All posts by FNU47

Former World Champion Juan Carlos Payano Earns Unanimous Decision Over Alexis Santiago In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO  DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes

 
Ladarius Miller Tops Jamel Herring in Exciting Battle of Lightweight Contenders Tuesday Night from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/
Premier Boxing Champion – Photos to be added shortly
 
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (August 22, 2017) – Former world champion Juan Carlos Payano (19-1, 9 KOs) scored an impressive decision victory over Alexis Santiago (24-5-1, 8 KOs) in the main event ofPremier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONESon FOX Deportes, Tuesday night from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas and presented by Mayweather Promotions.
Payano set the pace early, closing the distance with Santiago and delivering consistent flurries of punches. Santiago was unable to keep Payano from charging forward early and seemed focused on landing a big counter.
The fight was defined by its rough nature and constant fighting on the inside. This led to a cut above Payano’s left eye after round three, but his corner was able to manage it and the cut was never a problem.
“I felt like I was winning every single round,” said Payano. “There were small moments on the inside that I gave away but I think I did the better work each round.”
Santiago had moments in the fight and landed big right hands late in the fourth and fifth rounds that got Payano’s attention, but the former champion was able to throw back with high volume and regain control of the fight.
“The strategy was to wear him down and then really try to walk him down and take him out,” said Payano. “Santiago was a little too tough for his own good so I kept some distance at times and controlled the fight.”
“I felt the long layoff when I got in there,” said Santiago. “I was a little tight and I loaded up too much instead of using my speed.”
Even when Santiago was able to corner Payano, the slippery fighter was able to fight his way off the ropes and turn the tide back in his favor. After the end of 10 rounds of super bantamweight action all three judges’ saw the fight in Payano’s favor by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice.
“I want my titles back,” said Payano. “I don’t care who is holding which titles at 118 and 122 pounds. I’ll fight anyone and show I’m still a champion.”
“I thought the fight was a little closer,” said Santiago. “He did more work than me but I thought I had good moments. I wanted to box him a little more but I couldn’t find my range so I just tried to close down the gaps. We just have to go back to the drawing board and stay more active. I want to get a tune-up fight then get right back to fighting top guys.”
The co-main event saw once-beaten Ladarius Miller (14-1, 4 KOs) score a unanimous decision victory over 2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring (16-2, 9 KOs) in their 10-round lightweight bout.
The southpaws began the fight carefully, with Miller looking to establish his jab while Herring showed great movement early and tried to catch Miller in the pocket. The exchanges picked up in round two, although both men were still primarily throwing one punch at a time.
“I know I out-jabbed him,” said Miller. “When we jabbed each other, I thought my jab was stronger than his. I gave him two different styles. There were times where I walked him down and times where I boxed him.”
Miller began to pick up the aggressiveness in round three, following up his jab with a straight left hand over the top that snapped Herring’s head. Herring continued to focus on his movement and mixed-in good body work several times to finish off exchanges.
In round five Herring began to plant himself inside and looked to counter Miller, but was unable to do enough clean work to get the attention of the judges as Miller continued to throw back with left hands and movement that occasionally frustrated Herring.
“I thought it was a close fight,” said Herring. “I thought when I came forward and pressed the fight he started retreating and moving.”
Both men squared-off in the center of the ring for the final three rounds, as each looked to deliver a shot that would seal the fight in their favor.  The flurry of action led to judges’ disagreements on all three of the final action-packed rounds.
In the end it was Miller’s consistent work throughout the fight that got him the nod from all three judges by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice.
“I thought 97-93 was the right score,” said Miller. “I took it easy in round nine and felt him out in the first two rounds. But the rest of the fight I felt like I dominated. It’s a process. I’m just climbing the ladder right now. I want to get another test and fight more strong fighters. I want to be on the biggest stages. I’m ready for the step up.”
“I thought I landed some heavy shots in there and was more aggressive,” said Herring. “Obviously the judges saw it differently. I’ll get back with my team and see what’s next, but I did think I won the fight. I thought I won the last two rounds and pulled it out.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportesand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Grand Arrivals Quotes & Photos

 
Fight Week Begins for Blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV Event ThisSaturday, Aug. 26 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (August 22, 2017) – Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor official kicked off fight week events Tuesday with grand arrivals at the Toshiba Plaza ahead of the SHOWTIME PPV event this Saturday, Aug. 26 taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Also making an official grand arrival in Las Vegas was unbeaten Francisco Fonseca, who challenges 130-pound champion Gervonta Davis, plus light heavyweight titleholder Nathan Cleverly and former 168-pound champion Badou Jack, who meet in a 12-round title fight on the PPV undercard. The SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten Andrew Tabiti and former world championSteve Cunningham meeting in a 10-round battle after making their grand arrivals Tuesday.
Fighters were greeted by fans at the Toshiba Plaza before making brief remarks onstage. Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“When there’s a fight of this magnitude, it’s all about keeping composure and that’s what I do. I go out there and do my job and let the rest take care of itself. This is huge, the numbers that we’ve been hearing about, they’ve been crazy.
“McGregor is a tough competitor. He’s undefeated standing up. He’s never lost when striking. I know that I’m in for a tough fight. But there is one thing I do know, this fight is not going the distance. No matter what anyone says, it’s not going the distance.
“This is work. This is my job. My job is to fight and compete against the best guys. You know when your body has had enough and this is it for me. I gave my word already about this being my last fight. Once I gave my word to my children, and once I gave my word to Al, I knew this was it. This is a great event. What better way to go out than with a bang?
“I just go out there and fight. I don’t worry about my record. I’ve been blessed with hands and fast feet and a tremendous mind. It’ll all be on display Saturday night.
“A lot of fighters now only want the money. They don’t want to put in the hard work early in their careers. I took the long route and I’ve been here for a while. I just love the sport and competing against the best guys.
“It’s all about the future and building stars. Mayweather Promotions is the future of sports and entertainment. It’ll be a great display this week.
“I’m doing this for myself and my family but I want to give everyone a great show. Everyone deserves a good show. The Pacquiao fight wasn’t exciting enough. That was on Pacquiao, but I have to give the fans a great show this time.”
CONOR MCGREGOR
“Floyd can talk about whatever he wants to talk about. He can talk any kind of trash he wants, because he’s talking to the new God of boxing.
“I like the move from five to three minute rounds. I feel like I’ve built a solid engine that is going to last me through the rest of my career and help me in the fight.  We’ve put in the work. I’ve fought many 12-rounders.
“The Irish are rolling in and whenever we roll in, we take over. It was amazing to see all the Irish fans out today. It’s going to be a great spectacle.
“If people are overlooking my size, power and youth, they shouldn’t be. I’m very confident in those attributes. I believe I’ll knock him out early.
“If you look at the way I fight, I am a fast starter. I come out and bang people right away. With eight ounce gloves, I don’t see him lasting more than one or two rounds.
“I am my own man and I feel I am superior to Floyd. When it comes to Saturday night, he will not be prepared for me.
“I cannot wait to get in the on Saturday night and perform in front of my fans and take my place at the top of this sport.”
FRANCISCO FONSECA
“We are ready for anything Gervonta Davis will bring. We had a great training camp and I’m in optimal condition to go win that title.
“I am ready and excited to be here in Las Vegas for this great challenge. It’s amazing to have a chance to fight for a world title.
“It’s always been my dream to fight here in Las Vegas. I’m going to start out strong from the first round. If a knockout comes, it comes, but what I do know is, is that I’m going to leave the ring with that world title on Saturday night.”
NATHAN CLEVERLY
“I just love this place. This is my favorite city on the planet. To fight here in Las Vegas and defend my world title is great. Badou is a top fighter and it’s going to be a tough fight. He’s fighting an established light heavyweight like myself. I’m a two-time champion of the world and he’s going to find out what I’m about.
“I just told him welcome to the division. He’s going to find out the hard way. I’m going to give him a rude introduction to the division and show him how a world champion does it.
“This is an interesting fight with two world class fighters. I’m going to leave here with the victory on Saturday night.
“It’s already a big fight with Badou Jack, but to be part of this event, it’s truly historic. It’s a special feeling.”
BADOU JACK
“Right now I’m just excited to be here in front of the fans. I can’t wait to put on a showSaturday night. I’m going to knock Nathan Cleverly out.
“This is the best camp I’ve had of my career. I have an amazing team and we’ve worked well together. I’m ready to get in the ring.
“This is the biggest stage you can be on. All my my teammates have been training hard and the whole Mayweather Promotions stable is ready to fight.”
ANDREW TABITI
“I’m very excited and I’m thankful to everyone that came out here today. This is a great chance for me to shine.
“It’s wonderful to share this card with my Mayweather Promotions stable. We work hard and we’re really up and training hard for this opportunity.
“Steve Cunningham has done a great job in his career, but it’s time for a new face of the American cruiserweights. I’m getting the victory, that’s all there is.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“I feel a lot younger than my age. I feel great and I’m ready to rock. I do my talking in the ring and I can’t wait to get in there.
“It’s great to be on this stage. It’s my first time on a pay-per-view and it’s amazing. This is a huge fight and it’s a blessing to be there.
“I don’t make predictions but I come to fight and I come to win. You have a young fighter coming to take me down but I’m going to show him what I know.”
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MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing event.  Mayweather vs. McGregor will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM TO HOST THE 10TH ANNUAL BRISCOE AWARDS ON OCTOBER 15TH



     
PHILADELPHIA – Philly Boxing History announced today that former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham will be the celebrity guest host of the 10th Annual Briscoe Awards at Xfinity Live!   Philadelphia, on October 15, 2017.

“It’s an honor,” Cunningham said of being named the guest host. “I’m happy and proud. I’m going to do my best.”
Cunningham was the very first recipient of the “Philly Fighter of the Year” Briscoe Award in 2007, and won the same award three years later. Overall, Cunningham has won a total five Briscoe Awards through the years, also winning for “2014 Philly Fight of the Year” (vs. Amir Mansour), and the “Performance of the Year” in both 2012 and 2014.
“The Bennie Briscoe Award was the first Philly organization to step up and really show appreciation for the things that I was doing,” Cunningham said. “I’ve been a world champ, but didn’t get the shine that some world champs would have. But the Bennie Briscoe Awards have always been there, not just for me but for every Philly fighter. I think every city should do this for their fighters, but they don’t. That’s what makes the Briscoe Awards so special.”
“Steve is the most decorated fighter in the Briscoe Awards’ ten year history AND he was our very first “Fighter of the Year” winner,” said John DiSanto of Philly Boxing History Inc. “He’s the perfect person to guest host our 10th annual celebration. Steve has always represented the Briscoe Awards well, and it will be great to have him back on the stage in a whole new role.”
First up however, Cunningham fights undefeated Andrew Tabiti for the NABF cruiserweight title on the Mayweather-McGregor mega-card, this Saturday night in Las Vegas. The ten round bout opens the Pay-Per-View TV broadcast.
ABOUT THE BRISCOE AWARDS ON OCTOBER 15 FROM 1-4 PM
 
The Briscoe Awards are named in honor of legendary Philly middleweight Bennie Briscoe and the trophies given away – the Briscoe Statue and the Briscoe Medal – all bear the deceased icon’s likeness. The event brings together the local boxing community, including the award winners, their families, past and present boxers, fight fans, other boxing people, and general sports fans.
This is the tenth year for the Briscoe Awards, which are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Philadelphia’s great boxing legacy. Past winners at the Briscoe Awards include Bernard Hopkins, Danny Garcia, Steve Cunningham, and many others.

The event returns to Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, the central hub of Philly’s sports stadiums, located at 1100 Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia. Admission is $5, and tickets can be purchased at BriscoeAwards.com or by calling 609-377-6413. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, including sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please call John DiSanto, 609-377-6413 / johndisanto@phillyboxinghistory.com
The 10th Annual Briscoe Awards will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017, 1-4 PM, at Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia.

Topps Chronicles Mayweather-McGregor Bout from Training to Winner

 

One of the most anticipated fights arrives this Saturday when boxing champ Floyd Mayweather and UFC title holder Conor McGregor face off in the boxing ring – and Topps will chronicle the entire event.

Topps, the exclusive trading card partner of the UFC, has produced a limited edition trading card set featuring the road to the super-fight, which is exclusively available on Topps.com. Each set contains 20 cards showcasing the lead-up to the fight with the out-of-this-world press conferences, intense training sessions and unforgettable moments. The sets ($24.99) are available for just one week and Topps will print only the number of sets purchased.

Topps will also separately issue match preview cards later this week, showcasing images from the weigh-in.

To wrap up the whirlwind affair, a Topps collectible trading card of the winner between Mayweather and McGregor will be released on Monday.

The only place to find these exclusive items is on Topps.com.

Ragozin vs. Halsey to headline M-1 Challenge 83: Tatfight 5 Sept. 23 in Kazan, Russia

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (August 22, 2017) – M-1 Global will promote the first international mixed-martial-arts event in Republic of Tatarstan history, September 23, as Kazan, Russia hosts M-1 Challenge 83: Tatfight 5.

The main event of the evening will be a light heavyweight bout between American invader Brandon “Bull” Halsey (9-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), the two-time Bellator champion, and Mikhail Ragozin (8-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), a National Pankration champion of Russia who is also a pupil of legendary Russian MMA fighter Alexander Shlemenko.

The inaugural M-1 Challenge Flyweight Championship will be contested as the two Grand Prix finalists, Ukrainian MMA National Champion Alexander Doskalchuk (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) takes on Russian Vadim “Bad Santa” Malygin (11-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1), who is a multiple regional champion in hand-to-hand combat and kickboxing.

Also scheduled to fight on the growing M-1 Challenge 83 card is Georgian champion Raul Tutarauli (17-3-0, M-1: 5-1-0) against multiple Russian Army hand-to-hand combat champion Vladimir Kanunnikov (8-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0) in an M-1 Challenge lightweight eliminator to determine the No. 1 contender.

The Republic of Tatarstan will be represented at this event by the best fighters from Kazan City, including 2015 & 2016 Republic of Tatarstan MMA champion Ruslan Khisamutdinov, representing the “Divizion” Fight Club, two-time Republic of Tatarstan and Volga Federal District MMA champion Kirill Kuzmin, representing the “Bars Profi” Fight Club, Kyokushin Karate prize-winning Russian champion and winner of the TATFIGHT tournament in Kyokushin Karate, Lenar Suleymanov.

Viewing fans of the event will watch more than a dozen spectacular battles featuring many of the best MMA fighters from Russia, USA, Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Georgia.

M-1 Global invites true connoisseurs of this courageous and spectacular sport, as well as those who are joining the amazing world of one of the fastest growing sports to the planet, to watch M-1 Challenge 83: Tatfight 5 on September 23 via M-1 Global.tv or in Canada on Fight Network.

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:

International Boxing Association (IBA) Relaunched worldwide by new sports group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(L) – New IBA President J.C. Courreges with former IBA world champion Roberto Duran
VENTNOR CITY, N.J. (August 22, 2017) – The International Boxing Association (IBA) has been relaunched worldwide by a sports group headed by the new IBA president, J.C. Courreges.
In 1991, two-time Major League Baseball all-star pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Dean Chance founded the IBA, guiding the international sanctioning body until his death in 2015.
“The IBA will carry on in the spirit and memory of former IBA president and founder, the late Dean Chance,” Courreges said. “Our mission continues to be providing professional boxers, male and female, at all stages of their respective careers, the opportunity to fight for an internationally recognized World or Regional title.”
Courreges has an extensive, invaluable background in boxing as a promoter and manger. He promoted Hall-of-Famer Roberto Duran, as well as former world champions Trevor Berbick, John Mugabi, Frankie Randall, John David Jackson, Tom Johnson and 1984 Olympic gold medalist Steve McCrory, among the more notables. J.C. also managed world champions Henry Akinwande,

Byron Mitchell, Christophe Tiozzoe, Aaron Davis, Victor Cordova and current WBC cruiserweight world champion and IBA titlist, Mairis Briedis.
IBA President J.C. Courreges is no stranger to the world of big-time professional boxing,” IBA Vice President Jean Philippe Lustyk noted. “He managed several top-level fighters to significant World Championships. J.C. also promoted several events involving World Champion Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran. Needless-to-say, IBA President J.C. Courreges’ experience in the world of combat sports is second to none.”
The long, prestigious list of IBA world champions during the past quarter-century includes Hall-of-Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, as well as stars such as Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.
The late Arturo Gatti pictured here when he was IBA World Champion
The IBA was also a pioneer in terms of giving deserved recognition to women’s boxing, represented by former IBA world champions Laila Ali, Mia St. John and Holly Holm.
Based in Ventnor City, New Jersey, the IBA also has an office in Florida. The IBA is establishing international representatives around the world in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada and South Africa.
The following championships are sanctioned by the IBA: World, Inter-Continental, Continental, Americas and Latino, as well as South Pacific, Caribbean, European, African and and Asian regional titles.
In addition to Latvia-native Breidis (22-0, 18 KOs), current IBA champions include IBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Denis Liebau (22-1, 20 KOs) and IBA Continental cruiserweight Sotorios Georgikeas (17-1, 15 KOs, both representing Germany.
IBA Executive Committee members are J.C. Courreges, President; Stephane Cabrera, Vice President, Lustyk, Vice President; and Bruno Wartelle, Ratings Chairman; Klaus Hagemann and Steve Smoger are Co-Chairmen of the IBA Officials Committee.
“The IBA has been and will continue to be a sanctioning body that grants opportunity to fighters at all levels of experience to compete in championship bouts.” Wartelle explained.  “Young, rising and qualified fighters can participate in IBA Regional title bouts, while veteran fighters with appropriate records and qualifications may compete on the world title level. Any qualified fighter from anywhere in the world can fight for an IBA title. The IBA is an equal opportunity sanctioning body!”
  Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger holding IBA world title belt with interested fighters
 
IBA INFORMATION:
Facebook: /IBABoxing
Twitter & Instagram: @IBABoxing

WWE SIGNEE TO CHALLENGE GULLIVER FOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IN PORTLAND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (August 22, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) will make its debut in Portland on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Aura with “NEF 31: The Old Port.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur mixed-martial-arts title bout to the card.  Nick Gulliver (4-0) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title against Terrance Jean-Jacques (1-0).

“NEF is an amazing organization and I love fighting for them,” said Gulliver. “This will be my fifth fight for NEF and to me, this fight is different. During my fighting career I’ve always been fighting for someone, or something, and I’ve never really had time or the energy to really enjoy it. This fight I’m fighting to prove to myself that I’m good enough to be the heavyweight champion. People tell me every day after sparring or training that I’m good, but I don’t see it yet. I don’t see what others see and this is a time for me to see and believe. This camp I’m going to work and find myself in the process.”

Gulliver, a product of First Class MMA and the Foundry BJJ, has been nothing short of perfect over the course of his amateur career with NEF.  “The Guardian,” as he is known amongst his fans and teammates, has finished all four of his previous opponents, including a third-round technical knockout of Yorgan DeCastro (2-4) last fall to claim the title belt.  DeCastro is the first, and only, opponent to date to make it out of the first round with Gulliver.

“I have a lot to prove to myself and I’m going to look into the mirror on November 3rd and see the man I’ve wanted to be in the cage and out,” continued Gulliver.  “I’m going to work as much as I can and never give up. Something I always repeat to myself is ‘cowards never start, the weak never finish, winners never quit,’ and I’m not quitting on November 3rd.”

Terrance Jean-Jacques brings a solid amateur wrestling background with him to the NEF cage.  The Haverhill, Massachusetts native put together an impressive 22-6 record as the starting heavyweight for the NCAA Division I Iowa Hawkeyes as a freshman.  He later transferred to Rhode Island College and was a runner-up at the 2015 Division III wrestling championships.  Jean-Jacques signed a developmental deal with the WWE in the spring of 2016 to train at their performance center in Florida.

“Everybody fights for different things,” remarked Jean-Jacques. “My thing is, I’m not doing this for anyone else but my daughter and myself. It’s much bigger than this fight. I’m reinventing myself and it’s kill or be killed. This will be the best version of myself to date. I have goals that I’m charging at in an unstoppable manner and I’m coming to get it. This is my destiny.”

“I want to thank my training partners and my family,” said Gulliver in closing.  “I want to thank FirstClass MMA and The Foundry BJJ for everything they have given me. I’ve been training with FirstClass MMA and John Raio for almost three years now and I’ve been training with The Foundry BJJ going on eight years now. I appreciate all they do for me. I can name over 100 people that I train with every week that help push me, day in and day out, and I can’t thank them enough for it.

“This fight will be a war. If you put me and my opponent, Terrance, side by side and took bets, I’d be the loser all day. Shit, even I would bet against me if it was about size and looks. But this fight will be won by one thing and one thing only and anyone that knows me knows what I’m about to say. This fight will be won with heart. I’m not great at anything I do. I fail at most things, but I have a lot of heart and I push. Sometimes in life heart is what people need most. I’m looking to see what I’ve got on November 3rd and I’m looking forward to November 4th when I can wake up and see that I had enough heart and that I am the still the champ. Thank you to everyone involved in my life and thanks again for this fight I greatly appreciate it. Thank you to Terrance Jean-Jacques for coming to Portland to fight. Also, just a quick thank you to my friend Josh Jones, who made me remember the fun in this game again. He got me motivated to fight in this one. I’m hoping this fight is just like watching fireworks at a baseball game. If you’ve never seen fireworks at a baseball game come to this fight and I’ll show you the feeling.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 31: The Old Port,” will see the company make its long-awaited debut in Portland, Maine at the brand new, state-of-the-art venue Aura.  The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 3, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at www.auramaine.com.

SEAN COMBS AND MARK WAHLBERG DOUBLE DOWN ON MAYWEATHER VS McGREGOR SHOWTIME PPV® EVENT

 

 

Grammy® Nominated and Multi-Platinum Global Artist Demi Lovato To Sing The National Anthem

 

 

WATCH OR EMBED THE BET 2: http://s.sho.com/2vhklVa

 

Click Here For Behind-The-Scenes Photos

 

 

 NEW YORK – August 21, 2017 – Sean Combs and Mark Wahlberg are doubling down on the upcoming SHOWTIME PPV matchup between pound-for-pound boxing king Floyd “Money” Mayweather and UFC champion “The Notorious” Conor McGregor. SHOWTIME Sports® has released a new video where superstars Combs and Wahlberg are following up on their previous Mayweather vs. Pacquiao wager. This time they are going double-or-nothing, with Combs betting again on Mayweather and Wahlberg putting his money down on McGregor. To watch and shareThe Bet 2 with Sean Combs and Mark Wahlberg, go to: http://s.sho.com/2vhklVa. To download link for broadcast: https://we.tl/ZY8QNHt41n.

 

Today, SHOWTIME® also announced that singer-songwriter Demi Lovato has signed on to sing the National Anthem during the main event. Lovato is a Grammy nominated artist with over six billion global single streams and nine platinum and multi-platinum singles to her name. She recently released Sorry Not Sorry, which has quickly become one of 2017’s biggest hits.

 

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round, super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing card. Mayweather vs. McGregor takes place onSaturday, August 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and promoted by Mayweather Promotions. The telecast also will be available in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

Broadcast and online clip restrictions: News outlets are cleared to use the Sean Combs and Mark Wahlberg clip on broadcast and digital platforms. Broadcast outlets must reference MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR and SHOWTIME PPV verbally. Digital outlets must reference MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR and SHOWTIME PPV in the accompanying copy or graphically over the footage.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @diddy, @mark_wahlberg @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebok.com/SHOSportswww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, andwww.Facebook.com/UFC. You can also follow the storyline @puffdaddy on Snapchat.

 

Marcos Hernandez Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Photo Credit: Team Hernandez
 
RIVERSIDE, CA. (August 21, 2017) – Middleweight prospect Marcos “Madman” Hernandez (9-1, 1 KO) is scheduled to face Kevin Newman II (7-0-1), this Saturday on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard.  The 6-rounder, will serve as the swing bout for the preliminaries on FOX and FOX Deportes.  Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and leads directly into the Mayweather vs. McGregor event that will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Marcos Hernandez gives his thoughts on training camp, his upcoming showdown with Newman, and more.
 
On his current training camp with new trainer Henry Ramierz…
“This time around I was in better shape entering camp.  I’ve brought on Henry Ramierz as the lead trainer in my corner and we are working great together.  Riverside, California, has been home for me for the last five weeks.  Ramierz had me go back to working on the fundamentals of boxing.  He’s not trying to change my style, he’s just letting me be myself, while working on some of my weaknesses.  My dad Joseph will still be with me working my corner.  He knows me best and I will always have him by my side when I fight.  It’s been a very productive training camp to say the least.
On his matchup with Kevin Newman II…
I know I’m facing a tough undefeated fighter in Newman, so my preparation is at an all-time high.  Henry and I are focused on his tendencies, and we see some flaws that we feel we can exploit.  It will be an exciting fight for the fans, that I can guarantee.
On moving up to the contracted weight of 163 lbs. …
“I’ve never fought above the middleweight division.  This will be my first time fighting this heavy at 163 pounds.  Personally, I feel it’s going to a good thing for me to fight at this weight.  I’m 6’1, so making 154 pounds was getting tough.  I feel I can still make that weight but right now I’m right on weight and my body feels fantastic.
On rebounding from his first defeat…
“Going into this training camp, I feel a lot better.  Right now, I feel my back is against the wall, so I’m going to give it my all when I step into the ring this Saturday.  Looking back, I know I could have done better.  Losing my first bout really has me motivated going into this fight.
On fighting in one of the biggest events in boxing history…
“I’m extremely excited to be fighting on a card that will be shown to millions around the world.  It’s not everyday you get this type of opportunity.  With the world watching, I’m going to leave everything in the ring on fight night.  I’m going to show the world that I have what it takes to become an elite fighter.

NEF FLYWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS IN PORTLAND

Portland, Maine (August 21, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) will make its debut in Portland on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Aura with “NEF 31: The Old Port.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur mixed-martial-arts title bout to the card.  Nate Boucher (2-0) will face Justin Witham (3-4) with the winner to be crowned the new NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion.  The 125-pound title currently sits vacant.

Nate Boucher brings a background in wrestling with him to the cage.  He competed for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine prior to training in MMA.  Boucher made his NEF debut in 2014, just months after his eighteenth birthday – the legal age limit for competing in MMA in Maine.  Earlier this month in Bangor, Boucher made his return to the NEF cage.  He was victorious by first-round submission over Jeremiah Barkac (0-1).  Boucher is currently a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).

“It’s an amazing feeling knowing that my childhood dream is coming true,” said Boucher when reached for comment. “This fight was only a matter of time. All my years of training is for this moment.”

Justin Witham got off to a slow start in his amateur career.  He lost his first three in a row prior to his first victory over Brent Ouellette (0-1) by technical knockout in the first round.  Witham is currently riding a two-fight win streak.  Earlier this year, he submitted previous flyweight champion Ryan Burgess (2-2) in a non-title bout, avenging an earlier loss to Burgess.  Witham represents the Shatterproof Combat Club.

“Much respect to my opponent and anyone who steps inside the cage,” said Witham. “Every fighter has a fight that makes or breaks him. I will not break. This is the culmination of three years of hard work. Blood, sweat and tears – time away from my loved ones. Capturing the 125-pound title means everything to me and I will not be leaving without it over my shoulder!”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 31: The Old Port,” will see the company make its long-awaited debut in Portland, Maine at the brand new, state-of-the-art venue Aura.  The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 3, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at www.auramaine.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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.