Las Vegas – Due to an issue affecting the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs visa system and a technical problem with the Consular Consolidated Database, UFC® is unable to secure entry into the country for 12 of its athletes slated to compete at UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MACHIDA vs. ROMERO on Saturday, June 27, at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. After reviewing every available option, UFC has committed to moving forward with the fight card in Florida, adding several new bouts to round out the nine-fight card.

The previously announced main event, featuring former UFC light heavyweight champion and current fourth-ranked middleweight contender Lyoto Machida versus No. 6 Yoel Romero, will remain atop the fight card in Florida, broadcast on FOX Sports 1. The new co-main event will feature Lorenz Larkin (15-4, 1 NC; Riverside, Calif.) taking on Santiago Ponzinibbio (19-2; La Plata, Argentina) in a welterweight contest.

The bantamweight and lightweight finals of The Ultimate Fighter® Brazil will now be featured at UFC 190: ROUSEY vs. CORREIA on Saturday, August 1 in Rio de Janeiro. The original co-main event for the Hollywood, Fla. card, Erick Silva vs. Rick Story, will no longer take place on June 27. UFC officials are discussing options for those fighters at this time.

Additionally, the bantamweight fight between Rani Yahya and Masanori Kanehara, originally slated for Hollywood, Fla., will now take place on July 15 in San Diego.

Bouts scheduled for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MACHIDA vs. ROMERO:
· A middleweight bout that features TUF Brazil 3 champion Antonio Carlos Junior (5-1; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) versus fellow TUF winner Eddie “Truck” Gordon (8-3; Uniondale, N.Y.)

· Middleweight Steve Bosse (10-1; St-Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec, Canada) vs. Thiago Santos (10-3; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

· Featherweights Hacran Dias (22-3-1; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) vs. Levan Makashvili (10-1; Oceanside, NY)

· Hard-hitting welterweight Alex Oliveira (11-2-1, 1 NC; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), who most recently defeated KJ Noons, vs. UFC newcomer Joe Merritt (6-0; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.).

· Welterweights Leandro “Buscape” Silva (17-2-1, 1 NC; Sao Paulo, Brazil) vs. Lewis Gonzalez (10-1; Turlock, Calif.), also making his UFC debut

· A battle between hungry UFC newcomers and welterweights Steve Montgomery (8-2; Boca Raton, Fla.) vs. Tony Sims (11-2; Denver, Colo.)

· *An additional fight will be added in the days to come

Fans seeking ticket refunds for the Hollywood, Fla. card can do so at the point of sale.

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 158 countries and territories to over 1 billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that is available throughout the world with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Las Vegas – As announced in early June, as part of UFC®’s Athlete Marketing and Development Program, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will serve as the independent third-party administrator of UFC’s year-round Anti-Doping Policy beginning on July 1, 2015.

USADA is universally recognized as the premier anti-doping agency, whose sole mission is to protect the rights of clean athletes and to preserve the integrity of competition. USADA will independently administer all areas of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, including comprehensive education, testing, science and research, and results management. All of the UFC Anti-Doping Policies have been modeled after the World Anti-Doping Code, and are designed to protect athlete health and safety by maximizing the deterrence and detection of dangerous performance-enhancing drugs in sport.

In its commitment to provide a transparent and accessible Anti-Doping Policy, earlier today UFC distributed all policy documents directly to UFC athletes and, with USADA, has made them publicly available online. USADA and UFC will continue to help educate athletes on the new policy and ensure that all athletes have a clear understanding of the requirements and guidelines.

To view all of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy documents, please visit USADA’s website at: www.usada.org/UFC-anti-doping-program.

###

About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 158 countries and territories to over 1 billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that is available throughout the world with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

PHILADELPHIA (June 19) – Lightweight prospect Victor Vasquez (18-9-1, 8 KOs) highlights a trio of Philadelphia fighters competing in a special night of boxing when Golden Boy Live! returns to the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 30. The card also includes another pair of Philadelphia rising stars, super lightweight Damon Allen (6-0, 2 KOs) and lightweight Gang Yong Kim (4-1).

Boxing legend and future hall of famer Bernard Hopkins, a business partner with Oscar De La Hoya at Golden Boy Promotions, will also be in attendance cheering on his fellow hometown fighters.

The seven-bout fight card will feature undefeated and current USNBC light heavyweight champion Slava Shabranskyy (13-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight main event. In the co-main event, D’Mitrius Ballard (9-0, 8 KOs) of Washington, D.C., takes on Josue Obando (11-5, 9 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a six-round light heavyweight contest. Golden Boy Live! will be televised nationally on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes.

Coming off two straight victories at the 2300 Arena, Vasquez will challenge Edgardo Torres (2-4, 2 KOs) of Morovis, Puerto Rico, in a six-round contest. In his last bout on March 6, Vasquez stopped Jose Guzman of the Bronx, NY, in four rounds. In October, Vasquez earned a unanimous-decision win over Gerald Smith of Philadelphia. In his only other fight in 2014, Vasquez lost an eight-round decision to Osnel Charles of Atlantic City, NJ, at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old Vasquez, who had only three amateur fights, is a popular attraction and works as a barber at “Consider It Done” in North Philadelphia. He first went to the gym at 15 when his mom got tired of his street fights at school. After his third fight, Vasquez was out of the gym for close to five years after he lost mobility in his arms and legs from a motorcycle accident. Vasquez is managed and trained by Walt Moore.

Making his 2015 debut, Allen will face Luis Rodriguez (3-4, 2 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico, in a six-round super lightweight bout. A relative newcomer to the sweet science, Allen, 22, last fought in 2014, defeating Antony Linenfelser of Rockford, IL, via technical knockout and Hector Marengo of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, via unanimous decision.

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Kim will battle Tyrone Luckey (5-4-2, 5 KOs) of Middletown, NJ, in a four-round lightweight contest. On May 8, Kim made is Philadelphia debut at the 2300 Arena, earning a four-round decision over Edgardo Torres, of Vineland, NJ. The 26-year-old junior lightweight turned pro in Korea in 2007, but quit after losing a four-round decision. He resurfaced in 2012 and won three fights in Korea, all by decision. He did not fight again for more than three years until moving to Philadelphia. He is managed by Paul Lee and trained by Zahir Justice.

Opening the telecast, Lamont Roach Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will face Christian Santibanez (3-4, 2 KOs) of San Antonio, TX in a six-round lightweight event. Also, Kevin Rivers, Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs) of Cheverly, MD, faces Luis Lizarrag (5-4-1, 2 KOs) of Merida, Mexico, in a six-round super featherweight fight.

The June 30 event is 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 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and are available by calling (215) 765-0922 and (215) 568-2400 or online at peltzboxing.com and wanatix.com.

MONTREAL(June 19) – Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Evenko, King Sports Worldwide, and Videotron, held the final press conference on Thursday, June 18 for the vacant IBF World Middleweight Championship between hard-hitting Quebecer David Lemieux and number one contender Hassan N’Dam to take place on Saturday, June 20 at the Montreal’s Bell Center.

Camille Estephan, Founder and President of Eye of the Tiger Management, Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions Partner and Future International Boxing Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez, and Vice President of Operations of King Sports Paul Cain, were all in attendance.Below is what they had to say:

DAVID LEMIEUX, IBF Middleweight Title Contender:

“I wouldn’t say I’m overconfident, I’m well aware of who I’m facing. There’s no such thing as overconfidence, at least not in my way.

“There were certain things I wasn’t able to do that I can now. I had a certain way of fighting, there were certain things missing, and now I can say that I am a complete fighter.

“My style’s different and my determination’s different. I believe I have more abilities than N’Dam does and I’ll show that. Just keep watching and you’ll see.

“My defense is my offence. Sometimes I take risks … for the fans.”

HASSAN N’DAM, IBF Middleweight Number One Contender:

“This is what I say to David Lemieux, you can study me, but you don’t know what I am bringing to the ring. You might get Muhammud Ali in the first round, Sugar Ray Leonard in the second, Floyd Mayweather in the third, but when you get N’Dam, he will be the hardest boxer you have ever faced.

“We are very excited about the fight, because we are coming in prepared and ready to take home the belt.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of The Tiger Management:

“I would like to welcome our partners Oscar De La Hoya , Bernard Hopkins, Eric Gomez from Golden Boy Promotions, they are part of our family.

“Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger are cut from the same cloth; we care about the fighters and our fans. We want to give the fans the best fights possible, give them the best of ourselves.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“It’s a great honor to be here today and be part of what we call history in the making. A world title is up for grabs and you have the best possible contenders fighting for it.

“David Lemieux is a tremendous power puncher. He is an all-around skillful fighter who will come with everything and put everything on the line to make his hometown proud.

“Hassan N’Dam is a Hungry and a lion, who is ready and prepared and knows what is a stake when he faces David on June 20.”

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

“This event is historic; this title has been owned by the legends of yesterday and now these fighters are picking up a piece of history and build their own legacy.

“The middleweight division is one of the most exciting divisions in the sport. Fighters can punch like heavyweights and have the speed of the lightweights. You have the best of world worlds.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are very excited leading up to this event, thank you to all the media for attending, having you here today proves how important boxing is in Montreal.

“We have two tough contenders; a former world champion is Hassan N’Dam, who is a dangerous fighter. He can box he can, he can punch, he and do it all.

“Hometown hero David Lemieux is a hungry fighter who has wanted the title since he was a young boxer.”

PAUL CAIN, Vice President of Operations at King Sports:

“N’Dam is completely ready. Lemieux will definitely get a boxing lesson. He’s prepared. I don’t think Lemieux will beat him.

“We came here for no money, but I think they like drama. Every fight I’ve been with them, there’s always been some kind of drama.”

Tickets are available now for as low as $70 (CAD) (taxes and service charges included), and can be purchased at www.evenko.ca and at the Bell Centre box or at Underdog Gym and Sherbatov MMA gym.

David Lemieux vs. Hassan N’Dam is a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Middleweight World Championship presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Evenko. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 6:45 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the first three matches of the evening live on TVA Sports, free of charge. The entire event will be available on PPV via Indigo and Bell TV for only $54.99 or $59.99 in high definition. Fox Sports 2 and Fox Deportes will air the IBF Middleweight Championship fight in the U.S. live starting at 10:00 p.m. ET. / 7:00 p.m. PT. The live action on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes is available to customers of participating pay TV providers via FOX Sports GO app and on the web through FOXSportsGO.com. FOX Sports GO is currently available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire tablets and Fire phones and select Windows devices.

For further information, visit www.evenko.ca, www.eottm.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com . You can also get all the updates about the event on Twitter via @evenko, @EOTMVD, @GoldenBoyBoxing or by using the keyword #LemieuxNDam.

MONTREAL (June 19, 2015) – Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 160-pound division champion Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs) has promised a world-class performance in tomorrow night’s (Saturday, June 20) showdown with David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight title at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

A 2004 Olympian who represented his native Cameroon, N’Dam is the IBF No. 1-ranked, mandatory contender, who now fights out of France. Lemieux is ranked No. 4 in the world by the IBF.

“I promise a world-class performance tomorrow night in Montreal against hometown favorite David Lemieux for the IBF middleweight world championship,” N’Dam said earlier today in Montreal. “I will adapt to whatever style Lemieux brings. I can KO him in round one, or in any other round. He has never fought anyone with my skill set. Lemieux is coming into the deep end and I will prove he doesn’t belong here. I will show his handlers that he doesn’t belong at the top tier of world-class boxing.”

N’Dam’s victims, among the more notables, include Max Bursk, Curtis Stevens, Fulgencio Zuniga, Giovanni Lorenzo, Omar Weiss and Autandil Khurtsidze.

“Hassan has had the best training camp of his career and he’s going to put on the performance of his life tomorrow night,” N’Dam’s manager Gary Hyde added. “When he is crowned IBF world middleweight champion, Hassan will be right in the mix of the most exciting weight division in boxing. We are not happy with the appointment of a Canadian judge and Canadian referee, but I have been assured by Quebec Commissioner Michel Hamelin that they will do a good, honest job. I accept that this will be the case. We have a world title to win and that is what we will do. Hassan will be crowned world champion for the second time, against all odds, because he’s just too good.”

Follow on Twitter at @HassanNdam and @NoWhere2Hyde.

The next installment of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network”, scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2015, from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York, is taking shape.

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.

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.

In the co-featured bout, Canada’s WBA #14-rated Tony “Lightning” Luis (19-3, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his highly controversial “loss” to England’s Derry Matthews for the WBA World Championship last April. Luis will take on tough veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

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 12 pm- 8 pm Sun-Thurs. & 12 pm – 12 am Friday and 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.

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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.

Things got heated when Patrick Nielsen (25-1, 12 KOs) and Charles Adamu (23-6, 17 KOs) took the scales ahead of their WBA International Super Middleweight title fight on Saturday night at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen.

WBA International Super Middleweight Championship:
Patrick Nielsen: 75.9 kg
Charles Adamu: 74.1 kg

Both fighters had to be restrained when a shoving match threatened to escalate. ‘’He got a flat hand push today but tomorrow he will feel my fists,’’ said the defending champion Nielsen.

VIDEO FOOTAGE: Nielsen vs. Adamu weigh-in bust up!

Share link: https://youtu.be/3vf1Lb_BYMQ

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A full list of weights for Saturday’s Nordic Fight Night can be found here.

The Nordic Fight Night will be shown live in Denmark on TV3+ (18.00–20.00, 23.30–1.00) and TV3 Sport 1 (20.00-23.30). Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk.

LONDON (19 June) – This season’s World Series of Boxing is set to come to a dramatic conclusion this weekend when reigning champions Cuba Domadores defend their title against Astana Arlans Kazakhstan, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The two top teams from Season 5 will do battle over two days from the National Tennis Centre in Kazakhstan in the unique 16-team boxing competition, regarded as one of the most exciting sports leagues in the world.

Leading boxing channel BoxNation has so far screened this year’s quarters-finals and semi-finals and will show the finals live and exclusive on Saturday 20 June at 12.30pm BST and Sunday 21 June at 11.30am BST.

The WSB has proved a huge hit following its launch in August 2008, with the semi-pro competition bringing together the best athletes on the planet – world and Olympic champions – who compete across ten weight categories.

The 2015 final pitches two of the world’s proudest boxing nations up against one another with Cuba Domadores looking to win the title for the second successive season but will have their work cut out against former champions Astana Arlans.

The Cuba Domadores have enjoyed an unbelievable run with 14 consecutive victories in the regular season, including eight whitewash successes, with just seven individual losses against 63 wins.

Furthermore, a Cuban fighter placed at least fifth in the rankings of each WSB division, with five of their competitors finishing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games quota positions.

They overcame the much respected Mexico Guerreros in the semi-finals 10-0, with star fighters, heavyweight Erislandy Savon, light-heavyweight Julio Cesar De La Cruz and number one ranked flyweight Yosbany Veitía thrilling en-route to the final.

However, despite their flawless season so far Astana Arlans stand in their way and have been in tremendous form themselves as they look to reclaim their former title as WSB champions.

Fighting on home soil the Astana Arlans are a formidable force having finished the group stages undefeated at home, losing just three individual matches in front of their loyal fans.

Having won 80% of their matches across their 14 regular season fixtures, Astana Arlans qualified directly through to the semi-finals after finishing top of Group B where they demolished the Russian Boxing Team 9-1 on aggregate to reach the final.

Star man Vasiliy Levit is one of the most dominant competitors in the WSB, with the top ranked heavyweight winning eight matches, with just one of his opponents being able to go the five round distance with him.

A meeting with Savon will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing clashes in this final, with the Astana Arlans, who take their name from the alpha male wolf, also known as ‘the leader of the pack’, boasting further talents such as WSB number one super-heavyweight Filip Hrgovic and one of Kazakhstan’s most decorated boxers Daniyar Yeleussinov.

This weekend’s electrifying final brings to an end a six month season of the world’s premier boxing competition with teams having competed across four continents of Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe.

BoxNation will also air the next two WSB series’ in full, live and exclusive, as the channel continues to deliver the very best boxing action from around the world.

In addition to the WSB final, ‘The Channel of Champions’ will also screen the captivating showdown between Canadian big-hitter David Lemieux and the tough as teak Hassan N’Dam for the vacant IBF middleweight title live and exclusive this Saturday at 2am BST.

26-year-old Lemieux has 31 knockouts from 35 fights and challenges for his first world title against N’Dam, who has lost just once in 32 bouts, that a unanimous points decision against then WBO champion Peter Quillin.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415) for just £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Las Vegas, NV: Brand new father, WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will experience his first Father’s Day this Sunday, June 21 with his wife Natalia and their seven-month old son, Aleksandr, and to celebrate this momentous occasion he is offering fans for a limited time buy one, get one half off any ticket price category for his upcoming mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Iron Djib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) July 25 at Mandalay Bay.

Sergey & Aleksandr at Training Camp in Big Bear
Photo Courtesy of: The Kovalev Family

Get the best gift for Father’s Day! Fans interested in taking advantage of this great limited time offer for their father, grandfather, stepfather, godfather or father figure should purchase their tickets through TicketMaster.com and use discount code FATHER. This offer is good from now until 11:59 PM PT on Monday, June 20, 2015.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable tax and service fees, are on sale now and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

New Dad Sergey & Son
Photo Courtesy of: The Kovalev Family

Undercard information will be announced shortly.

*Offer not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Also not valid on consignment tickets. Only available through TicketMaster.

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yunieski Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Follow Us:

kovalboxer.com
Twitter: @krusherkovalev
Facebook: facebook.com/shopkrusher
irondjib.com
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Official Hashtag: #KrusherMohammedi

Rising super middleweight star Tyron Zeuge has signed a contract extension with Team Sauerland, which will keep him tied to the powerhouse promoters until 2019.

Considered to be one of the brightest talents in German boxing, the 23 year-old Berliner is undefeated in seventeen professional contests and is the current IBF International Champion.

‘’Tyron has all the makings of a future world champion,’’ said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ‘’We’re delighted that he has committed his future to us and together we will continue our journey to the very top of the sport.’’

‘’I’m pleased to have signed a new deal with Team Sauerland,’’ said Zeuge. ‘’I feel very comfortable here and under their guidance I look forward to becoming world champion.’’

Zeuge will continue to train with coach Karsten Roewer, alongside WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Juergen Braehmer and future stars Enrico Koelling, Stefan Haertel and Burak Sahin. ‘’Tyron is an exceptional talent,’’ said Roewer. ‘’If he continues to work hard and focus, he will become an unstoppable force!’’

By Norm Frauenheim-

Andre Ward’s return from a 19-month layoff Saturday night comes at a time when he has to come back. Everybody’s prime comes with an expiration date. It’s hard to know how close Ward is to the end of what he has done so well, perhaps better than anyone among the leaders in today’s pound-for-pound generation.

At 32, however, it’s time to find out. His comeback bout against journeyman contender Paul Smith at Oakland’s Oracle Arena in a BET-televised bout provides a look at what he still has and at what he might still accomplish.

“The game plan is to razzle, dazzle, be explosive and do it all,’’ Ward said after a workout Tuesday.

Yet, it’s clear that the bout against Smith, defeated by Arthur Abraham in his last two outings, is a test drive. It’s happening at a catch-weight, 172 pounds, four more than the super-middleweight division Ward dominated before contract problems and a shoulder injury. It’s three pounds less than light-heavyweight.

Against Smith, Ward will get an idea where his career goes next. Gennady Golovkin at 168 pounds? Or Sergey Kovalev at 175? For now, Kovalev looks more likely. Golovkin appears more interested in the winner of a projected bout between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez for a piece of the middleweight title.

There was also an internet dust-up. On a Russian website, the usually polite Golovkin ripped Ward for suggesting that he was lying when he said he’d fight Ward at 168 pounds.

“You haven’t been interesting for a long time,” Golovkin was quoted as saying in response to Ward. “Everyone already knows what you are, and, because of this, they do not go to your fights. As a man, you are dead to me.”

If the quotes are accurate – and GGG has yet to deny them, it sounds as if chances at Ward-Golovkin are dead, too. But if the Floyd-Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao fight proved any thing, it showed that no deal is ever dead if money and interest are there.

That brings us back to Saturday night. It all depends on how Ward looks against Smith, a UK super-middleweight known for toughness and little else.

Ward might be at an age when he can no longer make 168, which would probably end the Golovkin possibility. GGG is already a small middleweight. It would be a stretch for his to fight at 168. Anything more than 170 looks unlikely. That would mean Kovalev, a Fight of the Year in any year.

Ward (27-0, 14 KOS) has been reluctant to talk about anything beyond Smith (35-5, 20 KOs), his first bout since his career was shelved in a contract dispute with late promoter Dan Goossen. He has no idea how he’ll react to his first opening bell in nearly two years.

“We’ll make adjustments along the way, but there isn’t a specific game plan for Paul Smith,’’ Ward said. “I think you are going to see everything come Saturday night. I’m not going to force it. I’m just going to let it flow.”

Mostly, Ward sounds as if he’s relieved to move beyond a stage in his career – his life – that left him unsure about what was next. He said he even thought about retiring. Twice, he said during a conference call, he planned to announce his retirement.

But now he’s anxious and energized for a second chance to fulfill the potential that has been oh-so evident since his 2004 gold medal, the last Olympic god won by an American boxer.

In retrospect, it might have been more lesson than layoff.

“Was it uncomfortable? Yes,’’ Ward said. “Did I hate every moment of it? Yes. But did it force me? Did it teach me? Absolutely. So, no, I wouldn’t have changed anything.

“And we’ll see Saturday night about the layoff.’’

And the future.

Today’s weigh-in for Star Boxing’s spectacular fight card at The Paramount tomorrow evening was open to the public at Modell’s Sporting Goods at Huntington Shopping Center on Long Island. With cameras flashing throughout the proceedings, unbeaten, power-puncher Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (16-0, 13 KOs), wearing an American bandana, easily made weight, tipping the scales at 139.2 lbs, well under the light welterweight limit. His veteran opponent Ranee Ganoy (38-12-2, 32 KOs), appearing sweaty in effort to make weight, was over the limit at 140.4 pounds. But Ganoy returned to the scales less than an hour later, and had dropped the necessary ounces. The 10-round light welterweight clash is the main event at The Paramount in Huntington tomorrow night (Friday, June 19).

Here are the weights for the undercard combatants, three top-notch, six-round bouts with a local flair, as well as a four-rounder: New Hyde Park’s Rich Neves, 154 lbs. (8-2-2, 4 KOs) will battle Alex Mancera, 154.6 lbs. (8-6-1, 5 KOs) of Queens/junior middleweights; Woodhaven’s Daniel Gonzales, 140.8 lbs. (8-0-1, 3 KOs) steps into the ring against Carl McNickles, 140.8 lbs. (8-8, 6 KOs) of Chicago/junior welterweights; unbeaten Johnny Hernandez, 126.2 lbs. (4-0, 1 KO) of Huntington is matched against San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Angel Suarez, 127 lbs., (2-2) /featherweights; and in the four-rounder, Terrell Bostic, 138.8 lbs. of Wyandanch, NY in his pro debut vs. Brooklyn’s Makashi Aida, 142.2 lbs. (0-1).

Seldin, the Patchogue product fighting out of Shirley, LI, has been superb in fashioning an unblemished 16-0 mark, with 13 of triumphs coming via powerful knockout punches. Fighting under the guidance of promoter Joe DeGuardia, Seldin on an almost identical path to
that of another Star Boxing-promoted fighter, Chris Algieri.

Seldin has showcased his considerable talents almost exclusively at The Paramount, where he has scored 12 of his victories, including eight straight. The route is on par to that of Algieri, who used The Paramount as a launching pad for his success before graduating to Barclays Center and Macao.

Doors open at 7:00 PM; first bout at 7:30 PM.

For ticket information you can call Star Boxing, (718) 823-2000 or The Paramount box office, (631) 673-7300, or Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000. Some tickets are still available so call now.

website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow on
Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

New York, NY (6/18/15) – This past Saturday, Puerto Rico’s Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza fulfilled a lifelong dream when he picked up the IBF world super featherweight championship with a flawless performance against once-beaten contender Andrey Klimov. With the impressive showing, Pedraza, who improved to a perfect 20-0, 12KO’s, with the near shutout victory, clearly cemented himself as the next rising star to come out of the island.

“Words cannot express how happy I am right now,” said Pedraza. “I have sacrificed my life for the last 14 years to become a world champion. This was a long, hard road, but it is a dream come true. Every fighter thinks about this day, and now that I am here, I plan on reigning for many years to come. I want to thank my manager Al Haymon, my father, and my promoters for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

“From Wilfredo Gomez to Felix Trinidad to Miguel Cotto, Puerto Rico has a legendary boxing history. Former Olympian Jose Pedraza, a newly crowned world champion, continues this great tradition. The possibilities are limitless for this young star, as he begins his title reign and continues to carry the mantel of great Puerto Rican champions,” said promoter Lou DiBella.

“I am extremely happy and excited for Jose and what the future holds for him. He has spent many years, and countless hours of work to get to this point. It is an honor to be a part of this promotional team and I’m thrilled to be working with Al Haymon and my good friend and partner Lou DiBella in guiding Jose’s future,” said promoter Javier Bustillo.

“Pedraza once again showed he’s an elite fighter winning his first world title in dominating fashion,” said promoter Gary Shaw. “When I discovered him in the amateurs, I knew he was a special talent. His ability to make adjustments on the fly is what separates him from the rest of the champions. Puerto Rico has a shining star in Pedraza that they can be proud of.”

Ever since he first turned pro in 2011, there have been very high hopes for Pedraza. An outstanding amateur who represented his native Puerto Rico at the 2008 Olympic games, Pedraza longed to become a part of the nation’s storied history of great champions and contenders. Over the next four-plus years, Pedraza steadily moved up the ranks of the super featherweight division, garnering rave reviews in the process and setting himself up for a crack at his first world title shot with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over fellow top-contender Michael Farenas in November of last year.

Going into the fight, there were questions on how the 26-year-old 2008 Olympian would approach his opponent. Klimov had only been defeated once before, losing a decision to the 2014 Fighter of the Year Terence Crawford back in 2013 and was known as a hard-nosed and relentless pressure fighter. Pedraza stated before the contest that he would use his boxing ability to neutralize Klimov’s attack, but also that he wouldn’t be afraid to stand toe-to-toe with the tough Russian. Just as advertised, Pedraza did exactly that, having his way against Klimov from the outset. Round after round, Pedraza controlled the pace behind his lightning-quick combinations and footwork, consistently beating Klimov to the punch and tattooing him with hard shots to the body and head. In the middle rounds, Pedraza switched from southpaw to orthodox, and began walking Klimov down, dishing out severe punishment that began to show more and more on Klimov’s battered face. Klimov was able to make it to the final bell, but just couldn’t muster up much of anything else, as he was thoroughly dominated in what was easily Pedraza’s most impressive showing to date.

The same night Pedraza claimed his IBF crown on Showtime, another highly regarded up-and-coming Puerto Rican star saw action, as Felix Verdejo made his HBO debut, claiming a 10-round decision victory over Ivan Najera. There have been ongoing debates over the past couple of years as to who would emerge as Puerto Rico’s next great champion. Before his fight on Saturday night, the humble Pedraza stated that Verdejo “was a good fighter, and a good person, but Jose Pedraza will be Puerto Rico’s next world champion.” And right he was.

Pedraza’s promoters DiBella Entertainment, Universal Promotions, and Gary Shaw productions and advisor Al Haymon are already planning his first defense. An announcement will be made in the coming monthsas to whom Pedraza will face and where the defense will take place. However, one thing is for sure: Pedraza would love to make his first defense at home.

“Winning a world title has been a lifelong dream of mine. Now that I have the belt, I would love nothing more in the world than to make my first defense in Puerto Rico in front of all my great fans.”

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced extensive live programming for UFC Fight Night™: Jedrzejczyk vs. Penne this Saturday, June 20 from 02 World in Berlin, Germany, marking the organization’s fourth trip to Germany and the first-ever championship fight televised live on Fight Network.

Fight Network will air the live main card exclusively in Canada from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

In the main event, the UFC women’s strawweight title is on the line when unbeaten Polish champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (9-0) defends against former Invicta Fighting Championships beltholder Jessica Penne (12-3). Meanwhile, Russian-born German kickboxing stylist Dennis Siver (22-10, 1NC) looks to return to the win column against gritty Japanese veteran Tatsuya “The Crusher” Kawajiri (33-8-2) in the featherweight co-feature. Rounding out the main card, Polish-German welterweight Peter Sobotta (14-4-1) battles debuting Englishman Steven “The Steamrolla” Kennedy (22-6), while Germany’s Nick “Sergeant” Hein (11-2, 1NC) looks to keep his momentum rolling against undefeated Polish lightweight Lukasz “Wookiee” Sajewski (13-0).

Live pre-fight coverage will lead into the prelims on Saturday afternoon with Fight Network’s UFC Pre-Show Live at 2 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis.

Catch encore presentations of UFC Fight Night™: Jedrzejczyk vs. Penne on Saturday night, June 20 at 9 p.m. ET, and Sunday, June 21 at 6 p.m. ET.

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV events. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

Catch Fight Network’s premiere of UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche on Sunday night, June 21 at 9 p.m. ET, featuring the first-ever women’s bout in UFC history from February 2013 in Anaheim, Calif., as Ronda Rousey and Liz Camouche collide for the women’s bantamweight title, plus Lyoto Machida battles Dan Henderson in a clash of light heavyweight legends.

Post-fight coverage of UFC Fight Night™: Jedrzejczyk vs. Penne airs on Monday’s edition of 5 Rounds on Fight Network, which debuts at 7 p.m. ET and features a comprehensive breakdown of Saturday’s event.

The full card for UFC Fight Night™: Jedrzejczyk vs. Penne includes:

Main Card (Live on Fight Network, 3 p.m. ET):
-Joanna Jedrzejczyk (9-0) vs. Jessica Penne (12-3) – UFC women’s strawweight title
-Dennis Siver (22-10, 1NC) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (33-8-2)
-Peter Sobotta (14-4-1) vs. Steven Kennedy (22-6)
-Nick Hein (11-2, 1NC) vs. Lukasz Sajewski (13-0)

Preliminary Card (Live on UFC Fight Pass Network, 12 p.m. ET):
-Makwan Amirkhani (11-2) vs. Masio Fullen (10-4)
-Mairbek Taisumov (23-5) vs. Alan Patrick (12-0)
-Alan Omer (18-4) vs. Arnold Allen (9-1)
-Niklas Backstrom (8-1, 1NC) vs. Noad Lahat (8-1)
-Scott Askham (12-1) vs. Antonio dos Santos (6-2)
-Piotr Hallmann (15-3) vs. Magomed Mustafaev (11-1)
-Taylor Lapilus (9-1) vs. Ulka Sasaki (18-2-2)

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

In an award-winning February 2014 report, Outside the Lines examined the story of heavyweight contender Magomed Abdusalamov, whose devastating brain injury three months earlier nearly killed him and raised serious questions about the treatment he received. Now the severely disabled former fighter and his wife, the parents of three young girls, confront profound challenges every day. John Barr reports.

“Our oldest more or less understands what happened to him. She seems to have accepted it and she’s waiting for her dad to get better. The middle one is always asking, when will her dad be back, she even made him a birthday card, ‘Daddy, I miss you, you’re the strongest’. It’s like she’s waiting for that other dad to come back.” – Bakanay Abdusalamova, Magomed Abdusalamov’s wife, on how their two oldest daughters (ages 9 and 6) are reacting to their father’s condition

“The man’s face was horribly disfigured. He was making all classic complaints that would be consistent with potentially having a brain injury. And then they abandoned the guy, didn’t put him in an ambulance whereby he would have gotten immediate care once he did get to the hospital that night.” — Paul Edelstein, Abdusalamov’s family attorney, on the civil lawsuit accusing New York State Athletic Commission doctors of negligence and medical malpractice.

LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2015) – Exciting welterweight contender Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-1, 14 KOs) will face Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) in the televised opener of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC on Saturday, June 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with coverage beginning on NBC at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia has withdrawn from the fight due to personal reasons.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who had a highly decorated amateur career, the 25-year-old Spence Jr.will look to remain undefeated when he steps into the ring on Saturday night. The Desoto, Texas born fighter was dominant in his last performance on April 11 as he defeated Samuel Vargas by fifth-round knockout.

A four-time amateur national Canadian champion, the Toronto-born Lo Greco turned pro in 2006 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the top fighters from Canada. The 30-year-old also fought in Germany, Italy and Hungary before making his U.S. debut in 2012 by defeating Hector Orozco in Atlantic City. He racked up a 25-0 record to begin his career and most recently was dominant in defeating Rafael Cobos in March. Now he will look to make the most of this opportunity on Saturday night.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @Phil_Lo_Greco, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

LOS ANGELES (June 18) – Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and Michael “The Artist” Perez hosted a Los Angeles media work out on Wednesday, June 17 at the famed Westside Boxing Club ahead of their respective bouts on Saturday, July 11 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena and televised live on HBO Latino Boxing. They were joined by 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr., who will be opening up the HBO Latino telecast and Los Angeles based fighters on the non-televised undercard: Irish sensation Jason Quigley, Los Angeles fan favorites Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Ivan Jesus Delgado, Nick Arce and newcomer Angel Bojado.

Herrera is set to face former titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Title, and Perez will face Sharif “The Lion” Bogere in the co-main event for the vacant NABO Lightweight Title in a 10-round match presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing. Opening up the HBO Latino Boxing telecast on July 11, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. will face former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Below is what the fighters had to say at the June 17 Los Angeles media workout:

MAURICIO HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight Champion:

“It’s been a long camp so I’m excited to make a statement and finally let loose.

“I will fight anyone in the division, and welcome the most competitive fights. On July 11, it’s about who is the smarter and hungrier fighter.”

MICHAEL PEREZ, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to take advantage of the great opportunity to fight on a big stage on July 11 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. It should be a great fight!”

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR., Featherweight Prospect:

“I feel great! It has been a great camp working with my father and I feel very prepared. I’ve been working on my punches, sitting down on my power shots and I feel good!

“My opponent has a lot of experience so I know I have to be cautious and fight smart but feel confident in my power. It’s going to be a great fight July 11.”

JASON QUIGLEY, Super Middleweight Prospect:

“Fighting in the L. A. Memorial Sports Arena is a great opportunity and I’m hoping to get the crowd behind me! I’m looking to put on a great fight for all the fans.”

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“After fighting on June 4 at LA Fight Club, I got some rest and now I’m ready to get back to work.

“My goal is to be a world champ by 21 like my brother was so I’m extremely motivated to put on a great fight July 11 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.”

JESUS DELGADO, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“This fight is so important to me. My trainer who I’ve had since I was a kid passed away recently after a three-month coma, so I’m dedicating this fight to him.

“I feel strong coming down in weight from 135-130 lbs. and come July 11, it will show.”

NICK ARCE, Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s great to be fighting at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena July 11, and I’m excited to put on a show. It feels great to have all the local support behind me.”

ANGEL BOJADO, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m excited to finally get the gloves on. My brother (pro fighter as well) has been so helpful and supportive as I go through this experience. He motivates me to work as hard as I do, and on July 11,I’m excited to show my skill and all the hard work.”

Tickets for Herrera vs. Lundy are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available by clicking HERE. Completed credential applications should be sent to credentials@mercuryllc.com by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

LOS ANGELES (June 18) -Former world title contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs) returns to the ring in an anticipated comeback fight against Brian “The Bear” Polly (27-18-1, 12 KOs) of St. Joseph, Missouri in a heavyweight bout on the undercard of the IBF Middleweight World Championship fight between Montreal’s David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) and number one contender Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs) on June 20.

Ortiz vs. Polley will be featured as the U.S. televised opening bout in a scheduled FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes tripleheader presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with King Sports Worldwide and Evenko. In the main event David Lemieux will take on Hassan N’Dam in a 12-round bout for the IBF Middleweight World Championship. In the co-main event, Dierry “All In” Jean (28-1, 20 KOs) of Quebec, Canada will face Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes (19-6, 5 KOs) of Corpus Christi, Texas in a 10-round fight for the NABF Lightweight title.

Undefeated Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz has had a successful career knocking out opponent after opponent since his professional debut in 2010. Ortiz has faced and defeated some of the toughest fighters of the sport including Luis Andres Pineda, Henry Saenz, Alex Gonzalez and Lateef Kayode, all while adding the WBA FECARBOX Heavyweight title, the WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title and the WBO and WBC Latino Heavyweight titles to his collection. The contender is returning from a seven-month hiatus after fighting for the interim WBA Heavyweight World Championship in September 2014 and is ready to prove himself in front of fans and critics that he is back as a serious contender in the sport.

Brian “The Bear” Polley of St. Joseph, Missouri is a tough fighter who is coming off a decision victory over Travis Fulton this past March. A professional since 1999, the seasoned fighter has fought for the USA Mid-American Heavyweight Title, the USA Mid West Heavyweight title, the WBC Continental Americans Heavyweight title and the WBA Fedecentro Heavyweight title. In 2014, Polley faced Aaron Green, Bryan Dailey and Yasmany Consuegra, and in his second fight of 2015, Polley is looking to add another victory to his record when he faces Luis Ortiz on June 20.

David Lemieux vs. Hassan N’Dam is a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Middleweight World Championship presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Evenko. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 6:45 p.m. ET. The live PPV telecast airs at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT and the FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes broadcast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. The live action on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes is available to customers of participating pay TV providers via FOX Sports GO app and on the web through FOXSportsGO.com. FOX Sports GO is currently available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire tablets and Fire phones and select Windows devices.

Danish super middleweight talent Patrick Nielsen (25-1, 12 KOs) will be making a first defence of his WBA International title against Charles Adamu (23-6, 17 KOs) on Saturday night at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen. At today’s final press meeting, the 24 year-old southpaw revealed his plans to stop the experienced Ghanaian inside the distance.

‘’Fans are going to see a ferocious Patrick Nielsen in the ring,’’ said the Albertslund-boxer. ‘’I want to deliver a devastating performance and send Adamu crashing to the canvas. I feel like I’ve really settled at the weight and now I’m punching harder than ever. Adamu has my respect but as soon as the bell rings, I’m going for the knockout.’’

Adamu shares Nielsen’s confidence and has travelled to Copenhagen intent on claiming the young Dane’s title. ‘’I’ve come to Denmark to beat Patrick and to take his belt,” said the former Commonwealth Champion. ”I have fought and beat better fighters than him, and on Saturday I will do everything in my power to win.’’

Nielsen’s WBA International title defence headlines an action-packed ‘Danish Dynamite’ event showcasing the country’s top talents. Micki Nielsen (17-0, 12 KOs) takes on experienced cruiserweight contender Ismail Abdoul (56-34-2, 20 KOs), while rising featherweight star Dennis Ceylan (14-0-1, 7 KOs) meets former European Champion Sergio Prado (11-4 -1, 4 KOs).

‘’Abdoul is a tough opponent,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’He has only ever been stopped once, so of course I would like to become the second. That is what I have been working on in the gym and on Saturday I will put the plan into action.’’

”I’ve trained hard and I’m in top shape,” said Ceylan. ”This fight is another step forward for me and a chance to prove I’m ready for the big time!”

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’We have an explosive show lined up for Saturday night at the Ballerup Super Arena. Patrick faces a tough test to retain his title against the experienced Adamu, while young guns Micki and Dennis can continue their climb to the top with convincing victories.’’

Tickets for the ‘Danish Dynamite’ Nordic Fight Night event are available via billetlugen.dk.

19 June 2015 – Yangon, Myanmar: Asia’s largest and the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has announced that on 18 July 2015, ONE: KINGDOM OF WARRIORS will take place at the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. Fight fans will be treated to a night of world-class mixed martial arts action as ONE: KINGDOM OF WARRIORS will be headlined by a battle between current ONE Bantamweight World Champion, Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and a Finland’s Toni “Dynamite” Tauru. The card will also feature the best local and international mixed martial arts heroes.

Tickets for ONE: KINGDOM OF WARRIORS on 18 July 2015 in Yangon are on sale now via a Yangon hotline 1876. Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and cageside experience for VIPs at 200,000 kyats, followed by Gold 50,000 kyats, Silver 25,000 kyats and Bronze 10,000 kyats. Prices exclude ticketing fee.

Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who grew up on the hardened streets of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. He has multiple world Jiu-Jitsu tournament wins and is currently riding a nine-fight win streak, being so far unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage since debuting for the promotion in 2012. Fernandes became the ONE Bantamweight World Champion after he impressively dominated the tough Korean fighter, Soo Chul Kim, winning by unanimous decision. He then defended his title against two other contenders, Japan’s Masakatsu Ueda and Korea’s Dae Hwan Kim. This time, Fernandes faces his toughest challenger yet, ONE Championship’s new signing, Toni Tauru.

Toni “Dynamite” Tauru is also on a roll with a ten-fight win streak and is a Cage Warrior Fighting Championship (CWFC) Bantamweight Champion. He is the first Finnish national to win the title in CWFC. Tauru is set to prove himself worthy of the ONE World champion title. Known as a world class grappler who won seven out of his ten wins via submission, Tauru will test his grappling skills against a contender who has established himself as one of the world’s best. This match will likely see two grapplers proving their dominance on the ground.

ONE Championship will stage the largest sporting event to come to Myanmar, which is a testament to the unprecedented growth of mixed martial arts in the country. This will also be the first time the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium hosts a world-class mixed martial arts event.

CEO of ONE Championship™, Victor Cui, stated, “ONE Championship is the first major world class event in Myanmar with the invitation and support from the Ministry of Sports and we are delighted to finally get the chance to bring our unique brand of adrenaline-pumping mixed martial arts action, live to fight fans in Myanmar.”

Cui further added, “It is part of our growth plan to bring opportunities to countries with a rich history in martial arts and combat sports such as Myanmar. Hence, we’re building an absolutely explosive fight card and it is our goal to leave a lasting impression with fans across the country.”

The Minister of Sports of Myanmar, His Excellency U Tint Hsan said, “Myanmar is now considered a hub for international sports events. With ONE Championship, Asia’s largest and the world’s most exciting martial arts event being hosted here in Myanmar, it will definitely bring a lot of excitement to our people and will help promote the country and encourage more people to visit our beautiful nation.”

Zay Thiha, Vice-Chairman of Zaykabar Corporation also said, “We are thrilled to partner with ONE Championship for their upcoming Myanmar event in July. We have hosted hundreds of international events but this is our first time to work on such a large scale. We look forward to bringing world-class entertainment and excitement to the millions of fans here in Myanmar.”

Full fight card and ticketing information will be announced at a later date.

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

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

SAINT LOUIS (June 18, 2015) – After weigh-ins at Scottrade Center on Thursday, Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock will finally settle their “Unfinished Business.”

“Bellator MMA: Kimbo vs. Shamrock,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, features a main event between the aforementioned Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man.” The fight is nearly seven years in the making, after a fluke accident caused the cancellation of their first planned meeting.
In the co-main event, a battle for the featherweight championship will go on as planned when Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (23-2) looks to defend his title against a streaking Daniel Weichel (35-8). On his second attempt, “Pitbull” hit the required mark of 145-pounds.
In a critical heavyweight scrap between two larger than life fighters, Bobby Lashley (12-2) looks to continue his undefeated ways in Bellator MMA against a very game Dan “The Man” Charles (9-2). Lashley was originally slated to face James Thompson, but an injury derailed the tilt.
One of MMA’s most promising prospects Henry Corrales (12-0), looks to keep his record unblemished against former featherweight champion Daniel Straus (22-6), who has only suffered three defeats in his last 22 bouts.
In the opening televised bout of the evening, Mike Chandler (12-3) will attempt to return to lightweight glory when he faces Derek Campos (15-4). The Missouri native has been involved in plenty of legendary wars inside the Bellator cage and if his comments at the weigh-ins were any indication, he plans on making his homecoming nothing short of special.

ORANGE, Calif. (June 18, 2015) – 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. next Friday, June 26.

Roman vs. Lopez serves as the 8-round main event for Thompson Boxing Promotions “New Blood” show originating from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Lopez comes in with an outstanding resume, having faced a long list of distinguished boxers.

Last year he went the distance in a tough loss against Japan’s Takahiro Ao, a former two-division world champion. He also has seen U.K.-based Kevin Mitchell, who has fought a who’s who of world champions at lightweight.

He has faced Jaider Parra and Juan Antonio Rodriguez, both of whom would fight against future world champions. In April, Lopez even met Felix Verdejo, a budding lightweight prospect who many feel is Puerto Rico’s next great boxer.

Next Friday he will challenge another up-and-coming prospect in Roman.

“He’s going to have his hands full, that’s for sure,” Lopez said. “I realize he has a lot of ability, but I have experience against world class talent.”

Roman was last seen in April when he knocked out Martin Cardona in the third round. Prior to that, the 27-year-old Roman notched four wins a year ago and brings with him a six fight winning streak dating back to 2013.

“I’ll be ready for whatever Lopez brings,” Roman said. “I’m always well prepared and ready to make any adjustments required to win.”

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 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.

LOS ANGELES (June 17) – Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing will present an explosive summer tripleheader on Saturday, July 11 featuring a battle between West Coast vs. East Coast with Southern California’s Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) set to battle titlist “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia in a 10-round super lightweight bout for the NABF Super Lightweight Championship. Herrera vs. Lundy will be the final event at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before it closes permanently andwill be televised on HBO Latino beginning at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

The co-main event features an exciting 10-round lightweight match-up for the NABO Lightweight Title between Michael “The Artist” Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey and Las Vegas transplant Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs). Opening up the HBO Latino Boxing telecast, 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (16-0,10 KOs) will return to the ring to face former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-4, 15 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available by clicking HERE. Completed credential applications should be sent to credentials@mercuryllc.com by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @sharibogere, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @bogereshrif, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

ORANGE, Calif. (June 17, 2015) – Lightweight product Jose Roman (20-1, 14 KOs) will look to add to his six-fight winning streak in Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “New Blood” 8-round main event on Friday, June 26 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Roman was last seen in April when he knocked out Martin Cardona in the third round. Prior to that, the 27-year-old Roman, who is based out of Garden Grove, Calif., notched four wins a year ago and expects to have the same success in 2015.

“That’s been one of the great things about signing with Thompson Boxing,” Roman said. “They’ve done a great job of keeping me busy. They do an excellent job of showcasing all of their boxers.”

An opponent for Roman will be announced shortly.

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 co-feature, undefeated lightweight Cesar Villarraga (7-0, 4 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against an opponent to be named later (6-rounds). Villarraga, a crafty southpaw and former Olympian from Colombia, already has two wins this year and is anxious to get inside the ring.

“If it were up to me, I’d fight every month,” Villarraga said. “I know that’s not realistic, but it just shows how much passion I have for the sport.”

After turning professional two years ago, undefeated knockout artist LaRon Mitchell (7-0, 7 KOs) finds himself in his first six-round fight against Roy McReary (4-3, 3 KOs) of Houston.

Mitchell, a Bay Area native that resides in San Francisco, has never gone the distance in any of his seven professional fights. He’s knocked out each and every one of his opponents and he’d like that streak to continue.

“I never go in expecting a knockout win,” said Mitchell, who signed with Thompson Boxing last year. “But if the opportunity is there, I’ll take it.”

Filling out the card is the always fun to watch Javier Lapizco (7-1, 2 KOs) of Mexico. The junior bantamweight faces Luis Almendarez (3-3) of Mexico in a scheduled 6-rounder.

Also on the show, junior welterweight prospect Jonathan Garcia (15-1, 11 KOs) of Watsonville, Calif. An opponent for Garcia will be announced at a later date (6-rounds).

Opening the “New Blood” show is Humberto Rubalcava (2-0, 2 KOs), one of Southern California’s more popular young prospects. He will face an opponent to be named later (4-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.

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2015) – Boxing’s storied history of close familial relationships will come to life this Father’s Day Weekend as Premier Boxing Champions returns to NBC on June 20 and CBS on June 21 live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fighters featured on both of these stacked cards have close relationships with their own fathers, are fathers themselves or have found a father figure in the boxing gym.

Moreover, fans of the sweet science are often born into a longstanding love for the sport that is passed on from generation to generation as fathers share the tradition of watching boxing at home with their families. As Premier Boxing Champions continues to bring great action to network television, this Father’s Day Weekend of back-to-back fight cards is another opportunity for fathers to continue to pass this tradition along.

On Saturday, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) will face off in a fiercely competitive 12-round matchup. Also on the card, the undefeated Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) puts his record on the line against hard-hitting veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) in the biggest challenge of his young career. The PBC on NBC action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

Former world champions Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) headline the Premier Boxing Champions on CBS card on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 live beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. Also featured in a televised bout is an explosive welterweight matchup that pits the undefeated Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) against Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs).

From the legendary duo of Floyd Mayweather, co-promoter of this weekend’s PBC fight cards, and his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. to other famed father-son teams such as Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Julio Jr. and Don and Felix “Tito” Trinidad, the importance of fatherhood is as prevalent in the sweet science now as it has always been, as evidenced by the thoughts and comments stated below from this weekend’s featured fighters.

ADRIEN BRONER

“My dad ‘Pops’ was the first person to take me to the boxing gym and that is where we met Coach Mike [Stafford]. My dad just knew that he wanted me to box and he took me to the right place.

“Everyone calls my dad ‘Pops’ because he’s like a dad to everyone around me – my friends, fighters in the gym…everyone. He’s always been there 100 percent of the time.

“Me and my dad are both a little crazy. We are similar people. We are both cut from a different cloth, we like to have fun and work hard. We mesh.

“My dad usually comes to camp the last two weeks, so he is at the gym everyday leading up to the fights. When he’s not with me in the gym, he is working on cars as a mechanic in Cincinnati.

“[On being a father] I love being with my kids. I like to do fun things with them and give them more than I had as a kid. I love when they come to the gym and come to my fights.

“When my youngest Adrieon was born, I was there every step of the way and now this Father’s Day is going to be even better when I win.”

SHAWN PORTER

“My dad has always been there from sports to school and has helped me through all of it. He is an anomaly because he was always there as a single father. You don’t really find that too much in the African American community – a single dad that wants to be there for his children the way my dad has been there for me and my brother.

“Every day is kind of like Father’s Day for us. I want to make this one very memorable and it is the first of many to come. But obviously Sunday will be much better if I win.

“I feel like I make his day everyday. It’s him and I. Its what we do. You have your good days and bad days. For me being a son and an athlete team, it makes me want to perform on a different level.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“My dad got me started in boxing. He was a truck driver, so he used to drive overnight, and then he’ll get home 12:00 p.m. or later then take me to the gym. Then after that he’d come from the gym, it was like 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and he would rest for one or two hours and go straight to work.

“At the time, I didn’t really think about it, but as I got older and a little bit wiser, realizing all the sacrifices that he sacrificed for me to be able to box and go to all these national tournaments and all these tournaments out of state and stuff. He had to pay for the hotel, pay for food and stuff like that out of pocket. We didn’t have any sponsors and stuff like that.

“I am proud to be named after my dad and I thank him for believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be.

“He plays a big part of my boxing career. He’s my supporter. That’s my mentor. That’s like my best friend. For Father’s Day, I’m going to get him a win, and it’s going to be an impressive win that he’ll be proud of and he’ll love. He played a big part in my career. Without him, I know I wouldn’t be boxing. My dad will be in my corner Saturday night.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“Father’s Day is very special to me because my wife and daughter, who are my world, treat me like a king for the day. Being a father is very important, and in today’s society, not enough fathers are there for their children. It’s great that there is a day to honor the good fathers that take care of their families.

“My father, Emilio Barthelemy, was always there for me and my brothers. He got us into the sport of boxing. When I left Cuba it was very difficult for me because me and my dad were very close. I love him very much and I want to wish him a happy Father’s Day as well.

“I remember when we were little, me and my brothers would take my father out to breakfast on Father’s Day. It was a very special time and we all enjoyed the moment. My wife and daughter love to spoil me on Father’s Day. Last year they took me to my favorite Cuban restaurant and I enjoyed a wonderful meal with both of them.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“Being a father of three girls and having such a strong relationship with my Dad makes
Father’s Day one of the biggest holidays for me.”

“My father has been with me every step of the way supporting my career from
selling tickets in Pittsburgh, to being with me at every fight and serving as one of my
managers. It’s great to have him alongside me, it would be special to win this fight
on Father’s Day for him.”

“It’s tough having to be away from my daughter’s on Sunday but we’ll celebrate on
Monday when I get back home and have our Father’s Day then.”

WALE OMOTOSO

“I am so proud to have two boys [ages 5 and 2] with my wife. We have lived in Los Angeles for four years and we have a very happy life together there.

“My wife’s parents came to LA from Australia so they can watch the kids this weekend when I fight and my wife can come and cheer me on.

“My father died right before I turned pro and moved to Australia from Nigeria. I got an opportunity to move away from Africa and I took it. He would be proud.

“My trainer Eric Brown is like a father to me now. He knows my wife and kids. We walk all the time. He tells me to keep my head on straight and focus.

“I’m going to win on Sunday. That is going to be my Father’s Day present for my kids too. I’m going to win this fight for them. It is the best Father’s Day present I can give – giving them a reason to be proud of their dad.”

# # #

Live coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with the 10-round welterweight battle between undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and tough brawler Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia. That bout is followed by the 12-round headlining attraction featuring Adrien “The Problem” Broner taking on “Showtime” Shawn Porter.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on CBS begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with the welterweight clash between Sammy Vasquez and Wale Omotoso and is followed by the showdown between former world champions Rances Barthelemy and Wale Omotoso.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Millville, NJ (June 17, 2015)–On Saturday night, July 25, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will be back in action as Rising Star Promotions presents a night of professional boxing at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey.

LaManna will headline a 9-bout professional card when he takes part in a Jr. Middleweight bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 16-1 with 7 knockouts.

“This will be a great night of boxing and we are looking forward to showcasing some of the best local talent,” said Debbie LaManna of Rising Star Promotions.

“I want to thank the New Jersey Motorsports Park and and all the sponsors for making this event possible.”

LaManna is eager to get back in the ring following his first professional setback. That happened on March 13 when he was stopped by undefeated prospect Antoine Douglas in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s acclaimed ShoBox series.

LaManna wasted no-time in getting back in the gym in an effort to redeem himself and has been training diligently between his home in Millville, New Jersey and New York City.

“I have a chip on my shoulder and feel that I have something to prove to my fans, family, friends and most importantly myself. My last fight doesn’t define who I am as a fighter but it defined me as man. I stepped up in competition and faced in my mind the best prospect in boxing. I came up short but took it as a learning lesson and not a defeat,”said LaManna.

“What better place to have my comeback fight than right in my hometown of Millville. This will be a great show.”

“I would like to thank my team, Rising Star Promotions and my sponsors for making this all happen for me. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and take care of business.”

LaManna’s opponent will be announced shortly.

In the six-round co-feature, John Lennox (13-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret, New Jersey will see action in a Cruiserweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Edgar Flores of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Alshamar Johnson (0-1) of Vineland, New Jersey in a Super Middleweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (2-1, 1 KO) of Pennsauken, New Jersey will take on Joshua Arocho (3-10-4, 2 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ in a battle of South Jersey based Lightweights.

Quian Davis of Vineland, New Jersey will make his pro debut against William Gunter (0-1) of Lynchburg, VA in a Heavyweight bout.

Marvin Johnson (0-0-1) of Millville, NJ will pro debuting Daniel Perez of Pittsburgh, PA Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Roberto Lopez (4-9-2, 1 KO) of Vineland, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Matthew Gonzalez (2-0) of Vineland, NJ will fight Eddie Edmond (2-4-2, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ in a Middleweight bout.

Edgar Cortes (1-1) of Vineland, NJ will fight against an opponent to be named in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Doors open: 5:30 First Bell 6:00pm
Tickets: $40 GA & $60 Ringside
Tickets can be purchased online at www.risingstarboxing.com

The New Jersey Motorsports Park is located at
8000 Dividing Creek Rd.
Millville NJ, 08332

Fast rising light heavyweight prospect Avni Yildirim scored another impressive quick TKO victory over German journeyman Steve Kroekel on Tuesday night in Dusseldorf, Germany. Kroekel tried to put pressure on the 23 year old Turk but Yildirim fought back and dropped his opponent twice with hard body shots forcing referee Arnold Golger to stop the fight. It was the fifth win in as many fights for the former amateur standout who will face the biggest challenge of his pro career so far on August 15th when he travels to Miami to take on veteran Glen Johnson for the WBC Silver International Light Heavyweight Championship.

“Avni is an outstanding talent”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “I am sure that he will be World Champion. 175 lbs. is a very exciting division at the moment and Avni got what it takes to play with the big boys.”

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2014) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) will return to NBC with an all-new installment of its action-packed ‘Unstoppable’ program showcasing the best, recent world championship action from the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion, on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

MMA legends Bas Rutten and Renzo Gracie, and veteran NBCSN announcer Todd Harris will host the two-hour program, “WSOF Unstoppable: The Road Ahead,” and be joined in studio by guests and reigning WSOF world champions David Branch (middleweight – 185 pounds) and Marlon Moraes (bantamweight – 135 pounds), whose most recent, respective bouts in the WSOF decagon cage will be on display.

Additionally, the show will feature an in-depth look at undefeated, reigning WSOF World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, and ferocious action from reigning WSOF World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares, reigning WSOF World Featherweight (145 pounds) Champion Lance Palmer and newly crowned WSOF World Heavyweight Champion Blagoy Ivanov.

“We are excited to deliver another hard-hitting compilation of the most memorable, recent bouts featuring WSOF’s collection of dynamic world champions and other superstars,” said WSOF President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo. “NBC has been an incredible partner and highly instrumental in building the WSOF brand over the course of the last two and a half years, and the ‘Unstoppable’ series is a testimony to their commitment to our company and the sport of MMA.”

Along with Branch and Moraes, the hosts will preview the highly-anticipated, WSOF world championship showdown between defending kingpin Palhares and challenger and two-time world champion Jake Shields, whose latest conquests in the WSOF cage will be on display for NBC viewers during “WSOF Unstoppable: The Road Ahead.”

Palhares and Shields will face off in the main event of WSOF 22, live on NBCSN from Las Vegas.

Since launching in Nov. 2012, WSOF has catapulted to the forefront of the MMA world with its star-studded, world championship live event series on NBCSN as well as additional programming on NBC.

The promotion has successfully expanded its footprint to over 100 different countries with its fight programming as part of a multi-year agreement with IMG, the world’s leader in sports content distribution.

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).

New York, NY (June 17, 2015) – Since meeting Christian Zaccagnino in 2002, Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson’s goal has been to see her walk again. In order to spearhead his efforts, Melson’s raised a significant amount of money by donating 100% of his fight purses to Team Fight to Walk while also helping run two successful charity galas.

Having literally been punched in the mouth for his efforts during a 17 bout pro career, Melson’s active efforts to see Christan walk again and cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries haven’t been easy.

On Tuesday, June 23, Melson will have the opportunity to lobby congress when he serves as a speaker at an upcoming Congressional Briefing at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. Dr. Wise Young, a Neurosurgeon and world leading Spinal Cord regeneration researcher, will also be attending to discuss the progress and promise of clinical trials before Congressman Chaka Fattah. The trials could take place if all goes as planned.

“The bell is about to ring beginning the next round in this fight to help make the clinical trials take place. This is a mission I’ve put my whole life towards for my entire professional boxing career,” said a very emotional Melson. “We have worked extremely hard to get to this point with lobbying politicians, fundraising, awareness and so many other things. The truth is this is the biggest moment ever for Team Fight to Walk and the hundreds of thousands of Americans that suffer from Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.”

“I truly believe that Representative Fattah will be amazed with what Dr. Young and I present to him. Dr. Young conducted this exact clinical trial in China a few years ago. The amazing results from the trial in China are what we are trying to replicate here through the FDA’s approval to conduct this trial in America. I would love all of Team Fight to Walk’s loyal supporters to attend the briefing June 23rd.”

The briefing is being held in room 2226 of the Rayburn House Office Building, located at East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004.

For more information or to donate, please visit Teamfighttowalk.com. Any questions about the pending trial or briefing can be emailed to Bamstrong81@gmail.com.

IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (29-1, 14 KOs) will make his long awaited ring return on July 25. In his first fight back since successfully defending his world title with a points victory over Firat Arslan in August 2014, the German-based Cuban must ‘enter the lion’s den’ to face his mandatory challenger Victor Emilio Ramirez (22-2, 17 KOs) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Having suffered a series of setbacks due to injury and illness, the 30 year-old champion is now fully fit and relishing a chance to return to the ring and showcase his skills in South America. ‘’Finally, I am injury free and ready to get back to what I do best,’’ said Hernandez. ‘’I can’t wait to travel to Argentina and prove once again why I’m the best in the division.’’

Accompanying Hernandez will be legendary German coach Ulli Wegner, who has warned the world champion not to lose his cool in the heated atmosphere of Buenos Aires. ‘’Pablo is entering the lion’s den,’’ said Wegner. ‘’Against such a passionate audience, we must keep a cool head. Ramirez is an aggressive fighter but Pablo has the superior skills. He will need to work hard but I’m convinced he will emerge victorious.’’

Promoter Kalle Sauerland shares his star coach’s confidence, predicting a successful end to their fighter’s South American mission. ‘’We believe in his strengths and expect him to prevail,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’This is an opportunity for Pablo to prove himself as a true champion by travelling to Argentina to defeat Ramirez on his home turf!’’