THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns for its latest edition SATURDAY, DEC. 21 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. A provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing, the latest edition of the show debuts immediately following the premiere of episode two of the HBO Sports reality series “24/7 Red Wings/Maple Leafs: Road to the NHL Winter Classic.” Four-time Sports Emmy® winner Lampley has been the host of HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 24 (2:00 p.m., 2:40 a.m.), 25 (9:30 p.m.), 27 (3:30 p.m., 12:45 a.m.), 28 (11:30 a.m.) and 30 (6:30 p.m.), and Jan. 2 (9:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.) and 5 (10:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 22 (10:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m.), 24 (12:15 a.m.), 26 (12:10 a.m.) and 31 (10:45 a.m., 4:45 p.m.), and Jan. 3 (1:30 p.m., 2:30 a.m.) and 6 (10:00 a.m., 4:45 p.m.)
HBO On Demand availability begins: Dec. 24

Headlining this new edition will be an in-depth year-in-review report, as Lampley explores the most significant events of 2013. In addition, he will assess boxing’s “cold war,” present THE FIGHT GAME’s second annual boxing awards and unveil an all-new Gatti List.

NEW YORK CITY (December 17, 2013) – Tennessee lightweight prospect Ryan “Blue-Chip” Martin has taken a quick liking to the bright lights of New York City as he prepares for his second professional fight this Friday night at Resorts World Casino NYC in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

Back on September 16th, Martin (1-0, 1 KO) made his professional debut for his promoter, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, in which he stopped Darius Somierari in the second round of their fight at Resorts World Casino NYC. The 20-year-old Martin will face Eric Jamar Goodall (1-2), of Las Vegas, in a four-round bout on Friday’s “Big Apple Boxing” card, presented by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions.

Martin, who now fights out of Cleveland, was a 12-time US amateur champion, including a sweep of the Junior Golden Gloves, Silver Mittens and Junior Olympics tournaments. His gold-medal performance at the prestigious U.S. Under-19 Tournament marked the highlight of his amateur career. He fought in several European cities – Berlin, Paris and London – but as a pro it’s been all New York City.

His slated November 9th fight in New York City was cancelled when his opponent failed to make weight. “It’s very exciting for me to be fighting on the big stage in New York City,” Martin said. “I just take things one fight at a time but it was frustrating in November when my fight was cancelled.”

At the tender age of eight, Martin followed his older brother, Courtney, into the gym and Ryan instantly fell in love with boxing. A self-described boxer-puncher with speed being his greatest attribute, Martin is composed beyond his years in the ring, where he explodes like his idol, Sugar Ray Leonard.

“Having 50 Cent as my promoter is humbling but very exciting at the same time,” Martin noted. “It’s a blessing.

“What I’m learning as a pro is general ring knowledge. The adjustment from amateurs was a tough challenge, mentally, but I like the pro game better. I’ve even surprised myself with my body attack as a pro. I really didn’t focus on body punching; it just happened but I’m focused on that now.”

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospects, Joel Diaz, Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) and Wanzell Ellison (9-0-1, 5 KOs) throw-down in the 10-round main event. Undefeated Amir “Young Master” Imam (11-0, 10 KOs) meets Mexican veteran Sergio “Sirenito” Perez (28-15, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior welterweight title.

Undefeated junior welterweight prospect “Magic Man” Luis Olivares (6-0, 4 KOs) will be showcased in a six-round bout against Tony “Sugar Boy” Walker (5-3-1, 3 KOs). Also fighting on 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 a four-round female match is 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.

Following a hugely successful debut show, the Nordic Fight Night will return to the MusikTeatret, Albertslund on February 15. Local hero Patrick Nielsen (21-0, 10 KOs) will headline an action-packed show that will also feature his younger brother Micki Nielsen (11-0, 9 KOs).

The undefeated WBA & WBO Intercontinental Champion is relishing a return to his hometown arena where he defeated Jose Pinzon (24-6, 15 KOs) in front of a sell-out crowd in November.

”It meant a lot to me to fight in my hometown,” said Nielsen. ”I can’t wait to do it all over again. To look out and see all my family and friends cheering me on gave me a real boost and I am sure it will be the same in February. Pinzon was a tough guy. He hit hard and kept coming forward but I knew if I stuck to the game plan I had worked on with my trainer Joey Gamache I would get him out of there. I am happy that I did.”

An opponent for the 22 year-old middleweight is yet to be announced but Nielsen is confident that he will be up to any challenge that comes his way. ”I am putting the work in, training hard in the gym and listening to all of Joey’s advice. I will be ready for whoever is put in front of me. I am looking forward to starting the year with another big win in front of my home fans.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is also looking forward to a return to Albertslund. ”We are delighted to be bringing the Nordic Fight Night back to Albertslund,” said Sauerland. ”The atmosphere inside the MusikTeatret was incredible for the last show and I am sure it is going to be the same on February 15. 2014 is going to be a big year for Patrick as he comes ever closer to a world title shot. What better way to kick it off than with a fight in front of his home crowd?”

As always the Nordic Fight Night will feature an exciting undercard showcasing the very best of Danish, Swedish and Norwegian boxing. Tickets are on sale now and available at billetnet.dk. More information including undercard fighters and opponents will be announced shortly.

December 16, 2013 – This past Saturday night in Cancun Mexico, Golden Boy Promotions super-featherweight prospect, Miguel Flores (13-0, 8 KOs) remained unbeaten with an impressive knockout, destroying Jorge “Escorpión” Rodríguez (15-7-0, 6 KO’s) at the Arena Quequi, Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Flores controlled the action from the opening bell, using his jab to set up his combinations. The scheduled 8-round bout ended in the third round when Flores landed a double left hook to the body that sent Rodriguez to the canvas in which he could not continue.

“I was an honor winning my first fight in Mexico,” said Flores. “I was born in Mexico so I wanted to show the fans their that I’m a fighter worthy of their praise. I worked very hard for this fight and the results showed in the fight. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions and my management team for keeping me busy.”

“My goal is to capture a regional title in the upcoming year.” Flores continued. “I’m learning more about my ability every time I step in the ring. With each fight I’m getting better and better. I’m looking forward to a great 2014.”

Hackensack, NJ (December 16, 2013) – Wednesday, December 18 2013 is a day that Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn hopes he’ll reminisce about for the rest of his life.

Gunn, a bare knuckle boxing legend who won multiple cruiserweight titles, fought a number of top fighters and participated in controversial fights, could spend hours talking about the trials and tribulations of his career.

“It’s no secret that my career’s been controversial,” stated Gunn, who was born in Canada but resides in New Jersey. “I’ve had a few fights stopped early, opponents switched on 24 hours notice, fought multiple times in hostile territory, sparred with more than 25 world champions when I was a young prospect and boxed all around the world. There was a lot of craziness that I have been a part of and that’s not even including my bare knuckle fights.”

Even with all he’s witnessed and been a part of, winning the WBU Cruiserweight championship Wednesday evening at Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA against former Fighter of the Year and boxing great Glen Johnson would be the icing on the cake.

“Beating Glen Johnson is going to be the best memory of my entire pro or amateur career and would even top winning the bare knuckle championship. Johnson is one of the most underappreciated fighters in boxing history and he viciously knocked out my original opponent Roy Jones Jr. A victory on Wednesday evening would be the highest point of my career without question.”

With the proposed Roy Jones Jr. matchup moved multiple times prior to Jones Jr’s withdrawal, Gunn’s been a gym rat since the summer. The 39 year-old is in great condition and believes his extended training camp will be a big part of what leads him to victory.

“I’ve never spent so much time in the gym for one fight. In a way, it’s a blessing everything that went down with the Roy Jones Jr. situation because we had a lot of changes. What that means is I had the opportunity to work on everything in camp and I had tremendous sparring. Mark my word, I will be victorious Wednesday evening because this is The Gunn’s time!”

December 15, 2013 – Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions and Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing are happy to announce an agreement has been reached for rising heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings (17-0, 9 KOs) and Artur Szpilka (16-0, 12 KOs) to meet in a 10-round showdown on January 25 in New York at Madison Square Garden Arena.

The undefeated pair will meet in an HBO-televised doubleheader, headlined by “Mikey” Garcia’s first defense of his WBO Super Featherweight Championship. The fight will mark the HBO debuts of both fighters.

Co-promoted by Antonio Leonard Promotions, Philadelphia’s Jennings, currently ranked #5 in the WBA and #4 in both the WBC and IBF rankings, will be returning from a seven-month layoff for this fight. Jennings who’s managed by James Prince, who also manages Andre Ward, was last seen in June of this year (his only fight of the year) stopping Russia’s Andrey Fedosov in round six. After competing five times in 2012, the time off has left Jennings eager to get back into the ring.

“It feels like I’ve been caged up for so long,” said Jennings. “I feel like I have all of this intensity built up inside of me and nowhere to release it. My hunger is so strong that not even killing it in the gym is an escape anymore and the only way to satisfy my hunger is to binge, January 25th will be a buffet. With every minute that passes it’s like my hunger grows and that is bad news for Artur Szpilka.”

Warsaw, Poland’s Szpilka, who’s co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Ulrich Knockout Promotions, is currently rated WBA and WBC #14, was last seen in August, completing a two-fight ESPN-televised series with tough guy Mike Mollo. Szpilka visited the canvas in both fights against Mollo before scoring the KO with his super punching power from the southpaw stance.

“I look forward to the challenge,” said the popular Szpilka of the Jennings fight. “I have been improving with every fight and I am ready for anyone in the world. To take away his ratings in the world by beating him will move my career forward, so that is what I will do.”

“This is an incredible matchup between two undefeated heavyweights on the rise, they are both prideful countrymen and they are both on the fast track to the top,” said Gary Shaw. “Jennings has been on the radar a bit longer, but Szpilka has made a dent over the past year. This fight could steal the show based on the complementary nature of their styles. Bryant could’ve taken a lesser fighter with a more well-known name, or even one of the fading veterans still hanging around the heavyweight division, but instead he decided to get back in the ring and face a strong test. It’s a testament to both his dedication and competitive nature, I think it’s also foreshadowing for the kind of champion he will eventually be.”

“Artur makes all of his fights exciting by fighting to the level of his opponents, so prepare to see the best Artur Szpilka anyone has yet seen in the ring,” said Leon Margules. “He’s a tough Polish fighter with a dynamic style and a charismatic personality. A victory over Jennings will go a long way toward making him the star he was born to become.”

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

Home New – Updated Feb 2024

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.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will vacate his title to concentrate on his political career in the Ukraine.

“I want to thank the WBC and its president, Don Jose Sulaiman, for the support in our fight for democracy and freedom in Ukraine,” Klitschko said. “It was and is a great honor to hold the WBC title, and I’ve always done it with pride. The offer of the WBC gives me the theoretical possibility to return to the boxing ring, which I cannot imagine at all to the current state.

“Right now, my full concentration is on politics in Ukraine, and I feel that the people need me there. My brother [and unified heavyweight champion] Wladimir will ensure more sporting success and I will, as always, support him as much as he currently supports me in my political fight.”

This is the second time in his career that Vitali Klitschko has been designated as a “champion emeritus.”

“Vitali Klitschko is fighting the fight of his life, this time outside the ring,” said WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, son of the ill Jose Sulaiman. “Vitali is showing to the world what is the true heart of a champion by leading his countrymen to battle in the streets in their search of human equality, rights and peace for the great country of the Ukraine.

“With the current extreme and delicate political situation in the Ukraine, Vitali has answered his country’s call to fight for human rights and equality. Accordingly, Vitali will not be able to provide the WBC with a predictable time frame to return to the ring. In light of those considerations, the WBC voted unanimously to name Vitali Klitschko WBC heavyweight champion emeritus. Very few great fighters have received such an honorable distinction, which will entitle Vitali to fight for the WBC heavyweight world championship when he is ready to return to the ring. … We all wish him great success in his political career.”

SAN ANTONIO – In the weeks to come, it will likely be discovered Adrien Broner suffered from a fatal strain of the deadlywhatever virus in his training camp, did his ringwalk with a right hand broken on the pads in his dressing room, crushed all five of his left knuckles in the first round, suffered invisible lacerations over both eyes in the fourth, and talked through a jaw shattered during round 8. Believe little of it.

Adrien Broner proved merely that he was a fighter in losing to Marcos Maidana at Alamodome on Saturday, a fighter not quite special as Amir Khan – so adjust the seriousness of your reactions accordingly.

If you are reading this column the sensation you have right now, the one you’ve been enjoying for at least 30 hours, is schadenfreude, the pleasure one experiences at another’s misfortune, so perfectly captured in German that English lexicographers decided merely to employ the 19th century’s equivalent of copy+paste. The schadenfreude felt by so many about Broner’s misfortune is evidence not just of “The Problem’s” increasingly odious public persona, a sort of gallivanting idiot defined by the aggrandizement other idiots bestowed on him, but also the lingering suspicion, now confirmed, Broner was two parts media creation for each part talent.

He has reflexes, power, accuracy and considerable upper-body strength, which is another way of calling Broner a great athlete but not a great prizefighter for a number of reasons but chiefly this: He does not have a ring IQ like the great ones, and he is not able to make adjustments like them either. Broner is an imitator, not one who innovates, and not a particularly able one, either – as Broner’s inspiration, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Mayweather Jr.’s mentor, Floyd Mayweather Sr., must have cringed each of the dozens of times plodding Marcos Maidana touched their self-anointed protégé with left-hook leads, a punch with which Maidana might fell Mayweather once every 10 years, starting in about 10 years.

The genuine misfortune experienced Saturday by Adrien “The Problem” Broner, field commander of “Band Camp,” self-vender “about billions,” brought genuine pleasure to a large number of South Texans, too, men who favor fighters of Mexican origin first, fighters of Latino origin second, and fighters who humble loudmouthed American upstarts always. “El Chino,” so named because of the shape of his eyes more than any genealogical rigor shown by fellow Argentines, was an adopted South Texan for every second of what 36 minutes he battered Broner, largely because he began battering Broner in the fight’s very first seconds and didn’t relent doing so.

Maidana fought Broner exactly the way folks hoped he would, exactly the way noncombatants imagine they would do it if given just 30 seconds with Broner, punching “The Problem” constantly, fouling him whenever he could get away with it, slugging with him like he hated him because he did hate him. The shtick Broner was taught to use in his relentless self-promotion is foreign to a man like Maidana in a way ethnic sensibilities cannot anticipate. The Argentine watched Broner’s crass presentation with about one third the humor Joe Frazier showed Muhammad Ali’s creation of the act, and like Frazier, Maidana proved himself a man possessed of a unique sort of fighting style that does not suffer if marinated in spite.

Maidana was a smarter fighter than Broner prepared for, too. So often when Broner began a rally of any kind, needing two seconds of Maidana inactivity to trigger an assault, Maidana jabbed his gut or head, or rushed him, arms flailing, and kept punching till either a telling blow landed or Broner pushed him off – and no, it was not lost on nearly anyone in Alamodome how much of Broner’s defense, and offense, relied on extending his forearms more than his fists, in one more awkward homage to Mayweather.

Maidana is not a true welterweight, his best days came at 140 pounds, but he is still the hardest-punching and strongest man Broner has faced, the first opponent Broner was unable to impose his physicality upon, though he did try. What few moments Broner succeeded against Maidana came when “The Problem” stomped forward and caused Maidana to move backwards. But there again, Maidana was wilier than scouting reports predicted; “El Chino” often took steps backwards voluntarily, and then followed them with jabs to Broner’s body or left-hook leads to his head, punches Maidana himself probably didn’t think would land, certainly not so flush, but threw more to coil and cock the clubbing overhand right with which he merrily continued to strike the back of Broner’s inanely placed head.

Then there was the well-placed and reciprocal 11th-round humping Maidana gave Broner’s backside, clowning the clown in a way reminiscent of Marco Antonio Barrera’s spiteful driving of a half-nelsoned Naseem Hamed’s face in a turnbuckle after undressing “The Prince” for 34 minutes in 2001. Difference was, much as Barrera disdained Hamed, the Mexican had to content himself with simply outclassing the media creation across from him; Maidana experienced no such lukewarmness of satisfaction, walloping Broner thoroughly as he did, thrusting the top of his head in Broner’s face like a spear in the eighth, hitting him on the break and watching Broner flop on the blue canvas like a third-rate thespian, or a Bernard Hopkins, in the hopes referee Laurence Cole would rescue him from having to fulfill the last four rounds of his contractual obligation. Cole is what he is, but he is also a Texan, and Texans don’t abide gamecocks that strut and plume better than they peck; if Broner expected Cole to disqualify Maidana for fighting dirty it was but one more miscalculation in a night of plenty.

Here is the place one traditionally walks back some inflammatory clause or other, hedging on a character too strong for the moment, but there will be none of that today. The schadenfreude Broner induced in others is now his to bear. The most charitable emotion his current plight inspires is indifference.

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

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.

SAN ANTONIO – Adrien Broner calls himself The Problem because he thought he’d never have one. Marcos Maidana proved just how wrong he was.

Maidana was his problem, again and again, throughout 12 surprising rounds Saturday night at the Alamodome. In the end, Broner was left with multiple problems. But let’s start with the biggie. Broner, a big betting favorite, lost for the first time.

But, it turns out, Broner had an edge in only flamboyance. All of the other advantages belonged to Maidana. The Argentine’s power, resilience and nasty grit were just too much for Broner, who entered the ring with About Billions spelled out in gold sequins on the back of his robe and trunks. He left looking like a broken man. There were no billions in his loss to Maidana. There wasn’t even a single scorecard in his favor.

The judges were unanimous for Maidana. Laurence Cole scored it 117-109, Nelson Vazquez had it 116-109 and Stanley Christodoulou 116-110, all for the heavy-handed Argentine.

Maidana re-defined those AB initials on the front of Broner’s robe. They could have meant Approaching Bankruptcy in this stunning bout, Broner’s second and perhaps last attempt at welterweight.

“I showed I had a lot of heart,’’ Maidana said.

Actually, Maidana showed a lot more than that. He fought with urgency, almost as if he knew this was his career’s last chance in an arena named for a one history’s famous last stands. Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs) made an immediate statement, stunning Broner (27-1, 22 KOs) with a left hook against the ropes.

That left hand punctuated the fight early, midway and in the end. It knocked down Broner in the second and again in the eighth. It was always there, slowing down Broner just as though it looked as if he were about to dictate the pace and perhaps the result. Broner raced to his dressing room without facing the media. His only quote came through a spokesperson. He asked for another chance.

“I’ll tell you one thing, I want a rematch,’’ Broner said through the spokesperson. “I don’t want a warm-up fight. I want a rematch.’’

Maidana had no problem with that request.

“Sure, I’ll do a rematch,’’ said Maidana, who never seemed bothered by the power shots thrown by Broner, a former lightweight and maybe a future one.

Maidana spoke with confidence that he could repeat a victory that included some rough moments. In the eighth, Maidana was penalized one point after dropping Broner to his knees. The penalty was for an infraction that looked to be an elbow and/or head butt to Broner’s chin. It left Broner rolling around in the canvas in apparent pain. There was also a look of anguish, if not self-doubt. It almost appeared that Broner wondered what he had gotten himself in to.

“It was a dirty fight,’’ Maidana said. “I had to get dirty.’’

He had to be The Real Problem.

The Best of the Undercard

· Florida welterweight Keith Thurman calls himself One Time. It’s etched across the belt of his trunks. It’s supposed to be a promise. It’s what he intends to do to the other guy. One time early in the first round, however, it almost happened to Thurman (22-0, 19 KOs). Jesus Soto Karass (28-9-3, 18 KOs), Antonio Margarito’s old sparring partner, hurt him with a winging right. Thurman was quick to recover, landed a left for a knockdown in the sixth and went on to win by a wicked stoppage at 2:21 of the ninth. Soto Karass dropped his hands after he was rocked by a left from Thurman, who followed with three successive punches – two lefts and a right.

· If there’s a sure sign of Leo Santa Cruz’ imminent stardom, it’s in the margins. It’s not if he wins. It’s how. Santa Cruz (26-0-1, 15 KOs) wasn’t happy with his unanimous decision over Puerto Rican Cesar Seda (25-2, 17 KOs). “I wanted to give the fans of San Antonio a better fight,’’ said the Los Angeles super-bantamweight, who retained his acronym-sanctioned version of the title. In the fifth, Santa Cruz knocked down Seda, who argued that he was robbed. But even the knockdown wasn’t enough for Santa Cruz, his own worst critic and a good bet to improve.

· Beibut Shumenov looks awkward. Looks slow. But don’t let looks fool you. His power is real. Shumenov 14-1, 9 KOs), another Kazakhstani with a big punch, knocked down Tamas Kovacs (23-1, 14 KOs) once in the first round, again in the second and finished the Slovakian by TKO at 2:55 of the third. In his first fight in a year-and-a-half, Shumenov kept his acronym-sanctioned light-heavyweight belt and maybe moved to the front of the line as a possible challenger to Bernard Hopkins, who watched from a ringside seat.

The Controversial

Former super-middleweight champion Jermain Taylor was off TV. Some thought he should been off the card, too. But he wasn’t. Taylor was licensed to fight in his second comeback since suffering a reported brain bleed in a loss to Arthur Abraham in 2009. Taylor (32-4-1, 20 KOs) was never in danger in this one, scoring a fifth-round knockdown en route to a seventh-round TKO of faded J.C. Candelo (32-13-4, 21 KOs) of Houston.
The Rest

· Junior-welterweight Ricardo Alvarez (28-4, 20 KOs) has none of his brother’s red hair, but some of his luck. Alvarez, Canelo’s brother, got a 10-round majority decision – a controversial one, too – over Rod Salka (18-3, 3 KOs) of Bunola, PA.

· In a television opener, Toledo lightweight Robert Easter Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) scored a first-round knockout by dropping Chilean Hardy Paredes (16-13, 10 KOs) with a paralyzing body shot 2:30 after the opening bell.

· Three-time Olympian Rau’Shee Warren stayed unbeaten as a pro bantamweight with an 8-round, unanimous decision over Mexican Jose Silveria (15-10, 6 KOs). But there’s some discrepancy about Warren’s record. The official program and FightFax listed him at 16-0 with three KOs before opening bell. According to BoxRec, he’s now 9-0, his record since his final amateur bout at the 2012 London Games.

· In a swing bout, lightweight Jamel Herring (6-0, 3 KOs) of Coram, N.Y., probably left Showtime producers scrambling to fill some air time. Herring made making quick work out of Lance Williams (6-3, 6 KOs) of Muscatine, Iowa, scoring a second round TKO in the final second of the second round.

Gamalier Rodriguez scored a eighth round stoppage over Aldimar Dos Santos in a scheduled ten round featherweight bout at Coliseo Roger L. Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Dos Santos was bleeding out of the left ear when the fight was stopped.

Rodriguez, 125 1/4 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 23-2-3 with 16 knockouts. Dos Santos, 125 1/2 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is now 19-6.

Erickson Martell scored a six round unanimous decision over Juan Herrera in a Flyweight bout.

Martell , 112 1/2 lbs of the Dominican Republic is now 12-4-1. Herrera, 112 3/4 lbs of Naguabo, PR is now 9-7.

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.

ATLANTIC CITY–Heavyweight Amir Mansour remained perfect with a stoppage after round seven of his scheduled 10 round bout with Kelvin Price.

It was a sloppy and rough fight as Mansour was boring in with power shots while Price humped in and tried to force clinches. In round three, Mansour started landing power shots that were more flush under the long reach of Price. In round four, Mansour cracked Price with a right hand. Mansour then drilled Price with a gard left that rocked Price all over the ring. Mansour hit a wobbled Price with eight flush shots and the only thing that kept him was holding on to Price. Price was having a decent round five until he walked into a booming left that sent him down to the canvas. Luckily for him it was at the end of the frame.

The power punching continued in round six when Mansour rattled a right hook off the head of Price. Price came back for a moment in round seven when he landed a solid right hand. Mansout then came and landed a huge right that sent Price to the deck for a 2nd time. Price barely made it out of the round but then called it a night in between rounds.

Mansour, 229 lbs of Wilmington, DE is now 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Price, 240 lbs of Pensacola, FL is now 14-2.

“It came down to who wanted it more,” Mansour said after the fight. “And there is no one with more desire than me. He was tough and we both wanted the same thing, but I’m going to keep coming until I get him out of there. That’s what I did.”

Lionell Thompson boxed his weigh to a ten round unanimous decision over Ryan Coyne in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Thompson landed well over the first two rounds. Thompson was efficient with the jab and followed up nicely with the right. Coyne tried to mount some offense but Thompson was very slick. Coyne was cut around his left eye from a punch. Coyne started to come and land some good blows in the fourth. In round five, Thompson rocked Coyne with a perfect right hand. That set off a barrage of about six hard punches to the head but Coyne was able to withstand that. Coyne was able to mount a nice flurry as round five closed.

Round six saw Thompson get back to boxing. Thompson continued to box, potshot and move for which Coyne did not have much of an answer for.neath the long reach of Price.

Thompson, 173 1/2 lbs of Buffalo won by scores of 99-90 on all cards and is now 15-2. Coyne, 174 1/2 of St. Louis is now 21-2.

“I actually thought I might get the knockout,” Thompson said. “He was a lot tougher than I expected. He took a lot of huge body shots.”

Former two-time Cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham was nearly flawless in pitching an eight round shutout of Manuel Quezada in their Heavyweight bout.

It was evident from the opening seconds that Cunningham was the class in this bout as he continuously pumped the jab in the face of Quezada. Cunningham then started mixing in hooks and right hands that drew blood from the nose of Quezada and then in round three hurt Quezada’s ribs. Cunningham continued to dominate and at several points in the bout he may have been a few punches away from ending things but Quezada toughed it out and made it to the final bell.

Cunnigham, 208 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 26-6. Quezada, 230 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is now 29-8.

Former Cruiserweight contender Darnell Wilson put the 1st blemish on the ledger of David Rodriguez with an explosive 6th round stoppage in the final scheduled second of their Heavyweight bout.

Rodriguez had a good 1st round but Wilson landed a hard left hook in round two. Wilson landed several more power shots that round. With blood coming from his left eye, Wilson ripped Rodriguez with four hard power shots that buckled Rodriguez. Wilson punctuated the round by landing a thudding left hook. Rodriguez got back in the fight in the fourth as he landed a couple of nice body shots. In round six, Rodriguez face was a crimson mask he got drilled with a big left hook and he was counted out at 2:59 of the 6th and final round.

Wilson, 239 lbs of Miami, FL is now 25-17-3 with 21 knockouts. Rodriguez, 254 1/2 lbs of El Paso, TX is now 36-1.

In a battle of pro debuting Middleweights, Trent Laidler and Vincent Floyd battled to a four round draw.

Laidler scored a knockdown with the 1st punch of the fight. Although Floyd fought hard many thought that Laidler got the better of the rest of the action.

Laidler won a bout 40-35; Floyd won a card 38-37 and a third card 38-38.

John Magda remained undefeated with a 6 round unanimous decision over Jess Noriega in a Super Middleweight bout.

Scores were 60-54 on two cards and 60-53 for Magda, 168 1.2 lbs of Ruthorford, NJ and is now 4-0. Noriega, 169 1/2 lbs of Lynchburg, VA is now 2-9.

In the scheduled 4-round walkout bout, Philadelphia heavyweight Aaron Leonard, 1-1-1, 1 KO, stopped Sicklerville, NJ’s Andrew Peurifoy, 0-1, at 1:50 of the first round.

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.

Francisco Vargas remained perfect by scoring a ten round unanimous decision over Jerry Belmontes.

Vargas was much more active and landed almost twice as many punches as Belmontes and won by scores of 100-89 on all cards.

Vargas, 129 1/4 lbs is now 18-0-1. Belmontes, 130 lbs of Corpus Christi, TX is now 18-3.

Jermall Charlo scored a 5th round stoppage over Joseph De Los Santos in a scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Charlo dropped De Los Santos in rounds three, four and five and the bout was stopped after the 3rd knockdown just 29 seconds into round five.

Charlo, 115 3/4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 17-0 with 13 knockouts. De Los Santos, 156 lbs of Nagua, DR is now 17-12-3.

Joseph Diaz remained undefeated by scoring a 7th round stoppage over Carlos Rodriguez in a scheduled eight round Super Featherweight bout.

Diaz dominated the action and turned up in round seven as he began to pound away at Rodriguez and the fight was stopped at 1:13 of round 7.

Diaz, 122 1/2 lbs of South El Monte, CA is now 8-0 with 6 knockouts. Rodriguez, 121 1/4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is now 18-13-4.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence stopped Pipino Cuevas Jr. after the first round of their eight round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Spence dominated by hammering the ample body of Cuevas. He landed a hard right to the body that sent Cuevas to a knee at the end of the round. Cuevas went back to his corner in distinguished pain and the fight was stopped in the corner.

Spence, 147 1/2 lbs of Desoto, TX is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts. Cuevas, 153 lbs of Mexico is now 17-11.

SAN ANTONIO – Friday afternoon in the western part of this city’s downtown area, Cincinnati welterweight Adrien “The Problem” Broner (27-0, 22 KOs) and Argentine Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (34-3, 31 KOs) each came in under the weight limit for their Saturday title match at Alamodome, with Broner marking 144.4 pounds and Maidana weighing 146.2.

Lingering rumors about Broner’s weight, of his being too heavy, were wrong. Rumors of his being a box-office heavy might prove to be as well.

Popular as he is on television and for as much presence as he shows in planned media events, Adrien Broner does not seem to be drawing much of a crowd in South Texas – certainly no crowds like those Saul “Canelo” Alvarez drew in April. While there were some who braved the raw temperatures to gather at Market Square and watch Broner make weight, Friday, there was more of a media presence than a presence of fans.

After being partially pushed out the way by a characteristically quiet and surly Maidana, Broner made his weight, jumped off the scale and gave interviewer Steve Farhood a prognostication.

“Easy money,” Broner said. “If he comes in with any dumb shit, I’m a flat-line him.”

While the “Danger Zone” card is stacked as its promoters say it is, a toys-for-tickets drive and $10 entrance fees to Alamodome on Saturday have insiders wondering how much of a draw an African American from Cincinnati and an Argentine are proving to be, especially this close to Christmas.

If the main event needs support, though, it is getting plenty of it, with a co-main between Florida welterweight Keith “One Time” Thurman (21-0, 19 KOs) and Mexican Jesus Soto-Karass (28-8-3, 18 KOs). Friday each fighter came in below the welterweight limit – Thurman at 145.8 pounds and Soto-Karass at 146.2 – and Thurman, probably the card’s most likable personality, shared what he told Soto-Karass during their staredown and then added an insight.

“He’s tough,” Thurman said of his Mexican opponent. “My grandma’s tough too.”

The Saturday fighter most likely to entice South Texas’ partisan-Mexican fanbase, California super bantamweight Leo Santa Cruz (25-0-1, 15 KOs), took the scale as well in preparation for his title match with Puerto Rican Cesar Seda (25-1, 17 KOs), in a match aficionados expect Santa Cruz, who weighed 121.4 pounds, to win by brutal stoppage over Seda, who weighed 121.6.

“It’s my personality,” Santa Cruz said, when asked why he is always grinning. “I’m always happy.”

Alamodome doors open early on Saturday at 3:00 PM local time. Opening bell for “Danger Zone” will ring at 3:30. 15rounds.com will have full ringside coverage.

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-

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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.

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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.