Fort Myers, FL (August 21, 2016) – Unbeaten welterweight knockout artist Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella and Team Perrella are proud to announce they’ll give back to Fort Myers through an initiative called “Goodfella’s Great Students.”

Created by Perrella, “Goodfella’s Great Students” provides an additional incentive for students to excel in the classroom. Each month, Perrella and head trainer Michael Nowling will dedicate time to standout students selected by school administration. The selected pupils will receive personal invites and get transported to and from Syndicate Boxing Club, where they’ll participate in a fun workout run by Perrella and Nowling. Currently, Coronado High School is signed up for the free program and multiple schools have expressed serious interest in joining.

“I’ve been in the Fort Myers area my entire life,” said Perrella, who has an outstanding record of 14-0 with 13 wins by knockout. “I love it here and grew tremendously not just as a fighter but as a man. For everything Fort Myers has done for me, rewarding hard working students is the least I could do. The program we’ve created is a great way to assist the community and local schools. Most importantly, it’s another reason to be an academic superstar. I’m wholeheartedly looking forward to meeting and spending time with these students each month.”

Coronado’s principal Joelle Lyman is thrilled about the program and personally invited Perrella to introduce himself to her students Friday, August 26.

“The staff and students at Coronado High School are elated to be given the opportunity to work with Bryant Perrella,” said Lyman. “Student participants will be able to see, first hand, the results of hard work and dedication. Mr. Perrella will be opening doors for our students that would have otherwise remained closed. It is our hope that, as these students move through this mentorship experience, they will benefit from the successes that will surely follow as they are encouraged to work hard, reach physical and personal goals, and use these valuable skills and lessons in their lives after graduation.”

Perrella, who knocked out David Grayton in June, is scheduled to return to the ring in the near future. Formal details will be available shortly.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 19, 2016) – It was a night of knock outsat a sold out Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles as a series of jaw-dropping matches kept the crowd at the edge of their seats. The spectacle had special guests, including Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, NABA Super Featherweight Champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Ronny Rios, Jason “El Animal” Quigley, Antonio “La Joya” Gutierrez, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Oscar “Jaguar” Negreje, Roy
“Pitbull” Tapia, EmilioSanchez, Vergil Ortiz, Jr. and Niko “Baby Face” Valdes.

The main event, airinglive nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar and live streamed by the Ring TV, featured Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) taking on Laredo, Texas fighter Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (10-6-1, 3 KOs) for a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout. In the first round, Shabranskyy was clearly feeling out his opponent, entering the ring calm and steady as he threw a couple of jabs, with Riojas responding. At the one minute and 43 second mark in the third round, Shabranskyy landed a straight right punch to the chin that made Riojas fall to the boxing mat. As Riojas got back up to continue the fight, “Chingonsky” released power punches that Riojas could not handle, making the referee stop the fight. Shabranskyy’s ultimately retained his undefeated status with a technical knockout victory.

“In the first round, I wanted to feel him out, find out what he had as a fighter,” said Shabranskyy. “By the second round I started to expose his weaknesses and knew that I could finish the fight early, and that was what my corner was telling me to do. I try to make sure I listen to my corner as they can see things that I can’t. Luckily we were able to finish the fight early, and I am looking forward to the next fight.”

“I feel really disappointed, this fight was not how I expected it to go,” said Riojas. “The knockout caught me by surprise and there was nothing I could do. I feel really disappointed about how this ended but everyone can definitely expect me back in the ring soon again.”

In the co-main feature also broadcast live on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estellar, undefeated super featherweight prospect Ivan “Striker” Delgado (10-0-1, 3 KOs) took on Alejandro Ochoa (7-12-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round event. The first rounds featured equally matched fighters, both landing impressive power punches. The heated exchanges of packed punches featured the warriors’ heated exchanges that wore down Ochoa. It was in the seventh round where the “Striker” saw his opportunity at the one minute and 46 second mark, where he landed three left hooks in a row that sent Ochoa straight to mat. The knock out gave yet another victory to the undefeated Delgado.

“I kept going really hard throughout all the rounds, and I knew I would eventually get the knockout because I hurt him early on by knocking him down,” said Delgado. “I never got frustrated because I knew I had to keep my cool and land my punches so I didn’t get sloppy-that’s how I was able to successfully capture the knockout.”

Opening up the televised portion of the night, Alexis Rocha (4-0, 3 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. faced Israel “Isra” Villela (4-3, 1 KO) in a four-round welterweight bout. Rocha entered the ring taking clear control of the fight, releasing his flurry of punches onto Villela. Rocha landed massive combination of blows to the body, with a left hook to the face that sent Villela straight to the mat. Villela valiantly rose up again, only to be given another heavy dose of combination punches to the face, leading the referee to stop the fight, and giving Rocha the technical knock out victory to maintain his undefeated record.

“I always prepare for every fight with the same intensity and this fight was not the exception,” said Rocha. “I thought he was going to rush me in the first round so I made sure to stay focused and aggressive. Once I had him down I knew I had to apply smart pressure to win this fight. I am glad I was able to finish it early and secure another victory.”

In a scheduled six-round lightweight fight, Oscar Duarte (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Parral, Mexico faced Omar Garcia (5-4, 1 KO) of Monterrey, Mexico. It only took 58 seconds into the first round for Duarte to dominate Garcia, knocking him down to the canvas via a devastating left hook, winning the fight via knockout.

“I feel so blessed to have another victory under my belt,” said Duarte. “My game plan was to enter the ring calmly, and relaxed. I knew I could get the knock out when I felt like I hurt him with my body punch. I am going to keep up the discipline that I have, and turn that into more results like this.”

Kicking off the RingTVLive.com, live stream portion of the night, David Mijares (3-0, 2 KO) of Santa Monica, California took on Jorrell Sparenberg (0-2) from Houston, Texas in a scheduled four-round super lightweight bout. Mijares dominated the first round, cornering Sparenburg various times throughout the round landing various combinations to the body. It was during the second round that Mijares took advantage of Sparenberg’s inability to keep his hands up, landing various blows to the head and prompting the referee to wave off the fight on the 1:36 mark. Mijares was awarded his third victory and second technical knockout to add to his record.

“It feels so great to have a dramatic victory in front of my hometown crowd,” said Mijares. “I feel like I put on a great show for all the fans supporting me tonight. There are still some things I need to work on, particularly taking my time and exercising my patience in the ring, but I am just very excited about my victory tonight. I am ready for the next fight.”

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy vs. Oscar Riojas was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD, Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Friday, Aug. 19 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and streamed live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media’s Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream began at 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB starting at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets in advance before they sell out for the remaining summer dates taking place September 2 and October 7.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2016) – NABA Lightweight Champion Petr “Zar” Petrov (37-4-2, 17 KOs) of Ryazan, Russia will face off with Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-1-2, 11 KOs) for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator on September 30. The new 12-round main event, which is set to replace formerly announced headliner Andrew “El Chango” Cancio who is now fighting against Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. on the Canelo vs. Smith pay-per-view undercard on September 17, will kick off the fall season of fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and broadcast live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar.

“Michael Perez is an experienced fighter,” said Petr Petrov. “He is one of my tougher challenges, but I feel that my experience in being in bigger fights has me prepared. This is for the mandatory challenger in the WBA Lightweight World Championship and I know this will be a good fight. At the end of the day, it will be about who is prepared the best and may the best man win.”

“This is another step up in my career to becoming a world champion,” said Michael Perez. “I am very excited for this fight and I feel very motivated. I have been waiting for a fight like this, to be challenged at such a high caliber keeps me focused and motivated. Petr is a tough guy and that has been what has carried him to where he is today, but I am smart fighter and will be prepared to box when I want to and brawl when I want to. The skills I have and the plan we have to execute are what will determine the victory for this fight. Both Petr and I know what’s at stake here, the winner of our fight will be the mandatory for the winner of the world championship unification fight between Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla. I am ready for the challenge.”

“This is a big opportunity for Petr, which is well deserved,” said Arthur R. Pelullo, President and CEO of Banner Promotions. “He knows, with a win, he will become the mandatory challenger for the WBA Lightweight World Championship and we know that he is a championship level fighter and we expect a great performance on September 30.”

“Michael Perez has been a very exciting fighter to watch rise through the ranks in the lightweight division–one of the hottest weight classes in boxing right now. If he wins as the title eliminator for the WBA Lightweight World Championship, he knows all eyes will be on him,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We also know Petrov as an experienced and destructive fighter who won’t go down without an all-out brawl. The pressure is on and this hotly anticipated fight will determine who the next emerging lightweight star of the sport will be.”

Tickets for the event go on sale today at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $45, $35, and $25. They can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

With 37 victories under his belt, current NABA Lightweight Champion Petr “Zar” Petrov holds an impressive boxing resume including being the winner of ESPN’s 2014 Boxcino tournament. In April 2015 Petrov took on former world champion Gamaliel “Platano” Diaz winning the NABO and NABA Lightweight Titles via unanimous decision. On May 6, 2016 Petrov defeated Marvin “Cachorrro” Quintero via sixth round technical knockout in a historic event that saw the newly built Toshiba Plaza in Las Vegas, host its first boxing match. Petrov is ready at his shot at a world title and will do what it takes to win on September 30.

Ready to make 2016 the biggest year of his career, Newark, New Jersey’s Michael “The Artist” Perez is on the verge of a world title shot, as he is ranked number two by WBO and three by the WBA. Following 2015 victories against former WBA Lightweight World Champion, Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta and Luis “Chespi” Sanchez that netted him the NABO Lightweight Title and extended his unbeaten streak to nine. The exciting 26-year-old was last seen in the ring vanquishing the experienced Martin “El Brochas” Honorio in March of 2016. Now with the biggest opportunity in his career, Perez is ready to take the next step and defeat Petr Petrov to get a mandatory shot at the winner of the WBC and WBA Lightweight World Championship unification bout between Jorge Linares and Anthony Corolla.

Petr Petrov vs. Michael Perez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (August 19, 2016) – M-1 Challenge welterweight Alexey Kunchenko will put his title belt and undefeated record on the line September 10 versus upset-minded challenger Maxim Grabovich, headlining M-1 Challenge 70 in Syktyvkar, Russia, M-1 Global has announced.

M-1 Challenge 70 will be streamed live from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

The 32-year-old Kunchenko (13-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, captured the title in his last fight, when defending M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Murad Abdulaev retired during the fourth round this past April at M-1 Challenge 65. Kunchenko (pictured below) is a Muay Thai specialist originally slated to defend his title in a rematch with Abdulaev, who was unable to accept the challenge at this point do to an injury.

Kunchenko is a feared, powerful striker

Grabovich (4-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), a fellow Russian, earned his title shot by going undefeated in thre M-1 Challenge fights to date. Known for his Greco-Roman wrestling skills, Grabovich’s last action was in June at M-1 Challenge 68, in which he took a decision against Danill Prikaza in the Fight of the Night.

Talented wrestler Grabovich hopes to pull off a major upset

Other fighters expected to be in action Sept. 10 on the M-1 Challenge 70 card include former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (12-1-0, M-1: 6-0-0) and former M-1 Challenge lightweight title challenger Artem Damkovsky (20-10-0, M-1: 10-7-0), along with Russian fighters such as light heavyweight Andrey Seledtsov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), featherweight Timur Nagibin (7-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and middleweight Artem Frolov (6-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0).

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ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 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. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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

BROOKLYN (August 19, 2016) – Undefeated brawlers and longtime rivals Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent hosted a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Friday as they near their long anticipated showdown featured on Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

Also in attendance Friday and competing on Sunday’s undercard were a trio of local prospects: cruiserweight Joseph Williams (9-0, 7 KOs), welterweight Julian Sosa (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and welterweight Chordale Booker (2-0, 2 KOs).

PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Live PBC on NBC coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

The two undefeated brawlers Hardy and Vincent are expected to bring fireworks in a matchup that has been building since Vincent showed up at Hardy’s second pro bout looking to get in the ring with the popular Brooklyn-native.

Here is what the fighters had to say Friday:

HEATHER HARDY

“This is a huge step up to be on television. It’s not the top of the ladder. There’s still room to go but I’m really excited, happy and proud to be on this stage. It proves that all you have to do is be super determined, open your mouth and good things can happen.

“A lot of people have been waiting for this one. She’s done a lot of talking and I’m pretty quiet back to her. My fans know I’m going to do my talking in the ring, so there is definitely a lot of excitement leading up to this.

“I’m going to be fighting closer to home than ever. It’s an honor to be able to represent Brooklyn on the first show at the Amphitheater in Coney Island.

“When I spar, I don’t look to focus in too much on my opponent. I just want to get better. We’ve had really diverse sparring. If I improve my techniques, there is no one who can beat me and that’s the truth.

“You can prepare as much as you want, but I don’t like to over plan. We’ll go in there and figure her out in the first round. We’ve done the work that we need to.

“A lot of people have criticized some of the opponents me and Shelly have had, but we’ve honestly always had an eye on preserving our records and making sure this fight happens on television. This fight is not about my wins, but it’s about giving women boxers the opportunity to be showcased. Win, lose or draw, we’ve both opened the door for other women and that’s what’s most important.

“This fight means everything to me. This is for everything I’ve ever stood for. I came up from nothing. I’ve spoken up about my past so that people who have walked a similar road will know what is possible with hard work and dedication. I’m here because I wanted something so bad and I wouldn’t let anybody tell me I couldn’t have it.

“I’ve fought so hard for everything and it inspires me to keep going. This is only one step. There’s so many more doors I want to open before I end my career.

“I would like to treat everyone to a boxing clinic this Sunday. Shelly is going to get a free boxing lesson from me this Sunday. Not many people can say they get that.”

SHELLY VINCENT

“This fight is going to be non-stop action. Don’t blink.”

“She’s a busy fighter. I’m smaller than her, but power-punching comes from your legs. It won’t matter. I’ve fought tall girls and I’ve fought small girls and it’s the same thing, I won. The only way I leave without a victory is if I get robbed.

“I’ve been working hard. Even harder than usual. I’ve run, biked, swam miles and miles preparing for this. We didn’t leave any stone unturned getting ready for this.

“I’m not going to look for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. I’m looking for the victory. I want to attack her body. It’s there for me.

“It feels great to finally be almost time to fight. This fight couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s a great opportunity. We both worked hard for this. I don’t take away from what Heather does for the sport, but I’m excited to get the victory.

“I love New York. It’s always great being here and I hope I can fight here more after I win.

“I was trying to find a way to channel my anger when I was younger and it ended up being a release for me. Eventually this sport turned my whole life around so that I could help others who are like I was.

“This is great for our sport and I want it to give hope to the little girls that are coming up in the sport. I’m winning, but our sport will be the real winner. It’s an honor to fight for all the girls who came before me and didn’t get this opportunity.

JOSEPH WILLIAMS

“Training camp was very good. I feel strong and I’m ready to get in the ring on Sunday. I’m sharp and really ready to fight.

“I’m a versatile fighter so I’m ready for anything. Early in the first round I’ll figure him out and start breaking him down.

“The venue looks like an amazing place to fight. If you’re coming to watch me, get there early. You don’t want to miss it.

“I want to keep working towards a title. I want to get my way down to super middleweight and I’m going to keep working every day to get a world title shot.

“Me and Errol Spence Jr. have some history. I was the 2012 Olympic team alternate, so I’ve been following his career and I’m rooting for him. It will be a good night for boxing because I definitely expect him to put on a show.

“My coaches have watched my opponent. I’m ready to adapt to anything. I trust my team and they tell me how to attack. I’m strong and ready to fight.”

JULIAN SOSA

“I’m very humbled to be on a big card again, with an opportunity to showcase my skills. I have to show how thankful I am by working hard and looking very good that night.

“Being the first boxing show at this venue means I’m a part of history. I have to make sure that my performance is memorable.

“This was the best training camp I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to display the hard work that I’ve put in the gym.

“The fan support I have means a lot. It’s really nice to have all my friends and family together and able to see me do what I love to do. There’s no better feeling than that.

“My opponent is a very aggressive fighter. The first couple of rounds we’re going to try to work the body. As we go to the later rounds, I’m going to take the knockout if it presents itself. But I’m happy to put on a beautiful boxing clinic.”

CHORDALE BOOKER

“Sparring has been really good for this fight. I’ve been going hard. I don’t take it easy on anyone during sparring because I need to be ready to fight.

“It’s really big to be a part of this kind of fight. Especially being a welterweight and with the main event being a title eliminator. I’ve looked up to Errol for a while. He’s a guy I’ve tried to pick up different things from Errol since we’re both southpaws.

“I want everyone to get there early. I’ve got power and I’m looking for a knockout.

“It means everything to fight in front of the fans in Brooklyn. I’m just really excited. My family and friends are from Brooklyn, Flatbush specifically and I’m expecting a lot of support.

“I’m excited to be boxing as a pro for the first time in my hometown. It’s even better that it’s at a new venue. It’s going to be big for me and something that I remember forever.”

PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2016) – NABA Champion Danny Roman enters next week’s title defense well prepared, as he recently spent time in the gym with big names such as Leo Santa Cruz and Jhonatan Romero.

Roman, a super bantamweight from Los Angeles, defends his NABA Title for the fourth time against Enrique Quevedo, next Friday, Aug. 26. The 10-round “New Blood” main event originates from the Omega Products Event Center in Corona, Calif.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

You recently sparred with big names such as Leo Santa Cruz and Jhonatan Romero. How did you fare in those environments?

“The sparring sessions were competitive. It confirmed what I knew all along, that I belong with the elite names in this sport. It’s always fun to go up against some of the best. Romero is tall for the division so it was great to see someone with that much skill and reach. Santa Cruz has active hands and never slows down. He’s been able to maintain his hand speed as he’s moved up in weight, which is a tough thing to do.”

What are your thoughts on next Friday’s opponent, Mexico’s Enrique Quevedo?

“Quevedo is a tough boxer. He doesn’t back down against anyone and he’s always in excellent shape. We’ve both beat Chris Martin, who is a savvy boxer-puncher. It’s going to be a good, tough fight, one that I’m ready for. There’s no doubt I’m going to beat him.”

You currently sit at number eight on the WBA rankings. You’ll be defending your NABA title for the fourth time. A big fight could conceivably arrive in the near future. How do you stay focused on what’s in front of you?

“The only thing I can control is my preparation for every fight. I take this sport very seriously. Anyone that’s seen my workouts knows I don’t take days off. I don’t cheat drills. The rankings and the big fights will be there for me if I continue to win. That’s all that matters.”

Over the last two to three years, we’ve seen you put together an impressive winning streak (11), win a regional title, and enter the world rankings – What helped you reach this point?

“We stay true to what works for us. After every fight, we look for improvements in everything we do. We go over the video and make the necessary adjustments. Every round is scrutinized. It sounds redundant, but there’s always room for improvement and we try to get better with every fight.”

In the co-feature, heavyweight knockout sensation LaRon Mitchell (13-0, 13 KOs) looks to extend his unbeaten, KO winning streak against Mario Heredia (14-4, 12 KOs) of Mexico (8-rounds).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bell at approximately 7:45 p.m. The Omega Products Events Center is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447.

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #NewBlood and #ThompsonBoxing.

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

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2016) – Former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and British knockout artist, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) have opened up about training camp ahead of their September 17 clash at the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Canelo is training in San Diego while Liam Smith is training on his home turf in Liverpool, England.

“Both Canelo and Liam Smith’s camps are looking great, and I can see that these fighters have clearly become bigger and stronger with their training regimens,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Having trained like this myself, I can tell that both will be going in for the kill come fight night, as we can see these fighters demonstrating abundant strength and power.”

“My training camp will last a total of seven weeks,” said Canelo Alvarez. “My focus is becoming a world champion-that’s the main purpose of this fight. To become a world champion one more time will be sweet and memorable. This victory would be for all my Mexican fans and those all over the world. On fight night, the fans can expect to see two explosive styles clashing in the first round. The iconic venue will be amazing that night and everyone will not be disappointed.”

“I know Liam Smith has a similar style as mine,” continued Alvarez. “He likes to trade punches and that will make a terrific fight. I don’t like to make predictions or announce my strategy. But one thing I can say is that it will be a fight to remember. I am planning a big surprise when I get into the ring. The fans inside the AT&T Stadium and those ones watching at home will witness something special.”

“Canelo’s experience will be his fundamental advantage over Liam Smith in his fight,” said Eddy Reynoso, head trainer to Canelo Alvarez. “Canelo has fought a tremendous amount of talented fighters and I believe that will be the difference is this fight.”

“Training camp will have been 12 weeks and the focus is to be in great shape and bully the bully. The fans should expect a great fight, a war,” said Liam Smith. “Both of us have great variety and both box better on the front foot so we know nobody is going to want to give that up.”

“I know Canelo will put up a very good fight and can fight and box-he’s a solid 154, but my strategy is to match him with everything, then go one step further and do things he doesn’t want to do,” continued Smith. “I think I have already surprised my fans and a lot of others with my size, I know many thought Canelo was a monster and a lot bigger than me, which he isn’t, but they will be also surprised how much I raise my game with a better fighter in front of me. A win is going to mean everything, it’s going to change my life, give me a better future and announce myself as the best 154 pound fighter in the world.”

“Liam is a focused World Champion out to prove he a worthy world champ, said Joe Gallagher, Ring Magazine 2015 Trainer of the Year and trainer to Liam Smith. “He is under no pressure. All pressure is on Canelo as challenger to win and win in style on Mexican Independence Day Weekend.”

Canelo Alvarez was last seen in the ring defeating former WBC Silver Welterweight Champion Amir “King” Khan by devastating six-round knockout of their scheduled 12-round middleweight world championship match. Liam Smith has defeated eight of his last opponents by way of knockout-all before the third round. As the current WBO Junior Middleweight World Champ after his thrilling victory over Predrag “Pedja” Radosevic, “Beefy” will not go down without a relentless fight to maintain his title.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium, doors open at 2:30 p.m. CT. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

daFor more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Somner Martin 142 – Mykal Fox 140.5

Luther Smith 211 – Mike Balogun 234
Jordan White 122 – Sergio Aguilar 121.5
Sam Crossed 193.5 – Mike Estus 196

Christopher Petty 169 – Devar Ferhadi 165.5

Phillip Hooker 158 – David Rohn 170
Marcus Bates 121.5 – Daniel Hernandez 121
Patrick Rivera 158.5 – Dustin Caplinger 165
Colby Madison 240.5 – Bryson Haubrick (Will weigh in Fri. Morning)

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: Hilton Crystal City
1st Bell: 8 PM
Doors Open at 7 PM

Tickets $50/$75/$100 and are available by calling 301.890.2430 or by clicking
www.KPboxing.com.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2016) – The eight fighters who’ll be fighting on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Aug. 19, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y., all made weight Thursday.

Undefeated Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs) faces his toughest test to date in veteran Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs) in the main event, which will take place at the outdoor USL soccer venue here. The co-main event features promising Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) facing his most dangerous foe to date in Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov (18-2, 11 KOs) of Houston, Texas, by way of Uzbekistan in a 10-round battle for the WBO NABO Lightweight title.

Plus, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y., by way of Kazakhstan, steps up to face veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs) of San Francisco in a 10-round clash. And unbeaten Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland will square off against Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago (11-2-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight bout for Nieves’ WBO NABO Title.

The Weights: Miller tipped the scales at 296 ½ pounds, while Kassi weighed 237 ¼ pounds. Menard weighed 134 ½ pounds, while his opponent, Mamadjonov, measured half pound over the limit on his first try, but hit the 135 mark half an hour later. Nieves weighed 117 even, while Santiago weighed 117 ½ pounds. Eyubov weighed 142 ½, while Mayfiled measured at 142 ¾ pounds.

The event is presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

Here’s what the principals had to say prior to the weigh-in:

Jarrell Miller, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect

“Mike Tyson was a freak of nature. Vitali Klitschko was a freak of nature. I’m also a freak of nature. I’m 6’ 4” and pushing 280. I’m a big guy, but I’m athletic. I can move. I can punch, and I was a kickboxer. I’m not your average heavyweight. I’m not trying to change the blueprint of how heavyweights should be. I’m just being myself and doing my job.

“They are like, ‘we’ve seen his body, we’ve seen his size. We’ll outwork him,’ but they are wrong. Never can judge a book by its cover. I’ll outwork him in the ring. I’m fast, I’m good and I can punch. He’s not going to see me coming.

“Don’t let my weight fool you. I’ve been doing cardio. I’m in really good shape and I’m ready to go the distance.

“Every fight, I have to know how to adjust. I feel like Fred has never been in with a guy like me. He’s been with [Chris] Arreola, who doesn’t move as much, and he also fought [Dominic] Breazeale, who doesn’t have good footwork. I’m telling you, he’s never fought a big athletic body like me. He’s in for a surprise.

“I know my jab is going to be on his face. For me, it’s not just about winning, it’s about performance. Every fight in my career from now on it’s about more than winning. Now I have to prove myself. I have to prove I’m worthy of a title shot.

“I wasn’t happy with my [Jan. 22] win over Donovan Dennis. I knew I could’ve done better than a seventh-round TKO. That’s why I’m pushing myself on this fight. I want to win convincingly and I will.

“Anthony Joshua is a punk. Deontay Wilder, don’t get me started. Now, Tyson Fury can actually punch. I’ll give him that. From all of them, Fury in my opinion is the better one. That’s why I want to fight him. I believe you should go for the hardest ones first. You take the biggest guy out first and then, you go for the easy ones. That’s how it’s supposed to be and that’s what I’d like to do. Take the hard ones out first. Fury, you are next.”

Fred Kassi, Heavyweight Prospect

“I’ll be a little bit heavier than usual for this fight, but I’m feeling good. I’m feeling ready. I hope the judges see that. I have had some bad experiences with judges recently.

“I have had some big fights. I dealt with big guys and talkers, but that doesn’t concern me because in the ring it’s going to be just the two of us. That is when the real fight is going to happen.

“I did my job against Arreola, I did what I had to do against Dominic Breazeale. I got robbed.

I’ve never fought a heavyweight shorter than me. I’m usually the shorter one in the ring, but I know my game. I know what I’m doing.”

“I’ve gotten robbed so many times. I was coming on hard against Hughie Fury. I didn’t do great in the first rounds, but I was leading in the late ones, and he was slowing down. The stoppage was a relief for him. He was running out of gas.

Mason Menard, Lightweight Prospect

“After that last knockout, so many people were actually exhilarated about it. People that didn’t even know me, they’d come up and say, ‘Are you Mason? Man, I saw that KO [and show me the video]. I’ve watched it a thousand times.’”

On his opponent…

“He’s one of those guys that no one wants to fight. I took this fight as soon as it was offered because it’s another step up for me. I have to beat guys like this to get to the A-class of fighters. He’s not a bad fighter but he’s not A-class. I simply have to beat guys like this.

“Hand speed and foot speed, those are my difference makers.”

On his growth beyond the La., circuit now, after 35 fights:

“I am glad to be getting the national exposure now. We had some step up fights in Louisiana at first. Now, we are right where we need to be. It’s all happening now.”

Bahodir Mamadjonov Lightweight Prospect

“Menard fought many of the same fighters that we have. Many guys in the same class as we did. So, we are not impressed with his record or his knockouts. We prepared for seven or eight weeks. Although we only knew of this opponent for two-three weeks. At this level, this is no surprise. We are ready.

“We tried to fight him years ago. He was 17-1 or 18-1 at the time and he didn’t want the fight. Now, he’s out of options. I am by far the toughest test of his career.

“We are close to a world title now. A win here, our third appearance on SHOWTIME, and against a world-rated lightweight…. “I will bring the fight to Mason Menard. That is my style and it doesn’t change for this fight. He’s fighting to prove he’s legitimate. I am here to earn my title shot.”

Antonio Nieves, Bantamweight Prospect

“When they tell you are going to fight and then you hear your opponent got injured, you get a little bit down. Thankfully, Alejandro Santiago was ready to step up.

“We’ve noticed he’s successful when the fighter gets in his face, and I have the right strategy for that.

“From my last fight I took two weeks off, and then back in the gym. I didn’t even know the name of my opponent. I just wanted to be ready to go when the fight was set.

“I’m ranked fifth in the WBO, after Santiago I want to fight for the WBO bantamweight title and then, I will probably look for Rau’shee Warren to unify the titles. I think there’s not enough action in my division and I’m ready to change that.”

Alejandro Santiago, Bantamweight Prospect

“I’ve known about this fight for two months. I was about 130 pounds when I found out. I’ve been training hard and I feel ready to move up in weight. I’m ready for my opponent.

“I like to box. I like to get in my opponent’s face. I like to hit and not get hit. I’ve worked a lot on my defensive skills.

“I know Nieves is a tough fighter. He’s skilled. But I have a good strategy. I’ll approach him smartly, and I’ll get the decision.”

Bakhtiyar Eyubov, Undefeated Welterweight Prospect

“We have been training in a large ring, specifically to prepare to cut the ring off. We are prepared to go 10 rounds, to go 15 rounds. We are not worried about going rounds.”

(Re: only 10 fights so far in career):

“I grew up in the gym, had a great amateur career. I expect to progress quickly just like the great amateurs before me. I am at the peak of my strength and I am ready. Karim has never been stopped, never been dropped. He’s a real test.

“I grew up in a rough environment, in the streets. I am not intimidated. If not for boxing, I would be in a very bad situation back home (Kazakhstan).”

(Re: Mayfield)

“It will be a real fight. I hope he is ready 100 percent because we are. I am not a God, we can’t predict, but know this, it will be a good show. Let him do his job. I will do my job. And I will have him out of there within five rounds.”

Karim Mayfield, Welterweight Prospect

“I’m a world class opponent. I’ve fought better fighters than him. He will be taking his first loss.

“For those that say it’s too late at 36, I tell them they are wrong. I’m not worn out. I haven’t been in one-sided wars or beatings. I’ve been taking care of myself. I’m experienced and I know my craft.

“I’m planning to show my opponent I know how to utilize the ring. I’ve only been down once. I know my opponent is a strong fighter and that he’s going to come strong, but he’s not going to take me down.

“I’m used to training late. I hit the gym at 7 or 8 o’clock at night. Our fight is late tomorrow, but I’m used to it. At that time Eyubov is going to sleep. So, I’m going to do him a favor and I’ll put him to sleep.

“I feel that I still have the opportunity to thrive, to move forward in my boxing career. There’s still a lot of me left.”

# # #

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 67 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.

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (August 18, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant is closing in on making the leap from prospect to contender and hopes to help cement that position when he takes on hard-hitting Juan De Angel in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, August 23
from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. and features undefeated light heavyweight prospects Carlos Congora and Ronald Mixon in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Plant gave a training camp update and talked about his upcoming bout and more:

On fighting in his first 10-round main event on FS1…
“This is a big opportunity for me to show the fans that I have arrived. FS1 is seen by millions around the word and I’m ready to make a statement to a national audience. I’ve been working hard to get to this point and I’m going to shine.”

On his matchup with Juan De Angel…
“Like all fights at this level, it’s going to be a tough fight. I’m expecting to see a hungry fighter who has nothing to lose. I myself have everything to lose so I’m going to make sure I’m at my best when we step in the ring. De Angel has held some regional belts so I know he has some tricks up his sleeve. One thing I will do is dictate the pace.”

On the landscape of the middleweight division…
“The middleweight division has plenty of talent. Gennady Golovkin has a stranglehold on the division at the moment but I’m gunning for him and anyone else that’s in my way. First I have to get past this fight and then continue my march toward that world title.”

On his recent training camp…
“My team and I have been working extremely hard. I’ve got all the right people in my corner helping me get to the top. I’m sparring with some really good fighters. I’ve taken my conditioning to new levels. My body is fresh and I’m amped up for this fight.”

On his quest to become the first world champion to come out of Nashville, TN…
“To become the first world champion to come out of Tennessee would be incredible. I know I have a lot of hard work that needs to be done but I’m ready for the difficult challenge. Nashville needs a boxing champion and I know in my heart that it will happen. I’m just taking it one fight at a time.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.sandseventcenter.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (August 18, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu went face-to-face for the first time Thursday before they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC this Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

Televised coverage of the welterweight world title eliminator begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. PBC on NBCSN begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting featherweight Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on undefeated Derrick Murray plus unbeaten rivals Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in a featherweight matchup.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

Spence Jr. and Bundu spoke to media at Via Della Pace in downtown Manhattan before they visited Coney Island for photo-ops ahead of their Sunday bout in the Brooklyn venue. Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This has been a long camp. I’m in great shape and I’ve had strong sparring partners throughout. Bundu is a very good fighter. He’s experienced and technically sound, but he can be awkward.

“I’m happy to be back in New York. I think it’s going to be a good fight and I’m looking to put on a spectacular performance.

“We went up the rankings trying to find an opponent. A lot of guys didn’t want to fight me, even in a title eliminator. So I want to thank Bundu for taking the fight.

“I’m not worried about what’s going to happen next. I know what’s next if I take care of my business. If I win I’m guaranteed a chance at the world title. I want the title fight sooner rather than later.

“We try to break down an opponent’s weakness in camp. But we’re also looking at what they do right. We have to capitalize on everything. My trainer will watch the video and talk about what he sees. It’s a lot of communication in the gym.

“I love sparring with younger guys. Preferably amateurs or guys who just turned pro. They have more to prove in a sparring session. They really push me and help make me better.

“My main goal is to win. The only thing I have to do, is win. If the knockout comes, I’ll take it. But I’m not going to force it. He’s a tough and durable fighter. It has to be setup and it has to be calculated.”

LEONARD BUNDU

“Spence Jr. is a good boxer. He’s probably my toughest fight to date. These kind of fights make me more motivated.

“I have nothing to lose. I’m going to give it all I have and I’m very confident in myself. I believe I can be victorious.

“Spence Jr. and Thurman have some similarities but also are completely different fighters. I have studied Spence and I believe I will have an even better chance against Spence Jr..

“I’m always trying new workouts and trying to improve my training. I’m in tremendous shape and I know it will help carry me in the ring.

“I thought my performance was okay against Thurman. There was definitely room to improve and I think I’m an even better fighter now than I was then. I feel like I was 10 years ago. I’m like wine, I’m truly getting better with age.

“I see his weaknesses and I have to take advantage of them. I believe I can put him in trouble with my countering but it all has to come together in the ring.

“I love the challenge. I want to give him his first loss. That’s what I have to do. That’s all that is in my head.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“Everyone should come out to Coney Island on Sunday afternoon to see what’s going to be an incredible day and early evening of boxing. The fights start at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon and is fully covered, so there will be no weather issue. It’s a beautiful new facility with an incredible view.

“This is the first boxing broadcast that will be nationally televised from Coney Island. In my mind we have one of the best young fighters in the world defending his standing against a guy who has had a long and successful career. Both Spence Jr. and Bundu were Olympians and it will be a real test for Errol.

“There’s no question Errol is the favorite while Bundu is the underdog, but he’s been the underdog before. He knows he has to win and that this could be his last chance on a big stage.

“I’ve promoted a lot of fighters throughout the years and there wasn’t a better fighter from the last Olympic class or this one that is better than Errol Spence Jr. In terms of ability, talent and instincts he’s world class. He fights with much more intelligence than his ring age. He’s a master of controlling the ring. When I watch this kid fight I’m always blown away.

“On Sunday Spence Jr. is fighting a real professional and he has a chance to prove something on national television. This is a great forum for him to follow the Olympic Gold medal basketball game. The kind of audience that is going to watch the Gold medal game are the kind of people that we need to bring into boxing. I’m proud to promote this show.”

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Crystal City, Virginia (August 18, 2016)–One of the best stories in boxing will have another chapter written this Friday night as Devar Ferhadi takes on Christopher Petty in a four-round bout at the Crystal City Hilton in Crystal City, Virginia.

In the main event, Undefeated Mykal Fox will make his 2nd headlining appearance this Friday night when he takes on Somner Martin in a junior welterweight bout scheduled for eight rounds

Ferhadi, of Frederick, Maryland has a perfect mark of 6-0 with five knockouts, just completed his third year of medical school in his native Kurdistan.

Because he finished up school at the end of June, the 21 year-old started his training camp in Kurdistan, before heading back to the states to spar with the likes of undefeated middleweight Immanuwel Aleem, undefeated junior middleweight Jarrett Hurd and recent light heavyweight world title challenger Thomas Williams.

“This has been a long camp, but I am ready to fight,” said Ferhadi. “I started over there and I came back home to finish camp off.”

Ferhadi, who will pursue General or internal medicine when his fight days are complete, is ready for what the unknown Petty will bring.

” He is a last-minute replacement and a southpaw, But I have prepared hard and I prepared to win.”

There were several opponents that were offered the fight with Ferhadi and due to his amateur pedigree combined with the world class sparring that Ferhadi consistently gets when he is home in Maryland, he is looking to step up the competition.

“We are always looking to fight better opponents and we have no problem stepping up.”

This will be Devar’s first fight since February, where he was home from school long enough to stop Travis Davidson in one round in Roanoke, Virginia. But between training and a heavy school load, Ferhadi is grateful for the time off from the ring.

“The time off actually helps me. It’s tough jumping from one camp right into another one, but I am ready to go and expect me to put on a show.”

Said Ferhadi’s manager, Jason Boyer, “Devar has three more years of medical school and when he is completed that, he will be come a full-time boxer. At that point, he will just be about 24 years-old, so I know the best boxing years have yet to come.”

In a six-round heavyweight co-feature of undefeated heavyweights, Luther Smith (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland will take on Mike Balogun (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

In four-round bouts:

Jordan White (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Sergio Aguilar (0-4) of Homestead, Florida in a bantamweight bout.

Marcus Bates (3-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Daniel Hernandez (0-1-1) of Queens, NY in a featherweight bout,

Sam Crossed (3-0, 1 KO) of Greenbelt, Maryland will take on Mike Estus (0-3) of Ames, Iowa.

Colby Madison (2-0, 1 KO) of Owings Mills, Maryland will tangle with an Bryson Haubrick (Pro debut)s) of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, in a heavyweight bout.

Patrick Rivera of Edgewood, Maryland will make his pro debut when he fights Dustin Caplinger (2-8, 1 KO) of Columbus, OH in a junior middleweight bout.

Phillip Hooker of Washington, DC will make his pro debut against David Rohn (0-6-1) of Villa Park, IL in a middleweight bout.

Tickets $50/$75/$100 and are available by calling 301.890.2430 or by clicking
www.KPboxing.com.

LOS ANGELES (August 18, 2016) – As fans from around the world get ready to descend on the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the world championship showdown between former two-division world champion and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and current WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion, Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1,13 KOs), Golden Boy Promotions today announced the Saturday, September 17 event will also feature three non-stop action fights as part of the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Hailed as one of the most entertaining fighters in boxing, former world title challenger and blood-and-guts contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs, 1 NC) of Philadelphia, will attempt to re-establish himself as one of the top fighters in the middleweight division when he faces former world title challenger Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe, Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y. in a 12-round, middleweight bout as the co-main event to Canelo vs. Smith. The sure-fire action fight features two of boxing’s most resilient fighters who have taken on the top fighters in the division on their rise to stardom, garnering praise and respect from boxing fans. With a final run up the middleweight ladder at stake for the winner, this 50/50 fight will feature non-stop action and two warriors desperate for a win.

Also on the televised card, 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) of So. El Monte, Calif. will make his Pay-Per-View (PPV) debut, defending his NABF Featherweight title for the second time in a 10-round fight against one of the hardest punchers and most experienced fighters in the division, Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) of Blythe, Calif.

Opening up the pay-per-view telecast, Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, will face off against Luis “Orlandito” Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round fight.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to perform at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys,” said Gabriel Rosado. “Fernando Vargas, my trainer and I are on a winning streak and getting better as we continue to work together. We have all the confidence we’ll be victorious on September 17. Training camp is going great; despite the change in opponent, we still continue to maintain our focus. Willie Monroe, Jr. is a southpaw as well so the game plan doesn’t change much. He’s in my way of me gaining a world title so I’m working harder than ever before to get that chance again. This is going to be a great fight for all the fans, I know I am coming in with everything I got and I know Willie Monroe, Jr. will do the same. I would like to thank Golden Boy Promotions, AT&T Stadium, and HBO for having me part of such a big event, I promise all boxing fans, this is the fight to watch on September 17.”

“I am happy to be back in championship contention,” Willie Monroe, Jr. “Gabriel Rosado is a warrior and this should make a for a great fight. I am looking forward to this opportunity. It is a big venue, but I don’t care if I am fighting in front of 200 people or 2 million people. I am always focused and I plan to put on a great performance on September 17.”

“I am very Happy that Willie is getting this opportunity,” said Arthur R. Pelullo, President and CEO of Banner Promotions. “Willie has displayed that he is one of the top middleweights in the world, and he will show that on that September 17th against a quality fighter in Gabe Rosado which should be an all-action, fan-friendly fight.”

“This undercard features everything a fight fan could want — a crossroads fight between two veterans battling for a last shot at stardom, a former Olympian on the cusp of a world title and a top prospect making his debut on the biggest scene in boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “With the biggest star in the sport in Canelo headlining the night and this stacked undercard providing support, fans are in a for a top-to-bottom treat on September 17.”

“Fighting on HBO pay-per-view is a dream come true,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “As a young fighter you always dream about being on the big stage doing what you love and I am very excited to be part of such a big event. I am very motivated and ready to take this step and perform for all the fight fans in the arena and all the fights tuning in. Andrew is a tremendous fighter, strong, aggressive; I know he bring out the best in me. I know he is going to try to take everything away from me, but I am not afraid. I am going out on September 17 in the best shape of my life, I have everything ahead of me and I am ready to defend my title and give the fight fans a fight they want to see.”

“Every fighter dreams to one day get to this level of their career and be featured on pay-per-view,” said Diego De La Hoya. “With this fight and this stage I am ready to announce that I have arrived to the elite of this division. Winning this fight will take me to the next level of my career, I am ready for it. I have what it takes to win and I am looking forward to impressing all the fans on September 17.”

“Being patient paid off,” said Luis Orlando Del Valle. “This is a great opportunity, on one of boxing’s biggest stages. Now is the time to deliver, to come out with the win at all cost for my family and for Puerto Rico. Rest assured, I will not waste this magnificent occasion. I will rise.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium, doors open at 2:30 p.m. CT. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Since making his film debut in last year’s Creed,the latest installment of the internationally recognized Rocky franchise, “King” Gabe Rosado is fresh off of an exciting victory over Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey this past December 2015 and an exciting decision victory over Antonio “Tony” Gutierrez on the undercard of Fight of the Year contender Vargas vs. Salido on June 4. Rosado has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the sport taking on some of the toughest and elite fighters in the middleweight division. The epitome of Philadelphia toughness, Rosado has been battling the best for over a decade, including Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, David Lemieux, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Jesus Soto “Renuente” Karass, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo, Kassim “The Dream” Ouma and Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo. But this September, Rosado, expects to leave Texas with a victory under his belt when he takes on Willie Monroe, Jr.

Willie began boxing at the age of six and comes from an acclaimed boxing family, which includes his father, Willie “The Body Rock” Monroe, who fought for the USBA and NABF titles at middleweight and super middleweight; his great uncle Willie “The Worm” Monroe (39-10-1) who was considered one of the best Middleweights of the 1970’s and holds a win over the great Marvin Hagler; his cousin Marcus Hall (6-6-1), and his late grandfather, Lee Monroe, a distinguished amateur in his fighting days. Willie had a distinguished amateur career, as well, which saw him go 128-14. He was a three-time national champion and won countless regional and state championships. He was a 2-time Empire State Games champion and 4-time State Golden Gloves champion. He lost in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Olympic trials to former IBF Welterweight champion Shawn Porter. Willie’s big breakthrough was winning the 2014 Boxcino Middleweight tournament on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. Willie then took a ten-round unanimous decision win over perennial contender Bryan Vera on January 16, 2015 from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. With this impressive run of victories, Willie earned an opportunity to fight for the WBA Middleweight title of the world. On May 16, 2015, Willie took on WBA/Interim WBC Middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a bout that headlined HBO Championship Boxing at The Forum in Inglewood, California. In his last bout on June 11, 2016, Willie scored two knockdowns and went on to win an impressive ten-round unanimous decision over 2015 Boxcino Junior Middleweight Champion John Thompson. The bout took place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win in his HBO debut over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage. Diaz, Jr. was last seen in the ring against Victor “Pitufo” Proa defeating the fighter via second round knockout as the co-main event to Anotnio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez live on HBO Latino Boxing, on July 30. Now, set to face one of the hardest punchers in his division, Diaz, Jr. is ready to move up to the big leagues when he faces Andrew “El Chango” Cancio on the pay-per-view undercard of Canelo vs. Smith on September 17.

Blythe, Calif. native Andrew “El Chango” Cancio made his professional debut in 2006, remaining undefeated for ten bouts before his first loss. Cancio’s power has brought him thirteen of seventeen wins by way of knockout, a strength he brought to the ring against Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado and former two-time world champion Hugo Fidel “El Increible” Cazares via knockout at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, in Indio, Calif. With these impressive victories, Cancio hopes to pursue his goal of becoming a featherweight world champion as he takes on one of the toughest challenges of his career in the decorated Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr on September 17.

The latest boxing phenomenon to emerge from Mexico, 22-year-old Diego De La Hoya has all the tools to become a global superstar, but the mature super bantamweight is keeping his focus on what’s in front of him. In 2015, De La Hoya began his move on the super bantamweight elite with five wins highlighted by back-to-back victories over former world title challengers Manuel “Suavecito” Roman and Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz, Ramiro “Zurdo” Robles, Jose “Hollywood” Estrella, and Giovanni “Lloviznas” Delgado; winning the WBC Youth World Title in the process. De La Hoya kicked off 2016 in style in February with a fourth-round body shot knockout of Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo and successfully defending it on May 7 of this year with a blistering seventh round technical knockout of Rocco Santomauro. Now his eyes are on a big win in September at AT&T Stadium.

Puerto Rican native Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle comes from a boxing linage that includes former WBO Bantamweight World Champion Rafael Del Valle. Prior to his professional debut on April 11, 2008 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey where he knocked out Rey Rivera in the third round, Del Valle was an Under 19 National Junior Olympic Champion for Puerto Rico, three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion, National Golden Gloves Champion, and U.S. Boxing’s number one rated junior boxer at 125 lbs. Now, Del Valle is riding a four fight win streak with two victories already notched in 2016. In his first contest of the year on April 9, Del Valle scored a second round technical knockout victory over rising prospect Josh Crespo at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire. He followed that performance with an eight-round unanimous decision victory over southpaw veteran Thomas “KO” Snow on May 13 as the nationally televised co-feature of Dustin Harrison-Hernandez vs. Mike Dallas Jr. at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. Del Valle looks to continue his momentum for a fifth consecutive win on September 17 in Dallas, Texas at AT&T Stadium.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

TOKYO – August 18, 2016 – RIZIN FF, the combat sports federation headed by former PRIDE Fighting Championships boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara, announced today the addition of a featherweight (145 pounds) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matchup between former PRIDE FC and EliteXC star Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett (29-30-2) and K-1 kickboxing KO artist Minoru Kimura (MMA: 0-0, Kickboxing: 21-6-1, 15 KO’s) to the federation’s already stacked Grand Prix event in Tokyo on Sunday, Sept. 25.

A 17-year veteran of the sport with an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style of fighting, the 5-foot-8, 36-year-old Bennett of Ocala, Fla. put himself on the map 16 years ago with a first round (1:55) KO (punch) of Yoshiro Maeda at PRIDE Bushido 7 in Tokyo on May 22, 2005.

Bennett’s biggest mark in the sport to date was arguably his one-punch, first round (3:43), upset KO of former UFC and Strikeforce star K.J. Noons, who went into the matchup a heavy favorite over Bennett. The high-profile bout took place at EliteXC: Destiny, the first-ever, live SHOWTIME televised event in MMA history.

Bennett is coming off a spectacular, 43 second submission (heel hook) of Paul Rodriguez in Kissimmee, Fla. on May 14.

Above: Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett will make his return to Japan and debut for RIZIN FF on September 25

Ranked as high as number two in the world in kickboxing’s featherweight division as of the close of 2015, the 5-foot-8, 22-year-old Kimura, who permanently relocated to Japan at the age of three, after being born in Curitiba, Brazil to a fourth generation, Brazilian-Japanese mother and a Brazilian-Italian father, will make his debut under MMA rules.

The feisty Fighting Kairos Gym competitor who has captivated fight fans with his raucous behavior, has defeated a number of noteworthy adversaries in the kickboxing ring, including Kaew Fairtex as well as Japanese stars Hideaki Yamazaki and Masaaki Noiri, to reach elite status in the sport.

In his last start, Kimura picked up a unanimous decision victory over “Noman” in a K-1 World Grand Prix tournament reserve bout on June 24.

The RIZIN FF event will be headlined by the kick-off of the much-anticipated, 16-man open weight tournament.

MMA legends Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (MMA: 31-11-1, 1 NC; Kickboxing: 23-8, 12 KO’s) and Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC) are amongst the nine competitors that have been announced as tournament participants. The tournament’s first stage matchups will be announced soon.

RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round

Updated Fight Card

Open Weight Tournament Bout: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Kazuyuki Fujita vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Baruto Kaito vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Jiri Prochazka vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Teodorasu Aukstuolis vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Karl Albrektsson vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Valentine Moldavski vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Amir Aliakbari vs. TBA
Lightweight: Daron Cruickshank vs. Andy Souwer
Heavyweight: Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough
Strawweight: Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara
Weight TBD: Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto
Weight TBD: Asen Yamamoto vs. Kizaemon Saiga
Featherweight: Charles Bennett vs. Minoru Kimura

Follow RIZIN FF:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR

New York, NY (8/18/16) – Since forming DiBella Entertainment (DBE) in 2000, promoter Lou DiBella has had his share of success in the sport that he grew up loving as a young boy. Having promoted hundreds of shows, both here in the US and abroad, as well as working with a number of the most recognizable names in the sport and staging some of the biggest fights in boxing over the past decade, the promotional powerhouse has enjoyed quite a ride along the way. While it is only August, 2016 has already been a year to remember for DiBella.

On Sunday, August 21, the year will be even more memorable when Errol Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) headlines the inaugural boxing event held at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, promoted by DiBella Entertainment, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, and televised by NBC. Spence will face off against Leonard Bundu (33-1-2, 12 KOs) in an IBF welterweight world title eliminator.

The undercard will feature the highly anticipated grudge match between Brooklynite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (17-0, 4 KOs), one of the biggest local attractions throughout all of NYC, and longtime rival Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-0, 1 KO), of Providence, RI, and New England’s most popular female fighter. With the WBC International women’s featherweight title at stake, the Hardy-Vincent fight will be the first female bout televised by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), airing on NBC Sports Net.

Tickets for the August 21 PBC on NBC event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com. Doors open at 2:30pm.

“This has been a great year for boxing so far and I am thrilled to add to it by promoting the first nationally broadcast boxing event from Coney Island at Ford Amphitheater, on Sunday, August 21. We will continue to witness the emergence of rising star Errol Spence Jr., who takes on the experienced Leonard Bundu in a significant fight for the welterweight division. The PBC on NBC telecast, beginning at 5:00PM ET, will have a terrific lead-in with the Olympic men’s basketball gold medal game,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The Hardy-Vincent bout is the culmination of a rivalry brewing for many years and, given their all-action styles, is guaranteed to be a brawl. With a platform like NBC Sports Net, this bout is also very important for the progress of women’s boxing.”

Both Hardy and Vincent are promoted by Lou DiBella, who has been a longtime advocate for women’s boxing, showing support for the movement and helping it grow by continually putting female bouts on his cards. Earlier this year, DiBella signed Puerto Rican Amanda Serrano, who won the WBO female featherweight title on one of DBE’s Broadway Boxing events. Serrano then became the first female ever to defend a world championship at Barclays Center as part of the DBE-promoted Leo Santa Cruz-Carl Frampton card on July 30.

2016 started off with a bang for DiBella. Making the third defense of his WBC heavyweight championship, Deontay Wilder scored a devastating one-punch knockout over once-beaten Artur Szpilka before a raucous crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The knockout, which left Szpilka sprawled out flat on his back for several minutes, is one of the leading contenders for knockout of the year. The bout was Wilder’s New York debut and the first heavyweight championship in Brooklyn in an astonishing 115 years, drawing a live gate of 12,688.

As soon as the March 12th Thurman-Porter welterweight world championship bout was announced, the boxing world was buzzing. The matchup was not only the biggest bout to be made in the welterweight division, it was also one of the most anticipated fights in all of boxing. After Thurman suffered a neck injury from a car accident, the championship bout was postponed to June. On June 25th, at Barclays Center, Thurman and Porter turned in spectacular performances. Before a crowd of 12,718, which garnered the highest economic gate in Barclays Center’s history, and in the first championship bout televised on CBS in prime time in nearly 40 years, Thurman and Porter engaged in a vicious 12-round war that became an instant classic. The bout, which Thurman won by a narrow decision, drew a peak audience of 3.94 million viewers. It is the most watched boxing telecast of 2016 thus far and is one of the leading candidates for “Fight of the Year”.

“If you didn’t appreciate that fight, you don’t love boxing. To have a fight with that kind of anticipation, with the best fighting the best, and then you get a ‘fight of the year’ candidate. You get what you anticipate and you get what, on paper, you hoped it would be. This was a good night for the sport,” proclaimed DiBella shortly after the bout.

Then came the July 30th Santa Cruz-Frampton featherweight world championship on Showtime. When the fight between the two undefeated champions was first announced, boxing insiders and fans were excited about the matchup, though many questioned why the fight was being brought to the east coast. Santa Cruz is a superstar on the west coast with a huge following among his Mexican and Mexican-American fan bases. Frampton, hailing from Northern Ireland, had only fought in the US once before, in San Antonio.

Inside an electric Barclays Center, the undefeated 122lb. champion Frampton moved up in weight and took on Santa Cruz, the best fighter in the featherweight division, ripping away the defending champion’s 126lb. title in a star-making performance. The fighters waged a brutal war from the opening bell, combining to throw over 1,600 punches and had the nearly 10,000 screaming fans on their feet for the entire 12-round contest. Fans and insiders once again immediately began hailing this contest as the “Fight of the Year”.

At the post-fight press conference, DiBella stated, “The last time we were here, I called the Thurman-Porter fight the ‘Fight of the Year’ because of the competitiveness at such a high skill level. I think that might’ve been outdone by this one. You could make a very strong argument that you were just privileged to see the ‘Fight of the Year’ because these guys fought a war at a tremendously high skill level. This was great. I’ve been given the opportunity to promote some brilliant, amazing fights. It was a privilege to promote this fight. Obviously, as a fan though, it was more of a privilege to watch this fight. It was such a great fight. Neither guy went down. It was bombs-away. I’m humbled by watching that. If you’re a boxing fan and you didn’t like that, then there’s something wrong.”

Just over seven months into the year, 2016 has already produced one “Knockout of the Year” candidate and two “Fight of the Year” candidates.

That’s not all that DiBella has been up to though.

In March, on just a week’s notice, former middleweight title challenger Avtandil Khurtsidze stopped highly regarded and top-rated middleweight contender Antoine Douglas in a huge upset. The win earned Khurtsidze the #1 ranking in the WBO, and likely will set him up for a shot at the title sometime later this year.

In April, DiBella’s Puerto Rican star and former Olympian Jose Pedraza successfully defended his IBF 130lb. title, and DiBella is currently working to place the Puerto Rican either in a unification bout or have him move up in weight with the goal of becoming a two-division world champion.

In June, undefeated Dejan Zlaticanin (22-0, 15KO’s) became Montenegro’s first-ever world champion when he stopped Franklin Mamani to win the WBC lightweight championship. It was Zlaticanin’s second consecutive bout in the US since signing with DBE, both of which were broadcast on the Showtime network.

In addition to the undefeated champions Pedraza and Zlaticanin, the DBE roster sports some of the most promising young talent in all of boxing, including a stable of Ukrainian fighters in Sergey Derevyanchenko, Ievgen Khytrov, Ivan Baranchyk, Ivan Golub and Radzhab Butaev, all of whom are co-promoted with Fight Promotions Inc. and have a combined record of 48-0, 41KO’s.

Derevyanchenko and Khytrov have been on the fast track since turning pro. The middleweight stable-mates have appeared on national TV multiple times throughout their young careers and most recently co-headlined an ESPN card in July, with both undefeated fighters turning in flawless performances. Derevyanchenko dismantled former middleweight champion Sam Soliman inside two rounds, becoming just the second fighter ever to stop the tough-as-nails Australian. The win moved Derevyanchenko’s record to 9-0, 7KO’s, and earned him the #2 ranking in the IBF middleweight world ratings. Not to be outdone, Khytrov, who is rated in the top 15 by all four major sanctioning bodies, and as high as #5 in the WBC, handed out a vicious thrashing to highly regarded Paul Mendez, stopping Mendez, now 13-1-2 (1NC), in the ninth round. With the victory, Khytrov improved to 14-0, 12KO’s, and will likely jump even higher in the WBC world ratings.

An aggressive fighter with dynamite in his hands, Baranchyk has knocked out all but one fighter he has faced (11-0, 10KO’s) including back-to-back highlight reel first-round knockouts on ShoBox in December of last year and March of this year. The 23-year-old lightweight terror is scheduled to be back on ShoBox in the early fall.

Rounding out the group are welterweights Golub (12-0, 10KO’s) and Butaev (2-0, 2KO’s). Golub made his ShoBox debut in March, stopping previously undefeated Marlon Aguas. Both Golub and Butaev are looking to gain further national exposure in the coming months.

Chosen as one of ESPN.com’s 2015 “Prospects to Watch”, super lightweight Regis Prograis continues to impress with each outing. In March, Prograis stopped tough Aaron Herrera in just one round, his third consecutive appearance on ShoBox. The hard-hitting Prograis, ranked #12 in the WBA and #14 in the WBC, improved to a perfect 18-0, 15KO’s, in June, stopping Luis Eduardo Florez, picking up the NABF super lightweight title in the process.

Looking to further bolster his roster, DiBella recently announced the signing of top-rated contender Felix Diaz. The only Olympic gold medalist in the history of his native Dominican Republic, Diaz (18-1, 8KO’s), who was coming off a majority decision loss to Lamont Peterson last October, took a fight against the highly regarded, much bigger, and undefeated Sammy Vasquez Jr. in July. A significant underdog, Diaz pressured Vasquez from the outset and never let off the gas, ultimately winning a unanimous 10-round decision in an absolute war on the undercard of Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Chris Arreola. It was a sensational performance by Diaz, one that was broadcast live and in prime time on the FOX network. Diaz is looking for the biggest fights out there and has called out all of the top names in the 140 and 147lb. divisions.

DiBella has also seen a real-life Rocky story unfold for his Philadelphian junior lightweight Tevin Farmer, who has elevated himself from being a 7-4-1 stepping stone for young prospects to becoming a legitimate world title contender. In March, he won the NABF title, propelling him into the top 10 of the 130lb. world ratings. With none of the top 130lb. fighters looking to give the gifted Farmer a shot, he jumped up in weight to take on feared puncher Ivan Redkach on July 30. In a bout broadcast on Showtime Extreme, Farmer dominated Redkach, showing his entire arsenal and turning in a near flawless performance. Earning scores of 99-89, and 98-90 twice, Farmer increased his winning streak to 15 bouts in a row.

DiBella’s Broadway Boxing series, the longest running local boxing series in the US, which serves as a platform for DBE’s up-and-coming prospects, continues to thrive and grow both locally and outside the NYC area. DiBella brought the series to Foxwoods in June, staging the first of three summer shows at the casino and resort on June 30th. The series is set to return to the venue on Thursday, September 1.

With many big fights and events on tap, there seems to be no slowing down anytime soon for the New York-based promoter.

For additional information, you can visit www.dbe1.com, follow us on Twitter @loudibella @DiBellaEnt or like our fan page on facebook/DiBellaEntertainment.

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (August 18, 2016)- History will be made October 7-9 when Chile hosts the inaugural World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) Pan-American Championship – CHILE 2016 — in Santiago.

Initiative on MMA as a sport will build on the well-earned reputation of previous martial arts history in terms of addressing, sharing and discussing significant developments and social advancements that will impact the future of MMA.

CHILE 2006 attendees will have an opportunity to receive unique and powerful insights into the new era of MMA.

The WMMAA Pan-American Division is known for its broad, multi-disciplinary approach and stellar lineup “The primary goal of CHILE 2016 is to make a social impact, creating awareness around the powerful influence of martial arts among youths,,” said Tomas Yu, President of the WMMAA Pan-American Division, “as well as to provide a healthy platform for sport, tourism and economic development as a united front. Its collegiate environment promises to foster debate, discussion and collaboration.”

Chile 2016 will be a lifetime experience for all with special guests as Chile President Michelle Bachelete and WMMAA honorary president Fedor Emilianenko, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time.

Local Organizing Committee Chairman Alberto Maturana and his committee members look forward to welcoming everyone to Santiago to experience history in the making for the sport of MMA. Together with the WMMAA Pan-American Executive Board, they are working tirelessly to bring this important event to Santiago for the continental athletes, promoters, coaches, businesses, and tourism. The honorary panel of individuals who are making the inaugural WMMAA Pan-American Championship – CHILE 2016 a reality include the following:

WMMAA Pan-American President – Tomas Yu

WMMAA Chile President – Alberto Maturana

Collaboration and Advocacy – Eric Castaños

National Press – Yenifer Marquez

International Press – Edgar Campos

EXPO MMA – Jose Antonio Urrutia

International Multi-Media – Carlos Fourzan

National Executive Production – Felipe Concha

Publicist – Bob Trieger

Organization Membership – Christian Parra

Officials Certification & Accreditation – Hector Molina

Medical – Dr. Justo Pavia

Health Training and Education – Curt Chavez

Special Interest Group – Susan Murphy

Ring Girl Latina – Pablo Cortes

Combat Sports Administration Masters Degree – Ivan Hinojosa

Diseño – Pedro Cabrera

INFORMATION:

www.WMMAA.org
https://www.facebook.com/WMMAA-665064310170463/
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA
www.wmmaa-chile.com
Twitter: @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa

LAS VEGAS (August 17,, 2016) – Team Shumenov believes it is worth reviewing recent history enlight of the recent announcement that WBA Super/IBF cruiserweight world champion Denis Lebedev will defend against Murat Gassiev in late November or early December in Russia: A condition for allowing Lebedev to fight IBF cruiserweight champion Victor Emilio Ramirez on May 21, 2016 was that Lebedev had to fight WBA cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov within 120 days. (Lebedev hasn’t made a mandatory defense since April 10, 2015.) Shumenov has done everything to make that fight, while Lebedev has done nothing but run from his mandatory title fight. When it first became obvious in June that Lebedev was trying to avoid his mandated WBA title fight, Shumenov repeatedly requested that the WBA order a purse bid.

Lebedev ignored the WBA and then recently sought, after the WBA deadline had passed, a special permit allowing him to fight Gassiev, which Shumenov officially objected to within 48 hours. WBA Interim cruiserweight world champion Yunier Dorticos has also objected. At this present time, though, Team Shumenov is still waiting to hear the WBA’s ruling in terms of stripping Lebedev if he decides to fight Gassiev instead of Shumenov.

It really is very simple. Shumenov wants to fight Lebedev, who is doing everything he can to avoid it. If Lebedev doesn’t care to meet his obligations and conditions of his prior special permit, he should relinquish his title. Lebedev and his people need to rejoin the rest of us in the real world and stop claiming that Shumenov has not been pushing for this fight.

According to a recent report, Lebedev’s camp members erroneously reported that, “Shumenov is not exactly pushing the issue” (to fight Lebedev next).

Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

LOS ANGELES (August 17, 2016) Top undefeated female prospect Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada, (7-0-0, 1KO) of East Los Angeles, California makes her triumphant return to The Fabulous Forum on Saturday, September 10 facing former world title challenger Nancy “Chatita” Franco, (15-9-2, 4KO’s), of Jalisco, Mexico, in a scheduled eight round junior flyweight battle on the off-TV undercard of the WBC Super Flyweight World Championship between Consensus #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the world, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (45-0, 38KO’s) and fellow undefeated world champion Carlos “Principe” Gonzalez, (35-0-1, 27KO’s).

Tickets for this outstanding evening of professional boxing are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 and are now on sale through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

Co-featured on September 10 and also telecast live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. along with Gonzalez vs. Cuadras is a 10-round junior middleweight rematch of the epic 2016 “Fight of the Year” candidate between Yoshihiro Kamegai, (26-3-2, (23KO’s), and Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass, (28-10-4, 18KO’s). The first bout scored a draw took place on April 15 in Downtown Los Angeles.

“We’re very excited to welcome back Seniesa back to The Fabulous Forum for one of our events,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “This is the third time she has fought on one of our undercards at The Fabulous Forum and her action packed fights have contributed to a full evening of entertainment for fans inside the arena which is paramount to our shows.”

“Nancy Franco has faced numerous world champions and has the skill set to bring out the very best in Seniesa in a fight that should be explosive from the opening bell.”

The 24-year-old Estrada won a six round unanimous decision over Selene Lopez this past April 23rd at The Fabulous Forum, featured on the undercard to the World Middleweight Championship between Boxing Superstar Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and undefeated, #1 ranked challenger Dominic Wade in front of a sold-out arena of 16,353 boxing fans

In her most recent fight, Estrada was victorious over Christina Fuentes on June 3rd in Downtown Los Angeles winning a six round unanimous decision.

The 27-year-old Franco has faced outstanding competition over her eight-year professional career. Among her battles in world championship fights have been against Kayoko Ebata, Victoria Argueta (twice) and Yuko Kuroki.

In her last start Franco battled over 10 rounds against Yesica Yolanda Bopp on June 18 for the WBA Junior Flyweight World Title in Venezuela dropping a very close decision.

Gonzalez vs. Cuadras is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions. Kamegai vs. Soto Karass 2 is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.

SOCIAL MEDIA: For more information, visit www.K2Promos.com, www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com www.FabulousForum.com and www.HBO.com/boxing.

Follow on Twitter for Roman Gonzalez @ChocolatitoBox, Carlos Cuadras @CuadrasOficial,
@ Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, Golden Boy Promotions @GoldenBoyBoxing, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChocolatitoOfficial, www.facebook/CarlosCuadras,
www. facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Also follow Seniesa Estrada on Twitter @SeniesaEstrada.

Use the hashtags #GonzalezCuadras and #KamegaiSotoKarass, #KSK2 to join the conversation on social media.

Media Contacts:

BROOKLYN (August 17, 2016) – Exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero is ready to make a statement in the featherweight division beginning with his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown against undefeated Derrick Murray this Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

Televised coverage on NBCSN begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent battling in a matchup of unbeaten rivals. PBC on NBC will begin at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and sees undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

Marrero enters this bout the winner of six-straight fights, including a sensational knockout of former world champion Rico Ramos last July. Now, the self-described “boxer-puncher with exceptional defense” is looking to get himself a world title opportunity and show off his skills against the unbeaten Murray on Sunday.

Here is what Marrero had to say about his start in the Dominican Republic, his opponent, the featherweight division and more:

What was it like growing up in the Dominican Republic?

Claudio Marrero: It was really tough…my dad was a jack of all trades and I was the oldest of three boys. My dad was my biggest influence on keeping me out of trouble. He trained me early on as an amateur and that’s where I developed my fundamentals. Because of him I’m here today and I’m very grateful.

How did you first get introduced to boxing? What boxers did you look up to growing up?

CM: As a child, my dad and I would watch fights. He thought boxing would keep me off the streets, where 9 out of 10 kids in my country end up dead, or in jail. Around 8-years old I started boxing. Favorite fighter is Pernell “Sweet Pee” Whitaker.

When did you come to America? What led you to making that decision?

CM: The journey to come to America started in January of 2010, when my manager/trainer now, Herman Caicedo, came to the D.R. to scout Juan Carlos Payano and myself. We met and he promised to work hard on our behalf and look out for us. Unlike many others who had said similar things, Herman was a man of his word. I was able to solidify myself with hard work, so here we are.

Q. Talk about your team and how they’ve helped you transition to life in America and progress your boxing career:

CM: There has been one man who has helped with everything I know in Boxing as a pro, and life here in the states, and that’s Herman Caicedo, our manager/trainer. He took us on as his kids and treated us like his own children, not just fighters. All of us who train with him owe our progression and discipline to him. In addition, Henry Rivalta and Gary Jonas, our other managers, have been very instrumental in the progress as well. We are a strong team with goals of becoming world champions together.

Q. What do you know about your opponent? What kind of problems does he pose?

CM: I know he’s undefeated. I know he’s coming to win and that he’s from St. Louis. There isn’t anything I see in him that has me concerned except the fact that he’s unbeaten. Anyone who is unbeaten is going to go that extra mile to come out victorious. But that really is not a problem in my eyes. I’m a hungry fighter as well. The problem for him is that he stands in my way of getting back in the ring with all the top guys.

Q. How important is a win on August 21 to your career? Which fighters would you like to face next and how do you think you matchup with the top featherweights?

CM: I want everyone all at 126 pounds. These guys have been evading, ducking and dodging me. None of these guys want to face me. I want them all. I’ll fight them all on the same night if I have to. I’m tired of them hiding. It’s very frustrating when my managers tell me they don’t want to fight me. So I must make a statement each time I step in the ring and it starts with Derrick Murray.

Q. What is your prediction for your fight on August 21?

CM: My opponent will feel pain!

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

New York, NY (8/17/16) – Just one month after his successful title defense against Chris Arreola on July 16, WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) is on the fast track to recovery following injuries suffered during the bout to his right hand and biceps.

Making the fourth defense of his title, Wilder dominated Arreola for eight one-sided rounds to earn his 36th stoppage victory in front of nearly 12,000 fans at the Legacy Arena, in Birmingham, AL. Wilder set out to hurt Arreola early on, staggering him in round two with a powerful straight right. Wearing him down further in the third, Wilder dropped Arreola hard in round four with a jab-straight right combination, then wobbled the challenger again as the bell sounded. It was during this attack that Wilder suffered his injuries, after which the champion focused on expertly outboxing his foe with stiff jabs and pinpoint left hooks upstairs. His face swollen and bloodied, a weary Arreola did not come out of his corner for round nine, awarding Wilder the TKO victory. The bout was televised in prime time on the FOX network, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

After the bout, Wilder was taken to UAB Hospital for an MRI that confirmed a broken hand and torn bicep injuries. Dr. Jimmy Robinson, Wilder’s physician since his pro debut, who is also the Chair for Sports Medicine and Team Physician for the University of Alabama, set him up for the appropriate surgeries at the acclaimed Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, which has also serviced high profile athletes such as Roy Jones Jr., Terrell Owens and Brett Favre. On July 21, Dr. Lyle Cain repaired a ruptured distal biceps tendon at the elbow. On July 28, Wilder’s right hand was operated on by Dr. Kathleen McKeon, who performed an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of his fourth and fifth metacarpal.

“The surgeries were completed by well-renowned surgeons and were an absolute success,” said Dr. Robinson. “I anticipate that Wilder will be back fighting by the end of this year or January of next year. As he is healing, part of his rehab will be to restore range motion to the elbow and get his strength back, which will expedite his recovery. The repair to his right hand should make it as solid and as strong as it can be, so that no further injuries are sustained. In fact, with his rehab, I anticipate the power in his right hand only to increase.”

“We’re thrilled that both surgeries were so successful and that Deontay is on the road back,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s a dedicated champion and will work diligently to return better than ever. It’s great for Deontay, boxing and the heavyweight division that he will be able to defend his title when the calendar turns to 2017.”

“Deontay and I will be working out as he heals so that he will be prepared the moment he is fully healed,” said Wilder’s trainer Jay Deas. “He will be in the gym working on conditioning, his footwork, and we’ll be working his left hand overtime so that when the right hand is cleared, we will be ready to take a fight. I think Deontay will be ready to fight by the last part of this year or by January the latest.”

“I’ve always known that my body is a fast healing body because I am an elite athlete and the doctor confirmed that,” said Wilder, who has proudly worn his WBC belt since capturing it in January 2015 by defeating Bermane Stiverne. “We’re going to pick up where we left off. I’m looking forward to unifying the division. That’s my main goal. I don’t want to stop. I don’t need a tune-up. I don’t need a warm-up. I don’t need none of that. Once everything is healed with the arm, I’m going to get back to right where I left off.”

For additional information, you can visit www.dbe1.com, follow us on Twitter @loudibella @DiBellaEnt or like our fan page on facebook/DiBellaEntertainment.

Milwaukee, Wisc. (August 17, 2016)–LUIS “CUBA” ARIAS will take on battle tested Darryl Cunningham (33-8, 13 KO’s) for the USBA Middleweight title this Saturday night at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.

Also on the bill will be two more Roc Nation fighters that are managed by Victory
Sports & Entertainment in undefeated prospects, super lightweight SONNY FREDRICKSON and featherweight TYLER MCCREARY.

Arias (15-0, 7 KO’s) of Milwaukee, was a highly touted amateur who was a 2008
and 2010 national champion, and he will be will be looking for his first professional title and a ranking in the IBF.

In Cunningham, Arias is fighting a 14 year veteran who has wins over former world title challengers Antwun Echols and Rubin Williams.

This will be the 2nd consecutive fight for the 26 year-old Arias in his hometown where he has proven to be a bona fide attraction and ticket seller.

On June 4, Arias stopped Jorge Silva in three rounds at the same venue and had Milwaukee fight fans eager for him to return.

Fredrickson of Toledo has a record of 13-0 with nine knockouts, will make his third start of 2016.

The 22 year-old power puncher, recently identified by Ring Magazine as one of the new faces to keep an eye on in the sport, continues to develop as he will take on the tough veteran Ramesis Gil.

Gil has wins over previously undefeated Carney Bowman & Luis Joel Gonzales.

The speedy and highly skilled McCreary, also of Toledo, Ohio has a record of 10-0 with six knockouts and like Fredrickson, will be making his third appearance of 2016.

McCreary’s opponent will be veteran gatekeeper Dwayne Wisdom.

“This is a big night for our three fighters,” said Rick Torres of Victory Sports and Entertainment.

“These are three of the brightest prospects in boxing, and in “Cuba’s” case, it is time for him to make a move to the next level. We feel he is getting better everyday under John David Jackson, and with a win he becomes a legitimate contender in the middleweight division. The fights will only get bigger from here for “Cuba”, his time is now and we’re confident that he will become a force in the middleweight division for years to come. Sonny and Tyler are coming along very nicely. They are getting the right fights and getting much needed experience as they continue in their development. Gil is a capable opponent, who should provide Sonny a good test, while Wisdom should be a good learning experience for Tyler, after that, we will look to step them up with each fight.

Victory Sports & Entertainment is an athlete management company with offices in New York and Las Vegas. Founded by noted sports attorney Rick Torres and boxing trainer Michael Leanardi, Victory has steadily built an impressive stable of young prospects that it is grooming for future stardom. Victory Sports’ website iswww.victorysportsent.com.

17 August 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its collaboration with Tune Talk and UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP (UMG) for the event ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS which is set to take place at the Stadium Negara on 2 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. UMG will be bringing artists Faizal Tahir and Ella to perform live at the event. The card will be headlined by a massive bout between Malaysia’s own Ev “E.T.” Ting and Australia’s “Ruthless” Rob Lisita.

Photos of the press conference can be downloaded here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9cw1hyyk3pwkghw/AADevcbpqbIPTOU3IHuNqMy0a?dl=0

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated, “The fans in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur are some of the most passionate people in the world. The atmosphere of live ONE Championship events in this city is hard to match anywhere in the world. Earlier this year, ONE had great success with matching together live MMA with elements of a rock concert in Bangkok. It was such an amazing show. Together with our partners UMG and Tune Talk, we are going to do the same for the people of Kuala Lumpur. Fans can expect an awesome evening of incredible fights, action, excitement and world-class musical performances.”

Mr Kenny Ong, Managing Director of UMG, Malaysia and Singapore, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with ONE Championship on an evening of live sporting action and music. We are excited with the concept of a live MMA sport event combined with the energy and adrenaline of a rock concert, and making this a historic occasion. Kuala Lumpur will witness an atmosphere like no other at ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS. We are ecstatic for everyone to be part of all the excitement of fight night.”

Jason Lo, Tune Talk CEO stated, “When Tune Talk started this partnership with ONE Championship five years ago, you just knew great things were in store. The dream was to build an MMA community here in Malaysia because we foresaw the potential that the sport has. We ended up uniting Malaysians for the love of MMA. Through hard work and dedication from both companies, the Malaysian MMA scene has grown healthily with locally bred MMA fighters through the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA). Mohd Aiman, Keanu Subba and Agilan Thani, are among great talents discovered by MIMMA. These MIMMA Champions are now fighting for ONE Championship alongside the existing big names of MMA in Malaysia, proving that our country can produce top-notch talented fighters. ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS will be one for the record books due to the massive fights which will draw attention globally. Malaysia will again bear witness to the rise of Malaysian MMA and nothing shall halt our dreams of taking the sport into unprecedented levels.”

Malaysian MMA star Ev “E.T.” Ting returns to Kuala Lumpur to showcase his world-class mixed martial arts skills in front of his hometown crowd opposite fierce challenger “Ruthless” Rob Lisita of Campbelltown, Australia. The two featherweight standouts will do battle in a three-round main event showdown.

Ev “E.T.” Ting is a mixed martial artist of Malaysian descent. He lives and trains out of Auckland, New Zealand, and has amassed a stellar 11-3 record so far in his professional career. A winner of his last two bouts by impressive submission over top caliber opponents, Ting is one of the most talented fighters to come out of Malaysia.

33-year-old “Ruthless” Rob Lisita of Campbelltown, Australia, is known as a relentless offensive force, armed with powerful striking combinations intended to score highlight-reel finishes. He is 14-8 as a professional mixed martial artist, and has proven to be a fixture in big fights owing to his fan-friendly style. A veteran fighter who has faced the best in his division and beyond, Lisita looks to continue fulfilling his goal of competing against the promotion’s top contenders.

The card will also feature Malaysian MMA stars Peter Davis, Ann “Athena” Osman, Agilan “Alligator” Thani, as well as Gianni and Keanu Subba. Three preliminary bouts will also be available live via Facebook Livestream.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

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 largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, Physique TV, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.

About Tune Talk
Tune Talk is the fastest-growing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Asia, officially launching commercial services in Malaysia in 2009. Our target is to provide super low rates and exciting incentives to the market. Our prepaid service offers voice, SMS, data and BlackBerry packages that meet the demands for a simple, value-for-money product with easy accessibility and a wide distribution reach. As a member of the Tune Group of companies, we have the advantage of providing a completely unique lifestyle service with offers by Tune Money, Tune Hotels, Tune Insurance, BIG Loyalty Programme and AirAsia. For more information, please visit www.tunetalk.com.

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

Ryan Burnett will defend his British Bantamweight title against Ryan Farrag at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on October 15, live on Sky Sports.

Burnett defends his belt for the first time since landing the crown with a shutout win over Jason Booth in November, entering the bout in fine form having won the WBC International strap in February and defending it in July.

The Belfast man will be in for a testing night in and out of the ring against Liverpool fans’ favourite Farrag, as the former European champion looks to get straight back into title winning form with his first crack at the Lord Lonsdale bet.

“I’m really excited to finally be defending my British title and in a fight that the British fight fans are really going to get behind,” said Booth. “The build-up is going to be great and I think that someone like Ryan will bring the best out of me and I will perform well against him because he’s a very good fighter.

“Fighting in someone else’s backyard is one of those bridges that you have to cross at different points in your career. I’m going into the Lion’s den and putting my belt on the line, you have to do these things to prove that you are a proper champion.”

Burnett’s clash with Farrag comes on the undercard of Tony Bellew’s first defence of his WBC World Cruiserweight title against colourful Californian BJ Flores, with popular Birkenhead man Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defending his WBC International Lightweight title against Gary Sykes and Liverpool favourites David Price and Rocky Fielding set for action.

Tickets go on sale at midday today (Tuesday August 16) to Matchroom Fight Pass members via the following link: http://www.stubhub.co.uk/event/9635558/?gcid=chPrt-_-geoUK-_-genboxing-_-cpgbellewoctfightpass-_-partmatchroom Tickets are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP

Tickets will go on general sale at midday on Wednesday August 17 via www.echoarena.com or by calling 0844 8000 400 priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150. VIP tickets will be available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

BROOKLYN (August 16, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy is ready to take center stage and she has garnered the praise of the sport’s top fighters as she prepares to take on longtime rival Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN action Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.

PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on unbeaten Derrick Murray. PBC on NBC is headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator that begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

Always in entertaining battles, Hardy’s punches per round stats far exceed the average for her weight class and prove why everyone believes her matchup with Vincent will be all-action. In six CompuBox-tracked fights, Hardy has averaged 83.4 punches per two-minute round, which projects to a staggering 111.2 if fought over three minutes. This number would far exceed the two men’s leaders Roman Gonzalez and Leo Santa Cruz. Her two-minute output of 83.4 punches per round would rank her fourth among the men over three minutes, ahead of hard-hitters Gennady Golovkin (68.6), Andrzej Fonfara (75.1), Orlando Salido (71) and Abner Mares (69.4) amongst others in the top ten.

“I think that if there is a female boxer out there that should and deserves to be seen, it’s Heather Hardy,” said former world champion Shawn Porter. “She has put tons of work in. I have seen her fight and train and she is a top competitor and a true athlete in this sport. Some people think it’s taking a chance to put women’s boxing on television, but I think Heather Hardy is the best person to take that chance on. I don’t know anyone that is more worthy of this shot.”

“Heather Hardy is always in fan friendly and entertaining fights,” said former world champion Paulie Malignaggi. “Off the top of my head, I cannot think of a dull Heather Hardy fight. Plus, she brings a big following and that always makes for a fun, noisy crowd and atmosphere.”

A fan-favorite in Brooklyn, Hardy has been helping to fill local venues for years including Barclays Center, where she has fought seven times as a pro. Now, her long awaited matchup with the unbeaten New Englander Vincent has given her the opportunity to show her talents on a bigger stage.

“I couldn’t be happier for my fellow Brooklynite Heather Hardy,” said middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase her talents on TV, and one that she has rightfully earned. This is huge, not only for her, bur for women’s boxing in general.”

“I think it’s a great for Heather to get this opportunity,” said Spence Jr. “It’s not common that we see women’s boxing on television but there are a lot of women who deserve it. This is great for them and it’s great for the sport.”

“Heather has been working incredibly hard and grinding for years,” said former world champion Chris Algieri. “It’s great to see her get the exposure she deserves after the time and commitment she has put in to get to this point. She’s one of the most consistent performers in the local area and it’s time for the rest of the world to see her hard work and skills.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Crystal City, Virginia (August 16, 2016)—-Undefeated Mykal Fox will make his 2nd headlining appearance this Friday night when he takes on Somner Martin in a junior welterweight bout scheduled for eight rounds from the Crystal City Hilton in Crystal City, Virginia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has a record of 10-0 with two knockouts.

The 20 year-old will be making his 3rd appearance in 2016, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Valderrama on June 28th in Bethlehem, PA.

Fox, who headlined on February 27th when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Claudnei Lacerda.

Fox is starting to become an attraction in the Beltway region.

“We had another great camp. The sparring was excellent and now we we are just waiting for the weigh in on Thursday,” stated Fox.

When asked about Martin, Fox knew very little about his foe.

“I know his name and his record. He fought (fellow undefeated Beltway fighter) Kareem Martin. Kareem told me that if I box I will have no problem.”

Fox is settling in to becoming a known commodity and main event fighter.

“This is the 2nd time that I will be on top of the card. It is a great feeling and it’s great to have that done in my home area. After this fight, I plan to fight on the road again, but headlining is a great step in my career.”

Even though he is just twenty years-old, Fox feels that he is ready to take on the next level of fighters.

“I would like to step up soon. I have double digit wins and I feel that I am ready for that. I want a chance to test my skills and see where I belong.”

“I am just ready for August 19 and hope the fans come out

In a six-round heavyweight co-feature of undefeated heavyweights, Luther Smith (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland will take on Mike Balogun (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

In four-round bouts:

Super Middleweight Devar Ferhadi (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Frederick, Maryland taking on an Christopher Petty (0-2) of St. Louis, Missouri

In four-round bouts:

Jordan White (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Sergio Aguilar (0-4) of Homestead, Florida in a bantamweight bout.

Marcus Bates (3-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Daniel Hernandez (0-1-1) of Queens, NY in a featherweight bout,

Sam Crossed (3-0, 1 KO) of Greenbelt, Maryland will take on Mike Estus (0-3) of Ames, Iowa.

Colby Madison (2-0, 1 KO) of Owings Mills, Maryland will tangle with an Bryson Haubrick (Pro debut)s) of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, in a heavyweight bout.

Patrick Rivera of Edgewood, Maryland will make his pro debut when he fights Dustin Caplinger (2-8, 1 KO) of Columbus, OH in a junior middleweight bout.

Phillip Hooker of Washington, DC will make his pro debut against David Rohn (0-6-1) of Villa Park, IL in a middleweight bout.

Tickets $50/$75/$100 and are available by calling 301.890.2430 or by clicking
www.KPboxing.com.

TOKYO – August 16, 2016 – RIZIN FF, the combat sports federation headed by former PRIDE Fighting Championships boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara, today revealed at a press conference the matchups for the three women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bouts slated for the highly-anticipated Grand Prix event in Tokyo on Sunday, Sept. 25.

Facing off with previously announced, undefeated MMA rising star and ninth degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Gabi Garcia (2-0) will be fellow unbeaten prospect and professional football standout Destanie Yarbrough (1-0).

Three-time junior Olympic wrestling medalist and undefeated MMA upstart Kanako Murata (3-0) will square off with Combate Americas MMA star Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (5-3) in a strawweight (115 pounds) contest.

Renowned shoot boxing champion Rena Kubota (1-0) will make her second start under MMA rules against famed women’s freestyle wrestling pioneer Miyuu Yamamoto (0-0), who will make her long-awaited MMA debut on the same card as her son, Asen Yamamoto (0-1). The weight limit of the Kubota-Yamamoto matchup will be announced soon.

In addition, it was announced that five new fighters – heavyweights Jiri “Denisa” Prochazka (17-3-1) of the Czech Republic and Amir Aliakbari (2-0) of Iran, and light heavyweights Teodorasu Aukstuolis (9-3) of Lithuania, “King” Karl Albrektsson (5-0) of Sweden and Valentine Moldavski (3-0) of Russia – have all been added to the much-anticipated, 16-man open weight tournament that will kick off and headline the September 25 event.

The five fighters join previously announced MMA legend Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (MMA: 31-11-1, 1 NC; Kickboxing: 23-8, 12 KO’s), fellow PRIDE FC veteran and combat sports fan favorite Kazuyuki Fujita (15-11) and former sumo wrestling champion Baruto Kaito (1-0) in the multi-event, single-elimination affair.

The tournament’s first stage matchups will be announced soon.

Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough

The 6-foot-2, 30-year-old Garcia of Porto Alege, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil will look for her third consecutive MMA victory following her second round (2:04) submission (armbar) of Anna Malyukova at the RIZIN FF extravaganza on April 17.

Yarbrough of Fresno, Calif. is a 5-foot-7, 28-year-old running back for the Women’s Football Alliance squad, the Central Cal War Angels, which finished its 2016 season with a perfect, 7-0 record. The stocky powerhouse led the league last season in both touchdowns and rushing yards.

A lifelong athlete, Yarbrough made an explosive, professional MMA debut on April 1, scoring a 33-second TKO (doctor stoppage) on Crystal Parson.

Caption: Combate Americas MMA star Kyra Batara (above) will make her RIZIN FF debut against Kanako Murata

Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara

The 5-foot-1, 23-year-old Murata of Ehime, Japan will make her debut at strawweight following three consecutive wins, the last two of which came by way of TKO (punches), in flyweight (125 pounds) contests.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., the 4-foot-11, 21-year-old Batara, who typically fights in the atomweight (105 pounds) division, is riding a three-fight win streak under the promotion of U.S. Hispanic MMA franchise, Combate Americas.

In her last start, Batara finished Jenny “The Phoenix” Silverio in unprecedented fashion – a ground and pound version of Eddie Bravo’s patented “twister” – that earned Batara, a protégé of Bravo, a TKO in the second round (4:13) of battle.

Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto

The 5-foot-3, 25-year-old Kubota of Osaka, Japan is a three-time shoot boxing tournament champion who boasts a stellar, career kickboxing record of 25-5-1 (6 KO’s).

Kubota made her much-anticipated MMA rules debut at the inaugural RIZIN FF event on December 31, submitting Jleana Valentino with a brilliantly executed flying armbar in the second round (3:31) of action.

The daughter of Olympic wrestler Ikuei Yamamoto and elder sister of MMA superstar and 2005 K-1 HERO’s Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, the 5-foot-1, 42-year-old Miyuu of Kanagawa, Japan will enter a new chapter in her career and family legacy when she steps in the RIZIN FF squared circle for the first time.

Miyuu earned her first national wrestling championship when she was 13 years old, and subsequently defended it four straight years. At age 17, she became the youngest world champion in history.

Miyuu’s son, Asen, will collide with Kizaemon Saiga (2-1) of Sakai, Japan at a weight to be determined.

RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round

Updated Fight Card

Open Weight Tournament Bout: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Kazuyuki Fujita vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Baruto Kaito vs. TBA
Lightweight: Daron Cruickshank vs. Andy Souwer
Heavyweight: Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough
Strawweight: Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara
Weight TBD: Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto
Weight TBD: Asen Yamamoto vs. Kizaemon Saiga

Follow RIZIN FF:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR

Live professional boxing comes to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles this Wednesday, August 17th at Exchange L.A. on 618 S. Spring Street.

The former L.A. Stock Exchange Building and Current 4-story Nightclub will host the first installment of “DTLA FIGHTS” – a showcase of California’s hottest young boxing talent.

DTLA FIGHTS will feature the following local prospects:
• 15-Time National Champion Ryan Garcia (3-0)
• Burbank Boxing Club’s amateur standout Damien Lopez (1-0)
• Wildcard Boxing Club’s Brian Flores (4-0) and Mike Melikian (1-1)
• Main Events boxers Madiyar Ashkeyev (4-0) and Enriko Gogokhia (1-0)
• Robert Garcia Boxing Academy’s debutante’s Elvis Buenrostro and Ashkat Ualikhanov
• 15th Round Boxing’s Alexander Enriquez (0-0-1)
• WSB veteran Oleg Zubenko (2-0)
• East L.A.’s Miguel Alcantara (2-0)
• Oxnard’s Garbriel Sarti (pro debut)

DTLA FIGHTS is presented by PR SPORTS PROMOTIONS in association with BASH BOXING and MAIN EVENTS.

Tickets to DTLA FIGHTS are available online at www.DTLAFights.com and will be available at the EXCHANGE L.A. Box Office.

Doors Open at 6:00pm; First Bout at 6:30pm.

All bouts are subject to change.

New York, NY (August 16, 2016) – Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will sit in with DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God as a special guest on Power 105.1 FM’s critically acclaimed Breakfast Club Wednesday, August 17 at 9:30 AM ET.

Known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Morning Show,” the Breakfast Club is a syndicated radio show based out of New York City that airs in 15 markets. The Breakfast Club was named the #1 radio program in the nation by The Source Magazine and regularly features world famous musicians, athletes, actors, activists and politicians.
Melson, the World Boxing Council’s USNBC junior middleweight champion, is a recognizable figure in and out of the ring. The 2003 West Point graduate and Army Reserve Officer has raised close to $400,000 for Team Fight to Walk, a 501(c)(3) that raises funds and awareness towards curing Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. He is also a sought after public speaker who has spoken at schools, to college sports teams, the military and corporate America.
Outside of his aforementioned responsibilities, Melson’s proud to be closely involved with various causes and organizations including Stop Soldier Suicide and BOXER Inc. among many others. On August 15, he was the humanitarian honoree for the New York Sportscene Children Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Last year, Ring Magazine nominated Melson for Most Inspirational due to his philanthropy.
In June, Melson served as a mentor at Steve Harvey’s annual Youth Mentorship Camp. One of the special guest speakers was Charlamagne Tha God. Melson and Charlamagne spent time together at the camp, exchanging contact information. To his pleasant surprise, he was invited to be a guest on Power 105.1’s hit show.
“The Breakfast Club is one of the most popular morning shows out there and I’m incredibly honored they’ve selected me as a guest,” Melson said of the invite. “Many of the biggest names in music, film and sports have appeared. I’d like to thank Power 105.1 and Charlamagne personally for this incredible opportunity on such a large scale.”
The Breakfast Club can be heard across the world by logging onto power1051.iheart.com or on the IHeartRadio app.

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of red-hot light heavyweight contender Samuel “Main Event” Clarkson to a co-promotional agreement, along with Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions LLC.

25-year-old Clarkson (17-3, 11 KOs), from Cedar Hill, Texas, had a sensational year in 2015, scoring five wins, including two impressive ShoBox: The New Generation-televised victories over then 15-1 Lavarn Harvell (TKO 2) and then 13-1 Jerry Odom (TKO 3).

Clarkson also beat former world title challenger Cedric Agnew (then 27-1) by decision on DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing.

Trained by his father, Samuel Sr., since starting in boxing at age 17, the southpaw Clarkson went 69-9 as an amateur, winning the 2009 National PAL Amateur Championship and a pair of Texas Golden Gloves State Championships.

“It’s a blessing,” said Clarkson of the signing. “We sat down and talked to Greg Cohen about the opportunities he could offer me and my family in the boxing business and I’m looking forward to a very bright future.”

Clarkson says his streak of impressive victories started when he began to focus on more than his punching power.

“In my amateur days, I had a lot of knockouts,” he explained. “I knocked out everybody, but then in the pros I started to focus more on my boxing skills. I learned you can’t just go in there and swing hard punches and knock everybody out. I dissect my opponents now before getting them out of there. I pick them apart and then, when I see somebody hurt, I go in for the kill. That’s the biggest change in me.”

Clarkson Sr., a former marine who fought for Detroit’s Kronk Gym as an amateur, says he’s equally excited about his son’s promotional deal.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to showcase Samuel’s skills to the world and Greg Cohen will give us the opportunity to do that.”

“Samuel Clarkson is the type of fighter who continues to improve every year,” said Greg Cohen. “He has really come together as a legitimate threat in the light heavyweight division and I’m happy to be working with him and his team. Ronson Frank and I have some big plans in store for Samuel. He’s a big puncher with a great comeback story and a he and his father are genuinely nice people. He provides the kinds of wins that TV networks love. I see tremendous potential in him.”

Clarkson says his streak of high-profile victories and now his promotional arrangement will allow him to continue doing the two things he’s passionate about, fighting and helping others.

“I have met a lot of young people that come from a similar background who are watching me now and looking up to me. If I can do anything to help them, I will. My success in boxing is allowing me to help influence them and help them understand that there is a lot more to life than what they currently see. It won’t be easy, but you have to work hard and go for it. That is a blessing to be able to do that.”
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAS VEGAS (August 15, 2016) – “Knockout Night at the D” returns to Las Vegas with the fourth series installment of the popular professional boxing series, Friday night, September 9, airing (11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT) live on CBS Sports Network from the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
(DLVEC).

The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside on CBS Sports Network.

Undefeated prospect Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (15-0-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of San Diego, faces Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (33-4-1, 16 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.

The 28-year-old Robles is a former WBC Latino super lightweight champion, as well as a 2008 National PAL gold medalist. The gifted southpaw has reeled-off 11consecutive victories since his 2012 draw with 7-0 Adrian Vargas. NABA No. 1 contender Robles’ signature win to date was last year’s second-round stoppage of Leon Spinks III, grandson of former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist Leon Spinks, who left the ring on a stretcher. Also notable are winning decisions versus 15-1 Yordenis Ugas and 13-1 Jonathan Chicas. His last fight was a fourth-round technical knockout of Gerardo Cuevas this past May.

Claggett, 27, is coming off of a disputed 10-round majority decision loss to Chris Van Heerden (23-2-1) last April at the DLVEC. Fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Claggett is dropping down one weight class in order to challenge junior welterweight Robles for the vacant NABA – United States title.

Steve Claggett (photo by Tom Donoghue / the D)

In a rare battle of unbeaten prospects, Roland “Rola” Garza (9-0, 6 KOs) meets popular California junior middleweight Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature.

Garza, 24, was an outstanding amateur boxer in Mexico, where he compiled a 120-12 record, earning a spot on the Mexican National Team. This past June, Garza won a thrilling 6-round decision over previously unbeaten Erasmo Garcia (5-0-1) at the DLVEC.

(L) Roland Garza (photo by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / RJJ Boxing)

The always entertaining Macias, 25, who crows like a rooster in the ring before and after fights, had fans on their feet in his last fight, which was a non-stop brawl at the DLVEC with Limberth Ponce this past April, ending in a unanimous 8-round decision for Macias.

Neeco Macias (photo by Tom Donoghue / the D)

Undercard fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:15 p.m. PT.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.

CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.dlvec.com, www.thed.com, www.royjonesjrboxing.com, www.knockoutnightboxing.com

Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/dlvec, www.Facebook.com/thedlasvegas
About the D Las Vegas: the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.

About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center: Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-times world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. Based in Las Vegas, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as undefeated super welterweight John Vera, former 3x world super bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, along with Tony Lopez and Hanzel Martinez, lightweight Demond Brock, super featherweight Randy Moreno, cruiserweight Irsael Duffus, bantamweight Max Ornelas, super lightweight Emanuel Robles, middleweight Rolanda Garza & light heavy weight Adrian Taylor.

About Neon Star Media LLC: Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results. At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets. We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/