Philadelphia (May 28,2015)–This Friday night at the Stadium Holiday
Inn in Philadelphia, King’s Promotions presents a great night of boxing that will headlined by 10-round Jr. Lightweight bout between Frankie De Alba (15-1-2, 5 KO’s) and Bernardo Gomez Uribe (14-3, 10 KO’s).

De Alba of Reading, PA has been one of the hottest fighters on the East Coast as he has won 13 straight bouts and is unbeaten since dropping his professional debut in 2011.

The 27 year-old is coming into his own and has been training hard in preparation for this bout against Uribe.

“Training has been great. I feel 100% and this truly has been one of the best camps I have ever had. I really feel like I am in the best shape in my career,” said De Alba.

Like two of his last three opponents, Jose Bustos and Pablo Batres, Uribe is a tough yet unknown fighter from Mexico who sports a solid record.

“He is a unknown guy with a decent record. Besides that, I don’t know much about him but that doesn’t matter as I train for any style that he may bring.”

De Alba is on the cusp of some big fights in the Jr. Lightweight division and he can’t look past Uribe to get those opportunities.

“After this fight, I am ready for anybody they put in front of me.”

De Alba, who works in an warehouse foundry, knows that the next year is a moving year and those big fights are on the horizon.

“I know that in the next fight or two, I will be put in against another top prospect and I am confident that I have what it takes to come through against anybody. I am excited to be in the main event in Philadelphia. This is my first fight here and I am ready to put on a good show.”

In an 8-round bout, Steve Upsher Chambers (24-4-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Alejandro Rodriguez (22-16-1, 8 KO’s) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

In 6-round bouts:

Farah Ennis (21-2, 12 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Michael Gbenga (20-19, 20 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana in a Super Middleweight bout.

Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will take on an opponent to be named in a Lightweight bout.

Welterweight Miguel Cruz (8-0, 7 KO’s) of Lake Mary, FL battles Juan Rodriguez (6-2-1, 5 KO’s) of Haymarket, VA..

Samuel Figueroa (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Ansco, PR will fight Jose Valderrama (4-9, 3 KO’s) of Arecibo, PR in a Welterweight bout.

Brandon Bennett (18-1, 7 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will square off with Rondale Hubbert (10-1-1, 6 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN in a Lightweight bout.

Demond Nicholson (12-1, 12 KO’s) of Laurel, MD will battle German Perez (11-1, 3 KO’s) in a Middleweight bout.

Leo Hall (5-0, 5 KO’s) of Detroit, MI will risk his perfect mark against Lawrence Blakey (2-3, 1 KO) of Pennsylvania in a Light Heavyweight affair.

Caleb Plant (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Ashland City, TN will fight Jason Zabokrtsky (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Kansas in a Middleweight bout.

Rounding out the card in a 4-round bout will be Christopher Brooker (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia fighting pro debuting Santario Martin of Gainesville, FL in a Super Middleweight bout.

The Stadium Holiday Inn is located at 900 Packer Ave. in Philadelphia

Tickets are priced at $75 and & $50 and can be purchased at www.stadiumboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

LONDON (28 MAY) By Nick Blackwell: I don’t look at this Saturday’s (May 30) British title fight with John Ryder as a big fight simply because it’s on a big bill surrounded by other big fights and it’s at the O2 Arena and on Sky Sports Box Office. None of that bothers me at all.

I look at this fight as a big fight because it’s another British title shot for me and I desperately need to win it. It’s a big moment in my career for me. I’ve trained hard for it, I’ve taken myself away from my home and my comfort zone and I’ve really committed myself fully to this fight.

I haven’t just been going back and forth to Cardiff – I’ve stayed up there five days a week. I’ve had a proper training camp for once and I can feel the difference. My weight has come down really well, I feel good in the gym and I feel extremely fit.

Normally my career has gone like this: stay fit, keep ticking over and then get a call to fight three or four weeks out. They’ll say, ‘Nick, are you fit? We’ve got a fight for you if you’re ready for it.’ Of course, I’d always be ready, but I was never training for a particular opponent. I never really had two months to focus on a particular fight and get myself ready for it. That just wasn’t how my career panned out.

In the past I’d be two or two-and-a-half stone overweight trying to get my weight down in time for the fight. That would be my main focus in camp. I’d aim to get fit and lose weight. I never really had time to focus on game plans or technical stuff.

For this fight, though, I’ve had a good seven weeks to work on a game plan and technique. My fitness was already there when we began camp and my weight hasn’t been a problem this time. All in all, I’ve been in a great place. There’s no excuses for this fight. I couldn’t be in better condition.

I want to be involved in entertaining fights and I have no doubt this fight on Saturday will be an entertaining one. It’s not going to be an easy fight – I know that. John Ryder has lost in a British title fight as well, so he’s going to be just as determined and hungry as I am. He’s going to be the best John Ryder there’s ever been, just as I’m going to be the best Nick Blackwell there’s ever been.

We’re two fighters with quite similar styles. We both come forward, we’re both physically strong and we’re both tough and fit. People might say he has better boxing ability, but we’ll find out on the night. What I do know is that when two styles like ours come together, you have to expect a tough, gruelling and exciting fight. The fight can’t be anything else.

He might try to box a bit on the back foot, but I really can’t see that. It’s not what comes naturally to him. He likes to come forward and put pressure on his opponent. I’m going to take each round as it comes, win as many as I can, and if I see the stoppage, I’m going to take it. I just want to get that win. Then I can progress and move on. Everything is riding on this fight, so it doesn’t really matter how I win.

I see it being a great fight and, when the show is over, people will probably look back at it and say it was the best fight of the night.

*** Hennessy Sports’ Nick Blackwell fights John Ryder for the vacant British middleweight title on May 30 at the O2 Arena, LIVE on Sky Sports Box Office ***

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
For more information on Channel 5, MaxiNutrition, Sky Sports and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
www.maxinutrition.com
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FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

LONDON (28 May) – Boxing ace Amir Khan is refusing to overlook Chris Algieri despite media talk of a clash next up with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather.

The 28-year-old Bolton star has been mooted as ‘Money’ Mayweather’s final opponent in September before he hangs up his gloves on an illustrious 19-year professional career.

However, Khan has refused to be drawn into any Mayweather talk and insists his focus is solely on New Yorker Algieri, who he faces live and exclusive on BoxNation this Friday night.

“My thoughts are only on Chris Algieri and him alone,” said Khan. “I’m not looking past Friday night because in boxing you can never do that – I’ve learnt that through the years.

“I’m focused only on Algieri because I know he’s a dangerous opponent and he’s someone who has my full respect. I will need to be on my ‘A’ game against him because he has a history of upsetting the odds,” said Khan.

“You can’t ignore that history but at the end of the day I believe I will have too much for him.”

The former unified champion was referring to shock wins over the highly touted Emmanuel Taylor and the then WBO light-welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov, victories which propelled Algieri into a megafight with Manny Pacquiao.

The 31-year-old was convincingly beaten in that fight last November but showed tremendous heart to keep persevering, something which impressed Khan.

“I think Algieri has learnt a lot of things from the Pacquiao fight. He may have lost but he showed great determination and will in there to keep getting back up and fighting,” said Khan.

“The fact he has changed trainers too shows the type of character he is. He wants to improve and get better and he recognised that he has to make changes – that’s something to admire.

“John David Jackson is a very good trainer but it takes time to pick things up with a new coach so I’m going to be looking to take advantage of that. It’s going to be a very difficult night for Algieri,” he said.

Khan knows first-hand how changing trainers can also impact positively having made the switch from Freddie Roach to San Francisco based Virgil Hunter three years ago, a move which is really beginning to bear fruit.

“Each training camp my bond with Virgil is getting stronger. He gets to know me more and I think each performance people are beginning to see that,” said Khan.

“Against Luis Collazo and then Devon Alexander in my last fight you saw the improvements we have been making and I believe this time you will see even more positive things.

“Virgil knows what works for me and how to get through to me – he’s making me a complete fighter. I’m a smarter fighter than I ever was before and know now how best to use assets such as my speed and movement,” he said.

Khan vs. Algieri is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) this Friday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-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.525), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android). 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 – UFC® and the Fremont Street Experience today announced that multi-platinum recording artists
Dropkick Murphys will headline the Fremont Street Experience concert on Friday, July 10, as part of the 4th Annual UFC International Fight Week™. The concert, which is free to the public, will be located at 425 Fremont Street on the 3rd Street Stage. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

No strangers to UFC, its fighters and fans, Dropkick Murphys will kick off its 19-city international tour here in Las Vegas during UFC International Fight Week, which takes place from Tuesday, July 7, through Sunday, July 12.

An American-Celtic punk rock band from Quincy, Massachusetts, Dropkick Murphys have released eight albums and sold more than four million records during its 19-year career. With multiple chart-topping singles that have served as backdrops for Academy Award-winning films, World Series Champions and UFC Hall of Fame fighters, the group has developed a longstanding relationship as UFC fan favorites.

With signature songs such as “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” “Tessie,” “Going Out in Style” and “The State of Massachusetts,” the Dropkick’s universal style is befitting of UFC International Fight Week, the largest global celebration of combat sports in the world.

UFC International Fight Week features a UFC Fan Expo®, the 2015 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, a UFC Reebok experience, the Ulti-man 5k, UFC Gym® Fitness Challenge and various martial arts tournaments, as well as fan events at Fremont Street Experience. UFC International Fight Week will be capped off with two highly anticipated events in UFC® 189: ALDO vs. MCGREGOR on Saturday, July 11 and The Ultimate Fighter® Finale on Sunday, July 12.

Fans can now pre-register and join the UFC fan community at www.ufcregister.com to make the most of their UFC International Fight Week experience. They can earn UFC Rewards points and automatically upload UFC activation images and video to their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

UFCFightWeek.com is the official destination for the most current list of scheduled events, with an official UFC International Fight Week App launching late-June in the Apple and Google Play stores.

The following events are currently scheduled for UFC International Fight Week:

Wednesday, July 8
· IMMAF Amateur MMA World Championships at The Flamingo (beginning Monday, July 6)
· Official UFC 189 Open Workouts
· UFC Community Day

Thursday, July 9
· IMMAF Amateur MMA World Championships at The Flamingo
· USJJO Ju-Jitsu National Championships at Harrah’s Las Vegas
· Liquid pool party at Aria hosted by UFC stars
· Official UFC 189 press conference at MGM Grand
· Charity bowling at Brooklyn Bowl with UFC fighters

Friday, July 10
· UFC Fan Expo® (Day I)
o USBJJF American Jiu Jitsu Championships (Gi and No Gi)
o WAKO North American Amateur Kickboxing Championship
o ISKA Vegas Open
o The Ultimate Wrestling Championships
· UFC Gym® Fitness Challenge ($35,000 Prize Money)
· Official UFC 189 Weigh-In at MGM Grand Garden Arena
· Official UFC 189 UFC Kit Unveil at MGM Grand Garden Arena
· Meet UFC stars as they takeover downtown Las Vegas
· UFC presents free concert at Fremont Street Experience
· USJJO Ju-Jitsu US International Open at Harrah’s Las Vegas

Saturday, July 11
· UFC Fan Expo® (Day II)
o IMMAF Amateur MMA World Championships Finals
o USBJJF American Kids Jiu Jitsu Championships
o WAKO North American Amateur Kickboxing Championship
o ISKA Vegas Open
o The Ultimate Wrestling Championships
· Ulti-man 5k with UFC President Dana White in support of Three Square Food Bank
· UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Fan Expo
· UFC 189: ALDO vs. MCGREGOR at MGM Grand Garden Arena
· UFC 189 viewing parties at MGM, Ri Ra, Double Barrel and more
· Official UFC® 189 After Party at MGM Grand Garden Arena

Sunday, July 12
· Bud Light Pool Party at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
· The Ultimate Fighter Finale

Tickets for UFC Fan Expo® are currently on sale at www.ufcfanexpo.com with two day passes beginning at $60 online and $65 onsite. One-day passes begin at $35 online and $45 onsite. *Events are subject to change.

For additional information please visit UFC.com, and follow UFC Fight Week on Twitter @UFCFightWeek.

###

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 134 countries and territories to over 700 million 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 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.

About Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience, a five-block entertainment district located in historic downtown Las Vegas features Viva Vision, the world¹s largest video screen – 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above the urban pedestrian mall. Viva Vision features nightly spectacular light and sounds shows with 12.5 million LED lights and a 550,000-watt sound system. Fremont Street Experience is a one-of-a-kind venue that includes free nightly concerts and entertainment on three stages. SlotZilla, the world¹s most unique zipline attraction, features the 850-foot Zipline and the 1,750-foot Zoomline as people launch from a 12-story slot-machine themed takeoff platform to fly under the Viva Vision canopy. With direct pedestrian access to 8 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and specialty retail kiosks, Fremont Street Experience attracts more than 17 million annual visitors. Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com.

BROOKLYN (May 27, 2015) – Fight week activities for Premier Boxing Champions on Spike continued Wednesday as fighters participated in the final press conference and media workouts at Barclays Center before they enter the ring on Friday, May 29.

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75, and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

AMIR KHAN

“I really believe that I have the movement, the skills and the technique to beat Chris Algieri and look spectacular doing it.

“Algieri has been in the ring with big names before so we know that’s not going to scare him and he won’t get nervous. I’m going to be ready for anything he brings to the table.

“This is going to be an entertaining fight because of our styles. We both like to throw a lot of punches and there will be a lot of movement. This will be a more skillful fight and I think the fans will enjoy what they see.

“I’ve always wanted to fight here at Barclays Center and I really am excited to put on a great performance for all the New Yorkers.

“Virgil Hunter has been great for me as a fighter and he’s helped me really understand the sport of boxing. I’ve worked on my technique and my defense and really just everything.

“Training camp for me has been really good. I’m focused on my opponent and I’m not going to make any mistakes. It’s going to be a great performance from me on Friday.”

CHRIS ALGIERI

“This is going to be a great fight with two fast-paced boxers. It’s going to be very exciting for everyone watching.

“Working down in Florida with John David Jackson really refreshed a lot of things in boxing for me. I got to see new things and try new things. I learned a lot.

“The only thing that matters is proving something to myself and I do feel like I have to prove something. I wasn’t happy with my last performance at all. I know I belong here at the elite level and it’s time for me to prove it.

“I like to challenge myself and this is a great opportunity. I’m ready for this, I will challenge anybody in the welterweight division.

“I feel very comfortable being here in New York and I’m happy to be back at Barclays Center.

JAVIER FORTUNA

“For me it is an honor to be here in Brooklyn. This will be a great night for all of my fans.

“I hope my opponent doesn’t have any excuses on Friday, because I’m going to knock him out.

“Everyone here is going to see a great performance and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“I’m a strong fighter and I am looking forward to showing everyone what I am capable of.”

BRYAN VASQUEZ

“I’m very thankful to be here and I look forward to a great fight. I promise it’s going to be a war.

“I’m an exciting fighter who always comes to fight. This is my time and I will not disappoint.

“Fighting in New York is a great opportunity. I want people to see that Costa Rica has great fighters.

“I know I have a tough opponent, but he has never faced anyone like me. I’m going to give it my all and I hope he does the same.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“I feel like having a daughter has given me the kick in the rear that really has me focused on what I want to do, which is becoming a world champion. I want to give her a better life than I ever had.

“My intensity and focus has never been higher. The fun part of boxing is back again.

“I told my daughter that ‘daddy is going to give you the world.’ So I guess I need to become a world champion to give her the world. Her first word might be ‘champ.'”

“I’m so thankful to all the people at Barclays Center that allow me to continue to show off my talent and skills in this beautiful building.

“Fighting on this Premier Boxing Champions card is really special and amazing. When I went to the Olympics in 2012 we stayed in Bolton and worked out at Amir Khan’s gym, now it comes full circle.

“Fans can expect to see ‘spizazz’ from me. That’s a word I came up with back in my amateur days. I’m here to bring that ‘spizazz’ back, if you want to know what that is you have to buy a ticket for Friday night.”

HEATHER HARDY

“I don’t look past what is in front of me. I have a really tough challenge in front of me on Friday. I know she has an incredible desire to win and I’m ready for that.

“I’m a pretty aggressive fighter but I’ve been known to box. I go in there and make adjustments but I’m not afraid to throw punches.

“There was a really unfinished feeling after my last fight, I was disappointed. I expected more from my opponent. I wanted to put on a show for fans to remember.

“I definitely want to make up for my last fight this time and I feel like my opponent is on the same page with me about where we need to go to take this sport further.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage, www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

NEW YORK (May 27, 2015) – Young undefeated middleweight prospect Dominic “Lights Out” Wade will take on the toughest opponent of his career when he faces former world champion Sam “King” Soliman in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, June 26, live on SHOWTIME from Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Wash.

Wade (17-0, 12 KOs), of Washington, D.C., and Soliman (44-12, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, will clash in the 10-round middleweight main event of the TGB Promotions tripleheader. In other televised bouts, former Marine and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Captain Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (11-0, 7 KOs), of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and 19-year-old former amateur standout and unbeaten super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (10-0, 7 KOs), of Orlando Fla., will be featured against opponents to be determined in separate bouts.

If triumphant, Wade will begin to transition from promising prospect to legitimate contender in his quest to become the next ShoBox graduate to win a world championship. To date, 61 ShoBox alums have captured world titles.

While Wade is unbeaten, Soliman is vastly more experienced, having competed in four world championship fights. He held the IBF Middleweight World Championship before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via unanimous decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense last October. Soliman, who was leading on the judges’ scorecards at the time of the injury, will make his first start since losing the 160-pound title.

“This is a great opportunity for me to face a former world champion,” Wade said. “While he’s more experienced I truly believe my time has arrived and I plan to show the boxing world that I’m ready for the next level.”

“I know what it takes to be a world champion, the sacrifices needed to endure, the battles that need to be won. My road to regaining the world title begins on June 26 against Dominic Wade,” said Soliman.

“We’re very excited to work once again with the terrific SHOWTIME and Little Creek Casino Resort teams on this exciting fight card,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Wade vs. Soliman is an excellent cross-roads bout. Additionally, Lubin and Herring are two of the best prospects in boxing.”

Wade, 25, will be making his 2015 debut and third appearance on the network. In his first ShoBox fight – and first 10-rounder — he stepped up in class and won a close but clear decision over Nick Brinson in June 2014. The aggressive-minded 5-foot-11½-inch Wade, a top amateur before going pro in March 2009, is 6-0 with four knockouts since returning to the ring in February 2013 after a two-year layoff due to promotional problems.

A well-conditioned, power puncher who is steadily ascending in the world rankings, Wade’s four stoppages have come inside two rounds (one in the first, three in the second). Wade, who had over 160 amateur fights, is coming off a second-round TKO over Eddie Hunter last Dec. 20, in Shelton.

The 5-foot-8½-inch Soliman keeps a relentless, almost non-stop pace and delivers punches from odd angles. Tough and durable, Soliman can be very awkward and he is always well-conditioned. This combination makes Soliman a very difficult fighter to face. He went 0-2 in WBA 168-pound world title fights before dropping a notch in weight to capture the IBF Middleweight World Championship with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in a rematch on May 31, 2014.

The 41-year-old Soliman, who lost the title in his first injury-marred defense against Taylor, is 9-1-1 with one No Contest since May 2008. A former kickboxing world champion, Soliman has been knocked out just once – in 2007 by then WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony Mundine. The veteran has had a successful yet unusual 18-year career that began with a four-round fight but then followed with three straight 12-rounders (all went the distance) in three different weight divisions over a period of five months.

The 5-foot-10-inch Herring was the 2012 United States National Champion at 141 pounds and captained the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games boxing team. The 29-year-old turned pro in December 2012 and has remained active since with five fights in 2013 and four in 2014. Herring, who will be making his ShoBox debut, is making his second start of this year, coming off a lopsided eight-round decision over Hector Marengo in March.

Herring served nine years in the Marine Corps including two tours of duty in Iraq. The Long Island native enlisted about a year after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Herring considered giving up the sport multiple times, particularly after the death of his infant daughter, Ariyanah, due to sudden infant death syndrome in 2009 – three years to the day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony in London. But he was persuaded by coaches and teammates to stick with it.

At 19 years of age, Lubin is one of the youngest boxers to appear on ShoBox (Francisco “Panchito” Bojado, at 18, was the youngest.). Lubin is a heralded blue-chip prospect who will be making his ShoBox debut and 11th start since turning pro in November 2013. A southpaw with good punching power, skills and movement, Lubin will be making his third start this year and his fourth scheduled eight-round bout.

Lubin had a remarkable amateur career. He was the 2013 National Golden Gloves champion at 152 pounds, the 2012 National PAL Champion at 141, the 2012 Junior Olympic National Champion at 138 pounds and the 2011 National Junior Olympic Champion at 132 pounds.

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

Tickets for “Little Creek Brawl VII” from Skookum Creek Event Center start at $20 and are available online at www.little-creek.com or by calling 1.800.667.7711. Doors will open at 5 p.m. PT, with the first fight tentatively set to begin at 6 p.m. Live coverage will begin at approximately 7:35 p.m. local time (PT).

Previously hosting boxing events broadcast on SHOWTIME, the 22,500-square-foot Skookum Creek Event Center provides unrivaled sightlines and acoustics for a televised fight. Boxing fans staying the weekend at the resort’s well-appointed rooms and suites may also complete their experience with a round of golf at world-renowned Salish Cliffs Golf Club, a treatment at Seven Inlets Spa or Vegas-style gaming on the casino floor.

For more information about Little Creek Casino Resort and its full line-up of upcoming acts that includes Paul Rodgers, Trace Adkins, Dwight Yoakam, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, YES and Toto, please call 800-667-7711 or visit online at www.little-creek.com

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 61 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Los Angeles (May 26, 2015) – Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s), the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, will defend his titles against former Two-Time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) of Australia on June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a 12-round fight that will be televised live on HBO. Cotto hosted a Los Angeles media workout Tuesday afternoon at Wild Card Boxing Club in preparation for his title defense against Geale.

PHOTOS:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fqjvnl11t2q1xbb/AAAOImxUmohGdl5fC1fp2Fnka?dl=0
PHOTO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports

VIDEO:
https://afcdmc.wetransfer.com/downloads/1397cb7b30b42decabe83c7b48c48f9520150526232502/c178d18b36986aea786b9c36c0ccae4120150526232502/526528
VIDEO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports

Here’s what Cotto and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had to say:

Miguel Cotto – WBC & Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

“I feel good and in the best shape possible. I just feel ready. I know Geale is a tough opponent and he is going to bring his best on June 6, but I trust in the work we have done here in Los Angeles and I’m going to bring my best too.”

“After 14 years in boxing, the best decision I could have made was to take the last year off. My mind was not in boxing, but since I got here with Freddie, everything is working perfectly again. Boxing is all I know. Boxing is my life. Through boxing, I raised my family and I work to provide the best future for them. They are the reason I love boxing.”

“Boxing at this point in my career is a battle with myself. Everyday I need to bring my best in the gym from morning to evening. Next week has to be better than last week. I need to ask myself to be better every day. I know that if I bring my best to the gym every day, I can bring my best the night of June 6 against Geale.”
“Freddie comes here every day with the best attitude and he knows how to get the best out of me.”

“It will have been 364 days to the day on June 6 since I have been in the ring. It’s not difficult to get back in after this long stretch. I’ve been focused on my work. I have gained more knowledge during my time off in order to get myself ready to fight again.”

“Daniel Geale is the next chapter in my career. After I get through him, I can talk about what comes next.”

Freddie Roach – Cotto’s Trainer

“Miguel’s sparring has been great. His movement has been very good. It’s hard on me in the ring! His body shots are very effective and the head shots come with it. I think we are going to get a late round knockout. Geale is tough enough to go some rounds, but a knockout in a late round…that’s my call.”

“One of Miguel’s greatest strength against Geale will be his body shots, but Miguel’s knowledge in the ring will be Geale’s ultimate undoing.”

“He has found a new home here at Wild Card and I’m glad I provided that for him. He loves this gym. He loves the atmosphere. He’s thrived in this environment and when a fighter is in a good mood and happy, he performs at the highest level.”

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores and Venue Kings. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $80, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 27, 2015) – 26-year-old Connecticut native Brennan Ward (10-3) continues his run at 170-pounds when he meets Gavin Sterritt (6-1) on Friday, July 17 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The contest serves as the fourth Spike TV-broadcast main card matchup of the blockbuster fight card. Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” will be announced shortly.

The July 17 event is shaping up to be a tremendous showcase of welterweight talent, already featuring previously announced bouts between Bellator MMA Welterweight World Champion Douglas Lima (26-5) and Andrey Koreshkov (17-1), Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6), as well as Michael “Venom” Page (7-0) taking on Rudy Bears (16-13).

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

After winning the Bellator Season Nine middleweight tournament, Ward fell short in a bid for the championship against Alexander Shlemenko, who held the title at the time. This past February, Ward would bounce back on short notice in his debut as a welterweight with a first-round rear-naked choke submission victory over Curtis Millender at Bellator MMA: “British Invasion.”

The Waterford, Conn. native has an affinity for the finish, as he has ended nine of his ten professional tilts before reaching the judges’ scorecards. With his hometown a mere 10 miles away from the venue, “The Irish Bad Boy” is sure to have a strong home cage advantage over his opponent.

Nine years Ward’s senior at 35, Sterritt is a submission specialist fighting out of Liverpool, England who has held titles for multiple regional promotions. “War Horse” has competed twice under the Bellator MMA banner already, earning victories at Bellator 99 and Bellator 114.

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” – Friday, July 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

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

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

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

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2015) – Two featherweight (145 pounds) rising stars – Hakeem Dawodu and Chuka “The Lion King” Willis – will put their unblemished records on the line when they face off on the live NBCSN televised portion of the high-stakes World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) world championship doubleheader in Edmonton, Alta., Canada on Friday, June 5.

“This fight between two WSOF’s best 145 pound prospects should serve as a fantastic kick off to an incredible night of action,” said WSOF President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo. “With two titles and the career trajectories of these two unbeaten talents all on the line, WSOF’s 21st event is a pivotal night for at least six of our fighters.”

In addition, a swing bout between welterweight (170 pounds) rising stars Mark “Sweet Dreams” Drummond (7-2) of Edmonton and Michael Hill (7-3) of Kelowna, B.C., Canada has been added to the card, and will air via tape delay if time remains in the two-hour NBCSN telecast window, following the main event.

Jose “The Rockstar” Rodriguez (7-3) of Saskatoon, Sask., Canada will replace injured Mukai Maromo in a preliminary card bout against Stephen “Big Bad” Beaumont (7-2). The matchup will be contested at a catchweight of 165 pounds.

The 23-year-old Dawodu (4-0) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada is a ferocious Muay Thai-based striker who has earned all of his career victories to date, including two wins under the WSOF banner, by way of (T)KO. On Feb. 12, he put on a brilliant display, decimating Tristan Johnson with a storm of punches in the third round (1:59) of their meeting.

Willis (4-0) of Emporia, Kan. boasts an identical professional record to that of Dawodu. The 22-year-old, whose start in the WSOF decagon cage represents his promotional debut, is coming off of a third round (:38) TKO (punches) of Travis Draper on March 6, 2015, marking Willis’ second career finish.

In the main event, reigning WSOF World Featherweight Champion Lance Palmer (9-1) will put his title on the line for the first time against Canadian challenger and battle-tested veteran Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (21-5-1) while, in the co-main event, WSOF World Heavyweight Champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-1), will risk his crown for the first time against Bulgarian standout Blagoi Ivanov (11-1).

The WSOF 21: Palmer vs. Horodecki main card airs live from the Edmonton Expo Centre on NBCSN, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts stream live on WSOF.com.

Tickets for the event, which start at just $56, are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

MAIN CARD

World Featherweight Championship:
(Champion) Lance Palmer (9-1) vs. (Challenger) Chris Horodecki (21-5-1)

World Heavyweight Championship:
(Champion) Smealinho Rama (9-1) vs. (Challenger) Blagoi Ivanov (11-1)

Featherweight Bout:
Hakeem Dawodu (4-0) vs. Chuka Willis (4-0)

Welterweight Swing Bout:
Mark Drummond (7-2) vs. Michael Hill (7-3)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Stephen Beaumont (7-2) vs. Jose Rodriguez (7-2)
Victor Valimaki (18-9) vs. Thiago Goncalves (17-4)
Mark Drummond (7-2) vs. Michael Hill (7-3)
Garret Nybakken (7-7) vs. Nick Hrabec (3-1)
Marcus Hicks (20-24) vs. Matt Baker (12-7)
Mike Scarcello (7-3-1) vs. Dan Lariviere (4-2)

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

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Baltimore, MD (May 27, 2015) – Jake Smith, CEO of Baltimore Boxing Promotions, and his family recently met with Baltimore City Police officials.

Smith, a longtime promoter in the Charm City and former professional boxer, was personally impacted by the riots as his gym was temporarily shut down. Having spent his entire life in and around Baltimore, Smith called the riots the worst thing he’s ever seen and feared for the safety of those that had neighboring businesses. Within a few days, order was restored due to an outstanding effort by the Baltimore PD.

During the visit, which included time with Chief of Staff Ganesha Martin and Commissioner Anthony Batts, Smith personally thanked them for their heroic efforts. He also donated tickets for his May 29 “Blood, Sweat & Tears” fight card at Michael’s Eighth Avenue to the department and will honor them during the evening.

“The police are unsung heroes in almost every community,” said Smith. “It’s unfortunate that certain isolated incidents have many people feeling like law enforcement is bad. We all must remember the good that they’ve done in keeping us safe. They risk their lives to keep crime, drugs and guns off the streets. It’s also important for people in Baltimore to remember how scary it was living here during the riots. The men and women of the police department literally had to face violent protesters while significantly outnumbered. For all that they did to restore the city I love, the absolute least I can do is donate tickets and honor them on fight night. I believe that we all owe them a big thank you for protecting us.”

Tickets for “Blood, Sweat & Tears” can be purchased by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com. Individual tickets start at $25 and VIP tables of 10 are available for $500. All VIP ticketholders can enjoy free hors d’oeurves from 7-8 pm, the best seats in the house and a special meet and greet with five time world champion Vinny Paz.

In addition to honoring the policemen and women, Baltimore Boxing is proudly teaming up with Unified Efforts. Since their founding in 2012 by former Baltimore detective Debbie Ramsey, Unified Efforts is a full-service bullying prevention organization that has helped raise awareness throughout the Charm City. To assist with the program,
Baltimore Boxing will donate tickets and proceeds from a 50/50 raffle on fight night.

For more information on Baltimore Boxing Promotions, visit Baltimoreboxing.com

Philadelphia (May 27,2015)–This Friday night at the Stadium Holiday
Inn in Philadelphia, King’s Promotions presents a great night of championship boxing that will headlined by 10-round UBF Lightweight championship bout between Frankie De Alba (15-1-2, 5 KO’s) and Bernardo Gomez Uribe (14-3, 10 KO’s).

In one of the 8-round co-features, Steve Upsher Chambers (24-4-1, 6 KO’s) returns to the city where he cut his teeth as a professional to take on Alejandro Rodriguez (24-16-1, 14 KO’s) in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Chambers, who came originally to Philadelphia with former Heavyweight title challenger, “Fast” Eddie Chambers, fought 23 times and the famed Blue Horizon in Philadelphia and will be making his first start in the City of Brotherly Love in almost 6 years.

“I have been training hard and working on opening my new gym with (Lightweight contender) Rod Salka,” said Upsher.

“I am on weight already and I feel good. We will be fighting at 142 pounds.”

Upsher is ready to show the fans how far his abilities have grown since he turned pro in Philadelphia in 2003 when he was just 18 years old.

“I am happy to be coming back to Philadelphia. I want to show people how far I have come and see the improvement that I have made as a fighter.”

Despite losing his three bouts to the likes of former world champions Luis Collazo and Andre Berto as well as then-undefeated prospect Eddie Gomez, Upsher was competitive in all those bouts and grew tremendously from those experiences.

“It showed that I can compete against that level of fighter. Plus everyone of those guys was bigger than me. I am a natural 140 pounder and can make 135 if the right opportunity presented itself.”

Chambers went back to his native Pittsburgh to train in neighboring city Coal Center, PA.

“My mind is set on winning a world title at 140 pounds. After the three losses, I cant afford any missteps. People see about the losses. I know I have the ability to be a world champion and on May 29 that will start to show.”

On the veteran opponent, Rodriguez, Upsher said, “I know he is tough and from Mexico. I will look at a little film before the fight and go from there. I really don’t worry about what he will do. He should worry about me. This fight is redemption for me. It’s a start and then I would like to right all of the losses. But first I am looking for a dominant performance on Friday then I want to end all doubts.”

An outstanding undercard has been assembled.

In 6-round bouts:

Farah Ennis (21-2, 12 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Michael Gbenga (20-19, 20 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana in a Super Middleweight bout.

Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will take on an opponent to be named in a Lightweight bout.

Welterweight Miguel Cruz (8-0, 7 KO’s) of Lake Mary, FL battles Juan Rodriguez (6-2-1, 5 KO’s) of Haymarket, VA..

Samuel Figueroa (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Ansco, PR will fight Jose Valderrama (4-9, 3 KO’s) of Arecibo, PR in a Welterweight bout.

Brandon Bennett (18-1, 7 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will square off with Rondale Hubbert (10-1-1, 6 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN in a Lightweight bout.

Demond Nicholson (12-1, 12 KO’s) of Laurel, MD will battle German Perez (11-1, 3 KO’s) in a Middleweight bout.

Leo Hall (5-0, 5 KO’s) of Detroit, MI will risk his perfect mark against Lawrence Blakey (2-3, 1 KO) of Pennsylvania in a Light Heavyweight affair.

Caleb Plant (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Ashland City, TN will fight Jason Zabokrtsky (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Kansas in a Middleweight bout.

Rounding out the card in a 4-round bout will be Christopher Brooker (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia fighting pro debuting Santario Martin of Gainesville, FL in a Super Middleweight bout.

The Stadium Holiday Inn is located at 900 Packer Ave. in Philadelphia

Tickets are priced at $75 and & $50 and can be purchased at www.stadiumboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

Danish cruiserweight Micki Nielsen (17-0, 12 KOs) has signed a long-term contract extension with Team Sauerland. The 21 year-old has put pen to paper following an impressive 2014.

“It is something special to be part of the biggest and most successful boxing team in Europe,” said Micki Nielsen. “I am determined to become a world champion one day and Team Sauerland is the place to be in order to reach my goals.”

Nielsen was recently named ‘Fighter of the Year’ by the Danish Professional Boxing Federation (DPBF) following a stellar 2014, which included a superb performance against a former world title challenger, Gusmyr Perdomo.

“I’ve been really happy with my development the last year. I’ve worked hard with my coach Joey Gamache to ensure I’ll have a great boxing future,” said the current WBC International Champion.

“Micki Nielsen is the most exciting youngster in Danish boxing,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He is already one of the most feared cruiserweights in Europe and we’re delighted to be continuing to work with him. The sky really is the limit and we’re expecting great things from Micki in the future!”

Micki Nielsen is back in action on June 20 as part of Team Sauerland’s Nordic Fight Night show at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen. The show titled ‘Danish Dynamite’ features the country’s top talent including Micki’s older brother Patrick Nielsen (17-0, 8 KOs) who will be making a first defence of his WBA International Super Middleweight title against Charles Adamu (23-6-0, 17 KOs), and rising featherweight star Dennis Ceylan (14-0-1, 7 KOs) who faces Sergio Prado (10-4-1, 4 KOs).

Team Sauerland presents the ‘Nordic Fight Night – Danish Dynamite’ on June 20 at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen. All the action will be broadcast live on Viasat channels across Scandinavia. Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk.

BRISTOL (27 MAY) By Lee Haskins: I’ve just had the whole weekend off to rest and let my body heal – it felt good. It always does, in fact. All my weekends have felt good lately. But then I hit it hard on the Monday and the pain begins all over again.

Ahead of my fight on June 13 against Ryosuke Iwasa, I’ve obviously been sparring quite a few southpaws of late. They’re all very tough and they’re all taller than me. They’re quite awkward – they have a longer reach than me and try to keep me off them.

I’ve never really done a lot of sparring. But, for this one, I’ve really gone over the top and done more rounds than I’ve ever done before. I’m sparring Monday, Wednesday and Friday religiously now. I’m constantly sparring and really putting the rounds in. And I’ve still got another two weeks of sparring to go.

I decided to do more sparring than usual for this fight, and do more training in general, simply because it’s such a big and important fight for me. Also, if you want to get fit, you’re best off replicating a fight – get in the ring and spar, get fighting fit.

You can enjoy training if you just want to go to a gym and have a little train – hit the bag, do pads – but, for us, it’s a job and we have to treat it as such. That means it’s very hard work and it takes a toll on your body. My body is literally in agony every single day. I had to be told to have a day off the other day because I just want to train all the time. It was the first day off I’ve had other than at the weekends.

I’m pushing myself to the limit and preparing myself for the hardest fight of my life. Nobody ever said it would be easy.

Back in the day I never used to train. It was crazy. I’d win most of my fights on luck and a bit of talent. That was all. But, obviously, the older you get, the wiser you get and I’ve learnt a lot along the way. And I’ve got the kids as well now. I’m doing this more for them than myself.

When I get a weekend off, I just do stuff with the kids, to be fair. We’ll go away in the caravan or go to the cinema or arcade. It’s all family-orientated. It keeps my mind off the fight and that’s exactly what I want when I have days off. You can’t get a better distraction than family.

It’s very important to take your mind off the fight from time to time. Sometimes you overthink things and start to think negative thoughts. It’s best just to forget about the fight and concentrate on yourself. I’ve always believed I’m super fit and that nobody in the world can beat me – and that’s the sort of thing you want to be thinking during camp. Come June 13, I’m going to prove that.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the great work produced by Jamie McDonnell of late. He’s the current WBA world bantamweight champion and he just defeated Tomoki Kameda in Texas to successfully retain his belt. He’s also someone I beat back in 2008.

I beat him a long time ago, sure, but I still believe I’d beat him if we fought again. I’d take that fight any day of the week. I wouldn’t hesitate.

In terms of what he’s achieved, though, he’s done very, very well and I’m genuinely happy for him. He’s become one of the best in the world and he deserves everything he gets in this sport. Unless we fight, I’m rooting for him every step of the way.

Apparently he’s moving up in weight now anyway, which will be interesting. That will throw him into the mix for fights against the likes of Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton.

I can’t help but think he’s got some unfinished business left at bantamweight, though. I know I’d be keen to avenge my loss if I was him. Then again, it’s probably wise to take the easy route and shoot off.

*** Bristol’s Lee Haskins and Japanese star Ryosuke Iwasa contest the vacant IBF interim world bantamweight title on June 13 at the Action Indoor Sports Centre, Bristol, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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ORANGE, Calif. (May 26, 2015) – Former Olympian Cesar Villarraga (6-0, 4 KOs), one of the brightest prospects in the lightweight division, is featured on the undercard of Thompson Boxing’s fifteenth year anniversary show, titled “Path to Glory” this Friday, May 29 from the Doubletree Hotel, Ontario, Calif.

Villarraga, out of Colombia, looks to remain unbeaten against Erick Aguirre (6-6-2, 4 KOs) of Mexico in a fight scheduled for six rounds.

Since turning professional two years ago, Villarraga has split his time between Los Angeles and his native Colombia. Trained by the Southern California-based Danny Zamora, Villarraga has made expedient progress as a professional, one made possible by his outstanding amateur run. Villarraga had more than 200 wins as an amateur, and represented Colombia in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“Cesar isn’t your typical prospect,” Zamora said. “He comes from a tremendous amateur background. He is far more experienced and polished than what his record indicates.”

Villarraga, a southpaw, registered four wins last year and is coming off a first round knockout win over Jesus Angulo in February. The scouting report on Villarraga would mention his outstanding hand speed and knockout power in either hand.

“Everyday is a new opportunity to improve in some way,” Villarraga said. “The truly great boxers are able to dominate a fight in a variety of ways. That’s the boxer that I want to become. I want to be as versatile as possible.”

Other action on the card features Danny Roman (13-2-1, 5 KOs), a super bantamweight from Los Angeles, going up against the battle tested Chris Martin (28-5-3, 9 KOs) of San Diego (8-rounds).

One of Southern California’s most popular fighters, Efrain Esquivias (17-3-1, 10 KOs), jumps to the featherweight division to face the young Jose Haro (8-1-1, 6 KOs) of Salt Lake City. The fight is scheduled for eight competitive rounds.

Tickets are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.

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 #PathtoGlory.

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.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, U.S.A. – On Friday night, May 22, 2015, undefeated professional boxer, Gervonta “Tank” Davis needed just one minute and fifteen seconds to defeat Mexico’s Alberto “Ironman” Mora by TKO at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The fight was scheduled for eight rounds, but Davis landed an uppercut just a few seconds into the fight that floored his opponent. Mora beat the count, but still appeared to be hurt. Davis then backed him up with a body shot, and followed up with a combination that knocked out Mora’s mouthpiece. The referee waived the fight off at 1:15 of Round 1. With the win, Davis’ record improved to 11-0, with 10 KOs, while Mora’s record moved to 5-4-0, with 1 KO. The Kings Promotions fight card, entitled “Rumble At The Claridge,” was held at the hotel’s Celebrity Theater, and was not televised. In the main event, Brooklyn’s Juan Dominguez defeated Mexico’s Marco Macias by TKO in Round 2.

In his previous fight on February 20, 2015, Davis defeated Puerto Rico’s Israel “Macho” Suarez (Puerto Rico/pro record: 4-5-2, 1 KO) at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, winning by knockout at 2:13 of Round 1. Moments into the fight, the twenty-year-old Davis dropped Suarez with a barrage of punches, ending the contest after just 47 seconds.
Davis’ boxing trainer Calvin Ford (Upton Boxing Gym) said, “We had a solid game plan going into this fight, and we were prepared to go extra rounds with this opponent. Gervonta’s skills proved to be too much for him, and it turned out to be a short night. We’ll enjoy this win for a day or so, get some rest, and evaluate how we have to improve for the next fight. We will continue to build on this win. I want to thank all the people that bought tickets and came to the fight to support our team. It was real comforting to fight out of town and see so many familiar faces in the crowd.”
Gervonta Davis talked about his fight. He said, “I trained to go the full eight rounds, but in boxing, you don’t get paid for overtime. I missed landing an uppercut in the first few seconds of the fight. I landed it a few seconds later, and that was the first knockdown. He got up from that one. I hit him a few more times after that, and the ref stepped in, and stopped it. I dedicated this fight to Valerie Barnes, who lost her life this year to cancer. I wore pink Nike HyperKO Boxing shoes, and a pink, white and black uniform with her name written on the back of my trunks. My best friend (Barnes’ son), Justin “Fiddle” Carter, was at the fight. After I won, the ring announcer spoke to the crowd about the dedication, and we brought “Fiddle” to the ring. It was just a real special night for us. I really wanted to win this one for Ms. Val.”
Davis added, “Thanks to my manager, Al Haymon, and promoter Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions, for allowing me to fight on Friday’s card. Thank you to my team, Shoe City, Yekim Customs, Tvche, Everlast, Nike Boxing, Athlete Performance Solutions, Ethika, Baltimore Parks and Recreation, and Upton Boxing Center for being a big part of Team Davis. Thank you to everyone in Baltimore who came to my fight on the Team Davis bus trip, or drove from Maryland and other states. I appreciate all the media that came to see me fight. Because of the events that happened recently in my city, this win was a real positive moment for all of us. It shows kids that dreams can come true. It feels great to be 11-0. Keep supporting me, and I’ll fight for you.”

Follow Gervonta Davis on Instagram: @GervontaDavis or http://instagram.com/gervontadavis
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BROOKLYN (May 26, 2015) – Fight week for Friday’s Premier Boxing Champions on Spike event kicked off today with Amir Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)and Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) hosting a photo opportunity at Brooklyn Bridge Park before they square-off at Barclays Center on May 29.

Coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an exciting showdown between Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75, and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at
www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Here is what Khan and Algieri had to say about training camp, each other and more:

AMIR KHAN

“Algieri is a fighter that has a lot of skills and assets. His range and height give him good advantages against opponents but I believe with my speed, movement and style it will be too much for him.

“Each day me and Virgil Hunter are getting stronger and we have built a really good rapport. It takes time to get that but he understands my style even more now and what works for me so we’re only going to keep growing.

“My aim since I was a kid and got into this sport was to be the very best. I fulfilled a dream when I got to the Olympics at 17 and brought back a silver medal. Later I became a world champion and then unified the light-welterweight division. My goal now is to fight the very best at 147 pounds and make my mark on this division too.

“I was away in training camp when my daughter turned one last week. It’s hard to be away from her but as a fighter those are the sacrifices you have to make. Everything I do is for her and I can’t wait to see her and spend time with her after this fight. Her birthday celebrations have been put on hold until after the fight!

“I’m really looking forward to returning to New York and fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I have good memories of this city because it’s the place where I had my first fight on US soil against Paulie Malignaggi in 2010 and also where I got married. I’m out to make it another good time this weekend.”

CHRIS ALGIERI

“I know that it gets said all the time, but this was truly the best and most intense training camp of my life. Working with John David Jackson has truly been a blessing. He has brought out the best Chris Algieri there is. You are going to see a whole new fighter come Friday night.

“I am excited to be back in New York and excited to show the world what I am really made of on Friday night. We are just a few days away from the fight and I am so anxious to get in there and get to work.

“Amir is a tough fighter there is no doubt about that, but I am very confident in my ability and the game plan that coach has come up with for me.

“You are going to see two proven champions in a high intensity and high level fight, laying everything on the line come Friday night.”

# # #

The Friday, May 29 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike features Amir Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)and Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) squaring off in a 12-round welterweight battle and the 12-round junior lightweight battle between Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs).

This event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing with live coverage beginning on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage, www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

NEW JERSEY (May 26, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), is now the chief sparring partner for Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KOs) as he prepares him for his upcoming WBC title clash with Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs). Johnson, who captured the WBA International and WBC Silver middleweight titles in his last bout, is currently ranked WBC #2, WBA #5, IBF #8 and WBO #13. He gives his thought on sparring with Geale.

“Daniel Geale is a special fighter who possesses a lot of boxing skills,” said Tuerano Johnson. “He’s looking real sharp in the gym and his power is there. I can feel the snap on his punches and I think Miguel Cotto is in for a big surprise. Everyone is counting Geale out but not me. Gary Shaw brought me in to test Geale’s skills and after a few days of sparring, I believe Daniel will be crowned champion.”

“I brought Tureano to the gym to spar with Geale because he’s a good look to emulate Cotto and he’s one of the top fighters in the middleweight division,” Gary Shaw said. “The feedback I got from Johnson about sparring Geale is very positive. I’m confident that Daniel will use everything in his playbook to come out victorious.”

Tureano Johnson is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak, three of which came by stoppage. Highly ranked across the board of all sanctioning organizations, Johnson is on the cusp of landing a big fight.

GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez. The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015 and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event…
“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans. This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free. PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show. Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.

On staying active…
“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference. My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training. When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level. This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time. Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.

On fighting at the StubHub Center…
“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in. The fans are incredible. Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting. It’s like there right on top of you. For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone. It’s a great place to fight!”

On training camp…
“Training camp has been going great. Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother. I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level. I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on. My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress. Everything has come together really nice. It’s time to go to war!”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

NEW YORK (May 26, 2015) – The National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) today announced that its 2015 Parade, scheduled for Sunday, June 14 on New York’s Fifth Avenue, will officially kick off a week of festivities with the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship fight between Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It was also announced that Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be making a contribution to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund.

“Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are thrilled to be aligned with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and to kick off their week of festivities with our event on June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports. “New York’s Puerto Rican community has supported Miguel throughout his career and we look forward to mirroring that support through our scholarship fund contribution and association with the Parade’s mission to promote education and empowerment.”

In addition, to honor Cotto’s impressive athletic accomplishments spanning over a decade which include him becoming Puerto Rico’s first and only Four Division World Champion, the NPRDP has bestowed upon him the honorary title of “Athlete of the Year.”

“It’s a privilege for my June 6 fight against Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn to be named the official kick-off event of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and I want to express my deepest gratitude for being honored me as Athlete of the Year,” said Cotto. “New York is truly my second home because I have been embraced by its Puerto Rican community. I’m looking forward to seeing my New York fans at Barclays Center on June 6.”

The NPRDP established the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Awards Program to help promote the pursuit of higher education within the community. In 2015, the organization will double the total dollar figure and number of scholarships awarded from the previous year to 30 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. In celebration of the 2015 class of scholarship winners, Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be contributing $5,000 to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund in support of helping other high school and college students pay for their educations.

“The mission of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is to create an awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican contributions to the United States by holding an annual parade that displays the culture and diverse achievements of the Puerto Rican community and by supporting the higher education of our youth through our scholarship program,” said Ululy Rafael Martinez, Vice-Chair of NPRDP. “We are proud to honor Miguel Cotto as Athlete of the Year and express our deepest gratitude to Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Productions for contributing to our scholarship fund.”

The 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on New York’s Fifth Avenue. The Parade’s overall theme will be a continuation of “Un Pueblo Muchas Voces” (One Community, Many Voices) with a special commemorative theme “Celebrating Afro-Boricua Heritage,” meant to coincide with the designation of the next decade as the “International Decade for People of African Descent” by the United Nations. Spectators can watch the Parade from any designated areas between E. 44th and E. 79th Streets. NPRDP 2015 official events include the following:

May 27 – Education Leadership Awards
May 30 – 152nd Street Festival in the Bronx
June 6 – Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
June 6 – Rising Stars Challenge
June 7 – Annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
June 12 – Annual Gala of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
June 14 – 58th National Puerto Rican Day Parade

For more information please visit www.nprdpinc.org. Follow NPRDP on Twitter: @PRparadeNYC, Instagram: NPRDP, #PRparade, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalPuertoRicanParade.

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores and Venue Kings. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

About Roc Nation Sports
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports lead to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, helping athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been helping artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents world champions Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein and Frances Tiafoe.

About Miguel Cotto Promotions
Miguel Cotto Promotions is the leading promotional company in Puerto Rico founded by the five-time and four-division world champion Miguel Cotto and entrepreneur Hector Soto in 2005. Miguel Cotto Promotions has the vision of developing the best talent in Puerto Rico and Latin America, while searching for the best partnerships in the business to present the best quality shows in the industry. In 2015, Miguel Cotto Promotions launched their most recent project named “Boxeo Al Maximo” in partnership with Univision Puerto Rico network, capturing great ratings results on the new Saturday night fights’ platform.

About Gary Shaw Productions
Based out of New Jersey, Gary Shaw Productions was founded in 2002 by President and Chief Executive Officer, Gary Shaw, a former NJ regulator. Having promoted boxing shows in China, Australia, Mexico and the U.K., GSP is known as an international enterprise, whose main objective is to bring excitement to boxing with competitive fights. Partaking in some of the biggest events in boxing history, which include Felix Trinidad vs. Fernando Vargas, Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko, Winky Wright vs. Felix Trinidad, Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo, Shane Mosley vs. Winky Wright and Marquez vs Vasquez I, II & III, GSP has solidified its self as one of the top promotional companies in the sport.

About Barclays Center
Barclays Center opened on September 28, 2012, and is a major sports and entertainment venue in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. One of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed into a modern multi-purpose arena, Barclays Center offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

Barclays Center hosts an extensive variety of events, including premier concerts, major professional boxing cards, top college basketball, family shows, the Brooklyn Nets and soon the New York Islanders.
Barclays Center has redefined the arena customer service and culinary experience. Its more than 2,000 employees are trained by Disney Institute, the business advisory arm of The Walt Disney Company, and its BrooklynTaste™ food program features selections from 55 well-known restaurants and vendors in the borough.

Barclays Center engages the customer with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the fan experience. As the first arena in the world to utilize Cisco StadiumVision mobile multicast streaming technology, Barclays Center allows fans to watch live video and instant replays from their mobile phones while connected to the arena’s free Wi-Fi.

Located atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City, Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road, and 11 bus lines.

LAS VEGAS (May 26, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) is arguably assembling its greatest fight card in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion’s history, with a world championship tripleheader, headlined by a highly-anticipated showdown between reigning WSOF World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares and two-time world champion Jake Shields, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, Aug. 1, live on NBCSN.

The co-main event will see red-hot WSOF World Bantamweight (135 pounds) Champion Marlon Moraes put his coveted belt on the line against undefeated contender Sheymon Moraes, while two undefeated rising stars – Magomed “Gladiator” Bibulatov and Donavon Frelow – will face off in the first-ever WSOF world flyweight (125 pounds) championship bout.

Priced from $29.99, tickets for “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” go on sale on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. PT at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

“This is, in my opinion, the most incredible lineup of fights featuring marquee talent that WSOF has put together since we launched the company in 2012,” said WSOF President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo. “We have a collection of highly competitive matchups with top-caliber superstars that have all made some kind of mark in the sport, and it should be a spectacular night of world-class combat.”

In other action on the live NBCSN telecast, world kickboxing champion and MMA upstart Tyrone Spong will make his long-awaited return to the cage and square off with veteran powerhouse Mike “MAK” Kyle in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) contest.

Additionally, top-flight prospect and aggressive-minded finisher Abubaker Nurgamedov will make his promotional debut against an opponent to be announced.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Jake Shields

One of the top leg lock specialists in MMA who has earned 11 of his 17 career wins using this method of submission, the 35-year-old Palhares (17-6) of Dores Do Indaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, will enter the cage looking for his third straight victory under the WSOF banner and his fourth consecutive win overall.

In his first two WSOF starts, Palhares turned in back-to-back first round submission wins – the first over Steve Carl by way of inverted heel hook on March 29, 2014 to claim the promotion’s welterweight strap, and the second over Jon Fitch via kneebar on Dec. 13, 2014.

Like Palhares, the 36-year-old Shields (31-7-1, 1 NC) of San Francisco, Calif., is also seeking his third WSOF win in a row after defeating his last two opponents – Ryan Ford and Brian Foster – inside of one round of action by way of submission. In his WSOF debut on Oct. 11, 2014, the Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt tapped out Ford with a rear-naked choke, and on Jan. 17, Shields submitted Foster with a neck crank.

During his stellar, 16-year professional career, Shields, who held world titles with the now defunct promotions Strikeforce and EliteXC, has faced and defeated a long list of rival icons, including all-time great Dan Henderson, and superstars Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley and Tyron Woodley.

Marlon Moraes vs. Sheymon Moraes

Since making his WSOF debut with a split-decision victory over superstar Miguel Torres on the promotion’s inaugural card on Nov. 3, 2012, Moraes (14-4-1) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been unstoppable and on Feb. 21, the 27-year-old secured his ninth straight win with a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Josh Hill.

The other Moraes has also been perfect since he jumpstarted his professional career with a unanimous decision win over Richard Medeiros on March 17, 2012. The 24-year-old, who has earned four of his seven career wins by way of (T)KO, made both his U.S. and promotional debut for WSOF on Dec. 13, 2014, earning a split decision over Gabriel Solorio.

Magomed Bibulatov vs. Donavon Frelow

Bibulatov (9-0) of Grozny, Chechnya, Russia and Frelow (4-0) of Las Vegas represent two of MMA’s most heralded 125 pound prospects.

Bibulatov, whose first start for WSOF also represents his debut in the U.S., notched his 9th career win on March 14, scoring a first round (1:30) KO on Eduardo Felipe in Grozny. The 26-year-old’s most noteworthy achievement to date is his victory of a one-night, eight-man tournament in Lamego, Portugal on Aug. 24, 2013, when he defeated three consecutive opponents, including two by way of first round submission, to emerge the winner of the single-elimination affair.

Frelow is a 30-year-old member of Wanderlei Silva’s fight squad and a product of Las Vegas’ highly competitive amateur fight circuit where he amassed an overall record of 5-1 between 2011 and 2013, his only defeat being on the losing end of a split decision in May 2011. In his last appearance and WSOF debut, Frelow earned a unanimous decision over Taylor McCorriston on Jan. 17.

Tyrone Spong vs. Mike Kyle

After sustaining a broken leg in kickboxing competition in April 2014, Spong (2-0) of Boca Raton, Fla. via Paramaribo, Suriname will enter the cage for the first time since Aug. 10, 2013, when he notched a unanimous decision over Angel DeAnda in WSOF action.

A three-time world kickboxing champion with over 80 career professional bouts in the sport, the 29-year-old former protégé of kickboxing legend “Mr. Perfect” Ernesto Hoost recently began pursuing a third combat sports career in professional boxing, as well, where he is a perfect 2-0 (1 KO), to date.

Kyle (21-12-1, 2 NC) of San Jose, Calif., is a battle-tested, heavy-handed finisher and member of Team AKA who has competed all over the world for numerous, major MMA promotions since he began his professional career in 2001.

The 35-year-old Kyle, who has earned 17 of his 21 professional career wins by way of (T)KO or submission, is coming off of a first round (1:56) submission (guillotine choke) victory over Baga Agaev on March 26.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. TBA

The younger brother of undefeated superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov and one of the top welterweight prospects in the world, Abubakar (9-1) of Makhachkala, Russia will make his much-anticipated debut on U.S. soil after inking a multi-fight agreement with WSOF in March.

Nurmagomedov, who trains under his father, Abdulmanap at Khabib’s gym FightSpirit Team, is coming off of a first round TKO (punches) win over Vladimir Gunzu on Feb. 22.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 1.

Doors at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will open at 4 p.m. PT, and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 5 p.m. PT.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced soon.

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

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Corona, California (May 26, 2015)–Memorial Day weekend started out with a bang as Andrey Fedosov and John Thompson were crowned Boxcino 2015 champions in the Heavyweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions with stoppage wins over Donovan Dennis and Brandon Adams this past Friday night at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The Boxcino Tournament was promoted by Banner Promotions, while Friday’s card was promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

The event also served as the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Fedosov scored an 8th round stoppage, while Thompson got off the canvas in round 1 to score a 2nd round stoppage.

Fedosov landed some hard power shots in round 2 that Dennis was able to withstand. Fedosov dropped Dennis in round 3 from a left hook to the head. Dennis started being effective the jab in round 4, and he started mixing the straight left behind it.

In round 6, Fedosov hurt Dennis again as he ripped two hard rights off the face of the southpaw. In round 7, it was more power shots that hurt Dennis and made him take a knee.

In round 8, Fedosov landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Dennis hard to the canvas. Dennis got to his feet but the fight was waved off 54 seconds into round 8.

Fedosov, 220 1/2 lbs of Hollywood, California via Russia is now 28-3 with 23 knockouts. Dennis, 219 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 14-3.

“I was being patient and waiting for a counter, and I was able to hit him with it,” said Fedosov of the knockout blow. “Now I will look for a big fight.”

John Thompson got off the deck in round 1 to come back and score an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Brandon Adams to win the Boxcino Jr. Middleweight title. Adams dropped Thompson in the opening seconds from a left hook. In round 2, Thompson landed a huge shot that sent Adams to the canvas. Thompson then pounded on Adams and a right hand wobbled Adams into the ropes and a knockdown was ruled. Thompson finished off a visibly hurt Adams with a heavy combination and the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round 2.

Thompson, 153.2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 17-1 with six knockouts. Adams, 154.8 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 17-2.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Thompson said. “We’re in a whole different ball game now. This is where I’m suppose to be.”

Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “It was a great night, and John and Andrey earned these titles. We expect to have them in big fights very soon. On another note, I am glad that these two thrilling fights were part of the last ESPN Friday Night Fights show.”

Las Vegas, NV:
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) the undefeated unified WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion will take on his first IBF mandatory contender Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable tax and service fees, go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27 at 10 AM PT and will be 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 mandalaybay.com or ticketmaster.com.

The Russian Wrecking Ball – Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – is headlining in the storied fight town for the first time. The charismatic and unbeaten knockout artist boasts three current world title belts, 2014 Fighter of the Year honors from numerous publications and an astounding 89% knockout-to-win ratio. After capping off his impressive 2014 campaign with a unanimous decision win over the legendary Bernard Hopkins to unify the WBA and IBF belts with his WBO belt, he began 2015 with a thrilling eighth round knockout of former world champion Jean Pascal in Montreal. The Krusher is on his way to becoming one of boxing’s next big superstars.

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Kovalev, the 32-year old from Chelyabinsk, Russia now residing in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Los Angeles, CA, said, “I am very excited to return to ring on July 25 and fight for Vegas fans. I love fighting on HBO and am happy for this next opportunity.”

Egis Klimas, Kovalev’s manager, added, “We are so happy to be back in the ring with HBO and Main Events’ help. This show will be televised live on HBO. Another good thing is Sergey will be able to fight in mega boxing city Las Vegas and start building as his home base fighting town. Thanks to people at Mandalay Bay for giving this opportunity to us.”

In the opposite corner, the IBF’s number one contender, Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi will challenge Kovalev with his awkward and aggressive style. He earned this title shot with an exciting win over Anatoliy Dudchenko by TKO in an IBF elimination contest in June of last year. Mohammedi elected to wait as Kovalev unified the belts with Hopkins then took a voluntary defense against Pascal while he added some serious fire power to his corner – world renowned trainer Abel Sanchez. Sanchez, who trains middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and previously worked with Kovalev.

Nadjib, 30, is from Gardanne, Bouches-du-Rhone, France and trains in Big Bear Lake, California. He will be making his Las Vegas and HBO debuts. When asked about his mandatory fight with Kovalev, he said, “My turn has come to show the world who I am. I let this Kovalev beat some guys but now I will show you he ain’t no Krusher. I am smarter. I am faster. I am the next generation of light heavyweight real champions!”

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva, who promotes both pugilists, said, “This will be a great fight. Sergey had a little trouble with Jean Pascal’s awkward, aggressive style in March. Nadjib will bring a similar style to the ring on July 25th. He also has Abel Sanchez in his corner, who might have some inside knowledge about Kovalev. The Krusher will try to do what he does best – Krush him. We know for sure that this will be an all-action night at Mandalay Bay, where Main Events is very happy to return.”

“Fans who appreciate underdogs, respect Sergey Kovalev,” said Peter Nelson, Vice President, programming, HBO Sports. “As an amateur and professional, the unified light heavyweight champ has spent his entire life as an underdog, beating the odds as he does his ring opponents: with total domination. Now a new underdog, Nadjib Mohammedi, seeks to shock the boxing world and dethrone the light heavyweight king. July 25 in Las Vegas will be a great event.”

“This light heavyweight fight at Mandalay Bay will be a sensational matchup,” said Richard Sturm, President of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International. “We look forward to working with Kathy and her entire Main Events team as well as Peter Nelson and his HBO staff on this championship event.”

Undercard information will be announced shortly.

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. Tickets go on sale May 27 at 10:00 AM PT and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The fight will be telecast live on HBO World Championship Boxing® and undercard information will be released shortly.

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Lightweight contender Tony “Lightning” Luis says it’ll be the realization of a childhood dream when he serves as guest analyst on the broadcast team this Friday, May 29.

Luis will join Ron Kruck, Steve Kim and Patrick Ortiz for the live call of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network,” will air live on CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET) from the WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network will be headlined by a 10-round cruiserweight battle between Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) and “Slick” Nick Kisner (14-1-1, 5 KOs).

In the co-main event, promising WBO #10 lightweight Josh King of Australia will make his US television debut against Batesville, Arkansas’ Rogelio Casarez (9-3, 4 KOs). Also featured in televised action that night will be women’s superstar Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight showcase against Nairobi, Kenya’s Fatuma Zarika (24-10-2, 14 KOs), as well as super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-rounder against Mississippi’s William Johnson.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236. On fight night, doors open @ 6:00 pm. The live television telecast will run from 10 pm to 12 am EST on CBS Sports Network. For more information, visit www.gcpboxing.com.

“It’s another childhood dream come true,” said Luis of doing commentary. “My mom was a stickler with me over reading when I was little, but once I got the hang of it and discovered boxing, look out! I drove her crazy reading my dad’s boxing collection to her all the time. And she would always say I had what it took to do what the guys on HBO were doing. I can hear the ‘I told you so,’ from heaven.”

Luis will be joining a solid broadcast team of veterans. Blow-by-blow man Ron Kruck is an MMA correspondent for the longest-running Mixed Martial Arts news show on television, Inside MMA, on Mark Cuban’s AXS TV. Long-time boxing journalist Steve Kim is internationally recognized for his commentary and opinion preceding major pay-per-view boxing bouts. Patrick Ortiz is the President of Ringside Ticket Inc and Lords of the Cage, which specializes in providing Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing events for Tribal Casinos.

“Max Kellerman motivated me when i was younger,” said Luis of his influences. “I saw a young guy with a passion for boxing. Max is a very good commentator and has developed a good eye for the sport, but I feel I have an edge because I actually live it and know what it is like to be in that ring.”

Luis (19-3, 7 KOs), who lost a controversial decision in a world-title fight in England against England’s Derry Matthews in April, will next be seen, in ring, on June 25 in Niagara Falls, New York against an opponent that is TBA.

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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.

Tony Grygelko of Minneapolis-based Seconds Out Promotions proudly announces the signing of hard-punching former world-title challenger Marcus Oliveira to a promotional contract.

From Menominee, Wisconsin, and of Menominee Nation, native, heritage, 36-year-old Oliveira (25-1-1, 20 KOs) is also a former NABF and WBA Fedebol Light Heavyweight Champion.

The promotional agreement is a reunion of sorts, as Grygelko was Oliveira’s promoter for much of his early professional career.

“I used to promote Marcus, prior to him signing with Don King, and it’s truly an honor to be able to promote him again and help position him for another world title shot,” said Tony Grygelko. “It seems that with his previous promoter not actively seeking fights, and his loss to Jurgen Brähmer, that Marcus has been written off, but the truth is he is extremely focused and has a burning desire to show all his fans that he has the talent to win a World Championship! He plans to shake off some ring rust off with a couple fights and then he’ll be looking to go after some of the big names in the division, such as Andrezj Fonfara, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, and a rematch with Brähmer.”

Oliveira, who was a heavily decorated amateur boxer before turning pro in 2006, said he feels his career had been stalled by an agreement he signed with another promoter. He says he happy to now be free of that contract and back to working with someone he trusts.

“I was looking for someone who could get me to the next level in my career and Tony has already done that for quite a few guys, so it was an easy decision,” said Oliveira. “He’s always straight-up with me and treats me well. I have a great relationship with him. I’m very happy about this new direction.”

“We’re very excited to be back working with Tony,” said Oliveira’s Manager, Douglas Ward from the Underground Boxing Company. “It’s good to be working with a promoter that has our same set of goals.”

Oliveira joins a Seconds Out stable that also includes Carson Jones and recent world-title challenger Caleb Truax.

Hyannis, Massachusetts [May 26, 2015] – Harwich, Massachusetts Light-Heavyweight Paul Gonsalves (7-7-1, 3 KO’s) will meet tough Mexican veteran Rafael Valenzuela (8-5, 1 KO) in an eight-round co-feature Saturday August 8th at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) in Hyannis, MA. This is in addition to the previously announced main event featuring Jesse Barboza (9-1-1) versus Jesse Oltmanns (10-5) in an eight-round fight for the Northeast Heavyweight Title.

“A lot of times folks can’t make the trip and see me fight”, said Gonsalves, who has recently fought in locations such as New York, Chicago & Connecticut, “but with the fight being in Hyannis, I know I’ll have tons of crowd support. I fought there once in the amateurs and the crowd was going crazy.”

Gonsalves, a 1999 graduate of Harwich High School, where he excelled on the basketball court scoring over 1200 points in a three-year career, is a two time former Southern New England Golden Gloves Champion.

As a pro, he’s been known as a guy willing to take on all comers, defeating local rivals Nick Lavin (2-2) and Richard Starnino (9-12-2) in the pro ranks as well as losing close decisions to highly-hyped prospects like Angel Camaho (13-0) and Mike Lee (14-0) in a fight televised on ESPN last year.

His adversary on August 8th will be Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico native Rafael Valenzuela. Valenzuela is a hard-nosed boxer in the tradition of other Mexican warriors like Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. – who was born in the same state in Mexico as Valenzuela.

“He’s a tough guy and has a better record than me”, Gonsalves said about his opponent, “He comes forward and I’ve got to watch out for his right hand based on the tape of him I’ve watched. But he’s an aggressive fighter and I like fighting aggressive fighters.”

Gonsalves joins his friend Jesse Barboza on this action packed card in Hyannis. In the past, Gonsalves and Barboza have worked each others corners in each others fights.

“Jesse and me are very close. We probably haven’t gone a day without talking in years. He’s a huge asset in the gym and a good friend”

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

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

Denmark’s top boxing talents are back in action on June 20 for an explosive Nordic Fight Night event at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen. It will be ‘Danish Dynamite’ when the country’s brightest stars Patrick Nielsen, Dennis Ceylan and Micki Nielsen test their skills against tough international opposition.

Patrick Nielsen (25-1, 12 KOs) returns following an impressive points victory over former world title challenger Ruben Eduardo Acosta. In his third super middleweight contest, the 24 year-old will defend his WBA International title against former Commonwealth Champion Charles Adamu (23-6, 17 KOs).

‘’I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and making the first defence of my WBA International belt,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’This is what I live and breathe for. I’m more motivated then ever and on June 20, I’ll be ready to take Adamu out!’’

Nielsen is joined by featherweight star Dennis Ceylan (14-0-1, 7 KOs), who after a series of show stealing performances is on the cusp of his first title challenge. Before the Aarhus-boxer can claim his first strap, he must overcome former European king Sergio Prado (10-4-1, 4 KOs).

‘’This fight is another step forward for me,’’ said the 26 year-old. ‘’I feel like I’m moving closer and closer to the title fights I dream about. Now, I know it is just a matter of time.’’

Having entertained with a fast-paced points victory over former world champion Dmitry Kirillov in his last outing, Ceylan is promising even more excitement against Prado. ‘’It’s going to be another entertaining fight. I can guarantee that,’’ said London 2012 Olympian. ‘’I’ll be in top shape and ready to give the fans another great show!’’

The third Danish fighter in the ring will be Micki Nieslen (17-0, 12 KOs), who was recently named ‘Boxer of the Year’ by the Danish Professional Boxing Federation.

‘’That was a very proud moment for me,’’ said the 22 year-old. ‘’It felt great to receive the award as recognition for all my hard work. I want to continue to improve and continue to impress, and that starts again in Ballerup on June 20!’’

Nielsen, the current WBC International Cruiserweight Champion, can move to 18-0 when he faces an as yet unnamed opponent at the action-packed Nordic Fight Night event. ‘’Bring it on,’’ exclaimed the rising star. ‘’I’m ready for whoever is put in front of me!’’

‘’We’re looking forward to bringing the Nordic Fight Night back to the Ballerup Super Arena,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’It is a fantastic venue and a fitting place to stage such a big night of boxing. Danish fans can look forward to an explosive show featuring the country’s three brightest boxing talents.’’

Team Sauerland presents the ‘Nordic Fight Night – Danish Dynamite’ on June 20 at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen. All the action will be broadcast live on Viasat channels across Scandinavia. Tickets are available via billetlugen.dk.

CARDIFF (26 MAY) By Nick Blackwell: For the last two months I’ve been based in Cardiff, training with Gary Lockett, and adding more and more strings to my bow ahead of my British title fight this Saturday (May 30) with John Ryder.

To begin with I was there sparring two times a week, and while there Gary would be pointing a few things out to me that were really working. So one morning I thought, you know what, I need to be there full-time. What Gary was telling me was helping me and I was learning from it.

In the end I spoke to Gary about it and he told me to speak to Mark (Kent, previous trainer) first. So I went and told Mark and he was a bit gutted – he didn’t take it too well – but he’s okay now.

Since then I’ve been learning a lot from Gary. I think it’s important that you keep learning in this sport and that you listen to other people and take on board other ideas. I’ve been with Mark from day one, and he was great for me, he really was, but Gary’s showed me a few different things I wasn’t really working on. It was a good move at this stage of my career.

I’ve been here in Cardiff for two months now and I’m enjoying it. Gary’s a great guy and he doesn’t accept any messing about. But, at the same time, if you’re feeling dead and you’re grinding out a session, he won’t let you destroy yourself if your body’s not capable. He listens to what you’ve got to say and he knows how a boxer feels during a training camp.

Technically, Gary obviously knows his boxing. He’s been there and done it himself. He’s also got some quality champions in the gym. In fact, every boxer he has at the gym is very good technically. They all do the basics well.

I remember watching Gary box in his prime and he was always very exciting, always the type of fighter who’d put on a good show. I recall him knocking out a lot of people with his left hook. He was a good entertaining fighter to watch and he ended most of his fights inside the distance.

Our styles aren’t too dissimilar when you think about it. Gary liked to have a tear-up, and so do I, and he could also do a bit of boxing behind a fast jab when he needed to.

I’ve always been fit. That’s never been an issue with me. He didn’t really have to work on that aspect with me. It’s just been a case of improving my boxing skills and technique really.

Also, I was doing quite a bit of conditioning with weights but I’ve come off that a bit now. My figure has changed a lot and my weight has come down a lot quicker than it normally does. I’m basically on weight already and am eating big meals. I feel strong, fit and this is the easiest weight cut I’ve had a long time. It wasn’t that long ago that people were saying I needed to move up to super-middleweight because I’m so big at middleweight. Now I’m making middleweight easy and I’m eating a lot of food.

In the past I was perhaps trying to work on my strength too much, but that didn’t make sense. My strength has always been there. I’ve always been able to use my strength in fights.

All in all, we’ve done a lot of work on different stuff for this fight – including doing more than just going forward. I can go forward, of course, that’s always in my game, but I’ve added a lot more to it this time around just to mix things up a little bit. Gary’s wanted me to be very hard to read in this fight and it’s been working well in training and in sparring. I’ve just got to bring it into the fight now…

*** Hennessy Sports’ Nick Blackwell fights John Ryder for the vacant British middleweight title on May 30 at the O2 Arena, LIVE on Sky Sports Box Office ***

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After a successful show on February 27th at the Fauldhouse Miners Welfare, Prospect boxing are making a return to the local venue with a four fight card on June 5th. The first card marked the first professional card in the West Lothian towns history, and sold out the popular venue.
Headlining the card is local fan favourite Sean Watson (4-2-1), who in the last fight in the venue picked up the British Masters title with a points shut out of Jonathan Fry, while Martin Taylor, who made his debut on the previous Fauldhouse Miners show in February also returns in his second professional start.
After picking up a injury earlier in the season, Wishaw based Lee Gallacher (4-0) returns to the ring in a four round fight in the Light middleweight division, while completing the line up is Dundee’s Commonwealth title challenger Jamie Wilson who fights in the Super flyweight division.
Speaking about the card, Fauldhouse born promoter Paul Graham looks forward to a return “It was always a ambition of mines to bring professional boxing to my home town of Fauldhouse. So to return with another card is really exciting.
“With this card we have a lot of good talent with a mix of local fighters and few from further afield. It is good to see Sean back in action after his last win. We will hopefully see Lee Gallacher pick up another win and move to five straight wins and continue his education in the paid ranks.
He adds “Martin has been hard at work in the gym and is promising big things. The return of Jamie Wilson excites me as well, his last fight was for the Commonwealth title, and while he came up short on the evening he showed real heart and will be looking to get back into winning ways with this fight.
Prospect Boxing present an evening of Boxing at the Fauldhouse Miners Welfare Club in Fauldhouse West Lothian, featuring 4 bouts and Entertainment on Friday June 5th.
Tickets are priced £40 and available by calling 01698 338 888 or the fighters. For More information are avail from www.facebook.com/prospectboxing and @prospectboxing

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 25, 2015) – On a holiday when Americans take a moment to remember those who gave their lives serving in the country’s armed forces, Bellator MMA officials are honored to announce a new partnership with the American Forces Network.

With the new deal in place, the American Forces Network will now broadcast Bellator MMA events on its global networks to American servicemen and women, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea.

“We at Bellator are always looking for ways to give back to our troops,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “We’re all extremely grateful for all that they do abroad to keep us safe, and we hope that they will enjoy some Bellator fights during any downtime they may have.”

Multiple Bellator athletes including Bobby Lashley and Mike Richman have served in the American Military.

“I’m personally thrilled for this new partnership,” said Bobby Lashley, who fights James Thompson on June 19. “AFN is providing a platform for me to be fighting for my brothers and sisters who are away from home, fighting for us.”

The new partnership commences with June’s dual Bellator MMA events.

On June 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. Also, several current Bellator fighters as well as some of the sport’s biggest legends will pay a visit to Scott Air Force Base on Wednesday, June 17.

On June 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., with “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which sees French striking specialist Cheick Kongo and Russian knockout artist and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage.

Complete details of the new Bellator MMA-American Forces Network partnership will be available shortly.

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

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

Las Vegas – The final 2015 inductee for the reinvigorated UFC® Hall of Fame will be legendary two-time, two-division UFC world champion BJ Penn. Known as “The Prodigy” throughout his amazing 13-year, 16-10-2 professional mixed martial arts career, Penn takes his place in the Modern Era category of the UFC Hall of Fame.

The Modern Era category recognizes great fighters who turned professional on or after November 17, 2000, when the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) were created and widely adopted. Penn turned professional on May 4, 2001, at UFC 31.

The announcement was made moments ago on the UFC 187 Prelims broadcast on FOX Sports 1. Penn’s formal induction will take place at a gala event on Saturday, July 11, at the UFC Fan Expo®, during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week™ in Las Vegas.

UFC President Dana White said: “It is our honor to induct BJ Penn into the UFC Hall of Fame. He was one of those stars who helped build the UFC. When we bought this company, we were told no-one cared about lightweights. BJ Penn not only made people care, he was one of the biggest draws in UFC history. And what he accomplished inside the Octagon speaks for itself – he is one of only two people to win two UFC titles in two different divisions and he beat a who’s who of his era. He is a legend and a no-brainer for the UFC Hall of Fame.”

Born Jay Dee Penn on December 13, 1978, “Baby Jay” is believed to have earned a legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt faster than any practitioner of the martial art. He was awarded the honor by André Pederneiras in 2000, aged 20, less than three years after taking his first lesson. Penn validated his black belt status just weeks later, when he became the first American to ever win the black belt division of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships.

Because of the speed of Penn’s achievements in BJJ, he was dubbed “The Prodigy” – a moniker which he carried into his MMA – and UFC – debut vs Joey Gilbert at UFC 31 on May 4, 2001.

“Nothing personal, I just want the belt,” Penn said after scoring a first round knockout.

The first UFC championship came at welterweight, when he choked out the previously unstoppable Matt Hughes in the opening round of their UFC 46, January 2004, clash. However, Penn never defended the title, spending the next two years competing outside of the UFC organization.
A truly fearless competitor who’s self-belief knew few boarders, Penn defeated both Renzo Gracie and Rodrigo Gracie in middleweight bouts outside of the UFC; he even took a 225lbs Lyoto Machida the distance in a heavyweight fight.

Whether inside or outside the Octagon®, Penn fought the best of the best and his scalp list includes luminaries like Caol Uno, Matt Serra and Takanori Gomi.

But it was his achievements in the UFC lightweight classes that Penn cemented his legacy as one of the very best of all time.

Upon returning to the division in 2007, Penn embarked on a three year reign of terror. He swiftly avenged his first career loss to Jens Pulver before winning the vacant 155lbs title with a one-sided beatdown of Joe Stevenson at UFC 80. In winning the title, Penn became only the second man to hold two UFC titles in two weight divisions. He then defended the belt against former champion Sean Sherk, and surging contenders Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez in impressive fashion before finally losing the title to Frankie Edgar in 2010.

Along the way Penn also attempted to win back the UFC welterweight title, in a rematch of a very close and controversial fight vs Georges St-Pierre. The UFC 94, January 2009, main event was a rare UFC champion vs UFC champion superfight and one of the biggest fights of the decade.

Penn’s final win came in November 2010, at UFC 123, when he knocked out his great rival turned friend Matt Hughes in 21-seconds, winning their trilogy 2-1. Penn last competed one year ago, losing a somber fight against nemesis Frankie Edgar at International Fight Week 2014.

Now, 12 months later, Penn will be given the send-off his legendary career deserves.

What made Penn a perpetual pound-for-pounder was his unique combination of high-level BJJ, takedown defense, remarkable balance plus his supreme boxing skills. Even the most experience fight commentators marveled at the Hawaiian’s skill set; UFC broadcaster Joe Rogan once opinioned that Penn had more flexibility and dexterity in his legs than most good fighters had in their arms and, in 2008, famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach said Penn was the best boxer in MMA “by far.”

According to FightMetric, the official statistics provider to the UFC, Penn spent a total of 5-hours, 18-minues and 7-seconds in the UFC Octagon, the second most of any UFC fighter. He landed 1,736 strikes in the UFC, the fourth most in organization history, with 1215 of them setting a lightweight division record. He landed with over half of his power shots and his takedown completion rate of 66.7% remains the most accurate in the UFC lightweight division.

Penn joins Pioneer Era inductee Bas Rutten, Fight inductee Matt Hughes vs. Frank Trigg II and Contributor Jeff Blatnick to complete to 2015 UFC Hall of Fame class.

The UFC Hall of Fame 2015 induction ceremony will take place on July 11 as part of the UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas. Fans with tickets to the UFC Fan Expo will be able to attend the UFC Hall of Fame 2015 event for no additional cost. Tickets to the UFC Fan Expo are available at www.ufcfanexpo.com with two-day passes beginning at $60 online and $65 onsite. One-day passes begin at $35 online and $45 onsite.

To visit the UFC Hall of Fame fight library – which includes the induction speeches for the first 12 UFC Hall of Famers – go to www.ufc.tv/category/ufc-hall-of-fame-library.

For additional information please visit UFC.com, and follow UFC on Twitter @ufc.

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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 134 countries and territories to over 700 million 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 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.