Team Sauerland is pleased to announced that Bulgarian heavyweight star Kubrat Pulev has extended his promotional agreement.

‘’Kubrat remains one of the best heavyweights in world and we’re delighted that he has decided to extend his contract,’’ said promoter Kalle Sauerland, who guided the 33 year-old to a world title challenge in November last year.

‘’The fight against Klitschko may have come a little too early after only twenty professional bouts, but will prove to be a huge learning experience for him. I’m confident he will return better and stronger than ever. It’s only a matter of time before he gets a second shot at the world title and this time he will take it!’’

‘’I’m very happy to extend my agreement with Team Sauerland,’’ said Pulev. ‘’With their support I will be able to get back to my best. Together we will conquer the world!’’

As he prepares for a return to world title contention, Pulev will now train with renowned German coach Ulli Wegner. ‘’I’m looking forward to working with Mr Wegner,’’ said the Cobra. ‘’He is one of the best in the business and his experience will be priceless in my quest to become world champion.’’

Nutley, NJ(February 11, 2015)–Vito Mielnicki Jr. the son of GH3 Promotions President Vito Mielnicki has won the National Silver Gloves 12-13 year old, 85 pound tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

The 13 year-old Mielnicki adds that title to his collection which already includes 3 National Junior Golden Gloves wins and 2 Ringside Jr. championships.

In the Silver Gloves, Mielnicki Jr. won three bouts as he defeated Gilberto Mendoza of California by a 30-27 score, Sancer Hayes of Tennessee by a 30-26 and Jermonte Jones of Ohio by a 30-27 tally.

Mielnicki Jr. trains out of the Elite Heat Boxing Gym and is trained by Wali Moses

Philadelphia, PA—Fifteen months ago, heavyweight Joey Dawejko was so far down that when he looked up he saw the bottom.

That was then and this is now and as Dawejko, winner of five in a row and nationally ranked, prepares to fight Unobong Umohette, of Nigeria, on Friday evening, March 6, at the 2300 Arena, he concedes it’s been a wild ride.
“It’s hard to believe the way things turned out,” Dawejko said, “but I’m not complaining. I started in the outhouse, and while I’m surely not in the penthouse yet, at least I am pointed in the right direction.”
When Dawejko was stopped in the third round by unbeaten lefty Charles Martin on Nov. 14, 2013, it marked his third loss in five fights and the first time he had been on the floor as an amateur or pro.
“When I got the call to fight Charles Martin, I was working on a roof in Atlantic City,” Dawejko said. “The fight was seven days away. I hadn’t been in the gym and there was no time to train after I got the call since I needed to keep roofing to pay bills.
“I went out there (Hollywood, CA) with my trainer and my brother and I had nothing. I could tell when the fight started. I got knocked down for the first time in my life and my trainer threw in the towel at the end of the third round.
“After the fight, I knew my dreams of becoming a contender were over, but I figured I could always make money as an opponent. Since I was still working as a roofer, I knew I could always fall back on that.”
It had been that way for too long for Dawejko, an outstanding amateur (56-12 record) who won 14 national titles and, at 16, became the youngest-ever to win the Eastern Olympic Trials, doing it in 2007.
“My grandfather took me to a Golden Gloves card at the Blue Horizon when I was 10 years old and I was hooked,” Dawejko said. “After that, I got him to take me to a boxing gym (Harrowgate) and that’s where I started.”
When he turned pro in 2009, Dawejko was managed by former WBC heavyweight champ Hasim Rahman.
“I had been in camp with Rahman and I guess he liked what he saw,” Dawejko said, “but things didn’t work out and we went our separate ways after my fourth pro fight.”
From there, Dawejko went from one manager to another, one promoter to another, mostly managing himself, training himself (when he found time) and promoting himself.
He once flew alone to Montreal and lost a six-round decision to then-unbeaten Didier Bence.
“I never had the team around me that other fighters had,” Dawejko said. “It was not easy.”
Two months after losing to Martin, Dawejko got a call on two weeks’ notice to box fringe contender Derric Rossy, of Medford, NY, at the Golden Nugget casino in Atlantic City. When Dawejko upset Rossy via eight-round decision, everything changed.
“After that fight, I knew I still had a chance to become a contender,” Dawejko said.
In the audience at the Dawejko-Rossy fight was promoter J Russell Peltz.
“Joey controlled the fight that night,” said Peltz, “and he had a nice little fan base there on a couple of weeks’ notice.
“For the next month or two, I stayed in touch with him. His promotional contract was declared invalid and I was getting close to signing him. We talked about him fighting Mark Rideout on May 16 at the 2300 Arena. Joey had beaten Mark in the amateurs, but Mark had not lost in six pro fights.
“The last week of March, Joey got an offer for $20,000 to go to Russia on one week’s notice to fight Kubrat Pulev, a top contender. It was a tough call. Joey had bills to pay and here I was asking him to walk away from a $20,000 payday in return for one that would pay him $17,000 less.
“I kept reminding him that by taking the Pulev fight, he would just be doing what he had been doing for years, taking hard fights on short notice. He understood, but the money was appealing.
“When he told me he was going to discuss it with Maria (fiancé Maria Sagias), I thought I was a goner. They had two young children I was sure Maria would go for the money.
“Wrong! She agreed that it was time for Joey to see the big picture so he turned down the Pulev fight and signed with me that same week.”
Dawejko, now known as The Tank—he is 5-foot-10, 235 pounds–defeated Rideout by eight-round decision on May 16.
With Dawejko in search of a manager, Peltz suggested Mark Cipparone, of Rocco’s Collision in Haddonfield, NJ, who was making a name for himself with junior lightweight Tevin Farmer.
“I’ve got a new place to live, a strength coach, a new trainer and I couldn’t be happier,” Dawejko said. “I have people looking out for me and I never had that before. All I ever had was broken promises. I’ve never trained like this before and I never before at peace with my boxing career.”
Ranked No. 12 by the USBA, Dawejko, 24, followed the win over Rideout with a trio of first-round knockouts over David Williams, of Philadelphia, Yohan Banks, of Redwood City, CA, and Rayford Johnson, of Longview, TX, bringing his record to 13-3-2, 6K0s.
On a personal level, Dawejko and Sagias take care of Hailey, 9, and Jayla, 2, and they are expecting a third girl in April.
“If I get by Umohette in March, then I will look for a fight that by winning will get me a world ranking,” Dawejko said. “Then I would be in the penthouse.”

About March 6

The Dawejko-Umohette and Jason Sosa-Bergman Aguilar fights headline a seven-bout card at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. Doors open at 6 pm; first fight is 7pm. The card will be streamed live on www.gfl.com and on Comcast SportsNet (CSN) on a delayed basis. Tickets are priced $35, $50 and $75 and they can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) or Wanamaker’s Tickets (215-568-2400). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.wanatix.com. The March 6 card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions, Peltz Boxing and BAM Boxing.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 11) – Francisco “EL Bandido” Vargas and “Wild” Will Tomlinson hosted a main event media conference call, Tuesday, Feb. 10, to discuss their upcoming NABF & WBO International Junior Lightweight Championship bout live from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 12. Co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions, the championship bout will be broadcasted live on HBO Latino® Boxing.

The fighters were joined by Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions and Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions. Below is what the participants had to say. Downloadable fight footage for the fighters is available via FTP.

https://ftp.goldenboyllc.com
U/N: hbo3.12.15
Pass: !Olympic07!

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

“We have a terrific main event which will put Francisco Vargas vs. Will Tomlinson; we are extremely excited that this fight will be televised live on HBO Latino. This card will be action pack and packed with local talent from San Antonio.

“We are so happy to go back to San Antonio where the fans are incredible, when a fight likes this goes to San Antonio we’re very confident that the fans will sell out the Freeman Coliseum.

“This is going to be a tough and exciting fight, Francisco is ready to for a world title and this challenge will bring him closer if he wins. Will Tomlinson is a strong fighter and will bring a tough fight on March 12.”

Mike Battah, President of Leija*Battah Promotions:

“I want to thank Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions for letting us have the opportunity to work alongside you, this will be our first HBO Latino Boxing and I am excited.

“Leija*Battah Promotions has been working with Golden Boy Promotions for the past three years and we are looking to continue this great relationship.

“I’m excited for a great night of boxing with Francisco Vargas and Will Tomlinson these are two hungry fighters and contenders in their prime. This undercard will be stacked with some of the best young prospects so we are excited.”

FRANCISCO “EL BANDIDO” VARGAS, NABF & WBO Junior Lightweight Champion:

“I am very excited and motivated, and I know Will Tomlinson is coming ready for a good fight, and I’m going to give him my best as well.

“I’m very happy and motivated. This is what I dreamed of, to fight on HBO. This gives me the extra motivation to be prepared and ready to bring a great fight for fans.

“I know Will is training hard, and I’m glad he is. He has nothing to lose and everything to win. I am right around the corner from a title, and I’m working very hard as well.

“This fight is important to me because it puts me closer to a world title fight, and I am preparing to fight at 100% to win this fight.”

‘WILD’ WILL TOMLINSON, Junior Lightweight Contender

“This is a massive opportunity that I’m very thankful for. I’m training very hard, getting ready for the fight of my life.

“I really believe this is going to be a coming out fight for me in the U.S., and I’m going to be able to introduce ‘Wild Will’ to the Latino and U.S. boxing fans.

“Vargas is an aggressive fighter; he is there to fight, and we are there to give the fans what they want to see, which is a good fight.

“I’m going get in there, and Vargas is going there to hit, and it’s going be a great fight for the fans because I can guarantee it will be action-packed. It’s going be a good fight to watch, and I’m going be just a little bit better than Vargas; I’ll hit harder, and I’ll do enough to get the win.

“It all comes down to who is going to prepare the best and who will be ready. The lifestyle I’ve been living the last two years is a pretty good indication of how much I want this. I’ve put it all on the line to come here to America. This will be the occasion to make it happen for me.”

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 plus applicable taxes and service charges and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000, or in person at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center SE Box Office, Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

Vargas vs. Tomlinson, is a 10-round NABF and WBO International Junior Lightweight bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Lejia*Battah Promotions. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. The Freeman Coliseum doors will open at 4:00 p.m. CT and first bout begins at 4:00 p.m. CT.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.leijabattahpromo.com and www.freemancoliseum.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr, @HBOLatino, @elbandido130, @WillTomlinsonAU, and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/hbolatino or www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr,@elbandido130, @willtomlinsonau.

UNCASVILLE, CONN (February 11, 2015) — Future contenders step into the national spotlight when the popular single-elimination boxing tournament, Boxcino 2015, makes its season debut, This Friday! February 13, at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on ESPN2), the four quarterfinal junior middleweight division bouts will produce four winners who will then take a giant leap toward making it to the championship final round and its ultimate prize, the vacant NABA and NABO titles AND a Top-10 world rating by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Promoted by Banner Promotions and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), remaining tickets to the February 13 edition of Boxcino 2015, priced at $125, $65, $40 and $30, including facility fee, can be purchased via www.ticketmaster,com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets or in person at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

The Official Weigh-In will take place on Thursday, February 12, in the Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre, beginning at 5 p.m. On Fight Night, Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the first bout beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

The four quarterfinal heavyweight division bouts will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights Next Friday! February 20, from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.

Boxcino 2015 has been a great platform for the next generation of boxing champions and stars. The quarterfinal bouts will be six rounds, the semifinal bouts will be eight rounds and the championship bouts will be 10 rounds. This short piece from ESPN’s “Making The Rounds” will detail this week’s battles. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12302492

Last year’s Boxcino winner in the middleweight division, Willie Monroe Jr., has become a bona fide contender thanks to his victories in Boxcino 2014. He is currently world-rated No. 3 by the WBA, No. 7 by the WBO and No. 10 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). Boxcino 2014 lightweight champion Petr Petrov is currently world-rated No. 2 by the WBA and No. 7 by the WBO

Happy to make Artie Pelullo, or any of the fighters available to you by phone. The pairings for each division, fighter bios (don’t worry they’re brief) and all the participants’ Fight Fax records are available upon request.

*******************

Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena Of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won “Casino of The Year” in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.

Singapore – The UFC® makes its much anticipated live event debut in Manila when it brings the Octagon® to the Mall of Arena Asia on Saturday, May 16. The main event will see former lightweight champion and current No. 1 ranked featherweight mixed martial artist Frankie “The Answer” Edgar face fellow American Urijah “The California Kid” Faber in a five-round featherweight battle at 145 pounds.

At 33, Edgar (17-4-1, fighting out of Toms River, New Jersey, USA) is proving himself to be a force in the 145lb division. Ranked No.1 in the division, the former collegiate wrestler is currently riding a three-fight win streak and looking to get one step closer to another title shot opportunity.

Faber (37-7-0, fighting out of Sacramento, California, USA) will be making his inaugural featherweight debut. The California Kid, currently ranked No.3 in the bantamweight division, has won six of his last seven fights and has never lost a non-title fight. His experience in the Octagon has seen him go the five round championship distance five times against Dominick Cruz, Jose Aldo, Mike Brown and twice against Renan Barao.

Faber comments: “I feel like it’s rare in this sport to have the ability, the opportunity and the fortune of having super fights at multiple weights. I started in this sport because I love it. I love the challenge and I love to perform. Fighting a guy like Frankie Edgar is exactly the reason I got into this sport. I’m a fan of the heart Frankie has as a fighter, something I’m known for as well. I was a 145 lb. champion and he was a 155 lb. champion so it’s cool for me to be able to make this fight, one for the history books. I plan on winning and putting on a show in the process.”

Other confirmed bouts for UFC FIGHT NIGHT MANILA: EDGAR vs. FABER include:
· The Philippines own Roldan Sangcha-an (4-1, fighting out of Baguio City, Philippines) will have the Mall of Asia Arena behind him when he takes on skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Jon Delos Reyes (7-4, fighting out of Tamuning, Guam) in a flyweight tilt.

· The Ultimate Fighter China winner Zhang ‘The Warrior’ Lipeng (9-8-1, fighting out Beijing, China) takes on ‘Rajan’ Kajan Johnson (19-12-1, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) in a lightweight clash

· Korea’s ‘Supernatural’ Tae Hyun Bang (17-8, fighting out of Seoul, Korea) takes on rising prospect Jon ‘The Super Saiyan’ Tuck (8-2, fighting out of Hagatna, Guam) in a lightweight fight that highlights two emerging MMA markets in Asia

· In a welterweight bout, Li ‘The Leech’ Jingliang (9-3, fighting out of Beijing, China) takes on The Ultimate Fighter: Edgar vs. Penn veteran Roger ‘Viva’ Zapata (4-1, fighting out of New York, New York)

· Another Ultimate Fighter China steps back in the Octagon when Yao Zhikui (1-2, fighting out of Beijing, China) meets dynamic Nolan Ticman (4-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) in the debut of both fighters at 125 pounds

UFC Manila will be broadcast all over the world giving the UFC’s international fans a taste of the immense passion and support the Philippines fans have for MMA. Other bouts will be confirmed as they become available.

Tickets will go on-sale on March 13, launched in conjunction with SM Tickets at www.smtickets.com.

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

###

About the UFC®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

BOLTON (11 FEB) By Peter Fury (courtesy of Hennessy Sports): Family. It’s the most important thing to me, it’s life’s beating heart, and it means more than all the world titles a fighter can win.

Today the Fury family grows stronger as my brother, John, is released from prison following a four-and-a-half year sentence. It’s a happy day, a cause for celebration, and I’m just glad we get to have him home. It gives us the chance to put all of this misery behind us. Now we can concentrate on the boxing.

We’re taking this afternoon off and we’ll go out for a meal to celebrate his release. Then we’ll be back in the gym this evening and there’ll be sparring. John will be right in the mix and it will be like he never went away.

He’s going to be working full-time with me here, doing pads, and he’ll be a big asset to us. He can help me out in many different ways.

For example, there’s a lot of lads in the gym and it’s a bit much for me to take them all on the pads at the same time. But I can now split it up a bit, and it’s nice to have a good pad man who knows what he’s doing. It allows me to take a step back, have a proper look at them and then fix anything I see.

Of course, it’s great to work alongside your brother because you’ve got that natural communication. I’ve only got to say, ‘Right, make him slip that shot and come around to the body,’ and John knows exactly what I mean. He can interpret everything I want from a fighter. Sometimes it doesn’t even require words. He just understands what I want and will act on it. He knows where I’m coming from.

This is all going to be a big plus for me because I’ve always seen myself as more of a tactician, a technical strategist, someone who works on different things to allow a fighter to find the range to get their shots off. There’s a lot involved with training, though, so it’s good to now have my brother doing more on the physical side.

When you step up to world level, you need to put all your energy into the technical side of things because that’s what can make the difference. They’re all tough and fit at world level. The great fighters just happen to have that something extra technically.

I’ve always said my dream for Tyson and Hughie is for them to be like the two Klitschkos. Well, they’ve now got two fathers training them and it couldn’t be any better. We’ve got a tight bond, a close family unit, which is exactly what we need to drive them to do great things.

My family is my life. We lost our oldest brother, Hughie, last year and that completely messed us up. We still haven’t got over it. John and I were talking about it only three days ago. Things won’t ever be the same for us. We know that. We lost a part of our family.

We’ve just got to buckle in now and focus on the young ones. It’s all about them now. We’ve got my brother’s son, Dempsey, who is carrying the torch and I can make his father proud through him. I can help him achieve something in his father’s memory. That motivates me, that cheers me up, it keeps me going. If I put all of my efforts into him, I know his father will be looking down on us with a smile.

In fact, before my brother died, we had a conversation and he agreed to come and help train my son, Hughie, while I helped train Dempsey. We were going to share the responsibility. We’d have all been here at the gym together.

That never happened, though. But his son is training here with us now and I’m privileged and honoured to bear that responsibility. Family, for me, is about keeping everyone together as one unit and going forward as a united front.

*** Hughie Fury fights dangerman Andriy Rudenko over ten rounds on February 21 in Monte Carlo, televised by Channel 5. Meanwhile, Tyson Fury defends his WBO International heavyweight title against Christian Hammer on February 28 at the O2 Arena, live on BoxNation ***

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For more information on Channel 5, MaxNutrition, Golden Gloves, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
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www.goldengloves.co.za
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Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (February 11, 2015) — Having spent time with MARTIN MURRAY in Johannesburg at the weekend, South African promoter RODNEY BERMAN says he expects a fierce contest when Murray and GENNADY GOLOVKIN square off in Monte Carlo for Golovkin’s WBA Super World middleweight, interim WBC World middleweight and IBO middleweight titles next weekend.

Berman’s Golden Gloves is promoting the Monte-Carlo “Thunderbolt” show in association with K2 Promotions and GGG Promotions.

Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) is on a record 18 consecutive knockouts and will be seeking another against Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs), the highly-regarded WBC number one contender

“Obviously Martin is in the best shape he’s ever been, having worked incredibly hard in the summer heat down here. He’s pretty much in a no-lose situation because of the aura around Golovkin. If he goes the distance and doesn’t get the decision, that’s okay based on the reputation of Golovkin. But if Martin wins the world will be his oyster.”

Berman added that Murray’s camp has a plan and is very confident of executing it on February 21.

But he also expects a very determined Golovkin, knowing full well the intensity he brings to the action given that he has twice promoted him in the recent past, both times in Monaco.

“Golovkin has super fights down the road, against guys like Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, so he can’t afford to slip up now, he can’t afford not to have a good showing.”
With major international broadcast coverage guaranteed – the fight is being broadcast on HBO in the US and throughout Europe and elsewhere – Berman says the crescendo in and around Monte Carlo is building.

“There is a realisation that this is Golovkin’s first real test. He’s fighting a guy who, to all intents and purposes, is unbeaten. He’s bigger and he can handle himself. Murray also won’t freeze. He’s known dark times and dealt with trauma; fighting a man with two arms, like him, holds no fears.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.
The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

Yonkers, New York, Feb. 11 – The iconic New York Daily News Golden Gloves returns to Empire City Casino ? for the fifth consecutive year on Wednesday, ? March 11. The 2015 semi-finals of the fabled amateur boxing tournament will be hosted on the casino’s fourth floor.

The oldest and most esteemed amateur event in the U.S., celebrating its 88 th anniversary this season, has produced generations of legendary boxers including Sugar Ray Robinson, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Jose Torres, and Zab Judah.

“We are proud that the Daily News Golden Gloves has become part of the great sports tradition at Empire City Casino, and is now in its fifth year,” said president & CEO, Timothy J. Rooney. “Two New York institutions are once again teaming up for what we know will be an exciting event for fight fans.”

General Admission tickets are $25; senior citizens and college students are $15; and first responders will receive free admission. To receive free or discounted tickets, guests must present valid photo ID. For more information visit http://www.nydn.us/gg or call Brian Adams at the Daily News at 212-210-1908 or Empire City Casino at 914-968-4200.

Doors open at 6:30 PM and first bell is 7:30 PM sharp. These in-demand tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis only at the door on fight night. Tickets and seating are limited.

Yonkers Raceway first opened its doors in 1899, and in over 115 years of its history has been the home to harness racing’s Triple Crown events such as the Yonkers Trot, Cane Pace and Messenger Stakes, as well as such premier stakes races as the Art Rooney Pace. Professional boxing had been held in the Old Glory Horse Pavilion, and many major fights shown on closed circuit television. But the Daily News Golden Gloves, the most elite Golden Gloves tournament in the country for 88 years, became a “first-time starter” in 2011.

About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway:
Empire City Casino, one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast, features 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo; year-round harness racing & International simulcasting; live entertainment including the best party, tribute and Latin bands, comedy, & more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with Italian cuisine at Nonno’s Trattoria; trackside dining with live betting at Empire Terrace Restaurant; and convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Lil’ Cocina. A new $50 million expansion added Dan Rooney’s, a high-energy sports bar, Pinch American Grill, in collaboration with Ducasse Studio, featuring dozens of New York craft beers on tap, and Alley 810, a craft cocktail lounge rounds out the entertainment options with retro bowling lanes. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00am to 6:00am. Visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for information.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 11) – Today Golden Boy Promotions announced and unveiled the new monthly Los Angeles-based boxing series, LA FIGHT CLUB, live from The Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. LA FIGHT CLUB will be featuredas part of the popular, fan-favorite Golden Boy Live! serieson FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes and is set to premiere on Friday, March 6 with undefeated super bantamweight prospect and 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (14-0, 9 KOs) facing off against Mexican brawler Geovanny “Lloviznas” Delgado (15-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

In the co-main event, rising super featherweight knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (8-0, 8 KOs) will face an opponent yet to be named in a six-round fight. Opening the televised action is a super featherweight clash between a pair of Los Angeles prospects, as Santiago “El Lobito” Guevara (8-0, 3 KOs) squares off against Carlos “The Solution” Morales (6-1-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Plus, Irish middleweight prospect Jason Quigley (3-0, 3 KOs) will be featured in a four round bout hoping to get television air time against Lanny Dardar (2-2-2, 1 KOs) of Houma, Louisiana.

“The Belasco Theater is going to be the hottest, most exciting destination for action-packed, live entertainment in the city every month with LA FIGHT CLUB,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “There is no other entertainment option I’m aware of like LA FIGHT CLUB in Los Angeles. This unique event will give fans the opportunity to experience boxing like they never have before by getting close to the ring and enjoying the action-packed fights in an entertaining atmosphere. I am excited to host the inaugural LA FIGHT CLUB event and I invite all boxing fans in the city and beyond to meet me at The Belasco Theater on March 6.”

Tickets are on sale NOW and are reasonably priced starting at $20 for general admission (including on-camera ringside standing only pit access), $40 for lounge-style balcony seats and $80 for reserved ringside floor seats and first row balcony seats. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE and at www.goldenboypromotions.com or by visiting the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page. For ticket information please email us at LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com.

In the non-televised action, super lightweight prospect trained by former World Champion Fernando Vargas, Cesar “The Great” Quiñonez (1-0, 1 KO) will fight for the second time as a professional against an opponent to be named in a four round super lightweight fight. Quiñonez signed with Golden Boy Promotions before making his professional debut on January 17 in Las Vegas on the Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne card in a wildly exciting second round knockout over Joan Jose Valenzuela.

Also featured on the exciting undercard will be three undefeated and talented rising stars of the sport. East Los Angeles native Roy Tapia (10-0-1, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round super bantamweight battle against an opponent to be determined. Lightweight newcomer Jesus Delgado (3-0-1, 1 KO) will engage in a four round bout against Las Vegas’ Rocco Espinoza (4-11). Opening up the night, super bantamweight prospect Emilio Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) will face and opponent yet to be named in a four-round fight.

The Knockout Experience VIP package is also available for an additional $25 upgrade and includes access to an exclusive VIP Lounge and Bar; a meet and greet opportunity with Oscar De La Hoya, the fighters and other celebrities attending the event; as well as, a picture in the ring and an entry into the LA FIGHT CLUB grand prize drawing, which can include but is not limited to: backstage access, tour of locker rooms, fighter ring walk, tickets to upcoming boxing events and additional merchandise and prizes.

Golden Boy Promotions is offering a special for group ticket purchasers when you buy four $80 seats or six $40 seats you will receive an automatic upgrade to the LA FIGHT CLUB Knockout Experience. Group sales can be purchased online by clicking HERE and www.goldenboypromotions.com or by visiting the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, South El Monte’s Diaz Jr. is rapidly displaying the skills and poise to become a feared contender in the sport. At just 21-years-old, Diaz is gearing up for his third headlining event on Golden Boy Live! and hoping to add Delgado to his list of victories, which already includes seasoned fighters Ramiro Robles, Raul Hidalgo, Roberto Castaneda and Jose Angel Barenza.

Fighting out of Tacubaya, Distrito Federal, Mexico, Delgado has a tall task in his U.S. debut when he takes on the undefeated former Olympian Diaz. A professional since 2010, he won his first 12 fights before suffering a defeat to Roberto Amador in 2012. He rebounded to win two more fights by knockout before losing a split decision to Edgar Lozano. Most recently, he won a knockout victory in October 2013 against Aaron Olivares. Now, Delgado looks to make his U.S. debut in-style on March 6.

A professional since 2013, the promising knockout artist Gonzalez of Buena Park, Calif. is a boxing legacy as his brother is the former WBC Featherweight World Champion Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez. He has destroyed all willing to face him thus far in his career, winning each bout by knockout. Gonzalez has shown that he is a power puncher to watch in 2015 and beyond.

Guevara is a rising undefeated lightweight prospect that has been moving up the boxing ranks since his professional debut in 2011. New to the Golden Boy Promotions team, Guevara is ready to take his career to the next level when he faces off against Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico’s Carlos Morales.

Now training out of Highland Park, Calif., Morales is a tough fighter looking to carry his winning streak into the New Year. Undefeated since 2013, Morales is looking to advance into the next stage in the lightweight division and beating Guevara will get him closer to his shot at a title match.

Hailing from Balleybofey in County Donegal, Ireland, the 22-year-old Quigley had an outstanding amateur career becaming the first Irish fighter to win a Silver medal at the AIBA World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2013, earned gold medals in the 2013 European Championships, the 2009 European Youth tournament and the 2012 European U23 Tournament. He started his professional career in 2014 and very quickly garnered attention as he quickly ending each of his fight via knockout against Howard Reece, Fernando Najera and Greg McCoy.

Louisiana native, Lanny Dardar is a relative newcomer looking to build his career. A professional since 2009 the 27-year-old took a break from boxing after his professional debut and in 2014 impressively took on five fights. Dardar is now looking to start 2015 in the right direction when he faces Quigley on March 6.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Diaz vs. Delgado is a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Mexico Live It To Believe It!. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.

The LA FIGHT CLUB is a monthly boxingseries premiering March 6 and will take place on the first Thursday of each month, upcoming dates: April 2, May 7 and June 4. It will showcase the brightest stars in the sport and present these exciting matchups in a nightclub atmosphere with an original setup. The boxing ring will be set on the main floor of the Belasco Theater with on-camera standing room for fans in front of the ring similar to a concert pit, as well as reserved balcony and floor seats. Los Angeles’ own DJ Ray of Big Boy’s Neighborhood will spin music during the fights and fans will be able to dance and mingle with the fighters when the venue converts into a night club, in a VIP experience not matched by any promoter in the industry.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @FoxSports, @FoxSports1, @FoxDeportes, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/ TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @belascola and follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB.

The February 13 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra will feature the quarterfinals of the junior middleweight portion of Boxcino 2015. The single-elimination, two-weight class tournament will feature eight fighters in both the junior middleweight and heavyweight divisions. The telecasts will also flashback to Buster Douglas’ historic heavyweight championship upset win over then-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as the bout celebrates its 25th anniversary this week.

Friday’s show, from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. ESPN Deportes will televise the fights Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. The card is promoted by Banner Promotions.

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore will be ringside with Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will be on-site presenting all the latest boxing news and highlights. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on both ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Junior Middleweight Quarterfinal Matchups: Six Rounds Each

Friday’s shows will include video profiles of each fighter prior to each bout. The first round of the junior middleweight tournament will feature:

Stanyslav Skorohod (8-0, 6 KOs) vs. Michael Moore (13-0, 6 KOs)
Cleotis Pendarvis (17-4-2, 6 KOs) vs. Ricardo Pinell (10-1-1, 6 KOs)
Vito Gasparyan (14-3-5, 8 KOs) vs. Simeon Hardy (13-0, 10 KOs)
Brandon Adams (15-1, 10 KOs) vs. Alex Perez (18-1, 10 KOs)

LONDON (11 FEB) American heavyweight Kevin Johnson has expressed his admiration for Hughie Lewis Fury and backed the unbeaten youngster to fulfil his potential and one day win a world heavyweight title.

The 20-year-old Fury, cousin of Tyson, takes a major step up in class on February 21, when he meets Ukrainian puncher Andriy Rudenko over ten rounds in Monte Carlo, and Johnson, who has helped Hughie with sparring ahead of the fight, is amazed at the rate of improvement.

“I fell in love with the kid back in Canada when I first boxed with him,” he said. “He must’ve only been 17 or 18 years of age.

“What I love about the guy is he’s brought a little bit of the American craft and added that to his style. That’s unusual for fighters from over here. Most fighters from Europe tend to be pretty basic – one-two, one-two, one-two-three type of fighters. But this kid has learnt and developed the American way and that separates him from the rest.

“I see things in him that these other prospects don’t have. He has composure, poise and he can throw shots they can’t. He doesn’t just do the A, B, C, basic stuff. He’s always thinking in there and is able to improvise when he needs to. The kid can hit, too. He hits like a horse kicks. You can’t play with him.

“He’s coming up right behind Tyson already and he’s only 20 years of age. That’s incredible. I really do think he has the ability to go all the way.”

As for the test that awaits Fury on February 21, Johnson sees no reason why Hughie Lewis won’t be able to keep his unbeaten record intact.

“This is no easy walk in the park for Hughie,” said Johnson. “If he gets careless and gets clipped, he could get dropped or worse.

“Some people are surprised he’s stepped up so quickly, but I’m not. I always say this to myself: ‘If you plan on being the world heavyweight champion, why the hell would you worry about a guy who is 21-0? He’s not the heavyweight champion. He means nothing to me.’

“Well, I think Hughie is probably looking at Rudenko the same way. He sees him as a guy who is 24-1 and who has been beaten by Lucas Browne. Those are the cold, hard facts. Rudenko is not a world heavyweight champion and he probably never will be. Hughie, though, is good enough to one day win a world heavyweight title, so he should be confident of beating a guy like Rudenko at this stage.

“Does Hughie want to be a champion? If he doesn’t, this fight will be a struggle on February 21. He may find his level and come unstuck. But if Hughie does want to be a champion – and I’m certain he does – he’ll ace this test with flying colours. He’ll show he’s on a different level.”

Unsurprisingly, Johnson is enjoying his time with Team Fury in Bolton and sees the experience as perfect preparation ahead of a proposed fight against Anthony Joshua on April 25.

“It’s like a reality television show here,” he said. “When we’re not in the gym, we’re not in the gym. But when we’re in the gym, it’s about the gym and it’s about training and giving your best. You give everything. There’s no time to mess around with any foolishness.

“These are serious people and we’ve all got serious fights on the horizon. You have to give it your all because you can get hurt if you don’t. I love camps like this. It’s why I got into boxing. The atmosphere is just great. We work five days a week and do unlimited rounds. It just never stops.”

*** Fury vs. Rudenko is part of the ‘Thunderbolt in Monaco’ show on February 21 (Channel 5). Headlining the event will be the WBA Super world middleweight title fight between the fearsome Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Britain’s Martin Murray ***

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Paul Smith (35-4, 20 KOs) can settle the score with Arthur Abraham (41-4, 28 KOs) in their WBO World Super Middleweight Championship rematch on February 21 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany.

Smith was left disappointed after finding himself on the wrong end of a unanimous points decision in his first attempt to dethrone the German champion. Although, the 32 year-old is aware he may face an even tougher task in the repeat of their September showdown, he is confident of bringing the belt back to Britain.

‘’I’m extremely confident,’’ said the 32 year-old former British Champion. ‘’I went into the first fight believing I could beat Abraham, this time I go into the fight knowing I can beat him. I know what I am in with now and I’m 100% confident I will win. He won’t be able to rely on the judges this time.

‘’I do believe Abraham will be fitter this time, he will come to fight and that is exactly what I’ve prepared for. I’m certainly fitter and better than last time too, and I‘ve improved technically. The first fight for me was a chance to prove that I belong at world level. Although, I didn’t get the decision, I felt I beat him and I got a massive confidence boost from that. I now know I belong at world level and I know I can mix it with the best.’’

Despite fighting in Abraham’s hometown, Smith will not have to worry about a lack of support. The Liverpudlian brought a travelling army of fans with him to Kiel for their first fight, and is expecting an even better turn out in the German capital.

‘’I’ve already sold more tickets,’’ reveals Smith. ‘’Last time there was the Merseyside football derby, Liverpool vs. Everton on the same day. I have friends who wouldn’t miss a derby for their own mother’s funeral, never mind one of my fights. This time everyone is coming and we will all be celebrating in Berlin after I win!’’

Judgement Day: Abraham vs. Smith II is available to watch live on Sat.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK. British heavyweight star David Price (18-2, 15 KOs) is also in action, he takes on Irineu Beato Costa Junior (16-2, 14 KOs), while rising German star Enrico Koelling (16-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title against Mirco Ricci (13-2, 4 KOs). Tickets are available via tickethall.de.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 10) – Randy “El Matador” Caballero suffered an ankle injury during training camp and has withdrawn from his IBF Bantamweight World Title defense scheduled for Feb. 27 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The Feb. 27 event will proceed, with a new main event to be announced shortly and a full card of exciting fighters featured on the live FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes telecast from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

“I was very excited to bring my first title defense to my hometown for all my fans, friends and family who have been on this journey with me from the beginning,” said Randy Caballero. “I am devastated that this injury is stopping me from continuing this journey; however I expect to make a full recovery from surgery and will be ready to face any opponent that wants to stand in my way. I promise my fans that I will back and better than ever!”

As previously announced the Golden Boy Live! card will feature the exciting rising star Diego De La Hoya (8-0, 6 KOs) against Manuel Roman (17-3-3, 6 KOs) as the co-main super bantamweight eight-round event and Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (2-0, 2 KOs) will fight against Roy McCary (3-2, 3 KOs) in the opening four-round televised bout. Nick Arce (1-0, 1 KOs) fights in his second professional match against Lyonell Kelly (1-4-1) of Los Angeles, Calif. in a four-round lightweight bout. Finally, Oscar Negrete (7-0, 3 KOs), will make his third appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino as he faces Hemet’s Fernando Fuentes (5-3, 1 KO) in a six-round bantamweight contest.

Fans in attendance will also get a taste of the best talent from the local area as well as the professional debut of two-time Brazilian Olympic team member Everton Lopes in a four-round super lightweight fight against an opponent yet to be announced. Local favorite, Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (7-0, 3 KOs) will face fellow unbeaten Gabriel “Gato Salvaje” Lopez (3-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight showdown. In the opener, scheduled for four rounds in the heavyweight division, Alex Rivera (1-0) of Coachella squares off with Los Angeles’ Richard Ballard (0-1).

Due to the nature of the cancelled main event being a championship title fight, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has reduced ticket prices to $25, $35 and $45 and is accepting ticket exchanges at a the new revised and reduced price in person at the Fantasy Springs Box Office or via telephone (800) 827-2946. Tickets previously purchased will no longer be valid and a ticket exchange is NECESSARY. It is highly recommended to replace tickets at your earliest convenience as new tickets purchased for the February 27, 2015 fight will be based on seating availability. Fantasy Springs Box Office hours are 10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. daily. For more information, please call (800) 827-2946 or visit www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

# # #

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

New York, NY, February 10, 2015 – Miller Lite has been named the official title sponsor for Bellator MMA events in 2015, marking the first-ever title sponsorship for the emerging MMA brand.

The partnership will debut with Bellator 134: The British Invasion on Friday, February 27 from the Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, CT.

“We are thrilled to partner with Miller Lite as we embark on our biggest year ever at Bellator,” said Scott Coker, Bellator president. “We share a similar philosophy with Miller Lite where we put quality above all else.”

“We’ve enjoyed being a part of the Bellator family for the past two years and are excited to become the first premier sponsor,” said Adam Dettman, MillerCoors director of sports, entertainment and licensing. “We know MMA resonates with Miller Lite fans and look forward to another great year.”

“Bellator MMA Presented by Miller Lite” will feature many of the most exciting athletes in the world in hard-hitting events from all around the country. The Miller Lite sponsorship will be across all of Spike and Bellator’s platforms and on-site at venues. The partnership includes an on-air branded fight clock graphic, mat signage, custom tune-in spots, and signage at all press conferences. Miller Lite will also support local market activations.

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 Miller Brewing Company
Miller Brewing Company was founded in 1855 by Frederick J. Miller when he purchased the Plank Road Brewery in Milwaukee, a city he chose as the best place for a brewery given its access to great water. Miller Lite, the original great-tasting light pilsner beer, (MillerLite.com, Facebook.com/MillerLite, @MillerLite on Twitter) was introduced nationally in 1975 and is among the top-five selling beers in the United States. Miller Fortune (MillerFortune.com, Facebook.com/MillerFortune, @MillerFortune on Twitter) is brewed with caramel malt and cascade hops for a balanced taste and smooth finish. The brewery’s oldest enduring beer is Miller High Life (MillerHighLife.com, Facebook.com/MillerHighLife, @MillerHighLife on Twitter). Known as the Champagne of Beers, it was introduced in 1903 and is still brewed with the same yeast strain that Miller carried in his pocket from Germany. Miller Genuine Draft (MGD.com, Facebook.com/MillerGenuineDraft, @Miller_Global on Twitter), introduced in 1986, is the original cold-filtered, packaged draft beer. Miller Brewing Company operates in the United States and Puerto Rico as part of MillerCoors, a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Learn more at MillerCoors.com, at Facebook.com/MillerCoors or on Twitter through @MillerCoors.

About Spike TV:
Spike TV 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 TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’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.

Toronto, Canada – The UFC® announced an updated fight card and released ticket prices for UFC® 186: DILLASHAW vs. BARAO II at the Bell Centre on Saturday, April 25. The organization will be returning to Montreal with two championship title fights including the highly anticipated re-match between the world’s No.9-ranked pound-for-pound mixed martial artist, UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw (12-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Ca., USA), and No.1 contender Renan Barao (35-2, 1NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The new co-main event will feature UFC flyweight champion and the world’s No.3 ranked pound-for-pound fighter Demetrious Johnson (21-2-1, fighting out of Parkland, WA, USA) against No.8 ranked Kyoji Horiguchi (15-1, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan). Tickets for UFC® 186: DILLASHAW vs. BARAO II will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m. EST.

Dillashaw and Barao’s first bout earned “Fight of the Night” honours at UFC® 173 in May 2013. The 135-pound champion Barao entered the Octagon® with an impressive 32-fight unbeaten streak and three successful title defenses since becoming champion in 2012. However, Dillashaw dominated Barao throughout four rounds and earned a fifth round TKO victory. The two were slated for a re-match at UFC® 177 in August 2014, but Barao was forced to cancel due to issues with his weight cut. With Barao out, Joe Soto, who was originally scheduled to fight on the undercard, stepped in to challenge Dillashaw for the title. After four rounds, Dillashaw landed a head kick to earn another KO victory in the fifth round to defend his title for the first time. Dillashaw has won seven of his last eight, with three by submission and five by KO. Meanwhile, Barao was back in action in December 2014 and earned a “Performance of the Night” arm triangle choke submission victory over Canadian Mitch Gagnon. Barao is a dangerous submission specialist and has won 15 of 35 by submission and eight by knockout.

Johnson is the first and only flyweight champion in UFC history, winning the belt in 2012 against top competitor Joseph Benavidez. Currently on an eight-fight unbeaten streak, “Mighty Mouse” owns eight wins by submission and four by knockout, proving the range of his dangerous skill set. Johnson will look to defend his belt for the sixth time against rising contender Horiguchi, who is currently 4-0 in the UFC and on a nine-fight win streak. Horiguchi, who has five first-round finishes and nine wins by knockout, will be on a mission to bring UFC gold back to Japan for the first time. The UFC® 186 co-main event also marks the introduction of the 125-pound division to La Belle Province, as it will be the first UFC flyweight tilt ever to be held in the Province of Quebec. The Bell Centre faithful will see firsthand the speed and agility the flyweights bring inside the Octagon® as they demonstrate why the division is like no other in the UFC.

The previously scheduled bout between welterweights Rory MacDonald and Hector Lombard has been removed from the card and updates for both fighters will be provided when available.

The Ultimate Fighter® Nations winner Chad Laprise (10-0, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) has also been added to the card. Laprise will face American Bryan Barberena (10-2, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz., USA) in a lightweight bout.

Other confirmed bouts for UFC® 186: DILLASHAW vs. BARAO II include:
· Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-10, fighting out of Irvine, Ca., USA) will make his return to the Octagon® after a two year absence. He will face No.13 ranked Fabio Maldonado (22-7, fighting out of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) in a battle of heavy handed strikers at 205 pounds

· No.9 ranked Englishman Michael Bisping (26-7-0, fighting out of Manchester, England) will face a tough test in finishing specialist and No.11 ranked C.B. Dolloway (16-7, fighting out of Tempe, Az., USA) in the middleweight division

· Veteran power-puncher Yves Jabouin (20-9, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) fights undefeated Thomas Almeida (18-0, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) in a bantamweight fight sure to produce fireworks

· Patrick Côté (21-9, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) will meet knockout artist Joe Riggs (40-15, fighting out of Glendale, Az., USA) in a welterweight showdown

· John Makdessi (12-3, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) will face 12-6 Abel Trujillo (12-6,1NC, fighting out of Boca Raton, FL., USA) in a lightweight bout

· In a battle of The Ultimate Fighter® alums, judo black belt Olivier Aubin-Mercier (6-1, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) clashes with David Michaud (8-1, fighting out of Glendale, Az., USA) in a lightweight tilt

· Welterweight Nordine Taleb (10-2, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) meets Brazil’s Claudio Silva (11-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

· World champion boxer Jessica Rakoczy (1-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nv., USA), originally from Hamilton, Ontario, makes her return to the Octagon® after becoming The Ultimate Fighter® runner-up in 2013. She will meet another striking specialist and fellow Canadian, Valerie Letourneau (6-3, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fl., USA by way of Montreal, Canada), in a strawweight bout. Both women have dropped a weight class and enter the newest division in the UFC

Tickets for UFC® 186: DILLASHAW vs. BARAO II go on sale Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m. EST at evenko.ca and the Bell Centre box office. Tickets are priced at $375, $250, $150, $100, $90, $75 and $50. Ticket sales are limited to eight per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m. EST via the website www.ufcfightclub.com and are limited to six per person. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Friday, February 27 starting at 10 a.m. EST with a limit of eight per person. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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

About UFC®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell-out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. In Canada, the UFC has broadcast agreements with TSN, RDS and Fight Network, which includes live events broadcasts, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.ca and follow UFC on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UFC, on Twitter @UFC_CA and Instagram @UFC.

‘The World Awaits’ as Patrick Nielsen (23-1, 11 KOs) makes the move up to super middleweight. In his maiden fight at 168lbs, the Danish boxing star will headline an action-packed Nordic Fight Night show on March 14 at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen.

‘’I’ve been fighting at the middleweight limit for five-years,’’ said Nielsen, who returns following a unanimous points victory over Lukasz Wawrzyczek in December. ‘’I’m only 23 years old, so it’s natural that during this time my body is going to grow and develop.

‘’It has been getting more and more difficult for me to make the weight. In my last two fights in particular, I struggled. I was left feeling drained and wasn’t able to perform as well as I know I can.

‘’At super middleweight it’s going to be a different story. I’m going to be able to bring a lot more power and a lot more excitement. I feel stronger already. There are some massive fights out there for me and I’m ready to mix it with the top guys in the division. I want to be the best, and to be the best I must beat the best.’’

The move up to super middleweight marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Copenhagen-boxer, beginning on March 14 at the Ballerup Super Arena.

‘’It’s a great venue,’’ said Nielsen. ’I’ve been there to watch the Six Day Race, and I’m looking forward to fighting there on March 14. I think the way the arena is set up is going to make for a really special atmosphere. It’s only ten minutes away from my home, so I’m expecting all my fans to come to support me and make a lot of noise!’’

Nielsen’s coach, former two-time world champion, Joey Gamache, believes the time is right for the Dane to move up in weight, and expects a new and improved performance from him in the ring on March 14.

‘’This is the right decision at the right time for Patrick,’’ said Gamache. ‘’I think at super middleweight we are going to see his true potential. He has had to drop a lot of weight going into fights in the past and that has affected his performances.

‘’He’s not a small guy, and with his size, height and reach he is more suited to super middleweight. It’s something we have talked about for a while. We sat down as a team and decided the time is right to make the move up now.

‘’He’s not meant to be a middleweight. His younger brother Micki is a cruiserweight, so that tells you something about his family genetics. He’s been fighting at that weight for five years and he is not a skinny eighteen-year kid anymore. He’s matured and developed. It’s been a struggle for him to make the weight since I started working with him.

‘’At super middleweight he is going to be fresher. Everything is going to be better, his strength, endurance and resistance. It will also allow us to be more aggressive in the ring. He is going to be able to carry a lot more power at super middleweight and that is going to trouble a lot of his opponents.’’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is looking forward to bringing the Nordic Fight Night to the Ballerup Super Arena, and is promising excitement in Nielsen’s super middleweight debut.

‘’The move up in weight is going to benefit Patrick massively,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’I believe we are going to see a completely different fighter in the ring on March 14. More weight means more power, and with more power comes more excitement.

‘’This is a big step for Patrick. The super middleweight division is one of the strongest in the world. There are some great fighters and great fights out there, Patrick is going to be a part of this.

‘’The Ballerup Super Arena it is a fantastic arena and will provide a great setting for the Nordic Fight Night. As always, we will bring fans an action-packed show, featuring the very best of Scandinavian boxing. We will be making further announcements regarding the undercard and Patrick’s opponent in the coming days.’’

”We‘re delighted to welcome the Nordic Fight Night to the Ballerup Super Arena,’’ said Venue Director, Keith Lemmon. ‘’We have a fantastic history of staging top quality sporting events, and we look forward to hosting another on March 14. We believe the Ballerup Super Arena will provide the perfect setting for an exciting evening of world class boxing!”

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night go on sale today at 14.00 and are available via billetlugen.dk. All the action will be shown live in Denmark on TV3 and TV3 Sport channels.

LONDON (10 FEB) Though he sees the improvements in his son on a daily basis, coach Peter Fury is well aware of the significance of the test that awaits Hughie Lewis Fury on February 21 in Monte Carlo.

The 20-year-old heavyweight tackles Ukrainian puncher Andriy Rudenko over ten rounds – a fight televised by Channel 5 – and Peter is backing his son to rise to the occasion and steal the show.

“Rudenko is a good test for him,” he said. “By no means is this an easy fight. If Hughie had a bit of a weak chin or some major flaws, Rudenko wouldn’t be the kid we’d pick for this fight. We’d steer clear of him completely.

“You’ve got to be wary of Rudenko because he’s quite good at cutting the ring off. You’re not going to just keep him at bay with your jab. He’ll walk through your shots to land his own. He’s very, very tough and durable.

“Also, let’s not forget we had him over for sparring before Tyson’s (Fury) fight with Dereck Chisora last year. Tyson landed some heavy shots on Rudenko, but the harder he hit him, the more Rudenko fought back. He’s not one to slow down or reduce his work-rate. He’s relentless.”

Hughie Lewis, 14-0 (8 KOs), has been out of the ring since May, due to illness, but is back and ready to make up for lost time. It’s why there was an emphasis placed on returning in a ten-rounder. It’s why they wanted an opponent as dangerous as Rudenko, 24-1 (16 KOs).

“I’m not expecting a stoppage in this one,” said Peter. “Rudenko’s too tough for that. He’s as tough as leather boots. And he also gets close and lets shots of his own go with bad intentions. If you stand with him and let him do that, he can do some serious damage. He’s a formidable fighter. He’s in shape and he can do rounds.

“I’m of the belief, though, that Hughie is just a better man all-round in terms of skill-set. His sheer boxing ability will see him through. He’s got a nice, relaxed style and Rudenko will have serious problems dealing with that.

“Hughie isn’t your conventional heavyweight boxer. He’s not just a slugger or an in-and-out boxer. He can do a bit of everything. I think Rudenko will just get blinded with science, to be honest. Hughie is a fantastic boxer when he wants to be and Rudenko will find it very hard to set his feet and let his bombs go.

“Rudenko knows he has to force the fight and land the big one. He’s never going to sit back and outbox somebody who is 6’6 with skills. He’s got to get in there and try and walk Hughie down.

“He’ll look at the fact that Hughie is only 20, has never really fought anybody of real note, and that this is the first big step up for him. He might take confidence from all that. He’ll say to himself, ‘Can Fury handle it on the big stage? What’s he like after six rounds.’ I guess we’ll find out on February 21. It’s got all the hallmarks of a great fight.”

*** Fury vs. Rudenko is part of the ‘Thunderbolt in Monaco’ show on February 21 (Channel 5). Headlining the event will be the WBA Super world middleweight title fight between the fearsome Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Britain’s Martin Murray ***

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Las Vegas – The UFC® announced today that Brazilian legend Rodrigo “Big Nog” Nogueira will join the cast of The Ultimate Fighter® Brazil 4, the organization’s signature television reality series, as coach following the departure of UFC middleweight Anderson Silva.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulates The Ultimate Fighter series’ exhibition fights filmed in Las Vegas, requested that Silva cease participation in the series as a result of his temporary suspension following the recently announced preliminary results of his January 9 pre-fight drug test for UFC® 183.

The UFC and Globo, the show’s Brazilian broadcaster, respect the Commission’s decision, which will allow Silva to focus his attention on the matter before the Commission. Anderson Silva has been an amazing champion and a true ambassador of the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC will continue to support him as this process unfolds.

The series, which began filming in Las Vegas on Monday, Feb. 2, originally featured Silva and former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua as head coaches. Rua will continue on as coach of Team Shogun versus the newly formed Team Nogueira, which will also include Big Nog’s twin brother Rogerio “Lil Nog” Nogueira as an assistant coach.

###

About UFC®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Philadelphia, PA–February 9, 2015– This Friday night , Mohegan Sun will feature the Boxcino Jr. Middleweight quarterfinals. Next Friday, February 20 from the Turning Stone Resort Casino will feature the Heavyweight quarterfinals.

Below are some of the important numbers as the tournament begins this Friday LIVE on ESPN 2 beginning at 9 PM ET.

Jr. Middleweights
Oldest-Alex Perez– 32
Youngest-Brandon Adams– 25
Most Fights: Cleotis Pendarvis– 23
Least Fights: Stanyslav Skorokhod– 8
Most Rounds: Pendarvis– 126
Least Rounds: Skorokhod– 27
Most KO’s: Adams, Perez, Simeon Hardy– 10
Winning %–Skorokhod, Michael Moore, Hardy– 100%
KO %: Hardy– 76.9
Total Record of 8 fighters: 104-10-8 (88.5%)-62 KO’s

Cleotis Pendarvis holds a win over former world title challenger Michael Clark and lost a majority decision to former WBA Interim champion Mauricio Herrera.

Vito Gasprayan lost a unanimous decision to current WBA Jr. Welterweight champion Jessie Vargas

-NOTE—Last year’s Lightweight champion Petr Petov was the oldest participant . He also had the most fights and fought the most rounds going into the tournament.

The weigh in will be Thursday at 5 PM at the Cabaret Theatre at The Mohegan Sun Resort Casino.

The doors will open at 7 PM on Friday with first bout beginning at 8 PM. The first television bout will be at 9 PM.

The entire Boxcino 2015 series will be televised live on “ESPN Friday Night Fights” and is promoted exclusively by Artie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions.

The February 13 event is promoted by Banner Promotions, in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES). The remaining tickets to the February 13 edition of Boxcino 2015, priced at $125, $65, $40 and $30, including facility fee, can be purchased via www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets or in person at the Mohegan Sun boxoffice.

The Boxcino 2014 tournament spawned breakout stars Willie Monroe and Petr Petrov. Both are now world-rated No. 3 as well as future stars Brandon Adams & Fernando Carcamo.

Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena Of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won “Casino of The Year” in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.

Las Vegas – The UFC® returns to Fairfax, Va. on Saturday, April 4, as the featherweight division’s No. 1 contender Chad Mendes goes to head-to-head with fourth-ranked Ricardo Lamas in the five-round main event at the Patriot Center. Having both gone the distance in title bouts against champion Jose Aldo, these battle-tested 145ers will light up the Octagon® when UFC FIGHT NIGHT® takes center stage in the Greater Washington area.

Mendes (16-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.), one of the heaviest hitters in the featherweight division, has been taking out top contenders in dominant fashion with wins over Darren Elkins, Clay Guida, Nik Lentz and Cub Swanson. His back-and-forth battle with Aldo at UFC 179 went down as one of the greatest fights in 2014. Lamas (15-3, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) boasts an equally impressive resume that includes wins over Dennis Bermudez, Erik Koch and Swanson. With combined wins over the Who’s Who in the 145-pound weight class, Mendes and Lamas eye each other as their ticket to earning another shot at the title.

The co-main event will feature a staple in the lightweight division as (No. 13) Jorge Masvidal (28-6, fighting out of Miami) takes on rising contender (No. 15) Al Iaquinta (11-3-1, fighting out of Wantagh, N.Y.), a winner of three straight. Plus, The Ultimate Fighter® season 15 winner Michael Chiesa (11-2, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) takes on Canadian-born Mitch Clarke (11-2, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.).

In addition, former top featherweight contender Dustin Poirier (16-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) will test the 155-pound waters when he makes his UFC lightweight debut against Diego Ferreira (10-1, fighting out of Pharr, Texas). Also, in a crucial women’s bantamweight bout, former title contender and women’s MMA pioneer (No. 8) Liz Carmouche (8-5, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) makes her fifth UFC appearance against rising star Lauren Murphy (8-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.).

Additional bouts include:

· (No. 11) Julianna Pena (6-2, fighting out of Spokane, Wash.), the first female season winner to emerge from The Ultimate Fighter, returns after a 17-month layoff to take on rising women’s bantamweight Milana Dudieva (11-3, fighting out of Alagir, Russia).

· Former STRIKEFORCE lightweight champion and fan-favorite (No. 11) Clay Guida (31-12, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) takes on Robbie Peralta (18-5, 1NC, fighting out of Escondido, Calif.) in a featherweight bout.

· Former lightweight title contender Gray Maynard (12-5-1, 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meets MMA veteran Alexander Yakovlev (21-6-1, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J.).

· Ron Stallings (12-7, 1NC, fighting out of Camp Spring, Md.) will make his second Octagon appearance when he meets middleweight Justin Jones (3-1, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.).

· The Ultimate Fighter season 17 alumnus Clint Hester (11-4, fighting out of Atlanta, Ga.) squares off against fellow season cast mate Luke Barnatt (8-2, fighting out of Cambridge, England).

· Plus, heavyweights Shamil Abdurahimov (15-2, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) and Timothy Johnson (8-1, fighting out of Fargo, N.D.) meet in their UFC debuts.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MENDES vs. LAMAS go on sale Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $179, $129, $94, $74 and $54 (plus applicable service charges). Tickets are available for purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at (800) 745-3000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Feb. 12 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MENDES vs. LAMAS will air live on FOX Sports 1 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Saturday, April 4, with the prelims kicking off the morning on FOX Sports 1 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT and on UFC FIGHT PASS™ at 10 a.m. ET and 7 a.m. PT.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Pittsburgh, PA (February 9, 2015) Former world champion PAUL SPADAFORA has been added to “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” on Feb. 20th at CONSOL Energy Center, it was announced today by TOM BROWN of Goossen Promotions.

Sporting a record of 49-1-1 (19KO’s), Spadafora will battle JAKE GIURICEO,
17-2-1 of Youngstown, Ohio (4KO’s) in a scheduled eight round junior welterweight off-TV bout.

“We’re very happy to add Paul in a “special attraction” bout to our Feb. 20 event,” said Brown. “For many years he was among the most skilled fighters in the sport and his battle with Giuriceo, a very tough veteran, should be one of the highlights of the evening for the fans in attendance.”

“The Pride of Pittsburgh III” is headlined by a ten round welterweight clash between local fan favorite SAMMY VASQUEZ JR., 17-0-0 (13KO’s) and Brooklyn, New York native via Accra Ghana, EMMANUEL LARTEY, 17-2-0 (9KO’s) and will be telecast on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast)

The IBF Lightweight Champion of the World from 1999 to 2003, Spadafora was undefeated for eighteen years before coming up on the short end of a 12-round majority decision to Johan Perez on November 30, 2013.

Most recently, the born and raised Pittsburgh native won an eight round unanimous decision over perennial contender Hector Velasquez on July 11, 2014 in Pittsburgh.

The 29-year-old Giuriceo returns to the ring following a fourth round knockout of Travis Hartman on July 11, 2014 in Pittsburgh on the same card of the Spadafora/Velasquez fight.

Giuriceo was undefeated from his pro debut in 2009, a span of sixteen bouts, until losing a hard fought eight round majority decision to Michael Clark in July 2012.

Advance tickets priced at $238, $100, $60, $40 and $25 for students and military with valid ID (Box Office Only), plus applicable fees, for “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” will go on sale Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. with the first bell at 6:30 p.m.

CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website, www.consolenergycenter.com

Social Media: Follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter @GoossenBoxing, Sammy Vasquez on Twitter @TeamSVasquez, SHOWTIME Sports @SHOsports and CONSOL Energy Center @CONSOLEnergyCtr. Use hashtag #VasquezLartey to follow the discussion.

For more information on Goossen Promotions view their website at www.GoossenPromotions.com For additional information on Showtime Sports visit www.Sho.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

MIAMI (Feb. 9, 2015) – Former Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso has signed a managerial contract with Si Stern’s SHS Boxing Management. The 28-year-old heavyweight prospect, who is undefeated in four professional fights, lives in Miami where he is trained by veteran Orlando Cuellar.

“I’m very happy and proud to be working with Si and Orlando,” Alfonso recently aid between training sessions. “I’m optimistic about my future and plan to take advantage of this great opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I haven’t had a good manager and trainer to get me going in the right direction until now.”

The 6′ 5″, 235-pound Alfonso is a hidden jewel who is continuing his native country’s proud heavyweight tradition, established by the late Teofilo Stevenson and carried on by Felix Savon. Alfonso’s classic style reminds some of Hall of Fame-bound Riddick Bowe.

A decorated amateur boxer, Alfonso reached the semifinals of the 2004 World Junior Championships, later becoming Cuba’s No. 1 super heavyweight by defeating Michel Lopez Nunez in the 2007 and 2008 Cuban National Boxing Championships.

At the prestigious Pan American Games in Rio, Alfonso captured a gold medal by beating Brazilian Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, 4-0, in the semifinals and Colombian Oscar Rivas, 8-4, in the championship final. Norgueira went on to become a mixed- martial-arts star in the UFC and PRIDE, while Rivas, a Colombian Olympian who now lives in Canada, is a 15-0 (10 KOs) heavyweight in the pro ranks.

Alfonso won a decision over United States Olympic super heavyweight Michael Hunter, Jr., 9-1, to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

“As most people in boxing know,” Stern commented, “I’ve been involved in the sport for quite a while and have seen a number of good young fighters. It’s rare to sign a management contract with someone like Robert Alfonso. He’s in perfect heavyweight shape his background as an amateur in Cuba is remarkable. Although he’s undefeated as a pro, he needs a first-class trainer like Orlando, who has trained champions like Glen Johnson and Orlando raves about Robert’s future. I truly believe he has all the tools and heart to get to the top of the heavyweight division very quickly. I feel great about his future.”

Alfonso’s professional career has been relatively slow to develop because he is a free agent who didn’t defect to the United States until 2011. He made his pro debut December 7, 2012, winning a four-round decision over Robert Murray in Kissimmee. Alfonso has won all four of his pro fights, including his first six-round bout a year in his last action to previously unbeaten Zakki Scott (4-0) in Maryland.

Cuba-native Cuellar, perhaps best known for training world champions Glen Johnson and Luis DeValle, has also trained fellow countrymen of his and Alfonso’s such as Yourkis Gamboa, Juan Carlos Gomez and Yan Barthelemy, in addition to his current unbeaten world light heavyweight contender Yunieski Gonzalez.

“Robert was a highly decorated Cuban amateur who won gold medals at several tournaments and he was an Olympian,” Cuellar said. “He is a physical specimen at 6′ 5″, 235 pounds. I train my fighters to drop and stop their opponents and we’re working hard so he can do that in his fights. Robert trains hard and is smart. I’m very high on him.”

SHS Management’s boxing clients also include three-time, two-division world champion Randall “KO King” Bailey, heavyweight Sherman “Tank” Williams, middleweight Marcus “Arillius” Upshaw and welterweight Damian “Devo” Frias.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Feb. 9, 2015) – M-1 Global has announced a much-anticipated rematch between M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky and challenger Ramasan Emeev to headline M-1 Challenge 56, Friday, April 10 in Moscow, Russia.

In the original showdown between these two tough middleweights, Vasilevsky took the coveted title belt from Emeev this past September 7 in St. Petersburg at M-1 Challenge 51: Fightspirit, by way of a fourth-round stoppage from punches.

The 5,000-plus fans in attendance, as well as millions of television viewers, thoroughly enjoyed all of the action from the opening bell until the end at the 4:34 mark of the fourth round.

A Vasilevsky-Emeev rematch was a natural from the moment their first fight ended. The 26-year-old Vasilevsky (26-2-0, 10 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), who trains at Sambo 70, has won his last 10 fights and 16 of his last 17. He will be making his first M-1 Challenge middleweight title defense against Emeev in April. Vyacheslav, fighting out Russia, is unbeaten in eight M-1 Global-promoted shows, including three M-1 Challenge events.

Emeev (11-3-0, 2 KO/TKO, 5 SUB), 27, lives and trains in Makhachkala, Russia. He captured the vacant M-1 Challenge middleweight title April 9, 2012, registering a knockout (strikes) of Mario Miranda (14-4-0) in the third round at M-1 Challenge 38. Emeev, who successfully defended his title five months later via a five-round decision in a rematch with Miranda, hasn’t fought since losing to Vasilevsky.

M-1 Challenge 56 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.

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

Fight Network will air M-1 Challenge 56 live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, on 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
www.M-1Global.com

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1Global
@VFinkelchtein
@M1GlobalNews

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premiere entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With offices in St Petersburg, Amsterdam and Los Angeles and affiliates in Seoul, Tokyo and Paris, the M-1 brand has staged more than 150 events worldwide, including the M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge and M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the Showtime network in the United States. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and matchups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2014 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’s Champions amongst the greatest in the sport. M-1 Global’s greatest asset is renowned heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko.

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!

New York, NY (2/9/15) – On Saturday, March 14, DiBella Entertainment, Ring of Fire Promotions and FDNY Bravest Boxing will present an exciting night of both professional and amateur boxing, held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, titled “McMayhem in Midtown”. The pro portion of the card will be headlined by Dublin, Ireland’s world-ranked featherweight contender Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland (29-1, 13 KOs). Fans in attendance will also be treated to the long-awaited return of popular light heavyweight boxer-turned-New York firefighter Will “Power” Rosinsky (17-2, 9 KOs). The amateur portion of the card will be made up of fights between the FDNY Bravest Boxing team and the Garda Siochana Boxing team of the Irish National Police Force who will be making the trip over from Ireland.

Tickets for “McMayhem in Midtown” are priced at $100, $65 and $35. Tickets go on sale today, Monday, February 9, at 12 p.m. ET. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.thegarden.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at (866) 858-0008, or by visiting the MSG Box Office. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 PM.

This event will mark the third meeting between the FDNY Bravest Boxing team and Garda Siochana, with the 2015 Transatlantic Championship at stake. An excited FDNY Team President Bobby McGuire stated, “It is an honor to host the Garda Boxing Club in the historic first ever Pro-Am boxing event at Madison Square Garden while also having the opportunity to raise funds for ‘Building Homes for Heroes’, making this a truly special event. The Irish team is a very tough bunch and has a ton of heart, but our guys will be ready and, if history repeats itself, it’s going to be a memorable donnybrook. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the St Patrick’s Day weekend than with some really exciting bouts, for a really great cause, at the Mecca of boxing.”

“This is a great idea and concept and, most importantly, for a great cause, having FDNY’s boxing team square off against the Irish National Police Force just days before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities that will be taking place all over NYC. We are very excited to be a part of this event, and proud to have two of our own from DiBella Entertainment’s roster fighting on this card, with Will Rosinsky, a member of FDNY’s Bravest making his long-awaited return to the ring, and Ireland’s Patrick Hyland, who is truly one of the best featherweights in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

Nicknamed “The Punisher”, Hyland will be returning to the States following a dominant eight-round decision over Oszkar Fiko, on November 15, in Dublin. Sometimes a fighter can be held in high regard in a brave-but-losing effort and that’s exactly what happened when Hyland met the 20-0 interim WBA featherweight champion Javier Fortuna at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, on December 8, 2012. Though Hyland would lose a decision, he proved on a major stage that he was a world-class fighter in providing a competitive fight against the highly touted and undefeated Fortuna. He looked sensational in his ring return on July 23, 2014, stopping the tough Noel Echevarria in four rounds, headlining DiBella Entertainment’s “Broadway Boxing” series in New York City. He has won Intercontinental and International titles in his career thus far and has his focus set on winning a world championship. Looking to continue on that path, Hyland is thrilled to be making his debut at Madison Square Garden, in a featherweight contest scheduled for 10 rounds.

“It’s great to be fighting back in New York again and especially at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden,” said Hyland. “It’s every boxers dream to fight there and I’m certainly no different. I’ve been to fights there and you can feel the history in the place. All the greats have fought there over the years, so to get a chance to fight there myself is a dream come true.

“I want to prove that I’m ready to take on the best at featherweight and put on a show for the Irish and New York fans. This is going to be a big year for me and I’m hungrier than ever to get my hands on a world title.”

Following a two-year layoff, the highly touted Rosinsky is eager to return to the venue that saw him win four Golden Gloves championships as an amateur. Debuting in 2008, Rosinsky steadily progressed, building his record to 14-0, to earn a shot at the undefeated super middleweight contender Edwin Rodriguez in October 2011, with the bout televised by Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. Though he would lose a decision, Rosinsky gamely battled Rodriguez the entire route, doing his best work in close quarters. An impressive victory over the tall and lanky prospect Aaron Pryor Jr. on “Broadway Boxing” set him up for an HBO-televised contest against former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. Once again, Rosinsky gave the former champion a tough outing, but would go on to lose a 10-round decision. Rosinsky bounced back to defeat Otis Griffin, winner of “The Next Great Champ” televised tournament, in December 2012. He then went into his short-lived retirement to pursue another dream of becoming a firefighter. During his probationary period with the FDNY, Rosinsky was unable to enter the ring.

“I left the boxing world temporarily with a simple message to my fans, ‘Be back soon’. Entering the FDNY was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I have already gained a ton of knowledge, a brand new family and a support system second to none.

“At this moment, I am currently off of my probationary status in the FDNY and ready to enter the ring again. With my faithful family, fans, and friends alongside my new support system (the FDNY), I am glad to come back to where I originally made my mark. MSG is a great landmark of NY and I am proud to say that I was announced Golden Gloves champion there four years in a row. Coming back into the boxing world, I want everyone to know that I am ready and just like any intelligent individual with time, I am more educated, more trained, and better than before.”

The event is sanctioned by USA Boxing and the NYSAC.

LONDON (9 FEB) World-ranked bantamweight Lee Haskins looks to steal the show when he faces Omar Lamiri for the vacant European title on February 21 in Monte Carlo.

The fight, televised by Channel 5, makes up part of the undercard to Gennady Golovkin’s WBA Super world middleweight title defence against St. Helens’ Martin Murray, and former European champion Haskins, thankful for the showcase, is ready to catapult himself towards a world title shot in 2015.

“I always knew I was going to fight for the European title again because I’m the number one contender, but the venue was a big surprise to me,” he said. “A good one, too.

“I’m looking forward to being part of an event like this and boxing in Monte Carlo. It’s supposed to be a really nice place and I’ve heard lots about it. It should be a great experience.

“I’m also a big fan of Gennady Golovkin. I’ve watched a few of his fights over the years and it will be a privilege to box on one of his shows.

“I think Martin Murray is a quality fighter who has been in some very good fights. He’s tough, he’s durable and he’s strong. If Golovkin’s punch power is for real, it will be a great test. Nobody has an easy time with Murray.”

Haskins, 30-3 (13 KOs), doesn’t expect to have an easy time with Lamiri, either. At this point in his 11-year career, no good can come from overlooking an opponent. Haskins knows this better than most.

But that’s not to say he isn’t full of confidence going into the vacant European title fight.

“I haven’t seen anything in Lamiri to worry me too much,” he said. “He’s had a couple of good wins over a couple of good fighters, but he’s still a bit of an unknown quantity. He hasn’t really looked spectacular. It will be good to see what he can do on the night.

“I think he boxes a little bit like me to some extent, but he’s more of a rip-off version. He’s quite unorthodox.

“I just think I’ll be too strong for him. I’m very powerful at the weight, and I’ll be too awkward, too quick and have too many tools for him. I’ll be better than him in every department.

“They all say the same thing – ‘We’ve watched Lee box and we’ve worked him out.’ But there’s no way of working me out. Even I don’t know what I’m going to do until I get in there. Fair play to them if they work me out, but I wouldn’t count on it.”

Haskins is happier at 31 years of age than he’s ever been before. He’s unbeaten since 2012 and is ranked inside the top 15 by the four major world governing bodies. There is perhaps no better time for him to finally realise his dream and fight for a world title.

“I’ve got a lot of experience behind me now and know a lot of tricks of the trade,” he said. “I remember what I was like when I’d had 14 or 15 fights. I was rubbish, to be fair. I was just winning. I never used to train, I never used to take the sport seriously. I just got by on talent.

“Now I’ve got my head properly screwed on and I’m training hard. I’m in the best shape ever and this is the best I’ve felt since I first started boxing.

“Back in the day they used to say age was a big factor. But nowadays people realise it’s a load of rubbish. Obviously, once you get to a certain age you do feel it, but the science behind the sport and the training allows us to to improve all the time.

“If you’d seen my training a few years ago, you’d have laughed. It was nothing compared to what it is now.

“I’m currently in the best place possible, physically and mentally, and I’ll show everybody what I’m all about on February 21.”

*** Haskins vs. Lamiri is part of the ‘Thunderbolt in Monaco’ show on February 21 (Channel 5). Headlining the event will be the WBA Super world middleweight title fight between the fearsome Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Britain’s Martin Murray ***

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Micki Nielsen (17-0, 12 KOs) continues his ascent to the top of the cruiserweight division. The 21 year-old Dane dominated Julio Cesar Dos Santos (27-4, 24 KOs) last night at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, Denmark to claim the WBC International title.

Nielsen proved he is much more than just a power-puncher with an impressive performance against the 37 year-old Brazilian. After ten rounds of action the Albertslund-boxer was ahead on all three of the judges scorecards (100-91, 100-90 and 99-91).

‘’Dos Santos was a tough opponent,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’He is an experienced guy, who boxed with a high guard and made himself difficult to hit. But when I did get to him, I hurt him. I think I was close to stopping him a few times.

‘’I was a little disappointed I didn’t get the knockout, but I’m still happy with my performance. My preparation for this fight was perfect. My coach Joey Gamache had a great game plan for me. This fight was another step up for me and now I’m ready to take more.’’

In the evening’s second title fight, Swedish southpaw Anthony Yigit (12-0-1, 4 KOs) stopped Kim Poulsen (26-2, 7 KOs) with a six-round masterclass to claim the WBC Baltic Welterweight title.

Yigit outworked and outclassed his Danish opponent. Poulsen was floored by a vicious body shot in the fifth-round, before an explosive uppercut put an end to the action in the sixth.

‘’Kim is a good boxer, but tonight I proved I’m a level above,’’ said Yigit. ‘’He couldn’t handle my power or my pace. This is my second win in Denmark against Danish opposition. It was an important victory for me. Now, I want the big fights and I want to challenge for the big titles.’’

Dennis Ceylan (13-0-1, 7 KOs) was back to his best with a seventh round stoppage of Cristian Montilla (6-4-1, 3 KOs). Rising star Abdul Khattab (10-0, 3 KO) battled to a points victory over the experienced Alexey Ribchev (19-12-1, 6 KOs). Danish lightweight Rashid Kassem (7-0, 4 KOs) maintained his unbeaten record with a second round stoppage of Gyula Tallosi (5-2, 4 KOs)).

Norwegian talents Kai Robin Havnaa (2-0, 1 KO), Simen Smaadal (9-1, 4 KOs) and Alexander Hagen (6-1, 2 KOs) all scored knockout victories, while Tim-Robin Lihaug (10-1, 5 KOs) outpointed Ugandan southpaw Farouk Daku (18-7-1, 9 KOs) in a tactical eight-round encounter, and Ghanaian lightweight star Richard Commey (20-0, 18 KOs) improved to 20-0 with a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Mikheil Avakyan (27-19-4, 12 KOs).

Former WBO Super Flyweight Champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (19-1-1, 15 KOs) arrived yesterday in Las Vegas to continue working with trainer Jun Agrabio, Sampson Boxing stablemate and fellow former world champion John Riel Casimero, as well as strength and conditioning coach Angel Heredia, for his upcoming fight against Puerto Rico’s Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (22-0-1, 16 KOs).

Team Sonsona will be training at Roy Jones Jr.’s Gym.

Ranked #2 WBC, #5 WBA, #4 IBF and #12 WBO, Sonsona, will face Velez (ranked #3 WBC) in a final elimination bout to face champion Jhonny Gonzalez and in defense of his NABF Featherweight Championship.

While working with Agrabio, the 24-year-old Sonsona, of General Santos City, Philippines, has rededicated himself to his boxing career and the results have shown. He knocked out former world champion Akifumi Shimoda in three brutal rounds last February and then avenged his only loss, to Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by way of a split decision victory in June.

“I’m very happy that Sonsona and Casimero are working together in Las Vegas, my hometown,” said the pair’s co-promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (along with Sammy Gello-ani), and I’m looking forward to having two more champions for my promotional company in the very near future.”

Casimero, from Cebu City, Philippines, is currently waiting to face the winner of the upcoming IBF flyweight title fight between current champion Amnat Ruenroeng and China’s Zou Shiming in March.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

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

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

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

Ghanaian lightweight star Richard Commey (20-0, 18 KOs) improves to 20-0 with a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Mikheil Avakyan (27-19-4, 12 KOs) tonight at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, Denmark.

Commey looked slick, dominating the early rounds and scoring well with heavy shots. Avakyan was deducted a point in the fourth round for excessive holding. Moments later referee Freddy Rafn called a halt to the action, sparing the Georgian any further punishment.

‘’I’m happy with my performance,’’ said the current Commonwealth Champion. ‘’He was an awkward opponent. He just wanted to hold and grapple. But as soon as I found my rhythm I was able to start catching him with big shots. It’s great to get another knockout win on my record. Now, I’m looking forward to my next fight on March 21 in South Africa!’’

Queens, NY (February 6, 2015)–On Saturday Night, February 14 Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing will promote a very special night of Boxing, Championship Title Boxing from the Resorts World Casino New York City, which will air LIVE on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET.

In one main event, Perennial Heavyweight contender Derric Rossy (29-9, 14 KO’s) will take on undefeated Akhror Muralimov (16-0, 13 KO’s) in a 10-round bout for the IBF North American Heavyweight title. In a co-main event, the popular & undefeated Mike Lee (13-0, 7 KO’s) will fight Gary Tapusoa (6-3-1, 5 KO’s) in a 6-round bout for the UBF All America’s title.

After Lee gets done with his bout, he will join ringside commentators Bob Sheridan and Benny Ricardo as a special guest announcer for the Rossy – Muralimov bout

“I am excited about this bout & excited about joining the commentators for the main event,” said the undefeated Lee.

“I look forward to commentating on such a prestigious network.”

Rossy of Medford, NY has faced and beaten some of the top Heavyweights in the world such as Gary Bell (22-3-1), Shannon Miller (14-2), Edward Gutierrez (15-3-1), Former Heavyweight champion Ray Mercer (35-6-1), William Shahan (7-0), Carl Davis Drummond (26-1), Alexis Mejias (10-2), Ian Lewison (6-1-1), Travis Walker (39-8-1), and Joe Hanks (21-1).

Rossy, 34 years-old is coming off a highly disputed majority decision defeat to current IBF number-two ranked Heavyweight Vyacheslav Glazkov on August 9 in Bethlehem, PA.

Muralimov of Houston, Texas by way of Toytepa, Uzbekistan is looking for a signature win as he already has wins over previously undefeated Olanrewaju Duradola (9-0) and Nate James (9-2).

In his last bout, Muralimov scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jason Bergman on July 26 in Washington, PA.

Lee of Chicago is popular throughout the country particularly with fans from his alma mater Notre Dame and is also known as a star of several Subway commercials.

The 27 year-old turned pro in 2010 and has wins over undefeated Peter Lewison (6-0), as well as a 6-round majority decision over Paul Gonsalves on July 25 in his hometown of Chicago.

To find out more on Mike Lee, click www.mikeleeboxing.com

Tapusoa of Independence, MO has faced 4 undefeated fighters and has a win over Nick Guivas (4-0-1).

An additional television bout will be announced at a later date.

Also slated to appear on the off-tv portion card are Super Middleweight Devaun Lee (3-1, 1 KO) of Jamaica, Queens, NY; Cruiserweight Armin Mrkanovic (6-2, 3 KO’s) of Queens, NY; Cruiserweight Dave Valykeo (4-3) of Neptune, NJ; Middleweight Henry Beckford (0-1) of New York and pro debuting Phillip LeGrand.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing can be purchased at www.rwnewyork.com or www.etix.com.

1st Bout is at 8 PM with the doors opening at 7 PM

Resorts World Casino New York City is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY