All posts by FNU47

Ray Robinson” I Won That Fight. I Am The Last Guy to Defeat Crawford. I deserve a Title Shot Against Him”


NEW YORK (April 4, 2019)–Welterweight contender, Ray Robinson believes that he should have deserved the decision in his bout with WBO number-one ranked Egidijus Kavaliauskas in a bout that was seen live on ESPN this past Saturday at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.


Robinson of Philadelphia and Kavaliauskas battled to a majority draw in a bout where Robinson demonstrated great ring generalship and dictated the pace of the bout.

“This is why I fell in love with boxing.  To hit and not get hit, i put on a boxing lesson,” said Robinson.

“I feel like I offset him.  I was faster and the lateral movement confused him.  I frustrated him.  I just listened to my coaches and threw him off.  I had a full camp, and it showed in my performance as I feel that I dominated,” continued Robinson, who won one scorecard by a 97-93 tally, while two others were even at 95-95.

Kavaliauskas has been mentioned for a chance to fight undefeated WBO champion Terence Crawford, but with his performance, Robinson would happily step in the ring with the Nebraska native, as he showed not only he is a worthy fighter, but he also, Robinson owns a win over the consensus pound-for-pound fighter in the amateur ranks.  Robinson feels he would repeat that result in the pro ranks, with an opportunity at Crawford.

“I think now I deserve that shot.  I am the last person to defeat Terence Crawford in the amateurs.  The fans would want to see it, and I am sure he would want it.  If it was me, I would want to fight the last person who beat me.  If not Crawford, I feel that I deserve to compete with the top welterweights out there.  Guys like Thurman, Porter, Spence, Sadam Ali, Kell Brook, Adrien Broner.  Any of them.  I am a promotional free agent, so it won’t be difficult to make a deal with any of them”


Ray Robinson talks Kavaliauskas draw



JOHN OLIVER UNLEASHES HIS FURY ON WWE BOSS VINCE MCMAHON

John Oliver has come a long way from “The Daily Show.” His latest monologue is both funny and pointedly critical of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Entertainment empire. It also could be considered as a great explanation of why the UFC’s fighters should also not be considered independent contractors, as Vince’s wrestlers are considered to be. The IRS implications alone are puzzling. How do Vince and the UFC get away with it? Hopefully this attention brought to the issue inspires change, but as for fans bringing critical signs to the event, I doubt we will see that. Fans know that they can’t get on TV if they don’t bring a sign the WWE actually wants to broadcast. Either way, if you are a fan, a casual observer, or a vociferous critic of wrestling entertainment, you should watch this entire clip:

UNBEATEN RISING HEAVYWEIGHTS JERMAINE FRANKLIN & OTTO WALLIN TALK UPCOMING BOUTS & ROAD TO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – Franklin Battles Rydell Booker While Wallin Faces Nick Kisner Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.


UNBEATEN RISING HEAVYWEIGHTS JERMAINE FRANKLIN & OTTO WALLIN TALK UPCOMING BOUTS & ROAD TO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Franklin Battles Rydell Booker While Wallin Faces Nick Kisner Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, April 13 Leading Up to Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer Main Event from Boardwalk Hall
in Atlantic City, N.J.


ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (April 3, 2019) – Unbeaten rising heavyweight contendersJermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin will be looking to make a splash and announce themselves in the heavyweight division when they step in for separate bouts live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
 
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by Claressa Shields battling Christina Hammer for the undisputed women’s middleweight championship.
 
Franklin will face Rydell Booker while Wallin takes on Nick Kisner in a pair of 10-round attractions leading up to the main event. For both Franklin and Wallin, they see April 13 as a step towards their larger goals.
 
“Booker is in the way of where I’m eventually trying to be,” said Franklin. “I’m part of that next generation of heavyweights and I’m working hard to end up as the heavyweight champion when the dust settles. I always find a way to win and I’m going to show it on April 13.”
 
“Coming to the U.S. for the second part of my career is very exciting,” said Wallin. “I’ve accomplished a lot in my career in Europe but this is a new beginning. This is the moment I’ve been dreaming of since I first laced up mitts and I can’t wait to introduce myself to the fans here.”
 
A 25-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, Franklin hopes to show that he’s primed to become the next American heavyweight champion, and is ready to take the mantle from current WBC titlist Deontay Wilder and the long line of American heavyweight champions that came before him.
 
“I’m going to raise the competition amongst the heavyweights,” said Franklin. “The division is definitely back on the map and I’m planning on having a hand in making it must-watch TV once again. America needs another face in the heavyweight division and that’s going to be me.
 
“I already believe that I am the best heavyweight in the world. There are a lot of big, strong heavyweights, but I’m a balanced athlete, which makes me different. I’m strong, fast, athletic and getting better with each fight.”
 
Although his native Sweden is not known for boxing, Wallin’s home country has previously produced a heavyweight champion in Ingemar Johansson, who famously stopped Floyd Patterson in their first fight at Yankee Stadium in 1959. After defeating fellow Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat in his last fight, Wallin decided it was time to fight in the U.S., following previous training camps in New York with trainer Joey Gamache.
 
“Training here in New York brings me a great energy and it shows in my performance,” said Wallin. “It’s the center of the world, and while I’m fully focused on training, I feed off the energy of the city.
 
“Ingemar Johansson is of course a big inspiration for me. When he came to the U.S. and beat Floyd Patterson, he was the baddest man on the planet. I’m looking to take that mantle and become a hero for young Swedish boxers, just like he has been for me.”
 
In addition to being Wallin’s U.S. debut, the unbeaten heavyweights will make their first appearances on SHOWTIME and it will be Franklin’s first time fighting in the northeast. They each hope to show off their respective talents and are prepared for what comes with the increased platform.
 
“This is a great chance for me to showcase my skills, but I still treat it like just another fight,” said Franklin. “I’m going to adapt to my opponent and expose his weaknesses. I’m always improving because once you think you know it all, that’s when you find out you know nothing.”
 
“I’m just a kid from a small town in Sweden and I’ve worked hard to get to this point,” said Wallin. “Training here in the U.S. and fighting here is going to help me put on the best performance of my career. The fun begins on April 13 and I’m not stopping until I am champion.”
 
Both recently signed with Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions and on April 13 will begin a year that could leave each fighter on the precipice of a title shot.
 
“On April 13 two of the best heavyweight in the world, one from the U.S., one from Sweden, will both have a chance to make a claim that they are ready to challenge for the heavyweight title,” said Salita.
 
“Jermaine Franklin is by far the best American heavyweight prospect who is soon to be a contender and a champion. He will have a great opportunity to showcase his skills and worth against the experienced, hungry and accomplished Rydell Booker.
 
“Boxing is a sport of individual stories and Otto Wallin is a great example of that. A top-rated heavyweight from a small town in Sweden, he is showing that dreams, combined with hard work, can come true. He is one of the best heavyweight contenders from Europe and on April 13 he will show that he belongs with the elite in the U.S.”
 
With this opportunity to announce themselves in the resurgent heavyweight division, Franklin and Wallin are keyed for eye-opening performances next Saturday.
 
“My ultimate goal is to become world champion and I believe right now I’m on the right path,” said Wallin, who is ranked No. 5 by the IBF and WBA. “I had good years fighting in Europe, but now is the time for me to go to the next level. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m all about and give the fans great fights.”
 
“I’m planning to be a major force in the heavyweight division by the end of the year,” said Franklin. “It’s my coming out party. I feel like my dreams are going to come true. I’m going to show everyone who I am: the best new heavyweight in the world.”
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and atboardwalkhall.com.
 
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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER
Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP QUOTES, VIDEO & PHOTOS FROM NEW YORK MEDIA EVENT – Former Two-Division Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi & Former UFC Standout Artem Lobov Exchange Words In Anticipation of Potential Showdown


Former Two-Division Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi & Former UFC Standout Artem Lobov Exchange Words in Anticipation of Potential Showdown


CLICK HERE FOR MP4 VIDEO LINK FROM BKFC
(From left to right: Malignaggi, BKFC Founder & President David Feldman & Lobov)

Lobov Makes BKFC Debut This Saturday in Main Event
Against Jason Knight from Mississippi Coast Coliseum
in Biloxi & Live on Pay-Per-View

Click HERE for Photos from Wojtek Kubik

Click HERE for Video (Large .MXF File) from BKFC

Click HERE for Video from Giovanni Bartocci/Team Malignaggi

NEW YORK (April 2, 2019) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) hosted a media event in New York Tuesday as recent BKFC signee and former two-division boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi and former UFC standout and Conor McGregor stablemate Artem Lobov had a heated exchange and had to be separated in anticipation of a possible showdown between the two later this year.

Lobov is preparing to take on Jason Knight in the main event of “BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” this Saturday from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi and live on pay-per-view. If he is successful on Saturday night, a highly-anticipated showdown against Malignaggi looms.
 
“BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.95. It will also be available worldwide via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices at FITE-TV and www.bareknuckle.tv.
 
Tickets for “BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight” are available now exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv beginning at $35.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Mendez Boxing in Manhattan:
 
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
 
“Without disrespecting Jason Knight, because we’ll see what happens Saturday, but I think everyone here would like to see Malignaggi vs. Lobov. I see that it’s picking up traction and fans in general are talking about it.
 
“When I get Lobov in the ring, the goal is not just to win. I have to really excel and show something more. The goal would be to hurt him bad.
 
“Being in the gym every day gets me excited. In that way, I feel mentally reborn. I’m sure there will be tough days, but that’s par for the course. I think mentally you can find motivation that will spur you on to chase certain goals.
 
“I started talking to David Feldman first about being involved on the broadcast aspect of BKFC. But then he threw out numbers for me to fight that got my attention. Once we got past that first part of the conversation, things started moving along and here we are.
 
“There’s always adjustments to be made in a new discipline as far as how you’re going to throw and receive punches. We’re going to make small adjustments, but your base is your base. My base is boxing and we’re going to keep the things we want to keep.
 
“I’ve watched some of the bare knuckle fights and there are some fundamental differences. There are some things that boxers can take advantage of. But there are also some aspects that boxers might not be used to in bare knuckle.”
 
ARTEM LOBOV
 
“I’m a real fighter and I’m going to fight Paulie in a real fight. I want to make money for it. He knows I’m down. If you’re a real fighter, let’s fight in the ring.
 
“Let’s be honest, Paulie doesn’t want to fight me on the street, because he knows I’d tear him apart in seconds. But I want to prove myself in the boxing ring. That’s why I’m doing this. I want Paulie safe until the day I can finally put my hands on him.
 
“This is the only chance he has to get a shot in on me. When we do get to fight, he won’t get a hand on me, I guarantee that.
 
“I’m here to fight on Saturday night. I’m a true fighter. No one will ever make me quit. I don’t care about anything that Paulie can do to me.
 
“Paulie was always the fight I wanted. It’s ‘night night’ for Jason Knight this Saturday, then it’s on to Paulie. That’s the only fight I want. He deserves to get slapped around.
 
“Jason Knight was a top UFC fighter at one point. He’s a very tough opponent, but his strength was mixing disciplines. Just boxing me, he doesn’t have a chance.
 
“I love the bare knuckle training. This is my game. I love the stand-up fighting. My approach is that if you want to be a good boxer, you have to box a lot. I went into all of the best gyms in Ireland and got great sparring.”

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About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at @BareKnuckleFC, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECTS ANGELO LEO & NEIL TABANAO TALK TRAINING CAMP IN ADVANCE OF THEIR SHOBOX MAIN EVENT BOUT THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 5 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS


Click HERE for Photos from Team Leo/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE for Photos from Team Tabanao


 

LAS VEGAS – April 1, 2019 – Unbeaten 122-pound prospect Angelo Leo and Filipino Neil Tabanao talk training camp just days away from their ShoBox: The New Generation main event showdown Friday, April 5 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.


 
The ShoBox tripleheader co-feature will see unbeaten super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) squaring off against experienced Filipino John Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout and undefeated Mayweather Promotions’ 130-pound prospect Andres Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) facing Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout in the telecast opener.


 
Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.


 
Leo, (16-0, 8 KOs), who started boxing at the age of eight, has dreams of emulating his biggest boxing inspiration, Roberto Duran, by one day becoming a world champion. He draws inspiration not only from Duran’s aggressiveness in the ring, but also from his tactical fighting style. The 24-year-old from Albuquerque, N.M. has sparred with elite boxers such as Leo Santa Cruz, Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire, and Tomoki Kameda and assures he is more than prepared to withstand Tabanao on April 5.


 
Tabanao, 25, made his pro debut in 2012 in his home country of the Philippines. He will make his television debut this week as he looks to move up the super bantamweight ranks. Tabanao won the WBO Oriental Featherweight Title in 2016 with a third-round technical knockout of Ibrahim Balla to then lose it to former 122-pound world champion Issac Dogboe. He suffered two consecutive defeats after losing to Dogboe but has admirably rebounded by winning his last four bouts.


 
Here is what the fighters had to share ahead of their matchup:


 
On what they know about their opponent:


 

Leo: “Tabanao is definitely not a pushover. He has 17 wins and 11 of those by knockout, so we definitely know that he can punch. I’ve seen a video of him, he likes to counter off the high guard. He’s fought a former world champion, Isaac Dogboe, and went the distance with him. So, he is a tough competitor for sure, but I think with my boxing and ring IQ, I can get the victory.”


 
Tabanao: “Angelo Leo is a good fighter. We need to use a good strategy to win this fight—and we have it. We trained very hard targeting his weaknesses. He’s in for a surprise this Friday.”


 
On what a win from this fight will do for their career:


 
Leo: “A win over Neil Tabanao will probably set me up for another 10-round fight and after that I will hopefully be competing on a world title eliminator. I think in the next two or three fights I’ll get a world title shot.”


 
Tabanao: “I want to be recognized in the world of boxing. Leo is a step towards that goal. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.”


 

On training camp:


 

Leo: “I had a very good training camp. I have a very good team. My dad, is my head trainer, he is the one in charge. Luis Chavez is my other trainer. He lives in New Mexico trainer and comes down when I fight. Steve Cartledge and John Sinclair are helping me with my strength and conditioning. We started increasing the rounds in my sparring and we are trying to get the conditioning up as well. I have been training super hard for this fight. I feel that I’m in tip-top shape.”


 
Tabanao: “I had a good training camp. I trained with my coach Sonny Dollente at Mabuhay Boxing Camp at Dujali Davao del Norte in The Philippines. We worked hard on perfecting our strategy; we are ready to counter whatever Leo may do on Friday night.”


 

How does it feel to fight on national television?


 

Leo: “It feels like a dream come true to fight on national television. I’ve been working so hard for this moment. Finally, I get to show everybody who I am and what better way to do it than as the main event on TV. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. Everyone will see what I’m all about.”


 
Tabanao: “It means a lot to me to be able to fight on national television. I hope this is the first of many televised fights. I want to become a renowned and successful boxer to be able help my family. I’m determined to do it.”


 

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For more information: visit www.sho.com/sportswww.mayweatherpromotions.com
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports 
and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

ROBERT EASTER JR. AND RANCES BARTHELEMY MEET IN WBA LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT SATURDAY, APRIL 27 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®


Viktor Postol And France’s Mohamed Mimoune Battle in 140-Pound Title Eliminator Plus Rising Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Meets Once-Beaten Michael Wallisch on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader


Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Tickets on Sale Monday, April 1!

LAS VEGAS – (March 29, 2019) – Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr.and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy will meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, April 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’sMohamed Mimoune in a WBC super lightweight title eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.
 
Easter vs. Barthelemy pits two highly skilled and explosive former 135-pound champions against each other as they look to grab a title and vault themselves back into the top echelon of the lightweight division.
 
Easter will return to the ring for the first time since losing his IBF title in a unification showdown with WBC Champion and pound-for-pound great Mikey Garcia last July on SHOWTIME. Barthelemy is undefeated at 135 pounds and returns to the lightweight division for his second fight since losing a 140-pound title rematch to Kiryl Relikh last March on SHOWTIME.
 
“Two former champions looking to reclaim their championship status speaks for itself in terms of the action and will to win that Easter and Barthelemy will bring on April 27,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both guys have already proven that they have what it takes to take care of business at this level. The eliminator bout, with Postol bringing his experience and Mohamed looking to take advantage of the opportunity, is a great lead-in to the main event attraction. Plus, Efe Ajagba will bring his A+ game in pursuit of a victory over Michael Wallisch. The fans in attendance at the Cosmopolitanhere in Las Vegas, and tuning in on SHOWTIME, are in for a treat.”
 
“Easter vs. Barthelemy is a true 50-50 fight that will end with one of these fighters leaving the ring with one of the top spots in the lightweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Both are former world champions at lightweight and possess the styles and attributes that should make this an action-packed match. Combined with a very competitive title eliminator between Viktor Postol and Mohamed Mimoune, plus the can’t-miss punching power of Efe Ajagba, this is going to be a dramatic night on SHOWTIME and at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.”
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, go on sale Monday, April 1, and can be purchased at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.
 
The 28-year-old Easter (21-1, 14 KOs) won the IBF Lightweight Championship in 2016 by edging an exciting split-decision against then-unbeaten and current IBF titleholder Richard Commey. After two successful title defenses in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Easter defeated former champion Javier Fortuna by decision in a January 2018 fight in SHOWTIME.
 
That victory set up a unification with WBC champion Mikey Garcia, in which Easter survived an early knockdown to push Garcia the full 12 rounds before coming up short on the scorecards. At 5-foot-11, Easter has continued to show the combination of size, skill and athleticism that made him a highly regarded prospect following an amateur career that featured a spot as an alternate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.
 
“I’ve wanted to fight Barthelemy since he had the lightweight title and vacated it, and now I have the chance,” said Easter. “He has an awkward style and I’m up for that challenge. I am still coming in as the taller fighter with a reach advantage and I’ll use it to make this fight go how I want it to. He is a former world champion and he is coming to bring it just like I am.”
 
A decorated Cuban amateur who hails from a boxing family that includes his older brother, Olympic Gold Medalist Yan, and younger brother, unbeaten featherweight Leduan, Rances Barthelemy (27-1, 14 KOs) will return to lightweight to vie against one of the best fighters in the division. The 32-year-old now trains in Las Vegas and previously captured a 135-pound belt by defeating Denis Shafikov in December 2015.
 
Barthelemy won a 130-pound championship by defeating Argenis Mendez in 2014 and attempted to become the first Cuban three-division champion when he moved up to 140-pounds for his first fight against Relikh, a title eliminator that he won by decision. After dropping the rematch to Relikh in a vacant title fight on SHOWTIME, Barthelemy returned to the ring in December and stopped Robert Frankel.
 
“I’m looking forward to a great fight against Robert Easter Jr,” said Barthelemy. “I know I have what it takes to beat him and capture another title and become a three-time world champ.  My best performances have come at 135 pounds.  Both of us are former world champions who are hungry and will give the fans a sensational night of boxing.  I’ve never lost at lightweight and that will continue on April 27. Don’t miss this fight on SHOWTIME. It’s now or never!” 
 
Originally from Ukraine, but now fighting out of Los Angeles, Postol (30-2, 12 KOs) previously earned a 140-pound world title by knocking out Lucas Matthysse in 2015. The 35-year-old dropped the title in a unification showdown with Terence Crawford in 2016 before bouncing back by defeating then unbeaten Jamshidbek Najmiddinov. Last June he dropped a decision to unbeaten contender Josh Taylor and most recently he defeated Siar Ozgul in November.
 
The 31-year-old Mimoune (21-2, 2 KOs) has fought professionally since 2010 and will be making his U.S. debut against Postol on April 27. Representing Haute-Garonne, France, he is unbeaten in his last 10 fights dating back to 2014. His last five victories have come in 12-round decisions, including two last year over then unbeaten Emiliano Dominguez and most recently against Franck Petitjean.
 
Nigeria’s Ajagba (9-0, 8 KOs) gained notoriety last August 24 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. The 24-year-old, 2016 Nigerian Olympian won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified. In his last fight Ajagba, who lives in Stafford, Texas and trains with Ronnie Shields, defeated his toughest competition to date by stopping longtime contender Amir Mansour after two rounds.
                                          
Fighting out of Munich, Germany, Wallisch (19-1, 12 KOs) won his first 19 pro fights after turning pro in 2010, including a German heavyweight title-winning performance in 2013 against Alexander Kahl. The 33-year-old fought three times last year, picking up two knockout victories before losing to Christian Hammer in December.
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo,@TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

JONATHAN RICE BATTLES ARSLANBEK MAKHUMUDOV FOR WBC INTERNATIONAL TITLE


Photo by Eye of the Tiger Management


LOS ANGELES, CA (March 28, 2019) – Heavyweight Jonathan Rice (10-3-1, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, will battle Arslanbek Makhmudov (7-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBC International title, May 17, 2019, at the Montreal Casino, in Montreal, Canada. The 10-round main event is being promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management.

Rice has three consecutive wins, two by knockout, under the tutelage of former world champion Wayne McCullough, who took over as head trainer in September of 2018. With McCullough in his corner, Rice is confident that he will come out victorious against Makhmudov, who will be fighting in his backyard.  Makhmudov is originally from Russia, but now resides in Montreal.
 
“I have great coach in Wayne McCullough, and I know I can beat Makhmudov with the game plan we have in place.” stated Rice. “I’ve improved tremendously over the last year and my confidence is at an all time high.  Fighting in Makhmudov’s backyard will be no easy task. I will have to be at my best to show the world that I belong in the same conversations with all the top heavyweights in the world. Capturing the WBC International title will open up many doors for my career.”
 
“Jonnie Rice has come a long way with Wyane McCullough in his corner,” Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing said, “Rice has a lot of heart and its going to be one hell of a fight. These are the type of fights that will catapult him up the ranking, getting him one step closer to a world title.”

OLDEST ATHLETE TO EVER WIN IN PROMOTION’S CAGE TO RETURN AT NEF 38

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (March 28, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” on April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Garry Carr (1-0) will return to the cage to take on Brian Cosco (3-7) at a fight weight of 158-pounds.

Garry Carr made his debut in the NEF cage at “NEF 31” in the fall of 2017.  That night, he submitted David Hart in the first round to pick up the win.  In doing so, Carr became the oldest athlete ever to emerge victorious in the NEF cage at the age of 56.  He will look to break his own record on April 27 when, at the age of 57, he returns for his sophomore effort.  Carr is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based out of Lewiston, Maine.

“Very proud to announce my return to the NEF cage on April 27th at Aura in Portland’s Old Port district,” said Carr. “It’s been over a year since my MMA debut and I have great memories there. I will be fighting out of team Central Maine BJJ who have prepared me for this match. I’m looking to show the skills I have learned to the crowd and hope that they will cheer me on to victory. Let’s fill the house and make it a night to remember.”

Brian Cosco may be a newcomer to the NEF cage, but he is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA scene.  The Revere, Massachusetts native has competed on the regional circuit since 2011 and has ten previous cage appearances to his credit.  He will look to get back on the winning track after a loss last summer on a fight card in New Hampshire.  Cosco currently represents Sityodtong and Brazil 021 of Somerville and Medford, Massachusetts respectively. 

“I’m excited to come up to Maine and fight for NEF,” exclaimed Cosco. “I’m feeling good. I’m not injured going into a fight for the first time in a while. I plan on going in there and getting the finish. I want to win convincingly so the NEF fans will want to see me back in there. I’m going to give the fans their money’s worth. I can’t wait for that cage door to shut!”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

Hard-Hitting Jeison Rosario Clashes with Mexico’s Jorge Cota In Middleweight Showdown on PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA on FS1 and FOX Deporteson Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California



Also in Action! Veteran Brawler Alfredo Angulo, 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas & Sensational Lightweight Prospect Omar Juarez Competing in Separate Televised Bouts Beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT Following PBC on FOX Broadcast
 
CARSON, CALIF. (March 27, 2019) – Hard-hitting contender Jeison Rosario takes on Mexico’s Jorge Cota in a 10-round middleweight fight that headlines PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.
 
Battle-hardened veteran Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo will fight in the co-main event of the telecast, while exciting lightweight prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas takes on Pedro Vicente in a six or eight round bout and highly-decorated lightweight prospect Omar Juarez clashes with Mexico’s Luis Gerardo Perez Salasin a four-round match to open the telecast at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
 
PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA will follow the PBC on FOX primetime show headlined by former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia battling rugged veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight bout.
 
Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that opens the primetime FOX broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 
The non-stop block of boxing promises wall-to-wall action for fans who tune into FOX, FOX Deportes and FS1.
 
Rosario (18-1-1, 13 KOs) was busy last year, scoring victories in three of four fights in 2018, including wins over then-unbeaten Jamontay Clark and contender Justin DeLoach. He is coming off a stoppage victory over Marcos Hernandez in February on FS1, which avenged a split draw the two boxers fought to in 2018. The 23-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic who now lives in Miami, Florida, will have his hands full against the hard-hitting Cota (28-2, 25 KOs). The 31-year-old Cota from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico has scored three straight knockout victories since losing to Erickson Lubin in 2017. He’s coming off a TKO victory over Euri Gonzalez in November
 
Balderas (7-0, 6 KOs) scored three stoppage victories in his fights last year and continues to progress up the lightweight ladder. The 23-year-old Balderas of Santa Maria, California, was a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic boxing team and most recently stopped Jose Cen Torres in February. Vicente (6-2, 2 KOs) is looking to build on the momentum from his unanimous decision victory over Luis Miguel Ortiz in his last fight in January.
 
The 19-year-old Juarez (2-0, 1 KOs), who is from Brownsville, Texas, will be climbing back into the ring quickly after scoring a knockout victory over Phillip Percy in February. Salas (5-2, 1 KOs) is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses when he steps in against Juarez.
 
In other non-televised action, Los Angeles bantamweight Daniel Guzman (2-1-1, 1 KO) takes on Monterrey, Mexico’s Hugo Rodriguez (0-3) in a four-round bout, unbeaten Alhambra, Cal., welterweight Emmanuel Medina (16-0, 9 KOs) battles Japan’s Gaku Takahashi (16-9-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round match and Colorado Springs’ Ricky Lopez (20-4, 6 KOs) faces Joe Perez (14-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout. Round out the card is Fontana, California’s Raymond Murattala (6-0, 4 KOs) meeting Mexico’s Eduardo Reyes (9-15, 6 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout and Edinburg, Texas’ Nelson Hampton (4-2, 4 KOs) fighting in a four-round lightweight special attraction.
 
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
 and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Din Thomas handling blow-by-blow duties for “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl for it ALL” PPV


Din Thomas handling blow-by-blow duties for BYB Brawl 1: Brawl for it ALL” PPV 

Join the BYB (Back Yard Brawls) Revolution…..

Apr. 5 in Cheyenne, Wyoming

LIVE ON WORLDWIDE PPV



MIAMI (March 27, 2019) – Former UFC fighter Din Thomas will be the blow-by-blow announcer for the explosive bare-knuckles fighting pay-per-view event, “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL”, on Friday night, April 5, live from the Cheyenne Ice & Event Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
 
“BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL” Is the first sanctioned-event promoted by BYB Extreme Fighting Series (BYB), bare-knuckles fighting’s most intense combat sports promoter, featuring 10 professional bare-knuckle fights and two mixed-martial-arts fights, all held inside the “The Trigon”, the most confrontational cage in combat sports. The much-anticipated show is presented by title sponsor Pure and Natural (www.getpureandnatural.com) and available to watch live worldwide on pay-per-view.
 
Thomas will be joined at cage-side by color commentators Dyrushio “Rusy” Harris and his brother, Dhafir Harris, who is better known as iconic backyard- brawler Dada 5000.Tony Martinez will support the BYB announcing team in Spanish (SAP option), while veteran Bob Alexander is the BYB ring announcer.
 
BYB Extreme and Lights Out Productions was initially inspired by the Backyard Fights that were held in Miami, featured in the award-winning documentary “Dawg Fight”, which debuted on Netflix and it still remains available to watch. Dada 5000 was the subject and star of “Dawg Fight”. Production of “Dawg Fight 2”, produced once again by award-winning documentary filmmaker Billy Corben (Rakontur), concludes at “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl for it ALL”.
 
“BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL” will revolutionize bare-knuckles fighting with all fights held inside its triangular cage, “The Trigon” (pictured below) – 7′ high fences, two beveled corners and a 60-degree, tight third-corner forming a triangle, totaling 187 square feet – marking the first time a professional bare-knuckles event is held inside a cage. This will also be the first time bare-knuckles fighting and MMA are contested in a cage on the same night.
 

  
 
Thomas had a standout MMA career, 26-9 (7 KOs, 15 submissions) pro record, including nine fights in the UFC. “I’m looking forward to calling the action,” Thomas said. “At first it took me a minute to appreciate it (bare-knuckle fighting), but I’ve always expected it. Now that I’ve learned to fully appreciate it, I’ve been studying bare-knuckles fighting up close.
 
“At the end of the day, I’ve watched guys throw punches the last 25 years, so bare-knuckles fighting isn’t foreign to me. The action is quicker, though. Bare-knuckles fighting epitomizes entertainment more than any combat sport. I’m expecting a night of exciting, tough fights”
 
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the Apr. 5th “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL” throughout North America – in English and Spanish – on pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Dish and Vubiquity in the United States, as well as via Bell TV, Shaw, Rogers and SaskTel in Canada, on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view. It will also be live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website. The action starts at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, all, for a suggested retail price of $24.95.
 
The first two bare-knuckles fights will be streamed live for FREE on FITE.TV and Facebook Live, starting at 9 p.m. et / 6 p.m. PT, leading into the BYB PPV card.
 
“There are many people to thank prior to this event, BYB Extreme promoter Mike Vazquezcommented,” but no one more than Chairman Bryan Pedersen and the Wyoming Boxing & MMA Commission. Bryan and his team, Jeremy Arneson and Nick Meeker, have been an absolute pleasure to work with. Bryan was the first in the nation to stand up and recognize bare-knuckle boxing, Additionally, commission members came to Florida to inspect and approve our cage, ‘The Trigon”. Without a doubt Bryan and the Wyoming Commission have led the way for bare-knuckle boxing to become mainstream, and other states are quickly following suit.”
 
“We are grateful to see BYB Extreme Bare-Knuckle Brawls come to Wyoming,” Pedersen added. “Bare Knuckle is an exciting opportunity for athletes in combat sports to have another option to compete. We are proud to provide a home for the sport to grow in a way that offers transparency, accountability and consistency to the fighters, promoters and fans!”
 
Miami-based knockout specialist artist Joshua “Dempsey” Gormley (23-6, 23 KOs pro boxing record), the great-grandson of legendary world heavyweight boxing champion Jack “The Manassa Mauler” Dempsey, will headline “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL” againstveteran MMA fighter Bobby “Zombie” Brents (17-7), a former Shamrock FC champion from Springfield, Illinois.
 
In the co-featured event, Canadian kickboxer Jake “The Good” Young and Nebraska MMA veteran Matt “MFD” Delanoit will battle in a classic clash of contrasting fight styles.
 
Bordering state rivals, Wyoming favorite and BKB champion Billy “The Kid” Martin takes and Colorado striker Leo Pla, will be in a grudge match.
 
In the MMA main event, Idaho heavyweight Jamelle “The Best” Jones, a two-time national collegiate wrestling champion, takes on five-time pro MMA champion and multiple Tough Man Contest winner, Matt “The Attack” Kovacs, of Washington.
 
A special female bantamweight bare-knuckles fight matches Washington state’s MMA fighter Christine “Knuckles” Stanley with North Carolina boxer Latoya “Lionheart” Burton,who did two tours of Iraq as a member of the U.S. Air Force.  
 
The potential Fight of the Night is a back-yard brawling rubber match between Miami middleweights Alphonso “Chocolate” Frierson and Mike “Dragon Hulk” Trujillo in a “Special Dawg Fight Trilogy Match. Frierson won their original fight by way of a sensational knockout that went viral, but Trujillo rebound to defeat “Chocolate” when the later retired during their second throw-down.
 
Other bare-knuckles fights on the Apr. 5th card include dangerous Las Vegas light heavyweight Joey Angelo vs. Joseph Guillen, of Wyoming; Atlanta cruiserweight Robert “Real Business” Brown, Jr. vs. Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt, of Jacksonville, FL; Michigan bantamweight Brian “Stone Handz” Jackson vs. Dominican John Michael “JoMi” Escoboa, who fights out of Coconut Creek, FL; Georgia flyweight and three-time U.S. Army boxing champion, Albert “Speedy” Martinez, vs. Virgin Island native Kory “Ballistic” Vialet, now living in Texas; and Canadian featherweight Desmond Johnsonvs. International Muay Thai champion Robert “Billy Bad Ass” Fletcher, of Park City, Minnesota. (The latter two fights listed here will be streamed live on the free BYB Preview Show.)
 
The card also features a fight of MMA heavyweights, Fort Lauderdale’s (FL) Jermayne “Redman” Barnes against Detroit’s Lamar “The Abomination” Cannady-Foster.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
Tickets are on sale, ranging between $150.00 and $25.00, and may be purchased by going here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1824090. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
 
INFORMATION:
 
Website: www.BYBextreme.comwww.getpureandnatural.com
 
Facebook: /BYBExtremeFightingSeries
 
Twitter & Instagram: @bybexteme
 
You Tube: BYB Extreme
 
INFORMATION:
 
Website: www.BYBextreme.comwww.getpureandnatural.com
 
Facebook: /BYBExtremeFightingSeries
 
Twitter & Instagram: @bybexteme
 
You Tube: BYB Extreme