Bryan Vera- Rocky Fielding Media Day quotes and pictures

Liverpool, England (June 24, 2015)– Super Middleweight contender Bryan Vera (23-9, 14 KO’s) and Rocky Fielding (20-0, 11 KO’s) held a media workout Tuesday in advance of their bout on Friday.

The fight will take place at the Echo Arena, and he is with his team that consists of his brother Gilbert, manager David Watson and Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions.

“We did a media day in front of a good crowd in Liverpool. We did a small workout for the crowd. Rocky fielding showed up after me and did his thing for the crowd,” Said Vera

“I am ready to bring back the belt. I am ready and feel great fighting at 168. I have fought many great fighters. I have been tested time and time again. Rocky Fielding knows that this is not his typical fight. He’s fighting a warrior and I’m coming to win. That I know.




MEMORABLE WEEKEND FOR KING SPORTS!

Los Angeles, CA (June 24, 2015) It was a busy weekend across the globe for King Sports. From Los Angeles to Montreal to Milan, the company experienced exhilarating triumph & bittersweet loss.

“We began the weekend with a beautiful celebration of life taking place on Friday night in Los Angeles for Michael” said Paul Cain of King Sports. “From President Bill Clinton to Oprah Winfrey it was a wonderful tribute to a beloved man who has inspired us all at King Sports.”

“We then flew to Montreal for Hassan N’Dam’s IBF Middleweight World Title fight against David Lemieux.” Despite being dropped four times the valiant N’Dam battled the full twelve rounds with the hometown favorite Lemieux, dropping a hard fought decision.

“Hassan fought like the world class fighter we know that he is,” continued Cain. “He was successfully counter punching the wild swinging Lemieux the entire fight. A showing like this even in defeat raises his stock and we look forward to finding the biggest opportunity for him next.”

Also on Saturday night in Milan, Italy, fighting under the King Sports banner, Michel Soro stopped Emanuele Blandamura in the eighth round to capture the vacant European Middleweight Title, improving to 27-1-1 (17KO’s).

In his previous start, Soro knocked out Glen Tapia in the fourth round on May 8 in Newark, New Jersey to win the USBA & NABO Junior Middleweight titles.

“Michel has an outstanding future and he’s poised for a title shot before the end of the year,” Cain stated. “And we have big plans for the rest of our fighters, including Richard Commey who just won the vacant IBF Inter-Continental Lightweight Title, Chris Van Heerden, the IBF International Welterweight champ & Charles Martin, the NABO Heavyweight champion.”

ABOUT KING SPORTS
King Sports is a company started by entertainment entrepreneur Michael King. Through an exhaustive scouting and evaluation process, King Sports has signed some of the most exciting young fighters from around the globe, positioning each of them into the top 8 world rankings.

For more information follow King Sports on Twitter @KingSportsWorld, Facebook @KingSportsWorldwide and visit their website at www.KingSportsWorldwide.com.
@HassanNdam @SoroMichel @RichardCommey @TheHeat001 @StPrinceCharles




SAN Nutrition Signs on as Title Sponsor of WSOF

Oxnard, California – June 24, 2015 – SAN Nutrition, with a strong history of supporting elite athletes and sporting events, announced today that it has teamed up on a promising new venture as title sponsor of Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com).

WSOF is an internationally growing company promoting world championship professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) live events for distribution on NBCSN in the U.S. as well as television in over 100 countries internationally. In the same way that SAN is committed to providing customers and athletes with the greatest products, WSOF is dedicated to providing fans and fighters with the ultimate sports entertainment experience.

“We’ve had growing relationships with MMA athletes as individuals, including our sponsorship of MMA Welterweight champion and number one contender Johny Hendricks as well as number one ranked Lightweight phenom Khabib Nurmagomedov,“ says Matt Boldt, SAN’s president, “and we’re truly looking forward to our new endeavors supporting such a world-class organization as WSOF.

We are excited to partner with a first-rate nutrition company like SAN that has taken such a proactive approach to marketing its top-of-the-line products to MMA’s ever-growing audience,” said WSOF President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo.

“This is, without a doubt,” continued Sefo, “a great opportunity for WSOF to align itself with another sponsor partner that is committed to excellence in its space, and we are confident that this partnership will help SAN significantly expand its footprint in MMA and reach a greater number of target consumers than ever before.”

MMA popularity is continually growing and WSOF’s coverage on NBCSN, NBC and worldwide is pushing growth even further. SAN has fielded an ever-increasing interest level from fighters with regard to maximizing strength and endurance, so the relationship is the perfect match.

SAN’s name will appear on new floor logo mats, center posts, tale of the tape television graphics, and the WSOF round card girls will be outfitted with new uniforms bearing the SAN logo.

SAN Nutrition has become the most trusted company in the industry because of the positive results achieved by people who use SAN products. Backed by extensive scientific research, SAN Nutrition continually develops the most powerful and safest supplements available.

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.




FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TO BE HONORED GUEST AT AUGUST 8 HYANNIS BOXING EVENT

Hyannis, Massachusetts [June 24, 2015] – Former world champion, “The Fleet Street Fury” Tony DeMarco (58-12-1, 33 KO’s), will be the special guest of honor at the boxing event August 8th at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) in beautiful Cape Cod. That night’s event will be headlined by the Northeast Heavyweight Championship fight between Hyannis’ Jesse Barboza (9-1-1, 5 KO’s) and Pennsylvania’s Jesse Oltmanns (10-5, 7 KO’s). It will also feature an eight-round light heavyweight fight between Harwich’s Paul Gonsalves (7-7-1, 3 KO’s) and Mexico’s Rafael Valenzuela (8-5, 1 KO).

DeMarco, a legend in Boston’s North End, where there is a statue in his likeness at the corners of Hanover and Cross Streets, headlined the old Boston Garden more than any fighter in history. He won the welterweight world championship in 1955 with a 14th round TKO over reigning champ Johnny Saxton in Syracuse, NY. He would lose the title later that year to Hall of Famer Carmen Basilio in a brutal 12-round fight back at the Garden that was named “Fight of the Year” by Ring Magazine. DeMarco also headlined the last boxing event ever to be held at Boston’s Fenway Park in 1956.

On August 8th, he’ll be available for autographs & pictures and will be selling copies of his autobiography, “Nardo: Memoirs of a Boxing Champion.”

The August 8, 2015 event will be presented by Boston Boxing Promotions. It will be the first professional boxing event held in Hyannis since 2006. General admission tickets are $40 and are on sale now at www.CapeCodBoxing.com. Fans are urged to purchase tickets early due to limited availability. Additional bouts to be announced in the weeks to come.

Boston Boxing Promotions is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. To learn more about the promotion, you can follow them on Twitter @BostonProBoxing, join the promotion’s official Facebook page “Boston Boxing Promotions,” and visit the promotion’s website www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com.




WELTERWEIGHT ACTION TAKES CENTER STAGE WHEN HBO BOXING® PRESENTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®: TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. VS. JESSIE VARGAS PLUS OSCAR VALDEZ VS. RUBEN TAMAYO SATURDAY, JUNE 27

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One of the sport’s best fighters returns when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. VS. JESSIE VARGAS AND OSCAR VALDEZ VS. RUBEN TAMAYO is seen SATURDAY, JUNE 27 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside to call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The night marks the 1,000th fight televised on HBO. It all began Jan. 22, 1973 when HBO acquired telecast rights to the heavyweight title fight between Joe Frazier and George Foreman in Kingston, Jamaica. HBO has carried fights from 34 states plus Washington. D.C and international destinations such as Buenos Aires, Cancun, Montreal, London, Berlin, Copenhagen, Munich, Manila, Moscow and Tokyo. The fighters with the most appearances on the network during its 43 years of covering the sweet science are Roy Jones Jr and Oscar de la Hoya tied with 32.
Other HBO playdates: June 28 (10:00 a.m.) and 29 (11:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdate: June 28 (3:30 p.m.)
Timothy Bradley Jr. (31-1-1, 12 KOs), from Palm Springs, Cal., takes on undefeated Jessie Vargas (26-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas in a scheduled 12-round welterweight contest. A former super lightweight and welterweight titleholder, Bradley will be making his 2015 debut. His only pro loss came at the hands of Manny Pacquiao, which was followed by a controversial draw against Diego Chaves. Bradley has consistently accepted difficult fights and will be returning to the venue where he fought Ruslan Provodnikov in an epic 12-round battle that was named 2013’s Fight of the Year by the BWAA. Vargas has held a title in the super lightweight division and is moving up in weight to take on Bradley, seeking a new championship belt for his collection.
Opening up the telecast is a 10-round featherweight attraction that features the HBO debut of highly regarded two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez. The 24-year-old (16-0, 14 KOs) from Nogales, Sonora, hopes to show off his considerable ring skills in a matchup with southpaw Ruben Tamayo (23-5-4, 15 KOs), who hails from Ciuadad, Obregon, Sonora, Mexico.
Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.
All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.
The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.
® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.




Heavyweight LaRon Mitchell: Full-time Boxer & Educator, Fights this Friday

ORANGE, Calif. (June 23, 2015) – LaRon Mitchell (7-0, 7 KOs), a heavyweight prospect that also happens to be a full-time elementary school teacher in California’s Bay Area, is featured on Thompson Boxing Promotions “New Blood” undercard this Friday, June 26.

Mitchell, 35, took to the sport later than usual, but in his seven professional fights, he’s shown a gift for the dramatic. Mitchell has knocked out every opponent that he’s been matched against. On Friday he faces Houston-based Roy McReary (4-3, 3 KOs) in a scheduled 6-rounder.

We caught up with the San Francisco native and talked about his work as an educator, his college experience playing football, and why he’s fully committed to boxing.

What made you decide to get involved in boxing?

“I was interested in MMA at first. I’d go to the gym and work on grappling techniques and do some striking. There were also boxers at this gym and every now and then I’d take a look at what they were doing and I found it a lot more fascinating. Boxing is more intricate and dynamic. Instead of being average in a lot of different fighting styles, it forces you to become elite in one discipline, and that’s what I liked about it.”

Prior to transitioning into boxing, you had quite a bit of amateur success in football.

“I played wide receiver and tight end at Modesto Junior College, and later I transferred to Paul Quinn College in Dallas. In 2005, I worked out for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. It was an awesome experience just to work out for a professional football team.”

You currently teach at St. Elizabeth’s in Oakland. What do your students think of your career as a professional boxer?

“They love it. It’s crazy because I didn’t tell anyone about it. I wasn’t really promoting it. But once word got out, everyone has been really supportive. I have so much support from the students, the staff, and the entire St. Elizabeth’s community.”

Do your students view you as more of a role model, now that they know about your career as a boxer?

“I know they’re excited for me. I know for myself, it feels great because I feel like a positive inspiration for these kids. I could be a world champion tomorrow, but if I’m empty inside, it doesn’t do me any good. How you positively affect other peoples’ lives is what this is all about.”

On Friday, you’ll face Roy McReary. Is there any pressure to produce a knockout win?

“Roy is a big guy with a pretty good skill set. My record is what it is. It doesn’t mean much at this point. In the heavyweight division, you’re always one punch away from losing so I just take it one fight at a time.”

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

In the 8-round main event, lightweight product Jose Roman (20-1, 14 KOs) of Garden Grove, Calif. has a serious challenge ahead of him when he faces hardened veteran and former contender Marco Antonio Lopez (24-6, 15 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif.

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Cesar Villarraga (7-0, 4 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against journeyman Jose Araiza (34-12-1, 25 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico (6-rounds).

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

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT and the first bout starts at 7:30 p.m. PT. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

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

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.




Alexander Miskirtchian Joins Salita Stable; Promoter Pleased To Add World Ranked Featherweight Contender To Expanding Roster

BROOKLYN (June 24, 2015)– – The roster at Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions continues to grow, and become more impressive with each passing week.
Salita is excited and proud to announce the signing of former world title challenger Alexander Miskirtchian, a featherweight contender born in the former Soviet Union republic of Georgia, who now resides in Belgium.

Miskirtchian, 29-years-old, is a smart boxer with a 25-3-1 mark. He last fought in March, notching a decision win in Belgium. Before that, he impressed watchers in his title clash against Evgeny Gradovich in May 2014, as he sent Gradovich to the canvas in round six, before losing a decision.

The IBF and WBC has Salita’s newest talent ranked at No. 10 and 13 respectively and the promoter expects him to show his true colors by keep on winning, and secure another title shot.

Miskirtchian is a busy fighter, aggressive, with solid fundamentals. He is smart defensively and he possesses a snappy jab, as well sneaky-quick left hook.

“Alex is a very talented fighter,” said promoter Dmitry Salita. “He made a very strong showing in his world title challenge against then world champion Gradovich. Now with that experience he is ready to fight the best featherweights in the world and capture the world title!”

To learn more about Salita Promotions, go here. http://www.salitapromotions.com/about/

Learn more about Salita Promotions’ impressive roster here. http://www.salitapromotions.com/fighters/

ABOUT STAR OF DAVID PROMOTIONS
Star of David Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature the brightest prospects, as well as seasoned pugilists, in and around the New York City area. Viewers have enjoyed watching Star of David fighters in recent years on Spike TV, ESPN2, MSG, and Universal Sports Network. Please visit www.Salitapromotions.com for more information.

Please log on to www.salitapromotions.com for more information on the Salita fighters and upcoming promotions.




Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Rob ‘Bravo’ Brant to a Promotional Contract

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (15-0, 9 KOs) to a promotional contract.

24-year-old Brant, from Oakdale, Minnesota, started boxing in 2007 and by 2009 was already a national champion. He went on to become a member of the US National Boxing Team and win the 2010 National Golden Gloves, among many other distinctions, before turning professional in 2012.

Primarily a boxer, though possessing above-average power, Brant is a technician in the ring with a strong ability to improvise and adjust mid-fight. His strong conditioning allows him to push the pace and break his opponents down, mentally and physically.

You started boxing and quickly became a national champion. Tell me about discovering you were a natural in boxing. When did you realize it?

My father was a Division 1 collegiate football player. I grew up loving football, I won’t say I was stellar, but I got on the field. When I was 15, I started to dabble in boxing. Me and some friends, mainly football players, would meet up at our quarterback’s house to spar. His father, Bob Mitchell, used to be a boxer and would spar with us in the garage or the driveway. I loved every second of it. I found myself going to my friend’s house more and more, even when he wasn’t there, so I could box with his father.

When the weather stopped permitting this, I just had to put it in the back burners, but I realized that it was something I really wanted to do. I started researching boxing gyms and watching a lot of boxing. When I was 16 and got my driver’s license, I went to the White Bear Lake Boxing Club, where I was met with an 87-year-old man by the name of Emmitt Yanez, as well as Larry Goodman who was in his mid-70s. I would, for that entire summer of 2007, be the first person in the gym and the last one out. I attribute my success to those two men, for the next few years they took me to every tournament and every local show in the Midwest. I didn’t turn down a fight and they were willing to drive wherever whenever.

I guess I realized that I had talent when I won the US Men’s National Championship in 2009. Until then, I was always giving myself an excuse for why I had won the tournaments that I won and would focus on those I did not compete against, as opposed to the ones that I did. In the finals of the National Championships in 2009 I beat a man named Siju Shabazz whom in 2007 I watched win the National Golden Gloves on television. I remember thinking he was the epitome of talent. When they raised my arm, it did not set in until a few weeks later, when I realized I was the number one-ranked light heavyweight in the United States.

What made you want to start boxing?

I always loved watching every aspect of a boxing show. The entrance, the matching corner uniforms, the tension of two fighters standing in opposite corners knowing what they are about to have to do, and how once the bell rings, how they approach one another with confidence and caution. When I would go to my friend’s house and box his father, I figured it was something that I might be able to actually do one day and mentally, I committed myself until I could physically take myself to a boxing gym.

Why did you turn pro?

After a short but dense amateur career, I lost in the 2012 Olympic trials. I acquired enough experience to chase what most amateur boxers dream of: to become a professional world champion and have all that comes with it.

How did the deal with Greg Cohen come about?

Greg Cohen did a show boxing show in my home state of Minnesota at the Grand Casino Hinckley. I worked extremely hard in preparation for that particular competition because it was my nationally televised debut as a pro. I feel that I prepared enough and performed at the level that I should have in front of the GCP team. My hard work paid off, Mr. Cohen wanted to continue to work together.

What are your goals in boxing?

Of course, part of my main goal in boxing is to become a legitimate world champion in my division. But deeper than that, I would like to own a home and be debt free by the time I am retired from the sport. I want to make the money that I earned from boxing work for me.

Who is your trainer?

I train four to five weeks before competitions in Dallas, Texas. My head trainer is Derrick James. He was an accomplished amateur as well as an accomplished professional boxer who has trained fighters such as Errol Spence Jr and Anthony Mack, amongst others. My assistant trainer is Nathan Pipitone. Nathan always goes the extra mile for me. He will meet me at the gym at whatever time and solely wants the success of the athletes he works with, a class act. My cut man and my strength and conditioning coach is Jeremy Clark from my home state of Minnesota. He is a player development coach for the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. He pushes me to the next level, athleticism doesn’t impress him, hard work does, and that is what I need.

Where do you train?

I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where I do my heavy strength and conditioning with my coach Jeremy Clark at the Minnesota Top Team Gym he owns in Eagan, Minnesota. A month or so out from the fight, I head to Dallas to train with my coaches Derrick and Nathan to sharpen my technique and get the heavy sparring in. Although I constantly am working hard the hardest work is done in Dallas.

What’s next for you?

I will be completing July 17 at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem Pennsylvania on the non-televised portion of a talent-stacked ShoBox card. I am currently in Dallas preparing for that.

Do you do anything besides boxing?

I feel that when you truly and fully commit yourself to something you do not have a lot of time for other things. That being said, I do try to read as much as I can and I see a lot of movies as well as an avid Game of Thrones fan. The majority of people that I associate with socially are also in combative sports business, keeps me focused.

How did you get the name Bravo?

That is actually a funny story. I had coaches that used to call me ‘Robbo.’ In amateur boxing you see many of the same coaches year after year and lightly converse with them and get to know them through your amateur career.

It wasn’t until my last amateur tournament that I ever did (2012 USA national championship, bronze medal) that a coach from the Bay Area approached my personal coaches and asked where ‘Bravo’ was. My coach in confusion did not understand until said coach described me where he replied ‘Oh, you mean Robbo!’ For years, this coach had thought my name was Bravo when my coach told me the story I smiled and said “that’s it!”

I don’t feel you can give yourself a boxing name, nor have I ever, so it was meant to be that at my last amateur tournament somebody would give me my name.

Tell me something you want fans to know about you.

I love every aspect of boxing. I am not great at receiving the attention because I like being on level ground with everyone and at times I can be put on a pedestal which I do not overly enjoy. I like being regular. I am the most approachable person in the world I feel that everybody is equal. I just happen to have a job that people like to watch.

For more information on Rob Brant, visit gcpboxing.com. Twitter @robertbrantusa
Instagram robertbrantusa.

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

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

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

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; cruiserweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

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

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




WSOF Signs LaRue Burley and Louis “Handgunz” Taylor

LAS VEGAS (June 23, 2015) – World championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that it has inked two fast-rising stars – undefeated lightweight (155 pounds) LaRue “The Cannibal” Burley (6-0) and red-hot, middleweight (185 pounds) finisher Louis “Handgunz” Taylor (11-3) – to exclusive, multi-fight agreements.

Both fighters’ WSOF debut dates and opponents will be announced in the near future.

“As we continue our incredible growth at WSOF, we also continue to seek out the best athletes in MMA for our ever-growing roster,” WSOF President Ray Sefo said. “LaRue and Louis are two of the sport’s top prospects, and will no doubt make an immediate impact in the WSOF decagon cage.”

Burley, fighting out of Arizona’s Power MMA Team, has been competing professionally since 2012. The 31-year-old has rattled off six consecutive victories to start his professional career, including two by submission – both via guillotine choke – and two by KO.

While competing almost exclusively in Arizona, Burley has notched victories under numerous regional banners, earning brief national exposure with a 2013 victory over Bubba Jenkins, but he now will be thrust into the national spotlight under the promotion of WSOF.

Taylor comes to WSOF on the strength of a four-fight winning steak that has seen the 36-year-old earn all four victories by first-round stoppage. A Chicago native who still fights out of the Windy City’s Chicago Fight Team, Taylor has been competing professionally since 2007.

In 14 career contests, Taylor has fought to a judges’ decision just once, using a strong mix of striking skills and grappling prowess to consistently seek out a finish.

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




King’s Promotions Press Conference this Thursday at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem at 6 PM ET

Bethlehem, PA (June 23 2015)–This Thursday at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, King’s Promotions will hold the final news conference in conjunction of Saturday night’s 10 bout card at the same venue.

The press conference will begin at 6 PM et and be held in the Berks meeting room.

The following evening the weigh in will take place at 5:30 PM in the Berks meeting room.

On Saturday night, King’s Boxing will present night of boxing at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem..

In the main event, undefeated Welterweight Jamal James (16-0, 9 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN will take on Mike Balasi (10-6, 7 KO’s) of Honolulu, HA in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

In 6-round Bouts:

Alex Martin (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Harvey, Illinois will take on Pavel Miranda (19-10-1, 9 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Welterweight bout.

Caleb Plant (7-0, 6 KO’s) of Ashland, TN will fight Oscar Rojas (8-1, 3 KO’s) of Laredo, Texas in a Super Middleweight bout.

Christian Molina (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Allentown, PA will take on Justin Johnson (6-8) of Pittsburgh, PA in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Kyrone Davis (7-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will take on Jose Alberto Leal (9-7-1, 4 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico Middleweight bout..

In 4-round Bouts:

Robert Ramos (1-3-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will fight Ismael Serrano (2-1) of Bethlehem, PA in a Lightweight bout.

Desmond Moore of Bethlehem, PA will fight Mike Heffilfinger of Pennsylvania in a battle of Featherweight pro debuter’s.

Carlos Gongora (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will box Alvaro Enriquez (12-14-2, 4 KO’s) of Tlaxcala, Mexico in a Light Heavyweight affair.

Chris Colbert (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Antwan Robertson (9-14-1, 6 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Antonio DuBose (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Jesus Lule (7-12-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL in a Featherweight bout.

Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and can purchased at ticketmaster and www.ticketmaster.com

The 1st bout will start at 7:00 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.

The show will be streamed live on www.gfl.tv




UNDEFEATED STAR VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY TO FACE PAUL PAKER LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES ON JUNE 30 FROM THE 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA

LOS ANGELES (June 23) – Undefeated star Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chingonsky” Shabranskyy (13-0, 11 KOs) of Los Angeles will return to the ring after a stellar performance on March 12, going up against the undefeated Paul Parker (7-0, 4 KOs)of Toledo, Ohio in the 10-round cruiserweight main event for Golden Boy Live! on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes on June 30. Live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Shabranskyy will be looking to continue his winning streak alongside of some of the east coast’s undefeated fighters.

In the co-main event, undefeated rising star, D’Mitrius Ballard (8-0, 7 KOs) of Washington D.C. will take on Josue Obando (11-5, 9 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in a six-round light heavyweight fight; and fellow undefeated Washington D.C. boxer Lamont Roach Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) will face San Antonio’s Christian Santibanez (3-4, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight televised bout. Fighting to make airtime, local fighter Damon Allen (6-0, 2 KOs) will go head-to-head against Luis “Yeye” Rodriguez (3-4, 2 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a six-round super lightweight swing bout.

In non-televised undercard, super featherweight Kevin “K-Smoove” Rivers, Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs) of Cheverly, Maryland will face Luis “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr. (5-4-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round battle; and. Also hailing from Philadelphia, Victor Vasquez (18-9-1, 8 KOs) will go up against Puerto Rican fighter Edgardo Torres (2-4, 2 KOs) in a non-televised six-round lightweight bout. Opening up the night, South Korea native and Philadelphia transplant GangYong Kim (4-1) will fight new opponent Tyrone Luckey (5-4-2, 5 KOs) of Middletown, New Jersey in a four-round lightweight bout.

Tickets for the event are priced at $75 and $50 and are on sale now by calling (215) 568-2400, (215) 364-9000 or (215) 765-0922 and on online at www.wanatix.com or www.peltzboxing.com, and at the 2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19148.

Coming off of an impressive technical knockout victory over Fabiano Pena to gain the USNBC Light Heavyweight title on March 12, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy is looking to continue his winning streak in 2015. A native of Zhytomyr, Ukraine and now making his home in Los Angeles, Shabranskyy is a powerful puncher who put together an impressive 2014 campaign, facing and quickly defeating: Lamont Williams, Paul Vasquez, Michael Gbenga, Demetrius Walker, Emil Gonzalez and Garrett Wilson.

Fighting out of Toledo, Ohio, Paul Parker has made a name for himself in his hometown stopping every opponent since his professional debut in 2012. The relative newcomer most recently faced Brian Holstein in August of 2014, winning the fight by knockout in the first round. Previously, Parker fought four times in 2013 defeating Dwayne Williams, Darryl Johnson, James Shorter and Joshua Skipper along the way. Now, is his toughest fight to date, Parker will be looking to continue his winning streak when he faces Vyacheslav Shabranskyy on June 30.

A decorated amateur star, the professional run of D’Mitrius Ballard thus far has been nothing short of spectacular. Just 22 years old, Ballard has shown power, speed and ring generalship all while exciting fans from New York to Texas to his home of Washington, D.C. Coming off a 70- second knockout of Jason Zabokrtsky in March, Ballard is chasing after more spectacular finishes this year.
Making his U.S. debut, from Gudalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Josue Obando, will be looking to impress critics in his first fight of 2015. Having last seen the ring in November of 2014 against Bruno Sandoval, Obando is a hungry fighter looking for redemption. The fighter was undefeated in 2013, winning his fights against Jorge Lujan and Felipe Macias via knockout. June 30, will be a test for Obando as he looks to start off 2015 with a victory when he faces D’mitrius Ballard.

Nineteen-year-old lightweight phenom Lamont Roach Jr. has been a dazzling force in the ring following an impressive amateur career and as he piles up the wins, boxing insiders see him as a young man with world championship potential. Looking to test himself once again in his return to the 2300 Arena where he stopped Herbert Quartey in January, Roach is ready for anyone placed in front of him in the ring.

After two hard losses at the beginning of his professional career in 2013, Christian Santibanez was triumphant in his only fight of 2014 against Daniel Arriaga in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Already in 2015, Santibanez has participated in in four fights, boasting two victories over Jose Dolores and Ivan Moreno in Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico. After a tough loss to Ruslan Madiev at Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino in Indio, Calif., Santibanez will look to defeat Lamont Roach Jr. this month at the 2300 Arena.

Damon Allen of Philadelphia is a relative newcomer to the sweet science. Allen last fought in 2014 respectively defeating Antony Linenfelser via technical knockout and Hector Marengo via unanimous decision. A professional boxer since 2012, the 20-year old will be making his 2015 debut after a year out of the ring.

With a strong professional debut in June 2012, Puerto Rican fighter Luis Rodriguez won his first three fights against Israel Muniz, Luis Oritz, and Luis Guzman, and was defeated by Jose Santiago. Rodriguez made his U.S. debut in 2015 against Mykal Fox in Washington D.C., and followed up with fights against Kenneth Sims. Jr. at Madison Square Gardens in New York and Keenan Smith in Atlantic City.

Undefeated since his professional debut in 2012, Kevin “K-Smoove” Rivers, Jr. of Cheverly, Maryland is eager to get back in the ring after an impressive technical knockout victory over Stephon McIntyre in January of this year. The fighter has been steadily moving up the ranks accumulating wins over other stand-out prospects, Xavier Montelongo and Karl Garcia in 2014. Now the 24-year-old fighter is ready to continue his winning streak in his second fight of 2015.

Hailing from Merida, Mexico, Luis “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr., the 21-year-old made his professional debut in February 2012 against Alfonso Millan in his hometown. Consistently fighting in Mexico since his debut, Lizarraga made his American debut in October 2014 when he faced tough opponent Diego De La Hoya at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, Calif. With a loss to De La Hoya and to Christopher Diaz in February 2015 at the Sun Dome in Tampa. Florida, Lizarraga is eager to face Kevin Rivers in one of the toughest fights of his career yet.

Philadelphia native Victor Vasquez is an experienced fighter looking to impress in his second fight of 2015. The lightweight fighter was last seen in the ring in March, defeating Jose L. Guzman via fourth-round technical knockout. The fighter is looking to keep the momentum going and add another win to his record when he fights Edgardo Torres on June 30.

Vineland, New Jersey’s Edgardo Torres made his professional debut in April 2011 against Korey Sloane at Caesars in Atlantic City. After a win against Anthony Cusumano in 2012, Torres fell victim to tough opponents: Scott Burrell in 2013, Evincii Dixon in 2014, and most recently GangYong Kim at the 2300 Arena in May 2015. On June 30, he will return to the venue looking for redemption as he takes on Philly native Victor Vasquez.

GangYong Kim, a Philly transplant from South Korea, is a newcomer to the sport who was last seen in his USA debut at the 2300 Arena on May 8, defeating Edgardo Torres via unanimous decision. The 26-year-old fighter will be looking to impress the fans of his new hometown when he faces Tyrone Luckey in a four-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena.

Tyrone Luckey, the 30-year-old hailing from Middletown, New Jersey, made his professional debut in 2010 knocking out his first four opponents. In July 2011, Luckey was defeated by Bryne Green in a close six-round decision and followed up with a draw against Ramon Ellis, a loss against a Tevin Farmer, and a knock out against Bryan Acaba to round out 2012. After two tough losses to Wahid Raheem and Jason Sosa in 2013 and a draw against Jose Ortiz in 2015, Luckey will look to comeback against Gang Yong Kim this month in Philadelphia.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy vs. Paul Parker is a 10-round cruiserweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Joe Hand Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 6:45 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXSports1, @FOXDeportes, @JoeHandPromo and, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes, www.facebook.com/JoeHandPromotionsand visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @JoeHandPromo




MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV Continues Friday, June 26 at 10 p.m. ET

Gilberto Ramirez
truTV and Top Rank will exclusively present the MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV, a live primetime boxing series on Friday, June 26, at 10 p.m. ET from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. The new boxing series, produced in association with Turner Sports and HBO Sports, will feature a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Middleweight title between undefeated southpaw champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (31-0-0, 24 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico and Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards (27-4-1, 14 KOs) of Las Vegas. Additionally, southpaw Diego Magdaleno (27-1-0, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas will meet Puerto Rico’s Jose “Chelo” Gonzalez (24-1-0, 19 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBO International Lightweight championship.

Commentators for the event will include Kevin Kugler providing play-by-play with analyst Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and reporter Crystina Poncher. Kugler is a veteran announcer who has called college basketball and NFL coverage for Westwood One and college football for the Big Ten Network. Mancini is a 2015 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former NABF and WBA lightweight champion. Poncher is a commentator and reporter for Top Rank, as well as a host, reporter and correspondent for NFL Network and NFL.com. Closed captioning in Spanish will be available for the truTV telecast.

The network’s presentation will feature the continued use of “Spidercam” technology, the first of its kind for a live domestic boxing telecast, providing dynamic coverage during the series. “Spidercam” operates on a four-point system of cables from designated points beyond the corners of the boxing ring. The suspended camera has the ability to provide compelling 360-degree angles of the action including the ability to move in three dimensions – left/right, forward/backward and up/down.

Follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.




Sergei Kharitonov vs. Kenny Garner Video Review & Preview of rematch

The Heavyweight SuperFight rematch between Russian Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (22-5-0) and American Kenny “Deuce” Garner (16-8-0) will headline the July 3rd M-1 Challenge 59: Battle of Nomads 5 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Garner was a replacement for injured Satoshi Ishii this past November 25 against Kharitonov in Beijing. The game Garner dominated the opening round and Kharitonov took the second round. The fight was stopped in the third round an Kharitonov declared the winner due to safety concerns for the badly cut Garner.

M-1 Challenge 59 will be streamed live from Kazakhstan in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Andriod and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Information:

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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




Chazz Witherspoon to headline on Saturday, August 15 at The Playground in Atlantic City

chazz-witherspoon_wins
Atlantic City, NJ (June 23 2015)–On Saturday night, August 15, Silverspoon Promotions will present a huge night of boxing that will feature as many as 10 professional bouts at the Playground (Formerly the Caesars Pier) in Atlantic City.

Confirmed for the 10-round main event will be Heavyweight contender Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon.

Witherspoon (33-3, 25 KO’s) of nearby Paulsboro, New Jersey established himself as one of the top American Heavyweights as the St. Joseph’s University graduate won his first twenty-three bouts with wins over the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmadge Griffis (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1) before suffering his 1st defeat to future two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola via controversial disqualification.

Witherspoon went on to win three win a row which was highlighted by an entertaining 8th round stoppage over Adam “The Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1). That fight was voted Ring Magazine’s 2008 Heavyweight Fight of the Year. Witherspoon then dropped a fight to future two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson.

Witherspoon went on to score 4-consecutive knockouts which included a devastating 3rd-round destruction over Tyson Cobb (14-2).

Witherspoon then took on undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on April 28, 2012 in a bout where Witherspoon had Mitchell badly hurt in several occasions before Mitchell came away with the victory.

In his last bout, Witherspoon scored a 5th round stoppage over Galen Brown on April 18 in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Also slated to appear on the card will be Super Lightweight Malik Hawkins (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD; Super Lightweight Courtney Blocker (6-0, 6 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL; Welterweight Parris Chisholm (2-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C.; Super Bantamweight Vidal Rivera (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Camden, NJ.; Lightweight Jerome Conquest (2-1) of Philadelphia, PA; Pro debuting Scott Kelleher; Welterweight Anthony Young (10-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ; Erik Kitt (5-1, 2 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL plus more fighters to be announced.

To view the Playground in Atlantic City, Click the video:

The Playgorund Atlantic City
The Playgorund Atlantic City

The playground is a brand-new, state of the art entertainment complex where the shops at the Pier used to be. The facility is 500,000 square feet

Tickets for this great night of boxing will range from $45 – $100 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com

Full details will be announced shortly




FORMER WBO CHAMPION PETER “KID CHOCOLATE” QUILLIN CONFIRMED FOR SECOND ANNUAL BOX FAN EXPO TAKING PLACE SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 IN LAS VEGAS

Peter Quillin
Las Vegas (June 22, 2015) – Former WBO world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin has confirmed that he will appear at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday Sept. 12. The Box Fan Expo will coincide with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s last fight and Mexican Independence weekend.

Quillin is an undefeated Cuban-American Middleweight with a 31-0 record. On Oct. 20, 2012, he captured the coveted WBO 160-pound division championship. Quillin got his nicknamea from the original “Kid Chocolate,” Eligio Sardinias-Montalbo, a Cuban fighter and eventual Internationl Boxing Hall-of-Fame inductee.

Quillin will also have on hand his unique clothing collection and merchandise for his fans to purchase.

Quillin joins Ruslan “Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov, Terrible” Terry Norris, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor and “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas 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 to large, enthusiastic crowds. 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, Sergio Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia, James Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Shawn Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija, Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, Mia St-John, Erislandy Lara, Peter 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 top trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.

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

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

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

View Promo Flyer here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/promo-flyer/

View Photos Gallery 2014 here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/photos/

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

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




Canada’s Tony Luis Set for Ring Return on Friday, June 26, at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino and Live on CBS Sports Network

Tony Luis
After a successful turn as a televised boxing commentator, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada’s Tony “Lightning” Luis is set to return to the ring in the co-featured bout of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network”, scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2015, from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.

In his first fight since his highly controversial “loss” to England’s Derry Matthews for the WBA World Championship last April, WBA #14-rated Luis will face New York (via Dominican Republic) veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” are priced at $35 and $45, and ringside seating is $75 and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or through the Seneca Niagara Casino Box Office: 716-501-2444.

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions, Dmitriy Salita’s Star Of David Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the night’s 10-round main event will feature WBA #11- and IBF #6-rated Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) of Queensland, Australia (via Kildare, Ireland) making the first defense of his WBA-NABA US Super Welterweight Championship against local favorite Kenny Abril (14-7-1, 7 KOs) of Rochester, New York.

“Training is going great!” said an upbeat-sounding Luis. “Edward Valdez is a tough, seasoned veteran who can surprise anyone if you sleep on him. He gave Ivan Redkach eight hard rounds and that’s the Valdez I’m preparing for.”

Luis did a nice job in his first assignment as color commentator. He worked the Kayode vs. Kisner broadcast from Beale Street last month. “The commentating gig in Memphis was a great experience. I always wanted that job as a kid and it felt like I had been doing it all my life. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself and look forward to doing it again in the future.”

A popular figure in his hometown and throughout his native Canada, Luis also adds that he’s looking forward to a strong showing from his countrymen, as Niagara Falls is a very short distance from Canada.

“Fighting so close to the Canadian border I’m hoping for a good turnout from my fellow Canadian supporters! I plan on putting on a great show for them and the national television viewers. I hope the strength of this performance will propel me into another world title fight and this time I plan on taking the belt home.”

And in two very special added features, American heavyweight knockout artist Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (13-0-1, 10 KOs) will return to the ring just 22 days after his main-event TKO 2 over Damon McCreary to take on local slugger Excell Holmes of Buffalo in a six-rounder; and long-time top middleweight contender “Mean” Joe Greene (25-1, 16 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time in over two years to face Michigan’s Guy Packer in a six-rounder.

On the undercard, two local prospects will make their pro debuts, as Rochester, New York super featherweight Hashuan Sambolin will go his first four against Cincinnati’s Micah Branch; and Buffalo lightweight Daniel DeJesus will make his debut against TBA. And rounding the action, Kazakhstan’s undefeated Bakhtiyer Eubov will look to keep his perfect 5-0, 5 KOs record intact against New York welterweight Jason Thompson (5-10-4, 4 KOs).

###

The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, New York. For more information, call 716.299.1100, or visit www.senecaniagaracasino.com. The casino box office is open from 12pm- 8pm Sun-Thurs. & 12pm – 12 am Friday & Saturday and is located in the Seasons Gift Shop located in the north wing of the casino. For more information on Greg Cohen Promotions, visit www.gcpboxing.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing.Twitter: @GCPBoxing

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

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

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

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; cruiserweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

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

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




¹Bout Time: Four Preliminary Scraps Confirmed for Bellator 140 in Uncasville, Connecticut

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 22, 2015) – Four fresh preliminary bouts will support the welterweight main card showcase of “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov.” Veteran striker Josh “The Dentist” Neer (36-14) faces submission artist Matt Secor (6-2) at welterweight, Blair “The Bull Shark” Tugman (7-5) battles Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (12-2) at 135 lbs., Ilya Kotau makes his professional debut opposite Nicolas Sergiacom (1-0) at 170 lbs., and Parker Porter (5-4) faces Eric “Lucky Strikes” Bedard (6-5) in the heavyweight division.

Bellator 140 features five world-class welterweight bouts including World Champion Douglas Lima (26-5) and Andrey Koreshkov (17-1), Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6), Michael “Venom” Page (7-0) taking on Rudy Bears (16-13), Brennan “The Irish Bad Boy” Ward (10-3) scrapping with Gavin “War Horse” Sterritt (6-1), and knockout artist Paul “Semtex” Daley (36-13-2) challenging Dennis Olson (14-8).

The main card airs live and free on July 17th on Spike at 9 P.M. EST while the announced preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 P.M. EST.

Tickets for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which start at just $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com.

Veteran striker Josh Neer returns to Bellator MMA after going 3-1 in his last four fights. Neer has over 50 fights of experience to his credit and a combined 32 wins by knockout and submission. Neer dropped a unanimous decision loss to Paul Bradley at Bellator 129 and seeks to come back from the loss with a commanding victory over Secor.

Matt Secor challenges Neer riding a two-fight winning streak. Secor is a talented grappler who has earned six wins by submission ahead of Bellator 140. He will need to display his best ground game tactics to submit the established MMA veteran and to impress in his Bellator debut.

Blair Tugman will be competing in his home state of Connecticut and will aim to string together his third consecutive Bellator victory. The bantamweight fighter last competed in February’s “British Invasion” event and earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Marvin Maldonado. Tugman’s bantamweight competitor, Rodrigo Almeida makes his promotional debut on the heels of seven straight victories. Almeida demonstrated dominating striking power in his most recent fight and earned a 15-second technical knockout win.

Ilya Kotau makes his professional debut at 170 lbs. opposite Nicolas Sergiacomi in a showcase of prospective East Coast talent.

Hartford’s Parker Porter takes his second heavyweight fight in Bellator MMA and will be looking to redeem himself from a Bellator 98 debut loss. Standing opposite Porter is Eric Bedard, who has finished all six of his professional victories and seeks to continue the streak in his promotional debut.

Main Card (9 P.M. EST)

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight: Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-13)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Brennan Ward (10-3) vs. Gavin Sterritt (6-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (36-13-2) vs. Dennis Olson (14-8)

Preliminary Card (7 P.M. EST)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Josh Neer (36-14) vs. Matt Secor (6-2)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Blair Tugman (7-5) vs. Rodrigo Almeida (12-2)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Ilya Kotau (debut) vs. Nicolas Sergiacomi (1-0)
Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Parker Porter (5-4) vs. Eric Bedard (6-5)

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 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 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.




Nieves Not Letting Draw Sidetrack Him

New York, NY (6/22/15) – This past Saturday, undefeated Antonio “Carita” Nieves (12-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH traveled to Oakland, CA to take on fellow undefeated prospect, Stephon “The Show Stopper” Young (13-0-2, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO in the opening fight of the Andre Ward-Paul Smith televised card promoted by Roc Nation Sports on BET.

For the majority of the 8 round contest, Nieves pressed the action and landed combinations to both the body and head. Nieves was the busier and more effective of the two combatants as CompuBox proved by showing Nieves throwing more (499-329) and landing significantly more amount of punches (143-64) than Young.
“From the opening bell, I put the pressure on and was working his body and then would go upstairs,” said Nieves. “I set the tempo of the bout in the first round when I hurt him in the last 30 seconds. I felt he only won the 3rd round when he caught me off guard and the last round when I suffered a cut from a head butt and caught a cramp in my back preventing me to finish strong. Other than that, I thought I outfought him and showed the judges I deserved this fight.”
After the 8th and final round, it appeared that Nieves had won the battle of the undefeated fighters but, two of the judges thought otherwise. One of the judges had Nieves winning 77-75. However, the other two judges scored the bout 78-72 in favor of Young and the other had it even at 76-76.
Nieves’ manager, David McWater was equally disappointed as he felt that Nieves pulled out the victory. “I had Antonio winning 5-3,” said McWater. “I guess I could live with the even score. How the judge had it 6-2 for Young is absolutely mind boggling because Antonio out busied and out landed Young with more punches.”
With the draw, neither Nieves nor Young took a step back in their careers and should be lauded for agreeing to face each other at this stage of their careers.
“Both fighters should be commended for taking this bout because a loss would have set them back a bit but both wanted to prove their mettle on national television,” said McWater. “I’m sure these two will meet down the line when there is more at stake because both are extremely talented.”
“Hopefully we will get looks and other opportunities because of this fight and with the proper amount of time to prepare, you will see the Antonio Nieves that is among the top up and coming prospects in the country. Remember, we only had a week and a half notice to prepare so we had to cram a lot of southpaw sparring to get ready for the highly skilled Young. Taking that into consideration, I think Antonio did a great job but I know he is much better than what he showed.”
“I can’t wait to get back in the gym and get ready for my next bout,” said Nieves. “This draw just made me hungrier to take my boxing career to the next level.
“This fight was only a glimpse of what I can do.”




Wilson takes out Caputo Smith in three; Wins Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title

Valley Forge, PA (June 22 2015)–This past Saturday night at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, Garrett Wilson scored a sensational 3rd round stoppage over Anthony Caputo Smith to capture the Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title.

The show was promoted by King’s Promotions and was streamed live by www.gfl.tv

Wilson of Philadelphia landed a vicious right uppercut that sent Caputo Smith flat on his back with his head bouncing off the canvas. Caputo Smith tried to get to his feet but the fight was called off at 1:41.

Wilson of Philadelphia is now 14-9-1 with 8 knockouts. Caputo Smith of Kennett Square, PA. is now 15-5.

Erik Spring worked hard to win a 6-round unanimous decision over Robert Sweeney in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

the two traded punches and provided great action as neither took a backwards step. The fight was fought at close quarters and there was great two-way action throughout the fight.

Spring of Reading, PA. won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 to raise his mark to 6-0. Sweeney of Hampton, Virginia is 3-3.

Milton Santiago Jr. suffered a flash knockdown but was very consistent throughout his 6-round unanimous decision over Jose Miguel Castro in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Santiago was briefly sent to the canvas when he was leaning back and was more of a balance knockdown. He clearly was not hurt and from that point on used his hand speed and landed plenty of combinations and came home with the victory by scores of 59-55 on all cards.

Santiago is now 11-0. Castro of Puerto Rico is 4-5.

Earl Newman (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY. remained perfect by stopping Lamont Capers (5-7) in round five of their scheduled six-round Light Heavyweight bout. The time of the stoppage was 2:56

John Magda (11-0) was workmanlike and pounding put a 6-round unanimous decision over veteran Dionisio Miranda (22-12-2) in a Super Middleweight fight. Scores were 60-54 twice and 59-55.

Stephen Fulton remained undefeated as he scored a stoppage after round three of his 6-round Featherweight bout. The bout was stopped after Fulton (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia opened up a cut over the right eye of Capul (8-18).

Samuel Quinones Jr. scored a 3rd round stoppage over Shiwone Gortman in a scheduled 6-round Welterweight bout. Quinones dropped Gortman with a hard overhand right in round three and finished him shortly after at 38 seconds of round three. Quinones of York, PA is now 9-0 with 4 knockouts. Gortman of Grand Prairie, Texas is now 4-8-1.

Hafiz Montgomery of Atlantic City made a successful pro debut by winning a 4-round unanimous decision over veteran Brian Donahue in a Heavyweight bout.

Montgomery won by scores of 40-36 on all cards. Donahue is now 3-13-2.

Kevin Garcia (1-1-1) of Pheonixville, PA. and Jack Grady (0-1-1) of Buffalo, NY fought to a majority draw in a Jr. Welterweight bout. Scores were 39-37 for Garcia while two judges scored 38-38.

King’s Promotions returns this Saturday with a packed 10-bout card from the Sands Casino Bethlehem that will feature undefeated Jamal James taking on Mike Balasi




George Groves statement on minor training camp incident

George Groves
We can confirm that a minor incident took place during George Grove’s training camp with the Royal Marines on Monday afternoon as part of his preparation for his forthcoming WBC Super Middleweight World Championship fight with Badou Jack scheduled to take place in the United States in late August or early September.

George was taken to hospital for precautionary checks but immediately released following the incident that took place while taking part in a boat activity with the Marines. The injury will not affect his preparations for the Jack fight and he will continue his training camp as planned.

George Groves and Team Sauerland hope to make an announcement in the coming days with regards to the date and location of the fight as negotiations continue.




BROADWAY BOXING RETURNS TO B.B. KING BLUES CLUB AND GRILL

New York, NY (6/22/15) – On Wednesday, July 8th, DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series will return to the famed B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in midtown Manhattan. The exciting 10-bout card will be the latest installment of the popular and long-running series.

Headlining the card will be popular junior lightweight prospect Bryant “Peewee” Cruz (14-0, 7KO’s) as he puts his undefeated record on the line against the heavy-handed Martin Cardona (19-5, 14KO’s) in their junior lightweight matchup scheduled for eight rounds.

Cruz, a native of Portchester, NY, has steadily become one of the more popular fighters throughout the entire New York City area since turning pro in December of 2012, following a second-place finish at the 2012 National Golden Gloves. Cruz kicked off a successful 2015 with an impressive and gutsy performance in February, where he got off the canvas early against Jorge Pazos to win a convincing eight-round unanimous decision. Cruz was sidelined for a couple months after the bout, as he allowed a nagging elbow injury to heel. Recently relocating his training camp to Houston, TX, Cruz has linked up with world-renowned trainer Ronnie Shields. The 25-year-old Cruz is looking to break into the national spotlight this year, but to do so, he must first get by the dangerous Cardona.

Also set to see action on the card in separate eight-round bouts will be exciting junior middleweight prospect and former #1 US amateur Patrick Day (10-1-1, 6KO’s) as he squares off against Lenwood Dozier and Brooklyn’s own undefeated Shawn Cameron (9-0, 4KO’s) as he takes on Francisco Javier Reza in their eight-round junior middleweight matchup.

A complete bout card will be announced soon.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55. Tables are also available for purchase for this event, with VIP tables going for $1,000 per table (5 seats at $200 per seat), Ringside tables for $500 (5 seats at $100), and $375 tables (5 seats at $75). Tickets are available for purchase by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first bout scheduled for 7:00pm.




Chagaev vs. Pianeta presser in Hamburg

ruslan_chagaev
On Monday Ruslan Chagaev and Francesco Pianeta, their respective trainers Pedro Diaz and Dirk Dzemski as well as promoter Timur Dugazaev and co-promoter Ulf Steinforth met for a press conference at Casino Esplanade in Hamburg, Germany. And the regular WBA World HeavyweighT Champion and his challenger perfectly adjusted to the location. Chagaev and Pianeta made the impression of rather sitting at a poker table than in front of the media. Instead of going all in or laying their cards on the table for a showdown, the fighters showed their best poker faces.
“I am happy to be back in Germany as the World Champion and I am looking forward to defending my title in front of my German fans”, said Chagaev.

“After putting together a great show in Grozny last year we want to establish ourselves in Germany, too”, added promoter Timur Dugazaev (Akhmat Promotion). “It is important for us to present Ruslan on the German market. We want to thank our TV partner Sat.1 for this chance. Sat.1 is the ‘Home of the Champions’. So this is like a homecoming for Ruslan Chagaev.”
Co-promoter Ulf Steinforth is excited about bringing this big fight to his hometown Magdeburg: “We have promoted and co-promoted lots of great events over the years but this is probably the biggest show we have done so far. The heavyweight division will always be special. To co-promote a World Heavyweight Championship with two great fighters like these two where it is really hard to say what will happen in the ring is as big as it gets. On top of that we are presenting an all-heavyweight show with lots of great talent. I don’t think that there has ever been anything like this in Germany. We are looking forward to a great night on July 11th at GETEC Arena in Magdeburg!”
By winning the World Heavyweight Title for Germany, Francesco Pianeta wants to make history: “Of course, I know that I could become the first German World Heavyweight Champion 83 years after the great Max Schmeling. This is my second shot at the title. When I challenged Wladimir Klitschko I couldn’t get the job done. But now I am ready for the big one. The name Max Schmeling is no burden to me but an extra motivation. I will win this title for Germany.”
Chagaev’s head coach Pedro Diaz didn’t want to say anything at the press conference – according to his motto: “Actions speak louder than words”. The former Cuban national coach who has had huge success at the pro stages as well has joined Team Chagaev three months ago. “Pedro is a great Coach and has become a friend, too”, says Ruslan Chagaev. “With him and Artur Grigorian in my corner I have the perfect team and I will be more than ready come July 11th.”
Pianeta’s trainer Dirk Dzemski is convinced that his protegee will be victorious. “Just like Ruslan and Pedro we have started training camp two months ago so we are sure that Francesco will show up at his best. I am looking forward to this fight – especially because I have known Ruslan and Artur for a very long time. This will be a great fight on a top level.”
Tickets for the “Heavy Night” on July 11th at GETEC Arena in Magdeburg are still available online on www.eventim.de or www.tickethall.de starting at 26,- Euros. Sat.1 will broadcast the WBA World Heavyweight Championship live on July 11th starting at 10.45pm German time.




Jamal James to take on Mike Balasi in 8-round main event this Saturday, June 27 at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

Bethlehem, PA (June 22 2015)–On Saturday night, King’s Boxing will present night of boxing at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem..

In the main event, undefeated Welterweight Jamal James will take on Mike Balasi in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

James of Minneapolis, Minnesota has a record of 16-0 with 9 knockouts.

The 26 year-old James has some quality wins over Patrick Boozer (5-1), Mohammed Kayongo (17-2-1) to win the Minnesota State Welterweight Title, Colby Courter (4-1) and Wayne Martell (25-4-1).

James is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Daniel Sostre on April 18 in Valley Forge, PA.

Balasi of Honolulum Hawaii has a record of 10-6 with 7 knockouts and has fought top opposition.

He has a win over previously undefeated Van Oscar Penovaroff (6-0-1). The southpaw, Balasi is looking to get back in the win column following defeats to a rough schedule of fighters that includes Alex Theran (10-0), Giovanni Santillan (10-0), Dusty Hernandez Harrison (20-0), Jonathan Garcia (14-0) and his last bout when he lost an 8-round unanimous decision to Karim Mayfield (18-2) on November 8, 2014 in San Francisco

In 6-round Bouts:

Alex Martin (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Harvey, Illinois will take on Pavel Miranda (19-10-1, 9 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Welterweight bout.

Caleb Plant (7-0, 6 KO’s) of Ashland, TN will fight Oscar Rojas (8-1, 3 KO’s) of Laredo, Texas in a Super Middleweight bout.

Christian Molina (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Allentown, PA will take on Justin Johnson (6-8) of Pittsburgh, PA in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Kyrone Davis (7-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will take on Jose Alberto Leal (9-7-1, 4 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico Middleweight bout..

In 4-round Bouts:

Robert Ramos (1-3-1, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will fight Ismael Serrano (2-1) of Bethlehem, PA in a Lightweight bout.

Desmond Moore of Bethlehem, PA will fight Mike Heffilfinger of Pennsylvania in a battle of Featherweight pro debuter’s.

Carlos Gongora (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will box Alvaro Enriquez (12-14-2, 4 KO’s) of Tlaxcala, Mexico in a Light Heavyweight affair.

Chris Colbert (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Antwan Robertson (9-14-1, 6 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Antonio DuBose (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Jesus Lule (7-12-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL in a Featherweight bout.

Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and can purchased at ticketmaster and www.ticketmaster.com

The 1st bout will start at 6:45 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.

The show will be streamed live on www.gfl.tv




Wegner: Abraham on course for World title defence

arthur_abraham
‘’Everything is going according to plan,’’ says Ulli Wegner, the man charged with getting Arthur Abraham (42-4, 28 KOs) in optimum condition for his fourth WBO World Championship fight with super middleweight rival Robert Stieglitz (47-4-1, 27 KOs) on July 18 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle.

Wegner has spent the last two weeks on the beach with Abraham, but far from holidaymaking, the legendary trainer and his star pupil have been undergoing an intensive training camp on the German island of Usedom.

After fourteen days of sun, sea and serious training, the 73 year-old coach believes Abraham is on course to defend his WBO World title. ‘’Everything is going according to plan,’’ reveals Wegner. ‘’After his last fight, Arthur put his feet up and had too much of a good time, but since being back in training he has worked his butt off.

‘’I’ve been pleased with his progress in Usedom and now we travel to the Olympic Centre in Kienbaum to complete our preparations. Arthur knows what is at stake, he knows this fight demands his full attention and on July 18 he will be ready!”

In between training sessions in Usedom, Abraham had been keeping his mind occupied by following Roger Federer’s progress at the Gerry Weber Open. Here the defending champion successfully retained his title in the same arena Abraham will frequent on July 18. ‘’I had been watching and supporting Federer in the breaks between our morning and afternoon session,’’ said ‘King Arthur’. ‘’For me it is a good omen that he won as I intend to the exact same thing against Stieglitz!’’

Tickets for Abraham vs. Stieglitz IV are available by calling the Gerry Weber Ticket Centre on (+49) 5201 81 80 or online via gerryweber-world.de and tickethall.de. All the action will be shown live on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.




Baltimore Boxing’s “Road to the Worlds” set for July 16!

Baltimore, MD (June 21, 2015) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing presents “Road to the Worlds” Thursday, July 16 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

With the Ringside World Championships scheduled August 5-8 in Missouri, “Road to the Worlds” will be a fundraiser to help local boxers pay for the various expenses of attending the tournament.

Advance tickets starting at $25, reserve tables of 10 for $350 and VIP tables of 10 for $500 are available by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 and the action begins at 8.

The fighters scheduled to compete include heavyweight knockout artist Sam Crossed, 2009 Ringside World champion Joey Veazey, Donald Wallace, Ernie Hall, Rick Foxwell and Sean Veazey. With a number of talented boxers slated to swap leather on the 16th, ticketholders will have the opportunity to watch these rising stars on their road to the championships.

“The buildup to the national and international tournaments is always exciting,” said Smith, who trains many of the boxers at his Baltimore Boxing Gym. “There are so many fighters that won major tournaments from this area that it’s almost an expectation somebody takes home a championship every time we send a representative. Unfortunately, the cost of flights, lodging, transportation, food and other expenses can be overwhelming. My goal with this event is to raise enough money to help send every eligible fighter onto Missouri.”

Baltimore Boxing kindly asks all to donate by going to http://www.gofundme.com/x4cyjqc.

For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com




Nielsen retains WBA International title with unanimous decision victory over Adamu

Patrick Nielsen (26-1, 12 KOs) successfully defended his WBA International Super Middleweight title with a convincing points victory over Charles Adamu (23-7, 17 KOs) at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen.

The Danish fighter was aggressive from the outset as he looked to force a premature stoppage, but the wily veteran Adamu was able to withstand an early onslaught to take the fight to the judges’ scorecards.

All three judges scored the fight 120-108 in favour of Nielsen to earn the 24 year-old his twenty-sixth professional victory and a first defence of his WBA International title.

‘’I wanted the knockout, but he made it difficult for me’’ said Nielsen. ‘’I started strongly and shook him in the first round, but after that, he just wanted to survive. I worked my jab and looked for openings but it wasn’t to be. The most important thing is the result, and I’m pleased I beat him and defended my title. Now I look to the future and the big fights that are out there for me!’’

Swedish light welterweight Anthony Yigit (14-0-1, 6 KOs) threatened to steal the show with a sensational seventh-round technical knockout win over the brave Tony Owen (16-4, 3 KOs). Yigit was relentless in his attacks, throwing multiple combinations and eventually forcing the referee to call a halt to the action.

‘’I promised an exciting fight and that’s exactly what I delivered,’’ said the Stockholm-fighter. ‘’Tony was tough, but I was better. I pushed the pace and didn’t give him a chance to get into the fight.’’

On the undercard, Micki Nielsen (18-0, 12 KOs) cruised to a unanimous points win over Ismail Abdoul (56-35-2, 20 KOs), while featherweight talent Dennis Ceylan (15-0-1, 7 KOs) continued his climb to the top of the division with a one-sided points victory over former European Champion Sergio Prado (11-5-1 4 KOs), and Norwegian talent Tim-Robin Lihaug (13-1, 8 KOs) cemented his position as the country’s premier super middleweight with a devastating fourth-round knockout of domestic rival Arne Ernsten (7-1, 3 KOs).

The night also saw Otto Wallin (12-0, 10 KOs) improve to 12-0 with the second-round knockout of Oleksiy Mazikin (14-12-2, 4 KOs), Rashid Kassem (9-0, 6 KOs) beat Reynaldo Mora (7-2-1, 4 KOs) (TKO6), Landry Kore (4-0, 1 KO) outpoint Norbert Szekeres (16-43-3, 9 KOs) and Deion Jumah (5-0. 3 KOs) trump Karel Horejsek (3-3-1, 2 KOs) (TKO4).




STAR BOXING’S CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN STAYS UNDEFEATED WITH TKO OVER RANEE GANOY IN MAIN EVENT AT THE PARAMOUNT ON FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 19

New York, June 20-Star Boxing ‘s powerhouse Cletus Seldin (17-0, 14 KOs) kept his unblemished record in tact much to the delight of the home crowd Friday night. “The Hebrew Hammer” lived up to his pre-fight prediction to score a TKO victory over veteran Ranee Ganoy (38-13-2, 32 KO’s) in the 4th round of the scheduled 10-round junior welterweight clash at The Paramount in Huntington in the main event before a packed house.

Seldin defended his WBC International Silver junior welterweight title.

The Patchoque native, now fighting out of Shirley, put on a show for his Long Island fan base, dropping Ganoy to the canvas in the second round; a second knockdown at 1:15 into the fourth stanza put an end to the contest with his 14th thunderous KO victory fighting under the guidance of promoter Joe DeGuardia.

“Once I got his timing down, I was able to land the hard punches,” said Seldin following another impressive performance. “That’s when I was able to drop him in the second round, and again in the fourth.”

“The Paramount has become one of America’s most distinctive boxing venues,” said DeGuardia. “Another spectacular performance by Cletus, his ninth in a row at The Paramount, another exciting night of boxing, and another capacity crowd.”

Seldin has showcased his considerable talents almost exclusively at The Paramount, where he has scored 13 of his victories, including nine in a row. That’s the same path used by Star Boxing’s Chris Algieri, where The Paramount became the launching pad for his success before graduating to Barclays Center and Macao.

Before the fight, Seldin had predicted “He’s a tough guy, and with 32 KOs, he will probably come in for the knockout. If he does that, you know what happens, you get the hammer!”

In the undercard bouts: New Hyde Park’s Rich Neves (9-2-2, 4 KOs) out-pointed Alex Mancera (8-7-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, going the distance in a six-round battle of junior middleweights; Woodhaven’s Daniel Gonzales (9-0-1, 3 KOs) won by decision over Carl McNickles (8-9, 6 KOs) of Chicago in a junior welterweight six-rounder;Puerto Rico’s Angel Suarez (3-2) put an end to the unbeaten record of Huntington’s Johnny Hernandez (4-1, 1 KO) with a decision victory in their six round featherweight contest. In the opening fight, Terrell Bostic (1-0, 1KO) was impressive in his pro debut, a TKO triumph over Makashi Aida, when the referee called a hault to the bout at 1:36 of the second round.

For more information visit official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook.com/StarBoxing.




18 year-old Milton Santiago has busy week as he takes on Jose Miguel Castro TONIGHT at Valley Forge Casino Resort

Valley Forge, PA (June 20 2015)–Most professional fighters try to make their fight week as uneventful as possible. With the exception of sweating out the final few pounds to make weight and media obligations, boxers tend to stay in their hotel rooms and focus for their upcoming battle.

This week was a little different for undefeated Jr. Welterweight Milton Santiago Jr.

Santiago (10-0, 3 KO’s) who fights Jose Miguel Castro (4-4, 2 KO’s) tonight at the Valley Forge Casino Resort finished his final exams and graduated from William Tennant High School on Thursday.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

“It has been a busy week for sure. Not the average fight week but I focused on the fight,” said Santiago.

Santiago wasn’t able to celebrate like most of his classmates but his core group of friends stuck by him and kept it low key so Santiago can put himself in the best position to put on a great performance on Saturday night.

“Yes we went out but we all just had some salad. No big meals. Training went well and I am ready for Saturday.”

While Santiago had the material to do well in school, there was not much information for his Saturday test in Castro.

“I know he is 4-4 and from Puerto Rico. I searched for video of him but there is none out there. I am just going to go in there and handle my business.”

Santiago is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision over Ray Velez in April 18 in the same venue that he will be fighting on Saturday. In that bout, the soft spoken Santiago was more aggressive as he threw a lot more combinations then he had showed in previous fights.

“Velez was more of a boxer. So I brought the fight to him and I will do that with boxers. I can do a lot of things. I can counter well against aggressive guys as well.”

This will be the 2nd fight with trainer Bozy Ennis. Ennis has continued the evolution of Santiago’s boxing skills.

“Bozy has been teaching me a lot. We been working on my defense and I feel been slipping a lot more punches and also we have been working on sitting down more on my punches.”

With school completed, Santiago can now focus 100% of the time on becoming a world champion. But he says his days of hitting the books aren’t complete by any stretch.

“The extra time that I have now will definitely help my career. I want to focus completely on boxing at least for the next year then I want to start taking some college classes after that. I like business so I want to take some courses in that. For the time being, I am looking forward to fighting every other month and I am getting used to the training schedule.”

“I want to thank everyone on my team, fans and friends and I know the next year will be a great one,” finished Santiago

In the main event, Garrett Wilson (13-9-1, 7 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KO’s) of Kennett Square, PA in a 10-round fight for the Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title.

The show is a stacked show with 9 big bouts.

In 6 Round bouts:

Eric Spring (5-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will take on Robert Sweeney (3-2) of Hampton, VA in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

John Magda (10-0, 7 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will battle Dionisio Miranda (22-11-2, 19 KO’s) of Miami in a Super Middleweight bout.

Earl Newman (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on Lamont Capers (5-6) of Hawley, PA in a Light Heavyweight tilt.

Stephen Fulton (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Pablo Cupul (8-17, 5 KO’s) of San Diego, in a Bantamweight bout.

In 4-round Bouts:

Kevin Garcia (1-1) of Phoenixville, PA will fight Jack Grady (0-1) of Buffalo in a Lightweight bout.

Hafiz Montgomery of Atlantic City, NJ will make his pro debut against Brian Donahue (3-12-2) of Philadelphia in a Cruiserweight bout.

Samuel Quinones (8-3, 3 KO’s) of York, PA battles Shiwone Gortman (4-7-1, 2 KO’s) of Grand Prairie, MI in a Welterweight bout.

The show will be shown live on www.gfl.tv

Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and can purchased at ticketmaster and www.ticketmaster.com




Weights from Valley Forge, PA

Wilson_Caputo Smith
Valley Forge, PA (June 20, 2015)-Weights for Saturday Night’s King’s Promotions card at the Valley Forge Casino Resort that will feature the Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title fight between Garrett Wilson and Anthony Caputo Smith.

Garrett Wilson 195 – Anthony Caputo Smith 197.2
(Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight Title)
Milton Santiago 140 – Jose Miguel Castro 138
Earl Newman 177.2 – Lamont Capers 177
Kevin Garcia 135.4 – Jack Grady TBA
Stephen Fulton 123.3 – Pablo Cupul 120.1
Erik Spring 153.4 – Robert Sweeney 153.4
Hafiz Montgomery 207 – Brian Donahue 203
Shiwon Gortman 147.3- Samuel Quinones 148.7
John Magda 167.5 – Dionisio Miranda 169.7

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: Valley Forge Casino Resort
1st Bell: 7 PM ET
Telecast: www.gfl.tv

Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and can purchased at ticketmaster and www.ticketmaster.com

The 1st bout will start at 6:45 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.




PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

isa Milner
Thank you, everybody, for joining us today. We are discussing the exciting June 21st PBC on CBS card that will be live from the MGM Grand, part of a huge weekend of boxing in Las Vegas, and to tell you more about that, I’m going to first turn it over to Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, and he will be introducing the co-main event before we get to our main event later. Leonard, please take it from here. Thank you.

Leonard Ellerbe
Thank you, Lisa. I’d like to thank everyone for joining us on the call today. Premier Boxing Champions on CBS returns to network television this Sunday, June the 21st. The telecast will begin at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT, and will be coming to you live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Our event is sponsored by Corona. Our main event features a 10-round super lightweight bout between Rances Barthelemy and Antonio DeMarco. The co-main event features a 10-round welterweight bout between Sammy Vasquez and Wale Omotoso.

The tickets for this event will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and MGMGrand.com.

Also featured on this exciting card will be Mayweather Promotions’ own J’Leon Love. He’ll be fighting in a very tough fight against Jason Escalera. Also one of our up-and-coming rising stars, he’s considered a knockout artist, will be Andrew Tabiti, along with a host of other Mayweather Promotions rising stars who will also be featured on the card on this Sunday on CBS Sports.

Next I would like to introduce a very, very exciting young fighter. He’s originally born in Nigeria, but he fights out of Southern California with an excellent trainer named Eric Brown. Wale made his stateside debut in 2011 and has won seven straight fights. He’ll be looking to make it his eighth on June 21st. He comes to us with a 25-1 record with 21 big KOs. Wale, would you like to say a few words?

Wale Omotoso
Yeah, I just want to say thank you for putting me on your show. I’m so happy to be part of this call. I’m looking forward to Sunday. It’s going to be fun. Just to go there, show everything I got and put a show on.

L. Ellerbe
Next up we have the very exciting Sammy Vasquez. He comes to us from Pennsylvania with an 18-0 record with 13 big KOs. Sammy has done two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He’s been a professional since 2012 and has not lost. Sammy, would you like to say a few words?

Sammy Vasquez
Yeah, thank you very much. I just want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of the show here. It’s really an honor to be able to fight on CBS, let alone boxing in Vegas at the MGM Grand, where the all-time best fight in the same arena. I’m just honored to be able to fight and be a part of that, and come the 21st, we’re going to be showing hands, and we’re going to be going to war. It’s going to be a great fight, so definitely be tuned in.

Q
What was the experience of fighting at Hard Rock in Vegas like compared to what it’s going to be like to fight at a mega monster venue in Vegas?

S. Vasquez
When I fought before in Vegas at the Hard Rock, the crowd was a little different than what I’m used to, but it was just a privilege to be able to fight in Vegas. I think the difference between fighting at the MGM, is there’s so much history that goes on at the MGM, and so even to be on the card for the fight at the MGM, I think it’s going to be a whole different atmosphere. Hopefully similar to back home when I fought back in Pittsburgh when we had 8,000 people come.

Q
How does it feel for you to be fighting away from home?

S. Vasquez
It feels good. You have to move. If you don’t move, then you stay stagnant. I wanted to bring boxing back to Pittsburgh as much as I can until eventually I got to a point where I needed to be on a bigger venue or where the world watches boxing, which is in Vegas.
It’s an honor for me even fighting at the MGM. I’m just excited for it. It doesn’t change the fact what my game plan is or regardless of whether the fight is back home in Pittsburgh or it’s in Vegas; you still want the same results and the same outcome.

Q
How satisfying was it for you to go 10 rounds in your last fight and then how disappointing was it not to get the knockout that you always crave?

S. Vasquez
I wanted to go 10 rounds in that fight. If you watch the fight, in the eighth round, he was going to quit. I pressed the action more and more in the ninth round, and I knew I could have got him out of there. But I wanted to be smart, I just wanted to box him, and I wanted to go the 10 rounds just to let it be known that I can go 10 rounds and it wouldn’t affect me or slow me down.

Q
What does it mean to you to be fighting on Father’s Day?

S. Vasquez
Obviously my Dad has got to go to work on Father’s Day. I’ve got three daughters, so I’m going to be fighting with all the heart that I have for them. They definitely support me and they’re going to be watching on TV and rooting for Dad.

I might not be there on Father’s Day, but Daddy is going to come home with a nice present.

Q
Wale, I just wanted to know, I know when you fought Jesse Vargas that in your heart you believe you won that fight. That said, have you made any changes in your style to make sure you’re not put back in that position again?

W. Omotoso
When I fought Jesse, it was a close fight, but I believe I won this fight. But that was almost two years ago. I don’t like that I lost to him, but it makes me go to the gym and get more experience and stop showing my body when I’m fighting. So all that, all stuff like that. This time will be a good fight.

Q
Was there any motivation in you taking on a fighter like Sammy Vasquez? Did you feel like this is a fight you needed to get back into the welterweight mix?

W. Omotoso
Yeah because I know his game. I go to the gym every day and just stick to the gym. I need to fight someone who was going to put me out there. This boxing world, it’s kind of crazy. You’ve got to fight again to move on and go from there.

Q
Sammy, is it really important to see you impress on Sunday rather than just get the win?

S. Vasquez
Absolutely. You always want to go into the fight to be exciting and you want to look good against every opponent. Wale is a tough opponent from what his record says. I hear he’s a knockout artist and stuff like that. So I think it’s going to be a great fight.
You know, I just think I bring a little bit different aspect to the table. I’ve got power in both hands, I’m quick, I’m fast, I move a lot, and I throw a bunch of punches, and he’s kind of like the same in a sense.

I’m prepared. I’m ready. This has probably been the best camp that I’ve been in. We’ve been at this for a while now, for this camp, probably about seven weeks. We’re definitely in shape, and I’m just ready to show everybody that tunes in on CBS Sports and the whole world what I’m about.

Q
When you got the call and found out you were fighting on Father’s Day, what were your initial thoughts? Did you think about being away from home? Was there any apprehension of taking the fight or did you know it was going to be full speed ahead the day you got it announced?

S. Vasquez
Not so much apprehension or anything like that. My daughters are very supportive of me boxing, and they like to watch me fight. So it actually motivates me more, and they know that normally after my fights, we do some things as a family, and they know that when Daddy wins that they win, too, because they get maybe a new bike or something like that.

It’s just fun. I’ve just got to let them know that I’m going to be gone for Father’s Day, but Daddy will be back on Monday, and we’ll go to the park and we’ll have fun and go do our thing. We always have like a ritual of always doing something different. That way they know boxing comes with better things.

Q
Wale, talk about this fight a little bit because we asked Sammy about the fight being exciting. How important is it to have an exciting fight that the fans can appreciate?

W. Omotoso
Yeah, you know, boxing in America is a job, so you have to go — it might be night or morning or Sunday, any day they fight, you know, so me, leaving my kids at home for Father’s Day to fight, or any day I go, sometimes I go to get there, I go for a week or go for two weeks, go anywhere. Now, they do know. They’re used to it.

My kids, I have two boys here in America, so they know when I’m gone, I will tell them, Daddy is going to be back on Monday. They’re already prepared, that Daddy is going to go for his fighting, he’s going to come home, and we’re going to have a happy Father’s Day when I get back. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Father’s Day or not. I’m going to go there and show up and show what I got.

Q
Wale, how important is it for you to put on a show for the fans that they can appreciate with a lot of excitement?

W. Omotoso
Sammy is a tough kid. I respect him for his heart. Minus that, he’s an ordinary fighter like me. He doesn’t have two heads. He has two hands, I have two hands. He doesn’t want to lose. I’ve been there. I know what he says, and I’m going to come out with victory.

L. Milner
We also do have Mr. Barthelemy and Mr. DeMarco on the line. I’m going to turn it back over to Leonard to introduce them, but we have Luis DeCubas on to translate for Rances Barthelemy, and Isaac Aldrete, who is Mr. DeMarco’s manager, on to translate for him. Leonard, if you want to introduce those guys, we can keep going.

L. Ellerbe
Next up I’d like to introduce the main event. It’s a 10-round super lightweight bout. First up will be Antonio DeMarco, coming to us with a 31-4 record with 23 KOs. He’s coming from Los Mochis, México, and he owns big victories over John Molina and Jorge Linares. One thing I can say about DeMarco, he’s willing to get in there with anyone. He’s had a very exciting career. He’s a very, very tough fighter.

Next up is the very exciting Rances Barthelemy. He’s coming to us with a 22-0 record with 13 KOs. He’s originally from Cuba. He’s fighting out of Las Vegas. He’s undefeated as a professional. He won the super featherweight world title in July of last year and delivered a big second round TKO against Angino Perez in March. Rances, would you like to say a few words?

R. Barthelemy
Thank you, everybody. Don’t miss Sunday my fight. I’m very excited. Sunday
is going to be an exciting fight, and I’m ready to get in there.

Q
Rances, moving up in weight, how did that feel, and is that why you were able to knock out Perez, that you just feel stronger at a higher weight?

R. Barthelemy
Absolutely. I feel much stronger at 140 pounds. I used to cut a lot of weight to get down all the way to 130 pounds. I feel much stronger. You saw it in my last fight and you’ll see it this fight, and the way I just jumped 135 because I wanted to go straight to where the big fights were. There was no reason for 135 I’m going straight to 140 pounds.

Q
What challenges does DeMarco present?

R. Barthelemy
I respect DeMarco a lot. He’s a fighter who always brings it all to the ring. He’s an exciting guy. You can’t take his merits away; he was a world champion, but with respect to that, he’s never fought anybody like me, and when the bell rings he’s going to find that out. I just feel very confident in my preparation and in my camp and in the game plan I put together with my trainer Ismael Salas, and we look forward to Sunday.

Q
Leonard, I know you don’t have direct ties to the fighters in either fight, but being the promoter of record for the event, I just want to know from your perspective what you envision for the winners.

L. Ellerbe
I see the winners in both fights moving on to bigger and better things. Both fights are very competitive. I expect big things from the winner of each fight, that they’ll move on and be able to put themselves in a position with the top names in the sport.

Q
My question is for Antonio. I just wanted to know if you feel like 140 is the division that you want to compete at, at least for the foreseeable future, or if it’s just the weight you agreed to for the sake of the fight?

Antonio DeMarco
This is a weight class that my body right now is comfortable. I feel great. I feel stronger. This is where I should be now, at 140 pounds. This is my weight.

Q
Also if you can talk about just how Rances compares to some of the opponents you’ve faced over the course of your lengthy career.

A. DeMarco
He’s a fighter that moves a lot, a hard fighter, of course he’s Cuban, so he’s got skills. I’ll come out with a victory though.

Q
What does it means to you to be fighting on Father’s Day?

Antonio DeMarco
First of all, I’m very happy that CBS is showing our fighting here. To fight on Father’s Day is truly a motivation for me, me with my family.

Q
Can you talk about the opportunityfighting in Las Vegas on this huge card against a top tier opponent?

A. DeMarco
It’s a great opportunity to be here. We know he’s a difficult fighter, and it’s a key point in my career to come up with a victory/I feel very comfortable now. I’m very happy with my camp, and it’s time to show my family and my fans that I’m ready.

Q
Could you both talk about this huge opportunity to fight on free network TV?

R. Barthelemy
It’s a huge opportunity. I understand what a big opportunity this is to fight on CBS in front of so many homes, not only in the U.S. but all over the world. I know that I have to put on a great performance and come out victorious, just not to be known here but known internationally and become the next star coming up in boxing, and I know on Sunday on Father’s Day on CBS, this is it. This is the opportunity I’ve always wanted my whole career. So come Sunday, Rances Barthelemy’s name is going to be on the face of boxing as one of the new superstars.

A. DeMarco
It’s a great motivation to me. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m very thankful. I am thankful towards the network and the promoter. This is what we were looking for, to come back here and show my name one more time.

L. Milner
Great, that concludes the call. Leonard, do you want to make any closing comments just about promoting both these huge shows as we head into fight week?

L. Ellerbe
I would just like to thank everyone for joining us on the call today. We have a very exciting card. It’s going to be on CBS, and both fighters are prepared and are looking forward to it on Sunday, on this special Father’s Day. This fight card will also feature J’Leon Love. He’ll be fighting Jason Escalera in a very competitive fight. Also featured is one of our top rising stars and a knockout sensation, Andrew Tabiti, I’d like to thank everyone for joining us today.