Follow all the action as Light Heavyweights Nathan Cleverly and Andrzej Fonfara engage in a 12-round Bout.  The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with a WBA Super Flyweight title bout between Kohei Kono and Koki Kameda

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Round 1 Fonfara starting fast..Good combination from Cleverly..Uppercut snaps back Fonfara’s head..

Round 2 Nice combination from Cleverly..Uppercut..combination..Combiation..

Round 3 Great action on the inside

Round 4 Nice uppercut from Cleverly…Little right from Fonfara..

Round 5 Good right from Cleverly..

Round 6 Nice left from Cleverly..Body shot and left hook..Fonfara lands 2 big shots at the bell

Round 7 Fonfara lands an uppercut..Cleverly bleeding from the nose..

Round 8 Fonfara landing heavy shots

Round 9 Cleverly lands 8 in a row

Round 10 The fighters have broken the compubox record for Punches landed and thrown for a Light heavyweight bout

Round 11 

Round 12 Big right from Cleverly

115-113, 116-112 twice for Fonfara

RECORD BREAKING PUNCH STATS

474- 1413 for Fonfara; Cleverly was   462- 1111

Round 1

Round 2 Left from Kameda..Kono seems hurt..Kono takes a knee from a low blow..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KAMEDA…

Round 3 KamedA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR  LOW BLOWS.  KAMEDA DEDUCTED ANOTHER POINT FOR A LOW BLOW

Round 4 Rights from Kono

Round 5 Flurry from Kameda..Left

Round 6 Kono lands Insert shortcodea hard right

Round 7 Kameda is cut on the right eyelid..

Round 8 Kono lands a couple of rights and an uppercut

Round 9 KONO deducted a point for holding Kameda’s head down.  Big right from Kono

Round 10 Trading combinations on the inside

Round 11 Right drives Kameda back

Round 12 Kono lands 2 rights..

115-109, 116-108, 113-111 for KONO

Kono landed 362-1039 punches; Kameda    317-769

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., this Saturday, October 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Fight Network’s World Series of Fighting broadcast will air live nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on NBC Sports Network.

In the star-studded welterweight main event, Jon Fitch battles Yushin “Tunder” Okami in a clash of experienced superstars.

“We are excited to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino and the state of Connecticut, where we showcased our brand of world championship MMA action in front of a highly passionate audience earlier this year,” said WSOF president Ray Sefo.

“Beginning with Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami, two of the best 170-pound athletes in our entire sport,” continued Sefo, “we are assembling another card loaded with some of the top superstars and emerging stars in MMA, and we look forward to giving fans another memorable night of fights.”

In the co-main event, WSOF heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov will put his coveted title on the line for the first time when he squares off with seasoned contender Derek “Caveman” Mehmen.

In other action on the live Fight Network telecast, superstars Vinny Magalhaes and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill will make their respective WSOF debuts against each other in a light heavyweight contest.

Also returning to the cage will be local favorite “Notorious” Nick Newell, who will take on Tom Marcellino in lightweight action.

The promotion will also crown its first flyweight champion in history as surging stars Magomed “Gladiator” Bibulatov and Donavon Frelow throw down for the crown.

All the action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

For More Information Contact:

Fight Network
Chad Midgley
VP, Content
chad@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

Fight Network
Ariel Shnerer
Director, Programming & Communications
ariel@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

About Fight Network:

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., all major carriers in Canada, over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, a programming block on Pursuit Channel (www.pursuitchannel.com), on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling,” and its programming on Sirius XM Channel 167. Fight Network’s parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. launched Fantasy (FNTSY) Sports Network (www.fantasysportsnetwork.com) across North America in March 2014 and also holds a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel.

Hyannis, Massachusetts [October 16, 2015] – Boston Boxing Promotions presents the return of Northeast Heavyweight Champion Jesse Barboza (10-1-1, 6 KO’s) as he returns to the ring in his hometown of Hyannis, MA on Saturday, November 28th at Barnstable High School to take on veteran Francisco Mireles (17-9, 5 KO’s) in an eight-round heavyweight fight.

“I want to stay active and fight tough fighters with good winning records”, Barboza said, “and I’m so glad to be fighting for the second time in a row in my hometown. I knew back in August when I fought in Cape Cod that the community would be receptive to pro boxing and I’m glad we’re coming back.”

Mireles, a surprisingly agile 270 pound athlete, has been in the ring with some of the sport’s best including former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, former Cuban national champion Glendy Hernandez and former world title challenger Lateef Kayode. He’s also well traveled and has fought at a variety of interesting venues including Coliseo Angel ‘Cholo’ Espada in Puerto Rico, Magic City Casino in Florida and The Playboy Mansion in California.

“I look forward to coming to the United States to fight Barboza”, said the Spanish speaking and Mexican born Mireles, “I love when people see me and realize that despite my big belly, I’m light on my feet and have boxing ability. People can boo me on the way in, but they’ll cheer me on the way out. Jesse better be ready.”

Boston Boxing Promotions’ first foray into Cape Cod was a success over the summer. The event featured five professional boxing matches, was attended by a capacity crowd of over 800 spectators and featured two knockouts that will be in consideration for KO of the year. Full length video of the bouts from that night are available online at www.CapeCodBoxing.com in anticipation of Boxing’s returning to Cape Cod on November 28th.

The November 28th event will be presented by Boston Boxing Promotions. Boston Boxing Promotions is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. To learn more about the promotion, you can follow them on Twitter @BostonProBoxing, join the promotion’s official Facebook page “Boston Boxing Promotions,” and visit the promotion’s website www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com .

Kell Brook has been forced out of his IBF World Welterweight title clash with Diego Chaves at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, October 24 after sustaining a rib injury in sparring.

Brook was set to make the third defence of his belt against the dangerous Argentine, but having spent time in hospital with the injury and taking the advice of medical experts following scans, the Sheffield star will now look to face Chaves later in the year.

The Sheffield show goes ahead with the Sky Sports debut of Chris Eubank Jr topping the bill as he defends his WBA Interim World Middleweight title against American Tony Jeter, Gavin McDonnell defends his European Bantamweight strap against former World title challenger Jeremy Parodi, along with a host of exciting young talent on the bill.

“It’s always a bitter blow when an injury causes a fight to be postponed, especially so close to the event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell picked up a rib injury in sparring yesterday and spent most of the day at hospital yesterday. Kell was desperate to fight but it was simply impossible and we will now look to reschedule the bout for the end of the year.”

Matchroom Boxing will make a full statement on Monday regarding details of full refunds and partial refunds to those fans still attending the show.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of boxing ‘wonder kid’ David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez to a promotional contract.

Benavidez, already 10-0, 9 KOs as a super-middleweight professional, hails from Phoenix and is the younger brother of undefeated Interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Jose Benavidez Jr.

Considered a boxing prodigy by many, Benavidez has been trained since age two by his father Jose Benavidez Sr. He turned professional at 16, but was forced to ply his trade in Mexico until age 18, when he was legally allowed to fight in the United States. The ultra-talented youngster has already sparred with many of the best fighters in the world including Kelly Pavlik, Gennady Golovkin and Nobuhiro Ishida to name a few He has also trained at the Wild Card Gym with Freddy Roach.

“I feel really blessed,” said Benavidez of the promotional deal. “It’s a great opportunity for me and great for my career. I am excited to step up to this big stage and show everybody how hungry I am and what I’m about. I want to show my skill level to the boxing world.”

Benavidez caught the eye of Lewkowicz while sparring in the Virgin Islands with Sampson Boxing fighter Julius Jackson.

“Like any other boxer my goal is to become champion, but I’m also looking forward to coming up the ranks and showing everyone who I am. But I’m only 18, so we’re taking our time. When Sampson says it’s time to step up, then I will.”

The young fighter says his relationship with his father has been key to his success.

“It’s a great father/son relationship, he’s like my best friend. We don’t always agree on everything but he’s the one who taught me everything I know, so I am grateful for everything he has given me.”

“I’m really happy about this deal. Sampson works with the best people in boxing,” said Jose Benavidez Sr. “We saw what he did with Maravilla Martinez and he’s been around many years doing a great job. We’re happy to be with him.”

Benavidez Sr. says his son is a boxer with an occasional tendency to brawl. “He moves his head a lot and throws good combinations. He’s very relaxed and thinks a lot in the ring. He also has great killer instinct.”

Benavidez’s manager David Garcia, who also handles his world champion brother, says the boxing world can expect big things from this new pairing of promoter and up-and-coming fighter. “I’m proud that David has joined Sampson’s promotional stable. Sampson has guided many fighters to the top. With hard work and Sampson’s guidance, David will be in some of the most exciting fights of the next few years.”

Garcia also explains why the young man turned pro at such an early age.

“He had developed so much physically by 16. He was already 6′ 2″ and had so many skills. He was already sparring with world champs. The amateur level didn’t offer him any further opportunity to develop. So he took the natural course of turning pro.”

Promoter Lewkowicz is the one who gave Benavidez his unique fight moniker of El Bandera Roja/Red Flag. “I gave him that name because he is a red flag to all the super middleweights in the world to watch out. They are all now in danger.”

Lewkowicz, renowned for his eye for young talent, says that Benavidez has everything he looks for in a prospect.

“I am very happy David chose to work with me. He is a future star in boxing. It’s his destiny. His brother is a champion and so will he be. He is the real thing and I am proud to be the one to guide him to where he belongs at the top of boxing.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

LONDON (16 October) – Pound-for-pound ace Gennady Golovkin believes his unification world title clash with fellow hard-hitter David Lemieux will rank alongside some of the middleweight divisions best ever.

The Kazakh assassin will put his WBA and IBO world titles on the line in a 160-pound meeting with Canada’s IBF champion Lemieux this Saturday night at the iconic Madison Square Garden, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The showdown pits together two of the world’s biggest punchers, who average a near 90% knockout ratio between them, with the electrifying Golovkin saying that the clash will be an all-action affair to follow the great battles of the past.

“This is a true fight, an original fight. It’s going to be a present for people. Boxing isn’t a game; it’s very important who the true number one is. This is my big test and my first step to history and to a new story,” said Golovkin.

“This is my first unification fight and my first pay-per-view fight. It’s about being a true warrior and not just a business man. I love to fight, it’s that simple. I’m looking to knock him out.

“I’m more motivated than ever because it’s a unification fight and a pay-per-view. I keep saying it’s an ‘old school’ fight because this will be a classic fight.

“It’s like a long time ago when Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard all fought; it will be in this same style,” he said.

The 33-year-old has waited a while for his big break and now in front of a sold out 15,000 arena at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden he is ready to grab his chance to prove himself against a formidable champion in Lemieux.

“I know I’m 33 years old but I feel like I’m 22 years old. I didn’t feel any pressure to get these big fights but I know every step is bigger and I know Lemieux is a strong guy, a dangerous guy. Everyone knows my style and it’s a very interesting fight for the fans and for television.

“Madison Square Garden is my second home. It’s very important and special that the fight is sold out. People in the United States understand my style and that’s amazing for me.

“I really appreciate the support of the fans. Madison Square Garden is a very special place with a great history so it’s an honour to fight in front of these fans,” Golovkin said.

The middleweight division is brimming with talent, with a host of title fights lined up to prove who the undisputed number one is in the division.

Next month WBC champion Miguel Cotto defends his belt against Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, with Ireland’s Andy Lee putting his WBO strap up for grabs against the undefeated Billy Joe Saunders, plus Peter Quillin faces American Danny Jacobs.

An intriguing time looms over the 160-pound weight class with Golovkin eager to take on all comers.

“It’s a very interesting first step for me and Lemieux to see who goes onto the next step to prove who the best in the middleweight division is,” said Golovkin.

“There are three or four top pay-per-view fighters – we’re all in the same situation. Maybe the next step for me will be the winner of Cotto or Canelo, Andy Lee or Saunders, or Jacobs and Quillin. It’s a very interesting situation and this is only the first step,” he said.

This weekend’s thrilling card will also see another of boxing’s most talented fighters in action when Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez will look to make it 44-wins unbeaten when he defends his WBC flyweight title against the tough Brian Viloria.

Golovkin v Lemieux is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415, online and app) this Saturday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* 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.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customer

LONDON (16 OCTOBER) ‘Lightning’ Lenny Daws will get a deserved second shot at the European super-lightweight championship on December 5 when he meets Spaniard Ruben Nieto for the vacant crown, LIVE on Channel 5.

The 36-year-old Daws, 30-3-2 (11 KOs), dropped a highly-contentious decision to former champion Michele Di Rocco in Italy in 2013, but has since bided his time, strung together five wins on the bounce, and now gets a stab at Di Rocco’s recently-vacated belt.

Morden’s Daws has won pretty much everything else on the domestic scene, including two British, an English and Southern Area super-lightweight titles. He also bagged his second EU super-lightweight title in November 2014 with a thrilling tenth-round stoppage win over Frenchman Chaquib Fadli, televised on Channel 5.

All that’s left for Daws to do is win what he feels is rightfully his – the European championship – and then land a shot at a version of the world title in 2016.

Nieto’s motivation is much the same. He too dropped a close decision to Di Rocco when the Italian reigned as European champion, and he too has previously held the EU belt. The Madrid-native also boasts impressive decision wins over Jean Pierre Bauwens and Samuele Esposito and is regarded as one of the best super-lightweights in Europe.

Nieto, 32, holds a record of 16-1 (8 KOs) and, on December 5, will fight outside of Spain for only the second time in his five-and-a-half year pro career.

*** The venue for Daws-Nieto, as well as ticket information, will be announced early next week ***

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Tickets are on sale now for the Christmas world championship boxing extravaganza at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 19th December headlined with an amazing THREE world fights featuring the Best of British.

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee finally puts his world title on the line against rival Billy Joe Saunders in the highly anticipated showdown that everyone has been waiting to see.

Irishman Lee, one of the world’s most exciting fighters, won the title with a dramatic knockout of the previously undefeated Matt Korobov and must now face his mandatory challenger – Saunders.

The undefeated Englishman has claimed the records of four unbeaten fighters in a row in his last five fights, including a victory over Chris Eubank Jnr. and now aims to realise his dream by beating Lee to become world champion.

WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan returns to action one final time this year as he makes the second defence of his title against a top challenger to be announced.

The Manchester hero is the new star of British boxing following his mesmerising victory over Diego Magdaleno this month when he destroyed the American challenger inside two rounds with a fearsome display of power-punching.

The new WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith makes his opening defence of the world title as he begins his reign.

Liverpool ace Smith demolished America John Thompson in seven round this month to lift the world title with some devastating punching and aims to show that he’s the top man in the 154lb division.

An action-packed card will also feature former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Paul Butler as continues on his comeback towards a second record-breaking world title at a lighter weight class, plus Lancashire super-lightweight hot-shot Jack Catterall, with both in championship title action.

With more title fights to be added and an undercard full of the best British prospects all in action, Boxing Day has come early for fight fans.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.com

Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Gennady Golovkin 159.4 – David Lemieux 159.8
(WBA/WBC Interim/IBF Middleweight title
Roman Gonzalez 111.4 – Brian Viloria 111.4
(WBC Flyweight title)
Luis Ortiz 237.8 – Matias Ariel Vidondo 261
(WBA Interim Heavyweight Title)
Eamonn O’Kane 160 – Taureano Johnson 159.4
(IBF Middleweight Eliminator)

By Norm Frauenheim–

Roman Gonzalez and Michael Carbajal are separated by twenty years and linked by history.

Saturday that link between two fighters from different generations will come to a rare crossroads, a coincidence, yet still a significant snapshot about where boxing has been and where it’s going.

Gonzalez represents the fulfillment of what Carbajal began. In 1993, Carbajal introduced the possibility that flyweights can be a big part of the business. That’s when the Phoenix Hall of Famer was No. 4 in The Ring’s pound-for-pound ratings, then the highest ever for a fighter in the lightest divisions.

More than two decades later, Gonzalez has a chance to connect the dots — complete what Carbajal started — at New York’s Madison Square Garden against Brian Viloria Saturday on an HBO pay-per-view card (6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET) that includes middleweight Gennady Golovkin-versus David Lemieux.

The 28-year-old Gonzalez, an unbeaten Nicaraguan (43-0, 37 KOs) goes into the compelling bout ranked No. 1 by The Ring and other media, including ESPN.

“He should be No. 1,’’ Carbajal, now 48, said. “He deserves to be there.’’

Ironically, yet somehow appropriately, Carbajal won’t get a chance to see the bout live. He’s busy.

At about the time Gonzalez climbs through the ropes for his bout Saturday night with Viloria (36-4, 22 KOs), Carbajal will be working a corner for Johnny Tijerina in a featherweight debut at Celebrity Theatre near downtown Phoenix on a UniMas-televised card featuring Las Vegas super-bantamweight Jessie Magadaleno (21-0, 15 KOs) against Filipino Vergel Nebran (14-9-1, 9 KOs).

On both sides of the ropes, business just wouldn’t be the same anymore without the little guys.

Carbajal, the current trainer, has a key question about Gonzalez, one shared by many.

“What happens when his chin gets tested by some real power?’’ he asks.

Nobody really knows, simply because Gonzalez has been so dominant. Against Viloria, there’s a pretty good chance at an answer.

Although he’s been erratic throughout his career, Viloria, a Filipino-American from Hawaii, possesses proven power. If optimistic reports from his training camp are accurate, he intends to target that untested chin early and often. That, of course, raises a couple of other questions.
To wit:
· Will Viloria be able to land a big blow against the skilled Nicaraguan?

· In setting up a big punch, there’s a good chance Viloria leaves himself open to Gonzalez’ own brand of lethal power. Can he withstand a big Gonzalez counter?

In Roman Gonzalez, Hall of Fame manager and advisor Rafael Mendoza of Guadalajara sees some of Carbajal and some of Carbajal’s great rival, Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez. Carbajal and Chiquita collected purses still unequalled in the flyweight divisions with a memorable trilogy.

“Roman is not as fast as Carbajal, but he has some of that speed and some of the quickness,’’ Mendoza said. “He is not as powerful as Chiquita, but he has some of that power. He’s kind of a mix of both.’’

Perhaps a historical mix, potent enough to make him the pound-for-pound No. 1 and keep him there.

NEW YORK CITY (Oct. 15, 2015) – K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions today hosted the final press conference for the Golovkin vs. Lemieux undercard prior to Saturday’s stellar sold-out night of boxing set for the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden and produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View on October 17.

Roberto Duran, Panamanian former world champion in four weight classes, and one of the greatest boxers of all time, also stopped by the undercard press conference. He reflected briefly on his storied career and named Madison Square Garden as the home of his most memorable fights. Duran also spoke about his excitement for the fantastic bouts schedule for the Golovkin vs. Lemieux undercard on Saturday, October 17.

Below is what the fighters and their promoters had to say:

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, Consensus #1 Pound-For-Pound Fighter in Boxing
and WBC Flyweight World Champion:

“I’m ready for this fight and will give my best. I don’t like to speak much, but I will say I had a great camp and feel strong and in good condition to win Saturday’s fight. I’m thankful and feel blessed that I am able to fight, and I am ready to give the fans a good fight.”

Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria, Four-Time World Champion in Two Weight Divisions:

“I live, breathe and eat boxing. I try to keep in shape so I can fight as much as possible. I have prepared myself very well for this fight. I am doing a disservice if I don’t give it my best on Saturday. Fighting a guy like Gonzalez, the number one pound-four-pound fighter in the sport, is a big challenge. He is as big as it gets for me, in my career. He is the biggest challenge I’ve faced to date. I’m going to show you the best Brian Viloria you’ve ever seen. I’m prepared to take the title from Roman.”

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions:

“We just got word from Madison Square Garden this morning that every ticket is sold out at the box office for this fantastic night of boxing on October 17. With four fights on the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast including three undercard fights, you have a fantastic broadcast worth the cost.

“This undercard has great international flavor, for fighters from Kazakhstan, Canada, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bahamas, Ireland, Argentina and other places to come to New York and sell out Madison Square Garden without a local favorite. These quality matchups that include the undercard are the reason fans responded.

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“These undercard fights are going to be explosive on Saturday. These guys have the experience, pedigree, and amateur background to put on great fights for the fans. These fighters have a lot at stake and are hungry for victory.”

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz, Interim WBA Heavyweight World Title Undefeated Contender:

“I’m a man of very few words; I just know how to fight. In the ring, I’m totally different from how I am in front of a microphone.”

Matias Ariel “El Matador” Vidondo, Interim WBA Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“It feels great to be here. I’ve had so many obstacles in my life before getting to this point. I love boxing and it is this love that has kept me in this sport. I’m close to getting my degree in medicine; that is what I do when I am not boxing.

“When I was first notified about this fight, I was ecstatic, to be able to be here and fight for Oscar De La Hoya, that is a dream because I look up to him. It’s a dream to be here in this city. I don’t want to make up from this dream.”

Tureano Johnson, Middleweight Contender:

“This is a great opportunity for me to show the talent that I have. On Saturday, I will put on a spectacular show. If you don’t know me now, you will definitely know my name after Saturday. This fight goes beyond Eamonn O’Kane, I want to fight guys like Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux and that is what I will do after I defeat O’Kane.”

Eamonn “King Kane” O’Kane, Middleweight Contender:

“Wow, it’s a dream to be at the mecca of boxing Madison Square Garden to showcase my talent. I look forward to delivering on October 17.”

Lamont Roach Jr., Lightweight Prospect:

“This is by far the hottest undercard I’ve fought on since making my professional debut. I can’t wait for October 17.”

Tammy Ross, Vice President at HBO Sports:

“While Saturday’s main event is a contest for super stardom, the undercard sets the stage for fighters seeking to capture a piece of their own stardom. Three fights Saturday night are as high in quality as they are in stakes. The winner of Johnson-O’Kane could become a major player in the same division as the winner of Golovkin-Lemieux. The winner of Ortiz-Vidondo will soon hope to challenge Wladimir Klitschkofor the heavyweight crown. From the main event to the undercard, these are all fighters that love to give fans their money’s worth in the ring.”

Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council:

“I believe that working together works and I am very proud to see K2 and Golden Boy Promotions to work together to bring the fans what they want to see which is the best fights possible, and that is what we have with this fantastic card on October 17 at Madison Square Garden.”

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management and is sponsored by Corona Extra, BI Group and Tsesnabank. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. ET and the first fight begins at 7:05 p.m. ET.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBo

PROVIDENCE (October 15, 2015) – The long, often contentious stretch of inactivity for undefeated super welterweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) finally ends this Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The 2008 U.S. Olympian from Providence returns to the ring for the first time in 16 months to fight former South American champion Dario Fabian “El Gallo” Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International super welterweight championship

The 27-year-old Andrade hasn’t fought since June 14, 2014, when he annihilated the then No. 1 mandatory contender Brian “The Lion” Rose (25-1-1, 7 KOs) in seven rounds, showcased on HBO, in his first and only World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defense.

“I’ve been there, done that,” Andrade spoke about his return. “It was kind of like when I was an amateur turning pro; I think, I didn’t fight for eight months. Yeah, it’s finally hit me that I’m fighting again, but this is something I’ve done all my life, and it should have been happening on a regular basis. Training camp was great. Inside and outside of the ring (during his ring hiatus), I’ve been preparing for life-changing stuff, not just this one fight. But I’m fully focused on this fight against a tough, hungry opponent.”

Andrade, whose WBO title was stripped a few months ago for inactivity, originally captured the vacant WBO super welterweight championship November 9, 2013, also aired on HBO, by way of a 12-round decision over previously unbeaten 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs).

“I’m in the best shape of my life,” Andrade added, “physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m going to look spectacular Saturday night doing what I do best.”

Tickets are still on sale, ranging from $200.00 to $25.00 (excluding fees). Call 401.261.3755 to purchase tickets.

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam.

WASHINGTON, DC (October 15) – Two days before former world champion Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KOs) and Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Jr.(17-0, 8 KOs) are set to enter the ring at EagleBank Arena at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, the fighters hosted a press conference at The Hamilton Live in downtown Washington, DC. The Saturday afternoon Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC event will air live with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

The two co-main event fighters, rising star Prichard Colon(16-0, 13 KOs) and the undefeated Terrel Williams (14-0, 12 KOs)were also in attendance along with undercard fighters super lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (35-1, 23 KOs) and undefeated prospect Alantez Fox (16-0-1, 6 KOs).

Here’s what the fighters had to say just days before their October 17 showdowns:

LAMONT PETERSON
“I had a very healthy and productive training camp. I’m looking forward to this fight. I always look forward to fighting. I wish I could fight every month, I swear I do. But I understand it’s a business.

“I’m looking for a tough fight. I know he’s prepared. I did my homework on him though. I wish we could fight tonight…but I guess I can wait.

“It’s the best to fight in front of a hometown crowd. It’s the best for me, and it’s the best for my fans. It’s always great to walk to the ring and have those familiar faces in the crowd.

“Fighting in front of a hometown crowd is exciting just like it is in any other sport. You have home field advantage, home court advantage and in boxing, you have home ring advantage. I’m blessed to be fighting at home, and I’m blessed to be fighting again.

“It’s going to be really exciting to have my daughter at my fight for the first time. She’ll be at the weigh-in too, so I’m happy I can have here there with me.

FELIX DIAZ JR.
“I like the opportunity but the pressure is on Lamont fighting in his hometown. I don’t feel any pressure coming into his hometown.

“I don’t feel any pressure to keep my undefeated record because I trained to win. The Olympics were the most pressure I’ve ever felt and it was my proudest moment as a fighter and as a man. It’s one of my biggest achievements.

“After this fight, I want to spend time with my family and see Halloween for the first time in the United States. My kids are excited to dress up and I’m excited to eat the candy.”

PRICHARD COLON
“I had a great training camp in Puerto Rico for about four to five weeks. I recently just fought in September and I was in great condition. This fight is a great opportunity for me to be seen on national television.

“I always a look for the win. Looking for that ‘W,’ that’s how we work. If the knockout comes beautiful, I’m coming off of three knockouts in a row. I’m looking to add another one to my record.

“He’s a great opponent. He’s undefeated. I know he’s hungry. I’ve faced big fighters in my career in the amateurs. No worries he’s just another fighter and I know I’m going to be the one with my hand raised on Saturday.

“I want to make my own fighting style. I just want to be me. When I started my career I wanted to be like Tito Trinidad and Hector Camacho Sr. Those were my favorite fighters growing up, but now I want to make my own brand, and that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday.

“Everybody in the area come to EagleBank Arena Saturday. Doors open at 1 p.m. and if you cant make it, tune in on NBC at 4 p.m.”

TERREL WILLIAMS
“I’m ready to go. This is a huge opportunity for me. I know I have a lot of support with my family, friends and fans behind me.

“I have a tough task in front of me. Prichard is a great up and coming undefeated fighter, but I’m ready.

“This is the challenge that I’ve always dreamed. I’m ready to rock and roll on Saturday.

ANTHONY PETERSON
“Its fight time. Make sure you tune in. It’s going to be a great show.

“Boxing in DC definitely took a big turn in 2011 when Lamont kicked in the front door and beat Amir Khan. It was a big victory for the Headbangers and a big victory for the city. Boxing is definitely big in DC again with local fights in small venues and fights like we have Saturday night at EagleBank Arena.

“I feel very sharp. I’m ready to go. I haven’t been this focused in a long time.

“Lamont is more than a best friend. I can’t explain or describe it. I’m so excited my niece is going to come watch us fight for the first time. She’s my heart.”

ALANTEZ FOX
“It’s an honor and privilege to be on the same card as Lamont and Anthony Peterson. They are two hometown heroes that we have all looked up to in some form or another.

“I am still here to put on a show, but it is still an honor and a privilege to be on this card.”

BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer
“This is what we do. Fighting has been a part of our lives for I don’t know how many years. I would like to thank Felix and his trainer. Felix is a good young man. He comes with a very good pedigree. I had a chance to hang out with them in Florida about a year or two ago and they treated us with respect and kindness.

“Fighting is what we do damn near all day everyday. It’s in the bloodline. Come Saturday, we look forward to a good fight. I don’t make predictions, but its going to be a great night for DC, and a great night for the DMV.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $85, $65 and $40, plus applicable service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the EagleBank Arena box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. Please visit www.eaglebankarena.com for more information.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DiBellaEnt, @KingPete26, @NBCSports, @EagleBankArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/EagleBankArena.

New York, October 15—A pair of Star Boxing standouts with 21 career wins apiece – welterweight contender Raymond “Tito” Serrano and former Junior Middleweight world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade – will see action in key bouts on this busy boxing weekend.

On Friday night, October 16, Serrano (21-2, 9 KOs) will try to put the first blemish on the undefeated record of Brad Solomon (25-0, 9 KOs) in the co-featured bout on a card to be televised by TRU TV from the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York. The 26-year-old Serrano, a Puerto Rican standout, is a product of the tough fight city of Philadelphia, PA. The Solomon-Serrano bout is promoted by Top Rank in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

On Saturday night, October 17, the ring wars lead to Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT when Andrade returns to the ring after a 16-month layoff and puts his undefeated record on the line against Dario Fabian Pucheta (20-2, 11 KOs), a top Argentinian who has won three straight. They’ll be fighting in the main event for the vacant WBO and WBA International Junior Middleweight world titles. The show is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s CES in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

A victory by Andrade, fighting on his New England home turf out of Providence, RI, puts two belts around his waist, and is an automatic top 15 ranking in both the WBO and WBA, a major step toward reclaiming his WBO junior middleweight title that was stripped from him in July due to the long layoff.

More on Andrade: One of the most celebrated amateurs in modern United States amateur boxing history, slick southpaw Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade is now on a mission to accomplish something he did before starting to get paid to fight, and become world champion as a professional.

Andrade first started boxing at the tender age of six. As an amateur, Demetrius won his first gold medal in 2002 at the National Silver Gloves Championships for ages 12 and 13 at 112 pounds. He later had winning performances at the 2005 & 2006 U.S. National Championships, 2006 & 2006 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

In 2007, he captured a silver medal at the Pan-Am Games in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, losing in the final to local favorite Pedro Lima, 7-6. Later that same year, in Chicago, he became the first American in 12 years to capture gold at the World Amateur Boxing Championships. “Boo Boo” was completely dominant in the final competition, leading 10-1 after one round – aided by a standing eight count imposed on his opponent, Manon Boonkumnong – after which his opponent retired.

Andrade was considered the most promising pro prospect on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, as well as one of the most highly regarded in the entire world. In Beijing, he defeated Kakhaber Zhvania (Georgia), 11-9, and dangerous Audrey Balanov (Russian), 14-3, in the first two rounds of The Olympics. In the quarterfinals, though, he was unfairly eliminated, losing a controversial 11-9 decision to Korean boxer Kim Jung-Joo.

After the Olympics, Andrade signed a co-promotional contract with Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

Andrade made his much-anticipated pro debut October 23, 2008 on Versus television, stopping Patrick Cape (4-2) in the second round of their fight in Airway Heights, Washington. One month later, fighting at home in Rhode Island for the first time as a professional, Demetrius defeated Eric Marriott (0-1) by way of a fourth-round technical decision. After his first two fights, Andrade became a regular on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights series and ultimately won his Championship on HBO.

WBO #10 lightweight Josh King says he’s ecstatic to be facing former two-division world champion Ricky Burns (38-5-1, 12 KOs) for the WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Championship at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on November 7.

The event will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

“When this opportunity came up I jumped at it,” said a happy King during a break in training. “This is exactly what I wanted. I can’t wait to get it on with this guy and get a win over a two-division world champ.”

King (19-3, 9 KOs), from Townsville, Queensland, Australia, has already held the Australian Super Lightweight, WBF World Super Lightweight, WBO Oriental Lightweight and WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight Championships as a professional. But adding a name like Scotland’s Ricky Burns to his resume would propel the 30-year-old onto the world stage.

“A victory will give me the opportunity to fight for the world title,” he added, “but I know he’s a two-time world champ and it’s not going to be easy. Ricky has done some great things in the ring.”

King says he’ll be coming into the fight in top shape, as he’s been training for months for two consecutive fights that were cancelled.

“I’ve done a lot of things differently for this fight,” he continued. “I’ve changed trainers and gone to an experienced Steve Deller. I’m training in Townsville North Queensland at the Bad Boys gym. I’m more than ready to win. I see it going the distance. I’ve got to get in and out-work him; show some angles and move on him.”

King’s co-promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, along with Adam Wilcock of FightCard Promotions, says Burns and his team have made a mistake in taking this fight.

“They’re thinking they’re going to use Josh as a stepping stone back to the top, but they couldn’t be more wrong,” he explained. “It’s Josh who will be using him. Burns is tailor-made for my fighter. An upset is imminent.”
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah, women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano, and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

In a book recently penned by his brother Michael Salita and Gleb Petrov, entitled Golden Gloves: Rap-Novel, (now being sold on Amazon) the authors address some of the hardships Dimitry–Star of David–Salita experienced before the boxer won the New York State Golden Gloves tournament and ultimately became the number one contender for the Welterweight Boxing Championship of the World. Dimitry had to contend with the restrictions of being the first and only strictly observant Jew in the history of the sport. As the title suggests, the novel is written lyrically in rap mode, which is, for the former Brooklynite, a component in his training that tirelessly motivates him through the most physically challenging of regimens. Most importantly, however, Golden Gloves is not only for fans of the sweet science, but the story of a quest of an emigrant who became an observant religious man against the insurmountable obstacles of religious restrictions and succeeding in the most challenging of sports; Dmitriy Salita triumphed.

The book Golden Gloves published in Russian in 2013 by Liberty Publishing House signified the appearance of a new genre in fiction – that of Rap-novel.
It’s a dramatic and triumphant story of a Gold Gloves champion, Dmitry Salita. The authors of the tale – Michael Salita, brother of the boxer, and Gleb Petrov, a poet, have found a unique form that perfectly corresponds and, by extension, reflects the plot of their book and enhances the message.
It wasn’t a mere chance. Considering their diverse backgrounds, it it rather remarkable that hip-hop rhythms accompanied the champ’s boxing trainings; it is the impetus that engenders the sportsman with energy. Hip-hop, a genre of stylistic rhythm of narrative was both the background and the pulse of boxing. The text of the disclosure is vigorous, producing violent energy, pitched at precisely the right note. It’s a symphony of rhythm itself.
It turned out, however, that not only sport events can be told in rap. In suspense we read the passionate “springy” verses about the fate of a talented emigrant who had set and achieved his object, regardless of all hardships and tragic events in his life. The page-turner is being read in one gulp as one is seemingly unable to pause, for its rhythm is driving the reader up to the very last line of the text.
Boxing is not the only subject-matter of the book. Rap-novel Golden Gloves speaks about life itself – in all its sides and manifestations. The authors succeeded in telling us about faith and friendship, joys and sorrow, losses and gains:
“Life is short, just slips away
Leaves you wishing for just one more day.
Today a bright light lights your way,
Tomorrow it has gone away.
No time for last words or goodbyes,
There are too many farewells in life.
It can drive you to despair.
When your aspirations disappear.
And your dreams vanish into thin air.”
There are chapters devoted to the very essential for D. Salita subject – that of Judaism and his own considerations for Jewish traditions:
“It’s not for nothing that someone said:
We’re all branches of one stem.
Our forefathers of days of old,
And modern Jews in one accord…
…be proud of your ancestors religion
Follow the rules and respect tradition.”
The problem of anti-Semitism is also put up here with great tension and emotion in hip-hop style.
The book is a great surprise, novelty and success. Thanks to G. Petrov and M. Salita rap style has become, oxymoronically, the fact of fiction.
Now the book is translated into English and available on Kindle Amazon.

Indian boxing star Vijender Singh says he’s ready to put on another explosive performance in his London debut on Friday 30th October at the Harrow Leisure Centre.

Middleweight Singh made an immediate impact with his highly anticipated professional debut last Saturday night at the Manchester Arena by destroying Sonny Whiting in three rounds with a devastating display of power punching.

All-action Singh punished Whiting with a lightning fast jab and heavy right hand, mixed with hard combination punches as he took apart his more experienced opponent. The fight went out live on TV in India, where he is a national hero, in front of an estimated 20m audience and after that performance the figure is expected to be even higher this time.

Now the 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist heads to the capital to give the fans more action as he sets out on the road to ultimately become India’s first ever professional world boxing champion.

Fighting in London again will also bring back some fond memories for Singh as he represented India at the 2012 Olympics.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting in London as a professional for the first time and I can’t wait to meet with my fans in the south and give them some big-fight action,” Said Singh.

“Winning on last Saturday was a very big moment for me, I had my whole country watching me on TV, even the though they weren’t there it felt like they were and I knew that I had to give them something special and I did,”

“I’ve been overwhelmed with messages from fans congratulating me on the win and they keep asking ‘when are you coming to London?’, ‘you must come to London and fight’, so now they will now get to see me on October 30th,”

“London is probably the most ‘happening’ place in the world, there is a big buzz and magnetism in the city with sport and entertainment, the history and culture, so I can’t wait to bring more excitement when I fight there,”

“I have fantastic memories of when I boxed in London at the Olympics representing India as the captain of the boxing team and it was an amazing spectacle and occasion,”

“I was at the Boxing Writers’ Dinner in London on Monday night and I met many of the great fighters who were were world middleweight champions, namely Nigel Benn and Alan Minter, both great, great, fighters and I aim to be a world champion like them one day.”

“I was back in the gym straight after my win and back in hard training ready for the fight and whoever is put in front of me I’ll deal with.”

Singh features on an action packed card headlined by hard-hitting WBO European Champion Jamie Cox who makes the first defence of his title.

Red hot light-heavyweight Tom Baker from Chingford features in the chief-supporting contest against Margate’s Jack Morris for the Vacant Southern Area Light-Heavyweight Championship.

The undercard features a host of top talents: Bushey light-heavyweight Miles Shinkwin, Islington light-middleweight Georgie Kean vs Nottingham’s Nathan Macintosh; West Ham light-middleweight Sam McNess vs Kevin McCauley; Ilford light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde vs Derby’s Elvis Dube; Mitchell Smith’s brother Jez takes on Newark’s Fonz Alexander over four rounds at middleweight; Acton flyweight Prince Patel faces Gateshead Gary Reeve; Chingford lightweight Archie Sharp vs Hereford’s Dean Evans; the professional debut of West Ham light-welterweight Ben Smith and also Sidcup’s light-welterweight D.P Carr who takes on Trowbridge’s Dan Carr.

Patrick Nielsen (27-1, 13 KOs) and Rudy Markussen (39-3, 26 KOs) will meet in a Danish mega-fight on December 12 at the Brondy Hallen in Copenhagen.

The blockbuster showdown comes following months of antagonism between the bitter rivals, which reached boiling point earlier this year when Markussen crashed one of Nielsen’s pre-fight press conferences.

Having both overcome ‘Collision Course’ clashes in Frederikshavn last month, the stage is now set for Denmark’s biggest domestic fight for over thirty years.

‘’I’m very happy my team has delivered me this fight,’’ said Nielsen, the current WBA International Super Middleweight Champion. ‘’This is the fight I wanted and this is a fight I know I can win.

‘’I’ve had a short break after my last fight, but now I’m back in the gym, and I can guarantee fans are going to see the best Patrick Nielsen in the ring. I’m leaving nothing to chance and will make sure I’m in the best possible shape.

‘’Rudy can talk all he wants, but now, he is going to have to back it up. He’s called me out, he’s crashed my press conference, and for that I will make him pay. I’m too fast, too strong and too skillful. Rudy is a caveman, and on December 12, I’m going to send him back to the Stone Age!’’

‘’This fight has come at a perfect time for me,’’ said Markussen, a former European Champion and World title challenger. ‘’I hope Patrick is training hard because I’ve been preparing for this for a long time and will be 100% ready!

‘’This is a massive fight, not just for me, but for Danish boxing as a whole. We’ve not seen a rivalry like this for a long time. This is a chance for me to bring some excitement back to the sport. Patrick is not a bad fighter but he lacks that excitement.

‘’He also lacks experience. He may have had many fights and gone many rounds but there is a big difference between this and fighting in the States or going to Germany to fight Sven Ottke. I’ve been in this kind of situation before and fought against a much higher level of opposition.

‘’He is taking a big risk by agreeing to fight me and all the pressure is on him. I can feel that the fans are behind me. I know that they want to see me win, and on December 12, they will not be disappointed!’’

‘’This is the fight the fans have been waiting for,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’There is real bad blood between Patrick and Rudy, and now they have the chance to settle their differences once and for all!

‘’Not since the 1980s, when Joergen Hansen and Hans-Henrik Palm twice contested the European title, have we seen such a big fight between two Danish boxers. This is going to add to the occasion and make for a huge event on December 12 at the Brondby Hallen.’’

‘’There is a lot of hype surrounding this fight between Patrick Nielsen and Rudy Markussen,’’ said Peter Nørrelund, MTG Head of Sports. ‘’This is the biggest fight between two Danes in decades and a fight where the Danish public will be split on who to support. From a broadcasters point of view this is as good as it gets in Denmark, and we are looking very much forward to delivering this fight.’’’

The Danish mega-fight between Patrick Nielsen and Rudy Markussen will be shown live and exclusive on Pay-Per-View in Denmark for 499 DKK – further information will be communicated by Viasat/ Viaplay. Tickets go on sale today from 12.00pm and are available online via billetlugen.dk or by calling (+45) 75 263 267

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Two fighters, two different directions..

Welterweight Devon Alexander’s career crashed and Welsh featherweight Lee Selby continued to emerge Wednesday night in ESPN-televised bout on a Premier Boxing Champions card at Gila River Arena.

Alexander’s hopes at resurrecting his career after a loss last December to Amir Khan took a beating in losing a unanimous decision to Aron Martinez in 10-round bout as punishing as it was forgettable.

Meanwhile, Selby got the victory he needed in his American debut in scoring a unanimous decision over experienced Fernando Montiel in the first defense of his IBF title.

After it was all over, only one thing was certain. Selby’s career as an elite fighter is just beginning, despite a performance that he said fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, Alexander’s elite days are over and probably have been for a while. As a welterweight, Alexander The Great is ancient history.

For Selby, the victory over Montiel was the beginning of campaign to heighten his profile among American fans.

“But I didn’t perform the way I had hoped to,’’ Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) said after scoring a 119-109, 118-110, 116-
112 victory over Montiel ((54-5-2, 39 KOs). “Montiel as a very tough guy.’’

A Selby hope was for a performance that would have made him a worthy possibility for Loe Santa Cruz, the best featherweight on Al Haymon’s deep roster.

“If I had boxed the way I did a few months ago, I could beat Santa Cruz,”” said Selby, who won the title in May with a technical decision over Evgeny Gradovich in London. “But the way I boxed here, I couldn’t beat him.’’

Selby, who suffered a cut near his right eye, said he hopes his next bout is in the UK.
“Then back here in the U.S.,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Alexander’s immediate future appears t be some more of the same soud-searching he did in immediate wake of his loss to Khan.

“Consecutive losses are tough,’’ said Alexander, who displayed little of old quickness and overall athleticism in a 96-94, 97-93, 96-94 loss to the heavy-handed Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs). “But I still believe in my skills.’’
On The Undercard

The Best: Phoenix super-bantamweight Alexis Santiago (20-3-1, 8 KOs), the only fighter from Arizona on the card, overcame a few rocky moments in the early rounds, hurt Mexican Gustavo Molina (10-9, 4 KOs) in the seventh and survived a furious eighth for unanimous decision on the scorecards.

The Rest: In an ESPN3-televised bout, Robert Garcia-trained Ivan Redkach (19-1, 15 KOs), a lightweight prospect from the Ukraine, proved to be too much for Mexican Erick Martinez (11-3-1, 5 KOs) who was on his knees from a powerful left with 10 seconds remaining in the third and finished in a TKO loss at 2:59 of the round.

Buffalo cruiserweight Lionel Thompson (16-3, 10 KOs) scored a knockdown in the second round with a body shot that knocked the will out of Kentucky’s Thomas Hanshaw, who calls himself Hillbilly and called it a night before the bell sounded for the third.

Colorado flyweight Damien Vasquez (8-0, 3 KOs) remained unbeaten and hard to hit in scoring a unanimous decision over Francisco Lapizco (7-2, 2 KOs) of Mexico.

About three hours after high noon, Kevin Newman (4-0-1, 1 KOs) of Harbor City, Calif., opened the show with a unanimous decision over Jay Williams (3-8) of West Monroe, La., in super-middleweight matinee.

New York City (October 14, 2015) In front of a huge collection of New York sports media,
Boxing superstar and WBA/IBO and WBC “Interim” World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, (33-0, 30KO’s) and IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux, (34-2, 31KO’s) held court for the final time just three days prior to their Middleweight World Title Unification battle at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden and produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View set for this Saturday, Oct. 17.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, Golovkin is returning to Madison Square Garden for the fourth time where an expected sold-out audience will await him in his first world title unification bout and headlining his first HBO Pay-Per-View event. Lauded from fans and media worldwide as one of the sports premier boxers, Golovkin has stopped his last 20 opponents in a row and has compiled a 91% knockout ratio, the highest in middleweight division history.

Lemieux burst onto the US boxing scene with a thunderous tenth round stoppage of Gabriel Rosado on December 6, 2014 in Brooklyn, New York also his HBO debut. On June 20th, the Montreal, Canada native was victorious over Hassan N’Dam earning the IBF Middleweight World Championship.

Gennady Golovkin, WBA, IBO, and WBC Interim Middleweight Champion:

“Good afternoon, I am happy to be here again. Madison Square Garden is like my second home.

“I want to thank my team and my family for this opportunity.

“Thanks to HBO for all of the support and bringing the biggest stage to us.

“Thanks to K2 Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions for making this amazing deal for us for this great unification fight.

David Lemieux, IBF Middleweight Champion:

“Wow! Hello New York! I can’t be more proud to be here today. I know I came a long way to get here.

“I am not going to stand up here and talk about training camp, I am sure Golovkin and I know that at our level we are going to be at our best selves.

“I have faced victories, defeats, but nothing is more exciting and more gratifying than victory such as I am planning on Saturday.

“I have made a lot of changes in my life. All of I what I have done has lead me here and I am extremely excited and proud to be here. I am here to make history and I promise that I have done everything it takes to make sure that I don’t leave empty handed I will leave with the belts.”

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions:

“The event is international event, the main event is international, the co-main and undercard represent countries from around the world, plus we have over 120 countries broadcasting the fight.

“We also have the best co-feature possible, Gonzalez vs. Viloria is going to be a tremendous compliment to these two gentlemen [Golovkin and Lemieux]. Both fights are going to be exciting and are the types of fights that can’t be missed, they can end at any second.

“I want to thank everyone from K2, HBO and Golden Boy for all their hard work promoting this fight. I also want to thank all of the staff behind the scenes their perfect dance partners to this fighting game.

“Goldenboy Promotions has been a perfect partner for this fight, everyone one has been great to work with.

“We are building a global star with GGG, and our goal is to keep promoting him on a global level.

“Abel Sanchez has taken a terrific amateur fighter and made him one of the most efficient and most aggressive professional boxers in the world. He deserves the credit for Gennady’s Mexican Style boxing and had 20 KO’s in a row.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“What a beautiful country! Only in the USA can you have a fighter from Canada, Kazakhstan, Nicaragua, Cuba, and the Bahamas sell-out the Madison Square Garden, God Bless the USA!

“I have been involved in some of the biggest boxing events in history and have promoted most of them. This feels like a mega event not only because the Madison Square Garden is selling out but you can feel the electricity you can feel the energy.

“This fight is the type that will keep you at the edge of your seat. It’s been a while since we have seen one of these events and we are proud to bring a card from top to bottom that is full of great fights that feature the next generation of great boxers.”

Bernard Hopkins, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“We made a commitment to boxing fans, to work with any promoter who share the same vision to put on the best fights for fans. I don’t want to pat ourselves on our back just yet, but I want you to judge us as times go by. We want to put on the big fights we want to give you the best fights and want to work with people with the same mentality.

“Let me tell you about the chills that I get being at here at Madison Square Garden presenting the next middleweight unification fight. Unification is very rare, 14 plus years ago we had that. You get a chance to see a that now. We need more of this. We need to work together to out-do the competition.

“Madison Square Garden is where some strange things that happen and I know that personally. In David, we have a guy who can win, but he understands that he needs to be near if not perfect to win.”

Abel Sanchez, Head Trainer to Gennady Golovkin:

“I look forward to matching boxing smarts with Marc, he is an excellent trainer. And I look forward to an explosive fight where no one will be disappointed.”

Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“This is a fantastic show on the 17th. This is a great week for boxing and this fight will be talked about for ages to come. It will be a war.

“I want to echo the thanks for everyone involved. All the staff who have worked hard on this event; HBO, Mark, and Peter; and the promoters K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and a special thanking you for Golden Boy Promotions.

“I also want to thank David for being who he is. We are here for a conquest we will go back home with these belts, David is ready.”

“This is a special moment that we have been preparing for over the years. Don’t underestimate us, the proof is in the pudding. We are very confident in David and congratulate Marc Ramsay who has engineered these conquests.”

Marc Ramsay, Head Trainer to David Lemieux:

“We have had a tough but very successful training camp. It was brutal but we reached every goal.

“David raised his boxing to a different level. Everything was perfect, there were no problems and we have no excuses we only have promises of victory.”

Mark Taffet, Senior Vice-President/HBO Sports:

“We have been talking about a pay-per-view fight for Golovkin for a number of years. When we first met that was one of the first questions we were asked when Golovkin came on to the network. Finally, you can say that Golovkin is on Pay-Per-View, you have GGG on PPV.

“David Lemieux is a champion in his own right and I want to make sure we have everything covered so we can see David on PPV as well.

“Who will stand on the mountain to carry the sport on his shoulders? Who will be recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter? Golovkin vs. Lemieux is not only a battle of champions, where each fighter carries a devastating record of 90% knock-out ration each, but it’s the first step to determining the next era of boxing.

Joel Fisher, Executive Vice-President at Madison Square Garden:

“Madison Square Garden is “The Mecca of Boxing,” it has hosted greats like Tyson, Frazier, Sugar Ray, Hagler, Joe Lewis, Gorge Foreman and two greats sitting here today, Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins.

“Bernard Hopkins specifically fought here 14 years ago and beat “Tito” Trinidad to become the unified middleweight world champion, and now we have Golovkin and Lemieux continuing that tradition.

“Golovkin and Lemieux may walk in the footsteps of these greats.

“This fight is a can’t miss event. Don’t look away, don’t blink, because you may miss all the action.

“We have had a tremendous sale. A historic pre-sale which has broken records at the Garden. We are almost sold out; we only have a handful of scattered seats that were freed up from production so at this point the show is technically sold out. And on Saturday I will be happy to announce a sell out crowd.

“To commemorate the tremendous sale I would like to congratulate Golovkin and Lemieux with a silver ticket on behalf of Madison Square Garden.”

David Berlin, Executive Director of the New York State Athletic Commission:

“It is a common knowledge that there is no venue with richer boxing history than Madison Square Garden. The event is elevated because of the venue, and the quality of the fights and fighters on this card. It will add to boxing’s rich history here at Madison Square Garden.

“We have the top two pound-for-pound fighters fighting on this card – Roman Gonzalez, who leads the co-main event is remarkable for a flyweight. I know he has his press conference tomorrow, but I will say now we are thrilled to welcome him to NYC where he will be facing his toughest opponent in Brian Viloria.

“In the main event we have the making of a classic, two power punchers. Golovkin who is 33-0 with 30 KO’s and Lemieux, who is 34-2 with 31 KO’s are in a sport where a single punch can change the outcome of the whole a fight. This is the kind of fight fans want to see.

“Both fighters have the ability to deliver and also to take a punch. I want to assure you that the New York State Athletic Commission is going to be here to play its role and make sure that the fighter who earns the victory has his hand raised at the end with confidence.”

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management and is sponsored by Corona Extra, BI Group and Tsesnabank. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. ET and the first fight begins at 7:05 p.m. ET.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.