LAS VEGAS, (March 18, 2014) – On March 29, when World Series of Fighting welterweight champion Steve Carl and challenger Rousimar Palhares headline World Series of Fighting 9, live on NBCSN, fans will find out who is the better fighter, but who is the smartest World Series of Fighting fan? For the first time ever, that question will be answered when fans participate in SHOUT TV’s “Champions Challenge” game.

The stakes are high as the fan that racks up the most points will win a new Ducati Monster street bike valued at nearly $10,000.

While stars such as Marlon Moraes, Josh Rettinghouse, Yushin Okami, Josh Burkman and Tyler Stinson compete in the cage, fans watching the event live at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel or on television at home can collide “mano y mano” in a battle of wits for cash, prizes and a Ducati 696 motorcycle.

The popular “Champions Challenge” game allows fans to intellectually spar against one another during this and other live events by trying to predict the outcomes of certain scenarios such as, “Which fighter will land the most leg kicks?” or “Which fighter will win?”

The challenge will be played during the World Series of Fighting 9, 10 and 11 live events thanks to a recent partnership between the skyrocketing Las Vegas-based pro fight league and SHOUT TV, the leader in real-time fan engagement.

“After the fights, somebody’s riding home on a brand new Ducati,” said SHOUT TV CEO Darl McBride. “SHOUT is partnering with World Series of Fighting to bring a new twist to cagefighting. Instead of just wondering which fighter will win, fans will be asking themselves ‘How big of a prize can I win tonight?’ Why just be a fan or a spectator when you could be a player or a participant? Think of it as a series of intellectual cage matches for fans.

“We think SHOUT and World Series of Fighting are very synergistic. Why should fighters be the only winners? Why can’t the fans win, too?”

“SHOUT TV is the leader at engaging and entertaining sports fans in trivia and one-on-one competitions, so they’re a great fit for World Series of Fighting and our fast-growing international expansion,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. “MMA fans are the most rabid and loyal fans in the world, and this free application offers one more tool for fans to interact and win valuable prizes while watching our world-class athletes fight during live broadcasts.”

SHOUT TV’s real-time challenges have engaged and entertained fans competing against each other during the Super Bowl, soccer, NFL, NBA and MLB games, as well as the Daytona 500, Oscars, Grammys and reality shows like “The Bachelor.”

Signing up and competing in the SHOUT fan competitions is free and fast. SHOUT can be downloaded by visiting the Apple, iPhone or Android stores (using search word: “Shout”). SHOUT can also be downloaded from this link: http://www.shout2win.com. Prizes awarded to fan winners during the WSOF events will range from gift cards to Amazon or Starbucks ($5 up to $25) to iPads and Xboxes, all the way up to the Ducati Monster.

About SHOUT

SHOUT TV is led by CEO Darl McBride and other Founders who share a love of sports and mobile technology. Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz al Saud recently became SHOUT’s largest investor, providing the capital to fuel SHOUT’s growth plans. In addition to McBride, he joins a team of investors that also includes Deron Williams of the Brooklyn Nets, Ron Heinz, Partner of Signal Peak Ventures and a number of successful angel investors. Prince Abdullah, 47, and grandson of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, is a prominent businessman and industrialist who also has a love of football, both American and soccer style.

The company’s mobile Android and iPhone Apps provide engagement for fans before, during and after live events. SHOUT keeps fans excited and engaged with a platform for continuous interaction whether or not they are physically at the event. Through the “game within a game” concept and model, SHOUT gives brands and fans a broad new arena in which to engage, making every event a richer and better experience for all. For more information about partnerships, sponsorships and upcoming event opportunities, visit www.shout2win.com. #Shout or contact us at 844-SHOUT2WIN.

SHOUT – The Ultimate Fan Challenge. Watch. Play. Win

SHOUT and Vote are the registered trademarks of SHOUT TV, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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

Atlantic City, NJ—Undefeated middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, of Millville, NJ, tackles his first eight-rounder and his toughest foe when he boxes Ahsandi Gibbs, of Tampa, FL, on Saturday evening, April 12, in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The LaManna-Gibbs contest will serve as the semifinal to the 10-round junior lightweight main event which features Jason Sosa, of Camden, NJ, against Michael Brooks, of Nassau, LI. First of seven fights is 7.30 p.m.

LaManna (right) 22, is unbeaten in 13 fights since turning pro in 2011. He has scored seven knockouts.
He is one of the most popular fighters in South Jersey. This will mark his seventh fight in Atlantic City and his fourth at Bally’s, where he shut out Joshua Robertson, of Lynchburg, VA, over six rounds in his last fight Sept. 28.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring,” LaManna said. “After my last fight I was in numerous training camps, helping guys prepare, so I’ve always been in the gym. I’m definitely not looking for any more six-month layoffs.

“As far as Gibbs goes, from what I know he’s a non-stop pressure fighter, but he’s nothing that I haven’t seen before. I want to make a statement. Expect clip_image006fireworks on April 12. I want to thank my team for getting me ready—Vinny Ponte, Raul Rivas, Rashiem Jefferson, Hassan Hamid-El, Jermaine Clark. I’m looking forward to the next step up in my career.”

It’s a solid step-up fight for LaManna, who insists he’s ready to go to the next level. His biggest win was a six-round decision over veteran Josh Snyder, of Berlin, MD, one year ago in Atlantic City.

Gibbs (left), 35, turned pro in 2007 and is 10-3, 4 K0s, but has not boxed in three years. He has boxed better opposition, though he lost to James Kirkland, of Austin, TX; Ibahiem King, of West Palm Beach, FL, and Marcus Upshaw, of Jacksonville, FL. He has not boxed since losing to Kirkland.

“Originally, I took some time off to see what I wanted to do next,” Gibbs said. “Different situations caused me to fall out of love with what I was doing. I started to go to school and there wasn’t enough hours in the day to box, work, go to school and do all three the way they needed to be done.

“From the outside looking in, I began to see the mistakes I made going and decided to come back. I’ve been trying to get a fight for close to two years and they kept falling through for various reasons. I’ve been training with Arturo Ramos and I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been.

“I feel good about this fight. I’ve been ready for a long time. I don’t know much about my opponent other than what everybody that punches his name into Google knows. I won’t really know until the bell rings.”

Five additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT APRIL 12

The Sosa-Brooks and LaManna-Gibbs fights top a seven-bout card at Bally’s Atlantic City and it will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000). Tickets also are on sale at www.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

PUERTO RICO (February 18, 2014) – Undefeated super featherweight contender, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (15-0, 10 KOs), is ready to battle Mexico’s, Alberto “Kichis” Garza (26-6-1, 21 KOs), for the vacant International Boxing Organization super featherweight title this Saturday March 22nd. The 12-round main event bout promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and DiBella Entertainment will air live only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico on Direct TV at 9:00 P.M. EST.

Ranked WBC #9, IBF #8, WBA #11, and WBO #15, Pedraza knows he must perform at his highest level against Garza to remain amongst the top fighters seeking a world title shot. He vows to bring an entertaining fight to his audience, as he looks to bring back the glory of past Puerto Rican fighters.

“I feel honored to be fighting on television once again,” said Pedraza. “My promoter’s Gary Shaw, Javier Bustillo and Lou DiBella are doing a great job with my career. This fight with Garza is going to be very entertaining. He likes to come forward and I like to do everything. I’m expecting a rough fight, but I believe in myself and my ability to come out on top. I will do whatever it takes to win.”

Pedraza loves fighting in front of his people and they love to watch him. Garza, being from Mexico, will create an electrifying atmosphere as Puerto Rico is its number one rival. With the fight taking place at the auditorium Juan Pachin Vicens in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Pedraza will have his people behind him..

“Puerto Rico is looking for a hometown champion they can call their own and I want to be that man.” said Pedraza. “This Saturday I will continue to bring exciting fights to my fans. Garza is a very dangerous opponent, but that’s what motivates me to be the best. I’m ready for the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. I want to fight the best and it starts with Garza.”

“Pedraza brings an excitement to this fans that’s unbelievable” said Gary Shaw. “Garza is no pushover and Pedraza knows what he has to do. Pedraza will be ready. The fans are going to enjoy watching this fight. Everyone should be tuning in.”

Pedraza is a member of “Team Puerto Rico”, which is a collaboration between Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions, made with the goal of gathering the best of Puerto Rico’s boxing talents.

Having regained his WBO Super Middleweight crown from Robert Stieglitz, ‘’King’’ Arthur Abraham (39-4, 28 KOs) will make his first title defense against Nikola Sjekloca (26-1, 8 KOs) on May 3rd at the Velodrom in Berlin, Germany.

‘’Finally, I have the WBO belt back around my waist and I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon,’’ said Abraham, who following a short break is back in training . ‘’I gave so much blood, sweat and tears for my last fight – and it made me a world champion again. I will need to do the same to prepare for Sjekloca on May 3rd.’’

Coach Ulli Wegner: ‘’Sjekloca, has a good jab and tries to be very active. In his fight against Sakio Bika he also showed that he can take a punch, so Arthur cannot rely only on his power.

‘’If Arthur is able to put in another performance like he did against Stieglitz, he will prove that he is one of the best super middleweights in the world. He has clearly shown me that he is still ready to progress as a boxer.’’

The announcement of the world championship fight will come as good news for boxing fans in Berlin. Particularly, as it follows the postponement and cancellation of recent shows in the German capital due to illness and injury suffered by world cruiserweight champions Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Marco Huck.

‘’Following these recent developments, it was important for us to stage this world championship fight in Berlin,’’ said Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event. ‘’As the saying goes: the third time’s a charm.’’

Tickets for the WBO World Championship fight at the Velodrom in Berlin on May 3rd go on sale today and are available via eventim.de.

Philadelphia (March 18, 2014)–He pulled off the biggest upset in the opening round of the Boxcino 2014 lightweight tournament and now Chris Rudd (13-1, 8 KO’s) is ready to do it again when he takes on Petr Petrov (33-4-2, 15 KO’s) on Friday, March 28 at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.

The semifinal bout will be televised Live on ESPN, ESPNdeportes+ and WatchESPN.

Rudd of Covington, Tennessee was the least known of the eight participants in the tournament but he won a 7 round (Draw Breaker) decision over veteran Yakubu Amidu on February 21 in Laughlin, Nevada, reflected back on the win for a moment before setting his sights on Petrov.

“I did a pretty good job,” said Rudd. “I think I won that fight because of my head and foot movement.”

Rudd began preparing for Petrov almost immediately after his win over Amidu.

“I have been working hard in the gym. Petrov throws a lot of wild combinations and a wild hook. I have been working on that as well as my jab and staying out of range.”

Rudd has relished being the unknown fighter in the tournament as he believes that will only enhance his accomplishments.

“It does not matter being the underdog. I was talking with my brother and he said, the more that I can win, the better I look.”

Rudd knows he can win the tournament but knows he has a tough road ahead.

“I see me winning. Petrov is a good fighter and he will come hard. The other two fighters (Miguel Gonzalez and Fernando Carcamo) are good fighters. I see myself winning but I can not claim it until I have it,”finished Rudd.

Chester, PA (March 18, 2014)–This Friday night at Harrahs Philadelphia, Cruiserweight, Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante will look to get back into the win column when he takes on fellow Philadelphian Pedro Martinez (6-7, 3 KO’s) in a 6-round bout that will be part of a big night of boxing promoted Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

In the main event, Eric Hunter (17-3, 9 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Yenifel Vicente (25-2-2, 17 KO’s of Miami, FL in a 10-round bout for the USBA Featherweight title.

Ferrante of Philadelphia has been on the short end of bad circumstances over the past 15-months.

He has a record of 12-5 with 7 knockouts and is coming off a very controversial defeat to Anthony Caputo Smith for the Pennsylvania State Cruiserweight title on January 31.

The bout was a close battle that saw Ferrante score a knockdown during the fight but Caputo got the split decision victory by scores of 95-94 twice and 95-94 for Ferrante.

“Caputo knows he lost that fight,” said Ferrante. “I am looking forward to fighting him again on March 9. We looked at the tape and when i knocked him down he got 15 seconds. But he admitted to me he lost the fight and told me he will give me a rematch.”

Ferrante is happy to get his second fight in less than two months as he had a tumultuous 2013 as when he thought he scored the biggest win of his career as he scored an explosive knockout over previously undefeated Isa Akberbayev but was later changed to a no-contest after a post fight drug test came up positive. Ferrante was never given a reason for the positive test and he is insistent that he never took any banned substance.

“It is beautiful to get back in the ring so quick. The situation in New York depressed me. The decision to Caputo played with my mind but I am happy to get back in there.”

When facing Martinez, Ferrante will be facing someone he is more than familiar with.

“I have sparred hundreds of rounds with Pedro. We worked in the same gym for years and sometimes would spar four times a week. This is not a fight I asked for but he was the only guy available that would fight.”

Ferrante knows that he needs to win in order to secure the coveted rematch with Caputo.

“I am not looking past him. He comes forward and likes to work the body. This is a good test for me and I am not looking past his record. I feel now that I am growing into my body and I can use my skills. This is going to be a great fight,” said Ferrante.

Besides that fight and the Hunter – Vicente fight, it will be a full night of action.

In eight round bouts:

Victor Vasquez (16-8-1, 7 KO’s) of Philadelphia will try to avenge an earlier loss to Osnel Charles (9-8-1, 1 KO) of Atlantic City in a Lightweight bout.

Miguel Cartagena (11-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Miguel Robles (12-3-2, 5 KO’s) of San Juan, Puerto Rico in a Flyweight bout.

In four round bouts:

Anthony Prescott (2-3-1,1 KO) of Cherry Hill, NJ takes on Anthony Miller (1-0, 1 KO) of Wilmington, DE in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Ramir Hilliard of Philadelphia, PA will make his pro debut in a Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Vincent Floyd (0-0-1) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a Super Middleweight bout.

Tickets are now on sale for $100 (VIP); $75 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Philadelphia Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on www.webtix.net

(San Diego, CA) – California Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Bobby D. Presents is ready to announce the second edition of his very successful live boxing series set for Friday, April 4th, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in the Kearny Mesa suburb of San Diego. Slated for the main event of a very special “San Diego Fights: Border War”, Tijuana’s own undefeated Kenia Enriquez (10-0, 5KOs) puts her perfect record on the line as she takes on the experienced Jolene Blackshear (8-4, 3KOs) of San Diego for the vacant NABF junior flyweight title in an eight round championship bout.

“Our last two shows have been some of the best I’ve done in over thirty years of boxing, I am sure this next one will not disappoint,” Bobby DePhilippis said regarding his next fight card. “Kenia has all the makings of a world champion and this will be her first shot at a junior title, we are really looking forward to it.”

Enriquez is coming off her first U.S. debut last month where she defeated the previously undefeated Noemi Bosques of St. Petersburg, Florida. Enriquez sent Bosques down in the first with a counter left hook and then went on to control the majority of the action with quick right hands and power punches to the body. Bosques had her moments but only to win one round on one of the official cards which came in at 60-53 twice and 59-54.

Philadelphia, PA: Less than three months after middleweight Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (26-4-0, 19 KOs) knocked out Patrick Majewski in the first round at Resorts International Casino and Hotel, he will take on the undefeated Tureano Johnson (14-0-0, 10 KOs) at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, April 4th. The Stevens-Johnson ten round fight will be the co-feature on the NBCSN Fight Night card that features the heavyweight showdown between Steve “USS” Cunningham (26-6-0, 12 KOs) and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (20-0-0, 15 KOs).

Stevens, who just celebrated his 29th birthday on March 10th, vowed to stay busy this year, “This is my life and my job. I like to fight and I don’t want to have a break too long. I could get a little bit too relaxed. Hopefully I can go six times this year.” “Showtime” fought four times in 2013 with a 3-1 record with two knockouts. And after his first round knockout of Majewski on January 24th he is ready for Johnson, “I am back to the old Curtis. It looks like he likes to fight. He likes to stay in the paint, in the dog house and get it on. He looks like a more aggressive Derrick Findley so this fight I might just stay toe-to-toe.”

Hall of Fame matchmaker, J Russell Peltz said this about the match-up: “This fight features Curtis Stevens, one of the most exciting middleweights in the division. It is going to be an explosive fight!” Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “We love Curtis. NBC loves Curtis. Everyone is thrilled that he’ll be back on Fight Night so quickly. Johnson fought on the undercard of one of our Fight Night cards (Adamek vs Chambers at the Prudential Center on June 16, 2012) and I was impressed by what I saw. This should be a good one.”

Johnson, 30, originally from Nassau, Bahamas, defeated Willie Fortune via unanimous decision in his last fight at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, CA on February 22, 2013. Tureano has only had three fights go the distance in his career (all unanimous decision wins) and has a 71% knockout-to-win percentage. However, Stevens is not intimidated, he said, “He has a lot of knockouts but when you check the guys that he has knocked out its guys with records that are like 6-30. That is what he is supposed to do. If he wasn’t knocking them out I believe that would be a problem.”

Tureano Johnson
Photo Courtesy of Gary Shaw Productions
This will be Johnson’s first ten round fight. This will also be Johnson’s first fight as a co-feature on a national broadcast. He said, “I would like to thank Main Events and my promoter, Gary Shaw, for making this fight possible. On April 4th, the world will be introduced to Tureano Johnson. This has been a long, hard road for me filled with blood, sweat and ruthless determination. I have been begging for this opportunity to pit my skills against the so-called best in my division. However, it is easier said than done in this world of boxing. No one would fight me until now. I respect Curtis Stevens. He is a strong, hard-punching fighter who has been in with the best. But he can’t and won’t beat me. To all the fans, don’t miss this fight on NBCSN. I’m sure it is going to be a throw-back fight. It has been said that I’m not the most “technical” fighter out there. Well it’s true. I like to mix it up, throw hard punches, and get a little barbaric in the ring. I’m coming to fight, win impressive, and after April 4th, I know I will get the fights I deserve.”

“Showtime” is training for this fight in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY. He said, “I like training in Brooklyn because I am more comfortable. It is home to me; my mind is clearer when I am around positive energy. I can’t be too secluded and bored. I need to be around family and friends. So I can just go about my day as regular as possible. It is best to just keep home and have fun.”

About April 4th:

The event features a ten-round bout for the USBA Heavyweight Title between Steve “USS” Cunningham and USBA champion Amir “Hardcore” Mansour live on NBCSN Fight Night from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. The co-feature will be a ten round fight between Curtis “Showtime” Stevens and Tureano Johnson. The Fight Night broadcast will begin at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing in association with BAM Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions. The undercard fights will be announced shortly.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT on April 4th. 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.

Las Vegas, Nevada – For the first time since UFC 77 in 2007, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® is bringing the Octagon® back to Cincinnati on Saturday, May 10 at U.S. Bank Arena. In the evening’s main event, Ohio’s own Matt Brown takes on Erick Silva in a five-round main event bout featuring two of the UFC’s most exciting welterweights.

Having won six consecutive bouts inside the Octagon, the seventh-ranked Matt “The Immortal” Brown (20-11, fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) is in the best form of his career and more focused than ever on making a run at the UFC welterweight title. At 33, the Xenia, Ohio native has defeated some of the division’s most dangerous athletes, including Mike Pyle and Mike Swick on his way towards a main event encounter with Silva.

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace who has trained alongside Anderson Silva and Jacare Souza, Erick Silva (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Vila Velha, Espirito Santo, Brazil) has seen his share of highlight reel performances in the UFC. After defeating Charlie Brenneman, Jason High, and most recently Takenori Sato in a bout that earned him a “Performance of the Night” award, the 29-year-old Silva is looking to make his presence known in the welterweight division. With both fighters having a reputation for finishing fights, fans can expect an explosive showdown when these two take center stage.

In addition, former Golden Gloves boxer and current No. 10 ranked contender Costas Philippou (12-4, 1NC, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) returns to action against the flashy Lorenz Larkin (14-2, 1NC, fighting out of Riverside, Calif.) in a clash of middleweight strikers.

The main card also features:
Former featherweight title contender Erik Koch (14-3, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wis.) competing for the second time at lightweight in the UFC against “The Detroit Superstar” Daron Cruickshank (14-4, fighting out of Detroit, Mich.).
The Ultimate Fighter® Brazil season two standout William “Patolino” Macario (8-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) taking on Neil Magny (9-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) at welterweight.
An incredible heavyweight bout between the 6’4” Soa “The Hulk” Palelei (20-3, fighing out of Perth, Australia) and the debuting South African MMA champion Ruan Potts (8-1, fighting out of Cape Town, South Africa).
A battle of flyweights as ninth-ranked Chris Cariaso (16-5, fighting out of Tucson, Ariz.) squares off against the undefeated Louis Smolka (7-0, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii).

Also scheduled for the card:
A battle between The Ultimate Fighter® season three veteran and fan-favorite Ed Herman (21-9, 1NC, fighting out of Fort Collins, Colo.) and Rafael Natal (17-5-1, New York, N.Y.) at middleweight.
Japanese striker Kyoji Horiguchi (12-1, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan) drops to flyweight to take on No. 14 Darrell Montague (13-3, fighting out of Chino, Calif.).
Undefeated Brazilian prospect Yan Cabral (11-0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) meets promotional newcomer Alexander Yakovlev (21-4-1, fighting out of Saint Petersburg, Russia) at welterweight.
Current No. 4 contender and former title challenger Eddie Wineland (21-9-1, fighting out of Chesterton, Ind.) faces the returning Johnny Eduardo (26-9, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a bantamweight bout.
Training partner of Ronda Rousey and The Ultimate Fighter® season five competitor Manvel Gamburyan (16-9, Hollywood, Calif. by way of Leninakan, Armenia) takes on the always tough eighth-ranked Nik Lentz (26-6-2, 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Eden Prairie, Minn.) at featherweight.
Justin Salas (11-5, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) meets Ben Wall (7-1-1, fighting out of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) at lightweight.
Welterweights Anthony Lapsley (25-6, 2NC, fighting out of Indianapolis, Ind.) and Albert Tumenov (12-2, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J.) to square off.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: BROWN vs. SILVA, go on sale Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $175, $100, $75 and $50. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Ticket prices do not include applicable service charges. Tickets are also available at www.usbankarena.com and the U.S. Bank Arena box office.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 20 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: BROWN vs. SILVA will air live on FOX Sports 1 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 10, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FOX Sports 2 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo, Beijing and Singapore, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which airs on FOX Sports 1.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries and territories, to nearly 882 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with more than 2.7 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV® offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club® affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

Tony “The Tiger” Thompson arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, this afternoon for his WBC International Championship bout against 2004 Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis this Saturday (March 22nd) in Tekirdag.

The ring veteran from Washington, D.C. is used to traveling. The clash with Solis will be Thompson’s fifth consecutive fight outside of the USA. His last bout on home soil has been a third round TKO win over Maurice Harris almost three years ago. While “The Tiger” lost his last fight on the road – a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision to IBF #1 Kubrat Pulev in Schwerin in August 2013 – he also had some success fighting abroad recently, knocking out British prospect David Price twice in February and July 2013.
Even at age 42 and after losing twice to world champion Wladimir Klitschko (in July 2008 and in July 2012), Thompson is still considered a gate keeper in the heavyweight division and should be Solis’ toughest test so far – not taking into account the Cuban’s sole loss in March 2011 when his world title fight against Vitali Klitschko was stopped in the first round due to a knee injury.
“Solis vs. Thompson is surely a crossroads fight for both guys which could go either way”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “For me, this is one of the best possible fights in the heavyweight division at the moment. It will surely be a different story than the farce between Wilder and Scott last Saturday. And it is also a better fight than Klitschko vs. Leapai. I still believe that Odlanier Solis is the only fighter who can beat Wladimir Klitschko. All other guys like Wilder, Jennings, Stiverne and Arreola have no chance against Solis when he is in top shape and lives up to his potential. But that is exactly what he has to do next weekend against Thompson. Because Thompson is so experienced that Solis cannot afford to make any mistake. I am sure that it will be a great fight.”

In the co-feature of the night promising Turkish-German heavyweight prospect Agit Kabayel (9-0, 7 KOs) will fight for his first professional title when he takes on rugged contender Gbenga Oloukun (18-9, 11 KOs) for the vacant WBC Mediterranean championship. The show will be broadcasted live by Kanalturk in Turkey, by Sportdigital in association with Sky Germany in Germany and on Boxnation in the UK.

This week saw our boss, Floyd Mayweather, along with the rest of ‘The Money Team’ (TMT) make the time to hand out food and water to homeless people around Las Vegas. It’s something I strongly believe in, taking the time out to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. One homeless person commented how it was nice to see the champ down here.

I’m in preparation and anticipating my next fight in Las Vegas in seven week’s time. It will be my second appearance in this city of glitz and glamour.

I’m pushing harder and harder each week, getting additional inspiration and motivation from Floyd Mayweather. The hard work he puts in is remarkable, but he also has time for his roster of fighters. There is always personal and team advice on how we can improve as fighters. His words are always appreciated, as it’s the best anyone can get in the professional boxing game, taking time out to address us on how he feels we can be better and improve – priceless stuff.

Floyd is already in great shape and as ever walking around at his fighting weight. He is a great example to all athletes worldwide on how to take your career seriously, he is always incredibly hard working and dedicated. I’m privileged and delighted to be part of his team and representing The Money Team in the United Kingdom and across the world.

My next fight is my 42nd and I’m closing in on my 35th win, world champions, Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia are my targets. I’m just two wins away from being in a ring with them. I believe it’s my destiny, so I’m doing all that is possible to make it possible.

Danny just struggled at the weekend against a tough, determined and skilled fighter in Mauricio Herrera. Herrera is very much like myself, an experienced and talented fighter with wins and losses against the world’s elite. Danny won a tight majority decision in Puerto Rico that many thought he lost, just like many believe I beat him back in 2010. There’s not a month that doesn’t pass that a fellow boxer or boxing fan comes up to me and express their disappointment that two of the judges ruled against me at the time. Setbacks and bad decisions happen in life, you have to continue to move forward. If you want to be the best and fight the best, then there is no risk free approach – you just have to lay it all on the line – every time.

The team started back up Mount Charleston this week. 9000ft above sea level, and 6 unforgiving miles uphill. It is no joke, but it is another reason why I’m always in frightening shape.

I’ve had another productive week in Las Vegas, I completed 24 hours training this week. I put in work; in the fitness centre, boxing gym, running up the mountain, drills and sprints on the track. No stone is left unturned.

With CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather guiding my boxing career, I’m in experienced and accomplished hands. I truly have a super team backing me.

As they do all they can for me outside of the ring, I’m laser focused on delivering inside the ring – another week of focus, drive and determination ahead and I can’t wait.

OXNARD, CA (March 17, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions rising star, Puerto Rican sensation, Thomas Dulorme (20-1, 14 KOs), who’s highly ranked in all sanctioning organizations, gives his thoughts on his recent training camp with new trainer, Robert Garcia. Dulorme will battle Karim Mayfield (18-0-1, 11 KOs) in Atlantic City, New Jersey, March 29 in a 10-round bout for the NABF Super Lightweight title on the undercard of Sergey Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) vs. Cedric Agnew (26-0, 13 KOs). Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Dulorme on working with promoter Gary Shaw and fighting on HBO…
“Gary Shaw is a fantastic promoter and I’m thrilled to be fighting back on HBO. I told Shaw that I was hungry to get back into world title contention and that is exactly what I’m doing going up against a tough fighter like Mayfield. Gary Shaw has always been straight forward with me when it comes to my career and I appreciate him standing behind me. I want to thank Shaw and everyone at HBO for giving me another opportunity to fight on the big stage. I promise to put on a great show.”

Dulorme comments on his recent training camp with Robert Garcia….
“I’ve been here training with Robert Garcia in Oxnard, Californian for the last eight weeks. He’s a tremendous coach and I’m learning a lot about myself and what I need to improve on. There is always room for growth and Garcia is bringing the best out of me. I’ve been getting great sparring and I’ll be 100% ready for Mayfield’s awkward style.”

Dulorme discusses strength and conditioning methods with Alex Ariza…
“Alex Ariza is great at what he does and I’m happy that he is helping me with my strength and conditioning. We are doing a lot of explosive drills that are helping me with my overall speed and stamina. I feel very strong at 140lbs and with the type of training Ariza has me doing, I feel more confident in my ability to punch with power at this weight.”

Dulorme on sparring with top level opposition…
“I don’t want to give up the names of my sparring partners but everyone that Garcia has me sparring have excellent professional records and all of them are giving me great work. There are a couple of Russian fighters along with a few Olympians in camp with me. During this camp there is no room to make mistakes or else you will pay for them. These are the best sparring partners I’ve had for any camp in my pro career.”

Dulorme on his fight against undefeated contender Karim Mayfield…
“Mayfield is a great fighter but he’s never faced the type of punches that I’ll be throwing at him. I posses speed and power unlike any of Mayfield’s past opponents. His awkward style will not be a problem. He also has physical disadvantages that I will exploit. I know he thinks he’s unbeatable but I will prove him wrong.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 17, 2014) – Top Rank’s undefeated Super Lightweight contender, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (18-0-1, 11 KOs), talks about his training camp with Virgil Hunter, his upcoming bout against Puerto Rico’s rising star Thomas Dulorme (20-1, 18 KOs), fighting on HBO for the second time in his career and the Garcia vs. Herrera outcome.

Mayfield vs. Dulorme, 10-round bout for the NABF Super Lightweight title, will take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey Saturday, March 29 on the undercard of Sergey Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) vs. Cedric Agnew (26-0, 13 KOs). Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Mayfield on training with Virgil Hunter…
“Virgil and I have been working together since I was in the amateurs. He knows how to push me to bring out the best in my fighting style. Ben Bautista is also helping out. Virgil has some of the best fighters in the world working out at his gym so I’m getting the best sparring possible. Virgil has got me working on some new punches that I’ll display against Dulorme. Together I have a great corner guiding me to the top. Training camp is going great.”

Mayfield on his fight against top rated contender Thomas Dulorme…
“Dulorme is a technical guy with a long jab who has some fast hands. He’s nothing special though. I’ve seen him get knocked out before so I know his chin is suspect. I’ve fought guys who are long and rangy just like him so I’m confident in my ability to land some powerful shots. If I touch that chin of his, there’s no doubt, he’s getting knocked out.”

Mayfield comments on the Danny Garcia vs. Mauricio Herrera outcome…
“I thought Herrera pulled off the victory against Garcia because he landed more punches and was the aggressor for most of the fight. The fact that I dominated Herrera and he got the world title opportunity means there’s something wrong. I’ve been calling Danny Garcia out for the last couple of years but he’s been running from me because I put it on him when he brought me in camp. I’ll beat the breaks off Garcia if we ever fight. First I have to take care of Dulorme and that is where my 100% focus is right now.”

Mayfield comments on fighting on HBO for the second time…
“I’m very excited to be fighting on HBO again. This is a big opportunity to prove I’m one of the top fighters in the division. This is the type of fight the fans are seeking, two guys at the top of their game who are hungry to prove their great. I want to thank my promoter Bob Arum, Top Rank and HBO for giving another shot to showcase my talent on a global network.”

Boston, Mass. (3/17/14) – Tonight, New England fan-favorite Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (18-0, 4KO’s) returns to the action for the first time in 2014 when he takes on Guillermo Sanchez in downtown Boston, Mass. The bout, scheduled for six rounds in the junior lightweight division, will be one of the feature bouts on the special-edition St. Patrick’s Day Night at the Fights at the House of Blues.

Kielczweski, of nearby Quincy, Mass., is coming off his most successful year as a pro in 2013. The 24-year-old went a perfect 4-0 last year, with two of the wins coming by way of knockout. The latter knockout was easily his most impressive to date as it came against previously undefeated Puerto Rican knockout artist Miguel Soto (now 11-1, 11KO’s) in the fifth round of their scheduled eight-round super featherweight contest at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. The contest was the co-feature bout on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, and the highlight reel, one-punch KO was voted as the fifth best play of the day on that evening’s ESPN Top 10.

A former two-time New England Golden Gloves champion and 2008 runner-up at the National Golden Gloves, Kielczweski is looking for an even bigger year in 2014 as he continues to climb up the ladder of the junior lightweight world ratings.

Philadelphia (March 17, 2014)–Coming off his impressive 6-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Fedor Papazov, former world title challenger Petr Petrov (33-4-2, 15 KO’s) opened some eyes in the United States with his quarterfinal win in Boxcino 2014 on February 21 in Laughlin, Nevada.

On Friday night, March 28, Petrov will have literally a tall order in front of him when he takes on tournament underdog Chris Rudd (13-1, 8 KO’s) in the semifinals at the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.

The fight will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET.

What made Petrov’s performance against Papazov more impressive was his uncertainty about performing in front of the American fans.

“It was a great win for me,” said Petrov. “I had not fought in 10 months so I was real nervous to be on the big stage for my first televised fight in the U.S. I am happy to move on to the next fight and I will be stronger and more relaxed.”

Next up is the 6’0″ Rudd who is coming off a 7-round decision over Yakubu Amidu in a (draw breaker) fight which was the biggest upset of the quarterfinal round.

“Rudd is going to be difficult because of his height and reach but I believe my trainer Danny Zamora and I have prepared a good strategy and we have had with great work in the gym.”

With a win over Rudd, Petrov will take one more step closer to reaching the finals.

“I am not thinking of the finals yet. I have to get through this fight and go from there. My main thing is to win and look good for the people watching on ESPN. I would like to thank my team, Banner Promotions, Danny Zamora and my sponsors Lucas Oil, Snac Supplements and I know big things will come my way,” finished Petrov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2014) – Two world championship fights on one night is great for boxing fans. But Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME believe that three is even better. So, on Saturday, April 19, joining the title fights between Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins and Beibut Shumenov and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Lukas Konecny there will be a battle for the IBF Welterweight World title between champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter and former two-time and two division word champion and current NABF Welterweight titleholder Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, making this tripleheader at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C. a must see.

“I fought hard to get this title. Paulie says he wants it, but is he willing to go through me to get it?” said Porter, who won his crown with an impressive win over Devon Alexander last December. “Fighting Malignaggi is like fighting Alexander. They don’t have the strength or power to keep me away, and I will steamroll Paulie on my way to victory April 19.”

“I’m excited to be back in a title fight so soon after my win over Zab Judah. I will become a three-time world champion on April 19,” said Malignaggi. “Porter is a good fighter and I’m sure he’ll be a champion again in the future, but he doesn’t have the tools or experience to beat me.”

A native of Akron, Ohio, unbeaten Shawn “Showtime” Porter (23-0-1, 14 KOs)
showed on Dec. 7, 2013 that all of the rave reviews he received since his amateur days were well deserved, as he scored a 12-round unanimous decision win over Devon Alexander to win the IBF Welterweight World title. The win followed impressive professional victories over Julio Diaz, Phil Lo Greco and Alfonso Gomez that put Porter at the top of the 147-pound weight class. Now the 26-year-old begins his reign on April 19 against “Magic Man.”

When he’s not winning awards for his commentating work on SHOWTIME broadcasts, NABF Welterweight Champion Brooklyn’s Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-5, 7 KOs) is proving that, at 33, he’s still one of the top welterweights in the world. Winner of six of his last seven bouts, with the only loss coming via split decision to Adrien Broner last June, Malignaggi was in top form when he defeated Zab Judah last December, and on April 19, he has the opportunity to become a three-time World Champion.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com and follow on Twitter at @Therealbhop, @Kidchocolate, @ShowtimeShawnP @PaulMalignaggi @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm , follow the conversation using #HopkinsShumenov and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Hopkins vs. Shumenov, a 12-round fight for the IBF, IBA and WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, April 19 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. In the co-features, Peter Quillin puts his WBO Middleweight World Title on the line against Lukas Konecny in a 12-round bout and Shawn Porter faces Paulie Malignaggi in a 12-round welterweight bout for his IBF World title. The live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $200 and $300, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and available online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. The DC Armory Box Office will be open on fight night only from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. ET.

BOSTON, MA (MARCH 17, 2014)– Superstars start somewhere and for London Olympic silver medalist, John Joe Nevin, his Monday night fight looks to be the perfect introduction into pro boxing.

It doesn’t get much better for an Irish boxer than making a pro debut on St. Patrick’s Day in Boston, before a sellout crowd at the famed House of Blues live on FoxSports to a national television audience.

Nevin is the most decorated male, amateur boxer in Irish history, filling his trophy case with his 2012 Olympic silver medal, two bronze medals from World Championships, along with two gold medals and a silver in the highly competitive European Championships.

Nevin meets unbeaten Puerto Rican Alberto Candelaria (3-0-1) in a six-round contest.

“Training has been great. I’m ready. I feel six rounds for my pro debut suits me. I’m looking forward to it, I can’t wait to get my career started,” Nevin said. “I really just wanna get in the ring and show what I can do, It’s a great day, St. Patrick’s in Boston, a great city for the Irish.

The more rounds the better it is for me. The longer it goes the better I am. I don’t know anything about my opponent, just he’s unbeaten and I expect him to be confident. Once I perform to my best, I believe no one in the world can beat me. So I’m just looking for a good performance and making all the Irish fans happy.”

Nevin’s longtime amateur trainer, Brian McKeown, has made the shift to the pro ranks with him. The pair have worked together back home in Mullingar, Ireland and in Philadelphia, Nevin’s home base stateside.

“John Joe has been boxing the best in the world for the last several years and he is well capable of looking after himself in any company,” said McKeown. “At this stage in his debut it’s more important that he performs, that he impresses. This is his first fight in the states, his first fight on American television, the first fight in his career. I think the crowd will love him, particularly the Irish”

This unique Fox Sports Network event is being promoted by Golden Boy and Murphys’ Boxing, the fight arm of the immensely popular, Boston based, Irish punk band “The Dropkick Murphys”. Nevin expects a fantastic atmosphere;

“I was there in Philly, when the “Dropkicks” did a show with our team, ‘GreenBlood’, last October. It was unreal, the music, the fights. Lots of excitement. That’s what the Irish fans love,” Nevin said. “I think it will be a brilliant night in Boston. I know people back home will be watching on BoxNation as well.”

Nevin was rated number one in the world amateur ratings before turning professional, building an amateur record of 235 victories against just 15 defeats. His team are fully confident.

“We’re excited about the opportunity and very much appreciate Murphys’ Boxing and Ken Casey, as well as Golden Boy for giving John Joe the chance to show his skills on such a great, unique stage for the Irish,” Nevin’s manager Tom Moran said. “We hope and believe this is the start of something special for Irish boxing. I think boxing fans will love John Joe”.

Chicago, IL (March 15, 2014) Another huge crowd packed Cicero Stadium on Friday night as fourteen bouts took place in the Quarterfinal Round of the 2014 Chicago Golden Gloves. All winners advanced to next week’s Semifinal Round action.

The final session of Quarterfinal Round action will take place tonight at Cicero Stadium with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. CT. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie in Cicero, IL.

In the opening bout on Friday night in the 139lb. Senior Novice Division, Hector Gonzalez of Addison, Illinois defeated Evanston’s Ziang Qian by scores of 30-27 on all three scorecards.

Fighting in the 147lb. Novice Division, Chicago’s Leonardo Chavez won a three round decision over Isaiah Degenhart of Villa Park, IL by scores of 29-27, 28-28 and 28-28.

Crown Point, Indiana’s Andy Murga stopped Patrick Shea of Urbana, Illinois in the second round (0:52) competing in the 147 lb. Novice Division.

In the 132lb. Novice Division, Palatine, Illinois native Isaac Lujano stopped Chicago’s David Herrera in the first round.

Abraham Flores of Moline, Illinois, won a unanimous decision over Crete, Illinois Cristian Williams competing in the 123lb. Open Division.

Also advancing to the semifinals in the 123lb. Open Division was Noe Limon of Aurora after defeating Benjin Dydyna of Schaumburg by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26.

Fighting in the 147lb. Open Division, Charlie Alvarez of Berwyn won a split decision over Woodstock’s Andres Lopez by scores of 29-28, 28-28 and 28-28.

In the 139lb. Senior Novice Division, Chicago’s Kevin Mangune won a unanimous decision over fellow Chicagoan Gerardo Trejo by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

Gary, Indiana’s Jonathan Hampton defeated Jason Henderson of Great Lake, Indiana in the 165lb. Open Division by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26.

Competing in the 123lb. Open Division, Chicago’s Yousif Saleh won a unanimous decision over Joshua Greer of Markham, Illinois.

In the 147lb. Novice Division, Robert Ruiz of Chicago stopped Matt Tarnacki, also of Chicago in the second round (1:45).

Fighting in the 200lb. Senior Novice Division, Anton Parker of Robbins, Illinois stopped Dan Bolger of Arlington Heights in the first round (1:32).

Harvey Edwards of Chicago advanced to the semifinals in the 139lb. Senior Novice Division with a unanimous decision win over Morton Grove’s Robert Bonner by scores of 29-27, 29-27 and 28-28.

Rounding out the evening in the 200pluslb. Open Division, Nick Mazurek of Palatine, won a decision over Stephen Haywood of Chicago by scores of 29-27, 29-27 and 28-28.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO GOLDEN GLOVES
Since 1923 the Chicago Golden Gloves have seen numerous boxing legends and world champions win their prestigious titles including Joe Louis (1934), Cassius Clay (1959-60), Sonny Liston (1953), Ezzard Charles (1939) and Barney Ross (1929).

Chicago Golden Gloves Champions who also represented the United States in the Olympics include David Diaz (1996), Michael Bennett (2000), Montell Griffin (1992), Nate Jones (1996), Donnell Nicholson (1992) and Lee Roy Murphy (1980).

More information and advance tickets can be found on the Chicago Golden Gloves website at www.ChicagoGoldenGloves.com

Philadelphia, Penn. – Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (16-0, 8 KOs) had a stern test in front of him on Friday night in the form of Lester Gonzalez (12-12-4, 6 KOs), battling the gritty Cuban to an eventual six-round majority decision win in Philadelphia. The victory was the second for Webster in just five weeks, and with it came his third professional title, the IBS Super Middleweight Championship.

“He was a tough dude. He definitely came to fight,” Webster said after the bout. “In the middle of the first round, I hit him with a left hand, and it feels like I fractured it. After that, I had to fight the rest of the fight with one hand.”

After suffering the injury, Webster relied on his seven-inch height advantage to keep Gonzalez at bay, and the hard pressing San Diego resident had a tough time getting inside the range of the 6-foot-4 Webster throughout the six frames of action.

“I don’t believe in pressure. I’ve always been an overcomer,” Webster commented about the disadvantageous situation. “I’ve always been able to overcome anything and get through anything. When I felt the injury to my hand, I knew I had to lay off it, but my trainer Denny Brown teaches me in the gym how to kill somebody with one hand. And I knew that I had the ability, the speed, the confidence and the power to do so.”

Without question, Gonzalez was a very game opponent who remained dangerous throughout the entire bout. He continually came forward with some winging overhands that appeared to have a decent amount of power on them, but Webster was able to avoid getting touched for the most part, backing up the Cuban with a crisp jab and using slick head movement to dip out of harm’s way. To compensate for virtually having one hand, he began to use more feints and stutter steps to throw off the rhythm of his opposition.

Over the first half of this contest, the New Jersey native did his best work when he was able to double up the jab and follow that with the straight left hand. The showmanship truly came out between these two combatants in the second half, beginning in the latter portion of the fourth round when both men dropped their hands and began to mix up exchanges with some good verbal altercations. The pace also increased the rest of the way as a result, much to the pleasure of the fans in attendance.

Staying behind the jab and using his footwork, Webster was able to finish stronger down the stretch, and the final outcome would eventually rely upon the analysis of the ringside judges. When tallies of 59-54 and 58-56 in favor of Webster were revealed alongside an even 57-57 count, the Glassboro native saw his perfect professional record increase to 16-0, also earning him the IBS Super Middleweight Championship.

When asked how 16-0 as a professional prize fighter felt to him, Webster offered a few adjectives.

“Great. Special. Different. Blessed,” he described. “I’m definitely ready for the next level, that’s what I’m shooting for. I’m 16-0. I wish my father was alive to see this. I wish my brother was alive to see this. I can’t explain it. I get to go home with a new piece of gold that I trained so hard to achieve. When I look at these things, I think about my children, and I think about where I’m really taking them. This is a very humbling experience that I’m going through.

“Not to take anything away from another fighter, but I’ve always set myself apart from all fighters. My story is just different. So keep your eyes on me. I’m about to take you on a ride.”

A member of D and D Management, Webster and his team will now knock around a few opportunities that they have sitting on the table, and the undefeated middleweight expects to get back into the ring once again in the very near future.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (March 14, 2014) – German challenger Stephan Puetz (9-3-0) captured the M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title tonight, upsetting defending champion Viktor Nemkov (19-5-0) by split decision in a highly entertaining and competitive M-1 Challenge 46 main event, at Yubileyny Sports Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Puetz came on strong in the second-half of the fight, overcoming a serious cut over his left eye from an uppercut, to survive a battle of attrition with Nemkov. The 6′ 6″, 26-year-old from Munich had already won the titles of all three major German MMA organizations.

Nemkov has trained with legendary Fedor Emelianenko, who was seated at ringside, in Staryi Oskol since he was a youngster. He had won the M-1 Challenge 205-pound title in his last fight against Vasily Babich (SUB2 – arm-bar).

Living legend Fedor Emelianenko

Nemkov caught Puetz with a sharp three-punch combination early in the opening round and moved for a takedown. Puetz attempted to stand-up, using the cage, but Nemkov put him back into the guard position. Puetz escaped a deep guillotine, triangle and arm-bar and another guillotine by Nemkov. The German came out attacking in the second round but he’s taken down by Nemkov, who landed a few punches and looked for a submission. The fighters were back on their feet and Puetz ended the round with a takedown.

In the third round, Puetz came out clinching and using his knees, following with a move to take the back of Nemkov, who seeps to the top of guard. Puetz started to take control of the fight at this point against a tiring Nemkov. Puetz came out aggressive for the fourth round as Nemkov counter punches, but the aforementioned cut is opened on Puetz’ eyebrow. After a short break in which the cageside doctor examined Puetz’ cut, the action got fast and furious with Puetz having a decisive edge in the action.

Team Puetz celebrates after the decision was announced
The fight came down to the fifth and final round. The German closed the show strong, taking Nemkov down and unleashing a flurry of effective strikes. The fight was nearly stopped but Nemkov survived only to lose a split decision and his M-1 Challenge title.

In the co-feature, Konstantin “Lacplesis” Gluhov (27-14-0), of Latvia, and American heavyweight Kenny “Deuce” Garner (12-6-0) exchanged bombs through their action-packed rematch of a year ago, in which Gluhov won a controversial decision. The Latvian connected on powerful strikes and numerous leg kicks in the first-half of the opening round but Garner somehow managed to takedown his opponent. Gluhov got to his feet but was taken down again and the American used his ground-and-pound attack to his advantage in a fairly even first round. Garner took the second round, landing strong strikes from a distance and then had a successful takedown. A poke in the eye couldn’t deter Garner in the third round. He threw some effective punches but Glukhov connected on several well-placed counters. The two warriors traded bombs right to the end as Gluhov won a unanimous but close three-round decision in an real fight.

Konstantin Gluhov (R) kicks Kenny Garner

Russian middleweight Anatoly Tokov (12-1-0) became the M-1 Global No. 1 rated middleweight contender by destroying Albert Duraev (4-3-0), knocking his countryman out cold in the first-round off a side mount.

Ukrainian featherweight Pavel Vitruk (11-0-0) kept his perfect record intact, punching his way to a first-round victory by submission against Brazilian Clayton Santos (0-1-0) in his pro debut. Santo started out by landing a couple of leg-kicks, then pulling guard with Vitruk working from the top. Santos, who after the fight was in great pain with a possible broken hand, was trapped in the corner and Vitruk kept punching until Santos tapped out.

Veteran lightweight Artiom Damkovsky (16-0-0), of Belarus, won a three-round unanimous decision over Russian Zulfikar Usmanov (5-3-0). The two dangerous strikers went toe-to-toe with Damkovsy winning round one. He came out strong for the second, using hard leg-kicks to control the action. Usmanov tried to attack his tired opponent but it was a case of too little, too late.

Russian welterweight Magomed Mustafaev (9-1-0) forced Andrei Koshkin (3-3-0) to tap out due to a heel-hook. The two skilled fighters went back and forth in an exciting opening round, going for submissions with great seeps, escapes and reverses. In the second, Koshkin takes top position but got caught in a heel-hook and tapped out as he grimaced in pain.
Azerbaijan heavyweight Zaur Hadjibabaev (1-0-0) won his pro debut when Yuriy Dobko (0-1-0), of Belarus, suffered a dislocated shoulder throwing a punch only 46-seconds into the opening round and was unable to continue.

Promising featherweight Tural Ragimov (8-1-0) turned in an impressive performance, punching out a game Aliyar Sarkerov (6-3-0) for a win by second round knockout. The two Russian fighters went for unsuccessful submissions by heel-hooks in the first round but Ragimov’s ground-and-pound game was the difference. Ragimov picked up the action in the second, displaying strong strikes and sprawls and ending the fight with a barrage of punches from the top position.

Nickita “Piranha” Chistyakov (1-1-0) won his first pro fight by submission (rear naked choke) against pro-debuting Shamil Radzhabov (0-1-0) in a battle of young Russian heavyweights. Radzhabov had a slight advantage in round one but in the second, Chistyakov landed several good punches, took a side-mount position on the ground. He followed his coach’s instructions, working elbows and knees to Radzhanov’s body. “Piranha” used his momentum to get his opponent’s back, ending the fight on a very deep rear-naked choke.

Ukrainian heavyweight Evgeni Gurayanov (6-1-0) stopped pro-debuting Russian Kurban Ibragimov (0-1-0) by way of punches in the second round. Neither fighter wanted to go to the mat. Guryanov took the opening round because of his kicking and counter punching. Guryanov took the mount early in the second, blasting away with a series of punches, then took his back and continued landing powerful punches. Ibragimov didn’t answer the referee’s call and the fight was halted.

Up Next: M-1 Challenge 47 will be held April 4, 2-014 in Orenburg, Russia. M-1 Global middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev (11-2-0), of Russian, will defend his title in the main event against Russian challenger Andrei “White Shark” Semenov (34-9-0).

For more information about M-1 Global please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244.

Full results and photo gallery below:

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Russia Stephan Puetz (9-3-0), Germany WDEC5 Viktor Nemkov (19-5-0),
(Puetz won the M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title)

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Konstantin Gluhuv (27-14-0), Latvia WDEC3 Kenny Garner (12-6-0), USA

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Evgeni Guryanov (6-10-0), Ukraine WKO/TKO2 (2:07 – punches) Kurban Ibragimov (0-1-0), Russia
Zaur Hadjibabaev (1-0-0), Azerbaijan WKO/TKO1 (0:46 – shoulder injury) Yuriy Dobko (0-1-0), Belarus

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Anatoly Tokov (12-1-0), Russia WKO/TKO1 (3:21 – punches) Albert Duraev (4-3-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS
Magmoed Mustafaev (9-1-0), Russia WSUB2 (0:39 – ankle lock) Andrei Koshkin (3-3-0), Russian

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Artiom Damkovsky (16-9-0), Belarus WDEC3 Zulfikar Usmanov (5-3-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Pavel Vitruk (11-0-0), Ukraine WSUB1 (3:33) Clayton Santon (0-1-0), Brazil

Tiral Ragimov (8-1-0), Russia WKO/TKO2 (1:37 – punches) Aliyar Sarkerov (12-5-0), Russia.

Nikita Chistayuakov (1-1-0), Russia WSUB2 (3:33 – rear naked choke) Shamil Radzhabov (0-1-0), Russia

Viktor Nemkov on top of Stephan Puetz

Konstantin Gluhov kicks Kenny Garner

Magomed Mustafaev pounds Andrei Koshkin

Andrei Koshkin screams before tapping out vs. Magomed Mustafaev

Kenny Garner (R) strikes Konstantin Gluhov (L)

Pavel Vitruk finishes off Clayton Santos

Aliyar Sarkerov has a hold of Tural Ragimov

Yuriy Dobko is in pain after dislocating his shoulder

Artiom Damkovsy attacks Zulfikar Usmanov

Nikita Chistyakov applies winning rear naked choke on Shamil Radzhabov

Nikita Chistyakov celebrates his first pro win

Evgeni Guryanov (R) and Kurban Ibragimov (R) kick each other
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1998, M-1 Global has established itself in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premiere entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With offices in St Petersburg, Amsterdam and Los Angeles and affiliates in Seoul, Tokyo and Paris, the M-1 brand has staged more than 150 events worldwide, including the M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge and M-1 Gobal and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the Showtime network in the United States. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and matchups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2014 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fuelled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global’s Champions amongst the greatest in the sport. M-1 Global’s greatest asset is renowned heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko.

Bethlehem, PA: This afternoon at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA members of the media and members of the public gathered for the weigh-in for tomorrow’s fight between Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov on NBCSN Fight Night at 9:00 PM ET. Below are weights and photos from the weigh-in.

Tomasz Adamek & Czar Glazkov
Photo Credits: Main Events/Larry Levanti

Tomasz “Goral” Adamek
Gilowice, Poland
49-2-0, 29 KOs
Weight: 219.7
Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov
Lugansk, Ukraine
16-0-1, 11 KOs
Weight: 218.3

Isaac Chilemba & Denis Grachev Photo
Credits: Main Events/Larry Levanti

Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba
Johannesburg, South Africa
21-2-2, 9 KOs
Weight: 174.6
Denis Grachev
Chaykovsky, Russia
13-2-1, 8 KOs
Weight: 175.2

Ronald Cruz & Kermit Cintron
Photo Credits: Main Events/Larry Levanti
Ronald Cruz
Bethlehem, PA
20-2-0, 15 KOs
Weight: 148
Kermit Cintron
Reading, PA
34-5-2, 28 KOs
Weight: 148

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan
Philadelphia, PA
14-0-0, 7 KOs
Weight: 135.5
Chazz McDowell
Hartford, CT
6-4-1, 1 KO
Weight: 144.5*
*Has one hour to lose two pounds

Jerome Rodriguez
Allentown, PA
6-0-2, 2 KOs
Weight: 140
Brandon Williams
Rochester, NY
3-0
Weight: 133.5

Nathaniel Rivas
Berlin, NJ
2-0
Weight: 148
Terrell James
Philadelphia, PA
1-1-1
Weight: 146

Josh Crespo
New Haven, CT
1-1-1, 1 KO
Weight: 122
Luis Acevedo
Bethlehem, PA
Pro Debut
Weight: 122

About March 15th:

The March 15th edition of NBCSN Fight Night at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem features the twelve-round heavyweight match-up between Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov for the IBF North American Heavyweight Title and IBF #2 Position Eliminator. The co-feature is a ten round light heavyweight match-up between Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba and Denis “The Pirate/Drago’s Son” Grachev. Doors open at 6:00 PM ET. The co-feature and main event will be broadcast live on NBCSN Fight Night at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT. Tickets are no longer available. The card is presented by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions, and Pushka Promotions in association with BAM Boxing and Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on March 15th.

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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LAS VEGAS, NEV. (March 14, 2014) — American Idol’s JESSICA SANCHEZ is confirmed to sing the National Anthem of the Philippines before the world welterweight championship rematch between Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao and undefeated two-division world champion Timothy Bradley. Pacquiao-Bradley 2 will take place Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Sanchez sang the U.S. National Anthem before Pacquiao vs. Bradley in 2012 and the National Anthems of the U.S. and the Philippines last November before Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios in Macau, China During Pacquiao – Rios Fight Week, Jessica released her single, “Lead Me Home,” and announced that all the proceeds would be donated to Typhoon Relief. Immediately following the Pacquiao-Rios fight, she embarked on a two-week charity trip to the Philippines with the Starkey Foundation where Pacquiao joined her.

The 18-year-old San Diegan was the runner-up in the 11th season of television’s No. 1 rated show, AMERICAN IDOL on FOX. Sanchez quickly became a fan favorite that season with her powerhouse vocals, often garnering high praise from the judges each week.

Prior to IDOL, Sanchez competed on the first season of AMERICA’S GOT TALENT when she was only 11 years old.

Her album’s release, Me, You & the Music, in spring 2013, debuted at No. 8 on the pop charts and she joined the cast of Glee as a guest star for the season finale. Sanchez is ecstatic to share her own music with the world.

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

Pound for pound titans PACQUIAO (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani Province in the Philippines, and defending world champion BRADLEY (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., will go mano a mano in their eagerly-anticipated WBO welterweight championship rematch. This will also be Pacquiao’s first fight in the U.S. since 2012.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley 2 premieres Saturday, March 29 at Midnight ET/PT on HBO. Show 2 debuts Saturday, April 5 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT and show 3 debuts Thursday, April 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT two nights before the high stakes welterweight title bout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 are priced at $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges. There will be a total ticket limit of 12 per person with a limit of 10 per person at the $1,000, $800, $600, $400 and $250 price levels and a limit of two (2) per person at the $150 price level. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
.
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 #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.

Chicago, IL, (March 14, 2014) In front of a huge crowd at Cicero Stadium on Thursday night, twelve quarterfinals bouts took place as part of the 2014 Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament.

The semifinal rounds continue on Friday and Saturday night this week at Cicero Stadium with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. CT each night. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie in Cicero, IL.

In the first bout of the evening, Bryan Cornelius advanced to the semifinal round in the 178lb. Senior Novice Division winning a decision over Simon Hwangpo in an action packed bout that had the crowd on their feet. Scores were 29-28, 29-27 and 28-29.

Fighting in the 200lb. Open Division, Shawndell Winters headed to the semifinals with a win over Ramsey McGraw by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

Calvin Zirkle advanced to the semifinal round in the 178lb. Open Division with a win over Samuel Horowitz in a very spirited battle. Scores were 30-26, 30-27 and 30-25.

In the 156lb. Senior Novice Division, Brian Javier defeated Larry Luckett by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

Qualifying for the semifinals in the 178lb. Senior Novice Division, Alexander Emmanadildis stopped Michael Harvey at 0:24 of the second round.

The Fight of the Night took place in the 178lb. Open Division between Robert Calvin and Ray Corona. With both combatants hitting the canvas multiple times amid the roaring crowd at Cicero Stadium, Calvin was awarded the victory and a trip to the semifinals by stoppage at 2:31 of the second stanza.

In the 156lb. Senior Novice Division, Vance Godbold earned a trip to the semifinals with a decision over Ernesto Sanchez Jr. by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

Fighting in the 165lb. Novice Division, Osvaldo Vera advanced to the semifinals with a decision over Michael Ratliff by scores of 30-27, 30-26 and 30-25.

Ernest Scott heads to the semifinals in the 178lb. Open Division following his defeats of Daniel Johnson by scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28.

In a fantastic women’s bout in the 119lb. Open Division, Shelly Barnett advanced to the semifinals defeating Alejandra Mercado in a terrific bout filled with two-way action. Scores were 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37.

The action ended quickly in the 156lb. Senior Novice when Julian Smith dropped Marlon Ordonez in the first round calling a halt to the action at the 0:47 mark.

In the final bout of the evening in the 200lb. Open Division, Peter Rallo wasted no time advancing to the semifinals drilling Elvis Cervantes to the canvas shortly after the opening bell, the stoppage coming at the 0:27 mark.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO GOLDEN GLOVES
Since 1923 the Chicago Golden Gloves have seen numerous boxing legends and world champions win their prestigious titles including Joe Louis (1934), Cassius Clay (1959-60), Sonny Liston (1953), Ezzard Charles (1939) and Barney Ross (1929).

Chicago Golden Gloves Champions who also represented the United States in the Olympics include David Diaz (1996), Michael Bennett (2000), Montell Griffin (1992), Nate Jones (1996), Donnell Nicholson (1992) and Lee Roy Murphy (1980).

More information and advance tickets can be found on the Chicago Golden Gloves website at www.ChicagoGoldenGloves.com

NEW YORK (March 14, 2014) – Last Saturday’s SHOWTIME PPV® presentation of “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” generated well over 350,000 buys, Showtime Networks Inc. and event promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, announced today.

The four-fight telecast, headlined by Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez’ impressive 10th-round TKO over fellow countryman, Alfredo Angulo, was a “knockout success,” according to Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®.

“We are thrilled with the numbers from Saturday’s event,” said Espinoza. “March 8 was the first time Canelo Alvarez headlined his own pay per view, and he decisively proved that he was ready to carry a pay per view card. These results are especially impressive in comparison to the pay per view performances of other boxing events over the past few months. Add in the near sellout crowd and there is no doubt this event was a huge success for Canelo, Golden Boy Promotions, MGM Grand, SHOWTIME and boxing as a whole.”

“The fans have spoken,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Canelo is without a doubt the brightest young star in the sport today. He’s been a huge star in Mexico for quite some time. Now there is no denying that he is a star in the United States as well. We’re already in discussions with Canelo to find the next opportunity to bring another exciting event to boxing fans worldwide.”

The Canelo vs. Angulo slugfest will premiere on SHOWTIME this Saturday, March 15, and open the live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. In the main event, undefeated Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia takes on Mauricio Herrera.

Following the telecast, ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. ANGULO EPILOGUE will premiere on SHOWTIME. EPILOGUE, the third and final installment of the ALL ACCESS series devoted to “TOE TO TOE,” will feature unprecedented access from Fight Week in Las Vegas, highlights of the drama inside of the ring and a rare look inside of the minds of the fighters and their camps in the aftermath of the fight.

# # #

ABOUT “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo,” was a scheduled 12-round super welterweight fight that took place Saturday, March 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. On the PPV televised undercard, two-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz successfully defended his WBC Super Bantamweight World title against former three-time world champion Cristian Mijares, Jorge Linares outpointed Nihito Arakawa in a 10-round lightweight bout, and Sergio Thompson scored an upset 10-round decision over Ricardo Alvarez. The four-fight telecast was produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event could be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). “TOE TO TOE: Canelo vs. Angulo” was broadcast in over 400 select movie theaters across the country.

LONDON (March 14) – Knockout heavyweight sensation Deontay Wilder would love to face off against British stars Tyson Fury or Dereck Chisora but must first come through his toughest challenge to date.

The American bruiser lines up against the well respected Malik Scott this Saturday night in Bayamon, Puerto Rico on the undercard of unified light-welterweight star Danny Garcia’s clash with Mauricio Herrera, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 28-year-old Wilder has amassed a chilling knockout record having dispensed of all of his 30 opponents by brutal stoppage.

Some have questioned the level of competition so far for the man being touted as the next great American heavyweight, but against Scott he goes in against an opponent who has only lost once, that coming somewhat controversially against Chisora last year.

An emphatic victory over the skilled 33-year-old Scott would go a long way to silencing those critics and get tongues wagging as Wilder looks to take over Wladimir Klitschko’s iron throne.

“It’s important for me to perform to the best of my ability and show people that I’m real, show people that I’m a legit heavyweight and once I continue my knockout streak and win, hopefully I can get some of the people onboard that’s not onboard,” said Wilder.

“I have already won a lot of fans over that wasn’t with me in the beginning. A lot of them, they take different fights to crack than others but I think this fight right here is going to crack a lot of people. It’s going to bring a lot of fans onboard once I do what I’ve got to do and that’s win,” he said.

“Everybody around the world is waiting for this fight, even a lot of former champions are waiting on this fight saying this is the most exciting heavyweight bout this year and they’re looking forward to it,” Wilder told BoxNation.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ goes in against Scott with the victor set to face the winner of Chris Areola and Bermane Stiverne for the WBC heavyweight world title, which was recently left vacant following the retirement of Vitali Klitschko.

It is this incentive that is spurring on Wilder to be as ruthless as ever when he steps into the ring this weekend.

“Whoever wins this fight goes on to fight for the title,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve been waiting for all of my career and Malik has been in this game longer than I have so I’m sure he’s been expecting the same thing.

“I have thought about it over and over again, and when it comes to Malik, being that we’re such great friends – it’s going to seem kind of harsh or kind of bad for me to say this – but I want to seriously hurt him without hurting him as far as keeping my knockout ratio going.

“As far as showing people that even when I’m with a serious contender that the same results can happen and because I’m going in there and I’m not going to hold nothing back. That’s just not in my nature, that’s never been in me,” Wilder said.

“When there’s a fight there’s a fight and when I’m inside of that ring my whole mentality changes – I’m not even Deontay anymore, I’m ‘The Bronze Bomber’. And ‘The Bronze Bomber’, he don’t take no prisoners! He don’t take no hostages.

“He’s going to seek and destroy and that’s what ‘The Bronze Bomber’ comes to do, so, you know, I love Malik but he’s not fighting Deontay Wilder, he’s fighting ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and I’m going in to knock him out,” Wilder said.

Should Wilder prevail in his eventual quest for world title glory a potential superfight with either Tyson Fury or Dereck Chisora could be set up.

Both men are expected to face each other this summer in an eliminator for the WBO heavyweight world title and the Alabama native would be up to renew Anglo-American hostilities in a possible unification showdown.

“That would be excellent but not only for me but for the winner of the other belts as well too and both of us meeting to unify both belts,” said Wilder.

“It would be fresh faces in the top of the division – so that would be great. Wlad [Klitschko] has been down for a long time and a lot of people like to see the rotation of fresh faces and I think that will be a great move if they [Chisora or Fury] can win it and I go on to win it and we fight for the belts,” he said.

“That would be cool but this is the heavyweight division and even though some things make sense and sound good, sometimes they get detours. But I would love that fight and would love to come to the UK and make it happen,” he said.

Wilder vs. Scott & Garcia vs. Herrera is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/490HD & Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday at 2am. 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 £10* 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

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Totowa, NJ: The fight originally scheduled for April 4th between #2-ranked Dmitry “The Hunter” Sukhotsky (21-2-0, 16 KOs) and #4-ranked Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko (19-2-0, 13 KOs) has been postponed. Sukhotsky has pulled out of the eliminator and Nadjib Mohammedi (34-3-0, 20 KOs) has agreed to participate in his place. The bout is tentatively scheduled to be part of the card on the June 21st event at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA on NBCSN Fight Night.

Dudchenko, 35, is originally from Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine and now resides in Los Angeles, CA. He is currently the IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion. This will be his first fight in the Northeast and his first since signing with Main Events. “The Gladiator” has won sixteen straight bouts in a row (seven by knockout) dating all the way back to May 16, 2008 with his first round TKO of Chris Eppley in Evansville, Indiana.

Mohammedi, 29 of Gardanne, Bouches-du-Rhône, France has never fought in the United States. Nadjib has not lost since October 8, 2011 when Sukhotsky defeated him via TKO in the second round in Saint Petersburg, Russia; he has won ten straight since that time with seven knockouts. Mohammedi is currently ranked #5 in the IBF.

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “Dudchenko is ready to fight anyone the IBF wants him to fight. We are working to make sure this fight gets done as soon as possible. The IBF has ordered the winner of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Beibut Shumenov match-up to fight the winner of this fight. So this is a very big opportunity for both fighters.”

BOB AJISAFE
VS
DEAN FRANCIS

Above
Ajisafe (left) – 12st 6lbs 7oz
Francis (right) – 12st 6lbs 6oz

LEON SENIOR
VS
TONY HILL

Above
Senior (left) – 12st 6lbs 9oz
Hill (right) – 12st 6lbs

British heavyweight David Price (16-2, 14 KOs) will face Ondrej Pala (33-4, 23 KOs) on April 12th in Denmark.

The fight originally scheduled for March 29th in Berlin has been moved to Team Sauerland’s Nordic Fight Night show at the Blue Water Dokken in Esbjerg, Denmark. Despite the change of date and location, Price remains confident of securing the victory over his Czech opponent.

‘’This is exactly the type of fight I need,’’ said Price. ‘’Pala is a guy who isn’t afraid to come forward and trade. I am looking forward to getting in there with him and exchanging blows. I’m in great shape and I am confident that I am going to get the job done.’’

In addition, middleweight contender Andy Lee (31-2, 22 KOs) will also be in action against an as yet unnamed opponent, while in the main event Swedish light heavyweight Erik Skoglund (19-0, 10 KOs) will defend his EU title against former Italian champion Danilo D’Agata (12-1-1, 3 KOs).

The show will be shown live on Box Nation in the UK and Viasat channels across Scandinavia. Fans travelling from the UK can fly to Billund or take the ferry direct to Esbjerg from Harwich. Tickets are available via billetten.dk.

Bethlehem, PA: This afternoon at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA members of the media gathered for the press conference for this Saturday’s fight between Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov on NBCSN Fight Night at 9:00 PM ET. Below are highlighted quotes and photos from the press conference.

Chilemba, Adamek, Glazkov, Grachev
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti

Hall of Fame Matchmaker Russell Peltz: “No one in this room would bet the bank on any one of these fights that is why it is such a good card. You don’t always see competitive fights at this level and that is something that we have been trying to do on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series ever since we began in January of 2012. And this card is as good if not better than any card we have previously done.”

Adamek & Glazkov
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva: “We are thrilled to be able to present a fight like this. Tomasz Adamek has been in everyone’s top five ever since he entered the heavyweight division. He has beaten everyone but one that he has faced as a heavyweight. The guys that are older than Tomasz have already lost to him, for the most part, and there would be no point in fighting them. Every young fighter wants to fight him. Glazkov is a tremendous fighter with an Olympic Bronze medal. He has the best defense of anyone in the heavyweight division. Every single time he just steps up and asks no questions. He is very reminiscent of Tomasz Adamek when I first met him. I am just going to root for the fight of the year because in that case everyone wins. They are both very powerful and determined gentlemen and we are all going to be entertained Saturday night.”

Tomasz Adamek: “I am very happy I come back to Sands Casino. We had a good camp. I’m healthy. I believe we make a good fight with Glazkov for fans and for everybody. My dream is to be heavyweight champion.”

Tomasz Adamek
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti
Czar Glazkov: “I am very glad our bout is finally going to happen. I am ready for it 100% and I am ready to show good boxing.”

Czar Glazkov
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti
Czar regarding sparring with Adamek: “It was long ago when we were in the ring (sparring). When we go in the ring this time it will be a war. I’ve had that experience before when I was fighting in the amateurs with my friends and my close team mates. It’s not news to me”

Roger Bloodworth, Tomasz’s trainer: “We expect Glazkov to be in great shape. We expect him to come and fight. This is going to be one of the most exciting fights and exciting cards in a long time. I am going to get here early so I can watch the preliminaries. Come Saturday night I think you are going to see a terrific fight. They both have respect for each other and they are both ready.”

Roger Bloodworth
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti

Also present were Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba and Denis Grachev who will be competing in the ten round light heavyweight co-feature. Peltz had this to say about the ten round co-feature, “Chilemba-Grachev is a true crossroads fight. This is a fight neither man can afford to lose.”

Chilemba and Grachev
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti
Denis Grachev: “Night of the fight – I am ready for that. I am going to give a hard fight to Chilemba. He has no chance.”

Isaac Chilemba: “I had a very good camp. I am prepared I am ready. I know he [Grachev] is a good fighter – a strong fighter. He has been in the ring against some top fighters. Yes he lost to Rodriguez, but I am not taking him for granted. It is going to be a tough fight but I am well, mentally and physically prepared. I want to let everyone know you are going to see a great show.”

Peltz also introduced the ten round undercard fight for local bragging rights between Ronald Cruz and Kermit Cintron. He said, “This fight is sold out. You can’t buy a ticket no matter how much money you have. We probably could have sold another 1,000 tickets. We’ve got a little bit of everything on this show, something for everyone. In the history of my 45 years in this industry I don’t know of a bigger fight in the Lehigh Valley or in the history of Southeastern Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia, than the 10 round welterweight fight between Ronald Cruz from Bethlehem and the ex-world champion Kermit Cintron of Reading.”

Ronald Cruz: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to be here, an opportunity I am looking forward to. I don’t like to talk too much I let my hands do the talking in the ring. My hands are going to do alot of talkin’ on Saturday night!”

Ronald Cruz
Photo credits to Main Events/Larry Levanti
Kermit Cintron was not present for the press conference.

About March 15th:

The March 15th edition of NBCSN Fight Night at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem features the twelve-round heavyweight match-up between Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov for the IBF North American Heavyweight Title and IBF #2 Position Eliminator. The co-feature is a ten round light heavyweight match-up between Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba and Denis “The Pirate/Drago’s Son” Grachev. Doors open at 6:00 PM ET. The co-feature and main event will be broadcast live on NBCSN Fight Night at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT. Tickets are no longer available. The card is presented by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions, and Pushka Promotions in association with BAM Boxing and Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on March 15th.

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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HOUSTON, TX (March 13, 2014) – Super Welterweight sensation, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs) has been elevated to World Champion by the WBA (World Boxing Association) after successfully defending his interim title against Afredo Angulo (22-4, 18 KOs) and Austin Trout (26-2, 14 KOs). The Cuban born fighter, who now resides in Houston, Texas, is happy that the WBA has made their decision to make him a World Champion.

“I applaud the WBA for their decision to make me a world champion and I want to send a special thank you to a good friend of mine Gilberto Mendoza from the WBA,” said Erislandy Lara. “I’ve never had anything come easy to me. I’ve fought everyone that has been offered to me with no hesitation. All I want is an opportunity to prove I’m the best fighter in the division. I’ve worked my entire life to become a world champion and now the dream has come true. I’m truly living the American Dream and I love this country that I now call home.”

Lara can arguably be referred to as an undefeated fighter, but was robbed in his only loss on record, a controversial majority decision debacle against Paul Williams, that forced the New Jersey State Athletic Commission to suspend all three judges scoring that night for their incompetent judging.

With the elevated status of WBA World Champion, Lara feels his career is heading in the right direction. He wants to challenge the best fighters in the world and knows what it’s going to take to get those fighters in the ring.

“It’s no secret that I would like to challenge the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather, Gennandy Golovkin and any other top fighter that feels they are the best. I’ll fight anyone. I’m going to keep working hard and do my best to keep winning fights. Boxing should be about the best fighting the best. If we were back in the old days of Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis, all these fights would have been made already. I’m hoping boxing resurrects itself to the days when the best fought the best. I love this sport and I will do what ever it takes to make it better for the fans.” Lara concluded.