Bolonti: Braehmer is battle-worn, I will wrest the WBA Title away from him!

Juergen Braehmer (43-2, 32 KOs) is still aiming for big and career-defining fights. However, before all that can happen he has to defend the WBA Light Heavyweight Title in his hometown of Schwerin, Germany. Moreover, his upcoming opponent Robert Bolonti (35-2, 24 KOs) wants to upset Braehmer’s plans. The challenger from Argentina sees himself well prepared to crown himself a world champion on June 7. In the following Q&A, Bolonti talks about how he is going to beat Braehmer and what it is all about him being nicknamed “La Bestia”.

Roberto, do you feel ready to dethrone Juergen Braehmer as the WBA Light Heavyweight Champion come June 7?

Roberto Bolonti: Of course! Every professional fighter works for this chance. If you are not ready when such an opportunity arises, you do not take this sport serious and should quit it.

Many fighters lament about a short time of preparation they had after losing…

Roberto Bolonti: …which is nearly always an excuse. But why should a talk about losing – I come to win this fight! I did know for a long time that there is a strong possibility to land a big fight. Therefore, I kept myself in shape. In mid-April, I was offered to fight for the WBA Belt and signed for it. In total, I will have enjoyed more than six weeks especially preparing for Braehmer. You will see me at my best on June 7.

You did not show your best when you fought Tony Bellew in England in November 2012. What went wrong for you back then?

Roberto Bolonti: That was my first fight abroad. Unfortunately, I ate something wrong and suffered from gastroenteritis at the start of fight-week. With this handicap in mind, I was proud to go the distance. In retrospect, I think that this experience will help me to beat Braehmer.

With Braehmer you will have to deal with a southpaw – is this going to be a problem?

Roberto Bolonti: Not in the slightest. I have already fought many southpaws in my career and beat them all. Certainly, Braehmer is on a completely different level to them. I still think, that my coach Harold Guevara and I will have the right game plan to come successful trough this challenge.

Where do you see your advantages over Braehmer?

Roberto Bolonti: Both of us might be 35 years of age but he is far more battle-worn than I am. I am simply fresher and not depleted like him. When it is going to get tough over the rounds, my advantages will get bigger and bigger over the rounds. In addition, I can punch hard with both my right and left hand. Braehmer will not know what is happening to him.

So you will do credit to your in-ring name “La Bestia”?

Roberto Bolonti: Bet on it! I am a real warrior inside the squared circle, devote myself and fight on until the fight is over. I will make this clear to Braehmer as soon as the first bell rings.

Who will be the WBA Light Heavyweight Champion after June 7?

Roberto Bolonti: Bolonti! Bolonti! Bolonti! I will not respect Braehmer as the champion inside the ring and wrest the title away from him. I will fulfill my dream – for my family, friends and fatherland. Viva Argentina!

Tickets for the fight night at the Sport- und Kongresshalle Schwerin, Germany on June 7 are available via www.eventim.de.

UFC® RETURNS TO THE VENETIAN MACAO TO HOST SECOND FIGHT NIGHT OF 2014

SINGAPORE – Cementing a commitment to the burgeoning MMA scene in Asia and with Sands China Ltd., The Ultimate Fighting Championship® returns to Cotai Arena in Macao for a second time in 2014, and third overall, on Saturday, August 23 with UFC® Fight Night Macao: Bisping vs. Le.

Headlined by Vietnamese born Cung Le (9-2, fighting out of San Jose, California), the former Strikeforce middleweight champion and legend of combat sports returns to the Octagon for the first time since a dominant knockout of Rich Franklin in the same arena in 2012. After a successful stint coaching and teaching on The Ultimate Fighter China, Le looks to use his impressive arsenal of wrestling, Tae-Kwon-Do, Kung Fu and Sanshou in laying claim to the title of most entertaining fighter of his generation.

Standing in the way will be formidable UFC veteran and The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 champion Michael “The Count” Bisping (25-6, fighting out of Orange County, California by way of Manchester, England). A polarizing figure to fans, no one can dispute Bisping’s skills as he’s racked up three Fight of the Night bonuses and eight TKO victories in his long UFC career. With notable wins over Alan Belcher, Brian Stann and Chris Leben, the one thing that has eluded Bisping has been the UFC belt and a win over Cung Le would show the middleweight division that Bisping is ready to make one more title run.

“We’re excited to announce our return to Macao and the Cotai Arena, a venue that has seen incredible UFC performances over the last two years,” said Mark Fischer, UFC Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Asia. “Sands China Ltd. has proven to be an exceptional partner and visionary in helping us grow the sport of MMA and the UFC brand in South East Asia.”

In addition to the Bisping-Le showdown, two surging welterweights will meet in Macao when the division’s ninth-ranked competitor and Korean born Dong Hyun Kim (19-2-1, 1NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea) meets the explosive seventh-ranked Hector Lombard (34-4-1, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.), who has taken the 170lb. class by storm. Kim, who most recently overwhelmed John Hathaway by KO at the Cotai Arena in March, will look to build on his resume as one of the most accomplished Asian fighters in the UFC with a win over former Judo world champion Lombard.

For additional bouts on the card, please continue to visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

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About Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, the UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a variety of multi-year broadcast agreements with some of the biggest networks throughout Europe, including BT Sport, TV12, C More, Abu Dhabi Media, Setanta and RTL9. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. UFC also owns over 100 UFC GYM® locations, UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC 360 (the internationally distributed magazine), a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and Twitter: @UFC.

PRO BOXING RETURNS TO U.S. CELLULAR FIELD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD

Chicago, IL (May 23, 2014) World class professional boxing will once again return to U.S. Cellular Field, Home of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox on Saturday, August 23rd, it was announced today by the Illinois Sports Facility Authority, Round 3 Productions and Hitz Boxing.

Last years’ event on August 16th was a tremendous success and sports fans in Chicago have eagerly awaited news on the return of “Boxing at the Ballpark”.

“We’re thrilled once again to work with Frank Mugnolo of Round 3 Productions on this years’ event” said Kelly Kraft, Executive Director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, owners of U.S. Cellular Field. “Working together we presented a one-of-a-kind world class event and we look forward to another outstanding evening of boxing under the stars.”

“It’s an honor to work with Kelly and her team at the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and the first-class Chicago White Sox organization” said Mugnolo. “Round 3 and Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing can’t wait to get started on this years’ event.”

Said Hitz, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this promotion and look forward to presenting a fantastic evening of boxing and entertainment on Saturday, August 23rd.”

In 2014, Chicago Radio Station, B96, will be an official media partner of “Boxing at the Ballpark”. J Niice, Showbiz Shelly, Producer Gabe, and Producer Mary from the “B96 J Show” which airs weekdays 5:30am-10:00am will be brand ambassadors of the event with activations throughout June, July and August, including a Live Broadcast from US Cellular on August 22nd and a pre-event Boxing Bash Tailgate on August 23rd.

Details on featured bouts and ticketing will be made available in the coming weeks.

OLEKSANDR USYK HEADS TO FOURTH PRO BOUT SATURDAY, MAY 31 IN KIEV, UKRAINE

Kiev, Ukraine (May 23, 2014) 2012 Olympic Heavyweight Gold Medalist OLEKSANDR USYK will return to battle in his fourth professional fight against CESAR DAVID “El Ruso” CRENZ on Saturday, May 31 at the Sport Palace in Odessa, Ukraine.

Fast moving and very impressive since his highly anticipated pro debut in November, the 6’3” tall heavy hitting southpaw has stopped his first three opponents, most recently scoring a third round knockout of Ben Nsafoah on April 26 on the undercard of the Wladimir Klitschko/Alex Leapai Heavyweight World Title Event in Oberhausen, Germany.

Against Crenz, Usyk, 3-0-0 (3KO’s), will face off against a much more experienced fighter with the Argentinian compiling a record of 21-8-0 with 13 knockouts over his 12-year career.

Among the notables Crenz has faced include; Yoan Pablo Hernandez, Pawel Kolodziej, Hugo Hernan Garay and Dmytro Kucher.

Just before a training session, Usyk, a veteran of over 300 amateur bouts spoke about his upcoming fight, training and his plans for this year.

‘I know that Crenz had more professional experience but I will be well prepared on May 31 for what he brings to the fight. This is my second fight this year, however I want to fight six times in 2014.”

For his fight last month Usyk trained with the unified heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in Austria. “This was a terrific experience, to train with and learn from Wladimir, we had an excellent camp.”

“I want to stay busy this year, keep winning and gain more experience as a professional. I enjoy fighting in Europe but would also like to fight in the United States soon.” Usyk fought in the United States as an amateur.

“The interest in Oleksandr has been tremendous since his professional debut” said Alexander Krassyuk of K2 Promotions. “This will be his second scheduled eight rounder and we’re looking for big things from him this year.”

Gunn Jr excited for Garden State Debut!

Hackensack, NJ (May 23, 2014) – 18-year-old prospect Bobby Gunn Jr. spent most of his life in and around the Garden State’s boxing scene. Between preparing for his bouts, mimicking his father in the gym as a youngster and appearing ringside at countless fights, Gunn Jr’s a familiar local face. Interestingly enough, he’s never fought in New Jersey as a pro or amateur.

At 2-0 with 2 first round knockouts, both of Gunn Jr’s bouts took place four hours away in Annandale, VA. On May 31, he’ll box for the first time in his home state when he battles debuting Ricardo Decampio at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. Like his father whom he shares a name with, Gunn Jr. is known locally and expects a number of his supporters to the Birchwood Manor.

“This is my real homecoming. I never fought here before, even as an amateur. I’m hoping for a big crowd and am excited for May 31. This is the biggest fight of my pro or amateur career.”

The card is promoted by KEA Boxing and tickets are available by going to http://www.kea-boxing.com/event20140531.php

BOXING’S BIGGEST HITTERS! BOXNATION SHARES OUR TOP 10 AHEAD OF KNOCKOUT KING ADONIS STEVENSON’S CLASH WITH ANDRZEJ FONFARA LIVE THIS WEEKEND

LONDON (May 23) – On Saturday night knockout artist Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson is back in action, live and exclusive on BoxNation, when he defends his WBC light-heavyweight title against the tricky Andrzej Fonfara at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Regarded among modern day boxing’s biggest hitters, the 175 pound champion sits in the privileged position of being the type of all-action, exciting fighter that is guaranteed to put bums on seats.

Fight fans have long adored, and yearned, for the concussive, one-punch pugilist, one who is able to end a fight in the blink of an eye.

Throughout the ages boxing has been littered with such formidable characters from the lowest weight classes all the way up to the heaviest. Names such as Ernie Shavers, Mike Tyson, Julian Jackson, George Foreman, Bob Foster, Tommy Hearns, Sandy Saddler, Archie Moore, Rocky Marciano and many more have acquired enviable reputations as some of the sport’s most feared hitters.

Ahead of Stevenson’s clash this weekend, BoxNation analyses ten of the biggest-punchers around today.

1. Adonis Stevenson (23-1, 20 KOs)

No better place to start than the man who fights this Saturday night. His reputation as boxing’s biggest puncher has risen considerably after enjoying a memorable 2013, which saw him blast his way past Chad Dawson in the first round to capture the WBC light-heavyweight crown.

The brutal stoppage of Dawson was followed by wins against Tavoris Cloud and Tony Bellew, which has seen the southpaw stop his last 10 opponents, whilst amassing a record of 20 knockouts in his 23 wins.

He recently declared himself ‘the Mike Tyson of the light-heavyweights’, with the punching power he possesses you’ll find few who will argue.

2. Deontay Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs)

Known as ‘The Bronze Bomber’, his record of having knocked out all who stand before him speaks for itself. Heavyweight Wilder is making huge impressions on a division that is hoping to restore itself as boxing’s glamour weight class.

Some critics have questioned the level of competition that the 6ft 7inch Alabama bruiser has been in with, but you can only face what is put in front of you, and next up for the heavyweight ace is likely to be a stab at Bermane Stiverne’s WBC heavyweight title.

Wilder’s only made it as far as the fourth round on one occasion and will be hoping he can prove he’s the real deal by putting the heavyweight division’s very best to sleep.

3. Gennady Golovkin (29-0, 26 KOs)

The Kazakhstani kingpin is earning a reputation as boxing’s most feared combatant. Having captured the WBA middleweight title in 2010 against Nilson Julio Tapia by third round knockout, ‘Triple G (GGG)’ has seen his stock rise considerably to the point where it’s getting hard to find him any worthy opponents.

This in a division which boasts other notable names such as Sergio Martinez, Peter Quillin, Felix Sturm and Britain’s Martin Murray.

With nearly a 90% knockout record it’s clear to see why Golovkin would be last on anyone’s list as a potential foe.

4. Sergey Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KOs)

The current WBO light-heavyweight champion currently ranks alongside Adonis Stevenson and the veteran Bernard Hopkins as the top dogs at 175 pounds.

The 6ft chiselled Russian rarely breaks into a smile, instead preferring to break jaws with an incredible 22 knockouts in his 24 victories.

A potential matchup between the two KO kings, Kovalev and Stevenson, has yet to materialise but his impressive victory over Nathan Cleverly to claim his first world title away from home shows nothing fazes this steely Russian assassin.

5. Keith Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs)

Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman earned his moniker due to his one-punch knockout power. The Floridian is quickly emerging as a real star of a stacked welterweight division which contains boxing’s biggest names including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

His recent outing’s have seen him hammer his way past respected names like Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, to take his record to 23 wins with 21 knockouts.

He stands on the verge of a shot at the world title at some point this year, with some predicting, with his slick boxing skills and devastating power, he will be the man to go on to take away Mayweather’s famous ‘O’.

6. Lucas Matthysse (35-3, 31 KOs)

Up until his recent closely fought battle with unified light-welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, ‘The Machine’ was regarded as the man on the threshold of reigning supreme over the 140 pound division.

His incredible run of victories prior to the Garcia fight had seen him run through a host of top names including Lamont Peterson, Mike Dallas Jr and Olusegun Ajose.

A rematch may be on the cards with Garcia if the champion decides to stay at light-welterweight, but nevertheless, with 33 knockouts in his 35 wins there will be a few restless nights for anyone going in against the ferocious Argentine.

7. Randall Bailey (44-8, 37 KOs)

As a three-time world champion in two weight divisions, his nickname ‘The Knockout King’ says it all. His most recent world title victory came against the respected welterweight champion Mike Jones in June 2012.

Behind on all three judges’ scorecards the American hitter needed a knockout to win. He duly obliged with a straight right down the middle in the tenth round which floored Jones, before ending the fight with a vicious uppercut at the close of round 11 that left the champion all over the place and unable to recover.

Tellingly, Jones hasn’t fought since the loss, and they say a fighter’s last thing to go is his power and at 39 Bailey will give anyone a run for their money.

8. Marcos Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs)

Hot off a valiant display against Floyd Mayweather, the Argentine Maidana showed that he was able to make up for his lack of technical skills by out hustling and using his power to trouble the pound-for-pound king.

Mayweather was well aware of ‘El Chino’s’ 31 knockouts in his 35 wins but after once being described by former champion Kevin Kelly as having hit ‘like a building fell on top of me’, his punching power alone has probably earned the undying respect of boxing’s number one star.

9. Jhonny Gonzalez (55-8, 47 KOs)

No matter the circumstances, if you can punch you always have a chance. Unfancied against one of boxing’s upcoming stars in Abner Mares, the Mexican featherweight never read the script when he decked the WBC champion twice in the first round.

With 46 knockouts in 54 victories before they met, Mares knew he was going in with a live wire but was unable to deal with Gonzalez’s fists of fury. A rematch was scheduled before Mares pulled out due to a rib injury, leaving Gonzalez set to face Clive Atwell next.

10. Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KOs)

With his sibling Vitali hanging up the gloves, and pursuing a career in politics, the younger Klitschko brother will be the one to fly the flag and continue the Klitschko domination of the heavyweight division.

At times the brothers have not got their due respect, but as the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion and with a record of 52 knockouts in his 62 wins, Wladimir is undoubtedly one of the heaviest hitters around.

A fight with the unbeaten Kubrat Pulev is set to be next up for him, before a potential unification clash with WBC champion Bermane Stiverne.

Adonis Stevenson vs. Andrzej Fonfara is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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HEAVYWEIGHTS ALEXIS SANTOS AND DANIEL MARTZ TO CO-FEATURE GOLDEN BOY LIVE! JUNE 5 SHOW

BOSTON (May 24, 2014) – The Golden Boy Live! series will bring an action-packed televised co-featured fight on Thursday, June 5 from The House of Blues in Boston, Mass. as rising heavyweight star Alexis Santos of Lawrence, Mass. gets his first title shot against powerhouse Daniel Martz of Clarksburg, WV. in an eight round battle for the vacant NABF Junior Heavyweight Title which will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.

“I know how important this fight is for my career,” explains Santos from his Lawrence home after a grueling workout with coach Sean Farley. “This is a co-feature on national TV against the best opponent I have ever faced. Plus, every real champ since the sixties has had the green WBC Belt; Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, the Klitschko’s, they’ve all been WBC champs. This is the title I want to bring back to Massachusetts!”

In the previously announced televised main event, fans will see what is sure to be a barn-burner with undefeated Emmanuel Gonzalez (14-0, 7 KOs) from The Bronx stepping up against Philly’s tough Tevin Farmer (15-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight bout. Opening the televised portion of the card will be Ireland’s Jamie Kavanagh returning to make his second appearance in Boston against veteran lightweight Michael Clark in an 8-round lightweight showdown.

In addition to an exciting co-feature event, the stacked eight-bout card features several local fighters as well as up-and-coming stars. This is the second Fox Sports 1 show Golden Boy Promotions has co-promoted in Boston, working with Dropkick Murphys front man Ken Casey, who’s been in the boxing scene for four years now since signing welterweight contender Danny O’Connor.

“With Danny out pending elbow surgery, I decided to keep things going,” said Casey, returning home from a tour with the band. “New England boxing fans have been great. We have sold out the House of Blues for the last two shows, packed the Boston Garden and brought huge crowds to the Electric Company in Philly and to Foxwoods. I’m enjoying promoting fights, have a great team around me and love giving local fighters an opportunity to fight in a bigger arena than small armory shows. These guys are being checked out by Golden Boy Promotions and this could be the chance of a lifetime for guys like Alexis Santos and some of the other local fighters.”

Continued Casey, “It’s important to me to give back to the local boxing community with these events but beyond that to give back to those in need and so we are going to donate all proceeds from the June 5th boxing event to the Walsh & Kennedy Memorial Fund.”

The Walsh & Kennedy Memorial Fund named after Lt. Edward Walsh and Firefighter Mike Kennedy, who were killed battling a fire on Beacon Street in Boston in March. Casey and the Dropkick Murphys’ charity operates the Claddagh Fund which supports numerous local charities for children, veterans and substance abuse treatment among other worthy causes.

Casey finished, “These were good men who not only dedicated their careers to helping others but were pillars of their community’s off-duty. We’re honored for the opportunity to help raise money in their names,” said Casey.

One of the best big men to emerge from New England since former Heavyweight World Champion John Ruiz, 24-year-old Alexis Santos (13-0, 11 KOs) looks to be on his way to big things in boxing’s glamour division. A professional since 2009, Santos has ended six of his knockout victories in a single round and with his power and determination he is ready for whoever steps up to fight him.

At 6-7 ½ and weighing in around 250 pounds, Clarksburg, West Virginia’s Daniel Martz (10-1, 7 KOs) lives up to his nickname “The Mountain.” A pro since 2012, Martz is a promising up and comer with veteran names on his victory list like Rubin Williams and Dante Craig and he plans on adding Santos to that list in June.

Among local fighters appearing on the card will be US Marine Corps combat veteran and undefeated middleweight Mark “Bazooka” DeLuca (9-0, 6 KOs) who puts his perfect record on the line against Providence, Rhode Island’s Richard Starnino (9-13-2, 2 KOs). DeLuca, one of Boston’s best professional prospects, is returning to his boxing career after a four-year-absence during his military service. Showing an exciting combination of boxing and power punching, DeLuca has been a fan favorite throughout his distinguished amateur career and into his budding pro career.

Quincy’s popular Chris Traietti (16-3, 12 KOs) will face veteran James Morrow (12-20-3, 5 KOs) of Lafayette, Indianain a six round cruiserweight bout. Traietti is on an impressive winning streak after a short sabbatical from boxing to finish college. Traietti is also a military veteran, currently a sergeant in the Air Force reserves.

Jose “The Stinger” Medina(18-14-1, 7 KOs), Traietti’s training partner, will face Cork, Ireland’s Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan(16-1, 10 KOs). Medina has fought nothing but tough fights his whole career and will be a hard challenge for the Irishman, who has strong ties to Boston. O’Sullivan is trained by Pachal “Packy” Collins, brother of former World Champion Stevie Collins and has fought in Boston twice, in shows promoted by Quincy’s Mark Porter, whose annual Marina Bay White Collar Shows have raised over $75,000 for cancer research.

A native of Dublin, Ireland who now makes his home in Los Angeles, 23-year-old Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh (16-1-1, 7 KOs) hopes that 2014 is the year that begins his march to a world championship bout. Owner of wins over Ramon Valadez and Antonio Meza that established him as a fighter to watch, Kavanagh bounced back from the lone loss of his career against Daniel Ruiz with a near-shutout victory over Andres Navarro at the House of Blues in Boston on St. Patrick’s Day. Now, he’ll look to make it two for two in his new home away from home.

One of the most experienced fighters Kavanagh has ever met in the ring, Columbus, Ohio’s Michael “Cold Blood” Clark (44-10-1, 18 KOs) has no problem playing the spoiler on fight night this June. A former world title challenger and NABF champion, Clark’s mission is to come away with a big win over Kavanagh on June 5 that will open the door for him to make his way back up the world rankings.

Rounding out the card will be undefeated heavyweight Danny Kelly (5-0-1, 4 KOs) of Washington, DC who will also step up his competition against Pennsylvania’s Eric Newell, (7-2-2, 5 KOs) in a six-round non-televised bout. Also hailing from DC, former national amateur champion Lamont Roach (1-0), open the show against an opponent to be announced in a four round lightweight fight.

Tickets, priced at $150 (reserved seating), $100 (reserved seating) and $45 (general admission) are on sale now at the House of Blues Box Office, the Orpheum Theater box office or online at http://m.concerts.livenation.com/event/01004C389CC1B5BE, www.murphysboxingusa.com or www.backeastpromotions.com.

Gonzalez vs. Farmer, a 10-round junior lightweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Murphy’s Boxing U.S.A. and Back East Promotions and is sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Mohegan Sun and EchoStor. In the co-main event, Alexis Santos faces Daniel Martz in an eight-round bout for the NABF Junior Heavyweight Title. The House of Blues doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET and the first fight starts at 5:30 p.m. ET. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.murphysboxingusa.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/murphysboxing, www.twitter.com/HOBBoston, www.twitter.com/dropkickmurphys, www.twitter.com/kendkm, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit FOXSports.com and become a follower on @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes.

Tickets on Sale Now For IBF Light Heavyweight Eliminator June 21 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Tickets are on sale now for the IBF light heavyweight eliminator between Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko (19-2-0, 13 KOs; 2013 IBF Intercontinental Fight of the Year Award Recipient) and Nadjib Mohammedi (34-3-0, 20 KOs) on June 21 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The winner will face IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins as the mandatory opponent for the IBF Light Heavyweight Title. The fight will be the main event on the NBCSN Fight Night telecast starting at 8:00 PM ET. The co-feature will include a ten round Philly vs. Philly match-up between Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (15-0, 7 KOs) and Anthony Flores (11-4-1, 6 KOs) for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title. Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the first fight time will be announced soon.

Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com (key word: Main Events) and the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office. Tickets prices are: $75, $35, and $25.

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Courtesy of:
Christel Boxing

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The undercard will be announced shortly. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com (Keyword: Main Events) or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

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HBO SPORTS® TO REPLAY JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. VS. SERGIO MARTINEZ 2012 & MIGUEL COTTO VS. ANTONIO MARGARITO 2 2011 ON HBO2 AS A SPECIAL PREVIEW TO THE UPCOMING COTTO VS. MARTINEZ PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT

May 23, 2014 – Leading up to the most anticipated fight of 2014 between Miguel Cotto and Sergio Martinez – set for Saturday, June 7 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two riveting showdowns that highlight the remarkable skill and will of these competitors.

On Friday, May 30 at 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Chavez Jr. vs. Martinez & Cotto vs. Margarito 2 back-to-back. In a thrilling high-stakes battle in Las Vegas, Sergio Martinez scored a unanimous decision victory over the undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., dominating him for 11 of the 12 rounds, stamping his mark as one of sport’s elite champions. Meanwhile, in a much anticipated rematch that took place at Madison Square Garden, Miguel Cotto dismantled Antonio Margarito, avenging an earlier loss with a 9th round TKO.

Both fights will also be available to HBO On Demand® subscribers and can be seen 24 hours a day beginning Monday, May 26.

The Cotto vs. Martinez world middleweight title fight takes place Saturday, June 7 from New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

“2 Days: Sergio Martinez” & “2 Days: Ruslan Provodnikov” Premieres Back-to-Back Tonight on HBO®

May 24, 2014 – HBO Sports® debuts back-to-back segments of “2 Days” when the acclaimed feature series returns Tonight beginning at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT) with behind-the-scene looks at world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, one of boxing’s elite pound-for-pound fighters, and world junior welterweight title-holder Ruslan Provodnikov, one of boxing’s most fascinating characters.

“2 Days” is a revealing and intimate look at a 48-hour span in the life of a boxer in the lead-up to one of their fights.

HBO cameras followed Sergio Martinez prior to his memorable hometown showdown with Martin Murray last April in Buenos Aires.

HBO cameras followed Ruslan Provodnikov in the lead-up to his blockbuster showdown last October with 140-pound title-holder Mike Alvarado.

Martinez is set to return to the ring on Saturday, June 7 in one of the year’s hottest fights when he faces superstar Miguel Cotto at New York’s Madison Square Garden on HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Provodnikov makes his much anticipated 2014 ring debut on Saturday, June 14 when he defends his 140-pound title vs. Chris Algieri live on HBO from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

“2 Days” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

TOP-NOTCH TALENT ROUNDS OUT MEMORIAL DAY EDITION OF GOLDEN BOY LIVE! ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES ON MONDAY, MAY 26 FROM FORT BLISS IN EL PASO, TEXAS

EL PASO (May 23) – Professional and amateur boxing talent will participate in a special Memorial Day edition of Golden Boy Live! on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes this Monday, May 26 in salute to the men and women of the Armed Forces at Fort Bliss’ Stout Fitness Center in El Paso, Texas.

The evening is headlined by Nicaragua’s Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado’s WBC Silver Featherweight Title defense against perennial contender and Texas-native Rocky Juarez, and the co-main event will be top welterweight prospect KeAndre Gibson (9-0-1, 4 KOs), who faces Puerto Rico’s John Nater (13-5, 10 KOs) in an eight-round fight plus in a battle for Texas Ryan “Cowboy” Karl will make his professional debut against Dallas’ Wilbert Mitchell in a four-round welterweight swing bout.

Three members of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) will be represented, with Two-Time National Champion Alexandra Love (51-8) of Monroe, WA facing the Bronx’ Juliette Ladisa (13-5) in a four-round flyweight bout that opens the televised portion of the event. Also representing the WCAP will be National Golden Gloves winner Marquis Moore (60-15) of Temple Hills, MD, who takes on San Antonio’s Lachi Allen (28-5) in a middleweight bout and number one-ranked light heavyweight Steven Nelson (38-4) of Omaha will meet Mesquite’s Adrian Taylor (70-10). Both Moore-Allen and Nelson-Taylor are scheduled for three rounds.

Kicking off the event will be a four-round welterweight bout between unbeaten professionals Bryant Perrella (4-0, 3 KOs) of Fort Myers, FL and Benito Tovar (3-0-1, 3 KOs) of Milwaukee, WI. This night of appreciation for the troops will be free to members of the military, with no tickets being sold for the event.

Alvarado vs. Juarez is a 12-round bout for Alvarado’s WBC Silver Featherweight Title that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. MT and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. MT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. MT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.FOXSports.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at @FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.

About U.S. Army Installation Fort Bliss:
One of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command’s (IMCOM) flag ship installations, Fort Bliss is comprised ofstate-of-the-art training areas, ranges, and facilities; led by adaptive,innovative, and warrior focused professionals concentrated on individual andunit readiness, leaders development, deployment, security, and thewell-being of Team Bliss. Team Bliss trains, sustains, mobilizes, anddeploys members of the joint team to conduct global, full spectrumoperations in support of the national military strategy, while providing forthe well-being of the regional military community.

About 1st Armored Division:
The 1st Armored Division- nicknamed “Old Ironsides”-is the only standing armored division of the U.S. Army, with its base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S. Army to see battle in World War II. The Division again answered the Nation’s call to duty March 4, 2003 when it received orders to deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the global war on terrorism. “Old Ironsides” began moving out April 15 in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The division and task force marked some major “firsts” during the 15-month long mission. For Soldiers of the 1st Armored Division, this was longest deployment of any division in Iraq. Task Force 1st Armored Division was the largest division-based task force in U.S. Army history.The task force secured some of Baghdad’s roughest neighborhoods and brought stability to the city and its surrounding countryside. The Task Force’s accomplishments included planning and executing Operations Iron Hammer, Iron Justice, Iron Grip, Longstreet, Iron Bullet, Iron Promise and Iron Sabre.

WEIGHTS, & OFFICIALS FOR SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING & SHO EXTREME

MONTREAL (May 23, 2014) – All 10 fighters competing televised bouts made weight made weight on their first attempts Friday at Bell Centre. The weigh-in was streamed live by SHOWTIME Sports Press Pass Live and is currently available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZp3llIKqtE

In the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader (SHO, 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), exciting knockout specialist and 2013 Fighter of the Year, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (23-1-0, 20 KOs), of Montreal, will make his network debut when he defends his WBC light heavyweight title for a third time when he meets Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), of Chicago by way of Warsaw, Poland. Stevenson has won his last 10 fights by knockout. Fonfara has won 15 in a row, 12 inside the distance, and has never been defeated as a light heavyweight.

In co-featured fights, power-punching Montreal middleweight David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs) meets battle-tested Fernando Guerrero (26-2, 19 KOs) of Salisbury, Md., in a 12-rounder for the vacant NABF 160-pound crown, and unbeaten rising star Jermell “Ironman” Charlo (23-0, 11 KOs), of Houston, takes on Japan’s Charlie Ohta (24-1-1, 16 KOs), of New York, in a 12-round collision of world-ranked junior middleweights. Charlo is ranked No. 5, Ohta No. 9.

WEIGHTS AND OFFICIALS

Stevenson – 173½ pounds
Fonfara – 174½ pounds
Referee: Frank Garza, Jr.
Judges: Richard De Carufel (Canada), John McKaie (New York), John Woodburn, Canada.

Lemieux – 159½ pounds
Guerrero – 159 pounds
Referee: Michael Griffin
Judges: Nicolas Esnault (Canada), Ester Lopez (New Mexico), Pasqualie Procopio (Canada)

Charlo – 153¾ pounds
Ohta – 153 pounds

Referee: Jean-Guy Brousseau.
Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (New Jersey), Jean LaPointe (Canada), Robert Paolino (Rhode Island),

On SHO EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT), Julian “J-Rock” Williams (15-0-1, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, faces Michael Medina (26-4-2, 19 KOs), of Modesto, Calif., in a 10-round junior middleweight scrap and world-ranked Eleider Alvarez (14-0, 8 KOs), of Montreal by way of Colombia, clashes with Alexander Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs), of Washington, D.C., in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.

WEIGHTS AND OFFICIALS

Williams – 154¾ pounds
Medina – 154 pounds
Referee: Alain Villeneuve
Judges: De Carufel, Esnault, Marie-Josee Guerin (Canada)

Alvarez – 175 pounds
Johnson – 171½ pounds
Referee: Marlon B. Wright
Judges: Jean Gauthier (Canada), Sylvain LeBlanc (Canada), Benoit Roussel (Canada)

Brian Kenny will host both telecasts on Saturday night. Mauro Ranallo calls the action on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi with Jim Gray reporting. Brian Custer calls the fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME with boxing historian Steve Farhood at his side. For SAP in Spanish, Alejandro Luna will call the blow-by-blow with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as analyst. The executive producer is David Dinkins Jr. with Ray Smaltz III producing and Mike Arnold directing.

BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED TOP-FIVE CONTENDERS MATT KOROBOV AND JOSE UZCATEGUI ADDED TO THE CRAWFORD – GAMBOA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TELECAST!

OMAHA, NEB. (May 23, 2014) — Top Rank® announced today that undefeated Top-Five contenders MATT KOROBOV and JOSE UZCATEGUI would battle in a 10-round rumble in the co-main event to World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion TERENCE CRAWFORD’S world title defense homecoming against Cuban sensation and three-division world champion YURIORKIS GAMBOA. Korobov and Uzcategui will be battling for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title. Both fights will be televised live from the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Saturday, June 28, on HBO Boxing After Dark®, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

This exciting all-action doubleheader features four undefeated gladiators with a combined record of 91-0, 63 KOs.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Crawford vs. Gamboa world championship event, priced at $102, $52 and $27, can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge-by-phone call 800-745-3000. To order online, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Korobov (23-0, 13 KOs), a 2008 Russian Olympian and stellar amateur will be making his long-awaited HBO debut. Now based in St, Petersburg, Fla., Korobov, a six-year veteran of the pro ranks, enters this fight having won three of his last four fights by knockout, including a sixth-round stoppage of Emil Gonzalez on April 16. Korobov is currently world-rated No. 3 by the WBO.

Uzcategui (22-0, 18 KOs), a native of Venezuela who trains in Mexico, will be making his U.S. debut. A knockout artist who has stopped 10 of the last 11 opponents he has faced, he captured the WBO Latino middleweight title in March, knocking out David Lopez in the sixth round. He is currently world-rated No. 5 by the WBO.

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 #CrawfordGamboa to join the conversation on Twitter.

WEIGHTS FROM VERONA, NY

Fernando Carcamo 135 – Petr Petrov 134
(BOXCINO, NABA, NABO LIGHTWEIGHT TITLES)

Brandon Adams 158 – Willie Monroe Jr. 159.5
(BOXCINO, NABA, NABO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLES)

Jeremy Graves 136.5 – Sam Teah 137
Oscar Torres 144 – Cornelius Whitlock 144
Eric George 202 – Raymond Santiago 232
Michael Jackson 129 – Vitor Jones De Oliviera 131
Cesar Vila 154 – Marcus Hall 151

Promoter: Banner Promotions
Venue: Turning Stone Casino Resort
TV: ESPN 2
1st Bell: 7:00 pm ET / 9:00 ET for television

SPECIAL EDITION OF “BOXEO BORICUA” ON WAPA 2 DEPORTES AND WAPA AMERICA LIVE FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, AT 7:30 P.M. EDT

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO (May 22, 2014) – As part of the historic showdown between MIGUEL COTTO and SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTÍNEZ. on Saturday, June 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Top Rank Inc., announced today that three top undercard fights will be televised live exclusively in WAPA 2 Deportes in Puerto Rico and Wapa America in the United States.

This historic telecast will emanate live from The Garden and will feature undefeated Puerto Rican prospects Félix “Diamante” Verdejo, Ricky “Wonder Boy” Lopez and the professional debut of Puerto Rican Olympian Jantony Ortiz.

Verdejo (12-0, 9 KOs) of San Juan will take on Engelberto Venezuela (9-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico in a six-round lightweight bout, Lopez (12-0, 10 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico the WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight champion will take on Raul Higaldo (21-10, 17 KOs) in an eight-round title bout and Ortiz will make his debut against Elio Ruiz in a four-round flyweight bout.

“We are very happy to present these bouts, which will feature some of the top prospects from Puerto Rico, on Boxeo Boricua on WAPA 2 Deportes in Puerto Rico and WAPA America in the United States. This historic telecast will be enjoyed by all Puerto Rican fans,” said three-division world champion Miguel Cotto.

“Top Rank is delighted that together with Cotto Promotions we can arrange for WAPA to televise the fights leading up to the Pay-Per-View telecast at 9 p.m. on June 7. The Puerto Rico audience for the first time will be able to see on WAPA the young stars of Puerto Rico,” said Bob Arum founder and CEO of Top Rank Inc.

“We are excited to be able to provide this historic telecast to all the great fans of Puerto Rican Boxing through WAPA 2 and WAPA America so they are able to follow the future stars of Puerto Rican boxing from a great venue like Madison Square Garden,” said Héctor Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions.

The three bouts will also feature the great Puerto Rican and Mexican Rivalry, adding even more heat to the telecast. The three Puerto Rican prospects will have their hands full as they battle strong opposition.

“I am very excited that everyone in Puerto Rico will be able to see these fights from New York live on the same night that our great champion Miguel Cotto will be looking to make history, and one day before my childhood idol Felix “Tito” Trinidad is be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I know we will have great support in the stands and I feel blessed that I will have the opportunity to show my talent in the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden,” said Verdejo.

“It’s a great honor to be part of this tremendous show from Madison Square Garden and I am very proud that my fight will be seen live in Puerto Rico on this historic telecast,” said Lopez.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I feel very grateful to be making my professional debut in such historic arena on a historic night of boxing. The fact that my first professional fight will be seen in Puerto Rico will also make June 7 a very special night,” said Ortiz, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

This special edition of “Boxeo Boriuca” will be televised live on WAPA 2 Deportes and Wapa America, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) from New York, with Rafael Bracero, Kefren Velazquez and world title challenger Orlando “Fenomeno” Cruz calling the action from ringside.

For more information please visit www.wapa.tv, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.toprank.com.

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Cotto (38-4, 31 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, who has sold more tickets to The Garden than any other fighter in this millennium, will attempt to become Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion while Martínez (51-2-2, 28 KOs), of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has never lost a world championship fight, defends the title he first won in 2010. Both gladiators boast a combined record of 89-6-2 (59 KOs) – a winning percentage of 92% and a victory by knockout ratio of 66%.

Promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, Top Rank®, DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Maravilla Box, PS4, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, the Cotto – Martínez World Middleweight Championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

“2 Days: Sergio Martínez” premieres This Saturday! May 24 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning series “24/7 Cotto/Martinez” premieres Saturday, May 31 at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

Face Off: Cotto/Martinez HBO Replay Schedule (All times ET/PT): May 23 (5:30 p.m.), 24 (10:45 a.m.), 27 (11:45 p.m.) 29 (4:45 p.m.), 30 (9:45 p.m.) and June 3 (12:45 p.m. & 3:45 a.m.), 5 (1:00 a.m.), 6 (8:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.) and 7 (10:30 a.m.)

Remaining tickets to the Cotto vs. Martínez world middleweight championship event, priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.dbe1.com, www.sampsonboxing.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.maravillabox.com, Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/DiBellaentertainment, facebook.com/TopRankMiguelCotto, facebook.com/maravillabox, and facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/SampsonBoxing, twitter.com/hboboxing, twitter.com/realmiguelcotto or twitter.com/maravillabox. Use the Hashtag #CottoMartinez to join the conversation on Twitter.

ORLANDITO DEL VALLE VS. LUIS ROSA HEATING UP

New York, NY / Las Vegas, NV (5/22/14) – Next Saturday, May 31, top-rated super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13KO’s) will look to take a major step toward repositioning himself back among the elite of the 122lb. division when he faces highly regarded undefeated prospect Luis Rosa (16-0, 7KO’s). Rosa-Del Valle is scheduled for 10 rounds and will be the co-featured bout on that evening’s HBO Latino telecast. The bout will take place at the beautiful newly renovated Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to the HBO Latino telecast, which is being headlined by former world champion Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18KO’s) taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23KO’s), the HBO2 service will air the doubleheader with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT).

The bout on May 31 will be the second on the HBO network for the talented Puerto Rican Del Valle, and the WBC #5-rated contender is hoping for a better outcome than he had for his debut.

In 2012, Del Valle, a former amateur standout and national champion, was as hot a prospect as any in boxing. Having been featured on Dan Rafael’s ESPN.com’s 2011 “Prospects to Watch” list, a world title shot seemed imminent for Del Valle. With the national exposure he gained from two impressive performances on the Showtime network, Del Valle was looking to have his coming-out party when he took on former three-time and two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan in September 2012 on HBO.

Unfortunately, Del Valle was handed his first professional loss, in a grueling 10-round slugfest.

Del Valle got his career back on track following the loss to Darchinyan picking up two TKO victories in 2013. He was back in action in January of this year, but his bout against Ira Terry was stopped in the second round due to an accidental head butt.

Del Valle, who just recently became a father, is now ready to show the world that he truly is one of the best 122lb. fighters out there and is beaming with confidence ahead of his upcoming clash with the unbeaten Rosa.

“This training camp has been absolutely great. We are basically already on weight and I am feeling very strong both physically and mentally. If the fight was tomorrow, we would be ready to go,” said Del Valle.

Del Valle understands that this is a do-or-die fight at this point in his career, but he is as confident as ever going into the matchup.

“I have never felt pressure to perform going into a fight because this is what I was born to do. Every time I step into that ring, it is do-or-die, so this fight is no different from any of my others. I am ready to go, I just hope that Rosa is too.”

Regarding Rosa, Del Valle sees nothing that worries him going into the bout.

“Like I said, this is what I was born to do. I have been doing this for a very long time, between both my amateur and professional career. I have fought on the big stage before. I expect him to come in 100% and give it his all because after I win, I don’t want to hear any excuses from him or his camp, discrediting me or my victory. Whatever he plans on doing on May 31, I will be ready. He said that his performance is going to steal the show that night. The only thing that is being stolen is his ‘0’ by me and he knows it.”

Del Valle continued, “After I get this win, we are going after all of the big names in the 122lb. division. I am ranked fifth in the world and after this fight, I should move up even further in the rankings and be ready to take on any of the champions in the super bantamweight division. I am winning no matter what on May 31 and Luis Rosa and his team know it.”

The entire card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing in association with Right Hook Promotions.

Also scheduled to appear on the card in a special attraction eight-round middleweight bout will be former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

Additional Las Vegas boxing bouts and a complete list of the undercard will be announced soon.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

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About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

DAVID LEMIEUX vs. FERNANDO GUERRERO, JERMELL CHARLO vs. CHARLIE OHTA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

MONTREAL (May 22, 2014) – Hometown favorite David Lemieux and Fernando Guerrero agree on one thing: their showdown on the undercard of the Adonis Stevenson-Andrzej Fonfara SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at Bell Centre this Saturday, May 24 will likely end in a knockout.

“The knockout is going to be there,” Lemieux said. “It’s only a matter of how it’s going to be there that is going to make a difference.”

The power-punching Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs), of Montreal, and Guerrero (26-2, 19 KOs) of Salisbury, Md., will square off in a 10-round middleweight co-featured bout live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Guerrero, who compiled a 2-0 record in Canada while fighting as an amateur, isn’t fazed by Lemieux’s power or the prospect of fighting in his hometown.

“We’ve faced punchers before and I’ve demolished them,” Guerrero said. “With a guy like David and I facing off, it doesn’t seem like the fight will go the distance.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Houston’s unbeaten rising star Jermell Charlo (23-0, 11 KOs) takes on Japan’s Charlie Ohta (24-1-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round junior middleweight match.

The 2013 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, “Superman” Stevenson (23-1, 20 KOs), of Montreal, will defend his WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship against Chicago’s Fonfara (25-2, 15 KOs), the IBF No. 1 and WBC No. 3-ranked contender.

On SHO EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT) from the Bell Centre, Julian “J-Rock” Williams (15-0-1, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, faces Michael Medina (26-4-2, 19 KOs), of Modesto, Calif., in a 10-round junior middleweight scrap and world-ranked Eleider Alvarez (14-0, 8 KOs), of Montreal by way Colombia, collides with Alexander Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs), of Washington, D.C., in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Here’s what the participants had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

DAVID LEMIEUX:
“I’ve been preparing for a spectacular fight. We’re both great fighters, but only one of us can win on Saturday.

“(Guerrero) is one of the best fighters I’ve fought to date. I feel spectacular. My training camp has been spectacular; I’ve had the best training camp of my career. We did everything we needed to do in case there are any surprises in the ring.

“I feel the strongest I’ve ever been. I’m ready to go 12 rounds. If it has to go to the limit, I will have no problem.

On switching trainers……“It has been a big help in my career. It’s been a big turnaround. My new trainer Marc Ramsay has helped me become ready to be a 12-round fighter. There have been so many changes since the two upsets I had with my old trainer. I now see all the things that I need to be on top of my game and to be a world champion. We’ve been making adjustments and we’ve been getting the results in the ring. I’m ready to fight anybody right now.

“I’m a knockout artist. Every fight I go into I expect a knockout. And I’m feeling the strongest I’ve ever felt since the beginning.

“I expect (Guerrero) to take my head off. So I will be ready for whatever. I’m not scared – I expect the same punishment that I give to my opponents. I want to knock him out, so I expect the same thing from him.

“I’m not worried. Whatever he brings to the table, I’ll adjust and I’ll be victorious.”

FERNANDO GUERRERO:
“We’ve fought in Canada before in the amateurs and I won both times. I’m 2-0 in Canada. I’m not worried about fighting in front of his hometown fans.

“I’ve grown since the loss to (Peter) Quillin. I had one of the worst camps of my life for that fight and I wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared. We just have to move on and not have any emotions in there for this fight.

“Lemieux and I have a lot of similarities. We both have two losses. We’ll get in there and see what happens. One of us will likely walk out with a third loss, and I’ve done everything I can to make sure that it isn’t me.

“Once we step in the ring there aren’t any excuses. If I win, it’s because I prepared as hard as I could. If I lose, it’s because I didn’t give it my all.

“I’m 2-0 in Canada. I came here and I won. When you’re a boxer, it’s not the location that matters because we all fight in the ring. I’ll step in the ring and do my job and let the judges do theirs.

“I’ve seen a lot of his fights – we’ve done our homework. We know what he does well and we also know his weaknesses.

“I consider myself a puncher just like him. He’s strong, I’m strong. He’s fast, I’m fast. He has heart, I have heart. But I never give up. I have the will to fight.’’

JERMELL CHARLO:
“I’m blessed and thankful to be here in Canada. Ever since we touched down it’s been great. I’m ready to put on a great performance and keep climbing up in the ranks at 154 pounds.

On his height advantage over Ohta… “In camp we worked on so many different things and we’re ready for whatever Charlie is going to bring. He’s 5-foot-6 and I’m 5-foot-11½ so that’s an advantage for me.

“I’m fast, I’m strong. I’m way stronger than I was for the (Gabriel) Rosado fight, so hopefully that will come out during this fight. You’ll see the strength and you’ll see that I’m ready for this next stage and level of boxing.

On being in camp with Erislandy Lara… “We push each other hard. Even with the language barrier we’re able to still communicate and make fun out of training and at the same time give it our all.

“We’ve been gaining from everything that we knew we missed out on last fight. So it’s just the process of getting better.

On Ohta not being present at the press conference… “It happens. I’ve seen him on tape. I know what he looks like, so it’s fine. I’ll see him at the fight, and I’ll see him at the weigh-in.

“He’s a short and stocky guy so he uses his compact positioning and his style to his perfection. But what fighter haven’t I faced that comes forward, that puts a lot of pressure on and is heavy?

“He has a little pop on his punches. He’s 32 years old, I’m 24 – my birthday was Monday — so I feel like I’m getting older and I’m getting better.”

CHARLIE OHTA (Prepared Statement):
“I’m in great shape and I had a great camp. This is my time.

“This is a great fight between a boxer and a puncher. It’s no secret what I’m going to do — I’m going to bring the heat and put the heat on Charlo.

“We guarantee you will see a great fight and everyone will get their money’s worth.”

LUIS ROSA LOOKING TO STEAL THE SHOW MAY 31ST

New York, NY / Las Vegas, NV (5/21/14) – Next Saturday, May 31, highly regarded undefeated super bantamweight Luis Rosa (16-0, 7KO’s) will be putting his undefeated record on the line when he takes on WBC #5-rated world contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13KO’s) in a very significant fight for the 122lb. division. Rosa-Del Valle is scheduled for 10 rounds and will be the co-featured bout on that evening’s HBO Latino telecast. The bout will take place at the beautiful newly renovated Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to the HBO Latino telecast, which is being headlined by former world champion Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18KO’s) taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23KO’s), the HBO2 service will air the doubleheader with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT).

The 23-year-old Puerto Rican-native Rosa, now living and training in New Haven, CT, under the tutelage of his father, turned pro in 2010 at 18 years old, after a very successful amateur career. Over the next few years, Rosa became one of the more popular fighters throughout the entire New England area due to his relentless, come-forward aggressive style of fighting. Rosa is coming off his most impressive victory to date, a dominant and grueling eight-round slugfest over former highly regarded contender Jorge Diaz on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights back in January of this year. Now Rosa is looking to clearly cement himself as one of the top 122lb. fighters in boxing when he takes on the top-rated and once-beaten Del Valle.

“This has been one of the best and hardest training camps of my entire career. The preparation I have had for this fight has been like no other I have had before. I am expecting a tough fight from Del Valle and I expect him to be very well prepared. If he isn’t, then he is going to be in big trouble, very early,” said Rosa.

While the fight is certainly the hardest and most important fight of his career, the young Rosa is calm as can be ahead of his debut on the HBO network.

“Honestly, I do not feel any added pressure. To me, this is just another fight and I know that I will be ready like I always am. I have been waiting for an opportunity like this my entire career and I’m well prepared for anything that Del Valle will bring come fight night.”

While Rosa sees a championship in his future, he is taking things step-by-step as he continues to climb the ranks of the talented 122lb. division.

“I rate myself as one the best up-and-coming 122lb. fighters in the world. I am young and I am still learning. I am hoping that by the end of this year, I will be somewhere in the top 10 of the world ratings. There is no doubt in my mind that I have what it takes to one day be a world champion, but for right now I am just taking things one fight at a time.”

On the upcoming fight, Rosa is confident that he will not only defeat Del Valle, but will win in impressive fashion.

“I am prepared to go the distance if I have to, but I honestly feel that I am going to stop him in the fifth or sixth round. Regardless of how it happens, I know that the night will end with my hand being raised and it will be the most exciting fight on the card. I just want to first give all of the glory to God. I also want to thank my promoter Lou DiBella for this opportunity. I want to thank my coach Luis Rosa Sr., my managers Marilyn Rosa and Mike Criscio, and definitely my whole team and my Boxing In Faith Gym family for their support always.”

The entire card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing in association with Right Hook Promotions.

Additional Las Vegas boxing bouts and a complete list of the undercard will be announced soon.

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

# # #

WORLD CHAMPION STEVENSON GUNNING FOR KNOCKOUT THIS WEEKEND ON BOXNATION AS HE LOOKS TO ETCH HIS NAME AMONGST BOXING’S GREATEST

LONDON (May 22) – Big-hitting Adonis Stevenson has promised another sensational knockout this weekend as he looks to etch his name amongst boxing’s best ever.

The no-nonsense star takes on Polish ace Andrzej Fonfara, live and exclusive on BoxNation, at the Bell Centre in Montreal this Saturday night, with the proclamation he will continue his hot streak which has seen him lay out his last 10 opponents.

The Haitian-born pugilist, now based in Canada, has amassed a frightening 20 knockouts in 23 wins, and with a reputation as the fight’s games biggest puncher, the WBC light-heavyweight world champion has declared it will be business as usual against Fonfara.

“I’m very focused for this fight. I’m not overlooking him,” said Stevenson. “I know he’s going to be ready and I’m training for just him. I take it one fight at a time and I will take care of business. I’m ready for this fight. I’m not here to lose. I’m a champion and I’m here to win by knockout. That’s it and I’m not concerned about anything else.

“I don’t know [about his strengths and weaknesses]. I’m going to knock him out. That’s what I’m going to do. I don’t know his game plan. I’m going to knock him out,” he said.

Drawing comparisons to the formidable Mike Tyson due to his punching prowess, the 36-year-old is hoping to follow in the footsteps of boxing’s biggest names as he looks to cement his own legacy in the sport.

“I want to be a legend and I want to be on par with all the boxing legends so that gives me a lot of motivation to push my body very, very hard and at a high level and keep training and focus fight by fight. I’m very motivated,” said Stevenson.

“When you used to watch Mike Tyson fight, you knew someone was going to get knocked out. That’s what is going to happen on Saturday. Somebody’s going to get knocked out,” he said.

A potential unification fight with IBF and WBA champion Bernard Hopkins is in the pipeline should Stevenson come through the challenge of Fonfara.

However, the man known as ‘Superman’, has refused to look too far ahead with Fonfara, who has 25 wins in 28 contests, presenting an imminent threat to his reign at the top.

“I don’t care about Hopkins now. Fonfara is in front of me, and that’s it. After the fight we can talk about Hopkins,” said Stevenson.

Though the light-heavyweight star was more outspoken when asked why a fight with the ferocious Russian, and current WBO champion, Sergey Kovalev, never materialised when Stevenson switched allegiances from HBO to Showtime.

“Those people don’t understand that boxing is a business. That’s our mentality. That we negotiate with the network and we make sure that everyone gets paid. That’s why I took it [the Showtime contract] because I’m working with the best managers in the world and they make sure everything is right with the network,” said Stevenson.

“It’s not about ducking, it’s about business. I don’t have a problem fighting Kovalev. I have a feeling that Yvon Michel [Stevenson’s promoter] will one day make that happen,” he said.

Having been spotted by the late and great Emanuel Steward in 2011, Stevenson has vowed to fulfil the prophecy of the respected Hall of Fame trainer who believed he would go on to dominate the 175 pound division.

“Emanuel gave me a lot of advice and motivation. And it’s not just about training. He was a friend to me and we spent a lot of time talking about life. And we talked about boxing and what it would be like to be a world champion,” he said.

“A couple of years ago he didn’t have any money, he didn’t save nothing. And he explained that to me and I took his advice. He told me I was going to be the world champion and that I was going to be a star,” said Stevenson.

Stevenson vs. Fonfara is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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Undefeated Karl “Dynamite” Dargan Will Defend His USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title Against Anthony Flores Jun. 21 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA:In another exciting Philly vs. Philly showdown on NBCSN Fight Night Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (15-0, 7 KOs) will defend his USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title in ten rounds against Anthony Flores (11-4-1, 6 KOs) on Jun. 21 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Last month’s “Battle for Philadelphia Bragging Rights” on NBCSN Fight Night featured an exciting grudge match victory for Philly’s own Steve “USS” Cunningham over Philly-trained Amir “Hardcore” Mansour for the USBA Heavyweight Championship.

Ramesis Gil vs. “Dynamite” Dargan
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
This will be the second ten round fight in Dargan’s career. The first was the ten round unanimous decision over Michael “Lefty” Brooks of Oceanside, NY when Dargan won the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title on the special edition of Fight Night on NBC on Nov. 16, 2013 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. A lot of buzz has surrounded Dargan, 28, lately and his high-profile relationship with singer/reality star Lil’ Mo but he insists he is focused on the big picture, “This is bigger than Philly vs. Philly. I already own Philly. I am on a whole bigger mission. Come Jun. 21st if he is not special he is not going to last all these rounds with me. People ain’t seen the best of me yet.”

“Dynamite”
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events
Main Events CEO Kathy Duva likes what she sees from Dargan: “Dynamite seems very focused on this fight. He knows he has to go out there and really make a statement. At 15-0, it’s time for him to move up to a bigger stage. This is the first step. With an impressive win, we’ll be knocking on the doors of the lightweight champions, but no one should ever take a fight against a tough Philly fighter like Flores lightly.”

Victor Valenzuela vs. Anthony Flores
Photo Courtesy of Ray Bailey
“It is always hard to find opponents willing to get into the ring with Dargan. We knew we wanted Dynamite to be the co-feature on Jun. 21 and I was turned down by ten different potential opponents,” said Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone. She added, “It says a lot about Flores that he was willing to take this fight.”

Ramesis Gil vs. Anthony Flores
Photo Courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions

Flores, 26, is coming off a huge upset unanimous decision six-round win over then-undefeated Mike Faragon last month. This will be Flores’ first career ten-round fight. Flores has won two straight decisions (the other a six-round unanimous decision victory over Ramesis Gil Feb. 7 in Philadelphia), but he has some losses on his record so this fight may be do-or-die for him. “I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to fight on NBCSN. This is exactly the type of fight I need to take my career to the next level,” said Flores. About the Philly vs. Philly match-up, he added, “Both me and Dargan are from Philly and we know each other so I can promise you this, my fight with Dynamite will be explosive!!”

Chazz McDowell vs. Karl Dargan
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Greg Cohen, Flores’ promoter, said, “Anthony Flores is a kid who put himself in this terrific position by beating top prospect Mikey Faragon. He is now looking to take on another undefeated top prospect in Karl Dargan and when he wins this bout he will have to be considered a top contender in the lightweight division. It’s always great working with Main Events and I’m sure this will be another first class promotion.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT with a ten-round co-feature lightweight fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The undercard will be announced shortly. Ticket information is coming soon as well.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

Gingras, Velazquez battle for New England title

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 22nd, 2014) — The last time Rich Gingras fought for a title, he only had the belt in his grasp for a few fleeting moments due to a bizarre scorekeeping gaffe that ultimately left him empty-handed.

This time, he’d prefer to take matters into his own hands, not leave the decision up to somebody else.

“This time, I’m bringing it home,” Gingras said. “It’s not going down like that.”

The heavy-hitting Gingras (13-4-1, 8 KOs) will face veteran Jaime Velazquez (11-6-2, 2 KOs) for the vacant New England Light Heavyweight Title Friday, June 6th, 2014 in the eight-round main event of “Unstoppable,” presented by Classic Entertainment & Sports at Twin River Casino.

The 42-year-old Velazquez, a native of Central Falls, R.I., returned to boxing in February, ending a 15-year drought by agreeing to face 45-year-old former two-time world champion Glen Johnson on just two week’s notice.

After pushing Johnson for four hard rounds, Velazquez is confident he can “hang with these young guys,” even if it means stepping back within his boundaries.

“No knock on Gingras, because he’s a hell of a nice kid, but he’s a local fighter,” Velazquez said. “Don’t get me wrong, I am, too, but at least I know it.

“I don’t have my trainer blowing smoke up my ass telling me I’m going to be a world champion. I work hard, train hard, and I listen. Then I hope for the best. I’m 42, and that’s OK.”

Thus begins the buildup toward another highly-anticipated regional showdown between two ring-savvy veterans, certainly not the first time Gingras has found himself in the middle of a border war at Twin River.

In July of 2013, he fought Providence’s Vladine Biosse for Biosse’s N.E. Super Middleweight Title. Gingras was originally announced as the winner by majority decision until state regulators discovered a scorekeeping error. Gingras was incorrectly awarded an extra point on one of the judge’s scorecards. The fight was scored a draw, not a win for Gingras, so Biosse retained his title.

“I assumed I had done more than enough to win,” Gingras said, “but, as boxing goes, judges see different things. I wish I was more patient, but I learned a lot over the past year. I’ve progressed tenfold since my first fight of 2013.

“The big show doesn’t scare me anymore. I’m pretty seasoned at this point.”

Now he’s fighting for the same belt, except in the 175-pound division, where he fought twice between 2009 and 2012. He hasn’t fought since November when he lost to Peter Manfredo Jr., but the time off – albeit not planned – might’ve been a blessing in disguise for Gingras, who admits his “fighting spirit” was worn out after suffering a draw and a defeat in the span of four months.

“It felt good to walk away,” he said. “I wanted to keep fighting, but my mind and body needed a break.”

“He’s had more time to make some of the corrections he needed to make,” said Gingras’ trainer, Orlondo Valles. “When I started training him, I didn’t have time to help him with different things or for him to learn what I was teaching him. During this time off, we were able to work on them a lot more. His conditioning is on point and he’s stronger than ever. He looks like a beast.”

Trained by Roland Estrada, the father of heavyweight contender and former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, Velazquez fought Johnson at 180 pounds in February and will now return to light heavyweight, where he spent the majority of his career before retiring in 1999.

“It was good to step in with someone like Johnson, but it was a tough fight on two week’s notice,” Velazquez said.

“It won’t be like that this time. Rich is a good fighter – real tough kid. He does what he has to do to win. He’s hungry. So am I. I know I can fight better and longer than I did last time.”

Added Estrada: “Jaime got the notice to fight with four weeks, but because he was already training, we felt that was ample time to train for a guy like Gingras.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $41, $76 and $126 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Players Club at Twin River. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The undercard features the return of Hyannis, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (8-1-1, 5 KOs), who will face Jamal Woods (4-11-3, 4 KOs) of Forrest City, Ark., in a four-round bout. Barboza has won four consecutive fights since 2013, including a unanimous-decision win over Glenn Thomas in March. Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (11-2, 7 KOs), fresh off a win in February, and unbeaten Boston heavyweight Donnie Palmer (4-0-1, 4 KOs) will also be featured in separate six- and four-round bouts, respectively.

Undefeated Featherweight Rocco Santomauro Returns to Action on May 31 on DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing’s ‘REAL FIGHTS’ Undercard at Tropicana in Las Vegas

You’d remember if you’ve ever met Vegas-based featherweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (11-0, 1 KO). He’s the kind of guy who is hard to forget.

The well-liked and colorful 26-year-old is as known for his out-of-ring antics, such as his signature move of eating cake while weighing in, as he is for his undefeated streak as a professional fighter.

Originally from Hesperia, California, Santomauro moved to Vegas six years ago to pursue his dream of becoming the first world champion in history of Uruguayan heritage.

Santomauro will appear on Saturday, May 31, as one of the featured undercard fighters on DiBella Entertainment’s and Sampson Boxing’s (in association with Right Hook Promotions) event entitled “Real Fights” in the Tropicana Pavilion at the New Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas. His opponent is, thus far, TBA.

The co-main events that night will be telecast live on HBO Latino and HBO2 (12 midnight [ET/PT]) and feature a 10-round super featherweight battle between Dominican former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (24-0-1, 18 KOs) and heavy-handed Mexican contender Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23 KOs), as well as an “All Puerto Rico” 10-round super bantamweight war between undefeated Luis Rosa (16-0, 7 KOs) and Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13 KOs).

Tickets for “Real Fights” are priced at $85, $65 and $37 (plus applicable taxes). They are available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034).

“It’s a natural energy,” said Santomauro of his flashy ring persona. “I watched a lot of movies growing up and always saw the hero come in with a lot of energy. When it’s fight time, I bring that in with me. Its’ a winning energy. I come in with the attitude to fight and win in a memorable way.”

Santomauro also says there’s an underlying motive for his penchant for dining on the scale. “I hate making weight. About six years ago, I started working with a doctor and I learned how to diet properly. I’m at weight now a week before my fights, while other fighters are dying and suffering. I’m always light the day of the weigh-in. I could eat breakfast, but I’d rather have my meal when I step on the scale. I do it for show and to intimidate my opponent and get the psychological edge. They get very angry. Plus, the media, the commission and fans all seem to enjoy it.”

Born to an Argentinean mother and Uruguayan father, Santomauro says it’s a funny story how he became connected with his promoter: the equally colorful Uruguayan-born Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing.

“My dad came to visit me in Vegas. I dropped him off at the airport to go home. My dad is crazy. He was at the airport and heard a guy on the phone speaking about boxing in Plate River Spanish, so he started following him around. At about 5:30 am I got a call from my dad and he said he met a promoter from Uruguay. I’m like ‘??? There’s only one promoter from there, you ran into Sampson?’ Next thing you know, Sampson is on the phone. He said ‘you’re going to be fighting for me in July on ESPN2 and that’s that.’ That’s how it started. There are no world champions from Uruguay and Sampson shares my dream of making me the first ever.”

An aggressive counterpuncher, Santomauro had about 60 amateur fights and now trains at Mayweather Gym with his coaches, Pops Anderson (Samuel Peter), former world champion Cornelius Boza Edwards and his own brother, former USA #1 amateur boxer, Jason Ingwaldson, whose own promising career was cut short by unfortunate injury.

“I’m in your face. Even though I don’t have a lot of knockouts, anyone who knows me knows I hit very hard. I’m very aggressive. I’m the one who controls the pace of the fight. With the team I have in place and all the hard work I put in every day, I feel like I could fight the world title right now, but I need to cross a few more bridges before I get there. Hopefully by the end of next year, I’m ready to go.”

Whatever happens, it’ll almost certainly be memorable.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

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

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

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

IT’S BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER! TWO ACTION-PACKED CARDS HEADLINE UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK™ IN LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is bringing the third annual UFC International Fight Week™ to Las Vegas once again this July! The week-long fan celebration returns with UFC events and related activities including entertainment, arts, charitable events, shopping and more. Plus for the first time, the event will feature two huge fight cards in one weekend – UFC® 175: WEIDMAN vs. MACHIDA and The Ultimate Fighter® Finale: EDGAR vs. PENN.

UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, fresh off two victories over the legend Anderson Silva, has set his sights on a new challenge in former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. The two will now meet in the main event of UFC 175 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday, July 5.

Since making the decision to drop to his optimum weight of 185 pounds, (No. 3) Lyoto Machida (21-4, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) has notched consecutive victories over top contenders Mark Munoz (Knockout of the Night) and Gegard Mousasi (Fight of the Night). The Brazilian now looks to avenge the loss of his teammate, Silva, by handing Weidman the first loss of his career and becoming the third man in UFC history to win titles in two weight classes. Since adding a second TKO exclamation point to his first knockout victory over Silva, Chris Weidman (11-0, fighting out of Mineola, N.Y.) looks to extend his unblemished reign with a decisive win over the dynamic striker.

In addition, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey (9-0, fighting out of Venice, Calif.) returns to the Octagon® for the third time in eight months to face surging contender Alexis Davis. After earning her third title defense and first TKO victory over fellow Olympian Sara McMann, Rousey looks to remain unbeaten with a win over Davis. Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt (No. 2) Alexis Davis (16-5, fighting out of Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada) boasts an impressive five-fight win streak that includes victories over Shayna Baszler, Rosi Sexton, Liz Carmouche and Jessica Eye.

Also, fan favorite (No. 9) Chael Sonnen (29-14-1, fighting out of West Linn, Ore.) meets former PRIDE middleweight champion (No. 6) Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) in a grudge match years in the making.

If that wasn’t enough, the following night on Sunday, July 6, UFC fans will see the long-awaited finale of The Ultimate Fighter: Edgar vs Penn, live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center. In the main event, the season’s coaches, former lightweight champions (No. 2) Frankie Edgar (15-4-1, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) and BJ Penn (16-9-2, fighting out of Hilo, Hawaii), will face each other in the Octagon for the third time — a meeting which marks their first in the featherweight division. The finalists from the show’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions will also square off for a six-figure UFC contract and the chance to be crowned The Ultimate Fighter®.
Additional bouts for UFC®175: WEIDMAN vs. MACHIDA can be found at:
http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC175

Additional bouts for THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE: EDGAR vs. PENN can be found at: http://www.ufc.com/event/TUF19-Finale

Tickets for UFC®175: WEIDMAN vs. MACHIDA, presented by BUD LIGHT® go on sale Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $1250, $850, $600, $400, $250 and $125 (prices do not include applicable service charges).

Tickets for THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE: EDGAR vs. PENN go on sale Friday, May 23 at 12 p.m. PT and are priced at $175, $125, $100, $75 and $50 (prices do not include applicable service charges).

Tickets for both events are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at the Mandalay Bay box office.

Great VIP packages are also available! The UFC VIP Experience packages together your tickets with behind-the-scenes access to the official weigh-ins, backstage tours, meet and greet and autograph signings with top UFC stars, Q&A sessions, and photo opportunities, access to an in-arena VIP party room, a chance to hold the championship belt inside the Octagon® and more!

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to UFC 175 on Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. and The Ultimate Fighter Finale at 12 p.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers for UFC 175 on Thursday, May 22 starting at 10 a.m. PT and for The Ultimate Fighter Finale at 12 p.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC®175: WEIDMAN vs. MACHIDA will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, and in Canada on BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High -Definition.

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE: EDGAR vs. PENN will air live on FOX Sports 1 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Sunday, July 6, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FOX Sports 2 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

About UFC International Fight Week™

UFC International Fight Week™ returns to the Fight Capital of the World July 1-6, 2014. The weeklong celebration includes something for everyone from entertainment and arts to charitable events, shopping and, of course, all things UFC. The event will also feature for the first-time ever, two huge fight cards in one weekend in the UFC’s hometown – UFC® 175 and The Ultimate Fighter® Finale. Other fan favorite activities will return including UFC Fan Expo, Official Pool Party with Octagon Girls®, a free concert, UFC Downtown with fighter meet-and-greets, “The Art of Fighting” art exhibit, ULTI-MAN 5k run, training sessions with fighters, viewing parties, weigh-ins and more! Tickets and event details are available at www.UFCFightWeek.com. UFC Fan Expo tickets are on sale now at www.UFCFanExpo.com. Stay connected with UFC International Fight Week news on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/UFCFightWeek), Twitter and Instagram (@UFCFightWeek).

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and on Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

HBO BOXING® RETURNS TO LONDON FOR THE ENTHRALLING REMATCH HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®: CARL FROCH VS. GEORGE GROVES II, PRESENTED SATURDAY, MAY 31, ALONG WITH THE TITLE FIGHT SIMPIWE VETYEKA VS. NONITO DONAIRE FROM MACAU

American boxing fans can catch a highly anticipated UK rematch and a title fight from Macau when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®: CARL FROCH VS. GEORGE GROVES II AND SIMPIWE VETYEKA VS. NONITO DONAIRE is seen SATURDAY, MAY 31 at 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The HBO Sports team will be calling both events, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: June 1 (8:30 a.m.) and 3 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 1 (3:15 p.m.) and 2 (11:00 p.m.)
Just six months after their first encounter, two of the UK’s favorite sons, Carl Froch (32-2, 23 KOs) of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, and George Groves (19-1, 15 KOs) of Hammersmith, London, England, clash in a 12-round title rematch before more than 80,000 fans. Groves dominated the first eight rounds of their Nov. 2013 bout, and appeared well on his way to a unanimous decision, but Froch launched a tireless barrage of shots midway through the ninth in a dramatic turn of events. While the hurt yet gritty Groves remained on his feet, Froch’s attack compelled the referee to end the fight in controversial fashion. This highly charged 168-pound bout will air on HBO at 4:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).
The action begins at 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT) with full same-day coverage of the scheduled 12-round featherweight title fight between challenger Nonito Donaire (32-2, 21 KOs) and titleholder Simpiwe Vetyeka (26-2, 16 KOs) from Cotai Arena at The Venetian® Macao in Macau, China. In his season debut, Donaire, who has won titles in four divisions and was the sport’s 2012 Fighter of the Year, seeks a new crown. A native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in Las Vegas, he started a new winning streak last fall on HBO with a ninth-round KO victory over Vic Darchinyan in their rematch. Vetyeka, of Mdantsane, South Africa, will be making the first defense of his 126-pound title.
Later that evening (11:15-11:45 p.m. ET/PT), HBO presents the first episode of “24/7 Cotto/Martinez,” the latest installment of the Emmy ®-winning series. The show profiles superstars Miguel Cotto and Sergio Martinez as they prepare for their June 7 blockbuster encounter on HBO Pay-Per-View®.
At midnight (ET/PT), HBO Latino presents a special edition of “HBO Latino Boxing” from the Tropicana Casino Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas. Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18 KOs) of the Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23 KOs) in a super featherweight event scheduled for ten rounds, while Luis Rosa (16-0, 7 KOs) and Luis Orlando Del Valle (18-1, 13 KOs), both of Puerto Rico, open the show with a scheduled ten-round super bantamweight fight. Subscribers can also catch the action with English-language commentary on HBO2 at midnight (ET/PT).
HBO2 and HBO Latino will replay FROCH VS. GROVES II after the action from Las Vegas concludes.
All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.
Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.
The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.
® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Boxcino 2014 Finals now for NABA & NABO titles

Verona, NY (May 21, 2014)–Once again the stakes have been raised for this Friday night’s Boxcino 2014 championship bouts.

When the tournament began it was known that the fighters would be competing for the Boxcino championship belt. Now two more belts will be on the line as the NABA and the NABO belts will be up for grabs when lightweights Fernando Carcamo and Petr Petrov do battle while in the middleweight finals it will be undefeated Brandon Adams taking on Willie Monroe Jr. will square off for the three titles.

The fights are promoted by Banner Promotions and will be televised live on ESPN 2. ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET and will originate from the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

“I want to thank the WBA and the WBO for making their North American title available for the fighters to compete for,”said Banner Promotions president Artie Pelullo.

“This has been an outstanding tournament and are delighted that these two organizations are rewarding these fighters for the opportunity to fight for these titles.”

STEVENSON VS. FONFARA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK (May 21, 2014) – Andrzej Fonfara eyed WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson’s title belt during Wednesday’s final press conference at Casino de Montreal, the look of a man eager and confident heading into the biggest fight of his boxing career.

Fonfara will challenge Stevenson for the WBC crown in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, this Saturday, May 24, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

“This is not my first time as an underdog,” Fonfara said. “I’ve proved people wrong before and I’ll do it again.”

The 26-year-old Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), of Chicago by way of Warsaw, Poland, is the No. 3 contender in the WBC, the No. 1 contender in the IBF, and holds victories over three former world champions in his last five fights. Fonfara has won 15 fights in a row, 12 by knockout, and has never been defeated as a light heavyweight.

“He’s confident. I’m confident. But I have the power to end this fight quickly,” said Stevenson.

The 36-year-old Stevenson (23-1-0, 20 KOs) laid his claim as the world’s No. 1 light heavyweight with an exceptional 2013 campaign that included knockout victories over Chad Dawson and Tavoris Cloud, earning him The Ring Magazine award for “Fighter of the Year.”

In co-featured fights this Saturday, May 24, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, power-punching, world-ranked Montreal middleweight David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs) meets Fernando Guerrero (26-2, 19 KOs) of Salisbury, Md., in a 10-round bout, and Houston’s unbeaten rising star Jermell Charlo (23-0, 11 KOs) takes on Japan’s Charlie Ohta (24-1-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round junior middleweight match.

Here’s what the participants had to say at Wednesday’s press conference:

ADONIS STEVENSON:
“He’s confident. I’m confident. But I have the power to end this fight quickly.

“I’m in tremendous shape. I took a rest and my body is recovered. Now, I’m ready to get back in the ring and prove why I’m the best light heavyweight in the world.

“I’m used to fighting taller guys with long range. That won’t be a problem for me. We’ll use my speed and power to (to negate that).

“It’s a tough challenge. “I’m not overlooking him because I know he is very dangerous. I know he’ll be ready for me.

“My trainer trained me for the knockout, so I’m looking for it. I know he is a good fighter and he’s the best contender, so you have to watch Saturday night. It’s going to be a good fight, exciting.”

Regarding verbal exchange during the ‘face off’…
“I asked him if he liked the belt…And I told him the belt is going to stay in Montreal.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA:
“Everyone wants to fight for the biggest trophy and against the best fighters. He’s the best world champ in this division and Saturday is my chance to prove that I am the best.

“This is not my first time as an underdog. I’ve proved people wrong before and I’ll do it again.

“Everyone will see what I bring to the ring. I can handle his power. That doesn’t worry me.

“Everything is at stake. I have the chance to make history, so I have plenty of motivation for this fight.
“He has power, but I can knock him out, too. A knockout would be the best offense for me. With our styles, it will be a good, exciting fight.

“You’ll see on Saturday why I’m the better fighter. This is the right time for me.”

On Stevenson’s loss against Darnell Boone…
“I’ve got a good punch with both hands. He’s gotten knocked out before. It proves he goes down too. He’s not Superman like he thinks he is. He went down and he lost the fight.”

JAVAN “SUGAR” HILL (STEVENSON TRAINER):
“I know the Fonfara camp very well. Sam (Colonna) and I go back to the amateur days. I know he trains fighters as well as I do. This is another level we have to fight on, only this is a world championship level. We can’t wait to test our skills against each other.

“Everything is perfect. The training camp went well. Adonis is ready – his main focus is fighting Fonfara and the other objective is to get a knockout. I’m looking for a knockout from Adonis Stevenson and I hope everyone else is.”

SAM COLONNA (FONFARA TRAINER):
“This is a dream come true for him. He’s been working his whole life to come to this level and now he’s here.

“Andrzej has always been the underdog, but he’s always come out on top. Come the 24th we’re going to surprise some people.

“We started out sparring in Chicago and moved to Big Bear. We had some great sparring partners, we couldn’t pick better guys.”

YVON MICHEL, GROUPE YVON MICHEL (STEVENSON’S PROMOTER):
“We are very, very happy to do the first title defense of Adonis Stevenson on SHOWTIME. One of the missions that SHOWTIME and Stephen Espinoza have is to show the unification of the light heavyweight title.

“Adonis has a lot of ambition. His ambition was step by step. He had a huge task. He wanted to be a contender, then a champion, then a unified champion. He wants to be a legend and one day in the Hall of Fame. He is doing what he has to do to reach his goal.

“There will be another title that Adonis will be defending Saturday and that title is (The Ring Magazine) Fighter of the Year for 2013. His name is up there with some of the best fighters in history. He is the first Canadian fighter ever, in the 85–year history, to be recognized as the Fighter of the Year. It was not by accident.

“Sugar is the one who took the task from his uncle (Emmanuel Steward) and built Adonis as a world champion and Fighter of the Year. He is the one who showed Adonis boxing IQ to complement his power-punching.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, EVP & GENERAL MANAGER, SHOWTIME SPORTS (Prepared Statement):
“Adonis Stevenson is someone I’ve had my eye on for a long time. Long before I took the job as programmer for SHOWTIME Sports, I heard about Adonis from the late, great Emanuel Steward. Steward told me a few years ago that this young man might be the best pure power puncher that he had ever trained.

“When someone like Manny Steward makes a statement like that, you take notice.

“Now, several years later, Adonis is a world champion, universally regarded—and feared—as one of the top light heavyweight fighters in the world. He is coming off a remarkable 2013 campaign that earned him the coveted 2013 Fighter of the Year honor. To say we are excited to have ’Superman’ make his SHOWTIME debut this Saturday would be an understatement.

“Andrzej Fonfara has had an incredible journey to get to this, his first world title fight. He’s young, he’s hungry, and he may have been overlooked, which is a recipe for disaster once the bell rings.”

LEON MARGULES, ANDRZEJ FONFARA’S PROMOTER:
“We didn’t take this fight to come up here and lose. We believe we have an excellent chance to become the next light heavyweight champion of the world.

“When I signed him a year ago, I asked him who, out of anyone in the world he would want to face, and he said Adonis Stevenson.

“This is a fight my fighter wanted more than any other challenge.”

EXCITING FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER PATRICK “THE PUNISHER” HYLAND SIGNS EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT WITH DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT

New York, NY (5/21/14) – DiBella Entertainment has officially announced the signing of exciting featherweight contender Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland (27-1, 12KO’s) to an exclusive promotional contract. The talented Irishman Hyland is set to make his DBE promotional debut on the upcoming Broadway Boxing card on July 23, at NYC’s famed B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.

“I’m so excited about getting back in the ring again. It’s a fresh start for me after what hasbeen a very frustrating 18 months. It’s great to be working with Lou and everyone at DiBella Entertainment. Lou is one of the best promoters in the business and I know that he will be able to deliver the big fights I want,” said Hyland.

Regarding the upcoming fight on July 23, Hyland couldn’t be happier to finally be making his NYC debut and is looking forward to building a fan-base amongst the rabid and diehard Irish boxing community.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of fighting in New York City. I lived in upstate New York so I traveled into the city on a regular basis, but I’ve never had the chance to fight there. It’s a city that has given so many Irish people a chance to realize their dreams in all walks of life. For me, the dream is to fight for and win a world title in Madison S

quare Garden and I’m a step closer to that now by signing with Lou. I know there is a huge Irish following in New York who love to get behind their own. John Duddy proved that and I’d like to think I can get some of his fans on board for another exciting journey with me.”

Hyland has not seen action since his thrilling and hard-fought 12-round decision loss to Javier Fortuna back in December 2012 for the interim WBA featherweight championship and is looking to once again get his career back on track and put his name amid the elite of the featherweight division.

“I felt I proved against Fortuna that I belonged at world level and I left the ring that night knowing what I had to do to close the gap from being a world title challenger to a world champion. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to capitalize on my performanc
e that night and prove that I had learned from that experience. Now with Lou, I know I will finally get that chance.”

“My first priority now is getting back in the ring and getting a win under my belt. After that, I’m ready for any of the champions out there. Featherweight is a very interesting division at the moment and I’m confident that I can get in the mix for another world title shot very quickly.”

“Patrick gave Fortuna hell in their bout and he is handsdown one of the best pro fighters in all of Ireland. Patrick is a legitimate title contender in the featherweight division and we are happy to finally be working with him and watching him build his fan-base here in New York City,” said DiBella.

“I’m delighted to be working with Lou on Patrick’s career. He has a proven trackrecord of delivering opportunities for his fighters and, in Patrick, he has a very hungry fighter capable of grasping those opportunities with both hands. Patrick can punch, has plenty of boxing ability and proved against Fortuna that he has a granite chin. The time out of the ring has made him hungrier than ever to get his hands on a world title and I think over the next six to 12 months, he will be a serious threat to any of the world champions at featherweight,” stated Hyland’s manager, Brian Peters.

Tickets for the event on July 23 are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55. Tables are also available for purchase for this event, with VIP Tables going for $1,000 per table (5 seats at $200 per seat), Ringside Tables for $500 (5 seats at $100), and $375 tables (5 seats at $75). Tickets are available for purchase by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577.

Boxcino 2014 Finals on ESPN Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates on May 23

Two fighters—one in the Lightweight division and one in the Middleweight—will be named Boxcino 2014 Champion and receive the Boxcino 2014 championship belt on May 23, when ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra features the finals of Boxcino 2014 sponsored by 1800 Tequila.
New Picture (3)
Friday’s show, from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN. The card is promoted by Banner Promotions.

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

Middleweight Finals Matchup: 10 Rounds

The final round of the Middleweight tournament will feature:

Brandon Adams (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Willie Monroe Jr. (17-1, 6 KOs)

Lightweight Finals Matchup: 10 Rounds

The final round of the Lightweight tournament will feature:

Petr Petrov (34-4-2, 15 KOs) vs. Fernando Cárcamo (17-5, 13 KOs)

Fighter Backgrounds:
N.Y.’s Monroe, the son of former Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision win over Vitalii Kopylenko in the semifinal round of the tournament. Prior to that, Monroe won a six-round unanimous decision over Donatas Bondas (Bondorovas) in the quarterfinals. Adams, fighting out of Los Angeles, opened the tournament with a fourth round TKO win over Daniel Edouard and is looking to stay undefeated following an eight-round split decision win over Ray Gatica in the semifinals.

Spain’s Petrov, a former Jr. Welterweight world title challenger, defeated Chris Rudd by fourth-round TKO in the semifinals. In the tournament’s opening round, Petrov won an upset over Yakubu Amidu in a fight that had to go to a seventh-round “drawbreaker” to determine the winner. Mexico’s Cárcamo, who opened the tournament with a second–round TKO win over previously undefeated 2008 Olympian Samuel Neequaye, is looking to score another victory following an eight-round majority decision win over Miguel González in the semifinals.

About Boxcino 2014:
The tournament, which started in February, is a single-elimination, two-weight class competition featuring eight fighters in the Lightweight and Middleweight divisions. Tournament details and matchups can be found on ESPN MediaZone.

ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions Brian Kweder, who oversees content strategy and acquisition for ESPN’s soccer, boxing and bowling properties, recently discussed the tournament in a Q&A on ESPN Front Row.

Upcoming Schedule:
Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Location
Networks
Fri, May 23
9 p.m.
Boxcino 2014 Finals sponsored by 1800 Tequila

Brandon Adams (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Willie Monroe Jr. (17-1, 6 KOs)—10 rounds, Middleweights

Petr Petrov (34-4-2, 15 KOs) vs. Fernando Cárcamo (17-5, 13 KOs)—10 rounds, Lightweights
Turning Stone Casino, Verona, NY
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
Fri, June 6
10:30 p.m.
Yudel Jhonson (15-1, 9 KOS) vs. Norberto González ( 20-3, 13 KOs)—10 rounds, Jr. Middleweights
Turning Stone Casino, Verona, NY
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
*Schedule subject to change

Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates Social Media:
· Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook.

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

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

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

FINAL FORUM BOXING HITS THE HEAVYWEIGHT DAILY DOUBLE

NEW YORK (MAY 21, 2014)–This past weekend, Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing was in the middle of all the action in North America as the promotional company was involved in big events in Montreal and New York with great success.

First on Friday night, former world ranked Heavyweight Derric Rossy scored the biggest win of his career when he took home a 10-round majority decision over Joe Hanks in a bout that was nationally televised on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

With the win, Rossy (29-8, 14 KO’s) of Medford, New York will put himself back in the middle of the Heavyweight picture and most likely see action in a significant bout this summer.

The very next night, Final Forum staged a seven-bout card at Pac Plex in Brooklyn and in the main event, Heavyweight Natu Visinia remained perfect with a 6-round unanimous decision over Jon Bolden.

Visinia of California and of Samoan decent is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts and his promoter Sal Musumeci is very happy with the progress of the power puncher.

“It was a great weekend. First off, Derric showed people that he still is more than just a viable Heavyweight and he can beat lot of guys. I have never stopped believing in him and I feel with a couple wins like he had on Friday night he could definitely get a title shot,” Said Musumeci.

“As for Visinia, he has a chance to be special. He has showed that he can punch with anyone in the division and I look forward to being able to move him into bigger and better fights.”

Musumeci had one more special announcement for the boxing public.

“I am back. I have been fighting through a couple of medical issues over the last couple years and the best is yet to come for Final Forum. In fact we are just days away from making a major announcement where we will be showing live boxing on a major national sports network which will also be televised worldwide in the premiere venues for worldwide for boxing.” Finished Musumeci.

WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION SERGIO MARTÍNEZ With Promoters Lou DiBella and Sampson Lewkowicz Conference Call Transcript, May 20, 2014

LOU DiBELLA: Hello everyone and thanks for joining us on the call for what will be a great event. Cotto-Martínez, or Martínez-Cotto as we like to call it, for the Middleweight Championship of the World, Sergio Martínez against future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cotto. Sergio began his training in Spain and spent about a month and a half there has moved his training camp to Miami, Florida where it has gone very well. We are expecting a sell-out and right now are moving in that direction. Tickets are still available to the public at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 and can get them at the Madison Square Garden box office or any Ticketmaster outlet.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I would like to than everyone that is present for their interest in the fight and for taking place in this media conference.

How are your knees holding up and have you been able to run in training?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: My knees are feeling great. I have been running in the mornings on the treadmill. It’s been a great camp and I am feeling great and haven’t felt this good in a long time.

What is your take on Miguel Cotto being just a couple pounds over the weight 30-days out?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: That is more than likely the strategy of Miguel Cotto. It shows that he is in great shape coming into this fight but once the bell rings Miguel Cotto will be the lighter man in the ring.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: The recuperation was very painful. I was on crutches for nine months and it is very hard to come back from that, but this is the road that I chose and I enjoy the achievement of coming back from something like this. Everything is going to be fine come fight time.

How close are you to being 100%?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Right now I am just the same as when there were no knee problems. I have overcome all obstacles.

Regarding your comments at the opening press conference as well as the HBO Face-Off this past weekend, it seems as though Sergio has dislike for Cotto, which is odd for him…

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: There is no hatred. I am a professional. Any hatred whatsoever is left behind. I am only focused on training for the fight and to beat Cotto on June 7.

No animosity towards Miguel?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Right now we are down the stretch. The words are over and my focus is getting in the ring. Those words mean nothing now. I am just getting ready for the fight. Wait for the bell to ring and it’s on.

Lou, you have seen Sergio and he was always mild-mannered towards other opponents.

LOU DIBELLA: There was a bit of a chip on his shoulder with [Julio César] Chávez Jr. because the title was taken from his waist outside of the ring and not inside the ring. There was a chip during the promotion but when you get closer to the fight, like he said, his focus is now on the fight. This was not an easy negotiation – we had to keep calling Sergio with more concessions that a champion doesn’t generally have to make and at that time he was not pleased and I think that came out at some of the press conferences very clearly as well as some of the interviews. If you saw the Face-Off with Max Kellerman you could see that he was upset about certain things but I think he has channeled that to his benefit. Right now he is fixated on giving Cotto a beating and walking out of Madison Square Garden the middleweight champion. Look there were a lot of concessions that were made due to Cotto’s star value and concessions that he wanted that a champion doesn’t normally give, but Sergio’s attitude was that he wanted Miguel Cotto and he wanted this fight badly. He thought it was a great opportunity and he always wanted to fight in the big room at Madison Square Garden before he retired and to prove himself at the Mecca of Boxing, and in order to get the fight we had to swallow some things we didn’t want to swallow.

Do you believe that his knee is good?

LOU DiBELLA: I believe that his knee is as good as it was before the Chávez fight and I believe that he is in great shape. I saw him train in Florida and I saw some things I haven’t been able to see in some of the other fights where his knees were bothering him. I saw great lateral movement. He could plant and throw with real authority and power. Particularly the fact that he could move in all directions without any kind of severe pain. I would like to be in my early 30’s than my early 50’s and I’m sure that Sergio would rather be in his early 20’s than his late 30’s but I think in terms of his physical health, the year off – a year to rehabilitate, a year to rest – and just work in terms of strengthening his body – I think is going to be a huge advantage for Sergio Martínez – for his knee, for his hand, for his elbow, for everything that ached him and I think you are going to really see a great Sergio Martínez on June 7.

Is the fight at 159 lbs?

LOU DiBELLA: It is 159 lbs. or less and that is one of the concessions that we had to make. In my mind a pound off is just silly. It’s a middleweight title and it should be 160 lbs, but frankly Sergio has never weighed in at 160 before so I don’t think it’s going to be a big issue to weigh in at 159. But that is one of those concessions that we found annoying during the course of the negotiations.

Are you bothered because you are not receiving the credit you deserve as a champion?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: No, it does not bother me at all. It is something I have to keep working on, in order to achieve it… However, his demands rob on the absurd.

Why are you training in Miami?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Because it is very close to New York and Madrid as well. My doctor has to travel from Madrid. If I had decided to train in California, I would have had to cross the entire country to get to New York.

Freddie Roach said Miguel is really throwing the hook to the body so hard that they are making it through his chest protector – do you fear Miguel’s power?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Right now we just hope that Miguel doesn’t hurt Freddie too bad so that Freddie can’t make it to the fight on June 7. That is my main concern right now.

What do you think about Cotto’s power?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Of course I realize that Miguel does not have the same power at this weight that he had at 147, but I am the one that has the power in this case. I am the power-puncher of the two of us. But the most important fact in this fight is going to be the intelligence that I am going to be able to use in this fight.

How do you imagine this fight with Cotto?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I think it will be a great fight for the fans, very good for boxing fans. It will be a fight that when I start to find my rhythm, my timing and the right distance, the fight will be over.

Do you think you will win the fight by KO?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I’m sure that I will win the fight by knockout because I’m training in a very hard and intense way and with such motivation that everyday I’m hitting harder, throwing more punches. Whatever Cotto will do in the ring, doesn’t matter to me, I don’t care. What is important is for me to be the day of the fight in the same state that I’m working right now.

You already have 39 years, you have a year without fighting and with accumulations of injuries. You think this could be your last fight?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Could be, but I hope it isn’t. It could be. But first we have to finish our contract with HBO. We have one more fight and I have to respect that.

Do you feel disrespected?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I don’t consider it a lack or respect, just absurd requests and absurd demands. I have put that in the past and I am totally focused on wrapping up training and fighting on June 7.

Are you worried about the Cotto NYC crowd and how it will affect the outcome of the fight?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: As far as the judges are concerned – they won’t have to do much work that evening because this fight is definitely not going the distance – it will end before the scheduled number of rounds.

Do you think with a win Sergio will get respect that he deserves?

LOU DiBELLA: I think he will get respect and I think he should also get respect for the obstacles he has overcome in the course of a career fighting well into and has had a string of fights and title defenses that rival any of the opposition that Cotto has fought and he has also fought through injuries as well as the politics of boxing. I think ultimately he will get the credit he deserves.

LOU DIBELLA: We had the same issues when we fought Chávez. He had to give up his title to fight Dzinziruk instead of the mandatory and Chávez went on to get the belt in a fight with Zbik in a fight on the same network that Sergio fought on. We have had to overcome a lot of treatment that was inappropriate to a fighter of his stature and he’s proven himself time and time again and he going to prove himself again on June 7 in front of sold out Madison Square Garden and a huge pay-per-view audience, so his legacy keeps growing. The people that know give him the respect that he deserves and before he’s done that respect will be universal.

Do you think he needs to win to get universal respect?

LOU DiBELLA: He shouldn’t have to but this is a huge fight in the most famous arena in the world against the most proven pay-per-view fighter he has ever fought and the biggest name fighter he has ever fought, so in terms of Sergio’s legacy I’m not going to pretend – this fight is huge.

SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ: I agree with everything that Lou has said but I would like to add that Sergio Martínez has passed all the tests – MRI on the knee and MRI on the hand – everything was perfectly done and he is 100% healthy, not 80% or 90% – just to make sure that everyone knows he will come in healthy and it will be a great fight and I think it will be the pay-per-view of the year.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: When I win I will get the universal respect. This is a very, very important fight – one of the biggest of my career. I do feel that I have earned respect form the boxing community but it will be universal after June 7.

How important do you feel this fight is?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: This fight is right up there with Paul Williams and Kelly Pavlik – a very important fight in my career.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: This fight is bigger – bigger than the Chávez fight which was just as important as Williams and Pavlik – because of the timing of this fight because we are at a crucial point in our careers.

Do you feel you will fight the same style or will you change for Cotto?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: It is basically going to be the same Sergio Martínez you have always seen with a strong desire and the will to win. The only think that will be different will be the strategy I will use – I don’t always use the same strategy on different opponents. The only difference will be the strategy that I will use in this particular fight.

Can you give us some insight to your strategy?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I can’t reveal my strategy yet because it is not completed. The plan is not totally devised…and I would prefer that my plan be a surprise to Miguel Cotto.

Who did the contractual demands come from?

LOU DiBELLA: Well, we sat in a room with Miguel Cotto so I think the majority of it did come from Miguel Cotto himself. It came directly from Miguel Cotto.

Which were the most annoying demands?

LOU DiBELLA: Calling the fight Cotto-Martínez instead of Martínez-Cotto and Miguel being on the left side of the poster instead of the right – I found that annoying. I am not a big fan of catch-weights – so I found that a bit annoying. But it doesn’t matter because in terms of making this fight, Sergio is really the boss. Sergio’s marching orders were do the best you can and make the best deal you can and make sure this fight happens. So I made sure this fight happens.

Does Sergio still let it get to him?

LOU DiBELLA: You were at the press conference and I think he made himself clear, but at this point, Sergio is a pro’s pro, a true professional. I don’t think he’s focused on anything at this point but beating up Miguel Cotto.

I understand from your training you plan to pick up the pace throughout the fight and use your speed at the end.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I am training and preparing for a hard fight and I will adjust as I go along.

Why did you begin sparring so late into training camp?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: It’s the way I have always done it. I have three sparring sessions this week, three sparring sessions next week, and then the following week is the week of the fight. It’s nothing new – it’s the way it’s always been throughout my career.

Why do you think guys like you and Bernard Hopkins and Juan Manuel Márquez are still able to compete at a very high level at their age?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: Basically, many more boxers would be able to do it if they took care of themselves by living the way you are supposed to live – eating healthy for example – if many did many would continue to box at an older age.

SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ: This fight will be the biggest pay-per-view of the year and it will be the best quality fight. It will be an historic day for boxing. Without a doubt, Cotto-Martínez will be a great pay-per-view event..

A million buys, or more?

SAMSPSON LEWKOWICZ: I don’t know if it will reach one million but it will be bigger than any that have happened so far this year.

LOU DiBELLA: I’m not going to make a prediction on the buys, but I know it will do a lot of business and it will be a great fight. You know Sergio and Miguel Cotto and their styles – this fight is going to be a brawl and the fans are really going to enjoy it. The only think I would worry about is seeing a great fight in the ring, which I know will happen. I know Sergio is prepared. I am not going to sit here and make a prediction on pay-per-view – I don’t think the fans care about that – I hope the fans care about the fight and they are watching.

What makes you so sure, that you will go on record that the fight will end early?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: By January I have been training for this fight and my body has responded perfectly. The way training camp has been going, and the way I feel physically, it is going to be an early stoppage.

Cotto is saying he is going to work on a body attack. What is your take on that?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: That is of no concern to me. The only thing that is going to matter in this fight is going to be what Sergio Martínez does in this fight.

Do you feel that since you are a bigger man and stronger man in the ring, it will be to your advantage?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: That’s not the case. The real difference is going to be my intelligence and my ring generalship in this fight.

Do you feel the year lay-off will affect you?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: When someone has been in boxing for twenty years and taken a year off, it’s not a problem because you have twenty years of experience, so that year lay-off is not going to affect me in the least.

When was the last time you felt this confident you were going to knock out your opponent?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I am always 100% confident by of winning by knockout in every fight but I haven’t felt like this since the Paul Williams rematch.

When you won against Chavez Jr you did not look impressive…

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: If winning 11½ rounds out of twelve is not impressive, I don’t know what I could do – what is being impressive?

If the fight went another couple of rounds – do you think you would have made it?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: If the fight would have lasted another two or three rounds, Chavez would have run out of gas and I would have stopped him.

Do you feel you have the power?

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ:I knocked out Dzinziruk and I showed power. I knocked out Paul Williams and I showed power.

LOU DiBELLA: To say that this guy doesn’t have power as a middleweight is sort of absurd considering he knocked out Dzinziruk and knocked him down five times and basically ended his career. He knocked out Paul Williams like a tree was falling. He knocked out Matthew Macklin and he knocked out Darren Barker and he literally beat Julio César Chávez Jr into a bloody pulp. I joked with him in Florida about it that he was trying to knock him out when he should have just taken the 12-0 shutout that resulted in him getting hit in the first place. To be honest, whoever asked those last questions seems to have an axe to grind. So be it but I just don’t think they are accurate.

In Closing…

LOU DIBELLA: I just want to remind everyone that there are still tickets available, but we do expect a sellout. Whatever you want to call it, Cotto-Martínez or Martínez-Cotto, it is going to be a great fight and that’s what it’s all about. I want to thank my partners at Top Rank, Miguel Cotto and his promotional company Miguel Cotto Promotions and we look forward to a great fight week and a great fight on June 7.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ: I want to thank everybody for taking part in this and we’ll see everybody on June 7

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“2 Days: Sergio Martínez” premieres This Saturday! May 24 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning series “24/7 Cotto/Martinez” premieres Saturday, May 31 at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

Face Off: Cotto/Martinez HBO Replay Schedule (All times ET/PT):
May 23 (5:30 p.m.), 24 (10:45 a.m.), 27 (11:45 p.m.) 29 (4:45 p.m.)
30 (9:45 p.m.) and June 3 (12:45 p.m. & 3:45 a.m.), 5 (1:00 a.m.)
6 (8:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.) and 7 (10:30 a.m.)

Cotto (39-4, 31 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, who has sold more tickets to The Garden than any other fighter in this millennium, will attempt to become Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion while Martínez (51-2-2, 28 KOs), of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has never lost a world championship fight, defends the title he first won in 2010. Both gladiators boast a combined record of 89-6-2 (59 KOs) – a winning percentage of 92% and a victory by knockout ratio of 66%.