LAS VEGAS (December 30, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) and NBCSN will treat fans to an action-packed, eight-hour television marathon featuring four of the world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) league’s most memorable events of 2015, this Friday, Jan. 1, beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

The New Year’s Day run will kick off with a replay of WSOF22: Palhares vs. Shields, which was highlighted by a welterweight world championship fight between then-reigning champion Rousimar Palhares and superstar Jake Shields, and will conclude with a re-airing of WSOF25: 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, featuring the first one-night tournament in World Series of Fighting history.

“We are excited to head into our fourth year of league operations in 2016 and, thanks to our great television partner, NBCSN, look forward to kicking off the New Year in full force with an extensive run of programming featuring some phenomenal action from our 2015 library,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.

“We are excited to provide fans with the opportunity to relive some of the incredible, world championship MMA action that highlighted a tremendous year for World Series of Fighting in 2015,” said Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Group’s vice president of programming.

The marathon will include WSOF23: Gaethje vs. Palomino that was headlined by one of the most talked about battles of the year – the world lightweight (155 pounds) championship matchup between reigning, undefeated champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje and challenger Luis Palomino. The title bout was named Fight of the Month in March, and led to a worthy rematch between the two stars six months later.

Also slotted into the eight-hour programming run is WSOF24: Fitch vs. Okami, which saw two former top 10 welterweight (170 pounds) superstars and decorated veterans, Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami, battle in the main event.

Live World Series of Fighting action will return to NBCSN from Memphis, Tenn. on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with a four-fight telecast headlined by a lightweight collision between rival stars Caros “The Future” Fodor and Mike “The Martian” Ricci.

Complete World Series of Fighting programming schedule on NBCSN for Friday, Jan 1:

5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT – WSOF22: Palhares vs. Shields
7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT – WSOF23: Gaethje vs. Palomino
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT – WSOF24: Fitch vs. Okami
11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT – WSOF25: 8-Man Lightweight Tournament

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (December 30, 2015) – Unbeaten Omar Douglas (16-0, 11 KOs) gritted out a 10-round majority decision over Frank De Alba (17-2-2, 6 KOs) on Tuesday night’s edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Douglas started to turn up the heat up in round two as he landed two hard left hooks that stopped De Alba in his tracks. De Alba was able to gain confidence in round three, as he was able to counter effectively against Douglas.

Round five had the best two-way action of the first half of the fight with both guys digging deep to gain an advantage. Douglas seemed to get the better of the exchanges as he landed the harder combinations. Douglas began to take over the middle rounds and in round eight, a left hook rocked De Alba and put him in danger for this first time in the fight.

The two fought hard down the stretch and excited the crowd with Douglas winning in the end by majority decision by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

In the co-main event, Miguel Cruz (12-0, 11 KOs) remained perfect by scoring a seventh-round stoppage over Virgil Green (11-4, 3 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round welterweight battle.

Cruz was dominant throughout the fight and in round four he rocked Green with a left hook that had his opponent stumbling into the corner. In round seven, Cruz landed a perfect right and left hook that put Green down.

Sensing his moment, Cruz quickly finished the deal with two hard lefts that forced referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 1:32 of round seven. Cruz’s power punches proved to be most dangerous as he connected on 46 percent of them.

In the televised opener, Christopher Brooker (7-1, 5 KOs) worked hard and earned an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Leo Hall in a light heavyweight bout.

Brooker controlled most of the action and came out with a strong first round landing some solid punches in close on Hall. In round five, Brooker landed a solid combination that sent Hall back to the ropes and had him in trouble. He was far more accurate throughout the night, landing 49 percent of his total punches and 53 percent of his power punches.

In his strongest moment of the fight in round seven, Brooker landed a perfect right on the chin that drew a big reaction from crowd. The judges scored the fight 80-72 and 79-73 twice all for Brooker.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

OMAR DOUGLAS

“I feel great. I got some great rounds. The judges might have made it a little bit closer than it really was. But I went into his hometown and did what I do.

“He was about as tough as my last fight. The only thing tougher than the last one was that I had to come here on the road and do it.

“This builds me. It makes me a better fighter. I had a great opportunity tonight and I jumped on it. I feel like I’m the better fighter and tonight I proved it.”

FRANK DE ALBA

“It was a very competitive fight. I think I landed more punches. He was more aggressive, but I was landing more.

“This is boxing. I just come here to put on a show for the great fans. I thought I won the fight. I knew I beat him inside.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“It was a great fight, he was a tough opponent who was very agile and mobile. I had to be patient and it was great to get those rounds. I’m coming for the 147-pound division.

“I was definitely trying to break him down slowly. He was mobile, but I didn’t expect him to be so quick.

“I was hurting him every time I hit him and I finally got him out of there.”

VIRGIL GREEN

“The hits to the back of the head were the problem. I wanted the ref to do something about it but that’s what hurt me. I never recovered from it.

“I felt like I was frustrating him and out-boxing him. But I never recovered from that blow.”

CHRISTOPHER BROOKER

“It was a good fight. He’s a good boxer, but I had to keep it rough. He has some good experience that kicked in, but my will, my heart and my training kicked in too.

“My loss is what got me motivated for this performance. No more setbacks, only get backs.”

LEO HALL

“I tried to work, We were working in there. I wasn’t surprised by anything. It was a good fight.

“I pushed myself. We got in there and fought. There’s no excuses. We’re going back to work.”

# # #

PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes was promoted by Kings Promotions.

Brooklyn, NY (December 30, 2015)–The New Year beckons, and resolutions are being crafted as we speak. Lose that stubborn five pounds…stop using curse words so much..eat more broccoli. And we have one more to add to the list..and we at Salita Promotions guarantee you can stick with this resolution.

Here it is: make a promise to yourself to watch the latest episode of
“Brooklyn Brawl,” on Jan. 17, at 10 PM.

The rock ’em sock ’em action will screen in prime-time on Tuff TV, America’s first digital broadcast network to offer original programming targeted at men and the specific pursuits, interests, and hobbies they are passionate about.

Viewers will enjoy watching Guinness Book of World Records entrant Alicia Ashley show that age is nothing but a number, as she skillfully battles for the WBC super bantamweight championship, against the rugged Irishwoman Christina McMahon. Ashley has now surpassed Bernard Hopkins as the boxer who most deftly has fended off the ravages of Father Time. She’s 48, and great.

Also, tune in to Tuff and see the US debut of skilled bantamweight contender Nikolay Potapov, a Russian scrapper who is on the cusp of receiving a title shot.

NYC-area and increasingly, nationwide fight fans have come to expect solid matchups featuring contenders, rising stars and talented up ‘n comers showing their stuff on “Brooklyn Brawl” promotions. The TV broadcast features the work of NYFights.com publisher and editor Michael Woods, formerly of ESPN Magazine. He called the blow by blow action with analyst Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, the heavyweight prospect now in the mix as one of the top American heavyweights in the game today.

Brooklyn Brawl will premiere Sunday, January 17th at 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific. It will also air on Sunday, January 24th and Sunday, January 31st at the same time. The show was produced by Harry Cicma Production LLC

“We are pleased to offer our product to Tuff TV, which reaches more then 40 million TV households in the United States and Puerto Rico, and has a network of 45 broadcast affiliates in 42 television markets,” said Salita Promotions head Dmitriy Salita. “Fans in LA, Chicago, Philly, Atlanta, and on and on will be pleased with the card. We look for 2016 to be another step in the right direction for our company and our fighters, who are frequently being featured on premium cable and broadcast television. Junior middleweight Steven Martinez made us proud with his recent knockout win over Jorge Melendez. Big Baby Miller, Bakhtiyer Eubov will be on Showtime January 22, and their fan base is growing in a big way. I wish all fight fans a happy new year, and ask you to log on to our website to get updates on our fights and fighters!”

LINCOLN, R.I. (Dec. 30th, 2015) — A new year could lead to the crowning of a new champion when CES MMA kicks off its highly anticipated 2016 AXS TV Fight Series with “CES MMA XXXII” on Friday, Jan. 8th, 2016 at Twin River Casino.

One of the sport’s best kept secrets, reigning CES MMA welterweight champion Gil Freitas (18-5, 6 KOs) makes his first title defense in a five-round bout against Cincinnati’s Chris Curtis (12-4, 4 KOs), who aims to become the third Ohio-born fighter to capture one of the promotion’s titles, joining a list that includes UFC vets Julian Lane and Dominique Steele.

Freitas’ belt and five-fight win streak are on the line. The stretch began in 2012 and continued in October with an impressive submission win over Massachusetts vet Chip Pollard, one of the region’s top strikers, for the then-vacant CES MMA title. The 5-foot-10 Curtis has won three consecutive fights and five of his last six dating back to August of 2013.

Tickets for “CES MMA XXXII” are priced at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and available for purchase online at www.cesmma.com, www.cagetix.com/ces, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254, or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The 2016 series debut also features the long-awaited return of reigning CES MMA lightweight champion Luis Felix (14-8, 5 KOs) of Providence, who puts his three-fight win streak on the line in the main event against Ryan Sanders (9-7, 1 KO) of Bangor, Maine.

Under the promotional guidance of CES, Felix has gone from a fledgling MMA journeyman to a network television star, winning 9 of his last 11 fights since starting his career 5-6. He’ll make his fifth appearance on AXS TV next Friday against the durable Sanders, a former Bellator vet who boasts wins over former CES title challenger Lucas Cruz and ex-Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) standout Marcus Davis. Felix’s original opponent, Waylon Lowe, withdrew due to injury.

Another familiar face in the northeast returns to the CES MMA cage Jan. 8th as Groton, Conn., heavyweight and four-time Bellator vet Josh Diekmann (15-6, 11 KOs), now in his 11th year as a pro, battles fellow knockout artist Ashley Gooch (8-4, 6 KOs) of Nashville, Tenn. Of their combined 23 wins, 17 have come via knockout. Jan. 8th will be Diekmann’s fourth appearance with CES MMA.

Rising featherweight Kyle Bochniak (5-0, 2 KOs) makes his second appearance on the televised main card as he puts his undefeated record on the line against Taylor Trahan (5-4) of St. Johnsbury, Vt., while red-hot featherweight Kody Nordby (5-3) of Cumberland, R.I., fresh off an outstanding win over Dinis Paiva at “CES MMA XXXI,” returns to the main card in a three-round bout against Derek Shorey (3-2, 2 KOs) of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, a last-minute replacement for Zech Lange.

Rounding out the main card, undefeated bantamweight Rico DiSciullo (5-0, 2 KOs) of Peabody, Mass., faces 16-fight vet Chino Duran (8-8, 4 KOs) of Homestead, Fla. Fresh off a win over Jake Constant, DiSciullo is making his fourth appearance with CES and his second on the televised main card while Duran aims for his third win in four fights.

The preliminary card features six exciting bouts, starting with a featherweight showdown between unbeaten Manny Bermudez (3-0, 1 KO) of Abington, Mass., and Evan Parker (5-3, 1 KO) of nearby Worcester. None of Bermudez’s previous three opponents made it out of the first round and the 5-foot-6 submission specialist is looking to make it 4-for-4 against the game Parker, who choked out Pete Rogers Jr. in his CES MMA debut in June. South Boston featherweight James Murrin (3-3, 2 KOs) faces Mak Kelleher (0-2) of upstate New York and Providence’s Keenan Raymond (2-2) battles newcomer Ryan Todd of Cortland, N.Y.

Also on the preliminary card, middleweights Pat McCrohan (1-0, 1 KO) of Beverly, Mass., and Boston’s Mike Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) put their unbeaten records and knockout streaks on the line against one another and flyweight David Baxter (1-0) of Bellingham, Mass., makes his CES MMA debut against newcomer Joshua Ricci of Whitesville, N.Y. Providence’s Nick Iaciofano (2-0, 1 KO) battles Luay Ashkar of Syracuse in a three-round flyweight bout.

For more information on “CES MMA XXXII” visit www.cesmma.com, follow @CESMMA on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES MMA Facebook fan page.

The action-packed undercard for the WBO World Lightweight showdown between Terry Flanagan and Derry Mathews on Saturday 13th February at the Liverpool Echo Arena has been confirmed and features a sensational line up of title fights and prospects.

Flanagan and Mathews clash in Promoter Frank Warren’s first world title fight of the new year and it’s expected to be an explosive encounter between the rivals who hail from Manchester and Liverpool, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Heading up the title fights on the undercard is rapid-fire Ellesmere Port ace Paul Butler who makes the first defence of his WBO European Super-Flyweight title that he won with a stunning sixth round stoppage of Silvio Olteanu in December. Butler, the former IBF World Bantamweight Champion, is on course for a second world title shot in the 115lb division in 2016 and with three knockout wins since his loss to Zolani Tete, the 27-year-old is again in red-hot form.

Thunderous punching Welshman Liam Williams is back in action after his two-round demolition of Kris Carslaw to defend his both his British and Commonwealth Super-Welterweight titles. Coming back after hand-surgery, the unbeaten 23-year-old showed that he’s punching harder than ever with confidence to destroy Carslaw who had never been stopped in his eight year career. A challenger for Williams’s belts will be announced.

WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Champion Tommy Langford returns as he looks to show that he’s the new powerful force in the 160lb division for 2016. The undefeated Bideford hot-shot, who fights out of Birmingham, crushed Robert Swierzbinksi in five rounds, compared to Chris Eubank Jnr who took seven rounds and seven knockdowns to do the job against the tough Pole. Langford, 26, will make the third defence of the title against Dronfield’s Lewis Taylor who is the current reigning English Champion.

Liverpool’s all-action Tom Stalker aims to make it third time lucky when he challenges for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight title after drawing twice against Welsh rival Craig Evans for the belt in thrilling and brutal battles in twenty rounds of action. Evans will not be challenging for the title as he received a cut in the last fight and will not be ready in time, a new challenger to face Stalker will be announced.

Big-punching Blackpool star Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Swindon’s Lawrence Bennett in a rematch following the controversial first round ending of their first fight last October. Askin, 27, will be looking to do a conclusive job on Bennett second time around and move on towards another shot at the British and Commonwealth titles in 2016.

The undercard will feature some of the best and talented young boxers’ in the sport who all aim to make further strides next year.

Indian superstar Vijender Singh makes his Liverpool debut and begins his 2016 campaign that could see the national icon return to his homeland later in the year to challenge for his first title. Singh, 30, has ripped through his three opponents since turning professional with dynamite performances in just six rounds of action.

Fast rising Liverpool super-lightweight Stephen Lewis is a face to watch out for as he steams towards his first title opportunity. The 23-year-old steps up to feature in his first ten-round contest against International opposition, but Lewis is riding a three-fight KO run and is in top form.

European Bantamweight Champion Ryan Farrag has his first fight since his stunning upset in Belgium in October to beat Stephane Jamoye with a ninth round stoppage to claim the title. Hard-hitting Farrag, 27, will feature in an eight-round contest.

Finally, Leicester’s super-featherweight dynamo Lyon Woodstock, 22, continues his rise through the domestic ranks. Unbeaten in five fights, with 3 knockouts inside two rounds, the power-puncher is developing into exciting talent to watch in the new year.

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

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, Freeview 255 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Jose Pedraza will defend the IBF Jr. Lightweight title against Stephen Smith in New York on March 26, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It’s a very solid matchup,” DiBella told ESPN.com. “Smith is a highly motivated fighter, and as you saw from Pedraza [in a title defense] against Edner Cherry, engaging is not something Pedraza avoids. So it will be a pleasing fight. Pedraza is a quality fighter, but Stephen Smith is an extremely live mandatory challenger.”

“The Smith family has had quite a year, with Liam winning a world title and Callum winning the British title,” DiBella said. “So I am quite sure Stephen is going to be highly motivated and very confident against Pedraza.

Earl Newman remained undefeated with a 4-round unanimous decision over Victor Kpadenou in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Denis Douglin scored an 8th round stoppage in the final scheduled round of his bout with Marcus Upshaw.

Douglin dropped Upshaw in round one with a straight left. In round two, Douglin dropped the 6’4″ upshaw with a left to the head. Douglin battered Upshaw and the bout was stopped at 1:53 of round eight.

Douglin, 166.6 lbs of Marlboro, NJ is 20-4 with 13 knockouts. Upshaw, 165.6 lb of Miami, FL is 18-16-4.

Junior Castillo kept his perfect knockout streak alive as he stopped Eduardo Flores after round five of their scheduled 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

The fight was stopped on the advice of the ringside doctor.

Castillo, 154.5 lbs of Reading, PA is 9-0 with 9 knockouts. Flores, 153.5 lbs of Quito, ECU is now 23-19-3.

Milton Santiago won an 8-round majority decision over Angel Hernandez in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Scores were 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76 got Santiago, 140.1 lbs of Philadelphia and is now 13-0. Hernandez of McAllen, TX is 9-6-1.

Chris Colbert won a 6-round unanimous decision over Derrick Bivins in a Featherweight bout.

Colbert, 126.3 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 4-0. Bivins, 124.4 lbs of Philadelphia falls to 2-4-2.

TACOMA, Wash. – The last time Dashon Johnson stepped inside a boxing ring he pulled off an upset by defeating Mike Gavronski for the WBA-NABA United States Super Middleweight championship.

Johnson is hoping the success he found at the end of 2015 will carry over to the New Year as he meets knockout artist Izaak Cardona in the main event at Brian Halquist Productions’ Battle at the Boat 104 on Friday, Jan. 15 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

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 (18-19-3, 6 KOs) stunned the EQC crowd last time out when he bested Mike Gavronski, who’s only other defeated in his previous 21 fights came in a 10-round decision to current WBC Silver middleweight titlist Tureano Johnson, on Nov. 7 when the referee called the bout at the start of the eighth round.

Johnson will take a three-bout winning streak into the 168-pound fight with Cardona (14-3-0, 14 KOs). The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.

“Dashon has been the gatekeeper for the division for quite some time. If you wanted to crack the top 10 in the world rankings, you had to get through Dashon,” promoter Brian Halquist said. “He’s been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world. So, don’t let his record fool you. He is as exciting a fighter to watch as anyone and definitely proved that last time out when he beat Gavronski for a title.”

Johnson’s list of previous opponents is certainly impressive and includes bouts against undefeated Jermell Charlo, currently ranked as the world’s No. 4 super welterweight, undefeated WBC Continental Americas super middleweight champion Julian Williams, undefeated Dominic Wade, who is ranked among the world’s top 10 middleweights and former WBC World super middleweight champion Sergio Mora.

Cardona, however, maybe the hardest hitter Johnson has faced to date as all 14 of the slugger’s career victories have been KOs with eight coming in the first two rounds.

Highlighting the undercard will be a super featherweight bout between Jeremy McCleary of Buckley, Wash., and Marco Cardenas. McCleary (8-1-0) is coming off a victory over Health Cline at Battle at the Boat 103 on Nov. 7.

McCleary’s only career setback came at the hands of Marcello Gallardo on March 28. Gallardo, a resident of Renton, Wash., will also be on the undercard, facing Rob Diezel.

Seattle’s Zach Cooper, a rising super middleweight, is also slated to appear on the undercard.

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.

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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 17 years and 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” promoting more than 40 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.

NEW YORK (December 29, 2015) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, has announced its 18-member Class of 2016. The fifth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 3, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“This is another very strong class of inductees,” said Ring 8 & NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy, who was inducted into the NYSBHOF last year. “We are honoring New York’s finest in our sport. This is all about recognizing great fighters, as well as others involved in boxing, from the state of New York.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include former world welterweight champion (’90-91) and 1986 New York Golden Gloves winner, Bronx fighter Aaron “Superman” Davis (49-6, 31 KOs), Rochester’s world junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray (44-9, 26 KOs), Bronx two-time world lightweight title challenger and 1970 New York Golden Gloves co-champion Vilomar Fernandez (30-11-2, 9 KOs), and New York City’s world lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.

Posthumous participants being inducted are Spanish Harlem’s 4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho (79-6-3, 45 KOs), Brooklyn’s world middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano (67-10-6, 52 KOs), Buffalo’s world lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas (62-11-6, 38 KOs), Brooklyn’s 2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch (99-36-19 2 NC, 37 KOs) and Brooklyn’s “uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli (60-42-8, 28 KOs).

Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Canastota’s International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy, Bronx promoter Joe DeGuardia, Melville’s commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon and Queens promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Bronx manager Howie Albert, Manhattan’s East Side trainer/cutman Freddie Brown, New York City television commentator Howard Cosell, Manhattan’s Lower East Side boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein and New York City manager Jimmy Jacobs.

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

The 2016 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

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

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

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (December 29, 2015) — M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui will make his first title defense, February 19 at Olympic Stadium, against Artiom Damkovsky at M-1 Challenge 64 in Moscow, Russia.

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.

In a previously announced title fight, newly M-1 Global-signed Aexander “Drago” Volkov (24-6-0, M-1: 8-3-0), of Russia, takes on Estonian challenger Denis Smoldaraev (11-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0) for the vacant M-1 Challenge heavyweight championship.

Barnaoui (12-3-0, M-1: 2-2-0), fighting out of Paris, will be making his first title defense against a dangerous challenger. After defeating previously undefeated Maxim Divnich (10-0-0) (see picture below) by way of a first-round stoppage via punches, May 2, 2015 at M-1 Challenge 57, Barnaoui dropped down in weight and he unsuccessfully challenged M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan Buchinger this past October by five-round decision at M-1 Challenge 57.

Belarus-native Damkovsky (20-9-0, M-1: 10-6-0), shown below on mat, is riding a four-fight win streak to become the top contender going into his title fight showdown with Barnaoui.

Information

www.M1Global.tv
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Brooklyn, N.Y. (Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions has confirmed that light heavyweight Stephen Frank will make his professional debut when the promotion presents Friday Night Fights at the Five Star Banquet Hall in Long Island City on Friday, Jan. 29th.

“Stephen grew up in boxing,” said Raul Frank, his uncle and trainer, who enjoyed a 34-bout professional career and twice challenged for the IBF Welterweight world championship. “He has the ability, and he has everything going for him right now. I’m training him to the best of my ability to make sure he is ready for this fight.”

With Stephen making the transition to the professional ranks, Raul says there is one particular component that will play a vital role in the contest.

“One of the most important things I’ve tried to teach him is to relax and allow himself to get into the groove of the fight,” Frank remarked. “We will study the opponent and then let Stephen do what he does best – throwing punches, blocking, moving his head and slipping. The most important thing is to have him relax, and the flow of the fight will come to him.”

In terms of expectations for Jan. 29th, he predicts an entertaining night.

“Expect fireworks,” he stated. “Stephen is hungry, and he’s ready to get it on. He wants to prove that he belongs. He wants to prove that he’s grown up and to show everyone that he can fight.”

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

Noel Gevor (19-0, 10 KOs) can start the New Year on a high when he takes on former interim WBA World Cruiserweight Champion Valery Brudov (42-6, 28 KOs) on January 9 at the Baden-Arena in Offenburg, Germany.

The highly rated German talent is confident he can prove he is ready for the big-time by beating the experienced two-time World title challenger from Russia.

‘’Brudov is just another hurdle for me on the way to the top,’’ says the 25 year-old from Hamburg, who claimed the WBO Intercontinental title with a unanimous points victory over Daniel Alejandro Sanabria in his last outing.

‘’If you look at his record, you could say that he is my toughest opponent to date, and on paper, it would certainly seem that way. Although, fights aren’t won on paper, they are won in the ring, and we will see how tough Brudov really is on January 9.

‘’His biggest advantage is his experience. He has already contested more than twice as many fights as me. All of his losses have come against either former or current European and World Champions, and he has held the interim World title.

‘’However, I’m the faster and more explosive fighter. I have shown in my previous fights that I can decide the outcome with a single blow or by outboxing my opponent over the distance. I believe my time has come, and on January 9, by beating Brudov, I will show that I’m ready for bigger and better challenges!”

Gevor and Brudov’s cruiserweight clash provides chief support for the interim WBA World Super Middleweight title rematch between Vincent Feigenbutz and Giovanni De Carolis. Tickets are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.evetim.de.

LOS ANGELES (December 29, 2015) – Undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) and hard-hitting southpaw Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (22-1-1, 16 KOs) will meet in a 10-round heavyweight showdown as part of primetime action on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

PBC on FOX action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight showdown and features undefeated rising star Sergeant Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) taking on Los Angeles-native Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs).

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m definitely going to make the most of it,” said Breazeale. “Fighting at the STAPLES Center in primetime is a dream come true. I’m a California guy and I know I have to put on a big show to make a name for myself. I want to be a world champion and Amir Mansour is standing in my way.”

“I can’t wait to put on a show January 23,” said Amir Mansour. “As a fighter, I am very humbled and appreciative to be apart of the PBC on FOX debut. As a boxing fan, I am very pleased to be fighting on the undercard of one of my favorite fighters, Danny Garcia, who is also from Philly. I’m thrilled to be a part of a card like this with so many great fighters.”

“Dominic Breazeale vs. Amir Mansour is an excellent addition to the two welterweight battles already announced for January 23,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “The heavyweight division is back on the rise and will continue to be in 2016. Breazeale and Mansour are both looking to solidify their place in the division. This fight will not disappoint.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB 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.

With recent upsets taking place and pivotal fights on the way in the heavyweight division, Breazeale and Mansour have an opportunity to insert themselves into the world title conversation. First, they will have to emerge victorious and show their worth in this primetime battle.

Since representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Breazeale has steadily improved and moved up the pro rankings. The 6-foot-7, 30-year-old has only gone the distance twice, including his last start when he won a 10-round unanimous decision over the tough, battled-tested Fred Kassi. The win over Kassi was Breazeale’s third of 2015 after stopping Victor Bisbal in March and Yasmany Consuegra in June. Before switching to boxing, Breazeale was a quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado.

An exciting pressure fighter, the 6-foot-1 slugger Mansour is experienced and primed for an opportunity at the best in the division. He went 20-0 before losing a 10-round decision to Steve Cunningham in a fight in April 2014 in which he dropped the former cruiserweight world champion twice. In his next start, Mansour knocked out Kassi in the seventh round. In May 2015, he outpointed Joey Dawejko across 10 rounds and fought to a draw against unbeaten Gerald Washington in October. Mansour is promoted by Hall of Fame promoter J. Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing Promotions.

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, @TeamBreazeale, @HardcoreMansour, @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.

Omar Douglas 128 – Frank De Alba 129.5
Miguel Cruz 146 – Virgil Green 144.6
Leo Hall 177.6 – Christopher Brooker 174.2
Kyrone Davis 159.6 – Andrew Hernandez 160.6
Stephen Fulton 122.4 – Joshua Greer Jr. 122
Jerome Conquest 140.9 – Christian Molina 137.7
Milton Santiago 140.1 – Angel Hernandez TBA
Earl Newman 178.2 – Victor Kpadenou 173.2
Denis Douglin 166.6 – Marcus Upshaw 165.6
Eduardo Flores 153.5 – Junior Castillo 154.5
Chris Colbert 126.3 – Derrick Bivins 124.4

Promoter: King’s Promotions
1st Bell: 6 PM
Television: FS1 at 9 PM ET

LEON, NICARAGUA (December 28, 2015) – With just a few days away from his first world title opportunity, WBA #6 rated super-featherweight contender, Oliver Flores (27-1-2, 17 KOS) talks about his upcoming fight with WBA world champion Takashi Uchiyama (23-0-1, 19 KOs). Uchiyama vs. Flores is set to take place on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2015 at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Flores speaks on his upcoming showdown with Uchiyama…

On December 31, 2015 you fight WBA super-featherweight world champion Takashi Uchiyama for his title. This will be your first would title opportunity. How do you feel going into this fight?

Oliver Flores: I’m very excited for the opportunity to be fighting for a world title. I’m very grateful to my promoter Havoc Boxing, who came through and put this fight together for me. I’ve worked my whole life to get in this position. I’m 100 prepared to give Uchiyama the fight of his life. My body is healthy and I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m going to seize the opportunity to the best of my ability.

What kind of fight are you expecting from the champion?

Oliver Flores: Takashi Uchiyama is an incredible fighter. He’s defended his title many times over and his record is unblemished. Most of his title defenses have ended in a knockout so I know he’s a very powerful puncher. I’m expecting him to be aggressive in his approach.

How is the relationship with you and your father, who also serves as your trainer?

Oliver Flores: My father Roger Flores is a former pro boxer who has been guiding my corner since I turned professional. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and is very good at finding flaws in my opponents. He’s been with me from day one and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

How special would it be for you if you were to bring the World Championship home to you countrymen of Nicaragua?

Oliver Flores: To bring the title home would be a dream come true for me. I have a lot of support from family and friends that will be looking forward to the outcome. I know I’m the underdog going into this fight but I have a country that will be showing support when I go to battle in Japan. My goal is to follow in the footsteps of Alexis Arguello and Roman Gonzalez, who brought great pride to Nicaragua?

Can you talk about training camp?

Oliver Flores: Training camp has been very demanding. I’m on a strict diet that has me at my optimum best. I’ve had some great sparring here in Nicaragua where I’m working out with a few different guys. Everyone is pushing me to the limit. It’s this type of training camp that’s going to get ready for Uchiyama, who I know is going to be at his best. I’m executing every possible situation that I feel will come up in this fight. I’m ready for battle.

Without giving up your game plan, what do you feel you’ll need to do to come out victorious against Uchiyama?

Oliver Flores: I need to be aware of his powerful right hand power punchers. He also likes to land he left hook to the body, so I need to be ready to counter those punches.

Are you concerned about getting a fair decision in Japan where Uchiyama resides?

Oliver Flores: No, I believe the WBA judges will be fair. Of course my goal is to end the fight early if possible, to avoid any argument. I know it’s going to be a very difficult task to come out with a victory, but a task I feel I can accomplish.

Talk about you relationship with Havoc Boxing Promotions.

Olivier Flores: Fighting for Havoc Boxing has been a tremendous blessing to for me and my career. I signed with them in June and shortly after I had a fight in August. Now remarkably I’m fighting for a world title and I couldn’t be happier. As a fighter you want to stay busy and put yourself in position to take your career to the next level. With Havoc Boxing, I’ve been able to do all of the above. My dad and I are very pleased to be part of Team Havoc Boxing.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (December 27, 2015) – Fans of local boxing are in for a holiday treat as 10 boxers from the Delaware and Lehigh Valley’s will be in action this Tuesday night at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Undefeated super featherweight contender Omar “Super O” Douglas (15-0, 11 KOs) of Wilmington, Delaware faces his toughest test when he battles Frank De Alba (17-1-2, 6 KOs) of Reading, Pennsylvania in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

De Alba is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

In one of the televised co-features, Undefeated Leo Hall (8-0, 7 KO’s) of Detroit, MI. will take on King’s Promotions promoted Christopher Brooker (6-1, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a 8-round Light Heavyweight bout.

Kyrone Davis (9-0, 4 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE. will tangle with Andrew Hernandez (10-2-1, 2 KO’s) of Phoenix, AZ. in a Middleweight bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

In a 6-round battle of local Lightweight’s. Jerome Conquest (3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Christian Molina (4-1, 3 KO’s) of Allentown, PA. Molina is promoted by King’s Promotions.

In a 6-round Lightweight fight, Stephen Fulton (7-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia takes on Joshua Greer (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Chicago, IL.

In an 8-round Jr. Welterweight bout, Milton Santiago Jr. (12-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia fights Angel Hernandez (9-5-1, 3 KO’s) of McAllen, TX.

King’s Promotions knockout sensation, Junior Castillo (8-0, 8 KO’s) of Reading, PA battles veteran Eduardo Flores (23-18-3, 15 KO’s) of Quito, Ecuador in a 6-round Super Welterweight affair.

Derrick Bivins (2-3-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will take on undefeated Chris Colbert (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn. NY. in a Featherweight affair.

In the televised co-feature, Miguel Cruz (11-0, 10 KO’s) of Lake Mary, FL will square off with Virgil Green (11-3, 4 KO’s) of Vancouver, WA in a Welterweight bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

Earl Newman (7-0, 6 KO ‘s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Victor Kpadenou (10-8, 5 KO’s) of Contonou, Benin in a 6-round Light Heavyweight affair.

FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2015

6 PM –Weigh in at the Vision Bar inside the Sands Bethlehem Event Center

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015

5 PM — Doors Open

6 PM– 1st Bout

9 PM FS1 broadcast

Media may pick up their credentials in the backstage entrance of the Sands Bethlehem Event Center

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.sandseventcenter.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SuperO130KP, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @foxdeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.faceboox.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

CHICAGO (December 28, 2015) — Meet 6’1 welterweight prospect ED “Bad Boy” BROWN, (16-0, 14 KOs), from Chicago. After an impressive amateur career, where he compiled a 370-20 record, Brown turned professional in 2012, winning his first three bouts via first-round knockouts. Following a two-year hiatus, which included being wounded eight times during three separate shootings, Brown, under the management of 2007 Boxing Writers Association of America “Manager of the Year” Cameron Dunkin and Harvard-educated matchmaker and promoter Chris Middendorf, embarked on an ambitious eight-month, 13-bout schedule, from May 16 to December 12. Brown, 24, won them all with only two going the distance. That’s right, 13-0 (11 KOs)!

“I pride myself on accurately judging talent and I think my track record proves that. So believe me when I say Ed Brown is the goods,” said Dunkin. “The 2015 fast fights have been about fine tuning his game so that he can be ready for the bigger fights. It was a grueling schedule between training and fighting, but he passed the tests with flying colors. He is on the road to become boxing’s next big thing.”

“If you have a talented and exciting prospect like Ed Brown, you can fight him fast. When we sign prospects with these skills and this sort of amateur experience,
they will also move fast,” added Middendorf. “I think that today’s boxing audience craves seeing hot prospects; watching them, loving them or hating them, but buying tickets to see them or turning the channel to see them. It is the same thing almost across the board in today’s sports world — Mike Trout and Bryce Harper in baseball, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel in hockey, Odell Beckham and Le’Veon Bell in football — younger, faster, hit harder, amazing athletes, fan favorites. In boxing, the best young fighters are ‘must see TV.’ Fans want to follow their story as they progress up the ranks as they incrementally challenge themselves by fighting better opposition. That is what we are after and that is what we see in Ed Brown.”

Brown is scheduled to return to the ring in January.

NEW YORK (Dec. 28, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation begins its 15th year on SHOWTIME® with an explosive quadrupleheader on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 live from Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. (10:35 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the main event of the evening, undefeated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (18-0, 11 KOs, 0-3 in World Series of Boxing) of St. Paul, Minn., measures against Atlantic City’s Decarlo Perez (15-3-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round matchup.

In co-featured bouts, unbeaten Harmonito “Hammer” Dela Torre (17-0, 12 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Philippines, makes his United States debut against Rafael Guzman (16-1-1, 10 KOs), of Ensenada, Mexico in an eight-round super featherweight bout and undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (15-0-1, 13 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. faces southpaw Donovan Dennis (14-3, 11 KOs, 2-1 in WSB) of Cleveland, Ohio in an eight-round scrap.

Opening the ShoBox telecast, hard-hitting Bakhtiyar Eyubov (9-0, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kazakhstan, meets Jared Robinson (16-2-1, 7 KOs), of Sumter, S.C. in an eight-round super lightweight tiff.

The event is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

Boxing historian and expert ring analyst Steve Farhood has called every fight on ShoBox since it premiered in 2001. He anticipates another year of excellent, competitive matchups in 2016.

“In 2015, we had eight fighters who appeared on ShoBox and went on to win world titles. That means the average number of shows in which you’ll see a future world champion is one out of four,” said Farhood.

“We saw some fantastic prospects last year, including Erickson Lubin and Regis Prograis and fresh faces like Jarrett Hurd, Rob Brant—and a fighter who almost seems ready to fight for a title now—Sergey Derevyanchenko. Given Shobox’s 15-year history, I’m fully expecting that we will have more of the same in 2016.’’

Brant, Perez and Miller will be making their second consecutive appearances on ShoBox. Brant and Miller were victorious last Oct. 23, Perez last Aug. 28. Robinson will also be making his second ShoBox start; the four other boxers will be making their debuts.

“Both Brant and Perez won their most recent appearances on ShoBox and both were impressive,’’ Farhood said. “Brant took a big step up and outpointed Louis Rose in October and Perez pulled off the upset over the previously unbeaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera in August. So it makes all the sense in the world to match them against each other. On Jan. 22, we’re going to find out just how hot Rob Brant is.’’
Twenty-six-year-old Brant will be headlining his second consecutive ShoBox. In his first, he captured a hard-fought 10-round majority decision over Rose. Going 10 rounds for the first time, Brant triumphed in an entertaining tight fight.

Before turning pro in November 2010, Brant was a 2010 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds and a member of the U.S. national boxing team pro. He currently trains in Dallas alongside top prospect Errol Spence Jr.
“I’m really excited about this fight and I’ve been training hard for several weeks now,’’ Brant said. “I’ve got a very serious opponent in front of me. He rates about a 7.7 at everything, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of weaknesses. I’ve got to go back to pure boxing for this one. I have to be better in every department. It’s my second time headlining ShoBox and I plan on improving from the first time, so viewers can chart my progress. This is my time to show my growth.’’

Perez, who hails from a fighting family, has won four straight and nine of his last 10. He scored a surprising, upset, a 10-round unanimous decision over Cabrera (23-0 going in) in his last outing. Perez, who took the fight on a week’s notice, outpointed the two-time Dominican Republic Olympian by the scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92.
“I’m so excited I’m the main event on national television,’’ Perez said. “I don’t know a lot about my opponent but I’m well prepared, both mentally and physically. I plan on giving the fans an exciting night.
“Camp is going very well. My management team has brought in top sparring with all undefeated boxers, one being Julian Williams. I’m excited that my trainer is allowing me to fight the majority, if not all of this fight, in the southpaw stance. I’m really a southpaw, but I have fought right-handed most of my career.”

Perez’ last loss came on a split eight-round decision to world title challenger Wilky Campfort in January 2014. Outside the ring, Perez is a pharmacy technician at an Atlantic City hospital.

Miller, a former New York Golden Gloves finalist who turned pro in July 2009, is a confident, power-punching heavyweight who comes to knock you out. He won his ShoBox debut, stopping Akhror Muralimov with a devastating right hand to the chin at 1:03 in the third round.
“I feel like I should have been here two years ago,’’ Miller said. “I’m not coming to make friends. I’m here to annihilate and destroy the whole heavyweight division. On Jan. 22, I’m going to put Donovan Dennis to sleep. I’m not being heard right now, so I have to make myself known. After this fight and what I do to Dennis, things will really, really start to pick up. I’m ready to destroy.’’

Besides being a hard hitter, Miller has good overall skills and movement for a big man whose weight fluctuates from fight to fight. He’s won his last four by knockout, all inside three rounds.
Known for an aggressive style, Miller is now fully focused on a fistic career, but he hails from an MMA and kickboxing background. For a few years, he competed in K-1, historically the world’s premier kickboxing organization, and twice fought the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovi?.
“There seems to be a new energy and enthusiasm on the American heavyweight scene,’’ Farhood said. “Part of that is explained by the fall of a dominant champion in Wladimir Klitschko and part of it is explained by the emergence of Deontay Wilder, and even Travis Kauffman. So for a young heavyweight like Jarrell Miller, the time seems to be ideal to secure TV exposure and make a name for himself.’’
Dennis, 28, was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. Before turning pro in June 2010, he was a top-level amateur: 11-time Iowa State Champion, 2011 National Golden Gloves runner-up in and 2012 U. S. Olympic Games Trials contestant.

The 6-foot-4 Dennis possesses good skills, movement and punching power to go with his strong amateur background. His weakness is durability; he’s been knocked out in all of his losses.

“I’m ready to fight,’’ Dennis said. “I’ve been training really hard and I am looking forward to the fight. I just want to get this win and move on as I will have a big year in 2016.’’

Dela Torre, considered one of the top young talents in the Philippines, will be fighting outside of Asia for the first time. A big puncher and winner of seven straight by knockout, the 5-foot-8, 21-year-old is coming off a third-round TKO over Ricard Betos last Nov. 14.

“It’s every boxer’s dream to fight on big cards in United States. This is the next step in my pathway to becoming world champion,’’ Dela Torre said. “I can’t wait. This is an opportunity I will take advantage of and show everyone I’m ready to step up. I let my team concentrate on my opponents and pass me instructions. I just know I’ll be ready and able to stop any opponent.’’

Before turning professional at 17, Dela Torre was a top member on the Philippine National Amateur Boxing Team. As a pro, he has made a “name” for himself after an impressive victory over Jason Butar-Butar on the undercard of a Manny Pacquiao-headlined fight in November 2013.

Guzman, a 5-foot-8½-inch 20-year-old, will be making his U.S. debut and initial start outside of Mexico since turning pro at 16 in July 2011. In Dela Torre, Guzman will be taking a significant step up in class. He scored a third-round TKO over Pedro Lopez on his last start in Oct. 9.
“I’m feeling very strong and ready for the challenge of this fight,’’ Guzman said. “Fighting on SHOWTIME is a huge opportunity for me. I hear my opponent is a good fighter, but I am ready for anything he can throw. Everybody is going to be talking about me after this fight.”

Eyubov, 29, who could be on the fast track to stardom, is regarded by many to be the second-hardest Kazakh hitter in boxing, ranked only behind Gennady Golovkin. Since his days as an amateur when he won more than 150 fights, a vast majority by knockout, Eyubov has lived up to his reputation as a fearsome banger who looks to remove the judges from the equation.

He’s overwhelmed his first nine opponents as a pro, winning six by knockout in the first round and two by knockout in the second. The furthest he’s gone in a fight came in his second start when he scored a third-round TKO (2:57) over Jhaquis Davis. In his last outing on Oct. 29, he scored a 1:27, first-round TKO over Antonio Chaves Fernandes in Brooklyn.
Robinson, a pro since August 2009, fights out of Charlotte, N.C. A veteran of several scheduled 10-round fights, he’s undeniably the most experienced boxer Eyubov’s ever faced. A natural 140-pounder, Robinson won his initial 14 starts before losing on a fourth-round TKO to then-unbeaten Amir Imam on ShoBox in a bout he took on short notice on Feb. 21, 2014.
Two starts ago, Robinson fought to a disputed eight-round split draw against then-unbeaten Haskell Rhodes (23-0 going in) on June 21, 2015. An excellent boxer with good skills and movement, the 5-foot-9-inch Robinson, 33, is coming off a one-sided 10-round decision over Christian Dominguez last Sept. 26. Outside the ring, Robinson is a massage therapist.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with 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.

“Turbo” Terry Flanagan is set to go Supersonic in his mega-fight against Derry Mathews next month after gaining a celebrity fan in Oasis legend Noel Gallagher.

The undefeated WBO World Lightweight Champion met big boxing fan Gallagher at the recent Arsenal-Manchester City Premier League clash and was knocked out meeting his idol for the first time.

Flanagan, who makes the the second defence of his title against Liverpool rival Mathews on Saturday 13th February at the Echo Arena, was rocked even more when Gallagher suggested changing his nickname to the Oasis hit song because of his thrilling, relentless, all-action style.

“He’s a superstar and hero of mine but he’s still just a regular, down to earth, Manchester lad like me who loves music and football,” Said Flanagan.

“I love Oasis’s music and use it to train to in the gym, classics like ‘Supersonic’ really gets my blood pumping for a fight, in fact he said I should replace my Turbo nickname with Supersonic because of the way I fight.”

Gallagher was a keen supporter of British great Ricky Hatton in his heyday and believes that Flanagan can become just as big as the “Hitman”.

“Noel was a big fan of Ricky Hatton in his fighting days’ and said that I’m the new Ricky Hatton who can bring the much needed excitement in the sport just like Ricky did, which is big compliment,”

The red-hot Manchester v Liverpool clash between Flanagan and Mathews is expected to be just as explosive in the ring as when the two football teams collide on the pitch and Flanagan has suggested a classic Oasis track for Mathews after he’s defeated him.

“He said he’s looking forward to my fight against Mathews just like he looks forward to a Man City match against Liverpool, he’s really rocking for me to beat Mathews,”

“I can’t wait for my fight with Mathews next year and I’ve got the perfect Oasis track for him when I’ve beaten him, ’Stop Crying Your Heart Out’.

History-making British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh will make the first defence of his title against Scottish challenger Darren Traynor on Friday 22nd January at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on promoter Frank Warren’s first show of 2016.

The all-action Cromer fighter put his name in the boxing records books when he won the title in September against Samir Mouneimne to join twin brother Liam, the reigning British Super-Featherweight Champion, as the first ever set of twins to hold the prized Lonsdale belt simultaneously.

Walsh, 29, now looks to make Traynor the first notch of the belt, but the undefeated challenger from Aberdeen, known as the ‘Trayn-Wreck’, has his own plans of upsetting Walsh in his maiden defence, exclusively live on BoxNation.

“It took plenty of hard work, blood, sweat and tears to win that British title, so I’m definitely not losing it in my first defence to the likes of Traynor,” Said Walsh

“Winning that title has put me onto another level in my career and I know that I’m going to have train and fight harder than ever before to keep hold of it, so Traynor can bring whatever he’s got to the ring on fight night, but he’s going to have the fight of his life trying to take it from me,”

“This is the first fight of the year for me and by the end of 2016 I want to have defended it three times and made the belt my own so I’ll be making sure Traynor doesn’t affect my plans.”

Trayner, 29, added, “It was like a fairytale story come true for Ryan when he won the title for him and Liam to be the first ever twins to hold British titles at the same time, but that page is getting ripped out when I fight him,”

“I’m on my own course to achieve my destiny and that’s to win the British title. Ryan’s a good fighter, he’s awkward and puts on plenty of pressure, but I’ve seen plenty of weaknesses and I know that I’ve got the tools to beat him. Let’s see if his strength and speed can match mine, plus I have endless stamina,”

“For Ryan, this isn’t going to be a happy ending, I’m coming down to London to take that title from him and bring it back to Scotland.”

Chief support on the card sees Dulwich’s Ahmet Patterson face Ryan Aston for the Vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Championship; on the undercard Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt makes his comeback; Dagenham lightweight talent Ediz Hussein competes in a six rounder; West Ham super-welterweight Sam McNess; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long; Chingford lightweight Archie Sharp; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith and Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr.

Tickets priced at £40 and £60 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 Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Fedor Chudinov will rematch Felix Sturm on February 20 in Oberhausen, Germany for Chudinov’s WBA Super Middleweight title, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It was close but I lost,” Sturm said. “I have the means and the power to defeat Chudinov. The only thing that counts for me is victory. I made a lot of mistakes in the first fight. I could only show 20 percent of myself, but this time I’m ready. All or nothing, I’ll prove I’m still one of the best in the world.”

Said Chudinov, “The title stays with me.”