Abdul Khattab’s (11-1-0, 3 KOs) comeback trail begins on September 12 at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn when the talented Danish middleweight returns to the ring following his first career defeat to face Hungarian Istvan Kiss (20-19, 10 KOs).

“I can’t wait to get back into ring,” exclaims Khattab. A statement familiar from most boxers as they prepare to go to battle, but in Khattab’s case, there’s clearly more at stake. You can definitely sense some relief in his voice.

In May, Khattab, exhausted and unable to continue, lost to Howard Cospolite via a fifth-round technical knockout. It was an unexpected performance from 22 year-old that needed to be analysed.

“I had some blood samples taken, made a cardiac examination and my diet was examined, but there was nothing to show me any concern. I have no good explanation for why I ran out of steam,” said Khattab, who felt he showed up in excellent shape for the fight against Cospolite.

“Luckily, nothing is wrong and I will do my best to erase the impression I gave in my last fight. I’m too ambitious and too proud to let that happen again. I have had a good long holiday and feeling ready and hungry to return.

“Kiss is a good opponent and I’m expecting a tough fight, but this is a fight I need to win. He is a southpaw, so I’ve been sparring with Patrick Nielsen and Hampus Henriksson to prepare myself.

‘’I know Hampus Henriksson very well from my amateur days, he is a very good technical boxer that will only get better and we all know how good Patrick Nielsen is, so I cannot be better prepared to make a great comeback!”

Tickets for ‘Collision Course’ featuring Patrick Nielsen vs. Samir Santos Barbosa and Rudy Markussen vs. Ramazi Gogichashvili are on sale now and available via arenanord.dk. All the action will be shown live on Viasat channels in Denmark.

A Scandinavian showdown is set for September 19 when undefeated Swedish fighter Sven Fornling (7-0, 5 KOs) squares off against Norwegian rival Simen Smaadal (10-1, 4 KOs) at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.

Full of confidence, Smaadal, from Langhus, Norway, issued a social media challenge to Fornling, which the Malmo-boxer happily accepted, paving the way for a fascinating match up between the two 26 year-old fighters.

‘’I respect Smaadal for choosing to challenge me,’’ said Fornling, ‘’I think that the Nordic fighters should put their neck out a bit more and fight each other.

‘’If you look at his ranking you could argue that he will be my toughest opponent so far, but to judge the fighting skills of a boxer you must look at more than just their ranking on Boxrec. I think he will give me a good fight but if it will be my hardest so far is difficult to predict.

‘’What I can predict is that it will be six rounds of war and chaos. Smaadal is a bit taller than me and in the opening rounds he might be able to keep me at a distance, but as the fight goes on I will get to him and fight at the pace and distance I prefer – close and hard.

‘’I know I have the tools to stop him, and if I do my thing he will have massive problems avoiding my devastating shots. I expect a late KO victory for me.’’

‘’Fornling looks like a good athlete and I expect him to come in good shape and full of self-confidence,’’ said Smaadal. ‘’However, he has never fought anyone like me!

‘’He may be undefeated but he has only ever fought journeymen. I’ve been through some hard fights against much better opposition and that will give me a big advantage. This is his first fight against a real professional, and I’m going to be bringing my A-game to Sweden. It was a brave move for him to accept my challenge but not a smart one. This fight is mine!

‘’He may be the home fighter but I’m sure that after the fight I will have 5,000 new Swedish supporters. I know the fans will be loud and I love fighting when the atmosphere is blowing through the roof.

‘’I’m more than ready for this fight. My training has been going well and I feel stronger everyday. For the next two weeks I’ll be in Denmark sparring with WBA Intercontinental Champion Patrick Nielsen, and that will give me the sharpness and focus I need to win.’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’This could well be the fight of the night! We have two, young hungry fighters facing off and neither will want to budge an inch. They can both box and they can both punch, and the Sweden vs. Norway rivalry will give it an extra spice. This is what the Nordic Fight Night is all about!’’

Fornling and Smaadal’s Scandinavian showdown is the latest addition to a stacked Nordic Fight Night card on September 19 in Nyköping featuring Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak, Klara Svensson’s IBF Female World Light Welterweight Championship challenge against Marisa Gabriela Nunez, Anthony Yigit’s crunch light welterweight clash versus Chaquib Fadli, Otto Wallin’s heavyweight showdown with Vladimir Goncharov and Swedish amateur star Hampus Henriksson’s professional debut. Tickets are available via biljettforum.se.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 19, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of highly sought after wrestling prospect Tyrell Fortune to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.

The 25-year-old’s focus is currently set on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, which he will attempt to qualify for during Olympic Trials next April. Regardless of whether or not he does make the team, Fortune hopes to have his first heavyweight mixed martial arts contest in early 2016.

“Wrestling in the Olympics and representing The United States of America has always been a dream of mine,” Fortune said. “Now that the dream is nearly a reality, I have taken the necessary steps to make sure I’m able to provide for myself going forward and there’s no better place to do that than with Scott Coker and Bellator MMA. I can’t wait to show the heavyweight division what I can do inside the cage and I look forward to being one of the names that continues to propel Bellator MMA to the top of the mixed martial arts landscape.”

Fortune attended high school at Lakeridge in Oregon, where he won state championships in nearly every national age-group championship in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. The accolades didn’t stop there, with Fortune accepting an offer to wrestle at Ohio State University, before ultimately settling in at the renowned Grand Canyon Universities program. Since graduating college, Fortune has represented Team USA in Olympic style wrestling, which he ultimately hopes culminates in the American National Anthem playing while he stands atop a podium in Rio.

Splitting time between wrestling training in Arizona alongside fellow Bellator MMA competitor and Olympic hopeful Ed Ruth and mixed martial arts training with the Blackzilians in Florida, Fortune has spent a great deal of time honing his striking talents and submission defense.

For a full analysis of Fortune’s time as a wrestler, take a look at Michael Riordan’s article on Bloody Elbow from 2014, where he offered Fortune high praise: “I fully expect him to establish himself as the best MMA heavyweight in the entire world within five years.”

Fortune joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospect Aaron Pico and Ruth on the roster. All three competitors will turn their focus to MMA following the Olympic Games next year. When the time comes, Fortune will be competing in Bellator’s heavyweight division alongside current title-holder Vitaly Minakov, Cheick Kongo, Lorenzo Hood, Kimbo Slice, Tony Johnson, Bobby Lashley, amongst others.

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

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

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 19, 2015) — A heavyweight tilt featuring feared striker Ewerton Teixeira (3-0) taking on Vinicius Queiroz (7-3) has been added to the main card of “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis” at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas on September 25.

Two lightweight tilts will also emanate from The Lone Star State, when Jose Flores (3-0) meets Guillermo Gonzalez (3-0) and Guilherme Farias da Costa (3-0) faces Jared Chaffe (4-1). A third preliminary bout features two undefeated welterweight prospects who also share a record of 3-0, when Bryce Mejia takes on Abdul Razak Alhassan.
Teixeira versus Queiroz completes the main card of “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis,” which airs live on Spike at 8 p.m. CT. The three previously confirmed fights feature Joe Warren (12-4) taking on L.C. Davis (23-6) in the bantamweight headlining attraction, while the Bellator 143 co-main event will pit Joey Beltran (16-11, 1 NC) against top middleweight Kendall Grove (21-15) and Henry Corrales (12-1) battling Emmanuel Sanchez (10-2). Additional preliminary bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis,” which start at just $20, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and the State Farm Arena box office. Doors for the event open at 5 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place a half an hour later.

A black belt in Kyokushin karate, the 33-year-old Teixeira has been racking up titles in striking competitions for more than a decade. Teixeira reached the pinnacle of standup fighting in 2008, when he earned that year’s K-1 World Grand Prix in Fukuoka title and then fought his way to the K-1 World Grand Prix Final’s championship bout. Teixeira turned his attention to MMA in 2012, and has remained undefeated through his first three professional contests in the sport and is now ready to try his hand at MMA’s highest level.

Queiroz will be making his fourth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner when he enters the cage on September 25. A veteran of Ultimate Fighting Championship, “Spartan” has never allowed one of his seven professional victories to reach the judges’ scorecards. The Team Nogueira standout was slated to compete against Cheick Kongo at “Bellator 106: Chandler vs. Alvarez 2” but an injury derailed the tilt. After an inactive 2014, the 31-year-old will look to change the tide in 2015.

Further down the preliminary bouts, Jose Flores will make his Bellator MMA debut and look to keep his undefeated record intact in the process. The 27-year-old has finished all three of his fights on the regional circuit via submission. He will be going up against Gonzalez, who shares a perfect record through his first three professional bouts. Both fighters fight out of McAllen, TX, just a short drive from the State Farm Arena.

Another pair of talented local prospects will look to wow the home crowd when Guilherme Farias da Costa aims to stay unbeaten against Jared Chaffe, who most recently suffered the first loss of his professional career after the doctor stopped his fight due to a severe cut.

In another fight that will see someone’s undefeated record come to an end, San Diego’s Bryce Mejia will meet Abdul Razak Alhassan, who trains out of Arlington, TX.

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

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

MIAMI (August 19, 2015) – Perennial middleweight/super middleweight gatekeeper Marcus Upshaw finally opened the gate to the next chapter of his career last Saturday, knocking out previously undefeated Turkish prospect Bugra Oener at Wynwood Stadium in Miami, to capture the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) interim Mediterranean super middleweight title.

The 35-year-old Upshaw (18-4-4, 9 KOs) fought in his home state for the first time in 2 ½ years. He was on a seek-and-destroy mission against reigning WBC Youth super middleweight champion Oener (9-1, 3 KOs).

Upshaw admitted considering retirement after his previous fight, in which he dropped Las Vegas hometown favorite Lanell Bellows (12-1-1) three times yet lost an eight-round decision.

“I’ve been the gatekeeper for so long but I finally opened the gate,” Upshaw said. “This fight felt awesome, especially after my long, long journey. I was stressed out after my last fight. I beat myself up and felt there was no reason for me to continue my boxing career. I felt used and was ready to quit, but I was convinced to give it one more shot. I was ready to put my life on the line, going for it and not worrying about getting hit or hurt.

“I knew that I had to finish this time. My opponent was related to one of the promoters and, along with my history, I knew that I had to keep going to finish the job. I knew I had to knock him out and I trained hard to do just that. I’ve put the past behind me. The problem was always me. This fight was fun. I stepped into the devil’s playground and that brought out the ugly in me to get the job done.”

It may seem strange that a life-long Floridian like Upshaw is the interim WBC Mediterranean super middleweight champion, but he proudly displays his second title belt (see accompanying picture with Upshaw and manager Si Stern), to go along with the Florida State middleweight strap he won in 2009, when he knocked out another unbeaten prospect at the time, Ahsandi Gibbs (10-0). Equally strange were the cheers he heard from the crowd that serenaded him with chants of “USA, USA” as he entered the ring with Florida promoter Dave Johnson waving an American flag as he led the team walk to Upshaw’s corner.

“For a change I was fighting in my backyard and hearing fans shout, ‘USA, USA’ motivated me a lot,” Upshaw noted. “They had my back. I was honored and it got me extra psyched for the fight. I knew had to prove myself. I’m really a middleweight but I took this fight at super middleweight because it was a good opportunity for me.”

Upshaw has always been known for his toughness, going the distance, albeit in losses, with champions, contenders and prospects such as Mario Antonio Rubio, David Lemieux, Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez, Edwin Rodriguez, Patrick Majewski and Tarvis Simms.

“I’m very happy for Marcus after all he’s been through,” Upshaw’s longtime manager Si Stern (SHS Boxing Management) added. “Marcus was a different fighter in the ring this time….like he was a completely different guy,” “Marcus had been mistreated by people in the early part of his career who threw him in against guys weighing up to 175 pounds, fighting them on late notice in their backyards, and a lot of his losses were to world champions.

“Marcus has always had the power he showed against Oner, but he wasn’t taught how to properly use his power until he started working with (head trainer) Orlando (Cuellar). Marcus is very, very strong and he’s never been in a bad fight. He’s lost some fights he should have won, but that’s all behind him now. Coming off this fight, I believe we can get him to fight for a regional title, and then we’ll go from there”

Melbourne, Australia – After years of anticipation, Australia’s sporting capital will play host to the biggest combat sports event the country has witnessed, as UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT finds a home at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium. In an Australian first, a UFC® championship belt will go on the line in the main event with welterweight champion Robbie Lawler slated to defend his title against former UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit on Sunday, November 15, 2015.

A special UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT microsite – UFC.com/melbourne – launches today, providing registering fans with pre-sale access to tickets and event related information. Those who sign up will also receive a 30-day free trial to UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Finally the UFC is coming to Melbourne in what will be the biggest UFC event EVER!” UFC president Dana White said. “There’s been a lot of talk about Melbourne, title fights and stadium shows. The UFC is doing all three at the Etihad Stadium in front of 70,000 people. Australia has been an amazing market for the UFC and to thank the Aussies for all of their support we are bringing the superstar of the welterweight division, UFC World Champion Robbie Lawler. He will be facing the always-exciting “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit. Robbie Lawler is coming off of the most exciting title defense in welterweight history. We are also bringing the rematch of the greatest heavyweight fight I have ever seen between New Zealand legend Mark Hunt vs. Big Foot Silva. November 15 is going to be insane!”

Fighting for the first time outside of his native United States of America at UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT, welterweight champion Robbie Lawler (26-10-0 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, FL, USA) is enjoying a renaissance inside the Octagon®. Since his return to the organisation in 2013, Lawler has won seven of his last eight bouts, including a tight split-decision victory over Johny Hendricks at UFC® 181 to claim the welterweight title.

Most recently Lawler is coming off his first title defense at UFC® 189 over Canadian mixed martial arts prodigy Rory Macdonald, in an incredible five-round back-and-forth battle, which earned the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus. Lawler is no stranger to fight bonuses, having earned ‘Knockout of the Night’ for his performance at UFC® 157 which signified his return to the UFC and the welterweight division. He also won ‘Fight of the Night’ against Johny Hendricks, when they first battled for the vacant UFC welterweight belt at UFC® 171, and against Matt Brown in a title-eliminator bout at UFC FIGHT NIGHT™: LAWLER vs. BROWN.

Set to face Lawler across the Octagon® at UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT is Carlos Condit (30-8-0, fighting out of Albuquerque, NM, USA). Condit became the UFC interim welterweight champion after defeating bad-boy Nick Diaz at UFC® 143 in 2012.

Owner of four ‘Fight of the Night’ and two ‘Knockout of the Night’ performance bonuses, Condit has competed and won against a who’s-who of the mixed martial arts welterweight elite including Rory MacDonald, Dong Hyun Kim and Martin Kampmann. Returning to the Octagon® in May 2015 after a 14-month injury lay-off, Condit has catapulted himself back into 170-pound title contention. A dominant win over Thiago Alves at UFC FIGHT NIGHT™: CONDIT vs. ALVES was a performance worthy of granting him another shot at the UFC welterweight title.

UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT will also feature a stacked fight card of elite Australian and international mixed martial artists, including:

– In the co-main event, Australian knockout artist and fan-favourite Mark ‘Super Samoan’ Hunt (10-9-1, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) and Brazilian behemoth Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva (19-7-0 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Florida, USA) will meet in the Octagon® once again to settle their 2013 ‘Fight of the Year’ draw, remembered as the greatest UFC heavyweight fight of all time.

– Coming off an impressive first-round KO win over Brad Tavares, Robert Whittaker (14-4-0, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) will look to keep his unblemished record at middleweight and break into the division’s Top 10 with a win over brash Brit and perennial contender Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping (28-7-0, fighting out of Manchester, England).

– Hometown hero and Australian rising star Jake ‘The Celtic Kid’ Matthews (9-1-0, fighting out of Melbourne, Australia) will be looking to jump back on the winner’s list against experienced Mexican Akbarh ‘El Caballero’ Arreola (23-9-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) at lightweight.

– Pioneer Australian mixed martial artist Kyle ‘KO’ Noke (20-7-1, fighting out of Albuquerque, NM, USA) will continue his run in the welterweight division against Polish submission specialist Peter Sobotta (15-4-1, fighting out of Au, Balingen, Germany).

– Light heavyweight veteran Anthony ‘The Hippo’ Perosh (15-9-0, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) will finally face American prospect Gian Villante (13-5-0, fighting out of Bellmore, NY, USA). The pair were originally set to meet at UFC FIGHT NIGHT™: TE HUNA vs. MARQUARDT in June 2014, but Perosh was forced to withdraw due to injury.

– Four-time Australian Olympic Judoka Daniel Kelly (9-1-0, fighting out of Melbourne, Australia) will relish the opportunity to compete in front of his home crowd taking on Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Ricardo Abreu (5-2-0, fighting out of Huntington Beach, CA, USA) in a middleweight tilt.

– In an Australian welterweight showdown, Richard ‘Filthy Rich’ Walsh (8-4, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) will face Western Australia’s Steve Kennedy (22-7, fighting out of Morley, Western Australia)

Additional bouts for UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.au. Ticket prices will be available at a later date. UFC Fight Club® members will have first access to purchase tickets starting on Monday September 14 at 10 a.m. AEST via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. The presale will then extend to UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT microsite registrants and UFC newsletter subscribers, starting at 10 a.m. AEST on Wednesday, September 16. To access this presale, users must register via the UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT microsite at UFC.com/melbourne. General on sale will commence on Monday, September 21 at 10 a.m. AEST.

Sign up at UFC.com/melbourne to receive UFC VIP Experience package information. The UFC VIP Experience packages together your tickets with behind-the-scenes access to the official weigh-ins, meet and greet and autograph signings with top UFC stars, Q&A sessions, and photo opportunities, access to an in-arena VIP hospitality room, a chance to hold the championship belt inside the Octagon® and more.

UFC® 193: LAWLER vs. CONDIT will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Vubiquity, in Canada on Bell TV, Shaw, Sasktel, Rogers and Canal Indigo for a suggested retail price of $49.99 US/CAN for Standard Definition and $59.99 US/CAN for High-Definition, in Australia on Main Event and in New Zealand on SKY.

Since 2010, the UFC has hosted seven live events in Australia with each experiencing tremendous success. Collectively, the seven events have seen more than 85,000 fans in attendance and millions worldwide watching on Pay-Per-View and broadcast television. The four host cities to date – Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Adelaide – have had a cumulative gross gate of more than $13 million and millions more in economic impact.

For more information or current fight news, visit au.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Visit the UFC® Press Portal for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell-out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 158 countries and territories to over 1 billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. In Australia, the UFC has broadcast agreements with Fox Sports Australia and MAIN EVENT, which includes live events broadcasts, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that is available throughout the world with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit au.ufc.com and follow UFC on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UFC, on Twitter @UFC_AUSNZ and Instagram @UFC.

About Etihad Stadium
More than 33 million fans have passed through Etihad Stadium’s gates since the venue opened in March, 2000. Etihad Stadium still remains the only football stadium in the Southern Hemisphere with a fully retractable roof, and has a capacity to seat under cover more than 53,500 seats. Etihad Stadium was the first development in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. Since its construction, it’s often said Etihad Stadium provided the impetus for countless other developments, leading to an exciting and vibrant component of the city. During its 15 years Etihad Stadium has, apart from hosting domestic sporting events, including all major football codes, hosted some of the globe’s biggest international performers. Some household names and bands includes Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, Barbra Streisand, Taylor Swift, AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Cold Play and many others.

TORONTO (Aug. 19, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of RFA 29: USA vs. Brazil this Friday, August 21 at 10 p.m. ET, pitting top American prospects against top Brazilian prospects with current UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida serving as honorary coaches.

Fight Network’s live broadcast of RFA 29: USA vs. Brazil will air nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on AXS TV.

Emanating from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, RFA 29 will be headlined by an RFA featherweight title fight between top contenders Ricky Musgrave (14-4) and Raoni Barcelos (8-1).

“RFA 29 will have a USA vs. Brazil team concept that will feature some of the top MMA prospects from each country,” stated RFA president Ed Soares. “Robbie Lawler and Lyoto Machida will be the honorary coaches for each team. In the main event, Ricky Musgrave and Raoni Barcelos will also be competing for the vacant RFA featherweight title. This entire card is stacked and I can’t wait to see what happens.”

In the co-main event, South Dakota’s own Jordon Larson (6-1) will be tasked with facing Brazilian juggernaut Ackson Junior (5-0).

RFA 29 will also feature a trio of exciting bantamweight bouts, as Terrion Ware (13-4) meets Leandro Higo (14-2), Joey Miolla (5-1) faces Pedro Falcao (6-1) and Matthew Lopez (5-0) risks his unblemished record against Kevin Clark (4-1). Rounding out the main card is a light heavyweight showdown between undefeated Devin Clark (4-0) and Dervin Lopez (7-2).

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

Nutley, NJ (August 19, 2015) – This past Saturday night at the Playground in Atlantic City, Welterweight Keenan Smith (8-0, 3 KO’s) remained perfect by scoring a 2nd round stoppage over previously undefeated Lavelle Hadley in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Smith landed a flurry of body and head punches that sent Hadley down to a knee for which he did not beat the referee’s count at 1:56 of round two.

“He was tall but he he didin’t have much for me. It was an easy fight. I used my jab and I saw he was open for the left hand. I applied the pressure and I saw that he could not fight on the inside,” said Smith.

With the win, fans all over the country can expect to see more of Smith as he is penciled in to fight on September 18 on CBS Sports Network and November 6 on ShoBox.

“I am excited. I get to show the world my talent. This is what I have been waiting for. It is a blessing. I want to thank GH3 Promotions for the opportunity to be on television. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve that I am ready to show everyone. I also want to thank my managers D & D Management and Hotty M & M Boxing Gym.”

Said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki, “We are pleased with Keenan. He is always ready to fight. We are looking to move him at a nice pace and he is up for the two television fights that he will participate in the next three months. He has the talent to do big things.”

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, lightweight Bienvenido Diaz, Heavyweight Natu Visinia, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

New York, NY (8/19/15) – Over the past two years, DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions have been extremely active in bringing over and signing a number of the top amateur stars from Ukraine. Not looking to slow up their pace, the two promotional outfits announced this week the signing of 2012 Olympian Pavlo Ischenko. Ischenko joins fellow 2012 Olympic stable-mate Ievgen Khytrov, as well as the already world-rated, red-hot Sergey Derevyanchenko, Ivan Golub and Ivan Baranchyk. The 22-year-old Ischenko, now living and training in Brooklyn, is set to make his official pro debut in the coming months.

“I am thrilled to be joining my fellow countrymen and embarking on my pro career here in the U.S. I have seen the job they (DBE and Fight Promotions) have done with them, and for me, it was a no-brainer on who I would be signing with when I was ready to turn pro. I am excited to show the boxing world my talent and ability and know that this is the team that will bring me to a world championship,” said Ischenko.

“Not only is Ischenko a tremendous talent with unlimited potential, but he has a colorful persona that can make him a real attraction. He is the latest great amateur fighter from the Ukraine to migrate here, and we are looking forward to growing his popularity in the U.S.,” stated Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“This kid is only 22 years old and he has absolutely devastating power in both hands that cannot be matched by anyone in the junior lightweight division. After several months of fine-tuning with his American trainers, he will be on the short path to becoming a world champion,” said Max Alperovich, President of Fight Promotions.

The colorful and charismatic Ischenko was an outstanding amateur. Ischenko, a Ukrainian national, born in Russia, and who is half Jewish, compiled a 294-23 record that included a 2013 European AIBA championship and a trip to the 2012 Olympics in Great Britain. Like Derevyanchenko and Khytrov, the timeline for Ischenko to compete against the elite in his division is going to be fast-tracked and his rise is expected to be meteoric.

An official a date on Ischenko’s eagerly anticipated debut will be announced shortly.

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

Swedish amateur star Hampus Henriksson will make his professional debut on September 19 on the undercard of Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title defence against Oleksandr Cherviak at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.

Inspired to start boxing after watching the ‘Rocky’ movies when he was 12 years old, Henriksson embarked on a successful amateur career, which saw the fighter from Flyinge become a three-time Swedish elite champion, a Nordic Youth Champion and represent the Swedish national team on over forty occasions including at the 2013 World Amateur Championships.

Having made the decision to join the paid ranks, Henriksson has high hopes for his professional career. ‘’My ambition is to be the best,’’ said the 21 year-old. ‘’I will not be pleased with anything else!’’ And is looking forward to starting his journey to the top.

‘’I can’t remember ever looking forward to anything as much as this,’’ said Henriksson. ‘’It’s an exciting time for Swedish boxing and happy to be a part of it. It’s going to be wonderful to make my debut on such a big show. I promise the fans the best performance I’ve ever made!

‘’The timing is right and I believe my style will be well suited to the professional game. I’m a physical fighter with good stamina and strong punches – that’s how I got my nickname Herkules. But I’m also smart in the ring and able to adjust quickly so that I get the best out of me and the worst out of my opponent!’’

In preparation for his professional bow, Henriksson has teamed up with renowned American coach Joey Gamache, joining Swedish boxers Klara Svensson and Otto Wallin at the former two-time world champion’s Copenhagen training base.

‘’Joey has such great knowledge,’’ said Henriksson. ‘’Training with him has really helped me a lot. I already feel less tense and my defence is much better. The experience has been invaluable!’’

An opponent for Henriksson’s professional debut will be announced shortly. The young fighter joins a star-studded Swedish line-up on September 19 featuring Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak, Klara Svensson’s IBF Female World Light Welterweight Championship challenge against Marisa Gabriela Nunez, Anthony Yigit’s crunch light welterweight clash versus Chaquib Fadli and Otto Wallin’s heavyweight showdown with Vladimir Goncharov. Tickets are available via biljettforum.se.

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2015) – Elite bantamweight Carlos Carlson (18-1, 12 KOs) will find himself in a somewhat familiar situation on Friday night. Carlson, who is ranked as the No. 11 bantamweight by the WBC, is defending his WBC Latino Championship against fellow Mexican Pedro Melo (13-8-2, 4 KOs) from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif.

The 25-year-old Carlson won the belt over a year ago against savvy veteran Javier Gallo. He followed that up with a gritty title defense against Jose Cen Torres. For half the fight, Carlson battled through a nasty cut over his right eye caused by an accidental clash of heads. He pulled out a majority decision win and now gets to defend his championship once more.

“It’s an honor to defend the WBC Latino title again,” said Carlson, who signed with Thompson Boxing nearly two years ago. “It will be a difficult process because Melo has strong skills and can take a punch, but I’ve trained the right way and I’m prepared to take home another win.”

Due to high ticket demand, Thompson Boxing has added a new general admission section at $40 per ticket. Fans can purchase on the day of the event at the entrance of the arena starting at 5:30 p.m. PT. The venue is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881.

In Melo, Carlson faces an opponent that began his career as a bantamweight, but has since moved up a division, where boxers are typically bigger and stronger.

“I’ve fought at 122 before, my last fight was at 126,” Carlson said. Indeed, Carlson shinned at featherweight. He fought in June on Spanish language broadcast station UniMas, where he knocked out Heriberto Delgado in the fourth round. Now back at his more natural weight, Carlson expects to deliver another outstanding performance.

“I take every fight seriously,” Carlson said. “Every fight is a world championship fight for me.”

In the highly anticipated co-feature, undefeated heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (8-0, 8 KOs) of San Francisco squares off against Curtis Lee Tate (7-6, 6 KOs) of Memphis, Tenn. in a fight scheduled for six rounds.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout beginning at 7:45 p.m. The Omega Products Outdoor Arena 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 Omega Products International and LATV Networks.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, the man credited with discovering an unknown talent named Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines in 2000, proudly announces the signing of Pacquiao’s second cousin, Jonel “The Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran to a long-term promotional contract.

17-year-old Dapidran (6-0, 3 KOs) is an undefeated lightweight prospect from Digos City in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao’s maternal grandfather and Junel’s father are brothers.

“A San Francisco attorney named Sydney Hall brought Manny Pacquiao to my attention 15 years ago,” said Lewkowicz. “None of the major promoters paid attention, but we saw what a talent he was. I was working as a matchmaker for (then promoter) Murad Muhammad, and I convinced him to sign Manny and bring him to America. Now, as a promoter, I am bringing his close family here for the first time and I strongly believe this young man will make a big statement in our sport.”

Dapidran is in good hands. As soon as his visa is finalized, he will live in Las Vegas, sharing a beautiful apartment with former multiple world champion and fellow Filipino, Jonriel Casimero. He will also share a trainer with Casimero and join the stable of trainer Jun Agrabio.

“Jonel has the talent to become a star. I see it in him like I did with his cousin. He is coming here to prove to everyone he is a Pacquiao for the new generation of boxing. I am very happy to be his promoter and will work hard to help him rise through boxing the right way.”

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

NEW YORK (August 18, 2015) – Ahead of their title unification bout, boxing superstar, WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (33-0, 30 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion power-puncher DAVID LEMIEUX (34-2, 31 KOs) of Montreal, Quebec, held a New York City press conference to kick-off their three-city press tour today. Earlier in the day the fighters took the time to visit one of New York’s most iconic city landmarks, the Empire State Building. Golovkin vs. Lemieux is more of the most anticipated fights for the Middleweight Unified World Championship and is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Below are what the fighters and their teams had to say:

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion:

“I want to thank my team, K2 Promotions, HBO and Golden Boy for the most amazing deal this is by far the biggest present for the fans. This fight will go down in history as one of the best.
“HBO and Madison Square Garden are a family to me, they have helped shape my career and we have so far created great history here.

“I think that we have heard a lot of talk about performances, but I promise an amazing show on October 17. Not just for the main event but for all the fights in the card. And I want to welcome all my fans to come watch this event live at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17.”

DAVID LEMIEUX, IBF Middleweight World Champion:
“Who would have thought a small kid like me would end up fighting at Madison Square Garden, ‘The Mecca of Boxing’. I am extremely proud to be here, this event is already historical breaking MSG’s record for most tickets sold for a boxing event during a pre-sale.

“You can expect what you see and what you know from us on Oct. 17, two exciting fighters ready to give the fans a really fight.

“In boxing you have to be ready for anything, patterns change. I am ready to be part of that change and become the unified middleweight world champion.

“I respect Golovkin I think he is great fighter, but I’m not here to be his friend I am here to be is opponent. I promise you, there will be blood.

“I am extremely proud to be here and I just want to say that you will see history in the making on Oct 17.”

TOM LOEFFLER. Managing Director of K2 Promotions:

“Finally a champion is fighting GGG and we want to thank team Lemieux, Golden Boy Pomotions, HBO and Madison Square Garden for this opportunity.

“This is going to be an exciting event with each fighter willing to prove that they are the best middleweight champion in the world.

“It was our goal for Golovkin, when he first started fighting in USA, to make MSG his home. And you can see the quick rise of Golovkin, it has been the fastest of any fighter fighting in north America.

“Each belt signifies you are the best, it couldn’t be a better time than now for the middleweight division since the winner for Golovkin vs. Lemieux will have a mandatory fight with the winner of Cotto vs. Canelo winner.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“This event is really surreal for me. We don’t have one guy to represent that division now, but here at again at Madison Square Garden I can proudly say that the middleweight division is in good hands. I left my DNA here in this building defending the middleweight title and on Oct. 17 these two fighters will do the same to prove to the world they are the unified middleweight champion.

“We at Golden Boy Promotions talk about putting on the best fights and we with Golovkin vs. Lemieux I am proud to say that we have delivered.

“I want to thank K2 Promottions, HBO and Madison Square Garden for helping put on this fight.

“These fighters are getting ready to start their own legacy in the middleweight division and what better place than ‘The Mecca of Boxing.'”

ABEL SANCHEZ, Head Trainer for Gennady Golovkin:

“This is the kind of fight the fights have been asking for and I just want to say that we will be ready for David on Oct. 17.

“I know David will be in great shape thanks to his trainer Marc. I want to assure fans that we will adding surprises to our game plan to make sure we are successful.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, Manager for David Lemieux, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“What a great honor to be standing here today. I want to echo all the thank you’s to MSG, HBO, K2. I have the upmost respect for Tom. Thank you for being so great to boxing and thank you for your cooperation while making this fight.

“This is the fight that the people want to see, the winner will be the star of boxing today.
“I can guarantee that David Lemieux will give his best performance at MSG. He never cheats himself; he works hard and believes me this guy will give you something you have never seen before.

“We have a lot of respect for Golovkin but I do have to say that by Oct 18 all the salons will be busy with the David Lemieux haircut.”

MARK RAMSEY, Head Trainer for David Lemieux:

“I would like to thank everyone here today. Just putting their names on the poster we are giving fans what they want.

“We are in an era where champions want to escape fighters and I am lucky to be part of a team with a fighter who has the courage to fight the best.”

JOEL FISHER, Executive Vice President, MSG Sports:

“This fight is going to be special, a great night and another historic night of boxing at Madison Square Garden.

“It’s a fight not to be missed. I know it will sell out by the end of the week, we have already sold 15,000 tickets in less than a week and we have doubled the highest presale record at Madison Square Garden.

“These fighters are both of great quality, combined they have a 90% knock out ration, so you know there will be firewords at garden on Oct. 17.”

JILL DIAMOND, World Boxing Council Representative:

“The fans will win on October 17.

“The winner of Golovkin – Lemieux will be mandated to fight the winner of Cotto-Canelo.
“Thanks for the setting the stage for so many fights to come.”

TAMMY ROSS, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Integrations at HBO Sports:

“There is no doubt this is a great fight and will definitely will be a fight of the year contender. With a 90% knockout ration between the fighters, ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ is the place for this showdown, the place where legends are made.

“I am also proud to announce the price for Golovkin vs. Lemieux will be 49.99. There is no obstacle for fans to watch Golovkin vs. Lemieux on October 17.”

Tickets for GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/K2Ukraine, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagementandwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.

Philadelphia, PA (August 18, 2015)– On August 7 at Ballys in Atlantic City, Joey Dawejko made quick work of Robert Dunton to the tune of 31 second-1 punch stoppage and now the Philadelphia Heavyweight looks to an August 28 showdown with good friend Natu Visinia in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds at The D Las Vegas. The bout will be televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Just days after the win over Dunton, Dawejko boarded a plane with trainer Buddy McGirt and assistant trainer Greg Hackett and went right back to work to begin preparations for the fight with Visinia.

“We took that fight just to get Joey back in a winning frame of mind. After the fight with Amir Mansour, Buddy began correcting went wrong in that fight. The Mansour fight was the first fight with Buddy and by the time August 28 comes around, Joey and Buddy will basically been working for 10 straight weeks. I believe that the familiarity will produce the results that we are looking for,” said Dawejko’s manager Mark Cipparone of Club 1957 Management.

“This is a very important fight for Joey. He knows that this is the next opportunity to prove that he is a top Heavyweight contender on national television. It is also important because he is a promotional free agent and we have a couple of nice deals already presented to us and a good win over a tough opponent in Natu is another way to showcase himself to all those who are interested.”

CHICAGO — August 17, 2015 — This Saturday, at the Horseshoe Hammond, Hitz Boxing presents the latest in its long running series, Fight Night at the Horseshoe, showcasing the some of Chicago’s hottest boxing talent. The show is headlined by a rematch between Chicago’s Genaro Mendez (9-2-1, 6KO) and Agustin Cicero (5-7-3, 4KO). After their first bout in 2012, Cicero hit the road, facing tough opponents in their back yards. Never one to shy away from a fight, Cicero knows that Mendez will be facing a different fighter than the one he was when the two met at the Horseshoe three years ago. Boxing fans will be treated to a real grudge match, as Cicero will bring to the ring the valuable experience gained by his loss to Mendez and his subsequent fights on the road. For his part, Mendez will be fighting for the first time this year, and will be looking to keep the UBF Midwest Welterweight Title in Chicago, in front of his hometown fans.

Adrian Granados (14-4-2, 10KO), one of Chicago’s favorite sons, shocked the boxing world when he won a split decision over boxing veteran Jesus Soto Karass (28-10-3, 18KO) in June at BKB Boxing in Las Vegas. Karass, who has notable wins over Andre Berto and Selcuk Aydin, was widely expected to handle Granados easily, but like Chicago fighters are prone to do, Granados was not going to go easily or quietly. Granados will face the tough Christian Steele in his first fight at home since his spectacular victory.

David Pareja will make his long awaited return to the ring, when he faces Albert Hawkins in his first professional bout in ten years. Pareja, who was a decorated amateur, made his professional debut in 2004 in the inaugural season of Oscar De La Hoya’s reality boxing competition show, The Next Great Champion. Sidelined with a family, career and eye issues, Pareja is looking to come back strong and make a statement in his hometown, with a compelling win over Hawkins.

Also on the card, 3-time Golden Gloves Champion Jessica McCaskill makes her much anticipated professional debut when she faces Tyria Dunkin. Ed Brown, a Cameron Dunkin-signed prospect who hails from the Windy City, will face Miguel Alvarez. Nick Ramirez faces Rafael Garcia. Anthony Abbruzzese, who recently relocated to Chicago, will face Benito Tovar, feeding the long standing Chicago-Wisconsin rivalry. Fred Bowen faces Kevin Cruz, and local rivals Sammy Horowitz and Israel Echevarria battle it out over four rounds at light heavyweight.

“This is an all-action card,” said Bobby Hitz, Owner and Promoter at Hitz Boxing. “We’ve got a great line-up, great sponsors, and a great venue. What more could boxing fans want?”

Doors to The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond open at 6:00 Saturday, and first bell is at 7:00. Tickets are priced $90, 40 and 30, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets. Boxing fans must be 21 years and older to attend events at the Horseshoe Hammond.

PHILADELPHIA, PA. (August 18, 2015) –Global Proving Ground (GPG) announced today its 22nd live Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, featuring a collection of the Philadelphia area’s top professional fighting prospects, on Saturday, October 24, live on Go Fight Live (www.GFL.tv), from the promotion’s all-new venue, the GPG Sports Complex, in Mount Laurel, N.J.

Tickets for GPG 22, which will be headlined by a flyweight (125 pounds) matchup between rising star Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella (13-5-1, 1 NC) of Whippany, N.J. and an opponent to be announced soon, are priced from $40 and are available for purchase at LocalMMATickets.com.

“We are excited to begin the next chapter in Global Proving Ground’s growth, in a new venue that can comfortably accommodate our rapidly expanding fanbase, and give spectators the exciting experience they look for when they attend a fight,” said Global Proving Ground President James J. Jefferson.

In the co-main event and first Global Proving Ground middleweight (185 pounds) championship bout in history, aggressive-minded, four-time Bellator veteran Jesus “Chavo” Martinez (9-6) of Philadelphia will square off with Tony Parker (11-11) of Fairfield, Ohio. To date, all but 1 of Parker’s 11 career victories have come by way of submission.

Battle-tested veteran Dante Rivera (16-7) of Jackson, N.J. will battle an opponent to be determined in a 190-pound catchweight fight.

Local fan favorites Alec Hooben (2-2) of Pompton Lakes, N.J. and Tim Dooling (1-2) of Ewing, N.J. will also see action against opponents to be determined.

Additional main card matchups will be announced soon.

In preliminary bout action, unbeaten Peter “The Joker” Petties (2-0) of Columbia, Md. will lock horns with Matt “The Cat” DiMarcantonio (8-5) of Welland Ontario, Canada. The 24-year-old Petties soared to internet fame when a video of his Aug. 23, 2014 amateur bout with Jeff Melvin, in which Petties unleashed a series of strikes that forced Melvin to vomit, went viral.

Josh Key (6-11) of Perth Amboy, N.J. will battle Eric “Atomic” Attard (4-6) of Welland, Ontario in a welterweight scrap.

In a meeting between two flyweights (125 pounds) making their respective, professional debuts, Gabe Ruiz (0-0) of Woodland Park, N.J. will take on Vladimir Kazbekov (0-0) of Welland, Ontario.

Doors at the venue will open for GPG 22 at 6 p.m. on October 24, and the first preliminary bout and live GFL.tv stream will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

About Global Proving Ground (GPG)

Global Proving Ground is a New Jersey-based professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise that was designed to unearth and build new fight talent in the North Eastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of The United States and to provide an exciting entertainment experience for combat sports fans.

Launched in 2012 by marketing executive James J. Jefferson along with several, original pioneers of MMA, the company operates its own combat sports venue, the GPG Sports Complex, where it hosts all of its events that are distributed live on Real TV as well as PPV on Go Fight Live (GFL.tv) with its syndication deal on a tape delayed basis on Comcast SportsNet and the Comcast Network GPG is not only creating new fighter talent but is developing its own loyal fan base.

New York, NY (8/18/15) – With the light heavyweight division being one of the hottest in all of boxing, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) has announced the addition of highly regarded prospect Radivoje Kalajdzic to their ever-growing stable. Promoter Lou DiBella has had his eye on the undefeated Kalajdzic, known as “Hot Rod”, for some time now, and is beyond thrilled to finally welcome him to the DBE team. With his record standing at a perfect 19-0, 12KO’s, the 24-year-old is looking to burst onto the scene of the loaded 175lb. division.

“We’re pleased to be working with ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s more than just a great nickname, he’s one of the best light heavyweights in the world. At just 24 years old, his future is very bright and big fights are on the horizon.”

Kalajdzic was born in Bosnia, before safely relocating to Saint Petersburg, Florida, in 1998 from the war-torn country. Kalajdzic turned pro in 2011, at just 19 years of age following a limited amateur background. What Kalajdzic missed in the amateurs, he has picked up in the pro ranks, keeping an active pace throughout his four-plus year career, and has shown much improvement with each and every outing. Kalajdzic is a skilled boxer/puncher with devastating power and tremendous overall ability. Kalajdzic has already picked up two victories this year, and is now looking to throw his name into the mix in one of boxing’s most exciting divisions.

“I’m very excited to have signed with DiBella Entertainment,” said Kalajdzic. “I am ready to step up and challenge the top fighters in my division. I’ve seen how Lou DiBella has elevated the careers of other fighters and champions and I’m very confident that, with Lou, my career will soar to new heights.”

“I am extremely happy that we signed with Lou DiBella,” said Kalajdzic’s trainer Peter Fernandez. “There are many promoters out there, but it was my choice to go with Lou, whom I have been friends with for a long time. ‘Hot Rod’s’ manager Arisel Sotologo was instrumental in getting him to 19-0, and we will let Lou take it from here. We are thrilled to be a part of the team and I am certain that ‘Hot Rod’ will win a world title under DBE.”

Look for an official announcement on Kalajdzic’s DBE debut coming very soon.

Reading, PA (August 18, 2015)–Last Friday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman (29-1, 21 KO’s) scored a first round stoppage over Richard Carmack in Kauffman’s first fight in 19 months.

Kauffman landed a perfect right hook from the southpaw stance that sent Carmack down at 2:07.

The bout took place on a card that was headlined by a fight between former world champions Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham that ended in a draw.

“I didn’t think Carmack would hit as hard as he did. I went out there with the mindset of going some rounds to work off ring rust. As soon as he hit me with a right hand, I knew that he was strong and wanted to get him out quick. The gameplan that we worked on was to go to the body and once I dropped him, I knew he was done,” said Kauffman.

Kauffman is due back on September 18 at the Claridge in Atlantic City.

“I wasted no time and am already back in the gym with Naazim Richardson and my dad and I am ready to move forward with bigger fights. I expect this fight to be another tune up and then I will be ready for a much bigger fight.”

Photo by Joe Tarlecky

LAS VEGAS (August 18, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today a stacked, seven-bout preliminary card for its “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader mega-event at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, September 18.

The preliminary fight card, which will stream live on WSOF.com prior to the five-bout, live NBCSN telecast of the event’s main card, is highlighted by the promotional debut of battle-tested road warrior Isaac Vallie-Flagg, the quick return of streaking Clifford “Big Cat” Starks, the U.S. debut of undefeated finisher Vagab Vagbov and a total of nine of the Phoenix area’s top professional prospects.

“This is a phenomenal assembly of up-and-coming talent from Phoenix as well as established veterans and rising stars from elsewhere around the U.S. and other parts of the globe,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

“When we brought World Series of Fighting to the city of Phoenix for the first time earlier this year,” continued Sefo, “we discovered a considerable pool of talent. We are excited to be able to put some of this talent back in action and to deploy several new faces that we feel have earned a shot to compete in the big leagues.”

Topping the preliminary bout card is a middleweight (185 pounds) matchup between Vagabov (19-0) of Dagestan, Russia and submission specialist Kelvin “The Mama’s Boy” Tiller (7-1) of Topeka, Kan.

Just six weeks after he shocked the world by pulling off an upset victory over Mike “MAK” Kyle in a matchup that he accepted on less than one week’s notice, Starks (12-2) of Tempe, Ariz. will re-enter the World Series of Fighting decagon cage and hunt for his fifth consecutive win when he faces another steep test in undefeated, former Bulgarian national wrestling champion Krasimir “The Wrestler” Mladenov (12-0), who is fighting out of Las Vegas.

Vallie-Flagg (15-7-1) of Santa Fe, N.M., a member of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn fight squad will make his debut under the World Series of Fighting banner in a lightweight (155 pounds) tilt against power puncher Estevan “El Terrible” Payan of Tempe.

Matthew “The Thunder From Down Under” Frincu (6-1) of Tempe via Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia will make his second start for World Series of Fighting, after scoring a devastating, second round (:14) KO on Eric Regan with a headkick at WSOF 19 on March 28.

Frincu, whose six career victories have all come by way of (T)KO or submission, will battle streaking Danny Davis, Jr. (11-8-1) of Las Vegas at welterweight (170 pounds). Davis Jr. is a winner of his last five straight fights, including three World Series of Fighting matchups.

In one of two bantamweight (135 pounds) preliminary card bouts, Tempe-based rivals Andres Ponce (1-0) and David Nuzzo (7-1) will go to war while, in the other, Randy Steinke (15-9-1) of Phoenix will face off with Joey “The Beast” Miolla (4-1) of Mesa, Ariz.

Leading off the preliminary fight card will be a lightweight scrap between Benny “El Hijo” Madrid (7-3) of Phoenix and Jeff Fletcher (11-10, 1 NC) of Ahwatukee, Ariz.

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

In the main event of WSOF 23, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), after the two engaged in an all-out war, which has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate, in the main event of WSOF 19 at Comerica Theatre.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella story Teddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

MAIN CARD

World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship Main Event:
Justin Gaethje (Champion) vs. Luis Palomino (Challenger)

World Series of Fighting Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event:
David Branch vs. Teddy Holder

Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones
Catchweight (160 pounds): Phoenix Jones vs. Roberto Yong
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. LaRue Burley

PRELIMINARY CARD

Middleweight: Vagab Vagabov vs. Kelvin Tiller
Middleweight: Clifford Starks vs. Krasimir Mladenov
Lightweight: Estevan Payan vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg
Welterweight: Matthew Frincu vs. Danny Davis, Jr.
Bantamweight: Andres Ponce vs. David Nuzzo
Bantamweight: Randy Steinke vs. Joey Miolla
Lightweight: Benny Madrid vs. Jeff Fletcher

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT NBCSN

NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — NASCAR, Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, and America’s Cup. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

16 year-old German super middleweight Leon Bauer (2-0, 2 KOs) will face
Serbian Darko Knezevic (7-8, 5 KOs) in his third professional contest on the undercard of Juergen Braehmer’s WBA World Light Heavyweight title fight against Konni Konrad on September 5 at the EnergieVerbund Arena in Dresden, Germany.

Bauer impressed in his second outing, stopping 58-fight veteran Misa Nikolic in just the second round of their four round contest, and as a result the German ‘wunderkind’ was offered a contract with Europe’s leading boxing promoter Team Sauerland.

‘’Leon is a real gem,’’ said Kalle Sauerland. ‘’At just sixteen years of age, he showed real class and composure, opening the show for Arthur Abraham, and stopping Nikolic in front of such a huge crowd. I must admit I was very impressed.’’

Another man needing no convincing of Bauer’s qualities is the young fighter’s manager Rainer Gottwald. ‘’I’ve known Leon for years,’’ said Gottwald. ‘’And believe me the boy has huge potential! He has only just begun to scratch the surface. Leon is a star for the future!’’

Bauer himself has no doubts in his ability and holds no fear over his September 5 opponent. ‘’I will take on anyone who is put in front of me inside the squared circle,’’ said the boxer from Hatzenbuehl. ‘’With every fight I will improve as I gain more experience. Besides, I’m still growing and will become bigger, stronger and more physical over the years.’’

Given his age and size (1.88 meters) Bauer’s ultimate aim does not seem too unrealistic. “I want to become the world heavyweight champion,’’ exclaims Team Sauerland’s latest signing.

Tickets for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship fight between Juergen Braehmer and Konni Konrad featuring Leon Bauer’s third professional contest are available via tickethall.de.

Otto Wallin (12-0, 10 KOs) adds heavyweight support to Team Sauerland’s historic Swedish show on September 19 as he battles Vladimir Goncharov (5-1, 4 KOs) at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.

The undefeated fighter from Sundsvall will be competing in his first contest on Swedish soil since joining the paid ranks, and the 24 year-old heavyweight is eager to impress as he takes on the hard-hitting, former Russian Champion Goncharov.

‘’Goncharov is a dangerous opponent, but he has tasted defeat before, and on September 19, he will taste defeat again,’’ said Wallin. ‘’I just have to be myself, stay alert at all times, and we will see how he handles my boxing skills.

‘’He has a good knockout ratio but I don’t see him as a one-punch knockout artist. I think is style is more about breaking guys down, but he won’t have a chance to do that against me.

‘’I actually feel sorry for him. It’s unfortunate that he has to be the one standing in my way on my Swedish debut, as nothing is going to stop me. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m so happy that I finally get the chance to box at home. This is an opportunity for me to show everybody what I can do!

‘’I want to bring heavyweight boxing back to Sweden and become the first world champion since Ingemar Johansson. I have always looked up to Ingo! He showed that it was possible for a fighter from Sweden to become heavyweight champion of the world. It gives me hope and inspiration, that if I keep working hard and keep improving, I can emulate his success!’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’Otto has the potential to become world champion. He’s still young and has a long road ahead of him, but he has the ability and desire to make his dream a reality. His level of opposition is constantly improving, and in Goncharov he will face his toughest test yet.’’

Wallin joins a star-studded Swedish line-up on September 19 featuring Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak, Klara Svensson’s IBF Female World Light Welterweight Championship challenge against Marisa Gabriela Nunez and Anthony Yigit’s crunch light welterweight clash versus Chaquib Fadli. Tickets are available via biljettforum.se.

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2015) – Undefeated heavyweight prospect LaRon Mitchell (8-0, 8 KOs), known for his knockout power, fights for the fourth time this year on Friday, Aug. 21 from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif.

The San Francisco-based Mitchell meets Curtis Lee Tate (7-6, 6 KOs) of Memphis, Tenn. in Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” 6-round co-main event.

The 10-round main event features bantamweight contender Carlos Carlson (18-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mex. fighting against fellow countryman Pedro Melo (13-8-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC Latino 118-lb. Championship.

Tickets for “New Blood” are sold out.

Mitchell is quietly developing a ferocious fighting style that has led to eight straight wins by knockout. He is becoming a feared commodity among up-and-coming heavyweights, but outside of the ring, individuals close to him know him as a calm, mild-mannered person.

“LaRon is certainly an intimidating presence,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “He’s six-foot-four and when he punches you, it feels like you ran into a freight train. But when he’s not knocking out opponents, he’s actually in the classroom educating elementary school kids. He has a nurturing side that not a lot of people know.”

Mitchell holds degrees from Paul Quinn College in Dallas and San Francisco State University. He currently teaches at St. Elizabeth’s in Oakland. The former collegiate football player says becoming a teacher afforded him the flexibility to pursue his boxing profession.

“Being a teacher actually provides the perfect structure for me to continue excelling in boxing,” said Mitchell, who signed with Thompson Boxing last year. “I get up early and run before I have to get into work. I usually hit the gym from three to six. I never feel tired or fatigued. It’s the perfect situation for me.”

Mitchell turned professional two years ago after recording a 28-5 amateur record. His first fight was on a Thompson Boxing card at the Doubletree Ontario where he recorded his first career KO win.

“I always wanted to sign with Thompson Boxing from the very beginning,” Mitchell said. “I turned professional on their card. I enjoyed the atmosphere. The fans are incredible. It’s been a great partnership.”

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout beginning at 7:45 p.m. The Omega Products Outdoor Arena 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 Omega Products International and LATV Networks.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

Las Vegas (Aug. 17, 2015) – Roberto Duran a Hall-of-Famer and multi-division champion will appear with the World Boxing Association (WBA) and have a booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday September 12, 2015. The Boxing Expo will coincide with the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Andre Berto fight later that evening and Mexican Independence weekend.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: http://BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com.

About Roberto Duran
Duran is a Panamanian professional boxer, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. A versatile brawler in the ring, he was nicknamed “Manos de Piedra” (“Hands of Stone”) during his career. In 2002, he was chosen by The Ring to be the fifth greatest fighter of the last 80 years. The Associated Press voted Duran as the No. 1 lightweight of the 20th century. Many even consider him the greatest lightweight of all time. He held world titles at four different weights – lightweight (1972-79), welterweight (1980), light middleweight (1983-84) and middleweight (1989). He was the second boxer to have fought a span of five decades, the first being Jack Johnson.

About The WBA
WBA is an international boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. Founded in the United States in 1921 by thirteen state representatives as the National Boxing Association, in 1962, it changed its name in recognition of boxing’s growing popularity worldwide, and began to gain other nations as members. Gilberto Mendoza from Venezuela has been the President of the WBA since 1982. In January 2007, it returned its headquarters to Panama after being located during the 1990s and early 2000s in Venezuela.

Duran and the WBA organization join Zab Judah, Kronk Boxing, James “Lights Out” Toney, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, “Showtime” Shawn Porter, Mia St. John, “Terrible” Terry Norris, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor, “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas, Ruslan “Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov, Austin Trout and the WBC organization among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September. This year the Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.

Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia,Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija ,Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, St-John, Erislandy Lara, Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.

The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will be announced throughout the next several weeks leading up to the event.

For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

To watch Roberto Duran video about Box Fan Expo go to: http://goo.gl/0cnxj8

View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/video-2/

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

BROOKLYN, NY (August 17, 2015) – Coney Island attracts people from all corners of the world who hit New York to experience the Big Apple brand of entertainment and aura by the sea-shore. Many Irish eyes will be smiling the night of Tuesday, August 25 at Coney Island, when people get a chance to see two-time Olympian John Joe Nevin in action at MCU Park.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita has put together a top-tier fight card, with a wide array of talented hitters ready to put on a show at the vacation destination featuring surf, sun, sand and carnival rides…and now the sweet science.

A 2012 silver medallist at the Olympics, Nevin is 3-0 (2 KOs) as a professional, and is pumped up to be part of his first “Brooklyn Brawl.

“I’m excited to be boxing in New York for the first time ever,” the 26-year-old Mullingar, Ireland native said. “I’ve fought all over the world but I’ve always dreamed of boxing in New York. I know there are lots of Irish fans in the area and hopefully we can bring some out.”

Fans will enjoy his two-fisted fury, his constant aggression and desire to achieve a KO; it will be Nevin’s first tangle in 2015: “I haven’t fought since last year so we’re looking forward to getting the rust off and showing what I can do.”

Nevin promises to be in fine form and has gotten the prep work needed to show off his top fighting form. “The boxing I get in Philly gyms is just what you need, working against world class boxers in the summer heat. I’m ready for the challenge. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and get my career moving again.”

Salita is proud to add this Irish prospect to a card topped by 25-3-1 featherweight contender Alexander Miskirtchian, born in the republic of Georgia. “John Joe Nevin is a great prospect and I am very happy that he will make his American debut in NYC on the “Brooklyn Brawl” series,” Salita said. “The Irish community has a very rich history of coming out in droves to see great boxing champions and I believe John Nevin has all the tools to follow in that rich lineage and impress the boxing fans, of all cultures, in NYC! John Joe is managed by one of the best managers in the sport, Cameron Dunkin, who has a great eye for elite talent, so we can all be assured he is the real deal. As a fan, I am excited about the John Joe Nevin fight August 25th in Coney Island, at MCU Park!”

In the main event, former world title challenger Alex Miskirtchian (25-3-1, 9 KOs) tops the slate against well-known Brooklyn battler Cornelius Lock (22-7-2, 14 KOs) in a featherweight clash scheduled for 10 rounds. NYPD officer Niyazov (7-0-3, 5KOs) meets Ariel “Fuego” Duran (8-7-1, 5KOs) of Queens in a highly-anticipated lightweight bout scheduled for eight rounds. Salita is also particularly excited about a six-round junior welterweight clash between Treysean “Trigger” Wiggins (6-1, 5KOs) of Newburgh, N.Y. and Francisco “El Gato” Figueroa (20-7-1, 13 KOs) of The Bronx.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. as “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach” brings pro boxing to the Coney Island boardwalk for the first time in 14 years. The last professional boxing event at the Brooklyn Cyclones’ venue occurred on July 8, 2001, when Hector Camacho Jr. defeated Jesse James Leija via a controversial, referee-halted TKO.

Snag your tix for “Boxing At the Beach” today, to insure you wind down the season with a rock em, sock em evening of pugilism.

Doors open at 6 PM. Log on to BrooklynCyclones.com to get your tickets or call 718-507-TIXX (718-507-8499).

Broadcast information will be announced at a later date. Interested corporate partners should contact Mark Fratto atmfratto@linacremedia.com

For ticket information and updates on “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach,” please log on toBrooklynCyclones.com and SalitaPromotions.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and at @BrooklynBrawl on Instagram, or by accessing the tags #BrooklynBrawl and #BoxingAtTheBeach.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 17, 2015) – Less than a week after signing with Bellator MMA, Josh Thomson’s (20-8) debut is now set. “The Real Punk” will compete in lightweight action against Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis (18-8-1) at “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” on September 19 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

The bout completes a main card that will see both a Bellator cage and a Glory kickboxing ring on one arena floor at the same time – something that has yet to be seen in the combat sports landscape. In the evening’s main event, Tito Ortiz (18-11) will challenge the undefeated Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Liam McGeary (10-0) for the title.

Additionally, the previously announced fight card features two Glory kickboxing title fights featuring Zack Mwekassa (13-2, 12 KO) and Saulo Cavalari (31-2, 19 KO) for the vacant Glory Light Heavyweight Championship as well as Gabriel Varga (26-2, 8 KO) defending his featherweight title against challenger Serhiy Adamchuck (29-5, 14 KO). Bellator MMA competitors Paul “Semtex” Daley (37-13-2) and Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (24-13) will also be competing in Glory action, when they trade-in the MMA gloves for kickboxing gloves.

On the mixed martial arts side, Bellator MMA will also conduct a four-man, one-night light heavyweight tournament to determine the No. 1 contender in the division that includes the promotional debut of Phil Davis (13-3), as well as Emanuel Newton (25-8-1), Linton Vassell (15-4-1) and the return of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (15-4, 1 NC).

“Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” airs live and free on Spike at 9/8c. Tickets for the historic event start at just $30 and are on sale now at the SAP Center box office and are also available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Thomson, 36, is a former Strikeforce Lightweight World Champion that has competed extensively in Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championships. “The Real Punk” has fought professionally since 2001 and defeated fighters the likes of: Gilbert Melendez, Duane Ludwig, Pat Healy, K.J. Noons, and Nate Diaz.

A resident of San Jose, Calif. and training at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy alongside some of the sports very best, Thomson will undoubtedly have a strong home field advantage when he makes his Bellator MMA debut on September 19.

Bronzoulis is also a former Strikeforce competitor that most recently held the Legacy Fighting Championship lightweight belt before signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion. “The Greek Assassin” has seen action inside the Bellator MMA cage previously, following a run on “Fight Master,” Bronzoulis competed in the show’s finale against Joe Riggs at “Bellator 106: Chandler vs. Alvarez II.” The 36-year-old returns to Bellator MMA currently riding a three-fight winning streak.

“Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” – Saturday, September 19 – SAP Center, San Jose, Calif.

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Tito Ortiz (18-11) vs. © Liam McGeary (10-0)
Glory Vacant Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Saulo Cavalari (31-2) vs. Zack Mwekassa (13-2)
Glory Featherweight Title Fight: © Gabriel Varga (26-2) vs. Serhiy Adamchuck (29-5)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Competitors (first round pairings TBD): Phil Davis (13-3),
Emanuel Newton (25-8-1), Linton Vassell (15-4-1), Muhammed Lawal (15-4, 1 NC)
Glory Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (37-13-2 MMA/20-3 Kickboxing) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (24-13/1-2 Kickboxing)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Josh Thomson (20-8) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-8-1)

*Fight card subject to change

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

About GLORY:
Founded in 2012, GLORY is owned and operated by GLORY Sports International (GSI), a professional martial arts organization and television content provider that maintains offices in New York, Denver, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore. GLORY programming is seen in over 170 territories. GLORY kickboxing rules are comprised of a mix of several combat disciplines including Karate, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and traditional Boxing. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @GLORY_WS, and visit us online at gloryworldseries.com.

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

About SAP Center in San Jose
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SAP Center at San Jose is the premier sports and entertainment venue in Northern California. Each year, SAP Center hosts approximately 175 events featuring professional and amateur athletes, Olympic athletes, Grammy award-winners, international recording artists, and a variety of performers who appeal to children and families alike. SAP Center at San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League as well as the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League. For more information about SAP Center at San Jose and for a list of upcoming events, visit the SAP Center home page at www.sapcenter.com.

LAS VEGAS (August 17, 2015) – Top 10 contenders ÓSCAR VALDEZ, JESSE “Hard Work” HART and CHRIS “The Hitman” AVALOS and AARON PRYOR JR. headline the fall season debut of “The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV,” kicking off the Mexican Independence Day weekend on Friday, September 11, at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on truTV, beginning at 10:00 p.m. EDT. The telecast will open with Hart defending his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) and United States Boxing Association (USBA) super middleweight championship titles against contender Pryor, followed by the featherweight battle between Valdez and Avalos. Both bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank®, and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV on your TV: http://trutvishere.com/

These young warriors boast a combined record of 79-11-1 (59 KOs) – an 87 percent winning ratio with 3/4 of their victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, tickets to the Valdez-Avalos / Hart-Pryor event go on sale Today! Monday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Priced at $100, $85, $65, $45 and $20, tickets will be available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Room and ticket packages are also available.

“I am very happy to be fighting on September 11 in Las Vegas,” said Valdez. “I have a difficult opponent that night but the plan is to win and get myself closer to that world title shot I desire.”

“I am excited for the fight. It’s an interesting matchup because not a lot of prospects get matched up with tough opponents these days,” said Avalos. “I am looking forward to not only winning the fight but moving on to another world title shot. The best part about facing undefeated fighters is erasing the zero from their loss column. Valdez is next on my hit parade.”

“This is the battle of fighters’ sons. We will see who is the better fighters’ son inside the ring,” said Hart. “I am predicting it won’t go past four rounds. Pryor is an OK fighter but he is old news, and I believe I am the future of boxing, so he has to go!”

“I am looking forward to fighting Jesse Hart on September 11,” said Pryor. “Hart is a tough opponent, and it’s a great opportunity for me. See you at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, live on truTV.”

“As Mexico’s only fighter to compete in two Olympics, who else but Óscar Valdez will be his country’s star-featured fighter in Las Vegas’ Mexican Independence Day weekend? This historic weekend was originally anchored by Julio César Chávez, and the mantle is being passed to Valdez at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas which will be filled with Mexico’s most avid fight fans,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “Valdez will be joined by Jesse Hart. Valdez and Hart have more in common than identical undefeated records. They have carried the promise of stellar amateur careers into the pro ranks becoming fan favorites. They have leapt from exciting prospects into sensational bona fide Top 10 world-rated contenders. When you win 14 of 17 bouts by knockout like they each have, any opponent who faces them in the ring knows he will be in harm’s way.”

Valdez (17-0, 14 KOs), who represented Mexico in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was the first Mexican fighter to qualify for two Olympic games and is considered one of the bright lights of the featherweight division and a top prospect in boxing. On the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao – Timothy Bradley welterweight world championship rematch last year, Valdez captured the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super featherweight junior title, knocking out Adrian Perez in the fourth round. Valdez successfully defended that title twice in 2014, knocking out Noel Echevarria and Alberto Gonzalez in the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively. From Nogales, Sonora, Mexico Valdez, at age 24, returns to the ring looking for his third victory of 2015. On April 11, he fashioned a third-round blasting of Jose Ramirez in Laredo, Texas. In his last bout, on June 27, he made his live HBO debut, winning a dominant 10-round unanimous decision over one-time world title challenger Ruben Tamayo in Carson, Calif. He is currently world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Avalos (26-3, 19 KOs), from Lancaster, Calif., challenged for his first world title on February 28, and lost to defending International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight champ Carl Frampton via a fifth-round TKO in Belfast. Known for his aggressive, all-action fighting style, Avalos is a fan favorite because he always puts on exciting fights. Highlights from his impressive resume include winning the vacant WBO Inter-Continental junior featherweight via a 10-round unanimous decision over undefeated Khabir Suleymanov, an NABO junior featherweight title victory over former world champion Drian Francisco and becoming the IBF’s mandatory junior featherweight contender last year when he knocked out Yasutaka Ishimoto in the eighth round which set up his title shot against Frampton. He returned to the winner’s circle on August 1, winning a unanimous decision over Rey Perez in Frisco, Texas. Avalos is currently world-rated No. 9 by IBF.

Hart (17-0, 14 KOs), the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, has transformed from a sensational prospect into a hot contender. He will be defending the NABO and USBA super middleweight titles he won in his last fight, a sixth-round TKO of undefeated Mike Jimenez on the pay-per-view undercard of the Floyd Mayweather – Manny Pacquiao world welterweight championship in Las Vegas. Trained by his father, the highly-rated middleweight contender of the late ’60s and early ’70s, the younger Hart, at age 26, enters this fight riding a four-bout victory by knockout streak. He is currently world-rated No. 6 by the WBO.

Pryor (19-8-1, 12 KOs), from Cincinnati, is the son of former world junior welterweight champion and Hall of Famer Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, who manages and trains the younger Pryor. He enters this fight with a 3-1-1 record in his last four fights, which includes a United States National Boxing Council (USNBC) super middleweight title victory over Kurtiss Colvin.

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

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

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 17, 2015) – Promising up-and-coming heavyweight Trevor Bryan (15-0, 11 KOs) will put his unblemished record on the line when he faces his toughest opponent to date, the more experienced Derric Rossy (30-9, 14 KOs), in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). Promoted by Don King Productions, the bout will take place Friday, Aug. 28, at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), across from the D Las Vegas in iconic Downtown Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, two-time Dominican Republic Olympian Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (23-0, 16 KOs), will take on the versatile Mike Gavronski (18-1-1, 12 KOs), of Tacoma, Wash., in a 10-round middleweight match. In the opening bout of the telecast, Samoa’s 6-foot-2 heavyweight Natu Visinia (11-1, 9 KOs) of Tacoma, Wash., will face 5-foot-10 Joey Dawejko (14-4-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia, in an eight-round matchup.

All six boxers will make their ShoBox debuts in what amounts to make-or-breakout fights for each. Tickets are priced at $39.50, $59.50, $89.50, $149.50 and $500.00 for VIP Tables and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

“It gives me great pleasure to help young and old prospects, men and women, chasing their dreams, grasping for an opportunity to transform their dreams into living reality,” King said. “Trevor Bryan is such a prospect seeking an opportunity to fulfill his dreams. Well, Don King and SHOWTIME are giving him that opportunity to capture the imagination of the people on ShoBox on Aug. 28. However, Derric Rossy, a great challenger and ‘Dreambreaker’ is blocking the door to greatness. And Trevor Bryan has to fight like hell to get through that door. The fight will be the power of dreams. I urge all fight fans to tune in on ShoBox and don’t blink.”

“We are excited to partner with Don King Promotions and ShoBox in bringing outdoor boxing to downtown Las Vegas,” said Derek Stevens, CEO/Owner DLVEC and the D Las Vegas. “The fight card features promising talent, which should make for an unforgettable event.”

Looking to establish himself in the United States heavyweight division, the talented but unproven Bryan of Pompano Beach, Fla., by way Albany, N.Y., is taking a huge leap in class against Rossy, of Medford, N.Y. The former amateur standout
won five national championships in just 60 amateur bouts. While a close loss in the finals of a 2011 qualifying tournament kept him out of the U.S. Olympic Trials, the heavyweight gained valuable experience at Northern Michigan University under the tutelage of former U.S. Olympic Coach Al Mitchell.

“On paper, it looks like it’ll be exciting and I’m definitely looking at it as a breakout fight for me,” Bryan said. “I feel excitement, not pressure. It’s time for people to start mentioning my name with the others. I’ve had a great training camp, I continue to feel confident with trainer Stacey McKinley and I feel strong, mentally clear and confident. I’m ready to roll.”

“You can’t take an awkward, determined guy like Rossy lightly,” Bryan said. “He’s scored a couple of upsets, fought some guys he thought he beat, has ring experience and he’s been there against all kinds. Like me, I feel he’s kind of desperate in his own way and the guys who are the most desperate are the most dangerous.

“This guy can’t beat me but I expect a tough, tough fight. Rossy’s not coming to lie down. Me? I’m just a young fighter trying to make his way and it’s time to fight somebody tough.”

Rossy, 35, an All American high school football star who would go on to play at Boston College, has never managed to get past journeyman/gatekeeper status and over that proverbial hump fight that catapults you to the next level. He has been in with former WBO heavyweight champion Ray Mercer, world-title contenders Eddie Chambers (twice) and Fres Oquendo and world-ranked contenders such as Vyacheslav Glazkov in an 11-year career in which he seldom got the benefit of the doubt in tight fights. In his outing before last, Rossy dropped a highly controversial 10-round majority decision to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and IBF No. 2-rated contender Glazkov (17-0-1) on Aug. 9, 2014.

“I’ve been dealt some unfortunate hands in boxing, results not coming my way, but I don’t sit and dwell on them,” Rossy said. “The bottom line is I can’t sit around and mope. I’ve got to win and leave no doubt in anybody’s mind. I feel like I’ve done that in many fights, but for some reason they think I leave doubt.” Rossy is looking for a similar performance against the undefeated Bryan.

“Bryan, I think he’s put together well,” Rossy said. “He’s a good boxer. It’s going be a good stylistic and action-packed fight and anybody that fights me know they are looking at a war.”

During the exciting fight night, Juan Ubaldo Cabrera, who represented the Dominican Republic in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, will take on Mike Gavronski in the ShoBox co-feature. The 36-year-old may best be known for defeating future world champion Jean Pascal en route to taking the gold medal in the middleweight class in the 2003 Pan-American Games. During an excellent amateur career, Cabrera also brought home a silver medal in the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games as a light middleweight.

Gavronski is a durable, well-conditioned 29-year-old from the Northwest who combines boxing skill with KO power in both hands and also fought in MMA. He’s won four in a row – all in Tacoma – and is 3-0 this year. In his last fight, he recorded a resounding ninth-round TKO over rival Tyrell Hendrix on May 30 in a rematch of their 2011 draw.

The opening bout of the telecast – Natu Visinia vs. Joey Dawejko – features a heavyweight showdown between a talented prospect and a former standout amateur.

Visinia, 30, is perhaps the most promising up-and-coming Samoan heavyweight since former longtime contender David Tua. A true heavyweight with tremendous knockout power in both hands, a rock-hard head and granite chin, the 6-foot-4 30-year-old is coming off a fourth-round knockout over Joshua Clarke last May 13. Seven of Visinia’s nine KO victories came in the first round.

Visinia was a former standout high school and college football player at Southern Illinois University. He began his fighting career in MMA, where he became the No. 2 ranked amateur in the United States before making his pro debut. He then switched to boxing in 2006.

Dawe­jko had a decorated am­a­teur ca­reer that included a World Junior Amateur championship in 2008, the national under-19 crown, and a victory over Bryant Jennings, who recently challenged heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko last April.

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

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 62 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 the 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 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 feature 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 at @theDLasVegas.

To celebrate 35 years since ‘Hall of Fame’ promoter Wilfried Sauerland staged his first show on German soil, Team Sauerland present a special anniversary show on September 26 at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, headlined by rising German stars Jack Culcay (20-1, 10 KOs) and Tyron Zeuge (17-0, 10 KOs).

On September 26, 1980, Sauerland began his endeavor to bring big-time boxing back to Germany when promoting a light heavyweight contest between Chisanda Mutti and Uwe Meinicke at the Cologne Sartory Hall.

What followed was an amazing success story – with great champions such as Rene Weller, Graciano ‘Rocky’ Rocchigiani, Henry Maske, Axel Schulz, Sven Ottke and Arthur Abraham, sold out arenas, record television viewing figures and a German boxing boom which continues to this day.

Exactly 35 years after this first show in Cologne, Team Sauerland celebrates this anniversary at Berlin’s famous Max Schmeling Halle. Speaking at today’s kick-off press conference Wilfried Sauerland said: ‘’Boxing was a hobby that became a passion that still burns today. I’m very proud of my sons Kalle and Nisse who share this passion and are guiding the next generation of German World Champions.’’

On September 26, Sauerland’s ‘Next Generation’ of superstars get their chance to shine, with Interim WBA World Light Middleweight Champion Jack Culcay and highly touted super middleweight contender Tyron Zeuge sharing top billing in the German capital.

Culcay, the 29 year-old from Hamburg, will make a first defence of the Interim WBA title he clinched with a unanimous points victory over Maurice Weber, against the undefeated Australian Dennis ‘Hurricane’ Hogan (22-0-1, 7 KOs). ‘’It’s an honour for me to headline this special anniversary show,’’ said ‘Golden Jack’. ‘’It doesn’t matter how tough Hogan is, I will do everything I can to ensure I win!’’

Zeuge, the 23 year-old Berlin-native, will face former European champion Eduard Gutknecht (28-3-1, 11 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title. ‘’First I will win the Intercontinental title, and then I will go on to become World Champion. I will not allow Gutknecht to stand in my way.’’

Ticket details for ‘The Next Generation’ featuring Jack Culcay and Tyron Zeuge on September 26 at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin will be announced shortly.

Swedish Olympian Anthony Yigit (14-0-1, 6 KOs) continues his European title charge on September 19 when he takes on former French Champion Chaquib Fadli (13-4, 7 KOs) at Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.

Yigit, one of the standout stars of Team Sauerland’s Nordic Fight Night series, brings his explosive style back to Sweden for the first time as a professional, joining IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Erik Skoglund and IBF Female Light Welterweight title challenger Klara Svensson in a historic night for Swedish boxing.

Ahead of his Swedish debut, the 23 year-old light welterweight has revealed his delight at fighting in front of his home fans. ‘’Representing Sweden at the London 2012 Olympics was one of the greatest achievements of my career,’’ said Yigit. ‘’And I’m proud to continue to represent Sweden as a pro. To get the opportunity to fight at home means everything to me. I’m going to train harder than ever and deliver the best possible performance for the Swedish fans!’’

The highly regarded southpaw has proved his pedigree with recent victories over the previously unbeaten Kim Poulsen and Timo Schwarzkopf. Against Fadli, the Stockholm fighter faces another tough test as he strives for European success.

‘’I’ve been pleased with my development, but of course, there is always room for improvement,’’ said Yigit. ‘’I won’t be satisfied until I’m world champion! However, the European title comes first, and on September 19, I will take my next steps towards achieving this dream.

‘’Fadli is a tough opponent with an unorthodox style. He has a lot of experience, fighting for titles against good opposition, so this will be a good test for me, but I’m confident I will win. This is a chance for me to make my mark on the European light welterweight division, and by beating Fadli, I’ll prove I belong with the best!’’

‘’Anthony is a special talent,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’Many Swedes will remember him from the London Olympics, where he narrowly missed out on a place in the quarterfinals, losing by a single point to the eventual silver medalist. Since turning pro, he has more than lived up to his amateur billing and is currently one of Europe’s brightest boxing prospects.

‘’On September 19, he takes another step forward, facing Fadli, an experienced European campaigner, who recently challenged for EBU-EU title. If Anthony comes through this test we will know he is ready and look to deliver him a shot at the European Light Welterweight title later this year.’’

Tickets for ‘Making History’ featuring Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak, Klara Svensson’s IBF Female World Light Welterweight Championship challenge against Marisa Gabriela Nunez and Anthony Yigit’s crunch light welterweight clash versus Chaquib Fadli are available via biljettforum.se.

Tacoma, Washington (August 16, 2015) World class professional boxing once again took center stage at the Emerald Queen Casino on Saturday night. Six hotly anticipated bouts made up an incredible fight card that left fans lucky enough to be in attendance with their jaws squarely on the floor.

Battle at the Boat 102 featured a main event worthy of the title. Hometown favorite Mike “Imagine Me” Gavronski (19-1-1 12KOs) took on journeyman fighter Laatekwei Hammond (21-10 14KO’s) of Worcester, Massachusetts in a 10-round contest. The heavily favored Gavronski didn’t disappoint, dominating from bell to bell. The Tacoma native used his unique combination of technical ability and devastating power to land brutal hooks and equally dangerous jabs throughout the contest. Although the more experienced fighter, Hammond was never able to find his rhythm despite landing more than a few hard shots. In the end, Gavronski proved too much for Hammond, winning a Unanimous Decision and sending his hometown fans happy yet again.

In the evening’s semi-main event, blue chip prospect and Tacoma native Marquice Weston (6-0-1 2KO’s) took on Utah’s David Sanchez (3-2 1KO) in a 5-round war. With both fighters looking to score the knockout, this incredible contest was a crowd-pleaser to be sure. The taller Weston enjoyed a significant reach advantage, using his length to keep Sanchez in range, never allowing his opponent to build momentum. At the end of 5 rounds and with the decision left in the judge’s hands, the talented Tacoma product Weston took home a unanimous decision victory to keep his perfect record intact and continue his climb up the ranks.

Also featured in a 5-round bout was Vancouver, Washington native Jason Davis taking on David Lopez of Caldwell, Idaho in a highly anticipated undercard contest. The action was fast and furious, with both fighters landing massive shots early and often. Lopez looked to be the better-conditioned fighter, maintaining his pace well into the 4th round. After seeing their fighter sustain massive damage throughout the fight, Davis’ corner had seen enough going into the 5th, throwing in the towel before the bell and giving David Lopez his fifth professional victory.

Battle at the Boat 102 featured three excellent undercard bouts as well. Those results are as follows:

Jeremy McCleary (7-1) def. Benny Vinson (1-4 1KO) via Unanimous Decision (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)

Cameron Sevilla-Rivera (6-1 5KOs) def. Steven McKinney (1-4) via 3rd round TKO (corner stoppage)

Alan Luk (1-0) def. Sean Gee (2-1) via Split Decision

Next up from Brian Halquist Productions, Super Fight League 44, live from the Emerald Queen Casino on Saturday, September 26th. Tickets for this incredible night of MMA action are on sale now through the EQC box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com as well as the CageSport MMA Facebook page.