TACOMA, Wash. – Mixed Martial Arts returns to Tacoma Saturday when CageSport presents Super Fight League 45 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

The eight-bout card will be headlined by the SFL America Strawweight championship title fight between Amy Montenegro (5-2-0) and Glena Avila (5-3-0), and the long-awaited return of undefeated Brent “Mankill” Knopp.

Tickets are available through the EQC box office and all Ticket Master outlets. Doors open at 6 p.m. with preliminary bouts starting at 7 p.m.

The entire SFL 45 card will be available for viewing on Youtube following the fights. Bob Stelton of 710 AM ESPN and ex UFC fighter Jeff Hougland, who also owns Combat Sport and Fitness, will call the action.

“This is a night of MMA fans do not want to miss,” promoter Brian Halquist said. “We have two of the top female fighters squaring off for a prestigious title, Brent Knopp will be making his return to the cage and the undercard is stacked with intriguing matchups. It’s going to be an incredible night.”

Issaquah’s Montenegro will tangle with Avila for the vacant SFL America Strawweight crown. Both are looking to follow in the footsteps of Miesha Tata and Julianna Pena, who parlayed success in CageSport into UFC careers. Both are currently ranked among the world’s top 5 fighters.

“I’m not sure we have had a more highly anticipated female bout here than Montenegro and Avila,” Halquist said. “This is a title fight everyone has been talking about. The expectations are high for this fight, but I actually think it will surpass everyone’s expectations.”

Kirkland’s Knopp (5-0-0) will face Spokane’s Jordan Currie (6-4-0) in a light heavyweight semi-main event. Knopp, the current CageSport middleweight titlist, is competing for the first time in two years. All five of his victories have occurred at the Emerald Queen Casino.

The card for CageSports presents SFL 45 follows:

SFL America Strawweight Title Fight
Amy Montenegro (5-2-0) vs. Glena Avila (5-3-0)

Brent “Mankill” Knopp (5-0-0) vs. Jordan Currie (6-4-0)

Robert Burgess (Debut) vs. Thomas Hoeper (3-2-0)

Nate Cook (0-3-0) vs. Rafael Brewster (Debut)

Patrick Benson (Debut) vs. Kody Kramer (1-0-0)

Dylan Potter (1-0-0) vs. Artiom Cula (1-0-0)

Journey Newson (1-0-0) vs. Justin Hugo (Debut)

Eric Cronkhite (1-0-0) vs. Danny Elliot (Debut)

Brian Halquist Productions will begin its 20th year of combative sports at Tacoma’s Emerald Queen Casino in 2016. Halquist and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians announced 10 dates for 2016 – beginning on Jan. 15 with the 104th installment of the Battle at the Boat professional boxing series.

Super Fight League 45 is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions and CageSport MMA. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the CageSport MMA 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 over 30 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.

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns with a new edition TONIGHT (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has hosted HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988, the show is a provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 9 (4:10 a.m.), 12 (8:10 a.m.), 15 (7:30 p.m., 3:00 a.m.), 16 (3:15 p.m.), 18 (noon), 19 (12:30 a.m.), 20 (11:45 a.m.) and 21 (6:30 p.m., 2:25 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Dec. 10 (9:20 a.m., 8:00 p.m.), 11 (5:15 p.m., 1:15 a.m.), 16 (9:00 p.m.), 17 (11:15 a.m., 11:00 p.m.) and 19 (8:15 a.m.)

The show will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

This edition of THE FIGHT GAME examines the recent Cotto-Canelo and Klitschko-Fury fights, and marks the 15th anniversary of the pivotal Felix Trinidad-Fernando Vargas battle. In addition, Michelle Beadle sits down with Hall-of-Fame boxer-turned-promoter Oscar de la Hoya, and Max Kellerman and Bernard Hopkins join Lampley on the set to discuss the latest boxing headlines. Lampley also presents a special Gatti list inspired by the heated Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry, as well as the FIGHT GAME pound-for-pound compilation.

Immediately following the show’s debut on Dec. 9, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for an exclusive overtime segment hosted by Lampley.

HOUSTON (Dec. 9, 2015) – Undefeated junior welterweight prospects Regis Prograis (14-0, 12 KOs) and Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) held court at Lou Savarese’s Fight Fit gym in downtown Houston on Wednesday as they wrap up preparation for their 10-round showdown this Friday night.

The NABF title match-up headlines a quintessential ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader featuring eight fighters with a combined record of 92-1-5, including seven undefeated prospects. The card will air live on SHOWTIME® from the Bayou City Event Center in Houston, Texas, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Below are quotes from the both main event participants.

REGIS PROGRAIS

“This has been a tremendous training camp, probably the best I have ever had. We were working real hard in camp. Physically and mentally, I couldn’t be more ready for Friday night. This is going to be my first fight here in my adopted home of Houston in about a year and half and my first time ever headlining a card here. I couldn’t be more excited and eager to get in there and show the great fans of Houston and everyone watching on television my ability.

“This is a tough fight, a real tough right. Abel is a heck of a fighter. He is a real strong guy who always comes to fight, and I know that he is coming to put on a show. He is undefeated, he doesn’t want lose. But, so am I, and neither do I. It is going to come down to who wants it more come Friday night.

“You are going to see a whole new dimension from me. I can do a lot of different things in there. I can come forward and stalk people down or I can box, and show my defense. Whatever he is doing in there, I am going to do better. If I have to box I will box. If I have to bang I will bang. This is an honor for me to be back on ShoBox, and headlining this great card. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be victorious come Friday night.’’

ABEL RAMOS

“We had a great training camp preparing for this fight, and I couldn’t be more ready or happy with my preparation going into Friday’s fight against Regis. This is my first fight with DiBella Entertainment and I am already headlining on ShoBox. I think that is a testament to what they see in me and the talent that I have and I couldn’t be happier about this opportunity.

“The work is done in the gym. I know that he will have the hometown support behind him, but I am ready for whatever he brings to the table on fight night. Once that bell rings, it is just me and him in the ring, and he better know that I am coming for him.

“We are expecting a tough fight, the best Regis Prograis has to offer. We expect him to be very active and throw a ton of punches, and that’s what we have prepared for all camp long. I don’t know exactly how the fight ends, but I am winning it, there is no doubt about it.’’

Tickets are on sale and priced at $40 GA, $60 GA, $150 Table Seats & $200 VIP Ringside. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.savaresepromotions.com or by calling (713) 658-0299.

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.

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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.

TORONTO (December 9, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, is the destination for live UFC fight week pre and post-fight coverage, including the live main card for UFC Fight Night™: Namajunas vs. VanZant and the live prelims for The Ultimate Fighter Finale: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber, both airing exclusively in Canada. Fight Network is currently available in free preview on most carriers across Canada for the month of December.

It all kicks off on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. ET with a live presentation of the UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor pre-fight press conference from Las Vegas.

On Thursday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents the live weigh-ins for The Ultimate Fighter Finale: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber, as headliners Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes tip the scales ahead of their pivotal featherweight showdown.

Later at 9 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents a live pre-show for UFC Fight Night™: Namajunas vs. VanZant, leading into the live main card at 10 p.m. ET exclusively in Canada. In the main event, No. 3-ranked women’s strawweight contender Rose Namajunas (4-2) battles surging superstar and No. 7-ranked Paige VanZant. (6-1). In the co-feature, No. 14-ranked lightweight veteran Jim Miller (25-6, 1NC) looks to continue his ascent up the rankings against The Ultimate Fighter Live winner Michael Chiesa (12-2). Rounding out the card, highly touted lightweight youngster Sage Northcutt (6-0) tries to keep his perfect record intact against Cody Pfister (12-4-1), while Canada’s undefeated Ultimate Fighter Nations middleweight winner Elias Theodorou (11-0) faces his toughest test to date against Brazilian Thiago “Marreta” Santos (11-3). Fight Network will also televise the live post-fight press conference, which begins shortly after the event concludes.

On Friday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. ET, the UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor weigh-ins will be televised live from Las Vegas with Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor going face-to-face one final time ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash for the undisputed UFC featherweight championship.

Immediately following the live weigh-ins, Fight Network presents a live pre-show for The Ultimate Fighter Finale: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber at 7 p.m. ET, which serves as a lead-in to the live prelims at 8 p.m. ET exclusively in Canada. The main card will air at 10 p.m. ET on TSN1 and TSN5. Featured prelims include heavyweights Gabriel Gonzaga (16-10) vs. Konstantin Erokhin (9-2), featherweights Tatsuya Kawajiri (34-8-2) vs. Jason Knight (16-1) and flyweights Joby Sanchez (7-1) vs. Geane Herrera (8-1). Fight Network will also televise the live post-fight press conference, which begins shortly after the event concludes.

The action-packed fight week comes to a climax on Saturday, Dec. 12. At 2 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents an encore of UFC 189: Mendes vs. McGregor from July 2015, which featured Conor McGregor’s memorable performance against Chad Mendes to capture the interim UFC featherweight title, plus a top candidate for “Fight of the Year” between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald for the UFC welterweight title. The event is widely regarded as one of the best in promotional history.

At 7 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents a live pre-show for UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor, which features previews, predictions and analysis for the event, as well as on-the-scene reports from Las Vegas. Immediately following the pay-per-view broadcast, Fight Network presents a live post-show at approximately 1 a.m. ET, including highlights, reactions and the live post-fight press conference from Las Vegas.

All pre and post-fight shows will include exclusive interviews from Fight Network analysts John Ramdeen and Robin Black on-site in Las Vegas, plus reports and analysis from Fight Network studios in Toronto. Canadian mixed martial arts pioneer and longtime UFC veteran Sam Stout will be in-studio for the live UFC 194 pre and post-fight shows.

Airing throughout the week, catch the one-hour UFC Embedded: Aldo vs. McGregor special, an all-access, behind-the-scenes look at the lives and training camps of four elite fighters leading up to the massive UFC 194 event in Las Vegas. Additional reports and features air daily in Fight News Now. All airings are listed at www.fightnetwork.com.

In addition to all the live events, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV events.

This Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. ET, catch a full encore presentation of UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort from February 2011 in Las Vegas, which featured a highly anticipated middleweight title showdown between then-torchbearer Anderson Silva and No. 1 contender Vitor Belfort, plus Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin and Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader.

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.

In 1990 Evander Holyfield was the mandatory contender for the Heavyweight Title then held by Mike Tyson. Though Tyson’s title defense was overdue, Tyson was permitted to engage in an optional title defense with James Buster Douglas. As we all know, Douglas won by knockout.

Thereafter all hell broke loose. Don King, at the time Douglas’ promoter, and one of the ratings organizations wanted a rematch, avoiding Holyfield. The other organizations were prepared to follow their rules and directed that the Holyfield mandatory take place.

Litigation ensued. Holyfield prevailed and fought James Buster Douglas. Holyfield’s career turned out to be legendary.

Now, 25 years later there is the identical scenario. Vyacheslav Glazkov won a title elimination bout to become the mandatory contender for the title then held by Wladimir Klitschko. There is a well-established rotation system among the ratings organizations when there is a unified champion. When Klitschko fought Tyson Fury it was after Klitschko’s mandatory with Glazkov would have otherwise been due (it was due in August). Following the rotation system, Glazkov stood aside and without any protest watched the Klitschko/Fury bout be scheduled, then postponed, and then rescheduled – all during the period when it would otherwise be his turn to fight the mandatory for the heavyweight title. He stood aside because of the rotation system, which made it the turn of the WBA/WBO to enforce their mandatories. However, everyone knew going into the Klitschko/Fury fight that it was Glazkov’s turn next.

A word on the rotation system. Again, we go back to Evander Holyfield. After Evander Holyfield defeated James Buster Douglas, he was the Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. A squabble erupted with the different ratings organizations demanding that he engage in different bouts. We were forced to go to Court and the Court enforced an equitable remedy, to wit, the rotation system under which the ratings organizations would rotate the mandatories for unified champions. This enhanced the likelihood of fighters maintaining unified championships rather than allowing them to be stripped due to simultaneous mandatory obligations, something which had occurred too often in earlier years. This rotation system is crucial to enhancing the ability of unified champions to keep their titles.

Of course, a title holder can always voluntarily give up a title. That is the Champion’s choice. However, there is nothing at all unfair about the rotational system or the mandatory system.

No one utilized the rotational system more effectively than Wladimir Klitschko. There is no criticism of this – it was his right.

But everyone involved knew that Glazkov had waited in line for his mandatory to be due. Everybody knew that the rules of the ratings organizations disfavored rematches and generally prohibited them when a mandatory was due.

Again, it was a voluntary choice for Klitschko and Fury to contract for a rematch. Main Events contacted the Fury camp, it was told that Fury could not negotiate because of the rematch clause. Subject to the rules, they had every right to do so even if it meant giving up a title. However, that voluntary choice was one that was made by the camps of Messrs. Klitschko and Fury. There should be absolutely no surprise or anguish that the rules, which are well-established, protect not only the Champion who is protected from being torn from a title by conflicting mandatories, but also the mandatory challenger who is forced to wait due to the rotation because the mandatory challenger is assured that his turn will, in fact, come.

*Note* Patrick English, Esq. litigated the cases referenced above.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (December 9, 2015) – M-1 Global announced its fighter bonus performances for last Friday night’s M-1 Challenge 63 at the Sports and Concert Complex in St. Petersburg, Russia:

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT

Viktor Nemkov-Stephan Puetz 2

Viktor Nemkov (23-5-0, 4 KO/.TKO, 9 SUB – M-1: 13-4-0), who fights out of Stary Oskol, Russia, recaptured the M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title from the German fighter who took it from him 1 ½ years ago, Stephan “T-800” Puetz (13-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), by way of another exciting, hard-fought five-round decision.

KO OF THE NIGHT

Raul Tutarauli

Georgian light heavyweight Raul Tutarauli (6-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) finished off Russian Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (10-4-0, 4 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) in the second round.

SUBMISSION OF THE NIGHT

Mikhail Kuznetsov

Russian featherweight Mikhail Kuznetsov (5-1-0) used a rear-naked choke to force a tap-out from Ukrainian Stanislav “White Warrior” Reutsky (8-5-0) in the second.

Information

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

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
USA MEDIA CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 has been 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!

Patrick Nielsen and Rudy Markussen’s ‘Bad Blood’ feud reached boiling point today at the final pre-fight press conference ahead of their Danish mega-fight on Saturday night at the sold-out Brondby Hallen in Copenhagen.

The bitter rivals have been exchanging insults in the build up to their blockbuster clash, and their hostilities showed no signs of stopping as they met with the nation’s press at the Hotel D’Anglaterre.

‘’Rudy is a nobody. If I can’t beat him, my career is over,’’ said Nielsen, who believes he has his opponent beat in every department. ‘’I know I’m the better boxer. I have the better technique and faster hands and feet. Rudy is not going to stand a chance.

“It will not be fun for him on Saturday night. I think he will be scared when he steps into the ring with me. When the bell rings, it will be time for me to send him back into retirement.’’

Markussen, a former European Champion and World title challenger, hit back at his young opponent, by claiming he has the support of the Danish fans.

‘’The whole of Denmark is behind me,’’ said Markussen. ‘’I have people stopping me in the street saying please, please, please knock this guy out!

‘’On Saturday night, I will do everyone in Denmark a favour by silencing Nielsen once and for all. I have the experience and I have the power to win this fight convincingly.’’

Promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland are looking forward to a fascinating encounter on Saturday night and have urged fans not to miss what they describe as the biggest fight in Danish boxing history.

‘’This is the most highly anticipated fight in Danish boxing history,’’ said promoter Nisse Saueraland. ‘’Rudy has the experienced, he has challenged for World titles and has fought against some of the best fighters of his generation, while Patrick has youth on his side along with the boxing skills and adaptability to compete at the highest level.’’

‘’This is more than a boxing match, this is a real grudge match between two fighters who don’t’ like each other,’’ said Kalle Sauerland. ‘’There is a lot on the line for both men, with pride, bragging rights and a potential World title shot in the offering for the winner.’’

Ondt Blod: Patrick Nielsen vs. Rudy Markussen will be shown live and exclusive on Pay-Per-View in Denmark. For more information on how to order please visit www.boksekampen.dk.

BROOKLYN (Dec. 9, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will make the third defense of his title against brawling Polish contender Artur Szpilka on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event between the power-punching Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), of Wieliczka, Poland, will be the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn since James Jeffries knocked out James Corbett in the 23rd round on May 11, 1900, on Coney Island.

Jeffries fought in all three of the Brooklyn heavyweight title fights, which were the fourth, fifth and seventh world heavyweight title fights of the modern gloved era. All three took place on Coney Island, two in 1899 and the final in 1900.

It will be Wilder’s first fight in New York and his ninth overall on Showtime Networks. Wilder is the first United States-born heavyweight champion since 2007.

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 Monday, December 14 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will also be available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Tuesday, December 15 at noon. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“I’m excited about coming to New York City, I’m excited about displaying my talents and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center,” said Wilder. “I want to thank my opponent Artur Szpilka for accepting this opportunity that I’m giving him. I wish him luck – he’s going to need it. I look forward to winning over the Polish fans after I beat him. I know he’s a southpaw and he tends to give up when things get tough in the ring, going off the fight he had with Bryant Jennings. He doesn’t have heart when it gets tough. I look forward to giving the fans plenty of action and excitement on Jan. 16.”

“It feels amazing to get the opportunity to fight Deontay for his heavyweight world title,” said Szpilka. “I can’t wait to be the first ever Polish heavyweight to win a world title. I’ve dreamed about this many times, and now my time has come. I’ll be ready to put on a show for my fans and take his belt from him on Jan. 16.”
“It should be an exciting night on Jan. 16 when the ‘Bronze Bomber’ defends his title, for the first time at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, against rugged brawler Artur Szpilka,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Brash and outspoken, the Polish fighter looks to derail Deontay and become the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world in boxing history. This is Deontay’s third title defense in 12 months and a victory will lead to a major clash in his next bout.”
“I’m very excited that Artur Szpilka is getting an opportunity to become the first heavyweight champion in the history of Poland,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “We’re thrilled that Artur will be able to fight for the title in a boxing-rich city like Brooklyn and in front of what will undoubtedly be a strong showing of support from his Polish fans.”

“SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has been the home of many of the biggest and best heavyweight world title fights of the last 30 years, and we are proud to continue that legacy with Deontay Wilder,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Deontay has used his rare blend of raw power, athleticism and charisma to become one of the can’t-miss boxers of this era. Credit Artur Szpilka for accepting the challenge. Szpilka is a young, strong southpaw with good power and a flair for showmanship, and he is eager to make the most of his first world title opportunity. January 16 is sure to be an exciting night on SHOWTIME.”

“It took 115 years, but Heavyweight Championship boxing is back in Brooklyn,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “I spent some time with Deontay at the Jacobs-Quillin fight last Saturday and he can’t wait to defend his title at Barclays Center, but it won’t be easy. Artur Szpilka is a great fighter and is sure to be well represented by the ‘Little Poland’ neighborhood of nearby Greenpoint. The borough is ready for Heavyweight Championship boxing. It was worth the wait.”

The 6-foot-7 Wilder will be making his third title defense and fourth fight in 364 days. The 30-year-old won the WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, in his first professional fight to go past the fourth round.

Wilder successfully defended the belt against Eric Molina (KO 9) last June 13 and most recently against Johann Duhaupas (TKO 11) on Sept. 26. Both of the title defenses took place in his home state of Alabama.

The last heavyweight champion to fight four times in 12 months was Lennox Lewis in 2000-01. Lewis was also the last undisputed heavyweight champion.

“I’m looking forward to being the next undisputed heavyweight champion and the most active heavyweight champion in history,” Wilder said. “I’m also active once I get into the ring. In my last fight, I landed an average of 30 of the 53 punches that I threw each round. That was more than double what Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko landed, combined.”

Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. He is the last American male boxer to medal in The Olympics.

The aggressive-minded, 6-foot-3 Szpilka has won four consecutive fights since suffering the only loss of his career to then-undefeated Bryant Jennings in 2014. The 26-year-old rebounded with a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.

A pro since 2008, the southpaw first gained notice when he stopped the once-touted Owen Beck in four rounds in 2011, then unanimously outpointed former world title challenger Jameel McCline the following year.

Szpilka has honed his boxing skills under the tutelage of Houston-based trainer Ronnie Shields. While he is still predisposed to brawling and coming forward, Szpilka has developed into a more complete fighter under Shields and one that could be the toughest test of the young world champion’s career.

Brooklyn has a deep history in heavyweight boxing, including hometown heavyweight champions Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Shannon Briggs and Michael Moorer. In addition, Brooklyn-native and 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Mark Breland serves as one of Wilder’s coaches.

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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, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:

On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far. I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions. I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be. My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”

On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page. He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner. We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight. Salas is a great trainer. We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”

On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win. We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out. I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace. He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for. This will not be a boring fight. The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”

On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career. When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great. That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov. The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

NEW YORK, December 9 — The sixth annual MMA World Expo, the East Coast’s premiere Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gathering presented by City World Ford, will return to New York’s Jacob Javits Center, North Pavilion, on Saturday, December 12. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstars Jon “Bones” Jones, Anderson “The Spider” Silva and Eddie Alvarez will be on hand for the event, which promises to be larger than ever, with four, live combat sports tournaments, including amateur MMA bouts in the cage, seminars and vendors.

Also on hand at the Expo will be World Series of Fighting two-division world champion David Branch, as well as World Series of Fighting executives Carlos Silva (CEO) and Ray Sefo (President), who will take part in a question and answer session with the media and fans, and reveal news about the league’s plans for 2016.

Branch, the reigning World Series of Fighting middleweight (185 pounds) and light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion, will host a special, one-hour seminar for Expo patrons.

“The MMA World Expo is a phenomenal opportunity to service a population of highly passionate MMA fans who do not yet have the opportunity to spectate professional bouts in the state of New York,” said Paul Paone, founder and director of the MMA World Expo.

“This year’s event will feature an unprecedented number of combat sports tournaments to satisfy any fight fan, including amateur MMA, catch wrestling, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

The one-day, “Super Saturday” event will take place from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. ET, and will be capped off by live amateur MMA bouts in the cage, presented by the New York Fight Exchange. The fight card will begin at 6 p.m.

In addition to the MMA fights, there will be live competition in four combat disciplines that are a core part of MMA. Beginning at 10 a.m., submission-only grappling tournaments, both gi and no-gi, hosted by The Good Fight, will take place.

Beginning at 4 p.m., the North American Catch Wrestling Association will host catch wrestling matches, including a match between reigning, two-time East Coast King of Catch Wrestling, Thomas Velasquez, and rival, West Coast King of Catch Wrestling, Travis Newaza, for the 2015 North American Heavyweight King of Catch championship.

Throughout the event, “Training-with-the-Masters” seminars will be available to attendees. Instructors include Ajarn Phil Nurse (Muay Thai), UFC Hall of Famer Dan “The Beast” Severn, Silva, Alvarez and Newaza.

The MMA World Expo will continue to play its role in the fight for professional MMA legalization by conducting its sixth annual legalization panel discussion, distributing petitions, and putting on display all of the athletes, coaches, fans and vendors who contribute to the sport. The two-hour legalization seminar will be hosted by combat sports journalist Jim Genia, and special guests will include Severn and other notable MMA figures.

For more information about the event visit http://www.mmaworldexpo.com, “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @mmaworldexpo, or call 212-956-4720.

About MMA World Expo:

The MMA World Expo was begun in 2009 and has held all events in the Jacob Javits Center in New York.

Past MMA World Expo signers have included Matt Hughes, Frankie Edgar, Randy Couture, Jon Jones, Carlos Condit, Fabricio Werdum, Matt Serra, Jim and Dan Miller, Jamie Varner, Nate Diaz, Wanderlei Silva, among others.

Training-with-the-Masters series instructors have included: Dan Severn, Renzo Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Phil Nurse, Howard Davis Jr., Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, Lee Kemp, Jimmy Pedro among others.

Past vendors have included Toyota, Xyience, Headrush, Muscle Pharm, Combat Sports, Everlast, Vitamin Shoppe, Zebra Mats, Met-Rx, Monster Rings and Cages, US Marines, Dymatize, World Series of Fighting, Spartan Race, M-I Entertainment, among others.

Glendale, California: Saturday night on HBO Latino Arif “The Mayhem” Magomedov (16-0, 9 KOs) the young phenom from Chekhov, Russia will face southpaw Jonatan “Oso” Tavira (12-3, 9 KOs) live on HBO Latino Boxing 10 PM ET/PT from the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale, CA. The scouting report for this exciting match-up is below:

Category
Arif “The Mayhem” Magomedov
Jonatan “Oso” Tavira
Age
23
31
Record
16-0-0 (9 KOs)
12-3-0 (9 KOs)
Strength
Arif possesses power in his hands and puts together effective combinations. He fights hungry and applies pressure throughout the contest.
Tavira is a southpaw fighter with fast hand speed and solid knockout power in both hands. He fights with an aggressive style similar to Arif’s, which should make for an intriguing fight.
Weakness
The Mayhem has not yet faced a fighter who portrays the same aggressive, in-your-face style that he employs.
Jonatan has a suspect chin after being stopped twice in his career.
Experience
Arif has fought more experienced and seasoned opposition than Tavira has.
Oso has a slight experience disadvantage.
Power
Arif throws powerful combinations and accurate body shots. He has a unique ability to physically break his opponents down throughout the fight.
With nine of his twelve wins coming by way of knockout, Tavira is proven to have heavy hands and the ability to finish fights.
Speed
He has solid speed that comes on display during his vicious combinations
Tavira has good speed that works to his advantage when his opposition decides to stand and trade with him.
Endurance
Arif has gone a full 12 rounds once back in 2014, and has been 10 rounds on three separate occasions, including his most recent bout.
Jonatan has gone 10 rounds twice in his career, which he won by unanimous decision.
Accuracy
The Mayhem very accurate, he likes to fight from a close distance which makes it a little easier for him to hit his target.
Oso is a southpaw with a good jab and a super sharp and accurate left hand that he has used to stop previous opponents.
Defense
Arif cuts off the ring well, which makes his opponents uncomfortable. It also makes it difficult for some of his opponents to get their punches off.
Tavira’s offense is his best defense: his accuracy and aggressive style has been effective in overwhelming his opponents.
Chin
Magomedov was knocked down early in his career but managed to recover and finish the fight. Since then he has not been in any real danger.
Jonatan has been stopped twice in his career.
Style
Arif has an aggressive, in-your-face style.He likes to walk his opponents down, unleashing vicious combinations along the way.
Tavira is a southpaw fighter who likes to dictate the pace, he prefers to stand and trade with his opponents in hopes of ending the night early.
Intangibles
The Mayhem has continuously strived to mix up his opposition and improve his game. He took on a durable veteran in Darnell Boone, whom he stopped early, then out-boxed a slick technical fighter in Derrick Webster. He has completely flipped the switch now and will test his skillset with a fighter whose style is dangerously similar to his own.
Oso has spent most of his career competing against lesser opposition with similar styles to his own. However, he now has the opportunity to seize the moment against a highly regarded and #2 ranked WBO middleweight contender in Magomedov. This is a fight that can be the game-changer in the young career of the tough Mexican slugger.
Crowd Support
Arif should have solid crowd support; he trains in the Glendale area and isrising quicklythrough the boxing ranks. His aggressive and physical style is also appealing to many boxing fans.
Jonatan may not be well-known to the boxing public, but his fan-friendly style will undoubtedly win him some crowd support throughout the bout.
The Match-up
Arif’s last fight was against southpaw Derrick Webster and Arif was very upset he was unable to stop him. Will he be able to stop this southpaw?
Tavira is the only guy who accepted the fight against Arif; does he see a flaw that he will capitalize on?
They both have the same kind of style: nothing but coming forward. Whoever lands the first punch should dictate the fight.

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said, “Whenever we get two guys who are both very aggressive fighters in the ring together, I expect fireworks. We’ve seen The Mayhem excel against more defensive fighters before, so I’m interested to see how he does with an opponent like Jonatan who will use the same kind of tactics and pressure against Arif that he uses on his opponents.”

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TOKYO, JAPAN – December 9, 2015 – RIZIN FF officials announced today that the highly anticipated rematch between Akebono and Bob Sapp will be contested under Shoot Boxing rules on Thursday, Dec. 31, and that BAMMA fighter Brett McDermott has been named the new opponent for “King Mo” Lawal in the eight-man heavyweight Grand Prix elimination tournament, following the withdrawal of BAMMA champion Mark Godbeer last week due to injury.

In K-1 rules action, it was announced that Hiroya Kawabe will face striking phenom Akiyo “Wicky” Nishiura on Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Takeru Segawa will square off with Chinese Muay Thai champion Yang Ming on December 31.
Shoot Boxing founder and CEO, Cezar Takeshi joined RIZIN FF Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara, General Manager Nobuhiko Takada, Sapp, Akebono, Segawa, and producer Kensaku Maeda at a press conference in Tokyo to make the announcements.

“I have been seeking advice about what rules the highly anticipated rematch should be held under, and Mr. Cezar introduced me to the idea where both fighters will be able to maximize their potential,” said Sakakibara.

“The new K-1,” continued Sakakibara, “has become popular in such a rapid rate, and I am happy that they are going to be sending their top, young talent to our ring. We would like to match both K-1 representatives up with tough opponents.”

Sakakibara also mentioned that Nam Jin Jo has injured his knee during training and was forced to withdraw, so Felipe Efrain from Shoot Boxe Academy will be facing Yuki Motoya.

Sakakibara closed his announcement by describing the details of the three-day, free-of-charge fight expo, which will begin on December 29, and include amateur MMA bouts and an open grappling tournament.

The rematch between Akebono and Sapp and the bout between Segawa and Ming join matchups between Yuichiro Nagashima and Andy Souwer, and Asen Yamamoto and Kron Gracie on December 31st.

Comments:

Bob Sapp:

“It has been a while since I last fought on NYE, and very excited. And to be facing my nemesis once again. Last time we fought, we made history, and that was a great honor. I would like to aim for making history again, and I assure you it will be an exciting fight.”

Akebono:

“I have been living with grief and defeat for the past 12 years. I have carried a thought of redemption deep inside and got the offer at the perfect timing. I never want to have to feel that way again, so I want everybody to come watch the new Akebono. I’m going in there for the win.”

Takeru Segawa:

“I was frustrated because I wanted to fight more this year, but I’m glad for this perfect opportunity. There are many MMA fights on the card, but I would like to show that K-1 fights are the most exciting. I want everybody to be talking about the lightest fighter’s being the most exciting out of all RIZIN fights.”

RIZIN FF General Manager Nobuhiko Takada:

“I am just too excited. One of the reasons is that the fight card is near complete, but more so because of the fact that we will be able to kick of our event on the day where people watch television the most. It needs to be a festivity. We put together various fights for a wide audience. We would like to continue to promote the greatness of this event.”

Takada continued in describing each fighter. “Hiroya has the looks and the skills who reigns as the top fighter in K-1. I can see why he has many female fans. But once the bell rings, he shows his aggressiveness and power. It is always irritating when you know very little about your opponent, but he is determined to show the greatness of K-1 regardless of his opponent.”

He continued on about the legendary fight, “The ratings for that fight was unreal. And that same fight will be coming back. There are many opinions about this fight, but that is what makes it so exciting. Many fighters will be motivated to gather all the attention which will lead to better performance. This fight has many meanings behind it.” Takada added,” If Akebono wins, maybe next year?” and teased everybody about a possible rubber match. Takada announced that Cezar Takeshi was assigned as the referee for this fight and asked him not to trip during the fight.

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (December 9, 2015)- The rapid growth of the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) in four relatively short years of existence was best demonstrated in last month’s 2015 World MMA Championship (WMMAA) in Prague, Czech Republic.

Nearly 200 athletes, representing 49 countries (see list below), participated in the record-setting 2015 World MMA Championship, which was dominated by team champion Russian Federation. Heavyweight Zaur Gadzhibabaev, who became the first two-time WMMAA champion, gave Azerbaijan the only gold medal not captured by the Russian Federation, which had the individual winners in six of seven weight classes.

“This year’s World Championship was the best event we have had so far,” WMMAA Director of Communications Mikhail Mazur said. “The highest number of countries, as well as participants, competed this year. WMMAA is still in its infancy but we keep evolving. You can clearly see that with each year. We have added new weight categories and accepted new countries as members of our non-profit organization. This is a difficult job but it’s extremely satisfying to see athletes fly in from all over the world to compete against the best amateur fighters who each went through a hard selection process in their home country.

“Prague was a great host and the WMMAA is extremely happy to have held the championship in this beautiful European capital. A lot more needs to be done next year. We expect more Asian and Pan-Am countries to enter the WMMAA family as our continental presidents put a lot of effort looking for the best National Federations to work as hard and as diligent as our current members do. We are only gearing up. I’m thrilled to see what the next year will bring us and the sports of amateur MMA in general.”

Afganistan Argentina Armenia Azerbaijan
Belarus Brazil Bulgaria China
Chinese Taipei Columbia Croatia Cuba
Czech Republic France FYR of Macedonia Georgia
Germany Greece Hungary India
Iran Italy Kazakhstan Republic of Korea
Kyrgyzstan Latvia Mexico Moldova
Monaco Morocco Netherlands Netherland Antilles
Nicaragua Nigeria Paraguay Romania
Russian Federation Serbia Singapore Slovakia
Spain Suriname Tajikistan Turkey
Turkmenistan Ukraine United States Uzbekistan
Venezuela

(L-R) Tajikistan MMA President Pulod Nazarov, WMMAA Honorary President Fedor Emellianenko, WMMAA President Vadim Finkelchtein and Anatoly Kim, President of the Kazakhstan MMA Federation

Information

www.WMMAA.org
www.facebook.com/World.MMA.Association
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA

Dereck Chisora has replaced Josh Warrington on the bumper bill at The O2 on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office – and he’s hunting the winner of the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight title clash between Anthony Joshua MBE and Dereck Chisora.

‘Del Boy’ returned landed a 23rd pro win on Saturday night in Hamburg, registering a 15th stoppage win in his first fight with new promoters Sauerland. The Finchley man gets straight back into action in London this weekend and is looking to regain the titles he held in 2010 and replaces Warrington has been forced out of his fight with a virus.

Chisora is part of a massive night of action, topped by Anthony Joshua MBE taking on bitter rival Dillian Whyte for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.

Chris Eubank Jr and Spike O’Sullivan meet in a final eliminator for the WBA World Middleweight title, Kevin Mitchell meets Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim Lightweight title with the winner facing newly crowned WBA supremo Anthony Crolla, Tony Bellew faces Mateusz Masternak for the vacant European Cruiserweight title, Joshua’s fellow Olympic gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE defends his WBC International Lightweight title against Yvan Mendy and Paulie Malignaggi challenges Antonio Moscatiello for the EU Welterweight title.

Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte is SOLD-OUT – visit http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ to get your hands on tickets.

StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.

Venezuelan bomber Ismael Barroso (18-0-2, 17 KOs) is talking knockout in advance of his showdown with England’s Kevin Mitchell for the WBA interim lightweight title this Saturday, December 12, at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London.

One of the strongest punchers in the world at 135 lbs., Barroso will face Mitchell as part of the Sky Sports Box Office card, headlined by bitter heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte’s battle for the MBE British and Commonwealth Championship.

“He is a very strong fighter, but he has not fought me,” said the confident Barroso. “I will be strong in every way.”

Barroso, from El Tigre, Venezuela, will be vying for his first interim world title with the winner scheduled to face regular champion, Anthony Crolla, within 90 days.

“I will walk him down and throw many combinations. I will hit him with hard shots, and I will knock him out,” continued the determined Barroso.

His promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says Barroso’s star is about to rise in boxing.

“Ismael has been the strongest puncher at the weight for years and he’s finally going to get his chance to become the world champion and feared slugger he was always destined to become,” said Cohen. “Kevin Mitchell is a good fighter but there’s not a lightweight in the world who can keep from getting hit by Barroso even once and that’s all it takes. We are very confident going into this one.”

Ismael Barroso fights under the Greg Cohen Promotions banner, in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

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

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

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

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

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

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

NEW YORK, NY – December 8, 2015 – For the first time ever, a boxing match has been released in its entirety in 360 degree immersive virtual reality, as SHOWTIME captured the shocking first round TKO from Saturday night’s main event between WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs’ and previously undefeated challenger Peter Quillin. The all-Brooklyn main event has been made available in 360 video from ring-side, giving fans an unprecedented boxing experience. The virtual reality video engrosses viewers in the matchup of the top middleweights, facing off in the prime of their career, where Brooklyn’s Jacobs (31-1, 28 KOs) won the “Battle For Brooklyn.” The 360 footage is viewable on the SHOWTIME Sports’ YouTube channel*, the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page, on the Samsung Gear VR via the MILK VR app and Littlestar VR apps for Samsung Gear VR, iOS and Android.

The telecast is currently available On Demand, on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and on the SHOWTIME streaming service. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event happened live on SHOWTIME on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. One minute into the fight, Jacobs landed a straight right to Quillin’s temple and pounced with an onslaught of punches while his opponent was against the ropes. Quillin stumbled forward and referee Harvey Dock looked in Quillin’s eyes and halted the fight without the challenger ever touching the canvas.

The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Parsippany, NJ (December 8, 2015) – This Friday night’s boxing event at the Parsippany PAL in Parsippany, New Jersey has been postponed due to a logistical emergency.

Fans who have purchased tickets may refund them at the point of purchase.

The new date will be announced by GH3 Promotions shortly.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

Patrick Nielsen’s coach Joey Gamache went behind enemy lines today in an attempt to unsettle Rudy Markussen ahead of his ‘Bad Blood’ battle with Nielsen on Saturday night at the Brondby Hallen in Copenhagen.

The former two-time World Champion surprised Markussen by showing up unannounced at his media workout at the Bokseinstituttet in Valby.

‘’I wanted to get inside his head,’’ said Gamache. ‘’I wanted him to know that we’re here and we’re serious about what we’re doing.

‘’Mentally Rudy is vulnerable and we want to exploit that any way we can. You can tell that he’s already feeling the pressure and that is going to build more and more as fight night approaches.

‘’He knew I was there and he didn’t want to give too much away but I’ve already seen enough to know what we need to do on Saturday night.’’

However, Markussen believes the American coach had a shock of his own when he got to witness the Hard Hitter’s power first hand.

‘’I could see the look in his eyes when I was hitting the heavy bag and he was scared,’’ said the former European Champion. ‘’He knows that when I land one of those punches on Saturday night, Patrick is in trouble!’’

Ondt Blod: Patrick Nielsen vs. Rudy Markussen will be shown live and exclusive on Pay-Per-View in Denmark. For more information on how to order please visit www.boksekampen.dk.

Juan Dominguez 121.5 – Yenifel Vicente 122
Keith Tapia 195 – Garrett Wilson 193
Immanuwel Aleem 159 – Carlos Galvan 158
Christopher Brooker 171 – Zachariah Kelley 170
Dan Pasciolla 244 – Corley Morley 289
Alex Martin 147 – Cameron Kreal 146
Chad Dawson 174 – Shujaa El Amin 177
Jordan White 119 – Jose Roman 120

LAS VEGAS (December 7, 2015) – WBC Latino and FECARBOX heavyweight champion, Bronco Billy Wright (49-4, 38 KOs), is willing and able to step up and challenge Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs) for his world title. Currently rated #20 by the WBC, Bronco Billy Wright is currently riding a 20-fight winning streak with 17 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

If Wilder, who is currently looking for an opponent for his scheduled January 16, 2016 date, were to take this fight, he would be facing a game opponent in Wright, who hasn’t lost a fight since 1998. With 31 first round knockouts to his credit, Billy feels he has what it takes to dethrone Wilder.

“No one can deny that I’ve earned the right to fight Deontay Wilder for his WBC title,” said Bronco Billy Wright. “I’ve been ranked in the top 20 with the WBC for the last three years. This is the American Dream for a fighter like myself who’s been waiting patiently to get an opportunity to fight for a world championship. I’ve paid my dues and I’m ready to take on this challenge.”

“There is no reason why this fight shouldn’t happen,” said Wright’s agent Ivaylo Gotzev. “From the day that Billy made his comeback till now, he’s made a believer out of me with everything that he’s accomplished. This is America where everyone should have an opportunity to fulfill their dreams, that’s what makes this country great. The man is active having just fought last month. Age should not be a factor. If George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins can fight at the championship level in their latter years, then the networks should not have a double standard when it comes to Bronco Billy. He wants to raise the bar and become the oldest heavyweight champ in boxing history. He currently holds two WBC belts which makes him more than qualified. There should be no discrimination in this matter. Billy is ready to fight Wilder now!”

TRENTON, NJ (December 7, 2015) – Former world champion champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (32-4, 18 KOs) return to the ring to take on Shujaa El Amin (12-8) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout as part of an exciting undercard on Tuesday, December 8 at Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

The event is headlined by a featherweight showdown between Juan Dominguez (19-0, 13 KOs) and Yenifel “Lightning” Vicente (27-3-2, 19 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additional televised action features unbeaten cruiserweight Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (16-0, 11 KOs) battling Garrett Wilson (16-9-1, 9 KOs) and undefeated rising middleweight prospect Immanuwel Aleem (14-0, 9 KOs) facing Carlos Galvan (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in an eight round bout.

Additional undercard fights feature undefeated welterweight prospect Alex Martin (10-0, 5 KOs) as he faces Cameron Kreal (8-8-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $70, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased HERE, at the Sun National Bank Center box office or by calling 800-298-4200.

Rounding out the night of fights is the pro debut of Baltimore’s Jordan White in a four-round super bantamweight bout against Puerto Rico’s Jose Roman (0-3), 30-year-old Daniel Pasciolla (5-1) out of Brick, New Jersey against Philadelphia’s Corey Morely (0-0-1) in a four-round heavyweight affair and Philadelphia’s Christopher Brooker (4-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight contest against Zachariah Kelly (5-12, 5 KO’s) of Lawton, Oklahoma.

A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking for the 33rd victory of his successful career. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Ademek. Fighting out of New Haven, Connecticut, he will take on the 28-year-old El Amin out of Flint, Michigan.

An accomplished amateur out of Chicago, Martin was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate and 2012 National Golden Gloves champion. The 26-year-old turned pro in 2013 and is undefeated in his first 10 pro fights. In 2015 he’s taking home victories over Jeremiah Wiggins, Jonathan Garcia and Kevin Womack Jr. He will be opposed by the 21-year-old Kreal out of Las Vegas, NV.

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Monday, Dec. 7, 2015) – 2015 was an outstanding year for Uprising Promotions light heavyweight Samuel “Main Event” Clarkson (17-3, 11 KOs), one that saw him win five bouts to extend a seven-fight winning streak. Among those victories included a decision over former world title challenger Cedric Agnew and knockouts of highly touted prospects Jerry Odom and Lavarn Harvell on ShoBox: The New Generation. Such success has led to the Texas native finally receiving his due respect from boxing pundits, and he now looks to further brighten his star with an even greater 2016.

“I am so thankful that we linked up with Uprising Promotions. That has been one of the best and smartest decisions we have made with my career,” Clarkson said of working with Ronson Frank and Uprising Promotions. “I’m just so thankful for everybody who is in my corner right now. We have grown spiritually as a team, from what we talk about to what we have been able to accomplish. I’m so thankful for all of it. As we look forward to 2016, I will be making my statement to the light heavyweight division that I am here to stay. I’m focused and ready for whatever comes our way in 2016.”

Still just 25-years-old, Clarkson is a fighter who has never been afraid to step up to any challenge, and those who have been around the 2009 PAL national champion have long known that he is destined for something special.

“A long time ago, one of my older friends – you know, I like to hang out with people older than me – told me that out of every 10 people, there is one person who is supposed to be the one, and you’re that one,” Clarkson reflected. “He told me ‘Everything you go through, everything you do, every mile you run, is going to influence somebody. With everything you do, know you are the one people are watching.’ I took that to heart. Being that I am in the position that I am in right now, whether or not someone wants to give me that label, I know that I am the one. And I am the one to put on for those people who suffer losses. Regardless of their circumstances, I’m here to show them that they can do it. It means a lot to me to be able to carry that name.”

Without a doubt, the future is bright for Clarkson. He repeatedly stepped up to the plate in 2015, and he knocked all of his opportunities out of the park. He has been continuously improving as both a fighter and a man, and any setbacks from yesterday now only serve as motivation for tomorrow.

“I always knew that it was going to come, but it can still be hard to believe when you’re living in the moment,” he said of his aspiring career. “It feels differently every day now when I work out. The other morning, I was up until 5 AM, just shadow boxing because I couldn’t sleep. I was telling my dad ‘I’m so excited for what is coming. I may not know exactly what that is, but I just know that I’m so ready for it.’ I can feel it. When I’m talking about it right now, I get chills.

“I’m just looking so forward to 2016. Uprising Promotions and Team Clarkson, we’re going to do some phenomenal things. Believe it when I say it, I can feel it in my spirit. Uprising Promotions, my coaches, my team – everybody I’m affiliated with – feels the same way, and that’s dangerous. It’s a beautiful thing, but it’s dangerous. This is the quiet before the storm, and the storm will truly start in 2016. To anyone in my weight class, be ready. There is so much more to me than what anyone has seen, and I will be ready for anything that is coming my way in 2016. I promise you that.”

Clarkson is expected to return to the ring in early 2016, and an official announcement will be made as soon as that date is confirmed.

Next up for Uprising Promotions is a date this Saturday for Belgian super welterweight Sheldon Moore (15-3-1, 10 KOs), who will meet Islam Teffahi (17-5-2, 5 KOs) for the WBC International Silver and WBC Francophone titles at the Centre sportif des Ascenseurs in Le Roeulx, Belgium.

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

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 7, 2015) – Unbeaten super-featherweight rising star, Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout taking place this Saturday, December 5th at the AT&T Center in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Barrios will face Manuel Vides (18-4, 11 KOs) in a scheduled 8-round bout that will be part of the televised portion of PBC on NBCSN.

This will mark the seventh fight of 2015 for Barrios who made his televised debut on November 10th, a bout that was shown on PBC on FOX. In that fight Barrios defeated his toughest opponent to date in Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), winning by unanimous decision.

Barrios recently wrapped up training camp in Houston, TX, where he was working out with fellow Texan and undefeated featherweight contender Miguel Flores (18-0 9 KOs). Barrios wants to continue bringing excitement to the 130 pound division with another spectacular performance.

“I’m excited to be fighting back on television,” said Mario Barrios who hails from San Antonio. “I had a great training camp out in Houston where I got some great sparring with Miguel Flores and a few other good fighters. I feel I’m growing as a fighter and I can’t wait to mix it up this Saturday. Many of my family and friends will be in attendance so you better believe I’m coming to win and win impressively.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.

Patrick Nielsen (27-1, 13 KOs) opened the doors to his gym today for a media workout ahead of his blockbuster showdown with domestic rival Rudy Markussen (39-3, 26 KOs) on Saturday night at the Brondby Hallen in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Danish super middleweight looked in top form, as he was put through his paces by former two-time World Champion turned coach Joey Gamache.

‘’I can’t wait for Saturday night,’’ declared the 24 year-old. ‘’I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time, and now, I’m fired up and ready to go!

‘’Rudy is not going to know what’s hit him. I’m faster, stronger and more determined than I’ve ever been. I know I will beat him convincingly. He is going to wish he never stepped into the ring with me.’’

Coach Joey Gamache shares his fighter’s confidence, believing Nielsen has had the perfect preparation for his sold-out grudge match.

‘’Patrick is in great shape – physically and mentally,’’ says Gamache. ‘’He only had two weeks off after his last fight so he came into camp in good condition and we had the perfect platform to build on. Right now, he’s relaxed, he’s excited and he’s ready to get the job done on Saturday night.’’

Ondt Blod: Patrick Nielsen vs. Rudy Markussen will be shown live and exclusive on Pay-Per-View in Denmark. For more information on how to order please visit www.boksekampen.dk.

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (December 7, 2015) — Russian fighters dominated the recent 2015 World MMA Championships (WMMAA), winning gold medals in six of seven divisions to easily capture the team title, in Prague, Czech Republic.

On the strength of Zaur Gadzhibabaev’s victory in the heavyweight competition, Azerbaijan won a silver medal in terms of quality medals won in team competition. Gadzhibabaev became the first two-time WMMAA champion. In quantity of medals earned, Kazakhstan won five silver and one bronze medal, second only to Russia with seven, including six golds and one bronze.

In other team scoring, Latvia and Tajikistan both won silver medals; China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia took home two bronze medals apiece; Greece, Colombia, Czech Republic and Ukraine all earned one bronze medal.

Here’s a breakdown of results from each weight class:

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION: -61.2 kg (135 lbs.)
1. Bakhachali Bakhachaliev (Russia)
2. Sergey Morozov (Kazakhstan)
3. Andrey Roa Ruiz Dumar (Colombia)
3. Yuan Liu Ping (China)

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION: -65.8 kg (145 lbs.)
1. Magomed Yunusilau (Russia)
2. Zhumageldi Zhalgassuly (Kazakhstan)
3. Archil Taziashvili (Georgia)
3. Elnur Veliev (Ukraine)

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION: -70.3 kg (154 lbs.)
1. Gadzhi Rabadanov (Russia)
2. Loik Radzhabov (Tajikistan)
3. Rashid Dagaev (Kazakhstan)
3. Changxin Fu (China)

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION: -77.1 kg (170 lbs.)
1. Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov (Russia)
2. Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan)
3. Denis Maher (Belarus)
3. Beknazar Kainazar uulu (Kyrgyzstan)

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION: -84 kg (185 lbs.)
1. Gamzat Khiramagomedov (Russia)
2. Dauren Ermekov (Kazakhstan)
3. Daniyar Abdibaev (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Giorgi Lobjanidze (Georgia)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: -93 kg (205 lbs.)
1. Magomed Ankalaev (Russia)
2. Khasan Mezhiev (Latvia)
3. Michal Kotalik (Czech Republic)
3. Yulian Borisov (Belarus)

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: +93 kg (+205 lbs.)
1. Zaur Gadzhibabaev (Azerbaijan)
2. Mokhmad Sulimanov (Kazakhstan)
3. Rizvan Kuniev (Russia)
3. Angelos Giatras (Greece)

Go here to watch video of the 2015 WMMAA Championships:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA/videos

CHAMPIONS’ QUOTES OF NOTE

2015 WMMAA Bantamweight Champion Bakhachali Bakhachali:
“It was a wonderful experience. You know it was a long road. I’m so glad it’s over and I was successful in reaching all the goals I had set. The final fight was very hard, my opponent was a serious test for me. He’s physically strong and determined. But thanks God I got the victory.

“The next step is of course the Russian MMA SuperCup. I hope God will help me win it.
I’d like to say thank you to my coaches: Rasul Magomed-Aliev, Abdulla Gaidarbekov. Thanks to Shamil Alibatyrov who was cornering me throughout the whole championship and helped me a lot.”

2015 WMMAA Featherweight Champion Magomed Yunusilau:
“Extreme happiness. First of all, I was not sure I would be able to participate because of injuries, but my coaches, friends and family helped me gather physically and mentally. I flew to Prague and got the best possible result.

“I had four fights. The first one (1/8) went the distance. My opponent, from Colombia, was really determined, he would not give up. It was a hard-fought battle. In my other fights I finished all three opponents.

“First, I need to heal my injuries; it’s revalidation time. I’ll take a break for the first post-World Championship week and then I’ll focus on my health. I have issues with my back and one knee. And then, God bless, I’ll get back in business within 2-3 months. I intend to transfer to professional MMA competition. We have great coaches and the team that are highly qualified and able to facilitate in my transition. I’m sure I’ll be OK.”

2015 WMMAA Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov:
“I’m extremely happy. It’s such a nice feeling to make your friends and family happy. I’m really grateful for all support I got from them.

“I had four fights in total and I finished all of my opponents. I can’t say which one was harder, everyone in front of me was quite good in his own right.

“If I look back, I’ve had five full training camps this year. Now, it’s time for a break from competition. I need to heal my wounds, rest and then return as a different fighter. There is enough room for improvement. I know I had one more fight planned at the Russian MMA SuperCup in December but I’ll have to cancel it because of my knee injury. Moreover it’s rather hard to make weight twice within a 10-day frame. It would be to the detriment of my health under these circumstances. Sorry, everyone who was hoping to watch me fight in Chelyabinsk (Russia – wmmaa.org) come December 5.”

2015 WMMAA Welterweight Champion Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov:
“I can’t describe my feelings right now. It has been a long road. Two years ago, me and my brother, (Gamzat Khiramagomedov – wmmaa.org) set our sights on the World Championship. And here we are – both champions. I’m so happy.

“I really need to repair my body before planning anything else. My hand and foot are broken. One ligament is torn on my left leg. I need time to heal and then we’ll see.”

2015 WMMAA Middleweight Champion Gamzat Khiramagomedov:
“This experience is the best possible. After all work that I had done it’s time to catch a breath for a little while. Still, I’m not going to relax on my laurels. I have a fight scheduled at the SuperCup against Gamazan Gamzatov. After that fight I’ll be able to rest normally.

“At the World Championship I had four bouts. Assessing my opponents, I can say they were all good fighters. The hardest battle I had was against a warrior from Georgia. He would not give up; extremely powerful and good wrestler. I injured my left arm that’s why I couldn’t show my best in the finals. However, I’m so happy I made my people smile, especially my brother, Gadzhimurad, who puts a lot of effort into helping me. He’s always happier than me when I win. He’s my biggest fan.”

2015 WMMA Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev:
“My feelings are the best possible. Gold in this amateur MMA World Championship had been my target for a long time.

“I had five fights and the final one was the most difficult for me. I felt huge responsibility because it was up to me whether or not the Russian flag would be flying that high. Thank God, I was able to achieve that.

“I plan to take part in the Russian MMA SuperCup. After that, I’ll take a rest that, I believe, I’ll have fully deserved.”

2015 WMMA Heavyweight Champion Zaur Gadzhibabaev:
“A lot was at stake in the finals since my opponent, Mokhmad Sulimanov, wanted to avenge his loss from last year’s WMMAA World Championship. I’m glad I prevailed again.

“I’m honored to be the first two-time WMMAA champion. The competitors in my division were outstanding this year. I trained very hard to give my best and I’m very happy with my performances during the tournament.”

Information

www.WMMAA.org
www.facebook.com/World.MMA.Association
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA