NEW YORK, NY – (6/2/14) – World Boxing Council (WBC)/The Ring middleweight champion and Argentina’s favorite son, SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTÍNEZ, held his final media day earlier this afternoon ahead of his upcoming world title defense this Saturday, and the most eagerly anticipated boxing event of 2014 against three-division world champion and the Pride of Puerto Rico, MIGUEL COTTO.

Hundreds of media members and even more fans turned out Modell’s Sporting Goods flagship store in Times Square, just block from where Martinez will meet Cotto on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, to get a glimpse of Martinez. Martinez answered questions for the media before performing an intense 30 minute workout, which showed the champion to be in absolutely phenomenal shape ahead of his upcoming title defense. Following his work out, Martinez sat and signed autographs and took photos with every single one of his adoring fans that had come out to show their support.

Below are some brief quotes from Martinez as well as a few select photos from both the media work out, and the Empire State Building, where Martinez took photos with his opponent Miguel Cotto earlier in the afternoon, before heading over to his workout.

SERGIO MARTINEZ: I love New York City. It is one of my favorite cities in the world. I am so excited to be here and fight at one of the most famous arenas in the entire world. This is a dream come true for me.

Camp was phenomenal. The gym was excellent, Miami was perfect. This is the best training camp that I have ever had in my entire career. I said it before and I am saying it again, there is no possible way that Cotto will make it out of the 9th round.

On Freddie Roach predicting a KO victory for Cotto:
Freddie Roach is excellent at telling jokes and this is one of the best jokes he has ever told.

Photo credit: Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment/ Ed Mulholland – For additional photos email photoman58@aol.com

Promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, Top Rank®, DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Maravilla Box, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, the Cotto vs. Martínez World Middleweight Championship event takes place Saturday, June 7, at the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

HBO’s Emmy-Award®-winning reality series “24/7,” which has captured 18 Sports Emmys in its first seven seasons, returns with an all-new edition when “24/7 Cotto/Martinez” premieres Saturday, May 31 at 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO.

Cotto (39-4, 31 KOs), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, who has sold more tickets to The Garden than any other fighter in this millennium, will attempt to become Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion while Martínez (51-2-2, 28 KOs), of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has never lost a world championship fight, defends the title he first won in 2010. Both gladiators boast a combined record of 89-6-2 (59 KOs) – a winning percentage of 92% and a victory by knockout ratio of 66%.

Tickets to the Cotto vs. Martínez World Middleweight Championship are on sale now andpriced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50. 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.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.dbe1.com, www.sampsonboxing.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.maravillabox.com, Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/DiBellaentertainment, facebook.com/TopRankMiguelCotto, facebook.com/maravillabox, and facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/SampsonBoxing, twitter.com/hboboxing, twitter.com/realmiguelcotto or twitter.com/maravillabox. Use the Hashtag #CottoMartinez to join the conversation on Twitter.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 2nd, 2014) — For someone who’s been through every fight imaginable, there’s not much Rich Gingras can’t handle in or out of the ring.

As the Lincoln, R.I., light heavyweight prepares for his next title fight Friday night at Twin River Casino, he’s handling personal and professional battles that have made the past three and a half weeks the busiest of his life.

In addition to his New England Light Heavyweight title bout against Jaime Velazquez in the eight-round main event of CES Boxing’s “Unstoppable” card Friday, June 6th, 2014, Gingras (13-4-1, 8 KOs) is also launching the N.E. branch of Rock Steady Boxing, aimed toward helping people with Parkinson’s Disease, while simultaneously preparing for his first fitness competition just 22 days after the fight.

“I’m trying to exercise all these different avenues in my life,” Gingras said, “and I’m having a good time doing it.”

What might weigh down most people doesn’t seem to affect Gingras, who often finds himself in the middle of more than one project at the same time, whether it’s opening his own gym, preparing for a fight or supporting his wife, Alyssa, who recently earned her World Beauty Fitness & Fashion (WBFF) pro card in her first competition.

Overcoming obstacles is part of Gingras’ allure; he spent most of his life without his father, who died when he was a teenager, and dodged trouble throughout childhood before becoming a successful businessman, father and husband.

Watching his wife win at Fitness Atlantic in April motivated Gingras to give it a try in hopes that he, too, can earn his pro card on his first attempt June 28th in Boston and compete nationally in August with his wife at The WBFF Worlds in Las Vegas.

So now Gingras is packing on the muscle to fight at 175 pounds Friday against Velazquez (11-6-2, 6 KOs), a native of nearby Central Falls who’s back in the ring just four months after challenging former two-time world champion Glen Johnson at Twin River.

“People say I’m crazy for doing a fitness competition and boxing in the same month, or that’s a counterproductive because I’m putting a lot of wear and tear on my body,” Gingras said, “but most people can’t do one or the other, let alone both.

“I’m strong now from lifting. My speed hasn’t suffered at all. Maybe a hair, but I’m super powerful. Fighting in the light heavyweight division will help me.”

This is a unique challenge for Gingras, who actually fought as a heavyweight in the amateurs and began his professional career as a cruiserweight before slimming down to 168 pounds to face Vladine Biosse for the N.E. Super Middleweight Title in 2013. Now he’s aiming for 175, carefully making sure he doesn’t gain too much muscle prior to fight night before bulking up to 188 by the time he hits Boston for his WBFF debut.

A late bloomer in boxing, Gingras made up for lost time by fighting six times in the past two years after ending a three-year hiatus in 2012. His dedication to fitness and nutrition may have added a few years to his career. Even if he earns his pro card later this month and competes nationally, Gingras still intends to continue boxing as long as his body can handle the workload.

“I still have time left,” Gingras said. “I treat myself young. I’m healthy, and my body rewards me for it. I started late, so I don’t have a lot of miles on me, but I’m 33 and getting busier by the day.”

While training for his fight and the upcoming competition, Gingras also launched his own division of Rock Steady Boxing, which will be based out of his Fight 2 Fitness Gym in Pawtucket, R.I. The purpose of Rock Steady is to provide non-contact boxing and fitness training for those with Parkinson’s Disease to help improve their quality of life.

“New England happens to have the highest population of people with Parkinson’s, and there was nothing around here like that for them,” Gingras said. “It’s going to be huge. It’s something I’m real proud to be a part of.”

Gingras hasn’t fought since losing to Manfredo in November. The time off turned out to be a blessing in disguise, not only healing Gingras’ “fighting spirit,” but also allowing him to become more invested in other opportunities outside of the ring.

“I put a lot of work into boxing last year,” he said. “I trained my ass off for fights, between fighting [Biosse], then preparing for a fight I ended up not having [in September] and then fighting [Manfredo], I went seven months without a break.”

Refreshed, but not necessarily rested, Gingras hopes to prove Friday night that despite everything else going on in his life, boxing is still his No. 1 passion. It’ll be a tough test against the savvy Velazquez, but it’s a challenge Gingras is willing to accept. He’s not one to back down from a fight.

Tickets for “Unstoppable” are priced at $41, $76 and $126 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Players Club at Twin River. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The undercard features the return of Hyannis, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (8-1-1, 5 KOs), who will face Jamal Woods (4-11-3, 4 KOs) of Forrest City, Ark., in a four-round bout. Barboza has won four consecutive fights since 2013, including a unanimous-decision win over Glenn Thomas in March. Pawtucket, R.I., middleweight Thomas Falowo (11-2, 7 KOs), fresh off a win in February, will battle Albuquerque, N.M., native Jose Ramirez, a veteran of 24 fights, in a six-round bout; and unbeaten Boston heavyweight Donnie Palmer (4-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight John Orr (1-3) of Kansas City, Mo., in a four-round bout.

Patrick Nielsen (22-1, 11 KOs) was unable to complete his Moscow mission. The 23 year-old southpaw travelled to the Russian capital with the hope of capturing the interim WBA World Middleweight title from undefeated champion Dmitry Chudinov (13-0-2, 8 KOs). However after twelve rounds of action fought in front of a partisan crowd at the Mytishchi Arena the Dane found himself behind on all the judges’ scorecards.

‘’Tonight was not my night,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’I have no one to blame but myself. I was not committed enough in training and I now realise that I need to do a lot more in camp to become a champion. This defeat has made me hungrier and I promise that I will come back stronger.”

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’It was a tough fight and Patrick had signs of success, but you could tell that he was not fit for the twelve rounds and that is disappointing. I hope that Patrick learns a lesson from this and dedicates himself in training. I still believe that a fit Patrick beats Chudinov. If he is willing to make the necessary changes we will certainly try to secure a rematch.’’

There was some Danish success in Moscow. Patrick’s younger brother Micki Nielsen improved to 14-0 with the third-round technical knockout of Igor Pylypenko. Having been down in each of the first two rounds, a left-hook to the body in the third proved too much for Pylypenko, whose corner threw in the towel to spare him any further punishment

By Bart Barry–

Saturday at London’s Wembley Stadium British super middleweight titlist Carl “The Cobra” Froch stood before 80,000 of his countrymen, and across from a particularly obstinate one named George Groves, and told them to set aside the ample achievements of a career he casually calls “unbelievable” and judge his legacy on one criterion: How he acquitted himself in what 36 minutes followed. And then in the final 20 seconds of round 9, roughly 27 minutes into a pitched rematch, Froch struck Groves with a right cross so pure that in a flash it made Froch the historic sports figure he desperately wishes to be.

Whatever aficionados opined of him Saturday morning or opine of him today, Carl Froch knows what he is about. That attribute distinguishes him much as another. It is what allowed him to take his talent to a place his athleticism did not anticipate, an athleticism that suffered no loneliness, there: Who seeing Froch for the first time across from Andre Dirrell, in their memorably awful 2009 fight, anticipated the run Froch concluded Saturday?

Froch has been for the most part unabashed about conceding his use of a sports psychologist, which is likely not his first psychologist nor his last, and that sort of disinterested observation, reportage and maintenance from another can be quite a boon for an athlete who seeks an advantage of any kind over an athletically superior opponent – especially since many if not most of the men Froch has vanquished since 2008 have been, on paper, or in a gym, or on a track, or anywhere other than a prizefighting ring, superior to him. If Froch’s self-belief is by definition absurd it is nevertheless held deeply enough to be unreachable by any punch or word.

When Froch’s identity, not his shtick but his identity, is challenged – and unlike many an American athlete, Froch is exact in his separation of identity and shtick, knowing where they overlap and where one is devoid of the other, as evidenced by his self-deprecation about using the autobiographical title “international superstar” before his November match with Groves, a touch of self-awareness Floyd Mayweather couldn’t find on Freud’s couch itself – Froch looks upon his inquisitor not with contempt so much as incredulity: If you told Carl Froch his comportment is not the finest example of such in contemporary prizefighting, he’d not give you a look reserved for the enemy so much as a three-headed extraterrestrial.

Because Froch knows what he is about he can be vulnerable in moments that strike unpredictably as his jab, he can kneel before Rachael Cordingley, the model and mother of his children, minutes after the greatest moment in his storied career and sheepishly ask her hand in marriage, and then, sitting mashed on the apron against a man he put in an oxygen mask not a half-hour before, confess even more sheepishly he’d gone and asked his “sneaky question” and that she’d said yes. That vulnerability is what makes his courage and confidence and arrogance still more fascinating, especially when presented to American ears not accustomed to the mother tongue spoken well by athletes.

That fascination came through in Paulie Malignaggi’s voice, Saturday. The man voted by the Boxing Writers Association of America 2013’s best broadcast journalist was part of a three-man Sky Sport’s telecast that offered more insight between rounds than HBO’s four-man crew offered in the month of April, and he was not timid in his praise of Froch, saying Froch had done something exceptional – an observation no doubt aided by Malignaggi’s presence in Wembley Stadium, where, coincidentally, the biggest prizefight of 2014 happened approximately a continent and an ocean away from HBO’s nearest production truck. Malignaggi is a real dude, oftentimes too real, a man whose struggles for an unshakeable identity have happened publicly – who does not remember what befell his coiffure when last Malignaggi graced a British boxing ring? – but a man whose self-belief, too, is more settled than most, and a man who captured with his words and voice what every man who watched Saturday felt: Right now, I wish I was Carl Froch.

It strains one’s imagination to think the man who fought Albert Rybacki in 2008 would be fighting before 80,000 of his countrymen six years later, and it is exactly impossible to imagine that same man in that same situation would land the punch Froch did to take his rematch with Groves, instantly, from competitive scrap to sympathetic spectacle. Who that saw Groves reduced from a man to an accordion in round 9 by Froch’s perfectly leveraged right cross did not for a second or two feel remorse for the cruelty that felled Groves, the unrelenting self-promoter?

It was not Froch’s 3-2 combo, left hook-right cross, that ended Britain’s largest post-war prizefight so perfectly, or at least not just Froch’s combo. No, it was the feint that did it, too, the threatened malice, fortified by what 3-2 combos Froch landed imprecisely in rounds 5 and 6 and 8, that froze all but Groves’ rear guard, allowing Froch to step deeply into Groves’ space and connect flush with the hardest righthand thrown by a Brit since heavyweight Lennox Lewis nearly decapitated Hasim Rahman with the same combination in 2001.

Froch should retire on that perfect punch, and he acknowledged such on Sky Sports’ telecast, conceding nothing he does for the rest of his life will surpass what he did Saturday, but he’s a fighter, all fighter, and that means his retirement timing is necessarily poor as his courage is long, and he’ll come to the late-arriving artificiality of a Las Vegas prizefighting crowd sometime before he’s done and “see my name in lights” – whatever exactly he means by that. If his options comprise a beating of Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a rematch with American Andre Ward, or a tilt with unproven Kazakhstani middleweight Gennady Golovkin, Froch ought choose Chavez – allowing Ward the ongoing joy of semiretirement and telling Golovkin first to prove himself at least George Groves’ equal.

It matters little, ultimately, as this truism will persist: If every prizefighter were like Carl Froch, ours would be the world’s most popular sport.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Javier Fortuna remained undefeated by scoring an entertaining 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Rodriguez in a Super Featherweight bout at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.

In round three, Fortuna scored a knockdown from a barrage of punches. Late in the round, Rodriguez cut Fortuna over his right eye. Just before the end of the bell, Rodriguez landed a left hand that sent Fortuna to the canvas but it was ruled a slip by referee Robert Byrd.

Although his eye continued to swell and was basically shut by the 9th round, Fortuna continued to box well and hit Rodriguez with a furious flurry of punches in the 9th that caused a cut over the left eye of Rodriguez.

Fortuna, 130 1/2 lbs of the Dominican Republic won by scores of 98-91 on all cards and is now 25-0-1. Rodriguez, 129 1/2 lbs of Ciudad, MX is now 26-5.

Luis Rosa remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Orlando Del Valle in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Rosa used his physical strength to grind out shots on the inside. Rosa had two blemishes as he was dropped in round five from a combination and deducted a point in round eight for low blows. the accumulation of blows forced a cut on the bridge of the nose of Del Valle.

Rosa, 121 1/4 lbs of New Haven, CT won by scores of 97-91, 97-92 and 98-91 and is now 17-0. Del Valle, 121 1.2 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 18-2.

Carl Froch silenced any critics as he stopped George Groves for the 2nd time in eight months, this time in front of over 80,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium in London to retain his IBF/WBA Super Middleweight titles.

Groves boxed well over the first four rounds as he was quicker with the jab and landed an occasional right hand against Froch, who looked lethargic as he did not turn up his energy. Froch started landing with some solid shots in round five and began to slowly dictate the action. In round six and seven, Froch continued to come on strong by mixing in body shots.

In round eight, Froch landed a booming right hand that sent Groves down. With Groves’leg bent underneath him, referee Charlie Fitch immediately waved the fight off at 2:43 of round eight.

Froch, 167 1/4 lbs of Nottingham, England is now 33-2 with 24 knockouts. Groves, 166 1/4 lbs of London is now 19-2.

Nonito Donaire won the WBA Featherweight title with a unanimous technical decision over Simpiwe Vetyeka at the Cotai Arena in the Venetian in Macau, China.

Donaire was cut over the left eye in round one and he did not stop bleeding throughout the fight. It was a close fight with Donaire landing the more effective blows. Vetyeka was effective in spots. Doanire sealed the fight when he landed a booming left hook in the middle of an exchange that sent Vetyeka to canvas. Donaire was seen by the ringside doctor multiple times during the fight and the contest was stopped at the beginning of round five with Donaire ahead 49-46 on all cards.

Donaire, 126 lbs of General City, Philippines is now 33-2. Vetyeka, 125 1/2 lbs of South Africa is now 26-3.

Follow all the action when Carl Froch and George Groves get it on in an highly anticipated Super Middleweight title rematch that will take place in front of over 80,000 fans in Wembley Stadium. The action begins at 4 PM ET / 9 PM in London.

REFRESH EVERY COUPLE MINUTES FOR LIVE UPDATES

12 ROUNDS–WBA/IBF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–CARL FROCH (32-2, 23 KO’S) VS GEORGE GROVES (19-1, 15 KO’S)

Round 1 Both guys jabbing…Groves lands a jab..Froch lands a jab..right…10-9 Froch

Round 2 Exchange of rights..quicjk left from Groves...19-19

Round 3 Froch lands a hard right…Groves lands a better right..jab to the body..right over the top…2 good left hooks…right..29-28 Groves

Round 4 Right from Groves…Left and right from Groves…good 1-2…1-2…left hook from Froch..left…Froch lands to the body…39-37 Groves
GRound 5 Hard right by Froch..wobbles Groves to the ropes..Groves lands a right..Hard right..Hard body shots from Froch…48-47 Groves

Round 6 Froch lands a right…Froch lands a combo on ropes...57-57

Round 7 Hard left from Groves…another left..Froch lands a flurry of body punches..Good right…67-66 Froch

Round 8 Froch lands a right…Body shots..HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES GROVES AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Patrick Nielsen (22-0, 11 KOs) and Dmitry Chudinov (12-0-2, 8 KOs) both made weight ahead of their WBA World Middleweight Championship clash at the Mytishchi Arena in Moscow, Russia on Sunday night.

Patrick Nielsen: 72.3 kg
Dmitry Chudiniv: 72 kg

Patrick Nielsen’s younger brother Micki is also in action. Micki Nielsen (13-0, 10 KOs) faces Igor Pylypenko (4-16-2, 1 KO) in an eight round cruiserweight contest.

Micki Nielsen: 94.2 kg
Igor Pylypenko: 91.2 kg

Today’s weigh-in took place at the Sexton Centre home of Russian motorcylcle club the Night Wolves.

Please fee free to use/ share/ embed the video below:

Danish fans can watch Patrick Nielsen’s World Championship challenge live on TV3 + from 20.30 on Sunday June 1st.

MACAO (May 31, 2014) – Two-time Chinese Olympic gold medallist and national icon ZOU SHIMING and undefeated unified junior featherweight world champion and Cuban sensation GUILLERMO “El Chacal” RIGONDEAUX will headline Champions of Gold – world championship boxing’s return to The The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Arena. Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with Tecate, PS4, Caribe Promotions and Foreman Boys Promotions, Champions of Gold will take place Saturday, July 19.

Tickets for Champions of Gold are on sale now and can be purchased via Cotai Ticketing™; prices start at HKD/MOP 80, with ferry and hotel packages also available. Featherweight Fury ticketholders will want to act fast to take advantage of a 30 per cent early bird discount*, available for three days only, until June 2 (HKD/MOP 80 tickets excluded).

Rigondeaux will be defending his titles against top-five contender and two-time world title challenger SOD LOOKNONGYANTOY of Thailand. The undercard will feature former three-time world champion BRIAN VILORIA, undefeated NABF/NABO super middleweight champion GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ, 2012 Russian Olympic gold medallist EGOR MEKHONTSEV, plus local favourites REX “The Wonder Kid” TSO, IK YANG and “The Macao Kid” NG KUOK KUN, each in separate bouts.

Zou (4-0, 1 KO), from Guizhou, China, and trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, won his professional debut April 6, 2013 at Fists of Gold, via a dominant four-round unanimous decision over gritty Eleazar Valenzuela. He followed that up with six-round unanimous decision victories last year over Jesus Ortega and Juan Toscano July 27 at Fists of Gold II and November 24 at The Clash in Cotai, respectively, and celebrated his 2014 debut with his first professional knockout February 22 at Ring of Gold, stopping Yokthong Kokietgym in the seventh round. All of his professional bouts have taken place at the Cotai Arena. One of the most popular Olympic athletes in China, Zou was the world’s greatest amateur light flyweight, capturing gold medals in the World Amateur Championships in 2005, 2007 and 2011, along with gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. He also owns an Olympic bronze medal from the 2004 games, making him his nation’s first Olympic medallist in boxing as well as its first boxing gold medallist in the World Amateur Championships and the Olympics. He will be graduating to a 10-round bout against an opponent who will be named shortly, taking Zou one step closer to a world title challenge.

Rigondeaux (13-0, 8 KOs), of Miami, Florida, returns to the ring making his 2014 debut. Last year he unified the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) 122-pound titles by defeating 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire April 13, 2013, at a sold-out Radio City Music Hall in New York. Rigondeaux thoroughly dominated Donaire via a unanimous decision victory, ending his 12-year, 30-bout winning streak, as well as claiming his WBO junior featherweight title. Rigondeaux had a stellar amateur career, winning Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2000, World Amateur Championship titles in 2005 and 2001, and Pan American Games gold medals in 2005 and 2003, all at 119 pounds, before leaving Cuba to embark on a professional career which began in Miami in 2009. In only his seventh professional fight where both fighters scored knockdowns, Rigondeaux captured the WBA interim super bantamweight title, winning a tough split decision over the vastly more experienced former world champion Ricardo Cordoba in 2010. After successfully defending the interim title in 2011 with a first-round knockout of previously undefeated former European super bantamweight champion Willie Casey, Rigondeaux won the WBA world super bantamweight championship with a sixth-round knockout of previously undefeated defending champion Rico Ramos January 20, 2012. Rigondeaux has successfully defended that title four times since then, blasting once-beaten Teon Kennedy in the fifth round, which included Kennedy suffering five knockdowns en route to the loss, and winning a dominant unanimous decision over once-beaten contender Roberto Marroquin, both in 2012, besting Donaire in their April 2013 title unification fight and most recently, defeating former two-time world champion Joseph Agbeko December 7 via a dominant unanimous decision.

Looknongyantoy (61-2-1, 25 KOs), of Srithep, Thailand, has twice challenged for the WBO junior featherweight, losing to Daniel De Leon both times, in 2005 and 2006. Since then he has fashioned an eight-year, 35-bout unbeaten streak, which has included Asian, WBO Asia-Pacific and WBA Pan Asian 122-pound title victories. He is currently world-rated No. 5 by the WBO and No. 8 by the WBA.

Viloria (32-4, 19 KOs), from Waipahu, Hawaii, was a 2000 U.S. Olympian. He captured his first world title in 2005, knocking out Eric Ortiz in the first round to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion. He held the title for nearly one year before losing it. In 2008, he captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior flyweight title, knocking out Ulises Solis in the 11th round. After losing the title in his second defence the following year, Viloria moved up one weight division and captured the WBO flyweight title via unanimous decision over Julio Miranda in 2011. The following year, he unified the title with a 10th-round knockout of WBA champion Hernan Marquez. He lost the titles on the Fists of Gold II card, losing a split decision to Juan Estrada.

Ramirez (28-0, 22 KOs), of Mazatlan, Mexico, is world-rated No. 2 by the WBC, No. 3 by the WBO, No. 6 by the WBA and No. 7 by the IBF. A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 22, has won both his 2014 bouts by knockout. In his last outing, April 11, he captured the NABF and NABO super middleweight titles via a fifth-round knockout of two-time world title challenger Yovanny Lorenzo.

Mekhontsev (3-0, 3 KOs), of Asbest, Russia, won his pro debut last December 4, knocking out Peter Cajigas in the third round. On February 22, Mekhontsev made his Cotai Arena debut at Ring of Gold, knocking out undefeated Jaritram Atthaporn in the second round. His most recent fight was a third-round stoppage of Dwayne Williams April 11. Trained by his father Leonid, Mekhontsev captured the Olympic light heavyweight gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and as a heavyweight he won gold at the 2009 World Amateur Championships and the 2010 and 1008 European Amateur Championships.

Hong Kong’s Tso (12-0, 8 KOs), the undefeated WBC Asian super flyweight and WBO Asia Pacific junior bantamweight champion recently named 2013 WBC Asia Prospect of the Year, Yang (13-0, 8 KOs) of Dalian, China and local favourite Ng (4-0, 2 KOs) will be featured in separate bouts on the undercard against opponents who will be announced soon.

Tickets to the July 19 Champions of Gold can be purchased at all Cotai Ticketing box offices*, and are available in seven categories, ranging from HKD/MOP 80 to HKD/MOP 4,680. HKD/MOP 88 adds a round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry ticket between Hong Kong and Macao (HKD/MOP 80 tickets excluded). Tickets can be booked online at www.cotaiticketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK) / 4001 206 618 (China) / +63 2 395 3370 (Philippines). Tickets are also available through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies), online at www.HKTicketing.com or by phone at +852 3128 8288, and via Macao Kong Seng Ticketing Network, online at www.macauticket.com, by phone at +853 2855 5555, or in person at selected retail outlets (for locations, visit www.macauticket.com/TicketWeb/ServiceStations.aspx). Hotel packages including two tickets and one night’s accommodation at a choice of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel; Conrad Macao, Cotai Central; Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central; or Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central are also available for purchase starting at HKD/MOP 3,800† through Cotai Ticketing.

NOTE: Bouts and times subject to change

# # #

Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. Properties
Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia’s top entertainment destination.

The 15,000-seat Cotai Arena is the only venue in Asia ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world’s and the region’s biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.

The 1800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black-tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a luxury theatre experience like no other in the region.

The 650-seat Sands Theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dancers to modern performances, and from singing troupes to contemporary bands, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.

With an unbeatable diversity, the entertainment offering of Sands China Ltd. is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.

For information about upcoming shows and events, visit www.venetianmacao.com/entertainment.html.

About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao’s first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; TAIVEXMALO Day Hospital & Spa; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.

For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.

About Cotai Strip Resorts Macao – Macao’s Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao has transformed a gaming-centric day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.

Pulsating with life, both night and day, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.3 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, gaming excitement, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including international restaurants, bars and lounges. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is a must-see destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.

Comprised of The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is where Asia’s ultimate destination is all within reach.

Cotai Strip Resorts Macao….Macao Starts Here. For more information, please visit
http://en.cotaistrip.com.

Before the going gets tough inside the ring when Juergen Braehmer defends his WBA Light Heavyweight Championship against Roberto Bolonti on June 7, some hard rock will take center stage. Newcomers “Blues Pills” are going to perform their hit single “Devil Man” at the Sport- und Kongresshalle Schwerin, Germany to get fight fans in the right mood for the local hero’s homecoming bout. Moreover, Braehmer likes the song: “I love some hard riffs to tune up myself for a fight and that’s what I get.”

Blues Pills is currently hyped as the “Next Big Thing” in all of hard rock, with one band member not even in his twenties. Guitarist Dorian Sorriaux is a merely 17 years old. Lead singer Elin Larsson (20) says that they will enjoy their performance on June 7: “We are really excited and looking forward to get the crowd going.“

As the Band is young, so are they international. Larsson is from Sweden, Sorriaux hails from France and bass player Zack Anderson as well as drummer Cory Berry were born in the USA. Blues Pills will release their premiere album named after the band on July 25.

Tickets for the fight night at the Sport- und Kongresshalle Schwerin, Germany on June 7 are available via www.eventim.de.

Las Vegas, NV (5/30/14) – All of the fighters for tomorrow night’s HBO Latino double-header weighed in earlier today in Las Vegas. The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Right Hook Promotions and will take place at the beautiful newly renovated Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The card which will air on HBO Latino network, as well the HBO2 service with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT), is headlined by former world champion Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18KO’s) taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23KO’s) in a 10-round super featherweight match-up. In the highly anticipated co-feature top-rated super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13KO’s) will look to take a major step toward repositioning himself back among the elite of the 122lb. division when he faces highly regarded undefeated prospect Luis Rosa (16-0, 7KO’s) in a 10-round super bantamweight showdown.

Also appearing on the card in a special attraction 10-round middleweight bout will be former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

Below is a complete list of tomorrow’s card with the official weights included.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

10 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Javier Fortuna vs. Juan Antonio Rodriguez
La Romana, Dominican Republic Puebla, Mexico
24-0-1, 18 KO’s 26-4, 23 KO’s
130.6 lbs 129.4 lbs.

10 ROUNDS – JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Luis Rosa vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle
New Haven, CT Bayamon, Puerto Rico
16-0, 7 KO’s 18-1, 13 KO’s
121.4 lbs. 121.4 lbs.

10 ROUNDS -MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Sergio Mora vs. Samuel Rogers
Los Angeles, CA St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
25-3-2, 8 KO’s 14-1, 8 KO’s
159 lbs. 158 lbs.

6 ROUNDS -JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Jesus Gutierrez vs. Pablo Becerra
Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV
11-0, 3 KO’s 7-4, 6 KO’s
136.7 lbs. 136 lbs.

8 ROUNDS -JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Rocco Santoumaro vs. Daniel Quevedo
Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA
11-0, 1 KO 13-14-3, 8 KO’s
120.4 lbs. 121.4 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Donte Strayhorn vs. Joaquin Chavez
Cincinnati, OH Los Angeles, CA
5-1, 1 KO 6-12, 2 KO’s
136 lbs. 136.6 lbs.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

# # #

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (May 30th, 2014) – Listed below are weights for all of the participants in tomorrow night’s boxing card at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.

HANK LUNDY
Philadelphia, Pa.
24-3-1, 11 KOs
138

PIPINO CUEVAS JR.
Mexico City, Mexico
17-11, 15 KOs
138 ½

LAKEYSHA WILLIAMS
Philadelphia, Pa.
9-18-3, 1 KO
122 ½

SHELITO VINCENT
New London, Conn.
10-0, 1 KO
122 ¾

JIMMY WILLIAMS
New Haven, Conn.
5-0-1, 2 KOs
152 ¼

CHRISTIAN LAO
New Haven, Conn.
5-2-1, 2 KOs
152

ALTHEA SAUNDERS
Atlantic City, N.J.
3-0-1
140 ½

ALEKSANDRA MAGDZIAK-LOPES
Marshfield, Mass.
10-2-1, 1 KO
144 ¼

KEVIN COBBS
Willimantic, Conn.
7-1, 2 KOs
183

WILLIS LOCKETT
Tahoma Park, Md.
13-13-5, 5 KOs
189

ETHAN PENA
Providence, R.I.
2-1, 1 KO
153

JOE WILSON
Hartford, Conn.
1-1
151 ½

INDIO, Calif., (May 30, 2014) – Undefeated Domonique Dolton suffered a hand injury in training and has been forced to withdraw from his fight with Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. next Friday, June 6, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Undefeated Houston, Texas’ Gerardo Ibarra to take Dolton’s place.

Gerardo “Tin Tin” Ibarra (14-0, 8 KOs), 5-foot-9, 23-year-old boxer-puncher, is taking a huge leap in class for this, his first major opportunity as a professional. He is coming off a shutout, eight-round decision victory over William Johnson last Feb. 15.

Before turning pro in July 2008, Ibarra was a solid amateur, going 120-23, while winning and competing in tournaments in America and abroad. He won in the 2005 National Junior Olympic tournament, defeating undefeated pro Gary Russell Jr. along the way.

“To put it simply, I love fighting,” the confident, determined Ibarra said. “Boxing is about opportunities and this is a great platform to showcase my talent on a national network and I promise that after the fight everyone will know who “TinTin” is.”

In the ShoBox co-feature, New York City phenom Eddie “E Boy” Gomez (16-0, 10 KOs) faces Francisco Santana (19-3-1, 7 KOs) of Santa Barbara, Calif., in a 10-round junior middleweight match. The streaking Santana has won seven in a row.

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/HugoBoss805, https://twitter.com/Team_Tintin , www.twitter.com/EddieGomez718, www.twitter.com/ChiaSantana, www.twitter.com/diegodelahoya, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

MSG Network kicks off the Miguel Cotto v. Sergio Martinez fight week with a new episode of The Game 365. MSG’s Fran Healy recently sat down with Miguel Cotto and Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for the brand new episode which premieries on MSG + Monday night and on MSG on Tuesday with both airing at 7:30 pm. Below are several quotes from the half hour program.

The Game 365:Miguel Cotto

Miguel Cotto
On Madison Square Garden:
“It’s my second home … being there is a marvelous adventure.”

On fighting for fans:
“I know they follow Miguel Cotto. I know they’ve always been rooting for me and when I step into the ring I fight for them too.”

“Having all those Puerto Ricans rooting for me during the fight is going to help me, but I have to be focused on my work.”

On walking from dressing room to ring on June 7:
“It all depends on the work I made here at the gym. If I feel prepared enough for anything Sergio can bring me … then it’s going to be an easy road from the locker room to the ring.”

On retiring:
“I’m getting older, my kids are growing and I want to be there for them. I spend too much time in here (gym) and I lose time with them. Its close, my time to retire, its close. I’m going to enjoy the last part of my career.”

Freddie Roach
On training and key to fight:
“I try to duplicate a lot of what the opponents do. He (Martinez) likes to rest on the ropes with his hands up high and when he does that of course the body shots are right there. I feel that is the key to this fight, if you break the body down the head will fall.”

On how much of fight is physical and mental:
“I say about 90% of the fight game is mental. It’s who can pull it off, who can make their game plan work, who can execute the game plan best. Everyone gets in shape and gets ready for the fight…our people are 100% ready and then it’s the mental side. That’s what we work on a lot, the sports psychology the positive thinking and making the right moves at the right time.”

Derek Ennis 160.8 vs. Lester Gonzalez 160.7
Derrick Webster 167 vs. Michael Gbenga 169.4
Nelson Acevedo 121.8 vs. Jose Garcia 120.3
Seifullah Jihad Wise 137.5 vs Glenn Dezurn Jr. 134.5
Ramir Hilliard 129.5 vs. Pedro Andres 131.5
Saud Clark 145 vs. William Lorenzo 145
Gilbert Alex Sanchez 152.5 vs. Juan Aguirre 153
Ashwin Trails 244.5 vs. Imani Bell 267.5

Promoter: Cool Boxing Promotions
Venue: PA Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall

Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT) with a world featherweight title fight (Vetyeka vs. Donaire) from Macau.

The main event of the day live at 4:45 p.m. (ET/PT) features a highly anticipated 12-round title rematch between super middleweight title-holder Carl Froch and top contender and arch-rival George Groves.

Official Weights from London:

Carl Froch: 167.9 lbs.
George Groves: 166.4 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #FrochGroves2

When “Diamond Boy” Manuel Charr and former WBA world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin step into the ring at Luzhniki Arena in Moscow (Russia) tonight (live on live.360fights.com / broadcast starts at noon EST / 6pm Central European Time) they will not only fight for the WBC international championship. According to Manuel Charr the fight will also be dedicated to the peace process in Syria.

“I respect Alexander Povetkin. He is a likable guy and a great champion. We will not only fight against each other in the ring – we also fight together for peace in the world and especially in Syria”, says Charr. “It is an honor to fight for the WBC international championship because the WBC has always supported the ‘Fight for Peace’ all around the world. And I know that WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is expecially concerned about the Middle East – just like his father Don José has always been.”

José Sulaiman who passed away in January would have celebrated his 83th birthday today. So the fight between Charr and Povetkin is not only dedicated to peace but also to the longtime WBC President. The show in Moscow also features the WBC Silver cruiserweight championship bout between Rakhim Chakhkiev and Santander Silgado from Colombia and the WBC CISBB welterweight championship bout between Aslanbek Kozaev and Igor Faniyan from Ukraine.

In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, former Yugoslavia, Syria and the USA the show will be broadcasted live on live.360fights.com (starting at 12pm noon EST / 6pm Central European time).

Simpiwie Vetyetka 125.5 – Nonito Donaire
Nicholas Walters 125.5 – Vic Darchinyan 125.5
Egveny Gradovich 125.5 – Alexander Miskirtchian 125.5

NEWARK, NJ (May 30, 2014) – Alex “The Brick City Bullet” Perez, 17-1, 9 KO’s is an old school, all action fighter who wants nothing more than to fight as often as possible. Unfortunately, the business of boxing has often worked against the tall southpaw. Perez takes great pride in his craft and has always had faith that he will become a World Champion. He makes it very clear that he wants the biggest fights out there as often as possible at this point in his career to show the world who he really is.

After a year of inactivity Perez returns to the ring this Saturday night to fight another tough competitor in Jeremiah Wiggins, 10-2, 5 KO’s on KEA Boxing’s, “Boxing at the Birchwood” series. Wiggins is tough fighter who was undefeated at 10-0 prior to his last two fights. In those two fights Wiggins went to war with two undefeated rising stars and dropped and almost stopped both of them.. In his most recent fight with Julian Williams, who is now 16-0, Wiggins had Williams down, in serious trouble and in a spot where the referee was close to stopping it, but Williams weathered the storm and later went on to stop Wiggins despite his protests.

Perez and Wiggins are two fighters who both always come to fight and who both have something to prove. Again Perez who is a natural at 147 pound fighter has had several opponents pull out of this date and is being asked to fight a dangerous fighter who is a junior middleweight, a full weight class above….but Perez is hungry to take out any obstacles on his way to a belt in the welterweight division and the Brick City Bullet is ready for whoever and whatever comes his way.

The Perez vs. Wiggins bout will headline KEA Boxing’s return of their Boxing at the Birchwood Series which was extremely popular almost a decade ago before KEA started to do more shows in several states and locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina. Their return to their roots in Morris County New Jersey features an excellent undercard and the Birchwood Manor is probably the nicest intimate venue to watch professional Boxing in all of New Jersey.

KEA’s president, Andre Kut is very excited to be back and has also fought through great adversity to consistently bring the area top notch world class professional boxing. He has had to overcome many obstacles to do this, but has not let anything or anyone stand in his way.

It was very unfortunate that in Alex Perez’s’ biggest fight to date, he suffered his lone defeat in a bout for the NABF welterweight title against world rated Antonin Decarie. Boxing is an unforgiving sport where big opportunities are very difficult to come by, and while no one wants to hear excuses, everyone involved with that fight was aware that he came down with a stomach virus the day of the weigh in.

While several members of team Perez pleaded with him to pull out, cooler heads did not prevail and the throwback Brick City warrior decided to go in with all he had. Unfortunately all he had that night was a dehydrated calorie deprived body that was unable to put on any weight after the weigh in the day before and his heart and mental toughness were not enough to overcome the illness and physical handicap that he gallantly tried to overcome against the very capable Decarie who fought a great fight.

Perez , who had been the most active of his career in fighting and defeating good opponents leading up to that night under promoter DiBella Entertainment, pleaded with everyone around him for a rematch. However, while the fight made sense in the eyes of Perez, no one else was interested in it at that time, and unfortunately Perez and DiBella parted ways. Perez wanted a tough fight back to show the world the Decarie fight was an aberration. He reunited with KEA Boxing in New Jersey and a fight with Kenny Abril who was coming off of the biggest victory of his career over top contender, Dennis Laurente would be a tough fight and a big test coming off of the TKO loss.

Perez would dominate Abril over 8 rounds in a very impressive performance and was very eager to stay busy moving forward.
This is where the business side of boxing would again stand in his way. Without being signed by a promoter, Perez has known he needed to stay ready to fight and has trained for the last year, but he has only seen potential opportunities for fights that have fallen apart, often because people just do not want to fight the tall southpaw. His strong faith that he is in fact destined for greatness has remained fully intact, but the 32 year old Perez wants nothing more than to just be given the opportunity to show the world who he is on a regular basis.

Most people in boxing have heard by now, Perez survived a stabbing, a shooting and was at one point was falsely accused of committing a very serious aggravated assault/armed robbery that could have landed him in jail for 20+ years if his close knit, very small team didn’t band together and make sure justice was brought to light.

His lawyer, Dan Serratelli who has trained with Perez since he was a teenager took the case pro bono worked diligently on the case and eventually all charged were dropped. Perez has stated time and time again, he has tunnel vision and will not let any opponent or circumstances stand in his way. He takes great pride in giving the fans what they want and this Saturdays fight with Wiggins is sure to be a fan friendly war that should open a lot of eyes.

Perez has been featured on a documentary leading up to this fight called “Behind the Brick City Bullet” which was produced by John Archibald of Resolution Sports and all episodes can be seen on www.BrickCityBoxing.com and www.Ressports.com

The card will also feature an exciting undercard featured the son of former world title contender, Bobby Gunn…. Bobby Gunn Jr. , Anthony Jones, Tyrell Wright, Joe Cusumano, Connie Viruet and several other New Jersey rising stars. The show will also feature the beautiful ladies of www.Roundcardmodels.com

Tickets are priced at :
VIP: $100, Ringside $75, Reserved $55 or GA $40
For tickets or further information visit contact The Serratelli Law Firm, www.Thefightlawyer.com which is located at 328 Clifton Avenue in Clifton, NJ. 973-415-7979 thefightlawyer@gmail.com or visit www.keaboxing.com 973-903-2907 or 973-222-2273.

Star Boxing’s Popular world rated professional boxer, ‘Comanche Boy’ George Tahdooahnippah (32-1, 24 KO) returns to the ring next Friday, June 6, 2014 in Xtreme Fight Night 19 as the boxing main event at the Grand Casino Hotel Resort in Shawnee, OK.

Xtreme Fight Night combines world class boxing, MMA, and Championship Kickboxing on the same night. ‘Comanche Boy’ will be facing dangerous knockout artist, Codale ‘Crunchtime’ Ford who competes as a professional boxer, kickboxer, and MMA fighter with a total of 27 fights.

Ford has devastating power in both hands and is looking to make a name for himself in boxing by upsetting Tahdooahnippah.

Tahdooahnippah said, “I am happy to be fighting at the Grand Casino in Shawnee, OK. I know Codale Ford is a tough guy with some pop in his punches, but I am too strong and his will is unmatched to mine. I will win and win big! I will perform in the ring and bring with me the best ring entrance boxing has ever seen!”

‘Comanche Boy’ George Tahdooahnippah and Codale Ford are scheduled for six rounds. On January 24, 2014, Tahdooahnippah stopped rugged veteran, Marteze Logan with a body shot in the fourth round of their bout, and is looking forward to opening his summer with an impressive win. The event is promoted by Dale “Apollo” Cook with special guest, former UFC legend, Matt Hughes.

Tickets are $35, $55, $65 and ringside tables for $600. Tickets can be purchased at the Grand Event Center box office in the Grand Casino Hotel Resort, in Shawnee, OK, www.grandboxoffice.com, or by calling (405) 964-7263

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow them on twitter.com/starboxing and Facebook.com/starboxing

By Norm Frauenheim

London’s Wembley Stadium will be the stage Saturday for what figures to be a terrific rematch in the second edition of Carl Froch-versus-George Groves and an even better lesson for what ails the business in North America.

It’s pretty simple, obvious enough to be embarrassing. Give the fans what they want. From New York to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, that market fundamental has been lost, or perhaps ignored for all the tired reasons that have been reported ad nauseam for the last few years.

It’s an era that should be remembered for Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. and maybe a rematch or two. Instead, it’s marked by the deadly Top Rank-Golden Boy feud that denied customers what they have wanted the most.

The Wembley crowd is expected to be 80,000, a UK record, for a fight between two very good super-middleweights. Yet, neither Froch nor Groves will ever be Mayweather and Pacquaio, who were and perhaps still are the best of their generation. If Froch and Groves can draw 80,000 to an arena for a grudge match-turned-spectacle, imagine what Mayweather could have done, or perhaps can still do.

Froch-Groves is essentially a UK story full of tension between the two and controversy about a debatable stoppage that allowed Froch to win a ninth-round TKO last November in Manchester. But their rematch is also a snapshot look at what could have – should have – been. The world has wanted Pacquaio-Mayweather.

The good news in Froch-Groves is that it is a sure sign business can thrive if it’s done right, which simply means that the customers are always more important than promotional egos. After all, Froch could have walked away, or hid behind some marketing spin or manufactured social polls in an attempt to fight somebody else. But that would have been running away from what the market demands. That would have been stupid. Froch isn’t. A record crowd is about to thank him.

The bad news, at least in North America, is in declining television numbers for major bouts over the last few months. HBO’s pay-per-view buy rate for Pacquiao’s rematch victory over Timothy Bradley on April 12 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand was reported to have been between 750,000 and 800,000. Solid, yet short of the million milestone. As of Thursday, there was still no official word on Showtime’s PPV buy rate for Mayweather’s majority decision over Marcos Maidana on May 3, also at the MGM Grand. Fair or not, a slow count means Showtime is no rush to report disappointing numbers, which have been speculated to be about 900,000, also short of the million marker.

Numbers can be twisted into equations that serve just about any agenda. But the last two from Pacquiao and Mayweather point to the same result: Exasperation at no Mayweather-Pacquiao is beginning to add up to fewer customers.

A further red flag was raised Saturday in light-heavyweight Adonis Stevenson’s surprisingly difficult decision over Andrzej Fonfara in a non-PPV bout in Montreal. In his first fight since jumping from HBO to Showtime in late March after signing with advisor Al Haymon, the Stevenson-featured card drew an average audience of 672,000, according to Nielsen. The rating peaked at 800,000 for Stevenson-Fonfara.

Stevenson’s last fight on HBO — a sixth-round stoppage of Tony Bellew in November – drew a reported audience of 1.3 million, also for a non-PPV bout. Some difference was expected, because HBO has a bigger universe (29 million) than Showtime (23 million). But even at the 800,000 peak for the victory over Fonfara, the audience for Stevenson was down by half-a-million.

Forget the marketing spin, which will try to explain away the decline. Like the latest returns from Pacquiao and Mayweather, the Stevenson numbers are rooted in what the customers have been denied. Before Stevenson jumped to Showtime and Haymon, there was momentum for a Stevenson-Sergey Kovalev fight.

Kovalev-Stevenson wasn’t Pacquiao-Mayweather, but it was a good alternative for fans weary of not getting the fights they wanted the most. Just when it looked as if the bout would happen late this year, Stevenson walked away from the blockbuster. A lot of customers joined him.

Many more will walk away from a lot more if feuding promoters don’t pay attention to Froch and Groves to a London primer in basic business sense.

122 pound world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will defend his title on July 19 in Macau, China against Sod Kokietgym according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“This fight is the end of the contract. We owe him this fight and we will live up to the contract and then it’s over,” Arum said. “We’re happy to make a new deal with him if he wants to renegotiate (his minimum purses). But HBO won’t put him on, so the only market I have for him is in Asia.

“If he makes a big hit when he fights (in Macau) then we have to work out the money, and if we can’t, we can’t. If he feels there’s a market for him across the street (at Showtime), let him go across the street.”

MASHANTUCKET, Conn., (May 29, 2014) – Rapper/promoter Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson returns to the Nutmeg State to celebrate his birthday as his company, SMS Promotions, presents a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights on Wednesday night, July 2, at Grand Theater in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The 12-round main event matches undefeated junior lightweight Mark “Too Sharp” Davis (18-0, 5 KOs) against Filipino knockout specialist Michael “Hammer Fist” Farenas (38-4-4, 30 KOs) in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for winner of the upcoming title match between IBF 130-pound champion Argenis Mendez and challenger Rances Barthelemy.

“I’m thrilled to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino, celebrating my birthday yet again with ESPN Friday Night Fights,” commented 50 Cent. “Last year was such a success I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do it again and deliver an amazing night of boxing. All of the fighters on the card bring strength, power, endurance and agility to the sport. It’s a night you won’t want to miss.”

“We are delighted to be welcoming back 50 and his SMS Promotions for another stellar night of fights on ESPN.” added Monique L. Sebastian, Executive Director of Entertainment, Foxwoods Resort Casino. “We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday weekend.”

The 27-year-old Davis, fighting out of Cleveland, had more than 200 amateur bouts, highlighted by his gold medal winning performance at the 2005 U.S. National Championships.

Farenas is a battle-tested veteran from the Philippines who has never been stopped in 47 professional fights. He lost a 12-round decision to another SMS fighter, Yuriorkis Gamboa, in 2012 for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title, after he fought WBA super featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama to a draw in Japan.

In the 10-round ESPN FNF co-feature, former IBF featherweight champion Billy “The Kid” Dib (36-3, 21 KOs) moves up in weight to face former WBA featherweight title challenger Alberto “Kichis” Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs), of Mexico City, with world junior lightweight implications at stake.

Dib, fighting out of Sydney, Australia, returns to Foxwoods where 14 months ago, also during ESPN FNF, he lost his IBF title to Evgeny Gradovich by way of a 12-round split decision.

Last November, Garza lost his only world title fight to WBA featherweight champion Nicholas Walters by fourth-round technical knockout. Garza is a former WBC Silver and WBC Continental Americas featherweight title holder.

Scheduled to fight opponents to be determined in four-round bouts are three of SMS Promotions’ top prospects: lightweights Luis Olivares, Jr. (7-0, 5 KOs), Glendale, Arizona; Donte Strayhorn (5-1, 1 KO), Cincinnati, Ohio; Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (5-0, 3 KOs), Chattanooga, Tennessee.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $100.00, $75.00 and $45.00 and will soon go on sale online at www.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods’ box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods’ box office. Tickets will also be available to purchase through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Doors at Grand Theater in Fox Tower will open at 6 p.m. ET. The first bout will start at 7 p.m. ET with ESPN FNF airing live between 9-11 p.m. ET.

Kathy Duva, Main Events’ CEO:

We are thrilled and excited to be back on NBCSN Fight Night, it is the best boxing series on TV. This fight is another example of why. This is a significant fight because the winner is going to be the number one contender in the IBF. While there is potential that Bernard Hopkins will unify his title against Stevenson, the winner will fight Bernard Hopkins after he fights Stevenson. Bottom line the winner of this fight is going to get a shot at a very big fight.

There’s a whole lot of young talent out there like Anatoliy and Nadjib and they want to test themselves against the best. At end of the day there are two elderly guys holding things up in the light heavyweight division. In a few years all this will be forgotten because these two guys are the future of the division. Down the road these young men will challenge Sergey Kovalev for his title. We keep all of our fighters active.

The division is heating up. One way or another that title fight is coming soon. The IBF has indicated they will give Bernard Hopkins an exemption to fight Stevenson but if it doesn’t happen in a timely manner then he will fight the winner of this fight. Fight fans are going to be very familiar with both these guys when this fight is over.

This style matchup is perfect: a brawling puncher against a boxer. They are one fight away from their dream. They are getting what they want and what they have both been working towards. We are interested in building up the light heavyweight division. Anatoliy is willing to fight anyone that is put in front of him and that is the kind of fighter we want to work with. He has a great team around him now and all of the elements are in place. I think the winner of this fight will be ready to fight Hopkins. This is going to be a great show.

Anatoliy Dudchenko:

Nadjib is a good fighter and a smart boy. He’s tough. I respect each of my opponents but in my heart it doesn’t matter who is in front of me. I come back to Jesse because we did one fight before and it was a ten second fight. He likes my style. I fight for a better life. Let’s talk after I put him on the ground. Earlier in my career I didn’t have a manager or a promoter.

When I came to the United States I worked in construction. Now I am only focusing on boxing. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me. You have to use your chance or die and if you must die, die like a hero. Let’s meet in the ring and then we will see.

Jesse Reid Sr., Dudchenko’s Trainer:

Anatoliy looks at everybody as the toughest fight of his life. I have been in this business for a long time and with Anatoliy I see a great athlete. Age is not a factor for him. We are here to win not to talk about a bunch of other people. If we have to box we’ll box with Mohammedi. I have some real hungry fighters in my career but these European fighters are so much hungrier than the US fighters.

I am very excited about being a part of this. We will bring boxing back to the United States. I am very happy to be working with Anatoliy. I love his attitude and the way he works. He may be 35 but he is like a 20 year old; he is young and hungry.

Vince Caruso, Dudchenko’s Manager:

We all know the implications that this fight holds. We are happy to be fighting at a beautiful venue – the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. This is our first fight under the Main Events promotional banner. We hope this will be a longstanding relationship because we have every intention of winning every fight until Anatoliy retires.

I am very picky about who I work with. When I first met Anatoliy about a year ago I saw a guy who was very hungry. All he wanted was to win a world title. He is the definition of a throw-back boxer. There is no doubt in my mind that when Anatoliy’s career is done he will be regarded as one of the best light heavyweights in the game. If I said I wasn’t thinking about Bernard Hopkins, I would be lying. I absolutely think we are going to win this fight. The champion should fight the number one contender.

Adonis Stevenson is a fraud. Last week wasn’t even a competitive fight. It was two above average club fighters facing each other. Anatoliy will fight any guy anywhere. We don’t want to sit on our hands for ten months waiting for Bernard Hopkins. Anatoliy hits a hell of a lot harder and we are going to show that on NBCSN. Age is not a problem for “The Gladiator;” he is a machine. He knows what he has to do. We know we have a small time frame.

Anatoliy has never been covered by the media but come June 21 he won’t be ignored anymore. He will fight anyone, if it’s Hopkins it’s Hopkins. We want to fight the best so I want Andre Ward or Sergey Kovalev. I want Anatoliy to make history and he does that by knocking out the best.

Nadjib Mohammedi:

I want to thank everyone that gave me the possibility to come here and box. It’s the fruit of our labor that brought us here. We have been working towards this for years. We have no pressure at all. We have been boxing in many other places than the United States. I have no pressure at all because the ring is my home. When I get in the ring I don’t ask myself questions, I am there to win that belt.

We are ready for everything. That is what we trained for. After this fight we are ready to prove to all the American people that we are ready to be a world champion. I believe this fight will end in a KO. We are not here to play around. We came to fight. We are going to incorporate our own brand of fighting. I am sure I am going to win and I am ready to fight anyone after that. It was my plan to fight in 2014 for a title.

When they told me about this fight we just hopped on it because we really wanted to fight. We used to box against people that were bigger and stronger than us. We boxed with someone who is a little bigger than Anatoliy, height does not matter here. I am faster and smarter than Anatoliy. I think I have more experience than Dudchenko.

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The undercard will be announced shortly. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com (Keyword: Main Events) or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (May 29, 2014) – Iron Mike Productions (IMP) has signed undefeated 2012 Ukraine Olympian Ievgen “The Ukraine Lion” Khytrov (4-0, 4 KOs) to a promotional contract. IMP will co-promote Khytrov with New York-based Fight Promotions Inc.

“I watched the first few fights of this exceptional young fighter’s career and was very impressed,” IMP CEO Garry Jonas said. “So, I was pleased when Fight Promotions Inc. approached us to co-promote Khytrov’s career. He is an aggressive, accurate puncher whose style of fighting fits with the type of fighters and fights that we want to promote.”

The 25-year-old Khytrov, now living in Brooklyn, is being trained by Gary Stark. The powerful middleweight makes his IMP debut June 6 in a six-round bout against dangerous Chris Chatman (12-3-1, 5 KOs) in the opening fight on ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.

“This first fight under the IMP banner is a real test for Khytrov,” noted Chris Middendorf, IMP Vice President of Boxing Operations. “Chatman has fought seven undefeated fighters, won four of them and been very close to victories in three others, and only Jermell Charlo was able to stop him. Khytrov is a throwback type of fighter and that is why he is perfect with Iron Mike. All he wants is to fight and fight the best.”

Khytrov was a highly-decorated amateur boxer with more than 500 matches, highlighted by his 2011 gold medal performance at the World Championships in Azerbaijan, in which he defeated Japan’s 2012 Olympic champion Ryota Murata on points in the championship final.

Last December in New York City, Khytrov made his successful professional debut in a scheduled eight-round fight, stopping Christian Nava in the opening round. He has since knockout out, in order, Romon Barber (3rd), Julius Kennedy (5th) and Jas Phipps (2nd) this past April 10.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $60.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $15.00 and are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, at any Ticketmaster outlet (800) 745-3000, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com

ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

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

U.S. Virgin Islands-based middleweight contender Samuel “Rock City Cobra” Rogers
says he’s ready for the biggest fight of his career this Saturday, May 31.

Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs) will face former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder that will serve as the chief supporting bout on DiBella Entertainment’s and Sampson Boxing’s (in association with Right Hook Promotions) event entitled “Real Fights” in the Tropicana Pavilion at the New Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas.

The co-main events that night will be telecast live on HBO Latino and HBO2 (12 midnight [ET/PT]) and feature a 10-round super featherweight battle between Dominican former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (24-0-1, 18 KOs) and heavy-handed Mexican contender Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23 KOs), as well as an “All Puerto Rico” 10-round super bantamweight war between undefeated Luis Rosa (16-0, 7 KOs) and Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13 KOs).

Tickets for “Real Fights” are priced at $85, $65 and $37 (plus applicable taxes). They are available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034).

Rogers knows he’ll be coming in as the underdog in this bout, as he suffered his first professional loss in his last fight, a 10-round decision to Argentina’s Carlos Adan Jerez, in Argentina, last February. But says it’s a role he is looking forward to playing in this battle of “serpentine” middleweights.

How did training go for this fight?

Training was awesome. We stepped it up and brought in guys from Puerto Rico and Spain for sparring. Long and lanky guys, who don’t do a lot of punching but are explosive and sharp. They were all very good fighters too, not chumps I can walk over. They pushed my stamina to where I need to be, conditioning-wise. Working hard at that level put me in a new mind frame and made it seem as if I was in the fight already. My stamina is tremendous. I’m really confident and I can’t wait to step in the ring.

What have you learned so far about your opponent, Sergio Mora?

The guy talks a lot. He has a big mouth and that’s expected of him. That’s how he is. I just need to stay calm and relax. For me, the fight will begin at the press conference because he’ll be trying to get in my head. I have to stay poised and get ready for that bell. He’s a spot fighter. He doesn’t fight the whole three minutes of every round. He does bursts and then goes into a void for another minute and a half. He doesn’t hit that hard. He’s a technician. The one thing that is positive in his favor is he’s durable. He can do ten rounds, so I’m expecting to go ten with him. If I catch him with a good punch, I’ll try to stop him early. I’m looking forward to a good explosive fight.

You lost your last fight. What have you learned from that experience?

Staying focused, being relaxed. No matter what happens in a fight; if I’m cut or get an injury, I have to stick to the game plan and listen to my corner. They can see more than I can when I’m in there.

What would a victory over Sergio Mora mean to you?

It’s going to put me where I need to be. I’m rated number 16 by the NABF. He’s number 9. I’m going to take his spot and call out guys like Peter Quillin and Gennady Golovkin and all the champs at 160.

Tell me about the support you receive from the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The fans back home are unbelievable. We got a lot of sponsors behind us too, too many to mention them all from memory. Everybody back home comes out and supports us. The sponsors have made it possible for me to be here with their support. I want to thank everyone from the USVI and all my sponsors. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be able to do this.

How do you envision this fight with Mora unfolding?

He’s going to get frustrated and try to come in and pressure me and wear me down, mentally. He’ll try to get in my head by talking a lot of smack. I need to be aggressive, throw combinations and never back up. I need to stick to the jab, keep that telephone pole in his face all night long like Vernon Forrest did to him.

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In separate bouts, hometown favorites Rocco Santomauro (11-0) and Jesus Gutierrez (11-0) both put their unblemished record on the line when Santomauro squares off against Daniel Quevedo and Gutierrez takes on Pablo Becerra.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this: LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodríguez & L. Rosa vs L. Del Valle! @HBOLatino

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada (May 29, 2014) – Undefeated Canadian boxer “Dangerous” Denton Daley (12-0, 6 KOs) is positioned to bring the world cruiserweight title back to North America after a seven-year hiatus.

The last North American-born cruiserweight champions were Hall of Famer Virgil Hill and O’Neil Bell. Europeans and Russians have since dominated the underappreciated weight class situated between light heavyweight and heavyweight.

Currently rated No. 5 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Daley has lost only one round in his 12 professional fights to date.

The 32-year-old Daley made his professional debut January 16, 2010, stopping Irving Chesnut in the third round. He first displayed his unlimited potential in his seventh pro fight against two-time Canadian National champion Jason Douglas. Daley destroyed Douglas, the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Pan-American Games semifinalist, in four dominant rounds.

Under the guidance of his head trainer, two-time world title challenger Syd Vanderpool, Daley has dramatically progressed fight by fight, particularly in the past 1 ½ years, going right through former world champion Richard Hall (DEC10) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title, Faisal Ibnel Arrami retired after four rounds for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) championship, and then shutting out Jean Marc Monrose (DEC10) and Andres Taylor (DEC12) in successful NABA title defenses.

Denton Daley 2014 Who Next
Denton Daley 2014 Who Next

Daley’s promoter, Don MacDonald (United Promotions) negotiated a fight in Mississauga, Canada between Daley and WBA No. 1 Pawel Kolodziej, of Poland, but the WBA cruiserweight division was recently thrown into flux because Champion in Recess Guillermo Jones was suspended for two years. Rather than take a risky fight with Daley, Kolodzeij decided to remain in the No. 1 spot in hopes of challenging WBA champion Denis Lebedev, of Russia.

Meanwhile, Lebedev was supposed to fight Jones but that was recently canceled when the latter failed a pre-fight drug test for the second time. The question now is will Lebedev defend his title against Kolodzeij, or prove he is a true world champion by fighting a challenger from outside his European and Asian comfort zone?

“We definitely want to fight Lebedev and we’ll do it in Russia,” MacDonald said.

Daley is a well-spoken college graduate with exceptional athleticism for a boxer, as well as a fresh face among cruiserweights who’ve tended to recycle the same group of opponents during the past few years. Lebedev vs. Daley can increase popularity and build credibility for the cruiserweight division as a whole, reopening an invaluable North American market for a weight class generally overlooked there for many years.

Friend Daley at www.Facebook.com/UnitedBoxingPromotions,follow UBP on twitter at @UnitedPromotions and Daley @DentonDaley.

ESPN3 will present exclusive live coverage in the U.S. of the 12-round IBF Middleweight title fight between defending titleholder Felix Sturm (39-3-2, 18 KOs) and Sam Soliman (43-11, 18 KOs) on Saturday, May 31. Saturday’s coverage of the undercard bouts will begin at 2 p.m. ET with the main event getting underway at approximately 5 p.m.

The fight, from the KönigPalast Arena in Krefeld, Germany, will be the second meeting between the two boxers. Australia’s Soliman won a unanimous decision over Germany’s Sturm in their first bout (a world title eliminator), a result which was changed to a no contest due to Soliman testing positive for a banned stimulant. Sturm went on to win his next two fights, including a second-round knockout of England’s Darren Barker to win the title in December.

About ESPN3
ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Roku. The network is currently available to more than 92 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

NEW YORK (May 29, 2014) – The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation continues its invaluable fundraising in the boxing community Saturday night, June 7, hosting a Miguel Cotto vs. Sergio Martinez Benefit Party, at Jack Demsey’s Pub (33 West 33rd St.) in Manhattan.

A $20.00 donation includes entry to Jack Demsey’s for giveaways and raffles throughout the evening, highlighted by the viewing of the Cotto vs. Martinez pay-per-view championship fight live on multiple screens from nearby Madison Square Garden.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go towards projects the Dr. Atlas Foundation is presently working on this week; including home renovations needed for two recently wheelchair-bound people whose insurance policies do not cover such costs and who are financially unable to modify their living quarters on their own.

Internationally respected boxing color commentator and trainer, Teddy Atlas, founder and chairman of the Dr. Atlas Foundation that’s named in his father’s honor, will be on hand to participate in the festivities.

“The real Jack Dempsey was a great puncher and I appreciate that the owners of the restaurant with his namesake are using some of that power to help our foundation improve lives,” Atlas said.

“We’re proud to support the Dr. Atlas Foundation by having this great event at Jack Demsey’s,” Owner Enda Keenan added.

Donations to the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation from all around the world may be made online by going to www.dratlasfoundation.com.