxing as it is a fight city and the Irish really know their Boxing. I’m excited to be coming back and with Jamie Conlon never being in a dull fight excitement is guaranteed. Paddy Barnes is something special and it will be an honour to promote his first professional outing after his illustrious amateur career and three Olympic Games which in itself is an incredible achievement. I am working with Mathew Mackling to get Jamie a Worlds title fight in Belfast next year so he has everything to play for on 5th November.”

Further fights will be announced shortly and tickets priced at £150, £60, £40 and £30 and are available from Queensberry Promotions on 01992 550 888 or online at ticketmaster.co.uk

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 show and more live!

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 7th, 2016) — The glitz and glamour of professional boxing in its purest form is a small, all-encompassing snapshot of the sport at its best, the aura of invincibility only a small percentage of fighters are fortunate enough to experience.

What most people don’t see is what happens when a fighter at the top of the game suffers an unexpected loss, the physical and emotional stress that comes with defeat, and the inevitable fallout when friends — and sometimes family — hop off the bandwagon.

Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray never knew what losing felt like at the professional level until he suffered his first career defeat in mid-July to Ian Green on national television, nor did he anticipate the sudden aftermath, an emotional nightmare that almost drove him away from the sport.

“After that fight, I really just wanted to quit boxing,” Gray said.

“We lost some fans and lost some friends over it,” added Gray’s trainer, Kendrick Ball Sr. “You have some people who say they’re with you when you’re riding high, but when things change, they’re not there.”

What kept Gray (13-1, 10 KOs) motivated to silence his critics and get right back on the horse was the support from those who stuck by his side, all the encouraging messages, texts and phone calls. When it came time to decide on his next opponent, he wanted nothing but the best, no shortcuts or “tune-up” fights, just a real test against another fighter with just as much to lose or gain once that bell rings.

He’ll get his wish Friday, Oct. 21st, 2016 at Twin River Casino when he defends his Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International and Northeast Junior Middleweight Titles against Chicago’s Chris Chatman (14-5-1, 5 KOs) in the eight-round main event of CES Boxing’s 2016 Twin River Fight Series season finale.

“This is a big fight for us. He’s a well-known fighter, a real tough fighter who always brings it,” Ball Sr. said. “I feel we’re going to beat him. I think we can outbox him for eight rounds. Khiary has to stick to the game plan. If he sticks to the game plan, I feel no one can beat us.”

Though Gray might’ve strayed off the path during his fight against Green, a fight he dominated through the first round and a half until Green scored an unexpected knockout, he learned a lesson, albeit a tough one to learn, Ball Sr. said, on national television.

Nonetheless, he now knows there are highs and lows in this sport. He’s experienced them both and, at the same time, he’s learned who’s really in his corner regardless of whether or not he wins or loses. It’s a lesson all young fighters must learn at some point, even if the learning curve can be rather painful.

This is no easy task for Gray, who acknowledges Chatman is a major step up in competition. The Chicago native is a familiar face in Rhode Island, where he’s fought seven times since 2009, and has already guaranteed another victory against a hometown fighter on the 21st. Nicknamed “Last Chapter,” Chatman has promised to close the book on Gray as a top contender in the 154-pound division.

“I’m ready to get back in there and show Chris Chatman he’s not going to end my title reign,” Gray said. “He said this will be my last chapter as champion. He’s not writing my story. I’m writing my own story. On Oct. 21st, you’re going to see the rebirth of Khiary ‘Too Sharp’ Gray.”

Tickets for Oct. 21st are priced at $47.00, $67.00, $102.00 and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Chatman-Gray main event is one of nine fights on the card. Undefeated Worcester, Mass., junior welterweight Jamaine Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line in a four-round bout against Durham, N.C., vet Isaiah Robinson (3-3, 2 KOs) and fellow Worcester native Kendrick Ball Jr. (3-0-1, 3 KOs) aims for his fourth win in his fifth pro fight in a four-round bout against Oregon middleweight Rafael Valencia (3-4-1, 2 KOs).

Also fighting out of Worcester, Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) returns to face Providence, R.I., native Cido Hoff (1-0-1) in a four-round featherweight bout and Worcester super middleweight Ben Peak makes his professional debut in a four-round bout against Jose Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn.

Unbeaten junior middleweights Ray Oliveira Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) of New Bedford, Mass., and Gerald Schifone (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Brockton, Mass., tangle in the six-round co-feature and former amateur standout Anthony Marsella Jr. (1-0) of Providence makes his Rhode Island debut against Philadelphia’s Bardraiel Smith (0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

New London, Conn., junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Woburn, Mass., vet Bruno Dias (0-1) and junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., faces Florida’s Irvin Veloz, both in four-round bouts.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING and use the hashtag #ChatmanGray to join the conversation.

— CES —

LOS ANGELES (October 7, 2016) — Damon “No Smilin” Allen will look to continue his move from prospect to contender tonight at the Belasco Theater, as the Philadelphia lightweight serves as the co-main attraction in his 11th bout. The distinguished young talent follows in the steps of those who have come out of Philadelphia – from the iconic Smokin’ Joe Frazier to the Olympic Gold Medal Meldrick “TNT” Taylor to the future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins – the sky is the limit from the versatile and skillful “No Smilin” Allen.

In an exclusive interview with Ring TV, Allen revealed that his idol and mentor is a familiar face around Golden Boy Promotions – GBP partner and former middleweight and light heavyweight World Champion Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins.

“I look up to Bernard Hopkins, and I am thankful for the doors he has opened for me and my career,” Allen said. “His career motivates me to make the sacrifice to do what I love. I spend countless hours, multiple times a day, training and practicing my craft. While some days I’m tired and exhausted I still go 100 percent day in and day out – and that is Bernard’s influence.”

Allen was on hand at the parade that Philadelphia threw for “The Alien” following his 2004 defeat of Golden Boy Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, with the then 12-year-old Allen posing for photos with Hopkins as he delivered a speech to thousands of well-wishers.

“It’s not every day that you come across talent who has the dedication, discipline and natural skill that Damon has,” spoke GBP Partner and future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins. “I look back at the day in Philadelphia where that young boy looked up at me with his fists raised, and see where he is now – who knows where he will be in the years to come as he fertilizes his talent.”

Bernard Hopkins will be sitting ringside as he watches Allen take another step in the ladder to solidify himself as a prospect this Friday, October 7 at LA Fight Club at the Historic Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

The full interview with Allen can be found HERE.

Damon Allen Stats:
DOB: 09/02/1992
Age: 24
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Fight record: 10-0 (4 KO)
Height: 5 ft 8 in. / 173cm
Weight Division: Lightweight
Twitter: @damon_allenjr
Instagram: @damon_allenjr
SnapChat: @damon_allenjr

07 October 2016 – Yangon, Myanmar: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returned to the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium for the third time this year to a raucous Yangon, Myanmar crowd. ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS brought fans up to the edge of their seats with world-class mixed martial arts action from the absolute best in local and international MMA talent. In the main event, Yoshitaka Naito overcame a spirited performance from 20-year-old Joshua Pacio to retain his ONE Strawweight World Championship via submission victory.

Visit the official ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS photo gallery by clicking: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ivh34n9pza3q94o/AADwuMwRg-gnDecd5AIBoQyTa?dl=0

Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Chiba, Japan successfully defended his ONE Strawweight World Championship with a gutsy victory over live opponent Joshua Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines’ famed Team Lakay MMA. Pacio tagged Naito repeatedly with accurate strikes, utilizing his world-class wushu sanshou skills to stifle the champion who tried for repeated takedowns. In the third round however, Naito came out of nowhere and was able to take Pacio down, secure his back and lock in a rear naked choke to force the tap.

“Definitely the happiest and the best fight ever. This is definitely my best fight. I just did what I came to do. I showed Myanmar what I can do, all my skills, and I won,” stated Naito in the post-fight interview inside the cage.

Hometown hero “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang sent the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium crowd into a frenzy with a masterful striking and wrestling performance, defeating Michal Pasternak of Poland in a three-round middleweight bout. Aung peppered Pasternak with pinpoint combinations and very heavy blows for the duration of the bout as he stalked his larger opponent all throughout the cage. In the end, all three judges scored in favor of Aung for the unanimous decision victory.

“Myanmar wants the world championship title. Bigdash, you owe us that title!” stated Aung in the post-fight interview inside the cage.

In the ONE Myanmar Featherweight Tournament Final, Phoe Thaw extended his win streak to four, remaining unbeaten by stopping fellow Myanmar fighter Saw Yan Paing in an entertaining scrap between local fighters. After a scramble for position on the ground, Thaw was able to end up in full mount and worked to finish the bout with ground-and-pound.

Wushu sanshou expert Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines engaged combat sambo world champion Muin Gafurov of Tajikistan in a high-level striking battle for three grueling rounds. Leg kicks played a huge factor for Belingon, who landed accurate strikes on the inside and on the outside. Gafurov looked to take Belingon down, but was unable to close the gap on his attempts. All three judges scored in favor of Belingon for the unanimous decision win.

Russian Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt Yusup Saadulaev executed an impressive submission on Australia’s Jordan Lucas in the first round of a bantamweight bout. After Lucas successfully thwarted Saadulaev’s takedowns in the opening minutes, the Russian fighter was finally able to take his younger opponent to the mat through repeated attempts. From side control, Saadulaev worked to secure a beautifully modified press-down rear naked choke.

Pakistani MMA pioneer Bashir Ahmad drew cheers from the crowd with an impressive quick submission victory over Egypt’s Mahmoud Mohamed. After Mohamed connected with a few strikes from range, Ahmad closed the gap and took his opponent to the ground where he secured a heel hook in round one, forcing the tap.

In the ONE Myanmar Featherweight Tournament alternate bout, Saw Ba Oo earned the second victory of his young professional mixed martial arts career by defeating Kyal Sin Phyo by unanimous decision.

Local fighters Saw Yan Paing and Ye Yint Aung went to battle for two tough rounds to the delight of the local fans who packed the stadium to the rafters. In the end, Saw Yan Paing was able to earn a unanimous decision after two rounds.

Local Myanmar fighters Phoe Thaw and Kat Pali climbed into the ONE Championship cage to kick off all the action at ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS. The undefeated Thaw spoiled Pali’s mixed martial arts debut by delivering a quick finish, winning by technical knockout just 22 seconds into the very first round.

Official results for ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS
ONE Strawweight World Championship bout: Yoshitaka Naito defeats Joshua Pacio by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:33 minutes of round 3
Middleweight bout: Aung La N Sang defeats Michal Pasternak by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
Featherweight bout: Phoe Thaw defeats Saw Yan Paing by TKO (Strikes) at 3:23 minutes of round 1
Bantamweight bout: Kevin Belingon defeats Muin Gafurov by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
Bantamweight bout: Yusup Saadulaev defeats Jordan Lucas by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:28 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Bashir Ahmad defeats Mahmoud Mohamed by Submission (Heel Hook) at 1:23 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Saw Ba Oo defeats Kyal Sin Phyo by Unanimous Decision (UD) after two rounds
Featherweight bout: Saw Yan Paing defeats Ye Yint Aung by Unanimous Decision (UD) after two rounds
Featherweight bout: Phoe Thaw defeats Kat Pali by TKO (Strikes) at 0:22 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.

Miami, Florida (October 7, 2016) Henry Rivalta is pleased to announce the signing of middleweight contender Antoine “Action” Douglas to a managerial contract.

Douglas of Washington, D.C. has a record of 19-1-1 with 13 knockouts.

The 24 year-old is a four-year professional, and has wins over Les Sherrington (35-7), Istvan Szili (18-0-2), Thomas LaManna (16-0), former world title challenger Luca Messi (37-9-1), Marquis Davis (8-0-2) and Colby Courter (4-0).

“I welcome Antoine to my stable,” said Rivalta. “It’s a pleasure to work with Antoine. I have seen what he has done up to this point in his career, and he is a very talented athlete. I think he has the potential to be a world champion, and I am excited to help in his path to winning that title.”

“I am glad to sign with Henry,” stated Douglas. “He has the experience at the highest level, and me and my team can focus on what everybody’s role will be.”

Rivalta continued to glow about his new acquisition.

“I love his passion and style. When you see the special relationship he has with his mother, it tells me a lot about him. He has the tools to be world champion, and his promoter, GH3 Promotions has done a great job and he sticks by his fighters. On the same line, it’s a pleasure to work with Vito Mielnicki and GH3 Promotions.”

“I know that Antoine is a television and fan friendly fighter, and and I am happy to have a multi-year agreement with him.”

Douglas next bout will be announced shortly.

HARROW RUNNING ORDER
(Times stated are approximate and for guidance only)

Fight # 1 – 17:45 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Flyweight Contest
PRINCE PATEL V PATRICK BARTOS

Fight # 2 – 17:15 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
JOHNNY COYLE 10st 4lbs V GEIBOORD OMIER 10st 4lbs

Fight # 3 – 18:10 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
BEN SMITH V CHRIS ADAWAY

Fight # 4 – 18:35 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
CHARLIE DRISCOLL V MATT SEAWRIGHT

Fight # 5 – 19:05 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
D.P CARR V ELEMIR RAFAEL

Fight # 6 – 19:35 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
SAM McNESS 11st 2lbs V SAM OMIDI 11st 2lbs

Fight # 7 – 20;05 hrs
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
BOY JONES JNR 9st 5lbs V TAMAS LASKA 9st 5lbs

Fight # 8 – 20:45 hrs
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
JEZ SMITH 10st 9lbs V MACAULEY McGOWAN 10st 9lbs

Fight # 9 – 21:25 hrs
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
GEORGE JUPP 9st 8lbs V JORDAN ELLISON 9st 9lbs

Fight # 10– 22:05 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
RYAN GARNER V ALEKSANDRS BIRKENBERGS

Fight # 11 – 22:30 hrs
FINAL ELIMINATOR FOR IBF WORLD SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 130 lbs
LIAM WALSH 9st 3lbs V ANDREY KLIMOV 9st 3lbs

Fight # 12
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
MITCHELL SMITH 10st 2lbs V NORWIN GALO 10st 2lbs

Fight # 13
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
ARCHIE SHARP V DAMIEN LAWNICZAK

LIVE FLOATER
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
SANJEEV SAHOTA V FONZ ALEXANDER

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this showon 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!

NEW YORK – October 7, 2016 – Combate Americas today announced the addition of three bouts, including a welterweight (170 pounds) contest between Victor “Kelevra” Reyna (8-2) and battle-tested veteran Marc Stevens (20-10) to the league’s first world championship fight card in history and first-ever event in New York State at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona on Friday, Oct. 14, live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

The new matchups will precede the much-anticipated, world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship showdown between red-hot stars John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) of Mankato, Minn. and Gustavo Lopez (6-1) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash.

In another welterweight contest, upstarts James Rodriguez (0-0) and Alex Henry (1-0) will go head-to-head.

In a bantamweight contest, Blackzilians team member and rising star Irwin “The Beast” Rivera will take on Jose Ceja (3-2) in a rematch to a memorable see-saw battle that Rivera won by way of third round (4:45) submission (rear-naked choke) in March.

On Tuesday, October 11th, just three days before his featured bout, Marc Stevens, welterweight fighter and former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter®, will be hosting a workout session from 7-8pm at his American Top Team gym in Watertown, N.Y. The event is open to the public for anyone to attend.

Victor Reyna vs. Marc Stevens

The 5-foot-5, 30-year-old Reyna out of Dallas, Texas, will look to achieve his fourth straight victory after a earning a split decision against Evan Cutts in June.

Prior to his victory in June, Reyna’s previous two wins were by way of TKO (punches) on Keyon Mike Jackson and Andrew Parker, respectively.

The 5-foot-9, 31-year-old Stevens of Lorriane, N.Y. is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt as well as seasoned Muay Thai competitor who, as a cast member on season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter, scored the quickest knockout in the show’s history at the time – a 13 second stoppage of T.J. O’Brien.

Irwin Rivera vs. Jose Ceja

Fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla., the home of the Blackzilians fight squad, the 5-foot-6, 27-year-old Rivera, who will make his debut under the promotion of Combate Americas, was raised in New Windsor, N.Y. after being born in Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico.

He jump-started his professional career with a split decision victory over Andre Cuff on November 7, 2014, and ran to three consecutive wins thereafter.

Coming off of an injury that resulted in a two-year break following a loss to Rivera in March, the 5-foot-7, 31-year-old Ceja from Houston, Texas is coming back ready to defeat Rivera.

James Rodriguez vs. Alex Henry

Fighting out of Binghamton, N.Y. the 6-foot-7, 29-year-old Rodriguez, will make his professional debut under the promotion of Combate Americas after posting a near-perfect amateur record of 3-1.

Henry, the 6-foot-0, 27-year-old Ithaca, N.Y. and a member of Team Bombsquad, is coming off his first professional win against Andrew Tripp. Henry has a perfect record of 6-0 since beginning his amateur career in 2013.

A nationally recognized venue for legendary, fight-of-the-year-level boxing events, Turning Stone Resort Casino will now become one of the very first venues in New York to host professional MMA fights. With a legacy of hosting some of the best events in the country, rivaling many venues in major cities such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New York City, Turning Stone has established Upstate New York as a premier destination for live sporting events. Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five pristine golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

Tickets for “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” are on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are priced at $75, for cageside, $65, $50 and $35, and may be subject to additional fees. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the event, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.

UFC FIGHT PASS is a digital subscription service which gives fans access to exclusive live UFC® events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s largest fight library.

UFC FIGHT PASS is available on: personal computers, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Sony TVs with Android TV and Roku devices.

# # #

About Turning Stone Resort Casino
A renowned, award-winning destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino features world-class amenities including four hotels, two luxurious spas, five golf courses, more than 20 dining options, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas-style gaming floor, a cabaret style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, and several nightlife venues. Conveniently located 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33, Turning Stone was named “Best Countryside Hotel/Lodge” in 2015 and “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens and the Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. Turning Stone has also earned the prestigious Forbes Four-Star Award for The Lodge, Forbes Recommended Ratings for TS Steakhouse and Wildflowers restaurant and, for 10 consecutive years, the AAA Four Diamond Award for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site www.turningstone.com.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas, LLC. is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

About UFC®
UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Singapore, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell-out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 156 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 29 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 6, 2016): Curtis “Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (28-5, 21 KOs) returns to the ring and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on the Kovalev-Ward “Pound For Pound” non-televised undercard to face James “The King” De La Rosa (23-4, 13 KOs) in a ten-round middleweight showdown.

Stevens, 31, of Brownsville, Brooklyn returned to the ring on May 7 of this year and stopped previously undefeated Brazilian prospect Patrick Teixeira in the second round on the HBO Pay-Per-View® undercard of Canelo-Khan. The victory over Teixeira catapulted Stevens back into the ranking of all four sanctioning bodies, including top ten ratings in both the IBF and WBC. He is hoping to continue that momentum and secure another shot at the middleweight title.

De La Rosa, 28, is originally from Mexico but now resides in San Benito, Texas. His most recent win was a unanimous decision upset over former title contender Alfredo Angulo on the undercard of Mayweather-Maidana. De La Rosa has suffered two back-to-back losses since his win over Angulo but both have come at the hands of two previously undefeated prospects in Hugo Centeno Jr. and Jason Quigley. Commonly, fighters in his position would prefer a tune-up to get back on a winning track but, in this case, De La Rosa opted out of that easy route and decided to test himself against another former title contender in Stevens.

According to Stevens, “I’m happy someone is willing to fight me. Bless the Gods. Now, it’s time to turn it up a notch and get ready to check in and check out. The Bully is back!”

This will be Stevens’s second fight working with world-renowned trainer and former world champion John David Jackson. Jackson added, “Curtis Stevens is happy to be stepping back in the ring on November 19 against De La Rosa. He is eager to show the world that he deserves another chance to win the middleweight world title.”

“It’s always good to fight on a big stage,” said De La Rosa. “As always, I’m coming to fight and put on a show. I know I have a tough fighter in front of me in Curtis Stevens. With his style and my style, we’ll warm the fans up for Kovalev-Ward. Thanks to Main Events and AC Sports Management, LLC for putting this together.”

De La Rosa’s manager Adrian Clark added, “This is a must win situation for James and I know that he has the potential to pull off an upset. Curtis Stevens is a very dangerous opposition but again, I believe that JDLR can spoil things and leave Vegas with a ‘W’. It is great to finally work with Main Events again. It has been too long!”

Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year Jolene Mizzone had this to say about the match-up: “Kudos to both guys for taking this fight. Curtis Stevens could have waited around for someone to finally accept his challenge, but he wants to keep busy and challenge himself at the same time. James could have looked for that every popular “tune-up” fight but instead opted for a much tougher competitor in Stevens. It’s a breath of fresh air when I get to work with boxers who want to fight!”

*Note: This morning (October 6, 2016) Curtis Stevens and his fiancée welcomed their son King Stevens at 10:12 am. King weighed in 4 lbs 12oz. Mother and baby are both doing well.

Kovalev vs. Ward takes place Saturday, Nov. 19, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. “Pound for Pound” is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and sponsored by MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Super Welterweight champion Canelo Alavrez does not need surgery on his injured right thumb.

“Canelo came up to Los Angeles [on Wednesday], and we took him to see the doctor, who took off the cast he had on from the doctor in Mexico,” Golden Boy president Eric Gomez told ESPN on Thursday. “The doctor did another MRI and came to the same conclusion as the doctor in Mexico, which is that Canelo doesn’t need surgery. He needs to rest the hand.

“He put another on and will take it off on Nov. 10, and then Canelo can start using the hand. If he has any more discomfort, he needs more rest. If he doesn’t feel any discomfort or pain, then he’s ready go.”

“He’s open to a fight in the first quarter, assuming there’s no discomfort with his hand, but we’ll have to play it by ear,” Gomez said. “We’ll have to make a determination if we want to do a fight then or if Canelo wants to rest it until fighting in May.”

“Linares injured his right hand in the sixth round of the ferocious battle versus Anthony Crolla, and after analyzing the situation and confirming with Dr. Jedediah Jones, it has been concluded that Linares will not be able to fight for some time,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Thursday. “The WBC is hereby confirming that Dejan Zlaticanin is free to make a voluntary title defense of his WBC lightweight title.”

“It’s still swollen, but thankfully there is no break,” Diaz said. Linares’ injury is in a different spot on his right hand than the previous one that led to the 11-month layoff, said Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz.

“Right after the fight Eddie and Crolla were saying they want the rematch next but a couple of weeks have passed, and sometimes things change,” Diaz said. “So next week I’ll send Eddie an email and see what they want to do and get it in writing. The most important thing is to see when Linares’ hand is ready to go. If Eddie and Crolla want the rematch, Jorge will be available for it.”

Ricky Burns says there’s plenty more big fights in his as he defends his WBA World Super-Lightweight title against dangerous mandatory challenger Kiryl Relikh at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Burns destroyed Michele Di Rocco in the same arena in May to land the title and become Scotland’s first three-weight World champion.

The ‘Rickster’ knows that blockbuster clashes lay in wait if he can see off big-punching Relikh, who boasts 19 KOs from his 21 wins. The 32 year old has been linked with a clash with brash American Adrien Broner but the Coatbridge ace will entertain thoughts of glamour nights in Las Vegas once the job is done against his Ricky Hatton-trained foe.

“I don’t think that being a three-weight World champion will sink in until I hang them up, and I am a long way from that,” said Burns, who weighed 9st 13lbs 2oz, with Relikh making 10st at the third attempt today.

“If I was training and I didn’t feel like I was up for it or I wanted it anymore, I just wouldn’t do it, but I think I’ve proved that I’ve still got plenty to give. A lot of people put a lot of work in for the fight, getting up at the crack of dawn to run up the steps at Leigh-on-Sea, blood, sweat and tears, so I was happy for the whole team.

“The atmosphere was incredible in May and I will never forget it. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. The plan was to box for the first part and then stick it on him after the halfway stage as he seems to tire, but I couldn’t miss him with the jab and the right hand.

“Things are really clicking with Tony Sims and that showed on the night. I caught him with a body shot in the second round and saw him wince from it, and a few times he was wobbled by right hands. Tony said to stick to the plan though and take him deep but I couldn’t miss him and he was taking a lot of clean shots. He was pretty flat-footed and just looking for big swings.

“I’m just one of the lads in the gym, we all work really hard and Tony puts in the same work with me as he does the other boys. Sometimes they call me the old man in the gym, but I just remind them of the three World titles when they do!

“Against Di Rocco I had a point to prove to myself and to those who doubted me. I was at the point that people were saying I was finished and I should pack it in, he’s got nowhere to go, everyone is entitled to their opinion but sometimes they should keep it to themselves.

“I don’t like looking back over what’s happened in the last couple of years, but it was hard coming through it and it was a tough ride, but that win was the start of a fresh chapter. I’ve never been the type to say I am going to do this or that, I just go one fight at a time and that’s what I’ll always do.

“Broner called me out at Super-Featherweight, Lightweight and now at Super-Lightweight. There was talk about it for this fight amongst others, but get the job done against Relikh and we can make that fight.

“I’m more than prepared to go to America for that fight. People say it’s a risky fight and more so going over there for it, but I wouldn’t take it if I didn’t think I could win. I know it’s a hard fight but I am more than confident I can beat him anywhere, and if it happens I’ll be really up for it.

“I think I’ve always been on the tip of his tongue because it’s been meant to happen a few times. I fought for the title that he lost on the scales, he’s been in a bit of bother but seems to be back in the gym and has sorted all that out, so I get this win and that fight should go ahead.

“Eddie and Tony only want the biggest fights for me and that’s great. I’ll fight anyone and if they happen to be big names in America or big names we bring to Glasgow, then that’s great. You can only take it one fight at a time and it’s great to be back in here and fighting a dangerous mandatory.

“Fighting in Vegas is something that I’ve always wanted to do but I’m not one for looking past the job in front of me.”

Burns’ clash with Relikh is part of a huge night of action in Glasgow with two mouth-watering British title clashes as Scotty Cardle defends his Lightweight belt against Kevin Hooper and Brixton rivals Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison battle for the vacant Heavyweight strap, and there’s action for Joe Ham, Lewis Paulin, Stewart Burt, Scott McCormack and Ross Murray.

Tickets are on general sale now with tickets in the £40-£100 bracket available from the SSE Hydro website http://www.thessehydro.com/ and on 0844 395 4000 and 0800 952 0110 (accessible). VIP tickets at £200 are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

The money from all tickets sold from midnight tonight (Wednesday October 5) to midnight on Thursday will go to the family of Mike Towell, who sadly lost his life boxing in Glasgow last week.

Face value tickets for Burns vs. Relikh 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.

Running order and weights

5.45pm 4 x 3 mins Flyweight Contest
ROSS MURRAY (8st 1lb) V TIBOR NADORI (8st 2lbs)
(Glasgow) (Hungary)

6.15pm 4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight Contest
SCOTT McCORMACK (8st 8lbs 6oz) V LUKE FASH (8st 11lbs 6oz)
(Glasgow) (Hull)

6.45pm 6 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
LEWIS PAULIN (9st 1lb 6oz) V ADRIAN FUZESY (9st 4lb 6oz)
(Edinburgh) (Sheffield)

7.20pm 4 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
STEWART BURT (10st 12lbs 4oz) V ARTURS GEIKINS (10st 9lbs 4oz)
(Glasgow) (Bognor Regis)

LIVE FLOAT
6 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight Contest
KIERAN SMITH (11st 2lbs) V ROBERT ASAGBA (11st 1lb 4oz)
(Greenrigg) (Chadwell Heath)

6 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight Contest
JOE HAM (9st 2oz) V ELVIS GUILLEN
(Glasgow) (Nicaragua)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 2 FROM 8PM

12 x 3 mins British Lightweight Championship
SCOTT CARDLE (9st 9lbs) V KEVIN HOOPER (9st 9lbs)
(Lytham St Annes) (Grimsby)

12 x 3 mins Vacant British Heavyweight Championship
DILLIAN WHYTE (18st 1lb) V IAN LEWISON (19st 7lbs)
(Brixton) (Brixton)

12 x 3 mins WBA World Super-Lightweight Super Championship
RICKY BURNS (9st 13lbs 2oz) V KIRYL RELIKH (10st – third attempt)
(Coatbridge) (Belarus)