SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.: 171 ½ Pounds

ANDRZEJ FONFARA: 171 ½ Pounds

AMIR IMAM: 140 Pounds

WALTER CASTILLO: 138 Pounds

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME:

OSCAR ESCANDON: 121 ¾ Pounds

MOISES FLORES: 121 ¼ Pounds

OMAR CHAVEZ: 159 Pounds

RICHARD GUTIERREZ: 158 ½ Pounds

(SHOWTIME EXTREME Swing Bout)

FABIAN MAIDANA: 146 ¼ Pounds

CORY VOM BAUR: 145 ½ pounds

# # #

“Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara”, a 12-round light heavyweight bout co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Amir Imam faces Walter Castillo in a 10-round jr. welterweight showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets for the event are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 17, 2015) – Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the signing of featherweight, Justin “The American Kid” Lawrence (7-2), to an exclusive, multi-fight deal.

Born and raised in Missouri, Justin has been engrossed in combat sports from a young age, training in kickboxing as early as six-years-old. Lawrence ultimately parlayed this into over 150 wins on the amateur kickboxing circuit and also earned the distinction of being a two-time St. Louis’ Golden Gloves boxing tournament champion.

Lawrence made his professional MMA debut in 2010 for Strikeforce and also went on to win under the Ultimate Fighting Championship banner, a spectacular 19-second head kick knockout of John Cofer.

Most recently, the 24-year-old has impressed in Resurrection Fighting Alliance, winning three consecutive bouts, including an April 10th first-round technical knockout victory over Sam Toomer that earned him the promotion’s 145-pound title.

A member of Alliance MMA in San Diego, Calif., where he trains alongside Bellator stars like Phil Davis and Michael Chandler, “The American Kid” joins the promotion’s featherweight division, which is currently upheld by champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.

“Its been a big week for Bellator, with Gleristone Santos, Phil Davis and now Justin Lawrence joining the ranks,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “We remain committed to not just signing proven stars, but also recruiting top prospects from regional promotions, evidenced by our recent signing of RFA featherweight champion and top young up and coming fighter Justin Lawrence. I said it before and I will continue to say it, we will build them from ground up and hit it from the top down.

Bellator’s featherweight division is packed with stars like Champion Patricio “Pitbull,” Georgi Karakhanyan, Daniel Straus, Pat Curran, Goiti Yamauchi and Julio Cesar Neves.

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

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

Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark split-site doubleheader telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT).

The HBO telecast kicks off live from Arlington, Texas, when 2014’s Fighter of the Year, Terence Crawford, makes his junior welterweight debut against Thomas Dulorme in a scheduled 12-round title bout.

Official Weights from Arlington:

Terence Crawford: 139.8 lbs.
Thomas Dulorme: 139.2 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #CrawfordDulorme

Then in a sure-fire Fight of the Year candidate, Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov, two of boxing’s hardest punchers, battle in a 12-round junior welterweight showdown from Verona, NY.

Official Weights from Verona:

Lucas Matthysse: 139.0 lbs.
Ruslan Provodnikov: 139.5 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #MatthysseProvodnikov

VERONA, NEW YORK (April 16) – Members of the media and fans got a preview of what to expect in the ring on Saturday with former World Champions Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov during today’s final press conference for Matthysse vs. Provodnikov at the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.

In what is sure to be an all-action fight to remember and a treat all fight fans are excited for, Argentina’s Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) will fight Ruslan Provodnikov “The Siberian Rocky” (24-3, 17 KOs), in what will be the ultimate test for both fighters. Due to unprecedented demand, tickets are now sold-out but fans can catch all the action live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Below is what the fighters, promoters and trainers had to say today at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV, Former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion:
“I want thank everyone for being here and supporting this event, and I want to thank all who made this fight happen, Golden Boy Promotions, Banner Promotions and HBO.

“I am glad Lucas and team are so sure of themselves because I am positive that once I am in the ring my actions will speak for themselves. I am here to win and I will do everything to win this fight.

“I am positive that once I am in the ring, I am only there to win.

“I know I am only there to win the fight. I will win the fight at any cost.

“No one can stop my will, my will, will not be broken.

“I fight for an idea, for myself, for the people and to make history. I am fighting one of the best fighters, and I feel like this will make history. I don’t do it for the fame or the money.

“I met Bernard a long time ago and he told me: ‘make your own history,’ and I feel like I have been doing that.

“This is going to make a great fight, the fans have waited long for, and let the best man win.”

LUCAS MATTHYSSE, Former Interim WBC Super Lightweight World Champion:

“I want to thank Oscar and Mario for making this fight happen. I want to thank Ruslan for accepting the fight. I am very happy.

“We did a great job in training camp, and I am prepared and ready for Ruslan. I am going to give a great performance on Saturday.”

ARTIE PELULO, President of Banner Promotions:

“This is going to be the best fight of the year.

“I have had the good fortune to co-promote Corrales-Castillo I and this could be that.

“It is great that two fighters in the prime of their career to be in the ring.

“I have to thank my partners at Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez. It’s very rare and great that two fighters in their prime have decided to face each other in the ring.

“I want to thank Turning Stone Resort Casino, they are a first class operation.
“Both these fighters have gotten here fighting tough, top fighters. They want to fight the best just like Oscar and Bernard who are here today. Ruslan and Lucas believe that they are the best, they are fighting each other in their prime, something that is very rare in the sport.”

“Both of these men have gotten here by fighting very good guys.

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

“It’s a pleasure to be working side by side with Banner Promotions and HBO, making this great fight, the fight that the fans want to watch.

“When I was here at Turning Stone Resort Casino last year for the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction, I stood up and preached on how we should put aside our egos to make fights for the fans. This is the perfect example of what boxing can be when you have two great fighters face each other in the ring. Putting on the great fight is what Banner Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions is all about.

“HBO is one of the best partners in the business, they are committed to putting on the best fights on television. When you watch HBO, you know it’s the best.

“Mario is the top promoter in Argentina, a partner who understands our philosophy, and he trusts us. They have been instrumental to put on the best boxing in the last 10 years. We have to thank partners like him for our success.

“Lucas is one of the best fighters to come out of Argentina. He has a great fighting spirit. He has the best combination of being a brawler and can also box and move when he wants to. This great combination makes him a boxer-puncher, which makes him fun to watch.

“Lucas’ record speaks for himself, with one of the best percentages of knockouts in the sport.”

VADIM KORNILOV, Manager for Ruslan Provodnilkov:

“I want to thank the whole team for making this fight happen.

“Ruslan is ready for this fight, this is something he has been waiting for to show that be is the best in his weight class.

” Oscar De La Hoya for saying that the winner of Matthysse – Provodnikov should fight the winner of Mayweather -Pacaquio, Oscar that fighter will be Ruslan.”

ANDREI NAPOLSKIKH, Co-manager for Ruslan Provodnikov:

“This is one of the fights Ruslan has been waiting for,. That has caused a lot of motivation on our side and we are looking forward to a good fight on Saturday, April 18.”

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

“We are here to make the best fights. The kinds of fights the fans want to see.

“I want to address the media: you all get a chance to write about good fights, you follow them and you know who the fighters need to fight to be on the highest level. To be able to continue to put on the best fights, we need you to put pressure on us to continue to do strive to put on the fights the fans want to see.

“Here, you have two great warriors in Lucas and Ruslan. The fight was talked about and then it was done, and that is what boxing is all about. We want to start a good vibe in the boxing world.

“Write something good about us.”

MARIO ARANO, Manager to Lucas Matthysse:

“We are very happy and thankful to be here. I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and Banner Promotions for making this fight happen. I want to personally thank Artie Pelullo and Ruslan for accepting the fight.

“Team Matthysse has done a great job in getting Lucas in the best shape for this fight. Lucas has worked really hard and is prepared to bring the best possible fight against Ruslan on Saturday.

“Lucas belongs in the major leagues, and on Saturday he will show the world why.”

MARVIN SOMODIO, Trainer of Ruslan Provodnikov:

“I would like to thank Oscar, Golden Boy Promotions and Banner Promotions for the opportunity. For me it is an honor to be part of this.I also want to thank Freddie Roach for having us be part of his team. This is a big responsibility.

“This is my third time at Turning Stone Resort Casino. The first two times we were 1st round knockouts and Saturday night, I am looking for out 3rd first-round knockout.

LUIS “CUTY” BARRERA, Trainer to Lucas Matthysse:

“On Saturday, Lucas will prove he belongs with all the greats in the sport.”

RAY HALBRITTER, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO:

“We are honored to be hosting these two great fighters, and we are happy they chose Turning Stone Resort Casino.

“This is Turning Stone’s 50th nationally broadcasted fight in two years.

“The build up for this fight is warranted, and we look forward to an exciting night on Saturday, April 18.”

Photos by Banner Promotions

Due to the unprecedented demand to see this surefire “Fight of the Year,” tickets are completely sold out.

Doors on Saturday, April 18 open at 7:00 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 8:00 p.m. and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
Matthysse vs. Provodnikov is a 12-round junior welterweight bout presented by Banner Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico, Live it To Believe It! and Khortytsa Vodka. Doors are currently scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will being at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Apr. 16, 2015) – Another exciting match has been announced for the May 2nd M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent, in Orenburg, Russia as veteran heavyweight Maro “Mean Machine” Perak drops down one weight class to fight Russian light heavyweight Rashid Yusupov.

The historic M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent will be headlined by a special five-round, heavyweight Super Fight between unbeaten M-1 Challenge heavyweight titlist Marcin “Tybur” Tybura (12-0-0, 3 KO/TKO, 4 SUB; M-1: 6-0-0) and M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz (12-1-0, 5 KO/TKO, 4 SUB; M-1: 3-0-0).

Undefeated M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (11-0-0 (6 KO/TKO, 1 SUB; M-1: 5-0-0) makes his first title defense against the former BAMMA champion, Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (11-2-0, 3 KO/TKO, 7 SUB; M-1: 1-1-0).

M-1 Challenge 57 will be streamed live in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Andriod and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Perak (23-5-1, 12 KO/TKO, 8 SUB; M-1: 0-3-0), fighting out of Croatia, has fought his entire pro career as a heavyweight, however, the 6′ 1″ was at a physical disadvantage in his last two fights against M-1 Selection heavyweight titlist Denis Smoldarev (6′ 5″/267 lbs.) and Tybura (6′ 3″/248 lbs.).

Considered one of the best heavyweights in Europe, Perak gave Smoldarev and Tybura all they could handle, losing this past February to the former by way of an opening-round submission by arm-lock at M-1 Challenge 55, extending the latter to the final round before being stopped by punches a year ago at M-1 Challenge 47. Perak’s most notable career victories have been against Bob Sapp and Travis Wiuff.

Rashid Yusopov (L) is an International Master of Sports

Yusupov (4-0-1, 1 KO/TKO, 2 SUB; M-1: 1-1-0) was an outstanding amateur mixed-martial-arts fighter, capturing top honors in 2013 at the World, Europe and Russian champion. The highlight of his amateur career was becoming the first World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) light heavyweight champion in 2013.

The 22-year-old Russian also holds the title of International Master of Sports in MMA. At M-1 Challenge 45 (Feb. 29, 2014), Yusupov won a unanimous decision over Charles Andrade.

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

Fight Network will air M-1 Challenge 57 live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

INFORMATION

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1Global
@VFinkelchtein
@M1GlobalNews

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M1GlobalNews
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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

Dennis Hogan 153.5 vs. Tyrone Brunson 153
Ismael Barroso 135 vs. Ira Terry 130.5
Rob Brant 161.5 vs. Dionisio Miranda 165
Jarrell Miller 283.5 vs. Raymond Ochieng 244
Adam Lopez 124 vs. Philip Adyaka 119.5
Joey Abell 239.5 vs. Travis Fulton NA
Van Goodman 299.5 vs. Brett Murphy 316.5

Promoters: Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions

Venue: Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota

TV: CBS Sports Network (10 pm EST)

Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” start at $35 and can be purchased at the Grand Casino Hinckley Box Office from 8 am to 10 pm (1-800-GRAND21) or at all Ticketmaster outlets, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

LOS ANGELES (April 16, 2015) – Popular Mexican superstar and former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and dangerous brawler Andrzej Fonfara participated in the final the final press conference Thursday at Crowne Plaza Hotel LAX, just two days before Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader.
Chavez (48-1-1, 32 KOs) of Culiacan, Mexico, and Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) of Chicago by way of Radon, Poland, will meet in the 12-round light heavyweight main event live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chavez will make his eagerly awaited return to the ring and first start for new trainer Joe Goossen.

Also participating in today’s press conference was undefeated top 10-ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (16-0, 14 KOs), of Davie, Fla., by way of Albany, N.Y. who will put his unblemished record on the line against fellow power-puncher Walter Castillo (25-2, 18 KOs) (25-2, 18 KOs), of Managua, Nicaragua, in the 10-round co-feature on SHOWTIME.
On SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT) this Saturday, WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Champion Oscar Escandon (24-1, 16 KOs), of Tolima, Colombia, will make the first defense of his 122-pound title when he faces undefeated Moises “El Chucky” Flores (22-0, 1 NC, 16 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico.
In the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, Omar “El Businessman” Chavez (32-3-1, 22 KOs), of Culiacan, the younger brother of Chavez, Jr. and son of legendary Julio Cesar Sr., will face Richard Gutierrez (28-15-1, 17 KOs), of Arjona, Colombia, in an eight-round middleweight fight. Also featured on the telecast, time permitting, will be a six-round match between unbeaten Argentine welterweight Fabian “TNT” Maidana, of Santa Fe, Argentina, the brother of former world champion Marcos Maidana, who’ll be opposed by Cory Vom Baur (2-2, 0 KOs), of Vancouver, Wash.
Tickets for the event co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, and are on sale online at AXS.com.
What the fighters, trainers and executives said Thursday:
JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR., Former World Champion
“I had a great training camp. I feel better than ever. I am ready for the fight.

“I know that this is a new weight class for me. I realize that Fonfara is very tough and bigger than me, but I am up for the challenge.

“I have worked on my boxing during my one year off, and I am very excited and motivated to get back in the ring.

“I have worked so hard for this fight because I am fighting in a new weight class. I must punch harder, so I have focused on getting stronger during this training camp.

“I have a great chin, I know how to take punches and my conditioning is great. A lot of fighters can take a punch, but I can take multiple punches and not be hurt.

“I think that Andrzej Fonfara is one of the best fighters in the light heavyweight division. Inside of boxing, everyone knows who Fonfara is. He knocked down one of the best boxers in the world in Adonis Stevenson.

“Fonfara is disciplined in the ring, but he doesn’t vary his punches.

“I understand that my dad didn’t want me to take this fight. I had bigger names I could’ve fought, but I think that Fonfara is a great challenge for me and I like the challenge.

“I would like to thank SHOWTIME for making this fight happen.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA, World Title Challenger
“I’m prepared very well and I’m ready for this fight. It’s been a great camp like always. I train hard for each fight. I’m a tough boxer who is feeling great. The weight is good and everything is perfect.

“I must put everything into Saturday night and I will win the fight.

“I must look even better than I did against Stevenson. Everyone said I looked good, but I lost the fight. I didn’t want congratulations because I did not win the fight. But this time I will win the fight. I’m ready for a decision or for a knockout.

“I’m ready with a couple of plans. I don’t want to run around the ring, I want to fight tough. I’m going to use my jab and my right hand, which is my best punch.

“I’m not worried about what his father said about not fighting me. Chavez Jr. wants to fight and I will show him that his father was right.

“It doesn’t matter how I win, I want to win this fight and get my rematch with Adonis Stevenson.

“Chavez Jr. is a great fighter. He uses a lot of combinations and has a powerful punch that I must be ready for. I want to show the whole world how good I am when I win this fight on Saturday.

“If I get the chance, I’m going to knock him out. It’s boxing so you never know what will happen. I want to box round-by-round and win this fight.

“I lost the fight with Stevenson but I showed that I was a good boxer. I’m a much smarter fighter now because of that experience. That was a fight at the top championship level.

“It doesn’t matter what Chavez Jr. says at a press conference, we’ll be in the ring Saturday and everything will happen there.

“Fan’s can expect heavy punches, knockdowns and a great fight.”

AMIR IMAM, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m confident going into this fight because of how I train. I have put my heart and soul into this sport since I moved to Florida three years ago. I left everything behind to better myself.

“I’m going to stay smart and composed in there and do everything I can to get the win.

“I don’t feel like I need the knockout to come away with a successful fight. But, you better believe that if there is an opportunity to knock him out, then I will take advantage of it.

“In 2015, I want to become a world champion. This is my breakout year. A lot of people have been buzzing about me. I want to become the WBC world champion, that’s what I’m heading for.

“I know he’s [Castillo] a good opponent, he’s got a great resume, and he’s coming to fight. He has a great record, so that alone shows what he’s capable of. Come Saturday night may the better man win.

“I’ve boxed styles like [his] plenty of times, but you never know, he could come out different Saturday night.

“I’m ready to put on a great show for the SHOWTIME audience.”

WALTER CASTILLO, Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m coming here to fight. I can tell you one thing, Amir Imam made a big mistake by taking this fight.

“I’ve fought a lot of tough fighters; my two losses were by decisions where I feel I was robbed. I’ve fought better fighters than Amir has.

“Come Saturday, I’m going to announce to the whole world that Walter Castillo is here to stay and he’s going to be a world champion.”

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ SR.
“Being in Los Angeles is like being in Mexico for me; I have had many great memories. I became the world champion for this first time here and my son also became the world champion for the first time here, too.

“Julio definitely has a very difficult fight ahead of him.

“If I was Julio’s manager, I wouldn’t have taken this fight. Fonfara is a difficult and tough fighter.

“My son wants to fight fighters of quality and wants credibility in boxing.

“Julio has worked and trained very hard for this fight .He has the capability to win and we expect that it will go very well.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Chavez’ Trainer
“Julio has a window here the next five, six, seven years that he can capitalize on.

“I think he’s left the childish stuff behind, and we’re all guilty of being childish.

“I think that Julio has surprised his father with his determination heading into this fight.
He’s got a left hook to the liver that just sends a shock through your body.

“He’s not soft. He’s a real fighter. I have been around enough fighters to know that he’s a real fighter. Number one, he has the never-say- die attitude in there.

“We’re up against a very well-schooled, blue collar, workmanlike fighter in Fonfara.

“He is an athletic, improvisational fighter, in that you don’t know where everything’s coming from.

“I’ve watched a lot of Fonfara tape, and he pretty much repeats what he does, but he repeats it well.

“This is going to be a battle. You’ve got two contrasting styles and personalities.

“Julio has 51 fights under his belt. He’s no rookie and he comes from a great bloodline. (In the short time I’ve been with him, it has been) more of an association than a dictatorial effort between the two of us.

“Based on former camps, he’s never really extracted himself from comfortable surroundings and put himself in a position where he is completely isolated like he was in Lake Tahoe.”

SAM COLONNA, Fonfara’s Trainer
“Fonfara could turn it up whenever. He could be down on the scorecards and one punch he throws could change someone’s world. He’s proven in the past that he has power in both hands.

“The styles in this fight are perfect for each other. When people ask about the fight I say it could go either way, it depends on who catches the other first.

“I’m looking for Fonfara to dominate, but Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a warrior, he comes to fight, he knows how to go to the body like his father used to, so we’ve been working on all of these strategies.

“A knockout win would be a dream come true to me. That’s what I’ve been looking for all these years. Winning this huge fight would change everything for Fonfara and myself.

“This camp that Andrzej had was the best we’ve ever had. He worked hard, he had time to train and there’s no excuses.

“We’re coming to fight a war. Don’t forget that wars are won by strategy.

“People say to listen to your father. His father told him not to take this fight, but he took it anyway and that was a mistake.

“I see this fight not going past 10 rounds, with us getting the knockout.”

STACY MCKINLEY, Imam’s Trainer
“Amir has always trained very hard, but I did see a change in him in this training camp after the last fight. He has stepped up his training by two levels.

“He learned a lot about his fight against [Fidel Maldonado] under the bright SHOWTIME lights at the MGM Grand.

“Amir is always confident going into each fight, but he made a mistake in the Maldonado fight. He rolled his right hand and forgot about the left hand and was knocked down. He had to pay for his mistakes but it’s all a learning experience, he still has only 16 professional fights under his belt.

“Castillo has a great jab and good combinations. A guy like that throws a lot of punches, but there is a technique to breaking down a fighter like that.

“We can’t spend a lot of time on the ropes, and we must go after his body because his body is weak. Castillo is going to get knocked out on Saturday.

“I think that Amir is going to open up a lot of eyes on Saturday.”

# # #

“Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara” is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 16, 2015) — The official weight-in was held today for tomorrow night’s ESPN Friday Night Fights Triple-Header, presented by DiBella Entertainment, in Mohegan Sun Arena.

Live coverage of tomorrow’s ESPN Friday Night Fights tripleheader from Mohegan Sun Arena begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will also carry the three fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.
The telecast opens with Teven “American Idol” Farmer taking on Angel “El Gato” Luna in a scheduled 8-round contest in the junior lightweight division.

Farmer vs. Luna will be followed by an 8-round featherweight showdown matching undefeated Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski against Danny Aquino.

The main event pits undefeated junior middleweight prospect Tony Harrison against Pablo “Supurlturero” Munguia in a 10-round title bout.

Below find fighter weights and pictures by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment.

(L-R) Tony Harrison & Pablo Munguia

Main Event – Junior Middleweights (10) – ESPN2
TONY HARRISON (20-0, 17 KOs), Detroit, MI 154 ½ LBS.
PABLO “Supurlturero” MUNGUIA (20-6, 11 KOs), Distrito Federal, Mexico 153 LBS.

(L-R) Ryan Kielczweski & Danny Aquino

Co-Feature – Featherweights (8) – ESPN2
RYAN “The Polish Prince” KIELCZWESKI (22-0, 6 KOs), Quincy, MA 123 ½ LBS.
DANNY AQUINO (16-2, 10 KOs), Meriden, CT 123 ½ LBS.

(L-R) Tevin Farmer & Angel Luna

Junior Lightweights (8) – ESPN2
TEVIN “American Idol” FARMER (18-4-1, 4 KOs), Philadelphia, PA 130 LBS.
ANGEL “El Gato” LUNA (10-0-1, 6 KOs), Brooklyn, NY 128 ¼ LBS.

Light Heavyweights (8)
LENNOX “2 Sharpe” ALLEN (18-0-1, 11 KOs), New York, NY 169 LBS.
PAUL GONSALVES (7-6-1, 3 KOs). Harwich, MA 170 LBS.

Middleweights (8)
ALANTEZ “SlyAza” FOX (14-0-1, 4 KOs) Forestville, MD 158 ¼ LBS.
FRANKLIN GONZALEZ (16-13, 10 KOs), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 161 ¼ LBS.

Welterweights (6)
REGIS PROGRAIS (13-0, 11 KOs), Houston, TX 143 ½ LBS.
ABRAHAM “The Swift” ALVAREZ (19-7-1, 9 KOs), Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico 142 LBS.

Lightweights (6)
AMOS “2 Smooth” COWART (10-0-1, 8 KOs), Groveland, FL 134 ½ LBS.
ANTHONY BURGIN (8-1, 1 KO), Philadelphia, PA 134 LBS.

Heavyweights (4)
CASSIUS CHANEY (pro debut), Philadelphia, PA 245 ¼ LBS.
PERRY FILKINS (0-1), Hooksett, NH (weigh in tomorrow)

WHEN: Friday, April 17, 2015

WHERE: Mohegan Sun Arena

PROMOTER: DiBella Entertainment in association with New Legend Boxing

TELEVISION: ESPN2 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET

TICKETS: $100.00, $70.00 and $30.00 (subject to additional fees) on sale and available to purchase at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, by visiting www.mohegansun.com, or calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000

INFORMATION: www.dbe1.com, www.espn.com/boxing, or www.mohegansun.com

DOORS OPEN: 6:30 p.m. ET, FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET

NEW YORK (April 16, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce the next highly anticipated battle for Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s), the reigning WBC Middleweight and Ring Magazine World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes. On June 6, 2015, Cotto will defend his titles against former Two-Time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) of Australia in a fight that will be televised live on HBO from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Tickets are priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and go on sale Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00 AM ET. Tickets will be available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Thursday, April 23 at 12:00 PM ET. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

“I am happy and excited to be back in New York and fighting at Barclays Center,” said Cotto. “This is another chapter in my career and I’m committed to train as hard as always and bring a big victory. I’m looking forward to seeing all the Puerto Rican fans on June 6 and to being part of another exciting boxing night in Brooklyn.”

“I would like to thank HBO for their continued support, Gary Shaw of GSP, Bill Treacy of Grange Old School Boxing and Dino Duva at Roc Nation Sports for their collective professionalism in making this fight happen,” said Geale. “Last but not least, thanks to Miguel Cotto for the opportunity to become a world champion once again. I have total respect for Miguel and his achievements, but I can win this fight and that is exactly what I intend to do come June 6 in Brooklyn at Barclays Center.”

“We’re excited and proud to bring Miguel Cotto back to New York along with Miguel Cotto Promotions, now as a part of the Roc Nation Sports family,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “Brooklyn and boxing have a long history, and Puerto Rican heritage is closely integrated with both. What a way for New York to kick off the week of the Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities…with Miguel Cotto’s long-awaited return to the ring. The night of June 6 will be one to remember for fans in attendance at Barclays Center and those watching at home on HBO.”

“We are excited to have Miguel Cotto back in New York and at Barclays Center for the first time,” said Hector Soto, Miguel Cotto Promotions. “This is a Puerto Rican tradition – Miguel Cotto is New York and New York is boxing. We can’t wait until the night of June 6 to present a great and entertaining boxing show together with our partners at Roc Nation Sports.”

“Daniel Geale is a true warrior and will leave everything in the ring against Miguel Cotto like he always does,” said Gary Shaw, Gary Shaw Productions. “He’s never in a dull fight and the fans will get their money’s worth as both fighters like to let their hands go. I want to thank Grange Old School Boxing for having confidence in me. This will be a tough fight for Geale, however I’m convinced that he will beat Cotto and I’m hopeful that Miguel didn’t make any other plans for September other than a rematch with Daniel.”

“We are delighted that Miguel Cotto has chosen Barclays Center and Brooklyn to continue his storied career in New York City,” said Brett Yormark, Barclays Center CEO. “Cotto’s Puerto Rican heritage combined with Australia’s own Daniel Geale is going to create a tremendous global audience for this June 6 fight. This announcement further cements Barclays Center as the leading boxing venue in this country.”

“Last June, Miguel Cotto became a middleweight champion, joining a select handful of elite fighters to have won major titles in four weight classes or more, and becoming the first Puerto Rican champion to do so ,” said Peter Nelson, vice president, programming, HBO Sports. “For Cotto’s first title defense, he faces former two-time world champion Daniel Geale at Barclays Center, the iconic Brooklyn landmark whose mystique elevates every event fortunate enough to call it home. As Cotto continues the next phase of his historic career, we are thrilled to present this middleweight championship fight live on HBO.”

Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s) is 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. He is the former WBO junior welterweight world champion, the former WBA welterweight world champion, the former WBO welterweight world champion and the former WBA super welterweight world champion. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Cotto has had 22 world championship fights, compiling a record of 18-4 with 15 knockouts in those bouts. In Puerto Rico, he is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix Trinidad as the island’s most revered boxer. Cotto is one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing and one of the largest pay-per-view draws among active fighters. Most recently, in June 2014, Cotto made history in his first fight as a middleweight by dominating Argentine southpaw and defending WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Sergio Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KO’s). He is trained by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Cotto owns his own boxing promotional company in Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto Promotions, and presides over his charity La Fundación El Ángel de Miguel Cotto, a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting childhood obesity. In March 2015, Cotto and Roc Nation Sports announced that they had entered into a partnership that includes a co-promotional agreement with Miguel Cotto Promotions to promote Cotto’s fights.

Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) is the former IBF and WBA middleweight world champion and the current holder of the PABA and WBO Interim Asia Pacific middleweight titles. A boxing hero in his native Australia and hailed as Tasmania’s 2012 Athlete of the Year, Geale is Ring Magazine’s fourth rated middleweight in the world and the WBC’s number six rated contender. As an amateur, he competed for Australia in the 2000 Olympic Games and was a gold medalist at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. Geale made his professional debut in Australia in 2004, eventually compiling twenty-one consecutive victories and winning the IBO middleweight title in 2007 against previously undefeated Daniel Dawson (29-0, 20 KO’s). In May 2009, Geale suffered his first defeat, losing his title to Anthony Mundine (35-3, 23 KO’s) in a hotly-contested battle. The Australian rebounded in May 2011 to win the IBF middleweight title with a split decision victory over Sebastian Sylvester (34-3, 16 KO’s) in Germany. After two successful title defenses, including a unanimous-decision victory over Ghanaian Osumanu Adama (20-2, 15 KO’s), Geale stunned Germany’s Felix Sturm (37-2-2, 16 KO’s) to win the WBA middleweight title, unifying the titles in 2012. A year later on August 17, 2013, Geale lost his IBF middleweight title to Darren Barker (25-1, 16 KO’s) via a split-decision in Atlantic City. He bounced back six months later with a sixth round technical knockout victory over Garth Wood (12-3-1, 8 KO’s). On July 26, 2014, in an event televised by HBO World Championship Boxing, Geale faced off against undefeated WBA Middleweight World Champion Gennady Golovkin (29-0, 26 KO’) in New York City, but came up short in trying to reclaim his former title. In his most recent fight, Geale captured the vacant PABA and WBO Interim Asia Pacific middleweight titles, winning a twelve-round unanimous decision victory over fellow Australian Jarrod Fletcher (18-2, 10 KO’s).

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 is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate.

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 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.

For more information on Barclays Center, please visit www.barclayscenter.com

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Global Fighting Championship 3 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates this Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. ET, headlined by an explosive kickboxing showdown pitting Dutch-Turkish legend Gokhan Saki against Romanian veteran Sebastian Ciobanu.

Fight Network’s live broadcast will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In addition to the Saki vs. Ciobanu clash, Global Fighting Championship 3 will feature a one-night, single-elimination heavyweight tournament. In opening round semifinal pairings, Scottish star Steve McKinnon battles Georgian standout Zabit Samedov, while Iran’s Jafar Ahmadi meets Congolese-German sensation Danyo Ilunga. The two winners will collide for the top prize later that evening.

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

The finalized undercard has been announced for Friday’s (April 17) “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” event being held at the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota, and presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions.

Topping the night’s untelevised action will be one of the most exciting American heavyweight prospects on the horizon, hard-punching Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (11-0-1, 9 KOs) from Brooklyn taking on always dangerous veteran Raymond Ochieng (26-18-3, 21 KOs) from Kenya in a six-rounder.

Miller vs. Ochieng will serve as the main supporting bout before the CBS Sports Network-televised portion of the event, featuring a 10-round main event between Ireland’s WBA #12- and IBF #11-rated “Hurricane” Dennis Hogan and Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson for the World Boxing Association’s NABA-US Super Welterweight Championship.

In the 10-round televised co-feature, Venezuelan KO artist Ismael Barroso (17-0-2, 16 KOs) will face Memphis, Tennessee, veteran Ira Terry (26-13, 16 KOs) in an eight-round showcase. And in the eight-round televised opener, undefeated Saint Paul, Minnesota, middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (14-0, 8 KOs) will face Miami via Colombia’s Dionisio “Mister Nocaut” Miranda (22-10-2, 19 KOs).

Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” start at $35 and can be purchased at the Grand Casino Hinckley Box Office from 8 am to 10 pm (1-800-GRAND21) or at all Ticketmaster outlets, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Also featured on the undercard will be the return of popular local heavyweight “Minnesota Ice” Joseph Abell (29-8, 28 KO’s) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, taking on tough trialhorse Travis Fulton (22-38-1, 21 KO’s) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in a six-rounder.

Also featured will be super bantamweight Philip Adyaka (4-4, 2 KOs) of Minneapolis taking on promising undefeated prospect Adam Lopez (10-0, 5 KOs) of Texas in a six-rounder; and an all-Minneapolis four-round heavyweight brawl between Van Goodman (3-5-2, 2 KO’s) and Brett Murphy (1-0, 1 KO).

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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, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

RUSSELLVILLE, AR (April 16, 2015) – Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and wife Casey joined Arkansas Tech and BeTheMatch.org for an incredible bone marrow drive yesterday on the University’s campus. The event kicked off on Tuesday night at 9:00 pm and continued for a 24-hour period, as the group attempted to break the world record for bone marrow registries.

In the first hour, Arkansas Tech, along with their student body and staff, were able to stamp their name into the Guinness Book of Records, as they registered 250 people into the bone marrow registry, breaking the record for registries a 60 minute time frame. In addition, the event totaled 1696 registries, making it one of the most successful bone marrow drives in recent history.

“The Be The Match bone marrow drive at Arkansas Tech University was one of the most memorable and gratifying events I’ve ever been involved with.” said Robert Guerrero. “To see all the students and staff working endlessly to help save lives was truly amazing. My wife and I were greeted with open arms and together we were able to shed light on what it takes to be a caregiver, as well as being patient. In addition, we shared our story with many students, educating everyone on how easy it is to become a donor. The fact that the event registered close to 1,700 new donors was unbelievable. I want to thank Dr. Jason Warnick and Dr. Julie Mikles-Schlutermanand , their colleagues, as well as the students at ATU, for making this event a huge success. Many lives will be saved and that’s what life is all about, helping others.”

“There are no words for how proud I am of the volunteers and registrants who made our Be The Match drive a success,” said Dr Jason Warnick. “The outpouring of support for this initiative both on and off campus was overwhelming, and the opportunity to host Robert and Casey Guerrero at Arkansas Tech took the entire experience over the top. Their passion for this cause inspired our students, faculty and staff. I think the lasting lesson from our drive is how powerful a community can be when it unites in support of a common goal.”

Be The Match registry drives focus on individuals age 18-44 due to medical research that indicates that age group is most likely to provide a successful bone marrow transplant. Be The Match registration is free for individuals age 18-44.

Individuals age 45-60 may register with Be The Match at www.bethematch.org with a donation of $100.

About Be The Match
For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. Over the past 25 years Be The Match®, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP), has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. We work every day to save lives through transplant.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Pennsauken, NJ (April 16, 2015)–On Saturday night, April 18 at the GPG Event Center (Formerly the Woodbine Inn) in Pennsauken, New Jersey, undefeated featherweight Vidal Rivera will look for his 2nd consecutive win when he takes on Tyron Stewart in a bout sched for four rounds.

In the main event, heavyweight contender Chazz Witherpsoon will be in action when he takes on Galen Brown in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

The show is promoted by Witherspoon’s Silver Spoon Promotions.

Rivera of Camden, New Jersey made a sensation pro debut on January 24 when he took out Jose Garcia in one-round. He registered three knockdowns in the bout which thrilled his large cheering section that came from nearby Camden.

“Everything has been going great,” said Rivera. “I am just sweating out the last few pounds but I am right where I want to be.”

Rivera said he is less nervous then he was in his maiden voyage to the ring but as a fighter but he is ready for his next challenge.

“There will always be butterflies but this time it is a piece of cake.”

In Stewart, Rivera fights a guy who only has one fight under his belt as well. That was a 2nd round stoppage defeat to undefeated Edwin Reyes last October 11.

“I know nothing about him other than he is from North Carolina. I always train like he is the best opponent that I will face.”

Rivera works as a crime analyst in Camden. In that line of work he looks at video cameras that are located all over the city and he can see what is going on. He can correlate that to his young professional career.

“It helps me with being focused and discipline. It gives me a mindset and it puts me in forefront of things and like boxing it all comes back to me.”

“I expect big things from me. I believe I have it on me to be something special,” finished Rivera.

Appearing on the undercard in 4-round bouts will be:

.

Obafemi Bakari (2-0) of Staten Island, NY will fight pro debuting Andrew Osborne in a jr. middleweight fight.

Matthew Gonzalez (2-0) of Vineland,NJ will take on Joseph McDonald (0-1) of Concord, NC in a jr. middleweight fight.

Erick Kitt (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will see action in a jr. middleweight bout against Rick Graham (2-5-2, 1 KO) of Detroit, MI.

Malik Hawkins (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD will take part in a jr. welterweight bout against pro debuting Darius Jackson.

Andrew Puerifoy (0-1) of Sicklerville, NJ will fight in a cruiserweight against Antuwan Taylor (0-2) of Cincinnati, OH.

Tickets for the great evening of championship boxing $80 for Ringside, $60 for select and $40 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling 856 472 0443 or 609 938 1755 or by email at info@silverspoonpromotions.com

There will be an after party at the GPG Event Center.

The GPG Event Center is located at 1443 Route 73 in Pennsauken.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (April 16, 2015) – It was Manny Media Mania at Wednesday’s media workout for Fighter of the Decade, eight-division world champion and boxing superhero Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO. Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), who represents the Sarangani province in the Philippines, hosted a Hollywood Media Workout with his Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and Hall of Promoter Bob Arum.

Over 300 media from around the globe flocked to Wild Card Boxing Club to ask the trio about Pacquiao’s May 2 welterweight world championship unification battle against undefeated FLOYD “Money” MAYWEATHER JR. (47-0, 26 KOs), at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

What Pacquiao, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO, Eight-Division World Champion

“I feel very excited for the fight.

“I have a lot of sparring partners that are similar to Floyd’s fighting style, we have done well. We know what to expect.

“I have watched tape on Floyd to make sure that our strategy and technique in training camp is correct.

“My entire career defines my legacy; I have already accomplished great achievements in my career while excelling in different weight divisions. This fight is an additional achievement in my career; it’s the biggest fight in boxing history.

“I can say that beating Floyd would be the biggest victory of my career.

“More people are interested and informed about this fight now than they would’ve been five years ago.

“Style wise, I am the same fighter I was five years ago. My determination, inspiration and killer instinct is the exact same as it was five or six years ago.

“For me, boxing is my passion. I enjoy boxing and giving honor to my country of the Philippines. My concern is to bring an exciting fight to my fans. My first concern going into every fight is how will be to be able to entertain my fans, give them enjoyment and make them happy.

“The reason I am so loved by fans is because of my reckless style of fighting. People like exciting fights with actual punches being thrown.”

BOB ARUM, Top Rank CEO

“Manny is motivated, he’s ready for the fight. I expect a great performance from him.

“It’s a very interesting fight because Floyd is a defensive specialist who has a good right hand and picks off his opponents. He’s an extraordinarily good fighter.

“Pacquiao’s strength is speed, particularly his foot speed and the fact that he throws so many punches and attacks from low angles. He really hits harder than Floyd does, so that’s really what it’s going to be about.

“Floyd has a different defense than Juan Manuel Marquez. His defense is primarily his shoulder roll. A lot of his defense is geared against a right handed fighter. With that said, I think Manny is going to surprise a lot of people with how he is going to be able to reach Floyd.

“I would say Manny is more motivated for this fight than any other fight I’ve seen him prepare for.

“I’m looking forward to May 2. I love Manny’s chances of winning, that’s the main thing. He looks great, he’s motivated, no nonsense, and I think he’s going to put on a performance for the ages. It’s going to be hard for him to top his performance against Oscar De La Hoya, but I think he will in this fight.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame Trainer

“We have a great idea of when and where we are going to attack Mayweather.

“This fight was five years in the making. Promoters should realize that these types of fights are what’s best for boxing and we should have more fights like this. I’m not surprised by the hype surrounding the fight.

“Manny has really raised the bar in this training camp. He’s a different Manny Pacquiao than I have seen him going into previous training camps. He is punching so much harder in training for this camp.

“Manny is better than ever, his attitude is different and I’ve never seen him work this hard. His speed is faster, his punches are harder. I’m really happy where he’s at. His legs look great; he’s on his toes all the time.

“Mayweather is a good counter-puncher, but Manny has faster hands and his combinations are better than Floyd’s.

“Both fighters have great experience, so I don’t believe that will be a factor in the fight. The biggest thing is that each fighter comes in with a different style. Floyd is a counter-puncher but Manny must be the one to enforce the fight.

“I believe that Manny being a southpaw will be a factor in this fight. Manny showed me tape of Floyd fighting a southpaw and told me that that is exactly what we are going to do in this fight.

“I can tell how much this fight means to Manny because he has watched tape on Floyd. Manny has never watched tape on any fighter before.

“Since Manny moved to 147 he hasn’t knocked many guys out, so getting the knockout in this fight isn’t a concern for me. If Manny fights at 140, then he does knock guys out, but at this weight he is fighting guys who are bigger than him.

“Floyd may be a bigger guy, but we will still win the fight.

“This fight is much bigger than when Manny fought Oscar De La Hoya. Manny is a different person going into this fight. He hit me so hard the other day that I believe it’s the hardest I’ve ever been hit by a fighter who I’m training.

“I don’t believe that Floyd ever wanted this fight, he was forced to take it by the public and the media. I wouldn’t be surprised if Floyd pulled out now.”

# # #

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 16, 2015) – A thrilling 13-bout lineup for May’s “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” is now complete with the addition of women’s featherweights A.J. Jenkins (17-5) vs. Arlene “Angerfist” Blencowe (5-4), bantamweights Shawn “Bunch the Great” Bunch (3-1) vs. Rolando Perez (7-4) and John Yoo (0-0) vs. Albert “The Warrior” Morales (1-0) to the evening’s preliminary card.

The three new additions finalize a nine-fight preliminary card scheduled in support of “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” four main card contests.

The night’s featured matchups include undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) against towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14), former Bellator MMA World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), welterweights Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) vs. “Curtious” Curtis Millander (7-1) and bantamweights Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-4).

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” takes place on Friday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT local time), while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are currently on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place 45 minutes later.

Jenkins, of Oceanside, Calif., is one of the most experienced competitors in women’s MMA. Fighting professionally since 2004, Jenkins now makes her Bellator MMA debut. The 33-year-old boasts past tussles with MMA notables Shayna Baszler, Tonya Evinger, Jan Finney, Kelly Kobold and Sarah Schneider, among others.

An Australian native, Blencowe is a world-class athlete and former Women’s International Boxing Association World light welterweight champion. After turning her attention to MMA in 2013, Blencowe initially garnered only mixed results as she adjusted to life in the sport. However, she has racked up three-consecutive stoppage wins as of late, and that run earned her a call from Bellator MMA.

Bunch is one of MMA’s most elite-level wrestlers as a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and two-time U.S. Olympic Team alternate. He now trains with the famed American Kickboxing Academy banner and has spent his entire professional MMA career under the Bellator MMA banner.

Meanwhile, Alliance MMA product Perez is a 10-year veteran of the sport who made his Bellator MMA in November and fought to a rarely-seen split draw. Still, Perez is unbeaten in his past four contests and now looks to get his first win in the promotion.

Yoo, of Irvine, Calif., makes his professional debut. He meets Morales, of Carson, Calif., who picked up a submission victory in the Bellator cage in his first professional contest.

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” – Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Eduardo Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike Richman (18-5)
Bellator Featured Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (23-13) vs. Curtis Millender (7-1)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Darrion Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael Silva (22-4)

Preliminary Card (7:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: A.J. Matthews (7-3) vs. Ben Reiter (14-0)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Virgil Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (12-4)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Joe Taimanglo (20-6-1) vs. Antonio Duarte (18-5)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Jordan Parsons (10-1) vs. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-0)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Ricky Rainey (10-3)

Dark Fights (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: John Yoo (0-0) vs. Albert Morales (1-0)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Shawn Bunch (3-1) vs. Rolando Perez (7-4)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Steve Kozola (5-0) vs. Ian Butler (1-1)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: A.J. Jenkins (17-5) vs. Arlene Blencowe (5-4)

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.

Mateusz Masternak (34-2, 24 KOs) has vowed to make ‘The Man of Stone’ Ruben Angel Mino (26-2, 26 KOs) crumble when the cruiserweights clash on April 25 at the Columbia Hall in Berlin.

Following an impressive points victory over former cruiserweight king Jean-Marc Mormeck, Masternak looks well on his way to a world title challenge. However first, the Polish-puncher must overcome tough opposition from the Argentinian knockout artist Mino, a man who has never heard the final bell, with his twenty-six victories and two defeats all ending in stoppages.

‘’This is not an easy task for Mateusz,’’ reflects the 27 year-old’s coach Ulli Wegner. ‘’He will need to be on guard and showcase his counter-punching ability to defeat a wild bull like Mino.’’

‘The Master’ knows he must follow Wegner’s instructions and has placed his confidence in the legendary German coach. ‘’Mr. Wegner is a master tactician, under his tutelage I’m able to play to my strengths more and more,’’ said the former European champion, before offering a final prediction on the outcome of his upcoming fight. ‘’On April 25, I will make ‘The Man Of Stone’ crumble in the ring.’’

Masternak joins a stacked card in the German capital. Tyron Zeuge (16-0, 10 KOs) tops the bill with an IBF International Super Middleweight Championship defence against former world title challenger Nikola Sjekloca (28-3, 8 KOs), while German stars Enrico Koelling (16-1, 6 KOs), Karo Murat (26-2-1, 16 KOs) and Burak Sahin (6-0, 6 KOs) all return to action. Tickets are available via tickethall.de.

Bronx, NY…. Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has announced that this Saturday, April 18th, at The Paramount in Huntington, NY, Light Heavyweights Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. and Cory “Black Ice” Cummings will now battle it out for the vacant IBA Continental Americas title over the 10 round distance.

Smith, 17-1 14KO’s, hailing from nearby Mastic, NY, will be going for his first belt as faces his toughest challenge to date in his young career taking on hard punching Cory Cummings, 18-8-1 13KO’s, Baltimore, MD.

A stacked undercard will lend its support to the Smith-Cummings bout and feature an 8 round Lightweight matchup between up and coming Anthony Karperis, 9-1 3KO’s, Hicksville, NY, taking a big step up in class as he faces the always dangerous Bayan Jargal, 17-6-3 11KO’s, Arlington, VA.

Undefeated Cruiser weight Constantin Bejenaru, 8-0 2KO’s, Brooklyn, NY battles it out with tough as nails Dave Valykeo, 4-4, Neptune, NJ, over 6 rounds. Also featured will be local favorites Johnny Hernandez, Dave Meloni, and Ian Green.

Joe DeGuardia, Founder and CEO of Star Boxing had this to say about Saturday’s card ” Once again as we have in the 17 previous shows at The Paramount a thrilling night of Boxing is anticipated. The Paramount has been the launching pad for the likes of Chris Algieri and Cletus Seldin and now Joe Smith Jr. steps into the limelight fighting for his first title against the very dangerous Cory Cummings. The fans at The Paramount are the best in the world. We have now sold out all 18 events at The Paramount which has gained the reputation in the industry as the best fight club in the country. The action is always fast and furious and the atmosphere is electric. This Saturday should be no different”.

The event is almost sold out and there are are limited number of general admission seats still available, additionally, promoter Joe DeGuardia has made available to the public a limited number of Stage seats for Saturday’s event. These tickets are sure to sell fast so if you want to purchase them you can call the Box Office at The Paramount, 631 673-7300 or Star Boxing at 718 823-2000. All Stage seats are priced at $100.00

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:
Opened September 30, 2011 this 1,555-capacity live entertainment venue, located in downtown Huntington, Long Island, New York, features; concerts, comedy, boxing, community and other special events in a club/theater setting. With over 30,000 Facebook fans, The Paramount was recently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as the #24 highest attended club-venue worldwide (January-June 2013). A Ticketmaster venue, booked by Live Nation, TheParamount hosts nearly 200 events per year and in less than two years since its inception, has quickly established itself as the premier music venue onLong Island, NY. Some artists who have recently taken the Paramount stage include; Billy Joel, Pitbull, Don Henley, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, ZZ Top, Counting Crows, Primus, Matchbox 20, The Blues Brothers, Limp Bizkit, & many, many, more.

ABOUT MODELL’S SPORTING GOODS

Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell’s offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel for every level of play year round. The retailer operates 153 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. In addition towww.Modells.com, which services customers all over the country.

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:
Nestled upon 8 private acres of Long Island’s north shore is the Fox Hollow, which features a state of the art event venue, fine dining restaurant and an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Owned & operated by the Scotto Brothers, their Above & Beyond philosophy in providing each & every guest with superior services and amenities is paramount. Visit the Fox Hollow online at www.TheFoxHollow.com & www.TheInnAtFoxHollow.com

ABOUT CAMELOT LIMOUSINE:
Official Sponsor of the Paramount Boxing Series, Camelot Limos is a family owned and operated business located in Nassau County, with over 25 years of professional experience; serving satisfied clientele since 1984. The owners of Camelot Specialty Limos are very active in the business and play a major role in the company’s day-to-day operations. Camelot Specialty Limos, Inc. is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau. www.camelotlimo.com

ABOUT WBAB 102.3:
WBAB 102.3 is the home of Long Island’s Classic Rock anchored by their Long Island Rock ‘N’ Roll Morning Show with Roger and JP. For more information or to listen online, visit their website at
www.wbab.com and follow them on Facebook.com/1023wbab
and on Twitter @1023wbab.

Oklahoma City, OK (April 16, 2015) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation Trey Lippe-Morrison is now being trained by Hall of Famer Jesse Reid.

One of the great trainers in boxing history, Reid is a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Overall, Reid’s trained more than 20 world champions including Johnny Tapia, Hector Camacho, Orlando Canizales, Bruce Curry, Roger Mayweather, Reggie Johnson and Paul Spadafora amongst others. With more than 40 years of experience in developing top fighters, Reid’s globally recognized as one of the best in the business.

“This is a big change from Oklahoma but one I needed,” said Lippe-Morrison, who started camp a few days ago. “I’m extremely grateful that Jesse is training me. He’s a legend and we clicked immediately. There’s a lot of talent here and I’ll have the chance to spar with some very good fighters. Training and sparring with top fighters will help show me where I’m truly at.”

A dynamic puncher who draws comparisons to his legendary father Tommy Morrison, Lippe-Morrison is 7-0 with all of his victories coming by knockout. In his most recent bout, Lippe-Morrison flattened veteran Richard Dawson in two minutes and one second. Between his heavy hands, potential and familiar surname, the 25-year-old Lippe-Morrison is considered one of the top American heavyweight prospects. Even with the relocation for training camp, Lippe-Morrison remains a member of the popular “Four State Franchise” which fights in front of sellout crowds at the Buffalo Run Casino.

“Trey has exceptional hand speed and footwork for a heavyweight and he’s very tough,” said Reid. “He’s got a great attitude and is eager to learn. We’re working on the little things and putting together pieces of the puzzle to make him a better all around fighter. There’s definitely a lot of potential in Trey and I look forward to unleashing it.”

Lippe-Morrison’s promoter is equally as excited about his prized pupil learning from one of the greats.

“I’m happy to see Trey get into a gym with one of the all-time greats,” said Tony Holden of Holden Productions. “The Powerhouse Gym is loaded with heavyweights and Trey’s always needed great sparring. I’d like to personally thank Team Rouse for doing a great job of training Trey and getting him where he is now. Unfortunately, Oklahoma didn’t have enough sparring for Trey but the move to California will provide him with the opportunity to work with other great talent.”

Lippe-Morrison’s next bout is expected to take place in May and official particulars will be announced at 2 pm on Thursday, April 23 during a press conference at the Buffalo Run Casino.

Valley Forge, PA (April 16, 2015)–On Saturday night, April 18, at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, King’s Promotions will present an outstanding night of boxing that will be headlined by an intriguing 8-round super middleweight bout between Phillip Jackson Benson and Darnell Boone.

Benson of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 15-1 with 14 knockouts and has won twelve straight fights with eleven of those coming via the stoppage route.

“Everything is good. It is the same old training camp for me,” said the 30 year-old Benson.

Boone of Atlanta, Georgia is known as one of the”toughest outs” in the sport and may have most deceiving record in boxing that reads 20-21-4 with nine knockouts.

“I know he has fought everybody and he sneaks up on prospects. To me that doesn’t matter. All I do is fight.”

“He has lost 21 times and as soon as I figure him out, I will handle my business like I always do. This is just another night for me.”

Benson turned professional since 2008 believes his career should be further along and he is ready for big opportunities.

“I Should be fighting 10 and 12 round fights. I have been asking for those 10 and 12 round fights but they keep giving me these kinds of fights.”

Benson knows that with a win on Saturday, he may get his wish as there will be opportunities in the Super Middleweight division.

“There are a lot of 168 pound fighters out there. The way I look at it is that if you are not Andre Ward, then I don’t think to highly of any of them. Right now the bigger names are ducking me but I know that I have to wait my time.

“All I do is just fight and this fight will be like my last 12 fights. I will come out victorious and you can expect that.”

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated welterweight
Jamal James (15-0, 8 KO’s) of Minneapolis, Minnesota will see action against Daniel Sostre (13-10-1, 5 KO’s) of Highland, New York

In eight-round bouts:

Immanuwel Aleem (11-0, 7 KO;s) of Richmond, VA. will take on Emmnauel Sanchez (6-2, 1 KO) of Laredo, Texas in a middleweight bout.

David Grayton (10-0, 8 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Grayson Blake (6-3, 2 Ko’s) of State College, PA. in a welterweight bout.

Jarrett Hurd (14-0, 8 KO’s) of Accokeek, MD. will battle tough veteran Eric Mitchell (23-11-2, 11 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Milton Santiago (9-0, 3 Ko’s) of Philadelphia will take on Ray Velez (3-6-1, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY. in a jr. welterweight bout.

Ivan Golub (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will box Thomas Allen (4-7, 4 KO’s) of St. Joseph, MO. in a middleweight bout.

Dauren Yeleussinov (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY. will fight Julio Garcia (6-8, 3 KO;s) of Rinocn, PR. in a super middleweight bout.

Dennis Galarza (7-1, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY battles Jesus Lule (7-11, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL. in a lightweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Kevin Garcia (0-1) of Philadelphia will take on Eric Hall (0-3) of Philadelphia in a lightweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $100 for VIP (Includes 2 drinks and food), $75 for ringside and $50 for General Admission and be purchased by clicking www.vfboxing.eventbrite.com or calling King’s Promotions at 610-587-5950

Danbury, CT (April 16, 2015)- At the beginning of April, newly licensed Connecticut boxing promoter A.J. Galante introduced his company, Prize Promotions. Galante spoke of his goal of bringing “Old School” boxing to Connecticut.

To prove he is serious about his vision, Galante has turned his matchmaking over to Hall of Fame Philadelphia promoter, Russell Peltz along with one of the sports youngest and most promising promoters and matchmakers, Brittany “BAM”
Rogers.

“Russell is the definition of Old School matchmaking, he’s one of the last out there, so it was a no brainer for me to reach out to him, and I am honored that he is willing to work with me.” Galante stated, “His resume speaks for itself, I am extremely confident that working together, we will put on spectacular shows” Galante was also extremely excited to work with Brittany “BAM” Rogers, who works in conjunction with Russell Peltz,

“I’m often referred to as one of the youngest boxing people on the business side of things, but BAM is actually younger than me, and has been in the sport longer than me. I have a lot of respect for her and have been learning a lot through working with her.”

Ultimately Galante said what cemented his choice on his matchmakers, was a trip to Philladelphia in October, to attend a show promoted by both Peltz and Rogers, “When you think Philly boxing, you think gritty and exciting, and you can’t think Philadelphia boxing without Russell Peltz and Brittany Rogers, and I am looking forward to bringing those types of shows and that environment here to Connecticut.” It won’t be long for Galante to fulfill his promise, as his first show Danbury Fight Night, will take place on May 30th at the Danbury Arena, in his hometown of Danbury, CT.

The card is currently taking shape, and will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.prizepromotions.net – Pricing: $100,$75, $50 & $25

Verona,New York (April 15) – Training camp is going smoothly for former WBC Light Weight Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and Former WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov as they continue to prepare for their showdown on Saturday, April 18 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. The junior welterweight fight will be televised as part of a split site doubleheader live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Matthysse has been training out his gym in Argentina and Provodinkov has been training out of the famed Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California under the watchful eye of International Boxing Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Both fighters arrived at Turning Stone Resort Casino today and took some time to do a photo-op at the hotel and answer a few questions about their training camp.

Below is what they had to say:

How do you feel about the fight and when did you begin training?

Lucas Matthysse: I have been training non-stop, way before the fight was officially announced. I have been doing a lot of sparring to improve my speed and make sure I make as much contact with my opponent as possible.

Ruslan Provodnikov: I am excited and motivated for this fight, I will not disappoint my fans and it will be a real war! Everything is going great with my training and will be ready for a really war in the ring.

How are you preparing to face each other?

Matthysse: Ruslan is a great fighter, he comes prepared for a war. My strategy against him will be to make sure to box and keep moving, that is why sparring has been really important in my training.

Provodnikov: I will be ready for whatever Matthysse does. I 100% percent believe that this fight will be the fight of the year. I always give everything I can in training camp and I’m very responsible. I don’t take anybody lightly, but to answer your question: walking into the ring with a fighter that I know will fight back will definitely show that what I can do as a boxer than going up against a fighter who will just run.

What should fans expect to see on April 18?

Matthysse: Fans can expect one of the greatest fights in the division. I know I am ready to win this fight and fans should expect a victory.

Provodnikov: I promise this is going to be the fight you guys are all waiting for.

Tickets for the show have been selling fast and expected to sell out. Limited tickets for the April 18th HBO Boxing After Dark event at Turning Stone Resort are still available and are on sale now at the $35, and $25 price range plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Presented by Banner Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box Promotions the 12-round junior welterweight bout and expected to be the sure-fire ‘Fight of The Year’ contender will take place on Saturday, April 18 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark ® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The April 18th fight will mark Turning Stone Resort’s 15th nationally-televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, an eclectic mix of restaurants, luxury spas and numerous nightlife options.

Matthysse vs. Provodnikov is a 12-round junior welterweight bout presented by Banner Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico, Live it To Believe It! and Khortytsa Vodka. Doors are currently scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will being at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Professional media requesting credentials for the April 18th fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.banner-promotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BannerBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @RuslanProvod, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @bannerboxing, @turningstone and @ruslanprovod.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.banner-promotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BannerBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @RuslanProvod, @ TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @ bannerboxing, @ turningstone and @ruslanprovod.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 15, 2015) – A four-fight Spike-broadcast main card for May’s “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” has received another thrilling contest, as undefeated bantamweight prospect Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (6-0) takes on Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-4).

The new addition finalizes the four-bout main card for “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove,” which includes undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) against towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14), former Bellator MMA World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), and welterweights Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) vs. “Curtious” Curtis Millander (7-1).

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” takes place on Friday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT local time), while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are currently on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place 45 minutes later.

Two new bouts have also been added to the night’s preliminary card, with middleweights A.J. “The Mercenary” Matthews (7-3) vs. Ben “The Hunter” Reiter (15-0) and lightweights Steve “Thunderbeast” Kozola (5-0) vs. Ian Butler (1-1).

Additionally, a light heavyweight matchup of Virgil “Rezdog” Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. “Razor” Razak Al-Hassan (12-4) that was initially announced as a main-card matchup will now be featured on the night’s preliminary card, instead.

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

A New Jersey native now fighting out of Arizona, Caldwell was a Division I wrestler at North Carolina State. Caldwell made his MMA debut in 2012 and has kept his record perfect through the first six fights of his career, including Bellator MMA wins over Anthony Dizy, Joe Pingitore and Lance Surma. Previously competing as a featherweight, the 27-year-old Caldwell now moves down to the bantamweight division.

He now faces “Morcego” Silva, a battle-tested 30-year-old fighter with championship-level experience in the Bellator MMA cage. With nearly a decade of professional fights to his name, Silva is an incredible 14-1 in his past 15 overall appearances. His only loss during that run was a 25-minute decision against former Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren. Seventeen of Silva’s 22 career wins have come by stoppage, including eight knockouts and nine submissions.

A former cast member on Bellator MMA’s “Fight Master” series, Matthews fought most recently in November, earning a decision win over Kyle Bolt. He now meets undefeated prospect Reiter, an intriguing individual who left Wall Street to pursue a career in MMA and now fights for the second time under the Bellator MMA banner after spending much of his early career in Peru.

Kozola, of San Diego, Calif., fights for the second time under the Bellator MMA banner after debuting with a knockout victory over Jonathan Rivera in January. He now meets Butler, who returns to the promotion after a November Bellator MMA debut that saw him suffer a submission loss to Joao Paulo Faria.

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” – Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Eduardo Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike Richman (18-5)
Bellator Featured Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (23-13) vs. Curtis Millender (7-1)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Darrion Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael Silva (22-4)

Preliminary Card (7:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: A.J. Matthews (7-3) vs. Ben Reiter (14-0)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Virgil Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (12-4)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Joe Taimanglo (20-6-1) vs. Antonio Duarte (18-5)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Jordan Parsons (10-1) vs. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-0)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Ricky Rainey (10-3)

Dark Bouts (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Steve Kozola (5-0) vs. Ian Butler (1-1)

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 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.

The April 17 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will feature undefeated up-and-coming junior middleweight Tony “Superbad” Harrison (20-0, 17 KOs) and veteran southpaw Pablo “Sepulterero” Munguia (20-6, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event . Friday’s show from Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., will air live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. ESPN Deportes will televise Friday’s fights on Saturday, April 18, at 3 p.m.

Commentators:
Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will be ringside with analyst Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor anchor the ESPN Deportes studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Main Event:
In his last fight—televised on ESPN2—Detroit’s Harrison scored a second-round TKO win over Antwone Smith, while Mexico’s Munguia is looking to rebound from an eight-round split decision loss to 2004 Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson.

“I know Munguia is a really, really durable guy…,” Harrison said. “It looks like he’s going to be a very, very tough opponent for me. He likes to keep pressure. He likes to fight going forward, and so do I…He brings everything that the crowd would like to see, which is excitement, and so do I. It’s a perfect match. Both of us will be looking to give the fans a great fight.”

Co-Feature:
Thursday’s eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated up-and-coming junior lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski (22-0, 6 KOs) against Danny Aquino (16-2, 10 KOs). In his last fight, Kielczewski, who hails from Massachusetts, scored a first-round knockout win over Carlos Fulgencio, while Connecticut’s Aquino is looking to continue his winning ways following a six-round majority decision win over Jhovany Collado.

Additional Fight:
Friday’s show will also include an eight-round junior lightweight bout between Tevin Farmer (18-4-1, 4 KOs) and Gabriel Tolmajyan (13-4-2, 3 KOs).

Upcoming Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Fri, Apr 17

10 p.m.

Tony Harrison (20-0, 17 KOs) vs. Pablo Munguía (20-6, 11 KOs), 10 rounds, Jr. Middleweight

Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Conn

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Thurs, Apr 30

9 p.m.

Ishe Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) vs. TBD—10 rounds, Jr. Middleweight

Palms Casino Hotel,

Las Vegas

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, May 8

9 p.m.

Amir Mansour (21-1, 16 KOs) vs. Joey Dawejko (14-3, 7 KOs)—10 rounds, Heavyweight

2300 Arena

Philadelphia, Pa.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

Looking Ahead to Boxcino 2015 Finals:
Tessitore and Atlas recap last Friday’s Boxcino 2015 Semifinals and look ahead to the Friday, May 22, Finals at 9 p.m. on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Watch video.

ESPN Boxing Social Media and Digital Content:

· Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights’ Nigel Collins on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like ESPN Friday Night Fights on Facebook.

· Score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

· Follow ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo.

· For the latest ESPN.com boxing news and analysis follow @ESPNBoxing.

· For ESPN boxing digital content, visit the newly re-designed boxing section on ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/boxing/).

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 15, 2015) – Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the signing of the sixth* ranked Light Heavyweight in the world, Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (13-3, 1 NC), to an exclusive, multi-fight deal.

“I can’t wait to be fighting in Bellator and wreck shop on everyone,” said Davis. “I am the absolute best and most dominant grappler to ever fight in MMA and I’m excited to get in there and compete at my new home.”

Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Phil attended college close to home at Penn State University, where he became a four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler for the Nittany Lions.

Davis had his first professional MMA fight in 2008 and accrued nine wins in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, including victories against the likes of Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Lyoto Machida, Alexander Gustafsson, Brian Stann and Glover Teixeira.

A member of Alliance MMA in San Diego, Calif., where he trains alongside Bellator stars like Michael Chandler and Joey Beltran, “Mr. Wonderful” joins the promotions Light Heavyweight division, which is currently upheld by champion Liam McGeary.

“Phil is a world class Mixed Martial Artist and we are very happy to be adding him to OUR roster of some of the best Light Heavyweights in the world,” said the promotion’s president, Scott Coker. “Bellator remains fully committed to building its world-class roster by signing top free agents like Davis, as well as grooming up-and-coming stars. We’ve got some amazing matchups in mind for ‘Mr. Wonderful’ that we will be announcing in the weeks to come.”

Bellator’s Light Heavyweight division is one of the deepest in the promotion, with stars like McGeary, Tito Ortiz, “King Mo” Lawal, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Emanuel Newton and Linton Vassell.

*Ranking according to www.sherdog.com

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.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 14, 2015) – Lightweight contender Jose Roman (19-1-1, 13 KOs) and super bantamweight Danny Roman (12-2-1, 5 KOs), two of Thompson Boxing Promotions most exciting boxers, co-headline “Locked n’ Loaded,” Friday, April 24, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Roman, out of Garden Grove, Calif., will face the equally talented Martin Cardona (18-4, 13 KOs) of Mexico in the 8-round main event, while the 122-pound Roman, a Los Angeles native, meets the veteran slugger Giovanni Caro (23-14-4, 19 KOs) of Mexico City in the 8-round co-feature.

Jose Roman and Danny Roman, no relation, have a lot in common outside of sharing a surname. They are coming off busy years that saw them increase their win total, they have steady followings in the Southern California boxing scene, and both are ridding five-fight winning streaks.

“I want this year to go a lot like 2014,” said the 26-year-old Roman, who won a regional title last May. “I’m starting to enter my prime, and staying busy and ready for any opportunity will be critical to my success moving forward.”

“Both Jose and I want to build on what we accomplished last year,” said Danny, who is 24-years-old. “I know things will only get tougher from here on out, so the only thing I’m focusing on is beating Caro. Nothing else matters for me right now.”

“We feel very confident in Jose and Danny’s abilities,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “They have an appetite for winning in dramatic fashion, are well disciplined, and have the potential to do wonderful things in their respective divisions.”

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

Save the Date

After “Locked n’ Loaded,” Thompson Boxing celebrates its Fifteenth Year Anniversary with a star-studded event on Friday, May 29, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Leading the show is the fast-rising, undefeated junior welterweight stud Giovani Santillan. Also, all-action super bantamweights Efrain Esquivias, Juan Reyes, Danny Roman, and Jonathan Arellano, plus the veteran Chris Martin returns. A formal announcement will be released soon.

Locked n’ Loaded Undercard

Intriguing heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (6-0, 6 KOs) of San Francisco hopes to record his seventh win against Sylvester Barron (8-4, 3 KOs) of Seattle. The undefeated Mitchell will fight in his first 6-round fight – although he may not need that much time to take care of Barron – who is trying to right the ship after suffering two knockout loses.

Mitchell has all the right tools – height (6’4″) and punching power – to quickly make a name for himself in the heavyweight division.

Additionally, undefeated middleweight prospect Rudy Puga (4-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. will face Fatlum Zhuta (0-0-1) of Anchorage, Alaska in a 4-round bout.

Welterweight prospect Eridanni Leon (1-1) of Los Mochis, Mex. aims for his second career win against Elih Lizama of Salinas, who will be making his pro debut (4-rounds).

Opening the “Locked n’ Loaded” event are middleweights Miguel Trejo and Seattle-based Shariff Johnson (0-2-1). The 4-round bout will be the first of Trejo’s professional career.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.

For additional information please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ThompsonBoxing. To follow the conversation on social media, please use hash tags #ThompsonBoxing & #LockednLoaded.

LAS VEGAS – (April 15, 2015) – More than 200 accredited press members from around the world descended upon Mayweather Boxing Club for Tuesday’s Floyd Mayweather Media Day. It was the 11-time world champion Mayweather’s first and only open training session before his welterweight world championship unification mega-showdown against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on pay-per-view.

Superstars Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

Several dozen television camera crews, newspaper columnists, boxing writers, radio broadcasters, web reporters, photographers and (video) bloggers watched as Mayweather went through the paces during a 90-plus minute workout that included working the heavy bag, smacking the speed bag, hitting the mitts, jumping rope, stretching and doing calisthenics.

Before a training session streamed in high definition across multiple platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube and social media, Mayweather answered questions from the media inside a specially-constructed tent in a parking lot outside the gym.

What Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. and unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz, who will fight in the top pay-per-view undercard bout on May 2, said Tuesday:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, 11-Time World Champion

“My training camp is basically running the same way. I think it has been smoother than others. I feel very comfortable and happy with my performances. They push me hard at camp. They know what I need.

“The timing for this fight is right. This fight is about legacy, fans and family. I surround myself with all of the right people.

“I can’t say that this matchup is about hype. This is real life. This is two future Hall of Famers in a mega-fight.

“I’ve done record breaking numbers before and it looks like we’re going to do it again.

“Everything in life is about timing. I have no regrets that this fight didn’t take place five years ago. I didn’t think it was that big then, but it continued to get bigger and bigger. Not just in boxing, but outside of the sport. Pacquiao has continued to grow outside of the sport. We didn’t need to rush anything.

“This is going to be an exciting fight. Our styles are totally different. He is very, very reckless. Every move I make is calculated. I’m always 5-10 steps ahead of my opponent.

“We’ll see what happens when the fight starts. But when all is said and done I’m going to be the winner.

“Pacquiao is strong and solid but I don’t know if he can make adjustments like I can. I feel tremendous.

“This was a difficult fight to make happen, but we made it happen. This fight is one of the biggest ever in boxing.

“I’m still going strong. The last time I looked, I was 47 and 0.

“Anyone can get hit with a great shot, but I can make more adjustments and Manny can’t.

“I don’t think Pacquiao expected me to look as strong or big when we faced off (at the L.A. press conference).

“I walk around at 150-152 pounds to weigh 147 pounds. Other boxers weigh around 160-170 before coming down.

“I’ve got one more fight on my contract. I couldn’t be happier with SHOWTIME and CBS.

“Las Vegas is the boxing capital. During a Floyd Mayweather fight weekend, you can shop, party, stay out late and do anything you want. The city of Las Vegas has everything.

“There were offers to fight other places, but MGM Grand is my home.

“Anything I’ve asked of MGM Grand, they’ve done for me in a heartbeat. They’re all about making entertainers and athletes happy.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fight on such an unbelievably huge card. I really want to thank Floyd Mayweather.

“Any boxer would like to be on this card where millions of people are watching. I’m happy to represent Mexico on this night and on this fight card.

“I look at it as a key opportunity for me to make an even bigger name for myself, which is my goal because one day I want to become a superstar like Floyd. That’s why I train really hard all of the time.

“There are no little fights for me. I consider every fighter dangerous. You lose when you think a fighter is not on your level and then he comes in hungrier than you. That will never happen to me.

“I don’t know who I’m fighting yet, but I’m sparring different guys with different styles.

“There’s always a lot at risk for me. People keep talking about all of these big fights, but if I don’t win now, there will be no big fights in the future.

“I know who I want to fight, but I don’t pick my opponents; I leave it up to my team. They make those kinds of decisions. My job is to fight and win.

“I have to stay concentrated. I have to maintain focus and concentration. I can’t get ahead of myself. I give 100 percent in training and in the ring. I always want to put on a great fight for the fans.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Boxing is at an all time high at the moment. There are a lot of great things going on. Between this fight and getting boxing back on network television, it’s all great for the sport.

“This fight will not only elevate the sport in general, but it will bring in the casual fan to the sport and that’s a great thing.

“The impact that Floyd Mayweather has had on this sport is immeasurable. People won’t be able to appreciate that until he retires. He’s done so much for this sport. He’s given fighters a platform to say to other promoters that they deserve the lion’s share of the money. He’s brought more sponsorships to the sport.

“Floyd Mayweather is the highest paid athlete in all of sports and he happens to be a boxer.

“I think the demand thus far only indicates how big this event is. This is a fight that’s been talked about for five years now and everyone is going to get exactly what they’ve been asking for.

“Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter. He’s been in a number of great fights and he’s had a terrific career thus far. These are the two best fighters of this generation and come May 2 there will be one man standing and it will be Floyd Mayweather.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be a great fight. I’m really excited. I can see firsthand the day-to-day preparation that Floyd puts in and he’s working just as hard as ever. The fans are going to get a great fight that night.

“I don’t know what Manny Pacquiao has to do on May 2, but I know what Floyd Mayweather has to do. He has to do what he normally does and go in there and execute his game plan and I really expect Floyd to knock him out.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Trainer & Father

“Floyd is as well rounded a fighter as there has ever been, but he’s really still here because of his defense.

“Other guys fight with their head and their mind and come up short. It’s his great defense that has kept him on top for so long.

“I want you all to see it. It’s so plain and simple what he’s going to do. Even Ray Charles could see it.

“I honestly never thought that this was going to happen. So many people were trying to say Floyd was scared. Lets see on May 2 who is scared.

“I can’t tell you why or how, but here’s an update, Floyd is going to kick his a** and knock Pacquiao out.

“I didn’t watch one tape on Pacquiao. There is no reason to study him. He’s not at this level.

“Floyd is the best, I must confess. Nothing is going to stop Floyd Mayweather.

“Pacquiao’s trainer Coach Roach (Freddie Roach) is lying to you. Trying to trick you all. Floyd’s not getting knocked down in the gym. Floyd is the one knocking people down. Roach blows smoke with no hope.“
## # #

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

HBO Boxing kicks off spring with an action-packed, split-site doubleheader featuring some of the most exciting fighters in the sport when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: LUCAS MATTHYSSE VS. RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV AND TERENCE CRAWFORD VS. THOMAS DULORME is seen SATURDAY, APRIL 18 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY, and College Park Center at University of Texas Arlington, exclusively on HBO. HBO Sports teams will be ringside for both events, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: April 19 (9:45 a.m.) and 20 (12:15 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: April 19 (3:45 p.m.) and 21 (11:00 p.m.)

In the headline bout, Lucas Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) and Ruslan Provodnikov (27-3, 17 KOs) meet in a scheduled 12-round junior welterweight fight from upstate New York in what is already being lauded as a probable fight-of-the-year candidate.

Provodnikov, 31, returns to the ring after scoring a technical knockout victory over Jose Luis Castillo in his home country of Russia last November. His fan-friendly style has made for some of the most memorable bouts of the past two years, including a knockout of Mike Alvarado to win the super lightweight title and a close-decision loss in the 2013 BWAA Fight of the Year with Timothy Bradley. Matthysse, 32, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is one of the most feared boxers in the world, thanks to his stunning punching power, and had two knockout victories in 2014. The winner will enter the title discussion in the 140-pound division.

Kicking off the night, the co-main event features BWAA Fighter of the Year Terence Crawford (25-0, 17 KOs) making his 2015 debut against Thomas Dulorme (22-1, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round bout for a vacant super lightweight title from University of Texas Arlington.

Rising star Crawford, 27, of Omaha, Neb., is coming off a dominating 2014 campaign which featured three successful defenses of his lightweight title, including a unanimous decision victory over Raymundo Beltran and a technical knockout against former titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa. Crawford moves up in weight to fight in the 140-pound division for the first time against Dulorme, 25, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, who will seek to use his height as an advantage against the shorter Crawford in the first world title fight of his career.

Immediately following HBO Boxing After Dark, stay tuned for the premiere of the one-hour special MAYWEATHER/PACQUIAO: AT LAST, detailing the nearly six-year journey to the most-anticipated fight of the modern era on May 2 between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producers, Jonathan Crystal and Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (April 15, 2015) – Today may be Income Tax Day in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean Fighter of the Decade Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUAO’s Hall of Fame trainer World-Famous FREDDIE ROACH is wishing undefeated welterweight and super welterweight world champion FLOYD “Flipper, er, Money” MAYWEATHER many happy returns. The top-two pound for pound fighters are 17 days away from their May 2 welterweight world championship unification rumble at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the Mayweather-Pacquiao live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

After hearing how late Mayweather was for his own media workout, the seven-time Trainer of the Year offered his own audit of Manny’s next opponent.

“I am so glad that Mayweather is big on Shots [the social network app. Mayweather uses] because he is going to be taking a lot of them from Manny on May 2,” said Roach, one of the many bon mots he served on Tuesday after Manny’s training session which included 12 rounds of sparring. “That is why he has been avoiding Manny for so long. He didn’t want this fight. He can pretend it was a strategy to build up the fight’s value but that’s not true. For once Mayweather wasn’t able to handpick his opponent. He was forced to take this fight — by Manny, the media and the fans. His excuses for not making the fight haven’t held water for years and Manny finally exposed him. Mayweather ran out of road. Mayweather may have been the ‘A Side’ during the negotiations, but once he signed the contract he became the ‘B Side’ just like he did when he fought Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez. That is why he prolonged announcing the fight for as long as he did. He wanted all the attention.

“Mayweather is a different ‘A Side’ now and you can guess what the ‘A’ stands for. He was late for his media workout leaving major media outlets scheduled to go live with dead air. How selfish is that? It doesn’t take a lot to figure out why everyone is rooting for Manny. Just look at which fighter has the most endorsements going into this fight and why. When Manny beats Mayweather it won’t only be about unifying the welterweight titles, it will also be a public service to boxing.

“Mayweather may be two victories shy of tying Rocky Marciano’s record [49-0] but I can assure you Mayweather’s party will end on May 2 and Marciano’s record will remain just that – the record. And Mayweather will forever be known as Mr. 47 and 1.”

Manny Pacquiao’s Media Workout
Will Be Streamed Live Today! at 6 P.M. ET / 3 P.M. PT
https://youtu.be/pa1KDs_YRO0

# # #

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

LONDON (April 15) – Legendary trainer Freddie Roach believes Saturday night’s clash between knockout kings Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse is ‘the greatest match up in the world’.

The pair will lock horns at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in New York, in one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The showdown is certain to produce fireworks, with Provodnikov’s Hall-of-Fame trainer Roach believing that this is a fight worthy of the attention it has garnered.

“It’s the greatest match up in the world. You’ve got two guys that love to fight, two guys that are great punchers. It’s going to be a very exciting fight – that’s for sure,” said Roach.

“It’s the best fight and the best is what we need. This is what’s going on in boxing right now and that’s why everything is really happening in boxing bigger than ever at this point because of fights like this,” he said.

LA based Roach will not be in his fighter’s corner this weekend, however, as he looks to prepare his star pupil Manny Pacquiao for his impending clash with pound-for-pound ace Floyd Mayweather.

Though this will have little bearing on the outcome according to Roach, who will send his right-hand man Marvin Somodio to run the rule over proceedings.

“The Pacquiao fight is very important right now but Ruslan is very important also. I work with him every day in the gym. He and Marvin have a good rapport together. Marvin knows what to do. He’s a very good trainer,” said Roach.

“They understand what I want and just because I’m not there it doesn’t make a difference. Ruslan will still fight his fight and Marvin will make the adjustments along the way. There will be no problem whatsoever. It’s not the first or last time this has happened in my life,” he said.

31-year-old Provodnikov burst onto the scene with a scintillating performance in his narrow loss to Timothy Bradley before going on to capture the WBO light-welterweight world title from Mike Alvarado.

He is now looking to get himself back into the mix for a world title shot following a split decision loss to New Yorker Chris Algieri last year and is aware of the significance of this fight not only to his career but to boxing fans.

“I expect the same as all the fans – this is a very exciting match up. This is going to be a great fight and I think that for me it’s no less than to all the people watching. For me it’s exciting as well and these types of fights are what’s important,” said Provodnikov.

“Because for me the fight and the money as I’ve said many times, they’re not number one. Number one is I want my fights to be part of history, and I think this is one of those fights that is destined to be part of history.

“That’s what I want to give my people back home – these fights that people will remember because not all the fights that are world title fights are remembered. The type of fight that will happen between Matthysse and I is one that’s definitely going to be remembered forever,” he said.

Both Provodnikov and Matthysse are renowned for their come-forward aggressive style, with the Siberian stopping 17 of his 27 opponents and the Argentine Matthysse having knocked out 34 in his 36 wins.

32-year-old Matthysse, who was involved in last year’s ‘Fight of the Year’ with his victory over John Molina, thinks that his next battle has the potential to win another such accolade.

“For last year’s fight I’ve got to give credit to John Molina because he came to fight and he allowed me to perform in a way that made it ‘Fight of the Year’,” said Matthysse.

“If Ruslan comes forward and is aggressive and does the same thing, then, yes [I think it can be another Fight of the Year]. I’m going to seize that opportunity and try to take advantage of that and make it an exciting fight. I think it could be a great fight. But, you know, it takes two,” he said.

Matthysse vs Provodnikov joins a mega night live on BoxNation this Saturday from 7pm BST, starting with Liverpool’s Derry Matthews who fights for the vacant interim WBA lightweight title against Tony Luis at the Echo Arena.

Unbeaten light-middleweight Liam Smith is also on the card as he takes on David Ezequiel Romero for the vacant WBO Intercontinental title.

Then BoxNation heads Stateside as it brings two massive bills starting with Matthysse-Provodnikov before heading over to Arlington Texas where rising pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford looks to become a two-weight world champion as he takes on slick Puerto Rican Thomas Dulorme for the vacant WBO light-welterweight world title.

Matthysse v Provodnikov is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546 and TalkTalk 525) this Saturday 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 iPhone, iPad or 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.

Lack of time to obtain proper visas has forced the necessity for two of Greg Cohen Promotions’ (GCP) fighters to switch places on short notice for this weekend.

On Saturday, April 18, Cornwall, Ontario’s Tony “Lightning” Luis (19-2, 7 KOs) will now face UK veteran Derry Matthews (37-9-2, 20 KOs) for the Interim WBA Lightweight Championship at the Echo Arena in Matthews’ hometown of Liverpool, England, as the main event of a night of boxing presented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

Luis was originally scheduled to face Memphis, Tennessee, veteran Ira Terry (26-13, 16 KOs) in the televised co-feature of the “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” event, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions on Friday, April 17, from the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Unbeaten Venezuelan slugger Ismael Barroso (17-0-2, 16 KOs), who was originally scheduled to face Matthews, was unable to obtain the proper visas in time to fight on such short notice in England. He will now take Luis’ place in Hinckley and will take on Terry in an eight-round attraction this Friday.

“It worked out well for everyone,” said Greg Cohen. “Tony Luis was high enough in the ratings and ready to fight, so he’s one of the few fighters in the world who could have stepped into this important fight on such short notice. And fortunately, he is a GCP fighter as well, so we made it happen quickly and he is on his way to the UK as we speak. Tony gets his dream shot at a world championship and the fans in Hinckley, and on CBS Sports Network, will get their first look at one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing, Ismael Barroso. So it seems that everyone wins in this unique situation.”

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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, MSG and FOX Sports Net.