NUTLEY, NJ (DECEMBER 16, 2013)–Two members of Vito MielnickI’s GH3 Promotion’s scored big victories this past Saturday at the Mustang Crossfit Center at Oakridge in Oakridge, North Carolina.

Undefeated Super Middleweight Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom took out veteran Marcus Brooks in round of their scheduled six round bout while Dorsett “The Bullet” Barnwell scored a six round unanimous decision over 38 fight veteran Earl Ladson in a Heavyweight bout.

Odom of Bowie, Maryland was dominant again as he raised his record to 7-0 with 7 first round knockouts.

Barnwell of Norfolk, VA won every round as he had Ladson in survival mode from the opening round on. Barnwell is now is now 11-0.

This Wednesday, Anthony “Juice” Young will be in action in a Welterweight bout in Bethlehem, PA.

GH3 Promotions will be very busy in January.

January 17th in Memphis, Undefeated John Thompson (14-0, 5 KO’s) will take on Frank Galarza (11-0-2, 7 KO’s) in a eight rounf Jr. Middleweight bout on SHO BOX while Middleweight Antoine Douglas (11-0, 7 KO’s) will open the telecast when he takes on Marquis Davis (8-0-2) in an eight round bout. Junderry Odom will see action on the undercard in a six round bout.

On January 31st in West Orange, NJ on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights GH3’s Elvir Muriqi (who is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions–40-5, 24 KO’s) will take on former world champion Zsolt Erdei (33-1, 18 KO’s) in a ten round Light Heavyweight bout; Jorge Diaz (who is co-promoted by GH3 Promotions, Greg Cohen Promitions and Pound for Pound Promotions–17-2, 10 KO’s) will take on undefeated Luis Rosa (15-0, 7 KO’s) in a ten round Super Bantamweight bout. Also seeing action will be GH3’s Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young (9-0, 4 KO’s), Barnwell and newest GH3 signee Super Featherweight Wanzell Ellison (9-0-1, 5 KO’s) will also compete in six round bouts

Also Greg Cohen Pomotions / GH3 Promotions WBA #9 Ranked Heavyweight Travis Kauffman is coming off a 1st round KO on November 30th will be back in action in a big fight very shortly.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Dec. 16, 2013) – Invicta Fighting Championships has appointed recently retired women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar Julie Kedzie as the new matchmaker for the women’s world championship MMA promotion, it was announced today on an all-new edition of “The MMA Hour” web TV program by award-winning host Ariel Helwani.

Kedzie will simultaneously continue to serve as color commentator for Invicta FC television broadcasts, a role that she has played for the promotion since the inaugural Invicta FC live event in April 2012.

“I am excited about this incredible new opportunity that will allow me to remain as active and hands on as ever in contributing to the growth of women’s competition in our great sport,” said Kedzie, a protégé of MMA guru Greg Jackson who retired from competition earlier this month following her 29th professional career bout at UFC Fight Night 33.

“(Invicta FC President) Shannon Knapp has done an unbelievable job at pushing the envelope and helping transform women’s MMA into an aggressively expanding enterprise,” continued Kedzie, “a development that will undoubtedly lead to increased participation in the sport by young women athletes who want to challenge themselves in the world’s fastest growing sport.”

“We are thrilled to expand Julie’s role in the Invicta FC organization and have one of the pioneers of our sport assume the pivotal role of matchmaker under her wing,” said Knapp. “There is no one more qualified than someone like Julie, who has lived and breathed MMA for the last 10 years, to take on the responsibility of nurturing our athletes, building our roster and creating the most exciting matchups possible for our live event series.”

Invicta FC rolled out its final live event of the year on Dec. 7, an explosive, live Pay-Per-View televised world championship doubleheader that saw Barb “Lil’ Warrior” Honchak (9-2) successfully defend her strawweight (125 pounds) title against Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (6-4-1) in the main event that was also named “Fight of the Night.”

In the eight-bout card’s co-main event, Lauren Murphy (8-0) extended her perfect record and retained her bantamweight (135 pounds), defeating Miriam “The Queen of Mean” Nakamoto (2-1) by way of TKO (knee injury) in the fourth round (:23).

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships (www.invictafc.com) is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 16, 2013) – World-class championship boxing returns to the nation’s capital on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, when hometown hero IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont “Havoc” Peterson defends his 140-pound crown against Montreal’s unbeaten Dierry Jean as part of a live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast)- event at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. In the co-main event, Middleweight Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo risks his undefeated record against Two-Time World Title Challenger Gabriel “King” Rosado.

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $250, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. ET and available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or calling (800) 745-3000. The DC Armory Box Office will be open on fight night only from 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. ET.

“This is the perfect way for me to kick off 2014, with a great fight against a tough opponent in my hometown,” said Peterson. “Fights like these bring out the best in me and I’m going to give my fans a performance to remember on Jan. 25.”

“Peterson has been in the ring with many good fighters, but he hasn’t been in the ring with me,” said Jean. “I’ve worked hard for this for a long time. I have already started training camp and I’m in great shape. I just want to bring that belt home to Quebec, where it belongs.”

“I’ve waited for a big fight like this against a top-level opponent and now I’ve got it,” said Charlo. “Rosado is a rugged, tough fighter and with a win over him, I’ll be making a statement to the boxing world that I’m ready for even bigger and better things.”

“I wanted another world title shot after my fight with Peter Quillin, but with that rematch not happening right now, I want to stay busy and keep sharp until my time comes,” said Rosado. “Charlo’s got talent, but he’s not ready to face someone with as much experience as I have. I am ready to go after my recent fight with Quillin.”

“2013 was a great year for boxing on SHOWTIME, and this doubleheader shows that we’re ready to deliver even more exciting fights in 2014,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Lamont Peterson is a fan favorite in Washington, D.C., and I give him credit for risking his belt against a tough, unbeaten fighter in Dierry Jean. As for the co-main event, Gabriel Rosado always comes to fight and he’s going to put Jermell Charlo to the test on Jan. 25.”

“Coming off a record-breaking 2013, we are taking significant momentum into the new year,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Boxing’s passionate fan base has called for the world’s top fighters to take on the biggest challenges. Lamont Peterson returns to the ring and immediately takes a difficult main event match up against a hungry power puncher in Dierry Jean. And Jermell Charlo is a rising star taking a sizable step up against the battle-tested Gabriel Rosado. January 25 will be a night you don’t want to miss.”

IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont “Havoc” Peterson (31-2-1, 16 KO’s) will begin 2014 determined to defeat Dierry Jean and then continue on to battle his peers at the top of the 140-pound weight class. With his two most recent victories coming over Amir Khan and Kendall Holt, the 29-year-old has proven that he is one of the elite in the sport today, and in his first fight since a May 2013 loss to Lucas Matthysse, Peterson is hungry for a return to the win column and respectability.

A native of Haiti who moved with his family to Montreal, Quebec, Canada as a child, Dierry Jean (25-0, 17 KO’s) has proudly represented his adopted home country, winning a national amateur championship before turning pro in 2006. Since then, his professional record has been perfect, and after winning the NABF title in 2012 with a win over Lanardo Tyner in May 2013, Jean defeated Cleotis Pendarvis in the IBF title eliminator to become Peterson’s mandatory challenger.

At just 23-years old, former amateur star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (22-0, 11 KO’s) has made plenty of waves in the junior middleweight division over the last few years, dazzling with his mix of speed and power as he mowed down opponent after opponent. In 2013, he triumphed three times, defeating Harry Joe Yorgey (KO 8), Demetrius Hopkins (W 12), and Jose Angel Rodriguez (TKO 10).

A Philadelphia fighter in the truest sense, “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-7, 13 KO’s) is always willing to dig deep and battle it out in the trenches in search of victory. A veteran of nearly eight years in the pro game, the 27-year-old Rosado impressed with his gutsy efforts in recent middleweight title fights against Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin. On Jan. 25, he returns to 154 pounds, eager to prove that he’s worthy of another world title opportunity.

Peterson vs. Jean, a 12-round fight for Peterson’s IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions’ sponsors Corona and AT&T. The live SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). In the co-featured bout, Jermell Charlo defends his USBA Junior Middleweight Championship in a 12-round fight against Gabriel Rosado. Preliminary bouts will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com and follow on Twitter at @KingPete26 @DierryJean @KingGabRosado, @TwinCharlo and @SHOSports, follow the conversation using #PetersonDierry and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK CITY (December 16, 2013) – Ever since he signed an exclusive promotional contract earlier this year with 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions, 21-year-old “Magic Man” Luis Olivares (6-0, 4 KOs) has been riding a wave towards boxing stardom. The undefeated junior welterweight from Arizona is scheduled to fight for the seventh time this year this Friday night, in his first scheduled six-round bout, on the “Big Apple Boxing” card at Resorts World Casino NYC in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

The 10-round main event on the SMS Promotions-promoted show is a 10-round battle of unbeaten junior lightweight prospects, Joel Diaz, Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) and Wanzell Ellison (9-0-1, 5 KOs). Undefeated Amir “Young Master” Imam (11-0, 10 KOs) and Mexican veteran Sergio “Sirenito” Perez (28-15, 9 KOs) square-off in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior welterweight title.

Olivares puts his perfect professional record on the line against Tony “Sugar Boy” Walker (5-3-1, 3 KOs). “I have no complaints,” Olivares spoke about fighting so often. “I like staying busy. SMS has been very good keeping me active. Every fight I learn something new and keep progressing. I’ve improved my timing and I’m more relaxed having transitioned from the amateurs to the pro style. Instead of scoring, scoring, scoring (in the amateurs), I’ve learned how to place my shots and now, overall, I’m smarter.

“Fighting in a six-round bout for the first time means a lot to me because it shows that my team trusts me and in my ability to step-up and fight six rounds. I have taken my training even more serious. Going from four to six rounds doesn’t seem like much, but it is in the ring. I’ve gone from three rounds as an amateur to four and now six rounds as a pro. I’m happy with my progress.”

Olivares was a standout U.S. amateur boxer with a final 120-15 record, highlighted by his bronze-medal placing at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team Trials, in which he lost in the quarterfinals to the eventual 141-pound U.S. Olympian, Jamel Herring, who is now a 5-0 junior welterweight as a professional.

“Signing with 50 Cent has already helped me a lot,” Olivares added. “Anytime I’m asked questions, his name comes up as my promoter. He is so well known and that’s helped build my name. I’m excited and looking forward to the future.

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent but I’ve heard that he was a good amateur. I don’t take anybody lightly. I will have to fight smart; not cautious but more alert because my team told me Walker can fight.”

Also fighting in the undercard in six-round matches are undefeated Puerto Rican junior middleweight Emmanuel “Pirata” De Jesus (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Antonio Fernandez-Chaves (4-13-2), super bantamweight Thomas “KO” Snow (16-1, 10 KOs) vs. Nate Green (4-0, 1 KO), and welterweight Donte Strayhorn (3-1) vs. Sam Moura (0-2).

Scheduled to fight in four-round matches are lightweight Ryan “Blue-Chip” Martin (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Eric Jamar Goodall (1-2), and pro-debuting bantamweight Mafato Kamogawa vs. native Michelle Cook (0-0-1).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Live performers include Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Troy Ave, Tony Yayo, Nyemiah Supreme, Pop Dallas and Nyemah Supreme. Ms. Irene Renee will sing the National Anthem.

Tickets, priced at $350.00, $125.00, $85.00 and $35.00, are available to purchase by calling Resorts World Casino NYC at (718) 215-2828, or visiting www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=9244. The $350.00 ticket holders will also receive a pair of autographed SMS Street by 50 Cent on ear headphones.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Tickets are officially on sale for the January 24th explosive double header to take place in the Superstar Theatre at Resorts International Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The main event is a 10-round middleweight contest between hard-hitting contender Curtis Stevens, 25-4, 18 KOs, and the iron-jawed Patrick Majewski, 21-2, 13 KOs.

The 10-round co-feature bout is another exciting matchup. South African cruiserweight, Thabiso Mchunu, 14-1, 10 KOs, takes on Philadelphia crowd-pleaser Garrett Wilson, 13-7-1, 7 KOs, in what figures to be an interesting clash of styles.

Six additional fights are planned to be added to the card which is promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing and Showpony Promotions.

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

Fight Venue:
Resorts Casino Hotel – Superstar Theatre
1133 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
1-800-772-9000
http://www.resortsac.com

NEW YORK (December 16, 2013) — Undefeated two-division world champion and Ventura County Police and Sheriff’s Reserve Officer Academy graduate MIKEY GARCIA returns to the stage where he won his first world title 12 months earlier — The Theater at Madison Square Garden — only this time he’ll be defending his second world championship belt in as many weight classes. Garcia will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title on the line against two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender JUAN CARLOS “Mini” BURGOS. Garcia vs. Burgos will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders BRYANT JENNINGS and ARTUR SZPILKA.

These four warriors have a combined record of 96-1-2 (69 KOs) — a winning percentage of 97% and a victory by knockout ratio of 72%.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale This Friday! December 20 at Noon ET — THE perfect holiday gift for boxing fans. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com. .

The non-televised undercard will feature New York’s favorite light heavyweight, undefeated Top-10 contender “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian and undefeated lightweight contender FELIX VERDEJO and undefeated super middleweight contender JESSE HART, the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart. The trio of young contenders boast a perfect record of 39-0 (29 KOs).

“We are proud to be presenting Mike Garcia once again,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “We believe Mikey is the next big superstar in boxing and in 2014 that will become evident.”

“We are really excited for Juan Carlos Burgos and his opportunity to win the world title that he should have already had,” said Arthur Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions, who co promotes Burgos with Thompson Boxing Promotions . “Juan was given that very questionable draw against Rocky Martinez last January 25th at The Garden that robbed him of the title. Mikey Garcia is a tremendous fighter, but we feel that Juan has the tools and the experience to get the win and become the new Junior Lightweight Champion of the World.”

“Burgos is primed for a big year in 2014,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “He’s one of the more talented boxers in his division and he’ll prove that against Mikey Garcia.”

“I’m happy to be returning to the ring,” said Garcia. ” Burgos is a very good fighter. He did very well against Rocky Martinez at The Garden last January and I think he is deserving of this title shot. There is no question we will give the fans a very exciting fight.”

“I’ve been looking forward to getting back in the ring,” Burgos said. “We’ve had a strong training camp with excellent sparring sessions. I know Mikey is a tough boxer, but I’ve been putting in the work and I expect a win on January 25.”

“With his two titles won in three victories on Boxing After Dark in 2013,” said Peter Nelson, director of programming, HBO Sports, “Mikey Garcia joined an elite class of fighters who emerged throughout the past season as boxing’s rising stars. Now, we’ll see if he can keep up that momentum or if his challenger Juan Carlos Burgos can steal it for himself. Opening the show, two undefeated heavyweights, Bryant Jennings and Artur Szpilka, face off in their HBO debuts, a compelling addition to the season premiere.”

“Madison Square Garden is excited to welcome back one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world — Mikey Garcia — for another great night of world championship boxing,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “Garcia versus Juan Carlos Burgos along with Seanie Monaghan and Felix Verdejo will be a thrilling night for fight fans and a great way to kick off another exciting year of boxing at The Garden.”

Garcia (33-0, 28 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., returns to the ring having won 16 of his past 18 bouts by knockout and has not gone the distance in over three years. He became a two-division world champion in his last fight, stopping defending WBO junior lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez in the eighth round with a vicious body shot to the liver on November 9, in Corpus Christi, TX. Garcia won his first world title — the WBO featherweight championship — on January 19, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, dethroning two-time featherweight champion Orlando Salido via an eighth-round technical win that had Garcia winning virtually every round against the seasoned veteran. He was forced to vacate the title in his first defense, for not being able to make the 126-pound weight limit. Though drained, he was still able to rise to the occasion and knock out former two-division world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez in the fourth round last June 15. Garcia, 26, had a great year in 2012 too, knocking out one-time world title challenger Bernabe Concepcion and former world champion Mauricio Pastrana, in the seventh and second rounds, respectively. He ended his 2012 campaign by knocking out former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jonathan Barros in the eighth round. Garcia is trained by his father Eduardo Garcia and co-managed and trained by his brother, 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion.

Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs), of Tijuana, México, will be making his third attempt at a world title. After unsuccessfully challenging Hozumi Hasagawa for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title in 2010, he moved up to the junior lightweight division stringing together a two-year, five-bout winning streak, including victories over Luis Cruz for the NABO title in 2011, and former world champion Cristobal Cruz for the WBC Silver championship belt in February 2012. In July 2012 Burgos stopped undefeated Cesar Vazquez in the third round to catapult himself into the No. 1 contender position. Burgos challenged defending WBO junior lightweight champion Rocky Martinez on the same card that saw Mikey Garcia stop Orlando Salido. Unfortunately Burgos’ efforts were not rewarded the same way as both fighters walked away with a disputed draw despite Burgos landing 93 more punches than Martinez, according to CompuBox statistics, including 70 more power punches, and his 36% connect rate was 13% higher than Martinez. Burgos, who turns 26 on December 26 — Boxing Day — returns to ring world-rated No. 1 by the WBO.

Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, is picking up steam, winning four of his last five bouts by knockout. One of the brightest lights among U.S. heavyweight contenders, Jennings, 29, captured the USBA heavyweight title in June of 2012, winning a 10-round decision over Steve Collins. He successfully defended that title in December 2012, knocking out Bowie Tupou in the fifth round. He only had one fight in 2013 — a sixth-round stoppage victory of Andrey Fedosov in June. Collins, Tupou and Fedosov had a combined record of 71-5-1 when they faced Jennings, who enters this fight with a new managerial and promotional team. He is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC and No. 5 by the WBA.

Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs), of Krakow, Poiland, enters this fight having won 10 of his previous 12 fights by knockout, including three of the four bouts he fought in 2013. He has picked up an American following thanks to his two nationally-televised knockout victories over Mike Mollo in 2013, where both men hit the deck in each of their action-packed fights. Another highlight for Szpilka was his 10-round unanimous decision victory over Brian Minto for the interim WBC Baltic heavyweight title. He enters this fight world-rated No. 14 by the WBC.

One of New York’s top boxing attractions, Monaghan (19-0, 12 KOs), of Long Beach, NY, is the reigning WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight champion. He captured that title in June 2012, knocking out Romaro Johnson in the eighth round, and has successfully defended it twice — via a 10-round unanimous decision in October 2012 and in his pay-per-view debut, on the Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez welterweight champion card, by stopping Anthony Caputo-Smith in the third round. Monaghan enters this fight having won four of his last six fights by stoppage and world-rated No. 6 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBA. He will be facing Fabio Garrido (19-4, 15 KOs), of Säo Paulo, Brazil, in a 10-round light heavyweight battle. Garrido, who has won his last three fights by knockout, captured the vacant Brazilian light heavyweight title on December 7, knocking out Ernesto Gonzalez in the first round.

Verdejo (9-0, 6 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has not only transitioned from a stellar amateur, where he fought on Puerto Rico’s 2012 Olympic team, to an exciting professional, he has also ignited the passions of his island’s boxing fans who currently have no world champions representing them. In short, he is showing the potential for being Puerto Rico’s next big boxing star, following the lineage of Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto in attracting legions of fans to his all-action fights not only in Puerto Rico, but in New York, Las Vegas and Florida. Verdejo, 20, fought eight times in 2013 and only went the distance twice. He will be facing Lauro Alcantar (8-0, 1 KO), of Agua Prieta, México, in a six-round battle of undefeated lightweight contenders.

Hart (11-0, 10 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA , won all six of his 2013 fights by knockout, with only one of those bouts reaching the third round. Trained by his father, the highly-rated middleweight contender of the late ’60s and early ’70s Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, the younger Hart, 24, will be taking on durable veteran Derrick Findley (20-11-1, 13 KOs), of Gary IN. Findley, who scored a second-round TKO of contender Ronald Hearns in 2012, has gone the distance against undefeated contenders Matt Korobov, Gilberto Ramirez and J’Leon Love.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com www.thompsonboxing.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions, facebook.com/thompsonboxing or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing, twitter.com/thompsonboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #GarciaBurgos to join the conversation on Twitter.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 15, 2013. It is often said that “styles make fights.” The grudge match between 2012 UAE Fighter of the Year Mohammad Ali (3–0) and his nemesis Abdul Kabbani (3-1) features two fighters with styles that are just about as different as one would find anywhere.

Dubai resident Mohammad Ali Bayat is the typical finesse boxer (also “out-fighter,” “pure boxer,” or just “boxer”). As a boxer, Bayat, like his famous namesake, seeks to maintain a gap from his opponents and fights with faster, longer range punches. Boxers like Bayat are known for being extremely quick on their feet. The boxer style often makes up for a lack of power. Since they rely on the weaker jabs and straights (as opposed to hooks and uppercuts), boxers tend to win by points decisions rather than by knockout, although some boxers can be aggressive and effective punchers. Boxers such as Muhammad Ali, Benny Leonard, Gene Tunney, and Larry Holmes have many notable knockouts, but usually preferred to wear down their opponents and outclass them rather than just knock them out. Notable out-boxers include Muhammad Ali, Lou Ambers, Wilfred Benitez, Jack Blackburn, Cecilia Brækhus, Ezzard Charles, Kid Chocolate, Billy Conn, James J. Corbett, George Dixon, Chris Eubank, Tiger Flowers, Mike Gibbons, Tommy Gibbons, Holly Holm, Larry Holmes, Harold Johnson, Jack Johnson, Junior Jones, Benny Leonard, Tommy Loughran, Joey Maxim, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Philadelphia Jack O’Brien, Ken Overlin, Willie Pep, Maxie Rosenbloom, Barney Ross, Gene Tunney, Jersey Joe Walcott, and Pernell Whitaker. It was by out-boxing Kabbani that Bayat was able to win the first meeting between the two fighters on points.

Kabbani, also a Dubai resident, on the other hand is a real brawler and the consummate swarmer. The swarmer (also “crowder,” or “in-fighter”) is a fighter who attempts to overwhelm his opponent by applying constant pressure. Kabbani, like most swarmers, uses a very good bob-and-weave style and constantly moves his head side to side, along with good power, a good chin, and a tremendous punch output (resulting in a great need for stamina and conditioning). The swarmer’s style favors closing inside an opponent, overwhelming them with intensity and punches, usually flurries of hooks and uppercuts. Swarmers tend to be fast on their feet, which can make them very difficult to evade for a slower fighter. They also tend to have a good “chin” because this style usually involves being hit with many jabs before they can maneuver inside where they are more effective. Many swarmers, including Kabbani, are often either shorter fighters or fighters with shorter reaches, especially in the heavier classes, that have to get in close to be effective. Tommy Burns was the shortest Heavyweight champion at 5’7, while Rocky Marciano had the reach at 67-68 inches. However, heavyweight Jack Dempsey (a modern cruiserweight in size) was nearly 6’1 in. tall with a 77 in. reach and an exception to the rule. Famous swarmers include Henry Armstrong, Carmen Basilio, Nigel Benn, Melio Bettina, Tommy Burns, Joe Calzaghe, Julio Cesar Chavez, Steve Collins, Jack Dempsey, Joe Frazier, Gene Fullmer, Kid Gavilan, Harry Greb, Emile Griffith, Fighting Harada, Ricky Hatton, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Marciano, Battling Nelson, Mike Tyson, Bobo Olson, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Patterson, Aaron Pryor, Tom Sharkey, David Tua, Mickey Walker, Micky Ward, and Jimmy Wilde.

The Bayat-Kabbani rivalry has all of the ingredients of a grudge match, two fighters who clearly do not like each other fighting for home bragging rights. To boot, a close fight to the decision amplifies the rivalry. While Ali won the first fight between the two, it was by a very close decision. Kabbani disputes the end result and thinks that he should have won. On the other hand, Bayat thinks he deserve the win and vehemently objects to any suggestion that the decision was handed to him. Similarly, most people who saw the fight cannot agree on the winner. There was no clear winner and the debate rages to this day as who the real winner was in the first fight. What is undisputed, however, is that Kabanni dominated the early rounds and knocked down Bayat a couple of times while Bayat dominated the later rounds with his finesse and conditioning. It appears that Kabbani as the typical swarmer went for the early knockout and could not sustain the workload. Sustaining the incredible of energy required to execute the swarmer style is very difficult and brawling demands a great amount of training. As a result, a swarmer that is not properly conditioned tends to run out of gas, as is what happened to Kabbani in the first fight between the two. Bayat, who is always in shape got stronger as the round went on. Kabbani does not think there is any possibility of him running out of gas.

If there ever was a grudge match, this is it. And it is for UAE bragging rights. While Bayat is Iranian and Kabbani is Syrian, both are Dubai residents. Bayat is bent on proving that his win was not a fluke. Kabbani is resolved to settle the dispute the only way a swarmer knows how, by knocking Bayat out. As they say, there is no dispute over who is the winner when one Kos one’s opponent.

Both fighters have gentle personalities but get so animated about their opponent that each unusually consumed with rage when teased about the possibility of losing to the other.

Said Kabbani, “I will knock him out Inshallah [God willing]. Our last fight, I was not in good shape and yet I almost knocked him out. I spoke to his girlfriend and she told me that that Bayat was in bed for over a month after the last fight. This time, I will break every bone in his body.”

Said Bayat, “I beat him before. I will beat him again. Just because he has put on more muscles, has been training for months and now has an American trainer will not change anything. He may be ten kilos bigger than me fight night but I will outbox him.” Kabbani will come ten kilos heavier for this fight.

Bayat v. Kabbani should be one for the ages and is one of eight or more exciting bouts that will be featured at the first-ever live professional boxing competition being held in Abu Dhabi–Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island, a version of the acclaimed Thursday Night Fights series that will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the 5,000-capacity du Forum, located on Yas Island.

About Lion Heart Boxing Promotions (the Promoter)
Lion Heart Boxing Productions is global Boxing Promoter and Sports Entertainment Company based in the U.S. The company was set up in 2001 for the sole purpose of providing top quality events with highest entertainment value and has promoted boxing events on four continents (North America, Oceania, Africa and Asia. The Company quickly earned a reputation as a producer of high quality fights and is well respected for its fair treatment of fighters and commitment to fighters’ rights.

Art Media FZ LLA, a company owned by the pioneer of fights in the UAE and one of the top UAE promoter (Valdimir Burdun), will serve as Lion Heart Boxing Productions’ local UAE partner and co-promoter.

About Thursday Night Fights
Thursday Night Fights is proven as the oldest continuous live professional boxing series with its genesis in the USA. The fight series was started by Jim Patton in 1988 and Lion Heart Boxing Productions has been promoting a version of Thursday Night Fights since 2001. Each year, from October to April, Thursday Night Fights produces 24 to 26 boxing shows with the highest entertainment at the Egan Center in Anchorage, Alaska with sellout crowds. While Thursday Night Fights shows have been promoted in other cities, Thursday Night Fights’ long and uninterrupted production streak in Alaska dating to 1988 makes Thursday Night Fights the longest continuous boxing series in history. Part of Thursday Night Fights already can be seen on national TV in the USA as The Alaskan Brawlers Reality Show, which debut January 9, 2013 on US cable network TruTV. Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island is the UAE version of Thursday Night Fights and will be produced in association with Art Media.

About Yas Island
The MENA region’s prime leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Island is one of the finest destinations for weekend getaways, romantic holidays and family fun. Be wowed by the amazing events and touring artists gracing the stage at du Forum and du Arena. Live the ultimate water adventure at Yas Waterworld. Dare to ride Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, at speeds up to 240kmph at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, also the world’s largest indoor theme park. Take in sensational sea views on Yas Links Golf Course. Imagine driving a Formula Yas 3000 or Aston Martin GT4 on the same circuit as the pros. Stroll along the calm turquoise waters at Yas Marina or simply lounge on the warm, idyllic sands of Yas Beach.

Home to the world famous Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Island offers seven hotels (from affordable to luxury), all hosting numerous restaurants and eateries alike. Located just 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi, a jewel of the desert with picturesque mangrove-fringed islands, clear waters and eternal sunshine and only 45 minutes from the buzzing city of Dubai, guests will discover worlds within worlds as they explore the various charms Yas Island has to offer. Find out more about Yas Island by visiting www.Yasisland.ae

Contact Information
For information about Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island, please contact Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island Event Coordinator Quincy Taylor at +971-55-747-0914 or email him at muziksun50@yahoo.com.

For more information about Lion Heart Boxing Productions, Ltd., Thursday Night Fights @ Yas Island, or the Thursday Night Fights series, please call Edward B. Mendy, Chief Financial Officer, at (973) 317-6050 (USA) or +971-55-303-1016 (UAE). Also, you may write to him at ebmendy@gmail.com, ebmendy@LionHeartBoxingProductions.com or 480 Laurel Lane, Kinnelon, NJ 07405.

For print stories, JPEG photos of the fighters and events are available upon request by calling Serda Anderson, Vice President, Public Relations at (504) 628-7866 or write to her at 3634 Coliseum Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

Please visit our websites: www.yasislandfights.com or www.LionHeartBoxingProductions.com.

Last night in Indio, California, Angel Osuna suffered unfortunate, unforseen injuries after fighting nine tough rounds with JDLHmgmnt fighter Hugo Centeno, and is now fighting for his life. We were once again reminded that boxing is not a game, and these warriors place their lives on the line every time they step into the ring. I saw eighteen young men step into the ring to fight for their livelihoods and our entertainment. One of those young men, Angel Osuna, has not yet returned home to his family. Hugo, myself and the whole JDLH family are praying for a speedy recovery for Angel, and are keeping his family in our thoughts as well. Stepping into the ring in the first place is a brave act, and we know Angel is fighting as hard outside the ring as he battled inside of it last night and throughout his career. Get well soon Angel.

BROOKLYN (December 14, 2013)—Due to the inclement weather and concern for public safety, tonight’s show at Pacplex in Brooklyn has been postponed. The show will be made up at a date to be announced shortly.

Tickets will be honored on the rescheduled date or can be refunded at point of purchase.

LONDON (Dec. 14) – Belfast sensation Carl Frampton has opened the door to a spectacular world title showdown with Leo Santa Cruz next year.

The WBC super-bantamweight champion, Santa Cruz, called out the Ulsterman ahead of his fight with undefeated Cesar Seda this weekend on BoxNation, naming him as a potential opponent for a mega bout in 2014.

Frampton is currently the mandatory challenger for Kiko Martinez’s IBF world title, raising the stakes in a future matchup with Santa Cruz, should he triumph over the Spaniard once again, having stopped him in nine rounds when they met last February.

The 26-year-old, however, is eager to share the ring with the all-action Santa Cruz as soon as possible and believes he would have his number should the pair collide.

“I think I beat him,” Frampton told BoxNation. “I don’t know if I stop him or if I beat him on points. He’s very easily hit. He reminds of a smaller version of Antonio Margarito, and you saw what Manny Pacquiao did to him – Pacquiao is obviously a world class fighter, an amazing fighter and probably my favourite fighter – but it’s movement,” he said.

“People with that sort of style they can’t really seem to deal with movement and if you’re moving around them and hitting them hard while you’re doing it, that’s what’s going to be their downfall and I can certainly do that,” Frampton said.

The Irishman does not believe that the perceived gulf in class between WBA Super champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and Santa Cruz, compared with the rest, is a fair reflection of how the 122 pound division truly shapes up.

“A lot of people have said that it would be a great fight [against Santa Cruz] and I believe it would be a great fight. People think him and Rigondeaux are head and shoulders above every other super-bantamweight in the world but I don’t see it like that,” he said.

“I see Rigondeaux as the main man and I think I’m a better fighter than Santa Cruz – I honestly do,” Frampton said.

Frampton also sees flaws in Santa Cruz’s approach which he is confident he can exploit.

“I think he can easily be hit. Although he’s tough, he’s a bantamweight who’s moved up to super-bantamweight. I know for a fact if I was fighting him, I don’t think he would be so keen to walk forward with his hands held high if I was hitting him round the head all the time,” he said.

“You have got to give him credit because it’s worked so far in his career but a fight between me and Santa Cruz is something I relish because that sort of style is perfect for me,” said Frampton.

Managed by the legendary Barry McGuigan, who enjoyed a huge fan following, Frampton is himself no stranger to an adoring legion of supporters having sold out the 11,000 seater Odyssey Arena in Belfast, in his last fight against Jeremy Parodi.

The fan favourite, however, is aware he will need to cross the pond to get a fight with the Mexican sensation Santa Cruz and is convinced the fight can happen in 2014.

“The fight could definitely happen next year,” said Frampton “It would be a massive fight the more I keep winning, particularly if I bring a world title to the table, it’s going to be more appealing to Santa Cruz and his team,” he said.

“I know he’s with Golden Boy and I’m an Irish guy from Belfast – and we all know what the Americans think of good Irish fighters. Potentially that could be a big fight in America, or even here [Belfast], but if you want to fight someone of Leo Santa Cruz’s calibre you have to go over to the States because Golden Boy really rate him,” he continued.

“You want big fights at home but I’ve always said I would like to fight over in the States one day – so why not fight Leo Santa Cruz over there?,” Frampton stated.

Broner vs. Maidana & Santa Cruz vs. Seda is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday at 12.30am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

*Must include tagline above if publishing full or revised release.

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.

Las Vegas, Nev. – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) announced today that Sweden’s Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson, the no.1 UFC light heavyweight contender, is the winner of the EA SPORTS™ UFC Cover Vote presented by MetroPCS. Gustafsson will share the first ever EA SPORTS UFC cover with current light heavyweight champion, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, who EA announced last month as the first cover athlete. The two also met in the Octagon® earlier this year. Fans cast over 11 million votes throughout the cover vote program. Gustafsson edged out legendary welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre in the final round, emerging victorious from a field of 16 fighters that also included champions Anthony Pettis, Ronda Rousey, Jose Aldo, Chris Weidman and Demetrious Johnson. EA SPORTS UFC will be available for the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, in the spring of 2014.

“It’s a thrill and an honor to appear on the cover of the first ever EA SPORTS UFC game,” said Gustafsson. “I want to thank all my fans who tirelessly campaigned and voted for me. I am proud to have the support of not only my home country, Sweden, and Europe, but also from people all around the globe. This is a huge win that motivates me to become the best light heavy weight fighter in the world.”

“This was a great way to engage fans and we are excited that they selected Alexander Gustafsson as the Cover Vote winner,” said Dana White, UFC President. “Europe accounted for nearly 40% of the web traffic to the Cover Vote during the last week of voting. This overwhelming support from UFC fans in Europe is indicative of the sport’s rapidly growing popularity around the world and especially in EMEA. I couldn’t be more excited about the UFC game and the work that the team at EA SPORTS has done.”

As part of the MetroPCS EA SPORTS UFC Cover Vote Sweepstakes, one lucky fan who voted will have the chance to be part of Gustafsson’s entourage when he walks out at one of his next fights. Fans are encouraged to check out the MetroPCS Facebook and Twitter to get behind the scenes access to the winner’s experience.

Powered by EA SPORTS IGNITE technology, EA SPORTS UFC brings the action, emotion and intensity inside the Octagon to life in ways that were never before possible. The next-generation of True Player Motion not only showcases the diverse, powerful and fluid attacks of elite mixed martial artists through Precision Movement, Dynamic Striking and Strategic Submission Battles, but also brings the combatants to life with Full Body Deformation and Real-Time Exertion. The simulation of Human Intelligence takes leaps forward with the strategic and adaptive MMAi system and is expressed through the most realistic characters ever created in a sports game.

Assets:
To download assets, please visit the EA press site at http://info.ea.com. Visit the EA SPORTS UFC website for more details.

EA SPORTS UFC is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver and will be available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in spring 2014. The game is available for pre-order at http://www.origin.com. The game has not yet been rated the ESRB and PEGI; visit www.esrb.org and www.pegi.info for more information. Become a fan of EA SPORTS UFC on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/easportsufc and follow us on Twitter via http://www.twitter.com/easportsufc.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 35 live events annually. The UFC is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world with events distributed residentially throughout North American cable and satellite providers including iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, and in Canada on BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group for live events and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2 including the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries, to 821 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). UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with over 2.7 million followers on Twitter. UFC businesses also include over 100 UFC GYM® locations, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, UFC FIT™, an in-home fitness and nutrition program, UFC 360, the internationally distributed magazine, a videogame franchise with EA, DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information visit UFC.com.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players in over 200 countries.

In fiscal year 2013, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™ and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA SPORTS, The Sims, SSX, Need for Speed, Mass Effect and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and affiliated entities in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners. John Madden, NFL, NCAA, NHL, NBA, PGA TOUR and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20130628005856r1&sid=sfsite1&distro=nxAbout MetroPCS

MetroPCS provides the freedom and convenience of unlimited, no-annual-contract wireless services on an advanced nationwide 4G LTE network for a flat rate. With MetroPCS, customers get great value and a wide variety of device choices from leading brands. A flagship brand operated by T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: “TMUS”), MetroPCS products and services are available online and across the United States through a network of company-owned stores, authorized dealer locations, and leading national retailers. For more information, please visit www.metropcs.com.

Derric Rossy 235 – Jonte Willis 226
Natu Visinia 276 – Jon Bolden 218
Rafael Hernandez 134 – Dedrick Bell 134
Allan Phelan 128 – Tomi Archambault 129
Ytalo Perera 232 – Tyrone Gibson 222
Phillip Moreno 129 – Nathan Seelye 124.5

Venue: Pacplex
Promoter: Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing
1st bell: 7pm est
TV: www.pandafeed.tv

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 13) – 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Anthony Ogogo will be back in action this Sat., Dec. 14 in the ExCel Arena in London, England where he won his Olympic bronze medal for Great Britain. The young undefeated middleweight will face Trowbridge, England’s Daniel Blackwell in a 6-round middleweight bout on Matchroom Sport’s fight card headlined by the IBF Intercontinental Lightweight Championship fight between Kevin Mitchell and Karim El Ouazghari.

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday night. I’m boxing back at the ExCel for the first time since the London Olympics so it’s going to be a special night for me and I can’t wait to get back in the ring”.

Owner of an undefeated record 3-0 (2 KO’s) since turning professional in April, Lowestoft’s Ogogo has impressed boxing fans and pundits with his ever-growing skill set and poise in the ring. On Saturday, the 25-year-old will be challenged by the 20-year-old Blackwell (5-26, 1 KO), an upset-minded competitor looking to shock the British boxing world.

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

Montreal, Canada (December 13, 2013) World ranked heavyweight Mike “The Rebel” Perez will make a quick return to the ring taking on hard-hitting contender Carlos Takam of France on Saturday, JANUARY 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

The Perez/Takam clash contested for the World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) US-NBC Title will be a featured bout on the massive event headlined by Canada’s two most popular fighters, Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute. Perez vs. Takam is presented by K2 Promotions while Pascal vs. Bute is promoted by GYM Promotions and Interbox. January 18 will be a tripleheader televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

“We’re thrilled to bring Mike back to the ring and back on HBO so quickly following his win on NOVEMBER 2 at Madison Square Garden” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “Mike’s battle with Magomed Abdusalamov was a highly competitive bout and in light of Mago’s injuries from that fight Mike will be dedicating this upcoming bout to him.”

“We’re also very happy that HBO has shown a renewed commitment to the heavyweight division which has always been the premier division in the sport. Mike wants to stay active and show that he’s one of the best heavyweights in the world.”

Perez will be donating a portion of his purse to Abdusalamov’s family and will honor him in the ring by having “Mago’s” name stitched on his trunks. Fans can also make donations to Abdusalamov and his family through www.Ring10Ny.com .

“I’m excited to return to training with my coach, Abel Sanchez in Big Bear, California. My thoughts since NOVEMBER 2 have been with ‘Mago’ and his family and I pray he makes a full recovery,” said Perez.

“Takam is a very strong heavyweight with a great record but I’ll be fully prepared to be successful on JANUARY 18.”

“I’m excited that my fight will be on HBO, I have a lot of respect for Perez but on January 18 I will prove that I can beat him in the ring ” said Takam.

“We are thrilled to launch our 2014 boxing season on an electric night in Montreal,” said Peter Nelson, Director of Programming, HBO Sports. “January 18th promises to be compelling: Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute will face off before one of the biggest crowds of fight fans to gather in 2014; rising undefeated heavyweight Mike Perez returns to HBO against heavy-handed Carlos Takam; and Eleider Alvarez-Thomas Oosthuizen presents a make-or-break battle of undefeated light heavyweights.”

Fighting out of Cork, Ireland, by way of Cuba, the 28-year-old Perez sports an undefeated record of 20-0-0 (12KO’s)

Looking to stay active and work towards a world title bout, Perez is currently ranked # 5 by the World Boxing Council and # 10 by the World Boxing Organization.

A native of Cameroon, fighting out of Noisy-le-Grand, France, the 33-year-old Takam has compiled a record of 28-1-0 with 22 knockouts over eight year professional career.

Over the last two years, the 2004 Olympian has knocked out two former world title challengers, Michael Grant and Frans Botha and has won ten fights in a row.

Over the last decade, K2 Promotions has promoted the most heavyweight championship title bouts of any promoter worldwide. K2 Promotions is one of Boxing’s most respected promoters showcasing boxing’s biggest events in the US and Europe at many of the world’s premier venues.

The Managing Director of K2 Promotions is Tom Loeffler.

Atlantic City, NJ-When Amir Mansour and Kelvin Price step into the ring Saturday evening, Dec. 14, to face each other in the 10-round main event at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City (NBC Sports Network Fight Night, 8pm ET), they will keep alive a long tradition of outstanding heavyweight boxing at this seashore resort.

Heavyweight veterans and prospects fill the rest of the seven-bout card. Among them: former IBF cruiserweight champ Steve USS Cunningham, of Philadelphia, PA; unbeaten David Rodriguez (36-0, 34 K0s); of Mexico, first-timer Andrew Peurifoy, of Sicklerville, NJ.

It’s a chance for these men to show off their ability in a city which has played host to some of the biggest heavyweight fights and fighters in the sport’s long, storied history.

Atlantic City’s heavyweight boxing heyday, which peaked with Mike Tyson’s one-round destruction of Michael Spinks in 1988, goes all the way back to 1921 when heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey came here to train for his July 2 title defense against Georges Carpentier, of France. Their outdoor fight at Boyle’s Thirty Acres near Jersey City drew more than 80,0000 people in a makeshift stadium and produced boxing’s first Million Dollar Gate. Dempsey won by knockout in four rounds.

Dempsey returned to train here in the summer of 1926 for his Sept. 23 defense in Philadelphia against Gene Tunney, of New York. That fight, which Dempsey lost by decision after 10 rounds, drew a record crowd of 120,757 in a pouring rain at Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial Stadium.

Not much major heavyweight action took place in Atlantic City until 1973, when former WBA champion Ernie Terrell, of Chicago, was judged the loser after 12 uninspiring rounds against Chuck Wepner, of Bayonne, NJ. In those days, the referee was the sole arbiter and when Harold Valan raised Wepner’s hand at the end (his scorecard read 7-5 in rounds for Wepner), he was chased by Terrell’s trainer Sam Solomon, who went after Valan with the scissors he used to cut the bandages from Terrell’s hands. It remains one of boxing’s most dubious verdicts.

When legalized gambling came to this resort in 1978, so did televised boxing and the casinos jumped into the mix, each one trying to stage the biggest fights for their high rollers.

Nearly every major heavyweight boxer of the last 30 years has appeared here, beginning with a pair of 1983 title defenses by Larry Holmes against Scott Frank, of Oakland, NJ, and Marvis Frazier, of Philadelphia. Frank lasted five rounds but Frazier never heard the bell for round two.

In a comeback early in 1988, Holmes was blitzed by Tyson, then a feared slugger, in four rounds.

Other heavyweights champions who boxed here include Evander Holyfield, whose 1991 war with George Foreman was a classic, as well as Tim Witherspoon, Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe, Pinklon Thomas, Lennox Lewis, Michael Dokes, Ray Mercer, Hasim Rahman, Chris Byrd, Bruce Seldon, Bonecrusher Smith, Greg Page, Oleg Maskaev, Leon Spinks, James Toney, John Ruiz, Michael Moorer, David Bey, Oliver McCall, Tony Tubbs, Roy Jones, Jr., Francisco Damiami, Shannon Briggs and Tommy Morrison.

Some of them boxed here on their way up, some on way down, others in title fights.

The last official heavyweight title fight here was June 2, 2007, when Briggs lost his WBO belt to Sultan Ibragimov after 12 less-than-scintillating rounds at Boardwalk Hall.

Current champ Wladimir Klitschko, in his only fight here, got off the floor twice to outpoint Samuel Peter in 2005 at Boardwalk Hall.

In addition, a slew of outstanding heavyweight contenders appeared here, including Andrew Golota, Gerry Cooney, Carl “The Truth” Williams, Tex Cobb, Razor Ruddock, Alex Stewart, Jesse Ferguson and David Tua.

With those giant footsteps to follow, there is no doubt both Mansour and Price, as well as the rest of Saturday’s card, will put forth their best effort to make Atlantic City heavyweight boxing proud.

REMINDER: The “Road to Redemption” Weigh In will be streamed live today, Friday 12/13 at 3PM ET at http://www.ustream.tv/mainevents

Sherman Oaks, CA (December 13, 2013) ESPN Friday Night Fights heads back to the
Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA on January 24, 2014 as hot Southern California based prospect Javier Molina battles former world champion Kendall Holt in the ten round welterweight main event.

Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, the event will be shown live on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. Tickets for “LITTLE CREEK BRAWL IV” start as low as $30 and can be purchased by calling (800) 667-7711 or online at www.little-creek.com. Doors open on the night of the event at 4:30 p.m. with the first bell at 5:00 p.m. For more information and directions to the Little Creek Casino Resort, please visit their website at www.Little-Creek.com

“We’re very excited to return to the Little Creek Casino Resort and work with their terrific team on this event,” said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. “The main event is a major step-up for Javier Molina and, for Kendall Holt, it’s a do-or-die bout. For Molina it’s an opportunity to take another step toward a world ranking and for Holt, it’s a chance to re-establish himself as a world class fighter.”

“The fight will have a lasting impact on both men. One fighter trying to record the biggest win of his career, the other fighting to stay relevant. All the makings of a great fight.”

Fighting out of Norwalk, CA, the 23-year-old Molina, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, has compiled a record of 14-1-0 (6 KO’s) since turning professional in 2009. He is currently riding a five bout-winning streak, capped by a victory over highly touted prospect Joseph Elegele on March 9 of this year in Costa Mesa, CA.

Having all the gifts to become boxing’s next rising star, Molina is looking to repeat the success of his Olympic teammate Demetrius Andrade who recently won a world championship.

“This is a great opportunity for me, and I believe I’m up for the challenge,” said Molina.

With a record of 28-6-0 (18 KO’s), New Jersey native Holt is coming off a disappointing 2013 loss against the IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson on February 22 in Washington, D.C. in his bid to reclaim his world championship status.

Over the course of his 12-year career the 32-year-old Holt has defeated numerous world champions and top contenders including Ricardo Torres, David Diaz, Isaac Hlatshwayo and Julio Diaz.

“Molina hasn’t been where I’ve been and I intend to remind him this is the big leagues when he steps in the ring with me,” a confident Holt said.

“This will be the fourth year in a row that we’ve had the pleasure of broadcasting a Kendall Holt fight. He put on a great show for ESPN last year in a world title bout against Lamont Peterson despite the loss and we expect the same type of action against Molina,” said Brian Kweeder, ESPN’s Senior Director of Programing and Acquisitions.

Co-featured at “Little Creek Brawl IV” is another sensational ten round featherweight battle between two Southern California based contenders, former world champion Rico “Suavecito” Ramos of Pico Rivera and Jonathan “Lil Thund’r” Arrellano of Ontario.

Just 26-years-old Ramos, 22-3-0 (12 KO’s), has already packed a career’s worth of high-level activity into his six-year professional career. Winning the WBA Super Bantamweight World Title from Akifumi Shimoda on July 9, 2011, Ramos relinquished the title to current pound-for-pounder Guillermo Rigondeaux six months later.

Since the setback of losing the world championship, Ramos has defeated two highly regarded undefeated contenders; Efrain Esquivias in June of last year and most recently scoring an impressive knockout of former amateur standout Carlos Ivan Velasquez on September 7 of this year. As an amateur, Velasquez was the last man to defeat current world champion Yuriokis Gamboa one of the long list of great Cuban fighters.

Bringing a record of 14-2-2 (3 KO’s) into battle, fan favorite Arrellano returns to action after his career best victory, a show-stopping performance over Charles Huerta on November 16 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena on the undercard of the Andre Ward/Edwin Rodriguez Super Middleweight Championship.

In a crowd thrilling eight round war, Arrellano used accurate and sharp punching combinations to take a majority decision over the battle-tested veteran Huerta.

“Little Creek Casino Resort and the Squaxin Island Tribe are excited to have two world championship level fights at our property providing our fans with world-class toe-to-toe action,” said Little Creek Chief Executive Officer, Michael Starr.

The undercard will feature some promising Washington-state prospects for the “Little Creek Brawl IV” event, which will be announced shortly.

About Little Creek Casino Resort:
Little Creek Casino Resort is located on Highway 101, a few minutes west of Olympia, WA, near Shelton. It is owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe and features smoking and non-smoking casino space with nearly 1,700 slots and a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Little Creek is a prime resort destination with a 154-room lodge, Salish Cliffs Golf Club, a multiple award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, Seven Inlets Spa, a full-service relaxation facility where you can spend an hour or the whole day, indoor pool and exercise room, several dining options including a seafood bar, buffet and the Island Grill, Skookum Events Center and an upstairs cigar lounge. Little Creek also has an RV parking area with full hookups.

BOLTON (Dec. 13) – Haroon Khan’s scheduled contest in Wigan this Saturday has been cancelled due to his opponent being involved in a car accident.

Khan was set to face Francisco Ortega of Spain at the Robin Park Centre but the 28-year-old has had to pull out due to the accident in his homeland.

Due to the short notice, a subsequent replacement could not be lined up in time.

Haroon Khan, said: “First and foremost I wish Francisco a speedy recovery. It’s very unfortunate news and I hope he can get back to full health soon. I’m disappointed not to be fighting this weekend because I’ve been training hard since my last outing in Blackpool last month. I’m just going to knuckle down now and spend the extra time in the gym until I can get another fight lined up soon.”

News about Khan’s next fight will be announced in due course.

NUTLEY, NJ (DECEMBER 13, 2013)–THIS SATURDAY, two members of the GH3 Promotions stable will be in action at the Mustang Crossfit Fitness Center @ Oakridge in Oakridge, North Carolina.

Undefeated Super Middleweight Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom will take on Marcus Brooks (7-17, 3 KO’s)in a six round Super Middleweight bout while undefeated Heavyweight Dorsett “The Bullet” Barnwell battles Earl Ladson (15-21-1, 7 KO’s) in a six round bout.

Odom, 6-0 with 6 knockouts of Bowie, Maryland is getting right back in the ring after his 1st round destruction over Eric Moon just ten day previous in New York City.

“The is the first time I have fought back to back,” said Odom. “But I went right back in the gym after my last fight. I like being this active”

Although Brooks is by far the most experienced pro that Odom has faced to date, Odom does not know much or is bothered by that.

“All i know is that he is susceptible to uppercuts and i plan to expose that.”

Being that this will be the last fight of 2013 for Brooks, he sees a big leap by this time next year.

“By this time next year, i expect to be fighting on television on a bigger scale.”

Barnwell (10-0, 5 KO’s) of Norfolk, VA. will be making his third start of 2013 and is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Marlon Hayes on August 23rd.

“Everything has been good, “ said Barnwell. “I been putting in the work. I been in the gym twice a day. I been doing strength and conditioning and everything is doing good.”

Barnwell knows that the next year is a pivotal moving year and he knows that by this time next year, he could be on the verge of big things.

“I hope to be about 17-0 by this time next year and hopefully have at least one regional belt. Being in that position will have me on television and then everyone can see what I see in my abilities. 2014 will be my year and I will do whatever I have to do to get my name out there.”

Odom is scheduled to fight January 17th in Memphis, Tennessee on a SHO BOX undercard

Barrnwell will be back in action on January 31st in West Orange, NJ on an ESPN’s Friday Night Fights undercard.

The events on January 17th and January 31st are co-promoted by GH3 Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and DiBella Entertainment

LONDON (Dec.13) – Loved and loathed in equal measure, WBA World Welterweight king Adrien Broner certainly brings fight fans into a lather.

He is undeniably talented and appears to possess all the technical tools to become the dominant superstar of this decade.

Tomorrow evening, at the fabulous Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, we should have a clearer indication as to whether ‘The Problem’ has the mental fibre to match his physical gifts when he fronts up to stone-fisted Argentine Marcos Maidana.

Make up your own mind by watching the show live and exclusive in the UK on BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, from 12.30 am on Sunday morning. Join at www.boxnation.com

If Broner is the most blessed rising star in the division, then Florida’s Keith Thurman is the most explosive.

The 25 year old they call ‘One Time’ has iced 19 of his 21 victims inside the distance and he’ll be anxious to club his way into an All US shootout with Broner by impressively eliminating Mexican veteran Jesus Soto Karass in the chief support.

To analyse the action, boxing writer Glynn Evans touched base with reigning British and Commonwealth champion Frankie Gavin who intends to gatecrash the world 147lb scene himself in 2014.

“Broner versus Maidana is a really fascinating fight. It’s possible the Broner could make Maidana look a bit of a plodder, slow and stupid. But I think the Argentinian has got every chance. Broner looked crap against Malinaggi and Maidana will have tightened up since moving to the Garcias in Oxnard.

I’ve followed Broner pretty closely since he blitzed Jason Litzau inside a round on ESPN a couple of years ago. I’ve seen pretty much all his fights since then.

There’s no denying that he’s a great fighter. The question is, is he a great welter? He took a huge step up from 135 (lbs) to 147 and didn’t look overly strong and powerful against Malignaggi. I think 140 could be his optimal weight right now.

Away from the ring, he’s like an immature version of Floyd Mayweather. I go on him and off him as a person. Some of his showmanship is really funny but he can take things too far sometimes. I don’t like him taking the mick and being disrespectful to fellow fighters whose ability level is far beneath his. But I thought he came across well on Showtime’s All Access program, joking around.

There’s plenty to admire about him as a fighter. He’s so accurate with his shots and seldom wastes anything. Everything he throws is intended to land and hurt. I particularly like how he leans back then delivers that lead counter right hand.

Mind, from what I’ve seen so far I’m not sure his footwork is that great. He tends to walk forward and bully his opponent physically but I doubt very much whether he’ll be able to do that against Maidana. I think Maidana will be physically stronger and the one on the front foot. I know Maidana’s been on the floor a few times against Amir Khan and Victor Ortiz but I can’t see him getting stopped by Broner.

I’ve seen a lot of Maidana too. He can definitely ‘have it’! He’s a rugged, bullying type but he’s not a bad boxer either. I expect Maidana to be the bigger puncher in this fight – Broner’s not a one punch finisher – and Maidana can do his damage with both hands; swinging left uppercuts and big right hands over the top. I think Broner will also find him very strong in the clinches.

On the downside, Maidana’s not the quickest and isn’t great defensively. Sometimes he switches over his feet and can be caught square on. We all saw how easily Deven Alexander managed to outbox him.

To give himself the best possible chance, he’s going to need to get right on Broner and drag him into a war. And I wouldn’t be massively surprised if that happens. Broner is a lazy fighter who likes to take his breaks, whereas Maidana can sustain a pretty high workrate.

It’s possible Maidana could ruffle Broner out of his comfort zone and take over in the later rounds. Broner will enter favourite but I think Maidana has every chance.

Broner would be foolish to stand and trade with Maidana. To win, he’ll need to box Maidana from the outside and hit him as he charges in. He needs to keep adjusting so that Maidana struggles to set himself. You can’t hit a moving target as hard as you can hit a static one. If Broner can execute that, Maidana will get wilder and wilder. Then Broner can really capitalise and make Maidana look cumbersome, like Pacquiao did to Brandon Rios.

As yet, we’ve not really seen how Broner will respond once he gets pushed back.This fight should show us.

I’ll go with Broner to come through a few sticky patches and win quite widely on points, something like 117-110. It’s a fight I’m really looking forward to.

On the undercard we’ll get a good look at Keith Thurman who the Yanks are raving about.
I saw his stoppage win over (Carlos) Quintana and his 12 round points win over Jan Zaveck who used to be the IBF champion.

Clearly, with 19 knockouts from 21 wins, he’s a big puncher – dangerous with both hands – but other than that I don’t really rate him from what I’ve seen. He’s a good body puncher but his big hooks are pretty wild and he needs to learn to keep his hands up.

He hasn’t got great ability. Defensively he’s not all that and I don’t think he can fight off the back foot. I’d definitely take a fight with him if it was offered to me.

Soto Karass has plenty of recognisable names on his record like Carson Jones, Mike Jones, Gabriel Rosado, Maidana, Selcuk Aydin and he had that great win against Andre Berto last time out.

I saw the fight with Selcuk and basically Aydin gave it away rather than Soto winning it. Aydin was very lazy and got outworked.

From what I’ve seen, that’s Soto’s strength. He’s very tough, very busy and makes the opponent work hard. He’s not the most gifted technically – he’s very easy to hit, lacks speed and is quite old (31) – but he could outhustle Thurman.

Thurman is one of the biggest hitting welters but, for me, he’s not in the top five ability wise. The real slick operators would outbox him all day long. I certainly think Kell Brook would beat him, provided Kell did the weight properly.

But Thurman – Soto should definitely be a good fight for the fans because neither shy away. Soto will need to get close and be busy, make Thurman miss, then make him pay. But I’ll back the Yank to draw him on to his big bombs and stop him somewhere around the eighth or ninth.”

Broner vs. Maidana is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) from 12.30am this Sunday. 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.

ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will return for its 17th season Friday, Jan. 3, at 9 p.m. ET 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 include up and coming Middleweight contender Caleb Truax (23-1, 4 KOs). ESPN Deportes – which will re-brand its coverage as Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) with some telecasts on Saturdays – will air the bouts on Saturday, Jan. 4, at 9 p.m.
https://library.espnimages.com/filestore/2/0/1/2/9/6_416647e26b91e6d/201296scr_4833a044b1c8c41.jpg?v=2013-08-19+22%3A42%3A05
The first of 2014’s 26 telecasts, from the Target Center in Minneapolis, is co-promoted by former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and his promotional company Iron Mike Productions. Tyson made his promotional debut in August to close out the 2013 Friday Night Fights season in a night that featured Méndez in the world title main event.

“We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season of Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “We start the season just as we finished last season with a world title fight co-promoted by Mike Tyson’s Iron Mike Productions. The biggest change for 2014 is that we are assigning dates to promoters with as much advance notice as possible to allow for even better fights and bigger crowds. We’ve partnered with a group of promoters who have always delivered in the past and are committed to upping the ante even further for 2014. Having a world title fight and names like Kendall Holt, Zsolt Erdei and Arash Usmanee early this season show that the strategy is already paying dividends.”

ESPN2 Commentators/Studio:
Blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and ringside analyst Teddy Atlas will return to describe the action for ESPN2. Both are recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA): Atlas (2001), Tessitore (2010). 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. 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 (Fight Night) in Spanish.

ESPN Deportes Commentators/Studio:
Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights with Pablo Viruega for Noche de Combates 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, with Osuna providing reports and interviews each week.

ESPN Deportes’ weekly 60-minute boxing news and analysis show Golpe a Golpe will be co-hosted by Juan Manuel Márquez and Jorge Eduardo Sánchez. A Los Golpes (7:30 p.m. Mondays) will provide the latest boxing news and analysis with co-hosts Osuna, David Faitelson and analyst Julio César Chávez Sr.

New Technology:
Friday Night Fights telecasts will include alternate point of view cameras mounted in different locations capturing the atmosphere of the venues and fights. Friday Night Fights will also feature more live audio during fights to give viewers more access to the fighters and trainers.

Ultra-Mo:
Every Friday Night Fights telecast will continue to implement an ultra slo-mo camera, providing some of the most dramatic and amazing replays of a fight’s biggest punches.

WatchESPN and ESPN3:
Every Friday Night Fights card will be available on WatchESPN, ESPN’s online destination that delivers live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3 and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line on computers, smartphones and tablets. Replays of Friday Night Fights cards will be available on ESPN3, ESPN’s multiscreen network accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members, Roku and Apple TV.

ESPN.com:
Making the Rounds, ESPN.com’s original boxing show with Jim Basquil, Brian Campbell and Kieran Mulvaney, will discuss boxing’s top stories each week and include analysis of Friday Night Fights cards. Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) will continue to write features and provide analysis for ESPN.com.

Social Media:
Friday Night Fights social media presence in 2014 will continue with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round. Osuna (@osunaespn) and Nigel Collins (@ESPNFNF), ESPN boxing analyst/former Editor-in-Chief of The Ring magazine, will live tweet during every show.

Upcoming Schedule:
Friday Night Fights will total 26 dates in 2014. Upcoming schedule:

Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Location
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
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minn.
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) — Junior Lightweights
Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino, Tacoma Wash.
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
Little Creek Casino, Shelton Wash.
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
Codey Arena, West Orange, N.J.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

BROOKLYN, NY (DECEMBER 12, 2013)–THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, at Pacplex in Brooklyn, Heavyweight contender Derric Rossy returns to the ring when he takes on durable Jonte Willis in the eight round main event of a big night of boxing promoted by Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing.

The show will begin at 7pm eastern and will be streamed LIVE all over the world on www.pandafeed.tv. The entire show can be ordered and re watched infinite times for just $9.99 by clicking: http://pandafeed.tv/#!/watch/52961bea2b83679220004154

Rossy (28-7, 14 KO’s) of Medford, NY knows that he needs a win over Willis to stay relevant in the Heavyweight division. He found a familiar person to help guide him on this journey.

“I took some time off and I am training with my father,”said Rossy. “We have been working on the little things”

In Willis (9-7-1, 3 KO’s), Rossy knows it will not be easy but he knows what he has to do.

“He is a durable fighter and I am not taking him lightly. I am looking to put on a solid display.”

It was just over two years ago where elimination bouts with Eddie Chambers and Maurice Harris had Rossy on the doorstep of a world title shot. Even though this is kind of a start over for Rossy, he does not believe it will take long before he is back on the verge of a championship shot.

“With the way the division is, I don’t think it will take more than three fights for me to be back knocking on the door.”

At age 33, Rossy has fought the likes of Chambers (twice), Fres Oquendo, Travis Walker, Audley Harrison, Harris, Kubret Pulev, Carl Drummond, Alexander Dimitrenko and Ray Mercer and know he feels all that experience will help propel him and get him over the hump.

“We made our career choice to fight all of the those top guys. We fought the best to be the best and we make our own shot by fighting the best. By fighting all of those top guys has giving me confidence to improve my skills and I know I can be a force.”

The fight that really eats at Rossy was the 12th round stoppage defeat to Harris in July of 2011 in Atlantic City.

“I fought his fight. I got drawn into a battle where i know if I would have boxed more the outcome would have been different.”

“I am very prepared for this fight and I am going to make a splash and I know that this is my last push to become Heavyweight champion.”

In an eight round Heavyweight bout, Natu Vasinia (9-0, 8 KO’s) of Lakewood, CA battles Jon Bolden (6-7, 5 KO’s) of New York, NY.

Cruiserweight Keith Tapia (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Santruce, Puerto Rico will fight Tobias Rice (4-9-1, 2 KO’s) of Macon, Georgia in a bout scheduled for six rounds.

Rafael Hernandez (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Grand Rapids, MI will fight Dedrick Bell (10-17-1, 7 KO’s) of Memphis, Tennessee in a six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Ytalo Perera (5-1, 3 KO’s) of Howard Beach, NY via Ecuador will fight Tyrone Gibson (1-4, 1 KO) of Duluth, MN in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Phillip Moreno of Brooklyn, New York will make his pro debut when he battles Nathan Seelye (0-2) of Minnesota in a Featherweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

Allan Phelan (3-2, 3 KO’s) of New York via Ireland will square off with Tomi Archambault (1-6, 1 KO) in a Lightweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

In attendance will be Rosie Pierri of the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Rosie will be there in support of KO of Children’s Malnutrition. Rosie’s fans can come out and take pictures with her. $2 from each internet buy will donated to the cause.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing cost $125 for Ringside, $75 for reserved and $50 for general admission. VIP Tables are available and all tickets can be purchased by going to www.finalforumboxing.com and at Pacplex

Pacplex is located at 1500 Paerdegat Ave N, Brooklyn, NY 11236

LONDON (Dec. 13) – Boxing bigmouth Adrien Broner has declared himself as the heir to Floyd Mayweather’s coveted pound-for-pound throne.

The three-weight world champion, who defends his WBA welterweight title against Argentine bulldozer Marcos Maidana this weekend, believes that his contemporaries are casting envious glances in his direction as he jostles to take over Mayweather’s hotseat.

One of boxing’s most outgoing and flashy characters, Broner has struck up a great rapport with the sweet science’s number one fighter, Mayweather, drawing comparisons in some quarters with the Las Vegas native, not only in his personality, but inside the ring as well.

The brash talking Broner, who polarises opinion amongst fight fans, is in little doubt, however, that he is boxing’s saving grace once Mayweather decides to hang up the gloves.

“I have a lot on my plate. Every boxer wants to be where I am right now,” Broner boasted. “I am the person who is going to take over boxing after Floyd Mayweather. Everybody wants this position. So I don’t get mad when I hear that Keith Thurman [fighting on the undercard] wants to fight me – he’s supposed to. Who doesn’t want to be where I am,” he said.

“Maidana is a good fighter, a hell of a fighter, but he’s not on my level. My career is going to the rooftop. It’s going to skyrocket. But this is just the beginning. It starts here,” Broner said.

Broner makes the first defence of his WBA crown after capturing it against Paulie Malignaggi in a split decision win last June.

He now faces a reputable puncher in Maidana, live on BoxNation, who has floored 31 opponents in his 34 victories. Yet, Broner is unconcerned believing he will knockout his 30-year-old foe if he makes even the slightest of errors.

“If he makes a mistake and I have a chance to get him out of there I’m going to get him out of there. If I just beat him to death, then I beat him to death,” said Broner.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I don’t go for knockouts but I really feel I’m going to knock this guy out; I’m going to be his first stoppage. I’m going to stop this guy and we’re going to move on to the next one,” Broner promised.

“He’s a very respectful guy so I have to respect him, but on December 14th I’m going to beat his ass. I’m going to beat his ass for sure. We can be friends after that,” he said.

The Cincinnati fighter added he has not yet shown the world his full repertoire, stating he has many gears still to go through, with Maidana being a big enough threat to potentially take him to the next level.

“I don’t even think I’ve showed all of my abilities yet. Maidana is a different type of fighter and he might bring something else out of Adrien Broner that the world hasn’t seen yet. Or he might be a regular fighter after I make him look the way I make him look,” said Broner.

“You never know. Maybe I have to sit in there and brawl it out with this guy for 12 rounds. Maybe I mess him up in two. Maybe one,” he said.

“But who doesn’t want to see a young star on the rise like Adrien Broner fight a guy like Marcos Maidana, a hard puncher, a knockout artist with 31 knockouts? Who doesn’t want to see that? There’s always that ‘what if?’,” Broner stated.

Maidana scoffed at Broner’s claims that he would knock him out and his self perceived superstar status, declaring that he is sure it is his hand which will be raised come the end of the fight.

“I’m ready for this fight; I’ve trained hard and I’m certain I have what it takes to come out victorious on Saturday,” Maidana said.

“They might say Broner is one of the best, but I don’t think he is. He’s definitely different to any other opponents I’ve fought, but I’m prepared. I’m ready for him,” he said.

“I’m going to hit him hard, very hard, with all I have and I’ll get busy with him. I hope he’s ready, because I am,” he said.

“This is the hardest fight of my life. I respect Broner, but I don’t underestimate him. On Saturday, I’ll do my part; I’ll do what I came here for – to fight with my heart and do my best,” Maidana vowed.

The fight heads a great card which also sees the highly touted Keith Thurman go up against the unrelenting Jesus Soto Karass for the interim WBA world welterweight title.

There is British interest when Mexican superstar Leo Santa Cruz, a potential opponent for Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg down the line, faces Puerto Rican hotshot Cesar Seda for the WBC super-bantamweight crown.

And Beibut Shumenov faces Tamas Kovacs for Shumenov’s WBA Super & IBA light-heavyweight world titles.

Earlier from Germany BoxNation will also bring Juergen Braehmer’s clash with the undefeated Marcus Oliveira for the vacant WBA light-heavyweight title, live and exclusive.

Broner vs. Maidana is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) from 12.30am this Sunday. 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.

Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO: “We are delighted to be here (Resorts AC) for the final installment of the NBC Sports Network Fight Night of 2013. It’s amazing that we’ve come so far. This will be the completion of our second year with this tremendous series. We have already built talent that has made the jump up into the premium networks. It’s just a matter of time before we get that pay per view star that we’ve been looking for. The nicest thing about this series is the opportunity it has given us, here at Main Events, and the fans and the people at NBC, and all the people who watch this show, to look at a lot of talent that a lot of people don’t normally get to see… It’s given us the opportunity to put together some really interesting matches. I think we are going to have that again on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a big boxing night on Saturday. We understand there’s going to be a lot of people staying home on Saturday night just to watch the fights on NBC Sports Net and elsewhere. We want to make it really clear, we (NBC Sports Network) are starting on television at 8 o’clock.”

Kathy Duva
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
David Rodriguez, El Paso, TX, 36-0, 34 KO’s (on undercard in 6 Rd heavyweight fight against Darnell Wilson, Miami, FL, 24-17-3, 20 KO’s): “I am very excited to be a part of this team, Main Events, this is a very exciting venture for me. This is my first fight back in two years. I was almost murdered, I almost lost my life and I came back from that and it took a long hard road to do that… It’s a very emotional time for me to come back after two years of a lot of depression, a lot of hardship, a really rough road. And to make my appearance again is a blessing; to have a second chance at life again is a blessing. I just want to thank everybody for coming out. I’m going to put on a show for you all.”

David Rodriguez
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
Steve Cunningham, Philadelphia, PA, 25-6, 12 KO’s (on undercard in 8 Rd heavyweight fight against Manuel Quezada, Bakersfield, CA, 29-7, 18KO’s): “I just want to say one quick, short thing. My whole life, even this career, every part of my life, is to show perseverance. Perseverance: good and bad; my family; my daughter, what she’s going through with her heart; what we go through in boxing; what I’ve been through in my last fight; and then be able to fight here and get the victory which I believe will lead the team on to the heavyweight title. That’s the ultimate goal, just want to show perseverance. I also just want to show everybody that I ain’t lost a step. I fought the biggest man in boxing(Tyson Fury), put him down with one punch. He got me out of there like he should, but you roll the dice and that’s what this thing is. I’m back… I’m doing great; I’m just ready to show you guys on Saturday.”

Steve Cunningham
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
Ryan Coyne, St Louis, MO, 21-1, 9 KO’s: “Thank you for the great opportunity to fight on NBC Sports. This is a great opportunity for me. Coming off a defeat in my last fight. I fought an eliminator for number one in the world and I came up a little bit short. I went blood and guts in the last round, wasn’t victorious, and after 21 wins defeat was very hard, but this is a chance for redemption. It’s a great opportunity; he’s a great fighter, a very accomplished fighter. Lionell Thompson has shown that he takes on all challengers fighting a very tough man like Kovalev on very short notice. I’ve got my work cut out for me but I trained hard and I worked hard, I always work hard. Like I said this is a great opportunity for me and I fully intend on taking advantage of it. Make sure you turn in early for that opening fight because it’s going to be a good one.”

Ryan Coyne
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events

Lionell Thompson, Buffalo, NY, 14-2, 9 KO’s: “I don’t have too much to say. I’m sure Ryan Coyne is coming to bring his best, but I’m ready. I’m looking to put on a great performance on Saturday night.”

“I respect Ryan Coyne, he’s got 21 wins and 9 KO’s but I mean, who has he fought? The guys he knocked out, he was supposed to knock out, they were bums. And when he did step up just a little bit, he got stopped. Trust me; whatever he do I’ll be ready. I’m too quick, too strong.”

Lionell Thompson
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
Kathy Duva: “Atlantic City has this rich history in heavyweight boxing… Main Events has had a great history in this town with heavyweights. We brought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield here and Andrew Golota and we were involved in fights with Mike Tyson here, we were involved with just so many fights, with so many fighters, I just named champions… Heavyweights have always been a big hit in Atlantic City. There’s a certain crowd I think, that just comes out to see that, because when you have guys of this size in there throwing punches, truly anything can happen and it is exhilarating. Anybody that’s never been ringside for a fight like this, I advise you if you can make it here on Saturday night, come because you’re not going to believe what you are going to see.”

Mansour and Price
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
Kelvin Price, Pensacola, FL, 14-1, 6 KO’s: “For me, to get to this point has been a long, hard road, especially coming from another sport, pro basketball, the seeds, and everything. In this fight I’m just coming out here to put on a great show for you guys. Hopefully he’s prepared. I’m prepared and we can put on a great show in Atlantic City. I came up short in one fight, you know we only have one referee and there’s no replays in this sport, but you have to deal with it and keep on, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Kelvin Price
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
Amir Mansour, Wilmington, DE, 19-0, 14 KO’s: “A lot of people up here (on the dais) have stories of their own, getting through trials and tribulations. A lot of people know my story. They know I had a rough road to get to this point. Eight and a half years in prison, honestly, 16 years and 7 months altogether in prison, almost half my life. So nobody is going to get in that ring with me and deny me of any opportunity that I’ve been working hard half of my life for… If he ain’t got no 9mm, no shotgun in that ring, ain’t no stopping me. Saturday night it’ll be intensity, it’ll be “Hardcore” Mansour at his best, doin’ what I do.”

Amir Mansour
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events

The “Road to Redemption” Weigh In will be streamed live on Friday 12/13 at 3PM ET at http://www.ustream.tv/mainevents

FIGHT INFO:
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: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Main-Events-Boxing-tickets/artist/1940738

Doors open at 5PM. First bout slated for 5:25PM. The main event and co-feature will be televised on NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night, December 14th, 8 – 10PM ET.

Six additional bouts are on the card which is promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing in association with DiBella Entertainment.

ABOUT RESORTS CASINO HOTEL
The resort that brought gaming to Atlantic City in 1978, Resorts Casino Hotel is at the top of its game today, offering world-class casino action in a relaxed environment that keeps the focus on fun. Resorts Casino Hotel made history as the first American casino outside of Nevada and will celebrate its 35th anniversary in May 2013 with a new milestone: the opening of a $35-million Margaritaville casino and entertainment complex that will include, among other attractions, the only beach bar on the Atlantic City sand.

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority assumed management of Resorts Casino Hotel in Fall 2012 – a move that has set the stage for its return as the most exciting gaming destination in Atlantic City. Boasting a prime location spanning 11 acres at the northern end of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, the resort features 942 guest rooms and suites in two hotel towers, a 99,951-square-foot casino, two theaters, six restaurants, two VIP slot and table player lounges, a casino bar, indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, salon, and retail shops. Its 39,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting space includes seven meeting rooms and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. For more information, visit http://www.resortsac.com.

Resorts Casino Hotel
1133 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
1-800-772-9000

SAN ANTONIO (Dec. 12, 2013) –San Antonio solidified itself as a boxing powerhouse in 2013, so it’s only fitting that the home of the Alamo will host the final blockbuster boxing event of the year when Adrien “The Problem” Broner faces Marcos “El Chino” Maidana this Saturday, Dec. 14, live on SHOWTIME® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

“I put San Antonio with New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles as one of the top boxing cities in the country,” Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said during Thursday’s final press conference for “DANGER ZONE: Broner vs. Maidana.”

And the third SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event to emanate from San Antonio this year might be the best yet. Saturday’s telecast features four can’t-miss world championship fights with each fighter facing potentially the toughest test of their respective careers.

Here’s what the fighters, trainers and promoters had to say during Thursday’s final press conference:

ADRIEN BRONER, WBA Welterweight World Champion
“If he makes a mistake and I have a chance to get him out of there I’m going to get him out of there. If I just beat him to death, then I beat him to death.

“Who doesn’t want to see a young star on the rise like Adrien Broner fight a guy like Marcos Maidana, a hard puncher, a knockout artist with 31 knockouts? Who doesn’t want to see that? There’s always that ‘what if?’

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I don’t go for knockouts but I really feel I’m going to knock this guy out; I’m going to be his first stoppage. I’m going to stop this guy and we’re going to move on to the next one.

“Maidana is a good fighter, a hell of a fighter, but he’s not on my level. My career is going to the rooftop. It’s going to skyrocket. But this is just the beginning. It starts here.

“I don’t even think I’ve showed all of my abilities yet. Maidana is a different type of fighter and he might bring something else out of Adrien Broner that the world hasn’t seen yet. Or he might be a regular fighter after I make him look the way I make him look.

“Every boxer wants to be where I am right now. I am the person who is going to take over boxing after Floyd Mayweather. Everybody wants this position. So I don’t get mad when I hear that Keith Thurman wants to fight me – he’s supposed to. Who doesn’t want to be where I am.

“On Dec. 14 we’re worried about Maidana. I respect his coach; I respect him as a fighter. People say I’m being bashful, I’m being respectful. I can’t talk trash to someone who doesn’t speak English. He’s looking at me crazy right now and I don’t know if he’s faking or not. He’s a very respectful guy so I have to respect him, but on Dec. 14 I’m going to beat his ass. I’m going to beat his ass for sure. We can be friends after that.

“I’m not coming to play. It’s going to be the AB show and I’m going to be victorious. We don’t think about losing.

“I don’t watch tape but I’ve seen him a couple of times. Everybody knows Maidana makes a lot of mistakes and you can’t make mistakes with Broner.

“You never know. Maybe I have to sit in there and brawl it out with this guy for 12 rounds. Maybe I mess him up in two. Maybe one.”

MARCOS MAIDANA, Former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion
“I want to thank my team for working hand-in-hand with me, for all their help and support and for working so close with me. Thank you to Sebastian Contursi, Robert Garcia, Cecilio Flores and my right hand, my cousin “Pileta,” that’s been with me all the way.

“I’m ready for this fight; I’ve trained hard and I’m certain I have what it takes to come out victorious on Saturday.

“They might say Broner is one of the best, but I don’ think he is. He’s definitely different to any other opponents I’ve fought, but I’m prepared. I’m ready for him.

“I’m going to hit him hard, very hard, with all I have and I’ll get busy with him. I hope he’s ready, because I am.

“This is the hardest fight of my life. I respect Broner, but I don’t underestimate him. On Saturday, I’ll do my part; I’ll do what I came here for – to fight with my heart and do my best.

“I’m not a trash talker. I’m not that kind of guy and I’m not going to get into that. It’s just not my thing.”

KEITH THURMAN, WBA Interim Welterweight World Champion
“I’m just trying to bring the excitement. This card is called the “Danger Zone” and it’s a guaranteed fact that every time you come into the ring with Keith “One Time” Thurman you’re automatically stepping into the Danger Zone.

“This is the last fight of the year and the last fight of the year is my favorite fight of the year. I like to call it the icing on the cake. I’ve been training really hard for this fight. Soto is a real tough opponent. He gave (Andre) Berto his all. He claims he has a new passion for the sport. I believe the man. I saw it when he fought. I saw his passion and I’m truly looking forward to this fight.

“Christmas came early and I have two presents for Soto right here–my right and my left–two real nice packages. Like I said, this is going to be the icing on the cake.

“Last year I ended with a tremendous victory and I don’t think this fight is going to go the distance. I’m looking forward to putting him down on that blue canvas and make sure he gets to sleep real nice. “One Time,” every time.

“My promoters have been testing me and I’ve been passing every test with flying colors. So I’m ready for the world of boxing. I’m not afraid to lose, I’m not afraid to get beat. I want go out old school and fight the best of the best.

“My KO ratio is phenomenal, but, as a matter of fact, I’m disappointed that I didn’t knock out everybody. I’m the kind of guy that wants to knockout everybody. I’m “One Time,” every time. And that’s what I’m bringing Saturday night.

“I’m on the up and up. I’m on my way to the top. So this fight is important to get not just a victory but a KO victory so I can keep representing “One Time” Thurman.”

“I’m not afraid to put it all on the line. I’ve got “O” and I’m not afraid to let it go.

JESUS SOTO KARASS, Welterweight Contender
“It’s a very important fight for me, especially with the holidays coming up. I’d like to go enjoy the time off with a win.

“My promoters and manager put me against the best. I fight the best and the best comes out of me.

A lot of people don’t believe in me and they don’t think I have what it takes to beat Keith Thurman. But I’ve proven them wrong before and the people will respect me after the fight.

“I’ve been on big cards before. But my job is to go out and win and give the fans what they want. I’m coming to knock him out. If he wants to box I’m going to take him to school. My heart is in this fight.

“I’ve worked really, really hard for this fight. I’ve trained at the Ponce De Leon Gym in Monterrey, Calif., and this Saturday I’m going to show it in the ring.

“There’s not much to say, other than to those that don’t believe I’m worthy to be here, just wait to see me on the ring on December 14.

“For all the people that don’t believe in me, for all those that think I shouldn’t be in this position, I’m going to show everybody on Saturday night what I’m made off and I’m going to do it well.

“I want to thank Keith Thurman and his team for giving me the opportunity to fight for a world title again.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion
“I’m just excited to be on a great undercard with Maidana and Broner. I’ve trained really hard to be on these guys’ level and I want to defend my title. I know Cesar is a great fighter and that he has everything it takes to become a champion. And I’ve trained hard to give him a great war. We’re going to leave it all in the ring. May the best man win.

“I closed out 2012 with a great win on CBS and I’m excited to do the same this year on SHOWTIME.”

CESAR SEDA, Super Bantamweight Title Challenger
“I want to let you know that you are going to witness a great show on Dec. 14

“From my part, I’ve prepared very well and I assure you, you are going to see a great fight on Saturday night. I hope to see you all there.”

BEIBUT SHUMENOV, WBA Super Light Heavyweight World Champion
“It’s great to be involved in an event like this, one of boxing’s best of the year. I had a great training camp and can’t wait to show the American boxing fans what I am all about.

“I know Tamas is undefeated, he’s very ambitious and he came here to take what’s mine. But I’m not going to let him take my title. I’m going to fight hard for what’s mine. And I’m going to show the world that I’m the best light heavyweight champion of the world.”

TAMAS KOVACS, Light Heavyweight Contender
“This is a very big opportunity for me. This is the fight of my life.

“I’ve been training and preparing for this fight since September. On Saturday, I’m coming out with all I have.

“It took me forty hours to get to San Antonio. It was a difficult trip, but it was worth it. This is the fight of
my life. This is my chance and I’m going to take it.

“I know Shumenov is a good boxer, but I’m good and also clever. So, he better watch out.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Maidana’s Trainer
“Maidana is very happy to be here. We know we are facing a great champion, but Chino [Maidana] knows what he has to do, and he’s ready to do it. Come Saturday night, we are going to give the fans a great fight.

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer
“For this fight Adrien is going to show you something special. He’s going to give you a Christmas present. He had a great camp and this kid is something special. I want to thank Team Maidana for signing the contract. I know it is not easy to commit to fighting a guy like this [looking at Adrien Broner], he’s truly the best.”

RICARDO “DINAMITA” ALVAREZ
“I’m thankful for this fight, this is my first time fighting here. I’m thankful for my promoters, my camp, my friends and my family for all their support.

“December 14 at the Alamodome is going to be a good night for me, it’s my debut in United States and I’m really excited. “

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
“It’s been a great year in boxing and a great year for boxing in San Antonio with spectacular events here in San Antonio. Thanks to the fans for embracing these fights. We promise to keep bringing the big fights and price the big fights appropriately starting at $10. This is our Christmas gift to the great fans in San Antonio.

“We would not be here without Mike Battah and James Leija, a very enthusiastic team to work with.

“Big thank you to Matt Black and Les Moonves along with Stephen Espinoza and their entire team for all their hard work in this incredible year for Golden Boy Promotions. “

MIKE BATTAH, President of Leija-Battah Promotions
“Welcome everyone to San Antonio from all over the world, very much appreciate your help in building up our business. I made a commitment to San Antonio to build boxing here. Our commitment will continue, it’s great to work with Richard and Golden Boy. Our commitment will stay and continue to grow.

“We have the will to build boxing; we have the skills the structure and the organization.

“One of the biggest cards in Texas in many years, fans will see a terrific night of boxing.

“JESSE” JAMES LEIJA, Texas Boxing Legend, Leija-Battah Promotions
“Want to thanks GBP for giving us this opportunity to prove ourselves. Mike Battah is an incredible businessman and a great partner. Also want to thank the fans of San Antonio, best fans in the world. This is truly an early Christmas gift for the fans to come out and enjoy the fights. We have the top fighters from Golden Boy Promotions on this card.

“Leo Santa Cruz, one of my favorite fighters is in a very tough fight against Cesar Seda.

“Continue to support these events and we will continue to bring the biggest events here to one of the greatest cities in the world.

NICHOLS LANGELLA, General Manager of the Alamodome
“We’re very proud to host this event. It takes a terrific passion and enthusiasm to put on this show. Thanks to James Leija, Mike Battah and Golden Boy for putting this tremendous event together.”

“DANGER ZONE: Broner vs. Maidana,” a 12-round fight for Broner’s WBA Welterweight World Championship taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T, Grudge Match and Casamigos Tequila. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, Keith Thurman will defend his interim WBA Welterweight World Championship against Jesus Soto Karass. Leo Santa Cruz will put his WBC Super Bantamweight World title on the line against Cesar Seda in a 12-round bout and Beibut Shumenov faces Tamas Kovacs in a 12-round clash for Shumenov’s WBA Super & IBA Light Heavyweight World titles. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will air live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 6:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of BAMMA 14 from Birmingham’s LG Arena this Saturday, December 14, at 4 p.m. ET.

In the main event, British bad boy Paul “Semtex” Daley brings his explosive power as he is set to face Brazilian veteran Romario “Junior Killer” Manoel Da Silva.

Renowned as one of MMA’s most dangerous and exciting strikers, Daley returns to fight for BAMMA for a third time with a current record of 33-12-2. Daley previously headlined BAMMA 5, demolishing YuyaShirai in just 1:46, while BAMMA 7 saw him defeat Jordan Radev by decision. Fighting predominantly internationally since, including Strikeforce and Bellator, Daley is now exclusively signed to BAMMA in the U.K.

Hailing from Brazil and fighting out of the Blackzilians camp, Da Silva has made regular appearances for Shooto Brazil and Jungle Fight in his home country, as well as recent appearances in the U.S. on Legacy and Shark Fights events. Da Silva holds a record of 23-10-1 and he has demonstrated his ability to dominate no matter where the fight goes. Da Silva is looking to leverage his experience to become a name within the sport while he’s still in his prime and he sees a fight for BAMMA as a significant step on that path.

In other action, “TUF: The Smashes” runner-up Colin “Freakshow” Fletcher is set to challenge new BAMMA lightweight champion Mansour Barnaoui for the title.

Touted as one of the world’s hottest unsigned competitors in the lightweight division, Barnaoui fights out of Team Magnum in Paris, with a current record of 10-2 and his two losses via decision. The French Tunisian stunned Curt Warburton at BAMMA 13 when he stopped him via TKO in just 4:08. The new champion wasted no time in calling out BAMMA’s exclusively signed Colin Fletcher to challenge him for the title.

Sunderland’s Fletcher returned to BAMMA from the UFC at BAMMA 13, defeating Welsh talent Tim Newman to bring his record up to 9-3. Fletcher became instantly renowned for his ‘evil clown’ walk-outs and spikey aggression in the cage. Fletcher returned at BAMMA 9 where he clinched a compelling victory over Jason Ball before entering the TV show contest, “The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes.” His one post-TUF fight with the UFC saw him go the distance with Mike Ricci at UFC 158: St-Pierre vs. Diaz. Following a return to form at BAMMA 13, Fletcher will be looking sustain a winning streak following his derailing of Newman.

Elsewhere on the card, Max Nunes drops in weight for his first fight in the middleweight division against Ion Pascu.

A short notice replacement for BAMMA middleweight champion Scott Askham, Nunes returns from his first career loss at light heavyweight against Jason Jones for the BAMMA title. Prior to that, the London-based Swede was undefeated with a professional MMA record of 11-0 with his first eight victories secured within the first round. Quickly earning a reputation for athleticism and immense physical prowess, the former basketball player created waves internationally. His BAMMA 13 defeat at the hands of Jones was considered by many to be a major upset. BAMMA 14 marks Nunes’ first fight in the middleweight division as he looks to bounce back from his first career loss.

The RomanianPascu hails from Bucharest and fights out of the Ministry of Martial Arts and Golden Glory with a professional record of 7-3. Renowned for his dangerous knockouts, around 50% of his MMA victories have also been scored by TKO. Pascu has fought across various European and British promotions. He is now on a three-fight winning streak, which includes a stunning first-round knockout of Jack Marshman at BAMMA 13.

Rounding out the main card live on Fight Network, Jimmy Wallhead returns to face French welterweight Florent Betorangal.

Wallhead is classed among the U.K.’s mixed martial arts elite. Active professionally since 2005 in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions, the Leicester standout debuted at BAMMA 7 in 2011, where he defeated MMA legend Frank Trigg. Following a knockout demolition of Joey Villasenor at BAMMA 8, Wallhead returned on an exclusive U.K. multi-fight deal to defeat former UFC contender Matt Veach at BAMMA 12 earlier this year. His shot for the BAMMA welterweight title was thwarted at BAMMA 13 by U.S. veteran Eddy Ellis in a controversial judges’ decision that left him reeling. The fight saw Wallhead break both Ellis’ jaw and his own hand in the opening minutes.

At 30 years of age, Betorangal is one year older than his opponent and debuted professionally in 2007, with a background in taekwondo. Training out of Parabellum Combat Club in Paris, France, Betorangal has scored a 14-7 record over his career with the lion’s share of his conquests via submission.

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.

New York, NY (12/12/13) – Last Saturday, Ireland’s top-rated middleweight contender and world title challenger Matthew “Mack the Knife” Macklin (30-5, 20KO’s) once again put himself back into the title picture with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated highly regarded prospect Lamar Russ. The bout against Russ came on HBO, the fourth consecutive bout for Macklin on their airwaves.

With the bout and some much needed rounds behind him, Macklin now has his sites set on once again challenging for a piece of the middleweight crown, and finally having the chance to exact his revenge on former foe Felix Sturm. Sturm, who earlier on Saturday stopped IBF middleweight champion Darren Barker in two rounds, won a highly, if not outright robbery decision over Macklin back in 2011.

“I punched Felix around the ring for 12 rounds in our fight in 2011, only to be robbed in what was described by many, including Lennox Lewis, Al Bernstein, and Andre Ward, as one of the worst, if not THE worst decisions they have ever seen. Seventy-eight percent of German viewers voting online had me winning the fight. German TV had me winning the fight by four rounds. Felix Sturm got Axel Schultz fired afterward because he had me winning. That’s how spoiled Felix is and how embarrassed he was by it all! He knows that I beat him and the boxing world knows that I beat him. He has done well to win back the world title for a record fourth time for a German fighter, so for that I congratulate him. But he knows that we have unfinished business and if he’s a real man then he will give me a rematch like he promised. Actually, if he’s a real man then he should want the rematch for himself,” stated Macklin emphatically.

“Matthew was deprived of a world title belt the first time that they fought in their great but controversial battle in 2011,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “Sturm is a proud champion and I am confident that he will give Matthew his much deserved rematch.”

“We have unfinished business with Sturm,” added Anthony Catanzaro, Macklin’s advisor. “To say the least, the fight warrants a rematch. Revenge will be sweet. It’s a fight we want, a fight we deserve and a fight we will win.”

The first bout between Macklin and Sturm took place in Sturm’s home country of Germany, and was Macklin’s first world title opportunity. The Irishman made the most of his opportunity taking the fight right to the hometown hero Sturm, who was defending his title for the 10th consecutive time. It was a grueling battle, with Macklin seemingly having the clear advantage after the 12-round championship bout. CompuBox had Macklin averaging 92 punches thrown per round, doubling Sturm’s output. Macklin also landed 127 more punches and outlanded Sturm in 11 of the 12 rounds. Unfortunately though, two of the three judges didn’t see the fight that way, awarding Sturm a split decision and leaving Macklin longing for another shot at the champ.

Following the bout with Sturm, Macklin signed with promoter Lou DiBella and went on to challenge middleweight kingpin Sergio Martinez before a raucous sold-out crowd on St. Patrick’s Day at Madison Square Garden in 2012. Macklin gave the champion and top pound-for-pounder everything he could handle and was leading on two of the three judges’ scorecards before being stopped in the 11th frame.

Following the bout with Martinez, Macklin blew away former junior middleweight world champion Joachim in one round on the undercard of the Martinez-Chavez HBO PPV telecast in September 2012 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Around that same time, Sturm lost his title to Daniel Geale. Geale then lost the title to Barker, who, as previously stated, was stopped in two devastating rounds by Sturm this past Saturday. Now, the stage is set. Macklin met with both promoter DiBella and advisor Catanzaro earlier this week and made it clear that this is the fight that he wants more than anything else. Both fighters have been going back and forth on social media all week long and both seem eager to give boxing fans and insiders the much-anticipated rematch.

ATLANTIC CITY – Finally after 16 years as a pro, with significant stretches both in and out of the ring, undefeated heavyweight Amir Mansour, 19-0, 14 KOS, is ready for his coming out party. The touted power puncher gets his big chance to make some real noise in the heavyweight division Saturday night when he meets Kelvin Price, 14-1, 6 KOs, in the 10-round main event at Resorts International Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. The fight will be nationally televised by NBC Sports Network on their highly-rated Fight Night live boxing series. This edition of the program is titled the “Road to Redemption”.

With his crushing power and trail of knockout victories, the Delaware-based Mansour has lately been the talk of local boxing fans in his home state, as well as in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City areas. However, few outside his immediate home turf know much about him.

All that can change Saturday night when he headlines his first TV bout. The broadcast will also include a 10-round light heavyweight fight between Ryan Coyne, 21-1, 9 KOs, and Lionell Thompson, 14-1, 9 KOs. Past Fight Night telecasts have attracted throngs of boxing fans, and helped spark the careers of fighters like Sergey Kovalev, Curtis Stevens, Czar Glazkov, and others.

With this, his biggest stage to date, the pressure will be on Mansour to show the world what all the fuss is really about. Although he remains undefeated and boasts a 74% knockout ratio, some questions still exist about whether “Hardcore” can perform at a world class level.

Such is the plight of any rising star battling his way to the top. However, Mansour must prove that he is ready to step up to the next level right now. If he can register another showy stoppage Saturday night against Price, a Klitschko-sized, name opponent, Mansour may find himself on a fast track into the heavyweight title mix.

When asked what he thought about Price, Mansour said, “I’m from a place where just because you were a little taller and a little bigger, it meant nothing. I don’t worry about these guys’ size or height, you know? Everybody comes in with a game plan against me until they feel my power. When they feel my power they feel like they’ve just been hit harder than they’ve ever in their life been hit. Their whole game plan goes out the door.”

Mansour added, “A guy like Price? I don’t think that he’s prepared to go to the extremes that I’m prepared to go to in terms of getting the win in the ring. I’m a very fair fighter, I’m very respectable, but I’m prepared to die every time I walk into that ring, and I’ll go through a brutal, brutal, brutal fight if need be. I won’t give up, I won’t quit, I’ll continue to go forward…I know in my heart of hearts that Kelvin Price doesn’t have the guts and the will that Amir Mansour has.”

With the current world champions getting on in age, and no single heir to the title emerging at the moment, Mansour has as good a chance as any other fighter presently on the scene of taking a giant step forward in the heavyweight race.

After all, the world loves a puncher, and if Mansour proves that his credentials and his punch are for real, a ride into the boxing mainstream is his for the taking.

The Weigh will be streamed live on Friday 12/13 at 3PM ET at http://www.ustream.tv/mainevents

FIGHT INFO:
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: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Main-Events-Boxing-tickets/artist/1940738

Doors open at 5PM. First bout slated for 5:25PM. The main event and co-feature will be televised on NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night, December 14th, 8 – 10PM ET.

Six additional bouts are on the card which is promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing in association with DiBella Entertainment.

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LONDON (Dec. 12) – Rising pound-for-pound superstar Adrien Broner feels his ‘special’ performance this weekend against the ‘bone cracking’ Marcos Maidana won’t get the credit it deserves.

The highly touted WBA welterweight champion faces one of boxing’s most revered punchers in Maidana, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas this Saturday live on BoxNation.

Having knocked out 31 opponents in his 34 victories, Maidana’s reputation as a ferocious puncher comes with merit. However, the brash talking and extravagant Broner, believes that even with victory, he still won’t get the credit he feels he deserves by beating the Argentine.

“I’m a self motivator, so I’m always motivated, but it comes with the territory of being an African-American that’s on top, and like I always say, they’re never going to give me my full respect,” Broner said.

“They’re never going to do it no matter if I go in there and knock Maidana out in the first round; they’re going to find some way to criticise me. I just do me,” he said

“I just get my victories and keep moving on with my career, because at the end of the day, some of you reporters never threw a punch and none of these writers never threw a punch, so I really can’t read, or think, or take, what some of you guys say to heart because it means nothing to me sometimes,” Broner declared.

The three-weight world champion, who still holds the WBC lightweight title, is under no illusions that he’ll be in for a hard night’s work when he goes up against the unrelenting Maidana, a fighter he refuses to overlook.

“This is boxing. You can’t look past or beyond or before nobody, so I got to take it one fight at a time, and right now, my main focus is Marcos Maidana. The hard-hitting, the body-bruising, the bone-cracking, puncher; he’s a hell of a fighter,” said Broner.

“I don’t care who you fight. I don’t care who he fights. If they win or lose, they know they been in there with a tough guy, so I know this is going to be a tough fight for me, no matter if I make it look easy or if I make it look like a tough fight. I’m just ready. I’m prepared. I’m winding down in training camp and I’m just ready to go,” he exclaimed.

The 24-year-old Broner has drawn comparisons with his idol, boxing’s premier fighter Floyd Mayweather.

Not only are the two men the sport’s biggest talkers, but Broner is looking to follow Mayweather’s example in the ring by being a multi-dimensional craftsman able to adjust to any style.

“Like I always say, I always say this, I don’t fight anybody the same,” Broner said. “Maidana has to show me – he has to make me respect his power and his boxing skills. You never know. When I make my adjustments inside the ring December 14th, then I’ll do what I have to do to get my victory, but until then, we just staying sharp,” he said.

“I mean, you’ve seen the fight [against Paulie Malignaggi]. Paulie’s a hell of a fighter, threw a lot of shots, but he couldn’t hit me. He couldn’t hit me with nothing flush, so with Maidana, he’s definitely a proven hard-hitting puncher, but he’s got to hit me. It’s not like I’m going to let him hit me,” said Broner.

“All I’m going to say to the fans and reporters is just watch the fight. I don’t care if you like me or dislike me. Just please watch the fight – you’ll see something special,” Broner vowed.

Broner vs. Maidana is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) from 12.30am this Sunday. 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.

Adrien Broner, Undefeated WBA Welterweight and Three-Division World Champion:
[On how he prepares for a fighter that is so aggressive] ” He [Maidana] has never fought me. He’s never seen anybody in the ring like me, so he doesn’t know what he’s going to encounter.”

[On doing anything different in training to maintain his punching power at 147 pounds] “I’m okay. I’ve been eating a lot of ice cream.”

[On Marcos Maidana being a knockout victim] “I don’t have to explain what is already understood. He makes a lot of mistakes.

[On flying 65 family members to Colorado for Thanksgiving] “I just wanted to have a good time for Thanksgiving and see my family, but it was right back to work after that.

“I have to stay focused. I am not going to allow distraction. I’m not going to lie. This is the biggest fight of my career to date. He is going to try to hurt me, so I am ready and focused.”

Marcos Maidana, Former WBA Junior Welterweight Champion:
“The plan is that when I fight Broner, I am going to hit him everywhere and be busier. I’m prepared to throw many punches in the fight and pressure him. I’ve also trained to cut off the ring.

“It’s very important to attack the body, the arms and later the head.

“I am not sure that he [Broner] is the best I’ve faced, but he is definitely different.”

Keith Thurman, WBA Interim Welterweight World Champion:
“I am truly blessed to be where I am in the world of boxing. This is a dream come true. I have been boxing since the age of seven and in the amateur ranks all I ever wanted to be was a world champion.

“I am happy to be here. I am happy to receive the fan base and the recognition that I deserve and being on the networks. I fight hard. I am hungry all of the time and even though I have a belt, I’m still hungry. There are plenty other belts out there and you better believe that my fight against Soto Karass is going to be one heck of a fight. I am also looking forward to 2014.”

[On calling out Paulie Malignaggi in the past] “Paulie was on my mind due to that title, but when Adrien Broner took it, then that makes me look forward to stepping into that ring with ‘AB’ in 2014. A lot of fans want that fight and I want what the fans want.”

[On Soto Karass] “I think he is a highly estimated fighter. He is 120 percent hard work and dedication. He says he has a new passion for the sport and I believe him. He has been training hard in camp and I am not underestimating him. I am looking forward to a tremendous fight on Saturday night.

“All you have to do is watch Soto Karass’ fights. He gets hit. He tends to have a little bit of boxing skills and we will see if his team was working a little bit more on that with this fight. No matter what I plan on being the sharper fighter, the stronger fighter and the smarter fighter.”
Jesus Soto Karass, Welterweight Contender:
“Keith Thurman doesn’t have a weakness. He’s a young fighter and he’s strong. He is going to give it his best, but he is going to see that I am hands on. I have put more effort and concentration into my career than he has. I admit that I am the more daring fighter and Thurman has never fought someone with my mentality.

“God willing I will fight the winner of Broner vs. Maidana.

“I have prepared well and I have no fear of Thurman because I have fought tougher fights. We’re going to give it our all in the ring.”

Leo Santa Cruz, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion:
“I’m going to do what I have to do in the ring. Since I was younger I had a dream of becoming a champion and make a better life for my family. I have been able to accomplish that dream, but I know that if I lose then everything would be taken away.

“Sometimes I can’t believe that I am at this level of fighting and everything I have accomplished. I am excited and very happy because this is what I have worked so hard for, and I don’t want anyone take that title away.

[On how much longer he will be at this weight] “Right now everything is good. I would like to fight one or two more defenses then move up in weight.”

Cesar Seda, Super Bantamweight Title Challenger:
“I have trained really hard for this fight against Santa Cruz. I’m focused and ready for Saturday night.”

Beibut Shumenov, WBA Super & IBA Light Heavyweight Champion:
“I’m very happy to be here and I just want to show everybody that I am the best Light Heavyweight Champion in the world.”

Tamas Kovacs, Former WBO European & WBF Light Heavyweight Champion:
“My training camp has been going well. Shumenov is a good boxer, but I am a more intelligent fighter.”

Jamell Herring, Former 2012 Olympian Prospect and Lightweight:
[On Lance Williams saying he was going to knock him out] “If you look at his record and the opponents he has fought, they weren’t tough. I was in the Marine Corps and I have been through worse. I have had more experience in both my amateur and professional careers. I am definitely not threatened by him.”

Lance Williams, Lightweight Prospect:
[On his opponent Jamel Herring] “He is a high volume puncher but I am going to go out there and be the aggressor. I am going to come straight forward and cut the ring off.”

Ricardo Alvarez, Junior Welterweight Prospect:
“I am really happy to be here in San Antonio. I’m really happy that I am going to be able to box in front of the Mexican fans.

“I have been here with my brother in the past, so I know the type of fight fans to expect. I’m going to put on a good show. I’m confident that I am going to win this fight and would like to fight Omar Figueroa next.”

Robert Easter, Jr., Top Lightweight Rising Star:
“I trained hard and hopefully I will get my opponent out of there early. It’s about the knockout. I’ve only been to the third round in my career so far. At this point I’m not getting paid enough to do a display of boxing for all of those rounds. I make it a point to get my opponent out of there earlier. I’m going to go out there and give it my all. I give him two or three rounds. I’m feeling strong right now, stronger than I have ever felt.”

Jermain Taylor, Former Undisputed Middleweight Champion:
“Training has been great and I have been really focused in camp. I am 35-years-old so I have a small window of opportunity. I have been boxing since I was 12 and I am an Olympian. People would say that I would never make it to the Olympics and I did that and they also said that I would never be a champion and I did that too.”

[On whether his legacy of fighting top-notch champions is recognized] “I have fought many talented champion in my career and I don’t care about the legacy. I’m happy. My family is being fed. Damn the legacy.”

Rau’shee Warren, Three-Time U.S. Olympian (2004, 2008 & 2012):
“I don’t know anything about my opponent, but that doesn’t matter. It will take me about a minute to figure him out. Because I have been around the world and I’m a three-time Olympian. I have fought in different countries. I have had to fight different styled fighters and have had to learn to adapt.

” I’m ready for a win on Saturday. I’ve been training in Colorado with my team and I am motivated. My team always motivates me to be in the best shape I can be.”

# # #

“DANGER ZONE: Broner vs. Maidana,” a 12-round fight for Broner’s WBA Welterweight World Championship taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T, Grudge Match and Casamigos Tequila. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, Keith Thurman will defend his interim WBA Welterweight World Championship against Jesus Soto Karass. Leo Santa Cruz will put his WBC Super Bantamweight World title on the line against Cesar Seda in a 12-round bout and Beibut Shumenov faces Tamas Kovacs in a 12-round clash for Shumenov’s WBA Super & IBA Light Heavyweight World titles. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will air live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 6:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $250, $200, $150, $100, $75, $50, $25, $20 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are available at the Alamodome box office, or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com or online at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (800) 745-3000