Follow all the action as Adonis Stevenson defends the WBC Light Heavyweight title against hard punching Thomas Williams.  The action begins at 9 PM ET with a Light Heavyweight showdown between Eleider ALvarez and Robert Berridge.

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Round 1: Williams lands a left …LEFT TO TOP OF HEAD AND DOWN GOES WILLIAMS

Round 2: Stevenson lands a left..Williams lands a hard right hook..Combination…Stevenson is staggered by a combination

Round 3: Left from Williams and 2 rights…Left from Stevenson..Uppercut from Williams…Right hook

Round 4:  Good body shots from Stevenson…Williams cut above and below his right eye…More body work from Stevenson..HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES WILLIAMS…HE CANT GET UP AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1:  Feel out round

Round 2:  Quick left from Alvarez..

Round 3:

Round 4 Good exchange..Right from Alvarez

Round 5 Left from Berridge,,,Redness below right eye of Berridge..Uppercut from Alvarez

Round 6 Alvarez lands a right

Round 7 Nice right over the top from Alvarez

Round 8: Left hook from Alvarez…

Round 9: Left and right from Alvarez…Berridge bleeding from mouth..Good body shot from Alvarez

Round 10 Alvarez landing hard shots

99-90, 98-92, 98-92 Alvarez

Bristol, PA (July 29, 2016) – Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon will take on former world title challenger Mike Marrone On Saturday night, August 6th as D & D Promotions and Silver Spoon Promotions will present “Rumble at the Rink II” at the Grundy Arena in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

Witherspoon (33-4, 26 KO’s) of nearby Paulsboro, New Jersey established himself as one of the top American Heavyweights as the St. Joseph’s University graduate won his first twenty-three bouts with wins over the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmadge Griffis (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1) before suffering his 1st defeat to future two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola via controversial disqualification.

Witherspoon went on to win three fights in a row, which was highlighted by an entertaining 8th round stoppage over Adam “The Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1). That fight was voted Ring Magazine’s 2008 Heavyweight Fight of the Year.Witherspoon then dropped a fight to future two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson.

Witherspoon went on to score 4-consecutive knockouts which included a devastating 3rd-round destruction over Tyson Cobb (14-2).

Witherspoon then took on undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on April 28, 2012 in a bout where Witherspoon had Mitchell badly hurt in several occasions before Mitchell came away with the victory.

Witherspoon has scored four consecutive knockouts which includes his last bout when he stopped Nick Guivas (11-2-2) in three rounds on August 15th in Atlantic City.

Marrone of Vero Beach, Florida has a record of 21-5 with 15 knockouts.

The 30 year-old turned professional in 2004 and won his first 18 bouts that was highlighted by a nationally televised win over Malachy Farrell (15-0).

Marrone suffered first defeat at the hands of future world title challenger Francisco Pianeta. Marrone also lost to world title challenger DaVarryl Williamson.

Marrone challenged for the WBA Cruiserweight title, but was defeated by Guillermo Jones. Marrone also came up short against former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs.

Seeing action in the eight-round co-feature will be junior welterweight Emanuel “The Tranzforma” Taylor (19-4, 13 KO’s) battling Carlos Aguilera (10-16, 4 KO’s) of Chiapas, Mexico.

Taylor of Edgewood, Maryland has a record of 19-4 with 13 knockouts.

The 25 year-old, won his first fourteen bouts has quality wins over Ayi Bruce (15-1); George Sosa (6-0); Raymond Serrano (18-1)’ Victor Cayo (31-3) & Karim Mayfield (18-1-1).

Taylor also battled former world champions Adrien Broner and Chris Algieri to competitive decision defeats.

The Taylor – Aguilera bout is promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

In four-round bouts:

Cruiserweight Mike Hilton (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Trenton, NJ will take on an opponent to be named.

Middleweight Elijah Vines (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Julian Valerio (3-3, 2 KO’s) of Atlanta, GA

Junior welterweight Sam Teah (7-1-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will all see action against Samuel Amoako (21-12, 15 KO’s) of Silver Spring, MD.

LaShawn Rodriguez (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Shirley, NY will fight Jason Wahr (4-12-3, 1 KO) of Virginia Beach, VA. in a middleweight bout.

Jaron Ennis (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Luis Perozo (1-1, 1 KO) of New York will battle Alberto Martinez (0-1) of Tifton, GA

Tickets for this night of boxing are $150 VIP with food and soft drinks; $100; $50; $25 (for children under 17) and can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577 or dboysboxing@gmail.com or www.dboysboxing.com

The Grundy Arena is located at 475 Beaver Street in Bristol, PA.

LOS ANGELES (July 29, 2016) – After two thrilling victories at his second home at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) of Blythe, Calif. will return to on Saturday, September 30 to fight in a 10-round featherweight main event live transmitted nationally, exclusively on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar. The 27-year old standout previously defeated Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado and former two-time world champion Hugo Fidel “El Increible” Cazares via knockout at the venue and excited the Coachella Valley boxing fans.

In the televised co-main event, Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez (16-1, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles will make his highly anticipated return after a exhilarating battle on the Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido undercard on June 4. The stellar featherweight fighter, who has already garnered a huge fan base in Southern California, will return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for the second time in his career in a sure non-stop action 10-round featherweight event.

“Fight fans can get ready for another thrilling night of action-packed boxing events featuring rising stars in the sport,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Andrew Cancio has been on a knockout streak for the past year, taking down powerful opponents such as Hugo Fidel Cazares and Rene Alvarado. We expect to see great things from this talented fighter when he fights as the main event. Co-headlining this card, we have fan favorite Julian Ramirez, a tough, ruthless fighter who is eager to get back in the ring and put on a spectacular show to make a name for himself come September 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.”

Golden Boy Promotions has also put together top boxing prospects for the non-televised undercard, which will stream live on RingTVLive.com. First, Bastie Samir (14-0-1, 14 KOs) of Las Vegas will fight in a six-round super middleweight match and East LA’s Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (6-0, 5 KOs) will participate in a six-round super lightweight fight. Opponents will be announced shortly.

Tickets go on sale, Friday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Blythe, Calif. native Andrew “Chango” Cancio made his professional debut in 2006, remaining undefeated for ten bouts before his first loss. Cancio’s power has brought him thirteen of seventeen wins by way of knockout, a strength he brought to the ring against Hugo Fidel “El Increible” Cazares in March by taking the knockout victory in the third round. With this impressive win, Cancio hopes to pursue his goal of becoming a featherweight world champion as he fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for the eighth time in his professional boxing career.

The great nephew of boxing legend Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, East LA’s Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez picked up the family business as a youngster and quickly made a name for himself on the amateur scene. Yet despite his amateur success, it was clear from the moment that he made his professional debut in 2012 that his destiny was to become a world champion. After a heart wrenching loss this past June for the NABF title to Abraham “El Chamaco” Lopez as the co-main event to Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido on HBO Boxing After Dark®, Ramirez will be returning to the ring with a vengeance to gain a victory and prove he is one of the best fighters in the featherweight division.

Hailing all the way from Ghana, Bastie Samir now calls Las Vegas his home and is eager to make a name for himself as a powerful super middleweight fighter. So far, Samir has maintained an undefeated status and is hopeful to keep it that way as he fights for the second time at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, when he knocked out opponent Greg Hackett in the first round. With a 93% knockout record, fight fans can expect to see Samir’s power and strength come September 30.

Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro representing East Los Angeles has lived up to his nickname thus far, as the 19-year-old has ended five of his six wins by knockout. Having most recently taken down Marc Torres by way of technical knockout on June 4 at The StubHub Center on the undercard of Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido, this fan favorite is hungry to make a name for himself in the boxing scene by fighting at Fantasy Spring Resort Casino for the very first time. As the nephew of former boxing Olympian Jose Navarro, “Thunder” has boxing his in his blood and hopes to keep up the family tradition of big victories and sensational knockouts come September 30.

The September 30 event featuring Andrew Canciois a 10-round featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. 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.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Newly signed Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing’s junior welterweight Anthony “Showtime” Karperis (12-2, 4KO)s, Hicksville, NY) will main event for the first time at the Paramount in Huntington, NY on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Facing off in a grudge rematch against Queens native Ariel Duran (9-8-1, 5 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds in the junior welterweight division for Karperis’ NY State title.

Karperis, who won the vacant title, defeating cross town rival Alan Gotay on April 23rd at the Paramount, knows he’s in for a tough evening against Duran, whom he defeated in a razor thin decision on July 18, 2014. Duran knows this is his one shot at a title, is training like he never has before and promises to come into Karperis’ house and walk away with the title.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the main event: “these two fought a heck of a battle once before and I expect nothing less this time around, except the stakes are much higher with Karperis’ NY State title on the line. Karperis has fought all but two professional fights at the Paramount and always brings a huge fan base to the fights. This is the first fight for Karperis under the Star Boxing banner and I expect big things out of Anthony.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling Star Boxing 914-437-7575 or www.Starboxing.com, the Paramount box office 631-673-7300 and at Ticketmaster.com 1-800-745-3000.

Doors open at 7pm with first fight scheduled for 7:30 pm.

The undercard will be announced shortly.

www.StarBoxing.com
Twitter at @Star Boxing, Instagram at StarBoxing, and Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

CONTACTS:
Star Boxing pr@starboxing.com (914) 437-7575

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:
Since Opening in September 2011, The Paramount has become a top live entertainment venue. Located in Huntington, Long Island, New York; The Paramount – in concert with TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® – hosts a variety of concerts, comedy, boxing and other special events. Booked by Live Nation and utilizing Ticketmaster ticketing; The Paramount hosts an average of 200 events per year. In less than 5 years since opening, The Paramount has quickly established itself as the premier live venue on Long Island – the 20th largest U.S. media market (*2.5M HH-Arbitron: Nassau/Suffolk MSA). Pollstar Magazine ranked The Paramount as the #11 club venue worldwide (*Att. Q3 ’15). With almost 70k+ Facebook fans & 10k+ Twitter followers, the venue was also ranked by Billboard Magazine as the “23rd Hottest Club” in 2014.

ABOUT MODELL’S SPORTING GOODS
Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell’s offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel for every level of play year round. The retailer operates 153 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. In addition towww.Modells.com, which services customers all over the country.

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:
Nestled upon 8 private acres of Long Island’s north shore is the Fox Hollow, which features a state of the art event venue, fine dining restaurant and an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Owned & operated by the Scotto Brothers, their Above & Beyond philosophy in providing each & every guest with superior services and amenities is paramount. Visit the Fox Hollow online atwww.TheFoxHollow.com & www.TheInnAtFoxHollow.com

ABOUT CAMELOT LIMOUSINE:
Official Sponsor of the Paramount Boxing Series, Camelot Limos is a family owned and operated business located in Nassau County, with over 25 years of professional experience; serving satisfied clientele since 1984. The owners of Camelot Specialty Limos are very active in the business and play a major role in the company’s day-to-day operations. Camelot Specialty Limos, Inc. is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau. www.camelotlimo.com

ABOUT WBAB 102.3:
WBAB 102.3 is the home of Long Island’s Classic Rock anchored by their Long Island Rock ‘N’ Roll Morning Show with Roger and JP. For more information or to listen online, visit their website at
www.wbab.com and follow them on Facebook.com/1023wbab
and on Twitter @1023wbab.

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Ryan Burnett believes he’s edging closer to bringing a major title fight to Belfast as he defends his WBC International Bantamweight title against Cesar Ramirez at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday night.

Burnett’s clash with Ramirez will be live on SkySports.com along with Gamal Yafai’s Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title defence against Josh Wale between 6pm and 8.30pm before the action gets underway live on Sky Sports 1 from 8.30pm.

Burnett knows that there are big plans for him should he keep hold of his belt in his first defence, with promoter Eddie Hearn and trainer Adam Booth saying that the classy Belfast fighter could soon be mixing with the top names and champions in the 118lbs division, and that has pushed the Burnett to work even harder in the gym.

“I have been putting in a lot of work,” said Burnett, who scaled 8st 5lbs 4oz, two ounces less than Ramirez. “It isn’t too long ago that I found out a World title shot could be very close for me, and that brings a lot of excitement.

“I am happy to be named among guys at the level of Haskins, Hall and [WBA champion] Jamie McDonnell. If I am being named that high I have to stand up to the mark and Adam thinks I am ready.

“For Eddie to say I am three fights away from facing the winner of Haskins vs. Hall is a big statement. Stuart and Lee Haskins are amazing fighters and I am being mentioned in the same breath.

“At the press conference for this fight, Josh Warrington was saying ‘we have Ryan Burnett on the show, he is closing in on a World title shot’. It seems a bit mad to hear people say that but I am happy with the way things are going.

“I thought I knew boxing but since I have started working with Adam, that has changed, we have completely taken off. The things he has been teaching me are incredible and I learnt very quickly that I didn’t really know boxing.

“We are a close-knit group in the gym. Andy Lee is a former World champion who has been there and done it so I am in a good place with a great thing there.”

Saturday night is a big night for Belfast boxing as Carl Frampton faces Leo Santa Cruz in Brooklyn in the early hours of the morning looking to become a two-weight World champion. Burnett believes he can join Frampton as a World ruler and wants to do so on his home patch.

“In Belfast there are great fighters,” said Burnett. “It is a city which produces champions. Jamie Conlan is a fine champion, Tommy McCarthy is up and coming, there is a good bunch there and it will work well for when Eddie brings the Sky Sports cameras back to Belfast.

“I want to headline there and with Eddie, who knows the game inside out, and Adam, who has worked with David Haye and a lot of great fighters, I have the perfect team to make it all happen.”

Burnett’s clash with Ramirez is part of a huge night of action in Leeds as hometown favourite Josh Warrington defends his WBC International Featherweight title against Patrick Hyland – but the title is not on the line for the Dubliner as he failed to make the weight.

Luke Campbell MBE meets Argenis Mendez for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight title, Huddersfield man Tyrone Nurse defends his British Super Lightweight title in an all-Yorkshire affair with Hull’s Tommy Coyle, Gamal Yafai defends his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title against Josh Wale and Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Dave Allen meet for the vacant WBC International strap.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for July 30 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

Running order (subject to change) with weights (where available)

4.25pm 4 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
FELIX CASH v EDGARS SNEIDZE
(Wokingham) (Latvia)

6 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight Contest
JAKE BALL (12st 9lbs 7oz) v KRZYSZTOF GOLEC
(Guilford) (Wakefield)

4 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight Contest
CONNOR SEYMOUR (11st 5lbs) v LIAM GRIFFITHS (11st 5lbs 9oz)
(Hull) (Bognor Regis)

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
VINCENT FEIGENBUTZ (11st 12lbs 4oz) v WILMER GONZALEZ
(Germany) (Spain)

LIVE ON SKYSPORTS.COM FROM 6PM
10 x 3 mins WBC International Bantamweight Championship
RYAN BURNETT (8st 5lbs 4oz) v CESAR RAMIREZ (8st 5lbs 6oz)
(Belfast) (Mexico)

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
FRANKIE GAVIN (11st 1lbs 5oz) v IVO GOGOSEVIC (10st 12lbs)
(Birmingham) (Croatia)

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Championship
GAMAL YAFAI (8st 10lbs) v JOSH WALE (8st 9lbs)
(Birmingham) (Barnsley)

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
SAM EGGINGTON (10st 10lbs 3oz) v DAZA USHER (10st 9lbs 4oz)
(Stourbridge) (Bicester)

FLOAT – 5.30pm-8.30pm
6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
DARREN TETLEY (10st 10lbs 1oz) v RYAN HARDY (10st 8lbs 4oz)
(Bradford) (Sheffield)

4 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
REECE MOULD (9st 4lbs 9oz) v QUASIM HUSSAIN (9st 6lbs 9oz)
(Doncaster) (Sheffield)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 1 FROM 8.30pm
12 x 3 mins British Super-Lightweight Championship
TYRONE NURSE (9st 13lbs 2oz) v TOMMY COYLE (9st 13lbs 2oz)
(Huddersfield) (Hull)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship
LUKE CAMPBELL (9st 8lbs 1oz) v ARGENIS MENDEZ (9st 8lbs)
(Hull) (Dominican Republic)
Followed by
10 x 3 mins Vacant WBC International Heavyweight Championship
DILLIAN WHYTE (17st 7lbs 9oz) v DAVE ALLEN (16st 13lbs 6oz)
(Brixton) (Conisbrough)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBC International Featherweight Championship*
JOSH WARRINGTON (8st 13lbs 2oz) v PATRICK HYLAND (9st 2lbs 6oz)
(Leeds) (Dublin)
*Hyland failed to make the weight – title only on the line for Warrington

LIVE FLOAT
4 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight Contest
SCOTT FITZGERALD (11st 4lbs 7oz) v DARRYL SHARP (11st 4lbs 5oz)
(Preston) (Manchester)

WBA FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds
LEO SANTA CRUZ – 125 ½ pounds
CARL FRAMPTON – 125 ¼ pounds
REFEREE: HARVEY DOCK; JUDGES: GUIDO CAVALLERI (ITALY), FRANK LOMBARDI (CONN.), TOM SCHRECK (N.Y.)

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds
MIKEY GARCIA – 138 pounds
ELIO ROJAS – 139 pounds
REFEREE: EDDIE CLAUDIO; JUDGES: JULIE LEDERMAN (N.Y.), ALLEN NACE (N.Y.), ROBIN TAYLOR (N.Y.)

IBF JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT ELIMINATOR (For No. 2 Position) – 12 Rounds
TONY HARRISON – 153 ½ pounds
SEGEY RABCHENKO – 153 ½ pounds
REFEREE: ARTHUR MERCANTE; JUDGES: JULIE LEDERMAN (N.Y.), CARLOS ORTIZ (N.Y.), JAMES PIERCE (N.Y.)

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHOWTIME EXTREME® – 7 p.m. ET/PT

10 ROUND WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI – 146 ½ pounds
GABRIEL BRACERO – 148 pounds
REFEREE: BENJY ESTEVES; JUDGES: JULIE LEDERMAN (N.Y.), CARLOS ORTIZ (N.Y.), ROBIN TAYLOR (N.Y.)

10 ROUND LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT
IVAN REDKACH – 135 ¼ pounds
TEVIN FARMER – 134 ½ pounds
REFEREE: ARTHUR MERCANTE; JUDGES: TONY LUNDY (N.Y), ALLEN NACE (N.Y.), ROBIN TAYLOR (N.Y.)

#SantaCruzFrampton

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (July 29, 2016) – LA FIGHT CLUBwill be kicking off Mexican Independence Day month by continuing to bring exciting matchup’s to Southern California on Friday, September 2. Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico native Antonio “La Joya” Gutierrez (20-2-1, 9 KOs)taking on Manati, Puerto Rico’s Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-6-1, 26 KOs) in a 10-round classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico middleweight main event. Live from Downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater and transmitted nationally exclusively on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelarstarting at 10:00 p.m. ET /7:00 p.m. PT, the popular L.A. based series will also feature some of the most exciting prospects to watch in the sport.

In the co-main event, Buena Park, California’s rising knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (14-0, 12 KOs) will square off against Phoenix, Arizona’s Jonathan “Johnny” Corrales (8-3-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout sure to bring a lot of action to the evening. Also, part of the undercard, and part of the RingTVLive.com stream beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, Lamont Roach Jr. (11-0, 3 KOs), of Washington D.C. will represent the East Coast in a schedule eight-round super featherweight fight against an opponent to be named shortly.

“Everyone loves a great Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry, which is why pride will be on the line for this edition of LA FIGHT CLUB. Antonio Gutierrez is stepping back in the ring to defend Tijuana against Puerto Rican knockout artist Jorge Melendez for an all-out fiesta on September 2nd. We will also have one of boxing’s fastest rising stars, C
hristian “Chimpa” Gonzalez as the co-main event to show off his talents and knockout abilities to his rapidly growing fan base,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “For all local fans looking to celebrate Mexican Independence pride this month, Golden Boy Promotions is offering Flex Passes starting at $20. Get your hands on a pass today because these will go fast!”

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB 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 August 5, August 19, September 2, October 7, November 4 and December 2.

A true Tijuana fighter, Antonio “La Joya” Gutierrez’s relentless spirit has shown with his nearly perfect record, including a knockout over Mexican knockout artist Gilberto “Gil” Flores Hernandez. With 20 wins under his belt, Gutierrez can’t wait to get back into the ring and prove he has what it takes to move up to become a top contender in the middleweight division. Gutierrez was last in the ring taking on “King” Gabriel Rosado on the undercard of Fight of the Year candidate, Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido. Although, result was not what the 22-year-old hoped for, but he won the hearts of the crowd that night and is now ready to get on the winners column as he headlines LA FIGHT CLUB on September 2.

A power puncher who delivers the knockouts Puerto Rican fight fans love, 27-year-old Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez has won several regional titles over the years. The fighter was last seen in the ring defeating Antonio Rodriguez in June 2015 via first round knockout and taking on Steve Martinez on December 2015. In his first fight of 2016, Melendez will be looking to start off with a victory when he faces his toughest opponent to date in Antonio Gutierrez on September 2.

Boxing’s next big thing, Buena Park’s Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez won his first seven bouts in Mexico by first-round knockout. Since then, he has defeated tough competition by way of knockout, including seasoned fighters David Rodela, Alejandro Ochoa, and Luis Ruiz Lizarraga Jr. On Saturday, June 4, “Chimpa” will had his fans on edge as he went the distance for the second time in his career defeating John Gemino via unanimous decision.

A professional since 2011, Jonathan “Jhonny” Corrales is riding a six-fight winning streak since 2014. Corrales is a battle tested fight than has fought all of his fights in Mexico thus far, and will be looking to make an impression in his U.S. debut on September 2. He was last seen in an exciting fight against Abraham Montoya in June 2016, which resulted in a split decision draw. Set to face a hard puncher in Christian Gonzalez, Corrales knows that winning would put him on the map for a chance at a title.

A stellar amateur who won multiple amateur titles before turning professional in 2014, 20-year-old Roach has barely lost a round on his way up the 130-pound ladder. 2015 was a busy year for Roach Jr. as he took on and defeated Herbert “Sensational” Quartey, Jose Miguel Castro, Christian Santibanez and Jose “Flash” Bustos. The super featherweight doesn’t plan to slow down as 2016 has already proven to be a good year with a victory over Jesus Lule on the undercard of Luis Ortiz vs. Tony Thompson in March 2016 and an impressive unanimous decision victory Mexico’s Jose Arturo Esquivel on the non-televised undercard of Canelo vs. Khan at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Gutierrez vs. Melendez, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Coconut Water. 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, September 2 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s multiplatform digital network Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Media interested in attending the September 2 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available here. The deadline to submit a credential application is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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.

The Belfast boxing ace faces his biggest test to date when he steps in against the taller and rangier Santa Cruz, who has two-and-a-half-inches over him in height and a telling seven-inch reach advantage.

However, former unified super-bantamweight world champion Frampton does not believe that going in as the smaller man will have any bearing on how the fight plays out, exclusively live on BoxNation.

“Most opponents I have faced have been taller than me. So I’m used to fighting guys that are taller than me. I had probably about 180 amateur fights and I came up against all different fighters,” said Frampton.

“My sparring partners are always taller than me. I like to spar big guys. So, I’ll be used to it. And what people haven’t really brought up and mentioned yet, is Leo Santa Cruz started his pro career at bantamweight. I finished my amateur career at featherweight.

“So I feel like on the night I’m going to be the bigger man, although he’s taller than me and he’s got a longer reach. I’m going to be physically stronger. I’m going to be stronger, I’m going to be punching harder I feel and I’m going to be in front of him,” he said.

The Ulsterman has also warned him that he is willing to leave it all in the ring to get the victory in what will be a defining fight in his career.

“I will be able to push him back if I want to do that. So this is something that I don’t think Leo has come up against yet,” Frampton said.

“I hope that he’s expecting a tough fight, because I’ve prepared very, very hard for this. I’m willing to put everything on the line and do anything really, to get the win,” he said.

Three-weight world champion Santa Cruz goes into the fight expecting it to be an explosive matchup.

The WBA Super champion puts his featherweight title on the line and is well aware of the momentum undefeated Frampton has behind him, believing this has the makings of a ‘fight of the year’ candidate.

“This fight it could be a fight of the year or a great fight like those I had against Abner Mares and Kiko Martinez,” said Santa Cruz.

“Carl Frampton is a great fighter. He has everything. He has great skills, footwork, great puncher, he has great power. So that being said, it’s a big fight, it’s going to be entertaining and what we’re going to do is we’re going to go out there and make it a great fight.

“We know that he’s undefeated. He hasn’t tasted defeat. I know he’s going to come with everything because he’s not going to want to let that all go. But that’s also more motivation for me, because I know he hasn’t lost and I want to be the first one to give him his first loss.”

Frampton v Santa Cruz is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

Legendary champion Roy Jones Jr. will take on Rodney Moore on August 13th in Pensacola, Florida according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m always excited to be fighting in front of my hometown fans who have shown me so much support during my career, and I am looking forward to giving them an action-packed fight,” said Jones, who last fought in Pensacola in March 2015, when he knocked out Paul Vasquez in the first round.

Whether Jones plans to keep fighting beyond the fight with Moore is unclear, but McGee Wright, Jones’ manager, said Jones wanted to fight at home again before he retires.

“He wants to end his career in Pensacola at some point,” Wright said. “I’m not saying this is his last fight, but he started here and he wants to end it here.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a unification bout between WBC lightweight champion Dejan Zalticanin and WBO beltholder is being discussed for a bout in October.

“I’ve had multiple conversations with Frank and with Showtime, which loves this fight for its ‘Showtime International’ series. They would love to take it (to air) from the U.K.,” said Zlaticanin promoter Lou DiBella said, adding that they are looking to put on the fight in October. “If we get this deal done, the fight would take place over there. Flanagan is very popular in (his hometown) Manchester. We’re getting close to a deal. We’re definitely close.”

“First of all, it’s a damn good fight, a very good fight,” DiBella said. “It’s a good fight but not an easy fight. These guys are two of the best lightweights in the world if not the two best lightweights in the world. [Zlaticanin] doesn’t care about going to Manchester. He’s like a Dr. Seuss book — ‘I’ll beat you here, I’ll beat you there, I’ll beat you anywhere.’ “

BROOKLYN (July 28, 2016) – Undefeated three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion Carl Frampton went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their featherweight world title clash that headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtripleheader this Saturday, July 30 live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIMEat 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated former world champion Mikey Garcia taking on former world champion Elio Rojas in the co-main event,plus once-beaten contenders Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko in a junior middleweight title eliminator.

Two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi meets fellow Brooklynite Gabriel Bracero in the SHOWTIME EXTREME main event. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT with a lightweight battle between Ivan Redkach and Tevin Farmer.

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The fighters spoke to media Thursday at the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I’m glad that my whole family is here and I’m thankful to my whole team that got me ready for this opportunity.

“I’m so happy to have my dad here. We thought about not taking this fight when he got the [cancer] diagnosis. He’s always been there with me since the beginning of my career. Since I was very small. When the doctors told me that he would be in my corner, I was even more ready for this fight.

“I know that this is going to be an interesting fight. We’re both undefeated and we’re going to make it a war. Neither of us wants that first loss. We’re going to leave it all in the ring. This won’t be an easy fight. It’s a 50-50 fight. The fighter who wants it the most will win the night.

“I want boxing fans from every background – Latino people from everywhere – Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans – to come out and support me and come watch a great fight on Saturday night.”

CARL FRAMPTON

“I’ve worked very hard in the gym and I feel strong at 126 pounds. This new weight suits me and you will see the result in the ring.

“Nothing can compare to this opportunity. People know me in Belfast, but Leo Santa Cruz is a three-weight world champion who gives me the opportunity to become more well known.

“This fight sells itself. I respect all my opponents until I’m disrespected myself. I respect Leo because of his actions and because of the great fighter that he is.

“I’m a different animal now at 126 pounds. I was only performing at 70 or 80 percent of what my capabilities were. I’m feeling strong and I’m a different fighter. This will be my best performance.

“I’m honored to be on a bill with so many great fighters. There are four fights that could probably top a bill in their own right. I’m honored to be here and I’m going to get the victory on Saturday night.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“It’s been a while since I’ve done this but I’m very excited to be back. I want to thank everyone who helped put this fight together.

“Everybody has said it all. We’re ready. We’re prepared and we’ve had a great training camp. Rojas has the boxing skills to make this complicated.

“I have better skills than any fighter put in front of me. This will be the beginning of the next stage of my career. The most memorable part of my career.”

ELIO ROJAS

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m really happy about being on this show. In this fight. I know I’m being brought in as an opponent, but I’m going to let the fans know that I’m not just an opponent.

“I know who Mikey Garcia is. I have all the abilities to win on July 30. I’ve always been a boxer who was never protected. I always prepare to win the fight and this will be no exception.”

TONY HARRISON

“I’m just excited to be back on a platform like this. I’m ready put in work. I know my opponent doesn’t speak much English, but I bet he speaks hands.

“No disrespect to Ricky Hatton, because what he’s done for his country and for Rabchenko is amazing, but I don’t care about it at all. Seeing Ricky over there fuels me even more to get the win.

“I just had a son, he’s three months old. He’s my new motivation. We’ve pushed it to the max in training camp. I’m ready to swim with the sharks. I’ve transitioned from a sprinter to a marathon runner. I’m ready to go into the later rounds.

“I’m ready to put Detroit back on the map. One thing you know about Detroit, we’re about that action. On Saturday, we’re coming for it.”

SERGEY RABCHENKO

“This is a very nice country and a great city for boxing. It’s my first time here and it’s very exciting. I’m going to give the fans a really good fight.

“I know my opponent is a young, strong kid fighter and he will be ready. I want him to be ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

“I hear young guys like Tony Harrison and Tevin Farmer come up here and talk, it reminds me of my young days. The gym I train in down in Miami is full of young guys hungry to break through. That’s the feeling we all used to have in the gym. It starts to rub off on you when you hang around motivated people.

“I need to have great motivation and that fire to return to the top level. I took a couple steps back after the Garcia fight and gradually stepped up. I think Gabe is another step up. He’s a hungry and motivated guy.

“I know Gabriel Bracero, not only as a fighter, but I know his spirit. We came up together in the same generation of New York fighters.

“It’s all love and respect. But this Brooklyn Belt, it looks pretty nice. This is staying here in Bensonhurst.”

GABRIEL BRACERO

“I want to thank Tommy Gallagher, my trainer. He always stood by my side and always believed in me. No matter what the critics said. It’s because of him that I’m standing here now.

“I’ve made mistakes in life. I was away from this sport for a while. Boxing was always my dream though. I stayed focused so that I can come out and do what I’m doing now. Not too many people can bounce back from a situation like that.

“Saturday is a big fight and I’m looking forward to it. I’m really thankful that Paulie gave me this opportunity. I always followed his career and his successes. It was a dream of mine to come out here and have the same success he had. I looked up to him.

“To be here right now and to be able to fight Paulie is incredible. He’s giving me the opportunity to reach his level of success.

“I encourage everyone to come out Saturday night. I’m going to leave my heart in the ring. That Brooklyn Belt is beautiful and I can’t wait to have it around my waist. This is business, not personal. You should get ready to see fireworks.”

IVAN REDKACH

“I’m very thankful to be part of such a great event. I changed a lot about my training heading into this fight. I’ve trained with the great champion Leo Santa Cruz and it has me ready.

“I want to show everyone in the ring what I can do, not up on the stage with my words.”

TEVIN FARMER

“I want to thank my training staff for preparing me for battle Saturday night. I’m thankful for this opportunity.

“This is another chance to show the world who I am. I have about three years with no losses. I started boxing as a hobby. But when I realized how much talent I had, I started training right.

“Since I started taking this sport seriously, I’ve been taking guys out easily. Ivan Redkach will get this work. It’s going to be easy.

“I’m not about talk. A lot of people don’t know who I am, but everyone will know on Saturday night.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“To be here with these great fighters is an amazing opportunity. I’m very honored. I’m ready to fight and successfully defend my title.

“I’m going to show all the critics and non-believers that female fighters have the talent and courage of the male fighters, and we’re here to stay. Come out on Saturday night for a great show.”

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer

“We’re delighted to be here in Manhattan for this potential Fight of the Year. The whole team that made this fight happen has been fantastic.

“I just wanted to say that we’re thrilled that Jose Santa Cruz is back on his feet, every one of our families is affected by cancer.

“This is a clash of styles that could make it a fight of the year. We have the utmost respect for Leo Santa Cruz, but we’re here to win and we will win.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“I think that this is the best card that I’ve ever been able to promote. This is the deepest boxing card from top to bottom that I’ve seen.

“Barclays Center has become one of the homes for great boxing. It is the premier venue right now for boxing in this country. The Brooklyn Boxing program is something that Barclays Center is truly committed to.

“If you’re from Brooklyn, then you want that Brooklyn Belt. It’s about carrying the mantle of being that guy from Brooklyn. That’s what both Paulie and Gabe are going to try to do.

“The main event is one of the elite fights that can be made in the sport. These are two amazing fighters. The winner won’t just be a featherweight champion; the winner will have an argument for the pound-for-pound list.”

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

“SHOWTIME has been bringing its viewers the best, most competitive fights of the year, and Saturday will be no exception.

“The 154-pound division is the deepest and hottest in the sport. Tony Harrison and Rabchenko are looking to make their mark and get up to the next level of the division.

“Having Mikey Garcia back is a treat. It’s a big positive for the sports of boxing. Elio Rojas is not just an opponent though. He is tough, he is hungry and I expect this to be an amazing fight as well.

“The main event is again the best versus the best. Two of the most aggressive fighters in any division. There’s nothing else to say about this fight other than that it will be all action. I think this fight could be better than Thurman vs. Porter.

“We’re proudest of all to have the best versus the best. This is what boxing should be. You should be there if you can on Saturday night and if not, watch on SHOWTIME, you will not be disappointed.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“This is arguably the strongest card from top to bottom that we’ve had in Brooklyn since we’ve hosted fight cards. This will be a great follow-up to the incredible Thurman vs. Porter fight last fight. We expect another headlining fight that could be a leading contender for Fight of the Year. We are honored to welcome these two great competitors to Brooklyn. They are two of the most exciting fighters in the sport and we wish both of you the best on Saturday.

“Saturday’s card certainly has a Brooklyn flavor to it. It begins with Bensonhurst’s Paulie Malignaggi taking on Gabriel Bracero from Sunset Park with the Brooklyn’s World Championship on the line.

“Amanda Serrano, another Brooklynite, will be the first women ever to defend her title at Barclays Center. We look forward to seeing you in the ring on Saturday night.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LONDON (28 July) – Mexican star Leo Santa Cruz has insisted that he is undaunted at facing a hostile Carl Frampton crowd in New York on Saturday night.

The pair collide in what is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year when Northern Irishman Frampton moves up to featherweight to challenge WBA Super world champion Santa Cruz in a clash that will see one of their undefeated records tarnished.

Santa Cruz will enter the Barclays Center as the favourite but the Ulsterman is expected to have the majority of fans in his favour, something which will be a new experience for the three-weight-world champion who has fought mostly on the west coast of America.

“It won’t really matter because once fight night comes, it’s only going to be me and Carl in the ring,” said Santa Cruz.

“The fans are the people, they’re not the ones fighting in the ring with us. It’s going to be a great fight. You have to go over there and make new fans, and you go make a great fight.

“There is no pressure on me. I know he might have the bigger crowd but I’m just going to do what I need to do to get the win,” he said.

27-year-old Santa Cruz, who is unbeaten in 33 fights, has admitted that he has not seen much of the Belfast dynamo but that the little he has witnessed is a clear indication that he will need to be at his explosive best on the night.

“I have watched very few fights of him, but I’d say the little I have watched, he’s a great fighter. He has everything. He has great skills. He has good footwork, great punches, and he has great power,” said Santa Cruz.

“His style is kind of like a Mexican style. He comes forward – a sign of a great fighter. And his style and my style are going to make for an interesting fight. We are going to go toe-to-toe. We’re going to go out there and give a great fight for all the fans,” he said.

Frampton goes into the fight on a high following his victory over bitter rival Scott Quigg in February, a win which saw him unify the world title belts at super-bantamweight.

Santa Cruz, though, says that he will fight a different fight to how Quigg approached his meeting with 29-year-old Frampton, stating he will be constant in backing him up.

“I’m not going to be like Scott Quigg. Scott Quigg wasn’t trained as much to come forward and he was more careful. He was more on the outside. I think none of them were going to risk it,” Santa Cruz said.

“They didn’t want to take chances and none of them wanted to get caught – but not me. I’m going to go out there and I’m going to make it a fight.

“I’m going to make him fight me. I’m going to go out there, pressure him and pressure him so that he’ll have no other choice but to stop and fight with me,” he said.

Frampton v Santa Cruz is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.
– ENDS –

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MONTE CARLO, Monaco(July 28, 2016)- World MMA Association (WMMAA) Vadim Finkelchtein has gone public to explain the recent WMMAA decision regarding Team Maldonado’s appeal, which resulted in the change of the official Fedor Emelianenko-Fabio Maldonado fight result to a draw, in addition to terminating its Head of Judges, Radmir Gabdullin.

WMMAA president Vadim Finkelchtein

Vadim, talk us through the appeal process. Why did you accept it in the first place since Russian MMA Union rejected Maldonado manager’s appeal?

VF: “Everyone could see what was going on in the media and MMA community after the bout. Being the founder of both the Russian MMA Union and World MMA Association, I received tons of messages and calls from people demanding an explanation about how it was possible for Russian MMA Union employees to officiate their own boss’ fight. I read hundreds of negative comments disparaging the Russian MMA Union and WMMAA. Some even went so far to say it was about Russian Mafia doing business there, all Russian judges are bought, etc. I tried to stay away from this debacle, since the fight occurred in another promotion, but when Maldonado’s manager sent an appeal to the WMMAA, asking to reassess the fight outcome, we couldn’t say no. WMMAA’s reputation was on the line as well as that of the Russian MMA scene, too.”

What did the process of choosing the reassessment commission look like and why was head judge Radmir Gabdullin suspended?

VF: “Basically, I had to make Radmir, as the WMMAA’s head judge, responsible for the whole process. However, since he was one of the reasons the appeal surfaced in the first place, the most logical decision was to suspend him temporarily and appoint WMMAA’s Secretary General (Alexander Engelhardt) to handle it.”

Click these links to read WMMAA press releases about this subject: http://wmmaa.org/news/wmmaa-terminates-head-of-judges-radmir-gabdullin-1007/ and http://wmmaa.org/news/wmmaa-appeal-review-results-in-draw-for-june-17th-emelianenko-vs.-maldonado-fight-990/

In his recent interview, Radmir Gabdullin belittled the significance of WMMAA’s verdict, stating it was all unofficial and that he had never received any appeal.

VF: “There’s nothing to comment about here. It’s a pure lie. I don’t understand what he was trying to accomplish by saying something like this. If necessary, I can show the manager’s e-mail with Russian MMA Union employees, Kamil Gadzhiev and WMMAA employees as recipients. Saying he’s never received an appeal is absurd and a silly excuse.”

At the same time he insulted the professionals that reassessed the fight by calling them incompetent.

VF: “When I read it my first reaction was vast disappointment. How could he, as the official head judge, state something like this towards his colleagues who he knows really well? He used to officiate multiple events with them. Their experience is ten or maybe even hundred times greater than Radmir’s. Marco Broersen has been officiating major European events, including KSW, M-1 Global and many others, for 15 years. He’d been working in this field when Radmir was still in school. It’s a shame for him to say something like that. It’s degrading for both Radmir and the Russian MMA Union.”

Can you explain why 24-year-old Radmir had been chosen to become the head judge in both WMMAA and Russian MMA Union having no experience or appropriate education whatsoever?

VF: “You know, it all started back in 2010-2011, when I decided to start developing amateur MMA in order to provide thousands of young athletes with career opportunities. For that to happen the MMA Union in Russia was necessary, as well as official recognition of Mixed Martial Arts as a sport. It was hard. I had no experience working in a Federation; plenty of paper work. We lacked a qualified staff when we started to look for people. I offered Fedor Emelianenko to be the Union president with me heading the WMMAA. Gabdullin’s name was mentioned by Fedor. He said there was this young and promising guy, let’s see what he can do. I agreed completely, although I realized he had neither experience nor knowledge.”

What was your reaction to Kamil Gadzhiev’s comments claiming in each interview that a draw was the best outcome, but after the result was changed by Sherdog following the WMMAA’s verdict, he changed his mind and promised to call and mail Sherdog to protest its action?

VF: “I had a phone chat with Kamil. He made it clear that he trusts the WMMAA and Russian MMA Union, while repeating his personal opinion that the draw would be the most righteous decision. I don’t know why his words were not consequently supported by his deeds.”

Russian MMA Union has a lot of officials. Yet, no one would comment on the situation, including Fedor himself. Why is that?

VF: “I can’t answer this question. Most important for me is justice and reputation and that holds for Russian MMA and WMMAA, too. I couldn’t choose sides, which is the reason why an international commission of judges was created. No one tried to take the other man’s victory, as some have claimed in comments. As the WMMAA president, I feel ashamed the situation went that far. The vast majority of the leading MMA sites supported the WMMAA’s verdict; Sherdog changed the outcome. Another example is the Match TV poll result, in which 56-percent of Russian voters said Fedor didn’t win the fight. ‘Big’ John McCarthy said it. Sergey Kharitonov, Alexey Oleinik and many others have said the same. People who have been cheering for Fedor for years realized that. And now we have one person stating the opposite, saying our decision is unofficial, that experienced judges have become incompetent in no time, and he’d never received an appeal. That’s a sad situation and we need to handle it appropriately. The world awaits sound and reasoned decisions but gets excuses and lies instead. Our reputation is on the line because of that.”

Schedule of Major 2016 MMA Events
http://wmmaa.org/events/

Aug.3-8 – Asian MMA Championship in Hwasun, South Korea
http://wmmaa.org/events/2016_asia_hwasoon/

Sept. 14-16 – European MMA Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia
http://wmmaa.org/events/31/

Oct. 7-9 – Inaugural Pan-American Championships in Santiago, Chile
http://wmmaa.org/news/design-chosen-for-the-2016-pan-american-championship-950/

Nov. 18-20 – World MMM Championship in Macau, China
http://wmmaa.org/events/38/

Josh Warrington says a good win over Patrick Hyland at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports, will prove he’s ready for a World title shot.

Warrington defends his WBC International Featherweight title for the third time against Hyland, the Irishman that challenged classy WBC king Gary Russell Jr in America in March, and Warrington knows he faces another stiff examination of his World title credentials.

Victory against the Dubliner would be a third impressive notch on his CV in a row after wins over Joel Brunker and Hisashi Amagasa, and Warrington believes that his next fight has to be a World title fight – and hopes that IBF champion Lee Selby is ready to sit round a table and strike a deal.

“I’m not looking at any other fight than a World title fight if I beat Patrick,” said Warrington. “Whether it’s Selby or any of the other World Champions, it doesn’t matter I’m ready now and it’s got to be a World title next.

“Of course I want the Selby fight more than anyone else. When the fight got offered it was ‘do you want to fight now or later in the year?’ I said later in the year because there’s more needed from you in a massive domestic World title fight. There’s more media work, you sell more tickets – you need to be fully focused for the three months leading up to it.

“He’s saying the ship has sailed, how can it when the ship has nowhere to go to? He should be fighting now and he’s not, I’m the biggest domestic challenge out there for him and it’s his biggest payday out there in total. I want it badly too – do you think I want to miss out on a big payday?

“We all come into boxing to do our best and win belts, but you also want to be well paid for it – you take a lot of punches and sacrifice a lot from your life. I don’t want to miss out on an opportunity like that one bit. Earlier in the year, he was saying that he didn’t want to box me and was going to go to America, then he boxed Fernando Montiel in Arizona and looked poor and then got put on the floor in London by Eric Hunter – now he’s changed his tune and wants to fight me.

“He then goes on and says he wants to fight the winner of Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton. They’re not going to fight him next – they will go and take a steady defence first. He needs to realise that he cannot just dictate to people, it takes two to tango and you need to negotiate, and as long as he realises that then the fight is not dead in the water.”

Warrington’s clash with Hyland is part of a huge night of action in Leeds as Luke Campbell MBE faces his toughest test in the paid ranks to date in the shape of former World champion Argenis Mendez.

Huddersfield man Tyrone Nurse defends his British Super Lightweight title in an all-Yorkshire affair with Hull’s Tommy Coyle, bitter Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Dave Allen meet for the vacant WBC International title, Barnsley’s Josh Wale gets a shot at the Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title against Birmingham’s unbeaten starlet Gamal Yafai and classy Belfast man Ryan Burnett defends his WBC International Bantamweight title.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for July 30 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

Pittsburgh, PA (July 27, 2016) – This Saturday, some of the best amateur boxers in the world will compete in an unprecedented and historic event in a truly unique atmosphere as young boxers from Cuba and Pittsburgh are set to square off in a Friendly competition dubbed “Battle on The Bridge.”

The event corresponds with a trip that the team from Pittsburgh took to Cuba in May and on Saturday, the teams will meet in a competition that will take place on the famed Roberto Clemente Bridge adjacent to PNC Park.

The weigh-in will take place on Friday, July 29th at 7 PM at Riley’s Pour House (215 East Main Street in Carnegie, PA).

The events starts on Saturday, July 30 at 5:30 PM with a VIP reception at Atria’s restaurant (103 Federal Street in Pittsburgh.) There will many area politicians, dignitaries and sponsors present

7:00 PM–Pre-opening entertainment

7:30 PM–Opening Ceremonies

8:05 PM–1st Bell

11:30 PM–Awards Presentation

The event has received public backing from former world champions, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Steve “USS” Cunningham.

Both Mancini and Cunningham traveled to Cuba with the team in May, with Cunningham helping out the team Pittsburgh team as a coach as his son Steve Jr. is a member.

“I’m excited to be a part of this historical event and for my son to have this opportunity as well. Earlier in the summer we traveled to Cuba and was able to meet and train with the Cuban team which was amazing, I was happy that my son is learning early that with hard work and dedication, boxing will open a lot of doors for him. Both my son and I are looking forward to the event on Saturday, it feels like fight week for me too,” said Cunningham

Media interested in attending the event on Saturday should pre-register to guarantee access due to security restrictions. Pre-registration closes on Friday at 7:00pm. To pre-register please send an e-mail to marisol_valentin@gmail.com.

For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pittsburghmatanzassistercities/?fref=ts

History of the Event

In the sport of amateur boxing, Cuba has established itself as a world power house. Despite only having a population roughly equal to that of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Cuba has won an unbelievable 67 Olympic medals in boxing, 34 of which are Gold. By all accounts, Cuba is a world leader in the sport.

In November of 2015, a diverse delegation of business and community leaders led by Congressman Mike Doyle, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak traveled to Cuba to invite Cuba to take on Team Pittsburgh. Today, July 30, 2016, right here in Pittsburgh, you are a witness to an unprecedented athletic exchange with Cuba. While Pittsburgh has had a long-standing relationship with the City of Matanzas, Cuba and has engaged in countless academic, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges with our friends in Cuba, this athletic exchange will be a first. Our belief is that if Pittsburgh wants to be the best in the world, we have to learn from the best in the world. Having the opportunity to compete against Cuba provides our athletes with a tremendous opportunity to challenge them to become better boxers while making friends and learning about a different culture

This competition will be unique in the fact that unlike the athletic exchanges of the past between USA and Cuba, this event will be a “friendly” club match. Each of the bouts athletes are evenly matched. The goal of the evening’s competition is to provide young boxers of all skill levels a chance to compete on the international level and ultimately grow as boxers and individuals. Because of the historic nature of this event, we endeavored to stage the boxing match in a manner that reflects its significance. Matanzas is Cuba’s City of Bridges, and Pittsburgh holds that designation in the U.S.A. Because of the need to create a symbolic bridge between the U.S. and Cuba to move past the Cold War Era, we have chosen to hold this match on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, honoring at the same time a man who gave his life building unity among nations.

History of Pittsburgh Matanzas
The Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership was founded to create an opportunity for our residents, public officials, and leaders of organizations to engage in mutually beneficial ‘people to people’ exchanges with the residents of Matanzas, Cuba. On February 20, 1998 a signing agreement took place in Matanzas officially designating our sister city relationship.

The Mission of the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership is to expand our sister city relationship between the City of Pittsburgh and the City of Matanzas, Cuba, to foster understanding and bilateral cooperation through mutually beneficial exchanges between individuals, government officials, community groups, organizations, educational, environmental, cultural, sports, business, and other institutions. It is important that ordinary people be able to experience Cuba for themselves and form their own opinions. Over the years, our work has expanded to encompass bilateral relationships within the entire nation of Cuba.
Our work focuses on these 4 objectives:
1. Lift the illegal and immoral blockade (Extra-territorial economic and trade sanctions that impact world trade)
2. Lift the Travel Ban (Allow Americans the same freedom of travel enjoyed by every other democratic nation.)
3. Building International Relations that respect the independence and Sovereignty of Cuba
4. Ending the illegal and immoral occupation of Guantanamo Bay (US is in outright violation of Treaty)

Despite decades of travel restrictions placed on U.S. residents by our own government that remain in place even to this day, as do crippling economic sanctions against Cuba, which have been condemned worldwide as immoral and illegal under international law, we have continued our work to engage in peaceful and constructive activities with the people and institutions of Cuba.

History of Hibernian Celtic Athletic Fund

The Celtic Athletic Fund was created by members of Ancient Order of Hibernians to help make sports accessible for low-income Pittsburgh youth of all nationalities through “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity”.
Boxing on the Bridge is the brainchild of the organization.

Michael Diven, a former Pittsburgh councilman and former state representative, is a member of the Hibernian Celtic Athletic Fund and the Pittsburgh Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership. For the past three years on St. Patrick’s Day, the fund has sponsored an exchange with Irish boxers called the Donnybrook organized by Mr. Diven.

The Cuban Constitution guarantees “access to study, culture and sports.” But in the U.S., youth sports, as well as art and music, are among the first to be cut when school district funding shrinks. “Boxing on the Bridge” continues the work of the fund to support sports initiatives for Pittsburgh’s youth and builds on decades of work by the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership

For Pittsburgh, it will be a unique opportunity for our amateur youth boxers to learn from the best boxers in the world. And for our nation, it will help build bridges with Cuba and public support for congressional action to finally end the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba, which continues, despite President Obama’s March visit to the island.

Adonis ”Superman” Stevenson – WBC and lineal light heavyweight world champion:
”Welcome to Québec City Thomas. I saw your fight against Edwin Rodriguez. It was a nice performance with a beautiful KO. When I saw that bout, I told myself I wanted that fight with you. I knew I was going to be motivated.”
”I know Williams hits hard and that he has a name now in the United States, but I keep the same Kronk Gym mentality Emmanuel Steward taught me: we go for the KO. It is also my daughter’s birthday and I want to get her a KO, I am motivated. That will be exciting…don’t blink!”
Thomas ”Top Dog” Williams – WBC #8 light heavyweight ranked challenger:
”You don’t know what I have been through to be here. Tweets, talks and predictions won’t mean nothing Friday night…..facts will. There will be a new champion.”
Eleider ”Storm” Alvarez – WBC #1 ranked challenger and WBC Silver light heavyweight champion:
”With only a 10-day notice, I am really happy to face a fighter of good caliber. Berridge is a tough guy who faced good names like Thomas Oosthuizen and Blake Caparello, but I prepared really hard for Chad Dawson. I am ready.”

Robert ”The Butcher” Berridge – New Zealand light heavyweight champion :
”I am excited to be here and to face a solid boxer. Expect a good performance from me Friday.”
Yvon Michel – President of GYM:
”The event is called ‘SHOOTOUT’ because of the aggressive style of Thomas Williams Jr, who fights like there is no tomorrow, combined with the explosive power of Adonis Stevenson.”
”Williams is a clear and present danger but we are convinced that Adonis is well prepared and will succeed, so that we will all be happy Saturday morning while eating breakfast. We still have not seen his full potential yet.’
”The fight between Eleider Alvarez and Robert Berridge is really important for the rankings in the light heavyweight division. Alvarez is highly considered by all the independent rankings (The Ring, BoxRec) and Berridge was already in training before the withdrawal of Chad Dawson, because he was supposed to fight on HBO PPV last weekend before the bout was cancelled for administrative reasons. He is fearless and a hard hitter.”
Tickets for the “SHOOTOUT” event, jointly promoted by GYM and Gestev and presented by Vidéotron, in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu, start at $50.00 and are on sale and available to purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca, the Videotron Centre Box Office, calling GYM at (514) 383-0666 andthe Champion Boxing club (514) 376-0980, or by dialing 1-855-790-1245

BROOKLYN (July 27, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion, Irish star Carl Frampton, were joined by undercard fighters in Manhattan at Church Street Boxing Wednesday for the final media workout before Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME following fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME that begin at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

In attendance Wednesday and fighting on SHOWTIME were undefeated two-division world champion Mikey Garcia and former world champion Elio Rojas, who meet in a 10-round super lightweight bout, plus super welterweights Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko, who meet in a world title eliminator.

Also working out at Church Street Boxing were the main event boxers on SHOWTIME EXTREME, Brooklyn natives Paulie Malignaggi and Gabriel Bracero.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I’m ready to come here and give a great fight. I want to make it a war. Carl Frampton is a great fighter and he makes for an interesting fight. I’m excited to perform in front of the fans.

“Carl is an undefeated fighter just like myself, so we’re both going to be hungry. We’re going to leave it all in the ring. Neither of us wants to lose and we’re going to give it our all.

“My dad is going to be in my corner and that’s very important to me. We’re both excited to give the fans a great show. It’s a great relief to have him here and for many more years.

“I think that this is the perfect time for this fight. We’re both undefeated and in the prime of our careers. It’s an easy fight to make and a really big fight that the fans will love.

“I don’t think moving up in weight will affect Carl at all. He’s got a big frame and he’s a big guy. He is probably a little bit bigger than me. I know he had problems making 122 pounds, but this should be easier for him.

“I think he’s going to move and I’m going to have to be smart and not get caught. If I’m not feeling his punches, then we’re going to stand in front of him and exchange. I can also box with him if I need.

“I know I’ll have to use my jab and follow up with the right. We have a game plan and backup plans. We’ll be ready for anything.

“I think our styles are both very exciting. I can’t wait for Saturday night. This is the right fight. I’m hoping that both of us come forward and give the fans a show.

“People think Frampton is the underdog because he’s moving up in weight. But I moved up in weight too. I never take an opponent lightly. I’m going to come really hungry. I respect every fighter and I train for my opponent to be at his best.

“I have a lot of respect for Frampton. He has everything you need to be a great fighter. Excellent footwork, great power and good punches. Once he’s in the ring with me, I’m fighting for my future.

“This could definitely be a career-defining fight. I think getting a win over Carl Frampton will get me to the next level. I think the winner of the fight will be considered one of the best fighters in the world.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer

“I’m really happy to be here. I’ve been at all of Leo’s fights and it’s great to be at this one. This is just another reason to be happy. I’m so thrilled for Leo that he has this opportunity and to be here for him.

“I know Frampton is undefeated, but Leo comes very prepared. He has worked hard in camp, like he always does. Hopefully both fighters give the fans a good fight on fight night.”

CARL FRAMPTON

“It’s getting big this week. It’s real. I’m completely up for it. I’m excited to bring a big crowd over here and I’m going to do everything I can to have my hand raised.

“This is a dream of mine. To come to America and box is something I’ve always wanted to do. Barclays Center is taking over as the best venue in New York and I’m going to look to put on a world-class performance. It will take my best to get this victory.

“Obviously I have enough motivation on my own, but it would be nice to bring back the title that Barry (McGuigan) once owned. It feels a bit like destiny for me. It’s my turn to win it back for him. I’m doing this for my whole team. I’m doing this for my family and I’m doing this for my entire country.

“I’ve dealt with fighting bigger guys throughout my whole career. I’m used to it. I’ve fought bigger guys than Santa Cruz. I think on fight night I’m going to be stronger. People forget that he started his career at bantamweight while I fought as a featherweight in the amateurs. On the night, I’ll be the bigger man and that will be the difference.

“Leo seems like a nice guy and he’s very respectful. I’ve been respectful to him. He’s obviously a very good fighter. This is a world title fight, so I don’t think we need any extra words between the two of us. We’re both undefeated and we’re looking for a war.

“The last time I was an underdog was 2009 during the Irish championships. I was a massive underdog and everyone who knew me won a lot of money that night.

“Leo is a great fighter. He’s world class. Easily the toughest opponent that I’ve faced so far. But I think I’m Leo’s best opponent as well. I think this has all the ingredients to be a top quality fight. I’ve had a hard training camp and I’m ready to leave everything in the ring.

“I’ve got a game plan. I’m not going to blink. We’re hoping that ‘game plan A’ will work, but if not, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

“All the pressure is on Santa Cruz. Everyone is expecting him to win. I’m going to come in there and upset him. I’m here to put on a great performance and bring the belt back home.

“I’ve gotten a good reception since coming to America and I think it will only grow on fight night. People will appreciate my style and I think our styles will gel well in the ring.

“I’m feeling strong mentally and physically. I feel like my stamina level has increased with the new weight. I’m eating well and enjoying myself.

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer

“Being here is great. I never got a chance to fight here in New York. I’ve always known that Frampton would be a sensation over here. We’ve always wanted to be here on the east coast. We’ve worked very hard with the Irish community to get his name out there. It’s been fantastic.

“This is a can’t miss fight. It can’t be a bad fight, no matter how you look at it. It’s going to be an exciting fight. It might start off tepid, but it’s going to develop into a phenomenal fight. The mesh of styles is going to make this a Fight of the Year candidate.

“It was a wonderful experience being at the Empire State Building yesterday and it was our first opportunity to meet the Santa Cruz family. They’re wonderful people and Leo is an incredible fighter. He’s not arrogant and he’s the sort of guy that everybody likes. We admire Santa Cruz, but we believe that Carl is going to put on an amazing performance Saturday night.

“What’s important is winning on Saturday night. We put so much time and commitment to this game. You don’t want to do all that work and lose. Getting the win is vital.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“I don’t feel any pressure at all. To me, it’s just another day at the office. I have faith in my abilities and confidence in what I can do as a boxer. I’m excited to be back. I’m going to go in there and take care of business like I always do.

“The New York fans have always showed me a lot of love and support. No matter what, they’re in for a good boxing match. The fans are great and they want a great fight. I never look to make a boring fight. I always want to put on a show. I want to give the fans something to talk about.

“I’m more motivated than I ever have been before. It’s been a long time of working hard in the gym every day.

“I’m very happy to be back and I want to accomplish a lot more. I think you’re going to see a better Mikey on Saturday. My will to win is higher than it’s ever been.

“Being on a card like this is a reminder of everything that I can be. If there is interest in me right now, it shows that someone believes in me. We put everything else aside and focused on this date. After that, I’m looking for a world title.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer

“I think that Mikey is going to put on a great performance. Anything could happen in boxing. Mikey should look good and he should win convincingly.

“I think the interest that people have in Mikey’s future shows how much potential he has. He’s a guy who could be a big name to help carry the sport.

“We haven’t been listening to anything outside of the camp. We stopped any conversations outside of training to get 100 percent focused on this fight. We’re looking to come back stronger than ever.”

ELIO ROJAS

“We’re both coming off of long layoffs. I see the fight pretty even. Garcia might have some advantages of being the bigger guy but I’m not worried about that.

“The new weight feels good. It’s different but it’s nice to not have to kill the body to make weight. We’ve been on weight for two weeks. I’ve brought some power with me as I go up in weight. I feel strong.

“I’ve been doing everything right in training camp. My specialty is moving my hands and excellent footwork.

“I feel like I can beat Mikey Garcia. I have some things that I think will give Mikey Garcia a lot of trouble. I have the tools. We know that Mikey is the favorite. Everyone thought LeBron James was going to lose in the Finals when he was down 3-1, but this is a sport and anything can happen.”

TONY HARRISON

“I take this sport seriously. Everything I do, I do 100 percent. I’m here for the city of Detroit. The city needs something to rejuvenate and that’s what I’m trying to do. I want to bring big-time boxing back to Detroit.

“This is going to be a fan-friendly fight. This is going to be like Thurman vs. Porter. The styles are just perfect for this fight. I’m going to be at my best on fight night.

“Being here in New York is great. I can tell right away that it’s a great fight atmosphere and I love it.

“It was a very long camp. I’m in great shape and ready mentally. I have a lot to prove in this fight and I’m excited to get in there.

“I watched a 15-second clip of him and then I shut the video off. I don’t want to make adjustments off of him, I want him to adjust to me. I know that he’s a tough competitor. You can’t take anything away from his record.

“I’m taking it one fight at a time. I just want to get the respect that I deserve. That’s what I’m coming for. They call me for a fight and I say yes.

“I think I’m at my best right now. I’m starting to peak. I’m starting to find my grown-man strength and my second wind in the ring. When I’m going in late rounds I feel comfortable.

“Whoever wants to fight; they know I’m going to say yes. I just want to compete. I’m fighting for my city and I want to see where I’m at. I’m ready to carry the load for Detroit boxing. I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else.

“My team is definitely the strongest it’s ever been. I’m in a really good place mentally right now. I think I’m going to show a whole new level on Saturday night.”

SERGEY RABCHENKO

“It’s the most important fight of my life. I think it’s a very interesting fight, with it being my first time in America. I’ve enjoyed it a lot so far. New York never sleeps. There are always many different kinds of people. It’s a nice city.

“Having Ricky Hatton as my trainer helps me because of his great experience. He’s been in many big fights and he’s a great trainer. I’m very comfortable working with him.

“I am aiming for a knockout, but I’m ready for 12 rounds. It’s boxing though, so anything can happen. It could be over very quickly.

“This is a big chance in my life. It’s a big step and I’m ready to take advantage of it.”

RICKY HATTON, Rabchenko’s Trainer

“This isn’t exactly like fighting, but I do get very nervous and tense in the corner. I’ve fulfilled my dreams and now I’m here trying to help other fighters fulfill their dreams. I get nervous but I’m confident in him.

“Sergey has been a pleasure to train. I think he’s going to be a world champion. I really do. He’s been a European Champion and he’s overcome his loss. I think this is the best he’s ever been. We’ll hope that it translates to Saturday night because he certainly has the potential to be a world champion.

“I can’t train fighters that I’m not fond of. I’ve known Sergey for a number of years and I’m here for him. I have a feel for being in the corner with him. There is a different type of nerves I have being in the corner.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

“I hope the crowd enjoys this fight. I really want to put on a show for the local fans and represent for my home.

“It would normally be strange to fight a guy I know so well. But I know he’s a competitor. I’ve known his mentality since the amateurs. He’s coming to win. Once the bell rings, this guy isn’t taking any prisoners. I trained with that same mentality.

“I know we’re both competitors. Who wants the bragging rights on Saturday night?

“Hopefully we can bring some fans of ours to the building on Saturday night and they can become fans of Santa Cruz and Frampton.

“This is a great crossroads fight. I trained for the competitor that I know he is and I’m ready to put on a show.

“This fight gives me an opportunity to keep dreaming in that ring. I have an opportunity to do some things that people don’t think I’m able to, but I feel like I still can. I’m going to put my skills to good use and accomplish what I’m set out to do.

“It’s not about impressing myself, it’s about getting the job done to the best of my abilities. I want to prove to people that I still have more left than they think.”

GABRIEL BRACERO

“This is all business. Paulie is a friend now and he’ll be a friend after. But I’m trying to make it to Paulie’s level. He is successful and I’m trying to do the same thing. Boxing is my outlet to reach those goals.

“There was a time when I was away in prison. I would receive boxing magazines in the mail and see Paulie there and on TV. I wanted to be Paulie’s competition and have his success. By him giving me this opportunity I can accomplish that. I’m thankful but I’m taking him down.

“I don’t want to sound overconfident. You’re going to see a chess match. Paulie is a boxer. When he makes a mistake, I’m going to capitalize on it. The rest will be a surprise.

“This is the biggest fight of my career. If I beat Paulie, my career will jump to the next level. I can get the big fights that I’m looking for. I’m never looking past Paulie and I’m focused on the task at hand.”
# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of IBF #14-rated bantamweight Elton Dharry to a promotional contract.

Dharry (20-5-1, 13 KOs) got off to a slow start in his career, losing five times and drawing once in his first nine. However, since then, he is undefeated in 17 consecutive fights, dating all the way back to 2010.

During that time, 30-year-old Dharry has picked up the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) and Guyanese Bantamweight Championships, as well as the IBF Inter-Continental Bantamweight title from then 12-1-1 Jose Rios.

“Early on in my career, I was not really with the right team and the judges never really got it right, so it made me look like a fighter I’m not,” explained Dharry of his slow start. “I know most people would quit and walk away, but I had the self-belief and determination to come back and become something. I changed my team to (trainers) Martin Gonzales and Don Saxby and stopped taking short notice fights.”

The streaking Dharry says he feels good about coming aboard the ever-expanding GCP stable of champions and contenders.

“I feel good about it. I’ve known Greg Cohen for a while now and I feel like he’s going to get me the right fights to get me where I need to be and get me the world title shot I want. I’m very excited because I know he’ll get things going soon.”

Of Indian descent, but born in Guyana, Dharry and his family moved to Brooklyn in 1999, where he started boxing at age 11 after getting into several fights at school. As an amateur, he fought in the US Nationals, the Metro finals, and the Olympic box-offs before turning pro in late 2004. He now fights out of the famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

“I set a goal for myself many years ago,” continued Dharry. “My goal is to be world champion and I’m sticking to it. My belief is I can accomplish this, especially with my new promoter making it happen for me.”

Dharry says he’d particularly like to face WBA Champ Rau’shee Warren, or IBF boss Lee Haskins, but will take on anyone Cohen puts in front of him.

“I’m a counter puncher but I like to adapt to whoever I’m facing and whatever they bring. I box if I need to and fight if I need to. I’ll trade shots if I have to as well. I have the determination it takes to do anything.”

About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion Ismael Barroso, Undefeated WBA NABA Heavyweight Champion and world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, undefeated WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and world-rated contender Robert Brant, former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Lucas Big Daddy” Browne of Australia is upping the ante in his quest to clear his name and regain his championship by voluntarily enrolling in the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program.

The hard-punching Browne (24-0, 21 KOs) stopped Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Chagaev in round 10 last March in Grozny, Russia, to become Australia’s first-ever heavyweight champion. The dramatic victory, however, was nullified and Browne’s championship was stripped away and returned to Chagaev, post-fight, after he reportedly tested positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol.

Browne, who tested completely clean in a random drug test by VADA six days before the fight against Chagaev, staunchly maintains his innocence of purposefully taking any banned substance ever, and says he is taking steps to ensure he is never again accused of cheating.

“I’m proud to announce that I am now part of the Clean Boxing Program, which is being run by the WBC and VADA,” said Browne. “By voluntarily enrolling in this program I am able to be randomly tested at any time, 365 days of the year.”

Browne, who was the one who insisted that VADA perform drug testing before the Chagaev fight, says the decision to join the program was an easy one to make. “I have absolutely no issues with this, as I am a clean athlete and I believe boxing needs this kind of regulation. I welcome this aspect of safety for the sport of boxing. I despise all drugs, whether they be performance-enhancing or recreational.”

Browne’s manager, Matt Clark, says that by becoming Australia’s first fighter to volunteer for the program, his fighter will hopefully start a trend.

“Lucas is Australia’s premier boxer and resents drugs of any kind,” said Clark. “We hope that other fighters from around the world join Lucas and sign up for the program. Anything that makes boxing safer is a good thing.”

Browne and Clark say they are still fighting “tooth and nail” to clear his name and thank the public for the tremendous support they have received, worldwide.

“Having always been a clean athlete, I am totally opposed to any form of doping,” Browne concluded. “I’ve always felt that cheaters in professional boxing should be banned for life. With 21 KOs in my 21 victories, I’m of the same opinion as (current WBC World Heavyweight Champion) Deontay Wilder: If I was ever to use PED drugs, I might end up killing someone!”

The undefeated Belfast boxer takes on Mexican featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz at the Barclays Center in New York, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Golf legend McIlroy revealed that he will be ringside for Frampton’s eagerly anticipated clash this weekend, with the former unified super-bantamweight world champion admitting his presence will help spur him to victory.

“It will be a big boost to have Rory McIlroy in the crowd supporting me. He’s achieved a lot for Northern Irish sport and to have him behind me when I become the country’s first two-weight world champion is a huge motivation,” Frampton told BoxNation.

“It will be the first time he’s seeing me fight live and it’s my toughest fight so far but I’m going out there to impress and win.

“I’m going to build on the great momentum in Northern Ireland at the moment, especially after our success in the Euros, and having the support of other successful sports people and the fans will take me to another level on Saturday night. I can’t wait,” he said.

27-year-old Santa Cruz goes into the fight as the bookies favourite with a sizeable height and reach advantage.

However, the Ulsterman believes that his added power since moving up to the 126-pound featherweight division will be key to winning the fight.

“It’s not going to be easy, but I think I can punch very hard and I don’t think that Leo – he’s been in with some good opposition – but I don’t think he’s been hit by anyone that can punch as hard as me, yet,” said Frampton.

“I think that when I was making 122 it was taking something away from my power and I was hurting opponents, sparring partners in the gym, when I was sitting around 130, 132.

“But on fight night with the smaller gloves on, I wasn’t having the same effect and actually got down to making the weight. So I think that I can judge distance very well. I’ve got good distance control. I can see things coming.

“And that combined with my punching power, it’s not going to be easy. Leo is going to come forward better, but when he’s getting hit hard he may have to think twice about coming forward so much,” Frampton said.

Saturday night’s bill will also see the return of unbeaten former world champion Mikey Garcia who will look to kick start his career against Elio Rojas after over 2 years out following a contract spat with his previous promoter.

Frampton v Santa Cruz is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

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Luke Campbell MBE believes his guts and determination to win are underrated as he takes on former World champion Argenis Mendez for the WBC Silver Lightweight title at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Campbell’s confidence is back after a destructive second round stoppage win over Gary Sykes in March to land the Commonwealth title in Sheffield.

The Hull star swarmed over his Yorkshire rival from the opening bell and dismissed his challenge in clinical fashion, putting the demons of his first pro defeat to Yvan Mendy in December behind him in the process.

“I see the Mendy defeat as a blessing in disguise,” said Campbell. “Everything happens for a reason and that night wasn’t meant for me. The build-up and preparation for that fight was wrong but it is one of those things. You only realise who you are and what you are made of in the bad times.

“You don’t achieve what I’ve achieved and won what I’ve won without mental toughness and heart. It was a defeat I shouldn’t have faced because I shouldn’t have been in there that night but everything happens for a reason.

“A hell of a lot of people will underestimate me because I look like a little boy but I’ve got a big heart. Not only that, but I’m really dedicated to this sport. I’m in it for one reason; to be the best.

“There’s no way I’m going to go in there and back down for anybody. I don’t train for that. I would live in regret for the rest of my life if I ever thought I’d backed down or given up against anybody. It’s not in my nature. I believe I’ve got a bigger heart than anyone.”

Campbell’s clash with Mendez is part of a huge night of action in Leeds as hometown favourite Josh Warrington defends his WBC International Featherweight title against Patrick Hyland.

Huddersfield man Tyrone Nurse defends his British Super Lightweight title in an all-Yorkshire affair with Hull’s Tommy Coyle, Gamal Yafai defends his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title against Josh Wale, classy Belfast man Ryan Burnett defends his WBC International Bantamweight title and Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Dave Allen meet for the vacant WBC International strap.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for July 30 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

Gamal Yafai says he’ll prove he’s got the skills to match his big punch when he defends his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title against Josh Wale at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Yafai makes the first defence of the strap he landed with a seventh round stoppage win over Bobby Jenkinson with a typically powerful display on his home patch in Birmingham in March.

‘The Beast’ has shown off his blistering power in his nine pro fights to date but the 24 year old wants to show that he can box his way to victory against the experienced Barnsley man.

“When I first started as a professional, all I wanted to do was take people’s heads off,” said Yafai. “It is not just about knockouts, you have to use your skills as well. I was a top world class amateur without using my skills. I still have lots to learn and much more to give, especially against Jenkinson last time out.

“I use my skills, all of my attributes I’ve got – my power is there for everyone to see, but I’m not looking for it so much anymore. If the opportunity comes to stop them, it comes – I’m ready to do the 12 rounds now.

“I feel that I’m right on track and it seemed fitting that I won the Commonwealth title in only my 9th pro fight – which is much earlier than many people fight for one. I felt ready for it once I got offered it – If I use my skills I’m ready for the top kids.

“Sometimes I look for power and I can look all ragged. The top kids will be able to expose that, so I’ve just got to keep it going. I feel that I’m two or three fights away from those guys at British level – hopefully we can beat Josh and go on to big things.”

Yafai’s clash with Wale is part of a huge night of action in Leeds as hometown favourite Josh Warrington defends his WBC International Featherweight title against Patrick Hyland.

Luke Campbell MBE faces his toughest test in the paid ranks to date in the shape of former World champion Argenis Mendez, Huddersfield man Tyrone Nurse defends his British Super Lightweight title in an all-Yorkshire affair with Hull’s Tommy Coyle, classy Belfast man Ryan Burnett defends his WBC International Bantamweight title and Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Dave Allen meet for the vacant WBC International strap.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for July 30 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.