MG Media, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company has signed a three year agreement to globally represent and distribute all media rights for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events put on by World Series of Fighting (WSOF).

Plans are in place to expand the number of WSOF events to 8-10 for 2014/15 and for the shows to be staged internationally in venues such as Vancouver, Brazil, the UK, and Eastern Europe. To date, all WSOF events have been hosted in the US – in Las Vegas, Ontario, and Atlantic City – with upcoming events to be hosted in Miami, Chicago and Houston.

NBC, who has shown the first five WSOF events live on NBC Sports Network in primetime, have a multi-year deal for exclusive coverage in the US.

Hillary Mandel, IMG Media’s SVP, Head of Media North America, said: “MMA continues to be a highly sought after and highly-rated sport with very attractive male demographics. Even though WSOF is less than a year old, it has been exceptionally well-received and has attracted top quality fighters, both experienced and up and coming.”

She added: “We see great potential for ‘blue chip’ fight programming and the value of distributing a series with high-level production values that has a strong foundation through its management, broadcast partners and investors.

WSOF President Ray Sefo, a kickboxing Hall of Famer and 6 time World Champion added, “We are proud and excited to be represented by IMG. WSOF will put on some of the best MMA events in the world with great fighters and great match-ups”

WSOF’s first event in November 2012 was held in its home base of Las Vegas at Caesars Entertainment’s Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, and WSOF has since visited such world-class destinations as New Jersey’s Revel Atlantic City, California’s Citizens Business Bank Arena and Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

WSOF’s growing roster of fighters features established superstars such as Andrei Arlovski, Josh Burkman, Jon Fitch and Anthony Johnson, as well as promising talent such as Nick Newell, Justin Gaethje, Marlon Moraes, Tyson Nam and Tyrone Spong, among others.

About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with 3,500 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, Brazil, China and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Golf and IMG Tennis; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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

BROOKLYN, NY (September 27) – Several of the fighters featured on the upcoming Golden Boy Live! fight card taking place at Barclays Center’s Cushman & Wakefield Theater live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes worked out and addressed the media Thursday at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, NY ahead of their respective fights this Monday, September 30.

Additionally, it was announced that four of boxing’s brightest East Coast stars will be on hand for Fan Appreciation Night presented by New York Daily News at Barclays Center as part of thefinal event celebrating Barclays Center’s one-year anniversary. Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, rising middleweight star Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs,former Welterweight World Champion Luis Collazo and undefeated welterweight star Eddie Gomez will sign autographs for fans from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET prior to the start of the FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes live telecast.

Below please find quotes from today’s media workout:

SADAM ALI, Undefeated Welterweight Star & 2008 U.S. Olympian
“I’m very excited for this fight. I’ve been in the gym training hard and I’m ready for the big spotlight.

“I’ve just been waiting for this opportunity to go and get it and I will, full force.

“I have power, mind, heart, everything it takes to be a champion and I’m ready to show it.

“Get those tickets and make sure you all come, it’s going to be a beautiful night.”

MICHAEL PEREZ, Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m honored to be a part of this show.

“I’m coming in here with a chip on my shoulder and to show the world who I am.”

MARCUS BROWNE, Rising Light Heavyweight Star & 2012 U.S. Olympian
“I’m ready to show you guys what I’ve been working on and what I’ve learned in the gym.

“I’m up here with my brother, Sadam Ali. He was the reason I was inspired to be an Olympian. He showed me that it could happen when he went [to the Olympics] in 2008. I’m ready to do what I’ve got to do.”

SEAN SAADEH, Senior Vice President of Programming for Barclays Center
“We look forward to a big boxing event at Barclays on Monday night.

“It’s been an amazing year for boxing at Barclays Center. We’ve averaged over 12,000 people for boxing events.

“We’re going to continue to build both boxing and Brooklyn so we’re looking forward to this. I want to thank the fighters for coming out. I’m looking forward to working for you guys.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, Former World Champion & Golden Boy Live! Commentator
“Every single one of these guys has the talent to get to the top. We see them now and we can see the progression.”

# # #

Ali vs. Krupp is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Barclays Center doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET with the first bell sounding at 7:45 p.m. ET. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets starting at $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at Barclays Center American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK. A limited number of suites are available for the event. For more information on how to reserve one, please call 718-BK-SUITE (718-257-8483).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com orwww.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/realworldkidali,
www.twitter.com/SmokinJK, www.twitter.com/theartistperez, www.twitter.com/Marcus_Browne, www.twitter.com/Claudie_Boy,
www.twitter.com/barclayscenter and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.

London (27 September) Watch Tyson Fury live on BT Sport when he appears as a guest on the BT Sports Panel this Saturday (28 September) from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Presented by Tim Lovejoy and Matthew Pinsent, Tyson will also be joined by snowboarder Jenny Jones and former 400m hurdler Sally Gunnell.

Put a pair of boxing gloves on Peter Pan and you’ve got Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. A man-child, emphasis on the child.

The real fight for Chavez Jr. is whether he ever grows up. It’s a question that has begun to take on urgency as he enters his late 20s after a series of exasperating, often embarrassing missteps that leave doubt about whether he cares about his craft or his dad’s legacy.

Anybody who has met Chavez Jr. (46-1-1, 32 KOs) knows him to be likable. There’s an adolescent charm about him. He’ll make you laugh, unlike his feared dad, the proto-typical hard man whose meltdown stare could make you look over your shoulder in search for a quick exit to safety. Like him or not, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. was a serious guy. Through 48 fights, his son isn’t.

That might begin to change Saturday night against Bryan Vera (23-6, 14 KOs) at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., in an HBO-televised bout. But it’ll take more than just one fight for Chavez Jr. to get beyond a reputation that only got worse last September in his loss to Sergio Martinez.

There was his bizarre training camp, conducted mostly at a Las Vegas home in early-morning workouts. Then, there were 11 one-sided rounds, all in favor of Martinez, before a wild 12th that saw Chavez Jr. suddenly wake up with a ferocious knockdown of Martinez. Chavez Jr. nearly stole the fight with a knockout. It made you wonder what he might have accomplished with some real roadwork instead of a few laps around the couch in the living room of that comfortable Vegas’ rental. Then, there was the subsequent news that Chavez Jr. had tested positive for marijuana. Ah-ha, everyone joked. No wonder he didn’t start working out until about 1 a.m., what with the midnight munchies and all.

For his promoter Bob Arum and loyal cadre of Mexican fans, that dramatic 12th is the flash of brilliance that illuminated his potential. It represented what he could be. But maturity is about staying power. And that’s what has yet to be seen from a very nice kid, yet one seemingly without the requisite accountability that comes with being a grown-up pro.

He says the right things. In a conference call Tuesday, Chavez Jr. said he accepted responsibility for his failed drug test, which initially led to a controversial $900,000 fine levied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. After Arum took the bully pulpit and condemned the size of the fine, it was reduced to $100,000. Even that seems a little high by today’s standards, laws and PEDs. Voters in Colorado and Washington made pot legal in their respective states. It’s not as if Chavez Jr. tested positive for HGH, EPO or some other chemical acronym. A positive test for marijuana doesn’t put him in Lance Armstrong’s league. Pot is about as much a performance-enhancer as a bacon cheeseburger. Still, it was also a sure sign that his mind wasn’t on the fury he was about to encounter against the disciplined Martinez.

With the inevitable question Tuesday about Chavez Jr.’s positive drug-test, Arum was back on the bully pulpit.

“I want to go on record as saying that there is nothing wrong with smoking pot,’’ Arum said. “There is nothing wrong with marijuana.’’

Colorado and Washington voters agree with Arum, always candid and quick to confront an issue. In some ways, perhaps, Arum is expressing how public opinion on pot has changed over the last 10 to 15 years. Bill Clinton didn’t inhale; Barack Obama did. But Arum might regret the timing of this one. He’s got a fighter who needs to grow up.

Chavez Jr. doesn’t need another excuse to train the way he wants, eat what he wants, or smoke a joint whenever he gets the urge. Excuses are enablers, which have proven to be Chavez Jr.’s toughest opponents.

Even for Vera, there are troubling signs of some of the same. Vera is tough, but lacks the talent so often evident in Chavez Jr. Chavez’ struggle to make weight has led to a reported agreement, –173 pounds instead of the junior-middleweight’s 168 — and 10 rounds instead of 12. It looms as another excuse, a way for Chavez to slip through another loophole that has allowed him to avoid accountability and prevented him for reaching his potential.

In the art of match-making, Top Rank has been brilliant with Chavez Jr., who didn’t start with the bedrock of fundamental skill learned over an amateur career. It has moved him carefully and against opponents who have allowed to him to display power and instinct.

Yet, there’s still an unresolved challenge: Himself, his own immaturity.

If he can’t win that one, does Top Rank or anybody else think he has a chance against Gennady Golovkin, or Andre Ward, or even Canelo Alvarez?

Didn’t think so.

WBA Lightweight champion will defend his title against Jorge Linares on November 10th in Tokyo, Japan according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“That is a difficult fight but I have all the confidence in Jorge,” Golden Boy matchmaker Robert Diaz, who has worked with Linares for several years, told ESPN.com on Thursday. “He is ready.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 26, 2013) – One of boxing’s fastest rising prospects, undefeated welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison from our Nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C., will face the toughest test of his career when he takes on Josh “Pitbull” Torres for the WBC Youth Welterweight World Championship on Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden Theater on the undercard of the Golovkin vs. Stevens Middleweight Championship clash Live on HBO.

Hernandez-Harrison (17-0, 10 KOs), ranked worldwide No. 40 by the WBC and 19 years of age, will be making the first of what he hopes will be many appearances at “The Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden.

In his last three fights Hernandez-Harrison has shown the poise and skill of a fighter far beyond his years. On May 18, 2013 he stopped Eddie Soto in the fifth-round before 3,000 fans in his Washington, D.C. hometown. Dusty followed that bout up with a dominant six-round unanimous decision victory over rugged veteran Ben Ankrah at Foxwoods on June 28; and in his last bout on August 23 Hernandez-Harrison scored a fourth-round knockout of Guillermo Valdes, who was 12-4 going into the bout, at Dover Downs Casino.

“Fighting at Madison Square Garden is like a dream come true,” Hernandez-Harrison said. “I have a lot of family in New York and it will be great to fight in front of them. Washington, D.C. is my home and I really appreciate that the DC fans are making the trip to New York to support me,” Hernandez-Harrison added.

“Dusty is training like a World Champion,” said Buddy Harrison, the fighter’s father and trainer. “He understands that this guy is coming to win and take home the Green Belt, and we are preparing for a tough fight; No question about it.”

Torres (12-2, 5KOs) is riding a five-fight win streak and is considered the best welterweight in New Mexico, a state that has produced champions like Johnny Tapia, Danny Romero and, more recently, Austin Trout. The Albuquerque native is trained by Chris Chavez at the Team Tapia Boxing Academy and was formerly under the tutelage of the gym’s namesake.

“I know he had an amazing amateur record, not sure what his record was, but the kid is skilled and it should be a great fight,” Torres recently told GoFightlive.com lead boxing blow-by-blow announcer, Rich Quinones. “I’m blessed to be on this undercard, at MSG on HBO, really excited for this; it should be a great fight for fans.”

Hernandez-Harrison’s promoter, Jeff Fried of All-In Entertainment, has been grooming the young fighter for an opportunity like this since signing him late last year. Fried has kept the fighter busy with six bouts in nine months, with each bout a growth and learning experience for the developing Hernandez-Harrison.

“Dusty’s continued hard work and poise in and out of the ring prepares him well for this championship opportunity,” Fried said. “Dusty is honored to be fighting for the WBC Youth World Championship and has tremendous respect for Madison Square Garden’s and the WBC’s history and tradition within the sport of boxing.”

“This is the type of fight I want,” Hernandez-Harrison said. “I want to fight guys that are going to push me and bring out the best in me.”

“I am honored to be fighting for a WBC Championship,” Hernandez-Harrison said. “This is the kind of fight I have been preparing for my whole career and I won’t let my fans down.”

LOS ANGELES (SEPTEMBER 26, 2013)—Below are quotes from Wednesday’s press conference in advance of Saturday’s Super Middleweight showdown between former WBC Middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and WBO #1 ranked Middleweight Bryan Vera that will take place at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The show is promoted by Top Rank and Banner Promotions and will be televised LIVE on HBO’s Championship Boxing.
Bryan Vera (23-6, 14 KO’s)—“It has been the longest camp I have ever been in so I am not lying when I say I am in the best shape of my career.”

Arthur Pelullo—“Bryan knows he is fighting a great young fighter and it’s going to be a great night of boxing. We feel that Bryan will have an excellent night. When Bob Arum called me about the fight, Bryan didn’t blink an eyelash and said yes. He knew this could be a career changing fight. He wanted this fight from the get-go. He understands the formal task in front of him. He is a great fighter and he is coming to win the fight.”

David Watson (Vera Manager)—“This is going to be a great exciting fight. Bryan has prepared for it. You are going to see two prideful fighters going at it.”

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (46-1-1, 32 KO’s)—“I am very happy that fight night is coming very soon. I think it’s going to be a great fight for the audience. You are going to see the best Julio you have ever seen.”

Bob Arum—“People who know and understand boxing know that this will be a tremendous event and very exciting.”
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. –“We are very happy that the fight is getting closer. I can assure that you will see a great fight on Saturday. I know that Bryan Vera will give a sensational fight. We know my son is in for a tough fight on Saturday but we have a lot of confidence and we know that he will come for a victory.”

Fernando Beltran (Zanfer Promotions)—“I know that Chavez has a very tough opponent in front of him. The people are the winners of this show as they will see a sensational match.”

Tony Walker (HBO)—“The challenge of Bryan Vera will be very formidable.”

Photo by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions

In June this year, Commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince (11-2) pushed current champion Willie Limond to a close points decision, in what was a good display of boxing from the South African born fighter, he now makes his return to the ring on October 11th at Ravenscraig Sports Facility as he looks to build up to another title challenge.

Looking back at the fight, Prince explains he trained hard for that fight “The training went well, it was definitely the best camp I have been involved with. My coach Jim Love really done well and stepped it up for me. Come fight night I knew I was in the best shape I had been, and you can tell from the performance I put in against Limond ”
While Prince was the underdog going into the fight, he goes on to explain he feels he belongs at title level “After the fight With Willie (Limond) I believe I was well worth my position in the British rankings! I believe I beat Limond and everyone who was there saw that, I matched competitively over the 12 round distance.
“That’s why I put the fight on YouTube cause I wanted everyone else to see my performance, and see that I can compete at that level. I believe after that performance that I deserve British title shots and television exposure. But for the meantime I am working hard in the gym and for my next fight on October 11th with Hungarian Ivan Godor”
The 29 year old adds “I am looking forward to returning against Ivan Godor, I have seen a bit of him on video, and he’s a tough come forward fighter who likes to scrap, but I’m tougher and smarter than him. I look forward to getting between the ropes again, but this time I will be picking up the win as I take him to pieces.
Prospect Boxing presents an Evening of Championship Boxing at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell on Friday October 11th. The Main event sees Iain Butcher take on Hungarian Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight Title.
The under card sees Martin McCord, Rhys Pagan, Ronnie Clark. Also in action is former commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince and the Professional Début of JP McGuinness. Tickets are priced at £30 and £40 and available from the fighters or by calling 07912963761
For more information on Prospect Boxing don’t forget to follow us on Twitter on @ProspectBoxing and on facebook on www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing

MONTREAL (September 26, 2013) – While media attention has focused on Saturday night’s “The Return Of Superman” main event (airing live on HBO in the United States), featuring World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal world light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1, 18 KOs) in his first title defense against former world title-holder Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs), the remainder of this stacked card at historic Bell Centre in Montreal also showcases five other Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) world-class fighters in action.

First, former WBC, The Ring Magazine and lineal light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (22-2-1, 16 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since defeating Aleksy Kuziemski last December. His opponent is American George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-4-2, 16 KOs). The last time the WBC #2-rated Pascal did not participate in the main bout of a major event was back in December of 2007, when he faced Brian Norman at the Bell Centre. Joachim Alcine then successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title belt against Alfonso Mosquera in the main event.

Jean Pascal

“It is a privilege and a luxury to have Pascal’s participation in Saturday night’s event,” said President Yvon Michel of GYM. “He is still considered one of the biggest stars in the light heavyweight division and we all look forward to seeing him back in action. He’s fighting for all the right reasons on Saturday and it was good to see him happily smiling during training camp. Currently there is no opponent who is more important for Jean’s career than Blades. I expect an inspired performance from him as HBO executives watch him in action.”

The 39-year-old Blades has been a professional boxer since 1999. From his pro debut through 2007, he won 20 of his first 22 pro fights to join the ranks of world heavyweight contenders. In June of 2007, he had a world title shot against World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei (26-0-0), who won by 11th round technical knockout in Hungary. Blades has won his last two fights, most recently against James Morrow (12-19-3), on February 16 in his home state of Indiana.

Another world light heavyweight contender from Montreal, whose return has been long anticipated, is North American Boxing Association (NABA) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight champion, Eleider “Storm” Alavarez (12-0, 8 KOs). The WBA and WBO #4 Alvarez faces fellow Colombian, Edison “Pantera” Miranda (35-8-0, 30 KOs). Alvarez has won his last three fights by knockout, including the last two against the world-rated opponents Danny McIntosh and Nicholson Poulard. Alvarez wants his world title shot soon and a convincing victory on his part could precipitate many things in the short or medium term.

Eleider Alvarez (R) explodes

Miranda is a dangerous puncher, whose early meteoric rise resulted in a pair of unsuccessful world title fights, seeks to revive his career. According to his promoter Leon Margules, Miranda doubled his training workouts, “Edison is only 32 years old but he is aware that he must absolutely win September 28th because it is his last chance, explaining why he has trained in Florida with so much determination.
Because he and Alvarez are both Colombian, their fight is so much more personal, passionate and emotional for both warriors.”
Another GYM fighter patiently waiting to explode on the international scene, middleweight prospect David Lemieux (29-2-0, 28 KOs), will also be in action Saturday night at Bell Centre. Now ranked #14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and #15 by the WBC, Lemieux takes on American upset-specialist Marcus Upshaw (15-10-2, 7 KOs) . The latter is well-known in Quebec having shocked Quebec fighter Renan St-Juste three years ago in Quebec City “At 6′ 4” with an aggressive style, it is possible that David may look bad at times in this fight, but this is the kind of strong and complicated opponent that will allow David to grow,” Lemieux’ trainer Marc Ramsay commented. Lemieux has won his last four fights by KO and his opponents lasted a total of only six rounds during this sequence.

Welterweight Antonin Decarie (27-2, 7 KOs) fought his last two times before HBO cameras and, despite losing his last fight to Argentina Carlos Abregu (35-1, 28 KOs), he showed the right stuff to evolve into a potential world champion. The 30-year-old Decarie, rated #10 by the WBC, still has a very bright future ahead of him. He has also been selected to represent North America in the WBC’s World Cup tournament that should get underway in late 2013. In a six-rounder to stay active, Decarie will face the Frenchman Salim Larbi (17-3-2, 5 KOs) this Saturday evening. Larbi fought for the WBO world title as recently as 2012.

IBF I / C and NABA welterweight contender, IBF #3 rated Kevin Bizier (20-0, 14 KOs), of Quebec, will also be back in action after fully recovering from a painful ankle sprain. His opponent is veteran Giuseppe Lauri (53-14, 31 KOs), a native of Italy who now lives in Hungary. Bizier could be one of the main headliners of a GYM event tentatively scheduled for November in Quebec City.

Finally, Saturday night’s event will allow former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev (1-0, 1 KOs) to continue learning, this time in a six-round, light heavyweight fight. To demonstrate the confidence that GYM places in Beterbiev, in only his second professional outing, the Russian prospect will fight a veteran of 47 professional fights, Rayco Saunders (23-22-2, 10 KOs). It’s highly usual for a young prospect like Beterbiev, who hasn’t lost since a cut cost him an amateur match in 2003, to fight a veteran such as Saunders so early into his pro career.

“Superman Returns,” headlined by the world light heavyweight championship between defending champion Stevenson and challenger Cloud, is being presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
Saturday night’s gala event at Bell Centre promises to be memorable, featuring an awesome line-up of fighters in significant matches.

Doors at the Bell Centre will open Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Stevenson vs. Cloud on HBO in the U.S. is slated to start around 10:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets are available at Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $ 50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.: Yvon Michel (GYM) Group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers with a support frame in direct competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its founding nine years ago, GYM has promoted 109 events, some of which have made history in ticket and PPV sales like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of seven different GYM boxers have participated in 17 world title fights. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight in 2007, Jean Pascal won the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009, and since June 2013 Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC, The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight.

NEW YORK (September 26, 2013) – More than 100 people turned out last week for at Ring 8’s monthly meeting and its tribute to the late, great Emile Griffith, at historic Waterfront Crabhouse, in Long Island City, New York.

The six-time, three-division world champion Griffith (85-24-2, 23 KOs) was a fixture at Ring 8. His tribute included speakers such as his biographer, Ron Ross, Emile’s son, Louis, boxing historian Henry Hascup and Bobby Bartels, his former sparring partner and past president of Ring 8. Everyone enjoyed watched some of Griffith’s best fights, on a projector screen, against Dick Tiger, Luis Rodriguez, Jorge Fernandez, Andy Heilman, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, and the second Nino Benvenutti fight.

“We had a tremendous turnout to celebrate Emile’s life and boxing career,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “It was a fitting tribute to a very special man. We’re all better people for having known him.”

Ring 8 also selected its 2013 award winners at last week’s meeting. These awards will be presented, along with Fighter of the Year (to come), at the 27th annual Ring 8 Holiday & Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, December 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

2013 Ring 8 Award Winners

Uncrowned Champion: Gasper Ortega
Official of the Year: Deputy Commissioner Robert Orlando
Amateur Official of the Year: Dan Gant
Member of the Year: Carmine Rastelli
Professional Judge of the Year: John McKaie
Prospect of the Year: Sean Monahan
Professional Trainer of the Year: Bob Jackson
Amateur Trainer of the Year: Joe Higgins
Emile Griffith Good Guy Award: Sal Corrente
Long & Meritorious Service: Dr. William Lathan
50th Anniversary: Bobby Bartels & Lenny Mangiapane

The Ring 8 Holiday & Awards Ceremony in December has been dedicated to the the 50th anniversary of the main event fight between Lenny Mangiapane (L) and Bobby Bartels at Madison Square Garden. Bartels is a former Ring 8 president and Mangiapane is the current Ring 8 vice president.

both pictures by Stanley Janousek / Ring 8
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

San Diego, CA) –
The first challenge has been met with all fighters scheduled for this month’s “San Diego Fights” making their contracted weights:

Brandon Adams 155 lbs vs Francisco Rios Gil 155 lbs
Maurice Hooker 141 lbs vs Rynell Griffin 140 lbs
David Barragan 155.5 lbs vs Matt Dumais 156 lbs
Joe Perez 123 lbs vs Alfredo Madrigal 123.5 lbs
Diego Madrigal 130 lbs vs Luis Ventura 133 lbs

The festivities begin at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel located at 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego. Open to all ages, food and drinks will be served.

For a photo gallery of the weigh in by Stacey Verbeek, please click HERE

Giovanni De Carolis (20-4, 10 KOs) will challenge Arthur Abraham (37-4, 28 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental Championship at the EWE ARENA in Oldenburg, Germany on October 26. Abraham´s intention is not only to defend his title but also to show that he is ready for a third clash with current world champion Robert Stieglitz.

“Finally there is clarity for me,” said Abraham, who is currently ranked as the number one contender and mandatory challenger at super middleweight by the WBO. “Now I will have to study my next opponent on tape together with my coach Ulli Wegner. With the perfect preparation and strategy there is no doubt in my mind that I will leave the ring as the winner come October 26.”

Wegner has already examined the 29-year-old from Rome, Italy carefully. “He is a good technician who likes to mix it up offensively,” stated Wegner when asked about the current WBC International Champion De Carolis. “This will be a good test for Arthur. If he wins decisively, I will be more than excited about a third fight between him and Stieglitz in early 2014.”
Tickets for the big fight night at the EWE ARENA Oldenburg can be purchased at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.

Danbury, Connecticut (September 26, 2013) Former world title challenger and perennial contender Delvin Rodriguez is
winding down preparations for his junior middleweight clash with legendary and former three time World Champion Puerto Rican fighter Miguel Cotto set for Saturday, October 5 the Amway Center
in Orlando, Florida and Live on HBO ®

Relaxing after an early evening training session in his hometown of Danbury, Connecticut, Rodriguez spoke about his preparations for the fight.

“We spent the first two weeks of camp in the Dominican Republic working on strength and conditioning, especially running in the mountains. For the last six weeks we’ve been in Danbury doing the actual training and sparring.”

“The two weeks in the Dominican Republic were great for my body and it’s always nice to train at home as I have for this portion of the camp” continued Rodriguez, who has compiled a record of 28-6-3 (16KO’s) over his fourteen year career.

Rodriguez is currently world ranked #4 by the WBA, #9 by the WBO and #11 by the IBF and WBC and is coming off two sensational stoppages, a sixth round knockout of George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah on February 15 and an eighth round stoppage of Freddy Hernandez on May 24, both of which were televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing®

Rodriguez longtime promoter; “The two wins Delvin had earlier this year along with the wealth of world class experience he’s fought over his outstanding career has truly prepared him for this opportunity to fight Miguel Cotto. This will be his sixth fight in the junior middleweight division and he’s very comfortable at 154. He’s prepared very well for Miguel Cotto and I’m confident he will put on a terrific performance.”

Speaking about his game plan, Rodriguez stated, “I’m taller so it works for me to stay on the outside and keep Cotto on the end of my punches. I’ve got a longer reach which I intend to use.”

“It’s also important for me to use combinations in an effective manner. Keep the pressure, stay aggressive for the entire round and that’s where my conditioning will play a big role.”

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Miguel, our paths have crossed a number of times over the years and he’s always been a gentleman. He’s a certain Hall of Famer who earned everything he’s gotten, nothing was handed to him, it’s the perfect test for me.”

About being perceived as the underdog with talk of upcoming plans for Cotto’s future fights, Rodriguez was dismissive, “That plays no role at all, and I don’t pay attention to what the experts say about who will win. Just me and him in the ring, just the way we both like it.”

Rodriguez will be accompanied to the ring on the night of the fight by popular Dominican singer, EL Jeffrey, who will also sing the Dominican national anthem prior to the fight.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing Inc. celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2012. 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 @ Star Boxing and Facebook at Star Boxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Robert Byrd has been tabbed the referee for the October 12 bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.

The judges will be judges Robert Hoyle, Patricia Morse Jarman and Glenn Feldman.

The commission also appointed the officials for the vacant featherweight world title bout on the undercard between former titlist Orlando Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) of Mexico and Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) of Puerto Rico.

After more questions for Kizer, the commission voted 5-0 on his recommendations of referee Kenny Bayless and judges Jerry Roth, Glenn Trowbridge and Ed Kugler, a judge from Colorado.

Alberto Morales 148 vs. Ronald Cruz 148.1
Jason Sosa 129.2 vs. Tyrone Luckey 130.2
Joey Dawejko 238.5 vs. Kevin Franklin 248
Juan Serrano 138.6 vs. Jerome Rodriguez 141
Billy Marks 297 vs. Dan Pasciolla 234
Arturo Trujillo 145.3 vs. Terrell James143.9
Johnny Portillo 122.1 vs. Chris Diaz 122.4

Venue: Sands Event Center Bethlehem (PA)
Promoter: Peltz Boxing Promotions, Bam Boxing Promotions & Legends of Boxing
First Bout: 8:00 pm

LOS ANGELES (September 25, 2013) — Hall of Fame promoter and Jenny Craig acolyte Bob Arum concluded his remarks at today’s final Julio César Chávez Jr. – Bryan Vera press conference at the Millennium Biltmore hotel with the proclamation, “Wait for the Weight!”

What would a Chávez Jr. fight week be without a concern about his official weight? It took up the majority of the questions during Tuesday’s media conference call that he and Arum hosted.

The contract weight for Saturday’s super middleweight rumble is a maximum of 168 pounds for the two fighters.

“Julio must be a Union man because he seems to be working for scale for this event,” said Arum with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

A member of Team Vera suggested that Tecate Light sponsor the official weigh-in and that Chávez change his middle name from César to Cerveza.

Friday’s official weigh-in will be streamed live from the Gold Room at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (506 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90071-2607), beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT via www.toprank.tv.

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

Chávez Jr. (46-1-1, 32 KOs), of Culiacán, México, making his 2013 debut in his first fight in the Los Angeles area in over two years, and Vera (23-6, 14 KOs), of Austin, TX, riding a 16-month, four-bout winning streak, will go mano a mano This Saturday! Saturday, September 28, under the stars, at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chávez vs. Vera will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Banner Promotions and Tecate, remaining tickets to Chávez vs. Vera, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $20 (plus applicable taxes and fees), can be purchased online at http://www.axs.com, by telephone at (888) 929-7849 or at the StubHub Center box office, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Suites are available by calling (877) 604-8777. For information on group discounts, please call (877) 234-8425.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.

Chicago, IL, Wednesday, September 25, 2013–Bobby Hitz announced today that Hitz Boxing will cap off its dynamic 2013 season with “Fight Night at the Horseshoe: The Black Wednesday Battle” on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN. Hitz’ annual tradition of holding a Thanksgiving eve, also referred to as “Black Wednesday” show began in the early 90’s when he promoted his wildly popular “Ramada Rumble” series at the O’Hare Ramada Inn and its been a staple of both the Chicago boxing and night life scenes ever since. The line up and ticket information will be announced shortly.

“This has been an awesome year for Hitz Boxing and there is no better way to close out this season than with our annual ‘Black Wednesday’ show, which is an excellent way to kick-off the holiday season for both hardcore and casual fans,” said Hitz. “Chicago fans love boxing and their support demonstrates how strong this sport is. We are excited to stage our sixth show this year and look forward to continuing this momentum in 2014!”

In addition to its “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” series in Hammond which was held on February 15, April 20, June 8 and September 13, Hitz Boxing returned to Illinois on August 30, with the launch of its “Night of the Rising Stars” at the Cicero Stadium.

“We are thrilled to be back in Illinois and appreciate the effort of Nancy Ilg and the Illinois Athletic Commission in working with us,” said Hitz. “The family atmosphere in Cicero, combined with the electric energy at the Horseshoe give us two exciting, yet unique experiences to provide local boxing fans.”

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

The $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Caesars Entertainment Corporation property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gambling destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest, and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination and premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and winner of the 2009, 2010, 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the May 2012 OpenTable Diners’ Choice award, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, and a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Pub and Eatery.

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

Must be 21 years or older to gamble or attend events at The Venue. Know When To Stop Before You Start® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9WITH-IT © 2012 Caesars License Company, LLC.

26 September 2013 – Singapore: ONE Fighting Championship™ (ONE FC), the largest mixed martial arts organization in Asia with a 90% market share, announced today that Tune Talk has renewed its partnership as the official Telco of ONE FC. The sponsorship is a clear indication that the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has hit the mainstream in Asia. Tune Talk and ONE FC are set to dominate the industry with innovative content and marketing initiatives that will bring world class ONE FC action to fans of the fastest growing sport in the world.
CEO of ONE Fighting Championship, Victor Cui, stated, “This is one of the most exciting sponsorship announcements that I’ve made. This partnership will see the activation of ONE FC content across Malaysia at an unprecedented level. As a lead up to the biggest fight in Malaysian history in November, ONE FC and Tune Talk will roll out a massive campaign across all media platforms throughout the country. I’m thrilled to be working with Tune Talk and the Air Asia family as our extended partnership signifies another monumental moment for the sport of MMA and ONE FC.”

CEO of Tune Talk, Jason Lo, stated, “Tune Talk, the country’s fastest growing mobile prepaid operator is proud to present ONE FC in Malaysia again! We have seen Mixed Martial Arts explode across Asia over the past few years and Malaysia has an ardent number of followers throughout the country. Tune Talk is already fully invested in the sport of MMA through the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts Tournament (MIMMA) and we look forward to growing together with the sport. We continue to see the exciting potential in ONE FC and are proud to be associated with the top organization in Asia. Tune Talk is delighted to once again extend a partnership that benefits the loyal fans of Malaysia.”

ONE FC will be returning to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 15 November, 2013 at Stadium Putra. The inaugural ONE FC Welterweight World Title will be up for grabs as Malaysian Adam Kayoom battles Japanese slugger Nobutatsu Suzuki in one of the most anticipated battles of the year.

For more updates on ONE Fighting Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow on Twitter @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA.
About ONE Fighting Championship™
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Fighting Championship is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia.

ONE Fighting Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

About Tune Talk
Tune Talk is the fastest-growing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Asia, officially launching commercial services in Malaysia in 2009. Our target is to provide super low rates and exciting incentives to the market. Our prepaid service offers voice, SMS, data and BlackBerry packages that meet the demands for a simple, value-for-money product with easy accessibility and a wide distribution reach. As a member of the Tune Group of companies, we have the advantage of providing a completely unique lifestyle service with offers by Tune Money, Tune Hotels, Tune Insurance, BIG Loyalty Programme and AirAsia. For more information, please visit www.tunetalk.com.
About Tune Group of Companies
Tune Group is a conglomerate of lifestyle businesses co-founded by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun. The Tune Group of companies are Tune Air (a substantial shareholder of AirAsia), Tune Hotels, Tune Money (holding company of Tune Insurance), Tune Talk, Tune Box, Tune Studios, Tune Tones, Caterham F1 Team, Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR) and Educ8 Group (owner of Epsom College in Malaysia).