All posts by FNU47

boxing, Let’s Get It On Promotions

VASQUEZ VS SANDOVAL TOPS BOXING CARD AT THE RENO/SPARKS CONVENTION CENTER MAY 4TH

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April 4th, RENO — Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa are pleased to announce “The Main Event” – an exciting night of world-class professional boxing Friday, May 4th, 2018 at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center.  Oscar “El Chapito” Vasquez (15-1) vs. Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (12-1) are matched in the main event.

 

 

 

 

In a sensational eight-round super-flyweight bout, Reno’s own Oscar Vasquez will be facing his toughest foe yet.  Reno boxing fans remember Ricardo Sandoval (Tijuana, MX) when he faced the tough Brent Venegas last November. Sandoval earned the decision over Venegas in an action-packed brawl.  Sandoval has earned three more wins since then. Many consider Vasquez vs. Sandoval to be a pick-em fight.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a coinflip.” Says Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Tommy Lane. “Both guys come forward, both like to exchange punches.  It will be a very exciting fight.”

 

 

 

 

Vasquez, who is ranked in the top 15 at flyweight, is knocking at the door of a big opportunity.  Sandoval has quickly earned a name for himself at the super flyweight division as well. A win for either will surely present bigger opportunities.

 

 

 

 

An exciting undercard will supplement Vasquez vs. Sandoval on May 4th.

 

 

 

 

Carson City lightweight Diego Elizondo (2-0) and Reno’s rising star Ricardo “The Dreamer” Lucio-Galvan (2-0, 2 KO), a featherweight, will both be returning to the ring that evening in separate bouts.  Lucio-Galvan, also a sophomore at UNR, is coming off of a sensational second-round TKO victory over Kenny Guzman on the Beltran vs. Moses card in February.

 

 

 

 

Cruiserweight Blake “The Beast” McKernan (7-0, 5 KOs) of Sacramento will be making his way over the mountains to fight May 4th.  McKernan, an Army Veteran who served in Iraq, is looking to remain undefeated in a six-round bout.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional matchups are being put together for May 4th.  More information will be announced soon. Fight card subject to change.  First bell is at 7pm.

 

 

 

 

Tickets are available and can be purchased at the Atlantis Gift Shop $35, $65, $100 (taxes & fees not included), by calling Atlantis Special Events 888.551.7007 or 775.824.4467, or via ticketmaster.com. https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1700546DF068922D#efeat4212

boxing

Hartford Boxing Promotions To launch this summer

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(L-R) – Michael Tran, Richard Rivera & Tony Blanco

HARTFORD, Conn. (April 4, 2018) – Professional boxing’s newest promotional company, Hartford Boxing Promotions, has announced its official formation, as well as tentative plans calling for its inaugural event this summer in Hartford.

 

 

 

Boxing trainer Tony Blanco and his Hartford-based House of Boxing gym partner, Michael Tran, have teamed with their undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (6-0, 5 KOs), to form Hartford Boxing Promotions. Rivera is one of the best and most popular pro fighters in New England.

 

 

 

“We want to bring boxing back to Hartford,” Blanco addressed why they founded this new promotional company. “Hartford is a hotbed of boxing. There’s a lot of talent here and Hartford has a rich boxing history.

 

 

 

“We hope to promote our first show on June 16th, subject to Connecticut Boxing Commission approval, at Xfinity Theatre in Hartford. It’s owned by Live Nation and has been used only as a concert hall, but it has an old-school feel and will be an awesome venue for boxing. We’re excited about promoting events in this new venue for boxing.”

 

 

 

Boxing’s roots in the Hartford market dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega, “Iceman” John Scully and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.

 

 

INFORMATION;

Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter

Twitter: @hartfordboxing

Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center/

You Tube: /c/HartfordBoxingCenter

boxing

Undefeated Super Bantamweights Marcus Bates and Raeese Aleem battle in co-feature bout This Friday Night at the 2300 Arena In Philadelphia

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Brandon Robinson takes on Oscar Riojas in Main Event

 

 

 

Marcus Bates fights Raeese Aleem in battle of undefeated Super Bantamweights

 

 

 

 

Plus undefeated  Poindexter Knight, Colby Madison, Joshaphat Ortiz & Kendall Cannida

 
 

Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2018) – Two undefeated super bantamweight prospects will put their record on the line for when Marcus Bates (8-0-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on Raeese Aleem (10-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas in a terrific eight-round co-feature bout that will take place THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

The 7 bout show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

 

 

In the main event, rising super middleweight Brandon Robinson (9-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on Oscar Riojas (16-8-1, 5 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

 

 

 

 

Bates and Aleem have to be commended for taking this fight, as fighters in this day and age seemingly stay way from fellow undefeated foes until later in their careers.

 

 

 

 

They are both ready for what could be a career accelerating fight on Friday.

 

 

 

 

ON TRAINING CAMP AND THEIR OPPONENT 

 

 

 

 

Bates –“Everything is great.  I don’t know much about Aleem, I am not much for watching tape of my opponents, I don’t worry about them, they have to worry about me.”

 

 

 

 

 

Aleem– “Training went well.  I had good sparring for this fight.  I know he is from Washington, DC.  that’s about all I know about him.”

 

 

 

 

 

ON FACING AN UNDEFEATED OPPONENT EARLY IN THEIR CAREER

 

 

 

 

 

Bates–“I want to be the best.  For that, I want to fight the best, and even though I have only 9 fights, I am ready to fight anyone.”

 

 

 

 

Aleem–“It doesn’t matter who is in front of me.  I have been looking to fight other undefeated guys, but they have been ducking me and not taking those fights for various reasons.  Bates accepted the fight, and it is going down on Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

ON FIGHTING IN PHILADELPHIA

 

 

 

 

 

Bates–“I have fought in Philly twice already, and this will be the 3rd time.  It is a great crowd there, and they have shown me love.  It makes me want to go in there and fight.”

 

 

 

 

Aleem–“To be able to fight in Philadelphia is a good accomplishment.  I have fought most of my fights in the Midwest, so it is a great opportunity to make some new fans.”

 

 

 

 

WHAT DOES A WIN DO FOR YOUR CAREER

 

 

 

 

Bates–“I am focused on this fight, and I only take 1 fight at a time.  After this win, I will talk to my manager and promoter and see what is next.  It’s going down, and someone is getting knocked out.  My fans can follow me on Instagram at _Dream_Crusher_Bates.

 

 

 

 

Aleem–“A Win does a lot.  It opens up other doors.  I have mentally put in a lot of hard work and focus to stay undefeated.  Not only winning, but looking good is a must.  You will not see any sloppy performance out of me on Friday.  April 6th, I am going in there for 8 hard rounds.  I will put everything on the table”

 

 

 

 

 

Colby Madison (6-0-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Guillermo Del Rio (2-2, 2 KOs) of South Houston, TX in a six-round heavyweight battle.

 

 

 

 

 

Joshaphat Ortiz (2-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA fights Evgueny Metchenov (0-1) of Forestville, MD in a junior light bout scheduled for four rounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poindexter Knight (2-0, 2 KOs) fights Vincent Floyd (3-4-1, 2 KOs) in a battle of Philadelphia based welterweights.

 

 

 

 

 

Rasheed Johnson (3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Denis Okoth (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Siaya, KE in a welterweight bout.

 

 

 

 

 

Kendall Cannida (1-0) of Philadelphia boxes pro debuting Carlos Villenueva of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight tussle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at www.2300arena.com for $100, $75 and $50

 

 

 

 

 

 

About ELEVEN SPORTS:

 

 

ELEVEN SPORTS is available in 70 million homes worldwide in Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Launched in the US in March 2017, ELEVEN SPORTS is dedicated to delivering world-class domestic and international sports and lifestyle entertainment ‘For The Fans’. Sports fans will be treated to a unique mix of emerging and established sports combined to provide engaging and compelling LIVE entertainment, placing the viewer at the very heart of the action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like us on Facebook: ElevenSportsUSA

Follow us on Twitter: @ElevenSportsUSA

Follow us on Instagram: ElevenSportsUSA
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL 14 FIGHT CARD IN PORTLAND

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Portland, Maine (April 4, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur middleweight bout to the card.  Mark “Pockets” Gardner (1-0) will meet Brandon Schwink (0-0) at a fight weight of 185-pounds.

 

 

Mark Gardner impressed many in attendance at his debut fight last November in Portland.  Gardner took on top middleweight prospect Carlton Charles (2-1) at Aura.  He absorbed everything Charles threw at him in the first round, eventually scoring a technical knockout victory in the second.  Gardner is a member of The Academy of Mixed Martial Arts based in Westbrook, Maine where he trains under early MMA pioneer Jay Jack.  Gardner will return to the cage after a setback earlier this year when an opponent pulled out on him prior to a scheduled bout at “NEF 32.”

 

 

“I’m pumped to get back into the cage in April for this next fight,” said Gardner. “I’ve been training hard, and I can’t wait. It should be a really fun fight.”

 

 

Gardner’s opponent, Brandon Schwinck, is a 43-year-old, lifelong martial artist from Windham, Maine.  He has been a regular contestant in grappling, karate and kickboxing tournaments across the state over the years.  Schwinck has trained with several different gyms, including The Academy where he worked with Gardner on the mats.  The bout on April 14 will be his first regulated MMA fight, a moment that Schwinck says he has waited years to realize.

 

 

“I’m familiar with the MMA fighter and grappler, Mark Gardner,” said Schwinck when reached for comment. “We used to train together at the Academy of MMA a few years ago. I respect Mr. Gardner’s strengths and abilities on the ground, and he has an amazing team to prepare him for this fight. I recall me and Mark being fairly well-matched on the ground. We’ve submitted each other on the mats. However, he’s a tough, hungry, young buck with lots of weapons at his disposal, so I won’t take him lightly. I know Mark’s surely stepped-up his striking game and stand-up over the last few years, but I’ve been a fighter all my life and feel the bout will be competitive. I believe my NEF debut will be far from a cake walk, though I’m always prepared to put up an exciting fight in any venue I enter. I have no intentions of letting Mark walk over me and I’ll do my best to stop him. Neither of us will achieve a victory easily. I’m looking forward to competing against this dangerous, talented fighter, be it on the ground or standing. I think it will be a great match-up. I’m totally psyched about being part of NEF 33, and in the end, may the best man win.”

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing

SUGAR PROMOTIONS SIGNS TV DEAL WITH STADIUM VIEW NETWORK

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“FERIA de CAMPEONES”
April 28, 2018 in Aguascalientes, MX

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 4, 2018) – Sugar Promotions, in association with Stadium View Network (SVN), is happy to announce its partnership with the government of Mexico in Aguascalientes, to broadcast it’s boxing shows to the United States market.

 

 

 

 

The first event titled, “Feria de Campeones”, will take place at the world-famous Plaza de Toros San Marcos in Aguascalientes, MX, on April 28, 2018, during the “Feria de San Marcos” festival. The government of Mexico will produce all Sugar Promotions’ boxing events in Aguascalientes, and provide a satellite signal to (SVN), who will distribute the content to its network in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

The main event will showcase local hero, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 13 KOs), who will fight for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight title.  In the co-main event, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (13-0, 7 KOs), from Las Vegas, NV, will fight for the WBC Jr. Bantamweight Youth World title.  In two special feature attractions, local fan favorite, Issac “Canelito” Avelar (14-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC FECOMBOX Featherweight title, while Maryan Salazar (7-2) will battle for the WBC FECOMBOX Light Flyweight belt. Opponents for all four fights will be announced on a later date, along with other undercard bouts.

 

 

 

 

“Having a partner like Stadium View Network is what we envisioned when we started promoting boxing shows in Aguascalientes, Mexico,” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “The government of Mexico has been a tremendous help in securing our deal with SVN. My goal is to make Aguascalientes the capital of boxing in Mexico. We are signing the best fighters from Mexico. With this agreement, their talent will be showcased on SVN in the United States, and all throughout Mexico and Latin America.”

 

 

 

 

“We welcome Sugar Promotions and Stadium View Network to our beautiful city of Aguascalientes,” said Dr. Manuel Aceves Rubio, Director of the Sports Institute of the State of Aguascalientes. “Boxing is big part of our culture here in Mexico and we want to show the world that Aguascalientes will be the epicenter of all future boxing events in our country.”

 

 

 

 

“It brings me great joy to know that the city of Aguascalientes will be recognized as capital of the boxing world in Mexico,” said José Angel Gonzalez Serna, President of the Board of Trustees of San Marcos. “We want to let the world know that Aguascalientes is a safe place to visit and enjoy quality events.”

 

 

 

 

With 1,200 locations, Stadium View Network (SVN) is a satellite-delivered television channel featuring programming designed specifically for the sports bar and hospitality industry. SVN’s channel provides ambient programming featuring action-oriented video segments. The ambient programming will be pre-emptible at the subscriber’s election with PPV events transmitted by SVN. Stadium View Network’s capabilities include planning and managing ad-hoc and full-time networks, encryption services, and programming signal delivery on both a domestic and international level.

 

 

 

 

“SVN is excited to partner up with Sugar Promotions and the government of Mexico, in Aguascalientes,” said John Parks, president of Stadium Sports Network. “We want to provide great boxing matches to our audience and Sugar Promotions has the ability to deliver exactly what we desire. In addition, we want to show the Government of Mexico that we are serious about broadcasting live boxing from their beautiful city of Aguascalientes.”

 

 

 

 

“I love it when a plan comes together,” said Greg Hannley, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages a stable of fighters that will be showcased on SVN. “The exposure my fighters will get with this SVN deal is going to be amazing. I want to thank Sugar Promotions and the government of Mexico in Aguascalientes for their support.”

 

 

 

 

The Feria de San Marcos, considered as “The Fair of Mexico” is the most important popular celebration of the city of Aguascalientes. It takes place in honor of San Marcos evangelist, patron saint of the neighborhood of the same name. It is considered a fair of national importance in Mexico, with great international prestige. The San Marcos Fair is considered one of the 10 most important in the world and the largest in all of Latin America. It is a very safe fair and has an endless list of activities.

boxing, ESPN Boxing

Falcao dominates Gutierrez; eager to face the best

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Team Falcao.jpg

Team Falcao after the victory PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez (Latinbox Sports)

Plant City, FL (April 2, 2018) – Rising star and WBC #13 rated middleweight Yamaguchi Falcao scored a one-sided eight round decision over tough veteran Richar Gutierrez Saturday, March 31 at the Marina Bay SportsPlex in Quincy, MA.

 

 

 

 

 

Fighting in front of a national audience on ESPN2, the bout got off to a strange start when Gutierrez was incorrectly credited with a knockdown in the opening seconds after stepping on Falcao’s foot then landing a punch. The 2012 Olympic medalist immediately got back on his feet and made Gutierrez pay the price from bell to bell.

 

 

 

 

Falcao dominated the fight with hard jabs and crisp straight lefts, scoring a knockdown in the closing moments of the fifth. The game Gutierrez attempted to throw Falcao off by regularly clinching and using roughhouse tactics but was unsuccessful.

 

 

 

 

Scores were 79-73, 78-72 and 78-71.

 

 

 

 

Falcao is now 15-0 with 7 KO’s and Gutierrez falls to 30-18-2 (19 KO’s).

 

 

 

 

“Gutierrez was an experienced and sometimes dirty fighter,” said Falcao, who fights out of Plant City, FL and proudly represents his native Brazil. “I had a job to do and went out there and did it. I’d like to thank my team who did a great job of getting me ready for this fight and helped me bring the victory home.”

 

 

 

 

Falcao, who has been turned down by a number of notable middleweights, is eager as ever to get his shot at another top 160 pound fighter.

 

 

 

 

“I believe when I’m at my best I can compete with anybody in the division. I want the opportunity to fight for a world title and show everybody who I am.”

 

 

 

 

Details for Falcao’s next fight will be available shortly.

boxing

VICTOR CONTE LAUNCHES NEW HIGH-TECH BOXING TRAINING SERIES CONTE UNIVERSITY TV

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SAN CARLOS, CA (April 3, 2018) – Victor Conte has launched a new high-tech boxing training series called, CONTE UNIVERSITY TV.  The first episode of this new advanced boxing training and educational series has recently become available.

 

 

 

 

Victor Conte is the widely known BALCO Laboratories Founder and current SNAC System CEO, with more thirty-five years of experience working with world class athletes.  Conte has also been an outspoken anti-doping advocate since 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Known as the “Sweet Scientist”, Conte has worked with a large stable of elite boxers which includes, Nonito Donaire, Daniel Jacobs, Shawn Porter, Demetrius Andrade, Julian Williams, Caleb Plant, Willie Monroe Jr. and many others.

 

 

 

 

Conte owns the cutting edge SNAC System research and training facility in the San Francisco Bay Area.  He has developed some extraordinary new strength & conditioning methods that include both hypoxic (low oxygen) and hyperoxic (high oxygen) protocols.

 

 

 

 

So, put on your science hats, strap on your seat belts, and check out episode one from Conte University TV, entitled “History & Evolution of Hypoxic Training“.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network, women's MMA

HAWAII’S ILIMA-LEI MACFARLANE MAKES FIRST FLYWEIGHT TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST ALEJANDRA LARA IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 201 ON JUNE 29

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cid:image002.jpg@01D3CB3F.0B7BB070

 

VALERIE LETOURNEAU RETURNS TO ACTION AGAINST BRUNA ELLEN

 

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. for Bellator 201 on Friday, June 29. The card will be headlined by the San Diego-based Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (7-0), who defends her undefeated record and newly won flyweight crown against Columbia’s Alejandra “Azul” Lara (7-1).

 

 

 

 

In addition to the women’s flyweight championship being up for grabs on June 29, Valerie Létourneau (9-6) will look to improve to 2-0 inside the Bellator cage, when she meets the always-tough Bruna Ellen (4-1) at 125-pounds. Additional bouts, including the co-main event for Bellator 201: Macfarlane vs. Lara, will be announced in the coming days.

 

 

 

 

Tickets for the event go on sale this Friday, April 6 and start at $39. Tickets will be available at the Pechanga box office and Pechanga.com. Doors for the event open at 3:30 p.m. PT, while the preliminary card will kick-off at 4:30 p.m. PST. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the newly updated Bellator Mobile App.

 

 

 

 

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane has been proving naysayers wrong since her viral MMA debut in 2015, defeating every opponent placed in front of her en route to becoming the inaugural Bellator women’s flyweight champion this past November by defeating Emily Ducote. Born in Honolulu, “The Ilimanator” was a high school wrestler at Punahou School, where she was also a classmate of pro golfer Michelle Wie. Primarily focusing on her academics, Macfarlane went on to attend San Diego State University, where she studied cultural anthropology and went on to earn her master’s degree in liberal arts and sciences. Following that, the 27-year-old dove headfirst into MMA, splitting time between Team Hurricane Awesome and 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, where she remains to this day. Undefeated as a pro, Macfarlane now looks to keep her undefeated record intact and the title around her waist.

 

 

 

 

Hailing from Medellin, Colombia, Alejandra Lara made a statement in Bellator’s flyweight division when she finished Lena Ovchynnikova via rear-naked choke at Bellator 190. The 23-year-old knockout artist has earned seven victories in eight outings since making her professional debut in 2011 and has shown tenacity in her fights thus far, showcasing a pair of first round knockouts and multiple submissions. On the heels of her impressive promotional debut, Lara earned a shot at the championship on June 29.

 

 

 

 

The Canadian-born Létourneau, a former UFC strawweight title challenger, carries an impressive track record of thrilling fights, highlighted by a world title contest against former champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Since signing with Bellator, “Trouble” has moved up to her more natural weight class, impressively defeating Kate Jackson in her promotional debut. At Bellator 201, the American Top Team-product will look to improve upon her nine victories as a professional, a tally that includes five finishes, with four coming by way of knockout.

 

 

 

 

At only 21-years-old, Ellen has already made three appearances for Bellator, competing against the likes of Veta Arteaga and Jessica Middleton. The Campinas, Brazil native and Team Nogueira-product has won four out of five fights to begin her professional career and will now look to continue her upward trajectory when she meets the former title challenger in a battle of top contenders.

 

 

 

 

Updated Bellator 201: Macfarlane vs. Lara Fight Card:

 

 

 

Women’s Flyweight Title Main Event: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (7-0) vs. Alejandra Lara (7-1)

 

 

 

Women’s Flyweight Feature Bout: Valerie Létourneau (9-6) vs. Bruna Ellen (4-1)

 

 

 

 

 

*Card subject to change.

 

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

 

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

COMPLETED CARDS FOR BELLATOR 196 AND BELLATOR KICKBOXING 9

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BACK-TO-BACK EVENTS SET TO AIR THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 6 BEGINNING AT 9 P.M. PT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

 

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator has announced completed cards for both Bellator 196 and Bellator Kickboxing 9, which take place this Friday, April 6 at BOK Hall in Budapest, Hungary and air on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

The headliner for Bellator 196 will see former world champion Benson Henderson (24-8) in a lightweight matchup against Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC), who returns to Bellator for the first time since 2010. On the kickboxing side of things, Raymond Daniels (33-3) defends his welterweight crown against Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2) in the headliner of Bellator Kickboxing 9.

 

Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta will be broadcast Friday, April 6 free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Bellator Kickboxing 9 will air immediately following at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and are available at www.Bellator.hu.

 

With marquee victories over Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone (x2), Frankie Edgar (x2), Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal, Glendale, Ariz.’s “Smooth” Benson Henderson looks to add another name to his already-impressive resume. The former UFC and WEC champ owns a win over a Patricio “Pitbull” inside the Bellator cage and is looking to make a statement on his way back to title contention when he meets Roger Huerta on April 6 in Budapest, Hungary. Fighting out of Austin, Texas, the 34-year-old Los Angeles native returns to Bellator for the first time since facing Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 33. The first MMA fighter to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Huerta’s entertaining fight style saw him memorably defeat Clay Guida and Leonard Garcia. Now, fresh off of two consecutive victories, “El Matador” is not shying away from elite competition for his first fight of 2018.

 

Complete Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta Fight Card:

Lightweight Main Event: Benson Henderson (24-8) vs. Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Adam Borics (6-0) vs. Teodor Nikolov (11-1)

Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Denise Kielholtz (1-1) vs. Petra Castkova (3-2)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Brian Moore (10-6) vs. Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1)

175-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Ed Ruth (4-0) vs. Ion Pascu (17-7)

 

Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Norbert Novenyi (1-0) vs. Mehmet Yueksel (2-3)

 

Complete Bellator Kickboxing 9 Fight Card:

Welterweight World Title Bout: Raymond Daniels (33-3) vs. Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Alexey Ignashov (85-21) vs. Dzevad Poturak (53-30-3)

Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Sabriye Sengul (12-1) vs. Renata Rakoczi (17-4)

163-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: John Wayne Parr (99-32) vs. Eder Lopes (10-2)

Women’s Featherweight Main Card Bout: Jorina Baars (44-0-3) vs. Athina Evmorfiadi (10-3)

 

Preliminary Card:

165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Csaba Gyorfi (25-6) vs. Enrico Carrara (37-2-2)

141-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Antoine Habash (30-5) vs. Salvatore Cicerone (12-8-1)

187-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Adam Pokorni (28-6) vs. Najib Idali (38-30)

 

*Card subject to change.

****

boxing, Ringstar Sports

Featherweight World Champions Leo Santa Cruz & Abner Mares Square-Off in World Title Rematch Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, June 9 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Live on SHOWTIME

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Tickets on Sale Today at 12:00 p.m. PT

 

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2018) – A rematch between featherweight world champions and Southern California rivals Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will headline action Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale today at 12:00 p.m. PT. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE at 12:00 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

 

Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) and Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) first met in August 2015 at STAPLES Center and went toe-to-toe for 12 fast-paced rounds, with Santa Cruz eventually earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. Now, Santa Cruz will put his WBA Super World Featherweight Title on the line against the WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Mares.

 

 

 

 

The initial matchup garnered “Fight of the Year” recognition and warranted a rematch between the consensus top five featherweights who will look to put on a repeat of the performance that saw them throw over 2,000 punches combined.

 

 

 

 

“This is a fight that fans have been clamoring for and a fight that is certain to deliver action and drama,” said Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports. “This is once again a true battle for Los Angeles, with only one man able to walk out of STAPLES Center with that crown as the best in the city. Fans should get their tickets early, because this is sure to be a hot ticket given the styles of each man and the motivations they have to win this fight. I can’t wait to see what happens on June 9 and I look forward to another memorable fight.”

 

 

 

 

“It is rare that a rematch is as highly anticipated as the initial match, but Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 is one of those rematches,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Since their first match both Leo and Abner have gone on to solidify their positions at the top of the featherweight division, making a second meeting between them even more compelling. The winner will definitely become the man sitting at the top of a very competitive 126-pound division.”

 

 

 

 

“We are incredibly excited for this rematch of Southern California rivals to take place at STAPLES Center,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center.” Boxing fans are in for an amazing night of fights in downtown Los Angeles on June 9th.”

 

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME is proud to deliver yet another pivotal matchup between two of the consensus top-five featherweights in the world,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programing, Showtime Networks Inc.  “Santa Cruz-Mares 1 was a Fight of the Year-caliber fight with non-stop action from start to finish, and the rematch promises more of the same – with not just a world title at stake, but also Southern California bragging rights. This is the type of marquee bout that has become a hallmark of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, a true 50-50 showdown with high stakes implications.”

 

 

 

 

The popular Mexican-American Santa Cruz fights out of Los Angeles and most recently stopped Chris Avalos in October 2017 after a pair of high stakes showdowns against Irish star and two-division world champion Carl Frampton. While Santa Cruz lost a close majority decision in their first matchup, he bounced back in January 2017 to defeat Frampton by majority decision and regain his 126-pound title. Prior to that, Santa Cruz won belts at 118 and 122 pounds while earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most active and exciting fighters. The 29-year-old also holds victories over Cristian Mijares, Kiko Martinez and Eric Morel and has competed in world title bouts in 14 of his last 16 fights since 2012.

 

 

 

 

“The fans can expect a full-action fight just like the first one, maybe even better,” said Santa Cruz. “I know Abner Mares changed his trainer and Robert Garcia is a great trainer who will bring the best out of him. But we’re also smart and I have a strong team that will bring the best out of me. It will be a great fight once again for the boxing fans in Los Angeles.”

 

 

 

 

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., Mares became a four-time world champion in December 2016 when he dropped Jesus Cuellar on his way to a unanimous decision and another featherweight world championship. Mares most recently scored a technical decision over Andres Gutierrez in October 2017. A Mexican Olympian in 2004, the 32-year-old won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to capture the bantamweight crown. He continued to rise in the pound-for-pound list with victories over Anselmo Moreno and DanielPonce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight. The June 9 bout will be Mares’ third contest with World Champion trainer Robert Garcia, who helped Mares to a title-winning victory in their first fight together.

 

 

 

 

“It’s been over two years since I fought Leo Santa Cruz and all I’ve been thinking about is redemption,” said Mares. “Now that I’m with Robert Garcia and his team, you’ve seen the change. If they think I’m going to fight the same way, they are in for a surprise.”

 

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.