Former Mexican amateur standout Jesus Cantua made a successful professional debut on Friday, December 20, knocking out Victor Ortiz (0-2) in the first round at the Salon Del Ayuntamiento in his hometown of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.

After dropping his foe with a right cross moments into the fight, the 20-year-old lightweight prospect finished him off with a perfectly placed left hook to the body for the ten count.

Cantua, who has won silver and bronze medals at Nationals in Mexico, is trained by Jose Santos Moreno, who also handles WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido. Salido was at ringside for the fight in support of his close friend.

Cantua is also a student at University of Sonora, where he studies business management.

“I’m very happy to have made my pro debut,” said Cantua. “I wanted to wait until I had my degree but the opportunity came to fight here at home so it was too good to pass on.”

Cantua will return to the ring in February in Nogales against an opponent to be named later.

PHILADELPHIA (DECEMBER 30, 2013)–This past March 16th at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, WBO Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov waged a memorable battle that saw Bradley barely hold on to his title by winning a razor- thin unanimous decision.

Provodnikov, knocked Bradley down with just seconds remaining in the bout and Bradley was rocked and badly hurt several more times in the bout that saw many ebbs and flows throughout the thrilling contest.

Even though the “Siberian Rocky” came up a bit short in the scorecards, he became a star that night because of his terrific performance

As 2013 draws to a close, many in the boxing community are giving the bout the accolades it deserves by naming it the “2013 Fight of the Year.”

Kevin Iole of Yahoo.com; secondsout.com; fighthype.com; sportsmedia101.com; Robert Morales; Chris Mannix of Sportsillustrated.com; Boxingnews24.com; ringtv.com & USA Today are just a few of the many outlets that has given the fight it’s highest accolade.

There are still outlets such as espn.com and the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America that will surely follow suit and add to the recognition of the great fight.

Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO’s) would go on to capture the WBO jr. welterweight championship with a 10th – round stoppage over Mike Alvarado on October 19th, in Alvarado’s hometown of Broomfield, Colorado.

“This was a great fight and we are ecstatic that the world got to see what we already knew: That Ruslan is a world championship fighter and his win over Mike Alvarado proved that,” said Banner Promotions CEO Artie Pelullo.

“I would like to thank all of the media that recognized this sensational fight. Ruslan has become must see television. He has many memorable nights in store for years to come.”

PHILADELPHIA (DECEMBER 30, 2013)–On Friday night, January 31st, Joey Eye Boxing Promotions will present a great night of championship boxing at Harrahs Philadelphia.

In the main event, it will be a battle of two of the most popular fighters in the Philadelphia area as Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante takes on Anthony Caputo Smith in a ten round battle for the Pennsylvania state Cruiserweight championship.

Ferrante of Philadelphia has a record of 12-4 with 7 knockouts and at age 29, he has a lot to prove.

He won his first nine bouts which included a 5th round stoppage over Anthony Pietrantonio (6-1).

After suffering his 1st two defeats to Chuck Mussachio (15-1-2) and Ronson Frank (15-0. Ferrante went on to score three consecutive stoppages before dropping fights to former world title challenger Omar Sheika and Dhafir Smith.

In his last bout, Ferrante knocked out previously undefeated Isa Akberbayev (10-0) in the 10th round of their January 19, 2013 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Unfortunately that bout was controversially changed to a no-contest.

This will be Ferrante’s 5th appearance at Harrahs

Caputo Smith of Kennett Square, PA has a record of 14-2 with 10 knockouts.

Caputo won his first 13 bouts while building up a large fan base in the Philadelphia / Delaware area. After suffering his 1st defeat, Caputo won the Pennsylvania State Light heavyweight championship with a 10 round majority decision over Dhafir Smith on May 4, 2013.

That win facilitated a high profile fight that saw Caputo get stopped in 3 rounds against undefeated Seanie Monaghan (18-0) on October 12, 2013 as part of the Timothy Bradley – Juan Manuel Marquez televised Pay Per View undercard in Las Vegas.

In the exciting eight round co-feature, currant Pennsylvania Lightweight champion and undefeated Naim “The Dream” Nelson will take on battle tested Christian Steele in a non-title bout.

Nelson of Philadelphia has a record of 10-0 with 1 knockout.

The 23 year old Nelson has quality victories over Korey Sloane (1-0); Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1).

On September 14, 2012, Nelson had to get off the canvas to come back and win the Pennsylvania Lightweight title with a thrilling ten round unanimous decision over Victor Vasquez. Since that fight, Nelson has 8 round unanimous decision wins over Osnel Charles and Georgi Kevlishvili.

Steele of Philadelphia has a record of 4-7-1 with 1 knockout.

He has faced 7 undefeated fighters and has had good recent success.

The 25 year-old turned pro in 2011 and has been in the ring with top prospects Jared Robinson (7-0); Anthony Young (4-0); Jose Peralta (9-1-1); Michal Chudecki (5-0) Tyrone Crawley Jr. (3-0) and Rickey Edwards (2-0)

Steele has a draw with undefeated Bobby Hornsby (8-0) big wins over Juan Rodriguez (4-1-1) and undefeated Lonnie Jackson (3-0-1) on December 21st, 2013 in Broomall, PA.

In a six round bout undefeated Super Featherweight Anthony Burgin (5-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will see action against an opponent to be named.

In four round bouts:

Anthony Prescott (2-2-1, 1 KO) of Cherry Hill, NJ battles Jose Javier Calderon (4-3-1, 4 KO’s) of Puerto Rico in a Welterweight bout.

Robert Irizarry (0-1) of New Jersey will take on Arthur Parker (1-9-1, 1 KO) of Lancaster, PA in a Featherweight bout.

Fred Jenkins Jr. (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take part in a Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.

More bouts will be announced shortly.

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/

London (30 December) Hughie Lewis Fury is “not hanging around” and is “upping his game” in 2014.

The 19-year-old heavyweight prospect has had a busy first nine months as a professional and is aiming at “all the top domestic fighters” next year, says his father and trainer Peter Fury.

“His first year as a professional is up at the end of March and already he’s had 12 fights, won all 12 with seven knockouts and next year we’ll be looking at all the top domestic fighters,” Peter said.

“Hughie’s not hanging around, he’s upping his game next year and he’s upping his game with the class of opponents as well.”

Hughie, who turned 19 in September, is the first British fighter to win a Gold Medal at the AIBA World Youth Boxing Championships at super heavyweight.

Since his professional debut in March, Hughie is already being tipped to beat Mike Tyson’s famous record of becoming the youngest fighter to win a world heavyweight title and Peter believes he can achieve whatever he puts his mind to in the sport.

“This is the kid to follow in world boxing because there is no other heavyweight like him on the planet,” Peter said.

”I’m not saying that because he’s my son, I’m saying that because of the sheer ability and boxing brain that he’s got.

“He’s maturing as he’s growing, he’s got a cast iron chin, power, the sky is the limit.

“We are leaving no stone unturned with Hughie, we know what he’s got to work on, we know he’s still improving and he’s got a lot to learn.

“He knows exactly where he is and exactly what he needs to do, so we’re very much looking forward to the new year.”

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, wraps up a hectic 2013 Cage Warriors schedule with a live New Year’s Eve broadcast of Cage Warriors 63 from The Helix in Dublin, Ireland, this Tuesday, December 31, at 4 p.m. ET.

In the dual main events, Cage Warriors lightweight champion Stevie Ray will make the first defense of his belt against Ivan Buchinger, while Jim Alers puts his featherweight title up for grabs against Graham Turner.

Ray (14-4) captured the title after emerging victorious from CWFC’s four-man lightweight tournament at Cage Warriors 60 in London earlier this month, courtesy of wins over Jason Ball and Sean Carter.

“I’m very excited to be defending my belt on New Year’s Eve at what looks set to be the biggest Cage Warriors event of the year,” said Ray, who has taken 11 of his 14 wins inside the distance.

“I wanted Buchinger next as he should have been in the tournament final, so I want to show everybody that the result would have been the same anyway. I respect him but the belt will be coming back to Scotland with me.”

Buchinger (24-4) had been due to meet Ray in that Cage Warriors 60 tournament decider but was forced to withdraw after sustaining a rib injury during his semi-final triumph over Mick Sinclair.

The 27-year-old Slovak returns to Dublin on New Year’s Eve following a 3-0 streak this year, as he rebounded impressively from his loss to Conor McGregor on the same date at The Helix in 2012.

Buchinger said: “I’m glad to be getting the shot at the belt that I earned at Cage Warriors 60 and I’m looking forward to coming back to Dublin to try to make amends for my last fight there.

“Steven Ray is a deserving champion but I am determined to take that belt from him on New Year’s Eve. I’m very excited about the opportunity.”

Alers (11-1), who’ll be searching for his seventh consecutive Cage Warriors victory, was crowned CWFC featherweight kingpin back in April when he submitted Joni Salovaara in the fourth round of the Cage Warriors 53 main event in Glasgow to clinch a title that had been vacated by Conor McGregor.

A 26-year-old native of Florida, Alers impressively overcame Martin Svensson by unanimous decision in his debut title defence at Cage Warriors 59 in Cardiff earlier this month.

Having taken all 10 of his previous victories inside the distance – eight via submission – Alers also holds notable wins over Matteus Lahdesmaki, Marcio Cesar and Freddy Assuncao.

“I’m excited go give the Cage Warriors fans the matchup they wanted to see,” said Alers. “I want to fight the best fighters in my division and I feel Graham Turner is the top guy at the moment.”

“Turner is a great guy, I like him a lot, but I’m not going to let that get in the way of me beating him up a bit and keeping my belt wrapped around my waist.”

Turner (23-7), a 25-year-old Scotsman with a kickboxing background, holds a 5-1 record under the Cage Warriors banner and – with the exception of Alers – currently holds more CWFC wins than any other featherweight.

A member of Scotland’s renowned Dinky Ninjas camp, Turner has dropped just two losses in his last 17 outings – to the UFC’s Akira Corassani and top CWFC featherweight Matteus Lahdesmaki.

Since the defeat to Lahdesmaki in February 2012, Turner has rebounded in emphatic fashion, with five straight wins, the most recent of which came at the expense of the previously unbeaten Nad Narimani at Cage Warriors 56 in London this past July.

Turner counts 16 stoppage wins on his record – 14 via (T)KO – and has seen off the likes of Ashleigh Grimshaw, Olivier Pastor and Nathan Beer since making his professional debut in 2005.

He said: “This is going to be a very tough fight; I’m pretty sure it’ll be my hardest to date. I’m excited about the challenge and I feel very honoured to be given this opportunity by Cage Warriors.

“I’d love to get my hands on the Cage Warriors world title. I have the utmost respect for Jim as a fighter and I can’t wait for this challenge. I’m also really looking forward to my first visit to Ireland.”

In another anticipated featured contest, John Maguire will take on home favorite Philip Mulpeter in a 161-pound catch-weight bout.

A two-time winner in the UFC, Maguire (18-6) is currently fifth in the UK’s lightweight rankings and is confident of making a successful start to his spell with Cage Warriors.

“Being the Cage Warriors champion is now my aim and this is the first step on the way to that,” said the 30-year-old Englishman. “Philip Mulpeter, you called down thunder; well now you’ve got it.”

Mulpeter (6-3), like Maguire, sees his future in the 155lbs division having previously competed at welterweight. The 24-year-old was quick to offer Maguire his CWFC debut via Twitter after the signing of the UFC veteran was announced last week, and Cage Warriors officials have duly obliged.

A native of Laois in Ireland, Mulpeter began his move to lightweight with a very impressive second-round TKO of Warren Kee at Cage Warriors 56 in London this past July.

Mulpeter said: “I can’t wait to get back in the cage. My last fight was a good win over a tough opponent but I’m looking to improve again. I’m looking forward to getting another win, especially in my capital city.”

In other marquee matchups, Irishman Paul Redmond (8-3) meets Poland’s Mateusz Teodorczuk (10-2) in a welterweight bout, Ireland’s top female star Aisling Daly (13-5) returns from a year-long hiatus for a strawweight encounter with Venezuelan Muay Thai specialist Karla Benitez (11-5-1) and Englishman Sean Carter (7-1) will be keen to get back to winning ways when he goes up against Irishman Myles Price (7-4).

Undercard bouts include Kieran Davern vs. John Redmond, Amanda English vs. Slavka Vitaly, Chris Boujard vs. Sean Tobin, Kevin Booth vs. Rob Leybourne, Gavin Kelly vs. Dylan Sheehan and Mick Brennan vs. Kieran O’Brien.

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.

Tomasz “Goral” Adamek: “My dream has always to be the heavyweight champion. In 2014 I will do everything I can to make that happen.”

Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba: “I’ve got a feeling that 2014 is going to be the year of success for me. God blessed me with the amazing team I have. I wanna say thanks to my manager Jodi Solomon, trainer Buddy McGirt, my promoter Main Events, my family and all my supporters who stood by me and believed in me. In 2013 I went through a loss, that threw me a lot but it made me strong and very well prepared for the future. This year I’m looking forward to big things; being at the top of my division; becoming a world champion again; and working towards being the best I can possibly be.”

Steve “USS” Cunningham: “I don’t really do New Year’s resolutions, but I’m looking for 2014 to be a stellar year for my heavyweight career.”

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan: “I will fight as often as I can. I want to get up in the rankings so I can fight for a world title.”

Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko: “My New Year’s resolution is to put more effort towards making my dreams a reality. Because miracles do happen and dreams can come true!”

Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov: “In the coming year I want to fight as many times possible. I want to get into the highest rankings and get closer, or even actually get a championship fight by the end of year 2014.”

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev: “My goal in 2014 is to fight a minimum of 4 times and to fight one of the other champions, like IBF, WBC or WBA. I want to have another belt by the end of the coming year.”

Ilshat “The Sheriff” Khusnulgatin: “The end of 2013 was successful for me. I signed a contract with a good team. I intend to improve the quality of my boxing. In the coming year my goal is to improve and enhance my position in the rankings.”

Thabiso Mchunu: “My resolution is simple, I resolve to get the WBC belt!”

Curtis “Showtime” Stevens: “My resolution for 2014 is to stop thinking so much in the ring and take these middleweights out of here.”

Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson: “My resolutions are to stay in shape and dominate my opponents so I can be on the road to become light heavyweight champion of the world.”

Check out the Main Events mashup of the best hits and knockouts of the year! You can cut and paste this link to watch the video also:

2014 will start off with a bang on Friday, January 24th when Curtis Stevens returns to NBCSN Fight Night against piston-fisted Patrick Majewski in the main event. The card will be held at Resorts Casino Hotel – Superstar Theatre in Atlantic City.

Tickets are priced $75 and $50. They can be purchased at the Resorts International Hotel and Casino Box Office, 800-736-1420 and at TicketMaster. Click here to connect to TicketMaster or cut and paste this link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/main-events-boxing-and-peltz-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-01-24-2014/event/02004B8BF6BBA488?artistid=1940738&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=33&tm_link=artist_msg-0_02004B8BF6BBA488

ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will return for its 17th season Friday, Jan. 3, at 9 p.m. live on ESPN2, WatchESPN and broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ with a 12-round IBF title bout between Junior Lightweight titlist Argenis Méndez (21-2-1, 11 KOs) and undefeated Rances Barthelemy (19-0, 12 KOs). The 10-round co-feature will pit up and coming Middleweight contender Caleb Truax (23-1, 4 KOs) against Ossie Duran (27-11-2, 10 KOs). ESPN Deportes – which will re-brand its coverage as Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) – will air the bouts at 10:30 p.m.

Blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and ringside analyst Teddy Atlas will return to describe the action for ESPN2. Studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN), who will fill-in ringside for Tessitore during the season opener, will return for his second season providing all the latest boxing news and highlights. Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights with Pablo Viruega for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on both ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez will join Trejos and González in studio throughout the season. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn), who last year became the series’ first-ever on-site reporter, will contribute to Friday Night Fights in English, and Noche de Combates in Spanish. Read more on ESPN Media Zone.
Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Networks
Fri, Jan 3
9 p.m.
Argenis Méndez (21-2-1, 11 KOs) vs. Rances Barthelemy (19-0, 12 KOs)
12-rounds, IBF Junior Lightweight Title
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+,
WatchESPN
Fri, Jan 10
9 p.m.
Arash Usmanee (20-1-1, 10 KOs) vs. Juan Antonio Rodríguez (25-4, 23 KOs)
10-rounds, Junior Lightweights
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri, Jan 24
9 p.m.
Javier Molina (14-1, 6 KOs) vs. Kendall Holt (28-6, 16 KOs)
10-rounds, Junior Welterweights
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri, Jan 31
9 p.m.
Zsolt Erdei (33-1, 18 KOs) vs. Elvir Muriqi (40-5, 24 KOs)
10-rounds, Light Heavyweights
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

LAS VEGAS, (Dec. 30, 2013) – World Series of Fighting heavyweight Derrick Mehmen provided one of the most memorable knockouts of the year with his stunning finish of Rolles Gracie, and the “Caveman” was awarded a 2013 Bazzie Award for his effort.

Mehmen’s one-punch knockout of Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Rolles Gracie, who was 8-1 entering the fight, was named the “KO Punch of the Year” at this past weekend’s Bazzie Awards, presented by Kenny Rice and MMA legend Bas Rutten on AXS TV’s weekly MMA news series “Inside MMA.”

“Thank you ‘Inside MMA’ for ‘KO Punch of the Year,'” Mehmen said on the show. “I’d also like to thank my management team, KO Dynasty, American Top Team and Hard Drive Mixed Martial Arts and all my training partners and family and especially all the fans for tuning in and watching my ‘KO Punch of the Year. Look for me in 2014.”

The 28-year-old Mehmen made his World Series of Fighting debut in September at World Series of Fighting 5, where he leveled Gracie with a massive right hand. The power of the blow spun Gracie around before he fell face-first into the canvas in a shocking scene.

Mehmen (16-5) returns to action on Jan. 18, where he meets Scott “The Bear” Barrett (13-3) at “World Series of Fighting 8: Gaethje vs. Gonzalez,” which takes place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The evening’s main card airs on NBCSN following preliminary bouts that stream on World Series of Fighting’s official website, WSOF.com.

Additionally, World Series of Fighting partner Pancrase, a Tokyo-based promotion with 20 years of experience, was also honored at the 2013 Bazzie Awards.

Takuya Eizumi’s slick rolling armbar finish of Teppei Masuda was named the 2013 Bazzie Awards’ “Submission of the Year.” The matchup took place at July’s “Pancrase 250: 2013 Neo-Blood Tournament Finals” event.

World Series of Fighting Japan is set to host its debut event in early 2014.

About WSOF
World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

LOS ANGELES (December 29, 2013) – Undefeated Ukrainian lightweight prospect Ivan “The Terrible” Redkach (15-0, 13 KOs) will continue to follow his American dream on January 17, in Memphis as he makes his U.S. network debut in the 10-round main event against Canadian Tony “The Lightning” Luis (17-1-1, 7 KOs) on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Redkach, who lives in Los Angeles, gained invaluable experience working there with world champions Brian Viloria and the late Edwin Valero. Currently rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), the ferocious 27-year-old Redkach has knocked out 13 of his 15 professional opponents. The lethal southpaw had a 260-40 amateur record and he was a 2008 Ukraine Olympic Team alternate.

“This opportunity is what I have worked so hard for since I was eight years old,” Redkach said from his training camp in LA with head trainer Mario Morales. “National exposure in the U.S. is why I uprooted my life and moved here. So many world champions started out fighting on ShoBox and now it’s my turn.”

Luis was a standout Canadian amateur who was a seven-time Provincial and three-time National silver Mittens champion. Styles make fights and the 25-year-old Luis is a consummate boxer, as opposed to the power-punching Redkach, to combine for a potential 2014 standout fight.

“Luis has an excellent amateur background,” noted Redkach, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. “He has great speed and is a pure boxer. This fight will be a great test for me. Based on what I’ve seen of him on tape, I believe he’ll dance around the ring with me being a predator; make no mistake, I will catch him!”

Redkach is carrying on a rich Ukrainian boxing history, starting with world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and continuing with contemporary Ukrainian world-class fighters such as cruiserweight Dmytro Kucher, middleweight Max Bursak, junior welterweight Viktor Postol, and featherweight Vasyl Lomachenko.

Redkach’s manager, Elite Management president Larry Army, is high on his newest signee. “There comes a time in every manager’s career when he finds out what he really has in a fighter,” Army added. “I know Ivan is a tremendous fighter with awesome power. On January 17th, the boxing world will know what I already do – Ivan Redkach will be a world champion.”

ABOUT ELITE MANAGEMENT: Found in 2008 by Atty. Larry Army in Massachusetts, Elite Management is a full-service boxing management firm focused on branding professional boxers. Elite Management is a proven expert in responsibly reviewing contracts, developing talent through effective matchmaking, gaining positive press, and attracting sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for athletes. Mr. Army is highly respected for successfully building a fighter’s team: researching, interviewing and securing the right trainer, strength-and-nutrition coach, nutritionist and cut-man. He is also known for organizing training camps for high-profile fights, as well as obtaining paid sparring partners.

Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, released the following statement regarding Anderson Silva’s injury.

“Following Saturday evening’s UFC 168 main event, former champion Anderson Silva was taken to a local Las Vegas hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a broken left leg. The successful surgery, performed by Dr. Steven Sanders, the UFC’s Orthopedic Surgeon, inserted an intramedullary rod into Anderson’s left tibia. The broken fibula was stabilized and does not require a separate surgery. Anderson will remain in the hospital for a short while, but no additional surgery is scheduled at this time. Recovery time for such injuries may vary between three and six months.

“Anderson is deeply touched by the outpouring of support from his fans and the entire MMA community. There has been no immediate decision about his future, and he would kindly ask for privacy at this time as he deals with his injury and prepares to return home to recover.”

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization announces the launch of UFC Fight Pass™, the new digital subscription service which is a must-have for mixed martial arts fans.

Unveiled today with a two-month free trial, UFC Fight Pass delivers a minimum of 10 exclusive live events per year, exclusive live prelims, newly created and exclusive content in addition to unprecedented on-demand access to parent company Zuffa’s vast mixed martial arts video library.

UFC president Dana White said: “We’re very excited to announce this unique subscription service for our great fans. As the demand for live UFC events around the world continues to increase, we’ve responded by planning more big shows in international markets in local primetime. In 2014, there are going to be more international events than ever before – but we wanted to make sure that fans around the world could see these fights too.

“The UFC has always been ahead of the game when it comes to new media and new technology. We are putting together some sick cards in international markets and with UFC Fight Pass fans never have to miss a single UFC event, no matter where in the world the fights are taking place.”

Three international UFC Fight Night events have already been confirmed for UFC Fight Pass: UFC Fight Night: SAFFIEDINE vs. LIM on January 4, UFC London 2014: GUSTAFSSON vs. MANUWA on March 8 and a third international fight card in March. All cards feature top-10 ranked fighters competing in highly significant bouts.

UFC Fight Pass will also be the exclusive place to watch live Fight Pass Prelims™, the opening contests on major UFC Pay-Per-Views and televised cards.

In addition to more than nine exclusively live fights per month, UFC Fight Pass will also offer unparalleled on-demand access to the biggest MMA fight library in the world.

White said: “Zuffa has the biggest fight library on the planet, and with a UFC Fight Pass subscription, fans will get access to thousands of fights from the entire history of the sport. This is what fans have always wanted – we are giving them the keys to the candy store. Subscribers will be able to watch, on demand, the greatest fights and greatest fighters in the entire history of this sport. And I mean everything, from Royce Gracie, Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell and Anderson Silva, to Frank Shamrock, Wanderlei Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba and Fedor Emelianenko.”

Subscribers will be able to access hundreds of hours of content from the archive which includes two decades of UFC fights and the video libraries of other MMA organizations including PRIDE FC, PRIDE Bushido, Strikeforce, EliteXC, the World Fighting Alliance, Affliction Entertainment and World Extreme Cagefighting. See attached FAQ sheet for further details.

Additionally, there will be newly-created content for the service including regular behind-the-scenes reports, fighter diaries, UFC Upfront, UFC By the Numbers, UFC Fight Camp Insider and training tips. Plus, there will be exclusive content including the hotly-anticipated upcoming The Ultimate Fighter: Brasil season featuring bitter rivals Wanderlei Silva and Chael Sonnen and future international editions of The Ultimate Fighter will be available exclusively on the UFC Fight Pass service.

“If you are a fight fan, UFC Fight Pass is for you,” White added.

UFC Fight Pass will initially launch in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, with a $9.99 price point per month in all four markets. Content will vary according to local television blackout rules.

A free two month trial starts now through February 28, 2014 providing access to live fights including the UFC’s first ever event in Singapore, UFC Fight Night: SAFFIEDINE vs. LIM, and UFC Fight Pass Prelims.

All bouts live and subject to change. Visit UFC.com and UFC.tv for more information.

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 2011, the UFC burst onto the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group.

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 over 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 video game franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club® affinity program, UFC Fan Expo®, branded apparel, trading cards and more.

DUBAI (Dec. 27) – Boxing superstar Amir ‘King’ Khan and former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs will be the honoured guests for the official grand opening of Dubai’s most outstanding fitness, boxing and MMA facility – EMD Fitness.

The centre of excellence, located in Sunset Mall, is the brainchild of the UAE’s leading professional boxer Eisa Al Dah and will host the former unified light-welterweight world champion, Khan, and heavyweight hitman, Briggs, at 6pm local time on Monday December 30th.

EMD Fitness offers the very best in training and workout services, and is spread across 15,000 square feet, providing a panoramic glass view of Dubai’s stunning Jumeirah Beach.

Al Dah has a great relationship with both Khan and Briggs, and the visit of boxing royalty to the Middle East region offers the chance to help familiarise locals with some of the fight games top names.

Khan has enjoyed an illustrious career in the sport having made his mark at just 17 years of age when he captured an Olympic silver medal for Great Britain in 2004, as his country’s sole representative.

He has gone on to succeed at the highest levels as a professional having won the WBA light-welterweight world title against Andriy Kotelnik in 2009, before unifying the tough 140 pound division with a scintillating knockout performance against Zab Judah to claim the IBF world title.

Likewise, Brooklyn native Briggs stamped his mark after winning the WBO heavyweight championship when he stopped the durable Siarhei Liakhovich in the 12th round in 2006.

Eisa Al Dah, said: “It’s great to have these two superstars of boxing visit our excellent new facilities. We firmly believe that EMD Fitness is already Dubai’s premier venue for boxing, MMA and general fitness training. The staff, services and equipment at our disposal is immense and second to none. The fact we are able to attract leading names such as Amir Khan, who I have a tremendous relationship with, goes to show that we have so much to offer. I’m sure Amir and Shannon will be left very impressed with the facilities and our overall philosophy at EMD Fitness.”

Amir Khan, said: “I’m looking forward to my visit to Dubai for the official opening of EMD Fitness. It’s an area of the world I love. I have always wanted to try and do my part to help boxing grow in this region because I believe there is so much potential in Dubai and the Middle East. Boxing is a great sport which helps to teach discipline, keep people of the street and just help with general fitness. I can’t wait to see and test the facilities at EMD Fitness because I have heard many good things about it. I’m forward to seeing Eisa, his team and all the fans – it’s going to be a great experience.”

WHO: Amir Khan and Shannon Briggs

WHEN: 6pm GST on Monday December 30th

WHERE: Jumeirah 3, Level 2 Sun Set Mall, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, U.A.E., P.O.Box 183241 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

London / Johannesburg / Monte Carlo (December 24, 2013) – Former WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has replaced Pawel Kolodziej as an opponent for big-hitting cruiserweight Junior Makabu on the undercard of Gennady Golovkin’s championship fight at the Monte Carlo Boxing Bonanza on February 1, 2014.

The tournament is presented by Africa’s promotional giant, Golden Gloves of South Africa.

Cleverly (26-1, 12 KOs) stepped in after Kolodziej had second thoughts about facing the brutal puncher from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The pair will meet in a 10-round non-title bout.

“I’m very happy about the change,” enthused Berman. “Cleverly is a bigger name by far and has been in with outstanding boxers. The UK has a great heritage of producing top cruiserweights and Cleverly is another in this long line. I expect the fight against Makabu will be explosive.”

Makabu (15-0, 14 KOs) is arguably the most devastating puncher in the cruiserweight division with all but one of his wins having come by knockout.

Having recently surrendered his WBO title, Cleverly has decided to campaign at cruiserweight where he anticipates more success after an outstanding reign in which he ran up 26 straight wins.

A former European, British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion, the Welshman cleaned up in Britain before capturing the interim WBO title against Nabjib Mohammedi in 2010. He then beat Aleksy Kuziemski for the WBO title outright in his next fight, in 2011.

Four successful title defences followed, the best of them a stoppage defeat of Shawn Hawk in Los Angeles in 2012.

In Cleverly’s most recent fight, he lost in four rounds to undefeated Sergey Kovalev in Cardiff, Wales in August, prompting his move up a division where he meets thedangerous Makabu.

Cleverly is excited to get the opportunity to regain a world title and end the year as world champion after losing his WBO crown.

David Price (15-2, 13 KOs) will make his ring return against Evengy Orlov (14-12-1, 10 KOs) on January 25 at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart, Germany.

The British heavyweight joins an action packed card that also features the much anticipated rematch between WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco Huck (36-2-1, 25 KOs) and Firat Arslan (33-6-2, 21 KOs).

The show will be available to watch on BoxNation in the UK and ARD in Germany. Tickets are available via eventim.de, easyticket.de and davidprice.co.uk. Special hotel and ticket packages are available by contacting info@spagsports.com.

Cornwall, Ontario (December 26, 2013) – Every year, rising star Tony “Lightning” Luis celebrated one of his nation’s biggest holidays on December 26. This time around, the 25-year-old Canadian’s holding off on Boxing Day celebrations for an additional three weeks and will bring the holiday spirit south of the border.

On Friday, January 17, Luis challenges unbeaten Ivan Redkach in the main event of “Showdown on Showtime” live on ShoBox: The New Generation from the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN. The World Boxing Association’s tenth ranked contender, Luis has an excellent 17-1 professional record with seven wins by knockout and is one of Canada’s top young stars. The Cornwall native is known for his excellent hand speed, conditioning and body punching ability. Last month, Luis participated in Guillermo Rigondeaux’ training camp for a second consecutive time and sparred countless rounds with the Pound-for-Pound rated superstar.

Recognized by most boxing insiders as a future world champion, Redkach has been a force to be reckoned with since turning pro in 2009. Born in Ukraine and based in Los Angeles, CA, the 5’11 southpaw scored six first round knockouts and has dominated every fight he’s been in.

“He’s a tall and strong southpaw with great power,” Luis said of the 15-0 Redkach, who has 13 wins by knockout. He knows how to use his power, moves his head, and his amateur base is very good. It’s helped him become successful. “Facing him is going to be a real challenge but we have a great game plan.”

To prepare for the bout, Luis brought in sparring partners with similarities to Redkach and is working through the holiday season to be razor sharp on the 17th. He also believes the path he’s taken leading up to the Redkach bout will help power him to victory.

“I have experience, hand speed and intelligence. I’ve learned from my past experiences as a pro and have been places he hasn’t been before. I’m not an old veteran who fights in spots and will just give him rounds. I’m also a good young fighter but I have experience he doesn’t. I’m not an over the hill fighter that he’s adding to his resume. We’re working hard as always in the gym and I’m already in top condition. I know on the 17th we’ll have a perfect the game plan to come out victorious and that will truly be my Boxing Day!”

The Tony Luis-Ivan Redkach lightweight showdown is scheduled for ten rounds and tops a ShoBox quadrupleheader featuring five other unbeaten fighters. “Showdown on Showtime” is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Dibella Entertainment and Prize Fight Boxing.

NUTLEY, NJ (DECEMBER 26, 2013)–Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated Super Featherweight Wanzell Ellison to an exclusive promotional contract.

Ellison, 24 years old of Newark, New Jersey had 90 amateur fights and he appeared in the National Golden Gloves tournament on two occasions.

He turned professional on July 31st, 2009 with a 2nd round stoppage over Alex Cooper in Saratoga, New York.

Ellison has a record of 9-0-1 with 5 knockouts.

“I am every excited that GH3 Promotions will get me moving,” said Ellison. “Now I have a promoter that believes in me. I know I will be fighting more than once or twice a year.”

With GH3 Promotions behind him, Ellison believes that he can be a player in the 130 pound division.

“I envision I will be a new star on the rise. A prospect at 130. I am looking forward to popping up on the scene and surprise a lot of people and after that, people will remember who I am.”

Ellison will be make his GH3 Promotions debut on January 31st in West Orange, New Jersey on the undercard of an ESPN’s Friday Night Fights event.

“I am excited at the New Year. It is a great way to start out. I know I have the potential and I am excited to take over the Super Featherweight division.”

Mike Tyson was the youngest heavyweight champion of all time and in 1987 voted, “World’s Most Popular Athlete.” Now he joins a select list of legendary fighters who became boxing promoters.

Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey, the “Manasa Mauler,” stopped boxing after this fight against Gene Tunney. He promoted a few bouts before entering show business as an actor.

Joe Louis
Joe Louis, the “Brown Bomber” is considered by many historians as the greatest heavyweight champion of all time. He retired briefly in 1948 and one of his first promotions was the Ezzard Charles – Jersey Joe Walcott fight for title Louis’ vacated.

Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali, known simply as, “The Greatest,” is certainly one of the most famous people of all time. After his final bout in 1981against future champ Trevor Berbick he entered the promotional business under the banner “MAPS,” Muhammad Ali Professional Sports.

Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson and business partner Garry Jonas formed Iron Mike Productions in 2013. Their motto: the best interest of the fighter comes first in any decision making. Mike will be in Minneapolis to see his IBF Champion Argenis Menedez defend his crown on ESPN Friday Night Fights January 3 at Target Center.

Some other prominent fighters who also became promoters include Roy Jones, Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather.

Video Release
https://www.hightail.com/download/elNJck84Q1BlM1FVV01UQw

Print Release
https://www.hightail.com/download/elNJck84NDJ6NE4zZU5Vag

ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Previously known as Acquinity Sports, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotion company co-founded and led by CEO Garry Jonas. In partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, 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 or follow Iron Mike Productions on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

Doc Nowicki and David Price of D and D Management Team LLC located in Philadelphia Pa celebrate another year of success in the sport of boxing by winning their 2nd consecutive Philadelphia Managers of the Year Award.

In 2013 the stable of fighters currently under the banner of D and D Management Team went an astounding 29 wins, 1 no contest, 1 draw with only 2 losses (both of which occurred in world championship bouts).

Alfred “Doc” Nowicki said “I have been managing fighters for the past 20 years and I have never been so excited about the level of skill and will possessed by our young fighters. All of our prospects are under 25 years of age and we have been carefully grooming them for the past 2 years. I can guarantee that in 2014 the world will take notice of our D-Boys”.

January 10th; 4-0, 1ko Jr. Welterweight amateur sensation Damon “Baby Dame” Allen leads the way in Philadelphia, Pa at the Iron Workers Union Hall on Delaware Ave.

January 24th; 4-0-1, Heavyweight Mark “Too Sharp” Rideout and 11-2, hard punching Middleweight Decarlo “3mendo” Perez at the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City New Jersey .

January 25th; 11-0, 10kos Super Middleweight Jesse “Hard Work” Hart who was nominated for KO of the year continues at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

January 31st; 10-0, 1ko Lightweight Naim “The Dream” Nelson resumes action at Harrah’s Casino Philadelphia.

February 14th; 17-1, 12kos Jr. Welterweight contender Emanuel “Tranzforma” Taylor who is currently ranked #4 in the world by the IBF will take center stage on ESPN’S Friday Night Fights in Huntington New York.

Dave Price stated “We had a busy 2013 posting an excellent record in the ring and working even harder outside of the ring. We are in the final stages of completing a documentary on Philadelphia Gold medalist Tyrell Biggs as well as 2 reality shows on our professional and sponsored amateur fighters. It’s been hard but I’m really proud of our team’s accomplishments in 2013 but I look forward to even greater challenges in the coming year. We are also looking for 2 possibly 3 more super talented fighters that might be added to the D and D stable in 2014”.

LAS VEGAS (December 264, 2013) – Reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Super and International Boxing Association (IBA) Light Heavyweight World Champion
Beibut Shumenov (14-1, 9 KO’s) celebrates his fourth anniversary as world champion next month but he really didn’t arrive on the worldwide boxing scene until this past December 14th in his SHOWTIME debut.

The 30-year-old Shumenov set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when he won (Jan. 10, 2010) a 12-round decision over Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. Shumenov’s fifth successful world title defense was an impressive performance over previously undefeated challenger Tomas “Tomi Kid” Kovacs (23-1, 14 KOs) on “Danger Zone,” headlined by Marcus Maidana’s upset of Adrian Broner, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Shumenov, the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who lives in Las Vegas, dropped Kovacs at the end of round one with a picture-perfect left hook to the European champion’s chin. The powerful Kazak briefly switched to southpaw in the second round, decking Kovacs with a left uppercut, and referee Rafael Ramos halted the fight at the 2:55 mark of the third round after a battered Kovacs was knocked down for the third time in the fight.

Although he hadn’t fought in more than a year, Shumenov showed little ring rust, if any at all, as he patiently stalked Kovacs, who Shumenov expected to be aggressive from the opening bell. “From watching some of his past fights,” the 30-year-old Shumenov explained, “I expected him to come forward and fight inside. I was prepared to counter him, but he fought defensively and I had to set him up. I feinted a lot more than in my past fights, moved better, and I eventually got him.

“My goal has always been to unify and Golden Boy and Showtime are going to give me that opportunity. We tried to make a couple of unifications and different fights that for one reason or another fell through. We tried to made unification fights with [Nathan] Cleverly and [Chad] Dawson when they held belts, but they weren’t interested in fighting me. I tried to unify with a scheduled fight against [then WBO champion Juergen] Braehmer but he ran out of town three days before our fight.”

The winner and still world champion, Beibut Shumenov
(photo by Tom Casino / SHOWTIME)

Aligning himself with Golden Boy and Showtime has positioned Shumenov for a potential unification fight with International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, who has the same promoter and fights for the same network as Shumenov. Hopkins attended Shumenov’s fight in San Antonio and went on record saying he wants to fight Shumenov for both belts in late March or early April.

“Bernard Hopkins is a legendary fighter and it would be an honor to fight him,” Shumenov added. “He said he wants to fight me, I want to fight him. If I had my choice of unifying against any of the other world champions in the 175-pound division, I would pick Bernard Hopkins because he is a six-time world champion who is headed to the Hall of Fame. Hopkins already proved that age isn’t an issue and maybe he isn’t human. The other two world champions, [WBC, Adonis] Stevenson and [WBO, Sergey] Kovalev, only became world champions this year and they haven’t beaten opponents at their peaks like Hopkins has so many times. Stevenson beat Dawson after [Andre] Ward destroyed him and [Tavoris] Cloud wasn’t the same after Hopkins fought him. Kovalev won his title from Cleverly, who I had been trying to fight for a few years because he had been built up and had never fought a top guy.

“I want to prove that I am the best 175-pound champion in the world and the way to do that is to beat the other champions. I think if fans really support having one world champion in our division, maybe all sides can get together to do a tournament with the winner of a fight between me and Hopkins going against the Stevenson-Kovalev winner. It’s been done before.”

Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 25) – Golden Boy Promotions’ international expansion continues with the signing of Australian super featherweight star “Wild” Will Tomlinson to a five-fight promotional deal.

“Golden Boy is the big leagues of boxing and I’m very excited to be a part of the team,” said the unbeaten Tomlinson, who has moved to Los Angeles for his pursuit of the biggest fights possible in the 130-pound weight class. “I believe 2014 is going to be a big year for me, and with Golden Boy in my corner, the sky’s the limit.”

“Will Tomlinson has paid his dues on the Australian circuit and he’s ready for the international stage,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s one of the top super featherweights in the world and he’s got all the tools to be a superstar in this sport. The fans here in the States will enjoy watching him fight for sure.”

A native of Sydney, the 27-year-old Tomlinson (21-0-1, 12 KO’s) was an amateur standout who competed in the 2007 World Championships before turning pro in July of 2008. Winner of several pro titles, including the Australian, New South Wales State, WBO Asia Pacific, WBO Oriental, and IBO Inter-Continental belts, Tomlinson won the vacant IBO super featherweight crown in November of 2011 by defeating Alan Herrera. He has successfully defended the title three times, most recently decisioning Malcolm Klassen on May 16, 2013.

Tomlinson is currently ranked fifth in the world by the IBF, eighth by the WBC and 15th by the WBO. His Golden Boy Promotions debut will be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Las Vegas (December 23, 2013)–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.

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 ten 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.

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA KIT

NEW YORK (December 23, 2013) — Boxing fans can wrap last-minute Christmas gifts by the glow of the 2013 Fight of the Year between the year’s two Fighter of the Year candidates — undefeated WBO welterweight champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY, JR and reigning WBO junior welterweight champion, “The Siberian Rocky” RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions and Tecate, the outcome of the fight went down to the wire with two judges scoring it by a razor-thin one point difference. Then Bradley vs. Provodnikov telecast will be replayed Tomorrow — Christmas Eve — beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on HBO 2.

Here are a few highlights from Media Central:

Greg Beacham, Associated Press: “Bradley Beats Provodnikov by Decision in Thriller”
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_22809149/bradley-beats-provodnikov-by-decision-thriller?source=most_viewed

Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports: “Timothy Bradley Managed to Change Public Opinion with One Thrilling, Albeit Foolish, Fight Tactic”
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/boxing–timothy-bradley-managed-to-change-public-opinion-with-one-thrilling–albeit-foolish–fight-tactic-011446419.html

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com: “Bradley Wows ‘Em, Wins in a Thriller”
http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/9061146/timothy-bradley-jr-wows-em-wins-thriller-ruslan-provodnikov

Starting tonight, HBO2 will replay 10 major league showdowns from this year over five consecutive nights. Each night the doubleheader of action starts at 11PM ET/PT. Fight fans will get to revisit the most memorable, most significant and most compelling bouts that were televised on HBO.

Tonight’s “Boxing’s Best” lineup begins at 11PM ET/PT with Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler II, followed immediately by Sergey Kovalev vs. Nathan Cleverly.

“Boxing’s Best” will be available on HBO ON DEMAND® and HBO GO®

New York-based promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions has a very busy schedule set up for the start of 2014, with several high-profile events he is either promoting or co-promoting and featuring many of his premier fighters.

On Friday, January 10, Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Brian Halquist Productions, and GH3 Promotions will present “Battle at the Boat 94”, in the I-5 Showroom of the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, and televised live, worldwide, by ESPN Friday Night Fights.

In the 10-round super featherweight main event, IBF #8-ranked Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee (20-1-1, 10 KOs) will face Mexican KO artist Juan Antonio “El Mozo” Rodriguez (25-4, 23 KOs). In the televised co-feature, Zahir “Z-Man” Raheem (34-3, 21 KOs) will continue his comeback against TBA. And in a special attraction, former top cruiserweight contender Lateef “Power” Kayode (19-0, 15 KOs) will make his second appearance as a heavyweight.

And then, on January 17, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, DiBella Entertainment, in association with GH3 Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and Prize Fight Boxing, will present an exciting quadrupleheader for the premiere of the 2014 ShoBox: The New Generation season with live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the 10-round main event, GCP’s once-beaten Tony “Lightning” Luis (17-1, 7 KO’s) will face Ukrainian lightweight Ivan “The Terrible” Redkach (15-0, 13 KO’s). In the televised co-features, unbeaten junior middleweights John Thompson (14-0, 5 KO’s) and Frank Galarza (11-0-2, 7 KO’s) collide in an eight-round matchup and fast-rising and highly regarded up-and-coming prospect Antoine Douglas (11-0, 7 KO’s) squares off against Marquis Davis (8-0-2, 5 KO’s) in an eight-round middleweight showdown. Opening the telecast will be hard-hitting Maurice Hooker (12-0-1, 9 KOs) against an opponent TBA in an eight-round junior welterweight matchup.

On January 31, in West Orange, New Jersey and live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, and GH3 Promotions will present “Super BrawlTM”, featuring Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi (40-5, 24 KOs) taking on former world light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei (33-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. On the same card, Jorge Diaz (17-2) will take on undefeated Luis Rosa (15-0) in a ten-round super bantamweight bout. On the undercard, undefeated lightweight prospect Mikey Faragon (18-0, 8 KOs) will make his much-anticipated return to the ring against an opponent TBA, after recovering from major foot surgery.

And finally, on February 1, Cohen’s fighter, WBA #3 Jarrod Fletcher (17-1, 10 KO’s), will face WBA #1 Martin Murray (26-1-1, 11 KO’s) for the vacant WBA 160 lb. title as the co- feature of Golovkin’s title defense against Osumanu Adama at the Salle des Etoiles, in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

“Our fighters have been blessed with big opportunities and we’ve been working very hard to bring them to fruition,” said Cohen. “I’d like to thank ESPN, Showtime and all my co-promoters for helping make it all happen. I look forward to a big year for GCP and its fighters and we’re off to a terrific start!”

The Nordic Fight Night in Frederikshavn has been postponed by two weeks due to an eye injury sustained by WBA, WBC & WBO Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus (23-0, 7 KOs). The pound-for-pound number one will now face Myriam Lamare (22-3, 10 KOs) at the Arena Nord on February 1.

“When it comes down to a fighter´s health, we cannot take any risks,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “The doctors have ordered Cecilia to sit out practice for ten days, which made it impossible for her to be in top shape on January 18. At the highest level, losing two weeks in the middle of your preparation is a nightmare. Against a world-class opponent like Lamare, Cecilia needs to be at 100 percent, not 90, 80 or 70. We want to apologise to the fans who have already bought tickets and hope that they will be able to join us on the new date. All fights will remain the same.”

Said Braekhus: “I am very sorry about the postponement but there is nothing I could do about it. I was gutted when I picked up the injury in sparring. I´ve been forced to postpone fights before, like against Anne Sophie Mathis due to my tonsillitis. Believe me, it is the worst feeling in the world. You feel like you let down your fans. So I was very disappointed at first but I am relieved that the postponement is for only two weeks and that my team has been able to set the new date quickly. I hope that all my fans will still come over to Frederikshavn and support me. Lamare is a very tough opponent, I couldn´t fight her without a proper preparation. My fitness and my hard training have always given me an edge over my opponents. I´ll now take a little break and then return to practice to get in shape for Lamare.”

EU Light Heavyweight Champion Erik Skoglund (18-0, 9 KOs) will also be in action making his first title defence Adasat Rodriguez (9-2-1, 6 KOs). The 22 year-old has no intention of dropping the belt he won against Lolenga Mock (31-14-1) in Kolding this October.

‘’Honestly I do not believe that Rodriguez has the boxing skills to beat me,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’He hits hard and comes forward so in that respect he is a dangerous. I will need to be careful as one punch can change a fight but I have fought guys like him before and I know exactly what I need to do to beat him.

‘’2013 was a great year for me. To win the EU title was the perfect ending. Obviously I will need to take it one fight at a time and avoid any injuries but I would like to have 4-5 fights in 2014 and hopefully get a shot at the EBU title later in the year.’’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’Erik has had a fantastic year. He showed real class and maturity in the way he beat Mock to claim the EU title. I will be expecting big things from him in 2014. However he must first focus on Rodriguez. He is a tough opponent and will be coming to Frederikshavn to win. I am expecting an exciting fight but believe that if Erik boxes like we know he can this will be the first of many successful title defences.‘’

In the Danish main event, rising featherweight Dennis Ceylan (9-0, 5 KOs) will be looking to start the year with a bang following an impressive points victory over Edgar Torres in Albertslund. As always the Nordic Fight Night will include a full undercard featuring the very best of Danish, Swedish and Norwegian boxing. Tickets are available at arenanord.dk. Tickets for the January 18 date can be refunded until January 10.

London (23 December) Hughie Lewis Fury’s development is going “exactly to plan” in his first year as a professional, says father and trainer Peter Fury.

The 19-year-old heavyweight, who turned professional in March, is still developing and Peter believes he is coming on “fantastically” and is a “throwback to world class fighters of the past.”

“It’s worked exactly to plan giving him as many fights as possible in this space of time – it’s done him nothing but good,” Peter said.

“He’s now fighting clever, while before he felt like mixing it up and taking opponents out, he’s now pacing himself and he’s trying different things in there.

“It’s given him the best possible grounding and he’s ready for bigger and better things, I think he’s come on fantastically.”

In the space of just nine months as a professional, this young and exciting talent has made his pro debut in Montreal, fought at Madison Square Garden, New York, performed in front of huge terrestrial television audiences live on Channel 5 and has featured in the world class training camps of his older cousin and fellow undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury, alongside the likes of former IBF world cruiserweight king Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and ‘Fast’ Eddie Chambers.

With such a résumé and boasting a perfect 12 wins from 12 contests, with seven knockouts, it’s been quite a year so far for the teenage heavyweight.

Peter is pleased with how Hughie is progressing in the professional ranks, but recognises that this is no surprise given his amateur pedigree, as the first ever British fighter to win a Gold Medal at the World AIBA Youth Boxing Championships at super heavyweight.

“People have got to remember that he’s a former amateur World Champion and so the talent and pedigree is there,” Peter said.

“He’s been fighting in front of big crowds, fighting with niggling injuries, protecting a previous cut, he’s been fighting through fatigue and all these things are giving him the experience of knowing what to do when certain things go against him.

“He’s learning from every situation, every time he jumps in that ring – he’s a throwback to world class fighters of the past and they’re already likening Hughie to the top fighters in the heavyweight division, which is absolutely amazing considering he’s only just turned 19-years-old.

“He’s a world class heavyweight, the power is coming and the good thing with Hughie is people are seeing the progress.”

The 6’7” fighter is also being tipped to beat Mike Tyson’s famous record of becoming the youngest ever world heavyweight champion.

Promoter Mick Hennessy can’t wait for Hughie to show what he’s got in 2014.

“Hughie has got all the talent in the world and I’m really pleased with his level of progress and development,” Mick Hennessy said.

“He’s a great person, a great talent and he’s already showing that he’s going to be exceptional.

“I’m really excited for the year ahead as I believe in 2014 he will show everyone what a talent he really is.”

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JAMAICA, QUEENS, N.Y. (December 21, 2013) – Last night at Resorts World Casino NYC, promoter/rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s SMS Promotions closed its 2013 season in grand style with the presentation of “Big Apple Boxing,” in which five of six fights ended in knockouts.

In the main event, Amir “Young Master” Imam (12-0, 11 KOs) knocked out Mexican invader Sergio “Sirenito” Perez (28-16, 19 KOs) only 52-seconds into the opening round to capture the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior welterweight title. Perez had been stopped only twice in 43 previous professional fights.

Hot lightweight prospect Joel Diaz, Jr. improved to 14-0 (12 KOs), putting Tony “Sugar Boy” Walker (5-4-1, 3 KOs) to sleep at 2:27 of the first round in the co-feature.

Three fighters promoted by 50 Cent registered impressive victories. Puerto Rican welterweight Emmanuel “Pirata” DeJesus (9-0, 6 KOs) cruised to a win by fourth-round technical knockout over Antonio Chaves-Fernandez. Lightweight Ryan “Blue-Chip” Martin (2-0, 2 KOs), a 12-time national amateur champion, lived up to his nickname by destroying Eric Jamal Goodall (1-3) with a first-round knockout at the 1:22 mark.Welterweight Donte Strayhorn (4-1) notched his first knockout as a pro, dropping Sam Moura en route to a fourth-round technical knockout.

Connecticut bantamweight Nate “The Great One” Green (5-0) overcame a first-round knockdown to upset Thomas “KO” Snow (16-2, 10 KOs). Green came back to deck Snow in the fourth and sixth rounds to win a unanimous six-round decision by identical scores of 57-54.

Complete Results
(winners listed first)

WELTERWEIGHTS:
Emmanuel DeJesus (9-0, 5 KOs), Canovanas, Puerto Rico
WTKO4 (2:54)
Antonio Chaves-Fernandez (4-14-2, 0 KOs), Brockton, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS:
Amir “Young Master” Imam (12-0, 11 KOs), Albany, NY
WKO1 (0:52)
Sergio Perez (28-16, 19 KOs), Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
(Imam captured the vacant NABF junior welterweight title)

LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Joel Diaz, Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs), Palmdale, CA
WTKO1 (2:27)
Tony Walker (5-4-1, 3 KOs), Cincinnati, OH

Ryan Martin (2-0, 2 KOs), Cleveland, OH
WKO1 (1:22)
Eric Jamar Goodall (1-3, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Donte Strayhorn (4-1, 0 KOs), Cincinnati, OH
WTKO4 (1:34)
Sam Moura (0-3), New York, NY

BANTAMWEIGHTS:
Nate Green (5-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT
WDEC6 (57-54, 57-54, 57-54)
Thomas Snow (16-2, 10 KOs), Capital Heights, MD

Tim Witherspoon Jr. 149 – Josue Rivera 148
Allen Burris 150 – Anthony Abbruzzese 150
Evencii Dixon 149 – Sukharb Shadiev 149 1/2
Mike Moore 197 – Brian Donahue 186
Lonnie Jackson 135 – Christian Steele 136

Promoter: Marty Feldman
Venue: Marple Sports Arena
1st Bell: 7:30 pm est

Tickets at the door only $25

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 20) – Boxing superstars past, present and future will help fans celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year, as FOX Deportes delivers two action-packed days filled with more than 15 hours of classic fights.

On Monday, December 23 and Sunday, December 29, 2014 Hall of Fame inductees Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad, current superstars Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Alvarez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao, Jhonny Gonzalez, Abner Mares, Amir Khan, Miguel Cotto, and Paulie Malignaggi, as well as retired legends Sugar Shane Mosley and Marco Antonio Barrera, end the year with a knockout punch.

Below is the schedule for this hard-hitting two day event:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Canelo Alvarez vs. Josesito Lopez
4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT

Oscar de la Hoya vs. Yory Boy Campas
5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT

Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto
6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

Oscar de la Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad
8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera
9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT

Canelo Alvarez vs. Shane Mosley
10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Amir Khan. vs. Paulie Malignaggi
1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT

Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Jhonny Gonzalez
2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Abner Mares vs. Anselmo Moreno
4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz
5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT

Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Rocky Juarez
6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar de la Hoya
7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

Shane Mosley vs. Pablo Cesar Cano
8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

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

INDIO, CALIF. (Dec. 20) – FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! series returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 24 to kick-off 2014 with a hard-hitting main event featuring San Diego’s undefeated Antonio “Relentless” Orozco as he puts his undefeated record on the line against fellow power-puncher Miguel Angel “El Anestesista” Huerta of Ecatepec de Morelos, Mexico in a 10-round junior welterweight fight. Also featured on the night of boxing will be a 10-round IBF Super Welterweight Final Elimination bout between former World Champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage and Miami’s Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez.

Rapidly becoming one of the most intimidating fighters in the junior welterweight division, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (18-0, 14 KO’s) stopped his last six opponents by way of knockout, including veterans Ivan Hernandez and Jose Reynoso and fellow prospect Danny Escobar. On Jan. 24, the 26-year-old from San Diego returns for his third appearance at Fantasy Springs when he faces a rugged veteran in Huerta.

Hard-hitting southpaw “El Anestesista” (27-11-1, 18 KO’s) has tested several top-notch fighters over the years, with big wins over Daniel Alicea, Efren Hinojosa and Darling Jimenez proving that when the bell rings, the Mexico City product is always ready for battle. The always-tough Huerta is looking forward to upsetting Orozco.

Eager to prove his boxing life begins at 40, Detroit’s former World Champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (32-5, 19 KO’s) is eager to defeat Joey Hernandez on Jan. 24 and put himself back in line for a shot at becoming a world champion again. The former IBF 154-pound world champion from 2010, when he knocked out Cory Spinks, to 2013 when he lost a controversial majority decision to Ishe Smith, Bundrage plans on letting his heavy hands go and adding another knockout to his record.

Miami southpaw Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (23-1-1, 13 KO’s) has long been one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets. The winner of eight straight bouts, five by knockout, and owner of the USBO and the WBC USNBC titles at 154 pounds, Hernandez is on the brink of a shot at a world title. The 29-year-old is back in action after a victory over James Winchester in November of last year and ready to take on Bundrage of Jan. 24.

Orozco vs. Huerta is a 10-round junior welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are on sale now at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.FOXSports.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @PuroOrozco, @K9Boxing, @JoeyHernandez, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at @FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.