All posts by FNU47

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

STEVENSON-FONFARA I FULL FIGHT AVAILABLE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS®YOUTUBE CHANNEL IN ADVANCE OF SATURDAY’S LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE REMATCH LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Watch Stevenson-Fonfara I: http://s.sho.com/2pD0U7c

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Stevenson vs. Fonfara II

Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT From Bell Centre In Montreal

 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME Sports has released the 2014 matchup between Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara in its entirety in advance of their rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre in Montreal. YouTube Link: http://s.sho.com/2pD0U7c

 

In their first meeting Stevenson edged Fonfara in an all-action matchup in which both fighters scored knockdowns.  It remains the only time the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion has touched the canvas in his eight world title fights. 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Stevenson vs. Fonfara II airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  In the opening bout of the telecast, WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez, Stevenson’s mandatory challenger, will face former 175-pound champion Jean Pascal. 

 

Note: Geo-Blocked For U.S. & Canada Viewers Only

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

boxing

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna to battle 54-fight veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez in main event on Saturday, June 10 at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

Leave a comment
Anthony “Juice” Young takes on George Sosa in a welterweight battle
Gabriel Pham & Dan Pasciolla in action
Also undefeated Donald Smith, Chris Thomas, Elijah Vines & Fredrick Julian
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (May 31, 2017)–Welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take on 54-fight veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez  in the main event of of a stacked card on Saturday, June 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The show is promoted by Rising Promotions.
LaManna of Millville, New Jersey will compete in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
The 25 year-old LaManna has a record of 22-2 with nine knockouts.
This will be LaManna’s 5th appearance at The Claridge, and 15th start in Atlantic City.
“I have something big planned for the rest of 2017, but I have to handle Velasquez first. I’m talking meaningful titles against meaningful names. I want to keep fighting guys with the experience this way going in to another big fight, I know I’ll be 100%.,” said LaManna
“Camp has been awesome with coach Charles Johnson, coach Vince Jackson and Strength and Conditioning with former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Imamu Mayfield.”
“We are looking for another great night at The Claridge,” said Debbie LaManna of Rising Promotions.  “We continue to put on great shows, and June 10th will be no different.  We feel that the momentum of our shows is starting to help the restoration of boxing in Atlantic City.”
“After Thomas gets through this fight, We will are going to be looking for a regional title belt in one of the the four recognized organizations.  If we win that and defend that a couple of times and move through the ratings of the sanctioning bodies, Thomas can earn himself a world title shot,” said Vinny LaManna.
Velasquez of Managua, Nicaragua has a record of 24-28-2 with 15 knockouts.
The 37 year-old Velasquez has been a professional since 2005, and has some quality wins on his resume over Danilo Moises Solis (18-1), Maisael Castillo (20-0).
Velasquez has also been in the ring with former world champion Jose Alfaro (21-4), former world title challengers Daniel Estrada (17-1), Michele Di Rocco (25-1-1), Petr Petrov (24-2-2), Matt Zegan (38-5), Rene Gonzalez (28-4-1), Luis Cruz (20-2) & Hank Lundy (25-5-1) as well as contenders Luciano Cuello (25-1), Aaron Herrera (20-0), Mahonry Montes (22-0-1), Adrian Granados (12-2-1) & Dusty Hernandez Harrison (26-0).
In his last bout, Velasquez went the distance before dropping a decision to Josue Vargas on March 24th in Orlando, Florida.
In the eight-round co-feature, it will be a battle of  welterweight’s as local favorite Anthony “Juice” Young will take on George Sosa.
Young of Atlantic City has a record of 16-2 with six knockouts.
Sosa of New Jersey has a record of 15-8 with all 15 wins coming via knockout.
The 30 year-old Sosa is a six-year professional, who began his career in the Dominican Republic with six consecutive knockouts.
Sosa’s losses have come to fighters who had a combined record of 87-7-1 and they included Three undefeated fighters plus contenders Ray Robinson and Ed Peredes.
Sosa has won two consecutive bouts by knockout as in his most recent effort he stopped Jesus Pascual in three rounds on October 29, 2016 in the Domincan Republic.
In six-round bouts:
Gabriel Pham (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ will take on Edgar Perez (7-20, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IL super middleweight bout.

Frederick Julian (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Cambaul, France will take on an opponent to be named in a light heavyweight bout.

Dan Pasciolla (9-2-2) of Brick, NJ will battle Lemarcus Tucker (4-2, 2 KO’s) of Batesville, AR in a rematch of heavyweights.  Pasciolla took the first bout this past March via six-round split decision.

In four-round bouts:
Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Sidell Blocker (1-7-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a super featherweight bout.
Chris Thomas (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Toms River, NJ will take on Oscar Valdez (1-2, 1 KO) of Batesville, AR in a middleweight bout
Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’ts) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight tilt.
Tomas Romain (2-1) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Lamont White (1-7, 1 KO) of Washington, DC in a lightweight bout.
Marcus Lugo of Vineland, NJ will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.rspboxing.com
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA II FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

“I expect a knockout.” – Adonis Stevenson

 

“I’m ready to take the title.  My time has come.” – Andrzej Fonfara

 

WBC No. 1 Contender Eleider Alvarez Faces Former Champ Jean Pascal In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MONTREAL (May 30, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara sounded off at the final press conference on Tuesday at Montreal Casino for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

 

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal also faced off for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Both Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) and Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) scored knockdowns in their all-action meeting in 2014, the only time Stevenson has been down in his eight world title fights since winning the WBC belt in 2013.  While the local Montreal favorite was pushed the distance in his first bout with Fonfara, he has scored knockouts in five of his seven title defenses and stated on Tuesday that he expects a knockout in the rematch.

 

Since the close loss to Stevenson in 2014, Fonfara has picked up wins against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Nathan Cleverly and Chad Dawson, and enters the rematch with a new trainer, the renowned Virgil Hunter.

 

Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) is undefeated and the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, but he’ll face the toughest test of his career in Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs), a former WBC 175-pound champion who has faced some of the world’s best light heavyweights over the past decade.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

 

ADONIS STEVENSON

“I’m ready because I know Fonfara is dangerous.  We’re not underestimating him.  I’ve prepared for everything, everything he brings in the ring I’ll be ready for it.

 

“I’m training for the knockout.  Emanuel Steward always told me ‘knockouts sell.’  When I get in the ring I’m going for a knockout.  It’s not an option for me to go 12 rounds.

 

“I train for 12 rounds, and if it goes 12 rounds he’s going to get punishment the whole time, but I definitely am going for the knockout.

 

“I see some things I can exploit in the ring.

 

“I won the first fight, and I know him very well.  I know what he can do.  I know he changed trainers.  Virgil Hunter brings a lot of experience, I know he trains Andre Ward, and I know he’s very intelligent.

 

“I know Andrzej Fonfara from 12 rounds in the ring.  He can’t change his style right now.   He may show some improved defense, but after a couple of rounds it will be the old Fonfara.

 

“This fight will be different.  I expect a knockout.  I hurt my hand in our first fight, but now I’m fully healthy and I expect to knock him out.

 

“I know Fonfara is training hard to take my belt.  I know he’s a tough fighter, and I know it’s not going to be easy for me.

 

“My goal is to unify the titles with the winner of (Sergey) Kovalev and (Andre) Ward.  I want the unification, but if not I’ll make my mandatory.  If Ward wins I want to fight him, if Kovalev wins I want to fight him.  I’m ready.”

 

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“I’m a much smarter fighter now.  Mentally, I’m much strong and smarter.

 

“I bettered myself.  Virgil (Hunter) has taught me a lot of new stuff.  Some things worked in my last fight with Chad Dawson, some things didn’t.  But that was our first fight together.  Now I’m ready to show everything in this fight.

 

“I’ve had a lot of success against southpaws.  I like fighting them.  Chad Dawson was a southpaw, so the last two fights, the last four months, we prepared only for southpaws.

 

“I’m ready for the best Stevenson.

 

“My camp went well.  Sparring was great.  It’s my second full camp with Virgil Hunter and we’ve improved a lot since the first fight.

 

“I can’t make the same mistakes I did in our first fight.  I must fight much smarter.

 

“Stevenson only has a good left hand.  He’s the champ and he’s a good fighter, but his boxing isn’t amazing.  He’s not easy, but he only has basic boxing skills.  We must cut his left hand and be ready to throw my right.  We need to control him.

 

“I must start good in the first round and let him know that I’m here to win the fight.  And I’ll be the new champion.

 

“I’m always a fighter that goes forward and pushes guys back, but I am now ready to fight backwards if I need to.  I’ll show the best Andrzej Fonfara this time.

 

“I’m going to win the fight.  A world title is the only thing I’ve never had.  I’ve imagined raising my hand after the fight and becoming the new WBC champion.”

 

“I’m ready to take the title.  My time has come.

 

“I’m ready to be the new world champion and I’ll do that Saturday night.  He wants the KO, and I want the KO, too.

 

“I respect him because he’s the champ.  I came here to show that, this time, I’m the better fighter.”

 

ELEIDER ALVAREZ

“He has a lot of experience, but experience can be negative sometimes.  He’s experienced, but he has negative experiences and losses, too. I don’t think it will be a factor Saturday night.

 

“My style will be an advantage.  I’m taller, I have a longer reach, and a better jab.  My footwork is better, too.  So I think my style is my advantage.

 

“I’m fully ready for my title shot.  I’ve been ready for 18 months, but for some reason it didn’t happen.  I’m ready to face everybody.  I’m probably in the toughest division in boxing right now, but once Stevenson comes I’ll be ready.

 

“I didn’t wait 18 months to become a world champion for nothing.  I won’t give a victory to Pascal.  I’ve waited for 18 months for my chance and I won’t give it to Pascal.

 

“Sparring with him (Pascal) is an advantage, but it was a long time ago and now he’s changed teams.  So I don’t know what he’s done in his training camp this time.

 

“Marc (Ramsay) taught me some tricks, but I already know Jean Pascal because I trained with him and sparred with him for a while.  It’s an advantage to have Marc, but it can be different and you never know what he’ll bring to the ring this time around.”

 

JEAN PASCAL

“Winning is the only option for me.

 

“I’ve been in some battles, but my tank is still full.

 

“I’ve faced way better opposition than him.  I’ve been there, done that on the big stage.  This is a big, big fight, and I’ve been here before.  That’s the thing with experience – you can’t buy experience.  You have to live it, and I’ve lived it many times.  I’m ready to be on the big stage once again.

 

“Training camp went really well.  I was with Roy Jones Jr. and Stephane Larouche and we stayed in Montreal for the whole camp.  We had no injuries and we’re ready to go on Saturday.

 

“Sparring with Alvarez isn’t really an advantage for me.  The last time we sparred was like two or three years ago.  I know him, but he knows me also.  I actually have two strikes against me – he knows me well, but his coach knows me by heart because he’s my former coach.  But none of that matters.  I’ve done my homework and I know what to do in the ring.

 

“Right now my focus is on Alvarez.  After the referee raises my hand and we’ll see what’s next.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

boxing, women's boxing

Exciting Undercard Announced for Next ‘Detroit Brawl’ Show at Masonic Temple, Featuring the Return to Michigan of Claressa Shields

Leave a comment
The undercard has been announced for promoter Dmitriy Salita blockbuster “Detroit Brawl” on Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit and it features an impressive mix of local and international prospects in high-stakes match-ups.
Thus far, five exciting bouts are scheduled in support of the eight-round main event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (2-0, 1 KO) of Flint, Michigan, taking on Mery Rancier (7-8-3, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship and the 10-round co-main event between undefeated Detroit cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (9-0, 4 KOs) and Detroit via Russia’s Alexey Zubov (14-1, 9 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $200, Box Seats $100, Floor Seating $100 & $55, and balcony seating $40, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
In the night’s main supporting bout, undefeated welterweight pulverizer Bakhtiyar Eyubov (12-0, 10 KOs) of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, will look to stay busy waiting for his next high-profile step, as he attempts to inflict his crowd-pleasing style on always-tough Cesar Soriano (27-35-1, 16 KOs) Iztacalco, Mexico, over six rounds.
In another of the chief supporting bouts, Detroit’s rising talent and “Great Lakes King” Ja’Rico O’Quinn (6-0, 5 KOs) returns to action in a six-round bantamweight brawl against David Martino (2-2, 2 KOs) of San Felipe, Mexico.
Also scheduled is an all-action six-round super welterweight battle between Antonio Urista (7-2, 2 KOs) of Lansing, Michigan, and highly decorated former amateur star Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkey.
Opening the night will be a six-round super lightweight tilt between Staten Island, New York via Kazakhstan’s Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 4 KOs) and Grand Rapids, Michigan, veteran Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs); as well as a four-round welterweight bout between undefeated Jacob Bonas (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Bellville, Michigan, and Clinton Township, Michigan’s Tony Brooks (1-1).
“This is an exciting show from top to bottom,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Every fight has been chosen for its excitement level. I am proud to be presenting it to the boxing savvy fans of Detroit, America’s comeback city and home for world-class boxing.”
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the fights begin at 8:00 pm.
###
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and

Twitter: @DetroitBrawl
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe. 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT FAN-FAVORITE ROY ‘BIG COUNTRY’ NELSON TO AN EXCLUSIVE MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

Leave a comment

 

PROMOTIONAL DEBUT TO TAKE PLACE LATER THIS YEAR

 

LOS ANGELES — Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of heavyweight knockout artist Roy Nelson (22-14) to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.

 

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nelson joins the Viacom-owned promotion following an eight-year, 19-fight run under the direction of the UFC that saw him earn wins over Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva and Cheick Kongo, while tangling in notable slugfests with former and current UFC title holders Fabricio Werdum, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. With 19 of his 22 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, Nelson should prove to be an exciting addition to the heavyweight division.

 

The signing sees Nelson return to Spike, where his bout with the late Kimbo Slice on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter remains the most-watched fight in the history of the reality series. Nelson would eventually go on to win the season, defeating Brendan Schaub in the finale.

 

“With the direction that Bellator MMA is heading, I consider Roy an extremely valuable addition to our roster,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “When you look at Nelson’s record and some of the superstar opponents that he’s faced over the years, as well as his ability to connect with the fans, we felt he was the perfect fit for Bellator. I’ve been a fan of his for years and we are anxious to see him return to Spike inside the Bellator cage.”

 

“I wanted to work with Scott Coker because I have heard nothing but great things – plus I get to work with Spike and Viacom again who catapulted MMA in America,” added Nelson. “I am excited to join Bellator and to show how an All-American like myself will make new and old fans fall in love with MMA again and again!”

 

Nelson’s promotional debut will be determined at a later date, but the heavyweight slugger is expected to return to action at some point this year. “Big Country” joins the Bellator MMA fray with an impressive 22-14 professional record and will compete in a heavyweight class that features accomplished fighters, including Fedor Emelianenko, Matt Mitrione, Cheick Kongo, Bobby Lashley and Sergei Kharitonov amongst others.

 

About Bellator:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FORMER CHAMP ANDREY KORESHKOV TAKES ON CHIDI NJOKUANI DURING BELLATOR 182 MAIN EVENT AT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN UPSTATE NEW YORK ON AUGUST 25

Leave a comment

ALSO, CONNECTICUT’S BRENNAN WARD RETURNS AGAINST FERNANDO GONZALEZ IN EXPLOSIVE MATCHUP

LOS ANGELES — Following Bellator NYC at Madison Square Garden, Bellator MMA returns to the Empire State to make its Upstate New York debut set to invade Turning Stone ResortCasino in Verona, N.Y. with a welterweight main event pitting former Bellator champ Andrey Koreshkov (19-2) against Chidi Njokuani (17-4, 1 NC) on Friday, August 25for Bellator 182.

In addition, a second welterweight bout will serve as the evening’s co-main showdown when Brennan Ward (14-5) meets Fernando Gonzalez (26-14) in a bout sure to produce fireworks, while featherweight A.J. McKee returns to the cage fresh off an ESPN “SportsCenter” Top-Ten finish of Dominic Mazzotta in his last outing.

Bellator 182: Koreshkov vs. Njokuani will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets for Bellator 182 go on sale Friday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET for $85, $65, $47 and $37 and can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 26-year-old Russian phenom Koreshkov has been ascendant since his very first professional fight, claiming 19 career victories over 21 bouts, including wins in each of his first 13 contests. Fighting out of Omsk, Russia, “Spartan” will be making his 13th career appearance under the Bellator MMA banner and his first of 2017. Under the direction of Bellator MMA, Koreshkov has accrued a total of 10 victories over a four-year run, highlighted by a welterweight world title triumph over current champion Douglas Lima and a successful title defense over Benson Henderson at Bellator 153. Since making his professional debut in 2010, Koreshkov has collected 13 finishes, including 10 knockouts, eight of which came in the first round, making him one of the most dangerous 170-pounders in the game.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., Njokuani enters the cage riding momentum of an impressive streak that has seen him win eight consecutive bouts and 12 of his last 13. Since joining the Bellator MMA fray in 2015, the 28-year-old Njokuani has collected four victories, including a pair of knockout finishes. Most recently, “Chidi Bang Bang” defeated Melvin Guillard at Bellator 171 in January, adding to his current run of success.

The 28-year-old Ward enters the contest as one of the most feared fighters in Bellator MMA’s stacked 170-pound class. With 13 finishes over his 14 career victories, including nine knockouts, “Irish” possesses the perfect combination of pure strength and fearlessness. A 14-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, the Waterford, Conn. native will look to earn his 10th win under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion. Since joining Bellator MMA in 2012, Ward has yet to see a bout enter the third frame and has finished six of his nine opponents in the opening round. Fans can expect to see fireworks when Ward is inside the Bellator cage on August 25.

Hailing from Menifee, Calif., the 33-year-old Gonzalez will enter the Bellator cage for the eighth time in his 14-year professional career. Gonzalez has seen a great deal of success since joining forces with Bellator MMA; collecting six victories over a seven-fight, three-year span, highlighted by a first round knockout of Karo Parisyan.Gonzalez has come on strong as of late, tallying nine wins over his last 12 bouts, including a pair of first round knockouts and a five-fight winning streak from 2014-16. With 16 of his 26 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, the 40-fight veteran will look to add to that total as he prepares to go toe-to-toe with one of the most unshakable talents the welterweight division has to offer.

The son of respected MMA veteran Antonio McKee, A.J. McKee spent his entire childhood in the gym soaking up every bit of knowledge and experience available to him. The 22-year-old prodigy has applied that knowledge inside the Bellator cage and has made quite a splash in his first eight fights as an MMA professional, racking up six finishes in eight outings. The Long Beach, Calif. native heads to the East Coast looking to stay undefeated with another impressive finish.

Nationally-recognized for hosting legendary, fight-of-the-year-level boxing events, rivaling venues in major cities such as Las Vegas, Miami and New York City, Turning Stone was one of the first venues in New York to host professional MMA after it was legalized by the State last year, further distinguishing it as the premier destination for live combat sports. The August 25 Bellator MMA event will mark Turning Stone’s third professional MMA event in less than a year.

Updated Bellator 182: Koreshkov vs. NjokuaniMain Card:

Welterweight Main Event: Andrey Koreshkov (19-2) vs. Chidi Njokuani (17-4, 1 NC)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Brennan Ward (14-5) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (26-14)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (8-0) vs. TBD

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, WMMAA

Kyrgyzstan dominates competition Wins WMMAA team title at 2017 Asian Championships

Leave a comment

More than 5000 fans attended the 2017 WMMAA Asian Championships in Osh, Kyrgyzstan
MONTE CARLO, Monaco (May 29, 2017)- Host team Kyrgyzstan captured top team honors at the recent third annual World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) Asian Championships, recently held at Suyumbaev Stadium, Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
The wonderful host city of Osh is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, often referred to as the “capital of the south”. It is the oldest city in the country, estimated to be more than 3000 years old, and it has served as the administrative center of Osh Region since 1939. The city has an ethnically mixed population of approximately 255,800, according to 2012 reports, comprised of Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Russians, Tajiks, and other smaller ethnic groups.
Ulukbek Omurzakov, the president of Kyrgyzstan MMA Federation, deserved kudos for insuring that the 2017 WMMAA Asian Championships would be held at the highest level in all respects.
In addition to Omurzakov, numerous highly-ranked guests were also present at the arena during competitions, including the Kyrgyzstan Republic President’s advisor, Ikramzhan Ilmiyanov, Vice Prime-Minister Zhenish Razzakov, Osh city Mayor Aitmamat Kadyrbaev, Minister of Interior Suyunbek Omurzakov, MP’s Aaly Karashev, Iskender Matraimov, WMMAA president Vadim Finkelchtein and many others.
 
WMMA Asian team champion Kyrgyzstan had seven individual male winners out of eight weight classes: bantamweight Ryskulbek Ibraimov, featherweight Nursultan Rakhmanberdi Uulu, lightweight Kubanychbek Turatbek Uulu, welterweightTologon Rakhmatov, middleweight Olzhobai Kudaiberdi Uulu, light heavyweightOsman Abdulazizov and heavyweight Maksat Musabaev. The only non-Kyrgyzstan individual winner in the men’s competition was flyweight Zheng Xiao Liang, of China.
China and defending team champion Kazakhstan, respectively, finished second and third in the final team standings. Other teams represented at the WMMAA Asian Championships included Uzbekistan, South Korea, Afghanistan and Tajikistan
The 2017 WMMAA Asian Championships were held in 10 weight divisions, eight for male fighters, as well as two brand new divisions for female fighters, in which China won both weight classes.
More than 60 fighters represented seven different countries during the competition.
Individual team competition was held in accordance with the “Official Rules of Mixed Martial Arts Competition, subject to WMMAA approval. Including revisions, additions and clarifications of certain clauses. Matches were held in accordance with the Olympic system including two third-places in each of the 10 weight divisions.

2017 WMMAA ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIAL RESULTS
FLYWEIGHTS (127 LBS. / -56.7 kg)
1. Zheng Xiao Liang (China)
2 Azatbek Anarbai Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Talgat Zhumagaliyev (Kazakhstan)
4. Mirjalol Juraev (Uzbekistan)
BANTAMWEIGHTS (134 ½ LBS. / -61.2 KG):

1. Ryskulbek Ibraimov (Kyrgyzstan)

2. Emomali Kholboyi (Tajikistan)
3. Kassym Anuarbek (Kazakhstan)
3. Chen Rui (China)
FEATHERWEIGHTS (145 LBS. / -65,8 KG):

1. Nursultan Rakhmanberdi Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Ayideng Jumayi (China)
3. Farid Mubariz (Afganistan)
3. Mekhtar Rokhatov (Tajikistan)

LIGHTWEIGHTS (154 ½ LBS. / -70,3 KG):

1. Kubanychbek Turatbek Uulu (Krygyzstan)
2. Doniyorbek Sodikov (Uzbekistan)
3. Dilovar Davlatov (Uzbekistan)
3. Kim Seong Gwon (South Korea)

WELTERWEIGHTS (169 ½ LBS. / -77,1 KG):

1. Tologon Rakhmanberdi Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Ravshanbek Rakhmatov (Uzebekistan)
3. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (China)
3. Jamshed Ganiev (Tajikistan)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (185 LBS. / -84 KG):

1. Olzhobai Kudaiberdi Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Yu Young Wo (South Korea)
3. Bakhtovar Davlatov (Tajikistan))
3. Mukhriddin Alimov (Uzbekistan)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (205 LBS. / -93 KG):

1. Osman Abdulazizov (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Rosimurod Yuldoshev (Uzbekistan)

3. Zhasulan Khassimov (Kazakhstan)
3. Kong Han Dong (China)
HEAVYWEIGHTS (+205 LBS. / +93 KG):

1. Maksat Musabaev (Kyrgystan)
2. Azamat Bathodurzoda (Uzbekistan)
3. Alimzhan Suleimanov (Kazakhstan)
4. Aorigele (China)

FEMALE STRAWWEIGHT (115 LBS. / -52,2 KG) – Round Robin
  1. Dong Hua Xiang (China)
  2. Mansiya Muldakulova (Kazakhstan)
  3. Aisalkyn Dzhanybekova (Kyrgyzstan)
FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTS (137 LBS. / -62,2 KG) (Round Robin)
    1. Han Giuang Me (China)
    2. Mariya Agapova (Kazakhstan)

         3. Samara Shambetova (Kyrgyzstan)
All individual first-place winners were awarded special championship belts and medals, second and third-place finishers received a medal and certificate. Teams that finished among the top three in the final standings were awarded cups and certificates.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

Damir Ismagulov stops Maxim Divnich to become new M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion

Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M-1 CHALLENGE 78 RESULTS

New M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion Damir Ismagulov
Additional photos are available at: https://yadi.sk/d/qxxExTyC3JYnwN
ORENBURG, Russia (May 27, 2017) – A new M-1 Challenge lightweight champion was crowned last night as Damir Ismagulov knocked out former champion Maxim Divnich at the end of the fifth and final championship round in the M-1 Challenge 78 main event at Orenburg, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 78 was a true international event with fighters representing eight different countries: Russia, Brazil, Belarus, USA, UK, Sweden, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.
Ismagulov (11-2-0, M-1: 7-1-0), fighting out of Russia by way of Kazakhstan, fought Divnich (13-3-0, M-1: 7-3-0) at home, in Orenburg, for the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title, where Divnich had lost his title belt in 2015.
The title fight commenced with a “feeling-out process” of simple exchanges of blows with Ismagulov working more with his feet, and the round ended with the hometown favorite holding a slight advantage.
Ismagulov, however, dominated the next three rounds and Divnich, whose severely damaged, bloody face showed the ill effects of Ismagulov’s continued assault, was unable to turn things around in the fifth. As the finished neared, Ismagulov failed to submit his game opponent until a barrage of unanswered punched rained on a defenseless Divnich. The referee halted the action with 13-seconds remaining on the clock for a hard-fought Ismagoulov win by technical knockout.
.
After the fight 5,000 fans celebrated, roaring their approval for Ismagulov, who said: “I’m from the Orenburg region. I won the belt! Thanks for coming. I want to thank the MMA Orenburg, my coach, Victor Frolov, who saw me as a talent, and Alexander Shlemenko for believing in me. I thank my coaches, my family, and our fans.
“I’ve proved that a simple guy from a small village without the Internet can become champion. If I can, you can. The belt in Orenburg, where it should be.”
Russian light heavyweight Mikhail Ragozin (8-2-0, M-1: 2-0-0) stopped Alan Bispo De Santana (5-2-0, M-1 0-1-0), of Brazil, via punches late in the third round.
Brazilian middleweight Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes (10-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) turned in an impressive M-1 debut, using a rear-naked choke hold to submit Dmitry Voitov (15-7-0, M-1: 4-2-0), of Belarus, in the opening frame.
American welterweight Keith “The One” Johnson (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) made an auspicious M-1 debut, also using a rear-naked choke to submit his opponent, former M-1 Challenge welterweight title challenger Maksim Grabovich (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0), of Russia, late in the third round.
Russian bantamweight Vadim “Bad Santa” Malygin (9-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1) won a three-round unanimous decision over veteran Brazilian fighter, Fabricio “Bill” Sarraff (23-10-0, M-1: 0-2-0).
In preliminary card action, Ukrainian bantamweight Alexksander Doskalchuk (7-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0) and Brazilian lightweight Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (17-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0) were three-round majority decision winners, respectively, over Swede Son Le “Buddha” Binh (5-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0) and Orozbek “Nomad” Maripov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan; pro-debuting Russian lightweight Roman Bogatov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) used a bravo choke to submit Brit Richard “Rico” Franco (2-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round, Russian featherweight Vitali Tverdokhlebov (4-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) punched out Ukrainian Oleg Mikhailov (0-3-0 (M-1: 0-1-0) in round two, and Salem Evloev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) took a three-round unanimous decision from Alexey Dubrovny (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in a pro-debut battle of Russian bantamweights.
Official results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
 
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Damir Ismagulov (11-2-0, M-1: 7-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
WTKO5 (4:47 – punches)
Maxim Divnich (13-3-0, M-1: 7-3-0)
(Ismagulov won vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Mikhail Ragozin (8-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0-), Russia
WTKO3 (4:32 – punches)
Alan Bispo De Santana (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Caio Magalhaes (10-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil
WSUB1 (1:16 – rear-naked choke)
Dmitry Voitov (15-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0) Belarus
WELTERWEIGHTS
Keith Johnson (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), USA
WSUB3 (4:22 – rear-naked choke)
Maksim Grabovich (5-4-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Russia
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Vadim Malygin (9-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1), Russia
WDEC3
Fabricio Sarraff (23-10-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Brazil
PRELIMINARY CARD
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Roman Bogatov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (4:52 – bravo choke)
Ricardo Franco (2-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0-), England
Rubenilton Pereira (17-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Orozbek Maripov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Aleksander Doskalchuk (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0)
WDEC3
Son Le Binh (5-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0,), Sweden
Salem Evloev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Alexey Dubrovsky (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Vitali Tverdokhlebov (5-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 (punches)
Oleg Mikhailov (0-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
        
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:
 
M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey – June 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 80: Kharitonov vs/ Lopes – June 15, 2017 in Habin, China
boxing

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Inaugural Induction Weekend Photos from Kick Off Meet and Greet

Leave a comment
THIS WEEKEND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Below are Photos from Friday’s Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Kick off Meet and Greet Celebration that was held at the Vue Restaurant at The Claridge Hotel.
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)–Free to use for Journalistic Purposes.  Credit-ACBHOF
 
 
                         Michael Spinks                                    Don Elbaum
                        Steve Smoger                        Michael Spinks & Russell Peltz
 
 

Russell Peltz & Chuck Zito                     Chuck Zito & Arturo Gatti Painting


Michael Spinks & Mike Rossman          Russell Peltz & Mike Rossman

 
 
WHO: The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF)
WHAT: The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will enshrine 24 Charter Class members.
Confirmed to attend Honorees:
Mike Tyson, Michael Spinks, Don King, Larry Hazzard, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, J Russell Peltz, Frank Gelb, Mike Rossman, Bill Johnson, Steve Smoger, Dave Bontempo, Don Elbaum, Bob Lee and Ken Condon.
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will celebrate and remember the legacy of Lou Duva, Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, Matthew Saad Muhammad as well as hometown hero Leavander Johnson for their extraordinary careers spanning seven decades.
Special Guests
  • *Ray Mercer (BULLYING…We’re Kickin’ It Spokesperson)
  • *Mark Breland
  • *Iran Barkley
  • *Milton Luban
  • *Tracy Patterson
  • *John Scully
  • Non Fighters
  • *Don Guardian, Mayor of Atlantic City
  • *Rodney Jerkins, multi Grammy-award winner
  • *Suzette Charles, former Miss America
  • *Sophia Gatti, daughter of Arturo Gatti
  • *Pat Lynch, renowned Boxing Manager
  • *Lillo Brancato, Actor
  • *Grandy Twins
  • *Vincenzo Vaccaro: Cake King of Queens
  • *Atlantic City Police Athletic League
  • *Aaron Snowell, co-organizer the Jack Johnson Exhibit
  • *BULLYING…We’re Kickin’ It
  • *The Legacy Exists Joe Frazier Scholarship Fund
  • *Joseph Nicolosi, Artist known for his signature Pop Art portraits
  • *James O’Neal, Wood Sculpture Artist
WHERE: The Claridge – A Radisson Hotel, 123 South Indiana Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Friday, May 26th, Sunday May 27th and Sunday, May 28th
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO OFFER FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE LIVE STREAM OF GROVES vs. CHUDINOV WORLD TITLE FIGHT THIS SATURDAY AS PRELUDE TO BROOK vs. SPENCE

Leave a comment

Kick off a great day of action-packed championship boxing on Saturday (tomorrow) by streaming the action of George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov Super Middleweight World Championship live via Showtime Sports’ YouTube and Facebook platforms. Groves vs. Chudinov will serve as a prelude to the long-awaited SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®main event—the welterweight championship bout between British World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated American challenger Errol Spence Jr., which will air live on SHOWTIME at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

FACEBOOK LINK: https://www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing

YOUTUBE EVENT PAGE: https://youtu.be/DgnLttF8gzE

 

 

George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov

Vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship

To Stream Live Exclusively in the U.S. Via Facebook Live and YouTube

At Approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT

 

Kell Brook Defends IBF Welterweight World Championship Against Errol Spence Jr. Live on SHOWTIME® At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

 

NEW YORK (May 25, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer a fully-produced Facebook and YouTube live stream of George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov Super Middleweight World Championship bout this Saturday, May 27 from Sheffield, England.  Groves vs. Chudinov will serve as a prelude to the long-awaited SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event—the welterweight championship bout between British World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated American challenger Errol Spence Jr., which will air live on SHOWTIME at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT. 

 

Live coverage of Groves vs. Chudinov will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with sportscasters Adam Smith and Carl Froch and will begin at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports Facebookpage and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel.  Fans can follow all SHOWTIME Sports social accounts (@SHOsports) on Saturday afternoon for the precise start time to Groves vs. Chudinov following undercard action from Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, England.  These platforms will be geo-blocked for U.S. only. 

 

“When we saw the opportunity to deliver this great super middleweight championship fight to the U.S. audience, we jumped at it,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza.  “We thank Matchroom Sport for making it possible for us to carry this bonus coverage to the U.S.  Doing so compliments our robust digital and social media content plan serving boxing fans online and attracting new ones.  This further demonstrates our unrivaled commitment to the sport.  No one is making a more significant and impactful contribution to boxing’s momentum than SHOWTIME.”

 

Former three-time title challenger Groves and former champ Chudinov (14-1, 10 KOs) will meet for the vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship in a matchup of the WBA’s No. 1 and No. 2 challengers in a co-featured bout at Bramall Lane. 

 

Groves (25-3, 18 KOs) has won four straight since teaming up with 2016 Trainer of the Year Shane McGuigan following a close split-decision loss to then-WBC Champion Badou Jack in 2015.  The only other blemishes on his record came in title challenges to long-time 168-pound champ Carl Froch.

 

“I believe this is the best opportunity for me to achieve my dream and become world champion,” Groves said earlier this week.  “Time is on my side. I had a good year last year, and I’m in a good place.  I’ve put in the work, and now, I need to make this count.

“Everything that’s happened in the past has just made me more determined.  I know the pressure is on, and I can’t afford to make any more mistakes. This might be my best chance to win a world title, but it could also be my last.” 

 

Chudinov (14-1, 10 KOs) originally won the WBA Super Middleweight Title with a split-decision victory over Felix Sturm in 2015 and made one successful defense before losing via controversial majority decision in a rematch with Sturm in 2016.  Sturm later vacated the belt due to injury, opening up the opportunity for Chudinov to win back his title this Saturday against Groves.  Chudinov is ranked No. 1 by the WBA while Groves is ranked No. 2.

 

FACEBOOK LINK: https://www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing

YOUTUBE EVENT PAGE: https://youtu.be/DgnLttF8gzE