PHILADELPHIA (March 3, 2014)–On Friday night, March 21st, Eric “Outlaw” Hunter will take on Yenifel Vicente for the USBA Featherweight title that will headline a big night of boxing at Harrahs Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

Hunter of Philadelphia was a 2004 U.S. Olympic alternate and has a record of 17-3 with 9 knockouts and is looking to redeem himself after he controversially disqualified against Mike Oliver back on September 13, 2013.

In that bout, It was ruled that Hunter connected on an illegal punch that sent Oliver to the canvas and the bout was halted just 50 seconds into the bout.

Hunter, who turned pro in 2005, has wins over Tyrell Samuel (9-1), Jules Blackwell (7-0-2), Wilshaun Boxley (5-1) and Jerry Belmontes (17-0).

Like Hunter, Vicente will be looking for redemption as he is coming off an 8 round majority decision defeat to Juan Antonio Rodriguez (25-4) On January 10th in Tacoma, Washington.

Vicente took that bout, which headlined ESPN Friday Night Fights on just 5 days notice.

The native of Miami, Florida has a record of 25-2-2 with 17 knockouts and has two wins over Mario Rosario (3-0 & 4-1), Lioborio Solis (5-0-1), Carlos Fulgencio (10-1-1), former world title challenger Francisco Lorenzo (34-6), Hector Avila (47-4), Luis Zambrano (9-1) and Jorge Diaz (17-2). Along the way Vicente capture the Dominican Super Bantamweight title, WBA Fedlatin Super Bantamweight title, WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title and Interim WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title.

The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds

In the eight round Lightweight co-feature, Victor Vasquez of Philadelphia (16-8-1, 7 KO’s) will fight Osnel Charles (9-8-1, 1 KO) of Atlantic City in a rematch of their January, 22, 2011 fight that was by Charles via six round majority decision.

In six round round bouts, Tony Ferrante (12-5, 7 KO’s) will take on Pedro Martinez (6-7, 3 KO’s) in a fight featuring Philadelphia based cruiserweights.

Miguel Cartagena (11-0, 4 KO’s) will fight in a six round Flyweight bout against Omar Soto (23-11-2, 15 KO’s) of Mexico City, Mexico.

In four round bouts:

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

Lightweight Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia, Featherweight Robert Irizarry (1-0-1) of New Jersey, pro debuting Featherweight Ramir Hilliard and Super Middleweight Vincent Floyd (0-0-1) of Philadelphia will see action against opponents to be named.

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 http://www.webtix.net/

Springfield, NJ: Totowa, NJ-based promoter Main Events won the purse bid for the IBF-mandated eliminator for the #1 position in the IBF’s light heavyweight ratings between #2-ranked Dmitry “The Hunter” Sukhotsky (21-2-0, 16 KOs) and #4-ranked Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko (19-2-0, 13 KOs). The purse bid was held this morning at the IBF offices in Springfield, NJ. The winner of the fight will become the mandatory challenger for Bernard Hopkins’ IBF Light Heavyweight Title.

Main Events plans to add the elimination bout to the Friday, April 4th edition of NBCSN Fight Night featuring the USBA Heavyweight Championship battle between Steve Cunningham and Amir Mansour at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

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.

Sukhotsky, 32, of Barnaul, Russia will make his east coast debut on April 4th. He has only fought once in the United States, on July 14, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV where he lost to Cornelius White via unanimous decision. However, “The Hunter” has won his last three fights in a row – all by knockout – dating back to December 8, 2012 with his first round TKO over Volodymyr Borovskyy in Podolsk, Russia.

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, said, “Sukhotsky versus Dudchenko is going to be a war that deserves this kind of exposure in the United States. The winner will be in line to challenge Bernard Hopkins for the IBF Light Heavyweight Championship, so it’s great that fight fans will get to see this eliminator.”

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 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 will include the IBF Light Heavyweight Eliminator between Anatoliy Dudchenko and Dmitry Sukhotsky. The remaining undercard fights will be announced shortly. Tickets are on sale now at www.comcastTix.com and the Liacouras Center Box Office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 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 (MARCH 3, 2014)–Golden Boy Promotions interim WBA Light Middleweight champion , Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will join the talented list of other world champions at the inaugural BOX FAN EXPO this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Lara, who’s one of the most avoided fighters in boxing, was one of the most decorated amateur boxers to come out of Cuba. His ability to hit and not be hit makes him a very special fighter. Currently he’s the mandatory to challenge Floyd Mayweather Jr. for his WBA world title.

“I love the fans because they support the best fighting the best and right now I’m being avoided by all the champions in my division. It’s going to be nice to spend time with them at the BOX FAN EXPO”

Spanish translation
“Admiro a los fanáticos del boxeo porque ellos apoyan a las mejores peleas y ahora mismo todos los campeones de mi división me evaden. Será bueno pasar tiempo con los fanáticos en el BOX FAN EXPO”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate and join their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as meet and greets, autograph sessions, photo ops and you can weigh in and face off with your favorite fighters.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:
U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email info@boxfanexpo.com | For more info go to:www.boxfanexpo.com

PLEASE NOTE : see link at bottom of page for our Press Media kit.

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause.. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

GATINEAU, QUEBEC, Canada (March 3, 2014) – World-rated welterweight Antonin Decarie (29-2, 9 KOs) will headline the seventh installment of the popular Fight Night Series on March 28, airing live on pay per view from Lac Leamy Casino in Gatineau, Ontario, Canada.

Fight Club Series, presented by Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM), is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 7:00 p.m. ET – 4:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via DIRECTV, iN Demand, DISH, and Avail-TVN. The event may also be watched worldwide on PPV at www.PunchingGrace.com.

“We’re very excited to market Punching Grace and our fighters to 70-million potential households in the United States on all major cable and satellite outlets,” EOTTM president Camille Estephan said. “Our series is old school boxing in an intimate environment. Punching Grace brings real-life boxing to viewers. They’re close to the action in the ring, as well in the back area before and after fights.

“By airing our show in the US on pay per view, we are able to showcase our top fighters like Antonin Decarie, as well as build young fighters on our own network, in HD to a much larger audience. It is the way of the future. We have made an investment in technology and its quality production offers viewers behind-the-scenes access in locker rooms before and after fights. Our plans also include fan interaction. We’ve been developing a network of sports bars around the world that air our fights, as well as press conferences, weigh-ins, training sessions, interviews and much more. Eventually, Punching Grace will be a full entertainment network, not just for boxing.”

Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST
Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST

Decarie, the popular Quebec boxer who is rated No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), takes on former Mexican welterweight champion Pablo “Sepulturero” Munguia (19-4, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Decarie’s last fight was an impressive second-round stoppage of Cesar Chavez (21-5) this past month. The French-Canadian boxer has won two in a row since he dropped a 10-round decision to Luis Carlos Abregu (34-1, 28 KOs) last April for the vacant WBC Silver Championship. Manguia has won three straight, including a 10-round decision over previously unbeaten Canadian-based Samuel Vargas (15-0-1) last December in Mexico.

In the 10-round co-feature, Lebanese-born Montreal super featherweight Baha Laham (12-1-2, 5 KOs) faces southpaw Roody Pierre-Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) for vacant WBC Continental Americas title.

The undercard will feature many of Canada’s most exciting prospects including Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs) vs. Georgian super middleweight George Beroshvili (8-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout; lightweight Chris Plaitis (5-0-1) vs. Jesus “Diamante” Perez (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round match; super middleweight Pascal Villeneuve (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Francois “The Tank” Miville (6-1, 2 KOs) and Mitch Louis-Charles (3-1-1, 2 KOs) vs. Guillaume Coude (2-0, 1 KO), cruiserweight Samer Baraket (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Sandy Pembroke (3-7, 1 KO), and heavyweight Zack Bunce (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Steven Harvey (4-1, 2 KOs) in four-round fights.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

For further information about Decarie and the Mar. 28, please visit www.eottm.com, www.PunchingGrace.com or www.IntegratedSportsNet.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd, @DecarieBoxing and @IntegratedPPV.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 3rd, 2014) — “CES MMA XXII” will be a judgment night of sorts for two of the region’s brightest stars as they prepare for a challenge unlike any other.

Hard-hitting heavyweight John Johnston will put his undefeated record on the line against a former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) contender for CES’ vacant title and lightweight Luis Felix will face one of mixed martial art’s most polarizing figures Friday, March 14th, 2014 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I.

Tickets for “CES MMA XXII” are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Now 5-0 with five knockouts following another win in January, Johnston will battle 37-year-old Ohio native Josh Hendricks (19-9, 5 KOs) for CES MMA’s vacant heavyweight title in a five-round bout. This is a major step up for Johnston, the Melrose, Mass., native, who has yet to fight past the second round in any of his previous five bouts. The furthest any opponent got was 46 seconds into the second round back in September of 2011, and that one ended in typical Johnston fashion when the big heavyweight put a bloodied, battered Shaun Durfee to sleep for good with a hard right cross.

Like Johnston, Hendricks rarely goes the distance — just twice in 21 bouts — but his experience in the cage might be the biggest hurdle Johnston has to overcome. Hendricks has been fighting professionally since 2002. His career peaked between 2005 and 2007 when he won 10 of 11 bouts, nine of them ending in the first round, to earn a spot on the UFC 91 undercard in 2008. The thrill wore off quickly with a first-round knockout loss to Gabriel Gonzaga, but Hendricks has remained active by fighting at least once a year over the past five years, including a win over Bellator contender and Connecticut native Josh Diekmann at Twin River in 2011.

In addition to his five knockout wins, Hendricks’ impressive resume includes 12 wins by submission. Only two of his 21 fights have gone the distance — both wins — setting the stage for what could be a dramatic finish when he faces Johnston on the 14th.

For Felix (10-7, 3 KOs), his lightweight showdown against Arizona’s Drew Fickett (42-20, 3 KOs) represents another opportunity to beat a UFC vet while moving one step closer toward reaching the same goal in his own career.

The Providence native already owns wins over Joe Proctor and Marc Stevens and tends to fight his best on the biggest stage, but Fickett is a rare breed, a sturdy veteran with more than 60 fights on his resume before his 35th birthday.

Fickett’s remarkable efficiency, which includes seven fights under the UFC umbrella and bouts with Strikeforce, Dream and King Of The Cage, is even more impressive considering his past troubles in and out of the cage. Fickett battled alcoholism for several years, but has since rededicated himself to mixed martial arts and is looking to make one more run to the top.

Experience will be on his side. Among his most impressive bouts are a split-decision win over former UFC title contender Kenny Florian in 2004 before Florian’s UFC debut and a split-decision win over fellow Strikeforce and UFC vet Dennis Hallman in 2003. Fickett is also the first fighter to beat UFC lifer Josh Koscheck, submitting Koscheck via rear-naked choke at UFC Fight Night 2 in 2005.

At his best, Fickett is one of the top lightweights in mixed martial arts. Thirty-one of his 42 wins have come by submission and he’s only gone the distance 13 times in 62 bouts.

But Felix rarely wilts under the pressure. Working with Rhode Island-based boxing coach Vic Fagnant and former CES MMA lightweight champ Mike Campbell, who has helped with strength and conditioning, Felix expects to be the strongest he’s ever been when he returns on the 14th. Since losing to Joe DeChaves in October of 2010, a loss that dropped his record to 5-6, Felix has won five of his last six bouts. The turnaround began with the win over Proctor, the Quincy, Mass., native who went on to star on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Live and has since been a fixture on UFC undercards.

Several undercard bouts at “CES MMA XXII” could steal the show, including the highly-anticipated middleweight bout between UFC vet Thomas Egan (7-4, 6 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass., and Plymouth, Mass., veteran Chip Moraza-Pollard (7-6, 4 KOs) a former Reality Fighting and Bellator contender. Egan, born and raised in Kildare, Ireland, starred on UFC 93 in Ireland.

Looking to keep the momentum going from his win over Chris Woodall in November, former TUF vet Chuck O’Neill (12-6, 4 KOs) of East Bridgwater, Mass., will battle Dade City, Fla., welterweight Roger Carroll (13-10) in a three-round bout. Caroll has won 11 bouts by submission.

Also on the undercard, rising featherweight star and Johnson & Wales alum Charles Rosa (6-0, 3 KOs) of Boynton Beach, Fla., will return to Twin River for the fourth time in a three-round bout against Philadelphia veteran Brylan Van Artsdalen (9-9, 1 KO), an eight-time Bellator veteran.

Marshfield, Mass., featherweight Brendan Fleming (3-2) will take on Baltimore’s Robert Sullivan (3-1); fellow featherweight Josh LaBerge (8-4, 3 KOs) of Fall River, Mass., will battle Philadelphia’s Steve McCabe (6-14, 5 KOs); Tommy Venticinque (0-1) of Warwick, R.I., will face Rick Rivera of Springfield, Mass., in a welterweight bout; and Winthrop, Mass, featherweight Kyle Bochniak (1-0) will aim for his second win of the year when he faces Marius Enache (1-2) of Philadelphia.

London (3 March) Kid Galahad is today celebrating his 24th birthday, but he is only focussed on winning the European title, live on Channel 5 from Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, on March 22.

The undefeated former WBC International and British super bantamweight champion feels the momentum flowing from his last fight and is ready to put on another “tremendous performance” when he faces Sergio Prado for the vacant European super bantamweight title.

“I’m going to make sure that 2014 is my year,” Kid Galahad said.

“I finished last year strong by picking up the British title and next stop is starting 2014 strong by winning the European on March 22nd, with another tremendous performance.

“I turn 24 today but believe me the only present I want is that European title.”

The Qatar born Sheffield fighter, Galahad, extended his perfect record to 15 straight wins and picked up the coveted British title, by producing a stunning 10th round knockout over English champion Jazza Dickens in September.

Now, turning a year older, Galahad is out to give his fans another memorable night.

But Prado will be looking to spoil any such celebrations.

The former Spanish champion is the current EBU-EU champion and will be coming to Sheffield for nothing less than a win in Galahad’s backyard.

However, Galahad, who has won his last four contests by knockout, is uncompromisingly confident that he will produce another dazzling performance for his Yorkshire fans.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the birthday messages, I can feel myself developing and getting stronger all the time and I’m going to show that in this fight,” Galahad said.

“All I care about is my next fight and my fans and I’m going to show them what level I’m on at Ponds Forge.

“I feel like I could be facing anyone and believe me Prado is in for one tough night.”

Also scheduled is the second set of quarter-finals for the MaxiNutrition Knockout as Danny McIntosh faces Travis Dickinson for the English light heavyweight title and Matty Clarkson meets Lee Duncan in an English light heavyweight title eliminator.

The undercard includes a whole host of talent, including former WBC world light welterweight champion Junior Witter, Sam O’maison, Tom Mcassey, Atif Shafiq, Karl Bell, David Howe and Callum Hancock.

London (3 March) Hennessy Sports are proud to announce an exciting, brand new competition to put on the boxing calendar, the MaxiNutrition Knockout, live on Channel 5.

Starting on March 15 at Rivermead, Reading, eight boxers from the light heavyweight division will fight it out over four live events to become the MaxiNutrition Knockout champion and in doing so the British champion.

The eight fighters competing are Bob Ajisafe, Dean Francis, Danny McIntosh, Travis Dickinson, Matty Clarkson, Leon Senior, Lee Duncan and Tony Hill.

Ranging from up-and-coming stars with world-class ambitions, to former British, Commonwealth and European champions, the fighters give a fair representation of the hard-working, hard-training boxers who keep the British light heavyweight scene alive; offering them a deserved share of the television spotlight, as well as the chance for British championship glory.

They have been seeded and drawn into four quarter-finals, one side of the draw holding the coveted British and Southern Area light heavyweight titles and the other holding the prestigious English light heavyweight title.

Channel 5 will broadcast the quarter finals in 2 x two-hour programmes, each featuring two live contests, the first at Rivermead, Reading, on March 15th and the second on March 22nd live from Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield.

The winners of each quarter-final will be drawn to meet in two semi-finals, competing over 10 x 3 minute rounds for the English title and 12 x 3 minute rounds for the British, to be shown live in programme three.

The final will be over 12 x 3 minute rounds, broadcast live within six months of the series launch programme, as the British champion meets the English champion.

All contests will be under British Boxing Board of Control supervision, with a referee and three scoring judges.

The event will be completed over a maximum of six months and the contests will be over ten and the full 12 championship rounds – ensuring that this is a true test of boxing skill, toughness and endurance.

Each of the four live events will be supported by a quality undercard, to ensure maximum entertainment for the event spectators and, where necessary, for the TV audience.

FIRST SET OF QUARTER FINALS

RIVERMEAD, READING, MARCH 15
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

BOB AJISAFE VS DEAN FRANCIS
British Light Heavyweight title

LEON SENIOR VS TONY HILL
Southern Area Light Heavyweight Title

SECOND SET OF QUARTER FINALS

PONDS FORGE ARENA, SHEFFIELD, MARCH 22
LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

DANNY MCINTOSH VS TRAVIS DICKINSON
English Light Heavyweight Title

MATTY CLARKSON VS LEE DUNCAN
English Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator

PLUS

KID GALAHAD VS SERGIO PRADO
Vacant European Super Bantamweight Title

Bob Ajisafe and Dean Francis clash for the vacant British light heavyweight title at Rivermead, Reading, on March 15th, live on Channel 5.

The English light heavyweight champion, Ajisafe, faces the former British, Commonwealth and European champion, Francis, with both men focussed on claiming the coveted Lonsdale belt and progressing to the next round of the MaxiNutrition Knockout.

Francis boasts 34 wins with 26 knockouts in a 39 fight career to date, which has seen him claim WBO Inter-Continental, British and European super middleweight titles, along with the English cruiserweight and Commonwealth light heavyweight championships.

The Basingstoke man fondly known as “Star” has experience on his side and is determined to prove he still has what it takes by winning his second British title and progressing to the semi final.

But Ajisafe, known as “Lionheart” will have other plans.

At 28-years-old he is an English champion, having won the belt against Darren Stubbs in Oldham and defended it against MaxiNutrition Knockout rival and formerly undefeated Travis Dickinson in Sheffield, Ajisafe has also traded leather with world title contender Tony Bellew in a hard fought contest over 12 rounds.

Trained in Sheffield with the Ingles, the Leeds based Ajisafe will be looking to win his first British title and add another Lonsdale belt to the famous St Thomas Gym in Wincobank Sheffield.

Also scheduled to fight on the show is Leon Senior as he faces former Commonwealth title challenger Tony Hill over 10 rounds in the second quarter final for the Southern Area light heavyweight belt.

Former British light welterweight champion and European title challenger Lenny Daws will also be in action, along with former Irish lightweight champion Peter McDonagh, Reading’s own Tamuka Mucha, Ricky O’Brien, Thomas Jarvis and Slough’s John Brennan.

Accreditation

March 15th

For fight accreditation for March 15th please email: Leeb@hennessysports.com for an application form.

Applications need to be submitted on or before Friday 7th March 2014. You will be notified of your accreditation status by close of business (5.30pm) on Monday 10th March 2014 via Email.

March 22nd

For fight accreditation for March 22nd please email: Leeb@hennessysports.com for an application form.

Applications need to be submitted on or before Friday 14th March 2014. You will be notified of your accreditation status by close of business (5.30pm) on Monday 17th March 2014 via Email.

Ticket Information

March 15th

Unreserved tickets for March 15th are priced at £35, with ringside seating priced from £75 and are available to purchase from today by calling:

Sanigar Events box office: 0117 949 66 99.

March 22nd

Unreserved tickets for March 22nd are priced at £35, with ringside seating proced at £100 and are available to purchase by calling 0114 223 3777.

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
For more information on Channel 5, Maximuscle, Liquid and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
www.maximuscle.com
www.L1quid.com
www.hennessysports.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

Ondrej Pala (32-4, 22 KOs) has been confirmed as the latest opponent for British heavyweight David Price (16-2, 14 KOs). The pair will meet in an eight-round contest at the Velodrom in Berlin on March 29th.

Pala will be a familiar face with British boxing fans having challenged Dereck Chisora for the WBO & WBA International Heavyweight titles in his last outing.

‘’This is exactly the type of fight I need,’’ said Price. ‘’Pala is a guy who isn’t afraid to come forward and trade. We saw this when he fought Chisora. Although Dereck got the stoppage, Pala was holding his own and I don’t think he was ever in any real trouble, he just got spun into the corner and the fight was waved off.

‘’Now its my turn. I’m in great shape. Everything has been going really well in the gym with Tommy (Brooks). I am looking forward to getting in there and exchanging blows with this guy. I am confident that on March 29th I am going to get the job done.’’

‘’This is the next step in the rebuilding process for Pricey,’’ said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ‘’Pala has a lot of experience and as his knockout record suggests, he can punch. This will be a good test for David and it should give us some indication of the progress he has made so far this year.’’

Tickets are available via eventim.de.

(San Diego, CA) – San Diego’s Premier live professional boxing promoter Bobby D. Presents enjoyed a successful Friday night when three fighters from their stable took important steps in their careers.

Undefeated middleweight Brandon “Cannon” Adams (13-0, 9KOs) stopped veteran Daniel Edourd (23-5-2, 14KOs) in the fourth round of six in the first round of the Boxcino tournament on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights”.

At the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley, San Diego’s own Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles (10-0-1, 3KOs) earned a tough split decision over Yordenis Ugas (15-2, 7KOs) of Cuba for the interim WBC Latino jr. welterweight title.

In the semi main event, WBC #9 ranked flyweight Kenia Enriquez (10-0, 5KOs) of Tijuana made her US debut a good one by shutting out previously undefeated Noemi Bosques (4-1-2, 1KO) of Florida in a six rounder. Bosques marked the sixth opponent Enriquez took her “0”.

Tijuana’s Kenia Enriquez made her US debut a successful one by pitching a shutout against previously undefeated Noemi Bosques Photo: Paul Gallegos

For a full report and photos by Paul Gallegos please click HERE.

Next Bobby D. Presents card is scheduled for April 4th at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton in Kearny Mesa.

For more info, please visit SanDiegoFights.com

HAMMOND, IND (FEBRUARY 28, 2014)–Middleweights Brandon Adams, Raymond Gatica and Vitalii Kopylenko scored stoppages while while Willie Monroe Jr. scored a 6 round unanimous decision as all four advanced to the semi-finals of Boxcino 2014 that highlighted a great night of boxing at the Hammond Horseshoe Casino.

Monroe Jr. scored a 6 round unanimous decision over Donatas Bondas.

Bondas pressed forward while Monroe tried to box and move. Bondas’oft injured nose started to bleed as early as the first frame. In round three, Bondas began to up his pressure and Monroe was trying to move laterality while throwing jabs. Monroe Jr. Stayed in the pocket a little more in the 4th and landed several body shots. Monroe started to mix it up over the last half of the fight and that late aggressiveness got him the fight by tallies of 59-55 twice and 58-56.

Monroe, 160 lbs of Rochester, NY. is now 16-1. Bondas, 160.2 lbs of Chicago, IL. is now 18-5-1.

Vitalii Kopylenko scored two knockdowns in just over three minutes and registered a 2nd round stoppage over Cerreeso Fort.

Kopylenko buckled Fort with an over hand right in round one. After the opening frame, Fort was already bleeding from his mouth.

Seconds into the 2nd round, Kopylenko dropped Fort from a hard left hook. Fort was clearly hurt and was dropped again from a series of punches. The bout was stopped at 43 seconds of round two.

“Fort was heavy handed and I was patient,”said Kopylenko.

“I did not try to knock him out, it just came.“

Kopylenko, 160 lbs of Kiev, Ukraine is now 23-0 with 13 knockouts.

Said Fort, “I got hit with a shot in the 1st round and was hurt. I tied to bounce back but he hurt me again.”

Fort, 160.2 lbs of St. Paul, MN is now 17-3-1.

Raymond Gatica scored a emphatic 4th round stoppage over previously undefeated knockout artist Sena Agbeko.

The two came out firing with Gatica getting the better of the exchanges. Gatica was more efficient with his punches while Agbeko came in with wide-winging shots. In round three, Gatica landed several shots that snapped the head of Agebko back. It looked like the referee was close to stopping the bout but AGbeko did enough return punching to warrant his continuation. He did last much longer as Gatica was all over Agbeko and continued to rock his head with power shots and the fight as stopped at 1:06 of round 4.

“You always have to be ready,” said Gatica. “I knew in the 1st round I had the fight.”

Brandon Adams scored a stoppage after round four when Daniel Edouard did not come our for the 5th round

Adams found a home in the second round as he landed hard body shots with both hands. Adams continued to score and stay out of harms way. In round four, Adams deposited Edouard on the canvas with a perfect left hook. Edouard got to his feet and ate a few more punches on the ropes. ,

After the 4th round, Edoaurd had enough and pulled the plug on the contest.

“I had a long layoff and my timing wasn’t right. I am a professional and there was no reason to take anymore punishment,”said Edouard

“Getting hit with that left hook discouraged me.”

Said Adams, “I hit him with a good left hook. He was tough and I am happy with my performance. I know I can do better.“

Adams, 160. Lbs of San Diego, CA is now 13-0 with 9 stoppages. Edouard, 160 lbs of West Palm Beach, FL is 23-5-2

Gatica will face Adams while Kopylenko will take on Monroe Jr. on April 18th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.

Boxcino will continue on March 28th at the 4 Bears Casino in New Town, North Dakota with the lightweight semi-finals that will put Chris Rudd taking on Petr Petrov while Miguel Gonzalez fights Fernando Carcamo in bouts scheduled for 8 rounds.

In the opening bout, Banner Promotions Donovan Dennis scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Sam Commings in a scheduled 6 round heavyweight bout.

Dennis landed a straight left that made Commings fall back and hit his head with a loud thud against the canvas and the bout was immediately stopped at 1:34 of round one.

Dennis, 226 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 9-1 with 7 knockouts. Commings, 264 lbs of West Palm Beach, FL is now 4-8.

Simeon Hardy was successful in his Banner Promotions debut as he stopped Chad Greenleaf in round five of their scheduled six round middleweight bout.

Hardy dominated the action and dropped Greenleaf twice in round five with the second knockdown being a vicious right had that out Greenleaf out for several minutes.

Hardy, 157.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 11-0 with 9 knockouts. Greenleaf, 158.8 lbs of Parkersburg, WV is 13-20-1.

Sergio Montes De Oca and Fidel Navarette battled to a spirited six round draw in a featherweight bout.

Montes De Oca, 124 lbs of Chicago took a card 58-56 while two judges ruled the fight even at 57-57.

De Oca is now 7-2-2. Navarette, 127 lbs of Highland, IN is now 4-0-2.

Mike Jimenez needed just 56 seconds to take care of Jimmy Campbell in their scheduled six round Light Heavyweight bout.

Jimenez scored a knockdown from an uppercut and a follow up flurry ended the bout.

Jimenez, 175 lbs of Chicago is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Campbell, 173 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is now 11-7.

Russell Fiore scored a 4 round unanimous decision over Tim Carrizales in a lightweight bout.

Fiore dropped Carrizales twice in the final frame and cruised home with a victory by the scores of 40-34 on all cards.

Fiore, 134.8 lbs of Chicago is 11-2-1. Carrizales, 134.4 lbs of Waukesha, WI is now 4-9-1.

VERONA, NY (March 1, 2014) – Undefeated super middleweight J’Leon Love dominated en route to a 10th-round TKO over Vladine Biosse on Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation. In the co-featured bouts, Derek Edwards upset previously undefeated Badou Jack and rising Mayweather Promotions star Christopher Pearson defeated Lanardo Tyner in an 8-round middleweight bout.

The evening’s promoter, 10-time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather, was ringside at Turning Stone Resort and Casino and interviewed by SHOWTIME Sports analyst Steve Farhood for the first time since Mayweather announced his next opponent—Marcos “El Chino” Maidana.

From the opening bell, Love (17-0, 10 KOs) was the aggressor, punishing Biosse (15-3-2, 7 KOs) through all 10 rounds. In the third, Love opened up a cut over Biosse’s right eye and continued to batter the area throughout the night. In the 10th, with Love scoring heavily near the ropes, the ref stepped in to halt the contest at 2:15 of the final round.

“We worked really hard in camp and I wanted to be able to take advantage of that work and use all my punches,” said Love after the fight. “I was hitting him with great combinations, going downstairs and upstairs.
“He was a tough guy, but I knew eventually with the shots I was throwing I would get him out of there. A late stoppage is good.”

In the evening’s co-feature, Edwards (27-3-1, 14 KOs) shocked Jack (16-1-1, 11 KOs) with a first-round TKO. Jack walked into a short right hand and hit the deck 32 seconds into the bout. Jack recovered but was on unsteady legs. Edwards jumped on him and again sent Jack awkwardly down to the canvas, face first. Jack rose to his feet, but the ref had seen enough and waved off the contest at 1:01 of round one.

In the opening bout, Pearson (14-0, 10 KOs) claimed a split decision victory over Tyner (31-9-2, 20 KOs) to remain undefeated. Two of the judges scored the bout 78-73 for Pearson, while the third had it 76-75 for Tyner.
Speaking to Farhood about the announcement this week of his next opponent, Mayweather complimented his challenger saying, “Maidana has had a lot of great wins lately… This is a very difficult fight for me. This is a guy I can’t overlook. Each and every time Marcos Maidana goes out there he gives it his best. I know I have to go out there and be at my best. I will sit down with my father and go over a brilliant game plan and hopefully this training camp goes well. He’s tough. He’s a champion just like I’m a champion, so when you bring the two together you get nothing but excitement. I must push myself to the limit, and May 3, The Money Team will be ready.”

On his prediction for next week’s SHOWTIME PPV® headlined by Canelo Alvarez and Alfredo Angulo, Mayweather said, “Angulo is a tough opponent, but Canelo has all the tools to bounce back.”

Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME and SHOWTIME ON DEMAND.

Redwood City, CA (February 28, 2014) – Tonight at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, on the Don Chargin and Paco Presents boxing show, International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Flyweight Champion, Bruno “The Aloha Kid” Escalante (12-1-1, 6 KOs), scored a brutal 1st round knockout against, veteran Lorenzo Trejo (33-29-1, 20 KOs).

Escalante used his speed and quickness while throwing punches off peculiar angels before the violent knockout happened. It was a left hook to the body followed by a right hook to the head that sent the Mexican down for the count.

“I wanted to come out tonight and put on a great show for my fans,” said Escalante. “All the hard work paid off and I got my opponent out of there in the first round. The knockout was set up with good footwork and it felt great. I want to thank my team for getting me ready for this fight. I couldn’t do it without them.”

Undercard Results

6-round Welterweight bout
Jonathan Chicas (13-1, 6 KOs) defeated Rogelio Castaneda (26-20-3, 8 KOs) by 4th round KO

6-round Middleweight bout
Ricardo Pinnel (7-1-1, 5 KOs) defeated Saul Benitez (2-5-1) by UD 59-55, 58-56 twice

4-round Cruiserweight bout
Tony Johnson (7-0, 3 KOs) defeated Harry Gopaul (1-6, 1 KO) by 3rd TKO

4-round Lightweight bout
Jesus Sandoval (3-1-3, 1 KO) defeated Cesear Valenzuela (4-4-1, 1 KO) by 1st round KO

4-round Jr. Middleweight bout
Darren Mallard (2-0) defeated Mauricio Zavaleta (1-1, 1 KO) by Split Decision 39-37 Mallard, 39-37 Zavaleta, 40-36 Mallard

4-round Heavyweight bout
Xavier Vigney (1-0, 1 KO) defeated Andrew Tinae (0-1) by 1st round TKO

Julio Cesar Chavez 167.5 – Bryan Vera 167.5
Orlando Salido 128.25 – Vasyl Lomachenko 125.5
Juan Diaz 134.5 – Gerardo Robles 134.5
Oscar Valdez 127.5 – Samuel Sanchez 127.75
Ivan Najera 136.5 – Angel Hernandez 133.25
Alex Saucedo 146.5 – Gilberto Venegas 1498.5

Arthur Abraham (39-4, 28 KOs) regained the WBO Super Middleweight title with a split decision victory over Robert Stieglitz (46-4, 26 KOs) tonight in Magdeburg.

Abraham looked close to forcing the stoppage, dropping the defending champion in the final round. However Stieglitz was able to hold on and take the fight to the judges’ scorecards.

The judges scored the fight 114-111, 115-110, and 112-113 in favor of ‘’The King’’, who avenged the loss he suffered to Stieglitz last year and became a world champion for a third time.

Abraham will return to action on May 31st, when he will make the first defense of his newly won title. The opponent and venue will be announced shortly.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (February 28, 2014) – Undefeated Estonian heavyweight Denis Smoldarev (6-0-0) earned a M-1 Global title fight shot by defeating Ante “Walking Trouble” Delija (8-2-0) in tonight’s main event, headlining M-1 Challenge 45, at Atmosphere Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Known as “The Brock Lesnar of Estonia,” the 6′ 5″, 266 ½ pound Smoldarev is now positioned to fight the winner of the M-1 Global heavyweight championship fight, March 14 at M-1 Challenge 46, between reigning champion Damian “Polish Pitbull” Grabowski (19-1-0) and challenger Marcin “Tybur” Tybura (9-0-0).

The 6′ 4″, 247-pound Delija had a successful throw and took Smoldarev’s back to start a great first round of action. Smoldarev moved to Delija’s guard, working from the top, and unleashed a volley of strong punches and leg kicks on the Croatian.

Smoldarev came out for the second round throwing a good left but Delija quickly went to the ground, taking Smoldarev’s back and transitioning to a heel hook. It wasn’t tight enough and then Smoldarev took the top position, firing strikes and then locked in an “Americana.” Delija let out a scream that the referee considered a verbal submission and ended the fight. Delijia protested to no avail.

M-1 Global lightweight champ Musa Khamanaev takes down Vladimir Nikolaev

M-1 Global lightweight champion Musa Khamanaev (14-3-0) outclassed Ukrainian fighter Vladimir Nikolaev (10-2-0) in their non-title fight. Khamanaev opened with a series of effective strikes and then, using his superior wrestling skills, the Russian took down Nikolaev whose nose was bloodied as he held on for his fighting life. Khamanaev overwhelmed Nikolaev, who was unable to escape, with strong strikes off his powerful ground-and-pound attack. The referee stopped the fight in the second round for a TKO win by Khamanaev.

In an upset, Russian middleweight Rashid Yusupov (3-2-0) won a decision over Brazilian veteran Charles “Gracie” Andrade (27-16-0). Yusupov, a striker, escaped a Kimura attempt by Andrade early in the first round and went on to dominate the first five minutes of the fight. Outside of one successful Andrade takedown, Yusupov spent most of the second round in Andrade’s closed guard. The trend continued in the final round as Yusupov started with a short stand-up and takedown, in which there was little activity until the final minute of the fight when both fighters were back on their feet. Yusupov landed some good strikes and kicks, highlighted by a spinning back-kick, to close the show.

Russian lightweight Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko (34-9-0) won a war of attrition in a battle of season veterans against Niko Puhakka (28-15-0), of Finland. Puhakka suffered a cut over his eye in the opening round that freely flowed during the entire fight. Butenko was unable to submit the game Finn but he was in complete control en route to a solid win by decision.

In an exciting match of skilled grapplers, Russian welterweight Ilya Doderkin (4-0-0) remained undefeated, as Nenad “Nino” Avramovich (0-2-0), of Spain, submitted in the second round. The action was fast and furious as the two fighters constantly changed positions until Doderkin suddenly slapped on a triangle hold, resulting in his impressive victory.

Striking prevailed over grappling as Sergei Andreev (6-2-0) took a decision from fellow Russian lightweight Rahman Makhazhiev (1-1-0). Throughout the fight, Andreev wanted to fight on his feet and go for a knockout, while Makhadzhiev preferred fighting on the mat to try for a submission.

Russian featherweight Yunus Evloev (13-6-0) outlasted his Ukrainian opponent, Vitali Branchuk (13-4-0), for a hard fought decision in a back-and-forth match from start to finish.

Oleg Misikov (2-0-0) used his physical superiority over fellow Russian lightweight Ivan Getman (1-1-0) to a dominant first-round round stoppage. The referee halted the action early as Misikov landed powerful, unanswered strikes.

Russian lightweight Kurbanali Abdusalamov (3-2-0) ruined the professional debut of Alejandro Kratz-Ferrer (0-1-0), trapping the Spanish fighter in a mount position and punching away until Kratz-Ferrer tapped out in the opening round.

Ukrainian lightweight Oleg Khachaturov (1-1-0) won his first professional fight by decision as his ground-and-pound attack was too much for pro-debuting St. Petersburg fighter Alexander Korneev (0-1-0) to handle.

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

Full results and photo gallery below.

HEAVYWEIGHTS:
DENIS SMOLDAREV (6-0-0), Estonia
WSUB2
ANTE DELIJA (8-2-0), Croatia

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS:
RASHID YUSUPOV (3-2-0), Russia
WDEC3
CHARLES ANDRADE (27-16-0), Brazil

WELTERWEIGHTS:
ILYA DODERKIN (4-0-0), Russia
WSUB2
NENAD AVRAMOVICH (0-2-0), Spain

LIGHTWEIGHTS:
MUSA KHAMANAEV (14-3-0), Russia
WTKO2
VLADIMIR NIKOLAEV (10-2-0), Ukraine

ALEXANDER BUTENKO (34-9-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
NIKO PUHAKKA (28-15-0), Finland

SERGEI ANDREEV (6-2-0), Russia
WDEC3
RAHMAN MAKHAZHIEV (1-1-0), Russia

OLEG MISIKOV (2-0-0), Russia
WTKO1
IVAN GETMAN (1-1-0), Russia

KURBANALI ABDUSALAMOV (2-2-0), Russia
WSUB1
ALEJANDRO KRATZ-FERRER (0-0-0), Russia

OLEG KHACHATUROV (1-1-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
ALEXANDER KORNEEV (0-1-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS:
YUNUS EVLOEV (13-6-0), Russia
WDEC3
VITALI BRANCHUK (13-4-0), Ukraine

Musa Khamanaev (L) vs. Vladimir Nikolaev (R)

Charles Andrade (L) and Rashid Yusupov (R) square off

Alexander Butenko pounds Niko Puhakka

Nenad Avramovich on top of Ilya Doderkin in exciting clash of grapplers

Sergei Andreev kicks Rahman Makhazhiev

Yunus Evloev escaped from this hold to defeat Vitali Branchuk

Oleg Misikov congratulates Ivan Getman (black shirt) after their fight

Kurbanali Abdusalamov (R) kicks Alejandro Kratz-Ferrer

Oleg Khachaturov (R) attacks Alexander Korneev (on mat)

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.

CHICAGO (Feb. 28) – Boxing has arrived to “The Windy City” as Chicago will be the site of one of the spring’s most intriguing showdowns, when FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes brings the Golden Boy Live! series to the UIC Pavilion on Monday, April 14 for the 10-round junior lightweight bout between unbeaten Ronny Rios and fellow prospect Andrew “Chango” Cancio.

“This type of matchup is what the Golden Boy Live! series was created for and in Ronny Rios vs. Andrew Cancio we could be seeing a fight where the winner goes on to eventually become a world champion,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Both of these young men know what’s at stake in this fight and it’s going to be a good one.”

“We’re happy to once again be partnering with Oscar De La Hoya, Richard Schaefer and Golden Boy Promotions for this world class boxing event,” said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions. “Events like these are outstanding entertainment for fans while showcasing the great city of Chicago to the world.”

Rios vs. Cancio, a 10-round junior lightweight bout is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and 8 Count Productions and is sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT and theFOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $31, $51, $76 and $101 are on sale now and available for purchase by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-5740 or by calling 8 Count Productions at (312) 226-5800 or by calling UIC Pavilion box office at 312-413-5740 online at www.ticketmaster.com. You may also purchase tickets directly at the UIC Box Office on Thursday or Fridays from 9:00 a.m. CT to4:00 p.m. CT.

A former United States’ top amateur, Ronny Rios (22-0, 10 KOs) traded his quest for Olympic Gold for a journey toward a professional championship in 2008 and he has developed into one of boxing’s top young talents. Fighting out of Santa Ana, Calif., the 24-year-old Rios emerged as a future contender in 2012 when he won the NABF featherweight title by defeating former World Champion Rico Ramos. Now competing at 130 pounds, Rios will make his 2014 debut against Cancio this April.

Blythe, California’s Andrew “Chango” Cancio (15-2-2, 11 KOs) doesn’t just want to win his April 14 fight to move up the junior lightweight rankings and hand Rios his first loss, but also wants to pick up California bragging rights in the process. An eight-year pro, Cancio has won seven of his last eight bouts, with wins over longtime contender Rocky Juarez and up-and-comer Jerry Belmontes establishing the 25-year-old as a fighter to watch. Now it’s time to deliver in his first Golden Boy Live! main event and he’s ready for the challenge.

Local standouts featured on what is shaping up to be an exciting undercard include Harvey’s Jose Arambula (6-0, 3 KOs), who will be facing off in a six-round lightweight bout against Milwaukee’s David Diaz (4-0-1, 2 KOs), 19-year-old lightweight phenom Jose Felix Quezada (1-0, 1 KO) of Alsip, who stole the show earlier this month with a magnificent professional debut at the Pavilion, six-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion Kristen Gearhart (3-0, 1 KO) of Oak Park, lightweight Jose Romero (1-1) and super middleweight Israel Echevarria (2-2, 2 KOs) of Chicago. Opponents for Quezada, Gearhart, Romero and Echevarria, all of whom are competing in four-round bouts, will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 or www.8CountProductions.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @8_Count, and @Swanson_Comm, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on @FOXSports.

Superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather will be ringside at tonight’s ShoBox: The New Generation from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., and will be interviewed during the live telecast on SHOWTIME (9:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). This will be the first television interview Mayweather will give since announcing his next fight against Marcos “El Chino” Maidana which will take place on Saturday, May 3, live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Three of Mayweather’s undefeated fighters will be featured on the evening’s Mayweather Promotions tripleheader – J’Leon Love, Badou Jack and Chris Pearson.
ABOUT LOVE vs. BIOSSE:
Love vs. Biosse is a 10-round super middleweight bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions this Friday, Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® immediately following the episode 1 premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Angulo at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) live on SHOWTIME®.

Tickets priced at $60, $35, $25 and $15, plus applicable taxes, fees and service are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling the box office directly at 1-877-833-7469 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Hammond, Ind. / San Antonio, TX (February 28, 2014)–This Weekend, Banner Promotions will be front and center in the boxing spotlight as the company will promote two major shows.

First, Friday night in Hammond, Indiana it will be Boxcino 2014; the middleweight quarter-finals that will be televised around the county on ESPN 2 as part of ESPN Friday Night Fights. The fights will originate from the Horseshoe Hammond Casino at 9 pm Eastern.

The very next night, the scene will shift to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas where Banner’s Bryan Vera meets Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a much anticipated super middleweight rematch that will be televised live on HBO Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 ET/PT.

“This is a very busy weekend for us,”said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“But as busy as it will be, we expect terrific action in the ring. The middleweight fights on Friday night will be great contests. The lightweights set the bar very high last week in Laughlin to kick off the Boxcino tournament, but we know the middleweights will put on a show that will be just as if not more exciting. We also have two of our young prospects on the undercard. We are looking forward to see our heavyweight Donovan Dennis and one of our newest signings in undefeated jr. middleweight Simeon Hardy in action as they continue to develop.”

Friday’s show is co-promoted by Banner Promotions, Hitz Boxing and Round 3.

24 hours later, the action will continue south to the Lone Star State.

“We saw what Bryan did in the 1st fight. The media all saw him win that fight. Saturday he will be even better. He knows what weight the fight will be at and he is completely focused in winning decisively. Bryan knows he can beat Chavez and on Saturday night, he will go out there and do it again.”

Vera – Chavez is promoted by Top Rank, Banner Promotions, Foreman Boys Boxing and Zanfer.

Banner Promotions Lineup:

Friday, February 28, Hammond, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Indiana
Boxcino 2014
ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Daniel Edouard (23-4-2, 12 KO’s) vs Brandon Adams (12-0, 8 KO’s)
Sena Agbeko (15-0, 15 KO’s) vs Raymond Gatica (13-2, 7 KO’s)
Vitalii Kopylenko (22-0, 12 KO’s) vs Cerresso Fort (17-2-1, 11 KO’s)
Willie Monroe Jr. (15-1, 6 KO’s) vs Donatas Bondas (18-4-1, 6 KO’s)

6 Rounds-Heavyweights Donovan Dennis (8-1, 6 KO’s) vs Sam Commings (4-7, 3 KO’s)
6 Rounds-Jr. Middleweights–Simeon Hardy (10-0, 8 KO’s) vs Chad Greenleaf (13-19-1, 6 KO’s

Saturday, March 1, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
HBO

12 Rounds-Super Middleweights–Bryan Vera (23-7, 14 KO’s) vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (47-1, 32 KO’s)

London (28 February) Lee Haskins “can’t wait” to get back out in front of his home fans at the City Academy, Bristol, live on Channel 5 tomorrow night.

The British bantamweight champion, Haskins, takes on the dangerous 25-year-old former British and Commonwealth title challenger, Luke Wilton.

“I’m feeling wicked, it’s going to be the third time at the City Academy in front of my home fans for another big night,” Haskins said.

“I’m training hard, I’ve got no problems, my camp has been great. I’m fit and strong and I’m looking forward to getting in there.”

Haskins, who boasts 28 wins with 12 knockouts, weighed in on the bantamweight limit and is focussed on showing why he feels he is ready to fight for a world title when he enters the ring on Saturday night.

He takes on Belfast-based Wilton, who also comes into the contest on the bantamweight limit. Wilton is determined and ready to fight, having been training for his upcoming March 21st contest.

Boasting 15 wins with seven knockouts and having challenged for major domestic titles, Wilton is looking to to cause a big upset in front of Haskins’ home crowd.

“I’m feeling great and ready to go,” Wilton said.

“There could be 10,000 people there supporting him but come fight time, it’s just me and him and it’s not going to make any difference to the result, I’m going to win.

“I’m glad of the opportunity and jumped at the chance to face Haskins and over 10 rounds I’ll show everyone who I am and what I’m all about.

“I feel really strong, I’ve been training for my fight on March 21st anyway so I’m fit and ready to win.”

But the Bristol bantamweight is aware of that risk and motivated by it; feeling unbeatable on home soil and ready to show it when he meets Wilton tomorrow.

“In front of Bristol I feel like I can’t be beaten, I thank everyone for the support and I’m looking to give them another great performance tomorrow night,” Haskins said.

They compete over 10 x 3minute rounds as chief support to James DeGale MBE’s WBC Silver super middleweight title defence against the undefeated former IBO Youth champion Gevorg Khatchikian.

Also scheduled to fight on the March 1st show is Bristol’s own Dan Sarkozi, Lee Nutland, Ashley Lane and Weston super-Mare’s Liam Hunt in his professional debut.

Ticket Information

Tickets for March 1st are priced from £35 and are available to purchase from the following box office today:

Sanigar Events box office: 0117 949 66 99

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS

Las Vegas, Nev. – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced tonight that former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida will face off against UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 173 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 24.

In light of today’s unexpected ruling issued by the Nevada State Athletic Commission regarding the ban of therapeutic use exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy, Vitor Belfort, Weidman’s previously announced opponent, will no longer compete at UFC 173. Belfort, who has previously been granted therapeutic use exemptions, recognizes that he needs an extended period of time to become licensed in the state of Nevada.

With the event scheduled to go on sale shortly, Belfort agreed to withdraw from the fight in order to allow the UFC’s promotional efforts to move forward on time.

“With today’s ruling by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who’s undefeated since dropping to 185 pounds, will fight champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 173 in May,” UFC President Dana White said. “Machida was dominant in his last two fights, beating Gegard Mousasi and knocking out Mark Munoz.

He’s earned this shot at Weidman, who’s coming off two straight wins over the greatest fighter of all time, Anderson Silva. Machida wants nothing more than to avenge the losses of his friend and training partner, and become just the third fighter in UFC history to win titles in two separate weight classes.”

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.

ten participants of “San Diego Fights” set for tonight at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley. California Hall of Fame promoter Bobby D. Presents in association with Caribe Promotions offer the five-bout fight card.

Undefeated Noemi Bosques traveled from Florida to challenge Tijuana’s Kenia Enriquez, also undefeated, in a six round flyweight bout. Photo: Paul Gallegos

For all the official weights and more photos by Official Bobby D. Presents photographer Paul Gallegos, please click HERE

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 2270 Hotel Circle N in Mission Valley. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm. “San Diego Fights” is brought to you by Mossy Automotive Group, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Everlast, Car Czar and David G. Schmidt General Construction.

Tickets are still available by visiting SanDiegoFights.com or by calling (619) 420-8866.

San Diego, CA (February 27. 2014)–On Saturday afternoon, Match 1st, Ricky Burns will make the 4th defense of the WBO Lightweight title when he takes on highly regarded and undefeated Terence Crawford in a 12-round bout at the Scottish Exhibition Center in Glasgow, Scotland.

Boxing fans across the United States can enjoy this world championship bout live via the PlayStation®3 system via the Sony Entertainment Network Live Events Viewer. The price is $9.95 for approximately three hours of world class boxing which includes the Burns – Crawford main event. PS3 viewers may subscribe early to the event.

“The world title fight showdown has the makings for Fight of the Year,”said AWE President Charles Herring. “I am pleased to have Sony and have the PS3 viewers able to enjoy this event. We are always looking for the best and unique ways to give fight fans the opportunity to enjoy these world class events.”

The event starts at 2pm eastern / 11 am pacific.

About AWE
For 2012, AWE earned 2 of the 6 Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” candidates, beating out all other networks except HBO which earned three. AWE also showcased live all 2012 David Price fights. In 2013 AWE has featured the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over Price, bouts with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew, who just fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale and possibly the two most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran as well as the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves.

The network is currently available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country and worldwide. The new website for AWE is www.awetv.com

AWE is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network -the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. AWE delivers informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live boxing events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective.

For more information, please visit www.awetv.com

Brandon Adams 160.8 – Daniel Edouard 160

Sena Agbeko 157.2 – Raymond Gatica 158.4

Cerresso Fort 160.2 – Vitalii Kopylenko 160

Willie Monroe Jr. 160 – Donatas Bondas 160.2
(Photos by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions)

Donovan Dennis 226 – Sam Commings 264
Simeon Hardy 157.6 – Chad Greenleaf 158.8
Dimur Ortuz 215 – John Moxey TBA
Fidel Navarette 127 – Sergio Montes De Oca 124
Mike Jimenez 175 – Jimmy Campbell 173
Russell Fiore 134.8 – Tim Carrizales 134.4

Venue: Horseshoe Casino
Promoters: Banner Promotions / Hitz Boxing / Round 3
1st Bell: 7pm central
ESPN 2 Start: 9pm eastern / 8 pm central

San Diego, CA (February 27. 2014)–This Saturday afternoon, undefeated Terence Crawford will look to capture his 1st world title when he takes on WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns from Glasgow, Scotland in a bout that can be seen LIVE on AWE at 2pm eastern / 11 am pacific.

Boxing fans in the United States can enjoy this world championship bout live via
PlayStation®3 system via the Sony Entertainment Network Live Events viewer.

Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska has a record of 22-0 with 16 knockouts has traveled to the United Kingdom for once purpose and that is to bring back the world championship.

“I am ready. Training went excellent,” said Crawford after a workout on Tuesday.

The opportunity to fight for a world title will not add any pressure to the even keeled Crawford.

“I am treating like this any other fight.”

He respects Burns but he does not believe that champions has anything that Crawford can’t handle.

“Burns brings the belt and experience. Whatever else he has, I will be ready for.”

Crawford is not worried about getting a fair shake from the judges but isn’t necessarily looking for the stoppage.

“If I get the knockout then it comes. The only thing that I am looking for is being victorious.”

“Just tune in Saturday and there will be a new champion.”

Said manager Brian Mcintyre, “We started preparing for this when Terence won the NABO title in June. We have been training the whole time for this. We are not worried about the judges. Bob Arum has talked to (WBO President) Paco Varcarcel and we know there will be good experienced judges. We are just going over there handle our business. We know Burns does not want this fight. He tried offering us step-aside money for us not to take this bout to get out of it.”

One of the men, who help mold career path for Crawford is Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman who said, “The expected 10,000 fans wont faze Terence. Terence is a professional and he comes from a tough area and he will not be intimidated.”

About AWE
For 2012, AWE earned 2 of the 6 Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” candidates, beating out all other networks except HBO which earned three. AWE also showcased live all 2012 David Price fights. In 2013 AWE has featured the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over Price, bouts with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew, who just fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale and possibly the two most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran as well as the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves.

The network is currently available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country and worldwide. The new website for AWE is www.awetv.com

AWE is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network -the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. AWE delivers informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live boxing events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective.

For more information, please visit www.awetv.com

For more information, contact:

Sarah Nunez – Press Coordinator
AWE
Phone: 858-270-6900
sarah.nunez@awetv.com

(San Diego, CA) – The first challenge for all fighters is the weigh in the day before their scheduled bout. On Thursday evening at 5pm, a little over twenty-four hours before the first punch is thrown at “San Diego Fights” the first Bobby D Presents fight card of the year.

In this free and open to the public ceremony will be a special one since it will be the first time the fighters will see each other before their scheduled bout the next night.

In the main event, San Diego’s own Emmnauel “Renegade” Robles (9-0-1, 3KOs) will challenge the WBC interim Latino junior welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas (15-1, 7KOs) in a ten round or less bout.

In the semi-main event, WBC #9 ranked Kenia Enriquez (9-0, 5KOs) will make her US debut as she puts her undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten Noemi Bosques (4-0-2, 1KO) of St. Petersburg, Florida. The bout is scheduled for six rounds in the flyweight division.

Kenia Enriquez (9-0, 5KOs) makes her US debut this Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Photo: Bobby D Presents

In a special attraction, Cuban KO artist Yunier Dorticos (15-0, 15KOs) will go against Hamilton Ventura (13-0-1, 11KOs) in a ten round cruiserweight bout for the WBA Fedelatin title.

Also featured on the card will be local super middlweight Ulises Sierra (4-0-1, 3KOs) and featherweight Prince “Tiger” Smalls (2-0-1).

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 2270 Hotel Circle N in Mission Valley. The weigh in will take place at the Hanalei Convention Center, the same venue as the fight card on Friday night, February 28th.

Tickets are still available by visiting SanDiegoFights.com or by calling (619) 420-8866.

Bruno Escalante 114 vs. Manuel Galaviz 115
Johnathan Chicas 142 vs. Rogelio Castaneda 142
Ricardo Pinnel 155 vs. Saul Benitez 157
Tony Johnson 183 vs. Harry Gopaul 185
Jesus Sandoval 127.5 vs. Cesear Valenzuela 127
Mauricio Zavaleta 156 vs. Darren Mallard 151
Andrew Tinae 246.5 vs. Xavier Vigney 246.5

The Fox Theater Fights is brought to you by Don Chargin Productions and Paco Presents.

Tickets for the Fox Theater Fights in Redwood City priced $35, $45, $50 and $60 can be purchased at the Fox Theater Box Office, online at FOXRWC.com or PACOPRESENTSBOXING.com, or by calling the Undisputed Boxing Gym (650) 631-3781.

The Fox Theater in Redwood City is located at 2215 Broadway Street Redwood City, CA 94063. Doors open at 6:00 PM first fight at 7:00 PM.

Verona, N.Y. (Feb. 27, 2014) – The six boxers who will fight on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow, Friday, February 28, live on SHOWTIME® (9:30 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. ANGULO, delayed on the West Coast) from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y., all made weight on their first attempts at Thursday’s official weigh-in.

Headlining the show will be undefeated super middleweight contender J’Leon Love against Vladine Biosse in a 10-round bout. In other televised action, Badou Jack will meet Derek Edwards in a 10-round super middleweight bout and undefeated Chris Pearson will face Lanardo Tyner in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Attending tomorrow evening’s event will be its promoter, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, the 10-time World Champion. SHOWTIME Sports’ analyst Steve Farhood will speak with Mayweather during the ShoBox telecast.

# # #

ABOUT LOVE vs. BIOSSE:
Love vs. Biosse is a 10-round super middleweight bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions this Friday, Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® immediately following the episode 1 premiere of ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Angulo at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) live on SHOWTIME®.

Tickets priced at $60, $35, $25 and $15, plus applicable taxes, fees and service are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling the box office directly at 1-877-833-7469 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

ESPN3 will present exclusive live coverage in the U.S. of the 12-round WBO Super Middleweight title bout between defending titleholder Robert Stieglitz (46-3, 26 KOs) and former titlist Arthur Abraham (38-4, 28 KOs) Saturday, March 1, at 5 p.m. ET. The fight, from the GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, Germany, will be the third meeting between the two boxers. Abraham won a unanimous decision over Stieglitz in their first fight in 2012 to win Stieglitz’s belt. Stieglitz scored a fourth-round TKO victory in their second meeting in 2013 to regain the title.

About ESPN3
ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members, Apple TV and Roku. The network is currently available to more than 85 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 27) – 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist for Great Britain Anthony Ogogo will make his 2014 debut this Saturday, March 1, when he competes against County Durham’s Greg O’Neil in a six-round middleweight bout on the Ricky Burns vs. Terence Crawford undercard at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.

For Ogogo’s promoter, Richard Schaefer, this is an exciting time to be a fan of the young British star.

“Anthony has been very impressive so far in his career, and it’s going to be interesting to see how he’s progressed over the last couple months,” said Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Ogogo’s exclusive promoter. “Saturday’s card is a big one in Scotland, and it’s good for Anthony to be around that big fight atmosphere as he develops into a world champion. The way things have looked so far, that day may be coming very soon, as he has all the tools to challenge the best in the world in the near future, and we’re excited to be on board with him as he moves to the top of the division.”

The bout will be televised live on Sky Sports.

” I am really excited to be fighting in the March 1 bill and can’t wait to get back in the ring for the first time this year,” said Ogogo. “It’s a huge year for Glasgow with the Commonwealth Games going there this summer and so it’s going to be great to be able to fight there and experience the city, it should be a fantastic atmosphere.”

Lowestoft’s Ogogo (4-0, 2 KOs) has been on a tear since turning pro after the 2012 London Games, winning all four of his pro bouts. In his most recent fight, the exciting 25-year-old won a shutout six round decision over 31-fight veteran Dan Blackwell on Dec. 14.

Greg O’Neill (3-1), 22-year-old, won his first three pro bouts before a loss to 7-0 Lewis Taylor in an International Masters (Bronze) Middleweight Title fight last March. On Saturday, he gets the opportunity to get back in the win column and shock the boxing world at the same time.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £70 ringside and £120 VIP. Tickets are available at www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

Totowa, NJ: Main Events has added a Super Middleweight to their already impressive roster with the signing of Puerto Rican sensation Roberto Acevedo (8-1-0, 5 KOs). Acevedo is coming off a huge upset win over Russian Ilshat “The Sheriff” Khusnulgatin (11-1-0, 6 KOs) at Resorts International Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ on January 24th.

Acevedo sees this opportunity with Main Events as an important step to achieving his goals. He said, “My goal is to become a world champion and make my country proud of my accomplishments. I know that Main Events is the right company to take me there, I am really excited and looking forward to this next step in my career.” Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “We have great faith in Roberto’s ability to continue to overcome every obstacle that is put in front of him-all the way to the world title!”

Roberto had an impressive amateur career (50-1-0, 20 KOs). His only amateur loss was the result of a fight halted due to a bloody nose that could not be stopped. Roberto started boxing in his early teens after his uncle encouraged him to fight in the ring instead of on the streets of his hometown, Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He won several amateur regional and national titles in Puerto Rico during his six-year amateur career.

Most of those accomplishments came after doctors told Acevedo – on two separate occasions – that he would never fight again. The first occurred shortly after he began boxing when he was shot three times at the local barber shop, the victim of a drive-by shooting. His clavicle was crushed. Roberto ignored the doctors’ orders; a year and a half later, he won the Puerto Rican national championship for a second time.

Then, in 2008, he was hit by a drunk driver and hospitalized for over a month. Again the doctors told him his boxing days were over. Despite the grim prognosis, Acevedo defied the odds and returned to the ring. He set aside his Olympic dreams in 2010 when he decided to turn pro instead.

Roberto made his professional debut on July 1, 2011 against Felix Rodriguez. Acevedo knocked Rodriguez down in the fourth round on his way to a unanimous decision win. Since then Roberto has suffered only one career loss: a six round unanimous decision defeat to Paul Littleton at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL on March 22, 2013.

Acevedo Signs Main Events Promotional Contract

Jose Acevedo, Roberto’s older brother and manager, said, “I am very pleased to have Roberto sign with Main Events, they have a long, strong and outstanding tradition in developing and promoting their fighters and we look forward to a long and successful relationship building the next Puerto Rican to a World Champion.”