Today being his 35th birthday and having just weighed in at a rough-and-ready 146.8 lbs. for his showdown against Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (24-0, 13 KOs), you would think that Long Island, New York’s Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (22-5-1, 4 KOs) would want a victory over Harrison for his birthday gift.

Wrong. “I want to eat!!!” said a hungry Rainone, after stepping off the scale.

Rainone and Harrison (24-0, 13 KOs) will meet 10-round main-event showdown on music superstar Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports debut boxing card tomorrow (Friday, January 9), at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City and live on FOX Sports 1 (10PM ET/7PM PT).

“Eating like a normal person again after this long training camp,” is my gift to myself,” continued Rainone. “Beating Hernandez-Harrison tomorrow night? That’ll be my birthday cake!”

Also featured on the card at MSG is, Rainone’s GCP stable mate, Cecile McCalla, of Randallstown, Maryland, who will face South African southpaw Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (21-1-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF International Welterweight Championship.

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About Greg Cohen Promotions

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

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

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

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

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; Freddie Roach-trained heavyweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, currently rated #12 in the WBA; Top 15 IBF and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Undefeated Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

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

New York, NY–January 8, 2015—NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today performers and some of the celebrities who will judge the 63rd Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant, airing Sunday, January 25 (8-11 p.m. ET) on NBC. The Miss Universe contestants will be hosted in Doral, Florida and the pageant will air live from the FIU Arena. The pageant will also simulcast in Spanish on Telemundo.

The first group of judges to join the MISS UNIVERSE panel includes:

· Manny Pacquiao, Fighter of the Decade, eight-division world champion and Filipino Congressman
· Kristin Cavallari, TV host and shoe designer
· William Levy, TV and film actor who was previously named People En Espanol’s Sexiest Man Alive
· Lisa Vanderpump, Star of hit show “Vanderpump Rules” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
· Louise Roe, Fashion journalist, author, host of “Plain Jane” on MTV International and the upcoming TLC fashion series, “Style By Jury”

Multi-talented, platinum-selling solo artist, Nick Jonas will take the MISS UNIVERSE stage during the evening gown competition. The versatile performer will sing a three-song medley from his self-titled album that includes the first smash single and radio hit, “Jealous,” in addition to “Chains” and “Teacher.”

Joining Jonas in the musical lineup and performing during the MISS UNIVERSE swimsuit competition is twenty-time Latin Billboard Award winner, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Prince Royce. Latin music’s most successful young breakout superstar Prince Royce is set to perform his new English-language single entitled “Stuck on a Feeling” as well as Spanish-language hit song “Darte un Beso.” Royce is releasing his first English-language album on RCA Records this year. Jonas and Royce are the first of the musical acts to be announced for the three-hour telecast. Fans should stay tuned for more exciting performers.

Behind-the-scenes commentator Jeannie Mai returns once again to take viewers backstage to engage with contestants and talent throughout the telecast. Mai is best known as host of Style network’s two-time Emmy Award-nominated makeover series “How Do I Look?” and one of the five dynamic hosts of the nationally syndicated daytime talk show “The Real.” As previously announced, “TODAY’s” Natalie Morales and MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts will host the pageant.

The 63rd Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant will feature 88 contestants from across the globe. They will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Gabriela Isler, Miss Universe 2013 will crown her successor at the conclusion of the three-hour telecast. The MISS UNIVERSE beauty pageant is distributed to approximately 190 countries and territories.
ABOUT MISS UNIVERSE
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a Donald J. Trump and NBCUniversal joint venture which uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best. MUO believes that every woman should be “Confidently Beautiful.” The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® beauty pageants provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors, and brands around the world. During their reign, our winners are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, and to learn more about Miss Universe’s official cause to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS education and prevention around the world, please visit: www.missuniverse.com.

For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissUniverse; Twitter and Instagram: @MissUniverse #MissUniverse; YouTube: www.youtube.com/missuniverse

Philadelphia, PA (January 8, 2015)–With just a week away from an outstanding championship doubleheader on January 16, 2015 you will see two NABA/NABO title fights that will originate live from the Turning Stone Resort Casino and will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday night fights.

The show is promoted by Banner Promotions.

In one co-main event, NABA/NABO and Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion Petr Petrov (35-4-2, 17 KO’s) will take on Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KO’s)

The Petrov – Lundy fight is promoted by Banner Promotions and Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) Boxing.

In the second co-main event, NABA/NABO and Boxcino 2014 Middleweight champion Willie Monroe Jr. (18-1, 6 KO’s) will battle Bryan Vera (23-8, 14 KO’s)

Below are quotes from both the Monroe and Vera camps.

Willie Monroe Jr.:
“Camp and sparring has been amazing and we are looking forward to the fight with Bryan Vera. We have a great deal of respect for Bryan and his style of fighting. He is a world class fighter and if Willie Monroe Jr. deserves to be at the top of the middleweight division, come January 16 we will defeat Bryan Vera.

Damien Walton, Manager for Monroe:
“I think Willie is very motivated and in great shape for this fight. I think he’s got his work cut out for him in Bryan Vera but whens its all done you will see why Willie is ranked #3 in the world by the WBA and should be ranked # 1.”

Bryan Vera:
“This is another opportunity to reinvent myself like I have done many times before. I’m coming prepared and focused to get the job done. All business here. Coming to work Be prepared to see me do what has to be done. Look forward to another exciting fight here on ESPN. ”

David Watson, Manager for Vera:
“We are winding down camp as the fight is approximately 7 days away. Our weight is on track and we are looking forward to a victory over Willie Monroe and the opportunity to win the belts.”

“This fight is a great opportunity for Bryan. This will be an exciting fight for the fans and a great start to the ESPN Friday night season.”

Host of the January 16th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. The January 16th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 13th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the January 16th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling 315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm.

Philadelphia, PA (January 8, 2015)–Due to the on-going construction at Harrahs Philadelphia, The January 31 fight card has been moved to the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The main event will see undefeated Prichard Colon (12-0, 10 KO’s) of Maitland, FL taking on Jonathan Batista (14-5, 7 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic in the 8-round Jr. Middleweight fight.

In 6 round bouts:

Raynell Williams (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will battle Ryan Picou (2-4) of Las Vegas in a Lightweight bout.

Grayson Blake (5-3, 2 KO’s) of State College, PA will fight Anthony Prescott (5-4-2, 2 KO’s) in a Welterweight bout.

Kyrone Davis (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will take on Jonathan Garcia (4-11, 1 KO) of Aguada, PR in a Middleweight bout.

Stephen Fulton (3-0, 1 KO) will take on an opponent to be announced in a Jr. Featherweight bout.

Willie Jones (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Tampa, FL will fight Christian Steele (4-11-2, 1 KO) of Staunton, VA in a Welterweight fight.

Antonio Russell of Capitol Heights, MD will make his pro debut against an opponent to be announced in a Bantamweight bout.

In 4 round bouts:

Earl Newman (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will do battle with Yuwshua Zadok (2-2-1) of Atlanta, GA in a Cruiserweight fight.

Caleb Plant (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Ashland City, TN will square off with David Lopez (4-11-3, 1 KO) of Caldwell, ID in a Middleweight bout.

Jamatay Clark (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will fight Dominique Foster (2-6-1) of Las Vegas, NV in a Welterweight fight.

Robert Irizarry (2-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will take on Luis Acevedo (1-0-1) of Bethlehem, PA in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing cost $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or www.hboxing.eventbrite.com

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

NEW YORK (Jan. 8, 2015) – In the most anticipated heavyweight fight in the United States in a decade, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), a Haitian native fighting out of Las Vegas, will make his first defense against the confident, undefeated knockout specialist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the explosive main event of a televised tripleheader on Saturday, Jan. 17, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Below are some facts and stats on the WBC Heavyweight World Championship:

· When Stiverne knocked out Chris Arreola on May 10, 2014, he became the first Haitian-born prizefighter and 22nd boxer overall to capture the WBC Heavyweight World Championship.
· Wilder, if triumphant, would become the first undefeated American heavyweight to capture a world title since Riddick Bowe won the WBC, WBA and IBF titles in 1992.
· Wilder also would become the 13th U.S.-born boxer to win the WBC title and the first since August 2006.
· Hasim Rahman was the last American to hold the WBC belt. The last American to hold any version of the heavyweight title was Shannon Briggs, who captured the WBO title in November 2006 and lost in his first defense.
· At six-foot-seven, Wilder would join Vitali Klitschko as the tallest WBC Heavyweight World Champion; the tallest heavyweight world champion was seven-foot-tall Nikolai Valuev, a former two-time WBA belt-holder who is also the heaviest (323 pounds) world champion in history.
· The initial nine WBC heavyweight champions were from the United States, beginning with Sonny Liston, who in July 1963 became the first WBC champion. Following Liston were Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon and Pinklon Thomas.
· On Nov. 22, 1986, 20-year-old Mike Tyson of the U.S. became the youngest ever to capture the heavyweight title when he knocked out Trevor Berbick, who had defeated Thomas.
· Other WBC heavyweight champions from the U.S. include James “Buster” Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Bowe, Oliver McCall and Rahman.
· The only Jamaican-born boxer to become the WBC champion was Berbick, who also was the first heavyweight outside of the U.S. to capture the WBC crown.
· There have been two WBC heavyweight champions from England — Lennox Lewis, three different times and Frank Bruno.
· There was one fighter from Ukraine, Vitali Klitschko, who held the WBC belt on two occasions, one fighter from Russia, Oleg Maskaev and one from Nigeria Samuel Peter.
· Lewis is the only three-time WBC Heavyweight Champion. He made 14 successful defenses in his stints as champ.
· Ali, Foreman, Tyson, Klitschko and Rahman were two-time WBC heavyweight champs.
· Ali (two tenures) made a total of 19 successful title defenses.
· Holmes, with 16, had more successful title defenses than any one-reign champ; Klitschko had a total of 10, Ali had nine WBC world title defenses two separate times; Tyson, Lewis and Klitschko retained the title nine times once.
· Interestingly, the feared Liston had zero defenses of the WBC heavyweight title, the same number as Spinks, Norton, Witherspoon, Berbick, Douglas, Bowe, Bruno and Peter.
· Two boxers were stripped of the WBC title – Spinks (March 1978 for failing to defend against mandatory challenger Ken Norton and Bowe (December 1992 for not making a mandatory defense against Lewis).
· The WBC title was vacated twice (Holmes in December 1982) and Tyson (in September 1996).
· Two boxers retired as WBC Heavyweight Champions, Lewis in February 2004 and Klitschko twice, in November 2005 and December 2013.
· With the exception of Liston, all the U.S.-born WBC Heavyweight Champions were promoted at one time by Don King.
· Stiverne-Wilder will be 135th WBC Heavyweight World Title fight; 95 of them have taken place in the U.S., including 40 in Nevada (WBC heavyweight title fights have emanated from 20 different countries). Overall, this will be the 300th WBC title fight in Nevada.

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SHOWTIME Sports® will present ALL ACCESS: STIVERNE VS. WILDER on Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

“RETURN TO GLORY”: STIVERNE VS. WILDER, a 12-round fight for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight Championship taking place Saturday, Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions. In the 12-round co-feature, unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defends against Jesus Ruiz and undefeated Amir Imam meets Fidel Maldonado Jr. in a 10-round super lightweight bout. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will air live on SHOWTIME® (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (8:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for the event are on sale and priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.donking.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BStiverne, @BronzeBomber, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 8) – Golden Boy Promotions is pushing to make 2015 its best year yet, adding a host of local California talent as well as signing six of the international scene’s top stars to exclusive promotional contracts.

Now competing for the Golden Boy Promotions team are top Californian prospects Abraham Lopez, Roy Tapia, Christian Gonzalez, Emilio Sanchez, Jesus Ivan Delgado and Nick Arce.

“I’m excited to kick off 2015 with the addition of these talented fighters to the Golden Boy roster,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Each of these fighters have the talent, skill, determination and desire that it takes to make it to the top.”

In addition, exceptional international talent now fighting under the Golden Boy Promotions banner will be the exciting Japanese welterweight Yoshihiro Kamegai, Filipino star Mercito Gesta, Mexican knockout artist Gilberto Gonzalez, top Mexican prospect Antonio Gutierrez, Brazilian Olympian, Everton Lopes and Columbian medalist Oscar Negrete

Fighting out of Tokyo, Japan, 32-year-old Yoshihiro “Maestrito” Kamegai (25-2-1, 22 KOs) built a stellar reputation in Asia for years, winning regional titles at 140 and 147 pounds. But it was a fight he lost to Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in June of 2014 that made him a star on the international scene, as the two engaged in a Fight of the Year candidate. On Dec. 13, Kamegai stopped Oscar “El Tigre” Godoy in four rounds.

Born in Cebu, Philippines, 27-year-old San Diegan Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (28-1-1, 16 KOs) has lived up to his nickname “No Mercy” when it comes to opponents, as he’s won 28 of his 30 professional bouts. A former world title challenger looking to get another shot at the lightweight title, Gesta has won two bouts straight, most recently halting Luis “El Vampiro” Arceo in seven rounds.

27-year old knock out artists, Gilberto “Flaco” Gonzalez (23-3, 19 KOs) from Distrito Federal, Mexico, has been undefeated since 2013 and has defeated all seven of his opponents by knock out. His most recent fight, against Puerto Rico’s Jeffery Fontanez, in Cancun, Mexico was an all-out war. Gonzalez knocked down Fontanez once in the fourth round and twice in the fifth, resulting in a satisfying win for Gonzalez and stripping Fontanez of his undefeated status.

La Puente, Calif. native, Abraham Lopez (17-0, 12 KOs) has been on a hot streak since his professional debut in 2008. Undefeated, Lopez has won twelve of his bouts via knockout, and is looking to continue the momentum and get back in the ring in 2015.

A native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, 20-year-old Antonio “La Joya” Gutierrez (17-0-1, 7 KOs) is in his fourth year as a professional, and after learning his trade on the tough Mexican scene, the promising middleweight made his United States debut in October of 2014, winning by majority decision against veteran Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson. In his most recent bout on Dec. 13 13, Gutierrez defeated Erick “El Brujo” Mireles.

East Los Angeles’ Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (10-0-1, 5 KOs) has been in the gym since he was seven years old, following in the footsteps of his father, a former professional boxer. Tapia made his debut in 2011, and in his most recent bout on Nov. 13, the unbeaten 23-year-old featherweight scored the biggest win of his career over 50-fight veteran Luis “Titi” Maldonado.

A professional since 2013, Buena Park, Calif. knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (8-0, 8 KOs) is a boxing legacy, 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.

Now making his home in Los Angeles, 27-year-old Colombia native Oscar “Jaguar” Negrete (7-0, 3 KOs) won bronze medals as an amateur for his country in the 2006 South American, Central American and Caribbean Games before turning professional in 2013. His success has not slowed down since then, with three of his bouts ending by way of knockout.

Los Angeles undefeated featherweight Emilio Sanchez (5-0, 4 KOs) can do it all in the ring, making him a natural to join the Golden Boy Promotions squad of future starts. A professional+ since 2013, Sanchez won his first three bouts via first-round knockout, and he has continued to impress with 2014 victories over Jonathan Ramos and Juan Alvarado.

Jesus Ivan Delgado (3-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, Calif. is a 24-year-old prospect on the fast track to big things at 135 pounds. A favorite at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, Calif., where he has already made three appearances, Delgado is coming off a shutout decision win over Rick Quevedo on November 13.

A two-time Olympian and a two time Pan American Games medalist for his home country of Brazil, Everton Lopes won 240 bouts as an amateur, earning gold at the 2011 World Amateur Championships and bronze in 2013. In 2015, the talented 26-year-old southpaw will make his professional debut, and he will have a nation behind him as he pursues a world title.

Fighting out of the Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, 18-year-old featherweight Nick Arce (1-0, 1 KO) is a former amateur standout who entered the professional boxing world in style in Nov. 13, of 2014 with a fourth round knockout of Adalbert “Kiki” Valenzuela.

For more information go to www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Vine and Instagram at @goldenboyboxing

Mashantucket, CT: Before Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Tony “The Lightning” Luis square off for the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship, fans at Foxwoods Resort Casino will be treated to an action-packed card filled with local rivalries and local prospects. Currently this stacked undercard is packed with six young fighters from the New England area.

In the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights co-feature, Pawtucket, Rhode Island native Thomas “The Souljah” Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs) will take on undefeated middleweight sensation and Portland, Maine resident Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs) for eight rounds.

Thomas Falowo

Thomas Falowo made his professional debut in 2010 with a second round stoppage over Odias Dumezil. He recorded knockout victories in his first four professional bouts all within four rounds. His career began with a perfect 6-0 before being handed his first defeat in a close split decision against a then-undefeated Samuel Clarkson. In his most recent bout, on Showtime, Falowo suffered defeat at the hands of former amateur standout Ronald Gavril and two of Falowo’s three career losses came at the hands of undefeated fighters.

Falowo’s opponent, the 32-year old Russell Lamour, recorded over 100 wins as an amateur boxer, and was also a member of the Los Angeles Matadors semi-professional World Series of Boxing franchise in Los Angeles, California. Russell was the #1 ranked Middleweight in the North American conference. He made his professional debut in 2012 with a first round TKO John Downey. In his most recent bout, Lamour defeated Ahsandi Gibbs by unanimous decision inhis home state of Maine.

Russell Lamour

Also making an appearance at Foxwoods on Jan. 30 is undefeated New Haven resident Charles Foster (6-0, 3 KOs) who takes on Larry “Hitman” Pryor (9-9, 5 KOs) of Washington, DC. Since his professional debut in 2011, every one of Foster’s fights have been in his home state of Connecticut. In his last fight he made his Foxwoods’ debut with a stunning first round TKO over Robert Jackson on the undercard of the Mchunu-Wilson card on Sept. 20. Pryor’s 9-9 record can be deceiving. In fact, all nine of his career losses were to undefeated contenders, including Ismayl Sillakh and Sullivan Barrera.

In an all New England showdown heavyweights Antonio Assermelly (0-2) of Westerly, Rhode Island will face Cassius Chaney of New London, CT in his professional debut. Since his professional debut in 2013 Assermelly has yet to find that elusive first victory however both of his losses have come at the hands of undefeated opponents. Chaney is originally from Baltimore but moved to Connecticut where he earned a Sport Management degree and played basketball as a student at the University of New Haven.

Finally, unbeaten New Haven resident David Wilson (4-0) and Michael Rodriguez (0-2) will square off for four rounds of middleweight action. Wilson also appeared on the Mchunu-Wilson undercard on Sept. 20 with a four-round unanimous decision victory over Anthony Everett.

Local promoter Al Valenti, who assisted in putting together the undercard, said, “Falowo-Lamour will be a great match of two highly talented boxers, both of whom have reached national recognition as amateurs, and now seek that same recognition at the professional level.”

Main Events promoter Kathy Duva said, “Our matchmaker, Jolene Mizzone, and Al Valenti put together a great undercard for January 30th. It’s all local guys in tough, exciting fights. I’d say that I expect to see a few upsets, but these all look like 50/50 fights to me!”

About January 30
Presented by Main Events in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, the Jan. 30 edition of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 and will take place at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. It features a ten-round lightweight battle between undefeated contender Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) against Tony “The Lightning” Luis (18-2, 7 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship in the main event. The co-feature is an eight-round middleweight bout between Thomas Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs) against Russell Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs). The remaining undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets are $40, $60 and $75 and available now through Foxwoods.com and the Foxwoods box office. The doors will open at 5:00 PM ET and the Friday Night Fights telecast will begin at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.

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Nutley, NJ(January 8, 2015)–This Friday night, undefeated Super Middleweight Jerry “The Kings Son” Odom will take on fellow undefeated Andrew Hernandez (7-0-1, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Arizona as part of the Inaugural Roc Nation boxing card at the Madison Square Garden Theater.

The undefeated Odom is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Odom of Bowie, Maryland and has a record of 12-0 with 11 knockouts and is coming off a thrilling 7th round stoppage over Villier Quinonez on July 25. Like Hernadez, Quinonez was undefeated.

Despite facing his second consecutive undefeated fighter, Odom is just going about his business on his way to stardom.

“It’s just another steppingstone fight. I don’t know much about him. My trainers know everything that I need to know,” said the 21 year-old Odom.

This will be the Madison Square Garden debut for Odom and he respects the history of the “Worlds Most Famous Arena”.

It is an opportunity to fight in this magnificent place that many other great fighters have fought in.”

Being that the fight is in New York in front of the sophisticated New York media and crowd, Odom is looking to put on a good performance.

“I thin it’s important to shine in the best way I can each fight. I always try to do my best.”

Odom is not looking past Hernandez but he knows he will be ready for a big fight to come his way.

“I really can’t give a prediction when those fights will come at my doorstep but I will be there to open the door. I just want to thank my team and the people who are around me that motivate me and keep me focused.”

Said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki, “We look forward to starting the year with a great performance from John. It is a great opportunity to compete on the first Roc Nation show in Madison Square Garden against an undefeated opponent. This will be the start of a tremendous year for John as he transforms for a top prospect to a legitimate contender at Super Middleweight.”

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Featherweight Glenn Dezurn Jr., undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr. Lightweight Wanzell Ellison, Featherweight Jorge Diaz, undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, kicks off its jam-packed 2015 live event schedule with a live broadcast of RFA 22: Smith vs. Njokuani from Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Friday, January 9 at 10 p.m. ET.

Fight Network’s live broadcast will air nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

RFA 22: Smith vs. Njokuani will feature a main event between two of the world’s top welterweight prospects as hometown hero Gilbert Jamal Smith (10-3) battles fan favorite Chidi “Bang Bang” Njokuani (11-4) for the vacant RFA welterweight title.

In the co-main event, Mark “Tricky” Dickman (9-2) and Donald Sanchez (30-12) will meet in a high-stakes featherweight showdown.

The main card of RFA 22 will also include a featherweight clash between UFC vet Alvin Robinson (14-8) and Bellator vet Ricky Musgrave (13-4). In the featherweight division, local favorite Prentice Ingram (9-4) faces undefeated Jackson-Wink MMA prospect Landon Vannata (6-0). Then in the flyweight division, hometown standout Joey Eisenbraun (3-1) battles RFA vet Kevin Gray (3-1).

Smith is a longtime Colorado Springs resident and U.S. Army vet that is best known for his time on the seventeenth season of the UFC’s hit reality show The Ultimate Fighter. The UFC vet is now looking to have a triumphant homecoming in his second straight appearance for the RFA. In November, Smith defeated Serbian submission ace Bojan Velickovic in his RFA debut just up the road in Broomfield, Colorado. He now looks to continue his success in the RFA and the Centennial State by winning RFA gold in front of his home crowd.

“Obviously, fighting for the RFA title is a huge opportunity. It’s the proving grounds and best place to showcase your skills,” stated Smith. “The venue is also a 10-minute run from my house, so it will be great to fight in front of all of my friends and family.”

Njokuani will be making his sixth appearance for the RFA. During his time with the promotion, Njokuani has never lost a fight at his natural weight class of 170-pounds. He also quickly won over the RFA faithful with his dynamic striking skills and crowd pleasing style of fighting. Possessing a similar skill set to his older brother, eight-time UFC vet Anthony Njokuani, the younger Njokuani will be looking to make a mark on his own career by capturing his first world title. To help prepare for this moment, Njokuani is taking full advantage of the knowledge and skills of his newest teammate and coach, former UFC welterweight title challenger Jon Fitch.

“This is great. Fighting for a world title on national television is what I’ve always wanted,” stated an excited Njokuani. “Training full-time with Jon Fitch has been cool. We are the exact opposite. He’s that style of fighter that has always given me problems. It’s perfect for me to be working with a Top 10 welterweight that has fought for the UFC title. It makes me realize I can reach my dreams.”

The co-main event of RFA 22 will see the the return of Njokuani’s teammate Mark “Tricky” Dickman, who like Njokuani, will also be making his sixth appearance for the RFA. Dickman made his debut for the RFA at RFA 1 three years ago and has since made a name for himself for his world-class grappling skills and take-no-prisoners approach to fighting. In August, Dickman came up empty-handed in a 5-round, 25-minute war with Justin Lawrence for the RFA featherweight title, but also sees the addition of Fitch to his fight camp as a huge benefit heading into RFA 22.

Sanchez (30-12) will be the man tasked with facing Dickman in the RFA 22 co-headliner. Sanchez represents the most experienced opponent Dickman has faced in his career and he will look to capitalize on that experience. Sanchez has fought for several of the world’s top promotions such as Bellator, ONE FC, and Legacy FC in faraway destinations such as Japan, Singapore, and Canada. The former eight-time KOTC champion has won five of his last six bout and looks to build on that momentum against Dickman.

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

Pittsburgh, PA (January 8, 2015)–After competing against fighters as much as two weight divisions out of his natural Jr. Welterweight division, Steve Upsher (24-4-1, 6 KO’s) is ready to move back down and take a run at the best Jr. Welterweights in the world.

In 2014, Upsher put up a great effort in falling short against former world champion Andre Berto. In his two previous bout, Upsher fought natural Jr. Middleweight Eddie Gomez and former Welterweight champion Luis Collazo.

“Basically I have never lost at 140 pounds. My only losses were at 135 and I avenged that loss. Gomez is a natrual 154 pounder; Berto and Collazo are former Welterweight world champions. All of the fights had contracted weights of 150 pounds,” said Upsher.

“I am naturally a 140 pounder. In those fights, I was eating Dairy Queen on the week of the fight just to get up to the weight. And i was still only about 145 pounds.”

With the move back down to Jr. Welterweight, Upsher has the confidence that he can compete at the highest level.

“I am willing to fight anybody. I just want the promoters to make the reward worth the risk. The cards are always stacked against me because I don’t have a promoter. I see some of these guys who are being moved and I know that they can’t carry my jockstrap, but because they have a promoter they are all getting the right fights.”

After fighting just one time in each of the past two years, Upsher wants to be more active.

“I am ready to fight three or four times this year and hopefully people will see that I am a talented fighter. I just want an opportunity from a promoter and heck if I don’t perform then they can drop me. I just want that chance.”

“Michael Perez has a chance to fight on Fox Sports 1 in Philadelphia on January 20th but his team turned down the fight saying I was too dangerous of a fight. Seriously this is a man’s game. Either s*** or get off the pot. Stop all the picking and dodging and fight. The sport would be a whole lot better that way and it would weed out the gimmicks and pretenders!”

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (January 8, 2015) — Martin Murray arrives in South Africa this weekend to set up camp ahead of his February 21 clash with WBC Interim and WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in Monte-Carlo on February 21.

The Englishman is in the middle of a 12-week training programme his advisor Andrew Mikhail describes as “pure hell” in anticipation of the toughest fight of his 31-bout career.
With no family in tow, Murray intends leading a Spartan training existence, going out only to former welterweight contender Harold Volbrecht’s nearby gym on the eastern side of Johannesburg for workouts. He will have trainer Oliver Harrison, two UK sparring partners and his chef alongside, leaving nothing to chance in his third championship crack.
Murray respects Golovkin, but cares little for the prediction that he will be yet another lamb to the slaughter next month.
“This is once in a lifetime, a massive fight. I’m up for it, I really am. Golovkin is favourite, but I’ve been in this position before, against Sergio Martinez. I don’t focus on what people say. I’m doing what I do. The more people who think he beats me, the better.”
The warm African conditions, Johannesburg’s 1700m (5577 feet) altitude and excellent training facilities appealed to Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs) despite having to leave his family behind.
“It’s painful,” he said, “but I’m giving myself every possibility. It’s all business.”
Speaking while working up a sweat on his stationary bike at home in St Helens, Murray said that he had spent a lot of time watching Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) on tape. “I like watching the best of my opponents. It switches me on more.”
He sees what we all do, chiefly power and speed, but he also sees chinks in the champion’s armour.
“I’m big for a middleweight and have a lot of advantages in size and defence.”
His sparring partners, who will be supplemented by South African fighters, will be expected to mimic Golovkin. “I want them throwing bombs, that’s what I’m looking for,” Murray says excitedly.
Mikhail is one of the few expecting an upset from the WBC # 1 contender. “Martin is putting himself through the pain barrier like I’ve never seen before. It’s on a different level. His mind is so powerful, it’s unbelievable.
“Things could hardly be worse than fighting in Argentina, as he did in 2013, when he had 50 000 Argentines baying for him, spitting on him. In Monte-Carlo three-quarters of the arena will be full of Englishmen.”
He says that Golovkin cannot afford to be complacent. “We recently watched all his fights. Martin is far and away the best he will have fought. Martin would have beaten all the guys Golovkin has. Golovkin is unbelievable, but he has faults as well. If he can KO Martin, he’s very special. I would then rate him the greatest middleweight of them all, like a Hagler or a Sugar Ray. I really mean that.”
Murray himself is counting the days to his big fight date. “I want this more than anything. This is my time. I must keep cracking on.”

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.

CABAZON, CALIF. (Jan. 7, 2015) – At 28, Ivan Redkach (17-0, 13 KOs) is a five-year pro who is regarded as one of the sport’s top upcoming young talents. A power-punching and relentless pressure fighter, Redkach is ranked No. 5 by the IBF and No. 13 by the WBC at lightweight and closing in on a world title shot.

The Los Angeles-based Ukrainian makes his 2015 debut this Friday against the always-dangerous, hard-hitting lightweight contender Yakubu Amidu (19-5-2, 17 KOs) in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) during the premium network’s Free Preview Weekend.

During the Free Preview Weekend SHOWTIME is available to over 70 million households. For additional details and a full schedule of programming, go to SHO.com/freepreview.

The tripleheader is promoted by DiBella Entertainment from Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon, Calif., and will immediately follow the premiere of ALL ACCESS: Stiverne vs. Wilder at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

In a matchup of unbeaten prospects in the co-feature, former amateur standouts Patrick Day (9-0-1, 5 KOs), of Freeport, N.Y., and Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (13-0-1, 4 KOs), of Forestville, Md., will collide in an eight-round junior middleweight bout. Former amateur sensation Ievgen “Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (7-0, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ukraine, will take on undefeated-yet-untested Maurice “The Natural” Louishomme (8-0-1, 4 KOs), of Colorado Springs, Colo., in the eight-round middleweight opener.

Below is a Q&A with Redkach as he aims for a breakout 2015.

Are you looking to make a statement in 2015?

“This is my year. This is the year I’m going to break out and earn that title shot. This fight is on SHOWTIME so I know all the boxing fans will be watching. I need to put on a good performance.”

This is your first fight training with Robert Garcia in Oxnard what has that been like?

“I love training with Robert Garcia. The work we get there and his sparring is amazing. He has taught me a few of his own tricks.”

What is the atmosphere like at Robert Garcia’s Gym?

“I’m comfortable there. It feels like home. I enjoy everyone that I spar with there and they have become like family to me. It’s the best environment that I’ve trained in. I can’t wait to show how I’ve improved.”

Can you talk about your current sparring partners and how they have improved your preparation for this fight?

“I have been sparring with many great fighters. I spar with the best. I’ve been sparring with Jessie Vargas, Brandon Rios and Ray Beltran. The move to Oxnard has been great for my career.”

From your experience, how is the training different in the United States than in Ukraine?

“The training here in the U.S. is a much more traditional style of boxing, which has made me a much better boxer. Back home, the training is very different.”

Your opponent, [Yakubu Amidu,] trains out of the famed WildCard gym and has fought a lot of top talent in his career. What do you know about him and what weaknesses can you exploit?

“I have sparred with him [Amidu] before and he is a very strong opponent. He punches very hard, but he can’t maneuver. He only punches straight and does not have the technique that I have.”

You haven’t fought in roughly seven months; do you think ring rust will be a factor?

“I took a break for three weeks after my last fight [June 27, 2014]. Since then, I have been training and sparring every day without a break. I have been training every day, three times a day for six months.”

After this fight, if you come out with a victory, what is next for you and do you have any opponents you would like to fight going forward?

“I want to fight for the WBC title. I would like to fight Jorge Linares.”

What is your biggest strength? Are you looking for the knockout or do you believe you can go 10 rounds and get the victory that way?

“I am going to try to knock him out so I can get closer to a championship fight in 2015. No matter what, we are both very strong fighters and I don’t think it will go 10 rounds.”

What is it like for you to be living in Los Angeles permanently? Are you going to have any family or friends attend the fight?

“Yes, I have tons of friends that will come with me. Russians, Mexicans, I’ve met a lot of people through boxing in Los Angeles and they’ll be out on Friday to support me.”

Ievgen Khytrov is also on this card and you both are from Ukraine. What do you know about him and will it be special to be on the card with him?

“We were in the same training school back in Ukraine, but Ievgen left a little bit earlier. I don’t know much about him, but he is strong and has good character. I wish him the best of luck.”

What have the Klitschko brothers, who are also from Ukraine, meant to your career as well as other young professional boxers in Ukraine who are trying to be successful boxers in the United States?

“There are many young boxers in Ukraine who look up to the Klitschko brothers. I know that people look at them as motivation and see that it is possible to have a career in boxing.”

How did your experience with the Ukrainian Olympic National Team in 2008 impact your career?

“I needed a little luck in the Olympics because I kept losing to strong hitters. I wasn’t confident enough back then. I have learned to be a better boxer since then.”

Tacoma, Washington (January 7th 2015) It’s fight week in Tacoma, and with a last minute change to the main event, Friday night’s card for Battle at the Boat 99 is locked in and ready to go. Going live from the Emerald Queen Casino at 8:00PM, this special Friday night edition of the northwest’s premiere boxing promotion will feature the best in up and coming local talent.

The main event of the evening will see Tacoma’s own Mike “Imagine Me” Gavronski (15-1-1 10KO’s) vs. Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson (15-18-3 5KO’s) in a 10-round bout. Johnson will be filling in for Californian Louis Rose, who withdrew from the card due to personal reasons. With his wealth of experience in the ring, Johnson will prove to be a tough test for the talented Gavronski. Gavronski is coming off the biggest win in his career, defeating Gerardo Ibarra at the EQC in November.

Fighting in the six round semi-main event will be four time Tacoma golden gloves champion, Will Hughes (4-1, 3 KOs), who made his remarkable comeback to boxing in November with a win over Marcelino Pineda. Hughes will take on Vancouver, WA’s Virgil Green in a solid matchup of premier Northwest boxing talent.

Also featured on the card is undefeated sensation Jeremy McCleary
(5-0) of Buckley, Washington looking to keep his record flawless against Oregon’s Damen Wood.

Making his first appearance at the EQC as a professional will be perhaps the Northwest’s biggest prospect, Marquice Weston (4-0, 2 KOs), in cruiserweight fight against California’s Lamont Williams (6-6, 3 KOs). Weston had a very decorated amateur career being named the Tacoma Golden Gloves champion four times along with taking Third place in nationals.

The evening’s card is filled top to bottom with exciting fighters, and will make for an absolutely incredible night of action. The rest of the card is as follows:

Ron Pryce (0-0-1) vs. Antonio Neal (2-1, 2KO’s)
Andres Reyes (1-0) vs. Benny Vinson (1-1, 1KO)

Battle at the Boat 99, live from the Emerald Queen Casino is presented by Brian Halquist Productions. Doors open this Friday, January 9th 2015 at 7:00PM, with the first fight scheduled for 8:00PM. Tickets are still available through the EQC box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations. For more info, please visit us at www.halquistproductions.com or the Battle at the Boat Facebook page.

New York, NY (1/7/15) – On Friday, Feb. 6, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Promotions will present an exciting edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights when IBF middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (33-4-1, 20KO’s) puts his IBF middleweight championship crown on the line against former junior middleweight champion and “The Contender: Season One” winner Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (27-3-2, 9KO’s). The 12-round championship bout is set take place at MGM Resorts International’s beautiful Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, in Biloxi, Miss. It will be televised live on ESPN2 beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

“This is a highly competitive fight and a very important one for the 160lb. division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a huge opportunity for both Jermain and Sergio and it is a fight that nearly happened many years ago. Now both of their careers have come full circle and we anticipate a very exciting ‘must-win’ fight between two of the best middleweights in the world on Feb. 6.”

“I’m honored to work with my good friend Lou DiBella on this highly anticipated IBF middleweight championship between Jermain Taylor and Sergio Mora on Feb. 6, telecast live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights,” said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions.

“Jermain Taylor’s world title fight in October against Sam Soliman was the second highest-rated fight of the year on ESPN2,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions. “We expect similar results in what promises to be an even more action-packed fight against Sergio Mora.”

“MGM Resorts International and Beau Rivage are pleased to host this middleweight championship bout and have Taylor defend his title in the same great venue where he earned it back just a few short months ago,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., President and COO of MGM Resorts International’s Southern Operations. “We look forward to putting on another world-class televised event and showcasing a great fight.”

Seven years after losing his middleweight crown to Kelly Pavlik, Jermain Taylor regained the IBF title on Oct. 8 of last year defeating veteran Australian belt-holder Sam Soliman via unanimous decision. Over the course of 12 rounds, held at Beau Rivage, Taylor dictated the pace with a thudding and consistent jab. Using that punch to set up his power shots, Taylor went on to knock down Soliman a total of four times in the most impressive victory of his comeback thus far that began in 2011 following a two-year layoff.

It was in 2005 that Taylor upset Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins to become the undisputed middleweight champion. Taylor made four successful defenses of his belts, before moving up to the super middleweight division and later briefly retiring following back-to-back losses. Taylor returned to the ring in December of 2011, and put together four impressive victories to earn his shot at Soliman. Now with a championship belt back firmly around his waist, Taylor is ready to begin his second reign as middleweight champion of the world when he takes on the former champion Mora.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Beau Rivage in Biloxi to defend my IBF middleweight world title,” said Jermain Taylor. “Regaining the belt meant everything to me and I will be 100 percent focused in training camp to retain my championship. On February 6, boxing fans will be in for a real exciting night of action when I defeat the Latin Snake, Sergio Mora.”

Sergio Mora, now rated No. 13 by the IBF, was originally supposed to face Taylor for his unified middleweight crown back in 2007, but the fight never materialized. However, after some months of inactivity and frustration, Mora finally received his first world title shot in June 2008, going down in weight to challenge WBC 154lb. champion Vernon Forrest. Using his unorthodox style, Mora was able to outbox and outpoint Forrest over 12 rounds to seize the championship. Moving back up to middleweight, a fight with then-champion Pavlik in 2009 fell through when Pavlik pulled out for medical reasons. Following that disappointment, Mora endured a couple controversial decision defeats, as well as a draw with Shane Mosley.

Starting in 2013, Mora regrouped and signed with promoter DiBella Entertainment, and has since put together four straight victories. In June 2013, Mora dominated the 29-2 former world title challenger Grzegorz Proksa on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights en route to earning a unanimous decision. He then reeled off consecutive fifth-round knockouts over another world title challenger in Milton Nunez and the 14-1 prospect Samuel Rogers. In both of those contests, Mora employed a more aggressive approach than he had earlier in his career, looking to focus more on his power and entertaining the audience. He ended 2014 with a shutout win over the always-game Dashon Johnson in December. Now that his career has come full circle, nearly eight years after he initially turned down the chance to face Taylor, Mora, at 34 years old, has the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I’m a firm believer in destiny,” said Mora. “My trainer Dean Campos instilled that in me early in my career. The fight is happening now for a reason. I wasn’t ready to fight Taylor then [in 2007]. I’m more than ready now. I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in destiny.”

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $29.95, $49.95, $69.95 and 89.95, plus tax and service charges. They can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 4:45 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the fight, visit www.dbe1.com, www.goossenpromotions.com, www.espn.com/boxing, and www.beaurivage.com. Visit us on Facebook at facebook/DiBellaEntertainment, facebook/goossenboxing, facebook/ESPNBoxing and facebook/beaurivage. You can also follow on Twitter @loudibella @DiBellaEnt @goossenboxing @ESPNBoxing, @BeauBiloxi and #BeauBoxing.

Philadelphia, PA (January 7, 2015)–On Friday night, January 16, a mouthwatering title fight has been added as the second co-main event of a championship night of boxing at the Turning Stone Resort Casino and live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

Petr Petrov will defend his NABA & NABO Lightweight titles against the popular Hank Lundy in a 10-round bout.

The fight is promoted by Banner Promotions and Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) Boxing.

The fight will join the previously announced co-main event that will pit NABA & NABO Middleweight champion Willie Monroe Jr. defending his belts against Bryan Vera.

Petrov of Madrid, Spain has a record of 35-4-2 with 17 knockouts. He is the Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion as he won fights over Fedor Papzov (14-0), Chris Rudd (13-1) and a title winning 8th round stoppage over Fernando Carcamo in the finals that took place on May 23, 2014 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Lundy of Philadelphia, PA has become a fan favorite of television viewers as many of his bouts have been televised on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

He has a record of 25-4-1 with 12 knockouts and he has big wins over current WBA Lightweight champion Richar Abril (12-1-1), Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1), Omri Lowther (14-1), Patrick Lopez (20-3), former world champion David Diaz (36-3-1), Dannie Williams (21-1), Ajose Olusegun (31-1) & Angelo Santana (14-1).

In his last bout, Lundy put up a valiant effort but came up just short in losing a decision to Thomas Dulorme on December 6 in Brooklyn, NY.

Said Jimmy Burchfield, president of CES Boxing, “This is a great opportunity for Hank Lundy to get back in the ring and back on track following a hard-fought bout against Thomas Dulorme in December. What the whole world saw last month is that Hammerin’ Hank won’t back down from a challenge. Most fighters would want a tune-up coming off a loss. Not Hank. He’s right back at it in another tough bout against a worthy opponent. This is what defines his legacy. No fighter puts it all on the line more than Hammerin’ Hank and we’re grateful for this opportunity to work with Banner Promotions and ESPN, two of the best in the business. Petr Petrov is as good as it gets in this weight class, but ESPN has been the home for some of Hank’s finest performances and we don’t expect Jan. 16th to be any different.”

“This will be a tremendous night of boxing. “This fight along with Monroe and Vera will not only be great fights in the ring but these fights have huge implications as both winners will likely fight for world titles by the end of the year. We are excited to put on two of the most television friendly fights you can make in both the Lightweight and Middleweight divisions.”, Said Banner Promotions CEo Artie Pelullo

Host of the January 16th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. The January 16th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 13th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the January 16th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling 315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (January 7, 2015) – A seven-bout preliminary card for Bellator MMA’s first event of 2015, “Bellator: Pitbull vs. Straus,” is now official with the middleweights Dustin Jacoby (10-4) vs. John Salter (10-3), a 220-pound catchweight contest of Hector Carillo (5-6) vs. Everett Cummings (8-0), lightweights Steve Kozola (4-0) vs. Jonathan Rivera (4-0), lightweights Derek “The Barbaric” Anderson (11-1) vs. Danny Navarro (12-4), featherweights Fabricio Guerreiro (20-3) vs. Nick “No Limit” Piedmont (10-5-1), bantamweights Fabian Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Albert Morales (0-0), and middleweights Luc Bondole (4-0-1) vs. Chris “The Crusher” Herrera (2-1).

The seven new contests will serve as the Spike.com-streamed preliminary card of “Bellator: Pitbull vs. Straus,” which takes place Jan. 16 at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Doors for the event open at 3:30 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting 30 minutes later. The night’s four-fight main card, headlined by Bellator MMA Featherweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull vs. former championDaniel Straus, airs on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET.

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

“We are going to kick off our 2015 schedule with an absolutely incredible card,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “The four main fights we previously announced are outstanding, but now we’ve put together fantastic lineup that includes fight between Dustin Jacoby and John Salter, as well as the return of top prospects Fabricio Guerreiro and Derek Anderson, along with some of California’s top up-and-coming talent. I think this will be a very entertaining night of fights, from start to finish.”

Jacoby, of Denver, Colo., is a 26-year-old striking specialist who also competes as a professional kickboxer. Eight of his 10 mixed-martial-arts wins have come by way of knockout, and seven of those came in the first round. He now meets Salter, a grappling specialist who trains in Freso, Calif. In 13 career appearances, Salter has never gone to a judges’ decision.

Carillo, of Brawley, Calif., makes his Bellator MMA debut after a near-four-year break from competition. He finished his previous run with a mark of 3-1 in his final four bouts. He now meets the undefeated Cummings, of Corona, Calif. Cummings’ career mark is perfect after eight professional appearances, and he’s earned stoppages in seven of those fights, with five wins coming by submission and another two by knockout.

Kozola, of San Diego, Calif., turned pro in July 2013 and has earned four straight wins. His past two victories came in the first round, and all four wins have come by way of finish. He meets fellow undefeated prospect Rivera, of Lake Forest, Calif. Similar to his opponent, Rivera also has yet to go to a judges’ decision, earning stoppage wins in all four of his career contests.

Top prospect Anderson is a 24-year-old from San Diego, Calif. In previous Bellator MMA appearances, he earned victories over Brandon Girtz and Patricky Pitbull. He returns to action after a disappointing loss to fellow top up-and-comer Marcin Held in an April 2104 bout. He now faces Navarro, of Riverside, Calif. After opening his career with four straight losses, Navarro has since built an incredible 12-fight winning streak. His past five wins have all come in 94 seconds or less, including an eight-second TKO win in his most recent appearance.

Four-time Bellator MMA veteran Guerreiro, a 24-year-old Brazilian, competes for the first time since a May 2014 victory over former Bellator tournament winner Shahbulat Shamhalaev. Competing professionally since he was a teenager, Guerreiro is a judo black belt who currently lives and trains in California. He now faces Piedmont, an Arizona native who now trains with top camp Alliance MMA in San Diego, Calif. Piedmont is also a four-time Bellator MMA veteran who previously faced Matt Bessette, Cleber Luciano, Jade Porter and Michael Porter under the company’s banner.

Gonzalez, of San Diego, Calif., is unbeaten through his first two professional bouts, earning one victory by submission and another by decision. He now faces Morales, of Carson, Calif., who makes his professional debut.

The undefeated Bondole is a Kings MMA product who lives in Huntington Beach, Calif. He now faces Herrera, of Temecula, Calif. Both of Herrera’s wins to date have come by knockout.

Bellator 132: Friday, Jan. 16, Pechanga Casino Resort, Temecula, Calif..

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (22-2) vs. Daniel Straus (23-5)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-1) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (23-4-1)
Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Virgil Zwicker (12-4-1) vs. Houston Alexander (16-10-1)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (22-13) vs. Marius Zaromskis (20-8)

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)

Middleweight Prelim Fight: Dustin Jacoby (10-4) vs. John Salter (10-3)
Catchweight (220 pounds) Prelim Fight: Everett Cummings (8-0) vs. Hector Carillo (5-6)
Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jonathan Rivera (4-0) vs.Steve Kozola (4-0)
Lightweight Prelim Fight: Derek Anderson (11-1) vs. Danny Navarro (12-4)
Featherweight Prelim Fight: Fabricio Guerreiro (20-3) vs. Nick Piedmont (10-5-1)
Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Fabian Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Albert Morales (0-0)
Middleweight Prelim Fight: Luc Bondole (4-0-1) vs. Chris Herrera (2-1)

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

About Spike 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.

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2015) – WBA Interim Lightweight Champion, Darley Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) of Colombia defends his title against Peruvian contender Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs) on the season premiere of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights,” this Friday, Jan. 9, 2015. The 12-round championship bout will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.

“Both Perez and Maicelo are extremely motivated for this fight,” said Gary Shaw, president of Gary Shaw Productions. “They both know what’s on the line and I can see this fight being an all out war. Make no mistake about it, this is going to be a very entertaining fight.”

“Perez has a tough challenge ahead of him in Maicelo,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Perez has established himself as one of the top lightweights in the game and he’ll show that skill level this Friday.”

Darley Perez Training Camp Notes

On his training camp…

We enjoyed an excellent training camp. The motivation and dedication was there right from the start. I’m 100 percent ready to defend the title that I’ve worked so hard to obtain. Now I’m just anxiously awaiting the hour of the fight.

On why he trained in Panama…

We chose to come to Panama for the sparring. Jonathan Maicelo is a boxer that likes to move around a lot and he’s very explosive. He never stays in one place for very long. He’s always moving his head and keeps a tight guard. We got word that we could find boxers like that, in various divisions over in Panama, so we made the switch. As a result, we got a lot of quality sparring.

On his game plan…

Because Maicelo is an active boxer, we plan to cut the distance and cut off any exit angles. We want to put the pressure on and not let him relax in any round. I want to make him uncomfortable and get him frustrated so he falls into our traps.

The ESPN “Friday Night Fights” telecast begins Friday Jan. 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online HERE. Doors open at 5:00 P.M., first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com and GaryShawProductions.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

NEW YORK (January 7, 2015) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, has announced its Class of 2015 featuring 20 more inductees.

The fourth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 26, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“The fourth class of the New York State Hall of Fame inductees matches up very nicely with the previous three,” NYSBHOF Nominating Committee Chairman Jack Hirsch said. “It feels good to give recognition to those who have done so much for the history of our sport in New York. I want to express my gratitude to my fellow committee members Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. Steve Farhood, Ron McNair and Neil Terens. They all take the process very seriously and a lot of thought and debate goes into our selections.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF are Bronx-born and Brooklyn resident Saoul Mamby (45-34-6, 19 KOs), a World Boxing Council (WBC) junior middleweight champion (1980-82) and Vietnam Veteran, Buffalo middleweight Joey Giambra (65-10-2, 31 KOs), Brooklyn light heavyweight and 1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol (22-5-1, 7 KOs), two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston (26-9-5, 7 KOs), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight champion (1995-97) and 1992 National Golden Gloves winner Lonnie Bradley (29-1-1, 21 KOs), of Harlem.

Posthumous participants being inducted are world light heavyweight champion (1925-26) Paul “Astoria Assassin” Berlenbach (40-8-3, 33 KOs), “uncrowned” world welterweight titlist Billy Graham (102-15-9, 102 KOs) from Manhattan’s East Side, two-time world flyweight champion (1929 & 1931) and 1920 Olympic gold medalist Frankie Genaro, Redwood’s world welterweight (1898-94) and Syracuse middleweight (1998-1907) champion Tommy Ryan (90-6-11, 71 KOs), and Buffalo’s world light heavyweight champion (1925 & 1930) Jimmy Slattery (114-13, 51 KOs).

Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are former NYSAC deputy commissioner and promoter, as well as current NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy, former New York Times and New York Daily News boxing columnist Mike Katz, elite promoter Cedric Kushner, Albany promoter/cutman Bob Miller and the owner of the world renown Gleason’s Gym, Bruce Silverglade.

Posthumous non-participants inductees are Brooklyn trainer Charley Goldman (28-6-2, 19 KOs) who also fought professionally in the early 1900’s, Madison Square Garden matchmaker Jimmy Johnston, Madison Square Garden president Harry Markson, of Kingston, celebrated Bronx sportswriter Damon Runyon and manager/matchmaker Al Weill.

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission and Waterfront Crabhouse.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. / ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Tickets are available by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy.

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

DENVER (January 6, 2015) — Undefeated No. 2-world-rated super middleweight contender GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ of Mexico will face the toughest challenge of his professional career when he rumbles with once-beaten Top-10 contender MAXIM VLASOV from Russia. The 10-round light heavyweight battle will be the co-main event to the final chapter of one of this era’s most exciting trilogies — Denver’s “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO vs. BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS of Oxnard, Calif .Ramirez vs. Vlasov and the 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) International welterweight title fight between Alvarado and Rios will headline an all-action card, Saturday, January 24, at the 1STBANK Center, located outside Denver in Broomfield, CO. Both fights will be televised live on HBO, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

The four gladiators boast a combined record of 126-6-1 (84 KOS) — a winning percentage of 95% — with two-thirds of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zapari Boxing and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Alvarado-Rios welterweight championship event, priced at $250, $200, $125, $65 and $40, are available at www.AltitudeTickets.com, by phone at 866-461-6556 and at the Pepsi Center box office.

“I really appreciate Bob Arum, HBO and my team at Zapari Boxing for giving me this opportunity. I have been waiting so long for this caliber of fight,” said Ramirez. “Vlasov is the biggest test of my career. A victory over him will validate me as a worthy challenger for a world title. I promise to give the fans a very exciting fight on January 24.”
“I box to live and I live to box,” said Vlasov, from his Russia-based training camp. “I want this victory very badly. This is my time and I am ready to prove it.”

Ramirez (30-0, 24 KOs), of Mazatlan, Mexico, is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the WBO, and No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF). A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 23, won all four of his 2014 bouts by knockout. In his last outing, on November 15, he scored an eighth-round TKO victory over four-time world title challenger Fulgencio Zuniga. The other three 2014 victories included Junior Talipeau (TKO 1) on July 19, two-time world title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo (TKO 5) on April 11 and Don Mouton (TKO 1) on February 1. Ramirez’s vanquished opponents had a combined record of 92-24-3 — a winning percentage of 77% — when he fought them.

Vlasov (30-1, 15 KOs), from Samara, Russia, enters this fight riding a four-year, 11-bout winning streak, with three of his last four victories coming by way of knockout. A consensus Top-10 world-rated contender (No. 6 IBF / No. 9 WBO / No. 10 WBC), Vlasov, 28, is nearing prime as his recent fights have shown. In his last fight, on July 26, he knocked out former world title challenger Ruben Acosta in the eighth round to capture the vacant WBC Baltic light heavyweight title. Highlight victories include a third-round TKO of 2000 Dominican Republic Olympian Jerson Ravelo, a sixth-round TKO of Artem Redko, a third-round TKO of Roman Shkarupa to capture the vacant WBC Baltic super middleweight title and a 10-round unanimous decision over Geard Ajetovic.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #AlvaradoRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK (Jan. 6, 2015) – ShoBox: The New Generation, the popular, critically acclaimed boxing series that has produced 57 world champions since its inception in 2001, will kick off the new year with a tripleheader featuring five undefeated fighters on Friday, Jan. 9, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), during the premium network’s Free Preview Weekend.

In the main event, unbeaten lightweight Ivan Redkach (17-0, 13 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of Ukraine, will meet Yakubu Amidu (19-5-2, 17 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of Ghana, in a 10-round fight.

In the co-feature, undefeated prospects and former amateur standouts Patrick Day (9-0-1, 5 KOs), of Freeport, N.Y., and Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (13-0-1, 4 KOs), of Forestville, Md., will collide in an eight-round junior middleweight scrap. In the opening bout of the telecast, former Ukrainian amateur star Ievgen “Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (7-0, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ukraine, will take on Maurice Louishomme (8-0-1, 4 KOs), of Colorado Springs, Colo., in an eight-round middleweight bout.

During the Free Preview Weekend SHOWTIME is available to over 70 million households. For additional details and a full schedule of programming, go to SHO.com/freepreview.

The live ShoBox telecast will be preceded by the premiere of ALL ACCESS: Stiverne vs. Wilder at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT. The tripleheader at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif., is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

The promising southpaw Redkach, a native of Shostka, Ukraine, grew up on the rough side of town before turning to boxing and becoming one of his country’s top amateurs. Before relocating to Los Angeles and turning pro in November 2009, he amassed an impressive 260-40 record as an amateur, which culminated in him being a 2008 Olympic Team alternate for Ukraine.

Since then, Redkach, who made ESPN.com’s “Top 20 Prospects to Watch” list in 2012 and 2013, has mostly had his way. He is coming off a lopsided 10-round decision over veteran Sergey Gulyakevich last June 27 in Saint Charles, Mo.

The power-punching Redkach, who is known for a relentless style that makes for entertaining fights, will appear for the second time on ShoBox and second at Morongo. Two outings ago he won his ShoBox debut with a unanimous 10-round decision over Tony Luis on Jan. 17, 2014. He registered a fourth-round knockout over Dillet Frederick on Dec. 30, 2011 at Morongo.

Amidu, who trains at the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood, Calif., will be making his 10th consecutive start in the United States. He turned pro in 2004, winning 13 of his first 14 contests by knockout. During those 14 bouts, Amidu, boxing primarily in Ghana, picked up the Ghanaian and West African Boxing Union super featherweight titles.

The 30-year-old Amidu, a tough and determined, doggedly aggressive brawler, has been in the ring with top competition, including Ricky Burns, who would go on to win the WBO 130-pound world title, and former world title challenger Ali Funeka.

Amidu, who is managed by the actor Vince Vaughn, recently fought to a controversial draw to veteran world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in July of 2013. A win over the undefeated Redkach would surely be the biggest victory of his career in a fight that suits his style perfectly.

“Redkach is one of the most explosive and exciting fighters in his weight class and, in Amidu, he’s fighting a seasoned veteran who’s never been in a bad fight and gives everyone hell,” said Lou DiBella, CEO of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a real test.”

The showdown between Day and Fox is a quintessential ShoBox matchup, pitting two undefeated-yet-untested prospects with a combined record of 22-0-2 in what should be the toughest tests of their careers.

The promising Day, one of New York’s most decorated amateurs (he was 75-5) and a former No. 1 at 152 pounds in the U.S., will be making his scheduled eight-round debut. Since turning professional in January 2013, the 22-year-old has stayed busy, fighting four times in 2014 and six times in ’13. In his last outing, the poised, skilled counter-puncher won a one-sided six-round decision over Felipe Reyes on Oct. 15. Day, an honor student at Nassau Community College (nutrition), lives across street from his trainer, Joe Higgins, in Freeport (Long Island).

Fox, 22, stands 6-foot-5 and has a 79-inch reach, which is extremely tall and lengthy for a 154-pound fighter. The slick boxer, who literally stands head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries and often steps over the ropes when entering the ring, is still growing as a pro.

Fox had a successful 10-year amateur career (165-35) that began at the age of eight. A pro since July 2010, he’s won seven consecutive fights since boxing an eight-round split draw in a New York state junior middleweight title fight in September 2012 with streaking Frank Galarza, who has gone unbeaten (8-0-1) since. Fox won his most recent start on a unanimous six-round decision over Jonathan Garcia last Sept. 20.

“In Day and Fox, you have two terrific undefeated prospects putting their zeros on the line,” DiBella said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Prior to turning pro in December 2013, Khytrov, 26, was one of Ukraine’s most accomplished amateurs, accumulating a 480-20 record, which culminated with a trip to the 2012 London Olympics. Incredibly active as a pro, the Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine native notched six victories to his record in 2014, taking on and dominating quality opposition. In his last bout on Nov. 21, 2014, Khytrov put his power on display against top prospect Louis Rose, knocking him out in the first round.

Khytrov is already considered an elite prospect by many boxing pundits after just seven professional fights, but he’ll be facing his first undefeated opponent this Friday in Louishomme.

Louishomme, 37, is an eight-year pro who is a former bronze medalist as an amateur at the 2005 U.S. National Championships. A veteran who has fought from 158 to 174 pounds, Louishomme has built an impressive professional record mostly within his home state of Colorado and has had several bouts of inactivity. He will be taking a significant step up in class against Khytrov, after beating Arturo Crespin by seventh-round technical decision in his last fight on November 15, 2014.

“Khytrov is an elite prospect and Louishomme was a great amateur who’s had a strange undefeated career,” DiBella said. “Louishomme has won three fights in a row on his comeback and, even though his career has been sporadic, he’s always been in the gym sparring with elite U.S. talent like Errol Spence and Marcus Browne. He is the only fighter who sought out this opportunity against Khytrov and I know he is coming to win.”

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing to an exclusive promotional contract of Long Island, New York’s popular welterweight Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (22-5-1, 4 KOs).

The deal comes just a few days before Rainone’s high-profile 10-round main-event showdown against Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (24-0, 13 KOs) on music superstar Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports debut boxing card this Friday, January 9, at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City and live on FOX Sports 1 (10PM ET/7PM PT).

The 34-year-old Rainone is an aggressive southpaw with the heart of a warrior. In his last fight, on November 13 at The Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York, Rainone picked up his second professional title, the United States Boxing Organisation Welterweight Championship by scoring a unanimous decision over Carl McNickles (scores: 98-89, 98-89 and 97-91). Rainone also won the IBA Americas title in 2012.

“I’m proud to be working with a throwback fighter like Tommy Rainone,” said Greg Cohen. “He’s going into the biggest fight of his career and he’s 100% ready. Tommy plans on making the most of this opportunity and knows that a victory over Dusty at Madison Square Garden will be the launching pad he’s needed to secure fights at the highest level of the sport.”

Outside of boxing, the multi-talented Rainone works as a supervisor for Hilton Hotels and was also a cast member of the Off Broadway boxing play, Kid Shamrock, which appeared in winter of 2011 and the summer of 2012.

Also featured on the card at MSG is, Rainone’s GCP stable mate, Cecile McCalla, of Randallstown, Maryland, who will face South African southpaw Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (21-1-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF International Welterweight Championship.

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About Greg Cohen Promotions

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

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

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

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

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; Freddie Roach-trained heavyweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, currently rated #12 in the WBA; Top 15 IBF and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Undefeated Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

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

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: Thanks for joining us on the first conference call in the history of Roc Nation Boxing for this Friday’s throne boxing event January 9 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1. In the main event is Dusty Hernandez-Harrison taking on Tommy Rainone for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship and a great co-feature bout featuring Tureano Johnson versus Alex Theran and they will fight ten-rounds for the WBC Silver middleweight championship and the vacant WBA International middleweight championship. We also have a great undercard which has been previously announced. We have some great musical acts performing. DJ Mustard will be spinning for the TV portion of the event. Hosting is the Voice of New York Angie Martinez and a special performance in the ring between the co-feature and the main event will be Fabolous.

Michael Buffer will be the ring announcer and Gus Johnson blow-by-blow alongside Rich Morotta. Special guests at the fight include JAY Z, Rihanna, Carmelo Anthony, CC Sabathia, Victor Cruz, Sam Dew, Sentigold, Melany Fiona. Wardell and Big Sean.

Tickets are available starting at $30 and are available at the MSG Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets and on-line at www.thegarden.com and on www.ticketmaster.com . One dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to the Muhammad Ali Center. We also have a very impressive list of sponsors, including Budweiser, D’USSE™, GEICO, HUE For Every Man, Jaybird, PUMA, SONIC® Drive-In, TapouT Muscle, Tequila CAZADORES®, TOWN Residential and Wyndham® New Yorker Hotel.

I would like to introduce Alex “El Principe” Theran, from Barranquilla, Colombia with a record of 17-1 with 9 KOs, coming of two knockout victories. A 6th round KO on December 6 in Barranquilla, Colombia.

ALEX THERON: I am very excited and very motivated. I know this is a very important fight here in New York and I am very well prepared.

What is your style?

ALEX THERON: I have very fast legs and you will see a lot of movement. I don’t like to come with too much bite at first but my movement is very impressive.

What do you know about your opponent?

ALEX THERON: We did have a match-up in 2008 in an elimination bout for the Olympics and I did beat him. I don’t think he has a very strong defense. I have studied his fights and his movements and I am very prepared for him.

You had a loss before your last fight and the third was a tough round. How far have you moved away from that?

ALEX THERON: It was a very hurtful round but I feel good and am mentally prepared for this fight and I plan a much different approach going in to this fight.

David, can you tell us about the entertainment aspect you are bringing to the sport?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: We have looked around at fights and at boxing in general and if you look at a boxing event now it really hasn’t changed a tremendous amount in the last however many decades. We want to really amp up the fan experience at the event. There will be other bells and whistles at the event that I have not even gotten into that are going to make things even more enjoyable for fans and to keep the fans engaged. We want to make the in-arena experience more appealing to fans – yes they are coming in to see a fight but we want to give them more than the fights when they go to see a fight.

How important is the event for Jay Z?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: He will be at the weigh-in and at the fight. I think that should say how important it is to him.

How did you go about selecting the fighters for this event?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: It was a mix between fighters that we have a relationship with, promoters we have good relationships with and making good fights. Building a car that will be appealing to fans in New York, which is obviously an ethnic melting pot. SO it was a variety of factors.

How about Dusty who has fought at the Garden recently?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: Dusty is a big attraction is DC and brings a lot of fans and has a history of fighting at the Garden and you put him in a fight against a guy like Tommy Rainone who is a New York guy and sells tickets himself, always comes to fight and is tough as nails you are going to have a good fight and one that is an attractive fight.

Did you sign Dusty?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: You probably read a report on-line and that report is accurate.

RON BERKOWITZ: JAY Z is involved in every aspect of ROC NATION Sports and ROC NATION as a whole. So it would certainly not come as a surprise him being there and if fact it would come as a surprise if he were not coming. As David said, it 100% speaks for itself and it’s important for everyone that has dealt with ROC NATION and ROC NATION Sports in general, what kind of businessman and what kind of an owner that he actually is. He is an owner that is involved in every step of the way and in every decision.

How do you put all of this star power in to the Theater?

DAVID ITZKOWICH: We have worked the financials out so that everything makes sense.

RON BERKOWITZ: I just wanted to say that Rihanna is attending and not performing. And not having enough seats is a good problem to have. This is only our first event and we have plans for many, many more shows.

Alex, how do you combat against Tureano, who is a big puncher and has a lot of experience?

ALEX THERON: I am very well prepared and know that he will come at me with big punches. I am ready for the strong rounds and it is going to be a very entertaining fight.

Did you watch the fight against Curtis Stevens?

ALEX THERON: I did watch the fight and I notice that his technique lacks. I studied that fight and saw he is a slow mover compared to me – I am very quick.

Alex, when you speak about movement, what type of movement do you mean?

ALEX THERON: It is not so much running, at all. My movements are lateral movements and maneuvering around the ring.

TUREANO JOHNSON

Have you done a scouting report on Theron and how do you expect to beat him?

TUREANO JOHNSON: Yes we did a lot of research and we are doing more research on my opponent. He is a boxer / puncher but doesn’t like to mix it up so much but can if he gets the opportunity. My plan when I get into the ring is to pretty much out-box him. He has more lateral movement and not one to get in there and mix it up, like Alex.

Is going for a knockout in your game plan or not?

TUREANO JOHNSON: It isn’t in the game plan but it is my natural instinct. I like to go in here and I like to bang to try to get the knockout. We want to bring more spice to my boxing technique. I am a boxer also and I am going to try to use a little more technique that I have learned over the years. Many folks haven’t seen me do much boxing and not many have even seen me use the jab. You should see more graceful boxing inside the ring on Friday night. But my whole intention is that if I get the opportunity, I am going to knock him out.

What lies ahead if you win this fight?

TUREANO JOHNSON: From what I am told, holding the WBC Silver title, which is one of the titles that we are fighting for – that is a prestigious title. It is a title that will enable you to fight the N. 1 contender or the world champion. So yes indeed, this is the biggest step of my life. This is the most important fight of my life and this I don’t take lightly. In this fight the fans can expect to see the most explosive Tureano Johnson they have ever seen before.

How has the Curtis Stevens loss affected you and how have you recovered?

TUREANO JOHNSON: The fight with Curtis Stevens indeed, I am not going to say I am not pleased with the way it ended. The fight in itself was a disaster. It crashed and burned, the biggest accident that ever happened in my life. What has it done for me lately? There is no doubt it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth but indeed it has made me more eager and given me more energy. But it has also given t=me the energy to say ‘you know what Tureano? You are not from the United States. You may reside here and live here as an American but the fact is you are not fighting in your backyard so every time I fight expect no one to be on my side. My whole intention is to go in there with blood in my eye. I want to make a dominant decision, winning every single round if it has to go to a decision but my goal is to knock out my opponent and not leaving anything to the judges. So yes, I am more eager and determined, and I say again, I have blood in my eyes and I will never again be gassed out inside the ring.

Are you better from the Curtis Stevens experience?

TUREANO JOHNSON: If you have done your research, I can box. I have been doing a little boxing for twelve years. It would all depend on my opponent and if he would allow me to box or if he would allow me to go in there and bang. But I can’t judge to tell you if I am better, but I know that I am going to be that Tureano to come in the ring to be destructive, whether I am technical or just a bully. I am going to come in there and throw my hands to get that guy out of the ring, so you be the judge whether I am better or not. I am coming in there to do my job and that is to knock my opponent out.

GARY SHAW: The one thing that Tureano is not saying about himself is that he is a very fan-friendly fighter and he is right that that stoppage was, in my mind, improper and if there was a different referee in there at that time then Tureano would have won that fight. He on the first eleven rounds hands-down. But because he is a fan-friendly fighter, he wants to fight and he wants to give the fans something to cheer about. I don’t think you should be harsh on him, and I don’t think you are, but I want you to understand the type of fighter that Tureano is once he enters the ring.

DUSTY HARRISON-HERNANDEZ: No I like to stick to more traditional boxing training. I think the best way to prepare for a fight is boxing training. I noticed a lot of the pros do not spar as much as me and they don’t run as much as me. I think too many boxers get caught up in the strength and conditioning workouts, which takes away from their actual boxing workouts. I do some strength and conditioning but I don’t think that should be the main part. I have seen boxers do their conditioning workouts and they have nothing left to spar – they skip the bag or skip the mitts and like to focus more on the boxing workout.

How did you decide to sign Dusty Harrison?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: Obviously talent is a big part of the equation and he is a very marketable fighter. He’s a good kid and we feel he has a bright future both in and out of the ring.

Dave, is this a test run for bigger things?

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: We have already announced that we have three shows schedule for FOX Sports 1. We are going to be announcing the other dates shortly. In the short term we have two additional shows and we plan on doing more after that.

DAVID ITSKOWITCH: Tommy Rainone – most of you in New York know Tommy. He is a local favorite out of Long Island and has fought at the Gardena and Yankee Stadium. He is a big attraction and ticket seller. An interesting fact about Tommy is that he also has a regular job – he works nights at a Hilton on Long Island at nights in the accounting department. He works by night, trains by day and fights by weekend. He has a record of 22-5-1 with 4 KOs. I present Tommy “The Razor” Rainone…

TOMMY RAINONE: It is winding down. All the hard work is done and all of the sparring is done. I am just watching what I eat and getting my strength back this week. I am ready to go. I am ready to fight.

Can you talk about being a self-managed boxer?

TOMMY RAINONE: Honestly, when you don’t have a promoter or a manager and working a full-time job – all of these are distractions to a point. To be honest with you, leading up to a fight it becomes total chaos. Having to sell tickets and the phone never stops ringing. But I get used to it I have been doing it like this my whole career and it’s the only thing that I know and I am used to handling it that way.

How did you choose that rout?

TOMMY RAINONE: Some of it is by choice and some of it is not. As far as managing myself that is by choice because I like to control my own destiny. I think I have done a good enough job of that since I am fighting in a main event fight at the Garden on Saturday night. I feel like I could do as well for myself as any manager could do for me and why pay somebody for a job that I thought I could do just as well.

How do you feel you can get the win on Friday against Dusty?

TOMMY RAINONE: Good question, as I have discussed it before, the whole knockout thing…the black and white of it is I only have four knockouts, but the gray of it is that I have scored fifteen or sixteen knockdowns in my career. My last fight I dropped the guy twice and it was a ten-round decision but all you see is that it was a ten-round decision. You just see another decision victory and not that the guy was on the canvas twice. After I drop them I keep them honest and I keep them gun-shy. I know that I can punch and I know that I am not a finisher. I admit that and it’s one part of my game that is missing. But the element of surprise is when I hit these guys – they are not expecting a guy that can punch at all. I know that I will get his respect with my power if he thinking that I can’t punch. I know that his father, who is a very knowledgeable guy, I am sure that he has studied me plenty and I’m sure he gave the kid a little heads up that I can punch a little more than you think. The element of surprise may not be there as much because this particular guy I am fighting right now – I think his father is a very good trainer even though he doesn’t make as much as most trainers make but with that being said I just have to go out there and be myself make adjustments and worry about firing on all cylinders and as long as I do that I think I have a very good chance to beat this kid. I can’t worry too much about what he does.

How do you envision the fight taking place?

TOMMY RAINONE: Just like any other right. I’ve had twenty-eight fights and this is my twenty-ninth and listen if anyone tells you they don’t think about losing before the fight in the dressing room is lying. If you go into the fight with no fear factor then you don’t respect your opponent. That’s what keeps a guy honest and hungry. My confidence is there and I have gotten excellent sparring from excellent fighters like Chris Algieri and Thomas LaManna and so forth getting ready to finish fights. I put in the work with tall, long guys with a lot of talent, just as good, if not better than Dusty and with a little diversity as far as the guys I was sparring. I put in a lot of hard work so I see the fight as being a chess match, a mental battle. I think I am going to have to fight myself as much as I have to fight him and as long as I do that well I will come out on top.

What do you think of Dusty?

TOMMY RAINONE: On paper of course he is my toughest opponent to date but I won’t know until the bell rings. Hopefully he is not but on paper he is the most accomplished. I respect the kid. I think he is a good solid fighter but I don’t think he’s a killer. I also know that’s only twenty years old and people tend to rush people and they may be a little impatient with him as far as him stepping up. This is a step up for him. As much as you say this is the best guy that I fought I promise you that I am the best guy that he has fought. He really hasn’t fought good competition yet. I’m not knocking him on that because you can only expect so much from a kid that young but I am the best fighter he ever fought. It’s that simple and it works both ways.

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Roc Nations Sports’ foray into the world of boxing will officially begin with the debut of throne boxing on Friday, January 9, 2015 from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City and will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the January 9 edition of throne boxing will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including hit master DJ Mustard who will serve alongside notable event emcee and “Voice of New York” Angie Martinez throughout the night with Brooklyn’s own two-time platinum recording artist Fabolous taking the stage between fights for a special performance. World famous ring announcer Michael Buffer offers his signature voice to this big night of fights. Gus Johnson, who has worked many boxing events in the past, will call the blow-by-blow for January 9 bouts telecast on FOX Sports 1, sitting ringside with expert analyst Rich Marotta. Special guests include JAY Z, Rihanna, Carmelo Anthony, CC Sabathia, Victor Cruz, Sam Dew, Santigold, Melanie Fiona, Wardell and Big Sean. Tickets priced at $205, $105, $55 and $30, plus any Ticketmaster charges, are available for purchase at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. One dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to the Muhammad Ali Center. The event is sponsored by Budweiser, D’USSE™, GEICO, HUE For Every Man, Jaybird, PUMA, SONIC® Drive-In, TapouT Muscle, Tequila CAZADORES®, TOWN Residential and Wyndham® New Yorker Hotel. For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation; on Facebook www.facebook.com/RocNation.

Philadelphia (January 6, 2015 ) – As recently as 2012, Featherweight contender Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer was considered nothing more than a dangerous and useful journeyman. A fighter who would and could compete to a certain level but ultimately would fall a bit short against fighters with a perceived higher class.

Enter a bout that took place on October 12, 2012.

Farmer was summoned in to face hot undefeated prospect Jose Pedraza. Pedraza won the fight via 8th round. After the fight, Farmer’s record stood at a pedestrian 7-4-1.

Fortunately he didn’t give up. He had a brother who worked at Rocco’s Collision Center in South Jersey which is owned and operated by Mark Cipparone.

Cipparone sat down with young Farmer and decided to get into the fight game as a manager.

Cipparone changed Farmer’s train of thinking and provided him with the proper needs in order for Farmer to succeed at the highest level. The first order of business was to seek out and build a team who could both train at the highest level and also provide mentor ship to this young man both in an out of the ring. The process was not easy

Cipparone said, “I included Tevin every step of the way. He was at every interview with every coach and he was the one who made those very difficult decisions. I have every reason to be proud of Tevin. His mind, body, and work ethic is that of a champion and his results speak volumes. It won’t be long before the World will see what I have been saying about “The American Idol” Tevin Farmer.”

Mission accomplished as Farmer has ripped off ten wins in a row that has raised his mark to an impressive 17-4-1.

In that streak he has scored quality victories over Camillo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-1), Emanuel Gonzalez (14-0) and in his most recent effort, he took out Dominic Coca in one round on October 11.

The surge in Farmer’s career earned him a promotional contract with well regarded DiBella Entertainment.

2015 looks to be a huge year in the career of Tevin Farmer as he will prove that when given the proper management and backing, that dreams come true.

He will get his 2015 underway this Friday night when he takes on Viktor Chernous (15-1-1, 5 KO’s) in an 8-round bout at the Morongo Spa & Resort in Cabazon, California.

“Farmer started his career at 7-4-1 and has used a 10-fight win streak against quality opposition to achieve prospect/contender status. He’s fighting top competition again on Friday night. Tevin is only 24 years old and I believe he has championship-caliber talent.”, said his promoter Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertatinment

To listen to Tevin Farmer in his own words, click on the below video:

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 6) – Shy of his 30th birthday, Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) became the youngest Venezuelan to win world titles in three divisions when he beat Mexico’s Javier “Implacable” Prieto (24-8-2, 18 KOs) for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship on Dec. 30 at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan. FOX Deportes showcase Linares’ triumuph today, Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT..

FOX Deportes will also be hosting a “Golden Boy Classic Marathon” today starting at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT featuring Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas (2002), Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Robbie Peden (2005), Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan M. Marquez (2008) and Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin Trout (2013)

Linares vs. Prieto was a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship, which took place at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 30 and was promoted by Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym in association with Ohachi Promotions and Cancun Boxing of Pepe Gomez.

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

ADAM ETCHES’s New Year’s resolution is to win titles, titles and more titles.

The hard-hitting Sheffield middleweight bolstered his world ranking by adding the IBF International and WBC Youth crowns to his collection in 2014.

But he’s far from done has he has his eye on the British and European baubles and also wants to increase his credentials on the international stage.

“Everything I’m doing is going well and everyone in Sheffield is getting behind me so this should be a big year for me,” Etches, 18-0 (15 KOs), said.

“My ultimate goal is to win a world title and I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. If that means fighting for the British and European titles this year, then that’s what I’ll do.

“Billy Joe Saunders is boxing Andy Lee for the WBO title and that should free up the belts. I could fight someone like Chris Eubank Jnr or John Ryder for them.

“They’re both winnable fights for me and I don’t think I’m that far behind Lee and Saunders so who knows, I could be close to a world title sooner than people think.”

Etches has already sold out the 2,000 capacity Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield so with a few more belts around his waist, the next logical step is to fulfil his dream of topping the bill at the city’s Motorpoint Arena.

“I’ve boxed on Kell Brook’s undercard there, which was brilliant, and I think I can be in the main event there myself one day,” Adam said.

“More and more people want to see me box and I can already fill Ponds Forge, so the arena should be next. I’m not there yet, but Kell went from Ponds Forge to there in only a few fights and there’s no reason I can’t.

“I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing, keep climbing the ladder and it’ll happen.”

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Jan. 6th, 2015) — Unbreakable in its quest to continue bringing quality championship boxing to New England and beyond, CES kicks off the new year Saturday, Jan. 17th, 2015 with two dynamic title bouts at Mohegan Sun Arena, including what might be the final chapter of one of the region’s most intense rivalries.

After fighting to a draw twice in 2014, Hartford, Conn., super featherweight Joseph “Chip” Perez (10-3-2, 3 KOs) will battle Agustine Mauras (6-0-3, 3 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., in an eight-round bout for the vacant N.E. title while Josh Crespo (3-1-2, 1 KO) of New Haven, Conn., faces Portland, Maine’s Jorge Abiague (7-0-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout for the vacant N.E. super bantamweight crown.

This unique, dual main event headlines one of the most action-packed regional cards in years. The event also features a star-studded amateur undercard in addition to the professional debuts of two standout Chinese boxers, in association with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, among them a former Olympian and six-time national champion.

Tickets for the event are priced at $40, $65 and $125 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Mauras-Perez trilogy ends Jan. 17th in anticipation of a winner finally being crowned following two highly entertaining draws in 2014. The two rivals first faced one another in July in Boston with all three judges scoring the six-round bout 57-57. The rematch took place two months later in Connecticut, also a six-rounder. Judge Robert Paolino scored the bout 58-56 in favor of Perez while Glenn Feldman gave the edge to Mauras by the same score. Don Trella scored it 57-57, resulting in another draw.

The announcement of the third — and perhaps final — installment of the Mauras-Perez saga has sparked tremendous excitement via social media, with fans of both sides weighing in on the predicted outcome.

Crespo-Abiague is another evenly-matched bout between two of the region’s top fighters in the 122-pound division, one looking to build another winning streak with the other hoping to take another step forward following the biggest victory of his young career.

The 34-year-old Cuban-born Abiague is no stranger to success in the northeast, having won four times on New England soil since relocating in 2013. Following a close loss to unbeaten prospect Nate Green in October, Abiague returned to the ring a month later to beat 19-fight veteran Eduardo Melendez. For Crespo, this upcoming title bout is another chance to strike down another established fighter after dominating Xian Wei Qian, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian Featherweight Champion, in October.

Jan. 17th also features the return of New Haven super middleweight Elvin Ayala (26-6-1, 12 KOs), a former five-time title challenger and WBC U.S. National Boxing Council (USNBC) champion, who faces Hyannis, Mass., veteran Paul Gonsalves (7-5-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Ayala pieced together an impressive six-fight win streak before a stunning loss to Curtis Stevens in January of 2014 and has his hands full with Gonsalves, who went the distance last year with unbeaten contenders Mike Lee and Angel Camacho Jr., two opponents with a combined 26-0 record.

Also back in action is unbeaten Hartford light heavyweight prospect David Bauza (6-0, 3 KOs), who ends a four-year layoff when he faces Jose Torres (2-2, 2 KOs) of Springfield, Mass. Bauza rose to prominence between 2009 and 2010 with six consecutive wins in an 11-month span. Torres is best known for his stunning fourth-round knockout win over dangerous cruiserweight slugger Josh Harris in 2011. New Haven junior middleweight Jimmy Williams (7-0-1, 3 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line in a six-round bout against an opponent to be determined.

Not to be outdone, New Bedford, Mass., lightweight Briam Granado makes his professional debut against Willie Carville (1-0) of Lewiston, Maine, while unbeaten Worcester, Mass., prospect Khiary Gray-Pitts (3-0, 1 KO) returns to face hard-hitting veteran Emmanuel Medina (3-4-1, 3 KOs) of Tilton, N.H.

A five-time Northern New England Golden Gloves champion, the 29-year-old Carville looks to build off his win over Paulo Souza in October while Granado makes his highly anticipated debut following a brief amateur career. Fighting for the fourth time since June, Gray-Pitts attempts to extend his unbeaten strike to four fights against the crafty Medina, who has never faced a fighter with a losing record since turning pro in 2009.

Also featured on the undercard, light heavyweight southpaw Meng Fanlong and junior welterweight Wang Zhimin debut after successful amateur careers. Signed to Roc Nation Sports in 2014, Fanlong competed in the 2012 London Olympics and also advanced to the finals of World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2011 in addition to winning the Chinese National Championship for six consecutive years between 2008 and 2013. He faces Marcellus Yates (0-1) of Washington, D.C., in a four-round bout. Zhimin won the gold medal in the 2011 World Series of Boxing and also reached the finals of the Chinese National Championships in 2010, one year after earning a bronze medal. Zhimin also debuts Jan. 17th in a four-round bout.

QUEENS, NY (January 6th, 2015) – Maryland’s undefeated Junior Middleweight prospect, Alantez Fox (13-0-1, 4KO’s), makes his return to the ring on Friday, January 9th, 2015 against Patrick Day (9-0-1 5KO’s) from Freeport, NY. The eight-round bout will take place live on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation, at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cazabon, California. The bout will be promoted by Dibella Entertainment and New Legend Boxing.

Fox is excited to be back in the ring for his first televised fight.

“This is my chance to prove to everyone watching as well as my promoters’ New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment that I am ready to take things to the next level and beyond. I am trying to go all the way to the top. This win against Patrick Day legitimizes my skills as a serious prospect. It shows that I am not a fluke or some undefeated fighter with a padded record. This is not the last time you will see me on ShoBox. I don’t plan on stopping here at all and hope to be back in the ring as soon as possible. I want to climb up in the rankings and fight tougher opponents. Hopefully sometime within this year or early next year I will be fighting in a title bout.”

“Fox is looking better and better each and every time he steps in the ring,” said New Legend Boxing promoter Felipe Gomez.” “He’s gaining the quality experience he will need to take his career to the next level and we are hoping that with a win here, we can get him a step closer to a title opportunity.

SANTA, YNEZ (January 5, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions welterweight contender, Francisco Santana (21-3-1, 10 KOs) has a new opponent for this Fridays “ESPN Friday Night Fights” show at the Chumash Casino. Santana will now face undefeated prospect Kendal Mena (20-0, 11 KOs) of the Dominican Republic. Santana vs. Mena, a 10-round bout, will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round main event featuring WBA Interim lightweight champion Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) vs. Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs).

After an impressive win against Eddie Gomez (17-1, 10 KOs) at super-welterweight earlier this year, Santana feels he has the talent to become something special in the welterweight division.

“I was supposed to fight Sebastian Lujan and then Randall Bailey but both bouts fell out,” said Francisco Santana. “Now I’m fighting Mena who is undefeated, which is a fight I’m looking forward to. A win against Mena will be a nice nod on my record. I’m moving down to 147 for this fight. I know I can make some noise in the welterweight division. Gary Shaw, who is a man of his word, has promised me some big fights, so I’m going to do my best to perform to my best ability.”

“Santana is a throwback fighter and he’s willing to fight anyone to get to the top.” said Gary Shaw. “Mena is undefeated but I believe Santana has what it takes to come out on top. My undefeated featherweight sensation, Roman Morales, will be making his 2015 debut on this card as well. It’s gong to be a great show and I’m expecting a night filled with exciting fights.”

Undercard

8-Round Featherweight Bout
Roman Morales (18-0, 9 KOs) vs. Ernesto Guerrero (15-14, 10 KOs)

6-Round Heavyweight Bout
Jarrell Miller (10-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Aaron Kinch (5-3-2, 1 KO)

6-Round Female Attraction
Maria Suarez (8-1-1) vs. Jolene Blackshear (9-5, 4 KOs)

4-Round Featherweight Bout
Manuel Romero (0-2-2) vs. Oscar Rojas (0-1)

4-Round Female Attraction
Paula Estrada (0-1) vs. Kayana Rain (Pro Debut)

8-Round Heavyweight Bout
Mike Perez (20-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. TBA

The ESPN “Friday Night Fights” telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE. Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.

Prized undefeated prospect from the Top Rank stable, Saul “Kid Dinamita” Rodriquez (15-0-1, 12KOs), has been added to the TV portion of the January 17th Solo Boxeo Tecate on Unimas card at Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme, California.

Rodriguez, a Mexican-American born in Los Angeles, trains with 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia at his Boxing Academy in Oxnard. Rodriguez has literally exploded in his last 7 bouts with highlight reel knockdowns and knockouts. Such a display of devastating power has carried Rodriguez to an 80% career knockout win rate in 16 total professional bouts. Fans who attended the April 26, 2014 Boxing By the Beach show at Oceanview Pavilion saw Rodriguez brutally knock out Miguel Zamudio (29-3-1) in the 4th round of a scheduled 8 round bout.

Rodriguez, who stopped all of his opponents within the distance in 2013 and 2014, will look to continue that streak in 2015 with another stern test in Mexico’s Carlos “Coreano” Rodriguez (9-1, 4KOs). A native of San Buenaventura, Chihuahua, the January 17th bout will mark the U.S. debut for Carlos Rodriguez, who has been successful in every one of his professional bouts except for a loss to highly heralded Robert Manzanarez (29-1, 24KOs) for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight title last February.

Rodriguez vs. Rodriguez will be the 8 round televised co-main event at Boxing By The Beach at Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme, California. The 10 round main event will feature Top 10 ranked Jose “El Chon” Zepeda (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Rafael Cobos (15-5-5, 3KOs). Boxing By The Beach will also feature some familiar names and faces to the legions of boxing fans in the Oxnard/Ventura areas as Oxnard native Abraham Lopez meets Bihal Mahasin in a 6 round welterweight affair. Also, adopted Oxnard sons, Daniel “Twtich” Franco (9-0-3, 6KOs) and Zachary “Kid Yamaka” Wohlman (8-2-1, 1KO) will appear in separate 6 round contests. Rounding out the card will be two undefeated prospects from Los Angeles, Luis Sedano and Arnold Barboza Jr..

BOXING BY THE BEACH takes place on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the Oceanview Pavilion, located at 575 E. Surfside Drive in Port Hueneme, California. Tickets can be purchased online at www.boxingbythebeach.com or by calling
(805) 889-8162. Tickets start at $40 for Theatre Seating and $80 for Ringside/Stage Seating. A limited number of VIP bottle service tables are also available.

Doors Open at 6:00pm; First Bout at 6:30pm. All bouts are subject to change.

“It’s the biggest opportunity I’ve had, but in my mind, it’s just another fight,” says undefeated welterweight Cecil McCalla (20-0, 7 KOs).

The easy-going McCalla, a Randallstown, Maryland, native, will face South African southpaw Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (21-1-1, 11 KOs) for the IBF International Welterweight Championship this Friday, January 9, at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City and live on FOX Sports 1 (10PM ET/7PM PT).

McCalla vs. van Heerden will serve as the main supporting bout to fan favorite New Yorker Tommy Rainone (22-5-1, 4 KOs) taking on unbeaten Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (24-0, 13 KOs) on music superstar Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports debut boxing card, entitled “Throne Boxing.”

If McCalla is feeling the pressure before the biggest fight of his boxing career, he’s hiding it well. But the 29-year-old has already proven himself a clutch player. He was scheduled to fight van Heerden last July until van Heerden pulled out with an injury two weeks before the fight. Despite having spent his entire training camp preparing for a southpaw, McCalla agreed to fight orthodox fighter Oscar Godoy (then 13-2) on short notice and won a dominant unanimous decision.

“I feel like that opponent (Godoy) is a little tougher than this guy van Heerden,” continued the confident McCalla. “He (van Heerden) is a southpaw from South Africa and a pretty rough pressure fighter, but I won’t have any problems with him. I used to spar Paul Williams before I even turned pro and he’s a lot stronger than this guy.”

If McCalla sounds supremely confident, it’s because he has a secret weapon from across the ocean on his side.

“I trained for my fight in the UK,” explained McCalla. “My manager, Camero Mercer,knew a trainer named Lee Beard, and told me I should go over there and work with him. I decided to give it a shot two summers ago and I’ve been going there to train for every fight since then. Lee knows his stuff.”

McCalla says the improvements from working with Beard, best known for his work with Ricky and Matthew Hatton, have been incredible. “I felt like I was getting caught too much before and it’s made a very big difference in working with Lee. He’s hard to please and he pays close attention to everything. I like him.”

Happy with the opportunities afforded him by his promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, McCalla says a victory over van Heerden will put him exactly where he wasnts to be.

“Greg Cohen does a great job for me and I’m happy with where I am as far as opportunities coming my way. And I’ll start getting better fights after this victory and that will put me in the mix with the Andre Bertos and Keith Thurmans and guys like that. Hopefully I’ll be world champion sometime this year. This is my year!”

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About Greg Cohen Promotions

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

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

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

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

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; Freddie Roach-trained heavyweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, currently rated #12 in the WBA; Top 15 IBF and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Undefeated Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

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