SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 13, 2015) – A knee injury sustained during training camp has forced former featherweight champion Pat Curran to withdraw from his bout at “Bellator 145: Vengeance” against Justin “The American Kid” Lawrence (8-2) in Saint Louis on November 6. As a result, Emmanuel “El Matador” Sanchez (11-2) has agreed to fill-in on short notice, providing fans with an amazing matchup between two of the divisions most exciting up-and-coming prospects.

The contest will take place during the main card of “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.

Top billing at the November 6 event features two world title bouts. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-2) defends his featherweight strap against Daniel Straus (23-6) and Will “Ill Will” Brooks (16-1) meets submission specialist Marcin Held (21-3), with the 155-pound belt on the line. “Bellator 145: Vengeance” on Spike will also feature Michael Chandler (13-3) fighting David Rickels (16-3, 1 NC) and heavyweight Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (13-2) will look to avenge a previous loss on his record when he finally meets James Thompson (20-14) in a rematch.

Tickets for “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which start at just $30, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.

When he made his promotional debut during the preliminary card of the record-breaking “Bellator 138: Unfinished Business” event, Lawrence’s finish of Sean Wilson was so impressive, it made its way to the Spike telecast. “The American Kid” is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor who went on to win the Resurrection Fighting Alliance title before signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion in early 2015. The Power MMA product has won four straight tilts and finished the last two within the first five minutes of action.

With an impressive record of 3-1 under the Bellator MMA banner, Sanchez looks to further his totals after recently competing September 25 at “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis,” when he defeated former King of the Cage champion Henry Corrales. Training with the acclaimed Roufusport camp in Wisconsin, “El Matador” is no stranger to taking fights on short notice. He replaced Goiti Yamauchi on less than a month’s notice at “Bellator 139: Kongo vs. Volkov” to take on Curran, the man he replaces now.

“Bellator 145: Vengeance” Updated Fight Card
Main Card:
Bellator Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Freire (24-2) vs. Daniel Straus (23-6)
Bellator Lightweight World Title Bout: Will Brooks (16-1) vs. Marcin Held (21-3)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (11-2) vs. Justin Lawrence (7-2)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Michael Chandler (13-3) vs. Dave Rickels (16-3)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Bobby Lashley (13-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)

Preliminary Card:
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Alex Huddleston (6-1) vs. Augusto Sakai (8-0)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Adam Cella (6-4) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (2-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Garrett Gross (6-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Steve Mann (11-2) vs. Hugh Pulley (5-2)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Chris Heatherly (9-3) vs. Vince Eazelle (9-2)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Kevin Engel (4-0) vs. Kyle Kurtz (4-1)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Kain Royer (1-2) vs. Clay Mitchell (1-0)
Bellator Middleweight Feature Bout: Adam Meredith (3-1) vs. Jordan Dowdy (2-0)
Bellator Bantamweight Feature Bout: Garrett Mueller (2-0) vs. Scott Ettling (3-0
Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Brandon Lowe (debut) vs. Rashard Lovelace (1-0)

About Bellator MMA:
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
About Scottrade Center:
Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events.

Las Vegas – It’ll be lights out in the Sunshine State when UFC® returns to Amway Center with a lightweight title bout as newly crowned champion Rafael Dos Anjos looks to defend his title for the first time when he meets No. 2 contender Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in a highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, Dec. 19. In the co-main event, former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos clashes with former STRIKEFORCE® champion Alistair Overeem in a bout that could have major title implications in the wide open division. UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DOS ANJOS vs. COWBOY 2 will be the second consecutive championship bout to air nationally on FOX and eighth overall.

After putting on one of the best performances of his career against Anthony Pettis at UFC 185, Dos Anjos (24-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) captured the 155-pound title, becoming the first Brazilian to hold the UFC lightweight championship. In addition to his impressive wins over former champion Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz, Dos Anjos also handed Cerrone his last loss back in 2013. The Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt will put his title on the line when he and his former foe meet again.

Since dropping a decision loss to the champion, Cowboy (28-6, 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) went on to dismantle the lightweight division by picking off top contenders in one of the most talent-rich divisions in the sport. Undefeated in his last eight appearances, Cerrone has wins over the likes of Henderson, Eddie Alvarez, Myles Jury, Edson Barboza and Jim Miller. A Muay Thai expert who holds 15 wins by submission and five by knockout, Cowboy has proven he has the heart of a champion and is now looking for the belt to solidify his place atop of the division.

To set the stage, former UFC heavyweight champion Dos Santos (17-3, fighting out of Salvador, Bahai, Brazil) makes his long-awaited return against Overeem (39-14, 1NC, fighting out of Amsterdam, Netherlands), the former STRIKEFORCE heavyweight champion who owns 18 wins by knockout.

Plus, UFC FIGHT NIGHT showcases local talent as Orlando’s own Josh Samman will have home field advantage when he meets Tamdan McCroy in a middleweight bout. Coconut Creek’s powerhouse gym, American Top Team, will be represented by 10th-ranked featherweight Nik Lentz, welterweight Hayder Hassan and featherweights Cole Miller and Jim Alers, while Boca Raton’s Michael Johnson, Kamaru Usman and Vicente Luque compete under the Blackzilians banner.

For a full list of bouts and the latest news, please check ufc.com.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DOS ANJOS vs. COWBOY 2 go on sale Friday, October 16 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $250, $175, $125, $90, $75 and $50 (prices do not include applicable service charges and handling fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available at amwaycenter.com, and Chase Box Office at Amway Center. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, October 14 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, October 15 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DOS ANJOS vs. COWBOY 2 will air live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday, December 19, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FS1 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FS1 and FS2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions officially announced on Tuesday that it has signed Belgium native Sheldon Moore (14-3-1, 10 KOs), who competes in the 154-pound weight division. The powerful Belgian fighter joins a growing roster for Uprising Promotions, which also includes super featherweight Angel Luna (11-1-1, 6 KOs) and light heavyweight Samuel Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs).

“What I really like about the guys we have been adding to the Uprising team is that they are so hungry for an opportunity,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “The last thing they ask me about is financial numbers. It is all about ‘How many fights can you get me?’ and ‘How quickly can you get me in the ring?’ Guys like this with a true fighter’s mentality are the ones who we want to add to our team.”

Moore, 28, comes to Uprising Promotions following a fifth round knockout of Zoltan Sera this past May in Belgium. A winner of three of his last four bouts, with the lone loss being to unbeaten Brooklyn contender Frank Galarza, the 5-foot-10 Moore has 10 stoppages over the 14 victories on his resume. He has fought predominately in Belgium over his 18-bout pro campaign, but he has also made four appearances in the United States as well. A boxer-puncher who is not afraid to test himself, Moore has faced nine opponents with three or less defeats.

“Sheldon is a good boxer who is just looking for an opportunity to stay busy and prove himself. Those are things we plan to provide him,” Frank continued. “We have some very good plans for him and are looking to get the ball rolling very quickly on his path to becoming a world champion.”

Frank is currently looking over a few different possibilities for Moore’s first appearance under the Uprising Promotions banner, and that announcement can be expected in the coming weeks.

Uprising Promotions recently announced that Angel Luna (11-1-1, 6 KOs) was added to the October 23rd ShoBox: The New Generation card at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, facing undefeated Filipino lightweight Harmonito Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs). Luna joins stablemate Samuel Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs) on the card, where the Texas native will face Lavarn Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) in light heavyweight action.

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

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 13th, 2015) — He’s a veteran of the game, nearly a decade into his professional career, but with experience and wisdom also comes age, and Philadelphia’s Hank Lundy, who turned 31 in January, knows it’s “now or never” as he continues to chase that elusive world title.

“This year, I’m going to shock the world and get what I’ve been chasing after,” Lundy said. “No more playing around.”

Three months removed from his last bout, a controversial loss to Mauricio Herrera on HBO Deportes, Lundy (25-5-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring Saturday, Oct. 17th, 2015 to face Nicaraguan vet Carlos Winston Velasquez (23-21-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant Word Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Lightweight Title in the 10-round co-main event of CES Boxing’s “Gold Standard” card at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Lundy is currently ranked 15th among 135-pounders in the WBC. Winning another regional title moves him closer to the top, and perhaps closer to a shot at reigning champion Jorge Linares, who’s defended the title twice since winning it in December.

“The one thing I noticed about him is he can’t deal with pressure,” Lundy said of Linares. “He’s weak. He’s slow. I’ve been dying — as a matter of fact, I can’t wait to get in the ring with him — to destroy him and bring that world title back to Philadelphia.”

First thing’s first, Lundy must get through Oct. 17th. Having been down this road before, he’s well aware that looking too far ahead can be hazardous to his career. Case in point, Lundy was ranked No. 1 in the world at 135 pounds before facing then-unknown journeyman Raymundo Beltran in July of 2012 in what was supposed to be a tune-up for a title shot. Instead, Lundy lost and spent the next year and a half rebranding his image and fighting his way back into the championship picture at 135.

Three consecutive wins, including a dominant victory on ShoBox against hometown favorite Angelo Santana, earned him a shot at 140-pound prospect Thomas Dulorme on HBO in December for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown. Lundy absorbed a first-round knockdown and lost a narrow split decision. He planned to jump right back a month later against Petr Petrov on less than two week’s notice, but the fight was cancelled when Lundy failed to make weight.

Six months later, Lundy earned another shot at the 140-pound NABF title against Herrera, but lost on the scorecards via technical decision when the fight was stopped toward the end of the fifth round due to a pair of cuts over each of Herrera’s eyes caused by accidental head-butts. That fifth round turned out to be the difference-maker; the fight was even after four, but judges Eddie Hernandez and Fernando Villareal awarded the partial fifth round to Herrera while Zac Young ruled it an even 10-10 round. Herrera won, 48-47, 48-47, 48-48.

“As the fight went on, I was going to hurt Herrera and stop Herrera, and Golden Boy didn’t realize that,” Lundy said. “You could tell the fix was in.

“I think [Herrera] knows better than to give me [a rematch]. At the end of the day, he knows I’m a more explosive fighter than most of those guys he’s been fighting. He found out in the first couple of rounds I could punch. I guess he didn’t know I was that fast. He didn’t believe the hype about ‘Hammerin” Hank and he found out the hard way.”

With so many highs and lows the past three years, it’d be understandable if Lundy grew jaded or felt snake-bitten by a sport that has done the same to so many promising fighters, but “‘Hammerin'” Hank continues to press forward, refusing to quit this journey despite the setbacks.

“Like I tell everybody, I don’t let a loss define my career or who I am. At the end of the day, I’m still ‘Hammerin” Hank,” Lundy said. “I’m going to work hard, I’m going to fight my ass off and, like I know, nothing’s given in this fight game. Everything I’ve got, I earned by working hard and Jimmy Burchfield, my promoter, we’ve been pushing it and we’re going to keep on doing it.

“Most of these fights, we’ve had to go in as the opponent. We’re not on the upside, so there’s always a possibility in the background where you know you’re not going to get a fair shake. The only thing you can do is go out there and give your all and all and put your heart into everything and that’s what I do when I fight. The world sees that these guys aren’t beating me. I’m getting beat by the judges or getting robbed.”

Not only does he plan on capturing a world title at 135 pounds, perhaps by the end of the year, he’s made it clear he still wants to take another shot at 140, where he faced Dulorme, Santana and current WBC light welterweight world champ Viktor Postol, among others.

“I have unfinished business there, just like when I started at 135,” he said.

Lundy won seven times at 140 between 2006 and 2010, often fighting at catch weights during the early stage of his career, but he’s just 3-3 in that weight class since then, including his 2013 loss to Postol in the Ukraine.

“None of these guys have beaten me where I can say, ‘OK, he really whooped my ass.’ None of these guys really beat me. The judges robbed me,” Lundy said. “I might go on a mission and unify those titles. That’s what I’ve been thinking about. Reigning at 135, unify those titles, then move up to 140 and do the same.

No matter the mission, it’s now or never as Lundy closes in on his 32nd birthday in January. The quest continues Oct. 17th.

“I’m dying to get back in that ring,” he said. “This next year or two is definitely going to be a big run for Hank Lundy and Team Hammer.”

Tickets are priced at $25.00, $50.00, $125.00 and $200.00 (VIP) and available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254, or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The 10-round main event, promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Artie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions, features Providence, R.I., native and former junior middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) against Argentinian Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) International Titles, Andrade’s first fight in 16 months.

Next Saturday’s event will also be a showcase for New England boxing with undefeated Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (9-0, 7 KOs); New Haven, Conn., featherweight Josh Crespo (4-2-3, 2 KOs); and super middleweight Vladine Biosse (15-7-2, 7 KOs) of Providence featured on the undercard.

Gray will face Denver’s Marcus Dawkins (4-2, 1 KO) in a six-round bout and Biosse returns in a six-round bout against Nathan Miller (6-0-1, 4 KOs) of New Brunswick, Canada. Crespo battles Albany, N.Y., vet Rigoberto Miranda and cruiserweight Mike Marshall (1-0, 1 KO) of the Bronx faces newcomer Hampton Miller of New Haven, both four-round bouts.

For more information on “Gold Standard” visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page.

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) presented by Corona Extra will feature live coverage on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN on Wednesday, Oct. 14 of former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) against Mexican Aron Martínez (19-4-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout, from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The live PBC on ESPN telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET with the co-main event: featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs), making his U.S. debut, vs. Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs), a former three-division world champion. ESPN Deportes will present Spanish-language coverage of the event as part of its Noche de Combates series.

Live streaming on WatchESPN will be available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. It will also air on ESPN International networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Pacific Rim.

Host Marysol Castro, blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas and reporters Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna comprise ESPN’s commentary team. In addition, Hall of Fame boxing writer and ESPN boxing contributor Nigel Collins will provide social media content, insight and analysis.

On ESPN Deportes, Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights, while Leopoldo González, Claudia Trejos and Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez, will host.

Additional Highlights:
· Nigel Collins narrates a special segment on how champions are made and takes a historical look at the top faces of boxing past.

· Atlas’ Fight Plan: Atlas will demonstrate what each fighter needs to do to win in his “Fight Plan.”

· ESPN.com will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-fight features, videos and blogs from ESPN’s Dan Rafael, Brian Campbell, and Nigel Collins and ESPN.com’s boxing program “Making the Rounds.”

Fighter backgrounds:
A world champion at 140 and 147-pounds, the 28-year-old Alexander is making his 2015 debut looking for a performance that will vault him back into title contention. Alexander owns victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse, Randall Bailey and Lee Purdy. The St. Louis-native is 4-2 in world title fights with his most recent victory coming via a decision over Jesus Soto Karass.

The 33-year-old Martinez is coming off of a decision loss to Robert Guerrero, in a fight where Martinez dropped Guerrero for the second time in his career and appeared within seconds of being awarded a stoppage victory. Born in Mexico, but fighting out of Los Angeles, Martinez has fought professionally since 2004 and racked up 10 straight victories between 2009 and 2012.

Born in Barry, Wales, Selby picked up his world title with a technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Gradovich in May. The 28-year-old has victories over previously unblemished fighters including Joel Brunker, Ryan Walsh, Viorel Simon, Corey McConnell and Stephen Smith. Selby will be making his first start in the United States on October 14.

The Mexican veteran Montiel has won world titles across three weight classes throughout his career that began as a 17-year-old in 1996. He won his first world title in 2000 over Isidro Garcia and went on to have title winning performances over Pedro Alzacar, Ivan Hernandez, Z Gorres, Ciso Morales and Hozumi Hasegawa. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel has an eight-fight win streak heading into this match and returns to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2011.

The PBC series was created for television by Haymon Boxing and features top-level fights between many of boxing’s biggest names. This is the fourth PBC on ESPN event which debuted on ESPN July 11. The last event on Aug. 19 headlined by Leo Santa Cruz’s majority decision win over Abner Mares delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since 1998, reaching an average of 1.2 million viewers (P2+).

New York, October 12—Star Boxing’s undefeated sensation Zac Dunn is arriving at JFK Airport in New York today from his Australian homeland to begin final preparations for his IBO Super Middleweight championship title defense against Denis “The Momma’s Boy” Douglin on Saturday night, October 24, at The Paramount in Huntington.

Dunn, the just-signed “Wonder from Down Under” will train at the nearby Academy of Boxing, a stone’s throw where he will make his United States debut.

Star Boxing president Joe DeGuardia has announced an action-packed undercard to accompany the world title tilt for the next installment of the Rockin’ Fights series.
The co-feature will pit undefeated Alicia Napoleon (4-0, 4 KO’s/Lindenhurst, NY) in her Paramount debut against Kita Watkins (7-13, 1 KO/Tyler, TX) for the IWBF Interim Woman’s World Title.

In a battle for Brooklyn bragging rights between two Star Boxing standouts, unbeaten Constantin Bejenaru (9-0, 3 KO’s) will square off against Joel Shojgreen (8-1, 7 KO’s) in an eight-round Cruiserweight contest.

Hicksville’s Anthony Karperis (11-1, 4 KO’s), on the heels of his devastating KO win on the last Rockin’ Fights show, returns in an eight-round Super Lightweight bout against Tyrone Luckey (7-4-2, 5 KO’s/Middletown, NJ).

Queens native and crowd pleaser Danny Gonzalez (9-0, 3 KO’s/Woodhaven, NY) puts his unbeaten streak on the line when he takes on tough Justin Johnson (6-9-4/Pittsburgh, PA) in a Junior Welterweight matchup.

***

Dunn, ranked #10 by the WBC, has reeled off 18 straight professional victories without defeat, including 15 by way of knockout. Fighting exclusively in Australia as a professional, Dunn will be making his American debut at The Paramount.

Dunn is coming off a snazzy 12-round decision over the well-thought-of Max Bursak, the winner of 31 career fights, to take the vacant IBO title on June 27 to secure the belt at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Australia. His previous five triumphs were all scintillating knockouts in seven rounds or less. Two ultra-impressive KOs were second round annihilations of Beibi Berrocal, a 14—time winner, on March 6, and Kyung-Suk Kwak on March 16, 2014, setting the stage for Zac’s shot at the title. Dunn did not disappoint the Australian faithful.

Douglin (19-4, 12 KO’s) is a southpaw fighting out of Marlboro, NJ, and comes off two straight knockout victories, his most recent a sixth round KO of Marcos Primera on July 11. The Momma’s Boy has won five of his last six bouts. Douglin captured the first 12 fights of his pro career, mostly in the New York-New Jersey area as a product of Rivera Boxing Gym and Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.
For more information visit official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, Oct. 12
7:30 p.m. ET – Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ET – Diaz vs. Sanchez – Featuring Joel Diaz vs. Guillermo Sanchez from Aug. 28, 2012 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Tuesday, Oct. 13
4:00 p.m. – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Wednesday, Oct. 14
4:00 a.m. & 10:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
7:30 p.m. ET — Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Thursday, Oct. 15
1 a.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
9:00 a.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Friday, Oct. 16
12 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
7:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Saturday, Oct. 17
8:00 p.m. ET – Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Sunday, Oct. 11
2:30 a.m. ET — KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
7:00 p.m. – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
8:00 p.m. ET – Ultimate Classic Boxing: DeMarco vs. Lane – Featuring Kenny Lane vs. Paddy DeMarco from Oct. 3, 1955 St. Nicholas Arena in New York..

Information:

www.FightNetwork.com

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, Oct. 12
6:30 p.m. ET – Judo Tashkent Grand Prix – Highlights from the 2014 Judo Tashkent Grand Prix from Oct. 16-18, 20-14 in Uzbekistan.
7:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Fight Network’s John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to breakdown the weekend of MMA action.
7:30 p.m. ET & 11:30 p.m. ET- Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Tuesday, Oct. 13
1:30 a.m. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S. professional and amateur MMA events.
5:00 & 5:30 ET – Xtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based pro MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.
6:00 p.m. & 10 p.m. ET — – 5 Rounds Today – Video podcast with John Ramdeen and Robin Black breaking down a wide variety of topics in the MMA world, including previews of upcoming events and all the latest rumors and headlines.
8:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Fight Network’s John Ramadeen and Robin Black invite special guests to breakdown the weekend of MMA action.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ET — Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and others.
11:00 p.m. ET – Battlegrounds MMA: O.N.E. – Featuring a one-night, single-elimination MMA tournament from Tulsa, OK, showcasing Roan Carneiro, Brock Larson, Cody McKenzie, Trey Houston, Jesse Taylor and others.

Wednesday, Oct. 14
5:00 p.m. ET – Texas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star State’s top prospects in the cage.
6:00 p.m. ET – Best of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.
7:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and feature.
7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
8:00 p.m. ET – Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 57 – Featuring Paul Daley vs. Lukasz Chlewicki and Ronnie Mann vs. Jose Luis Zapater from July n20, 2013 in Liverpool, UK.
11:00 p.m. ET – MMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

Thursday, Oct. 15
2:00 a.m. ET & 1:00 p.m. ET – Ultimate Challenge MMA 29: Vassell vs. Chapman – Featuring Linton Vassell vs. Nick Chapman from Aug. 18, 2012 in London.
5:30 p.m. ET – TakeDown Wrestling – Eztensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.
6:00 p.m. ET – Championship Fighting Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.
7:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success as rookies compete for a chance to become pros and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.
8:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and feature.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ET – M-1 Challenge 62 – Featuring M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan Buchinger vs. Mansour Barnaoui from Oct. 10, 2015 in Sochia, Russia.

Friday, Oct. 16
12:00 a.m. ET & 11 a.m. ET- It’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.
4:00 a.m. ET – Best of Deep – Featuring classic fights from the historic DEEP promotion including Shinua Aoki, Hayato Sakuri and Gegard Mousasi.
5:00 a.m. ET – Best of Jewels – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league Jewels.
6:00 p.m. ET – M-1 Challenge – Pro MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.
7:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.
7:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
8:00 p.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Elias Theodorou – Sit-down interview with “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” winner Elias Theodorou.
11:00 p.m. ET – KSW 21: Khalidov vs. Grove – Featuring Mamed Khalidov vs. Kendall Groves and Michal Materia vs. Rodney Wallace from Dec. 1, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland.

Saturday, Oct. 17
6:00 a.m. ET – Best of TKO – Featuring Jeremy Horn vs. David Loiseau from TKO 15.
7:00 a.m. ET – Best of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Kenneth Williams from Gladiator Challenge 4.
4:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.
8:30 p.m. ET — (CANADA + INTERNATIONAL ONLY) – World Series of Fighting 24: Fitch vs. Okami – LIVE featuring Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami, Vinny Magalhaes vs. Matt Hamill, plus Blagoi Ivanov defending the WSOF heavyweight title against Derrick Mehmen from Connecticut.

Sunday, Oct. 18
6:00 a.m. ET – Pancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.
11:00 a.m. ET – Best of ADCC- Features compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.
12:00 p.m. ETB – Elite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters taking on the renowned Thailand National Team.
5:30 p.m. ET – Judo Qingdao Grand Priz – Highlights from the 2014 Judo Qingdao Grand Prix from Nov. 19-21, 2014 in China.

Information:

www.FightNetwork.com

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (October 12, 2015) – Undefeated Mexican knockout artist and No. 1 world-rated super middleweight contender GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ will risk his upcoming world title shot in a 10-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) International / North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super middleweight title defense against GEVORG KHATCHIKIAN, of the Netherlands, making his U.S. debut, Friday, November 20, at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Ramirez vs. Khatchikian will be televised live on The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round junior lightweight rumble between once-beaten IVAN “Bam Bam” NAJERA of San Antonio and unbeaten SAÚL “Kid Dynamite” RODRÍGUEZ, of Riverside, Calif.. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank® and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV at: http://trutvishere.com/.

These young warriors boast a combined record of 88-2 (55 KOs) – a winning ratio of 98 percent with close to 2/3 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank and Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Khatchikian championship boxing event go on sale This Friday! October 16, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Priced at $100, $85, $75, $50 and $40, tickets will be available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

“This is the second time that I have fought in Las Vegas. When I was younger I dreamed of fighting in Las Vegas because it was the boxing capital of the world where the best events took place,” said Ramirez. “November 20th is a memorable date for Mexico. I am dedicating this fight to all Mexicans. I have been training more than a month because this fight is so important. I’ve been promised a world championship fight if I win this one, so I am preparing like this is a world championship fight. It is do or die for me and my career to win and to have the opportunity to make history by becoming the first Mexican to win a super middleweight world title in this division.”

“I am going to the U.S. to be recognized as an elite fighter,” said Khatchikian. “My opponent Gilberto Ramírez is a quality fighter, but I promise I will put on the performance of my life and beat him. On November 20th, the world will know who Gevorg Khatchikian is.”

“I know I have a very talented fighter in front of me. I am preparing myself like never before,” said Rodriguez. “I will give all boxing fans a very exciting fight and guarantee those in attendance and those watching on truTV a great performance. I do want to thank Top Rank, Cameron Dunkin, truTV and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for this great opportunity.”

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially in Las Vegas, against another undefeated opponent,” said Najera. I am ready to take my place back after the loss with Felix Verdejo. And, I’m very happy it will be on truTV, which gives my family and everyone that can’t make it to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas a chance to watch it.”

“Saul and our team are taking this fight very seriously. I know Najera is a very dedicated fighter with tremendous skills,” said Rodriguez’s trainer Robert Garcia. “We want to thank Top Rank and Cameron Dunkin for this opportunity. We want to show the world that Saul Rodriguez is a future world champion.”

“Gilberto gets better and better with each outing,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank. “We expect a great challenge from Gevorg Gilberto will have to be at his best to beat him and secure his long-awaited title shot in the early part of 2016. Najera vs. Rodriguez is one of those can’t miss matchups. We’ve seen what Najara is all about with his battle last June against Verdejo. Saul is an excellent puncher but will need more than that competing at the next level, which this showdown truly is. Fight fans attending at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas or watching at home on truTV are in for a great night of action, kicking off an exciting weekend of world class boxing.”

Ramirez (32-0, 24 KOs), a two-fisted super middleweight wrecking machine who hails from Mazatlan, Mexico, is the top world-rated contender in the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) rankings and is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the World Boxing Council (WBC). A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 24, has won four of his last six bouts by knockout. Last year featured his career-best performances which included an NABF and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title victory over Giovanni Lorenzo via fifth-round stoppage, a WBO International title knockout victory over Junior Talipeau and a successful defense of his NABF and WBO International titles, stopping Fulgencio Zuniga in the eighth round. This year he has scored 10-round unanimous decision victories over once-beaten Maxim Vlasov and division gate keeper Derek Edwards, who boasts a KO victory over world champion Badou Jack, on January 24 and June 26, respectively.

Khatchian (22-1, 10 KOs), 27, from Heerlen, Netherlands, has a fighting style that features strong boxing skills and excellent movement. Five of his last six victories have come by way of knockout. The lone blemish on his professional resume is an 11th-round TKO by future world champion James DeGale last year. A strong amateur background, Khatchian produced a 99-11 record, which included a gold medal victory in the 2005 Dutch National Championships.

Rodriguez (18-0-1, 13 KOs), from Riverside, California, has gone the distance just twice in his last 10 fights, a testament to his one-punch knockout power and his ring name, “Kid Dynamite.” Trained by 2012 “Trainer of the Year” Robert Garcia, Rodriguez, 22, returns to the ring for the fourth time this year having already claimed victories over Ramsey Luna, Antonio Capulin and Carlos Rodriguez, who had a combined record of 35-4 when he defeated them.

Najera (16-1, 8 KOs), from San Antonio, TX, is known for his crowd-pleasing aggressive style of fighting and good punching power. Texas boxing fans have been flocking to his fights because he delivers all-action performances. Najera, 24, made his national television debut on February 7, winning a unanimous decision over veteran Robbie Cannon in Najera’s toughest professional fight to date. He followed that with his HBO debut in a battle of unbeaten contenders, losing a spirited 10-round decision to 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and No. 3 world-rated Felix Verdejo at Madison Square Garden on June 16.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtag #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitan_lv or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecosmopolitan.

12 October 2015 – Singapore: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), makes its return to Singapore in spectacular fashion with another blockbuster card, stacked with world-class mixed martial arts action. ONE Championship, together with partners, G-Shock, Alienware, LG, Berocca, Everlast, Canon, NagaWorld and 2XU proudly brings to fight fans all across the globe, ONE: PRIDE OF LIONS which will take place on 13 November at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The card will feature the highly-anticipated battle between ONE Welterweight World Champion, Ben Askren, and the challenger, Luis Santos. Along with this exciting main event comes a series of compelling new bouts.

CEO of ONE Championship™, Victor Cui, stated, “Finally, ONE Championship is back home in Singapore with another exciting night of world-class MMA. Aside from the highly anticipated rematch between Ben Askren and Luis Santos, we have also prepared a few surprises for fight fans in the Lion City. Get ready for another amazing night of fights as ONE Championship broadcasts ONE: PRIDE OF LIONS live to fans all across the globe!”

Tickets for ONE: PRIDE OF LIONS are available at S$749 for Cat 1, S$158 for Cat 2, S$58 for Cat 3, S$38 for Cat 4 and S$38 for Cat 5. Log on to http://www.sportshub.com.sg/sportshubtix/Pages/one-pride-of-lions.aspx for more information.

Former NCAA Division I All-American, Ben Askren is a collegiate wrestling legend and one of the finest mixed martial artists in the world today. In just a few fights in ONE, Askren was able to seize the ONE Welterweight World Championship with a resounding technical knockout victory over Nobutatsu Suzuki. The highly-skilled Askren is widely considered to be the absolute best in his division and one of the best fighters in the world pound for pound. His next challenge is a tough one, as he once again meets Luis Santos.

Luis “Sapo” Santos is a mixed martial arts veteran from Brazil with over 70 professional fights on his record and over half of his wins ending by knockout. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a penchant for spectacular finishes, Santos made his successful ONE debut with an emphatic knockout of Bakhtiyar Abbasov. Known for his aggressiveness and brute strength, Santos looks to wreak havoc inside the ONE Cage.

Singapore-based American fighter Major Overall is looking to impress crowds with his exciting, all-action style inside the ONE Cage. Overall has a highlight reel of stoppages in nearly all his victories as a mixed martial artist and has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. He is now ready for his next challenge, against another explosive fighter in Kotetsu Boku.

Kotetsu “No Face” Boku, although originally from South Korea, is a Japanese MMA legend and is the former ONE Lightweight World Champion. With more than 30 professional fights on his resume, Boku has the experience of a seasoned veteran and has seen it all inside the cage. He gets to showcase his dynamite fists once again inside the ONE Cage as he takes on Major Overall.

Angela “Unstoppable” Lee is originally from Singapore but has lived and trained mixed martial arts in Waipahu, Hawaii. She is one of the most promising young fighters on ONE Championship’s growing roster and has impressed inside the ONE cage with her all-around striking and grappling skills. Lee, who is a member of the EVOLVE fight team, just wrapped up another impressive performance in Jakarta and is looking at a quick turnaround as she faces Natalie Gonzales Hills.

Natalie Gonzales Hills of Australia is a worthy female strawweight contender with a solid record. Her two wins inside the cage have both come by submission, with her ground game proving to be an asset. Aside from grappling, Hills also boasts very capable striking technique as she joins ONE Championship’s growing female roster. Hills is tasked to give Angela Lee another stern test in her ONE Championship debut.

Amir Khan is a promising young talent in ONE Championship’s stacked featherweight division. His battle with Shannon Wiratchai last May was epic and memorable, as he showcased his unfailing heart and tenacity. More importantly, the adversity has given Khan the much needed experience required to hit second gear in a career that is ready to skyrocket. Khan returns to face Jimmy Yabo next.

Jimmy Yabo of the Philippines is a solid featherweight contender with a 4-1 record. All four of his victories have come by knockout and he looks to continue the trend when he arrives in Singapore to face young prospect, Amir Khan.

Fans can check local TV listings for the live global broadcast. Also available on PPV at ONEPPV.com.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

SOCHI, Russia (October 11, 2015) – M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger successfully defended his title last night with a hard fought five-round unanimous decision over Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui in the M-1 Challenge 62
main event at The Ice Cube Curling Center in Sochi, Russia.

Buchinger (30-4-0, 7 KO/TKO, 16 SUB), fighting out of Slovakia, improved his M-1 Global record to a perfect 5-0 with his second title defense victory. He originally captured his title belt a year ago, stopping Tural Ragimov in the fourth round at M-1 Challenge 52.

Barnaoui (12-3-0, 4 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), of Paris, relinguished his M-1 Challenge lightweight title belt he won this past May in his M-1 Global debut, when he knocked out Maxim Divnich via punches at M-1 Challenge 57.

Former M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (27-3-0, 11 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), of Russia, used a rear naked choke for a win by second-round submission against Croatian opponent Kristijan “Pacman” Perak (8-2-1, 3 KO/TKO, 2 SUB).

Russian featherweight Kurbanali Abdusalamov (6-2-0, 1 KO/TKO, 3 SUB) won a decision over American invader Lee “American Bulldog” Morrison (14-6-0, 4 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), while red-hot Russian light heavyweight prospect Adam “The Beard” Yandiev (9-0-0, 3 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) defeated Demitry Voitov (10-5-0, 4 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) by way of an opening-round neck crank.

Rounding out the main card, Russian welterweight Alexey Kunchenko (10-0-0, 8 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) continued on his roll, punching out Brazilian Alexandre “Sangue” Ramos (9-3-0 (1 KO/TKO, 7 SUB) in the first round.

Fighting on the preliminary card, Spainard Enoc Solves Torres (17-9-0) won by armbar in the opening round versus Georgian middleweight Nodar Kudukjasvili (10-2-0), Ukrainian featherweight Andrey “Iron” Leshnev (8-4-0) won a three-round decision over Russian favorite Nikita “Piranha” Chistyakov (4-2-1), and Russian Delgat Kudbudinov (3-0-0) submitted Italian Georgia Belsanti (4-5-0) by way of a neck crank.

Also fighting on the preliminary card, Ukrainian lightweight Sergey Astapov (6-4-0) locked a rear naked choke on Russian Nikolay Kaushansky (6-3-0) for a third-round win by submission. Ukrainian light heavyweight Boris Polezhay (9-5-0) opened the night with a first-round submission victory via an arm-bar over previously unbeaten Russian Alexey Shopin (3-1-0).

Complete results below:

MAIN CARD

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Ivan Buchinger (30-4-0), Slovakia
WDEC5
Mansour Barnaoui (12-3-0), Challenger, France
(Buchinger retained M-1 Challenge featherweight title)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (27-3-0), Russia
WSUB2 (Rear Naked Choke – 1:02)
Kristijan Perak (8-2-0), Croatia2

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Adam Yandiev (9-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (Neck Crank – 4:34)
Dmitry Voitov (10-5-0), Belarus

WELTERWEIGHTS
Alexey Kunchenko (10-0-0), Russia
WKO/TKO1 (Punches – 4:32)
Alexandre Ramos (9-3-0), Brazil

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Kurbanali Abdusalamov (6-2-0), Russia
WDEC3
Lee Morrison (14-6-0), USA

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Boris Polezhay (9-5-0), Ukraine
WSUB1 (Armbar – 4:39)
Alexey Shopin (3-1-0), Russia

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Enoc Solves Torres (17-9-0), Spain
WSUB1 (Armbar – 1:54)
Nodar Kudukjasvali (10-2-0), George

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Sergey Astapov (5-4-0), Ukraine
WSUB3 (Rear Naked Choke – 3:26)
Nikolay Kaushansky (6-2-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Andrey Leshnev (8-4-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
Nikita Chistyakov (4-2-1), Russia

Giorgio Belsanti (5-4-0), Italy
WSUB1 (Neck Crank – 3:25
Delgat Kudbudinov (2-1-0), Russia

Information

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

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-GlobalNews
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 promises to be 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!

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The twice postponed WBO Middleweight title bout between champion Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders has been rescheduled for December 19th in Manchester, England.

“It’s been frustrating as both Andy and Billy have wanted the fight, and the fans and (British broadcaster) BoxNation viewers’ want to see it,” said promoter Frank Warren. “But I’m delighted that it’s set for Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Manchester Arena and we’re closing a great year for the sport with a fight that has the makings of a thriller.”

“The delay in the fight between me and Saunders has just made me more determined, if that is possible,” Lee said. “Once I have beaten him on Dec. 19 I can move on in my career and unify the titles. My fans have been very patient and I’ll give them what they have been waiting for as a Christmas present, beating Saunders and remaining world champion.

“I’m a proud man, and I’m prepared to fight tooth and nail to keep my title. Saunders is in for the fight of his life.”

“Like Lee, I just want to get in the ring and fight. We’ve talked and talked for months, now we just want to fight,” said Saunders, who represented Great Britain in the 2008 Olympics. “I want my chance. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s here now and nobody is going to stop me.

“This isn’t going to be a merry Christmas for him — more like the nightmare before Christmas. We’re both fighting men and one of us isn’t going to be standing at the end, and that won’t be me.

Alfonso Blanco won the WBA Interim Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Sergey Khomitsky.

Scores were 119-109 twice and 118-112 for Blanco, who is 12-0. Khomitsky is 30-12-3.

Ramon Alvarez stopped former world title challenger Ben Tackie in round four of a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.

Alvarez landed a furious barrage of punches in the corner that Tackie had no answer for and the bout was stopped at 1:52 of round four.

ALvarez, 157 lbs of Guadalajara, MX 22-4-2 with 14 knockouts. Tackie, 154 lbs of Accra, GHA is 30-13-1.

Martin Tecuapetla scored a 3rd round stoppage over Ronald Ramos in a scheduled 10-round Flyweight bout.

In round three, Tecuapetla dropped Ramos with a right to the body that was followed by a right to the head and Ramos stayed down for the ten count.

Tecuapetla is now 13-6-3 with 10 knockouts. Ramos is 37-15-4.

Miguel Angel Bautista won a 6-round split decision over Raul Hinojosa in a Super Lightweight bout.

Bautista is 5-2-2. Hinojosa is 11-6-1.

Gabriel Bracero needed just one punch to dispose of Danny O’Connor in the first round of their scheduled 10-round Welterweight rematch at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Bracero landed a perfect right hand to the chin of O’Connor and O’Connor plummeted to the canvas with the back of his head slamming on the mat and the fight was waved off immediately at 41 seconds of the first frame.

Bracero, 146.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 24-2 with 5 knockouts. O’Connor, 146.2 lbs of Framingham, MA is 26-3.

Jonathan Guzman kept his perfect knockout streak alive by stopping Danny Aquino in round nine of their scheduled 10-round Super Bantamweight bout.

Guzman dropped Aquino in round two with a left hook. Just before the end of the round, Guzman sent Aquino to the canvas with a right hand. Guzman dropped a tiring and hurt Guzman with a perfect right that was followed by a left in round nine and the bout was stopped at 1:19 of round nine.

Guzman, 121.6 lbs of Santo Domingo, PR is 20-0 with 20 knockouts. Aquino, 121.6 lbs of Meridan, CT is 17-3.

Ryan Kielczeski scored an entertaining 10-round unanimous decision over Rafael Vazquez in a Featherweight bout.

Kielczweski, 125.8 lbs of Quincy, MA won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 24-1. Vazquez, 126 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 16-2.

Kielczweski landed 177 of 688 punches. Vazquez was 141 of 441.

Adam Kownacki remained undefeated by winning an 8-round unanimous decision over Rodney Hernandez in a Heavyweight bout.

Kownakcki, 261 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 12-0. Hernandez, 240 lbs of Modesto, CA is 8-3-1.

Terry Flanagan made the first defense of the WBO Lightweight title with a 2 round destruction of mandatory challenger Diego Magdaleno at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Flanagan dropped Magdaleno in round two from a straight left. Moments later, Flanagan landed a huge uppercut that was followed by a big left that sent Magdaleno down again. Flanagan scored a third knockdown from three more hard shots that was finished with a left. The fight went on but not to the liking of Magdaleno as he was drilled by a plethora of punches until the fight was mercifully stopped at 2:38 of round two.

Liam Smith captured the vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight title with a 7th round stoppage over John Thompson.

Thompson controlled the early action as he worked behind a stiff jab and followed up with right hands. In round six, Smith started landing hard power shots and in round seven, Smith battered Thompson until a punishing right hand sent Thompson down face first and the bout was stopped at 1:44 of round seven.

Smith, 153 3/4 lbs of Liverpool, UK is now 21-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Thompson, 152.4 lbs of Newark, NJ is 17-1-1.

In a battle of undefeated Jr. Welterweights, Jack Catterall won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jarko Putkonen.

Catterall is 13-0. Putkonen is 12-1.

Adrian Gonzalez scored a 6th round stoppage over John Kays in a scheduled 10-round Super featherweight bout.

Gonzalez scored 4 knockdowns before the bout was stopped.

Gonzalez of Manchester is 12-1 with 3 knockouts. Kays of Ashton Under-Lyne is 21-5-1.

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Tom Staker and Craig Evans fought to a spirited 10-round draw in a Lightweight bout.

Evans began to bleed from his nostrils in round one. Both guys took turns hurting each other with hard combinations.

Scores were 97-93 for Stalker, 96-94 for Evans and 95-95.

Stalker, 134.9 lbs of Liverpool is 10-1-2. Evans, 134 lbs of Blackpool is 14-1-1.

2008 Olympian Vijrnder Singh made a successful pro debut with a 3rd round stoppage of Sonny Whiting in a

scheduled 4-round Middleweight bout.

The wnd came when Singh blasted Whiting with two hard rights on the ropes at 2:08.

Singh of Gurgaon, India is 1-0 with 1 stoppage. Whiting of Rochester is 2-2.

Jack Flatley made a successful pro debut with a 4-round unanimous decision over Lewis Van Poet sch in a

Middleweight bout.

Flatley of Bolton, England won by a score of 40-36 and is 1-0. Van Poetsch of Lyndley is 4-23.

PROVIDENCE (October 9, 2015) – Last night at Big Six Academy in Providence, undefeated super welterweight contender Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) hosted an open media workout in advance of his October 17th 10-round main event fight versus Argentinian opponent Dario Fabian “El Gallo” Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Stripped earlier this year of his World Boxing Organization WBO) title due to inactivity, Andrade will face Pucheta for the WBO & World Boxing Association (WBA) International titles, marking his first fight in 16 months, since the 2008 U.S. Olympian stopped No. 1 mandatory contender Brian “The Lion” Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs) in seven rounds of his first and only world title defense.

Andrade captured the vacant WBO 154-pound title November 9, 2013 by way of a 12-round decision over previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs).

Tickets are on sale, ranging from $200.00 to $25.00 (excluding fees). Call 401.261.3755 to purchase tickets as well as for bus special information.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE:

“This turnout (of public) shows the support I have in Rhode Island. It’s been a while since they’ve seen me in the ring, but they’re going to start seeing me in big fights.”

“The cream always rises to the top. I’m going to show that I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“It’s been frustrating (16-month layoff). This is something I’ve been doing since I was six and not to do it has been tough. I’ve tried to stay positive, working hard in the gym to stay in shape, but sparring in a gym is different than being in a fight when your opponent is trying to take your head off. October 17th, people will see what I’m truly made of.”

“I have other ways of making a living but I love what I do every day…box! This is a life-changing business. I’m very happy to get back in the ring October 17th. “I’m going to make a statement that I’m the future of boxing.”

“The WBO and WBA International titles are on the line in this fight. They took my (WBO world) title and it’s vacant right now. The reason I took this fight is to get ranked in the top 15 and fight for a world title.”

“My opponent (Dario Pucheta) has come all the way from Argentina to win. This is a tough business and to be 20-2 takes a lot of heart and guts. This is an opportunity for to make a statement. He’s hungry and believes because a win over me will make a name for him.”

“I’ve had some bumps in the road and it took a year to get settled. I haven’t suffered any damage in the ring. I feel good. The fans are going to say that they need to see a lot more of Demetrius Andrade.”

“Camps’ been good and I feel great. I want to thank CES for letting me showcase my skills on their card and to continue to bring great boxing to New England.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam or @BooBooBoxing.

Former world title challenger Orlando Cruz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Gabino Cota in a Jr. Lightweight bout in Kissimee, Florida.

Cruz of San Juan, PR won by scores of 99-91, 9793 and 96-94 and is now 22-4-1. Cota 18-5-1.

Emmanuel DeJesus scored a stoppage after 4-rounds over veteran Cosme Rivera.

DeJesus, 147 lbs is 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Rivera, 146 lbs is 38-22-3.

Rafael Luis Nicholas scored a 2nd round stoppage over Carlos Reyes in a Cruiserweight bout.

Nicholas dropped Reyes with three left hands. Reyes staggered back upon getting to his feet and the bout was stopped.

Nicholas, 184 lbs is 6-2 with 5 knockouts. Reyes, 179 lbs is 7-9-1.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 9) – Hometown hero Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KOs) worked out for the media Thursday at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Southeast Washington, D.C. as he prepares for 12-round showdown against Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Jr.(17-0, 8 KOs). The PBC on NBC main event bout takes place next Saturday, October 17 at EagleBank Arena at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Peterson’s younger brother Anthony (35-1, 23 KOs), who will also be featured on next weekend’s fight card, also worked out and spoke to the media about his own fight and supporting his brother.

Below are what Lamont and Anthony Peterson had to say as well as their trainer Barry Hunter:

LAMONT PETERSON

“I’m still a 140 pounder. Any fight that comes in at 140 pounds, I will take it. If there’s no title involved or anything like that, I would fight anyone at 147, 154, any opportunity that makes sense, I will take it.

“I know a little bit about my opponent. I remember him from the amateur days. Fighting on the Dominican team in the Pan Am games and places like that where he would compete.

“I remember watching him fight. He is a pretty tough guy. He was losing big and he actually came back and won the fight so I know he has a lot of heart. At the end of the day, I don’t think if he has enough experience. He might show some experience, but I’m not going to look at it

“Its going to get tough in there. Fighting me is like being thrown into cold water…it shocks you.

“I love action and my game plan is to go in there and give fans a fun fight and show them some drama. It’s a great night of boxing over all.

“Boxing is always going to give me motivation. I love it. I am a prideful person so I am going to train hard no matter who it is. I’m going to train hard. Fans know and the boxing world knows I’m still here and I’m still learning and always getting better.

“October 17 I am anxious to show that I still want to get better and show that there are still a lot of things that people haven’t seen me do.

“I would like to avenge some defeats that I’ve had. I’m better than anyone I’ve ever lost to…I’d like to have the opportunity to go out and prove that I’m better than the people I lost to.

“I am going to show that I am confident and conditioned. This fight I trained just as hard as I have for any other fight.

“I’m sure I’ve sparred at least 500 rounds this camp. There were some weeks this camp that I would spar up to 20 rounds every day.”

ANTHONY PETERSON

“Its going to be a great event for all of us. Lamont and I fought on the same card back August at Barclays Center, but the time before that was December 2011 at the Convention Center in DC, so it is going to be a great night for both of us.

We are grown men now. We are experienced veterans. We know what goes on in this sport and we are going to go in there and handle our business.

“I am going to be a lightweight for a long time.

“There are only two fighters in this world I will not fight – my brother and my newphew and that’s it.”

BARRY HUNTER, Petersons’ Trainer

“I think sometimes we put too much emphasis on belts. The fight game is the fight game and it should be the best against the best.

“Training camp was great. This is what we do all day is everyday. Attitude is everything. Lamont has a fighter’s mentality. For the most part, between fighting and being with his daughter – these are the two things that make him the most happy.

“People don’t realize that before Lamont fought Amir Khan in DC, there was a 20 year window that we had big time fighting in the DC area. A lot of what you see in this area by way of fighting, you have to give Lamont and this squad a whole lot of credit for bringing boxing back to DC.

“If you look at the #FreeBoxingForAll t-shirts that a lot of fighters and fans wear, it doesn’t say boxing for me, or for Lamont – it says boxing for all. In the past it has been treated like an underground sport and people didn’t really know what was going on. Since the start of PBC, it is starting to get more exposure.”

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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $85, $65 and $40, plus applicable service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the EagleBank Arena box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. Please visit www.eaglebankarena.com for more information.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing, and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DiBellaEnt, @KingPete26, @NBCSports, @EagleBankArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/EagleBankArena.

Oct. 9, 2015 – Fight fans eager for a unique inside look at the red-hot October 17th HBO Pay-Per-View® world middleweight championship unification showdown between knockout artists and title-holders Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux, should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of “Face Off,” starring the two prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Golovkin/Lemieux” debuts Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:20 p.m. (ET/PT).

Moderated by Max Kellerman, “Face Off” is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman’s questions. This marks the first-ever appearance for both Golovkin and Lemieux on “Face Off.” In addition, the fighters will be joined on the set by their accomplished trainers. Both Abel Sanchez and Mark Ramsey will participate in the roundtable.

The Golovkin/Lemieux edition of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2. “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the program.

HBO air times include: October 11 (9:00 a.m.), 12 (4:00 p.m.), 14 (10:30 a.m. & 9:45 p.m.), 15 (5:15 p.m. & 4:50 a.m.), 16 (12:15 a.m.) and 17 (9:45 a.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: October 11 (12:00 p.m.), 12 (12:15 a.m.), 13 (1:45 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.), 14 (1:30 a.m.), 16 (7:45 p.m.) and 17 (5:30 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

October 17th’s co-feature will be a world flyweight title bout as undefeated champion Roman ”Chocolatito” Gonzalez meets skilled challenger Brian Viloria. It all culminates when Golovkin vs. Lemieux takes place from New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. The fight card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (October 9) – Five months after one of the biggest victories of his professional career against Kevin Mitchell, WBC Lightweight World Champion Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares will celebrate by fighting in his native Venezuela for the first time in more than five years as he defends his title for the second time against Mexico’s Ivan “Macanon” Cano on Saturday, October 10.

The 12-round title fight, which will take place at The Poliedro de Caracas, will air on ESPN Deportes on Sunday, October 11 starting at 9:00 p.m. ET on a two-hour tape delay. It will be Linares’ first bout in his home country since a 10-round decision victory over Francisco Lorenzo on March 27, 2010.

“I am ready to continue dominating the lightweight division and ready to bring a big night of boxing to Venezuela on October 10,” said Jorge Linares. “This is a great homecoming for me. After traveling for most of my career I am proud to bring the title to Venezuela and be able to defend it at home. On October 10, I will continue to show why I am a champion at 135 pounds.”

“This is my opportunity to show the world that I am a feared contender in the lightweight division,” said Ivan Cano. “I am coming off a victory in February, and I am ready to continue that momentum when I face Linares on Oct. 10.”

“In this homecoming fight on October 10, I know that Jorge Linares will once again be victorious in the ring. He is one of, if not the best, fighters to come out of Venezuela so the crowd will be electric, cheering him on to victory every step of the way. Linares’ is one of the boxing’s most exciting fighters to watch so I’m pleased fans around the world will have the opportunity to see him in action this Saturday,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

A native of Barinas, 30-year-old Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (39-3, 26 KOs) may one day go down in the history books as Venezuela’s greatest boxer ever, but for the moment, he has plenty of gas left in the tank as he looks to defend his lightweight title. A world champion at 126 and 130 pounds, Linares added a third divisional championship belt in 2014 when he knocked out Javier Prieto and won the vacant WBC crown at 135 pounds. In May, he rose from the canvas to score a stirring 10th round TKO of England’s Mitchell, and now he expects to turn back the challenge of Cano on October 10.

Mexico City’s Ivan “Macanon” Cano (23-6-2, 15 KOs) is a tough contender who always shows up to fight, and he is planning on bringing the best version of himself possible to Venezuela as he tries to win his first world title. A former WBC Youth champion, Cano is unbeaten in four fights since 2013, a string that includes wins over Salvador Carreon and John Carlo Aparicio and a pair of draws with Javier Prieto. But his biggest bout yet will be on October 10, and Cano will resolve to bring the title back to Mexico.

Linares vs. Cano is a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight World Title promoted by Jupiter Fight Boxing, Hunrov Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions. The card will stream live (in Spanish) on ESPN3.com beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET and a two-hour tape delayed broadcast of the card will air at 9 p.m. ET Sunday, October 11 on ESPN Deportes.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LOWELL, Mass. (10/9/15) – On Saturday night, Irish world-rated contender Patrick Hyland (30-1, 14 KOs) faces David Martinez on the undercard of the PBC on NBCSN event from Lowell, Mass. The fight won’t be shown on television, Hyland views this is the most important fight of his career as he works his way back into world title contention.

The bout on Saturday night will be the first in a career that dates back to his days as a 9-year-old amateur in Ireland where his trainer, father and best friend Patrick Sr. will not be in his corner. Patrick Sr., better known as Paddy, tragically passed away in the spring of this year. Leaving the Irish boxing community shocked.

“I hear his voice in the back of my head every day. Every day. Especially in the gym though when I am training,” said Hyland Jr.

The loss of Hyland’s father came just weeks before Hyland’s wife Lorna gave birth to their first child, Callum, further adding to the significance of this fight.

“I challenged Javier Fortuna for the world championship,” said Hyland. “I won the Irish world title. I have fought at MGM Grand, the O2 Arena and Madison Square Garden. For me though, this is the most important fight of my career. Not only am I fighting for my newborn son, but I am fighting to keep my father’s legacy alive. He made me the man that I am today and the man that I want my son to one day become. Winning a world title was our dream that we had together. He was always pushing me and my brothers to be the absolute best that we can be, and I won’t stop until I get another crack at a world title.”

The bout on Saturday night will be Hyland’s fourth since the lone loss of his career, a highly entertaining 12-round decision for the interim featherweight title against now-reigning super featherweight champion Javier Fortuna. Following the loss to Fortuna, Hyland was out of action for a year and a half, as he sorted through promotional issues. Hyland signed with DiBella Entertainment in June of 2014 and has since put together three impressive victories. Hyland believes that he will be knocking on the door to challenge for another world title in 2016.

“I have a great team behind me. My manager Brian Peters and promoter Lou DiBella are working hard,” continued Hyland. “As long as I continue to win and do what I need to do, I know they will get me the opportunity to prove myself and show that I am one of the best 126-pounders in the world. 2016 is going to be a big year for me and I fully expect to once again be challenging for a piece of the featherweight crown.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys, www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. – On Saturday night, November 7, 2015, 22-year-old Top Rank light welterweight professional boxer, Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (Washington, D.C./Waldorf, MD/pro record: 16-0-0, 9 KOs) will take on Oscar “Raton” Cortes (Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico/pro record: 25-2-0, 13 KOs) in an 8-round fight on the HBO World Championship Boxing card, held at The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reed-Cortes is promoted by Top Rank, in association with the Wynn Las Vegas and Tecate. The main event will feature Timothy Bradley defending his WBO welterweight world championship against Brandon Rios, and in the co-main event, Vasyl Lomachenko will defend his WBO Featherweight Title against Romulo Koasicha.
In his most recent fight on September 11 at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, Reed defeated Antonio “Aztec God of War” Canas (Chicago, Illinois/pro record: 10-2-1, 4 KOs) by TKO in Round 5 (scheduled for 8 rounds). Highlights of Reed-Canas were shown during “The Metro PCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV” telecast on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. In the early rounds of the fight, Reed countered Canas’ offensive attack with a variety of uppercuts, jabs and body shots. In Round 5, Reed threw a combination to Canas’ head that dropped him to the canvas. Canas beat the count, but moments later, Reed backed him up against the ropes and unloaded a straight left hand, followed by a right uppercut and a left hook, forcing the referee to stop the action at 1:28 of Round 5.
“Yes Indeed” Reed discussed his upcoming fight on November 7. He said, “My fight with Cortes will definitely be a step up in competition, even though I haven’t been taking easy fights before this one. Since the start of my career, I’ve never been spoon-fed easy ducks that some of the other prospects get. Every fight I’ve had so far, I’ve learned from it, and that’s what it’s all about. I know Cortes is relatively short for this weight class, kind of like myself, so the normal difficulties of being the shorter guy with the shorter arms are pretty much a non-factor in this match-up. My team has a real good game plan as usual, and we’ll be ready. My main focus for this camp has been to stay explosive. Slowing some punches up while speeding up others could allow me to get more knockouts from here on out, because my opponents will have difficulty with the changes of speed. Cortes has an advantage as far as experience in the ring, and I’m sure he has learned tricks over the years that he will try to implement in his fight with me. Winning this fight and picking up a trick or two in the process will put me in the position to become a contender in the very near future.”
Reed is excited about his return to Las Vegas. He said, “The reception that I received from the media and fans in Las Vegas for my last fight was amazing, so I’m glad to see that there was a strong demand for Top Rank to have me out there again on November 7. As we all know, Las Vegas is where all the big fights are held, and if you can build a solid fan base out there, you can become a draw in this sport. I want Top Rank to continue showcasing my talents in front of the fans, but in order for that to happen, I must perform well. During training camp, I’ve been sparring with world-class boxers, Lamont Peterson and Adrien Broner, and I’ve learned a lot from working with them. Win #17 is where you normally start to see prospects move into the contender stages of their career. This stage is just as important as the championship stage.”
He continued, “I want to thank my Team Reed supporters that have been there for me since day one. You were there for me when I was unsigned, attended my fights, or just helped get my name out there. If you all wouldn’t have supported me the way you did, I wouldn’t have been able to get on all the cards I did, which means it would have taken that much longer to get where I am today. Thank you to my promoter Top Rank, Shane Goodell, Nike Boxing and Athlete Performance Solutions, Everlast, and everyone that continues to support our team. Yes Indeed!”
The Thomas & Mack Center is located on the campus of UNLV at 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89154. Tickets to Mike Reed vs. Oscar Cortez are on sale now and are priced at $400, $250, $150, $100 and $50. Tickets can be purchased at Thomas & Mack Center Box Office online at http://www.UNLVTickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas and La Bonita Supermarkets. To charge by phone, call (702) 739-FANS (3267) or (866) 388-FANS (3267). Follow Mike Reed’s social media pages for weigh-in and fight time information.

Follow Reed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeYesIndeedReed
Follow Reed on Instagram: @YesIndeed_Reed or http://instagram.com/yesindeed_reed
Follow Reed on Twitter: @YesIndeed_Reed or https://twitter.com/YesIndeed_Reed
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