WBO Intercontinental Super-Flyweight Champion Jamie Conlan has withdrawn from the Saturday 6th February show at the National Stadium in Dublin because of a shoulder injury.

Belfast star Conlan was due to defend his title on the card, but the show is now headlined with a cracking showdown between Gary Corcoran and Danny Butler – who replaces injured original challenger Joe Selkirk – with the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight Championship on the line.

Chief support on the card sees exciting Dublin ace Jamie Kavanagh step up to challenge for the first title of his career when he faces Portugal’s Antonio Joao Bento for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship.

An action packed up line up features some of the best Irish talent, including: Declan Geraghty, Stephen Ormand, Patrick Hyland, Phillip Sutcliffe Jnr, Anthony Fitzgerland, Gary Sweeney, Craig O’Brien and Sean Creagh, plus unbeaten London star Romeo Romaeo.

Ticket prices are from €25, €40, €60, €80, €100 and €150 and are on sale at www.tickets.ie

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

NEW YORK (Jan. 15, 2016) – ShoBox: The New Generation returns on Friday, Feb. 19, quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

With the same height, same age, and similar strong amateur backgrounds, Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs) and Mario “Yayo” Munoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs) will face their toughest opponents to date when they touch gloves in the 10-round super bantamweight main event matchup.

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Akeem” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs) takes on Jerry Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow southpaw Wellington Romero (9-0-1, 4 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten welterweights and lefthander Lavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs) risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie Foster (8-1, 5 KOs) in a super featherweight match.

The combined record of the eight up-and-coming competitors is 89-3-3 with 54 knockouts.

Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., Smith, of Philadelphia, and Foster, of Orange, Texas, will be making their second ShoBox starts; while Munoz, of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Ellis, of Dorchester, Mass., Williams, of Rochester, N.Y. and Romero, of Hasburgh, N.Y., via Santiago, D.R., their first. Odom, of Washington, D.C, is making his third appearance.

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at 1 800 736 1420.

An excellent boxer-puncher and tactician that likes to counter, Lopez won his ShoBox debut in his outing before last with a close, hard-fought 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated, Dominican Eliezer Aquino (17-0-1 going in). Lopez is coming off a second-round TKO over Eric Aiken last Dec. 12.

Lopez was born in Phoenix, raised in Los Angeles and moved to San Antonio when he was 15. He went 125-23 in the amateurs and won six national championships before turning pro in February 2012. He’s trained by former two-time world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez.

Munoz will be making his United States debut and first start outside of Mexico. A pro since September 2010, he’s known for his come-forward style, first-rate overall skills and proficient punching power. He went 140-10 in the amateurs, winning three national Junior Olympic tournaments and coming away with bronze and silver medals in national championships.

Munoz, who hails from a fighting family, has an uncle who boxed professionally. He’s the one he credits for introducing him to boxing when he was 13. This will be his first fight since he scored a lopsided eight-round decision over Daniel Franco last May 2.

Ellis upset highly regarded Terrell Gausha to win the 2010 National Golden Gloves (Gausha would go on to represent the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games). Since going pro in February 2011, Ellis has fought in two countries (Puerto Rico, Mexico) and six U.S. cities (San Antonio, Carson, Calif., Winchester, Va., New York City, Tulsa and Inglewood, Calif.). The 26-year-old has faced mostly modest opposition and has seldom come close to putting in a full night’s work.

Ellis had had a series of delays and restarts since turning pro but feels he’s grown from his mistakes and that he’ll be stronger because of them. For sure, his power hasn’t been affected. All 10 of his knockouts have come inside two rounds (eight in the first). The older brother of boxer Rashidi Ellis has won four straight by knockout, including a second-round TKO over Jas Phipps in his last start last Aug. 29. But he seems to be taking a sizeable step-up in class here.

Odom is looking to turn it around after losing two of his last three, the most recent defeat coming via a shocking third-round TKO to Samuel Clarkson (14-3 going in) on ShoBox. The heavily favored, heavy-hitting Odom was dropped three times, once in the second and twice in the third, before the fight was halted at 1:15.

Odom, a top amateur and 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds, had a 12-fight win streak end on Jan. 9, 2015, when he was disqualified against Andrew Hernandez. In the rematch the following March 13 on ShoBox, Odom registered a 2:47, first-round TKO.

In his ShoBox debut, Odom, who makes for exciting scraps, dropped previously unbeaten Vilier Quinonez (8-0) twice before stopping him in the seventh round on July 25, 2014.

Smith won his ShoBox debut in his last start on a hard-fought, eight-round unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker last Nov. 6 in an outdoor fight in Las Vegas. Fighting in memory of his mother who died in late September and going eight rounds for the first time, the 5-foot-7 Smith, overcame a nasty cut over the left eye from an unintentional headbutt in the sixth, rallied to score a knockdown in the seventh and triumphed by the scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

Before turning pro in April 2010, Smith was a 2008 National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion. His 74-2 record in the amateurs included two victories over world-ranked contender Amir Imam.

Romero had 268 amateur bouts and represented the Dominican Republic at the Olympics in 2012 (he lost to Vasyl Lomanchenko). Shortly thereafter he relocated to New York. He went pro in October 2013, fought four times in 2014 and five times last year.

A slick 5-foot-9 boxer who can punch and gives opponent issues because of his awkward style and movement, Romero, 24, has beat up on ordinary opposition and is coming off a first-round TKO over Luis Meroles last Dec. 5. This looks to be his most daunting assignment to date.

Williams, 24, is a boxer-puncher who’s won seven in a row since boxing a draw in his second start in March 2013. This will be his first fight outside of New York. Making his eight-round debut in his last start on Oct. 8, he won a shutout decision over Czech Republic’s Michal Dufek.

Foster, 22, gets a quick-fix opportunity to redeem himself after losing his ShoBox debut on an eight-round unanimous decision to underdog Sam Teah (6-1) on the Nov. 6 card in Las Vegas.

A highly decorated amateur, the 5-foot-8½ inch Foster advanced to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games Trials where he lost to unbeaten pro prospect, Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz. Before that, Foster was a 2011 Houston Golden Gloves and 2010 PAL National Champion, a five-time Ringside National Champion and two-time National Junior Golden Gloves Champion.

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

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

COLORADO SPRINGS (January 15, 2016) – Undefeated welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez is just over a week away from facing the toughest opponent of his career and he took time out of his camp to give an update on training and more.

Vasquez takes on Los Angeles’ Aron Martinez on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center. Televised coverage is headlined by a welterweight world title battle between Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero plus a heavyweight contest between 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and rugged contender Amir “Hardcore” Mansour. Televised bouts begin inside the arena at 4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849or at STAPLES Center.

Vasquez has been training at the Triple Threat Boxing Gym in Colorado Springs. Here is what Vasquez had to say about training, his U.S. Army service, Aron Martinez and more:

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“I like training out in Colorado. It’s where I live now and the altitude makes my training even better. The longer I stay out here, the more advantages I get.

“I’m excited to be fighting on the west coast. I love fighting out here. I’m an exciting fighter and I’m fighting a local guy. Hopefully I can win and start building my own fans in L.A.

“Aron Martinez is going to come forward. He puts his head in your chest and tries to wear you out. It’s all about attacking the body. If he wants to be the bull, I’ll be the matador.

“We know his game plan so we’re preparing very well. If he tries to box me, I’ll outbox him all day.

“We’re going to take it one fight at a time. Being in competition for a world title is what we want. All the best guys are in the welterweight division.

“Where I am right now, I’m on the cusp of moving in on the big dogs in the division. I want to fight those guys. I feel like I’m ready to go. You have to take it one fight at a time in this division. It’s all about knocking out a name to get a name.

“I try to use boxing to get anything out there about the military that I can. I’ve been deployed twice and diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) are very serious things. I’m lucky to be where I’m at right now. I want to push the word out there more. It’s very serious but I’m fortunate enough to be in a position to spread the word.

“I think I’m going to stop him. Between the sixth and the eighth round. We’re going to meet in the middle of the ring. I’ve got more power than he’s used to. Everyone comes forward until they get punched in the face.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

TORINO (Jan. 15, 2015) – New details were revealed this afternoon regarding the co-promotion between Bellator MMA and Oktagon Kickboxing. The partnership is set to take place on April 16, 2016, when the two combat sports promotions join forces at the Pala Alpitour in Torino, Italy.

Oktagon Kickboxing President Carlo Di Blasi was joined at Comune Di Torino this afternoon by several of the world-class fighters slated to take part in the highly anticipated event including Alessio Sakara and Brian Rogers who will face one another in a light heavyweight MMA match up. Also in attendance this afternoon was Dutch knockout machine Melvin Manhoef, who will be competing in a kickboxing match up, and mixed martial artists Danilo Belluardo of Milan and Anastasia Yankova of Russia.

Although they were not in attendance at today’s press conference, it was announced that one of MMA’s most promising young prospects, A.J. McKee will be fighting Belluardo, and kickboxing standouts Raymond Daniels and Kevin Ross will be competing as well on April 16.

The event will feature both Bellator MMA and Oktagon Kickboxing bouts, with the Bellator MMA portion airing in the United States on SPIKE. Exact broadcast information and fight card will be announced in the near future.
Bellator MMA President Scott Coker was unable to be in Italy for this announcement, but added: “We are beyond excited to be announcing the participation of these incredible athletes alongside Carlo Di Blasi. This is an incredible indication of the amazing show that we are putting together, and there is so much more to come!”

Oktagon Kickboxing President Carlo Di Blasi said: “When Scott Coker confirmed me of the coming of Bellator MMA in the Olympic city of Turin with Oktagon kickboxing I immediately thought this is actually the biggest hit ever in European history of fighting sport.

“The expectations are really high and I am sure the spectators at venue and on TV will keep this enthusiasm during the whole show.”

On April 16, Italy’s own Alessio Sakara will be making his first appearance for Bellator MMA and looking to build upon his first-round TKO victory this past September. “Legionarius” has competed at 185-pounds for a majority of his nearly 14-year career but going forward the 34-year-old will be facing opponents at light heavyweight. With wins against Joe Vedepo, Thales Leites, and James Irvin already on his record, Sakara will have plenty to fight for when he enters the fray in front of a partisan crowd on April 16. It’s worth noting that Sakara has also taken professional boxing tilts, compiling a record of 8-1 with six wins coming by way of knockout.

Sakara’s opponent Rogers recently moved up in weight classes, making the jump from 185 to 205-pounds. The 31-year-old Strikeforce veteran has been competing under the Bellator MMA banner since 2011 and has had 11 fights along the way. Most recently, “The Professional Predator” finished Virgil Zwicker via arm-triangle choke, putting the exceptional roster of Bellator MMA light heavyweights on notice. Now, the Denver, CO. based slugger looks to add to his impressive record of finishing fights when competes for the first time in 2016.

The 20-year-old McKee undoubtedly has the attention of everyone in the MMA world after a 3-0 start to his career, and for good reason. The son of respected MMA veteran, Antonio McKee, A.J. fights with fearlessly aggressive, unorthodox approach that results in pure excitement and has fans and media alike clamoring for more. He will be facing Belluardo (5-1), who is sure to have the Italian fans in full support of his effort.

With his stoppage of up-and-coming Bellator MMA middleweight contender Hisaki Kato at the conclusion of 2015, the 39-year-old Manhoef has proven once again that he has plenty left in the tank. “No Mercy” has competed in more than 100 professional bouts during his combat sports tenure, with more than 50 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Look for that trend to continue when the dangerous striker returns to action in Northern Italy.

It’s easy to classify Anastasia Yankova as “just another pretty face,” but the 24-year-old Russian Muay Thai Champion has the fighting skills to more than match her good looks. Undefeated thus far in her budding MMA career, the Moscow native has attacked the limbs of both her opponents and earned early submission stoppages, piquing the interest of promotions around the globe. Ultimately, the Akademiya Box product recently signed a long-term contract with Bellator MMA, which continues to build out its impressive women’s flyweight division.

The 35-year-old Ross is a highly regarded American Muay-Thai kickboxer. Ross has racked up a slew of championships during his 52-fight career, including the WBC Muay-Thai USA welterweight title, the WBC Muay-Thai International Super-lightweight title and the Lion Fight Super Lightweight Championship. Known also as “The Soul Assassin,” Ross is working on a transition into the sport of MMA.

Daniels is a multi-time champion karate fighter who made a name for himself under the now defunct World Combat League banner. A confident, explosive striker who owns some of the most highlight-reel worthy knockouts in kickboxing history, Daniels has only been defeated four times in over 29 appearances while competing in some iteration of combat sports. Now, “The Real Deal” looks to showcase why he proudly wears the acronym “G.O.A.T.” on the back of his tights when he fights in Torino, Italy on April 16.

2015 was a record-shattering year for the Scott Coker-led Bellator promotion. The success was powered by several major events including “Bellator 138: Unfinished Business,” which generated 2.9 million viewers and “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” which set company records for attendance and gate. The April 16 event in Torino marks Bellator’s first-ever event overseas, but it won’t be the last, as the promotion has announced plans for additional international events in London and Israel slated for later this year.

About Bellator MMA:
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

About Oktagon:
Oktagon was created by Carlo Di Blasi in 1996. At its beginning the show was dedicated to free fight, the name that was given initially to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Other disciplines such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Savate were gradually added from the early 2000’s onwards. During the last 20 years Oktagon has reached a huge popularity, both in Italy and abroad, creating many superstars in the process including Bellator welterweight Paul Daley as well as The Petrosyan brothers (Giorgio and Armen), Robin Van Roosmalen, Valentijn Overeem, Rico Verhoeven and Artem Levin.

Liverpool’s hero Kevin Satchell can’t wait to get back in the ring after enduring nearly a year out with a freak knee injury he sustained after running in the Liverpool Half Marathon last March.

Flyweight ‘Satch’ returns to action when he fights over eight rounds on the massive Saturday 13th February action-packed show at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Liverpool is red-hot with boxing talent at the moment and Satchell, 27, will be looking to get his name back in the limelight, kicking things off with a win next month.

The undefeated former British, Commonwealth and European Champion is making plans for a big 2016.

“It’ll be nearly a year since I last fought so obviously I’m buzzing to get back in the ring. There’s been some low points for me in the last year and it’s been pretty frustrating at times with my injury and management changes but that’s all behind me now,” said Satchell.

“I’ve tried to stay professional about everything by keeping myself busy in the gym and looking for any potential opportunities, luckily one came up and I’m really looking forward to fighting on the Derry Mathews undercard.”

Boasting an impressive 14-0 record with three KO’s, the Liverpudlian is putting in the hours in the gym to stay at the top of his game. Still relatively young in the fight game, Satchell believes that his best years are still ahead of him.

“I’m back in the gym training five days a week and my body feels good. I’ve been back running for a few months now and my legs are feeling strong. Sparring with the boys down at the gym is keeping me sharp and things are ticking over nicely,”

He continued: “I could have had my world title fight by now but I’ve still been kept in the rankings so hopefully it hasn’t affected me too much. After this fight I’ll be right back in the mix and hopefully getting a shot at an eliminator or even a shot at a word title which is ultimately what I’m after.”

Boxing is soaring in Liverpool at the moment, with a rich batch of champions and contenders. Local lad Derry Mathews headlines the night’s entertainment and will be looking to inflict a first defeat on Mancunian rival Terry Flanagan to take the WBO World Lightweight title. Satchell is right behind ‘Dirty’ Derry and thinks a win would be massive for the city.

He said: “I’m 100% behind Derry, not just because he’s an MGM lad, but he’s a fellow Scouser and a friend. We all know he’s got that knockout power so I’m hoping for him to land one on Terry’s chin and bring another title back to Liverpool.”

Ticket for ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150* and are available from:

Eventim

0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

Liverpool Echo Arena

0844 8000 400

www.echoarena.com

Ticketmaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

A special V.I.P ticket priced at £250* that includes an inner ringside V.I.P seat, lanyard, complimentary beer, wine and soft drink (between a certain time period) and canapés are available to purchase through the Frank Warren Box Office office only on 01992 505 550.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

TACOMA, Wash. – Dashon Johnson and Izaak Cardona both appeared fit and ready for their super middleweight main event at Battle at the Boat 104 during Thursday’s weigh-ins at the Emerald Queen Casino.

Johnson (18-19-3, 4 KOs) tipped the scales at 166 pounds, while Cardona (14-3-0, 14 KOs) came in at 167. Johnson and Cardona’s 10-round bout headlines the six-fight card, which takes place Friday at the Tacoma Casino.

Brian Halquist Productions’ Battle at the Boat 104 will have a special start time with doors opening at 7 p.m. and preliminary bouts starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through the EQC box office and all Ticket Master Outlets.

Prior to the weigh-ins, Johnson, who served as Manny Pacquiao’s main sparring partner prior to Pacquiao’s historic bout against Floyd Mayweather, was presented the WBA-NABA United States Super Middleweight championship belt – a title he won during his last bout on Nov. 7 when he upset Mike Gavronski by ninth-round TKO.

“The fact that Freddie Roach brought on Dashon to be Pacquiao’s main sparring partner in preparation for his fight against Mayweather is more proof that he is a very special fighter,” promoter Brian Halquist. “His 50/50 record is very deceiving. Dashon is a fighter who is always in shape and will take any fight even with only a 24-hour notice which he has done for us before. Cardona is huge puncher, 14-3, 14 KOs. So, those guys matchup as good as any fight out there. This is going to be a war that the Northwest fight fans will enjoy to start our 2016 season.”

Jeremy McCleary (133 pounds) and Marco Cardenas (132) square off in a super featherweight co-main event.

Additional bouts on the Battle at the Boat 104 card include Rob Diezel (126) and Marcel Gallardo (126); Zach Cooper (147) and Will Fernandez (145.5); Andre Keys (157) and Lexus Pagampao (157); and Isaiah Najera (113.5) and Nestor Hernandez (111.5).

Battle at the Boat 104 is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the Battle at the Boat Facebook page.

Battle at the Boat 104 Weights
(10 rounds) Dashon Johnson (166) vs. Izaak Cardona (167)
(5 rounds) Jeremy McCleary (133) vs. Marco Cardenas (132)
(5 rounds) Rob Diezel (126) vs. Marcelo Gallardo (126)
(4 rounds) Zach Cooper (147) vs. Will Fernandez (145.5)
(4 rounds) Andre Keys (157) vs. Lexus Pagampao (157)
(4 rounds) Isaiah Najera (113.5) vs. Nestor Hernandez (111.5)

###

ABOUT BRIAN HALQUIST
Brian Halquist Productions is the Northwest premiere fight promotion company creator of the famed “Battle at the Boat” boxing series promoting more than 19 years and over 100 fights at the Emerald Queen Casino. BHP has also built the largest professional MMA series on the USA’s west coast with “CageSport MMA” nearing more than 50 fights. Brian Halquist Productions has promoted events for ESPN, ShowTime and HBO and featured on Showtime’s historic boxing event in St Lucia, West Indies. Brian Halquist Productions has been promoting fights and concerts for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 14) – Undefeated featherweight Julian “El Camarón” Ramirez (15-0, 8 KOs) showed off for the cameras during his media workout today, in Los Angeles, at Westside Boxing Club, ahead of his fight against Christopher “S.D. Kid” Martin (28-6-3, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBC Silver Youth Featherweight Title at The Belasco Theater on Friday, January 29 and airing live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV.

Co-main event undefeated fighter Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (19-0-1, 14 KOs) of La Puente, Calif. who will face Carlos Valcarcel (14-6- 4, 5 KOs) of Chula Vista, Calif. on the broadcast and undercard fighters Edgar Valerio (4-0, 2 KOs) and Pablo “The Shark” Rubio Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), were also in attendance and spoke to the about their upcoming events. Valerio is scheduled to face Justin Lopez (5-4, 5 KOs) of Grandville, Mich. in a six-round featherweight fight and Rubio Jr., will take on Bryan Perez (2-2-1, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a four-round super bantamweight fight streaming live in RING TV.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming fights.

JULIAN “EL CAMARON” RAMIREZ, Featherweight Contender:

“I have sparred with Martin in the past and have an idea of what he is like as a fighter.

“I think Martin is going to come at his best and will be smart. I don’t anticipate him being sluggish. I think this is his chance to bring his ‘A’ game so I have prepared myself for a tough fight.

“My style is very aggressive; I am a brawler but can change it up when I need to. It all depends on the style of my opponent. I can adjust easily to make sure I get the victory.

“This fight is very important to be because I know this title is going to open up the doors for me in the sport. Winning will move me up higher in the featherweight divisional rankings.”

ABRAHAM “CHAMACO” LOPEZ, Featherweight Contender:

“I am ready to take care of business on Jan. 29. I am very prepared and ready to fight at my pace.

“I came back to boxing because I feel like I can be a world champion. My father used to box, his nickname was also ‘Chamaco,’ it’s a way to make my father proud and I want to do that by winning a world championship for both of us.

“I feel like I am a threat in the featherweight division and I know I will get my chance on the title. For now all I have to do is take care of Martin on Jan. 29 and prove to everyone that I am ready to move up to contender status.”

EDGARD VALERIO, Featherweight Prospect:

“I am a technical fighter and a Mexican style fighter. I don’t like to get hit and I make sure to be prepared with a great defense and offense.

“I always have a plan A, B and C. I have to calculate the opponent and determine their skills and do what I need to do to make sure I have a victory.

PABLO “THE SHARK” RUBIO JR., Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“We are going to have fun at the Belasco on Jan. 29 it’s a great venue for boxing.

“I have been boxing since I was eight years old and one of my first trainers was Hector Rodriguez. He and my dad trained me, and I knew early on I had what it took to become a professional boxer.

“I’m going to go into the ring to drown my opponent. I am an aggressive fighter and will be looking for the knock-out but am prepared to go the distance.”

Ramirez vs. Martin is a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Silver Youth Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Carmelita Chorizo. 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, January 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT., and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are on sale starting at $20 and available for purchase online at www.goldenboypromotions.com or by visiting the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page. For ticket information, email us at LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com.

The “Knockout Experience VIP Package” is also available for an additional $25 upgrade and includes VIP entrance, access to an exclusive lounge offering food and beverages for purchase; a meet and greet opportunity with fighters and celebrities attending the event, past guests have included Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, Mario Lopez, George Lopez, Lucas Matthysse, Randy Caballero and other stars have all made appearances in the past; an automatic entry into the LA FIGHT CLUB grand prize drawing, which can include but is not limited to: autograph gloves, picture in the ring, backstage access, tour of locker rooms, fighter ring walk, tickets to upcoming boxing events and additional merchandise and prizes.

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.

TACOMA, Wash. – Brian Halquist Productions kicks off its 2016 slate of combative sports at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma on Friday with Battle at the Boat 104

The six-bout card will be highlighted by a 10-round super middleweight main event between Dashon Johnson and Izaak Cardona.

Battle at the Boat 104 will have a special Friday start time with doors opening at 7 p.m. and preliminary bouts starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through the EQC box office and all Ticket Master Outlets.

Johnson, a former UFC fighter who served as Manny Pacquiao’s main sparring partner prior to Pacquiao’s historic bout against Floyd Mayweather, is coming off the biggest win in his professional career after upsetting Mike Gavronski to capture the WBA-NABA U.S. super middleweight title on Nov. 7.

He faces another huge challenge in the knockout artist Cardona, who was a record of 14-3-0 with all 14 of his victories coming by KO with seven occurring in the first or second round.

“This is an incredible main event to start off the New Year,” promoter Brian Halquist said. “Johnson is coming off a stellar title victory his last time out. He’s been in the ring with some with of the best fighters in the world. Cardona just keeps posting KO after KO. This is going to be an exceptional fight.”

“The fact that Freddie Roach brought on Dashon to be Pacquiao’s main sparring partner in preparation for his fight against Mayweather is more proof that he is a very special fighter,” Halquist continued. “His 50/50 record is very deceiving. Dashon is a fighter who is always in shape and will take any fight even with only a 24-hour notice which he has done for us before. Cardona is huge puncher, 14-3, 14 KOs. So those guys matchup as good as any fight out there. This is going to be a war that the Northwest fight fans will enjoy to start our 2016 season.”

Headlining the undercard will be five-round super featherweight contest between rising Jeremy McCleary and Marco Cardenas.

The 21-year-old McCleary has fought exclusively at the Emerald Queen Casino, making his pro debut on Nov. 2, 2013. McCleary brings a record of 8-1-0 into the bout and is coming off a win over Health Cline on Nov. 7.

Battle at the Boat 104 is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the Battle at the Boat Facebook page.

Battle at the Boat 104 Card
168-pounds (10 rounds)
Dashon Johnson (18-19-3) vs. Izaak Cardona (14-3-0)
131-pounds (5 rounds)
Jeremy McCleary (8-1) vs. Marco Cardenas (4-5-0)
126-pounds (5 rounds)
Rob Diezel (9-6) vs. Marcelo Gallardo (5-3-2)
148-pounds (4 rounds)
Zach Cooper (2-1-2) vs. Will Fernandez (0-3)
160-pounds (4 rounds)
Andre Keys (pro debut) vs. Lexus Pagampao (pro debut)
119-pounds (4 rounds)
Isaiah Najera (2-1) vs. Nestor Hernandez (pro debut)

###

ABOUT BRIAN HALQUIST
Brian Halquist Productions is the Northwest premiere fight promotion company creator of the famed “Battle at the Boat” boxing series promoting more than 19 years and over 100 fights at the Emerald Queen Casino. BHP has also built the largest professional MMA series on the USA’s west coast with “CageSport MMA” nearing more than 50 fights. Brian Halquist Productions has promoted events for ESPN, ShowTime and HBO and featured on Showtime’s historic boxing event in St Lucia, West Indies. Brian Halquist Productions has been promoting fights and concerts for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest.

HOLLISTER, CA (January 14, 2016) – With fight week just days away, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero hosted a media workout in the Bay Area Wednesday to discuss his primetime welterweight world title showdown with Danny “Swift” Garcia on Saturday, January 23 that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The stacked card features a welterweight battle between undefeated Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Los Angeles’ Aron Martinez plus a heavyweight attraction pits 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale and rugged contender Amir “Hardcore” Mansour. Televised bouts begin at 4 p.m. PT inside of the arena.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

The media day took place at the Hollister Boxing Gym and featured Guerrero’s father and trainer Ruben Guerrero. Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“All the hard work is done. We got one more day of sparring before we head out to Los Angeles next week. My dad and I are putting the final touches of our game plan together. We had great sparring and everyone is going to see a great fight on FOX January 23.

“Danny Garcia is very confident coming into this fight. He said he’s going to knock me out in five rounds. His dad said they’re bringing the storm to California. They both said it’s going to be the Danny Garcia show, so we’ll see. All I know is I’m coming to fight. I’m going to do all my talking in the ring with my fists.

“The Garcia’s can try to downplay the Mexican vs. Puerto Rican rivalry all they want, but the fact is, this rivalry has been the cornerstone of great boxing matches since before I was born. We are both born in America, but our roots go back to Mexico and Puerto Rico, so expect the rivalry to continue. I can’t wait to silence all the critics who are writing me off.”

RUBEN GUERRERO

“I respect Danny Garcia and his father Angel. Together they are undefeated. They feel invincible. Our motivation going into this fight is to give them their first loss. Everyone thinks my son is washed up, but they will see that he still has a lot left in the tank. Training camp is almost done and Robert knows what he has to do. It’s time to send a message to the welterweight division.

“I come from a big family and we all had it rough growing up working in the fields. We Mexicans have never had anything given to us. We had to work hard to get what we want. It’s time to represent all the hard working Mexicans going through the struggle. Robert is ready to represent La Raza. You better believe the Chicanos are going to be deep at STAPLES Center. My son is coming to throw down!”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents the first live Resurrection Fighting Alliance broadcast of 2015 this Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 p.m. ET, as RFA 34: Velickovic vs. Smith emanates from 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The event will be headlined by a welterweight title fight between Serbian sensation Bojan “Serbian Steel” Velickovic (12-3) and former RFA welterweight champion Benjamin Smith (15-3).

RFA 34: Velickovic vs. Smith will be broadcast live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on AXS TV.

In addition to the Velickovic vs. Smith headliner, the co-main event will see Colorado native Adam Stroup (10-2) and former RFA title challenger John Poppie (6-2) meet in a middleweight showdown.

The main card of RFA 34 will also include a pair of RFA and Colorado fan favorites in the light heavyweight division, as Cody Mumma (8-2) looks to ride the momentum of three consecutive KO victories when he faces fellow RFA vet Jeremy Kimball (11-5), who will be entering this contest fresh off a lightning fast KO victory of his own.

In the bantamweight division, six-time UFC vet Hugo “Wolverine” Viana (8-3) and two-time RFA vet Zac “The Anointed Warrior” Riley (3-3) will share the RFA Octagon together, plus Brian Camozzi (4-2) makes his long awaited RFA debut when he faces Tyler Milner (7-2) in a welterweight contest, while the main card gets started in the featherweight division with a pair of top prospects eager to make their national television debuts, as Cory Sandhagen (1-0) collides with Andrew Tenneson (3-0).

Live action returns to Fight Network just two days later with a special presentation of the UFC Fight Night™: Dillashaw vs. Cruz prelims on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. ET, airing exclusively in Canada. In featured prelim action, battle-tested French-Canadian warrior Patrick Cote (22-9) seeks his third straight triumph at 170 pounds when he takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Ben Saunders (19-6-2). Other bouts include a light heavyweight showcase pitting Tim Boetsch (18-9) against Ed Herman (22-11, 1NC), a lightweight matchup between red-hot New Yorker Chris Wade (10-1) and highly touted newcomer Mehdi Baghdad (11-3), plus Venezuelan knockout artist Maximo Blanco (12-6-1, 1NC) looks to make it four straight against undefeated bantamweight newcomer Luke Sanders (10-0).

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

BROOKLYN (January 14, 2016) – A dramatic fight week continued Thursday as WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and bruising Polish contender Artur Szpilka participated inthe final press conference before they enter the ring this Saturday, January 16 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with unbeatens Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov fighting for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor 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

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m so happy to be here in the ‘Big Apple.’ It’s been over 115 years since there’s been a heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn and you’ve invited your ‘country friend’ to end that streak.

“Everything has happened at the right time in my life. Even the people I’ve met in my career have come at the right time. I still think about the first time I met Lennox Lewis and he took the time out to talk to me and he showed me different techniques. I’ll never forget.

“Lennox was one of those guys that set the standard. He’s a hard act to follow. But I love a challenge. Everybody has had struggles coming up. Now my children are my motivation and that’s what has made me strong physically and mentally.

“Here we are in 2016, with a young champion trying to follow in the footsteps of a great champion to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

“People who know me know that if I say I’m going to do something, I’m doing it. I am hungry. I am determined. I’m not playing with anybody in 2016. I don’t say things just to sound good. My actions will speak for themselves.

“This is a great card. Two heavyweight title fights in one night. It doesn’t get much better than that. The heavyweight division is exciting again. Having someone like me, it’s only going to get better.

“I take pride in what I do and what I have. I’m very honored to have the WBC belt. I even have the belt tattooed on my body. It’s not going anywhere. But there are more belts that I want. It’s going to be a long journey and a tough path to fulfill. But I’m that man.

“When people say the heavyweight champion of the world, I want one person to be recognized. I wish my opponent and all future opponents good luck, cause they’re going to need it.

“We’re not looking past Artur Szpilka. Things happen due to adrenaline and excitement, but I’m very confident about what I’m going to do on Saturday night. He wants to be the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world. You know he’s coming to make history.

“This is going to be a hard fight, but a fun fight. Everyone who sees this fight, they’re going to get their money’s worth. It’s going to be a great show. I cannot wait. Waiting is the hardest part of boxing.”

ARTUR SZPILKA

“I’m so happy to fight in front of so many great Polish fans. I want to be the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world. I want to do it.

“There’s no pressure on me. The pressure is on Deontay because I just want to be a world champion, he already is.

“I’m not just here to get my paycheck. Everyone who knows me, knows I come to fight. I don’t just want to win; I want to win in spectacular fashion.

“I have a bunch of friends coming in from Chicago but the next 48 hours will be mostly relaxing. I have a couple small training sessions with Ronnie (Shields) but that’s it.

“I know you have to have a great respect for your opponent and I used to have respect for him. But after what he has said about me, I have a problem. You have to prove it in the ring. He has to do it in the ring, not outside the ring. He can say whatever he wants, but we will see it in the ring.

“I will fight hard and after the fight you will hear ‘The New Heavyweight Champion of the World.’ ”

CHARLES MARTIN

“I’m so thankful to be in this position. Everyone who put this together and got me here, I owe them everything. I want to thank my mom for making me a strong guy. We went through everything together. We’ve seen it all.

“It’s starting to get real. I can feel my aggression coming out. I’m a Taurus, I’m a bull. I get mean when it’s time to fight. That’s what I want to bring into the ring on Saturday night. Controlled aggression.

“I’m a nice person but when it’s time to go, I have an angry heart.

“I train for every fight like a title fight. Mentally there was nothing to gear up for. I’m strong mentally. I’ve been running up in the mountains and doing a lot of rounds.

“We’re in great shape after being in one camp for eight weeks and then taking a week off before we got back to it. It was a great training camp.

“I’m happy and excited. I’m looking forward to this fight on Saturday and taking what’s mine.

“I’m so sick of talking about what Glazkov does well, I just want to see if he can do it well against me.”

VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV

“Thank you everyone who supports me and loves boxing. This is a big opportunity for me. I’m 100 percent ready. This will be a good fight and I hope everyone is watching.

“I feel good. I’ve trained very hard. I’m very ready for this fight. Everything is in place for me to become world champion.

“Charles is a big guy. He’s a lefty but he hasn’t fought good opponents. He’s a big strong guy, but it’s the heavyweight division. Everyone is strong. This will be a good fight.

“All of my past fights have helped me get ready for this one. I want all of the belts. This is the first step towards my dream.”

LENNOX LEWIS, Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion

“I’m looking forward to the fights Saturday. There are four great heavyweights that I’m excited to see. I’m happy that my WBC belt is looked after so well.

“The heavyweight division is wide open right now. Now it’s time for the guys who were standing by the wayside to show that they want to be the next undisputed champion.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is going to be a huge event at Barclays Center on Saturday night. There are still some tickets available, but you better run and get them. We just opened up some more tickets today. We could have a record crowd for boxing at Barclays Center and that’s the power of the heavyweight division and the power of boxing when you deliver a great product to people.

“There are two terrific fights in one night. They will be the first heavyweight title fights in Brooklyn in 115 years. We knew we were going to have Deontay Wilder taking on Artur Szpilka. We didn’t initially expect it, but now we have a title fight for a vacant belt as a co-feature. It really makes it a special night.”

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

“SHOWTIME Sports was born on March 10, 1986 with its first telecast of a sporting event, which happened to feature a spectacular 11th-round knockout by “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. This is SHOWTIME’s 30th anniversary and we’ll be celebrating all year long.

“In keeping with our heavyweight theme, we are featuring our long history with Evander Holyfield and airing some of his biggest fights. Holyfield has fought with us 18 times, the most of any other fighter. If there is a current fighter who can break that record, it’s Deontay Wilder. He’s fought eight times and we’ve seen the progression of his skills.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off our year than with this doubleheader of heavyweight title fights. For each of these four fighters on this SHOWTIME card, Saturday night represents a lifetime of work and their dream of being heavyweight champion. I’m convinced we’re going to have two memorable fights that will add to the great history of SHOWTIME.

“We have such confidence in this card we’re doing something unprecedented. Not only is it a part of our Free Preview Weekend, but we’re putting the entire telecast on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. There’s no excuse for anyone to miss it.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Barclays Center

“Barclays Center is in the big event business and it doesn’t get any bigger than hosting two heavyweight world championship fights Saturday night. Brooklyn has a great history with heavyweights but it’s been a long time. Deontay is the perfect person to bring this tradition back to Brooklyn. He’s confident, tenacious and has a big personality. He’s made to fight in Brooklyn.

“Wilder versus Artur Szpilka is the matchup Brooklyn has been waiting for. The Fort Greene section of Brooklyn has a tremendous Polish population and Artur will have a big rooting section on Saturday night.

“This will be our sixteenth event and I expect 2016 to be our biggest year ever. This is certainly an exciting way to kick off boxing at Barclays for 2016.”

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

Brooklyn, NY (January 14, 2016) – This Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, it will be a historic night of boxing because not one but two world heavyweight title bouts will take place on one card.

Before Deontay Wilder defends his WBC title against Artur Szpilka and Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Galzkov vie for the IBF strap, Brooklyn’s own Julian Sosa will look for his 4th win against one draw when he takes on Bryan Timmons in a welterweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Sosa of the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn was 68-12 as an amateur and is excited for the great opportunity and exposure on such a high profile card.

“Training has been great. This has been one of the longest camps so far. It has been 5 and a half weeks. I really feel amazing and I feel strong. My confidence is through the roof and I am just prepared to fight,”said the 20 year-old Sosa.

Sosa, who turned 20 on New Years day will be fighting his most experienced foe in Timmons. The native of St. Joseph, Missouri is a nine fight veteran.

“I have seen two fights of him. I see that he likes to switch stances and he likes to mix up coming forward and countering. I prepare in the gym for anything. I have a style that I can do different things. I am a boxer-puncher but I can adapt to whatever my opponent brings. I get more aggressive as the fight moves along and I get more comfortable in there and I even get more aggressive.”

This is a major opportunity for young Sosa as he will be fighting in his home borough on a big card.

“When I got the news, I was excited to be part of history. This is the first heavyweight title bout in 115 years in Brooklyn. I want to put on a great performance on the historic night.”

Sosa is promoted by New Legend Boxing Promotions which is headed up by Felipe Gomez and Kevin O’Sullivan and Sosa is happy that the company has kept him very busy as this will be his fifth fight in his first ten months as a professional.

“New Legend has been keeping me very active. They are moving me in the right direction. This will be a great night as I have a very good fan base. I could not ask for a better team.”

That team, which is a family affair, is made up by his father/trainer Aureliano Sosa, uncle Eusebio Sosa and his strength and conditioning coach Hugh.

“I want to thank Kevin & Felipe of New Legend Boxing & Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment for giving me this opportunity to fight on this great card at Barclays Center. The fans will see that the work will pay off on Saturday.”

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated featherweight Mario “Yayo” Munoz to a promotional contract.

25-year-old Munoz, from Guadalajara, Mexico, currently sports a record of 16-0-1, 10 KOs and has been a professional since 2011. He will make his promotional debut under the Sampson Boxing banner on February 19 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City when he takes on fellow unbeaten Adam Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs).

The fight against Lopez will be Munoz’s first outside Mexico. To prepare for this tough assignment, Munoz is working hard with trainer/manager Rafael Guzman and world-class Sampson Boxing stablemates Hugo “Cuatito” Ruiz (35-3, 31 KOs) and Jorge “Pilon” Lara (27-0-2, 19 KOs) in Guadalajara.

“I am proud to have a great promoter like Sampson helping me now,” said Munoz. “It will make me fight that much harder knowing I have the backing to become a world champion behind me. I will train to the top of my ability for February 19 and for every fight I have with my new promoter. Together we will become world champion.”

“Sampson is my trusted friend and I feel this agreement will help Mario very much,” said Rafael Guzman. “Mario is very talented and determined and will go far in the sport. We needed the right promotional backing to take the next step and we now have it.”

“I am very happy to be adding another proud Mexican warrior to my stable of fighters,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “Along with Mario and Cuatito Ruiz and Pilon Lara I have the Red Flag, David Benavidez. Those are four very talented fighters and it makes me proud to be their promoter. Mario Munoz has a bright future in boxing if he keeps working as hard as he does and it’ll be a pleasure to help him with his career. It is my vision to continue to find new Mexican stars like him and welcome them to the Sampson Boxing family.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

London (14 January) – The next super-star of boxing Terence Crawford’s WBO World Super-Lightweight title defence against Hank Lundy on Saturday 27th February at the iconic Madison Square Garden, will be televised exclusively live on BoxNation.

Crawford, a two-time and two-weight World Champion, a big favourite with UK fans’ on The Channel of Champions, returns to action as he looks to elevate into the position of boxing’s main man with Floyd Mayweather retired and Manny Pacquiao soon to be, many experts believe the exciting 28-year-old from Omaha can be that man.

A hero in his hometown, Crawford, who sits inside the top ten of boxing’s Pound-for-Pound best rankings, now looks to make that transition when he makes his debut at MSG, known as the “Mecca of Boxing”, where the immortals of the sport have all plied there trade.

Undefeated in 27 fights with 19 knockouts, 12 coming inside three rounds, the big-hitting and dangerous Crawford, 28, could have been a potential final opponent for Pacquaio, who instead wisely opted to go for a third fight against rival Timothy Bradley.

Crawford, began his title reign when he totally out-classed Scotland’s Ricky Burns in his own backyard in March 2014 to win the WBO World Lightweight title. He then saw off undefeated Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former Olympic Gold medallist, in nine rounds in the first title defence in June before outpointing tough Mexican and former world title challenger Raymundo Beltran in November in his second title defence.

“Bud” started 2015 by stepping up to super-lightweight and destroying number two ranked contender Thomas Dulorme to capture the Vacant WBO Crown with a sixth round stoppage in April, followed by a first title defence against the tough Puerto Rican based Frenchman and number two ranked challenger Dierry Jean in ten rounds last November.

His challenger, Lundy, hails from the mean streets of Philadelphia and brings the old school fight mentality of the greats who have come out of the fighting city like Bernard Hopkins and Joe Frazier, into his showdown against Crawford.

Never to shy away from a fight, his challenger “Hammerin” Lundy has defeated former world champions including David Diaz and Richar Abril as well as contenders Olusegan Ajose, Patrick Williams, Dannie Williams and Angelo Santana in his 32-fight career with 26 wins, five losses, one draw and 13 knockouts. In his last fight he captured the WBC Continental Lightweight title with a fifth round stoppage of Carlos Velasquez and is rated number eight in the world by the organisation.

At the recent fight announcement Crawford and Lundy clashed and both are promising an exciting fight.

“I will show the world I am the best fighter at 140 pounds,” Said Crawford.

He added, “Lundy runs his mouth too much. He’s about to get hurt real bad. But Lundy can fight. He will battle.”

Lunday retaliated, “This is the type of fight I have been waiting for. The last couple of fights I have beaten guys but didn’t get the fair shake. If you’re a true fan of boxing, you know I belong in the ring with the best fighters in the world. I’m the type of guy that no one wants to fight, because I am the real deal. On February 27th, I am coming to Madison Square Garden to fight Terence Crawford, and on the 28th I’ll be leaving with his belt.”

Also on the exciting card another potential boxing super-star Felix Verdejo aims to break through into the mainstream when he defends his WBO Latino Lightweight title against big-hitting Brazilian Williams Silva in his return to MSG.

The red-hot undefeated talent known as “El Diamante” fights out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and aims to become the next big name fighter from the famous fighting island that has produced countless greats like Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, Wilfredos Gomez and Vasquez, Hector Camacho and many more.

Fire-fisted Verjdejo has stopped eight of his last ten opponents inside the distance and this will be the third defence of his title. He won the belt with a fifth round knockout of Marco Lopez in April 2014 and then outpointed undefeated contender Ivan Najera in his first defence. Last time out in December he smashed Josenilson Dos Santos inside two rounds.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

– Ends –

About BoxNation

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

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

PHILADELPHIA (January 14, 2016) – Before they travel across the country for their Saturday, January 23 showdowns, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour held a Philadelphia media workout Wednesday to discuss their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes bouts taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Garcia faces former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in a welterweight world title fight while Mansour takes on 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale in heavyweight action. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a welterweight battle between Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Aron Martinez.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

The workout took place at Garcia’s DSG Boxing Gym and the undefeated star was joined by his father and trainer, Angel Garcia. Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m just focused on Robert Guerrero because at the end of the day, that’s the task in front of me. None of the stuff in the future can happen if don’t get the job done.

“I feel like I’ve faced some real good fighters. We just want to keep winning fights and getting bigger fights.

“It’s almost impossible to predict the future in boxing. That’s why I don’t get ahead of myself. If the opportunity is in front of me, I’m going to take advantage of it.

“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. It’s just about taking it one fight at a time to get to where we want to be.

“This is my first fight being a father and I’m dedicating it to my daughter. I’m wearing pink and black for her. I named her Philly because of how important the city is to me. I’m the first Latino boxing champion from Philly and I wanted to name her something that was important to me.

“I represent everybody. I’m from Philadelphia, we’re all the same here. There’s not just one ethnicity. Where I’m from, we’re all cool.

“I knew the opportunities would come and that I’d be fighting for a title eventually. There’s nothing like a championship fight, it’s just a different atmosphere.

“We’re eating right, dieting right. We were already training like this was a title fight and now it’s come to fruition. I fought Morales for a belt and now I’m fighting another Mexican warrior in Guerrero.”

AMIR MANSOUR

“I expect Breazeale to come to fight. Looking at his prior fights, he doesn’t back down. That’s what I like. I don’t think that he’s going to run. He’ll engage and it’ll be an interesting fight.

“Breazeale is a tall guy but he’s nothing different. You just have to train hard and focus on the task at hand.

“I prepare to fight. I don’t prepare to run from a guy. I’m preparing to strategically target my opponent’s weakness. I don’t think he’s faster than me, I don’t think he’s stronger than me, he’s just taller than me.

“I don’t think this fight is going the distance. I’m always going to predict that I’m going to be the winner. I really want to get this guy out of there and not leave it in the judges hands.

“This isn’t my first time on the big stage. A win is a win. We’re all one punch away from success and one punch from failure. Any win is a blessing.

ANGEL GARCIA

“We’re going up there the same way whether it was for a belt or not. Hungry and we’re coming back with that treasure.

“After he wins that belt, I’m going to call my son the undefeated champion of the world yet again.

“My son now knows that feeling of being a family and you never really know that until you’re a father. He’s always been humble but now he’s really doing it for his daughter. Now he can live the rest of his life to make sure her and her kids and grandkids will be okay.

“Danny still trains the same. When we’re in camp, it’s camp. It’s all about Danny Garcia. Him and me do it like we’ve always done.

“Danny had his mind on 147 for a while. We should have gone right to 147 after Matthysse but I wanted him to take his time. We’re where we want to be now.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 14, 2016) – Another potentially explosive match has been added to an already top heavy-loaded M-1 Challenge 64, taking place February 19 at Olympic Stadium in Moscow, as Pavel Vitruk takes on Sergey Morozov in a special M-1 Challenge bantamweight semifinal eliminator.

The M-1 Challenge 64 headliner finds newly M-1 Global-signed Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-6-0, M-1: 8-3-0), of Russia, against powerful Estonian challenger Denis Smoldaraev (11-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0) for the vacant M-1 Challenge heavyweight championship.

In the co-feature, M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (12-3-0, M-1: 2-2-0), fighting out of Paris, defends his title against Belarussian challenger Artiom Damkovsky (20-9-0, M-1: 10-6-0)

M-1 Challenge 64 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

A native of Ukraine fighting out of St. Petersburg, Vitruk (12-2-0, M-1: 6-2-0) is coming off back-to-back losses to American Lee Morrison by decision at M-1 Challenge 55 and Max Coga by third-round decision at M-1 Challenge 58. Representing the famed Alexander Nevsky Club in St. Petersburg, Vitruk has a strong Muay Thai foundation. After fighting exclusively as a featherweight, Vitruk has decided to drop down one weight class and compete as a bantamweight.

Pavel Vitruk (R) displays his effective jab to set-up his other moves

The 26-year-old Morozov (4-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) is coming off a pair of impressive second-round stoppages via punches over Andy Young at M-1 Challenge 59 and Rijitigala Amu at M-1 Challenge 53. The Kazakh is a hot bantamweight prospect who is equally comfortable on his feet or on the ground.

Morozov is shown here ready to unload on his opponent

The winner of Vitruk vs. Morozov will advance to fight the victor from a soon-to-be announced second title eliminator for the vacant M-1 Challenge bantamweight title.

Information

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ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 170 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 was another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions continues to build a compelling card for Friday Night Fights, which will take place on Friday, Jan. 29th, at the Five Star Banquet Hall in Long Island City.

“The matches that we are putting together will be very competitive, and we look forward to another exciting night of fights,” said Rory Frank, Uprising Promotions Vice President. “The fans will be really happy with the card, and we encourage everyone to come and support the show on January 29th.”

Leading the way on the card will be a 10-round women’s bout for the WBC Women’s Silver Middleweight Championship, featuring undefeated and ultra-popular New Yorker Alicia “The Empress” Napolean (4-0, 4 KOs) against an opponent to be named. An additional women’s contest is also on the docket, as two-time New York Golden Gloves champion Natalie Gonzalez will meet Kimberly Tomes in her pro debut.

“In what has become a normal occurrence for our shows, we are pleased to once again feature some exciting women’s bouts,” Frank continued. “These fights never disappoint and will be a great addition to our upcoming card. It will truly be a great night on Jan. 29th when we return to Five Star Banquet Hall.”

Also back in action for Friday Night Fights is undefeated junior welterweight Mikkel “Slikk Mikk” Lespierre (11-0, 4 KOs), who fights out of Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and is coming off a resounding 2015 that saw him record six consecutive victories in just over eight months.

Additionally, another Gleason’s representative will get back to work on Jan. 29th, as Delen “Sniper” Parsley (12-1, 4 KOs) appears in a middleweight scrap. The Brooklyn native was last in the ring on an Uprising Promotions card in May of 2015, stopping Troy Artis in three rounds.

Matthew Armstrong (1-0) also last fought in May on that same Uprising Promotions showcase, battling Anton Williamson to a four-frame unanimous decision. The super welterweight will look to continue his winning wins in another four-round encounter.

Two pro debuts are on tap for Jan. 29th, with Brooklyn light heavyweight Stephen Frank and featherweight Jose Gonzalez getting their professional careers underway.

Additional bouts and opponents for those already slated for action on Friday Night Fights will be announced in the coming week, and that information will be released as soon as it is confirmed.

The first bell on Jan. 29th is scheduled for 7:00 PM sharp, with doors opening at 6:30 PM. The Five Star Banquet Hall is located at 13-05 43rd Avenue in Long Island City, and its intimate setting ensures that there is not a bad seat in the house. Tickets are priced at $60 for general admission and $100 for ringside seating, and there is also a table option with dinner. For pricing on those tables, call (516) 451-6773.

Friday Night Fights will continue the initiative of Uprising Promotions to KO Autism, with proceeds from the night getting donated to The School For Language and Communication Development (SLCD) in Glen Cove, New York. This card is also being sponsored by Brooklyn Brothers, Sleep Inn and Charlie’s Auto Collision in Long Island City.

For more information on Uprising Promotions and to keep up with all of our latest news, make sure to check out www.UprisingPromotions.com and follow us on social media: @UprisingNYC

Bristol’s Danny Butler will now challenge for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Junior-Middleweight Championship against London’s Gary Corcoran on Saturday 6th February at Dublin’s National Stadium, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The 28 year-old replaces Liverpool’s Joe Selkirk who has been forced to withdraw through injury and is looking forward to boxing in Dublin for the first time in his career. Butler isn’t concerned by Corcoran’s relentless non-stop punching style and believes he has what it takes to defeat him.

“I’ve watched a bit of Gary and I know he’s a strong come-forward type of fighter but that doesn’t faze me at all, I’m happy to stand a trade with him. This is the type of fight I love to take and it’s going to be an exciting one for fans that’s for sure,” said Butler.

He continued: “It doesn’t bother me fighting away from home, I’ve got a job to do and it doesn’t matter where it is. I’ll fight anyone anywhere, I just need to go over there and get the win which I know I will”

“I’m a strong light-middleweight and quite big for this level, I feel like I can take my power down to this weight and do some damage. It’s a fight that I definitely believe I’m going to win, I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t think I could win it.”

Corcoran, known as the ‘Hell Raiser’ for ferocious fighting style, fights out of Wembley and holds a perfect record of 14 fights with 6 KO’s. Last time out the 25-year-old inflicted the first defeat to Rick Skelton’s career and is confident he has the tools to deal with Butler.

He said: “I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny Butler but there’s only going to be one winner and that’s me, I’m going to stop him late on. I don’t think he does anything spectacularly well but he doesn’t do anything badly. He’s a good all round fighter and a good pro, he’s fought anyone, anywhere and he’s taken this fight away from home,”

“The opponent’s changed but I’m still 100% focused on fight night. We’ve been sparring all around the country, lately I’ve been sparring with Bradley Skeete and Tommy Langford. The camp has been brilliant and I’ve been ticking over nicely for last past seven months.”

A natural-born scrapper with a rich Irish traveller heritage, Corcoran has ripped through his first 14 opponents and promises that he’ll give his fans something to cheer about on Saturday 6th February.

He added, “I’ve got a lot of family over in Ireland that are going to be there and I’m not going to let them down. Once I’ve dealt with Butler I can start to look onwards and upwards. It’s going to be a massive fight that’s for sure and only one of us can move on from it.”

Ticket prices are from €25, €40, €60, €80, €100 and €150 and are on sale at www.tickets.ie

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, Freeview 255 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito will end his 4-year retirement when he takes on Jorge Paez Jr. on March 5th in Mexico.

“Let’s see how he does with Paez first before we make a big effort to get him licensed in the United States,” said Margarito’s promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com. “Paez is a good test for a guy who’s been out of action as long as Margarito has been.”

on March 5, live on Sky Sports.

Eggington defended the titles for the first time in a thrilling contest against Dale Evans in October, with the young Birmingham talent climbing off the canvas in the second round to see off the tough Welshman on points in Birmingham.

The 22 year old makes the second defence of the British title and third of his Commonwealth belt back in the second city, and faces popular Londoner Skeete as he aims to move into touching distance of outright ownership of the Lord Lonsdale belt.

Skeete has boxed for the belts before and against another Birmingham man having challenged Frankie Gavin for the titles in London in November 2014, and the 27 year old enters the clash in good form on the back of four wins in the capital in 2015 since his loss to Gavin.

Eggington’s defence against Skeete will top a stacked card in Birmingham where Kal and Gamal Yafai face crucial nights in their blossoming careers.

Gamal will challenge Bobby Jenkinson for the Lincoln man’s Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title, British Super Flyweight champion Kal continues his march towards a World title, Birmingham pair Michael Rooney and Marcus Ffrench meet for the Midlands Lightweight title and Cello Renda and Ben Wilkes clash in an eliminator for the English Middleweight title.

Tickets go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members at 2pm today (Thursday January 14), priced – £40, £60, £100 and £150 VIP.

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Friday January 15, with tickets priced £40, £60 and £100 available from www.theticketfactory.com. VIP tickets priced £150 are available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

Erith’s super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt is looking to get his boxing career back on track when he takes on Poland’s Krztof Rogowski over eight rounds at Bethnal Green’s York Hall on Friday 22nd January, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The 25 year-old admits mistakes were made in the run up to his defeat against Lincoln’s Bobby Jenkinson last September but won’t be letting history repeat itself. With professional help, Pettitt has addressed his previously questionable dietary habits and is already reaping the benefits.

“Improving my diet has definitely made a massive difference to my training and general well-being. I’m drinking three litres of water a day and that alone has made me feel more alert and awake than I’ve ever felt. I’ve completely changed my diet and I feel so much better for it, recently I’ve been working with a nutritionist who’s been a huge help,” said Pettitt.

Pettitt is determined to get himself back to where he wants to be and is aware that he’ll have to do things the hard way after being caught by a heavy shot from Jenkinson in the eleventh round that ultimately led to a stoppage.

He continued, “Obviously I really want a rematch with Bobby Jenkinson for the Commonwealth title, it’s a fight that I know I’m capable of winning and with my new diet I’m sure I would. From there I’d be looking at the British title and then the European title. Those are the three main fights on my radar at the moment and I know I’ll have to win two if not three of those before I can start to think of pushing on.”

“I won’t be making the same mistakes, it’s the big domestic fights that I’m after but I’m going to take each fight as it comes and not get carried away. Last time out I let my mind drift beyond Jenkinson to a fight with Jazza Dickens and that contributed to my downfall. These are the realities of boxing but this is what I love doing, I’m a fighter.”

Having turned over a new leaf the hugely popular Pettitt is looking forward to testing his new regime when he fights on the undercard of Ryan Walsh’s British Featherweight title defence against Darren Traynor.

Pettitt added, “I’ve sparred with George Jupp recently who just had that good win over Mitchell Smith. I’ve also been doing a lot with Dan Carr in the gym and things are going really well. I’m training with a lot of familiar faces but this time round everything is falling into place nicely. I’m feeling fit and strong and come the end of fight night I’ll be back on track to where I want to be.”

Remaining tickets are available from Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and 0844 844 0444

For media accreditation please go to www.frankwarren.com and go to the events page to apply.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Detroit (January 13, 2016)–A packed card just got a notch better, with word that Dominican contender Eudy Bernardo has been added to the Feb. 6 “Detroit Brawl” card at the Masonic Temple, in downtown Detroit.

“A really good card just got even better,” said promoter Dmitry Salita, who as a world-class professional set up many training camps in Michigan. “Fans will enjoy his power punching style. Bernardo is trained by the former world champ, Frank Tate, and is really one to keep an eye on.”

The 20-0 lightweight, has 14 KOs to his credit. According to manager Lily Mares “he’s strong in both hand, is hungry for a championship and is really disciplined. He never says ‘I can’t.’ Eudy is ready to be on top. He is ready to show all and prove how great he is and I know Salita will put him in the right direction.”

This highly decorated amateur is now living and training in Houston, Texas, away from his family, because he wants to improve his craft and challenge the best lightweights in the world. Fans in attendance can expect a new level of hard-hitting efficiency from Bernado come Feb. 6.

The card is stacked with stellar talent, including future star Serdar Hurdayberdiyev, a welterweight who repped Turkmenistan in the last Olympics, will seek victory.

Also, James Ballard, an undefeated light heavyweight from Detroit , seeks to leave an imprint on fans on this evening.

Emilio Salas, a cruiserweight from the Bronx, wants to continue his climb up the ladder, as well.

Go to ticketmaster.com to grab tickets, we are expecting a capacity crowd.

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2016) – The road to the top is often a difficult one, and for welterweight Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs), each fight appears more difficult than the last with seemingly more at stake.

After dispatching former two-division world champion Devon Alexander in October, the Los Angeles-based Martinez meets heralded southpaw Sammy Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) of Pennsylvania on Saturday, Jan. 23, from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles. The 10-round bout is televised in primetime on FOX.

Prior to his win over Alexander, Martinez produced what seemed to be an upset victory over former three-division world champion Robert Guerrero, only to be denied in a controversial split decision ruling by the judges.

Martinez now finds himself in another challenging test against the heavy-handed Vasquez. The 34-year-old Martinez took a break from his usual training schedule to meet with media where he talked about his upcoming fight against Vasquez, his work ethic, and what he thinks of the welterweight division.

The media workout took place Tuesday from the Wild Card West Boxing Club in Santa Monica, Calif.

On what fans can expect from him on Saturday, Jan. 23…

“Hopefully Vasquez comes to fight. I’m an old school fighter so you know I’m going to bring it. I like to put on a show for the fans that come watch me fight. I want the fans talking about me after the fight. Like I said, I’m an old school ‘Rocky’ fighter that loves to brawl. That’s what I’m about.”

On being noticed as a viable contender…

“I’m all about hard work and I believe that if you put the time in, you’re going to get your opportunity. I’ve always known I had the skills to compete with the best. I may have shocked the boxing community with my recent performances, but I didn’t shock myself. I know I belong here.”

On his split decision loss to Robert Guerrero last June and the continued buzz surrounding the controversial decision…

“It is what it is. Close decisions happen in boxing all the time and sometimes you’re on the winning side of it and sometimes you’re not. The judges saw what they thought they saw. I thought I won the fight, but it doesn’t matter at this point. In about a week, I’ll have another chance to show everyone what I’m capable of.”

Aron’s thoughts on the welterweight division…

It’s difficult to stand out as a welterweight. It’s a loaded division. The fights are always tough. I have to bring my ‘A’ game every fight and each training camp has to be better than the last. That’s just how I look at it and how I prepare.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Washington, D.C.. (January 13, 2016) – On Saturday night, February 27th,King’s Promotions returns to our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C with a big night of boxing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

In the main event, Ty Barnett take on former world title challenger Daniel Attah in a Super Lightweight battle scheduled for 8-rounds.

Barnett of Washington, D.C. has a record of 22-4-1 with 14 knockouts.

He turned professional in 2005 and went 16-0-1 in his first 17 bouts.

The 33 year-old has wins over Deon Nash (3-0), Pavel Miranda (17-1); Jose Leonardo Cruz (13-3-2); Johnnie Edwards (14-2-1); Tyrese Hendrix (18-1-1); Barnett is looking to get back in the win column following his 9th round stoppage defeat to former world title challenger Cosme Rivera on May 31, 2014 in Washington, D.C.

Attah of Washington, D.C via Nigeria has a record of 28-21-1 with 11 knockouts.

Attah, 37 years-old is a 20 year veteran who has some terrific wins on his resume.

He has wins over Miguel Figueroa (4-0-1), Elvis Ortiz (1-0-1), Brian Adams (7-0-1), Juan Carlos Suarez (14-2-2), Hicklet Lau (10-2-2), Kareem Braithwaite (6-1).

He won the WBO-NABO Super Featherweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Aldo Valtierra on February 25, 2000. After winning the title he had three more quality wins over Keylang Umana (19-2), Ariel Nestal (24-2-4) and former world title challenger Ever Beleno (38-8) to set up a shot at undefeated WBO Super Featherweight champion Acelino Freitas.

Attah showed his toughness by going the distance with the Brazilian knockout artist, but fell short by losing a 12-round unanimous decision.

The loss to Freitas did not dissuade Attah as in his next bout he defeated Toncho Tonchev (27-1). Attah also has wins over Isidro Granados (14-1-2) & Marvin Quintero (20-2).

Attah has fought 6 world champions and 7 men who have fought for world titles.

Scheduled to appear on a packed undercard that will feature many favorites from the greater Washington, D.C. area will be:

Middleweight Demond Nicholson (15-1, 15 KO’s) of Laurel, MD in an 8-round bout.

Cruiserweight Jordan Shimmell (19-1, 16 KO’s) of Hudsonville, MI in a 10-round bout.

Super Welterweight Mykal Fox (8-0, 2 KO’s) of Forestville, MD in a 6-round bout.

Sam Crossed (1-0, 1 KO) of Greenbelt, MD in a 4-round Cruiserweight bout.

Albi Sadikaj (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Fort Washington, MD in a 4-round Cruiserweight bout.

Antonio Magruder (3-0, 2 KO’s) Washington, D.C. in a 4-round Super Lightweight bout.

Luther Smith (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Bowie, MD in a 4-round Heavyweight bout.

All opponents will be announced shortly.

Tickets are on sale now for $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.beltwayboxing.com

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located at 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Jean Pascal – Former World Champion

On working with Freddie Roach
“I like Freddie. Freddie is a good man. He is a great boxing coach. One thing that I like about Freddie is he is a coach who like to listen. He is gonna ask me question. He is going to try to see my point of view. He gonna explain to me his point of view. He has a good ear. He has great experience and that is the quality of a good coach. I am my own boss. I need a partner. Freddie is the right partner right now. I am a veteran. I went to the Olympics. I became world champion. I am about to become two-time world champion in a few weeks. I need more like a partner to evolve than a boss.”

Jean Pascal
Photo Credits: Craig Bennett/Main Events

On Kovalev-Pascal I
“A few things went wrong but they were very like minor details. Right now we have corrected those mistakes so I can be victorious on Jan. 30. My mental [attitude] is very strong. I am physically strong. I am very confident. I am well-prepared physically and mentally. Freddie has the eye of the tiger. He see things. That is the goal right now to correct my small mistakes that I did on the first fight. That is why I think this time around I am going to be victorious.”

Jean Pascal Stretches Before His Workout
Photo Credits: Craig Bennett/Main Events

Jean Pascal’s Trainer – Freddie roach

On the game plan for this fight:
“The same strategy won’t work. Both guys have smartened up. Maybe the fight was stopped too soon but referees are there for a reason, to protect the fighter and so forth. We’re not going to blame the referee at all. In world title fights I think there is a little more judgment or a little more give because it is a world title fight but I don’t see how that could even get close to happening in this fight because his boxing ability is really, really good. That is what I intend for him to do.”

Freddie Roach Takes Questions from the Media
Photo Credits: Craig Bennett/Main Events

On Kovalev-Pascal I and the stoppage:
“I thought he fought a poor fight. I thought he was looking for a knockout too much and he can’t do that. You go out there and box. Use your boxing ability. Beat this guy every round at a time. If a knockout comes that’s a bonus. He totally understands that. I told him if you go out there and start swinging for the fences and get real wild like you can do at times when you get back to the corner I won’t be there. I’m going to go home. I said, ‘Don’t embarrass me like that.” You are a professional fighter. You know how to box. Go out there and outbox this guy.’ That’s the biggest game plan for me.”

About January 30
The grudge match for the unified light heavyweight world championship between Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal, a Vidéotron presentation in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu, will be televised live in the United States on HBO beginning 9:45pm ET/PT. In Canada the event will be available on pay-per-view TV, please consult with your local cable provider. The card is promoted by Main Events and InterBox in association with German Titov Promotions. Tickets are on sale on at www.evenko.ca, at Centre Bell box office and at Club de boxe Champions in Montreal.

Kovalev-Pascal II Promo
Kovalev-Pascal II Promo

About Main Events
Main Events was founded in 1978 by the late Dan Duva and is now run by his widow Kathy Duva. As one of the top promotional companies in the world, Main Events has promoted boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker and many more. Currently, Main Events promotes WBO, IBF and WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Main Events is committed to promoting quality fights that boxing fans want to see.

About InterBox
InterBox, founded in Québec in 1997, and acquired by Groupe Sportscene in 2004, is a boxing organization that is recognized and respected throughout the Quebec province and the world. Its goal is to promote professional boxing, locally and internationally, with talented boxers who are supervised by top-notch trainers and have access to a cutting-edge support staff. InterBox regularly promotes and presents first-rate events in cooperation with such major corporate sponsors as Vidéotron, La Cage – Brasserie sportive and Coors Light.

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LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2016) – With the highly anticipated “Fight Week On FOX In L.A.” just around the corner, Mexican warrior Aron Martinez, top welterweight prospect Javier Molina and undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro Luna held a media workout Tuesday that filled the Wild Card West Boxing Gym in Santa Monica with local media ahead of their respective battles.

On Tuesday, January 19, Molina will face-off against undefeated prospect Jamal James in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Club Nokia at L.A. Live with televised coverage beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

“Fight Week On FOX In L.A.” continues on Saturday, January 23, as Martinez will battle undefeated welterweight Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez on the debut of PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event headlined by the welterweight showdown between Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. Luna will also be featured against Alan Herrera on the undercard of the January 23 event with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Both events are promoted by TGB Promotions with tickets available for purchase at AXS.com. January 23 tickets may also be purchased by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

ARON MARTINEZ

“Vasquez said he’s going to stop me and prove himself, but everybody says things before the fight. He’s going to start boxing once he feels my power. Although I don’t have the knockouts on my record I do have the power and he’s going to feel it.

“I was always training before this run of success started even when I was off for fourteen months before the Robert Guerrero fight.

“I think Guerrero underestimated me, I thought I won the fight but the judges had it differently.

“Against Devon Alexander, I was the bigger guy. I’ve been fighting at 147 my whole life going back to when I was an amateur. He couldn’t hurt me and couldn’t deal with my pressure. I learned from the Guerrero fight to close the show like I did against Alexander.

“This is my third southpaw in a row but I trained with my brother for many years who’s a southpaw. We sparred for years together and it was always about learning how to fight a southpaw. It might be weird to fight an orthodox fighter now.”

JAVIER MOLINA

“I’ve seen Jamal James fight a couple times, he has great reach and height but he gets tired late in his fights. He makes a lot of mistakes and has a lot of flaws.

“My plan is to get inside on him and chop him down.

“I prefer to fight in L.A. It’s been a while but I’m thrilled to be fighting on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, so this is a great opportunity for me to shine.”

ALEJANDRO LUNA

“I’ve seen Alan Herrera fight. He’s a very tough guy and I saw his fight with Monty Meza Clay, but we’ve had great sparring and we’re well prepared. I have a great deal of respect for him. I know how tough he is.

“There’s no additional pressure on me, I’ve fought at STAPLES Center before and I’m ready to go. It’s great to fight at home and I’m sure I’ll have a lot of supporters.”

Undefeated WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders made the day of pupil James Dean after visiting his school today.

Saunders received a hand written letter from nine-year-old amateur boxer James – who said Saunders was his hero and he wanted to become a champion just like him – and invited him to the Bishop Alexander LEAD Academy in Newark and give an inspirational chat to the children in his class.

At the time Saunders, 26, was deep in training for his crucial world title challenge against Andy Lee at his training camp in Marbella, but promised to come and see James after he’d beaten Lee and bring the WBO World title belt along with him.

The Hatfield star might be eyeing future mega-fights against the likes of Gennady Golovkin, but he’s grounded enough to know the value and importance of inspiring his young fans and next generation of sporting stars.

Saunders kept to his word and today went to see a shocked James who was lost for words at meeting his idol in person and gave the children in the class a motivational speech for over an hour.

He talked about how and why he got into boxing; the dedication and training he had to put in to become, at 18, the youngest member of the 2008 GB Olympic boxing squad; the transition into professional boxing and becoming a British, Commonwealth and European Champion and ultimately a world champion, and the importance of dedication and perseverance, before taking questions from the children and then tucking into a roast dinner alongside them in the canteen!

“Just coming to the school and meeting James and the other children in the class gave me such a lift, knowing that I can inspire at least one of these kids’ to succeed then I know I’ve given something back,” Said Saunders.

“Being world champion isn’t just about money, cars and flash things, which are nice, but it’s a position of responsibility and to kids like James, he looks up to me as a role model,”

“I said to them, you can achieve anything in life as long as you work and work and work at what you want to achieve and you will succeed, you need to have drive and ambition and never take a knock back as a failure but as a stepping stone to your goal,”

“Whether you want to become a world champion boxer, a Premier League footballer, a doctor or a lawyer or plumber or builder, you need desire, commitment and hard work, that’s what was driven into me to succeed and it has proven true.”

When James got his breath back, he said afterwards, “It was unbelievable seeing Billy Joe Saunders, who I’d only ever seen on TV, walking through our school gates and come and speak to me!

“Never in a million years would I have thought that he would come to our school, but he promised he would and he did and he brought his world title belt. It’s a day I will never ever forget. I’ll be a world champion like him one day,”

“I’ve seen him fight against Chris Eubank Jnr who he gave a real beating to and when he won the world title against Andy Lee, to me he’s the best boxer in the world, better than Floyd Mayweather Jr.”

James’s teacher Melissa Sladen added, “It was a very kind gesture of Billy to take the time out of his busy schedule and attend our school today and James was absolutely knocked out to see his hero in the flesh,”

“It was fantastic for the children to hear how a professional sportsman of Billy’s status, a world champion, on what drives him to achieve his goals,”

“I’m sure today will be a day that sticks in the memory of James and the other children for many years to come and serve as inspiration to achieve their goals.”

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is proud to announce the signing of the current #1 ranked 141-lb. amateur boxer in the United States, Abraham “Super” Nova.

Born at the Hospital of Centro Medico in Carolina, Puerto Rico, to Dominican parents, the hard-punching 21-year-old Nova will be turning professional next month after an incredible amateur career in which he went 167-11 with 60 KOs. The prestigious titles he won include national and international victories at the 2014 USA Nationals, the 2014 Independent World Cup in the Dominican, and Gold at the 2014 Cheo Aponte Tournament, and the 2015 Olympic Qualifiers. He is also a five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion.

“Boxing was a sport where I didn’t have to rely on team-mates,” explains Nova of his decision to become a boxer. “I was so good in sports; I didn’t have to rely on any team to win. I did it more because it was more independent. If my team didn’t do good, I didn’t do good. In boxing you rely on nobody but yourself.”

Although Nova competed at 141 lbs. in the unpaid ranks, he will be contending in the 130-lb. super featherweight division as a professional. “As an amateur, I didn’t like to cut weight and chose to fight at a higher weight class,” he explained, “as a professional, everyone cuts, so I will have to. I’m naturally 130 lbs.” To continue his development, Nova is now training with the well-respected Hector Bermudez at his training-camp base at Peter Welch’s Gym in Boston.

“I’m excited about this deal,” continued Nova about his new promotional pact with Lewkowicz. “I know Sampson is going to bring me a long way and get me to a world title fight. My dream is to become a multiple-time world champion.”

“I am very happy to be signing a fighter with so much potential,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “Abraham is a star of tomorrow in boxing and I’m glad he chose me to help him guide his career. He has amazing talent in the ring. He can box and he can punch and he lives and breathes boxing. I have dealt with lots of young prospects and I see in Abraham what I saw in many of the young fighters who became world champions. I am proud to have signed him as my first Puerto Rican fighter.”

“He’s very special kid. Not just a talent. His talent is tremendous and he has explosive power, but he’s also an all-around good boxer,” said Hector Bermudez of Nova. “Outside the ring, he’s also a super nice kid. Very dedicated to the craft. He’s what most champions are made of.”

Bermudez, who is also from Albany, New York, currently handles WBA World Super Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna and top super bantamweight KO artist Jonathan Guzman, among many others, says the goal with Nova’s development will be to shake the last of the amateur boxer out of him.

“We’re going to continue to work on getting him away from the amateur style. He has more of a professional style. He’s not a smacker like they do in the amateurs. We will definitely concentrate on being patient. Three minutes of pro boxing is a lot different than three minutes of amateur boxing. But we have a great relationship and everything is going very well.”

Lewkowicz says he will keep Nova active for the next couple years, as he builds his experience and perfects the craft.

“I am predicting big things for Abraham Nova,” he said. “He’s a very special fighter and it’s a pleasure to be his promoter.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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