Hackensack, NJ (February 3, 2014) – As somebody who’s been around the sport of boxing since he was an infant, those who know him would already refer to 18-year-old junior middleweight Bobby Gunn Jr. a boxing lifer.

The son of a fighter whom he shares a name with, Gunn Jr. showed promising skills the very first time he put on a pair of gloves. However, on September 16, 2006, Gunn Jr’s passion for boxing was at an unstoppable high when he witnessed his father stop 76 fight veteran Shannon Landberg to capture the IBA cruiserweight title.

“As much as I wanted to keep him away from the sport, I knew right away that he had a lot of talent,” said the elder Gunn, who fought Thomas Adamek, Glen Johnson, James Toney and Enzo Maccarinelli before retiring in December 2013. “Even after I won my belt and he was heavily obsessed boxing, I tried to gear him towards other sports and hobbies. The problem was he always insisted on coming to the gym with me. A sport like this takes a lot of dedication and kids are always trying new things. To my surprise, he stuck with it and now he’s sparring with the pros and looks like a million bucks in the gym.”

Gunn Jr had a good amateur background but knew the pinnacle of his success wouldn’t be with headgear on so he decided to focus on getting ready for the paid ranks.

To get ready for his first professional bout, Gunn Jr’s been training in Jersey City, NJ under the tutelage of highly-respected Roger Bloodworth. Bloodworth, who trained four world champions including Tomasz Adamek and Fernando Vargas, is impressed with what he’s seen.

“He’s a very young fighter with really good power,” said Bloodworth. “I think he can become a good boxer and he’s a quick learner. I also think he’s mature enough to handle the pressure of having a father that was a good pro. The biggest thing is (to take our time because even in three years) he’s only going to be 21.”

In 1989, Bloodworth trained a talented young fighter a fighter that turned pro as a teenager. The fighter went on to win a world title and Bloodworth believes Gunn Jr. has ability to do the same.

“I had a kid that came out of the amateurs at 17 named Eddie Hobson that turned pro when he was still in high school. He had all the talent in the world and won a world title when he was 24. Even though they’re different fighters stylistically, I think Bobby Jr. has the same level of potential that Eddie did and he should do great things in the pros.”

Gunn Jr., who is managed by his father, will debut in March or April. More information will be available shortly.

February 3, 2014 – HBO Boxing presents “Road to Chavez Jr./Vera II,” an exhilarating special examining the upcoming super middleweight rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Bryan Vera. The duo engaged in a no-holds barred battle last September, which emerged as one of the year’s most highly-debated outcomes. On Saturday, March 1, the Alamodome in San Antonio will showcase the hotly anticipated rematch, televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®.

The “Road to Chavez Jr./Vera II” special will premiere Monday, February 17 at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. It will revisit the high drama from their first bout last September in Carson, CA, as well as providing all-new content, including portraits of both fighters’ journey to this significant showdown on boxing’s leading television platform.

On September 28, 2013, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (47-1-1, 32 KOs) defeated Bryan Vera (23-7, 14 KOs) in a hotly-debated ten-round decision. Originally slated at the 168-pound mark, Chavez Jr. had weight issues, prompting his team to make a deal with Vera’s team to raise the limit to 173 pounds. Vera fought valiantly, but Chavez was awarded a unanimous decision by the judges at ringside, triggering demands for an immediate rematch.

The 15-minute special will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

Other HBO playdates: February 19 (9:15 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.), 22 (11:00 p.m.), 23 (9:45 a.m.), 25 (3:20 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.), 27 (4:30 p.m.), 28 (1:00 a.m.), and March 1 (12:15 p.m.).

HBO2 playdates: February 18 (7:45 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.), 22 (7:15 p.m.), 23 (3:20 a.m. & 4:15 p.m.) 24 (1:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m.), 26 (10:35 a.m. & 10:15 p.m.) and 27 (11:45 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

CROMWELL, Conn. (Feb. 3, 2014) — Veteran boxing judge Stephen Epstein, 58 of Cromwell, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and family last Thursday (Jan. 30) at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Epstein judged 30 world title fights, including three in Las Vegas. He was a member of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as a founder and member of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his two daughters, Alyssa Epstein, of Manchester, CT and Michelle Jenison of Waverly, Iowa? his sister Susan Epstein of Brookfield,CT? two grandchildren, Anthony and Dayton? three nieces, Rebecca and Jessica Coatsworth and Monique Quiles; and one nephew Damon Quiles of Brookfield.

LONDON (Feb. 3) – Tyson Fury is looking to put a frustrating year behind him as he eyes a summer showdown with the enigmatic Dereck Chisora.

The Manchester heavyweight returns to action on February 15th at the Copper Box Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation, where he faces experienced Argentine Gonzalo Omar Basile following a tumultuous end to 2013.

Fury had been all set to face former WBA heavyweight world champion, David Haye, last September, but the fight was pulled after the Londoner sustained a cut eye in sparring with only a week out from the clash.

The fight was consequently re-arranged for this February before Haye yet again pulled out, citing a shoulder injury which was claimed could force his retirement.

Failure in the fight coming to fruition initially proved very difficult for Fury to overcome, though, he is now pleased just to be stepping back into the ring.

“I’m not frustrated – I’m just in a happy place,” Fury told BoxNation. “I’m happy I’ve got a fight lined up. I’m happy that I’ve got a deal on the table. I couldn’t be any happier. Training is going well, everything is good. 2014 – new year – and I’m hoping it’s going to be a fresh start after all that’s gone on over the past year or so.

“I’m just looking forward to getting in there now and fighting someone who’s actually going to turn up and fight,” he said.

Rejuvenated and ready to go, Fury has got his old spark back and insists that he is the most lethal boxer in the world when in such a mood, firing a warning shot to Basile ahead of their bout.

“A fit, motivated Tyson Fury is probably the most dangerous fighter on the planet,” he declared.

“As I’ve said in the past, it’s pretty easy to beat me but then on the other hand it’s pretty hard to beat me because to beat me you’ve got to knock me out. To knock me out you’ve got to stand in front of me and to stand in front of me you’re going to be hurt yourself,” Fury warned.

“And if you can take the punishment like I can take it then we’re going to be in for a treat, but if you can’t, then it’s going to be an easy night for me. But if you can then it’s going to be an easy night for you. If not, then – hell!” he said.

The 25-year-old faces off against an experienced campaigner in Basile, who is the current IBF Latino heavyweight champion, and has accumulated an impressive 61 wins in 70 contests.

Should Fury come through that challenge, a blockbuster rematch against Dereck Chisora, who headlines the February 15th card with his fight against Kevin Johnson, is in the pipeline for the summer.

The bout between the pair, who share a great deal of respect for one another, will be a high stakes affair with a shot at world title glory for the victor.

“There’s not a chance [Chisora will duck out of a fight]. We fought before me and Del Boy, a 12 round slugfest, back in the summer of 2011. I’m happy that he’s worked his way back up and that he’s fighting me again,” said Fury.

“It’s going to a great fight again. I know he’s not going to pull out, and 100% he’s going to be there, because he’s a fighting man like myself – he’ll fight anybody.

“I’m just happy that one of us is going to fight for the world title. Chisora’s already had a shot and it would be nice for me to have a shot this time. I’m just looking forward to it,” he said.

“All will be unveiled this year. We’ll know if Tyson Fury is any good or if he is just the hype job that people think he was – six months and we’ll know,” Fury said.

Fury vs. Basile & Chisora vs. Johnson is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) on Saturday 15th February. 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 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.

SAN DIEGO (FEBRUARY 3RD, 2014)–This past Saturday, Lee Selby won the European and retained the British Featherweight title with a 6th round stoppage over former world title challenger Rendall Munroe in a scheduled 12 round fight at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

The fight was shown LIVE in the United States on AWE

It was trouble for Munroe at the very end of round one when Selby rocked Munroe with a straight right hand. In round six, Selby landed a right hand that drove Munroe into the corner and kept Munroe in the corner for the better part of a minute and continued to land shots until a hard left hook spun Munroe’s face around and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

Selby, 125 1/2 lbs of Wales is now 18-1 with 7 knockouts. Munroe, 124 1/4 lbs is now 27-4-1.

2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Anthony Joshua scored a 3rd round stoppage over Dorian Darch in a scheduled 6 round Heavyweight bout.

Joshua ripped Darch with a hard combination on the ropes at the end of the 1st frame. Joshua landed several hard shots in round two and then landed a ripping left hook that sent Darch into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 51 seconds of round 2.

Gary Buckland registered a 12 round split decision over former world champion Gavin Rees in a spirited battle that was an British lightweight elimination bout.

The action started off quick with Rees landing the to the body with the right hand. They stood in the “phone booth” for much of the fight with Rees continuing to work the body and Buckland countering with short uppercuts on the inside. In round five, Buckland started to up his activity level but in the next round, Rees got back to landing some thudding body shots as well as mixing rights to the head.

Buckland’s activity level picked it up again in round eight as he started to back Rees up on the ropes. As the rounds went on, Buckland’s activity rate was very consistent. Both guys continued to dig deep but Buckland probably got the 10th frame when he landed a right hand that drove Rees back to the ropes. Rees’ right eye started to shot from all the contact in this intense battle. Both guys wanted it in the 12th and this fight that could have gone either way. In the last last 30 seconds alone, Rees rocked Buckland with a hard right but Buckland came right back with furious combination.

Buckland, 134 3/4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-113 and 115-114 while Rees got a card 116-113.

Buckland is now 28-3. Rees, 135 lbs is now 37-4-1.

In a terrific back and forth battle, Dale Evans scored a 8 round decision win over Erick Ochieng in a Welterweight bout.

It was a slug fest with both guys being rocked throughout the bout.

Evans, 148 1/4 lbs won by a 77-76 tally in the referee’s scorecard and is now 8-1-1. Ochieng, 148 3/4 lbs is 14-3.

Boxing returns to AWE on Saturday March 1st with the much anticipated WBO Lightweight title bout between Ricky Burns and Terence Crawford LIVE from Glasgow, Scotland. The action begins at 3 pm eastern / 12 noon 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

Cecilia Braekus (24-0, 7 KOs) defeated Myriam Lamare (22-4, 10 KOs) at the Nordic Fight Night in Frederikshavn, Denmark to retain her WBC, WBA & WBO Female Welterweight titles.

The pound-for-pound number one put on a dominant performance to earn a unanimous decision victory over Lamare, who was floored in the seventh round but able to last the distance.

‘’The only reason Lamare was still standing was her twenty years of experience,’’ said Braekhus. ‘’Me and my new coach Otto Ramin have trained explosively and that came through in this fight.’’

“Cecilia was very strong, and an incredibly good boxer,” said Lamare. “For me, the time has come to step down. I wish Cecilia all the best in her career.”

In the evening’s Swedish main event Erik Skoglund (19-0, 10 KOs) successfully defended his European (EU) title against Adasat Rodriguez (9-3-1, 6 KOs). The Spanish challenger, who was cut above the left eye in the seventh round, put on a brave display but was ultimately outworked and outclassed by Skoglund, resulting in a twelfth round TKO.

Also in action was Mateusz Masternak (31-1, 23 KOs). ‘’The Master’’ scored a fourth round knockout victory over Sandro Siproshvili (27-18, 13 KOs). The Polish cruiserweight took control of the early rounds before landing a big right hand in the fourth, which sent his opponent to the floor and down for the count.

GOBBLER’S KNOB, (Groundhog Day 2014) — At approximately 7:25 A.M. ET today, Punxsutawney Phil — the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators — emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA, and proclaimed, in his native Groundhogese, that Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO would regain the WBO welterweight title when he rumbles again with undefeated defending world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY on Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas., Nev. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, the world welterweight championship rematch between these pound-for-pound titans will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, Bradley is going to get iced — Manila Iced — when he faces the Pacquiao Polar Vortex,” said the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound quadruped during his annual news conference. “Pacquiao is going to Arctic blast Bradley off his world championship throne. Can Bradley win the rematch? He has a better shot of making it across the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee in one day.”

Wearing a traditional Barong, El PHILipino was headed to Pittsburgh International Airport to catch a flight to Los Angeles International Airport where he will join members of the Pacman Nation in welcoming boxing’s only eight-division world champion when he arrives today on Philippine Airlines flight 102 at 6:40 p.m. PT.

When pressed for a definitive answer on whether Bradley had a chance to defeat Pacquiao, Phil astounded the media by answering in Tagalog and in English.

Quoth the groundhog, “Hinding-hindi na. Nevermore.”

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

When Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani Province of the Philippines, and Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., 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.

Both fighters will be hosting press conferences announcing their rematch fight this week in Los Angeles on Tuesday and New York on Thursday .

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.

Monte Carlo (February 1, 2014) In front of a packed house of cheering boxing fans in Monte Carlo and millions watching around the world on Saturday night, WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin stormed to a seventh round stoppage of Ghana’s Osumanu Adama at the Salles des Etoiles.

The knockout, Golovkin’s sixteenth in a row and tenth world title defense improved Golovkin’s record to 29-0 (26KO’s) and boosted his knockout ratio to 89.66, the highest among the active world champions and the highest in the history of boxing’s glamour division. With the loss Adama fell to 22-4 (16KO’s).

Utilizing his full arsenal of power shots from each hand and a bazooka like left jab, Golovkin controlled the action from the outset, drilling the Chicago resident to the canvas at the end of the first round.

Dropping the valiant Adama again in the sixth and seventh, referee Luis Pabon called a halt to the action at the 1:20 mark of the seventh stanza.

“I feel terrific, I’m very happy with my performance. From the opening round I was confortable with the fight and felt good about my power and the pace of the fight” said Golovkin. “He was a tough opponent but I was never hurt during the fight.”

Asked in the ring by TV commentator Brian Mitchell about future bouts, Golovkin stated, “I want to fight Sergio Martinez to prove who’s the best middleweight.”

Stated Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions, “We’re very thankful to the Royal Family and Golden Gloves along with SBM Monte Carlo for their help in putting on this sensational event.”

“Gennady performed in the manner that we believe he’s the best middleweight in the world. Adama was a very tough opponent but Gennady was truly on his game tonight.”

In regards to what’s ahead for Golovkin, Loeffler stated “Right now we have offers out to three HBO approved fighters for April 26th at Madison Square Garden and we look forward to returning to New York City with Gennady.”

“We’d also like to thank the countries who purchased this fight giving Gennady’s millions of fans around the world the opportunity to see his performance.”

Chicago, IL, Saturday, February 1, 2014-The always exciting super middleweight Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (12-0, 9 KOs) stopped veteran Skylar Thompson (12-11, 10 KOs) with a fifth round TKO in front of a packed ballroom during “Horseshoe Presents: Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere” in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Jimenez, who returned to the ring for the first time since his no contest to Derrick Findley (20-12, 13 KOs) in September of last year, looked sharp as he opened his 2014 boxing season.

“Hitz Boxing kicked off our 2014 campaign in great fashion and our guys really entertained the fans with their strong performances,” said Bobby Hitz. “Mike, Nick, Fidel and Roy all looked impressive and we are expecting big things from them this year.”

In the first fight of the night heavyweight Nick Asberry (3-0, 3 KOs) of Waukegan, IL won by unanimous decision over Holland, Michigan’s Raymuno Lopez (4-7, 2 KOs), as did Fidel Navarrette (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Highland, IN who beat James Owens (5-15, 2 KOs) of Milwaukee in a super featherweight bout. Chicago welterweight Roy Navarro (4-1, 3 KOs), who suffered his first loss in a close match to Nick “Bad Boy” Ramirez (4-0, 1 KO) in November, returned to winning form with with a third round TKO over Thomas Amaro (2-4, 2 KOs) of Holland, MI.

Hard working light heavyweight Simon “The Punisher” Buettner (5-1, 3 KOs) of Carpentersville, IL came up short in his effort to remain undefeated as he lost to Waterloo, Iowa’s Greg Sykes (4-0, 2 KOs) by unanimous decision. Light welterweight Joey “The Celtic Predator” Hefferle (1-0, 1 KO) also of Carpentersville was victorious in his pro debut as he stopped Justin ” Gauthier (0-3) of Green Bay, WI 1:26 into the first round. Hard hitting new comer Eddie Ramirez of Aurora, IL dropped Mateo “Babyface” Soto (0-4) of Grand Rapids, MI at the 1:25 mark in the first round of their light welterweight bout.

On Friday, February 28, Hitz returns to Hammond, Indiana’s The Venue for its wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” as it partners with Banner Promotions for a card to be featured on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights.” Earlier in the month boxing legend “Iron” Mike Tyson hits The Venue stage for “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” on Saturday, February 8. Tickets for both are available at ticketmaster.com.

ABOUT HITS BOXING
Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of the actuality show “Hitz Boxing,” a web series which has amassed over 5 million internet views. Over the year’s the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

For more information, please visit: www.hitzboxing.com.

New York, NY / West Orange, NJ (1/31/14) – In his US debut, Australian light heavyweight contender Blake Caparello scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Elvir Muriqi to headline ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at the Richard Codey Arena, in West Orange, NJ. Caparello was very consistent fighting out of the southpaw stance as he landed hard shots to the head and body. Muriqi was precise with his right hand at times, but it was too few and far between the work rate of the Aussie. Caparello, 174.5lbs., of Victoria, Australia, won by scores of 100-90, and 98-92 twice, and is now 19-0-1. Muriqi, 171½lbs., of New York, NY, is now 40-6.

“It was a tough fight,”said a victorious Caparello. “I used my angles and quick hands. I love that I was fighting in America. The fans were all against me, but it was an awesome experience.”

In front of his passionate hometown fans, Muriqi announced his retirement after the fight, citing not being able to pull the trigger.

ROSA (R) TOO MUCH FOR DIAZ

The always-exciting and dynamic Luis Rosa scored a eight-round unanimous decision over Jorge Diaz in a junior featherweight bout. Diaz was sneaking in some solid rights to the face over the first couple of rounds. Rosa scored a knockdown in round three. A good back-and-forth exchange broke out in round four and Rosa landed a left that sent Diaz to the canvas a second time. Diaz showed tremendous grit as he fought hard on the inside and as he sustained a terrific beating. Over the final two frames, Rosa landed some hard shots and had Diaz holding on, but he was able to make it to the final bell. Rosa, 122.1lbs., of New Haven, CT, won by scores of 80-70, 79-71 and 78-72, and is now 16-0. Diaz, 121.7lbs., of New Brunswick, NJ, is now 17-3.

“It was a great experience,”said Rosa. “This fight will open doors for more national television fights. I am happy for this opportunity. I want to dedicate this fight to my friend Jordan Jacques who is battling cancer.”

HERNANDEZ-HARRISON (R) IMPROVES TO 20-0

Dusty Hernandez Harrison remained perfect by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Tim Witherspoon Jr. in a welterweight bout. It was a good hard-fought battle with both guys landing powerful shots on the inside. Harrison used his size and hand speed to get the better of the action. Witherspoon had a brief moment at the end of round three when landed a hard body punch that doubled over Harrison. Harrison landed some solid uppercuts in round four and began to pound the body in round five. It was a good competitive fight with Harrison winning the majority of the exchanges. Harrison, 146.2lbs., of Washington, DC, won by scores of 78-74 on all cards, and is now 20-0. Witherspoon Jr.,146.5lbs., of Philadelphia, is now 10-4-1.

Cecil McCalla remained perfect by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Eric Mitchell. McCalla, 152lbs., of Randallstown, MD, won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56, and is now 17-0. Mitchell, 153.8lbs., of Philadelphia, is now 23-11-1.

CRUZ (L) SCORES SENSATIONAL KO OVER SANTIAGO

Louis Cruz turned in a devastating performance as he scored two knockdowns en route to a stoppage victory at 2:59 of round one over Jose Santiago in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout. Cruz, 135½lbs., of Bronx, NY, is now 6-0, with four knockouts. Santiago, 134.8lbs., of Bayamon, PR, is now 3-5.

Rickey Edwards scored a four-round unanimous decision over Justin Robbins in a lightweight bout. Scores were 40-36 across the board for Edwards, 135½lbs., of Paterson, NJ, who is now 4-0. Robbins, 135½lbs., of Springfield, MO, dropped to 2-5.

YOUNAN (L) ANNIHILATES ALLEN IN ONE

The 19-year-old phenom Junior Younan remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage over Thomas Allan in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout. Younan dropped Allen just seconds into the bout with a left hook and finished with a barrage on the ropes that forced referee Benji Esteves to call a halt to the bout at 1:09 of round one. Younan, 166½ lbs of Brooklyn, who has yet to see beyond the two-minute mark as a pro, is now 3-0, with three knockouts. Allen, 160lbs, of St. Joseph, MO, is now 1-4.

Wanzell Ellison was workmanlike in pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Villalba in a junior lightweight bout. Scores were 60-54 on all cards for Ellison, 130.9lbs., of Newark, NJ, who improved to 10-0-1. Villalba, 134.2lbs, of Juarez, MX, is now 4-6-2.

Freeport, Long Island’s junior middleweight sensation Patrick Day scored three knockdowns and stopped Guillermo Ibarra just 91 seconds into the first round of their scheduled six-round bout. Day, 154.2lbs, is now 6-0-1, with three knockouts. Ibaraa, 152lbs, of Phoenix, AZ, is now 11-5.

Undefeated Mikey Faragon scored a first-round stoppage over Ivan Zavala in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout. Faragon dropped Zavala and he was counted out at 1:06. Faragon, 142½lbs, of Guilderland, NY, is now 19-0, with nine knockouts. Zavala, 145½lbs, of Los Angeles, is now 6-5-1.

Patrick Farrell (9-2-1, 5 KO’s) scored a first-round stoppage over Lucas St. Claire (3-4) in a cruiserweight bout.

Samuel Teah registered a four round unanimous decision over Andrew Bentley (1-2) in a lightweight bout. Scores were 40-36 on all cards.

Gennady Golovkin, 159.2 vs. Osumanu Adama, 159.2
Ilunga “Junior” Makabu, 193.5 vs. Ruben Angel Mino, 199.3
Max Bursak, 159.72 vs. Jarrod Fletcher, 159
Nkonsinathi Joyi, 106.9 vs, Rey Loreto, 107.6
Roman Belaev, 146.2 vs. Dean Byrne, 146

Monte Carlo Boxing Bonanza
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Salles des Etoiles (Venue)
Monte Carlo
Presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa,
K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and SBM-Monte Carlo

Crowned, and then uncrowned, IBF Junior Lightweight champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (19-0, 12 KOs) is having two reactions to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s decision to change his January 3 title-winning and devastating KO over former, and now current, champ Argenis Mendez to a “No Decision.”

“First off, I could not disagree more,” said Barthelemy. “This decision to take away my title is a terrible one. The referee did not call a foul that night, so how can a commissioner over-rule him by watching TV, weeks later? I am better stronger and more talented than him and I knocked him out. Now I have to do it again.”

But Barthelemy’s other reaction is just as significant: “If they put me in the ring with Mendez again, I will hurt him again. They haven’t done him any favors by making him fight me again. His legs were going weak with every punch I even touched him with. And now I know exactly how to get to him, so it’ll be even worse next time. I was glad he survived to fight another day, but he is making a mistake fighting me again.”

Barthelemy’s co-promoter, Luis DeCubas agrees that the Minnesota Commission’s decision was wrong for a number of reasons.

“First of all, it’s ludicrous that my fighter trains hard, does nothing wrong, and becomes World Champion only to have an inexperienced Commission unilaterally take his win away without a hearing. Rances is the champion of the world everywhere but in the eyes of the revered boxing body called the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. There is a reason there are not more world title fights in that state. There’s no instant replay in boxing in Minnesota. If the rules were interpreted improperly, the commission can change the outcome. However, the referee didn’t do that. The referee did not rule that a foul was committed that night, so how can a commission in an office play second referee weeks later? That’s not fixing a misinterpretation, that’s acting as a second referee and it sets a very dangerous precedent in boxing.”

Margules, who also co-promotes Barthelemy, agrees that a rematch with Mendez is a horrible idea… for Mendez.

“Rances couldn’t miss this guy. They’re leading him to another ugly knockout. In fact, if that fight proved anything, it’s that there’s not a 130-lb champion or contender in the world that can contend with my guy.” said Margules

Barthelemy agrees and followed up with: “I DARE any 130-lb fighter in the world to get in the ring with me. I have developed my skills to the point where I am the best boxer in the world at my weight. What happened to Mendez was just the first of many.”

Margules continued: “I know Commissioner Ken Peterson thinks he’s doing the right thing, but he does not understand the rules of boxing that requires only the referee to call a foul. The referee did not do that and the KO Rances earned in the ring should stand. Now Rances will just give Argenis Mendes another ass-whipping. Barthelemy is at a point in his career where he is improving every day and would beat any fighter in the world at his weight. Hopefully the television networks recognize what a great talent he is, and how this horrendous reversal in Minnesota impacted him financially, and as they have done in the past with other fighters, who were wronged, give Rances Barthelemy the chance to prove he is indeed the best in the world at his or any weight.”
ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it’s credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — January 31, 2014 — Tonight in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the much-anticipated match-up between Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmer (14-4-1, 3KO) and North Carolina’s Noel Echevarria (11-1, 6KO) will light up Harrah’s Casino. Originally scheduled for a ten-round American Boxing Association (ABA) title fight, the match-up will now be an eight-round eliminator bout. The winner will go on to fight for the ABA Featherweight Championship Title.

“We are excited for this eliminator bout,” said ABA Executive Director Rick Alston. “We had hoped that Farmer and Echevarria would be fighting for the title tonight, but we’re taking the right steps to make sure that the best American fighter becomes the ABA Champion.”

As it was originally scheduled for a title fight, the ABA will donate 10% of the original sanctioning fee to the Boys and Girls Club of America, as it does for all of its sanctioned events.

The fight will take place tonight, January 31st at Harrah’s Philadelphia. Doors open at 6:30, and first bell is at 7:30. The card is promoted by Joey Eye Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at the Harrah’s Philadelphia Gift Shop for $100 (VIP), $75 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission).

#######

The American Boxing Association (ABA) was created to allow for American boxers to have a belt to fight for and defend with a sense of national pride. Like our counterparts in Great Britain, and other parts of the world, the ABA aims to provide an opportunity for American citizens to fight for and defend a patriotic title. The opportunity is available for all American boxers with requisite experience, drive, and dedication.

PHILADELPHIA (JANUARY 31, 2014)–Tonight during the ESPN’s Friday Night Fights broadcast, the pairings for the much anticipated Boxcino 2014 tournament will be revealed to the world. The broadcast will begin at 9 pm eastern time.

The Tournament, which was announced on Wednesday will feature two weight divisions with eight fighters competing in each division and will be broadcast live over five editions of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

Lightweight Participants
Yakubu Amidu (19-4-1, 18 KO’s)
Fedor Papzov (14-0, 9 KO’s)
Miguel Gonzalez (22-3, 16 KO’s)
Miguel Angel Mendoza (21-2-2, 21 KO’s)
Fernando Carcamo (15-5, 12 KO’s)
Chris Rudd (12-1, 8 KO’s)
Samuel Neequaye (21-0, 16 KO’s)
Petr Petrov (32-4-2, 15 KO’s)

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

Tony Ferrante 196.5 – Anthony Caputo Smith 199.5
(Pa. State Cruiserweight title)
Naim Nelson 136 – Christian Steele 137.4
Tevin Farmer 126.5 – Noel Echevarria 125.5
Anthony Prescott 148.5 – Jovan Sosa 144
Roberto Irizarry 127 – Arthur Parker 126
Jarrell Miller 273 – Jon Hill 238
Ievgen Khytrov 164 – Romon Barber 1615

Venue: Harrahs Philadelphia
Promoter: Joey Eye Boxing
1st Bell: 7:30 pm est

LONDON (Jan. 31) – Gennady Golovkin is hoping his outstanding 2013 can push him to even greater heights in the new year by beating the biggest names in the middleweight division.

The unbeaten Kazakhstani assassin has become one of boxing’s most feared punchers after brutally blasting his way past all four challengers last year to amass a record of 28 wins with 25 knockouts.

The 31-year-old will be looking for much of the same when he steps back into the ring this Saturday night in Monte Carlo when he defends his WBA middleweight world title against Ghanaian contender Osumanu Adama.

Though Golovkin has his eyes on bigger prizes, he refuses to overlook the tricky Adama.

“It’s going to be a great fight. It’s a new year but I think it’s going to be the same like last year – a great year – with lots of great fights starting with Saturday night. I’m ready,” said Golovkin.

“I’ve seen Adama and he’s a strong guy and it’s not an easy fight for me. This is boxing, it’s a serious business, it’s not a game, so I take every fight very seriously.

“He’s hungry, he has good motivation for this fight, he’s a good athlete and is a strong guy. It’s a great opportunity for him but also for me,” he said.

Adama, who brings a record of 22 wins, 16 by way of knockout, and only three defeats, is confident that he can stun the boxing world by beating Golovkin.

The 33-year-old is sure his speed and power will pose new problems to the unrelenting Kazakh.

“I’m prepared for this fight. I was born for fights like this and I’m ready to fight anyone in the world. Now is the time to fight Golovkin,” Adama said.

“The fighters he’s fought in the past haven’t had the speed and power that I’ve got. I’m a very powerful fighter and I’ve been in with some very good boxers. All African’s are willing me on and I’ll have a lot of fans coming to Monte Carlo to support me,” he said.

“If you want to be the best you have to fight the best. He’s the best up and coming middleweight but I also feel like I’m the best – every boxer feels like they’re the best. I will be the first person to beat Gennady Golovkin,” Adama said confidently.

Should Golovkin come through the fight victorious he has plans to set up some of the biggest fights possible in 2014.

Tom Loeffler, Golovkin’s promoter, has his eyes on a potential superfight with Argentine kingpin and reigning WBC middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez, with WBO champion Peter Quillin also a name being mooted.

“We can offer significant purses for somebody to fight Gennady. He’s crossed that barrier where everybody knows who he is now. The finances on his fights are there, where there are big fights,” said Loeffler.

“We would love to make a unification fight at some point down the road, if the politics can get worked out. It would be a great fight with Peter Quillin, who’s also an undefeated champion but Sergio Martinez would certainly be at the top of the list,” he said.

“In order to prove you’re the best you have to fight the best and that’s where we think Gennady’s the best and obviously Sergio and his promoters and handlers think he’s the best and that’s the only way to find out,” Loeffler stated.

Golovkin vs. Adama is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Saturday from 5pm. 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 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.

Here are the weights ahead of tomorrow´s Nordic Fight Night in Frederikshavn.

WBA, WBC & WBO Female Welterweight Titles
Cecilia Braekhus: 65,8 kg
Myriam Lamare: 64,9 kg

EU Light Heavyweight Title
Erik Skoglund: 79,1 kg
Adasat Rodriguez: 78,9 kg

Cruiserweight
Sandro Siproshvili: 90 kg
Mateusz Masternak: 90,5 kg

Weigh-in video:
http://www.youtube.com/NordicFightNight

For all weights and pictures, please visit www.sauerlandpromotion.com.

To get in the spirit of the Super Bowl, former NFL All-Pro linebacker Takeo “TKO” Spikes will join blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and analyst Teddy Atlas ringside as a special guest tonight on ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Spikes will discuss boxing and give his Super Bowl prediction during the show.

Details on tonight’s ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange N.J. on ESPN MediaZone.

Bout #
BLUE CORNER

RED CORNER
1
Nick Asberry
Waukegan, IL
2-0, 2 KOs
234
Heavyweights
4 Rounds
Raymundo Lopez
Holland, MI
4-6, 2 KOs
233
2
Fidel Navarrete
Highland, IN
3-0-1, 3 KOs
126.5
Super Featherweights
4 Rounds
James Owens
Milwaukee, WI
5-14, 2 KOs
124.5
3
Joey “The Celtic Predator” Hefferle
Carpentersville, IL
Pro Debut
137
Light Welterweight
4 Rounds
Justin Gauthier
Green Bay, WI
0-2
137.5
4
Eddie Ramirez
Aurora, IL
1-0, 1 KO
140
Light Welterweight
4 Rounds
Mateo Soto
Grand Rapids, MI
0-3
133
5
Roy Navarro
Chicago, IL
3-1, 2 KOs
147
Welterweights
4 Rounds
Thomas Amaro
Holland, MI
2-3, 2 KOs
146
6
Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez
Chicago, IL
11-0, 8 KOs
174.5
Supper Middleweights
4 Rounds
Skyler Thompson
Rockford, IL
12-10, 10 KOs
175
7
Simon “The Punisher” Buettner
Carpentersville, IL
5-0, 3 KOs
175
Light Heavyweights
4 Rounds
Greg Sykes
Waterloo, IA
3-0, 2 KOs
172

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
Media credential requests for “The Horseshoe Presents: Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere” must be emailed to jvmoore@gestaltonline.com by 3:00 PM on Friday, January 31.

For full consideration, please include the full name of each person you are applying for, as well as media affiliation, telephone and working email address.

Please also indicate if you are a photographer or a reporter.

Please be sure to include a working email address, as bounced confirmation emails will result in removal from consideration.

Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of “Hitz Boxing,” a web series which has amassed over 5 million views. Over the years the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

CHESTER, PA (JANUARY 31 2014)–
TONIGHT at Harrahs Philadelphia, Cruiserweight contender Tony Ferrante will be looking to take out over one years worth of frustration on Anthony Caputo Smith when the two meet for the Pennsylvania state Cruiserweight title that will headline a 7 bout card promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia thought he had the biggest win of his career last January 19th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden when he brutally knocked out undefeated Isa Akberbayev in the final round of their bout.

Later, Ferrante tested positive for a banned substance. Something he still denies to this day and even fought that matter in court.

But tonight will mark a new begging for Ferrante, who has a record of 12-4 with 7 knockouts.

“Training went great and I can’t wait to be back in there.”, Said Ferrante.

“He (Caputo Smith) doesn’t belong in the rong with me and after my last fight I am confident. He really is not a Cruiserweight. He is just a guy who can not make 175 anymore.”

Ferrante believes he has something to prove after the events of the last year.

“This is absoloutly redemption. Everyone knows I got railroaded in New York. All New York said that it was impossible for me to go from 175 pounds to 200. Everyone knows that is my natural weight. The bottom line is the other guy had a ton of money behind him and in this business, it’s all about the money.”

That was then and now Ferrante looks forward to the showdown with Caputo Smith.

This will definitely be a knockout. I trained hard for this fight and I don’t see him being able to stay with me for more than a couple rounds.”

Ferrante – Smith will headline the 7 bout card that will also feature:

Naim Nelson (10-0, 1 KO’s) battling Christian Steele (4-7-2, 2 KO’s) in an 8 round Lightweight bout.

Tevin Farmer (14-4-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Noel Echevarria (11-1, 6 KO’s) in an 8 round Featherweight bout.

In six round bouts:

Jarrell Miller (7-0-1, 7 KO’s) will fight Jon Hill (6-4, 5 KO’s) in a Heavyweight bout.

Ievgen Khytrov (1-0, 1 KO) will square off with Roman Barber (4-6, 3 KO’s) in a Middleweight affair.

four round bouts:

Anthony Prescott (2-2-1, 1 KO) will fight Jovan Sosa (1-0) in a welterweight tussle.

Robert Irizarry (0-0-1) will box Arthur Parker (1-9-1, 1 KO) In a Featherweight 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 http://www.webtix.net/

For media credentials and more information, contact:

Marc Abrams at 856 287 7611 or phillyboxing@gmail.com

BROOKLYN, NY (JANUARY 31, 2014)–On Thursday night, February 27th Dmitry Salita’s Star of David Promotions will present another edition of the popular Brooklyn Brawl series at the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn.

In the main event, popular Steve Bujaj (10-0, 7 KO’s) of New York takes on upset minded prospect Elvin Sanchez (6-2-1, 5 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ in a New York State Cruiserweight title bout scheduled for 8 rounds with bragging rights on the line.

Billed as best prospect in New York City by Trainer of Champions Billy Jiles, Steve is looking to make an impression in his second “Brooklyn Brawl” appearance. Sanchez is coming off a KO win over previously undefeated 13-0 Venroy July.

This fight promises to deliver fire works in a very competitive cross roads title fight.

In the 8 round co-feature hottest Polish prospect Michal “TNT” Chudecki (8-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Poznan, Poland is looking to make a home for himself in Brooklyn, NY and win his first title as he takes on veteran and former New York State Lightweight Champion Edwin Valdez (12-10-2, 9 KO’s) of New York.

Chudecki is looking to impress his fans state-side and carry the proud tradition of Polish boxing to the international stage at Brooklyn Brawl.

Exciting middleweight prospect Peter “CocoLoco” Reyes (4-0, 2 KO’s) of New York will look to keep his undefeated record in tact as he fights the very durable and tough Paterson, New Jersey native Michael Mitchell (2-3-2) in a bout scheduled for 4 rounds.

Three-time Golden Gloves National champion and Jr. Middleweight prospect Steven Martinez (13-1, 10 KO’s) of Bronx, NY will be ending his long lay off as he is looking to make a name and statement in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds.

Also featured on the card is U.S. Iraq Army veteran Shawn Cameron (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY. Shawn is an undefeated middleweight prospect training out of Gleason’s Gym. Shawn will be honoring the Wounded Warriors with his performance and will be accompanied into the ring by a fellow US army veteran

Also appearing on the show will be undefeated Jr Welterweight prospect Dimash Niyazov (4-0-2, 3 KO’s) of Staten Island, NY, who is coming off a fight of a sensational fight of the year candidate with Raphael Luna, will take on Carlos Nieves of Bronx, New York in a 4 round bout.

Golden Gloves champion and current lightweight prospect Marcos Suarez (1-0-1) of Bronx, NY will look to continue his climb up the ranks in his 3rd professional bout against Jean Hernandez of Bronx, NY in a bout scheduled for 4 rounds.

Also seeing action will be Akil Auguste (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY in a Middleweight bout as well as Super Featherweight Angel Garcia (6-2, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn in four round bouts.

Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing will are $125 (VIP); $100 (Ringside), $80, $60 & $40.

(PHILADELPHIA, PA JANUARY 30, 2014)– Banner Promotions, Inc. will present a new boxing tournament that will develop boxing’s newest stars. The Boxcino 2014 Championships will be a single-elimination, two weight class tournament that will feature eight fighters in both the lightweight and middleweight divisions.

The tournament will consist of five shows, to include a preliminary round, semi-finals and finals in each division. The inaugural event will take place on February 21, 2014 at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada.
ESPN will televise the Boxcino 2014 tournament that will air on ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presented by Corona Extra.

Each preliminary round will feature four, 6-round bouts. The winners will move on to the semifinals, which will be 8-round bouts. The finals of both the lightweights and middleweights will be contested at 10 rounds each.

A “most valuable boxer” will be voted by the fans and will be given a specially designed ring.

“We are looking forward to showcasing this tournament on Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “It will give fans the opportunity to see some of the best up-and-coming fighters in the sport and follow them throughout the Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates season. ESPN did a similar tournament back in 1997, which was won by future four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas. We hope to find another diamond in the rough like we did that year.”

“This will be one of the most unique tournaments that boxing has seen in a long time,” said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo.

“We are excited at the concept and we believe that new stars will be born. The fans will watch these fighters grow and the fighters know that a great performance will make them a major player in the sport.”

Lightweight Division:
Yakubu Amidu: Los Angeles (22-4-1, 18 KOs)
Fernando Carcamo: Ciudad Obregon, Mexico (15-5-0, 12 KOs)
Miguel González: Cleveland (22-3-0, 16 KOs)
Miguel Angel Mendoza: Aguascalientes, Mexico (21-2-2, 21 KOs)
Samuel Neequaye: Accra, Ghana (21-0-0, 15 KOs)
Fedor Papazov: Russia (14-0-0, 9 KOs)
Petr Petrov: Madrid, Spain (32-4-2, 15 KOs)
Chris Rudd: Covington, Tennessee (12-1-0, 8 KOs)

Middleweight Division:
Brandon Adams: San Diego, California (12-0-0, 7 KOs)
Sena Agbeko: Accra, Ghana (15-0-0, 15 KOs)
Donatas Bondorovas: Chicago (18-4-1, 6 KOs)
Daniel Edouard: West Palm Beach, Florida (23-4-2, 12 KOs)
Cerresso Fort: St. Paul, Minnesota (17-2-1, 11 KOs)
Raymond Gatica: Austin, Texas (13-1-0, 7 KOs)
Willie Monroe, Jr.: Rochester, New York (15-1-0, 6 KOs)
Vitalii Kopylenko: Kiev, Ukraine (22-0-0, 12 KOs)

TV Schedule:
Date
Time(ET)
Round
Location
Networks
Fri, Feb. 21
9 p.m.
Lightweight Quarterfinal Round
Edgewater Casino,
Laughlin, Nev.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Feb. 28
9 p.m.

Middleweight Quarterfinal Round

Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Hammond, Ind.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Mar. 28
9 p.m.
Lightweight Semifinal Round
4 Bears Casino,
New Town, N.D.
ESPN, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Apr. 18
9 p.m.
Middleweight Semifinal Round
Turning Stone Casino,
Verona N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, May 23
9 p.m.
Lightweight & Middleweight Final Round
Turning Stone Casino,
Verona N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Argenis Mendez got his IBF Jr. Lightweight title back after the Minnesota commission ruled his January 3rd bout with Rances Barthelemy a no contest after the deciding blow that caused a 2nd round stoppage came after the bell.

“This a great day for boxing. The decision proves there is justice and integrity in the sport,” Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion and Mendez’s promoter, said in a statement to ESPN.com.

Ken B. Peterson, Minnesota’s commissioner of the department of labor and industry, agreed. He wrote in his ruling, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.com, that he had reviewed video of the fight — which was nationally televised on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” — and the materials submitted by attorneys for both sides.

“In addition, I have considered input provided by referee Peter Podgorski and consulted with an ad hoc committee of the Minnesota Combative Sports Advisory Council regarding this grievance,” Peterson wrote. “My decision in this case is that the fight will be ruled a no decision.”

“The video replay presented by both parties as evidence clearly shows the knockout punch was after the bell had sounded. No evidence was presented that Mr. Barthelemy intentionally threw foul punches. The punches were an accidental foul which caused the knockout that ended the fight.”

“I think this is the right result. You never know until the decision comes down how it will go,” attorney Patrick English, who represents Mendez, told ESPN.com. “It looks as though they consulted the referee, which I am pleased to have seen.”

“I think they were wrong because the referee did not call a foul and my understanding of the rules is the only person who can call a foul is the referee,” said Barthelemy’s promoter Leon Margules. “He is the only person who can say it’s a foul, so it’s a bad interpretation of the rules.”

Toronto – Just two days removed from a live broadcast of Victor Ortiz vs. Luis Collazo from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another blockbuster live boxing card this Saturday, Feb. 1, at 12 p.m. ET from Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco, headlined by undefeated WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin making the first defense of 2014 against former title challenger Osumanu Adama.

Presented by Fight Network, Octapixx Live, K2 Promotions, Golden Gloves and GGG Promotions, Golovkin vs. Adama headlines the event titled, “Monte Carlo Night of Champions.”

Golovkin (28-0, 25 KOs) is USA Today and Ring Magazine’s fan favorite 2013 fighter of the year. Boasting the highest KO percentage among active major titleholders, Golovkin fought four times last year, destroying Gabriel Rosado, Nobuhiro Ishida, Matthew Macklin and Curtis Stevens.

Adama (22-3, 16 KOs) has never been stopped in professional competition. The Ghana native last challenged for the title in March 2012, dropping a hard-fought decision against former IBF champion Daniel Geale.

In other action, Australia’s Jarrod Fletcher (17-1, 10 KOs) battles Max Bursak (29-1-1, 12 KOs) for the WBA Continental middleweight title, Roman Belaev (12-0, 10 KOs) clashes with Dean Byrne (17-2-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental welterweight title, South Africa’s Nkosinathi Joyi (24-2, 17 KOs) throws down with Rey Loreto (17-13, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBO light flyweight championship, plus Joyi’s compatriot Ilunga Makabu (15-1, 14 KOs) faces his toughest test against unbeaten Argentinian knockout artist Ruben Angel Mino (20-0, 20 KOs).

Fight Network’s live afternoon broadcast from Monaco kicks off at 12 p.m. ET and is expected to run approximately four hours.

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

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (January 30, 2014) – Hall of Famer “Iron” Mike Tyson is the youngest World Heavyweight Champion of all-time and in 1987 he was voted “World’s Most Popular Athlete.” The living legend became a boxing promoter last year, partnering with Garry Jonas to form Iron Mike Productions, which has announced its new monthly boxing series, “KO Kings of Tomorrow,” starting February 22, at Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Tyson, of course, isn’t the first world champion who turned to promoting after retiring from the ring. He joined a select list of fighters who became boxing promoters, including Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali (see photo gallery below), Roy Jones, Jr., Oscar de la Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Tyson also announced that he will perform his acclaimed one-man show, “Undisputed Truth,” on Feb. 20 at Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The IMP boxing series will be broadcast worldwide as low-cost pay-per-view events over Universal Streaming Network, live from Sands Bethlehem Event Center, for only $4.99 via http://www.ustream.tv/universalstreamingnetwork.

The Feb. 22nd “KO Kings of Tomorrow” is loaded from top to bottom, featuring many of the top contenders and prospects in the world. World-rated featherweight Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (14-1, 11 KOs) takes on Mexican invader Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza (36-28-2, 28 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The World Boxing Association (WBA) rates Marrero, a native of the Dominican Republic, as its No. 9 rated 126-pounder in the world. The slick southpaw lost a close 12-round decision (116-111, 115-112, 114-113) in his last fight (August 23, 2013) to Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar for the WBA Interim title.

Two-time Dominican Republic Olympian Juan Carlos Payano (14-0, 8 KOs) faces battle-tested Mexican veteran German “Panteonero” Meraz (46-28-1, 25 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Payano had more than 520 amateur matches and he is currently the WBA’s top-rated contender (No. 2, the top spot is unrated), as well as ranked No. 10 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 15 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

One of the best prospects in the world, Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (2-0, 2 KOs), meets Mississippi’s upset-minded Tirobio Ball (4-1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round Special Welterweight Attraction. Lubin, fighting out of Orlando (FL), was considered Team USA’s No. 1 overall prospect for the 2016 Olympics prior to him signing a promotional contract with Iron Mike Productions last October 1 on his 18th birthday. The explosive southpaw captured a gold medal at the 2012 National PAL Championships, among his many significant accomplishments as an amateur boxer.

Cuban light heavyweight Humberto “El Don” Savigne (11-8, 8 KOs), fighting out of Miami, squares off against former world title challenger Tommy Karpency (21-4-1, 14 KOs) in another 10-round bout. Savigne is rated No. 4 by the WBA. Karpency is a local favorite from Adah, Pennsylvania, who took then-World Boxing Organization (WBO) 175-pound champion Nathan Cleverly the full distance in 2012.

Another powerful southpaw, Cuban-born super featherweight Alexei “The Mexican-Cuban” Collado (17-0, 16 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against tough Mexican veteran Edgar “Basuras” Riovalle (36-16-2, 25 KOs) in an eight-round match-up. The 25-year-old Collado, who defected to Ireland and now lives in Miami, has stopped all but one of his 17 opponents as a professional. Riovalle has been knocked out only once in his last 14 fights dating back to 2010.

Another standout IMP prospect, Orlando featherweight Dennis Galarza (2-0, 1 KO), plans to continue impressing in a scheduled four-rounder versus Jesus Gonzalez (1-1), of Mexico. Also fighting on the undercard in a six-rounder are a pair of unbeaten welterweights, popular Moossen (PA) resident “The Who Can Mexican” Samuel Vasquez (11-0, 7 KOs), the two-time All-Army and Armed Forces Champion, and Dominican Republic fighter Berlin “The Rock” Abreau (7-0., 5 KOs). Azerbaijan middleweight Farid Aghaev will make his pro debut in a four-round fight vs. an opponent to be determined.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets priced at $200.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 are on sale and available to purchase at the Sands Event Center Bethlehem Box Office, http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/, all TicketMaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-800-745-3000.

To inaugurate the “KO Kings of Tomorrow” series one lucky ticket holder will be selected to sit ringside with “Iron” Mike.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m. ET.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/
ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMike Productions, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

LONDON (Jan. 30) – Irish sensation Carl Frampton is one step away from a mega-money showdown against Mexican superstar Leo Santa Cruz.

The undefeated super-bantamweight ace will first have to get past Hugo Cazares, live and exclusive on BoxNation, when the pair meet on April 4th in a showdown at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

The show, billed as ‘This is Belfast’, will see Frampton take on the former two-time world champion in front of what is expected to be yet another sold out arena, with BoxNation being the only place left to catch the rising star.

“Hugo Cazares is a former two-weight world champion from Mexico who brings a lot of experience and skill with him,” said Frampton. “I can’t wait to get back in front of the amazing Belfast crowd and secure my shot at the WBC world title.

“I have progressed so much in the last twelve months both in the boxing ring and out of it, and I believe that the next twelve months will bring me even more success and more importantly the world title.

“It’s fantastic to be boxing at home for the fourth consecutive time and to be fighting a former two-weight world champion in a final eliminator for the world title,” he said.

‘The Jackal’ is convinced he will overcome Cazares to set the mood ahead of a huge sporting weekend in Belfast.

“It’s going to be such a big weekend for Belfast sport, I’ll be boxing on the Friday night and the Ulster Rugby team will be playing in the Heineken Cup Quarter-Final at Ravenhill on the Saturday,” Frampton said.

“Hopefully I can set the tone with a big victory and it will be a successful weekend all-round for Belfast. The whole city will be buzzing,” he said.

The 35-year-old Cazares, though, is equally determined to reclaim his spot back at the top of the sport and is unfazed by having to fight in Frampton’s backyard.

“April the 4th is my chance to put myself back on the world stage. I am a former champion and I have fought all over the world so going to Belfast is no problem for me,” he said.

“Frampton is a very good fighter but no one can stand in my way on my journey back to a world title,” vowed Cazares.

Boxing veteran and manager of Frampton, Barry McGuigan, knows that this fight is not an easy one for his young protégé and he will need to be at his peak to overcome the hardened Mexican.

“In Hugo Cazares, Carl faces a very experienced man who has been there and done it. He has won world titles in two weight divisions, including winning his second away from home in Japan, so he is no stranger to partisan crowds,” warned McGuigan.

“Carl will have to be at his best to beat this man and I believe he will, convincingly, and in doing so Carl will become the mandatory challenger to the WBC world champion, Leo Santa Cruz,” he said.

The prospect of a superfight with Santa Cruz, should Frampton come through, represents a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ contender with two, come-forward, all-action fighters going at it.

Middleweight hopeful Conrad Cummings is also set to make his home debut in front of the Odyssey Arena crowd on an action packed undercard that will feature an array of title fights.

Frampton vs. Cazares, and many more great fights, can be seen live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546). 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.

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WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY (JANUARY 29, 2014)–This Friday night at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, Three members of the GH3 Promotions will be in action with two being featured in prominent fights as part of ESPN Friday Night Fight’s televised portion of the 12 bout card.

In the main event. popular Light Heavyweight Elvir Muriqi takes on undefeated Australian Blake Caparello in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. In the potentially exciting co-feature, Jorge Diaz battles undefeated Luis Rosa in a Featherweight bout scheduled for 8 rounds. Also seeing action will be undefeated undefeated Super Featherweight Wanzell Ellison, who will be making his debut under the GH3 Promotions banner when he fights Esteban Villalba.

Muriqi of New York has a record of 40-5 with 24 knockouts feels a win over Caparello (18-0-1, 6 KO’s) is a must and has been completely focused in making that a reality.

“Training camp was good,” said Muriqi, who was training for a fight with former world champion Zsolt Erdei before Erdei bowed out of the fight. “The only thing that changed with the opponent switch was that I had to have southpaw sparring. That is not a big deal as people saw how i performed against Antonio Tarver a few years back who was not only a southpaw but the best Light Heavyweight in the world at that time.”

Muriqi has been mostly off the radar since the narrow loss to Tarver, knows that this is a spot to get back in the Light Heavyweight mix.

“This is a 2nd chance. A great opportunity to get in the mix. This is great for me to be back on television here in America and I am looking for better things after this. I will have a lot of fans here for me and I am not about to let them down”

Caparello is a virtual unknown here in the United States but Muriqi did as much scouting as he could.

“He is an awkward guy and he is undefeated. I know he will fight hard but this will be new to him to come here and fight on the road.”

Diaz of New Brunswick, New Jersey has a record of 17-2 with 10 knockouts and will be looking to redeem himself after his last appearance when he was stopped in four rounds bu Yenifel Vicente on ESPN Froday Night Fights.

“My training has been pleasing”, said Diaz.

Diaz who makes for action fights is not taking this fight lightly.

“I think me getting this opportunity has to do with our records and I am here because of the opportunity that he is presenting me with.”

Despite Rosa being from nearby Connecticut, Diaz does not know much about the 15-0 fighter.

“This is really the first I have heard of him. I have received feedback that his style is similar to my last opponent and that he likes to come forward.”

Most fighters that are coming off of stoppage defeats usually look for a soft touch to get back in the win column, By taking this fight, Diaz is proving that he is a what the old school pundits would call a “Real Fighter” by getting right back in with an undefeated opponent.

“I took this opportunity. I don’t want to waste anybodies time. I just want to get right back in the mix of things.”

Ellison of Newark, New Jersey will be battling Esteban Villalba in a bout scheduled for six rounds.

“Everything is going good,” Said Ellison. “I have been training for a long time and I am ready.”

“I do not know much about my opponent. It doesn’t matter because it will be the same outcome no matter who it is. It will be a knockout. The time is now. Friday I will show who I am, Venom!!”

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75 and $40, and can be purchased by calling
1 (888) 612-4191 or by visiting https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/BOX/Online/default.asp#

LONDON (Jan. 30) – BoxNation subscribers get a chance to assess whether Kazakh crusher Gennady Golovkin is the most explosive puncher presently active in boxing – as many experts are suggesting – when he makes a ninth defence of his WBA World Middleweight crown live on the Channel of Champions this Saturday evening.

‘Golden Gennady’, 31, has knocked-out 25 of his 28 pro opponents – including each of his last 15 – inside the scheduled distance and, eager to secure the superfights that will vault him among the sport’s biggest earners, he’ll be hoping to extend the streak against tough Ghanaian Osumanu Adama at the Salle des etoiles Monte Carlo.

The 33 year old African challenger, known as ‘Machine Gun’, lasted the full 12 round trip in an abortive IBF challenge to Australia’s Daniel Geale in March 2012 and boasts a stoppage victory over Russia’s Roman Karmazin, a former IBF light-middle titlist. Therefore, expect him to take some shifting.

Watch the action live and exclusive on BoxNation, the Channel of Champions (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) from 5pm. Join at www.boxnation.com

One man brutally aware of the carnage Golovkin is capable of wreaking is Birmingham’s Matt Macklin who was punctured by a crippling body shot from the Kazakh in round three of his world title crack last June.

On Tuesday evening, boxing writer Glynn Evans called the triple world title challenger at his Marbella training base to get the inside skinny on ‘GGG’ and analyse how Saturday’s championship action might pan out.

“Living in Marbella now, I’m contemplating driving across to see the fight live.

I think Gennady has to be placed behind only Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward on the pound-for-pound list right now. He’s on around the same level as Guillermo Rigondeaux – a completely different fighter – but that’s the level he’s at.

People bang on about Golovkin’s strength and power but, having shared a ring with him, I was most impressed by his boxing ability. His footwork is outstanding and he’s got such good judgement of distance. His timing and accuracy are both exceptional. He wastes absolutely nothing.

And he is a seriously devastating puncher with both hands, without really looking for it (the finish). The left hook that finished me broke my ribs and there was no way I could do anything about it. It’s the leverage that he generates rather than brute force that makes him so formidable.

His shots, including the hooks, tend to be long and looping. He’s definitely at his best from long range. He uses a very good jab to soften you up and his power tends to be at the end of his punches. It’s his timing that makes him so dangerous. He’s happy to stay outside and cleverly coax you on to his punches.

He’s also really aggressive. From the moment the bell rings, he’s on ya, looking to take you out. But he’s so patient, relaxed and economical when he stalks ya. It’s all so effortless. He’s able to apply intense pressure without throwing many punches or exerting much pressure himself. He’s a master at getting opponents to burn nervous energy. Against me, he was bowling forward in second gear, I was darting backwards in fifth! He’s a very, very impressive operator.

Mind, all the talk of him dropping down to light-middle for a superfight with Floyd Mayweather is bull. Golovkin’s not a big middleweight but he’s definitely a middleweight. He might physically be able to cut to 154 but he’d not be able to perform down there.

Moving up to super-middle to get his megafight would be far more logical. I think he’d be far too much for Carl Froch who likes to fight at mid and long range himself. However, Andre Ward, who’s an expert at smothering and fighting up close, has the style to give Golovkin big problems. That would be a very intriguing fight.

I’m actually quite familiar with Adama because I considered using him as a sparhand when I was preparing for my fight with Golovkin. An agent showed me quite a few clips and he seemed pretty tough, the type you could get decent rounds out of. For whatever reason, it never materialised.

I know Adama took Daniel Geale to points in a world title challenge over in Oz so he must be pretty durable. From what I saw, he was pretty orthodox. He wasn’t especially awkward like a lot of the African lads are. He seemed pretty rugged and capable, appeared to have a decent left hook but didn’t really do anything unique.

To give himself any kind of chance against Golovkin, Adama needs to hold the centre of the ring, attempt to push Gennady back and take away some of his leverages. In my opinion, Golovkin isn’t great up close, fighting inside. Adama needs to close the gap and attempt to work Golovkin over with uppercuts. He needs to meet fire with fire, just like Ricky Hatton did with Kostya Tszyu.

That was my initial intention after studying Golovkin before we fought. However, Buddy McGirt, my coach at the time, persuaded me to try to box him. It’s conceivable that a middleweight version of Buddy (ex IBF light-welter champion) could’ve succeeded with those tactics but my strengths and attributes are different. By the time I realised that I needed to adapt our gameplan, I was already really under the kosh. Gennady’s jab busted me up and I had to work so hard, so early.

Unless you’re a middleweight Guillermo Rigondeaux – and from what I’ve seen Adama isn’t – the worst possible thing you could do against Golovkin would be to try to outbox him. He’s got a very good jab and his footwork is far too good.

Osumanu needs to try to make it a gruelling, draining affair. He’s been 12 rounds three times whereas Golovkin is yet to complete ten. All fighters’ timing and reactions deteriorate as they become more fatigued. It’s a case of getting Gennady into the second half of the fight. Easier said than done!

Unless Golovkin turns up sick, injured or seriously overlooks Adama, it’s hard to give the African any hope at all. But no fighter is invincible.

Remember Vince Phillips upsetting a prime Kostya Tszyu when nobody gave him any kind of chance. He just dug in, kept firing back and ultimately broke Kostya’s heart.

Still, I think a repeat of that is unlikely here. If Adama gambles on engaging early and gets sloppy, he could get taken out immediately. He’s wiped out 15 of his 28 victims within three rounds. More likely, Golovkin will systematically break him down and bust him up by mid way.

I see Adama constantly under pressure, not winning any rounds. Curtis Stevens started boldly against Golovkin but once he tasted his power and got knocked down in round two he withdrew into his shell.

Golovkin is an expert at knocking the ambition out of you. I can’t see Adama making it past round seven or eight. ”

Watch the action live and exclusive on BoxNation, the Channel of Champions (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) from 5pm. Join at www.boxnation.com

San Diego (January 29, 2014)–Thus Saturday afternoon at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales, Lee Selby (17-1, 6 KO’s) will defend his British Featherweight and vie for the vacant European Featherweight crown when he takes on Rendall Munroe (27-3-1, 11 KO’s) that will headline a fantastic afternoon of boxing on AWE.

The show begins at 3pm est / 12 noon pac and will feature a Lightweight bout between Gary Buckland (27-3, 9 KO’s)and former world champion Gavin Rees (37-3-1, 18 KO’s) as well as an appearance by 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner Anthony Joshua (3-0, 3 KO’s)

Selby of Barry Wales has been having a solid camp and is taking nothing lightly.

“Training is going well. He is a southpaw but everything is on track,”said Selby. “Munroe is very tough and experienced and has only lost to world champions. It will be a very credible win as he has defeated guys who have gone on to win world championships.”

Knowing that the European belt is a gateway to world supremacy, Selby feel that he is close to realizing a dream.

“All I need is a win and after this it’s on the road to a world title. Once I win this title, I want to defend it one or two times and look for a world title eliminator. I feel that I am very close as a guy I already defeated in Viorel Simon is being mentioned as a possible opponent for WBC champion Jhonny Gonzalez.”

“Gonzalez is the guy I would like to fight as I consider the WBC belt the highest regarded title.”

Selby feels that a big performance on Saturday will enhance himself to the American fight fans.

“This is a massive opportunity to showcase my talent and for people can see me across another continent. Hopefully the American fans can see my style that I like to mix it up and good I have boxing skills.”

About AWE Live Boxing

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 AWEhas 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 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.

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

Sherman Oaks, CA – (Jan. 29) Make way, Chris Arreola! There’s another “Nightmare” in the Goossen Tutor Promotions stable of boxers, as promoter Dan Goossen today announced the signing of veteran world title challenger and world-ranked contender, Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan.

The 6-0 tall, 27-year old Armenian native, who has lived in Glendale, California since emigrating there with his family at age 4, has compiled an impressive 33-1-1 record with 21 knockouts in his nearly nine years as a professional boxer while fighting under Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. banner. The orthodox-style super welterweight was recently ranked as the #1 contender in most of the world sanctioning organizations. He formerly held the NABF Super Welterweight and NABO Junior Middleweight titles.

“I’m really excited about signing with Goossen Tutor Promotions,” Martirosyan exclaimed. “I see a very bright future ahead of us. I do want to thank Bob (Arum) for all his support the last seven years, I am very grateful and wish them the best of luck.”